A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
I posted the above photo to the family text thread on Saturday and received a reply that reminded me that I'm glad I live in California. Gretchen, my sister-in-law, who lives in a leafy and perfecly lovely suburb outside Washington DC, texted back: “I love that Sacramento has community pools. Virginia only has membership-only pools. Leftover from its anti-integration history.”
In fact, one of the things my wife and I love about the pool at the Clunie Center is that it draws folks from every corner of this city. We love that we live in the most diverse state in the nation, and in one of California's most diverse cities.
So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, as we often do, we celebrate some of the good stuff we get to enjoy here in the Golden State. Elsewhere, you may be rage-reading about an unapologetic felon and his defenders … here today we’re going to look toward the light.
AAPI Heritage Month Extended
May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and last week we celebrated with the publication of a list that might surprise you. Sure, there's Kamala Harris and Tiger Woods. But you may also be delighted to meet Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, Dalip Singh Saund and many more.
25 AAPI Leaders From California
California has been home to many Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have transcended barriers and reshaped society, from education to advocacy, art to sports, politics, and beyond.
DTLA
Our colleague Chris Neklason and his family ventured to the land down under, that is, southern California.
He has thoughts about Downtown LA, or DTLA, as the civic hipsters call it.
Get to Know a Group
Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The chapter serves Sacramento and Yolo counties, as well as southern Placer County.
→ Learn more
• Sacramento Native Appointed to Eastern District Court
On May 22 the US Senate confirmed Sacramento native Dena M. Coggins as a U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of California which includes Sacramento.
(06/03/2024) → The Sacramento Observer
• Elhorn Boulevard Extension to Airport Opens
The one-mile span connects Highway 99 in North Natomas to the Sacramento Airport.
(06/02/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Business Group Proposed for Citrus Heights
A new "development collective" is being proposed for Auburn Boulevard businesses in Citrus Heights.
(06/01/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
• Rusch Park Restrooms Still Closed
Set to be reopened in April, repairs on the restrooms in Citrus Height's Rusch Community Park are delayed due to setbacks in the bidding process.
(06/01/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
• New Mural Unveiled in Sacramento Japantown
On May 28, an unveiling celebration was held for a new mural at Capitol Mall and 4th Street.
(05/31/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• EPA Grants Fund Elk Grove Electric School Buses
On May 29, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced grants to fund electric school busses, including $5.5million for the Elk Grove Unified School District.
(05/31/2024) → Elk Grove News Net
• Camp Resolution Land Use Extended
The self-governed Camp Resolution in Sacramento was granted an extension on their land use to December 1 to give the camp and city more time to reach a lease agreement.
(05/30/2024) → CapPublicRadio
• New Sacramento Historic District Preserves Eichlers
The Sacramento City Council voted to designate a part of South Land Park Hills as a new historic district, preserving 48 homes designed by Joseph Eichler.
(05/29/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Sacramento School District Bond Measure Goes to Voters
Explaining the Sacramento City Unified School District bond measure which will be on the November ballot.
(05/29/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Reconnecting Downtown to Old Sacramento Riverfront
Federal funds have been requested to study the feasibility of the Sacramento Stitch Park Riverfront Reconnection Project, a 4 acre park spanning Highway 5.
(05/29/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Elk Grove Capital Improvement Program Includes Traffic Improvements
$1million is budgeted for an extra turn lane at a major chokepoint while awaiting the construction of the long-planned Highway 99-Whitelock Parkway interchange.
(05/29/2024) → Elk Grove News Net
• The Philharmonik's Tiny Desk Concert
Video of the full Tiny Desk Concert by Sacramento's The Philharmonik.
(05/29/2024) → CapPublicRadio
• UC Davis Workers Join Strike
On May 28, UC Davis academic workers joined the strike protesting the University of California response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
(05/28/2024) → CapPublicRadio
• Elk Grove Considers Permanent Homeless Shelter
In the May 22 Elk Grove City Council meeting, councilmembers discussed the success of the Enhanced Winter Sanctuary program and the possibility of making it permanent.
(05/28/2024) → Elk Grove News Net
• City of Sacramento Considers Budget Options
The City of Sacramento is facing a $66 million deficit in a proposed budget of $1.6 billion and weighing the options to cover it.
(05/27/2024) → The Sacramento Observer
• New Research Indicates More Massive California Flooding in Past
Cal State Fullerton researchers released findings of ancient floods in Southern California which indicate the state may be more prone to mega flooding than previously thought.
(06/01/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Why a Bay Area Transit Rescue Plan Is on Hold
A Bay Area transit funding bill is delayed so supporters can seek consensus on how the money will be raised and distributed.
(05/31/2024) → CalMatters
• Raising Kids in California? They May Have College Savings Accounts You Don’t Know About.
The state is directly investing money for low-income students and all newborns to attend college. After two years, the program is still not widely known by the students who need the most financial assistance.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sides With Big Utilities, Trimming Incentives for Community Solar Projects
These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC’s action is unlikely to give them the option.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• California’s Runoff Flows Down the Drain. Can More Be Captured?
Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• Democrats Kill California Homeless Camp Ban, Again
A bill to ban homeless encampments statewide near parks, schools and transit hubs failed to get out of the same legislative committee as last year.
(05/29/2024) → CalMatters
• Planets on Parade in June
An alignment known as a “planetary parade” will march across night skies starting June 3.
(05/28/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Key Deadlines Loom, Newsom and California Lawmakers Have Dozens of Deals to Make
It’s time for the folks in California’s Capitol to play let’s-make-a-deal – or actually, many deals.
(05/28/2024) → CalMatters
• UC Student Workers Expand Strike to Two More Campuses as They Demand Amnesty for Protestors
After University of California students were arrested or suspended for protests, student workers are striking at three campuses. The Office of President says the strike violates the union contract.
(05/28/2024) → CalMatters
• ‘We Have to Do Less With Less’: Cal State Faces Extra $500 Million Budget Gap
Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.
(05/27/2024) → CalMatters
• California Wants to Be Carbon-Neutral by 2045. What Does That Mean for Its Big Economic Drivers?
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, flew more 6,000 miles to Rome this month to deliver a brief speech on climate change at a Vatican-sponsored conference.
(05/27/2024) → CalMatters