Local Public Safety Workers and Veterans Honored at Stones Casino
There was a large police presence at Sammy’s Restaurant inside of Stones Casino in Citrus Heights on December 7, 2016, as local police, fire and members of the veteran’s community were present to be honored at Stones first Public Safety Appreciation event.
Kermit Schayltz, part owner of the casino addressed attendees, recognizing those being honored for doing what they do, and thanking members of the community for their show of support.
In an interview, Schayltz said his partners, Ryan Stone, Rod Stone and Masis Kevorkian, “suggested we put this on to show our support for law enforcement, fire and veterans, especially at this time in our country when that type of support is limited.”
All levels of government were present to show appreciation for their public safety workers and military. Members of the Citrus Heights city council were present along with Police Chief Ron Lawrence, City Manager Christopher Boyd, and Michael Ziegler representing Assemblymember Jim Cooper.
In addition to the many members of the police department being honored, were fire fighters with Metro Station 23 in Citrus Heights, and Commander Paul Reyes of American Legion Post 637 and his members.
Also present was Kevin Schayltz casino operations manager, ensuring the event ran smoothly, just as he does on a daily basis.
Senator Gaines Introduces Bill to Help Vets in Repayment Fed Fiasco
Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) introduced legislation on December 5th that will help California National Guard veterans caught in the bonus repayment fiasco get financial justice from the federal government.
“I’m not going to sit back and see these veterans victimized,” said Senator Gaines. “The state needs to step up and make sure they get every benefit they ever earned and the respect they deserve for fighting for our freedom.”
Senate Bill 14 will refund taxes paid by these veterans during the confusion of the veterans’ bonus repayment scandal. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that more than 10,000 Guard members have been ordered to repay enlistment bonuses they received as a condition for enlisting or reenlisting in the Guard during the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, when the nation was desperate for combat soldiers to carry out its missions.
These soldiers deployed in combat roles and risked their lives in service to freedom and their fellow Americans. Now, due to incompetence and mismanagement in the enlistment bonus program, the Department of Defense (DoD) is demanding repayment from these soldiers a decade after the fact.
Although the DoD has temporarily put a halt to recovery efforts while the issue is being more fully investigated, some service members have already paid back some or all of their bonuses. Many paid taxes on the bonuses years ago and now, because of a three-year time limit on refiling state taxes, they are unable to get back the taxes they paid on the money they ultimately did not receive.
“I’ll smash every bit of bureaucracy that stands in the way of justice. I want these soldiers to get the money they deserve, and I won’t see them pay taxes on phantom income that is being taken away from them through no fault of their own,” said Senator Gaines.
Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District.
The True Holiday Spirit
Among other things, the holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts. The question most often asked of people is, "what did you get?" Much less frequently asked is, "what did you give?" Invariably, the inquiries concern material gifts. Purchasing a gift can certainly be thoughtful and a wonderful gesture, especially when it’s backed up by your actions.
However, the most valuable presents are those that aren’t sold in stores. When you give your love, your time, help someone in need, aid another in solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, you give something priceless.
The true spirit of the holidays is giving. When you give, you receive. You can get anything in life you want by helping enough others get what they want. But only if you give without expecting anything in return. The impact of giving isn’t limited to just the holiday season, it’s something that has value all year.
The power of giving is often underestimated. When you give unconditionally, you don’t just impact the recipient; you start a chain reaction. By brightening the life of one person you also affect all those who they then touch.
No gesture of giving or kindness is too small. Holding the door open at a store, helping someone carry groceries to their car, letting another car in front of you, saying please and thank you, and saying hello to a stranger you pass on the sidewalk, are some of the many things you can do daily.
For family and friends, your time is one of the most precious gifts you can offer. Are you there for others when they need you? Do you offer a hand without being asked? Do you help out when asked?
Too often, people get caught up in their own desires, thus losing sight of the needs of others. A person who tries to get through life by looking out for himself or herself first is invariably frustrated. Often this person views life as a competition to determine who can accumulate more.
On the other hand, those who are concerned for the well being of others are happier, more content, and more satisfied. By giving without expecting, they in turn receive the things they need.
Giving is a simple concept that works every time it is applied. There will be people who don’t appreciate what you do, but it doesn’t matter. You are giving without anticipating anything in return. Besides, there will be many more who are thankful for your efforts.
If you don’t treat others well, buying a gift won’t compensate for your behavior. The recipient might like what you give them but it won’t make up for your actions. You can’t bribe someone to forgive the way you treat them with a present.
The best gift you can receive is the joy of making someone else happy. Being unselfish is a wonderful way to live. When you give with no ulterior motives, your actions are seen as genuine. Should you expect something in return, your behavior is always suspect. We all know people who do nice things only when they want something in return.
Make giving a daily routine. Don’t start and end with the holiday season. Every day is a good day to do something nice. When people feel good due to your actions, you can’t help but feel happy yourself. And that is priceless. The most significant action you can take is having a positive impact on the lives of others.
Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at Bryan@columnist.com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com © 2016 Bryan Golden
Two Commercial Fires in Less Than 30 Minutes
Just before 10:00 on December 11, Metro Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire in a strip mall at 7861 Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights. Crews arrived to find smoke coming from the roof and quickly initiated fire attack. The fire had started in the fascia above Northridge Music and spread to the area above the other businesses. Two occupancies sustained interior water damage, as firefighters were able to hold the fire to the area above the units. Damage is estimated at $50,000 and the cause was determined to be electrical in nature. No injuries were reported.
Just a few minutes later, crews responded to an apartment complex at 5401 Garfield Avenue for report of black smoke from an apartment. Crews arrived to find fire in a downstairs unit and quickly extinguished it, saving the adjoining apartments from fire damage. The fire, which had started in the kitchen and spread to the living room and bedroom, caused major damage to the apartment. The unit directly above the fire unit sustained structural damage; residents of both units were displaced by the fire. Damage is estimated at $50,000, and the cause was determined to be unattended cooking.
Cooking remains the number one cause of home fires, causing more injuries than any other type of fire. Knowing what to do can make all the difference. Never leave unattended food cooking on the stove, even for a short time. If you encounter a small grease fire, leave the pan where it is, turn off the heat, and put a lid on it. If you can’t get a lid on the pan, use a fire extinguisher or call 911.
Backyard Hens OK’d
In response to numerous requests from the community, the City Council updated the regulations in regards to the keeping of hens. Beginning on October 8, 2016, properties developed as a single-family residence may keep hens, regardless of the size of the property.
The City allows hens to be kept on single-family residentially zoned property, regardless of lot size. Up to 6 hens may be kept on properties less than 10,000 square feet and properties 10,000 square feet or larger are not limited to 6. Hens may not be kept on duplex, condo, or other similar multi-family properties, regardless of lot size.
Roosters may only be kept on lots zoned RD-1 or RD-2 or lot properties 20,000 sf or larger. A hen is a considered a female chicken 6 months and older, whose main purpose is for egg production. These regulations do not pertain to roosters or any other fowl including pigeons, ducks, geese, turkey, or peafowl.
Hens kept on lots less than 10,000 square feet must be kept in a coop from sunset to sunrise. Hens may roam free within a fully fenced rear or side yard area during daylight hours.
Coops shall be designed with the following minimum standards: Must be constructed with solid walls with ventilation to allow air flow; be secure and predator proof; must not be taller than 6-feet.
Coops must be placed within the rear or side yard of a property and meet the following minimum placement standards: Must be 5 feet from side/rear property line (a greater distance is encouraged) AND may not be closer than 20 feet to a habitable structure on an adjacent property.
Residents are responsible for keeping hen coops in clean and sanitary conditions. All feed and other times associated with the keeping of hens must be kept in metal containers to minimize contact with rodents.
For additional zoning information related to the keeping of hens or other animals refer to Section 106.42.030 of the Zoning Code or contact the Planning Division at (916) 727-4740.
Toys and Stockings for a Community of Peace
Members of the GFWC Citrus Heights Women's Club (CHWC) and Citrus Heights Curves collaborated for a second year to collect toys, crafts and other items for children and older youth. Curves members spent moths collecting items to stuff stockings. All donations will be presented to A Community for Peace (ACFP) for their annual Christmas party on Dec. 17. ACFP works with families affected by domestic violence/family violence and sexual assault.
Cheraz Salon Holds “Warming” Event
Dear Carmichael and greater Sacramento neighbors, family and friends, you are cordially invited to the Salon Warming get together of the Season at Cheraz Salon and Spa located at 7330 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Carmichael.
You are invited to come mix and mingle with the new owners, stylist, manicurist, massage therapists and your many neighbors and friends who have called 7330 Fair Oaks Blvd. (Cheraz Salon & Spa) their go to Hair Salon and Spa for many years.
The night’s festivities include; drinks, food, raffle prizes and a chance to win a complete Cheraz Salon & Spa treatment. We are delighted to meet each and every one of you and the opportunity to show you that Cheraz Salon and Spa provides the same exceptional quality service that you have become accustomed to over the years. We look forward to seeing you December 16, 2016 from 6:30 PM–9:00 PM.