I often say that I love California the way only someone from New Jersey can love California—partly because I grew up spending summers at the Jersey shore. I forgive you if you’re smirking, but please forget the television show. Yes, much of the shore is heavily commercialized, but New Jersey has some very beautiful beaches, and like many Jerseyans, I fell in love with the ocean at a young age.
As you might imagine, as soon as I laid eyes on the pristine beaches of California, which happened along the stretch of Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz, I was smitten. And here’s the thing: When I was growing up, many of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey were private and off-limits. That remained true until four years ago, when Gov. Phil Murphy, invoking the Public Trust Doctrine codified by the Roman Emperor Justinian around 500 CE, signed legislation ensuring that the public has access to New Jersey’s shorelines and tidal waters.
If as a Californian, the idea of a private beach appalls you, I want you to consider that the public beach did not happen by accident. The notion of a private beach is unfathomable here because in California, with enough effort, the government can often be made to work for the people. As you will see in Jon Vankin’s article below, it was citizen activism that created the California Coastal Commission, which has worked to ensure that all California beaches are open to the public—and that the California coast does not look like the Jersey shore.
And: What happens when a big clean-energy plan challenges our notions of a pristine coastline? We shall see.
• Sac State Professor Builds Communication Conduits
Dr. Ernest Uwazie, director of the university’s Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, facilitates life-changing conversations between victims and offenders.
(10/23/2023) → The Sacramento Observer
• New South Sacramento Trail Seeks to Expand Options for Transit
As part of the city’s effort to enhance infrastructure in underserved areas, Sacramento announced the completion of the South Sacramento River Parkway Trail West, which connects Meadowview to the soon-to-be-finished Del Rio Trail.
(10/20/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• ‘AI Am I? ARTificial Intelligence’ on View at Crocker Art Museum
Alexander Reben, a leader in “human-machine symbiosis” since 2012, displays his work in an exhibition that asks audiences to consider the role of AI in the future.
(10/20/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Benji’s Woodfire Pizza to Open in Citrus Heights
Drivers traveling along Auburn Boulevard may have noticed new signage outside a recently renovated strip mall announcing a new pizzeria, slated to open in November.
(10/20/2023) → Citrus Heights Sentinel
• With Wildfires Growing, California Writes New Rules on Where to Plant Shrubs
California has long had the strongest defensible space rules in the country. Now, it's drafting rules that would make it the first state to limit the vegetation directly next to buildings.
(10/20/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• Rancho Cordova’s MACC Brings Art Where the People Are
Why is the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova—also known as the MACC—so accessible?
(10/20/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• Local Residents Toast to Black Brewers
Local residents were able to experience the craft beer culture with Oak Park Brewing Co. as they teamed up with the National Black Brewers Association for events celebrating Black brewers.
(10/20/2023) → The Sacramento Observer
• Investigation Finds Sacramento Campaign Contribution Rules Confusing
An independent investigator found the city of Sacramento’s campaign contribution rules are confusing and recommended a commission not punish two candidates who are facing ethics complaints.
(10/19/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• How Many Mountain Lions Live in California?
California biologists have long wondered: How many mountain lions live in the state? New research offers an answer.
(10/19/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• Rite-Aid Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S., and the only pharmacy local to Rio Linda, has taken the step of filing for bankruptcy.
(10/17/2023) → Rio Linda Messenger
• Social Justice Organizer Learns to Listen and Have Tough Conversations
Toni McNeil recalls growing up on the south side of Stockton, where a sign outside the housing project where she lived read, “Stockton, Someplace Special.” She says, “Right under the sign folks were selling dope, smoking dope and banging.”
(10/16/2023) → The Sacramento Observer
• Candidates for Sacramento Mayor Answer Questions Ahead of Election
Sacramento residents will vote for a new mayor in the March 2024 primary election.
(10/16/2023) → CapPublicRadio
