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By Chris Neklason
Published Sep 30, 2024

A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene.
A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene.
Image credit: Courtesy U.S. Forest Service   CC0 1.0 Universal 1.0 Deed

A History of Mutual Aid

As I write this, people across the southeast states are reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. 

As an emergency communications geek, I follow a number of emergency service professionals on social media, and the information coming out of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee is both dire and inspiring.

Yes, inspiring. Even before the winds and rain had died down, neighbors and professionals leapt into action to perform swift water rescues, dig survivors out of mudslides and destroyed buildings and do house to house welfare checks in their neighborhoods. With power, cell phone, landlines and internet down, Ham Radio operators hastily organized networks to help coordinate relief efforts throughout the affected regions.

And right now, people across the country are gripped with an desire to reach out and help .

This week, The Newsletter contemplates that human impulse to cooperate and give support and aid to our fellows, and how we've organized our society around it.


How We Take Care of Each Other

For all of our flaws, there is an essentially decent part of human nature that compels us to render aid to the afflicted and unfortunate. 

We celebrate our humaneness with the first two articles of what will be an ongoing series documenting "service clubs" whose names may be familiar— organizations that are doing good in our communities.


The Changing Nature of Doing Good

Welcome to town. Here's how you can pitch in!
The legacy of ‘service clubs’ such as Soroptomists and Rotary lives on in a new generation of social clubs and volunteer organizations.

Doing Good: Soroptimist International

Sign for  Baliuag Lodge No. 301 - Soroptimist International (Pan-Philippine Highway, San Rafael, Bulacan)
Making a better world for women and preparing women to make a better world.

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.


Flavorful stir fry dresses up green beans

Fresh green beans stir-fried with toasted coconut and cashews works as a vegetarian entree or a side dish to a larger meal.
New! Toasted coconut, mustard seeds and nuts provide crunch


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.”

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From Our Media Allies

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Salinas Valley Tribune logo Monterey County Free Libraries Shifting Hours of Operation at 10 Branches

Effective Oct. 1, 10 branches of Monterey County Free Libraries will be adjusting their hours of operation.

Monterey County Weekly logo Pacific Grove Police Chief Announces Retirement After an Extended Medical Leave.

For about a year, Pacific Grove Police Chief Cathy Madalone has been out of the spotlight, reportedly working from home due to an undisclosed injury, followed by a medical leave that began back in April.

King City Rustler logo King City Offers Grant Program for Security Camera Installation to Enhance Public Safety

In a continued effort to bolster public safety, King City is offering a grant program designed to help residents offset the costs of installing security cameras at their homes.

Monterey County Weekly logo Twenty Years in the Making, Marina’s Promenade Development Is Finally Coming to Life.

Sara Rubin here, just after taking a hard-hat tour of Monterey County’s newest neighborhood. The Promenade in Marina, an idea 20-plus years in the making, finally exists in three dimensions.

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey Mushrooms to Shut Down Royal Oaks Facility.

One of the largest mushroom producers in the United States, Monterey Mushrooms, will be closing its 275-acre Royal Oaks facility in North Monterey County.

Monterey County Weekly logo Salinas Teacher Publishes a Coming-of-Age Novel.

Jen Ghastin has been thinking about writing this novel for a long time. In fact, she did—over the years—bits and pieces.

Monterey County Weekly logo Marina Officials and Residents Push to Revive Improvements at Locke-Paddon Park.

Locke-Paddon Community Park is an oasis in the middle of Marina – but everyone agrees it is lacking in attention.

Monterey County Weekly logo A Proposed Three-Year Rate Schedule for Cal Am Leads to a Battle Over How Utilities Can Bill for Water.

Proceeding number A2207001 before the California Public Utilities Commission began on July 1, 2022 when California American Water filed an application to increase revenues from ratepayers.

Monterey County Weekly logo New Research Shows Endangered Sperm Whales Are Present in Monterey Bay.

A very large, toothed marine mammal is hanging around our local waters more than we previously thought.

Monterey County Weekly logo It’s Been a Rough Year in Seaside City Hall, and the Water Is Muddied as to Where the Blame Lies.

Seaside City Hall has seen quite a bit of upheaval in the year 2024, with resignations and firings at top positions, including city manager.

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey Is Cracking Down on Those Who Rent Out Their Homes Illegally With Stiffer Fines.

David Schmalz here. Short-term rentals have long been a sticky subject locally, as opponents argue they hurt the fabric of the community and take vital housing units off the market, while its proponents broadly argue that a property owner should …

Monterey County Weekly logo Salinas Becomes the First City in Monterey County to Approve a Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

With a full City Hall and two defined factions that showed up—one to support and one to oppose a rent stabilization ordinance—the Salinas City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Tuesday, Sept. 24 that will cap annual rent increases within …

Salinas Valley Tribune logo California Rodeo Salinas Donates Nearly $800K to Community Organizations in 2024

California Rodeo Salinas contributed $796,337 to local nonprofits, Western industry groups and community organizations in 2024, representing a 3.28% increase from last year’s donations, which had previously set the record for the highest contribution.

King City Rustler logo King City High School Agriculture Department Earns State Award

King City High School Agriculture Department has been honored with the prestigious California Agricultural Teachers’ Association Outstanding 4-6 Person Department Award, a recognition aimed at promoting exemplary middle and secondary programs in agricultural education.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo Soledad Secures $50K Grant for Container Village Project Feasibility Study

The City of Soledad has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program, a significant initiative aimed at fostering economic growth in rural communities.

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Recent Local News

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Spotlight on the Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Herald takes a look at the history and management of the Monterey Bay Aquarium as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
(09/27/2024) Monterey Herald
we.Mural Fest 2024 Comes to Sand City
Sand City is hosting the fifth annual we.Mural Fest September 29 - October 4 during which artists will add new murals to buildings throughout the city.
(09/24/2024) Monterey Herald
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Recent Statewide News

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A Minimum Wage Increase for California Health Care Workers Is Finally Kicking In
A California minimum wage law that was delayed amid budget troubles is now set to go into effect Oct. 16. It’s expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of workers.
(10/01/2024) CalMatters
Newsom’s Gas Price Bill Passes Assembly, but Senate Plan Still Uncertain
The Assembly approves Gov. Newsom’s bill on oil refineries on a 44-17 vote. But the state Senate will have its say during the special session.
(10/01/2024) CalMatters
Vomiting, Cramps and Lethargy: As Heat Rises, California Kids Are Sweltering in Schools With No Air Conditioning
An estimated 1 in 5 schools has no air conditioning and another 10% need repair. Underfunded schools struggle to keep classrooms cool as heat waves intensify. “It’s a hot mess,” one teacher says.
(09/30/2024) CalMatters
Late Payments to Nonprofits Hamper California’s Fight Against Homelessness
Homeless service providers are scaling back and taking out loans as they wait for late payments from the government.
(09/30/2024) CalMatters
California Bans Legacy Admissions at Colleges. The End of Affirmative Action Is a Reason Why
California’s private nonprofit colleges will no longer be able grant students an admissions advantage if their parents donated to or went to the same college after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this morning banning the practice.
(09/30/2024) CalMatters
Newsom Plan on Gas Prices Clears First Hurdle
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to combat gasoline price spikes appears headed to a long-awaited Assembly floor vote next week after passing out of committee on September 26.
(09/27/2024) CalMatters
Election Guide: Proposition 2 $10 Billion Education Bond
The Mercury News guide to the Proposition 2 $10 billion bond to build and repair public schools.
(09/27/2024) The Mercury News
Economists Like Newsom’s Plan to Help Control Gas Prices. Refiners Don’t.
The governor wants new gas reserves to dampen seasonal price spikes. Refiners say the move would raise prices and require new storage tanks.
(09/26/2024) CalMatters
Will New Laws Improve Housing for CA Farmworkers?
Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.
(09/25/2024) CalMatters
Election Guide: Proposition 36 Anti-Crime Measure
The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.
(09/25/2024) The Mercury News
Cal State Campuses Brace for ‘Severe Consequences’ as Budget Gap Looms
Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.
(09/24/2024) CalMatters
New California Law Gives Tenants More Time to Respond to Eviction Notices
Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.
(09/24/2024) CalMatters
Only 1 in 5 California Community College Students Makes It to a University, Audit Says
Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.
(09/24/2024) CalMatters
A New California Law Will Scrub Most Medical Debt From Credit Reports
About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.
(09/24/2024) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 - Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen...
United States   (09/27/2024)
Image of United States seal. Truly Good Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix 3.25 oz Cup
Truly Good Foods is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews. People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergi
United States   (09/24/2024)
Image of United States seal. 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
United States   (09/22/2024)
Image of United States seal. 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
United States   (09/22/2024)
Image of United States seal. 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
United States   (09/20/2024)
Image of United States seal. 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
United States   (09/19/2024)
Image of United States seal. Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Wiener Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 - Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc., a Dearborn, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) wiener products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the...
United States   (09/12/2024)
Image of United States seal. Hickory Hollow Jerky Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jerky Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2024 - Hickory Hollow Jerky, a Eufaula, Ala., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection...
United States   (08/30/2024)
Image of United States seal. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported From the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were...
United States   (08/16/2024)
Image of United States seal. Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 - Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated...
United States   (08/16/2024)