Thursday was the first day of the first major land war in Europe in decades. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a grim and disturbing event that has rightfully overshadowed the local stories normally covered in this newsletter.
So today I’m going to share some links and resources that will hopefully give you some context on what’s going on in Europe and how it might affect us here in California.
First, if you are still trying to figure out the situation in Ukraine, I recommend this explainer from The New York Times. If you already know these cards intrusion tracking can help you keep up to date with the latest developments.
Recall what has happened so far: On Thursday, Russia invaded Ukraine, unleashed fighting that killed dozens of people, and seized the former power plant at Chernobyl. Early Friday videos confirmed by The Times showed a large explosion in the sky over the southern outskirts of Kiev, the capital.
It remains unclear what the ultimate goal of Russian President Vladimir V. Putin or US sanctions announced on Thursday persuade him to leave.
The attacks on Ukraine are frustrating for anyone watching from the US, but especially for those of Ukrainian descent. More than 90,000 Californians claim Ukrainian ancestry, about 15 percent of the country’s total Ukrainian population, according to the 2019 American Community Survey.
Many news outlets in California covered the suffering Ukrainian communities – in Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles And bay area — who collect money or gather in local churches for prayer.
Irina Getman, based in Southern California, told ABC7 that she feared for her 38-year-old son, who serves in the Ukrainian armed forces. He has a young daughter and is currently in the eastern region of the country which is under attack.
“I would like to go to Ukraine and be close to my son,” Hetman said. But right now I don’t know what I can do.
Rising gas prices
One effect of the conflict that you may have already felt is high gas prices. On Thursday, the average cost of a gallon in California hit a record high of $4.77. according to AAA.
Yesterday we had the most expensive gas in the country and we were one of the few states where the average price per gallon was over $4. Blame it on California’s high gas taxes, the myriad effects of the coronavirus pandemic — and, of course, the invasion.
Russia is the world’s third-largest oil supplier, so oil prices have been creeping up in recent days amid fears that an invasion could lead to sanctions restricting gas exports. Although California does not import oil from Russia, limited supplies around the world will also lead to increased demand and higher costs here, experts say.
Indeed, gas price records were set on Thursday in large stretches of California, including San Diego, Sacramento, Redding, Napa and Orange County.
But after crude oil prices rose to their highest level in seven years on Thursday, they began to stabilize after President Biden said the United States was working with other countries to coordinate the release of supplies from strategic oil reserves. (In fact, the export of fuel was excluded from the sanctions list of the country against Russia – and not by chance.)
“My administration is using every tool at its disposal to protect American families and businesses from rising gas station prices by taking proactive steps to reduce costs,” Biden said.
More about the Ukrainian conflict:
Where are we going
Today’s advice comes from Cynthia Chambers, who recommends vacationing in Orange County:
“Our favorite place is San Clemente because it is a good place for cycling near the beach, there are good restaurants and resorts where you can take your pet with you. We love that San Clemente is small but a short drive from San Diego. During this pandemic, there are many restaurants and outdoor places.”
Tell us about your favorite places to visit in California. Send your suggestions to [email protected]. We will report more in future editions of the newsletter.
What we recommend
That latest experiments by artist Takesada Matsutaniat Hauser & Wirth in Los Angeles.
And before you leave, good news
Fifth Annual Black Joy Paradea walk through the streets of downtown Oakland honoring black businessmen and artists returns on Sunday.
The parade was last held in person in February 2020. This year the event attracted more than 25,000 people. Aucklandside reports.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Black Joy Parade again in person,” said event founder Elisha Greenwell. “We can’t wait for the community to see what we’ve created to celebrate us. It will be the biggest family reunion in history.”
Thanks for reading. I will return on Monday. — Soumya
PS Here today’s mini crossword puzzleand the clue: “That was so funny” using a non-literal expression (5 letters).
Briana Scalia, Marielle Wamsley and Jordon Wollner contributed to California Today. You can contact the team at [email protected].