Women’s Empowerment Program Celebrates 900th Success Story
Posted: 4/19/2012
Women’s Empowerment graduated 29 women, once homeless, from its comprehensive job training program on March 22. Photo courtesy of Kristin Thébaud Communications.SACRAMENTO REGION – Twenty-nine women graduated from Women’s Empowerment’s job-readiness program for women who are homeless on March 22, including the group’s 900th graduate, Stacey Jackson, age 53. Jackson is now in housing and enrolled in Paratransit Inc.’s vehicle operator training program.
“Women’s Empowerment showed me that you can do things and make changes after 50,” Jackson said. “I am now very proud to see what I see when I look in the mirror. The changes I’ve gone through have shed a whole new light on my life.”
Jackson was born in Missouri to a low-income military family that mostly ate rice and beans. She and her sisters slept in one room while her brother slept in the living room. She married, and 31 years later, her husband left her. She lost her house and turned to Women’s Empowerment for help. At Women’s Empowerment, she drew on her father’s work ethic and encouragement to continually “better themselves.”
“At orientation, I was asked why I wanted to come to Women’s Empowerment,” Jackson said. “I told them I have too much talent and too many skills not to share myself with the world.”
More than 200 community members, including graduates’ mentors and families, attended the graduation where each graduate shared her story and future plans through poetry, songs and speeches centered around the theme, “diamonds in the rough.” Each woman received a donated gift bag filled with a day planner and other items designed to help her succeed. The gift bags were donated by the Zonta Club of Sacramento and Soroptimist International of Greater Sacramento.
“We are profoundly proud of each of these 29 women who have joined 887 other women who were once homeless but have found a safe home, a steady job and a healthy lifestyle,” said Lisa Culp, Women’s Empowerment executive director. “They are breaking the cycle of homelessness for generations to come.”
Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 916 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 73 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.
Source: Kristin Thébaud Communications
Try Folsom Lake Orienteering Challenge
Posted: 3/11/2012
ORANGEVALE - Try out the navigation sport of Orienteering either on foot or on a mountain bike at a Folsom Lake meet on Sunday, March 25.
Sponsored by Gold Country Orienteers (GCO), the meet takes place at the Granite Bay area of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Orienteering is a fun and challenging sport for individuals and families. Using a detailed map, compass and a set of clues, you navigate from point to point to find a series of designated checkpoints.
The sport can be done as a race or a leisurely hike (or ride) and is great for youth groups, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts, adventure racers and anyone seeking a physical and a mental challenge.
At this meet there will be the more common courses done on foot, as well as, for the first time, courses designed for mountain bikers. Beginning, intermediate and advanced courses will be offered for both foot and mountain bike orienteering (MTB-O). Beginner instruction will be available.
Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The cost is $5 for GCO members and $7 for nonmembers ($2 for additional members.) The long MTB-O has a $2 extra fee
To get to the park, take Interstate 80 to Roseville and exit at Douglas Boulevard. Go east for about six miles; the road takes you right into the park. There is a $10 park entry fee. Look for orange-and-white GCO orienteering signs.
For more information, visit www.goldcountryorienteers.org or contact Paul at pauly4@earthlink.net or (209) 295-6261.
Raising Money for the Wounded
Posted: 3/8/2012
John Schuessler: One Man, One Bike, 3,100 Miles. Sacramento REGION – Orangevale resident John Schuessler departed San Diego February 20th on a solo, self-supported bicycle trek across the United States. It is John’s hope that the burden of pedaling such a heavy load will diminish on the knowledge that funds raised will benefit our wounded soldiers returning from conflicts abroad.
The charities that John will be riding for are:
The Wounded Warrior Project – Providing programs that are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment.
Paralyzed Veterans of America – This organization champions for improvements in health care benefits, career placement, and provides the path to adventure through adaptive sports.
For 45 days, John will be traveling on an established cycling route known as “The Southern Tier.” At approximately 3,100 miles, this route plays hosts to an exciting mix of landscapes, featuring extremes in both elevation and temperature. A seven-map set from the American Cycling Association will guide him through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Along the way, John is sure to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, many of which would be quite content with trying to eat him!
Follow John Schuessler’s daily journal w/photos at www.johnridesforthewounded.com.
There will be blogs on John’s web site where you can send a heartfelt “thank you” and other words of encouragement to our brave men and women returning from war.
Additionally, there will be direct links to the aforementioned charities where your donations (even small ones) can make a difference in the lives of our heroes and their families.
Gasoline Prices Soar - Here Comes $6 per Gallon!
Gasoline tops $5 per gallon in Los Angeles and San Francisco
Posted: 3/8/2012
SACRAMENTO REGION, February 27 – Average retail gasoline prices in Sacramento have risen 24.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.19 per gallon yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 11.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.64 per gallon, according to gasoline price website SactoGasPrices.com.
Including the change in gas prices in Sacramento during the past week, prices on February 26th were 50.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 55.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 26.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 29.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
“2012 is looking increasingly like 2008,” said Gregg Laskoski, Senior Petroleum Analyst for GasBuddy.com. “Gasoline prices are climbing aggressively as speculation drives crude oil higher; and once again, it’s an election year. But this time its the volatility in the Middle East that has everyone wondering ‘How high is up?’,” he added.
GasBuddy operates SactoGasPrices.com and over 250 similar websites that track gasoline prices at over 140,000 gasoline stations in the United States and Canada. In addition, GasBuddy offers a free smartphone app which has been downloaded over 20 million times to help motorists find gasoline prices in their area.
Grange Supports GMO Labeling for November Ballot
Posted: 3/11/2012
Thousands of volunteers are now fanning out state-wide to launch a petition drive to get the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act on the ballot in November. In the thick of the grass-roots initiative is the California State Grange, one of the leading partners in the effort.
The California State Grange has long supported the idea that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the food supply should be adequately tested and that consumers are entitled to know what’s in food they eat. The American people agree. Yet despite overwhelming support for GMO labeling, for over a decade regulators and legislators at the national and state level have largely ignored public concerns.
That’s why the Committee for the Right to Know is taking the issue directly to the voters of California. Now, with petitions in hand, over 1,500 volunteers will be gathering signatures at stores and farmers markets up and down the state.
“The bottom line is Californians have a right to know what’s in the food we eat and feed our children. It’s time to send a strong, direct message to those who govern us, whether they be agency or elected, that we want genetically engineered foods labeled,” says Pamm Larry, founder of the Committee For the Right to Know.
Check the website, www.labelgmos.org for more information on this issue.
Shop ForYour Valentine In Orangevale
by Cindysue Jones
Posted: 2/14/2012
If you are a bit romantic or even if your not and you want or need some great gift ideas for Valentine Day: then here are a few ideas to help out you lost romantics or just for those that know you need a plan, so you can stay out of the dog house. Here in Orangevale, you will find Love, Flowers, Romance, and Chocolate, to spoil the one you love or the one you lust. For love, you can never go wrong by signing up you and your Valentine for country western line dancing or beginning ballroom dancing at the Orangevale Recreation & Park District. www.Ovparks.com 988-4373
For flowers you can find these at My Flower Shop of Orangevale. Ask for Susan Whitman the owner or Brianna Mondragon the manger to help you create your own arrangement for that someone special. Their Valentine roses will be $65.00 per dozen arranged and $105.00 for two dozen. They will give a $5.00 discount for orders placed before Feb 8th. They have all types of flowers and designs to fit any budget. There are delivery fees and a dead line for deliveries, so give them a call for details. You can find them at 9346 Greenback Lane, 988-4505 or you can go to their facebook page.
Not all Valentine’s can have chocolate, but at iBleedchocolate you can find diabetic friendly, gluten free, and let’s not forget delicious. Jerry Phillips, who is the founder has put together, some great deals, such as 20% off boxed chocolates by Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company- regular prices $9.50 to $22.00, 15% off a box of 15 Amber Lyn Candy Bars -regularly $24.00, Assorted gift baskets 10% off regular prices. Various in Store Specials , no sales tax and Free Promotional Items with Purchase. You can check out their website at iBleedChocolate.com. Better then that stop on by the store, they are located at 6225 Main Avenue, 790-4220.
If you want to get a jump start, you can always bring your special someone to the Orangevale Grange Sweetheart Breakfast on February 12th at 5807 Walnut Avenue. 8:00 am to 10:30 am.The features "special this time is bacon and choice of pancakes alogn with their famous biscuits and gravy. Go to www.orangevalegrange.org for more details.
Just want to buy a gift on line; look no further, Pampered chef has something for everyone, good cooks to medium cooks, spices, to rubs. We are the kitchen store that comes to your door. www.pamperedchef.biz/CindySueCookingParty. Or call Cindysue Jones at 988-4810. You may get lucky with these awesome gift ides to make your valentines day truly special.
Roberta MacGlashan Helps Kick Off The Orangevale Food Closet
by: Cindysue Jones
Posted: 2/14/2012
The Orangevale Chamber of Commerce began their New Year with their first business after hour mixer at the new Orangevale Food Closet. The Orangevale Food Closet was welcomed into the neighborhood and plenty was donated to this much needed place for the Orangevale population and it was pleasant to see over 50 people be present at the opening ceremony.
Roberta MacGlashan spoke of what this place could do for countless families in Orangevale. The Orangevale Grange was there to present to the Brad Squire $200.00 donation. Check out the Orangevale Food Closets website for days open at www.orangevalefoodbank.org they are located 6483 Main Ave in Orangevale. Like to donate? Call the Orangevale Chamber for drop off times.
Cameron Ranch Fourth Graders Paying It Forward
Posted: 2/13/2012
grade students at Cameron Ranch Elementary School. Some of you may have already read about him in a few papers lately. A teacher of 37 years, who has taught every grade including adult education classes, and continues to be devoted from the day he started teaching. Thomas Carroll was recently chosen as a teacher advisor for Teaching Tolerance magazine, a branch of the Southern Poverty Law Center. The SPLC and magazine aim at teaching respect, inclusion, and acceptance. They work against hatred, bigotry, and discrimination. His work with his kids and the residents is a natural extension of his commitment to help change the country and the world for the better. But another thing that he has been doing is giving back to the community and teaching the kids how to give back to a community down the street from them.
When Carroll mother-in-law and sister-in-law became residents at the American River Care Center in Carmichael, he wanted to give back to the residents that also lived there. Here at the home for seniors and handicapped individuals, it came to him, why not have his class visit. They have been visiting the center for two years now. There are no grades that get handed out for this; they do it because they enjoy doing it. They plan arts and crafts activities to do with their friends at the care center. Some months they do art projects to take along to decorate the dining room at the care center. Sometimes they work with the residents to create artwork or decorations. Last holiday season, they decorated cookies together, and then ate them! They always have a good discussion when they come back; talking about how happy their friends are when they visit.
For Valentine Day, the students are making special “mail bags” for all of the Valentine cards they plan to receive from their classmates. They are going to create valentine cards for all of their friends at the center. Then, when the go, they will help the residents decorate their own “mail bags”. Each resident will then receive a card from EVERY student in the class. That’s 32 valentines EACH!! Very often at holidays, the residents at the center are forgotten or overlooked. That won’t happen as long as Carroll class is there!
Carroll believes our children need to actually see and know seniors and handicapped adults! He spoke of how often, Americans “hide” the elderly and ill, so our children don’t know how to have empathy or understanding about them. Cameron Ranch School is inclusive, meaning students who are physically or mentally handicapped are in all of the classrooms. Since their students are expected to tolerate and appreciate the differences among themselves, it seemed like a logical step to go beyond the classroom door and meet people in the “real” world! His students have come to love visiting the center. They all have their favorites, but enjoy working with all of their friends. They anticipate having a good time, and always do!
The greatest reward for Carroll has been watching the faces of the students and the residents. They just sparkle when we are together. He visits the center often alone, to see his in-laws. Whenever any of our residents see him, they immediately ask about his students and want to know when they are coming back!
SMUD, Library Offer Power Use Monitors
Posted: 1/26/2012
Sacramento Region – If you have a Sacramento Public Library card, you can check out a “Kill A WattTM EZ” power monitor just like you would a book and learn which appliances in your home are using the most power and costing you the most money to operate. SMUD has donated 56 Kill A WattTMEZ monitors, two for each of the Sacramento Public Library’s 28 branches, in an effort to educate customers about energy efficiency and about SMUD programs designed to help them save money.
The monitor is simple to use. Just plug the device into an electrical outlet, and then plug the appliance into the device. Enter the cost per kilowatt-hour, and the device displays the kilowatt-hour usage and the cost of electricity to run the appliance. Customers can monitor the energy cost of any 110- or 120-volt appliance such as refrigerators, freezers, televisions and computers.
The monitor helps customers understand how individual appliances can impact their energy bills and determine if those appliances should be unplugged or plugged into a power strip that can be easily turned on when the appliance is needed. The monitor even calculates cost and forecasts costs by the week, month or year.
SMUD and the Sacramento Public Library see the program as a tremendous way to engage their customers on a grand level. “This service is one more way Sacramento Public Library can fulfill its mission to provide valuable information to the public – information that can impact their lives for the better," said Library Director Rivkah Sass. “The library is thrilled to partner with SMUD to help Sacramento residents lower their energy use,” she added.” he Sacramento Public Library system serves residents throughout Sacramento County — the same territory as SMUD — and more than 600,000 county residents have library cards.
For more information about saving money on your electric bill, visit smud.orgor call 1-888-742-SMUD. For information on borrowing a monitor, visit saclibrary.org or call 916-264-2920.
State’s Motorists Face a New Year with New Laws
Posted: 1/19/2012
SACRAMENTO REGION – As we begin a new year, California motorists should be aware of some of the new laws going into effect this past January 1, 2012. These new traffic laws were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier in 2011, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is asking the motoring public to familiarize themselves with the changes before they take effect.
“Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will be saved in the new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
The following are highlights of a few of the significant changes for the upcoming year:
- A change to California’s Child Passenger Safety Seat law will now require children to ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight, or until they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches. This law also requires children who do not meet the age or height requirement to ride in the rear seat of a vehicle unless the vehicle has no back seats, the restraint system cannot be properly installed or the rear seats are already occupied by children under age eight. However, the law still maintains that a child may not ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag if they are under one year of age, less than 20 pounds, or riding in a rear-facing child safety seat. (SB 929, Evans)
- Drivers are required to stop and submit to a sobriety checkpoint. However, peace officers will be prohibited from impounding a vehicle for 30 days out of a sobriety checkpoint if the only offense by the driver is failing to hold a valid driver license. The new law requires that the officer make a reasonable attempt to identify the registered owner in order to release the ehicle. (AB 353, Cedillo)
- Anyone who is convicted of reckless driving under Section 23103.5 of the Vehicle Code can apply for a restricted driver license prior to the completion of their one-year suspension, provided they meet specified conditions, including the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. (AB 520, Ammiano)
- Vehicles will be prohibited from crossing double parallel solid white lines except where permitted. (AB 1105, Gordon)
- Electric Vehicles (EV) must now be plugged in for refueling when occupying an EVdesignated parking space, otherwise they may be towed. In addition, the law prohibits a person from obstructing, blocking, or otherwise barring access to an EV-designated parking space. (AB 475, Butler)
- Local governments can now regulate advertising signs on any motor vehicle parked or left standing upon a public street, except for signs painted directly upon or permanently affixed to the vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle. (AB 1298, Blumenfield)
- A law dealing with repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders that was passed in 2010 also goes into effect on January 1:
- Section 23579 was added to the Vehicle Code, which authorizes courts to revoke a driver’s license for 10 years if a person is convicted of three or more DUIs. Under this law enacted in 2010, a motorist may be allowed to apply for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after five years, if the person installs an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle. The law allows the DMV to terminate this restricted license if the IID requirements are not met. (AB 1601,Hill)
The points above are only a synopsis of the new laws listed here and only a partial list of California’s new laws adopted for 2012. For complete information on chaptered bills enacted in 2011, please refer to the Legislative Counsel website at www.LegInfo.ca.gov.
Orangevale Food Bank Opens
By CindySue Jones
Posted: 1/4/2012
Staff of the Orangevale Food Bank outside their new facility are ready and are always looking for volunteer help. Orangevale – Some of you may have heard or even notice a new business has moved into Orangevale on 6483 Main Street. The Orangevale Chamber of Commerce and many other volunteers here in Orangevale have pulled together to open a food bank, which has been long over due. What is the recipe to a successful task such as this? I walked around the new facility and ask each person what was the ingredients that stirred up their interested for being a part of it?
I was greeted by Alex Bulock a Pasture Student who said this is his way to help out the community. His mom Deb Strack was there too and was helping stocking the shelves. She saw a need and wanted to be a part of it. I spoke with Patrick Cornell of the New Hope Street Ministry who many of you may already know because of all the charitable work he and his wife Sherril have done to help the homeless. He said he was called to fill the needs and to be there to listen to the people when they come in the building You can check out Patrick and Sherril Cornell ministry at www.newhopestreetministry.org
Brad Squire who is the Project Manager of the OV Food Bank, said that we needed to create a place that meets the needs and a place to serve those with the needs. It is his vision to see other organizing take part in things such as donations and they need volunteers to help run the OV Food Bank. It is an all volunteer run organization.
Darleen Lyons President of the Orangevale Chamber of Commerce and Lisa Montes our Honorary Mayor of Orangevale are asking everyone to help them serve the community and to know that this is a Christ base ministry. If you would like to donate you can drop off all donations at the Orangevale Chamber 9267 Greenback Lane, Suite #B-97 Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm. You can also go to www.OrangevaleFoodbank.org to see what they are in need of for donations.
Also if you would like to volunteer there is an application on line for you to fill out. www.orangevalefoodbank.org/volunteer. Let us be the extra thing that can make this work, let us give our time, if not a donation. January 24th the Orangevale Chamber of Commerce business after hours mixer will be held at the Food bank 5:30p.m. -7:30p.m. Bring a food donation too. See you there.
Gas Prices Start 2012 with Jump
Posted: 1/4/2012
Sacramento Region – Average retail gasoline prices in Sacramento have risen 6.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.53/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.25/g, according to gasoline price website www.SactoGasPrices.com.
Including the change in gas prices in Sacramento during the past week, prices yesterday were 27.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 2.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 4.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 20.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
“Average gasoline prices are moving up as we enter the New Year, a trend that has held since 2008,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The biggest problem with that trend holding true this year is that we’re starting 2012 about 20-cents per gallon higher than 2011, breaking yet another high price record and setting up an ugly year for motorists,” DeHaan said.
Early indications show this year may see the highest ever recorded prices at the pump, with real potentials for some areas to see close to $5/gal gasoline if conflict arises in Iran over several key issues.
GasBuddy.com operates over 250 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including SactoGasPrices.com.
DUI Deaths at Record Low
Largest Decline of any State in Nation
Posted: 1/4/2012
SACRAMENTO – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that California’s DUI deaths reached their lowest level ever in 2010. This also signifies the largest single yearly drop of DUI deaths in the past 14 years. A record low of 791 persons were tragically killed in DUI crashes on California roadways last year, compared to 950 in 2009. DUI deaths in California increased yearly from 1998 to 2005, but have decreased every year since 2005.
“This marks a huge milestone in the fight against drunk driving,” said California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Director Christopher J. Murphy. “While we are elated by these figures, there were still 791 lives, futures, and dreams that will never be fully realized. We cannot back off from our ultimate goal – toward zero deaths.” The Office of Traffic Safety credits the record number of DUI checkpoints conducted in 2010 as partly responsible for the sharp reduction in DUI deaths. OTS allocated $16.8 million in federal funds to law enforcement agencies to conduct 2,553 DUI checkpoints in 2010, up from the $11.7 million allocated to 1,740 checkpoints in 2009.
According to NHTSA, checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. In addition, 88 percent of Californians surveyed report they support the use of checkpoints. Other contributing factors include countywide Avoid DUI Task Force operations that saw the California Highway Patrol (CHP) team up with police departments across the state to arrest impaired drivers, the widespread recognition of the “Report Drunk Drivers Call 911” message promoted by CALTRANS through their changeable message signs, the many action items addressing DUI developed and implemented by state departments such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and local agencies through the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the successful programs aimed at keeping alcohol from minors implemented by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and the great work done by advocate and educational organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at U.C. Berkeley, and RADD – the entertainment industry’s voice for road safety.
“Preventing these tragedies remains our top priority,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “By combining DUI enforcement efforts of the entire law enforcement community, with the support and dedication of our traffic safety partners and the motoring public, we will continue to make strides toward reducing DUI fatalities.” The announcement comes just days before the December 16 start of California’s December DUI Crackdown and NHTSA’s nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
The increased enforcement campaign ends January 2. Statewide 2010 DUI arrest numbers have been consistent with the past five years and higher than any year between 1997-2005. “California has taken a comprehensive approach to reducing drunk driving including aggressive use of sobriety checkpoints” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “We commend California for its commitment to highway safety and efforts by its law enforcement officers to keep drunk drivers off the roads.” “The people of California are to be congratulated along with all those who actively worked to avoid these tragedies,” said Murphy. “They see that not only is drunk and drugged driving a serious crime affecting the lives of so many, it is now seen as a socially unacceptable behavior for everyone.”
Capital DUI Campaign Totals
Posted: 1/4/2012
Orangevale – The 2011/12 Winter Holiday DUI Mobilization crackdown on drinking drivers has ended and resulted in a significant number of DUI arrests from the Sobriety Checkpoints, Special Saturation Patrols and routine patrol in the Sacramento County “Avoid the Capital 17 ” DUI Campaign for the past 17 days.
From 12:01 AM Friday December 16th, through Midnight Sunday January 1, 2012 officers representing 17 county law enforcement agencies have arrested 379 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2010/11 447 DUI arrests occurred during the same time period. No DUI deaths were attributed to a drunk driver in our area! Last year there were no DUI deaths reported.
DUI Checkpoints, along with regularly scheduled high visibility DUI enforcement, are proven strategies with the goal of removing impaired drivers from the road and heightening awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sobriety checkpoint programs can yield considerable cost savings: $6 for every $1 spent.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Visit the AVOID website at www.californiaavoid.org for more information about anti DUI efforts in your or community or around the state.
California DUI Deaths Drop to Record Low
Posted: 12/28/2011
SACRAMENTO – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that California’s DUI deaths reached their lowest level ever in 2010. This also signifies the largest single yearly drop of DUI deaths in the past 14 years. A record low of 791 persons were tragically killed in DUI crashes on California roadways last year, compared to 950 in 2009. DUI deaths in California increased yearly from 1998 to 2005, but have decreased every year since 2005.
“This marks a huge milestone in the fight against drunk driving,” said California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Director Christopher J. Murphy. “While we are elated by these figures, there were still 791 lives, futures, and dreams that will never be fully realized. We cannot back off from our ultimate goal – toward zero deaths.” The Office of Traffic Safety credits the record number of DUI checkpoints conducted in 2010 as partly responsible for the sharp reduction in DUI deaths. OTS allocated $16.8 million in federal funds to law enforcement agencies to conduct 2,553 DUI checkpoints in 2010, up from the $11.7 million allocated to 1,740 checkpoints in 2009.
According to NHTSA, checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. In addition, 88 percent of Californians surveyed report they support the use of checkpoints. Other contributing factors include countywide Avoid DUI Task Force operations that saw the California Highway Patrol (CHP) team up with police departments across the state to arrest impaired drivers, the widespread recognition of the “Report Drunk Drivers Call 911” message promoted by CALTRANS through their changeable message signs, the many action items addressing DUI developed and implemented by state departments such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and local agencies through the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the successful programs aimed at keeping alcohol from minors implemented by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and the great work done by advocate and educational organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at U.C. Berkeley, and RADD – the entertainment industry’s voice for road safety.
“Preventing these tragedies remains our top priority,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “By combining DUI enforcement efforts of the entire law enforcement community, with the support and dedication of our traffic safety partners and the motoring public, we will continue to make strides toward reducing DUI fatalities.” The announcement comes just days before the December 16 start of California’s December DUI Crackdown and NHTSA’s nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
The increased enforcement campaign ends January 2. Statewide 2010 DUI arrest numbers have been consistent with the past five years and higher than any year between 1997-2005. “California has taken a comprehensive approach to reducing drunk driving including aggressive use of sobriety checkpoints” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “We commend California for its commitment to highway safety and efforts by its law enforcement officers to keep drunk drivers off the roads.” “The people of California are to be congratulated along with all those who actively worked to avoid these tragedies,” said Murphy. “They see that not only is drunk and drugged driving a serious crime affecting the lives of so many, it is now seen as a socially unacceptable behavior for everyone.”
Six Year-End Tips to Reduce 2011 Taxes
Posted: 12/28/2011
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded northern and central Californians that there is still time to take action to lower 2011 federal taxes.
“In order to claim certain benefits on your 2011 taxes, you need to take action no later than Dec. 31,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker. “Taking steps now could save you money when you file your taxes next year.”
Here are six steps that you can take before the year ends to save on your 2011 taxes:
Make Charitable Contributions – Donations must be made to qualified charities no later than Dec. 31 to be deductible for 2011. Taxpayers must have a canceled check, a bank or credit union statement, a credit card statement or a written statement from the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. Donations charged to a credit card by Dec. 31 are deductible for 2011 even if the bill isn’t paid until 2012. Clothing and household items donated to charity must be in good used condition or better to be deductible.
Install Energy-Efficient Home Improvements – Homeowners still have time this year to make energy-saving and green-energy home improvements and qualify for either of two home energy credits. Installing energy efficient improvements such as insulation, new windows and water heaters can provide up to $500 in tax savings. Homeowners going green should also check out the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, designed to spur investment in alternative energy equipment. For details see Special Edition Tax Tip 2011-08.
Contribute the Maximum to Retirement Accounts – Elective deferrals to employer-sponsored 401(k) plans or similar workplace retirement programs, such as a 403(b) plan for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations, a governmental 457 plan for state or local government employees, and the Thrift Savings Plan for federal employees, must be made by Dec. 31. However, taxpayers have until April 17, 2012, to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA and still have it count for 2011. A taxpayer normally can contribute up to $5,000 to a traditional or Roth IRA, and up to $6,000 if age 50 or over.
Consider a Portfolio Adjustment – Check investments for gains and losses and make sales by Dec. 31. Taxpayers may normally deduct capital losses up to the amount of capital gains, plus $3,000 from other income. Net capital losses that are more than $3,000 can be carried forward and deducted in future years.
Make a Qualified IRA Charitable Distribution – The qualified charitable distribution allows individuals age 70½ or over to exclude up to $100,000 from gross income that is paid directly from their individual retirement accounts to a qualified charity. The excluded amount can be used to satisfy any required minimum distributions that the individual must otherwise receive from their IRAs in 2011.
Don’t Overlook the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit – Small employers that pay at least half of employee health insurance premiums may qualify for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the premiums paid. An employer with fewer than 25 full-time employees that pays an average wage of less than $50,000 a year may qualify. For more information see the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit page on IRS.gov.
PG&E Making $148 Million in Property Tax Payments to California Counties
Posted: 12/22/2011
SACRAMENTO – More than $148 million is on its way to 49 California counties, as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) delivers its property tax payments.
The amount, which PG&E is paying this week to the counties in which it operates, represents full, timely payment of property taxes due for the last six months of 2011, from July 1 to December 31.
“Local governments are tackling public safety, environmental protection, health care, and education needs with limited financial resources these days,” said Mark Caron, PG&E’s vice president of tax. “Our timely and substantial payments to local governments for property taxes and other fees will help communities address those vital services.”
The company’s total tax payments to counties for the last six months of 2011 increased by almost $7.5 million over the same period in 2010. The overall increase is tied to higher assessments as PG&E invests in key infrastructure projects throughout its Northern and Central California service area. PG&E’s investments have included building new power-generating stations and upgrading equipment to boost electric reliability.
Local counties are receiving the following property tax payments: Colusa, $4,385,070; El Dorado, $1,059,344; Nevada, $883,337; Placer, $3,382,563; Sacramento, $2,859,800; Sierra, $60,220; Solano, $3,702,681; Yolo, $1,495,882; and Yuba, 1,024,243.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.
Stepping Up Safety on the Parkway
Posted: 12/14/2011
Private and public partners coordinate efforts for safety and maintenance, changing parks operations to insure public safety and protection of the American River’s sensitive habitat. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner Sacramento County – With the popularity of Sacramento County’s Regional Parks remaining high, especially the American River Parkway, the County is leveraging resources, collaborating with the private/public sector, and changing parks operations to insure public safety and protection of sensitive habitat.
“The Parkway is bordered by cities, neighborhoods, businesses and state land, all of whom have a vested interest in keeping the Parkway safe and clean,” stated Supervisor Phil Serna, District 1. “To help address the illegal camping situation on the Parkway, we are collaborating with private interests dedicated to funding homeless services and partnering with the broader law enforcement community to maximize public safety.” To address security, Regional Parks is partnering with the Sacramento Police Department to increase patrol presence in the lower Parkway, where most illegal camping occurs. The joint patrol operates seven days a week and will conduct warrant sweeps throughout the year in collaboration with County Probation and other law enforcement agencies. Ranger Assistants are helping to increase presence during periods of peak bicycle and recreational traffic.
Rangers and police follow strict protocol with illegal campers: campers are “noticed” to leave within 48 hours in writing and in person. If campers do not vacate within the allotted time, they are issued a citation and their possessions are confiscated and safely stored. If outstanding warrants or probation/parole violations exist, campers are arrested and booked into the County Jail.
In addition to noticing campers, rangers may be accompanied at times by County social workers and volunteers from Sacramento Steps Forward who provide information about temporary shelter options, meals, and other social service programs. Information about pet kenneling and where their personal belongings will be stored is also provided.
To protect the environment from camping garbage and other waste, Parks has increased cleanup of the campsite areas from one to two days a week. Cleanup is done by Sacramento County Sheriff Work Release crews within and also adjacent to the Parkway. The County Department of Regional Parks is partnering with the American River Parkway Foundation to increase cleanup in targeted areas. In addition to five major cleanups in 2011, one hundred Foundation volunteers, including Rob Leonard, the County’s Interim Parks Director and Supervisor Serna, removed over three tons of debris from the Northgate Area in November.
Illegal camping can be reported to Park Rangers at 916-875-7275. To support Sacramento Steps Forward and the Winter Sanctuary Program, donations can be made on line at sacramentostepsforward.org.
Post Office to Change Service Standards
Posted: 12/8/2011
Tough changes are coming for the US Postal Service in these continued tough times. USPS photo. The U.S. Postal Service announced December 5th it will move forward with its proposal to change service standards. This action is being taken in response to on-going financial challenges caused by the dramatic and continual decline in First-Class Mail volume and the resulting revenue loss.
“The U.S. Postal Service must reduce its operating costs by $20 billion by 2015 in order to return to profitability,” said David Williams, vice president, Network Operations. “The proposed changes to service standards will allow for significant consolidation of the postal network in terms of facilities, processing equipment, vehicles and employee workforce and will generate projected net annual savings of approximately $2.1 billion.” This is part of the overall savings expected from the network optimization initiative, which is projected to save up to $3 billion by 2015.
The size of the existing Postal Service network is dictated by the current overnight transit time in existing service standards. The Postal Service is 3 day−proposing, through the rulemaking process, to move First-Class Mail to a 2 standard for contiguous U.S. destinations; however, there would be an opportunity for mailers who properly prepare and enter mail at the destinating processing facility prior to the day's critical entry time to have their mail delivered the following delivery day.
On Sep. 15, the Postal Service announced it would begin studying 252 out of 487 mail processing facilities for possible closure. At that time, the Postal Service also announced it would be considering changes to service standards in an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register. The Advance Notice filing was a formal effort to gather input from the public early in the process to ensure their views can be factored into the service change proposal.
The Postal Service will send to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) a request for an advisory opinion regarding service standard changes associated with a significant rationalization of its mail processing network. Shortly thereafter, the Postal Service will publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the specific proposed changes.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Source: USPS.com
Orangevale Woman Wins Sweepstakes
Posted: 12/8/2011
Left to right: Arthur Navarrette – President, Executive Care Landscaping, Inc.; Michelle Fuller, SAFE communication specialist; Bob Hana and winner Maggie Hana; SAFE Marketing VP Paul Hersek. ORANGEVALE — Orangevale resident Maggie Hana is the winner of SAFE Credit Union’s recent Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes, a two-month long interactive competition for an outdoor entertainment and improvement package worth $6,000. The Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes kicked off August 1 inviting SAFE members and non-members to enter to win one of three Backyard Makeover Grand Prize packages.
Hana won the “Chill Out” prize package, which included a $3,000 gift card from Orchard Supply Hardware, a personal consultation, starter plants and service from Executive Care Landscape, Inc.
Hana learned of her win at a surprise reveal arranged between her husband and SAFE marketing staff at SAFE’s Citrus Heights branch on Sunrise Boulevard Saturday, Oct. 12. What was supposed to be a quick stop by the branch while the couple ran errands instead turned into a surprise party.
When SAFE launched the sweepstakes in August, entrants were invited to vote daily on their favorite among three Backyard Makeover Grand Prize packages posted on the safecu.org website.
Each vote counted as an entry. By the time the contest concluded in October, more than 18,850 entries made the “Chill Out” Backyard Makeover package the overwhelming winner. “It was a great way to celebrate a fun contest. A large part of what SAFE prides itself on involves interacting with our members, and the Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes was an ideal example of this tradition at SAFE at work,” said SAFE Marketing Vice President Paul Hersek.
GLOVE is Seeking a Community Driven Committee
By Leslie Carrara
Orangevale – “We do know that we need a community driven committee.”
Greenback Lane Orangevale Envisioning (GLOVE) committee Chair Katherine Leonard is talking about the grassroots committee which sprang up from the Greenback Lane Economic Development Study (GLEDS) completed in 2008. With “the leadership of County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, Orangevale Chamber of Commerce and Sacramento County,” the GLEDS implemented GLOVE, and this year, GLOVE is asking all businesses in Orangevale to string lights and turn them on beginning Dec. 1st throughout the Holiday season.
The implementation was for the “preparation of a community Vision that serves as a guideline for future detailed planning efforts in Orangevale,” according to GLOVE literature.
One of the events GLOVE committee members created was the certified Farmer’s Market on Greenback Lane on property adjacent to Dairy Queen with committee member Joe Ellering managing the market. GLOVE’s range includes Greenback Lane from Chestnut to the Folsom city limits and on Main Ave., from Orangevale Ave. to Madison Ave.
The committee is made up of all volunteers, with 15 active participants and a total of 45 including the inactive people. Leonard said that the GLOVE is trying to target businesses on Greenback and in Orangevale.
An original concern of Leonard was that Greenback is considered a thoroughfare to Folsom and back, and she wrote about beautifying the area, the identity of the area, walking ability, Greenback as a gathering place, and the definition of “rural” for discussion at one of the early meetings.
One of the first things GLOVE did for the community was help Clean and Sober Transitional Residents preparing homeowners for a large garbage pick up, including moving appliances, wood, tree trimmings and general junk.
If you would like to attend the next GLOVE meeting, it will be Dec. 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the East Area Service Center, 5229 Hazel Ave. Please RSVP your attendance at glove@surewest.net.
Donation Drive Collects Winter Coats for Regional Shelters, Nonprofits
Posted: 12/1/2011
SACRAMENTO REGION – More than 3,000 people and children in need throughout the Sacramento region can now count on new, warm coats to get through the coming winter, thanks to an all-out effort by Lyon Real Estate agents.
Working with the national nonprofit One Warm Coat, Lyon’s regional team of agents, brokers and support staff threw themselves into a month-long winter coat donation drive during October. Given their busy schedules, many in the company expected to hit the 500 mark. But when you have 17 regional offices full of dedicated, creative professionals, then stand back.
“When we added up coats collected from everyone’s efforts, from offices in the Foothills to agents based throughout the Sacramento region, it came to a whopping 3,110 coats,” said Lyon Real Estate President Pat Shea. “It was an amazing example of how a large group of people can achieve a great amount of good by working together.”
The coat donation drive started out as an idea at Lyon’s annual Fun Realtor Education Day — FRED for short. To supplement the coat drive, Lyon employees partnered with Kohl’s Department stores to obtain 50 new children’s coats for the Kids First organization in Roseville and Auburn and the Sacramento Food Bank’s Mother Baby Program. Those coats, and all the donated coats, had to be either new or lightly used to qualify for donation.
Another truck load of coats were given to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. In all, more than 17 agencies received coats collected by Lyon agents and employees that will be distributed to people in need in Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Sacramento and El Dorado counties.
Before distributing the coats, employees at the company’s Sacramento headquarters converted their administrative offices into storage space for thousands of winter coats.
“We had mountains of them. It really brought home all the hard work our agent team did in reaching out to the community,” said Lyon Marketing Director Christi McDowell, who helped organize the coat donation drive.
This year, we are on pace to collect and distribute our 3 millionth coat — and Lyon’s 3,110 coats made a fantastic contribution to that effort,” said Sybil Hunt, community outreach director for One Warm Coat.
With real estate agents in 17 regional offices in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties, Lyon remains the region’s leading real estate company.
Helping Small Businesses Start, Grow and Succeed
Free Small Business Forum “Getting It Right” Coming Next Week to Sacramento Area
Posted: 12/1/2011
SACRAMENTO REGION – The Internal Revenue Service will soon team up with other federal and state tax agencies helping regional small businesses at a free tax forum to be held in Citrus Heights. Themed “Getting It Right,” the forum will provide important information for business leaders to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities. The program will also highlight significant government resources available that can help small businesses grow and succeed.
“One of the forum’s goals is to promote awareness of the programs, services, and assistance government tax agencies have to offer,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker. “If our local entrepreneurs and business leaders understand basic federal and state tax rules and how to get help when they need it, they can meet challenges that can sometimes be barriers to success.”
The Small Business Forum is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to facilitate the exchange of information between the government and the small business community in Northern California. Other state agencies participating include the California Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization and Employment Development Department.
All local small businesses and chambers of commerce in Northern California are invited. The event is Thursday, December 8, 2011, 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. It will be held at the U.S. SBA, 6501 Sylvan Road, Main Conference Room, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Registration is required for this free forum. Limited seating will be assigned on a first-come first served basis, so register soon to guarantee you won’t miss out of this popular event. To register send an e-mail to SBEDSacramento@irs.gov. If interested businesses have questions or want more details about the event please call Christella Sanchez at 916-974-5117.
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