Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.
Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.
• Lodi Planning EV Charging Stations
Input from Lodi residents is being sought as the city undertakes development of an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Master Plan.
(04/19/2024) → LodiNews
• School District Positions for Budget Cuts
While expecting cuts to its budget due to reduced state funds, the Manteca Unified School District is in a resilient position because of policies resulting from the aftermath of the 2008 recession.
(04/19/2024) → Manteca Bulletin
• Two Reappointed to Planning Commission
A profile of the two commissioners reappointed to the planning commission by the Tracy City Council in its April 16 meeting.
(04/19/2024) → Tracy Press
• Kettleman Lane Safety Project Slated
A CalTrans project to improve traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety on a stretch of Kettleman Lane is set to begin on April 29 and will be completed by June.
(04/18/2024) → LodiNews
• Manteca Unified School District Energy Costs Increase
Energy costs increased by $1.4M during the last school year at Manteca Unified School District.
(04/17/2024) → Manteca Bulletin
• The Ripon Consolidated Fire District Has New Chief
At a promotion and induction ceremony on April 29, the The Ripon Consolidated Fire District will be swearing in new fire chief Eric DeHart.
(04/17/2024) → Manteca Bulletin
• New EV Chargers Coming to Manteca
In their April 16 meeting, the Manteca City Council approved a development project at corner of Lathrop and Union roads which will include a gas station, auto part store and new EV chargers.
(04/16/2024) → Manteca Bulletin
• Manteca’s Marijuana Dispensary Locations Approved
A report on the locations of three newly approved marijuana dispensaries in the City of Manteca.
(04/16/2024) → Manteca Bulletin
• Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.
(04/21/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'
California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.
(04/20/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger
Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why
The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.
(04/18/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
(04/17/2024) → CalMatters
• Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.
(04/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens
Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.
(04/17/2024) → California Healthline
• In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital
Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.
(04/16/2024) → California Healthline
