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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 06, 2023

Image credit: Giorgi Balakhadze   CC-BY-SA-4.0

Are Facebook and Instagram Hurting Children?

I love and hate Facebook. I love it because I have used it for years to keep in touch with my family and oldest friends—many of whom I hadn’t heard from much before we all became FB friends. By facilitating instant two-way communications, Facebook became and remains the Internet’s killer app. I hate Facebook because, having studied it closely for years, I do believe that it is literally deadly.

For this week’s newsletter, Jonathan Vankin looks at the lawsuit that California Attorney General Rob Bonta and AGs across the country have filed against Facebook’s and Instagram’s parent company, Meta. The lawsuits allege that Meta exhibited a pattern of behavior in which it purposely caused children to become addicted to its products. (Duh.) The lawsuits describe various profound harms being experienced by our kids, and alleges that Meta’s own documents show that its executives knew that children were getting hurt, and continued these practices anyway.

Scott Galloway, NYU business school professor, offers a succinct analysis of the situation:

I think when we look back on this era of big tech, we’re gonna feel bad about monopoly abuse … we’re going to feel bad about the weaponization of our elections, vaccine misinformation—we’re gonna regret all of it. And I think that’s all gonna be dwarfed by this one regret, and that’s “how the [expletive] did we let this happen to our children?”


Moral Panic or Justifiable Outrage?

We know that kids are spending massive amounts of their lives on social-media sites. We know that there is a full-blown mental-health crisis among today’s teenagers. Are those phenomena related? And is that a corporate crime?


California Sues Meta For Damaging Kids’ Mental Health

How does social media affect the minds and well-being of children? According to California and other states, not well.
California and 32 other states are suing Instagram’s parent company, Meta, saying that their apps are damaging to children. Is there evidence for those claims? Here’s why social media is under attack.


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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!


The Dark Mind Behind ‘Engagement’

Rene Girard taught Peter Thiel, the billionaire VC who bankrolled Facebook, that people are driven to imitate each other and move in packs. His mentor meant it as a deadly warning, but Thiel took it as an opportunity to hypnotize a generation.


Desire and Addiction on Facebook

Rene Girard, 'the godfather of the Like button.'
Harper’s magazine reviews a posthumous collection by Rene Girard, who was Peter Thiel’s professor at Stanford, and is called “the godfather of the Like button.”


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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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Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Rancho Cordova Announces New Chief of Police

Current Chief Brandon Luke retires this month, and the city has announced the appointment of Matthew Tamayo as Rancho Cordova’s chief of police.

Sacramento News and Review logo Embracing the Great Outdoors is Vital in Developing Sacramento’s Next Generation

The call of the wild is not just a poetic phrase; it’s a fundamental need, especially in elementary education. It may also be what’s missing from science curriculum.

Folsom Telegraph logo Incarcerated Individuals Earn Job Certifications, Apprenticeships

The California Prison Industry Authority held two graduations at Folsom State Prison, where 60 received industry-accredited certifications or apprenticeships.

Sacramento News and Review logo Storytelling Project Uplifts Voices of South Asian Women

Meghna Bhat’s project “Gulabi Stories” uncovers taboo topics and promotes healing within South Asian communities.

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Recent Local News

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Angela Davis Says Black Women Have Always Led the Charge for Change

Internationally acclaimed activist and women’s rights warrior Angela Davis was in Sacramento speaking on solutions for ending domestic violence in the Black community.

(11/06/2023) → The Sacramento Observer

Who’s Running for Sacramento City Council in March 2024?

Sacramento voters living in districts 2, 4, 6 and 8 will weigh in on who represents their area on the city’s law-making body. Candidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in their races would win outright.

(11/06/2023) → CapPublicRadio

Five NAACP Members Suspended

Greater Sacramento NAACP President Betty Williams and five other members of the organization were suspended last week for alleged financial misappropriations, according to documents obtained by the Sacramento Observer.

(11/03/2023) → The Sacramento Observer

‘Largest Holiday Light Festival’ Returns to Sacramento This Winter

Sacramento’s Cal Expo will soon be adorned with bright festive light displays with the return of Imaginarium. The “largest holiday light festival” in the capital city will light up Nov. 17 to Jan. 7, and will feature a circus, Santa, an ice skating rink, and games.

(11/03/2023) → Read the full The Sacramento Bee report

Summit Tackles Water Challenges Facing California

At the Water Education Foundation annual water summit in Sacramento, Eric Oppenheimer, chief deputy director of the California State Water Resources Control Board, discussed what he described as the state’s “antiquated” water rights system.

(11/02/2023) → Daily Democrat

Lee Pringle’s Vision: Showcasing the Talents of Black Classical Musicians

The Colour of Music Festival is a classical music festival with one important detail: every musician identifies as Black or African American.

(11/02/2023) → The Sacramento Observer
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Recent Statewide News

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UC Irvine-Led Science Team Shows How to Eat Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis

In a study published in Nature Sustainability, scientists assessed the potential for wide-scale synthetic production of dietary fats. The raw materials are the same as those used by plants: hydrogen in water and carbon dioxide in the air.

(11/06/2023) → YubaNet

A Proposed Development Might Threaten California’s Oldest Tree

A shrubby Palmer oak tree in Riverside County is around 13,000 years old, making it California’s oldest tree and one of the longest-lived organisms on earth. Some people are concerned that a proposed development could threaten the tree.

(11/06/2023) → Los Angeles Times

Newsom Taking New Approach to California’s 10,000 Homeless Veterans

California’s population of homeless veterans has plateaued despite billions of dollars in state spending to create housing for former service members. Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to shift resources to focus on veterans with serious mental health conditions.

(11/05/2023) → CalMatters

What a Theme Park Giant Merger Means for California

Two theme park giants, Six Flags and Cedar Fair, announced they are merging. It could have potential impacts on California theme parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

(11/05/2023) → SFGate

UC Berkeley to Relinquish More Than 4,000 Ancestral Remains

Tribes like the Muwekma Ohlone have been asking UC Berkeley for decades to give back ancestral remains from burial sites around the Bay Area. The school is in the process of repatriating 4,400 remains and 25,000 tribal items.

(11/03/2023) → ProPublica

Lakes Are Reappearing in Death Valley

California's Death Valley is Earth’s hottest place and North America’s driest place. Intense rains, though, are causing lakes to briefly reappear.

(11/03/2023) → Newsweek

Open Enrollment for Covered California Runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 31

It’s that time of the year again when people can get health insurance through Covered California. Here’s more information on how to apply.

(11/03/2023) → Sacramento Bee

America’s Low-Carbon Transition Could Improve Employment Opportunities for All

The USA is likely to see consistent job growth from the transition to net zero, but the gains will be unevenly distributed, shows a new analysis conducted by Imperial College London researchers and published in Nature Climate Change.

(11/03/2023) → YubaNet

Tech Layoffs Continuing in California

Four technology companies, including Google, have announced they're laying off close to 1,700 workers in California. This follows tech layoffs that have been underway since last year.

(11/02/2023) → San Francisco Chronicle

Schiff Gets Endorsement From CA Assembly Speaker in U.S. Senate Race

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has endorsed Rep. Adam Schiff in a crowded U.S. Senate race. Other candidates include representatives Barbara Lee and Katie Porter.

(11/02/2023) → Los Angeles Times

Australian Wine Conglomerate Spends $900 Million for Daou Vineyards

The acquisition includes the Daou brand, Daou Mountain Estate, four luxury wineries, and around 400 acres of vineyards in Adelaida District of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County.

(11/01/2023) → San Joaquin Valley Sun

A Big Year of Snow in California Was Horrific for Endangered Sheep

Researchers tell LAist that half of California’s population of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, which are endangered, died last winter due to record weather. Causes of death include avalanches, starvation and getting eaten by mountain lions after moving to lower elevations for food.

(10/31/2023) → LAist

UCLA Scientist: California’s Redwoods Might Not Last Another Century

A UCLA climate scientist says California’s redwoods might not last in their current groves for another 100 years. An effort is afoot to plant redwoods elsewhere in more potentially hospitable climates, such as the Pacific Northwest.

(10/31/2023) → New York Times
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (11/03/2023)

‘Check before you burn’ season is back in Sacramento. Here are the rules for fireplace users

Is your fireplace beckoning now that cooler weather has arrived in Sacramento? Local officials are reminding residents to “check before you burn.” From Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, residents in Sacramento County — including the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento —must check projected air quality levels before [...] The post ‘Check before …
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. City of Elk Grove   (11/03/2023)

Traffic Advisory: Nighttime Road Work at Bond Road and Elk Grove-Florin Road

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG & E) will conduct nighttime gas main repairs at the intersection of Bond Road and Elk Grove-Florin Road November 5-14. This work will generate temporary lane closures and detours nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Road Closures and Detours: North bound traffic on Elk Grove Florin Rd will be detoured at Bond Road East …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (11/01/2023)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness (Oct. 23-29)

The City’s new Incident Management Team responding to homelessness provided its weekly report regarding outreach, compliance and cleanup for Oct. 23-29. During that time, the City of Sacramento received 1,371 calls to 311 customer service that were related to homelessness. Through the work of the IMT, 872 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, [...] The post …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (11/01/2023)

$3.5 million in grants now available to support North Sacramento businesses and nonprofits

The City of Sacramento is now accepting applications for grants to support North Sacramento small businesses and nonprofits organizations.  “These grants were created to help the North Sacramento community recover from the negative economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilmember Sean Loloee, who represents District 2 and whose office is leading this effort. [...] The post $3.5 million …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (11/01/2023)

Looking for a new washing machine? This City rebate can help you save money and water

If you're planning to buy a new washing machine, a rebate from the City of Sacramento could save you $125 on high-efficiency clothes washers. The rebates are part of the City's water conservation program, which helps customers reduce their water use. "After showers and toilet flushing, washing clothes can be the next highest source of [...] The post Looking for …
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. City of Elk Grove   (11/01/2023)

Digital Newsletter For November/December Now Available

City of Elk Grove newsletter provides pertinent information for residents on city services, events, and resources. Read more
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (10/31/2023)

City supports youth in Marina Vista and Alder Grove through nonprofit partnership

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, kids from the Marina Vista and Alder Grove community head to the gym at the nearby Health Professions High School. Ranging from elementary to high school age, the young people are greeted with a hug, high five, or fist bump from Ball Out Academy’s founder, Kenneth Duncan Jr., before hitting [...] The post City supports …
Image of City of Galt seal. City of Galt   (10/30/2023)

Attention High School Students: Join the Youth Leadership Academy Today!

The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is now seeking high school students who want to learn more about local government, leadership, and how to make an impact in their communities. YLA provides students with helpful knowledge and skills that are part of...
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. City of Elk Grove   (10/30/2023)

Traffic Advisory: High School Band Invitational this Saturday

High school marching bands from throughout northern California will converge on Elk Grove streets and school sites this Saturday, October 14 to compete in the Franklin High School Invitational Band Review. To accommodate the event, road closures and alternative routes around the event will be in place between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to …
Image of City of Elk Grove seal. City of Elk Grove   (10/30/2023)

Traffic Advisory: Elk Grove High School Homecoming Parade

School spirit and tradition will be on display as Elk Grove High School hosts its annual Homecoming Parade this Friday, October 6. To accommodate the event, road closures and alternative routes will be in effect from 12:45 to 3:00 pm on several roads. Motorists can expect traffic delays and are encouraged to plan accordingly. Street Closures for Friday, October 6: …