City of Sacramento, Council Offices

City of Sacramento and YMCA Partner’s with Community to Open Southside Park Pool from June 16 through Labor Day

2012-05-21T16:55:19Z

Through the efforts of City of Sacramento Councilmember Rob Fong, the YMCA of Superior California, the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department and the Southside Park Neighborhood Association, the Southside Park Community Pool will be open for swimmers this summer from June 16 through Labor Day.

“This is a great example of community partners working toward a common goal that benefits our most important citizens: our kids,” said Councilmember Rob Fong. “Opening Southside Park Community Pool would not have happened this summer without YMCA’s commitment to this community.”

Last year, Councilmember Fong initiated discussions with the YMCA when it was apparent the City would have to close the City pools. He felt the Y would be a great partner to explore opportunities with. This year Southside Pool was not included in the Save Our Pools Campaign, so the YMCA was approached about the possibility of managing Southside pool. After meetings with City staff and local residents, a financial commitment from the City through Councilmember Rob Fong’s office, and a commitment from the local residents to raise funds, an agreement was reached to open the pools from June 16 through Labor Day.

“The YMCA is thrilled that we are able to work with the city and local residents to open Southside Park Pool this summer” said Jay Lowden, YMCA President & CEO. “The pool is a great community asset that is enjoyed by thousands of local residents. The Y will provide a complete range of aquatic programs, including open swim, swim lessons, lap swimming and water exercise classes.”

Under the leadership of Catherine O’Brien and Alice Levine, a fundraising effort is underway to raise $6,000 to support the pools programs this summer. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and sponsorship levels between $250 and $1,000 are available for local businesses.
An Opening Night Preview Party will be held at the Pool on June 15 to recognize the pool’s sponsors and kickoff the summer season. Registrations for swim lessons starting on June 16 are open on the YMCA’s website or by visiting the YMCA at 2021 W Street in Sacramento.

All the information about the Southside Parks Aquatics programs, the Preview night and sponsorships are available on the YMCA’s website at www.ymcasuperiorcal.org.

Emergency Shelter Programs Expanded

2011-12-27T16:50:08Z

Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Steps Forward will expand its emergency shelter program to meet additional demand. An additional 57 beds will be made available through expanded Winter Sanctuary and Motel Voucher programs.

Councilmember Steve Cohn and Jay Schenirer met last week with Sacramento Steps Forward, Sacramento Housing Alliance, as well as homeless advocates, the faith community, and business leaders to discuss the critical need for additional winter shelter options. The added beds will double the existing capacity of the Motel Voucher program from 40 to 80 beds and increase the Winter Sanctuary program from 100 to 117 spaces per night.

The additional beds are not fully funded for the entire winter. Several members of the City Council, including Schenirer, Cohn and Ashby, committed to raising the necessary funds to ensure both programs are able to remain operational for the entire winter and are asking businesses, individuals, and others to make contributions. To support the winter shelter, please visit Sacramento Steps Forward at http://sacramentostepsforward.org/ or mail checks to (payable to Sacramento Steps Forward):

Sacramento Steps Forward
1331 Garden Highway, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95833

“This immediate step by the City will help relieve a trying situation,” said Councilmember Steve Cohn. “In these difficult times, we need the business community, other jurisdictions throughout the region and the public to assist by stepping up to contribute to this effort.”

“The existing shelter programs are operating at capacity,” said Councilmember Jay Schenirer. “I’m happy we were able to work together with housing advocates and members of the business community to make this happen. These are temporary solutions as we continue to work on the long term solution of permanent housing.”

“Sacramento is a city that knows how to step forward in times of need,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson.
“It’s gratifying to see the collaboration among so many diverse people pulling together during the holidays to increase the capacity of our winter shelters.”

“The Sacramento Housing Alliance [SHA] deeply appreciates the leadership shown by Councilmember Schenirer and Cohn in expanding the emergency shelter programs, especially at a time when the temperatures are approaching freezing,” said Bob Elrenbusch, Executive Director of Sacramento Housing Alliance (SHA). “This is an important effort to keep an additional 57 homeless people safe and warm. SHA knows that we cannot continue to scramble to find stop gap emergency solutions, and we are committed to partner with Sacramento Steps Forward, the City and County to proactively create permanent housing solutions to end and prevent homelessness.”

The Winter Sanctuary program is an interfaith program run by Volunteers of America in partnership with Sacramento Steps Forward. They provide a safe place to sleep, meals and transportation for up to 100 homeless individuals each night at more than 20 houses of worship throughout Sacramento. The motel voucher program currently shelters approximately 40 plus women and children who would otherwise have nowhere safe to sleep.

Sacramento City Councilmember Ashby joins District One for National Night Out Celebrations

2011-08-02T20:19:28Z

On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, City of Sacramento Councilmember Ashby will join residents of District One in celebrating the 28th annual “National Night Out” against crime.

Over 20 neighborhoods throughout the district have events planned such as block parties, ceremonies, BBQs, ice cream socials and other neighborhood social activities. These events allow neighbors to get to know one another, so that together they can fight to keep crime out of their communities. Public Safety is a community and team effort. Councilmember Ashby encourages neighbors to get to know each other and work together toward safer communities. Let’s send a message to criminals that crime and illegal activity in our neighborhoods will not be tolerated.

Tonight, Councilmember Ashby along with Sacramento Police Officers and other City representatives will be out visiting these neighborhood celebrations as a show of support for their efforts. Please see the schedule below of celebrations that the Councilmember will be attending (staff from the District One office will be visiting other celebrations within the district throughout the evening):

Time and Location:

6:00-6:15 Witter Ranch Park

6:25-6:40 Heritage Park

6:45-6:55 1900 Kane Ave

7:00-7:10 Vestry Ct.

7:20-7:35 801 San Juan Rd.

7:45-7:55 Tanzanite Park

8:15-8:30 3235 Spinning Rod

8:45-9:00 1400 E Street #A

We encourage all residents of the City of Sacramento to remain diligent in protecting our communities. Please remember to call in all suspicious activity all the time, and stay informed on what is happening in your community. To stay up to date on the current events out of the District One office, please call (916) 808-7001 or visit: www.angeliqueashby.com

Angelique Ashby is a mother, business owner, neighborhood leader and first-term Councilmember. She represents Natomas and Downtown Sacramento.

Robertson Park Summer Celebration July 30

2011-07-26T21:47:49Z

Enjoy Free Swim, Children’s Activities and Del Paso Heights Farmers’ Market

Sacramento City Councilmember Sandy Sheedy, Gateway Community Charters, and the Sacramento Neighborhood Center invite members of the public to Robertson Park Summer Celebration on Saturday, July 30 at the Robertson Community Center (3525 Norwood Avenue).

Details:
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Swim at Robertson Park Play Pool, Children’s activities, bounce house, face painting, etc.
7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Del Paso Heights Certified Farmers’ Market

“This is a great opportunity for families and community members to come together, have some food and fun, and share the joy of a summer day,” said Councilmember Sandy Sheedy.

Grand Opening of Del Paso Heights Certified Farmers’ Market

2011-06-30T19:41:28Z

New Farmers’ Market to Open Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to Noon.

The Del Paso Heights Certified Farmers’ Market will open this coming Saturday, July 2nd. The market is sponsored jointly by Councilmember Sandy Sheedy and the Sacramento Neighborhood Center, and will be open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to Noon. Details are below:

Robertson Community Center Parking Lot
3525 Norwood Avenue
7AM to Noon

There are approximately a half a dozen certified Farmers participating so far. The farmers are all local and will mainly be selling reasonably priced fruits and vegetables. The Del Paso Heights Certified Farmers’ market will serve the local community with fresh produce in an area that has been historically underserved.

Grand Opening of Sacramento’s First BMX Bike Park June 18th at Noon

2011-06-13T20:59:24Z

Prepare for a weekend of fun and excitement for the unveiling of Sacramento’s first BMX bike and skate park. Councilmember Jay Schenirer along with bike enthusiasts, neighbors, and City staff will be on hand to open the Park that will be accessible to riders of all ages.

What: Opening of BMX Bike Park

When: Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 12 P.M.

Location: McClatchy Park
3500 Fifth Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95817

The BMX elements were used in the 2011 Mountain Dew Action Sports Tour in San Francisco in April that featured some of the best riders in the world. Thanks to a generous donation from Terre Cox of College Cyclery, the ramps and jumps will be set up in McClatchy Park for the summer.

The event is free and open to the public. All families, local solo bikers, and bike clubs are encouraged to bring their bikes and safety equipment to join in on the fun. The bike park will be open for the summer during normal park operating hours.

New Sacramento Coalition Highlights Community Gardening Efforts

2011-05-19T21:17:43Z

Coalition of Local Nonprofits, Businesses and Government Encourages More Gardening and Calls for Legal Barriers On Gardens To Be Removed

Sacramento, CA – On Saturday, May 21st, a diverse coalition of Sacramentans will gather to launch a new coalition and effort – Grow Together Sacramento – that hopes to spur more backyard, front yard, roof top, school and community gardens throughout the City, starting in the Oak Park neighborhood.

“Plot by plot, we’re growing a healthier Sacramento,” said Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer (District 5). “Together we can find a way to reconnect residents to their food and each other.”

The Grow Together Sacramento kick-off is part of a larger celebration of Sacramento’s agricultural heritage and commitment to healthy and affordable food. Throughout the day, volunteers are encouraged to join efforts to help build more gardens in resident’s yards. On Sunday, Sacramentan’s can visit Soil Born Farms’ “Day on the Farm” in Rancho Cordova, to learn about larger farming operations.

The Grow Together Sacramento launch is timely as the Sacramento City Council is considering a new ordinance to allow residents to create new community gardens on private property. The Sacramento City Council is also considering allowing the sale of fresh produce from community gardens.

Grow Together Sacramento, which started in Sacramento’s 5th City Council District, has since blossomed to other neighborhoods. It is a coalition of, but not limited to, Soil Born Farms, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, the Office of Councilmember Jay Schenirer, Ubuntu Green, Sacramento Yard Farmer, Sacramento League of Urban Gardeners, Sacramento Employment and Training Agency, Pesticide Watch Education Fund, Slow Food Sacramento, Alchemist Community Development Corporation, and the Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition.

WHEN: Saturday, May 21st, 11am, Garden build training 10AM+12PM

WHERE: 40 Acres Complex (3434 Broadway, Sacramento)

WHO: Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson
- Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer
- Jason Griest, Co-Owner, Old Soul Coffee Co.@ 40 Acres
- Josh Cadji, Coordinator, Sacramento League of Urban Gardeners
- Paul Towers, State Director, Pesticide Watch Education Fund

VISUALS: Photo opportunities available, including garden building following short press event at 11AM.

2011 Passport to Summer Youth Fair highlights hundreds of positive summer opportunities for youth: May 14th, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

2011-05-04T23:14:58Z

Senator Darrell Steinberg, President pro Tempore – California State Senate, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, Councilmember Rob Fong, and First 5 Sacramento invite families to attend the 10th Annual Passport to Summer Youth Fair. Since 2001, the event has served as a showcase for positive summer programs and opportunities for children and youth. The 10th Annual Passport to Summer Youth Fair will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Southside Park - 2115 6th Street, Sacramento.

“Most of us have fond memories of our youthful boundless energy and those seemingly endless summer days. After all, being a kid is all about having fun,” Steinberg said. “But it’s also important for our kids to make new discoveries through organized programs and providing service to their community. I want to thank all of the sponsors and cosponsors for helping make this event as successful and informative as it has become over the years.”

Passport to Summer is a one-stop-shop for summer opportunities that guarantee a safe, fun, and productive summer for children and youth. Local Parks and Recreation departments will showcase summer programs and services, and service organizations will identify the many ways youth can make a difference in their community by volunteering.

In addition to all the summer opportunities that will be showcased, there will also be lots of free children’s activities, raffles, multicultural entertainment, and a free lunch for all.

The 2011 Passport to Summer Youth Fair is sponsored by Senator Darrell Steinberg, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, Councilmember Rob Fong and First 5 Sacramento. Co-sponsors include, Made in the Shade Tent Rentals, State Farm Insurance, Kaiser Permanente, Health Net of CA, Molina Healthcare of CA, ScholarShare College Savings Plan, Sacramento Parent Magazine, Honest Tea, G & S Produce, Groove Thang and Airplay Event

Sutter’s Landing Park Celebration and Concert; April 30 from 3 to 6 p.m.

2011-04-29T21:10:08Z

The City of Sacramento Councilmember Steve Cohn invites members of the public to celebrate the dedication of the Sutter Landing Park Improvements. This project includes new basketball courts (one full court and one half court) with seating areas and a drinking fountain, bocce ball courts with shade canopy seating areas, park entry monuments, parking lot and signage improvements, landscaping, walkways, as well as the existing indoor skate park and off-leash dog park.

When: Saturday, April 30, 2011
3:00 PM—6:00 PM
(Dedication at 4:00 PM at the bocce courts)

Where: 20th – 28th Street
(near the skate park/north end of 28th St., on river side of Union
Pacific Railroad Tracks)

Other activities include a free jazz concert with the Vivian Lee Quartet, a bounce house, face painting and more children’s activities. Bring a lawn chair for concert seating. Food will be available for purchase or feel free to bring a picnic. The construction cost for this improvement phase was $866,546. Park construction began in summer 2010 and was completed in spring 2011. For more information, contact (916) 808-7003 or sbrown@cityofsacramento.org.

Sacramento’s Top Restaurants Vie for the Title of Best Turkey Recipe while Helping to Feed the Homeless and Hungry: Monday, November 22

2010-11-19T17:43:35Z

Councilmember Rob Fong is again bringing together Sacramento’s top restaurants to cook delicious turkeys that will be donated to Loaves & Fishes so the organization can provide Thanksgiving meals to the city’s hungry and homeless population. Councilmember Fong established the Annual Turkey Cook-Off four years ago so that those who are unable to afford a meal can also share in the spirit of Thanksgiving. The cook-off, which will help feed more than one thousand (1,000) people, will take place on Monday, November 22, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beatnik Studios, 2421 17th Street.

Loaves & Fishes is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. Each year, it works to secure two-hundred (200) cooked turkeys for its Thanksgiving meal.

During the turkey cook-off, Sacramento’s top restaurants showcase turkeys they have prepared using closely-guarded, top-secret recipes and techniques. Celebrity judges taste a small portion of each turkey to judge tenderness and flavor. The most tender and flavorful turkeys are recognized with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd - place awards.

"I want to thank all of the local restaurateurs who will participate in this year’s 4th Annual Turkey Cook-Off,” said Councilmember Fong. “Loaves & Fishes has to prepare meals 365 days-a-year for the hungry and homeless. Through this cook-off and the efforts of local restaurants, Loaves & Fishes will get the help it needs during Thanksgiving.”

All restaurants that participate will not only have a chance to be recognized for having Sacramento’s top-three turkey recipes; most important, they will help Loaves & Fishes to share the blessings of food, warmth, and family that many of the city’s hungry and homeless go without during the holidays.

“For many of our folks, this is the only Thanksgiving meal and we are their only family," said Sister Libby Fernandez, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes. "A heartfelt thank you goes out to Councilmember Fong and area restaurants for reaching out to our poor and homeless.”

Restaurants that will participate in Monday’s cook-off include Buckhorn Grill, Cyprus Grille, Fox & Goose, Hangar 17 Bar & Grill, Ink Eats and Drinks, Mulvaney's Building & Loan, Old Soul Co., River City Brewing Company, The Shady Lady Saloon, The Kitchen, Brew It Up, Buca Di Beppo, Cafeteria 15L, and Vallejo’s Restaurant.