CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Tim's Music Store in Carmichael has broken its own philanthropic record by gathering 670 pounds of food to donate to local food closets.

Established in its Carmichael location two years ago, the instrument sales and repair shop boasts its own recital hall. For the past two years, visitors have been encouraged to bring non-perishable groceries in lieu of admission for clinics and performances. Tim’s staffers also kick in a few dollars a day for snacks in their break room. Their cash adds to an in-house fund to buy more food. In seven months since the 2019 drive began, the food has stacked up. Owner Scott Mandeville’s staff recently delivered the collection – 70 pounds greater than the 2018 yield – to Sunrise Food Bank, a Citrus Heights agency that aids the homeless and families in need.

The store’s stated mission is to promote “wellness in society through music education and performance.” Sales Director Jim Hart feels this vision fits the staff’s humanitarian efforts. “Artists tend to be compassionate people,” he considers. “We’re delighted at the support this food drive has received from the musical community, as well as from our clients and employees.”

Store staffers hope to assemble more food bank donations before the 2019 Christmas holidays. Anyone may assist the effort by taking non-perishable items to Tim’s Music, at 6818-B Fair Oaks Boulevard.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The 44th Carmichael Park summer concert season continues. The John Skinner Band presents a Saturday, August 17 show. In memory of the band’s late leader John Skinner, the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and the Carmichael Park District will dedicate a new tree during the performance.

Larger-than-life community figure Skinner died two years ago. He played his final solo – one week before his death – in Carmichael Park. A new oak tree will grow near the spot. “John was an oak to the music business and to our community,” said his widow, singer Susan Skinner. “This memorial will enhance the park and provide shade for many future concert-goers. John helped sponsor our summer music. He and our band also performed more than 50 concerts here over the years. He really cared about his audiences and loved to see them enjoying music and dancing. I know he’d be honored by this tribute.”

To cater to fans of all ages, the Skinner Band will present an August 17 program that ranges from classic rock to swing and Latin numbers. Instrumentation will include trumpet, sax, trombone, bass, keyboard, guitar and drums. Susan Skinner is the featured vocalist. For information, call (916) 483-7826.

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The summer heat is here and that means it is even hotter inside the car. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is asking drivers to not leave children in hot cars and check the back seat before you get out of the car.

Tragically, 52 children died last year after being left alone in a hot car, a 21% increase from 2017 and the highest number in more than 20 years. Since 1998, more than 800 children have died from vehicular heatstroke.

“Cars are well insulated and rise in temperature quickly,” OTS Acting Director Randy Weissman said. “Too many senseless tragedies have taken place because parents or caregivers either forgot, thought it would be okay to leave a child in the car, or gave a child easy access to get inside.”

The temperature inside of a car can rise nearly 20 degrees in only 10 minutes. Even when it is only 70 degrees outside, the car temperature can reach triple digits in half an hour. A children’s body temperature can rise five times faster than an adult, leaving children prone to heatstroke quicker.

Common signs of heatstroke include red, hot and moist or dry skin, lack of sweat, dizziness, nausea, confusion, as well as being grouchy or acting strangely.

The OTS encourages parents and caregivers to take extra precautions to make sure a child is not left or forgotten in the back seat:

Never leave a child alone in a car, even if you are running a quick errand, the child is sleeping or doesn’t want to get out; Make it a habit to look in the back seat before you leave the car. Keep a stuffed animal, purse, phone or wallet next to the car seat as a reminder; Check in with a spouse, child care staff or caregiver when there is a change in schedules to verify the child was picked up or dropped off; Always lock your vehicle and keep the keys out of reach. Teach your child that a car is not a play area.

Heatstroke prevention also applies to pets, who face the same risks for heatstroke when left in a hot car. Keep your pets safe by leaving them at home unless you need them with you.

If you see a child or pet alone in a hot vehicle:

Make sure the child or pet is okay and responsive. If not, call 911; Try to find the parents or pet owner. Notify security or use a business or shopping center’s PA system to alert the car owner.

The OTS administers funding for traffic safety programs statewide with the goal of reducing crashes that result in deaths, injuries, and economic losses. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A code-violating landlord's plea deal has enabled scholarships for Carmichael children. Landlord Cameron Kambiz Razavi has served jail time, was ordered to do community service, to clean up his apartment complexes and pay $15,000 to the District Attorney's Safety and Community Improvement Fund. Penalties were enforced for his permitting sub-standard dwelling rentals, and for his allowing rubbish to accumulate at Twin Gardens Apartments on Fair Oaks Boulevard.

Sacramento DA Anne Marie Schubert last week presented $11,000 of the plea deal sum to the Carmichael Parks Foundation. The money will fund recreational opportunities for local youth. Schubert’s handover was applauded by County and DA staff, Sheriff's deputies and code enforcement officers who helped prosecute the 2016 case. “The DA's office is not in the business of giving money away,” said Schubert. “But we learned from this case that it takes a whole community to make a community healthier and safer. This money reinvests in good work being done for this district. Kids are the future of this community. Youth scholarships will change lives.”

Supervisor Susan Peters said the muscle of Schubert’s office assisted code enforcement. “Some people ignore a letter from the county,” she explained. “But when they see the seal of the DA’s office, envelopes get opened.” It was easy to decide where Razavi’s plea agreement money should go, she continued. “Carmichael Park District has grown to embrace the community. It sets a good example for other districts.”

Park Foundation president Sharon Ruffner accepted with elation. “This is huge for us”, she said. “We subsidize 50 percent of our scholarships and this check covers our budget for half a year. Families who've been living in sub-standard housing suffered from the crime. With these programs, we can give back to them.”

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - On August 6, at approximately 11:30 a.m., two shots were fired in the Aegis of Carmichael Assisted Living home for seniors. The staff at the facility requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Department. According to a preliminary report by Sargeant Tess Deterding, a man and a woman over the age of 60 were found at the site along with a firearm.

Although they were married, the man was on a visit, while the woman actually lived in the senior facility. “One of them appears to have a self-inflicted wound, while the other did not,” said Deterding. The officer said in Tuesday’s press meeting that the incident may have been due to a dementia condition.

“The Crime Scene Investigation has not actually begun yet,” said Deterding, “but this seems to be the first crime of its kind to have happened in an elderly home.”

The married couple was pronounced deceased on site and there is no outstanding suspect. Their names are not being released to the public until their families are notified first.