SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) have announced that the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville will increase its production of fall-run Chinook salmon in 2023 to approximately 9.5 million fish to combat the impacts of drought and a thiamine deficiency affecting natural spawning and in-river production.
It is the second consecutive year the Feather River Fish Hatchery will exceed its typical production quota of 6 million fall-run Chinook salmon to help sustain California’s commercial and recreational salmon fisheries. The hatchery raised and released 8 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts in 2022.
The hatchery, which is owned by DWR and operated by CDFW, is seeking to produce approximately 8 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts and 1.5 million fall-run Chinook salmon fingerlings in 2023 – a 3.5 million increase over typical production goals.
“With the combination of prolonged drought, low adult returns, and a thiamine deficiency impacting in-river production, we feel it’s extremely important to maximize the actions we have available to us in the hatcheries to help sustain this extremely important population of salmon,” said CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief Jay Rowan.
The Feather River Fish Hatchery has collected 17 million fall-run Chinook salmon eggs to help meet these elevated production goals – 2 million more eggs that the hatchery’s typical egg collection target. Approximately 11,000 adult, fall-run Chinook salmon returned to the hatchery in 2022, a significant, below-average return.
Two million of the additional salmon smolts produced will be trucked to release sites in the San Pablo and San Francisco bays to maximize survival. Another 1.5 million of these additional fish will be released into the Feather River earlier in the season and at a smaller size than typical river releases. This is an experimental effort to take advantage of more favorable weather and river conditions in early spring. Twenty-five percent of the fall-run Chinook salmon produced by the Feather River Fish Hatchery in 2023 will be marked and tagged so that scientists can monitor the success of the releases.
“Releasing additional fall-run in both the Feather River and near San Francisco Bay will provide more salmon for harvest opportunities and for research,” said DWR State Water Project Assistant Deputy Director John Yarbrough. “It’s critical that when we change strategies, even during drought, we have the tools in place to understand both the impacts and the benefits of these actions. Continuing to mark these fall-run and follow them throughout their lifecycle will give us the information necessary to inform future actions.”
In the past few years, California’s Chinook salmon populations have suffered from a thiamine deficiency, which is a lack of thiamine or Vitamin B1, which can cause death in both juvenile and adult fish. The thiamine deficiency has been linked to booming anchovy populations in the ocean and adult salmon feeding almost exclusively on anchovies compared to a more diverse diet of prey species.
CDFW and DWR have been able to successfully treat both adult salmon returning to the Feather River Fish Hatchery and the fertilized eggs produced. Until there are changes in the ocean food web, thiamine deficiency will continue to be a problem for these fish. CDFW and DWR will continue to manage the Feather River Fish Hatchery to produce salmon for harvest and conservation using the best available science and management practices.
2019-2020 Increase In Drunk Driving Deaths Largest in California Out Of Any State
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – This holiday season, the California region of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and local law enforcement to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.
MADD, NHTSA, OTS and local law enforcement partners want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drivers will see officers working together December 14, 2022, through January 1, 2023, looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on our nation’s roadways as more people travel to celebrate with friends and family. According to NHTSA, California had the largest increase of any state in the number of lives lost in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2020 – an alarming 20% increase in the number of fatalities from 2019 to 2020. During the month of December 2020, 937 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, accounting for 29% of all traffic deaths. This is why MADD is working with local law enforcement to remind the public that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“We know everyone is rushing around during the weeks leading up to the holidays, preparing for holiday gatherings and getting into the seasonal mood,” said Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director. “If you plan to head out to festivities, make sure you plan a sober ride home because driving drunk should never be an option. Even one drink is one drink too many if you’re the driver.” Rillera said.
Understand the Risks
Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. If you’re caught drinking and driving you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $22,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
MADD recommends these safe party tips, especially for those hosting this holiday season: The safest choice is to never drink and drive. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, use a ride service or public transportation, call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely. Confirm your party guests have a plan for a safe way home and offer non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and those who do not drink. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, as soon as it is safe call 911 to report them. Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Take the keys away and arrange to get your friend home safely or invite them to stay the night.
For more safe party tips, visit MADD.ORG/SAFEPARTY. For more information about the 2022 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save over 390,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
Kings Guard Malik Monk Spreads Holiday Cheer
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On Sunday, December 18, Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk hosted several families associated with Saint John’s Program for Real Change for a shopping spree at Target in West Sacramento.
“It’s always important to give back,” Monk said at the event. “The fans are always supporting us. We don’t get a chance to come out here and support them. So, it’s always good to do that and for them to see my face somewhere else.”
As part of the Sacramento Kings 21st Annual Season of Doing Good presented by Raley’s, Monk provided local mothers and their children with Target gift cards and joined the 916 Crew and Kings Dancers in the shopping experience.
“Today Malik Monk really blessed a lot of families from Saint John’s Program for Real Change,” said Kings Vice President of Experiences and Social Responsibility, Maritza Davis. “We’re shopping with some moms and their kids so that they can have a really amazing Christmas.”
In addition, the families were provided gift cards to Chipotle and Crumble Cookies for after shopping treats, memorabilia signed by Monk and tickets to the game on December 19 against the Charlotte Hornets.
“On behalf of Saint John’s, I want to say a HUGE thank you to Malik and the Kings organization,” said Saint John’s Program for Real Change Community Engagement Manager, Karen Edwards. “You have all been supportive of Saint John’s over the years. You’ve come and volunteered, you’ve supported us and we’re grateful for the partnership that we have. We’re very grateful for this holiday surprise that these women and their children experienced tonight, so thank you.”
Saint John’s Square resident Terra Hennefer and her young son were one of the families who enjoyed a shopping spree.
“It was awesome, I totally feel blessed to have this experience,” Hennefer said. “We did a lot of shopping, he got to pick out his own little toys, so it was amazing. We feel totally blessed to have this experience.”
Kirby Elmore, a fellow square resident, has had her life dramatically changed by Saint John’s in a positive way.
“Two years ago, I was living in a trailer on the side of the road,” Elmore said. “Saint John’s took me in and now I have a job, I have a house, I have a car, insurance, registration and my life is just totally turned around. This is the happiest time of my life.”
Audacy and Hyundai Collect Toys for Local Children in Northern California
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Audacy Sacramento teamed up with Roseville Hyundai, Elk Grove Hyundai and Folsom Lake Hyundai for “Delivering Christmas,” a toy drive benefiting local children in the foster care system. All toys collected benefit Stanford Sierra Youth and Families, who will distribute toys to children throughout the Sacramento area.
From November 21 to December 10, ALT 94.7 (KKDO-FM), 96.9 The Eagle (KSEG-FM), 98 Rock (KRXQ-FM), 102.5 KSFM (KSFM-FM), 106.5 The End (KUDL-FM), and ESPN 1320 (KIFM-FM) devoted on-air programming to encourage listeners to deliver new, unwrapped toys to Hyundai locations throughout the region. The campaign culminated with an event at Folsom Lake Hyundai on December 10, featuring stations’ on-air talent who were present to help spread cheer for those that came to make donations.
“We’re extremely proud to have collaborated with some of our local Hyundai dealers to help make the holiday season a little brighter for the children of our community,” said Stacey Kauffman, Regional Vice President, Audacy Northern California. “Events like these demonstrate radio’s ability to leverage its voice to bring listeners together in times of need, and this event is a testament to the local connection our brands have with them.”
“There are so many families in need here in our own backyard,” said Chris Shaffer, President, Sacramento Hyundai Dealers. “The Sacramento Hyundai Dealers were happy to partner with Audacy and Stanford Sierra Youth and Families to help fill those needs and make the holiday a little bit brighter for some Sacramento children.”
“We filled up two vehicles of toys and we are so thankful for those that provided toys and cash donations,” said Karla Zaragoza, Community Engagement Manager, Stanford Sierra Youth and Families. “Items collected will go to serve children in of our mental health of foster care programs.”
Supporters can continue to make monetary donations by visiting www.ssyaf.org/donate.
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families provides a continuum of care to empower youth and families to overcome challenges together, as well as connects youth in foster care to the permanent loving families they need and deserve. They support the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care, so every youth has the opportunity to thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
Audacy is committed to supporting the health and success of the communities that are the heart of its business. “Delivering Christmas” is a part of Audacy Serves, the Company’s social impact platform that raises awareness of social issues and brings communities together for good. Audacy unites with its listeners and brands to support sound communities through several pillars of impact: mental health and anti-bullying, veterans and service members, children’s health, the environment, civic education, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Helping Santa Deliver Holiday Cheer Since 1984
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SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Santa’s workshop isn’t the only place churning out toys for kids this time of year. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project has been helping to build and deliver toys to children in Sacramento County since 1984, all while providing important hands-on job skills and education to inmates from Sacramento County’s correctional facilities.
The Sacramento Sheriff's Toy Project functions as the charitable arm of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. Participants of the Sheriff’s Work Project spend their court-ordered jail sentence making toys and furniture, sewing and embroidery work and learning bicycle repair on donated bicycles.
“Even though we’re called the Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project, we’re not all about toys; that’s just how it started,” said Chief Deputy LeeAnneDra Marchese, who serves as the President of the Sheriff’s Toy Project. “Sheriff’s Toy Project is a year-round program supporting the less fortunate children and families in the Sacramento area.
“We support area schools with after-school programs, school supplies, computers, clothing, shoes, jackets, bikes for transportation, summer kid’s camps and support scholarships for college-bound students."
The Sheriff’s Toy Project donates to more than 7,500 children and families during the holiday season. In addition to their annual holiday toy and food give-away, the Sheriff’s Toy Project helps fund the Santa Claus Project where Sheriff’s Deputies distribute stockings and gifts each Christmas Eve to individuals experiencing homelessness and to children in area hospitals.
Toy Project also provides emergency relief and special request items throughout the year for families in crisis, like those who have lost their homes to fire or other disasters.
According to Chief Deputy Marchese, “The participants in the Sheriff’s Toy Project oftentimes find the experience so fulfilling that they come back to volunteer, even after they’ve been released.”
To learn more about the Toy Project, visit toyproject.org/.
Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church Celebrates 60 years
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Members of Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church celebrated their 60th anniversary in Citrus Heights on Sunday, November 20th with a cake cutting ceremony between services and a fond look back at shared memories with an eye towards the future.
Pastor Bob Yule is celebrating 27 years as a pastor of Celtic Cross this month, serving his congregation for almost half its history.
Reflecting its philosophy of “Real People, Real Stories,” Celtic Cross is a growing community of people committed to following Jesus Christ.
“Our goal is to be a church that raises up entire families in discipleship and empowers people to be messengers of Christ in their community,” Yule said.
Celtic Cross offers both in-person services and services by livestream, Yule said.
Church member Norm Allen, 90, his wife Carol, and their four children first joined Celtic Cross in 1963. He looked at a black and white photo of himself and Carol as young parents, with fondness.
“I’ve been blessed,” he said.
“Norm and I were very active in nearly all aspects of the church from the beginning,” recalled Carol Allen. “Celtic Cross is known for its friendliness as well as its love for our Lord, Jesus Christ. It always will be,” he said.
In September 1963, the Allens came to Celtic Cross for a church service at 11 am, not knowing the service started at 9 or 9:30. They went to another church with their four young children where they weren’t made to feel welcome and came back to Celtic Cross the next week. Two of their children’s families still call Celtic Cross home.
Yule and Allen also posed for a photograph in the office lobby where they were surrounded by framed photos of multiple generations of church members who have participated in its missions and activities through the years.
Celtic Cross was organized as a presbyterian church on February 25, 1962, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Sacramento. Rev. Frank von Christierson was installed as the first pastor of Celtic Cross Church, and the first multi-purpose unit was built and dedicated on a 4.5-acre site located at 5839 Dewey Drive in Citrus Heights.
Its physical footprint has expanded steadily with the addition of a new Christian education building which was dedicated in February 1965. By 1966, membership within Celtic Cross more than doubled.
By the early 1980s, an architect was hired to draw up plans for a new sanctuary/administrative building. When Celtic Cross celebrated its 25th anniversary, in 1987, Celtic Cross broke ground for Phase 1 building – the administrative core and parking lot expansion. All five original pastors who served Celtic Cross from 1962-1987, including Rev. Robert V. Ball, interim pastor during 1986, were participants in this service.
Additional construction followed with the completion and dedication of the administration and Celtic Cross-shaped sanctuary for occupancy in March 1989.
Celtic Cross Pastor Bob and Patty Yule and their son, Josh, make their home in Fair Oaks. He describes the 27 years which he’s served as pastor of Celtic Cross as being especially fulfilling for himself and his family.
“I’m thankful for the people of Celtic Cross who have shared the gospel of God’s love,” Yule said to those attending the 9 am service. “Our church is not a building, but of people truly coming together to fully share the gospel in our community.”
Celtic Cross offers a 9 am Traditional Service and a 10:30 am Modern Service with a kids and youth program.
Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church is located at 5839 Dewey Drive in Citrus Heights. For more information visit: CelticCross.Church or call 916-967-1414.
Cameron Skattebo transfers to Arizona State
TEMPE, AZ (MPG) – 2020 Rio Linda High School graduate Cameron Skattebo has made his decision on where he will be taking his talents to next.
Skattebo is headed to the desert to play in the Pac-12 Conference at Arizona State University. The 5-foot-10, 212 pound running back announced his decision with a tweet on Saturday afternoon, December 17.
“It’s official!!! I found home!!! #ForksUp can’t wait to get to work!!!! It just feels right,” Skattebo said on Twitter along with a picture of him wearing his new Sun Devil threads.
Skattebo spent the last three years staying close to home and playing for Sacramento State. Following the departure of head coach Troy Taylor for Stanford University after a historic 2022 season, Skattebo entered the NCAA transfer portal with two years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
“Sacramento State has enabled me to develop relationships that will last a lifetime,” Skattebo wrote in a statement which was shared on his social media accounts. “Sacramento is and will always be my home, and being able to play in the community where I grew up, in front of my family and friends has meant the most to me.”
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Taylor announced his decision to move on from Sac State on December 10, the morning after the Hornets’ 66-63 loss to Incarnate Word in the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs. Two days later, Skattebo publicized his intentions. In the five days that he was in the portal, the bruising running back also received offers from Texas State and San Jose State.
In three seasons on varsity at Rio Linda, Skattebo was a three-time first team all-league selection and finished his career with 6,192 rushing yards and 69 touchdowns. Skattebo also led his school to a section championship in 2018.
In two seasons on the field at Sac State, he was a third team all-Big Sky Conference selection in 2021 and first team all-Big Sky in 2022. He cemented himself in the Hornet history books by winning the 2022 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, most importantly.
Skattebo became the third Sac State player of all-time to win the award. He did so by racking up 1,251 rushing yards, 281 receiving yards on 24 receptions and nine total touchdowns. Skattebo was also a 2022 Associated Press FCS All-America third team selection.
“I would also like to thank the Hornet fans for all the support and love over the past three years,” Skattebo wrote in the statement released on December 12. “We have created memories that I’ll always cherish.”
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On his way to Tempe, Arizona this past weekend to visit what eventually became his new home, Skattebo came across a young man who was a fan of his. The boy’s father was so impressed by Skattebo that he tweeted about the interaction to share with the world.
“Son & I on a [plane emoji] to AZ. Son notices @camskattebo5 board our flight & is excited the whole trip,” tweeted the proud dad, Maury Castaneda, who is the athletic director at Yuba City High School. “When we get off plane son asks Cam for autograph. Cam takes time to sign & take a pic. Made my sons day. Thank you!!”
Arizona State got themselves a great football player and an even better person. Best of luck to Cam in Arizona. The NFL is right around the corner.