Downtown Sacramento

Extra funds for R Street improvement project

2011-05-19T04:53:44Z

The R Street improvements currently under construction from 10th to 13th streets are getting a few more amenities, as construction left extra funds in an approximately $1 million ~~$1.5 million~~ federal grant allocated to the project.

The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to approve 13 more pedestrian benches, 13 banners affixed to streetlights and a decorative arch that spans R Street at 10th Street and a pedestrian arch over the sidewalk on 12th Street and R Street, to be constructed by Teichert Construction, the main contractor for the project.

“This will be the icing on the cake to R street and will make the area more pedestrian-friendly,” Sacramento Department of Transportation spokeswoman Linda Tucker said.

The R Street improvement project will add uniformity to the area that currently lacks consistent curbs, and it will also add parking spaces and street lights as well as restore the area’s mixed-use industrial, business and residential buildings.

Adding the new benches, banners and archways was an extension of federal funds already dedicated to the project.

“We got the go-ahead from Caltrans to make use of federal funds already budgeted for the project,” Tucker said.

According to Department of Transportation Project Manager Zuhair Amawi, a lot of thought went into the improvements.

“The selection of the concepts and design of the items in the change order was the result of many months of R Street stakeholder meetings organized by CADA (Capitol Development Area Authority) and approved by the City Preservation Commission,” Amawi said.

The project had a 36-week construction timeline and is still on-target for a summer finish.

Ground was broken last September.

“We can expect an opening event to celebrate R Street’s new look sometime this summer,” Tucker said.

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

B Street's "Extraordinary Things" brings tragedy, hope

2011-05-03T06:12:15Z

Looking through the eyes of Anne Frank was truly an extraordinary experience at B Street Theatre.

“Extraordinary Things: Through the Eyes of Anne Frank” captivates its audience with diverse characters and realistic props.

Playwright Dana Friedman brings to life on stage the extreme conditions that millions of Jews had to face in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II.

Directed by Buck Busfield, the play is set in Amsterdam-present-day-Netherlands-where Anne Frank, her family and four others lived in her father’s office building for two years to ensure the safety of Anne’s older sister Margot from the German authorities, who would have taken her to the a Nazi concentration camp.

The play begins with Anne telling the audience the details of her 13th birthday when Anne’s parents give her a diary that she fills with her most intimate and profound thoughts, but little does she know that soon the writings of her diary will dramatically change as quickly as her life will.

Anne is a free-spirited, witty and clever young girl who is experiencing all the normal phases that teenagers go through, only she must endure them with the presence of seven other people who are too wrapped up in themselves to notice Anne’s discontent for her new surroundings.

The size of the stage holds no resemblance to the actual space of the hide-out that the real Anne Frank occupied.

Though with the small beds, tables and kitchen area being so close together did create a lack of space for the characters who were on stage.

Stephanie Altholz, who plays Anne Frank, leaves the audience engaged with her sarcastic remarks about the personalities of her new roommates.

Anne’s sister, Margot, played by Cynthia Zitter, always does what she is told, unlike Anne. Margot is very quiet and likes to keep to herself.

As Anne’s family begins to get settled in their new living area, four others begin to slowly enter the stage one after another, also hiding from the Nazis.

The lighting on the stage illuminates the character of Anne, and a spotlight shines on her in particular parts of the play symbolizing the importance of her inner most thoughts and feelings.

Hans Van Daan (Dave Pierini), Mrs. Van Daan (Amy Kelly) and their son Peter (Chris Page) are the first three permanent guests to arrive.

While Hans Van Daan is a very straight-to-the-point kind of man, Mrs. Van Daan is in denial about her overbearing and rude behavior that everyone around her becomes fed up with.

The character of Mrs. Van Daan is that of pretentious chatterbox who can never keep her mouth shut.

Peter Van Daan is a shy, often silent young man who has a strong admiration for Anne’s clever and courageous personality.

Dr. Dussel, played by Greg Alexander, is the last person to arrive, leaving behind his wife and son.

Anne’s relationship with each character begins to unfold as days turn into weeks and weeks into months and months into one year.

Mr. Frank, played by Michael Stevenson, is the concerned yet kindhearted father figure who provides comforting words to everyone in times of fear and panic.

Costume designer Paulette Sand-Gilbert selects pieces for the characters that reflect their personalities.

Jamie Jones plays the role of Mrs. Frank, who is also concerned for Anne and emphasizes her disapproval of her daughter’s relationship with Peter.

After one year, the conditions in the annex become unbearable, there is not enough water for everyone, and a horrible stench begins to fill the office.

Anne starts to isolate herself from the others more often, as her thoughts of loneliness and hopelessness take over her once-optimistic outlook.

Finally, Gies comes to visit the Franks, Van Daans and Dussel.

Gies informs everyone that the war is coming to an end.

Everyone gets excited and hopeful for their futures outside of the annex.

Anne is 15 when the German authorities find the “Secret Annex,” and as each character fearfully exits the stage, they know their fates will soon be the Nazi concentration camps.

In the play Anne says, “Youth is lonelier than old age,” something she experienced both hiding in the annex for a year and then later, when she was sent to a concentration camp, where she died.

The show runs until June 5 with performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $15 for children and can be purchased at (916)443-5300 or www.bstreettheatre.org

Men walk a mile in high heels to support WEAVE

2011-05-02T04:47:26Z

Men of all ages and shoe sizes gathered at the corner of 18th Street and Capitol Avenue, ready to walk one mile in women’s high heels to support WEAVE’s first “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event.

“There are so many men that are affected by sexual assault, and this is a way for men to show their support,” said Amber Stott, WEAVE director of communications relations.

Stott estimated that since Friday WEAVE has raised over $63, 000.

Stott said all proceeds will go to WEAVE and benefit the various services that WEAVE provides, including counseling, WEAVE safe house, legal assistance, prevention programs and 24-hour support and response teams to help survivors of sexual assault.

In addition to hosting the event, WEAVE members also participated.

“We thought it was important to bring attention to the issue of sexual assault, and this is a really great way to spotlight this issue,” WEAVE board member Bryan Merica said while wearing his gold heels, knee-high socks and white headband.

The River City Gems, a transgender and cross-dressing support organization, also played a big part in the event.

Member Melissa Hansen, 51, said WEAVE contacted the River City Gems to help with the shoe distribution process and to coach the men walking in heels.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, 215 men walked toward the starting line as a crowd of up to 500 people cheered them on.

Roseville resident Shannon Pagel, 22, said she came to support her boyfriend, Dan Thompson.

“It’s fun to see men appreciate what women go through,” Pagel said.

The men anxiously waited at 19th and Capitol as retired news anchor Stan Atkinson announced the guidelines for the race.

“After the completion of each lap you will receive a different color lei and your race master will count your leis at the end of the race,” Atkinson said. “We not only encourage cheating, but we recommend it. May the best fellow win.”

The men took off walking and running in their heels of blue, white, gold and red as the crowd cheered in excitement, taking pictures and laughing.

Some men held signs that said “I am man enough to walk in her shoes” and “Put yourself in her shoes.”

Toward the end of the race, some of the men struggled in their heels, taking off one shoe, and eventually walking barefoot until the race ended.

“In my mind I didn’t think it would be that difficult to walk in a pair of heels, but after the first five minutes I thought, I’m in trouble,” said Jeff Briggs, 40, who lives in Carmichael.

The men who had completed the race wore three leis of purple, red and black around their necks.

After the race was over, the crowd shifted to the main stage on the corner of 19th and Capitol Avenue, where members of WEAVE gave out awards to participants.

The first award was presented to Santiago Proano, 39, a resident of Midtown, for “dude with the hairiest legs.” Atkinson handed Proano a large jewelry box with a silver pearl necklace with the words “Hairiest legs” written inside the box.

“This is great,” Proano said. “I’m so proud of it and I would do it again!”

Out of four teams, Activate Direct won for “most team spirit.”

Team member Matthew Eagan, 30, said it felt great to win and was happy to have a full team at the event to support WEAVE.

Sammy Cemo, 70, raised the most money for WEAVE with a total of $5,125.

“It was pretty easy,” he said. “There are so many people that are aware of WEAVE.”

The after-party kicked off at the Beer and Wine Garden, with free alcohol and live entertainment by Azuar. Vendors and information booths were set up in support of the event, including The Sacramento Bee, First Aid, Icing on a Cupcake and Le Spa.

Le Spa manager Robin Fischer, 48, said she heard about the event on the radio and thought it was a great idea.

“I think this event has been super! ” she said. “I’m totally impressed!”

Most of the men had taken off their heels by then, but Jason Poole, 27, founder of Bar in a Jar, still had on his high heels.

Poole said his teammates suffered from ankle scrapes and bruises, but he ran five laps, surpassing the one-mile goal. He said he definitely would participate again.

WEAVE volunteers were satisfied with the turnout of their first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

Stott hopes men will walk away with the ability to talk about women’s issues.

“We will definitely have it again next year,” Stott said.

Man on the Street: What's a sign that it's officially Summer in Sacramento?

2011-04-28T22:16:29Z

What’s a sign that it’s officially summer in Sacramento?

Summer is around the corner, and signs of the season are showing up everywhere in the city, the days are warmer and outside recreational activities begin to increase.

The Sacramento Press stopped locals in the central city during the Second Saturday Art Walk, and asked, “What’s a sign that it’s officially summer in Sacramento?”

Musician/singer Elijah Bell, 19, lives downtown and said he knows it’s summer when girls are walking around wearing less clothing. He added, “The days seem longer, and more songs come out on the radio.”

Live music and local street performers are also more prevalent during summer on Second Saturdays. Street performer Archime Vice, 21, said there is an increase in police patrolling during the summer.

“More cops are out late on summer nights to stop buskers (street performers) from playing after 9 p.m.”

Chanel Love, 21, a student at Sacramento City College lives in Elk Grove, said she notices that people seem to take time off work most often during summer.

“People are taking more vacations, and you see more young people out on the weekends.”

Midtown resident, Zachary Denco, 21 said that for him a sign that summer is here is when “Second Saturday is happening,”

He added that the ArtWalk can only be properly experienced during the warm season.

Like Bell, Andrew Emary, 26, a furniture installer who lives in Elk Grove, along with his wife Juliana agreed that girls are wearing less clothing, but said they don’t wear enough clothing.

“In the summer, girls are wearing shorts that are too short, and I’ve even seen them wear their bikinis at the mall.”

What are some other signs that summer has officially begun in Sacramento? Give us your responses in the comment section below.

Doug Herndon teaches techniques of journalism to local community

2011-04-21T04:51:55Z

Tuesday night, former Sacramento City College journalism professor Doug Herndon taught a workshop that outlined the basics of journalism.

Attendees included both local, freelance and aspiring writers.

“Journalism is the collecting, writing, editing and publishing of news,” Herndon said.

Herndon started with an overview of the fundamentals of being a writer:

*Providing information
*Story Ideas
*News value
*Every story needs a hook
*What it means to cover a story
*The formula and format for journalism

When providing information within a story, Herndon said it is important that a reporter weed out any natural bias or personal opinion.

“It’s not my place to tell you what I think,” Herndon said. “My whole job is finding people who know a lot about a few things, and getting them to tell that story.”

After touching on the importance of providing accurate information in a story, Herndon talked about where writers can obtain story ideas.

“Story ideas come from other stories. It’s all been done,” Herndon said. “It’s about the new angle that hasn’t been done yet.”

Herndon passed out calendars and added that it’s all about the calendars, and as the month of May comes up, writers can begin to talk about topics such as Mother’s Day or graduation day.

Other ideas for stories can be gathered just by paying attention to what is going on around you, and a story idea can be found by walking down the street. To determine if it is newsworthy, he gave a set of values.

“What makes a story a story?” Herndon asked.

Herndon listed the basic factors that come into play, which include: impact, immediacy, proximity, prominence, novelty, conflict and emotion.

He emphasized how much of an impact a story should have on the community, and how a writer must make an analysis of whom his or her audience is and what will keep readers interested.

In addition to value, a story must have a hook.

Herndon explained a hook as having a “so what?” moment.

He gave a brief example of a story that covered the farmers market and pointed out that the hook would be the growing popularity of organic foods and healthy food choices being made by consumers.

There are several factors included in a story, but what does it mean to cover a story?

Herndon defined covering a story as doing one’s homework and learning how to write interview questions.

He continued with examples of where to learn more about the story you’re covering.

“You can learn on Google, other publications or by talking to people,” Herndon said.

The process of interviewing then takes place when a reporter proceeds by setting up an interview in a professional, polite and persistent manner.

It is important to get the correct spelling of a name, age and occupation of the person being interviewed, Herndon added.

Herndon said the best tip he could give on interview questions is to always ask whom else you should talk to and find more information on the subject you are writing about.

As the workshop came to a close, Herndon reviewed the formula and format for journalism.

“The first step is the summary lede,” Herndon said. He described the lede as a short summary of what is most important in your story, basically the who, what, where and when and how.

“After the lede comes a quote, then a short paragraph with background information,” Herndon said.

Herndon said. “End on a powerful quote, and you will have yourself a solid package of a story.”

While the crowd reflected on the main points, Herndon suggested, “I think you’re here because somebody here wants to be a writer.”

“If you want to be a writer, you can be a writer,” he said. “Take notes and find a story that you really want to write about.”

Attendee Shell Crane, 25, an analyst with the Department of Health Services, said, “I learned how to be more creative in my writing and what will attract the reader to read what I’m writing about."

Larry Groves, 53, a communications director for the Del Paso Partnership, attended the workshop to get more information on the historical background of journalism and said he looks forward to future workshops that elaborate on story writing.

The Sacramento Press will have its next workshop May 12, on “Review Writing,” led by Nick Miller, arts editor for the Sacramento News & Review.

Shen Yun Performing Arts will perform at Sacramento's Community Center Theatre

2011-04-01T06:14:33Z

From the versatile dances to the colorful scenery, Shen Yun is a unique traveling show that presents its audience with an understanding and a visual of the traditional Chinese culture.

Shen Yun will be coming to Sacramento on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Both showings will begin at 8 p.m. at Sacramento’s Community Center Theater at 1301 L St. across from Capitol Park.

“Every year, Shen Yun has brand-new performances,” said Sherry Zhang, who works for the Asian Arts Foundation as a local presenter for Shen Yun.

“The 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture have so many stories and legends. Dancers in Shen Yun bring to life many of these legends and stories,” Zhang said.

Every year, Shen Yun travels around the world with a variety of new pieces, songs and dances representing the true culture of China.

“There are several dynasties that the dancers portray on stage, like the Middle Kingdom, Han Dynasty and Chin Dynasty,” Zhang said.

Shen Yun came together in 2006 when a group of artists decided they wanted to revive the traditional Chinese culture and bring back the era in which China was known for being “The Land of the Divine.”

The show launched in January 2007 and has been traveling for the past four years.

Shen Yun has traveled around the world. The tour begins in December and ends in June.

“In the past, the show has traveled to over 100 states and several continents like Asia and Europe,” Zhang said.

“When I was on stage, I felt very purified, when you’re performing, you think about how you can present the sacred message to the audience,” said Cecilia Xiong, who is currently a performer and dance teacher for Shen Yun.

Xiong is originally from China but lived in Canada before she started dancing in the show.

“I was 25 years old when I first started dancing with Shen Yun, and it was the most amazing experience of my life,” Xiong said.

Xiong last performed in 2010 and reminisced on the opening of that year.

“I really liked the opening dance. We told an Asian story about a king of all the gods who would send his gods to earth so they could reign over human civilization,” Xiong said.

Xiong is currently teaching at the Fei Tian Academy of Arts California in San Fransisco helping to train young dancers who hope to be future performers for Shen Yun Performing Arts.

“The dancers create a very powerful performance, but the Shen Yun orchestra creates the unique songs,” Zhang said.

The orchestra combines both western and Chinese influence and all the songs are original compositions from Shen Yun.

Creativity is also displayed through the radiant and extravagant costumes that make the performers’ storytelling very colorful.

“Shen Yun has a costume team that works very hard to create so many different handmade costumes,” Xiong said. “The design ideas come from the choreographers and directors of the show.”

“Cloud and flower patterns are used to create a very classical and traditional costume,” Xiong said, adding that the digital backdrops are essential to the shows’ success.

“The backdrops are animated and are designed to create a lifelike picture for the audience,” Xiong said.

“The 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture is a treasure for all people. Shen Yun not only showcases the most authentic Chinese culture, but also the beauty and virtues Shen Yun presents will touch everyone's heart,” Zhang said.

Ticket prices can vary from $60-$100 depending on seating arrangements and may be purchased by phone at (800) 363-8212 or online at www.SFshow.net

Local Roots Food Tours offers an opportunity to experience Sacramento's culinary scene and learn about the city's historical roots

2011-03-31T05:20:16Z

Sacramento’s Local Roots Food Tours are a fun way to experience Sacramento’s culinary scene by sampling different restaurants and learning new recipes, like homemade pasta noodles.

The tours began in February, and were created by Lisa Armstrong who is the owner and only tour guide at the moment.

“My first experience on a food tour was in Seattle,” Armstrong said. “After coming home from Seattle I couldn’t stop thinking about how much fun I had and what a great idea it would be to put together a tour for a city like Sacramento.”

At 11:15 a.m. on a Tuesday, Armstrong conducted her first official three hour tour with a group that included eight people.

“We are hoping to attract anyone who likes to eat, who likes to have fun meeting people: chefs, store owners and individuals who would like to learn more about the culture of Sacramento,” Armstrong said.

The group started the tour with a meet-and-greet at César Chávez Park in front of the fountain.

After introductions, Armstrong announced that the group would be sampling foods from seven different locations including Shine Coffeehouse, Sugar and Spice Speciality Desserts, Sampino’s Towne Foods and 524 Mexican Restaurant.

“Our tour locations vary anywhere from a farm-to-table upscale restaurant to a small and special bistro to a funky coffeehouse off the beaten path to a mom and pop deli market,” Armstrong said.

The second location was 524 Mexican Restaurant on 12th Street, where owner Jose Gomez served the tourists Albondigas, a fresh daily soup with meatballs, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and rice in a tomato broth.

“This restaurant is over 100 years old, and a lot of the recipes are from the 1950s,” Gomez said.

In addition to 524, the tour also stopped at Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts on F and 10th streets.

Carissa Jones, who owns the bakery, allowed the tourists to sample chocolate-covered mints and cream puffs.

“I started this bakery because it’s a great opportunity to offer people something other than just cakes,” Jones said.

The tour also includes several different historical neighborhoods such as Alkali Flat and Mansion Flats.

“We pause here and there to talk about a particular house or some funky fact about a person who lived in the home at some point,” Armstrong said.

The Sterling Hotel, Charles Lai Mansion, Sacramento International Hostel, Hubbard-Upson House and the Governor’s Mansion are just a few of the historical homes that are a part of the tour.

“George Pardee was the first governor who lived in the mansion,” Armstrong said. “It was built in 1877 and is now being used by the state and public for ceremonies and events.”

Armstrong said she received most of the historical information from the Sacramento Room located within Sacramento’s Central Library where she spent several hours of researching and reading publications. She also was able to find some history by talking with the locals in the communities where the tours pass through.

“Now I know about places I can go to when I come to Sacramento,” said guest Anne Winbush, who lives in Lathrop, but works in Sacramento.

“My favorite stop was Ambrosia Café I liked the southern red velvet cupcake samples. They were delicious and are one of my favorite cakes.”

Armstrong said that Local Roots Food Tours works closely with local farms, vineyards, orchards and businesses that promote farm-to-table food in their restaurants and supports other local businesses.

Tours are conducted every week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but will be expanded by this summer to offer more times and days.

“We plan on offering food tours in Midtown, as well as local farms and vineyards in the upcoming months” Armstrong said.

Tickets are $58 and can be purchased here.

The next tour will be on Saturday, April 2, at 11:15 a.m.

Patrick Mulvaney and Shawn Harrison discuss the importance of local agriculture in Sacramento at Time Tested Books store

2011-03-22T04:59:23Z

Sunday evening Patrick Mulvaney couldn’t be found in the Mulvaney’s B&L kitchen. Instead, the chef and restaurateur was at Time Tested Books with Shawn Harrison, executive director of Soil Born Farms, discussing local agriculture as part of The Sacramento Living Library series.

The series is presented by Midtown Monthly and Time Tested Books. Tim Foster, editor of Midtown Monthly, moderated the talk.

Harrison began the conversation with the historical context of Sacramento’s agriculture addressing the question: Why it is the way it is?

“Farmers were unable to sell their crops in Sacramento because there was not a huge demand for those crops so they went elsewhere,” said Harrison.

Mulvaney said, “98 percent of the food that is grown in Sacramento leaves our area, so only 2 percent of the food that you see in our city is stuff that we eat on a daily basis.”

Mulvaney and Harrison also discussed the economical aspects of local farms in Sacramento’s schools.

“A school can pay X and a grower can pay X and right now those don’t match,” said Harrison.

Harrison added that while schools might have the ability to pay for quality foods the farmers don’t have the resources needed to produce an abundance of food for these facilities.

There is an mechanism that Harrison and Mulvaney are currently trying to develop as an attempt to solve this issue.

“An aggregation hub is a mechanism we’re trying to develop for Sacramento Unified School Districts to collect crops from small growers who would not on their own be able to sell to big buyers or school districts,” said Harrison.

Mulvaney said he wants people to improve Sacramento agriculture for the future generation.

“We want to make sure that what we leave our grandchildren is better than what our grandparents left us with,” said Mulvaney.

Harrison emphasized the need to implement healthy eating habits into local school districts.

“We need to replace the processed foods with local grown foods, starting with our high schools,” Harrison said.

Mulvaney said, “The process is economically liable, but there is a big gap between the small farmer, who is unable to distribute to large facilities, and the school’s ability to make a change in their schools.”

“This is a great opportunity to learn about things that we don’t even think about,” said attendee Jim O’Donlad, 55, of Citrus Heights.

Time Tested Books hosts The Sacramento Living Library every third Sunday of the month. The next talk will feature novelist Ishmael Reed, who will be discussing his novel “Juice” on ~~April 17~~ April 10 at noon.

For information on The Sacramento Living Library go to http://www.timetestedbooks.net

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

VIBE hosts Cake Craze Contest for local cake decorating artists and bakeries

2011-03-10T05:10:08Z

Saturday, VIBE organization will be organizing and hosting a cake-decorating contest where local bakeries will showcase their designs in Midtown for the Second Saturday Art Walk.

Cake Craze is a fundraiser and all proceeds will benefit the VIBE Foundation and the new teen center that is being built.

VIBE is a youth organization which was founded in 2007 and officially became a nonprofit organization about a year ago.

“The VIBE Youth Board was brainstorming ideas and came up with the Cake Craze contest,” said VIBE spokeswoman Mylesha Ramey.

Julia Hildago, chairwoman of VIBE, said this is the first time we’ve done an event like this and we’re very excited.

The youth organization is made up of a group of teens, including Hildago, who seek to emphasize youth leadership throughout the Sacramento community.

Several local bakeries and cake artists will be participating in the Cake Craze contest.

Participants include New Roma Bakery, Posh Couture Cakes, Crazy Cake Company, Olivia’s Custom Cakes, the Nugget Market on Florin, Cake Castle Bakery, That’s a Cake, and freelance cake artists Stacy Smith, Sierra Rizing and Rosalie Sarron.

The youth board will be judging the contest.

All contestants will be judged in four visual categories: best in presentation, most creative, most outrageous, and best depiction of theme.

“There are no guidelines or requirements,” Ramey said. “Each bakery must come up with their own cake and it has to relate to the theme Generation Y.”

The winner will be featured in The Sacramento Bee with a photo of the winning cake, said Christina Demoss, executive director of VIBE.

In addition to being promoted through the Bee, the winner and the other contestants will be promoting their businesses at the actual event.

“I plan to hand out some business cards and hopefully get more business,” said Rosalie Sarron a contestant of Cake Craze. Sarron is a freelance cake decorator who lives in Natomas.

“We’ll probably end up having at least 1,000 people coming to the event,” Demoss said.

VIBE leaders said they would like for all contestants to be creative and diverse in the presentation of their cake art.

“I am really excited about the theme because I am a part of Generation Y, and I love designing cakes, so I this will be a really good first experience,” Sarron, 25, said.

Hildago explained that all proceeds will be going to the VIBE Foundation and that the organization is currently in the process of opening a teen lounge in Midtown.

The Cake Craze contest will be from 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. at 1725 K St. In addition to the cake art contest, there will be vendors such as Starbucks and Vic’s Ice Cream.

All participants will be bringing their decorated cakes between 3:45 -4:30 p.m.

The cakes are only being used for decorating, not eating, but there will be live entertainment.

“For the entertainment, we have John King. He’s from San Francisco, and he plays the drums off of like trash cans and pans. It’s really interesting and very cool,” Hildago said.

Demoss encouraged anyone who is interested in attending this event to come and support the local bakeries and youth of Sacramento.

For more information, visit the VIBE Foundation website. www.thevibefoundation.org