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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 04, 2024

Barricades being installed outside the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, 2024, Barricades being installed outside the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, 2024, Image credit: CALocal photo

A Cure for Election Anxiety

First: If, like me, you are one of those procrastinators who still celebrates Election Day the traditional way, a reminder that a few scrolls below, you will find a quick-and-easy list of stories from newsrooms in your county that might help you with your decisions.

And: Here is a handy, comprehensive set of Voting FAQs from our friends at Local News Matters.

The subject line for this edition of The Newsletter was going to be “a love letter to democracy”—a nickname Chris Neklason has given to a series of blog posts that we take turns writing. As you may have noticed, I chose a different angle.

I began to change my mind after I saw a couple of texts from family members in Washington D.C.. “The Observatory is being boarded up,” the first text read, referring to the historic U.S. Naval Observatory, which since 1977 has served as the residence of the vice president of the United States. A reply came shortly thereafter: “That means they’re expecting violence.”

A few minutes later I saw Steve Bannon’s face on the front page of the New York Times alongside a disturbing article, and that sealed the deal. A headline reported that Bannon and his allies are spreading disinformation “inviting chaos if Harris wins the race.” 

If you have been protecting your mental health by avoiding frightening news like this, forgive me; I believe the photograph above says all we need to say about our perilous situation right now, so let’s jump immediately to the love-letter portion of this note. 

Let’s get to the good news—the running theme here at the Newsletter: how democracy works.


A Love Letter to Democracy

It was Chris N. himself who suggested the headline just above as a subject for this week’s Newsletter. He did so because he spent much of last week reading scores of news stories in the 10 counties we serve, and came away from that exercise feeling hopeful.

All over Northern California, and all across the nation for that matter, people are in the process of making decisions about the cities and counties they call home. Chris, who is in the unique position of surveying and accumulating information about civic life from Big Sur to Lake Tahoe, reports that local news outlets statewide are doing a good job of getting their readers the information they need to vote.                                                                                                               

A few years back, when building the database that underlies California Local, Chris made a similar discovery— and wrote about it in our first love letter to democracy. Then-managing editor, Sharan Street made her own discovery several months later—her love note also has Evergreen value. Taken together, I hope they help with your sanity.


The Genius of Democracy

A graph of a social network.
In which we ponder human self organization.

I’ve Got a Hunch


And I know you have one as well. Let’s compare notes.


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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!


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 Fall! cookbook.


Pumpkin spice season deserves a hearty breakfast

These pumpkin pancakes are a great choice for an autumn breakfast.
New! Spiced pumpkin pancakes make use of favorite fall flavors


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Get to Know a Group

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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Local News Matters Stockton logo State Water Officials Alarmed at Discovery of Invasive Mussel Species in Port of Stockton

A “significant threat” to the Delta has been discovered in the Port of Stockton. The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the port by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine …

The Dirt logo Live, Local Election Night Programming on KDRT

Community media center Davis Media Access (DMA) will present a live election-night program from 8-9:30 pm PST on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Night Lighting Installed at City Tennis Courts

The City of West Sacramento celebrated the installation of new LED lights at the Recreation Center/River City High School tennis courts on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo County Offers Last-Minute Voting Options

For the Nov. 5 General Election, Yolo County will offer 15 Ballot Drop Boxes, 12 Vote Centers and a Mobile Vote Center that will travel throughout the rural areas.

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Recent Local News

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Esparto VFW to Celebrate Veterans Day With BBQ

Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7143 in Esparto on Veterans Day November 10 to enjoy some BBQ and learn more about accomplishments in the community.

(11/02/2024) → Daily Democrat
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Recent Statewide News

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• GivingTuesday Explained

Learn more about the annual fundraising day on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year falling on December 3.

(11/04/2024) → Monterey Herald

• Santa Clara County Ramps Up Response as Invasive Mosquito Detected in More Areas

The invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitos have been detected in more areas of Santa Clara County, prompting officials to hold meetings to discuss their response to the threat posed by the species. 

(11/01/2024) → Local News Matters

• A Century Later, Salmon Again Spawning in Klamath River After Dams Removed

Sixty years ago, I was a reporter for the Klamath Falls (Oregon) Herald and News and with my family lived in a small house on the Link River, which flows out of Upper Klamath Lake, draining a large portion of the Cascade mountain range.

(10/31/2024) → CalMatters

• It’s Hard to Vote in California When You’re Homeless. Why It Matters When Their Voices Are Silenced

Homeless Californians face many barriers to casting a ballot, even in elections that affect their lives. Some counties and nonprofits are trying to boost turnout.

(10/30/2024) → CalMatters

• A Third Straight Year With No California Salmon Fishing?  Early Fish Counts Suggest It Could Happen

Low counts of spawning salmon could mean another year without fishing. Experts say the outlook still has time to turn around.

(10/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Bird Flu Jumped From Cows to People. Now Advocates Want More Farmworkers Tested

A strain of bird flu that imperiled California poultry and cattle has jumped to people. In humans, the symptoms are mild and the virus has not been transmitted among people.

(10/29/2024) → CalMatters

• California’s Transition Off Carbon Fuels Could Upset Gasoline Supply, Prices

California motorists buy and consume a billion gallons of gasoline each month and are very sensitive about pump prices, which are markedly higher than those in other states. Naturally, they are a political football.

(10/29/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (11/03/2024)

Savencia Cheese USA Announces an Expanded Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses

Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/02/2024)

Savencia Cheese USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses

Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/31/2024)

HH Fresh Trading Corp Recalls Taiwan Enoki 200gx25pk Because of Possible Health Risk

Because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms suc
Image of City of Woodland seal. City of Woodland   (10/31/2024)

Fire & Police Departments Elevate Need for Modern Radio Communications System

Current radio system was originally implemented in 1987
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/31/2024)

Elevation Foods Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy in Hannaford Seafood Salad

Danvers, Massachusetts. R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods is recalling 1,668 units of mislabeled Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz because it contains an undeclared Soy allergen. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/29/2024)

A Tu Gusto, LLC Recalls Frozen Croquette Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024 - A Tu Gusto, LLC, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 7,630 pounds of frozen meat and poultry croquette products that were produced without...
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/28/2024)

Dynarex Corporation Expands Recall to Include Additional Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Dynarex Corporation is expanding the recall initiated on September 19, 2024, to include an additional 373 cases of item number 4875, Dynacare Baby Powder, 14 oz., as well as 647 cases of item number 4874, Dynacare Baby Powder, 4 oz., because they have the potential to be contaminated with asbestos.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (10/28/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Sen. Dodd: Post-Election Virtual Town Hall is Nov. 6

Monday, October 28, 2024SACRAMENTO Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will host a virtual town hall Nov. 6 on both the impacts of the general election and the legislative year ahead, with commentary from local leaders. It will be Sen. Dodds last town hall before he leaves office Nov. 30, and he will reflect on the accomplishments and lessons of the last …
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/28/2024)

Atwater's Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in "Spider Web Tart"

Atwater's of Baltimore, MD, is recalling its clam shell packages of spider web tarts sold 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 because they contain undeclared almond flour. People who have allergies to tree nuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/26/2024)

Fresh Express is Voluntarily Recalling a Limited Number of Gourmet Café Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Gourmet Cafe Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls due to the inclusion of recalled chicken items from BrucePac, an outside ingredient supplier. The BrucePac recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The fresh vegetable components