Category Archives: safety

safety, Water

Increased Fees at Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Areas

Parking and boating fees at Folsom Lake and Auburn state recreation areas are increasing.

The fee bumps, which start July 1, are to help maintain the heavily used recreation areas at a time of dire budget reductions and park closures. Changes include a $2 increase to launch power boats.

Among the increases at Folsom:

• Folsom Lake or Lake Natoma power boat launch fee: Current fee $8. New fee, $10.

• Willow Creek day use parking: Current fee, $5. New fee, $10.

• Rattlesnake Bar, Granite Bay, Beals Point, Folsom Point, Brown’s Ravine, Peninsula day use parking: Current fee $10. New fee, $12.

• Beals Point developed campground peak days: Current fee, $30 a night. New fee, $33 a night.

Among the increases at Auburn:

• Lower Lake Clementine power boat launch fee: Current fee, $8. New fee, $10.

• Yankee Jims, Grizzly Bear, Confluence, Long Point Trail parking areas: Current fee: nothing. New fee: $10.

 

Bike Trail, safety

Back-seat Driver: For better bicycling manners, discussion beats spitting

There is a cyclist on the American River Parkway trail who some say spits at other cyclists if he doesn’t like the way they are riding.

How is it that we are not surprised?

Summer is high season for parkway use. One of the sad bike trail realities is, the more crowded it gets, the angrier some get, and the worse some behavior becomes.

Sacramento County Chief Ranger Stan Lumsden likens it to the ugly side of driving on streets and highways. “I guess it would be called trail rage.”

Three weeks ago, several members of a cycling club, including a former cop, reportedly had a trailside “discussion” with the spitter.

His contention, according to their report: Too many cyclists ride poorly and discourteously, and he lets them know it.

More at SacBee.com >>>

Bike Trail, Fire, Rafting, safety, Water

Proposed fire cuts could cut out rescue teams

Sacramento Fire Department’s special operations could be cut out of the 2012-2013 fiscal city budget; affecting several programs whose focus is rescue and public protection.

The water boat rescue program; heavy and confined space rescue; high angle and low angle; and trench rescue teams would be completely eliminated from the department. Three out of four hazmat teams would also disappear.

The SFD’s union said fire fighters respond to almost 80,000 calls each year. Only 500 of those calls are for hazmat, but fire fighters said those are the critical calls.

“You’re talking about vapor releases and liquid toxins that can kill on impact,” said Todd Filburn of Fire Fighters Local 522.

On the American River, families were enjoying the shallow end of the water, but were cautious of the swift and cold currents.

“You have to do your part to be safe, because the time rescuers can get to you, it’s too late,” said father Barry Cookson, who was tying inner tubes together and anchoring the line to a cement brick.

“That way the kids just float in a circle and you don’t lose anyone, because you will lose someone in the river.”

More at News10.net >>>

safety

Two suicide jumpers leap from Foresthill Bridge

A second person made a fatal jump late Wednesday off the Foresthill Bridge, near Auburn, authorities said Thursday.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office released the names of both fatalities after contacting family members.

The initial jumper was identified as Jacob Charles Fetsch, 26, of Dobbins. He had parked his car and was seen jumping off the northeast railing of the span at about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The second death took place at 5:50 p.m. A woman, identified as Valerie Gail Garcia, 35, of Auburn, was spotted jumping off the bridge, just as emergency personnel who had taken out the Fetsch body, were leaving the canyon.

More at AuburnJournal.com >>>

Rafting, safety, Water

Newly opened river stretch blends natural, manmade thrills

The historic Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Auburn area shortly after the rafts hit the water just past the confluence of the North fork and the Middle fork of the American River.

After a few tame rapids and miles of beautiful scenery, the Auburn Dam site and the man-made rapids alongside the Placer County Water Agency pump house are a nod to what those in the rafting business hope is a bright future for the area.

Eight whitewater rafting companies were granted permits to a new route on the Middle Fork in mid-May and commercial trips will likely take place with regularity throughout the summer months.

Norm Schoenhoff has owned Whitewater Excitement since its inception in 1979. The majority of the company’s business takes place on the South Fork of the American River, starting in Lotus. But he believes the quick trip down the Middle Fork could be a great option for folks looking for a relaxing float on weeknights or a quick weekend trip.

“There are really only a few rapids – nothing over Class II, maybe Class III,” Schoenhoff said. “It would be a good family trip or a good trip for kids.”

Guides have the option of starting near the Highway 49 Bridge, or heading up the Quarry Trail via van and putting in on the Middle Fork. The water moves along at a leisurely pace, allowing boaters to take in the remarkable landscape and wildlife. The peaceful river winds through the steep canyon just below Auburn and gives even longtime Auburn residents a unique perspective of the area.

More at AuburnJournal.com >>>

Bike Trail, Fire, safety, Water

Grass Fires Break Out In Sacramento Overnight

 

Despite the cooler temperatures overnight a couple of grass fires broke out overnight in Sacramento keeping fire fighters busy.

One fire started around 2:00 Monday morning near the levy at the end of 10th Street near the American River.

The blaze burned nearly half an acre before crews got it under control.

Officials say the fire was likely started in a homeless camp.

More at cbslocal.com >>>

Bike Trail, Rafting, safety, Wildlife

Rattlesnake season puts pets at risk in Sacramento area

Less than a day after a baby rattlesnake struck him, Bowser – a mixed Labrador and heeler puppy – pranced to his car, waited for his swelling to go down and relished tummy rubs from his owner, Nick Delgado.

Bowser is one of the luckier animals bitten by rattlesnakes in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Amador counties recently. Some didn’t survive their bites.

Delgado and Jessica Cobian said they were walking Tuesday near the American River in Rancho Cordova when Bowser, who was on a leash in front of them, lunged forward and sniffed the ground. When the nearly 1-year-old dog perked his head up, a 10-inch-long baby rattlesnake bit his snout.

More at ModBee.com >>>

Bike Trail, Events, Rafting, safety, Water

Thousands of families pack river for Memorial Day weekend

Thousands of people are expected to pack area rivers this Memorial Day weekend.

Rescue crews will be out at Discovery Park urging rafters and swimmers to wear life jackets in the river.

Drowning Accident Rescue Team President Bob Erickson said he is 90 percent sure his team will be called out to perform a rescue.

Park rangers will be cracking down on those breaking the booze ban.

They will issue citations if necessary.

Sacramento Metro fire officials said 60 percent of the drownings they respond to every year are alcohol-related.

Pool safety is also a big concern, especially for children.

More at KCRA.com >>>
Events, Rafting, safety, Water

Life jacket trade-in planned at area Kohl’s stores in Sacramento region

In advance of the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer recreation season, a life jacket trade-in will be held today at Kohl’s store locations in the Sacramento region.

The event, now in its 13th year, is sponsored by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, Radio Disney and UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

The life jacket trade-in gives parents the opportunity to have life jackets inspected by professionals. Life jackets that have been outgrown or are no longer serviceable will be exchanged for new, properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while supplies last.

For those who don’t own life jackets, the American River Parkway Foundation announced that it will purchase and supply life vests for “Kids Don’t Float,” a program that lends life vests to children during the summer at seven access points along the American River.

More at ModBee.com >>>