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By Chris Neklason
Published Sep 30, 2024

A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. A road in Florida flooded by the massive rains brought by Hurricane Helene. Image credit: Courtesy U.S. Forest Service   CC0 1.0 Universal 1.0 Deed

A History of Mutual Aid

As I write this, people across the southeast states are reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. 

As an emergency communications geek, I follow a number of emergency service professionals on social media, and the information coming out of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee is both dire and inspiring.

Yes, inspiring. Even before the winds and rain had died down, neighbors and professionals leapt into action to perform swift water rescues, dig survivors out of mudslides and destroyed buildings and do house to house welfare checks in their neighborhoods. With power, cell phone, landlines and internet down, Ham Radio operators hastily organized networks to help coordinate relief efforts throughout the affected regions.

And right now, people across the country are gripped with an desire to reach out and help .

This week, The Newsletter contemplates that human impulse to cooperate and give support and aid to our fellows, and how we've organized our society around it.


How We Take Care of Each Other

For all of our flaws, there is an essentially decent part of human nature that compels us to render aid to the afflicted and unfortunate. 

We celebrate our humaneness with the first two articles of what will be an ongoing series documenting "service clubs" whose names may be familiar— organizations that are doing good in our communities.


The Changing Nature of Doing Good

Welcome to town. Here's how you can pitch in!
The legacy of ‘service clubs’ such as Soroptomists and Rotary lives on in a new generation of social clubs and volunteer organizations.

Doing Good: Soroptimist International

Sign for  Baliuag Lodge No. 301 - Soroptimist International (Pan-Philippine Highway, San Rafael, Bulacan)
Making a better world for women and preparing women to make a better world.


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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!


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 Fall! cookbook.


Flavorful stir fry dresses up green beans

Fresh green beans stir-fried with toasted coconut and cashews works as a vegetarian entree or a side dish to a larger meal.
New! Toasted coconut, mustard seeds and nuts provide crunch


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Team Giving logo Team Giving

A regional resource, Team Giving contributes to the community by connecting individuals, businesses and service groups to projects that fulfill the specific needs of local nonprofit groups.

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From Our Media Allies

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Folsom Times logo Fire Explorers Unite for State Competition in El Dorado Hills

Sac Metro, Folsom, El Dorado Hills take top three on podium

Carmichael Times logo San Juan Unified's New Community Care Hubs

Community Care Hubs are regional pop-up community resource fairs organized across various schools and locations within San Juan Unified School District.

Sacramento News and Review logo ENLIGHTENMENT: Ballots, Beer and Discussing Election 2024 at Ruhstaller’s on Oct. 2

This free talk will feature two election experts – a pollster and a political reporter – who offer details about the candidates running for national, state and local offices, as well as clear up confusion about this year’s bunch of …

Folsom Telegraph logo Coffee With the Candidates: Meet Dustin Silva, Running for Folsom City Council in District 2

Dustin Silva is a 25-year veteran of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office and running for Folsom City Council in District 2, but he’s also just a small-town boy at heart.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Outlaws Parking in Historic District Alleys

The City of Folsom is outlawing parking in Historic District alleys to ease emergency access and waste pickup on the narrow roadways.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Accelerates Sidewalks Near New Alder Creek School

Due to Alder Creek Elementary School student safety concerns, Folsom city officials agreed this week to build sidewalks near the campus years before planned.

Sacramento News and Review logo Organizations Supporting Sacramento’s Unhoused Weigh in on Mayoral Expectations

Of the many issues voters are concerned about going into the November runoff election for Sacramento mayor, the topic of how to address homelessness is one of the biggest.

Folsom Times logo Community Service Day Brings in 55K Pounds of Donated Food; Completes Over 60 Projects

On September 21, Folsom put its 11th annual Community Service Day in the history book with approximately 2,000 volunteers contributing their time to over 65 diverse projects across the city and did the work to provide over 43,000 meals for …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Campaign Whistlestop in Full Swing

The Rancho Cordova community gathered on Sept. 20 for the 2024 Campaign Whistlestop Luncheon brought by the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo ‘Meet the Machines’

On Saturday, Sept. 14, more than 800 community members made their way to Hagan Community Park to experience Cordova Recreation and Park District’s (CRPD) annual Meet the Machines.

Sacramento News and Review logo Sacramento Reptile Show Delivers an Un-Frog-Gettable Fall Exposition

The Sacramento Reptile Show slithered into Cal Expo on Sept. 21-22 to offer over 14,000 attendees the chance to explore a plethora of reptiles on display from more than 100 vendors and organizations.

Sacramento News and Review logo Sacramento Songwriter Circle Builds Community for Local Musicians

Good things happen when musicians gather together in a supportive community. That’s the premise behind the Sacramento Songwriter Circle, a loosely organized group of songsmiths who span generations and genres but share a common passion for writing original music.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo County Clarifies Facts on Homeless Housing Plan

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved, at its Sept. 10 meeting, the staff recommendation to spend $19.4 million on two new, innovative projects designed to shelter and house people exiting homelessness directly off the American River Parkway.

Carmichael Times logo Soroptimists Create ‘Comfort Kits’

The Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River club spent a day at the Gold River Mountain Mike’s Pizza to stuff 200 Comfort Kits.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Board Revises Approved 2024-25 Budget

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Sept. 4 to revise the Approved Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

American River Messenger logo Fall Drive Seeks 50,000 Pounds of Food

Hoping to meet growing food insecurity, the Orangevale Fair Oaks Food Bank and more than 50 community partners will sponsor the fifth annual Fall Community Food Drive on Oct. 12.

Sacramento News and Review logo Sacramento Booksellers and Librarians Celebrate the Freedom to Read as Banned Book Week Approaches

Late last month, the California Senate passed the Freedom to Read Act, a bill that prohibits public and school libraries from banning books based on their content.

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Recent Local News

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• A Look At The Sacramento Street Vendor Bootcamp

A report on the September 24 Street Vendor Bootcamp presented by the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

(09/26/2024) → CapPublicRadio

• Citrus Heights Considers Camping Ordinance Revisions

In their September 25 meeting, the Citrus Heights City Council heard public comment against bans on sleeping in cars before voting to proceed with revisions to ban camping in public spaces and cars.

(09/26/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

• Candidate Forum: Citrus Heights City Council

A forum for Citrus Heights City Council candidates running in the November election will be held on October 2.

(09/26/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

• Groundbreaking Celebrated For New Housing Community

Elected local and county officials attended a recent groundbreaking for the Somers West master planned community on 2,667 acres with housing for up to 8,000 residents in unincorporated Sacramento County.

(09/26/2024) → The Arden Advocate

• Public Invited To Virtual November 2024 Ballot Proposition Panel Discussion

The Sacramento Bee is hosting a virtual panel discussion about the 10 propositions on the November ballot on October 16.

(09/26/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Sacramento City Council Allocates Youth Services Funding

In their September 24 meeting, the Sacramento City Council approved a plan for the first round of youth services funding under the Measure L Children's Fund.

(09/25/2024) → CapPublicRadio

• Applications Open For Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Parks District Board

Applications are open to fill a vacancy on the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District Board of Directors for a term ending in December 2026.

(09/25/2024) → Rio Linda Messenger

• Applications Open For Sacramento County Guaranteed Income Program

Applications are open for up to 200 low-income Black and Indigenous families in Sacramento County with children age 5 and under as part of a state-funded one-year guaranteed income pilot program.

(09/23/2024) → CapPublicRadio
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Recent Statewide News

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• Vomiting, Cramps and Lethargy: As Heat Rises, California Kids Are Sweltering in Schools With No Air Conditioning

An estimated 1 in 5 schools has no air conditioning and another 10% need repair. Underfunded schools struggle to keep classrooms cool as heat waves intensify. “It’s a hot mess,” one teacher says.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Late Payments to Nonprofits Hamper California’s Fight Against Homelessness

Homeless service providers are scaling back and taking out loans as they wait for late payments from the government.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• California Bans Legacy Admissions at Colleges. The End of Affirmative Action Is a Reason Why

California’s private nonprofit colleges will no longer be able grant students an admissions advantage if their parents donated to or went to the same college after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this morning banning the practice.

(09/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Newsom Plan on Gas Prices Clears First Hurdle

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to combat gasoline price spikes appears headed to a long-awaited Assembly floor vote next week after passing out of committee on September 26.

(09/27/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Guide: Proposition 2 $10 Billion Education Bond

The Mercury News guide to the Proposition 2 $10 billion bond to build and repair public schools.

(09/27/2024) → The Mercury News

• Economists Like Newsom’s Plan to Help Control Gas Prices. Refiners Don’t.

The governor wants new gas reserves to dampen seasonal price spikes. Refiners say the move would raise prices and require new storage tanks.

(09/26/2024) → CalMatters

• Will New Laws Improve Housing for CA Farmworkers?

Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.

(09/25/2024) → CalMatters

• Election Guide: Proposition 36 Anti-Crime Measure

The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.

(09/25/2024) → The Mercury News

• Cal State Campuses Brace for ‘Severe Consequences’ as Budget Gap Looms

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• New California Law Gives Tenants More Time to Respond to Eviction Notices

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• Only 1 in 5 California Community College Students Makes It to a University, Audit Says

Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters

• A New California Law Will Scrub Most Medical Debt From Credit Reports

About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.

(09/24/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (09/27/2024)

Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2024 - Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen...
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/27/2024)

City seeking community input on draft LGBTQ+ history research

The City of Sacramento is continuing development of the LGBTQ+ Historic Experience project, an initiative aimed at documenting and preserving the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community in Sacramento. The second draft LGBTQ+ Historic Context Statement is now available for public review until Oct. 27. The City is asking for the publics help to review [...] The post City seeking …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/26/2024)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Sept. 16-22

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Sept. 16-22, the City of Sacramento received 591 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 437 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/26/2024)

Explore and interact with flood-fighting equipment at Oct. 19’s Highwater Jamboree

The City of Sacramento is inviting people to explore and interact with flood-fighting equipment during its annual Highwater Jamboree Oct. 19 at North Natomas Regional Park (2501 New Market Drive). The family-friendly event will feature equipment that helps local, state and federal agencies prepare for and respond to floods, including helicopters, automatic sandbagging machines and [...] The post Explore and …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/26/2024)

The City’s first electric waste collection truck is here

Sacramento residents may have noticed a shiny new addition to the Citys solid waste collection fleetthough they may not know why the truck is so special. In August, the Recycling and Solid Waste Division acquired a fully electric side-loader waste collection truck. This new vehicle is the first electric garbage truck in the Recycling and [...] The post The Citys …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/25/2024)

New bat-themed exhibit at City Hall combines local art and environmental awareness

The City of Sacramentos Office of Arts and Culture is featuring an exhibit at City Hall that highlights the essential role bats play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Curated by the Citys Emerging Curators Fellow Bridgett Rex, the exhibit Bat HabiTAT aims to raise awareness of the ecological significance of bats and celebrate the talents of local artists. It [...] The …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/24/2024)

City of Sacramento seeks public input for fiscal year 2025/26 budget

The City of Sacramento has already begun work on its next fiscal year budget and invites residents to participate in the process by completing an online survey. This effort follows the Citys recent adoption of the current fiscal year budget, which successfully addressed a $66 million deficit without significantly reducing any City services. The City [...] The post City of …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/24/2024)

Sacramento’s Financial Empowerment Center offers free student loan counseling for California borrowers

California residents with student loan debt can now access free counseling services through the City of Sacramentos Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), an initiative led by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) of Northern California. This new service will help individuals navigate student debt and explore options for repayment, forgiveness, and legal aid through: Case review: Assessing [...] The post Sacramentos Financial …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (09/24/2024)

City awards grants to fund North Sacramento exterior façade improvements

Over $643,000 in grants are being awarded by the Citys District 2 Council Office to fund facade improvements for 34 locations throughout North Sacramento. The North Sacramento Facade and Property Improvement Grant Program was available to property owners, small businesses, and nonprofits with street frontage on key commercial corridors within District 2. It provides [...] The post City awards grants …
Image of United States seal. United States   (09/24/2024)

Truly Good Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix 3.25 oz Cup

Truly Good Foods is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews. People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergi