Sacramento Updates

Beer Pong Champs hail from Sacramento

2010-07-05T21:49:27Z

It started more than 50 years ago as a fraternity drinking game and has evolved into a central event at house parties and bars across the country. Beer pong is a rising American pastime and the top team hails from Sacramento.

Last month, roommates Michael Seivert and Byron Findley won the World Beer Pong Tour Championship in Atlantic City. Their two-man team, Drinkin', Smokin', Straight West Coastin', qualified for the event in April when the tour came through Sacramento.

Beer pong, or Beruit, is a table-top game with triangular arrangements of Solo drinking cups, traditionally filled halfway with beer, on each end. Teams face off on both sides of the table, aiming to sink a ping-pong ball into each other's cups. If the ball hits the beer, the opposite team must guzzle the ale.

However, when the game is played on a professional level, water is used in place of beer for liability and sanitary reasons, Seivert said.

The national tournament hosted more than 350 teams. First prize meant fame, glory and $25,000. When asked what they plan on doing with the money, the teammates, both 26, had a few ideas.

"We'll pay off a few bills," said Findley. "We'll put it towards future tournaments. And we'll have some fun."

Findley and Seivert came to the game casually, playing with friends at parties. Their paths first crossed when the two had been competing at small local tournaments. A friendship was sparked and the team was born.

Although they have talent, the duo credit their success to an unspoken bond.

"It's more about team chemistry than about pure skill," said Seivert.

The two also have gone into business as co-owners of All American Beer Pong. They are planning a fall 2010 beer pong and music tour called the Wasted Daze Tour. The event will kick off Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas at Bally's Casino, then tournaments will be held in 14 other cities. A few companies have backed the touring beer-pong concept, but this will be the first to incorporate music.

The company also will begin hosting weekly tournaments locally. Every Wednesday starting this week, a tournament will be held at the Blue Cue, 28th and J streets. And tournaments will continue to be held Thursday nights at Bisla's Sports Bar at 7042 Folsom Blvd., behind Sacramento State. Both events begin at 9 p.m.

For more information, visit allamericanbeerpong.com.

Photo:

Seivert and Findley discuss their victory on the patio of Blue Cue.

Cottage Housing Inc. celebrates 15 years

2010-06-28T02:07:30Z

Local homeless transition and recovery organization Cottage Housing Incorporated will celebrate its 15th year Wednesday with a fundraising celebration entitled "Beacon of Hope" at the Crest Theatre. The event will include and evening of reflection, entertainment and launch the program's Home Run! initiative.

CHI President and CEO Robert Tobin has been deeply involved with Sacramento's homeless community throughout the past 10 years.

"Homelessness is a symptom of larger systemic issues within our society," Tobin said. "Increasing challenges within our educational and medical systems affect some people more than others."

To aid individuals and families in need, CHI opened its first living facility, Quinn Cottages, in 1998. To qualify for the program, participants must make a commitment to sobriety, have self-defined personal development goals and render voluntary services. Participants may live in the facilities for up to 24 months and are considered graduates when they have secure housing, stabilized income and are sober at the time of their departure.

With the fall of the economy and rise of unemployment over the past few years, homelessness rates have shot up, and the need for homeless assistance has increased.

"The biggest change over the last five years is the length of time applicants are spending on our waiting list," Tobin said. "There was an 85 percent increase in the percentage of homeless population that is unsheltered."

Tobin went on to explain that waiting lists to get into Cottage Housing used to be three months, which is around the same time people are allowed to stay in emergency shelters. Now with the economic shift, typical waiting time is 10 months, forcing those in need to circle back to the streets before entering the program.

The Home Run! initiative is aiming to help heal that problem. The initiative is designed to double accommodations from 241 bedrooms to 500 and triple residential capacity from 450 to 1,400 adults and their children annually. Already $1 million has been generated for the expansion, and CHI is working to triple that amount.

The "Beacon of Hope" event will kick-off the public portion of the fundraising campaign. The night will be full of presentations and entertainment, including a performance by the Sacramento Gay Men's Choir.

The event will also recognize now-retired Bishop Francis A. Quinn, who has been involved with the organization since its inception. At the event, Quinn will be introduced by Mayor Kevin Johnson as the first annual Beacon of Hope honoree.

Wednesday's event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by e-mailing beaconofhotpe@cottagehousing.org or by calling 916-971-1566 x13. The Crest Theatre is located at 1013 K St.

For more information, visit cottagehousing.org.

All photos courtesy of Michael Iredale .

Prom at the Park

2010-06-14T02:05:25Z

Cummerbunds, up-dos and corsages were all the rage at the Park Ultra Lounge for Friday night's "Prom at the Park." The second annual event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sacramento was hosted by its Young Professionals Committee.

The patio was decorated with balloons, making the atmosphere reminiscent of a teen-age dance. But the scene was far from a high school gym covered in streamers. The lighting was romantic and since the crowd was 21-plus, the drinks were spiked.

Antonya Williams has been a Big Sister for two years and involved with the YPC since its inception eighteen months ago. The idea for an adult prom came from her Little Sister, who was struggling to graduate from high school but dreamed of going to her prom.

"One of our main goals is to get at-risk kids to graduate high school," Williams said. "Throwing a prom benefit goes along with that theme." Because of the age restriction, no Little Brothers or Sisters attended the party.

A photographer with a backdrop snapped shots of couples as they walked through the door. Kyle Jones and his date, Nicole Micheli, posed for the camera and ordered wallet-sized photos to hand out to their friends.

"It's for a good cause and it's another reason to get dressed up," said Jones. "And we're having a blast."

At last year's event, a prom king and queen were named after there was some confusion with the voting. Reigning king Raul Martinez is a Big Brother and member of the YPC. He said that this year voting will be done using social media after the event.

"We are going to post pictures of nominees on Facebook and try to get attendees to vote online."

The YPC is planning a wine tasting called The Big Wine at the end of the summer. Randall Echevarria, who's been with Big Brothers Big Sisters less than a year, is helping organize the event.

"About six months ago, I was looking to volunteer and (Big Brothers Big Sisters) needed help," he said. "It feels good to donate my time to something that really makes a direct impact on local youth."

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs-sac.org. To see prom photos, visit www.promatthepark.com.

Photos:

1. Young Professionals Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters

2. The crowd

3. Randall Echevarria and Monte Hudock

4. Jimmy Valoria and Jessica Apadoca

5. Friends Karlie Jones and Kyle Jones pose for the camera

RecycleBank comes to Sacramento

2010-06-10T04:36:48Z

The "City of Trees" just got a little bit greener. RecycleBank, a nationwide recycling incentive program, launched a pilot program May 24 in the South Meadowview neighborhood. Participants earn points for their neighborhoods recycling properly.

Blue recycling containers often line the streets, but Jessica Hess of the Department of Utilities said they're often not used correctly.

"There is a high amount of contamination," she said. "Many residents use the blue (recycling) containers for their extra garbage."

Contamination occurs when nonrecyclable or unclean items are placed in recycling containers. When sorted, these items are taken to a landfill, which costs money and hurts the environment.

To change this, the City of Sacramento joined RecycleBank in an education effort. Months before the launch, recycling ambassadors visited the Meadowview community, informing residents about the program and teaching how to recycle.

Based in New York City, RecycleBank is in more than 300 communities across 26 states, as well as the United Kingdom. Sacramento is the second city in California, after Los Angeles, to adopt the program.

"Everyone knows recycling is good for the Earth," said Jeff Harse of RecycleBank. "But by incentivizing the process, people are more apt to think twice before throwing something away."

Harse noted the program's success in other cities.

"We launched (in Hollywood, Fla.) in February and the city has seen more than 130 percent increase in recycling rates over this time last year."

Rather than awarding individuals with points, RecycleBank rewards entire communities for their green efforts. In other words, all registered residents will earn the same amount of points for their collaborative effort. To register, residents can sign up at www.recyclebank.com or call 866-563-0114.

Redeeming points is similar to shopping online. Local sponsors include Bugambillas Birrieria, a Mexican restaurant, and The Athlete's Foot. National partners include Coca-cola, CVS Pharmacy and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Hess said the program will run in Sacramento for six months and then hopefully expand to the rest of the city.

Race for the Rock 2010

2010-06-07T06:46:42Z

Downtown Sacramento was a blur of baby blue T-shirts Saturday during the 2nd Annual Race for the Rock. More than 250 two-member teams competed for bling in the scavenger hunt, in which clues were sent via text message. The grand prize was a $20,000 Hearts on Fire diamond ring donated by Rogers Jewelry. Proceeds benefited Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS).

Unlike many other nonprofit fund raisers, donors got the ball rolling, not the charity.

"We wanted to do something that brought the community together and where people could have a good time," said Calvin Curtin of Rogers Jewelry. After deciding to do a scavenger hunt, Rogers chose SFBFS as its community partner.

"We told them we would put up all the money and prizes if they help us with the logistics," said Curtin. "(SFBFS) provided the volunteers. They are the ones who really stepped up to the plate."

Participants ran, biked and roller-bladed through the Grid. Obviously, speed was key, but knowledge of Sacramento landmarks and monuments also was vital. Bernadette Behar and Sue Dwyer-Voss discussed their strategy before the race began.

"I do a lot of urban walking," Behar said, "and I'm armed with a tour book of downtown."

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. on the west steps of the Capitol, with Mayor Kevin Johnson sending the first text message. Within two minutes, the plaza was empty. Checkpoints along the way included the Crest Theatre and the Convention Center.

It was all over by noon, with participants gathered on the patio of House Restaurant for lunch and the awards ceremony. The Detours, a local band, entertained the crowd with its mix of country and rock.

In keeping with the competition's text-messaged clues, that's how winners were contacted. Participants anxiously watched their cell phones for the announcement. The winners of the diamond ring were friends Andy and Steven.

Asked how he felt, Steven said, "I can't describe it," as he shook with excitement. The team said they would sell the ring.

Other prizes included diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, watches, bikes, gift cards and a GPS for a bike.

Kelly Siefkin of SFBFS summed up the day.

"It's a unique opportunity to spread the word about different organizations and businesses," she said. "And it's really fun."

For more information, visit racefortherock.com.

Photos:

1. Winners Andy and Steven

2. Race for the Rock crowd

3. Bikes

4. Dwyer-Voss and Behar

5. SacPress sign

For Art's Sake announces its Creative Action Plan

2010-05-28T05:28:09Z

"Great cities deserve great art," Mayor Kevin Johnson said as he addressed an audience of 400 Thursday night at Sacramento State's University Theatre. The occasion was the final monthly meeting of the For Art's Sake initiative, an effort to revitalize the arts in Sacramento.

Good Day Sacramento's Mark S. Allen hosted the event. The main objective of the evening was the unveiling of the organization's Creative Action Plan, a detailed guideline to invigorate the local art scene over the next four years.

The three central goals of the plan are as follows: to strengthen cultural infrastructure, improve access to the arts and arts education and invest in talent and the creative economy. At the end of the night, all audience members were sent home with a newspaper-style copy of the plan printed by the Sacramento Bee.

Although in its inaugural year, the initiative already has made huge progress. The most notable accomplishment is that Sacramento was selected as the launch city for the John F. Kennedy's Center for the Performing Arts' "Any Given Child" program, which will focus on putting art back into public schools. Sacramento was chosen out of 27 cities, but the program will expand nationwide after it has been launched.

The event wasn't solely for the announcement, but for entertainment as well. Local artists of all genres took the stage. Kicking off the event was a dance performance entitled "A Chicano Story" by Sacramento State students. Sacramento's Poet Laureate Bob Stanley then read his poem "Time for the Arts." Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), a teenage slam poetry collective, demonstrated their literary skills as they moved from the crowd to the stage.

Two local but internationally known performers also came to show their support. Blues rocker Jackie Greene played three songs with his guitar and reminisced about his early song-writing days in downtown Sacramento.

To finish off the night, performance painter David Garibaldi hyped up the audience with a painting of Michael Jackson to a medley of his songs. Garibaldi also spoke about Sacramento and his development as an artist.

As the crowd shuffled out of the theatre, Sharon Gerber, a major organizer of the initiative and the Mayor's Arts Liason, commented on the event's success.

"Tonight was a celebration of the local talent that we have bragging rights to," Gerber said. "We don't have to import talent. We have phenomenal talent right here in our backyard."

For Art's Sake will meet again in September to start implementing the Creative Action Plan. For more information, visit www.forartsake.org.

Photos by Jonathan Mendick

1. Painter Garibaldi in action

2. Jackie Greene

3. Slam poets from SAYS

4. Poet Laureate Bob Stanley

5. Sharon Gerber

6. Mayor Johnson with Jackie Greene

Big turnout at Sac Press' Interviewing Techniques Workshop

2010-05-27T05:14:22Z

Around twenty-five eager writers gathered at 5th and H Cafe Wednesday night for Sacramento Press' Interviewing Techniques Workshop. The audience included Sacramento Press community contributors and interns as well as career writers looking to strengthen their interviewing skills. Pizza and pasta salad were provided as well as an array of beverages.

The event was taught by Sacramento City College English and journalism professor Doug Herndon. Herndon used a metaphor to emphasize the role of a good interview in the process of writing a story:

"(Writing a story) is like cooking a meal. It's all in the ingredients."

The workshop began with the audience jotting down a few questions which they then used to interview a partner. Herndon went through the interviewing process, from making the first phone call to asking the tough questions. He also discussed general details of interviewing including what to wear and the importance of bringing extra supplies, such as pens or batteries.

While Herndon gave many interviewing tips, he warned against long and leading questions.

"You never want to put words in anybody's mouth," Herndon said.

The night wrapped up with questions from the audience on topics such as appropriate word count and accessibility of public records.

Photos by Colleen Belcher

"Day on the Farm" teaches healthy living

2010-05-24T01:59:49Z

More than 4,000 people gathered Sunday at Soil Born Farms' 40-acre American River Ranch for the second annual "Day on the Farm." The family-oriented festival celebrates farming and gardening and emphasizes the importance of eating locally grown food. Along with tours, classes, music and a farmers market, 35 community organizations passed out information on healthy living and being conscious of the environment.

The day began with the "Veggie Chase," a 5K run in which children chased runners dressed as giant vegetables. Other physical-fitness possibilities included rock climbing, yoga, martial arts and an obstacle course.

There were offerings for the mind as well as the body, with classes on such topics as raising chickens in the back yard and gardening for bouquets. Cooking classes that used farm ingredients also were available.

"There's a conversation that's evolving about healthier living," said Shawn Harrison, executive director and founder of Soil Born Farms. "Food is absolutely essential to that."

Every year, Soil Born teaches all aspects of farming to more than 2,000 students from 25 schools. Harrison said urban farming gives city-raised children an opportunity to connect with nature and their food.

"We offer simple, hands-on activities," he said. "Sometimes it is as simple as spending time outside to change a lifestyle."

In addition to field trips and after-school programs for students in pre-K through high school, Soil Born has an internship program aimed at encouraging young farmers.

"In America, for every five farmers that are over 65, one farmer is under 30," said co-founder Janet Zeller. "We have an aging-farmer issue."

So, Soil Born has a seasonal apprenticeship program for young adults eager to learn about farming life. They live and work at the American River Ranch for eight months, learning everything from soil quality to marketing.

There's an easier way to get close to the fruit of the land, though. Starting May 29, Soil Born will have a farm stand Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American River Ranch.

For more information, visit www.soilborn.org.

Photos:

1. American River Ranch entrance

2. Farm stand

3. Sisters Natalie and Clair Nielsen looking at chickens

4. Crowd

5. Liam and Allen Morris

6. Flower beds

7. Rooster and chickens

"Milk and Cookies" celebratory success

2010-05-21T03:06:49Z

More than 400 Harvey Milk admirers gathered Wednesday night at the Crest Theatre to watch the 2008 biopic "Milk." The event, entitled "Milk and Cookies," was part of a celebratory week leading up to the inaugural "Harvey Milk Day," which will take place Saturday.

In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Fransisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city. He was a leader in the gay rights movement and was murdered on Nov. 27, 1978. Last October, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed S.B. 572, establishing the day of remembrance to take place every May 22, Milk's birthday.

The evening started with a VIP reception where milk and cookies were served. Honorary guests included State Senator Mark Leno, who authored the "Harvey Milk Day" bill, as well as State Assemblyman Tom Ammiamo, who was the first openly gay public school teacher as well as a personal friend of Milk.

Cleve Jones, an activist and close friend of Milk, was also there to address the crowd. In Gus Van Sants' 2008 film, "Milk," Emil Hirsch depicted Jones' role. Jones reminisced of his days spent in Sacramento. He showed the audience a scar he received from a hate crime when he was stabbed on the corner of 18th and H streets in the 1980s.

When asked about film, Jones said there were many messages to take away.

"(The film) stresses the importance of coming out," Jones said. "But it also shows Milk's message. He saw our struggle as part of a larger, deeper, global struggle for peace and social justice."

When asked what he believed Milk would think if he could see the status of gay rights today, Jones had a mixed response.

"I think he would be pleased with much of the progress but also pissed off," Jones said. "He would remind us that we are more than a market. We are a movement."

Wendy Rea Hill, the newly appointed director of the Sacramento Lesbian and Gay Center, was helping run the event. As a lesbian mother of two, Hill said the new holiday is important for education.

"My daughter is now being taught about gay rights and what Milk stood for," Hill said. "It's vital that children learn about equality for the future."

Tina Reynolds, founder of the activist organization Equality Action Now, commented on the importance of the film for the younger generations.

"We don't have much written about gay history," Reynolds said. "(The film) gives us a chance to say we do have a gay hero."

Before the film began, the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus took the stage and sang an emotional rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow." Then Ammiamo, Jones and Leno each gave a short speech about the history and the fight for civil rights as well as Milk's message. The final performance before the movie was a spoken word duet by gay activists and poets C. Foster and Jovi Radtke.

Saturday, which would have been Milk's 80th birthday, there will be a rally at the West Steps of the Capitol starting at 4 p.m. The rally will be similar to marches organized by Milk himself in the 1970s.

Equality Action Now volunteer Diana Luiz is excited about the event and encouraged the community to attend.

"There will be politicians speaking as well as performances by singers, dancers, comedians and poets," Luiz said.

After the rally, the event will migrate to the Lavender Heights district for live music and entertainment.

For more information about Saturday's events, visit equalityactionnow.org.

Photos:

1. Crest sign

2. Jg Gonsalves serving cookies

3. Tina Reynolds and Ken Pierce from Equality Action Now

4. Harvey Milk gear

5. Reception

6. Volunteers Kelly and Rachel

7. Wendy Rea Hill

8. Cleve Jones

Chef David English to open restaurant this summer

2010-05-11T01:34:28Z

After a brief hiatus, Chef David English is preparing to return to the Sacramento restaurant scene. Of course he will be cooking in his chef's hat, but this time he will also wear the hat of a business owner. On Aug. 1, English plans to open a new restaurant in the Handle District called The Press.

Davis-born and raised, English left the region after high school and didn't return until three years ago when he helped open the restaurant Ella. During his time away, English worked in both France and Spain, gaining knowledge and skills of international cuisine.

"Wherever I go, I always try to cook with local ingredients," English said.

The concept of The Press comes from both foreign and local influences. The dishes will be Mediterranean, derived from English's past work experience and his recent four-month stay in Italy.

"(The food) will be healthy, light, with hints of citrus and, of course, olive oil," English said. The name of the restaurant signifies an olive oil press. While English was in southern Italy, he learned how to pick fresh olives and the art of pressing them for oil.

Although the menu will be European, the restaurant is aiming to fit in with the neighborhood.

"We really want to complement the area," English said. The Press will be near the corner of Capitol and 18th streets, sharing a wall with Zocalo and sitting across from Paesanos.

A unique characteristic of the bistro will be a high-top community table that runs almost the full length space, dividing the dining area with the bar. Like the surrounding restaurants, there will be plenty of outdoor seating.

English is currently working to develop a house red wine that will be served directly out of the barrel. He said he hopes to deliver top-of-the-line food while keeping it affordable.

"Just come and enjoy yourself," said English to his future customers. "We're going to put good stuff in front of you."

Photo:

English in front of his future restaurant The Press.

Passport to Summer Youth Fair a success

2010-05-10T14:35:36Z

Along with the sunshine, the trees of Southside Park set the perfect scene for the ninth annual Passport to Summer Youth Fair on Saturday. At the event, dozens of booths showcased local activities and opportunities for youth during the summer while a main stage provided entertainment, games and raffles for the crowd.

The fair was sponsored by State Senator Darrell Steinberg, Assemblyman Dave Jones and Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong. Steinberg stressed the importance of staying active during the summer when addressing the crowd.

"(The fair) is a time for us to see what we all have to offer," he said. "In these hard times, it's amazing to see the community come together." Steinberg also let loose on the dance floor by participating in a breakdancing lesson from the performers of Capitol Roots Studios.

Local hip hop dance crew Second Nature took the stage around noon and wowed the crowed with its intricate choreography.

The summertime activities represented at the fair ranged from biking to ballet, employment opportunities to science camps.

Angelica Rodriguez from Southgate Recreation and Park District was at the event promoting their R.E.C. (Recreation Engaging Children) Van. The R.E.C. Van is designed to travel to local parks with an array of group games and crafts for youth.

"It's vital for children to be active," Rodriguez said. "We want to make it easy and accessible for kids to stay healthy."

Next weekend, the vehicle starts its tour and will continue to provide free activities until mid-September. For the R.E.C. Van schedule and for more information about Southgate, visit southgaterecandpark.net.

Another unique booth highlighted at the fair was by People Reaching Out, a nonprofit dedicated to creating programs that foster the development of personal growth while staying drug-free. The organization hosts a wide variety of events, from exercise camps to parent-teen discussion groups. Special Projects Manager Cole Forstedt spoke about organization's mentoring program, which trains high school students to work with young children.

"We want to eliminate the strict division between adolescents and adults," Forstedt said. "We're trying to connect all the dots and unite our community."

Another upcoming project by People Reaching Out will be a series of podcasts called "Family Meals." These multilingual podcasts will teach the community the importance of eating healthy and the benefits of sharing meals as a family.

The organization currently works with several local school districts and will continue to have day camps during the summer. For more information, visit peoplereachingout.org.

Shine Building to brighten up downtown

2010-05-08T08:13:22Z

San Francisco-based developer John Stricklin came through Sacramento six years ago and fell in love with the downtown scene.

"The downtown corridor has really transformed in the last few years," he said. He also praised the unique qualities of Sacramento's urban, yet small-town vibe.

Already a designer and restaurateur who owned an American bistro and a pizzeria in San Francisco, Stricklin set out to expand his business to Sacramento. While driving through the Mansion Flats neighborhood, Stricklin was struck by an old, run-down building on the corner of 14th and E streets.

"The building had been vacant for several years and was becoming an eyesore for the area," he said. Stricklin decided to buy the 8,000-square-foot building and convert it into five retail spaces.

The development, now under construction, will be called the Shine Building, after William Shine, who owned and operated a cash-register distribution company in that location.

The corner space will be a bistro called the Shine Cafe. Owner Rena Davonne plans to open the restaurant in two months.

On the 14th Street side of the building will be Penleigh, a child-development center catering to the downtown area. Sacramento is in desperate need of child care, with wait lists at nearly all downtown facilities.

Penleigh will occupy two spaces in the Shine Building and have room for 40 children. Two walls are lined with windows, so the center will be well-lit and colorful, with a security system for the children's safety. The site also will include a state-of-the-art rooftop playground.

"One of the challenges with this project was creating a play area while containing space," Stricklin said. "The elevated play area will do both and also be exciting for the kids."

Ola del Mundo owns the child-care center. She has been an educator for 15 years in the United States and overseas. Del Mundo opened two schools in the Philippines also called Penleigh, which means "meadow" in Old English. Because of her background in psychology and experience working with special-needs children, del Mundo stresses the importance of early-childhood education and preparation for primary school.

"When (children) go to kindergarten, they should already have basic reading skills," she said. In addition to education, the center will focus on social interaction.

"Learning comes more naturally for anyone in a social setting," del Mundo said.

Marivel Camasura, del Mundo's partner and program director, owns and operates a child-care center for eight children out of her home. The children in that center will move with her to the new site, which is seeking certification as a child-development center.

"We will be a licensed preschool that offers a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate," she said.

The preschool will include a room for infants, and the center will accommodate special-needs children as well.

The school tentatively will open Aug. 1.

Photos:

1. Shine Building sign

2. Camasura, Stricklin and del Mundo outside of the school site

3. Shine Building

Women's Empowerment offers professional makeovers

2010-05-05T07:16:49Z

Early Tuesday morning, hairspray filled the air and clothes flew off the racks while women in a fashion frenzy closely studied their figures in full-length mirrors. Laughter echoed down the hallway of the Women's Empowerment building as ladies were transformed into professional divas. The ambiance was similar to a group of friends during a shopping trip.

The makeovers were not simply a day at the mall. The event was aimed to prepare formerly homeless women for job interviews.

Women's Empowerment is an eight-week program designed to help women ease their way out of poverty. Although revitalizing physical appearance is part of the process, the three core emphases of the program include finding housing, job-readiness education and access to better health care. Since its inception, 662 woman have completed the program with 91 percent finding permanent housing.

The program's director of community partnerships, Amber Scott, said their main goal is to end homelessness for good.

"It's important to focus on women and children," Scott said. "I've watched children born homeless and grow up to be homeless. It's a cycle."

The participants of Women's Empowerment are prepared for a working lifestyle. Program curriculum ranges from resume writing to time management. Computer skills are also emphasized, aided by a computer lab donated by Intel.

The program is incredibly successful with preparing its graduates for a professional work environment, but job placement has become difficult due to the high rate of unemployment.

"These women have worked too hard to fall through the gap because of a shaky economy," said Executive Director Lisa Culp.

At the makeover event, Culp introduced the program's new two-pronged approach to help graduates find employment. The organization has hired a job developer to match women directly to employers. Also, the program is developing a social enterprise that will provide paid work opportunities. There are currently many models that include unpaid training, but Women's Empowerment believes payment is the key factor in helping women escape homelessness.

The participants all tell a different story of hardship and an even more inspiring tale of overcoming obstacles. Michelle Rose completed the program two years ago after loosing her house, her job and going through an abusive relationship.

"I didn't know where to go," Rose recalled. "I was stressed and depressed. I needed a safe place to focus." Once Rose began the program, she became committed and didn't miss a day. After finishing the program, she said she realized how strong she is as a person.

"(Women's Empowerment) has so much spirit and so much love," Rose said.

Another success story of the program is Kari Scow. A former victim of domestic violence, Scow chose homelessness for herself and her children over the unsafe environment.

"I left everything," she said with a sigh. Scow spent 45 days in a shelter before learning about Women's Empowerment. She said the support was the most beneficial aspect.

"I have always had the skills," Scow said. "But now I have the confidence."

Since their completion of the program, Rose and Scow have donated their time and effort to other nonprofit organizations. Both women are off the streets but are still struggling to find steady jobs. The new job placement assistance could help the women and others like them find solid employment soon.

For more information about Women's Empowerment, visit womens-empowerment.org.

Photos:

1) Hairstyling by Mellow Me Out Salon

2) Women trying on clothing

3) Women awaiting their turn

4) Woman showing off options

5) Michelle Rose

6) Kari Scow

I-80 bicycle bridge to connect Natomas communities

2010-04-23T16:06:54Z

The Sacramento City Council approved on Thursday the Department of Transportation's proposal to build a pedestrian and bicycle overcrossing connecting North and South Natomas. The project will involve building two bridges in West Natomas.

The first will be a bridge spanning over Interstate 80 and the second will be an at-grade prefabricated bridge over the Natomas West Drainage Canal.

Nicolas Theocharides, the DOT's engineering services manager, emphasized the importance of the project. "I-80 is a vital and regional transportation facility," he said. "But at the same time, it is a huge barrier for pedestrians and for bicyclists traveling between North and South Natomas and to downtown."

The bike trails will benefit leisure cyclists as well as commuters. Natomas' bike trails have received much acclaim for their functionality and their beauty. The overcrossing will unite the communities on both the north and south sides of I-80.

"The bridge will provide a much needed link between existing bike and pedestrian facilities that are now bisected by the freeway," Theocharides said.

Currently, the only Interstate 80 crossings for bikes in Natomas are at San Juan Road and Truxel Road, both east of Interstate 5. Zuhair Amawi, the City's associate civil engineer, said the project will provide a safe route and create a logical option for many bike riders.

"It will cut-out 3.2 miles of distance for those trying to cross near the West Drainage Canal," he said. "It will be convenient while connecting the community as a whole."

The Hanna Group is the construction and project management company in charge of the overcrossing. The company was chosen as part of Sacramento's Emerging and Small Business Enterprise (ESBE) program. The Hanna Group specializes in complex, bridge and roadway construction.

The project is scheduled to begin this summer and is expected to be completed by spring 2011.