Serving North & South Natomas & Sacramento County

Your "Local Sunday Newspaper" Seven Days a Week!

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR CARLTON SENIOR LIVING’S NEW ELK GROVE COMMUNITY

Posted: 12/14/2011

On hand to break ground for Carlton Senior Living’s new Elk Grove community were (pictured left to right): Tom MacDonald, one of CSL’s founders, Dan Engle, CSL Vice President of Development, Elk Grove Mayor Steven Detrick, Councilmember Gary Davis, District 4, and Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli, District 5.

Carlton Senior Living (CSL) broke ground this past Thursday, December 8, for its new $24 million community in Elk Grove. Representing CSL was Tom MacDonald, one of the company’s founders, and Dan Engle, Vice President of Development. They were joined by Elk Grove Mayor Steven Detrick and Councilmember Gary Davis, District 4 as well as Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli, District 5. Others involved in the project include Red Capital Group; LPAS Architectural Design, Sundt Construction and Grubb & Ellis.

Construction is now in full swing with completion slated for Winter 2012. The two-story, 110,000-square-foot building will provide 100 independent and assisted living apartments. Spacious common areas within the community will include the main lobby, administrative offices, large living and dining rooms, a kitchen, activity rooms and wellness center. An additional 36 seniors with need for specialized memory care will be accommodated in a separate and secure area that includes a private courtyard. They will be able to enjoy LiFE – Letting Individuality Freely Exist – the company’s person-centered dementia care program. It is anticipated that the community will employ 75 to 80 staff members.

Carlton Senior Living (CSL) , a top provider of senior living in northern California, has offered quality living environments and services to seniors for over 25 years. Currently the company operates nine senior communities in six northern California cities – Concord, Fremont, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, and San Leandro. LiFE memory care is available in five CSL communities.

Season of Peace Parade & Community Resource Fair

November 19th, 2011 10 am to 2 pm
Posted: 11/12/2011

South Sacramento, CA – The Season of Peace is an anti-violence campaign in Sacramento among community organizations, probation, churches, local gangs, schools, Police and more. The Season of Peace was developed to help decrease violence in Sacramento and to give the community members an opportunity to take back their communities.

The Mack Road Partnership will help launch the Season of Peace on Saturday, November 19th at 10 am with a Season of Peace March from Center Parkway and Mack Road to Franklin Blvd and Mack Road. The Parade will culminate in a Community Resource Fair just west of Raley’s in the Valley Shopping Center parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm featuring businesses, neighborhood associations, local vendors, organizations, churches and more.

This is an opportunity for members of the community to come and take part in celebration of the Season of Peace and Community.

Veterans Salute Dance

FREE to Sacramento Veterans
Posted: 11/5/2011

On November 12, 2011, Big Band Dance Party presents "Stars & Stripes; Veterans Salute Dance."

Performers include London's Swing Band "The Jive Aces," featuring Toni Elizabeth Prima (daughter of Louis Prima and Keely Smith). The evening includes dance lessons.

November 12, 2011
7:00 Dance Lessons
7:30-10:30 Dance

Sunrise Event Center - Grand Ballroom
11167 Trade Center Drive
Rancho Cordova

FREE to Sacramento veterans.
Tickets for the public are available at http://www.inticketing.com/events/176248/veterans-salute-dance/

More information call 800-385-2323; http://www.bigbanddanceparty.com/vererans-salute-sacramento.html

Fire Engine Closed Again During Major Fire

Posted: 11/5/2011

For the second time in just over two weeks, a fire ripped through a Natomas home in the morning hours, and once again, the nearest fire engine was unstaffed due to fire closures by the City Council. Engine 30, located approximately four minutes from the residence at 5401 Banderas Court, should have been the first fire engine on the scene to protect the home. However, because the engine was closed, it took the next closest engine, Engine 18, approximately eight minutes after being dispatched to begin firefighting operations, or double the normal response time of Engine 30.

The fire, which completely destroyed the garage, made its way into the living space and was beginning to threaten adjoining residences when fire crews finally arrived. The initial Incident Commander of the fire, Capt. James Edmiston, observed that “it is entirely possible that the length of time the fire was allowed to burn unchecked played a role in the fire reaching the living quarters and threatening nearby structures.” Fortunately, the residents were not at home at the time the fire took place.

“We are clearly seeing the imminent warning signs of diminished fire protection, and unfortunately, it’s the citizens that are paying the most severe price,” said Ryan Henry, Director of the Sacramento Area Firefighters. Henry further stated that “with the ability of a fire to double in size every minute, life and property are clearly placed at risk when fire companies are closed.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

THE THEATRE OF LIGHTS RETURNS TO OLD SACRAMENTO WITH NEW PRESENTING PARTNER – RALEY’S

Holiday Attraction Returns to Region’s One-of-a-kind Shopping and Entertainment District After Enjoying Crowds of More Than 50,000 in 2010

OLD SACRAMENTO, CA – For the third year in a row Old Sacramento is the hometown holiday headquarters for the greater Sacramento region. With major holiday attractions like The Polar Express and the Raley’s Theatre of Lights, a visit to Old Sacramento is quickly jumping to the forefront on many resident’s lists of “must do’s” during the holidays.

For its third year producing this live staging of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, the Old Sacramento Business Association announces a new presenting sponsor – Raley’s Family of Stores. “I can’t be prouder to have Raley’s support for Theatre of Lights,” said Chris McSwain of the OSBA. “In Old Sacramento we celebrate the history of our region and obviously Raley’s is an important part of the history.”

"We are excited to be part of such a wonderful community event," said Jennifer Teel-Wolter, Raley's Community Relations Manager. "The Theatre of Lights is a magical way for families to celebrate the holiday season."

Raley’s Theatre of Lights mixes the historic charm of Old Sacramento with cutting edge sound and lighting technology to create a truly unique holiday experience for visitors from all over. About 50,000 guests from all over Northern California enjoyed the holiday magic of Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights last year.

“Raley’s Theatre of Lights is at the center of Old Sacramento’s complete holiday experience — from shopping and celebrating to giving to loved ones and to charity,” McSwain said. “Old Sacramento gives guests something that’s hard to find anywhere else in Northern California, historic holiday nostalgia.”

Old Sacramento ‘tis the location for visitors to get all their shopping done and more. From the Gold Rush to the mid-1960’s when this first historic district in the West was created, its prime waterfront location has become a unique, one of a kind shopping experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the region. With over 100 shops and 53 historic buildings, Old Sacramento is bringing traditional holiday cheer to this national historic landmark with this annual event, not only for locals, but for the entire region. Whether visitors come for an hour or a long weekend, Old Sacramento has plenty of historic landmarks, museums, entertainment, and shopping, providing something for everyone.

This season’s Theatre of Lights begins with the lighting of the City Christmas Tree on Nov. 23. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the official tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. and first Theatre of Lights performance at 7:00 p.m. Theatre of Lights continues through the holiday season with two 20-minute light shows at 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday until December 18. By popular demand the shows will begin running every night from Dec 19-23 at the same times. The Christmas Eve show will only be at 6:15 p.m. New Year’s Eve will feature Theatre of Lights as an important piece of the overall fireworks spectacular with shows running later in the evening at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights is a unique state-of-the-art live staging of the classic ’Twas The Night Before Christmas hosted by Mark Twain. The show blends a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects which will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857 in The Sacramento Bee. The beloved poem comes to life on the balconies and rooftops of Old Sacramento’s historic buildings on K Street between Front and 2nd Street.

“Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights has solidified itself as a new tradition with more than 50,000 people attending the show in its second season last year,” explained Chris McSwain of the Old Sacramento Business Association. “We look forward to sharing some new and exciting surprises and enhancements to the show with the audience this year. We hope it continues to attract families to the hometown magic of Old Sacramento during the holidays.”

This year’s show includes many technical upgrades to the lighting and sound for the production. “Audiences will be blown away by the professional quality of the sound and lighting effects,” added Troy Carlson, owner of Stage Nine Entertainment and creative director of the Theatre of Lights. “With lighting by Sacramento Theatrical Lighting and sound effects by Skywalker Sound, it will rival any theme park holiday attraction, and Theatre of Lights is free to the public!”

Old Sacramento's Theatre of Lights will be dark on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It runs through New Year's Eve. For more details on Old Sacramento’s holiday festivities, visit www.oldsacramento.com.

Celebrity Waiter Dinner Benefit for International Peace Park

Posted: 10/19/2011

For the past few years, I Am Peace, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring individuals to lead peaceful lives, has been working with the students in the Pacers for Peace Leo Club at Grant Union High School in Sacramento. After an emotional visit to the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima, Japan, the students decided that Sacramento should have an international peace park, too. The board of trustees of the Twin Rivers Unified School District agreed to give them the land to build the park across the street from the high school. A video of the park plans can be found at www.internationalpeacepark.wordpress.com.

In order to generate the necessary funds to start the park, I Am Peace is hosting a Celebrity Waiter Dinner at the Aerospace Museum, 3200 Freedom Park Dr., McClellan, CA, on Nov. 16th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The emcee will be Tony Asaro, Community Liaison of the Sacramento River Cats.

There will be a catered dinner at $50 per person, a silent as well as a live auction led by professional auctioneer, David Stone, and opportunities to ride in the flight simulator at the museum.

Celebrity waiters such as Frank Porter, superintendent of Twin Rivers USD, Allan Warren, CEO of New Faze Development, Dev Berger with CalPERS Office of Governmental Affairs, Bud Gardner, retired teacher from American River College, and many others will be competing among themselves to garner the most tips to win the coveted trophy for Celebrity Waiter of the Event.

For further information, call Wayne Hironaka at 916-206-2531.

Registration Opens for “Nature Bowl” Science and Conservation Competition

Posted: 10/19/2011

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) invites parents and teachers to help their children have fun learning about California’s natural resources. Registration is now open for the 28th annual Nature Bowl, an elementary school activity-based competition held each spring. This popular program increases the science and conservation literacy of third- to sixth-grade students in the Sacramento Valley and Foothills.

“The participants learn about the natural environments where they live, as well as how to employ teamwork, creativity and critical thinking,” said Nature Bowl Coordinator Bruce Forman.

The Nature Bowl is open to students from any school, group or organized youth club in the area. Teams will consist of three to seven children each. The day-long, semi-final events are held during March and April in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. Several groups will advance to the final event that will be held May 5, 2012.

Prior to the semi-finals, there will be a series of workshops for coaches. Integrating environmental science concepts and conservation information into the classroom curriculum (following the State Science Standards), these workshops help prepare students for the competition. Teachers, youth group leaders or parents may sign up to coach a team. The entry fee for each team is $20, which pays for materials provided.

A coaches’ workshop will be held on Jan. 17, 2012 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Rancho Cordova. Make reservations by calling (916) 358-2884. Students in Sacramento County will have a choice of two semi-finals to attend at Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Gold River, on April 10 or April 12.

For more information about the Nature Bowl please call DFG at (916) 358-2353 or go to the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/education/Naturebowl.

UNITED WAY’S WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HELPING FOSTER YOUTH OCT. 13

Anniversary event will include fashion show and luncheon
Posted: 9/20/2011

SACRAMENTO – Residents can raise funds to empower local foster youth while celebrating the 10th anniversary of United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. The 10th Anniversary Celebration will take place 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Macy’s Women’s Store Courtyard in Downtown Plaza, Sacramento, and will include a fashion show featuring Women in Philanthropy members and foster youth, sponsored by Macy’s, as well as a gourmet luncheon and anniversary video featuring speakers and foster youth from past events. Members also will discuss their new work supporting financial literacy courses and a matched savings program for foster youth. Tickets are $100. To purchase tickets, contact Kaila Ricci at kricci@uwccr.org or (916) 856-3910.

United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings women together to foster the future, preparing foster youth for a successful adulthood. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members raise funds, hold drives and provide trainings focused on helping foster youth rise to their dreams. The group also is a partner in United Way’s $en$e-Ability project, helping foster youth become financially self-sufficient through financial literacy courses and individual development accounts that provide a matched savings program. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.

Non-Profit Organization Looking for Community Representatives to Join our International Team

Posted: 9/20/2011

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking volunteers to serve as Area Representatives in your local community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their American Adventure.

Area Representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the exchange students in their community. Area representatives are compensated based on the number of students they are supervising.

ASSE’s primary goal is to contribute to International understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation in family, school and community life. ASSE’s Area Representatives are the cornerstone of the organization, making all of this possible!

For more information about ASSE or becoming an Area Representative, please call our Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773 or email us at asseusawest@asse.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the ranks of Area Representatives nationwide – striving towards a world of understanding, one child at a time!

SACRAMENTO AREA’S LARGEST OUTDOOR DISCO PARTY TO BENEFIT UCP OF SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Annual event raises funds for people with developmental disabilities
Posted: 8/20/2011

SACRAMENTO—Sacramento area residents can turn the beat around for people with developmental disabilities as they get down with disco at the annual Rocklin ‘70s Disco Party Sept. 17, 7-11 p.m. The largest outdoor disco party in the Sacramento area will take place at the Sunset Whitney Country Club, 4201 Midas Avenue, Rocklin, and will raise funds for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.

“This is such a fun and creative way to raise money,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “We are always excited about partnering with creative people to find new ways to empower people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits.”

The event includes music, dancing, refreshments, a silent auction and raffle tickets. Event tickets are $30 if purchased by midnight on Sept. 15 or $35 at the door. To purchase tickets, e-mail rocklin70sparty@gmail.com or visit www.rocklin70sparty.com.

To learn more about creating a fundraiser for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, visit www.ucpsacto.org/create-your-own.htm.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 2,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include Saddle Pals adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

Sacramento Public Library encourages patrons to nominate a local librarian to win $5,000 national award

Posted: 8/20/2011

Librarians in our nation’s 122,000 libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of people every day. If a local librarian has made a difference in your life, now is the chance to tell your story.

Nominations are open through September 12, 2011 for the Carnegie Corporation of New York/The New York Times I Love My Librarian Award. The award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians in public, school, college, community college and university libraries for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community.

Nominations are accepted only at www.atyourlibrary.org/ilovemylibrarian through an online form.

Up to 10 librarians nationwide will be selected to win $5,000 and will be honored at a ceremony and reception in New York, hosted by The New York Times. Winners will be announced in December.

Over the past three years, 30 librarians from across the country have won the I Love My Librarian Award. Last year, more than 2,000 library users nationwide nominated a librarian. Previous winners have been lauded for starting community gardens, helping students with severe disabilities read classic works of literature, for helping non-traditional students learn new technology to get better jobs and more. For more information on previous winners, visit atyourlibrary.org/ilovemylibrarian.

Each nominee must be a librarian with a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) in library and information studies or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Nominees must be currently working in the United States in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or at an accredited K-12 school.

The award is supported by Carnegie Corporation of New York and The New York Times and administered by the ALA, the oldest and largest library association in the world; and The Campaign for America’s Libraries, ALA’s public awareness campaign about the value of libraries and librarians.

RT HOSTS PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BLUE LINE PROJECT

Design Changes Proposed for Blue Line to Cosumnes River College Light Rail Extension
Posted: 8/13/2011

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) will host a public meeting to discuss the Blue Line to Cosumnes River College light rail extension project at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 15, 2011, in the multi-purpose room of the Susan B. Anthony Elementary School located at 7864 Detroit Boulevard.

RT staff will discuss design revisions to the Blue Line to Cosumnes River College (also referred to as South Line Phase 2), which are the subject of an Environmental Assessment that is currently under review. RT is seeking community input regarding the proposed revisions, which include:

- The draft IS/EA and public review process
- Updated right-of-way information
- Updated design information that intends to keep the 20-inch PG&E natural gas pipeline in its current location

The meeting will begin with an open house at 6 p.m., followed by a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m. The open house will resume following the presentation.

Once complete, the Blue Line to Cosumnes River College will expand RT’s light rail system 4.3 miles from the existing terminus at Meadowview Road to Cosumnes River College. The extension will include four new light rail stations: Morrison Creek, Franklin, Center Parkway and Cosumnes River College.

For more information about the Blue Line to Cosumnes River College, visit www.slp2.org.

Francis House Honored by Sacramento City Hall

Posted: 8/3/2011

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and the City Council will recognize the late Greg Bunker and Francis House, a provider of homeless services, with a formal commendation next week at a Tower of Power concert being held to raise funds for the local nonprofit resource center. Bunker served as Executive Director of Francis House for more than 20 years before suffering a fatal heart attack last December.

The Resolution from City Hall recognizes Bunker & Francis House for their contributions and dedication to the Sacramento community as advocates for the homeless and dispossessed. Francis House offers counseling and resources, such as helping clients get identification cards, jobs and even hotel rooms to help the needy get back on their feet.

The Resolution will be presented to Francis House at a benefit concert next week on "Greg Bunker Day", Friday, August 12th at the Radisson Hotel Sacramento, 500 Leisure Lane. Headlining the concert, billed as the "Bump-City Dance Party", are 70's icons Tower of Power. Best known for hits like "Down to the Nightclub", "What is Hip?" and "You're Still A Young Man", their performances have been bringing excited crowds to their feet for more than 40 years. Special guests Mick Martin & the Blues Rockers will open the show. This popular local band has been named three times as the area's "Best Blues Band" by the Sacramento Area Music Awards (SAMMIES).

Tickets for this event are available at Dimple Records stores, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. The concert begins at 7:30 PM.

Please contact Francis House at (916) 443-2646 or www.francishouse.info for more information.

TEEN MOM UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD NEEDS COMMUNITY VOTES

Mom who lost baby to cerebral palsy is the only Sacramento student in running
Posted: 8/3/2011

SACRAMENTO – Catalina Rodriguez of Winters was in high school when she lost her 18-month-old son to complications from cerebral palsy. Now an incoming sophomore at Solano College, she has been named a qualifier for the national “Most Influential College Student” award by StayClassy.org. She is one of only 30 college students or organizations across the country up for the award and the only one in the Greater Sacramento area.

To advance to the round of 10 finalists, she needs community votes by Aug. 26. To read Caty’s story and vote, visit http://www.stayclassy.org/stories/teen-mom-turns-grief-into-action-after-death-of-son-with-cerebral-palsy and log into Facebook to add your vote.

“It does not get much more heartbreaking—and inspiring—than Caty’s story,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, who nominated her for the award. “We are so proud of this incredible mom, whose love for her son shines through everything she does.”

Rodriguez dedicated her high school senior project to raising funds for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, which empowers people with all developmental disabilities to live life without limits. Rodriguez’ senior project began in early 2010 when she formed a partnership with First Northern Bank in Winters. When customers made a donation, a paper heart was displayed. By the end of April 2010, the bank was covered in paper hearts. Rodriguez also held car washes, garage sales, a hike-a-thon and sold a spa to raise funds. She spent more than 300 hours and raised $7,800 for UCP.

CDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011

Posted: 7/24/2011

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today reported a man in Santa Barbara County is the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus infection in California this year. The man was hospitalized, but is now recovering at home.

"With the first confirmed human illness from West Nile virus this year, we are intensifying our surveillance for the virus with the help of all counties,” said CDPH Chief Deputy Director Kathleen Billingsley. “To protect against West Nile virus, the most important step people can take is avoiding mosquito bites.”

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of a mosquito harboring the virus. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms. Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

To date in 2011, West Nile virus has been detected in 14 other California counties.CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Four Ds”:

- DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

- DRESS – Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites.

- DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

- DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). www.cdph.ca.gov

SMUD’s Fridge, Freezer Recycling Program Hits 40K Mark

Utility Expects to Pick Up 8,000 Energy-Wasting Units in 2011
Posted: 7/20/2011

SACRAMENTO — SMUD’s refrigerator and freezer recycling program celebrates a milestone this month by having picked up more than 40,000 old, energy-wasting units since 2001, saving enough energy to power roughly 6,000 homes for one year.

The utility plans to keep up the momentum with the goal of picking up 8,000 refrigerators and freezers in 2011. Program participants receive a $35 rebate and FREE pickup as a reward, but over a year’s time, they can save up to $125 a year in lower energy costs. Older units commonly used for extra cold storage often require three times more energy to operate than newer models manufactured to higher energy-efficiency standards.

Not only can customers make a little money, and save much more, the program gives people a great way to jump start a clean-up project for a garage or basement, where most secondary refrigerators and freezers are stored. SMUD dispatches a truck to participating homes and provides the labor of moving the old unit free of charge.

To schedule a free pickup and find out more about the $35 SMUD rebate, and to schedule a time for a pickup, people can call 1-800-299-7573 or visit www.smud.org/rebates.

A maximum of two units for each household can be removed as part of the SMUD program. They must be in working order and have an inside measurement of 10 cubic feet or more.

The older refrigerators and freezers are picked up FREE of charge by national appliance recycler JACO Environmental.

The company de-manufactures refrigerators and freezers at a Hayward plant through a process that returns 95 percent of their material back into the manufacturing stream. It also safely extracts various toxic components that are found inside refrigerators, including contaminated oils, mercury and CFCs that both deplete the ozone layer and accelerate global warming. This prevents the extensive environmental damage caused when refrigerators and freezers are dumped in landfills.

The refrigerator and freezer pickup programs are popular throughout the country. Combined, they make a huge difference by steadily reducing pressure on the power grid and saving millions of megawatt hours over time, not to mention millions of dollars in saved electricity for Americans.

“Recycling older, energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers has a multiplier effect when it comes to efficiency. People save money, everyone saves energy and all of us enjoy a healthier planet,” said Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for JACO.

New Sacramento County Trustee Area Boundaries Tentatively Approved

Public Comment Sought on Boundary Realignment
Posted: 7/20/2011

In response to 2010 Census population counts, county board of education trustee areas must be assessed and adjusted to meet legally required population criteria. At its July 12, 2011 meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Education approved redistricting maps realigning its trustee area boundaries.

The final Sacramento County Board of Education Trustee Area maps, along with narrative descriptions of each area, are being prepared and submitted for public hearing and approval by the Sacramento County Committee on School District Reorganization. The committee will meet on August 16, 2011, at 6:30 p.m., at the David P. Meaney Education Center, 10474 Mather Boulevard, Sacramento. Interested members of the public are invited to attend and comment on the boundary realignment.

The Sacramento County Board of Education appointed a Redistricting Committee to work on the redistricting process of the trustee areas, and contracted with Thomas M. Griffin Law Offices and EdTec Inc. for redistricting services and expertise. Population data from the 2010 Census was analyzed and used to suggest potential adjustments to trustee areas in order to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

Visit www.scoe.net to view the newly proposed Sacramento County Board of Education trustee areas.

Following approval, the final maps and narrative descriptions will be submitted to the County Registrar of Voters in Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Placer, and Yolo counties.

Golf Tournament Supporting At-Risk Youth Needs Golfers and Sponsors

Project SAVE Proven to Reduce Youth Violence
Posted: 7/13/2011

Every year in Sacramento County hundreds of students are expelled from school because of involvement in on-campus violence. Many of these instances of violence involve weapons. In order for these students to be readmitted to their schools, especially in cases reaching the court system, they must successfully complete a sanctioned violence prevention program. Project SAVE (Safe Alternatives and Violence Education) is one such program. It is a program that needs the public’s help and support.

The 9th Annual Project SAVE Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2011 at the Catta Verdera Country Club, in Lincoln. Check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the “shotgun” start will begin at 9:00 a.m. This annual fundraiser is the main source of funding for this model community project that has been proven to prevent and reduce youth violence and bullying behaviors.

The mission of Project SAVE is to reduce youth violence and weapons possession through strong partnerships with local agencies. The mission emphasizes that weapons possession and violent behavior are unacceptable, especially on school grounds. Since 1998, Project SAVE has served more than 2,500 young people in Sacramento County. Nine out of ten participants remain violence-free after participating in the program.

Project SAVE is a collaborative project involving the County Probation Department, County Sheriff's Office, Sacramento City Police Department, Superior and Municipal Courts, Sacramento County School Districts and community members and is coordinated by the Prevention and Student Services division of the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE).

Entry fees for the October 3, 2011 golf tournament are $150 per person or $600 for a foursome. Tournament host, contest sponsor and individual hole sponsor opportunities are also available. Project SAVE is also seeking door prize donations to benefit the program. A short luncheon will be provided at the conclusion of the tournament.

For more information about the Project SAVE golf tournament, or to find out about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact Cheryl Raney at (916) 228-2201 or craney@scoe.net.

Think BIG to Recruit “Citizen Architects”

Residents across region will play key role in complex’s development
Posted: 7/13/2011

SACRAMENTO, CA – Emphasizing the need for a broad, grassroots based effort to build a new entertainment and sports complex, Think BIG Sacramento today unveiled its “Citizen Architects” initiative, which will enable residents from throughout the Sacramento region to apply for and become key members of the Think BIG team. One of the key responsibilities of the “Architects” will be to facilitate a community design competition for a section of the new facility.

“The new complex will offer hundreds of amenities and opportunities for people from all walks of life,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson. “But, it will only happen if we engage the interest, imagination and participation of citizens from every corner of our region.”

The Citizen Architects will act as neighborhood and community leaders helping to disseminate information and recruit supporters. Their most important contribution, however, will come in the form of a first-of-its kind initiative that will allow the public to design a component of the new entertainment and sports complex.

The program will be open to residents across the Sacramento region of all ages. Application materials are available at www.thinkbigsacramento.com.

Think BIG Sacramento will review applicants and select those who best capture the spirit and regional diversity of the initiative. The Committee will also integrate several social networking tools into the website to assist the innovative campaign.

“This is exactly what we need to get this complex built,” said popular radio-host and Think BIG Committee Member Carmichael Dave. “From the start, this movement has been built by the grassroots energy of the people around our region. I’m thrilled to see that momentum will carry forward through our Citizen Architects.”

Think BIG Committee Member Greg Hayes, who serves by day as Communications Director for State Senator Kevin de Leon, developed the Citizen Architect concept. “This region absolutely needs a more adequate gathering place for entertainment, civic functions, conventions, large meetings, and other events,” said Hayes. “And I know from my conversations with others, there are many people out there who want to help make this happen. I hope they step up in a big way.”

The deadline to apply is 5PM on July 18. Citizen Architects will be announced on or before July 21, with details on the community design competition debuting shortly thereafter.

American River Water Flows Expected to be Like Last Year for ‘Eppie's Great Race’

Posted: 7/13/2011

Rancho Cordova/Sacramento, CA--Organizers of Eppie's Great Race are pleased with the recent news from the Bureau of Reclamation, operator of Folsom Dam, that water levels on race day---July 23, 2011---are expected to be near the same level as last July.

"Based on currently available information, Reclamation expects our releases to the lower American River on race day to be about 4,500 to 5,000 cubic feet per second - comparable to that of last year. But, it is important to recognize that reservoir operations and releases to the river are based on developing conditions and needs," said Lynnette Wirth, Bureau of Reclamation, Deputy Public Affairs Officer.

According to Eppie Johnson, founder of Eppie's Great Race, the 38th annual run-bike-paddle triathlon is expected to be another fun and exciting event on the American River.

"We always stress the importance of wearing personal flotation devices and avoiding obstacles on the river on race day and every day," said Eppie. “We are very pleased that the water flow will be comparable to that of last year and encourage everyone to come out to compete in Eppie’s Great Race!”

More than 2,000 athletes are expected to compete in this year's race with thousands more spectators on the sidelines cheering on the athletes.

The 38th annual Eppie's Great Race takes place on July 23, 2011. Participants run 5.82 miles, cycle 12.5 miles and paddle boats 6.35 miles on a racecourse located on and along the American River Parkway in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Kids can join the fun with the US Bank Kids Duathlon, a 2-mile run and 5.75-mile cycle for kids 17 and younger.

Eppie's Great Race is a fundraising event for Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) that provides services for mentally and physically challenged individuals. To date, Eppie's Great Race has donated nearly $1 million to TRS. For more information about Eppie's Great Race or the US Bank Kids Duathlon, call 916-381-0255 or visit www.thegreatrace.org.

TEICHERT FOUNDATION FUNDS HALF THE COSTS TO SEND LOCAL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM TO SUMMER CAMP

Summer camp builds on UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s ongoing program
Posted: 7/13/2011

SACRAMENTO — Children with autism spectrum disorder had the chance to attend summer camp at the end of June, thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Teichert Foundation. The grant to UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, which empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits, enabled half of the eligible children to attend A.C.E. Camp at Grizzly Creek Ranch.

“Autism diagnoses have skyrocketed in recent years, and we are working hard to ensure that children with autism have the chance to live life to the fullest and participate in community activities like summer camp,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “Thanks to the Teichert Foundation, six children experienced the one-of-a-kind thrill of summer camp.”

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California sent 13 A.C.E. participants to camp for a week to learn swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, archery, volleyball, scooter hockey, fishing, soccer and dancing. They also enjoyed a movie night, campfire time and a talent show.

A.C.E. Camp compliments UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, which includes an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, speech therapists, adaptive physical activity specialists and behavioral analysts. During the school year, participants, ages 8-12, take part in a large group activity to practice communication skills before dividing into smaller groups that help them see the inter-relatedness of the people in their lives. Parents are then instructed on techniques to use at home.

A.C.E. Camp costs $1,350 per child, but families are only charged $600. UCP relies on the community to fund the remaining $750 per child. To sponsor a child at A.C.E. Camp next year, or make a donation to UCP, contact Steve Horton at (916) 283-8312 or shorton@ucpsacto.org. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org/ACEcamp.htm.

The Teichert Foundation makes grants to organizations that create beauty, foster culture, nurture children, provide access to food and housing for those in need, preserve nature, increase awareness of the environment, build an educated citizenry and a well-prepared workforce, and strive to provide better health for all. For more information, visit www.teichert.com/teichert-foundation.cfm.

11th Annual Healthy Kids Day

Posted: 7/7/2011

Join Cover the Kids and Assemblymember Dr. Richard Pan for the 11th Annual Healthy Kids Day. Also listed to attend are City Councilmember Angelique Ashby and County Supervisor Phil Serna. This is a free event.

Receive health information, free screenings, and apply for low cost health insurance for your child, teen and expecting mother.

Schedule an appointment to enroll your child today at (916) 808-3838 or toll free at (866) 850-4321.

Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Inderkum High School
2500 New Market Drive
Natomas, CA

California American Water to host diverse business expo in Citrus Heights

Woman, minority and disabled veteran owned businesses invited out for informative event
Posted: 7/7/2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif – California American Water will host a “diverse” business expo on July 12 for the area’s minority, disabled veteran and woman owned businesses.

The event will provide potential business opportunities, mentoring and coaching for Sacramento’s diverse business owners as well as offer potential networking partnerships.

Members from the California Public Utilities Commission’s Supplier Clearinghouse will also be on hand to help business owners navigate the administrative requirements of becoming and maintaining their status as a certified diverse business owner in California.

California American Water’s 2011 Diverse Business Vendor Expo

July 12, 2011, 8 a.m. to Noon

Citrus Heights Community Center
6300 Fountain Square Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621

In 1988, the CPUC ordered all large investor-owned electric, gas, water and telecommunication utility companies to develop and implement programs to increase the utilization of woman, minority and disabled veteran owned businesses. The Clearinghouse was established to audit and verify the status and to establish and maintain a database of these businesses.

Last year, California American Water exceeded the CPUC’s diverse vendor goals, becoming the first water utility to do so since the ordered was issued. California American Water spent more than $16 million with woman, minority and disabled veteran owned businesses throughout the state or nearly 24 percent of its total capital expenditures. The CPUC’s goal is 21.5 percent.

“We believe that our workforce should be representative of the communities we serve,” said California American Water president Rob MacLean. “We are very proud of our accomplishments in this area and we hope this expo and other initiatives we have planned will continue that success.”

A diverse vendor includes businesses that are owned and operated by minorities, women or disabled veterans. This can include construction, consulting, engineering, financial and marketing firms as well as businesses that provide tools and equipment.

Prospective vendors are encouraged to attend the event in order to learn more about becoming a certified diverse vendor and meet with company representatives who make purchasing decisions. For more information about the event contact Tina Heaox at (916) 568-4248.

_________

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

Historic Old Sac Foundation is Looking for a Few (Hundred) Good Men & Women to Volunteer During Gold Rush Days 2011!

Applications are Being Accepted Now for More Than 200 Volunteer & Artisan Positions Over Labor Day Weekend

OLD SACRAMENTO, Calif. - From friendly greeters to crafty artisans and everything in between, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is now accepting applications for more than 200 volunteer positions during Gold Rush Days 2011. Widely known as Old Sacramento's annual heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days volunteers are needed over Labor Day weekend (September 3-5) and for a preview "education day" on Friday, September 2, that is set-up primarily for area school children. Gold Rush Days 2011 is free to the public and produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Given the sheer magnitude of the large-scale community event that transforms Old Sacramento into a scene straight out of the 1850s, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the Gold Rush Days information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children's activity areas, and much, much more. Some, but not all, positions require period appropriate attire that will be provided. Additionally, interested artisans are encouraged to submit applications to participate in a new "Artisan Alley" happening this year in the Freight Depot -- candle dippers, soap tanners, gold panning experts, dyed wool makers, basket weavers, leather makers, silver smiths and barrel makers are just a few of the artisan opportunities during the three-day community event. Those chosen to participate in the period appropriate "Artisan Alley" will be asked to demonstrate their craft to Gold Rush Days visitors and can also sell their wares at the event.

While the crowd pleasing Gold Rush Days event is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, interested volunteers are encouraged to apply now. The deadline to apply to become a Gold Rush Days volunteer or participate as an artisan at the event is Monday, August 1.

Orientation workshops are scheduled to take place on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Volunteer/artisan applications can be downloaded at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays and more information is available at 916-808-7059.

STAGE NINE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP KICKS OFF THE SIGNATURE POP-CULTURE EXHIBIT TOUR “ROCK U: THE INSTITUTE OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” AT THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR OPENING JULY 14!

Experience All Stages of One of America’s greatest institutions, Rock ‘N’ Roll - Hands on activities and Live Music Including Special Guest Appearances Every Weekend
Posted: 7/6/2011

Sacramento Ca, July 5, 2011: Stage Nine Entertainment will be debuting their 2011 custom designed exhibit tour, “ROCK U: THE INSTITUTE OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL”, at Sacramento’s California State Fair and Exposition in Sacramento, CA on July 14, 2011. The exhibit will feature interactive stations covering the different origins of this great music genre and live entertainment. Playing such an important role in America’s history, Stage Nine Entertainment is taking Rock ‘N’ Roll on a North American tour providing guests with the opportunity to experience it from the beginning to present time and every step along the way.

As attendees start the tour through Rock ‘N’ Roll history, they will be greeted by a “media tower” which includes a "canopy" of 300 gold records, rock music instruments, memorabilia and rock and roll style concert lighting with a custom soundtrack. The exhibit design focuses on three distinct ways Rock ’n’ Roll has been experienced through the years.

“The Studio Experience” will display highlights of the early days of the recording process, featuring costumed performers honoring Elvis, Buddy Holly and others.

“The Concert Experience” is an interactive multimedia display celebrating the live performance aspects of Rock ’n’ Roll, incorporating an extensive collection of Rock posters, unique wardrobe and a listening station focusing on live performances of the world’s favorite bands.

“The Playing Experience” allows the audience to play and explore the basic instruments in any rock band. Guitars are sponsored by Fender and Ibanez and drums and keyboards are sponsored by Yamaha and percussion is sponsored by Latin Percussion. “The Big Piano Experience” is a replica 10ft floor piano inspired by the movie BIG with Tom Hanks

“Rock music is such an integral part of the history of our country,” explains Troy Carlson, owner of State Nine Entertainment. “California has produced tremendous talent that has contributed to the history of Rock N’ Roll and we strive to give people a chance to connect with their memories of Rock N’ Roll whether it was a song, a concert, an instrument. Music is a powerful tool to reconnect with special memories. We hope our exhibit inspires our guests to share that magic.”

This years exhibit will also include a “Rock U” where demonstrations and talent will be on hand to perform on a regular schedule. Among this year’s entertainment will be Northern California guitar genius Broody Cummings. Cummings has taught guitar throughout the Bay area, but his magic fingers have become famous from one YouTube video showcasing his interpretation of the 100 greatest rock guitar riffs in one take. Cummings will perform in the exhibit and be available for interviews during both the first and the final weekends (Friday through Sunday) at the California State Fair and Exposition in Sacramento, CA.

Stage Nine has commissioned a talented rock poster artist to design a custom poster for the “Rock U” exhibit. Alexandra Fischer of Germany who has created three commemorative pieces for the exhibit and will be on hand demonstrating her art with the pieces available in black and white for kids to color and create their own Rock ‘N’ Roll art. Rob Ely, Multi-Award winning Buddy Holy and Elvis Impersonator, will also be present performing all the classic hits any ear will recognize, so guests are encouraged to come and embark on a journey through Rock ‘N’ Roll history and enjoy every step of this full hands-on experience.

Attendees will have a truly hands-on experience in the exhibit with the opportunity not only to enjoy some live music but have the chance to try out many rock music instruments provided by exhibit partner, Skips’ Music. Both the rock poster art station and the rock music instrument experimentation stations will be available during every day of the California State Fair and Exposition.

________________

About Stage Nine Entertainment Group

Stage Nine Entertainment Group is a full-service developer of creative, unique exhibits for permanent or temporary display. Creative exhibits are on regular display inside of Stage Nine Entertainment Store and G. Willikers Toy Emporium in Old Sacramento as well as Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. Stage Nine’s State Fair exhibits will go international this summer, with the “It’s a Candy Nation” exhibit touring several Canadian Cities. For more information on booking an exhibit for your fair or museum, or developing a custom, creative display for your business, please contact Stage Nine Entertainment Group at 916-447-3623 or visit www.stagenine.com.

VERGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS TO HOLD 2ND ANNUAL JUMBLE SALE FUNDRAISER AUGUST 4-7

Rummage sale to benefit Sacramento’s contemporary art scene
Posted: 7/6/2011

SACRAMENTO—Local residents are invited to Verge Center for the Arts’ 2nd Annual Jumble Sale, a creative rummage sale benefiting Verge’s exhibitions, artist residencies, education programs and studio space. The sale will take place Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Aug. 6-7, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S Street, Sacramento.

The event also will include a preview party from 6-10 p.m. on Aug. 4, where guests will have the first opportunity to browse and purchase items for sale while enjoying a no-host bar, appetizers and music. Verge artists will have their studios open and art for sale at the preview. Cost to attend the preview party is $15 per person.

Founded in September 2008, Verge Center for the Arts is a non-profit arts organization focused on promotion and support of contemporary art in the Sacramento region. Verge offers contemporary art exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programming and affordable studio space to Sacramento artists. In 2010 VCA relocated to a 22,000-square-foot warehouse in downtown Sacramento. The larger space doubles the number of artist studios available, provides additional educational programming and expands the gallery. For more information, visit www.vergeart.com.

SACRAMENTO COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY FUND GRANT CREATES GARDEN FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Garden will help people learn how to grow food and make nutritious meals
Posted: 7/6/2011

SACRAMENTO — When UCP of Sacramento and Northern California staff first envisioned a garden where people with developmental disabilities could learn to grow their own food, they pictured a 6’x6’ plot. When the group’s adult day program moved to the former Aero Haven Elementary School campus in North Highlands, the dream expanded. Thanks to a grant from the Sacramento Cooperative Community Fund, UCP will create a community garden where people with developmental disabilities can watch flowers and vegetables grow, dig their hands into dirt, learn how to grow food and learn how to create nutritious meals to share.

“Gardening is a hobby we tend to take for granted, but many people with developmental disabilities have never had the chance to feel soil in their hands, much less learn about the farm-to-table concept of growing food to create healthy meals,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO.

UCP, which empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits, is in the process of creating the garden, including building raised beds that will accommodate wheelchairs sliding under them. The Sacramento Cooperative Community Fund grant provided all of the garden tools, potted vegetables, seeds and more. UCP anticipates 119 people with developmental disabilities will help create the garden, plant, harvest and prepare meals.

The Sacramento Cooperative Community Fund is the giving arm of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op. For more than 30 years, the co-op has continued its tradition of consumer advocacy, education, community outreach and support in the greater Sacramento area. Through programs, projects and activities developed by dedicated staff and co-op owners, the co-op serves the greater Sacramento community by providing services to consumers in the store (such as food tasting fairs, product demos and consumer literature), offering classes, seminars and special events at the Co-op Community Learning Center, participating in community events and making donations to local nonprofits. For more information, visit www.sacfoodcoop.com.

“Cocktails for a Cause” generates funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters with 11 of Sacramento's finest restaurants contributing proceeds from a special cocktail throughout the entire month of July

Posted: 7/6/2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with eleven celebrated Sacramento restaurants for “Cocktails for a Cause” in July. These eateries are lending their best mixologists to create refreshing, innovative cocktails to generate funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento throughout the entire month of July.

Beginning Friday, July 1st and continuing throughout the entire month, DeVere’s Irish Pub, District 30, Dive Bar, Ella Dining Room and Bar, Grange, L Wine Lounge, Lounge on 20, Mulvaney’s, Pizza Rock, Red Lotus and Zocalo will be serving a delicious cocktail, aptly named the "Big Brother/Big Sister" or something similar. Every one of these eleven Sacramento hot spots will contribute proceeds from the cocktails to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento.

Look out for the Grange’s fresh “Big Brother/Big Sister” - Stolichnaya vodka, blueberry lemon verbena syrup, lemon, and soda, served tall with lemon verbena and blue berries on top. Or, try Red Lotus’s rejuvenating “Big Brother Big Sister” - Absolut wild tea vodka, lavender spiced bitters, muddled blue berries, fresh lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup and topped with sparkling wine. Maybe Ella’s “Big Sister” will quench your thirst – Dolin dry vermouth, simple syrup, lemon juice, Gvori vodka, cranberry juice, creme de cassis and proseco!

This exciting full month promotion of charity cocktails - "Cocktails for a Cause"- will generate awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and celebrate the spirit of giving that these eleven restaurants have embraced. This is the second installment of the Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership with area eateries. Eat and drink up!

Participatiing Restaurants:

DeVere's Irish Pub
District 30
Dive Bar
Ella Dining Room and Bar
Grange
L Wine Lounge
Loung on 20
Mulvaney's
Pizza Rock
Red Lotus
Zocalo

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. We have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children, ages 8 through 14, in Sacramento, Yolo, South Placer, San Joaquin Counties, Sutter and Yuba Counties.

Pledge Your Independence from Chronic Illness this July 4th

National Medication Adherence Campaign, Script Your Future, Launches Local Efforts in Sacramento
Posted: 6/28/2011

SACRAMENTO, CA – Most people remember their morning coffee more often than their daily medication. That lack of adherence could lead to serious health consequences and avoidable costs. With the local launch of the National Consumer League’s Script Your Future campaign on Thursday, June 30th, patients can pledge their independence from the emotional and financial burden of chronic disease by taking their medicine as directed.<.

Medication adherence has become a growing focus among health care stakeholders, and addressing the problem is critical, especially as the number of Americans affected by at least one chronic condition is expected to grow from 133 to 157 million by 2020. Locally, the prevalence of diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease continue to increase, and patients who play an active role in managing these chronic diseases can have a longer and better life. The local roll-out of the Script Your Future campaign follows a national launch led by U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin and is supported by more than 100 private and public partners.

WHAT: Local, Sacramento launch of Script Your Future new multi-year, consumer-focused campaign on the importance of medication adherence. The Sacramento campaign is part of a nation-wide campaign launched in May in Washington, DC.

WHEN: Thursday, June 30, 2011, 10:30am

WHERE: Rite Aid Pharmacy
980 Florin Road
Sacramento, 95831 (Pocket area)
In the Lake Crest Village Shopping Center, West of I-5 at Florin Road and Greenhaven Drive

For more information visit www.ScriptYourFuture.org

City of Citrus Heights to Pay $196,758 to Six Families

By Leslie Carrara
Posted: 6/28/2011

Citrus Heights – Demolition and relocation efforts are under way as former Sayonara Drive residents receive stimulus money from a $1 million federal grant, with the residents receiving final checks next month.

One of the 11 families will receive a combined total of $96,000, based on family size and income levels, according to Katherine Cooley, Development Specialist with the city. Former residents began receiving monthly checks in March, and based on federal guidelines, they are all to be paid in full by September. Six families qualify for a pay out check as they received over $5,000 each. Total paid out will be $196,758 with six families receiving a pay out check in July. The majority of properties on Sayonara Drive were in foreclosure when demolition began a year ago and only 11 units were occupied with the people needing to be relocated, Cooley said.

The city purchased 64 units with the Federal Neighborhood Stabilization grant before the demolition project began. The grant paid for the 15 properties, the demolition, the fencing and for the relocation of the families that lived there at the time. Grant monies will also pay for the redevelopment of the street, with the city required by federal law to rebuild affordable housing. All guidelines by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and HCD (Housing and Community Development) are being followed, Cooley said.

DONATE ITEMS TO VERGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS’ 2ND ANNUAL JUMBLE SALE FUNDRAISER

Rummage sale to benefit Sacramento’s contemporary art scene
Posted: 6/25/2011

SACRAMENTO—Verge Center for the Arts is seeking gently used, high-quality items for its 2nd Annual Jumble Sale, a creative rummage sale benefiting Verge’s exhibitions, artist residencies, education programs and studio space.

“This is a great opportunity for local residents to clean out closets and garages while supporting the local art community,” said Liv Moe, executive director, Verge Center for the Arts. “The Jumble Sale will help us renovate our new space and build the next phase of artist studios.”

Verge is seeking art supplies, furniture, jewelry, home decor, kitchenware, books, tools, collectibles, trinkets, small appliances, toys and more. All items must be clean and in working condition. Verge will not accept clothing that is stained or in disrepair, computers, televisions or other electronics. Donations will be accepted until July 28. To donate, contact Moe at liv@vergegallery.com or (916) 448-2985.

The sale will take place Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Aug. 6-7, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S Street, Sacramento. The event also will include a preview party from 6-10 p.m. on Aug. 4, where guests will have the first opportunity to browse and purchase items for sale while enjoying a no-host bar, appetizers and music. Verge artists will have their studios open and art for sale at the preview. Cost to attend the preview party is $15 per person.

Founded in September 2008, Verge Center for the Arts is a nonprofit arts organization focused on promotion and support of contemporary art in the Sacramento region. Verge offers contemporary art exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programming and affordable studio space to Sacramento artists. In 2010, VCA relocated to a 22,000-square-foot warehouse in downtown Sacramento. The larger space doubles the number of artist studios available, provides additional educational programming and expands the gallery. For more information, visit www.vergeart.com.

State Officials Urge Californians to Prepare for Summer Heat

Posted: 6/10/2011

MATHER - Even though the official start of summer is almost two weeks away, State officials today urged Californians to prepare now for the prospect of prolonged periods of hot weather later this summer and fall.

"Summer isn't here yet, but it's not too early for Californians to prepare for the possibility of several days of extremely high temperatures, particularly in areas where temperatures don't reach into the 90s and 100s very often," said California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Mike Dayton.

The Acting Cal EMA Secretary urged Californians who haven't already done so to review their emergency plans, replenish their emergency supplies, learn first aid and CPR and create a cooler, more comfortable environment in their homes.

"As we saw in 2006, prolonged periods of extremely high temperatures can cause a significant number of deaths and heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke," said California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Interim Director Dr. Howard Backer.

According to information provided by California's county coroners and medical examiners, 136 Californians died due to heat-related illnesses caused by a 13-day heat wave that struck the state in 2006.

"Infants, young children and seniors, as well as persons who have chronic health conditions, are particularly vulnerable when temperatures rise," noted Backer. "Caretakers must be sure to provide adequate fluids to persons who cannot ask for them or get fluids for themselves. Never leave a child or pet in a closed vehicle for any length of time. Plan outdoor work and exercise during the early morning hours or evening hours. During periods of severe heat, communities will set up cooling centers for daytime use."

Workers in all outdoor worksites such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and other industries, are at risk of serious heat illness and even death when temperatures rise across California. According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), employers are required to take four basic steps to prevent heat illness at all outdoor worksites. These include training all employees on heat illness, providing adequate water, rest and shade and having an emergency response plan in place.

"I am pleased to see a greater level of compliance and a reduction in occupational heat- related illnesses and fatalities in recent years, but we must remain vigilant during times of high summer heat," said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. "Heat related illness and death are preventable with simple steps that employers take to ensure workers have adequate water and shade and training on the symptoms of heat stress. Having a good program in place not only protects workers' health, but ensures greater productivity."

State officials urged Californians to incorporate energy conservation measures as part of their heat emergency plans.

"Californians can save money and reduce the risk of power outages by setting their thermostats to 78 to 80 degrees when they're home and to 85 degrees or the 'off' position when they're away from home," said Dayton. "They also can reduce strain on the power grid by using their primary refrigerators and freezers for perishable foods and beverages and disconnecting secondary refrigerators and freezers."

Other conservation measures Californians can employ include turning off lights, fans and appliances that aren't in use and using dish washers, driers, washing machines and other appliances after the peak hours of 4 to 6 p.m.

Summer heat resources are available at www.calema.ca.gov and www.cdph.ca.gov.

UNITED WAY AIMS TO COLLECT 60,000 ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER AT 3rd ANNUAL LIVE UNITED TOILET PAPER DRIVE

All-day drive collects toilet paper to offset costs for nonprofits
Posted: 6/10/2011

Community members from across the greater Sacramento region will gather at Cal Expo to donate toilet paper as part of United Way California Capital Region’s 3rd Annual LIVE UNITED Toilet Paper Drive. The annual drive helps offset the cost of this necessary staple that costs local nonprofits thousands of dollars each year—which they can now spend on programs. Last year’s drive raised 50,000 rolls of toilet paper. This year’s goal is 60,000. Toilet paper will be distributed at Foodlink the following week to many of United Way’s 142 certified partners in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. Sac-Val Janitorial Supply will donate one roll of toilet paper for every two rolls collected.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- More than 120 volunteers waving signs, collecting and packaging toilet paper
– Mascots, cheerleaders and more building Toilet Paper Drive spirit
– 9 nonprofits speaking about what toilet paper really buys
– Local companies dropping off mass quantities of toilet paper throughout the day

TOILET PAPER DROP-OFF HIGHLIGHTS:

**Several companies will be doing creative toilet paper drop-offs throughout the day**

8 a.m.: Assemblymember Dr. Richard Pan
10 a.m.: Golden 1 Credit Union
1 p.m.: American Fed. of State, County, Municipal Employees via Regional Transit bus
TBD: NAPA Auto via NAPA trucks
TBD: Allied/Nationwide via dozens of walking employees

June 16
7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Cal Expo
600 Exposition Boulevard
Sacramento

United Way is the region’s leading provider of innovative solutions on the community’s most pressing issues, including high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity. Working with other nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers, United Way provides positive, measurable results on vital health and human services issues. Through new and traditional fundraising and mobilization programs, community members can give, volunteer and advocate in support of the causes they care most about, benefiting United Way and hundreds of nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way is an independent, local affiliate of United Way Worldwide. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

CALIFORNIA CAPITAL REGION EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE TO EXCHANGE FRESH IDEAS ON INCREASING GRADUATION RATES AT KICK-OFF EVENT

Posted: 6/10/2011

SACRAMENTO—An alarming number of the region’s youth are not graduating from high school. A group of public and private agencies, corporations, small businesses, education institutions and concerned citizens have come together to form the California Capital Region Education Collaborative in order to focus attention on this issue.

Jack O’Connell, former state superintendent of public instruction and Patricia Rucker of the California State Board of Education and legislative advocate for the California State Teachers Association will join the collaborative at a kick-off event on June 17 where the group will share its vision and goals and showcase programs that are successfully helping to improve graduation rates. Teachers, administrators, nonprofits, community organizations, parents and concerned citizens from Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties are encouraged to attend.

“The dropout issue is no longer just a moral issue; today it is an economic issue,” O’Connell said. According to a report by Alliance for Excellent Education, in the Sacramento metropolitan area, an estimated 7,100 students dropped out from the class of 2008. The report goes on to state that 24 percent of high school students in the region do not graduate on time with a regular diploma, which ultimately affects the local economy.

The kick-off event will take place 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, at the AT&T Auditorium, 2700 Watt Avenue in Sacramento. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about successful programs, hear from community leaders and work in facilitated groups to create community action plans to support schools.

The California Capital Region Education Collaborative is working to ensure young people graduate from high school and move on to higher education and/or successful careers. The collaborative’s purpose is to bring together students, leaders, advocates, parents, community members, educators, experts and all concerned parties to identify and disseminate promising practices and models, while serving as a clearinghouse for education, youth development efforts and attaining resource opportunities for the region. The collaborative will serve as an advocacy and liaison body, assisting in the facilitation of increasing graduation rates in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. For more information on the collaborative and the kick-off event, visit https://sites.google.com/site/unitedwayrec/home.

California Questers Forming New Chapter in Sacramento & Seeks Interested Participants

Informational Meeting to be Held Saturday, June 11 At Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
Posted: 6/8/2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 6, 2011) -- California Questers invites interested participants to attend an informational meeting on Saturday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, 1526 H Street in Sacramento. With the intent of starting a Questers chapter in the Sacramento area, the meeting will highlight the organization's interest in educating members by research, the study of antiques as well as donating funds for the preservation and restoration of artifacts, memorials, historic buildings, landmarks, and educational projects.

Questers chapters work on defined projects often working with local historical society's preservation and restoration projects including preservation of lighthouses, historic homes, monuments and artifacts in museums and missions. They donate their time, raise funds and do research to accomplish these goals.

This year the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park has been the benefactor of the efforts of the California Questers. Questers representative, Claragene Rainey, works with the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park staff to identify acquisition needs. This has led to a series of projects, each of which contributes to the restoration of this state historic park and Sacramento landmark.

Projects specific to the mansion include replacing curtains, commissioning painting reproductions and acquiring the silverware to complete the set once used in the family dining room at the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park. Earlier this year, California Questers restored an Eastlake style billiard table for the mansion's third floor billiard room including a donation a matching cue rack by the restoration firm.

Questers is an international nonprofit organization, founded in 1944 by Jessie Elizabeth Bardens, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its major objectives are to stimulate an appreciation of antiques and to encourage the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks. With a strong desire to see that the best of American heritage preserved for future generations, Questers sponsor graduate level scholarships at Columbia University as well as a fellowship at Winterthur/University of Delaware. Questers' chapters number 800 and 13,000 members in 43 states and two provinces. In California, there are 35 chapters with more than 500 members.

Prior to the its work with the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, California Questers restored the statue of the Pioneer Mother and its base in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The Pioneer Mother was designed by Charles Grafly for the Pan Pacific Exposition of 1915.

For more information about the upcoming June 11 meeting, please contact Sylvia Rathbun at 408-267-3879 or visit www.calquest.org.

EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER HIRES NEW DIRECTOR

Posted: 6/2/2011

Carmichael, CA - Effie Yeaw Nature Center (EYNC) and the American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) are pleased to announce the hiring of Paul Tebbel as Executive Director to take over on June 1st from Marilee Flannery who is retiring after 18 years at the Center. EYNC is a community service of ARNHA.

Paul has more than 15 years of experience running nature centers, including 12 years as director of Rowe Sanctuary and Audubon Center on the Platte River in Nebraska. He also managed a wildlife care hospital in New Mexico, which provided him with valuable experience to oversee the care of the display birds and animals at the Nature Center.

Just prior to coming to the Nature Center, Paul was the executive director of Friends of the River, the statewide river conservation organization located in Sacramento. He originally moved to northern California from New Mexico to be nearer his parents who now live at Carlton Plaza in Sacramento.

“Now that ARNHA is responsible for raising the money needed to operate, we needed someone who could help us be financially successful while maintaining the high quality nature experience people enjoy at the Nature Center.” Said Larry Washington, President of ARNHA which operates EYNC. “Paul’s skills matched our needs since he has considerable fundraising experience and has managed two non-profit nature centers.”

EYNC was part of the Sacramento County Regional Parks system until July 2010 when it was leased to the non-profit American River Natural History Association (ARNHA). A favorite location for teachers throughout the greater Sacramento area, EYNC provides nature education programs to kids from kindergarten through 6th grade and takes care of the 77-acre nature preserve located in Ancil Hoffman Park near Fair Oaks Blvd. in Carmichael.

______

Built in the 1970’s, the Nature Center honors the work done by Effie Yeaw (1900-1970) who brought connected thousands of children with nature at the location now protected as a nature preserve. Each year nearly 100,000 residents, including many families with young children, walk the nature center trails and enjoy the quiet natural area which extends from the oak woodland to the Lower American River. The natural area is open daily from dawn until dusk and the nature center visitor center is open from 9-5 Wednesday through Sunday. There is no fee to enjoy the nature preserve but a county parking pass or membership in ARNHA is required to enter the county park.

Nature Center Location
2830 San Lorenzo Way
Carmichael, CA 95811

SCOE Teacher Joe Clark Wins Honor

Named Instructor of the Year at 3rd Annual California Voices Youth Film Event
Posted: 6/2/2011

Joe Clark did not expect to hear his name called. He knew his students’ video project was good, but felt they deserved more credit than he did. However, when organizers of the 3rd Annual California Voice Film Premiere announced the 2011 Instructor of the Year Award, the Multimedia Sound Engineering teacher for the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) found himself accepting the honor.

On May 25th, 2011, the Center for Multicultural Cooperation hosted the event at the Crest Theatre. Over 600 students, parents, community leaders, partners, and elected officials gathered together to celebrate and recognize the hard work of more than 150 local youth filmmakers. The event showed documentary films created by students at 12 schools in the Sacramento area and showcased youth issue videos where students identified and shared their perspective on issues in their community.

Mr. Clark, a resident of Natomas, received the award for a video produced by students in his Regional Occupational Program (ROP) at the LINKS Academy at Marian Anderson, a community school program operated by SCOE. The video, titled" Decisions", focused on the hard decisions community school students must make on a daily basis.

“I was very surprised at winning the award as I thought our students' video was good, but we had wanted to do even much more with it,” Mr. Clark said. “I think it shows the potential our students have, even though so many dismiss them as ‘unteachable’.”

In addition to teaching the highly technical subject of sound engineering, Mr. Clark works with at-risk students in grades 9-12 in areas of career exploration and work preparation practices such as developing resumes and completing job applications.

"Joe's Multimedia Sound Engineering class is cited by many students as the reason they come to school,” said SCOE Community School Principal Philip Moore. "Joe is one of those rare individuals who truly enjoys his work and the creative process of offering new and interesting opportunities to our students."

The California Voices program is supported by: Sacramento City Unified School District, Sacramento County Office of Education, The California Endowment, My Dream My Life Academy, California Center for Civic Participation, Sacramento Regional Foundation, City of Sacramento Teen Services, and Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center.

SACRAMENTO TOMATOFEST GROWS AT ITS 2ND ANNUAL EVENT AT TOWN AND COUNTRY VILLAGE

Posted: 6/2/2011

SACRAMENTO - Town & Country Village is sponsoring its 2nd Annual Sacramento TomatoFest from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 - show off your green thumb, even if its not so green - there's a $500 cash prize to the winners in each of the three categories: largest tomato, smallest tomato and ugliest tomato. Contestants can download an entry form at www.shoptownandcountry.com, or register their tomatoes in person by 9:30 a.m.

The TomatoFest is also featuring local restaurant chefs competing against last year's winner, Chef Jon Nelson from Sienna Restaurant, for a trophy and bragging rights as they prepare their best salsa, bruschetta and tomato soup (hot or cold). Samples available for Restaurant People's Choice Award.

There's something for everyone - live music, art, cooking demonstrations, wine-tasting, demonstrations by Master Gardeners, a Kid's Area (sponsored by Emigh's Hardware), face-painting, kettle korn, performances by Sacramento Theatre Co., and don't miss the tomato truffles and tomato gelato and much more!

New this year - a Tomato Trot for kids 13 and under (throughout the Village)

Of course, for those shopaholics, there is a village-wide sidewalk sale.

13th ANNUAL RACE FOR THE ARTS IS MORE THAN A RUN

IT'S AN EXPERIENCE

SACRAMENTO (May 24) - Anyone who enjoys theatre, dance, music, art - and exercise - won't want to miss this annual celebration of the arts and the outdoors. Join for the 13th Annual Race for the Arts benefiting all California non-profit performing, cultural and visual arts organizations, and school music, drama and arts programs. Run or walk to support your favorite organization or school program. Enjoy entertainment throughout, 42 interactive booths, costumed characters and a post-run party. 100% of your pledge monies benefit your designated group. Pledges are due September 30, 2011 (pledges are not a requirement for participation)

Grab your shoes and come on out for the 5K Run/Walk - as well as Kids' Fun Runs (440-yard run for ages 6 and under, 1/2 mile for ages 7-9, 1 mile for ages 10-12). Starting Line: 15th Avenue and Land Park Drive, Sacramento

Gear up for Race for the Arts with Off to the Races on August 20.

Go to www.raceforthearts.com to download a flyer (which can be personalized for your organization / school), entry form and pledge forms. Beginning July 4, entry forms will be available at Raley's, Bel Air, Hobrecht Lighting Design & Decor and California Family Fitness locations.

TEAMS OF 10 OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A 20 PERCENT DISCOUNT

In 2007, Galena Street East raised $27,000!! It works!

SMUD Neighborhood Performance program offers customers substantial energy efficiency rebates

Program targets customers in Rosemont section of Sacramento County
Posted: 5/26/2011

Hundreds of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) residential and commercial customers will soon be able to take advantage of generous rebates to help pay for comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits thanks to a federal grant. Using stimulus funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), the Neighborhood Performance program provides rebates to single-family and multifamily residential customers and small and large commercial customers in the downtown and midtown areas of Sacramento and the Rosemont area in Sacramento County. Those areas were chosen based on customer profile and peak energy usage. SMUD received about $2.8 million in the grant, which was awarded to Los Angeles County last year. The program will run through June 2013.

For residential customers, the Neighborhood Performance program is designed to take into account the home as a system and uses an innovative whole-house approach. Based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, it makes a house or apartment building more energy stingy. The program aims to retrofit about 130 single-family homes and 50 multifamily units with energy-saving upgrades that may include duct sealing, new insulation and new heating and air conditioning systems. Efficiency improvements averaging 20 percent are well within reach for participating customers. More than 80 qualifying low-income households are also eligible in the neighborhoods for free weatherization and retrofit services up to $3,500.

A new commercial program called Complete Energy Solutions will be made available to small to mid-sized stores, restaurants, offices and other businesses that draw no more than 300 kilowatts of electricity. These businesses will be eligible for comprehensive retrofits to boost the energy efficiency of lighting, refrigeration and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Rebates are expected to cover well over half of retrofit costs. A separate program will target large commercial operations for whole-building energy efficiency retrofits.

SMUD will offer its established energy efficiency loans to customers that require financing in the range of $3,000 to $10,000. To help customers who require less financing, SMUD is working to develop a financing option that will allow customers to spread out the project cost over one to two years, with monthly payments appearing on their SMUD bill. It’s important to note that most customers who go this route would be cash-flow positive from the outset, with monthly energy savings more than covering their installment payments.

For more information, visit smud.org or call 1-888-742-SMUD.

Memorial Day Weekend River Safety Awareness Event May 26

Posted: 5/26/2011

Sacramento, Calif. – With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, County Regional Parks and the Sacramento Metro Fire Department are hosting a river safety event to remind people to take a few precautions to stay safe around area rivers, and that the law mandates that all children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket in or around waterways.

The American River Parkway Foundation and GenCorp Foundation will also be showing their commitment to water safety by partnering to purchase and maintain the “Kids Don’t Float” free life jacket loaner program for children at several spots along the American River Parkway. The GenCorps Foundation’s generous donation of $10,800 to purchase 2,000 life jackets will help ensure that any children who visit the river can have a chance to borrow a life jacket for a day to stay safe.

Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, alcohol consumption and possession of open containers will be prohibited on the shore and river within the Parkway between Watt and Hazel Avenues on Saturday, May 28, Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30. Parking fees will be increased at County Parks from $5 to $8 per vehicle, $10 to $13 for vehicles towing watercraft.

What: River safety media event

When: May 26 at 10 a.m.

Where: Sunrise Recreation Area at American River Parkway

NEW ARTWORKS GALLERY

Solo Exhibit of Works by Christine Klasner-Pariseanu
Posted: 5/12/2011

MMe

"Fantasia", New Artworks Gallery presents a solo exhibit of works by Christine Klasner-Pariseanu. The paintings in this exhibit include oil, acrylic and mixed media. Pariseanu's work makes a transition from oil to acrylic dependent on the season, but it always holds true to her consistent impressionistic style.

Please join her at the opening reception on Second Saturday, June 11th, from 5:00 - 9:00 pm at

NEW ARTWORKS GALLERY
10239 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Gallery Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11am-5pm, and by appointment.

Call 916-962-7362, send email to newartworks@att.net or visit us online at www.thenewartworksgallery.com.

Small Business Resource Summit

Posted: 5/19/2011

Sacramento, CA – The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the Small Business Resource Summit will take place on Thursday, May 26th at the Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, California, from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM.

The event will provide information from more than forty government agencies for those that are looking to open or expand a business. Individuals will have the opportunity to talk directly with agency representatives and have their questions answered.

The event will also include sessions on how to start a business in the current economy, business funding, business expansion, and other topics. The keynote presentation of the day will be an Economic Forecast for the region by Dr. David Gallo from the Center for Economic Development from the California State University, Chico.

The event is free and open to the public. To register, please go to www.SmallBusinessResourceSummit.com or, for additional information call the Sacramento District office of the Small Business Administration at 916-735-1700.

Parents need to bring reality check to reality TV shows about teen sex, pregnancy

By Patti Lutz, MPH and Linda Mack-Burch, MPH, Health Educators, Sacramento County Public Health
Posted: 5/12/2011

Is being a teen mom glamorous? Sexy? A good way to get on TV?

Too often teens learn about sexuality from misinformed friends and what’s on television, radio, movies, music videos, magazines, and the internet. Some critics believe that reality shows such as “Jersey Shores,” “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” sensationalize teen pregnancy and send inaccurate messages to youth about sex.

Teens are very susceptible to media messages. Most teens spend more time watching television or using electronic devices than talking with their parents. These messages can influence the choices they make.

The Sacramento County Public Health Division’s campaign “Think Jeans are Expensive? Try Diapers” aims to counteract these messages.

Your teen deserves to fully understand the realities of teen pregnancy and sex, including the financial, emotional, physical, and social changes that adolescent parents really experience.

Parents, you can make the difference – talk with your teen about preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

· Take advantage of “teachable moments” to educate teens and share your values.
· Talk with your teen about everyday things such as school, sports, and shopping. Then conversations about sexuality will be easier because you have a rapport with your child.
· Use the media as an opportunity to educate and communicate with your teen. Initiate “reality check” conversations about teen pregnancy and sex.
· Teach your teen to be an independent thinker and to critically analyze what is seen on TV.
· Actively listen to your teen, being careful not to interrupt him or her.
· Use good eye contact so that your teen knows that you are paying careful attention. Be aware of your body language and facial expressions.
· Be honest about what you do not know.
· Be prepared to talk frequently. The facts and your messages about your values and beliefs should be repeated often.

Websites that help parents communicate with teens about sexuality includes:

www.mvparents.com

www.talkingwithkids.org

www.teengrowth.com

www.TheNationalCampaign.org

For more resources on talking with teens about sexuality, call Sacramento County’s Adolescent Health Program at (916) 875-5869 or follow Sac Teen Health on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife

How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families
BY Anne Killinger
Posted: 4/28/2011

Most women fear the Monster-in-Law.

The TV stereotype is always the mother-in-law, for whom no woman will ever be as good to him as she is. Doris Roberts on Everybody Loves Raymond embodied that image for 8 years on TV – the grasping, sweet-to-your-face, rude-behind-your-back mother-in-law who only wants her son to be happy, as long as she’s the one behind it.

But what if things were the other way around? What happens when it’s the wife, and not the mother-in-law, that tries to drive a wedge between a man and his mother? That’s what happened to Anne Killinger, author of A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife: How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families (www.parsonsporchbooks.com).

“In a world where mothers-in-law are frequently made the butt of bad jokes, many people assume that they are the ones that make life unbearable for their daughters-in-law,” Killinger said. “I contend that it is often the other way around, that many daughters-in-law today are selfish, possessive, and narcissistic, and will not rest until they have divorced their husbands from the parents who raised them. It’s a deceptively gradual process, and half the time, you don’t even realize it has happened until it’s too late. It starts with her taking phone calls for the family, or the canceling of trips to visit family. Soon, phone calls go unreturned, and finally you realize that your son is no longer your son. He’s just some other woman’s husband.”

From the emails Killinger receives from her readers and the discussions she has had with others about the topic, she believes the problem is more widespread than the stereotype would lead people to believe.

“I estimate that at least one in ten families in the U.S. today has experienced this problem, to some degree or another,” she said. “It’s difficult to assign blame for it, however, because everyone’s relationship is different. Part of me is torn, because I have been a lifelong feminist, yet I cannot escape the feeling that the rampant feminism that women absorb through their education, societal attitude shifts and the popular culture is at least a partial cause for these women believing that it’s perfectly fine to emotionally separate a son from his parents.”

That’s not the only cultural shift that could be leading to this issue, according to Killinger.

“Children in today’s society grow up without a strong sense of respect for their parents and what their parents have done for them,” she added. “With the realities of the two-income family, and most kids being ‘latch-key kids’ throughout most of their upbringing, children are more independent. They tend to seek their own paths earlier in life, and disobey their parents without much hesitation. This part of our culture makes it a lot easier for children to abandon their parents once they are grown. It’s a dark, slippery slope.”

Unfortunately, through her experience, she has discovered that there is little that can be done to salvage the child-parent relationship.

“Once a son becomes capable of completely breaking off his contact with his parents, it is a difficult decision to dial back,” Killinger said. “In our case, the break took three years, from March 2002 to March 2005, to take place completely. That’s a long time to get used to not having his parents around. In many cases, the son may simply stay in the thrall of his wife. On the other hand, even if he realizes he has made a bad choice to let go of his parents, he may be too embarrassed or humiliated to try to repair the relationship. He may feel that things have gone too far for him to ever be worthy of forgiveness, which is tragic.

There is no greater loss for a parent than that of losing a child. If a son should ever seek to turn back that clock, he should know that parents will always accept him back into their lives, no matter what. While 50 percent of all new marriages end in divorce, a son can never truly divorce his parents, because they will always take him back.”

About Anne Killinger

Anne Kathryn Killinger, author of "A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife" was born in Somerset, Kentucky, the youngest of seven children. At 17, she married her childhood sweetheart, John Killinger, who is a retired pastor with PhDs in literature and theology. Anne’s book is the story of her and John’s grief when one of their sons married a woman who demanded his abandonment of his original family to form a closer attachment to hers.

N. CA Boy Meets Miley Cyrus to Celebrate World Wish Day® with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Sacramento and NE CA

Posted: 4/28/2011

SACRAMENTO – A 16-year-old from Galt was granted his wish to meet singing and acting sensation Miley Cyrus in Los Angeles on Tuesday as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s World Wish Day celebration.

Wish Kid Matthew and 13 other wish kids were greeted by Cyrus at the studio where she is preparing for her upcoming Gypsy Heart concert tour, which opens on World Wish Day, April 29, in Quito, Ecuador. Matthew’s wish experience included a chance to visit with Cyrus, plus being treated to an exclusive performance by the platinum-selling artist during a dress rehearsal for the tour.

The Sacramento and Northeastern California chapter will celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, 2011 by granting a Sacramento boy’s wish for a Toy’s R Us Shopping Spree in Elk Grove. Media is welcome to attend- Great wish kid visuals! See following Media Advisory.

World Wish Day is a global wish-granting celebration that commemorates the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, now the world’s largest wish granting organization. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer was granted in Phoenix by volunteers from several law-enforcement agencies on April 29, 1980.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation will celebrate World Wish Day by granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in 41 countries where it operates.

“We granted Matthew’s wish to meet Miley Cyrus to celebrate World Wish Day and spread our unifying message of hope, strength and joy for children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said Joanie Johnston, Wish Director at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Sacramento and Northeastern California. “We encourage people to join in the celebration and help us reach every eligible wish child in our 24 county region.”

Miley Cyrus has granted the wishes of more than 120 children with life-threatening medical conditions in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 25 minutes somewhere in the world. In 2010, the Foundation granted nearly 21,000 wishes – more than 13,500 to children in the United States and more than 7,000 to children outside of the United States.

You can share the power of a wish® on World Wish Day – refer your child, make a donation, spread the word via Facebook (www.facebook.com/makeawish) and Twitter (@makeawish) or give your unused airline miles to help a wish family reach their wish destination. Learn how at wish.org.

Sunrise Festival Shopping Center in Citrus Heights presents the Finale Event to the “Caribbean Countdown”

Five finalists, selected at random from all entries, will be invited to attend a live “Final Showdown” at the Sunrise Festival Shopping Center where the Grand Prize winner will be selected
Posted: 4/28/2011

Citrus Heights, CA – Sunrise MarketPlace Business Improvement District (SMP) has teamed up with AAA Travel Citrus Heights and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to create the “Gotta Getaway” Travel Promotion for the Sacramento region. The final winner will be chosen on May 21 at the “Caribbean Countdown” Event held at the Sunrise Festival Shopping Center.

The contest began April 18 and continues through May 14. Contestants can enter at the new Sunrise Marketplace Facebook page, or by filling out an entry form at these participating locations:

On May 21, the winner will be chosen at the “Caribbean Countdown” event that will be held from 12:00PM to 2:00PM. The Sunrise Festival Shopping center is creating a fun tropical-theme, with giveaways and live music.. Bring canned goods to receive a ticket to win a door prize; the more cans the more chances you get to win some great prizes donated by local businesses.

Director of Marketing for SMP, John Chermesino said, “The economy knocked us around the past couple of years. Many of us cut back on travel with “staycations.” Even those can be a challenge now with rising gas prices. We thought we could help fight the staycation trend by offering the chance to win a Caribbean cruise. We teamed up with AAA Travel Citrus Heights and J C Penney at Sunrise Mall to offer a value-packed prize package that would attract the attention of our Facebook friends and residents in and around our business area. I B Tan at Sunrise Festival II Shopping Center stepped up to offer tanning sessions for our four lucky runners-up so they can have that “just been on a cruise” glow.”

The Grand Prize has a value of over $3000 and includes a $2500 value five-day Caribbean cruise for two, plus a five-piece Claiborne designer luggage set worth over $500 value from JC Penney.

Contestants must be at least 21 to enter and residents of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Yuba, El Dorado and Sutter counties. One finalist will win the $3000 Grand Prize; four runners-up will receive a $125 gift certificate from I B Tan. Must be present to win.

Sunrise Marketplace is a collection of over 400 retail and service businesses in one of the region's most heavily travelled commercial corridors in the heart of Citrus Heights, CA. They come together as a single brand to highlight the breadth of goods and services offered in the area along Sunrise Blvd between Arcadia Drive (just north of Greenback Lane) and Madison Avenue, and along Greenback between Birdcage St. and Fair Oaks Blvd. Sunrise MarketPlace Business Improvement District was created in 1999 to advance the commercial vitality of the City of Citrus Heights and is funded by an assessment of businesses and property owners within the Business District.

Sacramento Pulls Together for March for Babies

March of Dimes Fights for Stronger, Healthier Babies
Posted: 4/28/2011

Who: Sacramento families, companies and volunteers dedicated to giving babies a healthy start

What: Thousands of people will be at the State Capitol in Sacramento to take part in the March for Babies on Saturday, April 30. In addition to the 6-mile walk, other festivities include kids’ activities, refreshments, music and more! The Sacramento March for Babies brings together families, companies and volunteers raising money so that our babies are born happy and healthy. Funds raised by March for Babies help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies right here in the Sacramento area.

March for Babies is the March of Dimes’ premier fundraising event that benefits Sacramento babies. March of Dimes is the champion for all babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. March for Babies is locally sponsored by Sutter Health and Health Net.

When: Saturday, April 30
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.; walk starts at 9 a.m.

Where: State Capitol, Sacramento West Steps
10th Street (between L and N Streets)

Why: The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

SPCA Golf Tournament

Hank Fisher Properties Presents the 2nd Annual Sacramento SPCA PAWS, PALS & PUTTS Golf Tournament
Posted: 4/19/2011

Sacramento Region – Join the Sacramento SPCA for its 2nd Annual Paws, Pals and Putts Golf Tournament on Monday, May 9 at Del Paso County Club. Proceeds from the tournament, which is presented by Hank Fisher Properties, will benefit the Sacramento SPCA’s Senior Services program providing services to ensure the continued relationship between Sacramento area seniors and their pets.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to spend a day golfing on one of the oldest and most renowned golf courses in Sacramento. The Club’s 18-hole park-style golf course challenges amateurs and professionals alike. The beautifully renovated golf course features five sets of tees offering a challenge to players of all levels.

Paws, Pals & Putts will feature an 18-hole golf scramble, lunch, awards dinner and live auction. The day will also feature an exciting Helicopter Ball Drop. Purchase a ball (or two) and be entered into the exciting Ball Drop drawing–with a guaranteed winner.

Paws, Pals & Putts tournament fees are $250 per player including lunch and dinner, or $50 per non-golfing guest for dinner and evening program.

For more information, to sponsor, to purchase tickets, or to enter the Helicopter Ball Drop: Visit www.sspca.org or call (916) 504-2802 today.

Historic Old Sacramento Foundation Offers "Above Ground" Walking Tours All Summer

Gold Rush Legacy Tours and Old Sacramento Architectural Tours Available on Weekends May Thru August
Posted: 4/28/2011

OLD SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In addition to the popular Old Sacramento Underground tour program already underway for the season, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is adding to the fun with intriguing "above ground" walking tours as well. On weekends beginning in May and continuing through August, two informative walking tours will be offered that include the following: Sacramento City: California's Gold Rush Legacy Tour and From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour.

For the Gold Rush Legacy Tours, docents in historically appropriate attire take guests on a journey back to the 1850s using original and reconstructed Gold Rush-era buildings as a compelling backdrop to describe what the town was like during that fascinating period in California's history.

For the Old Sacramento Architectural Tours, guests are guided through Old Sacramento to see how the architecture of the buildings silently but assuredly reflects the compelling history of how Sacramento was transformed from a water-logged tent city -- with floods, fires and the Gold Rush along the way -- to a firmly established city and the state's capital.

During the month of May, there is one above ground walking tour available each day starting at 11 a.m. On Saturday, the Sacramento City: California's Gold Rush Legacy Tour is offered and on Sunday the From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour is offered. Then, beginning in June and continuing through August, two tours are available each day and are scheduled as follows: Sacramento City: California's Gold Rush Legacy Tour at 11 a.m. then the From Canvas to Brick: Old Sacramento Architectural Tour at 12:30 p.m.

All Old Sacramento walking tours last approximately one hour in length and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. Walking tours begin and end at the Sacramento History Museum located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Above ground walking tours cost $7 for adults and $5 for youths, and can be purchased in advance at www.historicoldsac.org or in person the day of the walking tour (if space is available). The above ground and underground tour programs are coordinated by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) and in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

11 Local Companies Honored at United Way Kings Game Event

Posted: 4/19/2011

Sacramento – United Way California Capital Region honored 11 companies from across the region for their outstanding philanthropy to local nonprofits. The companies were honored at a private awards ceremony followed by a Sacramento Kings basketball game on March 29.

“The greater Sacramento region is filled with some of the most generous people I have ever known,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “It was an honor to express our gratitude to some of our community’s top companies for their generosity to people in need – and that giving spirit is found from the top executives down through all of their employees.”

Companies honored included Nordstrom, Intel Corporation, Allied/Nationwide, Proctor & Gamble, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Comcast, SMUD, AT&T, Costco Roseville, NAPA Auto Parts and Greenheck Fan Company.

United Way California Capital Region is the region’s leading provider of innovative solutions on the community’s most pressing issues, including high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity.

For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

May Fair Plans a Night of Blues Hits

Posted: 4/19/2011

The 136th annual Dixon May Fair will begin its concert series next month with a night of blues.

Officials announced earlier this week that Grammy award winning artist Jonny Lang and guest Robben Ford will entertain thousands on May 4, the opening day of the five-day fair.

Tickets go on sale today at the Dixon May Fair box office and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Reserved seats are $35 and $25, and general admission is $19. All prices include all-day admission to the May Fair.

“It’s going to be a great night of blues at the Dixon May Fair on our Grand Opening day,” said Jack Murphy, the CEO of the Dixon May Fair. “Lang travels all over the world. In the blues world, he is one of the best.”

Lang first started playing the guitar when he was 12 years old, after his father took him to see the Bad Medicine Blues Band, one of the few blues bands in Fargo, North Dakota. He began taking guitar lessons from a member of the band and a few months later, Lang joined the group, which was re-named Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang.

The band moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and released the album “Smokin’” when Lang was 14. The young performer was signed to A&M Records in 1996, and he released the multi-platinum album “Lie to Me” in 1997. He followed with “Wander This World” in 1998, which earned him a Grammy nomination. His newest album, the gospelinfluenced “Turn Around” was released in 2006 and won Lang his first Grammy award.

In over a decade on the road, Lang has toured with the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Blues Traveler, Jeff Beck and Sting.

Robben Ford is one of the premier electric guitarists today. He is known not only for his blues playing, but also his ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical contexts. Ford is a five-time Grammy nominee, and has played with an array of talented artists, including Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan.

Lang and Ford join a May Fair concert line-up that Murphy described as one of the best the fair has ever had. Tickets are still available for all concerts, through www.ticketmaster.com or at the Dixon May Fair office.

John Kay and Steppenwolf will rock the May Fair arena with special guest Eric Burdon and the Animals on May 5. Both bands have classic rock hits that date back to the 60’s and 70’s. Reserved tickets are $35 and $25, and general admission tickets cost $19.

Trace Adkins will headline a night filled with country favorites May 6 that will open with country legend Merle Haggard. Adkins, long considered country music’s alpha male, has had over 20 of his songs on the Top 20 chart, while Haggard, one of the most famous country artists to emerge in the 1960’s, has 40 number one hits. Tickets are $45 reserved and $39 general admission.

Disney star and pop singer Selena Gomez and her band The Scene will headline a concert May 7 with guest Days Difference that is sure to have the crowd on its feet. Signed to Hollywood Records in 2009, Gomez released her debut album, "Kiss & Tell" with her band The Scene and it was certified Gold. "Naturally", the second single off "Kiss & Tell" was later certified Platinum. Tickets to this concert are $45 reserved and $39 general admission.

Murphy said there are also still plenty of tickets available for the Dixon May Fair’s Demolition Derby that will be on Mother’s Day May 8, the final day of the fair. Tickets are on sale for $22 and include all-day admission. Car registration is available at www.dixonmayfair.com

The May Fair office also has advanced discount carnival ride wristbands available for purchase. The wristbands, which will allow an individual to ride unlimited rides for the day, are on sale for $25. Most attractions at the May Fair cost three to five tickets per ride.

Advanced admission tickets are also available for $7. Once the fair opens, admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children under 12, and $8 for seniors and military. Advanced tickets will be available until 5 p.m. May 3.

Exhibit guidebooks for the fair are now available online at www.dixonmayfair.com and in the May Fair office at 655 South First St. Every exhibitor is required to complete an entry form. There are an array of showcases at the May Fair, including interior living, fine arts, photography, floriculture, today’s youth, industrial education and Ag mechanics. There were 6,000 competitive exhibits submitted last year from Solano County residents, and officials expect that number to grow this year since entries can now be done online. All entries close Friday at 7 p.m.

The May Fair is also accepting applications from people interested in being ticket sellers and cashiers during the five-day event. Applications can be turned in weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The only requirement is that each employee must be at least 18 years old.

For more information on the 136th annual Dixon May Fair, please visit www.dixonmayfair.com

SACRAMENTO NATURAL FOODS CO-OP RANKS #1 IN CALIFORNIA FOR SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

Posted: 4/19/2011

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op was recognized as one of the most sustainable seafood retailers in the USA, according to Greenpeace's updated seafood sustainability scorecard 'Carting Away the Oceans', which was released on this week.

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op is proud to be the top-ranked store in California for its commitment to sustainable seafood. The Co-op provides the best options to customers and offers them help making good choices for their own health and the health of our oceans. The Co-op’s support of policy initiatives such as the creation of marine reserves and establishing caps on bycatch has helped to bring sustainable seafood issues to national prominence.

Robert Duncan, Seafood Manager, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op says the purpose of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op has always been “to be a trusted source of natural foods and products, and a reliable resource for consumer information as well as modeling sustainable environmental practices in our business.”

Seafood purchasing is one part of the Co-op’s commitment to sustainable practices. This involves partnering with FishWise, a non-profit organization focused on improving the sustainability of seafood retailers. The Co-op has partnered with FishWise since 2005, and through this collaboration has been able to implement a comprehensive sustainable seafood policy that includes training staff, providing customers with point-of-sale information, sourcing responsibly and supporting fishery and aquaculture reform.

The Co-op and FishWise work with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program and follow its recommendations and ranking system. Seafood Watch ranks seafood as Green “Best Choice”, Yellow “Good Alternative” or Red “Avoid”. Since the launch of its partnership with FishWise, the Co-op’s seafood department has stopped purchasing Red-ranked items completely.

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op scored 9.1 out of 10, compared to Whole Foods, which scored 6.2 and Trader Joes, which scored 4.5. To view all of the stores rated by Greenpeace, visit: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/oceans/seafood/supermarket

About FishWise

FishWise is a non-profit organization based in Santa Cruz, CA. Uniquely positioned between the seafood industry and marine conservation organizations, FishWise offers a range of services that create trust between seafood vendors and their customers, enabling businesses to sell more sustainable seafood. For more information please visit www.fishwise.org

Coast Guard Responds to Grounded Houseboat in San Joaquin River

Posted: 4/19/2011

SAN FRANCISCO – Coast Guard and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department crews are on scene near a houseboat that ran aground this morning at the 47 and 49 marker buoys in the San Joaquin River.

There is no pollution threat and no injuries were reported.

The houseboat was being towed from Sacramento to Helen’s Marina when it ran aground early Sunday morning near Webb’s Tract. At the time it did not pose a navigation hazard, and the owner stated that he would hire a commercial towing company to move the tug and the houseboat.

At approximately 9:40 a.m., the houseboat refloated and started to drift down the river. It ran aground again near the 47 and 49 marker buoys. The houseboat is not in the channel; however, the Coast Guard is broadcasting a notice to mariners about the potential hazard to navigation.

The Coast Guard arrived on scene at approximately 10:40 a.m. with a 25-foot response boat.

The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the cause of the events.

Saving California is Worth the Journey

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue
Posted: 4/12/2011

You may have read in recent news that I am leading a bipartisan delegation of California Legislators to Texas in just a few days. I am doing it because our state is in economic crisis and it is time to pull our heads out of the sand. California is a beautiful state. My father was a developer who helped build it. I grew up here and made a life as a realtor. I helped families find homes here for thirty years. It’s a state I love and would give my life for.

But now the dream of California is falling apart. We have some of the highest unemployment in the nation. We also have the highest taxes. We’re ranked 49th on sales tax, 50th on capital gains, 50th on gasoline and school parcel taxes, and 50th on overall taxes. We even beat New York on how much we take from taxpayers.

When you couple our taxes with the strictest regulatory climate in the nation, it’s a lose/lose situation for businesses, especially with today’s economy. Businesses are leaving California in droves now. Joe Vranich, the Business Relocation Coach, has seen four times more businesses looking to leave California this year than last, and many of them are going to Texas.

Texas was ranked by Chief Executive Magazine as the best state in the nation for business and job growth. California ranked worst. Forbes Magazine ranked Texas the 7th best state to do business while ranking California 39th. Texas ranked No. 3 in the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council’s 2010 “Small Business Survival Index.” California ranked as the 4th toughest state. You get the picture.M

Rankings aren’t the only numbers to be concerned with. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas added 165,386 jobs between January 2008 and December 2010. California lost 1,145,037 jobs in that same time frame. Those are jobs that provide incomes to real people. They also provide tax revenues to our state. Without jobs in the private sector there is no one to pay for jobs in the government; it takes roughly 20 private sector jobs to fund one government job. So as private jobs decline here, so too will jobs for teachers and public safety workers.

I can’t sit idly and watch this happen. Our children, and grandchildren, deserve the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed for so many years. So I’ve invited California Legislators, our Lt. Governor, even representatives from the California Teachers Association, to join me on an educational journey to Texas. We’re going to meet with both public officials, and actual business leaders who left our state for theirs.

I know Texas isn’t perfect. I don’t expect us to manage our state exactly like theirs. But right now they are attracting businesses and jobs while ours are slipping away. In this one area they’re doing something right, and California has it terribly wrong. The nation is watching us and they want to know if California can save its economy, or remain a dead weight holding back the rest of the country. For our sake, I hope that those watching will open their hearts and minds, and help us turn our state around.

Casey Robbins Ships Her Last Load of Textbooks to Liberia

Posted: 4/7/2011

Casey talking with the Truck Driver.

Sacramento – Mira Loma senior, Casey Robbins, has sent thousands of textbooks to Liberia over the past few years. She has learned about intermodal transportation and shipping methods. She has learned about fundraising and the generosity of people who helped her along the way. Casey has been directly responsible for the education of thousands of Liberian schoolchildren, and a grateful Liberian government recently invited her to tour the school that is named after her. There, she spoke to children about the importance of reading. She met the President and worked with the Ministry of Education to ensure textbooks arrive safely and in a timely manner.

Casey shipped her last load from San Juan Unified School District, consisting of 4,000 textbooks on April 4th. Casey will soon be going off to college and new adventures. However, the project will not die. Casey is training another Mira Loma student to fill her shoes in Sacramento, and they plan to expand their team and bring Textbooks for Liberia to other school districts and communities by finding philanthropic or fraternal organizations willing to help.

The loading of the container with the 4,000 textbooks took place at the San Juan Unified School District Warehouse on Monday. For more information and to help this cause go to www.TextbooksforLiberia.org.

Advertise With Us
About Natomas Messenger
Classified Advertising
Letters to the Editor
Previous Issues

Your "Local Sunday Newspaper" Seven Days a Week!

Community

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR CARLTON SENIOR LIVING’S NEW ELK GROVE COMMUNITY

Posted: 12/14/2011

Season of Peace Parade & Community Resource Fair

November 19th, 2011 10 am to 2 pmPosted: 11/12/2011

Veterans Salute Dance

FREE to Sacramento Veterans Posted: 11/5/2011

Fire Engine Closed Again During Major Fire

Posted: 11/5/2011

THE THEATRE OF LIGHTS RETURNS TO OLD SACRAMENTO WITH NEW PRESENTING PARTNER – RALEY’S

Holiday Attraction Returns to Region’s One-of-a-kind Shopping and Entertainment District After Enjoying Crowds of More Than 50,000 in 2010

Celebrity Waiter Dinner Benefit for International Peace Park

Posted: 10/19/2011

Registration Opens for “Nature Bowl” Science and Conservation Competition

Posted: 10/19/2011

UNITED WAY’S WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HELPING FOSTER YOUTH OCT. 13

Anniversary event will include fashion show and luncheon Posted: 9/20/2011

Non-Profit Organization Looking for Community Representatives to Join our International Team

Posted: 9/20/2011

SACRAMENTO AREA’S LARGEST OUTDOOR DISCO PARTY TO BENEFIT UCP OF SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Annual event raises funds for people with developmental disabilities Posted: 8/20/2011

Sacramento Public Library encourages patrons to nominate a local librarian to win $5,000 national award

Posted: 8/20/2011

RT HOSTS PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BLUE LINE PROJECT

Design Changes Proposed for Blue Line to Cosumnes River College Light Rail Extension Posted: 8/13/2011

Francis House Honored by Sacramento City Hall

Posted: 8/3/2011

TEEN MOM UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD NEEDS COMMUNITY VOTES

Mom who lost baby to cerebral palsy is the only Sacramento student in running Posted: 8/3/2011

CDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011

Posted: 7/24/2011

SMUD’s Fridge, Freezer Recycling Program Hits 40K Mark

Utility Expects to Pick Up 8,000 Energy-Wasting Units in 2011 Posted: 7/20/2011

New Sacramento County Trustee Area Boundaries Tentatively Approved

Public Comment Sought on Boundary Realignment Posted: 7/20/2011

Golf Tournament Supporting At-Risk Youth Needs Golfers and Sponsors

Project SAVE Proven to Reduce Youth Violence Posted: 7/13/2011

Think BIG to Recruit “Citizen Architects”

Residents across region will play key role in complex’s development Posted: 7/13/2011

American River Water Flows Expected to be Like Last Year for ‘Eppie's Great Race’

Posted: 7/13/2011

TEICHERT FOUNDATION FUNDS HALF THE COSTS TO SEND LOCAL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM TO SUMMER CAMP

Summer camp builds on UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s ongoing program Posted: 7/13/2011

11th Annual Healthy Kids Day

Posted: 7/7/2011

California American Water to host diverse business expo in Citrus Heights

Woman, minority and disabled veteran owned businesses invited out for informative event Posted: 7/7/2011

Historic Old Sac Foundation is Looking for a Few (Hundred) Good Men & Women to Volunteer During Gold Rush Days 2011!

Applications are Being Accepted Now for More Than 200 Volunteer & Artisan Positions Over Labor Day Weekend

STAGE NINE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP KICKS OFF THE SIGNATURE POP-CULTURE EXHIBIT TOUR “ROCK U: THE INSTITUTE OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” AT THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR OPENING JULY 14!

Experience All Stages of One of America’s greatest institutions, Rock ‘N’ Roll - Hands on activities and Live Music Including Special Guest Appearances Every Weekend Posted: 7/6/2011

VERGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS TO HOLD 2ND ANNUAL JUMBLE SALE FUNDRAISER AUGUST 4-7

Rummage sale to benefit Sacramento’s contemporary art scene Posted: 7/6/2011

SACRAMENTO COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY FUND GRANT CREATES GARDEN FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Garden will help people learn how to grow food and make nutritious meals Posted: 7/6/2011

“Cocktails for a Cause” generates funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters with 11 of Sacramento's finest restaurants contributing proceeds from a special cocktail throughout the entire month of July

Posted: 7/6/2011

Pledge Your Independence from Chronic Illness this July 4th

National Medication Adherence Campaign, Script Your Future, Launches Local Efforts in Sacramento Posted: 6/28/2011

City of Citrus Heights to Pay $196,758 to Six Families

By Leslie Carrara Posted: 6/28/2011

DONATE ITEMS TO VERGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS’ 2ND ANNUAL JUMBLE SALE FUNDRAISER

Rummage sale to benefit Sacramento’s contemporary art scene Posted: 6/25/2011

State Officials Urge Californians to Prepare for Summer Heat

Posted: 6/10/2011

UNITED WAY AIMS TO COLLECT 60,000 ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER AT 3rd ANNUAL LIVE UNITED TOILET PAPER DRIVE

All-day drive collects toilet paper to offset costs for nonprofits Posted: 6/10/2011

CALIFORNIA CAPITAL REGION EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE TO EXCHANGE FRESH IDEAS ON INCREASING GRADUATION RATES AT KICK-OFF EVENT

Posted: 6/10/2011

California Questers Forming New Chapter in Sacramento & Seeks Interested Participants

Informational Meeting to be Held Saturday, June 11 At Governor's Mansion State Historic Park Posted: 6/8/2011

EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER HIRES NEW DIRECTOR

Posted: 6/2/2011

SCOE Teacher Joe Clark Wins Honor

Named Instructor of the Year at 3rd Annual California Voices Youth Film Event Posted: 6/2/2011

SACRAMENTO TOMATOFEST GROWS AT ITS 2ND ANNUAL EVENT AT TOWN AND COUNTRY VILLAGE

Posted: 6/2/2011

13th ANNUAL RACE FOR THE ARTS IS MORE THAN A RUN

IT'S AN EXPERIENCE

November 19th, 2011 10 am to 2 pm
Posted: 11/12/2011

FREE to Sacramento Veterans
Posted: 11/5/2011

Anniversary event will include fashion show and luncheon
Posted: 9/20/2011

Annual event raises funds for people with developmental disabilities
Posted: 8/20/2011

Design Changes Proposed for Blue Line to Cosumnes River College Light Rail Extension
Posted: 8/13/2011

Mom who lost baby to cerebral palsy is the only Sacramento student in running
Posted: 8/3/2011

Utility Expects to Pick Up 8,000 Energy-Wasting Units in 2011
Posted: 7/20/2011

Public Comment Sought on Boundary Realignment
Posted: 7/20/2011

Project SAVE Proven to Reduce Youth Violence
Posted: 7/13/2011

Residents across region will play key role in complex’s development
Posted: 7/13/2011

Summer camp builds on UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s ongoing program
Posted: 7/13/2011

Woman, minority and disabled veteran owned businesses invited out for informative event
Posted: 7/7/2011

Experience All Stages of One of America’s greatest institutions, Rock ‘N’ Roll - Hands on activities and Live Music Including Special Guest Appearances Every Weekend
Posted: 7/6/2011

Rummage sale to benefit Sacramento’s contemporary art scene
Posted: 7/6/2011

Garden will help people learn how to grow food and make nutritious meals
Posted: 7/6/2011

National Medication Adherence Campaign, Script Your Future, Launches Local Efforts in Sacramento
Posted: 6/28/2011

By Leslie Carrara
Posted: 6/28/2011

Rummage sale to benefit Sacramento’s contemporary art scene
Posted: 6/25/2011

All-day drive collects toilet paper to offset costs for nonprofits
Posted: 6/10/2011

Informational Meeting to be Held Saturday, June 11 At Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
Posted: 6/8/2011

Named Instructor of the Year at 3rd Annual California Voices Youth Film Event
Posted: 6/2/2011

Program targets customers in Rosemont section of Sacramento County
Posted: 5/26/2011

Solo Exhibit of Works by Christine Klasner-Pariseanu
Posted: 5/12/2011

By Patti Lutz, MPH and Linda Mack-Burch, MPH, Health Educators, Sacramento County Public Health
Posted: 5/12/2011

How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families
BY Anne Killinger
Posted: 4/28/2011

Five finalists, selected at random from all entries, will be invited to attend a live “Final Showdown” at the Sunrise Festival Shopping Center where the Grand Prize winner will be selected
Posted: 4/28/2011

March of Dimes Fights for Stronger, Healthier Babies
Posted: 4/28/2011

Hank Fisher Properties Presents the 2nd Annual Sacramento SPCA PAWS, PALS & PUTTS Golf Tournament
Posted: 4/19/2011

Gold Rush Legacy Tours and Old Sacramento Architectural Tours Available on Weekends May Thru August
Posted: 4/28/2011

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue
Posted: 4/12/2011