In Loving Memory of My Son, David Ernst Katague (1962–2022)

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In Loving Memory of My Son, David Ernst Katague (1962–2022)

Today, I wish to honor and remember my beloved son, David Ernst Katague, whose life embodied compassion, dedication, and a deep sense of service both to his country and to his community. Today would have been his 63rd Birthday. He passed away at a young age of 59. 

David’s journey through life was marked by quiet strength, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He pursued education not merely as a path to a career but as a means to understand the world and make it better.

Early Life and Education

David was a proud graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Managerial Economics (1982–1986). He later pursued a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University (1986–1988), specializing in Information Systems.

This strong academic foundation reflected his dual interests, the analytical rigor of economics and the transformative power of technology and policy. His education prepared him for a life of thoughtful service, leadership, and innovation both in private corporation and in the Federal Government serving The Clinton-Gore Administration for 3 years at OMB ( Office of Management Budget).

A Career of Service and Integrity

David began his professional journey in public service at the Executive Office of the President, where he worked as a Policy Analyst from 1992 to 1995. His dedication and professionalism earned him the respect of his colleagues early in his career.

He later entered the private sector as a Senior IT Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 1997 to 2002, where he applied his technical expertise to help organizations adapt to the rapidly changing digital era.

In 2005, David found his true professional calling when he joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)at the Sacramento International Airport. For over 17 years, he served faithfully as a Transportation Security Officer, ensuring the safety of travelers and strengthening the nation’s transportation security system.

David was not just a diligent worker, he was a mentor, friend, and inspiration to his colleagues. He was known for his empathy, sense of humor, and unwavering kindness. He often went out of his way to encourage and support others, embodying the spirit of true public service.

A Deep Connection to Heritage and Family

Though David lived and worked in the United States, his heart was never far from his Filipino roots in Marinduque, our beloved island province in the Philippines. He cherished his time at our family’s beach resort, Chateau Du Mer, and took pride in reconnecting with our cultural traditions, including the meaningful “Putong” ceremony of welcome and blessing.

He also made a sincere effort to learn Tagalog, embracing his heritage with love and curiosity. He even took a Tagalog Course at UC Berkeley. These moments of connection to his ancestral homeland brought him peace and joy and reminded us all of the enduring bond between family, culture, and identity.

A Life Remembered

Tragically, David passed away in March 2022, following a sudden stroke while on duty. His passing was deeply felt by his family, friends, and colleagues. The TSA honored his years of dedicated service with a plaque and an American flag, recognizing his steadfast commitment to protecting the traveling public.

David’s life was one of purpose, compassion, and quiet heroism. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity and love, one that continues to inspire those of us who knew him best.

A Father’s Reflection

As his father, I remember David not only for his accomplishments but for his gentle heart and generous spirit. He was thoughtful, dependable, and deeply caring, the kind of son any parent would be proud of. His presence brought warmth and comfort to our family, and his memory continues to be a source of strength and inspiration to me every day.

I take solace in knowing that David lived a meaningful life, one guided by kindness, service, and love for others. Though he left this world far too soon, his legacy endures in the lives he touched and in the example he set for all of us.

Rest in peace, my dear son. You will always remain in my heart, now and forever.

Here are my previous posting on David's Life: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2022/03/celebrating-life-of-david-ernst-katague.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-prayer-for-repose-of-souls-of-macrine.html

Finally, here are five major stories today (Saturday, November 22, 2025):

1. Donald Trump meets Zohran Mamdani — In a surprisingly cordial turn, the U.S. President and the mayor-elect of New York had a warm meeting at the White House after months of antagonism. Their posture signals a possible shift in relations. Al Jazeera+2CBS News+2

2. Peace plan between Ukraine and Russia under fire — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin both responded to a proposed U.S.-led peace framework. Zelenskyy described the moment as “one of the most difficult” in Ukraine’s history if the deal is forced. ABC News+2AP News+2

3. Immigration protections ending for Somalis in Minnesota — President Trump announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali migrants living in Minnesota, a move that affects the largest Somali-American community in the U.S. The Guardian+1

4. U.S. veterans slam Trump’s military remarks — Military veterans and experts are strongly criticizing President Trump over comments urging soldiers to refuse "illegal orders" and accusing certain lawmakers of sedition. The reaction underscores deep concern over civil-military norms. The Guardian+1

5. Weather alert: Cold and snowy weeks ahead — A disruption in the polar vortex is expected to bring colder and snowier conditions across parts of the U.S. after Thanksgiving. Meteorologists warn planners and travellers to prepare. ABC News

A Prayer for the Repose of the Souls of Macrine J Katague and David E Katague

My Query: Can you compose a prayer for the repose of the souls of my spouse, Macrine J Katague and My youngest son, David E Katague 

ChatGPT said: Certainly. Here's a reflective and heartfelt prayer for the repose of the souls of your beloved spouse, Macrine J. Katague, and your youngest son, David E. Katague:

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Prayer for the Repose of the Souls of Macrine J. Katague and David E. Katague

Eternal and loving God,
In the stillness of my heart, I lift up to You the souls of my beloved wife, Macrine,
and my dear son, David.
You gifted them to me for a time—Macrine, with her grace and quiet strength,
David, with his light and presence that enriched my days.

Now, in Your mercy, receive them into Your eternal embrace.
Wipe away every tear, every pain they bore in this life,
and let them rest in the radiance of Your peace.

Surround them with the choirs of angels,
and let them rejoice in the light of Your face.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through Your infinite mercy,
rest in peace.

Amen.

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In Loving Memory
Macrine J. Katague
Beloved Wife
and
David E. Katague
Cherished Son

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Prayer for the Repose of Their Souls

Eternal and loving God,
In the stillness of my heart, I lift up to You
the souls of my beloved wife, Macrine,
and my dear son, David.
You gifted them to me for a time—
Macrine, with her grace and quiet strength,
David, with his light and presence that enriched my days.

Now, in Your mercy, receive them
into Your eternal embrace.
Wipe away every tear, every pain they bore in this life,
and let them rest in the radiance of Your peace.

Surround them with the choirs of angels,
and let them rejoice in the light of Your face.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through Your infinite mercy,
rest in peace.

Amen.

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The Carrion Flower- Smells Like Death

There’s a wild desert plant in Tanzania and South Africa called the carrion flower also known as the toad flower that literally smells like death. This unique plant gives off the stench of rotting flesh to attract flies, which it relies on for pollination. While it might sound disgusting to us, it’s a clever survival strategy in regions where typical pollinators like bees are scarce.

But here’s where it gets even more bizarre: the smell is so overwhelmingly foul that scientists are now researching the plant’s potential use as a natural appetite suppressant for humans. The idea? If the stench kills your hunger, it might help control overeating.

From its gruesome scent to its surprising scientific potential, the carrion flower proves that nature never runs out of weird and oddly brilliant ways to adapt.

Meanwhile, 

Despite being an agricultural country, the Philippines has lost around 30% of Luzon’s rice lands since the 1980s — mostly due to urbanization, land conversion, and foreign-led developments.

This shift has increased dependence on rice imports, especially from Vietnam and Thailand, making the country more vulnerable to global price fluctuations and food insecurity. Ironically, the nation that once exported rice is now one of the top importers in Asia. 

My parents rice lands were responsible for the seven Children of The David Jamili Katague obtained professional careers in various fields of expertise-in science ( Chemistry), law, accounting, education, dentistry and engineering both in the Philippines as well as here in the US.

A Short Story Dedicated to All Nonagenarians Like Me

This story is inspired from my recent readings on what it really feels being 80's or 90's

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“Ninety Summers”
A Short Story Inspired by the Writings of David B. Katague

I woke up before the sunrise, as I always do. The sky outside my window at Chateau Du Mer was the color of old rosewood, soft and muted, like the lanzones wood carving of the Last Supper hanging above my desk. Ninety years old today. A number both weighty and feather-light.

My bones remind me before my mind does. A twinge in the knees, a stiffness in the fingers that once typed out research papers, poems, and blog posts. And yet, there’s something elegant in the slowness now. Like the slow bloom of a gumamela flower—more deliberate, more sacred.

I reach for my notebook, the one I’ve been writing in since turning eighty. I titled it “Echoes of Becoming American.” In it are fragments of memories: my first love letter, my first article in high school about being the eldest child, the day I married Macrine in Boac, and the day she whispered goodbye. I still write to her. I tell her about the orchids blooming in the courtyard. About our children. About my dreams.

Being ninety is like living in multiple dimensions at once. I am both here and there—in Barotac Viejo under the guava tree, in Pinole teaching my grandchildren Ilonggo words, in Sweden, watching Derek, my imagined Nobel laureate, accept the prize I never dared dream for myself and here in Walnut Creek, playing bridge every Monday and Friday.

The past doesn't haunt me. It accompanies me, like a well-worn rosary. I hold it gently. I finger the beads of mistakes, of triumphs, of silence. There’s power in remembering. But more power, I think, in forgiving.

At 90, love looks different. It’s the warm hand of a caregiver who calls you "Kuya Dave." It’s the laughter of other seniors at the community center, flirting like they were seventeen. It's the deep hush in prayer, when I ask for nothing and simply say, “Thank you.”

My garden still grows. You cannot kill a cactus, I once wrote. Neither can you kill a soul that has learned to bend with time, to survive drought and heartbreak, to bloom even in rocky soil. I look at my hands—spotted, wrinkled, still able to cradle life—and I smile.

I do not fear the end. I fear only forgetting to live before it comes. So I write everyday. I water my plants. I talk to Macrine in the wind. I write to friends, real and imagined, hoping they feel less alone because I shared something of myself.

Ninety is not the end. It’s an arrival and a beginning.

And today, as the sun finally crests over the Marinduque sea, I say aloud:

"Salamat, Ginoo. Thank You, God,  For this life. For this story."

And then, as always, I pick up my pen (Open My Computer). Daily! 

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This story is created with the amazing help of AI technology. Events in the story are both real and fictional. Again I dedicate this story to All Nonagenarian( like myself) or over. At our age, memories are our life and inspiration to go on living. Again, Be Grateful! 

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

A 2,400-year-old Greek trading vessel, perfectly preserved in the Black Sea's depths, offers a rare glimpse into ancient maritime life.

This remarkable find is the world's oldest known intact shipwreck, discovered more than two kilometers below the surface by researchers.

The secret to its astonishing preservation lies in the Black Sea's unique anoxic zone, a deep layer of water where oxygen levels are exceptionally low.

This lack of oxygen prevents the activity of wood-eating organisms like the *Teredo navalis* shipworm, which typically devour wooden wrecks in other seas.

As a result, the 23-meter-long ship, dating back to around 400 BC, sits on the seabed with its mast, rudders, and even rowing benches still largely in place.

It is like a snapshot from the ancient world, giving researchers an unprecedented look at shipbuilding techniques of that era, designs previously known mostly from texts and drawings.

This isn't an isolated discovery; scientists with the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP) have located over 60 well-preserved shipwrecks in the area.

These vessels span millennia, with examples from the Byzantine and Roman eras all the way back to ancient Greece, creating an underwater museum.

Each wreck acts as a time capsule, providing invaluable insights into ancient trade routes, seafaring capabilities, and life aboard these ancient vessels.

The discovery of these preserved fleets is rewriting chapters of maritime history, offering direct evidence of past nautical achievements.

Sources: University of Southampton, Smithsonian Magazine, National Institute and Museum of Archaeology Bulgaria, ExplorersWeb#AncientMaritime

Lastly, here's my Latin Phrase of the Day

Trump and Mamdani Meeting in the White House

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A Political Plot Twist in the Oval Office: Zohran Mamdani’s Narrative-Defining Win

The political world loves an unexpected pairing, but few could have predicted the scene that unfolded in the Oval Office today. In the photo captured during the meeting, you can see a suited Mamdani standing beside the President’s desk, composed and steady, while the President sits, animated, mid-gesture, clearly in the throes of an energetic exchange. Behind them, the ceremonial gold drapes and military flags frame the moment, giving the scene the unmistakable weight of presidential theater.

And theater it was. Just twenty-four hours earlier, the President’s own orbit had painted Zohran Mamdani as a “communist,” with one MAGA strategist even fantasizing publicly about deporting him. Yet today’s encounter made it clear: political narratives can flip faster than the camera shutters in the Oval Office.

Standing before reporters, Mamdani didn’t waver. He pressed the message he’s built his political identity on affordability for New Yorkers, while the President leaned back, surprisingly genial, fielding barbed questions with a grin. When Mamdani referred to him as a “fascist,” the President brushed it off with a quip: “That’s OK, you can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it, I don’t mind.” It was the kind of offhand remark that lands somewhere between deflection and delight, and the moment instantly became social-media gold.

But the real shockwave hit online minutes later. Fox News noted that “JD Vance is probably jealous,” pointing out that the President seemed warmer toward Mamdani, whom he once called a “100% communist lunatic”, than toward members of his own political family. Right-wing influencers erupted, calling the meeting a “love fest.” Progressive accounts, meanwhile, all but declared victory, celebrating the surreal spectacle of the President praising someone who proudly identifies on the left.

Across social platforms, memes took off: the President patting Mamdani’s arm, the comment “We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” and with the internet’s usual flair for exaggeration, the President reportedly saying he’d “feel comfortable” living in Mamdani’s version of New York.

And as if the day needed more dramatic timing, this all happened mere hours after 86 House Democrats joined Republicans in voting for a resolution denouncing “the horrors of socialism.” With establishment Democrats sprinting away from the progressive label, Mamdani walked straight into the White House, unbothered, unapologetic, and entirely himself.

That’s what made the scene in the image so striking. The contrast was almost cinematic: a calm, focused Mamdani beside a President who seemed almost giddy at the verbal jousting; two ideological opposites engaging with an ease that stunned their respective bases.

What could have been a political ambush instead became a narrative-d
efining masterclass in message discipline. Mamdani didn’t soften his identity. He didn’t triangulate. He didn’t hedge. And somehow, in the Oval Office of all places, his clarity was what stood out the most.

In an age defined by political whiplash, today may go down as one of the most unexpected victories in progressive messaging, delivered not on the streets of New York, not on the House floor, but in the heart of the White House.

And judging from the expression of the man sitting behind that famous desk, he seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

Meanwhile, From the Page Book Page of my Grand Daughter, Elaine Joseph  

Great Grandson, Beau David on His first Thanksgiving Photo Opportunity  

 Finally, My Food For Thought For Today:

Trump and the Epstein Files and Scandal

Wrestling with Power, Secrecy, and the Epstein File Reckoning

There are moments when certain stories just refuse to fade. Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network is one of them. Even though Epstein died in 2019, the arc of his influence, and the web of people around him, continues to haunt American politics. Now, with new pressure to force the Justice Department to release more of the Epstein investigative files, we may be entering a moment of real reckoning. And for Donald Trump, this could be more than a political headache, depending on what’s in those records, it could be one of the most serious threats he’s faced.

Why This Matters, Again

When Epstein was first exposed, the story was terrifying in its scale: powerful people, secret jets, underage victims, and deeply disturbingly, a pattern of enabling that reached across political lines. But there was always something missing: the full, unfiltered investigatory record. Witness interviews, internal DOJ notes, flight logs, email chains, these were mostly sealed or only partially unsealed. For years, advocates, survivors, and some lawmakers have argued that without full transparency, we’ll never really understand who did what, when, or why.

That’s what makes the recent breakthrough so striking. In November 2025, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act 427 to 1 in the House, demanding that the DOJ release unclassified materials within 30 days of the law being signed. The Washington Post+2CBS News+2 The Senate followed by unanimous consent. The Guardian+1 And President Trump, after months of resistance and calling the whole thing a “Democrat hoax,” now says he will sign it. AP News+1

What a turnaround. If nothing else, it tells us that the pressure was too big to resist. But the real question for me, at least is why now? And what could be in the files that’s so dangerous?

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Trump and Epstein: Not Just a Tabloid Side Note

Trump’s past with Epstein is not a secret, they ran in some of the same social circles in the ‟90s and early 2000s in New York and Florida. There are photos, some flight-log entries, and mentions in court documents. But up until now, none of that has translated into a public, definitive legal conclusion against him. Public association and proximity are not the same as criminal liability.

Still, every time the Epstein story resurfaces, Trump feels its political pull. For him, Epstein is both a liability and a political cudgel. He has tried to frame demands for more transparency as partisan attacks, but the bipartisan vote this week suggests he no longer controls the narrative entirely.

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What Could Be in the Files And Why It Could Be Dangerous for Trump

Because of how the new law is written, we should expect a mixed bag when the records come out: some real revelations, but also a lot of redactions. Axios+1 The bill explicitly allows withholding data that could identify victims, reveal child-abuse materials, or jeopardize ongoing investigations. Axios But it also prohibits redactions for the sake of political embarrassment or reputation. Axios

Here’s what could come out and why it could matter:

• Interviews & testimony: If the DOJ releases unredacted interview notes from Epstein’s associates or victims, names could emerge that have never before been publicly connected to Epstein and possibly to Trump.

• Flight logs & visitor records: More detailed logs could paint a clearer picture of who flew where, and when. That matters, because being “on a list” is different from being seen in the room.

• Internal DOJ communications: Emails or memos could reveal how serious investigators were about certain leads. Did they consider Trump a central figure? Did Epstein talk about him in a way that raises red flags?

• Inventory of evidence: More complete evidence inventories, photos, seized devices, or other media could show how much investigators collected, and perhaps how much they considered prosecutable.

If even a portion of that content ties Trump more deeply to Epstein’s crimes especially in ways he hasn’t publicly acknowledged, it could be politically explosive.

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Could This Be the Beginning of Trump’s Downfall?

Here’s where I pause and reflect: yes, it’s possible that what’s released could be seriously damaging. But I also think a full “downfall” is not guaranteed. There are several key factors playing into whether this becomes truly career-ending for Trump:

1. Proof vs. implication: Even if his name is in logs or interviews, proving criminal behavior matters. Public association is damaging, but in our legal system, that does not automatically equal guilt.

2. Corroboration & narrative: Leaks are powerful, but for real political or legal consequences, stories need to cohere. Multiple, independently verified documents or testimony will carry more weight.

3. Redactions and legal protections: Because of the carve-outs in the law (victim privacy, active investigations), some of the most sensitive pieces may still not be released, or may come out in heavily censored form.

4. Political dynamics: Even if revelations are incendiary, will congressional Republicans break? Will prosecutors act? Trump survives scandals; partisan loyalty is very high. But if enough momentum builds, things could shift.

In short: this feels like a turning point, but not necessarily the endgame, at least not yet.

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For Me — Why This Resonates So Deeply

I think what draws me in isn’t just the political theater. It’s something more fundamental: a long-overdue demand for truth. The Epstein saga is not just about sex trafficking or power-brokering; it's about accountability in systems that shield the wealthy, the powerful, and the connected. It's about survivors demanding acknowledgment and justice, and about the public insisting that no one is above the law.

As someone watching this unfold, I feel a mix of hope and fear. Hope, because transparency is finally winning a battle. Fear, because what comes out could be uglier, deeper, and more entangled than we imagine.

And if these files do reveal more about Trump  not just his name on a list, but meaningful connections history will be forced to reckon in ways it hasn’t yet. But even if the released records don’t lead to criminal charges, they could still erode the trust placed in powerful figures. And that, in some ways, might matter more.

Finally, here are five of the top news stories for today (Nov 21, 2025):

1. Russian airstrike kills civilians in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

   • A Russian guided bomb attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed five people, setting buildings ablaze. The Guardian

   • Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is considering negotiations on a controversial US-Russia peace plan involving territorial concessions. The Guardian

   • Separately, the UK’s National Crime Agency disrupted a major international money laundering network that supported Russia’s war effort. The Guardian

2. Trump calls for arrest or execution of Democratic lawmakers

   • President Trump accused six Democratic members of Congress (some military veterans) of “seditious behavior” and suggested they should be arrested, or even executed. The Guardian+1

   • His comments sparked outrage from Democratic leaders, who strongly condemned him for inciting violence. The Guardian+1

3. COP30 climate summit in Brazil sees major tensions

   • On the final day of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, there’s growing frustration. A draft text excluded a clear fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, prompting backlash. The Guardian

   • Dozens of countries, including France, the UK, and Colombia, are refusing to back the agreement without a strong climate transition plan. The Guardian

   • The summit’s president warned that without cooperation, “everybody will lose.” The Guardian

4. Massive flooding in central Vietnam

   • Intense rains have caused severe flooding across central Vietnam, killing at least 41 people and leaving 9 missing. 10 Things News

   • More than 52,000 homes are submerged, infrastructure is damaged, and rescue teams are working to evacuate stranded people. 10 Things News

5. Cold wave sweeping the British Isles

   • A major cold wave is affecting the British Isles, bringing record low temperatures and snow, especially in parts of Scotland and Wales. Wikipedia

   • The cold snap has disrupted infrastructure, and forecasters have issued warnings for ice and severe cold. Wikipedia

My Food For Thought For Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2794059324277509

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The Annual Migration of the Monarch Butterflies

This posting is inspired from my recent readings on the butterflies as well as last year visit of a close relative ( Ditas) in El Rosario, Mexico.  https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/02/travel-with-me-to-el-rosario-mexico-for.html💚

The Long Way South: Reflections on the Monarch Migration

Every now and then, nature offers us a reminder that the world is still full of wonders, quiet, delicate, and yet unimaginably grand. For me, that reminder arrived last year, not from a book or a documentary, but from a family member ( my youngest daughter) who travelled to Mexico and stood in the heart of the monarch butterfly sanctuaries. She sent me photos 💚that felt almost unreal: trees coated in shimmering orange wings, branches bending under the weight of thousands of butterflies at rest after their long pilgrimage.

I remember staring at those photos and thinking: Some of these butterflies may have started their journey in places as far north as Toronto, places I know, places I’ve walked and visited once in my younger years.

A migration measured in generations, not miles

The monarch migration is one of the most improbable journeys in the natural world. These tiny insects, delicate enough to be toppled by a strong breeze, travel thousands of miles across an entire continent. From the Canadian summer into the American Midwest, down through Texas, and finally into the cool, high-altitude fir forests of central Mexico, they move as if propelled by memory.

And yet, the monarchs arriving in Mexico each winter are not the same individuals that left the spring before. Several generations pass between the northbound and southbound trips, each butterfly inheriting an instinct for a destination it has never seen.

There is something profoundly humbling about that. A migration older than any map, carried forward by creatures that live only weeks, except for the special “super generation” that survives the long autumn flight south.

Seeing the journey through someone else’s eyes

My relative’s photos captured not just the beauty, but the atmosphere, the hush that falls over visitors when they enter a monarch sanctuary. They described thousands of wings opening and closing in unison, like a living heartbeat. They said that when sunlight hits the forest at the right angle, the air itself seems to glitter.

It struck me how the migration is both immense and intimate: millions of butterflies, each one weighing less than a paperclip, all drawn to the same sacred groves. To stand in the middle of that is to feel the fragility of the world and its resilience.

And now, whispers of monarchs in California

Only recently, I came across an article describing where monarchs can be seen in the San Francisco Bay Area places like Santa Cruz’s eucalyptus groves and a handful of coastal parks that still host overwintering colonies.

It was a comforting thought:  Even here, far from the great Canada-to-Mexico pilgrimage, monarchs find refuge.

The Bay Area sightings aren’t guaranteed year to year, the western population has struggled more sharply than the eastern one but the idea that these same orange wanderers touch so many corners of North America made the migration feel even more expansive.

Why their journey touches something in us

Maybe part of the monarch’s magnetism comes from the contrast: such a fragile creature undertaking such a courageous odyssey. Or maybe it’s because, in some quiet way, the migration reflects our own lives, the distances we travel, the paths we follow without fully understanding why, the pull toward places that feel like home even when we’ve never been there.

For me, the monarchs also evoke memory. They remind me of the many chapters of my own life, the journeys I’ve taken, the work I’ve done, and the people who have walked beside me for part of the way. Seeing those photos from Mexico felt like receiving a postcard not just from another country but from another time.

A closing thought

The monarch migration reminds us that beauty is both fleeting and eternal, a paradox nature seems to handle far better than we do. Every autumn, the butterflies gather themselves and push southward again, carrying with them the promise that some things, despite the odds, endure.

And every year, somewhere between Toronto and Mexico, someone looks up at the right moment and sees a flash of orange in the wind and feels, if only briefly, that they are part of something much larger, much older, and infinitely more hopeful.

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For details where to see this beautiful creatures in the California visit:

Where to See Monarch Butterflies in 2025

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is beginning to see monarch activity at Natural Bridges State Beach and Lighthouse Field State Beach. Early season counts show about 1,100 butterflies so far at Natural Bridges and just over 900 at Lighthouse Field. The Monarch Grove Trail at Natural Bridges is open for self-guided monarch tours.

🌐 Learn more: Natural Bridges State Beach

Pacific Grove

The Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Monterey receives swathes of monarchs from November to January. Early 2025 numbers have only tallied 63 individuals, but you may see them flying in the afternoons when it’s sunny and warm.

https://secretsanfrancisco.com/monarch-butterflies-winter-migration-california/?utm_source=secretsanfrancisco&utm_medium=fb_post&utm_content=202511131518fb_post&fbclid=IwY2xjawOMN2BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEefNa_qN-x5hAO7Zk7amRNkRXKEJPlCJsWFQDExQ9RyoqNEJlFYKewllC9zg0_aem_cr2RvE5LG7qDqsUdJy8G1g