How the SF state senator was changed by California; how our great state spawned a cultural phenomenon; how many Californians are being denied life's most basic necessity.
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By Eric Johnson
Published May 08, 2023
State Sen. Scott Wiener reminds us that for generations, California has welcomed people to be who and what they are.
Scott Wiener; Weird Comix; Water Rights
How California Culture Determines Politics
Ezra Klein of the New York Times is widely and rightly regarded as a preeminent Washington insider, but he is also very much a California boy. Born and raised in Irvine, schooled at UC Santa Cruz and UCLA, he has called San Francisco home for a number of years. As he gets ready to move to New York City, he is taking a last long look at his home state.
Below I preview and briefly excerpt a wide-ranging conversation between Klein and California state Sen. Scott Wiener, the firebrand who recently announced a possible run for US Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s seat. While their talk centers on the limits of classical liberal politics, the two Californians touch briefly and smartly on our state’s cultural legacy.
Wiener, a native of New Jersey, moved as a young man to San Francisco’s Castro District having grown up closeted in a hostile environment. “Something inside told me to go to San Francisco, like generations of queer people have gone to San Francisco,” he recalls.
Wiener was not surprised when the tech boom that transformed his adopted city economically did not change much politically. He says of the armies of workers that bus in and out of SF every day: “They could work in tech in a lot of places, and they chose San Francisco because of what it represents.”
Why Democrats Should Pay Attention to California
Ezra Klein talks to state Sen. Scott Wiener about why progressive policies have failed in a state with no Republicans in power.
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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 Councilman Alan Haffa Eyes District 5 Supervisor Seat |
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Monterey City Councilman Alan Haffa has kicked off the 2024 election season, announcing his intention to run for the Board of Supervisors seat currently held by District 5 Supervisor Mary Adams. |
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Event in Seaside Highlights Crisis of Missing Indigenous Women |
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“Red Dress Day” will seek to raise awareness of missing Indigenous women, girls and “two-spirit” people. The event has been spearheaded by Sand City Mayor Mary Ann Carbone, who has Chumash heritage. |
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Algae Blooms Occurring at Lake San Antonio |
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Lake San Antonio staff is reporting cyanobacteria blooms occurring at multiple locations near the south shore of the lake, and Monterey County has posted cautionary signage. |
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Monterey City Council Approves Spots for Future Retail Cannabis |
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The Monterey City Council voted 4-1 for up to four possible retail cannabis locations within the city, expanding the previous idea of sites on Alvarado Street, Lighthouse Avenue and the Cannery Row district. |
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Monterey Councilman Haffa Announces Bid for County Supervisor |
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Social issues, the environment and the water crisis facing the coastal areas are the impetus cited for Monterey Councilmember Alan Haffa’s decision to run for the supervisor post representing District 5. |
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Salinas Valley Fair 2023 Theme Winner Announced |
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Salinas Valley Fair has announced that this year’s theme is “Barnyard May-Ham,” suggested by James Hinkle of King City. The fair is scheduled for May 18-21 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. |
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Soledad Seeks to Transform Front Street, Attract New Businesses |
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The city of Soledad is undergoing a transformation. One change is a 647-acre annexation that could mean over 2,300 new homes to the north of the city’s current footprint. |
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Gonzales Lays Path to Redeveloping Farmland, But Officials Have Questions |
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By passing a new agricultural preservation ordinance last month, Gonzales city officials and local developers believe they’re one step closer to annexing some 770 acres of surrounding farmland. |
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Greenfield appoints Mixer as new chief of police |
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Greenfield City Manager Paul Wood has appointed Capt. Guillermo “Bill” Mixer as chief of police effective April 27. As police chief, Mixer will also serve as a member of the Greenfield Executive Team. |
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Recent Local News |
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• To Head Off Hospital Closures, Legislators Are Fast-Tracking Loan Program
Several hospitals have warned that they are struggling financially after the strains of the pandemic. A new loan program, if approved, could offer short-term relief.
(05/04/2023) → CalMatters• Sand City Names New Police Chief
David Honda will begin leading the Sand City Police Department in July, taking over for retiring Chief Brian Ferrante.
(05/03/2023) → Monterey Herald|
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Recent Statewide News |
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• California’s AR-15 Ban Upheld in First Ruling Since New Supreme Court Standards
In the first ruling on a California gun law since the U.S. Supreme Court reduced the government’s authority to regulate firearms, the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento upheld a ban on AR-15-style rifles, stating the weapons are “not typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.”
(05/03/2023) → San Francisco Chronicle• Report: Fast Food Industry Wages Help Fuel Homelessness
Fast food is the largest employer of homeless workers in California, with one of 17 unhoused individuals in the state working in the industry. That is according to a new report released by the Economic Roundtable.
(05/02/2023) → Monterey Herald|
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Government Announcements |
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City of Pacific Grove (05/04/2023) Rescheduled City Council Meetings |
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City of Gonzales (05/01/2023) Community Opinion Survey on Housing |
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City of Pacific Grove (03/03/2023) Community Meeting - AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report |
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City of Pacific Grove (02/02/2023) Financial Transparency Center |
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City of Pacific Grove (01/20/2023) Disaster Loans Available from SBA |
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City of Pacific Grove (01/04/2023) Helpful Storm Event Links & Resources! |
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City of Gonzales (12/01/2022) 2022 California Building Code |
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City of Pacific Grove (11/29/2022) Updated ADU Guidance |
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City of Pacific Grove (11/18/2022) Skatepark Project Community Survey - NOW AVAILABLE! |
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City of Pacific Grove (10/31/2022) 11/9 & 11/10 Workshop Series Event with Smart Growth America |