SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment on March 31 against Jose Manuel Chavez Zepeda, 54, of Carmichael, and Denis Zacarias Ponce Castillo, 37, of Sacramento, charging them with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from at least April 22, 2016, until March 2022, Chavez distributed cocaine in kilogram quantities that he obtained from a source of supply in Mexico connected to the Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generación (CJNG). Ponce worked for Chavez as one of his larger sub-dealers and later as his “stash pad” manager. In June 2021, Chavez and Ponce sold a half kilogram of cocaine to a confidential source in Sacramento.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Sacramento Area Intelligence/Narcotics Task Force (SAINT). Assistant U.S. Attorney David Spencer is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Chavez and Ponce face a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Project Roomkey (PRK) was launched in Sacramento County in April 2020 in response to the growing concern of vulnerability to COVID-19 our unhoused population was facing.
PRK was introduced as a statewide solution to an emergency situation and the County, City of Sacramento and Sacramento Steps Forward pooled their resources to bring it to fruition.
The program was intended to be short-term, to allow for the COVID-19 virus to run its course and then ramp down the sheltering efforts as community efforts lessened. As we now know, the program has been running for nearly two years and has served more than 2,000 people– having provided isolation for persons who contracted the virus and private units for people to safely shelter in place. As a result, of these efforts, hundreds of people have exited to stable and safe locations.
Due to the unexpected duration of COVID response, state and federal dollars were made available for use to extend local PRK efforts. With state and federal funding running out, the threat of COVID-19 waning due to increased vaccination rates and lower transmission rates, Sacramento County and its many partners are ramping down the prevention and isolation units and working closely with community providers to transition PRK participants into long-term housing solutions.
The PRK program was never intended as a long-term solution to homelessness and is not a sustainable sheltering model as the program is incredibly expensive – more than $4000 per person a month and relies on resources that were only available due to the community-wide shutdown. Hotels that offered up their space need to resume their place in tourism, and Goodwill employees reimagined as shelter staff need to return to their chosen field of work.
Project Room Key by the numbers through January 2022:
Total sheltered: 2,051; Total exited to stable housing: 425; Total exited to temporary housing or emergency housing: 361; Still in PRK motels: 335; Average length of stay: 7.5 months
88% have been there for more than a month; 63% have been there more than 3 months; 27% have been there over 6 months; 21% have been there over a year
For a full report on the demographics, numbers and exits from the PRK program through January, read the latest report on the Sacramento Steps Forward website.
PRK Program ends at La Quinta
The PRK program at La Quinta closed on March 15 and all participants were provided shelter or housing options; with many having received many options over the course of their stay. While the County has taken the lead on managing operations and funding the shelter components, re-housing involves many public and private partners.
Over the last month, housing efforts have intensified across PRK to ensure connectivity to community-based programs that will carry them well beyond their time at PRK. With the closure of the first site, County staff and partners have ensured all participants had a safe place to transition to. At the February presentation of the ramp-down plan there were 121 participants at La Quinta, of those:
55 participants have moved to the two remaining PRK motels; 53 participants will receive 21-day motel vouchers (which will be extended when housing has been identified and participants have continued to work on next steps with their community-based housing provider); 6 have moved into housing; 2 chose to exit voluntarily; 5 were exited for egregious program rule violations
Federal reimbursement funding extension
DHA was recently informed that FEMA’s non-congregate shelter reimbursement will be extended until June 30, 2022 (formally scheduled to end March 31, 2022), and the CA Department of Social Services has also confirmed that Counties can request additional Emergency Solutions Grant funding for continued PRK efforts. As such, DHA will be reevaluating the closure dates of the final two motel locations in concert with our partners from the City, Sacramento Steps Forward and SHRA, who provide critical re-housing supports for those in PRK, and will determine how best to use the funding options now accessible for this purpose.
Shelters and housing programs
The programs, services and funding offered through the County of Sacramento is dynamic, but below is a partial list of the programs the County funds to help shelter, house and care for our community members experiencing homelessness. The programs are often a collaboration between many County departments, including Human Assistance; Health Services; and Child, Family and Adult Services.
Sheltering (Capacity per night)
Emergency Family Shelters: 40 families; Mather Interim Shelter: 140 individuals; North A Street Shelter: 80 adults; Scattered Site Shelters: 115 people; Domestic Violence Shelter: 162 women/children.
Transitional Housing (Capacity per night)
Adolfo Transitional Housing for Foster Youth: 68 youth households; Mather Family Transitional Housing: 25 families; Youth Transitional Housing: 12 Youth
Permanent Housing (Yearly Capacity)
Flexible Housing Program: 300 households; Flexible Supportive Rehousing: 250 households; MHSA Built Permanent Supportive Housing Units: 221 households
For a full picture of county-funded homeless outreach, shelter and housing services, as well as mental health and addiction services, review our Homeless Program Matrix.
A Bunny Brunch
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Pancakes are in. Pandemonium is out. After more than 40 years of frenzied egg hunts, Carmichael Recreation and Park District last weekend replaced rough-and-tumble with a gentler option.
Nearly 300 adults and children sat down to Breakfast with the Bunny in Carmichael Park Clubhouse. The Easter celebration followed two years of pandemic hiatus for CRPD Easter activities.
Admission cost of $5 per person included a calorific breakfast and treat bags. Carmichael Kiwanis Club members cooked and served food. County Supervisor Rich Desmond flipped pancakes and stood in line for his bunny encounter. Children’s crafts were offered in the rose-bordered parking lot.
Did participants miss the old egg scramble? Evidently not.
Noted a hunt veteran: “Weeks of work went into preparing for that chaos. On the day, a siren blared and it was all over in half a minute. Most children were well behaved; some parents charged barriers and pushed tots aside to grab eggs for their own kids. Timid little ones were terrified. Many kids got nothing. There were always tears afterwards. Here today, grandparents, parents and kids are having a relaxed time. No one’s crying.”
Indeed, laughter colored the event like flowers daubed on cheeks by attendant face-painters. The breakfast was so popular that three sittings sold out before Easter weekend. Walk-ins were also accommodated. Nearly a thousand pancakes were served; gallons of coffee and orange juice were chugged.
CRPD staff and volunteers seemed pleased with the reinvented tableau. District administrator Mike Blondino indicated CRPD’s new celebration was here to stay. “We wanted to move to a non-competitive, multi-generational experience,” he explained. “This event was a real community partnership. I saw a lot of happy people.”
Bunny Breakfast proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Family House. The Sacramento facility provides accommodation for families of UC Davis Children’s Hospital patients.
Sun Run to Benefit San Juan Education Foundation
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) – The Fair Oaks Sun Run has been an annual tradition in Fair Oaks, California for 40 years and - believe it or not - it hasn't gotten one bit easier! Regarded as one of the most beautiful yet challenging courses around, it never fails to attract both the avid runner and those who are out to have a great time at a great event.
On May 1, you will be able to choose either the 5 Mile Chicken Run or the 2 Mile Rooster Ramble non-competitive Run/Walk. Both events start at Village Park in Old Fair Oaks. The 5-Miler winds through the beautiful Old Fair Oaks residential neighborhood with a keyhole loop to Sailor Bar. The course is equal parts paved road and dirt trail and features the infamous four hills: Grand Daddy Hill, Hernia Hill, The Beast and Last Gasp. The Rooster Ramble event stays on the paved roads through Old Fair Oaks.
Not to be forgotten, we also host the best kids' fun runs (1/4 Mile and 1/2 Mile) in the Greater Sacramento area for children 12 and under. The famous, oversized Fair Oaks Chicken will once again lead the kids' races and attempt to keep alive his undefeated streak. Kids’ race registrations include a t-shirt, finisher medal, sticker, free photo downloads, and a root beer float!
Pick up your bib and shirt or register (space permitting) Saturday, April 30, from noon - 5:00pm at Fleet Feet Folsom (6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630). You can also pick up your bib on race day (near the start line in Fair Oaks Village) starting at 7:00am.
Community Clubhouse in the Old Fair Oaks Village (7997 California Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA, 95628) at Village Park in Old Fair Oaks.
Cirque du Soleil returning to Sutter Health Park with Alegría
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — Following the success of Amaluna in 2020, Cirque du Soleil is excited to announce its return to Sacramento with its internationally-acclaimed production Alegría.
From July 29 to Aug. 28, audiences are invited under the Big Top at Sutter Health Park to experience the pure theatrical magic of the redesigned fan favorite, Alegría.
Undeniably the most iconic Cirque du Soleil production, Alegría is an all-time classic re-imagined for a new generation to fall in love with. An uplifting immersive experience, Alegría whisks audiences away to a mystical world sprinkled with visual poetry and acrobatic extravagance.
At the heart of a once-glorious kingdom that has lost its king, Alegría witnesses the power struggle at play between the old order and a new movement yearning for hope and renewal.
With its unforgettable soundtrack, exciting acrobatics, surreal costume designs, vibrant sets, and playful humor, Alegría joyfully touches the soul and lives up to its global reputation of quintessential Cirque du Soleil spectacle.
“It is such an honor to be working with the great team at Cirque du Soleil once again to produce Alegría under the Big Top at Sutter Health Park,” said River Cats director of events and entertainment Brittney Nizuk. “Guests who enjoyed Amaluna in 2020 have been craving to come back for more, and it’s a perfect opportunity for the rest of the Sacramento region to experience the magic.”
Tickets for the Sacramento engagement of Alegría are available online on Monday at cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.
Alegría (‘joy’ in Spanish) first premiered in 1994 and has since become one of the most beloved Cirque du Soleil shows, mesmerizing over 14 million spectators in 255 cities across 40 countries in over 19 years of touring. Its Grammy Award-nominated soundtrack — including the iconic title track ‘Alegría’— is still the most purchased and streamed Cirque du Soleil album to date.
In 2019, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Alegría was restaged under the Big Top in a whole new light, ensuring that all its components — stage direction, music, acrobatics, sets, costumes, lighting, and makeup designs — would be as inspiring for today’s audiences as they were at the time of the original creation. Re-energized by a cast of 53 acrobats, clowns, musicians, and singers, Alegría remains timeless and imbued with a joyous magical feeling.
The revival of Alegría is the 44th Cirque du Soleil original production since 1984, and its 19th presented under the Big Top.
To watch the official trailer, visit https://youtu.be/snZ1yDnVhfU
OFFICIAL PARTNER
Cirque du Soleil wishes to thank SAP, its official partner.
Follow #Alegria and #cirquedusoleil on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to more than 200 million spectators in more than 450 cities in over 60 countries on six continents. Cirque du Soleil is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. For more information, visit cirquedusoleil.com.
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - On Monday, April 18, 2022, at approximately 6:56 p.m., Sheriff’s Communications Center received several separate calls regarding a shooting that just occurred at the park located on the 11,000 block of Fair Oaks Boulevard. The callers advised that someone had been shot and was lying in the parking lot. Additional callers stated the shooter, an adult male, left the park on foot traveling northbound through the park to Madison Avenue across the street and into the City of Citrus Heights. A short time later, callers traveling on Madison Avenue just west of Fair Oaks Boulevard reported hearing several gunshots and seeing an adult male on the ground at the north side of the street.
Deputies responded to the park and located an adult male suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the upper body. Deputies pronounced the subject deceased at the scene. Deputies then responded to the north side of Madison Avenue and located a second gunshot victim who was transported to a local area hospital and later pronounced deceased. Deputies secured the Madison Avenue scene until Citrus Heights Police Department arrived to take over.
Homicide detectives and Crime Scene investigators responded to the scene, interviewed many witnesses and gathered evidence. No further information or suspect information is available at this time. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Team will handle the investigation for the park shooting. Citrus Heights Police Department will conduct the Madison Avenue shooting investigation.
The identity of the park shooting victim 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).
‘Debatable’ Quality Lunches
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ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) – Casa Roble freshman Catherine Patton is unsatisfied with the meals available to students at her school.
“Here at Casa Roble High School, the quality of school lunches is debatable,” Patton wrote in an essay titled, “Health is Wealth” that she recently wrote for one of her classes. “The salad bar was removed and there isn’t a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Your school lunch should contain the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, protein, grain and dairy. Most of the lunches consist of pizza, hot pockets and more processed foods.
“The school isn’t exactly lifestyle-friendly for those with eating disorders, allergies, diabetes, or other unique circumstances. Often, the portions in food they give are too little, not enough for the students who do choose to eat school lunches, still leaving them hungry after lunch.”
Raj Rai, Director of Communication for the San Juan Unified School District, explained that the lunches currently available to students are within the recommended guidelines.
“School meals meet or exceed the latest federal and state requirements and are designed to ensure that students receive a balanced meal low in fat and sodium,” Rai said via email. “Current guidelines for lunch require that we offer five components daily: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat/meat alternatives and milk. A student must take at least three of the five required components and at least one of those three must be a fruit or a vegetable.”
Speaking as someone with personal experience who graduated from high school six years ago, school lunches, good or bad, were not available for free when I was a student like they are today which is a positive.
“San Juan Unified is committed to serving healthy meals that support students' academic efforts and a healthy lifestyle,” Rai said. “As a result of the USDA's extension of special COVID-19 waivers, we have been able to offer free meals to all students in the district this school year.”
The 15-year-old Patton argues that students with financial difficulties are unable to choose what they eat which is why schools should make an effort to serve healthy food.
“Some students have no choice but to eat school lunch, due to it being free,” Patton wrote. “If students have low-income families, they’re forced to get what’s cheap, whether it’s healthy or not, because their families cannot afford it.”
Patton believes Casa can do more to educate students about what they’re putting in their bodies outside of school as well.
“Casa could do a presentation to educate our students on nutritional value, health risks and spreading awareness,” Patton said. “In the mornings, kids will bring Starbucks, Dutch Bros and energy drinks, using them to cope, to stay awake during class and (they) often experience withdrawal. If students had a better outlook on what it was doing to their bodies, and the effects it could have on them in 10 years, it might change their mindset.”
An educational presentation isn’t the only idea that Patton had on how Casa can improve the food being served to students.
“Although we have a cooking class, it isn’t required,” Patton wrote. “A cooking class could be beneficial for knowing how to cook and for the healthy eating aspect. Our school could also start a gardening class and teach students to grow their own organic food and use that fresh food as ingredients in the cooking class.”
Once again speaking from personal experience, I attended Rosemont High School in the Sacramento City Unified School District. At Rosemont they have “The Green Academy” which prepares students for careers in biology, environmental science and culinary arts.
I enrolled in the program not because I wanted to be a chef, but because I wanted to learn how to grow and then cook food that we produced in the garden at our school just for fun. Implementing a similar program at Casa and in the SJUSD would be a great idea if funding permits.
Patton argued that if the school had the funds for it, some things students would enjoy include a smoothie bar and snack boxes that are like bento boxes filled with fruit, vegetables, organic hummus, juice, milk, water and a little desert.
“If you give kids pizza and burgers every day, 80% of the students will get sick of that,” Patton said. “You could have vegan food, a salad bar, Chinese food, sushi, smoothies, veggies, and fruit and 90% of the students would prefer it over the unhealthy food.”
However, Rai argues that some suppliers may be facing difficulties due to food shortages.
“Many of our food distributors are facing challenges in manufacturing and product unavailability or shortages may necessitate menu substitutions from our published menus on occasion,” Rai said.
Following a review of the SJUSD middle and high school lunch menus for April, chicken nuggets and patties, bean burritos, mini cheeseburgers, and pizza are offered on the menu daily. Fruits, vegetables and milk are also offered on the menu as part of the five meal components required by the school district.
“There are several health risks that come with the school lunches being served nowadays, like the high amount of salt, fat, sugar, and empty calories the foods contain,” Patton said. “Diabetes, obesity, cancer and more can all stem from school lunches. If we don’t make a change, the numbers for obesity and diabetes will just keep rising higher.
“It’s up to us to change the food we are consuming, to have healthy eating habits, to better our schools and our students.”