Our Journalism Needs Your Support

By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 18, 2024

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

This week, you might appreciate some reasons to believe that it's reasonable to hold out hope for the future—I'm just guessing. And you may also be ripe to be remindeed that there are some good things happening in this real world, while elsewhere things are getting weirder than ever. I feel fortunate to bring you three pieces of truly good news.

And yes, a reminder: If you hopescroll a bit here, you will find a recipe that you might use to make yourself and your loved ones more happy, AND links to true news articles about stuff that is happening where you live, so you can actually participate in building democracy. (Sorry ... don't mean to sound preachy ... and ... you're welcome.)

People Have the Power

Here’s a good story with a happy ending: A decade ago, the Chumash Tribal Council, led by Chief Fred Collins, proposed to federal authorities that the coastal waters offshore of their ancestral homeland be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. In October, that wish came to be. (See below.)

The Chumash people found an ally in the state of California, and also in federal agencies. Sometimes–not always–government works. In this case, definitely yes.

Meanwhile, up the coast in Santa Cruz County, the California State Parks department is working to democratize decisions about rebuilding a state beach and campground that were decimated by storm damage in 2023. The Seacliff Resilience Project is holding public meetings and collecting input—"reimagining" ways to guard against the twin threats of megastorms and rising sea-levels. This could be a new thing statewide and beyond.

And the life of the sea abides: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a California treasure of global significance. Among the myriad gifts it brings the world are its webcams. Please do yourself a favor and hit the link and watch -- the otters. Or the moon jellies. Or (deep breath) the kelp forest. Face it: Things are not all bad.

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary

The newest of the 17 U.S. marine sanctuaries is being stewarded by the people who know it best.

Thousands of square miles of ocean and coastal habitat are now preserved for future generations.

Crowdsourcing Plans for Resilience

Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.

One Good Thing: Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams

The gentle waving back and forth of the kelp forest has entranced visitors since the aquarium opened.

Have a desire to watch a kelp forest, or some moon jellies, or some otters, or sharks, or birds? Not a problem thanks to these amazing live webcams.

	Sacramento County's Homepage
Direct your browser to https://sacramento.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Sacramento County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!

Recipe of the Week

Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.

See more recipes in their Taste Fall! cookbook.

Persimmons add flavor to fruity fall scones

The firmer Fuyu persimmon is the fruit featured in this delicious scone.

New! Persimmon-raisin scones with fresh Fuyu persimmon

Get to Know a Group

Big Brothers Big Sisters

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.

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From Our Media Allies

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	Dignity Health Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade across Sacramento Market
	Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog focused on patient safety

	A Look Back at Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s Contributions to Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy
	Mayor Darrell Steinberg stepped up to the podium outside of the Warehouse Artist Lofts on R Street in downtown Sacramento. It was June 14, 2017, another seasonably warm early summer day. A drumline beat out a thunderous rhythm line and …

	Teens Earn Bikes, Learn Life Skills in Innovative Program
	Cordova High School students have benefitted from a heartwarming program created by the American River Bike Patrol that has introduced teens to the joys of cycling and taught them life skills in an unusual way.

	Pedestrian, Bike Bridge Proposed for Mangini Ranch
	The city of Folsom is studying a possible bike and pedestrian bridge on East Bidwell Street in new Mangini Ranch.

	Thousands Pack City Streets for Veterans Day Parade
	Folsom’s 24th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Day Parade was a joyous event, celebrated by thousands of people throughout the city Monday morning.

	Final Folsom Central Business Dist. Vision Plan Accepted
	In a landmark move to reimagine the city’s economic and cultural center, the Folsom City Council has approved the Central Business District Vision Plan.

	Latest Folsom River District Vision Plan Draft Unveiled
	The members of the Folsom City Council and those in attendance at City Hall had the opportunity for another review of the latest draft the 2024 River District Vision Plan earlier this week, setting a framework for the possibilities in …

	Folsom to Unveil First Art Feature on Johnny Cash Trail
	The much talked about Johnny Cash Trail will have its very first feature transform from a concept into reality next week. The City of Folsom will unveil the first art installation on the Johnny Cash Trail on Thursday, Nov. 21, …

	Bipartisan Effort by California Congress Members Drives Modern Multi-Modal Transportation Project Forward
	Democratic Representatives Ami Bera and Doris Matsui, along with Republican Kevin Kiley, are collectively pushing for federal funding to support the Capital SouthEast Connector project.

	Prioritizing Safety for Families on Grant Line Road
	While improving traffic flow through the Sacramento region has always been the Capital Southeast Connector Expressway’s focus, improving safety throughout the route has been an equal goal.

	Saluting Labor: SouthEast Connector Paves Path to Opportunity
	The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) has plans for a regional bike and pedestrian trail that links people to parks, schools, business employment centers, retail outlets, and more

	The Capital SouthEast Connector: A Lifeline for Public Safety and Emergency Response
	The Capital SouthEast Connector will be a crucial thoroughfare for emergency vehicles reducing response times and ensuring that help arrives as quickly as possibleOriginal article published at Rancho Cordova Independent

	When Fish Are Free: Hundreds of Salmon Are Now Spawning in Klamath River and Tributaries After Dam Removal Completed
	Hundreds of fall-run Chinook salmon are now spawning on the Klamath River and its tributaries both above and below the former sites...

	Sierra Nevada May Hold Key to Meet California’s Ambitious 30×30 Goal
	California's 30 X 30 goal was a topic at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conservation Conference held at Lake Tahoe Community College, Nov. 7-8. In 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom committed the state to conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters …

	Folsom’s Twin Lakes Food Bank Raises $237K Amid Increasing Need
	A group of 250 guests at Twin Lakes Food Bank’s annual gala, hosted on November 9 at Lakeside Church, raised more than $237,000 to help feed the hungry throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

	Veteran Art Exhibit Showcases National Talent
	On Nov. 8, Ri-Nu Imagination’s Art Studios in Lincoln Village proudly hosted the Veteran’s Art Show, organized in collaboration with the Veteran Art Institute. The exhibit showcased the powerful and inspiring works of 13 talented veteran artists from across the …

	Rancho Cordova Is Innovative
	The City of Rancho Cordova’s annual State of the City address Nov. 6 at City Hall was guided by the theme, “Cities as Laboratories of Democracy.”

	Regional Transit Gets $499K to Fund Heat Resilient Bus Shelters
	Shelters to be installed across county and cities of Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Sacramento

	Sacramento County Reports Fentanyl Deaths on the Decline
	Sacramento County has reported progress in the battle against the opioid crisis, reporting a 56% reduction in fentanyl-related deaths between 2023 and 2024. According to the latest data, the County Coroner’s Office reported 180 fentanyl-related deaths so far this year, …

	California Capital Airshow to Host Volunteer Rally Nov. 19
	Community members invited to learn about volunteer opportunities for March airshow

	Rainy Memorial Day Recalls Heroes
	Eighty supporters endured a rainy Nov. 11 to observe Veterans Day in Carmichael.

Recent Local News

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• 200 Trees Planted in Del Paso Heights

Learn how hundreds of volunteers spent November 16 planting hundreds of trees in a Del Paso Heights Park.

(11/16/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Sacramento Traffic Fatalities a 'State of Emergency'

Get the details of the Sacramento City Council consideration of a Pedestrian Safety State of Emergency declaration and the increasing pedestrian and cyclist fatalities behind it.

(11/15/2024) → CapPublicRadio

• New Plans to Invest in Old Sacramento Waterfront

In a November 14 press conference, City of Sacramento officials outlined a planned major investment in the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Read on for details.

(11/14/2024) → CapPublicRadio

• Apply for Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Loans

Applications are open to homeowners in Sacramento and Yolo Counties for home repair loans from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento. Read the article for details and information about how to apply.

(11/14/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

• Veterans Honored in Elk Grove

A report on the American Legion Post 233 sponsored Veterans Day Parade in Elk Grove on November 11.

(11/14/2024) → Elk Grove Citizen

• Railyards Soccer Stadium Advances

In their November 12 meeting, the Sacramento City Council approved a term sheet with Sacramento Republic FC, allowing development plans for the 31-acre parcel to move forward. Read on for details.

(11/12/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Citrus Heights Has Four Open Planning Commission Seats

The City of Citrus Heights is seeking applicants to fill four open seats on the Planning Commission, which makes important land-use decisions and recommendations. Get details on how to apply in the article.

(11/12/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

Recent Statewide News

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• Fewer Kids Are Going to California Public Schools. Is There a Right Way to Close Campuses?

Declining enrollment, the end of pandemic relief funding and uncertain state funding are forcing school districts to make some difficult decisions.

(11/14/2024) → CalMatters

• California Schools Brace for Trump’s Attacks on Immigrants, Trans Students and ‘Woke’ Curriculum

More than 115,000 children in California were undocumented in the most recent census count, and it’s estimated almost half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• UC Faces Half-Billion-Dollar Budget Shortfall and Eyes Tuition Increase for New Nonresident Students

The University of California anticipates more than a $500 million budget gap next summer, so It’s considering a $3,402 jump in tuition for new nonresident students next fall. Meanwhile, the system is planning billions in construction projects.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump Has Promised to ‘End’ Offshore Wind. What Will That Mean for California’s Big Bet?

Trump’s promise to “end” the offshore wind industry could threaten CA’s renewable energy goals, potentially cutting off federal funding.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump’s Proposed Tariffs, Especially on China and Mexico, Could Hit California Hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.

(11/12/2024) → CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	United States (11/17/2024) IHA Beverage Issues a Voluntary Recall of Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz Because of Lead Contamination
IHA Beverage of Commerce, CA is recalling Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sig

	United States (11/16/2024) Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers' Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination
Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

	City of Elk Grove (11/16/2024) Traffic Advisory: Emergency Repairs for Bond Road at the Railroad Crossing
Elk Grove, Calif. -- Emergency road repairs are scheduled for Bond Road at the railroad crossing on Tuesday, November 19. This work will require the closure of westbound Bond Road beginning at 6:00 AM. Detours will be available. Eastbound Bond Rd traffic will not be affected. &nbsp; This work is expected to be completed in one day. Changes to the …

	City of Sacramento (11/15/2024) Shop local and get extra! Sacramento’s Shop 916 holiday gift card promotion returns
The City of Sacramento is relaunching its popular Shop 916 gift card promotion, making it easy for residents to support local businesses during the holiday season. From Nov. 15, 2024 through Feb. 15, 2025, shoppers can enjoy bonus spending when purchasing Shop 916 gift cardsideal for holiday gifting or treating oneself. With over 120 Sacramento [...] The post Shop local …

	City of Citrus Heights (11/14/2024) 2024 Operation Holiday Cheer Family Gifting Event
The Citrus Heights Police Department is proud to announce the Sixteenth Annual Family Gifting Event.

	City of Sacramento (11/14/2024) Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Nov. 4-10
The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Nov. 4-10, the City of Sacramento received 770 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 598 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …

	City of Sacramento (11/13/2024) City seeking proposals for Sacramento Children’s Fund grant program
The City of Sacramento is inviting public agencies and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants from the Sacramento Childrens Fund, with an estimated $17.9 million available over the first three-and-a-half-year period. Details on the application process can be found on the City's website. Applicants can apply for funding between $25,000 and $500,000 per year for [...] The post City seeking …

City of Sacramento (11/13/2024)

Sacramento City Council approves framework for $321 million downtown Railyards soccer stadium and entertainment venue

The Sacramento City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a preliminary term sheet for an estimated $321 million in private investments to build a soccer stadium for Sacramento Republic FC and a live entertainment venue in The Railyards downtown. "We are breaking barriers and making history here in Sacramento, said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. Wilton Rancheria is [...] The post Sacramento City Council …

	City of Sacramento (11/12/2024) VIDEO: Discover the 18 new art installations on the Del Rio Trail
The City of Sacramento recently celebrated the installation of 18 new public art pieces along the Del Rio Trail, turning this 4.8-mile path into an outdoor museum. At the celebration, community members had the chance to meet the artists and City staff, explore the artworks, and experience the trails transformation firsthand. The Del Rio Trail, [...] The post VIDEO: Discover …

	City of Sacramento (11/12/2024) City activates weather-respite centers Nov. 13-15
With the National Weather Service forecasting a period of wet weather, the City of Sacramento will activate weather-respite operations at its Outreach and Engagement Center and the North 5th Street Navigation Center. The OEC (3615 Auburn Blvd.) will operate from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 to 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15. Walk-ups will be accepted, [...] The post City activates …

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

People Have the Power

Sacramento County's Homepage

Recipe of the Week

Get to Know a Group

From Our Media Allies

Recent Local News

Recent Statewide News

Government Announcements