Music Abounds in Concert Series
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael Park was packed last Saturday as the Wasted Space band rocked more than 1800 fans.
The series continues this Saturday with a farewell performance by the John Skinner Band. Carmichael-based, the group has been part of the local music scene for more than 40 years.
Bandleader John Skinner died in 2017. His widow Susan Skinner will lead the band for a performance that she says is bittersweet for all members. “John made it clear to us he expected the band to wind down if he could no longer lead it,” says Skinner. “This final performance will be a tribute to him. We could find other trumpet players, but no one could replace John’s personality and leadership.”
Mission Oaks and Carmichael Park Districts offer free entertainment until the end of September. Unless otherwise stated, performances are in Carmichael Park (5750 Grant Ave).
Remaining concerts are:
July 16: John Skinner Band; farewell performance: 6:30 pm.
July 23: Groove Thang Band; pop and rock. 6:30 pm.
July 30: Maya Band; Latin. 6:30 pm.
August 6: Todd Morgan Band; classic rock. 6:30 pm.
August 13: Fryed Brothers; country rock. 6:30 pm.
August 20: Ticket to Ride; Beatles tribute. 6:30 pm.
August 27: On Air; classic rock. 6:30 pm.
September 25: On Air. Gibbons Park, 4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. 7 pm.
Local Artist Leaves a Legacy of Compassion
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - On May 2, 2022, a bright light in the California art community was sadly extinguished. Well known sculptor and potter Christopher Max Thompson died unexpectedly in an automobile accident at the age of 63. Locally, Thompson, a member of Valley Sculptors Artists (VSA), was a popular clay demonstrator at the Fine Arts building at the Sacramento State Fair for many years interacting with fairgoers of all ages. His “ArtValanche” was a fan favorite.
Thompson’s love for making things with clay began at the age of nine when his mother tossed him a hunk of porcelain clay. He was hooked. He received the ‘Artist of the Year Award’ from the Sacramento Arts and Business Council after facilitating a five-county project creating ‘A Thousand Bowls to Feed the Hungry’ in 2013 while a graduate student at California State University, Sacramento. He tossed (shaped) the bowls, while volunteers from local arts organizations glazed and offered them for sale in the community. This project yielded over $42,000 for local non-profits.
After having received his Master’s Degree at Sac State, Thompson shared his love for art with his community in many ways. He taught classes to children and adults throughout the Sacramento region and worked with veterans with PTSD at Beale Air Force Base.
In 2018 Thompson received the prestigious Don Herberholz Award for Sculpture. Herberholz was a well-known metal sculptor, and former professor of art education for teachers at California State University Sacramento for 35 years. In Thompson’s honor VSA will be presenting the Christopher Max Thompson Award for Sculpture to a California sculptor at their booth at the State Fair this year.
Rodney Mott, Thompson’s professor at American River College in the 2000’s said of Thompson, “He was one of my best students. It is not often that your best teacher comes to you disguised as a student. In a world where artists can be selfish, he was community minded and selflessly uplifted his community. He wanted nothing, looked for no reward. Even though he had been homeless himself he raised money for others.
Mott shared that two days prior to his death, they had completed another year long WorldStoke Empty Bowls/Empty Goblets project, raising $12,500 for California Emergency Foodlink in Sacramento.
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - On Monday, July 4, 2022, at approximately 4:16 a.m., Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call from an adult subject stating that he went to his friend’s residence and found his friend dead.
Deputies responded and located an adult male who had sustained at least one gunshot wound. Sacramento Metro Fire arrived a short time later and pronounced the subject deceased at the scene.
Homicide detectives and Crime Scene investigators responded to the scene, interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence. No further information or suspect information is available at this time.
The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after identification and notification of next of kin.
Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).
Kings find needed sharpshooters in Huerter and Monk
LAS VEGAS, NV (MPG) - Live from the strip in Las Vegas, Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair formally introduced two of the team’s newest sharpshooters to the media on July 8.
The Kings welcomed Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk to the team Friday afternoon at a press conference held at the Thomas and Mack Center. Both players bring much-needed shooting depth and floor-spacing to Sacramento.
“We had goals going in [to the offseason] about what we wanted to accomplish,” McNair said. “Certainly, adding shooting, size, versatility, defense, depth, as well as a coach. We don’t think we’re done, but we never feel we’re done. With these two guys, [they are] two pieces that are going to fit great with the rest of our guys and give us a lot of those things that we were looking for.”
Huerter is a 6-foot-7 shooting guard going into his fifth season in the NBA. He was acquired July 1 by the Kings in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday and a future first round pick, according to ESPN. In 74 games with 60 as a starter, Huerter averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists in just under 30 minutes per game for the Hawks last season.
Monk is a 6-foot-3 shooting guard entering his sixth year in the league. He signed with Sacramento as a free agent June 30 for 2-years and $19 million, according to ESPN 1320 Sacramento. In 76 games with 37 as a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists in just over 28 minutes per game.
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Huerter, 23, had spent his entire career with Atlanta until being dealt to the Kings.
“I had a vet tell me in my first two years, ‘you never experience the true NBA until you get traded,’” Huerter said. “That for me was like my first true NBA-moment feeling. It’s the first time you change teams and meet a whole new group of guys, new organization, so I’m really excited to be here. I feel wanted.”
Monk, 24, played one season at the University of Kentucky and played alongside Sacramento’s speedy sensation, De’Aaron Fox. The duo led the Wildcats to a 2017 Sweet 16 appearance and became very close.
“I talk to Fox everyday man, so it really wasn’t a conversation right before I signed,” Monk said. “Got a call from Sac, said they wanted to offer me, so I called Fox to see what he thought about it and made the decision after that. I’m ready to play with my teammate, my brother.”
Huerter comes to Sacramento with many nicknames in tow, including K-Von, Red Velvet and Red Mamba. The 23-year-old said Kings fans can refer to him by any nickname except for K-Von, as that one was exclusive to the ATL.
“I guess that means not one has fully stuck, yet I guess if I got three or four of them,” Huerter said. “I think my favorite one when I was in Atlanta was the K-Von. I think that was just something that, you know Atlanta, you know the people there, that was something that was kind of funny. They took Kevin and made me Atlanta’s version of Kevin which was K-Von. So, I think that one can stay there.
“But past that, it’s really whatever you guys like or feel comfortable with.”
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Monk played the first four years of his career with the Charlotte Hornets under the guidance of team owner, Michael Jordan, arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. Last season, he played for the Lakers and alongside LeBron James, another one of the all-time greats.
“Life changing experiences from both aspects,” Monk said. “With Jordan being the owner, I seen things from that side. With LeBron being a player, I seen things from his side. So, I got a lot of life changing experiences with those guys.”
Huerter, Monk and the rest of the Kings will now attempt to halt the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 16 seasons beginning in October.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On July 4, 2022, around 1:51 a.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 1500 block of L Street after receiving multiple reports that a shooting occurred as people were leaving a nightclub. When officers arrived, they located multiple gunshot victims at the scene. In total, five adult male victims were located and treated at area hospitals. One victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital, and the other four were last reported to be in stable condition.
Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators responded to take over the investigation. They will be canvassing the area, processing the scene for evidence, and will be interviewing witnesses. The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation and there is no suspect information at this time.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 31-year-old Gregory Grimes.
We are seeking assistance from the community and are looking for any video evidence that may have been captured during this shooting. An evidence portal has been created where videos can be submitted. This portal can be accessed by scanning a QR code at the following link: Sacramento Police Department – Evidence Submission Portal
The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.
EMERYVILLE, CA (MPG) – Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, launched its 12th consecutive Independence from Hunger® Food Drive to combat food insecurity. From June 29 – July 31, 2022, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s more than 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In addition, online donations made at GroceryOutlet.com/Donate will support Grocery Outlet’s Bay Area partner, Alameda County Community Food Bank.
With inflation on the rise and supply chain backlogs, more families have been turning to food banks. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has estimated that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children are living in food-insecure households. Each independently owned and operated Grocery Outlet store is committed to giving back to their community and have partnered locally to bring the community together in providing families nutritious food.
“Each year, we’re blown away by the continued growth of the Independence from Hunger® Food Drive due to the commitment of our employees, operators, charitable partners and customers” said Eric Lindberg, CEO at Grocery Outlet, Inc. “At Grocery Outlet, our mission is touching lives for the better–We’re so grateful to be able to help our local families rest a little easier knowing they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming.”
For 76 years, Grocery Outlet has been committed to giving back to local community organizations and IFH is an integral part of their commitment. Since its launch in 2011, the Independence from Hunger® campaign efforts have collected nearly $14 million nationwide. Customers can make a difference by visiting their local Grocery Outlet and participating in one of these easy steps:
Give $5, get $5. Donate $5 or more in a single transaction in-store or online and you will receive a coupon for $5 off a future purchase of $25 or more; Purchase a pre-made bag that is complete with an assortment of groceries selected by the local food agency and then place it in a collection bin at the front of the store; Make an in-store donation at the register. Donations will benefit that store’s local food agency partner. Donate $1, $5 or round up your change; Donate online by visiting GroceryOutlet.com/Donate. Online donations support the San Francisco bay area community through Grocery Outlet’s partnership with Alameda County Community Food Bank.
“Since 1946, our core values have been built around our desire to provide and give back to our local communities,” said Lindberg “Our customers and communities alike are the foundation of our success. We feel it’s important to continue our ultimate mission to touch lives for the better.”
For 76 years Grocery Outlet, an extreme-value grocery retailer based in Emeryville, California, has offered customers big savings on brand-name products. The company has more than 400 locations throughout California, Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Stores are owned by Independent Operators based in the communities they serve.
Grocery Outlet offers a full range of products including fresh produce, meat, deli and dairy, along with a wide assortment of natural and organic choices. Grocery Outlet also carries a large selection of beer and wine, health and beauty care, as well as seasonal items. A third-generation, family-led company founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet provides local customers an exciting place to find WOW deals on name brands they trust.
For more information about Grocery Outlet, please visit www.GroceryOutlet.com.
Flights of Independence
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Flips, fumbles – even a 24-hour missing eaglet alert – punctuated maiden flights for 2022 bald eaglet twins Phoenix and Flame. (Note: these names were coined by this observer. Scientific observers identify the two females hatched close to Sacramento as eaglets 12 and 13.)
Built in 2016, their parents’ eyrie was considered the closest to Sacramento in recorded history. The fact that bald eagles were nesting in unaccustomed territory underscored a comeback for the species that was near extinction in the 1970s. The American River nest has since accommodated 13 babies.
Eaglets fledge at around 12 weeks after hatching. To reach adult size in less than three months, babies are fed nonstop. They must also be sheltered from cold and parching canyon heat and predators. This year, the parents routed a bobcat that climbed almost to nursery level.
Mama and papa worked in relays to deliver prey. The hatchlings were delicately beak-fed at first. Later, as eaglet instinct developed, beaks and talons tore at prey. Fish and waterfowl provided most of their nutrition. Older by at least four days, Phoenix was the first to scramble outside the nursery and begin the process of branching. Flapping and building flight muscle, she moved around the nesting tree.
One windy June morning, she ventured a jump; missed her footing and fell. A soft landing on bluff grasses prevented injury. But solid ground was a whole new deal. Tripping over clown-sized feet, Phoenix stomped about her new domain. She tumbled down a bank. Odds favored survival but achieving first flight from ground level seemed a big ask.
Phoenix found a low, horizontal branch. Leaping up, she gained two feet of height and paused to consider. Her papa watched from the nest. Fifty yards away, mama perched in another bluff pine. Phoenix flapped and flawlessly rose. In 50 yards, she gained 50 feet of elevation and landed (20 feet above her mama) in a tangle of talons and slapping wings. Here the juvenile perched all day. A maiden flight is a leap of faith at the best of times; accidental fledging perhaps requires recovery time. One or both parents sat below her for most of her first day out of the nest.
A week later, sibling Flame’s debut flight and unobserved landing was another drama. Volunteers combed creation for her. The eaglet’s exit from the nest aimed for a distant bluff tree where sibling Phoenix was being fed. Flame belted to her goal; missed her landing; snatched at a limb and hung upside down before falling below the bluff. Then she disappeared. A day-long volunteer search in triple-digit heat could not locate the juvenile.
Disoriented fledgers are wise to lay low and stay silent. By daybreak, a recovered Flame ignited. I photographed her dusky profile in a waterside pine, not far from her botched landing. An oddity I’d observed during the previous day’s search suddenly made sense: Flame’s parents had alighted on a mid-river island and sat shoulder-to-shoulder for 30 minutes. Their perch was in view of where Flame eventually materialized. At no point did her parents seem agitated. They evidently knew where she was and had faith in her return.
At dawn, the debutante beheld sister Phoenix awaiting a feed on the feeding branch that lured the previous day’s fledge. Hungry and motivated, she launched a mile-long journey to gain 120 feet of height needed for breakfast approach. Her trajectory included crossing the American River. After resting on the opposite bank, Flame barreled back, wingtips slicing the dark mill pond. The juvenile landed brilliantly near papa on the feeding branch. Her sibling had already breakfasted and regained the eyrie.
Mama approached with a second fish and the prodigal screamed welcome. By devious ploy, the huntress wafted over the outraged tyke and baited the way home. Flame shot off in a piebald blur and soon slam-dunked the nursery. Her food-frenzy screams reached me from half a mile away.
Hindsight: For almost 24 hours, fledgling Flame was merely invisible to the searchers.
Nature cloaked her. Wariness kept her silent. Vigilant parents kept her in sight. Instinct guided her flawless homecoming strategy. She was never lost. It’s we who were lost without her.
Thanks to everyone who searched, prayed, and became even more aware that this American River family is part of our hearts.