Program Now Accepting Applications from Eligible Households

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – United Way California Capital Region launched its three-year digital equity partnership with the City of Sacramento, SMUD, City of Rancho Cordova and community nonprofits to close the local digital divide – unequal technology and internet access – that has expanded during the pandemic. Building on its pilot project with the City of Sacramento in fall 2020, United Way and its partners are working to address the issue of digital equity long-term both inside and beyond the city limits.

“The digital divide is not new, but it has expanded rapidly with the pandemic when so many parents began working from home and kids began learning remotely,” said Amber Lovett, interim president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We need to address this issue immediately, and we need to be looking at how we can continue working toward digital equity long after the pandemic ends. This program is doing exactly that, and we are grateful to have so many community partners who recognize that this is a systemic issue and critical for achieving equity across the region.”

United Way is partnering with select community-based nonprofits to identify and triage households eligible for broadband assistance, computers and devices, and basic digital literacy. These selected nonprofits will work with digital champions – community residents with technological skills who speak multiple languages – to provide outreach and case management in targeted geographic areas. Other partners, including local school districts, will provide outreach and referrals. Community hub partners, such as social service providers, will provide outreach, direct assistance and basic digital literacy and will work with the digital champions.

“Closing the digital divide is crucial to ensuring that everyone in our region can access educational and economic opportunity,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “I’m proud that as a city, we have invested nearly $200 million over the past three years directly in community programs like these, working with dedicated partners like United Way, SMUD and our many nonprofits that work tirelessly to make Sacramento a more equitable place.”

With more than 24 million unconnected households nationwide, the digital divide disproportionately affects minority and low-income populations. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 35 percent of adults who do not use broadband at home are older, poorer, less educated, more likely to be a racial or ethnic minority, and more likely to have a disability than those with a home connection. In Sacramento, there are neighborhoods where 25 percent of households have no internet access.

“SMUD’s goal is to improve the lives of our customers, and we’re doing that through innovative partnerships that serve those in greatest need,” said SMUD Director Gregg Fishman. “Our Sustainable Communities program is working throughout the region to provide equity and access to under-resourced communities so everyone has the same opportunity to thrive. Closing the digital divide will play a key role in uplifting our community.”

Eligible households can complete an initial screening application, and once approved, will be considered for a variety of services, including internet access for up to 2,000 households a year, refurbished desktop computers for up to 500 people per year and digital literacy training through online resources and classes. Through the program, households will receive a year of free internet access either through Comcast Digital Essential Services’ broadband or through an AT&T hot spot, with priority given to low-income households with children and senior citizens. Those in need of digital literacy will receive a list of online sites or may be referred to partner nonprofits with access to virtual or in-person classes. The program’s digital champions will provide basic digital literacy support including web forms, email set-up, internet research and access to resources. For eligibility requirements: YourLocalUnitedWay.org/Digital or 211.

Over the course of three months in fall 2020, United Way’s pilot program with the City of Sacramento, which was spearheaded by Sacramento City Councilmember Angelique Ashby, distributed 949 laptops and 266 hotspots and trained 115 participants, creating the foundation for the broader partnership.

“Bridging the digital divide is a moral imperative,” said Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby. “Championing this effort during the pandemic has been an honor and has created a path forward to continuing the work of connecting our neighborhoods to affordable, fast, reliable access to the internet.”

The program is funded through City of Sacramento, SMUD, City of Rancho Cordova and United Way California Capital Region. The portion of funding from United Way comes from the $10 million gift it received from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in December 2020.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - After nearly 20 months of pandemic hiatus, the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce is back to in-person business. Its first 2021 luncheon will reunite members on August 24. One of Carmichael’s longest-serving community groups, the 73-year-old nonprofit last year cancelled meetings and fundraisers and resorted to communication via Zoom. 

“Like many organizations, we’ve had a challenging time,” says Chamber President Joe Green. “We never stopped working for our members, but COVID restricted our group activities. We’re happy we can now greet friends one-on-one and get back to our mission of connecting business and community. We feel reinvigorated and excited to move forward.” Recently appointed Julie DePrada-Schott will next week take office as the group’s Executive Director. The 45-year-old previously worked for the Sunrise Market Place Business Improvement District. She will sit among several new directors at the Carmichael board table.

Honorary Chamber Directors are: Joe Green (President), Kelli Foley (Vice President), Jim Alves (Past President), Gail Conroy (Secretary), Dr Felicia Haecker (Treasurer), Izzy DeLancey (Honorary Mayor), Tim Hemmen, Tamra Kelley, Amanda Lambert and Cindy Magness.

Members can meet CEO DePrada-Schott during an August 11 mixer at River City Brewery. The informal event is open to the public and offers a no-host bar. Next on the agenda is the Chamber’s sit-down luncheon on August 24 at the Milagro Centre. Nationally-known martial arts teacher and motivator Dave Kovar is the speaker. This limited-space event costs $20 for members. Business members may also join a monthly first-Wednesday luncheon at Rey Azteca Cantina.

Learn about the Carmichael Chamber at www.carmichaelchamber.com

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Free concerts continue this Saturday in Carmichael Park. Carmichael Park District’s eight-week music season continues a 48-year summer tradition. All performances begin at 6:30 pm, in the park sound shell. Dancing is encouraged.

Remaining performances are:

August 7 – The Fryed Brothers Band (country and rock).

August 14 – Todd Morgan and the Emblems (rock).

August 21 – On Air (Chicago and Tower of Power covers).

August 28 – Great Wide Open (Tom Petty tribute).

Learn about Carmichael Park’s concert series at www.carmichaelpark.com

 

“To say these cadets have been well-trained would be an understatement” 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – The long-awaited graduation of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cadet Training Class I-20 took place on Friday, July 16^th at the CHP Academy.  The CHP’s 119 newest officers (18 women and 101 men) received their badges following a swearing-in ceremony 75 weeks after their training began. 

Traditionally, cadet training at the CHP Academy takes place over 29 weeks.  However, a little more than a month after arriving at the academy on February 10, 2020, safety precautions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of the live-in training facility in West Sacramento.  While away from the academy, cadets were assigned to CHP Area offices throughout the state to observe a wide variety of activities and tasks uniformed officers routinely perform, enhancing the knowledge they had gained in the classroom.  Cadets also participated in online learning for the first time.

“To say these cadets have been well-trained would be an understatement,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.  “Today’s graduates persevered through challenging circumstances over a lengthy period of time, demonstrating their commitment to serving the people of California.”

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

Upon graduation, these uniquely trained cadets will be reporting for duty to CHP Area offices throughout the state.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. 

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On June 23rd, 2021, the Sacramento SPCA celebrated the completion of the Zoe K. McCrea Animal Health Center – home to the state’s largest high-quality/high-volume spay neuter clinic. 

During a special open house hosted in front of the new 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art animal hospital located at the Sacramento SPCA, state and local public officials joined Sacramento SPCA CEO Kenn Altine, staff and other special guests to commemorate this life-saving accomplishment and tour the new medical facility.

Although the new health center just opened in late January, The Sacramento SPCA’s commitment to providing extraordinary veterinary service on behalf of animals and celebrating the human-animal bond has already been recognized by the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Kenn Altine, Sacramento SPCA CEO, accepted the CVMA’s Meritorious Service Award at the organization’s virtual conference last week and was also recently featured in the California Veterinarian Magazine.

Opening the Zoe K. McCrea Animal Health Center has already increased surgery capacity at the Sacramento SPCA this year and positioned the organization to meet the growing needs of pets and the people who love them in our community by doubling surgery capacity over the next 5 years.

As of June 30, 2021, more than 8,100 animals have been altered in the new Zoe K. McCrea Animal Health Center, including animals waiting for a new home at the Sacramento SPCA, publicly owned animals, community cats, and animals from other local shelters and rescues.

Beginning Friday, July 2nd, the Sacramento SPCA is hosting a special adoption event to help large dogs and adult cats find new homes. For the month of July, the adoption fee for all dogs who weigh 50 lbs or more will be $50 (normally $110) and adult cats who are 7 months and older can be adopted for $5 (normally $45). In addition, the fee to adopt rabbits will also be reduced to $5 (normally $45).

See who is available for adoption at sspca.org/adoptable and help us spread the word! Sacramento SPCA is located at 6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sacramento.