2018-19 Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program is accepting applications for the 2018-19 Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant. Each year, the Stormwater Quality Program offers schools, non-profit, and community organizations up to $2,500 for projects to help students understand the importance of keeping local creeks and rivers clean and healthy.
This is the 13th year the County is offering grants to help raise awareness about the need for protecting creeks and rivers. By collaborating with schools over the years, the County has seen positive results from students who participate in the program and show a better understanding of stormwater pollution. Expanding this program to non-profits and community groups offers another avenue to increase education.
Thirty-five schools have participated in the program. Will Rogers Middle School is one of the original participants and has taken part in the program every year since it launched in 2005.
Over the years, grant winners have completed 85 projects like creek clean ups; hands on education about Sacramento’s watershed, creeks, or rivers; eco-friendly gardens; water quality experiments to assess the health of a creek/river; and school-wide campaigns to increase awareness about stormwater pollution. Each year, grant winners submit a report to the County on their projects shows many of the students in the program gaining a better understanding of stormwater pollution and the environment.
Eligible projects must in some way protect or enhance local creeks, rivers, or watersheds. Projects will generally fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Educational Projects - Projects that inform or instruct about the aquatic ecosystem, watersheds, or stormwater pollution prevention
- School/Club Projects - Projects that can be organized by teachers, classrooms, or clubs
- Community Outreach Projects - Projects that involve and inspire the community
- Monitoring Project - Projects that measure water quality, species, or habitat
- Restoration Projects - Projects that restore or enhance riparian habitats, wetlands, creeks, or rivers
Eligible projects must be implemented within the Stormwater Utility boundaries of Sacramento County or directly affect the residents of these areas. The application for the 2018-19 Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant is available on the Stormwater Quality Program webpage.
The application deadline is July 1, and the grants are awarded in August.
For more information, contact Jeanette Huddleston at 916-874‐4711 or huddlestonj@saccounty.net.
Qualifying Veterans and Japanese American Citizens May Receive Belated High School Diplomas
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) wants to honor the many contributions of those whose education was interrupted due to wartime circumstances. Current and former Sacramento County residents who left high school to serve in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War, and received an honorable discharge, may contact SCOE to receive their high school diplomas. SCOE also presents diplomas to Japanese American citizens forced to leave high school due to WW II internment. Individuals may request diplomas on behalf of themselves or qualifying family members, including persons now deceased. Those who earned a G.E.D., or graduated from high school while in an internment camp, are still eligible for diplomas. To be considered for the spring 2017 awards ceremony, submit applications by April 26, 2017. Applications are available from the Sacramento County Office of Education by calling (916) 228-2416 or visiting scoe.net/or.
Trump, Brown Tangle Over California State Border Control
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - California Governor Jerry Brown spoke at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, defending his sanctuary cities and claiming that the country’s immigration debate has become “an inflammatory football that very low-life politicians like to exploit.” He continued, “And I think it’s shocking, it’s despicable and it’s harmful to California, mostly to the people.”
Brown let it be known that he has no plans of changing his stance on the state’s immigration and sanctuary cities.
“We’re not backing off,” Brown said. “And I believe we have the legal horsepower to block the immediate legal moves by the Trump administration.”
The 80-year-old Brown, who is in the final months of his second term as California governor, proclaimed, “I’m not riding off into the sunset. You can be sure that you’ll hear from me.”
Just before Brown spoke on Tuesday, President Donald Trump tweeted, “Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border. He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border. The high crime rate will only get higher. Much wanted Wall in San Diego already started!”
Trump took to Twitter once again on Wednesday morning, saying that many parts of sanctuary cities throughout California want out of Jerry Brown’s control.
“There is a Revolution going on in California,” Trump tweeted. “Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept. Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW!”
Center for Freedom and Flight to host event honoring the Legendary Tuskegee Airmen
A First of Its Kind Event on the West Coast
VACAVILLE, CA (MPG) - Heritage, The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is a first of its kind event in Northern California on Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd-3rd, 2018. The inaugural weekend long event will be held at the world-famous Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville, CA at the Center for Freedom and Flight. The purpose of this event is to honor the members and their families of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, educate today’s youth, and inspire future leaders in aviation.
Hosted by The Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapters of Greater Sacramento and Lee Archer Jr. (Travis AFB), Center for Freedom and Flight, Unsung Heroes: A Living History Project and EAA Chapter 1230 Nut Tree Airport.
Event highlights include Tuskegee Airmen and Heritage families in attendance, mobile Tuskegee Airmen museum, fly in with historically significant aircraft.
A fun-filled dinner and dance will be hosted on Saturday, June 2, 2018. The dinner dance will include a VIP cocktail hour, dinner, a hosted bar and music provided by the Harley White Jr. Orchestra. A free Community Open House will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heritage-swing-under-the-wings-tickets-44894283009?aff=erelpanelorg
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today responded to the federal government’s request for additional California National Guard personnel with the following letter. The accompanying agreement, submitted this afternoon for review and approval by the federal government, can be found here.
April 11, 2018
Dear Secretary Nielsen and Secretary Mattis:
Pursuant to your request, the California National Guard will accept federal funding to add approximately 400 Guard members statewide to supplement the staffing of its ongoing program to combat transnational crime. This program is currently staffed by 250 personnel statewide, including 55 at the California border.
Your funding for new staffing will allow the Guard to do what it does best: support operations targeting transnational criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers along the border, the coast and throughout the state. Combating these criminal threats are priorities for all Americans – Republicans and Democrats. That’s why the state and the Guard have long supported this important work and agreed to similar targeted assistance in 2006 under President Bush and in 2010 under President Obama.
But let’s be crystal clear on the scope of this mission. This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws.
Here are the facts: there is no massive wave of migrants pouring into California. Overall immigrant apprehensions on the border last year were as low as they’ve been in nearly 50 years (and 85 percent of the apprehensions occurred outside of California).
I agree with the Catholic Bishops who have said that local, state and federal officials should “work collaboratively and prudently in the implementation of this deployment, ensuring that the presence of the National Guard is measured and not disruptive to community life.”
I look forward to working with you on this important effort.
Sincerely,
Edmund G. Brown Jr.
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Fair is on the lookout for the next generation of farmers to exhibit their livestock this Memorial Day Weekend! FFA and 4H members of all classes are invited to enter their livestock in a competitive and fun-filled weekend of competition at Cal Expo. With over 5,000 entrants expected for 2018, it’s never been a better time to get involved!
With 4 days of competition ranging from 4-H novices exhibiting for the first time to FFA Advanced competing for best in show, there’s something for every level and animal exhibitor at the Fair! And don’t miss out on the junior livestock auction on Sunday, May 27th! Over 600 local youth involved in 4-H and FFA will raise and sell livestock and eggs at the at the Cal Expo Livestock Pavilion. In 2017, over $500,000 was generated at the sale thanks to the generosity of our auction buyers.
To sign up to exhibit or find out more visit http://www.sacfair.com/competitions-contests.html. Paper entries must be postmarked or hand-delivered before close of business by Friday, April 13 and online entries must be submitted by close of business Friday, April 20. Don’t miss out!
As an added bonus, Midway of Fun is proud to once again offer a special unlimited ride wristband good for all 5 days of the fair for junior livestock exhibitors for one low price—only $29.50! That’s any ride in the entire midway—any day of the Fair during midway hours! Restrictions apply. Limit one wristband per junior entrant. Visit the Sacramento County Fair website for more details.
For more information on the Fair and a daily schedule visit www.sacfair.com and #ShareTheFair on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacramentoCountyFair/, Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/saccountyfair, and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacfair
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The leading cause of death for our nation's 15-20 year old drivers is motor vehicle collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.
In our effort to help reduce motor vehicle collisions, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), East Sacramento Area Office is offering two Start Smart Classes in March. The CHP's Start Smart Program is a driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15-19, and their parents or guardians.
The class covers California’s Graduated Driver License Program, collision trends and avoidance techniques, distracted driving laws, and alcohol related driving laws. The program also offers an opportunity for new drivers and their parents or guardians to ask CHP officers clarifying questions. The class runs for approximately two hours. We encouraged parents or guardians to attend the class with their teen driver.
WHEN: April 30, 2018 (Monday) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm May 14, 2018 (Monday) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm May 28, 2018 (Monday) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
WHERE: CHP East Sacramento, 11336 Trade Center Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
If you are interested in signing up for the class, or need additional information, please contact the CHP’s East Sacramento Area Office at (916) 464-1450, or at triggin@chp.ca.gov.
Funding for CHP’s Start Smart program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Administration.
The Playmakers: "Team Means Family"
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - “Family: I am a Playmaker. I have been blessed with coaches who care about me, pour into me, coach me hard, and love me. Someday I may be a Mom or Dad. I will be prepared to finish the job and pay-it-forward. That is what a Playmaker does, and I am a Playmaker. I will not tolerate bullying, speaking negatively about someone, or being unkind. Team means family.”
That is the first of the four core values in the Playmakers Creed that program founder and executive director Greg “Coach Roz” Roeszler instills into his student athletes from day one. Established in 2009, The Playmakers Organization is more than just an after school program, it’s a family. Family, followed by Academics, Serving Others and Winning With Honor.
There are three components to the program: Character and Leadership, Reading and Literacy and Sports and Recreation. “The program is about integrating sports with character,” according to Skycrest Elementary 5th grade teacher Jinne Calvi.
Skycrest Elementary in Citrus Heights is just one of four current locations that the program is currently serving, along with schools in Rancho Cordova, Folsom and Woodland with expansion to Antelope and Rocklin on the horizon.
The nonprofit program is for third, fourth and fifth graders from all different backgrounds and walks of life. They are referred by their teachers, but participate after school voluntarily. “We are old school,” said Coach Roz. “We have the toughest kids that don’t want to go to other programs.”
With Coach Roz in charge, the program is facilitated by Sacramento State student-athletes and fraternity brothers. Sac State senior and former Phi Kappa Tau president Alec Romero has been working with the Playmakers for three years and has become Coach Roz’s right hand man. He manages the rest of the coaches and has dedicated a lot of time and hard work to help make the program what it is today.
Fellow Phi Kappa Tau brother and Sac State sophomore Peter Francisco is the newest coach and had only been on the job for a couple of days but was already leading the charge on the basketball court, running layup drills and teaching the Playmakers how to both follow directions and compete.
The program starts off in the classroom after school with the Playmakers doing their homework then openly discussing anything that may be on their minds. The coaches are there for them and help guide a very structured but free speaking conversation. The class then transitions into a few warmup exercises before heading outside, in a single file line, to play whatever seasonal sport they may choose.
Coach Roz teaches the idea of what he calls the “reverse pyramid.” This is the counter sports culture idea that the veterans and leaders of the team actually go last, rather than first. “Pups, seniors, leaders,” Roz explained. “In life, you earn the right to go last.” This prepares the Playmakers for the idea that sometimes in life you must put your family first – something that Coach Roz and his team are teaching by example.
It is clear that the Playmakers are more than willing to learn and in return lead, but just need that extra guidance from the likes of Coach Roz and his team. While it’s not always easy, by the end of each new concept, both on and off the court, everyone is on the same page and working together as a team – and team means family.
To support the Playmakers, join them at their annual BBQ dinner on April 28 from 6-9pm at the Divine Savior Church located at 9079 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. There will be a number of guest speakers, a tri-tip dinner and drinks, entertainment for all and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 and available at theplaymakers.org.
Stranger Danger Education Class
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Parents are urged to help educate their children of the dangers they may face on the streets. Black Belt instructors at Robinson’s Taekwondo will help families learn stranger danger warning signs, how to avoid unsafe situations, raise awareness and how to call for help effectively.
This is a free community service safety event offered by Robinson’s Taekwondo. Since 1975 Robinson’s has taught thousands of students self-defense in the Sacramento region. Serving the needs of the community and making the world safer is part of the credo to be Black Belt martial artists.
The free class is on Friday, April 27 from 6pm-7:30pm at regional Robinson’s Taekwondo locations. Space is limited to parents are invited to register at www.robinsontkd.com. Click on event registration.
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) -Today, a bill by Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle (Bieber) to ensure the state has a plan for dealing with discarded electric vehicle batteries passed its first legislative hurdle. Currently, there are more than 450,000 electric vehicles on the road, yet there is no plan for dealing with these batteries when they eventually reach the end of their useful life. Assembly Bill 2832 received unanimous support from the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.
“This year, we will hear a bill that would make California go to 100 percent electric vehicles on our roads, yet we have no idea what to do with these cars when they no longer work,” said Dahle. “Eventually, the state will have millions of discarded batteries on its hands. We must have a plan in order to avoid an environmental catastrophe.”
All batteries are considered hazardous waste in California when discarded. Assembly Bill 2832 would require the Department of Toxic Substances and Control to work with stakeholders to identify a plan to reuse or recycle batteries from electric vehicles at the end of their useful life. The plan would need to be submitted to the Legislature by July 1, 2020.
The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approval.
Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle serves the 1st district.
