SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Did you know that household leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in the United States? That’s enough water to take 24 billion baths or fill up 40 million swimming pools!
That little drip from the kitchen faucet might not seem like much, but it can add up to a lot of water wasted. A faucet leaking just 10 drips per minute can waste up to 526 gallons of water a year. And a toilet that is constantly running can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. In fact, the average American household loses 10,000 gallons a year to leaks – more than enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool.
So get ready to be a leak detective and discover the hidden leaks in your home. Here's what you need to do:
- Examine your water bill for clues. If you see an unusual spike in your water usage from one month to next, it’s likely you have a leak.
- Check all your faucets and showerheads for leaks and loose connections.
- Look under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for pools of water and rusty pipes.
- Patrol your yard and be on the look out for soggy spots.
- Open toilet tank and check the water level it should be ½” to 1” below the over-fill tube. If it is higher, then adjust the float arm to lower the water level. If that is okay, add some drops of food coloring or a toilet dye tab to the tank of your toilet. If the colored water appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, you have a leak in the toilet flapper.
- If you want some help in sleuthing out leaks, set up a Water Wise House Call. One of Sacramento Suburban Water District’s water conservation professionals will do a complete survey of your home and recommend other ways you can use water efficiently.
And if you are replacing old fixtures or decide to upgrade your toilet, washing machine or dishwasher, make sure to look for a WaterSense- labeled one. SSWD has rebates available to help pay for the cost of some of these upgrades.
SSWD’s Leak Detection Team
Each year, SSWD surveys 60 miles of our water system for leaks with the latest acoustic leak detection technology. These devices can “listen” for vibrations from large or small leaks by placing a microphone against a copper service line, fire hydrant or valve. Once the location of the leak is determined, our team gets to work replacing the line or repairing the break.
If you think you see a sign of a leak in your area, such as water bubbling up out of the street or sidewalk, please contact the SSWD administrative office at 916.972.7171 to let us know, and we’ll have a team out there right away to investigate.
Open Houses Provide First-Hand Look at Opportunities for Low Volt Technicians
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc., (WECA), a California-based trade association supporting the electrical and low voltage industries, is holding a Low Voltage Apprenticeship Training Open House on March 20, 2018, at their WECA headquarters in Rancho Cordova, and on March 21, 2018, at their San Diego Training Facility, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at each location.
California needs skilled workers. Trades industry learning and networking events have never been more crucial than now, when jobs are going unfilled. With every five workers leaving the trades, only one replacement is supplied by Apprenticeship programs. The demand for low voltage technicians, in particular, is at an all-time high.
WECA is addressing this set of circumstances by offering a unique opportunity for prospective apprentices to learn about the industry first-hand, through two Open House events this month. Prospective apprentices can meet instructors, tour the learning labs, participate in hands-on demonstrations simulating scenarios found in the field, and ask questions in an open forum. The day will culminate with an application session when interested candidates may apply to the Apprenticeship program immediately. Qualified applicants may quickly find themselves placed with a sponsoring low voltage contractor, well on their way to a lucrative career as they enjoy paid on-the-job training.
WECA’s well-regarded, federal and state-approved Apprenticeship programs offer industry contractors vetted and educated apprentices who are adept in not only navigating the Code, but also experienced with real-industry scenarios, via WECA’s extensive hands-on labs.
Upon graduation, apprentices already have substantial experience in low voltage specialty fields like Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety, and many stay on with the same companies who trained and developed them on the job, during their apprenticeship.
REGISTRATION. Pre-registration for this event is encouraged.
Northern California Open House
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norcal-weca-low-voltage-open-house-tickets-43901615915
Southern California Open House
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socal-weca-low-voltage-open-house-tickets-43943975614
Jeff Sessions Addresses Illegal Immigration; Protests Take Place
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions addressed immigration and California sanctuary laws downtown Sacramento on Wednesday morning, speaking at the annual meeting of the California Peace Officers Association held at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
Sessions informed those in attendance that the Justice Department sued the state of California because state laws are preventing federal immigration agents from doing their jobs and putting their lives at risk, but the state’s leaders believe otherwise and continue to deny any wrongdoing.
Last month, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaff warned residents of a federal immigration agent raid, allowing more than 800 criminals to avoid arrest. This drew harsh criticism from both Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the White House.
“So here’s my message for Mayor Schaaf: How dare you. How dare you needlessly endanger the lives of our law enforcement officers to promote a radical open borders agenda,” Sessions said on Wednesday. He also questioned Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom for “bragging about the obstruction of law enforcement,” calling it an “embarrassment for the great state of California.”
Governor Jerry Brown thumbed out a tweet stating, “Jeff, these political stunts may be the norm in Washington, but they don’t work here. SAD!!!”
Dozens of protestors blocked traffic outside of the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and the Golden 1 Center, holding signs and chanting in opposition of Sessions and the White House.
Veterans' Stand Down Calls for Donations
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - If you’ve vowed to serve local area veterans in some way but have not figured out how, the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Recourse Team (HART), in partnership with HART of Carmichael are going to make that vow very easy for you to hold to.
The nonprofit organizations are calling for donations, volunteers and event sponsorships for the annual Veterans Stand Down, set for Tuesday, April 3 at Holy Family Church.
The Stand Down, says HART board member Darlene Lyons, founder and owner of EZ Events in Auburn, is focused 100% on delivering food, clothing and other necessities to veterans in need, as well as their families, and, even their pets.
The original Stand Down concept is inextricably linked to veterans. Its origins, says Lyons, are tied to the services and support offered to enlisted soldiers returning to their infantry camps after combat during the Vietnam War. Secure “base camps” were set up where troops were offered access to personal hygiene products, medical and dental services, mail pick up, and a quiet, safe respite from combat where they could spend a day or so recovering from the trauma of font-line battle and reenergize their spirits, as well as their health.
The Citrus Heights model is held annually for veterans to check in with local service providers and obtain critical VA services, obtain food, clothing and donated hygiene products and enjoy meals prepared by volunteer organizations—all under one roof.
“That’s the key to this event,” said Lyons. “We make it possible for our veterans to come in to a one-stop location for a wide range of support services, enjoy a great breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus, have lunch and snacks, obtain referrals for critical services and replenish toiletry supplies, get clothing and socks and much more.”
The Way Ministries of Citrus Heights will be cooking lunch for all attendees, while the Retired Marines will oversee traffic and security for the Stand Down, Lyons said.
HART was formed to support the local homeless population with a centralized support network of services. But, says Lyons, it was revealed that among that contingency was a growing number of veterans who were struggling with figuring out the often complicated process to accessing VA services and benefit programs, not to mention they needed food, clothing and other essentials.
“We started out of course by forming the HART team to deal with homeless needs, but when we got more deeply involved in the community, we found out that there was a growing number of veterans among that group and we felt we had to do more,” Lyons said.
The Stand Down, which is expected to serve some 200 veterans and accompanying family members, goes well beyond delivering the basics. Through the help of donations and support from community and corporate sponsors, the Stand Down will also offer veterans access to employment counseling, CalVet Benefit referrals, medical, vision and dental services, flu shots, eyeglasses, pet care, including microchipping, nail clipping and more, and even haircuts and supplies to keep healthy.
Many homeless and housed veterans alike are struggling with substance abuse. For them, representatives from treatment facilities will be on hand to connect them with appropriate recover services if they want them. If someone needs to renew their driver’s license or obtain a bus pass, there will be help on hand for that, too. There will even be representative providing legal aid support to veterans who have legal issues to sort out but need help getting started.
“Essentially this is a day for veterans to join under one roof to get the help they need to live lives of dignity,” said Lyons. “We have amazing volunteers, but we always need more of them. And, we have wonderful community and corporate sponsors who support this event, as well.
Current corporate sponsors include Target, Quick Quack Car Wash, Dignity Health, Chase Bank and Stones Gambling Hall. The Stand Down is also supported by a vast number of local organizations including Sunrise Marketplace, Inc., the Auburn Boulevard Business Association, Sylvan Ranch Community Garden, Sunrise Food Ministry and Francis House, and through key partnerships with the Citrus Heights Police Department and Sacramento elected officials, among others.
Socks, boots, T-shirts, warm jackets, shampoo, toothpaste, backpacks and pet food are at the top of the list of items needed for the veterans, said Lyons. Volunteers are needed, as well, to help sort through donations and serve food.
“It takes an army,” said Lyons. “We need supporters and volunteers to help us make this day of service for our veterans a successful one.”
Lyons said shuttle service to and from the Stand Down will also be available for those who do not have transportation.
A Final Tribute Honoring a Special Lady During Women’s History Month
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Women’s History Month celebrates the vital role of women in American history. The vibrancy and legacy of women past and present unifies and nourishes our collective whole as we march onward towards fundamental human equality.
Lieutenant Lynn Balmer, born September 12, 1907, on the family homestead in Plumas, California, saw history unfold before her eyes and created a bit of history herself. On her 108th birthday, she was recognized by American Legion Post 709, Rancho Cordova, California, as the oldest living female member of the American Legion.
However, now this special lady has been called to Post Everlasting. Lynn Balmer died peacefully at her home at Country Village in Chico, California, on December 9, 2017, at the vintage age of 110.
She was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 709, Rancho Cordova, California, where her nephew, Sgt. Ken Hicks, U.S. Air force veteran, was Historian. He is currently an active member of Post 709.
She was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 637, Citrus Heights, California.
After WWII started, Lynn Balmer joined the military, “to free a man for active duty.” She served in the U.S. Coast Guard and achieved the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade) LTJG. Lt. Balmer secured a top secret clearance and worked in Military Intelligence. Using her keen mathematical abilities, she read and interpreted weather maps and charts and used Morse code to help ships navigate through dangerous waters and adverse weather conditions between the United States and England.
Prior to her military service, Lt. Balmer was an elementary school teacher, teaching her first class in 1927. She later taught mathematics to high school students. In 1943, her passion for teaching and love for her students, (having no children, she treated each and every child as her own) gave way to her patriotism and love of country when she enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard.
Yes, Lt. Balmer entered two noble professions and gave of her immense talents whole heartedly.
Between the years of 1946 and 1967 she attended the University of Washington part time, taught mathematics to junior high school students, volunteered at a children’s orthopedic hospital, and was a professional skater to boot. She retired and moved to Chico, California in the late 1990s with her husband, Charles.
Lynn Balmer’s passion for life lives on. She told stories about living through World War 1, living through the nationwide flu epidemic in 1918 by wearing bags of asafetida around her neck to school, living through the Great Depression, and when there were shortages of grain and sugar, feeling very lucky that her father had bees so their family of nine children had honey.
Her nephew, Sgt. Hicks, and her extended family and friends continue to carry on Lt. Balmer’s storytelling to the delight of young and old alike.
The Women’s Suffrage movement was going strong in her childhood and when Lynn was 18 years old, she recalled that her mother got to vote for the first time in her life during the 1920 election. When Lynn became of legal age, she, too, proudly exercised her right to vote and encouraged all women, young and old, to exercise their hard-earned right to vote.
Lt. Balmer died at 110 years old leaving a personal legacy of a life well lived. She did not let life pass her by. Her deep love of country and patriotism ignited her commitment to help protect our democracy and way of life. That love still flourishes in the lives she touched personally and by the sheer power of her being.
She had richness of character, strength, gentleness, and a pioneer spirit exemplifying qualities of our American Legion veterans.
During Women’s History Month, it is only fitting we pay special tribute to Lt. Balmer and reflect upon and celebrate the lives of famous women pioneers and leaders in our history, as well as celebrate the unsung women heroes of our daily lives.
ARTICLE written by: Sheila LaPolla Historian, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 383, Fair Oaks, California and Historian, American Legion Riders Chapter 383, Fair Oaks, California
Membership #301190393
(916) 715-3046
FreeFall Stage Performance Delivers Laughs, Awareness
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – What do a classic, British comedic farce about mistaken identity, an old aunt from Brazil and human trafficking all have to do with one another?
Well, everything, if you are among the cast and crew members of FreeFall Stage, which is preparing for, among other productions and events, an 11-day run of Brandon Thomas’s “Charley’s Aunt” at the EPIC Bible College in Carmichael beginning March 1.
To begin with, the play: “Charley’s Aunt,” kicks off the FreeFall’s 2018 season. The play was originally performed in three acts and reportedly broke historic performance records (1,466) for plays of all genres upon its debut run at London’s Theatre Royal in February of 1892. It promises to deliver everything you ever needed or wanted in a comedic play: love, laughs and lies, fake accents and impostors--all delivered with good intentions. No one gets hurt.
The play is one of six full-time productions on the FreeFall agenda for the season. FreeFall got its start in Folsom in 2002 as T.H.E. (Talented Home Educated) Actors Workshop. Initially, it began by offering theatrical training to high school students. By 2012, productions were added and the name was changed and public performances were added to the mix.
Today, FreeFall Stage is Folsom’s longest-running community theatre. It is thriving even without a permanent home. The lease on its original space at the Sutter Street Theatre was up in 2015, so the company has been producing nomadically at various locations around the Sacramento County area since.
FreeFall, says House and Stage Manager, Emma Eldridge, daughter of FreeFall Stage Founder, Dee Dee Eldridge, would like to find another home in Folsom, but is keeping its options open.
“We are in search of a permanent space right now and ultimately our own performance center in Folsom,” said Eldridge, who will play Miss Amy Spettigue in “Charley’s Aunt.” This is where we originally set down roots and we’d like to stay in Folsom if possible.”
The company, says Eldridge, typically produces what she calls “family friendly” plays. But it also has been quietly building a name for itself for diving into darker social justice issues, specifically human trafficking, which it did with an 18-show run in Folsom in 2014 of Andrew Kooman’s play, “She Has a Name.” There is also a film version. Both explore the dark underworld of human sex trafficking in Thailand.
“We are known for being family friendly, yet at the same time we like doing shows that have a message,” said Eldridge. “We were the first to produce and perform that play and then we toured it around Sacramento and Northern California until 2016.”
In October, FreeFall will once again take a dive into the issue of human sex trafficking. FreeFall company staff have been meeting with and interviewing actual human trafficking victims, getting their stories down and preparing to produce those stories in a series of monologues.
“We will be producing original stories from survivors, men and women, and the intent is to raise awareness of this issue and keep the stories alive so that no one forgets how serious this is,” said Eldridge. “It is an important subject and we are excited to be working on this next project. It is very different from our typical productions because it will be a collection of monologues, so it is very special.”
FreeFall, which is a non-profit running on donations, ticket sales and other forms of support, has partnered with some of the area’s leading anti-trafficking entities, including 3Strands Global, Blue Heart International and Courage Worldwide.
The company currently has about six board members and seven on staff, with various numbers of actors, depending on the performance. Currently, there are 10 actors preparing for the March 1 run of “Charley’s Aunt,” which Eldridge says has been in the works for some time.
“We love this play,” said Eldridge. “It’s not a well-known play, but it is action-packed and very funny. Those of us who are in it are still laughing after rehearsals. We looked at doing it last year but it didn’t work out. We try to offer a good balance of themes and we haven’t done a farce in a while. I think it’s a good way to start out our season.”
FreeFall’s annual gala is also coming up. Set for April 21, the “April in Paris” themed event will benefit the company’s productions, rental fees for spaces until it finds another permanent home, as well as classes for students, which are still offered.
Coaching Gifting Students; Taking Bow After Bow
Nice Work, If you Can Get It - And Mr. S Has Shown Them How!
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - With apologies to George Gershwin, the above sums up the long career of educator Ed (“Mr. S”) Santillanes (65), who will bow out as El Camino High School drama coach in June. After directing 16 shows, his retirement will follow a farewell production of “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” The musical comedy opens March 1 and runs until March 10 at the school.
Santillanes’ swan song is also the final show to be presented in El Camino’s “cafetorium.” Though divas Jessica Chastain and Kate Levering began brilliant careers hoofing around its makeshift stage, better things lie ahead. From next year, school productions will rejoice in an $11 million arts center. The coach’s exit might seem like poor timing, but he voices no regrets. “I’ve loved working with my drama students,” he says. “Their enthusiasm is inspiring, and we’ve had a good run together. The new center will be great for them but I’m ready to retire.”
Staging “Nice Work” -- with a cast of 22 plus orchestra and 15 production staffers -- guarantees stress. “As an actor and director, I am used to what you must give up,” he says. “But students have all kinds of pressures -- homework, family obligations -- it’s hard to keep them all together. Keeping them off their cell phones at rehearsals is the hardest part. The choreographer and I are used to high anxiety.”
Santillanes began acting at Hollywood High School in his own teen years. Drama was his forte and -- while later teaching at Bella Vista High (Fair Oaks) and Winston Churchill Middle School (Carmichael) -- he moonlighted in Shakespearian productions. He joined El Camino High’s faculty 27 years ago, teaching English and running school radio and TV programs. Six years ago, he took over the drama gig and directed such plays as Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap” and Noel Coward’s “Blythe Spirit.” His musicals have included “Kiss Me Kate,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Sound of Music.”
As a final effort, “Nice Work” produces unique challenges. A recovering alcoholic and 27-years sober, Mr. S had to coach leading man Adam Severeid to act tipsy in the title number. “It’s hard to direct a teenager to seem drunk,” he admits. “They haven’t the experience -- or if they have, they don’t want to admit it. In this case, I told Adam to watch Fred Astaire’s famous drunken dance with Marjorie Reynolds in ‘Holiday Inn.’ If there’s any such thing as a graceful drunk, Astaire was it.”
Another challenge was finding circa 1930s costumes. While the school prop box contained tuxes and gowns, they were more disco than Prohibition. “Out of the blue, a lovely Carmichael lady offered her late husband’s tuxes,” says the director. “He was a bandleader and kept dozens of dinner jackets. She also donated her own evening gowns for the girls. The cast was thrilled to look so authentic and elegant.”
A free-standing tub for a bathroom scene posed another prop dilemma. “In the end,” confides Santillanes, “we painted a horse trough white. We stuck it on casters, so it can roll round. It’s not quite what we wanted but it works.” Such a prop segues neatly to the director’s next step: retirement. Santillanes owns horses and a Fair Oaks horse property. On his bucket-list is riding in a cattle drive near the Nevada border this year.
Coaxing equines after coaching teenagers seems a quantum leap. “Like teenagers, horses can be temperamental,” considers the thespian/equestrian. “But they don’t talk back. And in the stables, you don’t have to contend with cell phones.”
To purchase tickets for “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” visit El Camino High Schools Facebook page or call (916) 971-7453.