Latest news with #KenCasparis
CBS News
10-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
FEMA grant fuels goat-powered fire mitigation in Sacramento County
Goats have become an all-too-familiar sight in the Greater Sacramento Region when California's wildfire season approaches. As we enter mid-June, goats are hard at work in Mather taking out dry brush to try and mitigate fires. But this year, Sacramento County says they're working with extra dollars to help those mitigation efforts, being awarded a FEMA grant just shy of $200,000. This means the county can cover areas prone to fire that they couldn't before. "In years past, we've had a large number of fires break out at our properties, and it's tragic, and we don't want to see it again," said Ken Casparis, county spokesperson. The county showed us a large section of land that the goats just mowed down, leaving no dry brush in sight. It's evidence of just how much vegetation these goats can take out in critical areas. "It's pretty much areas that are difficult for our manned crews to get to, and then if we have a lot of large open spaces, that would take a lot of staff time," Casparis said. Tim Arrowsmith, a managing partner of Western Grazers, a Northern California goat grazing company, says about 600 of his goats can get through a couple of acres. He says they rest in the winter and that the dry grass does little to keep them nourished. Arrowsmith said the goats need to be provided "minerals, a lot of salt and molasses" to stay healthy during the grazing season. Nearby neighbors couldn't be more thrilled about the visitors. "I love them because they're taking the fire hazard away from the perimeter of the neighborhood," said Adam Sotherland, who lives in the area. "It's nice having the furry creatures running around the neighborhood."
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
How Sacramento's American River Parkway could be impacted by budget cuts
SACRAMENTO — There are concerns about trash troubles growing in Sacramento County parks. This week, the board of supervisors is trying to balance its $8.9 billion budget, and more than a million dollars could be cut from regional park funding. Sacramento County is facing an $18 million general fund deficit, and the parks department is bracing for more than a million and a half dollars in cuts. Many are concerned that these potential cuts could put the American River Parkway in peril. "We're going to see an increase in pollution in the parkway. We're going to see an increase in transient-type behavior, illegal activity," said David Ingram, co-founder of the River City Waterway Alliance. The proposed reductions include eliminating one park maintenance worker, 14 staff who help with park operations and $500,000 for waterway cleanup. "We're hoping with the staff that we have remaining, will be able to mitigate some of that so that our residents don't feel much of the impact of these potential reductions," said county spokesperson Ken Casparis. Ingram said the funding being cut pays for crews to clear debris from Steelhead Creek, which flows through Discovery Park. "Shopping carts and mattresses and tires, really horrible things that are clogging the channel," Ingram said. Much of that debris comes from homeless encampments. "We're definitely going to see an increase in encampments moving back into the parkway with less personnel," Ingram said. "We're making such great progress right now, to try and curb that and curtail that, we just don't think it's the right time," said Lisa Sanchez, co-founder of the River City Waterway Alliance. Sacramento County says there will be no cuts to park rangers and no planned park closures or reduced hours. But parkway supporters say full funding needs to continue to help protect and maintain the scenic stretch of nature. "The American River Parkway is the crown jewel of the Sacramento region," Ingram said. The board of supervisors will begin budget talks on Wednesday and must approve a recommended budget by June 30.
CBS News
28-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael to temporarily close for safety upgrades
CARMICHAEL — A beloved park in Carmichael is temporarily closing for safety upgrades. Sacramento County said that Ancil Hoffman Park along the American River will start this temporary closure on Wednesday, May 28, so all of its roads can be repaved, resurfaced and restriped. "Driving in, I am sure you hit some bumps," said Sacramento County spokesperson Ken Casparis. "The roads just need to be repaved and so do the parking lots to hit some of those state and federal accessibility standards." During the closure, Casparis said that Ansel Hoffman Golf Course will stay open, and special events at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center will continue, including the Naturefest on June 8. Temporary parking lots will be set up for these activities. "During this temporary closure, we encourage all of the park goers to go and explore other parks along the American River Parkway," said Casparis. "Maybe even find a new favorite for yourself." Casparis said the work begins Wednesday and the closure could be up to two months, but they hope to have it reopened in July.
