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By Eric Johnson
Published Feb 03, 2025

Image credit: Eric Johnson

A Midwinter Check-In

Midwinter greetings from the gray and rainy capital of the greening Golden State. According to the Farmers' Almanac, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, marks the exact halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox—this day is celebrated in snowy cultures as Midwinter.

There are two ways we might use this obscure holiday to inform our discussion in this episode of The Newsletter. 1) Grimly contemplate the dark, cold months we have traversed since the happy holiday season ended, while gravely considering the darker events of those months (or last week). 2) Look forward hopefully to the warmth and brightness of spring, and find something within our remit to celebrate. 

Okay, you win. This week, in our endless quest to present a fresh perspective on the news: While goverment workers are being virtually massacred back east, we offer an appreciative look at the people we like to call "public servants."

Also, below: Maybe you don't need me to tell you that you can find (right here!) local news you need; an inspiring hook-up with a heroic non-profit organization; and (what?) a recipe for a dish that might make everythng feel better.


What is Government Work Worth?

As you have probably heard, some of our California technology brothers (love 'em, hate 'em, or both) have achieved positions of power in DC, and are cleaning house—relieving longtime government workers of their jobs. This is being seen as either a much-needed move toward government efficiency or an attack on democracy. (If the tech bros had any demonstrated understanding of civics or government policy, I'd say that's an open question.)

Coincidentally, local elected officials here at home are being vilified for giving themselves raises—often for the first time in decades. Chris Neklason presents some context.


Most Local Elected Officials Work Hard for Low Pay

Yeah, it might feel like that but it (probably, mostly) isn't true.
Recent votes to give California's mayors and council members pay raises have led to criticism. Is it justified?


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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 Winter! cookbook.


Gingery carrot soup packs in nutrition and comfort

Garnished with orange juice and an optional dollop of orange-zest-infused yogurt, this gingery carrot juice is a guaranteed warmer on a winter day.
New! Vegan soup is loaded with vegetables and spices


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.

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From Our Media Allies

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Sierra Sun logo Tahoe City Public Utility District Expands Water Rate Assistance Program to Help More Customers

The Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) Board of Directors recently approved the expansion of its Water Rate Assistance Program. The expanded program is intended to provide water rate assistance to more TCPUD water customers, with discounts of up to …

Tahoe Guide logo No Clear Answers on When Homewood Mountain Resort Will Open

New rendering of the gondola terminal facing West from fall 2024. | Homewood Mountain Resort
There’s no answer yet on when Homewood Mountain Resort will reopen, despite an email update the resort sent on Jan. 31 titled “Path to Reopening.”

Auburn Journal logo Development Discussed for North Part of Auburn

Auburn city officials met with City Council members Monday night to discuss a proposed general plan map designation for unincorporated areas of the north part of the city.

Folsom Times logo Snowpack Dips Well Below Average in 2nd Snow Survey of the Season

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 22.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 8 inches, which is 46 percent of …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo ‘HOMEWOOD IS PUBLIC’: Months-Long Wait Is Over With Final Decision

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency reports hundreds attended their Governing Board meeting both online and in-person at the Stateline office on Wednesday, Jan. 22, where the agency approved Homewood Mountain Resort's Master Plan amendments and gondola project.

Auburn Journal logo Loomis Basin Chamber to Host Boots & Bling Awards Feb. 20

With a "Boots & Bling" country-western theme, the Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Blue Goose Event Center.

Folsom Telegraph logo Roseville to Host Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo

Roseville has been selected to host the 2025 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo @the Grounds on Saturday, March 29, city officials announced. Admission is free.

Sierra Sun logo $9 Million Worth of Projects Approved for North Tahoe

An investment totaling over $9 million is headed towards North Tahoe after a Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 21. That's when the board approved transient occupancy tax funding for seven projects in the Tahoe region of Placer …

Auburn Journal logo Auburn-Grass Valley Elks on 'Target' With Veterans Support

On Monday, Dec. 16, the Auburn-Grass Valley Elks Lodge 538 provided 40 Target gift certificates – totaling $50 each – to Placer County Veterans Service Officer Richard Johnson for distribution to homeless veterans.

Auburn Journal logo VFW Asian Dinner a Big Success in Colfax

A full-house crowd at the Colfax Veterans Hall was recently hosted to an Asian dinner fundraiser from VFW Post 2003. A social hour, silent auction and dinner served by local boys and girls scout troops made for a memorable evening …

Auburn Journal logo Placer Historical Society Dinner Meeting Retraces Steps of Snowshoe Thompson

The Placer County Historical Society welcomes the History Expedition team for its dinner meeting Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Auburn Veterans Hall, 100 East Street.

Auburn Journal logo Colfax Continues Sidewalk Repair Ordinance

The proposed ordinance would allow the city engineer to provide a letter to a property owner to notify them and document a needed sidewalk repair. The property owner would then have 90 days to complete the repair. If the repair …

Auburn Journal logo New Chamber of Commerce President Aims to 'Keep Auburn Turning'

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce installs officers for 2025, recognizes 2024 awardees.

Placer Herald logo Guest Editorial: Home-Hardening Basics

There are two things we, as residents in high-fire areas, need to do to protect our homes from wildfire: Create defensible space, and harden our home. This article addresses home hardening.

Sacramento News and Review logo Delta Communities, Regional Fishing Groups, Startled by New Presidential Executive Orders

On January 24, President Donald Trump issued executive orders that will have “devastating consequences” for California’s water future, public health and environmental protections – threatening a federal takeover of the state’s right to manage its land and resources – according …

Auburn Sentinel logo Free Tax Help for Eligible Individuals and Families

Get free help filing your taxes in 2025! Placer County Health and Human Services, in partnership with the IRS and United Way, offers free tax assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

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Recent Local News

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Placer County Approves Land Acquisition

In their February 4 meeting, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the acquisition of 279 acres of land to add to the Placer County Conservation Program. Read on to learn more.

(02/04/2025) Roseville Today
Spotlight on Kiwanis Club of Roseville

Read on for more information about the Kiwanis Club of Roseville and consider becoming a member of this service group.

(02/01/2025) Roseville Today
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Recent Statewide News

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Spotlight on Black History Month

A look at 14 places in California where Black businesses and culture thrived.

(02/04/2025) The Sacramento Observer
CA Lawmakers Propose $175 Million Increase for Cal Fire Staffing

Roughly a month after deadly wildfires erupted in Los Angeles County, killing at least 29 people, lawmakers in the state Senate have introduced a proposal to bolster Cal Fire staffing, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is meeting with President Donald Trump over disaster aid.

(02/04/2025) CalMatters
State Farm Asks for More Insurance Rate Increases After LA Fires

State Farm, which already has rate increase requests pending, asked state officials to approve more insurance price increases.

(02/04/2025) CalMatters
Donate to the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund

The California Community Foundation is accepting donations to help the folks impacted by the fires in Southern California. Consider donating today.

(02/03/2025) California Community Foundation
Monarch Butterfly Numbers Plummet

The statewide count of overwintering monarch butterflies shows a sharp drop in number. Read on to learn more.

(02/03/2025) The Sacramento Bee
CA Monarch Butterfly Count Yields Worrisome Finding

For the past three years, more than 200,000 western monarch butterflies spent their winters along the California coast — huddling together in tall tree groves, finding respite from the wind from November to February.

(02/03/2025) CalMatters
Should ‘Aiding’ or ‘Abetting’ a Homeless Camp Be Illegal? It Might Soon Be a Reality in This Bay Area City

The unusual move is alarming activists who worry they could be in the ordinance’s crosshairs.

(02/03/2025) CalMatters
Sierra Snowpack Drastically Below Normal — And No One’s Turning on the Pumps, DWR Says

Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which supplies about one-third of California’s water needs, was far lower than average for the end of January at one of the state’s measurement points on January 31.

(02/03/2025) Local News Matters
About That Trump-Ordered San Joaquin Valley Water Release...

Read on to learn more about the Trump-ordered "emergency" release of water from two San Joaquin Valley reservoirs and how it is literally going down the drain (and not to preserve LA from fires as claimed).

(02/01/2025) Stocktonia
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Claiming Community College Diversity Policies Infringe on Academic Freedom

Plaintiffs claimed that being evaluated on their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles is unconstitutional and has a chilling effect on their free speech rights.

(01/31/2025) EdSource
Charging Forward: ‘Lithium Valley’ Could Offer Prosperity for Marginalized Area of California

CHRIS BENNER AND MANUEL PASTOR have had front row seats to the changes taking place in the so-called Lithium Valley, the region around the Salton Sea, where a network of companies have hatched a plan for local and state government entities to mine vast quantities of lithium to use in the batteries that power electric vehicles.

(01/31/2025) Local News Matters
Over $4 Billion in LA Fire Claims Distributed, More to Come

Insurance companies have paid out $4.2 billion in claims so far to survivors of the Los Angeles County fires, the state Insurance Department said Thursday.

(01/30/2025) CalMatters
California Monarchs See Steep Decline

The number of monarch butterflies overwintering in California are at a near-record low, and the wiping out of the Topanga butterfly habitat by the LA fires has made matters worse. Read on to learn more.

(01/30/2025) Los Angeles Times
Artificial Intelligence Is Bringing Nuclear Power Back From the Dead — Maybe Even in California

Energy demands from big tech, including for AI, has elected officials giving an old power source a second look.

(01/29/2025) CalMatters
More CSU Budget Cuts Proposed

Struggling with prior cuts, California State University calls latest proposed budget cuts unacceptable. Read on to learn more.

(01/29/2025) Los Angeles Times
New Regulations Proposed for Battery Energy Storage Facilities Following Moss Landing Fire

In the wake of the fire earlier this month at Vistra Corporation’s Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility, the California Public Utilities Commission has proposed new standards for battery energy storage facilities.

(01/29/2025) Local News Matters
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Government Announcements

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Image of County of Placer seal. New EBT chip/tap card
Check your mailbox often for your new card. All existing benefits will transfer automatically to your new EBT Card and you PIN will stay the same. If you have questions, please contact the EBT Customer Service Helpline (877) 328-9677.
County of Placer   (02/03/2025)
Image of United States seal. Gerber Products Company Announces Recall and Discontinuation of All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Choking Hazard
January 31, 2025 - Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER SOOTHE N CHEW TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of City of Auburn seal. Alert Center
Access various alerts including road closures, parking alerts, boil water advisories, and more. Alerts will be displayed at the top of the website when active. Visitors can also sign up to receive notifications on specific categories to always stay...
City of Auburn   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. Blue Ridge Beef Issues a Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Natural Mix Due to Salmonella Contamination
January 31, 2025- Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 5,700 lbs. of their 2 lb log Natural Mix due to a contamination of Salmonella. Lot # N25/12/31 (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags) UPC# 854298001054.
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. DJ's Boudain LLC Recalls Sausage Link Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2025 - D.J.'s Boudain, LLC, a Beaumont, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage link products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. United Natural Trading LLC Announces Allergy Alert for Undeclared Milk in Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
January 29, 2025 - United Natural Trading LLC, Edison, NJ, is voluntarily recalling Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction
United States   (01/30/2025)
Image of United States seal. Wismettac Asian Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack
Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is expanding its January 17, 2025 recall of 2.46 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor. The expansion now includes two additional flavors; Sea Salt & Umami Flavor and Corn Potage Flavor. The product contains the und
United States   (01/28/2025)
Image of County of Placer seal. Free tax help for eligible individuals and families
Get free help filing your taxes in 2025! Placer County Health and Human Services, in partnership with the IRS and United Way, offers free tax assistance through the VITA program. Taxpayers earning $67,000 or less can get help online or in person.
County of Placer   (01/27/2025)
Image of City of Colfax seal. Agency Report of Public Official Appointments (Form 806) has been updated for 2025
The City of Colfax adheres to the standards of transparency and open government policy. To that end the Agency Report of Public Official Appointments: Form 806 is posted here. The post Agency Report of Public Official Appointments (Form 806) has been updated for 2025 appeared first on City of Colfax.
City of Colfax   (01/27/2025)
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)