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Crab Feed & Silent Auction 2011 - 1/22/11 at the new venue: Sunrise Event Center in Rancho Cordova was an awesome success. Silent Auction items were displayed from 6pm on to about 10pm. Dinner @ 7pm. Auction items donated by various businesses, individuals and organizations were bid on and sold to provide the valuable monetary support of D.A.R.T. The crowd of over 300 people enjoyed Food, Raffles, Music, Dancing and warm-hearted socializing. Many commented on the tasty salad and the abundance & sweetness of the Crab. Crustacean aficionados brought their own specialty sauces, butter, garlic, crab cracking tools & warming dishes. Veteran DART Diver & rock guitarist Andy Soloman & his band filled the house with music & dancing. Other members announced the silent bid & raffle ticket winners.

1st Aid/CPR/AED Training was held Saturday 12/18/2010.
Provided by the SSD to all DART members, at the Sacramento Sheriff's Academy training facility.

After learning about heart attacks, shock, stroke, atherosclerosis, and diabetes during the 1st Aid Class, members practiced at lunch by consuming pizza coffee & soda. Members huffed & puffed on the dummies at hand & learned some very practical life saving experience in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. Baby dummies were also resuscitated. It was an all day event that also provided members with a quick course in the Automated External Defibrillator.

President's Dinner - Saturday 12/4/2010 - A new spacious dining room venue was donated by Mr. Mohamed and a sumptuous meal was catered by CRUSH 29. This provided all of our attending DART members a buffet of good food, warm conversation, photo-clips, awards, & anecdotes. Recognition certificates were awarded to all Team Members.

The 30th Anniversary of D.A.R.T. , Saturday 11/ 6 / 2010 at Wayside Noodles ...
was a great DART Family Affair that included delicious appetizers along with some original founding DART Members. Along with gaining some valuable insight into the makings of our Nationally recognized water rescue team, we memorialized the lives of several DART members, including Ron Harknett and Eric Faulk. Slides, Pictures, Poems, Awards and Heartfelt speeches added to this Celebration & Dinner that recognized our Founding DART Members.

Patriot Day - remembrance of 9/11 - honoring all EMS, law enforcement agencies and military was staged at the New San Juan High School in Citrus Heights. MiguelZ organized DART's role in providing water safety information to the community

San Quentin Tour & Team Building Event July 30, 2010 led by BobE gave members a chance to escape their "normal" DART routine as they observed the notorious captivating prison life. It also presented a unique opportunity to share ideas and get to know fellow team members. After DART members broke out of San Quentin, a brief pizza frenzy ensued, before fleeing back to the dock...

Thanks to everyone who participated in this e-waste fund raiser, both during and before the event.
The team had a good time, and although it was a lot of work, it was also fun. Everyone worked hard and worked well together. The fundraiser cost nothing for DART to put on, and the Dock was cleaned up within 30 minutes of closing time. DART members tightly packed a giant collection bin to its full capacity. Estimated E-waste was over 11,000 pounds. Thanks to BobE for providing donuts, coffee and, later, for cooking hot dogs and burgers. After lifting all this heavy E-waste, food was appreciated. Rob, Brian and Dennis get the daily award for staying in the bin and handling and stacking all equipment. I'm sure the muscles are sore. GregL who stood in the sun and directed traffic almost all day. 30 years on the team and he still gets out there and never complains. Other members and family members logged all E-waste & carried it to the bins like troupers. A big THANK-YOU ! Great job! & Way to go to everyone. --RonR

Fireworks Booth Fundraiser - was an outstanding success with many members donating their precious time and expertise at the booth to help meet our Team's yearly needs for equipment, repairs, maintenance, and public education. In doing so, we got interact with fellow team members and educate the public about D.A.R.T. and about water safety... it may have been a long, hot & grueling time for some of our members, but it was still FUN ! ChrisM provided many sponsors that provided both food, music & entertainment On Saturday, July 3rd, Dinger the Sacramento River Cats Team Mascot, along with the Chick-Fil-A Cow flagged motorists into the Parking lot area for the Fireworks Booth Sales and to dance with patrons to the Robot Party Band. More music was provided by radio Stations FSFM and Hot 103.5 FM. RanierG and family added patriotic and theme music on July 4th. Bing Cherry drink company provided cases of free drinks to a thirsty crowd, while restaurants Panera Bread, Panera Catering, Chipotle, BJ's, Chile's, and Outback provided ample nourishment to all those volunteers that dared to devote time at the Fireworks booth. Special Thanks goes out to RonR for commandeering much of the hard details that went into making this Fundraiser a success, and to ChrisM for working tirelessly behind the scenes to provide support, food, fun and sponsors.

Coroner's Tour 6/15/10 was conducted after a very brief General meeting
The team was introduced to the many aspects of the Coroner's functions as well as getting a step-by-step guide to autopsy procedures, and physical & chemical decomposition. The tour guide explained the role that DART has taken in recovery of those unfortunate individuals that were not wearing their PFDs...

All witnesses to this sobering tour left the building with much to think about.

Women's NCAA Rowing Championships 5/26 through 5/30 in Lake Natomas at the California State University Sacramento Aquatics Center. DART Diver Volunteers monitored the starting line of these races to respond to in-water emergencies of capsized vessels. Thankfully such emergency response was never needed. This year, we managed to get DART members to fill all available work shifts, to cover the entire event: 2 Safety Divers per shift, and with 2 shifts per day for each day. This resulted in the a "most-excellent" donation to the team. Kudos to JohnM for working with the Aquatic Center personnel and for energizing the team to signup, and thanks to all the Team Divers that gave up their holiday and family time to help DART raise funds. They all should be congratulated on a job well done. "It is through working together like this that DART remains a strong dependable organization for the community at large". Those who gave their time included Brent Littler, Rich Morgan, James Netzel, Scott Sackett, Renee Gates, Rob Guardia, Ron Roberts, and Tim Stahr. Please let the rest of the team know what a great job everyone did on this fund raising project.

PFD Exchange 5/28/10 at Kohls in Roseville - Another successful yearly event was completed This annual life jacket exchange was possible with the combined resources of DART, Boating and Waterways, the Disney Channel and Kohl's. Many kids got to trade in their tattered vests for fresh ones as veteran members explained the proper wear and use of their PFDs. Thanks to Ron Roberts, Dave & Francesca Hall, and other involved DART members for tirelessly donating their time & expertise in this water safety endeavor

Classroom Training for DART Members 5/22/10 was held in our renovated classroom at the Dock. New & old members participated in training, which provided a broad knowledge base required for informed, appropriate and standardized responses needed in rescue & recovery operations. Newer members got may of the needed signoffs completed & documented. Although we would have liked greater member attendance, much of the classroom material was documented on film and on handouts. This may allow those new members a glimpse at what they missed, and may also allow the possibility of future classroom training availability year-round in audiovisual format. Hungry trainees were treated to a midday BBQ of hotdogs, hamburgers, and other delectables in order to maintain sufficient blood glucose levels needed for learning.

Golden Guardian Exercise - 5/19/10 - Some DART members volunteered their time to act as swift water and diver safety crew to monitor an inter-departmental agencies practice terrorist scenario. DART boats maneuvered near FBI / DEA / SWAT teams as they scaled up the side of a container ship docked at the Port of Sacramento. This large scale scenario involved many other agencies and included mock hostage negotiations, rescues, and fires, Thankfully the D.A.R.T. Safety Team did not have to rescue any personnel that might have fallen off the ship.

D.A.R.T. Open House on 4/28/2010 successfully introduced DART to the general public, and hopefully sparked more interest for potential members. Our Garden Highway center of operations became a casual walk-around-classroom introduction of water safety, basic vehicle outfitting and operations, In addition to the equipment demonstrations, we had 2 complete timed Rescue Diver suit-up demonstrations which allowed everyone to witness D.A.R.T.'s ability for quick response to water accidents. Hopefully this event helped those that attended a good idea of our mission, operations, and how to become a volunteer team member. Along with the various demonstrations, many of our team’s members were available to answer questions and provide even more information. Food & refreshments were graciously provided by some local restaurant

Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Conference, activities Saturday, 3/30/10 8am-3:30pm at Cooley Middle School in Roseville was a great opportunity for DART to provide Water Safety info to attending kids from the the Hispanic/Latin community.Thanks to all who helped.

Feed The Children February 24th, 2010, partnered with The Salvation Army in Sacramento to distribute 8 trailers full of food and personal care items to 3,200 pre-selected Sacramento families at Cal Expo. This was the latest stop on Feed The Children’s "Americans Feeding Americans Emergency Caravan", which has helped more than 30,000 families across the country in cities that have been affected by the nation’s economic downturn. Each family received a 25-pound box of food & a 10-pound box of personal care items, along with Avon products. The boxes were designed to help a family for up to one week. This was a very face-paced and physical volunteer day event, outdoors, in an uncovered parking lot. DART Volunteers helped lift boxes and escorted families back to their vehicles using shopping carts. DART members Neava H and Miguel Z got especially thick into the action with other volunteer groups passing food boxes out to families. DART worked with the Salvation Army, the Star Touring and Riding Association and other volunteer organizations to help make “Feed the Children” happen. The Salvation Army provided a full course meal including dessert to the volunteers from their rehabilitation vehicle. President Victor Tibbs of STAR’s Lone Eagle chapter of Contra Costa also expressed an interest in DART. This event was well organized, and everyone involved had fun and enjoyed giving to those families in need.

Fill the Boot for Burns annual event Saturday February 13th, 2010 at the Sunrise Mall from 10 am to 3pm for the Firefighters Burn Institution that helps both burn survivors and firefighters. more information is found at http://www.ffburn.org/ D.A.R.T. was invited to join this fundraising event and responded dutifully with six dedicated members: BobE, JohnM, NeavaH, MiguelZ, StephenF, JamesN & wife Melissa A variety of agencies joined in with the local fire departments, EMS agencies, CERT, Cal Star, Reach and Sac Metro's Rescue Huey helicopters. This was DART's first time joining "Fill the Boot for Burns" fundraiser. DART members also got to interact with these agencies that have helped with the many aspects of DART's mission throughout the years. This was a well organized and important fundraiser.

6th Annual Crab Feed & Silent Auction Fundraiser Friday 1/22/2010 at the Sacramento Elks Lodge was an awesome success considering the economic downturn. Silent Auction items were displayed from 6pm on to about 10pm. Dinner @ 7pm. Auction items donated by various businesses, individuals and organizations were bid on and sold to provide the valuable monetary support of D.A.R.T. The crowd of over 350 people enjoyed Food, Raffles, Music, Dancing and warm-hearted socializing. Many commented on the good tasting pasta and the sweetness of the Crab. Veteran crab feed aficionados brought their own specialty sauces, butter, warming crab cracking tools & warming dishes. Ranier of Clear & Distinct Music and veteran DART member was DJ & Master-of-Ceremonies and dutifully announced the silent bid & raffle ticket winners.

President's Dinner was held 12/13/09 at the 4th Street Grill 400 L Street in Sacramento and summarized a rather eventful year 2009. Pictures were viewed, Awards were given and Congratulations were shared by all Team Members during a sumptuous dinner at this cozy venue

LGS Dive & Shore Operations Training - October 1 thru 4th, 2009
This included classroom training Thursday evening at the Sheriffs Academy; Continued equipment practice & tender-diver dress rehearsals and line tending practice at the Dock on Friday thru mid-afternoon; then members were off to the American River to conduct hands on training Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and most of Sunday. We polished off the intensive training with a written test; Finally, Awards & Certificates were handed out by Andrea and Ron amid the applause & hand shaking

We learned a lot, and the team is better because of it. I want to thank each and every member for all your participation. Almost everyone was there and had a role in the training. Over 47 hours which included a call out Sunday evening.

I want to especially thank Jim who went out with me last Sunday to search out dive locations which turned out to be a pretty good spot. At least we weren't in 4 feet of water. The average spot we dove was 14 feet down. He also helped me with tank fills. Now you may think that isn't much but after lifting 27 bottles into the truck, then once at dolphin, into the shopping cart, filled, then back into the truck and finally unloading back at the dive site. Now times that by all the times we did that. Can you say "Heavy Lifting" Talk about tired.

I can't say enough about the team as a whole. So many people did so many things from diving, to shore, to team leading, to working on equipment, to clean-up. Everyone took a role and did a fantastic job. You should all be proud of yourselves and what you accomplished. We will now take it from here and build to make this an even better team. THANK-YOU ALL! -- RonR

This will be an every three year event from now on which gives the Team more time to obtain the necessary funding

All American BBQ at the Aerospace Museum, held on 8/15/09, was a surprising success considering the low initial turnout and our relative naiveté of this new venue. Much of members have never been aware of the Aerospace Museum existence, and most of us had never visited it until we hosted this fundraiser. This venue was a hands-on fun-filled adventure for all. The large numbers aircraft, space exhibit, art gallery, hanging models, full size engines, provided a many interesting attractions for all ages. DART supporters roamed through helicopters, cargo planes and Coastguard Rescue planes as well as inspecting fighter jets parked on the tarmac. Plus, participants experienced extra G-force in a space simulator. Add to this event a Silent Auction, a No Host Bar, an all you can eat BBQ, and Music-by-Ranier with a little bit of dancing, and DART Supporters got a fabulous night out to help fund our Team

Fireworks Fundraiser 2009 was held 6/28/09 thru 7/4/09 There was an exponential increase in fireworks sales from day one up to the closing day. The night of the 4th was the most intense as frenzied customers purchased last minute items ... Inventory surprisingly dwindled as customers purchased all the small items and much of the assortment packs. Along with telling people about Water Safety & DART's role in the community, newer members got a taste of DART fundraising. ..AND it was great fun to interact with other DART team members. After the booth closure, help was still needed for sorting, packaging, inventory and cleanup. To all those dedicated brave souls that stuck it out to work the booth & thus help fund our Team: Thank You Plus Thanks to ChrisM and all the great sponsors that he lined up to help promote and donate to the DART Team. The wonderful daily food donations provided by various restaurants: Chick-fil-A, Chevy's, B.J. Restaurants, Chilies Restaurants, T.G.I.F. Friday July 3rd: While the Chick-Fil-A Cow was giving away free chicken sandwiches with $1 donations to DART, Radio Station 102.5 KSFM was giving free prizes for a spin of their wheel. From the KSFM Van came Hip-Hop music & frequent announcements for listeners to check out our DART Fireworks Booth Other radio stations also contributed musical entertainment and DART promotion Lastly but not least; Thanks to RonR for his intense dedication, hard work, and organizing to perpetuate this needed fundraiser for the DART Team.

2009 Safe Night Sacramento - at Raging Waters at the Cal Expo Fairground Water Park 6/19/09 gave DART volunteers a chance to explain to kids what DART is and how NOT to require DART Services. 2 DART members volunteered there services to become dunkees as hordes of energetic kids dunked the DART Divers. A raffle pool among all the other organizational sponsors provided further incentive for kids to visit all the booths and get food, fun and educated

NCA College Row Championships 2010 - 6/4, 6,5, 6/6 at the CSUS Aquatic Center, Lake Natomas - swimmers and divers strategically positioned themselves to help if a water accident might occur - thankfully no rescue service was needed during this exciting event: College row teams from around the country competed at 15min intervals through-out the 3 days. Donations for this Non-DART service were graciously given to DART.

OPEN HOUSE was held on 4/28/09 6:30pm at our Garden Highway facility. Many interested people joined us to learn more about DART as they met with our Team members to discuss our volunteer activities, community support and education, fundraising, operations and equipment. As we displayed our gear, some got to try out our EXO26 communication mask and were further treated to a full on-scene Rescue Operations dress rehearsal. Channel 13 and Channel 10 TV News Crew filmed the entire rescue scenario while Diver Michael got suited up and Tender Tim narrated for the audience. A full BBQ meal was provided free to all, while Chick-Fil-A and Virgin Sturgeon restaurants donated even more food & Radio Station 103.5 - "The Bomb" provided music & prizes

All Day Classroom Training was held 3/21/09 at the at the Rockingham Sheriff's Substation. Members and some prospective Members fulfilled some their classification requirements for various topics, including: Chaplaincy, Critical Incident Stress, On-scene behavior, Witness Interviewing, Diving Physiology, Media Relations, Diving Environments, Radio Procedures, and Report writing. A good turnout made this annual training a success. A final, group picture was made with a donation check from a local Rotary Club.

The 2009 Crab Feed & Silent Auction, held Friday, January 23th at the Sacramento Elks Lodge, was a successful event in spite of the 'economic' downturn . About 300 people attended. Silent Auction items were displayed from 6pm to about 9pm. Dinner @ 7pm. Many auction items donated by various businesses, individuals and organizations were bid on and sold to provide the valuable monetary support of D.A.R.T. The crowd enjoyed Food, Raffles, Music, Dancing and warm-hearted socializing. Ranier of Clear & Distinct Music and veteran DART member was DJ & Master-of-Ceremonies

Christmas -President's- Dinner at Sacramento's prestigious Sutter Club was Sunday Dec 7, 2008 A happy & boisterous crowd of members, family and friends crowded the the Sacramento Dining Room to partake a sumptuous meal, warm conversation, video, and awards. Recognition certificates were awarded to all Team Members. Extra-Special recognition was given to our new incoming Board, and, to our long-standing & out-going President

CPR & 1st Aid Training - An awesome CPR training was provided to DART members, Saturday 9/13/08 at the training facility on the decommissioned McClellan Air Force Base. Members huffed & puffed on the dummies at hand & learned some very practical life saving procedures to revive the chosen few. Unlike some previous CPR classes, everyone got their own dummy to practice on. There was also no dearth of babies to resuscitate. Lunchtime entailed massive quantities of heart-clogging pizza, provided just in time to learn about heart attacks and atherosclerotic buildup during the 1st Aid Class. Strokes, bleeding, shock, and broken bones rounded out the course.

First Responders Day at California State Fair JohnM set up DART 5 and a table-full of info for inquisitive visitors Tuesday August 19th, 2008 at Cal Expo Fairgrounds.

Fireworks Booth Fundraiser was held - June 28th thru July 4th and was almost as much a success as last year. Again we had a good turnout from our members. The long, sweaty hours opening, closing, selling, restocking, inventorying were rewarded by a nice increase in budgetary funds that will help DART in the coming months. Hours were well spent educating people about Water Safety & DART's role in the community. Newer members got their immersion into DART fundraising. The selling geometrically increased towards the final hours of the very last day, as Firework aficionados flocked to acquire the more gee-whiz for their buck...also it was great fun to interact with DART team members. Thanks again to our wonderful sponsors that contributed to this Event: Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Chevy's, B.J. Restaurants, Chilies Restaurants, T.G.I.F. Macaroni Grill and Radio Stations: KNCI Country, 102.5 KSFM ,103.5 The Bomb, 107.9 The End

Safe Night Sacramento 6/20/08 was held at Raging Waters in Cal Expo Fairground
DART Volunteers provided information about DART and about Water Safety to numerous inquisitive kids.

Coroners Tour 5/20/08 after the General Meeting provided DART Member participants some insightful, relevant information for future calls and involvement in handling drowning victims. For those newer members, this provided some desensitization training to help ease the psychological trauma on some of our calls.

All Day Classroom Training was held on Saturday 2/23/08 at the Sheriff's Facility at River Walk Way. Members got to fill some of their classification requirements for various topics, including:
Chaplaincy, Critical Incident Stress, On-scene behavior, Witness Interviewing, Diving Physiology, Helicopter Operations, Paging Procedures, Media Relations, Diving Environments, Radio Procedures, and Report writing. A final review of an accident report from the CA Department of Water Resources put the day's learning in perspective.

The 2008 Crab Feed & Silent Auction, held Friday, January 18th at the Sacramento Elks Lodge, was a resounding success. Over 450 people attended. Silent Auction items were on display from 6pm until about 9pm. Dinner @ 7pm started with salad & rolls, followed by tasty pasta and finally all the fresh cracked crab you could possibly eat. The many auction items donated by various businesses, individuals and organizations were bid on and sold to provide the valuable monetary support of D.A.R.T. In a packed Lodge the crowd enjoyed Food, Raffles, Music, Dancing and good hearted socializing. Ranier of Clear & Distinct Music and veteran DART member was DJ & Master-of-Ceremonies Thanks to all our Generous Participants & Donors

Presidents Dinner at Sacramento's prestigious Sutter Club was Sunday Dec 2, 2007

The 2007 Volunteer Spirit Award from the Volunteer Center of Sacramento was given to D.A.R.T. as the "Group Volunteer of the Year" in recognition of outstanding community service in the surrounding Sacramento Region. This award entails "Outstanding commitment by a group of (3) or more with significant "hands-on" volunteer time and talent given to an organization or in support of a community cause". NeavaH and RonR graciously accepted the honor. As NeavaH says: "Everyone should be very proud of this accomplishment for so many reasons. The Volunteer Center strives very hard in strengthening the Sacramento communities, organizations and individuals who give to volunteer services. There were a lot of amazing individuals and groups that where nominated or awarded"

DAN O₂ Class was held 10/4/07 & 10/17/07 for DART Members at Sacramento's Dolphin Dive Shop Members got to learn and/or review the nuances of emergency O2 administration, as well as get some hands on familiarity with DAN O2 equipment. Several emergency DCI scenarios were practiced with teams alternating between victims and rescuers. A final written exam showed everyone to be up to par with proper oxygen use.

Open House for Public Display of Special Ops / Volunteer Services at the 'new' location for Sacramento County Sheriff's Department was 9/15/07 in Carmichael,
where friends and families were witness to displays & demonstrations from Explosive Ordinance, Mounted SAR, Canine SAR, the Red Cross, Bike Units, Sheriff's helicopter, Chaplaincy, Marine Enforcement, Elk Grove SWAT, Motorcycle Units, SHARP, Metro Fire, a car chase and, of course, DART. PatrickC graciously allowed the enthusiastic participants to repeatedly dunk him throughout the event, while DART members versed the captive audience about water safety and DART's mission. Free treats for all included a BBQ with hotdogs, hamburgers, sodas, chips, cookies, and even Baskin Robbins ice cream.

1st Responders Day was 8/28/07 at the California State Fair at Cal Expo - a successful showing of the fairgoers about all things DART, and an affirmation the DART is in the minds (and on TV) of the public. Thanks for members willing to sweat out the PR on this very hot summer day

Dolphin Dive Club had their annual "Picnic in the Park" at Fair Oaks Park 7/18/07 D.A.R.T. Members interacted with the dive club members to talk about diving and about DART's mission. BBQ food, raffles, and some friendly diver conversation ensued. DART played "Show & Tell" with the Rig; and RonR gave an illuminating synopsis on DART's mission, while providing the narrative to diver DaveH's and tender DavidS's rendition of underwater search techniques. StephanF & RichM rendered backup support with gear prep (& food tasting). Many thanks goes to Dolphin Dive Club of Sacramento for their untiring support !

Fireworks Fundraiser held 6/28/07 through 07/04/07 was a great success with wonderful turnout from our members. The long, HOT hours spent opening, closing, selling, restocking, inventorying were rewarded by a nice increase in budgetary funds that will help DART in the coming months. Booth hours were also spent educating people about water safety & in DART's role in the community. The selling built to a crescendo towards the final hours of the very last day, as Firework buffs flocked to acquire the most pizzazz & bang for their buck...also it was great fun to interact with DART team members. Thanks also to our wonderful sponsors that contributed to this Event: Chipotle, Chevy's, Outback Restaurants, B.J. Restaurants, Baja Fresh, Red Robin, Bel-Air Markets, Laguna pizza, Chilies Restaurants, and Radio Stations: KNCI Country, 102.5 KSFM ,103.5 the Bomb

March 7 - 11, 2007 The Sacramento Boat Show was days exposure o watercraft enthusiasts to DART's sworn mission to educate & save lives and property. Cal Expo provided a booth for DART in Building C which was manned all of each day by DART Members

Saturday March 10th Pocket Area Emergency Awareness Presentation at Kennedy High School was given by RonR, ShaneD, and PatrickC

Ron Harknett's 20th Anniversary Memorial Service was held Sunday 2/25/07 at Noon at Miller Park. This solemn service commemorated the life of DART member RonH. In remembrance of this unfortunate tragedy of a DART member 20 years ago, we reflected upon the many changes in DART procedures and attitudes that have taken place. The family that RonH left behind was assured that his legacy lives on in the hearts of the DART Team members. The Sacramento County Sheriffs Color Guard ceremoniously began and ended the service. Chaplains' Frank & Mindy Russell conducted service, with talks by various family members and with past DART members that were part of DART 20 years ago. A Sheriffs boat with family members and some DART members laid a floating wreath of flowers on the swift Sacramento River. DART gratefully thanks the surviving family members for
having accepted our offer to provide a memorial service. Because of Ron Harknett and others who have given all, we dive safer.

The 2007 Crab Feed with Silent Auction was held Friday, January 19th at the Sacramento Elks Lodge #6 (6446 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento) from 6pm to past 11pm
The Silent Auction items were on display from 6pm until about 9pm. The Dinner @ 7pm started with fresh salad & rolls followed by tasty pasta and finally all the fresh cracked crab you could possibly eat. Over 50 Auction items donated by
various businesses, individuals and organizations were bid on and sold to provide the valuable monetary support of D.A.R.T. Over 400 people packed into the Elks Lodge to enjoy Food, Raffles, Music, Dancing and good hearted socializing. Ranier of Clear & Distinct Music and veteran DART member was DJ & Master-of-Ceremonies

Presidents Dinner was held at Frasinetti's Restaurant Sacramento, Sunday, 12/3/06 @ 6pm and celebrated a very eventful year, and commemorated all Team members.

Three LGS Trainers taught Divers and Shore Support the fundamental concepts of LGS Public Safety Diving. Many newer members of DART got LGS Shore and/or Diver Certified, Older members got recertified, and some El Dorado County Sheriff Department Divers got LGS certified as well.

The 1st night (10/19/06) consisted of 4 hours of classroom training. The 2nd day, at the Air Force dock, students got some more classroom teaching, followed by comprehensive lessons in diver gear dress up and rapid deployment techniques. Proper tender-diver rope signaling was also practiced on the dock tarmac. By afternoon, all LGS students relocated to Tiscornia Park to practice dive ops, which continued well after dark. The 3rd day was an exhaustive full day at Tiscornia Park, practicing everything from the Zen of underwater dexterity (the "cutting box") and contingencies (entanglement, out-of-air, injuries) to search patterns. LGS Trainers also showed little mercy upon the shore personnel whom took DAC / SAC / breathing rates, drew search diagrams, tended lines and oversaw the the dynamic complexity of dive operations. The final day was another exhaustive dive operation on the Sacramento River next to the Elkhorn Boat ramp where students finally caught up on their LGS certification (or RE-certification) requirements . The final afternoon was spent taking the final exam.... from which everyone passed !

Diver Drysuit Training 9/26/06 at the Air Force Dock New & older divers tried on dry suits, and along with shore personnel updated their magnetic info cards for the rigs. Many people got to familiarize themselves with drysuit care and maintenance. All were needed to smooth the transition to LGS Training

Great American River Cleanup (GARCU), September 16th. Dolphin Dive Club and Seahorse Dive Club sponsored the Dive Portion of GARCU. A group of rafters in Rafts donated by American River Raft Rental, along with divers from the Clubs and 3 DART representatives (JeffS, JerryC, and RichM) scoured the trash from bottom to shore. Divers & rafts departed from Lower Sunrise at about 8am & ended up at Goethe Park between 2 to 4pm.

2nd Annual California Preparedness Day 9/14/06 West Steps of State Capitol
DART was quite the sensation among the School kids, their teachers, and the public. The request that DART have an "interactive, educational, and innovative display" was met: JeffS, JohnM and MichaelV handed out water safety booklets, whistles, coloring books, and talked to the throngs of curious people about water safety and the role of DART. RichM dressed in full dive gear for the entire event and attracted attention of many kids that wanted to try on the EXO. The First Lady, Maria (Shriver) Schwarznegger and ex-governor Jerry Brown worked their way through the crowd and briefly spoke to some DART members.

1st EMERGENCY RESPONDER'S DAY 8/26/06 at the California State Fair. JeffS, WaltD, MissyD, Neava, briefed the many State Fair patrons about DART's mission and on water safety. Under the big shady trees in front of the Cal Expo Entrance, children tried on the EXO26 mask whilst also exploring DART Rig #1 that was parked on the lawn. Neava led Walt -- suited in full dive gear- to greet arriving Fair participants. MissyD waisted no time in introducing our PDF-Bear to curious children. At 9 pm the DART Rig was driven, with lights flashing & occasional sirens, in the 1st responders parade through a winding path across the fairgrounds

All American BBQ Fundraiser August 5th, 2006 was held at the Towe Auto Museum & included a Silent Auction. Admission with this All-You-Can-Eat BBQ came with Full Access to the Auto Museum through-out the evening, plus music, dancing, and raffles. Mindy Russell & the Sacramento Sheriff's Color Guard performed a touching tribute to DART, DART Supporters, and to those that have given their precious time & energy to help others.

ClarenceW gave a presentation at Calvary Christian School, Sacramento 7/27/06 where he lauded Water Safety Education, and the role of the DART Team to these aspiring students.

Bridge to Bridge Boat Race - 7/22 to 23/2006 (Saturday & Sunday) in Old Sacramento - DART Members were the Safety and Emergency Response for the river and boating area during the races. DART Rig 7 was outfitted for rapid response diving, and DART Rig 1 served topside for Water Safety Education, PR, & Team Support Chief of Operations thanks all that attended for their dedicated support. Thankfully, no mishaps occurred on this Hot, Hot day.

D.A.R.T. Members JeffS, JohnM, and RichM attended the Dolphin Dive Club
"Picnic in the Park" at Fair Oaks Park 7/19/06 (Wednesday). Jeff gave a brief talk about water safety and about DART's mission. RichM was the "dope on a rope" for Jeffs demo of shore-to-diver communication. BBQ food, a raffle prize, and friendly diver conversation -- in very warm weather -- finalized a pleasant afternoon

ClarenceW gave enticing DART Presentation to the Rotary Club at the Sacramento Inn on 7/14/06 Morning. Breakfast was provided. The Rotary Club was so very kind & generous in providing a donation. And Thank You Clarence !

The Annual Fireworks booth 6/28 thru 7/4/06 was a smashing success Thanks to all members that put in such time and effort to provide our team with the support needed to make this event possible. A special thanks to the public that provided devotion to the Team (enough to bypass all the other fireworks booths along the way). Your public support will provide us with the ability to train shore support & divers, maintain & replace worn equipment, and hence, allow us to give water rescue, recovery, and education back to the public.

SETA Head Start at Hiram Johnson High School (65th & 14th Sts), June 24th got a DART Presentation and a PFD Exchange. DART Members were summarily treated to a free BBQ. Thank you to ClarenceW and PatrickC

A Presentation to the Davis Police Youth Academy was given June 21st. ClarenceW & DART want to thank JohnM and RussD for their promotionof the Team and with Water Safety Education for these young recruits.

Radio Stations KSEG 96 (The Eagle), KSSJ 94.7 (Smooth Jazz), KCTC 1230AM, KDND 107.9 (The END), and KWOD 106.5. All did interviews this month of June with RonR to help promote DART and to advertise our upcoming Fireworks Booth and BBQ Fundraiser. Interviews were broadcast early morning on Sunday June 17th & Sunday 18th Congratulations to Kat Mandru for setting this all up. She' a big supporter of DART

Dock Day June 3rd was a good day for new members to become acquainted with other team members and equipment, as they sized drysuits, cleaned the dock equipment and rigs, and learned basic protocol and maintenance of gear. Member data was also updated for magnetic cards and for roster info. The dock hasn't looked this clean in years ! Thanks for all those that showed up !

Blue Angels at Mather Air Field March 18th & 19th was a DART Public Relations opportunity organized by ClarenceW and was a resounding success, with more than the usual number of people flocking to our booth to learn more about DART

Boat Show at CalExpo - March 10,11,12th was another successful PR Event which was also organized by ClarenceW and BrandonW, and introduced the boating public to DART, and our commitments to water safety

  EXO 26 Technician Class
    0rganized by Logistician DougP on March 23 brought training from a Kirby Morgan EXO Expert Repairman and inspired at least 6 of our members to repair our own EXOs.
     Congratulations to the new Technicians !

Once again, ClarenceW has volunteered to organize the successful educational events at:
    Calvary Christian School 7/27/06
    La Sierra Community Center, Carmichael on 7/17/06
    David Reese Elementary School on 5/24/06
    Sacramento Children's Home - 4/22/06
    Charles Mack Elementary School on 3/29/06
    Florin Elementary School on 4/5/06
            where numerous kids gained exposure to the tenets of water safety
            as well as being able to play with our "really cool" dive gear

MLK School (Pocket Area) on 6/2/05 2 Assembly presentations by RonR
Samuel Kennedy Elementary School - 4/26/06 Briggs Dr., Sacramento

Creekside Community Fair Sunday, October 16th 1 to 4pm at Kokomo Park (4901 Kokomo Drive)
If you can help with a Rig and or help attend the DART Booth please contact:

Contact MiguelZ D.A.R.T. Media Liaison at (916)640-6363 or dart472dartsac@aol.com