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By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 23, 2024

Happy Holidays. Big News. And Our First 'Ask.'

First, the big news. California Local is forging a partnership with Bay City News and its nonprofit, the Bay City News Foundation. In coming months, we will be working together to apply for grants to help our organizations expand our missions.

Together with BCN, which has been providing newsrooms in Northern California with essential news coverage for 45 years, we will be working on some big projects to help people engage with their communities and live a better life. You can read about one of these projects in a blogpost by our friend Chris Neklason, below.

The ask: This partnership also allows you, for the first time, to make tax-deductible contributions to help us with our efforts. If you can help, and you want to support local journalism, send me an email: I am eric@californialocal.com. Find more ways to easily donate below.

On to the festive part of this edition of The Newsletter.

Seasons greetings. I write today from my home in your state capital, where we had a nice little solstice party last night, and are preparing to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in just a few days. I hope you are enjoying the wintry weather and observing this week of darkness and light in whatever way you do that at your house. 

I want to tell you today how grateful I am that you are a California Local member and newsletter subscriber. I am so glad that you care about your community and appreciate our work. These are troubled times, and I'm deeply happy for the opportunity to share some good news about individuals and organizations in our state that are trying to make things better.

That’s mostly what we do here—I’m sure you’ve noticed—after all, we titled our book How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State. We are unapologetic optimists. There are serious problems in this world and in our state; we are mostly focused on solutions.

In recent weeks, Chris has brought you stories about legacy service organizations such as the Lions, Rotary and Soroptimists. Tomorrow, I will be publishing an article about our friends at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and their awesome “Give Back Tahoe“ campaign. And over the past three years, we have published articles about scores of individuals and organizations working toward what Chris likes to call "community betterment."

Please help us spread the good word.  (Our 'ask' of you; part 2.)

If you believe it’s important for people to Discover trusted information about their local communities and have that information at their fingertips; if you believe it would be good if these folks could Connect with each other and with their local leaders; if you believe it would be best if they could Act by reaching out to their elected officials and other others active in their communities; then I hope you will consider contributing to California Local.

Again: The Bay City News Foundation has agreed to serve as our nonprofit fiscal sponsor. This sponsorship allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution to help us deliver news and information from trusted sources to more Californians.

You can support our work by contributing a tax-deductible donation through the Bay City News Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization with Tax ID 83-0654488, who have agreed to support our work.

Checks can be mailed to Bay City News Foundation, 900 Hilldale Ave., Berkeley CA 94708. Please note in the memo line: "For California Local"

You can also donate online using a credit card or PayPal. In the form field labeled “Special instructions for seller” write in “For California Local

Again, I'm eric@californialocal.com. Shoot me a note and I'll send you more info. And: I'll send you a book!


A Tool for Democratic Engagement

California Local delivers local journalism from multiple trusted sources in each of the 10 counties we now serve, sending readers to those primary sources. We do this within a digital environment that includes a reader-friendly database that gives site-visitors easy access to regularized accounts of: 1) Local government agencies, departments, and officials, and 2) Local nonprofits that make up the non-governmental civic infrastructure. 

Beginning in 2025, we hope to make this Community Information Hub infrastructure available as a WordPress plug-in to newsrooms, libraries, and ... well ... everyone. It's a pretty cool project. I hope you will agree.


Creating a Community Information Hub

Big Search and Big Social have abandoned you in an information desert. Help is on the way.
Finding information about the community can be hard. We have a plan to make it easy.


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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 Winter! cookbook.


Put a lemony, seasonal twist on red and green coleslaw

Shredded Brussels sprouts are the starting point for this green and red coleslaw, perfect for a holiday meal.
New! Brussels sprouts-apple slaw with pomegranate, pistachios and Meyer lemon dressing


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Get to Know a Group

Golden Empire Council logo Golden Empire Council

The Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America pursues the mission of this national organization to “instill values in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes, to take leadership roles as adults, and to reach their full potential.”

→ Learn more

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From Our Media Allies

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San Jose Inside logo Widespread Cockfighting in CA Identified as Possible Source of Bird Flu Emergency

California may have more than a million fighting birds, according to the Center for a Humane Economy.

Folsom Times logo Sac County Health Officials Closely Monitoring Bird Flu Situation

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency on Dec. 18, 2024, in response to the ongoing H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu) outbreak. The declaration is intended to help state agencies respond more effectively by streamlining resources and operations.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom City Council Approves Aerojet Subdivision of 'Area 40'

The Folsom City Council approved the 148-acre Aerojet “Area 40” subdivision last week.
The Folsom Planning Commission on Oct. 30 recommended approval of a large-lot tentative map to subdivide the Aerojet property into seven parcels near Prairie City Road and …

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Bids Farewell to Retiring City Manager Andersen

The Folsom community bid farewell last week to retiring City Manager Elaine Andersen, celebrating her remarkable career and deep connection to the city.

Folsom Times logo Transient Occupancy Tax Grant Program Opens for Sac County Jan. 13

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has announced plans to allocate $1 million through the TransientOccupancy Tax (TOT) Grant Program in the 2025-26 fiscal year to support nonprofit organizations. This funding initiative, which has been in place since 2017, aims …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Planning Commission Approves Mather Veterans Village’s Phase Four

The Rancho Cordova Planning Commission approved two projects on Tuesday, Dec. 11, after discussions on design and community impact. The meeting focused on a church remodel and a new affordable housing complex for veterans, both of which aim to enhance …

Sacramento News and Review logo Sacramento’s Elise Hodge on Art Exposure and a New Era of Live-Streamed Theater

Walking down 28th Street in the Newton Booth neighborhood of Sacramento, you might miss The Ooley Theatre. The nonprofit, multi-use venue is next to a convenience store, across the street from some apartments, and not far from the freeway, which …

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Elected City Council Members Appointed

The Rancho Cordova City Council held its meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, where significant leadership changes were made, including the appointment of a new mayor and vicemayor, as well as a discussion on the city’s Planning Commissions future.

Tahoe Guide logo Tahoe Rings in 2025 With Fireworks, Drone Shows

From dazzling fireworks and torchlight parades to live music, family-friendly celebrations and exciting nightlife, Tahoe and Truckee are the ultimate destinations for New Year’s Eve fun.
Find event details and transit options for a safe and unforgettable night.

Tahoe Guide logo Celebrate the Holidays in Tahoe, Truckee

From festive markets and holiday parades to carolers, seasonal performances, and skiing with Santa, Tahoe and Truckee have something magical for everyone this season.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Sutter Health Announces Latest Multispecialty Care Center Expansion

Renovation is underway at the Sutter Health Arden Care Center located at 1651 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento as part of the health system’s robust, strategic plan to increase access to more care services.

Carmichael Times logo Delivering Mobile Aid When Disasters Strike

You may not know about Sacramento County's Local Assistance Centers (LAC), but when residents are hit with disasters, the centers become vital locations for people who need help getting their lives back on track.

Sacramento News and Review logo Sites Reservoir in the Sacramento Valley Remains a Second Environmental Battlefront Between Newsom and California Tribes and Conservation Groups

Gavin Newsom continued his “California Jobs First” tour last week with a press event at a farm in Colusa in the Sacramento Valley where the governor promoted efforts to build Sites Reservoir. However, similar to Newsom’s embattled Delta tunnel, Sites …

Folsom Times logo Folsom Moose Lodge Presents Bikes to Those Need for Christmas

It was cold and rainy Saturday, but at the Folsom Moose Lodge, excitement was shining bright for the organization’s annual Christmas bike giveaway. Braving the weather, families gathered that the lodge on Scott Street,where there were many young faces were …

Sacramento News and Review logo Hope Cooperative CEO April Ludwig on Continued Advocacy for Housing Policies and Wraparound Services in Sacramento

April Ludwig is the CEO of Hope Cooperative, a nonprofit that provides supportive housing and mental health services in Sacramento County. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she took the helm in September 2023, fully transitioning into her role in …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo ‘Governors Are Going to Have to Create a New System’: Leaders in the West Lambast Insurance Industry Over Rising Costs for Homeowners

As extreme weather events fuel an explosion in homeowners insurance premiums, governors representing states in the West are expressing frustration with the industry, saying companies need to do more to bring down costs.

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Recent Local News

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Storm Damages Sherman Island Levee

Following resent storm erosion to a levee protecting Sherman Island, residents are advised to remain alert. Read on to learn more and how to sign up for updates from the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services.

(12/21/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Citrus Heights Ramping Up Short Term Rental Tax Enforcement

Fewer than 30% of short term rentals in Citrus Heights are following licensing and tax rules. Learn more about how the city will be increasing enforcement and collecting the 12% tax revenue it is due.

(12/21/2024) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

Sacramento School Union and District Reach Agreement

Agreement has been reached between a union representing non-educational staff and the Sacramento Unified School District. Read on to learn more about what's included in the new contract.

(12/21/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Harvest Water Project Update

Learn more about the massive Harvest Water Project which is under construction to process and deliver billions of gallons of reclaimed sewage for agricultural use and to recharge southern Sacramento County groundwater.

(12/20/2024) → Elk Grove News Net

Re-elected Elk Grove Mayor and Council Members Sworn In

The first order of business of the December 11 Elk Grove City Council was the swearing in of the re-elected mayor and two council members to their new term of office. Read on to learn more about their remarks at the ceremony.

(12/19/2024) → Elk Grove Citizen

Elk Grove Dissolves Arts Commission

In their December 11 meeting, the Elk Grove City Council voted to dissolve the Art Commission. Read on to learn about the new commission replacing it,

(12/18/2024) → Elk Grove Citizen

Sacramento City Council City Manager Contract Extension

In their December 17 meeting, the Sacramento City Council voted to not extend the contract with City Manager Howard Chan. Read on to learn what's next for the city.

(12/17/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Fails to Pass Community Benefits Agreement Ordinance

In their December 3 meeting, the Sacramento City Council failed to pass a proposed community benefits ordinance for major developments receiving $10 million or more in city funding. Read on to learn more about how community benefits agreements work, and why the proposed ordinance failed.

(12/17/2024) → The Sacramento Observer

Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Fairness in Prop. 36 Enforcement

In a December 17 press conference, Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho and Sheriff Jim Cooper announced local enforcement of Proposition 36. Read on to learn more about their plans.

(12/17/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
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Recent Statewide News

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California Limits Junk Fees: New Law Blocks Fines for Declined ATM Withdrawals

A new California law will prohibit state-chartered banks from charging fees for withdrawals that are instantaneously declined.

(12/23/2024) → CalMatters

California Has a Nutria Response Team?

The invasive South American housecat-sized semi-aquatic rodent is making the bay area a new home, and that's a problem. Read on to learn what wildlife officials are doing about it.

(12/23/2024) → The Mercury News

More Water for Urban Areas, Some Farms: Biden, Newsom Officials Announce Long-Awaited New Water Delivery Rules

New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.

(12/20/2024) → CalMatters

CA Nurses Demand Changes to Addiction Recovery Program

For California nurses seeking help with alcohol or drug abuse, the road to recovery through a program managed by their licensing board can be fraught, writes CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang.

(12/19/2024) → CalMatters

How America Lost Control of the Bird Flu, Setting the Stage for Another Pandemic

Keith Poulsen's jaw dropped when farmers showed him images on their cellphones at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin in October. A livestock veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin, Poulsen had seen sick cows before, with their noses dripping and udders slack.

(12/19/2024) → California Healthline

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Operation Extended

Learn more about how a deal from 2022 to extend operations of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant and a recent California Public Utilities Commission decision are leading to higher electricity bills across the state.

(12/19/2024) → Los Angeles Times

California Declares Bird Flu Emergency

As the first serious case of bird flu in a human is reported and more dairy herds across the state are infected, California Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency. Read on to learn what that entails.

(12/18/2024) → CapPublicRadio

Why Income and Tense Politics Are Limiting Access to Civics Classes in California

All high school students are required to take civics, but a lack of money can limit opportunities. And in some communities, parent objections pressure teachers to avoid certain topics.

(12/18/2024) → CalMatters

A California Recovery Program Keeps Watch on Addicted Health Workers — But Not Doctors

California doctors are asking the state to create a ‘safe harbor’ program for addiction recovery. They say the current system discourages doctors from participating because they regard it as punitive.

(12/18/2024) → CalMatters

New Decisions Boost California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate, but Major Hurdles Remain

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decree that by 2035 all new cars sold in California must be powered by batteries or other zero-emission systems has received a double dose of legal and political support.

(12/18/2024) → CalMatters

Cal Fire Opens Applications for Free Summer Firefighter Camp for Young Californian Women

Cal Fire is taking applications for Camp Cinder, a free four-day, three-night immersive firefighter camp for young women ages 15-17. The program, led by women firefighters and offered June 23-26 in Shasta and San Luis Obispo, will teach rope skills, water rescues, hose movement, leadership and more,

(12/18/2024) → Local News Matters

Biden Administration Approves California Electric Car Mandate. Will Trump Try to Revoke It?

The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state’s zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California’s progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

(12/17/2024) → CalMatters

California Workforce Fund Targets Programs Solving Problems

Child care centers throughout California struggled to find people with the right credentials to look after their babies, toddlers and preschoolers. At the same time, many people who wanted to become early childhood educators faced difficulties in earning the credentials.

(12/17/2024) → CalMatters

National Center for Atmospheric Research Explains: Atmospheric Rivers

Use this explainer by the National Science Foundation-sponsored National Center for Atmospheric Research to understand atmospheric rivers and how they'll change as the climate warms.

(12/17/2024) → YubaNet

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
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (12/20/2024)

Lidl Recalls Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables Due to Undeclared Milk Allergens

DECEMBER 20, 2024 - Lidl US is recalling all lots of their Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables 10.5 oz box UPC 4 056489 122876 due to undeclared milk allergen. The recall was issued due to undeclared milk in the products. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threate
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/20/2024)

City activates weather-respite centers Dec. 21-26

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. Saturday, Dec. 21 to 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. Walk-ups will be accepted, with [...] The post City …
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/20/2024)

Recall of Jose Madrid Salsa Chipotle Con Queso

Jose Madrid Salsa is announcing a voluntary recall of our Chipotle Con Queso Salsa. The salsa is being recalled because it contains Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which were not listed on the ingredient label. Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 run the risk of minor to serious
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/20/2024)

Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. Recalls Raw Pork Sausage Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 - Impero Foods & Meats, Inc., a Baltimore, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage products that were produced without the benefit...
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/20/2024)

Ralph's Packing Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Beef Bologna Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 - Ralph's Packing Company, a Perkins, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,132 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef bologna products due to misbranding and an undeclared...
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/19/2024)

‘Countdown on the Cobblestones’ to ring in 2025 at Old Sacramento Waterfront

Sacramento residents can welcome the new year at "Countdown on the Cobblestones," an event bringing music and festivities to the Old Sacramento Waterfront on New Years Eve. The event will feature live music, interactive activities, and a light show, providing a family-friendly alternative to midnight festivities. The celebration will run from 4 to 10 p.m. [...] The post ‘Countdown on …
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/19/2024)

Orgain Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Possible Undeclared Peanut Residue in a Single Batch of 30G Protein Organic Plant Based Powder - Chocolate 2.01lb

Orgain of Irvine, California is voluntarily recalling a single batch of its 30g Protein Organic Plant Based Powder - Chocolate 2.01lb because it may contain undeclared peanut residue. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic
Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. City of Citrus Heights   (12/19/2024)

City Hall Holiday Closure from December 24th to January 1st, 2025

Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/19/2024)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Dec. 9-15

The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Dec. 9-15, the City of Sacramento received 620 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 644 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
Image of United States seal. United States   (12/19/2024)

Nail Factory Recalls Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Fish Products Imported From Vietnam

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2024 - NAIL Factory, the importer of record, located in Huntington Beach, Calif., is recalling approximately 1,635 pounds of ineligible frozen Siluriformes fish products that were produced...