View in Browser
California Local Logo
Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


By Eric Johnson
Published Jan 27, 2025

Screenshot from a video for the song 'Rising Together,' which features the repeated line: 'With Trump and Musk, the future's so bright...'
Screenshot from a video for the song 'Rising Together,' which features the repeated line: 'With Trump and Musk, the future's so bright...'

The Broligarchs vs. Public Education

Good morning and happy Monday. As our neighbors to the south refocus their anxieties from fire alerts to flood watches, let’s nevertheless take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for the rains that graced much of California this weekend. 

I want to remind you that below The Newsletter’s featured article, recipe, etc., you will find a News Digest consisting of articles we’ve selected from our Media Allies and other trusted news sources. This week, you can find out how the various municipalities in your county are responding to Pres. Donald Trump’s executive order regarding undocumented immigrants. (As you may have heard, many California law enforcement officials are vowing to not cooperate.) Other news too—on a variety of topics depending on where you live—that’s how we do it.

But first, let’s just say it—‘broligarchs.’ That is a funny word and a frightening reality. I first saw the word back in August, in The Atlantic, in an article by Brooke Harrington, who wrote of “prominent male tech plutocrats who previously opposed the former president [and who] have done an about-face.” 

I witnessed this movement from the perspective of a journalist who worked in Silicon Valley way back in the day, and has since witnessed its metastatic growth with both fascination and dread. Mostly, if I’m honest, fascination. The tech bros who give the broligarchy its name are men I have followed for years. I’ve paid close attention to Elon Musk himself from the moment he arrived on the scene, and written about him and his ventures countless times, beginning in 2008, when he gave a keynote at a conference dedicated to the newly burgeoning green-technology sector. At that time, he was a bit of a hero to folks longing to see the fossil-fuel-dominated ecomony displaced.

(For those of you who do not recall that Musk was someone who progressive Americans liked and admired, check a fact that Brooke Harrington included in her Atlantic piece, that Musk once waited in line for six hours to shake Barack Obama’s hand.)

So when we talk about the broligarchy, I need to remind everyone that these men, who now appear to be entirely corrupted, were recently revered as the good guys. I can say that for Musk, Sundar Pichai of Alphabet/Google, Netscape-founder and VC Marc Andreeson—three leaders of the pro-Trump Silicon Valley cohort—and others. (Not so sure about Zuckerberg and Bezos.)

And how is it that these men have now decided that public enemy number one is federal support for public education? (And why is government-subsidized public education worth defending?) Let’s find out.


Tech Bros vs. the US Department of Education

In a 2021 video, Elon Musk likened the US education system to a local community theater company staging of The Dark Knight—the Batman movie directed by Christopher Nolan. “That would suck,” Musk said, in the adolescent vernacular that he has adopted with increasing enthusiasm.

Instead, Musk said, our educational protocol should be “as close to a video game as possible. … if you can make it interactive and engaging, then you can make education far more compelling and far easier to do.” Okay, then. You didn't like school...so...let's shut 'em all down? And go online?

As it happens, it was during his interview with Elon Musk on X that Donald Trump stated his intention to shut down the US Department of Education. This idea may sound radical but it’s not new. Ronald Reagan campaigned in 1979 on a pledge to do the same thing. But after he became president, when his education secretary commissioned a report they thought would kill the department, that report instead warned that America was losing its competitive edge, and advocated for a strong federal role to arm students with a high-quality education.

While the federal role in the education system survives as a key spurce of funding, our schools are mostly local institutions—as you will see in Chris Neklason’s report below. The federal government only covers about 11% of the costs of providing a K-12 education. But the U.S. Department of Education does important work. It monitors school performance and provides money to poor schools and to students with disabilities. Controversially, the department also enforces civil rights protections. Therein may be the rub.

Meanwhile, California's educational system comes with built-in guarantees of democratic governance, as you shall see.


How California K-12 Public Education Works

The first all-electric school bus in the state of California pausing outside the California Capitol building in Sacramento, way back in March, 2014.
The most populous state in the union has the largest public education system. We explain how it works.


California Local logo

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 Winter! cookbook.


Turn leftover rice pilaf into meatless meal

These cabbage rolls make use of leftover rice pilaf. Lemon brightens the meatless filling.
New! Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice pilaf, mushrooms, raisins and lemon


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

California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

→ View All
Sierra Sun logo Every Train Station Needs a Trainmaster: The Truckee Train Depot

Train stations were the hub for many towns bringing in visitors, guests, freight and everything else the town needed or wanted to export. When the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, there were numerous train stations along the rail line. Only a …

Sierra Sun logo Truckee Donner PUD Board Kicks Off 2025

Truckee Donner Public Utility District held the first board meeting of the year on Jan. 15, which was the first meeting since the November election. Directors Courtney Murrell and Steve Randall joined the board as newly-elected members, while director Jeff …

Sierra Sun logo Tahoe Forest Health Announces New President & CEO

The Tahoe Forest Health District announced the appointment of new President & CEO Anna Roth this week following an extended search. Roth is scheduled to begin her new position in March. She is the first person to take over the …

Sierra Sun logo First Good Morning Truckee of the Year Tackles Housing Solutions

2025's first Good Morning Truckee of the year had four speakers talk about their experiences with Truckee's many different housing programs and options—some of which were success stories, while others brought up concerns in the area.

Sierra Sun logo Tahoe Cross Country Lodge Project: Historic Home to Become Community Hub

The Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association (Tahoe XC) is embarking on a momentous project to transform a historic 1930s home into a state-of-the-art community lodge. The lodge will replicate the home's legacy and architecture and incorporate original design elements, …

Sierra Sun logo Carnelian Woods Pile Burn Project Highlights Important Partnerships and Lessons

The forest skirting the Carnelian Woods Avenue neighborhood now stands much healthier than the forest that resided there before. A pile burning project there is nearing completion. It's the last leg of a larger fuels mitigation project that included forest …

Sierra Sun logo Truckee High Student Recognized as Runner-Up in National Essay Contest

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Truckee High School junior Rachelle Guadalupe Zarate was honored as a runner-up in the Optimum and Univision Foundation's Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. Zarate received an iPad and a certificate for her accomplishment, while her teacher, …

Sierra Sun logo Nevada County Addresses Misinformation About Hope Ridge House

Recent community discussions have surfaced inaccuracies regarding the property at 12255 Sierra Drive. Contrary to claims circulating on social media, this site is not a homeless shelter, transitional housing, substance use treatment center, warming shelter, or halfway house, according to …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo CHP Swears in Over 100 New Officers to Serve Statewide

More than 100 new officers officially joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Jan. 17 during a swearing-in ceremony that marked a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state.Original article published at Rancho Cordova Independent

Sierra Sun logo Truckee Tahoe Airport to Host Community Meeting on Noise and Annoyance Outreach

TRUCKEE, Calif. – The Truckee Tahoe Airport District invites community members to attend its Airport Community Team (ACT) Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The meeting will focus on noise and annoyance outreach, providing an opportunity for residents, pilots, and …

Sierra Sun logo Truckee High Students Stage Walkout for Women’s Rights

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, students at Truckee High School took a stand for women's rights by organizing a school-wide walkout. Led by the POWER (People Organized for Women's Empowerment and Respect) Club, the protest aimed to raise awareness about pressing …

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

→ View All
Community Information Meeting On February 6 on Homeless Housing in Truckee

Plan on attending a public meeting on February 6 at 5:30PM about the Hope Ridge House project for homeless housing in Truckee. Read on for more information.

(01/28/2025) YubaNet
Nevada County Board of Supervisors Name Projects

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors attended their annual three-day workshop in preparation for the coming year, and listed their own project priorities as part of the process. Read on to learn more.

(01/27/2025) The Union
Spotlight on the Nevada County Resource Conservation District

Read on to learn more about the services offered by the Nevada County Resource Conservation District to landowners and managers.

(01/24/2025) YubaNet
Spotlight on Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon

Read on to learn more about Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon in this YubaNet profile.

(01/24/2025) YubaNet
Report from Nevada County Board of Supervisors Workshop

Read on for a report of the workshop held by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors as they prepare for and plan for the upcoming year.

(01/24/2025) The Union
City of Grass Valley Prepares to Update Strategic Plan

The Grass Valley City Council is preparing to initiate an update, with public input, of the city's strategic plan, which guides staff and policy into the future. Read on to learn more.

(01/24/2025) The Union
Rotary Working to Improve Music Education Programs

Several Nevada County Rotary Clubs are working together to improve music education in local middle schools. Read on to learn what they're up to and how you can help.

(01/23/2025) YubaNet
Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe Celebrates 716 Pet Adoptions in 2024

Despite challenges, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe set a record 716 for pet adoptions in 2024. Read on to learn more.

(01/22/2025) YubaNet
Nevada Irrigation District Reservoirs Update

Read on to learn more about the status of local reservoirs as reported to the Nevada Irrigation District board in their January 22 meeting.

(01/22/2025) The Union
Mining Company Sued Over Contamination

Read on to learn about the suit filed against Rise Gold by Community Environmental Advocates Foundation for violations to the Clean Water Act at their Idaho- Maryland gold mine property.

(01/22/2025) YubaNet
Preliminary Dog Bar Bridge Project Work Begins

Travel on Dog Bar Road will be impacted by preliminary bridge construction work in the between January 27 and 31. Read on to learn more.

(01/22/2025) YubaNet
Take the League of Women Voters of Nevada County Survey

Read on to learn how you can take the League of Women Voters of Nevada County survey to help them plan for future elections.

(01/22/2025) YubaNet
Nevada County’s Citizens Academy Applications Open

Read on to learn more about the Nevada County Citizens Academy which educates participants on how the various facets of county government works. Applications are open through February 17, sign up today!

(01/21/2025) YubaNet
Annual Nevada City Security Camera Update Given

Did you know there are six live feed security cameras deployed around Nevada City? Read on to learn more about the recent update given by Police Chief Dan Foss to the Nevada City city council.

(01/21/2025) The Union
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

→ View All
Trump Wants to Break California’s Sanctuary State Law: 5 Things to Know

One of President Trump’s first executive orders threatened to withhold federal funding from so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. California is one of them.

(01/27/2025) CalMatters
LA Fires Damage Estimated at More Than $250 Billion

Damages in the ongoing Southern California wildfires are topping $250 billion, on track for the costliest disaster in US history. Read on to learn more.

(01/24/2025) Los Angeles Times
CA Earmarks $2.5 Billion for LA Fire Aid

With President Donald Trump bound for Los Angeles today and once again threatening to withhold wildfire aid to California unless the state abides by his water policies, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills Thursday to provide $2.5 billion in state funding for wildfire response and preparedness.

(01/23/2025) CalMatters
Trump’s Order Won’t Halt California’s Offshore Wind Leases. But Will It Derail the Industry?

The president’s order has no immediate effect on offshore wind leases already authorized, including two large areas off California’s coast. But it sends a current of uncertainty through the fledgling renewable energy industry, which relies on federal and state support.

(01/23/2025) CalMatters
Rebuilding in Paradise Offers Insight for Fire Ravaged LA

A look at how the rebuilding effort is going in the California town of Paradise, wiped out in a 2018 fire, and how it offers insights for the tough road ahead for residents in neighborhoods destroyed in the fires of Southern California.

(01/22/2025) CapPublicRadio
As the Fire Risk Fades, Los Angeles Is Busy Piecing Lives Back Together After Widespread Tragedy

At the Pasadena City College disaster resource center, the long, methodical work of putting lives back together is underway.

(01/22/2025) CalMatters
Trump Jumps Back Into California’s Water Wars With a Pro-Farmer Decree

It would be impossible to overstate the complexity of water supply management in California.

(01/22/2025) CalMatters
Will New Bond Funds Be Enough to Rebuild LA Schools — And All of California’s Other Crumbling Schools?

Some schools destroyed years ago in the Sonoma and Butte fires are just now reopening. The long, expensive process of rebuilding in LA may eat up much of the money voters approved in November for school repairs statewide.

(01/21/2025) CalMatters
Trump Takes Step to Overhaul Delta Water Deliveries to Farms, Cities

Trump apparently wants to override new Biden-Newsom rules that have widespread support among Southern California cities and some Central Valley farmers.

(01/21/2025) CalMatters
Resistance State: Tracking California’s Lawsuits Against the New Trump Administration

California’s Democratic leaders set aside tens of millions of dollars to challenge President Donald Trump’s executive orders and policies.

(01/21/2025) CalMatters
  California Local Pin Marker

Government Announcements

→ View All
Image of United States seal. New York Wholesale Group Recalls Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
New York Wholesale Group of Hicksville, NY is recalling Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder, to the consumer/user level because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increase
United States   (01/27/2025)
Image of United States seal. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Wegmans Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets Due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked Wegmans breaded chicken breast...
United States   (01/27/2025)
Image of United States seal. Recall of La Fiesta Brand Bread Crumbs (Unseasoned and Seasoned) for Undeclared Sesame
La Fiesta Food Products, LLC, La Mirada, CA is recalling 8 oz packages of La Fiesta brand Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado) and Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado Sazonado). The products contain sesame as an undeclared allergen. Additionally, the labels do not include the allergen declaration in S
United States   (01/25/2025)
Image of United States seal. TS Food Packaging is Recalling its "Rural King" and "Wabash Valley Farms" Bacon Seasoning Due to the Presence of an Undeclared Soy Ingredient
TS Food Packaging is recalling its "Rural King" and "Wabash Valley Farms" Bacon Seasoning due to the presence of an undeclared soy ingredient. People who have allergies to products containing soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
United States   (01/24/2025)
Image of United States seal. D. Coluccio & Sons, Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in "Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops" Cookies
D. COLUCCIO & SONS, in is recalling its 300 gram packages of "Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops" chocolate chip cookies because they may contain undeclared almonds.
United States   (01/20/2025)
Image of United States seal. Monkey Spit, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk/Wheat/Soy in Monkey Spit BBQ Sauces
People who have allergies to milk/wheat/soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The three recalled "Monkey Spit BBQ Sauces" were distributed locally in retail stores on the central coast of California and through mail orders on our website:
United States   (01/17/2025)
Image of United States seal. Wismettac Asian Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor
Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is recalling 2.46 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor. The product contains the undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reacti
United States   (01/17/2025)
Image of Town of Truckee seal. Sierra Nevada Mountain Towns Mobilize to Support LA Wildfire Victims with Caravan of Provisions
All donations will be transported in a caravan of trucks to Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 22, and delivered to the LA Dream Center, a nonprofit organization actively working on wildfire relief efforts.
Town of Truckee   (01/15/2025)
Image of United States seal. Mutual Trading Co., Issues Allergy Alert Undeclared Milk in Prepared Monkfish Liver
New York Mutual Trading Co., Inc of Secaucus, NJ is recalling 7.05 oz of Prepared Monkfish Liver (Ankimobo) because the package label contains undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk allergen run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if
United States   (01/15/2025)
Image of United States seal. Quaker Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix Distributed in 11 States
January 14, 2025 - The Quaker Oats Company today issued a recall of a limited number of two pound boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted by a retail partner. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk o
United States   (01/14/2025)