View in Browser Our Journalism Needs Your Support Please Donate Today

Ad for vote.gov

California Local Logo
Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.


By Chris Neklason
Published Sep 02, 2024

A relaxing nap can be a good way to spend the holiday which honors workers. A relaxing nap can be a good way to spend the holiday which honors workers. Image credit: Wikipediuh   CC BY-SA 4.0

Happy Labor Day to All Who Celebrate

We give thanks to all the people who worked over the three day weekend taking care of the rest of us loafers.

And special thanks to organized labor, which has brought us the five day work-week, safer workplaces, fair pay and continues to fight for worker rights in general. Their work is never done.

In this week's newsletter we're also taking a break, and will be back in action next week with a look at the unusual number of city council elections being cancelled for want of candidates running against incumbents,  and a reflection on how California is burning oil to make water.

In the meantime, enjoy the recipe of the week and catch up on all the news and government announcements from last week, below.


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.


Cookies and lemonade made special with herbs

Shortbread and lemonade are an excellent treat any time. Use herbs to give them a special touch.
New! Lemon verbena shortbread, lavender lemonade from the Herb Team


Impact Report Image for decorative use


Get to Know a Group

Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe logo Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe

When it was formed in 1998, the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe was focused on two priorities: addressing the impacts of local agencies on the building trade, and fostering professionalism within the industry.

→ Learn more

California Media Alliance logo

From Our Media Allies

→ View All
Folsom Times logo Caldor Fire Environmental Restoration Assessment Released

The Eldorado National Forest has published the Caldor Fire Restoration Project Environmental Assessment, beginning a 30-day comment period. The project aims to reduce safety risks, restore forest features and strengthen resilience to future disturbances.

Auburn Journal logo Placer Supervisors Approve Compensation Adjustments for Grand Jurors

The Placer County Supervisors on August 27 unanimously approved the adjustment of compensation and reimbursement for Grand Jurors.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Council Reviews New Branding for Economic Development

The Auburn City Council reviewed the city’s most recent branding efforts, capping a two-year journey the city has taken toward improving its messaging to visitors.

Auburn Journal logo Safety Inspections Underway at Foresthill Bridge

Inspection work has been initiated on the Foresthill Bridge to ensure the quality assurance of its butt-welds.

Auburn Journal logo County Buying Rocklin Office Space for Sheriff's Office

Placer County is in the process of purchasing a commercial building in Rocklin to expand its Sheriff’s Office facilities.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Food Closet Promotes Hunger Action Month in September

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when people across the country will be taking a stand against hunger.

Auburn Journal logo Auburn Police Chief Resigns and Accepts Position in Woodland

The city of Auburn announced Friday Police Chief Ryan Kinnan has accepted the Chief of Police position with the City of Woodland, effective Sept. 14. Kinnan has served as Auburn’s Chief of Police for just under six years.

Folsom Times logo Folsom Firefighters Wrangle Parkshore Blaze at 7-8 Acres

Multiple units from the Folsom Fire Department and additional agencies have been on the scene of a vegetation fire in the city of Folsom Friday afternoon that grew rapidly.

Placer Sentinel logo Placer County Schools Receive Backpack Donation to Kick Off School Year

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union donates 2,925 Filled Backpacks to 12 County Offices of Education throughout California.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo El Dorado Community Foundation Opens Its Fall Consolidated Grant Cycle

On August 30, nonprofit organizations and public school programs are welcome to apply for grant funding support.

Folsom Times logo Twin Lakes Food Bank Announces Gala Date to Benefit Folsom’s Hungry

Folsom’s Twin Lakes Food Bank has announced it ill host its annual night of food, fun, and a live auction to benefit hungry families in our community on Nov. 8 this year. The food bank hopes to raise $300,000 to …

Folsom Times logo City of Folsom Approves Addition of New Fire Engine, Sewer Truck to Fleet

The Folsom City Council has approved the purchase of a new fire truck, a critical addition to the city’s firefighting fleet.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo $75,000 Available for Local Non-Profits From American Century Championship

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is inviting local non-profit organizations to apply for $75,000 in funding as a result of one of the most successful American Century Championship tournaments in its 35-year history.

Sierra Sun logo From First Hire to CEO: Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s Stephanie Nistler Marks 20-Year Milestone

Stephanie Nistler, the first employee hired by the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe in 2004, is now celebrating 20 years of life-saving work as the organization's CEO. Nistler's journey began with just one year of volunteering and fundraising before she was …

Sierra Sun logo More Eyes on Wildfire in the Tahoe Basin

The recent installment of two new ALERTWildfire cameras in the Serene Lakes area west of Donner Lake is providing more eyes on wildfire in the Tahoe basin.

Sierra Sun logo Wildlife Corridors: A New Camera Study Paves the Way for Wildlife Connectivity in Tahoe

If you ever get the chance to go hiking with Wildlife Ecologist Tanya Diamond and Wildlife Researcher Ahíga Sandoval, don't be prepared to go fast.

Folsom Telegraph logo Developer Gets Approval From Council for Subdivision Final Map in Folsom Ranch

The Folsom City Council approved the final map and infrastructure agreement August 27 for the 100-home, high-density project developed by the building company "Toll Brothers" at Folsom Ranch Phase 2B subdivision, south of Highway 50.

Lincoln News Messenger logo The Gathering Inn Surprises Lincoln With Purchase of Property for Medical Respite Center

The Gathering Inn is officially coming to Lincoln, catching the community, city and elected officials off guard.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Must Cancel Bids for Pavement Program

Inflation hit the city hard this week, as the Folsom Public Works Department had to cancel bids for the $1.6 million annual street pavement program because the estimate and bids are too far apart.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Public Library Receives Huge Honor From Congressman Kiley

Congressman Kevin Kiley presented the Folsom Public Library with a huge honor Tuesday. Kiley recognized the city library for earning the distinction as the top library in California’s 3rd Congressional District.

Loomis News logo Loomis Council Balks at Train Depot Shade Plan

With a tight budget and the Measure C Library Tax at stake, Loomis Town officials decided this month to postpone a costly plan for shade trees at the Train Depot.

The Roseville Press Tribune logo 5 Vie for 1 Seat on Roseville City Council

The Roseville City Council appointed two candidates in lieu of an election last week while five candidates have thrown their hat into the ring for one seat on the Roseville City Council.

Folsom Telegraph logo Folsom Fire Department Will Get a Shiny New Engine

The Folsom Fire Department is ordering a new, $1.2 million fire engine this week to replace a rig at Station 37. The new fire engine should be ready for service in four years, staff said, at the Folsom City Council …

Folsom Times logo Folsom Schools Increase Security After Parent’s Social Media Posts

Security at two Folsom Schools has been increased as the Folsom Police Department continues to investigate and work with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District after a series of social media posts by a parent have raised concerns of parents.

Folsom Times logo Folsom to Advance Transit Feasibility Study for Health Services

The Folsom City Council has approved a resolution to advance a study aimed at improving transit connections to health services within the city.

Folsom Times logo Council Green Lights Agreement for Historic Folsom Affordable Housing Project

At its August 27 meeting the Folsom City Council approved a resolution on Tuesday authorizing a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo ‘Hole in the Ground’ to Receive Attention

The City of South Lake Tahoe has selected a consultant to evaluate further economic development of the Chateau, otherwise known as the "hole in the ground."

Sierra Sun logo Placer County Supervisors Approved Regional Trails System Analysis Contract

The Placer County Supervisors approved appropriation of funds and the execution of a contract for the completion of a North Tahoe Regional Trails System Strategic and Fiscal Analysis.

Sierra Sun logo Truckee Town Council Discusses Evacuation Exercise After-Action Report and Improvement Plan

The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to discuss the evacuation exercise after-action report and improvement plan.

Folsom Times logo El Dorado Hills Commercial Building Saved by Multiple Fire Agencies

The combination of built in fire sprinklers and a fast response by multiple fire agencies prevented a fast moving fire from spreading inside a large commercial building in El Dorado Hills late Wednesday and likely prevented the structure from becoming …

Placer Sentinel logo Board Approves Funding for Truckee Tahoe Area Regional Transportation Study and Plan Update

The Placer County Board of Supervisors authorized funding Tuesday for a comprehensive study and update of the Truckee Tahoe Area Regional Transportation system to evaluate all transit operations in North Lake Tahoe.

Sierra Sun logo Excellence in Education Foundation Honors Outstanding Teachers and Staff

The Excellence in Education Foundation proudly announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 Linda Brown Fellows and Star Awards at the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) Back to School Convocation held on Aug. 23.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo New Apple Podcast ‘Scamtown’ Features the Story of Harvey’s Casino in South Lake Tahoe

When filmmakers Brian Lazarte and James Lee Hernandez finished their latest projects, McMillions$, the story of a fraud ring that rigged the results of the McDonald's Monopoly game, and The Big Conn, a series about Eric C. Conn, a Kentucky …

Auburn Journal logo Colfax Council Appoints Candidates, Cancels Election for City Seats

The Colfax City Council approved a resolution Aug. 22 to cancel its General Election to fill two council seats and the treasurer position.

Auburn Journal logo Fun at the Park: Recreation Park Hosts Kickball, Music and Food Trucks

The community gathered at Recreation Park on August 23 for some good old-fashioned fun with kickball, live music and food trucks galore.

Auburn Journal logo Candidates Chase Auburn School, Recreation District Seats in Election

Now that candidate filing periods have ended and the November ballot is taking shape, voters will consider candidates for local school and recreation boards.

Auburn Journal logo Beefing Up: Feed the Hungry of Auburn Seeks Donations Ahead of Jr. Livestock Auction at Gold Country Fair

“It’s hard for the food closets and communities to purchase meat,” said Michelle Fish of Feed the Hungry. “You can only eat so much canned beans and rice. We’re helping to feed these food closets and shelters and veterans and …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Valhalla Renaissance Faire Returns After Three-Year Hiatus (Gallery)

After a three-year hiatus, the Valhalla Renaissance Faire made its triumphant return for the 2024 season.

Tahoe Guide logo Making Tahoe Accessible for Every Body

Many locals and visitors revel in hiking the region’s peaks, swimming in its many lakes, mountain biking on the trails and recreating anywhere and at any time we want. When the desire strikes, we simply lace up, grab our bikes …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Celebrate Culture, Community at South Lake Tahoe’s 3rd Annual Multicultural Celebration

The City of South Lake Tahoe is thrilled to host the 3rd Annual Multicultural Celebration on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bijou Community Park.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo City Confirms Negotiating Terms for Transit JPA

The City of South Lake Tahoe has confirmed key negotiation terms at City Council on Aug. 13 regarding a joint powers authority with El Dorado County for transit in South Lake.

Sierra Sun logo Supervisors Discuss Critical Housing Issues in Eastern Placer County

The Placer County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 26, at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach to address critical housing issues affecting Eastern Placer County. 

Tahoe Guide logo Your Perfect Tahoe Vacation, Part II: Explore Tahoe’s East, North Shores

Tahoe is full of amazing beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails and sights to enjoy. Whether you spend a day exploring Tahoe’s sights or a week (or more), you’ll never run out of things to do.

Folsom Times logo SMUD to Build 100K Square Foot Operations Center in Folsom

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has unveiled plans for a significant new facility in Folsom, signaling a major investment in the region's infrastructure. The proposed $145 million project will bring a 100,000-square-foot administrative operations center, along with a 100-foot-tall communications …

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Lake Tahoe Unified School District Will Be Serving Free Meals for All Students at Some Schools

The Lake Tahoe Unified School District announced its policy for serving meals to students under the Provision 2 / Universal Meals program for the 2024-2025 school year.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Lake Tahoe Airport’s Next 20 Years Discussed at City Council

After differing remarks at City Council on Tuesday, August 13, City of South Lake Tahoe councilmembers approved a recommended Airport Master Plan, sending the plan to environmental review.

  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Local News

→ View All

• Firewise Workshop on September 19

The Tahoe Resource Conservation District is hosting a workshop on September 19 with information about the Firewise program and application process.

(09/02/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Supes Told of Plans to Improve Permitting Process

In their August 20 meeting, El Dorado County Supervisors were updated on efforts by the Planning and Building Department to improve the often frustrating development permitting process.

(08/30/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• Clean Up the Lake Surveys Stampede and Boca Reservoirs

Over several days of dives at the end of June and the first days of July over 1.76 miles of underwater surveys, only low levels of litter from the shore were observed.

(08/29/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Crozier Fire Action Reports Presented at Meeting

Firefighters from a variety of responding agencies presented action reports and observations from the Crozier Fire at the August 14 meeting of the Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council.

(08/29/2024) → Georgetown Gazette

• CASA El Dorado Family Fun Day Slated for September

Celebrating 30 years of local service, Child Advocates of El Dorado County is holding a Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 28 at The Hangar Lake Tahoe featuring food, games, arts and crafts and guest Tahoe Toogee.

(08/28/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• Ski Run Community Park Grand Opening Set for September 6

Learn how the Ski Run community came together to build South Lake Tahoe's newest community park, celebrating its grand opening on September 6.

(08/27/2024) → South Tahoe Now

• American Beverage Awards Grant to South Tahoe Refuse

American Beverage has awarded a grant of $300,000 to South Tahoe Refuse to help fund the rollout of new recycling carts to over 19,000 residents of South Lake Tahoe.

(08/27/2024) → South Tahoe Now
  California Local Pin Marker  

Recent Statewide News

→ View All

• CalFire Deploys New Air Tanker

CalFire received the first of five planes promised by the federal government, a former Coast Guard C-130 Hercules air tanker.

(09/02/2024) → https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article291844345.html

• California’s Economy Lags Behind Other States, Here’s Why It’s So Sluggish

California’s unemployment rate, 5.2% of its labor force in July, is no longer the nation’s highest after months of having that dubious distinction.

(09/02/2024) → CalMatters

• Gavin Newsom Calls Special Session on Gas Prices

Unable to jam through bills he says will lower California gas prices, Gov. Newsom calls the Legislature back into session.

(08/31/2024) → CalMatters

• More Affordable Housing Funds Could Come With New Labor Requirements

The Legislature is willing to guarantee $500 million annually to affordable housing developers, but with a caveat.

(08/30/2024) → CalMatters

• California’s Inequality Hotspots

A large apartment complex in San Rafael’s majority-Latino Canal neighborhood. Latino families in Marin County are far more likely than white families to have trouble making ends meet, a new report finds.

(08/30/2024) → CalMatters

• California Emergency Alerts Warn You About Fires and Extreme Weather. How to Sign Up in Your County

Early warning systems save lives during disasters, but a recent FEMA survey found that only a third of people are signed up. Use this resource to find your county’s emergency alert sign-up page.

(08/29/2024) → CalMatters

• From Inmate Release to Immigrant Housing Aid, California Bills Spur End-of-Session Fireworks

Some Democrats are pushing bills that could put their colleagues on the hot seat in an election year. The authors say they’re representing their constituents and there’s never a perfect time for votes.

(08/28/2024) → CalMatters

• 1 in 6 CHP Jobs Are Vacant — Despite Historic Raises and Newsom’s Hiring Campaign

California Highway Patrol officers received historically high raises in 2022 and 2023, but it continues to face a high vacancy rate of 16%.

(08/28/2024) → CalMatters

• These Middlemen Say They Keep Drug Prices Low. California Lawmakers Don’t Buy It

Pharmacy benefit managers attempt to negotiate cost savings for insurers. California is considering new rules that would require them to pass their discounts on to consumers.

(08/27/2024) → CalMatters

• Lawmakers Say Newsom Staff ‘Inflated’ Cost of Failed Health Care Bills

A trio of California Democratic lawmakers say they’re frustrated by high cost estimates that helped kill their health care legislation. Did the Newsom administration inflate the numbers to quietly kill the bills?

(08/26/2024) → CalMatters

• Millions of Californians Have Medical Debt. It Wouldn’t Hurt Your Credit Under Proposed Rules

About 4 in 10 Californians are carrying medical debt. Lawmakers are advancing a bill that would prevent that debt from affecting credit scores.

(08/26/2024) → CalMatters
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

→ View All
Image of United States seal. United States   (08/30/2024)

Hickory Hollow Jerky Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jerky Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2024 - Hickory Hollow Jerky, a Eufaula, Ala., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection...
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