A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
I posted the above photo to the family text thread on Saturday and received a reply that reminded me that I'm glad I live in California. Gretchen, my sister-in-law, who lives in a leafy and perfecly lovely suburb outside Washington DC, texted back: “I love that Sacramento has community pools. Virginia only has membership-only pools. Leftover from its anti-integration history.”
In fact, one of the things my wife and I love about the pool at the Clunie Center is that it draws folks from every corner of this city. We love that we live in the most diverse state in the nation, and in one of California's most diverse cities.
So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, as we often do, we celebrate some of the good stuff we get to enjoy here in the Golden State. Elsewhere, you may be rage-reading about an unapologetic felon and his defenders … here today we’re going to look toward the light.
AAPI Heritage Month Extended
May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and last week we celebrated with the publication of a list that might surprise you. Sure, there's Kamala Harris and Tiger Woods. But you may also be delighted to meet Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, Dalip Singh Saund and many more.
25 AAPI Leaders From California
California has been home to many Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have transcended barriers and reshaped society, from education to advocacy, art to sports, politics, and beyond.
DTLA
Our colleague Chris Neklason and his family ventured to the land down under, that is, southern California.
He has thoughts about Downtown LA, or DTLA, as the civic hipsters call it.
Get to Know a Group
The Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America pursues the mission of this national organization to “instill values in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes, to take leadership roles as adults, and to reach their full potential.”
→ Learn more
• Huge Housing Projects Inch Forward
The Lime Rock Valley and Village of Marble Valley projects went before the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors who approved an amended contract with the consultant preparing the environmental review.
(05/31/2024) → Village Life
• Mosquito Road Bridge Construction Advances
With the underground work and massive footers poured, forms for the support columns are being constructed for another massive cement pour of the project which began in September 2022 and is slated to be complete in late 2025 or early 2026.
(05/31/2024) → Mountain Democrat
• Thousands of Tree Seedlings Planted
The Sugar Pine Foundation announced that partner agencies and volunteers had planted 16,800 pine seedlings were planted this spring in the Caldor Fire scar area, Buron Creek State Park and around South Lake Tahoe.
(05/29/2024) → South Tahoe Now
• New Research Indicates More Massive California Flooding in Past
Cal State Fullerton researchers released findings of ancient floods in Southern California which indicate the state may be more prone to mega flooding than previously thought.
(06/01/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Why a Bay Area Transit Rescue Plan Is on Hold
A Bay Area transit funding bill is delayed so supporters can seek consensus on how the money will be raised and distributed.
(05/31/2024) → CalMatters
• Raising Kids in California? They May Have College Savings Accounts You Don’t Know About.
The state is directly investing money for low-income students and all newborns to attend college. After two years, the program is still not widely known by the students who need the most financial assistance.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sides With Big Utilities, Trimming Incentives for Community Solar Projects
These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC’s action is unlikely to give them the option.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• California’s Runoff Flows Down the Drain. Can More Be Captured?
Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• Democrats Kill California Homeless Camp Ban, Again
A bill to ban homeless encampments statewide near parks, schools and transit hubs failed to get out of the same legislative committee as last year.
(05/29/2024) → CalMatters
• Planets on Parade in June
An alignment known as a “planetary parade” will march across night skies starting June 3.
(05/28/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Key Deadlines Loom, Newsom and California Lawmakers Have Dozens of Deals to Make
It’s time for the folks in California’s Capitol to play let’s-make-a-deal – or actually, many deals.
(05/28/2024) → CalMatters
• UC Student Workers Expand Strike to Two More Campuses as They Demand Amnesty for Protestors
After University of California students were arrested or suspended for protests, student workers are striking at three campuses. The Office of President says the strike violates the union contract.
(05/28/2024) → CalMatters
• ‘We Have to Do Less With Less’: Cal State Faces Extra $500 Million Budget Gap
Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.
(05/27/2024) → CalMatters
• California Wants to Be Carbon-Neutral by 2045. What Does That Mean for Its Big Economic Drivers?
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, flew more 6,000 miles to Rome this month to deliver a brief speech on climate change at a Vatican-sponsored conference.
(05/27/2024) → CalMatters
A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
