By Eric Johnson
Published Jun 10, 2024

The Importance of Planning

Before we get to our featured article and all the other good stuff, I need to own up to a mistake that illustrates a point about planning. In the May 28 edition of The Newsletter, I announced the publication of our first book, How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State, by the great Jon Vankin. If you missed the big announcement, that’s on me, because I scheduled it for the day after Memorial Day. Not the best timing for a book launch.

In my defense, some last-minute snafus had delayed publication, and I was eager to let you know about the book as soon as that was possible. This is a hopeful book that can be an antidote to the dire news we are confronted with daily—it’s filled with true stories about the ways, at its best, California is leading the world toward a better future

I also forgot to say this last month: Here's how to empower yourself as a citizen AND support local journalism: Find How California Works on Amazon; available in hardcover, softcover and digital (Kindle).

The General Plan: Your Community’s Map to the Future

I say How California Works is a hopeful book because when you really see how local government functions, you have to be a little bit amazed. Our friend and colleague Chris Neklason has written about how building the database underlying California Local—discovering the elected bodies and volunteer boards that safeguard your tax dollars—hipped him to The Genius of Democracy.

This week Chris explains how a General Plan serves as the “constitution” of every incorporated community in the state—enumerating the long-term vision, priorities, goals, objectives and policies informing community governance—especially with regard to land use decisions. Good stuff to know.

The Central Role of Planning in California Government

Incorporated communities in California must manage local resources and your tax dollars according to a plan.

General Plans, mandated by the state and carried out by local counties, cities, and other municipalities, serve as a locality’s ‘constitution'.

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 Spring! cookbook.

Grilled corn the base for a delicious salad

A cilantro-lime dressing ties together the grilled vegetables in this salad. Add sliced grilled chicken or other protein to make it an entree dish.

New! Late-spring combination works for summer cookouts, too

From Our Media Allies

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	El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission Considering Appointment for Alternate Public Member
	The El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission will be considering the appointment of an Alternate Public Member to LAFCO who will serve a new four-year term.

	Auburn State Theatre Begins Series on American West
	Auburn State Theatre is excited to announce a new series presented by History Expeditions, who discover tales and trails of the American West.

	Heritage Trail Museum Tour Features Free History All Summer
	History lovers and the curious are invited to explore the various museum offerings throughout Placer County this summer as Placer County Museums kicks off the Heritage Trail Museum Tour in June.

	Nevada County Office of Emergency Services Receives the CAL FIRE Partnership Award
	Last week, the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer (NEU) unit hosted their annual all hands meeting in Nevada County. The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) received the Partnership Award from NEU leadership.

	Lake Tahoe Beaches Drawing Rowdy Crowd
	Last week, rowdy beach goers prompted the closure of Zephyr Cove, Roundhill and Nevada beaches after deputies responded to several reports of fights and other incidents.

	City Council Terminates Heavenly Parking Agreement Until Support Is Received for Annexation
	The City of South Lake Tahoe has informed Heavenly Mountain Resort it is terminating its parking agreement with the resort.

	Placer County Public Health Launches New Alzheimer's Campaign, Community Event
	Coinciding with Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in June, Placer County’s Healthy Brain Initiative is launching a new advertising campaign and hosting a community event aimed at promoting healthy brain habits and encouraging dementia screening across the county.

	Loomis Library Hosts Open House for New Demonstration Garden
	Loomis Library hosted an open house for its new demonstration garden on June 1. A crowd of about 150 wandered around the garden to see the activities and plants. The garden committee had information tables set up on various topics …

	25th Annual Downtown Tuesday Nights Begin in Roseville
	Roseville's 25th annual Downtown Tuesday Nights have begun. The series runs every Tuesday from June 4 through July 30 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This event is free to attend.

	Rocklin Council Studies Budget Ahead of Adoption
	The Rocklin City Council previewed a balanced budget last week, ahead of the scheduled budget adoption June 25.

	4th of July Breakfast in Lincoln Announced
	The annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast is on the way and is presented by the Lincoln-area parlors of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and the Native Daughters of the Golden West.

	Colfax Considers Amendment to Mixed-Use Zoning District
	The Colfax City Council on May 22 approved the introduction of an amendment to the mixed-use MU-1 zoning district, which allows for pedestrian-oriented uses on the ground floor or street-frontage spaces on Main Street.

	Late Spring Is an Active Time for Tahoe Bear Cubs and Yearlings
	As temperatures rise, bear cubs and yearling bears are emerging from winter dens. Some remain with their mothers, others are independent, and a few may show signs of illness.

	Folsom Fire Chief Closes Open Spaces for Fire Danger
	Designated city-owned open spaces with high fire potential are now off-limits in Folsom, according to an announcement from the Folsom Fire Department Wednesday afternoon.

	Tahoe Chamber CEO Announced
	After an extensive nation-wide search for a new CEO the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce announced the hiring of local community member, Cristi Creegan.

	Filing Period to Run for South Tahoe PUD Board Begins July 15
	Two Board Member seats for South Tahoe Public Utility District are up for election on November 5, 2024.

	Colfax Approves Short-Term Rental Ordinance Introduction
	In an effort to have regulations for short-term rentals within city limits, the Colfax City Council approved the introduction of an ordinance to allow for a permitting process during its May 22 meeting.

	Loomis Library Tax Extension on November Ballot
	The Loomis Town Council approved a November ballot measure to extend the “Library Tax” set to expire in 2026.

	Fire Season Heating Up and Folsom Is Ready for the Task
	Fire Chief expects to close open lands ahead, cites importance of defensible space

	Placer County Public Health Launches New Alzheimer’s Campaign and Community Event
	Coinciding with Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in June, Placer County's Healthy Brain Initiative is launching a new advertising campaign and hosting a community event aimed at promoting healthy brain habits and encouraging dementia screening across the county.

	Tim’s Tips: Safely Using Tahoe’s Paved Trails
	The Lake Tahoe region is blessed with an extensive and elaborate system of multiuse trails providing access to great views of the lake, the Truckee River and the peaks of the Sierra. But those trails are narrow and, during the …

Recent Local News

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• Tahoe Trail Expanding

A progress report on the ongoing construction of the Tahoe Trail bike and pedestrian paths around Lake Tahoe.

(06/08/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• City of South Lake Tahoe Opens Participatory Budget Ballot

The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched a "participatory ballot" where residents can weigh in on public project budget priorities.

(06/07/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Gateway El Dorado Sparks Concerns

El Dorado Hills residents are expressing concerns about traffic on Latrobe Road when the next phase of the El Dorado Gateway project commences.

(06/07/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Fuel Reduction Underway in Placerville

A new fuel reduction project is underway at the Gold Bug Park and Mine in Placerville.

(06/07/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• South Lake Tahoe Escalates Heavenly Annexation

The City of South Lake Tahoe voted to cancel a parking agreement with Heavenly Valley in an effort to gain support for annexation of the resort into city limits.

(06/04/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Roseville Free Summer Meals Program Begins

The City of Roseville School District's annual free summer meals program has begun, offering free meals to children age 1-18, through August 2.

(06/04/2024) → Roseville Today

Recent Statewide News

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• Sports Complex Unveiled as Part of California Forever

A rendering for a Solano Sports Complex development with facilities for baseball, basketball, football, swimming, tennis, volleyball, pickleball and other sports was released as part of the California Forever project in east Solano County.

(06/07/2024) → SF Gate

• CalMatters Hosts Big Ideas Festival

The two-day CalMatters Ideas Festival wrapped on June 6 with more than a dozen events examining critical policy issues impacting the lives of millions of Californians.

(06/07/2024) → CalMatters

• The California Maternity Wards That Are Staying Open

Over the last decade, nearly 50 maternity wards have closed across California, with more than half shutting down in just the last four years.

(06/06/2024) → CalMatters

• Land Trust Announces Opposition to California Forever

On June 6, the Solano Land Trust announced its opposition to the California Forever project to build a new community housing up to 400,000 people in the county.

(06/06/2024) → The Mercury News

• How Best to Reduce California Homelessness?

A panel at the CalMatters Ideas Festival debates how to reduce homelessness without punishing poverty. There’s worry about a potential $1 billion cut in state funding.

(06/06/2024) → CalMatters

• The Future for California Workers Is Apprenticeships

A panel of labor experts at the CalMatters Ideas Festival say California workers should have more access to more apprenticeships that pay more. Barriers still exist, especially for women and low-income Californians.

(06/06/2024) → CalMatters

• New Reservoir Project Advances

The $4.5 billion Sites Reservoir project is advancing after a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by environmental groups.

(06/05/2024) → The Mercury News

• A Look at Police dispatches to Schools

EdSource reports that police are dispatched thousands of times per school day across California.

(06/05/2024) → EdSource

• California Seeks a More Resilient Water Supply as Familiar Sides Battle for Access

A new study, conducted by researchers at three University of California campuses, projects that a combination of factors will reduce California’s water supply by up to 9 million acre-feet a year.

(06/05/2024) → CalMatters

• California Made It Easier to Vote, but Some With Disabilities Still Face Barriers

California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.

(06/04/2024) → CalMatters

• California Homelessness Funding Is on the Chopping Block. Will It Make the Final Budget?

It’s the billion-dollar question. That’s how much cities and other local governments have been receiving from the state each year to deal with California's ever-increasing population of homeless people.

(06/04/2024) → CalMatters

• Why CA Families Are Getting a Tax Surprise for Health Care

For families seeking affordable health insurance, the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, can provide major relief. But if they’re not careful, they can get hit by an unexpected federal tax bill.

(06/04/2024) → CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	United States (06/07/2024) Green Life Farms Issues Voluntary Recall of Baby Arugula Because of Possible Health Risk
Lake Worth, FL (June 7, 2024) - Green Life Farms is voluntarily recalling one lot of its 4-ounce containers of Baby Arugula because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Illness usually occurs within 12 t

	United States (06/07/2024) FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Ready-To-Eat Bao Curry Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for product labeled as bao Thai-style curry chicken...

	United States (06/04/2024) New Seasons Market Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart
June 4, 2024, New Seasons Market of Portland, Oregon is recalling Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart, because it contains undeclared almond. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almond run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

	United States (06/04/2024) South American Meat Inc. Recalls Frozen Raw Beef Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2024 - South American Meat Inc., also known as 5Gogi LLC, an importer located in Commerce, Calif., is recalling approximately 20,111 pounds of various eligible frozen raw...

	United States (06/03/2024) UBC Food Distributors Recalls Baraka Brand Ground Black Pepper Spice Because of Possible Health Risk Announcement
UBC Food Distributors in Dearborn Michigan is recalling the Ground Black Pepper under the Baraka brand name in 7oz plastic containers 7oz * 10 With UPC code 8 22514 26626 6 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infect

	United States (06/03/2024) Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Is Notifying Consumers About a Safety Concern With Crecelac Infant 0-12 Infant Formula (Lot # 24 039 1 CHE 352-1) That is Part of an Ongoing Recall - Expansion of Previous Recall
Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX - 6/3/24, is notifying consumers about a safety issue associated with a product that is an extension of an ongoing voluntary recall (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dairy-manufacturers-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-products-d

	United States (05/30/2024) Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elder

	United States (05/30/2024) Heinen's Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls
May 30th, 2024. Heinen's of Warrensville Heights, OH is voluntarily recalling Heinen's Tuscan Salad Bowls, due to the possibility that it may contain undeclared Pecans. While no reports of injury have occurred, out of an abundance of caution people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Pecans

	United States (05/23/2024) Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Products Due to Non-Compliance with Requirements Under the 21 CFR 106.110 New Infant Formula Registration
Dairy Manufacturers Inc., of Prosper, TX - 5/24/24, is voluntarily recalling all lot codes for infant formulas available in the US: Crecelac Infant 0-12, Farmalac 0-12 and Farmalac 0-12 Low lactose to the retail and wholesale level. The products have been found in non-compliance with the requirement

	United States (05/22/2024) AMB Food Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Product
AMB Food Inc. in Brooklyn NY is recalling 8 oz bags of Pop a Nosh Mix Munch Regular and Honey BBQ snacks because it contains pretzels, but does not list Wheat as an allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if th