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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 11, 2024

Thank you for your service. Thank you for your service.

Service to Country and Community

This Veterans Day we feature two articles about organizations that provide services to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The first is the latest installment in Chris Neklason‘s Doing Good series of articles about “service clubs,” from the Soroptimists to Rotary International, which employ countless volunteers who together wage a vast, ongoing campaign of civic improvement.

This week, appropriately, Chris tells the fascinating story of the American Legion, the organization that brought us Veterans Day.

Also on the Veterans Day theme: a useful compendium of information about services available to California veterans. If you are a vet, or a friend or family member of a vet, you might find this information valuable and might want to keep it handy.

But first, we present a perspective on last week’s election that contains a surprising piece of hope.


Defending Democracy

In defining the justifications for the use of armed power in the world, former US National Security Advisor Anthony Lake put forward what can be seen as the primary mission of the United States military: “To preserve, promote and defend democracy, which enhances our security and the spread of our values.“

As an independent, non-partisan journalistic enterprise, California Local is nevertheless not neutral on the subject of democracy. As most of you know, we are also obsessively fond of the structures and institutions of democracy—including, for instance, the vast army of men and women who make up the federal workforce.

As both the concept of democracy and our democratic institutions themselves face a very real threat, we offer an appreciation of what’s at risk.


The Formula for the Days Ahead

The recipe for democracy is simple, with few ingredients, but requires time and our best energy.
The way forward is simple but not easy. Can we count on you?

Doing Good: The American Legion

Hundreds of soldiers came together in Paris in 1919 to build something bigger than the sum of its parts.
The organization responsible for the GI Bill and Veterans Day continues to help service members, veterans, and their families.

Celebrating Veterans Every Day


About 1.8 million veterans live in California. Here are some organizations dedicated to serving the needs of those who served America.


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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 enhances a classic cookie

This version of the recipe uses chocolate chips, but other excellent mix-ins include raisins, dried cranberries, toasted chopped nuts or caramel chips.
New! Autumn spices and mix-ins boost the fall vibe


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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.

→ Learn more

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From Our Media Allies

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The Dirt logo UC Davis Invites Community Input on Future of Transportation

UC Davis is inviting students, faculty, staff, and local community members to play an active role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation on campus by attending an Open House for the Moving Forward Together initiative. This initiative offers a …

The Dirt logo Davis Candlelight Parade & Tree Lighting Set

The City of Davis announced that all are invited to attend the 43rd annual Candlelight Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 5. Want to attend? Get the details in the article.

West Sacramento Sun logo Scholarship Awarded for Black Nurses in Sacramento

Sierra Donor Services, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation, is proud to announce the inaugural Sierra Donor Services Lifesaver Nursing Scholarship for the Capitol City Black Nurses Association.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Tours Available

Tour the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with an experienced field trip leader!

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Single-Parent Student Housing Completed

The City of West Sacramento, Raise the Barr, Brinshore Development, Operative Office and Yolo County Housing Authority celebrated the grand opening of The Huddle on 5th, an 18-unit apartment complex located at 221 5th St. in West Sacramento on Oct. …

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Celebrate Veterans Day in West Sacramento

It is crucial to honor and remember those who have served their country and to keep their legacy and memories alive.

The Dirt logo Celebrating Native American Heritage at the Gorman Museum

In Yolo County, we acknowledge the land we exist on has been the home of the Patwin people for thousands of years. There are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, …

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Recent Local News

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Veterans Honored in Woodland

American Legion Yolo Post 77 sponsored a November 11 Veterans Day ceremony in Woodland as a light rain fell. Read on to learn more.

(11/11/2024) → Daily Democrat

Yolo County Election Results

Official updated election results from the Yolo County Elections Department.

(11/10/2024) → Yolo County Elections Department

League of Women Voters Bestow Democracy Works Award

The two recipients of the 2024 Democracy Works Award will be honored by the League of Women Voters of Woodland on November 19. Click to find out more.

(11/08/2024) → Daily Democrat

Davis Media Access Developing a Civic Information Hub

Learn more about the development of a Yolo County civic information hub by Davis Media Access.

(11/08/2024) → Davis Enterprise

Introducing the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

Learn more about the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art on Old Davis Road, presenting works "not typically shown in traditional museums."

(11/08/2024) → Daily Democrat

Update on Homeless Veterans in Sacramento County

Despite a decrease of 15% compared to the last count in 2022, the number of homeless veterans in Sacramento County remains high.

(11/07/2024) → CapPublicRadio

Yolo County Adopts New Evacuation Alert System

Learn more about the new Yolo County evacuation alert system and take steps to protect yourself and your family against fires and floods.

(11/07/2024) → Daily Democrat

How Yolo County Elections Work

Find out how your ballot is processed after it is delivered to the Yolo County elections department, and how your votes are verified, counted and certified.

(11/06/2024) → Daily Democrat

Christmas Count is for the Birds

Learn how you can join the Yolo Bird Alliance for the annual Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 15.

(11/05/2024) → Davis Enterprise
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Recent Statewide News

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• CA Workers Could Lose Deportation Protections

Immigration advocates are sounding the alarm over the prospect of mass deportations upending California immigrant communities, which Donald Trump has vowed to initiate when he returns to the White House in January.

(11/11/2024) → CalMatters

• California Empowered Immigrants to Speak Up at Work. Trump Could End Their Protections

California wants to protect witnesses in workplace investigations from deportation, but the Biden administration program for undocumented employees is at risk with Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

(11/10/2024) → CalMatters

• California Enacts New Climate Rules — which Could Boost Gas Prices

Experts don’t know how much gas prices may rise from the revised California climate program, which tightens standards and gives incentives for low-carbon fuels. The board ordered an annual review of the cost impacts.

(11/08/2024) → CalMatters

• What Trump’s Border Policies Mean for California

President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on implementing a sweeping border crackdown and undertaking the largest-scale deportation effort in history. If carried out, his proposed initiatives will have profound consequences in California, which shares a 140-mile border with Mexico.

(11/08/2024) → CalMatters

• Here We Go Again: California Prepares to Battle Trump Over Environmental Policies

A lot is at stake with the new Trump administration: California’s water projects, its unique authority to clean its air, federal support for offshore wind and disaster aid for wildfires.

(11/07/2024) → CalMatters

• Newsom Calls Special Session to ‘Trump-Proof’ California

Newsom wants the new Legislature to ‘protect’ California from Donald Trump on civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families. The session will start Dec. 2.

(11/07/2024) → CalMatters

• The California Legislature Set a Record for Women in Office and Could See Historic Gender Parity

California’s Senate will reach gender parity, but depending on the outcome of some close contests, that could extend to the whole Legislature.

(11/07/2024) → CalMatters

• Proposition 4 $10 Billion Climate Bond Passes

Learn more about how the just-passed $10 billion climate bond measure will fund resiliency projects across the state.

(11/05/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• 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
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (11/09/2024)

Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 - Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of...
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/07/2024)

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen

Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen
Image of City of Woodland seal. City of Woodland   (11/07/2024)

Yolo County Upgrades to New Evacuation System

New platform will help provide more responsive and informative evacuation notices to residents during an emergency
Image of City of Woodland seal. City of Woodland   (11/06/2024)

City Invites Review of Final Draft Prohousing App

Prohousing jurisdictions will receive additional points or other preference during the scoring of competitive applications
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/05/2024)

CIBUS Fresh, is Recalling CIBUS Fresh Products Containing Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, 2/3lb Due to Supplier Notification of a Possible Listeria Monocytogenes

Use or consumption of products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes 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 such as high fever, severe he
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (11/05/2024)

Bill Dodd CA Senate 03:
Sen. Dodd Town Hall - Post-Election and Looking Ahead to 2025

Wednesday, November 6, 2024Embedded video for Sen. Dodd Town Hall - Post-Election and Looking Ahead to 2025
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/04/2024)

Babcock Dairy Recalls Orange Custard Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Due to Undeclared Egg

Babcock Dairy of Madison, Wisconsin, is voluntarily recalling approximately 41 cases of Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream that may be labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or yellow #5 run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic r
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