Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Dell Richards

Three Sacramento nonprofits receive “Facebook grants” from Umpqua Bank

2013-01-09T17:31:39Z

Three Sacramento nonprofits recently received grants from Umpqua Bank through its Joy of Giving campaign on Facebook.

Mutual Housing California was awarded $5,000. Women’s Empowerment was granted $2,000 and Roseville Home Start $1,000.

On November 20, Umpqua Bank asked people to post comments about local nonprofits on its Facebook page. The campaign ran through December 16.

Nominated nonprofits had to be located within Umpqua Bank’s four-state territory—Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.

Mutual Housing staff posted the campaign to its Facebook page on November 27. Executive Director Rachel Iskow sent out an email asking people to respond.

The bank selected 25 nonprofits to share in grants totaling $50,000.

The $1,000 and $2,000 recipients were announced throughout the campaign.

At the end of the campaign, Umpqua announced the five grants at the $5,000 level.

“Every day, our communities are enriched by the dedication and contributions of nonprofit organizations that provide a great service to our communities,” said Ray Davis, Umpqua Bank President and CEO.

“Like Umpqua, our customers and neighbors are passionate about the nonprofits in their communities and we wanted to provide an opportunity for them to join with us in celebrating these organizations – and giving back in a meaningful way.”

Mutual Housing California has received grants from Umpqua in the past as part of the bank’s mission to give back to the communities they serve.

“This grant from Umpqua Bank will help us continue our mission of housing families of modest means in safe and affordable housing,” said Iskow.

Headquartered in Portland, Ore., Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation. For more information, go to http://www.umpquabank.com.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

Through its focus on leadership, the Sacramento-based nonprofit provides training and mentoring as well as educational programs, community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing families receive holiday dinners from Kings

2012-12-24T18:29:15Z

On Saturday afternoon, Sacramento Kings joined with Nokia Siemens Networks and Verizon Wireless to give away 200 holiday dinners for local families at Sleep Train Arena.

Twenty-five Mutual Housing California families were among the recipients of the traditional turkey dinners that serve six to eight people.

Mutual Housing community organizers worked with property management staff to identify the families who would need dinners the most this holiday season. Families had to be on available the day of the event and have transportation.

Latrise James, a resident at River Garden Estates Mutual Housing Community, and her family were grateful recipients. “It was a blessing having help in my time of need,” said James.
“This Christmas will be better because of it.”

James and her family recently a Kings games, thanks to the free tickets the team donated to the nonprofit. “The family bonding was great during the Kings game,” said James.

James earned her tickets by attending a Mutual Housing voter-education workshop prior to the November elections.

“Mutual Housing works with residents to build a strong sense of community and mutual support,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual housing California CEO. “That the Kings are reaching out into the community to ensure families have food for a holiday celebration is an example of this spirit."

A long-time Mutual Housing California supporter, Sacramento developer Sotiris Kolokotronis was instrumental in seeing that Mutual Housing families were included in the Maloof Sports & Entertainment “Home for the Holidays” campaign. The annual program hosts a series of charitable events to brighten the lives of children and families in the region during the team’s “Season of Giving.”

“Rachel, her staff and board do an extraordinary job,” said Kolokotronis. “For me, I thought of what they’re doing and how valuable it is when I put their name at the top of my list.”

Families from other nonprofits also included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Centers for Fathers & Families, United Christian Centers, La Familia Counseling Center, Cottage Housing, Roberts Family Development Center and the Phoenix Park Community Empowerment Center.

Sacramento Kings players Tyreke Evens, Aaron Brooks, Chuck Hayes, John Salmons and Travis Outlaw, Slamson, Kings Dancers and volunteers from Nokia Siemens Networks and Verizon Wireless distributed boxes of food to families chosen from various local non-profit organizations.

This is the 11th year that the Kings and their players have passed out dinners to families.

Season of Giving festivities continued Tuesday as DeMarcus Cousins teamed with Wells Fargo and Walmart to treat 50 local children to a holiday shopping spree. This past Saturday, Jimmer Fredette, Thomas Robinson, Isaiah Thomas and Jason Thompson visited patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento. Players and volunteers delivered gifts and spent time with kids and their families.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing residents help other families this year

2012-12-20T18:50:20Z

Because she had been given so much over the years, Crystal Irwin, a Mutual Housing California resident who had been homeless herself, knew she wanted to help another family this year.

“I felt we had to give back for all the blessings we received,” said the event and fundraising coordinator for Mutual Housing at the Highland’s resident association,.

Before choosing the Operation Santa program from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Irwin surveyed residents at the Highlands to see what kind of project they would like.

“In talking to the residents, I found a lot of the families had been adopted for the holidays through various organizations,” said Irwin whose own family had help buying basics for up their apartment after moving to the Highlands this past year. “They felt strongly that we should do this.”

While there were a number of ideas, the Highlands Community Group residents decided to forego their annual holiday dinner for a dessert-only celebration. That way, most of the money from their community recreation fund could go to a family.

The U.S. Postal Service has been receiving letters to Santa for more than a hundred years. Not until 1912 did the postmaster general allow postal employees and the public to respond to the letters for the first time.

Located in the Downtown Mall, the Sacramento district office already has received “a couple thousand” letters, according to Ralph Petty, Customer Relations Coordinator for the district.

Of those, many are from children. This year, 450 families need help. So far, 160 have been adopted.

“People are in desperate need of food, clothing, blankets—things we take for granted,” said Petty. “Children still ask for toys, but they ask for food and clothes first.”

Although the Highlands residents had decided to find a family from their own zip code, when Irwin went to the Dear Santa office, a call came in from a woman checking to see if her family had been adopted yet. She and her children had had to leave her husband when he became violent and were staying with relatives.

Since many of the Highlands residents had been homeless, Irwin felt that the woman’s story would be easy for everyone to relate to. “When I read her letter, I realized ‘This is the one,” said Irwin.

Although the woman runs a small business, she did not make enough money this year to spend on the holidays.

With the money from recreation fund, the Highlands residents were able to purchase clothing and gifts for all the children as well as gift cards for the mother and the one teenager.

This week, the residents celebrated the holidays with a potluck put on by the Highlands community group that the family was able to attend.

Individuals who want to adopt a family still can do. However, they must bring wrapped gifts or gift certificates to the Dear Santa station, 545 Downtown Plaza, Suite 1031, Sacramento by Friday, December 21, 7 p.m. The station also is open today until 7 p.m.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com..

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

F&M Bank nominated for Partners in Philanthropy award

2012-12-05T18:30:53Z

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, also known as F&M Bank, has been nominated for the Sacramento Business Journal’s 2012 Partners in Philanthropy award.

The December 7 awards luncheon honors nominees—the region’s most active and inspirational companies that make a difference in their communities through financial contributions and volunteer work. At the annual event, a drawing will be held for a $5,000 donation to the finalist’s nonprofit of choice.

Other honorees include 3fold Communications, Bank of America, Five Star Bank, Flyers Energy LLC, Gilbert Associates Inc., Give Something Back Office Supplies, Intel Corp., Lionakis, Lucas Public Affairs, Mechanics Bank, MeringCarson, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., SacDine.com, Sacramento Association of Realtors, Sacramento Kings, Sacramento River Cats, Save Mart Supermarkets, Sleep Train Inc., Synergex International, Uptown Studios, U.S. Bank, Von Housen Automotive Group, Wells Fargo.

F&M Bank was nominated by Mutual Housing California for its contributions to Mutual Housing’s mission of providing affordable housing to people of modest means as well as assisting resident programs such as the green leadership training, financial education workshops and the annual resident meeting.

“The Bank has gone above and beyond in helping us with financial contributions to the organization, and directly to programs that help our residents improve their lives,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing California CEO.

“Giving back to our communities is one of F&M Bank’s core values, and it begins at the top with our board of directors and executive team,” said Elizabeth Beigh, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer for F&M Bank.

“As a result, everyone at the bank is dedicated to building strong and vibrant communities, improving the quality of life, and making a positive difference in our communities,” Beigh continued. “We are honored to be selected by the Sacramento Business Journal as a finalist for the 2012 Partners in Philanthropy award.”

Beigh volunteered countless hours serving on the Mutual Housing Board of Directors as the treasurer, the Audit Committee chair and a member of the Site Acquisition Committee and Asset Management Committee.

Farmers & Merchants Bank has provided financial services to individuals and businesses in California's Great Central Valley since 1916.

A full service community bank, they offer a complete range of products and services that help bring growth and prosperity to the communities they serve.

For more information, go to https://www.fmbonline.com/.

Mutual Housing California, founded in 1988, develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Through Mutual Housing’s focus on leadership, the nonprofit also provides training and mentoring as well as educational programs, community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

For more information or to register for the Sacramento Business Journal 2012 Partners in Philanthropy event, go to http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/event/59571#eventDetails.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Former Shriners Hospital patient demos world’s first van designed for wheelchair users

2012-11-29T23:36:34Z

Kristina Rhoades, the 2005 Ms. Wheelchair California, recently drove to Sacramento in the MV-1, the world’s first specially designed van, factory-built from wheelchair users feedback.

A spokesperson for the manufacturer, Rhoades demonstrated the features of the MV-1 at Shriners Hospital for Children and was interviewed by the media.

After suffering a spinal cord injury as an infant, Rhoades was a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children from 1997 to 2004. She has used a wheelchair most of her life.

Rhoades was joined by Richard Rosebush of Destinations Mobility, a division of Paratransit, Inc.

Because of Paratransit’s national presence, its long history in the mobility industry and its understanding of disability issues, Destinations Mobility recently was awarded the Northern California distributorship for the new wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

“We are really proud to be part of this new venture,” said Richard Rosebush, Destinations Mobility division manager.

For more than 211,280 seniors and people with disabilities in Sacramento County, being able to go anywhere they want when they want is a huge problem—not only for them, but for their families.

That’s why local nonprofit, Paratransit, Inc.—known for its blue-and-white mini-buses that give rides to the seniors and people with disabilities—recently started a new division to help people buy wheelchair accessible vans or add special equipment.

“While Paratransit provides rides on our wheelchair-accessible buses, we felt there was a huge need for personal vehicles,” said Linda Deavens, Paratransit, Inc., CEO. “It’s the California dream to have freedom of the road.”

The MV-1 from Detroit-based Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) is ADA-compliant. It also can run on compressed natural gas, a greener fuel.

Rhoades now lives in Georgia with her husband and their daughter. A graduate of Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga., she worked in radio before becoming spokesperson and manager of social media for VPG.

The MV-1 can be seen at the Destinations Mobility showroom, located at 2501Florin Road, Sacramento Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.destinationsmobility.com.

Founded in 1978, Paratransit, Inc., provides transportation services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and related agencies in Sacramento County. The local nonprofit also accepts vehicle—and boat—donations. For more information, go to http://www.paratransit.org.

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California provides the gift of specialized pediatric care to children with orthopaedic, conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns, cleft lip and scars from any cause. There are no barriers to care as admission is based on age and diagnosis. For further information, go to http://www.shrinershospital.org.

For more information on Rhoades, go to http://kristinarhoades.me. For info on VPG, go to http://www.vpgautos.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Destinations Mobility is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing residents take advantage of SMAC art classes

2012-11-13T21:09:17Z

Mutual Housing California recently received a grant from the Sacramento Municipal Arts Commission (SMAC) for an arts program at their community in North Highlands.

At the classes, participants such as Mutual Housing at the Highlands resident Crystal Irwin used specially designed techniques created by Sierra College Adjunct Professor of Art Patricia Wood.

“The idea is to approach art in many different ways instead of just one academic way,” said Wood, who also is the Visual Arts Coordinator at Shore Center South. “When you bring as many different points of view to art as possible, students are not tied to one way of learning and you can get results quickly.”

The approach creates an immediate sense of success instead of studying art for years to become competent.

Doing different exercises at the community room of the Mutual Housing development, students started with basic form—working from abstracts to still life and moving from black-and-white to color. They also used images from other art and photographs for inspiration.

Irwin felt so inspired by the classes, she got the rest of her family to come with her. “My whole family—my husband and son—came with me and really enjoyed them,” said Irwin. “It was wonderful to have such professional-level instruction.”

Because the program helps people feel successful quickly, it can raise self-esteem. “With some practice, people feel a sense of mastery,” said Wood.

A former adjunct professor at American River College, Wood has taught art for more than 15 years. She has exhibited internationally and been featured in New American Painting.

Classes met weekly for seven sessions at the 90-apartment community that, in addition to educational programs, also provides housing and support services for formerly homeless people as well as others.

SMAC’s Arts Stabilization Program enriches the community by bringing art to adults and children who would rarely experience it otherwise.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Through Mutual Housing’s focus on leadership, the nonprofit provides training and mentoring as well as community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors. For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Nonprofit given Northern California license for “wheelchair user’s vehicle”

2012-11-06T18:20:32Z

The manufacturer of the first vehicle designed for wheelchair users recently awarded the Northern California license to Destinations Mobility, the new division of local nonprofit Paratransit, Inc.

The MV-1 from Detroit-based Vehicle Production Group LLC is the first specially designed van built with wheelchair users’ feedback rather than converted from already-built vans. “We are really proud to be part of this new venture,” said Richard Rosebush, Destinations Mobility division manager.

Destinations Mobility was given the license because of the local nonprofit’s national presence, its long history in the industry and the staff’s experience in disability issues. Destinations Mobility Division Manager Richard Rosebush comes from Detroit with 25 years in disability vehicle sales.

Destinations Mobility is the first nonprofit VPG has worked with.

“We targeted them specifically,” said Ed Kendzierski, VPG Regional Sales Manager. “Destinations Mobility and its parent company, Paratransit, have the caring and sensitivity essential to our industry.

“It’s not just about buying a car, it’s a process. Because it’s not just transportation, it’s really independence.”

Because the MV-1 meets ADA guidelines, the vehicles have more head room and larger doors and ramps than converted vans. Once inside, passengers in wheelchairs have enough room to scoot around and sit next to the driver, among other things.

A green version also can run on compressed natural gas, which is better for the environment.

Available since 2010 to the commercial paratransit and taxi market, VPG only recently began working on a model for individual consumers.

The Destinations Mobility showroom, located at 2501 Florin Road in Sacramento, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on Destinations Mobility, go to http://www.destinationsmobility.com..

Founded in 1978, Paratransit, Inc., provides transportation services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and related agencies in Sacramento County. For more information, go to http://www.paratransit.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Destinations Mobility is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Pianist giving local preview of D.C. concerts

2012-10-16T19:07:32Z

Tanya Vegvary Plescia, local composer and founder of the Sacramento Piano Conservatory, is giving a piano concert this coming Sunday, October 21st, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park in downtown Sacramento.

Plescia also is playing a series of concerts at the National Gallery of Art and at the Washington Arts Club to celebrate the opening of the Kaufmann collection, “Masterpieces of American furniture from 1700-1830”.

All concerts feature the music of the era from Mozart to American composers Reinagle and Hewitt.

A pianist since age four, Plescia has given concerts in Washington, D.C., Portland, Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as the Crocker Museum of Art Sunday Concert series. She is a former piano teacher at California State University, Sacramento.

Plescia’s CD, Tanya Plescia, has two original compositions, L’éclair, and Geary Street. On it, she also performs Beethoven, Chopin, Faure, and Liszt.

Tickets are $25. Part of the proceeds go to the Sacramento Piano Conservatory scholarship fund and the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park.

Seating is limited. Tickets include seeing the ground floor and historic artifacts of the mansion.

For tickets and information, visit http://www.sacpiano.com.

Located at 1526 H Street in downtown Sacramento, the Governor’s Mansion is in the process of updating ADA access. At this time, there is no ADA access to the interior at this time.

From 1903 to 1967, the stately Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park served as the home of 13 California governors and their families. It is operated by the California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Historic Governor’s Mansion Foundation. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The Sacramento Piano Conservatory is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

New nonprofit sponsors other charities' events

2012-10-11T19:37:17Z

Destinations Mobility recently began sponsoring other nonprofits’ events, including the local Walk to Defeat ASL this past Saturday. The new division of Paratransit, Inc. also signed on to the upcoming Santa Rosa Disability Tech Expo.

With 1,500 participants, the Greater Sacramento Chapter of the ALS Association’s walk raised $198,000.

“We are pleased to support these organizations and their causes,” said Richard Rosebush, Destinations Mobility Division Manager. “And we proud to be able to start sponsoring other nonprofits in their fundraising efforts.”

Destinations Mobility sells mobility equipment and specially equipped vehicles for people with disabilities and seniors. They also have a service and maintenance section for new and used vehicles.

Wheelchair accessible or modified vehicles can cost up to $90,000. Lower-cost, used models rarely are available from traditional dealers. Depending on the model, mileage and modifications, Destinations Mobility can sell vans from $7,500 to $50,000.

Destinations Mobility also has partnered with several credit companies to finance conversions and other vehicle needs that lenders won’t usually help.

The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds for patient care and leading-edge research by the world’s best and brightest scientists.

There are estimated to be 30,000 people nationally with the disease. World-renowned physicist and author Stephen Hawking probably is the best known person with ALS. In Northern California, 300 people with the disease are served by the local ALS chapter.

The goal of the 12th annual Walk to Defeat ALS is $225,000. Donations still are being accepted at http://www.walktodefeatals.org.

The Destinations Mobility showroom, located at 2501 Florin Road in Sacramento, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Founded in 1978, Paratransit, Inc., provides transportation services to individuals with disabilities, seniors and related agencies in Sacramento County. The local nonprofit accepts vehicle—and boat—donations.

For more information on Destinations Mobility, go to http://www.destinationsmobility.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Destinations Mobility is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing nominated for real estate award

2012-09-06T17:15:51Z

Mutual Housing at the Highlands, a 90-apartment community in North Highlands, has been nominated by the Sacramento Business Journal for their 2011-2012 Real Estate Projects award. Winners will be announced September 21.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association’s 16th community is one of 17 projects chosen as finalists for the award. Projects such as Sacramento International Airport Terminal B, UC Davis West Village and the California State Lottery Headquarters also were nominated.

“We are honored to be included with these other amazing projects,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing’s executive director. “The nominee list makes clear that in spite of a grueling economy, many dedicated real estate developers are striving for environmental sustainability in their projects and that the Sacramento region persists as a green leader in California.”

Sacramento architect Cynthia Easton, Chico-based project manager Sunseri Construction, Inc., and Sacramento-based Meline Engineering as well as Redwood Energy’s Sean Armstrong worked to make sure that the apartment orientation, insulation, advanced glass in the windows and other design features kept the utility bills 30 percent lower than usual for tenants.

Apartments also have tankless water heaters and a recycling center in each. Solar panels for the offices, laundry and community rooms also help keep down ongoing energy costs.

Eight years in the making, the Highlands opened in December 2011.

Other finalists were Citrus Town Center Remodel, Forestwood at Folsom, Gateway Community Charters, Greyhound Terminal, Hotel Berry, La Valentina, Palladio at Broadstone, Rochdale Grange, Sam Len Hillel house, San Juan High School Modernization, 3Fold Communications Tenant Improvement, Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Tenant Improvement.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Fire Spectacular this Saturday

2012-08-10T17:53:36Z

Local fire troupe, Obsidian Butterfly, will hold the Fire Spectacular this Saturday, August 11, at Land Park Amphitheater.

For the fifth annual extravaganza, fire troupe founder Sequoia brings the Bay Area’s Fire Pixie and Vikram, fire hooper Sonya Castoe from Jackson, Flux from Davis, Sacramento’s own Unmata Street Team and other fire friends for a mesmerizing evening of drama, music and fire.

A spin jam with music by Drumsum starts at 5 p.m.

Fire show starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m.

Vendors will have booths of arts and crafts from 3 p.m. on.

Land Park Amphitheater
4000 So. Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822

Tickets are cash only day of event and at door:
Adult $20,
Teens 18 and under $10,
Kids 8 and under free
Family Rate—2 Adults + 2 Children--$ 45.

Until Friday midnight Aug 10, tickets online are Adult $15, Family rate $30. Get tickets and info online at: http://www.sacredfiredance.com/FireSpectacular.html.

Disclosure: A member of Obsidian Butterfly, Dell Richards owns Sacramento-based Dell Richards Publicity.

Workshops teach young about money

2012-08-02T18:51:39Z

Students learned about money when Cathay Bank and Golden 1 Credit Union representatives recently gave workshops to young residents at two Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association communities.

Called “How Money Works”, Cathay Bank’s workshops focused on understanding the value of money, where it comes from, learning to use it and save it. The classes for children five to 11 years lasted four weeks.

“We wanted to make sure the kids have a role model to look up to when they think about money,” said Danny Vuong, Cathay Bank Sacramento Assistant Vice-President and Branch Manager. “Of course they have a lot of fun, but we are trying to give kids more tools so when they actually handle finances, they can make better decisions.

Vuong said that Cathay bank always has done community reinvestment and services. “This is something we are committed to doing in areas where we do business. And we are always thinking of the next generation,” said Vuong.

Vicky Nguyen, Cathay Bank Sacramento customer service representative, gave the classes.

As a result of the partnership, Cathay Bank Sacramento is making special checking accounts available to the residents of Lemon Hill Townhomes where the workshops were held.

Golden 1 Credit Union also gave workshops this week at River Garden Estates for children from kindergarten to third grade .

Using Goldie’s Super Saver Book, the younger students worked on learning the difference between wants and needs. “It is vital to gain these skills early on,” said Michael Lee, Golden 1 Credit Union Member Education Manager, who gave the workshops. “Once they get a job, they need to manage that paycheck.”

The children also talked about their own potential money-making skills.

Since financial education workshops started at Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association in 1999, more than 750 adults and children have taken courses to learn about banking and budgets, credit establishment or repair, savings and investing as well as homeownership.

During that time, Mutual Housing has partnered with financial institutions such as Roseville Bank of Commerce, Bank of the West, SAFE Credit Union, Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, USE Credit Union, Bank of Sacramento, Opening Doors Inc., Wells Fargo, California Capital and Dedicated Real Estate Ambassadors for Ministries and Communities as well as Cathay Bank and Golden 1 Credit Union.

For more information on Mutual Housing’s financial education program, go to: http://www.mutualhousing.com/financial-capability/.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Mutual Housing hires new lead community organizer

2012-07-17T15:05:53Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently hired Fernando Cibrian as the Lead Community Organizer. In that position, he will oversee community organizing, community building and leadership development in Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Cibrian was formerly with the PICO National Network and PICO California (PICO) where he focused on creating policy campaigns to improve living conditions for low- and moderate-income families. At PICO he also helped organize the network’s voter development strategy.

Cibrian has a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Pomona, and 18 years experience as a community organizer.

He is a former board member of the Santa Ana Federal Empowerment Zone Board.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households.

The communities have 2,750 residents.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com..

Romero appointed to community service boards

2012-07-11T16:28:10Z

Mindy Romero recently was appointed to the City of Davis Social Services Commission to fill a vacancy on the eight-member board. When her term ends in September, Romero hopes to get re-appointed for a full three-year term.

The Davis resident also was appointed to the Yolo County Community Services Action Board. She will serve a four-year term on that board.

Both boards help administer federal community block grants.As part of the 15-member Yolo County board, Romero also will help create a community services action plan for the region.

“We are pleased to appoint Mindy Romero to the Community Services Action Board,” said Don Saylor, Yolo County Supervisor District 2. “Yolo County will benefit from her strong, demonstrated commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations in our region.”

In March, Romero graduated from the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute, a Sacramento Housing Alliance program. The six-month training teaches leadership skills. Members learn how boards and commissions work, which will make them more effective public servants.

“I’ve been given such enormous opportunities in the past, I am really glad to be able to give back to the community,” said Romero.

A researcher at the UC Davis Center for Regional Change, Romero also is finishing her doctorate. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science with highest honors from the University of California, Davis.

The current chair of Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association Board of Directors, Romero is a resident of Tremont Greens in Davis. She has been on Mutual Housing’s board for four years.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Assets and Opportunities choses Mutual Housing for local lead

2012-06-28T17:27:32Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently was chosen to lead the Corporation for Enterprise Development’s (CFED) new Assets and Opportunity Network in the local area.

“Participation in this network allows us to work with other communities and take advantage of information on asset-building and ways to promote resident financial stability,” said Amy Williamson, Mutual Housing’s Special Projects Coordinator.

As the local lead for the network, Mutual Housing and their partners will continue offer financial workshops at their 16 communities in Sacramento and Yolo County.

Some of the partners are Golden 1 and Roseville Bank of Commerce as well as Bank of the West, SAFE Credit Union, Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, USE Credit Union, Bank of Sacramento, Opening Doors Inc., Wells Fargo, California Capital and DREAM-C.

Mutual Housing has been offering these workshops since 1999.

The nonprofit CFED works to alleviate poverty and create economic opportunity.

One of the ways CFED does this is by helping low-income people build savings and people without bank accounts learn how to use the financial system.

Since home ownership is the single largest part of most people’s wealth, CFED also helps low-income people buy homes.

Owning a business is another avenue to wealth. As such, CFED works with nonprofits nationwide to help people start their own businesses.

For more information, visit: http://cfed.org,

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Volunteers start building a fence during national neighbor week

2012-06-05T17:26:05Z

On Saturday, June 2nd, 50 local neighbors and residents started building a fence for the River Gardens Mutual Housing Community garden plots. Volunteers from Boy Scouts of America Troop 122 also helped.

To keep everyone going, the Health Education Council brought their people-powered “smoothie bike” that made treats for the day-long event.

“We also had a resident DJ during the lunch break,” said Brandon Louie, Mutual Housing community organizer. “Despite the extreme heat, we had a great mix of people working all day long and hope to have the 900-ft. fence finished by the end of the week.”

“Mutual Housing does so much good for Sacramento that it’s always a pleasure to be part of their events,” said Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Cohn, who came by to help.

The “smoothie bike” was the hit of the day. Kids peddle the bike to run the blender attached to the fender. Part of a statewide nutrition program for children, fresh smoothies encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables.

“The smoothie bike is definitely popular,” said Zandi Llanos, Health Education Council community organizer. “It has its own calendar and is always booked in the summer.”

The week-long event, sponsored by NeighborWorks America’s, mobilizes tens of thousands of businesspeople, neighbors and civic leaders to rehab and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours and recognize successful public-private partnerships.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

The Health Education Council works to increase the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as the physical activity of adults and children. For more information, go to http://healtheducationcouncil.org.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NeighborWorks® America has 235 community-based nonprofits serving more than 4,500 communities nationwide in its network. Together with its national and local partners, NeighborWorks gives grants, program support, training and technical assistance to its members.

For more information on NeighborWorks® America, go to http://www.nw.org.

Mutual Housing receives award for the Highlands

2012-05-31T17:24:39Z

Sacramento Housing Alliance recently gave Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association the Community Development Award for its work on Mutual Housing at the Highlands.

Mutual Housing received the award partially because the 90-apartment complex took nine years to build. Securing funding from the public and private sector—as well as creating partnerships with other local nonprofits to supply the onsite support services for the homeless residents of the community—created particularly difficult challenges for the local nonprofit developer.

“That this development got built at all is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Mutual Housing, its staff and board,” said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

Jones also noted that Mutual Housing “does more than build quality housing for families. They also develop resident leadership skills through their organizing program.” Jones was on the Mutual Housing board of directors.

The Housing Alliance award also recognized this unique community for the:
• high-quality design and construction of this green housing that affirms the dignity of the residents,
• contribution this development made to the revitalization of the McClellan redevelopment area,
• partnership with service providers that created a supportive environment for formerly homeless individuals and families, and
• increasing need of affordable housing in a region where more than half the renters cannot afford market rates.

Chet Hewitt, Sierra Health Foundation President and CEO, was given the Community Partner Award.

Other honorees this year were:
• Attorneys Mark Merin, Cathleen Willams and Ron Blubaugh, Homeless Justice Award, and
• Cindy Cavanaugh, Nancy Conk, Chris Glaudel, Greg Sparks and Mona Tawatao, SHA supporters, the Change Makers Award for their commitment to the cause.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Through advocacy, education, leadership development and civic engagement, the Sacramento Housing Alliance works for safe and decent, accessible and affordable housing as well as healthy communities for homeless and low-income people. For more information, visit http://sachousingalliance.org.

Sacramento Housing Alliance gives award to Mutual Housing Association

2012-05-30T21:01:33Z

On Thursday, May 24, Mutual Housing at the Highlands received the Community Development Award from the Sacramento Housing Alliance for its work on Mutual Housing at the Highlands. To secure funding for the Highlands, which includes onsite support services for the homeless residents, took nine years.

“That this development got built is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Mutual Housing, its staff and board,” said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, when he presented the award.

A former Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association board of director, Jones also noted that Mutual Housing “does more than build quality housing for families. They also develop resident leadership skills through their organizing program.”

The Housing Alliance award recognized this unique community for the:
• partnership with service providers that created a supportive environment for formerly homeless individuals and families,
• decade-long struggle to build this innovative housing program,
• contribution this development made to the revitalization of the McClellan redevelopment area,
• high-quality design and construction of this green housing that affirms the dignity of the residents and
• increasing need of affordable housing in a region where more than half the renters cannot afford market rates.

Other honorees this year were:
• Attorneys Mark Merin, Cathleen Willams and Ron Blubaugh, Homeless Justice Award,
• Chet Hewitt, Sierra Health Foundation President and CEO, Community Partner Award, http://www.sierrahealth.org and
• Cindy Cavanaugh, Nancy Conk, Chris Glaudel, Greg Sparks and Mona Tawatao, SHA supporters, the Change Makers Award for their commitment to the cause.

Through advocacy, education, leadership development and civic engagement, the Sacramento Housing Alliance works for safe and decent, accessible and affordable housing as well as healthy communities for homeless and low-income people For more information, visit http://http://sachousingalliance.org.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

“Workplace Wellness” programs help bottom line by changing corporate culture

2012-04-25T21:29:01Z

As a result of rising healthcare costs, more companies today are instituting workplace wellness programs. By changing corporate culture, such programs create greater productivity and lower costs through decreased absenteeism.

Because Laurie Rood wanted to do something significant to cut healthcare cost—besides increasing deductibles and co-pays—Rood & Dax started a wellness program in 2004. “We needed a long-term solution,” said Laurie Rood, Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services CEO, who analyzes, implements and administers employee benefit plans and personal health insurance.

Their wellness committee set goals, created a budget, implemented programs—and made sure the concerns of their diverse workforce were included. The program focused on physical, mental and financial fitness as well as nutrition, work-life balance and volunteerism.

While buy-in was not immediate, employees wanted to be part of the culture change. One person, who initially was against it, ended up losing 50 pounds and reducing medications from two prescriptions daily to one. She is now one of the biggest fans, a true believer of “owning her own health” who enjoys the new company culture.

As employees began to make healthier lifestyle choices, absenteeism went down and productivity up.

In a meta-analysis of studies on costs and savings of such programs, “Workplace Wellness Programs Can Generate Savings”, Baicker, Cutler and Song found that medical costs fall by about $3.27 and absenteeism costs fall by about $2.73 for every dollar spent on wellness. The authors concluded that the return on investment “suggests that the wider adoption of such programs could prove beneficial for budgets and productivity as well as health outcomes”.

Today, the Rood & Dax office sports a work-out room, exercise balls used as chairs and staff wearing pedometers. In addition, there is an increased enthusiasm for life in general.

The wellness committee continues to meet monthly to evaluate the program and to create challenges and opportunities that generate interest in the program.

“A wellness program is not expensive or overly time-consuming,” said Rood. “Doing nothing is—which is why we need to counter these trends.”

With the experience from her own company, Rood also has begun helping several clients with their programs. She also founded Optimum Health for Life, a non-profit organization that helps people stay healthy.

Rood & Dax employees have become so passionate about this issue, they have volunteered hundreds of hours helping other employer groups institute similar programs.

They also are producing the first, all-day event, “To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands,” May 2nd.

Speakers for the event are: Dr. Shawn Hayes, Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps Chief Academic and Research Officer, on having a healthy workforce, Dr. Lynn Bagge, Kaiser Permanente Chief of Pediatrics, on avoiding chronic illness such as diabetes, Insight host Beth Ruyak, on being your own health advocate, Good Day Sacramento’s Tina Macuha on surviving cancer and controlling fear.

The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, 1220 Arden Hills Lane, Sacramento CA. The cost is $25 per person. The day’s activities include continental breakfast, lunch, speakers and more than 30 exhibitors.

Event proceeds go to Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, HealthCorps, WEAVE, Inc.

To register for the event, go to www.optimumhealth4life.org . For more information, call Christy Spoto, (916) 568-2345 Ext. 212.

For more information on Rood & Dax, visit http://benefitsdoneright.net.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Optimum Health for Life is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Tina Macuha, Beth Ruyak speaking May 2 at health event

2012-04-20T18:41:01Z

Insight host Beth Ruyak and Good Day Sacramento’s Tina Macuha will be two of the featured speakers at the May 2nd health event, sponsored by Optimum Health For Life.

Healthcare soon will become the largest segment of the economy, estimated to reach $4.2 trillion by 2015.

To do something about rising healthcare costs, Laurie Rood founded the nonprofit Optimum Health For Life, sponsoring the first annual, all-day health event "To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands".

“We need to counter these trends,” said Laurie Rood, a local business woman how knows what she’s talking about because she sells health insurance for employers and individuals alike.

In Sacramento, 20 percent of the population is obese, eight percent have heart disease and six percent have diabetes. These and other chronic illnesses will wipe out the healthcare system, if people don’t change their behavior drastically.

Baby boomers are the most obese generation ever, with one-third struggling with the problem. Only half of baby boomers exercise.

Baby boomers and seniors make up 15 percent of Sacramento’s population, yet seniors and people with chronic diseases account for the majority of healthcare costs.

WHO: Optimum Health For Life, a nonprofit dedicated to individuals staying healthy and local employers keeping their employees healthy.

WHAT: To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands.
Insight host Beth Ruyak, on being your own health advocate,
Good Day Sacramento’s Tina Macuha on surviving cancer and controlling fear,

Dr. Shawn Hayes, Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps Chief Academic and Research Officer, on having a healthy workforce,
Dr. Lynn Bagge, Kaiser Permanente Chief of Pediatrics, on avoiding chronic illness such as diabetes, plus other speakers and more than 25 exhibitors.

WHEN: May 2, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa
1220 Arden Hills Lane
Sacramento CA 95864

COST: $25 person. The day’s activities include speakers, continental breakfast, lunch and 30+ exhibitors. All event proceeds go to Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, HealthCorps, WEAVE, Inc.

To register for the event, go to http://optimumhealth4life.org.

For more information, please call Christy Spoto, 916-568-2345 Ext. 212.

Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services analyze, implement and administer personal health insurance and employee benefit plans. For more information, go to http://benefitsdoneright.net.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards it he principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Optimum Health For Life is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Cost of chronic illness will break healthcare system

2012-04-17T19:18:35Z

Cost of chronic illness will break healthcare system

If people do not change their ways, healthcare will become the largest segment of the economy, estimated to reach $4.2 trillion, in three years (2015).

It will severely impact the quality of life for all Americans as it drains the federal budget of funds needed for other services.

As the cost of healthcare rises, individuals and employers alike will bear the burden not only in larger deductions, co-payments and cost of prescriptions, but in funding the rest of the system.

Baby boomers are the most obese generation ever. One-third struggle with being overweight or obese.

Baby boomers aren’t the only ones. One in three children and adolescents are overweight or obese.

Unhealthy weight gain is responsible for 300,000 deaths annually with the cost to society estimated at nearly $100 billion.

Obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to the budget-busting chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

“We need to counter these trends,” said Laurie Rood, a local business woman who knows what she’s talking about since she sells health insurance to employers and individuals alike.

To do something about it, Rood founded the nonprofit Optimum Health For Life, which is producing the all-day event, “To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands,” May 2nd.

To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands

WHO: Optimum Health For Life, a nonprofit dedicated to people staying healthy individually and through local employers helping their employees stay healthy.

WHAT: To Your Health: the first annual, all-day health event with:
Dr. Shawn Hayes, Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps Chief Academic and Research Officer, on having a healthy workforce,
Dr. Lynn Bagge, Kaiser Permanente Chief of Pediatrics, on avoiding chronic illness such as diabetes,
Insight host Beth Ruyak, on being your own health advocate,
Good Day Sacramento’s Tina Macuha on surviving cancer and controlling fear,
Plus other speakers and exhibitors.

WHEN: May 2, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa
1220 Arden Hills Lane
Sacramento CA 95864

COST: $25 per person. The day’s activities include speakers, continental breakfast, lunch and 30+ exhibitors. Event proceeds go to Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, HealthCorps, WEAVE, Inc.

For more information on the event, go to http://Optimumhealth4life.org.

In January, 2000, broker-consultant Laurie Rood formed Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services to analyze, implement and administer personal health insurance and employee benefit plans. For more information, go to http://benefitsdoneright.net.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards it he principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Optimum Health For Life is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing hires Chin as operations manager

2012-04-10T14:59:32Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently hired Ryan Chin as Operations Manager. At Mutual Housing, he will oversee human resource, risk management, contracts administration, computer networks and systems, and office management. He also will play an integral role in organizational development of the nonprofit and be a member of Mutual Housing’s management team.

Chin was formerly California State University, Sacramento, Publications’ Director where he managed the publications for the university, including the online version of Sac State Magazine as well as materials for the colleges and departments.

As an Associate Director of Marketing at Stanford University, he promoted the Stanford University Center for Professional Development. He also worked as marketing manager for Ensim Corporation and was an operations officer for Wells Fargo Bank.

With an M.B.A. from the University of California, Davis, in marketing and technology, Chin has worked in the field since graduating in 2000. Chin also was a planning commissioner with the Sacramento County Policy Planning Commission.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

New bill offers hope for housing crisis

2012-03-27T15:34:13Z

With lenders tightening credit and the housing market still in flux, renters and homeowners are finding it hard to find an affordable place to live.

Because funding is at all-time lows, nonprofit developers of multi-family and for-sale housing are looking for new ways to finance communities for people of modest means. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is no exception.

The recent introduction of California bills like the HOMeS Act (Senate Bill 1220) could help. Introduced by Mark DeSaulnier (C-Concord) and Senate President pro tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) as well as co-author Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on the Assembly side, the bill would generate an estimated $700 million a year through a document recording fee on real-estate transactions.

“Affordable housing is the backbone of our communities and for those struggling to get by,” said Steinberg. “A permanent ongoing source of funding dedicated specifically to affordable housing development will prevent homelessness and generate much needed construction jobs.”

If enacted, the Housing Opportunity and Market Stabilization Act will support the development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable homes for Californians on fixed incomes and modest budgets, including home ownership opportunities, emergency shelters, transitional and permanent rental housing, and foreclosure mitigation.

For as little as $75 per transaction, California affordable housing developers could continue building apartments and homes for families who need them most. Having to decide between buying food for your family, paying the light bill, gas bill or rent is an overwhelming revelation for most people,” said Denise R. McCoy, National Association of Realtors instructor and Mutual Housing Association Board of Directors Vice-Chair. “People with no access to affordable housing are making those decisions every single month.”

Families now make up the fastest growing segment of the state’s homeless population. In Sacramento, the average monthly cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,050. To afford this rent as well as utilities, a household must earn $3,500 monthly or $42,000 annually. This means $20.19 per hour. The average wage for a renter is $13.78 an hour.

“This legislation could make a tremendous difference,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing Association Executive Director. “People I talk to say they’d gladly pay $75 when buying their next home if it was targeted to this state fund and meant that seniors could be comfortably housed, that a single mom working hard could get support in buying a home, and that a returning vet can return to our country and afford a roof over his head. To me, that’s money well spent.”

Housing construction also helps the economy. According to the National Association of Home Builders, every $1 million spent on housing construction creates 12 jobs.

For a $20 million project like the recently opened Mutual Housing at the Highlands, that meant the creation of 240 jobs. “We create or save 100 – 200 jobs in construction and related sectors every time we build one of our mutual housing communities,” said Iskow.

Estimates are that every $1 million spent in construction also produces $825,000 in direct and indirect activities. “In addition to being a basic need, housing construction also stimulates the local economy,” said Iskow.

Although this bill has a long way to go before it becomes legislation, it is one innovative piece of complex puzzle that needs to be solved before the housing crisis will be brought to an end.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,700 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

City resolution honors youth mentor programs

2012-02-14T17:25:32Z

City Councilman Kevin McCarty recently sponsored a resolution honoring local volunteers during National Mentoring Month.

President and CEO Rhonda Staley-Brooks accepted for the nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Program Manager Emily Bender represented the South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders (SSCFL). Mary Lynn Perry, City of Sacramento Volunteer Coordinator, also was given one for her work.

“Mentoring youth is so important to our city,” said McCarty, who represents District 6. “For some youth, a mentor might be the only adult in their life who is listening, guiding and helping them to achieve their hopes and dreams.”

Mentoring helps youth:
• Boost communication skills and self-confidence,
• Improve academically and stay in school,
• Increase chances of those students attending college, and
• Reduce crime and violence.

“In accepting this resolution, we were pleased to be able to represent the many youth mentoring groups throughout the city,” said Bender, a Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association Community Organizer. “Programs like this make such a difference in the lives of these youth.”

By recognizing the work of these programs, McCarty and others hope to encourage more individuals such as seniors, working adults and other youth as well as businesses, foundations, non-profits, schools and faith-based institutions to become involved in mentoring.

The resolution followed a celebration and awards ceremony, sponsored by SSCFL and the Sacramento City Unified School District. Attended by more than 100 people, 35 awards were given to people at the event.

Founded in 2006, SSCFL has 150 youth and adult members. A Drug-Free Communities grantee, SSCFL is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,700 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing chosen as finalist for Inspired Giving

2012-01-25T19:07:22Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently was chosen as a finalist for the Inspire Giving award, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce that encourages civic-minded leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic giving.

The other finalists are Raft, Roseville Home Start, Seniors First and Soil Born Farms.

Mutual Housing develops and operates permanently affordable housing in Sacramento and Yolo county that builds strong and stable communities through resident participation and leadership development. With more than 900 homes, it serves some 2,700 low- to moderate-income residents, half of whom are children.

Raft helps educators transform the learning experience through "hands-on" education that inspires the joy and discovery of learning.

Roseville Home Start transitions homeless families into affordable, sustainable permanent housing and self- sufficiency, through a system of housing and support services that is comprehensive, flexible, accessible and accountable.

Seniors first strives to keep Placer County senior citizens living independently and comfortably in their own homes as long as possible.

Soil Born Farms is an urban agriculture and education project that connects food, health and the environment.

Winners will be announced at the 117th annual dinner and business awards of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce on January 27.

Inspire Giving is the endowment fund of Project Inspire, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. Inspire Giving was established in 2009 in partnership with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and the Leadership Sacramento Class of 2009. Project Inspire offers businesses turnkey activities that encourage their employees to lead, volunteer and give. For more information about Project Inspire, visit: http://www.metro-inspire.org/.

For more information about mutual housing, visit www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Reduce waste this holiday season

2011-12-22T17:40:50Z

More residential waste is created during the holiday season than any other time of the year, so the cities and counties in the Sacramento area are encouraging residents to recycle as much as possible.

Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period, the California Department of Resources Recovery and Recycling (CalRecycle) reports. This extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons, per week nationwide. With this in mind, local governments are urging residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle during this holiday season.

"The amount of garbage sent to the landfill increases dramatically during the holiday season," said Doug Eubanks of Sacramento County’s Department of Waste Management and Recycling. "We can change the traditional holiday habit of tearing open presents and throwing away wrapping paper and cardboard. We can recover these materials if residents use their curbside recycling program. Recycling holiday paper is a better alternative than burning it or throwing it into the trash.”

In addition, the number of empty bottles and cans soars during the holidays. About 100 million plastic water bottles will end up in the trash statewide during the holiday season. If recycled, those water bottles could be used to make 48,000 sweaters, or 220,000 square feet of carpeting, according to CalRecycle.

“Tons of empty beverage containers are also generated during this time of year and these cans, glass and plastic bottles should also be recycled,” said Eubanks.

Most residents can put holiday waste paper -- greeting cards, gift boxes and wrapping paper -- in their curbside mixed recycling program. Phone books and calendars also are accepted in the mixed recycling container.

All mixed paper -- which includes cardboard, advertising mail, catalogs, paper boxes, newspapers, computer paper, old calendars and other “clean” household paper -- can be recycled in curbside recycling programs.

The paper should be placed in the mixed recycling container and set out on the curb on regular recycling pick-up days. For those who do not have a curbside recycling program, there are drop-off sites located at many grocery stores, schools, and non-profit organizations, which accept most items.

For more information on recycling programs, visit http://www.holidayrecycling.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Richards works with Ross-Campbell, Inc., a marketing and media production firm specializing in cause-related issues. Holiday Recycling is one of their campaigns.

Local families need food and toys for children

2011-12-19T20:16:25Z

For families barely making ends meet, holidays are a difficult time. Many parents at Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing communities are having a hard time providing gifts for their children this year.

“This time of year can be especially trying for parents in our communities,” said Rachel Iskow, Executive Director of Mutual Housing. "In fact, half of Mutual Housing's 2600 residents are children."

People can help by dropping off non-perishable food and new, unwrapped children’s gifts at the Mutual Housing office, 8001 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento 95820 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Thursday, December 22nd.

“We will make sure your donation gets to a family right away,” said Iskow.

For after-hours or alternative drop-off locations, call Trish Nguyen, Mutual Housing community organizer, at 916-595-9431.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for the diversity of the region’s households.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing celebrates opening of the Highlands

2011-12-09T15:37:09Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association celebrated the grand opening of the Highlands yesterday. The celebration included tours of the 90-apartment community and a ceremony honoring Darrell Steinberg, State Senate President Pro Tem and author of the California Mental health Services Act (Proposition 63) that provides partial operating support for the development.

Located on a 3.5-acre parcel in the McClellan Redevelopment Area, the Highlands has 66 efficiency apartments for formerly homeless people and 12 studio apartments and 12 three-bedroom ones for people of modest means.

The complex has a community room and kitchen, a computer lab and conference room as well as offices for staff. The community room will be used for educational workshops in energy conservation, leadership training, financial management and youth programs. Resident councils also will use the room for meetings.

Six courtyards with deciduous trees, tables, benches and planter boxes connect the buildings. One courtyard boasts a recycled metal sculpture, named "Gertie", by Sacramento artist Steve Cook.

All units have tankless water heaters with ductless heating in the smaller units and evaporative coolers in the larger as well as energy-efficient appliances. Solar panels also were installed. Mutual Housing staff expect the project to be certified green by Building It Green later this year.

Mutual Housing's first foray into homeless housing, a medical clinic and social services, provided by the nonprofits Turning Point, The Effort and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, are on site. Funding for Turning Point services comes from the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services.

Development costs were $5 million. Construction costs were $14 million. Long-term operating costs are supported by substantial capitalized operating revenues. Wells Fargo Bank was the construction lender.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act partially funded the development. Operating support comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency and the California Mental Health Services Act Housing Program.

The Highlands is the 15th multifamily development of the local nonprofit in the two-county region.

Sacramento-based Cynthia Easton Architects and Chico-based Sunseri Construction, Inc. were the architects and general contractor, respectively.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Ciraulo hired by Mutual Housing

2011-11-21T17:48:15Z

Rich Ciraulo has been hired as the Director of Asset Management by Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association. In this role, he is responsible for planning and monitoring the operations and financial performance of Mutual Housing’s 15 regional communities. Ciraulo will handle acquisitions, refinancing and rehabilitation to preserve the portfolio as well as develop and maintain investor and lender relationships. He also will implement long-term strategies to improve performance that meets the nonprofit’s goals.

Prior to joining Mutual Housing, Ciraulo was a Senior Project Manager at Mercy Housing California. At Mercy, he oversaw the planning, financing, design and construction of their mixed-use, multi-and single-family developments. He also secured financing, negotiated contracts and leases, managed contractors and carried out community outreach.

Ciraulo has been in the housing and construction field for more than 17 years. He has a Master’s degree in civil engineering from Stanford University.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Nearly $500,000 given to "green" Mutual Housing community

2011-08-22T19:28:33Z

Sacramento, CA – August 18, 2011. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently was awarded a $450,000 grant to add green elements to the rehabilitation of a local housing community, Mutual Housing at Norwood. Mutual Housing is one of 115 local NeighborWorks organizations to receive $34.9 million in Capital Funding for the Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing (CFRAH) grants.

“Rehabilitating and maintaining rental property in the Sacramento area is one of our goals,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing Association’s Executive Director. “Receiving this grant will help us with the ongoing restorations we are doing in our communities.”

“Sacramento Mutual Housing Association is dedicated to providing affordable housing for our region,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “I want to congratulate them on receiving this award. “

The Norwood rehabilitation will include:
-- Replacement of HVAC systems with Energy Star condensers.
-- Installation of Energy Star/CFL lighting and the
-- Installation of Energy Star refrigerators, ranges and hoods.

The NeighborWorks America grant also will:
-- Significantly increase the number of water heater replacements with high-efficiency water heaters and
-- Increase the number of toilets with low-water models.

“This federal investment will help reduce energy consumption and costs for those who need it most,” said Matsui, Sacramento Democrat for the U.S. House of Representatives who voted to approve the funding.

The total cost of the rehabilitation at Norwood is $2.7 million. Funding also came from Community Housing Capital and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

In addition to helping nonprofit small businesses acquire and rehab properties, the nearly $35 million in funds also will jump start local economies through the creation of more than 1,000 jobs that produces more than $300 million in economic activity.

Applicants requested more than $53 million in CFRAH grants—which far exceeded the amount available. Because of the high demand, a cap had to be placed on the funds each applicant could request. Without this cap, the amount requested—and need for these funds—would have been much higher.

Just four months after the CFRAH funds were given to NeighborWorks America to distribute, organizations like Mutual Housing are starting to use the funds to maintain local neighborhoods.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and safe, affordable rental housing. In the past five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. For more information, visit http://www.nw.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Romero appointed new board chair

2011-08-08T19:50:28Z

Mindy Romero has been appointed the new chair of the board of directors Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association. She replaces Greg Chew, who remains on the board.

A researcher at the Center for Regional Change, University of California, Davis, Romero also is a doctoral candidate in the UCD Department of Sociology.

Romero has been on the board for the past three years and was with the Yolo Mutual Housing Association’s board before the two nonprofits affiliated. She lives in Davis.

Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing raises nearly $65,000 at breakfast

2011-06-20T17:00:57Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently raised nearly $65,000 at their second Building Up Breakfast in one-time donations and multi-year pledges. As expected, attendance was higher this year than at the inaugural event in 2010.

Thanks to the sponsors, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Roseville Bank of Commerce, Sierra Health Foundation and Vital Networks, the nonprofit will be able to use all the money donated by individuals for programs, services and operations

Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households in Sacramento and Yolo counties. The communities are home to some 2,600 residents, nearly half of whom are children.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com..

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is one of her clients.

Nominations sought for Arrow Awards in product stewardship and green design

2011-06-15T20:05:10Z

The California Product Stewardship Council's announced that nominations are being sought for the annual Arrow Awards, recognizing business and industry leaders for outstanding leadership, innovation and partnerships in product stewardship and green design. Any business entity, division or facility located in California is eligible to apply. Third-party stewardship organizations and non-profits are also eligible.

“This is our opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of California businesses with innovative product stewardship programs, outstanding partnerships that make product stewardship possible, and to inspire others to integrate the principles of product stewardship into their businesses” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of the California Production Stewardship Council.

The awards categories are:
• Grand Prize, Golden Arrow Award for Overall Excellence in Product Stewardship
• Green Arrow Award for System and Design Innovations
• Bow and Arrow Award for Coalition Building
• Infinity Arrow Award for Service and Take-Back

Nominations are now open and will close on July 4, 2011. Applications are available at: California Stewardship Arrow Awards or www.Calpsc.org/awards.

Honorees will be selected by a distinguished panel of business, industry and elected officials. The Awards Presentations will take place at the California Resource Recovery Association’s Annual Conference on August 2, 2011 in San Diego. More than six-hundred local and state government representatives, state legislators and industry representatives are expected to attend. The awards are funded by a grant from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)

“Product Stewardship is a policy approach that places a shared responsibility for end-of-life product management on producers and all entities involved in the product chain, instead of solely being a local government responsibility, the costs of which are passed on to the taxpayers and ratepayers,” said Kevin Hendrick, Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority (DNSWMA) and CPSC Board Member.

DNSWMA received a grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop this awards program.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards works with Ross-Campbell, Inc. The California Product Stewardship Council is a client of theirs.

Party with Pride this Saturday

2011-06-01T18:50:14Z

Party with Pride 2011 this Saturday at Capitol Mall. More than 20 performers will entertain festivalgoers with dancing, drag queens, cheerleaders and more at this annual event to raise money for the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center.

Guy Farris, Emmy award-winning anchor of “Sacramento & Co” will lead the parade as this year’s Grand Marshall. Don Geronimo, host of Sports 1140 KHTK, and LaRoy, a gay radio correspondent, will emcee.

Club queen singer Luciana Caporaso and Sacramento native Raquela bring raucous disco while Miss Coco Peru does her unique brand of storytelling in a day of non-stop entertainment. “We were extremely lucky to book Luciana, Raquela and Miss Coco for the festival,” said Hilary Hodge, Pride Entertainment Manager.

Cheer San Francisco, Xavier Toscano, Tom Goss, Jovi Radtke and Precious Cargo also add to the excitement.

Sierra Forever Families will have a family-friendly Kid Zone while Amtrak, the Midtown Business Association and Badlands sponsor the hot-and-heavy Dance Pavilion.

This year, Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel again became the major sponsor. Comcast Corporation, Wells Fargo, Hewlett-Packard, SMUD, and Markstein Beverage Company also fund the event as well as other local companies and nonprofits.

Even the City of Sacramento also helps offset costs. “Given the economy, we were very thankful to have the same amount of funding from the city this year that we did last year,” said Josh Jacoby, Pride director.

Beverage tents, a food court, vendors and exhibitors create a mini-mall where festivalgoers can while away the day.

The annual festival and parade is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, which serves more than 30,000 people annually.

The Center’s programs and services include a legal clinic, sign language classes, Lavender Angels that patrol midtown on weekends and a homeless youth initiative. The Center also holds peer programs for families, youth, 20-somethings, transgender, people with HIV/AIDS, men, women and bisexuals.

For more information, please visit http://www.sacramentopride.org.

WHO: Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center
WHAT: Pride 2011
WHEN: Saturday, June 4, 2011, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parade also starts at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Capitol Mall near Tower Bridge
Parade starts at S and 5th Streets
WHY: Most entertaining event of the year for the LGBTI community—and the biggest annual fundraiser for the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.
COST: $10 for adults. Children 5 and under free.

DISCLOSURE: A former journalist, Dell Richards runs Sacramento's Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento Pride is one of her clients.

Former Mutual Housing resident takes honors in essay contest

2011-05-31T19:32:24Z

A young Vietnamese woman—who came to the U.S. for burn treatment and helped get a start in a Mutual Housing community—has been given an honorable mention in a local college essay contest.

Nhi Vo’s essay on her struggle to survive a family fire in 2000 that killed her mother and severely burned Vo and two of her sisters recently took honors in the “Sacramento News & Review” 2011 College Essay Contest.

Vo has been accepted into the University of California, Davis, where she will study cellular biology. She plans to become a doctor.

“Becoming a doctor would allow me to give back all the love and kindness that has been shown to me by my parents, sisters, doctors and counselors, social workers, and people in the community,” she wrote in the essay.

After her father’s death of cancer in late 2009, Vo raised her sisters while attending high school, dealing with family finances and continuing medical treatment.

When her family of six first moved to California, they were able to live in Mutual Housing at Lemon Hill, a community for low and modest-income residents. These Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association communities help people get back on their feet by providing decently priced rental housing.

In high school, Vo joined the South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders. The coalition creates a place where youth can be safe, able to grow and realize their full potential.

“We are so proud of Nhi, not just for the wonderful essay she wrote, but for who she is and what she has done with her life,” said Emily Bender, Program Coordinator for the coalition, who works for Mutual Housing.

Students from every high school in the region submitted essays to the Sacramento News & Review. The May 5th issue featured the top finalists. The winners received $2,011 for the first-place, $750 for the second-place and $250 for each third-place winner of a three-way-tie.

Vo was one of two chosen for an honorable mention. To read her essay, go to http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/im-not-crazy/content?oid=1982117.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

The South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders is funded by a drug-free communities grant from SAMHSA. For more information, visit http://www.samhsa.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards owns Sacramento's Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client. For more information, visit www.dellrichards.com.

"American Idol" this Friday as South Sac students perform for prizes

2011-05-23T17:55:06Z

Some of South Sacramento’s best young performers will compete for cash prizes at Hiram Johnson High School Auditorium Friday, May 27, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the South Sac Coalition for Future Leaders, there also will be an art show by local youth.

“These student performers are really talented… well worth coming to see,” said Rachel Iskow, Executive Director of Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association, one of the SSCFL sponsors.

Hiram Johnson is located at 6879 14th Avenue, Sacramento. Admission is free.

The South Sacramento Youth Coalition for Future Leaders is partially funded by a drug-free communities grant from SAMHSA. For more information, visit http://www.samhsa.org.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

For more information, contact SSCFL Youth Coordinator Staphonya Cabrellis, (916) 200-9428.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is one of her clients.

NeighborWorks America gives nearly $500,000 to local mutual housing association

2011-05-18T18:36:24Z

NeighborWorks® America recently gave $464,985 to Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association. Of these funds, $329,485 was a capital grant for programs and services, real estate development and maintenance, $110,500 was for organizational underwriting and $25,000 for green initiatives and cash flow.

The grants will help support Mutual Housing’s healthy housing by developing new, sustainable communities for the Sacramento region’s diverse households as well as upgrading older multifamily housing to make it greener and more energy-efficient.

“If you can show strong outcomes,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing Executive Director, “NeighborWorks will let the organization use the funds as it sees fit.

“Because we have a strong business plan and strong strategic goals, these funds will help us continue developing healthy housing in the local region, maintain and upgrade our communities as well as providing programs and services for our modest-income residents.”

Mutual Housing also received $2,000 for the continuation of their action plan to respond to natural disasters from NeighborWorks® America.

With the mini-grant, resident leaders will be able to educate families on emergency preparedness principals and practices. The grant was given to Mutual Housing’s resident s who participated in a national Community Leadership Institute by NeighborWorks® America where they created a plan for their neighborhood to withstand an emergency.

With communities in the Sacramento and Yolo county, Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

NeighborWorks® America is a public-private partnership with locally-driven community development and leverage of public investment as its hallmarks.

Over the past 30 years, NeighborWorks® America and affiliated community-based NeighborWorks organizations such as Mutual Housing have replicated this model of housing development in more than 4,500 communities across the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit http://www.nw.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is one of her clients.

Mutual Housing prepares more than 700 free tax returns

2011-04-25T22:55:53Z

With a volunteer cadre, Sacramento Mutual Housing Association and its partners prepared and filed 715 free tax returns this year that helped working families with incomes of $49,000, or less, claim much-needed Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).

Of these, 560 returns were prepared in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons. A pilot program for Mutual Housing, this was the first year that AAPR tax preparation was held at the local nonprofit's Lemon Hill community.

Another 155 returns were filed as part of the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program held at two other Mutual Housing sites, Foothill Plaza and Victory Townhomes. The number was an increase of more than 200 percent over the past year’s returns. The EITC for the 155 filers at these two VITA sites was $96,101, or $620 on average.

In addition to English, tax prep assistance was available in Russian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Hmong and Spanish.

For these programs, Mutual Housing also had assistance from the Franchise Tax Board and the Sacramento Coalition for Working Families.

With 15 communities in the region, Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed, rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Through MH’s focus on leadership, the nonprofit also provides training and mentoring as well as educational programs, community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors. For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Sacramento~Yolo Mutual Housing Association is one of her clients.

Sign up to volunteer for Pride 2011 now

2011-04-25T22:22:55Z

Starting in May, volunteers can do three-to-four hour shifts in exchange for a ticket.

“Volunteers are the most important part of the team,” said Josh Jacoby, Pride Director. “We couldn’t do the event without them.”

To get the work and time slot wanted, volunteers should sign up now.

To be held on Saturday, June 4th, volunteers can start handing out flyers and postcards at various Sacramento farmers’ markets and Second Saturday in May.

On Friday evening, June 3, volunteers can help set up the stages, fencing and other necessities at Capitol Mall near Tower Bridge.

On Saturday, they are needed to:
• set up the Parade on Saturday morning at the staging area on S Street and 5th,
• monitor the route up 5th Street to the festival near Tower Bridge.
• sell tickets at the festival grounds,
• work the beverage booths,
• manage the stages for the entertainment,
• help with the dance pavilion, the exhibitors, vendors and festival goers during the actual event.

People also are needed for tear-down on Saturday after the party closes at 6 p.m.

Volunteers also receive the love and admiration of the community as well as a Pride t-shirt.

Sacramento Pride is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center..

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Center serves 30,000 people annually by providing such services as the legal clinic, sign language classes, Second Saturdays and the Lavender Angels. It also holds peer programs for Central Valley families, youth, 20-somethings, transgender, people with HIV/AIDS, men, women and bisexuals.

To sign up, visit https://www.sacramentopride.org/volunteer. For questions, please email volunteer@saccenter.org.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Pride 2011 is one of her clients.

April Pride 2011 meeting postponed until May

2011-03-23T17:36:16Z

Due to a scheduling conflict, the April community meeting for Pride 2011 has been postponed until Wednesday, May 18th.

The May meeting will be held from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, 1927 L Street, Sacramento.

Sacramento Pride 2011 will be held Saturday, June 4th.

For 26 years, Sacramento Pride has been the main fund-raising source for local gay services such as the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center’s legal clinic, Lavender Angels, Q-Deaf, homelessness and Speaker’s Bureau as well as peer programs for families, youth, 20-somethings, transgender, people with HIV/AIDS, men, women and bisexuals.

The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of the greater Sacramento region by providing space, diverse programming, advocacy and awareness in an affirmative and safe environment.

For info, call (916) 442-0185 or email pride@sacramentopride.org.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Pride 2011 is one of her clients.

Mutual Housing offers tours

2011-03-07T19:25:14Z

To show the importance of affordable housing, Sacramento~Yolo Mutual Housing Association is offering tours of one of their 15 communities in the region.

At the tour, participants will hear from residents and staff whose lives have been changed by the nonprofit’s housing, services and programs for modest-income families.

In Sacramento, people need to earn $19.98 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment, yet the average hourly wage for a renter is $14.20 per hour.

One-hour tours are scheduled for March 16, April 13 and May 11 at 10 a.m.

To RSVP, call (916) 453-8400 Ext. 220 or email allison@mutualhousing.com.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops housing that is affordable to a diversity of households. Mutual Housing owns15 resident-controlled communities of 2,600 residents, half of whom are children. For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Mutual Housing is one of her clients.

Pride 2011 needs a few good performers

2011-02-28T19:22:44Z

With two stages going during the day-long Sacramento Gay Pride Festival on June 4th, organizers are looking for singers, dancers, musicians and other entertainers.

Street performers such as magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and acrobats also are welcome.

Send links to samples of your work, website, relevant information and contact person by March 25th to pride@sacramentopride.org.

For more information, contact the Center at (916) 442-0185 or pride@sacramentopride.org.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Pride 2011 is one of her clients.

Community invited to monthly meetings on Sacramento Pride 2011

2011-02-07T22:33:40Z

The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center is inviting the public to a series of meeting about the Sacramento Pride 2011 events to be held on Saturday, June 4th this year.

Monthly meetings will be on the third Wednesdays of February, March, April, and May to let the gay and lesbian community know about this year’s parade and other exciting events, to solicit feedback and generate interest in the most important fund-raising event of the year for the non-profit center.

The meetings will be held at the SG&L Center, 1927 L Street, Sacramento, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. on:
• February 16,
• March 16,
• April 20, and
• May 18th.

For more information, contact the Center at (916) 442-0185 or pride@sacramentopride.org.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Pride 2011 is one of her clients.

The Home Depot Foundation awards Mutual Housing $75,000 for green building renovations

2011-02-07T19:07:34Z

Thanks to a $75,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation, Sacramento ~ Yolo Mutual Housing Association will upgrade more than 200 units of affordable housing in Sacramento and Yolo counties with renovations that meet green building and design standards. Through

The Home Depot Foundation’s Affordable Housing Built Responsibly Program, Mutual Housing staff will:
• obtain Build It Green certification for Foothill Plaza,
• expand strategic partnerships with local utilities and other energy providers to lower energy usage,
• create energy efficiencies to reduce low-income resident utility bills,
• promote healthier living through less environmental impact, and
• include affordable-housing preservation in public dialogue on regional greening.

Mutual Housing’s Foothill Plaza will be used as a pilot project to incorporate best practices for four other projects: Glen Ellen Estates, Norwood Avenue Apartments and Norwood Estates in Sacramento as well as Twin Pines in Davis.

The Home Depot Foundation grant will build on a federal stimulus grant Foothill Plaza received through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Green Retrofit Program. Because investing in housing properties is a national priority, HUD is working toward energy reductions in existing affordable housing.

Additional funding from The Home Depot Foundation will allow Mutual Housing to maximize the impact of the HUD grant by applying what they learn in areas such as energy and water conservation through more efficient systems and fixtures, and incorporating solar power into existing developments at additional communities.

Created in 2002, The Home Depot Foundation supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating and preserving healthy, affordable homes as the cornerstone of sustainable communities. The Foundation’s goal is for all families to have the opportunity to live in healthy, efficient homes they can afford over the long-term; to have access to safe, vibrant parks and greenspaces; and to receive the economic, social and environmental benefits of living in a sustainable community. Since its formation, The Home Depot Foundation has granted $190 million to nonprofit organizations and supported the development of more than 95,000 homes, planted more than 1.2 million trees, and built or refurbished more than 1,875 playgrounds, parks and greenspaces. For more information, visit http://www.homedepotfoundation.org

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops housing that is affordable to a diversity of households. Mutual Housing owns15 resident-controlled communities for modest-income households in Sacramento and Yolo counties of 2,600 residents, half of whom are children. For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com

Free tax services for low-income and disadvantaged people start February 1

2011-01-26T20:15:06Z

Free tax preparation services for low-income and disadvantaged residents will start in Sacramento and Carmichael on February 1 and continue through the April 18, 2011 extended filing deadline.

Because people often pay $75 to get a simple EZ return done, cutting into much-needed refunds, families who make less than $49,000 can get their tax return done for free at these sites. The sites will have tax preparers for all returns, including Earned Income Credit.

Tax preparation services will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mutual Housing’s Victory Townhomes, 1075 Dixieanne Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Tax preparations will take place on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mission Oaks Community Center, 3344 Mission Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608.

Appointments are necessary. Call 2-1-1 for an appointment.

People can also call (916) 498-1000 for the Sacramento site or (916) 972-0336 for the Carmichael center. (The only walk-ins who will be accepted are people of 60-plus years of age or Victory Townhomes residents.)

Through their TaxAide program, American Association of Retired Persons volunteers prepare most returns, including much-needed Earned Income Credit (EIC). For this program, AARP has assistance from Sacramento~Yolo Mutual Housing Association, Mission Oaks Recreation and Parks District, the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board.

A non-profit with 15 communities in the region, Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed, affordable rental housing with 2,600 residents, half of whom are children. Through MH’s focus on leadership, the nonprofit also provides training and mentoring as well as educational programs, community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors. For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. AARP has offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change, and delivering value to members through information, advocacy, and service. Visit http://www.aarp.org for more information.

Fire-spinning is like a drug

2009-05-28T23:13:03Z

Having studied this ancient Maori art for more than a year, I am one of 15 students in Obsidian Butterfly's show, Friday, June 5th.

The first time I saw fire-spinning, I was hooked. I knew I had to learn to work fire even though it took me years to find a local teacher.

Now that I spin weekly, the lure still is visceral—a desire like no other.

When I spin, I am more focused than I ever am. It’s not a rush, like extreme sport probably is. It’s like a drug that changes the chemicals in the brain. A sense of wholeness comes over me afterwards. I am peaceful and calm.

While I sometimes get nervous beforehand, I’m not afraid once I light. I’m concentrating too hard to be emotional. I’m not afraid of fire, which many people are, I’ve discovered. An avid swimmer, I’m more afraid of water.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been burnt—not badly, luckily. And I singe my hair regularly. But I also burn myself baking. Life is full of hazards though by having trained “safeties” we try to minimize the accidents.

Fire is the source of life, the element we do not easily imagine being part of—unlike the air of our lungs, the water of our cells, the earth of our bodies.

Working with the source of the universe, the source of the spirit, the source that brings all else into being is a spiritual practice, a meditation like any other. It helps me be present in the moment and stay in the world of the senses rather than the spinning of my head.

Friday, June 5th at 8:15 p.m
Southside Park Amphitheater, T Street between 7th & 8th
Sacramento 95814

Tickets: $10 at event. No advance sales.

For information, call 916. 505.5115 or visit:
www.sacredfiredance.com.