View in Browser
California Local Logo
Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


By Eric Johnson
Published Feb 24, 2025

California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick speaking at Fresno City College, where he has taught for 26 years.
California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick speaking at Fresno City College, where he has taught for 26 years.
Image credit: Photo by Mark Tabay   Courtesy Lee Herrick

Civil Civic Debate & Poetry

“Civic engagement is not only or mainly about learning how the government works, what each branch does and so on. It’s above all about learning how to engage in public deliberation and argument about big questions that matter. Learning how to listen to those with whom we disagree—and to respond, and to argue, and to defend one’s position with civility and mutual respect. But also with a kind of confidence and poise.

“We are not born knowing how to do this. This is a civic art that democracy requires, and that we need to learn.”
–Michael Sandel

Speaking of “civic art”This week we are resurfacing a couple of pieces inspired by stories CEO Chris Neklason found while scanning the state for our News Digest (see below), and one of them has to do with poetry. 

Many California counties and cities last week announced the appointments of their poet laureates. (Again, you may well find news about your local public poet below.) As champions of civic institutions doing cool stuff, we applaud the state's robust commitment to poetry. And I commend you to a signal booster below introducing Lee Herrick, who was named California’s poet laureate in 2022, and remains in that post.

Herrick has taught poetry at Fresno City College for 26 years, and served as that city’s poet laureate for two of those. He takes his quasi-governmental role seriously, seeing himself as “a conduit between the literary and poetry world, and the civic and public sphere.” 

To that end, Herrick, who was weaned on punk and Run-D.M.C., initiated a project called “Our California,” in which he invited poets of any experience level, age or background to compose a poem about their city, town, or state, “exploring what they love about it, what joy they find in it, what they would change about it, or what they hope for.”

The submissions to the project are closed, but you can find some powerful work, arranged by county, on the Our California website.

Can Democrats and Republicans talk to each other?

Chris found an item last week involving another Central Valley city, in this case Manteca, in San Joaquin County. There, the Manteca Interfaith Community Appeal (MICA) is hosting a gathering of a group called Braver Angels. 

From the Manteca/Rippon Bulletin: “Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide for the good of our democratic republic.

 “The organization's  goal is to “bring together ‘We the People’ to find a hopeful alternative to toxic politics. The American Hope campaign is equipping Americans across the political spectrum to work together and demand the same of politicians from both parties.”

I realize that a call for cease-fire and reconciliation at this moment in history may seem like an outrage to folks on either side of a political divide that has become a yawning chasm. Before continuing, I want to state for the record that California Local is a non-partisan purveyor of news and information. That does not mean we are neutral. We do not claim journalistic objectivity—our perspective is not the “view from nowhere.” We are a fact-based organization with a commitment to truth and to democracy.

Speaking for myself, like many of my professional peers, I do not identify as a member of a political party, but rather as a journalist. In my trade, the first step is to consider all sides of every issue. I will admit that that has been more difficult over the past decade than ever before. I’ve come to believe, over the past several months, that there has never been a more important time to do it.

I believe the political philosopher Michael Sandell, quoted at the top of this brief essay, makes the best argument for this, when he suggests that the most important thing we all must do as citizens is to “learn to listen, respectfully and attentively, to those with whom we disagree.” Hard work. Hope this helps. 


Art and Politics

Here is a poet who has dedicated himself to fostering civic engagement, and some political activists trying to revive the art of respectful polical conversation.


Getting to Know California’s Poet Laureate

Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom meet with California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick.
Lee Herrick explains to the Los Angeles Times why he’s always traveling California.

Bridging the Great Divide

Braver Angels members discuss election reform.
In a time of unprecedented polarization, Braver Angels encourages citizens to do something completely revolutionary: listen to each other.

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 Winter! cookbook.


Savory green scones for upcoming St. Patrick’s Day – or any time

Flaky and savory, these spinach scones celebrate spring.
Recipe: Spinach scones with cheddar cheese and garlic chives.


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

→ View All
San Jose Spotlight logo Mountain View Backs Targeted Density in Residential Areas

Mountain View is making strides with its plan to rezone parts of the city to create more opportunities to build more homes, including some lower-density multifamily residential areas.

San Jose Spotlight logo Santa Clara County Creates Office to Prevent Violence

Santa Clara County wants to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to addressing community violence. To accomplish this, county leaders plan to sink millions of dollars into a new initiative.

San Jose Spotlight logo Sunnyvale Searches for Solution to Paramedic Shortage

Sunnyvale public safety officers are optimistic a new study will find solutions to the city’s lack of paramedics.

San Jose Spotlight logo Mountain View Struggles to Fill Empty Downtown Vacancies

In recent years, Mountain View has struggled with high retail vacancy rates, despite efforts to revitalize the downtown corridor.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Mayor Says AI Driving Spanish Speakers’ Participation

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan says Spanish-speaking participation at city meetings has increased 300% through the use of artificial intelligence translation software. But critics are finding errors in the tool — and question if it’s really driving the increase.

San Jose Spotlight logo Palo Alto Mulls New RV Park to Aid Vehicle Dwellers

With the number of vehicle dwellers on the rise, Palo Alto’s elected leaders are considering further expanding the Geng Road “safe parking” site, which provides spaces and social services for individuals and families who live in RVs.

San Jose Spotlight logo A Vibrant Destination? Palo Alto Dreams Big on Cubberley

After decades filled with false starts and shattered expectations, Palo Alto’s elected leaders on Tuesday took their first step in what promises to be a long journey to repair, rebuild and enhance Cubberley Community Center.

San Jose Spotlight logo Campbell Library Renovation Needs Funds for Services

After years of delays and planning, Campbell is about to complete construction on its new library — and one nonprofit is counting on locals to step up and fill in the gaps.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Gilroy Seeks Input on Future of Civic Center

Residents are invited to share their input and seek information at a series of upcoming workshops on the City of Gilroy’s Civic Center Mater Plan project.

San Jose Spotlight logo Interim Silicon Valley Water CEO Faces Conflict of Interest Concerns

The temporary head of Silicon Valley's largest water agency is facing questions over a potential conflict of interest as she oversees a contract with her husband's consulting firm.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Rejects Development Due to ‘Ridiculous’ Red Tape

The San Jose Planning Department has rejected a proposed project because it was filed at 1.2 inches instead of 1 inch, leaving the developer stunned.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Mayor Oversells the Value of Temporary Housing

San Jose's mayor is touting a plan to end unsheltered homelessness through temporary housing solutions, claiming it's 95% cheaper than building permanent affordable housing. But he's leaving out a crucial detail.

Los Gatan logo Los Gatos Lodge Proposal for Condos Along Highway 17 Gets Good Reviews at Planning Commission

The Los Gatos Lodge housing proposal emerged from Planning Commission last week, with a rare unanimous vote of support in its first kick at the can. It will now move on to Town Council.

San Jose Inside logo Federal Auditors Report That Santa Clara County’s Office of Education Misspent More Than $135K and Rebuffed Oversight

U.S. Head Start auditors told local education officials that they had discovered a pattern of previous administrators scoffing at grant rules and rejecting calls for oversight.

San Jose Spotlight logo Downtown San Jose to Add Two-Floor Music Venue

San Jose's downtown core is about to get more lively with a new late-night concert venue and bar in the works.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Teachers Prioritize Safety in Contract Negotiations

A teachers union is joining parents in demanding San Jose's largest school district makes schools safer.

San Jose Spotlight logo San Jose Protest Against President Trump Draws Hundreds

Hundreds of protesters from around Silicon Valley marched through downtown San Jose Monday as part of demonstrations taking place across the country over President Donald Trump and his policies.

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

→ View All
Hundreds of Homes Proposed in Los Altos Hills

Read on to learn more about the proposed development of 596 units of housing in the Twin Oaks area of Los Alto Hills.

(02/25/2025) Los Altos Town Crier
Mountain View Updating Zoning to Increase Density

The Planning Commission for the City of Mountain View is considering how to update city zoning codes to spur development of higher density housing. Read on to learn what they're thinking about.

(02/21/2025) Mountain View Voice
Palo Alto Releases List of 68 Projects for 2025

Read on to learn more about the report from Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada detailing the list of 68 projects on tap in the coming year.

(02/20/2025) Palo Alto Online
Coyote Creek Flood Control Project Completed

Read on to learn more about the recently completed flood control project on Coyote Creek, eight years after it flooded and inundated neighborhoods around downtown San Jose.

(02/20/2025) The Mercury News
Mountain View Mayor Pushes Priorities

Despite funding cuts and budget uncertainties, Mountain View Mayor Ellen Kamei continues to push her priorities. Read on to learn what's at the top of her list.

(02/20/2025) Mountain View Voice
San Jose Housing Project Near Japantown Slashes Affordable Units, Faces Penalties

Plans for a housing development near Japantown have changed, with the number of affordable apartments being significantly reduced. The San Jose Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday, with Commissioners Melissa Bickford and Pierluigi Oliverio absent, to recommend the City Council approve a 7-story, 118-home multifamily apartment complex with six affordable homes instead of 18 as initially proposed.

(02/20/2025) Local News Matters
VTA Struggling to Bridge BART Funding Gap

After receiving less federal funding than hoped for, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is struggling to cut costs or raise funding to bridge the gap for the project to build 6 miles of rail to being BART to San Jose. Read on to learn more.

(02/19/2025) The Mercury News
Mountain View City Council Makes Planning Commission Appointment

Read on for more information about Tina Pham, appointed by the Mountain View City Council to fill an empty seat on the Environmental Planning Commission.

(02/19/2025) Mountain View Voice
Los Altos Council Advances Downtown Park and Parking

The Los Altos City Council approved $2.3 million towards development of a combined downtown park and underground parking. Read on for details.

(02/18/2025) Los Altos Town Crier
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

→ View All
Prop. 36 Poses Cash Problem for Local Governments

California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, a new law that stiffened penalties for certain drug and theft charges, and pledged to provide “mass treatment” for those facing drug charges.

But since the law took effect, some counties have been scrambling to implement the measure without new funding or, according to people involved in enforcing the law, sufficient resources.

(02/25/2025) CalMatters
California Extends State Financial Aid Deadline Until April 2

California is giving students more time to apply for college aid due to a drop in completed applications.

(02/25/2025) EdSource
‘A Volunteer Jail:’ Inside the Scandals and Abuse Pushing California’s Homeless Out of Shelters

Shelters have become California’s go-to solution for homelessness. A CalMatters investigation finds the vast majority of residents stay homeless.

(02/24/2025) CalMatters
Even in Wet Years, Wells Are Still Dry. Why Replenishing California’s Groundwater Is Painfully Slow

The governor vowed to clear the way for more groundwater recharge. Has it worked? “We’re still tinkering around with small numbers,” one expert says.

(02/24/2025) CalMatters
‘Limited to No Impact’: Why a Pro-Housing Group Says California’s Pro-Housing Laws Aren’t Producing More

A passel of recent California laws were supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close.

(02/23/2025) CalMatters
An End to ‘Forever Chemicals’: McNerney’s Bill Would Create Fund to Clean Up PFAS in Water

A new bill by a Bay Area state senator aims to create a special fund to help clean up so-called forever chemicals in California’s water supply. Senate Bill 454 was introduced by Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, on February 18 and, if passed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor, would create the PFAS Mitigation Fund.

(02/22/2025) Local News Matters
Meet the NorCal Women Behind Watch Duty, an App That Informs People During Wildfires

THE RECENT SPREAD of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has underscored the importance of Watch Duty, the wildfire mapping app that provides early warning of fires and tracks their spread. And it is also casting a spotlight on the work of two volunteers, Danilla Sands of Mendocino County and Sara Paul of Sonoma County, both of whom play critical roles in ensuring the app has the latest fire information.

(02/22/2025) Local News Matters
Do Homeowners Associations Trump CA’s ADU Laws?

In a dispute over whether he can convert his three-story condominium’s garage into its own ground-floor apartment, one Carlsbad resident is waging a battle against his homeowners association.

(02/20/2025) CalMatters
California Legislative Black Caucus Continue to Advance Reparations

Read on to learn more about the package of 15 bills proposed by the California Legislative Black Caucus to correct the discrimination and harm to descendants of the enslaved in California.

(02/20/2025) Los Angeles Times
California’s Controversial New Fuel Rules Rejected by State Legal Office

California’s new Low Carbon Fuel Standard has been stalled because it lacks ”clarity.” The new standard, which offers incentives for cleaner fuels, is highly controversial because it would raise gas prices.

(02/20/2025) CalMatters
Trump Deportation Threats Reduce School Attendance

As the setting for John Steinbeck’s 1950s classic “East of Eden,” Salinas has long been known as a working-class, farming community. Nestled between two mountain ranges and located a few miles inland of Monterey Bay, the city’s geographic location lends itself a beautiful, serene setting.

(02/19/2025) CalMatters
California Lawmakers Scramble to Fix ‘Lemon’ Vehicle Law — Again

California lawmakers are rushing to fix last year’s controversial changes to the state’s lemon law, which critics say weakened protections for car buyers.

(02/19/2025) CalMatters
Los Angeles Wildfires Intensify Political Jousting Over Home Insurance Premiums

The timing could not have been better — or worse.

(02/19/2025) CalMatters
How Newsom Has Responded to the LA Fires

In the days and weeks following the January Los Angeles County wildfires, Gov. Gavin Newsom and his office moved quickly to manage the response and begin recovery efforts after the blazes were contained. Since then, the governor has been singularly focused on the region, describing his approach as “an extended period of engagement” with L.A. during a press conference in Altadena last week.

(02/18/2025) CalMatters
California Has Known That Disabled People Need Help in Fires. After LA, Can It Better Prepare for the Next One?

California has known for years that it must pay extra attention to people with disabilities and limited mobility during natural disasters. Will it put the lessones of the L.A. fires to use for the next emergency?

(02/18/2025) CalMatters
‘A Step Backwards’: How Federal Threats to DEI Are Impacting California Schools

California schools are grappling with the U.S. Department of Education's letter requiring them to scrap their DEI programs.

(02/18/2025) EdSource
  California Local Pin Marker

Government Announcements

→ View All
Image of United States seal. Lyons Magnus Recalls Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes Manufactured by Third Party Because of Possible Health Risk
Lyons Magnus LLC ("Lyons Magnus") today announced that it is voluntarily recalling 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Lyons Magnus is taking this action in response to a recall of t
United States   (02/22/2025)
Image of United States seal. Kayco Issues an Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Limited Units of Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos
Kayco, a Bayonne NJ company is recalling their Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
United States   (02/21/2025)
Image of United States seal. Kedake Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame, Soy, Wheat, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, and Red No. 6 in Botana Mix Snacks
KEDAKE, INC. of Houston, TX is recalling it's 2 lb packages of Las Ollas Botana Mix Snacks because they may contain undeclared Sesame, Soy, Wheat, Yellow No 5, Yellow No 6, and Red No 6. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Sesame, Soy, Wheat, Yellow No 5, Yellow No 6 and Red No 6, ru
United States   (02/20/2025)
Image of United States seal. ZB Importing Issue Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg, Wheat and Milk in Certain Ulker Brand Products
ZB Importing LLC is voluntarily recalling certain lots of six varieties of Ulker Brand snack rolls, biscuits, and wafers due to undeclared wheat, egg and/or milk in the Ingredient List and/or Contains Statement on the product labels. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat, egg, or
United States   (02/18/2025)
Image of United States seal. Naturipe Value Added Fresh LLC Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Wheat & Eggs In "Berry Buddies, Berries & Pancakes" Lot # 1097901
Naturipe Value Added Fresh LLC. of Alma, GA, is recalling its 2.1 oz./60 gram packages of "Berry Buddies, Berries & Pancakes" bento box snack packs because they contain wheat and EGGS that were not declared on the label. People who have allergies to WHEAT and/or EGGS run the risk of serious allergic
United States   (02/18/2025)
Image of United States seal. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues a Product Recall on Undeclared Almonds in Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1oz) Pouches
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea'au, HI is voluntarily recalling one batch of its Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias snack (1oz) pouches, due to the presence of undeclared almonds which are an allergen.
United States   (02/15/2025)
Image of United States seal. JE Bakery 2019 LLC DBA Broadway Bakery Issues Allergy Alert for Mislabeled Raisin Bran Muffin 6 Count Due to Undeclared Walnuts
JE Bakery 2019, LLC, Minneapolis MN is voluntarily recalling its Raisin Bran Muffin 6 count due to a labeling error. The affected product was mislabeled and instead contains Glorious Morning Muffins, which contains Walnuts, a known allergen not declared on the label.
United States   (02/13/2025)
Image of United States seal. Common Sense Soap Recalls Beef Tallow Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2025 - Common Sense Soap, a North Walpole, N.H. establishment, is recalling approximately 33,899 pounds of beef tallow that was processed, packaged, and labeled on behalf of...
United States   (02/12/2025)
Image of United States seal. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Pasties Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and...
United States   (02/12/2025)
Image of United States seal. AKT Trading Inc. Recalls Seasoned Bamboo Shoots Because of Possible Health Risk
AKT Trading Inc of Torrance, California is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot Product, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product e
United States   (02/11/2025)