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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 18, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom looking troubled in a file photo. Gov. Gavin Newsom looking troubled in a file photo.

State of the State? We'll See.

Happy Monday.

As you may know, Gov. Gavin Newsom will not be giving his State of the State address this afternoon, as had been planned. That’s because Proposition 1, his $6.4 billion bond aimed at helping unhoused, mentally ill Californians get into shelter and treatment, is too close to call. 

Late last week, the governor's national PAC, Campaign for Democracy, sent an urgent request asking supporters to contact Democrats who have had faulty ballots rejected, and encourage them to get them fixed. This is a little-known maneuver known as a “cure,” which allows voters to correct ballots that have been rejected because of missing signatures or other errors after election day. (You can find out if your ballot was counted by following this link to the state’s Ballottrax service.)


Unhoused Individuals and Mental Health

Prop 1 is narrowly ahead as of Sunday night, and its opponents have conceded the race. Nevertheless, opposition from civil liberties groups and advocates for the mentally ill may have (almost?) derailed the measure.


Newsom’s Prop 1: Revolution or Return to Reason?

An assembly hall at Agnews Developmental Center in Santa Clara. Agnews was one of five hospitals that served California residents with developmental disabilities and mental illness, all of which were emptied in the misguided move toward “community care."
Prop 1 was designed to help unhoused people get off the streets by forcing them into treatment. That’s one reason it took two weeks of vote-counting to pass.

California's CARE Court System: Mental Health & Homelessness

Clinicians will have two weeks to decide whether a mentally ill person qualifies for the CARE Court system.
California’s CARE Court system, which compels treatment for people with severe mental illness, was launched in October 2023 despite efforts by civil liberties groups to stop it.

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.


Crispy potatoes deserve Green Goddess dressing

The cutest little new potatoes are destined to be paired with the herbs at left: parsley, chives and dill.
Recipe: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this delicious side dish


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From Our Media Allies

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Tahoe Daily Tribune logo State of Property Insurance in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Lake Tahoe is celebrated for its pristine waters, breathtaking landscapes, and thriving communities, attracting countless individuals seeking to own a slice of paradise. However, residing in this idyllic region presents its own unique set of challenges, particularly concerning homeowners insurance.

Sierra Sun logo Alpenglow Sports 18th Annual Winter Speaker Series Concludes; Raises Over $430k for Local Nonprofits

On Thursday, March 7, the Alpenglow Sports 18th annual Winter Speaker Series, hosted by Tahoe Mountain Realty, concluded with series cofounder and one of the best storytellers alive, Dave Nettle.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Passes Resolution Supporting Local Control Regarding Housing Issues

The Auburn City Council passed a resolution calling out the state of California specifically around housing legislation usurping local control of land use decisions.

Auburn Journal logo Local Nonprofit Brings in Specialized Bikes to Repair Popular Auburn Trail

Specialized Bikes, in partnership with California State Parks and Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition (FATRAC), is performing much needed trail maintenance on the ever popular Culvert Trail.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Team Tahoe Members Urge Congress to Extend the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

With the expiration of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2016 looming just around the corner, several community leaders from Lake Tahoe traveled to Washington D.C. to urge lawmakers to extend the act.

Sierra Sun logo From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Snowstorm Tragedy Inspired a Lifesaving Winter Survival Program

In 1976, teenagers Lance Sevison and Mike Kelly wandered off course at Northstar during a snowstorm, ignorant of the harsh realities of the Sierra Nevadas. Initially following the "hug-a-tree" protocol, Sevison and Kelly hunkered down near a tree, as taught …

Sierra Sun logo Placer County Ranks Second for Quality of Life Among California Counties

Visit Placer, the official tourism organization for Placer County, announced that Placer County has been honored as the second-ranking county in quality of life among all counties in the state of California.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo MCWRA Adopts Forest Management Principles to Solve Effects of Mega Wildfire

In early February 2024, the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association, also known as MCWRA, adopted new "Forest Management Principles," with the goal to solve the ongoing problem and severe effects from California's mega wildfires.

Placer Herald logo Roseville Approves Ordinance Targeting Long-Term Camping on Private Property

“The police and code enforcement, we got together and collaborated with the city attorney, who noticed an uptick in the number of issues associated with camping on private property,” Roseville Police Department Captain Doug Blake said.

Loomis News logo Lincoln and Roseville Middle Schools Named California Distinguished Schools

The California Department of Education recently named Twelve Bridges Middle School and Barbara Chilton Middle School California Distinguished Schools.

Loomis News logo Rocklin Looks Toward Park Improvements

Following the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area Master Plan, the city council approved a contract with includes design and preparation work for the park space.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo More Funding for Water Main Repairs, Meter Registers, Transponders

Because of an onslaught of waterline leaks, the Incline Village General Improvement District unanimously approved augmenting the operating budget with $300,000 from the Utility Reserve Fund to pay for future water main repairs Wednesday night.

Sierra Sun logo Truckee High Snowboarding Team Wraps Up Impressive Season

The Truckee High Snowboarding team wrapped up its season on March 7 with an impressive showing at the California/Nevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation (CNISSF) state championships.

Auburn Journal logo PCWA Makes Progress Toward Consolidation of Shady Glen's Water System

The Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors voted Thursday to move ahead with a $4.5 million funding agreement to help consolidate the Shady Glen Community Water System into PCWA’s Colfax water system.

Sierra Sun logo Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Welcomes Community Feedback in 2024 Active Transportation Plan

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has released two plans for public input, focusing on improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing car dependency for sustainability.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Lake Tahoe Community College Turns 50

Lake Tahoe Community College turned 50 years old on Tuesday, March 5 and used that anniversary to kick-off its 18 month birthday celebration.

Folsom Times logo Student Mahee Hasawani, Folsom American Legion Are State Oratorical Champs

Folsom's American Legion Post 362 and a local high school senior are celebrating success after results of the state level 86th National Oratorical Contests were announced by the American Legion Department of California, with local student Mahee Hasawani being named …

Folsom Times logo Dianna Laney Enters Folsom Cordova School Board Race

Laney describes herself as a devoted community leader, small business owner and parent.

Placer Sentinel logo PWCA Makes Progress Toward Consolidation of Shady Glen's Water System

Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors voted to move ahead with a $4.5 million funding agreement to consolidate the Shady Glen Community Water System into PCWA’s Colfax water system

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Tahoe Art League Calls for Artists for Mural Projects

Following up on three successful murals from last year, the Tahoe Art League is doing another round of murals this year. They are looking for a local artists to design and create murals. The theme this year is We Belong.

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Recent Local News

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• Mosquito Road Bridge Project Delayed

The Mosquito Road Bridge Replacement Project progress has been impacted by weather again, this time delaying the delivery of and pouring of concrete.

(03/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• EID Hydrologic Outlook Good

The El Dorado Irrigation District reported that Jenkinson Lake is full with Folsom Lake above normal for this time of year.

(03/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• South Lake Tahoe City Council Votes to Amend ADU Code

The City Council voted to update the current ADU code to align with state requirements, including more flexibility in height and categories of convertible structures and exemptions from setback requirements.

(03/15/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Water Agencies Unite Efforts

The Upper American River Programmatic Watershed Plan is the product of water agencies from six counties to coordinate management of the watershed of the Upper American River.

(03/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Proper E-Waste Disposal

El Dorado Disposal requests customers to not dispose of e-waste in the trash, and provides free curbside battery pick-up upon request. There are also drop-off locations in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and Placerville.

(03/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• El Dorado Civil Grand Jury Seeks Applicants

El Dorado County is soliciting applications from residents 18 years or older to help provide citizen oversight of local government by serving on the Civil Grand Jury for a term of 1 year.

(03/15/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Tahoe/Truckee Workers Living Out of Cars

An introduction to locals living out of their vehicles and examples of municipal "safe parking programs."

(03/14/2024) → Moonshine Ink

• Special LTUSD Board Meeting Considers Layoffs

The Lake Tahoe Unified School Board has issued Reduction in Workforce (RIF) notices to 10 district staff in anticipation in layoffs to address a budget shortfall.

(03/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• American River Bridge Debris to be Cleaned Up

Highway 49 bridge debris left over from a washout in 1964 are in the early planning stages of a removal project.

(03/14/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• El Dorado County Board of Education Seeks Area 5 Trustee

The El Dorado County Board of Education is seeking a resident to represent Area 5, which covers South Lake Tahoe and Meyers, replacing current trustee Richard Fischer who has served on the board for more than a decade.

(03/12/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• 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

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(03/11/2024) → Mountain Democrat
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Recent Statewide News

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• California Speeds Plans to Empty San Quentin's Death Row

California prison officials announced they will move the last 457 condemned prisoners out of San Quentin's death row by summer. They will be transferred to other state prisons and housed in the general population.

(03/18/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• Alan G. Sieroty, Former State Senator Who Helped Create the Coastal Commission, Dies at 93

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(03/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times

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(03/15/2024) → Los Angeles Times

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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (03/16/2024)

Wenders LLC Recalls Trader Joes Nuts - 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews Because of Possible Health Risk

Wenders LLC of Dublin, CA is recalling specific production lots of Trader Joes Nuts - 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews - (SKU Number - 37884) Lot# T12139, T12140, T12141, and T12142 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/13/2024)

Kick Ash Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Product

Kick Ash Products of Ellison Bay, WI is recalling Door County Love Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola with Lot #061241, because it may contain undeclared ALMONDS. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/13/2024)

Taylor Farms Pacific Recalls Kroger Brand Ready-To-Eat Apple Walnut With Chicken Salad Bowl Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2024 - Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding...
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/11/2024)

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Coconut and Milk in Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews 8.25 Oz

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc (JBSS) announced today it is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of 8.25 oz Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews, because it may contain undeclared coconut and milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to coconut or milk run the risk of serious or life-thre
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/10/2024)

Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

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...
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/07/2024)

Wesco, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites

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
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/07/2024)

Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

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...
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/06/2024)

Stonewall Kitchen Issues Allergy Alert for Wheat in Limited Quantity of Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix

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
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/06/2024)

El Chilar Rodriguez LLC. Issues Voluntary Recall of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon "Canela Molida" Due to Elevated Lead Levels

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.
Image of United States seal. 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

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