CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - For as long as we’ve had a way to share news, stories of devastating diseases and how they affect lives are often shared both on television and social media. While COVID-19 held the headlines for a good three years, other illnesses have never been fully brought into the spotlight of public awareness. Lyme disease is an example of a condition we rarely hear about, especially those of us living in the city and surrounding suburbs of Sacramento.

Melissa Moya agrees. “I would like for them (Sacramento County residents) to know to take that extra moment to protect themselves before going out,” says Moya, founder of Lyme Fight Foundation.

Moya’s own Lyme disease journey started seven years ago, and it was a path she never expected to find herself on. Following a hysterectomy, she started to not feel well, suffering with aches, pains, and brain fog, among other symptoms.

“It took me three years to figure out what was wrong,” she recalls. “I went to doctors in Sacramento and San Francisco, and even to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.”

After suspecting a variety of illnesses including Fibromyalgia, Moya finally received her diagnosis of Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia. Unwilling to sit back and live passively with this new reality, Moya formed the foundation in April of 2020. As she says, “My silver lining turned into the foundation.”

Lyme Fight Foundation aims to educate, raise awareness, and provide information and resources. They work with both the general community and those who are suffering from Lyme disease and its complications. Lyme disease treatment is not typically covered by health insurance, and Moya herself incurred a cost of $50,000 for one surgery. It can also be difficult to diagnose. According to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in early Lyme disease the test is negative 50-65% of the time. This is difficult news for an illness that must be treated as early as possible for success.

Known as “the great imitator” due to its penchant for being diagnosed as other illnesses first, some have claimed to achieved remission, but for most Lyme patients like Moya, the condition is chronic and lifelong. Her Lyme disease has broken through her brain barrier and also reached her heart. As a former marathon runner and track coach, her days are now physically limited.

“Your whole day is really just going through your protocol,” Moya shares, explaining that life with Lyme disease includes pills, treatments, and definitely a nap. “I can’t do what I used to. I am usually limited to a couple of outings per day.”

While the doctors never determined exactly how or where Moya contracted Lyme disease, she has made it her mission to protect others from a similar experience. While she has spent portions of the past four years traveling to San Rafael for further treatment, she is also furthering the spread of information and awareness wherever she can here at home. Lyme Fight Foundation holds workshops and speaking engagements, provides medical and tick testing resources, and arranges peer mentoring. The group is also holding a gala on September 30 at the Gibbons Community Center in Carmichael.

When asked what was the biggest reward of running Lyme Fight Foundation, which consists of just herself and three women on an executive board, she says it’s been the opportunity to talk with others who are dealing with Lyme disease, and the relief in their voices to find someone who understands. The biggest challenge?

“Getting people to realize how serious it is and to understand,” says Moya.

Locals would be wise to listen to her. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District have discovered ten times more ticks than usual in 2023, including even on the beaches of San Francisco, which isn’t a typical place to find them. Such an unexpected surge in the tick population is exactly why Moya continues her Lyme Fight Foundation work, even when she struggles to feel healthy most days.

“Everybody need[s] to know what [is] out there,” she said, “where you can go for treatment… and have ticks tested if you find one.”

If you would like to get involved with Lyme Fight Foundation, the nonprofit is always looking for volunteers and donors. Besides the upcoming Gala, the group can be found holding a Lyme awareness rally at the Capital, serving the community at river cleanups and at local races including the California International Marathon. You can visit their website, lymefightfoundation.org, or call (916) 628-6692 for more information. 

Bera’s Office Recovers More than $16 Million in Federal Benefits for Sacramento County Constituents

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) announced that his office has now surpassed $16 million in casework dollars successfully returned to constituents in Sacramento County.

Since taking office in 2013, Bera’s office has resolved more than 26,000 cases for constituents and returned over $16.2 million dollars. These casework dollars are secured by helping retrieve constituents’ backlogged veteran’s benefits, stalled tax refunds, Social Security and Medicare issues, and more.

"I am proud of the work my office has done to assist the residents of Sacramento County," said Representative Ami Bera. "These casework funds represent real help for our community, whether it's resolving issues with federal agencies, securing benefits owed to individuals, or providing support during challenging times. My office remains committed to serving the people of Sacramento County and we will continue to advocate for their needs, fight for their rights, and provide assistance wherever possible.”

Constituents in need of assistance are encouraged to visit Bera’s website: bera.house.gov/casework or contact his office at (916) 635-0505.

Small Business Chief, Bera, Highlight Impact of Investing in America Agenda

Excerpted from USBA release
On Thursday, July 6, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman joined Congressman Ami Bera (CA-6) in Sacramento, California to visit with local small business owners, as part of the Biden-Harris Investing in America Tour. The stop highlighted how the Investing in America Agenda is creating jobs, rebuilding America’s infrastructure, and boosting American manufacturing while also helping to lower costs and create opportunity for small business owners.   

Guzman and Bera began the day with a round table discussion featuring local entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, hosted by The Impact Foundry, a Sacramento-based organization that has provided strategic guidance to California nonprofits since 1989. Administrator Guzman shared how the SBA, as part of the Biden Investing in America Agenda, is committed to making it easier for nonprofits to help their communities by expanding access to capital for historically underserved entrepreneurs. Participants discussed how the SBA and the Biden-Harris Administration can continue to support the nonprofit sector by helping connect nonprofits with the resources they need to thrive. 

In the afternoon, the two visited Sacramento small businesses: Tecma, Inc., a second generation-owned aerospace parts manufacturer, and La Mini Birriera, a new mother and daughter-owned restaurant in the Natomas area. In touring these small businesses and listening to the stories of their respective owners, they saw firsthand the spectrum of successful small businesses driving Sacramento’s economy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.    

Representative Bera also made a recent stop in North Highlands to address local constituents at the monthly “Lunch Bunch” gathering at Pancake Palace, held each first Thursday at 11:30 at 6225 Watt Avenue.

Bera had flown overnight from Washington D.C. for many local meetings during the day, with this stop being his first. He answered many questions from the locals in attendance, who didn’t hold back with their many questions about the problems facing our nation. He stayed and took even more questions are the luncheon concluded before leaving for his next event.

The next Lunch Bunch event is scheduled for August 3^rd. It is a no-host lunch, with a hearty menu from which to choose.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – The newest members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were sworn in today during a graduation ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.  The 101 officers are part of the CHP’s multiyear recruiting campaign to fill 1,000 vacant officer positions by hiring qualified individuals from California’s diverse communities.

“I want to commend these men and women, not just for the hard work they put in the past several months while training at the Academy, but for their willingness to serve the public,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “These new officers are valued members of the CHP who are committed to improving safety in California for many years to come.”

CHP Cadet Training Class I-23 is one of six cadet classes scheduled to attend the Academy in 2023.  After completing 26 weeks of instruction at the CHP’s live-in training facility, the newly sworn officers will report to various CHP offices throughout the state.

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity.  Additionally, cadets receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques.  Training also covers vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and the apprehension of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence.  Cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and various codes, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The “Join the CHP 1,000” campaign launched in 2022 to appeal to a wide array of prospective applicants who may not be aware of the life-changing opportunities that awaits with a CHP career. Apply today and be one of the 1,000 new CHP officers ready to make a difference. 

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide Safety, Service, and Security.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Beleaguered by back-to-back triple digit days, the Carmichael Park District has been obliged to reshape its concert schedule.

Local band Wasted Space – whose July 15 performance fell on a day forecasted to be over 109 degrees – was the first band affected. “We had to consider everyone,” explained CRPD recreation manager Alaina Loftus. “It’s not safe for people to spend extended periods of time in outdoor activities in high temperatures. We’re concerned not just for the audience, but also for the musicians. They set up equipment hours in advance and work hard on stage.”

Last Saturday’s concert hung on tenterhooks as close as a day before. Rather than cancel two weeks in a row, CRPD delayed kickoff by 30 minutes. Temperatures fell by a few degrees during the first hour. An audience of almost 400 – about one third of usual attendance – enjoyed the Maya band’s Latin hit repertoire.

“Looking at the National Weather Service forecast that predicted 103 degrees at 6 pm – and talking with the band – we decided to go forward,” says Loftus. “Maya’s musicians are great entertainers, and we knew people were looking forward to seeing them. We made sure they had a cooling area with water and suggested take as many breaks as they needed.”

The six-piece group slogged through Santana, Richie Valens and Selena hits undaunted. “Summer has been tough for us in recent weeks, but we’ve never canceled,” said Maya manager Joe Garcia. “When it’s this hot, we try to be more mellow and not move around so much. We keep hydrated. We love the magic that’s in the air when we play.”

Park entertainment is planned months in advance and has been subject to other variables in recent years. “We cancelled because of poor air quality during the 2019 fires,” recalls Loftus. “Heatwaves are an issue. We plan on keeping to 6:30 pm starts as the season continues but we remain open to cancelling or moving back start times, according to heat levels. If we have to make difficult decisions. We will.”

The Wasted Space gig has been rescheduled for Friday, September 8 at 6 pm.

CRPD’s website and social media pages carries up to date information on cancelations. To check before performances go to www.Carmichaelpark.com or check the CRPD postings on Facebook and Instagram.

Remaining concerts are as scheduled (downbeat 6:30 pm unless otherwise advised.)

Carmichael Concerts in the Park 2023 Schedule

July 29: Hipper than Hip (rock).

August 5: Todd Morgan and the Emblems (rock).

August 12: On Air (classic hits).

August 19: Latin Touch (Latin).

August 26: Dyana and the Cherry Kings (rockabilly).

September 8 (Friday): Wasted Space (rock) 6 pm.

On September 24 (Sunday) Todd Morgan and the Emblems will entertain at Gibbons Park, 4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. Downbeat is 5 pm.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - A nonprofit, PRIDE Industries and MealPro in Citrus Heights have teamed up to help provide disabled youth an opportunity to gain valuable culinary job skills they will need to enter a commercial kitchen, and quickly get to work.

The first three students completed their training last week and more are expected to enroll soon, said MealPro chief executive Officer and Chef San Catanio, founder and chief executive of the Culinary Staples Foundation (CSF) who taught the course at MealPro’s Citrus Heights headquarters at 7749 Greenback Lane.

“We’re especially proud of our first three course participants who have received their completion certificates,” said Catanio.

The three students, Kobe, Isaac and Stephen, identified by first names, who recently completed the culinary staples training program that was taught by Catanio, received a thorough introduction to kitchen safety and the professional prep cooking skills needed to work in a fast-paced, modern commercial kitchen environment. The trio also earned their food handling certificates.

“Our goal is to help prepare our students with the confidence they’ll need for entry-level restaurant positions in the local Sacramento region and to encourage their success,” Catanio said.

PRIDE Industries and another nonprofit, On My Own Community Services, had made past presentations to the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce about their missions to help disabled workers obtain training and find meaningful work resonated with him, said MealPro founder and chief executive officer Andy Sartori.

“MealPro eagerly signed up to become an employer partner with PRIDE Industries, and we’ve since provided some internships to their participants,” Sartori said.

“That’s about when Chef Dan Catanio and I decided to create a specific program at MealPro to teach participants the basics of working in a commercial culinary environment,” he said.

MealPro itself has doubled the size of its Citrus Heights operations, as Sartori bought the building which houses its corporate headquarters and its commercial kitchens.

Catanio is a well-known executive chef in the Sacramento region.

His non-profit Culinary Staples Foundation (CSF) is headquartered at MealPro in Citrus Heights. Catanio, also a past executive producer of the “Culinary Magic Cooking Show”, has produced over 100, 30-minute cooking shows for a local community access cable channel.

In time, Catanio hopes to offer to the public a regular schedule of cooking classes in MealPro’s Greenback Lane commercial kitchens.

“We’ve now opened this culinary arts training program to the community at no cost,” Sartori said.

The recent two-week culinary training program for disabled youth in Sacramento and Placer counties was taught at MealPro’s corporate headquarters in Citrus Heights, Sartori said.

While MealPro provides on-site culinary training, the staff at PRIDE Industries in Citrus Heights will help provide job placement opportunities to the three recent program graduates.

The three students, Kobe, Isaac and Stephen, took courses in the fundamentals of food safety, kitchen equipment and customer service as well as receiving hands-on experience.

For information about the ongoing culinary arts training program at MealPro visit: www.mealpro.net/careers/culinary-trainee/ or www.culinarystaples.com/

Participants must either be currently enrolled in PRIDE Industries, or if they wish to participate in the culinary arts training program without enrollment in PRIDE, must complete a required interview and drug screening.

Catanio said all participants should demonstrate a willingness to learn and a desire to seek employment in the culinary industry with an availability to attend in-person training from Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 1 p.m. at MealPro’s culinary center at 7433 Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights.

MealPro is focused on creating a custom approach to nutrition, the kind that helps athletes perform, and busy professionals stay healthy,” Sartori said. “We want to make custom nutrition affordable and accessible to everyone – everywhere. And we believe our best work can make a sustainable, positive impact in people’s lives.” Learn more about MealPro’s menu offerings at: www:mealpro.com