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By Eric Johnson
Published Apr 21, 2024

Earth Day: Resilience vs. Disaster

Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.

Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.


Seeing the World Anew

Just a few months before Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders took the "Earthrise" photo above, Stewart Brand convinced NASA to release the first color photo of the earth that had ever been seen. He believed people would be deeply affected by that image and he was right: The founders of Earth Day cite that photo as their inspiration. Here are several other ways this former Merry Prankster changed the world.


Stewart Brand’s ‘Whole Earth’ and its Place in the Universe


Meet the hippie intellectual who changed the world with the first published photograph of our entire planet.


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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!


Organizing Against Disaster

Worsening winter storms and the lengthining wildfire season are forcing us to confront unprecedented challenges. Here's how communities are coping and some ways you can help.


Budgeting for Resilience

West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California, following a storm in January 2023. Throughout the state, communities are being forced to budget for disaster.
California communities are focusing resources in response to the effects of climate change and other challenges.

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.


These scones won’t curb your enthusiasm

These strawberry and cream scones are perfect for a spring brunch or tea.
NEW Strawberries and cream scones with orange zest


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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Folsom Times logo Folsom to Hold Workshop for Proposed 8,000 Home Community Near County Line

The Folsom City Council will hold a public workshop at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, April 23 to consider a preliminary request from AKT and UC Davis Health for a conceptual annexation proposal.

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Recent Local News

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California Judge Sides With AG Rob Bonta Over Proposed Trans Youth Ballot Measure’s Title

A Sacramento Superior Court judge has tentatively sided with California Attorney General Rob Bonta over the name of a proposed ballot measure that his office says would “restrict the rights of trans youth.”

(04/20/2024) The Sacramento Bee
San Juan Unified School District Seeks Feedback on Facilities Master Plan

San Juan Unified ihas invited the community to contribute feedback at nine upcoming community forums. The district plans to address facilities plans of each high school and all associated schools that feed into the high school.

(04/20/2024) Citrus Heights Sentinel
Supreme Court Hearing Case on Regulating Homeless Encampments. How It Effects California

It is the most important Supreme Court case about homelessness in 40 years, advocates say, and has the potential to affect much broader policy.

(04/20/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Goats and Sheep Are Roaming Elk Grove Grasslands. Here’s Why and How to Check Them Out

Each year, a herd of 7,000 sheep graze and goats tend to the grass with their kids, or baby goats, in creeks and channels throughout the city, clear vegetation grow during the wet season to cut down on wildfire dangers.

(04/20/2024) The Sacramento Bee
CapRadio to Terminate Its Agreement With Capital Public Radio Endowment

Capital Public Radio is terminating its operating agreement this summer with the nonprofit that exists solely to support the NPR-affiliate station that operates under the broadcasting license of California State University Sacramento.

(04/19/2024) Sacramento Business Journal
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Recent Statewide News

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Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.

(04/21/2024) Los Angeles Times
As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'

California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.

(04/20/2024) Los Angeles Times
A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger

Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.

(04/19/2024) SF Gate
After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.

(04/19/2024) SF Gate
A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why

The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.

(04/18/2024) CalMatters
California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.

(04/17/2024) CalMatters
Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.

(04/17/2024) Los Angeles Times
Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens

Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.

(04/17/2024) California Healthline
In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital

Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.

(04/16/2024) California Healthline
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Government Announcements

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Image of State of California seal. Lori Wilson CA Assembly 11: Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces Bill AB 2229 to Enhance Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in California Schools
Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces Bill AB 2229 to Enhance Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in California Schools guerraje Mon, 04/22/2024 - 16:25 Title Communications Director Email Edgar.Guerra@asm.ca.gov Phone 916-319-2011 Monday, April 22, 2024 SACRAMENTO, CA Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson introduces Bill Assembly Bill 2229 (AB 2229), aimed at enhancing comprehensive sexual health education in California schools. This bill seeks to …
State of California   (04/22/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City residents can get free mulch and compost at this May 4 giveaway
City staff will be giving away free mulch to Sacramento residents during a Mulch Mayhem event on May 4 at the Sacramento Marina (2710 Ramp Way). There will be a limit of one cubic yard of arbor mulch per customer. Putting mulch around your plants and trees can help save water by slowing down evaporation [...] The post City residents …
City of Sacramento   (04/22/2024)
Image of State of California seal. Roger Niello CA Senate 06: Lack of Accountability and Outcomes Despite Billions Spent on Homelessness Programs” on Senator Niello’s “Budget Subcommittee Spotlight
Lack of Accountability and Outcomes Despite Billions Spent on Homelessness Programs on Senator Niellos Budget Subcommittee Spotlight dimmital Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:23
State of California   (04/22/2024)
Image of State of California seal. Roger Niello CA Senate 06: Lack of Accountability and Outcomes Despite Billions Spent on Homelessness Programs
Lack of Accountability and Outcomes Despite Billions Spent on Homelessness Programs dimmital Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:23
State of California   (04/22/2024)
Image of United States seal. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated...
United States   (04/20/2024)
Image of United States seal. Primal Kitchen Issues Voluntary Recall of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750mL Glass) Due to Packaging Issue
Primal Kitchen is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 2,060 cases of three code dates of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750mL) because the glass may be prone to breakage, causing the product to spill.
United States   (04/19/2024)
Image of United States seal. Infinite Herbs, LLC Expands Recall of Fresh Organic Basil to Include Melissa's Brand Organic Basil Received by Illinois and Missouri Retailer
Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is expanding its April 18th recall to include Melissa's brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg's stores in Illinois and Missouri between Febru
United States   (04/19/2024)
Image of United States seal. Sammy's Milk Providing a Warning Against the Use of Goat Milk Toddler Formula as Infant Formula
Newport Beach, California - Sammy's Milk, a local company, has been asked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide a warning against the use of its Goat Milk Toddler Formula as an infant formula because the FDA is concerned that the formula may not meet all FDA requirements for infant fo
United States   (04/18/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Traffic alert: Closures on 21st and S streets this weekend
Several streets in downtown Sacramento will be closed as City of Sacramento crews perform a sewer installation and roadway pavement work. The closures will occur Saturday, April 20 through Monday, April 22 on S Street from 20th Street to 22nd Street and on 21st Street from R Street to T Street. "Motorists are encouraged to [...] The post Traffic alert: …
City of Sacramento   (04/18/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. What does the future hold for this vacant 102-acre site in South Sacramento?
This large, vacant City-owned property has received a significant amount of attention and speculation in recent years. What does the future hold for the 102-acre site in South Sacramento, which the City purchased in 2022 from the federal government for $12.3 million? Planners from the Citys Community Development Department last week presented an opportunities and [...] The post What does …
City of Sacramento   (04/18/2024)