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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.


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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!


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


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Get to Know a Group

Dentistry4Vets logo Dentistry4Vets

Dentistry4Vets is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dentistry care for veterans in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

→ Learn more

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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
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From Our Media Allies

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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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• 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 City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (09/27/2024)

9/30/24: Groundbreaking Event at Lincoln Cunningham Park at 3:30 PM

The City of Seaside Engineering and Public Works Department is excited to be hosting a groundbreaking event for the Lincoln Cunningham Park Phase 1 - Arterial Trail Project on Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 3:30 PM.
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/27/2024)

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...
Image of City of Marina seal. City of Marina   (09/26/2024)

Fire Prevention Open House

Join us for the City of Marina Fire Prevention Open House on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/25/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Governor Signs Addis Bill to Empower Communities Against Big Oil

Governor Signs Addis Bill to Empower Communities Against Big Oil sanchema Wed, 09/25/2024 - 15:51 Wednesday, September 25, 2024 SACRAMENTO Legislation by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) that prioritizes community choice on safety and environmental issues was signed into law today by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 3233 empowers local governments and residents to have a stronger voice on proposed …
Image of City of Del Rey Oaks seal. City of Del Rey Oaks   (09/25/2024)

Via Verde Down to One Lane 9/26 for Fire Fuel Reduction Work

Via Verde Down to One Lane 9/26 for Fire Fuel Reduction Work LauraBatra01 Wed, 09/25/2024 - 1:49 PM Microsite Public Works Department Please be advised that on Thursday, September 6, 2024, Via Verde will be down to one lane to accommodate fire fuel reduction work. Please safely follow any signage, detours, speed reductions, and anticipate possible delays. News Release Date …
Image of City of Del Rey Oaks seal. City of Del Rey Oaks   (09/25/2024)

Via Verde Down to One Lane 9/26 & 9/27 for Fire Fuel Reduction Work

Via Verde Down to One Lane 9/26 & 9/27 for Fire Fuel Reduction Work LauraBatra01 Wed, 09/25/2024 - 1:49 PM Microsite Public Works Department Please be advised that on Thursday, September 6, 2024 and Friday, September 27, 2024, Via Verde will be down to one lane to accommodate fire fuel reduction work. Please safely follow any signage, detours, speed reductions, …
Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (09/24/2024)

ROAD WORK UPDATE - 9/25/24 - Broadway Avenue at Terrace Street

On 9/25/24: Traffic Detour - Broadway Avenue at Terrace Street from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (09/24/2024)

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE - 9/25/24 - Harding Street between Mingo and Broadway

On 9/25/24: Harding Street from Mingo Avenue to Broadway Avenue will be Closed from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/24/2024)

Robert Rivas CA Assembly 29:
Speaker Robert Rivas Partners on Legislation to Protect and Improve Farmworker Access to Housing, Now Signed by Governor

Speaker Robert Rivas Partners on Legislation to Protect and Improve Farmworker Access to Housing, Now Signed by Governor robbee Tue, 09/24/2024 - 17:04 Title Press Secretary Email Cynthia.Moreno@asm.ca.gov Phone 916-319-2029 Tuesday, September 24, 2024 SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, legislation co-authored by Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) to protect California farmworkers access to housing was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. What Speaker …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/24/2024)

John Laird CA Senate 17:
Governor Newsom Signs Legislation To Support California's Composting Goals

SACRAMENTO This past weekend, Governor Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 1046 authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which strengthens Californias ability to meet its methane reduction goals by creating a program environmental impact report for the development of small and medium compost facilities.