Citizen Portal News California

Los Angeles food bank says National Guard is aiding distribution as state aid is referenced At a distribution center identified by staff as the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in Motanas, organizers reported 32 National Guard members helping logistics and referenced an $80 million government contribution to support families facing benefit delays. Remarks emphasized operational support from the Guard and state-level efforts; the transcript​

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is rallying support with help from the National Guard and an incredible $80 million in government aid to assist families in need during tough times.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #GovernmentSupport #CommunityResilience

Newsom directs California National Guard, California Volunteers to aid San José food banks, accelerates about $80M in state aid California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he is ordering the California National Guard and the volunteer organization California Volunteers to help food banks in San José with packing, bagging and distribution and is accelerating roughly $80,000,000 in state funding for food banks in anticipation of increased need tied to a federal government-sho

Governor Newsom has mobilized the California National Guard and Volunteers to support San José food banks with $80 million in urgent funding as fears of a federal government shutdown loom.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #HumanitarianAid #SanJoséFoodBanks

Draft 2026 RTIP released for public comment; COG proposes programming $1.5 million in regional shares for SR‑49 Southern Gateway design Staff presented the draft 2026 Regional Transportation Improvement Program and opened a public comment period through Nov. 21. Calaveras’ STIP regional shares total $1.5 million over five years; the COG proposes requesting the full share in 2026 for PS&E of the SR‑49 Southern Gateway project.

Exciting developments are underway as the Calaveras Council of Governments unveils the draft 2026 Regional Transportation Improvement Program, proposing $1.5 million for the SR-49 Southern Gateway project!

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#CalaverasCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation

Caltrans details local road, bike path and Valley Springs updates; board raises safety, access concerns A Caltrans regional representative updated the Calaveras Council of Governments on recent and upcoming projects including a $1.2 million Buena Vista Road reconstruction award, a new separated bike path on State Route 49 in Plymouth, and ongoing work in Valley Springs, Murphy’s and San Andreas. Board members and local commenters pressed Caltrans for

California is set to receive a major boost in infrastructure with $4.9 billion in state funding, including a $1.2 million project to revitalize Buena Vista Road and enhance safety for drivers and cyclists alike.

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#CalaverasCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Scotts Valley Council approves $10,000 to shore up local food aid as SNAP/CalFresh benefits shrink Facing countywide cuts and delivery shortfalls, the Scotts Valley City Council voted unanimously to direct up to $10,000 from the general fund to local food providers, split evenly between Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County and Valley Churches United, and to post resource information and coordinate a community food drive.

The Scotts Valley City Council has taken a bold step to combat food insecurity by unanimously approving $10,000 in support for local food assistance programs.

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#NorcoCityRiversideCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #FoodAssistance #NorcoCity #CommunitySupport #CivicAccountability

Pomona Unified board directs staff to develop Measure UU project scopes, with emphasis on safety, security and infrastructure At a Nov. 7 study session, Pomona Unified staff presented a conceptual Measure UU project list and the board gave consensus direction to develop scopes, budgets and schedules for phase‑1 items including fire alarm upgrades, playgrounds, cafeterias, gyms, security systems, asphalt repairs, utilities, Golden Springs expansion and CTE/TK support.

Pomona Unified School District is prioritizing health, safety, and security with ambitious new Measure UU projects, but what does that mean for students and staff?

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#CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovement #PomonaUnified

County outlines web portal transformation and translation management plans County TSS and the Office of the County Executive reported progress on a countywide web portal transformation and a translation management system (TMS) RFP. Staff described community listening sessions, style guides in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog, planned vendor selection and next steps for testing with multilingual community members.

Santa Clara County is transforming its web portal with a new translation management system that prioritizes community voices in multiple languages!

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#SantaClaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LanguageAccess #SantaClaraCountyVeterans #DigitalInclusion #CommunityEngagement

County updates on outreach and enforcement to improve working conditions at residential care facilities County staff reported progress on a three-strategy plan to improve working conditions at residential care facilities, including outreach and education, stakeholder convenings and unpaid‑judgment enforcement. The Office of Labor Standards Enforcement highlighted a multilingual outreach postcard, a new wage‑theft judgment dashboard and early casework

Santa Clara County is taking bold steps to enhance working conditions for residential care facility workers, launching initiatives that prioritize outreach and empower employees like never before.

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#SantaClaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LaborStandards #SantaClaraCounty

Residents urge supervisors to forward divestment recommendation; committee advances item to full board Dozens of residents and community groups urged the Finance and Government Operations Committee on Nov. 6 to forward a Sustainability Commission recommendation that would exclude new or renewed fossil fuel investments from the countyinvestment pool and to expand prohibitions to companies alleged to be complicit in human rights abuses. The FGOC put

Residents in Santa Clara County are demanding action to keep taxpayer dollars away from fossil fuel investments and companies linked to human rights abuses.

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#SantaClaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityAction #HumanRightsAccountability #SantaClaraCountySustainability

Planning Commission recommends rezoning three sites to implement Cerritos's 2021'2029 Housing Element The commission voted 5'0 to recommend that the City Council approve Development Code Amendment 2025‑1, General Plan Amendment 2025‑1 and Development Map Amendment 2025‑1 to establish ADP 18, 19 and 21 and rezone three nonresidential sites identified in the city's certified 2021'2029 Housing Element. Staff emphasized the actions are to maintain RHNA

Cerritos Planning Commission just took a major step towards increasing housing capacity by recommending the rezoning of three key sites for residential development!

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#CA #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CerritosHousing #UrbanPlanning #CommunityResilience

Commission recommends rezoning Bloomfield/South shopping center to ADP 20, citing AB 2011 risk and adopting mitigated negative declaration The Planning Commission voted 5'0 to recommend adoption of DCA 2025‑2, GPA 2025‑2 and DMA 2025‑2 to create ADP 20 and rezone a largely vacant 5.34‑acre shopping center at Bloomfield Avenue and South Street. Staff said ADP 20 sets site standards (max 21 units/acre; 3 stories/40 ft; 20 ft setbacks; 2‑car garages; gated community) to retain local c

A significant rezoning proposal for a vacant shopping center aims to balance affordable housing needs with community concerns, setting the stage for potential changes in your neighborhood.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing

Sac City Unified spotlights central kitchens fresh meals ahead of National School Lunch Week District nutrition staff demonstrated the central kitchens scaled production of fresh meals, said about half of the menu is freshly prepared, and announced plans for student/family feedback surveys; boardmembers praised the programs potential to support nutrition and learning.

Sac City Unified is transforming school meals with a central kitchen that serves up fresh, locally sourced dishes designed to boost nutrition and enhance student learning!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CulturalVariety #NutritionImprovement #StudentSatisfaction

Community groups ask board to delay adoption of 18 policies tied to Black Parallel School Board action plan The policy committee presented 18 policies for first reading tied to the Black Parallel School Board action plan. Community speakers and BPSB representatives requested additional time, translation and mandatory staff training before a second reading; the board confirmed a second‑reading date of Nov. 6.

Community voices are demanding more time and clarity on critical policy changes aimed at supporting Black students and those with disabilities—will the board listen?

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#CA #EquityInitiatives #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach

SCTA leaders and St. Hope teachers press board on bargaining, alleged union suppression and charter oversight SCTA officials described surprise at the districts fiscal news and pressed for independent audit and savings; St. Hope teachers and union organizers recounted alleged unlawful bargaining delays, union‑busting activity, and dress‑code reprisals, and asked the district to strengthen oversight of charter operators.

Teachers are raising alarms over unauthorized spending and alleged union suppression at St. Hope Public Schools, demanding accountability and oversight from the district.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #LaborRights #CharterSchoolOversight

District overview of advanced learner pathways spotlights disproportionality in GATE, AP and IB participation District staff presented identification processes and participation data for GATE, AP and IB programs, noting progress in outreach and exam access but clear gaps in representation for Black and Hispanic students. Trustees and public commenters urged alignment with MTSS and stronger recruitment and support for underserved students.

The district's recent presentation revealed significant disparities in access to advanced learner programs, highlighting urgent calls for equitable solutions to ensure all students thrive.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #AdvancedLearning #EquitableAccess

Board denies renewal for Aspire Capitol Heights Academy, citing academic and fiscal concerns After a determination hearing, the board voted to deny renewal of Aspire Capitol Heights Academy’s charter. Staff had found the school had an approved improvement plan and some local academic gains but raised fiscal concerns including deficit spending; the board voted to deny renewal by roll call.

The Sacramento City Unified School District board has denied the renewal of Aspire Capitol Heights Academy's charter due to ongoing academic and fiscal concerns, despite some local improvements and community support.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityParticipation

Sac City Unified releases draft fiscal solvency plan as board demands faster action District staff presented a detailed draft fiscal solvency plan after unaudited 24–25 results left the district with a materially lower fund balance and projected cash shortfalls. The plan lists near-term freezes and longer-term reductions across supplies, contracts and administrative staffing, and sets a timeline for board adoption and SCOE review.

Sacramento City Unified is facing a financial crisis with a $43 million deficit and urgent calls for spending freezes—what's next for the district?

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#CA #CitizenPortal #AdministrativeReduction

Riverside Unified highlights districtwide wellness system, PBIS recognition and school‑based mental health services District staff presented a status report on RUSD's multi‑tiered wellness and engagement program, describing expansion of positive behavior supports, wellness centers at all five comprehensive high schools, and school‑based mental health services. Staff reported a rise in students scoring low‑risk on a universal SEL screener and said licensed staff

Riverside Unified School District is transforming student wellness with expanded mental health services and impressive gains in social-emotional learning scores!

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#CA #StudentWellness #CitizenPortal #PositiveBehaviorInterventions #MentalHealthSupport

Riverside Unified expands student wellness services; 18 schools recognized for PBIS implementation On Nov. 6, 2025, Riverside Unified presented a districtwide wellness and engagement update describing a multi-tiered approach to student behavioral and mental-health supports, reporting growing staff capacity, measurable improvements and five high-school wellness centers. The board also recognized 18 schools for California PBIS implementation.

Riverside Unified School District is transforming student wellness with new centers and proven support systems, fostering resilience and hope in classrooms across the district.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport #StudentEngagement #BehavioralInterventions

Parent urges clearer rubric for religious opt‑outs after Mahmood v. Taylor; raises records and policy concerns A public commenter at the Nov. 6 RUSD board meeting pressed trustees for a clear rubric to evaluate religious opt‑out requests under Mahmood v. Taylor, asked who would verify religious knowledge, and said the district has not released an administrative regulation describing implementation. The same commenter later raised separate concerns about the

A Riverside parent is demanding clarity on religious opt-out requests after a recent ruling, raising serious concerns about the district's lack of response and accountability.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #PublicRecords #CivicAccountability #ReligiousOptOuts

Riverside Unified adopts partial long‑range facilities plan, approves Arlington gym‑floor change order The RUSD Board approved a partial 2025 long‑range facilities plan to meet an upcoming state CTE funding deadline and approved a $19,200 change order to repair a failing subfloor at Arlington High School. District staff outlined a broader deferred‑maintenance backlog estimated at roughly $298 million and described recent and planned capital work—HV‑

The Riverside Unified School District is taking bold steps to enhance education facilities with a new long-range plan and urgent repairs, all while facing a staggering $298 million maintenance backlog.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #FacilitiesManagement

Board approves long-range facilities plan and gym-floor change order as district outlines $200M in deferred maintenance needs Riverside Unified’s board approved a draft long-range facilities plan intended to guide capital and CTE investment and unanimously authorized a change order to repair a high-school gym floor after staff reported unforeseen subfloor damage and a $19,200 repair cost. Facilities staff presented numerous completed and planned projects and said the site

Riverside Unified's board just approved a vital long-range facilities plan, paving the way for $200 million in deferred maintenance and essential upgrades!

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#CA #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #FacilitiesPlanning #DeferredMaintenance

Council approves agreement to pursue urban kit fox habitat conservation plan; public draft targeted for 2026 Staff and consultants presented a re‑scoped Habitat Conservation Plan emphasizing protections for an urban kit fox population, burrowing owl and Bakersfield cactus. Council voted to receive and file the report and approved an agreement to continue plan development, with an anticipated public draft in 2026 and permit decisions in 2027.

Bakersfield is taking a bold step to protect its urban kit fox population with a new Habitat Conservation Plan that emphasizes localized refugia and urban design for wildlife connectivity.

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#BakersfieldKernCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanConservation

Attorney and veteran firefighter urge Bakersfield to honor jury verdict in race‑discrimination case A jury awarded Captain Quincy Sloan $700,000 after finding the city failed to prevent race discrimination in its fire department. Veteran counsel and Captain Sloan addressed the council during public comment and urged the city to pay the judgment rather than appeal.

A Kern County jury awarded Captain Quincy Sloan $700,000 for race discrimination, prompting urgent calls for the Bakersfield council to uphold the verdict and foster accountability.

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#BakersfieldKernCounty #CA #RaceDiscrimination #CitizenPortal #EmployeeAccountability

City and RiverPartners outline plan to restore 600 acres along the Lower Kern River Parkway RiverPartners and city staff presented planning for a multi‑phase habitat restoration along an eight‑mile reach of the Kern River Parkway, aiming to establish up to 600 acres of riparian habitat. The work would use a Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects (SERP) and, pending approvals and funding, project permitting and reporting are expected

A groundbreaking project is set to restore 600 acres of vital riparian habitat along the Lower Kern River, enhancing wildlife and climate resilience in the process.

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#BakersfieldKernCounty #CA #ClimateResiliency #CitizenPortal #WildlifeEnhancement #RecreationOpportunities

Local police association urges Bakersfield to act as contract expiration strains staffing Representatives of the Bakersfield Police Officers Association told the City Council during non‑agenda public comment that the city’s police contract has expired and officers are leaving for higher pay and benefits in neighboring agencies. Speakers warned that continued attrition could raise response times and undercut public safety if the city did

Bakersfield police officers are leaving in droves for better pay and benefits, raising serious concerns about public safety and response times!

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#BakersfieldKernCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #BakersfieldPolice #LawEnforcement

Bakersfield Council transfers $100,000 to CAPK as emergency food distributions ramp up during federal shutdown The council approved a $100,000 transfer from council contingency funds to the Community Action Partnership of Kern to support large‑scale food distributions after CalFresh/SNAP benefits lapsed for many recipients due to a federal government shutdown. CAPK described daily distributions serving thousands and said the funds would be used 100% to buy

Bakersfield City Council steps up with a $100,000 emergency fund to bridge the gap for families relying on CalFresh benefits during the federal shutdown.

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#BakersfieldKernCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicAssistance #CommunityAction #HungerRelief #BakersfieldFoodSecurity

Wasco swears in new officers and dispatcher at city pinning ceremony Three officers and one dispatcher were sworn in at a public pinning ceremony during the Wasco City Council meeting; local and regional legislative offices presented recognition certificates and council members urged community-focused policing.

Wasco City welcomes three new police officers and a dispatcher in a heartfelt ceremony, emphasizing community service and strong ties with local lawmakers.

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#WascoCityKernCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityService #WascoCity #LawEnforcement

Carmel adopts streamlined Emergency Operations Plan; staff to pilot community preparedness drill The City Council adopted an updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that condenses older material into a 96-page hyperlinked playbook and emphasizes an 'EOC-in-a-box' approach, CERT/VIP integration and hazard-specific playbooks. Staff proposed a community preparedness drill and requested training and public outreach to test evacuation and mass-noti

Carmel-by-the-Sea just transformed its Emergency Operations Plan into a streamlined, hyperlinked playbook, making community safety more efficient and effective than ever!

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#MontereyCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness #CommunityResilience

Carmel Art Association seeks public help after foundation damage; residents urge city to enforce remedies Leaders of the Carmel Art Association told the council that foundation damage to the historic CAA building was caused by nearby pile-driving associated with adjacent construction, presented engineering reports they say support that claim, and announced a public fundraising drive to cover an estimated $400,000 repair bid. Community members urged the

The Carmel Art Association is fighting to save its historic gallery from serious foundation damage caused by nearby construction, and they need your help to raise $400,000 for repairs!

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#MontereyCounty #CA #CulturalPreservation #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #PublicNuisance