View in Browser Our Journalism Needs Your Support Please Donate Today
California Local Logo
Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


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.

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


Impact Report Image for decorative use


Get to Know a Group

El Dorado County Community Concert Association logo El Dorado County Community Concert Association

Formed in 1950, El Dorado County Community Concert Association is proud to be the oldest performing arts organization in El Dorado County.

→ Learn more

  California Local Pin Marker  

Upcoming Community Ally Events

Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus logo We Toast the Days! Holiday Concert
Saturday December 14 2024   7:00 PM
California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

→ View All
Tahoe Guide logo Glide Into Winter: Ice Skating Rinks in Tahoe, Truckee

From open-air rinks to indoor arenas, Tahoe offers a variety of ice skating experiences for all ages and skill levels. Glide across the ice at popular spots like Northstar, Everline Resort, Heavenly Village and more. All activities are weather dependent …

Tahoe Guide logo Family Playland at Soda Springs

Soda Springs is a winter wonderland filled with fun for the whole family. For kids ages 7 and younger, the Planet Kids snow play area features tubing carousels, tubing lanes, snow volcanoes to climb, and more. Families can also enjoy …

Tahoe Guide logo Heavenly Pushes Opening Up to Nov. 20. Northstar Nov. 22, Kirkwood Dec. 6

California, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are looking ahead to the upcoming ski and ride season and are already planning for the snow to start falling. Heavenly will open on Nov. 20, followed by Northstar on Nov. 22 …

Auburn Journal logo Colfax Approves Skate Park Redesign

The Colfax City Council received an update on the preliminary plans for the proposed skate park project during its Oct. 23 meeting.

Project lead Ty Conners said the Colfax Green Machine, which is overseeing the project, has partnered with New …

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Food Closet to Host 9th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive

Auburn Interfaith Food Closet (AIFC) is offering its ninth annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive to the community.

When you shop at Auburn's Grocery Outlet or Save Mart through Nov. 22, a turkey can be purchased and the sponsoring store will keep …

Folsom Times logo Dignity Health Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade across Sacramento Market

Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog focused on patient safety

Folsom Telegraph logo Teens Earn Bikes, Learn Life Skills in Innovative Program

Cordova High School students have benefitted from a heartwarming program created by the American River Bike Patrol that has introduced teens to the joys of cycling and taught them life skills in an unusual way.

Auburn Journal logo Loomis Accelerates Horseshoe Bar/Interstate 80 Interchange Study

Loomis Town is awarding a contract this week for a $600,000 study to upgrade the Horseshoe Bar exit of Interstate 80. And, the Town also found a new finance director to replace the late Roger Carroll, who died last year. …

Placer Herald logo Anonymous Donor Sparks Wave of Giving Toward Placer SPCA Care Center

Sometimes, it takes one act of kindness to spark a wave of generosity. Such is the case at the Placer SPCA, where a decades-long dream is finally coming true, thanks in part to an anonymous donor who was the catalyst …

Folsom Telegraph logo Pedestrian, Bike Bridge Proposed for Mangini Ranch

The city of Folsom is studying a possible bike and pedestrian bridge on East Bidwell Street in new Mangini Ranch.

Folsom Telegraph logo Thousands Pack City Streets for Veterans Day Parade

Folsom’s 24th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Day Parade was a joyous event, celebrated by thousands of people throughout the city Monday morning.

Folsom Times logo Final Folsom Central Business Dist. Vision Plan Accepted

In a landmark move to reimagine the city’s economic and cultural center, the Folsom City Council has approved the Central Business District Vision Plan.

Placer Sentinel logo West Placer Affordable Housing Project Combines Primary Residences With ADUs

An innovative affordable housing project that combines primary residences with accessory dwelling units broke ground in west Placer County last week

Folsom Times logo Latest Folsom River District Vision Plan Draft Unveiled

The members of the Folsom City Council and those in attendance at City Hall had the opportunity for another review of the latest draft the 2024 River District Vision Plan earlier this week, setting a framework for the possibilities in …

Folsom Times logo Folsom to Unveil First Art Feature on Johnny Cash Trail

The much talked about Johnny Cash Trail will have its very first feature transform from a concept into reality next week. The City of Folsom will unveil the first art installation on the Johnny Cash Trail on Thursday, Nov. 21, …

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 Water Service Line Inventory in South Lake Tahoe

As part of a nationwide effort to protect communities from lead exposure, South Tahoe Public Utility District is encouraging residents to help identify the material of their water service line. While no lead water service lines have been identified in …

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 …

Folsom Times logo Folsom’s Twin Lakes Food Bank Raises $237K Amid Increasing Need

A group of 250 guests at Twin Lakes Food Bank’s annual gala, hosted on November 9 at Lakeside Church, raised more than $237,000 to help feed the hungry throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Three Bears Removed From Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Amid Permitting Issues

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife removed three bear cubs from Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care's facility late October after learning the center no longer had staff with the expertise or experience to rehabilitate bears.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Marcella Foundation Launches FeedTahoe App to Fight Hunger, Reduce Waste in South Lake Tahoe

The Marcella Foundation recently launched FeedTahoe, an innovative food recovery initiative that rescues quality surplus food from local businesses and delivers it to nonprofits like Christmas Cheer, Family Resource Center, Phoenix Food Pantry, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Bread & …

Auburn Journal logo Loomis Grammar School Students Honor Veterans

Under a sunny and clear sky Friday morning, Loomis Grammar School students and faculty gathered outside of their classrooms to celebrate local veterans who have served in the nation’s five military branches.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn History on 'Lunch Legends' Menu: New Book Marks Rotary Club of Auburn Centennial

"Lunch Legends" covers the Rotary Club of Auburn's first century, including its beginnings at what is now Downtown Auburn's Promenade building.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Oaks Care Center Honors Veterans

Auburn Oaks Care Center is home for 25 veterans and hosts several specific events, including a monthly "Veterans Social" to provide a sense of community and belonging.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Tahoe Chamber Welcomes Vendors to 2025 Go Local Business Expo; Early Bird Tickets Available

The Tahoe Chamber announced that vendor applications are now open for the 2025 Go Local Business Expo, scheduled for April 3, 2025, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. As Lake Tahoe's premier B2B networking event the Expo provides unparalleled marketing …

Sierra Sun logo Another Successful Season for Truckee Trails Foundation Coming to a Close

With over 34 miles of new trail constructed in the last 7 years, Truckee Trails Foundation has brought new and varied trail-based recreation to the Truckee region. Building largely on public land, TTF has been working especially hard to create …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Azul Latin Kitchen to Host Fundraiser for Bread & Broth

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Tuesday, November 12, Azul Latin Kitchen in Heavenly Village will host a taco buffet fundraiser from 5 to 8:30 p.m. to benefit Bread & Broth. A taco/nacho bar with tortillas, chips, salsa, guacamole, beans, …

Sierra Sun logo Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Hosts Discussion on Aging in Place in Truckee

On Friday, Nov. 8, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation hosted a community discussion titled "Achievable Housing for All: For Now and the Future," focusing on the housing needs of older adults in the Truckee area. The discussion, part of the …

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

→ View All

Businesses Helping Keep Tahoe Blue

Read on for information about the local businesses working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe.

(11/18/2024) → South Tahoe Now

South Lake Tahoe Moves Forward With Heavenly Annexation

Get the details about how and why the City of South Lake Tahoe is proceeding with the annexation of 2600 acres around Heavenly Mountain Resort.

(11/18/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Newtown Road Bridge Replacement Approved

The 100 year-old Newtown Road Bridge south of Camino is scheduled to be replaced in 2025. Read on for details about the project.

(11/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

Spotlight on EID Budget

A good explainer of the El Dorado Irrigation District revenues and budget for 2024 and 2025.

(11/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

Learn About Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month

November has been designated by Tahoe Youth and Family Services as a time to focus on runaway or homeless youth in the community. Read on to learn more.

(11/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

South Lake Tahoe Homeless Encampments Cleared

Learn more about the clearing of three homeless camps and the thousands of pounds of rubbish removed before being covered by coming winter snows.

(11/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Lake Valley Fire Protection District Adds New Vehicle

An introduction to the new Squad 7 emergency response vehicle acquired and deployed by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District.

(11/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Lead Cable Removal From Lake Tahoe Advances

Work is underway to remove thousands of tons of abandoned telecommunications cable from Lake Tahoe. Read on to learn more about how it got there in the first place, and the local champions who fought to get it removed.

(11/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now

El Dorado County Approves Cost of Living Raise

In their November 12 meeting, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors approved a three percent cost of living raise to some county staff. Learn more about which staff, and an update to hire snow plow drivers in time for the onset of winter.

(11/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Donate to Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

Learn how you can help the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe provide Thanksgiving family meals in the community.

(11/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now

West Slope Foundation Unveils New Sponsorship Program

Read on for details about the new disaster response sponsorship program launched by the West Slope Foundation.

(11/13/2024) → Mountain Democrat
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

→ View All

• 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
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

→ View All
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   (11/17/2024)

Fabalish Inc. Recalls "Kickin' Carrot Falafel Bites" Because of Possible Health Risk

Fabalish Inc, Carlstadt, NJ is recalling Kickin' Carrot Falafel Bites because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19
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 United States seal. United States   (11/11/2024)

Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix

Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary's Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or lif
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/09/2024)

Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 - Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of...
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/07/2024)

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen

Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/05/2024)

CIBUS Fresh, is Recalling CIBUS Fresh Products Containing Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, 2/3lb Due to Supplier Notification of a Possible Listeria Monocytogenes

Use or consumption of products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe he
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/04/2024)

Babcock Dairy Recalls Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Due to Undeclared Egg

Babcock Dairy of Madison, Wisconsin, is voluntarily recalling approximately 41 cases of Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream that may be labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or yellow #5 run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic r
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/03/2024)

Savencia Cheese USA Announces an Expanded Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses

Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/02/2024)

Savencia Cheese USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses

Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and