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.

	San Joaquin County's Homepage
Direct your browser to https://sanjoaquin.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and San Joaquin 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

Boys and Girls Clubs of Manteca/Lathrop

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop have been serving the community since 1982, providing services to more than 600 youths each year.

→ Learn more

From Our Media Allies

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	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...

	Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln Concedes to Rep. Josh Harder in Race for Congressional Seat
	Stockton Mayor and Republican Kevin Lincoln has conceded defeat in his congressional race against incumbent U.S. Rep. and Democrat Josh Harder.Harder was first elected to Congress in 2018 and on Monday had declared victory in last week’s election for California’s …

	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 …

Recent Local News

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• Manteca Christmas Parade Coming December 7

Learn about the 52nd annual Manteca Chamber of Commerce hosted Christmas Parade scheduled for December 7.

(11/18/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Former Stockton Golf Course Considered for Homeless Campground

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted to acquire a 62-acre former golf course on North Wilson Way in Stockton and are considering using it for a homeless campground and other county facilities. Read on to learn more.

(11/18/2024) → Stocktonia

• 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

• Ripon Measure J Defeated

Ripon voters failed to pass the Measure J $32million bond measure to upgrade school facilities. What happens now?

(11/15/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Manteca General Plan Calls for More Growth

Read on to learn how the City of Manteca General Plan anticipates growth in the designated industrial zone, several future housing projects and options for a new road extension to connect with Highway 99.

(11/15/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Stockton Youth Symphony Plays On

After a four pause, the Stockton Youth Symphony is performing again. Read on to learn more about their plans for the future.

(11/15/2024) → Stocktonia

• 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

• Ripon Eyes Water Project

The City of Ripon is considering a $15.5 million project to access a new water supply. Click to find out more about this plan.

(11/14/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Bikes for Kids to Donate 300 Bicycles

Help Bikes for Kids meet their goal of refurbishing 300 previously owned bikes to be donated on December 14 to underprivileged children. Learn more and volunteer.

(11/14/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Manteca Moves Forward With New Schools

In their November 12 meeting, the Manteca Unified School District Board of Trustees approved moving forward with plans to build three new K-8 schools. Click to learn more about funding and the proposed locations for the new schools.

(11/14/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Area Rail Transportation Project Update

Learn more about progress in funding and building out rail transportation options linking San Joaquin County with the Bay Area and Sacramento.

(11/14/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Stockton to Deploy License-Plate Readers

In their November 12 meeting, the Stockton City Council voted to accept federal funds to be used to install license plate readers throughout the city. Read on to learn more about this deployment of city-wide surveillance technology.

(11/13/2024) → Stocktonia

• Planned Apartment Developments Surge on Airport Way Corridor

A new 44-unit apartment complex planned for Wawona Street is the latest of over 1,400 to be developed along the Airport Way Corridor. Read on for details.

(11/13/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Stockton City Council Appoints Permanent City Clerk

In their November 12 meeting, the Stockton City Council appointed interim City Clerk Katherine Roland to serve in a permanent capacity.

(11/13/2024) → Stocktonia

• San Joaquin Valley Needs to Adapt to Climate Change

Following the flooding caused by the atmospheric river storms of 2023, the San Joaquin needs to adapt to future deluges. Learn what some experts think lies ahead.

(11/13/2024) → Stocktonia

• Manteca Explores Possible Community Garden

Find more about a possible community garden to be developed on an unused parcel in downtown Manteca.

(11/12/2024) → Manteca Bulletin

• Stockton City Council Appoints City Clerk

In their November 12 meeting, the Stockton City Council appointed interim city clerk Katherine Roland to the office on a permanent basis.

(11/12/2024) → Stocktonia

• Veterans Day Observed in Lodi

Read this report about the Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by American Legion Post 22 at Zion Lutheran Church in Lodi, featuring guest speaker Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark MacCarley.

(11/12/2024) → LodiNews

Recent Statewide News

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• Lobbying Activity This Past Summer Cost a Record-Breaking $168 Million. Here’s What We Know.

Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism, and a special one focusing on gas prices, powerful corporations poured in record-setting money to influence lawmakers.

(11/18/2024) → CalMatters

• How Three Trump Policy Decrees Could Affect California’s Agricultural Industry

Voters in California’s farm belt, stretching more than 400 miles from Kern County on the south to Tehama County on the north, delivered solid majorities for Donald Trump in this month’s presidential election.

(11/18/2024) → CalMatters

• 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.

	United States (11/11/2024) Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix
Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary's Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or lif

	United States (11/09/2024) Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 - Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of...

	United States (11/07/2024) Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen
Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen

	United States (11/05/2024) CIBUS Fresh, is Recalling CIBUS Fresh Products Containing Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, 2/3lb Due to Supplier Notification of a Possible Listeria Monocytogenes
Use or consumption of products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe he

	United States (11/04/2024) Babcock Dairy Recalls Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Due to Undeclared Egg
Babcock Dairy of Madison, Wisconsin, is voluntarily recalling approximately 41 cases of Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream that may be labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or yellow #5 run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic r

	United States (11/03/2024) Savencia Cheese USA Announces an Expanded Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses
Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and

	United States (11/02/2024) Savencia Cheese USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses
Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and

	United States (10/31/2024) HH Fresh Trading Corp Recalls Taiwan Enoki 200gx25pk Because of Possible Health Risk
Because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms suc

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

People Have the Power

San Joaquin County's Homepage

Recipe of the Week

Get to Know a Group

From Our Media Allies

Recent Local News

Recent Statewide News

Government Announcements