Sacramento Regional Tasty World Transit District Moves Art Easter Treats Local Artists Design Light Rail Wraps PAGE 10 for “Rolling Art” Exhibition PAGE 5 Grapevine ndependent VOLUMEI 5147 •• ISSUE ISSUE 12 25 PROUDLY PROUDLY SERVING SERVING RANCHO RANCHO CORDOVA CORDOVA & SACRAMENTO & SACRAMENTO COUNTY SINCE 1968COUNTY MARCHJune 19, 23, 20152018 CORDOVA BLANKS CHP Investigation FLORIN 10-0 BIBA Awards Honors Those Results in Arrests of Davis Tow Who Make Community Great Incorporated Employees By California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - A two-year criminal inves- tigation by the California Highway Patrol, Valley Division Investigative Services Unit, culminated yesterday in the PAGE 13 arrests of five employees from Sacramento County-based Davis Tow Incorporated (Davis Tow), which included the owners. PROJECT LINUS SEEKS The investigation revealed BLANKETEERS FOR Davis Tow developed business practices that involved the illegal LOCAL CHILDREN towing of vehicles from com- mercial properties in the area of Sleep Train Arena in order to profit from the towing and impound fees. Davis Tow routinely failed to properly report private property tows resulting in increased storage fees and often the lien sale of the vehicles at a profit to Davis Tow. Each of the individuals listed below were arrested and charged with 29 counts of auto theft PAGE 2 (10851(a) V.C.) and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime (182(a)(1) P.C.). Bail for each person has been set at $1,000,000.
AEROJET SHIPS Owners: Scott Gordon Davis, 54 STARLINER RE- Robert Sanger and his team (above photo) from the Folsom Cordova Community – Placerville Partnership took home Nonprofit of the Year. Anna Hovakimyan of Hi Coffee Christopher Gerald Davis, 46 (photo at right) took home the Rising Star award. Photos by Rick Sloan ENTRY THRUSTERS – Antelope By MPG Staff Board Chair, Denise Brandt Leslie James McKenzie, 50 (National University) shared, “The – Chico RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Chamber is proud to have this Employees: Rancho Cordova Chamber of opportunity to honor businesses Andrew Robert Harless, 30 Commerce held its Best In Business and individuals for their signifi- – Homewood Awards (BIBA) last week, honoring cant role in driving business and Erik Steven Dyer, 37 – Elverta those who have dedicated their time economic prosperity.” to growing their business and making Diann Rogers, President & The investigation thus far has the community a better place. The CEO of the Chamber, stated, “We identified more than 250 vic- River City Christian Church hosted are responsible for providing tims resulting in approximately the event that saw no empty seats quality programs and services to PAGE 14 $100,000 in damages. If you and West Coast Events and Hi Coffee our business community. The out- feel that you have been a victim catered for those in attendance. standing Directors on our board of an unlawfully towed vehi- Over 150 business and commu- are all business and community cle by Davis Tow, please go to nity leaders joined with the board leaders dedicated to that pur- http://www.chp.ca.gov/davis- and team from the Rancho Cordova pose.” We are excited to welcome tow-investigation, where you Chamber in celebrating prosperity five new directors for 2018: can complete an incident report throughout Rancho Cordova. Continued on page 3 or call the California Highway Patrol at (916) 731-6431. H Rancho Cordova Resident Dazzles in Disney on Ice Performances By Russell Hartley, special feeling performing close to home.” every time she returns. City of Rancho Cordova Justine’s memories of growing up in “Whenever I get to go home during a Rancho Cordova include going to the rink break from tour, I take notice of the estab- RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - “There isn't and practicing early in the morning, then lishments that have grown in businesses anything like it. For me, home is where it commuting to school, then going to the around the area. Other than that, the same had all started,” says ice skater Justine Lopez dance studio, then heading back to the rink, feeling I get when I’m home is always after performing in a series of Disney on Ice and once again heading to the dance studio there. Nostalgic,” says Lopez. shows held in Sacramento in mid-February. before returning home. Basically, Justine And what's next for Justine Lopez? She Growing up in Rancho Cordova and also has kept busy for quite some time, working is currently finishing the West Coast por- a current resident, Justine had the oppor- to perfect her skills as much as possible. tion of her tour and making her way to tunity to perform close to home over the But as busy as she is, Justine still takes the Florida for rehearsals to prepare for the recent holidays at the Golden 1 Center, time to appreciate her surroundings. Asia/Australia/New Zealand shows. With which she described as being an honor. On growing up in Rancho Cordova, all the time and hard work Justine puts in The theme of the Disney on Ice shows was Justine says, “It wasn’t the busy part that to becoming the best skater she can be, she “Follow Your Heart,” which led Justine was so fond, but rather the landscapes that still finds the time to work on earning a back to where her journey began. I would take in.” Bachelor’s degree in Business after receiv- “With the theme of the show, it’s as if Since joining the Disney on Ice tour, ing her Associate’s degree this past year. Rancho Cordovan Justine Lopez has I ‘followed my heart’ back home to my Justine has traveled all over, but has From there, the sky is the limit for Rancho traveled all over since joining the Disney roots,” she says. “There’s always just a noticed the changes in Rancho Cordova Cordova’s shining star. H on Ice tour and is preparing for shows in Asia, Australia and New Zealand soon. www.RanchoCordovaIndependent.com 2 • CARMICHAEL• The Independent TIMES • GRAPEVINE INDEPENDENT • CITRUS HEIGHTS MESSENGER • AMERICAN RIVER MESSENGER • GOLD RIVER MESSENGER • MARCHMARCH 23,, 2018 Project Linus Seeks Blanketeers for Local Children in Need SMUD and Simple Energy Offer Home By Elise Spleiss Services Via SMUD Energy Store SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) By SMUD trusted advisor for all of their - On Christmas Eve morning, energy-related needs.” 1995, Karen Loucks came across SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - By providing project inspira- the compelling photo of a bald Simple Energy and SMUD are tion, a network of pre-screened three-year-old girl named Laura expanding SMUD Energy Store local contractors, cost guides, Williams in a long pink dress, to include home services. how-to information and access holding her special “blankie.” Since last year, visitors to the to available rebates and financ- Written by Pulitzer Prize- store have been able to shop for ing, SMUD Energy Store gives winning photo-journalist Eddie energy-related and smart-home our customers what they need Adams, the article in Parade products. Now customers can to successfully complete their Magazine told of Laura’s battle also choose from a variety of home improvement projects. with leukemia and how her blan- home services categories, each Over time, SMUD Energy Store ket has helped her get through featuring project ideas, available will continue to expand the ser- more than two years of grueling SMUD rebates and financing vices and products it offers. chemotherapy. options, a contractor matching As the nation’s sixth-larg- After reading that article, Karen tool and educational resources. est community-owned electric Loucks, who was 23 at the time, The contractor matching tool, service provider, SMUD has and had just learned to crochet, powered by HomeAdvisor, been providing low-cost, reli- decided she could crochet blan- helps homeowners connect with able electricity for more than An elementary soccer team with blankets from Sacramento Chapter Linus Project. kets to help children like Laura; Photo courtesy of Claire Gliddon the right service professionals to 70 years to Sacramento County thus started Project Linus. complete home projects. and small adjoining portions To date, Loucks, her friends on the hamster wheel just to see facility such as the Fair Oaks thing in the hospital that’s mine.” “This addition to SMUD of Placer and Yolo Counties. and hundreds of volunteers have it turn…. Here I can see results Library, or at one of the many Following the Columbine Energy Store will make it easier SMUD is a recognized indus- presented thousands of home- every day. We can’t stop the disas- chapter gatherings that take school shooting in 1999, blanket for our customers to complete try leader and award winner made blankets to Denver's Rocky ters but can have a positive effect place all over Sacramento and donations expanded to victims of energy-saving home improve- for its innovative energy effi- Mountain Children's Cancer and help where we can… It’s kids Placer County. Yarn and fabric is other disasters. Besides mostly ment projects,” said Nicole ciency programs, renewable Center and many other venues helping kids, they use their own available if needed. staying local, children affected Howard, SMUD’s chief cus- power technologies, and for locally and worldwide. hands to help others.” “Blanketeers” include seniors, by 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, tomer officer. “It brings together its sustainable solutions for a The Sacramento Chapter, with members of faith communi- fires in California, and school our product catalog, rebates, healthier environment. SMUD’s Claire Gliddon at the helm since ties, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, shootings are just some of the financing and HomeAdvisor’s power mix is about 50 percent 1997, is working tirelessly to get 4-H Clubs and both junior high recipients of blankets from network of pre-screened service non-carbon emitting. For more their own blankets out to children and high school students need- Gliddon’s blanketeers. providers, and we think our information, visit smud.org. in need in Sacramento and Placer ing community service hours. Gliddon and her volunteers customers will love it.” Simple Energy is the lead- counties. Local “blanketeers” Yarn is even provided to the have been invited to exhibit their SMUD Energy Store’s home ing provider of utility-branded made and delivered 12,437 blan- Chowchilla Women’s Prison and blankets at the California State services offering helps cus- marketplaces for large inves- kets to needy children in 2017. men at Folsom State Prison to Fair since 2015. tomers in a variety of ways. tor-owned, municipal, and Today Gliddon is seeking more make blankets for the chapter. A special plea is going out to Customers who know what cooperative utilities including volunteers of all ages and organi- Blankets are donated to over all collectors for new or almost they’re looking for—such as a Exelon, Southern Company, zations that need that “hug” for 100 local organizations all year. new Beanie Babies. The project contractor to do a furnace tune- Xcel Energy, National Grid, children. Donations of mate- These include hospitals, low- starts at the beginning of each up—will quickly be matched and SMUD. Simple Energy’s rial and yarn to make even more income elementary schools, December when they choose a with available pre-screened con- software as a service (“SaaS”) blankets are needed. Seniors and food closets, shelters, police handful of low income schools tractors. Customers looking for instant rebate, customer others who love to knit, cro- departments, child abuse pre- and present every kindergartener Founder Claire Gliddon with inspiration can browse services engagement, digital market- blankets ready to be delivered. Photo chet, quilt or sew can join in the vention programs, the Sheriff’s with a warm blanket. A very such as Heating & Cooling, ing, and ecommerce solutions courtesy of Claire Gliddon fun and camaraderie of creating Department, Ronald McDonald special touch is the addition of Appliance Upgrades and Water engage customers, drive energy ‘Linus’ was chosen for the logo, something that will make a huge House, My Mother’s Voice, My a Beanie Baby in a little pouch Heaters & Plumbing and find savings, facilitate the sale of as the image of Charles Schulz’s difference in the life of a child Sister’s House and Wellspring with each blanket. In 2017, 790 step-by-step instructions, locate energy-saving products and beloved Peanuts character with his or teenager. These ‘homemade Women’s Center, to name a blankets were delivered to these a class or workshop and get services, and serve as the plat- trusted security blanket tells the hugs’ can be as simple or com- few. Blankets are also donated schools just before Winter break. equipment operating tips. form for the utility of the future. mission of the project perfectly. plex as the creator choses. to children of veterans. Every Those who join receive an Simple Energy CEO Yoav Learn more at SimpleEnergy. Since 1995, 400 chapters There are no meetings, no blanket gets a tag sewn on that information packet with a list Lurie said: “Our utility-branded com. H nationwide have delivered close to quotas. The only requisite is says, “Made with Love for of gatherings, drop-off sites and marketplace has been proven to 7,000,000 blankets to children in that blankets be new, handmade Project Linus.” suggested sizes. For more info, drive the most customer trans- need of all ages. and washable. Whether you are The children know the dif- contact Claire Gliddon at (916) actions, and this product launch In a recent phone interview a beginner or an expert, whether ference from a manufactured 965-8955, e-mail claire@sac. is a significant step forward for We Support with Loucks, she said, “For me, you can make one blanket a blanket and are “touched that a projectlinus.us or visit their web- our platform. We’re excited to it’s thrilling to be a part of this… year or 100, all are welcome. stranger would take the time to site www.sacprojectlinus.org and help SMUD deliver a delightful I don’t like to do something unless Blankets can be made at home, make something for them.” One Facebook page at Project Linus- customer experience for home Our Military I can make a difference. I don’t get with friends, at a community child stated, “This is the only Sacramento-Chapter. H services and be their customers’
SPRING Donald Kendrick, Music Director SEASON 22
Praise and Jubilation West Coast PremiereJubilate Deo | Dan Forrest Te Deum | Antonin Dvorak Ancient Airs and Dances | Ottorino Respighi
Rachel Songer, Soprano Projected Anne-Marie Endres, Soprano supertitle Shawn Spiess, Baritone translations
GuEST ChORuSES Wed., May 9 Thurs., April 5 Sacramento Children’s Chorus – Alexander Grambow, Director Wed., July 18 Thurs., June 7 Sacramento State University Chorus Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 8 pm Pre-concert talk by Donald Kendrick 7pm Sacramento Community Center Theater
TICKETS CCT BOX OFFICE | 916.808.5181 or TICKETS.COM Sacramentochoral.com MARCH 23, 2018 The Independent • 3 BIBA Awards Honors Those Rancho Cordova Police Chief Who Make Community Great Chris Pittman Speaks at Luncheon Continued from page 1 By Rich Peters, MPG Editor shows exactly when Get involved by: • Sally Howard, Folsom Lake College and where crimes are • Participating in a • Mike Luca, CBRE Industrial Properties RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - happening and allows neighborhood watch Rancho Cordova hosted its officers to visually see group or neighbor- • Greg Robinson, Bank of the West monthly luncheon last week, “hot spots” and patrol hood improvement • Chuck Shaw, Fite Development this time bringing up Police those areas accord- committee Chief Chris Pittman to the ingly. You can access • Price Walker, Elliott Homes • Volunteering at a stage. Pittman discussed the the community crime neighborhood school or We want to acknowledge the hard work and sup- Police Chief current state of crime around map by visiting ran- youth organization port from two outgoing directors: the city, what they have been chocordovapd.com. Chris Pittman • Tony Cincotta, Republic Services (2015-2018) doing to lower those rates and • Staying informed and getting involved in community issues • Terrence McNamara, A. Teichert & Son, Inc. what can be expected from Chief Pittman’s message that matter to you (2009-2017) them in the future. to the community: Pittman, his officers and The Rancho Cordova Police • Being an observant, caring and The stage was then set for each award’s pre- the City of Rancho Cordova Department’s goal is to create considerate neighbor senter and the winners were honored with great have been working together a safe and vibrant community • Volunteering with the Police applause as they made their way to the stage and Douglas Brewer of State Farm won Micro Business of to construct a system that by developing and maintain- Department posed for photos taken by Rick Sloan. the Year. Photos by Rick Sloan is both transparent and effi- ing stakeholder partnerships and cient for the community. Most community involvement. • Becoming active in other ser- Full list of winners: • Nonprofit of the Year – recently, RCPD has been using Providing Police Service is vice organizations • Micro Business of the Year – Folsom Cordova Community Partnership a blend of proven police tac- more than reactionary policing; Douglas A. Brewer, State Farm Insurance Agency • Rising Star – Hi Coffee The men and women of tics combined with the newest it is civic engagement coupled • Small Business of the Year – • Ambassador of the Year – the Rancho Cordova Police technology to help continue to with proactive innovation that Spainhower Chiropractic Kimberly Austin Department look forward to lower crime rate around the spurs development and growth. • Midsize Business of the Year – • Chairman’s Award – meeting our upcoming challenges city. I invite you to become a B&J Body Shop & Towing Facilities Team, City of Rancho Cordova and providing the community H One tactic being used is the partner in making your neigh- • Large Business of the Year – For more information visit ranchocordova.org with unmatched excellence in community crime map. This borhood and business thrive. Marriott Sacramento, Rancho Cordova law enforcement services. H WhiskerWhisker WarriorsWarriors S a Neuter accinate FREE or ot do s cats