California Local Member Profile: Eric Johnson

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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