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By Eric Johnson
Published Jun 03, 2024

A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center. A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center. Image credit: Eric Johnson

Celebrating California's Diversity, Homegrown Food, and DTLA

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

Dalip Singh Saund,  the first Sikh, Indian American and Asian American to be elected to Congress and Kamala Harris, the first Asian American vice president.
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.


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Monterey County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://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!


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.


DTLA: A Good Thing Gets Better

A large neon art installation gracing one of the entrances to the Grand Central Market in DTLA.
Downtown LA is turning into a good thing.

Happy Birthday SDG!

Happy sixth anniversary to Debbie and Kathy at Sacramento Digs Gardening, who've been posting an article a day since June 1, 2018. Wow!


Time for cake! SDG hits another milestone

This citrus cake is ideal for any celebration. See the blog post for a link to the recipe.
Daily gardening blog reaches its sixth anniversary -- thanks to our readers!

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 Spring! cookbook.


Bayou country, spring vegetables inspire shrimp pot pie

What's below the crust? Shrimp and a delicious collection of fresh vegetables.
New! Shrimp pot pie with fresh peas, carrots and spring onions


Impact Report Image for decorative use


Get to Know a Group

Community Emergency Response Volunteers logo Community Emergency Response Volunteers

Community Emergency Response Volunteers of the Monterey Peninsula's mission is “to support local CERT programs, build public awareness about emergency preparedness, and promote the community's capacity to respond to natural disasters and man-made emergencies.”

→ Learn more

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Upcoming Community Ally Events

Arts Council of Monterey County logo Open Studios Art Tour
Saturday October 19 2024   All Day
Arts Council of Monterey County logo Open Studios Art Tour
Sunday October 20 2024   All Day
California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

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Monterey County Weekly logo The MPC Board Finally Elects Officers on Split Votes, Reflecting Deep Divisions.

After several months of infighting, the Monterey Peninsula College Governing Board of Trustees finally has a new chair and vice chair for 2024, but the tumult is far from over.

KSQD logo How to Save a Pelican

Hundreds of dead and dying pelicans have washed up on beaches in recent weeks all up and down the California Coast. The staff at the Santa Cruz Native Animal Rescue center have been swamped with underfed and hypothermic animals.

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey County's Funding for the Arts Is Safe, for Now.

Arts organization leaders in Monterey County were alarmed by the proposed California state budget for 2024-25, which recommends cutting funding to the California Arts Council by 58 percent, or $10 million.

King City Rustler logo Rural California Leaders Meet in Monterey County

Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board Chair and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez hosted the May 2024 RCRC Board of Directors meeting in Monterey County.

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey-Salinas Transit’s Proposed SURF! Busway Is Hitting Bumps in the Road.

It’s two steps forward, one step back for Monterey-Salinas Transit’s SURF! project, a busway between Marina and Sand City that is proposed for the rail corridor owned by the Transportation Agency for Monterey County.

Monterey County Weekly logo The Monterey County Planning Commission Gets Another Swing at a Problematic Housing Plan.

Within a week after the Monterey County Department of Housing and Community Development released its draft 2023-2031 Housing Element – a plan for adding more state-mandated housing units to the unincorporated areas of the county – critics were crying foul.

Monterey County Weekly logo A North County Housing Case Inches Through the Criminal and Civil Court Process.

In May 2023, authorities reportedly discovered the Royal Oaks nursery was housing nearly 300 people in makeshift dwellings and squalid conditions.

Monterey County Weekly logo An Idea for a Permanent Food Truck Park Is Starting to Take Shape in Sand City.

More than any other city on the Monterey Peninsula, Sand City feels like a place of possibility, somewhere that new ideas can take root and flourish.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo Salinas Valley Fair Unveils Renovated Expo Building

Salinas Valley Fair has announced the completion of the extensive renovation of the Expo Building, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

KSQD logo Steve Pleich – Grand Jury

Steve Pleich shares his experience with the Grand Jury.

Monterey County Weekly logo After 40 Years in Darkness, the Four-Part Endomosaic Mural by Emile Norman Finally Sees Daylight.

On Friday, May 24, Monterey History and Art Association President Gary Spradlin, along with Emile Norman Charitable Trust trustee Marc Del Piero, Monterey Library and Museums Director Brian Edwards and a couple of helpers, gathered on Tyler Street in Monterey …

KSQD logo Student Protestor Voices on Israel-Gaza-Palestine

In this field-produced, bonus episode, the Moment of Truth team interviews pro-Palestinian, student protestors and campers at university and college encampments.

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Recent Local News

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• FORTAG Groundbreaking Ceremony Held

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 29 celebrating the beginning of construction of the Del Ray Oaks segment of the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway project.

(05/30/2024) → Monterey Herald

• Update on CalTrans Big Sur Highway 1 Progress

CalTrans reported steady progress at three Monterey County sites with an estimated full opening of Highway 1 in late autumn.

(05/29/2024) → Monterey Herald
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Recent Statewide News

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• 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
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Monterey seal. City of Monterey   (06/03/2024)

Burglary and Firearms Arrest

Image of City of Monterey seal. City of Monterey   (06/03/2024)

Flag Raising Event to Celebrate Pride Month - Wed., June 5, 2024, 5:00 p.m., at Monterey City Hall

Image of City of Marina seal. City of Marina   (05/31/2024)

Del Monte Median and Streetscape Project

Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (05/31/2024)

Call for Muralists!

The City of Seaside is looking for muralists for a new mural at Oldemeyer Center! Proposals are due by 5pm on Thursday, June 20th.
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/30/2024)

Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elder
Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (05/30/2024)

San Pablo Avenue Bridge Replacement Project Survey

The City of Seaside Wants to Hear From You!
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/30/2024)

Heinen's Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls

May 30th, 2024. Heinen's of Warrensville Heights, OH is voluntarily recalling Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls, due to the possibility that it may contain undeclared Pecans. While no reports of injury have occurred, out of an abundance of caution people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Pecans
Image of City of Monterey seal. City of Monterey   (05/30/2024)

Commercial Structure Fire on Garden Road in Monterey County

Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/29/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Addis Shares Update on Reopening of Big Sur

Addis Shares Update on Reopening of Big Sur sanchema Wed, 05/29/2024 - 15:52 Tuesday, May 14, 2024 BIG SUR Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) issued the following statement on the planned reopening of Highway 1 near Big Sur: "It's wonderful that Big Sur is opening. We have been working closely with Caltrans, Senator Laird, Governor Newsom, and local agencies to …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/29/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Addis Issues Statement on the May Revise

Addis Issues Statement on the May Revise sanchema Wed, 05/29/2024 - 15:02 Friday, May 10, 2024 SACRAMENTO Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's revised budget proposal for the 2024-25 fiscal year: "Despite the challenges highlighted in the Governor's revised budget, I am fully committed to working with my colleagues to mitigate …