SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento region was hit by heavy rains and 70-mph winds by the latest storm that ripped through Northern California overnight. Storm damage knocked out power to more than 345,000 SMUD customers at its height around 2 AM. As of 3:45 PM, approximately 60,000 customers remain without power.

The most recent storm was the worst storm in more than 30 years, eclipsing last week’s New Year’s Eve storm. So far, SMUD has identified more than 80 downed power poles and dozens of downed trees impacting utility equipment. These numbers will grow significantly as assessments are completed.

SMUD line crews, troubleshooters and other field personnel will work 24/7 to restore power to customers if it’s safe to work. Crews made steady progress throughout the day Sunday to assess damage, make repairs and restore power. Thanks to partnerships with other local utilities and contract crews, SMUD has nearly doubled the typical number of crews in the field working to restore power from 16 to 30. Additional mutual aid crews are incoming, which will bring total crew count to approximately 40 on Monday.

Due to extensive damage, many customers will experience lengthy outages that last overnight, and many will last well into the coming week. SMUD is contacting customers we expect to be out of power overnight directly so they can make arrangements.

When storms knock out power, SMUD works around-the-clock to restore electric service as safely and as quickly as possible, but restoration efforts can be slowed when winds are too high for crews to safely work, or access is limited or not possible due to floods.

SMUD prioritizes where crews will be sent during a storm:  Public safety hazards (power lines down, poles down); Hospitals and critical flood control pumps; Areas with large numbers of customers out of power; Scattered, smaller outages.

Safety is a top priority and SMUD is providing tips for customers to stay safe.

If the power goes out; Check to see if the lights are out in neighboring homes — if so, it’s likely a larger outage; Report the outage at smud.org/outages.

 If you are the only one without power, visit smud.org/storms for instructions on safely checking/resetting your main breaker.

If stormy weather knocks down a power line;  Stay away and call SMUD at 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) or 911 immediately; Assume the line is “energized” and stay away and warn others to do the same; Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity that can shock anyone coming in contact with them.

SMUD urges people to check on family, friends and neighbors who may experience outages. For those experiencing prolonged outages, SMUD is working with its customers on an individual basis to provide for specific needs during the storms. In case of extended outages or for those with medical needs, SMUD urges customers to have a back-up plan for accommodations if needed.

While homes can get cold without power, SMUD warns customers not to heat homes with propane heaters, grills, hibachis or BBQs. They produce carbon monoxide, a clear, odorless gas that can be fatal to humans and animals.

 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the first snow survey of the season on January 3 at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 55.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 17.5 inches, which is 177 percent of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide the snowpack is 174 percent of average for this date.

California is expected to see continued rain and snow over the next seven days, with the threat of flooding in parts of California. Conditions so far this season have proven to be strikingly similar to last year when California saw some early rainstorms and strong December snow totals only to have the driest January through March on record.

“The significant Sierra snowpack is good news but unfortunately these same storms are bringing flooding to parts of California,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “This is a prime example of the threat of extreme flooding during a prolonged drought as California experiences more swings between wet and dry periods brought on by our changing climate.”

One year ago, the Phillips survey showed the seventh highest January measurements on record for that location. However, those results were followed by three months of extremely dry conditions and by April 1 of last year, the Phillips survey measurements were the third lowest on record. 

More telling than a survey at a single location are DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the state. Measurements indicate that statewide, the snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 17.1 inches, or 174 percent of average for this date. This January’s results are similar to results in 2013 and 2022 when the January 1 snowpack was at or above average conditions, only for dry weather to set in and lead to drought conditions by the end of the water year (September 30). In 2013, the first snow survey of the season also provided promising results after a wet December similar to today’s results. However, the following January and February were exceptionally dry, and the water year ended as the driest on record, contributing to a record-breaking drought. In 2022, record-breaking December snowfall was again followed by the driest January through March period on record.

“Big snow totals are always welcome, but we still have a long way to go before the critical April 1 total,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Sean de Guzman. “It’s always great to be above average this early in the season, but we must be resilient and remember what happened last year. If January through March of 2023 turn out to be similar to last year, we would still end the water year in severe drought with only half of an average year's snowpack.”

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs and is an important factor in determining how DWR manages the state’s water resources. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California's “frozen reservoir.” A below-average snowpack impacts water users across the state, putting further stress on the environment and critical groundwater supplies.

Due to these increasing swings from dramatically wet to dry conditions, Governor Newsom’s recently released “California’s Water Supply Strategy, Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future” calls for investing in new projects and technologies that will modernize how the state manages water. In alignment with the Administration’s strategy, the recently adopted 2022 Update to the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan identifies actions needed to adapt much of California’s flood infrastructure to a rapidly changing climate. Current climate research indicates the state will see bigger swings from extreme heat and dry conditions to larger and more powerful storms that deliver temporary large boosts to the state snowpack as well as flood risk. 

DWR encourages Californians to visit SaveOurWater.com for water saving tips and information, and to continue to conserve California's most precious resource, rain or shine.

DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for February 1.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Local non-profits are bagging benches as part of a plastic drive begun by Carmichael Kiwanis Club.

Gathering more than 500 pounds of plastic over the last six months, project supporters stockpiled enough unwanted packaging to be repurposed as a hefty park bench for the Koobs Nature Area. The harvest is traded to Trex, a manufacturer of plastic-based building materials. For each 500 pounds collected by a non-profit in a six-month period, the company donates a composite bench.   

“Our club collected more plastic in six months than Trex specified,” explains project organizer Sharon Ruffner. “So we invited other non-profits to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Two Arcade groups – Women in Faith (St Mark’s United Methodist Church) and Sierra Vista Community Church – have jumped on the bag bandwagon and will soon install their own campus benches. “This is the most satisfying project I’ve been involved with,” reports Ruffner. “It doesn’t cost anything and everybody’s so enthused by it.”

“We decided to put our first bench in the Koobs Nature Area,” she says.  “Maintaining the preserve is our club’s signature project. Seating allows visitors to pause and reflect as they enjoy nature.

“Girl Scout Troop 3191 helped by collecting plastic during our open days. They were thrilled to sit on the new bench and see what their efforts helped produce.  Our second bench will go to Twin Lakes Elementary School in Orangevale.”

Stockpiling the first 100 pounds of plastic took the Kiwanians a mere six weeks. “We had no trouble meeting the 500-pound requirement in six months,” says Ruffner. “It just shows how much single-use plastic is being produced.”

The indefatigable volunteer coordinates the drive from her home. “In the beginning, I felt plastic was swallowing me alive,” she says. “Now, thanks to 30 volunteers, we sort, weigh and quickly deliver the accumulation to several local retailers. From there, it’s shipped to the Trex headquarters in Virginia.”

Any household can support the drive. Plastic must be clean, dry and of stretchable composition. Bubble wrap, cling wrap and plastic mailers are welcome (paper labels must be removed).

Unacceptable items include: frozen food and candy packaging; plastic gloves; beverage rings; bottles and rigid containers.

Bench rewards aside, Ruffner applauds the project’s eco-benefit. “Millions of pounds of plastics are in our landfills and floating on our oceans,” she notes. “It’s exciting to find meaningful use for so many products that have been inflicted on our environment.”

Groups or individuals with plastic to contribute may contact Ruffner at Sharonruffner@yahoo.com

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Each year, tucked away inside a Sacramento warehouse, you’ll find a different kind of Santa’s workshop. Instead of elves, volunteers are spending long hours wrapping presents. And in place of Santa, people of all ages spare their time to deliver gifts to those who otherwise might not get anything during the holiday season. It’s all part of Sacramento County’s Gifts from the Heart program. 

Gifts from the Heart is a gift-giving program developed to provide presents for babies, kids, teens, disabled adults, and seniors. The program serves individuals in Sacramento County’s Child Protective Services and Senior and Adult Services. This holiday season marks 34 years for the program. At the head of it all is Volunteer & Student Intern Services Coordinator Tonja Edelman.

Gifts from the Heart works with community partners, religious organizations, and professional groups to help thousands of people each year. Dozens of volunteers dedicate their time to help pick up toys, organize donations, and drop off gifts. Tonja estimates the program will provide gifts to about 3,500 clients this year. 

While people get to see the magic during the Gifts from the Heart holiday giving campaign, the program begins well before winter. Each year, Tonja starts recruiting volunteers in late summer.  

After more than 30 years, there are still needs to be met. Tonja wants people to remember that it’s not just children who need holiday gifts but also teens, babies, seniors, and those aging out of foster care. 

“The need is always there,” said Tonja. 

Gifts from the Heart volunteers say they always need delivery drivers to drop off the presents. Several of their elderly clients do not speak fluent English, so they would love to see multilingual volunteers help out.

“People really just want to feel that connection and share their culture with someone who can relate,” said one volunteer.

Kendra Flin has volunteered for the program for several years in a row. After finishing a busy master’s program, she still found time to help out this year. She hopes sharing her experience will encourage others to give back. 

“The people that volunteer are so fun and amazing and supportive,” said Kendra. 

A volunteer shift starts with Kendra receiving her delivery route. Each person who is receiving a gift is marked down on a sheet of paper. When Kendra goes on a delivery route, she drops off a gift for half a dozen to ten people, sometimes delivering a couple of gifts per person. 

During a recent volunteer shift, Kendra’s list included several seniors living throughout south Sacramento. She loaded up a car with gifts – many so large she had to use both hands to carry them while she walked slowly to houses and apartments. 

“You are delivering directly to the client and they are just really grateful,” said Kendra. 

Despite juggling large boxes and sometimes driving by homes several times before coming to the right stop – Kendra kept a smile throughout her route. And everyone smiled back. She wished each person a happy holiday as she dropped off their gift. And with each gift, she gave them something else – a joyful experience that made many of their days. 

“You got me something but I didn’t get you anything,” one elderly man joked when Kendra placed his present down in his living room. 

But, he did give her something. He reminded her why she loves participating in Gifts from the Heart. 

“It’s about being able to give to people around the holidays,” said Kendra. 

And that was not the only rewarding experience on her route. Kendra knocked on the door of an apartment where a woman with white hair and a Christmas sweater answered. When Kendra explained that she had been referred to the program by her social worker, the woman broke out into tears. She was beyond grateful that anyone had thought of her this holiday season. 

“Thank you so much and bless you,” she told Kendra while pulling her in for a hug. 

“That’s why we do this,” said Kendra. 

After Kendra finished up her day of delivering presents, she had a message for anyone who is thinking about giving back during the holidays. 

“It’s so rewarding. It’s so much fun. So, just do it,” said Kendra. 

So, next year, whether it’s volunteering your time or donating, consider giving a gift from your heart. 

For more information on Gifts from the Heart, including how you can become involved, visit the GFTH Questions and Answers webpage at Sac County.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Fitness instructor Kerri Mandes has been appointed Carmichael Honorary Mayor for 2023.

The Chamber of Commerce announced Mandes’ victory at a December business luncheon. Between victor and fellow candidate Ronnie Sylvia, the candidates raised more than $46,000. The race counted each donated dollar as a vote. Proceeds are traditionally split between the Chamber and nonprofits of each candidate’s choice.

Outgoing Chamber President Kelli Foley said the rivals put previous mayoral contenders to shame. “Kerri and Ronnie were fiercely competitive, and their fundraising events showed huge imagination,” said Foley. “The community is the real winner.”

Mandes staged ten functions over four months and raised more than $31,000. Her efforts enabled a $15,108 donation to non-profit WEAVE. Carmichael Kiwanis club benefitted by $8,500 from events staged by firefighter-turned realtor Sylvia.

The community rallied to the cause. Ronnie Sylvia’s “Row-a-thon” contest fielded ten teams of ten rowers per team – and 150 supporters – to the PACE gym on Auburn Boulevard. During the kick-off “Mayoral Mingle” at Oakmont of Carmichael, a businessman donated $1250 for a pure-bred corgi puppy offered by the Mandes campaign.

“Looking back on the race, I can say I met people I will be friends with forever,” said Mandes. “I also learned that running a campaign is a full-time job and a huge learning experience. You come out of it better and smarter.”

Mandes will don the mayoral sash and begin civic duties in January. Learn more about Carmichael Chamber of Commerce at www.carmichaelchamber.com