By Eric Johnson
Published Jun 03, 2024

A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.

Image credit: Eric Johnson

Celebrating California's Diversity, Homegrown Food, and DTLA

I posted the above photo to the family text thread on Saturday and received a reply that reminded me that I'm glad I live in California. Gretchen, my sister-in-law, who lives in a leafy and perfecly lovely suburb outside Washington DC, texted back: “I love that Sacramento has community pools. Virginia only has membership-only pools. Leftover from its anti-integration history.”

In fact, one of the things my wife and I love about the pool at the Clunie Center is that it draws folks from every corner of this city. We love that we live in the most diverse state in the nation, and in one of California's most diverse cities.

So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, as we often do, we celebrate some of the good stuff we get to enjoy here in the Golden State. Elsewhere, you may be rage-reading about an unapologetic felon and his defenders … here today we’re going to look toward the light.

AAPI Heritage Month Extended

May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and last week we celebrated with the publication of a list that might surprise you. Sure, there's Kamala Harris and Tiger Woods. But you may also be delighted to meet Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, Dalip Singh Saund and many more.

25 AAPI Leaders From California

Dalip Singh Saund, the first Sikh, Indian American and Asian American to be elected to Congress and Kamala Harris, the first Asian American vice president.

California has been home to many Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have transcended barriers and reshaped society, from education to advocacy, art to sports, politics, and beyond.

	Nevada County's Homepage
Direct your browser to https://nevada.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Nevada County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!

DTLA

Our colleague Chris Neklason and his family ventured to the land down under, that is, southern California.

He has thoughts about Downtown LA, or DTLA, as the civic hipsters call it.

DTLA: A Good Thing Gets Better

A large neon art installation gracing one of the entrances to the Grand Central Market in DTLA.

Downtown LA is turning into a good thing.

Happy Birthday SDG!

Happy sixth anniversary to Debbie and Kathy at Sacramento Digs Gardening, who've been posting an article a day since June 1, 2018. Wow!

Time for cake! SDG hits another milestone

This citrus cake is ideal for any celebration. See the blog post for a link to the recipe.

Daily gardening blog reaches its sixth anniversary -- thanks to our readers!

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.

Bayou country, spring vegetables inspire shrimp pot pie

What's below the crust? Shrimp and a delicious collection of fresh vegetables.

New! Shrimp pot pie with fresh peas, carrots and spring onions

Get to Know a Group

Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus

Supporting local singers by building, promoting, and nurturing vocal music programs, the Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus hosts two annual concert series that feature music from a range of genres, such as classical, Broadway, and contemporary hits.

→ Learn more

From Our Media Allies

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	Tim’s Tips: Safely Using Tahoe’s Paved Trails
	The Lake Tahoe region is blessed with an extensive and elaborate system of multiuse trails providing access to great views of the lake, the Truckee River and the peaks of the Sierra. But those trails are narrow and, during the …

	Truckee Fire Urges Residents to Participate in Fire Protection Programs
	Building on the success of 2022 and 2023 wildfire prevention division developments, Truckee Fire is once again launching a robust set of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing wildfire risk and enhancing community resilience.

	Community Events Scheduled to Gather Feedback for New Truckee Library Design
	As part of the ongoing efforts to enrich community involvement in the development of the new Truckee Regional Library, the Core Partners (Nevada County, Town of Truckee and Friends of the Truckee Library) are excited to announce a series of …

	Free History All Summer at Placer County Museums
	Placer County Museums is welcoming everyone back to the Heritage Trail Museums Tour, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, with museums throughout Placer County offering free admission on select dates all summer.

	Forest Service Prepares for 2024 Fire Season
	Across California, fire crews and managers are already preparing for fire season. Despite two years of average to above-average precipitation, USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Fire Director, Jaime Gamboa, knows just how quickly wildfire season can take off.

	East Shore Express Returning for 2024 Summer Season
	Tahoe Transportation District announced the return of the East Shore Express Service beginning June 28, 2024.

	Sierra Jobs First Initiative Brings Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Eastern Sierra Region
	The Eastern Sierra region is set to receive a significant economic boost through the newly-launched Sierra Jobs First initiative, part of a statewide investment aimed at job creation, industrial strategy, and economic development.

	Olympic Valley Public Service District Adopts Rate Increases
	The Olympic Valley Public Service District Board of Directors unanimously approved new water, sewer, and garbage service rates for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

	19th Annual Tahoe Bike Month Kicks Off June 1
	The 19th annual Tahoe Bike Month is set to begin on June 1, featuring a full month of bicycling events throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin.

	South Lake Local Takes on New Role as CEO
	Julie Gardner, who was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, has recently taken over as CEO of California's most prominent employment social enterprise non-profits, Downtown Streets Team.

	First of Its Kind Defensible Space Software Brings Significant Improvements to the Entire Tahoe Basin
	With support from the Tahoe Fund and Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, every local fire agency in the Tahoe Basin now has access to Fire Aside, a software platform that makes defensible space and home hardening evaluations significantly faster to carry …

	Truckee Town Council Appoints Voting Members for New Library Joint Powers Agreement, Initiates Community Engagement Efforts
	In a significant step towards the development of a new library, the Truckee Town Council has adopted a resolution officially accepting the appointment of the initial voting members and an alternate for the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) overseeing the project.

	Town of Truckee Launches Comprehensive Organizational Assessment
	The Town of Truckee has initiated an independent organizational assessment to review and enhance the effectiveness of its local government operations.

	Tahoe Bear Shot and Killed on Memorial Day in Self Defense, Some Skeptical
	The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division have filed no charges against a homeowner who shot and killed a yearling bear after it entered his house through a backdoor on Memorial Day.

	Braddock Philanthropies, TTCF Join Forces for $10 Million Investment in Tahoe Truckee
	The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation announced a groundbreaking $10 million commitment from Braddock Philanthropies in support of TTCF's strategic initiatives over the next five years.

	Truckee Town Council Discusses Fiscal Year 2024/25 Annual Operating Budget
	The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, May 28, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Annual Operating Budget.

	Placer Supervisors Appoint New County Executive Officer
	The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted today to appoint Acting County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny as the county's next CEO and authorize a three-year employment agreement.

	Day Hiker: Waddle Ranch Preserve Takes Hikers to a Higher Place
	Waddle Ranch Preserve is accessed via Martis Dam Road off Highway 267 by the airport in Martis Valley near Truckee.

	Alpenglow Sports Launches Fourth Annual Community Book Initiative
	Now through June 10, Alpenglow Sports is encouraging people to take part in its fourth annual Community Book Initiative.

	Truckee, North Tahoe Community Leaders Look to South Lake Tahoe for Advice on Addressing Homelessness
	While the Truckee-Tahoe region might not have the same struggles as a big city like San Francisco or Los Angeles in terms of the unhoused population (ours is in the hundreds rather than the thousands), it doesn't make our population …

	Student Protestor Voices on Israel-Gaza-Palestine
	In this field-produced, bonus episode, the Moment of Truth team interviews pro-Palestinian, student protestors and campers at university and college encampments.

	TAMBA Expands Roster of Tahoe Mountain Bike Events
	While the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) has a consistent roster of signature events including the Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival and the impressively grueling Rose to Toads ride, this year it will add more educational and inclusive events on …

Recent Local News

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● Nevada County CFO Named

Effective July 7, Erin Mettler will be assuming her duties as the chief fiscal officer of Nevada County.

(06/04/2024) YubaNet

● Spaulding Powerhouse Repair Delayed

PG&E reports that repairs to the Spaulding Powerhouse have been extended, but are expected to be completed by the end of June.

(06/04/2024) YubaNet

● Grass Valley Thursday Night Market Open Through June

Featuring locally grown fresh produce and food and craft vendors, the downtown Grass Valley Open Market is running through June, Thursday nights from 6-9PM.

(05/31/2024) The Union

● Grass Valley Cannabis Dispensary Finally Open

After four years of efforts, the Provisions cannabis dispensary is open in Grass Valley.

(05/30/2024) The Union

● County Supervisors Approve Master Plan

In its May 28 meeting, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors approved the county's first Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan .

(05/29/2024) The Union

● Gold Country Senior Services Call For Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help Gold Country Senior Service relocate their storage yard for their popular Senior Firewood program.

(05/29/2024) The Union

● Grass Valley Considers Increase in City Council Stipend

In their May 28 meeting, the Grass Valley City Council discussed raising the monthly salary paid to councilmembers.

(05/29/2024) The Union

● Supervisors Look to Future Courthouse Use

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors contracted with an architectural firm to conduct a study of uses for the courthouse in Nevada City when local courts move to their new facility.

(05/29/2024) YubaNet

● Upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Events in Nevada City

Nevada City is hosting a community get-together on June 13 and a community workshop for the Community Wildfire Protection Plan on June 20.

(05/28/2024) YubaNet

Recent Statewide News

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● California Made It Easier to Vote, but Some With Disabilities Still Face Barriers

California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.

(06/04/2024) CalMatters

● California Homelessness Funding Is on the Chopping Block. Will It Make the Final Budget?

It’s the billion-dollar question. That’s how much cities and other local governments have been receiving from the state each year to deal with California's ever-increasing population of homeless people.

(06/04/2024) CalMatters

● Why CA Families Are Getting a Tax Surprise for Health Care

For families seeking affordable health insurance, the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, can provide major relief. But if they’re not careful, they can get hit by an unexpected federal tax bill.

(06/04/2024) CalMatters

● New Research Indicates More Massive California Flooding in Past

Cal State Fullerton researchers released findings of ancient floods in Southern California which indicate the state may be more prone to mega flooding than previously thought.

(06/01/2024) Los Angeles Times

● Why a Bay Area Transit Rescue Plan Is on Hold

A Bay Area transit funding bill is delayed so supporters can seek consensus on how the money will be raised and distributed.

(05/31/2024) CalMatters

● Raising Kids in California? They May Have College Savings Accounts You Don’t Know About.

The state is directly investing money for low-income students and all newborns to attend college. After two years, the program is still not widely known by the students who need the most financial assistance.

(05/30/2024) CalMatters

● California Sides With Big Utilities, Trimming Incentives for Community Solar Projects

These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC’s action is unlikely to give them the option.

(05/30/2024) CalMatters

● California’s Runoff Flows Down the Drain. Can More Be Captured?

Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.

(05/30/2024) CalMatters

● Democrats Kill California Homeless Camp Ban, Again

A bill to ban homeless encampments statewide near parks, schools and transit hubs failed to get out of the same legislative committee as last year.

(05/29/2024) CalMatters

● Planets on Parade in June

An alignment known as a “planetary parade” will march across night skies starting June 3.

(05/28/2024) Los Angeles Times

● As Key Deadlines Loom, Newsom and California Lawmakers Have Dozens of Deals to Make

It’s time for the folks in California’s Capitol to play let’s-make-a-deal – or actually, many deals.

(05/28/2024) CalMatters

● UC Student Workers Expand Strike to Two More Campuses as They Demand Amnesty for Protestors

After University of California students were arrested or suspended for protests, student workers are striking at three campuses. The Office of President says the strike violates the union contract.

(05/28/2024) CalMatters

● ‘We Have to Do Less With Less’: Cal State Faces Extra $500 Million Budget Gap

Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.

(05/27/2024) CalMatters

● California Wants to Be Carbon-Neutral by 2045. What Does That Mean for Its Big Economic Drivers?

California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, flew more 6,000 miles to Rome this month to deliver a brief speech on climate change at a Vatican-sponsored conference.

(05/27/2024) CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	UBC Food Distributors Recalls Baraka Brand Ground Black Pepper Spice Because of Possible Health Risk Announcement
UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn Michigan is recalling the Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7oz plastic containers 7oz * 10 With UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infect United States (06/03/2024)

	Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Is Notifying Consumers About a Safety Concern With Crecelac Infant 0-12 Infant Formula (Lot # 24 039 1 CHE 352-1) That is Part of an Ongoing Recall - Expansion of Previous Recall
Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX - 6/3/24, is notifying consumers about a safety issue associated with a product that is an extension of an ongoing voluntary recall (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dairy-manufacturers-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-products-d United States (06/03/2024)

	Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elder United States (05/30/2024)

	Heinen's Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls
May 30th, 2024. Heinen's of Warrensville Heights, OH is voluntarily recalling Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls, due to the possibility that it may contain undeclared Pecans. While no reports of injury have occurred, out of an abundance of caution people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Pecans United States (05/30/2024)

	Brian Dahle CA Senate 01: It’s a Wrap: Dahle’s bills receive bipartisan support, now heading to the Assembly
Its a Wrap: Dahles bills receive bipartisan support, now heading to the Assembly SREPweb Fri, 05/24/2024 - 10:38 State of California (05/24/2024)

	Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Products Due to Non-Compliance with Requirements Under the 21 CFR 106.110 New Infant Formula Registration
Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX - 5/24/24, is voluntarily recalling all lot codes for infant formulas available in the US: Crecelac Infant 0-12, Farmalac 0-12 and Farmalac 0-12 Low lactose to the retail and wholesale level. The products have been found in non-compliance with the requirement United States (05/23/2024)

	AMB Food Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Product
AMB Food Inc. in Brooklyn NY is recalling 8 oz bags of Pop a Nosh Mix Munch Regular and Honey BBQ snacks because it contains pretzels, but does not list Wheat as an allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if th United States (05/22/2024)

	World Green Nutrition, Inc. Expands Recall of Tejocote Products Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander
World Green Nutrition, Inc is announcing the expansion of their April 03, 2024 recall to include more lot numbers of the products GREEN ELV NUTRITION brand Elv Control Herbal Supplement 90 capsules and ELV ALIPOTEC brand Mexican Tejocote Root Supplement Pieces (Raiz de Tejocote Mexicano Suplemento e United States (05/21/2024)

	County Road Seafood Issues Allergy Alert of Undeclared Egg in 4 Oz Packages of County Road Seafood Crab Cake
County Road Seafood, LLC., of Belhaven, NC - May 21, 2024, is voluntarily recalling County Road Seafood Crab Cake 2 Pack 4 Ounce package because this product contains undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction United States (05/20/2024)

	Megan Dahle CA Assembly 01: Redding’s Annual Pancake Breakfast and More
Greetings Last week, Team Dahle took part in a cherished community tradition: the Asphalt Cowboys Annual Pancake Breakfast, a rodeo week staple in the Redding community. Reflecting on the origins of the annual pancake breakfast, we look back to 1954 when it all began with a small gathering of 700 people. Over the years, this beloved [...] The post Reddings … State of California (05/20/2024)

Celebrating California's Diversity, Homegrown Food, and DTLA

AAPI Heritage Month Extended

Nevada County's Homepage

DTLA

Happy Birthday SDG!

Recipe of the Week

Get to Know a Group

From Our Media Allies

Recent Local News

Recent Statewide News

Government Announcements