Walking Through Every Open Door
Advice and Insights from Diplomatic Consultant W. Bruce Lee
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - W. Bruce Lee is a man of experience and humility, and he said he attributes his success to always saying yes to the next challenge—accepting the next invitation, undertaking the next assignment, choosing to “always walk through doors that are open for me.”
Lee’s work spans the industries of government, business, and education. He has taught at the University of Phoenix and William Jessup University, worked in the Governor’s Finance Department for the State of California, and worked as a business coach for various national corporations. Lee has served in the halls of government most of his life—running statewide initiatives, twice elected as Mayor of Loomis, and elected as Director of the Placer County Water Agency, among other offices. Currently, he serves as the executive officer of the Phoenix Correspondence Commission, a nonpartisan governmental entity (established by all 50 states) that works to balance State and Federal authority.
In recent years, Lee has turned his skills toward diplomatic consulting—helping communities, businesses, and governments around the world find pathways to success as well as hope for the future.
Born and raised in the Sacramento Region, Lee has traveled the world, advising organizations in places such as Nepal, Singapore, and China. He has worked in South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and various African countries—including Cameroon, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Sudan.
Lee has found that all societies are built upon three main systems: economic, government, and culture. And every society is unique in the way these features integrate and reinforce each other. But Lee cautioned that different cultures don’t always support the same economic or governmental systems. So, as an outsider in these countries, Lee said, “I don’t assume.” His first and most important step is to listen: “You tell me what you need, and then I can help to achieve those results.”
In all nations—regardless of differing systems of government, economy, and cultural standards—the same basic needs exist. And people always seek to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and better their lives. But Lee has also seen that “there is a human tendency toward selfishness, and selfishness creates greed, which in government will lead to short-term benefits in one’s own self-interest, but does not create any long-term sustainability.”
And the same can be seen in businesses and local communities. “Throughout the world, the powerful often abuse the powerless,” said Lee. “Whether that power is political, economic, or positional, the ills of the world stem from the motivation of self-interest and greed. The powerful take advantage of their power and use it to benefit themselves at the expense of others.”
Lee explained that in nations with corrupted governments, the surrounding communities are afflicted by “massive deprivation”—poverty, lack of opportunity, and no hope for the future. A society in such crisis is not a strong or sustainable system. To have a successful government that can be sustained long-term, “there must be people who are willing to stand up,” said Lee, “and look not at what is right for themselves, but what is right for their constituents, and for their society as a whole.” Practical solutions are needed, so that is where Lee comes in, offering guidance on how governments can provide opportunities that better serve their people, creating stronger communities that support a stronger nation. In business settings, the advice is similarly applied: better products and services create a more satisfied customer base, better employee morale, and a stronger company for the long term.
Whether in a classroom, boardroom, or the legislature of foreign governments, Lee said the core of his work is about “equipping people” and showing them that there are practical solutions to every challenge. He often sees “a lot of activity, with plenty of energy and money to make things happen—but a lack of results.” While people often want an easy answer, Lee cautions that there is “no one right answer, no magic bullet.” Change takes effort and discipline. There are answers, and while they won’t come overnight, there is always hope for improving the situation—and Lee strives to help everyone find that hope. “We need to exercise sound critical thinking and wisdom in how we approach our problem solving,” said Lee. “We have to take responsibility for ourselves and for our society.”
In his life, Lee spends his time and money investing not in himself, but in others, wherever he sees a need: “Wherever I am able to be of benefit, it is my honor and privilege to be of service,” said Lee. “I can offer what I have.”
As a deeply religious man, Lee credits God for his many accomplishments. “God has been good to me,” said Lee. “I live in a country where I’ve been able to get a good education and develop useful skills. God has treated me much better than I deserve. And it’s easy to take these things for granted, but it’s essential that we do not.”
Seeing the struggles of communities around the world has broadened Lee’s perspective. He believes that many Americans don’t realize how fortunate they are. “Our social, economic, and political freedoms are hard-won,” said Lee. “Diligence is necessary in their protection, otherwise they may easily slip away.” For many around the world, America is “still the light on the hill,” said Lee. “They see we’re doing things differently, and we need to protect that.”
Lee cautioned that many people here live lives of privilege and feel no sense of responsibility toward others. But Lee said, “We have a massive responsibility to our community.” Whatever skills each of us have, Lee believes we are called to use them for the good of others, whether that is in construction, farming, teaching, etc. “If it benefits people in a tangible way, inspires them, gives them hope—that’s a blessing,” said Lee.
His advice can be boiled down to a simple message: “Let’s love our neighbors. Let’s not take things for granted. Let us be of good hope, because whatever challenges we may see around us, they are resolvable if we work together in a civilized way, not marred by violence in word or action. … Let us seek to honor each other and learn from each other. All of that takes commitment and humility.”
To learn more about Lee’s work, visit https://wbrucelee.com/the-work-of-bruce/.
Active Manhunt for Inmate Eric Abril Continues
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Placer County Sheriff's Office and law enforcement personnel from across the region continue the active manhunt for Eric Abril. We will continue searching for him utilizing every resource we have to locate Abril and take him back into custody. Please remain vigilant and call 911 immediately if you see Abril or any suspicious activity. You can also submit a tip by calling (916) 409-1257 or submit a tip online: https://211connectingpoint.org/placer-county-tip-submissions/
A surveillance photo of Abril from Sunday morning, shows a tattoo on his left shoulder of what appears to be ocean waves and bamboo. We are asking all residents to please review any security cameras for potential sightings of Abril — please send any information to the tip line provided below.
We have developed new information revealing Abril was last seen on video surveillance walking in the area of Rainier Court in Rocklin at 3:39 a.m., and then northbound a few minutes later on Saddletree Lane. We have expanded our search area to include parts of Rocklin
We have set up a tip line for citizens to report any information to help us locate Abril: (916) 409-1257. You can also submit a tip online: https://211connectingpoint.org/placer-county-tip.../
A joint manhunt is still underway for inmate escapee Eric Abril. Throughout our investigation, we have learned Abril was not wearing a shirt and was not shackled at the waist. He is believed to be wearing orange jail pants.
Numerous resources from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Roseville Police Department, and additional local law enforcement agencies are searching the greater east Roseville area for 35-year-old inmate Eric Abril, who escaped from Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Abril was arrested on April 6th following a critical incident at Mahany Park and charged with murder and attempted murder, along with several other related charges. It is unknown what Abril is wearing at this time, but he was last seen wearing an orange jumpsuit. Abril is described as a six-foot tall white male with brown hair, weighing 175 pounds. We ask the immediate public to exercise extreme caution and to call 911 immediately if Abril is seen.
Public Urged to Refrain from Operating Drones in Fire Zones
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - CAL FIRE is bolstering its firefighting aircraft fleet across California for the second year in a row as a result of over $72 million in funding provided by the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom. The investment has allowed CAL FIRE to secure 24 additional firefighting aircraft (19 helicopters and 5 airplanes for a contractual period of 90-120 days) to enhance their statewide response efforts against wildfires in California. The additional fixed-wing aircraft include 3 large airtankers specifically designed to carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. These aircraft have been strategically located in communities across California and will be pre-positioned to meet the needs of potential fire activity throughout the state.
“The deployment of more aircraft dedicated to the people of California marks a historic milestone, with the highest number of firefighting aircraft ever available for initial attack in the state for the second consecutive year,” stated Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. Chief Tyler further explained that “the significant rainfall California experienced this winter has led to a substantial increase of highly flammable fuels, which contribute to the rapid escalation of fires.” Last week alone, CAL FIRE responded to over 300 wildfires as temperatures continued to increase across the state.
Aircraft are initially prepositioned in the following Counties: Butte, Tuolumne, San Diego, Tulare, Humboldt, Mariposa, Nevada, Siskiyou, Sacramento, Fresno, Shasta, San Luis Obispo, Napa, Placer, Lassen, Riverside, and Sonoma Counties.
Established in 1970, CAL FIRE's aviation program has grown to over 60 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, making it the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet worldwide. This renowned aviation program responds to thousands of wildfires dropping water and fire retardant in California each year.
In light of these efforts, CAL FIRE urges the public to refrain from operating drones over areas with fire activity. It is important to note that flying drones in these areas is strictly prohibited by law. Drone operation hampers aerial firefighting capabilities and poses significant risks to lives, property, and natural resources.
CAL FIRE remains dedicated to the protection of California's communities and natural landscapes, and these additional firefighting aircraft represent a significant step towards enhancing the state's wildfire response capabilities.
Traumatic Brain Injury Research Could Lead to Therapeutic Treatment
DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Most studies of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) focus on the pathology of the injured brain, but newly published research indicates that the liver plays an important role in TBI, and a soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor discovered by UC Davis distinguished professor Bruce Hammock could lead to therapeutic treatment.
The research, led by Professor Xinhong Zhu of the School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, and tested in the Zhu lab, appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Youngfeng Dai, PhD., is the first author.
“Using animal models, we found that the liver has a neuroprotective effect in the pathophysiology of TBI, although its role was very weak,” Zhu said. “Our data suggest that enhancement of this neuroprotective role of the liver could provide novel strategies for developing treatment of TBI.” Plans call for “moving toward a clinical study to detect whether hepatic sEH manipulation benefits patients with TBI.”
Their results highlight the neuroprotective role of the liver in TBI and suggest that targeting this neuroprotective role may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI. Earlier clinical studies report that the overall mortality in patients with TBI and cirrhosis is nearly twice that in patients without cirrhosis.
In the paper, “Enhancement of the Liver's Neuroprotective Role Ameliorates Traumatic Brain Injury Pathology,” the authors describes TBI as a “pervasive problem worldwide, for which no effective treatment is currently available,” and “as a devastating injury that often results in long-term neurological deficits, including locomotor function and memory impairments.”
“Blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a hallmark feature of TBI and is associated with brain edema and neuronal death,” the authors wrote. “Studies have shown that sEH inhibitors protect the BBB from brain injury. Therefore, we investigated whether deletion of hepatic Ephx2 protected the BBB following controlled cortical injury (CCI).”
In the United States alone, annual statistics show that 1.5 million people a year are diagnosed with TBI; 230,000 are hospitalized; and 52,000 die. Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali estimated that he received 290,000 blows to the head during his 21-year professional boxing career. But more commonly, TBI results from falls, statistics show. The National Institutes of Health defines TBI as being “caused by forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pieces the skull and enters the brain.”
“TBI leads to a breakdown of the blood brain barrier,” said co-author Hammock, a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors and whose pioneering work on sEH inhibitors spans 50 years. “We see from cases like Muhammad Ali that repeated TBI can lead to chronic central nervous system injury, dementia and other issues.”
“In the study from the Zhu laboratory, one of the exciting basic discoveries is that mammals have a natural mechanism to partially address traumatic brain injury,” said Hammock, who holds a joint appointment with the Department of Entomology and Nematology and the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. “By a mechanism under investigation, the injured brain communicates to the liver to down-regulate the production of an enzyme called the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) that degrades natural inflammation resolving mediators. Thus, the concentration of these injury-resolving mediators also produced in the liver go up reducing deleterious inflammation throughout the injured animal. This soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor used as a tool in these studies is building on this natural mechanism to minimize the harmful effects of TBI.”
"Importantly, the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor that the authors used here is also currently in human clinical safety trials for treating pain and inflammation,” said psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Pieper, the Rebecca A. Barchas Professor in Translational Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland. “The results shown here indicate that this agent, or related materials altering this same pathway, might mitigate the acute and long-term complications of TBI, or of neuroinflammatory conditions of the brain in general. Pieper, who holds both a Ph.D. and a M.D.. is the Morley-Mather Chair in Neuropsychiatry, University Hospitals of Cleveland Medical Center; director of the Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute; and psychiatrist at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland.
Neuroscience researcher Daniela Kaufer, associate dean of biological sciences at UC Berkeley and a professor with the Department of Integrative Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, praised the research possibilities. “The brain has a barrier which helps protect it from harmful materials in the blood,” said Kaufer, who was not involved in the research. “TBI reduces this barrier and its reduction is associated with aging. Possibly the pathway described in this PNAS paper could be manipulated to protect the blood brain barrier and reduce the apparent aging of the brain caused by repeated TBI.”
“The reality is that we know moderate and severe TBI leads to significant disability in a high percentage of patients,” said neuroscience researcher Gene Gurkoff, an associate professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery, UC Davis Health, who specializes in traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.
“My understanding of how we classify milds at UC Davis right now is that these are patients that behaviorally are mild injuries, but that they have something on a CT or MRI scan that indicates that the injury is more than a concussion, said Gurkoff, who was not involved in the research. “These patients are more likely to have long-term effects than concussion alone, but a lot less likely than moderate-severe. They also don't usually end up in the ICU. Then there are the concussions. Head injuries but no evidence of a radiological finding.”
“Add on top of that, repeat mild or repeat concussion,” Gurkoff said. “While some investigators will suggest that we have a good handle on repeat TBI – I still think it is the Wild West. It is clear that in a subset of humans, repeat TBI, even concussive, is catastrophic. Others seem to be fine. We also haven't dissected whether repeat TBI on its own is causal --or because many of the patients are in high risk/high stress situations--and it is the combination of TBI/repeat TBI with something else.”
“What gets me excited about certain compounds – Bruce’s would be an example – is that if you have a low-risk compound, is it feasible that you give it to patients who might not develop long-term consequences?” Gurkoff asked. “For example, let's say a patient comes in and based on his injury and history, we might estimate there is a 10 percent chance he has a problem. You aren't going to schedule these patients for surgery – on the extreme – because the risk is too high given they most likely will recover. Having a low-risk compound that can be given to soldiers, athletes, etc, with mild or repeat mild – or concussion/repeat concussion – would be fantastic!”
The research drew financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Scientific and Technological Innovation, and partial support from Hammock's grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' RIVER Award (Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary Environmental Health Research) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Hammock, who co-founded the Davis-based EicOsis LLC in 2011 to develop a drug candidate to treat chronic inflammation, sees similarities between the sEH inhibitor cited in the newly published research and the drug candidate in EicOsis that is moving through human safety clinical trials. “In fact,” Hammock said, “the same compound was selected by the National Institute of Aging for a long-term aging study in mice, in part because TBI and loss of the blood brain barrier function may lead to apparent aging of the brain.”
“This pioneering study provides clear evidence of the importance of liver-derived epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs) and reactive astrocytes from the immune system in protecting the brain from significant damage and post-traumatic dysfunction following percussive injury,” said William Schmidt, EicOsis vice president of clinical development. “As of now, there are no proven drug therapies that provide protective effects to the brain following single or repeated blows to the head from falls, auto accidents, or sports injuries.”
“The data from this study,” Schmidt said, “provides a pathway for developing inhibitors of sEH that, in turn, will enhance the availability of EpFAs circulating in blood to protect and restore the blood-brain barrier following TBI. I am hopeful that further preclinical studies will confirm these data and lead to a new type of drug therapy based on inhibitors of the sEH enzyme.”
“Clinical studies for TBI may still be a year or so away,” Schmidt added, “but EicOsis has an sEH inhibitor in early clinical development that may be suitable in the future for evaluation in patients with TBI.”
Hammock and colleague Sarjeet Gill co-discovered sEH in 1969 when they were researching insect developmental biology and green insecticides in the UC Berkeley lab of John Casida (1929-2018)
The enzyme is a key regulatory enzyme involved in the metabolism of fatty acids. It regulates a new class of natural chemical mediators, which in turn regulates inflammation, blood pressure and pain. The epoxy fatty acids control blood pressure, fibrosis, immunity, tissue growth, depression, pain, and inflammation, to name a few processes, Hammock said.
Help Your Pets Beat the Heat
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Summer has arrived, and rising temperatures are sure to follow in Sacramento County. As the mercury rises, it's important for pet owners to take proactive steps to ensure the well-being and safety of their beloved four-legged companions. This summer, make sure you're aware of the potential dangers posed by extreme heat and provide essential care to keep your pets cool and comfortable during the sweltering summer season.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats can't sweat to keep cool. Instead, dogs cool themselves off by panting, and both dogs and cats regulate their temperatures through the pads of their feet. As temperatures soar, pets are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and burned paw pads.
Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe in the heat:
Never leave pets in parked cars: Even on seemingly mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can escalate rapidly, turning it into a deadly heat trap. Leaving pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked and even for a short period, can have fatal consequences and is against the law in California. If you need to run errands, leave your pets at home where they are safe and comfortable. Check out this video on how hot it gets in cars;
Hydrate: Make sure your pets always have access to plenty of fresh, cold water;
Avoid peak heat hours: Schedule outdoor activities and walks during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. Asphalt and concrete surfaces can become scorching hot and burn your pet's paw pads, so be mindful of the ground temperature before venturing out. Test the surface with your hand, and if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet;
Avoid extreme heat: When temperatures get above the 90s, take your pet inside. For outdoor pets, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh, cold water in a tip-proof water dish and shade for them to cool down;
Use sunscreen: Pets get sunburned just like people, and if your pet has light skin or fur, they can be particularly susceptible to a painful burn and even skin cancer. Use sunscreen on sensitive areas, such as ears or nose, to make sure your pets are protected;
Create a cool environment: Provide your pets with a cool and comfortable place to retreat from the heat. Keep them indoors, preferably in air-conditioned rooms. If air conditioning is not available, use fans or open windows to improve air circulation;
Provide adequate shade: Make sure there is always access to shaded areas when pets are outdoors. Trees, canopies, umbrellas, or pet-specific shade structures can offer protection from direct sunlight and help keep them cool;
Be your pet's lifeguard: While swimming can help pets get exercise without overheating, always supervise pets when swimming either in a pool or in waterways. Dogs can get tired swimming, particularly in rivers where they have to fight against currents. To avoid drowning, make sure they wear life jackets and keep them out of the water when flows are high;
Watch for signs of heatstroke: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heatstroke in pets, which can include excessive panting, drooling, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area, apply cool (not cold) water to their body, and seek immediate veterinary attention.
For more tips on keeping pets safe in hot weather, visit the Hot Weather Pet Tips page. For other animal issues and pet owner resources, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter website.
Don't have a pet? Find a best friend to spend the summer with at Bradshaw Animal Shelter! To start the adoption process, visit the Adoptable Animals webpage or visit the shelter Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. The shelter is located at 3839 Bradshaw Rd. in Sacramento.
For a list of available animal care services, including walk-in licensing and how to report a lost or found pet, visit animalcare.saccounty.gov.
St. Francis Robotics Team Wins World Championship in STEM
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The all-girls St. Francis Geneseas Robotics Team won first place at the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) World Championship held in Denver, Colorado in the month of June. The team outperformed high school groups from across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to claim the top prize, breaking barriers for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) along the way.
The St. Francis team's achievement comes at a time when deep sea exploration is at the forefront of public interest, following the recent loss of the Titan submersible. Their win highlights the importance of fostering the next generation of women scientists and engineers to continue advancing ocean technologies.
“These young women are trailblazers,” said St. Francis President and CEO Dr. Fadia Desmond. “Winning at this level requires extraordinary talent, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and the ability to work together as a team. This team embodies all of those attributes and more. They are an inspiration not just to other students, but to all of us."
The St. Francis team has built an international network of friends and connections through participating in the MATE ROV competition over the years. Although the team will miss its senior members as they head off to become scientists and engineers, their legacy of accomplishment and inspiration will open doors for future generations of women.
“We have heard from so many other teams and coaches that our students inspire their girls to dream big in STEM fields,” said Geneseas team leader and recent St. Francis graduate, Morgan Jones ‘23. “Our seniors are heading to college to become leaders in science and technology to continue to inspire others. The impact of this team will be felt for years to come.”
The MATE ROV competition challenges students to design and build underwater robots to complete tasks that simulate real-world problems. The St. Francis team has competed at the MATE ROV competition for four years, achieving a first-place finish at the world championship for the first time this season against all odds. Their win is a victory for women in STEM and a testament to the power of the opportunities in an all-girls education environment. For more information, contact St. Francis robotics coach Marcus Grindstaff at robotics@stfrancishs.org.
St. Francis Catholic High School in East Sacramento has been educating young women since its founding in 1940. Academically rigorous, with full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and a member of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, St. Francis draws students from more than 100 area schools across five primary counties in the greater Sacramento region. Visit: www.stfrancishs.org for more information.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced on June 26, 2023, more than $19 million in grant funding to 71 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Law enforcement recipients receiving the education and toxicology grants include Sacramento County District Attorney Laboratory of Forensic Services, Arrive Alive and Sacramento County District Attorney Crime Lab.
The grants are the result of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which tasked the CHP with administering grants for education, prevention, and enforcement programs to help communities combat impaired driving. Money is also available to crime laboratories conducting forensic toxicology testing. Funding for the grants comes from a tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis products sold in California.
“Communities throughout California will benefit greatly from the disbursement of these grant funds intended to help make California’s roadways safer for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The money will be used to help enhance traffic safety by educating the public on the dangers of impaired driving, removing impaired drivers from the roadway through enforcement operations, and advancing research on the issue.”
Fifty-four recipients of law enforcement grants will use funds to address impaired driving within their communities. In addition to traditional impaired driving enforcement, funds will also be used for drug recognition evaluator training to enhance their respective agency’s ability to detect drug-impaired drivers. Additionally, funding will allow for public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.