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By Chris Neklason
Published Sep 30, 2024

A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. Image credit: Courtesy U.S. Forest Service   CC0 1.0 Universal 1.0 Deed

A History of Mutual Aid

As I write this, people across the southeast states are reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. 

As an emergency communications geek, I follow a number of emergency service professionals on social media, and the information coming out of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee is both dire and inspiring.

Yes, inspiring. Even before the winds and rain had died down, neighbors and professionals leapt into action to perform swift water rescues, dig survivors out of mudslides and destroyed buildings and do house to house welfare checks in their neighborhoods. With power, cell phone, landlines and internet down, Ham Radio operators hastily organized networks to help coordinate relief efforts throughout the affected regions.

And right now, people across the country are gripped with an desire to reach out and help .

This week, The Newsletter contemplates that human impulse to cooperate and give support and aid to our fellows, and how we've organized our society around it.


How We Take Care of Each Other

For all of our flaws, there is an essentially decent part of human nature that compels us to render aid to the afflicted and unfortunate. 

We celebrate our humaneness with the first two articles of what will be an ongoing series documenting "service clubs" whose names may be familiar— organizations that are doing good in our communities.


The Changing Nature of Doing Good

Welcome to town. Here's how you can pitch in!
The legacy of ‘service clubs’ such as Soroptomists and Rotary lives on in a new generation of social clubs and volunteer organizations.

Doing Good: Soroptimist International

Sign for  Baliuag Lodge No. 301 - Soroptimist International (Pan-Philippine Highway, San Rafael, Bulacan)
Making a better world for women and preparing women to make a better world.


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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 Fall! cookbook.


Flavorful stir fry dresses up green beans

Fresh green beans stir-fried with toasted coconut and cashews works as a vegetarian entree or a side dish to a larger meal.
New! Toasted coconut, mustard seeds and nuts provide crunch


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.

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From Our Media Allies

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Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Mori Point

Enjoy sweeping vistas of the California coast.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Community College District Offers Free Tuition

West Valley College student Mike Katakis and his dad are among thousands of students who will earn part of their college education in Silicon Valley for free.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: Mountain View Official Runs for D5 County Seat

Margaret Abe-Koga grew up in San Mateo watching her parents live in a bubble.
As Japanese immigrants seeking a better life in the U.S., Abe-Koga's parents became enmeshed in the Japanese American community — but struggled outside of it and …

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Considers Tax Breaks to Fill Downtown Offices

City leaders want to give new businesses a tax break and parking benefits to lure them into downtown.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: Longtime Politico Could Land Santa Clara County D5 Seat

Sally Lieber jumped into politics at age 13, rallying in Detroit for former Michigan state Sen. Doug Ross between delivering newspapers. She caught the political bug early, and since then has held numerous posts in California. This November she wants …

San Jose Spotlight logo Sunnyvale Candidates Talk Housing Issues Ahead of Election

The Sunnyvale City Council will make decisions on housing, transit and the city's budget in the near future — and candidates seeking elected office are sharing their approaches to governing.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: San Jose Official Wants to Keep Improving District 8

Domingo Candelas has hit the ground running since being appointed to represent District 8 on the San Jose City Council in 2023.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: San Jose D10 Challenger Wants to Change the Status Quo

For George Casey, the impetus for him running for San Jose City Council came from an event that left him frustrated about why the city wasn’t doing more to protect its residents.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Water District Candidates Run for Open Seat

Self-proclaimed tech evangelist Bill Roth and former Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition leader Shiloh Ballard are competing for a seat on the Santa Clara Valley Water board of directors this November.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Food Stamps Levels Highest Since 2014

It's a tale of two worlds in Santa Clara County — one of affluence and one of survival, as thousands of residents struggle to put food on the table.

Los Gatan logo Council Directs Staff to Prioritize Restroom Plan

Los Gatos is one step closer to having a permanent public potty downtown.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: D10 San Jose Official Says He Has More to Do

San Jose Councilmember Arjun Batra's interest lies in identifying the perceived weaknesses in the city's systems — and working to fix them.

San Jose Spotlight logo County Leaders Secure Purchase of East San Jose Hospital

Santa Clara County leaders have approved a $315 million effort to acquire and integrate Regional Medical Center into California’s second largest public hospital system — and restore the lifesaving care a for-profit corporation systematically cut from East San Jose.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Residents Say Costco Too Big for Neighborhood

West San Jose residents say their community isn't the place for a massive Costco warehouse and its inevitable impact on traffic safety.

San Jose Spotlight logo Cupertino Candidate Reenters Race Despite Health Concerns

A Cupertino official is back in the City Council race almost a week after she dropped out due to her health.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: Education Trustee Could Be First Hindu Woman in State Assembly

Signs supporting Tara Sreekrishnan lined the lawn beside PepperMint, an Indian restaurant in Sunnyvale. Inside, Sreekrishnan greeted dozens of supporters who helped themselves to a mouthwatering array of noodles, curries and other cuisines.

San Jose Spotlight logo Election 2024: Assembly District 26 Director Ready to Move Up

Patrick Ahrens donned a brown apron embroidered with the words “Baskin Robins” on his birthday. He doled out scoops of ice cream to dozens of supporters and potential voters, flavors ranging from Baseball Nut and Jamoca Almond Fudge to mint …

San Jose Spotlight logo Los Gatos Homeowners Risk Losing Fire Insurance

Los Gatos resident Rob Stump never knows when he might get that dreaded insurance company call. Stump, who lives in a home nestled along one-way winding roads in the tree-covered Los Gatos hillside, needs wildfire protection — but he doesn't …

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Recent Local News

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Candidate Profiles: Palo Alto Unified Board of Education

Meet the five candidates running for three open seats on the Palo Alto Board of Education in the November election.

(10/01/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Candidate Profiles: Mountain View City Council

Meet the nine candidates running for four open seats on the Mountain View City Council in the November election.

(10/01/2024) → Mountain View Voice

Candidate Profiles: Gilroy City Council

Meet the candidates and incumbents running for seats on the Gilroy City Council in the November election.

(10/01/2024) → The Mercury News

Candidate Profiles: US Congressional District 16

A look at candidates Sam Liccardo and Evan Low, running to represent Silicon Valley in the District 16 seat in the US House of Representatives in the November election.

(09/30/2024) → Mountain View Voice

Candidate Profile: Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors District 5

Meet the candidates running for the District 5 seat on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in the November election.

(09/30/2024) → Mountain View Voice

Candidate Q&A: Palo Alto City Council

Candidates running for the Palo Alto City Council in November respond to policy questions.

(09/30/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Milpitas Sales Tax Measure on November Ballot

The City of Milpitas has placed a measure on the November ballot to extend an existing quarter-cent sales tax another eight years to fund emergency services, street repairs and city parks.

(09/26/2024) → The Mercury News

Los Altos Council Continues Districting Discussions

In their September 24 meeting, the Los Altos City Council continued deliberations on maps outlining five voting districts for future elections.

(09/25/2024) → Los Altos Town Crier

Silicon Valley African American Cultural Center Takes Shape

A proposed African American cultural center slated to be built at a site on The Alameda in San Jose has partnered with a nonprofit housing partner to add housing to the project.

(09/25/2024) → The Mercury News

Candidate Q&A: Los Altos City Council

Candidates running for Los Altos City Council share their thoughts on environmental objectives.

(09/24/2024) → Los Altos Town Crier

Candidate Profile: Santa Clara City Council

An introduction to the 10 candidates running for open seats on the Santa Clara City Council in the November election.

(09/24/2024) → The Mercury News
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Recent Statewide News

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A Minimum Wage Increase for California Health Care Workers Is Finally Kicking In

A California minimum wage law that was delayed amid budget troubles is now set to go into effect Oct. 16. It’s expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of workers.

(10/01/2024) → CalMatters

Newsom’s Gas Price Bill Passes Assembly, but Senate Plan Still Uncertain

The Assembly approves Gov. Newsom’s bill on oil refineries on a 44-17 vote. But the state Senate will have its say during the special session.

(10/01/2024) → CalMatters

Vomiting, Cramps and Lethargy: As Heat Rises, California Kids Are Sweltering in Schools With No Air Conditioning

An estimated 1 in 5 schools has no air conditioning and another 10% need repair. Underfunded schools struggle to keep classrooms cool as heat waves intensify. “It’s a hot mess,” one teacher says.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

Late Payments to Nonprofits Hamper California’s Fight Against Homelessness

Homeless service providers are scaling back and taking out loans as they wait for late payments from the government.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

California Bans Legacy Admissions at Colleges. The End of Affirmative Action Is a Reason Why

California’s private nonprofit colleges will no longer be able grant students an admissions advantage if their parents donated to or went to the same college after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this morning banning the practice.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

Newsom Plan on Gas Prices Clears First Hurdle

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to combat gasoline price spikes appears headed to a long-awaited Assembly floor vote next week after passing out of committee on September 26.

(09/27/2024) → CalMatters

Election Guide: Proposition 2 $10 Billion Education Bond

The Mercury News guide to the Proposition 2 $10 billion bond to build and repair public schools.

(09/27/2024) → The Mercury News

Economists Like Newsom’s Plan to Help Control Gas Prices. Refiners Don’t.

The governor wants new gas reserves to dampen seasonal price spikes. Refiners say the move would raise prices and require new storage tanks.

(09/26/2024) → CalMatters

Will New Laws Improve Housing for CA Farmworkers?

Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.

(09/25/2024) → CalMatters

Election Guide: Proposition 36 Anti-Crime Measure

The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.

(09/25/2024) → The Mercury News

Cal State Campuses Brace for ‘Severe Consequences’ as Budget Gap Looms

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

New California Law Gives Tenants More Time to Respond to Eviction Notices

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

Only 1 in 5 California Community College Students Makes It to a University, Audit Says

Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

A New California Law Will Scrub Most Medical Debt From Credit Reports

About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/30/2024)

Alex Lee CA Assembly 24:
Assemblymember Alex Lee’s Statement on the Veto of Bill to Tackle LGBTQ+ Inequalities

Assemblymember Alex Lees Statement on the Veto of Bill to Tackle LGBTQ+ Inequalities channi Mon, 09/30/2024 - 16:58 Nicholas Chan Email nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov Phone (916) 319-2392 Title Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee Monday, September 30, 2024 Assemblymember Alex Lee released the following statement after the Governor vetoed the Assemblymembers bill AB 3031, which aimed to improve the health, safety, …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/30/2024)

Esmeralda Soria California Assembly 27:
Governor Newsom Signs Assemblywoman Soria’s AB 2900 Helping Small Agricultural Truck Owners

Governor Newsom Signs Assemblywoman Sorias AB 2900 Helping Small Agricultural Truck Owners gomezhe Mon, 09/30/2024 - 13:06 Email roy.sianez@asm.ca.gov Monday, September 30, 2024 SACRAMENTO, CA Today, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria announced that Governor Newsom has signed her bill, AB 2900. AB 2900 requires the California Air Resources Board to provide technical assistance to help small agricultural truck owners upgrade their truck …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/30/2024)

Alex Lee CA Assembly 24:
Bill To Ensure Food Security Through CalFresh Signed By the Governor

Bill To Ensure Food Security Through CalFresh Signed By the Governor channi Mon, 09/30/2024 - 12:22 Nicholas Chan Email nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov Phone (916) 319-2392 Title Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee Monday, September 30, 2024 A CalFresh pilot project served tens of thousands of people by improving access to healthy food. The project, known as the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable …
Image of City of Gilroy seal. City of Gilroy   (09/30/2024)

California High-Speed Rail Open House

California High-Speed Rail is holding open houses across the Bay Area to offer residents and others a forum to learn more about the project.
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (09/30/2024)

Milpitas Cooling Centers Open!

In response to the extreme temperatures, the City will open Cooling Centers Monday (9/30) through Saturday (10/5) at the following locations
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/30/2024)

Ash Kalra CA Assembly 25:
Assemblymember Ash Kalra’s Housing Bills Signed into Law

Assemblymember Ash Kalras Housing Bills Signed into Law hallakze Mon, 09/30/2024 - 09:39 Monday, September 30, 2024 SACRAMENTO Showing his commitment to support a broad range of bipartisan housing legislation, Governor Newsom signed three bills by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), AB 2347, AB 2926, and AB 3122, to combat the states housing crisis. These bills are part of and …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/30/2024)

Alex Lee CA Assembly 24:
Assemblymember Alex Lee’s Bill to Streamline Train Electrification Projects Signed by the Governor

Assemblymember Alex Lees Bill to Streamline Train Electrification Projects Signed by the Governor channi Mon, 09/30/2024 - 09:29 Nicholas Chan Email nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov Phone (916) 319-2392 Title Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee Monday, September 30, 2024 The Governor has signed Assemblymember Alex Lees legislation to streamline train electrification projects. AB 2503 advances Californias climate goals by helping transit agencies …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/30/2024)

Alex Lee CA Assembly 24:
State Legislature Recognizes October as Filipino American History Month

State Legislature Recognizes October as Filipino American History Month channi Mon, 09/30/2024 - 09:10 Nicholas Chan Email nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov Phone (916) 319-2392 Title Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee Monday, September 30, 2024 As October approaches, Assemblymember Alex Lees legislation, House Resolution 112, celebrates the month as Filipino American History Month in recognition of the contributions and achievements of Filipino …
Image of City of Morgan Hill seal. City of Morgan Hill   (09/27/2024)

Clean Air Week Starts September 30

Join us for fun-packed events related to clean air, both indoors and outdoors. Events include a cooking demonstration with an induction cooktop and a Clear Air Celebration at Magical Bridge Playground. Activities continue through October 5.
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/27/2024)

Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 - Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen...
Pay to Park (funds stay local) ad from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.