Every so often a book aligns so closely with national headlines it almost seems that its publication was timed. Such is the case with Who Is Government?, from author and editor Michael Lewis, which comes to the defense of a federal workforce currently under attack.
One of the eight heroic government workers profiled in this book is Ron Walters, head of the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. I knew before I read the chapter about Walters that I wanted to write about this book, but my resolve to do so deepened after I read about him and his profoundly important work.
As it happens, my beloved sister-in-law works for VA (the Department of Veterans Affairs), and has worked for the federal government for many years. Over much of that time, I have witnessed her dedication to the missions of the departments she has served, and heard stories about her colleagues who were equally committed. In recent weeks, on the family text thread, I learned about sad and scary stuff that later showed up in the headlines.
In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, we bring you the second of a two-part series about books that confront topics we hold dear. As always, below, a News Digest that delivers information of relevance to you and the place you call home. Also, as always, a local community group doing good work in your county, and a recipe to nourish your body and soul.
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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 31, 2025
Who Is Government?
What Good is Government?
Michael Lewis is a journalist closely associated with Brad Pitt—who starred in two movies made from Lewis’s previous books Moneyball and The Big Short. Will this new book about government workers spawn a Hollywood blockbuster? Will it spawn an uprising to defend much-maligned federal employees? We shall see.
Unlikely Tales of Bureaucratic Heroism
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Nevada County's Homepage |
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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.
Winter meets spring in strawberry-orange compote
Get to Know a Group
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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.
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From Our Media Allies |
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Don’t Blow Up Your Car Seminar: Essential Car Care Clinic for Students |
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Every parent wants to know that their teen is prepared for the road, not just behind the wheel but under the hood as well. That's why two local businesses, Quality Automotive Servicing and Napa Auto Parts have joined forces to … |
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Emergency Preparedness, Housing Among Nevada County’s 8 Priority Objectives in 2025/2026 |
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The Board of Supervisors is continuing to focus on furthering eight priority objectives for fiscal year 2025/2026, reflecting the community's top needs. The priorities remain the same as last year and build on past progress: fiscal stability and core services, … |
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Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District Kicks Off Long-Awaited Master Plan |
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The Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District (TDRPD) is launching its first comprehensive master plan in over three decades to assess and enhance community recreational facilities and services. General Manager Sven Leff emphasizes the importance of community involvement. |
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Dollar Point’s Telephone Pole, South Shore Area Plan Amendments, and Environmental Improvement: TRPA’s Governing Board Meeting |
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On Wednesday’s governing board meeting for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the board discussed the appeal for Tahoe City’s telephone pole, the South Shore area plan amendments, and aquatic invasive species funding, along with the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. |
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Workforce Housing Stays Top of Mind for North Tahoe |
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On March 25, the North Tahoe Community Alliance hosted their March Power Lunch at Northstar Village's Rubicon Pizza, bringing three speakers to speak about workforce housing—one of the top issues for North Tahoe. |
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SWEP Honored by TTUSD for 30 Years of Environmental Education and Action |
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For three decades, Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships has been at the forefront of environmental education in the Tahoe-Truckee region, fostering stewardship and hands-on learning for students. This year, their dedication was recognized with a Certificate of Recognition from the Tahoe … |
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Truckee Town Council Moves Forward With R2SC Catalyst Projects |
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The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, March 25, to discuss the River Revitalization Steering Committee's (R2SC) catalyst projects. Councilmembers Lindsay Romack and Courtney Henderson were absent from the meeting. |
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Tahoe City Downtown Association Welcomes New Staff, Board Members |
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The Tahoe City Downtown Association has announced its new staff and board members. Katherine Hill has been named the Executive Director and Pam Pokorny is the new Event Manager. Both started their positions in March. |
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CHP Celebrates Largest Academy Graduation |
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The California Highway Patrol (CHP) promoted 125 cadets to the rank of officer. The graduation ceremony on March 21 marked the successful completion of a 26-week intensive training schedule at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento. |
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Truckee Demonstration Grows as Community Voices Concerns |
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What began as a small gathering of five people on Feb. 15 has grown into an active weekly demonstration against moves made by the current administration. By March 22, attendance had reached 115 participants—undaunted by cold weather and rain. Now, … |
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Kevin Kiley Slammed by Rallies and Town Hall Attendees in South Lake Tahoe |
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After multiple unanswered invitations from South Lake Tahoe residents to a town hall and a virtual town hall of his own, representative Kevin Kiley visited the city, only to tour the high school and meet with the Chamber of Commerce … |
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Recent Local News |
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Recent Statewide News |
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Government Announcements |
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Undeclared Allergen in Trader Joe's Hot Honey Mustard Dressing with Use By Date of 05/27/2025 Issued by Fresh Creative Foods |
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Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling a single item with a specific use by date, produced at a regional facility and distributed to limited Trader Joe's locations. The product is Trader Joe's Hot Honey Mustard Dressing, with a Use By Date of 05/27/2025 due to labeling error. The incorrect
United States (03/30/2025)
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Cromer Food Services, Inc. Recalls Chicken Salad on White Sandwich Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen |
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Cromer Food Services, Inc. is recalling all lots of our CFS Cromer Food Service brand Chicken Salad on White Sandwich with UPC 31166 & UPC 13172 because it contains undeclared milk.
United States (03/27/2025)
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Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall for Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips for Undeclared Milk |
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Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips that could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain undeclared milk.
United States (03/26/2025)
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The Bakery Group Issues Allergen Alert on Undeclared Milk, Soy and Yellow FD&C #5 In Specific Bread and Hamburger Buns |
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The Bakery Group of Dallas, Tx is recalling 629 cases of Dense Brioche Pullman loaves, #654203 and 104 cases of 4.5in Brioche HB Buns, #54500 because they may contain undeclared Milk, Soy and Yellow FD&C#5. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Soy, Wheat Milk or Yellow FD&C#5 run the
United States (03/25/2025)
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Dessert Holdings Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nut Allergen in Favorite Day(TM) Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake 6oz/2ct |
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Dessert Holdings LLC is recalling Target brand Favorite Day(TM) Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake 6oz/2ct, Lot code 25028A1 000039133 UPC 0 85239 09690 1 due to product mislabeling resulting in undeclared pecans. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life
United States (03/19/2025)
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Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Quantity of Lean Cuisine® and STOUFFER'S® Frozen Meals Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material |
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ARLINGTON, VA., March 17, 2025 - Nestle USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Lean Cuisine and STOUFFER'S frozen meals due to the potential presence of wood-like material.
United States (03/17/2025)
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Seabear Company Recalls Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder Because of Possible Health Risk |
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SeaBear Company of Anacortes, Washington is recalling two variations of seafood chowder (Smoked Salmon Chowder & Alehouse Clam Chowder), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
United States (03/15/2025)
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C.H. Guenther & Son LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in "365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese" |
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C.H. Guenther & Son LLC of San Antonio, TX, is recalling its 365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese because it may contain undeclared eggs and meat ingredients.
United States (03/14/2025)
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Har Maspeth Corp Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in "Jinga Glass Noodles w/ Vegetables (Japche)" |
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HAR Maspeth Corp, Maspeth NY, is recalling its 8 ounce and 12 ounce packages of "JINGA GLASS NOODLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)" because they contain undeclared eggs.
United States (03/14/2025)
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Resolutions Adopted Opposing Federal Funding & Staffing Cuts |
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On March 11, 2025, the Council unanimously adopted two resolutions opposing these reductions, which threaten wildfire mitigation efforts, public lands management, and essential local services.
Town of Truckee (03/13/2025)
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