Before we get into the serious fun of continuing the conversation about the Oscars: a reminder.
We know from the clicks that many of you are aware that this newsletter contains a news digest featuring stories from the California Local Media Alliance and other news outlets you can trust. See below.
Of course, you will also find access to local nonprofits that are doing important work in your community, and also our fledgling Good Business Directory of local businesses at work on community-building. And as always, a tasty recipe that you can find only here.
Let’s proceed…
| View in Browser | Our Journalism Needs Your Support | Please Donate Today |
By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 11, 2024
Political Economics and the Movies
Movies as Politics
Art is not trivial. The visual arts, literature, theater, music—all allow us to touch the deepest parts of the human condition. Movies at their best bring all of the other arts together, and put them in a place where we can all access them pretty easily.
Four of the contenders for Best Picture last night tackle big political issues—and, not incidentally, sexual politics.
Oppenheimer offers a smart (if bombastic IMJ) story of the man who gave humanity the means for total global annihilation—and also delves into his relationships with the women in his life.
Killers of the Flower Moon confronts one of our nation's darkest sins—the mass murder of the land’s Indigenous population—while also considering the politics of one marriage, and one woman’s love for the man who ultimately kills her.
Poor Things investigates sexual politics via the story of a “woman” (created by a man) who is unburdened by society’s proscriptions.
And Barbie (my choice for Best Picture, which as of this writing feels like a long shot) maps a devastating takedown of the patriarchy itself on a delightful piece of pink fluff that feels a little bit like Pee-wee's Big Adventure, but is way more dangerous.
This next article may be moot but I hope you'll find it edifying.
Why ‘Barbie’ Deserved a Best Picture Oscar
From now on, girls will learn from Barbie that they live in a world where men subjugate women. They will receive this truth during a joyous cinematic spectacle.
Big Movie Money
Here in California, movies are one of our most important cultural exports, and are one of the ways California leads the world. They are also big business, and rival Silicon Valley, ag and defense as a backbone of the state's economy. Here is exactly how that happeneed.
Hooray For Hollywood: All About California’s Most Glamorous Industry
From its early days of hard-charging, Jewish immigrant moguls to today's domination by megacorporations, here's how Hollywood continues to hold its place as one of California's most important industries.
Recipe of the Week
Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.
See more recipes in their Taste Winter! cookbook.
Old-fashioned chili – warm taste of summer on a chilly night
Recipe: Mom’s chili and beans with grated cheese and onions
|
Monterey County's Homepage |
| Our overview page for Monterey County is updated daily with the latest state and local news, weather alerts, local government announcements and local blog posts and news snippets from community groups and individuals. | |
| Direct your browser to monterey.californialocal.com to catch up on the latest news in California and Monterey County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community! | |
Get to Know a Group
|
Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County |
The Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County was founded in 1994 by leaders of nonprofits to advocate for local philanthropic organizations. NAMC helps community-based groups develop leaders, build strategies, and generate resources.
|
From Our Media Allies |
→ View All |
 |
Carmel City Council Approves Property Tax Break for Frank Lloyd Wright House Owned by Patrice Pastor. |
|
It was very close, but Monaco developer Patrice Pastor got his historic home tax break, known as the Mills Act, on the Mrs. Clinton Walker House, a world-famous home on the beach designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. |
 |
Interim Opens Its Doors in Soledad |
|
About 70 community members attended the Feb. 28 open house of Interim, Inc., a nonprofit mental health agency, at its new South Monterey County location at 2149 H Dela Rosa, Suite #203, in Soledad. |
 |
Transportation Agency Recognizes King City’s Downtown Streetscape Project |
|
City of King’s Downtown Streetscape Project was among this year’s winners of the 22nd Annual Transportation Excellence Awards, presented by the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC). |
|
Seaside City Council Votes to Put 'Safe and Sane' Fireworks on the Ballot. |
|
Fireworks have long been a polarizing issue in Seaside—some people love them, some people loathe them. |
|
Caltrans Is Reducing Speed Limits on Highway 1 in Big Sur. |
|
Once the signs are replaced, which is expected to happen in the next 30 days, speed limits are going down on parts of Highway 1 in Big Sur. |
|
Monterey County DA’s Office Warns Against Rental Property Scams |
|
Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is alerting Monterey County residents and visitors that an increase in scams have affected renters and properties for rent. |
 |
Integrated Rail for Monterey County |
|
The California State Rail Plan envisions a network of high-speed, intercity corridor and commuter trains integrated with local transit hubs across the state, and the Transportation Agency of Monterey County has a strong vision for integrated rail in order to … |
|
Recent Local News |
→ View All |
• Imjin Parkway Improvement Advances
The Imjin Parkway Widening and Roundabout Project has progressed, with tree and brush removal and temporary erosion control installed in preparation for construction work.
(03/11/2024) → Monterey Herald• Monterey County Business Council Awarded Contract to Manage SBA Development Centers
The Business Council takes over management of the Monterey and San Benito Small Business Administration Centers from previous contract holder Cal Coastal on April 1.
(03/05/2024) → Benito Link|
|
Recent Statewide News |
→ View All |
• California Attorney General Boosts Bill Banning Medical Debt From Credit Reports
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday that he is throwing his weight behind legislation to bar medical debt from showing up on consumer credit reports, a Democratic-led effort to offer protection to patients squeezed by health care bills.
(03/10/2024) → California Healthline• California Law Enforcement Transparency Legislation Signed Into Law
After receiving bipartisan support, California Senate Bill 400, legislation intended to increase law enforcement transparency, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
(03/09/2024) → Davis Vanguard• San Francisco Voters Pass Police & Drug Ballot Measures
Proposition E broadens police surveillance powers and Proposition F mandates drug screening and treatment for people receiving county welfare benefits who are suspected of drug use.
(03/08/2024) → Los Angeles Times• New Website Features Information on Care of Backyard Chickens, Sheep, Goats
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources advisors has published a new website with information resources for small acreage landowners raising livestock.
(03/07/2024) → YubaNet• CA Legislature Could Set a New Record for Women
The number of women elected to the state Senate and Assembly is 50 of 120 after the 2022 election. And based on the primary results so far, it’s expected to increase to at least 55 women after the November election.
(03/07/2024) → CalMatters• Fewer Students, Higher Absenteeism Affect California Public School Financing
California’s public schools depend on state aid for the lion’s share of their operational income. Two trends – declining enrollment and high absenteeism – are creating financial headaches.
(03/07/2024) → CalMatters• California Agrees to Cuts of Colorado River Water
California, Arizona and Nevada would cut their allocations about 20% when reservoir levels drop. But other states have their own more aggressive plan. Now the federal government has to decide how to manage the drought-plagued river.
(03/06/2024) → CalMatters• Californians Face Higher Costs for Goods and Services Than Before the Pandemic Despite Inflation Slowing
The consumer price index shows services are mostly responsible for persistent inflation, but prices for food and other goods in California remain high.
(03/05/2024) → CalMatters• California is Seeing a Historic Rise in the Number of Black Women Running for Office
At least 24 Black women are running for seats in the California Legislature this year, resulting from years of work cultivating new leaders and growing confidence among voters.
(03/04/2024) → CalMatters• California Schools Gained Billions During COVID-19. Now the Money is Running Out
California schools got $23.4 billion in federal pandemic relief money. Low-income schools that got the most may be hardest hit when the funds expire this year.
|
|
Government Announcements |
→ View All |
|
United States (03/10/2024) Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination |
|
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2024 - Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria...
|
|
|
County of Monterey (03/08/2024) Skunk and Fox Test Positive for Rabies in City of Salinas |
|
A skunk found on February 20, 2024, near Rider Avenue and Del Monte Avenue and a fox found on February 21, 2024, near Constitution Blvd and East Laurel Drive, both in the City of Salinas, have tested positive for the rabies virus. Animal Services...
|
|
|
|
United States (03/07/2024) Wesco, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites |
|
Wesco, Inc. of Muskegon, MI is recalling 750 units of Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites, because it may contain undeclared peanut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The affected Wesc
|
|
|
State of California (03/07/2024) Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30: |
|
Legislators Urge the PUC to Reject Proposed Utility Rate Increase
sanchema
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 13:53
Thursday, March 7, 2024
SACRAMENTO Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) urged the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to reject Pacific Gas and Electric Company's request for interim rate relief, in order to prevent additional rate increases for Californians. The request is currently under review by …
|
|
|
City of Seaside (03/07/2024) Ribbon Cutting: Fernando Park Improvements |
|
The City of Seaside's Engineering & Public Works Department invites you to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Fernando Park on Wednesday, March 13th at 3:30pm.
|
|
|
|
United States (03/07/2024) Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination |
|
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 - Salm Partners, LLC, a Denmark, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...
|
|
|
City of Monterey (03/07/2024) 67th Annual Cutting Day and Horticulture Faire, March 16, 2024 |
|
|
United States (03/06/2024) Stonewall Kitchen Issues Allergy Alert for Wheat in Limited Quantity of Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix |
|
Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of their Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix because it may contain an undeclared allergen, wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat (which contains gluten) may risk serious allergic reaction if t
|
|
|
|
United States (03/06/2024) El Chilar Rodriguez LLC. Issues Voluntary Recall of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" Due to Elevated Lead Levels |
|
El Chilar Rodriguez LLC of Apopka, FL is recalling 127 cases (12 bags/case) of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead.
|
|
|
|
United States (03/06/2024) Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall for "1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon" Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Elevated Lead Levels |
|
Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased bloo
|
|