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By Eric Johnson
Published Jul 28, 2024

Will Kamala Harris become the first Californian since Richard Nixon to lead the nation? Will Kamala Harris become the first Californian since Richard Nixon to lead the nation?

Statecraft takes time: Kamala Harris & Gavin Newsom

For people who care about democracy, this has been a good week. Many of us are feeling, maybe for the first time in a while, optimistic—or at least hopeful—about our political future. This warm feeling is made possible because a bunch of civic leaders, journalists and others, working individually and together, executed a master class in statecraft.

“Statecraft,” in its broadest and driest definition, is the art of governance. In a democracy, the term can be used to describe the way our elected leaders and others involved in politics wield power. Note that the skillful execution of political power is an art and not a science—it has been likened to “listening for the footsteps of God and catching his coattails as he strides by.” 

In his five decades as a public servant, Joe Biden wielded power effectively and gracefully, but, in his Covid fever last week, he may have heard those footsteps heading away. He definitely also heard from leaders of his party, and finally heard a message that he had not allowed himself to hear for at least a couple of years. 

As we’ve seen, the wave of gratitude that followed the president’s courageous decision to step aside and anoint his successor immediately morphed into a storm of enthusiasm, proving the collective wisdom of the longtime friends and allies who gently but firmly pulled the levers that dislodged him. 

And here we are, with Kamala Harris making a strong bid to be the first Californian since Richard Nixon to serve as president of the United States. So the word of the week: Statecraft!


Years of Legislation Preceded Homeless Camp Crackdown

Gov. Gavin Newsom last week ordered state agencies to clear homeless encampents on state property, "while respecting the dignity and safety of Californians experiencing homelessness," and advised cities and counties to do the same. This followed a number of successful efforts by the governor and legislature to begin to fix the massive housing shortages that are the number-one cause of homelessness, and also to address dignity and safety concerns. There's a word for this. 


California Weighs In on Homeless Camps

A homeless camp in Santa Cruz, California in 2022, since disbanded.
Following the June 28 SCOTUS ruling on homeless encampment removal, Newsom brings the hammer down—but only after years of the state’s efforts to cushion the blow. Will it be enough?

‘Letters From an American:’ A Newsletter for Those Who Choose to Remember the Past

Heather Cox Richardson interviewing President Biden in 2022.
Heather Cox Richardson provides historical context for everyday civic events.


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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!


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.


This old-fashioned dessert is berry, berry good

This easy dessert makes the most of summer berries.
New! Spoon cake combines blackberries, blueberries


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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.

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From Our Media Allies

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San Jose Spotlight logo ‘Very Dirty’: Sunnyvale Homeless Shelter Residents Raise Sanitation Issues

Homeless residents at the North County Shelter in Sunnyvale say a shift in management has heightened sanitation problems and workers are unequipped to handle older adults living there.

Morgan Hill Times logo Paving Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill’s 2024 citywide pavement rehabilitation project began this week and will continue through October, according to city staff.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Gourmet Alley Construction Update

Despite temperatures rising into the triple digits (again) this week, work proceeds on the downtown Gilroy Gourmet Alley project.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Seven File Papers to Run for Gilroy Offices

With more than two weeks to go in the nomination period for local candidates for the Nov. 5 general election, a total of seven people have filed to run for mayor and three city council seats, according to Gilroy City …

Morgan Hill Times logo List of Possible Morgan Hill Election Candidates Grows

With more than two weeks left to go for the official nomination period for candidates for local offices in the Nov. 5 general election, the list of potentially interested names on the ballot is growing.

San Jose Spotlight logo Dozens of San Jose Murals Define Its Heritage

San Jose may be widely known as a tech hub, but it's also a city defined by its public art.

Los Gatan logo Los Gatos Meadows Developer Agrees to $1.1 Million Asbestos Settlement

After the Los Gatos Meadows senior living project was slammed, in 2022, by Town officials over height concerns and not taking heed of requests to rejig the hill-perched site to allow in more lower-income residents, Covia Communities—the developer—disappeared.

San Jose Spotlight logo East San Jose Hospital Loses Services While Richer Areas Thrive

A private health company plans to reduce lifesaving care at an East San Jose hospital as it expands another hospital in a wealthier part of the city.

San Jose Spotlight logo Newsom Says San Jose Should Take Urgent Action on Homeless Camps

Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling on local governments such as San Jose to use state funds for urgent action to address "dangerous" homeless encampments.

Gilroy Dispatch logo DA Launches New Online Data Portal

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office launched a public data dashboard last week to support what they said will promote “transparency, accountability, and community engagement” within the criminal justice system.

San Jose Spotlight logo Sunnyvale Wants Feedback for Homeless Safe Parking Sites

Sunnyvale is looking to offer safe parking for homeless residents living in their vehicles, and city officials are working on what that entails.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Lawmaker Running for Congress Doesn’t Live in His District

Assemblymember Evan Low is living outside his state legislative district in Campbell, raising questions about whether the lawmaker — and now congressional candidate — has turned his back on the people he was elected to serve.

Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Making a Splash: Swimming Holes Near Silicon Valley

Five places in the South Bay and Peninsula to keep cool by communing with nature wetly.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Evictions Increase After Pandemic Protections Expire

Santa Clara County evictions have shot up over the past year, prompting local groups and governments to find ways to support renters.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Campaign Contributions Expose Financial Loophole

Money pouring into a tight Silicon Valley congressional race is drawing attention to a loophole in campaign finance rules that obscures the influence of special interests.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Uses AI to Streamline Government

San Jose is a beehive of artificial intelligence innovation, with the city continuing its integration of the technology into every day services to improve the lives of residents.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Nonprofits Mismanaged Federal Dollars

Dozens of uncashed checks. Expenditures that were not allowed. Tardiness in submitting quarterly performance reports. These are some of the issues found in an audit of local nonprofits providing housing assistance during the pandemic.

San Jose Spotlight logo Cupertino Approves Plan to End Traffic Deaths

There's a car crash in Cupertino about every three days, city data shows. Officials and advocates are trying to change that.

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Recent Local News

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Willow Glen Neighborhood Board Signals Support for Sanctioned Homeless Camp

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association is open to a sanctioned homeless encampment at the Valley Transportation Authority’s Lelong Street property, but with a list of conditions.

(07/27/2024) → The Mercury News

San Jose School Bond Goes to November Ballot

In a special meeting held with less than 24 hours notice on July 25, the San Jose Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to put a $1.2 billion bond on the November ballot to fund school facility upgrades and build affordable staff housing.

(07/26/2024) → The Mercury News

Sunnyvale Celebrates Construction of Affordable Apartments

In a July 25 ceremony, Sunnyvale and county officials gathered across from the Lawrence Caltrain Station to celebrate the start of construction of 176 affordable apartments.

(07/26/2024) → The Mercury News

Pesticide Spraying in San Jose and Unincorporated Areas to Combat West Nile

Following the confirmation of West Nile virus in tested mosquitos, pesticide spraying was ordered for neighborhoods in the 95111, 95112, 95121 and 95122 zip codes in San Jose and unincorporated Santa Clara Valley.

(07/26/2024) → The Mercury News

San Jose Unified Strongly Disputes Civil Grand Jury Report

In their July 24 meeting, the San Jose Unified School District Board of Trustees strongly rejected findings from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury.

(07/25/2024) → The Mercury News

Palo Alto to Revise Development Process

In the face of pressure from state Housing and Community Development requirements for the building of over 6,000 new housing units in Palo Alto, the city is working to streamline the planning and review process.

(07/25/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Candidates Begin Filing For November Election

Candidates have begun filing the paperwork to run for open seats in the Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View in the upcoming November election.

(07/23/2024) → Los Altos Town Crier

Concerns Raised Over Distel Project in Los Altos

The 90-unit all-affordable housing development planned for Distel Circle recently reduced the number of proposed parking spaces by more than half.

(07/23/2024) → Los Altos Town Crier
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

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• Watch Duty Park Fire Incident Page

The official Watch Duty incident page for the massive Park Fire burning in Butte and Tehama Counties.

(07/27/2024) → Watch Duty

• CA Indoor Heat Rule Put on Fast Track

After years of delay, a new California regulation to protect indoor workers from extreme heat is now in effect.

(07/25/2024) → CalMatters

• Newsom Set an Ambitious Goal to Launch 500,000 Californians Into New Careers. Many Are Firefighters

In his 2018 campaign, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would create 500,000 new apprenticeships in the decade after taking office. So far, the state has registered more than 180,000 new apprenticeships. Many of them are firefighters.

(07/25/2024) → CalMatters

• California Has Seen Many Towns Created, but as Population Drops a Big Project Has Stalled

When California emerged from its colonial beginnings nearly two centuries ago and began coalescing into a distinct society, its towns and villages tended to be located either on navigable rivers, such as Sacramento, or around the 21 missions that Spanish explorer priests had established, such as San Diego.

(07/25/2024) → CalMatters

• CHP Justifies Its Officers’ Use of Force at Gaza Protests, Without Providing Evidence

“This doesn’t build public trust. Where is the evidence?” said Jeff Wenninger, a former Los Angeles Police lieutenant who oversaw use of force investigations.

(07/25/2024) → CalMatters

• California Forever abandons ballot measure in face of growing opposition, looks to 2026

California Forever’s announcement July 22 that it has decided to pull a ballot measure that would have let voters decide on a controversial planned city in rural Solano County drew swift reaction from political leaders and opponents.

(07/24/2024) → Local News Matters

• When California Housing Regulators Beef With Voters, Who Wins?

What happens when voters take to the ballot to thumb their nose at state housing law? Courts haven’t offered a clear answer.

(07/24/2024) → CalMatters

• West Nile Cases in Yuba and Stanislaus Counties

The first two human cases of West Nile virus this season were reported in Yuba and Stanislaus Counties.

(07/24/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• As Newsom Finishes His Governorship, Would-Be Successors Are Multiplying

There never was much of a chance that California Gov. Gavin Newsom would be running for president this year, even if President Joe Biden were to step aside.

(07/23/2024) → CalMatters

• California Forever Pulls Initiative

Following a report released the previous week by Solano County citing billions of dollars in costs and a host of other issues, California Forever pulled their initiative from the November ballot.

(07/23/2024) → The Mercury News
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (07/26/2024)

Supreme Service Solutions LLC Voluntarily Recalls Supreme Vegetable Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary of Recall: Supreme Service Solutions LLC. (dba Supreme Produce) is assisting in a Kroger Store recall for items purchased from Weirs Farm Inc. (purchased from Kroger Stores) due to possible contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes.
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/26/2024)

ALB-USA Enterprises Recalls ALB Flavor Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk

ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling ALB Flavor brand Cinnamon Powder, because it potentially contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparen
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (07/26/2024)

Los Gatos Creek Trail Fire Fuel Reduction Work July 29 - August 29

The Santa Clara County Fire Department will be doing fire fuels reduction work along the Los Gatos Creek Trail from July 29 through August 29, 2024.
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/26/2024)

Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2024 - Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because...
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (07/25/2024)

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE - MUSD Innovation Project 2024

Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (07/25/2024)

Layoff Assistance Webinars

Learn about available resources for individuals experiencing layoffs.
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/25/2024)

JFE Franchising, Inc. Recalls A Limited Number of Products Because Of Possible Health Risk

JFE Franchising, Inc. of Houston, TX, is recalling a limited number of products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (07/24/2024)

August 1 West Valley Clean Water Authority Roundtable Discussion

The West Valley Clean Water Authority is hosting a small roundtable discussion for Los Gatos residents about water-related issues affecting our community on August 1, 2024 from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. at a local community center.
Image of City of Monte Sereno seal. City of Monte Sereno   (07/24/2024)

Community Issues Focus Group

Residents are welcome to attend a roundtable discussion about water-related issues.
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/23/2024)

Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese Recalls St. Jerome Cheese Lot: 231129 Because of Possible Health Risk

Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese of Austin, Ky is recalling St. Jerome cheese, batch 231129, because it has 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 with weakened im