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By Eric Johnson
Published Jun 03, 2024

A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center. A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center. Image credit: Eric Johnson

Celebrating California's Diversity, Homegrown Food, and DTLA

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

Dalip Singh Saund,  the first Sikh, Indian American and Asian American to be elected to Congress and Kamala Harris, the first Asian American vice president.
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.


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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!


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.


DTLA: A Good Thing Gets Better

A large neon art installation gracing one of the entrances to the Grand Central Market in DTLA.
Downtown LA is turning into a good thing.

Happy Birthday SDG!

Happy sixth anniversary to Debbie and Kathy at Sacramento Digs Gardening, who've been posting an article a day since June 1, 2018. Wow!


Time for cake! SDG hits another milestone

This citrus cake is ideal for any celebration. See the blog post for a link to the recipe.
Daily gardening blog reaches its sixth anniversary -- thanks to our readers!

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 Spring! cookbook.


Bayou country, spring vegetables inspire shrimp pot pie

What's below the crust? Shrimp and a delicious collection of fresh vegetables.
New! Shrimp pot pie with fresh peas, carrots and spring onions


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Get to Know a Group

San Benito County Historical Society logo San Benito County Historical Society

Since 1957, the Historical Society has devoted itself to collecting and preserving materials pertaining to the San Benito County of yesteryear.

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From Our Media Allies

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Benito Link logo SEIU Local Claims Negotiations With County “Successfully Concluded”

Deputy county CAO disputes union’s assertion says there is no final agreement.

Benito Link logo Fact Check: Hollister Guardians Stretch the Truth Again

New flier repeats debunked points, makes new and questionable accusations

Gilroy Dispatch logo San Benito County Jail Escapee Captured in San Jose

Daniel Lopez Zavala, who escaped from the San Benito County Jail on May 28, was arrested in San Jose Wednesday night following a regional manhunt, authorities said. 

SanBenitocom logo San Benito County Jail Escapee Captured in San Jose

Daniel Lopez Zavala, who escaped from the San Benito County Jail on May 28, was arrested in San Jose Wednesday night following a regional manhunt, authorities said. 

Benito Link logo Access to Candidates and Solid Information Equals Prepared Voters

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes in our extensive election coverage.

SanBenitocom logo Hollister Remembers

Local residents, veterans and families gathered at the downtown Hollister Veterans Memorial Building May 27 to remember and pay their respects to those who have died while serving in the military.

Benito Link logo San Juan Bautista Assesses Its Progress and Looks Ahead

City Manager Don Reynolds’ monthly report to the San Juan Bautista City Council at the May 21 meeting featured news about movies, recreation and food.

Benito Link logo Hollister High Adds Two More Academies

The Early College Academy and Academy of Health Science are set to launch in the fall.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Santa Clara County and Nurses Union Agree on New Contract

Santa Clara County and the union representing nurses at the county’s hospitals and clinics have reached an agreement on a four-year contract, after months of negotiations, failed mediation efforts and a first-ever three-day strike last month.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Mushroom Fest Raises Funds for Scholarships, Nonprofits

The 40th Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival unfolded May 25 and 26 at the Downtown Amphitheater grounds and Depot Street.

Benito Link logo Land Use Initiative Gathers Sufficient Signatures

A proposed land-use initiative aiming to slow growth has gathered sufficient signatures and is now heading to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.

KSQD logo Student Protestor Voices on Israel-Gaza-Palestine

In this field-produced, bonus episode, the Moment of Truth team interviews pro-Palestinian, student protestors and campers at university and college encampments.

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Recent Statewide News

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• 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
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. City of Citrus Heights   (05/31/2024)

Poison on the Streets: Dealer Arrested for Homicide in Fatal Fentanyl Sales Case

Citrus Heights Detectives announce the arrest of 34-year-old Collin Reed Holcomb for homicide in a fatal fentanyl sales case following the poisoning and death of 33-year-old Bradley Mitchell in February of this year.
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/30/2024)

Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elder
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)

Here are the road closures for the Kaiser Permanente Women’s Fitness Festival on June 2

Thousands of runners and walkers are expected to participate in the Kaiser Permanente Womens Fitness Festival on Sunday, June 2. The 5K and 10K event will close various streets throughout downtown and midtown Sacramento on Sunday morning. Residents and motorists are advised to review the closures and race map below and add extra time if they plan [...] The post …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness May 20-26

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From May 20-26, the City of Sacramento received 660 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 705 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)

Attention animal enthusiasts: Front Street Animal Shelter is hiring for multiple positions

The City of Sacramento's Front Street Animal Shelter is currently hiring for a number of important positions to serve the animals and people of Sacramento. Front Street Animal Shelter works to shelter lost and stray animals while enforcing local and state animal welfare laws. The shelter's diverse range of adoption, volunteer, and public-outreach programs reflect [...] The post Attention animal …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)

Sacramento City Attorney issues statement on status of Camp Resolution and state Water Board variance

Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood has issued the following statement on the status of Camp Resolution and variance required by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, which allows the site at 2225 Colfax St. to be used as a safe parking location for people experiencing homelessness: **** The residents of Camp Resolution [...] The post Sacramento City …
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/30/2024)

Heinen's Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls

May 30th, 2024. Heinen's of Warrensville Heights, OH is voluntarily recalling Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls, due to the possibility that it may contain undeclared Pecans. While no reports of injury have occurred, out of an abundance of caution people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Pecans
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/29/2024)

Find a new furry companion during June 1’s Adopt-a-Pet Day at Front Street Animal Shelter

Those looking to add a pet to their family might find the perfect match this weekend. To address overcapacity issues, Front Street Animal Shelter is participating in California Adopt-a-Pet Day on Saturday, June 1. More than 150 shelters will be a part of this statewide adoption day when all adoption fees will be waived. This [...] The post Find a …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/24/2024)

Stay safe on the water: Sacramento Fire Department distributes free life jackets

With hotter temperatures approaching, the Sacramento Fire Department is urging swimmers and boaters to be cautious and wear life jackets in waterways this summer. "Our rivers are not stagnant like a swimming pool," said Sacramento Fire Captain Justin Sylvia. "They are fast moving and can sweep you downriver within seconds. Do not turn your back [...] The post Stay safe …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (05/24/2024)

‘Thousand Strong’ program offers paid internships for Sacramento teens. Here’s how to apply

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg's "Thousand Strong" paid internship program for high schoolers is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 session. The Thousand Strong program, which Steinberg launched seven years ago, offers participants 300 hours of paid work experience over a year and an additional 40 hours of workplace basics training. Employers for the 2024-2025 cohort [...] The post ‘Thousand Strong' …