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😑 Eric's California Local

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Picture of Eric Johnson

California Local Co-founder, Editorial Director

A proud alumni of Cabrillo Community College in Santa Cruz County and the University of Montana, Eric has been involved in local journalism since 1991, when he co-founded the Missoula Independent. He returned to California in 1997 and has served in senior editorial and management positions at a number news organizations including Metro Silicon Valley, the Monterey County Weekly, and Boulevard’s New Media, a national network of city guides. He co-founded Hilltromper, “The nature-worshipping, fun-loving everyday adventure guide.”

My Articles
  • Government Efficiency vs. Chaos (Published March 24, 2025)
      An honest call for overhauling our governments—and an intro a couple of institutions that hold governments accountable.
  • California Leads in the World's Most Important Industry (Published March 17, 2025)
      California feeds the nation and the world. Not just with culture and technology, but with food.
  • 'Engaged California' and Digital Democracy (Published March 3, 2025)
      It's almost spring—and civic engagement is in the air.
  • Engaged California Aims for ‘Rough Consensus’ (Published March 3, 2025)
      The state’s new digital deliberation platform, modeled by a Taiwanese champion of democracy, is meant to fight polarization with conversation.
  • Civil Civic Debate & Poetry (Published February 24, 2025)
      California's Poet Laureate talks civic engagement, and bipartisan activists rekindle the art of political conversation.
  • Little Santa Cruz Beats Big Sugar (Published February 17, 2025)
      SC Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson on centering health in policy making, and her path to politics.
  • The Work of Politics (Published February 17, 2025)
      For those of you who might enjoy a glimpse of the inner workings of local politics, here's a conversation with Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, the inspired vice-mayor of Santa Cruz, California.
  • Black History and Equity in California (Published February 10, 2025)
      Not long ago, California's Legislative Black Caucus made history. Here's what they accomplished, and how it fits into California history going all the way back.
  • A Midwinter Check-In (Published February 3, 2025)
      With the new year fully underway, and government officials under attack back east, we offer a defense of local public servants.
  • The Broligarchs vs. Public Education (Published January 27, 2025)
      Silicon Valley tech billionaires have placed themselves at the right hand of the president, and they are attacking the US Department of Education. Here is a defense of public schools.
  • Life and Death and Weather and Planning (Published January 20, 2025)
      Raymond Martinez and Edgar McGregor are practitioners of the art of digital citizenship. As allies in this endeavor, we commend their righteous efforts.
  • People Have the Power (Published January 20, 2025)
      We celebrate this double-holiday with stories of citizens taking action—from a weather-watching hero in LA county to a student planner committed to the truth.
  • Two 'Next-Level Disaster' Reports (Published January 13, 2025)
      A call with an evacuated friend fleeing fires in Los Angeles, and journalism's scary "platform problem."
  • Rural California Local News Matters (Published January 6, 2025)
      In the shadow of Silicon Valley, and on California's North Coast, local news outlets deliver essential information.
  • Greetings from San Benito County (Published January 6, 2025)
      In Hollister, a nonprofit newsroom keeps local residents apprised of momentous changes.
  • The Trending Stories of 2024 (Published December 30, 2024)
      Over the past year, we’ve witnessed big changes throughout the state, and today we present a quick look at a handful of some important ways California's civic landscape is shifting.
  • Happy Holidays. Big News. And Our First 'Ask.' (Published December 23, 2024)
      We are partnering with Bay City News to do some big things. And we're feeling grateful.
  • New Faces in Office (Published December 16, 2024)
      Throughout California, people are being sworn into office—some for the first time, and others in the midst of long careers. Adam Schiff is one of the latter.
  • Sen. Adam Schiff Takes the High Road but Keeps Pressure on Trump (Published December 16, 2024)
      The LA Democrat takes office under fire, but says he will strive for bipartisanship.
  • Beneficent Businessmen vs. Elon Musk (Published December 9, 2024)
      For more than a century, business leaders have done a lot of good. And then Elon and his friends show up and make us all look selfish and bad.
  • Giving Locally Tuesday (Published December 2, 2024)
      A movement started just 12 years ago has gone global—and local. Meanwhile, one of the oldest and largest philanthropic enterprises in the world continues to serve.
  • Elks Helping Kids; and Giraffes on Webcam! (Published November 25, 2024)
      Week One of the charismatic-megafauna segment of our Doing Good series features the BPOE Elks. And: San Diego Zoo cams!
  • The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams! (Published November 18, 2024)
      Two plans to protect the ocean and its beaches—and the coolest marine-life webcams on the planet.
  • Crowdsourcing Plans for Resilience (Published November 18, 2024)
      Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.
  • Service to Country and Community (Published November 11, 2024)
      This Veterans Day, we pay tribute to those who have given parts of their lives to our armed services, and those who serve in our nation's army of government workers.
  • A Cure for Election Anxiety (Published November 4, 2024)
      As white-hot rhetoric and threats of political violence bring many voters to the edge of madness, we offer a hopeful reminder.
  • The Big Truth, and 'The Tunnel Vision' (Published October 28, 2024)
      Democratic institutions are at work statewide, dealing with local issues and big stuff including the California Delta.
  • From Local News Matters: Water War on the Delta (Published October 27, 2024)
      “This is a local story about a global issue, the future of water. In a three-part series of field reports and podcasts, Bay City News reporter Ruth Dusseault looks at the tunnel’s stakeholders, its engineering challenges, and explores the preindustrial Delta and its future restoration."
  • Meet the Radical Rotarians (Published October 21, 2024)
      An international network of business leaders are working to build local alliances and solve global problems.
  • Billions in Bonds on Your Ballot (Published October 14, 2024)
      Californians are being asked to approve two bond measures totaling $20 billion in the election now underway. What does that mean, and how does it work? Find out here.
  • Your Ballot Is in the Mail: It's Democracy Week 2024 (Published October 7, 2024)
      As voters receive their ballots for the 2024 presidential election and important statewide and local races, we look at efforts to build democracy, and efforts to weaken it.
  • The Attack on the Popular Vote (Published October 6, 2024)
      In more than 30 states, it’s harder than ever to vote this year. But in California, it’s never been easier.
  • How We Helped Create a National Monument (Published September 23, 2024)
      A spectacular piece of land north of Santa Cruz shows what a determined group of people, with the help of a tenacious little media company, can do.
  • A Collective, Monumental Effort (Published September 22, 2024)
      The Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument, just north of Santa Cruz, brought a community together.
  • Dams and Reservoirs: Up and Down (Published September 16, 2024)
      California's first big reservoir project in decades is underway, as the state finally gets rid of some old dams. Environmental responsibility meets aridification.
  • It Takes a Village to Run a Village: Leadership vs. Partisanship (Published September 9, 2024)
      As some municipalities struggle to find people to run for elected offices and advisory boards, we look at the civic engagement pipeline.
  • How Citizenship is Like Gardening (Published August 26, 2024)
      For one thing, "citizen," like "garden," can be used as a verb.
  • California Cracks Down on Homeless Camps & Crime (Published August 19, 2024)
      In the midst of charges that California, and its favorite daughter Kamala Harris, are soft on crime, lawmakers step up in the name of public safety.
  • Biden Comes Through for the Monterey Bay Area (Published August 12, 2024)
      Joe Biden visited the Santa Cruz County beach towns of Aptos and Capitola following bad storms a couple winters ago. Last week, his administration delivered a big pile of money to help these communities and their neighbors build resilience.
  • Robert Mazurek Q&A: Preparing for Climate Change (Published August 12, 2024)
      The Santa Cruz-based California Marine Sanctuary Foundation receives a historic $71 million climate resilience grant from Biden Administration.
  • Building Community Resilience in North Tahoe (Published July 31, 2024)
      The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation develops partnerships to prepare and respond to emergencies with its COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).
  • Statecraft takes time: Kamala Harris & Gavin Newsom (Published July 28, 2024)
      This week: Two examples of ways people in and around government and politics worked behind the scenes, and in the state house, to make things better.
  • Money and Politics: The Good News (Published July 22, 2024)
      If you've ever wondered how your governments raise and spend your tax money, here's a primer.
  • Heat Waves, Mountaintop Cameras, and Municipal Budgets (Published July 15, 2024)
      The public process that determines who stays cool and who does not—and many more urgent issues. Plus a virtual escape to the high country.
  • California Views: The California Local YouTube Page (Published July 14, 2024)
      From short mountaintop webcam time-lapses to handmade videos of stuff we love, we bring you a quick, daily dose of California goodness.
  • Civil Grand Juries: Citizens Investigating Governments (Published July 8, 2024)
      Over the past week, citizens empowered as members of civil grand juries issued reports of their investigations of local governments. It's an honorable institution, and they found some dishonorable stuff.
  • Californians Saving Trees and Water (Published June 17, 2024)
      Logging for the future, starting in 1946, and building water resiliency, starting now.
  • The Importance of Planning (Published June 10, 2024)
      It's impossible to predict the future—unless you set your mind to make something happen and build a coalition to execute your plan. That's how democracy works. And, frankly, how California works.
  • Celebrating California's Diversity, Homegrown Food, and DTLA (Published June 3, 2024)
      Kamala Harris, Tiger Woods, and 23 more AAPI Californians; DTLA flourishes, and a homemade birthday cake.
  • We Have Some Real Good News (Published May 28, 2024)
      Our brand new book, "How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State," tells a true story that you'll be glad to know. And: Learn how, if you look closely, you'll see that things are truly getting better.
  • How California Works: an Editors' Note (Published May 25, 2024 • Updated May 25, 2024)
      True stories about how, at its best, California has resisted and pushed back against anti-democratic forces. The histories and policies, deeply human characters, and controversies that have led us to where we are today.
  • Here Comes the California Housing Boom (Published May 20, 2024)
      The state has pledged to build 2.5 million housing units by 2030, and one agency is charged with that task. Meet the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
  • Newsom Releases Billions for Mental Health Housing Ahead of Schedule: ‘Time to Deliver’ (Published May 15, 2024)
      California voters narrowly passed Proposition 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s measure to fund mental health housing. He’s prodding counties to use the money quickly.
  • Aurora Borealis in the Santa Cruz Mountains (Published May 13, 2024)
      The Northern Lights appeared in Northern and Central California Saturday night.
  • The California Exodus and California Forever, Redux (Published May 6, 2024)
      The state's never-ending housing crisis has inspired hundreds of thousands of Californians to flee, and inspired an audacious plan for a brand-new city. Here's where the two related stories stand this week.
  • California Forever CEO on Democracy and City Planning (Published May 5, 2024)
      Jan Sramek disavows techno-libertarian 'Network State,' explains why master-planned cities are All-American, and talks of his love for walkable communities.
  • Is the ‘California Exodus’ Over? (Published April 30, 2024)
      Despite predictions that the party on the West Coast is winding down, California’s population increased last year for the first time since 2020.
  • On Photography and Politics (Published April 29, 2024)
      A celebration of the work of an artist who devoted a career to preserving the wildlands he loved. Plus: News you can use, and a tasty recipe!
  • The Making of ‘The Unseen Peninsula’ (Published April 28, 2024)
      A celebrated photographer reflects on the life that led to his first book, which captures a secret paradise in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula.
  • Robert Buelteman Captures the Secret Beauty of Plants (Published April 28, 2024)
      Before he started making images without a camera, Robert Buelteman was a celebrated nature photographer who worked primarily in black-and-white film.
  • Will Less Homework Stress Make California Students Happier? (Published April 25, 2024)
      A bill from a member of the Legislature’s happiness committee would require schools to come up with homework policies that consider the mental and physical strain on students.
  • Transforming Waste Wood from Wildfire Hazard to Energy (Published April 22, 2024)
      For the good of Tahoe Truckee forests and communities, funders & local leaders rally to support Northstar Community Services District wood energy facility.
  • Earth Day: Resilience vs. Disaster (Published April 21, 2024)
      Ee celebrate the efforts our fellow humans have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens.
  • Stewart Brand’s ‘Whole Earth’ and its Place in the Universe (Published April 21, 2024)
      Meet the hippie intellectual who changed the world with the first published photograph of our entire planet.
  • How California Helped Clean China’s Bad Air (Published April 15, 2024)
      A Tesla lobbyist, an LA-based environmental group, and Gov. Jerry Brown brought a rule minted in Sacramento to Beijing, and helped launch China’s EV industry.
  • California's Power Beyond its Borders (Published April 14, 2024)
      A Tesla lobbyist, an LA-based environmental group, and Gov. Jerry Brown brought a rule minted in Sacramento to Beijing, and helped launch China’s EV industry.
  • Bill to Mandate ‘Science of Reading’ in California Classrooms Dies (Published April 12, 2024)
      A bill to mandate use of the method will not advance in the Legislature this year in the face of teachers union opposition.
  • Backers of California Homeless Camp Ban Cite ‘Successful’ San Diego Law. But Is It? (Published April 11, 2024)
      A new bill would make it illegal for homeless residents to camp in certain places, such as near schools, throughout California. Its authors say such a ban has had great success in San Diego. But a closer look at that city paints a more nuanced picture.
  • Digital Democracy Ramps Up Accountability of CA Legislature (Published April 9, 2024)
      In an analysis of more than 1 million votes cast by current legislators since 2017, CalMatters Digital Democracy reporter Ryan Sabalow and CBS Sacramento reporter Julie Watts found that Democrats vote “no” less than 1% of the time on average.
  • Greetings & Spring Things from Santa Cruz (Published April 8, 2024)
      This week, a virtual visit to Surf City USA—a great place to experience the season of rebirth and renewal that's worth a drive from anywhere in our coverage area.
  • The Universe Winks (Published April 7, 2024)
      There is no scientific explanation for the conditions that make an eclipse inevitable. It’s a coincidence. Or a miracle.
  • A Native-Plant Garden Helps Transform a Neighborhood (Published April 6, 2024)
      On Hilltromper, a conversation with Felicia Van Stolk of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History about her Garden Learning Center.
  • Sandhill Cranes, Foster Kids, and Coercive Compassion (Published April 1, 2024)
      A type of resurrection involving big birds, and two efforts that offer help to individuals whose lives have been impacted by addiction.
  • Newsom’s Prop 1: Revolution or Return to Reason? (Published March 31, 2024 • Updated March 31, 2024)
      Prop 1 was designed to help unhoused people get off the streets by forcing them into treatment. That’s one reason it took two weeks of vote-counting to pass.
  • California May Gut Two CalWORKS Programs Helping Thousands of Families (Published March 29, 2024)
      The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.
  • A Court Appointed Special Advocate Can Change a Child’s Life (Published March 27, 2024)
      A conversation with two committed professionals who help CASA Sacramento match trained volunteers with children in the foster care system.
  • High Stakes: Inside the Multimillion-Dollar Battle for Gambling Rights in California (Published March 27, 2024)
     
  • Yes, Beavers Can Help Stop Wildfires. And More Places in California Are Embracing Them (Published March 26, 2024)
      Beavers create unburned islands where plants and animals can shelter from megafires, research has confirmed. A movement is afoot to reintroduce the rodents to the state's waterways.
  • Four Good Things about Spring (Published March 25, 2024)
      In this week’s, edition of The Newsletter, some hopeful aspects related to the very best season: spring!
  • BloomTracker: Wildflower Finder & Protector from Hilltromper (Published March 24, 2024)
      Over at Hilltromper, “The Nature-worshiping, Fun-Loving Adventure Guide” that serves the South Bay Area, Santa Cruz County, and anyone who visits these beautiful places, our friend Mike Kahn has just launched a new product he named BloomTracker—“an online resource that helps you find the best places to see wildflowers, in real time, and helps reduce impacts on parks and other open spaces.”
  • Our Students Need More Recess (Published March 20, 2024)
      More frequent outdoor breaks can improve student attention, reduce behavior problems. Over the last decade, a growing list of U.S. states—including Missouri, Florida and New Jersey—have mandated daily recess. California joined the trend in late 2023.
  • SJ Spotlight CEO on Philanthropy & Local Journalism (Published March 19, 2024)
      Ramona Giwargis, co-founder and CEO of San Jose Spotlight, traveled to Miami last week to participate in the Knight Media Forum, and brought back  an inspiring report.
  • State of the State? We'll See. (Published March 18, 2024)
      Prop 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature plan to confront the twin problems of homelessness and the mental health crisis, was expected to cruise to victory. It did not.
  • Pi Day Desert Recipes (Published March 14, 2024)
      We know that Pi Day, 3.14, is universally celebrated by eating pie, but our friends at Sac Digs Gardening apparently prefer other delicious treats. Here you will find a bunch of desert recipes from their cookbook, Taste Spring!
  • Short Video: Wes Anderson's 1st Oscar (Published March 13, 2024)
      The beloved auteur won his first Oscar for his live action short 'The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar,' based on a magical story by Roald Dahl.
  • Experimental Sacramento Homeless Camp Faces Closure (Published March 12, 2024)
      Camp Resolution, a self-governed, city-sanctioned homeless encampment, was supposed to be a model for future sites. Now it’s under threat of prosecution.
  • Political Economics and the Movies (Published March 11, 2024)
      In the wake of the Oscars, we consider the role film plays in helping us understand ourselves and our culture, and reveal the story of Hollywood's role in our state's history and economy.
  • Why ‘Barbie’ Deserved a Best Picture Oscar (Published March 10, 2024)
      From now on, girls will learn from Barbie that they live in a world where men subjugate women. They will receive this truth during a joyous cinematic spectacle.
  • Will the End of the Almond Boom Save California Water? (Published March 5, 2024)
      LA Times report, ‘After years of rapid growth, California’s almond industry struggles amid low prices,’ suggests bankruptcies may represent an opportunity.
  • California Election Workers Return After COVID and Conspiracy Theories (Published March 4, 2024)
      They had to get through the pandemic, election denial and scary envelopes. While some left, counties now say they’re having better luck recruiting poll workers.
  • Food—Fast, Slow and Plenty (Published March 4, 2024)
      Fast food workers in California will soon earn a minimum of $20 an hour, thanks to a new state law. To celebrate, we take a look at the chains that got their start in the Golden State—and other ways we lead the way in food production.
  • California’s Awesome Capital City (Published February 26, 2024)
      If you have a hard time understanding why in the world anyone would choose to place the seat of California government where they did—you don't know Sacramento.
  • CEQA vs. Housing; a Nonprofit’s Collapse; Black History Reading List (Published February 19, 2024)
      Sacramento has more homeless residents than San Francisco. One story about why that happened, and another about an attempt to help. And: Black literature, California style.
  • Black History and Black Futurism (Published February 5, 2024)
      Meet the organizations working to win social justice for African Americans in California and beyond. And: Welcome Yolo County to CALocal.
  • The California Exodus and ‘California Forever’ (Published January 29, 2024)
      While millions of Californians seek affordable housing elsewhere, an ambitious man backed by billionaires dreams of building an urban Utopia in Central Valley farm country.
  • Can a Handful of Silicon Valley Billionaires Fix the Bay Area’s Housing Crisis? (Published January 28, 2024)
      In NYT’s “The Farmers Had What the Billionaires Wanted,” we meet a man who wants to build a city in the middle of nowhere, and folks who are slowing him down.
  • Killer Cars, COVID & Copyright (Published January 15, 2024)
      Two causes of unnecessary death: “traffic violence” and COVID-19. Plus: Mickey Mouse is finally free!
  • COVID Still Sucks (Published January 14, 2024)
      A new book, ‘The Wisdom of Plagues,’ makes me feel angry that I contracted the disease in what should be the post-COVID era.
  • The Best and Worst of 2023 (Published January 2, 2024)
      It was a year of unprecedented conflict, from fights in the halls of Congress to war overseas. And in the midst of all of it, as you will see, there are reasons for hope.
  • The Meaning of Christmas (Published December 26, 2023)
      This season, some of us celebrate the birth of a man who preached a gospel of charity toward the poorest among us. We’re taking this opportunity to discuss poverty in California, and some efforts to alleviate it.
  • Californians Supporting Ukraine (Published December 18, 2023)
      Two Sacramento nurses travelled to the front lines of the war zone to deliver medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers. Plus: A number of ways you can help the people of this embattled nation. And: Goodbye Kevin McCarthy.
  • California's Revolutionary Culture (Published December 11, 2023)
      50-plus documentaries about California music show off the state's vast cultural diversity; plus a very brief essay about what the film 'Monterey Pop' means; and a guide to Cali-crafted sustainable gifts.
  • Building Democracy in California (Published December 4, 2023)
      Released on the day following the much-hyped "Red vs. Blue" debate, Jonathan Vankin's "How California Works" easily explains exactly how we are "Building Democracy in the Golden State."
  • Fighting & Working for Democracy (Published November 13, 2023)
      Veterans Day weekend reminds us to appreciate our fundamental democratic values, to thank those who fought to defend them, and to work together to preserve democracy here in California.
  • Are Facebook and Instagram Hurting Children? (Published November 6, 2023)
      For this week’s newsletter, Jonathan Vankin looks at the lawsuit that California Attorney General Rob Bonta and AGs across the country have filed against Facebook’s and Instagram’s parent company, Meta.
  • Desire and Addiction on Facebook (Published November 5, 2023)
      Harper’s magazine reviews a posthumous collection by Rene Girard, who was Peter Thiel’s professor at Stanford, and is called “the godfather of the Like button.”
  • The Folks Who Gave You the Beach (Published October 23, 2023)
      The California Coastal Commission has made the state a leader in two big ways. First, by protecting 800-plus miles of vulnerable coastline, and next by ensuring that it’s accessible to the public.
  • Our New Book & Goodbye, Columbus (Published October 9, 2023)
      On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re making an announcement, and offering suggestions about commemorating some California heroes.
  • Citizen Science Helps ‘Fight the Bite’ (Published October 5, 2023)
      The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District protects residents from the world’s deadliest animal.
  • Replacing Twitter as Elon Self-Destructs (Published September 18, 2023)
      Big Social Media is abandoning the field of reliable information-distribution in some big ways. CALocal is helping to fill that hole—with maps.
  • The Self-Demonization of Elon Musk (Published September 17, 2023)
      His critics portray him as a cartoonish billionaire boogeyman, while the world’s wealthiest individual works hard to prove them right.
  • Fighting West Nile Virus in Sacramento and Yolo Counties with Science (Published September 8, 2023)
      A rainy Labor Day weekend followed by a week of temperatures in the 80s and 90s created perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes in a season when their population was already exploding. Meanwhile, the record number of insects and birds testing positive for the West Nile Virus continues to spike.
  • Wildfire in Paradise ... and Hawaii (Published August 21, 2023)
      As Lahaina recovers from the deadliest wildfire in modern US history, we revisit the second-deadliest—the Camp Fire, which destroyed Paradise, CA almost five years ago. Also: Is California ready for a Lahaina-type disaster? And: A climate-crisis lexicon.
  • Let’s Work Together: Community Builders Rule (Published August 14, 2023)
      The nonprofit sector plays a huge role in what we like to call “community betterment” throughout California. Here are some organizations and individuals who are doing some very cool work that you’ll want to know about.
  • Working Together: TTCF and California Local (Published August 12, 2023)
      A conversation with Stacy Caldwell, CEO of Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
  • Online Media vs. Democracy (Published August 7, 2023)
      Twitter, the "digital town square" that never really was, is no more. And Meta/Facebook is (almost) revealed as a spreader of hate and division. Plus: Some real good news.
  • Is Facebook Trying to Drive Us Apart? (Published August 6, 2023)
      Recent much-hyped studies are inconclusive, but prove one thing: Facebook’s algorithm pushes hate.
  • UC Davis releases the 2023 Tahoe: State of the Lake Report (Published July 20, 2023)
      The 2023 Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, released by UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), reveals significant changes in Lake Tahoe's ecosystem. The report, based on data collected in 2022, highlights unprecedented biological shifts and serves as a vital resource for restoration, management, and monitoring decisions.
  • A Simple Solution to Two Huge Problems (Published July 17, 2023)
      There is evidence that the tightly related scourges of housing affordability and homelessness could be alleviated with one bold move: Abolish restrictive zoning.
  • West Nile Virus Survivor Offers a Warning and a Plea (Published July 10, 2023)
      Marie Heilman of Winters, who is happy to be alive, wants people to guard against mosquitoes and the deadly virus they carry.
  • Hidden History in the Birthplace of California (Published July 8, 2023)
      Pam Marino of Monterey County Weekly reports that the city government there is grappling with a unique problem: How to provide access to the places that make Monterey “the most historic city in California.”
  • Independence, California Style (Published July 3, 2023)
      Here in California, we are not waiting for national politicians to recognize that we live in a land built on diversity—and that the world needs us to act boldly to make big changes.
  • State Sen. John Laird on California Gay Pride (Published June 26, 2023)
      In 1983, John Laird became one of the first three openly gay mayors in the history of the United States. He has spent the past four decades serving California.
  • It’s California Pride Month (Published June 26, 2023)
      A quick perusal of “Milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement” proves that the Left Coast contributed more than its fair share to the cause.
  • Is Housing a Human Right? (Published June 19, 2023)
      The California Legislature is considering a constitutional amendment declaring "that the state “recognizes the fundamental human right to adequate housing for everyone in California.”
  • The California Effect and CalMatters (Published June 5, 2023)
      The New York Times Magazine spends an entire issue explaining why California matters, and CalMatters wins gold for giving the state the coverage it deserves.
  • Happy Birthday Sac Digs Gardening from Good Day Sacramento (Published June 1, 2023)
      Ashley Williams samples Taste Spring! recipes with SDG's Debbie Arrington and Kathy Morrison on CBS News' popular local morning show.
  • Memorial Day & the Death Penalty (Published May 29, 2023)
      Let’s face some hard facts—and still be able to celebrate the beginning of the best season of the year.
  • CALocal Wins Two Big Journo Awards (Published May 22, 2023)
      You probably know that The Newsletter goes out only to California Local members and subscribers. Today I am writing to bring the good news that we have just been given two big awards.
  • California Agriculture & Immigration (Published May 15, 2023)
      The state’s most important industry relies on workers who are not given a chance to obtain legal status.
  • Scott Wiener; Weird Comix; Water Rights (Published May 8, 2023)
      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.
  • How Free Trips for California Legislators Lead to Bills (Published May 5, 2023)
      Members of the California Legislature took nearly $1 million worth of trips sponsored by interest groups in 2022. The California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy accounted for 40% of the travel spending. Over the years, some of its trips led to legislation.
  • Why Democrats Should Pay Attention to California (Published May 3, 2023)
      Ezra Klein talks to state Sen. Scott Wiener about why progressive policies have failed in a state with no Republicans in power.
  • Reparations Task Force to Recommend ‘Down Payments’ (Published May 2, 2023)
      The reparations task force meets Saturday in Oakland. It may vote to recommend a state apology and payments to African Americans based on years living in state.
  • Happy May Day! Happy Labour Day! Happy Law Day! (?) (Published May 1, 2023)
      Richard Nixon's hypocrisy; TV's favorite presidential historian's contempt; and Richard von Busack's weird job history.
  • Future Of California at Risk While Landmark CEQA Law Remains Unchanged (Published April 26, 2023)
      By almost any measure, the balance between advancing projects critical to California's future and environmental protection under the California Environmental Quality Act has been lost. The failure to reform CEQA is not for a lack of knowing what the solutions are.
  • Taste Spring! Free Cookbook + Alice Waters + more Cali Cuisine heroes. (Published April 24, 2023)
      In this episode of The Newsletter, we celebrate food. The star of this week’s show is none other than Alice Waters, the Queen of California Cuisine.
  • Destruction or Reclamation? Lake Tulare Reborn (Published April 5, 2023)
      David Robinson, the sheriff of Kings County, predicted that the coming flood will be “biblical.” “This will impact the world, if people can just grasp that,” Robinson said. “We’re going to have a million acre-foot of water covering up an area that feeds the world.”
  • California Farmworkers March; Ask Newsom To Sign Voting Bill (Published April 3, 2023)
      AB 616, authored by Santa Cruz Asm. Mark Stone, would allow farmworkers to vote for a union by mail instead of in elections conducted on a grower’s property.
  • Democracy & Journalism (Published April 3, 2023)
      In which we consider informed civic participation.
  • A Managing Editor Brings a Piece of Truth to Placer County (Published April 2, 2023)
      Last week Carol Feineman, managing editor of four Gold Country Media papers, provided her readers with an important piece of information that should reverse a hasty and ill-informed decision.
  • LA Times on the Ghost of a California Newspaper (Published March 28, 2023)
      James Rainey reports that the Salinas Californian, the daily newspaper serving the capital of Monterey County, has completely emptied its newsroom.
  • Connection or Chaos? (Published March 27, 2023)
      Greetings from Midtown Sacramento, where this morning broke bright and cold for the second day in a row. Don’t know about you but I’m ready for the warmth of spring. And trying to feel good about the rain that’s still to come.
  • Survival and Civic Engagement (Published March 20, 2023)
      Hello and welcome to the first “statewide” issue of The Newsletter from California Local.
  • Let’s Make ‘Citizen’ a Verb: This Is Civic Engagement (Published March 19, 2023)
      President Obama’s closest advisor, Valerie Jarrett, created and ran the White House Office of Public Engagement. Because democracy.
  • Why Pausing Water Diversions to Los Angeles Honors Landmark Mono Lake Deal (Published March 14, 2023)
      A sizeable coalition has called for California's water regulator to take emergency measures to protect Mono Lake and suspend diversions to Los Angeles.
  • 03-13-23: Deluge and Drought (Published March 13, 2023)
      California’s water woes.
  • California Reparations Task Force Seeks More Than Dollars (Published February 28, 2023)
      The task force members are discussing monetary and nonmonetary reparations ideas to compensate for slavery and racism. Some say they want policies to prevent future harms against Black Californians.
  • Emerald Triangle Cannabis Economy Pushed to the Brink (Published February 27, 2023)
      Cannabis has been king in this rural area of northern California. As prices plummet, communities and small businesses are hurting, Many blame Prop 64.
  • 02-27-23: Atmospheric Snowpocalypse (Published February 27, 2023)
      Weather anomalies caused by the climate crisis suck. Even if they involve sledding.
  • 02-20-23: Our Anti-Enshittification Project (Published February 20, 2023)
      The Word of the Month perfectly summarizes the overall trend that sees so much of the online world mired in sewage. Plus: Impending tech crash? And: Should Google be broken up?
  • News: Cruisers vs. Cruising Bans; Business and Labor at Odds (Published February 8, 2023)
      CalMatters presents a roundup of what you need to know today, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023
  • William Barr to California Press Corps: You Are the Problem (Published February 5, 2023)
      The title of CapCon 2023 was 'Rebuilding Trust in an Age of Disinformation.' Barr’s response to that prompt was unambiguous: You do not deserve to be trusted.
  • We Should be Treating Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis (Published January 24, 2023)
      State and local officials are still asking law enforcement to prevent gun violence. Community leaders believe gun violence should be treated as a public health crisis, and incorporate prevention strategies that address the social factors in areas most at risk.
  • After Monterey Park, More Gun Safety Talk (Published January 23, 2023)
      After the massacre late Saturday nigh that left 10 dead and 10 others hospitalized, on Sunday one politician after another expressed sorrow and offered condolences.
  • California Senate Sings the Budget Blues (Published January 20, 2023)
      In its first formal response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $297 billion spending plan, the Legislature offered some pointed feedback on Wednesday: The governor’s fiscal forecasters are being too optimistic and the state needs to prepare for a worsening budgetary outlook. But Newsom shouldn't cut anything.
  • Scramble Begins for Feinstein’s U.S. Senate Seat (Published January 18, 2023)
      Dianne Feinstein, who has been a U.S. senator from California for three decades, hasn't yet said whether she'll seek another term in 2024, but would-be successors are already standing in line.
  • Is California’s Drought Over? Here’s What You Need To Know About Rain, Snow, Reservoirs and Drought. (Published January 12, 2023)
      A dozen days of wet and wild weather haven’t ended the drought, and won't cure the driest period in the West in the past 1,200 years.
  • CalMatters Journalists Win Awards for ‘Compelling’ and ‘High Quality’ Environmental Coverage (Published January 10, 2023)
      The Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored CalMatters’ work.
  • A Fond Farewell (Published January 8, 2023)
      Since March of 202, Emily Hoeven has written and compiled a daily newsletter for CalMatters. This is from her last.
  • Where to Get Sandbags in Santa Cruz County (Published January 8, 2023)
      From our friends at SLV Post: A comprehensive list of locations, from Watsonville to the San Lorenzo Valley, that make sandbags available to residents. Note that some will require proof of residency.
  • Key Issues that Will Shape California in 2023 (Published January 3, 2023)
      Welcome to 2023 — a year that may prove decisive in California’s attempts to address some major challenges, from housing and homelessness to climate change.
  • 01-02-23: Looking Forward to 2023 (Published January 2, 2023)
      A look back at the past year in Explainers and photos—and a look ahead.
  • Looking Back At California in 2022, in Photos (Published January 1, 2023)
      Here’s a look back, through the work of CalMatters photojournalists and freelance photographers.
  • If You Love Tahoe, Step Right Up! (Published December 30, 2022)
      Wherever you live in California, you are likely to have strong feelings about Lake Tahoe. I want you to know that the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s annual Give Back Tahoe campaign is at the tail end of another record-breaking year.
  • Border Scramble: Why California Isn’t Financially Ready for Title 42 to End (Published December 28, 2022)
      The Supreme Court is keeping in place, for now, Title 42 — the pandemic policy that OK’d migrant expulsions. California has yet to figure out how to meet the needs of an influx of migrants when it does go away.
  • Buried Treasure: California Politicians Stash $35 Million in Leftover Cash (Published December 21, 2022)
      Nearly 100 committees are sitting on $35 million in leftover campaign funds. Candidates could give the cash to charity or return it to their donors, but many hold on to the money to retain political influence or to possibly run again.
  • What Has California’s Government Been Up to Lately? Here’s Your Updated Primer (Published December 20, 2022)
      CalMatters' expert journalists around the state created this guide to the state's efforts to meet the challenges of 2022 and prepare for 2023.
  • State Awards $115M for Bike Projects; $103M for Rail Trail (Published December 18, 2022)
      The California Transportation Commission has granted $115 million to the county to implement bike-transportation projects, including the Santa Cruz Rail Trail.
  • Q&A with Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley (Published December 16, 2022)
      He’s served the county and the state in multiple capacities as a public official. Now Fred Keeley is the first popularly elected mayor of his longtime hometown.
  • California’s Only HBCU Aims to Solve Black Doctor Shortage (Published December 15, 2022)
      Charles Drew University, the only historically Black university in California, will launch a new MD program next year. The goal is to train more doctors of color to help underserved communities in a state where only 3% of physicians are Black.
  • Is California’s Drought Over? Water Providers Still Predict Shortages Next Year (Published December 14, 2022)
      Despite December storms, water supplies remain low in many areas. Some managers expect to impose severe restrictions on their customers.
  • More Housing, Fewer Prisons: California Outlines Game Plan (Published December 7, 2022)
      Hanging over the heads of California's newly sworn-in state lawmakers — and likely to be top of mind when they return to Sacramento next month — are the state's intertwined housing and homelessness crises. That was made clear Tuesday, when Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco introduced for the third time a bill [...]
  • California Elections Finally Had National Relevance. Democrats Didn’t Capitalize (Published November 28, 2022)
      The Democratic Party could regret its failure to better coordinate campaigns in California and spend more money on congressional races that helped determine control of the House of Representatives.
  • About-Face: Why Newsom Relented, Released $1 Billion Despite Lackluster Local Homeless Plans (Published November 28, 2022)
      The governor threw communities into disarray two weeks ago by withholding $1 billion in homelessness funding for plans he saw as unambitious. But local officials said the assignment itself discouraged ambition. Now Newsom is yielding.
  • Newsom Enjoys Historic Support in California. Will He Put it to Use? (Published November 18, 2022)
      Gov. Gavin Newsom has won three gubernatorial elections with historic support. He should use his popularity to unite constituencies and improve some of California’s intractable problems.
  • About Monterey County and California Local (Published November 18, 2022)
      California Local supports democracy in California by sharing honest news about local government and politics, as well as elected officials and community groups. Plus: Monterey County traffic and weather.
  • How California Could Count Every Vote Faster (Published November 17, 2022)
      California has expanded voting access and participation, but that can delay election results. Are there ways to count votes faster without undermining election security?
  • Slashing Greenhouse Gases: California Revises Climate Change Strategy (Published November 16, 2022)
      A new version of California’s climate plan sets a more stringent—some say unrealistic—target for cutting greenhouse gases. It also relies on controversial carbon capture projects, which would be responsible for 15% of all cuts.
  • Will This Be the Most Diverse California Legislature Ever? (Published November 14, 2022)
      While votes are still being counted, it appears that the next Legislature will include the most women and LGBTQ members ever. Advocacy groups are already celebrating, but how much difference will the diversity make in policy?
  • California Election Drama May Be Yet to Come (Published November 9, 2022)
      After months of anticipation and buildup, California's general election came and went — and so far, things don't look very different than they did before polls closed Tuesday night. But some of the races that could be among the most consequential for the country's direction have yet to be decided. Early returns tabulated by CalMatters' [...]
  • Pelosi Attack Illuminates Four California Challenges (Published October 31, 2022)
      Friday’s attack on Paul Pelosi, husband to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, has cast a harsh light on intertwined, deeply ingrained problems facing the state.
  • Gavin Newsom’s Reelection Campaign Looks More Like a Run For President (Published October 25, 2022)
      California’s governor is spending more time and money on two ballot measures and a possible presidential run than his own reelection campaign.
  • Here’s Your Guide to Sports Betting ... and Everything Else to Know About Gambling in California (Published October 20, 2022)
      In California, you can bet on a horse race, buy a lottery ticket, put money on poker in a card room and play slots at a tribal casino all in the same day.
  • California GOP Demands Emergency Action on Taxes, Crime (Published October 19, 2022)
      California Republicans are zeroing in on the three issues on which they say Democrats may be most vulnerable heading into the Nov. 8 election: The rising cost of living, crime and homelessness. On Tuesday, 26 of the 28 current Republican lawmakers asked the Democratic leaders of the state Assembly and Senate to "immediately" reconvene the [...]
  • This Is How Much Money You’ll Get From the California Gas Rebate (Published October 14, 2022)
      Here’s who is eligible for a 2022 gas rebate, how you will get it, when and how much you should expect.
  • The Equity Gap: Despite Progress, California Community Colleges Won’t Reach Newsom’s Aspirational Goals (Published October 13, 2022)
      California’s community colleges aren’t on track to reach ambitious goals of closing the gaps in graduation rates between racial and ethnic groups. Its central office leaders doubt they’ll reach those goals, including new ones laid out by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
  • Q&A with Ramona Giwargis, San Jose Spotlight co-founder and CEO (Published October 12, 2022)
      A Q&A with Ramona Giwargis, San Jose Spotlight co-founder, about the City of San Jose's refusal to hand over emails from Mayor Sam Liccardo's personal account.
  • This State Program Could Help Undocumented Students Find Jobs (Published October 12, 2022)
      California’s estimated 75,000 undocumented students don’t qualify for federal work-study or most job opportunities. A new state service program launched last week, College Corps, will give hundreds of them as much as $10,000 per year to perform community service.
  • City of San Jose and Mayor Sam Liccardo Still Battling Sunshine Lawsuit (Published October 12, 2022)
      Liccardo faces accusations of using a personal email account to conduct official city business and withholding public information contained in numerous email exchanges. A lawsuit filed eight months ago by the news site San Jose Spotlight and the First Amendment Coalition (FAC) claimed that the City of San Jose and  Liccardo “continued to engage in extensive work-related correspondence on his non-governmental electronic devices.”
  • What Would Shirley Weber Do Next as California Secretary of State? (Published October 11, 2022)
      In an hour-long interview with CalMatters, Secretary of State Shirley Weber talks about changing California's recalls for governor, increasing voter participation and other issues.
  • Will Californians Get Even More Gas Rebates? (Published October 7, 2022)
      As California gas prices approach record highs — though costs could soon drop by as much as $1 per gallon — there's "9.5 billion reasons I think people should be appreciative that the state's recognizing the stress and strain that families are going through," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday.
  • California Stuck in Dem-GOP Binary (Published October 4, 2022)
      In California — where the latest voter registration numbers show Democrats outnumbering Republicans nearly 2 to 1 — the R-D binary can make for less-than-exciting statewide elections.
  • Newsom Steps Up His (Nonpresidential?) Campaign (Published October 3, 2022)
      California Gov. Gavin Newsom insists that he's not running for president but continues to cultivate a national political profile that may indicate otherwise.
  • Reparations Task Force: State Could Owe Many Black Californians $200K Each (Published September 27, 2022)
      Black Californians could be due hundreds of thousands of dollars for housing discrimination, incarceration, and health disparities alone, consultants said at reparations task force hearings.
  • Delivering Impact for the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (Published September 26, 2022)
      California Local is helping a powerful organization tell a big story about confronting problems that threaten the soul of the North Lake Tahoe community.
  • Cement Reproductive Rights in California’s Constitution (Published September 23, 2022)
      Proposition 1 is on the November ballot to shore up the rights we’re losing at the federal level and to reaffirm the idea that basic decisions about reproductive health care should lie with individuals, not government officials.
  • Footbridge Services Center to Close Most of its Services (Published September 21, 2022)
      The vital homeless nonprofit shutters just as Benchlands evictions begin
  • Newsom’s California Economic Forecast: Veto Message Edition (Published September 20, 2022)
      Loyal readers of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto messages may have noticed a new theme popping up lately; Newsom, again and again: “With our state facing lower-than-expected revenues over the first few months of this fiscal year, it is important to remain disciplined.”
  • Salinas Teachers Return After Two Weeks With Children at the Polish-Ukrainian Border (Published September 16, 2022)
     
  • International Day of Democracy Focused on Free Media (Published September 16, 2022)
      UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres defends "the cornerstone of democratic societies—free, independent, and pluralistic media.”
  • Local Democratic Party Pulls Support for Tovar (Published September 15, 2022)
      The Santa Clara County Democratic Party pulled its endorsement of Gilroy City Councilmember Fred Tovar, saying his policy positions are in “direct conflict” with the party’s platform.
  • About Santa Clara County and California Local (Published September 13, 2022)
      Find reliable news and information about San Jose and the other communities throughout the South Bay Area, aka Silicon Valley. Also: Traffic and weather!
  • Can California Really Make its Power Grid 100% Green? (Published September 11, 2022)
      New legislation accelerates California's self-mandate to convert to a carbon-free electrical grid by 2045. But can the state actually do it?
  • CalMatters 2022 General Election Voter Guide (Published September 7, 2022)
      The nonpartisan CalMatters 2022 Voter Guide was crafted by reporters, editors, data journalists, visual journalists and product designers.
  • A Do-or-Die Day For California’s Power Grid (Published September 6, 2022)
      Today, California's power grid is poised to face its biggest test of the summer so far as a record-setting heat wave continues to boil the drought-parched, fire-stricken state. As residents crank up their air conditioners to deal with yet another day of triple-digit temperatures, peak demand could shoot past 51,000 megawatts — surpassing the record [...]
  • California Legislature Approves 5 of 6 Big Climate Crisis Bills (Published September 2, 2022)
      Five of the six climate and energy bills that the governor pushed at the last minute were approved by the Legislature.
  • ‘Forcing The Hand’: Newsom Leans Into Legislative Agenda as First Term Nears End (Published August 31, 2022)
      In his first three years as governor, Newsom mostly acted through executive orders or the state budget. This year, he’s pushing more legislation as he builds his resume for reelection and, possibly, higher office. Key bills focus on climate change and homelessness.
  • Could California Save Democrats’ US House Majority? (Published August 24, 2022)
      Democrats are targeting five Republican-held congressional seats in California this year, hoping that gains in the state could save their House majority.
  • Wildlife Crossings Make Roads Safer for Animals and Humans (Published August 22, 2022)
      The Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act would require Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify wildlife barriers and prioritize crossings when building or improving roads and highways.
  • Looking Back at the CZU Fire, and Looking Forward (Published August 15, 2022)
      The 2020 fire season was a nightmare. Is it possible that a new green-tech day is dawning?
  • State Must Kick-Start Funding for Electric Bus Fleet Programs (Published August 10, 2022)
      Putting more electric trucks and buses on California roads will improve air quality and grow local jobs. But for many fleets, the transition to electric will require innovative policy and finance solutions to get the job done on pace with climate targets.
  • Does the University of California Undercut Academic Freedom? (Published August 8, 2022)
      The University of California is requiring candidates for faculty employment or promotion to write statements declaring their active support for diversity policies, but some see it as impinging on academic freedom.
  • Charge Trump with a Crime, Say 84% of Power Poll Respondents (Published August 4, 2022)
      Meanwhile, the latest San Jose Inside Power Poll finds that voters don’t much care about the fate of the former city hall.
  • CalMatters Members Donate More Than $50,000 to Fund Essential Nonpartisan State News (Published August 1, 2022)
      CalMatters is supported by a diverse and growing group of members, major donors, foundations and institutions.
  • California Counties Siphon Social Security Benefits from Foster Kids (Published July 24, 2022)
     
  • 6-27-22 Wildfire Season: Making the Best of What Could be the Worst (Published June 27, 2022)
      As we approach what many predict will be the worst fire season in our history, we revisit the work of some California Local Media Alliance colleagues to get a picture of where we stand in Santa Cruz County.
  • After Roe: What Happens to Abortion in California? (Published June 24, 2022)
      Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the Roe decision, here are key takeaways of what to expect for abortion in California.
  • About Sacramento County and California Local (Published June 21, 2022)
      Sacramento County is experiencing rapid growth, and faces bright prospects as well as hard challenges. California Local SAC keeps you informed and connected.
  • On NPR: Poet Amanda Gorman Celebrates the Gift of Blackness for Juneteenth (Published June 19, 2022)
     
  • 6-13-22 Defending Democracy (Published June 13, 2022)
      Some perspectives on last week's primary election, and the scourge of political cynicism.
  • A Real Solution for Low- and Very Low-Income Housing. Now. (Published June 13, 2022)
      Gov. Newsom and the state legislature should consider allocating $40 billion of the state's $97 billion surplus to subsidize the building of low-income housing.
  • The World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing is Being Built in LA (Published June 9, 2022)
      The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which will help pumas in the Santa Monica Mountains cross 10 lanes of Highway 101, will be the largest in the world.
  • Why Didn’t More Californians Vote? (Published June 9, 2022)
      California mailed out more than 22 million ballots to registered voters ahead of Tuesday’s primary election. But as of Wednesday, just 3.5 million had been counted.
  • From Bud Colligan, Nadene Thorne & Bobbi Burns: ‘Clearing Up Misconceptions About Measure D’ (Published June 2, 2022)
      Measure D, the Greenway Initiative, has generated more dialog than any measure in the history of Santa Cruz County. Why all the attention and unfortunate vitriol? Both sides of the issue believe strongly that their approach to dealing with our unused rail corridor is the correct one. In this climate of disinformation, it’s important to do the research and use common sense when doing a reality check of the situation.
  • Why I Support the Santa Cruz Rail Trail and Oppose the Greenway Initiative (Published June 1, 2022)
      Three California transportation leaders explain why Measure D will ultimately kill much-needed rail service and slow progress on the Santa Cruz Rail Trail.
  • Who’s Responsible: Guns, Doors or ‘Fake Security’? (Published May 28, 2022)
      On Thursday, the country was still reeling from the mass murder of 19 elementary school children in Texas. In San Jose, survivors and their families commemorated the first anniversary of the San Jose railyard massacre that left nine shot dead. And in Sacramento, the California Legislature pushed forward what may be the most far-reaching pieces of its gun control package.
  • About Santa Cruz County and California Local (Published May 27, 2022)
      California Local supports democracy in California by sharing honest news about local government and politics, as well as elected officials and community groups. Plus: Santa Cruz County Traffic and Weather.
  • Santa Cruz County’s Greenway Initiative Is Neither Green, Nor the Right Way (Published March 29, 2022)
      A June ballot initiative, Measure D, would kill nearly three decades of work to buy and repair a 32-mile existing rail line from Davenport, through Santa Cruz, all the way to Watsonville.
  • A Small-City Mayor Takes on a Massive Fight (Published March 14, 2022)
      The LA Times' Mark Z. Barabak tells the tale of Steve Young, mayor of the small North Bay Area city of Benicia, who is in a battle with the Valero Energy Corp.
  • 2018 Good Times Series Dug Deep into Rail Trail Debate (Published March 3, 2022)
      In the spring of 2018, Good Times reporter Jake Pierce composed a five-part series on what was already a long-running battle over a complex issue.
  • After Its Most Successful ‘Give-Back Tahoe’ Campaign, TTCF Prepares for a Big Year (Published February 2, 2022)
      2021 saw the biggest single day of fundraising in the history of Give Back Tahoe, launched by the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation in 2014.
  • Explainer: Roaring Camp and freight rail in Santa Cruz County (published February 1, 2022)
      Controversial proposal to halt freight-rail service to be discussed.
  • The Big Lie, and the Epiphany that Didn’t Happen (Published January 10, 2022)
      I hoped the events of Jan. 6, 2021, would put an end to the Big Lie—that the election of 2020 was bogus. But on Jan. 6, 2022, the Big Lie got even bigger.
  • TTCF’s Stacy Caldwell Talks About Give Back Tahoe (Published December 9, 2021)
      A conversation with Stacy Caldwell, CEO of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation.
  • Welcome to California Local (Published August 9, 2021)
      Thank you for finding California Local. This is what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it.
  • Tahoe Leads Nation On Ebike Trail Management (Published July 20, 2021)
      A recent decision by Tahoe National Forest and a proposal by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to open miles of mountain bike trails to Class 1 ebikes followed a two-year process that became contentious.
  • Man, Reportedly Drunk and/or Drugged, Burns Car To Scare Bears (Published July 16, 2021)
      The Sac Bee’s Amelia Davidson apparently resisted the urge to make fun of a man whose car was found burning along a remote stretch of I-80 yesterday.
  • Sac Fire Captain Faces ‘Ghost Gun’ Charges (Published July 6, 2021)
      Ryan Sabalow of the Sacramento Bee tells the tale of a reportedly heroic Sacramento Metropolitan Fire captain who police say was manufacturing illegal automatic weapons at his home in rural El Dorado County.
  • Laird Touts Record-Breaking Education Budget (Published June 30, 2021)
      EdSource spoke with Sen. John Laird Monday regarding the “historic” education funding contained in the budget the legislature had just sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
  • Tahoe Weekly: The Original Guide (Published June 13, 2021)
      Tahoe Weekly Publisher Katharine Hill looks back at the founding roots of the publication to talk about the challenges of running a journalistic enterprise committed to quality content.
  • SCPD Finds Stolen Axes (Published June 12, 2021)
      Santa Cruz Police Lt. Arnold Vasquez  told the Sentinel’s Jessica York that investigators with the SCPD on Tuesday raided a Delaware Avenue warehouse and found nine vintage guitars valued at $5,000 to $50,000 each.
  • Forest Futures Salon Series: Recreation and Restoration (Published April 28, 2021)
      The April Forest Futures Salon Series featured four speakers to discuss recreation and restoration.
  • Tahoe Weekly: Bears are awake; what you need to know (Published April 20, 2021)
      Tahoe Weekly has launched a new feature it is calling “Life in Tahoe.” The first installment could be an actual life-saver, as it delivers some best-practices for preventing or managing human contact with bears.
  • Bye-Bye Big Sur (Published April 8, 2021)
      Is the iconic coastal stretch of Highway 1 about to close?
  • Tahoe Weekly Tackles Trash (Published March 10, 2021)
      Tahoe Weekly’s Priya Hunter offers deep reporting and her personal perspective on a serious trash problem that has roiled Lake Tahoe and the mountain communities that surround it since last summer.
  • COVID-19 Heroes: 10 Local Nonprofits Helping Silicon Valley’s Neediest (Published May 12, 2020)
      As requests for basic needs grow, including food, shelter, and financial assistance for rent, non-profits move to help those most at risk.
  • Merc Interviews Doctor Who Initiated Lockdown (Published May 5, 2020)
      Santa Clara County Health Officer Sara Cody urged continued caution to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from exploding.
  • Hope for Affordable Housing in San Jose (Published April 9, 2020)
      San Jose City Council earmarks $70 million a year for affordable housing by taxing buyers and sellers of homes valued at more than $2 million.
  • USGS: Earthquake Hazard Worse Than We Thought (Published April 9, 2020)
      Tall buildings in San Jose and Walnut Creek are at a greater risk of earthquake damage.
  • Palo Alto Bans Short-Term Rent Gouging (Published April 9, 2020)
      On its third try, the Palo Alto City Council passed an urgency measure prohibiting evictions without just cause.
  • Newsom’s $5 Billion Mass-Transit Diversion Draws Heat (Published February 24, 2020)
      San Jose lawmaker attacks governor's plan to divert $5 billion annually away from highways and toward mass transit.
  • Report: Poor Getting Priced Out (Published February 10, 2020)
      In Part 2 of an ambitious report, the Mercury News and East Bay Times visit a San Jose neighborhood hit hard by rising house prices.
  • The Groundbreaking Housing-Law Package of 2017 (Published February 10, 2020)
      That year, state lawmakers delivered 15 bills aimed at tackling California’s housing crisis. You need to know about this remarkable feat.
  • Diridon Station, the Diridon Station Area Plan, and the Google Project (Published February 6, 2020)
      The area around the station will see San Jose's largest public works project in decades and Google's ambitious mixed-use development.
  • Explainer: City Council Government Guide (Published February 5, 2020)
      This is how the mayor, city council, city manager, etc., work together to run San Jose on your behalf.
  • San Jose Council Unanimous on Massive Mass-Transit Plan (Published February 5, 2020)
      The City Council decided that new rail lines associated with the dramatic expansion of Diridon Station will use existing corridors.
  • Diridon Station Plan Moves Ahead (Published January 28, 2020)
      Diridon Station’s infrastructure will be the topic of a study session tonight at 6 p.m., in advance of a Feb. 4 vote on the enormous project.
  • Public Banking Bill a Landmark in California (Published January 23, 2020)
      Local rep co-sponsored AB 857, which would pave the way for publicly owned banks.
  • Getting Serious About Homelessness in Silicon Valley (Published December 18, 2019)
      Supervisor Dave Cortese and Mayor Sam Liccardo united county leaders to tackle the housing crisis. Here's how it happened.
  • Supes Pass Gun-Safety Law (Published December 17, 2019)
      The ordinance, authored by Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, requires gun owners to secure their weapons when not in use.
  • South Bay Takes Aim at Gun Violence (Published December 17, 2019)
      This timeline follows recent legislative activity regarding firearms and public safety in San Jose and Santa Clara County.
  • Housing for 80 Homeless Residents in Santa Clara (Published December 17, 2019)
      Calabazas Community Apartments will consist of 80 “mini-studio” apartments with on-site support services available.
  • Quake Early Warning App Drops (Published October 21, 2019)
      Statewide system launches on 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake,

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