Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Ken Pierce

Sac Pride Live hits the air Saturday night

2013-04-27T02:49:44Z

It is always exciting when a new media organization starts up and provides readers and listeners with news you are truly interested in and entertainment to lighten your day. The new Sac Pride Media Group led by Tyler Edwards will launch the first ever live LGBTQ weekly radio show, “Sac Pride Live” on local Talk 650 KSTE Radio as well as worldwide on iHeartRadio, by app on your Smartphone or online at www.iheart.com/live/Talk-650-KSTE-229. The first show will air live Saturday, April 27 after the River Cats game between 10:00 PM and 12 midnight.

On-air hosts for Sacramento’s newest source for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community, will be realtor Tyler Edwards and well-known poet and spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke. Members of the production team include fellow realtor Todd Lohse and Kevin Manz.

Edwards says the focus of the show will be to, “end labels and start conversations.”

“I have been working on this project for a long time and in developing Sac Pride Live as well as a bi-monthly insert in the Sacramento News and Review, and future expansions into social media, I hope we can provide a venue where we can discuss topics that touch us, engage us, and even make us angry. This conversation will not only be for those in the gay community but also outside the community, our allies as well as those who don’t understand us.”

Radtke who is very comfortable in front of an audience belting out her creative poetry of life, love, and heartbreak should do very well in her new job as co-host of a radio show that will be heard by tens of thousands of listeners both locally and world-wide.

“This is very exciting to start on my new adventure with a radio program that locally gives a brand new voice that didn’t exist until now,” said Radtke.

In explaining what listeners might have in store for them in the weeks to come Radtke said listeners can look forward to local, regional, national and even world news and entertainment of the day like marriage equality, Prop 8, bullying and peer abuse in our schools and hate crimes in our neighborhood. We hope to interview interesting and engaging people from all walks of life and talk about upcoming events like Sacramento Pride, Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and other fun events for the whole family.”

Edwards wanted to emphasize that the show will not “back away from controversial issues plaguing us both within our community and outside. We want to have an open and honest conversation about the problems we have as well as celebrate what makes us fabulous”.

“While we might not solve all the problems of the world, our show will at least bring to light and give voice to those who may have really good suggestions on how to live with each other in harmony and respect”.

“Our first program will be mainly introducing ourselves to our listeners in the first hour and in the second hour our first guest will be Michael ‘Misha’ Kennedy owner of Kennedy Gallery Art Center. In the future we will welcome community members to call in and offer their thoughts on issues discussed on the program”.

“Each week should prove to be interesting, enlightening, entertaining, engaging and sometimes very controversial.”

For more information about Sac Pride Media or Sac Pride Live visit their web site at www.SacPrideLive.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SacPrideLive. If you are interested in being a guest or would like to suggest a subject contact Sac Pride Media’s Administrative Executive Melissa Martinez at Melissa.Martinez@sacpridemedia.com.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a freelance journalist. Ken was not paid for writing this article. You can contact Ken Pierce by email: kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Youth Task Force to host “Breaking the Silence” rally

2013-04-14T03:22:25Z

To follow up “National Day of Silence”, an event held in Junior and High Schools all across the nation, the local Sacramento LGBTQ Youth Task Force is hosting a “Breaking the Silence” rally on the west steps of the California State Capitol (1314 Tenth St., Sacramento, CA 95814) Friday, April 19, 2013 between 5:00pm and 7:30pm.

Originally organized by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in 1996, the “Day of Silence” is a day of action in which “hundreds of thousands of students across the country take some form of a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and peer-abuse in schools. Through their activities students can speak out against harassment and organize for change in their schools and communities”.

The Sacramento LGBTQ Youth Task Force, led by Sacramento City College student, Spencer Douglas, is a grassroots regional youth organization consisting of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied youth, middle school to college level, along with adult partners from the community.

In a statement about the Day of Silence event, Douglas said, “The Day of Silence is symbolically giving up your voice representing those who never had a voice or were afraid to speak out against discrimination and violence. It’s mainly LGBT oriented but I like to imagine that I’m representing everyone that has not had a voice, no matter what background they come from.”

Douglas and his Task Force will celebrate the end of Day of Silence by hosting a “Breaking the Silence” rally for all area students throughout the region. College-age, parents and supporting adults are also invited to attend.

Spencer Douglas will be host speaker as well as several students who will be invited to talk about their experiences during Day of Silence at their schools during an open mike session.

In part, the celebration will be in remembrance of Michael Joseph Berry who was a victim of “bullycide” in 2008 at Mira Loma High School. Special guest speaker will be Michael’s mother, Lisa Ford-Berry, founder of B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local grassroots bullying awareness non-profit organization.

Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), a long-time ally is sponsoring the “Breaking the Silence” event at the Capitol.

In addition, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) authored an Assembly Resolution (ACR 44) to recognize National Day of Silence. The summary of the bill stated, “This measure would declare support for the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence and would encourage school districts in the state to enforce laws and policies that prohibit name calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against all students, teachers, and other school staff regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.”

After the rally, Douglas and his LGBTQ Task Force team will move to the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center where they will host a “Night of Noise” party between 8:00 and 9:30 PM. All area Jr. and Senior High students are invited to attend.

For more information about the Task Force, contact Spencer Douglas: SacYouthTaskForce@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page HERE. To help support to work the Task Force is doing in the community go HERE.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a freelance journalist and a volunteer for the Sacramento LGBTQ Youth Task Force. Ken is not paid for the services he offers the youth organization. You can contact Ken Pierce by email: kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Youth Task Force sets out to create change

2013-03-30T17:52:27Z

Douglas and his band of dedicated youth leaders are focused on getting youth, middle school to college level, to “take charge in creating change for the LGBT community, especially in their schools”.

Douglas formed the Youth Task Force Spring of 2012, soon after graduating from McClatchy High School last year. He served three years as McClatchy’s highly successful Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA) President.

In describing what the Task Force mission is, Douglas said, “We aim to use the innovative youth voice to develop new programs, methods, and approaches to dealing with LGBT issues among youth in a rapidly changing environment. Through our work, we would like to develop a model of programs, policies, that can be put in place where it is needed, and hopefully inspire other youth leaders to create similar groups elsewhere.”

From the very beginning, Douglas hit the ground running by working on setting up collaborations with Mental Health America, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Sacramento Pride Festival, B.R.A.V.E. Society (a local bullying awareness non-profit), Gender Health Center, Sacramento City Unified School District LGBTQ Youth Support Services, and other non-profits and civic organizations.

The list of projects leaders of the Task Force are currently working on is nothing short of impressive. Just a few items on their list to accomplish is helping to reduce bullying in schools and the community, support other youth-focused organizations, create a youth mentoring program, help to establish an LGBTQA resource center, and many others.

Currently Douglas and his Youth Task Force leaders are hard at work organizing a youth event they are calling, “Expressions” for youth after the Sacramento Capitol Pride Festival, Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Beatnik Studios. Working with the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, the Task Force is making their dance party an official Pride event.

“Every year after pride the older crowd goes off to the clubs to have a great time and dance the night away. Our youth have nowhere else to celebrate and dance later in the evening. We wanted to create a fun and safe event they too can “express” themselves. I am hoping we can get enough support in the community to pull this off,” Douglas explained.

Already, Jeremy Fristoe and Infinite Entertainment, who provides DJ and sound services for Sacramento Capitol Pride Festival, signed on to provide Spencer and his Task Force a DJ and sound equipment for their Expressions event.

“We love what we do and are just honored to have the chance to play and use our talents for something positive in the community. We are always giving when it comes to the kids. And this is a great idea for a great cause and I applaud them," said Fristoe.

The Sacramento LGBTQ Youth Task Force is well-attended by dedicated youth activists and adult supporters but they are always looking for youth who would like to participate in something they can be proud of, have fun, and work on their leadership and communication skills. In addition, adult guidance as well as financial support is desperately needed to help carry out their aggressive agenda.

For more information about the Task Force, learn when their meetings are, or to offer support, contact Spencer Douglas at SacYouthTaskForce@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page HERE.

Vigil to be held for Prop 8

2012-12-04T14:37:55Z

A group of dedicated marriage equality activists waited out the morning at Badlands in the heart of Lavender Heights Monday only to learn that once again, the Supreme Court issued no word on the status of Proposition 8 along with several other federal cases involving same-sex couples.

It was mid-morning when finally it was learned that the justices announced that it “redistributed the Prop 8 and DOMA cases for consideration during its morning conference this Friday, December 7, 2012”.

According to the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), “This means we could get word from the Court on Friday, or the morning of Monday, December 10. It is important to remember that the Supreme Court often takes more than one Conference to consider whether to grant review in certain cases”.

Meanwhile a core of diligent LGBTQ community members who met early Monday vowed to return Friday morning at 6:00am to Badlands on the corner of 20th and K Street, and wait out the day until “we hear something definitive from the Supreme Court” said Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action NOW.

“Marriage equality is a basic civil right. It’s a legal and constitutional issue, not a religious one and I think more and more Americans are getting that, which is why the polls are showing a dramatic change in support of gays and lesbians receiving all the rights they are afforded as a citizen of California”, said Reynolds.

Personally, as a member of the civil rights group, Equality Action NOW and Public Relations Director for B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local non-profit bullying awareness organization, I am planning on making Friday a vigil for the “death” of Prop 8. The California Supreme Court struck it down, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, let’s put it to rest already. I am hoping the court will send Prop 8 home where it belongs and let them figure out the DOMA cases.

Our same-sex couples have been waiting too long for their equal rights. We have older couples who have been together for decades, separated due to one spouse having to be placed in a nursing home, or worse, passing away before they are able to marry. It’s time.

In anticipation of Friday’s conference, local organizations are gearing up for a positive outcome.

Because of the long list of cases the Supreme Court needs to review Friday, it is expected that the earliest a decision may be made is early afternoon and possibly Monday, December 10, at 6:30am (Pacific) to post the decision to their web site. Friday’s morning gathering will be to keep an eye on the news, and to talk about what life will be like when California LGBTQ citizens regain their civil rights.

Soon after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a nationwide organization is organizing this event.

Also on Friday or Monday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is B.R.A.V.E. Society's Media and Public Relations Consultant. Pierce is a freelance journalist, activist, and has his own Public Relations firm here in Sacramento. You can reach Ken at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

No action today by the Supreme Court on Prop 8 brings a lot of head scratching

2012-11-30T23:05:12Z

To most Northern Californians, the torrential rain may have dampened interest in what is going on behind closed doors in Washington at the Supreme Court, but for hundreds of same-sex couples here in Sacramento, there is but one thing on their minds. Will they be planning a December wedding?

Today the U.S. Supreme Court justices were in conference to decide if they will take on the case of Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth v. Perry).

When the clerk of the court handed out outcome of the conference today to the press, none of the marriage equality cases were on the list. In other words they did not make a decision ether way.

The next time we have a chance to find out anything is Monday morning, however today makes it less certain we might know anything definitive even then.

What may happen Monday is:
1) The Supreme Court will announce that the DOMA and Prop 8 cases will be placed on their next conference agenda, which happens Friday, December 7th.
2) It is possible, though not likely Monday we will find out they decided not to hear the Prop 8 case but will decide on the DOMA cases December 7, allowing California to move ahead with same-sex marriages.

What we were hoping to learn from today’s conference is one of four things might happen to Prop 8 here in California:
1) The court takes multiple DOMA cases and the Proposition 8 case. This will mean the earliest the Court will hear the case will be March and possibly June before we hear of the outcome.
2) The court takes one DOMA case, while holding the other DOMA cases pending that decision, and takes the Proposition 8 case as well. This still will delay marriages in California.
3) The court takes a DOMA case (or multiple DOMA cases) and holds the rest of the cases, including Proposition 8, pending the outcome of the DOMA case. …still waiting!
4) Or, the court takes a DOMA case (or multiple DOMA cases), but denies certiorari in the Proposition 8 case. This option, considered by most advocates to be a likely possibility, would lead to same-sex couples being able to marry in California within days. And would be the best outcome for those couples, their families, and California’s economy to boot.

One way or another, those couples, along with the rest of California and all the other states who would rather we take it to the Supreme Court, are itching for the court to make up their minds quickly. In any case we will find out what happens next, Monday, December 3, as early as 6:30AM (Pacific).

Here in Sacramento, myself, Ken Pierce of B.R.A.V.E. Society, a non-profit bullying awareness and victim advocacy organization is inviting the community to gather at Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) at 6:00AM Monday morning to await the word of what the court plans to do. Many thanks to owner, T.J. Bruce and those of his staff who have volunteered to open early for our community to gather and find out together.

Plans, when we do find out if Prop 8 comes back to California or moves on to the Supreme Court, are sometime after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a nation-wide organization is organizing this event. Speakers and the time of the Press Conference will be announced at the gathering at Badlands. .

Also on Monday or Friday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a local Freelance Journalist and activist. Pierce owns a Public Relations and Social Media Consulting business here in Sacramento. You can contact Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

California same-sex couples on high alert once again

2012-11-29T21:12:50Z

Sacramento organizations plan events around Prop 8 Supreme Court decision

It has been a long road for Sacramento’s same-sex couples, their families, friends, and supporters, and that road may or may not end this week.

The Supreme Court justices will go behind closed doors Friday morning to decide if they will take on the case of Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth v. Perry), if the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the State of California from defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

At the same conference session Friday, the court will work their way through several appeals to decide whether legally married gay couples have the right to equal benefits under federal law. Appeals courts in New York and Boston have struck down that part of the Defense of Marriage Act that denies such a right and the justices most likely will take up the case.

Ted Olson and David Boise who successfully argued the striking of Prop 8 as a constitutional issue here in California have mixed feelings about the upcoming decision.

Olson stated on the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) web site, “We won the case, and if they don’t take it, our clients have won. They will be allowed to marry. But if they (Supreme Court) take the case, it could lead to a broader victory. We believe gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to be treated equally. And if it is a constitutional right, you shouldn’t have to try to win at the ballot box in every state.”

Here in Sacramento there are many same-sex couples who have been waiting for the day they will be able to join the rest of the citizens of California and have the right to legally marry. They have had many up’s and downs. While it would be great if the Supreme Court did hear the Prop 8 case, that would mean at least another year of waiting. If the court decides not to hear the case, in a matter of about a week, our local County Clerk’s Office will be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples

In anticipation of Friday’s conference, local organizations are gearing up for a positive outcome.

As the Public Relations Director for B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local anti-bullying non-profit, I will host a community breakfast, both Friday and Monday, Chef Tony Crane is happy to have us at his new Restaurant inside of Headhunter’s (1930 K St., Sacramento, CA 95811) beginning at 6:00am.

Because of the long list of cases the Supreme Court needs to review Friday, it is expected that they will wait until Monday, December 3, as early as 6:30am (Pacific) to post the decision to their web site. Friday’s breakfast gathering will be to keep an eye on the news, and to talk about what life will be like when California LGBTQ citizens regain their civil rights.

Monday, December 3, soon after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a statewide organization is organizing this event. Speakers and the time of the Press Conference will be announced during the breakfast at Headhunters.

Also on Monday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

B.R.A.V.E. Receives Paramount Pictures Guardianship Award

2012-11-26T02:56:28Z

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, Paramount Pictures screened their current release of Rise of the Guardians to a theater full of excited kids and their parents. Prior to the start of the film, Ginni King with Sacramento Screenings, on behalf of Paramount Pictures presented Ken Pierce, Media and Public Relations Director of B.R.A.V.E. Society with a “Certificate of Exceptional Guardianship”. The B.R.A.V.E. non-profit organization was recognized by Paramount Pictures for their “tireless effort to protect Sacramento’s children”.

B.R.A.V.E. Society was founded by Lisa Ford-Berry of Carmichael, CA in 2010, two years after her youngest son Michael, became a victim of bullycide at Mara Loma High School, on his 17th birthday, due to relentless cyber-bullying over a long period of time. It was because the school did not act after her son on went to them for help, nor did any of his friends who knew Michael was being tormented that Berry formed the non-profit.

Since the creation of B.R.A.V.E., Berry has worked hard to assemble a close group of specialist in their field to help the organization carry out two main purposes. The first is to educate parents, guardians, children, teachers, administrators, and the community about peer abuse and cyber-bullying and laws that are focused on protecting students. The second is to provide victims and their family assistance in locating resources in the legal, mental health, law enforcement, and governmental agencies in order to stop the perpetrator from continuing abuse towards the victim and others.

Today, Berry is asked to speak to school children, parents and guardians, teachers and administrators throughout California. She also serves as an expert witness to legislative committees. Her first book, “Be B.R.A.V.E. – Say Something-Do Something” has just been published. This past October, B.R.A.V.E. Society and the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services hosted a community-wide conference on bullying and how to protect students from peer abuse.

Rise of the Guardians, now playing, is based on William Joyce’s “The Guardians of Childhood” book series and the Man on the Moon short film by Joyce. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures, Peter Ramsey directed the film while Joyce and Guillermo del Toro exec-produced.

Set about 300 years after the book series, the film tells a story about the Guardians (Santa Claus a.k.a. North, the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny a.k.a. Bunnymund, and the Sandman), who enlist Jack Frost to stop Pitch Black a.k.a. Boogyman from engulfing the world in darkness. It features the voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law.

Throughout the film there are teaching moments that easily could be transferred from the theater to the classroom.

Typically, a victim of peer abuse is too embarrassed to tell his parents or guardians and too often school administrators and counselors turn their heads. In addition the victim’s friends will back away from the victim in fear of getting bullied themselves.

Lessons learned from Rise of the Guardians for adults are to not let children down by ignoring their pleas for help or they might completely lose their faith in adults who are supposed to be protecting them. For children it is important to not be afraid to band together to help each other stand up to bullies.

One young screening participant, after seeing the film said that he was encouraged to, “stand up to things that make me afraid. The Guardians never gave up on wanting to protect the kids from Pitch but I need to stand up to bullies like they did in the movie and help my friends too”.

For information about B.R.A.V.E. Society visit their web site at www.BraveSociety.org or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BRAVESociety. Lisa Ford Berry has a compelling and informative book for students and parents due to be out soon. “Be B.R.A.V.E. – Say Something-Do Something” can be ordered by emailing bebrave@bravesociety.org. The cost of the book $15.00 will be used to help educate the public and protect children from peer abuse.

Dustin Lance Black's "8" Comes to Sacramento

2012-10-13T18:19:14Z

Kate Sullivan Gibbens, with license from the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud to announce a one-night-only reading of “8,” Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the downtown Crest Theater.

“8” is a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black.

Black, who pinned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families of the unprecedented case of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown).

The case was filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the “fundamental freedom to marry”.

Gibbens, Producer/Director of the Sacramento production of “8,” worked with Black on the original play and is a graduate of UCLA with a MFA in Playwriting. “I’m excited to be able to bring to my hometown a project I am so proud of having a part in creating,” said Gibbens.

Following the play’s reading there will be a panel discussion concerning the play, and the history and future of Prop. 8. Kate Sullivan Gibbens will discuss adapting the trial transcripts to the play and working with Dustin Lance Black. Other panel members include plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandra Stier. Sacramento’s Steve Hanson will be speaking and Dr. Larry Levine, Law Professor at the McGeorge School of Law will be on the panel.

“8” had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere on September 19, 2011 in New York City. Its West Coast premiere was at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles with an all-star cast.

“People need to witness what happened in the Prop 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter,” said AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black. “The goal of ‘8’ is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light.”

Currently, casting for the Sacramento production is almost complete. A majority of the participating actors and notable personalities will be local with one or two acceptations.
.

“8” will play at the Crest Theater (1013 K Street Downtown Sacramento) at 8pm, Saturday, October, 20, 2012. Tickets are on sale and range from $18, $28 $48, to $80VIP. This is a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. For more information and tickets go to: www.8insacramento.com and LIKE their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/8insacramento.com .

Casting Notes:

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon will play Judge Walker.

Playing the three lawyers will be actor/activist Ben Patrick Johnson
(www.benpatrickjohnson.com) as Ted Olson, B Street Theater favorite, Kurt Johnson as David Boies, and Sacramento Theater Company powerhouse, Matt K. Miller as Charles Cooper.

Los Angeles Comedian Thai Rivera (www.thairivera.com) will play plaintiff Jeff Zarillo along with Evan Brienza as Paul Katami.

Local teen actor twins, Grant and Austin Laut will portray Spencer and Eliott Perry.

Los Angeles actor and playwright Patrick Burns is featured as witness Ryan Kendall, along with Steve Minnow, Robin Hushbeck, Eason Donner, Michel RJ Campbell, and Nanci Zoppi. Also playing witnesses are local politician Ben Phillips and gay rights pioneer George Raya.

Janis Stevens will take on gay rights foe, Maggie Gallagher and Jessica Goldman will play the clerk.

“8” SACRAMENTO CAST LIST

Broadcast Journalist (TBA)
Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker Christopher Cabaldon (Mayor of West Sacramento)
Theodore B. Olson (Plaintiffs’ attorney) Ben Patrick Johnson (Model, Actor, Gay Activist www.benpatrickjohnson.com )
David Boies (Plaintiffs’ attorney) Kurt Johnson (Sacramento Actor)
Charles J. Cooper (Proponents’ attorney) Matt K Miller (Sacramento Actor, Director, Playwright, Teacher)
Jeff Zarrillo (Plaintiff) Thai Rivera (LA – Comic - http://thairivera.com/)
Paul Katami (Plaintiff) Evan Brienza (Sacramento Actor)
Sandy Stier (Plaintiff) (TBA)
Kris Perry (Plaintiff) (TBA)
Elliot (Kris and Sandy’s son) Grant Laut (Sacramento Actor)
Spencer (Kris and Sandy’s son) Austin Laut (Sacramento Actor)
Dr. Nancy Cott (Plaintiffs’ witness) Robin Hushbeck (Sacramento Actress)
Maggie Gallaager (Marriage Equality opponent) Janis Stevens (Sacramento Actress)
Dr. Ilan Meyer (Plaintiff’s witness) Eason Donner (Sacramento Actor)
Ryan Kendall (Plaintiff’s witness) Patrick Burns (LA – From Foster Care to Fabulous)
Dr. Gregory Herek (Plaintiff’s witness) Michael RJ Campbell (Sacramento Actor)
Dr. Gary Segura (Plaintiff’s witness) Nanci Zoppi (Sacramento Actress)
Dr. William Tam (Prop 8 proponent) Ben Phillips (running for SMUD board)
David Blanenhorn (Proponent’s witness) Steve Minnow (Sacramento Actor)
Evan Wolfson (Marriage Equality advocate) George Raya (Gay Rights Pioneer)
Court clerk Jessica Goldman

Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Turns 21

2012-10-09T05:20:50Z

In their 21st year of presenting films that touch the hearts and minds of our local community, the Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (SIGLFF) opens Thursday, October 11, 2012 and runs through Saturday, October 13th at the Crest Theater.

Opening night, Thursday, October 11th begins with quiet de luxe, a science fiction film short of two girls who communicate with each other across time on an antique typewriter.

Cloudburst is a film by American-Canadian writer and director Thom Fitzgerald, is a must-see by everyone. The film stars Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker as Stella and Dotty, a lesbian couple from Maine who embark on a Thelma and Louise-style road trip to Nova Scotia to get married after Dotty is moved into a nursing home by her granddaughter. The film also includes newcomer, Ryan Doucette as a hitchhiker the two women pick up along the way.

Immediately after the opening night showing, there will be a question and answer session after the film, Cloudburst. Actor Ryan Doucette who plays the handsome hitchhiker will answer questions.

Friday, October 12th begins with a Jewish theme, though situated in the USA, Shabbat Dinner is a short film of two boys who meet at a family dinner. This coming out story is about finding acceptance and truth as a teenager.

The main course Friday is a compelling drama from Turkey. Zenne Dancer is drawn from the true stories of Zenne Can. Consider three unlikely friends, a hyper-masculine gay bear, a German photo-journalist, and Can (Zanne) a male belly-dancer. The three friends face together intolerance in Istanbul. This is an honest and unflinching look of living openly gay in an oppressive country.

Saturday, closing night is the most popular night as it is “shorts” night. From five countries, including the USA, thirteen film shorts will be shown. Many issues are touched on including bullying, personal relationships, learning how to kiss, a lesson in gender bending, and a young spy gets more than he expected.

One film short, directed by Jeff Sumner, Dirty Talk, Nathan, a conservative English teacher, tells his best friend, Zach, about a one-night-stand with a hot Latin man who loves to talk dirty.

At the completion of the film shorts Director Jeff Sumner and actors Jason Boegh and David Neuendorff will be participating in a question and answer period about their film, Dirty Talk.

Closing the evening is a special showing of Prowler. This 7 min. film short is from local filmmaker, Dawn D. Deason. Prowler is a nail-biter when a stalker is after beautiful Sedona Venegas (Natalie West) in a Sacramento neighborhood. As the stalker follows her movements through the house, Sedona notices a few odd movements and noises outside. Is it her imagination?

The Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival awarded Dawn D. Deason with their 2012 Competition Grant for her debut short film. Writer/Director Deason will be available for a question and answer session Saturday after the showing.

VIP Tickets are $40 and allow pass-holders entry to all three spectacular nights, 6:00pm early entry with complementary hors d’ oeuvres and wine, and choice of seating. $10 General seating each day. Tickets are available at the Crest Theater, The Beat music store, and tickets.com.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a local Freelance Journalist and LGBTQ Activist. Pierce owns a Public Relations and Social Media Consulting business here in Sacramento. You can contact Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Soaring Gas Prices Prompts 7 Tips On Saving Gas

2012-10-07T15:35:15Z

I recently realized that two things I desperately needed to get under control. First, gas prices have shot up...way up, and while prices will certainly level out, it’s just a matter of time when we will be facing higher prices once again.

Alright I can’t do anything about that, however I also noticed my Subaru Outback wasn’t getting the MPG (miles per gallon) I was getting several months ago. I had to have some answers so I asked Stephan White, Owner of Stephan’s Auto Haus, what is going on and how can I save on fuel?

“While there are the obvious answers to your question, like driving slower and cutting down on non-important trips, taking public transportation or riding a bike, there are a few things most people don’t think about when it comes down to finding ways to reduce fuel consumption when using a vehicle.” answered White.

1 First, if your Wheels are not aligned properly, they are fighting against themselves and causing wear as they “scrub” the road. This causes more rolling resistance. Higher rolling resistance uses more fuel.

2 Shocks and Struts are important too, keeping the tires “on the road” instead of bouncing which causes uneven wear of your tires. Once this happens, there will be high and low spots created on your tires better known as “chopped” tires. Replacing worn Shocks and Struts will help save fuel.

3 Tire rotation saves fuel too. Keeping your tires wearing evenly helps for easy road resistance, thus saving on gas use.

4 Regular changing of your oil and air filter…yes really, changing your engine oil gets rid of fuel robbing deposits that your engine creates under normal driving conditions. Replacing your Engine Air Filter saves your engine from struggling to pull air though the dirty air filters.

5 Tire pressure is obvious and most suggested by experts. A properly filled tire pressure will help reduce rolling resistance of your tires. Once again the lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel consumption you will experience.

6 Back in the day, they used to be called tune ups, but today they are maintenance services that are done at certain mileage intervals, mostly at 20/40/60k miles. These services are required to protect your new car warranty, but they also save fuel.

7 Lastly, Stephan suggested I get a GPS device for my car as I recently did. When I calculate a trip I mostly use the “Shortest Distance” calculation and was surprised to find short cuts I never knew about before. Cutting down the distance to and from places I travel daily has shown a vast improvement at the gas pump.

Stephan’s Auto Haus is a full service, auto repair shop specializing in German, Japanese and Domestic automobiles. The shop is located at 3950 Attawa Ave., Sacramento, CA 95822. For a free multi-point inspection call Service Advisor Robert Mosqueda or owner Stephan White at (916) 456-3040 or check out their Web site at www.StephansAutoHaus.com.

Local Organization hosts Bullying Awareness Conference

2012-10-05T22:53:30Z

Be B.R.A.V.E. – Say Something-Do Something

For many students in the fourteen school districts within Sacramento County and dozens more in outlying areas, attending to school should be, for the most part, happy and memorable.

However for thousands of students who fall under an at-risk category for bullying and peer-abuse, attending school can be extremely stressful, mentally and physically abusive, and at times, simply unbearable.

There is a difference between peer-conflict and outright peer-abuse. Reasons at-risk students are targeted for peer-abuse can be religious, physical attributes, social status, being handicapped, and perceptions of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

October is National Anti-bullying Awareness Month and B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really are Violating Everyone) Society, a Sacramento grassroots non-profit bringing awareness to the bullying and peer-abuse problem in our schools and community and the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is sponsoring a bullying awareness conference and community fair.

This informative and fun event is for families, teachers, administrators, professionals and the general public and is entirely free.

Registration begins at 11:30am, Saturday, October, 20, 2012 at the Saca Community Center, 2469 Rio Linda Blvd., Sacramento, CA. The conference portion begins at noon and runs through 3:00pm. A Community Resource Fair will continue through 5:00pm.

For more information contact: Lisafordberry@bravesociety.org or visit the web site at www.BraveSociety.org.

Program Overview

The conference opens with a short welcome and entertainment from the Maquilli Tonatiua Aztec Dancers and Jovi Radtke, spoken word artist who will perform an original piece for this event. In addition, peer abuse survivors, 7 year old Giovanni Sandoval , and Veronica Sukkary will offer words of encouragement.

Between 12:30pm and 1:00pm Deborah Shafer , mother of two children who watched her youngest child suffer at the hands of her child’s peers through cyberbullying will speak to others encouraging them to stand up and, “Say Something”.

Lisa Ford Berry , founder of B.R.A.V.E. Society and mother of two sons, the youngest son she lost in 2008 on his 17th birthday due to a peer abuse driven bullycide in response to relentless hate-biased cyberbullying, will tell her story and address being able to “Do Something”.

From 1:00 – 3:00pm conference attendees will be encouraged to move to breakout sessions to learn more about how to make their schools and community a safer place.

“Bullying 101” is a session that will answer the question: What is bullying, who bullies and why? There also be tips for family members and friends of bullying victims. Matt Huckabay, Executive Director at the Center for Violence Free Relationships and President of the Board of Directors for the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault and several other professional organizations will facilitate this session.

In the next session, “Caring and Courageous Kids” facilitator, Dee Di Gis, school Speech Language Therapist, wrote and directed a film, Which Team Will You Choose. She will screen and talk about working with students in her school who were affected by bullying as well as those who have witnessed bullying, but did not know what to do help their fellow students.

“Seth’s Law, and What You Can Do” is an important session anyone who knows a student in school or is in some way connected with a school will want to attend. Facilitators James Gilliam, a well-known attorney and Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California and John Merical, retired Police Captain from the Sacramento City Police Department and current director for Oak Park Outreach Service will lead a discussion on Seth’s Law which became law as of July 1, 2012.

This law requires all public schools to put procedures in place to address incidents of bullying and to explicitly state their policies on discrimination against gay and lesbian students as well as against all other minorities.

“The Justice League” is a forum that will offer insights and tips for parents, legal guardians, and educators to learn how to distinguish the difference between peer abuse and peer conflict and to reinforce their roles as trusted resources to help students as heroes to confront the bullying in constructive and safe ways.

The two facilitators of this session include: Joanna Jullien , mother of two sons, trained at U.C. Berkeley in Social Anthropology. She is also author of the ebook, “The Authority In Me: The Power of Family Life in the Network Culture – A Parent’s Voice in the Cyber Wilderness”. Valinda Frost was a victim of peer abuse while growing up in poverty. Today she has earned her M.A. in education with duel emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction and Administrative Leadership and currently working on her doctorate.

“Resiliency Ready” will be facilitated by Dr. Shadi Jani M.D ., a physician with an extensive background in Social and Community medicine and Margaret Scott, Professor of Psychology at American River College. Those who attend this breakout session get to understand the ability of individuals, families and communities to effectively handle and overcome adversity or significant stress in ways that are not only effective but promote health, wellness and lead to an increased ability to act in response to future life crises.

In “Safety and Security”, attendees will learn how families can stay safe using the internet at home. Facilitators include: Linda McCarthy is the former Senior Director of Internet Safety at Symantec, and has 20+ years’ experience helping families and corporations with security. McCarthy is the author of “Own Your Space”, the most downloaded security content for teens in the world.

Nicholas Phirippidis, FBI Special Agent is assigned to the Violent Crimes Against Children Squad of the Sacramento FBI field office where he has been investigating child pornography and cyber terrorism investigations for the past five years, will give a presentation on “FBI Internet Safety.” Topics covered will be social networking, cyberbullying, sexting, and share a few real-life FBI case studies.

From 3:00pm to 5:00pm there will be a free and fun Community Resource Fair for the entire family. There will be street entertainers, free food, and several organizations that will be on hand to offer their services and valuable information to the community.

The Sacramento Kings Dancers will be our special guests and will perform two dances for everyone attending.

For the youth in attendance there will be martial arts demonstrations , a mini basketball camp , and children will be encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

In addition door prizes and much more will be offered to make the conference and fair both informative and fun for the entire family.

SIGLFF Launch Party this Wednesday

2012-09-18T05:02:51Z

The Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (SIGLFF), is celebrating their 21st Anniversary, October 11-13, 2012.

Before the red carpet is unfurled in October, festival organizers are hosting a “Launch Party” on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at the ever-popular Il Fornaio Restaurant, 400 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, 95814 from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

This event will be a premiere unveiling of the 2012 SIGLFF Program. Attendees will have the first opportunity to view full-length trailers and purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public.

Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the Launch Party will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine. There is a requested donation of $10 or a VIP Festival Pass which you can purchase at the door.

Program Sneak Peak:

SIGLFF has outdone their selves this year with a program that is sure to please everyone in the audience.

Opening night, Thursday, October 11 will include a romantic road movie, Cloudburst and a short, quiet de luxe. Cloudburst stars Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker. Playing an aging couple, Stelia and Dot, runs away from being forced to live in a nursing home and heads to Canada where they can legally marry. On the way they pick up a young hitchhiker which makes the trip all the more interesting. The short,quiet de luxe is an interesting sci-fi where two girls communicate across time through an antique typewriter.

Friday, October 12, will feature a colorful contemporary story and a short. Shabbat Dinner. Zenne Dancer is a story of three unlikely friends, a gay bear, a male belly dancer and a German photo-journalist. Through fear and intrigue, the film is an honest and unflinching look at living openly gay in a mostly intolerant country, Turkey. Shabbat Dinner tells a story of family pressures, social norms, and a universal experience that is rarely discussed in mainstream media.

The festival’s closing is always a favorite with audiences. Saturday, October 13 is Shorts Night! Experience an eclectic collection of LGBT short films that will have you laughing, crying, and every emotion in between.

This year SIGLFF proudly presents a film short from local Sacramento filmmakers, Dawn D. Deason and Clayton Moore with an original score by local composer Antoine Tramble. Prowler, starring local actress, Natalie West as Sedona Venegas. The movie mixes suspense with voyeurism. This is a film that will have you gripping the arm of the person seated next to you.

For more information: www.siglff.org

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is owner of Ken Pierce Public Relations in Sacramento, CA. To contact him email kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Labor Day Weekend 2012 – Follow the Rainbow

2012-08-28T14:25:01Z

Labor Day Weekend marks the end of summer and there is no better way to celebrate the changing of seasons and the beginning of a new school year than heading to Midtown Sacramento for the 26th Anniversary of Sacramento Rainbow Festival.

This exciting event was founded in 1986 by local businessman Terry Sidie, a longtime supporter of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community. In the beginning the festival was created by Sidie to help raise funds for the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. Twenty-six years later over $500,000 has been raised to help an ever-expanding list of non-profits. The event also serves to educate and bring awareness to the public the services those organizations provide.

This year the fun begins, Friday, August 31 when 2012 Rainbow Festival hosts dance parties throughout several venues in the Lavender Heights district. The festival Kick-Off Party is at Badlands. Yara Sofia of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars performs with Pollo Del Mar and her cast of Divas from San Francisco’s famous drag show, “Glamzone”. The party starts at 8:00pm with a $5.00 cover. Also the ever popular Club Papi is at Faces Nightclub.

The fun continues Saturday, September 1, 2012 with “Rainbow Ball” at Badlands featuring Adult Entertainment Stars, Underwear Models, Drag Queen Pop-Up Performances, and a special meet and greet with select Rainbow Festival performing artists. This party begins at 10:00pm.

Sunday, September 2, 2012 early morning street closings at 20th Street and K Street will transform Lavender Heights into the hottest Labor Day Weekend Street Fair in Sacramento.

Beginning at 10:00am there will be four entertainment stages and two dance areas as well as various vendors and non-profit booths.

For the first time Sacramento Rainbow festival will allow beer and wine throughout the festival. There will also be a shaded seating area to rest and drink with friends.

The Main Stage will host the Opening Ceremony at 11:00am. From then until 6:00pm there will be wall-to-wall music and entertainment. Top performers include Deborah Cox, Debby Holiday, Lisa Lisa, Utra Nate, Luciana, Erica Jayne, Jessica Sutra, Raquela, and local dance troupe, Thee Boyyyz and spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke. The Woman’s Stage, Latin Stage and Detour Alley© will round out entertainment that is sure to offer something for everyone.

This year introduces Detour Alley©, a new area for adults only. It offers something a little, let’s say, different. The area will be discreetly located between Faces and Lumens, with the entrance through the alley. Full bar services are available in this play area.

The following sponsors help to make this year’s event successful:
RockStar Energy Drink, the Bolt, The Depot, Badlands, Faces, New 100.5, Lumens, Rainbow Pages, Miller Beer, HeadHunters, Budwiser/Bud Light, Bojangles Dance Club, Gloss Magazine, SN&R, Bacardi, Cazadores, CGNIE, LangeTwins Wines, A&W Design Marketing, 42 Below, Cointreau, Waiwera, Disaronno, Jack Daniel’s, Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, Kahula.

A special VIP Weekend Pass will cost $40 and includes cover into Faces, Badlands, Bojangles and The Depot both Saturday and Sunday nights as well as entrance into Rainbow Festival Street Fair on Sunday. And for VIP Pass holders there will be a special VIP After-Party at FACES with special guest Jessica Sutta. The party starts at 10:00pm.

If you just want to enjoy the festival, tickets are $10.00. Kids under 12 get in FREE.

Pre-order your VIP or Festival tickets at Eventbrite http://rainbowfestival-eac2.eventbrite.com/
VIP Wristbands are available at The Depot Main Entrance or Faces.

For directions, stage lineups, and more information check out the Sacramento Rainbow Festival web site or Facebook page: http://cgnie.org/
https://www.facebook.com/events/336114539813060/

SAHANA Presents Colors of Life Premiere

2012-08-28T04:08:53Z

In its California debut, “Colors of Life” features a unique meeting of Classical Indian Dance beautifully choreographed by Meenakshy Bhaskar, a winner of the Young Artist Award from Singapore and Flamenco-based compositions by Roberto Corrias, a renowned Spanish guitarist and Carnatic Music of South India.

The production will feature key aspects of Indian Classical dance and chronicle the arduous spiritual journey taken by the gypsies from India all the way to Spain. Meenakshy Bhaskar capitalizes on her extensive background in several diverse dance styles. Along with Roberto Corrias, Meenakshy explores the rhythm and heartbeat of the gypsies as they stole their way through Europe.

This production is presented by Sacramento based South Asian Heritage Arts in North America (SAHANA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting South Asian arts in the Greater Sacramento region.

This presentation will take place on Friday, September 21, 2012 at Three Stages, at the Folsom Lake College Campus, 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630 at 7:30pm. Tickets will be $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for Seniors/Student/Children. To purchase tickets online visit www.threestages.net or can be purchased at the door.

Artist Bios:

Meenakshy Bhaskar:

Winner of the Young Artist Award in Dance from the National Arts Council, Singapore in 1996. She started he dance career as a prodigy in classical Indian dance, but went on to study modern dance at the University of Wisconsin. Meenakshy has won rave reviews with her overseas performances in Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia and India. She has also performed with ASEAN on several occasions representing her country. She has become known for her unique dance choreography rooted in the Bharat Natyam idiom while exploring western concepts and modern themes. Currently based in California where she runs a Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, she continues to stage dance productions in Singapore regularly.

Roberto Corrias:

Corrias received his degree in music with an instrumental specialization in guitar from the Italian Conservatory of Music. He refined his academic studies, initially, attending Castres University of Music in France, further perfecting his artistic specialization through collaborative encounters with Spain’s best known artists of classical and flamenco guitar in Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Jerez. Since 1978, Roberto Corrias has been studying, teaching, performing, and carrying out extensive research on the artistic expression and language of guitar throughout the Mediterranean, expanding across the globe. Roberto has just released his 3rd CD earlier this year. With numerous concerts behind him, Mr. Corrias continues to tour as a solo performer, and in artistic collaboration, throughout Europe, North Africa and more recently, America.

Organization Wants Schools to take Notice - Seth's Law is in Effect

2012-07-04T02:49:01Z

Peer-abuse and biased harassment is a problem in the best of schools. Last Sunday, “Seth’s Law” which forces public schools to better enforce existing anti-bullying policies took effect.

To those parents whose children were victims of peer abuse-driven bullycide, based on biased harassment, this California law comes too late.

However, for those students returning to school in the fall, it will offer them, as well as their parents’ valuable support in enforcing legal protections as well as creating a transparent compliance structure that schools must follow in order to be in compliance with Seth’s Law.

Authored by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California, ACLU, Gay-Straight Alliance Network, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, AB-9 requires schools to establish policies to prevent peer abuse, be responsive to complaints about bullying, train personnel how to recognize and intervene in bullying, and make resources available to victims of peer abuse.

Seth’s Law was named for Seth Walsh, a 13-year-old from Tahachapi, CA who took his own life, September 2010 after years of relentless peer-abuse, based on biased harassment.

According to the fact sheet on Equality California’s web site, Seth’s mother and friends “report that teachers and school administrators were aware that Seth was being harassed [and abused by his peers] and, in some instances, participated in the harassment. Yet pleas to the school for help were brushed aside”.

Beginning immediately, districts must take steps to improve their school climate, protect against harassment based on sexual orientation and gender expression as well as establish timelines for investigating claims of bullying and abuse. The law also covers religious and ethnic discrimination as well.

One local anti-bullying organization is planning on taking an active role in making sure schools adhere to the new law.

B.R.A.V.E. Society is a grassroots movement based in Carmichael and led by Lisa Ford-Berry who founded the non-profit after her youngest son Michael became a victim of a “peer-abuse driven bullycide” due to cyber-bullying.

On September 15, 2008, on his 17th birthday, Michael was found at Mira Loma High School, in the San Juan School District, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

In a situation very similar to the Walsh family, the Berry family also found themselves “at the mercy of a bureaucratic educational system that was complicated by cover-ups, lies, and deceit,” explained Berry.

Berry has said on numerous occasions “that heartache gave birth to B.R.A.V.E. because Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone”.

“What my son endured while under the care of educational professionals is criminal and until we, as a society place the emphasis and importance on both the child’s emotional wellbeing, as well as their physical wellbeing, peer abuse is going to continue to flourish within our schools and communities.”

Today, Berry is a fearless advocate on behalf of parents and their children. Her deep-held belief that more ties us together than separates us as a community is part of the passion that drives her dedication to our community’s children.

“Back in 2008, we didn’t have the tools, knowledge or the laws we currently have today, such as Seth’s Law, which would have helped my son when he needed it the most. Now if a student reports that he or she is being abused by their peers or harassed, there is legal recourse in place which includes informing the parents as well as identifying the perpetrators so proper actions can be taken,” said Berry who was called upon to testify in front of the legislative committee for AB-9.

Seth’s law was watered down, in-part, due to the original price tag of implementing safe-guards for children. Assemblyman Ammiano could not get the much needed votes in a tight economy where the focus was primarily on the budget and the subsequent deficient. When you add that to “conservatives and their inability and unwillingness to support the safety of all of our children, we were left with a watered down bill. However, it is a step in the right direction because Seth’s Law is the foundation for creating mandated reporting”.

School districts like the Sacramento Unified School District have been pro-active in putting in place the policies outlined, but other districts, especially the outlying ones in typically conservative neighborhoods such as San Juan, may have to be “encouraged” to do more than pay lip service to the law’” said Berry.

Lisa Berry makes it quite clear that for her, peer abuse and biased harassment, is a deeply personal issue, and she has no tolerance or patience for the all too often standard reply, “kids will be kids”.

Berry goes on to say, “Adults need to stop their own apathetic indifferences when it comes to peer on peer abuse. We are dealing with the behavior of abuse regardless of how we attempt to soften it. Furthermore, when we minimize that abusive behavior we are telling our children they are not loved, they are not worthy, and they are not important. We need to change how we treat our children who are being terrorized by their peers”.

On July 12, Berry, who has been extremely outspoken in the media, on the speakers circuit, and as an expert witness at legislative hearings about peer abuse biased harassment, is seeking to bring together a coalition of classroom teachers, school administrators, parents, law enforcement, city and state legislators, organization and community leaders, youth representatives, mental health professionals, researchers, and members of the community locally and from neighboring counties, to form an anti-peer-abuse task force.

The main intent of the task force will be to work together to actively bring awareness of the peer-abuse problem to the public at-large, especially during October, which is deemed National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month.

In addition, the task force will serve as a clearing house for parents, students and administrators in making sure school districts and their schools, principles, and teachers are implementing anti-peer abuse and harassment laws, aggressively protecting all at-risk students, while allowing all students, no matter what their physical attributes, physical/mental handicaps, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, and religious background, to be themselves in a safe atmosphere so they may have the same educational experience all students have the right to have in their schools and community.

For more information about attending the first meeting of the B.R.A.V.E. task force July 12, visit their web site at www.BraveSociety.org or RSVP Lisa Berry at lisafordberry@bravesociety.org.

Sacramento Living Library hosts Father of Gay Activism here in Sacramento

2012-06-28T11:37:46Z

Beginning in the late 1970’s and throughout the 1980’s many important gay activists were devastated by the AIDS epidemic. With them went their personal stories of coming out, experiences of discrimination, and what they did to fight back.

It is rare that we are able to hear such an important advocate for civil rights speak in person; however on Sunday, June 2, long-time gay-Hispanic civil rights activist, George Raya delighted an audience of around 40 people with his stories of what it was like being gay in the ‘60’s, ‘70’s and 80’s. He also reminisced about his personal accomplishments in the struggle for basic civil rights and legal acceptance.

Raya began by talking about how his family, about the time he was 16 already had a transgendered and lesbian family member so when he finally came out at 19, it really wasn’t that big of a deal.

Majoring in Government at Sacramento State, Raya helped to start the very first club for gay students. “Of the group of 20 students in the club, we were both determined and frightened. At our first meeting, every time we heard a knock on the door, we thought it as the police coming to arrest us’” said Raya.

There was a great deal of resistance from the college administration so Raya and the rest of the club took them to court in order to gain their charter. Finally they won and the Society for Homosexual Freedom was established.

In 1972, Raya graduated from Sacramento State and left to study law at UC Berkeley. It wasn’t long before he decided that law wasn’t the direction he wanted to go so he left the Bay Area with a wealth of connections to other gay activists he would come to work beside in the coming years.

In 1974, Raya became the first full-time gay rights legislative advocate in Sacramento. His first success was Willie Brown’s Consenting Adult Bill in 1975 (AB 489). The bill, for the first time legalized sex between consenting adults and paved the way to other civil rights legislation.

It was Raya’s involvement in that groundbreaking bill earned him an invitation to the White House in 1977. History was made when President Jimmy Carter allowed for the first time ever, a formal discussion of gay rights in the White House. There were 13 other activists, besides Raya who came from all over the nation.

“The results of that three-hour meeting led to many important federal policy changes that altered lives of gays and lesbians for the better, “said Raya.

Today Raya is a case manager for the County Department of Human Assistance and he continues to be active in community, political and social events and issues.

Sacramento LGBT and Allied Community Reacts to Prop 8 Ruling

2012-06-07T06:06:09Z

Tuesday, shortly after the ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denying an en banc hearing, upholding an earlier ruling that Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, LGBT leaders and community members gathered at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center for a press conference.

Shara Murphy, Executive Director of the Center hosted members of the Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW, same-sex couples who are waiting to be married, representatives of organizations such as the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento City Councilman elect, Steve Hansen, as well as allies and members of the community.

While most are happy that the decision, basically indicated that the State of California and California’s highest court all agree that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and should be struck down and may move to the Supreme Court, many same-sex couple’s patience are wearing thin.

Dr. Nicola Simmersbach and Diana Luiz had planned on heading out of town for their sixth anniversary of being together in a relationship under a domestic partnership, but decided to stay in town and attend the news conference at the Center.

Dr. Simmersbach, an individual and couples therapist, expressed her conflict in a telephone interview. “On the one hand it would be nice if it did go on to the Supreme Court and we win. That would really help states where achieving marriage equality would be difficult. On the other hand this is extremely personal, and because Diana has health issues, we need those protections you can only have by being married, not in a domestic partnership.”

“There are times Diana cannot speak to her Doctor and I must intercede on her behalf,” Dr. Simmersbach explained. “I can’t tell you how many times I am reminded since I am not a ‘spouse or relative’ they cannot discuss her health record with me. This is serious and we need legal relief now, not in a year or two when the courts decide. As a citizen of this country and state Diana and I do not think we need permission from the people of California nor the courts for full equality, and it’s frustrating living like this day-in and day-out!”

In an interview with News 10 later in the day, Ken Pierce and Lisa Ford Berry expressed the importance of marriage equality for young people. Berry is founder of B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) Society and Pierce, a media consultant and LGBT activist.

“In considering marriage equality in light of my son’s bullycide in 2008 on his 17th birthday due to a perceived notion he was gay and who was subjected to peer abuse and harassment, I know that family meant a great deal to my son. In my travels all over the state I meet other young people who are conflicted because of their religious beliefs and connection to their family, but because of their sexual orientation and not having positive role-models, feel they are condemned by society”, said Berry.

“As a straight woman living here in America, I have always had choices. I could have chosen not to get married, though I did. I could have chosen not to have children, though I did. I did both of those things because it was important to both my husband and myself, and it is part of who we are as a society. Why is that any different to a young person who is in love with someone of the same sex? They want the same things as I do so why would I, or anyone, deny them the same pursuit of stability and happiness as I have had all my life?”

“I agree with same-sex couples who are tired of waiting, but from the standpoint that we need to give our young people hope now, and not wait another year or two while the country is having a ‘discussion’ about marriage equality. I don’t want another 13 year old to end his or her life because they feel alone and their own dreams of falling in love, getting married and raising a family is just that – a dream. We need to make it a reality here in California now!” exclaimed Berry.

Proponents of Prop 8 have 90 days to file with the Supreme Court, asking them to review the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court. If the Court decided to take Prop 8 on, the earliest a decision could be made would be July 2013.

In an interview Wednesday, David Boies, co-lead counsel for the plaintive couples said, “So, our goal was to seek the overturn of Proposition 8 in California. We have succeeded in doing that so far in the district court, and now in the Ninth Circuit…We have an obligation to our clients and to the citizens of California who’ve been waiting now for nearly four years for the opportunity to get married like their fellow citizens. And, we would want to preserve that victory fundamentally.”

So the thousands of committed same-sex couples and their families, friends, and allies who are ready to line up at the city or county clerks offices all across the state of California wait and go about their lives, still as second-class citizens, still as steadfast in their convictions as they were four years ago when all of this began in earnest, still hoping their dreams will come true.

B.R.A.V.E. Organization Backs Positive Outcome in the Prop 8 Case Tomorrow

2012-06-05T04:39:18Z

Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center Hosts Community Gathering

An announcement was made today that the Ninth Circuit will issue an order tomorrow around 10:00am on the court’s web site, concerning marriage equality here in California.

To date, in a decision by a three-judge panel after a fiery hearing, affirmed Judge Walker’s decision striking down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional. Those who supported Prop 8 were frustrated. So in a “play to slow down the process of marriage equality”, they asked the ninth Circuit for an en banc rehearing. They were basically saying “we do not like the decision from those three judges so we want an 11 judge panel to re-hear the case”, hoping to perhaps put on a more coherent case and hoping this time what they argue will fall on more sympathetic ears.

B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) was founded by Lisa Ford-Berry after her youngest son Michael became a victim of “bullycide” due to cyber-bullying on his 17th birthday, September 15, 2008. A Sacramento based non-profit, grassroots corporation, the organization specialize in peer abuse prevention, and parenting advocacy workshops that teach parents how to document, report and protect venerable, and at-risk youth.

Berry is excited that the Prop 8 case is finally progressing and another important decision will be made tomorrow. “Marriage is an important institution because it represents stability, loyalty, with a central element of love and commitment. Children of all sexual orientations need to know that they are not a freak of nature, that they are who they are for a reason. A family with a mom and dad, two mom’s, two dads, or even a single parent is still a family, a family who deserves the exact same legal protections under the law. Marriage equality is one piece of the puzzle I know will save young lives and provide them with hope they would not have had otherwise”.

Tomorrow the Ninth Circuit could issue an order saying that a re-haring in front of 11 judges is denied. If that happens, Judge Reinhardt’s opinion stands, and the pro-Prop 8 supporters can then petition for certiorari at the Supreme Court level. If the Supreme Court were to deny the review, the Ninth Circuit’s decision would stand, and we would have full marriage equality here in California. If the Supreme Court grants a review, there will be another briefing and oral arguments and a decision next year.

In other words, it’s complicated! Everyone will have to wait for the decision. The next move by either side is expected to be played out not long after the decision.

Shara Murphy, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is inviting the community to gather at the Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811) to await the 10:00am decision. An official response will be made at the Center within an hour of the publication of the decision.

Equality Action NOW Presents “Spirit of Harvey Milk” Awards

2012-05-28T08:15:03Z

Last Tuesday was Harvey Milk Day in California. Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights organization hosted their third annual Harvey Milk Day celebration at Mulvaney’s in Midtown Sacramento.

The event was well attended. Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN opened the event by giving a brief history of the organization. Ken Pierce, EAN’s long-time Public Relations Director, Angela Luna, 5th grade teacher and author of “In Celebration of Harvey Milk”, and Diana Lutz, all former recipients of the Harvey Milk Award, introduced and presented this year’s recipients of the “Spirit of Harvey Milk” Awards.

The “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award is given out to community members and activist who best represent the essence of what Milk stood for in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.

This year’s “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award went to the following:

Jennie Reiken, Former Equality California (EQCA) local organizer who ran a call-center here in Sacramento, informing and encouraging local citizens to support Marriage Equality by defeating Prop 8. Reiken’s team of volunteers also was instrumental in gaining support and encouraging others to call the Governor to sign the Harvey Milk Day bill. Currently, Reiken is working at the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento in suicide prevention for foster, homeless and LGBTQ youth in Sacramento County. .

Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, Individual and couples counselor, worked to bring equality to county mental health workers, educated peer mental health professionals on “reparative therapy” dangers to young people, organized vigil after several gay youth committed suicide, and was on the front line fighting Prop 8.

Ben Hudson, Director of the Gender Health Center, transgender and gender non-conformity activist offers training to therapists with transgender patients. Gender Health Center provides professional, accessible mental health services and supportive counseling to anyone who expresses the need with a focus on individuals associated with the Transgender, Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay communities in a safe and supportive environment.

Emily Bender, Currently Community Organizer at Sacramento Mutual Housing Association. For 10 years, Bender has also served as Adult Advisor and Facilitator for the Friday Night Youth Group at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. She also co-founded the 20-Something Group also at the Center.

Lawrence Shweky, Coordinator, Integrated Support Services at Sacramento City Unified School District. Organized recently an LGBT Anti-bullying Conference for Professionals sponsored by the SCUSD. A straight ally to the LGBTQ community, Shweky is leading the way for school districts to implement the FAIR Education Act (SB-48) and put an end to peer abuse in our schools.

State Senator Mark Leno, Sen. Leno (D-San Francisco) authored both the Harvey Milk Day bill and the FAIR Education Act (SB-48). He has been a champion legislator on gay and civil rights issues as well as youth mental health and protection issues.

FAIR Education Act Discussed in Program Honoring Harvey Milk

2012-05-21T02:45:28Z

Though it was a sparse crowd, none-the-less the first of several events honoring Harvey Milk, last Tuesday, was exciting, informative, and meaningful.

Held at the beautiful California Museum and hosted by The Harvey Milk Foundation, Equality California (EQCA) and the California State LGBT Legislative Caucus, the event focused on a discussion of the FAIR Education Act (SB 48) as well as related issues including peer abuse which is prevalent in some of our schools.

The FAIR Education Act authored by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) mandates all California schools to be more inclusive in teaching students about the history and accomplishments LGBT people have in American society.

Because of the questions raised by far-right extremist and faith-based political organizations the Harvey Milk Foundation thought a program dispelling rumors and untruths those organizations have made public would be helpful and a great way to honor the memory of Harvey Milk.

To open the evening Speaker of the Assembly, John A. Pérez gave a speech about the importance of the FAIR Education Act. After informing the audience of a few historical instances where LGBT people played a pivotal role in American history, he said, “By ensuring our students understand the importance, not just of Harvey Milk and the Stonewall Riots, but also the artists, business leaders, and military leaders who are LGBT who made enormous contributions to our society, ensuring that the work to build a more just society, a more perfect union continues to evolve.”

Members of the panel discussing the FAIR Education Act included, Stewart Milk, nephew of Harvey and co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation; Sen. Mark Leno, author of the legislation that created Harvey Milk Day as well as the FAIR Education Act; Anne Kronenberg, also co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, and who was depicted in the movie, MILK and served as Harvey Milk’s campaign manager when he ran for San Francisco City Supervisor. Kronenberg currently serves as Director of the Department of Emergency Management for the City and County of San Francisco.

In addition, panel members included, Thomas Adams, PH.D., Director of Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources for the California Department of Education; Laurie Hasenamp, Interim Director of EQCA; and Dr. Larry Levine, Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific where he teaches Sexual Orientation and the Law.

The discussion was highly informative, not only dispelling myths about what the FAIR Education Act is and does, but how it will be implemented in the schools.

Stewart Milk talked about the role The Harvey Milk Foundation is taking on education. “The only way societal change happens is through education,” explained Milk.

He went on to talk about two centers named after his uncle that recently opened in Italy and how they both have educational programs that not only promote LGBT equality, but equality for all people.

Sen. Leno said the two bills, Harvey Milk Day and the FAIR Education Act are “linked due to Harvey Milk being the first openly gay man elected to a public office in California and gay hero to so many LGBT people and allies”, and the fact that educating students about his accomplishments on gay and civil rights issues will allow LGBT students to identify with those like Milk and encourage them to feel good about themselves.

The rest of the program was discussing implementation if the FAIR Education Act.

Stuart Milk said about not waiting on the textbooks with LGBT inclusion, “We continue to lose young people every day because we’re not teaching inclusion, we’re not teaching diversity. The individuals we have lost takes a toll, not just on losing them but on our entire society. We have lost the next Steve Jobs; we’ve lost the next Sen. Leno, because we are not doing the job of teaching inclusion in our schools. So I don’t accept that we have to wait until 2016 before the next generation of text books are out.”

Dr. Adams of the State Education Office and EQCA’s Laurie Hasenamp both confirmed that implementation is immediate with teachers adding it to their lesson plans while new teaching materials are being developed. While not all schools are following through with the implementation, in the coming months and year, that too will be addressed.

Harvey Milk Day events continue on his birthday, Tuesday, May 22, 2012. First, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will be on the west steps of the California State Capitol building at 4:00pm where they will premiere their new Harvey Milk Day Anthem: “Give ‘Em Hope!”. This is a free event.

From 6-8pm, Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local grassroots civil rights organization is hosting their 3rd Annual Harvey Milk Day Celebration at Mulvaney’s Next Door to the B&L, 1215 19th Street, Sacramento from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. During a short program, special guest, Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) who sponsored the bill that created Harvey Milk Day will receive EAN’s “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award. Five other community members will also receive the award.

The staff at Mulvany’s will provide delicious hors d'oeuvres with a cash bar. Local popular spoken word entertainer; Jovi Radtke will perform an original piece especially for the event. Tickets are $25 online (www.EqualityActionNOW.org) through May 21st or $30 at the door. For more information contact Event Coordinator, Chris Packey at cjpackey@yahoo.com.

Beginning at 8:0pm, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus makes a stop on their “California Freedom Tour 2012” with the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus as their special guests. The chorus will perform at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. The concert will benefit the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. Tickets are $35 reserved $25 general, $10 students and seniors. At the door it will be $40/$30/$10. Reserve your seats at www.saccenter.org/sfmenschorus.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is owner of Ken Pierce Public Relations in Sacramento, CA. To contact him email kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Equality Action NOW Applauds President Obama

2012-05-11T01:01:36Z

“It is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

It was short and sweet. History was made Wednesday as the first sitting president to ever come out for full marriage equality, not civil unions, but marriage equality across the board.

President Obama has come to the decision that it is in the best interest for our country to accept committed same-sex couples and afford them the same rights and privileges straight couples have.

Members of the board of directors of Equality Action NOW, a Sacramento local grassroots civil rights organization were elated with the news but as their middle name implies, they look forward to walking up to a county clerk, asking for a marriage license, and not be turned away as they have year after year on Valentine’s Day.

“Thank you Mr. President for the public acknowledgment that we are all deserve the right to marry if we choose. In this coming election year please remember that though words go far; actions change the world.” said board member Vihil Heather Vigil.

Secretary Rachel Pearman wrote, “I am so happy that the President’s evolved understanding of same-sex marriage resulted in a public and unequivocal acknowledgement that there is no difference in the love or commitment found in same-sex relationships. This has been a long and hard-fought battle but each mind that is changed bring all of us closer to a world where our differences do not separate us rather they allow us to relish in the uniqueness of each life.”

Board member, 5th grade teacher, and author of “A Celebration of Harvey Milk”, Angela Luna said, “As a gay American, it’s beyond affirming to have our President stand up and make a public declaration of human dignity that pertains to everyone, not only a fraction of the country. If one believes in freedom and what the country was founded on, then supporting full equality is the logical, moral, and humane course of action.”

Many of EAN members frankly con not care how, when, or why he finally come the conclusion about marriage equality except he is the first to hold the highest office in the land to affirm the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer 2nd class citizens, and will forever listed in the history books as doing so.

Co-founder and Executive Director, Tina Reynolds, simply put, “I say yea – now legalize gay and all the rights that we should have to be truly equal!”

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is President of the Board of Directors and Communications Director for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization. You can reach Mr. Pierce by email at: ken@equalityactionnow.org

Sacramento Celebrates Harvey Milk Day, May 22nd

2012-05-07T04:26:17Z

This year Harvey Milk Day will be marked with several events here in Sacramento.

Harvey Milk was a leader in the gay rights movement who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. This made him the nation’s first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city. Milk, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone was assassinated by ousted Supervisor Dan White, November 27, 1978.

On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill (SB 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. This year, during the week of May 21 – 25, schools are encouraged to educate students about a leader whose courageous work helped to end discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning community in the 1970’s and set the stage for many of advances of civil rights today.

Two places to research Harvey Milk and order resource materials are the Gay Straight Alliance Network web site and a workbook for grades 5-12 titled, “A Celebration of Harvey Milk” by Sacramento 5th grade teacher, Angela F. Luna.

An early event happens May 15th. The Harvey Milk Foundation and Equality California host’s a celebration at The California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento. A VIP, $100 a person reception begins at 5:30pm. The public is invited to attend a FREE discussion of the FAIR Education Act from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. An after-party is scheduled at Hot Italian. For more information and tickets visit the Harvey Milk Foundation.

On Tuesday, Harvey Milk Day, May 22nd, there are three major events scheduled. The public can attend all three if they wish, making it a full Harvey Milk Day for the whole family.

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will be on the west steps of the California State Capitol building at 4:00pm where they will premiere the new Harvey Milk Day Anthem: “Give ‘Em Hope!”. This is a free event.

From 6-8pm, Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local grassroots civil rights organization is hosting their 3rd Annual Harvey Milk Day Celebration at Mulvaney’s Next Door to the B&L, 1215 19th Street, Sacramento from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. During a short program, special guest, California Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) who sponsored the bill that created Harvey Milk Day will receive EAN’s “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award. Five other community members will also receive the award.

The staff at Mulvany’s will provide a delicious buffet. Local popular spoken word entertainer; Jovi Radtke will perform an original piece especially for the event. An after-party is being planned for Badlands in Midtown Sacramento. Tickets are $25 online at the Equality Action NOW web site through May 19th and $30 at the door. For more information contact Event Coordinator, Chris Packey at cjpackey@yahoo.com.

Beginning at 8:0pm, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus makes a stop on their “California Freedom Tour 2012” with the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus as their special guests. The chorus will perform at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. The concert will benefit the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. Tickets are $35 reserved, $25 general, $10 students and seniors. At the door it will be $40/$30/$10. Reserve your seats at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center's web site.

Equality Action NOW to Host 3rd Harvey Milk Day Celebration

2012-05-06T19:41:01Z

Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization is hosting their third annual, all-ages, Harvey Milk Day celebration, Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mulvaney’s Next Door to the B&L, 1215 19th Street, Sacramento.

Harvey Milk was a leader in the gay rights movement who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. This made him the nation’s first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city. Milk, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone was assassinated by ousted Supervisor Dan White, November 27, 1978.

On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill (SB 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. The signing came on the heels of President Obama awarding Harvey Milk posthumously, the presidential Medal of Freedom Award, August, 2009.

During a short program, invited special guest, State Senator Mark Leno will receive EAN’s “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award. Senator Leno (D-San Francisco) was the author of Senate Bill 572, which created Harvey Milk Day in California. California is the first state in the nation to honor an LGBT hero with a “Day of Special Significance” for students.

It is because of Senator Leno’s tireless efforts in the legislature writing law that helps to increase counseling services to at-risk youth; make sure the achievements of LGBT people are taught to students; and his continued fight for civil rights for all, that he will be presented with the “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award.

Five more members of the community will also be honored and announced during the celebration.

Local, and nationally-known “spoken word” artist and EAN member, Jovi Radtke will perform an original piece especially written for this event.

The staff of Mulvaney’s will provide a luscious buffet with a cash bar. An after-party is being planned for Badlands, Midtown’s popular dance club for the over 21 crowd.

Tickets are available for $25 per person online through May 19th at www.EqualityActionNOW.org and $30 at the door. For more information contact Event Coordinator, Chris Packey at cjpackey@yahoo.com .

"Bully" Hits Sacramento Friday

2012-04-07T07:44:29Z

Following the successful New York/L.A. premiere of “Bully” distributor Harvey Weinstein and filmmaker Lee Hirsch will open the compelling documentary in cities across the U.S. April 13, 2012. Last week the heavy-hitting documentary opened in five theaters and made an average of $23,000 per-theater in a single night.

Here in Sacramento “Bully” will premiere at the Tower Theater for invited guests Tuesday, April 10 then open for a limited run beginning Friday, April 13th.

During the 2009-2010 school year, director Hirsch and his crew followed five families affected by youth bullying by their peers, including two who’s children committed suicide after persistent and intense mental and physical bullying.

“This is a film that should be mandatory for every junior and senior high student to see,” explained Benancio Garza, twenty-year old board member and youth leader for Equality Action NOW, a Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization. “Peer abuse is much more prevalent in our schools then anyone really knows. That is why I believe along with our youth, every single parent, teacher and administrator in Sacramento school districts should be made to see it.”

The documentary gained national attention for the Weinstein Company’s attempt with the Motion Picture Association of America to overturn its “R” rating because of a smattering of bad words spoken by the bullies themselves. Rather than editing out the profane language and dulling the impact that viewers witness these bullies have on their victims, Weinstein decided to release the film “unrated”.

In a surprise move, just days before its April 13 expansion to 55 markets, the Weinstein Company, with the help from Prop 8 attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson and thousands of letters from anti-bullying supporters, announced that the NPAA has lowered the R rating to PG-13.

The scene that has been the focus of controversy is an intense one that shows teen Alex Libby being bullied and harassed on a bus. That scene is fully intact and unedited. Other scenes were edited because of a few f-bombs in order to get the PG-13 rating; however it did not take away the film’s honest and disturbing nature.

Along with Equality Action NOW, helping to get the word out about “Bully” is a local organization, B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) Society. Founder, Lisa Ford Berry, started the organization after her son Michael Joseph Berry was a “victim of peer abuse-driven bullycide on his 17th birthday, September 15, 2008 at Mira Loma High School”.

Berry continues about her hopes for the documentary. “Every time a child dies because of peer-driven bullycide, which is a societal failure whenever an adult or bystander makes a choice to be apathetically indifferent to the suffering of all our children - that is a mockery of all we hold dear. It is my hope “Bully” is able, not only to raise peer abuse awareness to unprecedented levels, but also to keep it raised in a way no one else has been able to do.”

“Sadly, not even the deaths of our children, the suffering of our children, or the injustice our children have endured, have been able to keep the light firmly on peer abuse awareness. I pray this movie is able to change this fact.”

“Bully” opens Friday, April 13, 2012 at the Tower Theater here in Sacramento for a limited engagement. Please consult your local movie listings for the day and times it is being shown.

Francis House 21st Annual “Feast for the Streets”

2012-03-20T04:36:47Z

Francis House Center of Sacramento is celebrating its 41st anniversary. On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, this very important Sacramento agency will host their 21st Annual “Feast for the Streets” Gala, benefiting the homeless organization. This usually sold-out major fundraiser, touted as one of Sacramento’s premiere food, wine and beer tasting event, will take place at the Scottish Rite Center (6151 H Street) from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Even in good economic times the demand for services Francis House Center provides to homeless and desperate individuals and families is high. This year more than any other, Francis House has been overwhelmed with families who in the past would have barely weathered a small downturn but with the unemployment rate so high, especially here in Sacramento, the number of needy families has skyrocketed.

Under the direction of their new Executive Director, Faith Whitmore, Francis House Center is working hard to keep up with unprecedented demand for those vital direct services. Services such as resource counseling and referrals that assist those experiencing poverty in breaking the cycle is most important. Those in need find emergency assistance with transportation and identification, temporary shelter, employment services, advocacy, personal attention and caring.

Francis House Center is supported by a host of interdenominational groups, as well as community grants, businesses and individuals. Funds raised by “Feast for the Streets” will determine the level of services they are able to provide.

The goal of Francis House Center is not to sustain people where they are now, but to help provide the way to lift them towards self-sufficiency. This cornerstone agency in the social service community is more about giving a hand up than a hand out.

On April 25th, forty of Sacramento’s finest restaurants and caterers, along with six exceptional wineries, two brewers and several other business partners will pull together a feast to remember. The evening which begins at 5:30pm will include gala food and wine and beer tasting, music, silent and live auctions, raffle and door prizes and loads of fun.

You can purchase your tickets online at www.francishousecenter.org or at Francis House Center, 1422 C Street. ($50 individual, $100 couple) For more information including Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities call 916-443-2646.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is owner of Ken Pierce Public Relations in Sacramento, CA. To contact him email kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Spring Open House on the Farm

2012-03-18T01:50:50Z

Springtime is right around the corner and everyone is invited to take a break from Sacramento city-life to experience the awakening of nature.

The Center for Land-Based Learning (CLBL) is hosting, "Spring Open House on the Farm", Sunday, April 1, 2012, from noon to 4:00pm.

Springtime is a wonderful time to experience everything the Farm on Putah Creek - Center for Land-Based Learning's educational farm - has to offer you and your family.

There are miles of walking trails along Putah Creek, a bountiful organic market garden, hedgerows in full bloom, and many diverse species of birds and wildlife.

A sampling of the many hands-on activities includes hayrides, guided educational walks along Putah Creek, educational workshops on compost and the Native American uses of plants, and visits to our spring vegetable garden.

You can take part in the feeding and gathering of eggs from the chickens, hold a baby chick, and enjoy seeing a Ewe with her twin lambs up close.

This fun afternoon is free of charge. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with friends and family.

CLBL is dedicated to creating the next generation of farmers and teaching California’s youth about the importance of agriculture and watershed conservation. Combining innovative hands-on experience with classroom learning, participants in CLBL’s many programs develop leadership skills, learn how sustainable agriculture practices contribute to a healthier ecosystem, and create connections to agricultural, environmental, and food system careers.

Students, mostly inner-city from the Sacramento region are selected by their school’s administrators to participate in programs such as SLEWS Program, FARMS Leadership Program, Green Corps, and Caring for our Watersheds.

The Farm on Putah Creek is an easy driving distance from Sacramento and within 10 miles of Davis.

NOTE: For more information, and in case of rain Sunday, April 1st, please check the CLBL website (www.landbasedlearning.org) for an update on the event.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is owner of Ken Pierce Public Relations in Sacramento, CA. To contact him email kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

LGBT Community Reacts to Catholic Rebuff of Francis House Center

2012-03-09T04:49:35Z

Press Conference Called in Front of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center Tomorrow 1:00pm

March 8, 2012 – Earlier today news broke that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, earlier this year, decided that because the new Executive Director of Francis House Center, Reverend Faith Whitmore, supported LGBT marriage rights and the organization, Planned Parenthood, they would abruptly pull their yearly donation to the homeless organization.

While Rev. Whitmore was eloquent in an interview with the Sacramento Bee and News 10 of how she took the news when she received the letter from the Diocese, members of the LGBT community, the faith-based community and homeless rights advocates were quite upset.

Ken Pierce, President of the Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW, a Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization responded by saying, “I have worked with Francis House for three years now and have never asked their position on LGBT or civil rights before I decided to give my time and money to help the poor and homeless.”

“The LGBT community knows what the Catholic Church teaching is, I used to be a Catholic myself, but this in my opinion is a direct slap in the face to Sacramento homeless and poor families. It is they who will suffer if a program has to be cut back or cut out all-together because the Center cannot afford to keep it.”

The Executive Director of Equality Action NOW said, “Where is Catholic humanity – Francis House Center provides care to homeless people and families! When did the personal lives of program and executive directors need to be scrutinized? This is a worse fauz paux than the Komen fiasco. I am donating to Francis House Center!”

“My concern is this indicates a sad change in the relationship that exists between religious service organizations.” wrote Rev. Brian Baker, Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral of Sacramento and member of Californa Faith for Equality. “There was a time when groups would look past various doctrinal differences and find the common area where they could serve the community. Now it seems cooperation and partnership is the latest casualty in the fundamentalism driven culture war that is destroying our society.”

Leaders are calling for the LGBT community to please step up and show “how we all pitch in and support our homeless neighbors”.

A special press conference has been called by the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and Equality Action Now in front of the Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811) at 1:00pm. The public is invited to attend. A “plate” will be passed for donations to be directed to Francis House Center of Sacramento.

EQCA Hosts 2012 Equality Awards

2012-03-06T16:23:47Z

Monday evening, Equality California (EQCA) hosted their 2012 Equality Awards reception at the California Dental Association’s banquet room, just a block away from the State Capitol in Sacramento.

San Francisco based, EQCA is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. They have partnered with legislators and advocates to sponsor more than 80 pro-equality bills providing the LGBT community with the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation.

Each year, the organization bestows three awards to persons who most exemplify the work EQCA does by improving the lives of LGBT Californians, creating a strong California, and defending LGBT rights and protections. This year the three awards went to five people.

The first award, EQCA Leadership Award, was presented to California State Senator Christine Kehoe. Sen. Kehoe represents the 39th Senate District which includes much of San Diego, Del Mar and Lemon Grove.

During her time in the Senate, Kehoe’s focus has been on the environment and LGBT issues. In 2002 Sen. Kehoe was a founding member of the California LGBT Legislative Caucus, making California the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBT legislators.

The EQCA’s Equality Lifetime Achievement Award went to noted American labor leader and civil rights activist who, along with César Chávez, co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farmworkers Union. Huerta has received numerous awards for her community service and advocacy for workers’, immigrants’, and woman’s rights including the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award and the US Presidential Eleanor D. Roosevelt Human Rights Award.

It is her decades-long strong advocacy for LGBT civil and marriage rights that EQCA awarded Huerta this achievement award for equality. Back in the 70’s she was a personal friend of Harvey Milk and they mutually supported each other’s struggle.

In her acceptance speech, Huerta said that she hopes “our community, the LGBT community continues to (work together) in cooperation and in coalition with other organizations”. Huerta continued, “We really can’t fight these fights by ourselves whether it is a fight for immigration or a woman’s right to choose. We all have to learn to work together.”

The last award, Community Advocate Award, was actually given to three people who had banded together last year to work as the Sacramento Redistricting Coalition that successfully lobbied to redraw political boundaries to create gay-friendly districts for both the Sacramento City Council and County Board of Supervisors.

Dr. Darrick Lawson, Steve Hansen, and Rosanna Herber worked countless hours on the new plan that will allow citizens in that district to elect an LGBT person in both the city and the county. While EQCA provided the trio with demographic data Lawson, Hansen, and Herber tapped into several other organizations and individuals to come up with a plan to literally put the LGBT community “on the map”.

The 2012 EQCA Equality Awards was attended by over 150 supporters including corporate sponsors and representatives of other organizations such as Sacramento Stonewall Democrats, Sacramento Rainbow Chamber, Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and Equality Action NOW. Legislative representatives also attended including members of the California LGBT Legislative Caucus.

Mayor Kevin Johnson Signs onto Freedom to Marry Statement

2012-03-04T02:41:58Z

On Friday morning, March 2, 2012, after a meeting with leadership of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community concerning gay rights issues, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson joined a growing list of over 175 other mayors and municipal leaders, including West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon who signed early in the campaign, representing 32 states across the country, standing up publicly for marriage equality.

“Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” are a broad-based and nonpartisan group of mayors who believe “all people should be able to share in the love and commitment of marriage”. Though it took a while for Mayor Johnson to agree to sign the statement, in the end the mayor decided it is the right thing to do for LGBT citizens of Sacramento.

Leading a petition drive for Mayor Johnson’s participation was the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats. Over 350 people signed the petition which was personally presented to Mayor Johnson by Stonewall Democrat’s Board President, Sam Catalano and communications director, Neil Pople.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento, several letters were sent back and forth between the mayor’s office explaining that marriage equality “is not a religious issue, but a civil issue that affects many Sacramento citizens as well as their families and allies”. Marriage Equality USA, a statewide group based in San Francisco also used their influence to help encourage Mayor Johnson to stand on the right side of civil rights and equality.

In part, the statement reads, “As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life.”

“Our cities derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a crucial part.”

“We stand for the freedom to marry because it enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do. We look forward to working to build an America where all people can share in the love and commitment of marriage with the person with whom they share their life.” -

“It is a great day when we can work through our differences and personal beliefs to come to an agreement that marriage equality is a civil rights issue that harms no one, and actually enriches all citizens.” – Ken Pierce, President of the Board of Directors, Equality Action NOW.

To view the entire “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” statement, click HERE.

Same-sex Couples to Request Marriage Licenses On Valentine’s Day As Part of Annual Freedom to Marry Week

2012-02-13T16:41:56Z

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento along with Marriage Equality USA is encouraging same-sex couples to go to their City or County Clerk’s Office on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 and request a marriage license.

Here in Sacramento representatives of Equality Action NOW will be at the Downtown County Clerk’s (600 8th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 – 916-874-6334) at noon to cheer on same-sex couples.

Tina Reynolds, EAN’s Executive Director is asking participants to, “bring lots of candy and flowers and bring a bunch of “LOVE” signs!”

The annual event has never been more important or appropriate given the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals’ declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional and Washington State becoming the next state to have marriage equality.

“The Ninth Circuit’s Ruling that Prop. 8 is unconstitutional was an early Valentine to loving same-sex couples and their supporters,” said Ken Pierce, Equality Action NOW Board President. “The court’s ruling gave us renewed hope in restoring marriage equality but lesbian and gay people cannot wait to wed while waiting for further appeals which could take up to two more years. This Valentine’s Day, couples are once again asking for marriage licenses – hoping that soon the endless appeals will end, so wedding bells can start ringing!”

This is the 12th year in a row that loving, committed same-sex couples have appeared at clerk’s offices across the country to request marriage licenses and to render visible that harm that excluding them from marriage causes them and their families.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is Public Relations Director and President of Equality Action NOW. You can reach Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

"Question One" West Coast Premiere at the Crest

2012-01-14T07:51:11Z

Thousands of same-sex couples in Sacramento and throughout California are eagerly waiting on a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that will ether uphold, or not, the California Supreme Court’s decision that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

This issue has already been dealt with in several other states with some accepting marriage equality but for California it has proven to be a highly emotional and complicated one for same-sex couples that are hoping to soon have the same rights as other legally married couples. The decision is expected any day now.

“Question One,” a newly released documentary on Maine’s 2009 referendum battle over same-sex marriage, will be shown for a special one night engagement, on February 1 at Sacramento’s Crest Theater, marking the film’s West Coast premiere.

The film chronicles in “War Room” fashion the behind the scenes workings on both sides of the campaign (which very closely mirrored California’s Prop 8 battle) and includes emotional and revealing interviews with key proponent and opponent campaign operatives. As was the case in California, the ballot measure was narrowly approved by Maine voters, thus overturning legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in that state.

Of special interest to Sacramento is the fact that the film also documents the controversial leading role of Sacramento-based campaign consultants Frank Schubert and Jeff Flint as referendum proponents. Schubert-Flint Public Affairs headed the 2008 campaign for Prop 8 here in California as they did in Maine and have since taken the lead in a national effort to outlaw same-sex marriage in other states.

In a recent article in the Sacramento Bee concerning the Sacramento screening of the documentary Schubert said, "I have no plans to see the movie, I already know how it ends."

The film illustrates how the same tactics, strategies and issues (in particular the claim “that same-sex marriage would be taught to children in public schools) that were used by Schubert and Flint in California were also used by them in Maine.

Produced by Fly on the Wall Productions and directed by award-winning journalists Joe Fox and James Nubile; “Question One” chronicles the campaigns and the issues raised but also tells the very human stories of various individuals who were connected on both sides of the divide, caught up in a cycle of events that would change their lives forever.

Fox and Nubile’s last documentary, Passing Poston, about a Japanese internment camp during WWII, aired nationwide in 2010 on PBS and screened in theaters across the nation to critical acclaim. The film was featured at the Crest Theater for the Sacramento International Film Festival in March of 2008.

Fox said of “Question One”, “To be honest, I was shocked at how I was able to gain the amount of access to both sides of the campaign to repeal marriage equality in Maine and the degree that Frank Schubert and his company here in Sacramento was involved in that process. I think this film will open a lot of eyes to those who attend this viewing February 1st as to what goes on behind the scenes in campaigns like this both in Maine, California, and throughout the nation.”

The screening on February 1st is free to the public. After the screening there will be a Q & A session with the director and a panel discussion about the film and marriage equality here in California. Additional panel guests may be announced in the coming weeks.

Co-sponsors of the screening here in Sacramento are Equality Action NOW, Outword Magazine, Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Sacramento Stonewall Democrats and the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce.

Admission to this special screening “Question One” is complimentary but reservations are essential. To attend sign up online HERE (http://bit.ly/wzOaDT). Include your name and how many tickets you would like (limit of 4 per person). More information and preview can be found at the web site: Q1 The Movie - Vimeo Question One, or on their Facebook Movie Page: Question One: Sacramento

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization. Equality Action NOW is co-sponsoring this screening at the Crest Theater.

Prop 8 Hearing Thursday Marriage Equality for California gays and lesbians is back on track here in California – what happens next?

2011-12-05T05:10:00Z

In the next few months look for progress in the fight to uphold Judge Walker’s decision to strike down Proposition 8 due to the fact that it is unconstitutional.

On Thursday, December 8, a three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the efforts to release video of the Prop. 8 trial as well as ProtectMarriage’s motion to throw out the case. The hearing is expected to take two hours, beginning at 2:30pm. The hearing will be delayed broadcast and will have remote viewing locations in Pasadena, Portland and Seattle. Thousands of other interested parties on both sides of the issue, including the LGBT community here is Sacramento will follow the hearing’s progress on Twitter and other social media.

On the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, it was explained that in the first hour, Ted Olson will argue that the “public has a First Amendment right to see video footage of the historic Prop. 8 trial. Olson will site that the other side is “trying to keep the video under lock and key because they don’t want anyone to know they failed in court, where reason and facts matter.”

In the second hour, David Boies will explain how the Prop 8 proponents’ motion to ignore the District Court’s striking down Prop 8 is mainly basing their argument on the fact that the judge who ruled, was himself gay and in a long-term relationship. This point of reasoning would implicate an adverse reasoning where someone who is lesbian or gay questioning a judge’s decision because he or she is straight.

A.F.E.R. stated, “The anti-marriage forces are trying everything they can to get the case thrown out because they know that reason and truth are on our side. This tactic was universally condemned in the media and it took only a day for Chief Judge James Ware to rule against the homophobic motion. We are confident that the appeals court will affirm that being gay has no bearing on a judge’s impartiality, just as courts have historically done with cases involving race, gender and religion.”

After Thursday’s hearing a ruling can be expected anytime. Insiders close to the lawyers who are fighting for Marriage Equality say the decision could be made before the end of the year or soon after. The decision will set an important precedent and potentially send the Prop 8 case to the United States Supreme Court.

To follow Thursday’s hearing go to A.F.E.R.’s web site at: http://www.afer.org/

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization.

Community Reacts to Prop 8 Decision

2011-11-20T06:36:10Z

Thursday, the California Supreme Court published their written decision allowing proponents of Prop 8, namely ProtectMarriage.com, to step in the place of the State of California to argue in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in essence saying that Judge Walker’s decision to strike down Prop 8 was wrong and the “will of the people” should take precedence over the state’s constitution.

This ruling has implications far beyond the question of the constitutionality of Prop 8, but for many same-sex couples who have committed themselves to each other, some who have children who worry about protecting them as well as older couples who face going into nursing homes, separated from their long-time partners without recourse, it means more time sitting on the sidelines, hoping and praying they too will soon be treated equally under the law.

Hanging out at the Cornerstone Restaurant in the heart of Lavender Heights were a few gay activists who wanted to be together when the decision was published. Depending on who you spoke to, the response to the court ruling was varied.

Benancio Garza (20), a board member and youth leader for Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization, was trying to wrap his head around what this means for him personally and the youth he represents in the community.

Garza has stated before that he is unsure of his feelings about marriage, however one thing was very clear, “The fight for equality for everyone has not ended. It’s sad that even today, we still allow discrimination to be debated on.”

Commenting on the Equality Action NOW Facebook page, Joseph Gray, a student in culinary school wrote, “It’s truly sad that a portion of our fellow citizens in California will not allow all adults the opportunity to marry and show their fullest and deepest love to their significant other. If they want to 'protect' marriage so badly, they need to make divorce illegal! If I had the right to marry my (same-sex) significant other I know we would never divorce!”

In an email from Tina Reynolds, Equality Action NOW’s Executive Director exclaimed, “I just knew that the court would rule in the favor of equality on this – I just knew it! Once again, I am enormously disappointed that I am voted to maintain a 2nd class citizenship.”

While some in the community saw this latest step in the judicial process as a setback, others were delighted that finally this issue is back on the fast track to be resolved.

Matt Baume of the American Foundation for Equal Rights said that he didn’t find the decision as a setback at all. “Whether (ProtectMarriage) have standing or not, what they don’t have is a case. Prop 8 was exhaustively examined in court, and the ruling against it is air-tight. The proponents have spent the last year throwing out every trick and stall tactic in the book, and for what? They know they can’t win.”

In an article in the Los Angeles Times, it was stated the lawyers for the two same-sex couples who are challenging Prop 8 said Thursday that a federal appeals court ruling on the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage ban could come down any day now that the California Supreme Court has ruled that initiative sponsors have the legal right to defend it.

What is now clear to everyone the Prop 8 fight is more likely, because of this decision, to end up on the steps of the United States Supreme Court.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is Public Relations Director and President of Equality Action NOW. You can reach Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Prop 8 Stand-In Question Answered Today - Community Gathers at Headhunters to Await Decision

2011-11-17T10:46:30Z

The California Supreme Court announced it will issue a written opinion today at 10 a.m. on whether conservatives who sponsored Proposition 8 are entitled to defend the measure that overturned a 2008 ruling recognizing the right to same-sex marriage.

The leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento civil rights organization is inviting the community to gather at Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant on the corner of 10th and K Streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. to await the decision.

For many members of the organization it is a personal issue and today will mark a pivotal moment in their fight for marriage equality.

The Court in San Francisco will decide whether California law allows ProtectMarriage.com, sponsors of Prop 8 to force an appeal in Perry v. Brown – even though the California Attorney General actually agrees that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

For thousands of same-sex couples, their supportive friends and family members, and straight allies, this battle for equality and civil rights has been long and trying.

A year ago, Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, a “pro-marriage” licensed marriage and family therapist and her partner, Diana Luiz were ready to be married when Judge Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional and were sitting at the County Clerk’s office all dressed in white and holding a bouquet of brightly colored sunflowers. Moments later a stay was issued and their mood instantly turned to sadness and disappointment.

“Diana and I are a committed, long-term same sex couple who is still being denied the right to marriage. No person has been harmed in the 18,000 legal same sex marriages that exist in California today”, said Dr. Simmersbach. “But Diana and I are harmed every day by the systems and people who keep marriage out of our reach. We are ready to marry immediately. We want our day to come soon.”

“I don’t really know if I believe in marriage”, thoughtfully exclaimed Benancio Garza, 20 year old Youth Spokesperson and Board Member for Equality Action NOW and American River College Student. “However for certain my main focus right now is to fight for my right to be considered equal in every way under the law and that includes my civil right to marry another male adult if that is what I want to do. Here in America being separated because of my sexual orientation for which I did not choose is hypocritical backwards thinking. We are all different, and we need to accept that fact.”

The question the California Supreme Court answers today seems like a trivial technical issue but in reality whatever the Court decides will have far-reaching implications for the whole state. There are many laws that California passes through the initiative process that may not be in line with the California or the U.S. Constitution and the Courts has to determine the law’s constitutionality.

Currently, California’s Attorney General and Governor can decide not to appeal a court decision ruling that an initiative is unconstitutional. But, depending on how the California Supreme Court rules, future Governors may lose the ability to make such final decisions for the state – leaving disfavored groups in California even more vulnerable to unconstitutional initiatives that single them out for attack.

So if the California Supreme Court holds that California law gives sponsors the power to bring an appeal over the objections of the Attorney General and the Governor, the Ninth Circuit would still have to decide whether Prop 8’s supporters meet all the other criteria to appeal under federal law. If the Ninth Circuit allows them to appeal, the Ninth Circuit would then decide whether to uphold or reverse Judge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW.

Behind the Scenes: Dia de los Metros’ Photo Shoot

2011-11-06T22:14:13Z

Last Sunday, situated among a lavish backdrop of flowers at the Capitol Rose Garden in downtown Sacramento an eclectic assembly of photographers, models, hair-stylists, and make-up artists gathered for a special photo-shoot. The theme for the shoot was “Day of the Dead”.

The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday where family and friends pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place November 1st and 2nd to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2).

In many American communities with Mexican residents, Day of the Dead celebrations are held that are very similar to those held in Mexico. Many festivals begin with the All Souls Procession and combines elements of traditional Day of the Dead celebrations with those pagan harvest festivals. People wearing masks or painted faces carry signs honoring the dead and an urn in which people can place slips of paper with prayers on them to be later burned.

Benancio Garza (20), a student at American River College and Equality Action NOW, a local civil rights organization board member and youth leader who also dabbles in modeling jumped at the chance to become involved in this project. “I am excited to be a part of such a large collaborative effort. I love art that has meaning and I am hoping this project will touch the lives of many people who see it.”

The idea of the shoot came from a professional photographer, who also happens to be on the board of Equality Action NOW, Vihil Heather Vigil. “Dia de Los Muertos honors the cycle of life and in particular ancestors, friends, and others who were inspirational or affected our lives in some manner,” said Vigil.

“Last year I had the amazing experience of being in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos. To see an entire country decorating and celebrating left such an imprint that I can't ever see myself not celebrating this very special occasion. As a Native American and a Latina it is a part of my culture to celebrate and not focus on the death of someone who passes, instead we celebrate their life.”

Vihil of Vihil Photographix Fine Art Photography explained what she will do the photographs after the shoot. “The photographs are going to be crafted for large size 20x30+ inch prints. There are three galleries who have already expressed interest in the final images for potential exhibitions; we will be doing a calendar and possibly a book. I really like putting table top photography books together of my work it allows the viewer to become more personal with all the various images contained within.”

While some of the models arrived on the set already make-up, Garza had his own professional stylist team meet him an hour prior to the shoot on site. Shane Howell and his partner, Joe Jaramillo together own Roots Hair Salon in downtown Woodland. Howell and Jaramillo, who also are in a domestic partnership, moved from San Francisco where they are both well-known and have attended the city’s popular “Day of the Dead” festivals for years.

Ben’s friend and modeling manager, Ken Pierce contacted the talented couple because, “This photo-shoot is important for Ben’s future in modeling and I didn’t want an amateur stylist working on his hair and make-up. Joe and Shane are perfect because they are super talented and their experience with attending ‘Day of the Dead’ festivals is invaluable.”

Garza was the only male model on the set among fifteen female models that afternoon so getting photographed by the four photographers who will all be sharing their work with Vigil was not a problem. Kati Garner, a well-known local photojournalist and photographer for Equality Action NOW had a field day working with Garza on the set. “Benancio is a natural and my camera is in love with him. He is so easy to work with and only needs a little direction to get the shots I want from him. I think he will mature as a model rather quickly and will soon be in demand once people see the work he did today.”

By sunset thousands of pictures were taken of the models who were not paid but will be used by them for their own professional portfolios. This was Garza’s second modeling gig. The first was for Sacramento’s Q Magazine. While his focus will continue to be working with the youth through his civil rights organization, attending school, Garza hopes to find more opportunities to model for fashion photography and perhaps try his hand in on a fashion show runway.

To find out more about where to view the “Day of the Dead” photos contact Vihil Heather Vigil on her web site or email Ms_Vihil@yahoo.com. To contact Benancio Garza you can email his manager, Ken Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com. For information about Joe and Shane of Roots Hair Salon contact Joe Jarmamillo at joe.p.jaramillo@gmail.com.

Sacramento Annual Service of Remembrance

2011-11-06T04:25:04Z

The Sacramento region LGBTQ community, family, friends and allies are invited to gather at Congregation B’nal Israel (3600 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, Ca 95818), Sunday, November 6, 2011 beginning at 4:00pm to remember people who have died violently because they identified themselves as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Questioning) or were perceived to be LGBTQ, as well as countless others whose names are not known.

"Their deaths have placed a spotlight on the terrifying magnitude of hatred directed towards gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersex people, those who are perceived to be so, and those who care about them. Sadly, they have joined a lengthy roll of people who have died at the hands of ignorance and bigotry, “states Paul Curtis, Co-Chair of the committee planning the Service.

This 13th Annual Service of Remembrance is sponsored by a coalition of concerned organizations and members of the community. The program will include a variety of spiritual expressions to bring honor to the memories of so many the community has lost over the past year. The service will be lead by clergy from several area faith communities.

This year’s Honorary Co-Chairs are Ben and Rachel Hudson of the Gender Health Center. The Center provides counseling and mental health services to the LGBTQ community.

Performing at the service will be the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and Jove Radtke, who is a spoken word artist. Sen. Darrell Steinberg will be guest speaker.

The organizers are inviting the community at-large to attend to “remember those lives with love, bear witness to the atrocity of their deaths and affirm together that hatred and violence must end”.

For more information email Paul Curtis: PaCurtis@aol.com.

Equality Action NOW and Gender Health Center Hosts Coming Out Party

2011-10-04T05:21:21Z

Come out, come out, wherever you are! ~ Harvey Milk

Equality Action NOW and the Gender Health Center are co-hosting an all-ages party to formally introduce the “coming out” of the first elected Board of Directors for E.A.N. on National Coming Out Day - Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Hoppy Brewing Company (6300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819) starting at 6:00pm.

Equality Action NOW is a nationally-known civil rights organization based in Sacramento and is at the forefront of speaking out and standing for the rights of all people since its inception. The organization was born moments after the November 2008 general election when President Obama was elected and Proposition 8 was voted into law which states that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

Tina Reynolds and her staff at Uptown Studios were devastated at the news that LGBTQ citizens had lost Marriage Equality here in California and set out immediately to create a web site and organize their first Marriage Equality rally and march at the state capitol to protest the new law. Several rallies, marches, protests, and equality events later and Equality Action NOW recently elected their first Board of Directors and have taken their first steps towards becoming a 501c3 non-profit.

The Gender Health Center is a non-profit service organization meeting the counseling needs of the LGBTQI community in Sacramento focusing on the “T” or transgender. The Center provides excellent counseling/therapy services to anyone who expresses the need as well as anyone who self-identifies or is perceived to be gender variant.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and asexual. Founded in 1988, the day is observed by members of the LGBTQA community and their allies on October 11 (October 12 in the U.K.) each year.

There is a suggested donation for the coming out mixer of $5 to help cover the costs of the event and will go to both Equality Action NOW and the Gender Health Center to help with their programs. Paid donations will get you a wristband for happy hour drink prices all night long. Please bring the family as this is an all-ages event. In addition it is $2 taco night and half off appetizers after 9:30pm. A special gay trivia game will begin at 10pm.

MEET THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN was officially hired by the board as its first Executive Director. Reynolds, a long-time activist and business owner, along with her employees of Uptown Studios, an award-winning website and graphic design firm founded the organization within days after the 2008 general election where President Obama was elected and Prop 8 became law.

Today Equality Action NOW is one of the most visible and active civil rights organizations in the Sacramento region. In the beginning members focused on defeating Prop 8 and held huge rallies on the west steps of the state capitol. It wasn’t long before the organization diversified their efforts to include fighting for civil rights beside other minorities and disenfranchised people of color, sexual orientation, age, disabled, and those in poverty.

Elected as the first Chairman of the Board is a well-known Sacramento gay and civil rights activist, Ken Pierce. Pierce volunteered with Equality Action NOW early on as their Director of Public Relations and continues to serve in that capacity. Born and raised in Texas, Pierce moved to California in 1989. Since becoming EAN’s PR Director, he has worked hard to brand the organization as a premiere civil rights group who’s focus Is to “mobilize, motivate, activate, and educate” the public to the issues important to the group. This was Pierce’s second year on the Sacramento Pride Festival Organizing Committee. He works for Manpower during the day and has his own Public Relations Firm part-time. This year Pierce received the “Harvey Milk Activist Award” at the organization’s 2nd annual Harvey Milk Day event.

Vice-chairperson, "Vihil" Heather Vigil is a U.S. Navy Veteran from Woodland, CA. In 2003 she received her BA in Art History and Museum & Gallery Studies from Humboldt State University, in 2008 Vihil received her MBA in business development from Ashford University and has experience working in small business management, corporate accounting for small to large professional services firms and currently serves as an association membership director for four state-wide non-profit organizations based out of Sacramento. Vihil is also owner/primary photographer of Vihil Photographix, a Sacramento based fine art photography studio. As a regular supporter of the Crocker Art Museum, Vihil continues to spread a passion for the arts by encouraging others to explore the local arts attractions of Sacramento. Currently Vihil is developing a workshop series titled, "Business for the Artist" to be held in midtown Sacramento beginning January 2012.

Emily Bender is the current Treasurer for Equality Action Now. She is an active Community Organizer and volunteer for underserved populations, including gay rights and youth empowerment. She has been an adult adviser for the Friday Night Youth Group at the Gay & Lesbian Center for over nine years. Emily is a co-founding member of the 20s-Something Group that meets on Thursdays at the Center. She is a native of Nicaragua and has lived in Northern California for most of her life. Her formal education includes an M.A. in Organizational Leadership, a Master's Certificate in Public & Nonprofit Leadership from Chapman University, and a B.A. in Rhetoric & Communications with a minor in Psychology from the University of California at Davis.

Rachel Pearman is a founding member and Secretary of the Equality Action Now Board of Directors. She received her undergraduate degree in Government, and is currently working on her Masters in Gender Equity in Teacher Education. In addition to EAN she has volunteered to raise funds for HIV/AIDS and with the Sacramento Pride organizing committee. She lives happily with her partner in Midtown Sacramento.

Rounding out Equality Action NOW’s board members at-large include:

Angela F. Luna serves as EAN’s education lead and author of the first LGBT history workbook, “In Celebration of Harvey Milk” for grades 4 through 12.

Benancio Garza (20), college student, Christian, and EAN’s youngest board member. Garza is director and creator of EAN’s “Youth Force” dedicated to motivating, activating, and educating our youth and future leaders.

Enrique Manjarrez has been an activist for 5+ years fighting for queer youth and pro LGBT legislation. Manjarrez works for Breaking Barriers and is EAN’s Spanish Spokesperson.

Tyx Pulskamp is very active in the transgender community and works for STEP, Strategies to Empower People.

Sarah Barkawi, EAN’s straight ally recently had a commitment ceremony with partner Eli. Until there is full marriage equality for all, the couple stands in support. Barkawi also volunteers for the Matthew Sheppard Foundation.

Prop 8 Battle Continues Today

2011-09-06T07:19:23Z

Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - Today, the California Supreme Court is hearing arguments on an important question of California law that presented itself in the ongoing federal challenge to Prop 8, same-sex marriage issue. Leaders of Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots, civil rights organization have been on the forefront of educating the public and providing the community with a voice since the general election November of 2008 when Proposition 8 passed and was made into law.

For many members of the organization it is a personal issue and today will mark a pivotal moment in their fight for marriage equality.

The Court in San Francisco will decide whether California law allows the sponsors of Prop 8 to force an appeal in Perry v. Brown – even though the California Attorney General actually agrees that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

For thousands of same-sex couples, their supportive friends and family members, and straight allies, this battle for equality and civil rights has been long and trying.

The question before the California Supreme Court today seems like a trivial technical issue but in reality whatever the Court decides will have far-reaching implications for the whole state. There are many laws that California passes through the initiative process that may not be in line with the California or the U.S. Constitution and the Courts has to determine the law’s constitutionality.

Oral argument will be televised today beginning at 10:00am on C-SPAN and the California Channel as well as video streamed on the internet. Equality Action NOW and Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant well be hosting a viewing party for the community at Headhunters beginning at 10:00am on the corner of 10th and K Streets. The public is invited to attend.

Make no mistake – today’s hearing, and the decision that results from the arguments will be of high interest to constitutional and judicial scholars across the United States. But more importantly, it will be heard and watched by hundreds of thousands of individuals, whose personal current and future lives depend on the outcome.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decision within 90 days of oral argument and is likely to rule even sooner.

Equality Action NOW Participates in County School Bullying Project

2011-08-03T18:09:38Z

Tuesday, Board Members of Equality Action NOW, Tina Reynolds, Executive Director; Benancio Garza, Youth Spokesperson; Angela Luna, Education Lead and Author of "In Celebration of Harvey Milk"; and Ken Pierce, Board President and Communications Director attended the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services and Office of Education's "Sacramento Countywide Bullying Prevention Project" (SC-SPP) workshop.

Under the direction of Pamela Robinson and Cheryl Raney of the Sacramento County Office of Education, the main purpose of the project is to "develop the capacity of (school) districts and their demonstration school sites to implement sustainable bullying prevention programs and strategies. This initial project of the countywide Student Mental Health and Wellness Plan will allow each district to focus on a school-based bullying prevention program, providing training for selected district personnel and demonstration site staff, and establish the infrastructure that will support expansion of bullying prevention efforts throughout the district and support future implementation of additional strategies that promote student mental health and provide early interventions for students and families who need them”.

The Sacramento County Student Mental Health and Wellness Plan is the result of two years’ work conducted by the Sacramento County Mental Health and Wellness Collaborative to develop a plan for promoting student mental health through school-based programs and strategies. The Collaborative developed from a partnership between the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services, (DBHS) and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and includes mental health professionals, educators, youth, parents/caregivers and other system partners collaborating to develop a common vision and desired results for the role of schools in creating a comprehensive countywide system of prevention and early intervention for the mental health of children from birth to high school completion.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Massachusetts Department of Public Health finds a strong link between bullying and mental health problems, family violence and drug and alcohol use.

Middle and high school students who are both bullies and victims of bullying are three times more likely than students who are nether to seriously consider suicide, intentionally injure themselves, report being abused by a family member, witness violence in their family, and use drugs and alcohol, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

“A comprehensive approach that encompasses school officials, students, and their families is needed to prevent bullying among middle and high school students,” the CDC concludes.

While the project will include a wide range of common issues such as students who are handicapped, students with learning disabilities and cultural and religious differences, leaders of Equality Action NOW will be working closely with the Sacramento County Office of Education to offer their expertise and provide youth and adult speakers on the bullying of lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) students.

For more information on this project contact Pamela Robinson at probinso@scoe.net or Ken Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Equality Action NOW Applauds Signing of the Ending of DADT

2011-07-23T02:20:27Z

Friday, members of the newly elected Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW announced their elation about the signing of the certification by President Obama that all branches of the U.S. Military are fully ready for the end of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the long-standing policy of kicking perfectly good solders out of service just because of their sexual orientation.

Ken Pierce, Chairman of the Board of Directors sent this statement on behalf of Equality Action NOW. “Our organization has always led the way in speaking out about civil rights and the fair treatment of all. With the signing of this very important certificate LGBT people can now lift their heads high and be even more proud of serving our country. We know gays and lesbians have always served and died to keep us free and it is past time that they can do so without lying about themselves and who they love. In 60 days this country will be just a little closer to what our founding fathers intended us to become.”

“As a US Navy veteran and from a military family I can truly say that I am proud of President Obama's decision to sign to end the military ban on its members who may not be heterosexual. Vihil Heather Vigil, Vice-Chairperson went on the say, “I experienced the loss of too many friends and colleagues in the military, not from losing their lives on the battle field, but from losing their respect as a member of the military based on sexual orientation discrimination and receiving a dishonorable discharge. I wonder now will those individuals receive their honor?”

Board member Enrique E. Manjarrez exclaimed, “Today we have taken another step closer to full equality. As someone who knows personally the unfairness that DADT inflicted on the people who served our country bravely, I am glad to see that it has finally come to an end. I commend the pentagon, President Obama, and the men and women of the US Military for their embrace of social change, and the evolution of our backward policies. This is also an embodiment of the freedoms that the US military fight for on a daily basis to ensure justice and liberty for all people.”

Emily Bender, EAN Treasurer said, “We begin a 60-day countdown toward achieving equality in the treatment of our soldiers...those who have defended our country for decades. It is now our turn to stand up and defend them.”

As a mental health professional, Nicola Simmerbach said, “A big wrong in American history has been righted. LGBT service members can let us look them in the eye and say ‘thank you for your service to our country’. There are not "LGBT" or "straight" soldiers anymore; there are just Equal soldiers. We can't forget their spouses, however, who still need to receive the full equality all service spouses deserve.”

Concerning the recent signing of the FAIR Education Act, author of “In Celebration of Harvey Milk”, teacher and Equality Action NOW board member, Angela F. Luna wrote, “The burial of DADT has been long overdue. This heinous sort of discrimination toward LGBT military members who unselfishly serve our country is history. Thankfully, we will be able to teach that part of American history to students in public schools in order to ensure it never happens again."

Equality Action NOW Youth Spokesperson and member of the board, Benancio Garza (20) said, “Having a policy that dishonorably discharges gay men and lesbian women is just as bad as slavery, and the ‘old unequal’ women's rights. It also went against the First Amendment, of freedom of speech, and expression. I know there will be more youth who will consider military service now that they can serve openly.”

Tina Reynolds, co-founder and Executive Director of EAN wrote, "The long awaited repeal of antiquated thinking - thank you for doing the right thing, President Obama!"

For more information about Equality Action NOW, visit their website at: http://www.EqualityActionNOW.org.

Seth’s Law Under Suspension

2011-07-13T20:43:56Z

Monday, the California Assembly Appropriations Committee heard testimony concerning AB 9, otherwise known as Seth’s Law. Speaking for the anti-bullying law was its author, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), bill sponsors Matt Bunch, Equality California’s Government Affairs Manager and John Lovell of the California Police Chiefs Association.

AB 9 will work hand-in-hand with the 2008 Safe Place to Learn Act by requiring schools to adopt comprehensive polices prohibiting intimidation and bullying in their existing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies; establishing a process for receiving and investigating complaints of intimidation and bullying; ensuring personnel are trained to recognized and must intervene in bullying; and creating an appeal process for decisions.

Assemblymember Ammiano stated that, “AB 9 is named after Seth Walsh who tragically took his own life (at 13 years old) after years of relentless harassment and bullying he experienced at his school in Tehachapi, CA. Seth’s mother and close friends reported that teachers and administrators were aware that Seth was being harassed and in some instances participated in the harassment. Yet, Seth’s mother’s pleas to the school for help were brushed aside.”

Ammiano continued, “Research shows that students that were harassed at school frequently suffer long-term social, emotional, and psychological harm.”

Matt Bunch speaking on behalf of Equality California focused on the immense financial savings school districts stand to make if this law was implemented.

Indeed, according to the California Healthy Kids Survey, 27% of students who reported harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation said they missed school at least one day during the past 30 because they “felt unsafe”.

109,000 school absences at the middle and high school levels in California are due to bullying based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. Many additional absences may be attributed to bullying based on other factors including actual or perceived gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, disability, etc.

The cumulative loss to school districts in California was estimated by the Safe Schools Coalition to be, at a minimum, $39.9 million, annually. This is caused by a loss in Average Daily Attendance (ADA).

Additionally, there are a number of legal cases across the state which has been brought forward by students and their families after suffering harassment, discrimination, or bullying based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Most of those cases were settled with undisclosed financial settlements. Some of the disclosed financial settlements were hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

John Lovell who spoke on behalf of the California Police Chief’s Association said that, “We’re in strong support of this bill. It’s about 50 years overdue. Left unattended, bullying can escalate into criminal activity which has its own set of cost increments. This is an important bill and we are in strong support of it.”

After the main statements of support several community members lined up to offer their own “me too” statements. Representatives from education, governmental, mental health, and parents of bullied youth as well as LGBT organizations including Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento civil rights group urged the committee to move the bill to a vote and into law.

Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) who chairs the committee then asked for opposition to the bill from the public which there were none. She then asked a representative from the Finance Department to report on feasibility and was told the department does not recommend implementing this bill for budgetary reasons. Sen. Kehoe quickly suspended the bill for review.

Back in the office of Assemblymember Ammiano, Wendy Rae Hill, Senior Legislative Assistant to Ammiano explained that “they may be able to tweak the bill somewhat but they have already trimmed it to a point where any more trimming would greatly diminish its main purpose”.

Some schools are already ignoring the Safe Place to Learn Act and this bill will spell out steps to implement the law to include intimidation and bullying. It will also serve to inform students and parents of their rights. Parents especially often times don’t know what to do about their kids coming home depressed and distraught from being constantly harassed for whatever reason.

Hill said, “Far too many students continue today to experience severe discrimination and harassment with no meaningful protections from school officials.”

Seth’s Law will be kept in appropriations in the suspense file and will be there throughout the entire summer. It will come off of suspense around August 25th of this year and soon after should go to the floor of the State Senate for a vote.

State Assembly Passes Fair Education Act

2011-07-06T20:13:56Z

Tuesday, the California State Assembly passed a bill that would require schools to fairly and accurately portray the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement and the historic contributions of the diverse LGBT community in social science instruction. The leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization is celebrating the 49 – 25 vote.

In an announcement, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action NOW said, “When children are taught about the history of our involvement in humanity and how our achievements matter, we will all have better children. Thank you Senator Leno!”

The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act (SB 48), authored by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California and Gay-Straight Alliance Network would also add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s existing anti-discrimination protections that prohibit bias in school activities, instruction and instructional materials.

“There are studies that have shown that inclusion of LGBT people in instructional materials is linked to lower rates of bullying,” said Benancio Garza, EAN’s Youth Spokesperson, “that along with strong anti-bullying laws should help kids like Lawrence King who was killed for being gay, have a better view of himself and others respect him for who he was.”

According to EQCA’s web site, “The FAIR Education Act will bring classroom instruction into alignment with existing non-discrimination laws in California and would add the LGBT community to the existing underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups, which are covered by current law related t inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools."

EAN Education Lead, teacher, and author of the first school workbook about Harvey Milk, Angela F. Luna exclaimed, “"This legislation sends the critical message that equity and accuracy are essential components of excellence in public education and the LGBT perspective in history and the social sciences is equal to that of any other group. This legislation will literally save lives as it validates LGBT youth as well as LGBT educators across California."

“We are selectively censoring history when we exclude LGBT Americans, or any other group of people, from our textbooks and instructional materials,” said Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). “We can’t tell our youth that it’s OK to be yourself and expect them to treat their peers with dignity and respect when we deliberately deny them accurate information about the historical contributions of Americans who happened to be LGBT.”

The bill now heads to the Governor Jerry Brown’s desk.

Leaders Stand With Crime Victim

2011-06-09T16:38:55Z

Assemblymembers Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) and Alyson Huber (D-El Dorado Hills) and numerous community leaders, including the leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local civil rights organization are holding a news conference on the West Steps of the State Capitol this afternoon, June 9, 2011, at 2pm, speaking on behalf of Seth Parker.

Parker, 26-year-old man was assaulted in the parking lot of the Strikes Family Entertainment Center in Elk Grove late Sunday night, the Elk Grove Police Department reported.

Parker, of Sacramento, said Monday he believes he was attacked because he is gay.

In a news interview, the victim said he and several female friends were leaving Strikes at about 11:30 p.m., when two males who had just been dropped off at the location began harassing their group. When one of the men began directing derogatory comments at Parker, some of Parker's friends turned to confront the two men.

Parker said he intervened and then began to walk away from the two men when he was punched on the side of his face from behind, he said. One of the two men made derogatory comments about Parker's homosexuality, "to the point where it was stuck in my head like a bad song," Parker said.

A friend drove Parker to a local hospital, where he was found to have multiple facial fractures, he said.

A full report of the incident has not been released and no one knows whether the attack is being investigated as a hate crime.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action NOW stated that, “We are showing up to take a stand and be vocal and let all communities know this is abhorrent. Hate is hate and it is not okay!”

“My generation has to deal with bullies on the school grounds every day,” says 19 year old Benancio Garza, Gay Youth Spokesperson for EAN, “This is what happens when those same bullies are allowed to get away with hate speech. It turns into hate violence.”

Sen. Darrell Steinberg Names Uptown Studios "Best Small Business of the Year"

2011-06-08T17:43:44Z

On Monday June 6, 2011, California state legislators came together to honor a small business owner from each of their legislative districts. This year California President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg named Sacramento website and graphic design firm, Uptown Studios “Best Small Business of the Year” for 2011.

Since 1992, owner Tina Reynolds and her top-notch team of employees create websites, brochures, logo/brand designs and use state of the art videography and social media marketing techniques.

To the greater Sacramento region, Uptown Studios is more than just another small business. They are known as a company “with a conscience”. Reynolds and her team has given countless hours volunteering for organizations such as SafeGround and co-founded Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization.

Uptown Studios also serves many companies when it comes to "greening" up their print materials and coming up with great options to print, such as pdf’s, online video and alternatives to printing.

Other businesses, big and small, as well as non-profits and governmental organizations depend on Uptown Studios to help them with their promotional needs and in turn are able to gain a higher exposure to the public. One of their mottos is, “If you can see it - we can do it!”

Reynolds commented, “Being named 'Small Business of the Year' by Senator Darrell Steinberg is such an honor. First because Senator Steinberg is a hero of mine, and secondly because he is recognizing the great work that we do in the greater Sacramento Area for our clients and nonprofits. This award makes me so proud of all the work that we do as a team; fighting for equality, changing the face of homelessness, and connecting with many other nonprofit groups and working together on so many issues.

This will only make the way we do business better; we will have a more pride than ever in the work we do...”

Presenting the award was Susan McKee from Sen. Steinberg’s office. In her remarks about Reynolds and her employees who were all there, McKee said, “Tina does so much work in the community, it takes all these people at the table to actually run the business while she’s out helping the homeless, working on political campaigns and I am very pleased to be able to call her friend of Sacramento.”

The small business event was held at Sacramento Convention Center.

You can contact Uptown Studios through their website at www.UptownStudios.net or call 916.446.1082.

Uptown Studios Named “Best Small Business of the Year”

2011-06-03T18:53:57Z

On Monday June 6, 2011, 80 legislators will come together to honor a small business owner from each of their legislative districts. This year California President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg named Sacramento website and graphic design firm, Uptown Studios “Best Small Business of the Year” for 2011.

It is widely understood that small businesses are known as the “economic engine of California” and Uptown Studios certainly is no exception. Since 1992, owner Tina Reynolds and her top-notch team of employees create websites, brochures, logo/brand designs and identities and use state of the art videography and social media marketing techniques.

Uptown Studios is more than just a small business. They are known as a company “with a conscience”. Reynolds and her team has given countless hours volunteering for organizations such as SafeGround and co-founded Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization. You can expect Uptown Studios to be your advisor when it comes to "greening" up your print materials and coming up with great options to print, such as pdf’s, online video and alternatives to printing.

This will only make the way we do business better; we will have a more pride than ever in the work we do...”

California Small Business Day is not only an event to honor small businesses but it is a day where small business owners can receive extensive information. Hosting the event is the leadership of the California Legislature President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Speaker John A. Perez. Over twenty-two organizations including Chambers of Commerce, business associations, and federations are sponsoring this event.

The program will be held at Sacramento Convention Center. The theme of the morning session will be “Buy California Small Business First”. The luncheon will include small business owners from the district receiving their awards by small business friendly legislators and Governor Jerry Brown. Workshops in the afternoon will include “Cutting Costs of Doing Business” and “Contracts for Small Business”.

You can contact Uptown Studios through their website at www.UptownStudios.net or call 916.446.1082.

Gov. Jerry Brown Proclaims Sunday “Harvey Milk Day”

2011-05-21T02:53:58Z

Equality Action NOW Hosts Event at the Crocker Art Museum

Today, California Governor Jerry Brown officially proclaimed Sunday, May 22, Harvey Milk Day. Last year Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the Harvey Milk Day bill, in honor of the slain San Francisco supervisor who fought for LGBT rights.

The proclamation begins by saying, “In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man in the history of the United States to be elected to public office. This milestone achievement gave hope to millions of gays and lesbians across the country that a day would come when they could live their lives openly and honestly without fear of discrimination.”

This year, even more then the first Harvey Milk Day, there has been a backlash of anti-gay rhetoric from organizations such as SaveCalifornia. After learning of the proclamation, Randy Thomasson, President said, “"Children are being led down a wrong road by the glorification of Harvey Milk. An official 'Harvey Milk Day' promotes the unnatural and unhealthy homosexual, bisexual, and transsexual lifestyle to minors. Just as Harvey Milk ignored the health risks of homosexual behavior, his legacy will be to pull even more young people into this disease-prone lifestyle. Just as he advocated for openly homosexual teachers as role models, 'Harvey Milk Day' will train boys and girls to follow a worse role model -- Milk, a predator of teens who knew no sexual boundaries or sexual danger."

Ignoring the negative calls for boycotting and protesting events honoring Harvey Milk, celebrations have grown worldwide. Here in Sacramento, Equality Action NOW, a local civil rights, organization is hosting live entertainment by spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke, and the screening of the Academy Award winning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk at the Crocker Art Museum, Sunday beginning at 6:30pm.

Equality Action NOW leaders are inviting individuals and families to participate. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. For more information visit their web site: www.EqualityActionNOW.org.

EQCA Awards LGBT Caucus and PowerPac

2011-05-19T16:38:08Z

The award program Monday evening, May 16 was short and sweet but the importance of the gathering outweighed the brief ceremony. Equality California (EQCA) held their annual awards presentation at the beautiful Citizen Hotel. In attendance was a who’s who of LGBT and governmental officials.

EQCA founded in 1998, works to achieve equality and secure legal protections for LGBT people. Their stated purpose is to help improve the lives of LGBT Californians. The organization sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, build coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process.

Something the organization is most focused on is writing and advancing legislation that directly affects the lives of LGBT citizens, and this year it is especially geared to our youth. Bills such as the “Fair Education Act”, “Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education”, and “Seth’s Law” which will tighten up anti-bullying polices in schools are receiving a geat deal of attention, mainly by anti-gay groups such as SaveCalifornia.

All-in-all this year there are twelve bills and one resolution EQCA will have something to do with getting to a vote and hopefully made into law - at least here in California.

Monday evening EQCA and their supporters gathered to recognize two major players in the legislative process. First the organization recognized PowerPac.

PowerPAC is a nonprofit advocacy and political organization. The organization was created to champion democracy and social justice in states and communities across the country. They direct financial and human resources to strategic local and state legislative fights, ballot initiatives, and other campaigns by organizing donors who are committed to social justice politics. They identify priority areas for investment and help donors achieve maximum political impact with their political giving.

The second award went to the entire California LGBT Legislative Caucus. The Caucus was formed originally in June 2002. Its role is to present a forum for the California Legislature to discuss issues that affect LGBT Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all Californians. Formation of the LGBT Caucus made California the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBT state legislators.

The LGBT Legislative Caucus had grown each year and this term has seen the largest number yet. The seven members include Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez; Senator Christine Kehoe (Chair); Senator Mark Leno; Assemblymember Tom Ammiano; Assemblymember Toni Atkins; Assemblymember Richard S. Gordon; and Assemblymember Ricardo Lara.

It is through the collaborative efforts of organizations such as EQCA, PowerPac, and of course openly out LGBT legislators and their allies that full equality and civil rights will become a reality for hundreds of thousands of LGBT citizens. It is up to those same LGBT citizens and their allies to elect more gay government officials and openly back the bills that affect them.

Equality Action Now Hosts 2nd Harvey Milk Day

2011-05-09T03:41:45Z

Equality Action NOW, Sacramento’s leading grassroots civil rights organization is hosting the 2nd Annual Harvey Milk Day event at the beautiful Crocker Art Museum (216 O Street, Sacramento, CA), Sunday, May 22, 2011. A special VIP reception will be held from 5 -6:30pm. VIP Tickets are $50 per person.

Beginning at 6:30pm there will be a short presentation in the auditorium, a performance by Spoken Word Artist Jovi Radtke, then the award-winning documentary; The Times of Harvey Milk will be shown. The film is educational and is appropriate for all ages. Tickets for the film-only will be $15.

Reserve your tickets online at www.EqualityActionNOW.org.

Funds raised at this event will be used towards scholarships for Midwest Academy of Social Activism Training.

Harvey Milk Bio –

Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was a highly controversial and revered politician who became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Early in his life, politics and gay activism were not an interest of his. Only after his experience in military service, in the theatre, business, and in the counterculture of the 1960’s at around the age of 40 did he begin to participate in civic matters or was even open about his sexuality.

Milk moved from New York City to settle in San Francisco in 1972 during a migration of gay men to the Castro District. He took advantage of the growing political and economic power of the neighborhood and ran unsuccessfully for political office three times.

Because Milk was very theatrical in his campaigning and he showed that he was not a one-issue candidate, he increasingly became popular. Finally he won a seat as city supervisor repersenting the Castro District in 1977.

Milk served 11 months in office and was responsible for passing a groundbreaking and stringent gay rights ordinance for the city.

On November 27, 1978, Dan White, another city supervisor who had recently resigned but wanted his job back, assassinated Harvey Milk and then Mayor George Moscone in their offices at City Hall.

Despite his short career in politics, today Milk is an icon in San Francisco and a hero to hundreds of thousands of lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender people throughout the nation, and the world.

While Milk’s election to public office made him a trail-blazer to many who came after him, it was what he stood for that continues to serve as a beacon of light, courage, and inspiration to so many and a thorn in the side of those who are vocal against gay and civil rights.

When the older citizens of his district were being mistreated, he stood up for them. When big business took advantage of the common worker, he stood with the unions. When a witch-hunt ensued on gay teachers, he went toe-to-toe with the Anita Bryant’s of the world and stood up publicly to protect their civil rights.

And when a young student told him that he had a new outlook on life because of what he had accomplished, Harvey Milk issued one of his most-used quote to let others know that one of the most important things we can give to LGBTQ youth is, “You’ve gotta give them hope!”

Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Harvey Milk Day History–

On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the highly controversial bill (S.B. 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. Last year, Equality Action Now hosted one of the first Harvey Milk Day events, which included the screening of the movie, Milk and a rally at the California State Capitol.

Harvey Milk Day events continue to grow worldwide. There is even a nation-wide push to issue a special Harvey Milk postage stamp.

One of the main reasons for Harvey Milk Day is to educate young people about the life and importance Milk still has in the fight for civil rights and about treating each other with respect. Equality Action NOW hopes students, parents, and teachers will join them on Harvey Milk’s birthday to celebrate his life and legacy.

Harvey Milk Day Resource Information –

1. BOOK – "The Mayor of Castro Street" by Randy Shilts - 1982 – St. Martin’s Press, New York
2. CHILDREN’S BOOK – "The Harvey Milk Story" by Kari Krakow (Author) and David Gardner (Arthur/Illustrator)
3. NEW STUDENT’S WORKBOOK – "In Celebration of Harvey Milk" by Angela F. Luna (Sacramento teacher and Equality Action Now member) – January 2011 – Self-published AuthorHouse.com.
4. MOVIE – MILK – 2008 - Directed by Gus Van Sant, Written by Dustin Lance Black, Starring Sean Penn.
5. DOCUMENTARY FILM – The Times of Harvey Milk – 1984 – Directed by Rob Ebstein.
6. WEB – A Photo History of Harvey Milk – by Strange de Jim with photos by Daniel Nicoletta – http://www.strangebillions.com/harvey/

Francis House “Feast For The Streets” to Honor Greg Bunker

2011-02-12T02:54:52Z

As Francis House of Sacramento continues to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, this very important institution will honor the memory of Greg Bunker, Executive Director, who passed away December 28, 2010 with their upcoming 20th Annual “Feast for the Streets Food and Wine Gala”, April 27, 2011 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in downtown Sacramento. Feast for the Streets is the largest fundraiser for Francis House and is highly regarded as one of Sacramento’s premiere food and wine tasting events.

With the sudden passing of Greg Bunker in December, Francis House wants to celebrate his life’s work for the homeless and destitute in a way that he would have wanted. Forrest Reed, Acting Director of Francis House of Sacramento is hoping that this year’s event will exceed any in past years so that the vital direct services this tireless advocate helped build from scratch will continue to keep up with the unprecedented demand.

Francis House provides resource counseling and referrals that assist those experiencing poverty in breaking the cycle. Those in need find emergency assistance with transportation and identification, temporary shelter, employment services, advocacy, and personal attention and caring. Francis House is supported by an interdenominational group of seventeen churches as well as community grants, businesses and individuals.

The goal of Francis House is not to sustain people where they are now, but to help provide the way to lift them towards self-sufficiency. This cornerstone agency in the social service community is more about a hand up then a hand out.

On April 27, forty of Sacramento’s finest restaurants and caterers, along with six exceptional wineries and several other business partners will pull together a feast to remember. The evening beginning at 5:30pm will include gala food and wine tasting, music, silent and live auction, raffle and door prizes and loads of fun.

You can purchase your tickets online (individual, couple) at www.francishouse.info or at Francis House, 1422 C Street. ($50 individual, $100 couple) For more information including Sponsorship Opportunities call 916.443.2646.

Same-Sex Couples in Sacramento County Engage in National Request Marriage Actions

2011-02-10T18:41:45Z

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011, from Noon to 2:00pm Marriage Equality USA, Equality Action Now, GetEQUAL, and members of the Faith Community will request marriage licenses for local same-sex couples at the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk’s Office at 720 F Street (Cross-street 8th), Sacramento, CA 95814.

At local marriage counters in cities nationwide, same-sex couples will request marriage licenses at their local County Clerk’s Offices to raise awareness of the harms and impact the inability to marry causes on their families.

Since 2001, Marriage Equality USA chapters have engaged in these annual marriage counter actions to render visible the discrimination that is enforced every day. “It is an affront to the basic dignity of the LGBTQI Community as fellow human beings when same-sex couples are turned away from the marriage counter, but it gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that they live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else,” said Julie Tindall, Marriage Equality USA Sacramento County Chapter Leader and straight supporter. “Marriage discrimination is wrong and harms real-life families. All Americans deserve equal treatment under the law. The time has come.”

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now issued this statement, “On Valentine’s Day we will be at the clerk’s office to show we are still unequal in the eyes of our fellow citizens - we will show up until there is equality for all, we will fight on the side of what is fair and equal... separate marriage laws are not fair or equal!”

Equality Action Now youth spokesperson, Joey O’shea, 22, stated that, “Marriage equality holds a high importance to me, because I believe everyone should have the possibility of happiness." EAN youth media intern, John Wells, 18, said, “Being around same-sex married couples gives me hope and is a visible sign that while I had a bad time being bullied at school and kicked out by my parents, things do get better. I want to have a committed relationship with my future husband and raise a family. I want my family to have all the legal protections any other family has today. For certain, marriage equality is important to the well-being of my generation of LGBTQ youth.”

Founded in 2000, Marriage Equality USA is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.marriageequality.org.

Equality Action Now is a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization founded in 2008. For more information go to www.EqualityActionNow.org .

Community Program Explores LGBTQ Bullying in Sacramento

2011-01-31T07:57:05Z

Part 1 - A Local Gay Youth Tells His Story
By Ken Pierce

Note: This is the first of three articles about growing up gay in Sacramento. It is hoped that the reader gains a better insight into the problems facing LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Questioning) youth in our local schools and community.

In the studios of Access Sacramento the evening of January 4, 2011, Mental Health Matters, a monthly program airing on the Comcast Community Channel was taped. The show’s producer, Marilyn Hillerman invited members of Equality Action Now’s, “It Gets Better Sacramento” project to talk about the LGBTQ youth bullying problem which has been so much in the news lately.

On-air program host and Executive Director of Mental Health America of Northern California, Susan Gallagher opened the show by introducing Dr. Katie Polsky, PH. D., Clinical Psychologist and LGBT Specialist.

Dr. Polsky, whose wife is a therapist gave several daunting statistics, “Bullying is commonplace and most people don’t realize how much damage it does to young people. Bullying can affect those who are susceptible to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as so many other mental health issues. But even more dramatic is the number of suicides or attempted suicides of bullied youth. Four times as many LGBTQ youth attempt suicide relative to their heterosexual counter parts. That’s a huge number.”

Dr. Polsky continued, “In terms of bullying and harassment in schools, 86% of LGBTQ youth report and experience some sort of verbal or sexual harassment in school. 60% of youth report feeling unsafe in their schools. These are remarkable numbers no one should have to experience and these are the issues we are facing as a community and as a nation. It is important that we shed some light on this topic.”

John Wells 18, a Sacramento native and youth advocate and spokesperson for Equality Action Now really put a face to some of the depressing statistics Dr. Polsky stated. Wells spoke of his bullying in school, home life and how he got through it all.

Wells explained. “My parents were not alright with having a gay son and they first tried to deny it, and then they tried to change me. They put me into a Catholic High School. It was really difficult to fit in with friends once I began coming out to them about my being gay. There was a lot of reticule, bullying and lack of support of the people I came in contact with everyday, which put me in a really unsafe mental place. The bullying got so bad there were times I would self-injure myself and I even seriously considered suicide. In the end my parents kicked me out of the house when I turned 18.”

When asked by the moderator how he managed to get through all that depression and bullying Wells said, “A few things helped such as getting myself kicked out of Catholic School and moving to a public school where I joined a Gay-Straight Alliance club. I became close friends with the two senior leaders and in my junior year, became President of the club. Also local organizations like Equality Action Now allowed me to participate in their ‘It Gets Better Sacramento’ project; become their youth spokesperson and since I am taking communications in college now, their Public Relations Director is mentoring me in Media and Public Relations.”

Wells is an exception to the rule when it came to standing up to a bully. He told of an instance in school attending a pep-rally for the football team just before an important game. “I became really pumped up at the rally and excited and didn’t think about how my cheering may seem to others. A guy behind me became very irritated at me because he said I was cheering ‘like a girl’ and ended up punching me in the face in front of everyone.”

“I was hurt and humiliated but all I could do is cry and walk away. I decided to go to the Principal’s office and turn the guy in and he got in serious trouble. Walking away was the right thing to do and turning the guy in helped to identify someone who may have a problem with bullying. In my case the school was very supportive but I know that isn’t always true which is why we need strong legislation such AB-9, the bill Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has introduced to help stop school bullies.”

Smiling into the camera Wells concluded, “It still isn’t easy since I don’t have a job and I am going to be moving in with friends soon but at least I am not homeless like so many LGBT youth and I am going to college hopefully to go into counseling or communications. All-in-all though, it does get better.”

In the next few months you will hear about three other gay activists and a little about their lives growing up gay. By the conclusion of this series the reader should have a better understanding the problems facing LGBT youth here in our own community and how they survive.

Sunday Fall Open House at the Farm on Putah Creek

2010-11-05T23:24:56Z

The Center for Land-Based Learning would like to invite Sacramento families and individuals to the "Fall Open House" at the Farm on Putah Creek, this Sunday, November 7, 2010 from noon to 4:00pm.

Autumn is a wonderful time to experience everything the Farm on Putah Creek has to offer you and your family. There are miles of walking trails along Putah Creek, a bountiful organic market garden, hedgerows, ponds, birds, and wildlife all around. You might even spot a wild turkey or two.

The farm serves as the Center For Land-Based Learning's teaching facility. High School students from all over the region, including several Sacramento schools take part in a program that introduces them to environmental and agricultural studies in hopes that they may become our next generation of farmers and environmentalist. The Farm on Putah Creek's open house opens the farm to the community as a whole four times a year to allow children and adults of all ages to get a taste of what farm life is all about during different times of the season.

A few of the many hands-on activities offered on the day of the event include hayrides, a guided educational walk along Putah Creek and the harvest of vegetables in our garden.

If you were at the spring open house, you will marvel at how big the baby chicks have grown! Plus, they are now laying beautiful eggs. Adults and kids of all ages are invited to learn all about the many species of birds and other wildlife we see around the farm. There are so many activities available for you to do - or you can simply relax and take in the beauty that is the changing of the seasons.

This fun family event is free of charge.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM MONTICELLO BISTRO, WHO WILL BE ON SITE WITH THEIR FARMERS MARKET STALL - LOTS OF GREAT LUNCH ITEMS AND SNACKS!

The Farm on Putah Creek is an easy driving distance from Sacramento and is very close to Davis. For more information and directions visit the web site at www.landbasedlearning.org or call (530) 795-1520. Don't miss this fun event!

Center for Land-Based Learning

www.landbasedlearning.org

5265 Putah Creek Road
Winters, California 95694
530-795-1520

Sacramento’s LGBTQ Community “Service of Remembrance”

2010-11-05T18:46:22Z

The LGBTQ Community and their allies in the Sacramento region is invited to gather at St. John’s Lutheran Church (1701 I Street, Sacramento, CA) this Sunday, November 7, 2010 from 4:00pm – 9:00pm to honor the names of over 750 people who have died violently because they identified themselves as LGBTQ (or were perceived to be LGBTQ) as well as countless others whose names are not known.

This is the 12th Annual Service of Remembrance and this year it is sponsored by a coalition of concerned members of the LGBTQ community and their allies. The program will include a variety of spiritual expressions to bring honor to the memories of so many the community has lost. It will be lead by clergy from several area churches and synagogues.

This year’s Honorary Chairperson is Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. In a statement concerning the event, Hill expressed, “We are heartbroken at the recent deaths of so many young people victimized by hatred and fear. Their pain and despair was so great, they felt that they had no alternative but to take their own lives.”

“Their deaths have placed a spotlight on the terrifying magnitude of hatred directed toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and Intersex people and those who care about them. Sadly, they have joined a lengthy roll call of people who have died at the hands of ignorance and bigotry.”

State Senator Darrell Steinberg will be in attendance and will speak a few words. Also, popular local spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke will perform.

The local grassroots civil rights group, Equality Action Now will also be participating by hosting a video booth set up in the lobby for their own, “It Gets Better Sacramento” project.

Everyone is invited to step in front of the camera and record a personal message to whoever may view it, to talk about your own struggles and hurts, then about how you overcame the hatred thrown at you, then moved forward to create a better life for yourself, telling your listner that for you, “It Gets Better!”. Throughout the world thousands of messages of hope have flooded the Internet with the goal of saving young lives.

The videos will be edited and uploaded to Equality Action Now’s YouTube site as well as the national “It Gets Better” YouTube site.

The organizers are inviting the community at large to attend this service to, “remember their lives with love, bear witness to the atrocity of their deaths and affirm together that hatred and violence must end.”

For more information contact Paul Curtis: PACurtis@aol.com.

Francis House Needs More Room as Homeless Problem Increases

2010-10-22T19:10:23Z

Francis House of Sacramento is launching their capital campaign to raise $250,000 to expand their facility and provide more services. To kick off their campaign the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, owners of Cache Creek Casino Resort have contributed a generous seed donation of $50,000. Greg Bunker, Executive Director for Francis House is pleased with the great start and is hopeful organizations and companies will consider helping with this important project.

Our economy is experiencing a slow recovery, but still the staff and volunteers of Francis House are overwhelmed by the continued increase in need over the last few years. Bunker is hoping to expand the facility to include extra space for counseling and classrooms. He explains, “The addition will allow us to add classes for much needed help such as employment readiness and substance-abuse counseling”.

Francis House resources are distributed directly to the poor in the form of vouchers for emergency transportation, shelter and identification, or used to provide direct counseling and hospitality services.

The organization serves as a lifeline to thousands of homeless and destitute citizens a month. While they do receive some limited federal funding through the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency and some city finding for ID’s support, a much larger portion of the budget is dependent on a network of community organizations, businesses, supporting congregations and individuals.

The kick-off event for the capital campaign for Francis House of Sacramento will be their 40th Anniversary Celebration event on Friday, October 29, at 6:00pm in the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Sacramento. Some of the finest local restaurants and caterers will serve a fabulous four-course dinner with fine wine parings. The popular band, Mumbo Gumbo will provide great music, and proceeds will support Francis House Services.

For more information or to contribute to the Francis House Capital Campaign call (916) 443-2646. For ticket information to the 40th Anniversary Celebration call or visit their web page at www.francishouse.info.

Friday Stand Up to Youth Suicide - Sacramento Candlelight Vigil

2010-10-04T05:25:58Z

Sacramento, CA – Equality Action Now, in partnership with the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Sacramento State Pride Center, Gender Health Center and other local organizations and mental health specialists have organized a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of McMartin Realty, 20th and K Street, Midtown Sacramento between 6:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, October 8, 2010. The vigil will be held in conjunction with a nation-wide effort to, “Stand Up to Youth Suicide”.

Representatives of Equality Action Now and other LGBT organizations and mental health experts will be on hand to help with questions and concerns and to provide the community with resources to fight bullying in Sacramento area schools.

Donations will be accepted and sent to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

The problem of LGBTQ bullying and harassment has reached epidemic proportions. Whether they are gay or not, anyone who is a victim of bullying or harassment is having a tough time.

Currently the media is focused on five teens that committed suicide in response to anti-LGBTQ bullying. As tragic as that number is, there have been reports that indicate that there were a lot more then five.

Nine male teenagers all committed suicide in the month of September, victims of bullying. It isn’t clear if all committed suicide directly from LGBTQ bullying, however all youth suicides are tragic and preventable:

Billy Lucas (15) September 9, 2010. Indiana
Cody J. Barker (17) September 13, 2010. Wisconsin
Seth Walsh (13) September 19, 2010. California
Tyler Clementi (18) September 22, 2010. New Jersey
Asher Brown (13) September 23, 2010. Texas
Harrison Chase Brown (15) September 25 2010. Colorado
Raymond Chase (19) September 29, 2010. Rhode Island
Felix Sacco (17) September 29, 2010. Massachusetts
Caleb Nolt (14) September 30, 2010. Indiana

In many cases while school officials denied knowing anything about the bullying, family members, friends, and other classmates reported knowing about the abuse, some going on for years.

The LGBT community and other supportive organizations and individuals know that bullying goes on all over the country in varying degrees – including right here in Sacramento. A group of concerned individuals have come together in partnership with Equality Action Now and formed, “It Gets Better Sacramento”. In the near future they will be organizing events such as a suicide prevention class, a class on how to support someone who may be bullied in or out of school, and a video mob shoot where individuals in the community can tell their stories and encourage the viewer that though times may be tough, “it does get better”.

The organizers do not want this to be a one-time event. This important work of educating parents, the community and school administrators and supporting our youth should be an ongoing process. It’s about saving lives.

Participants are encouraged to:

- Think about something you would like to write to these young people who took their lives. Note cards will be supplied and later scanned to the EqualityActionNow.org web site.
· Think about telling your story and letting others know that they are not alone and, “it gets better”. We will be videotaping your comments to go on Equality Action Now’s YouTube page as well as the “It Gets Better” YouTube page.
· If you need to express your thoughts after a short program, feel free to take advantage of an open mic session.
· Please supply your own candle for this event.
· Make a sign that expresses what you are feeling.
· Keep up to date with future events and classes.

For more information and resources go to the web site of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (www.saccentr.org) or call (916) 442-0183. You can make donations directly to The Trevor Project through their web site (http://www.thetrevorproject.org/).

New Helvetia Theatre Presents [title of show] – A Northern California Premiere Opens Friday

2010-10-03T19:41:48Z

Have you ever hung out with a friend and all of a sudden decided to write a musical and the next thing you know, you and that friend, along with two other friends are performing that very musical on Broadway. Well it really happened…really!

Following a sold out, critically acclaimed and award-winning run on and off Broadway, New Helvetia Theatre, Sacramento’s newest professional theatre company, is proud to present the Northern California premiere of [title of show], written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen and directed by Erin Island. [title of show] opens this Friday, October 8 and continues through October 30, 2010. This limited 4 week engagement will play at the Artisan Theatre, 1901 Del Paso Boulevard in Sacramento.

[title of show] is a fun musical that takes place over three frantic weeks during a steamy New York summer. Four friends scramble to create an original musical to submit to the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Battling insecurity and frustration, overwhelmed and underpaid, these struggling actors find inspiration in their friendship and in the deep love of theatre that brought them together.

The musical is a hilarious, self-reflective documentary of sorts. When Hunter Bell and Jeff Brown’s festival submission of [title of show] led to an Off-Broadway run, then to the Great White Way, they incorporated their amazing journey right into the show, from brainstorming in the writers’ living room to their opening night on Broadway.

Director Erin Island is best known for her work at B Street Theatre where she directed The Swan and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as well as stage-manage the Mainstage Series. In 2009, she co-directed New Helvetia Theatre’s tick, tick…BOOM! With Artistic Director Connor Mickiewicz.

New Helvetia is making a name for themselves bringing to Sacramento region a broad spectrum of American musicals and plays, from the country’s best known and emerging artists. Since its inception in January 2009, its critically acclaimed productions have included Celebration, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, tick, tick…BOOM!, and the Regional Premiere of It’s Only Life.

The company was recognized in the 2009 Best of Sacramento in Sactown Magazine. In the June 2010 issue of Sacramento Magazine founder and Artistic Director Connor Mickiewicz was featured in the publication’s “15 People to Watch”.

The talented cast of professionals includes Jerry Lee as Hunter, Connor Mickiewicz as Jeff, Kiera O’Neil Anderson as Heidi, Melinda Parrett as Susan, and Graham Solbelman as Larry.

Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. General Tickets are $25 and $15 for persons 30 and under and can be purchased online at http://www.newhelvetia.org or through New Helvetia’s Box Office at (916) 469-9850.

Francis House of Sacramento Announces 40th Anniversary Party

2010-09-18T15:16:31Z

Francis House of Sacramento is announcing its 40th Anniversary Party to be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Friday October 29, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. This event celebrating 40 years of serving the homeless and poor of Sacramento County will include a four-course dinner and fine wines served by the best restaurants and caterers in the city. The dinner will be followed by a dance featuring the popular band, Mumbo Gumbo.

Forty years is a long time for a faith-based non-profit to survive, however Francis House of Sacramento is not just any non-profit. The organization sees that over 30,000 men, women, and children each year receives personal attention for their problems.

The mostly volunteer staff of Francis House provides resource information and counseling for the poor. Seventeen churches and the community-at-large support their efforts.

Francis House Executive Director, Greg Bunker explains, “In many cases, we provide the last hope for those disenfranchised from the mainstream of society. Anyone in need is welcomed at Francis House with a warm cup of coffee and a dose of compassion. Our counseling is very much like you would experience with a friend who is interested to help problem solve their dilemma.”

Forrest Reed, Program Director for Francis House pointed out, “I am encouraged by the number of people in new jobs or in permanent housing due to our efforts. But personally, the best way I gauge our successes is by the smiles, appreciative words and expressions of hope I get to experience from those we help every day I come to work.”

The goal of Francis House is not to sustain people where they are now, but to help provide the way to pull themselves up and off the streets and into jobs and permanent housing. The process of getting them there doesn’t happen over-night so Francis House is right beside them every step of the way. Not everyone has the physical or mental ability, however for others who can do more, they expect sobriety, responsibility, hard work, and ultimately self-sufficiency.

One way to honor and celebrate Francis House of Sacramento and their 40 years of service and to help make sure they stick around another 40 years is to attend this very important fundraising dinner and dance event. Restaurants such as Mulvaney’s, Evan’s Kitchen, Tuli Bistro, Sampino’s and others will provide the four-course dinner and wine pairings.

You can purchase your tickets online (individual, couple, or corporate table) at www.francishouse.info or for more information call (916) 443-2646.

LGBT COMMUNITY CALLING FOR PROTEST TODAY AT CAPITOL

2010-08-18T18:56:38Z

Monday the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit placed their own stay in the Federal Prop 8 Case, which doesn’t allow the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Once again disappointment, and for some, anger has invaded the lives of many same-sex couples who were set to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building today.

In place of the planned Wedding Ceremonies, leaders of the LGBT Community are calling for a Protest Rally and March around the State Capitol. This will begin on the West Steps at 6:00pm, Wednesday August 18 (when hundreds of same-sex marriages would have taken place).

Equality Action Now as well as organizations throughout the region are hosting a protest rally and march in reaction to same-sex couples “having to once again put their wedding plans on hold and continue to suffer being treated like 2nd class citizens without the ability to protect their family and each other, as other citizens who are able to legally marry in the State of California”.

While the program is still in the planning stage, confirmed speakers include State Senator Mark Leno, Equality California’s Government Affairs Director, Mario Guerrero, a representative of Faith for Equality, Diana Luiz and Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, Sacramento couple who were set to wed today, and Hilary Hodge, spokesperson for Equality Action Now.

Organizer Enrique Manjarrez explains the reason for the protest is, “For the community to support couples who were looking forward to their wedding day. For young people looking forward to a life where they are truly equal under the law. For all of us to show the world that you may knock us down, but we’ll get up again. The fight for equality goes on here in Sacramento, and across the country”.

Plans Move Ahead for Same-Sex Weddings Wednesday

2010-08-16T08:18:58Z

The judicial clock is ticking down towards Judge Vaughn Walker’s Wednesday, August 18th, 5:00pm lift of the stay in the Federal Prop 8 Trial. In the event that the temporary stay is lifted and once again, same-sex couples are allowed to apply for a marriage license, the leadership of Equality Action Now and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host Wedding Ceremonies on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building beginning as soon as the first couples arrive from the Sacramento County Clerks Office.

Same-sex couples and their supporters all across the state have been on an emotional roller coaster; first in anticipation of the initial ruling in the case then jubilation when Prop 8 was struck down. Almost immediately a huge letdown happened as a temporary stay was put into place. Once again anticipation reigns supreme with same sex couples that are prepared to join the 18,000 who have already legally married.

One thing is a clear, ProtectMarriage.com and other proponents of Proposition 8 who stepped in the place of the State to take the case to the Federal Court will be relentless and will spare no cost in finding a way to convince the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, or even the Supreme Court to place a permanent stay. Their goal is to keep same-sex marriages from taking place until a decision is made in the higher court. That decision could take as long as two years.

If a permanent stay is put into place, Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center explained, “Same-sex couples will continue to suffer the indignity of being considered second-class citizens and we and our families will continue to be without the same rights and protections legally married couples have. Ether way those who are currently legally married suffer no consequences what-so-ever”.

Putting all the legal wrangling aside, Enrique Manjarrez, a volunteer with Equality Action Now says, “Thinking positively, our organization, along with the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and several other individuals in the community are planning a memorable wedding ceremony for any couple who wish to be one of the first in the State to legally marry after last weeks landmark decision by the Federal Court. There will not be a mass ceremony”.

Couples who wish to participate will have the opportunity to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol. They may use their own marriage officiate or one of several Ministers of local churches who have stepped up and offered their services. Depending on their schedules, several legislators have also indicated they would be happy to step out of the Capitol to perform civil ceremonies.

In checking with the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk's Office, a representative said if the stay is lifted, they intend to stay open after their usual closing time of 5:00pm. At 5:00pm they will issue only same-sex marriage licenses until 8:00pm. The official said they would process those couples that made a reservation ahead of any walk-ins. Reservations are full for Wednesday and Thursday and filling quickly for Friday.

The Capitol Marriage Ceremony Coordinator is asking help from the community and from local businesses who stand to have an increase in their business to donate their time, products, and services to make Wednesday a special day for all same-sex couples who plan to marry. The community is encouraged to attend to support those who are getting married. If you would like to participate and marry Wednesday evening at the State Capitol contact Enrique Manjarrez by calling the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 916-442-0185.

If Stay is Lifted – Sacramento Is Mobilized For Weddings To Begin

2010-08-09T09:49:57Z

Sacramento, CA – August 9, 2010 - It isn’t known how many same-sex couples are poised to rush down to the Sacramento County Clerk’s Office, however if Wednesday is any indication there could be more then just a few dozen who spent the weekend ring shopping, buying flowers and ordering wedding cakes in anticipation of the possibility Judge Vaughn Walker who presided over the Federal Prop 8 Trial will lift the stay and allow those couples to apply for a marriage license.

If you go to the Sacramento County Clerks Office web site you will see highlighted in bright yellow the following statement: “Prop 8 Ruling – Until the ruling on Proposition 8 is entered, it is not in effect. The court has stayed entry pending consideration of a motion to stay the ruling while it is appealed. As a result, the County Clerk/Recorder may not yet issue licenses to same-sex couples”.

With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and State Attorney General Jerry Brown as well as other governmental entities such as the City and County of San Francisco (Mayor Johnson and the City of Sacramento has been silent on this issue so far) filing a Memorandum to Oppose continuing the stay, anti-Prop 8 supporters have high hopes the Judge will strike down the stay and will allow the issuing of marriage licenses to begin.

It is uncertain, even if it is lifted, how soon same-sex couples will be allowed to fill out the long-awaited and hard-fought paperwork that gives them the right to join the already 18,000 married same-sex couples to legally marry in the State of California. Attorney General Brown has indicated he will call for an immediate issuing of licenses as soon as Judge Walker lifts the order and enters the judgment.

The leadership of Equality Action Now, a Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization who has been on the forefront of the mobilization of the Sacramento region’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) community and their allies met Sunday evening to plan their next mobilization effort – the support of all same-sex couples and straight couples who have vowed not to marry until their gay friends and family members can do so legally, at the Downtown County Clerks Office (600 8 Street, Sacramento, CA 95814), if and immediately when Judge Walker lifts the stay.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and the membership are calling on the community to help supply newly weds with white balloons, flowers and wedding cake. EAN is also contacting officials who are able to perform marriage ceremonies to any couple showing up at the Downtown Office. Some services may be conducted on the west steps of the State Capitol Building. There may be some surprise well known officials lending their services.

Sacramento LGBT Community Reacts to Federal Prop 8 Decision

2010-08-04T21:43:28Z

Sacramento, CA – Today, Judge Vaughn Walker released his decision in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Prop 8 Trial. The leadership of Equality Action NOW and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811), are elated with the ruling and are calling a Press Conference at 3:45 PM at the Center and are planning a party beginning at 6:00 pm on K Street at 21st in Midtown Sacramento, in the parking lot behind McMartin's Real Estate.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization said. “Today, we will dance in the streets to celebrate our equality with our fellow Californians and thank all of our allies. While this is a huge step towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that the positive ruling in this case will serve as the bases for an appeal from the Yes on Prop 8 side. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals. So tomorrow we will continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and telling our personal stories”.

Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center pointed out, “as witnessed in the this trial, what the proponents of same-sex marriage have on their side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. On the other hand there is an abundance of evidence that same-sex marriages will actually serve to strengthen our society and family structure as in the case of my own family”.

Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community “to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people”.

”Today our response to Judge Walker's ruling includes reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone”.

Federal Prop 8 Trial Day of Decision - Sacramento Responds

2010-08-04T15:21:39Z

Today, Judge Vaughn Walker will released his decision in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Prop 8 Trial. The leadership of Equality Action NOW and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center announce today's events.

The ruling will be first, sent out by email to all who are directly connected to the case between 1:00pm and 3:00pm then it will immediately be posted to the web site (www.cand.uscourts.gov).

If Judge Walker rules in favor of striking down Prop 8 and restoring same-sex marriages in California, the leadership of Equality Action Now and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning a party to be held at K Street and 21st in Midtown, in the parking lot behind McMartin’s Realty beginning at 6:00pm.

If the ruling upholds Prop 8, we will march from the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, 1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, to the west steps of the State Capitol beginning at 6:00pm. There will be speakers and participants will have the opportunity to express their feelings in an open mic forum.

No matter how it goes, a Press Conference will be called within 2 hours of the ruling announcement on the front steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. If you can make it to the Center for the announcement there will be Media who will want to get the immediate reaction to the ruling from people who this effects the most. It is important you have your voice be heard no matter the outcome. In any case the Center will be open beginning at 9:00am.

While this ruling can be a huge step forward or a temporary barrier towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that this case will serve as the bases for an appeal. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals – and so will we.

It is important to us to continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and being vocal with our personal stories and issues.

As witnessed in the this trial, what we have on our side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. In addition there is an abundance of evidence (and common sense) that same-sex marriages will actually strengthen our society and family structure.

Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people.

On the Day of Decision our response to Judge Walker's ruling must include reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate or protest with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win or lose as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone.

Auto Cooling System Can Make You Hot Under The Collar

2010-07-14T03:18:10Z

Knowing how expensive parts and labor can be, any chance I get, I like to do preventative maintenance on my Subaru Outback. So I called my favorite repair shop’s Service Manager, Sara Savio at Stephan’s Auto Haus to ask about replacing the coolant in my car’s radiator.

Sara is very knowledgeable about the workings of an automobile and is always willing to explain how and why certain maintenance work can save future headaches and unwanted expenses. Since Stephan has taken care of my car for several years, Sara was able to instantly call up my service information (things they have done and a typical maintenance schedule specific to my Subaru make and model) on her computer.

Sure enough, the mileage indicated that soon would be time to flush out my radiator and check on all the hoses connected to my cooling system. Of course I wanted to know more about the coolant they would be using and why filling the radiator with water, as I remember doing as a teen back in the ‘60’s, won’t do anymore in today’s automobiles. As usual Sara was happy to once again give me a lesson in car maintenance.

Automobile Radiator Coolant

Today’s radiator coolant is a mix of anti-freeze and water. Engine coolant is designed to protect your car radiator and cooling system all year round. Most of all, using radiator coolant helps to avoid engine overheating. There are many different brands and varieties of engine coolant. Most have additives that are intended to protect your cooling system by preventing corrosion, lubricating, and increasing cooling efficiency.

Types of Anti-Freeze

There are three types of anti-freeze for your automobile radiator system:

· Ethylen Glycol/Polyethylene Glycol. This type of anti-freeze is still standard after almost 70 years. Modern ethylene glycol anti-freezes have several additives to protect, clean, and lubricate your cooling system.

· Non-Toxic Radiator Coolant. This antifreeze does not contain ethylene glycol or polyenthylene glycol (both very toxic). These engine coolants are, however still toxic but only in larger quantities and over longer periods.

· Extended-Life Anti-Freeze. In most cases, this is simply an ethylene glycol ante-freeze with one or more carboxylate additives to prevent corrosion of the automotive cooling system. These radiator coolants should make your automobile radiator and cooling system last longer.

Engine coolant additives for your automobile radiator are meant to do several things. First it will help reduce cooling system corrosion. Of course all cooling systems will corrode eventually, but you might as well slow the process down as much as you can.

Additives buffer the acidity of your engine coolant. The more acidic your engine coolant, the more quickly it can corrode and damage your cooling system and radiator.

Lastly, additives raise the boiling point of the engine coolant. A higher boiling point temperature means that the coolant can cool you better as your engine gets hotter. It also reduces the chance of blowing a head gasket.

Common engine coolant additives include: nitrates (corrosion inhibitors, buffers), silicates (corrosion inhibitors, especially for aluminum radiators), carboxylates (buffers, corrosion inhibitors), and borates (buffers).

The most important part of my lesson is to never mix different types of engine coolant. You can damage or further reduce your car radiator’s efficiency by mixing the different types. Before you change types, thoroughly drain and flush your cooling system.

Or like in my case, take it to Sara Savio and the trained mechanics at Stephan Auto Haus. Besides being gay owned, Stephan’s Auto Haus has always been honest about what needs to be done, and what doesn’t. You can find Stephan’s shop at 3950 Attawa Ave., Sacramento, CA 95822 or call (916) 456-3040 or check their web site www.StephansAutoHaus.com.

Center For Land-Based Learning Implements State Green Corps Program

2010-06-30T02:06:35Z

In March, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger launched California Green Corps, in order to place at-risk young adults aged 16-24 into jobs in California’s emerging green economy. The Center for Land-Based Learning is one of the three youth service providers in the greater Sacramento region, serving a total of 130 youth. CLBL is serving 25 of those 130 youth, aged 16-19 years old, for summer work experience in sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation, and habitat restoration.

The Center for Land-Based Learning is well known for their two model high school programs, the FARMS Leadership and SLEWS Programs, that reach out to inner-city students and introduce them to a new world of environmental and agricultural learning. Mary Kimball, Executive Director of the Center, is excited to be adding the California Green Corps to their list of highly successful programs.

Investing at least $10 million in federal economic stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Labor and an additional $10 million from public-private partnerships, the initial phase of the California Green Corps consists of a 20-month pilot program reaching at least 1,000 of California’s at-risk young adults.

The program consists of a minimum of 10 regional Green Corps throughout the state – with at least one regional Green Corps located in each of the California’s nine economic regions. CLBL is working with the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (a regional training agency) and the Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services to implement this innovative program. All programs are public-private partnerships that include green jobs training, a stipend, and an educational requirement and community service.

The Center of Land-Based Learning’s program is serving eight (8) students from Sacramento County (all from Grant High School in Del Paso Heights), and 17 from Yolo County (Woodland, Davis, Esparto, and King High Schools).

To be eligible for Green Crops, students had to meet low-income requirements set by the State of California, or have some additional identified “barrier” to employment; e.g. having an identified learning disability, at risk of dropping out of school, attending an alternative school, or living in a single-parent household. In addition, CLBL offered the Green Corps opportunity to the 2008-2010 participants of ether the FARMS or SLEWS Programs, and as a result, the majority of the youth are alumni of these programs.

A major requirement of being a part of the Green Corps program is that each student must complete 100 hours of community service. The students have been working in their communities since January 2010, and CLBL has been providing service opportunities with partner organizations that serve sustainable agriculture, hunger and homelessness, and land and environmental preservation.

Green Corps workdays are Monday-Thursday. Each day, students are picked up in their home communities and transported by CLBL staff to various projects in Yolo, Solano, Colusa, Sutter, and Sacramento counties. CLBL’s Farm at Putah Creek in Winters, CA serves as the teaching headquarters each Wednesday, where Green Corps participants focus on sustainable farming practices and are taught how to be environmental stewards.

Work for the California Green Corps students began on June 7, 2010. Students have already completed several major projects in Yolo and Solano Counties. These projects include Tamarisk (weed) removal from a City of Woodland flood control pond, Scotch Broom removal at Mare Island, installation of drip irrigation for native plantings at Capay Open Space Park, insectary hedgerow maintenance at Pacific Star Gardens near Woodland, and checking drip irrigation lines and monitoring Blue Oak survival at Bobcat Ranch near Winters. That was only week one!

For more information about California Green Corps and the Center for Land-Based Learning, go to their web site at www.landbasedlearning.org or call (530) 795-1520.

Sacramento LGBT Community Prepares For Federal Prop 8 Ruling

2010-06-24T17:29:24Z

Following a five-month hiatus, intriguing closing argument to the Federal lawsuit against California’s Proposition 8 were heard in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, and a decision in the case is expected shortly.

The leadership of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a local, grassroots civil rights organization and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning to respond to whatever ruling Judge Vaughn Walker decides in the case with a rally at the Sacramento G&L Center, 1927 L St.

As of this writing there are no indications when the ruling will take place. Organizers are preparing for any day or time it could be announced. There were rumours flying yesterday that the decision could be handed down as early as this Friday, June 25, 2010, but the general thinking is the decision will not be made before this weekend’s San Francisco’s Gay Pride events or even prior to July 4th, Independence Day.

There are two possible rulings that could be made. Ether the banning of same-sex marriage will be viewed by this court to be unconstitutional and once again it will be legal for same-sex adults to attain a marriage license in the state of California, or the law which had caused so much controversy and millions of dollars on both sides spent to repeal or uphold will continue to be the law of the land.

One way or another one thing is certain, the ruling will be appealed and the case will continue to the Federal Court of Appeals before possibly heading to the Unites States Supreme Court.

Planners of the “D-Day” event are encouraged by early indications that the possibility of the decision on their side is high. With hope that they are right, plans are being formed to close down 20st street between K and L streets, the block the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is located near, for a celebration.

Speakers and entertainment are being lined up and the community is being informed through a vast social networking infrastructure that has been developed since the general election of 2008.

Of course, organizers are also planning for a defeat which could start within hours of the decision at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, with a short press conference and then begin a protest march to the California State Capitol where participants will be able to express their feelings of the decision and speakers will offer their support and encouragement.

In any case, Sacramento will be ready to be vocal about what is predicted to be a cornerstone to the future of same-sex marriage here in California.

For more information about plans for “D-Day” go to the web site for Equality Action Now (www.equalityactionnow.org) or the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (www.saccenter.org).

Equality Action NOW Announces Pride Month Activities

2010-06-10T20:57:39Z

Equality Action Now, a Sacramento based, award-winning civil rights organization will have a super-busy few weeks ahead. The grassroots, all-volunteer activist group will be participating in several events slated for Pride Month.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE LGBT CAUCUS Awards Ceremony

On Monday June 14, 2010 at 10:30 AM, the California Legislative LGBT Caucus will host a special awards ceremony. The California Legislature will proclaim June 2010 as LGBT Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT Community’s past accomplishments and contributions. The Assembly will also honor LGBT individuals selected from across the state for their lifetime contributions and accomplishments in creating a better future for California and the United States.

Sacramento’s own, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and long-time activist has been chosen to receive a lifetime achievement award along with other noted honorees such as Armistead Maupin, Aaron Alvarado, Dr. William Beck, Cecilia Chung, Professor David Cruz, Del Martin (Posthumous), Phyllis Lyon and Jewel Thais-Williams.

The ceremony will take place on the floor of the Assembly with a reception following hosted by the LGBT Caucus consisting of Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez, Senator Christine Kehoe, and Senator Mark Leno.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS – Federal Prop 8 Trial

On Wednesday, June 16, closing arguments in the Federal Prop 8 trial will take place. It has been suggested that the judge in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case may render a decision ether immediately or within a day or two.

The leadership of Equality Action Now is planning on calling a Press Conference on the steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center as soon as the decision comes down from the court. If the outcome is positive there will dancing and a celebration. If the decision is against same-sex-marriage, EAN will lead a protest march from the Center to the West Steps of the State Capitol.

Anyone wanting to participate should sign up to receive Action Alert emails on the www.EqualityActionNow.org web site.

DYKE NITE – Capitol Pride Festival Event

Equality Action Now members are actively participating in leadership positions for this years Pride Events. EAN member, Hilary Hodge is helping to make sure Dyke Nite, to be held on the West Steps of the State Capitol, the evening of the Pride Festival, is a success. Dyke Nite is a fun event for all sexes and age groups and will begin Friday, June 18, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. There is free admission with entertainment by Der Spazm, Sappho's Serenaders, Kings of Drag, Hot Pot Studios, C. Foster and Jovi Radtke are closing with Spoken Word. Hilary Hodge will emcee the event.

SACRAMENTO’S CAPITOL PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Entirely run by volunteers and benefiting the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Capitol Pride Festival will, for the first time, be located along Capitol Mall between the west steps of the State Capitol Building and the iconic West Sacramento Drawbridge Saturday, June 19, 2010.

PRIDE PARADE

This year the Pride Parade will begin at Southside Park and run straight down 7th Street to the State Capitol. Equality Action Now will be bringing up the rear of the parade and along the way will be inviting everyone along the route to join in their march to the Festival. If you want to join them at the beginning, EAN members will be forming up at 9:00 AM at or near the corner of 7th and T Streets at Southside Park. Look for the “Imagine Equality” signs. If you like you can bring beads, and leis to hand to people along the route.

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Entry to the Festival along Capitol Mall will be $10. With the new venue it is expected that this year’s Pride Festival could be the largest yet. Food, entertainment, drink, (think a cold slushy margarita), and hundreds of vender booths will stretch out along the visually stunning Capitol Mall corridor.

Equality Action Now members are an important part of the Sacramento LGBTQI Community and are proud of their accomplishments and participation in helping all citizens. For more information on how to join EAN go to their web site at www.EqualityActionNow.org or email info@equalityactionnow.org. For information about the Pride Festival go to http://sacramentopride.org or download the official Pride Guide at www.outwordmagazine.com .

Sacramento’s LGBT Leadership Applauds the Striking of DADT

2010-05-28T03:51:09Z

Sacramento, CA – May 27, 2010 – Today the Senate Armed Services Committee voted 16-12 to allow the repeal of the long-standing ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. Military.

This evening the United States House of Representatives voted on striking down “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and with a vote of 234 Yea and 194 Nay, the repeal bill passed. In the end 5 Republicans voted for it and 26 Democrats voted against. The bill needed at least 218 votes to pass. After the results were announced, applause rang out in the otherwise stoic House Chambers.

The highly controversial issue will move to the full Senate floor sometime this summer.

In a statement released by Wendy Rae Hill, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Hill exclaimed, “I am proud of our Nation's Leaders. One's sexual orientation should not be a factor in serving and protecting our country.”

Ken Pierce, a spokesperson for Equality Action Now, a Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization says, “There are thousands of brave LGBT service members who are currently serving in all areas of military service. Soon they will be able to be truthful about who they are without fear of losing their job. I don’t think repealing this bill will do any kind of damage to morale in the military. Remember we are about to join a long list of countries, all of them allies that did away with discrimination long ago. They realized the importance of retaining highly dedicated and skilled men and women rather then booting those key personnel to the street. Finally we may be able to truly change, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Care”.

Senator Mark Leno Hosts Religious Freedom and Marriage Talk

2010-05-19T05:50:05Z

By Ken Pierce

Sacramento, CA – May 18, 2010 – Today Senator Mark Leno (D – San Francisco) hosted a discussion at the State Capitol of a bill he sponsored to hopefully help define a confusing aspect of the same-sex marriage fight that may be headed back to the polls in California in 2012. SB 906 was introduced January 27, 2010 and named the Civil Marriage and Religious Freedom Act.

The summary of the bill states that it does reaffirm the freedom of the clergy to make faith-based decisions regarding which marriages they solemnize and further clarifies the distinction between civil marriage and religious marriage. It also clarifies that religious institutions would not lose their tax-exempt status in California if they refuse to solemnize a certain marriage that is contrary to their religious faith.

Among the discussion group was Sen. Leno, New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, and Equality California Executive Director, Geoff Kors.

Bishop Robinson is the first openly gay priest to be ordained a bishop in a major Christian denomination. As a high-ranking member of the clergy, Bishop Robinson has advocated for equal protection under the law and for full civil marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The Bishop mentioned that New Hampshire enacted a similar bill which helped pave the way for the legalization of same-sex-marriages in his state.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda is a courageous vocal opponent to Uganda’s proposed legislation to criminalize and execute members of the LGBT community. The government could soon outlaw his ministry with Integrity Uganda, and Bishop Christopher could be put in prison for his support of LGBT Ugandans. While the Bishop praised the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act proposed in California, his real message is that Religious zealots here in the United States are still fueling support for Uganda taking a harsh stand towards Ugandan LGBT citizens. While their verbal support has been hushed due to the huge backlash of media attention, Bishop Senyonio said, “Money from the U.S. is still flowing into Uganda as well as other African nations in support of strong governmental actions targeting homosexuals”.

Now that the heated debate of when to put to the vote to same-sex-marriage is settled, EQCA is moving ahead with a strategy to win the support of California citizens. Their network of offices and volunteers, including here in Sacramento, has been making thousands of phone calls and knocking on doors across the state. Geoff Kors, executive director led the way for his organization to become a co-sponsor of the Religious Freedom and Marriage bill as part of that new strategy.

Currently SB 906 is on its third reading on the Senate Floor. The bill is sponsored by EQCA and California Council of Churches. It receives official support from AIDS Project Los Angeles, Anti-Defamation League, Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality, California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, California Teachers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, Jewish Political Action Committee (JPAC), Sacramento Lawyers for the Equality of Gays and Lesbians, Inland Counties Stonewall Democrats, and the City of West Hollywood.

Ken Pierce is a local Sacramento writer and Director of Public Relations for Equality Action Now.

Photos by Ken Pierce:

1. (L to R) New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, California Sen. Mark Leno

2. (L to R) Geoff Kors, Bishop Robinson, Uganda Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, Sen. Mark Leno

3. View of the California State Capitol Building

Complete Guide to Harvey Milk Day Events in Sacramento

2010-05-15T20:33:51Z

Background Notes

It was on November 27, 1978 when San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk were shot to death by a former city supervisor, Dan White, who had just recently resigned but changed his mind and wanted his seat back. This sent a shockwave throughout San Francisco, California, and throughout the nation when the major networks carried the story during the evening newscasts.

On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the highly controversial bill (S.B. 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. This makes the slain gay civil rights activist only the second person in state history – in addition to conservationist John Muir – to gain such a designation. The signing came on the heals of President Obama awarding Harvey Milk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom last August.

Though Harvey Milk Day is not a state holiday, the measure encourages schools to conduct lessons “remembering the life of Harvey Milk, recognizing his accomplishments and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to the state.”

Saturday, May 22, 2010 will be the first Harvey Milk Day and Equality Action Now, an all-volunteer; grassroots civil rights organization took the lead in organizing events for Sacramento. In the past, the organization hosted several large rallies at the State Capitol protesting Prop 8, the same-sex marriage bill that passed in 2008 and upheld by the State Supreme Court in 2009.

EAN leadership wanted to make sure the city wasn’t left out in providing fun, educational, and affordable events that is all-inclusive to celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Milk. With the help of their sponsors, Badlands, Outword Magazine, Uptown Studios, Great America, California Faith for Equality, Sacramento PFLAG, Red Bull USA, Stephan’s Auto Haus, Rainbow Chamber, Sacramento International Gay Lesbian Film Festival, Equality California, B’nai Israel, A Chorus Line, and Depot, it seems they have been successful.

“Milk and Cookies” at the Crest Theater – May 19, 2010 – K Street, between 10th and 11th Streets

This special evening at the Crest Theater begins at 6:00pm with a VIP Reception. Equality Action Now invites everyone to become a VIP. Enjoy complementary wine and cookies as well as the opportunity to converse with other Harvey Milk admirers. Special guests will include Sen. Mark Leno, sponsor of SB 582, making Harvey Milk Day a “special day of significance”, and the first out gay man to be elected to the State Senate. You will also have the opportunity to speak to Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, formally a personal friend of Harvey Milk. Also, in the movie, Milk, actor Emil Hirsch played a young collage student who was befriended by Milk and was recruited to work in his Castro Street election office. That young man, Cleve Jones became a powerful AIDS and LGBT and civil rights activist. Participation in the VIP Reception will allow you to personally meet Cleve.

Beginning at 7:00pm the Crest Theater doors will open and participants will move to the main theater for a fun and educational Harvey Milk Panel Discussion. This event will start off with a performance by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and “Spoken Word” artists, Jovi Radtke and C. Foster. Mark Leno, Tom Ammiano, and Cleve Jones will then speak about the life and legacy of Harvey Milk.

Beginning at 8:00pm Equality Action Now will present the screening of Gus Van Sant’s biopic movie, Milk, starring Academy Award winning actor, Sean Penn. This special one-time screening should be a highly educational event for those who didn’t see the movie the first time around and an exciting evening for those seeing it again on the big screen with a theater full of Harvey Milk admirers.

The cost of the VIP Reception, which includes the panel Discussion and special screening, is $30. Cost of attending the Panel Discussion and the movie Milk is $10. Tickets are available at Tickets.com or at the door.

NOTE: Both the Panel Discussion and movie, Milk is rated “R” – Panel Discussion entertainment for language and Milk for language, some sexual content, and brief violence. No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without Parental or Guardian permission.

Harvey Milk Day Rally and March – Saturday, May 22, 2010 – California State Capitol – West Steps – 4-6pm

Equality Action Now is happy to host this free, family-friendly event at the State Capitol on Harvey Milk’s 80th birthday. Participants will, many for the first time, experience a rally much like Harvey Milk organized in the late 1970’s. Voices from the past, present, and future are the main themes and speakers representing each will speak to the meaning Harvey Milk has for them personally.

Highlighting the entertainment portion of this event will be the traveling cast of Broadway’s A Chorus Line straight from their run at the Sacramento Community Theatre May 19-23. Cast members will perform a musical number from A Chorus Line’s, “What I Did for Love”. Additional entertainers will include Irina Rivkin, Outmusic Awards Recipient, Small Differences Woman’s Choral Ensemble, and local artists Cooper Rae, Jovi Ratke and C. Foster.

The final speaker, introduced by a young activist, will be Harvey Milk himself (Eric Baldwin) reciting excerpts from two of his inspirational and historic speeches including the highly emotional “Hope” speech. This portion of the rally will take participants back to what was going on in the late ‘70’s but is highly relevant to today and the issues many Americans still face today. At the end of his speech, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and Harvey Milk will lead participants in a march around the Capitol Building.

For this event, there will be a special children’s section close to the front so they can easily see and hear the event unfolding before them. Activities for the children will be provided. Organizers hope students of all ages have the opportunity be a part of this historic event.

Open House at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center – May 22, 2010 - 1927 L Street, Midtown Sacramento – 6-8pm

After the Rally and March the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will hold an Open House. Sponsored by Congregation B’nai Israel, an exhibit about Harvey Milk’s early cultural and religious life will be on display. The new Executive Director, Wendy Rae Hill and her staff will be available to speak about the current services the Center provides the community and her vision of how it can expand to be even more relevant to Sacramento and the surrounding areas it serves. This will be a great time for visitors during the Open House to learn about California’s Pride Festival here in Sacramento, volunteering opportunities and how to become a member of the Center.

Harvey Milk Day After-Party Activities – May 22, 2010 - Midtown – K Street and 21st Streets – 6-10pm

After the Rally and visiting the Gay and Lesbian Center, choose a favorite visit the Badlands or barhop to the beat of music filling the streets in celebration of California’s first Harvey Milk Day. Equality Action Now volunteers will be at the door of Badlands, Depot and Headhunters asking for donations to help cover the cost of the events.

For more information about Harvey Milk Day Events here in Sacramento visit www.EqualityActionNow.org, email info@equalityactionnow.org or call (916) 446-1082.

A Chorus Line to Highlight Harvey Milk Day Rally Entertainment

2010-05-10T21:15:00Z

To commemorate Harvey Milk Day, on his birthday, May 22, 2010 Equality Action Now will host a fun and historic Rally and March on the West steps of the State Capitol. Invited guests include adult and youth speakers from the community as well as entertainment. Highlighting the entertainment will be the cast of Broadway’s hit, A Chorus Line.

The road tour of A Chorus Line will be playing at the Sacramento Community Theatre May 19-23. According to their tour manager the cast will perform their matinee show then head over to the Capitol to perform a musical number from A Chorus Line, “What I Did For Love”.

A Chorus Line, one of the most recognized Broadway musicals, won nine Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever.

Additional entertainers at the Harvey Milk Day Rally will include:

Small Difference Women's Choral Ensemble is a group of women of all orientations who are dedicated to performing music that has a message. It is one way the members have channeled their activism to change this world for the better. We sing songs for peace & justice, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender equality, women's liberation, the environment, and human rights for all. We are a proud member of Sister Singers Network and GALA (the Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses).

Irina Rivkin is an Outmusic Awards Recipient for OutSong of the Year 2003, & Nominee for Outstanding Debut Recording 2005, Rose Street House of Music founder and singer-songwriter Irina Rivkin has performed for 25 years, from her childhood singing Russian folk and American Jazz in a family band, to performing her own songs for the last 12 years. She expresses insightful, gutsy, vocal world-folk originals, journeying into the personal and political, with occasional travels into Russian and Spanish language lyrics. Irina layers her poetic lyrics with rich textured harmonies, swirling with vocal percussive beats, all created live on-the-spot using her loop station instrument.

Cooper Rae, a performance artist from Midtown Sacramento. Rae is committed to creating music and art that effects a social change, Her performance is inclusive and combines a variety of styles into her music – jazz, blues, alternative, neo-soul, r&b, funk, even country. Rae’s original songs touch on a multiple subjects: politics, love, sex, heartbreak, and personal strength. She says that her music is very reflective of her life; therefore it’s very lesbian.

Jovi Ratke and C. Foster “Spoken Word” artists:

Jovi Ratke is a new face on the spoken word scene, but this up and comer has been throwin down words since she learned how to speak them. Over the past few years, she has been a strong and inspiring voice at rallies for marriage equality, events to benefit our homeless communities, and everywhere she can find a mic. Jovi is compact fluorescent lighting meets the energizer bunny with more heart than she can contain folded in. She writes like pen to the page creates oxygen and she possesses a voice that begs to be heard.

All the world’s a stage for performance poet, C.Foster. She can be found reciting lines while shifting gears and pounding pavements. Foster’s work centers on the complexity of love and all the unusual places it exists. With a cracked rearview and a rusty heart, she finds beauty in the breakdown.

Eric Baldwin, an accomplished actor/director has performed across the United States as well as Europe will be playing Harvey Milk, reciting from two of Milk’s speeches, including his inspiring “Hope” speech. Eric as Harvey Milk will then lead the grand finale march around the State Capitol Building.

Harvey Milk Day Rally and March May 22, 2010 at the California State Capitol Building, 10th and L Streets, from 4-6pm is sponsored by Equality Action Now, Outword Magazine, Uptown Studios, Stephan’s Auto Haus, Rainbow Chamber, SIGLFF, EQCA, Faces, B’nai Israel, and Badlands and Depot. For more information on this free, family-friendly event: www.EqualityActionNow.org or call (916) 446-1082.

Cleve Jones to Highlight "Milk and Cookies" Event at the Crest Theater

2010-04-30T19:59:13Z

Sacramento, CA - On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the highly controversial bill (S.B. 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. The signing came on the heels of President Obama awarding Harvey Milk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom last August.

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization wanted to make sure Sacramento wasn’t left out in providing community-based affordable events commemorating Harvey Milk’s 80th Birthday, his Presidential Medal of Freedom award, and the California’s first official Harvey Milk Day. During the last several months EAN’s leadership and volunteers collaborated with several individuals and organizations throughout the region to organize events celebrating Harvey Milk and his legacy.

“Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion and the Screening of “Milk”

To open the week Equality Action Now is hosting a VIP Reception, “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion, and the screening of “Milk” the movie production that won 2 Academy Awards starring Sean Penn. All will take place beginning at 6:00pm Wednesday May 19, 2010 at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento. State Senator Mark Leno, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano and Cleve Jones are special guests.

Elected to the Senate in 2008, Senator Mark Leno is the first openly gay man elected to the State Senate, and one of the first two openly gay men ever elected to the State Assembly. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served six years in the State Assembly and four and a half years on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

As sponsor of S. B. 572, Harvey Milk Day would not have been enacted if it were not for the tenacity and perseverance of Senator Leno.

Tom Ammiano is a long-time San Francisco Democratic leader who has served the city nearly three decades as a teacher, civil rights leader, educator and Supervisor. Today Ammiano serves as a State Assemblyman.

Assemblymember Ammiano is a tireless fighter of LGBT and civil rights and recently came out for the legalization of marijuana. He was also a good friend of Harvey Milk and may have a story or two to tell participants of the VIP Reception and “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion.

Cleve Jones is an AIDS and LGBT civil rights activist. He conceived the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. At the onset of the AIDS pandemic Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

Jones began his career as an activist in San Francisco during the turbulent 1970’s. He worked as a student intern in Harvey Milk’s office while studying political science at San Francisco State University. Actor Emile Hirsch portrayed Cleve Jones in Milk, director Gus Van Sant’s biopic of Harvey Milk. Equality Action Now is especially happy to have Cleve participate in this special event.

Additional guests providing entertainment during the “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion is the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and local “Spoken Word” artists, Jovi Radtke and C.M. Foster.

A VIP Reception with Leno, Ammiano and Jones begins at 6:00pm. The “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion starts at 7:00pm and the screening of Milk begins at 8:00pm. Entry to the VIP event is $30 and the Panel Discussion plus the screening of Milk $10. Tickets are available at Tickets.com. For more information about Harvey Milk Day events visit: www.EqualityActionNow.org

VW Vanagon Engine Conversions Specialty For Popular Local Auto Shop

2010-04-14T18:17:40Z

America is in love with their cars and there is no getting around that. Pick just about any automobile and you can find a car club or Facebook group of fans who spend their time chatting about their cars, giving each other repair tips and who will host the next meeting. One carmaker outshines the others in the area of loyal followers and collectors – Volkswagen. Here in Sacramento, Stephan White has made a name for himself among VW owners from all over the nation.

White owns Stephan’s Auto Haus and on a recent trip to get my Subaru Outback an oil change (yes there is an Outback club, no I do not belong), I couldn’t help but notice a 1988 VW Fox sitting on the floor with all its guts pulled out of the chassis. The Volkswagen Fox was produced in Brazil and imported to the U.S. from 1987 to 1993.

To my amazement the Fox was being prepared for replacement of the old fuel injected 1.8-liter engine with a sleek new electric motor in the front and 8, 12-volt gel-cell batteries where the fuel tank was in the back. Four more batteries were to be installed up front along with a small 12-volt battery to “start-up” the system. White told me when the baby hits the road it will cruse at 65 mph and should get approximately 100 miles to a charge to its batteries making the converted VW the greenest Fox on the road.

While the Electric Vehicle conversion was a special project, what the shop is most known for across the United States is their VW Vanagon engine conversions. For over 50 years (beginning in 1949) VW imported the Bus to the US as well as several other countries. The VW Bus soon became an icon of sorts. Today most look upon the VW Bus as a “hippie” van and thoughts of Woodstock come to mind.

In 1979 VW stopped building the bus to begin production on the “Vanagon” which was supposed to be the next best thing and survive 50 more years like the bus did. Well…that didn’t happen.

From the beginning the VW Vanagon was doomed. The horizontally opposed 4 cylinder engine in production from 1983.5 to 1991 was basically a modified air cooled to water cooled VW Bus/Beetle engine which was way too underpowered for the demands buyers expected. From 1986 to 1991 the Vanagon engine’s size went from a 1,9 liter to a 2.1 liter but was still not powerful enough to push (engine in the rear) a heavy VW Westfalia Vanagon Camper up a steep grade with enough speed to sustain any forward movement.

Volkswagen Westfalia Campers were conversions of Volkswagen Type 2 (better known as Transporter or Micro-Bus) The Transporter vehicles were imported here from 1949 to 1979. The Vanagon was produced and sold in 1980 overseas and was only imported to the US after 1991. The VW Eurovan took over from there and was sold in the US from 1993 to 2003. VW subcontracted the modifications to Westfalia-werke (most often called Westfalia) in Rheda-Wiedenbuck, Germany. Various models of the Camper Vans and options were constructed.

VW Campers were available from Volkswagen dealers throughout the world. Vehicles were also delivered via the Tourist Delivery program where a customer would pick up their new van in Germany, drive it around Europe, then transport it home, typically to the USA. Many VW campers were purchased by US Servicemen and brought back to the States in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Most Westfalia Camper models were built with various foldout seat arrangements for sleeping, birch plywood cabinetry for storage, ice box or cold box, sink, water storage and pump, electrical hookups, curtains, and a laminated folding table.

Guys like Stephan who enjoys camping with his partner knew the VW Vanagon body was extremely strong and performed with high marks in crash testing for a vehicle of its size. “Driving the van you would get the feeling of being up high enough to see traffic ahead and still have the handling of a smaller vehicle while getting decent fuel mileage and the ability to park in tight places. No other manufacturer that made Vans could compete with this,” explained White.

So White looked around and bought his first 2 wheel-drive Vanagon from an older lady here in Sacramento for $2400. The Van had front-end damage so he decided to completely strip and restore the body, transmission and engine. Not long after listing the newly restored “Westy” White’s phone rang off the hook from eager buyers. The first person that happened to drive in from the Bay Area took one look and bought it for a whopping $15,000. The redo cost White $8000 so he came out way ahead.

With the extra money in hand White sought out and found a 1990 Vanagon Westfalia Syncro Camper with its original engine intact. The kid he bought it from had taken a year and toured all over the US. In that one year he clocked approximately 29,000 miles.

Except for scratches the body had all up and down its sides, the Van had all the amenities White was looking for in a camper. But after driving it around for a year he decided that something would have to be done about its lack of power it had for the rougher terrain he was longing to traverse.

“I did a lot of research on different VW engines and found that the 1.8T was the only Turbo charged engine that was classed as an ultra low emissions engine for California at that time and still may be,” said White. The cost to install vs. power output, fuel economy and reliability was what he was looking for in an engine and the 1.8T fit the bill.

After overcoming several obstacles like having to fabricate a box to accommodate the few inches the engine needed overhead in the rear of the Camper, White completed the restoration and engine conversion and was ready to hit the road. With its unique 4-wheel drive capacity his Vanagon Westfalia Syncro Camper possessed, Stephan and his partner could choose just about anywhere on or off-road they felt like traversing and were able to do so safely and economically, keeping their traveling carbon footprint to a minimum.

As a true proud VW owner White showed off his decked out Camper and engine conversion skills to other VW folks (officially called “Volks”) and like a wildfire word got around the community that Stephan’s Auto Haus is the place to go for Van engine conversions. Soon inquires began to flow in from all over the United States. So far, White has completed 15 Van engine conversion projects. His next project is currently on its way from Alaska to his shop as of this writing. His last conversion was trucked in from Colorado and when completed the owner flew to Sacramento and happily drove his Syncro back home. There was only one Sacramento owner who took advantage of White’s skills at Van engine conversions. Stephan says the last he heard from the guy he was somewhere in Canada exploring “his” unknown.

Stephan’s Auto Haus is a full service auto repair shop specializing in German, Japanese and Domestic automobiles and the place to go for a “Vanagon” engine conversion. Voted “Best Auto Repair” in the Sacramento News and Review. The shop is located at 3950 Attawa Ave., Sacramento, CA 95822 – (916) 456-3040 -www.StephansAutoHaus.com.

Sacramento's Harvey Milk Day Student Essay/Art Contest

2010-04-03T15:16:23Z

Equality Action Now and Contest Sponsor, Barnes & Noble at Arden Fair is hosting an essay and art contest to commemorate California’s first Harvey Milk Day, Saturday May 22, 2010.

Harvey Milk Day was enacted and signed into law last October by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Under the measure, May 22 is officially Harvey Milk Day in California, coinciding with Milk's birthday. While it is not a state holiday, schools are encouraged to hold lessons "remembering the life of Harvey Milk, recognizing his accomplishments and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to this state".

Equality Action Now is a local grassroots civil rights organization and is leading the way in organizing Sacramento’s Harvey Milk Day events. Note: Equality Action Now is working on forming a curriculum for school-aged children and teens. For more information check out http://www.EqualityActionNow.

Harvey Milk Day Student Essay/Art Contest Rules:

1. The Harvey Milk Day Student Essay/Art contest is open to the following age-groups (as of May 22, 2010):
a. 6 and under (Art Contest)
b. 7 – 12 yrs old (Art Contest)
c. 13 – 14 yrs old (Essay contest)
d. 15 – 18 yrs old (Essay contest)

2. The Harvey Milk Day Student Essay/Art Contest is open to students in the Sacramento Capitol Region, which includes those who reside in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties.

3. Limit one entry per person.

4. Essay and artwork must be the original, unpublished work of the student.

5. Essays are limited to 250-300 words and written in English. Artwork is limited to 8 ½ x 11. Artwork may be in crayon, pencil, color pencil, ink, or charcoal mediums.

6. Entries will become the property of the Sponsor (Equality Action Now), so be sure to keep a copy for your records.

7. All entries must include a title page as the first page of the submitted document or artwork. This title page must contain the writer/artist name, email address, home phone or cell, address (street, city, state, zip), county of residence, school name and parents name and signature if writer/artist is under the age of 18. Be certain that no name or identifying information appears on the essay or artwork itself.

8. The contest deadline for getting in all submissions is May 10, 2010.

9. All submissions along with the title page must be submitted by Postal mail. Mail entries to: Harvey Milk Essay/Art Contest – 410 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816.

10. Winners will be selected from eligible entries received. Entries that do not meet submission guidelines will be automatically disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any person it believes has intentionally violated these official rules.

11. Essays will be judged by individuals chosen by the Sponsor, whose decisions are final. In the event of a tie, the Harvey Milk Day Organizing Committee Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.

12. All prizes will be awarded.

13. Winners will be notified by email or phone.

14. Entry and acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use each winner’s name, prizes won, hometown and likeness for advertising and promotional purposes without further notice or compensation, except where prohibited by law.

15. Winners will be publicly announced Wednesday May 19, 2010 at the Crest Theater just before the showing of “MILK”. Winners will also be invited to personally present their winning essay or artwork during the Harvey Milk Day Rally at the State Capitol Saturday, May 22, 2010. Winning essays and artwork will be published in Outword Magazine and posted on the Harvey Milk Day web site. All submitted essays and artwork may be chosen for display at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

16. Students in families of the judges are not eligible to participate in this contest.

17. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the contest or in the announcement of the prizes.

18. Entries must meet all contest requirements. Consideration will be given to presentation, content, structure, grammar, spelling, clarity and originality of response.

19. Prizes: There will be one package of prizes for each age group awarded. (Note: Additional prizes may be awarded as new sponsors sign on.)

a. Age 6 and under: Prize package from Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Arden Fair - Illustrated book The Harvey Milk Story by Kari Krakow - Free tickets to all Harvey Milk Day events.
b. Age 7-12: Prize package from Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Arden Fair - Illustrated book The Harvey Milk Story by Kari Krakow - Free tickets to all Harvey Milk Day events.
c. Age 13-14: Prize package from Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Arden Fair - Book The Mayor of Castro Street: the Life and Times of Harvey Milk by Randy Shilts - Free tickets to all Harvey Milk Day events.
d. Age 15-18: Prize package from Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Arden Fair - Book The Mayor of Castro Street: the Life and Times of Harvey Milk by Randy Shilts - Free tickets to all Harvey Milk Day events.

20. By entering, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decision of the judges and the Sponsor, which will be binding and final in all respects.

Essay statement: Many people consider Harvey Milk a hero. People consider him a hero for several reasons, but not for as much as who he was but what he did for so many people he helped during the time he was alive. After learning about Harvey Milk…

If Harvey Milk was alive today, whom would he be helping, what would he be doing and why would he have chosen this person or persons to help? Artwork should also reflect on this question.

Welcome Back Springtime on the Farm

2010-02-17T22:13:41Z

Springtime will soon be in the air and you and your family are invited to get take a break from the 9 to 5 and city life to experience the awakening of life. The Center For Land-Based Learning at the Farm on Putah Creek is hosting Welcome Back Springtime at the Farm on Putah Creek Sunday March 28, 2010 from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

The Center For Land-Based Learning is a non-profit whose stated mission is to “engage youth in learning experiences on the land that foster respect for the critical interplay of agriculture, nature and society.”

Under the leadership of Mary Kimball, Executive Director, the Center uses a network of farms, ranches, and natural ecosystems as educational laboratories for inner city, suburban and rural high school students. The staff of educators, Land-Based Learning Graduates, and working farmers imparts an appreciation for where food comes from and knowledge about environmental stewardship. Connecting students to their own communities while developing leadership skills and the ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups are just a few benefits students experience while in the program. In the end, the development of future farmers, environmentalists, and caretakers of our earth and its resources is the true goal of this important organization.

Springtime is a wonderful time to experience everything the Farm on Putah Creek has to offer you and your family. There are miles of walking trails along Putah Creek, a bountiful organic market garden, hedgerows in full bloom, ponds of teaming tadpoles and birds and wildlife all around.

A few of the many hands-on activities offered the day of the event will include hayrides, a guided educational walk along Putah Creek and the cultivation of spring vegetables in our garden. You can take part in the feeding and gathering of eggs from the chickens and hold a cute baby chick. Adults and children of all ages will be invited to take part in the study of soil in our soil pit and learn about the many species of birds and other wildlife we see around the farm. There will be many activities available for you to do or you can simply relax and take in the beauty of the blossoming hedgerows. Don’t forget your camera, as there will be plenty of photo ops.

This fun family daylong event is free of charge. You can purchase food and beverages or feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. The Farm on Putah Creek is an easy driving distance from Sacramento and very close to Davis. For more information and driving directions call or visit the Center For Land-Based Learning’s web site at: (530) 795-1520, http://www.landbasedlearning.org. The address of the Farm on Putah Creek is 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters, CA 95694. Don’t miss this once-a-year event.

Local Civil Rights Group On Watch Today

2009-11-03T15:59:29Z

Sacramento, CA – Today is election day across the nation and members of Equality Action Now, a local volunteer grassroots organization are watching three key areas who’s outcome could impact the struggle of the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community here in California.

While Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, and her army of volunteers are preparing for tomorrow’s “One Year Ago” rally and march at the state capitol to call attention to California’s gay community and their own struggle to overturn Prop 8, they will be paying close attention to elections in the states of Maine, Washington, and the city of Kalamazoo Michigan.

The first and most important battleground for supporters of is in the state of Maine. Mainers will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing same-sex marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum. Last minute polls indicate that support of same-sex marriage is squeaking ahead but it is still too close to call.

The state of Washington is a voting mail-in state so while their Referindom 71 has already been decided, the results will not be in until later today. Referindom 71 would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage. The bill reads that same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.

Today the citizens of Kalamazoo Mishigan will be voting on the Kalamazoo “Non-Discrimination Ordinance”. The City Commission passed the inclusive non-discrimination ordinance on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance. The final ordinance, which simply adjusts current employment and housing/accommodations law to protect gay and transgender people as it currently protects people based on race, gender, and religion, includes revisions proposed during the public forums. If passed, the city ordinance could be a template other cities could adopt in the future.

All three elections may or may not have an impact close to home here in California. In any case gay and civil rights activists across the state have already been actively supporting the three other elections by fundraising, phone banking, and as with the all important Maine vote, sending trained organizers to key cities to lend support on the ground. This is a good indication that activism is growing and many individual organizations, big and small are pooling their resources to support common issues.

Here in Sacramento, Tina Reynolds, fresh from attending the National Equality March in Washington DC is reflective and defiant saying,“November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine, Washington and Kalamazoo. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our brothers and sisters fighting for their civil rights everywhere. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the outcome in other states, it is likely that California will continue to be an important battleground for gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Camp Courage Comes to Sacramento

2009-10-17T05:15:21Z

Highlighting the one-year anniversary since Prop 8 was passed into law, Equality Action NOW, is co-sponsoring along with Courage Campaign and 20 other organizations and individuals, Camp Courage Sacramento, November 7-8, 2009. Camp Courage is an intensive two-day training designed to teach the principles and skills of community organizing and how to become an effective activist.

Drawing on techniques honed for decades by progressive social movements and proven results used by the Obama campaign, Camp Courage teaches empowerment, team building, leadership development, and grassroots organizing skills. It is designed primarily for new activists of all ages or those who have never engaged with the broader community about social issues. While overturning Prop 8 is a current focal point of attention, Camp Courage will educate individuals to plan and implement campaigns that cover a wide array of importance to the community at large.

Camp Courage will cover basic community and political organizing skills, such as finding your voice by telling your “story of self”; leadership development; principles of successful organizing; developing collaboration and building effective teams; techniques of voter persuasion; organizing a phone bank; canvassing; tabling; throwing house parties and online organizing.

In addition to providing participants with essential activist tools, Camp Courage provides a unique opportunity for community members to meet and network with like-minded individuals and organizations which they can connect, join, and put their newly learned skills to immediate use. Trainings have already been held in Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, San Diego, East LA and more recent in Washington DC.

Faculty and leaders of the camp include Tori Osborn, Mike Bonin and Lisa Powell. Participants of Camp Courage Sacramento will be enlightened and motivated by speakers such as Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate who was discharged from the National Guard because of “homosexual conduct” and who appealed directly to President Obama to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” rule. Also appearing is Rev. Eric P. Lee, President/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. More speakers will be announces later.

Courage Campaign, creator of Camp Courage is the online organizing hub for progressive Californians. They have a network of over 700,000 grassroots and netroots citizens empowered to leverage online tools for offline activism. Courage Campaign is a multi-issue organization that focuses on several California progressive issues, including marriage equality.

To sign up, go to: http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/campsacramento

Equality Action NOW is an award-winning local Sacramento grassroots volunteer organization filled with dedicated activists who fight on several civil rights fronts, one of which is the fight to repeal Prop 8. In co-sponsoring Camp Courage, EAN hopes to help make the first-ever Sacramento gay activist school a success by recruiting participants to become campers in this important event.

For more information about Equality Action Now visit: http://www.EqualityActionNOW.org

Maine’s Question One – A Question For California?

2009-10-13T15:56:08Z

On the evening of November 4, 2009, members of civil and same-sex marriage rights organizations will stage a rally at the California State Capitol to protest the passing of Prop 8 exactly one year ago. Roughly three thousand miles away in the state of Maine, Question One will have been answered for citizens hoping their state is the next state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Maine is the latest battleground for supporters of same-sex marriage. On November 3, they will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing such marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum.

Back here in California, supporters of same-sex marriage are cautiously hopeful for a landmark victory that they believe would have an impact here. If the law is unhealed it could help with a positive momentum many believe is happening in California. The real question is how would a defeat, Maine voters repealing the law; affect California in overturning Prop 8?

“I don’t think anyone really knows for sure,” answered Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento and organizer of the California State Capitol protest. “Maine is our sister state fighting the same lies and distortions created by the religious right to repeal their same sex marriage laws. The radical right is using fear in the same manner as they used against us in California.”

Reynolds goes on to say, “November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our Maine brothers and sisters. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the decision of Maine voters, knowing the track record of California gay rights activists who seem to have the resiliency to press on year-after-year, the fight for same-sex marriage will continue to move ahead until it is settled for good. While Maine could provide a boost or depression, it is likely to have a short term affect to the efforts here in California. One good indication could be the attendance and the mood of participants, both for and against gay marriage, who show up on the west steps of the California State Capitol Building, November 4th at 5:00 pm. It could be a defining moment with national implications.

One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action

2009-10-08T06:59:47Z

A year ago on November 4, 2008, Proposition 8, a California ballot proposition passed in the November general election. The measure added a new section (7.5) to Article I of the California Constitution. The section reads: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The proposition overturned the California Supreme Court’s ruling saying that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, by restricting the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples. California’s State Constitution put the measure into immediate effect the day after the election.

On November 4, 2009, Equality Action Now, along with members of the Sacramento LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) Leadership Coalition will lead a rally and march at the California State Capitol Building to highlight the fact that the fight for civil rights for all citizens is not over. The rally will begin at 5:00 pm with sign making for participants, followed at 6:00 pm with a few speakers. At 6:30 pm Equality Action Now will lead a march around the capitol grounds.

Equality Action Now, a grassroots all-volunteer civil rights organization was born literally moments after the November 2008 elections. The award-winning group of activists lead by Tina Reynolds, co-founder and owner of Uptown Studios now serves as Sacramento’s premier civil rights organization. Even though the same-sex marriage issue is still an important focus of the organization, members have also spent their free time collecting food for the poor marched in step with other organizations such as the labor union and the Martin Luther King Jr Day parade Members also was instrumental in supporting SafeGround Sacramento, fighting for the homeless and helpless.

The Sacramento LGBTQI Leadership Coalition was formed just prior to the recent California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop 8. Along with leaders of Equality Action Now, this group meets monthly to share information from other local grassroots and statewide organizations on preparations to overturn Prop 8.

The November 4th rally will serve as a reminder to the public at-large that the LGBTQI community, along with their many straight, political, and religious allies will not give up the fight for full equality until their rights are fully restored. While the decision of when to place this issue back on the ballot (2010 or 2012) is being decided, organizations such as Equality Action Now are continuing to mobilize, motivate, activate like-minded individuals and educate opponents who may have heard only one side of the issue.

The California State Capitol Building is located at 10th and L Street, Sacramento, CA. The rally will begin on the west steps at 5:00 pm and will conclude at 6:30 pm with a march around the capitol grounds. For more information visit Equality Action Now’s web site at: http://www.EqualityActionNow.org. or events@equalityactionnow.org or phone (916) 446-1082.

Uptown Studios Leads the Way for Other Companies to Go Green

2009-09-24T17:53:47Z

More then 20 years ago computers began appearing on office desks everywhere. Soon after the idea that we could eventually have a “paperless office” sprung forth. Today we are nowhere near completely cutting out the use of paper in our work place even though an increasing number of workers are socially aware enough to want to do something about it. In a recent Harris Interactive poll, of 1,569 U.S. and Canadian office workers, almost 40 percent of U.S. respondents claim to be “irritated” when co-workers print unnecessary junk pages.

Uptown Studios, known as “Sacramento’s graphic design firm with a social conscious”, is announcing that they are “moving to greener pastures – in print and the way we operate our business.”

Tina Reynolds, owner of Uptown Studios began running her own design firm since 1976 and created Uptown Studios in 1992. Reynolds built a truly socially conscience company out of her talented and highly creative staff. Her clients are a “who’s who” of large and small companies, government organizations, and non-profits with a strong reputation of their own. Clients such as California State Parks, El Dorado County Visitors Authority, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates (Chicago, IL), Iron Workers Local 118, Jane and Jane Magazine and Center For Land-Based Learning are just a few that depend on Uptown Studios for their web site design and development, graphic designs, print production, video, multi media, photo research, and social marketing.

Realizing that a company or even a small business cannot realistically go entirely paperless, the creative staff at Uptown Studios brainstormed a revolutionary program that promises businesses to reduce their printed materials by 25 percent, “while improving results by utilizing effective, alternative green production methods.”

Reynolds and her staff transformed their own business to serve as a successful example. Uptown Studios has cut down on print by utilizing electronic tools such as interactive PDF and created an exciting new web page that will serve as a marketing tool without a large print run. They are constantly searching for new ways to turn what was thought to be only viewable in print, to something refreshingly seen by a much wider audience.

So what about the paper that is still necessary to run an office? Uptown Studios recently completely reverted to using FTC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified Paper, or 100% recycled paper when FTC is not available. They also use printing companies that use certified FTC materials. Also, using inks that are vegetable-based with the lowest VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) rounds out a truly “green” office strategy.

Utilizing state-of-the-art graphic and print tools and making sure printed materials are recycled or their decomposition properly takes place if it ends up in a landfill, distinguishes a business in the community as being socially responsible to future generations. Uptown Studios is making other Sacramento companies “green’ with envy.

For more information and tips on making your office a little more greener, call or email: Uptown Studios, 410 Alhambra Blvd - Sacramento, CA 95816, (916) 446-1082. Email Tina Reynolds: tina@uptownstudios.net Website: http://www.UptownStudios.net

The Center For Land-Based Learning Hosts Author David “Mas” Masumoto

2009-09-01T00:55:14Z

On Sunday, September 20, 2009, the Center For Land-Based Learning is hosting the 5th in its series of “Author Gatherings” at the Farm on Putah Creek in Winters, CA. Past authors have included John Scharffenberger, Michael Pollan, David “Mas” Masumoto, and Alice Waters. Mas Masumoto is once again visiting the Farm to talk about his latest book, Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land.

David "Mas" Masumoto is an organic peach and grape farmer and author of Epitaph for a Peach (1995), Letters to the Valley, A Harvest of Memories (2004), Four Seasons in Five Senses, Things Worth Savoring (2003) and Harvest Son and Planting Roots in American Soil (1998). His new book, Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land (Free Press August 4, 2009) is touted as an “eloquent and moving memoir”.

The day with Mas will begin with a very special Writing Workshop taught by the author for anyone wanting to sharpen their skills writing about nature, food, farming, or just how to write so your reader will become more involved in what you are trying to convey. Masumoto is unique in the way he describes his life on the farm and the “fruits” of his labor. His skill of framing a sentence into a sensory event for the reader is nothing short of poetic genius. The workshop will begin at 11:00 am, last 2 hours (lunch included), will be limited to only 20 people and will cost $50.00 per person. Mas will take you through a series of lessons and exercises in an intense and intimate small group learning experience. This writing workshop will be very popular so get your reservations in early!

If you are not able to get a reservation for the workshop, you can still enjoy visiting with the author by attending a public reading and book signing of his recently published book, Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land. In addition to talking about his book, Mas will lead a general discussion concerning sustainable food and farming. This event will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and will include a light snack. The cost to attend this event is $10 per person and his book will be available for purchase.

For more information about the author visit: http://www.masumoto.com

The Farm on Putah Creek Is located at 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters, CA 95694 near Davis, CA. For more information about the Center and its mission to help educate and guide students to become future farmers and stewards of our land and for directions visit: http://www.landbasedlearning.org.

To reserve a place for you at the farm to enjoy a “Day with David Mas Masumoto” email info@landbasedlearning.org or call (530) 795-1520. This event is a fundraiser for the Center for Land-Based Learning and is fully tax-deductible. Masumoto is gracefully donating his workshop fees and a portion of his book sales to the Center and to their exciting educational programs.