By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 23, 2024

Happy Holidays. Big News. And Our First 'Ask.'

First, the big news. California Local is forging a partnership with Bay City News and its nonprofit, the Bay City News Foundation. In coming months, we will be working together to apply for grants to help our organizations expand our missions.

Together with BCN, which has been providing newsrooms in Northern California with essential news coverage for 45 years, we will be working on some big projects to help people engage with their communities and live a better life. You can read about one of these projects in a blogpost by our friend Chris Neklason, below.

The ask: This partnership also allows you, for the first time, to make tax-deductible contributions to help us with our efforts. If you can help, and you want to support local journalism, send me an email: I am eric@californialocal.com. Find more ways to easily donate below.

On to the festive part of this edition of The Newsletter.

Seasons greetings. I write today from my home in your state capital, where we had a nice little solstice party last night, and are preparing to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in just a few days. I hope you are enjoying the wintry weather and observing this week of darkness and light in whatever way you do that at your house.

I want to tell you today how grateful I am that you are a California Local member and newsletter subscriber. I am so glad that you care about your community and appreciate our work. These are troubled times, and I'm deeply happy for the opportunity to share some good news about individuals and organizations in our state that are trying to make things better.

That’s mostly what we do here—I’m sure you’ve noticed—after all, we titled our book How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State. We are unapologetic optimists. There are serious problems in this world and in our state; we are mostly focused on solutions.

In recent weeks, Chris has brought you stories about legacy service organizations such as the Lions, Rotary and Soroptimists. Tomorrow, I will be publishing an article about our friends at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and their awesome “Give Back Tahoe“ campaign. And over the past three years, we have published articles about scores of individuals and organizations working toward what Chris likes to call "community betterment."

Please help us spread the good word. (Our 'ask' of you; part 2.)

If you believe it’s important for people to Discover trusted information about their local communities and have that information at their fingertips; if you believe it would be good if these folks could Connect with each other and with their local leaders; if you believe it would be best if they could Act by reaching out to their elected officials and other others active in their communities; then I hope you will consider contributing to California Local.

Again: The Bay City News Foundation has agreed to serve as our nonprofit fiscal sponsor. This sponsorship allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution to help us deliver news and information from trusted sources to more Californians.

You can support our work by contributing a tax-deductible donation through the Bay City News Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization with Tax ID 83-0654488, who have agreed to support our work.

Checks can be mailed to Bay City News Foundation, 900 Hilldale Ave., Berkeley CA 94708. Please note in the memo line: "For California Local"

You can also donate online using a credit card or PayPal. In the form field labeled “Special instructions for seller” write in “For California Local”

Again, I'm eric@californialocal.com. Shoot me a note and I'll send you more info. And: I'll send you a book!

A Tool for Democratic Engagement

California Local delivers local journalism from multiple trusted sources in each of the 10 counties we now serve, sending readers to those primary sources. We do this within a digital environment that includes a reader-friendly database that gives site-visitors easy access to regularized accounts of: 1) Local government agencies, departments, and officials, and 2) Local nonprofits that make up the non-governmental civic infrastructure.

Beginning in 2025, we hope to make this Community Information Hub infrastructure available as a WordPress plug-in to newsrooms, libraries, and ... well ... everyone. It's a pretty cool project. I hope you will agree.

Creating a Community Information Hub

Big Search and Big Social have abandoned you in an information desert. Help is on the way.

Finding information about the community can be hard. We have a plan to make it easy.

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.

Put a lemony, seasonal twist on red and green coleslaw

Shredded Brussels sprouts are the starting point for this green and red coleslaw, perfect for a holiday meal.

New! Brussels sprouts-apple slaw with pomegranate, pistachios and Meyer lemon dressing

Get to Know a Group

Golden Empire Council

The Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America pursues the mission of this national organization to “instill values in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes, to take leadership roles as adults, and to reach their full potential.”

→ Learn more

From Our Media Allies

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	Expanded Holiday Transit Services in South Lake Tahoe
	South Lake Tahoe transit options will be expanded during the Christmas/New Year's week with an increased schedule of motor coach round trips from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. In addition, free bus and shuttle routes throughout town for special events are expanding …

	Auburn Union School District Students Honor Hometown Heroes
	Tis the season of giving, and giving is what Auburn Union School District students did at their ninth HomeTown Heroes luncheon on Dec. 6 at E.V. Cain’s Wildcat Gym

	Placer County Approves Housing Element Amendment Submission
	The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 3 approved the submission of an amendment to the county’s housing element. Placer County Planning Director Chris Pahule introduced the item noting staff submitted a draft housing element amendment, inclusive of the …

	1,200 Newcastle, Gold Hill, Ophir Veterans Honored in Wreath Ceremony
	Braving the weather last Saturday on National Wreaths Across America Day, local residents came out to honor the 1,200 veterans buried in the Newcastle, Gold Hill and Ophir cemeteries during a brief ceremony and laying of wreaths.

	Placer County Water Agency Approves Updated Water Connection Charges to Support Planned Growth in Western Placer County
	At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors approved updates to the Water Connection Charges for new customers connecting to PCWA’s drinking water system in Western Placer County.

	The Ranch Subdivision Moves Forward in West Placer
	The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action Tuesday to approve the environmental impact report, legislative actions and entitlement package necessary for construction of The Ranch, a 221.7-acre housing development in the Dry Creek area of west Placer.

	Widespread Cockfighting in CA Identified as Possible Source of Bird Flu Emergency
	California may have more than a million fighting birds, according to the Center for a Humane Economy.

	Tourist Core Changes and Tahoe Blue Permit Problems: TRPA’s Final Governing Board Meeting of 2024
	The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) held their final governing board meeting this year. They discussed changes to parcels in the Tahoe Valley Area Plan, among other agenda items, and had lengthy discussion with the legal committee regarding permit noncompliance …

	When Wildfire Strikes: The Coordinated Effort Behind Fire Response in the Tahoe Region
	The 2024 wildfire season has proven once again to be an active one, with California witnessing over 7,100 wildfires that have scorched more than 1 million acres. The Tahoe region, in particular, experienced several major fires, including one of the …

	Placer SPCA Asking for Help After Taking in 100+ Rabbits
	The Placer County SPCA is asking for emergency help after it took in more than 100 rabbits rescued from a Roseville home.

	Loomis Soroptimist 'It's in the Bag' Fundraiser Jan. 22
	Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin’s annual “It’s in the Bag” designer purse fundraiser will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at) at the Blue Goose Event Center, 3550 Taylor Road in Loomis.

	Loomis Eyes Expansion With LAFCO Study
	While the Town of Loomis celebrates 40 years of incorporation, town officials are studying possible annexation of surrounding territory with a required municipal service review.

	Roseville's New Mayor, Council Are Sworn In
	Roseville’s new mayor and city council members are sworn in and ready to take on the new year. Krista Bernasconi, who was formerly the vice mayor, was sworn in as Roseville’s 59th mayor at a special City Council meeting on …

	Lake Tahoe Unified School District Swears in New Board Members
	Robert Anderson and Ellen Camacho were officially sworn in as the newest members of the LTUSD Board of Education. Additionally, Valerie Mansfield was sworn in for her second term, continuing her dedicated service to the school district. The Board also …

	Year in Review: Protecting the Forests of the Middle Truckee Watershed
	The Middle Truckee River Watershed Forest Partnership (MTRWFP) is celebrating the results of the first full year of active projects, all of which are focused on reducing the occurrence of severe wildfire within the forests of the Truckee River Watershed.

	TAMBA Approaches Goal of Raising $250,000 for Tahoe Trails
	The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) recently reached a major milestone in its 2024 End-of-Year Giving Drive, exceeding $200,000 in funds raised since the beginning of the campaign in mid-October this year. This puts the organization at 80% of …

	Winter Trek Begins Jan 28 at Heavenly Mountain Resort
	The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is pleased to announce sign ups for the 2025 Winter Trek Conservation Education Program at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Reservations are required and open Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

	City Council Ends 2024 With New Members Aboard
	The City of South Lake Tahoe held its last City Council meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The start of the meeting involved welcoming David Jinkens and Keith Roberts to the chambers. The two are taking over Cristi …

	'Face of the Foothills' Says He'll Still Be Around
	Tuesday marked the end of Jim Holmes’ fifth term as a supervisor for Placer County, as he left the dais for the last time. Holmes, who has become known as “The Face of the Foothills” during his 20-year tenure, said …

	Reflecting and Returning: Auburn Outgoing, Incoming Mayors Changes on Dais
	Rachel Radell-Harris discussed her experience serving as the Auburn mayor for 2024. Sandy Amara is looking forward to serving her second term as the city’s new mayor that could represent challenges.

	Tahoe Rings in 2025 With Fireworks, Drone Shows
	From dazzling fireworks and torchlight parades to live music, family-friendly celebrations and exciting nightlife, Tahoe and Truckee are the ultimate destinations for New Year’s Eve fun. Find event details and transit options for a safe and unforgettable night.

	Celebrate the Holidays in Tahoe, Truckee
	From festive markets and holiday parades to carolers, seasonal performances, and skiing with Santa, Tahoe and Truckee have something magical for everyone this season.

	Signage in Employee Housing, Sugar Pine’s Final Phase Funding, and ADU Agreements: Housing Updates From City Council
	Last week's final city council meeting of the year had several housing updates, including the second hearing on employee housing signage ordinances, the Prohousing Incentive program grant application for Sugar Pine Village, and an ADU agreement with Workbench.

	Winter Wonders Await: Poetry, Markets, Races and Starry Adventures
	Get ready to embrace the winter season with an exciting lineup of events in and around Tahoe. From festive markets and starry snowshoe tours to thrilling races and inspiring speaker series, these events will keep you entertained all season long.

	Sites Reservoir in the Sacramento Valley Remains a Second Environmental Battlefront Between Newsom and California Tribes and Conservation Groups
	Gavin Newsom continued his “California Jobs First” tour last week with a press event at a farm in Colusa in the Sacramento Valley where the governor promoted efforts to build Sites Reservoir. However, similar to Newsom’s embattled Delta tunnel, Sites …

	Tahoe Conservancy Awards $601,700 to the North Tahoe Fire for Local Programs to Reduce Wildfire Risk
	The California Tahoe Conservancy has awarded a $601,700 grant to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District for three years of work on programs to help reduce wildfire risk for north and west shore communities and their surrounding forests.

	Jeff Hamilton’s Vision Lives On: The Juniper Awards Celebrate Community Impact and Fearlessness
	In the face of a devastating diagnosis, Jeff Hamilton refused to let the limitations of pancreatic cancer define him. In his final months, as his body weakened and his prognosis grew more dire, Hamilton expanded his world in ways that …

	TRPA Advisory Planning Commission Recommends Homewood Amendments to Governing Board
	After an over seven-hour meeting, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Advisory Planning Commission approved two motions on its table regarding Homewood Mountain Resort's Master Plan Amendments at their meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, but not without a handful of edits.

	‘Governors Are Going to Have to Create a New System’: Leaders in the West Lambast Insurance Industry Over Rising Costs for Homeowners
	As extreme weather events fuel an explosion in homeowners insurance premiums, governors representing states in the West are expressing frustration with the industry, saying companies need to do more to bring down costs.

Recent Local News

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• A Review of El Dorado County's Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience

In their December 10 meeting, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors were given a report on the accomplishments and progress of the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience. Read on to learn more about the office and their ongoing projects.

(12/20/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• New El Dorado County Property Tax Options

Learn how you can split your bi-annual El Dorado County property tax bill into easier to manage monthly payments.

(12/18/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• El Dorado County Updates Ranch Marketing Ordinance

Responding to resident complaints about amplified music at events hosted at local wineries, El Dorado County Supervisors voted to amend the Ranch Marketing Ordinance. Read on to learn more.

(12/18/2024) → Mountain Democrat

• North Tahoe Fire Protection District Awarded Resilience Grant

The Tahoe Conservancy awarded a $601,700 grant to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District to aid in resilience and fuel reduction efforts. Read on to learn how the funds will be used over a three-year period.

(12/16/2024) → South Tahoe Now

Recent Statewide News

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• California Limits Junk Fees: New Law Blocks Fines for Declined ATM Withdrawals

A new California law will prohibit state-chartered banks from charging fees for withdrawals that are instantaneously declined.

(12/23/2024) → CalMatters

• California Has a Nutria Response Team?

The invasive South American housecat-sized semi-aquatic rodent is making the bay area a new home, and that's a problem. Read on to learn what wildlife officials are doing about it.

(12/23/2024) → The Mercury News

• More Water for Urban Areas, Some Farms: Biden, Newsom Officials Announce Long-Awaited New Water Delivery Rules

New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.

(12/20/2024) → CalMatters

• CA Nurses Demand Changes to Addiction Recovery Program

For California nurses seeking help with alcohol or drug abuse, the road to recovery through a program managed by their licensing board can be fraught, writes CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang.

(12/19/2024) → CalMatters

• How America Lost Control of the Bird Flu, Setting the Stage for Another Pandemic

Keith Poulsen's jaw dropped when farmers showed him images on their cellphones at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin in October. A livestock veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin, Poulsen had seen sick cows before, with their noses dripping and udders slack.

(12/19/2024) → California Healthline

• Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Operation Extended

Learn more about how a deal from 2022 to extend operations of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant and a recent California Public Utilities Commission decision are leading to higher electricity bills across the state.

(12/19/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• California Declares Bird Flu Emergency

As the first serious case of bird flu in a human is reported and more dairy herds across the state are infected, California Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency. Read on to learn what that entails.

(12/18/2024) → CapPublicRadio

• Why Income and Tense Politics Are Limiting Access to Civics Classes in California

All high school students are required to take civics, but a lack of money can limit opportunities. And in some communities, parent objections pressure teachers to avoid certain topics.

(12/18/2024) → CalMatters

• A California Recovery Program Keeps Watch on Addicted Health Workers — But Not Doctors

California doctors are asking the state to create a ‘safe harbor’ program for addiction recovery. They say the current system discourages doctors from participating because they regard it as punitive.

(12/18/2024) → CalMatters

• New Decisions Boost California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate, but Major Hurdles Remain

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decree that by 2035 all new cars sold in California must be powered by batteries or other zero-emission systems has received a double dose of legal and political support.

(12/18/2024) → CalMatters

• Cal Fire Opens Applications for Free Summer Firefighter Camp for Young Californian Women

Cal Fire is taking applications for Camp Cinder, a free four-day, three-night immersive firefighter camp for young women ages 15-17. The program, led by women firefighters and offered June 23-26 in Shasta and San Luis Obispo, will teach rope skills, water rescues, hose movement, leadership and more,

(12/18/2024) → Local News Matters

• Biden Administration Approves California Electric Car Mandate. Will Trump Try to Revoke It?

The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state’s zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California’s progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

(12/17/2024) → CalMatters

• California Workforce Fund Targets Programs Solving Problems

Child care centers throughout California struggled to find people with the right credentials to look after their babies, toddlers and preschoolers. At the same time, many people who wanted to become early childhood educators faced difficulties in earning the credentials.

(12/17/2024) → CalMatters

• National Center for Atmospheric Research Explains: Atmospheric Rivers

Use this explainer by the National Science Foundation-sponsored National Center for Atmospheric Research to understand atmospheric rivers and how they'll change as the climate warms.

(12/17/2024) → YubaNet

• California’s Jail Population Will Rise Thanks to Prop. 36. So Will Inmate Deaths, Advocates Say

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

• A New California Law Bans Your Boss From Ordering You to Attend Anti-Union Meetings

Gov. Newsom and legislative Democrats pushed through a law that bans employers from requiring workers to attend ‘captive audience meetings.’ It was the latest victory for the labor movement at the state Capitol.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

• Can New State Regulations Resolve California’s Existential Insurance Crisis?

There’s no law requiring California property owners to carry insurance, but the vast majority buy it to protect themselves from fire and other perils, or are required to do so by their mortgage lenders.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

• Here’s How California Plans to Get Millions of Adults Without College Degrees Into Better Jobs

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “Master Plan for Career Education” seeks to help the nearly 7 million adults in California who lack college degrees by giving them college credit for their work experience and by changing the requirements on some state jobs.

(12/16/2024) → CalMatters

Government Announcements

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	United States (12/20/2024) Lidl Recalls Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables Due to Undeclared Milk Allergens
DECEMBER 20, 2024 - Lidl US is recalling all lots of their Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables 10.5 oz box UPC 4 056489 122876 due to undeclared milk allergen. The recall was issued due to undeclared milk in the products. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threate

	United States (12/20/2024) Recall of Jose Madrid Salsa Chipotle Con Queso
Jose Madrid Salsa is announcing a voluntary recall of our Chipotle Con Queso Salsa. The salsa is being recalled because it contains Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which were not listed on the ingredient label. Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 run the risk of minor to serious

	United States (12/20/2024) Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. Recalls Raw Pork Sausage Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 - Impero Foods &amp; Meats, Inc., a Baltimore, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage products that were produced without the benefit...

	United States (12/20/2024) Ralph's Packing Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Beef Bologna Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 - Ralph's Packing Company, a Perkins, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,132 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef bologna products due to misbranding and an undeclared...

	United States (12/19/2024) Orgain Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Possible Undeclared Peanut Residue in a Single Batch of 30G Protein Organic Plant Based Powder - Chocolate 2.01lb
Orgain of Irvine, California is voluntarily recalling a single batch of its 30g Protein Organic Plant Based Powder - Chocolate 2.01lb because it may contain undeclared peanut residue. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic

	United States (12/19/2024) Nail Factory Recalls Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Fish Products Imported From Vietnam
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2024 - NAIL Factory, the importer of record, located in Huntington Beach, Calif., is recalling approximately 1,635 pounds of ineligible frozen Siluriformes fish products that were produced...

	United States (12/16/2024) Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Lay's Classic Potato Chips Distributed in Oregon and Washington
December 16, 2024 - Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted through a consumer contact. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening al

	United States (12/13/2024) Palermo Villa, Inc. Issues Recall for 1,728 Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas Due to Possible Plastic Contaminant
December 13, 2024 Palermo Villa, Inc. is issuing a recall of 1,728 Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas because of a possible plastic foreign contaminant. The product was distributed in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to retail grocery stores. The affected product, Connie's Thin Crust Cheese

	United States (12/13/2024) Motivate Me Ashley, LLC is Recalling VidaSlim Brand 90-Day, 30-day and 7-Day Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules & VidaSlim Hot Body Brew Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander in the Products
Motivate Me Ashley, LLC of San Antonio, Texas is recalling the following VidaSlim brand products: VidaSlim 90-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 30-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), VidaSlim 7-day Sample Size (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules), an

	United States (12/12/2024) Cal Yee Farm LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Soy, Wheat, Sesame, FD&C #6 and Almonds in Snack Products
Cal Yee Farm LLC of Suisun Valley, California is recalling chocolate and yogurt covered products (Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Almonds, Yogurt Coated Almonds and Dark Chocolate Apricots [sold under Cal Yee's or Cal Yee Farm brands]), Tropical Trail Mix, Butter Toffe