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By Eric Johnson
Published Feb 17, 2025

"An Honorable Profession" is a podcast and YouTube channel that introduces listeners and viewers to public officials including mayors, school-board members, and former secretaries of transportation.
"An Honorable Profession" is a podcast and YouTube channel that introduces listeners and viewers to public officials including mayors, school-board members, and former secretaries of transportation.

The Work of Politics

When we started building California Local five-ish years ago, we were alert to the fact that a lot of Americans, including many Californians, had grown cynical about politics—in particular, about politicians. We understood that this cynicism was somewhat justified, but felt it was also largely based on a lack of knowledge or understanding about what really takes place in the halls and chambers of government. 

Speaking for myself: Having covered local elected officials for years, I had long ago learned that most of them, regardless of their political affiliations, were decent people trying to do what they believed was the right thing. While it has been my job to hold these people accountable, and while I may or may not have agreed with their policy agendas or politics, the fact that I was professionally bound to give them a fair hearing caused me to develop a pretty deep level of respect for almost every one of them.

Ryan Coonerty, former mayor of Santa Cruz and former county supervisor, is on a mission to spread the news that the people we refer to here as “public servants” are worthy of that kind of respect. Since 2018, he has hosted a podcast called “An Honorable Profession,” where he interviews electeds from all over the country. (He took the name from something once said by Robert F. Kennedy.) (Senior. ;-)

Chris Neklason turned the tables on Coonerty a couple of years ago in an interview that does a first-rate job of explaining what it means to be an elected official. You’ll find that Q&A attached to the story below.

And this week, we return to Ryan and his podcast to tell a story about another Santa Cruz elected official whom we believe you should meet.


Setting Health as a Policy Goal

A decades-long fight to protect children leads to victory—with another battle on the horizon. 


Little Santa Cruz Beats Big Sugar

Ryan Coonerty, co-host of the podcast "An Honorable Profession," and Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, whom he calls "my vice-mayor."
SC Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson on centering health in policy making, and her path to politics.


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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 Winter! cookbook.


Celery stars in salad with Thai flavors

Celery combined with scallions, peanuts and cilantro makes a crunchy salad with just a pop of red pepper
New! Chopped veggies, peanuts provide plenty of crunch


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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The Dirt logo Nonprofits Can Apply to Partner With Soroptimist International for Profit

Soroptimist International of Davis is accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations for a chance to share profits from its next Soup Night & Silent Auction.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo City Hosts Mental Health Film Screening

West Sacramento Parks and Recreation is hosting a screening of “What I Wish My Parents Knew,” a 45-minute film that explores the inner struggle of children battling depression and anxiety in silence.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Modernizing the Port of West Sacramento

Throughout its history, the Port of West Sacramento has served the agricultural, natural resources and construction sectors in Northern California.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Community Center to Host Family Dance and Fun Night

On Saturday, Feb. 22, the West Sacramento Community Center is hosting a fantasy-themed, family dance. All family members, by birth or by bond, are welcome at this family-friendly event.

West Sacramento News Ledger logo Benefit Fruit Tree Sale March 1

There’s nothing like picking and eating fresh, tree-ripened fruit. You can beautify your yard and reduce your grocery bills at the Winters Friends of the Library annual Fruit Tree Sale.

Sacramento News and Review logo In the Wake of Washington Turmoil, U.C. Davis Hopes to See Federal Funding Continued for Delta Smelt Captive Breeding Program

The disinformation about the Delta Smelt spread by President Donald Trump and his Big Ag allies has deluged social media, as well as mainstream and alternative media, in recent weeks.

Sacramento News and Review logo Ringing in Lunar New Year in Woodland at the Oldest Chinese Restaurant in the Country

As Lunar New Year celebrations erupt across the valley, there is a small diner on Woodland’s Main Street that survives as a culinary testament to how Chinese immigrants helped build area’s farming heritage.

The Dirt logo The Domes Uncertain Future & the Case for Living Cooperatively

Life at the Domes certainly looks idyllic. But what many don’t see behind the bubbly homes is all the hard work required to keep the funky, cooperative living space what it is. Even residents often have no idea what they’re …

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Recent Local News

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Yolo County is for the Birds

Join the Yolo Bird Alliance for an online meeting and lecture by two speakers about the decline of American Kestrels across much of North America on February 19 at 7PM over Zoom. Read on for more information about how to (virtually) attend.

(02/15/2025) Daily Democrat
Yolo County Record-Clearing Clinic on March 13

The Yolo County Public Defender’s Office with the Yolo  County District Attorney’s Office are holding an expungement clinic on March 13. Read on to learn more about clearing your criminal record.

(02/15/2025) Daily Democrat
Winters Job Fair Scheduled for February 19

Looking for a job in Yolo County? Plan to attend the Job Fair on February 19 in Winters to meet over 30 local employers looking for staff. Read on for details.

(02/15/2025) Daily Democrat
Soroptimist Announces 'Gather for Good' Fundraisers

Help support the programs offered by Soroptimist International of Davis at one of their announced trio of upcoming fundraisers. Read on to learn how you can donate.

(02/14/2025) Davis Enterprise
Planning Commission Considers Village Farms Environmental Impact Report

In their February 13 meeting, the City of Davis Planning Commission listened to public feedback and engaged in discussion over the draft environmental impact report (EIR) of the controversial Village Farms. Read on to learn more about the project, the draft EIR, and the expressed concerns.

(02/13/2025) Davis Vanguard
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Recent Statewide News

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How Newsom Has Responded to the LA Fires

In the days and weeks following the January Los Angeles County wildfires, Gov. Gavin Newsom and his office moved quickly to manage the response and begin recovery efforts after the blazes were contained. Since then, the governor has been singularly focused on the region, describing his approach as “an extended period of engagement” with L.A. during a press conference in Altadena last week.

(02/18/2025) CalMatters
California Has Known That Disabled People Need Help in Fires. After LA, Can It Better Prepare for the Next One?

California has known for years that it must pay extra attention to people with disabilities and limited mobility during natural disasters. Will it put the lessones of the L.A. fires to use for the next emergency?

(02/18/2025) CalMatters
‘A Step Backwards’: How Federal Threats to DEI Are Impacting California Schools

California schools are grappling with the U.S. Department of Education's letter requiring them to scrap their DEI programs.

(02/18/2025) EdSource
Big CA Insurance Hike Blocked for Now

Against the recommendation of his staff experts, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara denied a request from State Farm to green light “emergency” rate increases for insurance policy holders.

(02/17/2025) CalMatters
Crackdown on Power-Guzzling Data Centers May Soon Come Online in California

A spate of new bills in California and other states would protect consumers from electricity rate hikes that subsidize data centers.

(02/17/2025) CalMatters
Learning Through Burning: Moss Landing Fire Exposes Need for Changes in Battery Facilities

AS HOST TO the largest battery storage facility in the world, on a site that just had its fourth fire in four years, the people of Monterey County have grown to realize that Moss Landing is a learning laboratory for California’s green energy transition.

(02/15/2025) Local News Matters
Who’s Paying for California Politicians’ Travel? After CalMatters’ Report, Audit Proposes a Legal Fix

The audit by the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission followed CalMatters’ revelations that a law requiring trip organizers to annually disclose their major donors had been used only twice in seven years — even as interest groups continued paying millions for lawmakers’ travel.

(02/14/2025) CalMatters
Big Homeowner Rate Hike From State Farm Shot Down by California Regulator

In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, State Farm asked for an “emergency” premium increase of 22% on average for California homeowners. Lara today denied the request pending more information.

(02/14/2025) CalMatters
How Trump’s Drastic K-12 Plans Will — And Won’t — Change California Schools

Despite Trump’s plans, federal funding is a small part of California’s education budget and the state oversees curriculum.

(02/13/2025) CalMatters
Did Confusing Language Doom California’s Anti-Slavery Amendment? Lawmakers Want to Try Again

Californians rejected the anti-slavery ballot measure Proposition 6, which would have forbid forced prison labor. Reparations advocates want to try again in 2026.

(02/12/2025) CalMatters
CalMatters’ Reporting Helps Inspire Wage Theft Legislation

After a 2022 CalMatters series documenting long waits and low payouts for workers who claim their employers have shorted them on wages, California lawmakers have now proposed bills to try to ease the backlogs.

(02/12/2025) CalMatters
California Schools Still Fall Behind Despite Big Increases in Spending

As academic researchers continue to explore what happened to public education during and after the COVID19 pandemic, they are confirming the harsh reality of decline in such basic skills as reading and mathematics.

(02/12/2025) CalMatters
California Court Rules Against Baker in Revival of Same-Sex Wedding Cake Disputes

A California appeals court rules a baker can’t refuse to sell a generic cake to a lesbian couple. It’s part of a series of cases shaping the debate over free speech and anti-discrimination laws.

(02/12/2025) CalMatters
California City Makes ‘Aiding’ or ‘Abetting’ a Homeless Camp Illegal

Outreach workers in the Bay Area city of Fremont worry the new ordinance could target them, despite assurances from the city.

(02/12/2025) CalMatters
A Former Firefighter in the Legislature Has Ideas. Will Democrats Listen?

Sen. Kelly Seyarto is the only former career firefighter currently serving in the Legislature. But as a Republican in a Democratic supermajority, he says it can be challenging to make progress on wildfire policy.

(02/11/2025) CalMatters
‘It Was Just a Regular Morning’: Californians Picked Up in Recent ICE Raids Include Kids, Volunteers

Interviews suggest some people swept up in Trump’s immigration crackdown are dedicated to their families and communities — not hardened criminals.

(02/10/2025) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues a Product Recall on Undeclared Almonds in Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1oz) Pouches
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea'au, HI is voluntarily recalling one batch of its Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias snack (1oz) pouches, due to the presence of undeclared almonds which are an allergen.
United States   (02/15/2025)
Image of United States seal. JE Bakery 2019 LLC DBA Broadway Bakery Issues Allergy Alert for Mislabeled Raisin Bran Muffin 6 Count Due to Undeclared Walnuts
JE Bakery 2019, LLC, Minneapolis MN is voluntarily recalling its Raisin Bran Muffin 6 count due to a labeling error. The affected product was mislabeled and instead contains Glorious Morning Muffins, which contains Walnuts, a known allergen not declared on the label.
United States   (02/13/2025)
Image of United States seal. Common Sense Soap Recalls Beef Tallow Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2025 - Common Sense Soap, a North Walpole, N.H. establishment, is recalling approximately 33,899 pounds of beef tallow that was processed, packaged, and labeled on behalf of...
United States   (02/12/2025)
Image of United States seal. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Pasties Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and...
United States   (02/12/2025)
Image of United States seal. AKT Trading Inc. Recalls Seasoned Bamboo Shoots Because of Possible Health Risk
AKT Trading Inc of Torrance, California is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot Product, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product e
United States   (02/11/2025)
Image of United States seal. Jack and the Green Sprouts Recalls Expired Alfalfa Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk
Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. of River Falls, WI is recalling 5oz packages of Alfalfa sprouts that expired on 1/29/25 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 elde
United States   (02/07/2025)
Image of United States seal. Tri-Union Seafoods Issues Recall of Select Genova®, Van Camp's®, H-E-B and Trader Joe's® Tuna Cans Due to Clostridium Botulinum Risk
Tri-Union Seafoods has made the decision to voluntarily recall select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B and Trader Joe's brand names. This voluntary recall is out of an abundance of caution following the notification from our supplier that the "easy open" pull
United States   (02/07/2025)
Image of City of Winters seal. Commissioner Board Meetings
The Winters Fire Protection District contracts with the City of Winters to provide budgeting and fire administrative services.
City of Winters   (02/06/2025)
Image of United States seal. Turkana Food Inc. Recalls Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste 1lb (16oz) Because of Possible Health Risk
Turkana Food Inc. Kenilworth, NJ is recalling 858 cases OF Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune system
United States   (02/06/2025)
Image of City of Winters seal. Report & Arrest Log
The Winters Police Department Report and Arrest Log represents case and arrest reports written by Winters Police personnel. Not all reports are listed due to statutory restrictions (such as juvenile information) or sensitive confidential investigations (such as medical call information). Although the information on this site is believed to be correct, information is provided on an "as is" basis, and …
City of Winters   (02/05/2025)