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By Chris Neklason
Published May 05, 2025

A man dressed in shorts, a broad rimmed hat, blue tshirt and sunglasses assists a young boy on a mountain bike as he traverses a plank bridge at a bike rodeo in San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz on April 11, 2015. This isn't his first (bike) rodeo. Image credit: Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious   CC BY-SA 2.0

The News: May 5 2025

Happy Monday, happy Cinco de Mayo, and thank you! Just so you know: Every single Monday, hundreds and often thousands of Californians click the link in their inbox that delivers The News—we are grateful that you are one of them and one of us. We hope the information you find here is useful.

The Headline: California is on the Move. Starting today (well, a couple days ago), we celebrate Bike Month and "biking as transportation, as recreation, as essential to our well-being and everyday lives"—(thank you, League of American Bicyclists). If you are happy on a two-wheeler, we honor you. Not yet? Now may be the time to start.

The Throughline: Up and down California, transporation projects funded by your tax dollars at work are gaining steam. Learn more in our News Digest below.


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.


Bright and juicy salsa for spring

Fresh strawberry salsa is a bright spring accompaniment to tortilla chips, or to grilled chicken or pork.
New! Strawberry salsa perfect for May celebrations


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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!


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A regional resource, Team Giving contributes to the community by connecting individuals, businesses and service groups to projects that fulfill the specific needs of local nonprofit groups.

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From Our Media Allies

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Folsom Times logo Reel in the Fun at El Dorado Hills Youth Fishing Derby

Village Green Park to host family-friendly event stocked with fresh fish, prizes, and outdoor excitement on May 17.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Tahoe Transportation District Adds Two New Electric Vans to Paratransit Fleet

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has placed two new all-electric vans into active paratransit service, replacing aging vehicles with a modern, sustainable, and more adaptable solution for local mobility needs. These fully electric vans represent the latest investment in TTD's …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Liberty Incentivizing Homeowners to Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heat Pump Systems

Liberty is helping homeowners save energy by offering financial incentives to upgrade existing electric heating and water heating systems to advanced, energy-efficient heat pump technology.

Folsom Times logo Application Submitted for 21 Acre Folsom Ranch Sports Complex

Proposed facility includes 410,000 square foot facility with 3,000 seat arena, ice hockey rinks, turf fields and more.

Sierra Sun logo Get Defensive During Wildfire Preparedness Week

Lake Tahoe fire and forestry agencies are inviting the community to Get Defensive during Lake Tahoe Wildfire Preparedness Week from May 5 through 10. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is a partnership of local, regional, state, and federal …

Local News Matters Stockton logo Solar Canal Pilot May One Day Help California Achieve Its Ambitious Climate, Energy Goals

AS YOU DRIVE through the Central Valley, it is hard to miss the iconic California Aqueduct, which moves millions of gallons of irrigation water through a large canal in the middle of the state. The canal is visible because it’s …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Skate Park Renovation Project at Bijou Community Park to Begin May 6

The City of South Lake Tahoe announced that construction on the much-anticipated skate park renovation project at Bijou Community Park will begin on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo El Dorado County Transportation Impact Fee Analysis Discrepency Leads to Adjustment

The analysis provided to the Board of Supervisors in December when it approved the County's Transportation Impact Fees (TIF) update was found to have a discrepancy, requiring a new analysis and approval by the Board. The TIF is a one-time …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Long Waitlists, Low Turnover, and High Demand: Lake Tahoe’s Affordable Housing

As prices for housing continue to climb, with non-equivalent wage increases, finding affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult, even for those earning above 80% of the area median income. What does "affordable housing" actually refer to? Here in the basin, …

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Council Opts for Trail Underpass Over Roundabouts

The Folsom City Council voted last week to devote a $1.2 million grant to a freeway trail underpass instead of Riley Street roundabouts.

Folsom Telegraph logo El Dorado County Office of Education Names New Associate Superintendent

The El Dorado County Office of Education is celebrating its selection of Amy Andersen as its new associate superintendent of educational services.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Adopts New CAL FIRE Hazard Severity Map

While Folsom adopted fire hazard zones defined by the state, officials explained the maps are not used for insurance rates.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Representatives Calling for Reopening of Folsom Lake to Boats That Have Been Decontaminated

Lawmakers representing the Folsom area are calling for the immediate reopening of Folsom Lake to boats that have been decontaminated.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Forest Service Announces Opening Dates for Lake Tahoe Recreation Sites

Spring is a time of transition in the mountains. Snow is melting and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is preparing to open national forest recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin for the summer season.

Folsom Times logo Area High School Students to Compete in SMUD’s Solar Regatta

High school and college students from across California are set to launch their solar-powered creations into competition waters this weekend as the 12th annual California Solar Regatta returns to Rancho Seco Recreational Area.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo South Tahoe PUD Board Considers New Rates

The South Tahoe Public Utility District Board of Directors is considering new water and sewer rates to support essential upgrades to aging infrastructure.

Folsom Times logo Sacramento Zoo Cancels Relocation Plans Amidst Financial Shortfalls

After years of anticipation and planning, the Sacramento Zoo has officially halted its plans to relocate to Elk Grove. The decision, announced by zoo officials this week, marks a dramatic shift in direction for the nearly century-old institution, citing rising …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Tahoe Composts Is Keeping Tahoe Green

For the last five years, Jill Hallquist has been working to establish a composting program in South Lake Tahoe to keep food waste out of landfills. After formally establishing Tahoe Composts as a nonprofit in 2024, the program now offers …

Folsom Times logo Folsom-Cordova Schools Honored for Attendance Excellence

Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) was formally recognized at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance (CASCWA) State Conference on April 28, 2025, in Orange County, where the District was awarded the prestigious 2025 Model SARB …

Folsom Times logo State Water Allocations Increase as Runoff Pours Into Area Reservoirs

Folsom Lake at its highest level for this time of year in 5 years at 92% capacity

Sacramento News and Review logo As Transitional Kindergarten Programs Grow in Roseville, Other Communities Look to Expand Offerings

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget provides $2.4 billion in ongoing Proposition 98 funding to permanently expand Transitional Kindergarten, or TK, which has been gaining steam in Capital area communities like Roseville.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Grading and Digging Season Opens May 1

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding Lake Tahoe residents, property owners, and project managers that the grading and digging season for permitted projects in the Tahoe Basin begins May 1.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Area Nonprofits Teach Environmental Advocacy at the Capitol

On April 8, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada Alliance, and Sierra Business Council hosted the annual Sierra Day at the Capitol in Sacramento. Approximately 70 participants attended, representing over 45 organizations.

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 …

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Recent Local News

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Changes Coming to El Dorado County Senior Day Care
Rates are going up, and the program will be moving from El Dorado Hills to Placerville. Read more.
(05/02/2025) Village Life
El Dorado County Homeless Population Tends Older
The El Dorado County homeless population is shifted to older individuals. Read more.
(05/02/2025) Mountain Democrat
Some Funds Approved for Forebay Park
Faced with a tight budget. El Dorado County Supervisors approved a portion of the desired funds for improvements to Forebay Park i Pollock Pines. Read more.
(04/30/2025) Mountain Democrat
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Recent Statewide News

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Many Californians Can’t Get Mental Health Help. Is It Too Hard to Become a Therapist?
In her home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Eboni Moen, 42, struggled to find help. Some days she would rock back and forth in her shower, crying uncontrollably and thinking back to her son’s murder. She needed a therapist, she said, someone who could help her process what happened and find appropriate medication. Read more.
(05/06/2025) CalMatters
Kaiser in the Hot Seat as California Lawmakers Blast Company for Skipping Mental Health Hearing
California lawmakers called an informational hearing on mental health services at Kaiser Permanente, but the company didn’t attend. Read more.
(05/06/2025) CalMatters
Inmate Firefighters Battled LA’s Wildfire. Now a Lawmaker Wants to Help Launch Their Careers
As the Los Angeles fires raged in January, about 1,000 inmate firefighters labored on hand crews alongside professional firefighters battling the blazes. Read more.
(05/06/2025) CalMatters
California Regulator Weakens AI Rules, Giving Big Tech More Leeway to Track You
Tech that helps businesses make decisions or target ads will be given freer rein following pressure from the governor. Read more.
(05/06/2025) CalMatters
An Overdose Killed Her Son. Then, California Lawmakers Asked Her to Help Save Others
Ryan Matlock died of a fentanyl overdose after seeking addiction treatment. Today, his mother is urging lawmakers to get tougher on health insurance plans. Read more.
(05/05/2025) CalMatters
When Will Democratic Lawmakers Make California More Affordable? Later, Leaders Say
It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results Read more.
(05/04/2025) CalMatters
California Democrats Backed Into a Corner Over Teen Sex Solicitation
California Republicans are increasingly pushing Democrats on child sex crimes bills. The supermajority is growing more divided about it. Read more.
(05/02/2025) CalMatters
California Lawmakers Kill Bid to Force HOAs to Follow Open Meeting Laws
A Republican bill to require more transparency from California’s 50,000 homeowners associations failed to advance out of committee despite bipartisan support. Read more.
(05/01/2025) CalMatters
Covered California Pushes for Better Health Care as Federal Spending Cuts Loom
Faced with potential federal spending cuts that threaten health coverage and falling childhood vaccination rates, Monica Soni, the chief medical officer of Covered California, has a lot on her plate — and on her mind. Read more.
(05/01/2025) California Healthline
Reintroduced Condor Update
An update on the endangered condors released in California three years ago. Read more.
(04/30/2025) CapPublicRadio
Yosemite Reservation Rules Released
On April 29, the administration released rules for Yosemite Park Reservations in the coming months. Read more.
(04/30/2025) The Mercury News
They Found Their Homeless Loved Ones After Years Apart. But That Was Just the Beginning.
After reading a CalMatters article, two people were able to reconnect with their homeless relatives. Here’s what happened next. Read more.
(04/30/2025) CalMatters
What to Do if Your Loved One Is Homeless
Finding a homeless loved one can be difficult. So can helping them once you’ve found them. Here are some tips from people who’ve been there. Read more.
(04/30/2025) CalMatters
Unprecedented Vote Shows Dems Fractured Over Housing Policy
Two consecutive committee chairs getting overruled by their committee members signifies a growing rift among California Democrats about how to address the housing crisis. Read more.
(04/30/2025) CalMatters
The ‘Science of Reading’ Won’t Be Required in California Schools, at Least for Now
The original proposal would have mandated phonics instruction in K-12 classrooms. The latest version makes that optional. Read more.
(04/30/2025) CalMatters
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
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (05/02/2025)

Ray & Mascari Inc. Recalls 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes Because of Possible Health Risk

Ray & Mascari Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, is recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers [20 oz. (1 lb. 4 oz) 567g] with UPC# 7 96553 20062 1, and a master case label with Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B because of the potential for them to be contaminated
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/02/2025)

Vietti Food Group Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in 15-oz Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans

Vietti Food Group of Nashville, TN is recalling 4,515 cases of its Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans (15 oz.) due to the presence of undeclared soy. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/02/2025)

Williams Farms Repack LLC Recalls Tomatoes Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Williams Farms Repack LLC is recalling Tomatoes sizes; 4x5 2 layer, 60ct 2layer, 3ct trays in the Williams Farms Repack label, and 5x6 25lb, 6x6 25lb H&C Farms Label, due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. Salmonella an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in you
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/01/2025)

East Trading Inc., Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in "Licorice Plum"

East CK Trading, Inc. of Long Island City, NY, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of "Licorice Plum" food treats because they contained undeclared sulfites and unallowed color, Amaranth (E123). Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reac
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