I often say that I love California the way only someone from New Jersey can love California—partly because I grew up spending summers at the Jersey shore. I forgive you if you’re smirking, but please forget the television show. Yes, much of the shore is heavily commercialized, but New Jersey has some very beautiful beaches, and like many Jerseyans, I fell in love with the ocean at a young age.
As you might imagine, as soon as I laid eyes on the pristine beaches of California, which happened along the stretch of Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz, I was smitten. And here’s the thing: When I was growing up, many of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey were private and off-limits. That remained true until four years ago, when Gov. Phil Murphy, invoking the Public Trust Doctrine codified by the Roman Emperor Justinian around 500 CE, signed legislation ensuring that the public has access to New Jersey’s shorelines and tidal waters.
If as a Californian, the idea of a private beach appalls you, I want you to consider that the public beach did not happen by accident. The notion of a private beach is unfathomable here because in California, with enough effort, the government can often be made to work for the people. As you will see in Jon Vankin’s article below, it was citizen activism that created the California Coastal Commission, which has worked to ensure that all California beaches are open to the public—and that the California coast does not look like the Jersey shore.
And: What happens when a big clean-energy plan challenges our notions of a pristine coastline? We shall see.
• New South Sacramento Trail Seeks to Expand Options for Transit
As part of the city’s effort to enhance infrastructure in underserved areas, Sacramento announced the completion of the South Sacramento River Parkway Trail West, which connects Meadowview to the soon-to-be-finished Del Rio Trail.
(10/20/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• With Wildfires Growing, California Writes New Rules on Where to Plant Shrubs
California has long had the strongest defensible space rules in the country. Now, it's drafting rules that would make it the first state to limit the vegetation directly next to buildings.
(10/20/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• Winters City Council Discusses Paseo Park Design
Multiple plans for Paseo Park have been left abandoned, with the city council and Winters residents wanting it to be much more than what it currently is.
(10/19/2023) → Winters Express
• How Many Mountain Lions Live in California?
California biologists have long wondered: How many mountain lions live in the state? New research offers an answer.
(10/19/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• Full Rice Crop Set to Win Back Lost Markets
After idling half the state’s normal rice acreage last year due to water shortages, farmers of the grain are back in full force in the Sacramento Valley.
(10/19/2023) → Daily Democrat
• UC Davis Moves from No. 10 to No. 6 on U.S. News and World Report Ranking of Public Universities
Students share their thoughts on the change in ranking.
(10/19/2023) → The California Aggie
• Woodland City Council Celebrates Yolo County Hero Paul Bridge
In honor of “Extra Mile Day” on Nov. 1, a day meant to recognize people fueling positive change in the community, the Woodland City Council recognized Bridge’s accomplishments through a mayoral proclamation.
(10/19/2023) → Daily Democrat
• Deos Announces Candidacy for Davis City Council
Linda Deos has announced her candidacy to run for Davis City Council in District 2, representing much of Davis north of Covell, and in between Oak and CA-113.
(10/18/2023) → Davis Vanguard
