SacRT Awarded $45 Million by FTA for New Light Rail Vehicles
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) was awarded on May 5, 2023, a $45.1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the purchase of 16 new light rail vehicles.
The grant through the FY22/23 Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, a new program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help SacRT towards the purchase of 16 new low-floor light rail vehicles from Siemens Mobility in south Sacramento. SacRT is one of six transit agencies nationwide and the only in FTA Region 9 to receive this grant. SacRT previously purchased 28 new low-floor light rail trains from Siemens Mobility and has a contract to order up to 76. Those vehicles are currently undergoing a testing process before they can be put into service early next year. With the order of an additional 16 new low-floor trains, SacRT will have 44 new low-floor vehicles, which is close to two-thirds of all the vehicles needed to operate on our light rail system.
SacRT has secured more than $350 million for our Light Rail Modernization Project, which includes the purchase of new low-floor trains, modifications to station platforms and adding a passing track to provide 15-minute service to Folsom area stations.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering federal dollars across the nation – and here in Sacramento our innovators at SacRT are ready to capitalize on its benefits for the community,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). “I was proud to fight for this infusion of federal funds that will replace 35-year-old light rail vehicles with new modern trains built right here in Sacramento by Siemens Mobility. This $45 million grant is helping us build Sacramento’s future and will enable us to continue leading the way on sustainable, clean, and equitable public transportation.”
“Sacramento Regional Transit is crucial for mobility in the Sacramento region, but the current light rail cars have reached the end of their useful life, said Congressman Ami Bera (CA-06). “I am proud to have helped secure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for a new fleet of low-floor cars that will enhance the rider experience and make light rail accessible to all, including those with mobility restrictions, parents with strollers, and cyclists.”
“As we celebrate SacRT’s 50 years of service to the region—we can also look to the future,” Senator Alex Padilla said. “I have been proud to support and see SacRT’s efforts over the finish line to secure federal funding for new, modern light rail cars. Today’s grant announcement is a major investment in regional mobility, making light rail cleaner, safer, and more accessible for everyone.”
“I want to thank Senator Padilla and Representatives Matsui and Bera for championing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that created this new grant program, said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. “This significant funding award will help accelerate SacRT’s light rail modernization program and puts us one step closer to replacing our aging light rail fleet with entirely new and modern, low-floor vehicles that will improve accessibility for all riders. These new vehicles are being built by Siemens, right here in Sacramento, so this is also a significant boost to the economic prosperity of the region.”
“We are very grateful to the Federal Transit Administration, FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez and FTA Region 9 Administrator Ray Tellis for their extraordinary leadership for recognizing how important it is to replace our aging fleet of light rail vehicles,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “We also owe our gratitude to Senator Alex Padilla, Representative Doris Matsui and Representative Ami Bera for supporting this grant opportunity and SacRT in general. We are a stronger community because of the work they do on our behalf, and we will be even better when these new, modern low-floor light rail trains are in service early next year.”
This new FTA funding along with other grant funding from the Sacramento Area of Governments (SACOG) and the state is being used for the new purchase of 16 low-floor light rail trains.
At the end of April, the state of California awarded SacRT $8.5 million in grant funding through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to help support improved train technology, including real-time train arrival, passenger announcement system and more. Furthermore, this week the SACOG Transportation Committee approved their 2023 Regional Funding recommendations which include nearly $6.5 million for SacRT’s Light Rail vehicles replacements and $5 million for station conversions to accommodate the new vehicles. New low-floor light rail trains are expected to be in service on the Gold line by summer 2024. Learn more at sacrt.com/modernization.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County has hired a new non-profit shelter operator to take over operations of the Full Service Rehousing Shelter (FSRS) program. FSRS provides low-barrier sheltering and re-housing services for highly vulnerable adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness that may not be served successfully by traditional sheltering programs. FSRS provides 24-hour interim housing, meals, case management, transportation, and support services. Currently, this program is being operated by Sacramento Self-Help Housing, Inc. (SSHH) through a scattered-site model using approximately 23 single-family homes. Due to ongoing financial concerns with SSHH, the County will not pursue a contract renewal with SSHH for the Scattered Site Shelter program after the contract's end on June 30, 2023.
The County has entered into an agreement with City Net, a non-profit homeless services organization that has a history of collaborative success in several communities in California. City Net is an organization that provides street outreach, case management, housing navigation, bridge housing, shelter operations, census coordination, and more through coordination with local service partners and community-based organizations. For this contract, City Net will manage the day-to-day operations and provide wrap-around case management and supportive services for program participants. Additionally, City Net will lease sites for use in this program and manage landlord relationships. City Net held a hiring event this past Saturday to identify staffing for the expansion of work in Sacramento.
“City Net is pleased to have been selected as the new Sacramento County scattered site project lead,” said Brad Fieldhouse, President, and Executive Director for City Net. “We recognize and share the commitment by all parties involved to continue this important work, and our team is looking forward to jumping in and giving it a fresh start.”
Many of the current property owners and landlords who have been leasing scattered site housing to SSHH are owed several months of unpaid rent. In anticipation of closing its doors no later than June 30, SSHH has been in communication with landlords to ramp down leases formally used for sheltering and to share the opportunity for potential continuation with a newly selected provider. These units are vital to the long-term success of the FSRS program, and County staff have been working directly with landlords to identify the amount of arrears owed, repairs in need and continuing relationships for future collaborative opportunities.
To expedite the start date for City Net to begin work, the County has executed a short-term contract to ensure that City Net has a three-month overlap with Sacramento Self Help Housing before fully taking over the program for a multi-year term beginning July 1, 2023.
“We appreciate the County's diligence in finding an operator that can help transition the clients without risk of them losing shelter," said Sacramento Self Help Housing Board Chair Ethan Evans. “Our number one priority is the safety and security of this vulnerable population, and we trust the County and City Net will provide them with what they need to succeed."
The intent of this agreement is to bridge the ramp-down of this program with SSHH in regard to program participants, and the ramp-up of City Net as the operator moving forward. During this transition period, no new clients will be enrolled in the program; services under this contract are intended to minimize displacement due to the ramp-down of SSHH and to provide smooth transitions for those clients that will be receiving services from City Net. The County has already started to pay unpaid lease balances, utilities and damages to property owners and property management companies and plans to pay future rents for the months of May and June 2023, if the landlord is interested in remaining in the program.
“The County has been working tirelessly to ensure none of our clients go unsheltered during this transition,” said Director of Sacramento County Homeless Services and Housing Emily Halcon. “This program has had a lot of success in the past, and we know that once it gets running again at full capacity, we'll see positive outcomes for our unhoused population."
To learn more about Sacramento County's response to homelessness, visit our website.
Ranger Adopts Pup Following a Routine Traffic Stop
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Regional Parks Rangers are the law enforcement division of Regional Parks, and while their days are typically spent engaging with parkway visitors and patrolling our parks to keep them safe, every once in a while, something weird happens. This isn’t a story about everyday Ranger operations, this is a heartwarming story about how one of our Rangers became a dog dad following a routine traffic stop.
While on patrol at Watt River Access on April 8, two Rangers, Matsui and Brennan, conducted what they thought would be a standard traffic stop. Upon stopping the vehicle, they discovered that an individual inside had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
While being placed into custody, Rangers learned that the individual had a Rottweiler mix puppy that he rescued from an abusive owner. The individual told Rangers Matsui and Brennan that he wanted them to adopt the puppy because he wanted to make sure the puppy would have a good and loving home.
“Having an individual I'm taking into custody ask me to adopt his dog was a first for me,” said Ranger Brennan. “This puppy stole my heart right away and I knew that I could give him a good home, but I also knew that I couldn't just take him home.”
The Rangers took the puppy to Bradshaw Animal Shelter where he received a thorough evaluation. Once he was checked out and cleared, he was fostered out to Ranger Brennan, who ultimately adopted him. This puppy, now named Roman, lives with Ranger Brennan and his family.
“Ranger Matsui and I are pretty good friends,” said Brennan. “I knew he had a Rottweiler pup at home, and now when we hang out outside of work, our pups can hang out together too.”
Animal foster care providers help the Bradshaw Animal Shelter save lives. With the shelter continuously at capacity, fostering a pet creates kennel space for incoming animals in need while giving pets a cozy environment to relax in while they wait for their forever homes.
The time commitment for fostering a pet can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on the animal’s individual needs. If you happen to fall in love with your pet, you can always choose to adopt them, just like Ranger Brennan did! To learn more about fostering an animal from the Bradshaw Animal Shelter, visit their website.
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Sacramento’s extraordinary English hand bell choir, RiverBells, presents Swingin’ Summer Stomp, an outrageous afternoon of astounding music Sunday, May 21st at Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church (The Garden Church).
Included in River Bells’ performance will be Tuxedo Junction, It’s Only a Paper Moon, The Creole Love Call, and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing, plus several more swing favorites especially arranged for the ensemble by its founding director. Three vocal soloists will highlight other standards, including a couple of surprises.
Composed of inspirational musicians and skillful performers, the artists behind RiverBells Sacramento have earned their reputation as a talented group to look out for. They continue to touch fans around the region with their distinct and enjoyable musical style.
Founded in 1998, RiverBells is a professional-quality, community English handbell ensemble located in the south Sacramento area. RiverBells consists of about fifteen ringers, several of whom are directors of other handbell ensembles. The group performs with six octaves of Schulmerich handbells and six octaves of Malmark choir chimes.
The concert starts at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door, $5.00 with student I.D., and children under 7 free. Advance tickets are available at www.riverbells.org or from members of the ensemble.
Come join RiverBells on Sunday, May 21st, at Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church (The Garden Church), 6929 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento CA, 95823.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Can you hear those sweet sounds? It’s the FREE featured artists playing at the 2023 Sacramento County Fair!
On Thursday, May 25th, FAN HALEN, known as “The World’s Most Authentic Tribute to Van Halen”, kicks it all off. Join Dave, Eddie, Alex and Michael for a true-to-life tribute to not only the band, but the spirit of an era!
On Friday, May 26th, hip-hop sensation BANDED FUTURE takes the stage. Banded Future is musical duo Jericho Law and Zap Rath. Popular for their clean, fun music that all ages can enjoy, the duo has an unconventional approach that goes against the grain of modern hip hop and ropes in all in attendance!
On Saturday, May 27th, THE FABULOUS YACHTSMEN take the stage. After navigating through tumultuous seas of tribute bands and sub-par cover acts, Captain Doc spent painstaking hours putting together a top-notch crew of musicians the likes of seven seas have never seen. And thus, The Fabulous Yachtsmen were born! “Friends, it’s time we yacht rock!” That’s what Captain Doc said in 2020. And when The Captain speaks, his crew listens! Don't miss your chance to cruise right along with them.
On Sunday, May 28th, MAYA LATIN ROOTS BAND performs. Maya is a Latin Tribute Band presenting the most popular cross over hits from well-known artists that everybody knows and loves, including a special movie soundtrack from Selena & La Bamba. Plus, tributes by Santana, Mark Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, La Sonora Dinamita and classic Latin Old School hits.
“We are thrilled to offer live musical acts with such talent and variety at no charge,” said Matt Cranford, Sacramento County Fair CEO. “We can’t wait for our guests to experience all the fun and excitement that the fair has to offer.”
In addition to these exciting performances, the Sacramento County Fair offers a fun, affordable and safe outing for the whole family. Adult Admission is only $12 and kids under-12 are FREE every day of the Fair! And don’t forget Fair favorites like the agriculture and livestock displays, carnival rides and games, and of course, all the delicious fair foods everyone loves.
For more information and showtimes, visit us online at www.SacFair.com! And don’t forget to save time and buy online now for pre-sale discounts! Don’t miss out on all the fun at this year’s Sacramento County Fair!
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.”
Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the Sacramento County Fair!
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Get ready for a jungle adventure with A Walk on the Wild Side exhibit at the Sacramento County Fair! This Memorial Day weekend, the Cal Expo Fairgrounds will be filled with the sights and sounds of the jungle as A Walk on the Wild Side brings exotic species of wild animals up close and personal.
This immersive experience allows fairgoers to enter through a rain forest and be transported to destinations all over the world. From reptiles to jungle cats, A Walk on the Wild Side showcases the amazing diversity of animal life and inspires an interest in preserving the lives of these fascinating creatures.
A Walk on the Wild Side is an organization dedicated to helping all species of wild animals who, for various reasons, find themselves without a place to live. They are the most diverse exotic non-profit animal refuge of its kind in the State of Oregon and in addition to housing unwanted exotic species, they take pride in educating the public about responsible animal ownership. Their ambassador animals each have their own story to tell and lessons to teach.
“The Walk on the Wild Side exhibit is an experience like no other. Families will have a chance to interact with and learn from exotic animals that they might not otherwise have a chance to see,” says Matt Cranford, CEO of the Sacramento County Fair. “A Walk on the Wild Side is a wonderful organization, and we are proud to partner with them again this year, as the mission of the Fair is to not only provide wholesome family-friendly fun to kids of all ages, but also provide our guests with unforgettable learning opportunities.”
Pre-Fair Discount Tickets for the Fair and premium Grandstand events are available for purchase online at www.sacfair.com or at the Sacramento County Fair office. Adult tickets are only $10.00, kids 12-17 are $8.00 and, of course, kids 12-and-under are FREE every day of the fair! Join over 100,000 guests and experience more than 30 carnival rides, dozens of free exhibits, musical guests, and activities all Memorial Day Weekend.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Batter-up was the cry as more than 200 boys and girls cleated up at La Sierra Community Center fields last weekend.
Weeks later than scheduled, the meet marked the 71st spring season for Carmichael Little League teams. Celebrations were delayed when their March 13 kick-off date was rained out.
“We still wanted to keep the annual tradition,” explained event organizer Valerie Harper (whose son is a Carmichael Blue Jays member). “It brings players and community together. Families love to see their children in team colors with all the other kids. Having fun with rivals promotes good sportsmanship.”
Opening ceremonies fielded a parade of 27 banner-toting teams, whose members range from pre-schoolers to teens. Music, hot dogs and bounce houses occupied athletes until afternoon games began. Sacramento River Cats mascot Dinger bagged scores of selfies. Kids also lined up for that second-favorite American pastime: Dunk the Ump.
Little Leaguers pitched best shots at Umpire in Chief and Carmichael Rays coach Dave Nordahl. Perched atop a tank of water, the dad of two Little Leaguers demonstrated sportsmanship above and beyond the call of duty. Enduring many chilly descents, he proclaimed each dunking “refreshing” and later squelched off to change into his coach’s uniform. “Everyone loves to get back at someone who usually has authority over them,” he spluttered cheerfully.
Carmichael Little League’s 2023 season continues with games until May 20. Anyone may join families and athletes at La Sierra Center sports fields on Saturdays. For information, visit: www.carmichaellittleleague.com