Fire Resilience Budget + Thief Gets More Than He Bargained For

Good morning, River City!

Welcome to the Sacramento Daily Patch Newsletter! This is where you will find all of the best news and events happening in Sacramento for Thursday July 8th, 2021!

First, today's weather: Looks like another heat wave is upon us. Clear throughout the day. High: 101 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Sacramento:

1. Between June 5 and July 1, the Sacramento region experienced at least twelve large fires which burned more than 800 acres. Residents in Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, Newcastle and Folsom all had scares over the last month where fires threatened their homes and communities. California will spend $1.2 billion on fire prevention and resilience programs this year, including controlled burns and broadening escape routes. But is it too little too late? (SN&R)
2. A thief may have gotten more than he bargained for when he stole a gauge from a work truck that contained radio active material. The theft triggered a homeland security alert. The gauge contains cesium which could cause serious injury or death. The device was stolen from a work truck belonging to Wallace-Kuhl, a local engineering firm who says it was secured in a locked metal box bolted to the truck. (CBS Sacramento)
3. Speaking of theft, Sacramento takes the dubious honor of being the 10th worst city in the US for retail theft. We have several freeways that crisscross the region, making a getaway easer, but the big concern is with Organized Retail Crime (ORC) where theft rings use youth and/or the homeless population to steal for them. Governor Gavin Newsom allocated $5.7 million in his budget for the organized retail crime task force, but local municipalities need to take it seriously as well. (ABC10.com KXTV)
4. All State Senators and assemblymembers and their staffs are now required to mask up after nine recent positive COVID-19 cases in the chambers. Even those who have been fully vaccinated must comply. In addition the Senate and Assembly are also instituting a twice-weekly mandatory test for all unvaccinated members. Vaccinated members may also participate in the testing. (KCRA3)
5. Sacramento's own district 6 assemblymember Kevin Kiley has thrown his hat in the ring to be the next Governor of California. Kiley is one of more than 50 people who have indicated an intention to challenge Newsom in the recall election. He said that he didn't initially intend to enter the race, but he changed his mind when he was encouraged to consider running by Orrin Heatlie, Recall Gavin Newsom's lead proponent. (Newsweek)

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Thursday's events in Sacramento

• Chill with Jill in Elk Grove. If you need to wind your way down as you slide into the weekend, try this meditation practice in the park in Elk Grove. (10 am)
• Sactowndogs presents "The Dog Days Of Summer" swim event at Animal Den Pet Resort! Your dogs will enjoy an open swim and three play yards and you can enjoy a beverage and fun pic with your pup (props provided)! Proceeds benefit Hearts for Paws Rescue. (5:15 pm & 7 pm)
• Comics take the stage at Bike Dog Brewery for the Pop-Up Standup Comedy Tour. Grab a beer, relax and laugh like it's Friday! (8 pm)
• I've never seen one of these, but it sounds like a blast! Hit the Sacramento Comedy Spot for their Tella Novella. That's an improvised soap opera where two comedians act out the plot on stage while another two are offstage providing the dialogue! There are plenty of plot twists and, apparently, someone usually dies. Fun! (8 pm)
• Who's up for line dancing at Crawdad's!? There will be an hour of line dancing followed by a live DJ spinning country music classics. It's a free event, but pre-registration is required. (9 pm)

Sacramento Patch Notebook

• The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for this week as we could see temperatures up near the 115 degree mark, yet again. (Facebook)
• Tomatoes fresh-off-the-vine are divine! Sacratomato Week is coming up July 19-25! The region's fresh tomatoes will be front and center at local restaurants and events. Check out who will be serving what and get your palate ready for this pleasing week! (Sacramento Press)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free Estate Planning & Living Trust Workshop Live Q&A Friday 3PM (July 9)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jeri Karges

About me: Jeri Karges has been living in and loving the Sacramento region for over 30 years. Her passion is finding new and unique ways to enjoy the city and surrounding areas. On weekends, you can find her pestering her friends to sample the restaurant that doesn't have silverware, or try their hand at throwing an axe. Jeri also enjoys writing about retirement planning at https://rockinretirement.subst...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Sacramento Daily? I'm all ears. You can email me at sacramento@patch.com.