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.
| View in Browser |
By Eric Johnson
Published Jan 06, 2025
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
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
|
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.
|
From Our Media Allies |
→ View All |
 |
Folsom City Manager Calls for Dangerous Behaviors to End |
|
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 … |
|
Light Rail Service Finally Resumes to Folsom Stations |
|
Return features 15-minute weekday frequency, new low-floor rail vehicles |
|
Fishman, Tamayo Elected to Lead SMUD Board of Directors |
|
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 … |
 |
Video Contest Brings Scholarship Opportunity to High Schools |
|
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 … |
|
Folsom National Charity League Seeks New Mother-Daughter Members |
|
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 … |
 |
Fresh Perspectives in Art for the New Year in Sacramento |
|
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 … |
|
Folsom Fire Department Says Farewell to Assistant Fire Chief and Beloved Therapy Dog Blitz |
|
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. |
|
Folsom Police Say Proposition 36 Already Having a Positive Impact |
|
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 … |
 |
Preparing for the Winter Wonderland at Lake Tahoe’s Ski Resorts |
|
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 … |
 |
Court Gives Text Scam Alert |
|
Sacramento Superior Court has been notified of an active “smishing” campaign in California. |
|
Matt Hedges Named Chief of Staff to County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez |
|
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. |
|
Recent Local News |
→ View All |
|
|
Recent Statewide News |
→ View All |
|
|
Government Announcements |
→ View All |
|
Apna Wholesale Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in "Paras Premium Golden Raisins |
|
Apna Wholesale Inc of Hicksville, NY, is recalling its 7oz and 14oz "Paras Premium Golden Raisins" because they contain undeclared Sulphur Dioxide (sulfites).
United States (01/06/2025)
|
|
|
|
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Raw Ground Beef Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination |
|
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...
United States (01/05/2025)
|
|
|
|
Dierbregs Markets Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Product |
|
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.
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 |
|
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
United States (01/03/2025)
|
|
|
|
Braga Fresh Issues Voluntary and Precautionary Advisory Due to Possible Health Risk |
|
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.
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 |
|
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
United States (12/27/2024)
|
|
|
|
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
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
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...
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...
United States (12/20/2024)
|
|