View in Browser Our Journalism Needs Your Support Please Donate Today
California Local Logo
Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.

By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 18, 2023

JP Reese, a registered nurse, stands with a couple of Ukranian soldiers near the front lines of the war zone. The photo was taken by JP's bride, Dawn Davidson, two weeks after they were married in Sacramento. JP Reese, a registered nurse, stands with a couple of Ukranian soldiers near the front lines of the war zone. The photo was taken by JP's bride, Dawn Davidson, two weeks after they were married in Sacramento.

Californians Supporting Ukraine

In one of his final acts as the most powerful California Republican, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy capitulated to radical members of his party and refused to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address a joint meeting of Congress. Last week, as the brutal dictator Vladamir Putin predicted that Americans will grow weary of helping Ukraine defend itself against his murderous war, the same group of House members seemed to prove him right.

Meanwhile, as the progressive Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has pointed out, House Democrats are being unhelpfully obstinate by refusing to even discuss the situation on our southern border as a condition of funding the war, making things more difficult for Zelenskyy.

In this week's edition of The Newsletter, we bring our focus to Californians who are standing with the Ukrainian people. 

Nurses on the Front Lines

My friend JP Reese is a wound nurse who has worked for the past decade as a home healthcare provider. Most Tuesday evenings we sit in a men’s group together, and occasionally JP will tell a story about visiting one of his patients, most of whom are house-bound and in serious need of his skills as a healer. It’s a powerful gift to witness the depth of his compassion—in my judgment, he was already a hero before he decided to spend his honeymoon in a warzone. 

JP and his bride, Dawn Davidson, who is also a nurse, hoped to spend the weeks after their wedding helping wounded Ukrainian soldiers. As you will see in Graham Womack's wonderful telling of their story, they were unable to accomplish that, but they found other ways to help.

While very few Californians will manage to deliver aid to Ukrainians directly, plenty are doing what they can. Tamara Warta presents here a nunber of organizations that deserve your support.

A Honeymoon in Ukraine

JP Reese (left) and Dawn Davidson (right) celebrated their union with a honeymoon spent serving others.
After their October wedding, registered nurses Dawn Davidson and JP Reese spent their honeymoon in Ukraine, where they distributed humanitarian aid.

From California to Kyiv


With the war between Russia and Ukraine dragging on, California organizations are continuing to take action in support of embattled Ukrainians.

Ambition and Luck

How former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy became Califonria's most powerful Republican leader—and how it all suddenly and predictably came to an end.

Kevin McCarthy: A Look Back

Kevin McCarthy, the Bakersfield Republican whose fall from power was even more rapid than his rise, gave a farewell speech on Dec. 14.
Many conservatives believe success is achieved through hard work. So how did California’s most prominent conservative politician reach the top? Kevin McCarthy won the lottery.

Impact Report Image for decorative use

California Local logo

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!

Get to Know a Group

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.

→ Learn more

Help This Group Help the Community
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
Give Back Tahoe
For Tahoe Truckee, the Give Back Tahoe Giving Season brings together neighbors, visitors, and friends. It reminds us the spirit of the holiday season is about gratitude, giving and community. Donate to local nonprofits. Be a part of something big.
(ends 12/31/2023)
California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

 → View All
Sacramento News and Review logo How New Helvetia’s Employees Plan to Save the Business

New Helvetia Brewing Company announced a transformational shift from a traditional brewery model to a community and employee-owned cooperative. For a $300 lifetime membership fee, individuals become “member-owners.”
Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent logo Rancho Cordova Officials Assume New Roles

Councilmembers David M. Sander and Siri Pulipati assumed the titles of mayor and vice mayor, respectively, on Dec. 6 after a unanimous vote by their colleagues.
Folsom Telegraph logo Former Officers Allege Discrimination, Harassment from Folsom Police Department

Two former Folsom police officers and one current have filed lawsuits against the city of Folsom for alleged discrimination.
Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom City Council Selects New Mayor, Vice Mayor

The Folsom City Council selected Mike Kozlowski as mayor and Sarah Aquino as vice mayor. The one-year terms are effective immediately.
Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom to Extend Contract with Sacramento Tree Foundation

The Folsom City Council agreed to extend a three-year contract for city tree preservation services. The replacement program is funded by in-lieu tree mitigation fees charged by the city when trees are removed for development.
Sacramento News and Review logo Housing in the Capital

Vice Mayor Eric Guerra and House Sacramento’s Ben Raderstorf talk about the past, present and future of affordable housing.
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

 → View All

• CapRadio Interim GM: ‘We Can Get Through the Month of May’

It has been an unprecedented year at CapRadio. And one of extreme hardship. 
This summer, CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff. And that was just the start of its financial challenges.

 (12/18/2023) → CapPublicRadio

• Officials Hope New Flood Strategies Can Help the Sacramento Region Handle an Unpredictable Winter

As soon as this winter, the Lower Elkhorn Basin project area will become a larger overflow area for the Sacramento River when it rises. Crews pushed seven miles of levee back around 1,500 feet, expanding the capacity of the existing Sacramento and Yolo bypass areas.

 (12/17/2023) → CapPublicRadio

• New CHPD Program Seeks to Address ‘Low-Level’ Nuisance Offenders

Citrus Heights police have worked with city and county officials to develop a new program aimed at curbing low-level crimes that impact quality of life for residents.

 (12/16/2023) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

• Citrus Heights Has a New Mayor, Vice Mayor for 2024

Outgoing Mayor Tim Schaefer handed over the gavel to Bret Daniels at the start of the Dec. 14 City Council meeting, with the two the swapping seats as well as titles.

(12/15/2023) → Citrus Heights Sentinel

• Wildfire Risks Will Continue to Drive Up Rates for California Homeowners

Home insurance policies will likely get more expensive, California’s insurance commissioner said. Seven of the 12 largest insurers doing business in California said they could no longer afford to cover new homes in the state.

 (12/14/2023) → CapPublicRadio

• Sacramento County to Open Second Tiny Home Village

Sacramento County’s second tiny home village, or Safe Stay Community, is set to welcome unhoused residents to South Sacramento starting next week.

 (12/14/2023) → CapPublicRadio

• Holiday Gift Guide: Small Black Business in Sacramento

Look no further if you seek local small black businesses to support this holiday season.

 (12/14/2023) → The Sacramento Observer
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

 → View All

• SF Hits New Record for Overdose Deaths

The fentanyl epidemic has pushed San Francisco to a grim milestone: a new record for overdoses. A total 752 people overdosed in the first 11 months of this year, surpassing 2020’s record number of 726.

 (12/14/2023) → SFGate

• Newsom Touts California to Seth Meyers

Gov. Gavin Newsom defended his work and that of current or former California leaders like Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris during an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Newsom suggested conservatives focus unduly on California's failures.

 (12/14/2023) → SFGate

• Commute Times Highlight Income Divide

Higher-income workers are more likely to work from home, analysis of recent census data shows. Lower-income workers can face long and solitary commutes to get to work.

 (12/13/2023) → Los Angeles Times

• Michelin Guide Adds Seven California Restaurants

Three restaurants in San Francisco, three in Los Angeles and one in San Diego have been added to the Michelin Guide. Two of the SF eateries also made Esquire’s list for best new American restaurants in 2023.

 (12/12/2023) → SFGate

• Assembly Group on Retail Theft to Hold First Hearing

A new select committee in the California Assembly dedicated to retail theft will hold its first hearing on Dec. 19. This allows the committee to get to work before the next legislative session on an issue that’s drawn much press for California in recent years.

 (12/12/2023) → Sacramento Bee

• Supreme Court Upholds California Ban on Conversion Therapy

By declining to hear a conservative group’s challenge, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a California ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth. California is one of 22 states to ban this practice.

 (12/11/2023) → Sacramento Bee

• Yosemite Trying New Strategies to Reduce Food Packaging Waste

An estimated 100,000 pizza boxes have been removed from Yosemite’s waste stream. This is because the famed park now serves pizza on trays and puts to-go portions in compostable bags, part of a move to reduce food-related waste.

 (12/11/2023) → SFGate
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

 → View All
Image of City of Citrus Heights seal. City of Citrus Heights   (12/15/2023)

Citrus Heights City Council Selects New Mayor & Vice Mayor
At their regular meeting on December 14, 2023, the City Council selected Bret Daniels as mayor and Jayna Karpinski-Costa as vice mayor.
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/15/2023)

With a storm approaching, City is asking residents to help keep drains clear
A storm system is expected to arrive in Sacramento on Sunday, bringing with it several inches of rain before departing later next week. The storm's arrival during leaf season could cause localized drainage issues, said Carlos Eliason, Department of Utilities spokesperson. "We're expecting to see some areas of minor street flooding because of the amount [...] The post With a …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/14/2023)

Front Street Animal Shelter offers free adoptions through Dec. 23
Front Street Animal Shelter is waiving all adoption fees through Dec. 23 to help animals find a new home for the holidays.  Front Street is beyond capacity and is asking the community to help save lives, according to Ryan Hinderman, Front Street’s communications and customer service manager.  All animals will be fixed, vaccinated and microchipped [...] The post Front Street …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/14/2023)

City extends its weather-respite operations to Dec. 19
The City is once again extending weather-respite operations at its Outreach and Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd.), due to low nighttime temperatures and forecasted rain. The OEC now will provide weather respite through 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19. Walk-ups will be accepted, with the OEC able to accommodate up to 50 guests as part of [...] The post City extends …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/13/2023)

Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness Dec. 4-10
The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for City’s Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From Dec. 4-10, the City of Sacramento received 849 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 653 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was [...] The post Data Report: …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/12/2023)

The City is updating its work zone and event detour policy. Here’s what it means for people walking, scooting or cycling
In an effort to improve accommodation for people walking, scooting, or bicycling through construction zones and during special events, the City’s Department of Public Works is updating the work zone and event detour policy. The updated policy will apply to entities performing construction work or hosting events in the public right-of-way. The goal is to [...] The post The City …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/12/2023)

City moves forward with allowing digital kiosks in Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council recently adopted an ordinance to allow newer signage technology commonly described as "Digital Wayfinding Kiosks" or "Smart City Kiosks" in public areas.  Digital kiosks, also known as interactive kiosks, refer to public outdoor computer terminals that offer pedestrian and tourism information, transportation information, public safety announcements, social-services resources and Wi-Fi access.  [...] The post City moves …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/11/2023)

City of Sacramento extends its weather-respite activation to Dec. 16
With cold nighttime temperatures forecasted to continue in Sacramento, the City is extending its weather-respite operations at its Outreach and Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd.). The OEC now will provide weather respite through 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Walk-ups will be accepted, with the OEC able to accommodate up to 50 guests as part of [...] The post City of …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/11/2023)

What should you do if you find a lost dog? Front Street Animal Shelter recommends these steps
It is estimated that one out of three dogs will go missing in their lifetime. With that statistic in mind, Front Street Animal Shelter is emphasizing the important role finders can play in helping animals get home while also reducing the impact on shelters. "Our shelter is chronically overcrowded," said Lizz Thompson, the shelter’s operations [...] The post What should …
Image of City of Sacramento seal. City of Sacramento   (12/08/2023)

City will soon begin another phase of critical infrastructure maintenance
The City's Department of Utilities will soon begin maintenance work on it's flood control system, which is considered critical infrastructure. This maintenance will be similar to the critical infrastructure work the City has performed in past years and is expected to take several weeks to complete. "We work in phases year-round to help ensure these [...] The post City will …