Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) 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. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.
Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.
• California Judge Sides With AG Rob Bonta Over Proposed Trans Youth Ballot Measure’s Title
A Sacramento Superior Court judge has tentatively sided with California Attorney General Rob Bonta over the name of a proposed ballot measure that his office says would “restrict the rights of trans youth.”
(04/20/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• San Juan Unified School District Seeks Feedback on Facilities Master Plan
San Juan Unified ihas invited the community to contribute feedback at nine upcoming community forums. The district plans to address facilities plans of each high school and all associated schools that feed into the high school.
(04/20/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
• Supreme Court Hearing Case on Regulating Homeless Encampments. How It Effects California
It is the most important Supreme Court case about homelessness in 40 years, advocates say, and has the potential to affect much broader policy.
(04/20/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Goats and Sheep Are Roaming Elk Grove Grasslands. Here’s Why and How to Check Them Out
Each year, a herd of 7,000 sheep graze and goats tend to the grass with their kids, or baby goats, in creeks and channels throughout the city, clear vegetation grow during the wet season to cut down on wildfire dangers.
(04/20/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• CapRadio to Terminate Its Agreement With Capital Public Radio Endowment
Capital Public Radio is terminating its operating agreement this summer with the nonprofit that exists solely to support the NPR-affiliate station that operates under the broadcasting license of California State University Sacramento.
(04/19/2024) → Sacramento Business Journal
• Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.
(04/21/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'
California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.
(04/20/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger
Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why
The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.
(04/18/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
(04/17/2024) → CalMatters
• Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.
(04/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens
Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.
(04/17/2024) → California Healthline
• In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital
Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.
(04/16/2024) → California Healthline