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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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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!


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


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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San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara County Could Lose Millions if Newsom Changes Law

Santa Clara County may lose millions of property tax dollars to charter schools while teetering on the edge of a fiscal cliff.

San Jose Spotlight logo East San Jose Homeowners Struggle With Homeless Neighbors

In the heart of East San Jose, eight cars line a popular street — some with boxes stacked on top or attached wagons — filled with the belongings of homeless people.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Mobile Home Park Sits Next to Health Hazard

A community of 40 mobile homes in South San Jose sits next to one of the city’s staging grounds for trash collection, which is creating health hazards for residents.

Los Gatan logo Los Gatan Earns First-Ever CNPA Comp Nomination in 2023 California Journalism Awards Contest

The Los Gatan has earned its first-ever California News Publishers Association award nomination, in the 2023 California Journalism Awards contest.

Morgan Hill Times logo Open Space Preserve in Morgan Hill Celebrates More Access With New Bridge

A newly completed bridge over Llagas Creek at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve in Morgan Hill extends the park’s existing wheelchair-friendly trail and leads visitors to a grassland day use area surrounded by riparian woodlands.

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. 

San Jose Spotlight logo Los Gatos Commits More Funds for Food, Rent Relief

Los Gatos seniors wait patiently to pick two food items, while eyeing tables piled with essentials such as meat and bread. Then it’s a free-for-all as roughly 70 participants load their arms and bags with groceries for the week.

San Jose Spotlight logo Sunnyvale Shelter Gets New Management, Service Model

A county-owned, 145-bed homeless shelter in Sunnyvale is changing operators and the community it serves.

Los Gatan logo Los Gatos Lays Out Vision for Upcoming Year: 7 New Capital Projects, Vote on a Sales Tax

In order to finalize the budget for the upcoming year, the Town of Los Gatos needs to solve a variety of puzzles.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Motel Residents Move to Other Housing Options

A San Jose program that put homeless people up in motels is ending, and participants aren't thrilled with their options for where to go next.

San Jose Spotlight logo North Sunnyvale to Get a Long-Awaited Library

North Sunnyvale residents will be able to access the city’s library resources closer to home by next year.

Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Exhibit: The National Monument on Santa Cruz’s North Coast

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History presents ‘Cotoni-Coast Dairies: Monumental Steps,’ celebrating a unique piece of land and the folks who protected it.

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.

San Jose Inside logo State Aid for Tiny Homes for Homeless in San Jose Comes Up $9.4M Short

One year after Gov. Newsom promised 1,200 tiny homes to shelter residents in four cities, including San Jose, only 150 have been purchased and none are in place.

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.

San Jose Spotlight logo Los Gatos Officials Approve Sale Tax Ballot Measure

Los Gatos’ sales tax could reach its limit after the November election if the majority of voters pass a revenue-generating measure intended to fund some of the town’s top issues.

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.

San Jose Spotlight logo Campbell Finalizes Economic Plan With Mixed Business Response

Campbell’s latest economic development plan is getting mixed reviews from business owners after its first update since 2017.

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Recent Local News

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San Jose State of the City Address: Homelessness Push

In his June 1 State of the City speech, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan asserted a need to find clean and safe places to move over 1,000 homeless from unsafe conditions on the streets and along waterways in the coming 12 months.

(06/01/2024) → The Mercury News

Access to Rocky Point on Big Sur Coast in the Works

A large oceanfront property on the Big Sur coast owned by a European billionaire will be opened to public access after an agreement was reached with the California Coastal Commission.

(05/31/2024) → The Mercury News

Report Focuses on Morgan Hill

An economic mobility report released on May 30 detailed economic and housing inequalities in Morgan Hill.

(05/31/2024) → The Mercury News

62-unit Housing Proposed for Historic Theater Site

A proposal to bulldoze the historic Burbank Theater on South Bascom Avenue in San Jose to build 62 units of housing is causing concern among preservationists.

(05/30/2024) → The Mercury News

Milpitas Launches Expedited ADU Permitting

The City of Milpitas is expediting permitting for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) through use of pre-approved plans.

(05/30/2024) → Milpitas Beat

Los Altos Names New Police Chief

City of Los Altos native Saskia Lagergren was hired as the new chief of police.

(05/30/2024) → Daily Post

City of Mountain View Developing Active Transportation Roadmap

The City of Mountain View is in the process of developing an active transportation plan prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle access and safety.

(05/30/2024) → Mountain View Voice

California Grid More Resilient

With forecasts of a hot summer, the California electric grid is more resilient thanks to increased solar power and grid-level battery storage installations.

(05/30/2024) → The Mercury News

Huge Mixed-Use Development in Cupertino Set to Begin Construction

Site preparation for a mixed-use development of retail and offices and 2400 units of house is set to commence at the site of the former Vallco Shopping Mall in Cupertino.

(05/30/2024) → The Mercury News

Gilroy Names Former Police Chief as Temporarily Fire Director

Upon the retirement of the fire chief, the Gilroy City Council reluctantly hired former police chief Scot Smithee as temporary director of the Gilroy Fire Department.

(05/29/2024) → The Mercury News

Mountain View Moves Forward With Automatic License Plate Cameras

In its May 28 meeting, the Mountain View City Council unanimously approved a pilot program to install automatic license plate cameras throughout the city.

(05/29/2024) → Mountain View Voice

California’s Brown Pelicans are Starving

Starving brown pelicans are being spotted across the state, and changes to the food chain might be the cause.

(05/28/2024) → The Mercury News

Senior Low-Income Housing Opens in Santa Clara

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 8 to celebrate the opening of the 80-unit affordable Kifer Senior Apartments.

(05/28/2024) → Silicon Valley Voice

ADUs Account for 20% of California New Housing

Encouraged by state legislation passed since 2017, building of new ADU housing has increased dramatically.

(05/28/2024) → The Mercury News
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Recent Statewide News

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California Made It Easier to Vote, but Some With Disabilities Still Face Barriers

California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.

(06/04/2024) → CalMatters

California Homelessness Funding Is on the Chopping Block. Will It Make the Final Budget?

It’s the billion-dollar question. That’s how much cities and other local governments have been receiving from the state each year to deal with California's ever-increasing population of homeless people.

(06/04/2024) → CalMatters

Why CA Families Are Getting a Tax Surprise for Health Care

For families seeking affordable health insurance, the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, can provide major relief. But if they’re not careful, they can get hit by an unexpected federal tax bill.

(06/04/2024) → CalMatters

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
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (06/03/2024)

UBC Food Distributors Recalls Baraka Brand Ground Black Pepper Spice Because of Possible Health Risk Announcement

UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn Michigan is recalling the Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7oz plastic containers 7oz * 10 With UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infect
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (06/03/2024)

Heat Safety

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for the Santa Clara Valley on Wednesday, June 5 at 8:00 am through midnight, Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (06/03/2024)

State of the City!

Get ready for something amazing! As we celebrate our platinum anniversary, we'd love for you to join us at our State of the City Address.
Image of United States seal. United States   (06/03/2024)

Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Is Notifying Consumers About a Safety Concern With Crecelac Infant 0-12 Infant Formula (Lot # 24 039 1 CHE 352-1) That is Part of an Ongoing Recall - Expansion of Previous Recall

Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX - 6/3/24, is notifying consumers about a safety issue associated with a product that is an extension of an ongoing voluntary recall (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dairy-manufacturers-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-products-d
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (06/02/2024)

Summertime Prizes in Plaza Park

Join us on June 11, June 26, July 9 and July 24 at 12 PM in Town Plaza Park for the Library's Chartreuse Caboose bookmobile, bubbles, summer reading sign-ups, and prizes for all ages!
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (06/02/2024)

Kids Books on Sale at Friends Bookstore

Children's books are half off at the Friends of the Library Bookstore, all summer long! Even better, when you shop their store, you support the Library!
Image of City of Los Altos seal. City of Los Altos   (06/01/2024)

Housing & Below-Market-Rate Project Updates

Los Altos, Calif. May 31, 2024 Earlier this year, 'Housing' was identified by the City Council as a strategic goal for 2024, which includes implementing the Housing Element, in addition to various programs and policies to facilitate the availability of safe and affordable housing for all income levels. As part of furthering this strategic goal, at the May 14 City …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/31/2024)

Alex Lee CA Assembly 24:
Bill To Ban Corporations From Buying Single-Family Homes for Use As Rentals Passes Assembly Floor

Bill To Ban Corporations From Buying Single-Family Homes for Use As Rentals Passes Assembly Floor channi Fri, 05/31/2024 - 09:56 Nicholas Chan Email nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov Phone (916) 319-2392 Title Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Assemblymember Alex Lees bill to protect Californias limited supply of single-family homes passed the Assembly Floor, and the legislation is now …
Image of City of Los Altos seal. City of Los Altos   (05/31/2024)

City of Los Altos Welcomes New Police Chief

Los Altos, Calif. May 30, 2024 The city of Los Altos welcomes Los Altos native Saskia Lagergren as its newly appointed chief of police. Lagergren will oversee the Citys full-service police department, comprised of 32 officers and 17 professional personnel. She will assume this position on Monday, June 3.
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
Pay to Park (funds stay local) ad from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.