Local Museums Present “A Stanford Spring” Highlighting the Lives of Jane & Leland Stanford
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Three Sacramento area museums are collaborating to present “A Stanford Spring,” a limited-time offering that showcases the lives of Jane and Leland Stanford with unique artifacts on display at the California State Railroad Museum, Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park and the Sacramento History Museum. The remarkable artifacts are on display now and will remain up through June at the three participating museums.
Plus, special offers, promotions and events are planned to further highlight the experience and connect with museum visitors, including:
California State Railroad Museum – On special display is an historic Central Pacific Commissioners’ Car that traveled to Promontory, Utah – with Central Pacific Railroad President and former California Gov. Leland Stanford and the priceless ceremonial Golden Spike on board – for the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Plus, a special “Travel in Style” excursion train ride is planned on May 27 at 4 p.m. (for guests ages 21 and over) that will include light appetizers, wine, and a souvenir wine glass to take home. Train ride guests will enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride down the Sacramento River in a first-class rail car (elegant attire is encouraged).
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park – A cherished cookbook owned by Jane Stanford titled Mrs. Hale’s New Cook Book published in 1857 is on special display. Plus, two free and open to the public Garden Tours are planned for May 14 at 10 a.m. and June 15 at 10 a.m. for California State Parks Week, all ages are welcome and advance reservations are not required.
Sacramento History Museum – An opulent special occasion dress worn by Jane Stanford is now on display on the third floor of the museum. Made of silk and lavender in color, the beautifully ornate 1860s dress is on loan from the Center for Sacramento History’s impressive collection.
Open hours for each of the three museums are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors can receive half off admission at the Sacramento History Museum by showing their same-day receipt from the California State Railroad Museum. Admission to Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is always free. Tickets to ride the “Travel in Style” excursion train ride are $40 and space is limited. More details about “A Stanford Spring” are available at www.californiarailroad.museum/stanford.
For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at www.SacMuseums.org. Those interested can also sign up for emails to learn more about your Sacramento Area Museums via the website at www.sacmuseums.org.
Comprised of approximately 25 greater Sacramento area museums, SAM’s mission is to raise awareness of local museums by giving the community the opportunity to discover the region’s fine art, history, and science treasures. SAM achieves its mission through implementing cooperative promotions and developing strategic marketing alliances, by encouraging sharing of knowledge and resources among its partner institutions. For more information, visit www.SacMuseums.org.
Monster Trucks Return to the Sacramento County Fair to Crush the Competition!
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - If you haven’t already, you will soon feel the rumblings of Monster Truck mayhem making its way to the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. On Thursday, May 25th at 7 p.m., some of California’s toughest Monster Trucks take over the grandstand to give fairgoers a non-stop thrill ride. That’s right, real, full-sized 1,500 horsepower monster trucks are back and BIGGER than ever at the Sacramento County Fair!
Fairgoers will witness iconic monster trucks go head-to-head as they battle through obstacle courses, ramp over cars, perform freestyle stunts, and much more! Guests will not want to miss the main attraction as GERONIMO, HILLBILLY, SKULL KRUSHER and SCATTERED jump, smash, crush and backflip to take home the freestyle trophy. In addition to the monster trucks, the show will also feature Youth RZR Racing, where young locals will have the opportunity to race their off-road vehicles around an extreme course. And with our special guest OAKIE providing laughs and entertainment, the entire show is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
“The big boys are here,” says Chuck Plumlee, the producer of Monster Truck Extreme 2023. Matt Cranford, CEO of the Sacramento County Fair is just as eager to have these ‘big boys’ return to the Fair. “What better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than with some of the toughest monster trucks anywhere at the Sacramento County Fair? Trucks are louder and BIGGER than ever, bringing kids of all ages the classic Fairground entertainment that we all crave,” says Cranford.
Gates open at 6 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Fair and Grandstand events will be available for purchase online at www.sacfair.com or at the Sacramento County Fair office. Kids 12-and-under are FREE every day of the Fair. Adult tickets are $12.00 and arena admission for Monster Truck Mayhem on May 25th is $25.00. Be sure to check out the pre-sale for select events online.
Over 100,000 guests will enjoy the Sacramento County Fair Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-29, 2023, at Cal Expo. Nearly 10,000 school children will enjoy educational school tours. 5,000 local Sacramento residents will compete for awards in the livestock and competitive exhibit programs. This year’s fair theme is “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow.”
Sacramento, CA (MPG) - The California Farm Bureau is applauding the state Senate for its passage of Senate Bill 505, which was approved with resounding, bipartisan support and now moves to the state Assembly.
Senate Bill 505 expands the insurance “clearinghouse” program of the California FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, to allow commercial insurance policies under the FAIR Plan to move back to the admitted commercial market. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is a co-sponsor of SB 505, along with the California Farm Bureau.
The Farm Bureau previously worked with Commissioner Lara and Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, to pass SB 11 in 2021. That bill allowed farmers and ranchers who lost or were denied coverage in the competitive insurance market after devastating wildfires to obtain alternative coverage through the California FAIR Plan.
SB 505, also by Sen. Rubio, would provide opportunities for agricultural producers to move back to the competitive market, with affordable commercial policies protecting farming and ranching operations.
“California’s farmers and ranchers need insurance options to safeguard their ability to continue producing the food that America needs,” said California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson. “Senate Bill 505 provides agricultural producers who turned to the California FAIR plan the ability to return to the competitive insurance market to protect farming and ranching operations. SB 505 is widely supported by insurers, brokers and agents. We applaud Sen. Rubio for her leadership on this issue, and we encourage the state Assembly to pass this important legislation so that it may be signed into law to provide affordable coverage options for California’s vital food producers.”
“California businesses do best when they have more choices for insurance coverage,” said Commissioner Lara. “While the California FAIR Plan is an important safety net when businesses cannot find any other insurance, giving them more options must be our top priority. I am proud to sponsor Senator Rubio’s important pro-consumer legislation creating a clearinghouse program for businesses to more quickly exit the FAIR Plan and get back into the competitive insurance market, something we already have for homeowners.”
The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 29,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.3 million Farm Bureau members.
Quacks and Oinks to the Finish Line at the 2023 Sacramento County Fair
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Fair is excited to announce that the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and All-American Duck Races will be performing at the 2023 fair. These popular events feature adorable racing pigs and ducks competing in high-speed races. The shows are suitable for all ages and are always crowd-pleasers.
“We are thrilled to have both the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and All-American Duck Races at our fair this year,” said Fair CEO Matthew Cranford. “Their shows are always a hit with our guests, and we can’t wait to see them in action.”
Though a cross-species race offers some interesting possibilities, attendees do NOT have to choose between which species to root for. Both the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and All-American Duck Races will have multiple FREE performances daily. Don’t miss your chance to see these cute and talented animals in action and root your favorite on to victory. But even if your pick doesn’t win, you’ll delight in their hilarious defeat.
These events also offer a fun opportunity for Bart Noll, leader of the All-Alaskan Pig Races… crowd-watching. Says Noll, “I don’t even watch the races anymore. I watch and listen to the crowd. There’s no better sound than the kids’ excited laughter. And some of those kids are in their 80s and 90s!”
Adds Cranford, “So, that’s getting to watch and enjoy three species for the price of one. And the price is right. All free with your Fair admission.” Mark your calendars for the 2023 Sacramento County Fair and come see the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and All-American Duck Races.
For more information about the fair and to purchase tickets, visit www.sacfair.com.
Established in 1937, the Sacramento County Fair is dedicated to the safe and fun education of the greater Sacramento community and its youth in agriculture, business, and technology. A value-driven family event, Fair guests enjoy the friendly atmosphere, traditional county fair competitions, agricultural displays, hands-on activities, carnival, specialty food and festival-style entertainment. Close to 10,000 school children take advantage of free educational school tours and over 5,000 compete for awards in the livestock and competitive exhibit programs. The theme of 2023 Fair is: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow.
For more information, please visit www.sacfair.com.
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Albert Garcia Named New President of Sacramento City College
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Albert Garcia has been appointed as the new President of Sacramento City College by the Los Rios Community College Board of Trustees at their April 12, 2023 meeting. Garcia has served as the interim president of the college since July 1, 2022.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have served SCC’s students and college community in so many ways over the years,” Garcia says. “This school gets in your blood. Now I have the honor to serve as president. I feel the opportunity this presents. I feel the obligation, and I’m thankful I get to work in this wonderful place with these fantastic people, doing all we can to make our students’ lives better.”
Garcia has held several different positions during his more than 30-year career at the college. He was hired as an English professor in 1991 and held two terms as English Department Chair. In 2004, he took a position as Dean of the Language and Literature Division, then in 2018, accepted a promotion as Vice President of Instruction. Additionally, in 2017, he held an interim role as Associate Vice Chancellor of Instruction at the Los Rios Workforce and Economic Development Center.
“Albert is well known throughout the college, and around our district, for his thoughtful and collaborative nature, for his kindness, his intellect, and for his deep commitment to serving students and to our college and districtwide focus on equity and anti-racism,” says Brian King, Chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District. “Albert is also a published poet, a craft which requires a level of personal introspection that will undoubtedly serve him well as a college President.”
“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to have unanimously approved Dr. Garcia’s appointment as President of Sacramento City College,” said John Knight, President of the Los Rios Board of Trustees. “He is exceptionally well-respected, and the entire Board looks forward to seeing the great work that he will lead on behalf of the students at Sacramento City College.”
Garcia has a B.A. in English from California State University, Chico, an MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry) from University of Montana, and an Ed.D in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University. He grew up in rural Northern California and as a young man, worked as a ranger in Lassen Volcanic National Park. He continues to write poetry and often draws inspiration from his experiences with the natural world.
School Rocks PBID Award
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Rocking on despite break-ins, thefts, intrusion by the homeless and a vehicle busting its front window, a Fair Oaks Boulevard enterprise recently earned the Carmichael Property and Improvement District’s Bright Star award.
School of Rock owner Jason Kline thanked more than 100 PBID members and the community for support that has been “overwhelming” since his business took over the old Serritella’s building nearly two years ago.
“We’ve felt that Carmichael has been cheering us on,” said Kline. “I realized we could succeed here the day a car crashed through the front of our building. A lady I didn’t know came up to me and gave me $20. I thought: wow, this is a pretty awesome community.”
Three break-in robberies and theft of costly musical instruments marred the school’s first two years. But Kline and staff have been determined to keep the music playing. “We’re now home to countless musical families,” he said. “We’ll be rocking and moving on – enriching kids’ lives through performance-based music.”
Klein has also established School of Rock franchises in Elk Grove, Roseville and recently launched a new school in Orangevale. His Carmichael studio – located at Fair Oaks and Palm Drive corner – remains his fastest growing school.
The Bright Star award recognizes property improvements that enhance the commercial district. “School of Rock owners took a vacant, run-down property and fully transformed it,” said PBID chair Nick Bloise. “Their remodeling included painting the exterior, replacing its roof, new lighting, sidewalk planters and interior improvements that are visible from the street.
“The property was at one time subject to frequent (law enforcement) calls. Now it’s a true Bright Star in the Carmichael Community.”
Added PBID Executive Rebekah Evans: “Jason and his wife love this community. Their commitment is ongoing. They demonstrate that property owners and businesses are determined to revitalize our area.”
Started in 2016 at the instigation of Carmichael Corridor businesses, the PBID is one of 22 similar agencies established throughout the County in recent years. These groups aim to improve day-to-day merchant operations in their districts. The Carmichael fiefdom extends through three miles of Fair Oaks Boulevard and surrounding streets.
During its first seven years, the agency has focused on weighty community issues. Funded by self-imposed assessments from property owners, its $549,000 budget enables seven-day-per-week mobile security. This service counters trespassing, vandalism and homeless camping. The organization also removes trash from the business corridor and advocates for community interests.
Learn about PBID operations www.discovercarmichael.com
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Kids Helping Kids Sacramento hosted its Ninth Annual Signature Gala, with a concert headlined by the Grammy award winning rock band, Switchfoot. The night also included an opening act by Brendan James and former Sac’s Got Talent winner, Kendra Dantes. Along with the benefit concert, the gala included silent auction bidding and a raffle for Taylor Swift concert tickets and a diamond bracelet. Proceeds raised by this event will go directly towards families with children who are battling pediatric cancer.
Kids Helping Kids is an entirely student-run, non-profit organization made up of juniors and seniors from Del Campo High School. They put on their Signature Gala, along with several other events, to raise money for the populations they serve. They support children battling pediatric cancer and their families by providing financial resources during their medical treatment. Kids Helping Kids aids families in paying for expenses which are directly caused by the massive cost of treatment for their child. Each year, they raise $50,000 to help 100 families battling pediatric cancer and this year they hope to generate even more so they can reach even more children.
On April 29th, Kids Helping Kids raised $150,673 through their Signature Gala. By using the online platform of GiveSmart, the organization raised a majority of their money from their silent auction.
Headlining the gala is legendary rock band, SWITCHFOOT, who received a grammy for ‘Best Rock Gospel Album’. Switchfoot has sold almost 10 million copies worldwide of their twelve studio albums and performed sold-out tours with over 5 million concert tickets sold in over 40 countries around the world. Through their unique blend of emotionally intelligent and uplifting brand of alternative rock, the Gala was a night of both soulful music and changing children’s lives.