SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – On Tuesday, August 9, Sacramento County proclaimed a public health emergency and a local emergency in order to ensure appropriate resources and funding are available to the County in its response to monkeypox.
The proclamations of a public health emergency and local emergency do not signify an increased risk to the residents of Sacramento County. A proclamation of emergency allows the County to provide or receive mutual aid from other jurisdictions and assists in opening up available resources, mutual aid and staffing.
The proclamations follow the State of California’s proclamation of emergency on Aug. 1, regarding monkeypox and the funding that would be made available. Proclaiming a local emergency is a prerequisite for requesting and receiving available federal or state funding.
“Proclaiming a state of emergency in response to Monkeypox helps the County to ensure uninterrupted access to resources necessary to lessen disease transmission,” said Don Nottoli, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. “The proclamations should not be a reason for elevated concern; but rather, considered as mechanisms to assist in our mission to better respond to and contain the virus.”
The County continues to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health on coordinated testing, investigations, and providing guidance and assistance to health providers in monitoring for monkeypox symptoms and gathering information to detect new cases for laboratory testing and confirming infection.
Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Symptoms of monkeypox include; fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days. The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.
For more information regarding monkeypox, visit the Public Health website at dhs.saccounty.gov/PUB/Pages/Communicable-Disease-Control/Monkeypox.aspx
Carmichael Fire Leaves One Dead
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - On August 11, 2022, Sac Metro Fire crews responded to a Carmichael house fire on El Camino Avenue near Walnut Avenue.
Fire Captain Parker Wilbourn said that Metro firefighters had to contend not only with an extremely hot fire but also with power lines that were down and arcing. SMUD was expedited to repair the electrical lines during the incident. No additional structures were damaged beyond the residence.
Metro Fire of Sacramento issued the following statement: “We’re heartbroken to report that our crews located a deceased adult male victim in an area of the 2-unit home that was most involved with fire and impacted by arcing power lines. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the victim. The fire is under investigation.”
Source: Sacramento Metro Fire News Release
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted on August 9 to appoint 13 members to the newly created Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force.
On Dec. 16, 2020, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and directing the formation of the Task Force. On March 23, 2022, the BOS approved a resolution that set the Task Force compensation and composition, endorsed the guiding principles and scope of work, and directed the Sustainability Manager to begin a public application process to fill member seats.
“We are excited to start working with the 13 newly appointed members of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force,” said John Lundgren, Sustainability Manager. “After a thorough interview process, we have picked 13 of the best candidates in the region to provide input, guidance, oversight and assistance to my office, and to serve as an advisory body to the County.”
The interview panel consisted of the Sustainability Manager and staff from the National Weather Service Sacramento, the County Planning and Environmental Review Division, and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.
The 13 members appointed today are:
Technical Expertise Members: Justin Hwang (expertise: air quality), Austin Miller (expertise: agriculture), Mackenzie Wieser (expertise: built environment), Roslyn Roberts (expertise: economics), Kevin Head (expertise: energy), Ghazan Khan (expertise: transit/transportation).
Environmental Justice Members: Timothy Irvine, Rolando Villareal, Saheb Gulati, Supriya Patel, Ajay Singh, Kathleen Stricklin.
Youth Member: Benjamin Jacobs
Ranadivé set to buy River Cats
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – In 2013, Vivek Ranadivé purchased the Sacramento Kings. Now nearly a decade later, he is nearing a deal to acquire another Sacramento-based professional sports franchise.
It was first reported by The Sacramento Bee on July 26, that Ranadivé and a group of investors have been negotiating a deal with the Savage family dating back to last year, in the ballpark of $100 million. However, it was reported by Sportico on August 18 that the actual sale price may be closer to $90 million.
RELATED: Sacramento Kings organization and fans say goodbye to ‘Old Barn’
Even at a lesser price than what was initially reported, the cost for Ranadivé and his group would be a record for the selling price of a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team and its corresponding stadium. According to Ballpark Digest, most MiLB teams have an estimated value of around $40-50 million.
The Savage family has owned the River Cats and its ballpark since the franchises’ inception in 2000.
Ranadivé made the following statement back in 2015 when he invested in Sacramento Republic FC, a USL Championship team, a league that is one tier below Major League Soccer.
"This is another major step in revitalizing downtown and making the entire Sacramento region an even better place to work, live and play,” Ranadivé said. “We're committed to our vision of making Sacramento the world class city its citizens deserve.”
RELATED: Meet San Francisco’s newest Giant: The Yermínator
With the purchase of the River Cats and potential looming purchase of Sac Republic, Ranadivé may be positioning himself to stand alongside other sports owners of multiple teams like Stan Kroenke, Joel Glazer and Shahid Khan.
Postal Hero Hailed
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - On July 18, Post office Mail Carrier Willie Shannon serviced his Foothill Farms route.
“By afternoon, it was around 100 degrees,” he recalled. “I’m used to the heat. I’m also used to dogs and aggressive turkeys. I never expected to be a firefighter.”
Circumstance makes heroes. For his actions on that day, Shannon last week received a US Postmaster General Hero Award nomination.
Delivering to an apartment complex at Connecticut Drive (Carmichael), he glanced at a second-floor balcony and saw billowing smoke. “I thought they were barbecuing up there,” he recalled. “Then I saw big flames and thought, that’s no barbecue.”
Air Force veteran and 21-year US Post Office employee Shannon scrambled from his truck and began hammering at apartment doors. No one answered. “I was blowing my horn to get attention,” he said. “A lady from another unit came out to see what was going on. She pointed at a garden hose. I grabbed it and aimed upwards, trying to put out the fire out. Then I thought: holy smoke, I’d better call 911. I’ve got a hose spraying in one hand and a phone in the other. I’m telling the emergency operator to get out here.”
A garden hose alone would not have sufficed. Fire was imbedded in a wooden support beam that firefighters eventually hacked away. But Shannon’s actions might have saved the apartment’s sleeping tenant. Flames also came close to cars garaged downstairs. A gas tank explosion might have engulfed the entire 36-condo complex.
Fire fighters believe the mailman’s actions averted disaster. “We don’t encourage civilians to get involved in firefighting,” noted Sac Metro Captain Kurt Katsuyoshi. “But Willie Shannon’s actions were validated.”
With the fire contained, the carrier called his supervisor to report a delay. He then calmly finished his deliveries. The afternoon’s adventure went unnoted until an apartment resident - who witnessed the drama - sang Shannon’s praises in a letter to the Post Office. His award nomination quickly followed.
“He’s been our carrier for eight years,” the neighbor said. “He’s helpful, polite and respectful. No one else was around to help us that day. Willie took the time to ring our doorbells and tell us to get out. Then he grabbed that hose. If not for him, our whole building might have gone up.”
Shannon figures military and Post Office training kicked in on-cue. “The Air Force teaches you courage,” he considered. “Letter carriers learn to be aware of their surroundings; to be the eyes and ears of where they serve. Maybe it seems I was heroic, but I just did the right thing. I care about my customers; I’d do anything to help them.
"I’m thankful God’s presence made me look up that day.”
Willie Shannon’s award nomination is being reviewed at Post Office Headquarters Washington DC; it will be presented later this year.
High school football teams to watch in your area
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – It’s that time of year again – football season!
At the Messenger Publishing Group, we have eight weekly newspapers: Carmichael Times, Grapevine Independent (Rancho Cordova), Citrus Heights Messenger, The News (Rio Linda), West Sacramento News Ledger, Dixon Independent Voice, Territorial Dispatch (Marysville) and The Gridley Herald. MPG has one biweekly newspaper, the American River Messenger, which covers Fair Oaks and Orangevale.
With football season upon us, it’s time to examine who the top football teams are in the Sac-Joaquin Section. Senior sportswriter Joe Davidson, who has been covering prep sports for The Sacramento Bee since 1988, recently released his Top 25 football rankings.
In the Sacramento region, Davidson’s rankings for The Bee have been highly touted and respected for years. With all that said, it’s time to review which teams to watch for in your respective area.
6. Jesuit: The Marauders went 10-2 in 2021 and lost 22-21 in the semifinals of the Division I CIF Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS) playoffs to eventual section champion, No. 1 Folsom.
Bubble team-
Del Campo: The Cougars finished 4-7 last season and were defeated 51-7 by East Union (Manteca) in the first round of the D4 CIF SJS playoffs.
RELATED: ‘The greatest Del Campo team in history’
9. Capital Christian: In 2021, the Cougars were 7-3 overall and 6-0 in the Capital Athletic League but did not participate in the postseason due to a playoff ban given by the SJS, which has since been lifted.
23. Rosemont: The Wolverines, who will be led by first year head coach John Straw, went 11-3 last season and lost 31-20 in the D6 CIF SJS championship game to Argonaut (Jackson).
22. Dixon: The Rams finished 7-4 in 2021 and lost 61-0 in the quarterfinals of the D4 CIF SJS playoffs to eventual section champion, Vanden (Fairfield).
Bubble teams-
Woodland: In 2021, the Wolves were 9-3 and lost 39-12 in the quarterfinals of the D5 CIF SJS playoffs to eventual section champion, Escalon.
Woodland Christian: The Cardinals went 11-1 overall and 5-0 in league play last season with their only defeat coming in the D7 CIF SJS championship game to Le Grand by a score of 35-12.
19. Yuba City: The Honkers finished 7-4 overall and 5-1 in Capital Valley Conference play in 2021, losing 52-48 to Patterson in the quarterfinals of the D3 CIF SJS playoffs.
Bubble teams-
Marysville: In 2021, the Indians were 5-5 overall and 1-4 in Pioneer Valley League matchups.
Sutter: The Huskies went 10-2 overall and 5-0 in Butte View League play in 2021. Sutter won the D3 Northern Section championship and then lost to San Marin in the regional finals of the CIF state playoffs.
21. Casa Roble: The Rams finished 7-5 in 2021 and lost 41-8 to Hilmar in the semifinals of the D5 CIF SJS playoffs.
RELATED: 5 Sacramento-area locals selected in 2022 MLB Draft
Davidson’s Complete Preseason Top 25 (With last year’s records)
1. Folsom (11-4), 2. Rocklin (12-1), 3. Monterey Trail (8-3), 4. Elk Grove (8-4), 5. Granite Bay (8-3), 6. Jesuit (10-2), 7. Sheldon (8-4), 8. Vacaville (8-3), 9. Capital Christian (7-3), 10. Del Oro (7-5), 11. Antelope (10-1), 12. Placer (5-6), 13. Whitney (6-6), 14. Sacramento (9-3), 15. Christian Brothers (7-5), 16. Vista del Lago (8-4) 17. Oak Ridge (3-7), 18. Inderkum (5-5), 19. Yuba City (7-4), 20. Woodcreek (7-4), 21. Casa Roble (7-5), 22. Dixon (7-4), 23. Rosemont (11-3), 24. Lincoln (8-3), 25. Pioneer (8-2).
Follow Joe Davidson and the Sac Bee on Twitter at the following handles: @SacBee_JoeD, @SacBeeSports and @sacbee_news.
Hometown Heartthrob Packs Park
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s famous son Todd Morgan scored a record crowd of more than 2000 fans for his park performance last weekend.
The concert continued a summer series that has brought music to Carmichael Park’s sound shell since June. Morgan and his Emblems trio showcased retro rock and original material. Aged 31, the musician has been working professionally since his teens.
“His first song was Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” recalls his manager/mom, Barbara Morgan. “Todd knew all the lyrics to Rod Stewart’s ‘Hot Legs’ when he was three.”
His parents brought him a little keyboard and he wrote songs for his first album at ten. From childhood debuts, Carmichael community has supported Morgan. Girls screamed when he danced at Garfield Elementary talent shows. Applause continued when he added boogie-woogie piano to his act at Winston Churchill Middle School.
Morgan was known at Rio Americano High as the kid who played piano. No one knew he could sing until he wailed “St James Infirmary” at a Carmichael Kiwanis Jazz Festival; then a multi-talent was acclaimed. At barely 15, he was a California State Fair headliner.
Though 50s and 60s hits remain gig staples, Morgan’s biggest kick comes when fans request his original tunes. “I’m honored if they put my music in the same class as some of their favorites songs,” he says. “I love it when older people say my songs sound like ‘real music’ to them.
“Carmichael – and the people who supported me early in my career – are always going to be important. My aim is to make people happy. To me, that’s a respectable goal.”
All community concerts are free and dancing is encouraged. Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Avenue. La Sierra Center is at 5325 Engle Road. Gibbons Park is at 4701 Gibbons Drive.
The summer concert series continues in Carmichael.
August 13: Fryed Brothers (country rock).
August 20: Ticket to Ride (Beatles tribute).
August 27: On Air (classic rock).
September 25: Gibbons Park. On Air (rock). 5 pm.