Water Damage Restoration in Sacramento, CA

SACRAMENTO — For the first time ever, the X Games will call Sacramento home and will be held in the city from 2025 through 2027, officials announced Thursday.

Steve Dooner, the CEO of the organization California Dreamin', made the announcement at Cal Expo along with Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, Visit Sacramento CEO Mike Testa, California Exposition & State Fair CEO Tom Martinez and an all-star athlete panel.

X Games will be celebrating its 30th year in 2025. The competition in California's capital city will be over the course of three days, Aug. 22-24.

"As a Sacramento native, I'm incredibly proud to bring the X Games to my hometown," Dooner said. "This iconic event allows us to showcase some of the world's most talented athletes while also highlighting and engaging our local businesses."

X Games Sacramento will include sports like skateboarding, BMX and Moto X. It will host more than 100 athletes competing for more than $1 million in prizes. A lineup of music artists is also expected to be released in the coming months.

"Hosting the X Games at Cal Expo underscores Sacramento's growing reputation as a vibrant hub for world-class events," Martinez said. "This event will not only showcase the talent of incredible athletes but also boost Sacramento's visibility as a destination for sports and entertainment enthusiasts."

"I remember at a young age we would always be like, we want to go to Power Inn skate park, the local skate park here. That was the holy grail at the time because it had lights and our skate park didn't," said decorated X Games BMX athlete and Lodi native Bryce Tryon. "I think X Games is going to be able to help create a solid community in this area."

The X Games have been held in various locations and venues across the world, including in California. Earlier this year, the summer games were held in the California cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura.

California Dreamin' was founded in 2023 and is expected to reopen the former Raging Waters at Cal Expo as a new water park named Calibunga at Cal Expo in 2027.

Tickets for the 2025 X Games will go on sale at a later date.

Richard Ramos

Richard Ramos is a web producer for CBS Sacramento who was born and raised in Sacramento. He graduated with a BA in Journalism from CSUS.

Sacramento, CA (December 12, 2024) – A multi-car accident occurred earlier today at the intersection of Gerber Rd and French Rd, resulting in at least one person being injured. The crash took place around 6:44 p.m., prompting a swift response from local emergency services.

First responders arrived quickly at the scene to assist the injured, with paramedics providing on-site care before transporting those affected to nearby hospitals for further treatment. While the exact number of vehicles involved in the crash has not been confirmed, the multi-car nature of the accident suggests significant disruption to traffic flow. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collision.

As of now, the full extent of injuries remains unclear, but it is known that at least one individual was hurt in the crash. The scene is still being cleared, and drivers are advised to expect delays in the area. Our thoughts are with those impacted, and we wish for a full recovery for all involved.

Car Accidents in California

Multi-car accidents, like the one at Gerber Rd and French Rd, are a growing concern in California, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes and busy intersections. In Sacramento and other urban areas, crashes often result from factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic signals. When multiple vehicles are involved, the risk of serious injuries increases due to the higher likelihood of sudden impacts.

Injuries from multi-vehicle accidents can vary widely, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions like head trauma or spinal injuries. It is critical for individuals involved in such crashes to seek medical care immediately, even if they feel fine at first. Injuries such as whiplash or internal damage may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen without proper treatment.

If you are involved in a multi-car accident, California law allows victims to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's essential to gather information from all parties involved, document the scene, and notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Consulting with an attorney may also help you navigate the claims process and ensure you are treated fairly.

To avoid accidents, always drive attentively and follow traffic laws, especially at busy intersections. Being aware of your surroundings and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles can reduce the likelihood of collisions.

For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.

A Southern California-based organic food restaurant chain just opened its first Sacramento-area location.

Urban Plates officially opened Thursday at 2080 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Sacramento, near Howe Avenue.

It’s the chain’s 20th brick-and-mortar location.

Here’s what to know:

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Based in San Diego County, Urban Plates is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in unprocessed foods made from scratch.

Urban Plates began in 2011 when founders Saad Nadhir and John Zagara opened a restaurant in Del Mar, the company said in a news release.

Their promise, according to the Urban Plates website, is to make craveable, wholesome and clean food that’s accessible to all.

“Urban Plates’ expansive selection of menu items are made fresh in-house, from scratch, every day using clean, organic-all-the-time ingredients,” the company said in its release said, with recipes featuring wild line-caught ahi tuna, sustainably raised salmon, cage-free chicken and antibiotic- and hormone-free beef.

“Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or a straight-up carnivore, Urban Plates has a plate you will love and feel good about eating,” the release said.

Urban Plates now has 20 locations throughout California, including a few Northern California spots, PR News Wire reported.

The chain has restaurants in Sunnyvale, Dublin, San Jose and Pleasant Hill.

The newest Urban Plates location is in a shopping center just minutes away from Sacramento State.

According to its website, Urban Plates serves up an array of sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, bowls and combo plates.

Protein options include grass-fed steak, tofu, wild ahi tuna, salmon, chicken and shrimp.

Menu items range in price from $12 to $25, with the kids menu has items ranging from $8 to $14.

Beverages such as pineapple cream soda, lemonade, tea and coffee range from $3 to $6.

For dessert, there’s pie, cake and cookies, with prices range from $4 for a single serving to $59 for a whole cake.

Plate Pass members can receive 20% discounts off of every order and other perks, the website said.

Urban Plates opens its doors at 11 a.m. daily.

The Sacramento location closes between 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 9:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, the website said.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.

A pair of California ski resort access roads with scenic views of pine trees and mountain peaks are among the “sketchiest” in North America, according to SnowBrains.

The ski news site surveyed its readers about the “most daunting and dangerous routes to ski resorts” in the United States and Canada, receiving more than 500 comments.

“From steep inclines and hairpin turns to icy surfaces and unexpected snowstorms, sketchy roads can turn a simple drive into a white-knuckle experience,” SnowBrains said.

Powder Mountain in Utah had the most hazardous access road for ski enthusiasts in North America, according to the SnowBrains survey, published Sept. 9.

Roads leading to Mount Baldy and Kirkwood Mountain Resort also made the list.

Here’s where they ranked and why:

Kirkwood Mountain Resort in the Sierra Nevada is about a two-hour drive from Sacramento via Highway 88.

“The route winds through dramatic mountain landscapes, dense pine forests and along steep canyon edges, with sections often blanketed in heavy snowfall,” SnowBrains said, earning it a No. 6 spot on the site’s list of risky ski resort routes.

Drivers must brave “a series of sharp turns, steep grades and narrow passages that can be daunting in icy or stormy conditions,” the site said. “Chain controls are frequently in effect, and the road is prone to closures during severe weather.”

The resort’s website touts Kirkwood’s close proximity to Sacramento and the Bay Area for a “snowy California vacation.”

Still, officials encourage visitors to plan their routes, check road conditions with the California Department of Transportation, and have tire chains at the ready because the area tends to “remain hazardous” during and after winter storms, according to the resort’s website.

Mount Baldy ski resort, a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains, has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts.

However, getting there can be tough for even the “most confident drivers,” according to SnowBrains.

“The winding mountain route leading to Mount Baldy is notorious for its sharp switchbacks, steep inclines, and lack of guardrails in some sections,” said SnowBrains, which ranked the road at No. 5 on its list.

In the winter months, snow, ice, and fog often reduce visibility and traction along the road, turning the drive into “a challenging test of nerves,” the ski site said.

These are the most sketchy ski resort access roads in North America, according to the SnowBrains survey:

The Charlotte Observer

Kendrick previously led the Observer’s Service Journalism team. Originally from Chicago, has covered everything from public safety to college and professional sports during his two-decade career in journalism.

The start to December has been quiet across Northern California with no rain in the forecast since late November. But, the dry streak is about to come to an end as the storm door reopens allowing for multiple storm systems to move in this week.

Wednesday will stay mainly dry and sunny. Clouds increase come the afternoon as the first storm system moves in by Wednesday night.

Two storm systems will impact the region mid-week through the weekend with more rain and Sierra snow chances. By early next week, we are watching the potential of a third storm moving in on Monday.

Northern California Storm Door Reopens

Over the last week, most of California has sat underneath a large ridge of high pressure. This has blocked any incoming storm systems, kept the region dry, and pointed the storm track to the north.

By Wednesday, high pressure begins to break down allowing our next storm system to move in.

The first area of low pressure system will be fast-moving but it will be just enough to open the storm door open and keep active weather around over the next few days.

Storm #1: Wednesday PM to Thursday

This fast-moving storm system will arrive during the day on Wednesday, impacting the Coastal Range, Bay Area, and Northern Sacramento Valley before arriving in the greater Sacramento area after 9 p.m.

Rain begins to fill in across the Valley and snow across the Sierra, Wednesday night through Thursday morning. We are expecting our heaviest precipitation while many are sleeping.

By Thursday morning's commute, scattered showers continue across the valley and foothills as the storm continues to move east.

With recent model runs, rain and snow amounts have trended higher as a second wave of moisture arrives by the afternoon. 0.25-1'' of rain is expected in the valley. Drying out by Thursday evening.

Snow begins across the Sierra around 4,000-5,000 feet in elevation. Snow levels will drop quickly as the storm begins. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued starting at 10 p.m. on Wednesday until 4 p.m. Thursday for elevations above 5,000 feet.

Snow totals have trended higher as of Wednesday, with 5-12'' of snow now expected for elevations above 5,000 feet. Chain controls will be possible, especially on Thursday morning and afternoon.

Light snow showers will linger into early Friday before clearing.

There will be a brief break in activity from Thursday evening through early Friday before our second storm moves in.

Storm #2: Friday PM - Sunday AM

The wettest of the two storm systems this week arrives on Friday. The day will start mainly dry as clouds begin to rebuild.

Rain returns to the Northern Sacramento Valley through Friday morning before the main event arrives by Friday night.

Timing has been back and forth between models of starting earlier and later in the day on Friday. Right now, we can expect scattered showers through the late afternoon and heavier rain by evening on Friday.

This storm is tapping into an atmospheric river, a narrow plume of subtropical moisture to deliver heavy rain and snowfall at times.

Our heaviest precipitation arrives Friday night through Saturday afternoon. A good-soaking rain in the valley and foothills will be possible. Gusty winds will accompany the main front that moves in with gusts up to 30 mph in the Valley, and up to 40 mph in the Sierra.

Snow will begin across the Sierra just after 9 a.m. on Friday starting north of I-80 first, before spreading south.

This storm will have the potential to interrupt weekend travel plans, especially Saturday, with slick roads in the valley and chain controls over the Sierra expected.

Snow levels will rise as this storm moves in, but will start at 4.500 feet on Friday and climb to 5,000-6,000 feet on Saturday. Colder air moves in with the front Saturday night, dropping snow levels back to the 4,500 range.

If you had outdoor plans on Saturday, finding an indoor solution will be best as rain continues through Saturday into Sunday morning.

The highest rain totals will be north of I-80 as some areas in the northern Sacramento Valley will get up to 2 inches of rain.

Showers begin to taper off by Sunday morning, leaving Sunday afternoon dry across the valley and most foothill locations. A few lingering snow showers will be possible across the Sierra after sunrise.

The remainder of the weekend stays mainly dry before we're eyeing another quick storm system by Monday.

Storm Totals: Wednesday-Sunday

Rain and snow amounts will fluctuate with the timing and track of each storm this week. But adding up totals this week, these next two storm systems will help keep us on track to hitting our snowpack and water goals by next year.

Over the next five days, we are expecting our highest rain and snow totals along and north of I-80.

We could see some spots in the Northern Sacramento Valley reach 1-2 inches of rain, whereas closer to Downtown Sacramento up to 1.5 inches of rain is expected.

Amounts vary across the foothills as some areas north of I-80 will have the chance of seeing 2-3 inches of precipitation, with up to 2 inches of precipitation across central foothill spots.

Snow totals may also change as storms move in, based on changing snow levels.

By Sunday, expect 10-20 inches of snow across elevations above 5,000 feet. We could see up to two to three feet of snow across mountain peaks by Sunday. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are expected Friday through Saturday.

Be prepared for winter travel if your weekend plans take you over Sierra passes. Chain controls, delays, and closures are possible.

Next week's storm chances

One more storm system looks to slide in as we start next week. Early models show this moving in as early as Monday morning. Producing more scattered rain showers and more snow across the Sierra through Monday night.

This storm will be weaker than the one over the weekend and fast-moving like Thursday's storm. We are expected to dry out by Tuesday and Wednesday with partly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 50s through the afternoon.

After Monday, our pattern dries out again through mid-week, but another storm or two could be possible toward the following weekend.

Monday's storm timing and amounts are expected to change over the next few days so make sure to stay with the CBS Sacramento First Alert Weather team as we iron out the details.