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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 18, 2024

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary 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.

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

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Big Brothers Big Sisters logo Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The chapter serves Sacramento and Yolo counties, as well as southern Placer County.

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From Our Media Allies

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Auburn Journal logo Colfax Approves Skate Park Redesign

The Colfax City Council received an update on the preliminary plans for the proposed skate park project during its Oct. 23 meeting.

Project lead Ty Conners said the Colfax Green Machine, which is overseeing the project, has partnered with New …
Auburn Journal logo Auburn Food Closet to Host 9th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive

Auburn Interfaith Food Closet (AIFC) is offering its ninth annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive to the community.

When you shop at Auburn's Grocery Outlet or Save Mart through Nov. 22, a turkey can be purchased and the sponsoring store will keep …
Auburn Journal logo Loomis Accelerates Horseshoe Bar/Interstate 80 Interchange Study

Loomis Town is awarding a contract this week for a $600,000 study to upgrade the Horseshoe Bar exit of Interstate 80. And, the Town also found a new finance director to replace the late Roger Carroll, who died last year. …
Placer Herald logo Anonymous Donor Sparks Wave of Giving Toward Placer SPCA Care Center

Sometimes, it takes one act of kindness to spark a wave of generosity. Such is the case at the Placer SPCA, where a decades-long dream is finally coming true, thanks in part to an anonymous donor who was the catalyst …
Placer Sentinel logo West Placer Affordable Housing Project Combines Primary Residences With ADUs

An innovative affordable housing project that combines primary residences with accessory dwelling units broke ground in west Placer County last week
Sacramento News and Review logo 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...
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo 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 …
Auburn Journal logo Loomis Grammar School Students Honor Veterans

Under a sunny and clear sky Friday morning, Loomis Grammar School students and faculty gathered outside of their classrooms to celebrate local veterans who have served in the nation’s five military branches.
Auburn Journal logo Auburn History on 'Lunch Legends' Menu: New Book Marks Rotary Club of Auburn Centennial

"Lunch Legends" covers the Rotary Club of Auburn's first century, including its beginnings at what is now Downtown Auburn's Promenade building.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Oaks Care Center Honors Veterans

Auburn Oaks Care Center is home for 25 veterans and hosts several specific events, including a monthly "Veterans Social" to provide a sense of community and belonging.

Sierra Sun logo 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 …
Sierra Sun logo 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 …
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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
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. 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.
Image of City of Colfax seal. City of Colfax   (11/14/2024)

Thanksgiving Announcement
A reminder from Recology. There will be no service disruptions on Thanksgiving, November 28th. Please be sure to have your cans out by 5 AM. Happy Thanksgiving! The post Thanksgiving Announcement appeared first on City of Colfax.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (11/12/2024)

Podcast: Healing beyond the battlefield
As veterans return to civilian life, many face new battles all too commonly grappling with PTSD or confronting mental health and substance use challenges. On Veterans Day, we explore the transformative impact of Placer Countys Veterans Court.
Image of United States seal. 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
Image of United States seal. 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...
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (11/08/2024)

Visit Placer2050.com and help shape the future of our county
As our Planning Department moves forward on a multi-year General Plan Update, we will be reaching out to our community with surveys, workshops, in-person and online events and more. Visit Placer2050.com to learn more and share your vision.
Image of State of California seal. 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
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (11/08/2024)

Roger Niello CA Senate 06:
Nearly 13,000 join Senate Republicans in petition to stop a major gas hike
Nearly 13,000 join Senate Republicans in petition to stop a major gas hike dimmital Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:08
Image of United States seal. 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
Image of Town of Loomis seal. Town of Loomis   (11/07/2024)

Town Hall Closed on Monday, 11/11/24
Town Hall will be closed on Monday, 11/11, in observation of Veterans Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, 11/12. The post Town Hall Closed on Monday, 11/11/24 appeared first on Loomis, CA.