A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
I posted the above photo to the family text thread on Saturday and received a reply that reminded me that I'm glad I live in California. Gretchen, my sister-in-law, who lives in a leafy and perfecly lovely suburb outside Washington DC, texted back: “I love that Sacramento has community pools. Virginia only has membership-only pools. Leftover from its anti-integration history.”
In fact, one of the things my wife and I love about the pool at the Clunie Center is that it draws folks from every corner of this city. We love that we live in the most diverse state in the nation, and in one of California's most diverse cities.
So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, as we often do, we celebrate some of the good stuff we get to enjoy here in the Golden State. Elsewhere, you may be rage-reading about an unapologetic felon and his defenders … here today we’re going to look toward the light.
AAPI Heritage Month Extended
May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and last week we celebrated with the publication of a list that might surprise you. Sure, there's Kamala Harris and Tiger Woods. But you may also be delighted to meet Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, Dalip Singh Saund and many more.
25 AAPI Leaders From California
California has been home to many Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have transcended barriers and reshaped society, from education to advocacy, art to sports, politics, and beyond.
DTLA
Our colleague Chris Neklason and his family ventured to the land down under, that is, southern California.
He has thoughts about Downtown LA, or DTLA, as the civic hipsters call it.
• Passenger Vehicle Types Considered for Rail Trail
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation is getting an early look at three potential passenger rail vehicles for the rail trail, with public open houses scheduled for June 25 and 26.
(06/03/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Park Planned for Rispin Mansion in Capitola
Plans are underway to open 5.7 acres of riparian land around the Rispin Mansion to the public by October.
(06/01/2024) → Lookout Local
• Board Game Cafe to Open in Santa Cruz
A new board game focused cafe will be opening on Cedar Street in downtown Santa Cruz.
(05/30/2024) → Lookout Local
• 92 Local Nonprofits Receive Community Foundation Santa Cruz County Funding
Community Foundation Foundation Santa Cruz County announced the distribution of $1.9million in grants to 92 local nonprofits in its latest grant award cycle.
(05/30/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Capitola Wharf Opening Delayed
The City of Capitola announced on May 29 that the opening of the rebuilt wharf will be delayed until September.
(05/29/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Food Bin Project Approved
In its May 28 meeting the Santa Cruz City Council approved plans to build a 5 story housing project on Mission Street, with a slight modification.
(05/28/2024) → Lookout Local
• Otter 841 is Back
Monterey Bay's favorite otter is back and ready to steal more surfboards.
(05/28/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Santa Cruz Metro Ridership Increases
Santa Cruz Metro has observed a 23% increase in ridership following service changes in late 2023.
(05/28/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Watsonville Drafting Public Art Master Plan
Watsonville is seeking proposals from qualified consultants by June 14 as it begins drafting its first Public Art Master Plan.
(05/28/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• New Research Indicates More Massive California Flooding in Past
Cal State Fullerton researchers released findings of ancient floods in Southern California which indicate the state may be more prone to mega flooding than previously thought.
(06/01/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Why a Bay Area Transit Rescue Plan Is on Hold
A Bay Area transit funding bill is delayed so supporters can seek consensus on how the money will be raised and distributed.
(05/31/2024) → CalMatters
• Raising Kids in California? They May Have College Savings Accounts You Don’t Know About.
The state is directly investing money for low-income students and all newborns to attend college. After two years, the program is still not widely known by the students who need the most financial assistance.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sides With Big Utilities, Trimming Incentives for Community Solar Projects
These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC’s action is unlikely to give them the option.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• California’s Runoff Flows Down the Drain. Can More Be Captured?
Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.
(05/30/2024) → CalMatters
• Democrats Kill California Homeless Camp Ban, Again
A bill to ban homeless encampments statewide near parks, schools and transit hubs failed to get out of the same legislative committee as last year.
(05/29/2024) → CalMatters
• Planets on Parade in June
An alignment known as a “planetary parade” will march across night skies starting June 3.
(05/28/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Key Deadlines Loom, Newsom and California Lawmakers Have Dozens of Deals to Make
It’s time for the folks in California’s Capitol to play let’s-make-a-deal – or actually, many deals.
(05/28/2024) → CalMatters
• UC Student Workers Expand Strike to Two More Campuses as They Demand Amnesty for Protestors
After University of California students were arrested or suspended for protests, student workers are striking at three campuses. The Office of President says the strike violates the union contract.
(05/28/2024) → CalMatters
• ‘We Have to Do Less With Less’: Cal State Faces Extra $500 Million Budget Gap
Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.
(05/27/2024) → CalMatters
• California Wants to Be Carbon-Neutral by 2045. What Does That Mean for Its Big Economic Drivers?
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, flew more 6,000 miles to Rome this month to deliver a brief speech on climate change at a Vatican-sponsored conference.
(05/27/2024) → CalMatters
A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
