View north over Highway 140, El Portal, and the Merced River canyon as a summer storm rolls on by. Screenshot from a time-lapse courtesy of ALERTCalifornia-UC San Diego.
I write to you this evening as always from Sacramento, where we have endured a string of 100-plus degree days, including several 110-plus degree days. We avoided aestivation by hunkering down in our blackout-drapes-darkened, air-conditioned apartment, and escaping to our blessed neighborhood public swimming pool and our favorite lake in the nearby Sierra.
Many Californians are not so fortunate. At best, they might have been able to access “cooling centers”—but most did not, because California cities and counties have not invested sufficient resources to make them easily accessible.
The feature article in this week’s edition of The Newsletter deals with the admittedly bone-dry topic of municipal budgeting. That is: how your local governments spend your tax money on essential services—from schools to cooling centers to municipal swimming pools. This, as you will see, is the essence of democratic governance.
(It’s actually a pretty easy read, and while I don’t mean to get too “eat your vegetables“ here, this will help you be a better-informed citizen. Thank you and you’re welcome.)
But first something easy and fun: a bunch of short-and-sweet videos that we are calling California Views.
Also, this week as always a bite-sized digest of the important news that might impact you and your community… and a recipe that might add some deliciousness to your week.
Easily go Deep in the Weeds of Governance
Our good friend, California Local’s CEO Chris Neklason, approaches the job of reporting on local government with the mind of an engineer. Elsewhere, he has pointed out that a fundamental rule of democratic governance holds that whenever public money is involved, there is an elected or appointed board tasked with managing that money. Engineers like rules, and this is a good one.
Here, Chris explains the basic setup that determines how public money is raised and spent. Pretty basic stuff, pretty important, and, I think you’ll agree, pretty easily understood.
• Hundreds of Sacramento Affordable Units Unused
Staffing shortages and other issues at the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency have lead to 300 affordable housing units vacant at any given time, and a rebuke from the San Francisco HUD office.
(07/15/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Citrus Heights Battles Fires During Heat Wave
During a week in which temperatures topped 110 degrees, crews responded to several fires which broke out on July 9 and 11 in Citrus Heights.
(07/12/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
• A Look Ahead for Elk Grove Mayor and City Council
A view of what's expected in the remainder of 2024 for Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and the City Council.
(07/12/2024) → Elk Grove News Net
• Citrus Heights to Make Strategic Property Acquisition
In their July 10 meeting, the Citrus Heights City Council voted to acquire two parcels on Old Auburn Road of a combined 1.74 acres.
(07/11/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
• Sacramento County to Sell 71-Acre Parcel
Sacramento County announced it is selling 71 acres of land on Douglas Boulevard and Mather Road with a priority for a future affordable housing development.
(07/11/2024) → Solving Sacramento
• Heatwave Claims Two
The Sacramento Homeless Union reports that two unhoused men have died so far in July during a relentless heatwave.
(07/11/2024) → The Sacramento Observer
• Work on Elk Grove's Commuter Rail Station Proceeds
Work is slowly underway on the Altamont Commuter Express station on Dwight Road in Elk Grove.
(07/11/2024) → Elk Grove News Net
• Funding Approved for Homeless Behavioral Health Services
Sacramento County approved a $26 million contract with Behavioral Health Bridge Housing to provide housing and services for homeless people with substance abuse or behavioral mental health issues.
(07/11/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Citrus Heights City Council Candidate Filing Opens
Candidates for two open seats on the Citrus Heights City Council may file starting July 15 to be placed on the November ballot.
(07/09/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
View north over Highway 140, El Portal, and the Merced River canyon as a summer storm rolls on by. Screenshot from a time-lapse courtesy of ALERTCalifornia-UC San Diego.
