Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Thursday:

• East Palo Alto makes a big change in perception

• Gary Woodland finds solace in his golf game

• Montreal teens save couple from drowning

FROM MURDER CAPITAL TO 0 HOMICIDES

Big news for East Palo Alto! This small city has made a dramatic transformation, going from the "murder capital" of the U.S. in 1992 to achieving zero homicides in 2023. 

That's a big deal for a place that once recorded a staggering 42 murders in just 2.5 square miles. So, how did they turn things around?

It's not just about the money, although the city's median household income and housing prices have skyrocketed. 

The real game-changer?

A combined effort from law enforcement, residents, city officials, and a dash of community spirit. The city has seen more job opportunities, youth programs, and a focus on community policing. 

But let's be clear: gentrification isn't the magic wand here. As Mayor Antonio López puts it, East Palo Alto is now “one of the safest places to live in the peninsula,” and that didn't happen overnight.

The city's journey is remarkable, considering its past struggles with poverty, crime, and the devastating impact of the crack cocaine epidemic. 

Back in the day, drug sales were rampant, and the city had to fight tooth and nail to get out of that dark phase. 

The transformation of East Palo Alto is a testament to what a community can achieve with determination, collaboration, and a little bit of elbow grease. 

It's a story of resilience and redemption, proving that any place can overcome the most demanding challenges with a united front. 

Here's to zero homicides and a brighter future for East Palo Alto!

⚡️ CES 2024 brings hydrogen energy back to the forefront of the vehicle energy conversation

🐻‍❄️ Diving polar bears go viral for their sick skills and incredible feats

🐻 Over the last 20 years, a community has worked endlessly to rehabilitate the bears abused by the bile trade in Vietnam

⛳️ Gary Woodland’s fear of dying has been replace by gratitude for being able to play the sport he loves again

🏈 Alexander Mattison, a football player, makes a huge effort to give back to the community that once doubted him

🐆 This trail camera enthusiast catches a glimpse of an incredibly rare jaguar on one of their cameras

In Barbados, two teenage swimmers, Emma Bassermann and Zoe Meklensek-Ireland, turned into real-life heroes when they saved a couple from drowning. 

The girls were just wrapping up their boogie-boarding session as part of a swim camp when they heard cries for help.

Zoe heard the distress call first and didn't hesitate. 

She found Belinda Stone, a tourist from London, struggling in the water. With Emma's help, they managed to bring Stone back to safety. 

But the drama didn't end there. Stone's husband, Robert, was still battling the waves about 150 feet offshore.

Without a second thought, Emma and Zoe grabbed a boogie board and swam out to rescue him. 

The battle against strong currents and diagonal waves was a daunting task. They had to swim parallel to the shore before bringing him in. 

And their bravery didn't go unnoticed. 

The president of the local youth democratic party awarded them for their heroism. 

The girls' actions are a powerful reminder of how crucial these skills can be in saving lives. 

As they return to Montreal, they're not just talented swimmers but genuine lifesavers!

I’ve never seen a husky look so snug!

Just remember, these dogs love that cold snow and these conditions way more than anything hot and muggy.

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

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