Golden State Collision Hosts Community Food Drive
Posted: 4/19/2012
Placer County – Golden State Collision Centers, Inc. hosted a community event, in partnership with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, which benefited The Placer Food Bank at the Golden State Collision Center in Lincoln, 100 Flocchini Circle, on April 11, 2012.
In their first annual benefit for the Placer Food Bank, Golden State Collision Centers and local business members joined together in collecting non-perishable food items, as well as monetary donations, all of which were donated directly to the food bank.
“One of the unfortunate realities of our economic recession is that there are still so many families suffering economically, many of whom are without the means to put food on their tables. After the holiday season has passed, there is a diminished focus on the needs of the people served by the food bank operations. The result is the amount of food on the shelves of the food banks becomes depleted over time,” said Dave Finkelstein, owner of Golden State Collision Centers, Inc. “We are delighted to join with local businesses in an annual food drive, in the hope of filling the cupboards and drawing attention to the vital efforts of Placer Food Bank to meet the needs of our local residents.”
Local sponsors of the event included Nothing Bundt Cakes of Roseville, CA, Scott’s Seafood, Enterprise Holdings, Inc., Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, Shari’s Berries, and Beyer, Pongratz & Rosen Law Corporation.
A considerable contributor to local athletic organizations, Golden State Collision Centers is also a significant contributor to the Northern California Chapter of Make a Wish Organization, Boy Scouts of America, and Girl Scouts Heart of Central California. Golden State Collision Centers has five locations in the Sacramento area, servicing customers in Roseville, Sacramento, Orangevale, Lincoln and Yuba City.
Source: GSCC
Distracted Driving Puts Teens at High Risk
Posted: 4/11/2012
Teen girls are twice as likely to use electronic devices while driving, AAA study shows.
Female teens are twice as likely as male teens to use cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, according to a new in-car video study from the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety. The study also shows that many other potential driving distractions are common and problematic among teenage drivers.
The Foundation study is the first study using in-car video footage to focus on teen distracted driving. Researchers identified the prevalence and consequences of various distracted driver behaviors among teens. They also identified the prevalence and consequences of distracting conditions that teens face. These behaviors and conditions vary based on the presence of passengers, the time of day, the sex of the driver, and other potentially important factors.
“Cell phones, texting, personal grooming, and reaching for items in the car were among the most common distracting activities that the cameras caught inside the cars of new teen drivers,” says Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “This new study provides the best view we’ve had about how and when teens engage in distracted driving behaviors, which are believed to contribute to making car crashes the leading cause of teenage deaths.”
The main findings from the report show that gender played a role in some of the observed distractions. Females were nearly twice as likely as males to use an electronic device while driving, and overall, were nearly 10 percent more likely to be seen engaging in other distracted behaviors, like reaching for an object in the vehicle (nearly 50 percent more likely than males) or eating or drinking (nearly 25 percent more likely than males). On the other hand, males were roughly twice as likely to turn around in their seats while driving and were also more likely to communicate with people outside of their vehicle. “Drivers are three times as likely to take their eyes off the road when using electronic devices. They were also two and a half times more likely to look away from the road when engaged in other behaviors.” says Harris. “A second may not seem like much, but at 65 miles per hour a car travels the length of a basketball court in a single second. That extra second can mean the difference between life and death.”
Foundation data analysis also found that potentially distracting activities significantly decreased when parents or other adults were present in the car. In contrast, loud conversations and horseplay were more than twice as likely to occur when multiple teen peers, instead of just one, were present. These distractions are particularly concerning, as they are associated with the occurrence of crashes, other serious incidents, and high g-force events. Drivers were six times as likely to have a serious incident when there was loud conversation in the vehicle, and they were more than twice as likely to have a high g-force event when there was horseplay. AAA tips for parents to improve teen drivers’ safety as they start to drive on their own: Practice, practice, practice. Once teens have their actual license, continue to ensure that basic skills are mastered and to introduce varied driving conditions such as snow and heavy traffic rural roads with an experienced driver in the passenger seat.
Keep passengers out. Teen drivers’ crash risks multiply with teenage passengers in the vehicle. Set limits and enforce them consistently.
Limit night driving. Reduced visibility makes night driving riskier for drivers of all ages. For inexperienced teens it’s even harder. Allow new teen drivers to drive at night only if it’s truly necessary for them to practice driving in the dark with a parent.
Keep setting rules. Establish and enforce rules above and beyond state laws. In addition to night and passenger limits, set rules for inclement weather, highways, cities, or other driving conditions in which a teen has not gained enough experience. Find a parent-teen agreement on TeenDriving.aaa.com that can help. The data for this report came from an analysis of video clips collected as part of a three-phase naturalistic study of 50 North Carolina families with novice teen drivers. The first study looked at how parents supervise their teens during the learner’s stage, and the second examined how teen behaviors and driving conditions shift during the transition to unsupervised driving. For the current study, 7,858 clips from the first six months of unsupervised driving were re-analyzed to investigate distraction specifically.
For more information about teen driving visit our website at www.aaa.com/teendriving. AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to nearly 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.
What’s Up With Hiring?
Job demand & hiring trends looking up
Posted: 4/11/2012
Sacramento Region – Hiring motivated by the need to grow workforces in Sacramento will rise above hiring only for replacements for the first time in several years in the Second Quarter of 2012.
In direct contacts by phone with Sacramento’s top regional companies, Pacific Staffing has discovered significant indications of economic improvement as seventy-one percent (71%) of employers say they are hiring in April, May and June 2012. For the first time in years, forty-two percent (42%) of planned hiring was motivated by the need to grow existing workforces. While just thirty-eight percent (38%) of Sacramento regional employers, polled directly between February 27th and March 17th, attributed hiring needs to attrition, or replacements within their existing workforces. Hiring attributed to growth demands has trended up for three Quarters in a row among Sacramento employers surveyed.
Warmer temperatures are also heating up hiring demand as Sacramento’s regional agriculture, recreation and hospitality companies begin seasonal hiring. Ten percent of hiring demand in the second quarter is attributed to seasonal change. While most of the regional economy is improving, some of those involved in residential construction, property development and some peripheral industries remain slow. Three percent of those surveyed report they will consider reducing workforces in the next three months as business remains slow for their individual companies.
Sacramento’s employment marketplace is warming back to life but recent strong spikes in gasoline costs were of great concern to those polled. In anecdotal conversations with company contacts, higher transportation costs for employees; and increased company transportation and petroleum related products costs could throw cold water on hiring plans quickly forcing a renewed slowdown.
While companies are getting a large number of applicants, many are noting the first problems in selecting specific qualifications. Finding applicants with specific skills are among first concerns as companies seek customer service, sales, technical, general office, manufacturing and warehouse workers in the next three months.
How does this Quarter compare to last Quarter, or last year? Find out for yourself.
For more information, employment blogs & market surveys go to www.pacificstaffing.com.
Source: Pacific Trends Quarterly
Placer County Sheriff Hosts National Night Out
Posted: 3/8/2012
Picture above, from left to right, are PCSO personnel who helped make National Night Out 2011 an award-winning success: Community Services Officer Lynn Harrison, Deputy Victoria Skellenger, CSO Shannon Herdegen, Lt. Wayne Woo, Undersheriff Devon Bell, CSO Amanda Rogers, Sgt. Rob Dellinger and CSO Kim Rivera. Photo by Dena Erwin, PIO Placer County – For the third year in a row, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office has been honored for hosting one of the best National Night Out events in the U.S. in 2011, placing thirteenth, just behind much larger jurisdictions like Los Angeles County and Houston, Texas.
National Night Out is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday of August, when first-responders caravan in emergency vehicles to dozens of Placer County neighborhoods. They visit established Neighborhood Watch groups, which hold ice cream socials, barbecues and all sorts of get-togethers. In 2011, more than 37 million people in 15,325 communities across the U.S. participated.
Dedicated members of all the Neighborhood Watch groups in Placer County are given credit for the department’s win.
“The commitment these neighbors have shown by taking control of their neighborhoods and watching out for each other is the reason we earned national recognition again,” said Sheriff Ed Bonner.
Neighborhoods interested in creating a Neighborhood Watch group are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (530) 889-7800.
Placer County Sheriff Community Awareness Academy Begins
Posted: 2/8/2012
Placer County – It’s time to sign up for the Placer County Sheriff Office’s popular Community Awareness Academy, which offers an inside look at the law enforcement agency.
Attendees are asked to attend all eight classes, each of which covers a different topic.
Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evenings, beginning March 5 and ending March 28. Participants will hear from members of the department’s special units and take “field trips” to the Placer County Jail and morgue, 911 dispatch center, as well as the air operations hangar.
Classes will be held in the Community Room at the Placer County Sheriff headquarters in the Auburn Justice Center. The center is located at 2929 Richardson. Drive in north Auburn’s Dewitt Center. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The academy will kick off with a welcome by top sheriff’s administrators and an overview of how the department works.
On subsequent nights, presentations will be made by air operations, Search and Rescue, the bomb squad, the Special Enforcement Team, the marine unit, investigations, hostage negotiators and the drug task force. There will also be a demonstration by members of the K-9 team.
The academy is intended to provide the citizens of Placer County with an overview of the Sheriff Office’s functions, policies and procedures, as well as getting them involved in their community. The goal of the academy is to provide a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age.
A reservation is required. To reserve a spot, call Community Services Officer Kim Rivera at (530) 889-6922 or e-mail her at krivera@placer.ca.gov.
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.
Placer County Fair Names New GM
Posted: 1/4/2012
New Placer County Fair General Manager John Javidan. Placer County – John Javidan has accepted the General Manager position at the Placer County Fair Association and will coordinate, promote and manage the Placer County Fair and Events Center. He will also be working with the new Speedway manager Jeff Munro to help promote the All American Speedway.
Javidan will continue to coordinate and promote Roseville’s Downtown Tuesday Nights every Tuesday in May, June and July beginning on May 1, 2012 through Johny 5 Productions.
Javidan will also continue to coordinate BerryFest on Mothers Day Weekend May 12 and 13, 2012, though during his employment at PCF the event will be coordinated through the Placer County Fair and Events Center office in Roseville.
The Placer County Fair will be held from June 21st through the 24, 2012 in Roseville.
Mr. Javidan envisions a traditional Fair with all the agriculture and contests the fair has offered in the past. He plans on lowering the cost to vendors to bring a better shopping experience. The new vision includes booking all local entertainment and acts.
The Fair admission for this year will be $5 General Admission and $3 for children and seniors.
For more information see www.PlacerCountyFair.org.
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.
A Thousand Paws of Light
Posted: 12/22/2011
Roseville – At the Placer SPCA, staff and volunteers are gearing up to find homes for 300 animals this month, a record for the organization for the month of December. Roseville – At the Placer SPCA, staff and volunteers are gearing up to find homes for 300 animals this month, a record for the organization for the month of December.
“In December 2010, we adopted 275 animals, meaning 1,100 paws crossed the threshold,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra. “This year we would like to see 1,200 paws walk out of our center on their way to permanent homes in time for the holidays.”In an effort to encourage adopters, the adoption fee is waived for all cats over four months of age.
For dogs, the adoption fee is reduced by $10 for every year of the animal’s age. “We hope this may make someone take a closer look at dogs like Lani, who is eight years old. A lucky adopter will receive $80 off her regular adoption price of $125 and bring home a fabulous companion for the holidays.” All adoptions from the Placer SPCA include spay or neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, and a voucher for a free veterinary exam. Special adoption pricing is in effect at the Placer SPCA at 150 Corporation Yard Road in Roseville, and also at the Auburn location, at 1482 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn. For more information, please contact the Placer SPCA, your local companion animal welfare experts, at (916) 782-7722 or (530) 885-7387, visit www.placerspca.org, or email customercare@placerspca.org.
Local Animal Welfare and Sheltering Organizations Join Forces
Our Animals Need a Home for the Holidays!
Posted: 12/8/2011
Placer County – During the month of December, animal rescue and sheltering organizations from throughout Placer County will work tirelessly toward finding permanent loving homes for the animals in their care.
Placer SPCA, Placer County Animal Services, Friends of Placer County Animal Shelters, Angels Rescuing Kritters, A New Hope Animal Foundation, Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills, Auburn Area Animal Rescue Foundation, and Field Haven Feline Rescue will offer adoption fee rebates for specially selected adult cats and while funding is available. This is possible thanks in part to a grant from the Placer County Animal Trust Fund.
“We have many wonderful animals available for adoption and our collective wish is they all have a home for the holidays,” states Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra on behalf of these groups. These Placer County organizations know that acquiring the right pet can be an uplifting and magical experience and encourage residents to make a difference in the life of a homeless animal right here in their own community.
Vierra adds, “Certainly, there are some folks who aren’t in a position to adopt but there are other ways to support the efforts of these local groups, consider donating, volunteering or temporarily fostering an animal.”For questions about Rebates for Rescues, please contact (916) 782-7722, ext. 106, (530) 885-7387, ext. 106, or administration@placerspca.org.
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