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By Eric Johnson
Published Jun 03, 2024

A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
A typically joyful scene in the pool at the city of Sacramento's Clunie Community Center.
Image credit: Eric Johnson

Celebrating California's Diversity, Homegrown Food, and DTLA

I posted the above photo to the family text thread on Saturday and received a reply that reminded me that I'm glad I live in California. Gretchen, my sister-in-law, who lives in a leafy and perfecly lovely suburb outside Washington DC, texted back: “I love that Sacramento has community pools. Virginia only has membership-only pools. Leftover from its anti-integration history.”

In fact, one of the things my wife and I love about the pool at the Clunie Center is that it draws folks from every corner of this city. We love that we live in the most diverse state in the nation, and in one of California's most diverse cities. 

So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, as we often do, we celebrate some of the good stuff we get to enjoy here in the Golden State. Elsewhere, you may be rage-reading about an unapologetic felon and his defenders … here today we’re going to look toward the light.


AAPI Heritage Month Extended

May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and last week we celebrated with the publication of a list that might surprise you. Sure, there's Kamala Harris and Tiger Woods. But you may also be delighted to meet Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, Dalip Singh Saund and many more.


25 AAPI Leaders From California

Dalip Singh Saund,  the first Sikh, Indian American and Asian American to be elected to Congress and Kamala Harris, the first Asian American vice president.
California has been home to many Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have transcended barriers and reshaped society, from education to advocacy, art to sports, politics, and beyond.


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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!


DTLA

Our colleague Chris Neklason and his family ventured to the land down under, that is, southern California.

He has thoughts about Downtown LA, or DTLA, as the civic hipsters call it.


DTLA: A Good Thing Gets Better

A large neon art installation gracing one of the entrances to the Grand Central Market in DTLA.
Downtown LA is turning into a good thing.

Happy Birthday SDG!

Happy sixth anniversary to Debbie and Kathy at Sacramento Digs Gardening, who've been posting an article a day since June 1, 2018. Wow!


Time for cake! SDG hits another milestone

This citrus cake is ideal for any celebration. See the blog post for a link to the recipe.
Daily gardening blog reaches its sixth anniversary -- thanks to our readers!

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.


Bayou country, spring vegetables inspire shrimp pot pie

What's below the crust? Shrimp and a delicious collection of fresh vegetables.
New! Shrimp pot pie with fresh peas, carrots and spring onions


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 Telegraph logo Folsom Preliminary Budget for 2024-25 Includes 6 Cops for Homeless outreach

With six new police officers in the mix, Folsom City Manager Elaine Andersen presented a preliminary 2024-25 budget of $247.2 million to the City Council on May 28, a $1 million increase.

Folsom Telegraph logo City, Folsom VFW Agree on Lease Agreement at Hall

The Folsom Veterans of Foreign Wars negotiated a $6,000-a-year lease agreement with the city to continue at the Forrest Street lodge for up to 20 more years.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Hosting Open House for River District Master Plan

The city of Folsom will host an open house Thursday, June 6, for its River District Master Plan.

Folsom Telegraph logo 'Pickle for a Purpose' Charity Pickleball Tournament Raises Nearly $10,000

The Leadership Folsom Class of 2024 hosted a charity pickleball tournament dubbed "Pickle For A Purpose" on May 19 at LifeTime Fitness to benefit a picnic area refresh at Cummings Family Park and Jake’s Journey Home.

Folsom Times logo Folsom’s “Castle Park” Could Be Saved by $1.1M From City Reserve Funds

For several months now, the community, along with officials from Folsom Parks and Recreation and Folsom City Council have had discussions regarding the condition and the future of one of the city’s longtime favorite parks.

Folsom Times logo Folsom Council Gives Sales Tax Measure a Green Light for November Ballot

A special sales tax measure will officially be on the ballot for Folsom voters to decide on, following the May 28 Folsom City Council meeting where council members took the next steps to put the option on the ballot for …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Rancho Cordova Pays Tribute to Fallen

Rancho Cordovans paid tribute to American men and women who have given their lives in defense of the country during the moving 16th Annual Memorial Day Observance held at the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center on May 27.

Carmichael Times logo Effie Gala Back June 9

Nature Lovers Will Open Their Hearts and Wallets For the Effie Yeaw Nature Center Gala on June 9

Sacramento News and Review logo El Dorado County Residents in Crisis as Insurance Companies Leave the State

Diana Still had faithfully paid her home insurance for years. But recently, the Placerville resident received notice that her insurer was dropping her.

KSQD logo Student Protestor Voices on Israel-Gaza-Palestine

In this field-produced, bonus episode, the Moment of Truth team interviews pro-Palestinian, student protestors and campers at university and college encampments.

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Recent Local News

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Sacramento Native Appointed to Eastern District Court

On May 22 the US Senate confirmed Sacramento native Dena M. Coggins as a U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of California which includes Sacramento.

(06/03/2024) The Sacramento Observer
Elhorn Boulevard Extension to Airport Opens

The one-mile span connects Highway 99 in North Natomas to the Sacramento Airport.

(06/02/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Business Group Proposed for Citrus Heights

A new "development collective" is being proposed for Auburn Boulevard businesses in Citrus Heights.

(06/01/2024) Citrus Heights Sentinel
Rusch Park Restrooms Still Closed

Set to be reopened in April, repairs on the restrooms in Citrus Height's Rusch Community Park are delayed due to setbacks in the bidding process.

(06/01/2024) Citrus Heights Sentinel
New Mural Unveiled in Sacramento Japantown

On May 28, an unveiling celebration was held for a new mural at Capitol Mall and 4th Street.

(05/31/2024) The Sacramento Bee
EPA Grants Fund Elk Grove Electric School Buses

On May 29, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced grants to fund electric school busses, including $5.5million for the Elk Grove Unified School District.

(05/31/2024) Elk Grove News Net
Camp Resolution Land Use Extended

The self-governed Camp Resolution in Sacramento was granted an extension on their land use to December 1 to give the camp and city more time to reach a lease agreement.

(05/30/2024) CapPublicRadio
New Sacramento Historic District Preserves Eichlers

The Sacramento City Council voted to designate a part of South Land Park Hills as a new historic district, preserving 48 homes designed by Joseph Eichler.

(05/29/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento School District Bond Measure Goes to Voters

Explaining the Sacramento City Unified School District bond measure which will be on the November ballot.

(05/29/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Reconnecting Downtown to Old Sacramento Riverfront

Federal funds have been requested to study the feasibility of the Sacramento Stitch Park Riverfront Reconnection Project, a 4 acre park spanning Highway 5.

(05/29/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Elk Grove Capital Improvement Program Includes Traffic Improvements

$1million is budgeted for an extra turn lane at a major chokepoint while awaiting the construction of the long-planned Highway 99-Whitelock Parkway interchange.

(05/29/2024) Elk Grove News Net
The Philharmonik's Tiny Desk Concert

Video of the full Tiny Desk Concert by Sacramento's The Philharmonik.

(05/29/2024) CapPublicRadio
UC Davis Workers Join Strike

On May 28, UC Davis academic workers joined the strike protesting the University of California response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

(05/28/2024) CapPublicRadio
Elk Grove Considers Permanent Homeless Shelter

In the May 22 Elk Grove City Council meeting, councilmembers discussed the success of the Enhanced Winter Sanctuary program and the possibility of making it permanent.

(05/28/2024) Elk Grove News Net
City of Sacramento Considers Budget Options

The City of Sacramento is facing a $66 million deficit in a proposed budget of $1.6 billion and weighing the options to cover it.

(05/27/2024) The Sacramento Observer
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Recent Statewide News

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California Made It Easier to Vote, but Some With Disabilities Still Face Barriers

California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.

(06/04/2024) CalMatters
California Homelessness Funding Is on the Chopping Block. Will It Make the Final Budget?

It’s the billion-dollar question. That’s how much cities and other local governments have been receiving from the state each year to deal with California's ever-increasing population of homeless people.

(06/04/2024) CalMatters
Why CA Families Are Getting a Tax Surprise for Health Care

For families seeking affordable health insurance, the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, can provide major relief. But if they’re not careful, they can get hit by an unexpected federal tax bill.

(06/04/2024) CalMatters
New Research Indicates More Massive California Flooding in Past

Cal State Fullerton researchers released findings of ancient floods in Southern California which indicate the state may be more prone to mega flooding than previously thought.

(06/01/2024) Los Angeles Times
Why a Bay Area Transit Rescue Plan Is on Hold

A Bay Area transit funding bill is delayed so supporters can seek consensus on how the money will be raised and distributed.

(05/31/2024) CalMatters
Raising Kids in California? They May Have College Savings Accounts You Don’t Know About.

The state is directly investing money for low-income students and all newborns to attend college. After two years, the program is still not widely known by the students who need the most financial assistance.

(05/30/2024) CalMatters
California Sides With Big Utilities, Trimming Incentives for Community Solar Projects

These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC’s action is unlikely to give them the option.

(05/30/2024) CalMatters
California’s Runoff Flows Down the Drain. Can More Be Captured?

Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.

(05/30/2024) CalMatters
Democrats Kill California Homeless Camp Ban, Again

A bill to ban homeless encampments statewide near parks, schools and transit hubs failed to get out of the same legislative committee as last year.

(05/29/2024) CalMatters
Planets on Parade in June

An alignment known as a “planetary parade” will march across night skies starting June 3.

(05/28/2024) Los Angeles Times
As Key Deadlines Loom, Newsom and California Lawmakers Have Dozens of Deals to Make

It’s time for the folks in California’s Capitol to play let’s-make-a-deal – or actually, many deals.

(05/28/2024) CalMatters
UC Student Workers Expand Strike to Two More Campuses as They Demand Amnesty for Protestors

After University of California students were arrested or suspended for protests, student workers are striking at three campuses. The Office of President says the strike violates the union contract.

(05/28/2024) CalMatters
‘We Have to Do Less With Less’: Cal State Faces Extra $500 Million Budget Gap

Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.

(05/27/2024) CalMatters
California Wants to Be Carbon-Neutral by 2045. What Does That Mean for Its Big Economic Drivers?

California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, flew more 6,000 miles to Rome this month to deliver a brief speech on climate change at a Vatican-sponsored conference.

(05/27/2024) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. City of Citrus Heights Brings Back Stars & Stripes Celebration After Inaugural Success
The Stars & Stripes Celebration is back on June 29th!
City of Citrus Heights   (06/03/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Thousands helped into shelter and housing through Sacramento’s Coordinated Access entry system
In its first full year of operation, the City and County of Sacramento's joint Coordinated Access System a one-stop access point for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness connected 37,310 people to potential housing and services. More than 2,100 households were moved from crisis resources to housing. Staff members of Sacramento Steps [...] The post Thousands helped into shelter …
City of Sacramento   (06/03/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. With high temperatures forecasted, City activates cooling centers June 4-6
With the National Weather Service forecasting an excessive heat warning from Tuesday, June 4, through the evening of Thursday, June 6, the City of Sacramento will activate the Outreach and Engagement Center and the Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center as cooling centers where residents can find relief from the heat. The OEC (3615 Auburn [...] The post With high …
City of Sacramento   (06/03/2024)
Image of United States seal. UBC Food Distributors Recalls Baraka Brand Ground Black Pepper Spice Because of Possible Health Risk Announcement
UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn Michigan is recalling the Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7oz plastic containers 7oz * 10 With UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infect
United States   (06/03/2024)
Image of United States seal. Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Is Notifying Consumers About a Safety Concern With Crecelac Infant 0-12 Infant Formula (Lot # 24 039 1 CHE 352-1) That is Part of an Ongoing Recall - Expansion of Previous Recall
Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX - 6/3/24, is notifying consumers about a safety issue associated with a product that is an extension of an ongoing voluntary recall (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dairy-manufacturers-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-products-d
United States   (06/03/2024)
Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. Poison on the Streets: Dealer Arrested for Homicide in Fatal Fentanyl Sales Case
Citrus Heights Detectives announce the arrest of 34-year-old Collin Reed Holcomb for homicide in a fatal fentanyl sales case following the poisoning and death of 33-year-old Bradley Mitchell in February of this year.
City of Citrus Heights   (05/31/2024)
Image of United States seal. Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elder
United States   (05/30/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Here are the road closures for the Kaiser Permanente Women’s Fitness Festival on June 2
Thousands of runners and walkers are expected to participate in the Kaiser Permanente Womens Fitness Festival on Sunday, June 2. The 5K and 10K event will close various streets throughout downtown and midtown Sacramento on Sunday morning. Residents and motorists are advised to review the closures and race map below and add extra time if they plan [...] The post …
City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness May 20-26
The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From May 20-26, the City of Sacramento received 660 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 705 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Attention animal enthusiasts: Front Street Animal Shelter is hiring for multiple positions
The City of Sacramento's Front Street Animal Shelter is currently hiring for a number of important positions to serve the animals and people of Sacramento. Front Street Animal Shelter works to shelter lost and stray animals while enforcing local and state animal welfare laws. The shelter's diverse range of adoption, volunteer, and public-outreach programs reflect [...] The post Attention animal …
City of Sacramento   (05/30/2024)