Sacramento events

Sacramento to “Chalk it Up!” this weekend

2010-09-01T04:20:31Z

Sidewalk chalk isn’t just for kids, anymore.

This Labor Day weekend, Sacramentans can get in touch with their inner child at the 20th annual “Chalk it Up! to Sacramento” chalk art festival in Fremont Park. Saturday through Monday, 200 professional artists will be on their hands and knees, creating two-by-four masterpieces on the sidewalk.

Non-professionals can purchase their own squares for $10, which includes a box of chalk. A communal space with communal chalk on the interior of the park will also be available for kids and adults alike to chalk it up.

Darby Flynn, president of Chalk it Up! said this type of event is special to Sacramento.

“We want to make sure that our arts remain visible,” Flynn said. “I know it’s tough right now in this economy for everyone: Arts and artists especially have a hard time. So it’s something that definitely keeps the profile of artistry in Sacramento alive.”

Each sidewalk square is sponsored by a local business, for the cost of $150. Each artist receives a 24-piece box of chalk. Flynn said this chalk is not your typical chalk: It is buttery in texture, and similar to pastel chalk, yet is environmentally friendly because of its water-soluble component.

More than 5,000 pieces of chalk will be used this weekend, all donated by University Art on J Street.

Traditionally, Chalk it Up! has not been a competition among artists. This year, however, Flynn said the public will get a chance to vote for their top-three masterpieces. Winning artists will receive a people’s choice award and prize on Monday afternoon in an awards ceremony.

The festival will feature activities for both children and adults. A beer garden area will be located in the park, among along with food and craft vendors. The Kids Creative Space will feature a spot for children to participate in arts and crafts, including making their own instruments through recycled materials with the help of the McClatchy High School Marching Band.

The art festival is also part music: Nine local musicians will perform each day of the festival. Featured artists include Walking Spanish, Ricky Berger, Autumn Sky and Prieta.

Chalk it Up! was at one point held in Cesar Chavez Park and began when a group of community artists got together who wanted to show off the talents of Sacramento artists. Flynn said the festival has been located at Fremont Park, 16th and Q streets, since 1999.

Mochii Yogurt, located across from Fremont Park on 1530 16th St, sees an increase in revenue to double what is normal during the festival weekend.

“Chalk it Up! is a huge event. It’s fantastic for business,” Mark Otero said, founder of Mochii Yogurt. “We get a lot of families, a lot of creative people. It’s really good for the community.”

The festival occurs daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. starting this Saturday through Monday.

For those who can’t make it out to the festival, the chalk art will stay on the sidewalk for a couple weeks, until the city of Sacramento washes it off, Flynn said.

Annual Village Feast gathers community for local cause

2010-08-30T03:25:16Z

Fresh baguettes, roasted lamb, local wines and aioli were the ingredients for a savory Village Feast last Saturday in Central Park in downtown Davis.

Nearly 300 people assembled for the sixth annual Grand Aioli-style meal served to aid the Davis Farmers Market project, Davis Farm to School Connection — an organization aimed at bringing farm-fresh local fruits and vegetables to all 13 Davis public schools.

At noon, members of the community entered the Village Feast area with their own silverware, plates and cups, beneath the sycamore trees in Central Park. Guests enjoyed wine, olives and almonds while strolling through the feast area, socializing and taking a look at the silent auction items up for bid.

First-time Village Feast-goers Ann and Charles Filmar from Davis said they looked forward to the good food and good fundraising.

“I’m enjoying myself and looking forward to all the good food and meeting new people,” said Ann, a Davis Farmers Market board member. “I don’t recognize many people here,” said Ann, also a member of the Davis Farmers Market Board.

The meal ticket — $55 for Slow Food Yolo members and $65 for others — gave guests a full four-course meal, which began at 1 and lasted until around 3 p.m.

The sold-out event featured a traditional French-style menu with ingredients from local farmers who sell their produce at the Davis Farmers’ Market.

Catered by Buckhorn Grill, all courses were served family-style in large platters. First up was a heirloom tomato salad with basil and olive oil.

The main course, which included Yolo County wines, featured platters of green beans, beets, peppers, and eggplants served with, of course, a garlic aioli. Traditional to the Grand Aioli style, hard boiled eggs were served and baguettes were passed around the table and torn off with one’s own hands.

The pièce-de-résistance dish was a grilled and herbed leg of lamb, with sides of bean salad and potatoes. Just in case anyone had room for dessert, a summer fruit tart with fresh-brewed coffee was served.

North Davis Elementary School science teacher Kathy Forman said she attended the feast for the second time to support the Davis Farm to School program. The organization pays for field trips to farms for second graders.

“Our community definitely is an upscale community, but it’s surprising how many have never been to a farm and have no idea where their food comes from,” Forman said.

Most schools in Davis have an interactive garden for children, which Davis Farm to School helps with. Forman said it is up to each individual teacher if and when they integrate the garden into their curriculum. Forman takes her classes out once a week.

Davis Joint Unified School District board of education member Sheila Allen said the Village Feast is the major fundraiser for the non-profit Davis Farm to School organization.

“Not only is it fabulous food and a great opportunity for the community to come together, but it helps support all these programs,” Allen said.

Albie Puttin’ event to aid breast cancer patients

2010-08-26T04:30:15Z

Golf, pub crawl and breast cancer are usually not three topics you see together. But then again, Albie Puttin’ is not your typical pub crawl.

Saturday, Sacramentans can play a nine-hole game of miniature golf and enjoy drink specials all while helping breast cancer patients.

All ticket sales will benefit the Albie Aware organization — founded to help provide resources such as paying medical fees to breast cancer patients. This is the first pub crawl event fundraiser that Albie Aware is holding, sponsored by Go-Girl Energy Drink.

The crawl will begin with at noon Saturday at deVere’s Irish Pub. Each restaurant or bar has made its own themed hole and will feature drink and food specials, not included in the $20 preregistration fee or $25 walk-up fee.

Henry de Vere White, one of the owners of the deVere’s pub, said he hopes this event will raise breast cancer awareness.

“Its going to be a lot of fun, you get to goof off with your friends and maybe go to places you normally don’t go to, but at the same time, you’re helping to save lives and show support,” de Vere White said.

The nine holes also includes Capital Garage, Badlands, Mulvaney’s B&L, Torch Club, Streets of London Pub, Bistro 33, L Wine Lounge and Zócalo.

Participants who finish the course will have the chance to win prizes, including a Las Vegas trip for two. Awards will also be given to the best and worst golf costume and best golf score.

Albie Aware founder Doug Carson lost his wife, Albie, to breast cancer on July 4, 2002. He said that in April of 2002 doctors had pronounced her cancer-free Just three weeks later, doctors discovered she had a brain tumor.

Carson said this was not detectable without an MRI or CT scan, which most insurance do not cover. Soon after, he began Albie Aware to raise money for testing.

“We’re trying to make people aware of what their needs are and things that happen to them that can help them save their lives if they have breast cancer,” Carson said.

Albie Aware — which sounds like ‘I’ll be aware’— serves more than 1,000 women a year. Unlike other breast cancer organizations, it does not raise money for cancer research.

“Of course we want a cure, but we are here to help take care of people’s needs now,” said Carson. "(We want to) help people with breast cancer, now. Help provide those services and help save their lives, now.”

Tickets for Albie Puttin’ are available at wantickets.com.

Grand Aioli French meal serves Davis in ‘Village Feast’

2010-08-25T03:05:43Z

Sacramento and Davis residents will visit a Grand Aioli feast in the southern France style this weekend, without having to go all the way to Provence.

The Davis Farm to School Connection, a nonprofit organization and project of the Davis Farmers Market Foundation, along with Slow Food Yolo will host its sixth annual Village Feast. Three hundred community members will enjoy this Grand Aioli community dinner under the sycamore trees in Central Park Saturday in Davis.

Attendees can taste local and fresh ingredients from Davis Farmers Market farmers in a four-course meal catered by Buckhorn Grill.

To make the event zero-waste, participants are asked to bring their own plates, silverware and cloth napkins. Wine glasses will be provided.

All proceeds for this feast will benefit the Davis Farm to School Connection, which supports the Davis Unified School District in maintaining school gardens, recycling programs and local food in school cafeterias.

Talia Hack-Davie, Davis Farm to School program coordinator and Village Feast event chair, said the organization encouraging youth to eat better will benefit them in the long run.

“The larger goal is that if they’re nourished from healthy, local food, they’ll learn better in school,” Hack-Davie said. “School lunches are probably the most exciting project right now... It’s finally at a level that we are happy with.”

Proceeds from the Village Feast help bring cooking from scratch to Davis schools and salad bars with seasonal fruits and vegetables. The organization’s goal is to purchase 60 percent of its produce from local farmers. It is currently at 49 percent,Hack-Davie said.

A silent auction with 23 items for sale will be available during the feast with 16 items available for bidding online.

Items for bidding include a dinner for four at Sacramento Corti Brothers grocer Darrell Corti's home, served with wine from his own reserve collection. Also available for bidding is a Tuscan dinner for 10 with a local chef who will cook at your home.

“The items are really cool because they’re unique. They’re experiential things, not stuff that you can go out and just buy,” Hack-Davie said.

Village Feast is served at one large communal table with family-style platters of food. The difference between the French aioli and this Davis version is the main dish will be lamb instead of fish.

Ann Evans and Georgeanne Brennan began the Village Feast six years ago after a trip to France, noticing that southern France’s seasonal produce is similar to the Sacramento Valley.

Tickets for the 2010 Village Feast are sold out.

For more information on Davis Farm to School Connection, email info@davisfarmtoschool.org.

Photo courtesy of Davis Farm to School Connection.

‘Wizard of Oz’ singalong transforms Crest Theatre to Land of Oz

2010-08-24T04:23:52Z

Lions and tigers, and bears, oh my! were fortunately not present at the Crest Theatre this past Sunday — but Dorothy’s, tin men (and women) and even munchkins sure were.

Outword media, an extension of Outword Magazine, collaborated with the Crest Theatre to host a “Wizard of Oz” singalong, with nearly 400 people in attendance.

On stage before the show, children marched in a parade to show off their costumes. Each child received two tickets to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus.

Children were not the only ones to dress up. An adult costume contest showed off more Dorothy’s, an apple tree, a tin woman with her own WD-40 oil and, of course, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Carol-Agnus Pantages, 5, won best costume overall for her Tin Man getup by audience applause. She received a ruby slipper with a $100 cash prize. Second place went to Carol Curtis, 6, for her Cowardly Lion costume.

General Manager for the Crest Theatre, Sid Heberger dressed in the best of 1939 Kansas: Dorothy’s tornado-blown farm house, complete with the shiny ruby slippers of the Wicked Witch of the East protruding from below.

“It’s quite cozy in here: It’s got cable, a Jacuzzi, even a minibar,” Heberger said.

The cardboard box took Herberger a day to make, and was converted from a puppet stage for a comedy show.

This is the second annual singalong from Outword and the Crest. Last year’s was the movie “Grease.” The first film was such a success that they decided to make the singalongs an annual event.

“I just can’t wait to see what we cook up for our third annual,” Herberger said. “Hopefully it doesn’t require me wearing a giant box.”

Along with the costumes, preshow events included karaoke to “Wizard of Oz” songs to warm up for the film, tornado trivia and Emerald City, Ruby Slippers and Yellow Brick Road-flavored popcorn available for purchase.

Carrie Tedrick, Wendy Hill and their children Aiden and Addison came dressed as a “same-sex munchkin family.”

“It’s fun that things are happening on the weekend, during the day and that they’re kid-friendly,” Hill said. “There aren’t that many events where we can bring our kids and dress up as a family.”

Frank Palmer of Outword media, marketing and events said he wanted to have an event at the Crest for the community.

“It’s important to have things for families and kids and support them,” Palmer said. “It’s very important to have a sense of community spirit.”

Pictures by Renae Getlin

‘Fresh’ movie brings aid to local farm movement

2010-08-23T02:35:51Z

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op brought a fresh perspective to sustainable farming last Friday.

Forty community members gathered for a screening of “Fresh: The movie”— a film by Ana Sofia Jones that focuses on sustainable agriculture. Proceeds from the film sales will benefit the co-op’s One Farm at a Time project.

The documentary follows sustainable farmers in America, including pig farmers, chicken farmers and an urban farmer who farms in the middle of a metropolitan city, to demonstrate the contrast to industrial mass-produced agriculture.

“The Omnivore’s Dilemma” author Michael Pollan said in the film that “cheap food is an illusion.” Feed lots used in factory farming that hold thousands of cows, for example, create toxic waste manure through pesticide use that can harm the environment and not “respect the design of nature.”

The film was part of the Co-op’s educational programs, which include community education through wellness programs, composting classes, cooking classes and green living, assistant marketing manager Julia Hobbs Thomas said.

“What I think that movie really shows is that it’s worth it to know where your food comes from and to preserve these resources that we have and because the industrial food system is not working,” Thomas said.

She said one way to preserve resources is to keep family farms in existence and shop locally.

One Farm at a Time is a joint project between the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op and the Davis Food Co-op to aid a local farm, Good Humus, which is located in the Capay Valley in Yolo County. Good Humus Produce is the first farm they will be working with.

“We wanted to find a way to mobilize our customers and our whole community to recognize the resources that we have in our local farms,” Thomas said.

The project will aid local farmers to keep farming affordable so that “our farms don’t become extinct,” Thomas said.

Good Humus, owned by Annie and Jeff Main, has been organically growing food since 1976. The couple is beginning to think about retirement and would like to pass down their farm.

The issue, Thomas said, is the development price tag on their farm could be up to $500,000 — which is not affordable on a farming income. They would like to sell it for its agricultural value, which is $150,000 and keep it an organic farm.

One Farm at a Time will focus on the easement between these prices, hoping to raise $400,000 in a year. Paul Cultrera, general manager of the Sacramento branch, said there are about 40,000 customers between the Davis and Sacramento co-ops, so if each person contributed 3 cents a day or $10 for one year, the goal could be reached.

Film goers’ $5 entrance fee went toward the project. One Farm at a Time mugs were also available for purchase. Small cardboard boxes made to look like piggy banks traveled the room throughout the film for spare change contributions.

Photo credit: Polyface Farms

Sacramento goes bananas at inaugural banana festival

2010-08-17T04:06:40Z

Nearly 4,000 festival-goers had the chance to taste everything banana last weekend: banana pancakes, bread, pudding, cookies and even banana-flavored ice cream, all while contributing to the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum at Sacramento’s inaugural banana festival.

Held at Cosumnes River College Friday through Sunday, the festival educated the community on banana health benefits, said Shonna McDaniels, the museum’s director.

“We wanted to bring the concept of the banana and how different cultures use and prepare the banana and educate the community,” McDaniels said.

Those various cultures included the Caribbean and countries in Asia, the Americas and Africa.

In conjunction with the National Academic Youth Corps, the banana festival originated from the concept of the SOJO Fine Arts Festival, McDaniels said.

“The previous festival has always celebrated family, community, diversity, art and culture,” she said. “This is just an extension of that. We added health and wellness with the arts to the banana festival.”

Festival highlights besides the various banana-related foods included free bananas, tropical banana drinks, a chef banana challenge, local musical artists, a children’s corner and an art exhibition.

The art exhibition displayed visual arts from the multicultural museum as well as local artists. Children’s work was also on display, most depicted banana or fruit-related art.

At the children’s corner, young people were able to participate in an arts and crafts section, painting on easels or help paint in a drawing that featured tropical birds and of course, bananas.

Kids also could meet Miss Teen Vacaville on Sunday as well as participate in one of the banana festival pageants. Categories ranged from “Baby Banana” for 0-23 months, to the “Miss/Mister Banana,” ages 13-17. Winners received a crown and trophy.

McDaniels said one of the highlights of the festival was the chef competition where local professional chefs and youth joined forces for a banana cook-off.

Children could also make their own banana splits and plant banana seeds at the festival to take home.

The Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum has been serving the community for 20 years, McDaniels said. The museum, a nonprofit located at 2251 Florin Rd. holds more than 4,000 square feet of murals from many cultures.

“It became an educational tool for schools. We get about four schools a month for educational tours,” she said.

The festival had over 100 volunteers – most from high school key clubs in Sacramento. The museum itself is run by volunteers only, McDaniels said.

For more information on the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum, visit sojoarts.net.

Photos by Stephanie Bouret.

Cinema Insomnia brings horror, comedy to the Guild Saturday

2010-08-12T02:28:43Z

Movies on a Big Screen will host the first live broadcast taping of “Cinema Insomnia” Saturday.

Fans can watch the “1960’s mess” horror film that is “The Undertaker and His Pals” at the Guild Theater, located at 2828 35th St in Sacramento, as horror host Mr. Lobo — a television personality and actor— provides comic relief in between segments.

Movies on the Big Screen is an ongoing film festival, said Robert McKeown who helped start it in September 2006. They show films every week at the historic Guild in various genres including cult classics, documentaries and independent films. Cinema Insomnia is a television series that shows horror films. This is the first time MOBS is teaming up with Cinema Insomnia, although McKeown said it may not be the last.

The concept of a horror movie host is a throwback to the days of creature features, Mr. Lobo said. Late-night horror movies on television would have hosts to keep the audience entertained. Cinema Insomnia will similarly provide a mix of horror and comic relief to give those in the audience a chance to catch their breath.

“I think comedy and horror fit together really nicely because there’s that tension, and then the release of that tension,” Mr. Lobo said. “Not everybody is really a fan of horror movies, so in a weird way, a horror host kind of makes a horror movie more powerful for the general public because you kind of have a way out.”

Mr. Lobo has done TV shows in the past and hosted live shows, although this is the first time he has done both simultaneously. His co-host, Miss Mittens — a houseplant — will help Mr. Lobo guide the audience through the movie.

“She needs to retire soon; she’s been through a lot,” Mr. Lobo said. “That happens when you see a lot of bad movies. It’s hard on the leaves.”

Audience members can expect an array of entertainment throughout the show, including games with the crowd, prizes and even a cooking segment.

“We’ll have barf bags, because this movie has some graphic violence that might unsettle the tummy,” Mr. Lobo said. “In the past we’ve had a hearse parked out front and nurses taking your blood pressure.”

The show will be syndicated nationwide in 30 locations and air at midnight Saturday. To stay true to Cinema Insomnia’s name, fans can also watch the show at any hour of the day or night at cinemainsomnia.com.

Mr. Lobo said this type of late night films are different than other movies.

“The way you appreciate them at 2:30 in the morning is different,” Mr.Lobo said.

Although this Cinema Insomnia will begin at 7 p.m., Mr. Lobo said he will help people stay up.

McKeown began MOBS in September 2006 and has had Mr. Lobo host live shows for them before. He said he expects this show to sell out.

Tickets to Cinema Insomnia, are $7 per person, and can be purchased at moviesonabigscreen.com or at the door on the day of the performance, Aug. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Robert McKeown, Photo 3 by Anthony Bento.

Midtown Cocktail Week stirs up drinks starting Monday

2010-08-09T04:51:25Z

Sacramentans in the mood for specially made cocktails need to look no further than Midtown this week.

The annual Midtown Cocktail Week kicks off on Monday with seven nights filled to the brim with cocktail culture.

Co-founder Joe Anthony Savala began the event in 2008 with Erick Castro after attending San Francisco’s Cocktail Week.

“We really love the whole Midtown vibe and how it’s growing, so [we thought,] let’s put something together here,” Savala said.

After some planning in conjunction with local restaurants and bars in Midtown and some help from San Francisco’s best bars, MCW was born. In 2009, the Midtown Business Association joined in.

MCW is more than just enjoying beverages, Savala said. It’s more about the mixology and cocktail culture.

“What we’re trying to do is educate a lot of the people here, people that love the cocktail culture and are even in the industry,” he said. “We try to bring a lot of the great minds, work together and brainstorm to make each other better.”

Savala, current beverage manager at Zócalo, described a mixologist as someone much like a chef who knows ingredients well and can mix them to create something great.

The secret to a great cocktail is balance, he said.

“A lot of times with young bartenders, they think they need more ingredients to make a great cocktail, he said. “Sometimes it’s really the simplest, purist form of a cocktail that makes it great.”

This year’s MCW will host its yearly bartender mixology competition Tuesday at Lounge on 20. Eight competitors are challenged to use Royal Combier liqueur in their creations and will be judged on appearance, taste and creativity.

Zócalo will feature drinks on Thursday made from distilled mezcal. Savala said some participating locations, such as Shady Lady, will feature local ingredients — including spirits.

“Just like people are eating a lot better now with more local ingredients, people are drinking better now, too,” he said. “It’s really bringing cocktails that have a lot of integrity.”

MCW is promoting responsible drinking and alternative transportation. Proceeds to MCW will benefit drunk driving educators and law enforcement agencies in Sacramento.

“This brings a lot of culture and awareness to Sacramento,” Savala said. “People aren’t really trying to get drunk anymore, they’re trying to enjoy a great cocktail. It’s maturing Sacramento into becoming great drinkers — people who are enjoying a great cocktail, culture, education and awareness.”

For a sneak peek at Savala’s “Oaxacan Old Fashioned” and “Anejo Sour” drink recipes, click here.

For more information and full list of events for MCW, visit midtowncocktailweek.org.

Festa Italiana brings together Italian American community

2010-08-09T04:34:07Z

This weekend marked the 25th annual Festa Italiana celebration of Italian heritage in Sacramento.

Sponsored by the Sacramento Italian Cultural Society, Italians, Italian Americans and beyond gathered at the Croatian American Cultural Center Saturday and Sunday for a festival resembling a two-day-long Italian wedding.

Under the hot Sacramento sun, shaded by large canopies, festival-goers enjoyed musical entertainment by the likes of Italica and Moreno Fruzzetti and dancing from the society’s Balliamo dance troupe.

Husband and wife Victor and Eva Musammam have been attending the festival for 20 years and are big fans of Fruzzetti.

“I have all of his CDs,” Eva said.

Eva was born in Bari, Italy, and moved to Hoboken,N.J. (birthplace of Frank Sinatra) at age 11. Victor, who was wearing a T-shirt that said “Pray for me, my wife is Italian,” has Italian grandparents, although he is from Palestine.

“We come here every year with these friends, family,” Eva said. “Actually, we look forward to it. I enjoy coming, seeing people and listening to the music.”

“Every year they add more to the festival,” Victor said. “I think this year is the best organized. They improve every year.

Throughout the day, the main stage outside held raffle prizes announcements, singers and dancers. The inside of the cultural center had vendors selling everything from Venetian glass jewelry, to olive oil.

Walking through the mercato, the smell of fried calamari and pasta was apparent as local businesses advertised their products. One booth sold varieties of mushrooms, while the booth next to it sold Italian license plate frames with phrases such as “Happiness is being Italian.”

Activities for children were also available, such as an arts and crafts booth, face-painting booth and rides. Applicants for the 2010 Festa Queen pageant helped out in the children’s area.

Toward the late afternoon on Saturday, Jennifer Caruso Stone invited former Festa Queens on stage from the last 25 years for the coronation of the 2010 Festa Queen.

Jacqueline Traverso Hamilton, a UC Davis graduate, won this year’s title.

“My favorite part about the festival is working with the kids — it’s my passion,” she said. “And of course, spreading the Italian spirit.”

Applicants are judged based on an essay, panel interview and participation in the festival.

Nora Biundo-Salazar was one of the first Festa Queens, crowned in 1987. She said they also had to write an essay, but the interview was done on stage and in Italian if possible.

“We were escorted by Italian Marines in uniform” she said. “And the cars that were on display, the owners let us ride into the festival on them. Mine was a red Fiat.”

Today, the queen receives a $1,000 scholarship, although in 1987 the sum was much smaller. Biundo-Salazar, who now has three children, said the society has grown in these last 25 years.

“I’m proud to be Italian and grateful to have been a part of the society since 1985,” she said. “I’m thankful that this opportunity still exists and hope that it continues for at least another 25 years.”

For more information on the Italian Cultural Society, visit italiancenter.net

Photos by David Alvarez.

Italy comes to Sacramento this weekend at the Festa Italiana

2010-08-06T01:57:27Z

Everyone can be Italian this weekend at the Italian Cultural Society of Sacramento’s Festa Italiana.

The 25th annual Italian festival has much more to offer than the stereotypical spaghetti and meatballs. Once held at the Cal Expo, the fair is now at the Croatian-American Cultural Center at 3730 Auburn Blvd. This year’s Festa Italiana is set up to represent authentic festivals in towns across Italy.

It started as a small picnic in the park by the society’s Gioventú young people group, the festival has grown to an average 6,000 visitors per year.

Bill Cerruti, executive director of the Italian Cultural Society, said the Italian-American community of Sacramento wanted something to celebrate its culture.

“During the 1970s, we didn’t have much going on,” Cerruti said. “That was one of our goals: to recreate an Italian festival and take pride in our heritage.”

Festivalgoer’s can take a stroll down the marketplace, or mercato, while listening to Italian bands such as Italica, play on the main stage.

Staying true to Italian tradition for their love of food, visitors can taste selections from Sacramento’s best Italian restaurants, such as Il Fornaio and the new Fair Oaks branch of the San Francisco favorite, Dianda’s Bakery.

Attendees can also witness Italian folk dancing by the society’s two dance troupes: Balliamo,and the Bambini Dancers. Bambini means children, as the group is made up of kids no older than 12.

For those interested in Italy’s motor achievements, Italian cars, bicycles and motor scooters will be on display. Past festivals have featured Maserati’s, Ferrari’s and Vespa scooters from private owners and local car dealerships.

This year’s festival will continue to offer the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship for young women of Italian descent ages 16 to 22 through the Festa Queen Pageant. Jennifer Caruso Stone, coordinator for the competition, said this is not a typical beauty pageant.

“In villages in Italy, when they would have their annual festival, they would crown a festa queen. It has to do with how they honor their women in their culture,” Stone said. “It is something that’s traditional from Italy that we tried to recreate here.”

Applicants are required to write an essay, go through a panel interview and participate in both days of the festival. Stone said the panel members — which are made up of past queens, members of Gioventú and the board of directors for the society — make their decision based on these requirements and the person’s interest in Italian culture.

“It gives [applicants] an opportunity to meet others who are also interested in the Italian culture,” Stone said. “I think its important for the Italian Cultural Society to have that connection with the youth and to get them excited and want to give back to their culture.”

Stone’s husband Matt runs the salami toss at the festival — a crowd favorite. The object of the game is to try and hit a whole swinging salami hanging on a rope.

A potato wedge is traditionally used to hit the salami, though Stone said in years past the Sacramento heat made the potatoes brown. The prize, of course, is a salami.

“Some people take it very seriously,” Stone said.

“There was that one kid that won about 12 in one year,” said board member Julie Radke.

Cerruti described the festival as a two-day big Italian wedding. His favorite part is the outdoor setting with “all the people sitting around eating, drinking and enjoying themselves.”

Raffle tickets will be available for the chance to win a two-person round-trip to Italy.

Festa Italiana will take place from 11 a.m-10 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $10, and those 15 and under are free.

For more info on the festival, visit italiancenter.net

Angela Ruggiero is part of the 2010 Festa Queen Pageant panel. She was Festa Queen in 2008.

Native Sacramento chef competes for YouTube Food Network challenge

2010-08-05T01:45:06Z

Chef Ryan Rose, the 28-year-old chef at the Zócalo restaurant in Sacramento, is one of the top 15 finalists in the “Next Food Network Star YouTube Challenge.” His in-it-to-win-it dish: paella.

Originally on a search to apply for the Food Network’s casting call for the “Next Food Network Star,” Rose came across the YouTube challenge. Viewers can vote daily on their favorite video of national chefs demonstrating their favorite dishes in three minutes or less. The winner will fly out to New York for an audition with executive producers of the show.

But Rose didn’t always want to be a chef. It wasn’t till a two-year visit to Spain where he watched his Italian roommate cook every day, that he really discovered his true passion. He said the paella helped tell the story of his cooking life.

“Before [Spain] I didn’t know anything about cooking, and I would watch [my roommate] daily and take notes,” Rose said. “And that really got the ball rolling for me for what my passion is now.”

After Spain, Rose became more interested in learning how to cook. After graduating from California State University, Sacramento, with a degree in Spanish, he took a job as a barback at Zócalo.

“It was the only way I knew how to get into the restaurant without having any restaurant experienced,” he said. “I continued to study cooking on the side until the opportunity for a position popped up to actually work in the kitchen.”

In his early days at Zócalo, he learned to cook Italian food with a woman who owned a restaurant in Fresno. After taking an Italian language course, he decided to take an internship in Italy for four months in the Calabria region.

He has been working at Zócalo for six years now. He has also tried his hand at bartending, then became a server, then manager for the front of the house until a chef position opened up.

His true passion for food, though, lies not in Italian cooking, but in Mexican cuisine.

“I grew up in Clarksburg, and the majority of the population there is Mexican,” he said. “So growing up, all my friends were Mexican. I was really into the Mexican culture. That’s why I wanted to learn Spanish.”

He said Mexican cuisine varies from European technique and is brought out through years of traditions and culture.

“Mexican people just know how to cook,” Rose said. “They know how to put things together because of the traditions that have been passed on, and that’s really what I just enjoy seeing and try to interpret.”

Rose and Zócalo’s owner, Ernesto Jimenez, travel to Mexico yearly to taste Mexican cuisine and take ideas from restaurants throughout the country.

“Sometimes people think we don’t do real Mexican food because they are things they aren’t used to seeing in a Mexican restaurant in California, but we actually pull the ideas from Mexico,” he said.

Rose’s inspiration not only comes from Mexico, but from watching Food Network star chefs at their best.

“Some guys watch sports, I watch the Food Network,” he said.

His favorite shows include “Iron Chef America,” and “Barefoot Contessa,” and he especially admires Chef Emeril Lagasse.

Rose said he hopes this challenge will allow people to recognize Sacramento’s culinary greatness.

“I think the restaurant culture that we have should be part of Sacramento’s tourism,” he said. “This is a way to make it national. Yes, it would be great for me as a person, but at least get the word out that Sacramento has people doing great things with food.”

As of press time, Rose’s video had more than 22,000 views. To view Rose’s paella video, visit Youtube.com/foodnetwork and click on "vote." His video is titled “Ryan’s paella.” The contest ends August 14.

For Rose's paella recipe, visit www.scribd.com/doc/35385985

“Hot Moms and Cool Kids” strut their stuff at fashion show

2010-08-02T05:12:45Z

Moms and children strode in fashionable attire on a pink and white striped runway last Friday to raise funds for the Sacramento Children’s Museum.

A couple hundred people gathered at 33rd St. Bistro in Midtown to support the fundraiser for the museum that begins demolition today. Ten dollar tickets benefited the museum directly.

Sponsors Koukla Kids Boutique, M.E. Boutique, Firefly Salon and Boutique and 33rd St. Bistro began planning the event only three weeks ago. Kathryn O’Connell, co-owner of Koukla Kids, said they saw a need for a fundraiser to benefit a place that could be fun, safe and educational for children of the Sacramento area.

“All the other major metropolitan cities have a children’s museum, and we don’t. That’s,” she said. “what drove us to do an event.”

O’Connell said the turnout for the fashion show was far beyond what they expected.

“We oversold the event,” she said. “People were eager to participate. I think they saw the need for something so valuable for Sacramento.”

Moms and kids modeled clothing from the boutiques, starting their runway walk in the M.E. Boutique located next door to 33rd St Bistro. After strutting outside on a multicolored chalk-drawn floral runway, they ended their loop inside the bistro.

Ten mom models and their children participated, all chosen by the sponsors. All clothing modeled was available for purchase, with 20 percent of the proceeds going to the museum.

Alan Godlove, president of the board of directors for the children’s museum, served as emcee for the event. He announced raffle ticket winners, which were available for purchase at $1 per ticket.

He said the museum, which is expected to open in March 2011, will focus on children from ages 0 to 8.

“There are a lot of many wonderful museums in Sacramento, but the focus on that age group hasn’t existed in awhile,” Godlove said. “It gives young children a way to learn in an environment that parents can feel comfortable in.”

Godlove, who has young children himself, said parents can feel safe letting their young kids roam around the museum.

Natalie Truman, who handles fundraising development for the museum, said the Sacramento community will have the option of becoming a founding family. The family’s name will be memorialized in a tribute displayed in the museum.

“The founding families campaign is $500 or more and donor recognition on the wall to the first 500 families, with all proceeds going directly to construction,” she said.

The idea for the museum began six years ago when two school teachers got together after visiting a children’s museum in another city. Founding partners, The city of Rancho Cordova, the Junior League of Sacramento and Roebbelen Contracting, Inc. helped bring the project to a reality.

For more information on the Sacramento Children’s Museum, visit sackids.org.

The Hot Italian story, as told by Fabrizio Cercatore

2010-07-27T04:11:31Z

Fabrizio Cercatore is not a chef. He is not a baker. He was trained to specialize in one thing only: pizza.

Born in Verbania, Italy, Fabrizio has been a pizzaiolo — a pizza-maker, for 14 years. His knowledge of pizza stretches beyond a typical chain pizza shop around town.

The Man
Cercatore, co-owner of Hot Italian in Sacramento, has lived in the city to pursue what he calls this “project” of opening an authentic pizzeria restaurant abroad. He studied at a culinary school in Lerici, Italy. His familiarity with pizza hailed from working at his restaurant in La Spezia called La Tavernetta (The Little Tavern), which he owns with his sister.

It was always his dream to open up a restaurant abroad. This dream became a reality when he met now co-owner Andrea Lepore through a mutual friend, Ruthie Bolton. Bolton — a former WNBA player for the Sacramento Monarchs — would come in to his restaurant in Italy with her team.

“Ruthie got engaged to my friend, and they invited me here for a vacation. When I was here, I met Andrea, and we became friends. I invited her to Italy to see the Cinque Terre, the restaurant. Then, speaking more profoundly with Andrea, she told me ‘Come on, let’s truly do this thing’ and slowly, slowly, we constructed this project.”

The restaurant opened Feb. 14, 2009.

“It was always a dream of mine to open a restaurant abroad. Perhaps a bet with myself,” he said. “And when I met Andrea, it was the perfect balance because she has the marketing aspect, something I lack. It’s the perfect equilibrium.”

Cercatore said he plans to stay in America for at least five years to see the project through.

“But, you never know with the life,” he said.

He recreated a typical Italian atmosphere at Hot Italian — large communal tables, no hostess, Italian music playing, and a soccer match on the big screen.

“At first, people feel a little timid to eat next to people they don’t know. But, when they continue to return, they feel a rapport of familiarity, of friendship,” Cercatore said. “They start sitting next to each other, getting a little more comfortable. It’s like this in Italy, and because of this, I don’t feel the absence of Italy.”

The Pizza
Cercatore, a tall, rather thin man in his 30s with a warm smile, spoke of the difference between a typical American-style pizza and a more traditional Italian pizza.

The dough he makes at Hot Italian is kept to rise for 24 to 48 hours, whereas typical places may let the dough rise from morning to night time.

“When you eat pizza at certain places, you get thirsty when you go to sleep. This is because the yeast retains liquids,” he said. “Instead, with a long leavening...the humidity becomes matured in the fridge. So, when one eats, it is much more light and digestible.”

Cercatore said the concept of strictly a pizza-maker does not really exist in the United States.

“There are lots of people who call me chef, but I don’t like it, because I don’t have the knowledge of a chef. I have the knowledge of pizza. It’s a trade that is well-known in Italy.”

This made it difficult for him to find people who could make his pizzas just right. He spent several months interviewing and then training suitable pizza-makers. During that time, he made all of the Hot Italian pizza himself.

“When we looked for personnel, there were plenty that were chefs that had good experience in the kitchen, but had never worked with pizza before. So at the beginning, it took awhile,” he said.

Currently, there are four “let’s call them pizzaiolo’s” and four in the process of learning. Cercatore said it can take around three weeks to teach basics on how to make pizza, but up to five months for complete training.

“Our pizza is the true Italian pizza. The difference is in the crust, dough and toppings. In the American pizza, there are much more toppings, they become heavy. Even the tastes are more strong. Perhaps the Italian version is something more simple.”

Cercatore and Lepore spent a year researching products for the restaurant. They use a combination of local produce and specialty items and imported specialty items. Speck prosciutto, for example, is imported from the Alto Adige region of Italy, while they purchase their ricotta cheese from a local family-owned shop in Sacramento.

All the pizzas are named after “hot Italians” — people who are perhaps not only good-looking, but prominent and current figures of Italian culture and society. Most on the menu are Italian soccer players.

Cercatore’s favorite pizza? La Fiori, with prosciutto Parma, mushrooms, arugula and mozzarella.

Yes, he eats his pizza every day, but he said he never gets tired of it.

“I change the toppings,” he said.

Note: Fabrizio Cercatore’s quotes have been translated from Italian to English by Angela Ruggiero.

For more information about Hot Italian and to view their menu, visit hotitalian.net

Photos by Angela Ruggiero. Photo of pizza courtesy of Hot Italian.

Ginger Elizabeth cools down ice cream aficionados

2010-07-26T05:25:03Z

In the hot Sacramento summer, knowing how to make ice cream may come in handy when trying to cool off.

Thankfully, that’s exactly what was on the agenda for Ginger Elizabeth Hahn’s summer class last Saturday.

Thirty-five students gathered at Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates — Hahn’s boutique — which offers classes for $35 per person. The class was located at the 1818 L St. Lofts penthouse kitchen across the street.

Hahn, a chocolatier, taught two sold-out classes that day. She first told the class of her training, which includes the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She has worked with world-renowned chocolatiers such as Jacques Torres and pastry chef En-Ming Hsu and had the chance meet and speak with chef legend Julia Child.

“I studied at the French Culinary Institute in Chicago too. I'm kind of all over the place, but I love chocolate," she said.

She began the class with a Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream base recipe. Tahitian vanilla is “a little spicier” than normal vanilla and two to three times the price since it is only found in Tahiti.

She demonstrated an infusion, which was used for the ice cream base: bringing cream, milk and the vanilla to a boil and letting the vanilla bean steep for five minutes.

Throughout the two-hour class, Hahn demonstrated her abilities as students observed, asked questions and,of course, tasted finished products. She gave tips of her trade for better ice cream-making and where specific tools can be found.

Hahn spoke of “over-run”: when air is whipped into ice cream. Typical grocery store freezer ice creams could have up to 100 percent over-run. Lots of air is used to pump up the ice cream, giving it more volume.Her ice cream creation is around 25 percent over-run , she said.

She also explained the differences between various ice creams. Gelato has around 15 percent to 30 percent over-run, is more elastic, creamy,and its temperature conditions for storage are warmer. Sorbet contains no dairy, while sherbet contains no eggs.

In terms of just ice cream, Hahn said there are two types: Philadelphia and French. Philadelphia contains no eggs while the French style has eggs and is more of a custard-style. Hahn prefers the Philadelphia.

Mary Taylor of Sacramento attended the Ginger Elizabeth class for the first time with her mother, who heard about it through the email list. Taylor said she has been making ice cream at home for around two years. She thinks learning to make ice cream takes some practice.

“A lot of it is trail and error. You have to try things out,” she said.

She found the class a success and enjoyed the taste of the ice cream.

For more information on Ginger Elizabeth classes and the boutique, visit gingerelizabeth.com.

Photos by Angela Ruggiero.

“Improve your Writing” workshop aids community members

2010-07-22T21:02:15Z

Tuesday night, The Sacramento Press office was the place to be if you wanted to improve your writing.

Clare Noonan—who has more than 20 years’ experience working as a reporter and copy editor for The Modesto Bee and The Sacramento Press—presented to a crowd of roughly 50 people to “Improve Your Writing and Self-Editing.”

The interactive workshop focused on tips for self-editing and common mistakes that Noonan found when reading copy.

“Get rid of the clunk,” she said.

She suggested to “tighten up” writing by getting rid of saying things twice. For example, the phrase “massive aircraft carrier” does not need the word massive, since an aircraft carrier is large enough already.

On the handout passed out to participants for concise writing, Noonan said to make your verbs count, and most importantly, use the active voice instead of the passive. For example: Instead of writing “was able to jump out” write “jumped out.”

She also said to eliminate the obvious. Phrases such as “Graduated college from Chico State” does not need the word college since we know Chico State is a college.

Noonan recommended that writers become familiar with the Associated Press Stylebook — a book she frequently checks for accuracy when editing.

“If you’re a writer, the AP Stylebook is the bomb,” she said.

Participants went through an already-edited article to see how edits are made, and what phrases or words can be eliminated to “tighten up” writing.

“As an editor, my main thing is to do no harm to any of your stories, believe it or not,” she said.

She suggested that all writers read their work out loud before they submit it, even if it means letting your coworkers think you’re crazy talking to yourself.

One question cleared up by Noonan from a workshop participant was the rule of numbers: from one to nine, write it out. Numbers 10 and above should be figures.

Other useful tips included: Don’t use Wikipedia as a source (ever), don’t begin sentences with a clause, avoid slang and alliteration, give full names even if it may seem obvious and use transition between quotes.

“We’re all in love with our writing,” Noonan said. “But what you think is important in a story, sometimes really isn’t.”

Photos by Colleen Belcher

Triathlon team overcomes obstacles for Eppie’s Great Race Saturday

2010-07-16T02:15:32Z

Dominic Cooke was a normal college student athlete until a car crash his senior year paralyzed him.

It doesn’t stop him however, from hand cycling in a triathlon.

Cooke, 30, was injured when he was 22 years old. His athletic ability and passion for helping other hurt athletes is what made him start “Team TFO” this year for the 37th annual Eppie’s Great Race.

TFO — which stands for Try for Others — is a nonprofit organization Cooke created in 2005 to aid injured athletes.

“I played rugby before here in Sacramento at Jesuit High School and then at UC Berkeley,” Cooke said. “I was getting a lot of phone calls from injured rugby players. We help them with their immediate medical needs.”

It wasn’t until Cooke was training in Colorado last year at the Olympic training camp that he realized he missed being part of a team.

“I’ve been away from organized sports for so long that I kind of forget how special the team dynamic is,” he said.

Cooke began searching online for teammates for Team TFO. He found fellow teammate, Jon Bik, 37, who is a leg amputee runner and former U.S. triathlon champion in the amputee division.

Matt Strugar-Fritsch, 28, is the only whitewater kayak racer in northern California, Cooke said. He is also a paraplegic hand cyclist, but will be paddling in the race.

Cooke said he is excited for the race and attributes his inspiration to start Team TFO to his training in Colorado.

“I think when you get injured and you’re used to being active, all of the sudden, you can’t be. It’s just a complete lifestyle change,” he said. “I miss that kind of competitive spirit. Everyone has the same mindset, the same goals. You’ve got that support of your teammates to push you. They raise the bar to help you achieve your goals.”

This is the first time Eppie’s race will see Team TFO. Cooke said he wanted to bring awareness to the disabled community, which is why Try for Others is sponsoring four other teams for a total of 15 people.

“This year I kind of wanted to bring all the people that I know are doing cool stuff in the community and get them all out there in full force,” he said.

Cooke, who trains almost daily, said he lives by the John Wooden quote, “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

Cooke has been skydiving, paragliding and skiing — anything to be outdoors and out of his wheelchair. He said he feels it is a necessity for disabled people to be active to better their health.

“I never really feel like I’m racing against other people; you’re just always racing against yourself, trying to reach your own potential,” he said. “It’s so satisfying when I set a challenge and I’m able to complete it.”

Eppie’s Great Race funds will benefit Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services — which supports mentally and physically challenged individuals. The race itself will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday at William Pond Recreation Area Park (located on Arden Way) in Carmichael. Friday is the last day to register.

For more information on the race or the Friday kickoff party, visit thegreatrace.org.

Photos courtesy of Dominic Cooke.

California State Fair opens Wednesday, runs through Aug. 1

2010-07-14T03:18:42Z

From dinosaurs to wiener dogs, lawnmower races to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch rides, corndogs to chocolate covered bacon, the 157-year-old California State Fair has something for everyone.

With roughly 40,000 people per day running through the fair, and numerous attractions to see, Norbert Bartosik, CEO and general manager of the State Fair, promises a “Passport to Adventure.”

“It’s a new adventure every year,” Bartosik said. “The State Fair showcases what California is all about: its people. People showing off their talents, education, entertainment…It’s something you won’t find in a theme park.”

Although the fair won’t be a theme park, the Cal Expo grounds were in fact designed by Disney people—at the request of then-Governor Pat Brown. The State Fair had hopes to become “The Disneyland of the West,” said Bartosik, although budget cuts even in 1968 when it moved to Cal Expo, deterred it.

This year, the fair has made changes to accommodate the everyday family visitors. All vendor prices are 25 percent less than last year—a response to the patrons’ concerns of high prices, Bartosik said. Dates for this year’s fair have also changed in order to make sure they do not conflict with school dates.

One of this year’s must-see and brand-new events is the “Days of the Dinosaur” — an exhibit showcasing life-size animatronic models of prehistoric beasts in front of the California building. Each animal has motion sensors and moves or makes a noise when you get close enough.

Another must-see is the “Get Animated!” pop culture exhibit by Stage Nine Entertainment. Animation studios including Walt Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, Sony Pictures and others will be present to showcase items from various films. Guests will also be able to draw an animated character and participate with hands-on displays.

“Grasscar”—a two-day lawn-mowing competition—will make its debut at the fair this year in the rodeo area Saturday, continuing through Sunday.

“Imagine 60-mile-per-hour lawnmowers racing, without the blades of course,” Bartosik said.

Andrea Owen, marketing director of Butler Amusements, said there will be 64 amusement rides this year, with 17 new family rides.

Family rides are rides that accommodate both adults and children at the same time. If your children can’t meet the minimum height requirement, then an adult can ride with them. Such rides this year are the Tilt-a-Whirl, Disney Dragon (much like the Teacups at Disneyland, but a dragon) and the Chopper Hopper.

Owen’s recommendation for those looking for a thrill: The Fireball.

“It’s a thrill ride,” she said. “You get to swing high into the air and spin slowly, while you’re swinging. It feels like you’re flying.”

With all these attractions, it’s hard to squeeze it all into one day.

“You can’t see it all in one day — there’s no question about that,” Bartosik said. “We would recommend that they buy a Poppy Pack so that they can come more than once.”

A Poppy Pack includes four admissions, four rides and a parking pass for $39.95. General admission is $12 per person, with discounts for seniors and children. Amusement rides are separate. A wristband for unlimited rides costs $30 Monday through Friday. Subway restaurants have coupons for cheaper wristbands.

The fair is located at 1600 Exposition Blvd. For more information and a list of all attractions, free concerts and vendor details, visit bigfun.org.

Photos courtesy of the California State Fair.

“The Art of the Game” struts World Cup-inspired fashion, art

2010-07-12T04:44:01Z

Although cheering fans with painted faces, yellow cards or buzzing vuvuzelas were nowhere in sight Saturday night at the Hot Italian restaurant, a little piece of World Cup soccer was in Sacramento.

The eatery hosted its second half of the 2010 FIFA World Cup “The Art of the Game” celebration with a fashion contest. Ten local designers randomly chose countries participating in the World Cup and were challenged to design an original piece based on them.

Local judges Leigh Grogan, Sacramento Bee’s fashion editor; stylist Health Hamilton; and fashion blogger Jen Wade and votes via Facebook and Twitter decided the winner.Lindsey Bee and her outfit inspired by Spain took first place, foreshadowing the World Cup win on Sunday, when Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in overtime.

Argentina came in second with a design by Mila Anatichuk and Anastasoa Clemons’ France-inspired outfit took third. Judging was based on the spirit of the game, craftsmanship, originality and creativity, said Hot Italian co-owner Andrea Lepore.

In addition to the runway models, members of the Sacramento Ballet and the Washington Ballet modeled Dolce and Gabbana and Calvin Klein World Cup men’s underwear. Midfielder Clemente Fonseca of the Sacramento Gold also showed off some fancy footwork during the show.

The first half of “The Art of the Game” displayed 15 pieces of FIFA-licensed World Cup artwork June 11 through July 11— the only ones in the United States.

The collection is part of 160 original pieces from international artists from 32 countries. Hot Italian had art on display from South Africa, the United States and Italy.

Lepore said the art has been well received.

“People come in to watch the games; it’s sort of an added bonus,” she said. “It was a perfect tie-in for us.”

Soccer fan Anabel Gil, originally from Mexico, was pleasantly surprised by the art.

“I really enjoyed sitting here and looking at it,” she said. “I am not a big fanatic, but I can feel the spirit.”

Although many have asked if the art is for sale, it is not and will be shipped back to Africa. The winning three fashion designs however, will be displayed in the restaurant’s windows.

Although she admits she is “more than a little sad” that Italy did not advance further in the World Cup, Lepore was happy to see two teams make it to the finals who have never won the title before.

“That’s what makes the World Cup so special — that anyone can win it,” Lepore said.

Fashion photo courtesy of Juan Ayora, jfayora.com