CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Make way for Bryson Bridges, aka, Major Stinger, a hot-shot U.S. Air Force pilot from Carmichael, who has just earned his wings.

Bryson applied to the Make-A-Wish Foundation two years ago and was delighted to learn that he had been selected to complete accelerated pilot training at the hands of the squadron members of the 416^th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in late October.

His visit to Edwards AFB fulfilled his wish to be a jet pilot and marked the first opportunity for the base partner with the foundation to make a wish come true.

His pilot training coincided with Aerospace Valley Air Show, the first air show in more than 10 years at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 9 and 10. The event also came just days after the 75th anniversary of Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier in the Bell X-1, an event that cemented Edwards AFB (then Muroc Army Airfield) as the premier place on the planet where aviation breakthroughs are made and test pilots are born.

“It was a lot of fun,” young Bryson said by phone. “I loved every minute of it, including the flight simulator.”

Proud Mom Sierra was delighted to share her son’s good news with our readers as well.

Young Bryson, along with his mom and dad have made Carmichael their home for the past four years. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019 at the age of two. He successfully completed three years of treatment at Sutter Health in Sacramento just this spring.

“He’s a very brave young man, and he’s loved planes since he was little,” she said.

Bridges, fully kitted out in pilot gear, visited the F-35 flight simulator, where he quickly learned the business of flying from Air Force Maj. Jacob Schonig who served as Bridges’s instructor pilot and escort through the day.

During his training, Bridges learned to take off and land and perform some aerobatic maneuvers, and even shot off some missiles and rockets.

“He was by far the best student I’ve ever seen,” Schonig told those gathered.

Brig. Gen. Matthew Higer, Edwards AFB commander, charged Bridges with the accelerated pilot program, learning, in a day, what usually takes a year. Higer later pinned on the pilot wings Bridges earned on his flight suit.

“My wings looked just like this when I graduated from pilot training,” Higer said.

“You’re the best student I’ve ever seen in my life,” Schonig told Bridges. “You picked things up so quickly. You’ve been in multiple airplanes, and you’ve dominated all of it.”

His suit already adorned with his name patch and squadron insignia patch, Bridges received one more, very special adornment. He was presented with Schonig’s own Air Force Test Pilot School patch, worn only by graduates of the specialized program at Edwards.

He was also bestowed with his pilot nickname — a rite of passage for all military pilots — and will be known as “Stinger,” in tribute to his skills and initials. Bridges can also add “major” to the name, as he was presented with his officer insignia for his hat.

The new major was also presented with the “Skull Courage Award” by the 416th Flight Test Squadron (whose insignia is a skeleton) for demonstrating courage through adversity.

After the ceremonies, Bridges said he was quite anxious to get out on the flight line to see the jets. His Air Force hosts made sure he got a bird’s eye view of the Aerospace Valley Air show, enjoying a trip to the control tower during the air show practice of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and receiving their aerial achievement award for his piloting skills.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - In 2008, the Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SacDOT) began work on transforming Hazel Avenue. That’s when the first phase kicked off at the Highway 50 interchange. The entire project would stretch from Highway 50 up to Madison Avenue. It was broken up into three separate phases, with Phase 1 running from the highway to Curragh Downs Drive.  Constructing this project resulted in big changes to the look and feel of Hazel Avenue.  The biggest change was widening the road from four to six lanes. Other upgrades include constructing new bicycle and pedestrian facilities, traffic signal modifications, and replacing the center turn lane with a raised/landscaped center median.

One of the biggest challenges in Phase 1 was adding extra lanes on the bridge over the American River. Before that could occur, engineers needed to complete the design, secure environmental permits, and acquire the land rights necessary for the project. The alignment for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project required the purchase and removal of over 40 houses, as well as relocation assistance for the impacted residents.

A year after the design was completed and three years after the Board of Supervisors gave its 2006 greenlight for the project, construction crews started work. The first phase officially finished in 2011, with a ribbon cutting at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

The second phase kicked off in 2010 with the important pre-construction work of design, environmental studies, and the acquisition of properties before construction began. The heavy lifting started in 2016, as construction began from Curragh Downs Drive to Sunset Avenue. This phase of the project included a partnership with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the telecom utilities to underground the overhead utility lines. SacDOT also partnered with the Fair Oaks Water District to replace their aging water distribution system within the project limits. Construction on Phase 2 was completed in 2018.

With two phases down, SacDOT turned its sights onto the homestretch of Phase 3. SacDOT began that construction from Sunset Avenue to Madison Avenue in November 2020. As Phase 3 started, residents and commuters began to see how this facelift was helping to rejuvenate Hazel Avenue.  After the end of Phase 3, the 2008 vision for new sidewalks and bike lanes came to fruition. These new amenities provided alternative modes of transportation for those wanting to get out of their cars. The construction also brought new bus stops that allow traffic to flow while buses pull into a turn-out giving passengers a safer way to board and exit.

Along with the road construction, the skyline along Hazel Avenue was decluttered. This occurred because SacDOT collaborated with SMUD and the telecom utility companies to remove overhead wires that crisscrossed the area. SMUD and the other utility companies removed nearly 100 utility poles and placed their lines underground. With the undergrounding of utilities and the installation of continuous sidewalks and bike lanes, the public can safely stroll or ride bikes from Madison to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, and see birds instead of a power line overhead as they enjoy the outdoors.

It’s been 16 years since the Board of Supervisors approved the $70 million project, and as construction crews put the finishing touches to Hazel Avenue, SacDOT would like to thank everyone for their patience throughout the three phases of construction. Sacramento County hopes these improvements will benefit residents, businesses, and travelers for decades to come.

 

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — Sacramento was chosen as one of the select cities to host Enchant, the world’s largest holiday-themed light event, with opening day set for Black Friday (Nov. 25). 

One of Sacramento’s must-visit summer locations, Sutter Health Park, is taking over the winter with a holiday event sure to spark joy for all ages. 

“We are so honored to be one of the nine venues across the U.S. hosting Enchant in 2022,” said Brittney Nizuk, director of events and entertainment at Sutter Health Park. “This experience is going to be one that kids and grownups alike will never forget. Sutter Health Park will be transformed into a true immersive winter wonderland right before your eyes. Magical is the only way to describe it – you must see it to believe it.”  

Enchant features a mesmerizing walk-thru light maze on the field with over four million lights, a 100-foot holiday tree, visits with Santa Claus, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, and a village/marketplace with crafts, gifts, as well as holiday treats and cocktails. 

In addition to partnering with Sutter Health Park, Enchant has partnered with the Hallmark Channel, the event’s first national sponsor. 

“Hallmark Channel’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ is synonymous with the holidays, bringing warmth, connection and happiness to millions of viewers,” said Lara Richardson, chief marketing officer, Hallmark Media. “Lights are such an integral part of Christmas magic, whether they be displayed on your house; strung throughout your favorite hometown spots; or featured in grand, eye-opening light displays like Enchant, this partnership creates a new way to spread Hallmark Christmas joy.”

The supplemental perks with the Hallmark Channel partnership include a “Hallmark Cozy Christmas” lounge, photo opportunities, and a chance for fans to win a set visit to an in-production Hallmark movie. 

Sutter Health Park is also expanding its ballpark family during this special season and will be looking for support in roles like guest services, security, parking, concessions, etc.

ABOUT ENCHANT
Enchant is the world’s largest holiday light event experience encompassing over 10 acres, featuring a dazzling installation of over 4 million sparkling multicolored lights creating a one-of-a-kind, story-themed walk-thru maze with holiday trees over 100 feet tall. Produced on the playing fields of major league sports stadiums and iconic outdoor spaces, the event offers an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, interactive games, Santa visits, and a charming holiday marketplace featuring local artisans, along with holiday foods and festive drinks. Founded in 2016 by Canadian entrepreneur Kevin Johnston, Enchant has since delighted over 3 million guests in major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Visit enchantchristmas.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Hallmark Channel, owned by Hallmark Cards Inc., is Hallmark Media's flagship 24-hour cable television network. As the country’s leading destination for quality, feel-good entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. The network’s lineup of signature original content includes movies, primetime scripted series and specials. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate holidays, seasons and life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel is home to a host of annual programming events, including the highly successful “Countdown to Christmas,” which has become a pop culture phenomenon and a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers. Rounding out the network’s slate are some of television’s most classic comedies and series, including “The Golden Girls,” “Frasier,” and “Reba.”

Sutter Health Park is the West Sacramento home of the 2019 Triple-A Champion Sacramento River Cats, and a proud affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. Sutter Health Park is consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. For information on other events at Sutter Health Park, visit www.sutterhealthpark.com.

Sacramento-area Giving Machines Are the Only Ones in California

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – This holiday season, Sacramento-area residents can go to vending machines and purchase clothing for a local refugee family, meals for a needy family, a blanket for a homeless person, essentials for a battered woman, and even chickens for a family in Africa.

It is part of a global effort to promote the true spirit of the holidays by giving gifts to those in need. The Light the World Giving Machines, organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be located on the first floor of the Westfield Roseville Galleria and stocked with items that are needed by four regional and three international charities.

The Sacramento-area Giving Machines will be available Nov. 22, 2022, to Jan. 2, 2023. The items available to donate range from $7 socks to a $250 children’s bedding kit that includes a mattress, blanket, sheets and pillows.

“The Giving Machines will help Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sacramento in our mission to assist women, children and families in our region who are struggling during these very tough economic times,” said Miriam Sammartino, director of Catholic Charities and Social Concerns for the Diocese of Sacramento. “This wonderful program will enrich and transform the lives of those who both give and receive.”

The other local charities with items available for donation are Al-Misbaah, Homeless Assistance Resource Team (or HART) and Placer Food Bank.

The initiative has proven to be popular throughout the United States since 2017, and this year has been expanded to reach 28 cities worldwide. The three Giving Machines inside the Roseville mall will be the only ones this holiday season in California. Those unable to visit a machine in person can still participate by making an online donation at www.LightTheWorld.org/give.

“We are excited that the Church has chosen the Sacramento region for this year’s Light the World Giving Machines,” said Bruce Anderson, the director of the local effort. “Our region has proven to be very charitable, and we expect there to be an outpouring of support from the public. These giving-focused vending machines offer a unique and memorable way to light the world with love by serving and caring for others both locally and globally.”

Since the first Giving Machine appeared in 2017, total contributions have reached $15 million. As part of its ongoing global humanitarian efforts, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100% of every donation goes to the charitable cause of your choice. A team of volunteers will be staffed at the Roseville location to assist individuals and families with their donations and to answer questions.  Due to the influx in the past couple of years of refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine, several of the items from the charities will benefit these families.

“The gifts that the public can purchase from these charitable vending machines will help refugees from Afghanistan and the Ukraine get settled here in their new hometown,” said Helena Madera-Silmi, resource director at Al-Misbaah, a local Islamic nonprofit organization that assists refugees and others in need of all faiths. “They include clothing, kitchen utensils and even bicycles for the breadwinner of the family to get to and from work. This is a fun and exciting way to really light the world with true charitable love.”

Other Giving Machine charities also are assisting refugee families, as well as those experiencing hunger and homelessness.

“The holiday season is all about bringing joy to others. The Light the World Giving Machines will not only bring joy to families and individuals in our area but also healthy food,” said Dave Martinez, executive director of Placer Food Bank, which provides hunger relief to El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties. “By using these charitable vending machines, you can really bring the ‘merry’ into this season, and beyond, through your gift of purchasing food and meals for people of all ages, genders, race and ethnicities – many of whom experience chronic food insecurity or for those who need food assistance during this economic challenging time.”

HART has 10 groups throughout the Sacramento region that provide services to those experiencing homelessness and assist them in their efforts to become self-sufficient.

"During this season, Christians celebrate the day when a baby was born to parents who had no room in an inn. This winter, and every winter, there are many of our friends and neighbors who find themselves with no place to live, and that is why our Homeless Assistance Resource Teams exist,” said Travis Kimball, who represents the Rancho Cordova HART. “We provide food, shelter and supplies to the unhoused in the greater Sacramento area, and we are so happy to be part of the inaugural Light the World Giving Machines here. We hope area residents will find the true spirit of this season by purchasing something for the needy and find joy in doing so."

For more on the area’s Giving Machines, including answers to frequently asked questions, go to https://www.givingmachinesgreatersacramento.org/.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The 2022 Chinook run is in full swim.

Now cooled sufficiently for spawning, the American River is teeming with migrating salmon. Nimbus Fish Hatchery recently opened ladder gates and is harvesting eggs and milt for artificial fertilization.

The Chinook giants climb to the facility via a $9.7 million ladder that replaced an antiquated weir system last year. “We’ve been pleased with its operation,” notes hatchery education specialist Laura Drath, “The new ladder works for the fish. Its location opens up more spawning habitat in Nimbus Basin. It also eliminates danger to staff who had to work on the old weir.”

Thirty-pound fish were already leaping as Nimbus technician Ryan Reed winched up ladder gates. Irresistibly drawn to water that courses down ladder steps at 25 cubic feet per second, 100 Chinooks completed the passage in the first hour.

Their weeks-long migration runs the swimmers ragged. Ending a three-year life cycle, reproduction is now a final goal. Many spawn naturally and die in river shallows before reaching the ladder. But more than a century of river alteration means insufficient gravel beds remain to accommodate salmon and steelhead nests.

Much gravel restoration has been recently achieved; salmonids can be now seen breeding in augmented beds near Ancil Hoffman Park and Sailor Bar. The hatchery is nevertheless tasked to artificially fertilize about nine million eggs in mitigation for Nimbus Dam’s impassable barrier. Salvageable fish meat is processed in Oregon for distribution at California food closets.

Eggs hatch in about six weeks. In spring, fry are released to begin their journey to the Pacific.

For now, the primal dance of death continues at Nimbus, as fish pitch ebbing strength at currents, rocks and ladder steps.

Salmon processing continues at Nimbus until mid-December. Anyone may visit the Fish and Wildlife department facility at 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River.

 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - St John the Evangelist School’s blowout – “A Holiday Show of Hands” – will ensure a crafty Christmas for thousands of shoppers on December 2, 3 and 4th.

Now in its 44^th year and boasting more than 150 vendors, the market annually fills the entire Locust Avenue campus with up to 10,000 guests. Proceeds benefit the Catholic school. From an event pared down by pandemic regulations last year, the three-day celebration will this time welcome all comers. “2021 was challenging,” says organizer Pat Holbus. “But the festive spirit will be back in full force this year.”

Entrepreneurism also soars during the fundraiser. Wares range from funky sweaters to metal sculptures and glittering ornaments. A preview (4-9 pm) on December 2 requires an admission fee, but Saturday and Sunday browsing is free. Doors open at 9 am, both days.

Organizers have this year added a prize opportunity for admission; guests will be included in a draw for a $100 Visa gift card. A silent auction will offer hundreds of items. Santa and Mother Claus will visit from 11 am to 2 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

The fair’s gourmet pavilion has been enlarged to include more food vendors. “December is a cold month, so hot toddies and Sister Margaret’s famous Irish coffee will take the chill off,” promises Holbus. Home-cooked lasagna and other hot dishes will be available as sit-down or take-out meals throughout the event.

St John the Evangelist School is located at 5701 Locust Avenue. Because fair traffic clogs surrounding streets, free shuttles will run from Carmichael Elks Lodge parking lot to St John’s Church.

“People come here from all over Sacramento – even from out of state,” says Holbus. “Our market is a Sacramento tradition. It’s a weekend that says Christmas is here at last.”

For information, call (916) 481-8845. Or visit www.holidayshowofhands.com.