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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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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!


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


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Get to Know a Group

Team Giving logo Team Giving

A regional resource, Team Giving contributes to the community by connecting individuals, businesses and service groups to projects that fulfill the specific needs of local nonprofit groups.

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From Our Media Allies

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Auburn Journal logo Mural at Recreation Park Pays Homage to Auburn

In homage to all things Auburn, Leadership Auburn unveiled a mural on the wall of the community center at Recreation Park on the evening of September 25.

Auburn Journal logo Candidate Faceoff: 4 Debate Auburn's Important Issues

Four Auburn City Council candidates met face to face in the council chambers on September 24 to debate “Important Issues Facing the City.”

Auburn Journal logo Placer County Approves Resolution Supporting Prop. 36

The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting Proposition 36 in their September 24 meeting.

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.

Lincoln News Messenger logo Lincoln Fire Department Swears in 2 New Firefighters

It’s been a while since new Lincoln firefighters have been sworn into service, leading Public Safety Chief Matt Alves to say, “We’re not really used to doing swearing-in ceremonies.”

Lincoln News Messenger logo Lincoln Community Volunteers Pitch in to Clean Up Auburn Ravine

The Auburn Ravine is a beautiful 34-mile valley stream that flows from the city of Auburn through Lincoln, ending in the Sacramento River. Its water nourishes farms, ranches, orchards, and fish and wildlife.

Placer Sentinel logo Placer County Secures $23.7M to Expand Broadband Access to More Foothill Communities

Another significant boost to broadband connectivity is headed for Placer County’s rural communities.

Placer Sentinel logo Placer Supervisors Adopt Resolution Supporting Prop 36

Placer County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously supports California’s Proposition 36 ballot measure, voting Sept. 24, to adopt an affirming resolution.

Placer Sentinel logo Placer County Secures $1.5M Grant to Bolster Wildfire Resilience in Foresthill Divide

Additional wildfire resiliency is on the horizon for Foresthill and the Foresthill Divide, with the Placer County Board of Supervisors approving an agreement to accept Congressionally directed federal funding for the area today.

Auburn Journal logo Placer Planning Commission Receives Overview of County Code Amendments

The Placer County Planning Commission received an overview of proposed amendments to the county’s zoning code during its Sept. 12 meeting.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Council Approves Contract With Interim Police Chief

The Auburn City Council approved an employment agreement with Interim Police Chief Ted Stec at its September 23 meeting.

Placer Sentinel logo Community Volunteers Needed for Tax Assistance Program

Want to give back to the community in the new year? Placer County’s Free Tax Prep program (also known as VITA) is currently seeking volunteers for the 2025 tax season.

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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• Election Explainer: California Ballot Propositions

Roseville Today's explainer of California propositions on the ballot in the November election.

(09/30/2024) → Roseville Today

• Groundbreaking Celebrated for Whitney Park Bike Pump Track

On September 23, a groundbreaking ceremony was held signaling the commencement of construction of the Whitney Community Park Bike Pump Track.

(09/28/2024) → Roseville Today
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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

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(09/24/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of Town of Loomis seal. Town of Loomis   (09/27/2024)

Blue Anchor Park Splash Pad Out of Order

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the splash pad at Blue Anchor park is currently closed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The post Blue Anchor Park Splash Pad Out of Order appeared first on Loomis, CA.
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 County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (09/26/2024)

Placer, Tahoe National Forest to host community meetings to discuss the Lower Sawtooth Trailhead

Placer County and U.S. Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest will host a pair of community meetings next week to discuss the Lower Sawtooth Trailhead Improvements Project.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (09/26/2024)

County expands Family Self Sufficiency program to help more households build financial foundation

Placer County is expanding its Family Self Sufficiency program, serving families in subsidized housing. The 5-year program now has the capacity to support 25 families at a time up from just a handful thanks to a newly-received grant.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (09/25/2024)

Placer County secures $23.7M to expand broadband access to more foothill communities

The county has been awarded a grant of $23,752,674 from the California Public Utilities Commission to expand broadband services along the Interstate 80 corridor, spanning the communities of Applegate, Colfax, Cape Horn, Magra and Alta.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (09/25/2024)

Placer supervisors adopt resolution supporting Prop 36

Our Board of Supervisors unanimously supports the Proposition 36 ballot measure, voting Sept. 24 to adopt an affirming resolution.?Proposition 36 would increase penalties for some drug and theft crimes reduced by Proposition 47.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (09/24/2024)

Placer County receives grant to boost wildfire resilience in Foresthill Divide

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has awarded $293,469 in grant funding to support the Placer Countys Foresthill Divide Community Protection Project.
Image of County of Placer seal. County of Placer   (09/24/2024)

Placer County secures $1.5M grant to bolster wildfire resilience in Foresthill Divide

Additional wildfire resiliency is on the horizon for Foresthill and the Foresthill Divide, with the Placer County Board of Supervisors approving an agreement to accept Congressionally directed federal funding for the area today.
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