San Joaquin County News, Traffic & Weather


All the San Joaquin News, Traffic and Weather, with directories of local Government, Community Groups & Nonprofits in one place!
Image caption: Karen Ross oversees the nation's largest agricultural economy.
California Leads in the World's Most Important Industry

California feeds the nation and the world. Not just with culture and technology, but with food.

Image caption: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti delivers testimony on the fiscal year 2025 budget request at the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense hearing in Washington D.C., April 16, 2024.
Women's History Month

We salute the women of the world, who are still struggling with that stubborn pay gap and other vestiges of misogyny as we end the first quarter of the twenty first century.

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'Engaged California' and Digital Democracy

It's almost spring—and civic engagement is in the air.

Image caption: California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick speaking at Fresno City College, where he has taught for 26 years.
Civil Civic Debate & Poetry

California's Poet Laureate talks civic engagement, and bipartisan activists rekindle the art of political conversation.

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom meet with California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick.
Getting to Know California’s Poet Laureate

Lee Herrick explains to the Los Angeles Times why he’s always traveling California.

Image caption: Ryan Coonerty, co-host of the podcast "An Honorable Profession," and Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, whom he calls "my vice-mayor."
Little Santa Cruz Beats Big Sugar

SC Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson on centering health in policy making, and her path to politics.

Image caption: "An Honorable Profession" is a podcast and YouTube channel that introduces listeners and viewers to public officials including mayors, school-board members, and former secretaries of transportation.
The Work of Politics

For those of you who might enjoy a glimpse of the inner workings of local politics, here's a conversation with Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, the inspired vice-mayor of Santa Cruz, California.

Image caption: Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus look on as Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a formal apology for the state's role in the perpetuation of slavery.
Black History and Equity in California

Not long ago, California's Legislative Black Caucus made history. Here's what they accomplished, and how it fits into California history going all the way back.

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A Midwinter Check-In

With the new year fully underway, and government officials under attack back east, we offer a defense of local public servants.

Image caption: Yeah, it might feel like that but it (probably, mostly) isn't true.
Most Local Elected Officials Work Hard for Low Pay

Recent votes to give California's mayors and council members pay raises have led to criticism. Is it justified?

Image caption: Screenshot from a video for the song 'Rising Together,' which features the repeated line: 'With Trump and Musk, the future's so bright...'
The Broligarchs vs. Public Education

Silicon Valley tech billionaires have placed themselves at the right hand of the president, and they are attacking the US Department of Education. Here is a defense of public schools.

Image caption: The first all-electric school bus in the state of California pausing outside the California Capitol building in Sacramento, way back in March, 2014.
How California K-12 Public Education Works

The most populous state in the union has the largest public education system. We explain how it works.

Image caption: Satellite image of Altadena before and after the Eaton Fire.
Life and Death and Weather and Planning

Raymond Martinez and Edgar McGregor are practitioners of the art of digital citizenship. As allies in this endeavor, we commend their righteous efforts.

Image caption: Edgar McGregor picking up trash on March 18, 2024 in Eaton Canyon. Ten months later, McGregor’s posts on Facebook saved a lot of lives as the Eaton Fire blazed through Altadena.
People Have the Power

We celebrate this double-holiday with stories of citizens taking action—from a weather-watching hero in LA county to a student planner committed to the truth.

Image caption: Why one veteran of Southern California's terrifying wildfires is finding the Palisades Fire more unnerving than the rest.
Two 'Next-Level Disaster' Reports

A call with an evacuated friend fleeing fires in Los Angeles, and journalism's scary "platform problem."

Image caption: Nothing beats starting the day by reading the newspaper.
Journalism Has a Platform Problem

In which we examine the current state of online news and information discovery and distribution platforms, and how we hope to chart a path forward in 2025.

Image caption: A Pyrocumulus cloud generated by the Dixie Fire in July, 2021.
What is Fire 'Containment?' That and Other Terms, Explained

What does it mean when firefighters call a fire "contained?" Here's a brief guide to commonly used fire prevention terminology.

Image caption: This ad for BenitoLink's NewsMatch fundraiser proved somewhat successful--and you can still contribute.
Rural California News Matters

In the shadow of Silicon Valley, and on California's North Coast, local news outlets deliver essential information.

Image caption: BenitoLink reporter Noe Magaña and marketing director Mo Ismail.
Greetings from San Benito County

In Hollister, a nonprofit newsroom keeps local residents apprised of momentous changes.

Image caption: Water, and the complex infrastructure required to quench California's thirst, remained a key issue in 2024.
The Trending Stories of 2024

Over the past year, we’ve witnessed big changes throughout the state, and today we present a quick look at a handful of some important ways California's civic landscape is shifting.

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From SJC Engage
03/18/2025

Minimalism vs. Productivity: Finding the Right Balance

In today’s fast-paced world, two popular movements have gained traction—minimalism and productivity. While minimalism encourages simplicity and intentional living, productivity focuses on efficien...

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03/17/2025

The House of Pita: Fresh, Flavorful Mediterranean Eats in Downtown Stockton

By Sungyeon Park The House of Pita is a Mediterranean restaurant located at the Waterfront Warehouse – 445 Weber Avenue, #126 – in Downtown Stockton. Opened in September 2024, this new dining spot...

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From Visit Lodi
03/15/2025

Raise Your Glass: The Lodi Wine Festival Is Back!

Wine lovers, rejoice! The Lodi Wine Festival is just around the corner, and if you haven’t marked your calendar yet, consider this your official invitation to celebrate all things Lodi wine on Sat...

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From SJC Engage
03/11/2025

How to Overcome Procrastination and Get More Done

We’ve all been there—putting off tasks, scrolling through social media, or suddenly feeling the urge to clean the entire house instead of tackling that important project. Procrastination can feel ...

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03/07/2025

Orlando’s Market and Deli: A Downtown Stockton Staple for Nearly a Decade

By Sungyeon Park For nearly 10 years, Orlando’s Market and Deli has been serving the Downtown Stockton community with fresh deli items, snacks, and everyday essentials. The name comes from the own...

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From Visit Lodi
03/06/2025

Plan a Picture Perfect Picnic in Lodi Wine Country

Sunny days are soon in the forecast, which means now is the perfect time to start planning those picture-perfect picnics in Lodi Wine Country! Whether you're looking for an afternoon spent with gi...