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By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 02, 2024

Giving Locally Tuesday

ICYMI: It goes: Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday. Brilliant branding, all around. And here we are.

"Today, Giving Tuesday is a year-round global generosity movement made up of thousands of leaders, and millions and millions of people, who are working to transform their communities and their world—one small act at a time."

That’s Asha Curran, the current CEO of the organization she co-founded. And while we're glad that this movement has gone global since being launched just 12 years ago, we want, today (and tomorrow) to bring it home. 

I want to urge you to put some of your generosity to work in the places you know and love. A number of our friends and colleagues are launching giving campaigns this week, and I want to take this opportunity to let you know about them. And wherever you live in CALocal’s ten-county service area, I’m sure there are similar campaigns near you.  

Below are links to a handful of campaigns, each of which benefit multiple charities. I promise you, they deserve your support.


Santa Cruz Gives

“Local nonprofits work incredibly hard to improve the quality of life in Santa Cruz County, from cleaning our beaches and monitoring our drinking water quality to mentoring our children and providing informative local news.”

Monterey County Gives!

“In last year’s campaign, Monterey County Gives! raised over $11.9 million in six weeks, thanks to more than 8,000 donors. That’s impactful. Since its inception, the program has raised and donated over $68 million to approximately 500 local nonprofits.”

Give Back Tahoe

“The Give Back Tahoe Giving Season is an end-of-year fundraising campaign that raises awareness about our local nonprofits and all they do to support this community. In 2023, 1,026 people donated over $627,206 for 70+ participating nonprofits!”

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

“These trusted nonprofits are helping to meet our communities’ most vital needs while also striving to make our region a more equitable place for all its residents.”

Community Foundation for San Benito County

The Community Foundation is running three fundraisers during Giving Tuesday—for the Latino Generations Endowment Fund, the Women’s Fund, and the Community Foundation itself.



 


Philanthropic Megafauna, Part II

Last week we introduced you to The Elks—an old-school philanthropic organization that you've probably heard about, even if you were unaware of the spcicific good that they do in your community. This week, meet The Lions, another venerable institution that is doing more good in your town—and in the world—than you might know.


Doing Good: Lions Clubs International

Lions Club International is made up of more than a million individuals and operates across the globe, including in Quezon City, Philippines.
In the wake of the First World War, a group of business leaders built an international organization of more than 1,000 local service clubs in less than a decade. It has grown to be one of the biggest philanthropic organizations in the world.


California Local logo

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.


Citrus-packed mandarin muffins can brighten a winter morning

The first citrus fruit of the season flavors this bright muffin.
New! Bakery-style mandarin muffins with raisins


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.

→ Learn more

California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

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San Jose Spotlight logo East San Jose School District to Close Six Campuses Next Year

East San Jose school leaders have made the final decision about which campuses in the financially struggling district will close.

San Jose Spotlight logo Cupertino Council Race Recount Decided by 63 Votes

R “Ray” Wang has won a spot on the Cupertino City Council in a tight race that triggered a recount for one of two open seats.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara County Ex-Officers Boast About Jail Beatings

Santa Clara County deputies brag about beating incarcerated people "between floors" and other brutal behavior at the county's embattled jail, according to screenshots obtained exclusively by San José Spotlight.

San Jose Inside logo CA Landlords Are Using AI to Raise Rents, San Jose and Others Are Pushing Back

San Jose is considering a ban on the use of algorithmic rent-pricing software of the sort made by market leader RealPage. San Francisco has enacted a ban and San Diego is considering a similar ordinance.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara Electricity Rates Are Going Up

Santa Clara residents will see their electricity bill inch upward in the next year, as the city works on improving its power grid.

Morgan Hill Times logo Morgan Hill Gears Up for Giving

For many, the holiday season is a time of giving and generosity—a spirit that is alive and well in Morgan Hill as the community plans to step up to help their neighbors.

Morgan Hill Times logo Housing Options Expand for Ag Sector

A new family farmworker residential development celebrated its grand opening in Morgan Hill on Nov. 20, adding 73 more homes to the city’s stock of affordable housing.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Senior Apartment Tenants Take Issue With Management

An affordable housing development near Willow Glen was supposed to give homeless older adults a safe place to live. Instead, a number of residents are clamoring to leave.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Report Shows ‘Inhumane’ Conditions at Animal Shelter

A critical city report highlighting deteriorating conditions at the San Jose animal shelter echoes concerns advocates and former volunteers have raised for years.

San Jose Spotlight logo Major Santa Clara Housing Project Clears Development Hurdle

Santa Clara has been bulking up housing in its northern neighborhoods and officials just approved plans for thousands more homes.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Developer Pays Millions to Reduce Affordable Housing

Plans for a San Jose urban village have shifted, after developers agreed to pay millions to offset their decision to build more affordable homes.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara County CARE Program Begins Mental Health Treatment

As the sweeping promises of a new behavioral health court take shape slower than expected across California, Santa Clara County is one of the last to roll it out.

San Jose Spotlight logo Silicon Valley Water District Will Fine People Living on Its Property

Homeless people are barred from living along regional waterways owned by Santa Clara County’s largest water agency — and could be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor and face up to $500 fines if they’re caught camping there.

Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Flood Park: Building Anew on a Cherished History

This historic property in Menlo Park, with its popular pump track, sports fields, heritage trees and demonstration garden, is on the brink of another transformative revitalization.

San Jose Spotlight logo Cupertino City Council Race Recount Begins

A tight West Valley city council race is headed to a recount with fewer than 10 days until the vote must be certified.

San Jose Spotlight logo Los Gatos Stables Stay Open Amid Millions in Needed Repairs

More than 60 people, some who traveled all the way to Los Altos from San Martin and Woodside, piled into a packed meeting, decked out in multi-colored plaid, cowboy hats and boots. They anxiously wrung their hands and wiped away …

Morgan Hill Times logo Boys & Girls Club Appoints Edith Ramirez to Board of Directors

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, a nonprofit youth services group providing after-school voluntary activities for young people through clubhouses across the valley, announced this week it has appointed Morgan Hill Assistant City Manager Edith Ramirez to its board …

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

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Mountain View Whisman Schools Going Green

In their November 21 meeting, the Mountain View Whisman Board of Trustees were presented with initial designs for new trees and outdoor green spaces on school grounds. Read on to learn more about the push to go green.

(12/02/2024) → Mountain View Voice

Developer of Mountain View Project Threatens Litigation

The developer of a seven-story builder's remedy project is threatening to sue Mountain View over delays and imposed requirements. Read on to learn what's behind the dispute.

(12/02/2024) → Mountain View Voice

Utility Costs to Increase in Palo Alto

Palo Alto residents can expect an increase in utility rates of 9% in the coming months. Read on the learn why rates are going up and when they can be expected to show up on bills.

(12/02/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Palo Alto Eyes University Avenue Changes

Read on to learn how the Palo Alto City Council is planning to revitalize the streetscape and retail experience on University Avenue.

(11/28/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Spotlight on the Milpitas Historical Society

Learn more about how the Milpitas Historical Society is preserving the past.

(11/27/2024) → Milpitas Beat

Mission Point Development in Santa Clara Approved

The Santa Clara City Council voted to approve development of a 2,600-home neighborhood on Democracy Way. Read on to learn more about this massive project.

(11/26/2024) → The Mercury News

Palo Alto Considers Downtown Garage

The City of Palo Alto is considering the development of a downtown parking garage. Read on to learn more.

(11/26/2024) → Palo Alto Online

Morgan Hill Housing Project EIR Approved

The environmental impact report for a proposed 320-unit housing development was approved by the Morgan Hill City Council. Read on to learn more about the project.

(11/25/2024) → Morgan Hill Life

Affordable Housing Development Moves Forward in Mountain View

The Mountain View planning commission approved a 100-unit eight story affordable housing project proposed for San Antonio Road. Read on to learn more about the development and concerns about parking.

(11/25/2024) → Mountain View Voice
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

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California’s Employment Safety Net Is Still Broken. Will Anyone Fix It?

Out-of-work residents fight new fraud battles. The system bleeds money. And a $1 billion technology overhaul marches on.

(12/03/2024) → CalMatters

California Democrats Plan to Crack Down on Cities That Block Abortion Clinics

California Democrats have passed two dozen laws to protect abortion access since the Supreme Court in 2021 overturned Roe vs. Wade. New bills are on the table.

(12/02/2024) → CalMatters

5,000 Bills Is Too Many. California Legislature Sets New Max on Legislation.

Reflecting concern about too many bills, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas lowered the number legislators are allowed to introduce.

(12/02/2024) → CalMatters

California Birth Centers Are Shutting Down. A Lawmaker Has a New Plan to Help Them

Birth centers are midwife-run facilities that deliver babies outside of hospitals. They have struggled to stay in business in part because of strict state licensing requirements.

(12/02/2024) → CalMatters

Landlords Are Using AI to Raise Rents — And California Cities Are Leading the Pushback

California and federal prosecutors have accused software company RealPage of enriching itself ”at the expense of renters who pay inflated prices.”

(12/01/2024) → CalMatters

Unstoppable Invasion: How Did Mussels Sneak Into California, Despite Decades of State Shipping Rules?

Most ships discharging ballast water into California waters are inspected, but state officials have tested the water of only 16 ships. Experts say invaders like mussels are inevitable under current rules and enforcement.

(11/25/2024) → CalMatters

The Price Tag on Project 2025’s Abortion Plan: $300 Million Cut to Medi-Cal

Gov. Gavin Newsom is urgently preparing to protect reproductive rights from the incoming Trump administration—and the looming possibility of Project 2025-inspired policies.

(11/25/2024) → CalMatters

Busing People Out of Homelessness: How California’s Relocation Programs Really Work

Many California cities offer their homeless residents one-way bus tickets to other places.

(11/25/2024) → CalMatters

California Dairies Ignore Bird Flu Threat

Learn how health officials and California dairies are responding, or not, to the explosive spread of bird flu through dairy herds across the state.

(11/25/2024) → Los Angeles Times
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

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Image of State of California seal. State of California   (12/02/2024)

Esmeralda Soria California Assembly 27:
Assemblywoman Soria Introduces Housing Bill Aimed at Providing More Funding for Rural Communities

Assemblywoman Soria Introduces Housing Bill Aimed at Providing More Funding for Rural Communities gomezhe Mon, 12/02/2024 - 17:39 Email brody.fernandez@asm.ca.gov Phone (916) 276-3390 Monday, December 2, 2024 SACRAMENTO, CA Today, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria introduced new housing legislation (AB 36) that will provide additional funding for small, rural communities to compete for state funded housing grants. This bill will finally address …
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (12/02/2024)

December 7, 2024 Parade Road Closure

Heads up! On Saturday, December 7, 2024, N. Santa Cruz Avenue will be closed from Main Street to Los Gatos Boulevard from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the Los Gatos Lions Club and LGS Recreation's Annual Los Gatos Children's Parade.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (12/02/2024)

Robert Rivas CA Assembly 29:
Speaker Robert Rivas Charts New Path Forward for California, Directs Urgent and Clear Action to Lower Cost of Living

Speaker Robert Rivas Charts New Path Forward for California, Directs Urgent and Clear Action to Lower Cost of Living hagamasc Mon, 12/02/2024 - 16:08 Assembly leader says lawmakers must deliver on promises to build more housing and stabilize energy prices, announces limit on number of bills members can introduce to focus on affordability Title Press Secretary Email Cynthia.Moreno@asm.ca.gov Phone 916-319-2029 …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (12/02/2024)

Robert Rivas CA Assembly 29:
Speaker Rivas: Organizational Session Speech Clip

Speaker Rivas: Organizational Session Speech Clip hagamasc Mon, 12/02/2024 - 16:02 Monday, December 2, 2024 Video file
Image of Town of Los Gatos seal. Town of Los Gatos   (12/02/2024)

December 10 Town Council Reorganization and Selection of the 2024/25 Mayor and Vice Mayor

The Town of Gatos invites you to a Special Council Meeting for the reorganization of the Town Council and the swearing in of Council Member Hudes and Council Member Ristow. The Town will also honor the selection of the 2024/25 Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (12/02/2024)

Robert Rivas CA Assembly 29:
2025-26 Organizational Session

Monday, December 2, 2024
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (12/02/2024)

Get ready to be part of something special!

On behalf of the Milpitas City Council and City Managers Office, it is our distinct honor to invite you to the City Council Reorganization Ceremony for the incoming Milpitas City Council.
Image of City of Milpitas seal. City of Milpitas   (12/02/2024)

City of Milpitas and International Association of Firefighters Reach Contract Agreement

The City of Milpitas and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1699 are pleased to announce the successful negotiation of a new contract agreement that ensures continued excellence in fire protection and emergency response services
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/02/2024)

Baker Farms Recalls Baker Brand Curly Mustard Due to Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Baker Farms is recalling their Baker Farms Curly Mustard, 16 oz. plastic bags with BEST BY 11-21-2024, UPC: 8 13098 02018 4, Lot Code: bak144-6806 due to contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young chil
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (12/02/2024)

Robert Rivas CA Assembly 29:
Speaker Rivas' Full Remarks at Organizational Session

Speaker Rivas' Full Remarks at Organizational Session hagamasc Mon, 12/02/2024 - 12:16 Monday, December 2, 2024 Renew the California Dream Colleagues Thank you for your trust and faith in me. Last year it was my deep honor to undertake the responsibilities of Speaker of the California Assembly. Now as then I am filled with great pride. Im proud to lead …
Pay to Park (funds stay local) ad from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.