InSight Now On Mars
Aerojet Rocketdyne Propulsion Delivers to Planet’s Surface
REDMOND, WA (MPG) – Using sophisticated propulsion devices provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne, NASA’s Mars InSight lander successfully touched down on the surface of the red planet Nov. 26.
The final phase of lnSight’s descent was powered by 12 Aerojet Rocketdyne MR-107N 50 lbf engines, providing variable pounds of pulsed thrust throughout its descent, which began firing after the lander jettisoned its parachute and heat shield. The engines maneuvered the craft clear of the falling parachute before bringing it gently to the Martian surface, where it will gather data on the planet’s seismology, rotation and internal temperature.
“We provided propulsion for every phase of this important NASA mission, from launch to landing,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “A mission like this leaves no margin for error and our systems successfully performed their critical roles as expected.”
Mars InSight began its journey May 5 with its launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Aerojet Rocketdyne supplied the RL10C-1 main engine and 12 MR-106 reaction control thrusters for the rocket’s Centaur upper stage, as well as helium pressurization tanks for the vehicle’s first and second stages.
During InSight’s roughly six-month cruise to Mars, four Aerojet Rocketdyne MR-106B thrusters, each generating four pounds of thrust, kept the probe on target via five trajectory correction maneuvers. Meanwhile, four MR-111C thrusters, each generating one pound of thrust, kept the craft stable and pointed in the right direction.
These same thrusters provided the final trajectory and pointing adjustments as the lander approached the Martian atmosphere. Aerojet Rocketdyne also supplied two helium pressurization tanks on the lander.
Mars InSight will study the deep interior of Mars, examining in depth its crust, mantle, and core. Aerojet Rocketdyne engines have flown aboard every successful U.S. Mars mission, including orbiters and landers. Additionally, Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion systems have taken NASA probes to every planet in the solar system and even beyond. The agency’s two Voyager probes, which launched in 1977, are equipped with Aerojet Rocketdyne thrusters. Voyager 1 is in interstellar space, while Voyager 2 is in the heliosheath, the outermost layer of the heliosphere.
Getting Pumped Up
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - A business that began on a Carmichael street corner is now one of Sacramento’s most geographically far-flung enterprises.
Owned by the Marszal family – and with father, daughter and son as executives -- California Retail Management pumps petroleum at 42 stations in four US states. All outlets have convenience stores and the combined operation has a more than 350 employees. It’s an understatement that Ed Marszal has come a long way from the Ohio college graduate who left the Army and sold auto accessories. “I felt I could run a gas station at least as well as some guys I was selling tires to,” he recalls. “In 1981, an old Chevron station on the Marconi and Walnut corner became available. I didn’t plan an empire. I just wanted to make one station work.”
In days of full-service, the boss pumped gas and employed mechanics for repairs. He mopped floors and cultivated a personal touch with customers. When daughter Annie (now Marszal’s development executive) was born, he covered his macho premises with pink ribbons. “That got us in the newspaper and brought new customers,” he says. “People like family businesses. I still have full-service available at all our stations; we make sure someone will always run out to help a customer. We’ll never charge for air or water. Cashiers are the most important people in our company. Being nice is not something you can teach; but friendliness determines whether a customer comes back.
“One day a lady asked me where she could get her car washed. I washed her car myself. My employees watched and learned never to pass up an opportunity to extend service. Yeah, I kept her tip; I earned it. From then, we put carwashes in our stations.” While alert to innovation, Marszal treasures the continuity of old retainers and family. Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Valentina has been his right hand for 34 years. Executive Tim Skovensky has provided what Marszal calls “glue” for company operations for 12 years. Daughter Annie has worked nine years for her dad and son Adam joined his marketing team in 2015. “My kids began as cashiers,” he says. “I wanted them to learn how important that role is. They’ve done their share of cleaning restrooms, too.”
Outside Sacramento, the family now has stations in Maui, Oahu, Nevada and Ohio. 2019 plans include a new El Dorado Hills outlet. The founder and Susan -- his wife of 37 years -- live quietly in Carmichael. Their national operation is run from an anonymous building near Manzanita Avenue.
At HQ, the boss houses an arsenal of vintage petrol pumps, telephones and slot machines. “I found the first of my collection in a Rancho Cordova bar,” he explains. “In the 1950s, every oil company had distinctive pumps and they were works of art. I love seeing them restored and gleaming. They’re relics of an industry dear to my heart.”
In 40 high-octane years Marszal has seen oil companies and retailers come and go. “Many of our competitors lost their focus on service,” considers the survivor. “Over 40 years, service is what constantly opened doors for us to gain more customers.
“The gasoline engine will be around for many more decades. As for gas stations, I believe the strong and the friendly will survive.”
Vehicle vs Bicyclist on September 19
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On September 19, 2018 at approximately 5:20 a.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was dispatched to a call of a traffic collision involving a vehicle versus a bicyclist on Watt Avenue near Whitney Avenue. A 14 year old boy was riding his bicycle on Watt Avenue when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. The driver of that vehicle fled the collision scene.
CHP investigators began a criminal investigation in an attempt to locate the suspect vehicle and identify the responsible driver. With the assistance of witnesses, physical evidence, and information provided to Crime Stoppers, the suspect vehicle, a green 2000 Toyota Sienna, was located. A search warrant was obtained and vehicle was seized as evidence. Through subsequent investigation a person of interest, Edward John Flores (04/02/1968) of North Highlands, was identified as the possible driver involved in this collision.
On November 05, 2018, Flores came to the North Sacramento CHP Area office and spoke with CHP investigators. During the course of their conversation with Flores, investigators developed probable cause and arrested Flores for being the driver of the Toyota at the time of the collision.
Flores was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of felony hit and run and driving with a suspended license.
Any additional information about this news release should be directed to Officer Mike Zerfas who will be available at the CHP North Sacramento Area business phone number: (916) 348-2337, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the Season and Shop Local
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, December 1, the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD), will host the 35th annual Christmas in the Village celebration. The event will feature holiday activities for the whole family.
The festivities will begin at 3:00 PM with a children's craft area at Santa’s Workshop, free pictures with Santa, and various arts and craft vendors. Get into the Christmas spirit by decorating Christmas cookies and entering the Gingerbread House Contest, all while enjoying holiday music throughout the event. Hot beverages will be available at the Hot Chocolate and Cider Booth, and Sacto MoFo Food Trucks will be on site.
The Christmas Parade will start at 4:00 PM and the route will follow Fair Oaks Blvd. Plaza Park will offer excellent views of the parade as well as the Festival of Trees, which will begin at 4:30 PM. Christmas carols and candle lighting in the park at 5:30 PM will be followed by the Christmas tree lighting at 6:00 PM. The evening finishes with an outdoor movie at 7:00 PM.
Katy Coss, FORPD recreation superintendent, said, “I feel the Christmas in the Village event and Tree Lighting is special because it brings the community and partner groups out to celebrate the joy of singing carols, drinking hot cocoa, watching the parade, and waiting anxiously together in the dark for the bright lights to flip on and kick-off such a wonderful holiday season!”
Christmas in the Village is a rain-or-shine event, so bundle up in some cozy sweaters to celebrate the season with your family, friends, and neighbors.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On November 17, 2018, at approximately 5:20 P.M., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received reports of a traffic collision on Winding Way at Rampart Drive. CHP and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and discovered a bicyclist had been struck and killed by a motor vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed a 50 year old man from Carmichael was driving his red Lexus RX 400 eastbound on Winding Way and had entered the intersection at Rampart Drive. At the same time, a 75 year old man from Sacramento had been riding his bicycle southbound on Winding Way from a shopping center when he entered the intersection directly in front of the Lexus. Subsequently, a collision occurred and the impact caused the bicyclist to be ejected from his bicycle onto the roadway surface.
The bicyclist was not utilizing a light while riding during hours of darkness and he was not wearing a helmet. The sobriety of the driver of the Lexus was evaluated and it was determined that drugs and or alcohol were not a factor in this collision.
The cause of this collision is under investigation. Any persons who can provide additional information regarding this collision are requested to contact the North Sacramento Area CHP office.
Any additional information about this news release should be directed to Officer Mike Zerfas who will be available at the CHP North Sacramento Area business phone number: (916) 348-2337, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Annual Wildlife Photo Contest Takes Flight
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - One picture. That’s all it takes to be a winner. Take your mobile or camera outside and give us your best shot of a bird or birds in your backyard, local park or other wild location! It’s easy.
Submit your picture on the Wildlife Care Association Facebook page as a message with photo attachment. Contest is open through December 31, 2018. Entries can be made in two categories- Under 12 years old you can enter FREE! Those over 12 are asked to include a minimum $5.00 donation to WCA on the Facebook donate link for each entry. (Under 18 years old? Ask your parents to help!)
Each photo may be entered once, but individuals may submit more than one. Enter often and donate to help the WCA heroes of nature save thousands of injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife every year. The non-profit wildlife rehabilitation volunteers depend on the community for their support giving wildlife a second chance to live.
The WCA Photo Contest winner will be awarded a special prize including a guided tour of the Dome at McClellan Park, their photo featured in the newsletter, posted at the rescue facility and on Facebook/Instagram as a hero of nature!
Submissions should include your email, the location photo was taken, and your best guess what type of bird this might be. Enter @wildlifecareassociation on Facebook.
One picture will be chosen from submissions to determine a winner. WCA staff reserves the right to select a winner from content and other factors including artistic merit. All photos submitted become the property of WCA for its use in outreach, education and fundraising.
Snap some shots, submit them and let’s see if they fly! For more information call 916-965-WILD
Deputy French Added to Wall of Honor
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPH) - Dozens of uniformed Sacramento Sheriff’s officers last weekend joined families who sacrificed loved ones in service to community or nation.
The gathering saluted Deputy Robert French, who was inducted to the Wall of Honor at Patriots Park. The ceremony added French’s plaque to those of 13 previous honorees. Erected by Carmichael Park District, the monument salutes heroes who fell since the District was established in 1945.
A Los Angeles native, French perished during a criminal incident in August 2017. The 52-year-old father of three fell while protecting fellow officers during a gun fight at the Ramada Inn, Auburn Boulevard. A 21-year Sheriff’s Department veteran, he had worked with Problem Oriented Police in the North Area Division. Speaking at Patriots Park, his daughter Kaylen French praised the dad who raised her and siblings in Arden Arcade. “It’s heartbreaking, but I am very proud and honored to celebrate his life today,” she said.
“We recognize the passage of time does not shield you from the emptiness you feel,” County Supervisor Susan Peters told families of the men whose names are recalled by 14 plaques. “We nevertheless hope Patriots Park is a source of comfort and pride in remembering your loved ones. Whatever uniform they wore, we will be forever grateful for their dedication. The community will never forget their sacrifice.”
Congressman Ami Bera, Sheriff Scott Jones, Carmichael Park District directors were among other dignitaries at Saturday’s memorial.
Patriots Park monument honors the following heroes:
Deputy Robert French, Deputy Danny P. Oliver, CHP Officer Ronald E. Davis, Army Specialist James E. Schlottman, Army Leiutenant Robert S. Byrnes, Airforce Captain Olin E. Gilbert Jnr, Army Sergeant Larry H. Morford, Firefighter Dean W. Rhoades, US Navy pilot Lieutenant J. G. David A Warne, Marine and firefighter Sergeant Brian E. Dunlap, Deputies Kevin P. Blount and Joseph M. Kievernagel, Army Sergeant Ronald L. Coffelt, Army Specialist Raymond N. Spencer Jnr.
Anyone may visit the Wall of Honor. Patriots Park is located at 6825 Palm Avenue, Fair Oaks.