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Welcome to this edition of the California Local Community Group newsletter, delivered to the nonprofits listed in our Community Group directory.

Our brand of journalism involves telling stories of community-building across the state. That includes stories of groups like yours.

Here is our entry for , which is listed under in our database of El Dorado region community groups:


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Please review your listing in our database. If you’d like, you can also use our free online tools to:

  • Maintain and update the listing, contact information and everything else.
  • Add events to our community calendar, which we promote on our site and via social media.
  • Promote your pledge-drives/giving periods in our newsletters and on our site.

Again, it’s free to become a California Local Community Ally and access all of this good stuff. For more information, contact publisher Michael Gelbman at mike@californialocal.com, or simply go to our Allies and Partners page and click the “Become a Community Ally” tab to sign up in 30 seconds.

(If you know of an organization that is not listed in our database, please let us know!)

Making the Community Better

At California Local we draw inspiration from the work of community groups such as . As I’m sure you are aware, one of the best-kept secrets in the El Dorado region is the remarkable network of nonprofit staffers, volunteers and donors who are working together to make things better.

We think it’s important to tell the stories of these individuals and groups, both to raise awareness of their work, and to show what’s possible when people Discover, Connect, and Act— together.

The Season of Giving

This is a time of year when the fortunate reflect on their good fortune, and are moved to give back to the community that has nurtured and sustained them.

Many of your organizations are engaged, or preparing to engage, in a pledge drive or "giving period" in your communities, with a call to action to local donors and volunteers to support your work.  We want to help you spread the word.

If you have already signed up with us as a community ally, then sign into your California Local account and update your organization's giving information. Through the duration of the giving period, we'll promote you in our member and subscriber newsletter, and throughout our site. 

Questions? Contact Mike Gelbman at mike@californialocal.com

Hunger, Food Insecurity and Foodbanks

In this editon of our nonprofit community group newsletter, we look at the problems of hunger and food insecurity in California, and the organizations, volunteers and donors stepping up to keep the community fed.


Setting the Table for Social Change

Second Harvest CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez (at right) with a group of local Rotary members who helped wrap Holiday Food & Fund Drive barrels.
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez looks at food insecurity as a symptom of an underlying disorder—one that can be cured.

California’s Oldest Food Bank Pays It Forward

Working together with many volunteers, this crew feeds 65,000 people in Santa Cruz County every month.
For the food-insecure community in Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest Food Bank feeds the need.

Hunger and Food Insecurity in California: What It Is, What to Do About It

Almost half of all low-income Black adults in California experience food insecurity.
Hunger and food insecurity have become persistent problems in California. With the world’s fifth-largest economy, what steps can we take to make sure that everyone has enough to eat?

Contact our publisher, Mike Gelbman, to find out how we can help tell your story.


Nonprofits in the News

A roundup of news about nonprofits from around the state.
Youth Alliance Announces Blanket Drive
11/20/2023
Youth Alliance has announced its second annual Blanket Drive to benefit local youth during the winter season, partnering with local businesses in Hollister to collect blankets during November.

Mentioned in this article:
Youth Alliance


Valhalla Tahoe Names New Executive Director
11/17/2023
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Valhalla Tahoe, the historic estate on Lake Tahoe's South Shore, is in the planning stages for the venue's centennial year in 2024 with a new executive director at the helm. Meg Peart was named to the role last month by the nonprofit's board of directors. Peart, formerly the human resources and grants manager at the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, is well acquainted with the organization. With an extensive background in the community performing arts scene, Peart also directed and produced the summer play "Men on Boats," at Valhalla's Boathouse Theatre.  (https://valhallatahoe.com/)

Mentioned in this article:
Valhalla Tahoe


El Teatro Campesino Stage Manager Milt Commons Dies at 96
11/17/2023
The longtime stage manager and associate of San Juan Bautista’s El Teatro Campesino was respected for his work in Teatro founder Luis Valdez’s landmark play “Zoot Suit,” as well as “La Pastorela” and “La Virgen de Tepeyac.”

Mentioned in this article:
El Teatro Campesino


Girl Scout Refurbishes Children’s Room at Emmaus House
11/16/2023
Delaney Drew has redesigned the children’s room at Emmaus House, the only temporary emergency shelter in San Benito County for families who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.

Mentioned in this article:
Emmaus House


Community Bridges Assists Pajaro Families Facing Eviction
11/16/2023
In the wake of approximately 24 families facing evictions from a Pajaro apartment complex as the property's owners prepare to work through violations cited by Monterey County, Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges has intervened to assist those families.

Mentioned in this article:
Community Bridges


United Way Teams with PNC to Expand Yolo County Early Childhood Book Program
11/16/2023
One thousand more Yolo County children will receive a free book every month from birth through age five from United Way California Capital Region, which manages the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Yolo County.

Mentioned in this article:
United Way California Capital Region


New Fund Offers a Helping Hand
11/15/2023
Shelbi’s Helping Hand Fund, a new fund under the El Dorado Hills Area Foundation, was created to impact the lives of thousands into the future.

Mentioned in this article:
El Dorado Hills Area Foundation


Visit Santa Cruz County CEO Eyes International Markets, Expanded Business Travel
11/15/2023
As the new head of Visit Santa Cruz County, Terence Concannon is not only aiming to bring in visitors from emerging markets but also to help build South County’s tourism infrastructure—all without alienating county residents in the process.

Mentioned in this article:
Visit Santa Cruz County


New Exhibit Reaches Great Heights
11/15/2023
Arts and Culture El Dorado’s newest exhibition at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville showcases the history of climbing in the region.

Mentioned in this article:
Art & Culture El Dorado


Homeowners Share Holiday Spirit for Fundraiser
11/14/2023
Assistance League Sierra Foothills announces the return of its seasonal fundraiser, Homes for the Holidays. Taking place Dec. 2-3, the tour features five festively decorated private homes, a raffle, and gifts, food and beverages for sale.

Mentioned in this article:
Assistance League


Every Day is Veterans Day at Places Like the American Legion
11/10/2023
“How do you come back from counting yourself as dead?”

Mentioned in this article:
American Legion Post 41


Bread & Broth Seeks Donations for 34th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
11/10/2023
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth has purchased the food and volunteers have been enlisted to host the annual Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, November 20 from 4-6 p.m at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Grace Hall at 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe.  

Mentioned in this article:
Bread & Broth


Time Is Almost Up for Matching Donations to Tahoe Meadows Ramp Project
11/10/2023
State route 431 levels out for about a mile or so just after summiting Mount Rose. The trees give way to grass and shrubs that roll out on both sides of the road. On busy days, signs flash, warning drivers to slow down for visitors enjoying the Tahoe Meadows.

Mentioned in this article:
Tahoe Fund


Climate Profile: Hunter Holman
11/10/2023
Welcome to the Climate Profile, a feature brought to you by the North Tahoe chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby, which explores the stories of local citizens and how climate change has affected their lives.

Mentioned in this article:
Citizens’ Climate Lobby - Nevada and Placer Counties


Mother Lode Exhibition Winners Emerge
11/10/2023
Placerville Arts Association’s expectations for the 57th National Mother Lode Exhibition were blown away as the MACC gallery rooms filled with patrons of the arts huddled in groups to express their artistic observations.

Mentioned in this article:
Placerville Arts Association


Monterey County Gives! Grows One Donor at a Time
11/09/2023
The cliche “the new normal” became common in our vernacular just a few years back—expressing how previous uncommon events were suddenly commonplace, a new baseline.

Mentioned in this article:
Community Foundation for Monterey County


Yolo Community Foundation Honors Five Residents
11/09/2023
On Nov. 6, Yolo Community Foundation recognized five Winters residents for their efforts to benefit the overall community.

Mentioned in this article:
Yolo Community Foundation


Meals on Wheels Opens New Senior Nutrition Center in Winters
11/09/2023
The 5,300-square-foot facility provides the organization with cooking space, cool storage and a warehouse that will double its production capacity from 800 to 1,700 meals daily in combination with its existing Woodland-based kitchen.

Mentioned in this article:
Meals on Wheels Yolo County


Pacific Autism Center for Education Wants to Sell a Group Home. Cupertino Won’t Allow It.
11/08/2023
“All that money that’s tied up in a vacant house is money that’s lost opportunity for us to do good in the community,” says PACE’s executive director.

Mentioned in this article:
Pacific Autism Center for Education


Big Sur Land Trust Acquires the 5,105-acre Basin Ranch
11/07/2023
Now that a landmark acquisition has been made official, the Big Sur Land Trust, in its 45 years of existence, has now put over 45,000 acres of land into conservation—an average of more than 1,000 acres per year.

Mentioned in this article:
Big Sur Land Trust


Paul Rovella Honored by Farm Bureau
11/07/2023
Attorney Paul Rovella was recognized as a friend to agriculture Nov. 4 at the Barn Event Center in Tres Pinos. About 100 guests came to the event hosted by the San Benito County Farm Bureau.

Mentioned in this article:
San Benito County Farm Bureau


Sheriff Jim Hart Makes Decision on District 5 County Supervisor Race
11/07/2023
Those watching the race to replace retiring Supervisor Bruce McPherson wondered whether Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart would run. Instead, Hart has endorsed Monica Martinez, giving the nonprofit CEO a leg up over fellow candidates Christopher Bradford and Theresa Bond.

Mentioned in this article:
Encompass


Local Students Create Defensible Space
11/06/2023
Learning for Donner Trail Elementary School students took place in the Sierra Nevada forest on Defensible Space Stewardship Day, as the Truckee Fire Protection District and Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships helped students reduce the threat of wildfires and help community members in need.

Mentioned in this article:
Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships


Placer SPCA in Roseville Hosts 50th Anniversary Open House
11/06/2023
On Dec. 11, Placer SPCA will open its doors for a festive Holiday Open House at the Placer SPCA Adoption and Education Center in Roseville.

Mentioned in this article:
Placer SPCA


Tommy Apostolos Fund Shopping Spree in Roseville Set for Dec. 2
11/05/2023
Every Christmas for the past 30 plus years, the Tommy Apostolos shopping spree has purchased new clothes and shoes for children in need.

Mentioned in this article:
Tommy Apostolos Fund


West Sacramento VFW Announces 2023 Veterans Day Parade
11/03/2023
VFW is Accepting Sponsorships and Donations to Cover Parade’s ExpensesOriginal article published at West Sacramento News-Ledger

Mentioned in this article:
VFW West Sacramento Post 8762


Yolo Food Bank Holds Successful Global Rice Fest Founders Night
11/03/2023
Global Rice Fest Partnership with Yolo Food Bank Takes Off

Mentioned in this article:
Yolo Food Bank


Achievable Housing in Action Partnership Seeks Feedback on ADUs
11/03/2023
TRUCKEE, Calif. – As part of the Achievable Housing in Action partnership with the Sierra Sun, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and The Mountain Housing Council, we are looking for feedback from the community on several housing related issues.

Mentioned in this article:
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
Mountain Housing Council