Headline News

New Year, New Motor Laws

Posted: 1/19/2012

Motorists need to know that many new laws came into effect January 1st in California.

As we begin a new year, California motorists should be aware of some of the new laws going into effect this past January 1, 2012. These new traffic laws were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier in 2011, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is asking the motoring public to familiarize themselves with the changes before they take effect.

“Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will be saved in the new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

The following are highlights of a few of the significant changes for the upcoming year:

- A change to California’s Child Passenger Safety Seat law will now require children to ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight, or until they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches. This law also requires children who do not meet the age or height requirement to ride in the rear seat of a vehicle unless the vehicle has no back seats, the restraint system cannot be properly installed or the rear seats are already occupied by children under age eight. However, the law still maintains that a child may not ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag if they are under one year of age, less than 20 pounds, or riding in a rear-facing child safety seat. (SB 929, Evans)

- Drivers are required to stop and submit to a sobriety checkpoint. However, peace officers will be prohibited from impounding a vehicle for 30 days out of a sobriety checkpoint if the only offense by the driver is failing to hold a valid driver license. The new law requires that the officer make a reasonable attempt to identify the registered owner in order to release the ehicle. (AB 353, Cedillo)

- Anyone who is convicted of reckless driving under Section 23103.5 of the Vehicle Code can apply for a restricted driver license prior to the completion of their one-year suspension, provided they meet specified conditions, including the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. (AB 520, Ammiano)

- Vehicles will be prohibited from crossing double parallel solid white lines except where permitted. (AB 1105, Gordon)

- Electric Vehicles (EV) must now be plugged in for refueling when occupying an EVdesignated parking space, otherwise they may be towed. In addition, the law prohibits a person from obstructing, blocking, or otherwise barring access to an EV-designated parking space. (AB 475, Butler)

- Local governments can now regulate advertising signs on any motor vehicle parked or left standing upon a public street, except for signs painted directly upon or permanently affixed to the vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle. (AB 1298, Blumenfield)

- A law dealing with repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders that was passed in 2010 also goes into effect on January 1:

- Section 23579 was added to the Vehicle Code, which authorizes courts to revoke a driver’s license for 10 years if a person is convicted of three or more DUIs. Under this law enacted in 2010, a motorist may be allowed to apply for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after five years, if the person installs an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle. The law allows the DMV to terminate this restricted license if the IID requirements are not met. (AB 1601, Hill)

The points above are only a synopsis of the new laws listed here and only a partial list of California’s new laws adopted for 2012. For complete information on chaptered bills enacted in 2011, please refer to the Legislative Counsel website at www.LegInfo.ca.gov.

Source: CHP

Rancho Cordova Deals with California Supreme Court Decision to end Redevelopment

Posted: 1/19/2012

Rancho Cordova – On December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court ruled that the abolishment of Redevelopment Agencies is a “proper exercise of legislative power”, which effectively eliminates redevelopment in its current form. The Supreme Court decision has substantial implications for over 400 local redevelopment agencies, including the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Rancho Cordova. Redevelopment agencies throughout the state are now forced to suspend work on projects and sell properties in which they have already invested money and time.

Mayor David Sander said, “Rancho Cordova is faced with the same situation as other communities around the state. We have to set aside our immediate plans to build projects and improve properties that we have spent years planning and purchasing.”

The Supreme Court’s decision will mean that the Rancho Cordova Redevelopment Agency (RDA) will not purchase the property near Folsom Boulevard and Mather Field Road that had been the focus of an eminent domain lawsuit and which was part of a larger plan to redevelop an entire block along Folsom Boulevard. The RDA will be forced to sell two other parcels that it had previously acquired for redevelopment on Folsom Boulevard in this block.

Although the new law and Court decision will eliminate the RDA’s ability to purchase the property, the City is still working with Los Rios to bring a community college to Rancho Cordova.

The Los Rios Community College District (CCD) still plans to build a college campus on Folsom Boulevard. The City encourages future negotiations between the CCD and Folsom Boulevard property owners who may be interested in selling suitable parcels.

“The City Council remains committed to improving Rancho Cordova by increasing jobs, cleaning up Folsom Boulevard, and bringing educational opportunities to the city. The State Supreme Court decision eliminated a critical tool for redevelopment, but it doesn’t stop our continuing efforts to improve Rancho Cordova,” stated Mayor Sander.

Even with the end of redevelopment, the City will continue to improve Folsom Boulevard. The City has a balanced budget and the possibility of pursuing grants and other funding to improve Folsom Boulevard and other high priority projects in Rancho Cordova.

“The State Supreme Court’s ruling is very disappointing. That ruling abolished Rancho Cordova’s Redevelopment Agency, along with all other redevelopment agencies in the state.

The Rancho Cordova Redevelopment Agency would have been able to make great improvements in our community,” said Mayor Sander.

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, the California Redevelopment Association and League of California Cities vowed to work with state legislators immediately to develop legislation to revive redevelopment in order to protect local communities, job creation and the economy.

“Fortunately, we are still better off than many other cities,” Mayor Sander said. “Our Growing Strong Neighborhoods initiative will allow us to continue improving our community in other ways.”

Metro Fire Responds to House Fire

Posted: 1/19/2012

Fair Oaks – January 13th, 6:14am – Metro Firefighters responded to the report of a garage fire at 4232 Niblick Way. While responding to the fire call, firefighters were alerted that a man had come out of the home that was on fire, but then went back inside.

With that information, prior to firefighters arriving the Battalion Chief in charge advised responding crews this was a rescue mode fire which alerts firefighters to use a more risky rescue technique known as Vent-Enter-Search (VES) to search for potential victims.

Firefighters arrived and found a fully involved garage fire with fire extending to the attic, and kitchen area of the home. Firefighters found the male occupant outside the home. Firefighters extinguished the fire.

Fire Crews later learned a neighbor noticed the homes garage on fire. The neighbor knocked on the door alerting the homeowner of the fire who was reported as still sleeping. After seeing the fire, the homeowner returned into the home to retrieve his two dogs, then escaped uninjured.

The fire was contained with one alarm of twenty-four firefighters, and no reported injuries. Two dogs also escaped without injury. Fire Investigators could not eliminate a malfunctioning appliance in the garage as a cause. Damage is estimated to be $110,000.

Metro Fire wants to remind citizen not to return into a structure that is on fire. Conditions change rapidly.

Source: Sac Metro Fire

Sacramento County Grand Jury Seeks Applicants

Posted: 1/19/2012

SACRAMENTO COUNTY–The Sacramento County Grand Jury is currently accepting applications for jurors for the 2012-2013 session. Applications are due no later than February 6, 2012. The upcoming term will run from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

The Grand Jury is comprised of a diverse panel of 19 citizen volunteers who provide oversight of governmental activities within Sacramento County. During the session, the jury may respond to community complaints and examine county and city governments, schools, and special districts.

Objectives of investigations include saving taxpayer dollars, eliminating waste and fraud, and verification of compliance with the law.

For applications or to learn more about the Sacramento County Grand Jury go to www.sacgrandjury.org.

For additional information, contact Rebecca Castaneda, Grand Jury Coordinator at (916) 874-7559.

New Year’s Cheer in Rising Trends

By Rick Reed
Posted: 1/4/2012

Sacramento Region – Hiring in Sacramento will begin the New Year on an upward trend, as Pacific Staffing has discovered fifty-eight percent (58%) of top companies are motivated to hire in the First Quarter of 2012. This trend toward local economic recovery maintains a slow rise that began with forty-six percent (46%) hiring at this time in 2010, fifty-one percent (51%) in the first three months of 2011.

In the recession-driven First Quarter of 2009 more than half of Sacramento’s regional employers surveyed weren’t hiring anyone while another twenty percent (20%) planned staff cutbacks and three local companies closed laying off their entire workforces.

In polling the top companies directly by phone between November 21st and December 14th, Pacific Staffing learned that just two companies planned layoffs; one for seasonal reasons with another citing slow business in the First Quarter of the new year.

A positive trend was also evident in demand for new workers in January, February and March. Thirty percent (30%) of employers are motivated to hire for growth in the first months of 2012, maintaining demand levels from the previous quarter of 2011. Another thirty-five percent (35%) reported hiring in the first three months of the new year due to attrition in their existing workforces.

While benefit cost and management is still a major concern, a new challenge was noted, as companies report finding qualified applicants is becoming an issue. Specific skills in high demand in the first three months of 2012 include sales and customer service workers, technical, warehouse and manufacturing experience.

When asked if their company has a retirement plan, thirty-one percent (31%) of companies polled say No. In addition, twenty-seven percent (27%) also say they have no plan to offer any retirement option in the future. While many companies did have some retirement plans, most were oriented to employee 401K account options, with just a few offering a contribution match. While some companies couldn’t or wouldn’t answer, Service firms were most likely to offer retirement while Retail industry companies were least likely.

The top 100 Sacramento Regional Companies By Industry; 40% are Service, 30% are Manufacturers, 20% are Construction and 10% are Retail.

How does this Quarter compare to last Quarter, or last year? Find out for yourself.

For more information, employment blogs & market surveys go to www.pacificstaffing.com.

New Mayor and Vice Mayor for Rancho Cordova

Posted: 1/4/2012

Linda Budge

Dr. David Sander

Rancho Cordova – Dr. David Sander and Linda Budge were sworn in as Mayor and Vice Mayor, respectively, at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Monday, December 19th. Both have been members of the City Council since Rancho Cordova incorporated in 2003.

Mayor Sander was sworn in by his wife, Dr. Margaret Parsons, with their six-year-old son, Charles, holding the family Bible. Vice Mayor Budge’s special guests were her husband, Lee Garrison, and her 90-year-old mother, Norma Niblett from Tucson, AZ.

Serving his second term as Mayor, Sander said that he wants to keep moving forward on Growing Strong Neighborhood goals with a special focus on economic development efforts and citizen engagement with community meetings, projects, walks, and other activities.

“We’ve made great progress in reinventing Rancho Cordova and changing it from a suburb facing decline to a city with a bright future, but there is much more remaining to be done,” he commented. “We will continue our efforts to bolster the health of our neighborhoods, raise our residents’ quality of life, and provide every opportunity for future growth and economic development.”

Mayor Sander served as Rancho Cordova Mayor in 2007 and as Vice Mayor in 2006 and 2011. He is the Principal and Founder of Sander and Associates, a public affairs and internet consulting/development firm that specializes in medical and scientific projects. He is a member of the National Civic League board of directors and represents the City on several other national, state, and area committees and boards.

Vice Mayor Budge is an American Institute Certified Planner and the owner of Geometra Planning & Permitting. She is a 2011 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program. She served as Mayor in 2004 and 2008 and as Vice Mayor in 2007 and Mayor Pro Tempore in 2003.

Other members of the Rancho Cordova City Council are Robert McGarvey who just completed his second term as Mayor; Ken Cooley, and Dan Skoglund.

City Council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month (except on Monday holidays) at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive.

For more information about the Council meetings, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (916) 851-8720

Fair Oaks Village Gets New Funding

Posted: 1/4/2012

Sacramento – At their December 15, 2011 meeting, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Board of Directors approved $513,000 in Community Design funding for the “Fair Oaks Village Streetscape Project.”

The Sacramento County Department of Transportation will receive these funds to construct a “streetscape” project that will provide improved bike routes, pedestrian facilities including an additional mid-block crossing, increased parking, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, and added decorative street lighting within the Village area. This construction project builds upon a 2010 SACOG grant award of $136,000 for the Fair Oaks Village streetscape planning and design phase.

According to Supervisor Susan Peters, “This project enables the County to partner with The Fair Oaks Village Enhancements Committee (FOVEC) efforts and Village businesses and residents to make this a more attractive local and regional shopping and entertainment district with a small-town feel ­— right in Fair Oaks. I’m pleased that SACOG funding has been secured, and look forward to breaking ground on this project in 2012.”

In 2007 FOVEC was established to initiate efforts to develop and implement a plan for improvements that enable the Village to increase its viability as a business district, and to create a destination where local residents and visitors have shopping, entertainment and dining opportunities. The Fair Oaks Village Streetscape Project is a first big step in helping FOVEC realize this vision by providing streetscape improvements along the portion of Fair Oaks Boulevard that runs through Fair Oaks Village. This will help create a small town appeal resulting in less dependence on cars while encouraging people to live, work and shop in Fair Oaks Village.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

By Paul V. Scholl, Publisher
Posted: 12/22/2011

The Christmas season is the time of year we all show our love and gratitude for those around us who play significant roles in our lives. We express our love to our husbands and wives, our children, our parents, our brothers and sisters. Most grant well wishes to neighbors, co-workers and friends. Few well-wish to other drivers on the freeway or in the parking lot. Maybe we should? It might make it all just a little less challenging.

Let’s not forget to spread our love to those who must work through the holidays behind the check stand counters or on the sales floor. Let them know how much you appreciate them, even if they may seem a little disinterested. They are probably tired, and wishing they were somewhere else for the holidays.

I am truly grateful this Christmas for the gifts I have in my life. My wife, my son, my mother and her health at 88, my large family of ten brothers and sisters, and all those who work for my company that help to bring you our news products.

I am grateful to all those organizations with which we do business. A special thank you goes out this season to all of our loyal advertisers, our vendors, our suppliers, to all of the Chambers of Commerce, all of the media firms and public relations people. You make this business a joy.

Remember to be kind to one another. After all, that was the Great Example we were given. Remember the Reason for the Season. Merry Christmas!

Meals on Wheels and Maita Subaru Help Local Seniors

Posted: 12/22/2011

Rachael Van Cleave from Maita Subaru, Mary Hardesty from Meals on Wheels, and Carol Keehner, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Driver from Carmichael. Photo by Meals on Wheels by ACC

SACRAMENTO REGION - Maita Subaru and Meals on Wheels by ACC teamed up to help deliver meals to homebound seniors on Monday, December 12. Subaru representatives and Meals on Wheels volunteers driving new 2012 Subaru vehicles delivered meals in the Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, North Highlands and Orangevale areas.

“This is a great way to help spread the word that volunteers are needed to help deliver meals to homebound seniors throughout Sacramento County,” stated David Morikawa, Volunteer Director for Meals on Wheels by ACC. “It’s gratifying to see local businesses support the community with so much personal interest and commitment,” he added.

Maita Subaru representative, Rachael Van Cleave, stated “This is a great opportunity to have our team learn and experience first-hand Maita Auto Group’s commitment to residents in the Sacramento area.”

Subaru dealerships across the country are supporting local service organizations like Meals on Wheels during December as part of their “Share the Love” event.

To become a volunteer driver and deliver meals to homebound seniors, please contact Meals on Wheels at (916) 444-9533.

Santa’s Elves Gather Early in Fair Oaks

Posted: 12/22/2011

Mary Martinez (Santa’s helper outfit) and her husband Daniel (being hugged by Mary) are surrounded by many of Santa’s helpers.

Fair Oaks – Some of Santa’s elves gathered throughout the afternoon on December 10th at the home of Mary and Daniel Martinez, Gold Country For The Troops, to share in a little Christmas cheer. The open house was held by Mary and Daniel to thank all of those who have helped support their cause this past year and to invite local service member families to open hearts and open arms. Those who stopped by enjoyed holiday season appetizers, refreshments and holiday cheer.

Unclaimed Checks Listed on SMUD.org

Posted: 12/22/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION - The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has posted the names of customers and vendors with checks dated October 1, 2008 or earlier who have not yet cashed them. The list of names will remain online until December 27, 2011.

Each year SMUD posts this information in an effort to locate the money’s rightful owner. Claims against these uncashed checks should be filed on or before December 27, 2011 with SMUD Unclaimed Monies, 6201 S Street, Mail Stop B302, Sacramento, CA 95817-1899 or by calling (916) 732-5556. Replacement checks will be issued only to the payee whose name is on the list. Checks not claimed by December 27, 2011 become SMUD property under California Code Section 50050-50056.

Sac Metro Fire Announces Board Vacancy

Posted: 12/22/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION – The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is accepting applications to fill a vacant position of Director for Division 4 on its nine-member Board of Directors. The selected applicant will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring the first week of December, 2012. Applicants must be a registered voter, residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

While all interested applicants within the District will be considered, preference will be given to applicants from Division 4. The approximate boundaries for Division 4 are Elkhorn Boulevard to Auburn Boulevard on the north, Cypress Avenue to Edison Avenue on the South, Manzanita Avenue on the east, and Watt Avenue to Elkhorn Boulevard on the west.

Interested persons may apply for the position by submitting the Board of Directors District Employment Application and a letter of interest to Board Clerk Charlotte Tilson, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, 10545 Armstrong Avenue, Suite 200, Mather CA 95655. Application must be received by noon on Friday, January 6, 2012. A Special Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA for the purpose of interviewing qualified candidates.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Charlotte Tilson, Clerk of the Board, at 859-4305, or visiting the District website at www.sacmetrofire.ca.gov for the Board of Directors District Employment Application form and division map.

County Stepping Up Safety Efforts on the American River Parkway

Posted: 12/8/2011

Private and public partners coordinate efforts for safety and maintenance, changing parks operations to insure public safety and protection of the American River’s sensitive habitat. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Sacramento COUNTY – With the popularity of Sacramento County’s Regional Parks remaining high, especially the American River Parkway, the County is leveraging resources, collaborating with the private/public sector, and changing parks operations to insure public safety and protection of sensitive habitat.

“The Parkway is bordered by cities, neighborhoods, businesses and state land, all of whom have a vested interest in keeping the Parkway safe and clean,” stated Supervisor Phil Serna, District 1. “To help address the illegal camping situation on the Parkway, we are collaborating with private interests dedicated to funding homeless services and partnering with the broader law enforcement community to maximize public safety.” To address security, Regional Parks is partnering with the Sacramento Police Department to increase patrol presence in the lower Parkway, where most illegal camping occurs. The joint patrol operates seven days a week and will conduct warrant sweeps throughout the year in collaboration with County Probation and other law enforcement agencies. Ranger Assistants are helping to increase presence during periods of peak bicycle and recreational traffic.

Rangers and police follow strict protocol with illegal campers: campers are “noticed” to leave within 48 hours in writing and in person. If campers do not vacate within the allotted time, they are issued a citation and their possessions are confiscated and safely stored. If outstanding warrants or probation/parole violations exist, campers are arrested and booked into the County Jail.

In addition to noticing campers, rangers may be accompanied at times by County social workers and volunteers from Sacramento Steps Forward who provide information about temporary shelter options, meals, and other social service programs. Information about pet kenneling and where their personal belongings will be stored is also provided.

To protect the environment from camping garbage and other waste, Parks has increased cleanup of the campsite areas from one to two days a week. Cleanup is done by Sacramento County Sheriff Work Release crews within and also adjacent to the Parkway. The County Department of Regional Parks is partnering with the American River Parkway Foundation to increase cleanup in targeted areas. In addition to five major cleanups in 2011, one hundred Foundation volunteers, including Rob Leonard, the County’s Interim Parks Director and Supervisor Serna, removed over three tons of debris from the Northgate Area in November.

Illegal camping can be reported to Park Rangers at 916-875-7275. To support Sacramento Steps Forward and the Winter Sanctuary Program, donations can be made on line at sacramentostepsforward.org.

RT Offers Free Rides on the Annual Holiday Bus

Posted: 12/8/2011

Holiday bus rides again.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY – The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) will usher in the holiday season with free rides on the RT Holiday Bus. As a thank you to riders, the bright and festive Holiday Bus will travel on a different route each day from Thursday, December 1, 2011 through Sunday, January 1, 2012.

In the spirit of giving, passengers will have the opportunity to place a cash donation in the farebox or contribute a non-perishable food item. All donations will benefit River City Food Bank, a non-profit organization that provides emergency food and housing assistance to over 40,000 clients annually in Sacramento County.

Continuing a 19-year tradition, RT employees and their families painted the exterior of the Holiday Bus with colorful poinsettias, ornaments, drums and bells. Rick Sloan, retired RT graphic designer and long-time Holiday Bus artist, pre-painted the outline on the bus, which allowed participants to complete the design using a “paint-by-numbers” technique.

For Holiday Bus route and schedule information, call 916-321-BUSS (2877) or visit www.sacrt.com.

Intern Program Plaque is Given to Rancho Cordova

Posted: 12/8/2011

Rancho Cordova–The City of Rancho Cordova received a City Semester Intern Program perpetual plaque at the City Council meeting on Monday, December 5th.

Participating in the presentation were (in photo above, from left) Vanessa Martinez, the 2010-11 intern; Sara Carrillo, the 2011-2012 intern; Cameron Billeci, Faculty Advisor for the Intern Program at Cordova High School (CHS); Stacy Delaney, the City’s Intern Supervisor; City Manager Ted Gaebler; Mayor Robert McGarvey; and CHS Principal Dan Anklam.

The plaque lists each year’s intern and will be placed in a prominent public area in the City Hall building. Proberts Engraving in Rancho Cordova is a major sponsor of the plaque project. Started in 2007, the City Semester Program provides an opportunity for a CHS social studies student to experience city government and introduces them to civil service and politics.

At the end of the school year, the intern receives a scholarship from the City and units of school credit. During their internship, students work in the City’s Administrative Support Division, the Human Resources Department, and the City Manager’s Office.

Source: Helen Brewer, PIO, City of Rancho Cordova

First Bank Welcomes New Manager

Posted: 12/8/2011

Jane Daly

Rancho Cordova–Jane Daly has joined First Bank’s Rancho Cordovaoffice (2880 Blvd-Suite 100) as the Vice President/Branch Manager for this location.

Daly, who has more than 15 years of banking experience, re-joined First Bank earlier in the fall after serving as a business development officer from 2000-2007. She is the Past President and former Executive Director of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

Jane and her husband continue to reside in Citrus Heights.

First Bank firstbanks.com is one of the largest privately owned banks in the country with $6.82 billion in assets and 149 locations in California, Missouri, Florida, and Illinois.

Donation Drive Collects Winter Coats for Regional Shelters, Nonprofits

Posted: 12/1/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION – More than 3,000 people and children in need throughout the Sacramento region can now count on new, warm coats to get through the coming winter, thanks to an all-out effort by Lyon Real Estate agents.

Working with the national nonprofit One Warm Coat, Lyon’s regional team of agents, brokers and support staff threw themselves into a month-long winter coat donation drive during October. Given their busy schedules, many in the company expected to hit the 500 mark. But when you have 17 regional offices full of dedicated, creative professionals, then stand back.

“When we added up coats collected from everyone’s efforts, from offices in the Foothills to agents based throughout the Sacramento region, it came to a whopping 3,110 coats,” said Lyon Real Estate President Pat Shea. “It was an amazing example of how a large group of people can achieve a great amount of good by working together.”

The coat donation drive started out as an idea at Lyon’s annual Fun Realtor Education Day — FRED for short. To supplement the coat drive, Lyon employees partnered with Kohl’s Department stores to obtain 50 new children’s coats for the Kids First organization in Roseville and Auburn and the Sacramento Food Bank’s Mother Baby Program. Those coats, and all the donated coats, had to be either new or lightly used to qualify for donation.

Another truck load of coats were given to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. In all, more than 17 agencies received coats collected by Lyon agents and employees that will be distributed to people in need in Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Sacramento and El Dorado counties.

Before distributing the coats, employees at the company’s Sacramento headquarters converted their administrative offices into storage space for thousands of winter coats.

“We had mountains of them. It really brought home all the hard work our agent team did in reaching out to the community,” said Lyon Marketing Director Christi McDowell, who helped organize the coat donation drive.

This year, we are on pace to collect and distribute our 3 millionth coat — and Lyon’s 3,110 coats made a fantastic contribution to that effort,” said Sybil Hunt, community outreach director for One Warm Coat.

With real estate agents in 17 regional offices in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties, Lyon remains the region’s leading real estate company.

Helping Small Businesses Start, Grow and Succeed

Free Small Business Forum “Getting It Right” Coming Next Week to Sacramento Area
Posted: 12/1/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION – The Internal Revenue Service will soon team up with other federal and state tax agencies helping regional small businesses at a free tax forum to be held in Citrus Heights. Themed “Getting It Right,” the forum will provide important information for business leaders to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities. The program will also highlight significant government resources available that can help small businesses grow and succeed.

“One of the forum’s goals is to promote awareness of the programs, services, and assistance government tax agencies have to offer,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker. “If our local entrepreneurs and business leaders understand basic federal and state tax rules and how to get help when they need it, they can meet challenges that can sometimes be barriers to success.”

The Small Business Forum is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to facilitate the exchange of information between the government and the small business community in Northern California. Other state agencies participating include the California Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization and Employment Development Department.

All local small businesses and chambers of commerce in Northern California are invited. The event is Thursday, December 8, 2011, 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. It will be held at the U.S. SBA, 6501 Sylvan Road, Main Conference Room, Citrus Heights, CA 95610

Registration is required for this free forum. Limited seating will be assigned on a first-come first served basis, so register soon to guarantee you won’t miss out of this popular event. To register send an e-mail to SBEDSacramento@irs.gov. If interested businesses have questions or want more details about the event please call Christella Sanchez at 916-974-5117.

Grants Support Innovative Classroom Learning

Community-Based San Juan Education Foundation Awards grants for Science, Technology, Arts, and Literacy
Posted: 11/17/2011

San Juan Unified School District students are the big winners from the new grant programs.

Grants totaling nearly $40,000 from the San Juan Education Foundation (SJEF) will be awarded immediately to teachers in the San Juan Unified School District to fund innovative programs in science, technology, arts, and reading. An additional $30,000 had been allocated for literacy programs in 2012.

San Juan Education Founda-tion is an independent, non-profit community organization formed as a link between the community and schools in the San Juan Unified School District. The Foundation annually awards grants directly to educators to support teacher-initiated classroom programs that creatively challenge San Juan students and nurture their desire to learn.

Some of the projects that will benefit from the grants include a campus radio station that will provide English language learners with the opportunity for meaningful school involvement, a project that uses Mouse Trap Cars to help students understand how to calculate speed and velocity and use critical thinking in teams, the use of GPS technology to develop topographic maps of the American River Parkway, the use of radio controlled cars to better understand the laws of physics, development of a mallet ensemble using marimba, xylophone and vibes, a collaborative program with Powerhouse Science Center and RAFT (Resource Area For Teachers) to give students a hands-on science experience, as well as additional science, literacy and music projects that integrate technology.

“California’s budget problems have seriously impacted the ability of our schools to continue important academic program, and we believe it is critically important to do everything we can as members of the Sacramento community to enrich the classroom experience and offer support to teachers who want to use their creativity and innovation to challenge their students,” said SJEF Board Chair Charlene Mattison.

The Foundation’s Board is comprised of community, business and education leaders, who bring professional expertise, knowledge of community resources and the creativity necessary for a fresh approach to helping teachers help their students to thrive. For more information about how to apply for grants and about the San Juan Education Foundation, please visit www.sanjuanfoundation.org.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists Perform ”Winter’s Eve”

By Denise MacLachlan
Posted: 11/17/2011

Flutist Cathie Apple. Photo courtesy Sacramento Baroque Soloists.

Fair Oaks – Sacramento Baroque Soloists will bring in the winter season with a spirited combination of early Christmas carols and Celtic music in their ”Winter’s Eve” concerts on Dec. 3 and 4.

Melding historical training and contemporary influences, the Soloists will play their own arrangements of early carols, including ”Whence Comes this Rush of Wings,” ”Huron Carol,” ”Patapan” and ”The Wexford Carol.” The ensemble will also perform such Celtic favorites as ”Samain Night” and ”Beltane Fire Dance” by Loreena McKennitt and ”Moving” by Secret Garden, with Lisa Marie Lawson’s soprano vocals accompanied by flute, oboe, harp, violins, cello, theorbo, and harpsichord.

“We want to give the audience the experience of another time and place. The sounds of our period-style instruments are really different to the modern ear,” explains Lawson, Music Director of Sacramento Baroque Soloists. “The plaintive notes of the baroque oboe and the resonating depth of the baroque cello draw us in in a way we rarely get to experience today: without amplification, in a resonant hall that fills the body with sound.” Lawson will be joined by Cathie Apple, flute, Robin Houston, oboe, Marieke Furnee, violin, Michael Lawson, cello and theorbo, and Ellen Deffner, harpsichord.

Concerts will be performed Saturday, December 3 at 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 15th and J St., Sacramento, and Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m. at Rudolf Steiner College, 9200 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks. $25 gen./$20 seniors/$10 students. Information and tickets at (916) 705-3806 or www.sacramentobaroque.org.

66 Pot Dispensaries Closed

By Nora Heston
Posted: 11/2/2011

One of the many pot dispensaries closed on October 27th by Sacramento County. Staff Photo.

Sacramento County – Sacramento County’s plan for closing down marijuana dispensaries in its unincorporated areas has proven successful with reports of 66 dispensaries closed as of October 27, said county officials.

“Since dispensaries were never legal in the unincorporated county, enforcing the law and closing these operations down was the right course for Sacramento County to take,” said Brad Hudson, County Executive, according to a press release dated October 20. “After completing a series of public meetings in pursuit of a regulatory ordinance, I will be recommending to the Board of Supervisors that we discontinue pursuing any kind of regulatory permitting plan, and maintain the status quo of keeping them illegal.”

Hudson said the recent enforcement activity by the federal government, as well as the success of the county’s enforcement activities and recent court decisions, also helped to influence his decision regarding the matter.

While the individual dispensaries closed for various reasons, the county enforcement actions, as well as federal pressure, have been a significant factor, said Chris Andis, Communication and Media Officer.

According to a the press release, the county’s enforcement actions include administrative penalties of up to $1,500 per day as well as injunctions against facilities and property owners to shut down facilities. Liens against the property for unpaid penalties will also be used. Property owners are responsible for administrative fees even if the business has closed and is no longer in operation.

“I supported [the] decision to penalize businesses and property owners that are operating in violation of county codes and regulations,” said Susan Peters, Sacramento County Supervisor for the third district. “This stepped up action by Sacramento County is having a positive impact.”

The 66 closed dispensaries include six of the eight stores located on Fair Oaks Boulevard, Peters said.

Money collected from the fines enforced as part of the county’s plans for closing illegally operating dispensaries go back into the efforts, Andis said. “The Board of Supervisors also appropriated $135,000 of General Fund revenue for this purpose.”

The county is still working to close the other 33 known establishments,” Andis said.

Hawaiian Chieftain is an Educational Gem

Posted: 11/2/2011

Topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain is on display in Sacramento to provide educational tours. Photo by Ron Arel, Coastal Images.

Sacramento Region – The topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain arrived in Sacramento this month for its annual visit focused on helping young people understand the amazing maritime history of California and the west coast. The two-masted sailing ship has tied up at Old Sacramento, Front and L Streets, and will stay through December 13.

Built of steel in 1988, Hawaiian Chieftain is a replica of a typical European merchant trader of the turn of the nineteenth century. Her hull shape and rigging are similar to those of Spanish explorer’s ships used in the expeditions of the late 18th century along the Washington, Oregon, and California coasts. During most of the year, she accompanies the brig Lady Washington on voyages to more than 40 ports along the coast. Hawaiian Chieftain is 109 feet, nine inches long, and her mainmast rises 75 feet off the water.

The ship will host K-12 school groups, as well as home-school groups, service organizations, seniors groups, and church groups for one-hour and three-hour education programs. Space is still available for the education programs on weekdays and weekends. The programs feature a number of on-board stations focused on navigation, basic oceanography, and the lives of 18th century mariners. Program scholarships are available for qualified schools. To qualify, a public school must be designated Title I by the U.S. Department of Education, which means at least 40 percent of the school’s students receive free or reduced-price lunch. For information on scholarships and scheduling, contact Roxie Underwood, 800-200-5239, education@historicalseaport.org. Hawaiian Chieftain will also open for walk-on tours to the general public.

Most tours are scheduled for Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A $3 donation per person is appreciated. No sailing programs for the general public are scheduled. The ship will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, Wash. that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington. GHHSA provides educational, vocational, recreational and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community.

“Convoy of Hope” to Help Those in Need

By A. Weaver
Posted: 10/19/2011

Volunteers from last year gather around a worthy cause. Can you serve as a volunteer this year?

Sacramento Region–In the United States, approximately one in five children live at or below the poverty line, and in Sacramento, about 18 percent of families and 22 percent of individuals are living below the poverty level.

To help these individuals, the Sacramento “Convoy of Hope” organization will be hosting a one-day, event, on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Cal Expo, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to the public and parking is free. No ID is required.

The Sacramento Convoy of Hope is a local, non-profit organization, providing food for the hungry and relief for people in crisis. Their mission is to feed people in the United States and around the world.

According to SCOH coordinator Robin Smith, “We are trying to bring a day of hope to our city, especially since the last few years have been hard on the majority of people.”

This local event will aid the growing number of underprivileged, unemployed/underemployed and homeless families and individuals living in the greater Sacramento area, and provide necessary goods and services to meet their most basic needs.

All interested parties will be provided goods and services, free of charge. The services include on-site hot meals, free social services /educational assistance, free medical screening, free job fair, free entertainment for the entire family, free “Kid’s” Carnival, free hair cuts, free clothing, free groceries.

The SCOH is a neighborhood partnership between local area businesses, churches, social services, educational and medical professionals, and more.

“We want to show that our community can come together and help take care of our less fortunate citizens,” said Smith.

Since its inception in 1994, the COH has helped more than 60 million people in more than 100 countries. In that time, nearly $200 million worth of food and supplies has been dispensed to people in need.

The SCOH will distribute between 400,000-500,000 lbs. of goods to the approximately 15,000-20,000 individuals expected at the event this year.

This all-volunteer event brings together hundreds of area residents, businesses, community agencies, service organizations, professionals and churches to put on this sizeable event.

During this economic downturn, with both national and state unemployment at record highs, critical needs are not being met through traditional means. More than 37 million people are living in poverty in our country, and over six million are in California alone. Families with children make up 40 percent of the US homeless population.

To donate, please make checks payable to Sacramento Convoy of Hope, COH, 1524 Santa Ynez Way, Sacramento, CA 95816.

For more information, contact Robin Smith, coordinator, Sacramento Convoy of Hope (916) 549-9922.

Sources: SacramentoCOH.org website; United Way; US Census Bureau; Step Up California; National Coalition for the Homeless.

Sand Into Pearls: Perla Warren’s Life Story

By Julie Parker
Posted: 10/29/2011

Perla Warren, a special teacher whose passion forever influnced her students.

“Perla Warren has done more to promote quality vocal jazz than anyone in the region.” -- Donald Kendrick, Director of Choral Activities, CSUS

Music massages the soul and stimulates the senses. It unifies diverse cultures and beliefs of faith.

If you’re lucky, a special teacher or mentor will appear, whose passion for you to excel will forever impact your life. To the music students of American River College, that person was Perla Warren.

Perla L. Zulueta was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, where her home was filled with music. “On my mother’s side, everybody sang and played the piano. I grew up in a home with two grandfathers. ‘Grandfather’ is a little different than here. A great-uncle is a ‘grandfather’ in the Philippines. One of them was an avid musician, who just loved music, so he would crank up the Victrola, and play John Philips Sousa in the morning to get everybody going. In the evening, there was always an opera. On my father’s side, nobody knew music. It was all business. My father made up a couple of lullabies that he sang to me, putting me to sleep.”

Perla’s first piano teacher was very strict. “I used to just shake before the finals. But, she had so much compassion. I knew she was interested in me and my development.”<./

Pianos aren’t part of an orchestra, so she took up cello. “I always liked the sound. I didn’t like the violin, because it would make a mark on my chin.”

She graduated from the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music in 1957, with a degree in Piano Performance.

Traveling to the United States sounded like fun. “My father said, ‘If you’re going to go to the United States, you must have a purpose.’” Her aunt was teaching at Indiana University, so Perla lived with her while attending Butler University, continuing her studies in music.

“At the time, music education was not offered in the Philippines. It was very European. You received a Bachelor of Music in Piano, Violin, Vocal Performance, etc. - always a performance degree. I thought, well, I’ll be one of the first graduates in Music Education. I was enjoying it so much, I decided to go into conducting.”

She practiced the piano in the lobby of the student union building everyday from midnight until 4:00 a.m.. “The security guard always watched out for me. In the lobby was an office that was open 24 hrs a day so I was very safe.”

One night, the light on her piano went out. “I watched a medical student go to the box and fix it. I didn’t say anything to him.” When a friend of hers later introduced her to Gene Warren, she thanked him for fixing the light. Perla and Gene married, raised two daughters, and celebrated their 51st anniversary.

She ultimately received degrees in Music History, Literature and Choral Conducting at the Jordan Conservatory of Music, Butler University, and was appointed to its faculty, teaching in the Piano Department. She also served as Choral Director at Pike High School.

“If were a troublemaker, the threat was, ‘I’m sending you to Mrs. Warren’s study hall.’ To this day, I don’t know why, but in my study hall, you could hear a pin drop. I was so tiny; 98 pounds with long hair, ponytail.”

Her chamber group, The High Tones, was so popular a nursery owner provided a gardenia for each singer, for every performance.

Perla and her family moved to Sacramento in 1965. In 1974, she entered the American River College faculty as a choral conductor, voice teacher and piano instructor. She conducted both the American River College Chamber Singers (a classical repertoire ensemble) and the American River College Jazz Choir, both of which received numerous awards and invitations to prestigious music festivals in Ireland, England, the Philippines, Austria, Germany and France. Her Jazz Choir performed at the Montreux International Jazz Festival.

They opened for Ray Charles at the North Sea International Jazz Festival in Holland. “The people would not let us leave the stage. They were clapping their hands and stomping. It was almost embarrassing. We were stepping on his time. In Switzerland, we sang every song we knew. It was 4:00 in the morning and the people wouldn’t let us get off the stage.

I think it’s the honesty of the music. The students found that the music was better than they are. That’s when you really see artistry.”

In May 1994, she made her Carnegie Hall debut, guest conducting massed choirs. As a teacher, she had spent as much time as needed with the students. At Carnegie, the situation was quite different. “You are definitely with professionals and they’re unionized. Union says at 9:00 you’re finished. At 9:01 there’s no one in the room. I had to really prepare and I had never met these people before. They know the music, but they don’t know the way I would like to have it played. It was very frightening.

The day came, and they put you in a room upstairs, alone. You have a huge television so you know what’s going on. There’s a security guard at your door. Nobody bothers you. The choir, orchestra, the two soloists, podium is there waiting there. You’re the last to walk out.

I was shaking like a leaf. My knees were shaking, my stomach I cannot feel it. I was so cold. I just knew there was no way in the world that I could walk in my heels, in my gown, all the way to the middle, get up to the podium. I thought I was going to faint. But, I knew I had to go. When I walked onto the podium all I could see was my score, and I knew the downbeat and the tempo. I found something about me; that I could be that focused.”

Her former students remember that focus and energy, and a few of them shared fond memories of Perla as teacher, mentor and friend.

“It’s more than learning notes and rhythms,” says Jenny Guemmer. “She cares about her students on a spiritual level. She really invested in all of us. After a choir tour, we discussed choirs we had visited and she asked, ‘How will people out there know how to experience what you’ve heard?’ It just sort of hit me like a lightning bolt - we have to teach them! And I cried. Because of her, I discovered my calling as a music teacher.” In fact, she now teaches piano lessons to Perla’s granddaughter, Celeste.

“Trying to get into her choirs was very prestigious,” says Eric Rosander. “It was an audition process. There was such a high pressure of staying there. It was a growing up experience for a lot of people. One time, back when I was playing bass, I didn’t have my stuff down when it was time for rehearsal. I got called up on it; a lecture in front of everybody. What I didn’t do affected the entire group; affected everything she had planned for that day. I learned to be disciplined, to work as a team; learned about musicality and performance. It’s not just notes and text; the text actually has a story or an emotion that you’re trying to convey. She drove you to meet a challenge of high standards.” Rosander now sings in R.S.V.P.

“The first word that comes to mind is passionate; passionate about music, teaching,” recalls Julie Adams. “She was demanding, but in a way that made you want to be better. You knew she wanted the best for you, and cared about you, and that’s why she was expecting so much out of you. We stood a little taller, felt better about ourselves and expected more out of ourselves. I think I was on her first European tour. I sat next to her on the plane and she taught me the entire flight. I remember learning things about the Philippines, the language. She’s always sharing ideas, concepts and knowledge. The quality of the music she prepared was always high quality, so we were so proud to perform with her.” Following Perla’s lead, Adams also became a music teacher, and conductor of R.S.V.P. and the Sacramento Children’s Chorus.

“She was very warm; made everybody feel welcome,” says John Lofgren. “She never accepted less than excellence. She was focused and energetic. She didn’t just give you notes; she’d shape the music. She was very, very creative. She was very inclusive with a lot of her students as far as discussing things other than music; what she learned from her life. I got to know her family very well. I saw the interaction between her and her husband with their children; the trust they had in each other. We have that with our daughter. Part of that comes from Perla.” Lofgren has sung with the Sacramento Master Singers for over 20 years.

In the past three decades, Perla has conducted all-state honor choirs in local, state and national arenas, managed choral workshops at several universities and music conferences throughout the United States and the Philippines.

“One of my students said there are times when they’re in the class that it’s so intense they feel like they need to scream and run away, but they don’t. They are so willing to fail. ‘But, you, Mrs. Warren, are so unwilling for us to fail.’ It is one of the most beautiful compliments I received. I’ll never forget that.”

Sacramento Master Singers is presenting a musical tribute to beloved teacher and mentor Perla Warren, who is battling cancer - “From Sand to Pearls: A Choral Tribute to Perla Warren.”

On October 28 and 29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on each day, at American River College, SMS, American River College Chamber Singers, R.S.V.P., Moodswing and a choir of ARC alumni will perform. Visit www.mastersingers.org/pages/enjoy/peace_peace/ for additional information.

“There are two words that are important to me – quality and honesty. It doesn’t have to be music. You don’t have to choose it, but you have to teach it, so at least they have a choice.” -- Perla Warren

DVIC to Hold Garden of Hope Art Benefit

Posted: 10/19/2011

Citrus Heights – Art is giving HOPE to women and children in the greater Sacramento region. Every year hope comes alive, and the spirit of helping who may not be able to help themselves takes place in the community of Citrus Heights.

The Garden of HOPE Benefit Fundraiser takes place on Saturday, October 22nd, 5:30- 9:30 pm. This one day gala is held at the Citrus Heights Community Center and volunteers from all walks of life emerge to join hands and transform the center from a meeting room in to a garden filled with inspiring works of art and entertainment.

Artist such as Tony Natsoulas, Angela Oates, Donna Billick, Corey Okada, and many more use their Art for a Cause ~ the Domestic Violence Intervention Center who offers hope for a better tomorrow to women, children, teens, elderly and men who have experienced, and felt the impact of the social disease of domestic violence.

This signature event features the works of professional artist, and showcases the HOPE Art which is work donated by individuals who have used art to transmute and heal the pain from the trauma they experienced. All art will all be available for purchase in the silent art auction and the Artisan Store. The Garden of Hope and DVIC is unique in that it provides an opportunity for women artisans to sell their work in the Artisan Store.

Tickets are available at the individual price of $45 and $60 or you may sponsor a table $900, $600 and $450. Corporate sponsorships provide opportunity for ten (10) women participating in DVIC support program to receive a make-over, and attend the gala event. All proceeds raised support the free services provided by the CAL EMA agency - The Domestic Violence Intervention Center serving the greater Sacramento region. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets visit DVICcares.org, or contact the Domestic Violence Intervention Center at 916-728-5613. DVIC 24/7 crisis hotline: 916-728-7210

The Domestic Violence Intervention Center is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) agency, which seeks to eliminate barriers by offering proactive prevention and intervention strategies to our communities. DVIC is a wellness-based organization that serves the victims and families of the greater Sacramento region which includes: Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn, Placerville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Davis, and Woodland area. DVIC is located at 6060 Sunrise Vista Dr., Ste. 2340, Citrus Heights, CA 95610.

Regional Parks Ranger Manager Sworn In

Posted: 10/19/2011

Sacramento – On October 12, the Chair of the Board of Supervisors Roberta MacGlashan swore in Stan Lumsden as the Interim Ranger Manager. Lumsden officially assumed his duties as the lead ranger for Sacramento County Regional Parks and will oversee all law enforcement and safety activities throughout the park system.

“We are pleased to bring Stan on board as we begin our search for a permanent Chief Officer,” stated Supervisor MacGlashan. “His prior experience in law enforcement and his reputation as an outstanding officer will help us keep the park system safe.”

Lumsden recently retired from the Roseville Police Department as a captain, serving 29 years on the force. During his career, he served as a member of SWAT, K-9 duty, narcotics and vice, youth services, and retired as the patrol division commander. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Masters Degree from Saint Mary’s College of California.

The Rangers are full peace officers, have the same level of authority as a County Sheriff deputy or a City Police Officer and have completed extensive training at the Sheriff’s Academy. They enforce the laws applicable to Regional Parks, specific County ordinances and California Vehicle, Penal and Health & Safety Codes within all County Regional Parks.

Rangers enforce infractions, misdemeanors and felonies that occur within the Park system. They also protect the wildlife and environment and patrol all of the parks to deter vandalism and promote safety.

Job Trends Spell Layoffs

Source: Pacific Staffing
Posted: 10/4/2011

Hiring trends in the Sacramento Region continue to be influenced by Wall Street fluctuations and the depressed national economy.

Sacramento Region – While Sacramento’s top employers are hiring, they continue to show extreme caution as events outside the area raise concerns about the economy. Like the up and down bouncing of the children’s toy, extreme fluctuations on Wall Street and in the greater world economy are impacting hiring trends revealed by Pacific Staffing for October, November and December. Polled directly by phone sixty-two percent (62%) of Sacramento’s top companies say they will hire in the Fourth Quarter, but forty-two percent (42%) of planned hiring was motivated only by the need for replacements. These levels mirror a straight line, or flat trend from third quarter numbers continuing to reflect caution in hiring for expansion by employers.

On the flip side, some industries are improving and thirty percent (30%) of hiring was also cited for growth needs, which is a slight improvement from the third quarter when twenty-five percent (25%) of hiring was motivated by planned expansion. Service industry companies were discovered to be most active in hiring during the Fourth Quarter.

Ten percent (10%) of companies say they planned to layoff workers in the next three months. Half those reductions, or 5% are motivated by seasonal change. The remaining reductions caused by acquisitions and slowing business demand according to employers surveyed between 8/29 – 9/23/2011.

Employers continue to say benefits costs and management are their biggest struggle. A new challenge was noted, as some companies report finding qualified applicants is becoming an issue. Specific skills in high demand are technical including software design and digital networking, with biology lab science, allied health skills, sales and customer service workers in demand.

When asked if their company had a page on the social network, Facebook, fifty-four percent (54%) of Sacramento’s top companies said, ‘Yes’. Twenty-four percent (24%) admitted to looking at job applicants social network posts in hiring, while twenty-nine percent (29%) say they are spending part of their budget on social networks, through marketing or human resource departments.

Of the top 100 Sacramento Regional Companies 38% are Service, 37% are Manufacturers, 16% are Construction and 9% are Retail.

How does this Quarter compare to last Quarter, or last year? Find out for yourself, for more information & surveys go to www.pacificstaffing.com.

SMUD Breaks Ground for East Campus Operations Center

Construction project brings 300 new jobs to area and earns top green building award
Posted: 10/4/2011

During the groundbreaking ceremony, SMUD General Manager & CEO John DiStasio describes the renewable and energy efficiency features that will earn the new campus the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest honor.

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) officially started construction on the nation’s first field operations center to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s top honors – the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. The project will also be the second “net zero” undertaking in North America.

By incorporating the latest energy efficiency features as well as some tried and true technologies, the energy consumption of the 51-acre campus will be greatly minimized. The net zero designation will come from incorporating technologies such as a 5-acre geothermal heat pump system and a 1.1 megawatt tracking photovoltaic system allowing the campus to generate as much power on the site as it consumes. The project also brings 300 much needed construction jobs to Sacramento County.

This multi-year construction project will include offices, equipment repair shops, maintenance and warehouse buildings, storage space and parking for fleet vehicles and employees. Upon completion of the project in late 2013 approximately 750 employees will move to the facility.

Environmental benefits from the design features included in the construction project translate into an annual savings of over 3.7 million kilowatt-hours in electricity or enough electricity to power 413 homes. The project design also delivers a reduction of 3.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide.

The East Campus-Operations Center is being constructed because SMUD has long ago outgrown the 19-acre yard it has been using for 65 years.

Sacramento Works Unveils a New Identity

Source: Terri Carpenter, Sacramento Works
Posted: 10/4/2011

Sacramento Region – Sacramento Works has updated its look to reflect a broader scope of services. The first One Stop Career Center was opened in 1999 and now the Career Center system offers assistance to small businesses, hiring and incentive programs to employers and a wealth of employment and training resources to help individuals develop their skills and find a new career.

SacramentoWorks.org provides a comprehensive overview of the services and programs provided to the small business owner, employers, job seekers and youth. The home page provides a Master Calendar of the workshops that are being held daily at a One Stop Career Center. The home page also provides a career center locator. A customer enters their zip code and the nearest career center pops up with a Google map and directions to the location. Sacramento Works now has a Facebook page so our friends can connect with us.

Sacramento Works includes a strategic mix of job openings, career exploration, employer information, education, and labor market research information. Job seekers, students, or employers may click on the site whenever they need accurate data to make informed decisions on careers, training, wages, occupation searches, and recruitment resources.

Jobs.sacramentoworks.org is a powerful online tool designed to help employers who are looking for the best job candidates and assist job seekers or students in searching for the right job. With thousands of job listings extracted from nearly every employer in the state, finding job opportunities that fit an individual’s needs and skills are easily accessed with a few mouse clicks. Employers searching for suitable candidates will benefit from the convenience of one website for potential candidate searches and review of job market trends.

Services, resources, workforce development sector strategies, training programs, and services to employers are provided by Workforce Development Department staff of the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA), the Employment Development Department and over 40 community workforce development partners. Planning, policy, and oversight for the system is the responsibility of Sacramento Works, Inc., the Workforce Investment Board, a 41-member volunteer board of directors.

Kathy Kossick, Executive Director for SETA and member of Sacramento Works, Inc. says, “I encourage both job seekers and employers to check out what’s available through SacramentoWorks.org. This new site will continue moving Sacramento Works forward in our vision of Building a Dynamic Workforce for the Sacramento Region.”

County Faces Issues with Growth Strategy

Source: Sacramento County Media
Posted: 10/4/2011

Sacramento Region – Sacramento County has been updating its growth-management plan for the unincorporated area as part of the General Plan. This Plan, which directs future development, is required by law and should be complete by the end of 2011.

There were many issues involved with arriving at a new growth strategy, and careful attention was paid to balancing the requests of community members, environmentalists and developers. The growth strategy underwent several changes as the building boom ceased and the County had to address state laws that required lower carbon emissions (AB 32) and encouraged mass transit (SB 375). Multiple public meetings were held to fully understand all the interests and arrive at the new strategy that would best meet everyone’s needs.

At this time, the new Plan does not call for expanding the urban growth area, which is the area designated for urban development to occur. However, once the General Plan is adopted, landowners may submit applications to expand the area, but only if the proposed new growth meets certain criteria.

Under the proposed Plan, the requirements that projects would have to meet include:

- The property has to be next to existing urban areas
- Development must be near transit and employment or provide new transit and employment as part of the plan
- The proposed project must be high quality and contain a mix of housing types, shops and amenities.

Aerojet Claims it is Committed to the Future Success of Rancho Cordova

By Leslie Carrara
Posted: 9/29/2011

Rancho Cordova - They came. They spoke. And they are hopping mad.

Citizens of Rancho Cordova spoke out Monday evening, September 19, 2011, at the city council meeting about GenCorp’s (Aerojet) request to change the zip code to a Folsom zip code in an unincorporated area of their city. The area at the center of the controversy is south of Folsom Blvd., west of Prairie City Road and east of Hazel Ave., slated as the Easton development, a large retail and residential community to be developed in the future.

All of this land was allotted to Rancho Cordova in 1980 by Sacramento County, according to Rancho Cordova Mayor Robert McGarvey, speaking the afternoon before the meeting, and although the 1,400 acres of land in question is not entitled yet, it does have a Rancho Cordova zip code.

“My first impression is that this is a money grab,” said first speaker Rod Borba. “Many people feel that Folsom is a desirable location.”

Also at issue is the fact that tax monies in this area will go to Sacramento County, and all police and fire, library, and park services will also belong to Rancho Cordova. Sheriff Department Captain Doug Diamond told the council that this will be “confusing” for residents living in the Easton area as they would be inclined to call Folsom for life saving services.

Meantime, Wallace Morgan, another speaker, said that he felt betrayed and that the people of this All America City are due an apology.

Julie Pierce said that she backs the city council’s position of this “theft”. And Sheryl Longsworth spoke of GenCorp’s greed and how “GenCorp only wants what is good for GenCorp.”

At the meeting, people discussed similarities to Gold River’s decline to be incorporated and to the Loomis/Granite Bay area where Granite Bay had a more desirable area and therefore, received their own zip code.

Customer Relations Coordinator for Sacramento Post Offices Ralph Petty said that at this time, there is a review in place and that they are receiving information from both Folsom and Rancho Cordova cities and residents. He indicated that they are 15 to 30 days into the process, and that a decision may not be ready for six months.

Meantime, Tim Murphy, Gencorp’s spokesman, said that he believed the citizens of Rancho Cordova are misinformed. He explained that the boundary of Rancho Cordova city limits stops at Hazel and does not extend eastward. While this land does have a Rancho Cordova zip code, he explained that this does not mean the land belongs to Rancho Cordova, and GenCorp is letting the post office decide which facility is better equipped to handle the mail as part of the long term planning process. “Zip codes are not used to define city boundaries,” he said.

“This emotional battle waged by the city is not necessary,” he said. “For Rancho Cordova (officials) to say that they have claim to this land is inconsiderate. We consider ourselves a part of Rancho Cordova, Folsom and Sacramento County We are very much committed to the future successes of Rancho Cordova.”

He went on to add that GenCorp views themselves as partners with Rancho Cordova. “This is unincorporated land,” Murphy said. He explained that GenCorp added 4,000 acres of land within Rancho Cordova for future projects such as Rio Del Oro and Westborough, two future developments.

“We would like for the city council to step back and look at what Aerojet has done with the city and recognize that we want to partner with them.” Murphy said.

Golden Matchmaking

By Julie Parker
Posted: 9/20/2011

Homeward Bound: “When you come out here, you lose your focus over life and just enjoy the dogs.” Photo by Julie Parker.

Imagine a safe haven, a sanctuary, for dogs who are old, sick, have been displaced, abandoned and/or homeless; an idyllic place where they receive love, medical attention and opportunities to be placed in a loving home. They are never euthanized.

This canine oasis exists in rural Elverta: Homeward Bound, Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.–created by Jody and Mike Jones, and inspired by their Golden, Chelsea. Home Bound serves the entire Sacramento region.

Chelsea had been hit by a car, and her injuries were severe. “She’s not going to make it, they told us,” says Jody Jones. “Michael said to Chelsea, ‘If you make it, we’ll take care of Goldens forever.’”

Chelsea did, indeed, beat the odds. While she was recuperating, the Joneses volunteered with Bay Area and Sacramento rescue groups and witnessed the groups’ ongoing challenge of finding foster homes. They decided to do something about it by starting their own rescue (Homeward Bound) out of their home. They had acquired about eight dogs when Animal Control informed them it was illegal to runnel a kennel from their house.

Fortunately, a friend of Jody’s offered them a lease on family property, but there weren’t any fences, let alone yards. “It was flat open,” says Jody. “We put the dog crates in the barn, and everybody had to be put on a leash.” They have since built yards, fencing around the barn, a pond, and a building for dog training and classes for families who adopt, and for the volunteers. “My personal goal was to have someplace where other people could come and spend time with the dogs; bathe and groom them, work with them. The dogs get the exercise they need and people feel better for having come to help.”

Goldens arrive at Homeward Bound for various reasons – rescued from shelters, found roaming in the streets, surrendered by owners who are relocating and can’t take their dog or are in such dire financial straits they can no longer afford to care for the dog. They take in six to eight dogs weekly, all of whom immediately receives a veterinary exam, is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heartworm.

They receive dogs from the entire state of California. “We have two that just came in from Taiwan. There’s a group of young adults that are getting dogs off the streets of Taiwan. They have a sponsor who is flying them to the United States.”

They take dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms (“only get those once in a blue moon out here”) and separation anxiety (“we look for someone who works out of their home”).

Potential owners are interviewed and homes visited to procure the best possible match. Diane Brownell, a twelve-year-volunteer at Homeward Bound, recalls one in particular.

“Neal is blind. He wanted to foster either a dog which was overweight or had behavior problems. He took a dog from us named Cinnamon and she was very heavy. He was able to walk both his guide dog and Cinnamon at the same time. He got her trimmed down to the point where she could be adopted out, and someone did adopt her. About a year later, they returned her, saying she had become incontinent. Everyone was hoping Neal would take her back, and he did. It wasn’t too long before he said, ‘Let’s just call it a permanent foster.’ Neal was probably the most profound match I’ve had.”

Their newest program, Save Our Seniors, focuses on dogs that are unwanted due to their advanced age – ten, twelve, fourteen years old. Jones says, “I can take the senior dogs from rescues throughout the US – Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi–and fly them in here; have them two or three weeks and then someone finds out I have the special ones and they’re adopted. So, I say, okay, fly in another one.”

“I love the seniors,” says Brownell, “because I have health problems and I’m not real fast and they aren’t real fast, so we get along real well. And I adopt them. I never adopt one younger than seven. I definitely don’t choose the prettiest or the youngest or the most well-behaved. They pick me.”

“She loses two or three a year, “says Jones. “She takes the ones nobody else is probably going to take, because they don’t want to go through the loss. She goes through the loss and she comes back with a plate of brownies and says let’s honor him or her. We have a good cry and then she takes another one.”

Diane looks off towards the horizon saying, “I lost my Bear about a month ago and I just found out his sister now has breast cancer. It just breaks my heart. But, the only thing that keeps me going is I know that I’ll come back out here and there’ll be another old face that needs me.”

They also offer the Senior Touch Program for people over 60 on a fixed income. Jones says, “We offer them no-fee adoption. If the dog needs major medical, we cover all of that. We match senior dogs to seniors, who don’t want their dog to outlive them.”

Whenever possible, Homeward Bound introduces the dogs back into the community. For example, they have senior dogs in senior residences, accompanying them on the bus, to the grocery store, library, park or other excursions.

A few dogs have been placed in Alzheimer’s units. “The dog doesn’t care if a patient says the same thing over and over. It works.”

A lot of work is required to keep Homeward Bound thriving and moving forward, and volunteers from different backgrounds are truly welcome and appreciated. For example, individuals with restaurant and graphic design experience can be helpful for fundraising and marketing projects, and those with available time can help with the ongoing chores. If you are an avid gardener, they could use your efforts for their memorial garden, a work in progress. “You see the best of humanity when you do this; people that are so generous with their time and talents,” says Jones.

Fundraising is the largest area in which they need assistance. “We’ve got about $25,000 per month in vet bills. That’s difficult to cover, given that our adoption fees are $250. It doesn’t cover what we pay. We have to fix the broken bones of the dog that hit by a car that nobody wants, for example.”

They recently lost a couple of valuable creative fundraising individuals, who moved out of town, and are on the lookout for replacements.

On October 8, 2011, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., the Heidrick Ag History Center in Woodland is the host location for their next fundraiser–Kibble & Bids™. There will be food, wine and beer tasting, live music, a raffle and silent auction. The public is encouraged to attend.

As Jones glances around, a light breeze produces a whimsical tune as she observes, “When you come out here, you lose your focus over life and just enjoy the dogs.”

Brownell agrees. “I love it. Coming out here, when you drive down that levee road, and you see that Homeward Bound sign, you know everything is good.”

If you would like more information on Homeward Bound and how you can contribute, visit their website at Homewardboundgoldens.org.

Hazel Avenue Improvement Project Phase 1 Completed

Posted: 9/20/2011

Sacramento County – The Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SACDOT) hosted a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate completion for Phase 1 of the Hazel Avenue Improvement Project. Phase 1 is part of a major roadway infrastructure project to improve Hazel Avenue from U.S. 50 to Madison Avenue, to reduce congestion and improve safety and mobility for all modes of transportation in this corridor. Information about the Phase 1 ribbon-cutting event is as follows:

The event was held Saturday, September 17 @ 10:00 A.M. at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. Speakers included Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Senator Ted Gaines, Former Assembly Member Roger Niello, from Congressman Dan Lungren’s Office: Marilyn Erbes, and from Assembly Member Alyson Huber’s Office: Tim Reardon

According to Supervisor MacGlashan, “Hazel Avenue is a vital north-south unincorporated area corridor, is one of the most congested roadways in the region and is in great need of improvement. Completion of this Phase 1 project is a big step forward in Sacramento County’s efforts to improve this corridor. The bridge widening came first, and future project phases will complete the widening from Curragh Downs

Drive to Madison Avenue. The Phase 1 project provides immediate benefits for motorists, users of local recreational facilities, bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians. In addition, this $22 million construction project helped support local businesses, material suppliers and contactors during this continued downturn in the economy.”

Mike Penrose, Director of the Department of Transportation added, “This is the start of the largest roadway project ever undertaken by Sacramento County. Hazel Avenue has a current traffic demand of up to 55,000 vehicles per day and was designed to handle just 36,000. It’s easy to understand why it’s critical that we improve this roadway. Widening the bridge was a natural path first step in moving forward to implement future project phases which will widen Hazel Avenue up to Madison Avenue. When completed, improvements to Hazel Avenue will reduce congestion and improve safety.”

Roadway improvements completed in Phase 1 project work included:

- Widening Hazel Avenue from four to six lanes over the American River Bridge from U.S. 50 to Curragh Downs Drive.
- Construction of new bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian facilities and improved connections to the American River Parkway.
- Bike lanes and a barrier separating bicycle/pedestrian/equestrian modes from vehicle traffic on the bridge over the American River.
- Architectural treatments on the bridge structure and decorative street lighting.
- Traffic signal modifications at Curragh Downs Drive.

Phase 1 project construction costs are $22 million and were covered with a combination of Developer Fees, Measure A Sales Tax funds and State and Federal funding sources.

Source: Dan Regan, Commu-nication & Media Officer, SACDOT

Do More than Cross Your Fingers

Posted: 9/14/2011

It may be September, but the flood season is not far off. This is the time to prepare for potential disasters.

Northern California – This National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter is calling on families, businesses, schools and organizations to take steps now to become better prepared for the next emergency or disaster.

Disasters can strike at any time – from earthquakes to wildfires to terrorist attacks like those that occurred on 9/11 ten years ago. National Preparedness Month provides our nation with the opportunity to both remember the victims and honor those who responded, and to make a renewed commitment to being better prepared for the future.

Emergency preparedness kits should include enough supplies for at least three days in case you have to evacuate. Water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents should go in every kit. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

All members of the household should work together on an emergency plan. Designate a meeting place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person, and a location where everyone should meet if they can’t go home.

People should be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live and how local authorities will contact you in the event of a disaster. First aid and CPR/AED training empowers individuals with the confidence and skills to respond to health emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. Visit www.redcross.org/training for details and to register.

“We have learned from previous disasters that the government, communities and organizations like the Red Cross will never be big enough to do it all in every disaster,” Woods said. “Every person, business, school and house of worship must be prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency.”

Severe weather, power outages and water main breaks can happen anytime. Throughout the year, the Red Cross offers programs to help people be prepared. The “Do More Than Cross Your Fingers” campaign, featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, makes it easy for people to prepare for emergencies, starting with how to customize their emergency kits. The “Ready When the Time Comes” program trains employees from corporations and mobilizes them as a community-based volunteer force when disaster strikes. “Be Red Cross Ready” is a web-based interactive tutorial that teaches people how to be ready for emergencies.

In addition, because up to 40 percent of businesses fail following a manmade of natural disaster, the Red Cross developed the Ready Rating™ Program. Ready Rating (www.readyrating.org) is a free, self-paced, web-based membership program that measures how ready businesses, organizations and schools are to deal with emergencies. Members receive customized feedback on how they can improve their efforts. The program is designed for those who are in the beginning stages of planning for emergencies as well as those who have already done so and want confirmation on their preparedness level. It gives these groups ideas of what they can do to better prepare themselves for the next emergency or disaster.

People can contact their local Red Cross office or they can visit www.redcross.org to learn what steps they should take to be ready when emergencies strike.

Top Staff Appointed for Children’s Museum

Posted: 9/14/2011

Sharon Stone Smith, Executive Director, (left) and Sarah Coffman, Director of Operations, are the first two staff members at the Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova.

Rancho Cordova – The first two staff members of the new Sacramento Children’s Museum are Sharon Stone Smith, Executive Director, and Sarah Coffman, Director of Operations.

Both women have impressive backgrounds in education, the arts and sciences, and children activities. And both are excited to be part of the opening of a new facility that is dedicated to children, 8 years and younger, and embodies learning while having fun.

Stone Smith was a member of Sacramento’s Fairytale Town Board of Directors for seven years, serving as president in 2007. She began her career at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, followed by a stint as the Associate Director at the Ocean Park Community Center in Santa Monica. She was Marketing Manager and Conference Director at the California Association for the Education of Young Children in Sacramento for six years. Stone Smith earned a M.S. degree in Non-Profit Administration from Case Western Reserve University and has a law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Coffman, who will be in charge of the day-to-day operations at the Children’s Museum, was most recently the Event Coordinator at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose, which according to Child Magazine is one of the top 10 children’s museums in the U.S. Coffman was part of the development team at the Bear Valley Music Festival in 2006 and 2007. She is a graduate of San Jose State University with a B.S. degree in Recreation, Commercial Recreation, and Tourism and a minor in Hospitality Management.

“We look forward to overseeing this exciting new destination in our community where children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers can experience extraordinary learning experiences through play,” said Stone Smith. “And we welcome teachers to schedule field trips and parents to plan birthday parties at this unique children’s facility.”

For additional information, please call (916) 638-7225 or go to www.sackids.org.

Breaking Barriers with Music

By Julie Parker
Posted: 8/23/2011

SCSO’s Donald Kendrick conducts the annual community sing-a-long“Summer Sing”. Photo by Julie Parker

Sacramento Region – Conductor Donald Kendrick leads the attendees through stretching and vocal exercises. “Now, say ‘I really love to sing’ like Julia Childs.” The Sanctuary of St. John’s Lutheran Church is suddenly filled with the unique intonations of the famous chef. Rustling sheet music follows as Kendrick guides a run-through of an atypical sing-a-long planned for the evening – Brahms: Requiem (in German). His hands and arms fluidly surf the raised energy in the room, directing and orchestrating voices to majestic octaves.

The annual event was “Summer Sing,” presented by The Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra (SCSO), to which singers from local churches and communities are invited to participate. It’s an opportunity for SCSO to reach out to the community and introduce themselves to potential memberships.

Barbara Haig, a recent member, says, “It’s a nice mix of people, from those who have been with them from the very beginning and the people who are just coming in. Everybody is really friendly and welcoming. I’ve been very impressed by the work ethic of everybody in the chorale. They’re extremely professional and really dedicated to getting the music correct.”

“Choral singing continues to be the most popular form of participation in the performing arts.” (The Chorus Impact Study 2009)

SCSO consists of 180 singers and a 55-member professional symphony orchestra. Per Chorus America, SCSO is the only community chorus in the United States to have a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its own orchestra.

“We have very accomplished people,” says James McCormick, SCSO Board President. “We have a great music librarian, who is the organist at Fair Oaks Presbyterian. We have music teachers. They read music really well. Somewhere in their past, they wanted to make a living, but knew that it wasn’t realistic, so we give them an avocation to do it.”

In a small town near Ontario, Canada, McCormick’s grade school teachers taught the students how to read music. “There was this one old nun had more rhythm than anybody I know. She taught me piano.” He sang in the church choir and was an organist, playing at weddings and funerals, and accompanied the high school choir.

At the University of Toronto, he received a double degree in Music and Literature, lived in Southern France for a year, and founded a high school music program at St. John’s College in Canada. One year, he took students up to the Northwest Territories on a music exchange. He later received a doctorate at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and taught at CSUS’ Music Department for ten years.

SCSO’s Music Director, Donald Kendrick, started the graduate program in choral conducting at CSUS, and acts as Head of Choral Activities. His credentials include the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Stanford University and the Eastman School of Music, and he has performed at Carnegie Hall.

“Mr. Kendrick is very well liked and very well respected,” says Haig. “Everybody wants to do their very best so that he’s pleased. He is very positive and encouraging, which I think really motivates people further. It’s a really happy symbiosis that takes place.”

Kendrick and McCormick have been involved with SCSO since 1996; McCormick taking on the role of President in 2002, and is the only paid employee of the organization. All others work on a volunteer basis, except for the Board and the professional musicians. “That’s the biggest part of our budget,” says McCormick. “We have to pay an accompanist and rent the space at Sacramento State. My 90-year-old friend Carolyn is our Treasurer. Nothing sneaks by her.”

They helped co-found the Sacramento Children’s Chorus. “We often hire them to sing with us, and we pay them a nice fee to do so. Some of those kids have now graduated and are singing in the large choir.”

Members commute from Oroville, Nevada City, Lodi, Galt, Modesto, Fairfield and Woodland. They have enjoyed singing tours to Czech Republic, Hungary, China (including performing on the Great Wall), Austria and Germany. “Our mission is to promote appreciation, performance and education.”

McCormick recalls a special memory from Budapest. “Every time we do a CD we pay our orchestra $8,000 for the intellectual property rights, before we go into production. That’s hard. I have to find that money. But the people in Budapest said, ‘Send us six CDs. That’s all you need.’ I was so touched. The conductor of the Budapest Concert Orchestra, after watching the rehearsal and concert, said to Donald, ‘From the beginning, I saw that you had the orchestra and chorus in the palm of your hand, but not as a dictator like some conductors are, but as a friend.’ He told us, ‘These moments of international music- making probably do more to break down barriers than any politician could possibly do.’”

Next summer, they’ll tour Northern Italy, Venice and Croatia.

They’ve performed with Barry Manilow, Sarah Brightman, Boston Pops and Kenny Rogers, and have received several awards, including 2nd place for the Arts Innovation Fund Award.

For McCormick, the rehearsals are what makes singing with the chorus special. “It’s just such a treat to see these people coming in. They’ve had a long, maybe stressful day. But when they leave, they’re energized. The conductor leads with kindness.” Two of their members who met in the choir are getting married at the end of the month.

If you would like to attend their rehearsals, the public are always welcome. They begin August 29, 2011, continuing every Monday night (except Labor Day), starting at 7:00 p.m. at CSUS.

Although their concerts focus on classical pieces, they do perform show tunes the second Thursday each February (near Valentine’s Day) in the Sunrise Mall to work off fundraising pledges the members have procured. “We sing Lerner and Lowe, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Weber. The audience can join in, too. They often sit around the fountain. We get kids conducting.”

If you’ve been searching for a chorale, the Sacramento Chorale Society & Orchestra may be the right match for you. “I’ve sung with a lot of choirs,” says Haig. “A choir has its own personality. Sometimes it works for you and sometimes it doesn’t. One thing I like about this one is that if you’re in a jam, you can call someone and they’ll help you. When you’re new and it’s a really challenging piece of music and you’re also kind of new to the area, it’s really nice just to feel that you can call somebody. If you need to miss a rehearsal, you can ask someone next to you, if there are any changes can you keep track and e-mail them to me. You can count on people to do that.”

SCSO performs six concerts a year, in four different venues: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, UC Davis Mondavi Center, Sacramento Community Center Theater and Fremont Presbyterian Church. For more information about their concerts or becoming a member, visit their website at SacramentoChoral.com.

“Sometimes,” says McCormick, “I like to think we’re the antidote for popular culture. It is so in your face. Is it ever hard to escape it. For about two and a-half hours on a concert day, you just relax. There’s something larger going on than a loud back beat that gives you a headache."

More Speed Enforcement Coming to Citrus Heights

Source Citrus Heights Police Department
Posted: 8/23/2011

Citrus Heights – As part of an ongoing traffic safety campaign, the Citrus Heights Police Department is conducting additional speed and muffler enforcement throughout 2011 as part of a grant awarded to the Citrus Heights Police Department by the California Office of Traffic Safety. In 2010, 287 collisions resulted in someone either being injured or killed within the City of Citrus Heights.

Of those 287, 120 (42%) were speed related. Speed is the most commonly reported contributing factor in reported injury collisions. As part of the grant, Citrus Heights Police identified areas within the city with a large number of speed related collisions. In response to this, the Citrus Heights Police Department has been deploying mobile speed trailers to provide visual feedback to motorists regarding their speed. In addition to the speed trailer deployment, additional officers have been assigned to enforce speed laws in these areas and also throughout the entire city. The speed trailers are a reminder for motorists to slow down and also allow the Citrus Heights Police Department to evaluate their effectiveness. Through education and enforcement, the department is hoping to reduce the number of persons injured from speed related collisions.

In addition to speeding, excessive noise from motor vehicles pose a health, welfare, safety, and quality of life issue here in Citrus Heights. The department recognizes this, and has implemented a program to provide additional vehicle noise enforcement throughout the city. Officers have received additional training in muffler and loud noise violations and are issuing citations when appropriate. Vehicles with a suspected noise violation are issued citations for correction to be signed off at Citrus Heights PD or the State Bureau of Automotive Repair. The grant provided the department with equipment to measure noise levels to ensure compliance. “The City of Citrus Heights deserves to have streets that are safe, quiet, and healthy,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Speeding is an on-going problem that has to have constant enforcement to keep in check. The noise and air pollution from broken or modified exhaust systems impacts the health of everyone.”

Another aspect of the grant where special attention will be focused is in the area of motorcycle safety. Statistics have shown that motorcycle collisions pose a much higher risk of injury to involved parties, particularly the motorcyclists and passengers they may carry. Even more dangerous are situations involving intoxicated operators.

In 2010, the Citrus Heights Police Department investigated 23 injury collisions involving motorcycles. Nearly 35% of those involved speed as the primary factor leading to the collision.

Stop Meth Not Meds

By Bettie Cosby, President and CEO – Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and William C. Seiffert, Chairman – Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce
Posted: 8/23/2011

Citrus Heights – We’ve all seen the headlines – serious and significant impacts on those families and communities stemming from illegal methamphetamine production and abuse. And the greater Sacramento area is not impervious to the state’s meth crisis and its impacts to communities across our region and state.

It is critical we support tools that will help to curb illicit meth production. Meth producers need to be stopped from obtaining ingredients to produce the drug and law enforcement needs help tracking meth manufacturers to shut down dangerous labs before they become an even bigger threat.

However it is important that solutions to stop meth production balance the rights of law-abiding citizens to access the common and over-the-counter medications they need.

This month, the legislature has the opportunity to stop meth producers from illegally purchasing pseudoephedrine (PSE), which is a key ingredient that can be diverted to manufacture methamphetamine, while balancing the needs of consumers by passing Assembly Bill 1280 (Hill). This legislation will block attempts to purchase more than the legal amount of PSE-based medicines, instantly and at no cost to taxpayers.

AB 1280 requires every retailer and pharmacist in the state to participate in a real-time, stop-sale system if they wish to sell safe and effective products containing PSE. The system links every attempted sale in California on a 24-7 basis and indicates a “stop sale” if the purchaser has exceeded the legal limit. This is legislation that is embraced by retailers, the business community, consumer advocates and many in the law enforcement community and provides a common sense and proven approach to stopping meth producers and protecting consumers’ access to the medications they need.

This is why the Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce supports the legislation and encourages its passage.

And this is not some hypothetical solution. The 19 states that have adopted or implemented electronic stop-sale technology prove that it’s working. In the eight states that have had the system in place long enough to track sales, a real-time, stop-sale system blocks nearly 126,000 grams of illegal pseudoephedrine sales per month.

Real-time, stop-sale technology also ensures and protects consumer privacy. Here is how: while the law would provide law enforcement with a record of purchase attempts to help officials identify meth cooks and ultimately, meth labs, the purchase data—already required under federal law—is available only to police and sheriffs. Consumer privacy would never be compromised. No excuses. No exceptions.

In fact, the real-time, stop-sale system complies with the Criminal Justice Information System and the National Information Exchange Model, which is audited by the FBI annually and employs a Certified Information System Security Professional on staff.

Unfortunately, there have been other legislative proposals that are extreme and would harm the rights of law-abiding consumers and limit access to popular medications. The proposal would require a prescription mandate on basic decongestants that contain PSE. While this may be well intentioned, it would have severe consequences as anyone wanting reliable and familiar PSE-related products. Families and workers would now have to endure the hassle and expense of visiting a doctor and getting a prescription.

Clearly, electronic stop-sale technology is the only viable solution for California. Implementing a real-time system is the right way to fight meth and to help Californians get the medicines they need at the prices they can afford. Requiring Californians to get prescriptions for Sudafed or Claritin-D does not. That is why the Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, representing nearly 400 local businesses, is fighting to protect California communities and consumers with the passage of AB 1280 and is hopeful that the legislature is fighting for them as well.

Contact your State Senator to urge them to support AB 1280. To find your representative, visit http://senate.ca.gov.

Airshow to Thrill and Inspire

Posted: 8/9/2011

“Tora!Tora!Tora! is making its first trip ever to Northern California and fans will not be disappointed.

Sacramento Region – The California Capital Airshow, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the importance of aviation for continued economic growth, inspiration and educational opportunities for today’s youth, and enhancing awareness for the service and sacrifice of our military men and women, today announced the current Airshow highlights, which will exhilarate, thrill and inspire fans of all ages. The Airshow, located at Mather Airport, thunders into Sacramento on September 10-11, 2011, and will honor important anniversaries. 2011 marks 100 years of Naval Aviation, an achievement the Airshow will note by featuring a demonstration by the US Navy F-18 Super Hornet.

“Each year we strive to bring new and exciting performers, unique aircraft, and interactive displays to Sacramento, and this year will be an event that you will never forget!” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “Tora!Tora!Tora! is making its first trip ever to Northern California and fans will not be disappointed. Tora is a choreographed, living history lesson with pyrotechnics and precision flying all set to music, but the show certainly doesn’t stop there. We will have something for everyone and every age – from exhilarating military jet demonstrations and aerobatics soaring overhead to a Kids Zone with interactive, educational exhibits – it’s going to be an incredible show that will leave you begging for more.”

In addition to the F-18 Super Hornet, Airshow fans will experience the raw power and extreme capabilities of the F-15 Strike Eagle Demonstration Team, the electrifying Patriots Jet Team, aerobatic champion, Patty Wagstaff, and a USAF Heritage Flight. Rounding out the line-up will be the Shockwave Jet Truck, Otto the Helicopter, Dan Buchanan, local air show pilot, Tim Decker, fighter jet demonstrations and some of the largest transport jets on Earth, warbirds, vintage aircraft, and so much more!

Tickets to the 2010 California Capital Airshow are now available online and can be easily purchased at the Airshow web site or at all SAFE Credit Union locations throughout the region.

The California Capital Airshow web site will be updated regularly with news, attraction information and more. Community members and attendees can also follow the Airshow on Facebook and Twitter (#calcapairshow).

Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow has become one of the largest and highly-respected airshows in the nation. As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization has awarded over 70 scholarships to deserving students from our region with an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics. For more information about the California Capital Airshow, please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com or join us on Facebook.

A Parent is A Child’s First Teacher

Posted: 8/9/2011

Sacramento County – Preparing your children for kindergarten these days involves more than registering them for class and making sure they have school supplies. This includes preparing children physically, mentally and emotionally for school — and should begin long before their first day of kindergarten. That’s why First 5 Sacramento offers parents and caregivers the following tips to help prepare your children to enter school learning:

Research and Review

Find out if your family is eligible for no- or low-cost health insurance. Without health insurance, children often do not get the treatment needed for common childhood ailments. It is well documented that healthy children perform better in school. Although rising health insurance costs make access to health care more difficult, programs such as “Healthy Families”, “Medi-Cal”, and “Healthy Kids” offer no- and low-cost plans for those who qualify. Contact Cover the Kids at 1-866-850-4321 to enroll your child for no-or low-cost health insurance.

Immunize and Enroll

- Immunize your child. Protect children from preventable diseases that can cause school absences and/or limit their ability to perform well in class by making sure they are properly immunized. Parents should contact their child’s healthcare provider to begin the immunization process. If the child doesn’t have a regular health care provider, contact Sacramento County’s Department of Health and Human Services at (916) 875-SHOT (7468).
- Research local preschool programs in your community and consider enrolling your child in preschool. Quality preschool introduces children to a classroom setting — they learn to share, identify colors and numbers, take turns, raise a hand and focus on tasks. To find a quality preschool call Child Action, Inc. at 369-0191 or online at www.childaction.org. Children who have attended quality preschool already have a jump-start toward success, as group and individual activities provide children with early learning experiences. Also, preschool helps prepare children to adjust to a kindergarten environment since they are used to spending time in the classroom.

Be a teacher

- Teach your child healthy eating habits and encourage physical activity. Stressing the importance of a nutritious diet and regular exercise will boost your child’s health, increase their level of development and help them stay mentally alert in class.
- Make everyday activities learning opportunities. From laundry sorting to grocery shopping to car rides, you can make every moment a learning experience for your child. Take them to public places and encourage social interaction with other kids their age.

Keep them learning at home

- Talk to your child. Begin a dialogue with children early on so they can learn how to express their thoughts and emotions appropriately.
- Read to your child. Reading to them on a regular basis helps develop key skills.
- Play with your child. Paint. Draw a picture book. Let them tell you a story. All of these activities support creativity and provide an opportunity for emotional expression.

The above tips are all great ways to make sure children are ready for school throughout the year. For more tips and resources on school readiness programs or how to make the most of your child’s first five years visit First 5 Sacramento’s at www.first5sacramento.net or call (916) 876-5865.

Rusch Community Park Basketball Court Wins $20,000 Sprite Grant

An Assist from Sprite Helps Citrus Heights Basketball Court Make a Huge Rebound
Posted: 8/9/2011

Citrus Heights – The Sunrise Recreation and Park District scored a slam dunk for area basketball courts after many clicks of a mouse. Citrus Heights’ Rusch Community Park basketball court was 1 of 26 national finalists in the Sprite Spark Parks Project, and it gained enough online support to be awarded $20,000 in refurbishment grants, it was announced July 28th.

The Sprite Spark Parks Project is a multi-year commitment to build and restore play environments where teens, families and neighbors can get outside and be active. The first phase of the program, which focuses on basketball courts, kicked off in February. Since then, people across the country have logged on to sprite.com and facebook.com/Sprite to nominate local courts they wish to receive improvement grants.

On May 9, the top nominees – including Rusch Community Park – were selected as finalists. Until June 10, supporters could log on to sprite.com or facebook.com/Sprite to vote for their courts to win one of 21 grants to fund items such as new rims, backboards, resurfacing and art installations. Seven courts have been awarded $35,000 in funding. An additional 14 locations will receive $20,000 each.

“Sunrise Recreation & Park District truly appreciates this $20,000 grant from Sprite and Coca-Cola,” said Lisa Rudloff, District Administrator. “Rusch Community Park exemplifies our vision of Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs, and the Sprite Spark Parks funding will go a long way toward maintaining our popular basketball court.”

“As the local bottler, our goal is to improve the communities where we work and live in inspired ways. We’re proud that the people of Citrus Heights voted online and made Rusch Community Park a winner,” said Bob Brown, Executive Vice President - Finance & Administration, Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Company. “By generating support for these critically important play spaces among area residents, we’re working as a team to ensure youth have safe, fun places where they can get together in a positive, active way.”

Through the Sprite Spark Parks Project, Sprite will invest approximately $2 million into building or revamping more than 150 basketball courts, community spaces, playgrounds and athletic fields in at least 36 American cities throughout 2011. As a result, an estimated one million young people will have greater access to recreational spaces where they can be inspired to be active and creative.

*Construction on each basketball renovation project will commence pending court operators’ agreement to the program’s terms and conditions and based on court operators’ timeline.

DVWC Receives CALEMA Funding

By Leslie Carrara
Posted: 7/20/2011

DVIC Volunteers and staff. Left to right: Mike Martins, Charolette Martins, Beth Johnson, Pamela McReynolds, Deborah LeVasseur, Robin Bassinger (hat), DVIC Program Director, Elaine Whitefeather, Executive Director, Carol Ching, Board of Director and Founder of My Sisters House, Jenna Leahy, Donna Van Dolah, Donna Brown and DVIC Mascot Dog - Ninja. Photo by Donna VanDolah.

Citrus Heights - Housed in Citrus Heights for the past 10 years, the Domestic Violence Women’s Center (DVWC) received California Emergency Management Agency funding recently while 38 trained and accredited volunteers help victims of domestic violence.

The DVWC, a non-profit organization, now has $250,000, making them the 101st recognized agency in the state, helping women for two years to get their lives back after being abused by partners, according to Executive Director Elaine Whitefeather. She said that what makes the agency different is that 95% of the women staffed are domestic violence survivors. The center, partnered with All Green, held an e-waste fundraiser on Saturday, July 16 at Greenback and Fair Oaks Blvd. right here in Citrus Heights.

“The impact of domestic violence is a life long scar,” Whitehead said. “Healing is about reclaiming the power lost in your moment of pain.”

Woman of many hats Donna VanDolah (marketing, outreach, fundraising and crisis hotline volunteer) said that victims come in all shapes and sizes and that there is no gender preference. Women are housed in Harmony House while male victims are assisted, also.

VanDolah explained that Citrus Heights is centrally located for the center’s headquarters as they cover a 50-mile radius, stretching from the foothills to Yolo County. DVWC receives approximately 125 referrals a month from WEAVE, Sacramento County Sheriffs Department, the Citrus Heights Police Department and area hospitals. VanDolah said that volunteers ride with the CHPD who are trained to respond to domestic violence calls.

Also, Whitehead explained that the CALEMA recognition makes the agency eligible for additional state and federal funding.

A future fundraising event for the DVWC is their Garden of Hope dinner and Hope Awards ceremony at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Oct. 22 and the official ribbon cutting ceremony in Citrus Heights is Sept. 22.

Veteran’s Appreciation Picnic Coming Soon

Source: CH Women’s Club
Posted: 7/20/2011

Long-time Women’s Club member Carol Spiker gets a hug from Jay Neeland, husband of Club President Emily Neeland.

Citrus Heights - The Citrus Heights Women’s Club in collaboration with Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 is busily planning the second annual Veteran’s Appreciation Picnic to honor our city’s active duty servicemen and servicewomen, our Veterans of past conflicts, and their families. The picnic will be held Saturday, July 30 at Rusch Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd. at the Gazebo/Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Citrus Heights active and retired veterans and their families are welcome.

The event is free for veterans and their families and friends. There will be recognition from dignitaries of the City of Citrus Heights, and local veterans groups. All will enjoy a free hot dog and hamburger barbeque, with beans, chips, refreshments, fresh fruit and dessert.

The Citrus Heights Community Band will help to get the day started honoring veterans of each military branch as they play their anthems. Other entertainment will again include local talent Old Time Fiddlers, Assorted Nuts, and the “blue soul with a funk rock twist” sound of Dana Moret-Papastathis and Jim Papastathis from Mr. December Band. Additional veteran musicians and friends are expected to stop by throughout the day to join in the tribute.

Activities for the kids include face painting by the Citrus Heights Ambassadors and Princesses, and balloon animals by Janice. There will be drawings for “Thank you for Coming” door prizes throughout the day.

So important to our veterans, resource tables will include Support for Soldiers – bringing a bit of home to soldiers through care packages, and Four Paws for Vets, providing trained dogs free to qualified vets for their service related needs. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will also be present with information.

Held last year on September 11, the picnic was conceived by several members of the C.H. Women’s Club whose husbands were veterans of earlier conflicts. Being aware that Citrus Height’s Veterans have lacked a ‘home’ of their own for some time where servicemen and servicewomen, especially of the more recent Mid-East conflicts can meet with others who understand their unique needs, the idea of having a picnic to honor and get to know each other and examine the feasibility of this vision was conceived. The City has been supportive of this endeavor from its inception.

In the end, during these past two years, this event is made possible by the committed participation or our community: from our fellow service organizations, local small businesses and larger companies, to the City of Citrus Heights, Chamber of Commerce, and local Veterans. We could not accomplish this important step in getting to know our veterans and continuing to look at the possibility of having a veteran’s hall our veterans can call their own, without them.

Please join us on July 30 to say thank you to our veterans or to allow us to thank you for protecting our freedom here and wherever you are called.

If you or your organization would like to help with this event or if you are a veteran’s resource, please contact Bill Muth with the American Legion at www.chpost637americanlegion.org or (916) 207-5788.

Flowers of the Market

Posted: 7/12/2011

Fresh fruits, vegetables and smiles. Carmichael sisters Jordanne (14), Lauren 17) and Vanessa (18) shopped for fruit and flowers in Carmichael Park. Photo and story by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Carmichael – Carmichael Park’s newest attraction – a farmers market – is gaining popularity as more residents learn about the Sunday shopping opportunity.

Vendors praise a location where the shade of mature redwood trees recently enabled comfortable browsing on a 100-degree Sunday morning. “It’s preferable to some market venues,” said an organic plant grower. “Often, we’re stuck in parking lots, where everyone bakes.”

Beginning in April, the weekly fruit-fest has seen stalls rise at Grant Avenue end of the park. Vending is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clowns, balloon art and live music complete the mobile feast. Most of the produce is organic and Sacramento grown; other merchants bring sun-ripened treats from surrounding counties. Nuts, dried fruit and gourmet sauces are additional offerings. Demonstrations of canning, cooking and gardening are also offered.

Organising this and several other farmers market is BeMoneySmartUSA, a non-profit that provides business education to young people. Director Marie Hall reports seller and shopper participation is growing like organic bean sprouts. “On a good Sunday, between 600 and 1000 people attend,” she says. “We started with 24 vendors and now we have 60. We listen to requests from patrrons. One lady wanted organic eggs, so we found a vendor in Bute County and added those to the market. The egg lady also brings raw sheeps wool for spining into yarn. We’ll have her do a demonstration soon. Spinning a great way to keep you hands busy while watching TV.”

Vending opportunities are still available. To learn about the market and the BemoneysmartUSA organization, call (916) 806-3989.

Water Rescues on the Rise

From The Department of Boating and Waterways
Posted: 7/5/2011

More boaters have died in swift water river accidents in the first six months of 2011 than any other comparable period on record. Knowing what to do in case of a water immersion, understanding the effects of cold water and wearing a life jacket are critical in improving chances of survival.

Sacramento Region – As predicted by the Department of Boating Waterways (DBW), this summer is shaping up to be a dangerous one for water enthusiasts, particularly for rivers. More boaters have died in swift water river accidents in the first six months of 2011 than any other comparable period on record.

With water temperatures being extremely cold, outdoor enthusiasts can become incapacitated in just 10 minutes, to the point that the muscles in their limbs stop working and they will no longer be able to swim or rescue themselves.

“Outdoor enthusiasts in, on and around the water must use caution and be prepared,” stated DBW’s Acting Director Lucia Becerra. “Many rivers will be running faster and higher this 4th of July weekend than in the past years. Water levels in lakes will also be higher, masking underwater hazards that were exposed in previous years.”

The biggest safety concern now is the use of flotation devices such as lightweight rafts which may be designed for swimming pools or calm waters. These flotation devices are dangerous. They can easily lose air or be punctured by debris or tree branches. Use of these types of devices is strongly discouraged during this period of high, swift and cold water conditions.

Knowing what to do in case of a water immersion, understanding the effects of cold water and wearing a life jacket are critical in improving chances of survival. Below are some tips that water enthusiasts should follow to improve their chances of survival:

Know the law

A life jacket must be carried for each person on board a boat.
Every child under 13 must wear a life jacket when on a boat.
Every person on board a personal watercraft (popularly known as jet skis) and any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a life jacket.
All life jackets must be Coast Guard-approved.
It is against the law to operate a boat or water ski with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. You can be arrested even when your BAC is less than 0.08 percent if conditions are deemed to be unsafe.

Plan ahead

Become knowledgeable about local conditions such as currents, rapids, flow levels, weather, and hazards, including low-head dams and unrunnable rapids.
Make sure you have the required equipment on your vessel.
File a float plan. The chances of successfully locating an overdue boat are much greater if rescue agencies have certain facts about the boat trip.
Swift water information and guides for some of California’s rivers are available on DBW’s Web site.

Know the water

The water may look calm on the top, but river currents are usually strong beneath the water’s surface that can carry you away from your safety zone.
Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. An unknown rapid should never be run without first scouting it thoroughly from shore. If in doubt, carry watercraft or cargo over land to avoid river obstacles or hazards.
Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble. Know what to do in case of a water immersion.
Swift water: If you do end up in the river, point your feet downstream. This helps your legs to come in contact with floating debris or rocks first instead of your head. Stay calm and try to make your way to the shore while floating. Be wary of branches in the river. It may be tempting to reach for a branch, but you can become entangled in the branches and drown. Look for a clear place to get to shore.
Calm water: If your boat capsizes and you are in cold water, get as far out of the water as possible by climbing onto any floating object, such a boat’s hull. This may help prevent heat loss from your body, especially if the temperature is warm and the winds are calm. If you cannot get out of the water, keep your head out of the water to limit heat loss. Curl into a ball or huddle with other passengers and restrict movement of arms and legs to further help limit heat loss.
Hypothermia: Hypothermia in the early stages can easily be reversed by vigorously exercising to generate body heat and limiting exposure to further cold. High energy foods and warm liquids also help (no caffeine or alcohol). Except in mild cases, seek medical help as improper rewarming can cause complications or even death.

Parental Supervision

Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention.
Appoint a designated “water watcher”, taking turns with other adults.
Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

For more information on boating and water safety, please visit www.BoatSmarter.com. The Department of Boating and Waterways enhances public access to California’s waterways and promotes on-the-water safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

The Spirit of Americans

Commentary By Bryan Golden
Posted: 6/28/2011

Celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends is the truest way of honoring our independence. Photo courtesy Susan Maxwell Skinner

It’s the Spirit of Americans that makes us the greatest country with the most freedom and prosperity the world has ever known. Human history is characterized by domination and subjugation. From virtually the beginning of mankind, tyrants, monarchs, dictators, and oppressors of all types have been the norm. What is different about Americans? What enables Americans to achieve more than any other people in history?

Before our founding, a country built on freedom had never existed. Americans’ spirit of liberty, combined with a can do attitude, has allowed us to attain more in several hundred years than other cultures have accomplished in thousands. The unprecedented success of America has inspired people around the world to fight for and establish their own independence.

The yearning to be free from oppression is our core. We recognize freedom as a fundamental, unalienable right. Even before our founding, people from other countries flocked here to escape the chains of bondage and repression. In America, we are free to succeed or fail. It’s an individual choice, not the dictate of any ruling class. We are free to take personal responsibility for our lives rather than expecting others to take care of us. It is this freedom to succeed and be the masters of our destiny that is the spirit of Americans.

Our Declaration of Independence affirms that we are all created equally and endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our government is designed to be empowered by us rather than to control us.

Americans define pioneer spirit. Just like the pilgrims, Americans risked everything seeking a better life and opportunity. Those families, who packed all of their belongings into wagons and headed into the American west, personified self-reliance. They carved homesteads, towns, and cities out of the wilderness. They built, created, and invented whatever they needed. They took no handouts and didn’t rely on anyone else to take care of them.

Without persistence, perseverance, and determination, America would never have survived. We have a yearning to succeed. We want a better world for ourselves and for others. The things we accomplish are not easy.

Americans persist in spite of fear. We venture into the unknown where the outcome isn’t guaranteed but dependent on courage. Brave Americans fight for and defend freedom around the globe. The entire world counts on the generosity of Americans. Americans are first on the scene helping others in need with their time, money, and supplies. Wherever disaster and misfortune strike, Americans are there to help.

Americans are known for their innovations. We are responsible for more discoveries and inventions than anyone else. Propelled by the freedom to be rewarded for our efforts, we create products and services in all areas of life that generate the highest standard of living in history. Americans are creative. We figure out how to do things that have never been done before. We don’t believe “it can’t be done.” People everywhere are living better lives because of the spirit of Americans.

Americans are driven. In America, anyone can achieve their dreams. We are free to accomplish anything we want. We don’t have to belong to any group or organization. In America, individual talent and effort is rewarded. We put in whatever energy is needed, for as long as it takes, to get where we want to be. American exceptionalism is rooted in an uncompromising work ethic, combined with the highest standards. Because there are no externally imposed limits on how much an individual can attain, Americans can start from anywhere and achieve anything.

Stand up, speak out, and do your part to care for and protect our great country. You are the spirit of America.

Bryan is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com.

Copyright 2011 Bryan Golden.

California’s Second Oldest Oak Tree Falls in Sacramento Neighborhood

From Mandy Morello
Posted: 6/1/2011

Mother Nature and prolonged rain storms take their toll on the second oldest Oak in California, causing massive damage to two homes. Photo courtesy Mandy Morello.

Sacramento – The unusually wet May caused damage in one Sacramento neighborhood Tuesday afternoon. The damage was not because of flooding, but by causing the second oldest Oak tree in California to fall, damaging two homes, cars and the street itself.

Neighbors and a curious community came out to see the damage caused by this mighty oak. The massive tree, whose one branch spanned the length of two large homes in the American River Parkway neighborhood, fell onto the homeowner and a neighbor’s homes causing severe damage to the structures. Another branch, which grew out over the street, fell with such force that it caused an approximately five foot hole in the pavement.

As the county crews quickly cleared the debris from the roadway, onlookers shared their stories and concerns about such massive trees in their neighborhoods. One onlooker even shared the concerns he had with a similar tree on his property. “They are beautiful trees, but I fear of the possible damage they can cause to property or even a person... my neighborhood has several of these trees, but since these trees are listed as “protected,” it is too hard to maintain. This causes my homeowners insurance to be sky high and I can’t utilize my driveway in case something were to fall.” Another bystander even commented, “ I hope they have excellent insurance that does not use an “Act of God” clause.”

In the words of John Muir, “God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.” Could the extensive protection for some trees, be more to blame than Mother Nature?

Sacramento is the 5th Smoggiest City in Nation

Posted: 6/1/2011

The city of Sacramento is ranked fifth smoggiest city in the nation, according to the American Lung Association’s annual report on air quality, State of the Air 2011. The report shows people in Sacramento continue to breathe dangerous levels of air pollution, despite positive nationwide trends toward cleaner air.

Reflecting the continued problems, this year’s report showed that Sacramento’s air quality stayed at the same level as 2010’s State of the Air report, unlike the majority of American cities most-polluted by ozone (smog) or year-round particle pollution (soot). Sacramento’s best opportunity for progress depends on locally raising awareness of the problem and the continued cleanup of deadly pollution.

The State of the Air 2011 report grades cities and counties based, in part, on the color-coded Air Quality Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help alert the public to daily unhealthy air conditions. The 12th annual release of the Lung Association’s report uses the most recent EPA data collected from 2007 through 2009 from official monitors for ozone and particle pollution, the two most widespread types of air pollution. Counties are graded for ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution levels. The report also uses EPA’s calculations for year-round particle levels.

The pollution problem showed up most in El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter and Yolo counties that all received in “F” for ozone pollution. Ozone is the most widespread air pollutant, created by the reaction of sunlight on emissions from vehicles and other sources. When ozone is inhaled, it irritates the lungs. It can cause immediate health problems and continue days later. Ozone can cause wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks and even premature death.

Despite getting a passing grade for year-round particle pollution, the city of Sacramento was ranked ninth as most polluted by short-term particle pollution which is considered unhealthy by the American Lung Association and other public health groups and medical societies. Particle levels can spike dangerously for hours to weeks on end (short-term) or remain at unhealthy levels on average every day (year-round).

For more information on the 2011 State of the Air report, go to stateoftheair.org.

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org/california.

“Evening of Dreams” Prom Proves A Dream Come True

Posted: 5/18/2011

The highlight of the night was Lizzie having her dream granted. She wanted to be escorted by a firefighter. Photo by Lynette Harper

Sacramento Region – The Evening of Dreams Prom is a red carpet gala in Sacramento serving teens and young adults with disabilities and special needs, complete with formal wear, photographers and dancing. Guests with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other mental and physical challenges danced the evening away with area high school athletes and student leaders.

“Evening of Dreams is an exclusive one of a kind event where students with special needs are served as the kings and queens of prom where they experience their dreams,” said Michelle Purcell, prom founder. “The highlight of the night was Lizzie having her dream granted. She wanted to be escorted by a firefighter.”

Each guest is asked at registration to list their dreams for the evening, and according to event organizers, most are able to be reached.

“Our guests have dreams of walking a red carpet, being crowned queen/king, or attending with a star athlete. Meeting dreams is doable. Some dream of dancing to their favorite Justin Bieber song in a big circle of friends,” said Purcell. Purcell continued, “We were amazed at the area businesses that wanted to help fulfill the dreams.”

Some dreams were easy. One special needs guest dreamed of having a crowd sing happy birthday to him. Others simply wanted a “best friend” for a night.

Evening of Dreams created a prom experience with the ability to provide a variety of special needs. Last year, Travis Fisher, a Ponderosa High School athlete, served as a host. Fisher expressed that hosting at Evening of Dreams was one of the most incredible nights of his life.

“I want my athletes to realize their leadership is valued and needed. I have 10 athletes from my football team hosting a special needs date,” said an excited Casey Taylor of Del Oro High School.

Many teens and young adults face tough times in prom season because they don’t feel a high school prom is feasible. Parents often fear that the environment will be too overwhelming or that their student won’t feel accepted.

“Someday my special needs daughter will want to go to the prom. I want to serve now to assure Evening of Dreams is thriving when she reaches that age,” said Yvonne Thomas, an event volunteer.

More than 300 volunteers work for a year in advance to solidify sponsors, vendors, and help get the word out to the special needs community. This year’s theme was “The yellow brick road (Wizard of Oz).

Evening of Dreams was held Saturday, May 14, 2011, from 6-9pm, at Capital Christian High School’s Performing Arts Center. For more information on this program, contact Michelle Purcell at 916-225-5692 or visit online at www.eveningofdreams.com.

Learn While Having Fun - Fair Exhibits and Activities are Educational

Posted: 5/19/2011

SACRAMENTO, CA. A visit to the Sacramento County Fair is surprisingly educational - both adults and schools kids can learn about science, animals, conservation, culture and more without even trying. In fact the Fair hosts nearly 10,000 children over two days on field trips from schools throughout the county.

While the carnival rides and cotton candy are great fun, Fair visitors love the interactive, people-powered entertainment and colorful educational exhibits. "We are always on the look-out for entertainment that educates," says TJ Plew, CEO. "It makes the Fair a much more valuable experience."

The line-up for the 2011 "Memories and Magic" themed Fair includes learning about farm animals with the Thank A Farmer magic shows or wild animals at the Sea Lion Encounter and the Enchanted Forest. Entertainers bring the young audience aboard in Circus Imagination and local groups demonstrate cultural dances. Science is made entertaining for all ages at the Mad Science shows and the Fun with Physics hands-on exhibit.

The Sacramento County Fair runs May 26-30, at Cal Expo. Admission is always free for kids and seniors, and is only $5 for ages 13 to 62. ValuPasses that include admission and carnival unlimited ride wristbands are available at Sacramento area Walgreens. For more information and an entertainment schedule you can visit www.SacFair.com.

Here are some of the exhibits and activities you won't want to miss!

Sea Lion Encounters. See these awe inspiring, world famous sea lions do incredible leaps into the air and see a demo of how they use the "Critter Cam" to explore depths and areas of the ocean unreachable by humans. During the shows the audience gets an exciting mixture of marine information and demonstrations of breathtaking natural behaviors.

Enchanted Forest - Discover exotic wildlife from jungle creatures to colorful birds, smiling trees and hidden benches as you take a walk through the Enchanted Forest. "Woodland Keepers" will be on hand to guide visitors and interact with animal friends and children, including live animal stories.

Thank a Farmer Magic Show - This friendly magician demonstrates the connection of every day products to farming, and points out that it is not just the food on your plate. For example a baseball is filled with wool from sheep and is covered by cowhide from Holstein milk cows.

Livestock Shows and Exhibits - A visit to the livestock barns gives you the opportunity to visit farm animals up close. The sounds of pigs squealing, cows mooing, and goats bleating give kids a real life experience and the youth raising the animals are experts who can answer questions. Watching the judging may seem confusing, but listen in as the judges explain to the young exhibitors what he or she is looking for in a prime animal. At the end of the Fair, the Junior Livestock Auction allows you to purchase the best quality, locally raised product for your table. Meat can also be donated to charity or purchased by groups.

Wheelbarrow Gardens - Dozens of gardens from vegetables to flowers have been planted by children in classrooms and are a great learning experience as they prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and anxiously wait for the sprouts to appear. They show off their work at the Sacramento County Fair where you can see how small an area you need to grow some of your own food!

Circus Imagination - Kids can join the circus using their imagination with props and costumes that are provided. The Ringmaster guides them through a fantasy adventure and before they know it, they have created their own world - something they can take home with them for many hours of backyard adventures.

Mad Science - Get ready to be mystified by molecules and amazed by atmospheric pressure in this show on the power of pressure. Witness how an ordinary object becomes a hot-air balloon. Zoom across the floor on the Mad Science hovercraft and discover how energy transforms liquid into an exciting chemical reaction. Have you ever seen toilet paper shoot 50 feet into the air?! You'll learn how the Bernoulli Principal demonstrates this amazing experiment!!

Fun with Physics - This hands-on Fair favorite entertains while it educates with Mind Boggler puzzles, electricity, magnets, simple machines and gears, tools of engineering, a construction zone and more. Adults are just as intrigued by the colorful stations as the kids.

“Speed Check” Speed Signs Aim to Slow Down Traffic

From Sergeant Jason Russo
Posted: May 4, 2011

Traffic “speeding by” Wisconsin Drive in Citrus Heights (Photo by Paul V. Scholl).

CHPD Release – Citrus Heights – The City of Citrus Heights is pleased to announce the recent installation of 13 new “Speed Check” automated radar speed signs. The new radar speed signs have the primary purpose of improving safety along major roadways in the City. The “Speed Check” signs were activated on April 12, 2011.

The new “Speed Check” signs use radar to detect the speed of oncoming vehicles. If a vehicle is traveling within 3 MPH of the posted speed, the sign displays the speed continuously and it begins to flash the speed if the vehicle is 4 or 5 MPH over the posted speed. If the approaching vehicle’s speed is more than 5 MPH over the posted speed the sign will display a red, flashing “Slow Down”. The signs have the capability to store traffic speed and volume data, which can be downloaded to assist the City in monitoring traffic patterns and better directing its resources. In keeping with the City’s goal to reduce its “carbon footprint” and keep operating costs down, 9 of the new signs are solar powered.

The installation of the “Speed Check” signs is part of an ongoing collaboration between the City’s General Services Department and Police Department to reduce traffic speeds and improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians along our busy streets through Engineering, Education and Enforcement. Along with community input, the sign locations were chosen to provide maximum benefit on our busiest streets. In addition to the new fixed radar signs; the Citrus Heights Policy Department has a new trailer mounted radar speed sign that can be deployed to any location in the City where speeding is a concern.

For additional information on the radar speed signs, please contact Stuart Hodgkins in the General Services Department at (916) 727-4770 or shodgkins@citrusheights.net. For information about enforcement efforts or placement of the radar speed trailer, please contact Sergeant Jason Russo at (916) 727-5500 or jrusso@citrusheights.net.

DWR Announces Results of Final Snow Survey of 2010-2011Season

Posted: 5/4/2011

SACRAMENTO – Manual and electronic readings today show that California’s near-record snowpack is slowly melting with warming spring weather.

But snowpack water content is still ­­144 percent of the April 1 full season average.

Today's readings will help hydrologists forecast spring and summer snowmelt runoff into rivers and reservoirs. The melting snow supplies approximately one-third of the water used by Californians.

“All indications are that we’re moving toward summer with a good water supply for our farms and cities,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “We must be aware, however, that California can quickly turn from wet to dry, and we can’t afford to forget the lessons of conservation that we learned in the 2007-2009 drought.”

Snowpack water content is measured manually on or near the first of the month from January to May, and in real-time by electronic sensors.

Electronic readings indicate that water content in the northern mountains is ­­­159percent of the April 1 seasonal average. Electronic readings for the central Sierra show 144 percent of the April 1 average. The number for the southern Sierra is 127 percent. The statewide number is 144 percent.

The first of April is normally wnen snowpack water content is at its peak.

California's reservoirs are fed both by rain and snowpack runoff.

A majority of the state's major reservoirs are above normal storage levels for the date. Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project's principal reservoir, is 112 percent of average for the date (93 percent of its 3.5 million acre-foot capacity) Lake Shasta north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project's largest reservoir with a capacity of 4.5 million acre-feet, is at 108 percent of average (94 percent of capacity).

DWR estimates it will be able to deliver 80 percent of requested State Water Project (SWP) water this year.

In 2010, the SWP delivered 50 percent of a requested 4,172,126 acre-feet, up from a record-low initial projection of 5 percent due to lingering effects of the 2007-2009 drought. Deliveries were 60 percent of requests in 2007, 35 percent in 2008, and 40 percent in 2009.

The last 100 percent allocation -- difficult to achieve even in wet years due to pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish -- was in 2006. The SWP delivers water to more than 25 million Californians and nearly one million acres of irrigated farmland.

Statewide snowpack readings from electronic sensors are available on the Internet at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snow/DLYSWEQ

Historic readings from snowpack sensors are posted at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/rpts1/DLYSWEQ

Electronic reservoir level readings may be found at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/resapp/getResGraphsMain.action

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning,and plans for future statewide water needs.

Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.

A Reminder to Drivers and Riders to Share the Road

From Officer Lizz Dutton, Public Information Officer
Posted: 5/4/2011

CHP Release - Sharing is a concept that a person learns at an early age; it’s a concept that can be applied not only to life, but on the highway. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) along with its traffic safety partners are reminding all motorists to safely share the road; it may save a life.

Following several years of increases, in 2009, the most recent year for which finalized data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) is available, the number of people killed and injured in motorcycle-involved collisions dropped. That year in California, 467 people died and 11,488 were injured as a result of a crash involving a motorcycle.

“The drop in overall number of collisions is encouraging, but there is more work to be done,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “All motorists are reminded to be extra alert when on the road to help keep everyone safe.”

One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent.

“Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers,” said Robert Gladden, Vice President of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “In addition to wearing the proper safety gear, especially a helmet that is certified by its manufacturer to meet DOT specifications, riders are encouraged to enroll in a training course.”

The CHP strongly encourages all riders to sign up for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) before beginning to ride. CMSP offers the Basic RiderCourse for beginning motorcyclists and Basic RiderCourses 2 for riders who are interested in improving their skills. CMSP expects to train 65,000 motorcyclists per year and operates more than 120 training sites throughout California. To find a location nearest you, go to http://www.ca-msp.org.

Committed to developing and promoting traffic safety campaigns that help save lives, the CHP uses educational campaigns as an avenue to reach the public with its motorcycle safety message. These campaigns are made possible by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

“Increased awareness by everyone on the road will result in greater safety,” said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. “Through the continued efforts of law enforcement, traffic safety organizations on every level and the public, we can extend this downward trend in collisions statewide.”

Helping the CHP spread the word about motorcycle safety awareness to the motoring public is the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). During May, Caltrans is set to display an important message, statewide on their Changeable Message Signs: Share the Road, Look Twice for Motorcyclists.

“Exercising common sense and courtesy on the road will go a long way in this traffic safety endeavor,” said Commissioner Farrow.

Congressman Denham Responds To CA Gov. Brown Cancelling Plans to Build New $356 Million Condemned Inmate Housing Facility at San Quentin

Posted: 4/28/2011

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Denham (CA-19), today released the following statement in response to California Governor Jerry Brown’s announcement that he is canceling plans to build a new $365 million housing facility for condemned inmates at San Quentin.

"San Quentin Prison is a prime example of how resources have been mismanaged and millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted for numerous years. In the State Senate, I pushed to relocate death row inmates and allow for the land where San Quentin State Prison currently resides to be sold. I am glad to see that Governor Brown has made the right choice to save millions of taxpayer dollars instead of wasting money to expand upon the prison.” – Congressman Jeff Denham

As a former State Senator, Congressman Jeff Denham, has seen first-hand the costs that poor management of public buildings has on a budget. The waste is significant. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, Denham is working to identify unused properties that could be sold to reduce the debt.

Congressman Denham is working on legislation to create a bipartisan civilian BRAC commission to reduce our federal footprint and save taxpayers billions of dollars. The independent process for identifying consolidation, realignment and disposal opportunities for federal agencies would take politics out of the process and identify real savings for taxpayers.

Governor Brown Cancels Plan to Build New $356 Million Condemned Inmate Housing Facility at San Quentin

Posted: 4/28/2011

SACRAMENTO – Acting to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today canceled plans to build new housing for condemned inmates at San Quentin.

“At a time when children, the disabled and seniors face painful cuts to essential programs, the State of California cannot justify a massive expenditure of public dollars for the worst criminals in our state,” said Brown. “California will have to find another way to address the housing needs of condemned inmates. It would be unconscionable to earmark $356 million for a new and improved death row while making severe cuts to education and programs that serve the most vulnerable among us.”

Planning for a new condemned inmate housing facility at San Quentin was initiated in 2003, during the administration of Governor Gray Davis, and was continued by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration. The project was designed to house 1,152 inmates and provide for future growth of California’s condemned population. California currently has fewer than 700 inmates awaiting death sentences.

This project would have added another $356 million to the state’s debt, at an annual cost of $28.5 million in debt service that would have come out of General Fund dollars.

Local Coast Guardsman's spouse named Coast Guard Spouse of the Year

Posted: 4/26/2011

Command Master Chief Petty Officer Terence and Laura Vanderwerf

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A local Coast Guardsmen's spouse was named the Coast Guard's Spouse of the Year and has been nominated for the Military Spouse of the Year Award.

Mrs. Laura Vanderwerf will join four other nominees, from the four other military branches, in Washington D.C. in May, with an opportunity to meet with first lady Michelle Obama. Vanderwerf, a military spouse for 23 years, is married to the 11th Coast Guard District's Command Master Chief Petty Officer Terence Vanderwerf.

"It is an honor having Laura in our Coast Guard family and supporting our district's service members and families," said Admiral Joseph "Pepe" Castillo, commander of the 11th Coast Guard District. "She is a dynamic force and a great advocate for our people; furthermore, we admire her dedication, are proud of her being awarded the Coast Guard's Spouse of the Year and wish her all the best."

Vanderwerf was nominated, in part, because of her continued volunteer efforts as an ombudsman, which she first began in 1994. Since 1994, Vanderwerf has served as an ombudsman for four units including the 17th Coast Guard District. She has had a positive influence on hundreds of people at units in Alaska, Washington and California. During her time in Seattle, Wash., Vanderwerf received the Swivel Shot Award, which is awarded to those who, through their voluntary commitment to the betterment of the world in which we live, enhance and enrich the lives of the Coast Guard family and community.

An ombudsman serves as a link between a Coast Guard command and the families of the command. An ombudsman can assist families with locating resources, communicating information from the command to the families, and addressing concerns of families to the command.

Although currently not an ombudsman in an official capacity in the 11th Coast Guard District, Vanderwerf is still an advocate for the program and supports the current ombudsman every way she can.

"I continue to advocate and support the ombudsman program because it is important to the families who have loved ones serving this country, whether home, deployed at sea or ashore," said Vanderwerf.

"Laura was a crucial part of a team that helped relocate families during Hurricane Katrina in 2005," said Terry Garrison, close friend and fellow ombudsman. "Family members were able to contact Laura and she would assist them with locating temporary housing until they could be reunited with their families."

Following a tragic event that happened Oct. 29, 2009, when Air Station Sacramento's rescue flight CG-1705 crashed and the crew was lost, Vanderwerf was one of the first to offer assistance to the devastated families. She helped provide comfort, support and food for the families struck by the tragedy.

"She has dedicated so much of her personal time to Coast Guard families; personal time that she was more than willing to give up, and yet, despite all of her efforts in mentoring families, she still made time for her role as wife and mother," said Garrison.

"Aside from Laura’s extensive contributions to the ombudsman program, her personality has made her a legend within the ombudsman community," said Garrison. "Laura has an enthusiastic personality. Her quiet willingness to give, share and appreciate has made her one of the most loved ombudsmen! Laura is one of the troopers who has stayed strong from year to year with the ombudsman program; she's seen it all!"

Laura has raised three children--Joshua and Ryan, who are both serving in the U.S. Air Force, and Katy, a college student, who is pursuing a degree in medicine. Vanderwerf is also currently attending college to receive her Bachelor's Degree in dental hygiene.

"Winning this award would leave me humbled and honored," said Vanderwerf. "I don't think I do anything differently or more special than any other ombudsman who support our military branches. There are so many unsung heroes--spouses who work so hard without anyone singing their praises."

Full written interviews with Laura Vanderwerf and the four other nominees representing their respective military branches can be found at http://www.milspouse.com/msoy11-branch-winners.aspx.

RIVER CATS JAI MILLER EARNS PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Posted: 4/26/2011

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento River Cats center fielder Jai Miller was named the Pacific Coast League (PCL) Player of the Week for the week of April 18-24, League officials announced Monday. This marks the first time a River Cats player has won the weekly award this season.

The 26-year-old drove in four home runs through six games as the River Cats went 4-2. Miller totaled four multi-hit games for the week, while knocking in eight runs. In the series against Reno, Miller tallied three doubles, four home runs, seven runs scored and eight RBI, finishing 10-for-17 (.588) against the Aces. Miller currently leads the PCL in slugging percentage (.826) and ranks ninth in batting average (.391). He leads the Cats in home runs (5) and RBI (16).

Miller, from Selma, Alabama, is in his ninth professional season and his second stint with the River Cats. To begin the 2010 season he was claimed off waivers by Oakland and played 10 games with the River Cats before being claimed off waivers by the Royals less than a month later. At the conclusion of the 2010 season, Miller elected free agency and signed a minor league contract with Oakland this past offseason.

Jai Miller, April 18-24 G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI AVG SLG 6 21 7 12 3 0 4 8 .571 1.286

2011 River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, Flex Plans and group outings can be purchased by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). Individual game tickets, starting at $7, are available online and at the Raley Field Ticket Office. For more information about the 2011 River Cats season, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

Design Build: Celebrating 25 years of providing high school students with industry training in Construction.

Posted: 4/26/2011

The Design/Build Program is the premier showcase of high school student’s skills in design project management and construction. Seventeen teams of high school students from fourteen local area high schools compete in a two-day event building 96 square foot structures from scratch.

The students design, prepare the construction documents and build these structures with materials provided by SRBX through its membership. After the competition, the students sell their structures to help fund their school’s future projects or ROP classes.

The structures are judged on design, building construction, safety and teamwork. This program allows students to get a real world experience with teamwork, materials, planning and craftsmanship. Over 20 industry professionals will be on hand to provide encouragement and support for the students as they work to showcase their skills and abilities. For 25 years, the event has supported over 20 local high schools and has brought thousands of students into the construction industry.

“The Design/Build contest is the most real world situation you could provide a student. They show up and there’s a pile of wood on the ground, and in two days you leave with a building. It doesn’t get any more real that that in the world of work.” says Jeff Magill of Sheldon High School.

High Schools participating in the 2011 Design Build include: Cosumnes Oaks, Cordova, Delta, Golden Sierra, Linden, Live Oak, Rio Vista, Luther Burbank, River City, Sheldon, Wheatland, Winters and Woodland.

The Design Build program was started by the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange in 1986. The nationally recognized program provides an outstanding opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand knowledge of the construction industry while providing real work, hands on experience.

Vince Bernacchi of Schetter Electric and Board President for Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange adds, “The Design/Build program is an amazing hands-on experience that allows high school students to learn real job skills in a team environment.”

Design Build, sponsored by the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange, will take place on May 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and May 5th 8:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cosumnes River College. Mr. Terry Street of Roebbelen Contracting, Inc. will give out awards and acknowledge the good work of the students that will be the industries future.

For more information about the Annual Design Build Competition visit: http://sacregionbx.com/designbuild/

State Water Project Allocation Increased to 80 Percent

Posted: 4/20/2011

SACRAMENTO -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today , April 20th, increased the 2011 State Water Project (SWP) water allocation to 80 percent of contractors’ requests, up 30 percent from last year’s final allocation.

“This is very good news,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “Near-record precipitation and water content in our mountain snowpack have given us a good supply year. We should not forget, however, that this state can slip back toward drought conditions any given year and conservation needs to be a lifelong habit.”

This year’s allocation is 3,337,701 acre-feet. In 2010, the State Water Project delivered 2.086,000 acre-feet, 50 percent of a requested 4,172,126 acre-feet, up from a record-low initial projection of 5 percent due to lingering effects of the 2007-2009 drought.

Many local agencies are taking steps to improve their ability to store water during wet periods. This year serves as an example of how enhanced local groundwater and surface water storage could allow for additional deliveries during short term high flow conditions and thereby improve local water supply reliability.

Precipitation to date is over 116 percent of average for the water year (October 1-September 30). Runoff into streams and reservoirs is 165 percent of average.

Statewide, snowpack water content is 167 percent of average for the date and 152 percent of the average, April 1 seasonal total. Most of California’s major reservoirs are above average levels for the date despite making flood control releases to make room for inflow from melting snow this spring and summer.

Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project's principal reservoir with a capacity of 3.5 million acre-feet, is at 109 percent of normal storage for the date. It currently is holding 3,126,941 acre-feet, 88 percent of its capacity. Lake Shasta north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project's largest reservoir with a capacity of 4.5 million acre feet, is at 103 percent of normal storage for the date, also at 88 percent of its capacity.

The State Water Project delivers water to more than 25 million Californians and nearly a million acres of farmland.

Projections of SWP deliveries are adjusted through the winter and early spring as hydrologic conditions develop. DWR is conservative in its projections since farmers and others can suffer if expected amounts cannot be delivered.

DWR's first estimate for 2011 was that it would be able to deliver 25 percent of requests.

SWP deliveries were 60 percent of requests in 2007, 35 percent in 2008, and 40 percent in 2009.

The last 100 percent allocation – difficult to achieve even in wet years because of pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish – was in 2006.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs. Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.

One Unique Mission

By Ryan Mattox
Posted: 4/19/2011

The Western Range Operations Control Center provides command and control of all Vandenberg launches and oversees the Western Range which encompasses the west coast of the continental United States. The 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base serves as a strategic rocket and missile launch site for both unmanned government and commercial satellites. (Photo by Benjamin Faske)

About a hundred miles or so from the glitz of Hollywood and the sights and sounds of Venice beach, Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, lies an area that breaks most stereotypes about California. Amid the rocky surf of the Pacific, serene cow pastures and vineyards standing tall on the hillsides, the son of a Sacramento man is helping manage one of the largest space and missile complexes in the world.

Air Force Senior Airman Chad M. King, son of Michael King of Sacramento, is playing an important part in America’s military space mission at Vandenberg Air Force Base, as a member of the Air Force’s 30th Space Wing. The wing manages the Department of Defense space and missile testing mission, as well as the placement of satellites to polar orbit from the West Coast.

King is an electrical security systems technician with the 80th Security Forces Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

“My office is responsible for all of the electronic security alarm sensors for assets critical to national security,” said King, a 2004 graduate of Bella Vista High School, Fair Oaks.

In addition to King and his unit, the Vandenberg mission also includes the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle mission, dealing with nuclear threats, training students in the missile fields and the growing demand for Global Positioning System coverage.

“I ensure that the security systems guarding high-priority assets remain in good working condition,” said King.

With its unique mission and isolated location, King and his fellow Vandenberg airmen feel they have a lot to offer to the space and missile missions.

“I love having the technical knowledge needed to do this job. I learn many new things every day here. I also love deploying in defense of this country,” said King.M

King has completed more than four years of military service.

Air Force Senior Airman Chad M. King is an electronic security systems technician with the 80th Security Forces Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. King is playing an important part in supporting America’s military space and missile mission from Vandenberg AFB. (Photo by Benjamin Faske)

You won’t find King and the other men and women at Vandenberg strolling down Rodeo Drive or taking a run across Venice beach, but you will find them in the middle of one of the military’s busiest and most important space and missile missions within the Department of Defense, and maybe passing a cow or two along the way.

Victory for Small Business

Congress Passes Form 1099 Repeal
From NFIB
Posted: 4/14/2011

Small business owners can smile and relax at the defeat of the unpopular 1099 mandate. It was time to see it go.

In a win for small businesses, the Senate today (April 5th) passed a bill to repeal the onerous IRS Form 1099 reporting requirement. The same bill was passed in the House earlier in March, and the measure now awaits action by President Obama, who has shown support for repeal. The National Federation of Independent Business led the repeal effort on behalf of over 350,000 member businesses.

“Small businesses have been struggling to come up with a way to account for this burdensome tax reporting mandate, and it has been the top priority of NFIB to see it repealed,” said John Kabateck, NFIB/California Executive Direc-tor. “NFIB and its members are glad to finally see this ill-conceived rule removed from the books by Congress.”

The Senate repeal bill mirrors legislation which passed in the House of Representatives on March 3 to repeal the 1099 tax reporting rule, H.R. 4. Congressman Dan Lungren was instrumental in the bill’s passage last month.

“NFIB thanks Congressman Lungren for bringing this repeal first to the House floor for a vote,” added Kabateck. “No other rule or regulation has been as widely unpopular as the 1099 mandate, and it was past time to see it go.”

The 1099 tax reporting rule was included in the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act last year. Almost immediately after it was put into law, it was criticized by lawmaker from both parties in both chambers of Congress and the White House as being an over-burdensome paperwork mandate placed on small businesses.

It would have required small businesses to file Form 1099 for every business-to-business transaction totaling over $600. The requirement, intended to capture lost tax revenue, would have placed the burdensome requirement on small businesses of not only reporting on their own income, but also the income of their vendors.

NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

Tea Party Patriots Holds Rally April 16th

Posted: 4/14/2011

Last Year's Rally
Photo Credit: David Rowen

Sacramento – Join Tea Party Patriots at Cal Expo Sacramento, on April 16th, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be honoring our veterans and hard-working American people as they come together to celebrate our country’s heritage. They are planning a pre-concert rally with Jeremy Hoop singing the Tea Party Patriot song, Rise Up. This will be followed by a Freedom Riders entrance, a 10-cannon salute, a parachutist falling from the sky with a 30-foot American flag. Many educational and informative displays will be available for the public. There will be a number of special guests speaking on issues concerning our countries future.

Speakers will include; Brent Bozell from Media Research Center and a Fox News Contributor, Congressman Tom McClintock, Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute, Constitutional Scholar, Bill Norton, Mark Meckler, LastCo-founder Tea Party Patriots, Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association, Sam Parades of the California Gun Owners Association, Hugh Hewitt, Radio Talk Show Host and Jack Armstrong, Armstrong & Getty Radio Show.

GAS STILL CLIMBING AS SUMMER APPROACHES

State Average at $4.17 Per Gallon; Up 26 Cents from Last Month, Says AAA
Posted: 4/12/2011

Northern California, April 12, 2011 – Even in the face of eroding demand for gasoline nationwide, all of the metro areas tracked by AAA Northern California have climbed past the $4 per gallon mark for regular, unleaded. California now has the second highest state average gas price among all 50 states.

According to AAA, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers, every Northern California metro area tracked by the organization saw an increase of at least 24 cents at the pump over the past month. The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $4.17, up 26 cents since last month’s report on March 8. For perspective, that’s $1.06 higher than California’s average price on this date last year.

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $4.17, up 27 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $4.22, which is a 26-cent increase. The national average price of $3.79 is up by 27 cents, which is 93 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $2.86.

“Investors continue to be the largest force driving the market price for oil. Instability in the Middle East and North Africa still has them concerned about the world’s supply of crude, which has helped to keep oil prices on the rise,” explained AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “Domestically, weakness in the U.S. dollar has also contributed to rising crude prices. When the dollar weakens, investors, including those holding foreign currencies, are more likely to invest in U.S. commodities, including crude, which pressures the prices upward.”

For the second week in a row, demand for gasoline has dropped across the United States. However, this has not had a huge impact on prices at the pump, given the global nature of the crude oil market. With violence continuing in Libya, as well as concern about unrest in Syria and Yemen, crude oil prices saw sustained upward momentum throughout last week because of investors’ concern over impacts to the world’s supply. Investors are currently betting that oil prices will move higher. This was reflected by a huge jump recently in the amount of money going into crude oil futures. The current rate is about ten times the amount of speculative dollars that were in crude products on exchanges in 2003. This illustrates that speculation is currently one of the primary drivers of crude oil prices.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville, where regular is $4.09. Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka’s average price of $4.34 is the highest. It’s also the highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states. The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Casper, Wyoming, where for the second consecutive month the average price of gas is $3.37. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.76 per gallon.

Why Credit Access is Critical to the Economic Recovery

By Steve Caldeira and Chad Moutray
Posted: 4/12/2011

Most Americans understand that small businesses -- not massive corporations -- generate most new U.S. jobs. And when these enterprises hurt, they likewise lose jobs in similar proportions.

As influential financial analyst Meredith Whitney observed last May, "Small businesses created 64 percent of new jobs over the past 15 years, but they have cut five million jobs since the onset of this credit crisis. Large businesses, by comparison, have shed three million jobs in the past two years."

Like Whitney, the National Small Business Association believes the situation is dire. NSBA's 2010 Year-End Economic Report found that "fully one-third (36 percent) -- which translates into more than 10 million -- of the nation's small businesses are not able to get adequate financing." Consequently, the NSBA added, "small-business owners continue to be financially stymied and unable to grow their business, thereby restricting their ability to create jobs."

The Milken Institute's Managing Economist, Kevin Klowden, on March 21 lamented "the bleakest hiring outlook since early 2008."

While the entire small-business sector gasps for credit -- the oxygen of free enterprise -- the situation is both troubling and promising for franchisees. Essentially, these are small businesses that compose much larger companies.

Consider 7-Eleven. Franchisees run some 5,000 of the company's 6,100 U.S. outlets. They, in turn, are part of a worldwide, 36,000-store network that produced $58.9 billion in sales in 2009.

Small business franchises face many of the same headaches as other small companies, but they also potentially could catalyze job creation and the economic recovery when America needs them most.

From 2001 to 2005, before the Great Recession began, franchised small businesses populated one of America's most rapidly growing sectors. Their direct economic output expanded by more than 40 percent versus only 26 percent for other businesses. In those years, the franchising industry created jobs at more than three times the rate of other non-franchised business segments. All told, more than 825,000 franchise small businesses in 300 different industrial sectors yielded $2.1 trillion (with a T) in direct and indirect economic output. Franchisees also created one of every eight non-farm, private-sector jobs in America.

This solid record shows that, with sufficient access to capital and a stable public-policy and regulatory environment, franchised small business can be a job-creating locomotive that pulls the rest of the economy forward.

But, once again, the recurring problem is a lack of coal to shovel into that mighty engine's boiler. In a recent survey, fully 55 percent of the International Franchise Association's members called themselves "moderately" or "significantly" affected by tight credit. This stunts their growth. While 2011's stronger overall economic outlook encourages franchisors and franchisees, a lingering lack of credit sinks their spirits and smothers a broader recovery.

For their part, lenders have their own cows on the tracks. Banks face sharp declines in the value of their borrowers' collateral. A much more rigid regulatory environment has bankers looking over their shoulders like never before. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has hovered near 10 percent, limiting the income that the jobless otherwise would deposit in banks and lowering their demand for lucrative banking services. Many banks' business customers have watched sales volumes slide, forcing them to live with lower profits, if any.

The Obama Administration, to its credit, recognizes the importance of credit for small firms. Thus, Small Business Administration chief Karen Mills has worked to raise federal guarantees on SBA loans to 90 percent. She has reduced or eliminated fees on such loans and lifted the maximum amount that a business may borrow from $2 million to $5 million. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury has shown a flash of creativity with a new plan to spur state-level lending to small businesses.

To find even more solutions to these problems, the International Franchise Association, in cooperation with the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, the Consumer Bankers Association, the National Restaurant Association, and other leaders from the financial and small business communities recently convened at a Small Business Lending Summit in Washington, D.C.

Participants -- including entrepreneurs, financiers, and regulators -- discussed the establishment of a franchise registry that would streamline loan approvals and provide a pipeline of qualified borrowers, eager to be financed.

All of us - including franchisees, franchisors, lenders, policymakers, and taxpayers - have a stake in igniting the economy by giving entrepreneurs the tools to create jobs and grow. Small business franchising can contribute the missing spark.

Steve Caldeira is the president and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA). Chad Moutray, a former chief economist of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, serves as a senior advisor to the IFA.

From Afghanistan, With Love

Posted: 3/23/2011

Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Averill, senior medic with C Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and a native of Citrus Heights, Calif., writes to his girlfriend in the back of his light armored vehicle in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 11. Averill’s LAV, designated as the company casualty evacuation vehicle, will be his home for the foreseeable future as he and the rest of C Company conduct operations against insurgent narcotics and weapons trafficking near the Pakistan border.
Photo by Sgt. Jeremy Ross.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – At first glance, the back of the light armored vehicle designated as the casualty evacuation vehicle for C Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, is nothing more than a mobile trauma bay on eight wheels. Stretchers sit stacked to one side of the already cramped 6-foot by 7-foot cargo area. Emergency medical supplies are crammed into bags hanging from almost every Frosurface.

There is more here, though – a hot water heater peeks out from behind a bag of combat gauze. A weightlifting kettlebell sits in front of a set of expeditionary tent poles. An assortment of freeze-dried meals poke out of a pack next to rifle cleaning gear. These and other comfort items are here because this closet-sized space is a home of sorts for Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Averill and the rest of the vehicle’s four-man crew.

“It’s small, but it’s what we’ve got,” said Averill, 23, the senior medic for C Company, 3rd LAR Bn., and a native of Citrus Heights, California.

Since arriving in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province in November, 3rd LAR Marines have been doing what LAR Marines do best – rove the open landscape for weeks or months at a time, living out of their vehicles.

One of the few constant comforts in the deployed lives of 3rd LAR’s companies is their vehicles, and the Marines take advantage of any nooks and crannies not taken up by ammo, radios and other gear to create a mix that is part mobile firepower, part mobile home.

“People call us the desert gypsies,” said 1st Sgt. Justin Owens, 37, C Company first sergeant and a Garland, Texas, native.

The LAVs’ maneuverability and rugged suspension make them ideal candidates for interdicting insurgent narcotics and weapons smuggling in the rocky, rolling desert south of the Helmand river valley. It’s a mission the battalion has been pursuing across its 5,500-square mile battle space throughout its deployment.

LAR units are based around four to seven vehicle platoons of LAVs, most of which are manned by two-man crews and contain a section of four to six infantry scouts. The vehicles themselves are stout, eight-wheeled and most boast a 25mm cannon. To Marines they are affectionately known as “pigs”.

“It’s like that Black Sabbath song, ‘War Pigs’,” said Owens. “They’re dirty, they’re nasty, but they’re capable of a lot of destruction.”

Staff Sgt. Garrette Guidry, 29, C Company maintenance chief and a native of Lake Arthur, La., has a different take on the nickname.

“They call them pigs because they’re always dirty as a bunch of pigs,” he reasoned. “We come back (from the field) looking like a bunch of little piggies.”

LAR companies are meant to be independent operators, with the ability to self sustain for weeks, or with occasional fuel and rations resupply, months. The wandering nature of their mission means that the Marines of C Company and other parts of the battalion have spent significant time away from the relative comfort of a forward operating base. That means weeks with no showers, no dining facility and very little contact with home.

While the vehicles’ range means longer trips outside the wire, there is invariably a little extra space for comfort items to make this rugged lifestyle a little less so.

“It’s your home, so you can arrange it how you want,” said Averill, adding the caveat that tactical considerations come first. “I’ve got a lot of personal stuff in here, but obviously my medical supplies are going to take precedence.”

Averill’s most prized possession in his LAV is a fast-heating camp stove, he said.

“There’s nothing better at the end of a long day than a hot meal,” he explained.

Guidry takes that line of thinking to a different level. He makes use of the extra space in his vehicle to carry pots, pans and his family’s secret blend of Cajun seasoning. His uncle owns and operates a Cajun restaurant named “Guidry’s” in Deerport, Texas, and Guidry hopes to open an offshoot after the Marine Corps.

“It’s definitely a morale booster and a camaraderie builder,” he said of his cooking, which typically includes dishes made of soup broth, summer sausage, rice, noodles and other non-perishable, shelf stable items. “Everybody seems to like it.”

When the Marines of C Company aren’t tucking in at the end of a day of interdictions, they’re usually trying to find a way to work out. There are no membership gyms in southern Afghanistan, and fitness is important to the Marines, said Owens.

This leads to some creative thinking. The Marines do pull-ups on suspended tow bars or off the edge of their vehicles. Some crews sacrifice personal space for small sets of weights. Other exercises require no extra equipment.

“In the last month of the deployment you’ll see a lot of people doing sit-ups,” Owens said with a chuckle.

Ultimately, it’s not the niceties that can be squeezed into LAVs that make being with LAR an enjoyable experience, but rather the other Marines and sailors riding in them, said Averill.

“I’ve become brothers with these guys,” he said of the Marines he serves with. “I’ve lived with them, played with them and deployed with them. Pretty much every aspect of my life for the last couple of years has revolved around 3rd LAR.

“I just hope all this doesn’t spoil my love of camping.”

C Company and other elements of 3rd LAR have plenty more open-air lifestyle ahead of them; the battalion raided the insurgent trafficking hub at Bahram Chah on the Pakistan border, March 14-17, and is currently poised to step up its interdiction campaign in the wake of the attack.

There is a Cure for Casie

Posted: 3/23/2011

Casie McIntosh is again battling cancer.

From Judy Savage, Casie’s Mom
Casie’s Website:
www.GiveForward.com/curecasie

Orangevale - Casie’s family and friends are uniting together to raise money to send her out of the country so she can fight her battle with cancer. Casie has been diagnosed for the second time with Rectal Cancer. In order for her to receive the best treatment possible, she will need financial support from her family and friends and the community. With the money raised she will be able to get alternative treatment and increase her chances greatly to prevent future recurrence.

The family & friends of Casie are coming together to spreading the word & raise funds for needed treatment outside of the country. She was originally diagnosed in 2008 with Colorectal Cancer. After 40 treatments of radiation while on chemo, a surgery was followed to remove the tumor area. She then went back on chemo for an extended period of time. The first surgery left behind a temporary ileostomy bag which was removed 6 months later when everything was put back for normal function.

Since then she has been building up her strength and feeling better with each passing month. This last summer proved her genuine defeat as she felt truly back to normal. Her annual colonoscopy, however, told a different story. A small growth was removed as it was believed to be a simple polyp. Once biopsied, cancer cells revealed themselves.

Conventional therapy has been recommended by the doctors here in the U.S., (chemo, surgery.....same as before but the surgery will be far more intrusive along with a lengthy recovery time. It will be physically altering for the rest of her life.

There are many additional reasons for seeking alternative treatment. The T-cell replacement therapy, for example, is produced using a robot instead of steroids and will grow her immune system by 600 fold. These healthy cells will go and immediately kill off the current small patch of existing tumor cells. The treatment is given over a 5 day period, each of which she will feel more energized. This is the way of the future as no surgery is required.

In addition to treatment, she has sought advice from a Holistic Doctor, also an MD and discovered an allergy to wheat gluten. Ironically, this is a leading cause of cancer related to hers. She’s in the testing process now, but has eliminated it from her diet. She juices often, does yoga, and practices an array of other cancer fighting facts. This treatment will help her now and give her immune system what it needs to prevent recurrence in the future.

She will keep the site updated so you can see her progress and what new information she finds. It’s important for her to share what she has come to learn, in hopes of helping the many others that will fight the same battle.

Publisher’s note: So far the family has raised $11,471.00. They need much more. If everyone contributes a dollar or two they believe the goal can be reached. To make your donation to cure Casie go to www.GiveForward.com/curecasie

Metro Fire Announces Leadership Change

Posted: 3/23/2011

Chief Bill Sponable steps down

Sacramento Region – The Sacra-mento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire) announced on March 11th that Fire Chief Bill Sponable is stepping down as Fire Chief after 36 years of service to the District. The announcement was made this morning at Metro Fire headquarters by Chief Sponable, Board of Directors President D’Elman Clark and Board Secretary Matt Kelly.

“The District deeply appreciates Chief Sponable’s long tenure of service to the citizens we serve,” said Directors President D’Elman Clark. “Chief Sponable’s tenure as chief came during a critical time for Metro Fire, as the district has been forced to make difficult cuts in personnel and service to address a significant decline in property tax revenues. His efforts have been instrumental during these difficult economic times to make necessary reductions, including a pending agreement for significant contract concessions from our rank and file firefighters.”

Chief Sponable’s service spans more than three decades. He began as a dispatcher with the Citrus Heights Fire District and worked his way through the ranks to serve as Metro Fire’s CFO and, eventually, the District’s Fire Chief in 2009. As Fire Chief, he oversaw the closure of three fire stations in response to the decline in revenue. In addition, he led efforts to enhance service through the addition of paramedics to engine companies and create long-term budget savings through the replacement of facilities and apparatus.

“My goal coming into this position in 2009 was to put the District on more sound financial footing, even as our revenue base has continued to erode,” said Chief Sponable. “Although I am proud of what we have accomplished in this regard, the process of enacting difficult cuts in personnel costs has been extremely challenging and strained relationships to the point where I believe it is in the District’s best interest that I step down as Fire Chief at this time.”

Per the separation agreement with the Board, Chief Sponable will retire effective April 1. He will consult with District management for a period necessary to ensure a smooth transition. The Fire Chief’s duties will be assumed on an interim basis by Deputy Chief Kurt Henke until the Board determines its process for a permanent replacement.

“District leadership is in agreement that now is the right time to make this transition and look toward the future,” said Board Secretary Matt Kelly. “Although additional challenges lay ahead, Chief Sponable has helped to set us on the right course and we have every confidence that Deputy Chief Henke and staff will serve the Board well in managing the organization and maximizing the service to the communities we serve.”

California Gas Highest in the U.S.

Posted: 3/15/2011

More Pain at the Pump: State Average at $3.91 Per Gallon; Up 50 Cents from Last Month, Says AAA

Sacramento Region – Sky-rocketing price jumps at the pump mean consumers are dealing with gas prices they haven’t seen since 2008, according to the latest report from AAA Northern California, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers. California now has the highest state average gas price among all 50 states.

According to AAA’s report, every Northern California metro area tracked by AAA saw a major, double digit increase at the pump over the past month. The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.91, up 50 cents since last month’s report on February 8. For perspective, that’s 84 cents higher than California’s average price on this date last year.

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.90, up 48 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $3.96, which is a 48-cent increase. The national average price of $3.52 is up by 40 cents, which is 77 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $2.75.

“Largely due to unrest in the Middle East, investors have been willing to speculate that prices will increase further and that they will be able to make a profit on the product they are purchasing today. As a result, oil and gasoline prices have moved significantly higher,” explained AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “Until this uncertainty is removed from the market we can expect both crude oil and gasoline prices to continue to rise in the coming days and weeks.”

There have been recent calls for President Obama to combat high fuel prices by tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The SPR is an emergency stockpile of 726.6 million barrels of crude oil that the United States has on hand to protect the country from petroleum supply interruptions. This has been used twice for emergency situations. The first time was in 1991 at the beginning of Desert Storm and the second time was in 2005, following Hurricane Katrina. While there have been increasing calls for the president to tap the SPR, with the intent to lower the high fuel prices, analysts differ on the impact of such an action. The SPR is a tool designed and suited to address an energy supply interruption. However, the current situation leaves no supply domestic shortage for a SPR drawdown to fill. Recent prices increases have been driven by investor demands, not traditional supply and demand factors.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Modesto, where regular is $3.84. Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka’s average price of $4.06 is the highest. It’s also the highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states. The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Casper, Wyoming, where for the second consecutive month the average price of gas is $3.02. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.13 per gallon.

One way consumers can reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel is to shop aggressively for the lowest price. AAA now offers text alerts via mobile phone for low gas prices in your area. Sign up today at www.aaa.com/gas.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed everyday, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.

Teen Distracted Driving: Nothing to “LOL” About

CHP Release
Posted: 3/15/2011

Distracted drivers can destroy lives. Teens especially should focus on the road and the traffic around them.

Sacramento Region – Everyday activities for teenagers like text messaging, talking on a cell phone or even eating are dangerous, potentially deadly distractions when done behind the wheel of a vehicle. During California Teen Safe Driving Week, March 6 -12, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is warning the state’s newest drivers that distraction can be life changing.

“Teenagers tend to think they’re invincible and can multitask while driving,” said CHP

Commissioner Joe Farrow. “In reality, they’re inexperienced when it comes to driving and they need to recognize the responsibility and the risks associated with the privilege.”

However, it’s not just cell phones causing the distraction among teen drivers; passenger interference, adjusting the radio or changing the CD are additional factors leading to driver inattention.

“Officers see firsthand the destruction caused by inattention,” said Commissioner Farrow. “It only takes a second of distraction to result in a crash.”

During a four-year period (2005–2008) in California, drivers between the ages of 15 to 19 were involved in more than 20,000 collisions where inattention was a factor. Among those crashes, 41 percent resulted in injury or death. The overwhelming majority of these crashes are caused by inexperience or distractions, not “thrill seeking” or deliberate risk taking.

To address this growing problem and help drive home the message to teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving, the CHP acquired a grant to fund an educational campaign throughout the state.

Efforts to reduce distracted driving through Impact Teen Drivers – Connecting Key Players continue through September 30, 2011, and are a part of California’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a statewide roadmap to reduce traffic-related fatalities.

“The bottom line, distracted drivers can destroy lives,” added Commissioner Farrow. “The only message they need to receive is to focus on the road and traffic around them.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS BUCKLE UP AND DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

About The Messenger | Copyright Notice
American River Messenger | Paul V. Scholl, Publisher
7405 Greenback Lane, #129 | Citrus Heights, CA 95610-5603 | Telephone: 916-773-1111 | Fax Line 916-773-2999
Email: publisher@AmericanRiverMessenger.com | Site Designed and Hosted by TheSiteBarn.com
ISSN#: 1948-1969

View PDF files of Back Issues