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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 18, 2024

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

This week, you might appreciate some reasons to believe that it's reasonable to hold out hope for the future—I'm just guessing. And you may also be ripe to be remindeed that there are some good things happening in this real world, while elsewhere things are getting weirder than ever. I feel fortunate to bring you three pieces of truly good news. 

And yes, a reminder: If you hopescroll a bit here, you will find a recipe that you might use to make yourself and your loved ones more happy, AND links to true news articles about stuff that is happening where you live, so you can actually participate in building democracy. (Sorry ... don't mean to sound preachy ... and  ... you're welcome.)

People Have the Power

Here’s a good story with a happy ending: A decade ago, the Chumash Tribal Council, led by Chief Fred Collins, proposed to federal authorities that the coastal waters offshore of their ancestral homeland be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. In October, that wish came to be. (See below.)

The Chumash people found an ally in the state of California, and also in federal agencies. Sometimes–not always–government works. In this case, definitely yes.

Meanwhile, up the coast in Santa Cruz County, the California State Parks department is working to democratize decisions about rebuilding a state beach and campground that were decimated by storm damage in 2023. The Seacliff Resilience Project is holding public meetings and collecting input—"reimagining" ways to guard against the twin threats of megastorms and rising sea-levels. This could be a new thing statewide and beyond.

And the life of the sea abides: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a California treasure of global significance. Among the myriad gifts it brings the world are its webcams. Please do yourself a favor and hit the link and watch -- the otters. Or the moon jellies. Or (deep breath) the kelp forest. Face it: Things are not all bad. 

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary

The newest of the 17 U.S. marine sanctuaries is being stewarded by the people who know it best.
Thousands of square miles of ocean and coastal habitat are now preserved for future generations.

Crowdsourcing Plans for Resilience


Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.

One Good Thing: Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams

The gentle waving back and forth of the kelp forest has entranced visitors since the aquarium opened.
Have a desire to watch a kelp forest, or some moon jellies, or some otters, or sharks, or birds? Not a problem thanks to these amazing live webcams.

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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.

Persimmons add flavor to fruity fall scones

The firmer Fuyu persimmon is the fruit featured in this delicious scone.
New! Persimmon-raisin scones with fresh Fuyu persimmon

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Ecology Action logo Ecology Action

Ecology Action states its mission concisely: “Reduce emissions.” The nonprofit group advocates for innovative energy, water, and transportation solutions in communities across California.

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From Our Media Allies

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San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara County Launches TRUST Direct Crisis Hotline

After some trial and error, Santa Clara County just made it easier to request a non-police response for someone in mental health crisis.
San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Mobile Home Park Residents Face Illegal Rent Increases

Illegal rent increases at a mobile home park just outside the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have San Jose housing department staff turning to the city attorney for help.
Morgan Hill Times logo Valley Water Urges Flood Preparedness

Valley Water and the National Weather Service urged the community to prepare for winter storms during a news conference held Nov. 13 at a sandbag distribution center in San José.

San Jose Spotlight logo East San Jose Development Could Add Hundreds of Affordable Homes

East San Jose could be home to one of the city’s largest affordable housing developments in recent history under a new proposal.
City leaders are hosting a Nov. 18 community meeting to discuss a proposed 100% affordable housing development at …
San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Voters Pass Multiple School Funding Measures

Several Santa Clara County school districts will receive more revenue thanks to resounding voter approval of bond measures and parcel taxes.
San Jose Inside logo Voter Turnout in CA Among Lowest in a Century

The California Secretary of State reports that more than 1.5 million of the 2024 Election Day no-shows were in California.
Gilroy Dispatch logo Downtown Gilroy Celebrates Gourmet Alley

Downtown Gilroy’s new Gourmet Alley, designed to be a pedestrian friendly corridor, officially opened to the public on Nov. 8.
San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Prefab Homeless Housing Delayed by Mounting Flaws

A troubled San Jose modular housing project for homeless residents has hit another snag.
The opening of a temporary housing site on Branham Lane has been delayed over difficulties ensuring the homes are structurally safe.

Sacramento News and Review logo When Fish Are Free: Hundreds of Salmon Are Now Spawning in Klamath River and Tributaries After Dam Removal Completed

Hundreds of fall-run Chinook salmon are now spawning on the Klamath River and its tributaries both above and below the former sites...
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Sierra Nevada May Hold Key to Meet California’s Ambitious 30×30 Goal

California's 30 X 30 goal was a topic at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conservation Conference held at Lake Tahoe Community College, Nov. 7-8. In 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom committed the state to conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters …
San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Advocates to Meet With Hospital Officials on Expansion Plans

San Jose residents have scored a win in their fight against a $1.2 billion proposal to expand Good Samaritan Hospital after securing a meeting with the hospital CEO over possible community benefits.
Los Gatan logo School Measures Maintain Approvals as More Votes Trickle In

Los Gatos residents’ support for the $163 million “Measure CC” bond to upgrade classrooms and other facilities at Los Gatos Union School District—which needed 55% to pass—was confirmed at 66.19% of the vote on Tuesday.
Los Gatan logo SJ Water Completes Latest Stage in Push to Preserve Kangaroo Rat Territory

In Dec. 2022, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District agreed to a $100,000+ deal with Nomad Ecology of Martinez, Calif., to study the population of the “critically imperiled Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat,” which had just reappeared on the Santa Clara County …
San Jose Spotlight logo Why These Santa Clara County Officials Have AR-15s

A state transparency law is shedding light on the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s cache of semi-automatic weapons – and publicizing the lesser known police agencies inside California’s top prosecutor offices.
Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Veteran Pacifica Surfers Hope Artificial Reef Can Quash the Need for a Beach-Destroying Seawall

Former Surfrider president and his allies propose an offshore reef to protect Sharp Park Beach—and create a nice wave for surf competitions.
San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara Mayor May Have Violated City Rules Serving Another Term

Eight years ago, Santa Clara approved a policy to prohibit anyone from serving more than two terms on the city council or as mayor. But the city’s top political leader — Mayor Lisa Gillmor — might have broken that rule.
San Jose Inside logo California Counts Methodically as Control of the House Hangs in the Balance

Nine of the 16 races that will determine which party controls the House of Representatives are in California. No state takes longer to tally votes.
San Jose Spotlight logo Downtown San Jose Road Could Close for New Pedestrian Mall

San Jose officials want to recreate the success of downtown gathering spaces like San Pedro Square and Paseo de San Antonio by permanently closing off vehicle traffic in a third location.
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Recent Local News

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• Palo Alto Teacher Housing Project Updated

Read on to learn how the proposal to develop teacher housing in Palo Alto has been revised in increase the number of units to be built, and make them more affordable.

 (11/18/2024) → Palo Alto Online

• Donate to Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund

Read on for details about how your donation to the Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund will help them reach their goal of $700,000.

 (11/16/2024) → Palo Alto Online

• Crime Up in Sunnyvale

The Sunnyvale Police Officer Union is sounding the alarm about rising crime rates. Find out why.

 (11/15/2024) → The Mercury News

• Santa Clara County Office of Education in "Turmoil"

Get the details from a just released 42-page report noting potential consequences of the turmoil besetting the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

 (11/15/2024) → The Mercury News

• State to Audit Mountain View Whisman’s Finances

The state is set audit finances of the Mountain View Whisman School District. Read on to learn why.

 (11/15/2024) → Mountain View Voice

• Over 700 Housing Units Planned For North San Jose Development

Learn more about the plans for a development of a 9.8 acre site on River Oaks Parkway in San Jose and how you can give your input as it enters the environmental review phase of the project.

 (11/14/2024) → The Mercury News

• 376 Acres in Coyote Valley Becomes Public Land

Learn how 376 acres in the Coyote Valley once slated for commercial development has been sold to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

 (11/13/2024) → The Mercury News

• Mountain View Drops Parking Requirements to Spur Housing

Learn how Mountain View is planning to drop parking requirements in parts of the city slated for new housing.

 (11/13/2024) → Mountain View Voice

• Palo Alto to Encourage Retail Chains

The City of Palo Alto is preparing to update zoning laws to encourage more retail chain stores. Read on to learn why.

 (11/13/2024) → Palo Alto Online

• Unique Partnership Forms for Green Energy Development

Read on for details about how the City of San Jose, PG&E and a top developer are coming together with plans for a green energy downtown featuring new data centers and housing high rises.

 (11/13/2024) → The Mercury News

• Los Altos Hills Forum to Discuss Housing Element

A forum is scheduled for November 8 to discuss how the new Los Altos Hills housing element is expected to affect local housing. Read on for details.

 (11/12/2024) → Los Altos Town Crier

• Agrivoltaic Project Under Development Near Gilroy

Learn more about a large solar renewable energy, storage and agriculture project is under development in Santa Clara County.

 (11/12/2024) → Mountain View Voice

• Palo Alto Celebrates Veterans

A report on a Palo Alto Veterans Day observance. Read on to learn about a historical restoration by local American Legion Post 375 which was unveiled at the celebration.

 (11/12/2024) → Palo Alto Online

• Palo Alto High Rise Moves Quickly Through Housing Review Process

Get the details about an 80-foot building under development in Palo Alto on El Camino Real on a fast track for approval.

 (11/12/2024) → Daily Post
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Recent Statewide News

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• Lobbying Activity This Past Summer Cost a Record-Breaking $168 Million. Here’s What We Know.

Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism, and a special one focusing on gas prices, powerful corporations poured in record-setting money to influence lawmakers.

 (11/18/2024) → CalMatters

• How Three Trump Policy Decrees Could Affect California’s Agricultural Industry

Voters in California’s farm belt, stretching more than 400 miles from Kern County on the south to Tehama County on the north, delivered solid majorities for Donald Trump in this month’s presidential election.

 (11/18/2024) → CalMatters

• Fewer Kids Are Going to California Public Schools. Is There a Right Way to Close Campuses?

Declining enrollment, the end of pandemic relief funding and uncertain state funding are forcing school districts to make some difficult decisions.

 (11/14/2024) → CalMatters

• California Schools Brace for Trump’s Attacks on Immigrants, Trans Students and ‘Woke’ Curriculum

More than 115,000 children in California were undocumented in the most recent census count, and it’s estimated almost half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.

 (11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• UC Faces Half-Billion-Dollar Budget Shortfall and Eyes Tuition Increase for New Nonresident Students

The University of California anticipates more than a $500 million budget gap next summer, so It’s considering a $3,402 jump in tuition for new nonresident students next fall. Meanwhile, the system is planning billions in construction projects.

 (11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump Has Promised to ‘End’ Offshore Wind. What Will That Mean for California’s Big Bet?

Trump’s promise to “end” the offshore wind industry could threaten CA’s renewable energy goals, potentially cutting off federal funding.

 (11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump’s Proposed Tariffs, Especially on China and Mexico, Could Hit California Hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.

 (11/12/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (11/17/2024)

IHA Beverage Issues a Voluntary Recall of Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz Because of Lead Contamination
IHA Beverage of Commerce, CA is recalling Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz, because it has the potential to be 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 apparent sig
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/16/2024)

Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers' Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination
Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.
Image of City of Los Altos seal. City of Los Altos   (11/16/2024)

Los Altos City Council Approves Ordinance to Transition to District-Based Elections Starting in 2026
Los Altos, Calif. November 16, 2024 The Los Altos City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night (Nov. 12) to approve an ordinance moving Los Altos to a district-based system for electing City Council members. This ordinance establishes the boundaries for five new districts, sets the election schedule beginning in November 2026, and outlines residency requirements for potential candidates. The first district-based …
Image of City of Saratoga seal. City of Saratoga   (11/15/2024)

Annual Celebration of Light December 7, 6:00 p.m.
Join the City of Saratoga and the Saratoga Ministerial Association to build community and celebrate the diversity of Saratoga with light - a symbol of hope, joy, and faith across cultures.
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (11/15/2024)

Capital Infrastructure Town Council Study Session
Join us on November 19, 2024 at 5:45 p.m. for a Town Council Study Session to discuss the preliminary report addressing the Town's capital infrastructure needs.
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (11/15/2024)

Milpitas Advances Comprehensive Initiatives to Support Unhoused and At-Risk Residents
The City of Milpitas reaffirms its strong commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable community members through a holistic approach.
Image of City of Morgan Hill seal. City of Morgan Hill   (11/14/2024)

Holiday Lights Home Decorating Contest
Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation invites the Community to participate in a cheerful new tradition! Get creative as you out shine in your neighborhood for the ultimate Holiday home decorating bragging rights. Register online by December 9.
Image of City of Gilroy seal. City of Gilroy   (11/14/2024)

We Need Your Input! Take the Survey.
We're Seeking Input on Community Development Block Grant Funds. To effectively plan and prioritize how Gilroy allocates its federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, we would like to gather your feedback through a Community Needs Survey.
Image of City of Monte Sereno seal. City of Monte Sereno   (11/14/2024)

Keep Our Storm Drains Clear This Fall!
Fallen leaves can clog storm drains, leading to street flooding and pollution in our waterways.
Image of City of Morgan Hill seal. City of Morgan Hill   (11/13/2024)

CRC Membership & Benefits
Your fitness journey awaits! Step into new routines at the Centennial Recreation Center. Membership includes classes, weights / cardio machines, treadmills, aqua fitness, lap swim, access to the Aquatics Center, and more! Not just a gym, its a community!