Carmichael Improvement District celebrates 2026 Bright Star and Visionary award winners. Panda Express and Carmichael Park District staffers are joined by CID board members and VIP guests. Photo courtesy of Tia Gemmel/Carmichael Improvement District

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A Chinese restaurant and Carmichael’s Park District have gained Carmichael Improvement District (CID) Awards.

On Wednesday, May 6, more than 100 CID stakeholders crowded the Milagro Centre for the annual State of the PBID dinner. While civic leaders lauded business zone improvements, the prospect of funding cuts for local policing injected a sober tone.

The County faces great budget pressure resulting from HR-1 (Great Big Beautiful Bill) changes to the law. An extra $50 to $60 million must be found to cover medical services for people who will become ineligible for Federal funding. Policing budgets are vulnerable to cuts in closing this gap.

North Area Sheriff’s Center Commander Captain John Homen encouraged CID stakeholders to remind County representatives how much the area depends on Problem Oriented (POP) and Homeless Outreach (HOT) officers.

Life-long Carmichael resident and former CHP officer, Supervisor Rich Desmond pledged support for specialized policing. “These teams are wonderful partners for maintaining community safety,” he said.

“If we have to significantly cut the Sheriff’s budget, POP and HOT operations would be first to suffer. Unincorporated communities like Carmichael would be more impacted than anyone else,” Desmond said. “I’ll do everything I can to oppose this. It will be a fight, but I’m on the side of public safety.”

“The County understands the need for this area to attract businesses and to bring change for blighted, empty spaces,” he continued. “It takes all of us working together. The CID is making our community a better place.”

Stakeholders heard local updates, including news of a Sacramento Sports Center to be located at the Fair Oaks and El Camino junction. The announcement that Yiannis Bar and Grill will continue serving Greek food - under a new landlord - was warmly applauded.

The CID also announced new public art at the “Y” intersection of Fair Oaks and Manzanita. A large ceramic work depicting American River landscape and wildlife will be unveiled later this year.

Awarded annually, the CID’s ‘Bright Star’ trophy recognizes businesses that enhance commercial zone beauty. With landmark premises and landscaping, Panda Express Chinese Kitchen (Crestview Shopping Center) took honors.

The CID’s ‘Visionary Award’ recognizes community enhancement surpassing business interests. Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s recent property upgrades secured that prize.

Park Administrator Stacey Yankee noted the impact of Measure G funding. CRPD’s 2025 and 2026 projects have benefited La Sierra Community Center, Glancy Oaks and Carmichael Parks. “The District will continue these improvements until 2028,” said Yankee. “It’s definitely an exciting time for Carmichael.”

Formed in 2016, the CID is one of 18 similar groups in the Sacramento region. Leaders work closely with the County and the Sheriff’s Department. Funding comes mostly from assessments on more than 900 property owners with premises between Oak Avenue and Crestview Shopping Center (Manzanita Avenue). 

State of the PBID event sponsors dinner included: SMUD, Ethan Conrad Properties, Supervisor Rich Desmond, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, Community Strong Strategies, Continental and Arlo Apartments, KJAX Inc, Tsakopoulos Investments and Nick Bloise.