View in Browser Our Journalism Needs Your Support Please Donate Today

Ad for vote.gov

 

Ad for the Museum of Natural History

California Local Logo
Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


By Eric Johnson
Published Sep 23, 2024

How We Helped Create a National Monument

Greetings from your friendly pro-democracy, pro-community, anti-pessimism Newsletter. As always—local news from YOUR community below. Along with other good news, and a recipe! (I do not get tired of saying this.)

Also this week, as we often do, we bring you a true story about something good that worked. In this case, it's a first-person story—first-person plural, as in: “we.” 

The “we” that you will read about here, if you’re curious enough to click, includes myself, my wife and business partner Traci Hukill, and our colleague Mike Kahn. This “we” also includes the oldest land trust in California, the current mayor of Santa Cruz, tens of thousands of Santa Cruz County residents, and one of America’s greatest environmental heroes: former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt. (I am leaving a lot of folks out for lack of space.)

What did we do that deserves memorializing here? We convinced Pres. Barack Obama to protect a beautiful piece of land on Santa Cruz County’s North Coast in perpetuity, and make it available for visitors to love.

The Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument, named to honor the people who lived there for 7,000 years (pronounced cha-toni) and to recognize the ranchers who worked there for more than 100 years, will forever be protected, and it will soon be open to the public. I got to visit the place a couple weeks ago, and you'll find a short story about how this all happened, along with a virtual tour, by scrolling and clicking your device. ;-)


The Making of a National Monument

More than a dozen years ago, Traci Hukill and I sat in an office in Los Altos, California, and were pitched on an idea by two powerful friends—Reed Holderman, director of the Sempervirens Fund, and Fred Keeley, that organization's board chair. Thier plan was to create a National Monument to protect a big chunk of rare property north of Santa Cruz, and they wanted our help spreading the word. Here's what happened next.


A Collective, Monumental Effort

The author, left, with Hilltromper Managing Director Mike Kahn at the Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument.
The Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument, just north of Santa Cruz, brought a community together.


California Local logo

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!


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 Fall! cookbook.


Squash and carrots team in flavorful fritters

These squash and carrot fritters make a great side dish, but also can be cooked mini-size for appetizers.
New! End-of-summer squash in a side dish or appetizer


Impact Report Image for decorative use


Get to Know a Group

Salinas Valley Health Foundation logo Salinas Valley Health Foundation

The Salinas Valley Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds and support to ensure that the hospital continues to serve residents of the Salinas Valley.

→ Learn more

  California Local Pin Marker  

Upcoming Community Ally Events

Arts Council of Monterey County logo Open Studios Art Tour
Saturday October 12 2024   All Day
Arts Council of Monterey County logo Open Studios Art Tour
Sunday October 13 2024   All Day
Arts Council of Monterey County logo Open Studios Art Tour
Saturday October 19 2024   All Day
California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

→ View All
Monterey County Weekly logo Nonprofit Partners With County Office of Ed to Fund a Position Supporting Homeless Students.

Finding and keeping a home can be challenging for families in Monterey County. According to the Monterey County Office of Education, almost 13,000 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Monterey County Weekly logo North Monterey County Unified School District Wins an Appeal to Keep Its District Intact.

Your address determines which school district you live in. And the lines around school districts are relatively fixed.

Monterey County Weekly logo A New Training and Support Program Is Finally Bringing More Doulas to Monterey County.

Helen Diallo knows both the joy and the pain of the childbirth experience. The Monterey resident has experienced four pregnancies in Monterey County, one of which ended in a miscarriage.

Monterey County Weekly logo A Carmel City Council Majority Punts a Decision on Addresses to the Voters – Next Year.

Carmel, it seems, is not quite ready to enter the 21st century. Despite pleas from a growing number of residents who find it increasingly difficult to live a life without street addresses in a world that demands them, a Carmel …

Salinas Valley Tribune logo Superintendent Bids Farewell to Greenfield Union School District

Zandra Jo Galvan, who has served as superintendent of the Greenfield Union School District since 2017, has been selected to become the next superintendent of the Salinas Union High School District.

KSQD logo Open Studios: Past, Present, and Future!

On Talk of the Bay, host Suki Wessling welcomes Ann Osterman, outgoing producer of Santa Cruz County's acclaimed Open Studios Art Tour, collage artist Bree Karpavage, past artist and incoming producer, and painter Jason Cohen, first time presenter in the …

Salinas Valley Tribune logo Soledad Community Health Care District Workers Form Union With SEIU 2015

An overwhelming majority of Soledad Community Health Care District (SCHCD) workers decided last month to form their union with SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care workers union.

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

→ View All

• Roadblock Removed, SURF! Busway Proceeds

Following the approval of permits by the California Coastal Commission, the way is clear for Monterey-Salinas Transit to begin construction of the SURF! Busway.

(09/20/2024) → Monterey Herald

• Reopening of Preston Drive in Marina Delayed

The Imjin Parkway Widening and Roundabout Project in Marina is proceeding, but the reopening of Preston Drive is delayed until late October.

(09/19/2024) → Monterey Herald
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

→ View All

• Nonprofits Seek to Get More Women Into Construction Trades

Jessica Alvarez Castañeda was sick of low-paying jobs. For years, the 39-year-old mother of four had been “breaking her back for almost nothing” as a cashier, nursing assistant, babysitter, house cleaner and cook.

(09/22/2024) → CalMatters

• California Rolls Out Career Path Grants to Schools – Nearly a Year Late

After delays and mishaps, California announces $450 million for high school career pathways.

(09/19/2024) → CalMatters

• UC Approves New Less-Lethal Arms for Its Police Force Amid Protest

The UC Regents approved campus requests for more tools for UC police months after campus protesters clashed with law enforcement.

(09/19/2024) → CalMatters

• Why Ricardo Lara Says His Plan to Fix California’s Insurance Crisis Will Work

At a CalMatters event, California’s insurance commissioner says the changes he’s making will help homeowners and business owners. One idea: A state grant for those who spend money to protect their property from wildfires.

(09/19/2024) → CalMatters

• California Drivers Can Get Mobile Licenses on Their iPhones — But They Need Physical Ones Too

California is the seventh U.S. state to adopt mobile driver’s licenses for iPhones, part of a growing push by businesses and governments to make digital IDs commonplace.

(09/19/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Explainer: Proposition 33

The Sacramento Bee takes a look at the Proposition 33 rent-control measure on the November ballot.

(09/18/2024) → https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/article2912

• 6 Myths About California Crime as Voters Weigh Ballot Measure on Drugs, Retail Theft

Worries about retail theft and fentanyl deaths shaped a November ballot measure that would toughen some criminal penalties. Here are the facts about California crime trends.

(09/18/2024) → CalMatters

• CalPERS CEO to Earn More Than $1 Million for the First Time Thanks to a Big Performance Bonus

The California Public Employees’ Retirement system is the nation’s largest state-backed pension fund. It awarded its chief executive $667,000 bonus after a successful investment year.

(09/18/2024) → CalMatters

• Disorganization, City-County Feuds Impede California’s Efforts to Reduce Homelessness

Over the last five years, the state government has spent some $24 billion to ameliorate homelessness, which, according to polls, is California’s most troublesome issue.

(09/17/2024) → CalMatters

• Most Maternal Deaths Can Be Prevented. Here’s How California Aims to Cut Them in Half

The California surgeon general is launching a campaign today to spread awareness about health conditions that contribute to pregnancy-related deaths, such as heart disease.

(09/17/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Explainer: Proposition 4

The Sacramento Bee explains the Proposition 4 climate resiliency bond measure on the November ballot.

(09/17/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Election Explainer: Proposition 36

The Sacramento Bee explains the Proposition 36 anti-crime measure on the November ballot.

(09/17/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Election Explainer: Proposition 32

The Sacramento Bee explains the Proposition 32 minimum wage measure on the November Ballot.

(09/17/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Homeless Students Can Sleep Safely in Their Cars at This California College. Other Campuses Say No

Failed legislative bills have attempted to create safe parking programs for students to sleep in their cars on California campuses while awaiting housing. Meanwhile, Long Beach City College allows homeless students to park overnight.

(09/17/2024) → CalMatters

• California’s Cap on Health Care Costs Is the Nation’s Strongest. But Will Patients Notice?

California’s new cap on health care cost increases is regarded as the most aggressive in the nation. It includes potential fines against companies that exceed the limit.

(09/17/2024) → CalMatters
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

→ View All
Image of City of Monterey seal. City of Monterey   (09/23/2024)

Traffic Collision Resulting in Fatal Injury

Image of City of Monterey seal. City of Monterey   (09/23/2024)

New Cal OES Fire Engine Placed in Service for Mutual Aid Emergency Incident Response

Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/22/2024)

John Laird CA Senate 17:
Legislation to Create an Independent Redistricting Commission for SLO County Signed by Governor Newsom

SACRAMENTO Today, Governor Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 977 introduced by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which will establish an independent districting commission for the County of San Luis Obispo. Senate Bill 977 is coauthored by Assembly Member Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) and was sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. It was a …
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/22/2024)

ANSWERS Pet Food Voluntarily Withdrawals Certain Limited Lots of Beef and Chicken Dog Foods Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria

Lystn, LLC d.b.a./ANSWERS Pet Food of Fleetwood, PA, is voluntarily withdrawing certain lots of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, ANSWERS Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and ANSWERS Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs out of an abundance of caution after samples collected by the U.S. Food and Dr
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/22/2024)

Avole Inc. Emite Aviso de Retiro del Mercado su Producto Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para Freír Bacalao por Falta de Declaración del Nombre Común Pescado (Pollock)

Avole Inc., localizado en San Sebastian, Puerto Rico esta retirando del mercado fundas de 7 onzas de Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para freir Bacalao, porque pueden contener falta de declaracion del nombre comun Pescado (Pollock) en la declaracion de ingredientes o contenido. Las personas que tienen al
Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (09/20/2024)

FREE Citywide Community Cleanup on Saturday, September 28, 2024

FREE Citywide Community Cleanup on Saturday, September 28, 2024
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/20/2024)

Grace Imports, LLC Issues Allergy Alert of Undeclared Wheat in Kara Boondh, Kerala Mixture and Spicy Murukku

Grace Imports, LLC., of Tucker, GA - September 20, 2024, is voluntarily recalling 250g bags of Kara Boondhi, Batch No. 2Al488 UPC 8 904123 53706, 300g bags of Kerala Mixture, Batch No. 2Al564 UPC 8 904123 500329 and 250g bag Spicy Murukku Batch No. 2Al504 UPC 8 904123 because these products contain
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/20/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Addis Honors Dr. Swick of Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health with Women of the Year Certificate in Monterey

Addis Honors Dr. Swick of Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health with Women of the Year Certificate in Monterey sanchema Fri, 09/20/2024 - 08:32 Friday, September 20, 2024
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/19/2024)

Avole Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Fish in Bacalaitos Criollos Codfish Mix

Avole Inc., located in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico is recalling 7-ounce bags of Bacalaitos Criollos Codfish Frying Mix because it may contain undeclared Fish (Pollock). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consu
Image of City of Monterey seal. City of Monterey   (09/19/2024)

Commercial Structure Fire at Pump Station in Sand City