By Chris Neklason
Published Aug 05, 2024

A screenshot of the CalFire active incidents web page from August 4, 2024. Yikes.

Image credit: CalFire Public Domain

California Fire Season Grinds On

I hate to be a broken record droning on and on about wildfires, but California is breaking records with the hottest July ever, leading to possibly the worst fire season ever.

Global average temperatures are fast approaching 1.5°Celsius above pre-industrial levels—a tipping point—and the extreme weather predicted by climate scientists is already upon us.

We've previously written about how communities are devoting resources to prepare for and respond to extreme events, and in this issue of The Newsletter we want to shine a spotlight on a partnership building community resilience in North Tahoe.

The Tahoe Truckee COAD—Community Organizations Active in Disaster

Our friends at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation are working to keep Tahoe blue, green, and resilient.

Building Community Resilience in North Tahoe

A CalFire tanker aircraft drops a plume of fire retardant on a forest.

The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation develops partnerships to prepare and respond to emergencies with its COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).

Become a Watch Duty Sponsor or Volunteer

You will no doubt remember our article about the Watch Duty app which provides a one-stop portal for active wildfire information.

This fire season is straining these volunteer fire-watchers' resources as they continue to inform local communities facing nearby wildfires.

Please consider donating or volunteering to help them help you stay informed and prepared.

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 Summer! cookbook.

Marinate smaller zucchini for a cool summer salad

Herbs added just before serving finish off this salad that makes use of smaller zucchini and summer squash.

New! Lemon, garlic and herbs flavor this no-cook side dish

From Our Media Allies

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	Draft Environmental Impact Report Out for Town and Country Village Project
	County to hold public meeting Aug 22

	Folsom City Manager Elaine Andersen Announces Retirement
	Elaine Andersen, who has served as Folsom’s City Manager for over six years, announced that she plans to retire in late December 2024, capping off a 35-year career.

	El Dorado Community Foundation to Host Volunteer Fair
	To combat diminishing volunteerism, the El Dorado Community Foundation is hosting multiple volunteer fairs in the county.

	Ready for Class; Folsom Completes Alder Creek Elementary School
	After breaking ground just over one year ago, the newest school that will serve Folsom’s south side is ready for the arrival of its first students next week. Alder Creek Elementary School in Folsom Ranch has risen from mere dirt …

	Day Hiker: China Bar Popular for Rafting, Hiking, Photography
	This very popular trail in the Auburn State Recreation Area offers ample parking, vault toilets and trail access to the river.

	Rocklin to Celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 6
	In honor of National Night Out, the community of Rocklin is invited to celebrate its law enforcement and first responders at a community-wide public event at Johnson-Springview Park on Tuesday.

	Sierra College Foundation Raises Nearly $3 Million for Local Students
	The Sierra College Foundation closed Academic Year 23-24 by awarding nearly $350,000 in scholarships to more than 200 local students to help pay for school, as well as living costs such as rent, utilities, gas and food.

	Loomis Rolls Out Free Oak Tree Adoption Program for Locals
	In an effort to preserve and maintain the Loomis oak forest canopy, the Town announced Wednesday a "50-50" grant program to prune oak trees on private properties. The Town will match up to $1,500 toward oak tree pruning for each …

	Registration Deadline for Sponsors, Participants for 21st Annual Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop Approached
	The 21st Annual Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop is seeking sponsors and participants for this year's event on Oct. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. This premier event attracts nearly 1,000 locals and visitors who enjoy wine tasting, local …

	Town of Truckee Announces Dark Skies Photo Contest Winners at Exhibit Reception
	More than 50 people turned out for a special reception to celebrate the winners in the Town of Truckee's first-ever "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" photo contest that was held last Friday, July 26, at the Truckee Donner Recreation …

	Despite 11 Day Heatwave, State Fair Attendance Rose for 2024
	SACRAMENTO – The 2024 California State Fair wrapped up its 170th year over the weekend exceeding expectations of fairgoers and organizers alike.

	Colfax Considers Mixed-Use Zoning
	The Colfax City Council held a public hearing on July 24 to consider a mixed-use zoning proposal for Main Street, where concerns were expressed about reducing retail presence.

	Spaulding Repairs Making Progress
	PG&E announced partial service restored, though the Placer County Water Agency is still asking customers to conserve water usage.

	National Night Out Street Fair Event Scheduled Aug. 6 in Old Town Auburn
	The Auburn community will come together next week to honor its partnerships with local law enforcement as it celebrates National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Old Town Auburn.

	Arson Arrest in Nevada County
	A 43-year-old Penn Valley man was arrested late Monday night by a CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officer, assisted by Nevada County Sheriff's Office. The man was arrested after he was seen fleeing the area of multiple roadside fires in the …

	Lake Clarity Topic of State of the Lake
	UC Davis TERC will host the annual State of the Lake Report presentation at Granlibakken Tahoe on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. with TERC interim director Alex Forrest. The event will also be offered virtually and will feature a panel …

	Learn About Tahoe Wildlife
	Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care offers Wild Wonders Learning Series on Wednesdays in August. Join the free, hour-long wildlife presentations with speakers and family-friendly activities.

	Nevada County Office of Emergency Services Kicks-Off Youth Emergency Preparedness Week
	For Nevada County to be wildfire resilient and disaster-ready it will take all of us. This is something the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services has recognized, having worked to identify gaps in disaster preparedness with their 2024 Disaster Engagement …

	Six New Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses Coming to Lake Tahoe
	The Tahoe Transportation District received $7.9 million in federal funding for six new 35-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses that should be operating around Lake Tahoe in about two years.

	Barton Health Invites Community to Learn About Hospital Replacement Project
	Barton Health is in the planning process for the Barton Hospital Replacement Project, a project the hospital says will elevate care for the Lake Tahoe region through a new state-of-the-art hospital featuring additional healthcare services and leading technology. To inform …

Recent Local News

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● Lake Tahoe Transportation Plan Input Sought

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is asking for public participation as it prepares the 25-year Connections 2050 Regional Transportation Plan.

(08/06/2024) South Tahoe Now

● Volunteers Clean Up Abandoned South Tahoe Homeless Camps

On August 3, a number of volunteers and staff from the Tahoe Resource Conservation District came together to clean up discarded debris in the Johnson Meadow in South Lake Tahoe.

(08/06/2024) South Tahoe Now

● EID Reports on Alternative Energy Projects

The El Dorado Irrigation District investments in alternative energy projects is paying off.

(08/05/2024) Village Life

● Beavers in Cameron Park Lake Relocated

On July 25, a team from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived to relocate a family of beavers who were causing damage to the Cameron Park lake dam.

(08/02/2024) Village Life

● Tahoe Transportation District Invites Public to August Planning Meetings

The Tahoe Transportation District is holding two public meetings in August to discuss updates to its Short-Range Transit Plan.

(08/01/2024) South Tahoe Now

● Farm Machinery Replacement Grants Available Through August

Applications for grants to replace farm machinery are available through August 30 from the El Dorado County Air Quality Management Department.

(08/01/2024) Georgetown Gazette

● Celebrate National Night Out on August 6

Information about the National Night Out celebration for the Georgetown Divide Community to be held in Garden Valley Park on August 6.

(08/01/2024) Georgetown Gazette

● Ice House Roadwork Update

Work on Ice House Road is underway through November.

(08/01/2024) Georgetown Gazette

● Mountain Lion Sighting Reported in Roseville

A mountain lion was reported in central Roseville near Interstate 80 on August 1.

(08/01/2024) The Sacramento Bee

● Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Seeks Volunteers

The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park has openings for volunteers and upcoming training classes.

(07/31/2024) Mountain Democrat

● El Dorado County National Night Out Celebrations

A list of local August 6 National Night Out celebrations.

(07/31/2024) Mountain Democrat

● Town and Country Village EIR Released

The draft environmental impact report for the Town And Country Village hotel and event center project has been released for public comment by the El Dorado County Planning and Building Department-Planning Division.

(07/31/2024) Village Life

● Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Hires Deputy Forest Supervisor

Rosalie Herrera has been named the permanent deputy forest supervisor for the USDA Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

(07/30/2024) South Tahoe Now

Recent Statewide News

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● California Battles Onslaught of Wildfires With Help From Mutual Aid: ‘More Resources Than Rest of US Combined’

So many intense wildfires all at once require an intricate chess game for maneuvering firefighters and equipment around the U.S.

(08/06/2024) CalMatters

● Audit: California Risked Millions in Homelessness Funds Due to Poor Anti-Fraud Protections

A critical new federal audit calls out California for doing too little to prevent fraudulent spending of homelessness funds. Nearly $320 million was at risk.

(08/06/2024) CalMatters

● CA Budget Deficit Sidelines More Bills

The Senate appropriations committee sent dozens upon dozens of bills — that have a price tag of at least $50,000 to $150,000 and that may also be politically dicey — to the dreaded suspense file, where many could die quickly on Aug. 15.

(08/06/2024) CalMatters

● Rent Drives Up CA Cost of Living

Many landlords in California can only raise the rent a certain amount. On August 1, they — and their tenants — found out how high.

(08/02/2024) CalMatters

● A Soil Fungus That Can Kill Is on the Rise in California: What to Know About Valley Fever

About 80 Californians die every year after contracting Valley fever, a fungal disease that typically affects the lungs. A recent outbreak was traced to a music festival in Kern County.

(08/01/2024) CalMatters

● California Lawmakers Negotiating Sweeping Package to Speed Up Solar, Wind Energy

Legislators and Gov. Newsom are working behind the scenes to draft energy legislation before the end-of-the-month deadline.

(08/01/2024) CalMatters

● What CA Voters Should Know on Minimum Wage, Health Tax Props

A voter at a polling center at Santa Ana College in Santa Ana on March 5, 2024. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

(08/01/2024) CalMatters

● California’s Voters Face Competing Ballot Measures as Interest Groups Clash

Although the initiative process — proposing new laws via ballot measures — has been in California’s constitution for more than a century, its use was fairly uncommon until the 1970s.

(07/30/2024) CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	Metro Produce Distributors Inc. Recalls Fresh Guacamole Because of Possible Health Risk
Metro Produce Distributors Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fat United States (08/01/2024)

	Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues an Updated 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 voluntarily 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 in United States (07/30/2024)

	Boar's Head Provisions Co. Expands Recall for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 - Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with... United States (07/30/2024)

	Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily recalling its Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Lot 24V094 pints sold at the 81 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY location. These pints contain an undeclared allergen, peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious United States (07/29/2024)

	Advance Food International Inc. Recalls Shahzada Brand Cinnamon Powder 7oz Because of Possible Health Risk
Advance Food International, Inc. of Maspeth, NY is recalling Shahzada brand Cinnamon Powder in 7oz packing, 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 increased blood l United States (07/29/2024)

	American Spices LLC. Recalls Spice Class Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk
American Spices, LLC. of Ozone Park, NY is recalling Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon, 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 increased blood lead levels may be th United States (07/29/2024)

	Supreme Service Solutions LLC Voluntarily Recalls Supreme Vegetable Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary of Recall: Supreme Service Solutions LLC. (dba Supreme Produce) is assisting in a Kroger Store recall for items purchased from Weirs Farm Inc. (purchased from Kroger Stores) due to possible contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes. United States (07/26/2024)

	ALB-USA Enterprises Recalls ALB Flavor Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk
ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling ALB Flavor brand Cinnamon Powder, because it potentially contaminated with elevated levels of 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 apparen United States (07/26/2024)

	Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2024 - Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because... United States (07/26/2024)

	JFE Franchising, Inc. Recalls A Limited Number of Products Because Of Possible Health Risk
JFE Franchising, Inc. of Houston, TX, is recalling a limited number of products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. United States (07/25/2024)