SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento region has seen an increase of cockroaches this season and because these pests like dark, damp places, Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) is taking measures to address cockroaches in the sewer system.
The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) owns and operates 4,600 miles of sewer pipelines, including 67,000 sewer manholes. Many dark and damp environments, including landscaping, storm drains, crawl spaces, and sewer systems, can attract cockroaches. Over the years, SASD has used several cockroach control methods to address customer concerns and discourage cockroaches from inhabiting the sewer system.
What is SASD doing to control cockroaches?
When a customer calls (916-875-6730) with a concern about cockroaches in the sewer system, SASD investigates within 2 hours. If the investigation confirms cockroach activity, SASD uses a number of proactive and reactive measures including:
Fogging and Baiting: SASD works with qualified pest control specialists to perform a pest control treatment where an insecticide fog is released that instantly kills roaches in the manhole, and bait is left behind to kill other roaches. After the treatment, we monitor for the effectiveness and re-treat when necessary; Manhole Painting Pilot Project: Recently, SASD implemented a new proactive pest control method called “manhole painting” that has the potential to be a more effective long-term cockroach control solution; Preventative Maintenance Program: In locations where SASD’s sewer pipes have a repeat history of cockroach activity, SASD performs ongoing inspections and cleanings to further address the issue.
What is “manhole painting”?
Manhole painting is a pest control treatment process where latex paint that contains an insecticide is applied to the inside walls of a manhole. The goal is to provide a longer-lasting insecticide to eliminate cockroaches over time. As part of a pilot project, 1,100 manholes were painted throughout SASD’s service area, with the goal of fewer roaches in the sewer system and fewer customer concerns. Once manholes are painted, SASD will conduct ongoing inspections to determine how effective this new method is. The pilot continued through December 2020 and SASD will implement this approach on a broader scale across SASD’s service area.
Are these cockroach control methods safe?
Yes. SASD’s mission is to protect public health and the environment. As part of that commitment, SASD has worked with the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and others to ensure all eradication methods meet local, state, and federal requirements for the protection of public health.
What if I see cockroaches after SASD has already come out?
If fogging and baiting was performed: Please allow 7-10 days from the date this was completed before calling to report cockroaches. While this method is highly effective, it may take several days to work completely; If the manhole was painted: Please allow three weeks from the date SASD came out to perform the inspection. As the goal is to provide a longer-lasting insecticide that kills cockroaches as they continue to enter the area, allow time for the treatment to affect as many cockroaches as possible. At the three-week mark, SASD will come back out to re-inspect the manhole and determine the appropriate next steps; SASD does not address cockroach issues on private property. If you see cockroaches on your property or in your home, please consider performing pest control treatment or contacting a pest management company, just as you might do for any other property-invading pest like ants, wasps, termites, or ticks.
For more information, check out these additional FAQs from SASD or visit the organization's website at https://www.sacsewer.com/.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Spring is the time to fall in love – with California native plants. From golden poppies to vibrant redbuds, they bloom in a rainbow of brilliant hues, brightening nearby hillsides as well as suburban landscapes. And these easy-care plants put on this eye-catching show even during dry years.
“Everything looks fantastic!” says landscape designer Soleil Tranquilli, owner of Tranquilli Gardens and a water-wise specialist. “This is the best time of year to see native gardens in Sacramento.”
Refreshed by winter rains, plants native to our Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills look their best in early spring. That’s how nature intended; the better to attract bees. Their flowers provide needed nectar and pollen to dozens of native bee species.
Once established, these cast-iron perennials and shrubs can tolerate the driest conditions. Even in years with normal rainfall, they save water compared to traditional lawn-based landscaping because they naturally need less moisture year-round to look their best. That adaptability is a huge asset.
“Native plants and low water-use plants will be more climate change resilient in the future as well,” Tranquilli says. “When you plant natives, you use way less water,” Tranquilli adds. “You also spend way less time managing your garden. They are less expensive, too; there’s no need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It makes it better for us when we make it better for nature.”
Need another reason? Rebates from your water provider may be available for lawn removal and landscape makeovers. Learn more at https://bewatersmart.info/rebates-services/.
You can view local examples at the Fair Oaks Horticulture in Fair Oaks Park or by visiting the WEL (Water-Efficient Landscape) Demonstration Garden created by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Sacramento County. The garden is open free daily, dawn to dusk. Details: http://sacmg.ucanr.edu/Fair_Oaks_Horticulture_Center/Water_Efficient_Landscape_Garden/
Online, find extensive galleries of local landscapes featured on Gardens Gone Native garden tours. Hosted by the Sacramento Valley chapter of the California Native Plant Society, these tours showcase gardens using at least 25 percent natives. Visit: https://www.sacvalleycnps.org/photo-gallery.
New “Jazzershop” Community Chorus Forms in Fair Oaks
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - A new mixed-voice a cappella community chorus, “Stay Tuned” has formed in Fair Oaks. Their vocal style is decidedly “jazzershop,” a term coined by their musical director Terrie Carrozzella.
“We are jazz-focused, but we also sing some pop and other a cappella music.” The term barbershop relates to the way which the music is arranged,” she said.
The chorus welcomes all singers and embraces the motto “everyone in harmony,” said its director. The chorus is a subsidiary of a well-known Sacramento-based men’s barbershop chorus, the award-winning Voices of California (VoCal) Chorus.
Membership is approximately 25, Carrozzella said. She anticipates that number to grow as the public looks to engage in more community group activities such as singing.
Fifteen members of the chorus attended the group’s first in-person rehearsal in more than a year Sunday, June 27th in the backyard of a member’s residence in Granite Bay.
“It’s my first rehearsal,” said Raphael Pazo, who said he didn’t mind the drive from Lodi. “It’s a very friendly, diverse mix of singers. I look forward to singing with them.”
Cynthia McCarver, of Elk Grove, sings baritone. She’s sung before in a vocal quartet with Carrozzella. McCarver said she was attracted by becoming part of a mixed a capella group where so many choral groups are segregated by gender.
“It’s a relaxed and supportive environment. If you do sing, don’t be shy. Come to a rehearsal,” she said.
Dwayne Smith, a resident of Antelope, sings bass. “I’ve been singing most of my adult life, mostly in all-male choruses and barbershop groups,” he said. Smith, a member of Voices of California (VoCal) said the chance to sing in a jazz style in a mixed chorus creatively appealed to him.
Carrozzella told chorus members they now have a rehearsal space at the Old Fair Oaks Library at 4200 Temescal Street near the arts council building for the next four to six months. Their next rehearsal will be Sunday, July 25th from 2 to 5 p.m. in Fair Oaks at the new location.
“Since we’re a non-profit, we needed to find an affordable rehearsal facility which welcomes our unique culture and can host us on Sunday afternoons,” Carrozzella said.
“Our songs aren’t typically traditional barbershop songs. Our repertoire includes “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries,” “We Can Change the World,” and the Frank Sinatra favorite, “That’s Life,” all sung in jazz style,” she said.
The members of Stay Tuned had met for their first and only physical rehearsal last spring in Fair Oaks just before the pandemic suspended their ability to gather.
“What kept us going during the pandemic was that the singers in Stay Tuned are top-notch, and were eager to get back together and sing,” she said.
“Members came to our spring Zoom practice sessions knowing their music, and their singing was of such high quality, that the singers themselves could sense our chorus has the potential to be a very strong unit with a really amazing sound,” Carrozzella said.
Carrozzella, a singer herself, directs two choruses and trains singers from across the West Coast. A native of Placerville, Calif., she has been singing in barbershop choruses for over 25 years. She attended Shenandoah Conservatory of Music after high school. The barbershop organization’s Sweet Adelines and the Barbershop Harmony Society, to which she still belongs to, taught her much about music, performance, and vocalization, she said.
“Barbershop is a unique art form and it’s not what most people expect,” she said.
“It’s not all about men in straw hats singing dated music. Barbershop music can be as current as today’s pop. The structure of the chords can create an incredible ringing tone or ‘fifth voice’ from four parts.”
“It takes a lot of skill to sing barbershop arrangements well. We are all a cappella, so we do not have instruments to tune to,” she said.
Stay Tuned welcomes new singers with an ability to sing at a high level and understand that since the chorus meets for rehearsal only once a month, “they’ve got to come to rehearsal prepared,” Carrozzella said.
The chorus also has an audition process to ensure that the overall quality of its sound remains. The audition process requires singers to learn their part and then sing it in a quartet with other members.
“This way, we ensure singers can hold their part against others. One of the big benefits of the chorus is that we don’t just provide music, we also provide learning tracks, so non-music readers can still join us,” she said.
“Part of the reason why I started this chorus, was that I was not seeing the level of diversity in other choral groups which I thought should be there,” Carrozzella said.
“I have learned that some singers don’t feel comfortable in some chorus environments, and it’s vital that all singers have a place to fully share their voices without having to question if they belong. I simply do not accept members who don’t embrace this message.”
Carrozzella expects to have some sectional rehearsals periodically which will also help solidify the group’s overall vocal sound.
“In regard to COVID, we are being very cautious. All of our members are vaccinated. We are also in discussion over how we will move forward with welcoming new members, but ensuring the overall safety of all,” she said.
The Stay Tuned Chorus continues to welcome new members. Email the chorus at staytunedchorus@gmail.com or call Terri Carrozzella, musical director at 530-350-0247 for audition information.
New Old Sacramento Rewards Program Helps Drive Retail Recovery to Historic District
In partnership with digital marketing company Saltwater Loyalty, Downtown Partnership assists local businesses in attracting customers with mobile offers, promotions and shopping rewards
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – As merchants and businesses look for new ways to incentivize customers to shop and dine locally, Downtown Sacramento Partnership is rolling out the Old Sacramento Rewards program, a new mobile shopping promotions marketplace backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The program is designed to drive customers back to shopping and dining regularly at Old Sacramento Waterfront businesses.
Old Sacramento Rewards will help Old Sacramento Waterfront merchants create promotions, rewards, and other customer incentives to aid in retail recovery. Created by Saltwater Loyalty, the online platform is the first marketing platform in the U.S. designed for destinations to unify their merchants under a branded, best-in-class loyalty rewards program.
“The Old Sacramento Waterfront provides a unique shopping experience like no other in our region,” said Scott Ford, Operations Manager of the Old Sacramento Waterfront for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “The Old Sacramento Rewards program creates a way for shoppers and tourists to personalize their experience. If it’s savings you’re after, come find it at the Old Sacramento Waterfront!”
Customers who sign up with Old Sacramento Rewards will have free access to exclusive offers, promotions, and other shopping incentives to Old Sacramento Waterfront restaurants, stores and businesses, all from their mobile device.
Old Sacramento Waterfront merchants who sign up with Old Sacramento Rewards will have access to simple-to-use, easily customizable promotional rewards that will help attract customers. Promotions can also be easily scheduled to run concurrently with other marketing campaigns in progress. Signing up is free for merchants, and marketing fees associated with the program are minimal.
“Local businesses were hit especially hard in this pandemic, and tools such as Old Sacramento Rewards can help them avoid closing,” said Steve Jaffe, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships, Saltwater Loyalty. “We’re seeing our favorite businesses shutter because their customers haven’t returned, or there isn’t enough foot traffic yet to the retailer’s shop. We created Old Sacramento Rewards to help these businesses bring back customers back as well as introduce them to new ones.”
More information about the Old Sacramento Rewards program can be found at OldSacramentoRewards.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA: #OldSacramentoWaterfront, #ComeFindIt, #DowntownSac, #OSWRewards #OldSac #OldSacRewards, WeAreDowntown #DowntownTogether. Plus, keep up with the news by following Old Sacramento Waterfront on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Downtown Sacramento Partnership
Downtown Sacramento Partnership is a nonprofit, property-based improvement district (PBID) that serves as the collective voice for the 197 property owners and more than 5,000 businesses located within the 66-block urban core of Sacramento. Driven by the mission to build value downtown, Downtown Partnership is the principal advocate, champion and steward for those who work, live, visit and do business here. For more information, visit DowntownSac.org + GoDowntownSac.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Old Sacramento Waterfront
Perched on the banks of the beautiful Sacramento River and surrounded by 28-acre National Historic Landmark district with 50 historical buildings, the Old Sacramento Waterfront is bustling with activity, shopping, dining, entertainment, historical attractions and more. Built by the past and inspired for the future, if it’s adventure you’re after, COME FIND IT. For more information, visit OldSacramento.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Saltwater Loyalty
Saltwater Loyalty drives customer traffic back to retail destinations, large and small. The digital promotion platform unites destinations, including development districts, retail centers, and Chambers of Commerce under a singular branded coalition loyalty rewards solution. By creating a new network of connectivity between destinations, merchants, customers, and commerce, Saltwater drives businesses through a data-driven marketing platform. Founded in 2019, Saltwater Loyalty is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA. Saltwater Loyalty currently powers destinations across the US, including Malibu Chamber of Commerce, Old Sacramento Waterfront, and Hudson Square in Manhattan. Check us out at www.saltwaterloyalty.com and for the latest news follow us on LinkedIn.
Sac County EMS Leader Named Director of the Year
Sacramento County Department of Health Services has tremendous gratitude and thanks Dr. Garzon for all his important work
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Brave, dedicated, willing and reliable - these words describe the 80,000 licensed or certified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers in California. They demonstrate these qualities every day by coming to the aid of others when they are most in need and working to ensure that the EMS system operates well. However, each year, due to circumstance or extraordinary effort, certain individuals among us shine.
Sacramento County EMS Director, Dr. Hernando Garzon was named as the 2020 EMS Medical Director of the Year for his heroic acts and extraordinary contributions to EMS by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) earlier this month.
The EMSA seeks to recognize those individuals through the California Emergency Medical Services Awards Program. The awards program honors special accomplishments, meritorious and heroic acts, innovations or fresh ideas to improve EMS in the state, or other unique and/or significant contributions by EMS personnel, physicians, nurses, EMTs, other medical providers, local officials, members of the law enforcement community, citizens, and first responders.
Dr. Garzon was selected for his tireless efforts and selfless leadership during the COVID-19 response. Through a long career in disaster response, Dr. Garzon learned how to organize a systematic approach and efficiently mitigate a large-scale incident.
During the pandemic, Dr. Garzon assisted the state by building models and predictive theories, enabling local and statewide leaders to be better prepared to respond to the approaching “storm” of patients. He continued leading one of the largest EMS systems in the state, guiding the development of an “Emerging Infectious Disease” policy that provided direction and clarity to the greater EMS community about a sensible approach to preventing transmission of the COVID-19 virus, mitigating the spread of the disease among the workforce, and safe return to work guidelines.
“I most enjoy working on EMS system-wide and quality improvement issues, because I see that as the key to ensuring the highest quality prehospital care for all people in Sacramento County,” said Dr. Garzon. “I also still enjoy Emergency Department shifts and caring for patients.”
When asked what a typical work day might look like for him, Dr. Garzon said “between clinical work, EMS work, and COVID-19 work with EMSA/CDPH in the last year, I don’t really have a “typical’ work day. Of late, they have generally started with multiple conference calls, and a mix of Sacramento and State EMS work, as well as CDPH work for COVID-19. Several times a month I also get to throw in late afternoon Emergency Department shifts to round it out.”
Dr. Garzon’s Notable COVID-19 Projects: Assisted EMSA with the State EMS COVID guidelines and response; Developed a template for local EMS tiered response during COVID surge; Developed a Hospital COVID-19 Burden Score to rank hospital strain with COVID-19; Lead the effort to write state pandemic crisis care guidelines, Assisting with development of the Alternate Care Site (ACSs) operations guidelines; Facilitated patient inter-facility transfers to off-load over-burdened hospitals during COVID-19 patient surges; Developing a simple growth model to project ICU availability that was used to determine when the State entered and exited the Stay-At-Home-Order.
Sacramento County Department of Health Services has tremendous gratitude and thanks Dr. Garzon for all his important work. Please join us in congratulating him on this achievement.
Can You Hear the Music?
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A series of free park concerts begins this Saturday in Carmichael Park. After many months of COVID-imposed cancelations, Carmichael Park District has lined up eight weeks of gigs. Trimmed to exclude Sunday performances, the season continues a 48-year tradition. All performances begin at 6:30 pm, in the park sound shell.
This Saturday showcases the Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride. The group’s 2019 Carmichael Park appearance kept 1300 baby-boomers dancing and singing for two hours of Lennon and McCartney. Group leader Matt Udall (bass) recalls the pre-COVID gig as “a highlight in the band’s career.” An immigration attorney by day, Udall (62) counts two long-time Carmichael residents among Ticket to Ride members. Former Garfield Elementary student Kevin Arthur (guitar) is a retired traffic signal technician. Fellow guitarist Bud Ehrk grew up in Carmichael and loved playing his parents’ old Beatles records. “The first song I learned to play was ‘Twist and Shout,’” he says. “The British Invasion was over by the time I was a teenager, but I always loved the Beatles. Their songs were upbeat and their harmonies were brilliant.”
The group also features Sherman Applegate on keyboard and Robert Martino on drums.
CRPD follows other communities in reviving live performance gatherings. The City of Roseville has begun a series of tribute band performances at Vernon Street Town Square. Fair Oaks last month kicked off an entertainment season with a concert by Carmichael-raised singer/guitarist Todd Morgan. Morgan and the Emblems debuted what continues as final-Thursday entertainment each month, ending September 30. Supported by the area’s Park District, its Chamber of Commerce and the Fair Oaks Theater Festival, the season also offers comedy and theater productions on final Fridays and Saturdays at Fair Oaks Park. Thursday music is free; paid admission is required for Friday and Saturday shows. Mission Oaks Park District will sponsor a concert by rock band On Air at the Mission Oaks Community Center on September 26.
Due to 2021 budget shortfalls, Carmichael Park District made a painful choice between staging live concerts and blowing the budget on a July 4 fireworks display. “We simply could not afford both this year,” explains CRPD administrator Mike Blondino. “It came down to 17 minutes of fireworks at $17,000 -- or eight weeks of concerts. We decided the concerts would serve more people for a more worthwhile length of time.” CRPD gigs will have food trucks on hand and picnics and dancing are encouraged. “We missed everyone last summer,” says Blondino: “We hope to see all the great dance moves they’ve been working on over the last year or so.”
Learn about Carmichael Park’s concert series at www.carmichaelpark.com
For information on Fair Oaks entertainment, visit www.forpd.org/261/Concerts-in-the-Park
Learn about Mission Oaks Park District’s concert at www.MORPD.com
CRPD’s band lineup continues as follows:
July 10 – Ticket to Ride (Beatles tribute).
July 17 – Hipper than Hip (rock hits).
July 24 – Kyle Rowland Blues (blues and swing).
July 31 – Maya Latin Tribute (Latin hits).
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).
Parading Independence
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The spirit of small-town Americana surged in the suburbs on July 4. With Carmichael’s famous parade canceled – for a second year -- many residents resurrected down-home neighborhood traditions.
Scaled-down pageants brought out bicycles, volunteer bands, lemonade stands and front-porch bunting. Carmichael Elks staged a barbecue and dance for 200 members at the Cypress Avenue Lodge.
Tennyson Way mom Mary Maguire organized a pageant to circle 14 blocks near her home. Maguire, Associate Dean of Health and Human Services at CSUS, revived the neighborhood tradition during heightened COVID restrictions in 2020. “We benefited from momentum this year,” she reported. “We had more families, more cars and more fun. We gave our neighborhood kids a parade they could feel they had a part in. I organized it exactly as my parents did when I was child in St Louis, Missouri.” Youngest participant was four-month-old Lily Hazen, who snoozed the cruise in a stroller. Antique presence was added by a 1930s Model A Ford and a WWII Jeep. Prizes were awarded for patriotic attire and vehicle décor. The event also rallied donations of toiletries to benefit the non-profit Loaves and Fishes.
More than 40 children -- plus parents and decorated doggies -- rode or strolled in the mile-long route. The procession assembled a colorful phalanx of decorated bikes, scooters, skateboards, kiddie cars and a golf cart. A local musician beat a vibrant marching tempo on drums. Residents sipped coffee and applauded. “The community misses our big July 4 parade,” observed an onlooker. “But it was great to see a little neighborhood energized in such a patriotic way. We all hope they’ll do it again next year.”