A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
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
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.
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.
Get to Know a Group
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
• 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
• 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