Community Events

Best place to sunbathe in Sacramento

2011-06-21T05:02:38Z

Beautiful sunny days are here and people are beginning to tuck away boots, coats and umbrellas until the next rainy and cold season. They are pulling out sandals, shorts and thinking about how to enjoy the sunshine.

I went to the streets of Sacramento and asked people, “Where is the best public place to sunbathe?”

Here is what folks had to say:

Anna Vang, 26, is a student at Cosumnes River College from South Sacramento and works for a home day care.

“I like to sunbathe at Sun Splash Water Park,” Vang said.

Britanny Heines, 18, an employee at AT&T and Denis Myrick, 19, a student at Cosumnes River College are both from Galt.

“We like to go to Mokelumne river to sunbathe,” Myrick said. “It is beautiful,” Heines added.

Autumn Petteway, 18, is a sales associate at Tilly's. She was skating with Nicholas Hook, 18, who works at America’s Tire Company as a tire technician, when the two were interviewed. They are both from the Elk Grove area.

“We go to Ski beach, I think that is what it’s called. It is off of Garden high way. It is behind Chevy’s – They have sand, too,” Petteway said.

Alex Fines, 22, a student at Cosumnes River College and Johnny Danner, 23, a student at Sacramento City College and underground rapper, are both from South Sacramento area.

“We don’t really sunbathe but during summer we like to enjoy the sun at Discovery park,” Danner said.

Leo Lopez, 35, is from South Sacramento and he does maintenance.

“I like to sunbathe at Paradise beach,” Lopez said. “The river is the only place to be – ribs all day and steak.”

Danny Ramirez, 33, is from Midtown and he does music production.

“I like to sunbathe at McKinley park with my girlfriend and our dogs,” Ramirez said.

Sacramento River Cats, third straight loss

2011-05-21T18:15:39Z

The Sacramento River Cats had a slow start Friday night against the Oklahoma City Redhawks. The Cats did not score until the eighth inning, but time was not on their side. With a final score of 3-1, it was their third straight loss.

The River Cats fired up the crowd of 9,628 when Michael Taylor got the first hit of the evening in the bottom of the first inning. After the first hit, Jai Miller batted and Michael Taylor stole second base and Miller walked.

Both teams aimed for third base and eventually a home run yet by the end of the first three innings neither teams makes it there.

By the top of the fourth inning, Redhawks had a runner at third base, Robinson Cancel singled to right-center field then Jeff Keppinger advanced to third base but Drew Locke struck them out on a foul tip.

It wasn’t until the top of the fifth inning that the game really heated up. The first run was brought in by Redhawks’ Tommy Manzella. He reached first on an infield single, moved to second base on Anderson Hernandez’s single and then he scored on J.B Shuck’s hit.

Then at the top of seventh inning, the River Cats committed their one error for the game when Taylor dropped a foul pop.

By the bottom of the eighth inning the RedHawks were leading by three points.

The River Cats finally made it on the scoreboard when third baseman Wes Timmons scored. He singled to right field. Jemile Weeks struck out swinging, Josh Donaldson grounded out advancing Timmons to second base, then Taylor doubled right field which allowed Timmons to score.

Neither team hit any home runs at Friday’s game, which happened to be Military Appreciation Night. In honor of the US Army, the River Cats exchanged their usual black shirts for military shirts.

This game puts Oklahoma Redhawks at 19-22 and Sacramento River Cats at 26-16.

Tonight the River Cats will face the Redhawks again at Raley Field at 7:05 p.m.

Youth Voices

2011-05-20T01:34:57Z

Local youth are documenting community issues that impact them and their environment via photos, short videos and documentaries and then posting it on the Youth Voices Story Map site, which was launched in April.

The online map features 85 links that are connected to many stories illustrating issues varying from neighborhood cleanliness, safety, education, to employment .

Nine counties in the capital region area are displayed in the map. These areas are: Yuba, Nevada, El Dorado, Placer, Amador, Sacramento, Yolo, Solano and Sutter.

Six issues are showcased in the map: neighborhood assets, local challenges, health and safety, social justice, education and role models.

The map is navigated by clicking on issue area and/or initiative then a display of media produced in that area is showcased.

The site was birthed from a three-year action research project titled Healthy Youth/Healthy Region, according to Jonathan London, 42, director of the project.

Currently, there are about 100 youth involved, and the number is increasing steadily, London noted.

The purpose of the study was to document the condition of young people in the capital region. It begged the questions: how are young people doing here, what factors are influencing health and well-being and what can be done to improve the heath and well-being of young people, London explained.

The research project was funded by Sierra Health Foundation and The California Endowment and conducted by the UC Davis Center for Regional Change, which London also directs.

London, also an assistant professor in human and community development, said he believes youth voices are crucial to the community.

“Youth Voices Map is the idea that young people have a right to he heard,” London said. “Their interest or perspectives need to be taken seriously by adults and leaders. This, very often, doesn’t happen. It particularly does not happen for young people who are underserved or unrepresented such as youth of color, minority, isolated, gay, lesbian, transgender or poor.”

One of the methods of the study is a youth-led participatory action research, which requires youth involvement, that is how Youth Voices Map came about, London explained.

The project reached out to youth-based groups such as Sactown Heroes which is a part of West Sacramento Youth Resources Coalition, a group that was already conducting its own research on healthy youth and a healthy region from its own perspective. They are interested in how the youth feels about their communities.

Yaminah Bailey, 26, a youth engagement coordinator for Sactown Heroes, said she was excited to have her youth work with the project.

“Youth Voices gives a tool to youth to showcase their perspective about the community, so I was excited to be involved,” Bailey said. “It helps (youth) to articulate and develop ideas into a framework by using research, collecting data and explaining findings.”

They have had about 25 of their youth involved. Raising awareness of the value of youth voices is something that will be good for other communities, Bailey said.

Kenneth Nix, 15, attends River City High School and was involved with Youth Voices in 2010.

He and other students developed a video documenting places in West Sacramento that they felt impacted them negatively or were unsafe and their thoughts about them, Kenneth said.

They looked at a local McDonald's and found it unsanitary, he added

“You should have perspective from every person,” Kenneth said. “Young people are beginning to be heard because we are actually putting our voices out there.”

London said people need to remember that the youth are the future.

“If (the) Sacramento capital region is going to be successful in the future, we need to do a better job taking care of young people and ensuring they have resources and opportunities necessary for them to succeed,” London said.

It is necessary to understand in what way the region and its success affects the well-being of young people. The region can’t succeed in creating plans for young people if young people themselves are not directly involved, London noted.

Andre Bailey, 15, also attends River City High School and said he was involved with Youth Voices in 2010.

“We wanted people to hear about our environment,” Andre said. “We did a video and took photos of the Sacramento River. There is a lot of litter, graffiti and trash.”

When decisions are being made, we want policy makers, leaders, community members and such thinking, “What do youth have to say about these issues?” London said.

“Teen knowledge is very good knowledge to help our community,” Andre added.

The program draws from many already-established youth organizations to get members.

Some of these have been: Wind Youth Services, Youth In Focus, the Cordova Community Collaborative, Students Reaching Out, the Documentary Foundation, Sutter/Yuba Friday Night Live and the Center for Multicultural Cooperation.

There are no particular requirements for youth to join.

Sactown Heroes has composed 43 stories, and the Youth in Focus Project has composed 25 stories, London said.

Youth Voices Map is an ongoing project. It is welcoming other young people in the region to commit to contributing their writing and stories and it will be shared on Youth Voices story map.

According to London, Health Youth/Healthy Region project will be releasing a report on July 14. There will be an event for it at Sierra Foundation on Garden Highway.

For more information, click here, or visit Art of Regional Change, they are a key project partner in the Youth Voices project.

City Council considers renewal of Stockton Boulevard District

2011-05-19T01:43:06Z

A recommendation to renew Stockton Boulevard property and business improvement district was initiated Tuesday at the Sacramento City Council meeting.

The renewal, if approved, means the district will be able to exist and continue the work they are doing.

According to a city staff report approval of this resolution will allow for time and place for the public hearing on the renewal of the district, proposed assessment and notices to be mailed to all property owners in that district.

Originally, the renewal had been scheduled for every five years, and now it is being requested for a 10-year term instead so they can continue to do more, Terrence Johnson, executive director of Stockton Boulevard Partnership said.

According to the Stockton Boulevard Partnership website (stocktonblvdpartnership.org) the organization is devoted to handling matters such as security and safety, image and maintenance, advocacy, and economic development that are affecting the businesses between 2700 Stockton Blvd. at Second Avenue on the north end and 6800 Stockton Blvd., which are part of the district.

In an effort to improve this business corridor, Stockton Boulevard Partnership, along with the city of Sacramento and the Greater Sacramento Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce, hosted a business walk last month. (South Stockton Business Walk)

The walk served to check on the needs of businesses and to connect them with the proper resources so they can flourish.

The staff report highlighted that the goal of the district is to improve safety conditions, cleanliness and the image of the Stockton Boulevard commercial corridor.

They would like to continue with providing such services and eventually make this district a destination spot, Johnson said.

“It is super-important to renew,” Johnson said. “Having (the resolution and reformation of the district) in place will protect business in so many ways.”

“Property owners agreed this (is) a valuable activity,” Johnson noted.

The council’s decision to approve the reformation of this district is pending on ballot results.

Mark Griffin, program manager for Sacramento’s finance department, said the council authorized staff to send out ballots Thursday to property owners in the district.

“(In the ballots), the property owners (of Stockton Boulevard Property and Business Improvement District) will decide if they approve the renewal,” Griffin said.

Once the results from the ballot shows that the majority is in favor, which is 50 percent plus one vote, at least, then the council approves it or abandons it, Griffin added.

According to the staff report, the Stockton Boulevard District was approved by City Council in June of 2006 and became effective in January of 2007.

The staff report shows that the remaining steps to fully renew it for the 10-year term are: A public hearing on July 19 at City Council, ballot results July 26 at City Council, record notice of assessment and assessment diagram on July 28 and an assessment roll, which is a public record of the assessed value of property in a taxing jurisdiction, to county sometime in August.

For more information about the district, look at: www.stocktonblvdpartnership.org

On your bike, get text, Race for the Ring

2011-05-13T16:06:13Z

All you need is a partner, a mobile phone and a means of transportation.

You can be on a bike, non-motorized scooter, roller skates, unicycle or you can be on foot, and you will be well on your way to possibly winning a diamond ring, among the many prizes, at this year’s Race for the Ring event.

The annual fundraiser event takes place May 21 at 10 a.m. in downtown and Midtown.

Race for the Ring was created by Rogers Jewelry Co. in 2009 as a way of fundraising and supporting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS).

According to Calvin Curtin, 46, marketing director for Rogers Jewelry Co., the top 13 winners are eligible to win jewelry.

First place gets a Hearts on Fire diamond ring valued at $8,600, second place also receives a diamond ring valued at $5,700, third place gets a Heart on Fire pendant valued at $3,200, fourth place receives diamond ring by Artcarved valued at $1,750 and the least expensive jewelry item is a watch valued at $195, Curtin said.

Prizes also go for most creative team names, best costumes, and randomly selected individuals will also win prizes.

Among many things, they can win a bicycle, wine tasting, dinner gift certificates or even artwork.

There will be more than $35,000 worth of prizes, Kelly Siefkin, 32, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services communication director said.

There are two people per team. An estimated 1,000 participants will race from location to location solving clues, riddles, challenges and giving answers via text messages, Siefkin said.

The distance of the race spreads as far as F Street to Q Street and Old Sacramento to McKinley Park, Curtin said.

At the beginning of the high-tech computerized race, everyone receives a text message clue at the same time but it will be directing them to different locations and asking them different questions, Siefkin said.

The first text will be sent by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Siefkin noted.

“The team next to you, for example, could be going to Crocker Art Museum and you are heading to Raley Field – no team is following another,” Curtin added.

The clue includes two parts: location and challenge.

“The location will tell you go to a specific location and once you are there you have to verify it. For example it may say go to 16th and I Street and on the northeast corner there is a light bulb, text the number on it,” said Curtin.

Once the contestants verify they are there, by answering the verifying question, they receive a text response saying “correct” and then a challenge suggestion or question will come in next.

Questions will vary, ranging from questions about Sacramento to information about SFBFS, Siefkin noted.

The challenges range from physical activity to math problems. There are probably 50-75 clues and challenges this year, Curtin said.

You may text back the system words such as: help, skip or score to check your total points at anytime during the race, Curtin explained.

As the contestants complete each segment, they get directed to more locations and they get more challenges.

“It is all about being fast and accurate. You get more points for challenges than verifying location. There are three chances to answer and for every wrong the points become less,” Curtin said.

Most people opt for a bike. It puts you at an advantage, but it is not a requirement, Curtin noted.

The computerized system will tally the total points and inform who the winner is based on the highest number of correct answers and completed challenges and riddles.

The company that runs this part of the race is called Scvngr and they are based in Boston, Mass..

According to Curtin, last year there were about 136,000 text messages sent back and forth between players and the system.

The event raised $20,000, Siefkin said.

There will be individuals in uniform and regular attire posted near the various locations to deter cheating, Curtin noted.

Also the system will know if a contestant is cheating should they be answering too quickly because most of the answers can only be received by going to the location. It has a time map system that calculates when you should have the answer, Curtin said.

Contestants can call a friend or use the Internet on their cell for answers.

Participants are immediately disqualified if they have someone physically, going ahead of them, and aiding them in solving answers or if they are in a vehicle or motorcycle, Curtin explained.

“It involves local business, banks, hotels and such – it is like ‘The Amazing Race’ except everybody is not going to the same place at the same time,” Curtin said.

The race starts and ends at Raley Field. It will last about one to one and a half hours, Siefkin said.

The end of the race will be announced via text. Everyone will head to Raley Field for the after party at around noon to 12:30 p.m., Siefkin explained.

“The after party is a ball. It’s like a house party/carnival. There are restaurants giving samples, vendors, prizes,” Curtin said.

Chris Suter, 28, fire protection engineer with Sacramento Fire Department has done the race every year since its inception in 2009.

He competed with his friend, Chris Wallis, whom he has known since elementary school.

“I never heard of anything like it before. It sounded like a blast, and it is helping a great organization, so I figured, why not?” Suter said.

“I like going around, solving clues – I like the competition of it. (I like) trying to be clever and figure out all the puzzles and enjoying riding my bike around. The camaraderie also is great. Everybody is wearing the same T-shirt; everyone is having great time,” Suter said.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and a vegetarian option will be served along with baked beans, slices of watermelon, coleslaw, soda and bottled water. There is also beer for sale, Curtain said.

Goodie bags filled with gifts from sponsors and snacks, and water bottles will be supplied, and the winners will be announced at Raley Field around noun, Siefkin noted.

“It is truly the best way to celebrate a Saturday morning, and it is the most fun you can have for $20 (each),” Suter said.

Registration is $40 per team. This includes two race shirts, entrance into the after-party and lunch.

In the Flow Festival

2011-05-09T06:43:05Z

A five-day festival filled with music by 40 groups in five Midtown venues is about to engulf the Sacramento scene.

The In the Flow Festival, an annual event going from Thursday to May 16, will be bringing out improvisational players of jazz, rock, blues, electronic, poetry/spoken word and visual art.

Co-organizer and guitarist Ross Hammond, 33, addressed why it was created.

Hammond said it is important to create a music event in Sacramento and bring out the unknown and/or unrecognized talents.

“I knew enough people and acts, so we decided to put something cool together,” Hammond said. “It is a celebration of creative music and art. It is the music, art and poetry community just coming together and presenting their craft.”

The other innovators behind the celebration are Rob Woodworth and the late Byron Blackburn.

Among the many local performers this year, there will be jazz and improvisational musicians from Los Angeles.

Composer Vinny Golia, 65, will be performing with various people in the festival, but he is also bringing his group Vinny Golia Sextet.

Golia has performed at the festival for the past three years.

“My music is a mixture of jazz, rock and folk tied together,” he said. “It is a blend that is challenging for listeners and the players, compared to other music. It has a groove, it can swing, and at times it is serene, other times noisy.”

A night of poetry and music mixtures at Luna’s Cafe titled “Poetry VS. Band” will consist of regional poets trading verses with area jazz musicians.

Bassist Shawn Hale, 39, will be performing with multiple groups, and he will take part in the “Poetry VS. Band.”

“I am looking forward to the many fantastic musicians,” he said. “The event as a whole is a great thing to be a part of. Looking forward to it starting.”

Among the many events, on Saturday there will be free performances at Phono Select Records.

“There are not many events like this in other cities, where you can see a very wide selection of music, be exposed to live music instead of iPods or CD players,” Golia said. “It is live. People making music in the spare of the moment, you cannot beat that.”

The festival started in 2008 as a Midtown event. It relocated to Broadway and now is back to Midtown.

“Our original venue closed and we needed a bigger space,” Hammond said. “For two years we were at Beatnik Studios on Broadway. We moved back to Midtown this year after being persuaded by Dal Basi, owner of Phono Select Records.”

They are now working with Explore Midtown to make the In the Flow Festival a celebration of Midtown culture, Hammond said.

A f ull-festival pass costs $30, which includes a festival T-shirt. Tickets for individual days cost $10. Tickets can be purchased online or at Phono Select.

Antiquite Maison Privee, one of the venues, plans to cater, but for the most part Hammond said the surrounding Midtown business restaurants will be the best places for food.

The five venues are Antiquite (2114 P St.), La Raza Galeria Posada (1022 22nd St.), Luna’s (1414 16th St.), Phono Select (2312 K St.) and the Press Club (2030 P St.).

All the locations are walkable and bike-able, Hammond noted.

“The event is so dynamic,” Hale said. “There are different performers, and it’s got a little bit of everything as far as what people may enjoy for music. It is such an artistic and community-inspired event. To miss out you will be missing out on a great essence of Sacramento.”

Art on Stockton Blvd.

2011-05-06T07:12:02Z

In addition to enjoying the beauty of art and music, some people also enjoy having detailed discussions about it.

Master Barber & Beauty Shop, family owned and operated, started “Art on Stockton Blvd.” in 2007. The shop became a place fueled with community activities – specifically a place that praises African American art, music, poetry, literature, and history.

According to the event brochure, Art on Stockton Blvd was birthed with the aim of bringing various arts to the Stockton Boulevard area.

The Brown family, owners of the shop, created the event, which runs monthly.

The shop, located on Master Barber & Beauty Shop,, is managed by the wife of the late owner Earlie D. Brown, Mary Price-Brown and her sons: Rodney and Marichal Brown.

Wednesday evening, a group of about 30 people congregated to indulge in a heavy discussion about “the fusion of music and visual art.”

Displays of visual arts, painted and photographed, lined the walls and two performances entertained the audience.

The Rio Linda Jazz Choir and Rodney ‘Lil Roro’ Brown, an 8-year-old poet performed.

“Listen to the music, study the tunes … If you want to make music, tap the table, tap your feet,” Brown recited his poem.

The topics discussed were broad, covering instruments, musical styles, art and academia, amateur/professional levels, avant garde, selling of art, originality, what role money plays in the production of art and the motivation in creativity and experimenting.

The discussions centered on black art and music such as jazz and hip hop and the relevance or impact they have had on black communities and black people.

California Assemblyman Mike Davis was the keynote speaker.

Davis highlighted art and music in the black community, and he spoke about empowerment and politics in the black community.

“We want to encourage America to be what it ought to be,” Davis said “We want to continue to fight for diversity, it is the most important thing we can do.”

There was a panel consisting of four people: artist, photographer and author Gerry “Gos” Simpson; artist and engineer Frank Blackwell; artist, photographer and author Lawrence Sullivan and Jazz musician Harley White Jr.

Four panelists could not make it Wednesday night. Among the absent were Sacramento music legends Steve Gundi and Lagrand Rodgers, vocalist Vivian Lee and 16-year-old drummer Taylor “Da Don” Burrise.

Moderator Milton “510” Bowens, a contemporary artist, started the dialogue.

“Jazz music is sometimes categorized by the time period from which it originates, e.g. Ragtime, Swing, Bebop, Cool … so how does this relate to the movements in art,” Milton said.

Music and art are widely discussed topics. From academic institutions to social gathering locations – it is being talked about, Bowens explained.

Art and music were discussed on many levels – locally and globally, from the underground musician to the published artist or musician.

“Is it possible to categorize music or art geographically?” Bowens asked.

“Geography has a lot to do with what art is being painted,” Simpson responded. “I am from Jersey. My painting displays a lot of bricks – you can see where I am from.”

“It is possible to see different arts according to region – look at Indian, Egyptian or African art,” Sullivan noted

Arts and politics was another topic.

“Do Jazz musicians and artists face the same political obstacles when trying to get their art into the market place?” Bowens asked.

“In some places, artists and even poets get killed for suggesting a political message. We have that luxury ” Bowens noted, referring to the freedom of speech.

A discussion about artists not pushing themselves as much or not being experimental enough was addressed.

“Artists may not experiment, because it may not sell,” Simpson said. “Artists are trapped into creating what is in the trend – money plays a huge role in deciding what is created.”

Art education was also brought up.

“Arts are not entirely being taken out of schools. They still exist in schools … in the more affluent schools/neighborhoods, the issue is it is not in urban communities,” Bowens said. “We, as African Americans, need to pose this question more specifically.”

Although many agree there is some fusion between visual art and music, ultimately the answer is really up to you and what you see, Simpson said.

Byron Joiner, 46, was an audience member.

“I like that people were respectful and open to other people's point of view,” Joiner said.

To hear about future events hosted at the Master Barber & Beauty Shop, contact masterbarberbeauty@yahoo.com or visit Facebook.com/masterbarberbeautyshop.

Man on the street : How do you make your mom feel special?

2011-05-05T06:44:11Z

The time to recognize our mothers has come again: Mother’s Day.

The Sacramento Press recently took to the streets and asked people how they make their moms feel special on Mother’s Day.

Here is what they had to say:

Olegario Casas, 39, is an iron worker who lives in Elk Grove.

“Two weeks before Mother’s Day, I call my mom, and I send her a card and flowers because she is in Mexico,” Casas said. “I tell her I love her and I miss her and I can’t wait to see her.”

Vanessa Young, 28, is a student at Syracuse University, but she comes from East Sacramento.

A phone call is important, Young said.

“We also go out to lunch, take a walk or go hiking – my mom likes that,” she added.

Arturo Vasquez, 23, is a coach cleaner for the railroad, he lives in North Sacramento.

“I try to make my mom feel special every day,” Vasquez said. “ My (siblings) and I get together, I buy something nice for her – whatever she wants – and we have dinner together.”

Joshua Corona, 19, is a student at Sacramento City College, and he lives in Natomas.

“I clean the house and I cook breakfast for my mom,” Corona said.

Taylor Priestly, 29, is a student at UC Berkeley, and she comes from the Pocket area.

“We usually donate to a charity or a cause that my mom believes in,” Priestly said. “This year, we are donating to Planned Parenthood.”

Fallen trees live on

2011-04-30T01:26:52Z

Nothing lives forever, but according to Clark Kayler, trees can.

He extends the life of trees by turning them into furniture. The trees go from decorating the streets to decorating various rooms.

Kayler, 41, is the owner and founder of New Helvetia Hardwoods.

They rescue trees that have been knocked down by storms, trees that are being chopped down for development purposes or dying trees that are all headed for the landfills.

“(I am) giving our city’s trees a second chance,” Kayler said.

In early 2005, Kayler noticed a tree being removed from his neighbor’s yard. It bothered him. He asked the neighbor for the redwood tree, and he created his first piece of furniture: a table.

As a property manager, he is experienced in restoring and remodeling older homes. Rescuing trees is a hobby he hopes to turn into a business someday, he said.

“I was always driving around fixing things,” Kayler said. “I would see the tree service companies taking down trees. I would grab my trailer (and) pull (up) next to them. It is more of an opportunistic thing, (and then) I see if I can get the tree.”

When a tree will fall is unpredictable, and sometimes people call him, or he finds them, Kayler noted.

The more people know about what New Helvetia Hardwoods does, the more it grows and the more trees are saved, Kayler said.

“Trees get to bless us. They have a long life, their beauty doesn’t die and their contribution to us doesn’t go away … We encounter them every day – they don’t have to disappear,” Kayler said.

His son, Mattias Kayler, 15, helps him and shares the same passion for trees.

Trees are taken for granted. Whether it is acknowledged or not, trees have a presence – they shade, they provide the beautification, smell – they play a role in you wanting to sit there and enjoy the area or relax, Mattias Kayler said.

In turning trees into furniture, it is like giving them a proper burial, Clark Kayler added.

“My favorite tool to use is the axe. I like the rhythm involved in using it – the motion, the swing of back and forth. When you come in contact with the wood, you feel the impact – you feel connected,” Mattias Kayler added.

“When you cut a tree down the middle, you get to see the entire life of the tree. It’s like a biography of the tree,” Clark Kayler said.

He has used around 50 trees so far, and most of them are from Midtown and West Sacramento.

Some of the trees he works with are walnut, elm, figured redwood, big leaf daple and Deodora cedar.

He uses an Alaskan chain saw mill. It is a huge chainsaw to cut trees that can be 6 feet wide and 40 feet long.

Another tool is a skid loader. Like a forklift, it is a common basic contractor’s tool used for moving heavy things. A trailer and a truck are used for transporting the logs.

He has a little yard in West Sacramento, and at times he uses his own garage for the finishing.

The first step is acquiring, then milling, storing and finishing. The process requires a lot of patience, Clark Kalyer said.

He has supplied woods for a number of places in San Francisco for remodeling. Locally, the Azul Mexican Food and Tequila bar restaurant on 20th Street also carries his work.

He said he is concerned that the planting of trees is no longer supported or protected, especially canopy trees.

According to him, it will save money, and the environment, to turn these trees into furniture.

“There is an enormous carbon footprint generated in the throwing away of the trees,” Clark Kayler noted. “It also takes heavy equipment, manpower and expensive equipment.”

Architect and designer Michael Hargis, 38, has worked with Clark Kayler before.

“Clark is very responsive. He is honest, (and) he delivered everything he said he would. I am looking at doing more business together,” Hargis said.

Clark Kayler has found something he is passionate about, and he is on the verge of turning it into a business, Hargis said.

“The fact that he is recycling the trees and things are not going to waste is cool,” Hargis noted.

For more information contact Clark Kayler: clark@newhelvetiahardwoods.com or 548 4007.

CORE performance advances the arts

2011-04-23T01:17:57Z

“Awake My Soul,” the final performance of CORE Dance Collective’s season, opened Thursday night to a crowd of more than 300 at the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center.

The evening was filled with contrasting elements. One moment soft jazz music played and the next, groans, moans and cries were heard from the dancers. Some of the dancers spun around gracefully, while others were swift, powerful and intentional with their movements.

CORE, which stands for Collections of Real Experience, is a nonprofit dance company with 12 dancers that was founded in 2007 by Kelli Leighton, who currently serves as the artistic director.

“We are innovative. What we do is so different … whatever preconceived notion of dance (a person) has, (this) is so different – you have to see it,” assistant artistic director, Blair Cacanando said.

“Awake My Soul is the ending piece of the season. It is an explanation of feeling alive, celebrating being alive and being able to dance – to move,” Cacanando said.

The performance is broken into two parts: “Silent Noise” and “After the Storm.”

“Silent Noise” started out dramatic. The whole theater was dark, and then suddenly dancers with bandages covering their eyes and military jackets that shielded their white, flowy dresses slowly and deliberately approached the stage from the front and the back of the theater, stiffly and slowly.

Their hands were rigid, and they walked intently toward the stage, where they stood emotionless.

Suddenly, minutes into the show, they were moving faster. They were jumping, rolling, lifting each other, and then they reverted to a much more serious style again.

“We call it contemporary – actually, it is athletic contemporary. It is very technical. Ballet and jazz movements are heavily incorporated,” Cacanando noted.

“ ‘Silent Noise’ has a storyline,” Cacanando said.

It is based off of Gottfried Helnwein’s painting, which is on display at the Crocker Art Museum.

Leighton attended Tueller school of dance, worked in Los Angeles with the Screen Actors Guild and has been featured on “The Today Show.”

When she moved to Sacramento, she was seeking involvement in a dance company, she said, but was unable to find anything that fit her – so she rented a space and got started on her own.

They have performed at Sacramento’s Second Saturday Art Walk events and in other places, including San Francisco and Utah.

The group’s objective, according to Cacanando, is to educate the community on performing arts and to motivate the community to take interest in funding the arts.

Jacob Montoya, 25, is a dancer for the company.

“I prepare for the ‘Silent Noise’ piece by going some place deep in myself,” Montoya said. “I think of my grandma, who is going through a lot, and she is suffering, and this piece deals with suffering.”

“We do it because we love it. We have a talent that should be shared, and the world should see it,” Cacanando said.

Corie Rubiono, 20, is from Sacramento and came to watch CORE perform Thursday. She said she knows some people from the dance company, and she used to dance with them.

“My favorite part is when they take off the military jacket. it was as though they were breaking away from conformity,”Rubiono said.

Kim Smith, 46, from Folsom, also came to see “Awake My Soul.” Her daughter takes dance classes taught by one of the dancers.

She described it as “...beautiful, energetic, creative, athletic, upbeat.”

There are two remaining performances of “Awake My Soul”: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, 4600 Blackrock Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15 presale and $20 at the door.

“We are here to expose (the community) to an artistic vision. Without our audience, there is no us,” Leighton said. “This is when people need – (the) arts more than ever – it’s a good time to come and escape and be moved.”

For more information visit: www.coredancecollective.org or contact kleighton@coredancecollective.org

South Stockton Business Walk

2011-04-15T07:38:15Z

The City of Sacramento along with the Greater Sacramento Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce and Stockton Boulevard Partnership hosted a business walk Thursday.

The walk focused on businesses located in the “Little Saigon” area of South Stockton, which runs from Florin Road to Fruitridge Road.

The city’s Economic Development Business Visit Program serves to check on the needs of businesses and to connect them with the proper resources so they can flourish.

Terrence Johnson, the executive director of the Stockton Boulevard Partnership said the focus is to address the issues affecting businesses.

The Little Saigon district is home to many small businesses, particularly Southeast Asian businesses, Mai Nguyen, president of the Greater Sacramento Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (GSVACC), said.

Organizations such as SMUD, BERC, Stockton Boulevard Partnership, Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce, city and county employees all helped in canvassing the various business in the area.

There are two barriers that the Asian business owners are dealing with: language and culture, these two make it challenging to network, Nguyen said.

“We want to reach out to them and listen to their concerns and needs,” Nguyen said. “We want to break barriers. We don’t want them to feel afraid or to feel like they did something wrong. They are used to inspectors, and/or audits coming in, but this is a refreshing visit. We want to put them at ease and inform them of the resources available.”

The new Pho Saigon Bay restaurant at 6458 Stockton Blvd. was the starting and finishing place for the walk, which went from 10 a.m. - noon.

It is symbolic to have a new business host the event because it is all about promoting business economic growth and retention of businesses, Nguyen said.

Participants dispersed into teams of two with one member being a Vietnamese speaker and another being an English speaker. In total, there were 20 teams, according to Lorrie Lowry, project manager for the city’s Economic Development Department.

Many times the assigned businesses were congregated, it made it simple to walk to the surrounding businesses but at times people drove.

The City sent a letter informing them of the visit in advance.

As each team visited the various businesses, they asked them three questions: How is business? What do you like about doing business in this area? What can city, partner and the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce do to improve business?

They also left each business with a bag filled with various resources. These resources ranged from SMUD rebate programs to California capital (small business loans) information and Sacramento Works, which is an organization that assists with hiring.

About 230 businesses were visited in total, and each team was assigned an average of 14 businesses in the two hours , Lowry said.

Tim Nguyen, owner of Xtreme Tint, Alarm and Sound, said he started his business in 2000.

“I didn’t know of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, but I think this is very informative, and it is nice of them to come out and reach out to local business.”

He told the city visitors that business is tough, the roads in front of the store needs to be fixed and more lights are needed in the streets.

Norm Gentry, owns Norm’s Electric and said he was excited to speak with the representatives.

“It is neat that they got out here,” he said.

“As long as they care and it is not just for show,” Don Gentry, Norm’s son, added.

Stephanie Brians, manager at Security Public Storage was equally pleased.

“It is nice to see someone come in and ask and want to hear from us. Usually, if I have a problem, I have to find a way to contact them or write to them,” Brians said.

She expressed concern for safety, crime reduction, gangs and drugs.

Next month, there will be a seminar coordinated by the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.

The date, time and location is yet to be discussed, Lowry said.

The information collected after such walks are used to create specific plans that can further aid in enhancing the success of these businesses.

Overall, it is important to get an idea of what is going on so there is direct response, Lowry said.

“The long-term vision is we establish relationships and the businesses now have direct contacts,” Mai Nguyen said.

Last year, the economic development department of the city organized various business walks in the northern and central City.

This is the first business walk of the year and there will be three more. They are scheduled to take place in Florin, Natomas and the third location is still being decided.

For more information, visit www.CityofSacramento.Org website.

Interview techniques: Before, during and after

2011-04-09T02:44:49Z

Thursday evening, 22 people came to The Sacramento Press office to learn about interviewing techniques at the workshop, taught by Clare Noonan.

Writers from all levels were present, and non-writers were also in attendance. They all came with different goals.

“I thought it would be geared more towards job-type interview techniques, but I was not disappointed that it was stories. It was a pleasant surprise,” said Swayne Cates, a real estate broker and attendee.

He said he found the workshop important. There was plenty of information, even a seasoned writer would have learned something, he noted.

Kim Tennant, 59, from Fair Oaks said she wanted to learn how to convince people to take part in an interview.

She said many times people feel uneasy when they know they are going to be published.

“I am interested in new techniques and information,” Tennant said.

Noonan addressed Tennant’s concerns, and her workshop highlighted various aspects of interviewing.

She discussed what a good journalist should do before, during and after an interview.

“Before any interview, you must do research,” Noonan said.

Noonan earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky.

In the past, she worked for The Modesto Bee, The Sacramento Bee and The Sacramento Press.

She covered business at the The Modest Bee for more than 20 years, worked as an assistant news editor for The Bee and became a copy editor for The Sacramento Press.

Now, she edits 11 East Bay Patch.com sites.

At the beginning of her workshop she highlighted the Poynter Institute and two books: “The Art of the Interview” by Lawrence Grobel and “Loose Lips” by Eric Nalder as having important information regarding interviewing techniques.

She pulled information from these materials and other writings by reading them to her audience and adding some of her own tips and advice as she presented.

“There is no excuse for going to an interview without researching,” Noonan said. “The more you know about somebody, the more personable and easier it will be to connect.”

One audience member said, “People have to feel like you care, otherwise they will not talk to you.”

Shell Crane, 25, works for the state of California as an analyst, and she came to the workshop because she wanted to learn how to get people to talk in a social setting.

“The most important thing I learned is silence. People may feel uncomfortable, but it is a powerful tool,” Crane said.

Among the many tips shared, Noonan highly recommended face-to-face interviews. Also, she insisted journalists implement the strategy of silence after asking a question.

This means allowing the interviewee to respond to the original question and then waiting a few more seconds (the awkward silence) before proceeding to the next question.

At times this strategy will push them to elaborate or reveal further information because of the sudden and long silence.

While silence is important, being yourself is also important.

“It is OK to open up and tell something about yourself. You are two human beings having a conversation,” Noonan explained.

Sandra Weber, 20, came from South Sacramento. As a student who is interested in starting her own magazine, she found the workshop beneficial.

“I am good at asking questions, but I wanted to learn more,” Weber said. “I really liked the tip about informing non-media-savvy (interviewees) about the interview process (before proceeding). It was was helpful.... I also liked the tip about asking unusual question (as a break in the interview).”

Noonan also recommended easing into the interview.

“Start out light at the beginning,” she said.

Noonan explained, at the end of an interview, it is smart to conclude it by saying things such as: Is there anything I didn't ask that you would like to address?

Overall, she said she wanted interviewers to have confidence, to not generalize, to follow through and not allow the interviewee(s) to take over, and to be specific.

“A good rule if you feel intimidated is to act as if you’re not,” Noonan said. “There are bad interviews – just make the best of it and move on.”

The next workshop at The Sacramento Press will be “Intro to Journalism,” taught by Doug Herndon. It will be held from 6:30 - 8 p.m Tuesday, April 19.

To RSVP for this workshop, email workshops@sacramentopress.com.

Mayor, city celebrate Winter Sanctuary's accomplishments

2011-04-06T01:00:14Z

A group of Sacramento-area faith community leaders came out to be recognized on Tuesday for their participation in the Winter Sanctuary program to house the homeless in the winter.

“From December to March, (the) Winter Sanctuary program sheltered 550 homeless men and women,” County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan said.

It also served to aid the homeless with resources, employment and treatment of health issues, MacGlashan noted.

“(In addition), they were provided with sleeping bags and transportation each evening by bus to a safe congregation, and there the volunteers from each congregation (served) them with dinner, breakfast, social and spiritual fellowship,” MacGlashan said.

Under the Winter Sanctuary program – which was announced at a press conference ~~launched~~ Oct. 24 by Sacramento Steps Forward, l ocal houses of worship opened their doors to the homeless, giving them a place to sleep.

Mayor Kevin Johnson said it was a day to appreciate and honor the people who made the inaugural Winter Sanctuary program a success.

“We have over 3,000 homeless people in our community – far too many,” Johnson said. “Our vision, in Sacramento, is to be a city that works for everyone, and what I mean by everyone (is) it means the least among us.”

Supervisor Phil Serna said he was very moved when he went out and saw the homeless’ living conditions before the Winter Sanctuary program went into effect.

“From (this) experience, I wanted to do something immediately – I want to make sure our homeless population is taken care of,” he said.

Johnson elaborated on the long-term details of his plan to curb homelessness in Sacramento.

“We want to create permanent housing units,” he said. “We have 1,600 that we have done in a little over a year. Our goal is to have 2,400 within a three-year period.”

Johnson said the faith groups, volunteers,service providers and public officials all worked together to make the Winter Sanctuary program work – a program he previously said is necessary to help the homeless until the long-term goal can be realized.

He said the churches and two mosques contributed places to sleep, volunteers helped in serving meals and putting things in order, while service providers served with things such as transportation and the public officials aided in drafting the program.

About 24 houses of worship ~~churches~~ participated, and thousands of volunteers came out.

“We, as a community, want to step forward and take care of our community,” Johnson said. “We want to be a community that empowers the homeless to contribute to our city.”

For the list of the churches, visit the website Sacramento Steps Forward.

Among the speakers was Tony Aiken, a homeless man who said he is grateful for the program.

“Sometimes when (you) give (to the homeless), (you) give away what’s left over, but if you’re not using it, what makes you think we are going to use it?” Aiken said. “They served us first-class everything.

“Because of the blessing I have received, I am now able to help someone else,” Aiken added.

The program was led by Volunteers of America and Sacramento Steps Forward.

Among other service providers, Sacramento’s Loaves & Fishes offered space at Friendship Park to pre-screen guests ~~served meals for the homeless~~ .

Various businesses, individuals and associations made financial contributions to fund the program.

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

Sutter Angels

2011-03-31T04:58:19Z

A new citizens’ safety patrol group is in the planning stages for the Sutter District.

The Sutter District encompasses J to P streets and 27th to 28th streets, according to Aja Uranga-Foster, assistant director at Midtown Business Association.

The group will be called Sutter Angels and will be modeled after the Lavender Angels team that oversees the Lavender Heights area of Midtown near 20th and K streets.

Tara Golden, 42, the current shift manager for Lavender Angels, will also be the shift manager for Sutter Angels.

“We used Lavender Angels as a sort of a test to see how it would look and how the community will respond, it seems it passed so now we want to try a new neighborhood,” Golden said.

It will follow the mission of the Lavender Angels’ network: to protect the community at night with a direct line to the police by reporting suspicious behavior, escorting or reporting intoxicated individuals, watching out for assaults, making emergency and non-emergency calls, providing homeless services and patrolling the overall night scene, Uranga-Foster said.

The program is driven by volunteers who will need to come out on Fridays and Saturdays between the shifts of 9:30 p.m. to midnight and midnight to 3 a.m. to patrol.

Among other classes, they complete classes on first aid, citizens’ safety and general safety tips, Golden said.

Golden, who is a Midtown resident , talked about the next steps.

“Every neighborhood has a completely different vibe ...I am researching Sutter, walking the streets and trying to see exactly how we are going to have to tweak and custom-make the program for that area,” Golden said. “ (The) first problem is how we are going to get volunteers.”

Uranga-Foster also voiced the same concerns.

“We have the green light financially, the businesses all said yes, (the) only missing link is the volunteers,” Uranga-Foster said. “We do outreach...hoping people will get to learn about what Lavender Angels do and would bond with the program and want to volunteer.”

Any help will be appreciated, Uranga-Foster said.

“If people can do one night a month or even half a shift per month, which would be 9:30 in the evening to 11:30 or midnight until 3 a.m., that would be incredibly helpful, as much or little that anyone can do helps, really,” Uranga-Foster said.

For the most part, anyone is welcome to assist. However, certain people will be best for this type of volunteer.

Individuals who feel at ease in public and do not mind being in crowds will be suitable, Uranga-Foster said.

“I do not want anybody violent, or who will use this opportunity to pick up potential mates...it’s not about that,” Golden said. “I like working with people who are out there for the right reasons. They take it personal when people are hurt – they want people to go out (and) have a good time without worrying about safety.”

Ashley Lamb, 19, from Rancho Cordova, has been volunteering with Lavender Angels for two months now. She said she likes the idea of creating a group of Sutter Angels.

“It’s something that is necessarily in the community and I have free time so I thought I would help out,” Lamb said.

All kinds of people have come out from FBI academy, office workers, correction officers to individual who work in retail stores locally, Foster-Uranga said.

People’s behavior at night can be quit different from the day time.

“It is interesting, you meet wild and unusual people and have a few laughs with them,” Golden said. “It can be fun, talk with people, give them directions, point out where a good restaurant is, help them to their car, if they fall down, give them first aid--98 percent of people like us and respect what we are doing, we get hugs,” Golden said.

However, there is a harsh reality they have to deal with at times.

“The physical aspect is most challenging--walking around, standing and chasing drunks,” Lamb said. “It can be pretty scary, a lot of violence and hatred--Alcohol with violence is not a good combination--carry pepper spray and know your area.”

In the long term there is plans for more Angel satellites around the city.

“Midtown Business Association's goal is to get as many satellites groups going as we can get going over the next three years or so--on a management level there is the harsh reality of budgets, right now it will be maxed out at two--but over time, we may be able to have other funds or grants or re-look at budget and consider expanding it to cover the cost of having an additional staff manager and a couple of other tools,” Uranga-Foster said.

Golden has thought about running the two programs.

“It’s going to be challenging, no question about that. (However) people in Lavender Angel I can trust to lead them (Sutter Angel),” Golden said.

Foster-Uranga hopes Sutter Angels will be up and running by July or August.

Sutter Angels, like Lavender Angels is sponsored by the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and the Sacramento Midtown Business Association.

To contact the Lavender Angels, e-mail lavender.angels@saccenter.org.

Australian Rules Football Club

2011-03-29T06:48:08Z

While most Americans may be more familiar with sports such as football, soccer or basketball, very few have heard of Australian Rules Football.

Australian native Amy Bishop, 31, explained that Australian Rules Football, also known as “footy” or “Aussie rules,” is a very popular sport in Australia, and it is unlike rugby, soccer or any other sport.

She also noted that while many Americans may not know of it, it has a presence in America via recreational clubs such as the Sacramento Footy Club, which she founded and was the president of for the past two years.

When she moved from Washington, D.C., to Sacramento in 2008, she decided Sacramento needed it’s own footy club.

“I didn’t start playing Australian football until I moved to U.S.,” Bishop said. “I really enjoyed playing it in Washington, D.C., and then we moved here, and the lack of a football club and lack of people I knew made me think, ‘Why not start a football club so I can keep playing the game and meet people?’ ”

In an official game there are no more than 18 people on each team playing. However, in the Sac Footy Club, there is a limit of nine players per team.

The game is played with a spheroid ball on an oval-shaped or rectangular field consisting of four posts at each end.

Overall, one team wins by kicking the ball between the main goal posts and scoring the most points.

The players attempt to achieve this by moving the ball down the field to a team member who is in a position to score.

“The players can move the ball by hand or kick the ball to a teammate,” Bishop said. “The game is played in four quarters consisting of 25 minutes each, but at our club we play it in two quarters with about 15 minutes each.”

The Sacramento Footy Club was established in 2009.

“It is one club and it plays as multiple teams in Sacramento but we like to travel as a whole team when we play against other cities,” Bishop said. “Sac Footy is a social league and is based on a co-ed, non-tackle version of Australian Rules Football. The club also has a men's and a women's tackle team who compete in the United States Australian Football League.”

It started with 30 people attending the first meeting, and now it has grown to more than 100 people, she said.

The club welcomes everybody.

“There is no age restriction, height, or weight (requirement). Anybody can have a go at this game,” Bishop said. “No experience is necessarily needed. Anyone that comes can join now. They are not far behind than anyone else, no one is professional or has been playing it for long.”

Bishop’s husband, Matt Bishop, has had extensive experience with the sport. He is the coach for the club, and he also coaches the men’s national team for the United States, the USA Revolution.

He said that, as a coach, he wants to see individuals achieve their best, and he likes to see people set realistic goals and accomplish them. Watching this process, he said, is what excites him about being the club’s coach.

“I remember one game at the 2010 USAFL National Tournament in Louisville, Ky., our women’s team ( the Sacramento Screamers) lost their first two games of their first ever tournament, and won their third game against Minnesota Freeze, and that was a very proud moment,” Matt Bishop said.

He expressed his concern with Americans and their unfamiliarity with the game.

“It is a sport based mainly on kicking,” he said. “There are not many American sports that have that – soccer, of course, and soccer players are usually good, but Americans are typically more used to baseball/football, and when kicking is the main ingredient in the game, it can be a big challenge.”

As much as footy is a sport, it also has a social aspect. Matt Bishop reflected on some of the tradition with the game in Australia.

“In Australia, the sport is mainly based on the community (rather than) than the sport necessarily, so if you’re playing for a local team, you are generally playing for your community – representing your town or city. Once the game is done and everything is packed, we go out to celebrate and enjoy the day,” he said.

The same tradition holds for the footy club in Sacramento.

Robin Bishop, 27, who is not related to the Australian Bishops but is a player on the team and a student from UC Davis, said she was excited to learn about the club and the sport.

“It is a great workout with positions that are different than in other sports, (and) it is physically challenging,” she said. “The people involved are wonderful. Amy and Matt are great. They are always helpful and encouraging. Everything is well-organized, (we) always know when practices are, there is no confusion, games are always well ran – people show up, smile on their face, ready to play and have a good time.”

Another player, Mel Chen, 29, who is a masters student at San Jose University, expressed his enthusiasm for the sport.

“In this club, my favorite thing is the positive nature. Experienced or not, we are all out there to have a good time – no real egos out there, some competitiveness, but at the end of the game, we head to the bar, have a drink and celebrate.”

Playing Aussie rules is something to look forward to at the end of the work week, Chen said.

A third player, Saleh Tyebjee, 25, who is an engineer at Aerojet and the new president of the club, said he enjoys the various aspects of the sport.

“It is fast-paced. It has the flow and pace of basketball, but it kind of has the physicality of football because it can be a contact sport – being that I have played lacrosse, I find the strategy similar to lacrosse,” he said. “I played a lot of different sports but never played a sport with exciting pace with nonstop action.”

The beginning of the game is similar to basketball because of the tip-off style, but it remains different because the two players are permitted to run and jump at the ball by tapping or punching the ball toward their teammates.

Players are sectioned into three parts: offense (forward), midfield and defense (backline),Tyebjee explained.

Tyebjee said the name of the sport can throw people off when he mentions it, and people assume it is rugby or are focused on how sweet and gentle “footy” sounds.

“People think the name is silly, but I challenge them to come out and play it and see it for themselves,” he said. “It is not a dangerous sport, nor does it have more opportunity for injury than any other sport. The Sacramento Footy club is low-contact ... it’s certainly worth a try if anyone is curious about it. They may be surprised at how much fun they have.”

The fee for the full season is $60 and it includes a shirt, weekly awards, field rental and equipments for 13 weeks.

Practices will be: Wednesday, March 30; Wednesday, April 6; Thursday, April 14; Thursday, April 21; and then every Monday night from April 25 until July 18.

The practices are held at McKinley Park.

Games will be every Wednesday night from April 27 until July 20 at McKinley Park on 33rd and H streets.

Opening day was scheduled for March 26, but due to the rainy weather it has been postponed to Saturday, April 2, at McKinley Park from 1-3 p.m.

Sacramento celebrates St.Patrick's Day

2011-03-19T06:58:23Z

If you did not have green somewhere on you, you stuck out like a sore thumb on Thursday when hundreds came out with green hair, green glasses, green clothing, green hats and even green beards to celebrate St. Patricks Day.

At 2 p.m., Heather Garner, 32, was at the Golden Pacific Bank booth at the de Vere’s St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza.

“We are passing out free beads, hats and candy,” Garner said. “We brought over 3,000 beads and over 1,000 hats.”

The Cesar Chavez Plaza was fenced and inside a St. Patrick’s Day celebration was in full effect.

Bar stools, green and white balloons, a huge Guinness beer balloon were among the decorations that surrounded the place.

People of all age groups came out to celebrate. Many men and women dressed in traditional Irish attire such as kilts, knee-high socks and plaid skirts.

In front of the stage people clapped along to music and danced freely by swinging their hands or pairing up with others and twirling in circles.

The atmosphere was occasionally filled with sudden bursts of laughter, cheering or phrases such as “Happy St.Patrick’s Day”

Various booths were present, ranging from Guinness beer booths, whiskey booths, radio station booths such as that of 106.5 (The Buzz, 90s buzz) to photo and food booths.

Between the live music from the stage and people’s conversations, the delicious smell of food dominated the park.

The traditional Irish dish of corned beef and cabbage was on many people’s must-eat list.

Kate Petros and Ross Lee came from La Riviera and Watt neighborhood for the celebration.

Although they celebrated St.Patrick’s at de Vere’s Irish pub last year, it is their first time at the park.

“I am looking forward to eating corned beef cabbage,” Lee said. “St. Patrick’s Day means Guinness, good Irish music, friends and fun.”

Brad Cecchi, executive chef at Grange (restaurant and bar) served house made Irish sausages with pickled vegetables and Irish cheddar on soft rolls at the Party in the Park.

“We are prepared to sell 1,200 sausages,” Cecchi said.

The traditional St. Patrick’s Day culture, food and music was blended with the modern in many aspects – from pizza with an Irish twist to traditional Irish dance with modern music and Irish tattoos.

Kelly Mcmullen, the chef at the Tuli Bistro booth, explained how the pizza is Irish.

“It is called Drunken Irish man, it has Guinness beer fondue with onion and creme as the sauce instead of tomato sauce used in pizza,” Mcmullen said. “There is also mushrooms sauteed in Jameson whiskey, pieces of bacon, thin slices of potatoes and Irish cheddar cheese on it.”

While some ate, some watched performances on stage like that of the Kyla Groeschel’s school of highland dance. Other performing acts included Irish punk music group The Black Eyed Dempseys, Zoo Station, Nine-8ths Irish, Whiskey and Stitches and Pipes and Drums.

Isaac and Makenzie Seckora, who are part Irish, came from East Sacramento. The couple sat on high bar stools at the park and sipped their beer as they enjoyed the joyful ambiance.

“Everybody is Irish on St. Patty’s day,” Isaac said. “It’s all about good drinks, friends, family and a celebration of everything in life.”

There was a $25 entrance charge and 50 percent of the profits from the event will go to Maryhouse which benefits homeless women and children. Henry de Vere White, co-owner of de Vere Irish Pub said they would not know how much was raised until next week.

On the other side of town, the de Vere’s Irish pub was packed with folks adorning green suspenders, earrings, socks and even a green tutu skirt.

Cynthia Henry, from the Pocket community was excited to meet up with her friends after work.

“I am meeting with six to eight people,” Henry said. “When my girls were little, we stayed home and I made corned beef and cabbage and now St. Patrick’s day is almost becoming like Halloween – look at the cool green tutu skirt.”

It was 4 p.m. and the line was growing longer by the hour as more people left work to join the festivities or drove in from out of town to meet-up with friends.

Sean Brierley, 28, and two friends came from the Bay area to celebrate and socialize with their Sacramento friends.

“I like celebrating St. Patrick’s day in different places,” Brierley said. “I like to dress up. I like the food, beer and it is one of my favorite celebrations.”

At Golden Bear on 2326 K St., the festivities were just beginning at 5:30 p.m.. There were fewer people compared to the crowd at de Vere’s Irish pub and the park.

There were plenty of seats available with about 60 people present, but Kimio Bazett, 32, co-owner of Golden Bear explained the party would continue until morning and there were a few bands playing later that night.

Some of the bands expected to perform were Sex Rat, Lite Brite, Strange Tounges, Prieta, and Live Manikins.

“We booked the best line-up, I hope many people come,” Bazett said.

DJ Rated R, 28, said the celebration is all about socializing with friends and he was excited to perform at Golden Bear later that night.

“I scratch Irish bagpipes music,” DJ Rated R said.

All three celebrations continued into Friday evening and early Saturday morning.

Safe Ground supporters hold vigil, call for a state of emergency

2011-03-16T05:51:56Z

The lack of adequate shelter for the homeless has been declared a state of emergency by Safe Ground.

Safe Ground, an organization that is devoted to finding proper housing for the homeless, gathered for a vigil on Monday on the corner of 10th and I streets to bring awareness and have people sign petitions.

Executive Director of Safe Ground Sacramento Steve Watters said he has been involved with the organization since its inception.

“Safe Ground’s main mission/objective is to acquire a piece of land and build transitional housing for the homeless,” Watters said. “It is surprising how many people are homeless in Sacramento. We have between 1,200 and 1,400 in Sacramento at night time that don’t have anywhere to go, so they end up illegally camping, sleeping in the doorway or begging to borrow a couch from a friend for the night.”

About 30 people were present at the vigil. They plan on being out there every day this week until the City Council and the Board of Supervisors address the issue.

Lawrence Hoover, 57, has been homeless for seven months and said he is frustrated with the way things are going.

“Sacramento Police Department and rangers should get off our back – What we are asking is to let us have a little piece of property,” Hoover said.

John Kraintz, 57, the president of Safe Ground Sacramento, had been living on the river for about eight years said that they are doing the best they can and now it is time for the issue to be addressed by the city.

We do not want to take over the river by creating tent cities, he said. It is a recreational place for people to relax after a hard day’s work, but we really have no choice when everywhere is packed.

“We are doing the very best we can in a very desperate situation, yet there is no reason for us to have this kind of desperation, because there are many many vacant buildings in this town,” he said.

He also noted that they do not have a specific number of people they are hoping to sign the petition, they simply want to bring awareness and inform people of the homeless shelter emergency.

“If all we could do is give a tent and a sleeping bag, that is what we are going to do,” Kraintz said. “It is a law we can’t stop breaking. We have talked to City Hall, asking them to help us to do something, but nobody seems interested in taking the issue on, so that is why we are asking for (a) state of emergency to be declared – they need to stop sweeping the issue under the carpet.”

Although there are transitional shelters and churches, they have long waiting lists and are reaching capacity.

Brian Baker, dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, said they housed about 100 to 120 people during the rainy and cold season.

Mark Merin is the attorney representing the homeless people.

“Our goal through this vigil is to lift the awareness of the people of Sacramento,” Merin said. “Homeless people have no place to be. We want to encourage (the) city and county to declare emergency, which suspends regulations and (the no-camping) ordinance, which is a barrier for them to be in any place.”

He mentioned there is a contract that the homeless sign promising to not drink alcohol, use drugs or get involved in violence.

The public needs to understand these are individuals who need a starting place for transition, Merin explained.

“We want to start on some piece of property to develop this community and then offer the people who participate an opportunity to get a job, housing, take care of heath issues – we need a safe ground/space to do this,”Merin said.

Safe Ground representatives will be on the corner of 10th and I streets from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. -6 p.m. weekdays and plan to continue until action is taken.

safegroundsac.org

Hossana Paida

Doughbot: A new flavor of donuts.

2011-03-12T02:10:48Z

What’s cooking in Bryan Widener’s small Oak Park kitchen?

Hundreds of donuts a week, with variations like “The Dude,” a white Russian Bavarian cream filled with white Russian glaze; a spicy cinnamon chocolate glazed, chocolate blended with cinnamon and chili flake and a maple bacon donut, which has bacon pieces mixed into the donut dough, glazed with maple syrup and topped with a small strip of bacon.

He and wife Dannah O’Donnell began baking donuts in May 2010 and called their joint venture Doughbot. The couple is fascinated with donuts and robots.

Widener attended the Institute of Technology’s culinary school in Roseville and graduated in 2006 from the culinary arts specialist program. He has been working as a chef since 2002. He first started at Streamers Cafe in Old Sacramento then he went on to Fat City Cafe and Enotria (on Del Paso Bouleverd) as the Sous Chef for two years.

The couple makes about 100 donuts at a time, two or three times a week, Widener said. Their equipment takes up most of their kitchen.

“We have a giant mixer, which is about three or four feet tall, and it weights around 200 pounds, ” O’Donnell said. “We have a proofing box – it helps the donuts to rise – it is about six feet tall. And we have a huge commercial deep-fryer.”

They both grew up with donuts being a regular part of their lives.

O’Donnell, 26, said her grandpa would always bring a donut for her when he picked her up from school.

For Widener, 25, it was a weekend tradition.

“Saturday or Sunday mornings my mom would drive down to Marie’s on Freeport Boulevard to get donuts and surprise me and my brother,’’ he said.

There are 20 different donut varieties, and the couple isn’t afraid to experiment, Widener said.

“I occasionally come up with an idea,” O’Donnell said. “He does the recipe, I try to help in the kitchen as best as I can. It truly is trial and error, but everything we have tried has been OK. It has not been too outrageous.”

Widener said, “At times I have struggled, and the dough has not worked at all. Worst mix-up I attempted was a blueberry cake donut. The dough was too soggy, dense and oily, so that was yuck.”

They have vegan donuts and although they do not make their own chocolate or bacon, the donuts, fillings, and topping are made from scratch, Widener explained

“We only use almond milk and egg replacer on the vegan donuts,” O’Donnell said. “Our donuts are unique because we make everything from scratch. It is not packaged or premade like that of most donut shops.”

Widener added, “We try to cook as healthy as we can.”

The couple finds inspiration by visiting other donut shops and sampling desserts. A crème brûlée donut may be in the works.

Courtney Fujita, 27, a friend of the couple and co-worker of Widener, said she thinks the ideas of the donuts are exciting and creative.

“Their donuts are not typical,” she said. “They use local food as inspiration, and because the fruits are seasonal, it is always different”

Ideally, the couple said they would love to have their storefront in the Midtown area or on K Street near 17th Street.

Widener and O’Donnell, both Sacramento natives agree they have outgrown their kitchen.

For now, Doughbot is a “passion project.” Widener works at Magpie Cafe and O’Donnell works for Sacramento County.

“I am hoping to make this a sole business,” Widener said. “There is a lot of funky ideas I would like to do eventually, catering for parties. I want to get a beer and wine license, arcade games, old-school game machines and eventually serve brewed coffee.”

O’Donnell added that they want to feature new flavors once a week.

“Once Doughbot becomes financially stable, I plan to be fully dedicated to it,” O’Donnell said.

Widener and O’Donnell cannot sell donuts but are able to make donuts for donations. To contact them about sampling their donuts, e-mail them at doughbot.donuts@gmail.com.

For more information, visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/doughbotdonuts or view their Tumblr account http://doughbot.tumblr.com .

Hossana Paida

St. Patrick's Day Events

2011-03-11T06:00:53Z

St. Patrick’s Day is Thursday, and if you’re still undecided about how to spend it, The Sacramento Press has just the list for you. Whether you’re looking to stick to your New Year’s resolution of losing weight by running a half-marathon, or donate to a good cause, or eat some traditional corned beef and cabbage, you’re sure to find something to get you in the Irish spirit below.

15th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Saturday, March 12
Old Sacramento
Festival at noon
Parade at 1 p.m.

The parade will start at Second and L streets and has more than 60 entries with about 1,000 participants.

“It’s very family-oriented in Old Sacramento,” said Nancy Mallory, the parade’s coordinator. “It’s about an eight-block route, and there’s pre-parade entertainment at Front and K (streets).

“In this year’s parade, we have 75 Irish dancers, 80 baton twirlers, four different pipe and drum bands, 30 roller skaters from Sac City Rollers and 45 female football players,” Mallory said.

Seventh Shamrock'n Half Marathon
Saturday, March 12
First wave leaves at 7:45 a.m. from Raley Field
The seventh Shamrockn’half marathon put on by Fleet Feet Sports
Free to attend and watch the bands

“There’s 5,500 runners,” said Kim Parrino, Fleet Feet’s event manager. “It’s the largest half marathon in Sacramento.”

“It’s a brand-new course this year,” Parrino said. “In previous years, half was in West Sacramento and half in Midtown, but West Sac is under construction this year, so the majority of the course is in Sacramento.”

There will be 14 live bands along the course. The stage locations can be viewed here.

The race is sold out.

St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
Saturday, March 12
Crawl begins at 2 p.m. at River City Saloon
20 bars and restaurants in Sacramento

The St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl by 5hundy Social Club will start at the River City Saloon and end at Shenanigans.

“We walk from bar to bar with a gigantic group of people. Fun part about it is it is a social club, you meet so many new people, it is fun,” said Jason Meyer, 34, founder of the 5hundy Social Club.

It started in 2005 with about 40 people, and over the years it has grown to 500 people scattered in various bars, said Meyer.

Meyer said he calls the bars in advance so they are prepared for the huge number of people. They also sell green T-shirts in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

The most typical drink for this event is usually a Bud light or a light beer if you plan on finishing, Meyer said.

“It is a big mob of friendly people. I have a big group of friends I go with, and I don’t end up with them at the end of the night – I am sitting and chitchatting with a bunch of people I just meet, and that is what I look forward to the most.”

The pub crawl’s route is: River City Saloon, Vega's Night Club, Back Door Lounge, O'Mally's Irish Pub, River City Brewery, Cosmo Café, Vallejo's, The Elixir Bar, Shady Lady Saloon, R15, Zebra Club, Press Club, Alley Katz, Capitol Dawg, The Depot, de Vere's Irish Pub, Capitol Garage, Gallagher's Irish Pub, Pyramid Brewery and Shenanigans.

St. Baldricks Fundraiser
Monday, March 14
5 - 8 p.m.
de Vere’s Irish Pub
1521 L St.

The annual St. Baldrick’s celebration is hosted by Robyn Raphael,CEO of Keaton Raphael Memorial.

St. Baldrick’s serves to raise childhood cancer awareness by raising money through donations and having people shave their hair off.

“It is lots of hair-raising fun. Hair will be flying all over, and people are having fun – very lively atmosphere,” Raphael said.

“Last year we shaved 210 heads. Sixty were females. We raised over $90,000 in one day. This year, I am hoping for the same turnout as last year, and the goal is to raise $150,000,” said Henry de Vere White, co-owner of de Vere’s Irish Pub.

There is no fee, and you do not have to shave your head to attend. There will be various vendors, beer and a donation basket among the festivities.

Gallagher’s Irish Pub
Thursday, March 17
All day, restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m.
1201 K St.

Gallagher's will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with two special dishes: Guinness braised lamb shank, and corned beef and cabbage served with cold cannon potatoes.

Kwai Romian, 35, has been a server at Gallagher’s for 10 years and said he is excited for St. Patrick’s Day.

“I look forward to corned beef and cabbage,” Romain said. “The ambiance is great. We are expecting anywhere from 500 to 1,100 people to come through all day, and we ordered six to 10 cases of cabbage for this day ”

The restaurant will open at 10:30 a.m. and close around 1:30 a.m. Lunch starts at 11 a.m., Dinner at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and a mini menu will be served until it closes. For lunch, a person should expect to spend around $18.00, and for dinner about $26.00.

ArtBeast’s St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Thursday, March 17
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ArtBeast
2226 K St.
Children up to age 7
$8

“Some of the projects we’re going to be doing are making salad spinner rainbows, shamrock sun catchers, a hunt-for-gold table, and some St. Patrick’s Day Play-Doh,” said Erin Tinney, ArtBeast’s assistant director.

St. Patrick’s Day with de Vere’s
Thursday, March 17
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
de Vere’s Irish Pub at 16th and L streets
Cesar Chavez park 10th and J streets
$10 after 2 p.m.

According to Simon de Vere White, co-owner of de Vere’s, their event last year attracted too many people, and as a result, this year they are having two events.

“We had a great turnout last year. We’ve outgrown the street,” de Vere White said. “We decided to partner with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and do it at Cesar Chavez park.”

The park event will have at least seven local restaurateurs serving food and enough beer for everyone. De Vere White said there will be traditional Irish dancers and music.

The festivities include a free trip to Ireland giveaway raffle by signing up for de Vere’s Pub Club.

The pub event will have corned beef and hash and music and dancing.

“The pub event will be a little bit more traditional Irish,” de Vere White said. “We’ll have Irish dancers, bagpipers and a couple Irish bands playing.”

Both events are $10 after 2 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online at . Part of the proceeds from ticket sales are going to Maryhouse and Loaves & Fishes.

St. Patrick’s Day School-Age program
Thursday, March 17
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
McKinley Library
601 Alhambra Blvd.

Bridget Bagne, is a youth service librarian at Mckinley Library. She is hosting the event.

“It is open to all school-age children and their families,” she said. “We are going to be making green and gold crafts and playing Irish music, celebrating the holiday and the Irish culture.”

She said she is expecting about 50 people at the event, which will be taking place in rooms B and C in the Clunie building.

“Whenever I plan craft programs, I look forward to kids’ creative direction,” she said. “It is all about individual expression.”

For more information, call 264-2920.

Zephyr McIntyre also contributed to this article.

St. Baldrick's

2011-03-11T05:31:49Z

Hundreds of people will gather to shave their hair off on Monday, March 14, for the St. Baldrick’s Day event at de Vere’s Irish Pub. The event raises awareness of childhood cancer and raises money for research.

Robyn Raphael, 46, the CEO of Keaton Raphael Memorial and the mother of Keaton Raphael, who passed away from cancer in 1998, will be hosting the event.

“I was challenged in 2003 to shave my hair when I met the founders in Washington,” Raphael said. “I shaved my head in honor of my son, Keaton, then I came back and rallied the Sacramento community to raise money, and we raised a little over $30,000.”

The event will take place at de Vere’s at 1521 L St. from 5 - 8 p.m.

Last year, many people came out to volunteer, donate and say goodbye to their hair.

Henry de Vere White, 31, co-owner of de Vere’s Irish Pub, said it is a great supportive system for those who have been affected by childhood cancer. Everyone gets together to share stories.

“Last year, we shaved 210 heads. Sixty were females. We raised over $90,000 in one day. This year, I am hoping for the same turnout as last year’s, and the goal is to raise $150,000,” de Vere White said.

The event will take place outdoors, and vendors selling food will be there while people’s heads are being shaved on a stage.

“It is lots of hair-raising fun. Hair will be flying all over, and people are having fun – very lively atmosphere,” Raphael said.

De Vere White agreed, saying it is quiet festive.

“The atmosphere is a surprisingly uplifting one considering the nature of the event,” de Vere White said. “We had the entire McClatchy baseball team come out last year and support – they all came in uniform and shaved their heads.”

There will be a lot of activities – from a cupcake booth and beer drinking to speakers and good music.

Carolyn Lynch is all too familiar with childhood cancer. She listened to her son complain of back and stomach pain only to discover he had a tumor. He was at stage four of Neuroblastoma.

“Until Nick was diagnosed in May 2006, I had not been involved with anything like this,” Lynch said. “I encourage families to participate in St. Baldrick’s. They will meet other families, raise awareness, share their stories so they don’t feel lonely, and their children can meet other children.”

Her son, 13-year-old Nick Lynch, said he enjoys the event because it shows people care.

“I have done it for three years, and I hope lots of people keep doing it. Two of my best friends on my baseball team both shaved their heads on St. Baldrick’s – they did it in honor of me. It makes me feel good to know that people actually care about it.”

Although it is the fifth annual celebration in Sacramento, this is the second year the event is being held at de Vere’s Irish Pub. In the past, it took place at the UC Davis Cancer Center.

It is a national event organized by volunteers interested in fundraising for cancer. It all started in 1999 when Tim Kenny asked his friends John Bender and Enda McDonnell to find a way to help out. They decided to turn their industry’s St. Patrick’s Day party into a benefit for childhood cancer research. They shaved their heads and gave birth to St. Baldrick’s.
www.StBaldricks.org

Hossana Paida