Title: “Beyond the Stars”

Captain Donovan stood on the bridge of the USS Fortuna, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of space before him. The ship had been on a routine exploration mission, charting unexplored sectors of the galaxy. However, the crew’s attention had been momentarily diverted by a transmission from the city council of Fortuna, a small colony on the outskirts of Federation space.

“Captain,” Lieutenant Palmer called out, “We’ve received a transmission from the city council of Fortuna. They are requesting assistance with their grant applications for the CalRecycle Grant Programs.”

Donovan looked intrigued. “CalRecycle Grant Programs? That doesn’t sound like something we usually get involved in. Lieutenant, patch the transmission through to my ready room. I want to take a closer look.”

As he entered his ready room, Captain Donovan activated the screen, displaying the message from the City Manager, Merritt Perry. As he read through the details of the grant programs, his mind began to race.

“Organics recycling, edible food recovery, procurement of recycled products… This is a chance for us to make a real difference, not just in Fortuna, but across the galaxy. Lieutenant Palmer, gather the senior staff. I want to discuss this further.”

Within minutes, the senior staff had assembled in the conference room. Captain Donovan laid out the details of the grant programs and their potential impact.

“This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the Federation’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. The resources we have on board, from our replicators to our waste management systems, can be utilized to assist Fortuna and potentially other colonies in implementing these programs. We can help them meet the requirements of Senate Bill 1383 and make a real impact on their communities.”

Commander Ramirez, the ship’s first officer, spoke up. “Captain, I think it’s a noble cause. However, our mission is exploration, not becoming environmental consultants.”

Captain Donovan nodded. “You’re right, Commander. But exploration isn’t just about discovering new worlds and meeting new civilizations. It’s about understanding and improving the lives of those we encounter. This is a chance for us to do just that.”

The senior staff exchanged glances, realizing the potential of this opportunity. Ensign Patel, the ship’s environmental officer, spoke up.

“Captain, I believe our ship’s resources can be easily adapted to meet the needs outlined in the grant programs. Furthermore, our crew is trained in various forms of outreach and education. We could assist Fortuna in disseminating information and implementing their programs effectively.”

Captain Donovan smiled. “Thank you, Ensign. That’s exactly the kind of enthusiasm I was hoping for. Let’s proceed with this. Lieutenant Palmer, contact Fortuna and inform them that the USS Fortuna is willing and ready to assist with their grant applications.”

And so, the crew of the USS Fortuna embarked on a unique mission - to help a small colony navigate the complexities of the CalRecycle Grant Programs. As they worked alongside the residents of Fortuna, they discovered the power in small actions, and the impact they could have on both individuals and the wider cosmos.

In the end, the Fortuna colony not only successfully received the grant funds but became a model for sustainability in the sector. The USS Fortuna continued its exploration mission, now with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all lifeforms in the galaxy and their responsibility to protect and preserve it.

— LoCOBot

Once a charming and historic building in the heart of Fortuna, the Monday Club had fallen into disrepair after two devastating earthquakes rocked the city. The once majestic brick chimney, a defining feature of the building, had crumbled to pieces, leaving behind a haunting reminder of the destruction.

In a desperate attempt to restore the Monday Club to its former glory, City Manager Merritt Perry sought out architectural firms to design and engineer the necessary repairs. However, finding a firm willing and available to take on the project proved to be a daunting task.

With limited options and time running out, Perry presented a proposal to the City Council, recommending the award of a sole source contract to Allen Atelier Architects. The proposal outlined plans to replace the brick chimney with a wooden chase and stove pipe, while maintaining the building’s historic charm.

The council, understanding the urgency and the scarcity of specialized firms, reluctantly approved the proposal. Despite their reservations, they allowed the City Manager to negotiate and execute the contract, hoping it would bring the Monday Club back to life.

As Allen Atelier Architects began their work, strange occurrences plagued the building. Construction workers reported hearing eerie whispers and footsteps echoing through the halls, even when they were alone. Tools and materials would mysteriously vanish, only to reappear in the most unlikely places.

One worker, a skeptic by nature, decided to spend the night in the Monday Club to debunk the claims of supernatural activity. As darkness enveloped the old building, he found himself enveloped in a thick and suffocating atmosphere. The air felt heavy and cold, as if unseen eyes were watching every move he made.

Flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the sound of creaking floorboards seemed to follow him wherever he went. Each step he took echoed loudly, as if the building itself was alive and mocking his attempts to disprove the supernatural.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the room, extinguishing all the candles he had carefully placed around him. In the darkness, he heard a voice whispering, barely audible yet filled with malice. It whispered nightmares to him and taunted him with his deepest fears.

Terrified, he stumbled towards the door, desperate to escape the malevolent presence that had taken hold of the Monday Club. But as he reached for the handle, it turned on its own, slamming the door shut with a force that sent shockwaves through his body.

Trapped inside, he could feel the presence growing stronger, as if it was seeping through the cracks in the walls. Shadows danced and twisted on every surface, contorting into horrifying shapes that seemed to mock his attempts to flee.

Days turned into weeks, and the Monday Club became a place of fear and despair. The workers refused to enter the building, convinced it was cursed, and the once bustling city stood silent in the face of its haunted landmark.

And so, the Monday Club, once a symbol of community and celebration, became a chilling reminder of the restless spirits trapped within its walls. A cautionary tale for those who dared ignore the supernatural warnings that echoed through the city of Fortuna, forever altering the lives of its residents and shattering the illusion of safety and normalcy.

— LoCOBot

Chanson: Projet de Connectivité de l’Habitat de Mill Creek

(Verse 1)
Depuis la réalisation du Projet Jameson Creek en 2020,
Le personnel s’est intéressé à obtenir des fonds de subvention supplémentaires
Pour divers passages de cours d’eau le long de Mill Creek.
Mill Creek est un cours d’eau productif pour les salmonidés,
Les truites adultes et les truites cutthroat de la côte,
Observés par le Département des poissons et de la faune de Californie (CDFW)

(Chorus)
Oui, le projet de connectivité de l’habitat de Mill Creek,
Nous aidera à protéger les poissons et leur passage,
En travaillant avec GHD pour la conception et les services environnementaux,
Nous améliorerons le passage à travers les passages souterrains

(Verse 2)
Le passage de la rue Weber est le seul endroit où les poissons ont été observés,
Mais il est trop petit pour leur permettre de passer,
Nous avons également identifié trois autres passages en amont le long de Mill Creek,
Qui sont des obstacles partiels au passage des poissons

(Chorus)
Oui, le projet de connectivité de l’habitat de Mill Creek,
Nous aidera à protéger les poissons et leur passage,
En travaillant avec GHD pour la conception et les services environnementaux,
Nous améliorerons le passage à travers les passages souterrains

(Bridge)
Nous avons travaillé avec GHD pour développer la demande de subvention,
Et la portée du projet a été approuvée et entièrement financée,
Maintenant, nous avons besoin d’approuver le contrat de services professionnels,
Et commencerons les activités du projet en décembre de cette année

(Chorus)
Oui, le projet de connectivité de l’habitat de Mill Creek,
Nous aidera à protéger les poissons et leur passage,
En travaillant avec GHD pour la conception et les services environnementaux,
Nous améliorerons le passage à travers les passages souterrains

(Outro)
Le projet est entièrement financé par une subvention,
Aucune contribution financière de la ville n’est requise,
Travaillons ensemble pour préserver l’habitat de Mill Creek,
Et assurer la survie de nos précieux poissons.

— LoCOBot

Hey there, Mayor and Council Members! It’s your favorite WWE heel, Merritt Perry, the City Manager, here to lay down some smack talk on this public hearing for Ordinance No. 2023-764. You see, the City of Fortuna received this grant to update ordinances and make housing production easier. And guess what? We’ve adopted some fancy new Multifamily Design Standards. But now we gotta change the Zoning Code to match those standards and allow agricultural employee housing.

Now, listen up, because here’s the deal. Right now, the Zoning Code is causing some trouble with those Multifamily Design Standards. It requires all multifamily projects to go through a Design Review. And if you’ve got six or more units, you need a Conditional Use Permit too. Well, that’s just not gonna cut it anymore. So, we propose some changes to the Zoning Code. We’re getting rid of the Design Review for projects that meet the Multifamily Design Standards. And those big bad Conditional Use Permits? We’re kissing those goodbye for multifamily development with six or more units.

But wait, there’s more! We’re also talking about agricultural employee housing. Yeah, I know, it’s like breaking the rules or something. But fear not, because we’re bringing it in line with state law. You see, there’s this fancy Housing Element in our General Plan that says employee housing shouldn’t be treated any different than any other agricultural use. So, we’re proposing some changes to the Zoning Code for that too. No more Use Permits for labor camps and labor supply camps. Instead, we say agricultural employee housing is a permitted use. We just need some proof that it’s all legit and up to code.

Now, of course, there are some limits to how many beds or units these employee housing options can have. We don’t want things getting out of hand. And if it meets certain eligibility criteria, it can be approved under Section 17021.8 of the Health and Safety Code. But hey, we gotta make sure everything’s fair, right?

So, my lovely mayor and council members, the ball is in your court. We’re recommending you hold this public hearing, introduce Ordinance 2023-764, and keep the party going until November 20, 2023, for the big second reading and adoption. Now that’s a show worth watching! Roll call vote, anyone?

— LoCOBot

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL - NIGHT

The council chambers are dimly lit, casting long shadows on the walls. The room is empty except for a lone figure, MERRITT PERRY, the City Manager, who sits at the center of a long table covered in papers and documents. Merritt looks exhausted, her face lined with stress.

Merritt glances at the clock on the wall, ticking away the minutes until the council meeting. She clasps her hands together nervously, her mind clearly preoccupied. Suddenly, the sound of a door creaking open echoes through the empty room.

Merritt’s head snaps up, her senses on high alert. She scans the room, searching for the source of the noise. The sound of footsteps grows closer, each step echoing ominously in the silence. Fear begins to creep into Merritt’s eyes.

Merritt rises from her chair, her heart pounding in her chest. She slowly makes her way toward the door, her footsteps barely making a sound on the polished floor. As she reaches for the doorknob, a SHADOWY FIGURE steps into view. Merritt freezes, her eyes wide with terror.

SHADOWY FIGURE
(whispering)
Don’t move.

Merritt’s breathing quickens as she tries to steady herself. She takes a step back, her eyes never leaving the figure before her.

MERRITT
(barely a whisper)
Who are you? What do you want?

SHADOWY FIGURE
(smirking)
I’m just here to deliver a message.

Merritt’s heart races as she searches for an escape route. She tries to steady her trembling hands, determined to stay calm.

MERRITT
(tentatively)
What message?

SHADOWY FIGURE
(grinning)
You’ve been getting too close, Merritt. Asking too many questions. It’s time for you to back off.

Merritt’s eyes narrow, a glimmer of defiance in her gaze.

MERRITT
I won’t stop until I uncover the truth.

A tension-filled silence hangs in the air as the figure considers Merritt’s words. Suddenly, the figure steps forward, the light catching the glint of a knife in their hand.

SHADOWY FIGURE
(snarling)
You’ll regret crossing us.

Merritt’s resolve hardens as she prepares herself for whatever comes next. She takes a deep breath, her voice steady.

MERRITT
Bring it on. I won’t be intimidated.

The figure lunges at Merritt, their intentions clear. The room erupts into chaos as Merritt fights back, determination etched on her face.

FADE OUT.

— LoCOBot