Our Journalism Needs Your Support

By Eric Johnson
Published Apr 01, 2024

Prop 1 includes funding that will build institutions to treat mental illness and addiction—hopefully nothing like what Randle Patrick McMurphy encountered in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.'

Sandhill Cranes, Foster Kids, and Coercive Compassion

This week’s Newsletter takes me back to the very beginnings of my journalism career in California, and then jumps forward to a story I wrote last week. One story offers what might be a surprising perspective on the recently passed Proposition 1, and the other is about an organization working to help young people forced to navigate our complicated court systems through no fault of their own.

The stories are connected because they both deal with the consequences of untreated mental illness and addiction disorders.

But first: I am writing this on Easter Sunday, and as is traditional in my family, I am thinking about resurrection, renewal, and that kind of stuff. In that spirit, here is the second edition of One Good Thing.

Life After Death

Sandhill Cranes are magical creatures. In the marshes where they hunt with their spear-beaks, they stand four to five feet tall. Their wings can span six and a half feet. Their trumpeting calls and mating dances are hypnotic. By the middle of the 20th century they had been slaughtered to near-extinction. But they're back.

The Return of Sandhill Cranes

After being reduced to three or four nesting pairs in all of California in 1944, Sandhill Cranes have come back from the brink and are returning to Lake Tahoe.

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

Coercive Compassion

My position on Prop 1, and my thoughts about the benign neglect of our homeless neighbors suffering from mental illness or addiction disorders, are informed by a story I edited the week I returned to California, in March of 1997. That article was about the impending closure of a state hospital that treated Californians with developmental disabilities or severe mental illness. At the time, as you will see, many questioned the wisdom of emptying the hospitals and sending patients to live in halfway houses—which, as it turned out, were never adequately funded.

I understand if you are among those who struggle with the idea of coercive care, and I want to share a quote from Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), a supporter of Prop 1 who is also a PhD-packing clinical social worker.

“There is nothing compassionate about leaving suffering human beings on the street untreated or waiting until they have committed a crime and treating them in prison; rather than intervening to get them the help they desperately need.”

Newsom’s Prop 1: Revolution or Return to Reason?

An assembly hall at Agnews Developmental Center in Santa Clara. Agnews was one of five hospitals that served California residents with developmental disabilities and mental illness, all of which were emptied in the misguided move toward “community care."

Prop 1 was designed to help unhoused people get off the streets by forcing them into treatment. That’s one reason it took two weeks of vote-counting to pass.

Helping Young People Whose Parents Are Struggling

The very best thing about doing community journalism is that I get to help some remarkable people tell their inspiring stories. That happened last week when I met Danielle Dace and Matthew Romsa. CASA Sacramento is the only organization in the region that offers help to kids who have been removed from their parents care due to neglact or abuse. Often, the grownups involved are stuggling with addiction, and the families can be reuinted once they've gotten treatment. That has become increasingly difficult, so the need for help is great.

There are CASAs in most California counties, and you can find them under Families and Children in our Community Groups and Nonprofits database.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate Can Change a Child’s Life

Danielle Dace and Matthew Romsa of CASA Sacramento

A conversation with two committed professionals who help CASA Sacramento match trained volunteers with children in the foster care system.

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.

This springtime carrot cake has a difference

Carrots and chocolate -- how perfect for Easter or any other spring occasion.

NEW Chocolate glaze especially appropriate for a holiday dessert

Get to Know a Group

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The chapter serves Sacramento and Yolo counties, as well as southern Placer County.

→ Learn more

From Our Media Allies

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	In honor of March being Women's History month, Tahoe Daily Tribune has chosen to spotlight Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council Managing Director Nettie Pardue.

	Auburn Police Department Reports More Cases Cleared, Chronic Homelessness Down
	Auburn PD's 2023 report also notes a 45-percent increase in DUI arrests

Colfax Approves Downtown Connectivity, Improvement Plan

The plan identifies and develops concepts for a revitalized downtown, including improvements to visibility and wayfinding as well as using underutilized pavement space to improve cyclist and pedestrian facilities and beautifying downtown Colfax.

	Pines to Mines Trail Unites Community, Expands Accessibility, Drives Economic Growth in Nevada County
	About a decade ago, former Nevada County Supervisor Richard Anderson spearheaded a project that united trail advocates from across the county to explore ways of creating an interconnected trail network.

	Bear Box Grant Program Now Available for Tahoe Basin Property Owners, Receive Up to $2,200
	Placer County property owners in the Tahoe Basin can receive up to $2,200 to install a bear-resistant garbage can, also known as a bear box.

	Loomis Moves Forward on Train Depot Trees
	The Town of Loomis is moving forward with a cost-saving combination of oak trees and shade sails for more sun protection at the downtown Train Depot.

	Transportation Planning Discusses Sales Tax
	A half-cent sales tax that would generate $1.58 billion over 30 year was discussed at the Roseville City Council meeting March 20 as a possibility in the future.

	Granite Bay Walmart Store to Close April 12
	The Granite Bay Walmart at 4080 Douglas Blvd. is shutting its doors due to falling revenue after 12 years of serving the community, according to the company.

	Sierra Community House: Uniting for a Holistic Approach to Combat Domestic, Sexual Violence
	Five years ago, the decision to merge four local core service organizations was unprecedented and initially met with skepticism.

	Nevada County Approves $250,000 Contract With Community Foundation
	The Board of Supervisors approved a three-year contract today with the new Community Foundation of Nevada County to help with emergency preparedness and further other county priorities.

	Truckee Town Council Moves Forward With Findings From Biomass, Bioenergy Study
	The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, March 26, to discuss Wildephor Consulting's Biomass/Bioenergy study involving the use of an Air Curtain Burner (ACB) to manage woody biomass.

	City of Auburn Seeks Feedback From General Plan Survey
	The city of Auburn is going through a General Plan update and the team behind the work has spent the past several weeks collecting input from the community through workshops and stakeholder meetings. The team is now looking toward the …

	Placer County Voters Shift Voting Behavior With First Voters Choice Act Election
	In June 2023, Placer County elected to transition to Voters Choice Act elections, which allow voters to utilize centralized voter centers which are open for 10 days ahead of Election Day and are available to any eligible voter wanting to …

	Longtime Auburn Resident Emi Hamasaki Turns 100
	Longtime Placer County resident Emi Tsujimoto Hamasaki celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by close family members at Westwood Hills Senior Care Home in Auburn.

	Spring in Tahoe \| Bears, Bottle Bans & Festivals Galore
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	California Extends Student Financial Aid Deadline to May 2
	Responding to a federal financial aid glitch, Caliifornia legislators and Gov. Gavin Newsom within two weeks gave students an additional month to apply for state aid.

Recent Statewide News

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• Salmon Populations Are Struggling, Bringing Economic Woes for California's Fishing Fleet

Captains of fishing boats on the California coast are bracing for salmon fishing to be severely restricted — or possibly canceled for a second year.

(03/30/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• CA Fast Food Workers Get Higher Wages, but Which Ones?

According to emails obtained by CalMatters Capitol reporter Jeanne Kuang in response to a public records request, a range of employers have been trying to figure out if they must pay $20 ever since the law was signed late last September.

(03/29/2024) → CalMatters

• Your Doctor or Your Insurer? Little-Known Rules May Ease the Choice in Medicare Advantage

Disputes between insurers and providers can lead to entire hospital systems suddenly leaving the plans.

(03/28/2024) → California Healthline

• Homeless Infants and Toddlers Largely Unenrolled in Early Ed Programs

Evictions have exacerbated homelessness nationwide, increasing the rate of homeless infants and toddlers. Most of those children are not enrolled in early education programs.

(03/28/2024) → EdSource

• California’s Disabled Students Left Behind During Emergencies: ‘They Just Weren’t Ready for Someone Like Me’

After bringing his story all the way to the University of California Board of Regents, a disabled UC Berkeley student has prompted the UC to ensure emergency evacuation chairs are in every multi-storied building in the 10-university system.

(03/27/2024) → CalMatters

• RFK Jr. Picks VP, but Still Isn’t on California Ballot

Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. chose Oakland to announce his vice presidential pick on Tuesday, so it wasn’t too much of a shocker that his pick was Nicole Shanahan, a Bay Area tech attorney and philanthropist.

(03/27/2024) → CalMatters

• Feds Propose Killing Nearly 500,000 'Invasive' Owls to Save Calif. Native Owls

The goal is to eliminate habitat competition between "invasive" owls and native owls.

(03/27/2024) → SF Gate

• Reps. Gaetz and Greene Lawsuit Against Cities Where Political Rally Was Canceled Can Move Forward

A judge ruled GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene can move forward with their lawsuit against two California cities where rallies were canceled.

(03/25/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• At Stake in Mifepristone Case: Abortion, FDA’s Authority, and Return to 1873 Obscenity Law

Lawyers from the conservative Christian group that won the case to overturn Roe v. Wade are returning to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday in pursuit of an urgent priority: shutting down access to abortion pills for women across the country.

(03/25/2024) → KFF Health News

Government Announcements

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	City of Sacramento (03/29/2024) Sacramento seeing highs and lows in housing development, according to recent update
The number of building permits for new housing issued in the City of Sacramento dipped 7.5 percent in 2023 as higher interest rates made it more difficult for developers to obtain financing. In an annual update on Sacramentos progress toward meeting housing goals, staff said the City issued permits for 2,603 units in 2023, down [...] The post Sacramento seeing …

	United States (03/29/2024) Lidl Voluntarily Recalls Deluxe Branded Macarons Party Edition Due to Undeclared Allergens
Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall of Deluxe branded Macarons Party Edition due to undeclared allergens. The recall was issued due to undeclared wheat, soy, egg, milk, and tree nuts (almonds, pistachios, and coconut) in the products as a result of non-English ingredient labeling. People who ha

	City of Sacramento (03/29/2024) Join City staff April 6 for clean-up events ahead of Earth Day
Looking to get an early start on Earth Day activities? Join City of Sacramento staff April 6 for clean-up and beautification events citywide. The events will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and are open to individuals or groups. In addition to trash pick-up at all sites, volunteers can assist with painting, planting, and [...] The post Join City …

	City of Sacramento (03/29/2024) Learn about youth employment opportunities at the City’s resource fair April 6
Young people looking to get connected with local employers are invited to attend the Citys annual Youth Resource & Employment Fair on Saturday, April 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Located at City Hall (915 I St.), the event is open to all young people ages 13 to 24. This years fair, hosted by the Youth, Parks, [...] The post …

	United States (03/29/2024) Tropicale Foods Recalls Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack Because of Possible Health Risk
Tropicale Foods of Modesto, CA is voluntarily recalling 5,224 units of Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack with best by date of "MO Best By 10/11/2025", because the mango bars in the variety pack have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and someti

	United States (03/28/2024) Shawnee Milling Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Egg in "5lb. Food Club All Purpose Flour"
Shawnee Milling Company of Shawnee, Oklahoma is recalling 5 lb.Food Club brand All Purpose Flour with Best if Used by date 03/07/2025, because it may contain undeclared milk and egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic

	City of Sacramento (03/28/2024) The City’s parks inventory has grown. Here’s the newest location
Joining the list of more than 200 City parks, a new outdoor amenity in south Natomas is another recreational space Sacramento residents now can enjoy. Operated by the City's Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment Department, Fong Ranch Park (3701 Fong Ranch Road) includes many features such as a childrens farm-themed playground, basketball court, group picnic [...] The post The Citys …

	State of California (03/28/2024) Lori Wilson CA Assembly 11: San Francisco Bay Ferry welcomes new vessel
San Francisco Bay Ferry welcomes new vessel guerraje Thu, 03/28/2024 - 13:00 Wednesday, March 27, 2024 SOLANO COUNTY San Francisco Bay Ferry and its partners are celebrating the arrival of the MV Delphinus, the newest high-speed passenger vessel to join its fleet. MV Delphinus carries 320 passengers and will operate primarily on the Vallejo route. The vessel, which is the …

	City of Sacramento (03/28/2024) New City community plan better supports increasing population of older adults in Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council this week approved the newly developed Age Friendly Community Action Plan to help plan for the needs of older adults in the Sacramento community. Matching national trends, Sacramento is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population. Between 2010 and 2019, the percentage of Sacramentos 65 and older population increased from [...] The post New City …

	City of Sacramento (03/28/2024) Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness March 18-24
The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From March 18-24, the City of Sacramento received 703 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 847 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance [...] The post Data Report: …

Sandhill Cranes, Foster Kids, and Coercive Compassion

Life After Death

Sacramento County's Homepage

Coercive Compassion

Helping Young People Whose Parents Are Struggling

Recipe of the Week

Get to Know a Group

From Our Media Allies

Recent Statewide News

Government Announcements