Kids Safety Fair A Success
May 18, 2022 12:00AM ● By By Elise Spleiss
CHPD's Emergency Rescue Vehicle had lots of gadgets and features for kids to explore at Kids Safety Fair. Photo courtesy of City of Citrus Heights
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - From free bicycle helmets and car seats, to police, fire and medical vehicles for kids to explore and a kids’ super high energy movement class with Sami’s Circuit, the first Kids Safety Day since COVID was a success.
Despite temperatures in the 90s a constant stream of children and their families checked out the Kids Safety Fair held at Rusch Park on Sunday, May 15. Members of the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) and their affiliates were out in full force to educate children and their parents on a myriad of safety issues.
Sgt. Kane Kissam with the CHDP Traffic Unit explained the event is hosted by their Police Activities League (PAL), the CHPD Police Traffic Unit, and the Tobacco Coalition. The goal of the safety fair and other educational outreach is to promote safety in the community, including bicycle, traffic, and tobacco safety. Their colorful “Escape the Vape” vehicle was a favorite of all. Educational materials for parents and youth were available, warning them of the dangers of vaping which will lead to smoking.
A fully decked out fire truck, an ambulance from Sacramento State’s Pre-Hospital Paramedic Program, and two former military vehicles refitted for education and protection of officers and the public in a police emergency were available for exploration, with staff to answer all questions. Free bicycle helmets and car seats were handed out to parents.
Moore’s Martial Arts in Citrus Heights, provided self-defense information for students and how kids can warn adults of ‘stranger danger’ when in a potentially dangerous situation.
Larissa Aguilar, CHPD Chief Security Officer explained the event was funded by a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant which provides funds to do outreach programs like the fair and enforcement operations. The three E’s of the program include Engineering for the radar speed signs throughout the city, Education outreach, and Enforcement, including not only citations given but also a high traffic officer visibility to help deter traffic violations. They also reach out to neighborhood associations.
A new highlight of the fair was Sami Circuit’s Sami Kane. His motto, “If you’re moving, you’re doing it right,” is one of the main messages of his program. A victim of bullying himself until age 15, he knows how important self-esteem is. A motivational speaker for 12 years, he works with over 200 schools and after school programs in the state of California. His goal is to instill self-esteem and, self-respect in students, many of whom are having a hard time these days. His mantra of “never give up” echoes throughout his presentations and workouts. He says his videos combine exercise and movement, along with positive reinforcement throughout. The pulsating, high energy music as heard at the fair helps students remember the message.
COVID proved to be a blessing to Kane’s business. When it hit, he had to totally change and adapt to survive. Instead of traveling to live events reaching fewer audiences, he now sells his videos to school districts, schools, and afterschool programs. He films once a week and reaches four times more students than in-person. He believes in what he is doing so others will believe in themselves. “Kids need it so badly,” he said. Check Sami out on YouTube, for kids and adults.
Lieutenant Jason Baldwin said of this year’s safety fair, “I’m pleased with the turnout of kids and parents and urge them to continue to ask questions about their health safety, traffic safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and if they have questions about any rules or to get some training, contact the CHDP for the resources they’re looking for.”