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By Eric Johnson
Published May 28, 2024

If you really look, you will find some good things are happening in California. If you really look, you will find some good things are happening in California. Image credit: Michael Carni, Shutterstock

We Have Some Real Good News

You probably haven't spent much of every workday for the past 27 years paying attention to local culture and politics in some part of California. I have. I'm not bragging, I'm just saying, that is what I do, and it is a pretty satisfying endeavor. It surprises many people when I share my opinion that for the most part, this state is in much better shape than it was when I started working here.

In our new book, How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State, we have collected 47 Explainers that author Jonathan Vankin wrote for California Local over the past three years (updated for the book) that entertainingly detail the nuts-and-bolts story of how our state functions. Together, they tell a tale that might surprise you in a good way.


Our Brand New Book Tells Some Good, True Stories

After many months of preparation, our new book, by the award-winning journalist and author Jonathan Vankin, is finally available. Get your copy today and discover how, just as California leads the world in technology via Silicon Valley, and in popular culture via Hollywood, etc., the Golden State leads the world in public policy. Way less sexy for sure, but possibly way more important.

Buy it on Amazon today!


How California Works: an Editors' Note


True stories about how, at its best, California has resisted and pushed back against anti-democratic forces. The histories and policies, deeply human characters, and controversies that have led us to where we are today.


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Placer County's Homepage

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


If You're Not in Awe, You're Not Paying Attention

In his first blog post for this project, Chris Neklason, our CEO and product dude, described how building California Local's underlying technology and database turned him into a local-politics optimimist. “The genius of democracy is that it's a political system well suited for people to collectively make things better. Yeah, it's messy, it's imperfect, it's clunky. But it works.” 

This week,  having spent a couple months paying close attention to news from around the state, Chris returns to the subject.


Things Are Getting Better

New garbage and recycling receptacles! A new raised path through the rainy-season swamp!
All across California, municipalities and nonprofits are making their communities better.

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.


Double up on cherries in these tender muffins

Cherry season is worth celebrating with these tender, not-too-sweet muffins.
New! Ricotta the secret ingredient to these baked treats


Impact Report Image for decorative use


Get to Know a Group

Big Brothers Big Sisters logo 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

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From Our Media Allies

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KSQD logo 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.

Sierra Sun logo 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 …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Calforests Applauds Funding for Wildfire Prevention, Preparedness in Governor Newsom’s May Revision

On May 14, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the May Revision includes a proposed budget allocation to assist the State in achieving its fire prevention and fire suppression goals.

Auburn Journal logo Placer County Selects Daniel Chatigny as CEO

The Placer County Board of Supervisors began the May 21 meeting in closed session, where it unanimously voted to appoint Daniel Chatigny as the new county executive officer.

Auburn Journal logo Confluence High Students Building Tiny Home for Veteran

Learning a trade and giving back to the community, the students of Confluence High School have partnered up with a local nonprofit to build a home for an unhoused veteran.

Auburn Journal logo Sierra College Celebrates One of Its Largest Graduating Classes in Its History

Tears of joy, pride and perhaps a little relief trickled down Brittani Simpkins’ face after she walked the stage at Sierra College’s graduation ceremony last Friday night.

Auburn Journal logo Lots of People, and Rainbows, for Placer Pride Event

Rainbows, musical performers and rows and rows of community booths took over Roseville’s Royer Park last Saturday for the third annual Placer Pride event.

Loomis News logo Rocklin Working on Road Improvement Projects

While the weather is favorable, parts of the city of Rocklin have been bustling with the sounds of road repair projects recently.

Loomis News logo City to Host Public Swim Sessions at Rocklin High Starting June 10

Get ready to make a splash this summer, as Rocklin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the return of the city’s Recreational Swim program at the Rocklin High School pool.

Placer Herald logo Roseville Clean-Up Event Collects 123 Tons of Trash

As the old saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Then again, sometimes one person’s trash is just … trash ... that needs to be disposed of.

San Jose Inside logo California Climate Programs Would Lose Billions in Newsom’s Budget

As funds for climate change programs are cut, Democrats and environmentalists are pushing for a bond measure on the ballot to restore some funding.

Placer Sentinel logo Auburn State Theatre Presents Cocktails & Cinema Fundraiser/Street Party

On June 8, We’re “Dancing for the Ceiling” with Proceeds Going Toward the Theatre Restoration Fund.

Auburn Journal logo Placer Land Trust Encourages Outdoor Excursions With Passport Program

There are more than 50 land preserves within Placer County and many are open to the public and provide a variety of options for hiking, picnics and enjoying time with family and friends outside.

Auburn Journal logo City of Auburn Reports Growing Deficit After $2 Million Budget Error

The city of Auburn is facing a growing budget deficit after the new finance director discovered a $2 million error in prior financial reporting.

Auburn Journal logo Colfax Approves Animal Services Contract With Placer County

The Colfax City Council unanimously approved a two-year contract with Placer County Health and Human Services for animal control and care services during its May 8 meeting.

Loomis News logo Loomis Chooses Parking Downtown Over Housing for Lumber Mill Property

Loomis Town is taking back the four-acre W.W. Moulding lumber mill site downtown from low-income housing status for more parking.

Sierra Sun logo 20 Students Graduate From Sierra College Tahoe-Truckee

On Thursday, May 16, 20 students walked across the stage at the North Tahoe Event Center to celebrate graduating from Sierra College Tahoe-Truckee.

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Recent Statewide News

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• 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

• Apology for Slavery, Funding Frameworks for Reparations Advance

California lawmakers voted to offer an official apology for the state’s role in supporting slavery and moved several reparations bills but let others die.

(05/24/2024) → CalMatters

• Decadeslong Delta Tunnel Water Project May Finally Be Nearing a Historic Decision

It’s been almost a half-century since I first heard the term “peripheral canal” uttered by William Gianelli, who was then-Gov. Ronald Reagan’s top water official. The project, in one form or another, had already been kicking around for decades.

(05/23/2024) → CalMatters

• California Climate Programs Would Lose Billions in Newsom’s Budget

As funds for climate change programs are cut, Democrats and environmentalists are pushing for a bond measure on the ballot to restore some funding.

(05/22/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/24/2024)

Joe Patterson CA Assembly 05:
Assemblyman Joe Patterson Honors Family of Fallen Hero Sergeant Nicole Gee

Image of City of Colfax seal. City of Colfax   (05/24/2024)

AVISO DE TALLER PÚBLICA

El Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Colfax llevara a cabo una audiencia publica a las 6:00 p.m. o poco despues, el Junio 5, 2024 en las camaras del Concejo Municipal en 33 South Main Street, Colfax Ca 95713. La audiencia esta siendo convocada por el Concejo Municipal con el proposito de escuchar las opiniones de los ciudadanos para establecer …
Image of City of Colfax seal. City of Colfax   (05/24/2024)

Public Workshop Notice

The City of Colfax City Council shall conduct a public hearing at 6:00pm or shortly thereafter, on June 5, 2024 at the City Council Chambers at 33 South Main Street, Colfax Ca 95713. The hearing is being called by the City Council for the purpose of soliciting citizens views to set priorities for the potential submission of a Community Development …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (05/24/2024)

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
Image of Town of Loomis seal. Town of Loomis   (05/24/2024)

Town Hall Closed Monday, 5/27

The post Town Hall Closed Monday, 5/27 appeared first on Loomis, CA.
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/23/2024)

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
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (05/23/2024)

Free adoptions, ‘Doggy Speed Dating’ and more at upcoming Placer County Animal Services event

Placer County Animal Services will be hosting a special event for California Adopt-A-Pet Day on Saturday, June 1, at their Auburn shelter, featuring free adoptions and fun activities to help you get to know adoptable animals like Doggy Speed Dating.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (05/23/2024)

Placer County wins Public Facilities Award of Excellence for sixth straight year

The Placer County Facilities Management team has been recognized with the Public Facilities Award of Excellence for the sixth straight year by the California Counties Facilities Services Association.
Image of Town of Loomis seal. Town of Loomis   (05/23/2024)

Splash Pad is Open!

Beat the heat! The splash pad at Blue Anchor Park is open for the Summer! Big thank you to our Public Works team for getting it ready and making sure it was running properly for our town to enjoy. Splash pad operates daily from 10:00am - 9:00pm. To activate the water, touch the sensor located ... Continued The post Splash …
Image of United States seal. United States   (05/22/2024)

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