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Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.

By Chris Neklason
Published Apr 28, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet. Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.

The News: April 28, 2025

The Headline: CALocal Forks ‘The Newsletter’

We have noted that the stack of information we send out every Monday in our weekly edition of The Newsletter has grown. Starting now, instead of distributing one really big collection of carefully curated information per week, we’re going to send you two pretty big collections. 

Below as always find a News Digest drawn from trusted sources in your neighborhood; a profile of a local nonprofit; Announcements from your elected public servants and other government entities; and yes! A recipe! On Thursday, look for Explainers and other original content from California Local.

The Throughline: Scanning the news in the ten counties we currently serve, our friend and CEO Chris Neklason often notices that a theme emerges. It might be because it’s tax time or Grand Jury season or flu season. This week, as you scan the Digest localized for your county, you are likely to find news about work being done to prepare for fire season. Scroll to learn more.

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.

Healthy spring salad is packed with antioxidants

This pretty spring salad is loaded with nutrition from blueberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts and other vegetables.
New! Blueberry spinach salad with honey-Dijon vinaigrette

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El Dorado County's Homepage
Our overview page for El Dorado County is updated daily with the latest state and local news, weather alerts, local government announcements and local blog posts and news snippets from community groups and individuals.
Direct your browser to 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!

Get to Know a Group

Community Emergency Radio Association logo Community Emergency Radio Association

The Community Emergency Radio Association is an all-volunteer group of citizens who promote community safety throughout El Dorado County and surrounding communities. Members include licensed amateur radio operators who disseminate the operating techniques and technical skills related to public service community and emergency radio communications.

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From Our Media Allies

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Folsom Times logo Excitement Pumping Up for 32nd Handcar Derby, Local Entries Sought

The energy is building, and the countdown is on as the 32nd Annual Folsom Handcar Derby prepares to roll into town May 24-25. Held along the rails in front of Broadstone Marketplace on East Bidwell Street, the event promises two …
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo South Tahoe Public Utility District’s Summer Projects to Enhance Water and Wastewater Systems

The South Tahoe Public Utility District is moving forward with a wide range of capital improvement projects this summer aimed at minimizing long-term costs, protecting Lake Tahoe, and delivering high-quality, reliable water, wastewater, and recycled water services for the South …
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Avalanche Survivor Flooded With Community Support: ‘It’s What Brings Me to Tears’

A Truckee resident is focusing on the positives after an avalanche earlier this month left him facing a startling reality, unable to feel or move his legs in the moments directly following an incident in Tahoe's backcountry.
Sacramento News and Review logo California Workforce Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira on Developing a Strong Statewide Workforce

In a recent interview with Sacramento News & Review Publisher Jeff vonKaenel, California Workforce Development Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira shared his vision for workforce development boards and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities they face.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project Underway

The Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project includes multi-benefit stormwater treatment based on natural systems (native plants and infiltration into soil) and drainage solutions for localized flooding.

Folsom Times logo Lilienthal Named Permanent El Dorado Hills Fire Chief

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department has a new official fire chief, but he is no stranger to the department. The El Dorado Hills Fire Board of Directors has approved interim Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal to become the new permanent …
Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Middle School Principal Receives Honor

The principal of Folsom Middle School has been named the 2025 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Advocacy Champion of the Year.
Folsom Telegraph logo Phase 2 of Folsom Lake Crossing Median Barrier Project on Deck

After numerous accidents and at least six fatalities since 2016, city officials are moving forward this week with the Folsom Lake Crossing Median Barrier Phase 2 project.
The project aims to enhance safety along the segment of the crossing roadway …
Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Hires Firm to Find New Public Works Director

Folsom hired a firm last week to find a replacement for Mark Rackovan, who is retiring next month as city public works director.
Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Works on Master Plan to Ditch Sewer Spills

City officials are hiring a consultant to prepare a $400,000 Folsom wastewater master plan to avoid sewer spills like the one at Folsom Lake last year.
Folsom Times logo Folsom VFW Members to Clean Up Area Trails for National Day of Service

Members of Folsom’s VFW Post 6604 will roll up their sleeves and take to the trails on Saturday, May 3, to clean and restore a section of the city's popular bike and pedestrian path system. The local effort is part …
Folsom Times logo Sac County Arrests 97, Assists Dozens in Homeless Camp Sweep

A recent four-day sweep by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) across unincorporated areas Sacramento County led to the identification of 45 encampments, the arrest of 97 individuals—including 22 for felony offenses—and the provision of vital services …
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe Provides Donation Toward New Recreation and Aquatics Center in Honor of Long-Time Kiwanis Member

The City of South Lake Tahoe along with the South Tahoe Parks Foundation announced a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe. This donation not only benefits the community but will also have a meaningful impact at the …
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo South Lake Tahoe Celebrates Earth Day

Throughout April, South Lake Tahoe showed its support for the environment and the planet, with celebrations at the college and South Lake Brewing, plus a cleanup with the League to Save Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo South Lake Tahoe Appoints New Police Chief

The City of South Lake Tahoe City Manager announced the appointment of Jeff Roberson as the new Police Chief beginning on June 7, 2025. Roberson, most recently has been serving as a Police Lieutenant in the Police Support/Detectives Division. He …
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo California’s Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan Gets an Update After Nearly 30 Years

California's Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) was operating on a black bear conservation and management plan from 1998—up until last Monday, when they released an update that will help track local populations, conserve their habitats, and consider both animal …
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Free Public Tours of South Tahoe Public Utility District Wastewater Treatment Plant

The South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) is launching free public tours at its wastewater treatment plant on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The 45-minute tours will provide residents with a behind the scenes look …
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Recent Local News

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● El Dorado Hills Studio Tour May 3 & 4
The self guided El Dorado Hills Studio Tour is coming May 3 and 4, featuring the works of 40 artists at 16 local studios. Read more.
(04/25/2025) Mountain Democrat
● Cameron Park Community Services District Signs New CalFire Agreement
In their April 16 meeting, the Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors approved a five-year agreement with CalFire after exploring alternatives, none of which came to fruition. Read more.
(04/25/2025) Mountain Democrat
● New Firefighters Welcomed to Garden Valley Fire Protection District
An April 12 ceremony celebrated the graduation of four new volunteer firefighters who completed the 10 week Garden Valley Fire Protection District Volunteer Fire Academy. Read more.
(04/24/2025) Georgetown Gazette
● New Jackson Elementary School Principal Named
Molly Griffin, formerly the vice principal at Pleasant Grove Middle School, has been named as the new principal of Jackson Elementary School. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Mountain Democrat
● Cameron Park Lake Parking Fees Begin May 15
Parking fees of $5.50 per day will be collected at Cameron Park Lake beginning May 15. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Village Life
● El Dorado Hills Names Fire Chief
The El Dorado Hills Fire Board of Directorsb has signed interim Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal to a three-year contract as the new chief. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Village Life
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Recent Statewide News

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● Welcome to the First Fire-Resistant Neighborhood. Now What About the Rest of California?
Dixon Trail is the first purpose-built “wildfire resilient neighborhood” in the United States. Making that a reality for the millions of Californians who already live in harm’s way is a daunting and costly challenge that lawmakers are only just beginning to grapple with. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● Judge Restricts Border Patrol in California: ‘You Just Can’t Walk Up to People With Brown Skin’
‘You just can’t walk up to people with brown skin and say give me your papers,’ a federal judge told Border Patrol attorneys at a hearing challenging recent immigration sweeps. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● California Sent Investigators to ICE Facilities. They Found More Detainees, and Health Care Gaps
A California law empowers state investigators to check on conditions at ICE detention centers. A new report raises concerns about health care inside them. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● California Rolls Out Pesticide "Spray Days" Alerts
Residents living near farms can now sign up to be alerted when pesticides will be applied by the a new system recently launched by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Read more.
(04/28/2025) Monterey Herald
● Trump Cuts Millions in California Crime Prevention Grants: ‘This Was a Sledgehammer’
Groups that support California crime victims and attempt to reduce gun violence lost millions of dollars in grants when the Trump administration pulled funding. Read more.
(04/28/2025) CalMatters
● Legislator Introduces Bill to Prohibit Offshore Drilling Along Central, Bay Area Coast
A new bill in Congress proposes banning new offshore fossil fuel drilling along the coast from Monterey to Mendocino County, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, said this week. The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prohibit new exploration, development or production leases for natural gas or oil along the Central Coast, and a portion of the North Coast. Read more.
(04/27/2025) Local News Matters
● How the State Sent Californians’ Personal Health Data to LinkedIn
The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices. Read more.
(04/27/2025) CalMatters
● They Feared a Loved One in a Psychotic Moment. Why California Police Wouldn’t Come
Police agencies — under scrutiny and worried about their own liability — increasingly won’t respond to someone in a mental health crisis unless that person is committing a crime. So who will transport people in psychosis to get help? And who will keep those around them safe? Read more.
(04/27/2025) CalMatters
● Fraud in California Community Colleges Triggers Call for Trump Investigation
Following CalMatters reporting, California’s Republican representatives are calling for the U.S. Department of Education and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate how California’s community colleges are handling financial aid fraud. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● California Railroads: Unions Push to Shorten Trains, but Companies Warn of Higher Costs
Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● Biden Let California Get Creative With Medicaid Spending. Trump Is Signaling That May End
California uses Medicaid to pay for a range of nontraditional health care services, including housing. The Trump administration wants to scale back those programs. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● Algae Bloom Killing Animals in California Waters
A huge algae bloom is responsible for the deaths of sea lions, pelicans and whales off the California coast. Read more.
(04/24/2025) The Sacramento Bee
● Cal Fire Unveils New Aircraft
In an April 24 press conference. CalFire unveiled the latest addition to their fleet of firefighting aircraft, a new C-130 Hercules. Read more.
(04/24/2025) The Mercury News
● California is World's Fourth-Largest Economy
The California economy continues to grow, now ranking as the fourth-largest on the planet. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times
● Real ID Deadline Is May 7
You need a Real ID to fly, and the deadline to get one in California is May 7. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times
● CalFire Releases Interactive Urban Tree Canopy Mapping Tool
A new online urban tree canopy mapping tool for California has been released by CalFire. Read more.
(04/23/2025) YubaNet
● Abundance Meets Resistance: Are Democrats Finally Ready to Go All in on Building Housing?
California Senate Housing Committee Chair Aisha Wahab is a staunch progressive who is clashing with pro-development activists and other Democrats who want to build more, faster. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
● How Trump Tariffs Could Upend California Farms, Wine Businesses and Ports
From higher costs to export worries, California’s agricultural and wine industries face many possible tariff effects. But some hope for opportunity. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
● UC  Has Been Enrolling More in-State Students. Proposed State Cuts May Halt That Growth
The UC has grown its enrollment of California undergraduates by 16,000 in the last five years. University officials say they won’t be able to continue that growth if state funding is cut. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (04/28/2025)

Food Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Monkfish Liver - Ankimo
JJWV Marketing Corporation of Santa Fe Springs, California is recalling Ankimo Monkfish Liver because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/28/2025)

Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon Voluntarily Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 28, 2025 - A limited quantity of Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon is voluntarily being recalled because the topping packet may potentially contain an undeclared milk allergen. The product may contain milk that is not declared on the label. 500 units of the sal
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/25/2025)

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6OZ and 4OZ)
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea'au, HI is voluntarily recalling Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6oz and 4oz bags), due to the possible presence of undeclared almonds and cashews.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/25/2025)

My Life Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in ML Natural Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin
April 25, 2025, My Life Inc. of Federal Way, WA is recalling approximately 65 bottles of ML Naturals Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin 300mg. capsules dietary supplement, lot FL2407511L19, expiration date 10/2027, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or seve
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/25/2025)

Joe Patterson CA Assembly 05:
Folsom Lake Closure
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/25/2025)

Joe Patterson CA Assembly 05:
A California Republican tries again to stop secret deals in Sacramento | Opinion
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/24/2025)

New England Village Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in "19th Hole Snack Mix"
New England Village Foods of Milford NH is recalling all lots of 5 -ounce and 10 -ounce containers of New England Village Snacks "19th Hole Snack Mix" because they may contain undeclared almonds. People who have allergies to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if th
Image of City of South Lake Tahoe seal. City of South Lake Tahoe   (04/22/2025)

South Lake Tahoe City Manager Announces Appointment of New Police Chief
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/18/2025)

Recall Reminder: Gerber Products Company Previously Recalled and Discontinued All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Potential Choking Hazard
On January 31, 2025, Gerber Products Company initiated a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER SOOTHE N CHEW TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/16/2025)

Harvest NYC Inc Recalls Enoki Mushroom Due to Possible Health Risk
Harvest NYC Inc of Brooklyn, NY 11231 is recalling its 200g packages of Enoki Mushroom, because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.