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By Eric Johnson
Published Feb 03, 2025

Image credit: Eric Johnson

A Midwinter Check-In

Midwinter greetings from the gray and rainy capital of the greening Golden State. According to the Farmers' Almanac, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, marks the exact halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox—this day is celebrated in snowy cultures as Midwinter.

There are two ways we might use this obscure holiday to inform our discussion in this episode of The Newsletter. 1) Grimly contemplate the dark, cold months we have traversed since the happy holiday season ended, while gravely considering the darker events of those months (or last week). 2) Look forward hopefully to the warmth and brightness of spring, and find something within our remit to celebrate. 

Okay, you win. This week, in our endless quest to present a fresh perspective on the news: While goverment workers are being virtually massacred back east, we offer an appreciative look at the people we like to call "public servants."

Also, below: Maybe you don't need me to tell you that you can find (right here!) local news you need; an inspiring hook-up with a heroic non-profit organization; and (what?) a recipe for a dish that might make everythng feel better.


What is Government Work Worth?

As you have probably heard, some of our California technology brothers (love 'em, hate 'em, or both) have achieved positions of power in DC, and are cleaning house—relieving longtime government workers of their jobs. This is being seen as either a much-needed move toward government efficiency or an attack on democracy. (If the tech bros had any demonstrated understanding of civics or government policy, I'd say that's an open question.)

Coincidentally, local elected officials here at home are being vilified for giving themselves raises—often for the first time in decades. Chris Neklason presents some context.


Most Local Elected Officials Work Hard for Low Pay

Yeah, it might feel like that but it (probably, mostly) isn't true.
Recent votes to give California's mayors and council members pay raises have led to criticism. Is it justified?


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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.


Gingery carrot soup packs in nutrition and comfort

Garnished with orange juice and an optional dollop of orange-zest-infused yogurt, this gingery carrot juice is a guaranteed warmer on a winter day.
New! Vegan soup is loaded with vegetables and spices


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Big Brothers Big Sisters logo 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 Times logo Local Teens Collect 1,200 Valentines for Shriners Hospital Kids

Two high school students have found a way to give back to young patients and their families at Shriners Hospital this Valentine’s Day. NorCal Gift From the Heart Foundation’s second annual Valentine’s Day Drive is underway, preparing to shower patients …

Folsom Times logo Folsom Fire Promotes 2 Engineers, 2 Captains and Emergency Medical Chief

The Folsom Fire Department honored five of its dedicated first responders Friday afternoon in a special promotional ceremony, recognizing their commitment, leadership, and service to the community. The event, held at the Folsom Rotary Club at Lew Howard Park, brought …

Folsom Times logo Striking the Right Balance: Supporting Sidewalk Vendors While Keeping Our Community Safe

Last week, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors took a big step forward—we unanimously passed new regulations for sidewalk vendors. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was an important one. These rules are all about finding that sweet spot: …

Folsom Times logo Snowpack Dips Well Below Average in 2nd Snow Survey of the Season

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 22.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 8 inches, which is 46 percent of …

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom City Council Approves 3-Year Contract With Goat Herder to Trim Weeds

The Folsom City Council approved a nearly $1 million, three-year contract this week for herds of goats to trim weeds around town.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Declares Natoma Station Tax District on Ballot

Natoma Station area residents will vote on a new assessment district next month to pay for postponed maintenance in the Folsom neighborhood.

Folsom Telegraph logo Mayor Speaks of Ambitious Goals, Optimism, Challenges in 'State of the City' Address

Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino gave her State of the City address on Thursday, Jan. 23, with a powerful message filled with ambition, optimism and acknowledgement of major challenges ahead.

Folsom Times logo Folsom Councilman Responds to Non-Residency Allegations

The final regular meeting of the month for the Folsom City Council didn’t have a lengthy agenda, but a topic that wasn’t even on the calendar drew some attention Tuesday evening at Folsom City Hall. Several area residents took to …

Natomas Messenger logo Grants Available to Support Economic Growth in North Sacramento

The City of Sacramento is now accepting applications from eligible businesses and property owners in North Sacramento’s key commercial corridors to receive up to $240,000 in funding for tenant improvements, equipment purchases and business consulting.

Natomas Messenger logo Women’s Empowerment Receives $50,000 to Help Unhoused Women

Women’s Empowerment has received a grant of $50,000 from Anthem Blue Cross Foundation to provide substance use recovery and mental health support to unhoused women in Sacramento so they can find safe homes and employment.

Natomas Messenger logo Safe Stay Community Campus Breaks Ground

Sacramento County and its partners have officially broken ground on a large-scale campus that can serve the unhoused population with diverse offerings to help people in various stages of homelessness.

The Sacramento Oracle logo District Attorney’s Podcast Launches

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office is launching a new “Off the Record” podcast, available now on all major podcast platforms with a video version on the D.A. YouTube channel.

Carmichael Times logo New Year Brings New CID Staffer

Beginning its ninth year, the Carmichael Improvement District (CID) gets down to 2025 business with a new executive director.

Sacramento News and Review logo Delta Communities, Regional Fishing Groups, Startled by New Presidential Executive Orders

On January 24, President Donald Trump issued executive orders that will have “devastating consequences” for California’s water future, public health and environmental protections – threatening a federal takeover of the state’s right to manage its land and resources – according …

Natomas Messenger logo Sac Republic FC Fan Fest Returns

Ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season, Sacramento Republic Football Club (FC) will host Fan Fest on Feb. 22 at Heart Health Park.

Natomas Messenger logo Area Residents Help Raise More Than $940,000 for Wildfire Relief

KCRA 3, KQCA My58 and the California Gold Country Region Chapter of the American Red Cross partnered on a disaster relief drive that raised more than $940,000 to support people impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Council Discusses Changes to Community Enhancement & Investment Fund

During the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Nov. 21, council reviewed proposed changes to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Grant Process, seeking feedback and providing a preview of the program’s future.

Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Record Attendance at Luncheon Celebrates 65 Years

A record 152 attendees gathered for the first luncheon of the year hosted by the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 24.

Folsom Times logo Dreams Turning to Reality as Folsom’s New Habitat Community Rises

This past week, leaders with the City of Folsom joined volunteers, Habitat for Humanity staff, and future homeowners to raise the walls of the first homes in a new affordable housing community in Folsom’s Historic District. The event marks a …

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Recent Local News

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Intel Layoffs Continue

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Flojaune Cofer Speaks About Alleged Bribery Call

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Sacramento Releases New Bridge Design

The City of Sacramento released renderings for a planned new bridge over the American River. Read on for more information.

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(02/01/2025) The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento Zoological Society Zoo Fundraising Makes Progress

Fundraising by the Sacramento Zoological Society for the new zoo in Elk Grove has so far brought in $17.5 million of the $50 million necessary for construction to begin. Read on to learn more.

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(01/29/2025) The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento Launches National Search for City Manager

In their January 28 meeting, the Sacramento City Council took their first steps in finding and hiring a new city manager to oversee the city's 6,000 employees and $1.6 billion annual budget. Read on for more.

(01/28/2025) The Sacramento Bee
Citrus Heights Historical Society Begins Presentation Series

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(01/28/2025) Citrus Heights Sentinel
Rusch Park Restrooms Reopened

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Supervisors Approve New Street Vendor Regulations

Responding to concerns over health and safety, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved new regulations for street food vendors in their January 28 meeting. Read on for more information about the new rules.

(01/28/2025) The Sacramento Bee
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Recent Statewide News

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Spotlight on Black History Month

A look at 14 places in California where Black businesses and culture thrived.

(02/04/2025) The Sacramento Observer
CA Lawmakers Propose $175 Million Increase for Cal Fire Staffing

Roughly a month after deadly wildfires erupted in Los Angeles County, killing at least 29 people, lawmakers in the state Senate have introduced a proposal to bolster Cal Fire staffing, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is meeting with President Donald Trump over disaster aid.

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State Farm Asks for More Insurance Rate Increases After LA Fires

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Donate to the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund

The California Community Foundation is accepting donations to help the folks impacted by the fires in Southern California. Consider donating today.

(02/03/2025) California Community Foundation
Monarch Butterfly Numbers Plummet

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(02/03/2025) The Sacramento Bee
CA Monarch Butterfly Count Yields Worrisome Finding

For the past three years, more than 200,000 western monarch butterflies spent their winters along the California coast — huddling together in tall tree groves, finding respite from the wind from November to February.

(02/03/2025) CalMatters
Should ‘Aiding’ or ‘Abetting’ a Homeless Camp Be Illegal? It Might Soon Be a Reality in This Bay Area City

The unusual move is alarming activists who worry they could be in the ordinance’s crosshairs.

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Sierra Snowpack Drastically Below Normal — And No One’s Turning on the Pumps, DWR Says

Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which supplies about one-third of California’s water needs, was far lower than average for the end of January at one of the state’s measurement points on January 31.

(02/03/2025) Local News Matters
About That Trump-Ordered San Joaquin Valley Water Release...

Read on to learn more about the Trump-ordered "emergency" release of water from two San Joaquin Valley reservoirs and how it is literally going down the drain (and not to preserve LA from fires as claimed).

(02/01/2025) Stocktonia
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Claiming Community College Diversity Policies Infringe on Academic Freedom

Plaintiffs claimed that being evaluated on their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles is unconstitutional and has a chilling effect on their free speech rights.

(01/31/2025) EdSource
Charging Forward: ‘Lithium Valley’ Could Offer Prosperity for Marginalized Area of California

CHRIS BENNER AND MANUEL PASTOR have had front row seats to the changes taking place in the so-called Lithium Valley, the region around the Salton Sea, where a network of companies have hatched a plan for local and state government entities to mine vast quantities of lithium to use in the batteries that power electric vehicles.

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Over $4 Billion in LA Fire Claims Distributed, More to Come

Insurance companies have paid out $4.2 billion in claims so far to survivors of the Los Angeles County fires, the state Insurance Department said Thursday.

(01/30/2025) CalMatters
California Monarchs See Steep Decline

The number of monarch butterflies overwintering in California are at a near-record low, and the wiping out of the Topanga butterfly habitat by the LA fires has made matters worse. Read on to learn more.

(01/30/2025) Los Angeles Times
Artificial Intelligence Is Bringing Nuclear Power Back From the Dead — Maybe Even in California

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(01/29/2025) CalMatters
More CSU Budget Cuts Proposed

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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Sacramento seal. Family of 11 finds path back to stable, permanent housing at City’s Outreach and Engagement Center
Crystal O-Roy never imagined she would experience homelessness. In late 2023, she was renting a house in Antelope with her 10 children and grandchild while navigating the challenges of divorce. As her expenses increased, difficult financial decisions became unavoidable. When winter arrived and temperatures dropped, utility bills were prioritized over immediately paying rent, which resulted [...] The post Family of …
City of Sacramento   (02/03/2025)
Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. Team Up for Safety on Super Bowl Sunday: Plan Ahead with a Go Safely Game Plan
As football fans gear up for Super Bowl Sunday, the Citrus Heights Police Department reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly by creating a "Go Safely Game Plan" to prevent driving under the influence (DUI).
City of Citrus Heights   (02/03/2025)
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting of Armed Suspect
A vehicle pursuit that began just north of the city shortly before midnight ended in an officer-involved shooting at 69th Street and Lemon Hill Avenue in Sacramento. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. At approximately 11:45 PM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, an Elk Grove Police Department officer attempted to stop a Ford Explorer with no license plates …
City of Elk Grove   (02/03/2025)
Image of United States seal. Gerber Products Company Announces Recall and Discontinuation of All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Choking Hazard
January 31, 2025 - Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER SOOTHE N CHEW TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Jan. 20-26
The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Jan. 20-26, the City of Sacramento received 860 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 798 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...] The post …
City of Sacramento   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. Blue Ridge Beef Issues a Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Natural Mix Due to Salmonella Contamination
January 31, 2025- Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 5,700 lbs. of their 2 lb log Natural Mix due to a contamination of Salmonella. Lot # N25/12/31 (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags) UPC# 854298001054.
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. DJ's Boudain LLC Recalls Sausage Link Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2025 - D.J.'s Boudain, LLC, a Beaumont, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage link products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...
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Image of United States seal. United Natural Trading LLC Announces Allergy Alert for Undeclared Milk in Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
January 29, 2025 - United Natural Trading LLC, Edison, NJ, is voluntarily recalling Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction
United States   (01/30/2025)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City activates weather-respite centers Jan. 30-Feb. 4
With the National Weather Service forecasting cold temperatures and wet weather, 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. Thursday, Jan. 30 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. Walk-ups will be accepted, [...] The post City …
City of Sacramento   (01/30/2025)
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City partners with providers to launch Street to Housing program for people experiencing homelessness
Following the Citys call for qualified providers to support the Street to Housing pilot program, two organizations have been selected to provide services aimed at transitioning people experiencing homelessness into stable housing. The Streets to Housing program marks an important step in addressing unsheltered homelessness in Sacramento, said the Citys Housing Manager Ya-yin Isle. We [...] The post City partners …
City of Sacramento   (01/29/2025)