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By Chris Neklason
Published Apr 28, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.

The News: April 28, 2025

The Headline: CALocal Forks ‘The Newsletter’

We have noted that the stack of information we send out every Monday in our weekly edition of The Newsletter has grown. Starting now, instead of distributing one really big collection of carefully curated information per week, we’re going to send you two pretty big collections.

Below as always find a News Digest drawn from trusted sources in your neighborhood; a profile of a local nonprofit; Announcements from your elected public servants and other government entities; and yes! A recipe! On Thursday, look for Explainers and other original content from California Local.

The Throughline: Scanning the news in the ten counties we currently serve, our friend and CEO Chris Neklason often notices that a theme emerges. It might be because it’s tax time or Grand Jury season or flu season. This week, as you scan the Digest localized for your county, you are likely to find news about work being done to prepare for fire season. Scroll to learn more.

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 Spring! cookbook.

Healthy spring salad is packed with antioxidants

This pretty spring salad is loaded with nutrition from blueberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts and other vegetables.

New! Blueberry spinach salad with honey-Dijon vinaigrette

	Sacramento County's Homepage
Our overview page for Sacramento County is updated daily with the latest state and local news, weather alerts, local government announcements and local blog posts and news snippets from community groups and individuals.
Direct your browser to 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!

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	Excitement Pumping Up for 32nd Handcar Derby, Local Entries Sought
	The energy is building, and the countdown is on as the 32nd Annual Folsom Handcar Derby prepares to roll into town May 24-25. Held along the rails in front of Broadstone Marketplace on East Bidwell Street, the event promises two …

	Putting the AR in Sacramento Art With ‘Broadway Augmented’
	Ten years ago, Broadway revealed a never-before-seen side of itself. Quirky murals moved on restaurant windows. A massive turntable spun outside Dimple Records. Animals popped up at a child’s gravesite. For a brief stretch, with the support of augmented reality, …

	California Workforce Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira on Developing a Strong Statewide Workforce
	In a recent interview with Sacramento News & Review Publisher Jeff vonKaenel, California Workforce Development Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira shared his vision for workforce development boards and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities they face.

	Making History: Folsom Fundraiser Fills the Square With Celebration
	Despite overcast skies, a perfect spring evening set the stage Thursday as Folsom’s historic district came alive with music, artistry, and the inviting aromas of local flavors, welcoming guests to Folsom History’s “Making History: Eat. Create. Celebrate.” fundraiser at The …

	Folsom Middle School Principal Receives Honor
	The principal of Folsom Middle School has been named the 2025 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Advocacy Champion of the Year.

	Phase 2 of Folsom Lake Crossing Median Barrier Project on Deck
	After numerous accidents and at least six fatalities since 2016, city officials are moving forward this week with the Folsom Lake Crossing Median Barrier Phase 2 project. The project aims to enhance safety along the segment of the crossing roadway …

	Folsom Hires Firm to Find New Public Works Director
	Folsom hired a firm last week to find a replacement for Mark Rackovan, who is retiring next month as city public works director.

	Folsom Works on Master Plan to Ditch Sewer Spills
	City officials are hiring a consultant to prepare a $400,000 Folsom wastewater master plan to avoid sewer spills like the one at Folsom Lake last year.

	Folsom VFW Members to Clean Up Area Trails for National Day of Service
	Members of Folsom’s VFW Post 6604 will roll up their sleeves and take to the trails on Saturday, May 3, to clean and restore a section of the city's popular bike and pedestrian path system. The local effort is part …

	Sac County Arrests 97, Assists Dozens in Homeless Camp Sweep
	A recent four-day sweep by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) across unincorporated areas Sacramento County led to the identification of 45 encampments, the arrest of 97 individuals—including 22 for felony offenses—and the provision of vital services …

	Park Concert Series Begins May 3
	For comfort of audiences and performers, 2025 Carmichael Park District concerts will this year comprise a May-to-June series. The change, after 40-plus years of summer-long concerts, leaves the park stage bare in the hotter months of July and August.

	Friends of the Library to Hold Book Sale
	Don’t miss the semi-annual book sale at the Carmichael Library on Friday, May 23 from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

	As Sacramento County Is Hit With Waves of Mail Theft, Audit Reveals Lax Security Practices at Three of Its Post Offices
	On April 4, US Representative Ami Bera stood behind a podium in front of a cluster mailbox on Alderberry Way in North Natomas. He was there with Rancho Cordova City Councilmember Linda Budge and Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan to …

	Planet Zine Keeps Young Artists Connected to Sacramento Community
	Freddie Dasinger, 19, left Sacramento for college this past fall, but a print magazine he founded three years ago keeps him connected to his hometown community.

	74th Autorama to Fill Cal Expo With Hundreds of Hot Rods
	The popular Sacramento Autorama returns to Cal Expo for the 74th year on May 2 through May 4.

	Court Expands Hours for Traffic, Small Claims, Landlord/Tenant Cases
	In an effort to better serve the public, the Sacramento Superior Court has extended its hours of operation at the Carol Miller Justice Center, effective since April 7.

	Residents Challenge American River Erosion Control Work
	The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, is proposing to remove more than 600 trees and acres of riparian vegetation along the Wild and Scenic American River.

	Council Delays Decision on Mills Crossing Amid Community Concerns
	The Rancho Cordova City Council voted unanimously April 21 to delay a decision on the proposed Mills Crossing development, after a packed meeting filled with public comments raised significant concerns over parking, public safety and the role of a planned …

	Sacramentans Rally at Capital to Put the Brakes on Big Rent Hikes
	“The rent, the rent, is too damn high!” shouted dozens of people on April 2 as they gathered outside the state capitol in Sacramento. They were there to support the announcement of a new bill to curb unreasonable rent hikes …

	American Legion BBQ & Boots Dinner and Dance
	American Legion Post 383 is hosting a dinner and dance open to the public on May 3.

Recent Local News

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● Sacramento Council Approves New Homeless Housing Plans

In their April 29 meeting, the Sacramento City Council approved moving forward with interim housing micro-communities and away from the current model of congregate housing homeless shelters. Read more.

(04/29/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Why Sacramento is not Funding Muralists

A look at the law which has caused the City of Sacramento to stop funding new murals. Read more.

(04/28/2025) CapPublicRadio

● SMUD Rate Increases Coming in 2026 and 2027

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is proposing a 3% rate increase for all its electricity customers in 2026 and 2027. Read more.

(04/26/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● X Games Cancels Sacramento Event Scheduled for this Summer

X Games organizers announced that the event planned for August in Sacramento at the county fairgrounds and expected to draw up to 100,000 attendees has been cancelled. Read more.

(04/25/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Elk Grove City Council Approves Loan for Senior Affordable Housing Project

In their April 23 meeting, the Elk Grove City Council approved a $4.2 million loan to help fund an affordable senior housing project. Read more.

(04/25/2025) Elk Grove News Net

● Sacramento Public Works to Expedite Traffic Safety Projects

With a mandate to reduce traffic deaths, the City of Sacramento Public Works Department is gearing up to implement dozens of additional traffic safety projects per year. Read more.

(04/24/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Sacramento County and Cities to Meet on Homelessness

Following the initiative of a Sacramento City Council member, discussions are in progress for a joint meeting in the summer or fall with representatives from Sacramento County and all local municipalities to coordinate efforts to combat local homeless. Read more.

(04/24/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Elk Grove City Council Approves Loan for Sheldon Farms North Housing Project

A loan of $3.3 million was approved by the Elk Grove City Council to help fund the phase 1 development of the 240-unit Sheldon Farms North affordable housing project. Read more.

(04/24/2025) Elk Grove Citizen

● Channel 24 Opens in Midtown Sacramento

The new music venue Channel 24 has opened in midtown Sacramento with a slate of upcoming performances. Read more.

(04/23/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Spotlight on Sacramento Region Urban Farms

A report on the blooming movement to support small urban farms in the Sacramento Region. Read more.

(04/23/2025) The Sacramento Observer

● Sutter Health Increasing Presence

Sutter Health is expanding its presence in Sacramento and Elk Grove. Read more.

(04/23/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Sacramento Expedites Homebuilding Pipeline

In an effort to expedite new housing construction, the City of Sacramento is fast tracking the permitting, inspection and approval pipeline. Read more.

(04/23/2025) CapPublicRadio

Recent Statewide News

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● Welcome to the First Fire-Resistant Neighborhood. Now What About the Rest of California?

Dixon Trail is the first purpose-built “wildfire resilient neighborhood” in the United States. Making that a reality for the millions of Californians who already live in harm’s way is a daunting and costly challenge that lawmakers are only just beginning to grapple with. Read more.

(04/29/2025) CalMatters

● Judge Restricts Border Patrol in California: ‘You Just Can’t Walk Up to People With Brown Skin’

‘You just can’t walk up to people with brown skin and say give me your papers,’ a federal judge told Border Patrol attorneys at a hearing challenging recent immigration sweeps. Read more.

(04/29/2025) CalMatters

● California Sent Investigators to ICE Facilities. They Found More Detainees, and Health Care Gaps

A California law empowers state investigators to check on conditions at ICE detention centers. A new report raises concerns about health care inside them. Read more.

(04/29/2025) CalMatters

● California Rolls Out Pesticide "Spray Days" Alerts

Residents living near farms can now sign up to be alerted when pesticides will be applied by the a new system recently launched by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Read more.

(04/28/2025) Monterey Herald

● Trump Cuts Millions in California Crime Prevention Grants: ‘This Was a Sledgehammer’

Groups that support California crime victims and attempt to reduce gun violence lost millions of dollars in grants when the Trump administration pulled funding. Read more.

(04/28/2025) CalMatters

● Legislator Introduces Bill to Prohibit Offshore Drilling Along Central, Bay Area Coast

A new bill in Congress proposes banning new offshore fossil fuel drilling along the coast from Monterey to Mendocino County, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, said this week. The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prohibit new exploration, development or production leases for natural gas or oil along the Central Coast, and a portion of the North Coast. Read more.

(04/27/2025) Local News Matters

● How the State Sent Californians’ Personal Health Data to LinkedIn

The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices. Read more.

(04/27/2025) CalMatters

● They Feared a Loved One in a Psychotic Moment. Why California Police Wouldn’t Come

Police agencies — under scrutiny and worried about their own liability — increasingly won’t respond to someone in a mental health crisis unless that person is committing a crime. So who will transport people in psychosis to get help? And who will keep those around them safe? Read more.

(04/27/2025) CalMatters

● Fraud in California Community Colleges Triggers Call for Trump Investigation

Following CalMatters reporting, California’s Republican representatives are calling for the U.S. Department of Education and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate how California’s community colleges are handling financial aid fraud. Read more.

(04/24/2025) CalMatters

● California Railroads: Unions Push to Shorten Trains, but Companies Warn of Higher Costs

Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal. Read more.

(04/24/2025) CalMatters

● Biden Let California Get Creative With Medicaid Spending. Trump Is Signaling That May End

California uses Medicaid to pay for a range of nontraditional health care services, including housing. The Trump administration wants to scale back those programs. Read more.

(04/24/2025) CalMatters

● Algae Bloom Killing Animals in California Waters

A huge algae bloom is responsible for the deaths of sea lions, pelicans and whales off the California coast. Read more.

(04/24/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Cal Fire Unveils New Aircraft

In an April 24 press conference. CalFire unveiled the latest addition to their fleet of firefighting aircraft, a new C-130 Hercules. Read more.

(04/24/2025) The Mercury News

● California is World's Fourth-Largest Economy

The California economy continues to grow, now ranking as the fourth-largest on the planet. Read more.

(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times

● Real ID Deadline Is May 7

You need a Real ID to fly, and the deadline to get one in California is May 7. Read more.

(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times

● CalFire Releases Interactive Urban Tree Canopy Mapping Tool

A new online urban tree canopy mapping tool for California has been released by CalFire. Read more.

(04/23/2025) YubaNet

● Abundance Meets Resistance: Are Democrats Finally Ready to Go All in on Building Housing?

California Senate Housing Committee Chair Aisha Wahab is a staunch progressive who is clashing with pro-development activists and other Democrats who want to build more, faster. Read more.

(04/22/2025) CalMatters

● How Trump Tariffs Could Upend California Farms, Wine Businesses and Ports

From higher costs to export worries, California’s agricultural and wine industries face many possible tariff effects. But some hope for opportunity. Read more.

(04/22/2025) CalMatters

● UC Has Been Enrolling More in-State Students. Proposed State Cuts May Halt That Growth

The UC has grown its enrollment of California undergraduates by 16,000 in the last five years. University officials say they won’t be able to continue that growth if state funding is cut. Read more.

(04/22/2025) CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	United States (04/28/2025) Food Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Monkfish Liver - Ankimo
JJWV Marketing Corporation of Santa Fe Springs, California is recalling Ankimo Monkfish Liver because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

	State of California (04/28/2025) Roger Niello CA Senate 06: Budget Spotlight - 04/25/2025
Budget Spotlight - 04/25/2025 dimmital Mon, 04/28/2025 - 14:00

	United States (04/28/2025) Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon Voluntarily Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 28, 2025 - A limited quantity of Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon is voluntarily being recalled because the topping packet may potentially contain an undeclared milk allergen. The product may contain milk that is not declared on the label. 500 units of the sal

	City of Sacramento (04/28/2025) City weather respite centers activated more than 130 times last winter to support unsheltered residents
Two City weather respite centers were activated more than 130 times as this past winter to support unsheltered residents, according to data from the City of Sacramentos Department of Community Response (DCR). Between October 2024 and March 2025, the Outreach and Engagement Center (OEC) and the North 5th Navigation Center provided more than 3,200 bed [...] The post City weather …

	United States (04/25/2025) Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6OZ and 4OZ)
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea'au, HI is voluntarily recalling Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6oz and 4oz bags), due to the possible presence of undeclared almonds and cashews.

	City of Citrus Heights (04/25/2025) 2024 ACFR and PAFR Available
The City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 are available.

	United States (04/25/2025) My Life Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in ML Natural Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin
April 25, 2025, My Life Inc. of Federal Way, WA is recalling approximately 65 bottles of ML Naturals Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin 300mg. capsules dietary supplement, lot FL2407511L19, expiration date 10/2027, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or seve

City of Sacramento (04/25/2025)

Sacramento Fire Department celebrates first Emergency Medical Service Academy Graduation

The Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) recently marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its first Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Academy a major step in modernizing emergency response and opening new career paths. The newly-created EMS Academy trains attendees for a role focused solely on medical response no firefighting required. In the past, [...] The post Sacramento Fire Department celebrates …

	City of Sacramento (04/25/2025) Free Dump Day helps residents dispose of junk, hazardous waste
The City of Sacramento is helping residents get rid of their junk for free. On Saturday, May 3, from 8 to 11 a.m., the Recycling and Solid Waste Division will host a free Dump Day event to give residents an additional resource for waste disposal. "Last year in just three hours, we collected over [...] The post Free Dump Day …

	City of Sacramento (04/25/2025) City offering grants of up to $3,000 to help keep local waterways clean. Here’s how to apply
Utilities staff are inviting community groups to apply for grant funding for projects that can help protect, restore or enhance Sacramento's waterways. The grants offer up to $3,000 to projects that prevent pollution from entering storm drains, creeks, and the Sacramento and American rivers. This is a great opportunity for people who want to help [...] The post City offering …

The News: April 28, 2025

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