Our Journalism Needs Your Support

By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 18, 2024

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

This week, you might appreciate some reasons to believe that it's reasonable to hold out hope for the future—I'm just guessing. And you may also be ripe to be remindeed that there are some good things happening in this real world, while elsewhere things are getting weirder than ever. I feel fortunate to bring you three pieces of truly good news.

And yes, a reminder: If you hopescroll a bit here, you will find a recipe that you might use to make yourself and your loved ones more happy, AND links to true news articles about stuff that is happening where you live, so you can actually participate in building democracy. (Sorry ... don't mean to sound preachy ... and ... you're welcome.)

People Have the Power

Here’s a good story with a happy ending: A decade ago, the Chumash Tribal Council, led by Chief Fred Collins, proposed to federal authorities that the coastal waters offshore of their ancestral homeland be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. In October, that wish came to be. (See below.)

The Chumash people found an ally in the state of California, and also in federal agencies. Sometimes–not always–government works. In this case, definitely yes.

Meanwhile, up the coast in Santa Cruz County, the California State Parks department is working to democratize decisions about rebuilding a state beach and campground that were decimated by storm damage in 2023. The Seacliff Resilience Project is holding public meetings and collecting input—"reimagining" ways to guard against the twin threats of megastorms and rising sea-levels. This could be a new thing statewide and beyond.

And the life of the sea abides: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a California treasure of global significance. Among the myriad gifts it brings the world are its webcams. Please do yourself a favor and hit the link and watch -- the otters. Or the moon jellies. Or (deep breath) the kelp forest. Face it: Things are not all bad.

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary

The newest of the 17 U.S. marine sanctuaries is being stewarded by the people who know it best.

Thousands of square miles of ocean and coastal habitat are now preserved for future generations.

Crowdsourcing Plans for Resilience

Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.

One Good Thing: Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams

The gentle waving back and forth of the kelp forest has entranced visitors since the aquarium opened.

Have a desire to watch a kelp forest, or some moon jellies, or some otters, or sharks, or birds? Not a problem thanks to these amazing live webcams.

	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!

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 Fall! cookbook.

Persimmons add flavor to fruity fall scones

The firmer Fuyu persimmon is the fruit featured in this delicious scone.

New! Persimmon-raisin scones with fresh Fuyu persimmon

Get to Know a Group

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.”

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From Our Media Allies

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	Glide Into Winter: Ice Skating Rinks in Tahoe, Truckee
	From open-air rinks to indoor arenas, Tahoe offers a variety of ice skating experiences for all ages and skill levels. Glide across the ice at popular spots like Northstar, Everline Resort, Heavenly Village and more. All activities are weather dependent …

	Family Playland at Soda Springs
	Soda Springs is a winter wonderland filled with fun for the whole family. For kids ages 7 and younger, the Planet Kids snow play area features tubing carousels, tubing lanes, snow volcanoes to climb, and more. Families can also enjoy …

	Heavenly Pushes Opening Up to Nov. 20. Northstar Nov. 22, Kirkwood Dec. 6
	California, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are looking ahead to the upcoming ski and ride season and are already planning for the snow to start falling. Heavenly will open on Nov. 20, followed by Northstar on Nov. 22 …

	Dignity Health Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade across Sacramento Market
	Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog focused on patient safety

	Teens Earn Bikes, Learn Life Skills in Innovative Program
	Cordova High School students have benefitted from a heartwarming program created by the American River Bike Patrol that has introduced teens to the joys of cycling and taught them life skills in an unusual way.

	Pedestrian, Bike Bridge Proposed for Mangini Ranch
	The city of Folsom is studying a possible bike and pedestrian bridge on East Bidwell Street in new Mangini Ranch.

	Thousands Pack City Streets for Veterans Day Parade
	Folsom’s 24th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Day Parade was a joyous event, celebrated by thousands of people throughout the city Monday morning.

	Final Folsom Central Business Dist. Vision Plan Accepted
	In a landmark move to reimagine the city’s economic and cultural center, the Folsom City Council has approved the Central Business District Vision Plan.

	Latest Folsom River District Vision Plan Draft Unveiled
	The members of the Folsom City Council and those in attendance at City Hall had the opportunity for another review of the latest draft the 2024 River District Vision Plan earlier this week, setting a framework for the possibilities in …

	Folsom to Unveil First Art Feature on Johnny Cash Trail
	The much talked about Johnny Cash Trail will have its very first feature transform from a concept into reality next week. The City of Folsom will unveil the first art installation on the Johnny Cash Trail on Thursday, Nov. 21, …

	When Fish Are Free: Hundreds of Salmon Are Now Spawning in Klamath River and Tributaries After Dam Removal Completed
	Hundreds of fall-run Chinook salmon are now spawning on the Klamath River and its tributaries both above and below the former sites...

	Water Service Line Inventory in South Lake Tahoe
	As part of a nationwide effort to protect communities from lead exposure, South Tahoe Public Utility District is encouraging residents to help identify the material of their water service line. While no lead water service lines have been identified in …

	Sierra Nevada May Hold Key to Meet California’s Ambitious 30×30 Goal
	California's 30 X 30 goal was a topic at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conservation Conference held at Lake Tahoe Community College, Nov. 7-8. In 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom committed the state to conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters …

	Folsom’s Twin Lakes Food Bank Raises $237K Amid Increasing Need
	A group of 250 guests at Twin Lakes Food Bank’s annual gala, hosted on November 9 at Lakeside Church, raised more than $237,000 to help feed the hungry throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

	Three Bears Removed From Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Amid Permitting Issues
	The California Department of Fish and Wildlife removed three bear cubs from Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care's facility late October after learning the center no longer had staff with the expertise or experience to rehabilitate bears.

	Marcella Foundation Launches FeedTahoe App to Fight Hunger, Reduce Waste in South Lake Tahoe
	The Marcella Foundation recently launched FeedTahoe, an innovative food recovery initiative that rescues quality surplus food from local businesses and delivers it to nonprofits like Christmas Cheer, Family Resource Center, Phoenix Food Pantry, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Bread & …

	Tahoe Chamber Welcomes Vendors to 2025 Go Local Business Expo; Early Bird Tickets Available
	The Tahoe Chamber announced that vendor applications are now open for the 2025 Go Local Business Expo, scheduled for April 3, 2025, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. As Lake Tahoe's premier B2B networking event the Expo provides unparalleled marketing …

	Azul Latin Kitchen to Host Fundraiser for Bread & Broth
	SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Tuesday, November 12, Azul Latin Kitchen in Heavenly Village will host a taco buffet fundraiser from 5 to 8:30 p.m. to benefit Bread & Broth. A taco/nacho bar with tortillas, chips, salsa, guacamole, beans, …

Recent Local News

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• Businesses Helping Keep Tahoe Blue

Read on for information about the local businesses working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe.

(11/18/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• South Lake Tahoe Moves Forward With Heavenly Annexation

Get the details about how and why the City of South Lake Tahoe is proceeding with the annexation of 2600 acres around Heavenly Mountain Resort.

(11/18/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Newtown Road Bridge Replacement Approved

The 100 year-old Newtown Road Bridge south of Camino is scheduled to be replaced in 2025. Read on for details about the project.

(11/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Spotlight on EID Budget

A good explainer of the El Dorado Irrigation District revenues and budget for 2024 and 2025.

(11/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Learn About Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month

November has been designated by Tahoe Youth and Family Services as a time to focus on runaway or homeless youth in the community. Read on to learn more.

(11/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• South Lake Tahoe Homeless Encampments Cleared

Learn more about the clearing of three homeless camps and the thousands of pounds of rubbish removed before being covered by coming winter snows.

(11/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Lake Valley Fire Protection District Adds New Vehicle

An introduction to the new Squad 7 emergency response vehicle acquired and deployed by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District.

(11/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Lead Cable Removal From Lake Tahoe Advances

Work is underway to remove thousands of tons of abandoned telecommunications cable from Lake Tahoe. Read on to learn more about how it got there in the first place, and the local champions who fought to get it removed.

(11/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• El Dorado County Approves Cost of Living Raise

In their November 12 meeting, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors approved a three percent cost of living raise to some county staff. Learn more about which staff, and an update to hire snow plow drivers in time for the onset of winter.

(11/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Donate to Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

Learn how you can help the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe provide Thanksgiving family meals in the community.

(11/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• West Slope Foundation Unveils New Sponsorship Program

Read on for details about the new disaster response sponsorship program launched by the West Slope Foundation.

(11/13/2024) → Mountain Democrat

Recent Statewide News

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• Lobbying Activity This Past Summer Cost a Record-Breaking $168 Million. Here’s What We Know.

Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism, and a special one focusing on gas prices, powerful corporations poured in record-setting money to influence lawmakers.

(11/18/2024) → CalMatters

• How Three Trump Policy Decrees Could Affect California’s Agricultural Industry

Voters in California’s farm belt, stretching more than 400 miles from Kern County on the south to Tehama County on the north, delivered solid majorities for Donald Trump in this month’s presidential election.

(11/18/2024) → CalMatters

• Fewer Kids Are Going to California Public Schools. Is There a Right Way to Close Campuses?

Declining enrollment, the end of pandemic relief funding and uncertain state funding are forcing school districts to make some difficult decisions.

(11/14/2024) → CalMatters

• California Schools Brace for Trump’s Attacks on Immigrants, Trans Students and ‘Woke’ Curriculum

More than 115,000 children in California were undocumented in the most recent census count, and it’s estimated almost half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• UC Faces Half-Billion-Dollar Budget Shortfall and Eyes Tuition Increase for New Nonresident Students

The University of California anticipates more than a $500 million budget gap next summer, so It’s considering a $3,402 jump in tuition for new nonresident students next fall. Meanwhile, the system is planning billions in construction projects.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump Has Promised to ‘End’ Offshore Wind. What Will That Mean for California’s Big Bet?

Trump’s promise to “end” the offshore wind industry could threaten CA’s renewable energy goals, potentially cutting off federal funding.

(11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump’s Proposed Tariffs, Especially on China and Mexico, Could Hit California Hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.

(11/12/2024) → CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	United States (11/17/2024) IHA Beverage Issues a Voluntary Recall of Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz Because of Lead Contamination
IHA Beverage of Commerce, CA is recalling Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of 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 sig

	United States (11/17/2024) Fabalish Inc. Recalls "Kickin' Carrot Falafel Bites" Because of Possible Health Risk
Fabalish Inc, Carlstadt, NJ is recalling Kickin' Carrot Falafel Bites because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19

	United States (11/16/2024) Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers' Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination
Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

City of South Lake Tahoe (11/15/2024)

Don't miss out on the Turkey Trot Fun Run!

City of South Lake Tahoe (11/15/2024)

	United States (11/11/2024) Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix
Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary's Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or lif

	United States (11/09/2024) Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 - Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of...

	United States (11/07/2024) Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen
Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen

City of South Lake Tahoe (11/07/2024)

City is seeking applicants for City Boards and Commissions

State of California (11/07/2024)

Joe Patterson CA Assembly 05:
Assemblyman Joe Patterson calls Newsom’s Special Session ‘Political Theater’

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

People Have the Power

El Dorado County's Homepage

Recipe of the Week

Get to Know a Group

From Our Media Allies

Recent Local News

Recent Statewide News

Government Announcements