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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 18, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom looking troubled in a file photo. Gov. Gavin Newsom looking troubled in a file photo.

State of the State? We'll See.

Happy Monday.

As you may know, Gov. Gavin Newsom will not be giving his State of the State address this afternoon, as had been planned. That’s because Proposition 1, his $6.4 billion bond aimed at helping unhoused, mentally ill Californians get into shelter and treatment, is too close to call. 

Late last week, the governor's national PAC, Campaign for Democracy, sent an urgent request asking supporters to contact Democrats who have had faulty ballots rejected, and encourage them to get them fixed. This is a little-known maneuver known as a “cure,” which allows voters to correct ballots that have been rejected because of missing signatures or other errors after election day. (You can find out if your ballot was counted by following this link to the state’s Ballottrax service.)


Unhoused Individuals and Mental Health

Prop 1 is narrowly ahead as of Sunday night, and its opponents have conceded the race. Nevertheless, opposition from civil liberties groups and advocates for the mentally ill may have (almost?) derailed the measure.


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.

California's CARE Court System: Mental Health & Homelessness

Clinicians will have two weeks to decide whether a mentally ill person qualifies for the CARE Court system.
California’s CARE Court system, which compels treatment for people with severe mental illness, was launched in October 2023 despite efforts by civil liberties groups to stop it.


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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!


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.


Crispy potatoes deserve Green Goddess dressing

The cutest little new potatoes are destined to be paired with the herbs at left: parsley, chives and dill.
NEW Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this delicious side dish


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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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Sacramento News and Review logo Sacramento Artists Bring Forth Community-Centric Solutions at City Arts Commission Meeting

Artists reconvene to further discuss Wide Open Walls following failed mural project.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Study on City Fees Is Now Complete

The City is proposing new development fees for the first time in 17 years, which should result in an additional $1.3 million a year, officials said.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Regional Business Broadband Master Plan

Valley Vision has received grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to create a roadmap for areas in Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, and Yolo counties.

Folsom Times logo Student Mahee Hasawani, Folsom American Legion Are State Oratorical Champs

Folsom's American Legion Post 362 and a local high school senior are celebrating success after results of the state level 86th National Oratorical Contests were announced by the American Legion Department of California, with local student Mahee Hasawani being named …

Folsom Times logo Dianna Laney Enters Folsom Cordova School Board Race

Laney describes herself as a devoted community leader, small business owner and parent.

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Recent Local News

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Sacramento Sheriff’s Department Arrests 96 People for Retail Theft at Target

Over the weekend the Sacramento Sheriff's Department conducted an operation to combat retail theft in the Sacramento area. 96 people were arrested, with 10 people booked into the county jail. The ages of those arrested ranged from 11 to 62 years old.

(03/14/2024) → Elk Grove Laguna News

Creative Economy Meeting Hosts Artists, Leaders to Discuss Impact and Opportunities

Passion, policy and opportunity intersected on the evening of March 13 when Atrium 916 and Black Artist Foundry held a creative economy meeting.

(03/14/2024) → Sacramento Business Journal

Apartment Project Planned Next to Broderick in West Sacramento

Bare land is slated for a new residential development.

(03/13/2024) → Sacramento Business Journal

Billionaire California Growers Battle Farmworker Union Over Biggest Victory Under New Law

The United Farm Workers is facing allegations of fraudulent conduct from one of the largest agricultural companies in the world, days after the historic union successfully organized a small part of the multibillion-dollar business.

(03/13/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

New Public Market Planned for Sacramento’s River District

Alchemist Community Development Corporation is planning an incubator for food entrepreneurs in the River District at 341 North 10th Street to open to the public by early 2026.

(03/13/2024) → The Sacramento Observer

Meet Jessica Sanders, Executive Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation

A Q&A with Jessica Sanders, who helps the leafy citizens of the "City of Trees" thrive.

(03/11/2024) → Sactown Magazine

March is Museum Membership Month

A list of Sacramento area museums offering discounted memberships in March.

(03/11/2024) → Sacramento Press

Meet the High Schoolers Behind the Mic at KYDS 91.5 FM

Intro to Media Arts students at El Camino Fundamental High School are the voices and talent driving this area radio station.

(03/11/2024) → The Observer

Fong Moves on in California Primary to Replace Kevin McCarthy.

Assemblyman Vince Fong, the presumed frontrunner to replace retired Bakersfield Rep. Kevin McCarthy in California’s most Republican-filled congressional district, will vie in the Nov. 5 general election — presuming California’s secretary of state doesn’t block him.

(03/11/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Harder to Face Republican Kevin Lincoln in Tough November House Race

Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, will vie in a close November election for a left-leaning Stockton-anchored seat in the Central Valley.

(03/11/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
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Recent Statewide News

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• California Speeds Plans to Empty San Quentin's Death Row

California prison officials announced they will move the last 457 condemned prisoners out of San Quentin's death row by summer. They will be transferred to other state prisons and housed in the general population.

(03/18/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• Alan G. Sieroty, Former State Senator Who Helped Create the Coastal Commission, Dies at 93

Sieroty, of Beverly Hills, served as a state Assembly member and senator, championing disability rights and efforts to protect California's coast.

(03/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• California Unlikely to Meet Landmark Goals for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

California will miss its goals unless it can increase emission reductions threefold, according to a new study.

(03/15/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• Q&A: How the 50-Year-Old Case That Transformed English Learner Education Began

An interview with Lucinda Lee Katz, the first grade teacher of the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case Lau vs. Nichols.

(03/14/2024) → EdSource
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (03/16/2024)

Wenders LLC Recalls Trader Joes Nuts - 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews Because of Possible Health Risk

Wenders LLC of Dublin, CA is recalling specific production lots of Trader Joes Nuts - 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews - (SKU Number - 37884) Lot# T12139, T12140, T12141, and T12142 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/15/2024)

Roger Niello CA Senate 06:
Housing Reform Still Lacking as Governor Proposes Program Reductions

Housing Reform Still Lacking as Governor Proposes Program Reductions dimmital Fri, 03/15/2024 - 15:05
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/14/2024)

Lori Wilson CA Assembly 11:
Assemblywoman Lori Wilson Recognizes Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the Assembly Floor

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (03/14/2024)

Here’s how to track the results of the City’s $121 million in American Rescue Plan investments

The City of Sacramento recently launched an updated American Rescue Plan (ARP) Impact Hub, featuring new performance and equity dashboard reports. The performance dashboards provide a comprehensive overview of the outcomes and impacts of the City's ARP investments. They offer detailed insights into the progress and results of various ARP-funded projects, enabling residents to track [...] The post Heres how …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (03/14/2024)

St. Patrick’s Day races and parade will close streets across Sacramento. Here’s where

This upcoming St. Patricks Day weekend will see multiple events close various streets in across Sacramento. Saturday, March 16, will see the first of two races for Shamrockn, the annual 5k, 10k and half marathon event organized by Fleet Feet. Residents and motorists are advised to check the maps below and add extra time if they plan [...] The post …
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/13/2024)

Kick Ash Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Product

Kick Ash Products of Ellison Bay, WI is recalling Door County Love Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola with Lot #061241, because it may contain undeclared ALMONDS. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (03/13/2024)

Data report: How the City responded to homelessness March 4-10

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From March 4-10, the City of Sacramento received 729 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 913 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance [...] The post Data report: …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (03/13/2024)

Sacramento City, County have helped house 25,000 people in last seven years

More than 25,000 people have moved from homeless to housed since 2017 through the efforts of Sacramento City and County, the leader of Sacramento Steps Forward told the City Council Tuesday. Progress on helping people exit homelessness has accelerated due to the increased efforts of both local governments during that period, including more emergency shelter [...] The post Sacramento City, …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (03/13/2024)

City activates weather-respite center March 13-15

With the National Weather Service issuing a high-wind warning, the City of Sacramento is activating weather-respite operations at its Outreach and Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd.). The OEC will provide weather respite from 5 p.m. Wednesday (March 13) to 11 a.m. Friday (March 15). Walk-ups will be accepted, with the OEC able to accommodate up to [...] The post City …
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/13/2024)

Taylor Farms Pacific Recalls Kroger Brand Ready-To-Eat Apple Walnut With Chicken Salad Bowl Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2024 - Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding...