By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 25, 2024

At the McKinley Park Rose Garden in Sacramento, the first rose of 2024. Image credit: Eric Johnson

Four Good Things about Spring

We have a slightly humorous tradition in our family: At the beginning of every season, one of us will say something like, “Winter in California is amazing, and I’m going to miss going up to the snow—but spring really is the best season.” Or "yeah sure summer is fun with the swimming and all, but ahhh the colors of fall—obviolusly the best season."

I realize this is not all that funny, but what makes it a little bit funny (to us) is that we say it at the beginning of every single season, and have been doing so for many years. And we kind of mean it every single time. Because every new season holds the promise that it'll be better than the last.

This winter, as you know, was cold and wet. I am a nature-worshiping Californian who’s been living through a deadly drought, so I stopped complaining about the rain more than a decade ago … until this year. Last week’s warm sun and long evenings made me feel better than I have felt in months.

So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, four things, all related to the very best season: Spring!

Product Launch from CALocal: 1GT

The beginning of Spring is a great time to launch stuff. Which is one reason we chose last week to release a new California Local feature that we are calling One Good Thing (which we've already started abbreviating as 1GT). This was CALocal co-founder and product guy Chris Neklason’s idea, and here he briefly explains why 1GT is a good thing.

One Good Thing

Every now and then, it's important to focus on good things.

We announce a new initiative and invite our members to contribute.

Spring in the Valley

For our first One Good Thing, Chris takes you on a short journey to Yosemite Valley to witness a fleeting and amazing phenomenon.

The Rainbows of Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Valley is extraordinary, and in certain places at certain times of the day, magical. A brief insider's guide to a special place and time in Yosemite National Park, including a short video of the springtime rainbows of Yosemite Falls.

An Ode to the Season

If you already know everything about the Vernal Equinox, our friend Kathy Morrison of Sacramento Digs Gardening brings you a delightful reminder: Eostre, the goddess of fertility and spring, has a rabbit as a spirit animal—and over the millennia, Eostre’s rabbit morphed into our Easter Bunny. More fun facts (plus a FREE cookbook, Taste Spring!) on the other side of the link.

First day of spring is cause for celebration

Cherry blossoms herald the start of spring. The warm, sunny weather is expected to continue through Thursday.

Plenty of sunshine and flowers welcome start of new season

Product Launch from Hilltromper: BloomTracker

As you may have noticed, we do not tire of singing the praises of California, and Hilltromper (which is kind of CALocal's sister-site) focuses on our state's awesome natural beauty. For our final piece of appreciation today we present the coolest wildflower-finding tool you've ever seen, which was launched last week by our friend Mike Kahn.

BloomTracker: Wildflower Finder & Protector from Hilltromper

Over at Hilltromper, “The Nature-worshiping, Fun-Loving Adventure Guide” that serves the South Bay Area, Santa Cruz County, and anyone who visits these beautiful places, our friend Mike Kahn has just launched a new product he named BloomTracker—“an online resource that helps you find the best places to see wildflowers, in real time, and helps reduce impacts on parks and other open spaces.”

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.

This easy chicken dish puts zesty zing in spring

Chicken thighs achieve crispy deliciousness when marinated and baked at high heat.

NEW Baked lemon-Dijon chicken thighs with herbs

From Our Media Allies

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	Tips for Dealing With Hungry Bears Awakening
	Bears are awake and already causing havoc to cars and homes as they search for food. There are easy steps to take to keep homes and vehicles safe from bears. Follow these tips from the BEAR League and California Department …

	Elements Eatery Opens
	Elements Eatery and Bar has opened on the South Shore featuring Mexican-American fusion cuisine featuring a full bar and views of Lake Tahoe at 3310 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

	Community Pantry Opens in Truckee
	Sierra Community House Sierra Community House has launched a Community Pantry format in Truckee, which allows individuals to select their own food items, which in turn empowers the community and reduces waste. The new client choice distribution model incorporates dignity, …

	Join Community Gardens
	Truckee Community Garden has garden plots available for rent and North Tahoe Regional Park Community Garden in Tahoe Vista welcomes members to its North Tahoe Community Garden Club.

	Gumba’s Reopens in Blairsden
	The popular Gumba’s pizza has reopened as Gumba’s II next to Grizzly Grill Restaurant in Blairsden featuring pizza, wings, salads and desserts for takeout only.

	Destination Stewardship Plan Increases Pace
	The push to improve how people, communities, and the environment benefit from Lake Tahoe's booming tourism and outdoor recreation economy is kicking into high gear.

	Sunday Markets Returns to Old Town
	The Exchange has brought back its Sunday Markets street fair on Commercial Street in Old Town Auburn on the fourth Sunday of each month through November.

	Foothills Motel Renovation Highlights Property's Historic Charm
	A look at the four-year project to upgrade a 1950's motor inn while retaining its period look and charm.

	State Sues El Dorado County Over Needle Exchange Bans
	As part of an ongoing dispute between some county officials and the Sierra Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit that distributes clean needles, Narcan and offers other services, Placerville's City Council and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors both recently …

	Katz Amsterdam Foundation Invests $250,000 to Help Transform Mental Health Support in Truckee, Tahoe
	Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation has partnered once again with the Katz Amsterdam Foundation.

	Community-Led Effort to Remove Decades-Old Lead Cables in Lake Tahoe
	From Baldwin Beach in South Lake Tahoe to the West Shore in Rubicon Bay, lead cables are present in Lake Tahoe, and have been for decades.

	4 Folsom Schools Named 2024 California Distinguished Schools
	Four schools within the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) have earned high honors from the State of California, all located in the city of Folsom. Folsom High School, Vista del Lago High School, Folsom Middle School, and Sutter Middle …

	Folsom Council to Review Possible Homeless Services Site at Former Railyard Tuesday
	The Council will review an analysis of possibilities and impacts of providing a facility at the former junction site near Bidwell Street and Folsom Boulevard.

	Empowering Farms, Enriching Communities: Inside the Force of Tahoe Food Hub
	The Tahoe Food Hub isn't just about providing fresh produce; it's a comprehensive endeavor that promotes regenerative farming practices, fosters fair market opportunities for family farms, and strives to enhance access to locally sourced food.

	South Lake Tahoe Council Takes Actions for Smoother, Safer Roads
	Certain segments of U.S. 50 and State Route 89 have seen almost 20 fatalities in the span of 10 years and 229 minor injury and property damage accidents. The City of South Lake Tahoe and Caltrans are looking into how …

	After a 22-Year Career, City Art Leader Abraham Hangs It Up
	After more than two decades, one of Folsom’s most passionate purveyors of the arts is hanging it up. Cindy Abraham, of the city’s Gallery 48 at Natoma, has retired.

	Rescues Up After Big Storm
	The Placer County Sheriff's Office describes a recent rescue by Tahoe Nordic as challenging. Windy conditions and nightfall met the team as they searched for an out-of-bounds skier.

	Placer County Certifies Yankee Jims Bridge EIR
	New 2-lane bridge proposed; existing bridge, built in 1930, to remain in place

	Auburn Faces Structural Budget Deficit Next Year
	Auburn is facing a structural deficit in the years ahead as its costs outweigh its current revenues, a financial contractor for the city revealed last week.

	Auburn Food Closet Hits 5 Million Meals Served for 25th Anniversary
	Since 1999, the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet (AIFC) has operated on a 100-percent volunteer basis, which allows the nonprofit to utilize over 90 percent of donated income for serving its clients.

	AdventureSmith Explorations Founder Named 2024 Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler
	Todd Smith, founder and president of Truckee-based AdventureSmith Explorations and a pioneer in the small-ship adventure cruise industry, has been named among the Top Travel Specialists on Condé Nast Traveler's annual list. This marks the eleventh time Smith has been …

	Excellence in Education Opens Nominations to Honor Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Teachers, Staff
	The Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Linda Brown Fellows and Star Awards. Linda Brown Fellows Awards are given to teachers within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District in recognition of excellence in …

	Tahoe Tested Walkie Talkie Company Seeks to Make Adventures Safer
	Two rock climbing buddies witnessed a near accident on a multi-pitch climb that could have easily been avoided with one thing—communication.

	Placer Youth Commission Seeks New Members Wanting to Make a Difference
	The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2024-25 term.

	South Tahoe Man About to Embark on Expedition, Raising Money for Local Boys and Girls Club
	Lake Tahoe is going on a 5,000 mile trip to Panama City, taking in the passing landscapes on the back of Jorik Blom's roaring motorcycle in the form of a Keep Tahoe Blue sticker.

Recent Local News

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• Groups Partner With Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Offer Free Books

Local agencies and nonprofits are working with the Marcella Foundation to offer free monthly books to local children up to 5 years old as part of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library initiative.

(03/25/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Mountain Lion Attack Update and Fundraiser

The family of two men attacked by a mountain lion in El Dorado County released an update of the survivor and fundraising details for those who wish to contribute to funeral and medical costs.

(03/25/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Mountain Lion Attack in El Dorado County

A man was fatally attacked and his brother injured by a mountain lion in a remote area near Georgetown.

(03/23/2024) → Village Life

• City of South Lake Tahoe Soliciting Community Input

The city released a survey for resident input on government input and quality of life with the intent of utilizing the feedback in strategic planning for the future.

(03/22/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• New Road Proposed to Ease Latrobe Traffic

El Dorado County Supervisors are considering a proposal to build a new roadway connecting Latrobe Road to the Sacramento County line to help with growing congestion and accommodate for new development.

(03/22/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• El Dorado County Women Honored

Local legislators named two El Dorado County women as 2024 women of the year.

(03/22/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Representative Kevin Kiley's Secures Funds for El Dorado County Water Projects

Included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 is $2M requested by Representative Kevin Kiley's to fund water projects in the El Dorado County region.

(03/20/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Placerville and El Dorado County Pass Bans on New Tobacco Shops

The Placerville City Council and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors both pass edprohibitions on new tobacco shops citing concerns around an increase in tobacco use by middle schoolers.

(03/20/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• City of South Lake Tahoe-El Dorado County JPA Progressing

In an effort to improve public transportation services across the Lake Tahoe south shore, the City of South Lake Tahoes and the County of El Dorado are in the process of forming a transportation Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

(03/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• California Tahoe Conservancy Acquires Motel 6 Property

The buildings and parking lot on the 31 acre South Lake Tahoe Motel 6 property on the upper Truckee River will be removed and the land restored.

(03/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Recent Statewide News

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• Reps. Gaetz and Greene Lawsuit Against Cities Where Political Rally Was Canceled Can Move Forward

A judge ruled GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene can move forward with their lawsuit against two California cities where rallies were canceled.

(03/25/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• At Stake in Mifepristone Case: Abortion, FDA’s Authority, and Return to 1873 Obscenity Law

Lawyers from the conservative Christian group that won the case to overturn Roe v. Wade are returning to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday in pursuit of an urgent priority: shutting down access to abortion pills for women across the country.

(03/25/2024) → KFF Health News

• California Forever Denies Reports of Shady Tactics Outside Bay Area Target

Rumors are flying that California Forever is using dodgy tactics to gather signatures.

(03/24/2024) → SF Gate

• 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

Government Announcements

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	United States (03/21/2024) FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Products Imported from the People's Republic of China
WASHINGTON, March. 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for imported frozen Siluriformes products that were illegally...

	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

	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

	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...

	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

	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...

	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

	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...

	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

	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.