Kings and Kaiser Permanente Present Harrison Barnes with the 2022 Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award for a Consecutive Year
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — On Tuesday, April 5, before the team took on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Sacramento Kings recognized veteran forward Harrison Barnes with the 2022 Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award for a consecutive year.
The award, presented by Kaiser Permanente and named after the NBA legend, is given to a Kings player each year who exemplifies excellence on the court and in the community. Stemming from his upbringing, Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes embraces the critical responsibility of leading philanthropic efforts while conducting them with great humility.
“I am honored to be the recipient of this year’s Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award,” said Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes. “We are in unparalleled times. But as a daily reminder, it is important to my family and I to keep an open-minded perspective of the different walks of life around us. I am always searching for ways to amplify the causes of organizations I care deeply about and to help make the voices of our generation heard. I am privileged to give back to the Sacramento community and make a positive impact to those that love this community just as much as I do.”
Evolving through his journey in Sacramento, Barnes continues to find ways to support those who need a helping hand the most. During the holiday season, Barnes and his wife Brittany, gifted 100 families associated with Sierra Health Foundation grocery gift cards to Raley’s and provided a meal at Fixin’s.
Barnes uses his voice to advocate for humanitarian causes and social justice issues. He partnered with UNICEF on relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
In spring 2022, Barnes participated in The Huddle as part of the Sacramento Kings led award-winning social justice initiative, Team Up for Change. The Huddle, a unique dialogue with a player or coach and a local young person around their views and priorities in achieving social and racial equity, features high school senior Morning Cloud conversing with Barnes and Interim Coach Alvin Gentry. Morning Cloud joined Kings players at practice and while touring the Museum of National African American Heritage and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian and monuments in Washington, D.C. During the conversation, Barnes shared his dedication to inspiring change.
In addition, Barnes uses his platform for good and amplifies educational resources and conversations on his social media channels. He also uses his channels to amplify a series he launched entitled “Conversations with Harrison,” in which he speaks with nonprofit and community leaders, educators, athletes, elected officials and business leaders to promote their work and bring attention to their causes.
Barnes has also joined as Co-Founder of Give Us the Ballot, a community organizing group collectively working with other grassroots organizers to fight and protect voting rights for all. Founded by Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, it supports BIPOC and local organizers working in critical states to fight voter suppression and press their Senators to pass election reform legislation. Barnes works with Goalsetter, sponsoring bank accounts for youth in the Oakland and Chapel Hill/Raleigh areas. And he works with When We All Vote to bring attention to voting issues.
“Kaiser Permanente commends Harrison Barnes for his outstanding work,” said Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Senior Vice President and Area Manager Trish Rodriguez. “His efforts are truly making a difference and reflect our shared mission of making our community a healthier place for all.”
Barnes is constantly challenging his teammates and coaches to educate themselves and use their personal platforms. His passionate and continued efforts to influence change inspires his teammates and peers. He has also been an outspoken member of the NBA Foundation Board of Directors and the National Basketball Players Association.
In honor of the tremendous impact Oscar Robertson has had throughout his life on the court and in the community, a Kings player is selected each season and presented with the Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award. The honor is awarded annually to a deserving Kings player who best exemplifies winning characteristics, both as an athlete and a conscientious citizen active in the community.
Inaugurated in 2003, prior award winners include some of the most recognizable figures in Kings team history, such as Chris Webber (2003), Vlade Divac (2004), Peja Stojakovic (2005), De’Aaron Fox (2019), in addition to back-to-back honors for Corliss Williamson (2006 and 2007) and Garrett Temple (2017 and 2018).
Honoring Community Heroes
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Black belts outnumbered black ties at the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year banquet last week.
Martial arts entrepreneur Dave Kovar was honored for national business success and his efforts to motivate young people toward self-improvement. His friends, family and students packed the Arden Hills resort ballroom. They included 30 karate Black Belts (including wife Angelina, son Alex and daughter Melissa). Even event emcee‒Good Day Sacramento anchor Tina Macuha–earned her girdle at Kovar’s Sartori Academy in Carmichael.
Accepting his award, Kovar named his father, 99-year-old WWII veteran Len Kovar, as a life mentor. “He was shot down over Budapest and survived nine months as a prisoner of war and two death marches,” Kovar said. “My father never complains; he regards each day as a blessing. He lives his life with honor and integrity, and he’s still a massive inspiration to me.”
Kovar also embraced family and staff. “As the founder of the company I get the perks,” he said. “Being Person of the Year makes me proud. But the hard work of my team makes good things happen. They’ve always stood by me. We’re all focusing on making the world a better place by empowering people of all ages to contribute to society.”
Other 2022 Chamber of Commerce honorees included: Almond Orchard Dentist Gabrielle Rasi (Businesswoman of the Year); Carmichael Times Publisher Paul Scholl (Businessman of the Year); Sharon Ruffner (Volunteer of the Year). Outstanding Community Service awards went to Carmichael HART founder Scott Young and to Dr. Leonora Lee of Kaiser Permanente. SMUD was named Business of the Year.
A portion of event proceeds supported Non-Profit of the Year, the Carmichael Parks Foundation.
“It was an honor to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for our hard work and support for the community at the Carmichael Times and Messenger Publishing Group. We aim every week to make Carmichael a better place to work and live.” Scholl said.
Learn about the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce at www.carmchamber.com or call (916) 481-1002.
A Return to the Stage
Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra to Debut in Renovated Concert Space
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra (SCSO) are celebrating their 26th year performing in the Sacramento Region with a debut concert in the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center (1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) on Saturday, May 14 at 8:00 PM.
The SCSO will partner with guest chorus Schola Cantorum of Sacred Heart Church in Sacramento to perform the dramatic and romantic Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi, which is billed as a work of virtuosic brilliance. Verdi wrote the work in Latin, and the performers will sing it in Latin with the English translation printed in the programs and projected above the stage. “It’s a powerful and operatic work that demands large choral forces,” said SCSO President and CEO Jim McCormick. So, SCSO Music Director Donald Kendrick will conduct 175 chorus singers, four accomplished soloists, and 52 orchestra members—for a total force of 232 performers on stage.
The artists are eager to finally perform in the renovated concert venue after the forced hiatus due to COVID-19. During the shutdown, the SCSO members were planning their comeback, raising more than $120,000 to pay for new choral risers. McCormick said the investment was “a legacy for the future,” showcasing the courage and dedication of the SCSO to put in that work without any indication of when they’d be back on the stage. “It says something about our resilience,” said McCormick.
And now, with the upcoming performance on those new risers, McCormick said it feels like SCSO is “rising again.” The risers will wrap around the orchestra, which McCormick said will create an incredible “balance of sound.” With the sopranos behind the violins, the tenors and altos behind the brass and woodwind instruments, and the basses singing behind the cellos, the complementary tones will blend together seamlessly on the stage. And a new Constellation Sound System will amplify all the performers with a natural, high-quality sound. McCormick said these new features will “raise the quality and level of professionalism.”
The concert will be dedicated to the people of Ukraine and all oppressed people, and it will open with a performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem. McCormick said that “music is so healing” and Requiem is often referred to as “the Mass for humanity,” expressing great sadness but also great hope, so the performance is fitting “at a time of war when people are in need of solace.”
The SCSO recorded a performance of Verdi’s Requiem 11 years ago at the Mondovi Center in Davis, CA, and those CDs will be available for sale for $10 each, with proceeds going to Ukrainian relief. Additional donations for Ukraine will also be accepted.
The performance will also honor the memory of Sacramento’s celebrated restaurateur Biba Caggiano, who passed away in August 2019. “She put Sacramento on the map when it comes to food,” said McCormick. “She was fiercely Italian, and no one was more Italian than Giuseppe Verdi,” so the SCSO felt the Requiem performance would be an ideal time to honor her legacy.
McCormick said the concert will be a significant moment for the audience, coming back to experience live orchestral and choral music after the lengthy shutdown, and also very therapeutic for the performers, who haven’t been able to sing together in person for the last two years. Although they held Zoom meetings to practice, it couldn’t replicate the joy of singing together in one space. McCormick said this community of singers have dearly missed “the journey” of regular rehearsals and performances, and they are excited for their return to the stage.
After the concert, a reception will be held in the lobby so attendees can meet the talented orchestra members and singers—including distinguished soloists Jennifer Forni, Soprano; Linda Baird, Mezzo Soprano; Robert Breault, Tenor; and Timothy Jones, Baritone who are flying in from across the country for this performance.
SCSO Music Director Donald Kendrick, who has been conducting for more than 30 years, said, “We’re very excited to bring this piece of music, the best thing [Verdi] ever wrote in his life, to the newly refurbished theater, debuting the new risers, and employing the new sound system. … This performance promises to be one the most significant things we have done in a long time.”
Kendrick said it will be an “unbelievable, unforgettable evening.”
Through its performances, the SCSO seeks to transform our communities through the power of music, believing that the performance and appreciation of live music are vital to the well-being of society. Music elevates our experiences; it evokes the deepest mysteries of life and inspires all who hear it. And live music in particular creates a sense of shared experience that cannot be replicated: “That’s what great music does; it provides a platform to bring people together,” said McCormick, “it’s a coming together of a community.”
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit https://sacramentochoral.org/.
Villar, Ramos shine in walk-off Opening Night win
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — Right fielder Heliot Ramos and third baseman David Villar powered the Sacramento River Cats (1-0) past the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (0-1) for a 7-6 Opening Night walk-off victory.
Villar, who was making his Triple-A debut, sent the Sutter Health Park crowd home happy with a ninth-inning game-winning single to score designated hitter Jaylin Davis.
Originally down 2-0 in the first inning, the River Cats wasted no time getting on the board. Following a leadoff walk to left fielder Luis González, Ramos, the Giants’ No. 6 prospect on MLB Pipeline, unloaded on a 3-0 pitch for his first home run of the season.
One inning later, down 4-3, Villar launched a 2-2 pitch to right field for his first career Triple-A home run. Villar, Double-A Richmond’s 2021 MVP, hit a career-high 20 home runs for the Flying Squirrels last season.
Young left-hander Michael Plassmeyer (0-0, No ERA) looks to make it two in a row with a win in his River Cats debut on Wednesday. He’ll take on right-hander Brett Conine (0-0, No ERA) at 6:35 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game live online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.
Additional Notes
Sugar Land first baseman JJ Matijevic earned a place in history, hitting the first home run ever for the Space Cowboys (a first-inning two-run homer off River Cats right-hander Jakob Junis). Davis had a solid first game, going 2-for-5 with a double and three runs scored. Sacramento right-hander Luis Ortiz, a former Rangers first round pick, allowed just one hit while striking out three in 2.2 scoreless innings in relief. Righty Mauricio Llovera added another 2.0 scoreless frames with three strikeouts.
About the Sacramento River Cats
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. Memberships, Mini-Plans, and hospitality rentals may be purchased now for the 2022 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or visiting www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Sutter Health Park, visit www.sutterhealthpark.com.
River Cats poised for bounce back season
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – There’s just something special about night baseball.
The Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, open the 2022 season tonight under the lights at Sutter Health Park against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
For River Cats outfielder Bryce Johnson, when the sun goes down, he excels.
“Being able to play underneath the lights, I always love night games,” Johnson said. “We just played all these spring games during the day. So being able to get underneath the lights and in front of everybody feels great. That’s my favorite part about it is playing night baseball. There’s nothing that beats it.”
The switch-hitting outfielder said he had played in one Opening Day night game previously when he was with the Giants’ Single-A affiliate, the San Jose Giants, in 2018. Unsurprisingly, that happened to be one of his best games of the season according to Johnson.
From Single-A to the big leagues, players around Major League Baseball are happy to be back and that the MLB lockout is over.
“(I’m excited) just to be playing,” said right-handed pitcher Sean Hjelle. “Obviously, we had the lockout and everything happen. We didn’t know how long things would be delayed. It’s just good to be playing and on time. I think minor leagues didn’t lose any games so we’re on time and it’s just good to be back.”
Many players like the 6-foot-11 Hjelle didn’t let the 99-day lockout affect their offseason preparation.
“You still had to take care of business and get your offseason workouts in because you never knew when it was going to happen and when it was going to end or what not,” Hjelle said. “So, you just prepare for everything starting on time and if it’s delayed then you just go from there at that point.”
One relatively fresh face for the River Cats is Ka’ai Tom who signed with the team before the conclusion of last season.
“I’m just very happy that San Francisco signed me at the end of the season last year,” Tom said. “When I came over it was just a lot of fun. Everyone had good vibes and worked together. I’m just happy to be part of this organization and being given an opportunity to hopefully make it to Oracle Park.”
Tom achieved a lifelong goal at the beginning of the 2021 season, making his major league debut with the Oakland Athletics before eventually joining their rivals on the other side of the bay with a Pittsburgh stop in between. The 5-foot-9 outfielder said spring training went “pretty good” and recognized his coaches for that.
“It’s a credit to the coaching staff just being transparent,” Tom said. “Letting you know what goals that they’re expecting out of you. Asking our feedback and what we feel or anything. The transparency overall shows why we were successful last year as well and it’s looking to be that way again.”
The River Cats reached the pinnacle of Triple-A in 2019 when they won the championship. Then in 2020, the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) season was cancelled in its entirety due to the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, the River Cats were unable to defend their title in 2021.
Now in 2022, the team is poised for a bounce back season.
“We got some exciting players on this team,” Johnson said. “Every night, every day, we’re going to end up probably having someone doing something crazy, something pretty cool. So, I would say come out and check us out.
“(It’s) not going to be boring, I can tell you that.”
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a mass shooting that occurred in the area of 10th Street and K Street. On April 3, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Sacramento Police Department officers responded to the sounds of shots fired in the area of 10th Street and K Street. Upon arrival, officers located a large group of individuals as well as multiple gunshot victims. Officers began live-saving measures to multiple victims on scene. Despite these efforts, six victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Twelve other victims with varying degrees of injuries have also been located.
We are aware of a social media video that appears to show an altercation that preceded the shooting. We are currently working to determine what, if any, relation these events have to the shooting. Additional photos and/or videos can be submitted directly to the department at the following link: https://sacramentopdca.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/april3shooting
Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators have responded to the scene and will be conducting a comprehensive investigation; gathering evidence, documenting the scene, and contacting involved individuals. During the preliminary phases of the investigation, at least one firearm has been recovered at the scene.
In the early stages of the investigation, all information remains preliminary and is subject to change. As we progress throughout the coming days, we will be releasing additional information as it becomes available.
The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding these investigations 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.
Sacramento Police Department Update:
City of Sacramento Chief of Police, Katherine Lester, said, “We do have one person in custody. He is 26-year-old D’Andre Martin and was arrested in connection to the K Street shooting. He was taken into custody on assault with a firearm and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Right now, that is all we are able to share about him. As you know, this is a complex investigation, and we are looking for multiple suspects and so we are currently working to identify on his role was the night of the shooting.”
Identification Release from the SacCounty Coroner
According to the Sacramento County Public Information Office, the Sacramento County Coroner’s office has confirmed the identity of the six victims involved in the April 3, 2022 shooting that took place in downtown Sacramento near the 1000 block of K Street.
The victims have been identified as: Johntaya Alexander‒Female, 21 years of age (Sacramento Coroner Case #22-02325); Melinda Davis‒Female, 57 years of age (Sacramento Coroner Case #22-02318 ); Sergio Harris‒Male, 38 years of age (Sacramento Coroner Case #22-02324); Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi‒Male, 32 years of age (Sacramento Coroner Case #22-02323); Yamile Martinez-Andrade Female, 21 years of age (Sacramento Coroner Case #22-02322); Devazia Turner‒Male, 29 years of age (Sacramento Coroner Case #22-02326)
No further information is available this time.
It is the duty of the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office to identify and determine the cause and manner of sudden and unexpected deaths and to investigate deaths that occur under violent or suspicious circumstances. For more information, visit the Coroner’s Office website.
Source: Sacramento County Public Information Office
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office opened a Family Assistance Center for the victims of the recent shooting.
Please use the information from the District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Assistance Unit:
April 4, 2022, the Family Assistance Center opened at 1600 Exposition Blvd (Cal Expo) Lot D Entrance to provide support and services to victims and their families who were affected by K street shooting. This center will be open from 8:30AM to 5:00PM and is a place for those who were present at the incident and family members of the victims to receive information on supportive services to help them through this tragic event. This center is staffed by Victim Witness Advocates, the American Red Cross emotional support team, and Sacramento crisis/trauma chaplaincy. Additional community agencies may also be present to provide support and assistance.
Source: Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office
What to know about attending a River Cats game in 2022
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – As the weather begins to warm up, many Sacramentans are beginning to search for activities to do this summer.
One activity that could be fun for the whole family is going out to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for a River Cats game. The Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants kick off a new season tomorrow night.
It has been a dramatic last three years for the River Cats organization. In 2019, the last “normal” Minor League Baseball (MiLB) season played before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sacramento stood atop the Triple-A world as champions.
Next in 2020, the River Cats were unable to immediately defend their crown as the entire 2020 MiLB season was cancelled because of the pandemic. Then in 2021, the minor leagues returned and Sacramento was unable to repeat as champions.
For fans who have been unable to attend a game since 2019, there are a few differences at the home of the River Cats, aside from the name of the venue shifting from Raley Field to Sutter Health Park.
“Definitely a lot has changed in the world and over here at Sutter Health Park (since 2019),” said Troy Loparco, Vice President of Ticket Sales & Marketing. “Some of the main things you would notice that would be different (is) we’re doing mobile ticketing. So that’s going to be in the parking lot as well as tickets are going to be all digital. We are a cashless facility as well. Our clear bag policy would be the other big change that we have.”
Sutter Health Park will be accepting payments via debit and credit cards as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. For those fans who are tech savvy, you can now order food on the MiLB at-bat app allowing yourself to order food from your seat before receiving an alert via text message letting you know that your order is ready.
RELATED: River Cats’ 2022 season begins Tuesday night
For those who may be old school, preferring physical tickets and cash money, fear not as employees at Sutter Health Park are ready and willing to help.
“We do have mobile ticketing assistance,” Loparco said. “As you’re coming up, you’ll see there’s a mobile ticketing booth that we’ll have out there if anybody does have any extra questions before they get to the ticket window or before they’re coming into the stadium. So, we do have other avenues of help as well.”
However, the mobile ticketing booth is not your only source of assistance when attending a River Cats game.
“Of course in advance if they ever wanted to email into tickets@rivercats.com or even call into our “HITS” line which is 916-371-HITS (4487) with any questions before they come out, we’re always happy to help in advance to make it as smooth as possible,” Loparco said. “And we’re always going to be sending out ‘know before you go’ information as well.”
When last season began, Sutter Health Park sold tickets in pods to follow local health guidance. Although, when the state of California reopened in June 2021, the ballpark followed suit opening back up to 100% attendance, as it will be for the 2022 season.
“We are an outdoor, open-air facility,” Loparco said. “What we’ve been doing is just staying up to date and as accurate and timely with any CDC guidelines that we have in the state and county.”
The River Cats have 25 fireworks nights planned on the 75-game 2022 home schedule. The first fireworks show will be on Friday, April 8, which is also Solon Bobblehead Giveaway night. The Solons were a minor league baseball team that played in Sacramento off and on from 1903 to 1976.
Single game and ticket packages can be purchased over the phone at (916) 371-HITS, email at tickets@rivercats.com or online at rivercats.com.
“Our main goal is to be the best facility to come have a family friendly time out here at the ballpark,” Loparco said. “Come enjoy River Cats baseball and everything that we have going on in the community.
“I think after the last two years, people are really looking for a fun time to spend with their friends, their families, in a safe, fun, clean environment. I think that’s what we provide out here at Sutter Health Park. As long as everybody comes out smiling, happy and ready to cheer on the River Cats, I think they’ll be ready to go.”