Breaking: Judge Issues Final Ruling
More importantly, Judge Sarah Heckman’s final ruling places a permanent injunction against the Governor which prevents him from unilaterally making or changing state law moving forward. The Court also denied Newsom’s request to delay the enforcement of today’s decision.
California Assemblymembers James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) brought the lawsuit against Governor Newsom.
Assemblymembers Gallagher and Kiley said, “Today, the Court confirmed that Gavin Newsom does not rule California and that we are still a nation of laws. California has not been well-served by one-man rule. A return to representative government will be best for public health and the economy. The Governor must accept this ruling as a fundamental principle of our democracy and govern himself accordingly.”
The Assemblymembers’ lawsuit challenged the legality of Executive Order N-67-20 and the Governor’s ongoing abuse of separation of powers.
Click here to read the final ruling issued today in Sutter County Superior Court.
Click here to download video and b-roll from the October 7th pre-trial hearing.
Meet Kernul – His Mission is to Sniff Out Non-Native Pests & Disease
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - To protect against possible crop contamination from the interstate and international shipping of fruits, vegetables and plants, tight controls have been established among trading partners for product inspection and certification. But for those who do not follow the rules, California has K9 detectors on the front-line, and Sacramento County has a new pup on the block.
Like most of the Agricultural Detector K9’s in California, “Kernul” was rescued from an animal shelter and given a very important job: to protect the California economy and environment from devastating agricultural pests.
Kernul’s handler is Michelle King, who worked hard for the opportunity to become a K9 Handler. After a few years of excellent performance as an Inspector for the Sacramento County Department of Agriculture Pest Exclusion program, she landed this very exclusive role.
King’s first task was to attend a 10-week course at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Detector Dog Training Center, where she was matched up with Kernul, who was certified through AKC Canine Partners as a “Canine Good Citizen.”
“Kernul had a personality that was very sweet and sensitive, and possessed a very strong drive for treats,’ said King. “He was a perfect match for me, and together we excelled at everything we were challenged with.”
When the team returned to Sacramento at the beginning of November 2019, they began their on-the-job training. Kernul’s first few months were spent memorizing the scents of target items such as nursery plants, flowers, bulbs, seeds, roots and a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Michelle worked on strengthened relationships with parcel shipping facilities and strategized the best places to intercept contraband.
The two are now an expert team; one of 13 Agricultural Detector K9 pairs in California. Almost daily, the unit discovers unmarked packages containing non-native pests and diseases, harmful to our environment and agricultural systems. The good news is that Kernul has a nose for this type of work! When he’s not working, he likes to snuggle, swim, jog and play ball.
Midtown's PBID expanding
Midtown Association’s PBID Footprint to Expand to Include Northern Section of 16th Street Corridor in 2021
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Coinciding with the start of 2021, the footprint of the Midtown Association’s PBID (Property & Business Improvement District) will expand to include the northern stretch of the 16th Street corridor. After a previous expansion to include the Alhambra corridor and the Midtown Quarter in 2018, the Midtown Association currently provides core services in a 92-block area from 16th to Alhambra and from H to S streets. The new 16th Street corridor expansion will extend just beyond C Street to the north. Once the 16th Street Corridor expansion goes into effect on January 1, 2021, the Midtown Association’s footprint and service area will total 104 blocks in the urban core.
A PBID provides the framework for owners within a district to work together to increase the vibrancy, livability, and economic viability of neighborhoods. The Midtown Association has been successfully operating as a PBID since 2008 and exists to provide three primary areas of proactive service to support properties and businesses in the areas it serves, including: Streetscape, Maintenance & Safety; Placemaking & Capital Improvements; and Advocacy, Communications and Administration.
“In addition to supporting and amplifying much-needed city services, the Midtown PBID has been instrumental in creating and nurturing the unique identity and vibrancy of Midtown,” said Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director of the Midtown Association. “North 16th Street has seen a resurgence with housing development recently. And, with the support of the organization, we can extend the services we provide to help move the area forward that much more with regard to development, visitation, and an enhanced visitor experience to an underserved area that has great potential for the future.”
Above and beyond important maintenance and Clean & Safe services – such as graffiti removal and proactive, solution-focused homeless navigation efforts – the Midtown Association provides the leadership and resources to introduce and/or support amenities and events such as the popular Midtown Farmers Market, Wednesdays at Winn, Street Food Sacramento, Sacratomato Week (in partnership with the Sutter District restaurants), and 12 Days of Midtown, just to name a few. Additionally, the Midtown Association launched Midtown Parks in 2019, a non-profit arm of the organization to support, activate and enhance offerings of five key parks throughout the area, which will expand to support programming at John Muir Park at C and 16th Streets.
The success of the PBID model relies heavily on the support of involved property owners dedicated to improving their neighborhoods. The corridor has seen a blossoming residential development scene with housing reaching 450 units with market rate housing at H16, Eleanor and The Mansion Apartments, as well as new affordable housing being constructed at the Lavender Courtyard. The corridor is emerging as an arts district with Broadway at Music Circus and the Sacramento Theatre Co performing at 16th and H Streets, the recently opened event center the Almacen, the Washington Neighborhood Center, and the five-story “A Journey Into Curiosity” mural on the façade of Eleanor Apartments at 16th & E Streets. The neighborhood is also enriched by longstanding community restaurants such as Sampino’s and Taqueria Jalisco.
“The 16th Street corridor has such great potential, which is one of the reasons my company invested here in the first place,” said Sotiris Kolokotronis of SKK Developments, a local developer that was instrumental in the formation of the district. “In fact, in this stretch of 16th Street, we are building nearly 400 new homes that will greatly benefit from the addition of PBID services. We strongly believe enhancing the neighborhood adds value and increases overall livability. We are especially proud of the beautiful and eye-catching mural that was just completed at Eleanor Apartments.”
For more information about the Midtown Property Business Improvement District (MPBID), please visit www.exploremidtown.org.
Sacramento County News Update: Nov. 13 Sacramento County Health Order for Tier 1
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Today, the State of California announced new COVID-19 Tier assignments for counties. Due to increasing case rates, Sacramento County will move back to the more restrictive Tier 1 Purple. Effective at noon on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, the amended Sacramento County Health Order will align with the State’s Purple Tier 1 for allowable activities, which closes certain indoor operations or reduces operational capacity.
Nov. 13, 2020 Sacramento County Health Order
In alignment with Purple Tier 1, the following sectors are permitted for OUTDOOR operations only until further notice. These sectors must still maintain mitigation measures (social distancing, face covering, and sanitization):
- Cardrooms, satellite wagering
- Family Entertainment Centers (e.g. bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages, kart racing, and arcades)
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Movie theaters (maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer)
- Museums, zoos, aquariums
- Places of worship (maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer)
- Playgrounds and recreational facilities
- Restaurants
- Wineries
Bars, pubs, brewpubs and breweries may operate outdoors if they are offering sit-down, outdoor meals. Outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other shelter as long as no more than one side is closed.
In alignment with Purple Tier 1, the following sectors are open for INDOOR operations. These sectors must still maintain mitigation measures (social distancing, face covering, and sanitization) and specific modifications in parenthesis below:
- All retail (maximum 25% capacity)
- Critical infrastructure
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Libraries (maximum 25% capacity)
- Nail salons and electrolysis operations
- Personal care services (e.g. body waxing, estheticians, tattoo, massage)
- Professional sports (without live audiences)
- Shopping centers (e.g. malls, destination centers, swap meets, excluding food courts and common areas) (maximum 25% capacity)
In alignment with Purple Tier 1, bars, breweries and distilleries are prohibited from operating with the exception of those serving sit-down, outdoor meals.
Schools
In alignment with CDPH requirements, schools (all grade levels) that have reopened for in-person instruction, either under a waiver or while Sacramento County was in Red Tier 2 (September 29 – November 10, 2020), are permitted to continue to conduct in-person instruction. Schools that have not reopened must wait until they are eligible again, either by acquiring a waiver from Sacramento County Public Health (grades TK-6 only) or by waiting until Sacramento County returns to Red Tier 2 for at least two weeks.
If a school was implementing a phased re-opening (e.g., only opened grades K-2 for in-person instruction with set plans to phase in grades 3-6) while Sacramento County was in Red Tier 2, the school site may continue their phased re-opening. This is only applicable to individual school sites. If a district has a phased reopening of their schools, the schools in that district that did not open for in person instruction may not reopen until Sacramento County has returned to Red Tier 2 for two weeks.
Schools conducting in-person instruction must maintain mitigation measures, including social distancing, face coverings, and sanitization, in compliance with schools guidance from CDPH and Sacramento County Public Health.
Tier Advancement
Counties are required to remain in an assigned tier for a minimum of three weeks and must meet the criteria for the next tier for two consecutive weeks before being able to advance to the next tier.
“To advance back into the Red Tier 2, Sacramento County needs to have lower daily case rates. The only way to do that is to do what we know works,” said Sacramento County Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye. “We all have a part in this and we must be committed to social distancing measures in public spaces (6ft apart, wear face coverings, wash hands, etc.) and to avoid gathering with non-household members.”
To learn more about the State’s Tier system and specific allowable activities for Sacramento County, visit the State of California's COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy website.
For questions about the Public Health Order, call the Public Health hotline at (916) 875-2400.
For more information about the County’s response to COVID-19, visit Sacramento County’s COVID-19 webpage.
Pop-Up Gallery at Midtown’s H16 Apartments
SKK Developments & The Grupe Company Partner with Groundswell Art To Showcase Pop-Up Gallery at Midtown’s H16 Apartments
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The Grupe Company and SKK Developments have partnered with Groundswell Art to present a unique art and retail space at the new H16 Apartments at H & 16th Streets across from the historic Governor’s Mansion. Located on the ground floor of H16 in Midtown Sacramento, the pop-up art gallery is open through 2020 and co-owned by John Johnson and Artist Micah Crandell-Bear.
“H16 is a pure example of how our urban core communities can partner to support our vibrant art community,” said Johnson. “This is a great opportunity to showcase some of our region’s most recognized artists, as well as incredible up-and-coming talent.
Groundswell also worked with the partners to curate and place more than 50 pieces by local artists for the corridors and common areas of H16.
H16 is Groundswell’s second Sacramento location, and presents works by renowned local artists including Micah Crandall-Bear, Jose Di Gregorio, Kim Squaglia and Raphael Delgado. Handcrafted furniture, ceramics, jewelry, and unique home accessories help round out the gallery’s offerings.
Groundswell’s Curator June Steckler is an artist herself and also works with H16 residents and other Sacramento locals to help select or create custom art for their homes and offices.
“The collaboration between the H16 partners and Groundswell is yet another example of the continually evolving and growing art culture and live/work/play lifestyle of midtown,” said Steckler.
The gallery offers regular weekend hours, weekday appointments and small private events (safety guidelines permitting) through the holiday season.
The Grupe Company and SKK Developments are committed to supporting and celebrating Sacramento’s vibrant artists while contributing to the renaissance of the urban core. They are excited to collaborate with community partners such as Groundswell Art to bring meaningful opportunities to Sacramento’s artistic community.
For more information about the H16 Apartments, please visit www.h16midtown.com. For more information about the innovative project partners, please visit www.groundswellart.com, www.skkdevelopments.com, and www.grupe.com.
Bocce Games to Begin Soon
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Through the dedication of a Carmichael woman and her family, two bocce courts will soon be open in Carmichael Park. Sideline benches will carry an engraved wish from the late Shirley Pennington Simi: My famiglia (family) and friends – you were the most important part of my life. Enjoy Bocce!
The $165,000 project cost was met mainly though Carmichael Park District funding and a $60,000 contribution from the Carmichael Parks Foundation. But it was a dying wish – and a bequest contained Shirley Pennington Simi’s estate – that first got the ball rolling.
A daughter of Tuscan immigrants, Shirley loved all things Italian. She died at the age of 75 in 2018, having long lobbied for the Mediterranean sport to be among Carmichael Park activities. “Mom was a 4 foot 8 inch, 85-pound powerhouse”, recalls her daughter, Teri O’Sullivan. “She was so proud of her cultural heritage and bocce was part of that.” Due to Shirley’s $5000 legacy, her passion lives after her. Local bocce enthusiasts should be playing ball before Christmas.
Shirley’s daughter and son, Todd Pennington, spearheaded private fundraising to augment their mother’s gift. A 2019 celebration at Carmichael’s Italian Cultural Center garnered donations with Tuscan food, music and bocce demonstrations by special Olympics athletes.
Court construction began this summer. Slowed slightly by material shortages during the COVID crisis, the new amenity boasts synthetic surfaced lanes that allow all-weather play. Curbing and wide pathways border the courts. Bench seats will allow observer comfort and newly-seeded turf will blend the addition into park landscaping. The facility meets ADA stipulations and is wheelchair accessible. Removal of barriers and a ceremonial “first roll” awaits Sacramento COVID status reaching Orange or Yellow level. “I wish mom could be here for the opening,” says her daughter. “I know she’d be clapping her hands and saying bravo, mia famiglia!”
Many park visitors have voiced support for the project. “People can’t wait for us to take down the fences and let them play,” reports project manager James Perry. “By public enthusiasm, I judge these courts will be a favorite park amenity.”
Although the park Master Plan originally allowed for four courts, funding has so far enabled only two. More will likely follow: “It’s like a field of dreams,” says James Perry. “You build it and people will come. With the community behind us, there’s no limit to what can be achieved in our parks.”
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 new courts are located near the reserve’s North Avenue entrance. Learn more about CRPD amenities at www.carmichaelpark.com
Finding the Founder – History Talk Available Online
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A talk highlighting recently-discovered photographs of colony founder Daniel Webster Carmichael may now be viewed online by history buffs. In her capacity as a volunteer community historian, Carmichael Times photojournalist Susan Maxwell Skinner recently presented a Webinar program for the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce. More than 650 people have watched the feature from their homes. Skinner – who found the “new” material in Minden, Nevada – added a commentary on Dan Carmichael’s life and times to her presentation. Highlights include images of the entrepreneur/civic leader at leisure in his Sacramento homes.
The Chamber has made the talk available through a Facebook link. “Little was previously known about Daniel’s private life,” explains the presenter. “In his day, the guy was a larger-than-life Sacramento personality. He came west from Georgia as a teenager, with barely a dollar. His good looks and Georgian charm opened doors. Before long, "Bud" Carmichael was a public official, a millionaire oilman and Sacramento benefactor. Newspaper cartoonists portrayed him as a glamorous figure strolling downtown with a rosebud in his lapel. Daniel's story is a Victorian romance of rags-to-riches -- then back to rags again.”
Maxwell Skinner discovered the photos in possession of Sally Rubio, the great niece of Carmichael’s wife Myrtle. The historian declared her long journey to Minden worth every mile. “I was able to photograph and carefully restore many wonderful old pictures to viewable condition,” she says. “Despite his high profile, Daniel remains a man of mystery to modern Carmichaelites. We knew he’d discovered oil near Bakersfield and made a fortune. He developed residential city neighborhoods and did million-dollar property deals in the Bay Area and Sacramento. He founded the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the city’s first professional real estate organization. Daniel modestly gave his name to the colony he carved out from land near the American River.
“He was elected Sacramento Commissioner and served as the city’s mayor. He flashed a gold-topped cane and gold watch and his advertising gimmicks were legendary. He built two gorgeous homes and his wife dripped diamonds. But his disappearance from society before the great Depression -- and the penurious circumstances of his final years – were largely unexplained.”
Maxwell Skinner’s talk answers some of the mysteries. The old family photographs also show how a turn-of-the-century celebrity lived. “We see a happy Bud Carmichael in his homes and gardens, cavorting with friends and family,” says the speaker. “These snapshots show the man behind the boutonniere. They are also captivating vignettes of posh early Sacramento.”
To access the Webinar, visit Carmichael Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and scroll to the video dated October 27, or search on line for https://www.facebook.com/CarmichaelChamberofCommerce/videos/373696143829128
For more information, call the chamber at 916 481-1002.