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Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


By Chris Neklason
Published Aug 05, 2024

A screenshot of the CalFire active incidents web page from August 4, 2024. Yikes. A screenshot of the CalFire active incidents web page from August 4, 2024. Yikes. Image credit: CalFire   Public Domain

California Fire Season Grinds On

I hate to be a broken record droning on and on about wildfires, but California is breaking records with the hottest July ever, leading to possibly the worst fire season ever.

Global average temperatures are fast approaching 1.5°Celsius above pre-industrial levels—a tipping point—and the extreme weather predicted by climate scientists is already upon us.

We've previously written about how communities are devoting resources to prepare for and respond to extreme events, and in this issue of The Newsletter we want to shine a spotlight on a partnership building community resilience in North Tahoe.


The Tahoe Truckee COAD—Community Organizations Active in Disaster

Our friends at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation are working to keep Tahoe blue, green, and resilient.


Building Community Resilience in North Tahoe

A CalFire tanker aircraft drops a plume of fire retardant on a forest.
The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation develops partnerships to prepare and respond to emergencies with its COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).


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!


Become a Watch Duty Sponsor or Volunteer

You will no doubt remember our article about the Watch Duty app which provides a one-stop portal for active wildfire information. 

This fire season is straining these volunteer fire-watchers' resources as they continue to inform local communities facing nearby wildfires. 

Please consider donating or volunteering to help them help you stay informed and prepared.

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.


Marinate smaller zucchini for a cool summer salad

Herbs added just before serving finish off this  salad that makes use of smaller zucchini and summer squash.
New! Lemon, garlic and herbs flavor this no-cook side dish


Impact Report Image for decorative use


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.

→ Learn more

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From Our Media Allies

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Folsom Times logo Ready for Class; Folsom Completes Alder Creek Elementary School

After breaking ground just over one year ago, the newest school that will serve Folsom’s south side is ready for the arrival of its first students next week. Alder Creek Elementary School in Folsom Ranch has risen from mere dirt …

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Ranch Residents Rally Against Cell Tower

After a wave of protests July 24, the Folsom Planning Commission decided to postpone a decision two months on a proposed cell tower disguised as a eucalyptus tree in Folsom Ranch.

Folsom Telegraph logo Applications Being Accepted for New Affordable Housing in Historic Folsom

The city of Folsom announced on social media recently that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento is accepting applications for 10 new affordable homes that will be built in Historic Folsom.

Sacramento News and Review logo Writing Our Future: 300 Books, 5,000 Published Authors … and an Octopus

Thousands of young people have experienced 916 Ink since the Sacramento nonprofit opened in 2011. They have all been writers — and almost all were under 18 years old. The organization encourages young writers to express themselves through stories and …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Foundation Gives Graduates Construction Opportunities

Julian Aguilar has wanted to be a construction worker for a long time; he just didn’t know what trade he wanted to pursue. To learn more, Aguilar, 18, participated in a four-week hands-on construction internship last summer between his junior …

Folsom Times logo Despite 11 Day Heatwave, State Fair Attendance Rose for 2024

SACRAMENTO – The 2024 California State Fair wrapped up its 170th year over the weekend exceeding expectations of fairgoers and organizers alike.

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

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Sacramento State Releases CapRadio Report

Sacramento State University released findings from an audit of Capital Public Radio which included misuse of funds and mismanagement of records.

(08/05/2024) → CapPublicRadio

Plans for Housing at Marshall School Site Revealed

Market rate housing is being proposed for the Marshall School site in midtown Sacramento at 28th and G Streets.

(08/02/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Elk Grove Affordable Housing Project Appeal Denied

In their August 1 meeting, the City of Elk Grove Planning Commission denied an appeal filed against the Coral Blossom affordable housing development.

(08/02/2024) → Elk Grove News Net

A Look Back at the Hottest Recorded July

A look at the hottest July ever recorded in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys and what's to come.

(08/02/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Sacramento DA, City Suit Stayed

The homeless suit filed by the City of Sacramento District Attorney against the City of Sacramento has been stayed by the court for 6 months as both parties enter mediation.

(08/01/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

National Night Out Events in Citrus Heights

A list of National Night Out Events in Citrus Heights.

(08/01/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

Give Your Input for North Watt Avenue Corridor Project

Sacramento County is seeking public input and feedback on how to improve the North Watt Avenue Corridor through the month of August.

(08/01/2024) → Rio Linda Messenger

Back to School Days in the Sacramento Area

A list of opening days for local schools.

(08/01/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Mayor on SCOTUS Homeless Ruling

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg claims that the recent US Supreme Court ruling won't affect Sacramento. Recent changes might indicate otherwise.

(08/01/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Elk Grove Launches E-Bike & Scooter Programs

The City of Elk Grove is launching two programs to encourage electric bike and scooter usage and ownership.

(07/31/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Watch Duty Park Fire Information

Current information on the Park Fire, including active evacuation zones animal and human evacuation shelters.

(07/31/2024) → Watch Duty

Elk Grove Unified Board of Trustee Race Taking Shape

The election for seats on the Elk Grove Unified Board of Trustees is heating up as challengers file papers to run against incumbents.

(07/30/2024) → Elk Grove News Net

Sacramento Opens Online Comments, Hosts Workshops on Pedestrian & Bike Safety

The City of Sacramento is preparing its Streets for People Active Transportation Plan and is seeking public input through online comments and in workshops.

(07/30/2024) → CapPublicRadio

Mayor of Citrus Heights Responds to Governor's Homeless Directive

City of Citrus Heights Mayor Bret Daniels shared his thoughts following California Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order on homelessness.

(07/30/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

Spotlight on Rancho Cordova Youth Center Book Vending Machine

The Rancho Cordova Youth Center is home to children's book vending machine thanks to a gift from the Rancho Cordova Kiwanis Club.

(07/30/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

School Bond Explainer

There are a number of bond measures on the November ballot for local school districts. This is a brief explainer about what the bonds are funding, and how bonds work.

(07/30/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
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Recent Statewide News

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• Rent Drives Up CA Cost of Living

Many landlords in California can only raise the rent a certain amount. On August 1, they — and their tenants — found out how high.

(08/02/2024) → CalMatters

• A Soil Fungus That Can Kill Is on the Rise in California: What to Know About Valley Fever

About 80 Californians die every year after contracting Valley fever, a fungal disease that typically affects the lungs. A recent outbreak was traced to a music festival in Kern County.

(08/01/2024) → CalMatters

• California Lawmakers Negotiating Sweeping Package to Speed Up Solar, Wind Energy

Legislators and Gov. Newsom are working behind the scenes to draft energy legislation before the end-of-the-month deadline.

(08/01/2024) → CalMatters

• What CA Voters Should Know on Minimum Wage, Health Tax Props

A voter at a polling center at Santa Ana College in Santa Ana on March 5, 2024. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

(08/01/2024) → CalMatters

• California’s Voters Face Competing Ballot Measures as Interest Groups Clash

Although the initiative process — proposing new laws via ballot measures — has been in California’s constitution for more than a century, its use was fairly uncommon until the 1970s.

(07/30/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (08/02/2024)

City commits additional funds to support Stockton Boulevard housing stabilization efforts

The Sacramento City Council this week approved an additional $500,000 to extend the Salvation Armys housing-stabilization program for another year. The program aims to prevent homelessness for eligible households around the UC Davis Aggie Square innovation district. The program provides one-time assistance for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, and offers rent, [...] The post City commits …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (08/02/2024)

City expands program to educate youth on cannabis use prevention

Sacramento City Council last week approved a nearly $1.4 million grant to continue the Citys #SacYouthWorks: Futures cannabis prevention and education program for teens. #Futures incorporates underage-cannabis-use prevention education into the #SacYouthWorks framework that was initially piloted at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since July 2020, the Citys #SacYouthWorks and #Futures programs have provided [...] The post City expands …
Image of United States seal. United States   (08/01/2024)

Metro Produce Distributors Inc. Recalls Fresh Guacamole Because of Possible Health Risk

Metro Produce Distributors Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fat
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (08/01/2024)

Josh Hoover CA Assembly 07:
Animal Welfare Concerns at SeaQuest Folsom

Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (08/01/2024)

Attend ‘Yes to Granny!’: A performance raising awareness on housing challenges for seniors

In an effort to bring awareness to housing challenges, particularly for aging and senior residents, the City is inviting the community to attend a free artist performance called "Yes to Granny!" The street performance will be Saturday, Aug. 10, between L and J streets at the Midtown Farmers Market, 12:30-1:30 p.m. The performance will feature [...] The post Attend Yes …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (08/01/2024)

Check out the four grant opportunities the City has for local businesses and entrepreneurs

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development currently has four new grant programs aimed at enhancing North Sacramento businesses and bolstering the entrepreneurial community. These initiatives seek to support businesses, non-profits, and commercial properties in the area, as well as incubator and accelerator programs across the city that provide essential resources to [...] The post Check out …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (07/31/2024)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness July 22-28

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From July 22-28, the City of Sacramento received 685 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 653 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/30/2024)

Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues an Updated Voluntary Recall for "1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon" Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Elevated Lead Levels

Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is voluntarily recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that in
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/30/2024)

Boar's Head Provisions Co. Expands Recall for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 - Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with...
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/29/2024)

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily recalling its Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Lot 24V094 pints sold at the 81 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY location. These pints contain an undeclared allergen, peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious