Dog Day Out Program Gives Shelter Dogs a Break
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter is offering a new Dog Day Out Program to the public that allows applicants to check out a dog for a day. The program was created and is being implemented by Sacramento Shelter Pets Alive (SSPA) – an organization that works within the shelter to offer daily enrichment and behavior training, adoption counseling and promotions, as well as outdoor playgroups for the shelter’s large breed dog population. The Dog Day Out Program gives shelter dogs a break from the stresses of shelter life which can be loud, unfamiliar and sometimes scary.
Many shelter dogs have already benefited from program activities like: Hiking; Walking along the river; Picnicking at the park; Grabbing a ‘puppucino; Cuddling on the couch.
While we continue to face many uncertainties this year, “this program is helping to lift spirits in our community,” said Sacrament Shelter Pets Alive Director, Delyse Gannaway. “It’s about improving quality of life for our community and our animals.”
Individuals 18 years of age and older can apply by filling out an online application with SSPA. The organization then matches applicants with an available shelter dog and a curbside checkout is scheduled.
The Dog Day Out Program is not the only new shelter service available to the public during COVID-19 modified operations. Those interested in adopting a shelter pet can view a list of available pets online then call the new adoption appointment line a 916-875-2287 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily (except holidays). Those interested in fostering can now apply online.
Walk-in licensing services are also available between noon and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday, at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento CA, 95827 and online via the Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s website. Along with these new services, the monthly Rabies and Vaccinations Clinic at the shelter resumes with modified outdoor operations on Oct. 15 from 3 – 5 p.m.
To view modified operations and services available at the Bradshaw Animal Shelter, visit the FAQ page online.
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – As a tribute to MADD’s 40th anniversary, the California State office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will host its signature fundraising Walk Like MADD ceremony virtually on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 12:00 Noon on Facebook/Instagram/YouTube @MADDCalifornia. MADD asks you to join these meaningful virtual events and take a stand with #OneMADDCalifornia. Funds raised will support the continuation of MADD California to provide underage drinking programs and services at no cost to victims and families of drunk and drugged driving.
Walk, Like MADD has three main components:
Remember: We walk for those who no longer can and alongside those who are learning to walk again; Inspire: We walk empowered even when we feel powerless, as survivors when we have been victimized, and with purpose when we have lost our way; Commit: We walk with supporters who share our vision of No More Victims.
“We walk to finish the job that was started by a grieving mother in 1980. Now in our 40th year, MADD has saved more than 390,000 lives and has served more than 840,000 victims,” said Pat Rillera, California State Executive Director. “Walk Like MADD will raise mission-critical funds to help save lives in our state.”
The timing for Walk Like MADD is significant because on August 11, an alleged drunk driver fatally struck a 35-week pregnant woman, Yesenia Aguilar, while taking an evening walk with her husband. Doctors were able to save and deliver the couple’s daughter, Adalyn Rose, by emergency C-section. According to DMV records, the drunk driver had prior DUI convictions. As a result of this crash, it heightens the need of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving to address the ripple effects of driving impaired.
Despite a nearly 50 percent decline in drunk driving deaths since MADD was founded in 1980, more than 10,000 people are killed by drunk driving, and another 290,000 are injured in drunk driving crashes every year. In fact, two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.
In 2018, 1,069 people in California were killed in drunk driving crashes. Nationwide, 10,511 lives were lost due to drunk driving, and another 300,000 people were injured in drunk driving crashes. Walk Like MADD gives victims and survivors a safe place to remember their loved ones and help raise mission-critical funds to help save lives and serve victims in the state of California.
There are other ways to participate in Walk Like MADD. Registration is $20.00 for youth, and $25.00 for adults.
Donate – Give to a virtual participant or a team to help them reach their fundraising goals; Sponsor – Consider becoming an official event partner. We have a variety of packages, and every dollar goes towards making our community safer.
Please visit your local area to register, donate, or get more information. You can complete your 5k by walking or running in your own neighborhood, community and parks anytime from October 3-October 10. Walkers and runners should post videos and pictures of their 5k and tag @MADDCalifornia on Facebook or Instagram.
WLM Sacramento: www.walklikemadd.org/sacramento; WLM San Francisco: www.walklikemadd.org/sanfrancisco
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 390,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders, and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
Free COVID Testing, Fast Results: Now Longer Hours
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County Public Health wants to remind the public that COVID-19 testing is free and more appointments are available at 11 locations in Sacramento County.
Starting Sept. 14, these locations are now open longer to schedule testing appointments for anyone (2 years old and older) in the County. The public is encouraged to get tested regularly, especially in the event that physical distancing measures could not be maintained.
“If you have spent time with people outside of your household and you weren’t able to physically distance, you should consider getting tested because you may have been exposed unknowingly to the COVID virus,” said, Sacramento County Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye. “It is also important to remember that if you test negative once, that does not mean you will not get sick with COVID-19. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time you were tested.”
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Sacramento County is steadily reducing on the Dashboard. However, the public needs to continue to not gather, follow physical distancing measures, wear face coverings in public, wash our hands and get tested regularly in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
View the new schedule with extended hours to make your appointment today for free COVID-19 testing.
The Sacramento County COVID-19 website also has information for what to do for those who test positive for COVID-19.
The Sacramento County Department of Health Services has partnered with UC Davis Health, StemExpress and local community agencies to provide Community-Based Testing Sites for free COVID-19 testing by appointment for Sacramento County residents.
These testing sites are NOT for: travel clearance; surgery clearance (Contact your health care provider); people with severe fever, cough, or other symptoms. (Contact your health care provider); or, people that have tested positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of the testing date.
Testing appointments are available regardless of U.S. citizenship or legal residency status for anyone 2 years and older (minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian). For your scheduled appointment, bring any form of identification with your date of birth to check-in. Face masks/coverings must be worn at all testing sites, some masks will be available. Maintain physical distancing while in testing sites. Results will be available within three days of testing. You will receive notification of results from StemExpress via text or e-mail.
Founders Day Now Set for Virtual Celebrations
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - CRPD is hosting a series of virtual events to help inspire community and celebrate Founders Day this year! Join in the fun and show your community pride! CRPD will be hosting a virtual car show via our official Facebook page. The car categories are Best Classic, Best Truck, Best Barn Find and Best in Show. The car show will take place Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27. Winners will be announced via social media on Monday, September 28. Do you have a prized car that you would like to enter in the car show? Download the car show vehicle entry application and enter in your car, there is no entry fee to participate. Show off your prized possession!
On Saturday, September 26, Carmichael favorite Todd Morgan, along with drummer Andrew Phillip, take the virtual stage for a one hour concert that will be live streamed on CRPD's official social media networks. Todd Morgan is an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter, engineer, producer, and to complete the package, a true showman on stage. You can learn more about Todd Morgan in the September issue of “Sacramento Magazine”, or by visiting his website.
Calling all Carmichael Businesses & Organizations if you would like to be involved in the Founders Day virtual celebrations please email slal@carmichaelpark.com for more information.
Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Every day friends, family and co-workers can be struggling with intense emotional pain and hopelessness. It may be too difficult for them to initiate a conversation to talk about their pain, thoughts of suicide and the need for help. It’s important to know the warning signs that may show in conversations, their actions or in social media posts. By recognizing these signs, knowing how to start a conversation and where to turn for help, you have the power to save a life.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this stigmatized topic. Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services wants to use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness, connect individuals with suicidal thoughts to treatment services, and recognize that stigma is the largest obstacle to seeking treatment.
“While Californians are enduring the emotional toll of crises from COVID-19 to devastating wildfires, and racial injustice, this month serves as an added reminder that behavioral health is inseparable from our overall health as a state. Our behavioral health wellbeing has much wider implications for us as a community,” said, Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director Ryan Quist. “It’s important to remember that we all have a role to play in promoting connectedness, belonging, resiliency and prevention. Today, it’s more important than ever before that we reach out and support each other.”
Fast Facts on Suicide from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
75 percent of all people who die by suicide are male; More women than men attempt suicide, but men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide; Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 and the fourth leading cause of death for people 35-54; The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31 percent since 2001; Stigma is the largest obstacle to recovery, treatment and societal acceptance for people living with mental illness; 46 percent of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition; While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90 percent experienced symptoms.
Suicide can be prevented: Know the Signs: Most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. Learn to recognize these warning signs and how to respond to them;
Find the Words: If you are concerned about someone, ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. This can be difficult to do, but being direct provides an opportunity for them to open up and talk about their distress and will not suggest the idea to them if they aren’t already thinking about it. The “Find the Words” section of the Know the Signs website suggests ways to start the conversation;
Reach Out: You are not alone in this. Before having the conversation, become familiar with some resources to offer to the person you are concerned about. Visit the Reach Out section of the Know the Signs website to identify where you can find help for your friend or loved one;
Prevention Works: Many people who feel suicidal don’t want to die. If they can get through the crisis, treatment works. There are programs and practices that have been specifically developed to support those who are in a suicide crisis. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center hosts a registry of 160 programs, practices and resources for suicide prevention. You can learn more about them by visiting their website;
Help is available: The Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255- TALK) offers 24/7 free and confidential assistance from trained counselors. Callers are connected to the nearest available crisis center. The Lifeline is also available in Spanish, and for veterans or for those concerned about a veteran, by selecting a prompt to be connected to counselors specifically trained to support veterans.
Sacramento County provides a spectrum of culturally competent and linguistically proficient mental health services to individuals of all ages. Services include prevention and early intervention, outpatient services, case management services, crisis intervention and stabilization services, and inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations. Learn more about our mental health services.
Great Time for More ‘Good Day’
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Iconic Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto Morning Show Expands
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - CW31’s Good Day is adding a 10am hour to its lineup Monday through Friday! A month after celebrating its 25th anniversary, Good Day will now be running until 11am seven days a week.
“Good Day has always been about the viewers and viewing habits have changed. People are watching more later in the morning than ever before,” says KOVR/KMAX Vice President and General Manager Justin Draper. “Good Day will be the only local programming on at 10am, which creates another opportunity to reach a broad audience.”
The show aims to be a reflection of the community it serves, along with a mix of news, weather, and traffic. KOVR/KMAX News Director Mike Dello Stritto adds, “Good Day connects with the audience unlike anything else on TV. And even during a pandemic there’s no shortage of the good happening in our communities. We want to celebrate the good.”
Courtney Dempsey and Cody Stark will host from 7am-11am, John Dabkovich will have breaking news and the latest headlines, and Tina Macuha has up to the minute traffic reports. From 4:30am-7am, Dina Kupfer joins John Dabkovich as anchors of the faster-paced format ‘CBS13 Good Day’ airing on both KMAX CW31 and KOVR CBS13.
The good doesn’t stop when Good Day’s over. The brand new positive and uplifting talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, airs right after Good Day at 11am on CW31 beginning Monday, September 14th.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Today, the California Trucking Association (CTA), in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and members of the trucking industry, begin a week-long celebration honoring the millions of professional truck drivers who deliver America’s freight safely and securely each day.
This year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 13-19, 2020 and takes on special meaning as we celebrate those truckers who worked to reduce the negative impacts of COVID-19 in California and across the nation by their efforts to limit the interruptions to the supply chain.
“As the negative effects of COVID-19 were felt in all communities across the state, our professional truck drivers stepped up,” said Greg Dubuque, president for CTA. “Despite facing unprecedented obstacles, including an initial shortage of personal protective equipment, the men and women of the trucking industry rose to the occasion and were there when we needed them the most, working tirelessly to keep store shelves stocked and other goods moving to those in need.”
CTA is marking the week with a number of events across the state, providing truckers with a drive-by lunch and personal protective equipment (PPE) packages to ensure drivers continue doing their job safely while keeping California’s supply chain moving.
“This year, the essential role truck drivers play in our daily lives was brought to the forefront as communities across the country experienced COVID-19’s detrimental impact on the supply chain,” said Shawn Yadon, CEO for CTA. “We are honored to take this time to celebrate their efforts and contributions.”
While truck driver appreciation events will continue to be hosted throughout the state, showing gratitude and appreciation for truck drivers will look a little different as the emphasis will be on PPE distribution at these facilities.
Through a partnership with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), CTA has distributed hundreds of thousands of masks, face shields and more than a thousand gallons of hand sanitizer to members of the trucking community. As of August 31, 2020, the numbers of PPE distributed included:
· Hand Sanitizer: 1,659 gallons
· Masks: 315,000
· Face Shields: 9,400
To learn more about PPE availability for members of the trucking industry, to contribute equipment or for more information on NTDAW 2020, please visit www.caltrux.org.