By Eric Johnson
Published Jul 15, 2024

View north over Highway 140, El Portal, and the Merced River canyon as a summer storm rolls on by. Screenshot from a time-lapse courtesy of ALERTCalifornia-UC San Diego.

Heat Waves, Mountaintop Cameras, and Municipal Budgets

I write to you this evening as always from Sacramento, where we have endured a string of 100-plus degree days, including several 110-plus degree days. We avoided aestivation by hunkering down in our blackout-drapes-darkened, air-conditioned apartment, and escaping to our blessed neighborhood public swimming pool and our favorite lake in the nearby Sierra.

Many Californians are not so fortunate. At best, they might have been able to access “cooling centers”—but most did not, because California cities and counties have not invested sufficient resources to make them easily accessible.

The feature article in this week’s edition of The Newsletter deals with the admittedly bone-dry topic of municipal budgeting. That is: how your local governments spend your tax money on essential services—from schools to cooling centers to municipal swimming pools. This, as you will see, is the essence of democratic governance.

(It’s actually a pretty easy read, and while I don’t mean to get too “eat your vegetables“ here, this will help you be a better-informed citizen. Thank you and you’re welcome.)

But first something easy and fun: a bunch of short-and-sweet videos that we are calling California Views.

Also, this week as always a bite-sized digest of the important news that might impact you and your community… and a recipe that might add some deliciousness to your week.

One Good Thing: Inspiring Mini Videos

In which we bring you, for just a few pleasurable seconds, to mountaintops, Monterey Pines and Yosemite Valley.

California Views: The California Local YouTube Page

Screenshot of video taken from a mountaintop webcam shows dawn breaking purplish in Sequoia National Park on July 12, 2024.

From short mountaintop webcam time-lapses to handmade videos of stuff we love, we bring you a quick, daily dose of California goodness.

Easily go Deep in the Weeds of Governance

Our good friend, California Local’s CEO Chris Neklason, approaches the job of reporting on local government with the mind of an engineer. Elsewhere, he has pointed out that a fundamental rule of democratic governance holds that whenever public money is involved, there is an elected or appointed board tasked with managing that money. Engineers like rules, and this is a good one.

Here, Chris explains the basic setup that determines how public money is raised and spent. Pretty basic stuff, pretty important, and, I think you’ll agree, pretty easily understood.

Show Me the Money: How California Cities and Towns Fund Their Annual Budgets

The 2024-2025 City of Sacramento budget is dry reading, but worth it. $1.6 billion worth. Courtesy City of Sacramento.

Local democracy is a complex, expensive process. We explain.

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 Summer! cookbook.

Overripe banana inspires summer breakfast treat

Banana blueberry pancakes make good use of a too-soft banana.

New! Banana blueberry pancakes (with one banana lots of blueberries).

Get to Know a Group

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.

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From Our Media Allies

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	Silicon Valley Candidates Spent Hundreds of Thousands on Recount
	New campaign finance filings show Assemblymember Evan Low significantly outspent his opponent, former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, on lawyers related to the April recount that solidified both their spots in the November runoff for Congressional District 16.

	South San Jose Tiny Homes Project Long Overdue
	By next fall, San Jose aims to have a long-awaited temporary housing site on the south side of the city for homeless individuals, though some are questioning why it's taking so long.

	Heat Wave Highlights Silicon Valley Homeless Response Problems
	Los Gatos' temperature hit 107 degrees as Mason, wearing a black coat and backpack, walked from his camp in the brush toward Highway 17. He started having heat-related symptoms and laid down, heaving. He didn't want to die on the …

	Silicon Valley Mayors Want Fair Share of $20B Housing Bond
	A group of Silicon Valley mayors want to know how funds will be divided if voters pass a measure to build and preserve affordable housing across the region.

	San Jose Ramps Up Funding to Enforce ‘No Return Zones’
	San Jose is set to pay for more employees and police patrols to enforce "no return zones" for homeless camps along the Guadalupe River and those surrounding temporary shelter sites citywide.

	Valley Water Postpones Decision on Homeless Encampment Ban
	The Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors on July 9 held off on a decision regarding an ordinance that would prohibit homeless encampments along waterways in the water district’s jurisdiction.

	Santa Clara Asks Voters to Pass Multimillion-Dollar Bond
	Santa Clara voters will decide in November whether to give the city roughly $400 million for various infrastructure fixes around the city.

	Knudsen Announces Resignation From MHUSD Board of Trustees
	Terri Eves Knudsen on July 2 announced her resignation from the Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trustees, nearly two years into her four-year term.

	Santa Clara County’s Property Values Climb 5.4%
	Driven by increasing residential values and despite a “troubled” commercial real estate market, Santa Clara County’s overall property assessment roll grew by $35.6 billion, or 5.4% in the last year, according to Assessor Larry Stone’s office.

	405 Alberto Way Project to Grow by 26 Condos
	The developer behind the first project in Los Gatos to fall under the SB330 law designed to streamline housing production statewide says it’s adding 26 homes to its mixed-use project at 405 Alberto Way after Los Gatos introduced a new …

	Santa Clara County Bond Brings Thousands of Affordable Homes
	Eight years ago, Santa Clara County had less than 300 affordable apartments that served homeless individuals with disabilities. Thousands of homes have been built since then due to an affordable housing bond measure.

	Gail Pellerin Among Top 4 Stock Investors in California Legislature
	The total stock portfolio of the Legislature was worth as much as $112 million last year but experts say the public should know more about a politician’s total wealth.

	Gray Whale Cove
	A sheltered beach and inland trail.

	Cupertino Weighs Moving Location of Aging City Hall
	Cupertino City Hall could move from its decades-old location — but it may not be long term.

	Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Counties Report Measles Exposure
	Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties may have been exposed to measles in recent days after an infected person from outside the region visited, according to public health officials.

	Silicon Valley Homeless Nonprofit CEO Steps Down Amid Turmoil
	HomeFirst CEO Andrea Urton is stepping down, leaving questions about the future of one of Santa Clara County’s largest homeless support service providers.

	49ers Dole Out Millions in Santa Clara Community Benefits
	For a decade, the 49ers have worked to help uplift the community surrounding the city the team calls home.

	San Jose Officials Support Retail Theft Crackdown Reform
	San Jose’s top political leader supports harsher penalties for drug dealers as voters consider new measures to hold thieves and drug suppliers accountable.

	Santa Clara County Water Agency Could Start Fining the Homeless
	Those living along the waterways could soon be fined or face jail time, due to a policy being considered by the largest water agency in Santa Clara County.

Recent Local News

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● Cupertino Reaches Agreement With Vallco Developers

Cupertino and Vallco developers have reached an agreement over fees associated with The Rise housing development.

(07/12/2024) The Mercury News

● Santa Clara Infrastructure Bond on November Ballot

A $400 million bond to fund infrastructure upgrades and repairs in Santa Clara is advancing to the November ballot.

(07/12/2024) The Mercury News

● BLM MUral Suit Dismissed

A lawsuit filed by a group of Palo Alto Police Officers claiming harassment over certain images in a Black Lives Matter mural has been dismissed.

(07/11/2024) Palo Alto Online

● Santa Clara Councilmembers Push Back on Civil Grand Jury Repport

Findings and conclusions from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report of "irreconcilable differences" experienced by the Santa Clara City Council were disputed.

(07/10/2024) The Mercury News

● Saratoga City Council Approves Zoning Changes

To meet its state mandated housing element obligations, the Saratoga City Council approved changes to zoning in its July 3 meeting.

(07/10/2024) The Mercury News

● Location Sought for Cupertino Farmers Market

The weekly Cupertino Farmers Market is seeking a new location after losing their lease at the De Anza College's parking lot.

(07/09/2024) The Mercury News

● Los Altos Council Approves Reduce Parking

A request by the developer of the 90-unit all-affordable housing project on Distel Circle to reduce parking requirements was approved by the Los Altos City Council.

(07/09/2024) Los Altos Town Crier

Recent Statewide News

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● California Passed a Law to Fix Unsafe Homeless Shelters. Cities and Counties Are Ignoring It

The Supreme Court’s decision on homelessness will test a shelter system that’s full of problems – and lacking accountability.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters

● If Californians Vote to Ban Slavery This Fall, Will Prisoners Get a Raise?

California courts have long upheld below-minimum wage pay for prison inmates working a wide range of jobs. A 2024 ballot measure that would ban forced labor could alter those decisions.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters

● Judge Temporarily Blocks State Order to Growers Who Depleted Groundwater

A Kings County judge today issued a temporary restraining order against the state that pauses its unprecedented move to crack down on groundwater depletion in California’s agricultural heartland.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters

● Steve Garvey Outraises Adam Schiff — But Still Has Less in Bank — In U.S. Senate Bid

The Republican hopeful brought in more cash than Democratic rival Adam Schiff for the first time this campaign during the latest quarter, but still has less to spend.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters

● Guaranteed Basic Income Programs Proliferate Across CA

Beginning Monday, 150 households in Fresno County are expected to receive a $500 prepaid card to spend on anything they’d like — no strings attached. It will be the first of 12 monthly recurring payments those Southwest Fresno and Huron residents will receive as part of a guaranteed basic income program for low-income families.

(07/12/2024) CalMatters

● How California Laws May Help Shield It From Supreme Court Decisions

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, California’s Democratic leaders moved fast to shore up reproductive rights: They persuaded voters to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution, approved a dozen bills strengthening abortion protections and passed a law in May to enable Arizona doctors to temporarily provide abortion services for their patients in California.

(07/10/2024) CalMatters

● Can California’s Health Care Providers Help Solve the State’s Homelessness Crisis?

Taking advantage of new state funds, some California healthcare providers are starting to offer what their homeless patients really need: housing.

(07/10/2024) CalMatters

● California Has Just Approved a New Blueprint for Offshore Wind. The Massive Projects Will Cost Billions

Harnessing clean energy is a venture of unprecedented scope in California, bringing big changes to Humboldt and the Central Coast, and requiring 26 ports along the coast.

(07/10/2024) CalMatters

● The Supreme Court Took Powers Away From Federal Regulators. Do California Rules Offer a Backstop?

In three rulings the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a body blow to the federal bureaucracy. From healthcare to climate to workers’ rights, California’s rules often go farther.

(07/09/2024) CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	AW Farms Recalls Ready-To-Eat Hot Dog Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2024 - AW Farms, an Argillite, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the... United States (07/15/2024)

	Taylor's Sausage, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Landjaeger Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2024 - Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the... United States (07/13/2024)

	AB World Foods US, Inc. Recalls Al'Fez Natural Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk
AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al'Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, an United States (07/12/2024)

	Wiers Farm, Inc Issues a Voluntary Recall on Whole and Salad Cucumbers Due to Possible Contamination with Listeria
Out of an abundance of caution, Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard, OH, is voluntarily recalling a limited number of whole cucumbers with a pack date of June 5, 2024 and bagged salad cucumbers with a pack date of June 5, 2024 and June 6, 2024 due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This p United States (07/12/2024)

	FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported from the Philippines
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that were... United States (07/10/2024)

	Al-Safa US LLC Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
WASHINGTON, July 5, 2024 - Al-Safa US LLC, the importer of record located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is recalling approximately 2,010 pounds of imported frozen ready-to-eat chicken products that may... United States (07/05/2024)

	Michael Foods Inc. Recalls Fair Meadow Foundations Liquid Egg Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2024 - M.G. Waldbaum dba Michael Foods Inc., a Gaylord, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,620 pounds of liquid egg products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens... United States (06/30/2024)

	Totally Cool, Inc., Recalls All Ice Cream Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Totally Cool, Inc. of Owings Mills, Maryland is recalling multiple brands of ice cream products, 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 w United States (06/24/2024)

	Wildly Beloved Foods is Recalling Orzo (Vegan) Dried and Campbell (Vegan) Dried Due to Potential Mold
June 24, 2024, Wildly Beloved Foods of Clinton, Washington is recalling approximately 30 packages of Orzo (vegan) Dried and 30 packages of Campanelle (vegan) Dried, 10 oz, due to potential mold growth contamination. The recalled Orzo (vegan) Dried, 10oz were distributed through Payless Foods, The United States (06/24/2024)

	DSD Merchandisers, LLC Announces Voluntary Recall of Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts Due to Undeclared Peanut
DSD Merchandisers, LLC is voluntarily recalling UPC 6-51433-99651-6 Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts, Sell by: 10/09/24, due to the presence of undeclared peanut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to specific type of allergen peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening aller United States (06/24/2024)