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.
California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.
(06/04/2024) CalMatters
It’s the billion-dollar question. That’s how much cities and other local governments have been receiving from the state each year to deal with California's ever-increasing population of homeless people.
(06/04/2024) CalMatters
For families seeking affordable health insurance, the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, can provide major relief. But if they’re not careful, they can get hit by an unexpected federal tax bill.
(06/04/2024) CalMatters
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
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
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
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
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
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
An alignment known as a “planetary parade” will march across night skies starting June 3.
(05/28/2024) Los Angeles Times
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
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
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’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