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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 03, 2025

'Engaged California' and Digital Democracy

Happy Monday, Team CALocal supporters! This week, I bring you evidence that WE are WINNING.

By WE, I mean those of us who believe in democracy, and are working together to find ways to protect and improve our means of self-governance. (I realize there’s also evidence this week that this system is breaking down—you can find that elsewhere in your news feed. True, sadly, but NOT the whole story.)

By WINNING—I point to three good and true things.

1: Big news (for big fans of self governance): The state of California is launching a “digital democracy” tool that will allow all of us to participate in policy-making in new ways. More on this below.

2: A report from the Nieman Lab about “emergent civic media systems,” showing that local outlets are proliferating nationwide that make it easier for citizens to find information about their communities.

3: News about “a policy agenda for local news that treats public-interest journalism and civic information like the public goods they are” by “infusing values of community, equity and sustainability into policy.”

Of course, as always, you can find cool stuff about a local nonprofit community group, and a recipe, just a scroll downscreen AND: Unless you follow every news source in your county (we do), you are likely to learn something interesting and maybe important in our News Digest, which is also just down there a little ways.


Taking Politics Online For Real

Audrey Tang built a web tool that helped her county heal its political wounds. Now, it's coming to California. 


Engaged California Aims for ‘Rough Consensus’

Audrey Tang is bringing her revolutionary online civic engagement tool to California.
The state’s new digital deliberation platform, modeled by a Taiwanese champion of democracy, is meant to fight polarization with conversation.


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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 Winter! cookbook.


Put that citrus to work for dinner

Not the usual winter dish, this entree is essentially deconstructed kebabs: grilled chicken pieces with vegetables, all flavored with an orange juice marinade. Too wet outside to grill? Use the broiler.
New! This orange chicken is healthier than fast food


Get to Know a Group

Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County logo Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County

The Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County was founded in 1994 by leaders of nonprofits to advocate for local philanthropic organizations. NAMC helps community-based groups develop leaders, build strategies, and generate resources.

→ Learn more

California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

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Carmichael Times logo California Comment on Latest Small Business Optimism Index

Small business optimism across the nation fell a bit in January but for the third consecutive month, came in higher than its 51-year average, according to the release Feb. 11 of the monthly Small Business Optimism Index by the National …

King City Rustler logo Artichoke Festival 2025 Returns to Its Roots in Salinas Valley

The iconic Artichoke Festival is making a grand return to its roots in the heart of the Salinas Valley this year.

The Pajaronian logo Tri-County Survey Underway for Moss Landing Fire

The health departments of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties invite the public to participate in a community survey to gather information about potential health concerns related to the recent battery fires at the Vistra Moss Landing Energy Storage …

King City Rustler logo SPCA Expands Free Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics in South Monterey County

South Monterey County is set to benefit from additional free mobile spay and neuter clinics in Soledad and King City organized by the SPCA Monterey County.

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Recent Local News

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Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway Update

The Highway 218 bridge in Del Rey Oaks is where the work on the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway is being concentrated in Del Rey Oaks. Read on for details.

(03/03/2025) Monterey Herald
Overnight Closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Slipout Site March 6

Read on to learn more about the overnight closure of Highway 1 in Big Sur at the Rocky Creek slipout site.

(02/28/2025) Monterey Herald
Moss Landing Battery Storage Fire Lawsuit Filed

Read on to learn more about the lawsuit filed against the Texas company that built the battery storage plant which caught fire in Moss Landing.

(02/28/2025) Monterey Herald
Clean Up Begins at Moss Landing Battery Storage Facility

Phase 1 of the clean up following the fires at the Moss Landing battery storage facility has begun. Read on to learn more about the process and how long it is expected to take.

(02/27/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
New Monterey Airport Terminal Advances

In their February 24 meeting, the Monterey Regional Airport District Board of Directors selected the construction company to build the new terminal for an estimated $88 million. Read on for details.

(02/25/2025) Monterey Herald
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Recent Statewide News

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First-of-Its Kind Court Order Halts Sweep of California Homeless Camp

This appears to be the first such injunction since the U.S. Supreme Court let cities crack down on homeless encampments in California and beyond.

(03/04/2025) CalMatters
Towing Companies Can Sell Your Car — And the DMV Gets to Keep the Profit Without Telling You

Since 2016, the DMV has collected more than $8 million from nearly 5,300 car sales, according to a CalMatters analysis.

(03/03/2025) CalMatters
‘Too Damn Hard to Build’:  a Key California Democrat’s Push for Speedier Construction

Oakland Democrat Buffy Wicks said lawmakers will soon see 20 bills to speed up housing construction, along with more on energy, water and transit.

(03/03/2025) CalMatters
Return to Office: Newsom Orders California State Workers Back Four Days a Week

The governor’s announcement affects most of the state workforce and will take effect on July 1.

(03/03/2025) CalMatters
California Made a Big Bet on Producing Its Own Insulin. There’s No ‘Date Certain’ for Delivery

Two years ago, California made a bold announcement that it would manufacture a state-branded, low-cost insulin. Drug manufacturers, insurers, economists and diabetics took notice. It had the potential to disrupt the market, bring down drug costs and save patients’ lives.

(03/02/2025) CalMatters
Newsom’s Homeless Funding Tracker Website Holds Counties Accountable for Housing Goals

RED MEANS FAILURE, green means progress. Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a new tracker tool this week that shows how local agencies are using state funds to eradicate homelessness and rates their success. The concept is to pool data on grants and reporting so counties can watch other counties; the public can watch state spending; and the governor can make the argument for granting or cutting funds.

(02/28/2025) Local News Matters
With Reservoir Levels in Good Shape, State’s Water Managers Increase Delivery Forecasts

State and federal water managers have announced significant increases to water allocations across California thanks to early February storms and healthy reservoir levels.

(02/28/2025) Local News Matters
‘It’s a Garbage Fire’: Some CA Legislators Leave X

In the past few months, some Democratic state legislators have joined the reported exodus of users on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

(02/27/2025) CalMatters
California Has a Lot to Lose if Trump Slashes Medicaid. Seniors, Kids and More Could Face Coverage Cuts

Almost 15 million Californians have health care coverage through Medi-Cal, a program that stands to lose billions of dollars if Republicans follow through on proposed cuts.

(02/27/2025) CalMatters
Californians Approved $1.5 Billion for Wildfire Prevention. How Will the State Spend It?

The governor has proposed spending climate bond money dedicated to wildfire mitigation in various ways. Some lawmakers think a focused strategy would be more effective.

(02/27/2025) CalMatters
Spotlight on 2-Year Yolo County Basic Income Program

Read on for details about a report on the 2-year Yolo County Basic Income Program which ended in April 2024.

(02/26/2025) The Sacramento Bee
‘Look, There’s Nowhere Else to Go:’ Inside California’s Crackdown on Homeless Camps

It’s been eight months since the U.S. Supreme Court fundamentally changed how cities in California and beyond can respond to homeless encampments, allowing them to clear camps and arrest people for sleeping outside — even when there’s nowhere else to sleep.

(02/26/2025) CalMatters
Why Bills to Help Prevent California Fires Fail

Each year, legislation aimed at better wildfire mitigation fails – often due to cost or conflict with environmental regulations.

(02/26/2025) CalMatters
California’s Fund to Build Student Housing Runs Dry — Leaving Community Colleges in the Lurch

Feather River College is still reeling from the 2021 Dixie Fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes in the surrounding community and warped the housing market. The college is one of many schools that have tried — and failed — to secure state grants to build more student housing.

(02/26/2025) CalMatters
‘We’re Out Here Not Getting Paid’: UC Workers Strike Amid Contract Negotiation Stalemate

University of California laboratory technicians, information technologists, museum and health care workers went on strike Wednesday to protest what they say are staffing shortages and other grievances.

(02/26/2025) Local News Matters
California Insurance Commissioner Meets Privately With State Farm, Hopes to Make Rate Hike Decision Within Two Weeks

Ricardo Lara said he will look at information provided by State Farm before revisiting his previous decision to reject the company’s emergency rate hike.

(02/26/2025) CalMatters
‘Engaged California’: New Statewide Initiative Aims to Give Public a Voice in Policy Decisions

A new program dubbed “Engaged California” aiming to give the public a greater voice in government is launching soon, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced. Described as an exercise in “deliberative democracy,” the program is designed to help the public influence and inform government actions such as the ongoing Los Angeles firestorm rebuilding and recovery, the governor’s office said.

(02/26/2025) Local News Matters
Prop. 36 Poses Cash Problem for Local Governments

California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, a new law that stiffened penalties for certain drug and theft charges, and pledged to provide “mass treatment” for those facing drug charges.

But since the law took effect, some counties have been scrambling to implement the measure without new funding or, according to people involved in enforcing the law, sufficient resources.

(02/25/2025) CalMatters
California Extends State Financial Aid Deadline Until April 2

California is giving students more time to apply for college aid due to a drop in completed applications.

(02/25/2025) EdSource
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Monterey seal. 68th Annual Cutting Day and Horticulture Faire, March 15, 2025
City of Monterey   (03/04/2025)
Image of United States seal. AKT Trading Inc. Recalls Prepared Vegetable Products Because of Possible Health Risk
AKT Trading Inc. of Torrance, California, is recalling certain prepared vegetable products manufactured by Choshiya Honten Co., Ltd. due to a potential risk of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. The products lack the necessary "Keep Refrigerated" s
United States   (03/03/2025)
Image of City of Soledad seal. 2025 State of The City Recording
For those not able to attend in person, please enjoy this recording of the State of The City. https://www.youtube.com/live/1yw2THhKpPA?si=Fhd4fW6ySMqYxuEa The post 2025 State of The City Recording appeared first on City of Soledad.
City of Soledad   (03/03/2025)
Image of City of Seaside seal. New Opportunities for Bids & Proposals!
City of Seaside   (02/28/2025)
Image of United States seal. Little Leaf Farms Announces Limited Voluntary Withdrawal of a Specific Lot Code of Southwest Salad Kit Due to Undeclared Fish and Wheat
Little Leaf Farms is voluntarily recalling a specific lot code of its Southwest Salad Kits due to the potential presence of undeclared fish and wheat allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat and/or fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they
United States   (02/28/2025)
Image of City of Monterey seal. License Plate Reader Cameras Lead to Firearm and ATM Burglaries Arrest
City of Monterey   (02/28/2025)
Image of City of Del Rey Oaks seal. Cal Am Water Main Replacement to Start Wednesday 2/26 - Impacts to Street Parking
Please be advised that Cal Am has been preparing, and will commence water main replacement work in the cul-de-sacs adjoining Quendale Avenue starting Wednesday, February 26, 2025. No Parking signs will be posted, and notices will be distributed to impacted homes, which will be affected by c
City of Del Rey Oaks   (02/24/2025)
Image of City of Monterey seal. Residential Structure Fire on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, February 23, 2025
City of Monterey   (02/24/2025)
Image of United States seal. Lyons Magnus Recalls Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes Manufactured by Third Party Because of Possible Health Risk
Lyons Magnus LLC ("Lyons Magnus") today announced that it is voluntarily recalling 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Lyons Magnus is taking this action in response to a recall of t
United States   (02/22/2025)
Image of United States seal. Kayco Issues an Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Limited Units of Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos
Kayco, a Bayonne NJ company is recalling their Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
United States   (02/21/2025)