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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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San Joaquin County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://sanjoaquin.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and San Joaquin 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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Chest of Hope logo Chest of Hope

Created in 2005 by friends and volunteers, Chest of Hope raises funds to support women and orphans who are suffering from domestic violence.

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From Our Media Allies

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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 …

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 …

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Recent Local News

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Manteca Louise Avenue Fire Station Reopens

Following emergency roof repairs, the Louise Avenue fire station in Manteca is reopened and fully staffed.

(02/04/2025) Manteca Bulletin
Progress Report in Horrific Animal Cruelty Case

The investigation into the owner of a Clements ranch where dozens of dead horses and starving animals were found is ongoing. Read on for more information about this tragic case being pursued by the San Joaquin County Sheriff.

(02/03/2025) Stocktonia
Manteca Reconsiders Location for New Police Station

Read on to learn more about the $56 million City of Manteca project to build a new police station, and the shift from the planned location at West Yosemite Avenue to one to be determined.

(01/31/2025) Manteca Bulletin
Tracy Planning Commission Approves Condominium Project

Read on to learn more about the 36-unit condominium project on C Street recently approved by the City of Tracy Planning Commission.

(01/31/2025) Tracy Press
Tracy Planning Commission Considers Business Park

In their January 22 meeting, the City of Tracy Planning Commission considered a proposed business park on 169 acres. Read on to learn more about the project and how to give your feedback before the public comment deadline of February 10.

(01/31/2025) Tracy Press
Tracy Businesses Going Green

Read on for more information about the Tracy Earth Project and Tracy Chamber of Commerce collaboration in launching the Tracy Green Business Network.

(01/31/2025) Tracy Press
Levee Repairs Completed

Repairs to the Victoria Island Levee have been complete, just in time as an atmospheric river approaches the region. Read on to learn more.

(01/30/2025) Stocktonia
River Islands Continues to Grow

Read on to learn more about upcoming developments in River Islands at Lathrop, including a new rental neighborhood and grocery store.

(01/30/2025) Manteca Bulletin
Highway 99 Austin Road Overpass Demolition Underway

Read on to learn more about the demolition of the Austin Road overpass over Highway 99, and when it will be replaced.

(01/30/2025) Manteca Bulletin
Woodrow Park Splash Pad Advancing

The Manteca City Council is sending the $2.9 million Woodrow Park splash pad project out to bid. Read on to learn more about the project and when construction is projected to be completed.

(01/30/2025) Manteca Bulletin
"Fentanyl High" Screening on February 26

A free screening of Fentanyl High, a film exploring teen exposure to fentanyl, will be held on February 26. Read on for more information about the film and how you can attend.

(01/30/2025) Escalon Times
Manteca Mayor Pushes for Veterans Plaza

Read on learn about Manteca Mayor Gary Singh's desire to build a plaza honoring local veterans.

(01/29/2025) Manteca Bulletin
Despite Rapid Growth, Manteca Following Growth Management Ordinance

Read on to learn more about the City of Manteca's "growth management ordinance," and how the city remains in compliance despite a record year of new housing permits.

(01/28/2025) Manteca Bulletin
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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.

(02/04/2025) CalMatters
State Farm Asks for More Insurance Rate Increases After LA Fires

State Farm, which already has rate increase requests pending, asked state officials to approve more insurance price increases.

(02/04/2025) CalMatters
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

The statewide count of overwintering monarch butterflies shows a sharp drop in number. Read on to learn more.

(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.

(02/03/2025) CalMatters
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.

(01/31/2025) Local News Matters
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

Energy demands from big tech, including for AI, has elected officials giving an old power source a second look.

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

Struggling with prior cuts, California State University calls latest proposed budget cuts unacceptable. Read on to learn more.

(01/29/2025) Los Angeles Times
New Regulations Proposed for Battery Energy Storage Facilities Following Moss Landing Fire

In the wake of the fire earlier this month at Vistra Corporation’s Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility, the California Public Utilities Commission has proposed new standards for battery energy storage facilities.

(01/29/2025) Local News Matters
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Government Announcements

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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 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...
United States   (01/31/2025)
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 United States seal. Wismettac Asian Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack
Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA is expanding its January 17, 2025 recall of 2.46 oz packages of Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor. The expansion now includes two additional flavors; Sea Salt & Umami Flavor and Corn Potage Flavor. The product contains the und
United States   (01/28/2025)
Image of United States seal. New York Wholesale Group Recalls Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
New York Wholesale Group of Hicksville, NY is recalling Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder, to the consumer/user level because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increase
United States   (01/27/2025)
Image of United States seal. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Wegmans Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets Due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked Wegmans breaded chicken breast...
United States   (01/27/2025)
Image of United States seal. Recall of La Fiesta Brand Bread Crumbs (Unseasoned and Seasoned) for Undeclared Sesame
La Fiesta Food Products, LLC, La Mirada, CA is recalling 8 oz packages of La Fiesta brand Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado) and Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado Sazonado). The products contain sesame as an undeclared allergen. Additionally, the labels do not include the allergen declaration in S
United States   (01/25/2025)
Image of United States seal. TS Food Packaging is Recalling its "Rural King" and "Wabash Valley Farms" Bacon Seasoning Due to the Presence of an Undeclared Soy Ingredient
TS Food Packaging is recalling its "Rural King" and "Wabash Valley Farms" Bacon Seasoning due to the presence of an undeclared soy ingredient. People who have allergies to products containing soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
United States   (01/24/2025)
Image of State of California seal. Damon Connolly CA Assembly 12: Connolly Increases Future Funding for Fairs
Connolly Increases Future Funding for Fairs myreme Tue, 01/21/2025 - 12:47 Assemblymember Connolly introduces legislation to increase funding available to the Network of California Fairs Tuesday, January 21, 2025 SACRAMENTO, CA Today, Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) introduced AB 258, which would increase the amount of funding available for the Network of California Fairs. Our fairgrounds across California serve as …
State of California   (01/21/2025)