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By Eric Johnson
Published Apr 08, 2024

The Douglas iris is a wildflower native to central and northern California and parts of southern Oregon. The Douglas iris is a wildflower native to central and northern California and parts of southern Oregon. Image credit: Traci Hukill

Greetings & Spring Things from Santa Cruz

(Blogpost extra: In a last-minute addition to this edition of The Newsletter, I share some thoughts on today's eclipse. See below.)

The first time I recall encountering a field of Douglas irises, which may have been at Wilder Ranch State Park just north of Santa Cruz, I looked around for the ruins of a homestead. It didn't occur to me that these could be wildflowers—I figured they had to be remnants of some long-ago-planted garden.

I grew up ten miles from Manhattan in New Jersey, which is known as the Garden State, and deserves that nickname outside the brutalized swath that is the Turnpike. But the woods that flanked the Hackensack River and surrounded the Oradell Reservoir, my childhood nature refuges, had nothing to compare with the Douglas iris. Or the California poppy. Or, to my knowledge, the Calochortus lily (see below). All of California is special in my eyes, and Santa Cruz maybe especially so.

I write as always from my beloved home in the urban forest that is Midtown Sacramento, and take you today to another of my hometowns. 


A Spring Guide, a Garden, and a Bunch of Pretty Murals

Even if you aren't planning to visit Santa Cruz this spring, you might enjoy this virtual visit. 


Natural Wonders of Santa Cruz ... Spring Renewal

When walking around this spring, keep an eye out for the stunning Calochortus lily.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has some tips on what to see in the blossoming new season, from wildflowers to migrating shorebirds to humpback whales.

A Native-Plant Garden Helps Transform a Neighborhood

Felicia Van Stolk in her museum's front-yard garden.
On Hilltromper, a conversation with Felicia Van Stolk of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History about her Garden Learning Center.

Santa Cruz Murals

An online gallery of the murals of Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County is home to amazing murals. One amazing person is working to document them in one place.

Eclipse 2024: Coincidence or Miracle?

Three pieces in the nation's two biggest newspapers on Sunday investigated the eclipse, the emotion we call "awe," and the meaning of the universe.


The Universe Winks

A  total solar eclipse can offer a rare opportunity to see stars and planets during the day.
There is no scientific explanation for the conditions that make an eclipse inevitable. It’s a coincidence. Or a miracle.


Impact Report Image for decorative use


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From Our Media Allies

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Folsom Times logo Five Folsom-Cordova Educational Leaders Earn State Awards

Coming off the news of several Folsom area schools joining the list of 2024 Distinguished Schools a week ago, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District has announced that five different district employees will receive honors at the state level by …

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Recent Local News

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• California’s Attorney General Has a Message for Elk Grove: You Are Not Off the Hook | Opinion

Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen speaks at a press conference at Elk Grove City Hall on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, condemning hate against the Asian-American Pacific Islander community and outlining plans to increase public safety.

(04/05/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Latest Indictment Accuses Former Local Goodwill CEO Richard Abrusci of Crimes Against Additional Nonprofits

Former Goodwill Sacramento Valley & Northern Nevada CEO Richard Abrusci faces additional charges in a federal indictment alleging he stole more than $1.5 million from multiple area nonprofits.

(04/05/2024) → Sacramento Business Journal

• Longtime Leader, CEO of Sacramento Family Justice Center to Retire

Since the center’s founding, Faith Whitmore and employees have served nearly 27,000 victims, including 13,000 children.

(04/05/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• 'By Any Means Necessary' Sacramento Zoo Officials Say They Will Raise $50 Million for Relocation to Elk Grove

Although Elk Grove taxpayers will shoulder most of the $302 million cost of the initial phase of the relocation and construction of a new Sacramento Zoo, other parties including the Sacramento Zoological Society will share the burden.

(04/05/2024) → Elk Grove News Net

• California to Pay $2 Million to Sacramento, Alameda Counties to Settle Environmental Suit

A California state agency is paying $2.26 million to Sacramento and Alameda counties to settle a lawsuit that alleges underground leaking storage tanks.

(04/05/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Researcher Lands Prestigious Grant for UC Davis Health

Gun Violence Expert Dr. Shani Buggs Talks Need For More Funding, Diverse Perspectives.

(04/05/2024) → The Sacramento Observer

• Gov. Newsom Promotes Delta Tunnel; Reservoir

At a press event to celebrate the above-average snowpack survey in the Sierra Nevada on April 2, Newsom unveiled the state’s controversial updated California Water Plan.

(04/05/2024) → Elk Grove News Net

• Corporate Citizenship Awards: John Finegan; Beck Ag

The Sacramento Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship Awards honor the individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to give back to the Sacramento-area community.

(04/05/2024) → Sacramento Business Journal

• California Snowpack Above Average for a Second Year

The California Department of Water Resources announced the water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack at 110% of the April 1 average.

(04/02/2024) → CapPublicRadio
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Recent Statewide News

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• California Fails to Adequately Help Blind and Deaf Prisoners, US Judge Rules

Thirty years after prisoners with disabilities sued the state of California and 25 years after a federal court first ordered accommodations, a judge found that state prison and parole officials still are not doing enough to help deaf and blind prisoners.

(04/08/2024) → California Healthline

• Business Groups and Lawmakers Battle Over Ballot Measure to Limit California Tax Increases

Anti-tax groups in California have qualified a measure for the November ballot that would make raising state and local taxes much more difficult. It’s a showdown that’s been building for nearly five decades.

(04/08/2024) → CalMatters

• Opinion: I've Covered California's Homeless Since Before the Word Was Used. This Is What I Learned

I thought my journalism and others’ could change policy, perhaps even inspire a New Deal-style response equal to the challenge. Such was my naiveté.

(04/06/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• These Californians Just Got Protection From Big Rent Hikes

Tenants in many new privately owned, low-income units will be protected from double-digit increases. So will some in existing units, after a state committee on affordable housing imposed a rent cap.

(04/05/2024) → CalMatters

• CA Budget Deal Gets Early Start on Deficit

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(04/05/2024) → CalMatters

• Bill to Mandate ‘Science of Reading’ in California Schools Faces Teachers Union Opposition

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(04/04/2024) → EdSource

• Photographers Capture Spectacular Streaking Lights of Southern California

It quickly became clear that Elon Musk’s SpaceX was responsible for the show. The lights were a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 new Starlink satellites into orbit. The rocket blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 7:30 p.m., and it’s trail was visible from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park.

(04/02/2024) → SF Gate
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (04/05/2024)

Global Mix, Inc Recalls Tejocote Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Global Mix, Inc. of New York, is recalling tejocote products to include the following brands: Eva Nutrition, Science of Alpha, Niwali, NWL Nutra. The recalled products are labeled as tejocote root but are toxic yellow oleander. Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal, an
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (04/05/2024)

Learn how to manage debt-collection challenges at this webinar from the City’s Financial Empowerment Center

Navigating debt-collection practices can feel overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling uncertain and powerless. To help Sacramentans in overcoming these challenges, the City of Sacramentos Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is hosting a free webinar 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. The webinar aims to equip attendees with practical tools to reduce stress and effectively manage the impact of [...] The post Learn how …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (04/04/2024)

April 13’s Front Street Brewfest celebrates and supports the City’s animal shelter

Front Street in Sacramento on Saturday, April 13, will be lined with dozens of the Sacramento regions best breweries serving cold suds to animal-loving attendees. Tickets are still available for Front Street Animal Shelters annual Brewfest, which supports the shelters animal welfare efforts. "This is an opportunity to provide vital support to local animals in [...] The post April 13's …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (04/04/2024)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness March 25-31

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From March 25-31, the City of Sacramento received 706 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 713 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/04/2024)

Lori Wilson CA Assembly 11:
Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces AB 2300 to Protect Californians from Harmful Chemicals in Medical Supplies

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces AB 2300 to Protect Californians from Harmful Chemicals in Medical Supplies guerraje Thu, 04/04/2024 - 09:36 Title Communications Director Email Edgar.Guerra@asm.ca.gov Phone 916-319-2011 Thursday, April 4, 2024 SACRAMENTO, CA Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, a dedicated advocate for public health, has introduced Assembly Bill 2300 (AB 2300) aimed at safeguarding Californians from the dangers posed by …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/03/2024)

Lori Wilson CA Assembly 11:
Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces Bill to Promote Equity in Housing Access

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces Bill to Promote Equity in Housing Access guerraje Wed, 04/03/2024 - 15:42 Tuesday, April 2, 2024 California Assemblywoman Introduces Bill AB 2785 to Promote Equity in Housing Access (SACRAMENTO, CA) Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson introduces bill aimed at promoting equity and leveling the playing field for renters across California. With nearly 17 million individuals in …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (04/03/2024)

Apply now: Paid youth summer positions open for Landscape & Learning program

Online applications are now being accepted for the summer season of Landscape & Learning, a City youth workforce development program. Run by the Citys Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE) Department, the seasonal program is open to youth aged 14-17 residing within the City limits. Youth selected for the program will engage in six-hour workdays, [...] The post Apply now: …
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/02/2024)

World Green Nutrition, Inc. Announces Expansion of Recall of Tejocote Products Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander

World Green Nutrition, Inc is announcing the expansion of their January 12, 2024 recall to include GREEN ELV NUTRITION brand Elv Control Herbal Supplement 90 capsules, due to the presence of yellow oleander. These additional products have been found via random FDA testing to contain yellow oleander,
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/02/2024)

Abdallah Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almond in Abdallahs 8 oz. Sea Salt Almond Alligators

Abdallah Candies of Apple Valley, MN is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Abdallah Candies 8 oz. sea salt almond alligators. The products have a chocolate covered cherries label with code 0315 on the bottom of the box. The boxes do contain sea salt almond alligators but have an incorrect i
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (04/02/2024)

Learn how to create landscapes that save you water and money at this April 16 webinar

City of Sacramento residents on April 16 are invited to learn how to save money with water-efficient landscapes during a free webinar hosted by the Department of Utilities. Spring is a great time to start thinking about how you can transform your yard using plants that can grow and thrive with less water, said William [...] The post Learn how …