Before we get into the serious fun of continuing the conversation about the Oscars: a reminder.
We know from the clicks that many of you are aware that this newsletter contains a news digest featuring stories from the California Local Media Alliance and other news outlets you can trust. See below.
Of course, you will also find access to local nonprofits that are doing important work in your community, and also our fledgling Good Business Directory of local businesses at work on community-building. And as always, a tasty recipe that you can find only here.
Let’s proceed…
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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 11, 2024
Political Economics and the Movies
Movies as Politics
Art is not trivial. The visual arts, literature, theater, music—all allow us to touch the deepest parts of the human condition. Movies at their best bring all of the other arts together, and put them in a place where we can all access them pretty easily.
Four of the contenders for Best Picture last night tackle big political issues—and, not incidentally, sexual politics.
Oppenheimer offers a smart (if bombastic IMJ) story of the man who gave humanity the means for total global annihilation—and also delves into his relationships with the women in his life.
Killers of the Flower Moon confronts one of our nation's darkest sins—the mass murder of the land’s Indigenous population—while also considering the politics of one marriage, and one woman’s love for the man who ultimately kills her.
Poor Things investigates sexual politics via the story of a “woman” (created by a man) who is unburdened by society’s proscriptions.
And Barbie (my choice for Best Picture, which as of this writing feels like a long shot) maps a devastating takedown of the patriarchy itself on a delightful piece of pink fluff that feels a little bit like Pee-wee's Big Adventure, but is way more dangerous.
This next article may be moot but I hope you'll find it edifying.
Why ‘Barbie’ Deserved a Best Picture Oscar
From now on, girls will learn from Barbie that they live in a world where men subjugate women. They will receive this truth during a joyous cinematic spectacle.
Big Movie Money
Here in California, movies are one of our most important cultural exports, and are one of the ways California leads the world. They are also big business, and rival Silicon Valley, ag and defense as a backbone of the state's economy. Here is exactly how that happeneed.
Hooray For Hollywood: All About California’s Most Glamorous Industry
From its early days of hard-charging, Jewish immigrant moguls to today's domination by megacorporations, here's how Hollywood continues to hold its place as one of California's most important industries.
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.
Old-fashioned chili – warm taste of summer on a chilly night
Recipe: Mom’s chili and beans with grated cheese and onions
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From Our Media Allies |
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Soroptimist Awards $5,000 |
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Soroptimist International of Truckee Donner was able to support both Awaken and Sierra Community House with $2,500 each due to the generous support of the Whittier Trust. |
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Sugar Bowl Resort Announces Season Extension, Discounted Spring Lift Access |
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With persistent mid-winter conditions and a deep snowpack of nearly 15 feet at its summit, Sugar Bowl Resort announced today that its ski season has been extended by three weeks. |
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El Dorado County Warns of Possible Measles Exposure |
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On March 5 a child with a confirmed case of measles was seen in the Emergency Department at UC Davis after being evaluated at San Joaquin Urgent Care. According to estimations approximately 300 people may have been exposed during the … |
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City of Auburn Names Volunteer City Historian |
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The city named Carol Cramer the official City Historian last month. |
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Colfax Approves Funding for Skate Park |
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In an effort to move the nine year and counting skate park project forward, the Colfax City Council approved a funding request during its meeting |
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Latest Ballot Counts Show Folsom’s Rodriguez, Hoover Leads Strengthen |
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Rodriguez now at 50.54% for District 4 Supervisor seat; Hoover at 51.9% for Assembly District 7 |
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‘Our Shelves Are Bare,’ Folsom Food Bank Calls for Community Help |
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The Twin Lakes Food Bank in Folsom routinely serves 200 households a week with food assistance. With that number climbing to 300 in February, the local nonprofit is suffering a shortage, leaving many of the shelves bare in its warehouse … |
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City Council Ends 2% TOT Increase’s Road to November’s Ballot |
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The South Lake Tahoe City Council ended efforts of placing a 2% Transient Occupancy Tax increase on November's ballot, despite a voter survey revealing almost seven in 10 voters in favor. |
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Golden State Natural Resources’ Wood Pellet Project and the Debate Over California’s Forests |
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Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) is initiating a project aimed at enhancing the resilience of California's forestlands by acquiring and processing surplus biomass into pelletized fuel. |
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County Accepting Public Comment on Housing Element Amendment |
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An amendment to Placer County’s 2021-29 Housing Element has been released for public review and comment. The amendment addresses changes that have occurred since the May 2021 adoption of the Housing Element, including revisions to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation … |
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SAFE Credit Union to Award $16,000 in Local Scholarships |
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Locally based SAFE Credit Union has launched its announce 2024 Scholarship Program will grant four (4) $4,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and community college students who meet the eligibility requirements this year for a total of $16,000. |
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Skier Rescued by Helicopter Near Palisades Tahoe |
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The Placer County Sheriff's Office rescued a skier near Palisades Tahoe on Feb. 23. |
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The Tribune Explains: What’s With the Vacancy Tax Initiative? |
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More than fifty community members are working to gather 1,159 signatures from voters registered in the City of South Lake Tahoe by April 10 to get a vacancy tax initiative on November’s ballot for a vote. |
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Residents Hear Updated U.S. 50 Plan; Lane Reduction Removed |
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The Nevada Department of Transportation presented an updated U.S. 50 Corridor Management Plan to a skeptical crowd on Tuesday, Feb. 27. |
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Six New Retailers Set to Open at Folsom Premium Outlets |
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Shoppers in Folsom are about to gain several new options as the Folsom Premium Outlets have announced six new unique retailers expected to open their doors at the Folsom Boulevard shopping mall in the coming weeks. |
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Truckee Optimist Club Supports Youth Teams |
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The Truckee High School Boys and Girls Basketball teams were presented with checks at the last home games of the season from the Truckee Optimist Club for $1,000 each. Presenters were club members Cindy and Dan Flores, and Dan O'Gorman. |
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Truckee Donner PUD Recognized for Transparency in Finance |
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Truckee Donner Public Utility District was recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award was for TDPUD's annual comprehensive financial report for … |
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Unlocking Tahoe’s Dirty Secret: Data From a Multiyear Monitoring Project |
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Clean Up The Lake, the environmental non-profit responsible for the 72-mile cleanup of Lake Tahoe, has recently completed a two-year monitoring effort on the lake. CUTL conservation dive teams revisited 20 litter hotspots in the 0 to 25-foot depths along … |
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‘Digging out’: Recent Tahoe storm totals |
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Residents, businesses and resorts are digging themselves out after a multi-day blizzard that brought feet of snow and interrupted many operations. |
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South Tahoe Pharmacies Hit with Cyberattacks |
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A nationwide cyberattack on United Healthcare impacted several South Lake Tahoe pharmacies. |
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Day Hiker: Hiking Mammoth Bar to Murderer’s Bar Rapids |
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When I worked for California State Parks in the Auburn State Recreation Area, I found Mammoth Bar. Most know this as the OHV Park with noisy and smelly motorcycles. But have you ever been on a day that wasn’t open … |
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Snowboarding & Wrist Injuries |
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Snowboarding is one of Tahoe's greatest draws and thousands of snowboarders spend fun-filled days on its slopes each year. The sport offers excellent cardiovascular benefits, tones muscles, and burns calories, however, snowboarding is not without risk, especially when learning or … |
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Recent Local News |
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• Grant Supports Tribal Recycling Efforts
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians announced a $653,120 grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia program.
(03/11/2024) → Mountain Democrat• Supervisors Reject Appeal of Cannabis Permit
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors denied an appeal by Somerset residents of the Planning Commission's approval of an application for a Commercial Cannabis Use Permit.
(03/11/2024) → Mountain Democrat• Volunteers Needed for Senior Nutrition Program
The El Dorado County Senior Nutrition Program is seeking volunteers to support its services in the community.
(03/07/2024) → South Tahoe Now• Auditor Updates List of County’s Highest Paid
The list of El Dorado County’s 100 highest compensated employees for calendar year 2023 has been updated by County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn.
(03/07/2024) → Georgetown Gazette• CASA Fundraiser Set for April 18
Child Advocates of El Dorado County is holding its 28th annual Box Lunch fundraiser on April 18, to support CASA’s advocacy services for El Dorado County youth.
(03/06/2024) → Mountain Democrat• El Dorado County Superior Court Appoints Court Commissioner
The Superior Court has appointed Michael H. Friel as court commissioner, to work out of the Cameron Park courthouse.
(03/06/2024) → Mountain Democrat• Funding Short for Rebuild of Grizzly Flat School
More than two years after the Caldor Fire, Grizzly Flat is facing financial challenges rebuilding the elementary school.
(03/06/2024) → Mountain Democrat• Placer County Seeks Community Input on Wildfire Mitigation Strategies at Upcoming Forums
Placer County residents are invited to participate in a series of upcoming community forums focusing on mitigating wildfire risk to communities
(03/06/2024) → Placer Sentinel• County Facing Upcoming Budget 'Challenges'
El Dorado County’s 2023-24 mid-year budget report projects the midyear General Fund balance will be just under $17 million, down from the previous year’s $25.9 million
(03/04/2024) → Mountain Democrat|
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Recent Statewide News |
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• California Attorney General Boosts Bill Banning Medical Debt From Credit Reports
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday that he is throwing his weight behind legislation to bar medical debt from showing up on consumer credit reports, a Democratic-led effort to offer protection to patients squeezed by health care bills.
(03/10/2024) → California Healthline• California Law Enforcement Transparency Legislation Signed Into Law
After receiving bipartisan support, California Senate Bill 400, legislation intended to increase law enforcement transparency, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
(03/09/2024) → Davis Vanguard• San Francisco Voters Pass Police & Drug Ballot Measures
Proposition E broadens police surveillance powers and Proposition F mandates drug screening and treatment for people receiving county welfare benefits who are suspected of drug use.
(03/08/2024) → Los Angeles Times• New Website Features Information on Care of Backyard Chickens, Sheep, Goats
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources advisors has published a new website with information resources for small acreage landowners raising livestock.
(03/07/2024) → YubaNet• CA Legislature Could Set a New Record for Women
The number of women elected to the state Senate and Assembly is 50 of 120 after the 2022 election. And based on the primary results so far, it’s expected to increase to at least 55 women after the November election.
(03/07/2024) → CalMatters• Fewer Students, Higher Absenteeism Affect California Public School Financing
California’s public schools depend on state aid for the lion’s share of their operational income. Two trends – declining enrollment and high absenteeism – are creating financial headaches.
(03/07/2024) → CalMatters• California Agrees to Cuts of Colorado River Water
California, Arizona and Nevada would cut their allocations about 20% when reservoir levels drop. But other states have their own more aggressive plan. Now the federal government has to decide how to manage the drought-plagued river.
(03/06/2024) → CalMattersThe consumer price index shows services are mostly responsible for persistent inflation, but prices for food and other goods in California remain high.
(03/05/2024) → CalMatters• California is Seeing a Historic Rise in the Number of Black Women Running for Office
At least 24 Black women are running for seats in the California Legislature this year, resulting from years of work cultivating new leaders and growing confidence among voters.
(03/04/2024) → CalMatters• California Schools Gained Billions During COVID-19. Now the Money is Running Out
California schools got $23.4 billion in federal pandemic relief money. Low-income schools that got the most may be hardest hit when the funds expire this year.
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Government Announcements |
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United States (03/10/2024) Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination |
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WASHINGTON, March 10, 2024 - Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria...
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United States (03/07/2024) Wesco, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites |
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Wesco, Inc. of Muskegon, MI is recalling 750 units of Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites, because it may contain undeclared peanut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The affected Wesc
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United States (03/07/2024) Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination |
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WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 - Salm Partners, LLC, a Denmark, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...
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United States (03/06/2024) Stonewall Kitchen Issues Allergy Alert for Wheat in Limited Quantity of Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix |
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Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of their Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix because it may contain an undeclared allergen, wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat (which contains gluten) may risk serious allergic reaction if t
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United States (03/06/2024) El Chilar Rodriguez LLC. Issues Voluntary Recall of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" Due to Elevated Lead Levels |
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El Chilar Rodriguez LLC of Apopka, FL is recalling 127 cases (12 bags/case) of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead.
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United States (03/06/2024) Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall for "1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon" Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Elevated Lead Levels |
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Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased bloo
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United States (03/06/2024) Expanded Press Release - Kalo Foods, LLC Recalls Single Slice Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen |
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KALO Foods, LLC is recalling Single Slice Carrot Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 and Single Slice Chocolate Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 due to a undeclared soy.
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United States (03/05/2024) Raja Foods Skokie, IL Is Recalling "Swad Brand Cinnamon Powder 3.5OZ Retail Packs" for Possible Lead Contamination |
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Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Il is recalling its 3.5 ounce package of "SWAD CINNAMON POWDER" because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.
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United States (03/05/2024) La Fiesta Food Products Recalls Cinnamon Ground Because of Possible Health Risk |
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La Fiesta Food Products, La Mirada California is recalling Cinnamon Ground .87oz because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of le
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United States (03/05/2024) Kalo Foods, LLC Recalls Single Slice Carrot Cake Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen |
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KALO Foods, LLC is recalling Single Slice Carrot Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 due to a undeclared soy. Although the package is labeled Carrot Cake, the ingredient panel and UPC Code is for their Chocolate Cake. The Carrot Cake contains soy which is not listed in the ingredient statement. People who hav
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