Libraries come together to increase disaster preparedness
“It’s not if, but when, the next disaster strikes.” Back in January 2020, these were the words from more than one library director at the NorthNet Library System (NLS) regional meeting. The NorthNet Library System brings together 41 member libraries in Northern California across 29 counties, many of whom have faced record-breaking wildfires, earthquakes, floods and more. At the beginning [...]
Prepare for the Nov. 3 election with the Easy Voter Guide
With California voters already beginning to receive their ballots by mail, many people have questions about this year’s election. The Easy Voter Guide is here to help. Designed for busy voters as well as new voters, the guide is a nonpartisan starting point to get oriented about changes in how to vote in the Nov. 3 election, along with easy-to-read [...]
What do community members want to know about housing?
When it comes to providing information on complex issues, such as housing, it can be hard to know where to begin. Some people seem to know a lot, some not very much and confusion feels prevalent. Click the image above to see a larger version of Half Moon Bay's housing background handout. For the past four years, Common [...]
Library’s fun, innovative programs encourage inclusion
Redwood City Public Library Director Derek Wolfgram and the entire RCPL leadership team are committed to inclusion. The first of the library's five operating principles is: "Our community is welcoming and inclusive, celebrates the diversity of our population, and enjoys a friendly, neighborly community spirit. The Redwood City Library has been using innovative programming to build relationships between various parts of [...]
Continuing to lead the way on housing
As cities throughout the Bay Area determine how to address the region’s housing needs, multi-sector collaboratives are helping to guide the way. Over the past two and a half years, Common Knowledge has walked alongside members of Home for All, a county-wide collaborative, as they work to improve the climate for housing decisions in San Mateo County. Through their Community [...]
Finding Common Ground on Housing
Communities across California are being challenged by rising housing costs. For example, in reports about recently released data from the California Realtor’s Association, only 27% of Californians have adequate income to buy a median-priced home. That’s less than half the 56% peak rate in the first quarter of 2012. In California’s San Mateo County, the rate is even lower: 14% [...]