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By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 25, 2024

At the McKinley Park Rose Garden in Sacramento, the first rose of 2024. At the McKinley Park Rose Garden in Sacramento, the first rose of 2024. Image credit: Eric Johnson

Four Good Things about Spring

We have a slightly humorous tradition in our family: At the beginning of every season, one of us will say something like, “Winter in California is amazing, and I’m going to miss going up to the snow—but spring really is the best season.” Or "yeah sure summer is fun with the swimming and all, but ahhh the colors of fall—obviolusly the best season."

I realize this is not all that funny, but what makes it a little bit funny (to us) is that we say it at the beginning of every single season, and have been doing so for many years. And we kind of mean it every single time. Because every new season holds the promise that it'll be better than the last.

This winter, as you know, was cold and wet. I am a nature-worshiping Californian who’s been living through a deadly drought, so I stopped complaining about the rain more than a decade ago … until this year. Last week’s warm sun and long evenings made me feel better than I have felt in months.

So: In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, four things, all related to the very best season: Spring!


Product Launch from CALocal: 1GT

The beginning of Spring is a great time to launch stuff. Which is one reason we chose last week to release a new California Local feature that we are calling One Good Thing (which we've already started abbreviating as 1GT). This was CALocal co-founder and product guy Chris Neklason’s idea, and here he briefly explains why 1GT is a good thing.


One Good Thing

Every now and then, it's important to focus on good things.
We announce a new initiative and invite our members to contribute.


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Yolo County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://yolo.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Yolo County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!


Spring in the Valley

For our first One Good Thing, Chris takes you on a short journey to Yosemite Valley to witness a fleeting and amazing phenomenon.


The Rainbows of Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley is extraordinary, and in certain places at certain times of the day, magical. A brief insider's guide to a special place and time in Yosemite National Park, including a short video of the springtime rainbows of Yosemite Falls.

An Ode to the Season

If you already know everything about the Vernal Equinox, our friend Kathy Morrison of Sacramento Digs Gardening brings you a delightful reminder: Eostre, the goddess of fertility and spring, has a rabbit as a spirit animal—and over the millennia, Eostre’s rabbit morphed into our Easter Bunny. More fun facts (plus a FREE cookbook, Taste Spring!) on the other side of the link.


First day of spring is cause for celebration

Cherry blossoms herald the start of spring. The warm, sunny weather is expected to continue through Thursday.
Plenty of sunshine and flowers welcome start of new season

Product Launch from Hilltromper: BloomTracker

As you may have noticed, we do not tire of singing the praises of California, and Hilltromper (which is kind of CALocal's sister-site) focuses on our state's awesome natural beauty. For our final piece of appreciation today we present the coolest wildflower-finding tool you've ever seen, which was launched last week by our friend Mike Kahn. 


BloomTracker: Wildflower Finder & Protector from Hilltromper


Over at Hilltromper, “The Nature-worshiping, Fun-Loving Adventure Guide” that serves the South Bay Area, Santa Cruz County, and anyone who visits these beautiful places, our friend Mike Kahn has just launched a new product he named BloomTracker—“an online resource that helps you find the best places to see wildflowers, in real time, and helps reduce impacts on parks and other open spaces.”

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.


This easy chicken dish puts zesty zing in spring

Chicken thighs achieve crispy deliciousness when marinated and baked at high heat.
NEW Baked lemon-Dijon chicken thighs with herbs


Impact Report Image for decorative use


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Big Brothers Big Sisters logo Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The chapter serves Sacramento and Yolo counties, as well as southern Placer County.

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From Our Media Allies

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West Sacramento News Ledger logo Yolo County and Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps Clean Tule Canal

Yolo County Department of Community Services’ Integrated Waste Management Division Teams up with SRCC to preserve natural beauty.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Senator Dodd Names Yolo County Woman of the Year

Rhonda Morningstar Pope Flores receives honor from Sen. Bill Dodd.

The Dirt logo 120 Acres of Farmland Preserved by City of Davis

The City of Davis announced today that it recently purchased an agricultural conservation easement on 120 acres of farmland located about a half-mile from the City limits, northeast of the Mace Boulevard curve, as a permanent preserve for farmland and …

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Recent Local News

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Yolo Community Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline April 5

Yolo County student applications for Yolo Community Foundation scholarships of up to $10,000 are due by April 5.

(03/25/2024) → Daily Democrat

Enrollment Up at UC Davis, Woodland Community College

UC Davids reported a record high of 115,249 undergraduate applications and Woodland Community College noted a 5% increase in enrollment over last year.

(03/24/2024) → Daily Democrat

Mikuni Donation to Help Yolo County Youth

The Mikuni Charitable Organization donation of $5,000 to Make It Happen for Yolo County is in support of local, under-resourced youth making the transition to independent living.

(03/23/2024) → Daily Democrat

Woodland City Council Proclaims March as American Red Cross Month

Woodland resident and Red Cross volunteer member of the local disaster action team acceptted the proclamation at the council meeting.

(03/21/2024) → Daily Democrat

Road Resurfacing Begins in Esparto

Work starts in April and will focus on downtown Esparto and County Roads 23, 24 and 96.

(03/19/2024) → Daily Democrat

Woodland Public Library 2023 Annual Report Released

Details from the report state the the library received over 120,000 visits, was open for over 2,500 hours, served roughly 60,000 people and held almost 900 programs with roughly 28,000 attending.

(03/19/2024) → Daily Democrat

Applications Open for Yolo County Community Services Action Board

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is seeking to fill openings on its Community Services Action Board, with the stated mission "to combat poverty by promoting the health, safety, stability, and self-sufficiency of low-income persons residing in Yolo County. "

(03/18/2024) → Davis Enterprise
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Recent Statewide News

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• Reps. Gaetz and Greene Lawsuit Against Cities Where Political Rally Was Canceled Can Move Forward

A judge ruled GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene can move forward with their lawsuit against two California cities where rallies were canceled.

(03/25/2024) → Los Angeles Times

• At Stake in Mifepristone Case: Abortion, FDA’s Authority, and Return to 1873 Obscenity Law

Lawyers from the conservative Christian group that won the case to overturn Roe v. Wade are returning to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday in pursuit of an urgent priority: shutting down access to abortion pills for women across the country.

(03/25/2024) → KFF Health News

• California Forever Denies Reports of Shady Tactics Outside Bay Area Target

Rumors are flying that California Forever is using dodgy tactics to gather signatures.

(03/24/2024) → SF Gate

• California Speeds Plans to Empty San Quentin's Death Row

California prison officials announced they will move the last 457 condemned prisoners out of San Quentin's death row by summer. They will be transferred to other state prisons and housed in the general population.

(03/18/2024) → Los Angeles Times
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Government Announcements

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Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/22/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
District Report -- March 2024

A Message from Senator Bill Dodd Dear Neighbor, Spring has finally arrived! I hope you and your family have a chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful district. In the Capitol, I am working on legislation to help with the things you value most including enhancing investment protection for our seniors, wildfire safety and reducing utility costs. I recently …
Image of City of Woodland seal. City of Woodland   (03/21/2024)

Pickleball Courts Coming to Crawford Park

New facilities expected to open in August 2024
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/21/2024)

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Products Imported from the People's Republic of China

WASHINGTON, March. 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for imported frozen Siluriformes products that were illegally...
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/20/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Sen. Dodd: Diane Dillon is Napa County Woman of the Year

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 NAPA -- Diane Dillon, a longtime champion of Napa County who served on the Board of Supervisors for 20 years, compiling an impressive record of civic achievement, has been named Napa County Woman of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd. Diane has made an incredible contribution to our community, providing key leadership in good times and …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/19/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Senador Dodd: Proyecto de Ley Avanza para Levantar Barrera para Usuarios de Sillas de Ruedas

Tuesday, March 19, 2024SACRAMENTO El Senador Bill Dodd, D-Napa, presento hoy una legislacion que otorgaria a los usuarios de sillas de ruedas electricas el derecho a que se repare su propio equipo, eliminando demoras que podrian dejarlos inmovilizados y reduciendo al mismo tiempo los costos para una de las poblaciones mas vulnerables de California. El objetivo de este proyecto de …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/19/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Sen. Dodd’s Utilities Infrastructure Savings Bill Clears Committee

Tuesday, March 19, 2024SACRAMENTO Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would help ensure electrical utilities are pursuing the fastest and most cost-effective infrastructure improvements, safeguarding the public from future wildfires and saving money for ratepayers forced to cover the cost of more expensive repairs. With utilities making upgrades to keep us safe from wildfire, we must ensure …
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/18/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Sen. Dodd: Bill Advances to Lift Barriers for Wheelchair Users

Monday, March 18, 2024SACRAMENTO Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would grant power wheelchair users the right to have their own equipment repaired, eliminating delays that could leave them immobilized while reducing costs to one of Californias most vulnerable populations. Enhancing the quality of life for people with mobility issues is the focus of this bill, Sen. …
Image of United States seal. United States   (03/16/2024)

Wenders LLC Recalls Trader Joes Nuts - 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews Because of Possible Health Risk

Wenders LLC of Dublin, CA is recalling specific production lots of Trader Joes Nuts - 50% Less Sodium Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews - (SKU Number - 37884) Lot# T12139, T12140, T12141, and T12142 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious
Image of City of Woodland seal. City of Woodland   (03/15/2024)

City Invites Woodlanders to Serve on Boards, Commissions, & Committees

Terms begin July 1, 2024
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (03/14/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Sen. Dodd Comments on Insurance Commissioner’s Proposed Regulations

Thursday, March 14, 2024SACRAMENTO -- Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today regarding Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laras proposed catastrophic modeling regulations to address Californias insurance crisis: Ensuring the availability and affordability of insurance takes a multipronged approach, and these proposed regulations are a piece of the puzzle, Sen. Dodd said. Theres much to do to stabilize the market, …