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By Eric Johnson
Published Jul 15, 2024

View  north over Highway 140, El Portal, and the Merced River canyon as a summer storm rolls on by. Screenshot from a time-lapse courtesy of ALERTCalifornia-UC San Diego.
View  north over Highway 140, El Portal, and the Merced River canyon as a summer storm rolls on by. Screenshot from a time-lapse courtesy of ALERTCalifornia-UC San Diego.

Heat Waves, Mountaintop Cameras, and Municipal Budgets

I write to you this evening as always from Sacramento, where we have endured a string of 100-plus degree days, including several 110-plus degree days. We avoided aestivation by hunkering down in our blackout-drapes-darkened, air-conditioned apartment, and escaping to our blessed neighborhood public swimming pool and our favorite lake in the nearby Sierra. 

Many Californians are not so fortunate. At best, they might have been able to access “cooling centers”—but most did not, because California cities and counties have not invested sufficient resources to make them easily accessible.

The feature article in this week’s edition of The Newsletter deals with the admittedly bone-dry topic of municipal budgeting. That is: how your local governments spend your tax money on essential services—from schools to cooling centers to municipal swimming pools. This, as you will see, is the essence of democratic governance.

(It’s actually a pretty easy read, and while I don’t mean to get too “eat your vegetables“ here, this will help you be a better-informed citizen. Thank you and you’re welcome.)

But first something easy and fun: a bunch of short-and-sweet videos that we are calling California Views.

Also, this week as always a bite-sized digest of the important news that might impact you and your community… and a recipe that might add some deliciousness to your week.


One Good Thing: Inspiring Mini Videos

In which we bring you, for just a few pleasurable seconds, to mountaintops, Monterey Pines and Yosemite Valley.


California Views: The California Local YouTube Page

Screenshot of video taken from a mountaintop webcam shows dawn breaking purplish in Sequoia National Park on July 12, 2024.
From short mountaintop webcam time-lapses to handmade videos of stuff we love, we bring you a quick, daily dose of California goodness.


California Local logo

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!


Easily go Deep in the Weeds of Governance

Our good friend, California Local’s CEO Chris Neklason, approaches the job of reporting on local government with the mind of an engineer. Elsewhere, he has pointed out that a fundamental rule of democratic governance holds that whenever public money is involved, there is an elected or appointed board tasked with managing that money. Engineers like rules, and this is a good one.

Here, Chris explains the basic setup that determines how public money is raised and spent. Pretty basic stuff, pretty important, and, I think you’ll agree, pretty easily understood.


Show Me the Money: How California Cities and Towns Fund Their Annual Budgets

The 2024-2025 City of Sacramento budget is dry reading, but worth it. $1.6 billion worth. Courtesy City of Sacramento.
Local democracy is a complex, expensive process. We explain.

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 Summer! cookbook.


Overripe banana inspires summer breakfast treat

Banana blueberry pancakes make good use of a too-soft banana.
New! Banana blueberry pancakes (with one banana lots of blueberries).


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 CleanStart’s Thomas Hall and Christina Granados on the Importance of Community Outreach in Clean-Tech Development

As Sacramento looks to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy, in part thanks to an influx of state funding set to benefit growing sectors, Valley Vision asked residents how they would like this development to look.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Council Votes to Allow Oak Tree Cut for Light Rail Track

After postponing the matter two weeks ago, the Folsom City Council voted July 9 to allow the removal of five “landmark” oak trees along Folsom Blvd. to make way for light rail improvements.

Folsom Telegraph logo Animal Advocates: Never Leave Pets in Hot Cars

It was a hot June day, and two dogs were seen locked in a car in the Folsom Costco parking lot. A good Samaritan called animal control; an officer promptly responded but by then, the owners of the dogs were …

Folsom Telegraph logo More Miles of Trails in Works to Connect Mangini Ranch

With two phases built and more coming, Folsom officials are now designing trails to connect the dots in new Mangini Ranch.

Folsom Times logo Summer Learning Program Thrives at Folsom-Cordova School District

Summer break at FCUSD is an opportunity for students to engage in fun, unique, and enriching educational experiences.

Sacramento News and Review logo New Midsize Music Venue From Another Planet Entertainment Coming to Sacramento

Sacramento is gaining a new live music venue called Channel 24 from Another Planet Entertainment, the producers of Outside Lands, which should help to fill a gap in the city’s lack of midsize live music stages.

Folsom Times logo Removal of Select Folsom Boulevard Landmark Oaks Approved 4-1

The future of some landmark oak trees along Folsom Boulevard was a top item on the agenda at Folsom’s City Hall Tuesday night as the City Council held its first meeting of July.

Folsom Times logo Sac County Animal Shelter Offers No Cost Adoptions Through July

Month long effort sponsored by Bissell Pet Foundation

Gold River Messenger logo Business Expo Supports Residents

The 13th annual Rancho Cordova Business Expo & Job Fair on June 20 was all about supporting community members

West Sacramento News Ledger logo State Fair Here for 17 Days

The 170th California State Fair offers 17 days of old-fashioned fun for the whole family, from July 12 to July 28.

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Recent Local News

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Hundreds of Sacramento Affordable Units Unused

Staffing shortages and other issues at the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency have lead to 300 affordable housing units vacant at any given time, and a rebuke from the San Francisco HUD office.

(07/15/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Citrus Heights Battles Fires During Heat Wave

During a week in which temperatures topped 110 degrees, crews responded to several fires which broke out on July 9 and 11 in Citrus Heights.

(07/12/2024) Citrus Heights Sentinel
A Look Ahead for Elk Grove Mayor and City Council

A view of what's expected in the remainder of 2024 for Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and the City Council.

(07/12/2024) Elk Grove News Net
Citrus Heights to Make Strategic Property Acquisition

In their July 10 meeting, the Citrus Heights City Council voted to acquire two parcels on Old Auburn Road of a combined 1.74 acres.

(07/11/2024) Citrus Heights Sentinel
Sacramento County to Sell 71-Acre Parcel

Sacramento County announced it is selling 71 acres of land on Douglas Boulevard and Mather Road with a priority for a future affordable housing development.

(07/11/2024) Solving Sacramento
Heatwave Claims Two

The Sacramento Homeless Union reports that two unhoused men have died so far in July during a relentless heatwave.

(07/11/2024) The Sacramento Observer
Work on Elk Grove's Commuter Rail Station Proceeds

Work is slowly underway on the Altamont Commuter Express station on Dwight Road in Elk Grove.

(07/11/2024) Elk Grove News Net
Funding Approved for Homeless Behavioral Health Services

Sacramento County approved a $26 million contract with Behavioral Health Bridge Housing to provide housing and services for homeless people with substance abuse or behavioral mental health issues.

(07/11/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Citrus Heights City Council Candidate Filing Opens

Candidates for two open seats on the Citrus Heights City Council may file starting July 15 to be placed on the November ballot.

(07/09/2024) Citrus Heights Sentinel
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Recent Statewide News

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California Passed a Law to Fix Unsafe Homeless Shelters. Cities and Counties Are Ignoring It

The Supreme Court’s decision on homelessness will test a shelter system that’s full of problems – and lacking accountability.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters
If Californians Vote to Ban Slavery This Fall, Will Prisoners Get a Raise?

California courts have long upheld below-minimum wage pay for prison inmates working a wide range of jobs. A 2024 ballot measure that would ban forced labor could alter those decisions.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters
Judge Temporarily Blocks State Order to Growers Who Depleted Groundwater

A Kings County judge today issued a temporary restraining order against the state that pauses its unprecedented move to crack down on groundwater depletion in California’s agricultural heartland.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters
Steve Garvey Outraises Adam Schiff — But Still Has Less in Bank — In U.S. Senate Bid

The Republican hopeful brought in more cash than Democratic rival Adam Schiff for the first time this campaign during the latest quarter, but still has less to spend.

(07/16/2024) CalMatters
Guaranteed Basic Income Programs Proliferate Across CA

Beginning Monday, 150 households in Fresno County are expected to receive a $500 prepaid card to spend on anything they’d like — no strings attached. It will be the first of 12 monthly recurring payments those Southwest Fresno and Huron residents will receive as part of a guaranteed basic income program for low-income families.

(07/12/2024) CalMatters
How California Laws May Help Shield It From Supreme Court Decisions

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, California’s Democratic leaders moved fast to shore up reproductive rights: They persuaded voters to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution, approved a dozen bills strengthening abortion protections and passed a law in May to enable Arizona doctors to temporarily provide abortion services for their patients in California.

(07/10/2024) CalMatters
Can California’s Health Care Providers Help Solve the State’s Homelessness Crisis?

Taking advantage of new state funds, some California healthcare providers are starting to offer what their homeless patients really need: housing.

(07/10/2024) CalMatters
California Has Just Approved a New Blueprint for Offshore Wind. The Massive Projects Will Cost Billions

Harnessing clean energy is a venture of unprecedented scope in California, bringing big changes to Humboldt and the Central Coast, and requiring 26 ports along the coast.

(07/10/2024) CalMatters
The Supreme Court Took Powers Away From Federal Regulators. Do California Rules Offer a Backstop?

In three rulings the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a body blow to the federal bureaucracy. From healthcare to climate to workers’ rights, California’s rules often go farther.

(07/09/2024) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Sacramento seal. Sacramento nighttime hospitality industry invited to attend upcoming safety events
The City of Sacramento Office of Nighttime Economy will host two free upcoming events designed to support and educate the Sacramento nighttime hospitality industry. These events, to be held at 300 Richards Blvd., Room 221, will provide valuable training and information to help businesses operate safely and effectively. Our goal is to ensure that Sacramentos [...] The post Sacramento nighttime …
City of Sacramento   (07/15/2024)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Here’s what you need to know about cannabis at the California State Fair
The California State Fair is making history by introducing onsite cannabis sales and consumption for the first time, with the City of Sacramento providing authorization to ensure compliance with local regulations. The 2024 California State Fair at Cal Expo runs from July 12 to 28. Onsite sales and consumption will be available on most days, [...] The post Heres what …
City of Sacramento   (07/15/2024)
Image of United States seal. AW Farms Recalls Ready-To-Eat Hot Dog Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2024 - AW Farms, an Argillite, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the...
United States   (07/15/2024)
Image of United States seal. Taylor's Sausage, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Landjaeger Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2024 - Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the...
United States   (07/13/2024)
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. Fatal Single-Vehicle Collision On Calvine Road
On July 5, 2024, at approximately 12:08 p.m., the Elk Grove Police Department responded to Calvine Road, between Carmencita Avenue and Bader Road, regarding a single-vehicle collision.       The driver and sole occupant of a Kia Soul was traveling eastbound on Calvine Road when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle collided with another car. The driver continued accelerating eastbound, …
City of Elk Grove   (07/13/2024)
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. Fatal Single-Vehicle Collision
On July 5, 2024, at approximately 6:49 p.m., the Elk Grove Police Department responded to West Stockton Boulevard, between Whitelock Parkway and Kyler Road, regarding a single-vehicle collision. The driver and solo occupant of a Nissan SUV, was driving north bound on West Stockton Boulevard when the driver drifted over the south bound lane, colliding into the field on the …
City of Elk Grove   (07/13/2024)
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. Arrest Made In Double Homicide
Detectives have arrested the victims adult son for the double homicide that occurred on Crosscourt Way. Officers responded to the 9000 block of Crosscourt Way following a report of suspicious circumstances around 2:13 pm on Friday, June 28th. The reporting person, the victims son, 44-year-old Mark Navarrete, claimed to go to his parents house after several unsuccessful attempts to contact …
City of Elk Grove   (07/13/2024)
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. Double Homicide Investigation
Detectives are investigating a double homicide that occurred Friday afternoon in northeast Elk Grove. On June 28, 2024, at 2:13 pm, officers responded to the 9000 block of Crosscourt Way following a report of suspicious circumstances. The reporting person had gone to their family's residence after several unsuccessful attempts to contact them. Upon entering the home, they discovered both residents, …
City of Elk Grove   (07/13/2024)
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. Homicide Investigation Update
One person was shot and killed Tuesday night and detectives are looking to piece together who did it and why. Officers responded to a report of a shooting and a man down in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express on Maritime Drive on June 25th around 10:11 p.m. The victim, a 35-year-old Sacramento resident, succumbed to his injuries …
City of Elk Grove   (07/13/2024)
Image of United States seal. AB World Foods US, Inc. Recalls Al'Fez Natural Tahini Because of Possible Health Risk
AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al'Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, an
United States   (07/12/2024)