SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - A rate increase will take effect March 1 for residents of the unincorporated county who receive curbside garbage, recycling, and green waste service.  

Rates will increase by $5 per month for the 30-gallon, 60-gallon, and 90-gallon garbage cart sizes.  The standard level of service includes one garbage cart (size chosen by the customer), one recycling cart, and one green waste cart.  An additional increase of $5 per month will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

The increase -- the first in 10 years -- was approved on Jan. 12 by the County Board of Supervisors and will only partially offset the increased cost to collect and process residential recycling and green waste material that is collected curbside.

The table below provides a breakdown of the approved rates:

The price for a 30 gallon Garbage Cart is currently $19.95 but will be $24.95 effective March 1, 2021. An additional increase of $5 per month will take effect Jan. 1, 2022 projected to be $29.95.

The price for a 60 gallon Garbage Cart is currently $23.55 but will be $28.55 effective March 1, 2021. An additional increase of $5 per month will take effect Jan. 1, 2022 projected to be $33.55.

The price for a 90 gallon Garbage Cart is currently $30.76 but will be $35.76 effective March 1, 2021. An additional increase of $5 per month will take effect Jan. 1, 2022 projected to be $40.76.

The Board of Supervisors also doubled the monthly rebate amount available to eligible low-income customers through the Solid Waste Lifeline Rate Assistance Program.  Effective March 1, the rebate amount will increase from $5 per month to $10 per month.

Detailed information on the cost for all rates, including the increased monthly cost for additional recycling carts, green waste carts, additional curbside service, and additional bulky waste pickups is posted at www.sacgreenteam.com.

 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Teri O’Sullivan’s heart soared when she tossed the first ball on Carmichael Park’s new bocce courts. “It was amazing to feel my brother and I got this done for our mother,” she says. “I’ve been out there several times since -- and I’ve organized a big gang to play next week. There’s been lots of excitement ever since those construction fences at last came down. I know some Special Olympics bocce players in our area. It’s great they’ve now got a place to practice.”

Two sideline benches are engraved with a fond sentiment from her mom: “My famiglia (family) and friends – you were the most important part of my life. Enjoy Bocce!”  

A daughter of Tuscan immigrants, Shirley Pennington Simi was a Carmichael livewire who died in 2018. She and friends had lobbied long for the Mediterranean sport to be introduced to their local park; her estate contained a $5000 bequest to get the ball rolling. “Mom was a huge fan of anything that reflected her Italian heritage,” explains O’Sullivan. “She loved that bocce was something families did when they got together. It’s a multi-generational game and people with disabilities can play, too.”

Shirley’s dying wish lit a fire under her two kids. “Mom was a 4 foot, 8 inch, 85-pound powerhouse, who never let anything stand in her way,” recalls O’Sullivan. “We wanted her wish fulfilled.” She and brother Todd Pennington (an Orange County construction consultant) spearheaded fundraising to boost the estate bequest.  Shirley’s old friends from Alameda High School were generous supporters. A 2019 party at Carmichael’s Italian Cultural Center employed Tuscan food, wine, music -- and bocce demonstrations – to coax even more donations. Costs were further funded by Carmichael Park District and the Carmichael Parks Foundation.

The $165,000 project broke ground last summer. COVID-related delays made for slow progress and though the pandemic ruled out an opening celebration, a steady stream of enthusiasts has since judged the synthetic-surfaced lanes perfetto. “Everything’s great quality,” approves benefactor O’Sullivan. “Park staffers are out there every morning blowing away leaves and twigs. I wish mom could be here to see this, I know she’d have clapped her hands and said bravo, mia famiglia!”

Park planning allows for four courts. Though funding has so far enabled only two, more will likely follow. O’Sullivan also envisages picnic tables so families can round off meals with bocce -- just as they do in Italy. “Spring is just around the corner,” she says. “A game of bocce gets you out in the fresh air and you can still observe social distancing.”

Though the sport is contested seriously at Special Olympics level, she notes most casual players indulge for camaraderie. “You can learn the rules in 10 minutes and be proficient in ten more, says O’Sullivan. “It’s a fabulous way to get outside, enjoy your friends and have a blast.”

Project sponsors include: Carmichael Parks Foundation, the Shirley Simi Memorial Fund, Paul Pennington, Teri O’Sullivan, Todd Pennington, Millicent Lalanne and the Italian Cultural Center. Many Pennington and Simi family friends also made donations. Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Avenue. The bocce courts are near the reserve’s North Avenue entrance.  Other than all-weather lanes, no equipment is provided; players must bring their own balls. Learn more about CRPD amenities at www.carmichaelpark.com 

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that effective February 15, 2021, the specialized units of Gangs, Homeless Outreach and North Problem Oriented Policing (POP) will be equipped with body worn cameras.  After a process that started with field-testing cameras in 2017, and officially requesting funding for body cams in 2018, our body worn program has finally begun.  This pilot program approach allows the sheriff’s office to study and evaluate the effectiveness, as well as the technology, data storage and best practices.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is committed to an ongoing partnership with our community to provide the highest level of service based on trust and transparency.  In addition to our in-car camera systems which have been utilized for over a decade, the implementation of the body worn cameras will allow deputies to document incidents and interactions and obtain evidence during investigations.  In terms of evidence collection, body worn cameras and in-car cameras provide an invaluable record of statements, physical evidence, and timeline of events during crimes in progress and other critical incidents.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office will be able to review the video footage to debrief critical incidents and use the camera footage as a training tool to keep officers well trained and prepared.  We embrace this valuable tool and are proud of our deputies’ professionalism as they provide service to the Sacramento County Community.

We are on track for a full deployment of body worn cameras by June 2021.  The agency wide distribution of body-worn cameras for deputies will enhance safety, increase accountability, reduce County liability and advance prosecution.

 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - If you are experiencing symptoms like leg or feet pain, cramping, discoloration or bulging veins, you might benefit from a special visit to the new Vascular Institute of Carmichael. A Grand Opening Screening Event focusing on the lower extremities will be held free of charge on Wednesday, March 3^rd from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Pam Wirsing, Carmichael Front Office Coordinator, says she is very glad “to bring excellent patient care and… experience to Carmichael as part of the Vascular Institute team.”

The Phoenix, Arizona-based Vascular Institute specializes in Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) which consists of conditions produced by major plaque buildup in the body’s arteries and veins. If left untreated PADs can create blood blockages leading to heart attack, cerebral stroke or limb amputation.

“Many of those who suffer with conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension or have a history of smoking may greatly benefit from our services,” said Jennifer Valcazar, Sales Account Manager.

Sacramento Office Manager Michelle Guerrero says that thanks to today’s advanced technologies, the team at the Vascular Institute is bringing hope to patients at risk or suffering these conditions. Registered Vascular Technician (RVT) Alex Rodriguez will be utilizing methods such as ultrasound to sense potential blockages which can then lead to minimally invasive procedures to clear away plaque and restore proper blood flow.

Valcazar said that surgery used to be necessary to clear blood passages but now the Vascular Institute can implement minimally invasive procedures which may take 1 hour of your time and allow you to walk away the same day.

Treatment options include Non-Invasive Diagnostic Screening, Atherectomy, Angioplasty, Stent Placement, Sclerotherapy or Radio-frequency Ablation.

“Our highly skilled physicians perform… minimally invasive procedures, [as a] key component to saving limbs and lives," Valcazar said.

Call ASAP to reserve your screening! (916) 965-5050 or visit www.myvascular.com

The Vascular Institute is located at 6450 Coyle Ave Suite 1 in Carmichael, CA.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The SMUD Board of Directors approved the SKK Developments and BlackPine Communities team as the developer for its 59th Street Reuse project, which will redevelop its 59th Street site into a multi-use, sustainable, transit-oriented, infill project that will help achieve SMUD’s ambitious carbon reduction goals by serving as an all-electric development.

The proposed project consists of 108 single-family homes, 770 multi-family homes, light-rail station relocation, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, community garden and event center, child-care facilities and a central parking garage. The project plan will continue to evolve after further technical studies and discussions with the community, SMUD and the city of Sacramento.

“We’re excited to work with SKK/BlackPine,” said SMUD Board President Nancy Bui-Thompson. “They really listened to the community’s needs and developed a top-notch proposal centered around public input, resulting in a proposal that embodies the spirit of SMUD and the needs of our region.”

“SKK/BlackPine delivers a wealth of community enhancements while furthering our goals of sustainable buildings and clean transportation,” said SMUD General Manager and CEO Paul Lau. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

SMUD’s 59th Street Reuse project was purchased from PG&E when the company took over providing electric service to the community in 1946. Since then, the community and the utility have grown exponentially and SMUD moved its field services to its new East Campus building off Bradshaw Road. Since then, it’s engaged in an extensive process to evaluate the property and decide future plans.

One of SMUD’s core values is to enhance the vitality of its community and, as part of the value, engaged local residents, community groups and city leaders in discussions about community needs and ideas for the redevelopment of the property.

SMUD began the selection process in September 2019 with a request for qualifications, followed by an invite for formal request for proposals by two highly qualified companies. After thorough review and evaluation, SMUD chose the SKK/BlackPine proposal.

While SMUD continues to complete remediation, SKK/BlackPine will start detailed project planning, environmental review and work with the city on final approvals. In addition, SKK Developments and BlackPine Communities plan a robust community engagement program, beginning with a virtual forum later this month open to neighbors and other interested community members.   

The project will take an estimated 5-7 years, and SMUD will continue to be involved as agreed upon.

As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for almost 75 years to Sacramento County (and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties). SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD’s energy is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Despite the economic downturn in the past year due to Covid -19, the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry (SCFM) aka Sunrise Food Closet is doing surprisingly well. “We have been blessed” said Rocky Peterson, Director of Operations in an interview. “The community has been very generous. We have been able to remain solvent.”  However, survival has not come without hurdles.

In mid-March 2020 when the government order came for those ages 65 and over to stay at home, SCFM immediately lost 80 volunteers, the mainstay of their operation.  Peterson said they “had to begin again from scratch.”  As of January, 2021, their client numbers had risen 58% from 2019. To handle the increasing volume of work, twenty workers a day are now needed, plus Saturday workers to help assemble the hundreds of bags of food distributed each day. 

Their saving grace was Hands on Sacramento, an online volunteer resource which provided immediate help. While a few former volunteers are trickling back, two in their 90’s and two in their 80’s, most of today’s workers are younger and eager to work. Businesses are still closed leaving employees with time on their hands.  Students as young as 12 years come with their parents, high school students earning their school work hours, dental assistants earning professional credits and nursing students are stepping up. Local churches provide volunteers.  American Express allows their employees a day with pay to volunteer.

More recently, clients are becoming volunteers. Vera Hill, Volunteer Coordinator, said, “Most are very appreciative and want to give back with their time and energy”.  They do not work to get the food but to fill need to give back. Maranda, a personal caregiver, had just lost her client of 13 years.  It was her first day. She told this reporter,” I’m happy to be here. There is a joy to giving and meeting new, friendly people.”

Besides volunteers, there is a continual need for food of all kinds, and other products such as toiletries, household items and pet food. While SCFM is federally funded they also count on their other sources. SCFM obtains 40% from the Sacramento Food Bank, and purchases 20% of what they need from WinCo and Grocery Outlet. Peterson said they count on their sponsors and other community resources for the remaining 40%.  Churches, service organizations and individuals are helping this happen. Sponsor stores include local 7-Elevens, Safeway, Raley’s, Food Max, Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club. Twenty Citrus Heights churches contribute with drive-through or in-house food drives. Local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs provide grants and donations. Individuals are donating their Covid-19 stimulus checks.

During the holidays, employees at Sutter Care Vituity raised funds and donated over $4k of food, toiletries, and other items to SCFM.  Parents and students at Summit Christian School in Fair Oaks worked hard and in just 3 weeks collected over 1,000 food and other items to donate.

Those seeking food during this time continue to grow. Prior to the pandemic clients came once a month, now some come every 15-20 days. College students and others have returned home during the pandemic. Instead of feeding two or three people, there are now four or five family members. Some large Eastern European immigrant families have up to 12 children. They are so grateful to be in this country, they appreciate whatever aid they are given.

On a recent day at the beginning of the month, registration records showed a total of 109 vehicles carrying 325 people comprising 213 families served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day. Of those 109 vehicles 10% were new clients. There can be up to four family units in each vehicle. Each family in a vehicle (two adults and 4 children) receives two bags of food to last for up to six days. In addition they each receive a family box full of cold meat and fish, bread, crackers, cookies and produce plus pies and cakes from Costco and Sam’s as available.

The homeless/unsheltered are welcome. They walk in, or arrive by bike or bus. They may be on the street, live by the river, or sleeping on a friend’s couch. Ready to eat sandwiches and pastries are provided for them, especially by 7-Eleven stores.  As Peterson said, “This is a changing environment; it may go on for a long time.” The Sunrise Food Closet it adapting to these changes. Donations of all kinds and volunteers always welcome.

Sunrise Food closet: 5901 San Juan, 11:30 TO 3:00 P.M. Monday – Friday; 916-955-5156; scfm-office@comcast.net