Local high school hoops stars shine at 45th Optimist All-Star Game
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – High school basketball players from across the Sacramento region descended upon Capital Christian High School on Sunday, April 3, for the 45th Annual Optimist All-Star Game.
The game exclusively for high school seniors is hosted for several different sports yearly and has been held for basketball since 1978. Four separate games were played, as the teams were split by gender and school size.
The first game of the night was between the small school girls. The South Team was led by Dixon head coach Mike Gilliard and his three assistants. Four out of 12 players on the team came from Dixon as guards Talia Medalle, Janie Ming, Gracie Nickum and forward Brianna Humphries played in the game.
Humphries averaged 16.9 points and 8.8 rebounds this season en route to leading her team to the Division IV section title. The 5-foot-11 senior is now on her way to San Diego Christian College.
RELATED: Rams top Calaveras to win D4 girls hoops section title
Representing Woodland on the girl’s small school South Team were guards Marina Montez and Alex Romero. The South Team pulled away in the fourth quarter, winning 73-52. Isabella Felix from Liberty Ranch was named the team’s most outstanding player.
The girl’s small school North Team’s most outstanding player was Heaven Lafata from Bear River. Ike Prince and his five assistants from Marysville comprised the coaching staff. Prince had two of his guards, Katen Johnson and Danae Keeney, representing their school.
Point guard Kyalei Williams, who is on her way to CSU Chico, put on for Rio Linda. Guards Gwen Fayard from Sacramento Adventist Academy and Gracie Williams from Valley Christian Academy represented their respective schools.
The second game was also contested between small schools, this time on the boy’s side. The South Team prevailed for the second straight game, defeating the North Team 99-78. Point guard Drew Fischer from Liberty Ranch was named the South Team’s most outstanding player.
Guard Juanluis Rubio from Rio Linda was named the North Team’s most outstanding player. Freddie Bryant from San Juan served as one of the assistant coaches and guard Nanik Tagore represented on the court for the Spartans.
Mesa Verde had one player in the game, point guard Anthony Arguelles. Victory Christian was represented by two players, guard Gabe Santiago and forward Zach Ward. Finally, Valley Christian had Brady Meyers putting on for their small school.
The third and penultimate game was played between the large school girls. The South Team triumphed for the third consecutive game, this time in a closely contested affair, 66-63. Laguna Creek guard Ahrray Young, who is taking her talents to the University of Tulsa, was named the team’s most outstanding player. Capital Christian guard Donnelli Allen played in the game for the home team Cougars.
Oak Ridge center Ella Ray, who is headed to the University of Pennsylvania, was selected as the North Team’s most outstanding player. Del Campo forward Paige Krenecki represented for the Cougars in this matchup.
The final game of the night was by far the highest scoring. The large school boy’s North Team led a comeback attempt of over 20 points, however, the South Team won once again 129-121. Elk Grove guard Ameere Britton took over in the final three minutes of the game to lead the South Team to the victory and secure the team’s most outstanding player honor.
Guard Anthony Garcia, who is on his way to play football at San Jose State University, suited up for the home school Capital Christian on the South Team. Grant guard Rishod Brown was named the North Team’s most outstanding player. Rio Americano was represented by shooting guard Matt Hoffman who will be attending Lewis & Clark College in the fall.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (MPG) - This April* your utility bill will include a credit identified as the “California Climate Credit.” Your household and millions of others throughout the state will receive this credit on your utility bills.
The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits. The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program.
The California Climate Credit is one of many programs resulting from landmark legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Together, these programs are cutting pollution, creating jobs and investing in cleaner energy and transportation. Your Climate Credit is designed to help you join in these efforts.
For more information about the Climate Credit, visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/climatecredit. For more information about climate change science and programs to reduce carbon pollution, visit www.climatechange.ca.gov.
*Billing periods vary by utility and may not always coincide with a calendar month. If you don’t see a Climate Credit in the bill that arrives this month, it will appear in the bill you receive next month. If you are an electric customer, the electric credit will appear as a line item on the electric portion of your bill. If you are a gas customer, the gas credit will appear as a line item on the gas portion of your bill. If you receive both electric and gas service, you will see the electric and gas credits on the respective portions of your utility bill.
James Barnes is appointed to Undersheriff Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones announced today that Chief Deputy James (Jim) Barnes will be the office’s new Undersheriff.
This is Sheriff Jones’ fifth and final Undersheriff appointment; he will replace retiring Undersheriff Maness. In regards to his second-in-command, Sheriff Jones stated, “Undersheriff Barnes is someone I have relied upon for some time for his leadership and vision. The Sheriff’s Office and the community will be well served with him in this position.”
The Undersheriff is largely responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office and functions as the Sheriff in his absence. Undersheriff Jim Barnes replaces Undersheriff Erik Maness, who served as Undersheriff for 6 years and retired today after 32 years of service in the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Undersheriff Barnes began his career in law enforcement in 1998 as a Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff. He worked in corrections, patrol and investigations until promoting to sergeant in 2008. In 2014 he was promoted to lieutenant where he worked as the Operations Commander for the Central Patrol Division. Undersheriff Barnes was subsequently promoted to Captain in 2018 and Chief Deputy in 2021, taking on additional visionary and leadership roles with each promotion.
Undersheriff Barnes has a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Sacramento and is current president of the Pig Bowl-Guns & Hoses Charity. Undersheriff Barnes champions a philosophy that recognizes thriving harmonious communities are created and sustained when law enforcement works as a partner with community, businesses and faith-based leaders.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Sacramento State and Los Rios police detectives have arrested a man suspected of sexual battery at Sac State and Cosumnes River College (CRC).
The suspect is Nico Traversie, 28, who was arrested on March 28 in the 8600 block of Mellowoods Way in Sacramento on suspicion of committing three counts of sexual battery in violation of California Penal Code section 243.4(e)(1). Traversie subsequently was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail.
On March 2, Sacramento State Police received two separate reports of a sexual battery occurring on campus. Officers investigated and issued a Timely Warning Notification to the community.
On March 7, Los Rios police were flagged down by two females who a reported a sexual assault on the CRC campus. A crime bulletin was sent to employees and students.
The investigation was assigned to a Sac State detective, who worked with the Los Rios Police Department, which had received a report from CRC of a similar incident and suspect description. The investigation determined that the same suspect was believed to be responsible for the incidents at both institutions.
The Sacramento State Police Department encourages witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at 916-278-6000.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Animal shelters around the country are gearing up for what is known as “kitten season,” when cats begin to give birth to countless kitten litters.
Typically beginning in late spring and continuing throughout summer, kitten season stretches the already-thin resources animal shelters and rescues have when the influx of unwanted kittens and cats crowd shelter and kennel space.
The Bradshaw Shelter’s Foster Care Program helps save lives and space during this hectic season.
“Foster care providers are critical to our efforts to save lives,” said Foster/Rescue Coordinator, Violet Pina. “Fosters provide a safe, loving, temporary place to live where the animals can thrive until they are ready to be adopted to their forever homes. Kitten season is one of our busiest times of the year so we need all of the help we can get.”
Residents interested in becoming fosters should submit a foster application to FosterRescueProgram@saccounty.net. The shelter provides all food, bedding, supplies, toys and more at no cost to the foster. Fostering is a great way to help alleviate the impact of kitten season at your local shelter and can provide temporary companionship for those still working from home.
However, working outside of the home doesn’t need to be an impediment to becoming a foster; most animals in foster care do not require constant monitoring. Typically, animals who need fostering are kittens and puppies less than two months old.
As far as space for fostering, a bathroom, laundry room or spare bedroom is typically appropriate. The time commitment for fostering can be anywhere from one to six weeks, depending on the animal’s size at the time of fostering. Additional foster needs include caring for sick or injured animals, nursing mothers and litters, giving animals a break from the shelter, and more.
For more information about fostering, including fostering FAQs, visit the Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter website. To learn more about what to do if you find a kitten or litter of kittens, visit the feral cat information webpage.
Donations of essential kitten season supplies are also needed, including Kitten formula and kitten food (most needed); Small litter pans; Heating pads; Small nursing bottles; Small pet carriers.
Donations are accepted at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Tuesday through Sunday, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
‘It was the Cool Place to Be’
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – One of Sacramento’s best has chosen retirement. Phil Cowan, morning radio host of AM1380, aired his last show on April 1, 2022, between 6:00 and 9:00 am.
A retirement dinner event was held Tuesday evening, March 22, at The Ridge Golf Course in Auburn. Of course, it was a sold-out event. The event was produced by AM1380 The Answer and its sister stations in Sacramento; 103.9 The Fish, 105.7 The Word, and Money 105.5.
Attendance included Scott Jones Sacramento County Sheriff; Doug LaMalfa, Congressman; Ted Gaines, Board of Equalization; Sue Frost, Sacramento County Supervisor; Suzanne Jones, Placer County Supervisor; Katy Grimes, editor of California Globe, along with their spouses and many other dignitaries, all of whom wanted to show their appreciation for Phil at his retirement event.
Mindi Russell, former CHP chaplain, graced the meal and gathering with an uplifting blessing.
Special guest, Larry Elder, radio talk show host and former candidate for governor, and Cowan presented a short program on the current events of national and state politics. It was the kind of segment the morning listeners loved to hear every morning on Phil’s show.
Especially pleasing for Phil were the many call-in listeners to the program that made their trek to the event to show their love for the man that filled their mornings with entertainment, humor, a daily education on the ever-changing landscape of politics, and the many topics that were the pillars of the host’s life journey. His discussions on music, classic cars and firearms were great entertainment all by themselves. He had never met many of the regular callers, having only known them from their call-in voices over the years. It was as if they had just gathered at a big family reunion for the very first time.
One caller recently stated, “The reason your show is so great Phil is that it is a show for the people and by the people.”
First and foremost, to Phil is his family. He spoke often on his show of his children, grand-children, and his ever-amazing wife, Kathy, professing in front of all his fans “Nothing would have been possible without her”.
Phil Cowan and Paul Robins co-hosted a daily radio show together for many years. A sweet addition to the program was Paul’s send-off message to Phil, along with a few short stories about their friendship, and their famous Harley ride together from Sacramento to New York years ago.
Phil is a local legend, not just for the radio show, but for what he brought to the good people of the Sacramento Region through his life’s body of work. He has been a true friend and supporter to so many it is impossible to describe it all here. Phil will be truly missed. May his retirement be long and joyous and fruitful.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition Comes to Sacramento
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The internationally acclaimed Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition opens Friday, Apr. 8 in Sacramento. The exhibition is a presentation of museum-quality, near-life-size reproductions of one of the world’s greatest artistic achievements.
“This exhibition gives visitors a chance to engage with Rome’s most iconic treasures in ways that were never possible,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of Los Angeles-based SEE© Global Entertainment, producer of the exhibit.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is a collection of the artist’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, reproduced in a format that allows viewers to get face-to-face with the masterpieces. Through 34 artfully displayed reproductions, this innovative presentation includes world-renowned pieces like The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement, bringing them just a few feet away from the audience.
“This exhibition is like a sanctuary, you’re transported into a completely different world,” said Biallas. “When I visited the Sistine Chapel in Rome, there were long lines and we were rushed through. This exhibit in Sacramento allows everyone an opportunity to see the amazing art at their pace and up-close, at an affordable price, and enjoy an inspiring and unforgettable experience.”
Guests may enhance their experience by adding an audio guide, with narrative accompaniment available in multiple languages to include Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean and German.
“We have had sold-out openings in San Diego, Cleveland, Dayton, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Dallas in recent months and it is our privilege to bring one of Rome’s most iconic artworks to Sacramento,” said Biallas.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition runs for a limited time starting Apr. 8, with tickets sold Thursdays–Sundays, 10 a.m. –6 p.m. Tickets start at $20.50 per adult, $16.30 per child. Discounts for seniors, students, military and family bundles are available. The exhibition is located at University Mall - Davis, 871 Russell Blvd, Davis, Calif. You’ll find it near Trader Joes. Signature events, like the VIP Launch Party Apr. 7, are available. The exhibition will be closed Easter Sunday. Tickets go on sale next week at www.chapelsistine.com.
SEE© Global Entertainment family of companies representing the finest in themed entertainment specializing in global touring exhibitions including Star Trek, King Tut, Titanic, The X-Files, Asterix, Frida Kahlo, Michael Jackson, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Museum of Failure, Disgusting Food Museum, and The Art of Banksy: Without Limits. For more information on Special Entertainment Events, visit www.seeglobalentertainment.com. SEE© is led by President Martin Biallas, a Hollywood veteran of 30 years. For more info visit: www.seeglobalentertainment.com and www.martinbiallas.com.