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By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 16, 2024

At 36, Adam Schiff was the youngest member of the California State Senate when he took office in 1996. He was sworn in last week as California's 48th United States Senator. At 36, Adam Schiff was the youngest member of the California State Senate when he took office in 1996. He was sworn in last week as California's 48th United States Senator. Image credit: Courtesy Adam Schiff for Senate

New Faces in Office

Throughout California right now, people are being sworn into office—some for the first time, and others in the midst of long careers. It's an annual rite of democracy. In city council chambers and those of boards of supervisors, in offices of school boards and directors of public hospitals—anywhere public money is being spent, the recently-elected guardians of the public trust are taking oaths of office. 

On the floor of the US Senate, Adam Schiff was sworn in last week as the 48th person to represent our state in that august body. Schiff took his first oath of office in the California State Senate 28 years ago, and went on to build a career as a bipartisan dealmaker—not as the firebrand who has spent recent years in the national spotlight. Here's a quick read. 

But first: Happy Hollidays from the capital of California! Below, as always, you can find one-click links to stories from trusted news sources about the most important stuff happening in your community, and—a recipe to make the season brighter and tastier.


Schiff Reaches Across the Aisle

Despite a well-earned reputation as the president-elect's most articulate nemesis, Adam Schiff has governed in a bipartisan manner for decades, and promises to do more of the same in the US Senate.


Sen. Adam Schiff Takes the High Road but Keeps Pressure on Trump

Adam Schiff being sworn into office on Monday, Dec. 9, by Vice President Kamala Harris.
The LA Democrat takes office under fire, but says he will strive for bipartisanship.


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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!


CARE Courts in the News

Sacramento County last week announced the expansion of the CARE court program  to provide treatment to homeless residents with psychiatric issues. California now offers access to Community, Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment courts in all 58 counties—the law creating these courts was launched in seven counties just last year. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that "California's CARE Courts are falling short." Here, Jonathan Vankin explains how this controversial humanitarian effort came to pass.


California's CARE Court System: Mental Health & Homelessness

Clinicians will have two weeks to decide whether a mentally ill person qualifies for the CARE Court system.
California’s CARE Court system, which compels treatment for people with severe mental illness, was launched in October 2023 despite efforts by civil liberties groups to stop it.

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.


Pomegranate jelly-filled cookies show off seasonal red

How festive are these! Classic thumbprints get a California twist with almonds and pomegranate jelly.
Classic! These thumbprints are a twist on a traditional favorite


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From Our Media Allies

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Folsom Times logo Folsom’s Momentum: Full Steam Ahead!

2024 may be winding down, but we at Choose Folsom sure aren’t. Recently, we’ve unveiled a host of new programs and initiatives designed to create opportunities for businesses, startups, and anyone seeking to grow their business in Folsom.

Folsom Times logo Celebrating Those Departing, Arriving in Folsom Leadership

As a co-founder of what has now become a top online resource for Folsom’s community news, it is with immense gratitude and admiration that I reflect on a milestone week for the City of Folsom.

Sacramento News and Review logo Residents of Sacramento Housing Complex Live With Mold. Single Mother Fights for Repairs.

Marcheri Smith has lived in public housing at Alder Grove for seven years. For the last three the single mom has endured mold in her bathroom because the maintenance crew for her complex refused to fix it.

Folsom Telegraph logo Longtime Folsom Fire Department Hero Celebrates Retirement

The Folsom Fire Department bid farewell to one of its longtime heroes with a retirement celebration on Thursday.
Folsom Assistant Fire Chief Chad Wilson is retiring after 34 years of service to his country and community. The celebration was held …

Folsom Telegraph logo $2 Million Deferred for Vintage at Folsom Senior Housing Plan

Folsom city officials approved a $2 million fee deferral Tuesday for the 136-unit "Vintage at Folsom" affordable senior housing project on East Natoma Street near the civic center.

Folsom Telegraph logo Change, Goodbyes and New Beginnings in Council

It was a night of change, goodbyes and new beginnings in the Folsom City Council Chambers on Monday, Dec. 9.

Folsom Telegraph logo City to Spend More Fixing Folsom Zoo Outer Fence

Facing federal fines of up to $10,000 a day, city officials agreed this week to spend a little more money on raising the fence at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary to federal standards.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Light Rail 2-Track Project Extended Into December

The multi-million-dollar SacRT capital improvement project was most recently extended from October to November after several postponement issues last year. Construction began last January.

Folsom Telegraph logo Prospector Park in Folsom Ranch a Symbol of Long, Collaborative Effort

Folsom’s newest community is now home to the city’s newest park. A celebration and ribbon cutting was held Saturday, Dec. 7, for the grand opening of Prospector Park in Folsom Ranch.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Council Approves $2.7M Contract for Business Retention Services

The Rancho Cordova City Council approved a resolution on Dec. 2 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce for business retention services. The agreement, valued at up to $2,777,937, will span …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Teens Earn Bikes

Cordova High School students in Rancho Cordova have benefitted from a program created by the American River Bike Patrol that has introduced teens to the joys of cycling and taught them life skills in an unusual way.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Economic Development and Community Development Directors Named

The City of Rancho Cordova announced Amanda Norton as its new Economic Development director and Darcy Goulart as its new Community Development director.

Folsom Times logo Folsom Light Rail Project Expected to Be Complete Later This Month

Folsom area light rail customers can expect light rail service disruptions and continued bus bridges between Iron Point and Historic Folsom stations for the duration of the construction period, which has been extended through December 2024. 

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Species Act Protection for Monarch Butterfly

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation's most beloved species the monarch butterfly and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal …

Folsom Times logo Folsom Inmates Refurbish 200 Bikes for Those in Need at Christmas

For nearly four decades, Folsom State Prison has been home to a remarkable holiday tradition: an annual bike donation program that delivers refurbished bicycles to those in need across the region. This year, the program continued its legacy of generosity, …

Carmichael Times logo Marathon Runs Its Course

An international cast of runners hit the streets of Sacramento County on Sunday, Dec. 8, for the 41st annual California International Marathon.

Sacramento News and Review logo Shira Lane Strives to Foster a Creative, Environmentally Friendly Sacramento

When Shira Lane moved from the Bay Area to Sacramento with her family in 2016, she was unsure of what she would do in the city. It was only a year later that she created the vendor market Upcycle Pop, …

Folsom Times logo Raithel, Leary Sworn Into Folsom Council; Aquino Named Mayor

The Folsom City Council held a special meeting Monday evening at City Hall to swear in two newly elected council members and select the city's Mayor and Vice Mayor for the upcoming term.

Carmichael Times logo Child, Family and Adult Services Director Appointed

The Board of Supervisors at its Dec. 3 meeting concurred with the County Executive’s appointment of Shelby Boston as Child, Family and Adult Services director, effective Jan. 27.

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Recent Local News

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New Citrus Heights City Council Member Sworn In

Read on to meet the new member of the Citrus Heights City Council.

(12/12/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

Cosumnes Community Services Board Welcome New Directors

Read on to learn more about Rich Lozano and Daniella Zehnder, newly elected to the Cosumnes Community Services Board of Directors.

(12/12/2024) → Elk Grove Citizen

Introducing Rhodesia Ransom, Representing Stockton in the California Assembly

An introduction to newly sworn in assembly member Rhodesia Ransom who represents Stockton in the California Assembly.

(12/12/2024) → CapPublicRadio

Washing Post Map: Elk Grove Not "15-Minute Walkable"

Read on to learn more about "15-minute neighborhoods, and how they apply (or don't) to Elk Grove.

(12/10/2024) → Elk Grove News Net

Twin Rivers Unified School District to Build Workforce Housing

Learn more about the plans to develop affordable housing for staff on a district-owned parcel in South Natomas.

(12/10/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
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Recent Statewide News

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California’s Jail Population Will Rise Thanks to Prop. 36. So Will Inmate Deaths, Advocates Say

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

A New California Law Bans Your Boss From Ordering You to Attend Anti-Union Meetings

Gov. Newsom and legislative Democrats pushed through a law that bans employers from requiring workers to attend ‘captive audience meetings.’ It was the latest victory for the labor movement at the state Capitol.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Can New State Regulations Resolve California’s Existential Insurance Crisis?

There’s no law requiring California property owners to carry insurance, but the vast majority buy it to protect themselves from fire and other perils, or are required to do so by their mortgage lenders.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Here’s How California Plans to Get Millions of Adults Without College Degrees Into Better Jobs

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “Master Plan for Career Education” seeks to help the nearly 7 million adults in California who lack college degrees by giving them college credit for their work experience and by changing the requirements on some state jobs.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Supreme Court to Weigh in on Case Involving California’s Power to Clean Its Air

The Supreme Court justices agreed to review whether oil companies have standing to try to overturn a federal waiver for a California clean-car rule that ramped up electric car sales. The standards are the cornerstone of California’s efforts to clean its air and combat climate change.

(12/13/2024) → CalMatters

California Lawmakers Want to Cut Red Tape to Ramp Up Clean Energy but Rural Communities Push Back

Some rural California communities are resisting efforts to streamline permitting for wind and solar farms and battery storage for environmental or safety reasons.

(12/13/2024) → CalMatters

California Got Millions to Train Workers in Disaster Relief, but It’s Leaving Money on Table

When disaster strikes, California gets federal funding to hire temporary workers to clean debris. But the jobs are tough, and some agencies struggle to manage the grants.

(12/12/2024) → CalMatters

Federal Health Care Dollars Are Helping to House Homeless Californians. Trump Could Stop That

Gov. Newsom launched an ambitious program that uses Medi-Cal to help Californians access housing, healthy food and more. Now, its fate is in the hands of President-Elect Trump.

(12/11/2024) → CalMatters

California Awarded $135 Million for Electric Buses, Trucks

The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.

(12/11/2024) → CalMatters

Newsom Pushes New Reservoir Project

In a December 10 press conference, Governor Newsom urged lawmakers to press forward in building the Sites Reservoir in Colusa County. Read on to learn more about the project, the largest new reservoirs to be built in California in the last 50 years.

(12/10/2024) → The Mercury News
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (12/13/2024)

Palermo Villa, Inc. Issues Recall for 1,728 Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas Due to Possible Plastic Contaminant

December 13, 2024 Palermo Villa, Inc. is issuing a recall of 1,728 Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas because of a possible plastic foreign contaminant. The product was distributed in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to retail grocery stores. The affected product, Connie's Thin Crust Cheese
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/13/2024)

Motivate Me Ashley, LLC is Recalling VidaSlim Brand 90-Day, 30-day and 7-Day Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules & VidaSlim Hot Body Brew Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander in the Products

Motivate Me Ashley, LLC of San Antonio, Texas is recalling the following VidaSlim brand products: VidaSlim 90-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 30-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 7-day Sample Size (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), an
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/12/2024)

City activates weather-respite centers Dec. 12-15

With the National Weather Service forecasting consecutive days of rain, the City of Sacramento will activate weather-respite operations at its Outreach and Engagement Center (OEC) and the North 5th Street Navigation Center. The OEC (3615 Auburn Blvd.) will operate from 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 to 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Walk-ups will be accepted, with [...] The post City …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/12/2024)

SPD’s IMPACT team plays important role in City’s homelessness response

Every day, the Citys Incident Management Team (IMT) responding to homelessness deploys multi-departmental units across Sacramento that provide outreach and engagement to people experiencing homelessness while simultaneously enforcing City laws and ordinances. These Rapid Response units pair outreach workers from the City's Department of Community Response, who provide connection to homeless services, with IMPACT officers [...] The post SPDs IMPACT …
Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. City of Citrus Heights   (12/12/2024)

Citrus Heights City Council Swearing-In and Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor

Newly elected Citrus Heights City Council Members were sworn-in to office during the December 11, 2024 City Council meeting. The City Council also selected a mayor and vice mayor for the next year.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (12/12/2024)

Roger Niello CA Senate 06:
Senator Niello Urges Immediate Funding for Proposition 36 Implementation

Senator Niello Urges Immediate Funding for Proposition 36 Implementation dimmital Thu, 12/12/2024 - 10:06
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/12/2024)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Dec. 2-8

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Dec. 2-8, the City of Sacramento received 731 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 493 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/12/2024)

City accepting applications for 2025 Planning Academy

Applications are now open for the Citys 2025 Planning Academy, a program designed to educate, engage, and empower Sacramento residents, business owners and community leaders in the Citys planning process. The free, eleven-week course, which begins March 3, 2025, provides participants with a background in the fundamentals of city planning and covers a broad spectrum [...] The post City accepting …
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/12/2024)

Cal Yee Farm LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Soy, Wheat, Sesame, FD&C #6 and Almonds in Snack Products

Cal Yee Farm LLC of Suisun Valley, California is recalling chocolate and yogurt covered products (Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Almonds, Yogurt Coated Almonds and Dark Chocolate Apricots [sold under Cal Yee's or Cal Yee Farm brands]), Tropical Trail Mix, Butter Toffe
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/11/2024)

New Age International Recalls 'Enoki Mushrooms' Due to Potential Health Risk

New Age International Inc of Brooklyn, NY 11206 is recalling its 200g packaged of Daily Veggies Enoki Mushroom, Product to Korea because they maybe contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people