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By Eric Johnson
Published Aug 19, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom walks through a homeless camp with a garbage bag. Gov. Gavin Newsom walks through a homeless camp with a garbage bag. Image credit: Courtesy State of California

California Cracks Down on Homeless Camps & Crime

Just as California’s homelessness crisis and retail crime become central focuses of the presidential race, with Kamala Harris’s record as attorney general and district attorney being grossly mischaracterized, Gov. Gavin Newsom is delivering an old-fashioned crackdown.

The timing is almost certainly coincidental. Like Harris, Newsom has never been particularly soft on crime. As mayor of San Francisco, he initiated controversial policies to deal with the proliferation of unhoused individuals living on his city’s streets. 

The governor’s executive order two weeks ago, compelling state agencies to clear homeless encampments on state property and encouraging counties and municipalities to do the same, was consistent with positions that he’s held throughout his career. 

The first sentence of the  press release that accompanied the governor’s order stated that Newsom was “directing state agencies to urgently address homeless encampments with dignity and compassion.” As Chris Neklason points out below, Newsom has spent years laying the groundwork—and marshaling the money—to make such “compassionate coercion” possible. 


‘Compassionate Coercion’ and Public Safety

Elected officials need to balance the competing needs of a variety of constituents. In two historic moves over the past several weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California legislature have enacted moves that have drawn harsh criticism from some civil-liberties groups, with California’s lawmakers advocating for individuals and businesses demanding civil order.

“I’m here on behalf of 40 million Californians who are fed up,” Newsom said of the camping ban, adding, “I’m one of them. I want to see results.” Tough talk that might seem like a political ploy if there was not a raft of recent legislation to back it up—and protect the vulnerable folks who will be affected.


California Cracks Down on Homeless Encampments

A homeless encampment in San Jose, California.
Nobody is happy with the current situation. Especially California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Proposition 36, AB 2943 & 1179: California Cracks Down On Crime

You know it's bad when they need to lock up the baby formula.
Californians are fed up with flash mob shoplifting, smash and grab theft and an alarming uptick in Fentanyl deaths.

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.


Fresh tomatoes in scones? Yes, please

Quartered Juliet tomatoes and thyme leaves add fresh flavor to these buttermilk scones.
New! Summery bread delicious for brunch or dinner


Impact Report Image for decorative use


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Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships logo Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships

SWEP’s mission is to promote environmental stewardship by connecting students to their community and local environment through comprehensive watershed education and service learning projects.

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From Our Media Allies

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Sierra Sun logo Protect Your Home: Attend the Upcoming Placer County Firewise USA Workshop

Community members are invited to participate in a free Firewise USA Program workshop Aug. 28 at 3 p.m., in-person in North Auburn or via Zoom.

Auburn Journal logo Placer Supervisors Approve Contracts for American River Debris Removal

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved two service agreements for the American River Debris Removal Project within its consent agenda on August 13.

Auburn Journal logo City of Auburn Adopts Sewer Rate Increase: 5% Per Year Through 2029

Following a rate study regarding sewer rates in the city of Auburn, the city council this week officially adopted a raise in sewer rates starting in 2025.

Folsom Times logo Weekend Bus Service Begins in Folsom

Starting the August 18 SacRT is making significant improvements to bus service in Folsom to serve the community better.

Placer Sentinel logo Placer County Conservation Program Receives $5.39 Million in State and Federal Grants

Placer County acquired 430 acres for conservation with the grants

Placer Sentinel logo Placer County’s Auburn, Rocklin Libraries Expand Hours to Enhance Community Access

Placer County is thrilled to announce the expansion of operating hours at two of its major library locations, Rocklin and Auburn

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo El Dorado County Hosting Virtual Workshop for the Tahoe Area Plan in September

El Dorado County will host a virtual workshop for the Tahoe El Dorado Area Plan to review progress made-to-date, summarize community input from the previous online survey and community workshops held in June 2024, and provide a preview of next …

Loomis News logo Teen Vend-Sation: 13-Year-Old Owns Drink Machine at Loomis Laundromat

Thirteen-year-old Crosby Wills is the owner of the vending machine in the Country Tubs Launderette in Loomis.

Loomis News logo Loomis Looks to Add 10 EV Chargers Downtown

Despite concern over a $200,000 match, the Town of Loomis is moving forward with a $1 million plan to add 10 solar electric car chargers downtown with grant funding.

Folsom Telegraph logo Vitalant to Hold Blood Drive at Folsom Public Library on August 27

Vitalant will hold a community blood drive at the Folsom Public Library meeting room on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Police Push Message of Safety and Rules of the Road for Two-Wheeled Electric Vehicle Users

Now that Folsom schools are back in session, the Folsom Police Department is sending out a reminder about the rules of the road for electric scooters, e-bikes and electric motorcycles - all of which have become extremely popular with the …

Placer Herald logo Food Closet, Master Gardeners Collaborate to Supplement Supplies

The Auburn Interfaith Food Closet and UCCE Master Gardeners of Placer County have come together to develop a thriving community garden dedicated to growing vegetables and fruits for those in need in the greater Auburn area.

Folsom Times logo Folsom Council Candidates Take Stage in Community Forum August 19

Public encouraged to attend in person or tune in to livestream broadcast for informative event.

Folsom Times logo Crozier Fire 86% Contained; El Dorado Forest Partially Reopened

Although the challenges of the terrain and dry fuels continue to be a challenge for firefighters, they have rapidly gained the upper hand on the Crozier Fire in nearby El Dorado County in the last 24 hours.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Transportation Secretary Gives an ‘Optimistic Outlook’ on the Fight Against Climate Change

As the keynote speaker at the 28th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg spoke about what the Biden-Harris Administration has done to invest in transit, trails, and technology.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Agreement Made in Vacancy Tax Court Case

Parties have come to an agreement on certain language initially proposed by vacancy tax proponents and legally challenged by former South Lake Tahoe Mayor, Tom Davis.

Sierra Sun logo Placer Supervisors Expand Access to Defensible Space Funds for Eastern County Residents

The Placer County Board of Supervisors today expanded eligibility for the Eastern Placer Defensible Space Fuels Reduction Program, making it easier for residents to access critical wildfire prevention funds.

Auburn Journal logo New Faces, New Transition: Auburn Union School District Students Start TK-8 Program This Week

Auburn Union School District families aren’t just going back to school Wednesday, they are returning to new school programs as the district’s three campuses are transitioning to serve students from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Tahoe Star Tours Incorporates New Technology That Puts the Universe in Users’ Hands

Stargazers interested in viewing the dark skies over Lake Tahoe now have access to the latest telescope technology from Celestron at Tahoe Star Tours events scheduled for the remainder of the summer season.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Barton Health, Nurse Union Still Without a Contract Almost Seven Years After Unionization

A large majority of nurses at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe voted to unionize in November 2017. Now, after almost seven years, two strikes and countless negotiations, the union and hospital still have no contract.

Tahoe Guide logo State of the Lake: Climate Change Impacts Tahoe’s Health

Microplastics, wildfire smoke, changes in temperature, vast swings in lake clarity from winter to summer, and an increase in rain-on-snow events caused by long-term changes in the climate highlight the annual State of the Lake Report, released on Aug. 8 …

Tahoe Guide logo Plastics 60% of July 4th Trash

The League to Save Lake Tahoe recently released its findings from July 5 beach cleanups compiled over the last 11 years revealing that 60 percent of the trash collected is plastic, according to a press release.

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Recent Local News

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• Restocking Lake Tahoe Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

Efforts to bring back the native Lahontan cutthroat trout to Lake Tahoe are making progress.

(08/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Seven Candidates Running For South Lake Tahoe City Council

There are seven candidates in the race to fill two open seats on the South Lake Tahoe City Council.

(08/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Lake Tahoe Forest Thinning Projects Continue

With almost 95,000 acres of forest treated, work continues to thin forests and reduce fire hazard in the Lake Tahoe basin.

(08/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Water Line Break Leads to "Boil Water" Notice

A "boil water" notice was issued for the El Dorado Irrigation District Salmon Falls and Monte Vista service area following a water line break.

(08/15/2024) → Village Life

• Caldor Fire Evacuees Subject of Study

Input is sought from Caldor Fire evacuees to assist researchers from the University of Oregon conducting a study on wildfire risk management and evacuation planning.

(08/14/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• El Dorado County 4-H Enrollment Open

Enrollment is open for youth ages 5-18 to join the El Dorado County 4-H.

(08/14/2024) → Mountain Democrat
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Recent Statewide News

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• More California Schools Are Banning Smartphones, but Kids Keep Bringing Them

Schools that banned phones a few years ago have advice for other districts as the governor calls for a crackdown.

(08/19/2024) → CalMatters

• Proposition 36 Explainer

The Sacramento Bee explains Propisition 36, the anti-crime measure on the November Ballot.

(08/16/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• Gavin Newsom Signs New Retail Theft Laws as Voters Weigh Even Tougher Penalties

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills that aim to make it easier to prosecute retail theft. He’s asking voters to reject a ballot measure that would impose even tougher penalties.

(08/16/2024) → CalMatters

• CA Legislature Kills Bills, Lots of Bills

With 830 bills in the dreaded Senate and Assembly suspense files, legislators were busy August 15 killing about a third of them.

(08/16/2024) → CalMatters

• California Seeks Biden Administration Approval for Controversial Diesel Truck Ban

The EPA must grant a waiver before the diesel truck measure can be implemented. It’s one of California’s most controversial measures to clean up air pollution and greenhouse gases.

(08/14/2024) → CalMatters

• Bond Voyage: Supporters Yank California’s Largest-Ever Affordable Housing Measure

Backers pulled a $20 billion affordable housing bond off Bay Area ballots today, amid fears that it wouldn’t pass.

(08/14/2024) → CalMatters

• Californians Will Vote on a $18 Minimum Wage. Workers Already Want $25 and More

Proposition 32 to increase the minimum wage from $16 isn’t as far-reaching as when it was first proposed. Fast food workers are already making more, and health care employees are on track. But worker groups are already pushing for more.

(08/13/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (08/16/2024)

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported From the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were...
Image of United States seal. United States   (08/16/2024)

Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 - Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated...
Image of United States seal. United States   (08/16/2024)

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were...
Image of United States seal. United States   (08/16/2024)

Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 - Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated...
Image of United States seal. United States   (08/01/2024)

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
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/30/2024)

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
Image of United States seal. 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...
Image of United States seal. United States   (07/29/2024)

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
Image of United States seal. 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
Image of United States seal. 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