One Big Bang
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Temperatures sizzled as patriots gathered for Independence celebrations on July 1 and 4. Carmichael’s famous Elks parade and community fireworks display were staged on separate days during the recent heatwave.
On Saturday, a $20,000-plus pyrotechnic show lit up La Sierra Community Center. Sponsored by Carmichael and Mission Oaks Park Districts, the celebration drew a crowd of almost 5000. “Triple-digit temperatures challenged everyone,” reported CRPD staffer Alaina Lofthus. “Many people delayed arriving until the last minute. But our field was absolutely full.” Spectators enjoyed live music, kids’ zone bounce houses, a beer garden and fireworks.
On July 4, the parade kicked off in mercifully cooler – but rising – temperatures. Almost 700 patriots rode, walked or biked in the procession. Event theme was “Community Spirit in America.”
Del Campo High School Street served the mantra by providing almost 100 athletes and boosters. Kovar’s Martial Arts fielded 50 kickboxers and karate-choppers. Be-ribboned Sheriff’s Posse palominos clip-clopped; antique vehicles puttered along the two-mile route. CHP officers circled on motor bikes. Sirens wailed. Sheriff’s deputies hailed crowds with “Happy Fourth” greetings.
Hailing crowds from a Mustang convertible, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce President Izzy DeLancey took Grand Marshal honors. “The pride of America showed even through the heat,” she enthused. “These crowds told me people love to unite as a community.”
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recently completed a statewide sting and sweep enforcement operation to uncover unlicensed activity in the construction industry. The multi-state agency effort organized by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) resulted in 90 legal actions related to unlicensed contracting. An additional 37 legal actions were taken for workers’ compensation insurance violations.
Over three weeks, CSLB joined forces with local law enforcement to conduct undercover sting operations in Sonoma, Sacramento, Madera and San Bernardino counties. The stings targeted unlicensed contractors, with investigators contacting the suspects through their advertisements.
During the four sting operations, suspected unlicensed operators arrived at designated locations to bid on various projects, such as drywall, bathroom remodeling, turf installation, framing, flooring, exterior and interior painting, concrete, tree removal, landscaping, and plumbing. As a result, 50 individuals may face criminal charges for contracting without a license. These individuals were provided with information on how to obtain a license.
The individuals involved submitted bids that exceeded the legal limit of $500. California law prohibits unlicensed contractors from bidding and/or contracting for construction work that exceeds $500 in value, including labor and materials. All may now face legal consequences, which can include substantial fines and potential jail time. Such activity puts consumers at risk in many ways, including failure to meet minimum competency requirements, lack of a license bond, or workers' compensation insurance.
A total of 66 construction sweep operations were conducted in various California counties, including Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Fresno, Monterey, Solano, Yolo, Orange, Fresno, Riverside, Butte, Alameda, Placer, Santa Clara, Marin, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Amador, and Santa Cruz. Forty unlicensed contractors were identified during the sweeps and now face an administrative citation or referral to a local prosecutor for contracting without a license.
Additionally, 37 Stop Orders were issued to halt employee labor at active job sites where contractors did not have workers' compensation insurance for their employees.
“Unlicensed contractors pose a significant danger to consumers," said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team performs sweeps and stings regularly, and we are proud to be a top contributor in this year’s NASCLA’s coordinated enforcement effort.”
CSLB will continue to partner with agencies throughout the state to combat unlicensed contracting activities. These joint efforts will focus on enforcing contractors license law, safeguarding consumer interests, and maintaining the construction industry's integrity.
For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). For ongoing information and updates from CSLB, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
CSLB operates under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses and regulates nearly 285,000 contractors in California.
Statewide Award for Hazel Ave.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - It has been less than a year since the County Department of Transportation (SacDOT) finished work on the final portion of the Hazel Avenue Improvement Project. It was a project designed to reduce congestion along Hazel Avenue and improve mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians, and that work recently earned SacDOT a statewide transportation award.
The $60 million project caught the eye of the California Transportation Foundation, which presented SacDOT with its 2023 Local Street Project of the Year award on June 6. For more than 30 years, the non-profit organization has recognized transportation achievements, innovations, and excellence throughout the state.
This year’s award-winning project was the final phase of a fifteen-year effort to beautify Hazel Avenue from Highway 50 to Madison Avenue. The project widened Hazel Avenue from 4 to 6 lanes to reduce congestion while increasing safety and mobility for all modes of transportation.
Other significant improvements along Hazel Avenue included:
Bikeways and ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities. These new bicycle and pedestrian facilities provide safe connections to the American River Parkway and the trail system adjacent to the Hazel Avenue Bridge and Lake Natoma; Public transit enhancements with new turn-out lanes for buses so the traffic can keep moving; The turn-out lanes also allow bus riders to board safely.
SacDOT Chief Civil Engineer, Steve White, accepted the award on behalf of the County. White praised Principal Civil Engineer, Melissa Wright, and her in-house design team, led by Project Manager, Tim Stevens and Project Engineer, James Eslabon, for designing and developing the final phase of the Hazel Avenue Improvement Project. Teichert Construction, Pacific Excavation, RNR Construction Inc., TRC Companies Inc., County Construction Management Inspection Division, and County Real Estate Division were also acknowledged as integral members for helping build the project.
White also pointed out that completion of the Hazel Avenue work would not have been possible without the continuing support of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and our partnerships with local funding partners Fair Oaks Water District and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). SMUD removed overhead powerlines and placed them underground, while the water district used the project to upgrade its water system for residents and businesses.
The California Transportation Foundation's annual awards program was held in Sacramento at the Grand Sheraton where SacDOT beat out other local street project finalists from Truckee, Live Oak, and Caltrans.
California State Parks Reopens Application Period for Peace Officer Cadet Exams
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - California State Parks has reopened the application period for the State Park Peace Officer Cadet exams. The department invites individuals to “Live the Parks Life” as rangers or lifeguards in the nation’s largest state park system. The new deadline to apply is Monday, July 31, 2023. Cadet academy graduates can serve the state as rangers and lifeguards to safeguard both visitors and the historical, cultural and natural resources found in 280 state park units. Offices are located near beaches or waterways, or in deserts, parks, museums, historic parks and state vehicular recreation areas.
“I know firsthand how rewarding it is to be a ranger to not only ensure public safety, but to educate our visitors about the rich history and amazing state parks available here in California,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We invite you to Live the Parks Life by applying to the State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy.”
The minimum age to be a peace officer is 21 years old. Candidates are required to have a valid California driver’s license and have 60 units of college credits, with 21 units being general education.
The entire selection process for becoming a ranger or lifeguard takes approximately 15 months. The first step in the selection/examination process is to mail, email or hand deliver an application during the open application period. The application is used to determine if the candidate meets the minimum qualifications for admission into the examination, which consists of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery written exam. This exam is used to admit the candidate into the next phases of the selection process, which include the physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, and medical and psychological evaluations. Successful applicants will be sent a notification to attend the eight-month-long POST-certified law enforcement academy.
The academy instruction prepares cadets physically, mentally and emotionally to enter the workforce as a state park peace officer ranger or lifeguard. Rangers and lifeguards are sworn officers equipped with a firearm and badge. Cadets will learn how to conduct investigations, make physical arrests, use firearms and perform emergency responses. Training also includes how to actively protect park resources, assist visitors and run interpretive programs.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy:
Do I have to carry a firearm to serve as a ranger or lifeguard?
Yes. Cadet training includes how to conduct investigations, make physical arrests, use firearms and perform emergency responses.
What is the age minimum and age maximum to apply?
Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to become a peace officer. State Park Peace Officer's mandatory retirement age is 65 years, but there is no maximum application age.
I have not completed two years of college yet. Can I still apply while I am still taking classes?
Candidates may be enrolled in college at the time of application but must have at least 21 units of general education credits satisfying general education curriculum standards with courses (which may include courses in natural science, social science, mathematics, language and humanities). By the time of appointment, a candidate must have completed 60 semester units of study at a state-accredited college or university. A degree in park administration, natural sciences, social sciences, law enforcement or a related field is desirable.
Where is the Cadet Academy located?
Most cadets attend training at Butte College Law Enforcement Academy (Butte County). However, the department may utilize several academy sites, including Mott Training Center at Asilomar in Pacific Grove, South Bay Regional Public Safety Academy at Fort Ord in Monterey, and the Ben Clark Law Enforcement Training facility in Riverside. It is at the department's discretion to determine an academy location for each class.
Do I get paid while at the academy?
Yes. Cadets earn a salary; currently, the monthly salary range is $3,930 to $5,300. Most cadets start at the low end of the range unless they are a current state employee with a salary within the range.
To hire a workforce reflective of California’s diverse population, California State Parks is committed to ensuring equal access and connecting all job seekers to opportunities through fair hiring and employment practices. For more information on the cadet exams, minimum qualifications, additional frequently asked questions and a timeline of the recruitment cycle, please visit LiveTheParksLife.com.
Please send questions regarding other employment opportunities at California State Parks to the Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office at recruiting@parks.ca.gov.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – While the holidays are a time of celebration for the public, they can also be a time of concern for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The CHP and its public safety partner, the OTS, are working together ahead of Independence Day to address the crisis on California’s roadways by encouraging safe driving behaviors through education and enforcement.
“Reckless driving is a serious concern on California’s roadways, and it is the responsibility of CHP and OTS to help keep the public safe,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Every year, speed is the leading cause of roadway crashes in our state, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths. Slow down and help us make our roads safer for everyone.”
To help people arrive safely at their destination, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Throughout the extended holiday weekend, all available uniformed members of the Department will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.
“Maximum enforcement helps save lives and protects everyone on our roads by holding drivers accountable for dangerous, unlawful behaviors like speeding and impaired driving,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “Whether you are traveling near or far, make a plan to go safely before heading to your destination. We want you and your loved ones to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.”
Forty-four people were killed in crashes in California during last year’s Independence Day weekend. In addition, CHP made nearly 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence throughout the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort.
Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using public transit or a ride-share service. If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
“We encourage you to safely enjoy your holiday weekend,” added Commissioner Duryee. “Travel at a safe speed, avoid distraction behind the wheel, buckle up, and drive sober. Rest assured, CHP officers will be working diligently to protect those who are traveling on California’s roadways.”
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - With Independence Day coming up, it's always a good idea to know the risks of fireworks, only use legal fireworks and stay safe when using them. If you see or suspect illegal firework usage, please report it!
The County has teamed up with cities, fire and law enforcement jurisdictions to share information on how to celebrate safely, how to spot a safe and sane firework and how to report illegal fireworks usage.
Illegal Fireworks or Sales Will Result in Fines
Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopted a social host ordinance that levies fines, starting at $1,000, against property owners that either use or allow the use of illegal fireworks on their property, in addition to fines for use in places like the American River Parkway. Read more about the Social Host Ordinance.
“Host," as it relates to this ordinance, means a person who knowingly permits or allows fireworks to be lit, exploded or sold on private property owned or controlled by the person.
Penalties for violations are as follows:
$1,000 for the first violation; $2,500 for the second violation within one year of the first violation; $5,000 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation; $10,000 for each violation that occurs within the American River Parkway
When to call 9-1-1
Calls for service throughout the County increase dramatically on July 4, and emergency response resources are stretched extremely thin.
During the holiday weekend, please use 9-1-1 for emergencies only -- like an active fire or injury or immediate threat to persons or property. Each jurisdiction has provided an alternative method to report illegal fireworks sales and usage.
Know the Risks
The unsafe use of fireworks can cause severe burns, amputations, blinding and even death; Damaging fires may occur when children use fireworks unsupervised by adults; Parents are responsible for any property damage or injuries caused by all fireworks.
Keep it Legal
All legal fireworks in California are called Safe and Sane Fireworks and must bear the State Fire Marshal's seal; Safe and Sane Fireworks may only be used and sold from noon on June 28 through midnight on July 4; Any firework that goes up in the air or explodes is illegal and dangerous.
Keep It Safe
Always have a non-combustible bucket of water to dispose of fireworks and leave them in the water overnight before disposing; Always have an available hose connected to water in case of fire; Do not use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials; Do not use fireworks while under a canopy, covered balcony, covered patio or under a tree or bushes.
How to Report Illegal Sale and Usage
Unincorporated: 916-874-5115 or reportfireworks@saccounty.net Sacramento: 916-808-FIRE or the Sacramento Fire Department App Folsom: fireworks@folsom.ca.us or seeclickfix.com/folsom Elk Grove: 916-714-5115 or fireworks@elkgrovepd.org Rancho Cordova: 916-362-5115 Citrus Heights: 916-727-5500 Galt: 209-366-7000
Aren't sure who or how to report? Call 3-1-1 to be connected to the right place.
Together, we can ensure that Independence Day celebrations are fun, safe and do not cause undue injury or fire in our communities.
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - With the Fourth of July holiday around the corner, state fire officials are stressing the dangers and consequences of using illegal fireworks. This Fourth of July, remember to celebrate responsibly. Protect your community by preventing fires and injuries caused by fireworks. Before you think about buying fireworks for your celebration, make sure they are permitted where you live. Fireworks purchased out-of-state are illegal in California without a license. Why not let the experts handle the fireworks show? You can easily grab a blanket, head to local fireworks show, and find the perfect patch of lawn to kick back and enjoy.
“With fireworks causing over $25 million dollars in property loss in 2022, preventing fires and injuries caused by fireworks begins with you” said Chief Daniel Berlant, Acting California State Fire Marshal. “Don’t be the reason your Fourth of July holiday goes up in smoke”.
If Safe and Sane fireworks are legal in your area and you choose to use them, it's important that you follow these safety tips:
Never use illegal fireworks; Make sure the firework has the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal on it; Make sure the “Safe and Sane” firework is purchased from a licensed fireworks booth; Never allow young children to use or handle fireworks; Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol; Never hold a lit firework in your hands; Never light fireworks indoors; Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials; Never point or throw fireworks at another person or animal; Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for an extended time before discarding; Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
To learn more about fireworks safety, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org/more/fireworks-safety/