Our Journalism Needs Your Support

By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 18, 2024

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

This week, you might appreciate some reasons to believe that it's reasonable to hold out hope for the future—I'm just guessing. And you may also be ripe to be remindeed that there are some good things happening in this real world, while elsewhere things are getting weirder than ever. I feel fortunate to bring you three pieces of truly good news.

And yes, a reminder: If you hopescroll a bit here, you will find a recipe that you might use to make yourself and your loved ones more happy, AND links to true news articles about stuff that is happening where you live, so you can actually participate in building democracy. (Sorry ... don't mean to sound preachy ... and ... you're welcome.)

People Have the Power

Here’s a good story with a happy ending: A decade ago, the Chumash Tribal Council, led by Chief Fred Collins, proposed to federal authorities that the coastal waters offshore of their ancestral homeland be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. In October, that wish came to be. (See below.)

The Chumash people found an ally in the state of California, and also in federal agencies. Sometimes–not always–government works. In this case, definitely yes.

Meanwhile, up the coast in Santa Cruz County, the California State Parks department is working to democratize decisions about rebuilding a state beach and campground that were decimated by storm damage in 2023. The Seacliff Resilience Project is holding public meetings and collecting input—"reimagining" ways to guard against the twin threats of megastorms and rising sea-levels. This could be a new thing statewide and beyond.

And the life of the sea abides: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a California treasure of global significance. Among the myriad gifts it brings the world are its webcams. Please do yourself a favor and hit the link and watch -- the otters. Or the moon jellies. Or (deep breath) the kelp forest. Face it: Things are not all bad.

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary

The newest of the 17 U.S. marine sanctuaries is being stewarded by the people who know it best.

Thousands of square miles of ocean and coastal habitat are now preserved for future generations.

Crowdsourcing Plans for Resilience

Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.

One Good Thing: Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams

The gentle waving back and forth of the kelp forest has entranced visitors since the aquarium opened.

Have a desire to watch a kelp forest, or some moon jellies, or some otters, or sharks, or birds? Not a problem thanks to these amazing live webcams.

	Nevada County's Homepage
Direct your browser to https://nevada.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Nevada 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.

Persimmons add flavor to fruity fall scones

The firmer Fuyu persimmon is the fruit featured in this delicious scone.

New! Persimmon-raisin scones with fresh Fuyu persimmon

Get to Know a Group

Golden Empire Council

The Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America pursues the mission of this national organization to “instill values in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes, to take leadership roles as adults, and to reach their full potential.”

→ Learn more

From Our Media Allies

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	Heavenly Pushes Opening Up to Nov. 20. Northstar Nov. 22, Kirkwood Dec. 6
	California, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are looking ahead to the upcoming ski and ride season and are already planning for the snow to start falling. Heavenly will open on Nov. 20, followed by Northstar on Nov. 22 …

	Climate Transformation Alliance Hosts Webinar on Community-Led Thermal Energy Networks
	The Climate Transformation Alliance, in collaboration with the North Tahoe Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) and 100% Renewable Truckee, will host a webinar on "Community-Led Thermal Energy Networks: Learning from Vermont" on November 20 as part of its series …

	When Fish Are Free: Hundreds of Salmon Are Now Spawning in Klamath River and Tributaries After Dam Removal Completed
	Hundreds of fall-run Chinook salmon are now spawning on the Klamath River and its tributaries both above and below the former sites...

	Sierra Nevada May Hold Key to Meet California’s Ambitious 30×30 Goal
	California's 30 X 30 goal was a topic at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conservation Conference held at Lake Tahoe Community College, Nov. 7-8. In 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom committed the state to conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters …

	Truckee Town Council Approves Changes to Affordable Housing in-Lieu Fee
	Truckee Town Council exercised their gratitude muscles during their Tuesday, Nov. 12 meeting. To celebrate Gratitude Month, each council member picked an organization or person which exemplified the Truckee Way.

	Visit Truckee-Tahoe Celebrates $123k in Sustainable Truckee Gift Card Sales
	Visit Truckee-Tahoe announced a major milestone for the Sustainable Truckee Gift Card program, which has now generated over $123,000 in sales since the launch in December 2021. More than 1,500 individual transactions have contributed to this achievement, with 74% of …

	Truckee Donner PUD Board Approves 2023 Energy Resource Mix, Promotes Local Agency Collaboration
	At Truckee Donner Public Utility District's Nov. 6 board of directors meeting, the board approved the submission of the 2023 Power Source Disclosure Report and Power Content Label, and approved agreements for leases in Truckee Regional Park to enable the …

	Another Successful Season for Truckee Trails Foundation Coming to a Close
	With over 34 miles of new trail constructed in the last 7 years, Truckee Trails Foundation has brought new and varied trail-based recreation to the Truckee region. Building largely on public land, TTF has been working especially hard to create …

	Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Hosts Discussion on Aging in Place in Truckee
	On Friday, Nov. 8, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation hosted a community discussion titled "Achievable Housing for All: For Now and the Future," focusing on the housing needs of older adults in the Truckee area. The discussion, part of the …

Recent Local News

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• Spotlight on Nevada County Resource Conservation District Prescribed Fires

Read on to learn about the Nevada County Resource Conservation District use of prescribed fire to help help increase local wildland resilience.

(11/16/2024) → YubaNet

• Wolf Creek Trail Expansion Approved

Read on for more information about plans to expand the Wolf Creek pedestrian and bicyclist trail in Grass Valley.

(11/14/2024) → The Union

• Nevada County Revises Commercial Cannabis Ordinance

Learn more about changes made to the Commercial Cannabis Ordinance in the November 12 meeting of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors.

(11/13/2024) → YubaNet

• Donate a Turkey Today

Donate turkeys and other food supplies to help meet the urgent need this holiday season at the Food Bank of Nevada County. Read on to find out how you can help.

(11/13/2024) → The Union

• Comments Open on County’s ‘Prohousing’ Application

Learn how you can give your feedback about the Nevada County application for 'Prohousing' designation from the state and what that designation entails.

(11/13/2024) → YubaNet

• Vegetation Removal Funding Increased

In their November 12 meeting, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors accepted a USDA Forest Service grant for vegetation removal. Click to get the details.

(11/12/2024) → YubaNet

• Spotlight Nevada County Pilot Biochar Program

Learn more about the Nevada County pilot program to convert biomass to biochar to reduce dangerous fuel load on county lands.

(11/12/2024) → The Union

• Nevada County Consolidated Fire District Awarded Grant

Learn more about the California Office of Traffic Safety grant awarded to the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District for acquisition of new emergency services equipment.

(11/12/2024) → The Union

• Volunteer With Gold Country Senior Services

Volunteers are being sought by Gold Country Senior Services for a variety of projects. Click to learn how to sign up.

(11/12/2024) → The Union

• USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grant Awarded

A USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant of $750,000 has been awarded to Sierra Harvest.Read on to learn how they intend to use the funding.

(11/12/2024) → YubaNet

Recent Statewide News

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• Fewer Kids Are Going to California Public Schools. Is There a Right Way to Close Campuses?

Declining enrollment, the end of pandemic relief funding and uncertain state funding are forcing school districts to make some difficult decisions.

(11/14/2024) → CalMatters

• California Schools Brace for Trump’s Attacks on Immigrants, Trans Students and ‘Woke’ Curriculum

More than 115,000 children in California were undocumented in the most recent census count, and it’s estimated almost half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• UC Faces Half-Billion-Dollar Budget Shortfall and Eyes Tuition Increase for New Nonresident Students

The University of California anticipates more than a $500 million budget gap next summer, so It’s considering a $3,402 jump in tuition for new nonresident students next fall. Meanwhile, the system is planning billions in construction projects.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump Has Promised to ‘End’ Offshore Wind. What Will That Mean for California’s Big Bet?

Trump’s promise to “end” the offshore wind industry could threaten CA’s renewable energy goals, potentially cutting off federal funding.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump’s Proposed Tariffs, Especially on China and Mexico, Could Hit California Hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.

(11/12/2024) → CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	United States (11/17/2024) IHA Beverage Issues a Voluntary Recall of Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz Because of Lead Contamination
IHA Beverage of Commerce, CA is recalling Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sig

	United States (11/16/2024) Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers' Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination
Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

	United States (11/11/2024) Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix
Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary's Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or lif

	United States (11/09/2024) Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 - Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of...

	State of California (11/08/2024) Brian Dahle CA Senate 01: Senator Dahle and thousands of Californians blast CARB for massive gas price increase
Senator Dahle and thousands of Californians blast CARB for massive gas price increase SREPweb Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:47

	United States (11/07/2024) Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen
Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen

	United States (11/05/2024) CIBUS Fresh, is Recalling CIBUS Fresh Products Containing Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, 2/3lb Due to Supplier Notification of a Possible Listeria Monocytogenes
Use or consumption of products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe he

	United States (11/04/2024) Babcock Dairy Recalls Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Due to Undeclared Egg
Babcock Dairy of Madison, Wisconsin, is voluntarily recalling approximately 41 cases of Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream that may be labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or yellow #5 run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic r

	United States (11/03/2024) Savencia Cheese USA Announces an Expanded Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses
Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and

	United States (11/02/2024) Savencia Cheese USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses
Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

People Have the Power

Nevada County's Homepage

Recipe of the Week

Get to Know a Group

From Our Media Allies

Recent Local News

Recent Statewide News

Government Announcements