Every so often a book aligns so closely with national headlines it almost seems that its publication was timed. Such is the case with Who Is Government?, from author and editor Michael Lewis, which comes to the defense of a federal workforce currently under attack.
One of the eight heroic government workers profiled in this book is Ron Walters, head of the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. I knew before I read the chapter about Walters that I wanted to write about this book, but my resolve to do so deepened after I read about him and his profoundly important work.
As it happens, my beloved sister-in-law works for VA (the Department of Veterans Affairs), and has worked for the federal government for many years. Over much of that time, I have witnessed her dedication to the missions of the departments she has served, and heard stories about her colleagues who were equally committed. In recent weeks, on the family text thread, I learned about sad and scary stuff that later showed up in the headlines.
In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, we bring you the second of a two-part series about books that confront topics we hold dear. As always, below, a News Digest that delivers information of relevance to you and the place you call home. Also, as always, a local community group doing good work in your county, and a recipe to nourish your body and soul.
| View in Browser |
By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 31, 2025
Who Is Government?
What Good is Government?
Michael Lewis is a journalist closely associated with Brad Pitt—who starred in two movies made from Lewis’s previous books Moneyball and The Big Short. Will this new book about government workers spawn a Hollywood blockbuster? Will it spawn an uprising to defend much-maligned federal employees? We shall see.
Unlikely Tales of Bureaucratic Heroism
|
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 Spring! cookbook.
Winter meets spring in strawberry-orange compote
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.”
|
From Our Media Allies |
→ View All |
 |
Tahoe Awaits Details Following California State of Emergency Proclamation to Expedite Fuels Reduction Projects |
|
The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is awaiting details from California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office and the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) after the governor issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency at the start of March in response … |
 |
Gatekeeper’s Museum Reopens for 2025 Season With New Exhibits |
|
The Gatekeeper’s Museum has announced its 2025 featured exhibitions, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Lake Tahoe’s rich history and culture. From the elegance of the Gilded Age to the heartwarming tales of Tahoe’s canine companions, this season’s lineup promises … |
|
Be Fire Ready: Learn How to Protect Your Home, Community at South Shore’s Fire Forum |
|
The Tahoe Chamber and South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce invite the community to an essential Fire Forum on April 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the TADA Building at South Tahoe High School. |
|
Housing Challenges and Solutions Around the Lake: An Overview |
|
With limited land, varying policies between counties, and environmental regulations to consider, it's no wonder that housing development has been a challenge in the Basin. And after the COVID-19 pandemic increased remote workers who flocked to tourist destinations, housing issues … |
 |
El Dorado High School Sophomore Wins Statewide Poetry-Writing Competition |
|
Erin Levinson, the 2025 El Dorado County Poetry Out Loud champion, won first place in California’s statewide poetry-writing competition, Poetry Ourselves. |
 |
Community Welcomes Anindell to Folsom With Official Ribbon Cutting |
|
Community members, local leaders, and representatives from both the Choose Folsom and the El Dorado Hills Chamber gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of Anindell, Folsom’s newest luxury living facility for adults aged 55 and over. |
|
Azul Latin Kitchen Raises $13,000 for Bread and Broth |
|
Azul Latin Kitchen, located in the Heavenly Village, recently awarded a check for $13,000 to Bread and Broth. The donation was largely in part from a $1 donation by Azul for every Queso Fundido appetizer sold (fundido appetizer contributions put … |
|
Tahoe’s Largest Networking Event Returns April 3: The Ultimate Community Showcase |
|
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Tahoe Blue Event Center will transform into a bustling hub of connection, discovery, and community pride during the 2025 Go Local Business Expo. Known as the Tahoe region's premier networking event, this highly anticipated … |
 |
CHP Celebrates Largest Academy Graduation |
|
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) promoted 125 cadets to the rank of officer. The graduation ceremony on March 21 marked the successful completion of a 26-week intensive training schedule at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento. |
|
Kevin Kiley Slammed by Rallies and Town Hall Attendees in South Lake Tahoe |
|
After multiple unanswered invitations from South Lake Tahoe residents to a town hall and a virtual town hall of his own, representative Kevin Kiley visited the city, only to tour the high school and meet with the Chamber of Commerce … |
|
Recent Local News |
→ View All |
|
|
Recent Statewide News |
→ View All |
|
|
Government Announcements |
→ View All |
|
South Lake Tahoe Police Department Public Meeting - AB 481 |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/31/2025)
|
|
|
Undeclared Allergen in Trader Joe's Hot Honey Mustard Dressing with Use By Date of 05/27/2025 Issued by Fresh Creative Foods |
|
Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling a single item with a specific use by date, produced at a regional facility and distributed to limited Trader Joe's locations. The product is Trader Joe's Hot Honey Mustard Dressing, with a Use By Date of 05/27/2025 due to labeling error. The incorrect
United States (03/30/2025)
|
|
|
|
Checkout the City's Spring Newsletter "At Lake Level" |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/28/2025)
|
|
|
|
Leave your mark on South Lake Tahoe's New Recreation and Aquatics Center |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/28/2025)
|
|
|
|
Are you following Parks and Recreation on Social Media? |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/28/2025)
|
|
|
|
Cromer Food Services, Inc. Recalls Chicken Salad on White Sandwich Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen |
|
Cromer Food Services, Inc. is recalling all lots of our CFS Cromer Food Service brand Chicken Salad on White Sandwich with UPC 31166 & UPC 13172 because it contains undeclared milk.
United States (03/27/2025)
|
|
|
|
Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall for Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips for Undeclared Milk |
|
Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips that could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain undeclared milk.
United States (03/26/2025)
|
|
|
|
Final Mid-Town Area Plan Open House |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/26/2025)
|
|
|
|
Athletex South Lake Tahoe Donates Gym Memberships to the City’s Fire Department |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/26/2025)
|
|
|
|
City of South Lake Tahoe Relaunches Free Learn to Swim Program for 3rd Graders |
|
City of South Lake Tahoe (03/26/2025)
|
|