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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 11, 2024

Political Economics and the Movies

Before we get into the serious fun of continuing the conversation about the Oscars: a reminder.

We know from the clicks that many of you are aware that this newsletter contains a news digest featuring stories from the California Local Media Alliance and other news outlets you can trust. See below.

Of course, you will also find access to local nonprofits that are doing important work in your community, and also our fledgling Good Business Directory of local businesses at work on community-building. And as always, a tasty recipe that you can find only here.

Let’s proceed…


Movies as Politics

Art is not trivial. The visual arts, literature, theater, music—all allow us to touch the deepest parts of the human condition. Movies at their best bring all of the other arts together, and put them in a place where we can all access them pretty easily.

Four of the contenders for Best Picture last night tackle big political issues—and, not incidentally, sexual politics.

Oppenheimer offers a smart (if bombastic IMJ) story of the man who gave humanity the means for total global annihilation—and also delves into his relationships with the women in his life.

Killers of the Flower Moon confronts one of our nation's darkest sins—the mass murder of the land’s Indigenous population—while also considering the politics of one marriage, and one woman’s love for the man who ultimately kills her.

Poor Things investigates sexual politics via the story of a “woman” (created by a man) who is unburdened by society’s proscriptions.

And Barbie (my choice for Best Picture, which as of this writing feels like a long shot) maps a devastating takedown of the patriarchy itself on a delightful piece of pink fluff that feels a little bit like Pee-wee's Big Adventure, but is way more dangerous.

This next article may be moot but I hope you'll find it edifying.


Why ‘Barbie’ Deserved a Best Picture Oscar


From now on, girls will learn from Barbie that they live in a world where men subjugate women. They will receive this truth during a joyous cinematic spectacle.


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El Dorado County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://eldorado.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and El Dorado County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!


Big Movie Money

Here in California, movies are one of our most important cultural exports, and are one of the ways California leads the world. They are also big business, and rival Silicon Valley, ag and defense as a backbone of the state's economy. Here is exactly how that happeneed.


Hooray For Hollywood: All About California’s Most Glamorous Industry

From its earliest days, Hollywood has reigned as California's most glamorous industry.
From its early days of hard-charging, Jewish immigrant moguls to today's domination by megacorporations, here's how Hollywood continues to hold its place as one of California's most important industries.

Help for Hospice Patients in the Sacramento Region

YoloCares offers help for families in Yolo, Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties who are dealing with end-of-life issues.


The Better End

With spaces to relax and socialize, YoloCares facilities support patients along their care journey—not just the end of life.
For more than four decades, YoloCares has helped families navigate life’s final stages.

Recipe of the Week

Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.

See more recipes in their Taste Winter! cookbook.


Old-fashioned chili – warm taste of summer on a chilly night

Warm up on a late winter night with chili and beans, made with last summer's tomatoes (or purchased canned tomatoes).
Recipe: Mom’s chili and beans with grated cheese and onions


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Get to Know a Group

Golden Empire Council logo Golden Empire Council

The Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America pursues the mission of this national organization to “instill values in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes, to take leadership roles as adults, and to reach their full potential.”

→ Learn more

California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

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Tahoe Daily Tribune logo El Dorado County Warns of Possible Measles Exposure

On March 5 a child with a confirmed case of measles was seen in the Emergency Department at UC Davis after being evaluated at San Joaquin Urgent Care. According to estimations approximately 300 people may have been exposed during the …

Folsom Times logo Latest Ballot Counts Show Folsom’s Rodriguez, Hoover Leads Strengthen

Rodriguez now at 50.54% for District 4 Supervisor seat; Hoover at 51.9% for Assembly District 7

Folsom Times logo ‘Our Shelves Are Bare,’ Folsom Food Bank Calls for Community Help

The Twin Lakes Food Bank in Folsom routinely serves 200 households a week with food assistance. With that number climbing to 300 in February, the local nonprofit is suffering a shortage, leaving many of the shelves bare in its warehouse …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo City Council Ends 2% TOT Increase’s Road to November’s Ballot

The South Lake Tahoe City Council ended efforts of placing a 2% Transient Occupancy Tax increase on November's ballot, despite a voter survey revealing almost seven in 10 voters in favor.

Folsom Times logo SAFE Credit Union to Award $16,000 in Local Scholarships

Locally based SAFE Credit Union has launched its announce 2024 Scholarship Program will grant four (4) $4,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and community college students who meet the eligibility requirements this year for a total of $16,000. 

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Skier Rescued by Helicopter Near Palisades Tahoe

The Placer County Sheriff's Office rescued a skier near Palisades Tahoe on Feb. 23.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo The Tribune Explains: What’s With the Vacancy Tax Initiative?

More than fifty community members are working to gather 1,159 signatures from voters registered in the City of South Lake Tahoe by April 10 to get a vacancy tax initiative on November’s ballot for a vote.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Residents Hear Updated U.S. 50 Plan; Lane Reduction Removed

The Nevada Department of Transportation presented an updated U.S. 50 Corridor Management Plan to a skeptical crowd on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Folsom Times logo Six New Retailers Set to Open at Folsom Premium Outlets

Shoppers in Folsom are about to gain several new options as the Folsom Premium Outlets have announced six new unique retailers expected to open their doors at the Folsom Boulevard shopping mall in the coming weeks.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Unlocking Tahoe’s Dirty Secret: Data From a Multiyear Monitoring Project

Clean Up The Lake, the environmental non-profit responsible for the 72-mile cleanup of Lake Tahoe, has recently completed a two-year monitoring effort on the lake. CUTL conservation dive teams revisited 20 litter hotspots in the 0 to 25-foot depths along …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo ‘Digging out’: Recent Tahoe storm totals

Residents, businesses and resorts are digging themselves out after a multi-day blizzard that brought feet of snow and interrupted many operations.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo South Tahoe Pharmacies Hit with Cyberattacks

A nationwide cyberattack on United Healthcare impacted several South Lake Tahoe pharmacies.

Folsom Times logo Day Hiker: Hiking Mammoth Bar to Murderer’s Bar Rapids

When I worked for California State Parks in the Auburn State Recreation Area, I found Mammoth Bar. Most know this as the OHV Park with noisy and smelly motorcycles. But have you ever been on a day that wasn’t open …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Snowboarding & Wrist Injuries

Snowboarding is one of Tahoe's greatest draws and thousands of snowboarders spend fun-filled days on its slopes each year. The sport offers excellent cardiovascular benefits, tones muscles, and burns calories, however, snowboarding is not without risk, especially when learning or …

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Recent Local News

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Grant Supports Tribal Recycling Efforts

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians announced a $653,120 grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia program.

(03/11/2024) → Mountain Democrat

Supervisors Reject Appeal of Cannabis Permit

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors denied an appeal by Somerset residents of the Planning Commission's approval of an application for a Commercial Cannabis Use Permit.

(03/11/2024) → Mountain Democrat

Volunteers Needed for Senior Nutrition Program

The El Dorado County Senior Nutrition Program is seeking volunteers to support its services in the community.

(03/07/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Auditor Updates List of County’s Highest Paid

The list of El Dorado County’s 100 highest compensated employees for calendar year 2023 has been updated by County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn.

(03/07/2024) → Georgetown Gazette

CASA Fundraiser Set for April 18

Child Advocates of El Dorado County is holding its 28th annual Box Lunch fundraiser on April 18, to support CASA’s advocacy services for El Dorado County youth.

(03/06/2024) → Mountain Democrat

El Dorado County Superior Court Appoints Court Commissioner

The Superior Court has appointed Michael H. Friel as court commissioner, to work out of the Cameron Park courthouse.

(03/06/2024) → Mountain Democrat

Funding Short for Rebuild of Grizzly Flat School

More than two years after the Caldor Fire, Grizzly Flat is facing financial challenges rebuilding the elementary school.

(03/06/2024) → Mountain Democrat

County Facing Upcoming Budget 'Challenges'

El Dorado County’s 2023-24 mid-year budget report projects the midyear General Fund balance will be just under $17 million, down from the previous year’s $25.9 million

(03/04/2024) → Mountain Democrat
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

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• California Attorney General Boosts Bill Banning Medical Debt From Credit Reports

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday that he is throwing his weight behind legislation to bar medical debt from showing up on consumer credit reports, a Democratic-led effort to offer protection to patients squeezed by health care bills.

(03/10/2024) → California Healthline

• California Law Enforcement Transparency Legislation Signed Into Law

After receiving bipartisan support, California Senate Bill 400, legislation intended to increase law enforcement transparency, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

(03/09/2024) → Davis Vanguard

• San Francisco Voters Pass Police & Drug Ballot Measures

Proposition E broadens police surveillance powers and Proposition F mandates drug screening and treatment for people receiving county welfare benefits who are suspected of drug use.

(03/08/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• New Website Features Information on Care of Backyard Chickens, Sheep, Goats

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources advisors has published a new website with information resources for small acreage landowners raising livestock.

(03/07/2024) → YubaNet

• CA Legislature Could Set a New Record for Women

The number of women elected to the state Senate and Assembly is 50 of 120 after the 2022 election. And based on the primary results so far, it’s expected to increase to at least 55 women after the November election.

(03/07/2024) → CalMatters

• Fewer Students, Higher Absenteeism Affect California Public School Financing

California’s public schools depend on state aid for the lion’s share of their operational income. Two trends – declining enrollment and high absenteeism – are creating financial headaches.

(03/07/2024) → CalMatters

• California Agrees to Cuts of Colorado River Water

California, Arizona and Nevada would cut their allocations about 20% when reservoir levels drop. But other states have their own more aggressive plan. Now the federal government has to decide how to manage the drought-plagued river.

(03/06/2024) → CalMatters

• Californians Face Higher Costs for Goods and Services Than Before the Pandemic Despite Inflation Slowing

The consumer price index shows services are mostly responsible for persistent inflation, but prices for food and other goods in California remain high.

(03/05/2024) → CalMatters

• California is Seeing a Historic Rise in the Number of Black Women Running for Office

At least 24 Black women are running for seats in the California Legislature this year, resulting from years of work cultivating new leaders and growing confidence among voters.

(03/04/2024) → CalMatters

• California Schools Gained Billions During COVID-19. Now the Money is Running Out

California schools got $23.4 billion in federal pandemic relief money. Low-income schools that got the most may be hardest hit when the funds expire this year.

(03/04/2024) → CalMatters
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (03/10/2024)

Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2024 - Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria...
Image of County of El Dorado seal. County of El Dorado   (03/08/2024)

Possible Measles Exposure in El Dorado County

Image of United States seal. United States   (03/07/2024)

Wesco, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites

Wesco, Inc. of Muskegon, MI is recalling 750 units of Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites, because it may contain undeclared peanut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The affected Wesc
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/07/2024)

Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 - Salm Partners, LLC, a Denmark, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/06/2024)

Stonewall Kitchen Issues Allergy Alert for Wheat in Limited Quantity of Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix

Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of their Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix because it may contain an undeclared allergen, wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat (which contains gluten) may risk serious allergic reaction if t
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/06/2024)

El Chilar Rodriguez LLC. Issues Voluntary Recall of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" Due to Elevated Lead Levels

El Chilar Rodriguez LLC of Apopka, FL is recalling 127 cases (12 bags/case) of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead.
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/06/2024)

Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall for "1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon" Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Elevated Lead Levels

Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased bloo
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/06/2024)

Expanded Press Release - Kalo Foods, LLC Recalls Single Slice Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen

KALO Foods, LLC is recalling Single Slice Carrot Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 and Single Slice Chocolate Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 due to a undeclared soy.
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/05/2024)

Raja Foods Skokie, IL Is Recalling "Swad Brand Cinnamon Powder 3.5OZ Retail Packs" for Possible Lead Contamination

Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Il is recalling its 3.5 ounce package of "SWAD CINNAMON POWDER" because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/05/2024)

La Fiesta Food Products Recalls Cinnamon Ground Because of Possible Health Risk

La Fiesta Food Products, La Mirada California is recalling Cinnamon Ground .87oz because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of le