You probably know that The Newsletter goes out only to California Local members and subscribers—folks like yourself who’ve signed up to join our family and support our work. Today I am writing to bring the good news that we have just been given two big awards by the California News Publishers Association (CNPA).
We learned Thursday morning that our Santa Cruz Rail Trail ‘Tracker’ won a Third Place award for Public Interest Journalism. This is a category that many people in our industry care the most deeply about, because it involves having a real and demonstrable impact in our community—and as you are no doubt aware, that’s why we are in this game to begin with.
The award-winning “Tracker,” by the way, is a news product devised by our co-founder Chris Neklason, who defines it like so: “Article that acts as a portal for information about an ongoing process, tracking it and adding and updating information over time.” And here’s what the CNPA judges said about this one.
One-stop shopping for readers interested in this local issue. A model for presenting comprehensive information on a subject of public interest—a contentious one—from all kinds of angles and all kinds of sources. Allows readers to access journalism as well as primary sources, a nod to the “do your own research” approach. All of it is in easily digested writing and images. Informative and inviting through expert use of media.
We are deeply honored that our industry peers have given us this recognition. Speaking of which.
California Local Wins First Place CNPA Award for Story Presentation Page Layout & Design
My friend and colleague Chris has thought long and hard about the best ways to present news and information in a way that helps keep people engaged; NewsOS, our Content Management System, is a result of years of his work toward that end. Kara Brown, our designer, has decades in the biz, and is committed to creating a user experience that inspires feelings of delight. Apparently their collaboration is golden.
I am pleased as punch to tell you that we have been named the best-looking journalism website (in our 100,000 uniques-per-month division) in the state of California. And here, “best-looking,” as in all online endeavors, includes functionality.
We are fiercely committed to creating something good in the online world—by bringing you news you can trust and helping you stay connected.
As you will see below, there is more on its way.
• Diamond Springs Park EIR Ready for Public Comment
El Dorado County is preparing a draft environmental impact report for the proposed community park in Diamond Springs on which the public comment period will continue through June 16.
(05/22/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Larger Parking Lot Opens at Martis Valley Trail
In coordination with Placer County and the Northstar Community Services District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened a new parking lot at Martis Creek Dam and Lake.
(05/20/2023) → Sierra Sun
• Community Urged to Weigh In on North Tahoe Parking Program
North Lake Tahoe residents, homeowners, and visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts to help shape a new parking management program under development by Placer County's Department of Public Works.
(05/20/2023) → Sierra Sun
• WSFF Film Submission Open
Film submissions for the 2024 Wild & Scenic Film Festival are now being accepted in three categories: Environmental, Adventure and Student Film. The early-bird deadline is July 16.
(05/19/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Veerkamp Ready to Run for District 3 Supe Seat
Brian K. Veerkamp has announced his intention to run for El Dorado County District 3 supervisor, a seat he previously held 2013-20. Current District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas recently announced she would not seek a second term.
(05/19/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• TDPUD Enters Second Season of Pioneer Trail Construction
Truckee Donner Public Utility District will soon restart construction on the Pioneer Trail pipeline and pump station, which will require the closure of the Trout Creek Trail.
(05/19/2023) → Sierra Sun
• Down Payment Assistance Available for East Placer Residents
Nearly a half million dollars in funds are still available to Eastern Placer workers looking to buy a home in the North Lake Tahoe region.
(05/19/2023) → Sierra Sun
• Cannabis Tax Pre-Rolling Into City Projects
Placerville community projects will soon see an influx of nearly $100,000, courtesy of the coin contributed to the city’s coffers by cannabis companies. The Placerville City Council approved a list of projects selected to receive funds from the Cannabis Community Benefit Tax.
(05/17/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Court Finds Measure F Unconstitutional
The Placer County Superior Court has ruled in favor of Placer County in a lawsuit filed by the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, affirming the county Board of Supervisors’ constitutional authority to negotiate compensation for all county employees.
(05/17/2023) → Sierra Sun
• Supes Support Fire Rebuilds Without Solar
El Dorado County supervisors added their support to Assembly Bill 704, which assists those who lost their homes in a disaster—like the Caldor and Mosquito fires—by eliminating the state’s requirement that their new homes include a solar power system.
(05/17/2023) → Georgetown Gazette
• EDHCSD Hits Pause on Incorporation Effort
A $1 million price tag and not enough information proved too much for the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors, which decided to hold off starting an EDH incorporation effort.
(05/16/2023) → Village Life
• VHR Public Forum May 25; Applicants Sought for Committee
El Dorado County District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine is hosting a vacation home rental forum for residents of Meeks Bay, Tahoma and surrounding area from on May 25.
(05/16/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune
• Placerville’s Christmas Tree Placed on the Disabled List
Placerville’s landmark redwood, at the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Main Street, will have to sit out its traditional role as the city’s Christmas tree this year, the City Council decided.
(05/15/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Keep Tahoe Blue Gains Support for Education Center
The League to Save Lake Tahoe's plan to redevelop an aging office building into a new environment and education center, as well as the organization's headquarters, is building momentum.
(05/15/2023) → Tahoe Daily Tribune