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By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 16, 2024

At 36, Adam Schiff was the youngest member of the California State Senate when he took office in 1996. He was sworn in last week as California's 48th United States Senator. At 36, Adam Schiff was the youngest member of the California State Senate when he took office in 1996. He was sworn in last week as California's 48th United States Senator. Image credit: Courtesy Adam Schiff for Senate

New Faces in Office

Throughout California right now, people are being sworn into office—some for the first time, and others in the midst of long careers. It's an annual rite of democracy. In city council chambers and those of boards of supervisors, in offices of school boards and directors of public hospitals—anywhere public money is being spent, the recently-elected guardians of the public trust are taking oaths of office. 

On the floor of the US Senate, Adam Schiff was sworn in last week as the 48th person to represent our state in that august body. Schiff took his first oath of office in the California State Senate 28 years ago, and went on to build a career as a bipartisan dealmaker—not as the firebrand who has spent recent years in the national spotlight. Here's a quick read. 

But first: Happy Hollidays from the capital of California! Below, as always, you can find one-click links to stories from trusted news sources about the most important stuff happening in your community, and—a recipe to make the season brighter and tastier.


Schiff Reaches Across the Aisle

Despite a well-earned reputation as the president-elect's most articulate nemesis, Adam Schiff has governed in a bipartisan manner for decades, and promises to do more of the same in the US Senate.


Sen. Adam Schiff Takes the High Road but Keeps Pressure on Trump

Adam Schiff being sworn into office on Monday, Dec. 9, by Vice President Kamala Harris.
The LA Democrat takes office under fire, but says he will strive for bipartisanship.


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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!


CARE Courts in the News

Sacramento County last week announced the expansion of the CARE court program  to provide treatment to homeless residents with psychiatric issues. California now offers access to Community, Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment courts in all 58 counties—the law creating these courts was launched in seven counties just last year. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that "California's CARE Courts are falling short." Here, Jonathan Vankin explains how this controversial humanitarian effort came to pass.


California's CARE Court System: Mental Health & Homelessness

Clinicians will have two weeks to decide whether a mentally ill person qualifies for the CARE Court system.
California’s CARE Court system, which compels treatment for people with severe mental illness, was launched in October 2023 despite efforts by civil liberties groups to stop it.

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.


Pomegranate jelly-filled cookies show off seasonal red

How festive are these! Classic thumbprints get a California twist with almonds and pomegranate jelly.
Classic! These thumbprints are a twist on a traditional favorite


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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Monterey County Weekly logo Marina Contemplates Its Next Steps After a Measure to Upgrade City Facilities Fails.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking about Marina’s Measure U, which aimed to fund needed facilities, including new fire and police stations, in the city.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo ‘Governors Are Going to Have to Create a New System’: Leaders in the West Lambast Insurance Industry Over Rising Costs for Homeowners

As extreme weather events fuel an explosion in homeowners insurance premiums, governors representing states in the West are expressing frustration with the industry, saying companies need to do more to bring down costs.

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey Museum of Art Offers Free Admission Through December to Encourage Everyone to Pursue Their Creativity.

Agata Popęda here, happy that Monterey County is well-illuminated—from the downtowns of our cities to the homes and little businesses across the county.

Monterey County Weekly logo Supervisor-Elect Kate Daniels Hires Former Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig as Chief of Staff.

The dust has settled from the November election, with the vote certified on Dec. 3—the same day new members of Salinas City Council were sworn in.

Monterey County Weekly logo Elected Officials Are Watching Idly as Seawater Intrusion Continues Advancing Down the Salinas Valley. If Only Someone Could Do Something.

David Schmalz here, wrestling with a conundrum: Seawater intrusion is advancing in the northern Salinas Valley—heading toward Salinas from the coast—which has forced growers to drill deeper wells, but that’s only made the problem worse.

Monterey County Weekly logo School Districts and Cities in a Local Insurance Group Face Surprise Assessments as Claims Skyrocket.

Local school districts, private schools and cities participating in the Municipalities, Colleges, Schools Insurance Group, known as MCSIG, are facing an unprecedented $6.7 million assessment, after the agency faced steep medical claims in October and November.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo New Directors Installed at Annual California Rodeo Salinas Stockholders’ Dinner

California Rodeo Salinas President Steve Davis and the Officer Team welcomed new directors to the board and recognized advisory and honorary directors on Oct. 17. 

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey Regional Park District’s General Manager Is Fired After an Unusually Public Kerfuffle.

As of Monday, Dec. 9, when the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s board came out of closed session just before 11pm, General Manager Rafael Payan has been put on administrative leave.

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey-Salinas Transit Will Be Getting Less Federal Money Than Expected for SURF! Busway.

The plot thickens for Monterey-Salinas Transit’s SURF! project, which the California Coastal Commission approved Sept. 12, with a number of conditions.

Monterey County Weekly logo 2024 Marks the Best Year in Decades for the Central Coast Flock of California Condors.

The year 2024 is shaping up to be the best year for California condors since the critically endangered species clawed back from the brink in the 1980s.

Monterey County Weekly logo Pacific Grove Residents Have the Chance to Determine the City’s Future Voting Districts.

It’s possibly one of the most democratic tasks any citizen can partake in besides voting – direct participation in drawing the boundaries of future voting districts.

Monterey County Weekly logo Without Funds From a Failed Bond Measure, Marina Looks to Alternatives for Facilities Upgrades.

Despite a majority of Marina voters supporting Measure U, a $50 million bond measure to upgrade outdated facilities, the approval fell short of the two-thirds approval needed to pass, and now the city needs to consider alternatives to fulfill staff …

Monterey County Weekly logo Pagrovians Band Together to Raise Funds to Return the Shine to Historic Chautauqua Hall.

A lecture hall, Sunday school, dance studio, Boy Scout headquarters, gym and tent storage during the winter between summer Methodist camp sessions in the late 1800s. Pacific Grove’s Chautauqua Hall has served many purposes over 143 years since it was …

Monterey County Weekly logo Youth Orchestra Salinas Builds Community Through Music, Inspired by a Movement to Create Social Change.

Youth Orchestra Salinas started in 2010, but its origin goes back to 1974 in Venezuela. That is when Dr. José Antonio Abreu gathered 11 children in a parking garage to teach them to play music.

Monterey County Weekly logo New Study Reports Endangered Sea Otter Helps Control Invasive Species.

It takes a village to balance an ecosystem.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo Greenfield Union School District Appoints Cortez as Interim Superintendent

Greenfield Union School District (GUSD) has appointed Laura Cortez as interim superintendent following a unanimous 5-0 vote by the school board in October.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Species Act Protection for Monarch Butterfly

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation's most beloved species the monarch butterfly and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal …

Monterey County Weekly logo Monterey Bay F.C. Names Simon Dawkins as Its First Technical Director to Set a Winning Tone.

Technical director may seem an obscure title when applied to a soccer squad. But for Simon Dawkins, the position represents “a massive step up” for Monterey Bay F.C.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo Friendsgiving Lunch Brings Holiday Warmth to Monterey County’s Most Vulnerable

Interim Inc. hosted its annual Friendsgiving Lunch on Friday at the OMNI Resource Center in Salinas, welcoming more than 147 clients and community members, including individuals experiencing homelessness or living with mental health challenges.

Monterey County Weekly logo Pacific Grove City Council Accepting Applications to Fill Vacant Seat.

The seven-member Pacific Grove City Council is shy one councilmember, after Debby Beck resigned her position in November. On Dec. 4 the council approved an application for those interested in serving, due by 5pm, Friday, Jan. 3.

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Recent Local News

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Highway 1 Rocky Creek Slip-out Update

Learn how CalTrans installed huge pre-cast girders over the December 14-15 weekend at the Rocky Creek slip-out and progress in restoring full two-way access to that portion of Highway 1.

(12/16/2024) → Monterey Herald

Monterey City Council Election Tally Finalized

Read on to learn more about the final vote results, and the two incumbents and one new member to be sworn in to serve their terms on the Monterey City Council on December 17th.

(12/10/2024) → Monterey Herald
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Recent Statewide News

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Biden Administration Approves California Electric Car Mandate. Will Trump Try to Revoke It?

The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state’s zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California’s progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

(12/17/2024) → CalMatters

California Workforce Fund Targets Programs Solving Problems

Child care centers throughout California struggled to find people with the right credentials to look after their babies, toddlers and preschoolers. At the same time, many people who wanted to become early childhood educators faced difficulties in earning the credentials.

(12/17/2024) → CalMatters

National Center for Atmospheric Research Explains: Atmospheric Rivers

Use this explainer by the National Science Foundation-sponsored National Center for Atmospheric Research to understand atmospheric rivers and how they'll change as the climate warms.

(12/17/2024) → YubaNet

California’s Jail Population Will Rise Thanks to Prop. 36. So Will Inmate Deaths, Advocates Say

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

A New California Law Bans Your Boss From Ordering You to Attend Anti-Union Meetings

Gov. Newsom and legislative Democrats pushed through a law that bans employers from requiring workers to attend ‘captive audience meetings.’ It was the latest victory for the labor movement at the state Capitol.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Can New State Regulations Resolve California’s Existential Insurance Crisis?

There’s no law requiring California property owners to carry insurance, but the vast majority buy it to protect themselves from fire and other perils, or are required to do so by their mortgage lenders.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Here’s How California Plans to Get Millions of Adults Without College Degrees Into Better Jobs

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “Master Plan for Career Education” seeks to help the nearly 7 million adults in California who lack college degrees by giving them college credit for their work experience and by changing the requirements on some state jobs.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Supreme Court to Weigh in on Case Involving California’s Power to Clean Its Air

The Supreme Court justices agreed to review whether oil companies have standing to try to overturn a federal waiver for a California clean-car rule that ramped up electric car sales. The standards are the cornerstone of California’s efforts to clean its air and combat climate change.

(12/13/2024) → CalMatters

California Lawmakers Want to Cut Red Tape to Ramp Up Clean Energy but Rural Communities Push Back

Some rural California communities are resisting efforts to streamline permitting for wind and solar farms and battery storage for environmental or safety reasons.

(12/13/2024) → CalMatters

California Got Millions to Train Workers in Disaster Relief, but It’s Leaving Money on Table

When disaster strikes, California gets federal funding to hire temporary workers to clean debris. But the jobs are tough, and some agencies struggle to manage the grants.

(12/12/2024) → CalMatters

Federal Health Care Dollars Are Helping to House Homeless Californians. Trump Could Stop That

Gov. Newsom launched an ambitious program that uses Medi-Cal to help Californians access housing, healthy food and more. Now, its fate is in the hands of President-Elect Trump.

(12/11/2024) → CalMatters

California Awarded $135 Million for Electric Buses, Trucks

The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.

(12/11/2024) → CalMatters

Newsom Pushes New Reservoir Project

In a December 10 press conference, Governor Newsom urged lawmakers to press forward in building the Sites Reservoir in Colusa County. Read on to learn more about the project, the largest new reservoirs to be built in California in the last 50 years.

(12/10/2024) → The Mercury News
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Marina seal. City of Marina   (12/16/2024)

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Power Outage - Spoiled Food Reimbursement

Does PG&E reimburse for spoiled food?
Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (12/16/2024)

Seaside Farmers' Market Holiday Schedule

The last day of the Seaside Farmers' Market in 2024 is December 19 to give our dedicated vendors a well-deserved holiday.
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/16/2024)

Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Lay's Classic Potato Chips Distributed in Oregon and Washington

December 16, 2024 - Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted through a consumer contact. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening al
Image of City of Seaside seal. City of Seaside   (12/14/2024)

December 14th, 2004: High Wind Advisory

Winds 20-25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/13/2024)

Palermo Villa, Inc. Issues Recall for 1,728 Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas Due to Possible Plastic Contaminant

December 13, 2024 Palermo Villa, Inc. is issuing a recall of 1,728 Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas because of a possible plastic foreign contaminant. The product was distributed in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to retail grocery stores. The affected product, Connie's Thin Crust Cheese
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/13/2024)

Motivate Me Ashley, LLC is Recalling VidaSlim Brand 90-Day, 30-day and 7-Day Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules & VidaSlim Hot Body Brew Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander in the Products

Motivate Me Ashley, LLC of San Antonio, Texas is recalling the following VidaSlim brand products: VidaSlim 90-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 30-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 7-day Sample Size (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), an
Image of City of Del Rey Oaks seal. City of Del Rey Oaks   (12/13/2024)

FORTAG Construction Update - Week of December 16, 2024

Please find below links to weekly updates to construction activities for the TAMC Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway Project (FORTAG).For more information on this project, click HERE.
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/12/2024)

Cal Yee Farm LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Soy, Wheat, Sesame, FD&C #6 and Almonds in Snack Products

Cal Yee Farm LLC of Suisun Valley, California is recalling chocolate and yogurt covered products (Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Almonds, Yogurt Coated Almonds and Dark Chocolate Apricots [sold under Cal Yee's or Cal Yee Farm brands]), Tropical Trail Mix, Butter Toffe
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/11/2024)

New Age International Recalls 'Enoki Mushrooms' Due to Potential Health Risk

New Age International Inc of Brooklyn, NY 11206 is recalling its 200g packaged of Daily Veggies Enoki Mushroom, Product to Korea because they maybe contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/09/2024)

Riverside Natural Foods Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select MadeGood Granola Bar Products Over Potential Presence of a Piece of Metal

Riverside Natural Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain batches of MadeGood granola bars due to the potential presence of a piece of metal in the product, which, if consumed, may result in a safety hazard. The health and safety of our consumers is our highest priority. This recall is being ini
Pay to Park (funds stay local) ad from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.