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Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


By Chris Neklason
Published Sep 30, 2024

A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. Image credit: Courtesy U.S. Forest Service   CC0 1.0 Universal 1.0 Deed

A History of Mutual Aid

As I write this, people across the southeast states are reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. 

As an emergency communications geek, I follow a number of emergency service professionals on social media, and the information coming out of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee is both dire and inspiring.

Yes, inspiring. Even before the winds and rain had died down, neighbors and professionals leapt into action to perform swift water rescues, dig survivors out of mudslides and destroyed buildings and do house to house welfare checks in their neighborhoods. With power, cell phone, landlines and internet down, Ham Radio operators hastily organized networks to help coordinate relief efforts throughout the affected regions.

And right now, people across the country are gripped with an desire to reach out and help .

This week, The Newsletter contemplates that human impulse to cooperate and give support and aid to our fellows, and how we've organized our society around it.


How We Take Care of Each Other

For all of our flaws, there is an essentially decent part of human nature that compels us to render aid to the afflicted and unfortunate. 

We celebrate our humaneness with the first two articles of what will be an ongoing series documenting "service clubs" whose names may be familiar— organizations that are doing good in our communities.


The Changing Nature of Doing Good

Welcome to town. Here's how you can pitch in!
The legacy of ‘service clubs’ such as Soroptomists and Rotary lives on in a new generation of social clubs and volunteer organizations.

Doing Good: Soroptimist International

Sign for  Baliuag Lodge No. 301 - Soroptimist International (Pan-Philippine Highway, San Rafael, Bulacan)
Making a better world for women and preparing women to make a better world.


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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!


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 Fall! cookbook.


Flavorful stir fry dresses up green beans

Fresh green beans stir-fried with toasted coconut and cashews works as a vegetarian entree or a side dish to a larger meal.
New! Toasted coconut, mustard seeds and nuts provide crunch


Impact Report Image for decorative use


Get to Know a Group

Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus logo 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

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From Our Media Allies

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Sierra Sun logo ‘Still the Same Plan’ Says Sierra Watch on the Amended Village at Palisades Tahoe Area Plan

After the Placer County Planning Commission gave their recommendation to remove the indoor water park elements of the Mountain Adventure Camp Facility, Sierra Watch, one of the primary opposing groups, still have concerns.

Sierra Sun logo Truckee Chamber Celebrates at the ‘Top of the Town’

The Truckee Chamber of Commerce presented five awards at Top of the Town, its 71st Annual Awards Celebration on Friday, September 20 at Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner. 

Sierra Sun logo Truckee Town Council Moves Forward With Slope Stabilization Work Between West River Street Park and Truckee River

The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 24, to discuss the need for additional slope stabilization work between West River Street Park and the Truckee River.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Fall Prescribed Fire Program Begins in Lake Tahoe

Smoke may start to arise on the west shore of Tahoe as the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team begins its fall prescribed fire program on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Sierra Sun logo Tahoe Forest Health System Welcomes New Doctor to Obstetrics & Gynecology

Tahoe Forest Health System announced the addition of Dr. Emily Bevan, to our esteemed medical team. Dr. Bevan is an experienced and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to women's health.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo South Lake Tahoe Election Series: Meet the Seven City Council Candidates

Two City Council seats will be up for grabs in the City of South Lake Tahoe this coming November. The seat held by Councilmember Cristi Creegan and another seat, previously held by former Mayor Pro Tem John Friedrich, are set …

Sierra Sun logo Could Accessory Dwelling Units Alleviate the Housing Crisis?

The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation brought back their Housing Lunch and Learns earlier this month and kicked it off with experts Erin Casey and Thomas J. Powell as guest speakers. The session, called "Unlocking Potential: Recent ADU Research and Its …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Auto Extrication Training Brings Together Fire Departments From South Lake, Lake Valley, and Cal Fire

A precarious pile up of vehicles, including a bus donated by Tahoe Transport, was staged by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue at Welcome's Auto Body and Towing to train fire departments on how to extract people safely from car crashes.

Placer Sentinel logo Interstate 80 Construction Update for Sierra Corridor

Multiple Projects Underway; Delays Expected Throughout Summer, Fall

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Recent Local News

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• Ribbon Cutting for New Playground at Scotten Elementary

On September 30, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the new playground at Scotten Elementary School in Grass Valley.

(09/30/2024) → YubaNet

• Nevada County Civil Grand Jury Invites Public Input

The Nevada County Civil Grand Jury is inviting public input on problems with local government to be taken up for investigation.

(09/28/2024) → YubaNet

• Candidate Forum: Nevada Irrigation District

A report from the September 26 League of Women Voters of Nevada County forum with candidates running for the Nevada Irrigation District board in the November election.

(09/27/2024) → The Union

• Upcoming Community Meetings to Discuss Lower Sawtooth Trailhead Improvements Project

The public is invited to learn more about the Lower Sawtooth Trailhead Improvements Project at two upcoming community meetings hosted by Placer County and the US Forest Service in October.

(09/27/2024) → YubaNet

• Nevada County Mailing Voter Information Guides

Nevada County voter information guides are being mailed to registered voters this week.

(09/26/2024) → YubaNet

• Nevada irrigation District Goes With Rollins Reservoir Option

In their September 25 meeting, the Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors voted to withdraw consideration of building the new Centennial reservoir and instead move forward with expanding the storage capacity of Rollins Reservoir.

(09/25/2024) → YubaNet

• Community Protection Funding Granted to Tahoe National Forest Receives

The USDA Forest Service granted $5 million in funding for wildfire risk reduction efforts on over 1,400 acres of Tahoe National Forest adjacent to local communities.

(09/23/2024) → YubaNet
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Recent Statewide News

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• Vomiting, Cramps and Lethargy: As Heat Rises, California Kids Are Sweltering in Schools With No Air Conditioning

An estimated 1 in 5 schools has no air conditioning and another 10% need repair. Underfunded schools struggle to keep classrooms cool as heat waves intensify. “It’s a hot mess,” one teacher says.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Late Payments to Nonprofits Hamper California’s Fight Against Homelessness

Homeless service providers are scaling back and taking out loans as they wait for late payments from the government.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• California Bans Legacy Admissions at Colleges. The End of Affirmative Action Is a Reason Why

California’s private nonprofit colleges will no longer be able grant students an admissions advantage if their parents donated to or went to the same college after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this morning banning the practice.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Newsom Plan on Gas Prices Clears First Hurdle

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to combat gasoline price spikes appears headed to a long-awaited Assembly floor vote next week after passing out of committee on September 26.

(09/27/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Guide: Proposition 2 $10 Billion Education Bond

The Mercury News guide to the Proposition 2 $10 billion bond to build and repair public schools.

(09/27/2024) → The Mercury News

• Economists Like Newsom’s Plan to Help Control Gas Prices. Refiners Don’t.

The governor wants new gas reserves to dampen seasonal price spikes. Refiners say the move would raise prices and require new storage tanks.

(09/26/2024) → CalMatters

• Will New Laws Improve Housing for CA Farmworkers?

Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.

(09/25/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Guide: Proposition 36 Anti-Crime Measure

The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.

(09/25/2024) → The Mercury News

• Cal State Campuses Brace for ‘Severe Consequences’ as Budget Gap Looms

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• New California Law Gives Tenants More Time to Respond to Eviction Notices

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• Only 1 in 5 California Community College Students Makes It to a University, Audit Says

Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• A New California Law Will Scrub Most Medical Debt From Credit Reports

About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (09/27/2024)

Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 - Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen...
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/24/2024)

Brian Dahle CA Senate 01:
Senator Dahle’s legislation to Back Law Enforcement and Help Victims of Crime VETOED by Governor

Senator Dahles legislation to Back Law Enforcement and Help Victims of Crime VETOED by Governor SREPweb Tue, 09/24/2024 - 17:02
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/24/2024)

Truly Good Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix 3.25 oz Cup

Truly Good Foods is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews. People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergi
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/22/2024)

ANSWERS Pet Food Voluntarily Withdrawals Certain Limited Lots of Beef and Chicken Dog Foods Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria

Lystn, LLC d.b.a./ANSWERS Pet Food of Fleetwood, PA, is voluntarily withdrawing certain lots of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, ANSWERS Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and ANSWERS Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs out of an abundance of caution after samples collected by the U.S. Food and Dr
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/22/2024)

Avole Inc. Emite Aviso de Retiro del Mercado su Producto Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para Freír Bacalao por Falta de Declaración del Nombre Común Pescado (Pollock)

Avole Inc., localizado en San Sebastian, Puerto Rico esta retirando del mercado fundas de 7 onzas de Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para freir Bacalao, porque pueden contener falta de declaracion del nombre comun Pescado (Pollock) en la declaracion de ingredientes o contenido. Las personas que tienen al
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/20/2024)

Megan Dahle CA Assembly 01:
2024 Educational Partner of the Year Award and More

Greetings Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by the California County Superintendents. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the dedicated superintendents from our district and across the state who are committed to enhancing education for Californias students. At the event, I was honored to receive the 2024 Educational [...] The post 2024 Educational …
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/20/2024)

Grace Imports, LLC Issues Allergy Alert of Undeclared Wheat in Kara Boondh, Kerala Mixture and Spicy Murukku

Grace Imports, LLC., of Tucker, GA - September 20, 2024, is voluntarily recalling 250g bags of Kara Boondhi, Batch No. 2Al488 UPC 8 904123 53706, 300g bags of Kerala Mixture, Batch No. 2Al564 UPC 8 904123 500329 and 250g bag Spicy Murukku Batch No. 2Al504 UPC 8 904123 because these products contain
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/19/2024)

Avole Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Fish in Bacalaitos Criollos Codfish Mix

Avole Inc., located in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico is recalling 7-ounce bags of Bacalaitos Criollos Codfish Frying Mix because it may contain undeclared Fish (Pollock). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consu
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (09/13/2024)

Megan Dahle CA Assembly 01:
Celebrating Healthcare Expansion in Modoc County and More

Greetings This week Team Dahle had the privilege of attending the Topping Out ceremony for the Mountain View Skilled Nursing Facility and hospital addition. The ceremony marked a key milestone in bringing this vital facility to Modoc County and I want to give special kudos to Mountain View Skilled Nursing Facility for their dedication to [...] The post Celebrating Healthcare …
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/12/2024)

Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Wiener Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 - Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc., a Dearborn, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) wiener products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the...