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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 27, 2023

The Elephant in the Room: Incivility, at both ends of the political spectrum, wreaks havoc on our democracy. We can do something about this. The Elephant in the Room: Incivility, at both ends of the political spectrum, wreaks havoc on our democracy. We can do something about this. Image credit: Photo illustration by Victor Zastolskiy, Shutterstock

Connection or Chaos?

Greetings from Midtown Sacramento, where this morning broke bright and cold for the second day in a row. Don’t know about you but I’m ready for the warmth of spring. And trying to feel good about the rain that’s still to come.

The three articles that I’d like to share with you this week are related in a way that isn’t obvious, so let me explain.

• In a blog that we often use to share what we’re doing and why we’re doing it, CALocal’s CEO/director of product, Chris Neklason, presents some new features, and describes exactly how they are designed to help you Discover, Connect and Act.

• Sam Boykin, whom some of you will recall as a reporter and editor at the great Sacramento Business Journal (he now resides in San Antonio, TX), reports on a heroic effort to bring political conservatives and liberals together in conversation.

• Our own Jon Vankin presents a yarn of an Explainer about the history and current state of the State of Jefferson secessionist movement. As you will see, this involves a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter drinking heavily with the founder of that movement on the last night of that man’s life.

There. See the connections? No? Well, read on. 


The Business End of Journalism

New York Times CEO Meredith Kopit Levien has built a stellar career as an innovator in digital media around her belief that “quality, original, independent journalism at the local level is... foundational to community, to society, and ultimately to democracy." 

Keep in mind that Ms. Kopit Levin came up on the business side of the news industry, having joined the Times a decade ago as head of advertising. You may be surprised to hear that passionate statement of commitment coming from someone outside the editorial department, but take it from me, it’s common. Pretty much every ad director, production person and distribution manager I met during a couple decades in the newspaper industry was all-in on the journalistic mission. 

Speaking of distribution: In an interview last week with Nilay Patel, editor of The Verge, Ms. Kopit Levin talked about something we call “the funnel.” In online media, this is what has replaced the army of truck drivers and delivery folk who work to get a printed news product into your hands. 

“If there’s one thing that we are more obsessed with commercially than anything else, it’s, ‘Can we be interesting and compelling enough to get you to come more times per day or week, and can we get you to read, watch, or listen to the next thing?’” 

And ultimately: to subscribe. (Cue choir of angels.)

CALocal’s CEO/ director of product, our friend Chris has spent the past few weeks polishing our funnel, and he writes about it in his latest blog post:


California Local's Spring 2023 Roadmap

We're working to make it easier for you to find your way around this awesome state by improving our site architecture and User Interface, and building out two new editorial products.
Several projects are underway to make California Local beautiful and more functional. We're working hard to make it even easier for our members to citizen. (And remember: 'Citizen' is a verb!)


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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!


Meet the Radical Centrists

When we made this assignment, I was afraid that this story might be somewhat bland. It is, after all, about compromise. It’s also about civility in civic life, which is something we champion.

Sam’s piece is not bland. It’s an excellent profile of three people with very different points of view—and one thing in common.

If you are one of the many people for whom the word “center” (in the political context) is tarnished, I point you to the words of William Butler Yeats, whose 1919 description of what happens when the center does not hold is as scary as it is prescient.

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

I'm not intending to insult passionate partisans on either side of the culture war. And yet ... maybe there's a better way.


Bridging the Great Divide

Braver Angels members discuss election reform.
In a time of unprecedented polarization, Braver Angels encourages citizens to do something completely revolutionary: listen to each other.

The Breakaway State

Finally, everything you need to know about a movement that has been trying to pull California apart (literally) for 82 years. And is still pulling.

I believe it's wise to note that the Caifornia government's bias toward coastal and urban constituencies, back in 1941, inspired a large number of people to want out. Are we doing better by our rural brethren today? 




State of the State of Jefferson

The State of Jefferson Double-X flag symbolizes the California's supposed "double cross" of its northern counties.
State of Jefferson is a movement by northern counties to secede from California and form a new state. Here's everything you need to know about this secessionist movement, which started in 1941 and remains strong today.


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From Our Media Allies

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 logo Spring Shenanigans Return to Tahoe

It may not feel like spring as we’re all encased by mountainous snow mounds, but the changing of the seasons brings us closer to my favorite time of the year – summer.

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The Prosser Reservoir OHV staging area in Truckee is surprisingly busy in the middle of a snowstorm. Or maybe it’s not surprising, considering this is the perfect environment for backcountry sports.

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Monster winters in 1867 and 1868 paralyzed railroad construction over Donner Pass, with 44 storms of varying intensity dumping nearly 45 feet of snow on the region.

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Recent Local News

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Expanded Health Services Now Offered at EDCHC

After nearly a year of construction and half a decade of planning, El Dorado Community Health Centers has settled into its new, all-inclusive, $20 million facility on Missouri Flat Road.

(03/27/2023) → Mountain Democrat

Lotus Property Slips Away From Marco’s Cafe Owners

With summer and rafting season on the horizon, area residents are discouraged by the news that the community will lose a family-friendly hot spot for tourists and locals.

(03/27/2023) → Mountain Democrat

State Parks Looking for a Few Good Cadets

California State Parks invites individuals to “Live the Parks Life” as rangers or lifeguards in the nation’s largest state park system. Through June 10, individuals can apply for the State Park Peace Officer Cadet exams.

(03/27/2023) → Village Life

Douglas County VHR Ordinance Up for Review

Both the redlines prepared by the Vacation Home Rental Advisory Committee and changes from the March 20 planning commission meeting will be discussed April 10 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Stateline, Nev.

(03/27/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune

Rosewood Tahoe Celebrates Grand Opening

Within the 22 square miles that make up Incline Village, there is a variety of restaurant options. Riding the line between both relaxed and upscale is the new Rosewood Tahoe.

(03/26/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune

Emerald Bay and Its Frozen History

“The Lake of the Sky” is grabbing attention this winter for more than one reason. Emerald Bay froze completely, including the inlet, for the first time in many years.

(03/25/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune

Tahoe-Truckee Education Foundation Offers Lottery System for Golf Cards

The Excellence in Education Foundation announced the return of its popular fundraiser, Golfing for Schools.

(03/25/2023) → Sierra Sun

Hard Rock Lake Tahoe May Transform into Golden Nugget

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe may soon be part of Fertitta Entertainment, LLC, which owns five Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos from Nevada to Atlantic City.

(03/24/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune

Drytown Social Club Opens Its Doors

After more than a year of renovations, the Amador County venue—home to the Feist Wines tasting room—celebrates its completion with a grand opening March 25-26.

(03/24/2023) → Mountain Democrat

Human Rights Commission Decommissioned

Vocal residents made one final, unsuccessful attempt to stop the Human Rights Commission from being disbanded at the March 21 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting.

(03/24/2023) → Mountain Democrat

LTCC Student Housing Plans Approved

Lake Tahoe Community College received approval to construct a new on-campus building dedicated to student housing. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency fully supported the 33-unit, 100-bed project.

(03/24/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune