SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Funeral services to honor the memory and sacrifice of Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson who was killed in the line of duty on Monday, January 18, 2021, in Sacramento, California are as follows.
Wednesday, February 03, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.
Bayside Church Adventure Campus
6401 Stanford Ranch Road
Roseville, CA 95768
It’s customary for law enforcement to honor an officer who dies in the line of duty with a funeral that includes the community they served. COVID-19 mass gathering restrictions are curtailing this aspect; the services will not be open to the general public. Limited attendance is reserved for law enforcement only. A law enforcement procession will immediately follow the service and will terminate at East Lawn located on Greenback Lane for a private internment. We encourage the community to show their unwavering support by lining the sidewalks of the procession route (See Below). In lieu of a traditional guest book, a special email address has been created to share your condolences, thoughts, pictures and stories:
RememberingAdam@sacsheriff.com
The memorial services are expected to conclude at approximately 1:15 P.M. The procession will be led by Motor Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
The procession will leave the church through the main exit, turn left onto Stanford Ranch Road, then turn left onto eastbound Highway 65 and transition to westbound Interstate 80. The outside agency procession will continue westbound on Interstate 80 past Greenback Lane and will disperse shortly thereafter.
The procession carrying Deputy Gibson and his family will take the Greenback Lane/Elkhorn Boulevard exit, make a left turn to eastbound Greenback Lane, and then a left turn to eastbound Verner Avenue. From Verner Avenue, the procession will be led onto the East Lawn Memorial grounds to the location of the private graveside service.
Traffic delays should be expected during the procession. A map of the procession route is provided on the next page for your reference.
Outlines Steps to Speed Refunds During Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) ― The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's tax season will start on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns.
The Feb. 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the Dec. 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits.
This programming work is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. If filing season were opened without the correct programming in place, then there could be a delay in issuing refunds to taxpayers. These changes ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.
To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners. These groups are starting to accept tax returns now, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12.
“Planning for the nation’s filing season process is a massive undertaking, and IRS teams have been working non-stop to prepare for this as well as delivering Economic Impact Payments in record time,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Given the pandemic, this is one of the nation’s most important filing seasons ever. This start date will ensure that people get their needed tax refunds quickly while also making sure they receive any remaining stimulus payments they are eligible for as quickly as possible.”
Last year’s average tax refund was more than $2,500. More than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year, with the vast majority before the Thursday, April 15 deadline.
Under the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, including to identity thieves.
The IRS anticipates a first week of March refund for many EITC and ACTC taxpayers if they file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns. This would be the same experience for taxpayers if the filing season opened in late January. Taxpayers will need to check Where’s My Refund for their personalized refund date.
Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct deposit if there are no issues with their tax return. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever possible.
Tips for taxpayers to make filing easier
To speed refunds and help with their tax filing, the IRS urges people to follow these simple steps: File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds. Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call. For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their payments when they file. However, those who didn’t receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount. Remember, advance stimulus payments received separately are not taxable, and they do not reduce the taxpayer’s refund when they file in 2021.
Key filing season dates
There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season: Jan. 15. IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance. Jan. 29. Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify. Feb. 12. IRS begins 2021 tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins. Feb. 22. Projected date for the IRS.gov Where’s My Refund tool being updated for those claiming EITC and ACTC, also referred to as PATH Act returns. First week of March. Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and ACTC (PATH Act returns) for those who file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns. April 15. Deadline for filing 2020 tax returns. Oct. 15. Deadline to file for those requesting an extension on their 2020 tax returns
Filing season opening
The filing season open follows IRS work to update its programming and test its systems to factor in the second Economic Impact Payments and other tax law changes. These changes are complex and take time to help ensure proper processing of tax returns and refunds as well as coordination with tax software industry, resulting in the February 12 start date.
The IRS must ensure systems are prepared to properly process and check tax returns to verify the proper amount of EIP’s are credited on taxpayer accounts – and provide remaining funds to eligible taxpayers.
Although tax seasons frequently begin in late January, there have been five instances since 2007 when filing seasons did not start for some taxpayers until February due to tax law changes made just before the start of tax time.
Officer Involved Shooting Cal Expo Complex
By Sergeant Rod Grassmann, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - At 10:07 p.m. on January 18, 2021, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Deputies saw an occupied vehicle in a parking lot near Arden Way and Avondale Avenue that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a burglary series. Deputies initiated contact with the single occupant of the vehicle and were able to identify the subject as being on active parole. The subject became uncooperative and fled in his vehicle when deputies attempted to search the vehicle. A short pursuit ensued that terminated inside of the Cal Expo Complex located at 1600 Exposition Boulevard. The suspect vehicle became disabled after striking a curb and came to rest near a chain-link fence. Multiple patrol units gathered at the termination point to assist the initial deputies. Deputies gave several commands for the suspect to exit his vehicle and he refused. Deputies deployed less-lethal “bean bag” rounds into the suspect vehicle’s back window in an attempt to see inside. A K-9 handler deployed his K-9 into the back window of the vehicle at which time several shots were fired from within the vehicle. Two deputies and the canine were struck by the suspect’s gunfire. Multiple deputies returned fire.
The wounded officers were transported by deputies in patrol units to an area hospital. Deputy Adam Gibson, a 31-year-old, 6 year veteran of the department, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. A second deputy was stabilized and transported to a trauma center for further treatment. K-9 Riley also died at the scene. K-9 Riley was 5 years old and had been in-service with our office for 3 years. Fire arrived and pronounced the sole occupant of the suspect vehicle deceased at the scene.
Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and processing evidence. This investigation is still in its early stages and information is still developing. No further information is available at this time.
Deputy Gibson leaves behind his wife Rachel Gibson, 9-month-old child, his parents Doug and Sandee Gibson and several siblings. Deputy Gibson served in the United States Marine Corps and did two tours in Afghanistan. Since joining the department in 2014 he has worked in corrections, patrol and most recently a canine handler. Deputy Gibson received the Sheriff’s Office Bronze Star for Bravery and a Major Incident Ribbon in 2018.
The wounded deputy is 43 years old, a 13 year veteran of the department and remains hospitalized in serious, but stable condition.
The Officer-Involved Shooting investigation will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting. The Sacramento Police Department Homicide Division will investigate the remainder of the incident. Independent review of the officer-involved shooting will be conducted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and the Inspector General.
Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) continues to create and refine its vaccine rollout action plan as conditions evolve. Currently, SCPH is vaccinating identified worker groups, primary frontline healthcare and first responders, in the Phase 1a: Tiers 1 – 3 with the limited vaccine allocations coming weekly from the State.
Outside of the doses that the State has sent to Hospitals/Multi-County Entities (MCEs), to date, SCPH has been allocated 10,500 doses of Moderna and 5,850 doses of Pfizer vaccines. So far, all but 1,235 of those doses have been administered to doctors, nurses, healthcare staff, correctional health staff, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, long-term care facilities or given to other providers.
While demand far exceeds allocation, we are hopeful that allocations will drastically increase in the near future and we can envelop those residents 65 years old and older who are approved for vaccination, as well as other Phase 1b groups.
SCPH has 975 doses allocated for the week of Jan. 18. MCEs such as hospitals have also been provided a small allocation. Due to the limited amount, Sacramento County will not be able to accommodate all requests for vaccination between the continued need in Phase 1a frontline workers, as well as the addition of those who are 65 years old and older. We are also coming quickly upon the timeframe for the second dose for all our original vaccine recipients, which further limits our availability to bring in new recipients.
“We request patience as we work to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of vaccination best practices and availability,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye. “We are working closely with health care providers, frontline employers and dozens of other public and private entities to ensure that anyone eligible and interested in the vaccine can receive it as soon as possible. We are closer than ever to COVID-19 immunizations for everyone who wants them, but we are not there yet.”
At this time, we request that residents who are 65 years old and older to wait to receive more information from their provider and/or public health, so that when allocations increase, they are aware of next steps. Please also keep an eye on the Sacramento County vaccination webpage for timely updates to the process, the current tiers vaccinating and other important information.
As the availability of the vaccine increases, more locations will be available for residents to receive a vaccination – such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, schools, Cal Expo and more.
For the latest information on COVID-19 testing, data, vaccinations and other helpful resources visit the Sacramento County COVID-19 website.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) – The Internal Revenue Service expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.
The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers’ personally identifiable information.
“This is a way to, in essence, lock your tax account, and the IP PIN serves as the key to opening that account,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Electronic returns that do not contain the correct IP PIN will be rejected, and paper returns will go through additional scrutiny for fraud.”
The IRS launched the IP PIN program nearly a decade ago to protect confirmed identity theft victims from ongoing tax-related fraud. In recent years, the IRS expanded the program to specific states where taxpayers could voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. Now, the voluntary program is going nationwide.
About the IP PIN Opt-In Program
Here are a few key things to know about the IP PIN Opt-In program: This is a voluntary program. You must pass a rigorous identity verification process. Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can verify their identities. An IP PIN is valid for a calendar year. You must obtain a new IP PIN each filing season.The online IP PIN tool is offline between November and mid-January each year. Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays. Never share your IP PIN with anyone but your trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call, text or email requesting your IP PIN. Beware of scams to steal your IP PIN. There currently is no opt-out option but the IRS is working on one for 2022.
How to get an IP PIN
Taxpayers who want an IP PIN for 2021 should go to IRS.gov/IPPIN and use the Get an IP PIN tool. This online process will require taxpayers to verify their identities using the Secure Access authentication process if they do not already have an IRS account. See IRS.gov/SecureAccess for what information you need to be successful. There is no need to file a Form 14039, an Identity Theft Affidavit, to opt into the program
Once taxpayers have authenticated their identities, their 2021 IP PIN immediately will be revealed to them. Once in the program, this PIN must be used when prompted by electronic tax returns or entered by hand near the signature line on paper tax returns.
All taxpayers are encouraged to first use the online IP PIN tool to obtain their IP PIN. Taxpayers who cannot verify their identities online do have options.
Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $72,000 or less may complete Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, and mail or fax to the IRS. An IRS customer service
representative will contact the taxpayer and verify their identities by phone. Taxpayers should have their prior year tax return at hand for the verification process.
Taxpayers who verify their identities through this process will have an IP PIN mailed to them the following tax year. This is for security reasons. Once in the program, the IP PIN will be mailed to these taxpayers each year.
Taxpayers who cannot verify their identities online or by phone and who are ineligible for file Form 15227 can contact the IRS and make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to verify their identities in person. Taxpayers should bring two forms of identification, including one government-issued picture identification.
Taxpayers who verify their identities through the in-person process will have an IP PIN mailed to them within three weeks. Once in the program, the IP PIN will be mailed to these taxpayers each year.
No change for confirmed identity theft victims
Taxpayers who are confirmed identity theft victims or who have filed an identity theft affidavit because of suspected stolen identity refund fraud will automatically receive an IP PIN via mail once their cases are resolved. Current tax-related identity theft victims who have been receiving IP PINs via mail will experience no change.
See IRS.gov/IPPIN for additional details.
The IRS also encourages tax professionals and employers to share information with taxpayers about the availability of the IP PIN. Tax professionals and employers can print or email Publication 5367 or share IRS social media/e-poster products.
Dear Friends,
With the extreme winter weather we are facing, please be assured the Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SACDOT) is prepared to provide a quick response to flooded roadways and broken traffic signals.
When winter weather hits, crews will respond twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to clear roadways, remove fallen trees, repair streetlights, fix traffic signal malfunctions and keep traffic moving safely. Flooded roads are monitored and closed when necessary. When roads are flooded, they are posted to the SACDOT website at this link to allow you to check routes for problem areas.
While crews are in the field every day, your assistance -- especially during bad weather conditions -- is important. Report roadway issues by calling 311 (or 875-4311) or reporting online at the 311 website. You can also report with a 311 app on your phone.
Fallen Trees and Branches: During severe weather conditions, crews may clear just the material in the roadway and move on to the next incident. Additional cleanup work is performed when crews have handled all incidents that require immediate attention. (Note trees or branches that fall on private roads or property are the responsibility of the property owner so please contact a private tree service for fallen trees or branches on your property)
Flooded Roads: Crews respond immediately to flooded roads and attempt to clear what is causing the problem right away. If the flooded road cannot be cleared, signage will be placed to close the road and maintenance crews will work to continue to clear the roadway.
Plugged Culverts (a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad): If a culvert is plugged, SACDOT crews will flush the culvert until it’s clear.
Traffic Signal Out: Technicians are dispatched immediately to make repairs to traffic signals that are out or malfunctioning.
Downed Street Signs and Stop Signs: Street signs will be replaced as soon as possible. Downed stop signs are a priority and SACDOT's goal is to have them back up within two hours of notification.
Street Light Out: When reporting a problem, have the pole number or property address available. The pole number can be found on a sticker approximately 8 feet high, usually on the traffic side of the pole.
Plugged Storm Drains (a major cause for localized street flooding): Call 311, give the location and the Department of Water Resources will dispatch crews to remove leaves and/or other debris from the drain.
Sandbag Sites: If your property has a history of flooding, get sandbags in advance at Sacramento County's sandbag self-serve sites. Locations can be found online at the Department of Water Resources website.
If you encounter a downed power line, electrical sparking, or any other emergency that is a danger to yourself or others please immediately call 911. For any other power outages please report them to SMUD at 1-888-456-7683 or on SMUD’s website. For any PG&E outages contact 1-800-743-5000 or report them on PG&E’s website.
As always, if you have any further questions or concerns you may contact me at richdesmond@saccounty.net or (916) 874-5471.
RICH DESMOND
Supervisor, Third District
DA Schubert Announces Open Applications for Virtual Citizens Academy
- Learn about the Criminal Justice System
- Discuss Issues Related to Race Relations, Gang & Hate Crimes and Sensitive Current Events
- Engage in Open Discussions with Top Administrators
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and Sacramento County Probation Department are proud to announce the 21st Annual Citizens Academy. The 2020 Citizens Academy was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year’s program is being offered virtually.
The academy was created to improve communication, foster a better understanding and develop relationships between members of the criminal justice system and our citizens, including those from different ethnic, cultural and faith-based communities. Since the start of the academy in 2002, there have been 20 graduating classes with 1,100 participants.
The program provides an overview of the criminal justice system (law enforcement roles, responsibilities and challenges) and engages citizens from all backgrounds in discussion, participation and mutual learning about issues within the criminal justice system. Topics include a panel discussion on sensitive current events and “outside the box” approaches to the justice system.
Representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Public Defender’s Office, law enforcement, the judiciary, and community organizations will provide information, answer questions and address community concerns.
DA Anne Marie Schubert states, “I highly encourage citizens across Sacramento County to participate in our virtual Citizens Academy, where they will meet and engage with various members of the criminal justice system. In this time of social distancing, we felt it was important to offer the academy virtually this year so we can continue building and strengthening relationships with the community we serve.”
There is NO cost to participants. The 10-week course is held Tuesday evenings starting April 6, 2021 to June 8, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.
For an application: Visit https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/citizens-academy/ to download the application
Program Contact: Chasity Barlow, at 916.874.5251, BarlowC@sacda.org, 901 G Street ~ Sacramento CA 95814 or Fax 916.321.2237
The deadline for submitting applications is March 12, 2021