Lighting fireworks at the Fourth of July block party is a common tradition in Sacramento, and local firefighters shared tips to make sure those fireworks are used properly so the holiday is a safe one. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Assistant Chief Dale Turner said the two most important safety concerns with fireworks are making sure they are used correctly with adult supervision and that they are used in a safe area away from combustible materials. There should also be 30 feet of pavement, concrete or dirt around fireworks to ensure no fires are started, Sacramento Fire Department Deputy Chief Lloyd Ogan said. He added that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are legal to use in the

Imagine this: You’re driving down the highway in a new Sacramento Tree Foundation Truck. It’s your first full day on the job, it’s raining, you’re slowing down to look for your exit when… bam! Another truck sideswipes you at 70 MPH. Suddenly you’re tumbling, tail over hood, down the embankment, until finally you come to a stop – miraculously right side up and without a scratch on you. The roll bar saved your life, but the trees, the truck, and yes, your first day are completely wrecked. Know what’s even worse? You don’t have to imagine it. It happened. On one rainy day in April the Sacramento Tree Foundation lost a truck that we had hoped would help us move trees and large supplies to our

This morning I thought I would go out and meet Suzanne Hunt’s challenge to see which Midtown block flies the most flags. As I was driving towards Midtown I was thinking about the Spain, Paraguay game and as I approached the Howe off ramp, going west on highway 50, I realized I did not really know exactly where Midtown was. I’ve heard discussions as to where the boundaries lie but I could not remember exactly where these are. I decided to get off on 65th Street and went west on Folsom Boulevard. I decided to stop for a little while at the East Lawn Memorial Cemetery to take a couple of pictures. I left the cemetery heading left on Folsom Blvd., and noticed many flags on my right hand side

Folsom’s Cattle Drive was a successful event. Even the cattle almost had success running away from the drive. They were lassoed and brought back to join the pre-established route after a brief period of time. Before the actual Cattle Drive started the running of the “Bullipedes” took place. The Bullipedes (ala centipede) are made up of 5 members running a one mile course and ending on Sutter Street. Prizes are awarded at the end of the Bullipede run. This family affair also included a parade that followed the Bullipedes. After the parade the Cattle Drive begins to make its from Folsom’s Lions City Park and ends at the end of Sutter Street by the light rail station. This is one of the last

 Looking for an explosive way to spend your Fourth of July? Well, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Fourth of July events in the Sacramento area. Sacramento Cal Expo will once again host an Independence Day Celebration sponsored by Coca-Cola and Miller Lite at the Miller Lite Grandstand near the East Gate entrance. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a performance from Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. State Fair mascot Poppy will also be there to entertain the crowds. Cal Expo’s media partner, radio station 107.9 The End, will provide music to the spectacular fireworks show, starting at 9:30 p.m. Parking for the event is $10, and general admission to

Celebrate America at Twin Oaks Park in Rocklin was a very well attended event. An audience of 10,000 was anticipated on this their second year. Sunset Christian Center in collaboration with the City of Rocklin put this family affair together. Last year attendance was around 6,000 and the hot weather kept it from being larger. Mark Brenet, a member of Sunset Christian Center, volunteered as staff security and provided me with some background information on the event. Mark and his family are recent residents of Rocklin and indicated he enjoys the community and would like to make this city his home. As with many people in this fast growing area he enjoys the Sacramento area and has found a Ch

Saturday, July 4 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Americans for Prosperity and Mark Meckler, organizer of the Sacramento Tea Party, will be holding an Independence Day Tea Party on the west steps of the Capitol. About 500 people are expected. Noon- 1:30 p.m. Kevin S. Carter will be reading poetry on the north steps of the Capitol. Though he will be reading through a sound system, it is unknown how many people will attend. Sunday, July 5 through Wednesday July 8 No events are scheduled.