Greetings, friends—and happy holidays to those of you celebrating the 12th day of Christmas–the feast of the Epiphany. And to all y’all—welcome to the first workweek of the new year (ouch… I feel ya).
In today’s edition of The Newsletter, we are celebrating local news, as we do 52 weeks a year. Today, we turn our attention to a couple of local news initiatives that serve people in rural California communities.
Just below, I share my own story about work I’m honored to be doing in San Benito County, in the little city of Hollister—a farm town a stone’s throw from Silicon Valley. As you’ll see if you click the link (please do; it’s a relatively short read) BenitoLink, an independent nonprofit newsroom, is providing its community with the essential information that they need for self-governance.
I also want to make you aware of important work being done by our friends at Bay City News and their newly acquired outlet, Mendocino Voice. Up on California’s North Coast, there are important issues being decided, and Mendo Voice is the only place people up there can find out about this important stuff.
Please follow this link to see what Mendocino Voice is up to. And read on here to get local news about what’s happening in your county, and, as always, a recipe to help you make life just a little bit better in your kitchen and dining room.
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By Eric Johnson
Published Jan 06, 2025
This ad for BenitoLink's NewsMatch fundraiser proved somewhat successful--and you can still contribute.
Rural California Local News Matters
BenitoLink: A Community's Connection
Founded by the Community Foundation for San Benito County, this nonprofit newsroom brings indepenendent journalism to a rural community in the shadow of Silicon Valley.
Greetings from San Benito County
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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.
Get to Know a Group
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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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Folsom City Manager Calls for Dangerous Behaviors to End |
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Over the recent weeks, some neighborhoods and members of our community in our city have been subject to terrorizing attacks by our youth. Teens riding electric bikes/motorcycles formed in groups of four to 14, have been riding recklessly on city … |
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Light Rail Service Finally Resumes to Folsom Stations |
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Return features 15-minute weekday frequency, new low-floor rail vehicles |
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Fishman, Tamayo Elected to Lead SMUD Board of Directors |
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The Sacramento Municipal Utility District Board of Directors is ushering in a new era of leadership with the election of Gregg Fishman as President and Dave Tamayo as Vice President. Their terms will span from January to December 2025, marking … |
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Video Contest Brings Scholarship Opportunity to High Schools |
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The National Special Districts Association (NSDA) is promoting its annual scholarship contest for high school students designed to encourage young people to engage with local government to enhance their civics education. The scholarships are designed as awards for a student … |
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Folsom National Charity League Seeks New Mother-Daughter Members |
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Back in August, the Folsom Chapter of National Charity league Inc. (NCL) held their annual Fall Kick Off Meeting. The local chapter of the national mother-daughter volunteer organization had over 200 members in attendance. The group is composed of mothers … |
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Fresh Perspectives in Art for the New Year in Sacramento |
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Whether you choose to dip your toes into fantasy, immerse yourself in nature or peer into the past for insight into the future, this curated list of Sacramento-area art exhibitions taking place in January is a great way to jump-start … |
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Folsom Fire Department Says Farewell to Assistant Fire Chief and Beloved Therapy Dog Blitz |
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The Folsom Fire Department said a heartfelt goodbye to Assistant Fire Chief Mark Piacentini on Monday, as he retires after 34 years in public safety. |
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Folsom Police Say Proposition 36 Already Having a Positive Impact |
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Folsom Police say during the holiday season, they conducted “Operation Grinch” from Dec. 10-20. The operation involved uniformed officers along with undercover detectives who focused on retail stores that have been impacted by organized retail crime in 2024. Detective Andrew … |
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Preparing for the Winter Wonderland at Lake Tahoe’s Ski Resorts |
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Lake Tahoe, a renowned winter haven, is gearing up for another thrilling ski season. With the anticipated opening of popular resorts like Heavenly and Northstar, excitement is palpable among winter sports enthusiasts. Prepare to immerse yourself in snow-capped mountains and … |
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Court Gives Text Scam Alert |
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Sacramento Superior Court has been notified of an active “smishing” campaign in California. |
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Matt Hedges Named Chief of Staff to County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez |
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Today, Sacramento County Supervisor-elect Rosario Rodriguez has officially announced that she has selected Matt Hedges as her new Chief of Staff. Hedges, an experienced public servant with deep roots in Sacramento politics, starts in his role today. |
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Recent Local News |
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• Sacramento City Council Appoints Interim City Manager
In their January 7 meeting, the Sacramento City council selected Leyne Milstein as the interim city manager. Read on to learn more about her and the search for a new permanent city manager.
(01/07/2025) → The Sacramento Bee• Bird Flu Detected in Mather Lake Birds
Two dead swans found at Mather Lake tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. Read on to learn more.
(01/07/2025) → The Sacramento Bee• Delta Stewardship Council Seeks Public Comment on Adaptation Plan for Delta
The Delta Stewardship Council, a state-appointed agency that works to protect the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while preserving it as a major water source, recently released a draft adaptation plan called Delta Adapts: Creating a Climate Resilient Future.
(01/04/2025) → Local News Matters• Sacramento City Council Begins Search for New City Manager
Read on to learn what next steps will be taken by the Sacramento City Council for the recruitment of a new city manager following the decision not to extend the contract of former City Manager Howard Chan.
(01/03/2025) → The Sacramento Bee• Revitalizing Sacramento’s Downtown
Read on to learn about efforts underway by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership to revitalize and district, which is slowly rebounding from the downturn caused by of the COVID pandemic.
(01/02/2025) → The Sacramento Bee|
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Recent Statewide News |
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• Too Wet and Too Dry: The Crazy North-South Gap in California’s Rain
Some Northern California cities have been soaked with almost twice their average rainfall, while southern cities are bone-dry. This season’s huge — possibly unprecedented — disparity works in favor of the state’s water supplies.
(01/07/2025) → CalMatters• California’s $20 Billion Unemployment Debt Is Looking Like a Political Hot Potato
The legislative analyst has a plan to fix the “structural insolvency” of the unemployment benefits fund — but businesses aren’t happy and it’s unclear if lawmakers will get on board.
(01/07/2025) → CalMatters• California Study Finds Climate of Fear Driving Local Officials to Quit Amid Harassment, Abuse
THREATS AND HARASSMENT are pushing some politicians out of office, scaring off some would-be candidates and even compelling some elected officials to change their vote.
(01/04/2025) → Local News Matters• 4 New Laws Strengthen Cities’ Abilities to Impound Vehicles Involved in Sideshows
While cities in California continue to pass ordinances to combat illegal sideshows, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several laws that go into effect this year statewide to give municipalities more legal tools to address them.
(01/03/2025) → Local News Matters• California to Launch Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafés, Blending Weed and Coffee Culture
Those in California who’d like a latte with a side of weed have gotten their wish now that a new law goes into effect that permits licensed cannabis dispensaries to add sit-in cafes to their sites.
(01/03/2025) → Local News Matters• Can California Keep ICE Away From Schools? Lawmakers Want to Try as Crackdowns Loom
California legislators want to limit deportation actions at schools, but they can’t ban immigration officials.
(01/02/2025) → CalMatters• As California Tribes Sue Their Gambling Rivals, Cities Could Be the Losers
After winning a costly legislative battle last year, California’s casino-owning tribes have sued their rivals in the gambling business. Cities could lose money if the tribes prevail in court.
(01/02/2025) → CalMatters• Two New California National Monuments To Be Declared
Read on to learn about the two new California National Monuments to be declared by outgoing President Biden.
(01/02/2025) → Los Angeles Times|
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Government Announcements |
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City of Sacramento (01/06/2025) City activates weather-respite centers Jan. 6-8 |
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With the National Weather Service issuing a wind advisory, 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 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6 to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8. Walk-ups will be accepted, with the [...]
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United States (01/05/2025) FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination |
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of frozen, raw ground beef...
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United States (01/03/2025) Dierbregs Markets Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Product |
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Dierbergs is recalling all 16oz Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes with a Sell By Date of January 09, 2025. The product carries an undeclared allergen of Wheat. The affected product is identifiable by a label ID number of 92 in the lower left-hand corner above the UPC code.
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United States (01/03/2025) Abbey Specialty Foods Recalls Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive 5.2 oz and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb 5.2 oz Because of Possible Health Risk |
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Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ is recalling Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive 5.2 oz product and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb 5.2 oz product because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infecti
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City of Sacramento (01/03/2025) Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Dec. 23-29 |
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The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Dec. 23-29, the City of Sacramento received 545 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 294 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...]
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City of Sacramento (12/27/2024) Here is how to dispose of your holiday tree for free |
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Wondering what to do with your decorative tree after the holidays are over? The City has multiple options for recycling trees. The easiest method for City residents who receive curbside collection services from the Recycling and Solid Waste Division is to put their tree out as part of their leaf season collection. Those who receive [...]
The post Here is …
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City of Citrus Heights (12/27/2024) Citrus Heights Police Department to Partner with Community on Illegal Firework Use |
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United States (12/27/2024) Braga Fresh Issues Voluntary and Precautionary Advisory Due to Possible Health Risk |
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Soledad, Calif. - Dec. 27, 2024 - Braga Fresh is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets with best if used by date.
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United States (12/27/2024) Gardners Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars and Gardners Meltaway Treat Boxes Containing Cappuccino Meltaway Bars |
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Gardners Candies of Tyrone, PA is recalling its 1.25 ounce packages of Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway Bars because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (cashews). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction
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City of Sacramento (12/26/2024) Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Dec. 16-22 |
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The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Dec. 16-22, the City of Sacramento received 655 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 1,021 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...]
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