Our Journalism Needs Your Support

By Chris Neklason
Published May 05, 2025

A man dressed in shorts, a broad rimmed hat, blue tshirt and sunglasses assists a young boy on a mountain bike as he traverses a plank bridge at a bike rodeo in San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz on April 11, 2015.

This isn't his first (bike) rodeo. Image credit: Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious CC BY-SA 2.0

The News: May 5 2025

Happy Monday, happy Cinco de Mayo, and thank you! Just so you know: Every single Monday, hundreds and often thousands of Californians click the link in their inbox that delivers The News—we are grateful that you are one of them and one of us. We hope the information you find here is useful.

The Headline: California is on the Move. Starting today (well, a couple days ago), we celebrate Bike Month and "biking as transportation, as recreation, as essential to our well-being and everyday lives"—(thank you, League of American Bicyclists). If you are happy on a two-wheeler, we honor you. Not yet? Now may be the time to start.

The Throughline: Up and down California, transporation projects funded by your tax dollars at work are gaining steam. Learn more in our News Digest below.

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.

Bright and juicy salsa for spring

Fresh strawberry salsa is a bright spring accompaniment to tortilla chips, or to grilled chicken or pork.

New! Strawberry salsa perfect for May celebrations

	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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Team Giving

A regional resource, Team Giving contributes to the community by connecting individuals, businesses and service groups to projects that fulfill the specific needs of local nonprofit groups.

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From Our Media Allies

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	Urban Agriculture Grows in the Sacramento Region
	On a busy corner in West Sacramento, surrounded by high-density housing and railroad tracks, sits a 1-half acre oasis of soil and green shoots. A group of young people tend to organized rows of freshly planted carrots, squash and edible …

	Interstate 80 Scheduled for Extended Closures in Yolo County
	California Department of Transportation is alerting motorists of an upcoming extended connector and on-ramp closure for the ongoing Yolo Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. The mainline between the I-80/US 50 connector ramp to Reed Avenue will …

	Folsom Lake College’s New Science Wing Nearing Completion
	What began as a bare stretch of hillside alongside College Parkway is steadily transforming into a hub of innovation and learning. The glass façade, completed exterior walls, and active construction site now reflect how far the project has come—evolving from …

	Application Submitted for 21 Acre Folsom Ranch Sports Complex
	Proposed facility includes 410,000 square foot facility with 3,000 seat arena, ice hockey rinks, turf fields and more.

	Solar Canal Pilot May One Day Help California Achieve Its Ambitious Climate, Energy Goals
	AS YOU DRIVE through the Central Valley, it is hard to miss the iconic California Aqueduct, which moves millions of gallons of irrigation water through a large canal in the middle of the state. The canal is visible because it’s …

	Clearing Pathways: Partnerships Helps Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Find Their Footing in the Sacramento Region
	In wildfire country, every home needs a buffer zone: a landscaped perimeter created to keep blazes from encroaching on neighborhoods.

	Where Cultural Enrichment Shines: Sacramento’s International Kids Festival
	The 21st annual International Kids Festival takes place Saturday, May 24 at the William Land Park amphitheater in Sacramento.

	Sacramento’s Diverse Art Scene Is in Full Bloom This May
	With vibrant new exhibitions and engaging cultural events to awaken our senses, May invites art lovers to celebrate diverse roots and imagine better futures for beloved natural spaces. A bouquet of creative experiences await.

	Folsom Council Opts for Trail Underpass Over Roundabouts
	The Folsom City Council voted last week to devote a $1.2 million grant to a freeway trail underpass instead of Riley Street roundabouts.

	Folsom Adopts New CAL FIRE Hazard Severity Map
	While Folsom adopted fire hazard zones defined by the state, officials explained the maps are not used for insurance rates.

	Folsom Representatives Calling for Reopening of Folsom Lake to Boats That Have Been Decontaminated
	Lawmakers representing the Folsom area are calling for the immediate reopening of Folsom Lake to boats that have been decontaminated.

	Enduring Outlaws: Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson Bring Their Outlaw Music Festival to the Sacramento Valley on May 18
	The poetic chameleon of American culture is teaming up with the twang-torching red-headed stranger, the duo fronting a night of unique musical performances in the Sacramento Valley. The action happens on Sunday, May 18, when Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson …

	Area High School Students to Compete in SMUD’s Solar Regatta
	High school and college students from across California are set to launch their solar-powered creations into competition waters this weekend as the 12th annual California Solar Regatta returns to Rancho Seco Recreational Area.

	Sacramento Zoo Cancels Relocation Plans Amidst Financial Shortfalls
	After years of anticipation and planning, the Sacramento Zoo has officially halted its plans to relocate to Elk Grove. The decision, announced by zoo officials this week, marks a dramatic shift in direction for the nearly century-old institution, citing rising …

	Folsom-Cordova Schools Honored for Attendance Excellence
	Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) was formally recognized at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance (CASCWA) State Conference on April 28, 2025, in Orange County, where the District was awarded the prestigious 2025 Model SARB …

	State Water Allocations Increase as Runoff Pours Into Area Reservoirs
	Folsom Lake at its highest level for this time of year in 5 years at 92% capacity

	Scholarships for Students
	Sacramento County Public School Students Eligible for $1,500 Scholarships

	Soroptimists Honor ‘Live Your Dream’ Award Recipients
	Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River presented $3,650 in Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women to help six local woman improve their economic situation.

	Sacramento Leads Nation With Automated Bike Lane Enforcement Technology
	The City of Sacramento and Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) are partnering to launch automated bike lane enforcement, making Sacramento the first city in California and in the United States to enforce bike lanes using technology installed on transit buses.

	Sacramento Zoo Welcomes Two Clouded Leopards
	The Sacramento Zoo announced the arrival of two clouded leopards, Serai and Rajasi, on April 17.

	Mental Health Rehabilitation Center Lease Approved
	On April 22, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved a significant step forward in the creation of a new Mental Health Rehabilitation Center for adults.

	As Transitional Kindergarten Programs Grow in Roseville, Other Communities Look to Expand Offerings
	California Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget provides $2.4 billion in ongoing Proposition 98 funding to permanently expand Transitional Kindergarten, or TK, which has been gaining steam in Capital area communities like Roseville.

	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 …

Recent Local News

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● Sacramento Police Annual Overtime Up To $15 Million

A spotlight on the annual Sacramento Police overtime cost as it tops $15 million annually, with no audit or oversight. Read more.

(05/06/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● 200-Apartment Complex Proposed for North Natomas

The 200-unit Natomas Gateway project is proposed for a parcel at the corner of Truxel Road and Terracina Drive in Sacramento. Read more.

(05/06/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● UC Davis Aggie Square Officially Opens

After almost a decade of work, the $1.1 UC Davis Aggie Square innovation district officially opened in the Oak Park neighborhood in Sacramento. Read more.

(05/05/2025) CapPublicRadio

● American River Flood Control Plan Protested

Groups and individuals are protesting the Army Corps of Engineers flood control plan for the American River which includes the cutting down of over 500 trees. Read more.

(05/04/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Aggie Square Ribbon Cutting Held

On May 2, a ribbon cutting celebrated the completion of the first phase of the $1 billion UC Davios Aggie Square project in the Oak Park neighborhood in Sacramento. Read more.

(05/02/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Bike Patrol Seeks Volunteers

The American River Bike Patrol is seeking volunteers to join them as they patrol the many miles of local trails and support walkers and bicyclists in need of assistance. Read more.

(05/01/2025) CapPublicRadio

● Sacramento Grapples With Budget Deficit

On April 30, Interim City Manager Leyne released a draft $1.65 billion budget which includes a number of measures to address a projected $44 million shortfall. Read more.

(04/30/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Spotlight on 5 Sacramento Region Developments

A look at five large developments which are set to impact the Sacramento region. Read more.

(04/30/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● Concerts in the Park Lineup Announced

The popular Friday night Concerts in the Park returns to Cesar Chavez Plaza through the end of July. Read more.

(04/30/2025) The Sacramento Bee

● 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

Recent Statewide News

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● Many Californians Can’t Get Mental Health Help. Is It Too Hard to Become a Therapist?

In her home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Eboni Moen, 42, struggled to find help. Some days she would rock back and forth in her shower, crying uncontrollably and thinking back to her son’s murder. She needed a therapist, she said, someone who could help her process what happened and find appropriate medication. Read more.

(05/06/2025) CalMatters

● Kaiser in the Hot Seat as California Lawmakers Blast Company for Skipping Mental Health Hearing

California lawmakers called an informational hearing on mental health services at Kaiser Permanente, but the company didn’t attend. Read more.

(05/06/2025) CalMatters

● Inmate Firefighters Battled LA’s Wildfire. Now a Lawmaker Wants to Help Launch Their Careers

As the Los Angeles fires raged in January, about 1,000 inmate firefighters labored on hand crews alongside professional firefighters battling the blazes. Read more.

(05/06/2025) CalMatters

● California Regulator Weakens AI Rules, Giving Big Tech More Leeway to Track You

Tech that helps businesses make decisions or target ads will be given freer rein following pressure from the governor. Read more.

(05/06/2025) CalMatters

● An Overdose Killed Her Son. Then, California Lawmakers Asked Her to Help Save Others

Ryan Matlock died of a fentanyl overdose after seeking addiction treatment. Today, his mother is urging lawmakers to get tougher on health insurance plans. Read more.

(05/05/2025) CalMatters

● When Will Democratic Lawmakers Make California More Affordable? Later, Leaders Say

It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results Read more.

(05/04/2025) CalMatters

● California Democrats Backed Into a Corner Over Teen Sex Solicitation

California Republicans are increasingly pushing Democrats on child sex crimes bills. The supermajority is growing more divided about it. Read more.

(05/02/2025) CalMatters

● California Lawmakers Kill Bid to Force HOAs to Follow Open Meeting Laws

A Republican bill to require more transparency from California’s 50,000 homeowners associations failed to advance out of committee despite bipartisan support. Read more.

(05/01/2025) CalMatters

● Covered California Pushes for Better Health Care as Federal Spending Cuts Loom

Faced with potential federal spending cuts that threaten health coverage and falling childhood vaccination rates, Monica Soni, the chief medical officer of Covered California, has a lot on her plate — and on her mind. Read more.

(05/01/2025) California Healthline

● Reintroduced Condor Update

An update on the endangered condors released in California three years ago. Read more.

(04/30/2025) CapPublicRadio

● Yosemite Reservation Rules Released

On April 29, the administration released rules for Yosemite Park Reservations in the coming months. Read more.

(04/30/2025) The Mercury News

● They Found Their Homeless Loved Ones After Years Apart. But That Was Just the Beginning.

After reading a CalMatters article, two people were able to reconnect with their homeless relatives. Here’s what happened next. Read more.

(04/30/2025) CalMatters

● What to Do if Your Loved One Is Homeless

Finding a homeless loved one can be difficult. So can helping them once you’ve found them. Here are some tips from people who’ve been there. Read more.

(04/30/2025) CalMatters

● Unprecedented Vote Shows Dems Fractured Over Housing Policy

Two consecutive committee chairs getting overruled by their committee members signifies a growing rift among California Democrats about how to address the housing crisis. Read more.

(04/30/2025) CalMatters

● The ‘Science of Reading’ Won’t Be Required in California Schools, at Least for Now

The original proposal would have mandated phonics instruction in K-12 classrooms. The latest version makes that optional. Read more.

(04/30/2025) CalMatters

● 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

Government Announcements

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	City of Citrus Heights (05/05/2025) DUI Traffic Collision - Road Closure
On May 5, 2025, at approximately 5:41 pm, the Citrus Heights Police Department responded to a collision involving a solo vehicle into a power pole on Auburn Boulevard at Shadow Lane.

	City of Sacramento (05/05/2025) City launches new fellowship program to provide direct financial support to Sacramento artists
The City of Sacramento has launched the Creative Growth Fellowship, a first-of-its-kind program offering more than $2 million in direct financial support to individual artists living within Sacramento city limits. To help artists take full advantage of this opportunity, the Citys Office of Arts and Culture is urging local creatives to begin preparing now, ahead [...] The post City launches …

	City of Sacramento (05/05/2025) Hear local business success stories at this May 7 event
Notable small business owners will discuss their journeys from startup to success during this years BizX event. Held annually as part of Capital Region Small Business Week (CRSBW), BizX is the premier business resource and networking event, hosted by the City of Sacramentos Office of Innovation and Economic Development and Sacramento Countys Office of Economic [...] The post Hear local …

	City of Sacramento (05/05/2025) Sacramento to host summit on nightlife management, safety and the entertainment economy
Sacramento this week will welcome global leaders for the 2025 Sociable City Academy and Summit, a three-day event focused on social economy strategies, taking place May 7-9 at the Memorial Auditorium (1515 J Street) and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center (1401 K Street). The summit convenes a diverse network of experts, city representatives and [...] The post Sacramento to …

	United States (05/02/2025) Ray & Mascari Inc. Recalls 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes Because of Possible Health Risk
Ray & Mascari Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, is recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers [20 oz. (1 lb. 4 oz) 567g] with UPC# 7 96553 20062 1, and a master case label with Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B because of the potential for them to be contaminated

	State of California (05/02/2025) Roger Niello CA Senate 06: Budget Spotlight - 05/02/2025
Budget Spotlight - 05/02/2025 dimmital Fri, 05/02/2025 - 16:41

	United States (05/02/2025) Vietti Food Group Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in 15-oz Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans
Vietti Food Group of Nashville, TN is recalling 4,515 cases of its Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans (15 oz.) due to the presence of undeclared soy. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

City of Sacramento (05/02/2025)

Sacramento celebrates Aggie Square inauguration at ribbon cutting ceremony

City leaders today joined UC Davis and developer Wexford Science & Technology, LLC to inaugurate Aggie Square, a $1.15 billion innovation district designed to expand research, create jobs, and support the Sacramento community. Held at the newly completed Phase 1 site, the event welcomed community members who toured labs, classrooms, public spaces, and art installations. [...] The post Sacramento celebrates …

	United States (05/02/2025) Williams Farms Repack LLC Recalls Tomatoes Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Williams Farms Repack LLC is recalling Tomatoes sizes; 4x5 2 layer, 60ct 2layer, 3ct trays in the Williams Farms Repack label, and 5x6 25lb, 6x6 25lb H&C Farms Label, due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. Salmonella an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in you

	City of Sacramento (05/02/2025) Grab tickets for the annual Front Street Brewfest on May 10 to support local animals
Front Street in Sacramento will transform into a block party for the highly anticipated Front Street Brewfestan afternoon filled with beer, wine, cider, music, games, and more on Saturday, May 10. From 1-4 p.m. (with VIP entry at noon), over 2,500 attendees are expected to gather outside the Front Street Animal Shelter (2127 Front Street) [...] The post Grab tickets …

The News: May 5 2025

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