The Sacramento Brewery was located at 28th and M (now Capitol Avenue) streets.

Editor’s Note: This is part nine in a series about the rich history of and associated with East Sacramento’s award-winning East Lawn Memorial Park.

Among Sacramento’s identity during its earlier years was undoubtedly its position as a brewery city. And with a recent review of the records of East Lawn Memorial Park, the remains of at least seven high level local brewery men are interred at this East Sacramento cemetery.
Among these men was Philip Scheld, former owner of the Sacramento Brewery, which was located at 28th and M (now Capitol Avenue) streets.
The brewery, according to the 1880 book, “History of Sacramento County, California,” was established in 1849 by a German immigrant named Peter Kadell, who during the following year began brewing beer at that site. Peter’s surname is also spelled “Cadel” in other historic references.
According to The Sacramento Union, in its June 15, 1872 edition, the brewery was rented by Philip Scheld in 1853 and purchased by him a year later.
The 1880 county history book indicates that Philip became involved in the brewery business in Sacramento in 1852.
Another version of this story, as described in the 1890 book, “An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California,” notes that Philip “rented the brewery on the East M Street, and a month later bought it.”
Prior to becoming a Sacramentan, Philip, who was born in the town of Giessen in the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt in Germany on Oct. 13, 1827, attended government schools and worked on his family’s farm.
He later immigrated to the United States with his brother, Henry. They arrived in Philadelphia after a five-week voyage on July 11, 1845.
While residing in Philadelphia, Philip worked in the bakery industry and Henry dedicated himself to the cabinet making trade.
Both brothers eventually made their way to California. Henry arrived in 1849 to become a miner.
A year later, Philip, who was then living in Baltimore, was inspired by a letter that he received from his brother to head to California immediately.
After arriving in San Francisco on March 24, 1850, Philip traveled to Sacramento aboard the steamer “Hartford” before heading to El Dorado County.
He reunited with his brother in Volcano (Amador County) several weeks later.
Philip and Henry eventually worked together teaming between the mines and Sacramento.
Both the 1880 and 1890 county history books recognize Philip as becoming involved in the hotel business outside of Sacramento.
According to the 1890 county history book, this venture began after Philip and his business partner, Daniel Troy, acquired a hotel as a default method of payment for their work baking for that hotel.
Philip and Daniel had a larger hotel built to replace the hotel they acquired, and they also had a second hotel built. They continued in this business until the fall of 1852.
After Philip became the proprietor of the Sacramento Brewery, the brewery underwent many changes, including the construction of new buildings, an increase in its property size, and the addition of Switzerland native John Oschwald as co-owner of the brewery in 1869. That partnership continued until 1876.
The aforementioned June 15, 1872 edition of The Union notes that in 1860, Philip had the old brewery moved to the rear portion of the property and had a 61-foot by 42-foot, brick building constructed on the site’s northeast corner.
The 1880 county history book described the building as having been expanded to a size of 120 feet by 100 feet. The “two-story, brick addition” was built at a cost of $4,000 by Martin Madden, who was described in the Jan. 1, 1883 edition of The Union as “the leading builder in this part of the state.”
On Oct. 2, 1873, a fire occurred at the brewery’s two-story, 24-square-foot, brick, malt house.
The fire began when the malt that was being burned in the kiln overheated. The damage, which was contained inside the building, was financially covered by the brewery’s insurance.
Another building at the brewery caught on fire on Oct. 11, 1877, resulting in $1,500 in damages.
In between these fire years, Philip, who married Germany native Margaret Fritz on April 7, 1858, was involved in a near fatal accident.
During the early afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 14, 1874, following a morning of hunting several miles east of Sacramento, Philip Scheld was driving his buggy with his son, Adolph.
As Philip was resting his arm against the muzzle of his rifle, one of the buggy’s wheels ran into a squirrel hole, causing the firearm to discharge. A shell passed through his left arm, just below his shoulder, and exited out the other side of the arm.

The Scheld family mausoleum is located on the Folsom Boulevard side of the cemetery. Photo by Lance Armstrong

Although the injury resulted in Philip losing his arm to amputation, it was believed that he would have bled to death had the powder of his rifle not severely burned his arm, thus slowing the bleeding.
Oddly, 20 years later, Adolph accidently shot and killed Frederick C. Glueck while he was target shooting with some of his military friends.
The Union, in its Jan. 1, 1877 edition, noted that the brewery included extensive sheds and outhouses and had utilized 200 tons of barley and three tons of hops and produced 3,000 barrels of beer in the past year.
At that time, the brewery also included a 40-foot by 100-foot malt kiln and a 40-foot by 100-foot storehouse.
In the 1880 county history book, the operation of the brewery, which was then located on nearly a whole block of land, was described as follows: “It has steam power for mechanical purposes, three steam pumps, and is complete in every particular, employing throughout the year six or seven men, and having a capacity of eighteen barrels per day.”
The Union, in its Jan. 1, 1880 edition, noted that the brewery’s advantages for the manufacture of beer and shipping throughout California were “unsurpassed by those of any competitor in business.”
The 1913 book, “History of Sacramento County, California,” recognizes the financial rewards that the brewery brought Philip, as follows: “Still in the pioneer period of the ‘50s, (Philip) identified himself with the brewery business that by his own industry and sagacity brought him a fortune.”
The same book also referred to the Sacramento Brewery as “one of the most profitable properties of the kind in the state.”
Evidence of the wealth of Philip, who was a millionaire, could be seen through his stately home, which he had built at 1105 L St. in 1880.
In February 1869, while still dedicating himself to the brewery as its proprietor, Philip became one of the original directors of the Capital Savings Bank of Sacramento at the southwest corner of 4th and J streets.
And from about 1878 to 1913, he was involved with Sacramento Savings Bank at the northwest corner of 5th and J streets.
In the final 12 years of that time, Philip served as president of this latter named bank.
Following his aforementioned accident, Philip continued his role in the brewery’s ownership for many years thereafter.
Beyond his brewery and banking activities, Philip also owned a considerable amount of property in Los Angeles County, served as a longtime local firefighter, president of the Sacramento Rifle Club and a director of the Sacramento Beet Sugar Company, and was a member of the Sacramento Turn Verein.
He died at his L Street home at the age of 85 during the early morning of July 30, 1913.
His funeral was a private affair held at his home two days after his passing and he was interred at East Lawn Cemetery during the same day.
Philip’s remains are located inside the Scheld family mausoleum on the Folsom Boulevard side of the cemetery.
This mausoleum is East Lawn’s only private, family mausoleum that contains both large and small crypts.
Also interred in this mausoleum are the remains of Margaret, who passed away at the age of 80 in 1916, Adolph, who died at the age of 84 in 1946, and three other members of the family – Adolph’s wife, Leila C. Scheld (1869-1936); Adolph and Leila’s daughter, Margaret Scheld Cook (1897-1961); and Philip’s niece, Ottilie Fritz (1865-1917).
Another Scheld family member, August C. Fritz, a Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany native who died at the age of 21 on Feb. 27, 1872, had his funeral services at the Sacramento Brewery during the afternoon of the following day. He was originally buried at the New Helvetia Cemetery at 31st Street (today’s Alhambra Boulevard), between H and J streets.

Government workers will be ringing some doorbells in East Sacramento neighborhoods and throughout Sacramento County, but it won’t be for the census. These surveyors will be recording data on America’s physical health.

READY FOR THE NATION’S “CHECKUP.” These portable units will be at Cal Expo in February and March to help collect data from Sacramento County residents about the nation’s health. / Photo courtesy, Centers for Disease Control

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population.

Sacramento County is often chosen for marketing studies because it is a diverse community. The National Center for Health Statistics (a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) will conduct the surveys starting on Feb. 2 and running through April 1.

So, what is it?

For the last 50 years, the NHANES has kept track of the nation’s health and nutritional status. It is a tool to check on the fitness levels of children and teens. It is a valuable resource for finding out which health policies and programs are working. Areas that need work can be identified.

Local residents are chosen at random to be interviewed. For the people who are interviewed, the NHANES is an opportunity to gain information about one’s health.

Each year, residents in 15 counties across the nation have the chance to participate in the latest NHANES.

National ‘checkup’

“NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up,’ going into communities to get health information throughout the country,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden. “The survey is a unique resource for health information, and without it we would lack important knowledge about major health conditions.”

Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use the information gathered in NHANES to develop sound health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge for the nation. NHANES captures data to identify and address health issues that will help everyone maintain independence and good health. In addition, national references are produced and standardized growth charts are created for pediatricians across the country using NHANES data.

Focus on youth obesity

This year, NHANES will embark on a new effort to increase attention to the importance of health related fitness in youth in the United States. This youth survey, called the National Youth Fitness Survey, will provide additional information with which to evaluate the health and weight of children and adolescents. Given the epidemic levels of childhood obesity throughout the nation, results from this national survey are extremely important.

What to expect?

Individuals selected for the NHANES program represent the U.S. population of all races/ethnicities and all ages. People will be chosen from all areas of Sacramento County.

Respondents first participate in a health interview conducted in the respondent’s home followed by a health examination that takes place in one of three mobile examination centers. These will be at Cal Expo.

Privacy respected

No medical care is provided directly in the mobile examination center, but a report on physical findings is given to each participant along with an explanation from survey medical staff. The various tests and procedures depend upon the age of the participant. All information collected in the surveys is kept strictly confidential, and privacy is protected by public law.

By invitation only

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in either the NHANES or the NYFS. There is no opportunity to “opt in,” since the selections are done in advance and at random. Individuals who agree to participate will receive compensation for their time and travel expenses.

The public can demonstrate their support for Sacramento County’s state-of-the-art Animal Shelter and at the same time shop for bargains during the weekend of June 25–26 at the Save Our Shelter “Flea” Market.

Like most government agencies, the Department of Animal Care and Regulation has had to endure budget cuts but community supporters and animal lovers continue to help raise funds to sustain operations. The “Save Our Shelter” effort raises funds to care for the 15,000 animals that come through the shelter every year. Through donations and various fundraisers, including last year’s very successful “Whiskers and Wine” event, supporters have been able to raise almost $100,000.

“The Department of Animal Care and Regulation makes a tremendous difference in the lives of animals that are lost, abandoned or subject to abuse,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters. “With the departmental budget being stretched thin by current constraints, community support is needed now more than ever to help supplement funding for the shelter’s operations. The Flea Market is an opportunity to have fun and help the animals at the same time.”

The Flea Market will be held over the weekend of June 25–26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the Animal Shelter, which is located at 3839 Bradshaw Road in Sacramento. All proceeds will benefit the animals. Merchandise available for sale will include household items, furniture, clothing, pet products and crafts created by shelter volunteers.

New or gently used items may be donated. To schedule a drop off or pick up of usable items call (916) 361-7604 or email saccountyshelterfleamarket@yahoo.com. Due to limited storage space, items cannot be dropped off at the shelter. More information is available online at www.saccountyshelter.net.

And attention all shoppers: please be sure to visit your ATM in advance because flea market purchases are cash-only.

Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, District 3 / Photo courtesy

County Supervisor Susan Peters will be holding her second “Office Hours” for 2011 on Saturday, April 23, at Carmichael Park during the community’s annual egg hunt and pancake breakfast.

Peters will set up a table near the egg hunt between 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for residents who wish to drop by and discuss with her items of interest. No appointment is necessary with visits to be handled on a “first come basis.”

“Carmichael’s annual egg hunt and pancake breakfast is a great community event,” says Peters.  “Establishing ‘Office Hours’ provides the opportunity to mix business with pleasure.  I’ll be available to talk about county matters while people can enjoy a tasty breakfast or watch the children search for eggs.”

Peters kicked off her 2011 “Office Hours” tour at last month’s Spring Craft Faire at Gibbons Park hosted by the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District.  During 2010 Peters held “Office Hours” at several community events in Carmichael, East Sacramento and Old Foothill Farms. The annual program provides a casual venue for residents to meet with her to talk about issues as opposed to making an appointment downtown at the County Administration Center.

The egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp rain or shine and the pancake breakfast runs from 7 to 11 a.m. The Carmichael Recreation and Park District along with the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael are sponsoring the two activities at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue. For more information, call the Carmichael Recreation and Park District at (916) 485-5322 or visit carmichaelpark.com.

Representatives from Homeland Security, emergency response agencies, business and education will discuss policies and methods of disaster preparedness when Sacramento State hosts a special forum 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2.

Hosted by Emir Jose Macari, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, “Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response Through Education, Training and Exercises,” will be held in Modoc and Napa halls by the University’s College of Continuing Education.

The forum is free. Advance registration is through Nov. 29. Walk-in admissions will be accepted the day of the event if there are vacancies. To register, visit www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/webreg/Register_ohs_cpf10.cfm?CID=774.

Breakout sessions and panel topics include corporate emergency management plans, corporate and employee intelligence in support of Homeland Security, community and statewide partnerships, and shaping Sacramento State’s emergency management program for business.

Speakers include Karen Baker, California’s secretary of Service and Volunteering, California Volunteers; Christy Quinlan, California’s interim chief information officer; Stephen Alexander, TechFlow Homeland Security Division; Farley Howell, from the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency; Rick Martinez, Sacramento City and County Office of Emergency Services; and Mike Dayton, undersecretary for the California Emergency Management Agency.

The day begins with registration and continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Napa Hall 2001 and 2002 and concludes with a University reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Napa Hall lobby.

For more information on the forum, call the College of Continuing Education at (916) 278-4433 or visit www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/ohs/cpf10/agenda.htm.

California Dept. of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura congratulates Tassie and her handler, Jennifer Berger. / Photo courtesy

Despite her big heart and talented nose, Tassie, a nine-year-old Lab mix, has reached the mandatory retirement age for pest detection dogs. She was honored by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors with a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

Rescued from an animal shelter in Florida, Tassie began her career working for Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Long Beach sniffing out foreign plant pests. She was then assigned to Plant Protection and Quarantine working domestic cargo detecting destructive wood borers and hitchhiking snails. In early 2009, Tassie was reassigned to the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s office as part of their Pest Exclusion Team.

Alongside her handler Jennifer Berger, Tassie worked throughout the region inspecting over 10,000 unmarked packages containing plant material that could have led to infestations and devastating economic loss to the agricultural industry and untold damage to the environment. Tassie intercepted numerous non-native insect pests from Hawaii, prohibited meat from Nigeria, and helped alert Fish and Game authorities to animal shipments of non-native snakes and fish.

Tassie received special recognition from California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A. G. Kawamura for intercepting an illegal shipment of curry leaves and guavas that were infested with Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny exotic pest that is capable of transmitting a devastating disease that could have threatened California’s $1.88 billion citrus industry.

Tassie has a nose that knows and is described by her handler as a workaholic.

“It’s great to work with an animal that is so excited and ready to do her job,” Berger said. “Tassie is always in a good mood and shows up to work wagging her entire body.”

As the department and program ambassador, Tassie has attended many outreach functions and showed off her skills with demonstrations to raise public awareness of the threat from invasive pests and disease.

Handler Jennifer Berger and Tassie, a Lab mix, worked throughout the region, sniffing out dangerous agricultural pests and illegal shipments of non-native snakes and fish.

Tassie also co-stars in a YouTube video produced by CDFA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p32hAyVO4XM

Tassie will live with her new adoptive parents in Pleasant Hill, spending time going on walks, chasing tennis balls, and playing with her favorite toy, a pink squeaky hippo.

Tassie’s replacement is expected to report for duty in January, 2011.

Home canning of fruits and vegetables is regaining popularity thanks to the economic downturn and a growing interest in eating locally grown food. A downside to this practice is that if food is preserved improperly, consumers may become ill or die, according to University of California Cooperative Extension nutrition advisors.

If practiced properly, home canning is a safe method for preserving food. The canning process involves placing foods in jars and heating them to a temperature that destroys the microorganisms that cause food to spoil. During this heating process, air is driven out of the jar and as it cools a vacuum seal is formed. This vacuum seal prevents air and microorganisms from getting back into the jar.

If tested recipes are not followed, food-borne microorganisms can survive and they will spoil canned foods. Worse, consumers can get botulism from eating improperly home-canned foods. Botulism is a rare, but serious paralyzing illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism can kill if not promptly treated.

There are two safe ways of canning food – the boiling water bath method and the pressure canner method. Boiling water is used with high-acid foods such as fruits. A pressure canner must be used with foods such as vegetables, meats and combinations containing these foods such as salsa or spaghetti sauce. Tested recipes and guidelines must always be followed to ensure safe home-canned foods.

“It is very important to follow scientifically tested canning instructions to avoid illness.” said Susan Algert, UC Cooperative Extension nutrition advisor for Santa Clara County.

“The boiling water bath method is safe for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles and other acidic preserves,” she said. In this method, jars of food are completely covered with boiling water (212 degrees F at sea level) and heated for a specified amount of time.

High-acid foods such as peaches naturally have a pH of 4.6 or less and contain enough acid to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. High-acid foods can be safely canned using the boiling water bath method.

“Certain foods, such as tomatoes, pears and figs, have a pH value close to 4.6 and must have acid added to them to lower the pH enough to use the water bath method,” Algert said. The pH can be lowered by adding commercial lemon juice or powdered citric acid.

When canning homemade salsa or other tomato products, Algert recommends following a scientifically tested recipe and using commercially bottled lemon juice to increase the acidity.

“You can’t use juice squeezed from a fresh lemon because we don’t know exactly how acidic the juice is,” Algert said. “Commercial lemon juice meets a standard acidity.”

To can low-acid vegetables such as green beans without a pressure cooker, the vegetables must first be pickled using a recommended recipe to ensure the final acidity is too high for Clostridium botulinum to grow.

Clostridium botulinum can form spores, a heat tolerant form of the bacteria that can survive boiling. If spores survive because of inadequate processing, they can revive and allow the bacteria to grow and produce toxins. Clostridium botulinum thrives in low-acid foods like meats and vegetables and in the absence of air in canned foods.

“The only safe method of preserving vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood to prevent botulism is pressure canning,” Algert said. “These low-acid foods require heating to at least 240 degrees F for a time specified for each product. This temperature can only be reached using a pressure cooker.”

To ensure safety of home canned goods, she recommends using new lids to ensure a tight seal and following scientifically tested instructions.

For more information about safely canning food, visit the University of California’s Food Safety website at http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/Consumer_Advice and the USDA National Center for Home Food Preservation website at http://www.uga.edu/nchfp

Watch a video of safe canning tips at http://stream.ucanr.org/preserving_fruit/canning_safely.html

Low-acid foods:

• meats
• seafood
• poultry
• dairy products
• all vegetables
• combination products using these foods

High-acid foods:

• most fruits
• properly pickled vegetables

Foods that require added lemon juice for boiling water bath canning:

• figs
• pears
• tomatoes

Born in the Azores

Born on Dec. 14, 1867 in Faial in the Azores Islands of Portugal, Charles arrived in Boston at the age of 11 in 1878 and then proceeded to the Sutterville area in today’s South Land Park area of Sacramento.

With only $2.50 in his pocket, Charles used $1 of his money to reach the town of Vernon in Sutter County, where he became employed as a milker on a dairy ranch for 50 cents per day.

Teen cheese entrepreneur

Using earnings from this job, Charles, when he was 13, paid a cheese maker $50 to teach him how to make cheese, after which he went into business for himself.

Charles eventually rented a ranch in Yolo County, bought cows and established a dairy and cheese plant.

Charles’ next venture was his purchase of the 160-acre Ramsey Ranch, which was located six miles above Vernon on the Feather River. He also rented the Hoover Ranch and the Clark and Cave ranches near the Sacramento River.

While conducting business along the Sacramento River, Charles entered the boating business, as he bought a gasoline-powered boat and a barge.

Meanwhile, Charles purchased the Point Ranch, where he cut wood, which he transported down the river to Sacramento.

In 1900, Charles returned to the capital city, as he purchased and resided at the Meadows place on Front Street, between O and P streets. It was there that he also established a wood, hay and grain business.

Shipping businesses

In addition to this business, Charles purchased the steamers “Neponset” and “Neptune,” the trading boats “Jersey” and “Inder” and the barges, “Columbia,” “Sutter” and “Vernon.”

In becoming engaged in the transportation business, Charles formed a partnership with a Capt. Jones. This partnership continued for many years and their route included towns on the Sacramento River, between Sacramento and Butte City.

Rancher

During this time, Charles was also involved in the cattle and sheep business.

Eventually, Charles sold his interests in the boats to devote his full attention to his livestock business.

Charles experienced much success in this endeavor, as he enlarged his interests on an annual basis and also established retail businesses – four local meat markets and a large wholesale business in Sacramento.

Additionally, Charles bred Hereford stock and was renowned throughout the state as a breeder of these fine cattle.

So large was Charles’ livestock business operation that he became known as the largest individual cattle dealer in California, shipping thousands of head of cattle from Mexico, in addition to his large shipments from throughout the state.

Charles’ wealth was great, as he purchased various Northern California ranches and later sold the ranches for twice the amount that he had paid for them.

Land dealer

Along with his real estate transactions, Charles was actively associated with various reclamation projects and served as the organizer and director of the Sutter Basin Co. and the Natomas Land Co.

Following his time with his previous cattle business endeavors, Charles invested in many Sacramento properties, including business blocks, warehouses and residences, and purchased a 21,000-acre cattle ranch in Modoc County.

Charles additionally accumulated other properties such as 243 acres dedicated to fruit growing in Yuba County and 670 acres on the Feather River in Butte County, with one half of this acreage being devoted to fruit.

Another major part of Charles’ life was his interest in horses and for many years he was involved in breeding standard-bred animals. 

This horseracing track in Woodland was owned by Charles F. Silva from 1916 to 1921. To the right forefront of the photograph is Silva and his record-breaking horse, Teddy Bear. / Photo courtesy of PHCS

Breeder of race horses

 Charles, who eventually had the finest standard-bred stock in the state, raised the well-known pacer, Teddy Bear, who broke a 6-year-old record at the California State Fair on Aug. 29, 1911. The horse set the mile mark of two minutes and five seconds.

With his continued interest in horses, Charles purchased a racetrack in Woodland in 1916.

It can be speculated that Charles, who continued to own the track until 1921, purchased the track in order to run Teddy Bear on his own schedule during fair weather days throughout the year.

In the early 1920s, Charles traded a 21,000-acre parcel of land in Alturas (Modoc County) for the old Weinstock-Lubin and Co. department store building at 4th and K streets. The building had been vacated and the company had reopened in its new location at 12th and K streets.

Meat marketer

Charles also owned other business operations in Sacramento, including the Fulton Meat Market at 4th and M (now Capitol Mall) streets, California Market on J Street, between 7th and 8th streets, and meat markets on 10th and M (now Capitol Mall) streets, 16th and M (now Capitol Avenue) streets and in Folsom and Knights Landing.

He also owned a slaughterhouse on Y Street (present day Broadway), between 5th and 6th streets.

Charles established a rich connection to the Land Park community with his founding of Charles Station, which later became known as South Land Park Hills.

Charles F. Silva is shown at the age of about 55, around the time he acquired the old Weinstock-Lubin and Co. department store building at 4th and K streets. / Photo courtesy

Charles’ property was located off the present day Del Rio Road in the area of today’s Kennedy Lane and Pleasant Drive.

On this property, Charles owned and operated a second slaughterhouse, which had a thick concrete floor that later posed difficulties in building the foundations of some of the area’s high quality homes.

Family manDuring his life, Charles was married twice, with the first of his marriages occurring when he married Theresa Kennedy in Sacramento on Aug. 15, 1899. Together the couple had nine children.

Following Theresa’s death, Charles married Lois Blackwell and this marriage added two more children to his family.

The most prominent of Charles’ children was former Land Park area resident Ray Silva. Ray, who passed away in 1996, was a referee for the Harlem Globetrotters and the founder and operator of Kiddie Land, Land Park’s small-scale children’s amusement park, which is today known as Funderland.

Undoubtedly, Charles, who passed away on July 14, 1944, was a man who achieved many great things in his life.

And considering his many accomplishments and the fact that he once had practically pennies in his pocket and no assets to his name, Charles Silva should be remembered for many years as a self-motivated man whose drive to excel led to a life of success.

lance@valcomnews.com

SACRAMENTO – The Big Build, the largest capital improvement program in Sacramento County history, has surpassed two million labor hours invested in the program from June 2008 September 2010. To date, the hours have resulted in wages of over $75 million in paid wages.

“We would be unable to celebrate an on schedule and within budget status for the Big Build without the contributions of the talented team of contractors, subcontractors and the many men and women working on this project,” said Hardy Acree, director of airports. “We appreciate their contributions to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve this region for years to come.”

The Big Build is progressing quickly and safely. In March, prime contractor Austin-Walsh received the Cal/OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). The Big Build has the lowest rate of incidents (3.1) and Days Away, Restricted or Transferred from Work (2.3). Industry-wide, the rate is normally 5.4 for incidents and 3.3 for Days Away, Restricted or Transferred from Work.

“This historic project is an economic boon to Sacramento County today and in the future,” said Roger Dickinson, chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. “Jobs created by the Big Build and the airport’s future growth are welcome, especially during this period of economic challenges.”

Over the course of the Big Build, 2400 jobs will be created and the construction program will produce $2 billion in economic impact for Sacramento County. By 2020, the new terminal is anticipated to have an annual impact of $2.6 billion and 16,500 jobs. The new terminal complex at Sacramento International Airport will open to the public in late 2011.

Sacramento International Airport was the 43rd busiest North American Airport in 2009 with approximately 8.9 million passengers. The Sacramento County Airport System is responsible for planning, developing, operating, and maintaining four of Sacramento County’s airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. For more information on the County Airport System, visit www.sacairports.org.

At his weekly press conference on Nov. 5, Mayor Johnson received questions regarding the topic of potential consolidation opportunities between the city and county.

“Our community should always seek new ways to make government more effective in serving our citizens,” he said. “This is especially true in tough times. I think it’s worth having a robust dialogue on how the region can work better together. Consolidation has been one topic many folks have been exploring, and I encourage us to continue this conversation in an open, inclusive and transparent way.”

Johnson noted that he has no specific plan, process or timeline on the issue, but hopes to foster further dialogue in concert with leaders and citizens across the city and region.