SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is accelerating its efforts to halt illegal street racing and sideshows plaguing the state’s roadways and destroying the lives of innocent victims. To increase awareness about the devastation and destruction caused by this illegal and dangerous driving behavior, the CHP unveiled a new multi-media campaign while standing amid a three-dimensional installation featuring an actual crashed vehicle along Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

The billboard, a striking visual reminder, is just one of the more than 50 displays being erected throughout the state reminding drivers about illegal street racing and sideshows, “Thrills That Kill.”  The public can expect to see the billboard campaign through the summer months in areas of California that have seen a high number of illegal street racing and side show activity. Among the locations:  Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and the Central San Joaquin Valley. 

Illegal sideshows have been occurring at an alarming rate in California, and they continue to get bigger and more dangerous.  In 2021, the CHP responded to more than 7,300 incidents statewide with nearly 123,000 participants. While the number of incidents decreased by approximately 50 percent last year, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to keep California’s communities, and those who use our roads, safe.

“Illegal street racing and sideshows put lives at risk, upset the quality of our neighborhoods, cause damage to private and public property, and in some cases, have resulted in the death of innocent people,” CHP Deputy Commissioner Troy Lukkes said. “Through our ongoing efforts we want to send the message throughout California that this dangerous and illegal activity will not be tolerated.” 

Over a 5-year period, illegal street racing and sideshow activities have resulted in 264 crashes. Of those incidents attributed to this reckless behavior, 30 crashes were fatal, and 124 others resulted injuries.

To combat this trend, the CHP has been working with its public safety partners and community-based organizations throughout the state. Together, we are engaging in a strong education and enforcement campaign with the goal of keeping all who use California’s roadways safe by encouraging others to make good choices behind the wheel.

Funding to support the CHP’s efforts were made possible by the Governor’s approval of a one-time state budget allocation of $5.5 million at the request of California Assemblymember Vince Fong and a former Assemblymember, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper. The funds are being used to support state and local task forces to end dangerous sideshow activities that have become a major problem in communities throughout the state.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Oakmont of Carmichael senior residence celebrated the service of more than 30 professionals during National Nurses Week.

Facility staff includes nurses and caregivers from the Philippines, Fiji, Russia, New Zealand, Mexico and the United States. “It’s like the United Nations, here,” says Executive Director Kathleen Gilbey. “Everyone gets along. The love and compassion they show is an inspiration to us all.”

Four retired nurses number among Oakmont’s population. The veterans are Jeanette Fox, Molly Weber, Zoya Yakubovich and Rosemary Markson.

Resident and staff nurses received plaques that stated: “Nurses are hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget.”

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Two senior heroes will throw support behind a Carmichael blood drive.

Donating for more than 55 years, Sacramento resident Sara Kidwell has pooled a total of 170 pints of her vital fluid. Fair Oaks great-grandfather Dave Bories is a 100-pint donor. The two will volunteer as helpers for a drive at La Sierra Community Center on June 3.

The event has the support of Congregation Beth Shalom, Carmichael Kiwanis, the Vitalant non-profit (formerly Bloodsource) and Carmichael Park District.

“I started giving blood when I was at college,” recalls retired medical technologist Sara Kidwell. “Back then, Red Cross paid you $20 – that was a big deal for an impoverished student. These days you don’t get paid, but the reward is great. There are always disasters, accidents, and urgent needs for blood. It feels good knowing I can help.”

A single pint, notes the type A negative grandmother, has the potential to save three lives. That her accumulated donation might have helped 510 people is gratifying. “It’s such a quick and simple thing to do,” she says. “It’s no more than an hour out of my day every couple of months. Plus, they always give you a cookie.”

Type O negative Dave Bories helps drives through his membership of Congregation Beth Shalom (Carmichael). “For 60 years, I’ve served a major need with only the cost of my time,” says the retired teacher. “For the good it did, the time was well worth it. Though I can no longer give (because of vein problems), I can still volunteer. I check donors in, answer questions – hand out orange juice. Helping with a life-saving event is a great use of anyone’s time.”

Community volunteer Linda Rose Jones spearheads the June 3 drive. “The pandemic ruled out doing a mobile event in our community for three years,” she says. “We’re happy it’s happening again, and we hope for a good turnout. On a national level, blood shortages are urgent. It doesn’t matter if you’ve given before or it’s your first time. Every donor makes a difference.”

A veteran elder care nurse and 26-pint contributor, Jones has organized blood drives for more than 25 years. “I’m part of a team that has collected nearly 1200 life-saving pints,” she says. “I can’t calculate how many lives those donations have saved; it’s gratifying to think that anyone – rich or poor, young or old – can help another human being in such a simple way.”

Jones chose the June 3 date to coincide with a first-Saturday open day at Koobs Nature Area (adjacent to La Sierra Center). “The Koobs event usually attracts 100 or more visitors,” she says. “We hope to recruit donors from that group as well.”

Organizers promise perks such as orange juice, cookies, tee shirts and Baskin Robbins gift cards. In addition, all those who give blood in June will be entered in a draw to win a $10,000 gift card.

“We desperately want donors,” says Jones. “If people aren’t sure if they’re eligible, Vitalant staff can answer questions. Beyond needing to be 17 or older (16 with parental consent), there’s no age limit. Many restrictions have been lifted over the years. People might be pleasantly surprised to learn how welcome their gift can be.”

Walk-ins are seldom turned away but organizers recommend appointments. Donors should be well-hydrated and should eat a good meal prior to giving blood. Photo-ID is required.

For appointments, visit www.donors.vitalant.org. or call Vitalant (877) 258 4825. Volunteers can also contact Linda Rose Jones at (916) 944 2393. The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be at La Sierra Community Center parking lot (5325 Engle Rd) on Saturday, June 3, between 10 am and 2 pm. Final appointments are at 1:45 pm.

CARMICHAEl, CA (MPG) – Well, they did say rain or shine. And, unfortunately, it rained.

Carmichael Elks Club held their annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, May 6^th, as the rain fell just enough to be a car wash.

A few loyal and probably stubborn car enthusiasts showed up with their classic cars and older vehicles, about 20 cars in total, and enjoyed each other’s company and some car talk.

True to form, the breakfast inside the Elks hall was full of tables of hungry attendees, with many also sticking around for a good lunch and the no-host open bar. There’s more than one way to revel in some car talk!

The event did bring with it a DJ playing oldies hits and vendors presenting handmade items. There was also a well-supported raffle of many prizes from Elks members.

Be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s show. Chances are much better now that it will return with 90 degree heat, more hotdogs and many more hot rods.

Your local Elks want to thank all those who came out to support the Annual Classic Car Show. The Carmichael Elks Lodge #2103 is located at 5631 Cypress Avenue in Carmichael.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - More than 450 community members came together to raise $640,000 to help local children succeed in school at United Way California Capital Region’s 100th anniversary gala on April 29. The event held on the eve of the organization’s 100th birthday at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium included dinner, keynote presentation by San Francisco 49er Arik Armstead who cofounded the Armstead Academic Project, fund a need, silent and live auctions, raffle for tickets to Game 7 of the Kings vs. Warriors playoff series the next day, and dollar-for-dollar match courtesy of the Capital Region Foundation.

The local United Way has raised more than $671,000 toward its 100th anniversary goal announced in February to raise $3 million to help 10,000 kids excel in school by 2025.

“This night was the culmination of 100 years of work in this community to end poverty for local families,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We know education is a proven ladder out of poverty, and we know school is square one for reaching families in need. Our 100th anniversary campaign is the launching pad for our next century of work to make sure our community’s children succeed in school and thrive as adults.”

United Way California Capital Region has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality.

The local United Way offers a wide array of programming and services to ensure children and their families have the resources they need to succeed in school and in adulthood. From a regional reading tutoring program and school-readiness services for incoming kindergarteners to an income program for foster youth, guaranteed income for families, free tax preparation services and more, United Way has created a holistic approach that starts in schools.

To make a donation to the 100th anniversary campaign or learn more about United Way’s programs and services: YourLocalUnitedWay.org.