Community News

SMUD delivers light bulbs and savings to the neighborhood
Some residents in Tahoe Park get free energy-saving light bulbs and learn how to cut their electric bills

People living in the Tahoe Park community of Sacramento received a friendly knock on the door from volunteers delivering energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. The effort was part of an ongoing pilot project by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to educate and facilitate energy savings in its communities. Tahoe Park is the third neighborhood to participate in the SMUD pilot project and other neighborhoods are being scheduled as well.

SMUD assembled a team of neighborhood groups and community volunteers, including students from Hiram Johnson High School, to change out incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in 500 homes. Each home received two CFL bulbs. SMUD conducted a similar CFL exchange in the Oak Park community last fall and in the Ben Ali neighborhood this year.

CFL bulbs are up to 75 percent more energy-efficient than incandescent light bulbs and can last eight to 10 times longer. SMUD estimates that replacing just four bulbs per home could result in a household savings of about $140 over the lifetime of the bulbs. The exchange also carries benefits for the community in total energy savings of nearly 30,000 kilowatt hours per year for 1,000 bulbs, enough to power about three homes for an entire year. Saving energy reduces the need to generate electricity, contributes to stable rates for all customers and is better for the environment.

Lighting can be as much as 20 percent of a customer’s electric bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Working with customers, SMUD has helped put nearly two million ENERGY STAR® CFL bulbs and fixtures in homes and businesses over the past several years. Nearly 60 percent of SMUD households have at least one CFL bulb in their home, compared to just 16 percent in 2000.

One of the ways SMUD has been able to achieve such remarkable market penetration is by being a participating utility in the DOE’s Change a Light, Change the World campaign. Every October and November, SMUD and more than 200 local participating retailers help customers make the change to CFL with special discounts on ENERGY STAR® bulbs and fixtures. SMUD lowers the cost of CFL bulbs. Some bulbs are priced as low as 99 cents each. SMUD has participated in the Change a Light, Change the World campaign since 1996. The electric utility has also promoted the use of energy-efficient lighting for more than 20 years. SMUD was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2004 for its residential lighting program. SMUD has also set an ambitious 1.5 percent annual energy- savings goal that surpasses the state’s goal by 50 percent

For more information about switching to energy-efficient lighting and other energy efficiency measures, visit www.smud.org. For more information about ENERGY STAR® visit energystar.gov. For more information about involving your community or neighborhood in the SMUD CFL change out effort, contact Sam Starks at 916-732-5131.

Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest

In the face of an incurable, lethal brain tumor, Jenny Boxer’s greatest dream was to care for animals that had no one to care for them. On March 19, 2008, just one month after a Make-a-Wish trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, Jenny was granted her angel wings passing over the Rainbow Bridge.

Jenny was born at Sutter Memorial Hospital on August 1, 1996. A premature baby of only 3 lbs, she was a miracle granted to her parents after 7 years of infertility treatments. After a month in the hospital, Jenny went home and grew to be a tall, exuberant girl. Jenny’s life was tap dancing, horseback riding, soccer, snorkeling, creating art, playing her saxophone, and touching the lives of family, friends and neighbors. She had an unusual way of connecting with people, befriending and touching the hearts of other children and adults alike.

Jenny was luminous, a person who truly lit up every room she entered. She was the “champion of the underdog”, whether it was a shy and excluded child or an injured animal that had trouble keeping up with the group. Her compassion and empathy for others found her the ambassador for her class when welcoming a new student, or patiently guiding younger children while crafting art or learning to read. She had a creative and whimsical side which often set her apart from her peers, but allowed her to reach out to others, young and old. She sought out life’s adventure with a passion for nature, animals and everything in the world around her. A child of unusual wisdom, Jenny would guide us to see the silver lining even during the cloudiest times.

In February 2007, Jenny was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma, an incurable form of brain cancer. Given no chance of recovery, she went forward excelling in school while undergoing extensive radiation and continual chemotherapy, fighting her way forward, searching for some unique combination of therapeutic agents that could offer her time or a cure; in short she lived looking for a miracle. Unfortunately, that miracle was not to be, but before she passed the Make-a-Wish Foundation sent Jenny to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, where Jenny was able to help dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, pigs, and myriad other needy animals with whom she felt such a personal connection as she dealt with her medical challenges. The story of Jenny’s wish has inspired people around the globe.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful loving and attentive doctors and nurses at the Sutter Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Group in Sacramento and Dr. Jonathan Finlay of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. You helped Jenny and made her feel safe while fighting an unwinnable battle. Thank you for carrying us all on this journey.

Jenny is survived by her loving mom and dad, Mary Jane and Brian Boxer of Carmichael, CA; her grandparents, Marilyn Boxer of Kensington, CA and Bridget and Terry Smart of San Antonio, TX; her great grandmother, Pat Smart of Houston, TX; her aunts and uncles, Terence and Aileen Smart of Kapolei, HI, Christopher Smart of San Antonio, TX, Claire Boxer of Santa Clarita, CA, and Larry and Samantha Boxer of Corona, CA; her cousins, Maxwell and Mayako Smart, and Chloe and Katie Boxer.Jenny is also survived by the students, teachers and families of Mary A. Deterding Elementary School in Carmichael, CA where Jenny was a student for nearly 7 years.

To our family and friends we bestow our most eternal love and gratitude for opening your arms to us, and for providing such a safe and comforting journey through many hard days. Jenny’s passing has broken many hearts, but her spirit will live on in all who knew her.

“Now cracks many hearts. Good-night sweet princess; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

In lieu of flowers, Jenny’s family asks that donations be made to the following organizations:

CHLA Neuro-oncology Research Fund
Childens Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Blvd. #29
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Please note on any checks: “In Honor of Jenny Boxer.”

All donations to the CHLA Neuro-oncology Research Fund will go to support on-going research into the treatment of pediatric brain stem gliomas, the cancer that took Jenny’s life. The research team is led by Dr. Jonathan Finlay, Director of the Neural Tumors Program at CHLA and the Keck School of Medicine at USC, and Jenny’s lead neuron-oncologist. There are no administrative costs; 100% of all funds will go directly to research programs aimed at curing this dreaded disease.

Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, Utah 84741
By Fax: 435-644-2078

The checks should be made out to BFAS, and should note the donation to “The Jenny Boxer Memorial Fund for the Animals.” These funds will go to caring for rescued animals that cannot and will not be cared for anywhere else.

Metro Fire Receives Kid's Plates Grant
By Jill Conner – Public Education Technician – Metro Fire

Every child has the right to grow up healthy and safe. We at Metro Fire have placed a high priority on injury prevention, especially for children.

One of the other main areas of our injury prevention focus is drowning prevention. Each year in the Sacramento area, far too many children and young adults fall victim to drowning or near drowning.

One way that Metro Fire is working to prevent drowning is through our life jacket loan out program, Operation River Safe.  Every year on the major summer holidays of Labor Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day, Metro Fire, in conjunction with C.E.R.T. (Citizens Emergency Response Team) sets up life jacket loan out stations at places along the river in Sacramento.  When people come to the river to swim or raft, they can borrow a properly fitted life jacket from one of our loan out stations, use it all day and return the jacket to us, all at no charge. [More]

Regional Transit Marks 35th Anniversary on April 1

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) marked its 35th anniversary on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Established in 1973 with the acquisition of the Sacramento Transit Authority, the District has grown from a citywide bus system to a multi-modal, regional transit system of 240 buses and 37.5 miles of light rail track.

RT has accomplished a number of major initiatives over the last three decades, including the conversion of the bus fleet to Compressed Natural Gas; and the introduction of light rail to Sacramento in 1987, followed by light rail extensions to South Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Folsom and the Sacramento Valley Station/Amtrak.

Over the years, RT has experienced steady growth as demonstrated by bus and light rail ridership increases.  The average weekday bus ridership for the month of February was estimated at 55,263 – a 3.5 percent increase compared to February 2007.  The average weekday light rail ridership for the month of February was estimated at 54,200 – a 9.5 percent increase compared to February 2007.

RT continues to plan for the future transportation needs of the region.  The District has embarked on the development of a Transit Master Plan, and will be engaging the community and seeking input in the coming months.  In 2009, RT will begin construction of the South Line Phase 2 light rail extension to Cosumnes River College and the first phase of the Downtown/Natomas/Airport light rail extension to 7th Street and Richards Boulevard.

“On behalf of RT’s 1,200 employees, I would like to thank the Sacramento community for their support and patronage, and encourage everyone to discover the benefits of public transit,” Mike Wiley, General Manager/CEO, stated.

Injured Paramedic Finds New Career In Jewelry

David Newton, of Carmichael CA, turns to a new career after becoming injured on the job. Newton was a Paramedic Supervisor in Yolo County until May 3, 2002. In responding to a call Newton was a victim of a “hit and run”, leaving him disabled and unable to continue his work as a paramedic.

After spending five years in recovery, including many surgeries, looking for a new job was frustrating. “There wasn’t anything that hit me, I couldn’t come up with anything I’d enjoy or was physically capable of doing,” said Newton.

The California Institute of Jewelry Training (CIJT) was that saving grace, “I was driving by the school and I thought that it seemed interesting so I dropped in.”

Now a full time student of CIJT, Newton is learning how to become a jeweler. With a Masters in Business from the University of Phoenix, Newton hopes to one day have his own store and he is already starting to build up clientele.

“My wife and daughters are very excited that I am learning to become a jeweler, so they can wear all the jewelry and my old employees and co-workers have already mentioned they’d give me jewelry to repair.”

Newton is married and has five children, his wife also a paramedic. His family is very supportive of his new career path.

“I can be creative and with that creativity I can build that into something I can be proud of and something others can enjoy. It gives me the freedom to stand, sit and walk around.”

His goal after finishing the program is to work in a jewelry shop for a year to learn about the business and eventually start his own store.

“Now being able to focus on something fun and getting a career is something I can do for the rest of my life!”

For more information contact Valerie Adams at Valerie@jewelrytraining.com or (916) 487-1122

County Seeking New Name for Goethe Park
Region’s park users and residents asked to weigh-in

Sacramento, CA., --The County of Sacramento is renaming C.M. Goethe Park, located along the southern bend of the American River. To gather ideas about possible new names and gauge public reaction to the five names previously suggested, a survey is being launched March 4 through March 30, 2008 at www.sacparks.net.

“It’s essential we gather input from a broad spectrum of Sacramento residents and stakeholders,” said Director Gary Kukkola. “To find a name that equals the beautiful 444-acre park, we are doing extensive public outreach. We hope to build some consensus before we make our recommendation to the Recreation and Park Commission and Board of Supervisors.”

The renaming process began as a response to citizen requests; the Board of Supervisors voted for the name change in January. Though the Park’s namesake was a renowned philanthropist and naturalist, the name was no longer considered appropriate since he was a promoter of a social movement known as eugenics.

“Suggestions from residents are important to us, and we want to hear from everyone,” said Dan Gonzales, Recreation and Park Commissioner. Residents wishing to weigh in via telephone, or to receive a survey in the mail, may call 916-875-6961. A self addressed, postage-paid envelope will be included to return their survey.

A naming committee comprised of two American River Parkway Advisory Committee members, one Recreation and Park Commissioner and two County staff members will sort through survey responses. The committee will choose a name to recommend based on several factors including community input and compliance with Parks naming policy. (The policy is available on the Parks website.)

The five names previously suggested include:

1. Nisek'aw Park – based on words from the Maidu Tribe of Native Americans meaning “our land
2. Leidesdorff Ranch- named after a prominent Californian pioneer in the late 1800’s
3. River Bend Park - based on a geographical feature of the park, as the river makes a significant U-shaped bend at the location of the Park
4. Willow Bar - highlights the Park’s gravel bar that hosts variety of willow trees.
5. Live Oak Park - inspired by the unique abundance of Live Oak trees
6. ounty staff will make recommendations to the American River Parkway Advisory Committee, and the Recreation and Park Commission, both in April. Final recommendations should go before the Board of Supervisors for approval in May.

Assemblyman Niello Honors SMUD GM Jan Schori as Woman of the Year
Her leadership of SMUD and her Community Efforts are recognized in Capitol Ceremony

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks), honored Jan Schori of Sacramento as the 2008 Woman of the Year for the 5th Assembly District during a special Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol on Monday.

“Jan will be retiring as General Manager of SMUD later this year and her efforts there for the past 29 years, and especially as General Manager for the past 14 are to be commended,” said Assembly Niello. “In addition, her community service as an active volunteer are also greatly appreciated and set an example for others to follow.” Under Ms. Schori’s leadership, SMUD ranked first in the nation for the district’s excellent service to its business customers and has consistently topped the California utility list for residential and business customer satisfaction. SMUD has consistently been a leader on environmental issues and energy efficiency and has pioneered solar power on rooftops and planted hundreds of thousands of trees locally to save energy.

In addition to her work at SMUD, she has been an active volunteer in the Sacramento region for many years, helping youth foster children transition to adulthood through the United Way’s Women in Philanthropy initiative. She has received both the Distinguished Service Award from Valley Vision and the 2006 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award from United Way

“She is a model of community and public service, and I am proud to have nominated her for this award at the State Capitol,” said Assemblyman Niello “I am honored to have been named Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Niello. I am inspired by this award and will continue to work to improve the lives of others in our community,” said Ms. Schori.

The Woman of the Year ceremony is an annual event to celebrate remarkable women in California who are making a difference in their communities. Honorees from throughout the state were recognized during Monday’s special Assembly floor session. Assemblyman Niello awarded Jan Schori with an Assembly resolution in recognition of her community service.

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