In this month’s newsletter: Where city governments and the private sector are working together to create permanent homes for unhoused residents. Plus, Californians enjoying the outdoors after an unprecedented season of storms.
Hotels Become Homes for Unhoused Californians
📍 BERKELEY, CA
Twitch Lanes and neighbor Jacob Clakly (right) are photographed in Lanes’ hotel room at the University Inn, formerly the Rodeway Inn, on April 6, 2023. Lanes and Clakly have lived at the hotel, now a supportive housing site, since last December, after a months-long stay at People’s Park in Berkeley, Calif.
University Inn resident David Braun poses for a portrait with his dogs in his room on April 6, 2023. Braun has lived at the Inn since January. “The winter storms were rough, there was no way to stay warm,” he said about his decision to move into the hotel.
The city of Berkeley is now applying to convert the 42-room hotel into permanent supportive housing for homeless residents. Still, current residents at the hotel have raised concerns about treatment and the quality of the lodging. Read more »
📍 San Bernardino, CA
Mayor Helen Tran (center, white jacket) cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of San Bernardino’s latest permanent supportive housing facility on March 16, 2023. The converted 76-room motel, formerly the All Star Lodge, now provides housing and case management services for chronically unhoused seniors.
Financing for the project came from Shangri-La Industries and the state’s Homekey program. Organizers say this public-private partnership represents a successful community collaboration to alleviate homelessness in the city. Read more »
📍 Antioch, CA
Carolyn Payne thanks God before speaking on behalf of Vicki Proctor (not pictured), who was honored with a key to the city at the unveiling of a transitional housing hotel at Opportunity Village, formerly the Executive Inn, in Antioch Calif., on April 27, 2023.
Advocate Nicole Gardner (right) holds hands with Payne as Mayor Lamar Thorpe recognizes them during the unveiling at Opportunity Village. Read more »
Spring Wildflowers and Festivities Bloom in California
📍 Carrizo Plain National Monument
Wildflowers blanket the land at Carrizo Plain National Monument on April 21, 2023. A superbloom event swept the area after an especially wet winter.
📍 Stockton, CA
Ashley Manzo of Danzantes Del Sol performs during the Cinco de Mayo parade on Center Street in Stockton, Calif., on May 7, 2023. Read more »
Giamariee Ramirez, 8, tumbles inside a bubble ball at the Asparagus Festival at San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, Calif., on April 14, 2023. Read more »
📍 Los Gatos, CA
Two mothers check on their children at the Los Gatos Islamic Center’s Eid festival in Los Gatos, Calif. on Apr. 21, 2023. Read more »
📍 Napa, CA
At the 10th annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival on May 26-28, 2023, Lizzo headlined on day two. She performed hit singles including, “Rumors,” “Truth Hurts,” and “About Damn Time,” as well as a cover of Ms. Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing),” ending the day on a high note for festival goers. Read more »