Ken Pierce Public Relations

Behind the Scenes: Dia de los Metros’ Photo Shoot

2011-11-06T22:14:13Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sacramento Annual Service of Remembrance

2011-11-06T04:25:04Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-06-08T17:43:44Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The small business event was held at Sacramento Convention Center.

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

Uptown Studios Named “Best Small Business of the Year”

2011-06-03T18:53:57Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EQCA Awards LGBT Caucus and PowerPac

2011-05-19T16:38:08Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-02-12T02:54:52Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

Francis House Needs More Room as Homeless Problem Increases

2010-10-22T19:10:23Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2010-10-03T19:41:48Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Francis House of Sacramento Announces 40th Anniversary Party

2010-09-18T15:16:31Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auto Cooling System Can Make You Hot Under The Collar

2010-07-14T03:18:10Z

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

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

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

Automobile Radiator Coolant

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

Types of Anti-Freeze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VW Vanagon Engine Conversions Specialty For Popular Local Auto Shop

2010-04-14T18:17:40Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Civil Rights Group On Watch Today

2009-11-03T15:59:29Z

Sacramento, CA – Today is election day across the nation and members of Equality Action Now, a local volunteer grassroots organization are watching three key areas who’s outcome could impact the struggle of the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community here in California.

While Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, and her army of volunteers are preparing for tomorrow’s “One Year Ago” rally and march at the state capitol to call attention to California’s gay community and their own struggle to overturn Prop 8, they will be paying close attention to elections in the states of Maine, Washington, and the city of Kalamazoo Michigan.

The first and most important battleground for supporters of is in the state of Maine. Mainers will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing same-sex marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum. Last minute polls indicate that support of same-sex marriage is squeaking ahead but it is still too close to call.

The state of Washington is a voting mail-in state so while their Referindom 71 has already been decided, the results will not be in until later today. Referindom 71 would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage. The bill reads that same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.

Today the citizens of Kalamazoo Mishigan will be voting on the Kalamazoo “Non-Discrimination Ordinance”. The City Commission passed the inclusive non-discrimination ordinance on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance. The final ordinance, which simply adjusts current employment and housing/accommodations law to protect gay and transgender people as it currently protects people based on race, gender, and religion, includes revisions proposed during the public forums. If passed, the city ordinance could be a template other cities could adopt in the future.

All three elections may or may not have an impact close to home here in California. In any case gay and civil rights activists across the state have already been actively supporting the three other elections by fundraising, phone banking, and as with the all important Maine vote, sending trained organizers to key cities to lend support on the ground. This is a good indication that activism is growing and many individual organizations, big and small are pooling their resources to support common issues.

Here in Sacramento, Tina Reynolds, fresh from attending the National Equality March in Washington DC is reflective and defiant saying,“November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine, Washington and Kalamazoo. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our brothers and sisters fighting for their civil rights everywhere. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the outcome in other states, it is likely that California will continue to be an important battleground for gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Maine’s Question One – A Question For California?

2009-10-13T15:56:08Z

On the evening of November 4, 2009, members of civil and same-sex marriage rights organizations will stage a rally at the California State Capitol to protest the passing of Prop 8 exactly one year ago. Roughly three thousand miles away in the state of Maine, Question One will have been answered for citizens hoping their state is the next state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Maine is the latest battleground for supporters of same-sex marriage. On November 3, they will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing such marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum.

Back here in California, supporters of same-sex marriage are cautiously hopeful for a landmark victory that they believe would have an impact here. If the law is unhealed it could help with a positive momentum many believe is happening in California. The real question is how would a defeat, Maine voters repealing the law; affect California in overturning Prop 8?

“I don’t think anyone really knows for sure,” answered Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento and organizer of the California State Capitol protest. “Maine is our sister state fighting the same lies and distortions created by the religious right to repeal their same sex marriage laws. The radical right is using fear in the same manner as they used against us in California.”

Reynolds goes on to say, “November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our Maine brothers and sisters. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the decision of Maine voters, knowing the track record of California gay rights activists who seem to have the resiliency to press on year-after-year, the fight for same-sex marriage will continue to move ahead until it is settled for good. While Maine could provide a boost or depression, it is likely to have a short term affect to the efforts here in California. One good indication could be the attendance and the mood of participants, both for and against gay marriage, who show up on the west steps of the California State Capitol Building, November 4th at 5:00 pm. It could be a defining moment with national implications.

One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action

2009-10-08T06:59:47Z

A year ago on November 4, 2008, Proposition 8, a California ballot proposition passed in the November general election. The measure added a new section (7.5) to Article I of the California Constitution. The section reads: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The proposition overturned the California Supreme Court’s ruling saying that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, by restricting the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples. California’s State Constitution put the measure into immediate effect the day after the election.

On November 4, 2009, Equality Action Now, along with members of the Sacramento LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) Leadership Coalition will lead a rally and march at the California State Capitol Building to highlight the fact that the fight for civil rights for all citizens is not over. The rally will begin at 5:00 pm with sign making for participants, followed at 6:00 pm with a few speakers. At 6:30 pm Equality Action Now will lead a march around the capitol grounds.

Equality Action Now, a grassroots all-volunteer civil rights organization was born literally moments after the November 2008 elections. The award-winning group of activists lead by Tina Reynolds, co-founder and owner of Uptown Studios now serves as Sacramento’s premier civil rights organization. Even though the same-sex marriage issue is still an important focus of the organization, members have also spent their free time collecting food for the poor marched in step with other organizations such as the labor union and the Martin Luther King Jr Day parade Members also was instrumental in supporting SafeGround Sacramento, fighting for the homeless and helpless.

The Sacramento LGBTQI Leadership Coalition was formed just prior to the recent California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop 8. Along with leaders of Equality Action Now, this group meets monthly to share information from other local grassroots and statewide organizations on preparations to overturn Prop 8.

The November 4th rally will serve as a reminder to the public at-large that the LGBTQI community, along with their many straight, political, and religious allies will not give up the fight for full equality until their rights are fully restored. While the decision of when to place this issue back on the ballot (2010 or 2012) is being decided, organizations such as Equality Action Now are continuing to mobilize, motivate, activate like-minded individuals and educate opponents who may have heard only one side of the issue.

The California State Capitol Building is located at 10th and L Street, Sacramento, CA. The rally will begin on the west steps at 5:00 pm and will conclude at 6:30 pm with a march around the capitol grounds. For more information visit Equality Action Now’s web site at: http://www.EqualityActionNow.org. or events@equalityactionnow.org or phone (916) 446-1082.

Uptown Studios Leads the Way for Other Companies to Go Green

2009-09-24T17:53:47Z

More then 20 years ago computers began appearing on office desks everywhere. Soon after the idea that we could eventually have a “paperless office” sprung forth. Today we are nowhere near completely cutting out the use of paper in our work place even though an increasing number of workers are socially aware enough to want to do something about it. In a recent Harris Interactive poll, of 1,569 U.S. and Canadian office workers, almost 40 percent of U.S. respondents claim to be “irritated” when co-workers print unnecessary junk pages.

Uptown Studios, known as “Sacramento’s graphic design firm with a social conscious”, is announcing that they are “moving to greener pastures – in print and the way we operate our business.”

Tina Reynolds, owner of Uptown Studios began running her own design firm since 1976 and created Uptown Studios in 1992. Reynolds built a truly socially conscience company out of her talented and highly creative staff. Her clients are a “who’s who” of large and small companies, government organizations, and non-profits with a strong reputation of their own. Clients such as California State Parks, El Dorado County Visitors Authority, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates (Chicago, IL), Iron Workers Local 118, Jane and Jane Magazine and Center For Land-Based Learning are just a few that depend on Uptown Studios for their web site design and development, graphic designs, print production, video, multi media, photo research, and social marketing.

Realizing that a company or even a small business cannot realistically go entirely paperless, the creative staff at Uptown Studios brainstormed a revolutionary program that promises businesses to reduce their printed materials by 25 percent, “while improving results by utilizing effective, alternative green production methods.”

Reynolds and her staff transformed their own business to serve as a successful example. Uptown Studios has cut down on print by utilizing electronic tools such as interactive PDF and created an exciting new web page that will serve as a marketing tool without a large print run. They are constantly searching for new ways to turn what was thought to be only viewable in print, to something refreshingly seen by a much wider audience.

So what about the paper that is still necessary to run an office? Uptown Studios recently completely reverted to using FTC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified Paper, or 100% recycled paper when FTC is not available. They also use printing companies that use certified FTC materials. Also, using inks that are vegetable-based with the lowest VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) rounds out a truly “green” office strategy.

Utilizing state-of-the-art graphic and print tools and making sure printed materials are recycled or their decomposition properly takes place if it ends up in a landfill, distinguishes a business in the community as being socially responsible to future generations. Uptown Studios is making other Sacramento companies “green’ with envy.

For more information and tips on making your office a little more greener, call or email: Uptown Studios, 410 Alhambra Blvd - Sacramento, CA 95816, (916) 446-1082. Email Tina Reynolds: tina@uptownstudios.net Website: http://www.UptownStudios.net

The Center For Land-Based Learning Hosts Author David “Mas” Masumoto

2009-09-01T00:55:14Z

On Sunday, September 20, 2009, the Center For Land-Based Learning is hosting the 5th in its series of “Author Gatherings” at the Farm on Putah Creek in Winters, CA. Past authors have included John Scharffenberger, Michael Pollan, David “Mas” Masumoto, and Alice Waters. Mas Masumoto is once again visiting the Farm to talk about his latest book, Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land.

David "Mas" Masumoto is an organic peach and grape farmer and author of Epitaph for a Peach (1995), Letters to the Valley, A Harvest of Memories (2004), Four Seasons in Five Senses, Things Worth Savoring (2003) and Harvest Son and Planting Roots in American Soil (1998). His new book, Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land (Free Press August 4, 2009) is touted as an “eloquent and moving memoir”.

The day with Mas will begin with a very special Writing Workshop taught by the author for anyone wanting to sharpen their skills writing about nature, food, farming, or just how to write so your reader will become more involved in what you are trying to convey. Masumoto is unique in the way he describes his life on the farm and the “fruits” of his labor. His skill of framing a sentence into a sensory event for the reader is nothing short of poetic genius. The workshop will begin at 11:00 am, last 2 hours (lunch included), will be limited to only 20 people and will cost $50.00 per person. Mas will take you through a series of lessons and exercises in an intense and intimate small group learning experience. This writing workshop will be very popular so get your reservations in early!

If you are not able to get a reservation for the workshop, you can still enjoy visiting with the author by attending a public reading and book signing of his recently published book, Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land. In addition to talking about his book, Mas will lead a general discussion concerning sustainable food and farming. This event will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and will include a light snack. The cost to attend this event is $10 per person and his book will be available for purchase.

For more information about the author visit: http://www.masumoto.com

The Farm on Putah Creek Is located at 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters, CA 95694 near Davis, CA. For more information about the Center and its mission to help educate and guide students to become future farmers and stewards of our land and for directions visit: http://www.landbasedlearning.org.

To reserve a place for you at the farm to enjoy a “Day with David Mas Masumoto” email info@landbasedlearning.org or call (530) 795-1520. This event is a fundraiser for the Center for Land-Based Learning and is fully tax-deductible. Masumoto is gracefully donating his workshop fees and a portion of his book sales to the Center and to their exciting educational programs.