Amgen Tour Brings Overall Finish to “Criminal Justice Sacramento Shadow Day” Page 2 Youth Program Page 2 Volume 36 • Issue 21 Serving Carmichael and Sacramento County since 1981 May 20, 2016 WHAT DID AMI BIG Day of BERA KNOW, The Eagles Have Landed Giving Raises AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT? American River Hosts Rare Residents $7.1 Million for Local Nonprofits SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento region’s BIG Day of Giving — the annual 24-hour giving event that was extended due to a techni- cal interruption that impacted similar events across the country — generated a record $7.1 million in contributions to local nonprofits earlier this Page 2 month, exceeding its $6 mil- lion goal and surpassing the $5.6 million raised during the BUDGET REVISE giving event last year. “Together, our commu- EARNS RESPONSES nity overcame unexpected FROM LEADERS obstacles and persevered — and, once again, demon- strated a truly generous spirit during BIG Day of Giving. The 570 participating non- profits and our entire region rebounded from those techni- cal challenges and rallied in an extraordinary way,” said Linda Beech Cutler, chief executive of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, which organizes the event with the support of its community partners. Given the giving plat- Page 2 form's failure during the May 3 fundraiser, the Foundation encouraged donors to give Still bearing residual juvenile plumage, the male eagle’s profile is iconic. to participating nonprofits directly and elected to extend PRO RUGBY Story and photos species is recovering. We’ve also had eagles when scores of off-leash dogs hit the park- BIG Day of Giving into the by Susan Maxwell Skinner nesting at Folsom Lake for the last eight or way. Newer hints from El Dorado Hills sent following afternoon, allowing nine years.” me to an eyrie built there, not by eagles but nonprofits an additional 15 ARRIVES IN SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Proof of a The news comes decades after the giant by red-tailed hawks — magnificent birds but hours to leverage the event's comeback by a once-endangered species, birds seemed close to extinction. In years not my Holy Grail. momentum. The Foundation SACRAMENTO two bald eagles have made a home on the following WW II, widespread use of the Weeks ago, Lake Natoma neighbors con- also announced its commit- American River’s Lake Natoma. A rich hab- DDT pesticide — absorbed by animals firmed gold. A hiker swore point-blank ment to covering the fees itat for North America’s largest raptor, the common to eagle diets — caused eggshell a bald eagle had snatched a fish from the Kimbia assessed on donations 2,000-acre lake and surrounding reserve weakness and incubation failures. Bald water before her astonished eyes. Then my that were made to nonprofits falls between Gold River, Folsom, and eagles faced a bleak future. By the 1970s, KFBK radio editor friend Judy Farah identi- at www.bigdayofgiving.org. Orangevale. less than 50 breeding pairs remained in fied a “bald” flying near the lake. I followed “Faced with the technology On water and in surrounding sub- California. The pesticide was banned in her directions and searched. During a recent, challenges on BIG Day of urbs, sightings of the iconic pair are being 1972. Protective laws and programs were unforgettable sunset, my eagles landed. Giving, our region's response Page 3 reported; naturalists hope they will breed in introduced and the birds have repopulated The couple perched 30 feet above me, mere illustrated the essential char- the state park. For this photographer, find- in what could only be called a victory for yards from bluff-side homes. As their pom- acter of this community ing them on lake bluffs rewarded a long conservation. “Their numbers are on the padours caught sunlight I idiotically felt like — resilient, generous, and local search for the species. Our nation’s rise all across the nation,” confirms Captain saluting. They eyed me with unconcerned above all, caring,” said Cutler. proudest symbol, the bald eagle is common Jeter. majesty. I learned bluff residents had been The disruption to the event in more northern and mountainous areas My American River quest to photograph observing these rare raptors for months. was caused by nationwide of California. Ornithologists are thrilled to the eagles began years ago. During the Flying from the forbidden snake-infested outages on the Kimbia fun- see it soaring above homes and streets near 2006 salmon run I heard of a juvenile near bluffs, the couple landed atop conifers draising platform that the Sacramento; these birds have baldly gone Nimbus Dam. Reports filtered in over fol- below. On lake trails, hikers greeted me Foundation has used to host where no other eagles dared. lowing seasons. Early this spring, my camera with news of “our eagles.” Their presence the region’s prior successful “They’re in areas where they’ve never trigger-finger itched when I heard a pair had seemed common knowledge. giving days, which has raised been recorded before,” says Captain Mark alighted at Carmichael’s William Pond Park. The birds are unmistakable when spot- over $9 million for local non- Jeter from the California Fish and Wildlife They began a nest but apparently reconsid- ted on tree tops. Huge, yellow feet enable profits since 2013. Cutler Department. “This shows how well the ered — possibly after a holiday weekend Scan our QR Code for a Continued on page 3 Continued on page 10 direct link to our online edition! PAID Olympians to Teach PERMIT 350 PERMIT US POSTAGE Carmichael, CA PRESORTED STD. PRESORTED Change Service Requested Water Polo Skills By Ella Tomlin Attacker position earned a Gold Medal of Water Polo. in 2012 and a Silver Medal in 2008. After the clinic, Peter Hudnut, Ryan RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rio Sean Nolan, Olympian at the Goalie Bailey, and ARWPC’s own Heather 2016 Summer Olympics are just around position was with the 2000 Olympic Moody, will be the guests for meet and the corner and our area will welcome team. Sean Nolan, is currently the USA greet event at Ten22, a restaurant in four decorated Water Polo Olympians Water Polo Olympic Development Old Sacramento. From 6-8 p.m., they to Rio Americano High School on June Program - National Goalie Technical will share their Olympic experiences, 4th. American River Water Polo Club Director. Peter Hudnut was an chat about the sport of water polo and is offering an opportunity for our local Olympian Defender on the 2008 what the sport means to them. Tickets athletes to learn from the best of the Olympic Silver Medalist Team. Joining are available for purchase tickets www. best. During three, one-hour clinics, the group will be four-time Olympian, ARWPC.com. the athletes will learn skills, strategies, Ryan Bailey; He was part of the 2000, American River Water Polo Club and competitive mind-set from some of 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Men’s actively supports growing the sport of the most elite athletes in the world. water polo teams and is considered one water polo throughout the Sacramento Jessica Steffens (above), Olympian at the Attacker position earned a Gold Medal in 2012 and a Silver Jessica Steffens, Olympian at the of the all-time great centers in the sport Continued on page 12 Medal in 2008. www.CarmichaelTimes.com 2 • Carmichael Times May 20, 2016 Amgen Tour Brings Overall Finish to Sacramento LETTER TO THE EDITOR SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County is proud to host, for the very first time, the overall finish stage of the 11th annual Amgen Tour of California, the largest cycling event in the United States. On May What Did Ami Bera Know, 22nd, Sacramento will be abuzz with both the men’s and women’s finishing stages of the tour. The final stage comes after the riders’ cycle and When Did He Know It? throughout California, kicking-off in San Diego May 15, ending at the Capitol building on May 22nd. The By Zach Hunter, NRCC Bera expects us to believe that Did Rep. Bera ever have per- nearly 800 mile tour will end with an 84-mile Final his elderly father masterminded sonal conversations with any of Stage highlighting the beauty of the Sacramento Ami Bera claims he learned a massive money laundering these donors reimbursed by his region. The riders will travel along the Sacramento The final stage comes after the riders’ cycle just last October of the illegal scheme without help, including father? Did they ever mention River through the delta and cross the iconic Tower throughout California, kicking-off in San Diego May campaign finance scheme that from his son? his father’s role? Bridge twice before crossing the finish line around 15th, ending at the Capitol building on May 22nd. brought nearly $270,000 into his Babulal Bera used the illegal Why did Babulal Bera use the Capitol building. scenic American River Parkway before ending at the campaign coffers, but a cursory practices widely over multiple these practices in 2010 and 2012, “Sacramento County is proud to welcome the Sacramento stage finish in downtown Sacramento. look at the facts raises even more election cycles. How could the but not 2014? Who put a stop to 2016 Amgen Tour of California back to our capital The ride is open to the public and will include cyclists questions about his involvement. candidate, campaign manag- the scheme? region. We’re excited to showcase the most beauti- of all ages and skill levels. In court, Ami’s 83-year-old ers, and finance directors in both Clearly, recent revelations are ful areas of the County and celebrate the tour finale Live race coverage can been seen on NBC Sports father requested a translator for cycles be completely unaware just the tip of the iceberg.