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By Chris Neklason
Published May 13, 2024

People are nearby to throw you a line if you feel you are sinking. People are nearby to throw you a line if you feel you are sinking. Image credit: CoolR   Shutterstock/standard

May is Mental Health Month

This week, we note that May is Mental Health Month.  If you live in one of the 10 counties in our coverage area, we include links to groups focusing on supporting your health and well-being below. If not, know that your community has resources available to assist you with information a web search away.

Most importantly, if you or someone in your family is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call the California Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Also, as always: Peruse your cureated local News Feed; learn about a local nonprofit doing good work; and check out our Recipe of the Week.


California's Mental Health History

A harrowing number of young people report living in despair, while we witness thousands of our neighbors suffering in the streets. Jon Vankin on the unintended consequenses of a misguided health-care reform effort.


UPDATE: California’s Mental Health Crisis: How We Got Here

The California mental health crisis is tied to both homelessness and rising crime.
How the California mental health crisis emerged out of the state’s history of deinstitutionalization and laws designed to protect the mentally ill, as well as the communities around them.


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Santa Clara County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://santaclara.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Santa Clara County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!


A Visitation from the Northern Lights

A mega-storm on the sun and earth's magenetic field collabroated on a show over the weekend.


Aurora Borealis in the Santa Cruz Mountains


The Northern Lights appeared in Northern and Central California Saturday night.

Santa Clara County Mental Health Resources

Life is the hardest job there is. Luckily, nobody's in it on their own.

Every community is home to a network of helpers to assist when things become more than one can handle alone.

We’ve gathered a list of Santa Clara County nonprofit community groups with a mission to help people through times of crisis ill health and the challenges of aging or past service in the military.

If things are feeling too heavy or out of control, reach out.

And if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the California suicide prevention and mental health lifeline now at 988.

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.


Chilled asparagus soup an elegantly cool dish

Serve the soup chilled but not ice-cold for best flavor. Top with crème fraîche, chopped chives and a blanched asparagus top.
New! Spring asparagus blends well with green garlic


Get to Know a Group

Big Brothers Big Sisters logo Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The organization believes that all children can achieve success when given the proper tools and resources—and volunteer mentors are among the most important of those resources.

→ Learn more

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From Our Media Allies

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Gilroy Dispatch logo County Celebrates New Ambulance Fleet at Saint Louise Regional Hospital

A fleet of 12 new ambulances dedicated to transporting patients among the county’s hospitals and medical offices was unveiled at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy on May 9.

San Jose Spotlight logo Campbell Development Will Add Dozens of Homes

A cranny of Campbell is slated for demolition to make way for a larger housing project, leaving some residents and businesses unsure if they will be able to stay in the West Valley city.

Morgan Hill Times logo Gifted Games Celebrate Inclusion at Gilroy High

Gilroy High School hosted the 19th annual Gifted Games on May 3, bringing students with disabilities to the athletic field for an Olympic-style friendly competition.

San Jose Spotlight logo Advocates Want a Say in Choosing San Jose Police Chief

San Jose leaders could select a new police chief by September. But before they do, some advocates are urging them to speak with families who lost loved ones to police shootings.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara County Struggles to Improve Internet in Underserved Areas

County officials want to provide broadband internet service in underserved neighborhoods, contrary to a long-awaited report that dismisses the idea.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara One Step Closer to State Housing Approval

Santa Clara’s housing plans are still out of compliance with the state, but the city hopes its newest draft will be the final effort.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Commissioners Oppose Diverting Housing Funds

San Jose housing commissioners had blistering words for a proposal to divert affordable housing money to shelters and sweeps.

San Jose Inside logo Here Are Final Official Results for 16th Congressional District

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber today posted a revised Statement of Vote for the March 5 primary.

Morgan Hill Times logo Morgan Hill Proposes Two-Year Budget That Tops $205M

The City of Morgan Hill this week released its recommended two-year budget for the fiscal years starting this fall, and officials are urging members of the public to attend a series of upcoming meetings to learn more about the spending …

San Jose Spotlight logo Sunnyvale Selects New City Attorney and Interim Manager

Two long-tenured Sunnyvale officials are moving up the ranks of local government.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara Considers Bond to Tackle Millions in Infrastructure Upgrades

Santa Clara has more than half a billion dollars in needed infrastructure improvements and officials hope residents will pay to get those projects done.

San Jose Inside logo Pete McCloskey, Republican Who Tried to Unseat Nixon, Is Dead at 96

An antiwar California congressman, McCloskey defeated Shirley Temple Black in a special election before launching a long-shot bid for the 1972 G.O.P. nomination.

San Jose Spotlight logo Los Gatos Residents Vote for School Parcel Tax Bump

A West Valley school district is on its way to boosting teacher salaries.

Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Tips on Ticks for Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Partly due to global warming and the proliferation of ticks, Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the US. Here’s how to protect yourself.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Neighborhood Fights to Preserve Its Identity

After decades of residents requesting historic status, San Jose is starting the process to create a new city landmark district — the first since 2007.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Mulls Diverting Affordable Housing Funds — Again

San Jose needs millions of dollars it doesn't have to clear homeless residents from city waterways and place them into temporary shelter. Officials are considering raiding an affordable housing fund to make it happen.

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Recent Local News

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Homeless Camps Along Creeks and Rivers Targeted

The Santa Clara Valley Water District is proposing a new ordinance banning encampments along local waterways to address increasing negative impacts.

(05/14/2024) → The Mercury News

Proposals for Transit Hub Unveiled

Preliminary proposals for a rail and transit hub in downtown San Jose adjacent to Diridon Station have been released, with costs of billions of dollars projected.

(05/14/2024) → The Mercury News

Pro-Palestine Encampment Sprouts at San Jose State

On the night of May 13, students at San Jose State University set up a pro-Palestine encampment of tents and canopies and a posted list of demands.

(05/14/2024) → The Mercury News

Palo Alto Approves Wastewater Plant

In its May 13 meeting, the Palo Alto City Council approved $63 million in funding to build a wastewater purification plant adjacent to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant on Embarcadero Way.

(05/14/2024) → Mountain View Voice

Palo Alto Updates Meeting Comment Policy

Due to the increase of hateful rants over zoom during city council meetings, comments are disabled for the public for items that are not on the agenda.

(05/14/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Palo Alto Served by Single Fire Engine Crew

In its May 14 meeting, the Palo Alto City Council heard from the fire department chief about plans to staff an additional engine at the College Terrace station by July 1.

(05/13/2024) → Daily Post

Palo Alto Adding Restrooms to Four Local Parks

The City of Palo Alto is upgrading and building new restroom facilities at four local parks over the next several months.

(05/13/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Palo Alto Budget Outlook Improves

Palo Alto is considering a $1 billion increased spending plan as a result of improved city revenues.

(05/09/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Ice Skating Complex Proposed for Gilroy

A massive ice sports complex to be operated by the San Jose Sharks is a proposed addition to the Gilroy Sports Park.

(05/07/2024) → The Mercury News

Santa Clara County Closes Budget Deficit

Despite bleak fiscal forecast, the county managed to close the deficit in its $12.4 billion 2024-2025 budget.

(05/07/2024) → The Mercury News

San Jose Proposes $120 million Homelessness Spending in Budget

Plans include more tiny home shelters, sanctioned camps, bus tickets out of town.

(05/07/2024) → The Mercury News

Palo Alto Condos Approved

In their May 6 meeting, the Palo Alto City Council approved a 75-unit condominium complex on San Antonio Road.

(05/07/2024) → Palo Alto Online
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Government Announcements

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Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/13/2024)

Ash Kalra CA Assembly 25:
Assemblymember Kalra’s PAGA Legislation Passes to the Senate

Assemblymember Kalras PAGA Legislation Passes to the Senate hallakze Mon, 05/13/2024 - 18:09 Monday, May 13, 2024 SACRAMENTO Today, AB 2288 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), relating to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), passed the Assembly Floor on a 44-21 vote. AB 2288 builds upon PAGAs success as a vital tool to enforce workers rights and will strengthen …
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (05/13/2024)

Join us on May 30th to discuss Housing Opportunity Districts

Join us on May 30th to discuss Housing Opportunity Districts
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (05/13/2024)

Housing Programs

Did you know the Town supports a variety of housing programs, including:
Image of City of Gilroy seal. City of Gilroy   (05/13/2024)

Valley Transportation Authority: Equitable Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Program

Learn about the proposed solutions and share your feedback...
Image of City of Gilroy seal. City of Gilroy   (05/13/2024)

Explore Downtown Gilroy

With its charming streets, bustling breweries and taprooms, and upcoming summer events, theres something for everyone to discover right here in the heart of our city.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/13/2024)

Alex Lee CA Assembly 24:
Assemblymember Alex Lee Celebrates 2024 AAPI Heritage Month

Monday, May 13, 2024 On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Assemblymember Alex Lee celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Victoria Chon at the Jun Bistro in Milpitas. At the event, which was attended by special guest Congressman Ro Khanna, seven community leaders were honored for their contributions to Assembly District 24. …
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (05/13/2024)

Compost Giveaway!

The City of Milpitas, along with Milpitas Sanitation, will be holding a FREE compost giveaway for Milpitas residents on Saturday, June 15th,
Image of City of Morgan Hill seal. City of Morgan Hill   (05/13/2024)

Next CERT Training Class, June 4

The next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class is offered by Morgan Hill's Office of Emergency Services. CERT is a 20-hour training course that teaches how to respond to emergencies. Valuable info!
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (05/13/2024)

Find Our Storywalk Around Town

Our new Storywalk is up and we are so excited to share Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George with all our friends in Oak Meadow Park.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/13/2024)

Ash Kalra CA Assembly 25:
Assemblymember Kalra Recognizes Áo Dài Week

Assemblymember Kalra Recognizes Ao Dai Week valilajj Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:58 Thursday, May 9, 2024
Pay to Park (funds stay local) ad from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.