Hometown Rockers at Milagro
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - An August 20 concert at Milagro Centre will feature a band with unbroken Carmichael ties.
Drummer and Wasted Space co-founder Johnnie Barnes represents the third generation of his family to call Carmichael home. His mom Barbara was among local children who made adobe bricks during Carmichael Presbyterian Church construction. She later married his dad in the chapel she helped build. “It’s a little history that gives me an extra connection to my hometown,” says Barnes.
Young Johnnie discovered a talent for percussion while at San Juan District’s Albert Schweitzer Elementary and continued drumming while at Del Campo High. Years later, he met singer Michelle Holman as each both picked up kids from Schweitzer Elementary. The single parents had music in common and before long, they were married and gigging together. The Barnes now have two grandchildren at Schweitzer.
“It’s special for a family to have had three generations at the same school,” considers Barnes.” Michelle and I live around the corner from the home my parents built in the 1960s. I’ve never left Carmichael. I feel really grounded here.”
Wasted Space began in 1994. Working as an automotive technician in Orangevale, Barnes heard guitar playing from a paint store next door. “I went to look, and I found Mike Roser,” he recalls. “I said: ‘hey, I’m a drummer ‒ we should get together.’
“We got a group going and one day were practicing in the back of Mike’s paint shop. A visitor asked what our band was called. I looked around the storage area and blurted out – ‘Wasted Space’.” The moniker stuck like a coat of enamel. Though the players still have day jobs, they gig every weekend. Their following extends all over Sacramento and far beyond.
Tie-dye shirts are trademark apparel for a group that delivers baby boomer hits. “We each have input in what we play,” explains Michelle Barnes. “We’re all singers and we choose songs that fit us.” Fellow Wasted musicians are Frank McClory (guitar), Linda Ingoglia (vocals), Michael Capps (keyboard), Zane Miller (bass) and Michael Roser (guitar). “We don’t just perform together,” vocalist Michelle attests. “We’re close. We go to concerts and games together. We go camping. We have mimosa mornings. Our kids all get along. We love one another like family.”
Hometown dates are highlights of their schedule: a recent Carmichael Park concert drew almost 2000 fans. “It’s fun for us to see neighbors and friends in the audience,” explains Johnnie Barnes. “We can’t wait to play Milagro. As locals, we know what used to be there (the center morphed from a shuttered strip mall) so we appreciate what (owner Allan Davis) has brought to our hometown.
“I was at Schweitzer Elementary with his wife, Susan. That’s another Carmichael connection that we love.”
Wasted Space’s Milagro Centre concert begins at 4 pm, on Saturday, August 20. Anyone may attend this free event. For information, www.milagrocentre.com
Carmichael Celebrates National Night Out
This year’s National Night Out was celebrated on Tuesday, August 2nd at Carmichael Park on 5750 Grant Ave. Neighbors and friends joined to promote solidarity between neighborhoods and local law enforcement. From the left back row: Sacramento Sheriff’s Deputy Vang visited with community members Dale Lorzo, William Bowen, Congressman Ami Bera, MD., Heidi Pyle and Joe Green. Front row: Julie DePrada-Schott (left), Katie Pexa and Andrew Green.
San Francisco’s shortstop stops by SacTown
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – It’s not often that you have a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner rolling through Sacramento and suiting up for the River Cats.
However, the uncommon occurred last week as San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford played for the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. Crawford was in town for multiple days to get in some game-action before returning to San Francisco following a stint on the injured list with a knee injury.
“The past week’s been pretty good,” Crawford told the media before taking the field on Tuesday, August 2. “I had three or four days where I wasn’t really feeling anything in the knee. I’m hoping to continue that.”
The Mountain View native had been on the IL since July 16 after aggravating the knee that had previously sidelined him once before this season. Crawford aggravated the injury on June 21 during a 12-10 victory over the reigning World Series champions, the Atlanta Braves. He spent the minimum 10 days on the IL before returning on July 5.
Crawford may have rushed his return coming back after 10 days, because 11 days later, he was right back on the IL as the Giants continue to fight to keep their record above .500 following a National League West division title last season.
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“I have to make sure the knee is feeling good before I come off the IL,” Crawford said. “Last time I came off the IL and felt good for a game, but the next week after that I wasn’t feeling great. I feel like the only way to test it in a game like situation is to actually play a game. That’s kind of what we decided would be best. Hopefully going forward the next couple months it feels pretty good.”
Before his return from the IL, the 35-year-old recorded a .215 batting average with five home runs, 33 RBI, 29 runs scored and 10 doubles in 72 games for San Francisco this season.
“We’re not far out of the playoff race right now,” Crawford explained. “Hopefully I can come back healthy, and Evan Longoria can come back healthy, and we can be at full strength for a little while. I think with the guys that we have, and we kept, we can make a push for the playoffs.”
As for his time spent in Sacramento, this wasn’t the veteran’s first time experiencing the Capitol of California.
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“It’s definitely convenient,” Crawford said about Sutter Health Park being within driving distance of Oracle Park. “I’ve always enjoyed Sacramento. I’ve had family that’s lived up here. I have definitely played one exhibition here. I can’t remember if I’ve played two. It’s nice to come back out.”
Crawford returned to the majors on Saturday, August 6. The timing couldn’t have been any better for the man who was once a boy born in the Bay Area, as the Giants swept a two-game set on the road from their regional rivals, the Oakland Athletics, in the Battle of the Bay.
In eight at bats over the weekend, Crawford had three hits, two runs scored, one run batted in and one walk with three strikeouts. The Giants won Saturday 7-3 and Sunday 6-4.
As of Monday morning, August 8, San Francisco (53-55) is 6.5 games back of their rival, the San Diego Padres (61-50), who currently hold the third and final Wild Card spot. Both teams will need a WC berth to get into the playoffs as the Los Angeles Dodgers (75-33) are currently running away with the NL West crown.
Carmichael Fire Sparked by Running Vehicle in Garage
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – On Saturday, July 23, at approximately 12:10 p.m., Metro Fire crews were dispatched after multiple callers reported seeing a large smoke column coming from a house on Marmith Avenue in Carmichael.
Crews arrived to a very large 3 story home, with heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage, 1st floor, and the attic. Crews stretched multiple hose lines to attack the blaze, conducted a thorough search, and vertically ventilated the roof with chainsaws. Fortunately, all occupants made it out safely, and reported the fire starting from the garage after allowing their vehicle to warm up.
Several challenges were overcome on this incident by our responding crews. The layout of the home was very unconventional with multiple stairwells to multiple different areas of the home, the attic space on one side of the home was a living space, and the home had a wine cellar basement. This equates to more complexity operationally with more hose lines and more crews needed to conduct a search. The roof had a very steep pitch roof, so the truck crew ventilating had to cut from a roof ladder that was attached to the ridge line of the roof. Even with the amount of complexity, heat and significant overhaul work needed to completely extinguish the fire, this incident was controlled quickly and efficiently. Crews were able to save several very important personal items from the home, which the homeowner was also very thankful for.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week simply by dialing or texting 988.
Within the United States, that number connects directly to trained mental health professionals at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The program, which began July 16, is modeled after the 911 emergency system. It’s meant to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional.
The trained crisis counselors can help people experiencing mental health-related distress such as: thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, any other kind of emotional distress.
People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about someone they know who may need crisis support.
Veterans can use the number to reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing 1. Spanish speaking counselors can be reached by pressing 2 after dialing 988.
UC Davis clinical neuropsychologist Angela Drake plans to encourage patients to use 988 in an emergency situation and as part of a broader self-care plan.
“There is a tremendous unmet need for mental health services in the United States, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that a significant number of people are experiencing mental health issues but lack access to treatment,” Drake said. “The new 988 system is a first step toward addressing some of those unmet needs and provides an important safety net for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Calling 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where people live in the United States, they can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
The new 988 dialing code is operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The national network of more than 200 crisis centers helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. These centers are supported by local and state sources and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA describes 988 as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America. The program is in response to the urgent mental health realities in the U.S. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes — and for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death. In addition, there were more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021.
The launch of 988 follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care in reach for people in need.
For more information about the 988 program, visit the SAMSA 988 page here, the FCC page here, and the VA page here.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Keep Pets Safe During Hot Weather
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Every year, Sacramento County residents do their best to keep cool during the summer heat. Failing to keep cool in extreme temperatures can cause adverse health effects for residents—both humans and animals.
Unlike humans, cats and dogs cannot sweat to keep cool; they cool their bodies off through panting and the pads of their feet. As a pet owner, it’s important to take measures to keep them cool during high temperatures.
Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe from the heat:
Never leave your pet in a parked car: Even cracking a window won’t protect your pets. It is against the law in California and could be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. A car can reach 120 degrees in just minutes; even if the windows are slightly open the car can still reach 102 degrees. A dog's normal temperature is 101.5 degrees; at 120 degrees your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and die and at 107 degrees brain damage occurs. Check out this video on how hot it gets in cars.
Avoid extreme heat: When temperatures get above the 90s, take your pet inside. For outdoor pets, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh, cold water in a tip-proof water dish and shade for them to cool down.
Don’t exercise with your pets when it is too hot: Older and certain long-haired dogs can be particularly susceptible to heat, and hot asphalt can burn their paws. Exercise in the early morning or cool evenings and make sure both of you have plenty of water.
Use sunscreen: Pets get sunburned just like people, and if your pet has light skin or fur, they can be particularly susceptible to a painful burn, and even skin cancer. Use sunscreen on sensitive areas, such as ears or nose to make sure your pets are protected.
Secure your dog during transport: Make sure your dog is secured safely in your vehicle. Cross-tethering your dog with a rope or containing them via a kennel in the bed of your truck will help prevent the dog from falling or jumping from the vehicle. Also, please note that truck beds can get hot when exposed to the sun and that can severely burn dog footpads. Transporting animals on a public highway or public roadway without properly securing them could be punishable by a fine.
Be your pet’s lifeguard: While swimming can help pets get exercise without overheating, always supervise pets when swimming either in a pool or in waterways. Dogs can get tired swimming, particularly in rivers where they have to fight against currents. To avoid drowning, make sure they wear life jackets and keep them out of the water when flows are high.
If pets have been exposed to high temperatures…
Be alert for signs of heat stress including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
Immediately move your pet to the shade to gradually lower their temperature. Apply cool (not cold) water to the pet, and provide lukewarm or cool water to drink. Take your pet to a veterinary hospital immediately. It could save their life.
For more tips on keeping pets safe in hot weather, visit the Hot Weather Pet Tips page. For other animal issues and pet owner resources, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter website.
Don’t have a pet? The Bradshaw Animal Shelter has fully reopened to the public for all walk-in services, no appointments are necessary. To adopt, visit the shelter Tuesday through Sunday (except holidays) between 12 and 5 p.m., Wednesday between 12 and 6 p.m.
For a list of available animal care services, including walk-in licensing and how to report a lost or found pet, visit animalcare.saccounty.gov.
Fair Oaks Leader Leaves a Lasting Legacy
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The mark of any man or woman can be measured by the impact he or she leaves behind in the lives of other people. In the case of Barry Price Brown of Fair Oaks, that number can be measured in the hundreds or even thousands.
Brown, a native of Nevada City, recently passed away at the age of 90. He leaves behind his wife Eleanor, his three sons, his daughters-in-law and five precious granddaughters. However, he also leaves behind a legacy and list of accomplishments that will be hard for anyone to top.
“Barry was the type of man who operated under the belief that if you had a job to do, you did it well and you got it finished,” Eleanor Brown told the Messenger Publishing Group (MPG). “He had a type of commitment that made him special. He inspired others to adopt the same type of commitment, no matter what the project.”
The average adult works a 30-year career and may also help to raise a family before enjoying a well-deserved retirement. That word didn’t fit Brown. He didn’t retire. He didn’t understand the word. He simply chose to move onto the next big challenge in his life after accomplishing all he could in the previous challenge. No challenge was ever too big.
“Barry was a force of nature,” Fair Oaks businessman Keith Walter told MPG. “I first met Barry a decade ago. He was 80. I quickly learned he had more energy and drive than most people in their 20s.”
That sentiment was shared by the publisher of MPG, Paul Scholl.
“Barry was one of the very first people to encourage me when I first started the American River Messenger many years ago. He was a constant source of encouragement over the years,” Scholl confided after he politely assigned this tribute. “At every event Barry would make it a point to greet me and offer his support. He also knew that if he ever had to get a story covered or something special in the newspaper for any of his causes it only took one phone call to make it happen.”
Listening to the numerous descriptions of Brown by the people who knew him best, another person came to mind.
“He wanted you to be great,” Larry Tesler said. “He wanted you to create something that was great. He was going to make you do that.”
Tesler was serving as the Chief Scientist at Apple Computers when he described the impact that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had on his life. But, it seems, the same words and phrases could have just as easily applied to Barry Brown.
“Barry Brown Taught Us to ‘Look Over the Edge,’” is only one of the headlines about the man that you will find today on the Fair Oaks Village Enhancement Committee (FOVEC) website. It’s an organization that he, not surprisingly, helped to get off the ground. The mission of the FOVEC is to “make Fair Oaks Village a better place to live and visit through projects and events by working with local businesses, property owners and other stakeholders,” according to the committee’s website.
Brown, a retired irrigation engineer, worked with a variety of state and federal agencies. He started with the CA Department of Water Resources before moving to the CA Energy Commission and, eventually, the Federal Land Bank. When he wasn’t serving as engineer on numerous California and federal water projects, he switched hats to serve the National Guard. That was another career that lasted for 27-years. He rose to the rank of Colonel before retirement. But Brown didn’t ever retire. He just moved onto a new challenge.
As it turns out, he was just getting started.
Brown would go on to become the longest-serving director on the Fair Oaks Water District Board of Directors. He served for 25 years. But he didn’t stop there. From zoning commissions to the Fair Oaks Foundation For Leisure and the Arts to the Fair Oaks Historical Society, Brown kept his fingerprints firmly set in the community.
His work included the community effort to preserve the Fair Oaks' portion of the American River Bluffs. The purchase of that 4.5 acres of property, referred to as the Fair Oaks Bluff, took place following a long fundraising campaign conducted by a grassroots group of community leaders who billed themselves as Citizens to Save the Bluff. Brown served as the co-chair for the effort.
Ralph Carhart is the Director at the Fair Oaks Parks and Recreation District and worked closely with Brown on the bluff preservation effort and several other projects.
“Barry was one of the six key people who served on the Bluff Donor Commission,” Carhart recalled. “He came along when we were following through with the commitment to honor those who had donated money to this effort. Some of those contributions were very large.”
The effort would not only lead to the preservation of the open space, but the construction of the American River Parkway Donor Plaza. It’s a 30 square-foot plaza complete with a spiraling walkway made up of engraved bricks. River rocks gathered from the American River line the walkway.
“We had a vision and we just assumed we'd see it one day,” Barry told the Fair Oaks Patch blog in 2011.
It would be one of many reminders that Brown would leave behind. He would later take part in, and raise money for, the effort to construct the Fair Oaks Founder’s Monument. That monument was championed by Karyn Barthmore, then Honorary Mayor for the Chamber of Commerce. It tells the long and storied history of the Fair Oaks community.
Although Brown was active in several organizations and projects, it’s his work with FOVEC that may result in lasting recognition. He would help identify funding sources that led to the Fair Oaks Streetscape Construction Project completed in 2013. The project resulted in new sidewalks, curbs, paved walking paths, street light improvements, parking and landscaping in many areas of the Fair Oaks Village.
“Barry approached projects with an engineer’s perspective,” Carhart said. “Anything he did was done to perfection.”
Former Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters highlighted the work of FOVEC and others for following the project through to completion.
“This is a positive step towards the shared vision to increase the village’s viability as a thriving business district that attracts more local and regional shoppers,” Peters told MPG.
Brown’s community efforts will live on for decades to come.
“Barry was an outdoor person who had an indoor job,” Eleanor Brown said. “He never stopped working in the community or in his own backyard. He was the type of person who would dig up a fruit tree to move it two feet to the left or right to give it a better spot.”
Those who knew and worked with Brown through the decades find it tough to put into words what exactly made him special. They only know that he will be missed.
“Fair Oaks tends to attract people who come here for what the community offers,” Walter said. “Our community would be a different place today without the influence and guidance of Barry Brown.”