SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Sacramento Field Office and the Sacramento Application Support Center closed for in-person services on Friday Sept. 11. Officers continue to work from home, and emergency services are available. The closure is due to air quality problems caused by wildfires.
Those who have an appointment for an interview will be rescheduled automatically. They, and those with biometrics appointments, will receive new appointment notices through the mail. Those who scheduled an appointment through InfoPass must make a new appointment at uscis.gov. Officers will provide limited availability for emergency services. For this, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
For more information on USCIS and our programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook(/uscis) and LinkedIn (/uscis)
Coarse Particles Episode Expected to Subside
Sacramento County, CA (MPG) - Yesterday, strong, dry northerly winds blew a combination of dust and wildfire smoke into the Sacramento region, resulting in unhealthy levels of PM10 coarse particulate matter and PM2.5 fine particulate matter. The spike in PM10 concentrations were recorded at monitors in the region. This combination of particulate matter caused the thick, brown, haze that persisted throughout the day and this morning at ground-level. Although the continuous PM10 monitor in Sacramento County reflected extremely high levels of pollution, others monitoring PM2.5 did not show unhealthy levels at some points during the episode. Since the strong north winds have calmed, PM10 levels are forecasted to drop gradually in the days to come.
However, smoke will continue to impact Sacramento County from the North Complex fires burning in Plumas County. Smoke most likely will hover high above in the morning hours but will mix down towards ground level in the afternoon and evenings. Therefore, air quality monitoring readings may reflect moderate levels of PM2.5 in the morning and elevated levels later in the day.
Due to variable and changing wind conditions, the Sacramento region will continue to experience on-and-off smoke impacts while wildfires are burning throughout Northern California. Sacramento County is expected to reach PM2.5 levels ranging from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) to Unhealthy (red) or higher categories on the Air Quality Index the next few days.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, in conjunction with Sacramento County Public Health, is advising residents to continue stay indoors if they smell smoke, as this is the most effective way to reduce exposure.
For wildfire smoke information visit the Sac Metro Air District website at AirQuality.org or download the Sacramento Region Air Quality app for real-time readings. Additional real-time information can be found at fire.airnow.gov.
Vitalant First to Provide COVID-19 Antibody Positive Rates for 250,000 Blood Donors in Support of Pandemic Response Efforts
Sacramento, CA (MPG) - To support pandemic response and preparedness efforts, today, Vitalant became the first U.S. blood services provider to release COVID-19 antibody-positive rates of more than 250,000 blood donors, June through July 2020, including those in the Sacramento and Redding areas. Those with a positive diagnostic or antibody test result are encouraged to consider registering to become a convalescent plasma donor and potentially help patients fight the disease.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing (Reference map and chart)
On June 1, 2020, Vitalant was the first national blood services provider to begin testing all blood donations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The testing helps to identify donors who could help COVID-19 patients by becoming future convalescent plasma donors.
More than 250,000 total donors were tested, with an overall positive antibody rate of 2.26% in July, up from 1.37% in June. Vitalant’s blood service area based out of Montvale, New Jersey had the highest prevalence in July with 7.65% while Rapid City, South Dakota had the lowest in July at 0.64%. In Sacramento and the surrounding region, positive antibody rates were .72% in July and .62% in June.
“We are pleased to share our data to assist ongoing response and preparedness efforts,” said Ralph Vassallo, M.D., chief medical and scientific officer at Vitalant. “We will continue antibody testing all blood donations for the foreseeable future to help identify convalescent plasma donors and meet the emergent need.”
Convalescent Plasma Donations
Plasma is the liquid, antibody-rich part of blood. Collected from recovered patients, this convalescent plasma has been used to treat the sick for more than 100 years and may give patients an immune system boost to fight disease. In April 2020, Vitalant began collecting and distributing convalescent plasma from those recovered from COVID-19.
“Although there are ongoing discussions regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization for convalescent plasma, we believe its risk-benefit profile is favorable, and plasma may be effective in hospitalized patients,” Vassallo continued. “Vitalant supports evidence-based decision-making and will continue to advocate for randomized trials to prove its efficacy and identify appropriate recipients. In the meantime, our focus remains on helping to save lives."
“Convalescent plasma donations are being distributed at a rapid clip – and we need to collect for immediate needs, as well as to be prepared for a second wave of infections,” said Cliff Numark, chief of marketing and senior vice president of donor services. “Vitalant’s goal is to double donations in the coming weeks and months and that is why we ask those who have recovered to help current patients in need."
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Blood donors with a COVID-19 positive diagnostic or antibody test result can register to give convalescent plasma by visiting Vitalant.org/COVIDFree or calling 866-CV-PLSMA (866-287-5762). Donations can be made every 28 days or more frequently—up to every seven days—with Vitalant medical director approval.
Giving Blood is an Essential Activity
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood and platelet donations are needed throughout this pandemic to help trauma victims, cancer patients and others with serious medical conditions.
The U.S. Surgeon General and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated blood donation as an essential activity, encouraging healthy and eligible donors to continue to donate during the COVID-19 pandemic. From coast to coast, all Vitalant donation centers and blood drives continue to deploy strict precautionary measures to ensure the safety of donors, patients and staff, including:
- Taking donors' temperatures upon check-in (staff self-monitor their temperatures)
- Requiring face masks or cloth-based face coverings (donors and staff)
- Disinfecting donor-touched and other high-touch areas often and after every donation
- Ensuring social distancing to keep donors and staff safe
About Vitalant
Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit blood services provider exclusively focused on providing lifesaving blood and comprehensive transfusion medicine services for approximately 1,000 hospitals and their patients across 40 states. Every day, Vitalant needs to collect about 5,500 blood and platelet donations to help save lives. For more information and to schedule a donation appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Dreams Can Take Flight
Aerospace Fundraiser Goes Virtual
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – A gala to aid the Aerospace Museum of California has adopted virtual format to raise funds on September 24. The Museum, which showcases aircraft and artifacts of aviation from WW II to the present, is located in the old McClellan Air Force Base, North Highlands.
Exhibits and outreach for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education are supported wholly by public donation. As with many other non-profits, fundraising has been reshaped by the COVID crisis. Organizers hope the upcoming event will help the museum to stay open and allow programs -- including summer youth camps -- to continue.
In the “Dreams Can Take Flight” event, art, destination experiences, premium wine and beers and other gourmet packages will be auctioned. A behind-the-scenes museum tour will include wine and cheese and a West Coast Raisin squadron flyover, saluting the winning bidder and 20 friends. Separate packages will offer jaunts over Sacramento area: one in a Miss America RV-8 aircraft; another in a Beechcraft A-36 Bonanza. A 1983 Fender Stratocaster guitar is an additional prize up for grabs.
All items and experiences can be previewed on line; silent bidding on most items will begin on Monday, September 21, at noon. Real-time bids on VIP gems will begin at 7pm, September 24, closing an hour later. For this part of the fundraiser, public radio and television veterans Beth Ruyak and Jim Finnerty will partner as hosts.
The final hammer on other prizes will fall at noon, the following day. Art prizes include three hand-painted sun umbrellas. Artists Elizabeth Turner, Molly McBride and Trisa Pierce teamed up to paint a parasol called “She-dala.” Sacramento Fine Arts Center member Barbara Hunt-Holt contributed a work called “Flower garden.” Carmichael artist Cameron Dax (16) took inspiration from his grandma’s pet carp to decorate his “Koi Pond” canvas. Civil Air Patrol Cadet Cameron has special interest in things that fly. “The museum’s full of cool things that strike my curiosity,” he says. “I’m excited my art will help them raise funds. My mom really likes my umbrella. If she doesn’t win at the auction, I’ll paint her another for free.”
Anyone may register to participate in the online auction. For information, visit www.aerospaceca.org
Sponsors include: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Northrop Grumman, Safe Credit Union, McClellan Park, Dr. General Davie and Linda Martin, the Kelley Foundation, Taylor and Wiley, Larry Miles, Jim and Lindsey Cuff, Major General Jim and Mary Hopp, Roger and Marg Dickinson, Howard J. Stagg IV, Heidi Sanborn, Supervisors Patrick Kennedy and Phil Serna, Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Tatia Wagner and Tim Powell.
Opportunity Knocks for 100 Years
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – Betty Bersinger just celebrated her centennial birthday and now, at her residence in Aegis of Carmichael, distills her life lessons into one awesome guiding principle: To not have life regrets. From the small town of Taft, California, Betty is one of those fortunate individuals who survived a century rife with war, experiencing big-city life transformations and the rewards of mid-century family life. The 100-year-old was recently interviewed by Life Enrichment Director Alison Sherman at her residence in Carmichael.
What was your childhood like?
Normal childhood-my father owned a creamery which was great because there was always ice cream around! I grew up in the small town of Taft, CA and had a twin sister, we were the middle children. The family moved to Los Angeles when I was eight years old.
What is your best advice for the younger generation?
Get the best education you can and work toward better opportunities.
What was your favorite decade and why?
The 40’s. I got married in ’42 and the war finally ended in 1945 which was a relief because my husband was in the service and had been greatly injured overseas. It took him a year to recover and come home.
What has been the best invention of your lifetime?
Television-what a miracle! You can watch the world go by in your living room!
Talk about a person or situation from your past that had a profound effect on your life.
The Black Dahlia Murder. I was the person who had found her. I was just a quiet housewife and this event brought me a lot of unwanted attention. I didn’t talk about it for many years, but enough time has passed that I feel okay to do so now. It was a definitely a life changing situation.
What, if anything would you have done differently in your life?
I would have followed my passion and became a Dietician. My husband influenced me to change my major.
What is your secret to longevity and good health?
Just having good genes! My Mother passed away at age 96!
Do you have a philosophy for life, if so, what is your best advice for living a full life?
Don’t be afraid to really LIVE! Take advantage of every opportunity-don’t have any regrets. Follow good principles. Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability!
Residents Asked To Help Develop Disaster Mitigation Plan
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Natural disasters whether forecasted or having the element of surprise can leave areas devastated for long periods. As the 2017 floods showed, rebounding can be costly and time consuming. It is possible to reduce that impact before disaster strikes, but to do that requires having a well-developed Hazard Mitigation Plan in place. That plan provides guidance before anything occurs, as well as a roadmap to help get people back on their feet.
Sacramento County is updating its 2021 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to develop a long-term strategy for reducing disaster losses. The County is teaming with cities and several special districts to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to ensure eligibility for FEMA pre- and post-disaster grant funding along with receiving lower costs of flood insurance to residents through the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).
The County is looking for residents to take an active role in developing the 2021 LHMP. No specific background is required. Residents would attend community meetings, and review a draft plan to provide important feedback. Their knowledge of the needs of area neighborhoods will provide the County and its partners with a better vision of potential issues that might occur if a natural disaster strikes.
The 2016 LHMP was vital in the County receiving FEMA funding to assist with Sacramento County residents living in flood prone areas to receive discounts of up to 40% off their flooding insurance. The County plan also helped secure money for the Sacramento County Home Elevation Program for residents in flood prone areas to raise their homes above the flood elevation level in which FEMA would pay 75% of the cost. To date, two homes are in the process of being elevated above the flood plain.
This preparation for unforeseen disasters will lay the groundwork for successfully coming through them if they strike. The County will be hosting online public meetings about the 2021 LHMP. For more information, and to obtain the Zoom link for the meetings, please visit our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan webpage at www.StormReady.org.
Popular Cooking Instructor Offers Online Cooking Classes
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Beginning Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 5pm, (and also scheduled for future Thursdays at 5pm) well-respected Sacramento foodie, Paulette Bruce reinvents her popular Good Eats Cooking Classes with weekly highly anticipated online classes designed to appeal to everyone, from beginners to home chefs who know their way around the kitchen.
"With the COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place order, my live classes had to close in March 2020.” said Bruce. "I had been asked many times by friends and family to begin teaching online classes as this new way of learning began to gain momentum and with help from Dane Henas Design and Penny Sylvia Photography it's come to fruition.”
Utilizing four cameras positioned in her home kitchen, Bruce will offer recipe instruction with the added bonus of two way communication… members will be able to ask questions as she demonstrates each step of the recipe process.
(Classes are typically one hour with an optional interactive prep time starting 15 minutes before class)
“During this time I can observe what the members doing, give advice and answer their questions so they’re completely prepared when the class starts," Bruce said.
Some of the classes each month will be live on Zoom while others will be recorded and, like all the classes, available for viewing to current members, as long as their membership remains active.
During August, Bruce has hosted dry runs on Zoom using a test group and has launched a new web site — goodeatscookingclasses.com
The first of three classes began on September 3 of this month, with September featuring an emphasis on Italian cuisine. The concept is structured around monthly memberships.
The cost for monthly membership is only $29 per month, which includes:
2 Live, interactive classes via Zoom; 2 Recorded classes; Recipes and a list of recommend kitchen tools; Bonus content & access to a private Facebook members page; Weekly blogs filled with tips, techniques, recipes and more
The FAQ section on the web site answers all pertinent questions and includes a link to submit further questions and a tutorial on downloading, installing and using Zoom. As with her in-person classes, these online classes will be characterized by Bruce’s larger than life, affable personality that, over the decades, has built a large, faithful following.
"I love what I do. I love to bring people together and teach them something they never thought possible to do on their own. My classes are always fun and informative. I’m invested in creating more confident and better cooks, and during this challenging time, members can achieve that in the safety of their own homes," Bruce said.
Here’s a direct link to her roasted salmon class: https://www.goodeatscookingclasses.com/salmon-intro