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By Chris Neklason
Published Sep 30, 2024

A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. Image credit: Courtesy U.S. Forest Service   CC0 1.0 Universal 1.0 Deed

A History of Mutual Aid

As I write this, people across the southeast states are reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. 

As an emergency communications geek, I follow a number of emergency service professionals on social media, and the information coming out of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee is both dire and inspiring.

Yes, inspiring. Even before the winds and rain had died down, neighbors and professionals leapt into action to perform swift water rescues, dig survivors out of mudslides and destroyed buildings and do house to house welfare checks in their neighborhoods. With power, cell phone, landlines and internet down, Ham Radio operators hastily organized networks to help coordinate relief efforts throughout the affected regions.

And right now, people across the country are gripped with an desire to reach out and help .

This week, The Newsletter contemplates that human impulse to cooperate and give support and aid to our fellows, and how we've organized our society around it.


How We Take Care of Each Other

For all of our flaws, there is an essentially decent part of human nature that compels us to render aid to the afflicted and unfortunate. 

We celebrate our humaneness with the first two articles of what will be an ongoing series documenting "service clubs" whose names may be familiar— organizations that are doing good in our communities.


The Changing Nature of Doing Good

Welcome to town. Here's how you can pitch in!
The legacy of ‘service clubs’ such as Soroptomists and Rotary lives on in a new generation of social clubs and volunteer organizations.

Doing Good: Soroptimist International

Sign for  Baliuag Lodge No. 301 - Soroptimist International (Pan-Philippine Highway, San Rafael, Bulacan)
Making a better world for women and preparing women to make a better world.


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San Benito County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://sanbenito.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and San Benito 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.


Flavorful stir fry dresses up green beans

Fresh green beans stir-fried with toasted coconut and cashews works as a vegetarian entree or a side dish to a larger meal.
New! Toasted coconut, mustard seeds and nuts provide crunch


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Get to Know a Group

Dentistry4Vets logo Dentistry4Vets

Dentistry4Vets is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dentistry care for veterans in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

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From Our Media Allies

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Benito Link logo Last Reminder for BenitoLink’s Election Forum

BenitoLink’s General Election forum is a couple of days away, and seating is reaching capacity. Remember to RSVP while space is still available.

Benito Link logo Uplift Central Coast Announces Catalyst Grant Opportunity

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, a member of Uplift Central Coast Coalition alongside REACH and the Economic Development Cooperative, is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.

Benito Link logo San Juan Bautista to Propose Growth-Limiting Agreement to County Supervisors

San Juan Bautista’s Urban Growth Boundary Committee has revised and simplified a memorandum of understanding with the San Benito County Board of Supervisors to be sent to them for review and possible revision.

Benito Link logo Supervisors Approve Contractor for Shore Road Repairs

The San Benito Board of Supervisors approved a contract to repair Shore Road, which connects Highways 25 and 156. The county awarded the contract to Teichert & Sons Inc., a 100-year-old California company with previous experience in the county, which …

Benito Link logo 2024 General Election Candidates Q&A: San Juan Bautista City Council

Four candidates are running for two San Juan Bautista City Council seats. Mayor Scott Freels is running for reelection and is joined by Jose Aranda, Cherie Foletta and Tyler "Floppy" Jordan. BenitoLink sent each candidate the same set of questions. …

Benito Link logo San Benito COG Approves Studies to Improve Hwy 25

The San Benito Council of Governments , an agency formed by the cities of Hollister and San Juan Bautista and the San Benito County to deal with regional issues, including transportation needs, approved a study of the best way to …

Benito Link logo Caltrans Modifies Schedule for State Hwy 25 Culvert Work

A project to replace culverts on northbound State Route 25 (SR-25), near Sunset Drive has now begun on Monday, September 23.Travelers will encounter an intermittent lane closure during the daytime hours of Monday morning to Friday afternoon from 9 a.m. …

Benito Link logo Ladd/Southside Project to Be Completed in January

The Ladd Lane and Southside Road project that keeps evolving is scheduled to be completed by January 2025. The latest iteration, approved by the Hollister City Council in August 2023, will have a four-lane roadway with lit crosswalks, protected bike …

Benito Link logo San Benito High School District Awarded $200K Grant

Information provided by the San Benito High School District. Lea este artículo en español aquí.San Benito High School District has received a $200,000 Farm To School Incubator Grant to procure fresh produce and meat that is locally grown and organically …

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Recent Statewide News

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• Vomiting, Cramps and Lethargy: As Heat Rises, California Kids Are Sweltering in Schools With No Air Conditioning

An estimated 1 in 5 schools has no air conditioning and another 10% need repair. Underfunded schools struggle to keep classrooms cool as heat waves intensify. “It’s a hot mess,” one teacher says.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Late Payments to Nonprofits Hamper California’s Fight Against Homelessness

Homeless service providers are scaling back and taking out loans as they wait for late payments from the government.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• California Bans Legacy Admissions at Colleges. The End of Affirmative Action Is a Reason Why

California’s private nonprofit colleges will no longer be able grant students an admissions advantage if their parents donated to or went to the same college after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this morning banning the practice.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Newsom Plan on Gas Prices Clears First Hurdle

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to combat gasoline price spikes appears headed to a long-awaited Assembly floor vote next week after passing out of committee on September 26.

(09/27/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Guide: Proposition 2 $10 Billion Education Bond

The Mercury News guide to the Proposition 2 $10 billion bond to build and repair public schools.

(09/27/2024) → The Mercury News

• Economists Like Newsom’s Plan to Help Control Gas Prices. Refiners Don’t.

The governor wants new gas reserves to dampen seasonal price spikes. Refiners say the move would raise prices and require new storage tanks.

(09/26/2024) → CalMatters

• Will New Laws Improve Housing for CA Farmworkers?

Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.

(09/25/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Guide: Proposition 36 Anti-Crime Measure

The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.

(09/25/2024) → The Mercury News

• Cal State Campuses Brace for ‘Severe Consequences’ as Budget Gap Looms

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• New California Law Gives Tenants More Time to Respond to Eviction Notices

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• Only 1 in 5 California Community College Students Makes It to a University, Audit Says

Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• A New California Law Will Scrub Most Medical Debt From Credit Reports

About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (09/27/2024)

Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 - Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen...
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/25/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Governor Signs Addis Bill to Empower Communities Against Big Oil

Governor Signs Addis Bill to Empower Communities Against Big Oil sanchema Wed, 09/25/2024 - 15:51 Wednesday, September 25, 2024 SACRAMENTO Legislation by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) that prioritizes community choice on safety and environmental issues was signed into law today by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 3233 empowers local governments and residents to have a stronger voice on proposed …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/24/2024)

John Laird CA Senate 17:
Governor Newsom Signs Legislation To Support California's Composting Goals

SACRAMENTO This past weekend, Governor Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 1046 authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which strengthens Californias ability to meet its methane reduction goals by creating a program environmental impact report for the development of small and medium compost facilities.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/24/2024)

John Laird CA Senate 17:
Governor Newsom Signs Legislation To Advance Safe Drinking Water Access

SACRAMENTO, CA Governor Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 1188 authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which promotes safe and reliable drinking water access for Californians by assuring small water systems meet minimum standards of operation.
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/24/2024)

Truly Good Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix 3.25 oz Cup

Truly Good Foods is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews. People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergi
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/23/2024)

John Laird CA Senate 17:
Governor Newsom Signs Legislation Requiring Propane Cylinders Sold in the State to be Refillable or Reusable

SACRAMENTO Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 1280 authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz). SB 1280 will promote sustainable outdoor recreation by requiring one-pound propane cylinders sold in California to be reusable or refillable starting January 1, 2028.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/22/2024)

John Laird CA Senate 17:
Legislation to Create an Independent Redistricting Commission for SLO County Signed by Governor Newsom

SACRAMENTO Today, Governor Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 977 introduced by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which will establish an independent districting commission for the County of San Luis Obispo. Senate Bill 977 is coauthored by Assembly Member Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) and was sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. It was a …
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/22/2024)

ANSWERS Pet Food Voluntarily Withdrawals Certain Limited Lots of Beef and Chicken Dog Foods Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria

Lystn, LLC d.b.a./ANSWERS Pet Food of Fleetwood, PA, is voluntarily withdrawing certain lots of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, ANSWERS Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and ANSWERS Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs out of an abundance of caution after samples collected by the U.S. Food and Dr
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/22/2024)

Avole Inc. Emite Aviso de Retiro del Mercado su Producto Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para Freír Bacalao por Falta de Declaración del Nombre Común Pescado (Pollock)

Avole Inc., localizado en San Sebastian, Puerto Rico esta retirando del mercado fundas de 7 onzas de Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para freir Bacalao, porque pueden contener falta de declaracion del nombre comun Pescado (Pollock) en la declaracion de ingredientes o contenido. Las personas que tienen al
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/20/2024)

Grace Imports, LLC Issues Allergy Alert of Undeclared Wheat in Kara Boondh, Kerala Mixture and Spicy Murukku

Grace Imports, LLC., of Tucker, GA - September 20, 2024, is voluntarily recalling 250g bags of Kara Boondhi, Batch No. 2Al488 UPC 8 904123 53706, 300g bags of Kerala Mixture, Batch No. 2Al564 UPC 8 904123 500329 and 250g bag Spicy Murukku Batch No. 2Al504 UPC 8 904123 because these products contain