Happenings around Sacramento

Hearts for the Arts

2012-02-09T17:43:04Z

Beating human hearts and artistically painted hearts in all forms filled the Alex Bult Gallery to raise funds to help kick off the Any Given Child program.

Sacramento was chosen by the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC as the very first site in the country to pilot the Any Given Child program which seeks to ensure that every child in every K-8 school has access to quality arts experiences.

17 pieces were auctioned off by David Soborn Auctions. A silent auction followed.

According to their FaceBook page this morning "Hearts for the Arts was a smashing success last night! Amazing art, music, food and a live art auction with lots of creative friends all partying together - and supporting Any Given Child, a very worthy cause."

Event photos are after artists and sponsor recognition.

These artists and sponsors, according to this website, made it possible:

Artists

Chloe Evans

Christian Cinder, cinderartist.blogspot.com
Chris Cabaldon, cityofwestsacramento.org
David Lowe, kvie.org
Daniel Mendoza, mendomas.com
Deidre Daughtry, artbydeidre.com
Gabrielle Summers
Gayle Rappaport-Weiland, grappaport.com
Heather Olson
James Cooper, seeart.org
Janet S Regan, regan3.com
Jared Konopitski, jaredkonopitski.com
Jill Allyn Stafford, jillallynstafford.com
Joe Strickland, joestrickland.com
Judith Monroe, judithmonroe.com
Kanika Marshall, KanikaMarshall.com
Kelly O'Connell
Kelly O'Neill
Kristin Marshall, gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com
Mayor Kevin Johnson, kevinjohnson.com
Lani Woods, LaniWoods.com
Maren Conrad, marenconrad.com
Milton Bowens, milton510.com
Rachel Smiley, smileyphotography.net
Raphael Delgado, artbyraphael.com
Shane Grammer, sgstudiosinc.com
Tanya Bermudez, BermudezArts.com
Tim Collom, timcollom.com
Tony Natsoulas, tonynatsoulas.com
Trisha Rhomberg, trisharhomberg.tumblr.com
Micah Crandall-Bear, micahcrandallbear.com
Patris Miller, artist-patris.com
Pattie Moreno, hot1035.com
Steve Hamm, urban-now.com

Sponsors

Trenton Bahr Fine Portraiture
Sacramento365.com
Advantage Presentations
Radio Hot 103.5
International Academy of Design & Technology
In Full Bloom by MJL
Wes Davis Imaging
DBI Beverage Distributors
Hot Italian
Sacramento Region Community Foundation
University Art
Hilton San Francisco
Ruhstaller Beer
Sweet Bohemian Life
Nugget Markets
Michelle Alexander
Clemon Charles
Deborah Edward
Tracy Saville
Jill Allyn Stafford
Michelle Wong

Here are some photos from the event:

Lube & Roses at Marilyn's

2012-02-07T17:01:51Z

Recently I made my first visit to Marilyn's on K St. The show was Lube & Roses: A Night of Bare Bellies and Drag, a fundraiser for The Gender Health Center (GHC) in Sacramento.

Information about The Gender Health Center follows the photos of the fundraising evening.

The show ran the gamut from silly to raunchy:

"GHC is a non-profit agency that provides counseling/therapy services to anyone who expresses the need, as well as anyone who self- identifies or is perceived, to be gender variant," Ben Hudson explains.

Their services are accessible to the most underserved communities, including the LGBTQQI ( Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex) community and focusing on the "T" or transgender.

Co-founders Ben and Rachel Hudson are longtime Sacramento residents.

Rachael, Operations Manager, is a transwoman who has lived in the Sacramento area since 1978. In 1999 she began her search for others like her and discovered the Sacramento Gender Association (SGA).

Ben, Executive Director, has served on the board of the SGA and is co-founder of the Sacramento Transgender Coalition and TransFamilies Sacramento.

Clinical Director David Nylund is an expert on transgender mental health care and is a full-standing member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), Hudson explains.

Supporting gender identity transitions are at the heart of their core services.

"Counseling staff can also support family members and friends of transgender men and women," Rachael said.

The transition of Chaz (Chastity) Bono has offered the public a peek into the life of a transgender person.

Those Wild & Crazy Birds of McKinley Park

2012-01-26T03:30:26Z

As I left McKinley Library around 2pm today, my eyes were drawn to the backlighting of the inland seagulls as they flitted here and there around the pond.

As I was snapping away more people gathered around tossing food to the fowl, which was a good thing.

I ended up catching the backlighting effect in a few of the shots.

Here's the best out of 360 shots:

After awhile it became monotonous!

Bonsai Forever Stamps Unveiled

2012-01-25T00:24:53Z

The Capital City Bonsai Association and the Sacramento Bonsai Club hosted the Commemoration of the Introduction of the USPS Forever® Bonsai Stamps at the Iva Gard Shepard Garden and Arts Center.

These five new stamps are forever equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate..

The event was packed for the unveiling.

Art Director and stamp designer Ethel Kessler worked with artist John D. Dawson on the Bonsai stamps. Dawson's art has been featured on previous year's stamps. He was unable to attend the ceremony.

Five common styles of bonsai are featured on these new stamps:
1) a Sierra Juniper in semi-cascade style:

(2) a Trident Maple in informal upright style:

(3) a Black Pine in formal upright style:

(4) an Azalea plant in multiple-trunk style:

(5) a Banyan in cascade style:

During the dedication, Jeffrey C. Lelevich, Postmaster, Sacramento explained that new subjects for stamps and postal stationery are suggested by the US public.

They receive 10,000 proposals, all of different topics, a year.

"This is really a treat to have the post office dedicate their stamp here because the Center is the home of Capital City Bonsai Club" said Edzard Schroeder, Treasurer and Budget Director for the Center.

This Club has four other Bonsai groups associated with it.

Ronald Krause, Sekiyu Kai Bonsai Club, gave everyone a good tip: how to say the word Bonsai:
"give the dog a bone and make him sigh": Bonsai sounds like Bone-sigh.

"Bonsai is a combination of two Japanese words
Bon meaning "shallow tray or pot" and sai meaning "plant or tree". Put them together and you get Bonsai.

Bonsai originated centuries ago and the Japanese perfected the art, says Krause. It's not real clear where it began.

In 1909, the first major exhibit of Bonsai was in London, by a group of Japanese artists.

The earliest presence of Bonsai in the US was in Long Island, NY in 1925. A nurseryman amassed a large collection and gave it to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden a gift of 32 potted plants.

It was a challenge taking care of them and by the 1940s only 11 of them survived.

Krause continues, explaining that it wasn't until after 1945, thanks to WWII, that Bonsai began to grow.

In 1976, to commemorate the US bicentennial, a collection of 53 Bonsai were donated to the people of the United States by the Nippon Association in Tokyo to the National Arboretum.

Krause said he and his brother luckily saw them right after the donation was made. Within two years half of them were dead.

A Japanese Sensei was soon hired to oversee the collection, which now thrives.

"Bonsai is now among the most radically developing leisure pastimes in the US and its popularity grows worldwide," Krause said and then asked "what is the oldest Bonsai club in California?"

The answer is Sacramento Bonsai Club.

Krause says "not only is it the oldest club in California, it's the oldest in the country."

It was founded in 1946.

Sacramento is the only city in the US with four Bonsai clubs.

In 1999 these four clubs joined together to form the Capital City Bonsai Association. It holds its fall show every October at the Iva Gard Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park.

A music-infused celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at The Crocker

2012-01-17T07:01:40Z

In the spirit of the historic anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Crocker presented a music-infused celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Crocker was filled.

Lots of different activities happened: Hands-on Art Workshop: Quilt for the Dream, African American Artists in the Crocker Collection Tours and Art Chats.

Music featuring:
• Theresa Keene and Leslie Sandefur

• Faith Fellowship Community Church Choir

• Genesis Church Choir

• Spiritual Life Center Choir

Not in Our Town film screening, sponsored by Mort and Marcy Friedman, featured the PBS documentary that has sparked a national movement to highlight communities working to stop hate.

Susie Wong of the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Tolerance moderated a post-screening panel discussion with the film's executive producer, Patrice O'Neill, and attorney Benjamin Wagner.

The panel explored the issues raised by the film and their connections to the ideals of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here's some photos taken at The Crocker today:

Watch Not in Our Town film on YouTube

For more info on the Crocker Art Museum CLICK HERE>>>

To view photos of the 31st annual March for the Dream in Sacramento today, CLICK HERE>>>

Dream Stays Alive - Martin Luther King

2012-01-17T04:27:50Z

The fire Dr. Martin Luther King stoked still burns. Today over 20,000 people in Sacramento marched to honor him. Across the nation, perhaps millions.

Honoring King with the 31st annual March for the Dream, a diverse group of US citizens, from points near and far, joined each other in Sacramento as they marched simultaneously from Grant High School in north Sacramento and from Oak Park's Community Center to Sacramento Convention Center for a community celebration. People jumped into the march from Land Park and Del Paso Blvd. as the march moved forward.

Bands played, marchers sported banners, signs and balloons. Two young girls rode a horse.

Here are some images from today:

EasyRiders and their Hogs in Sac

2012-01-15T07:37:51Z

"The Biggest, Baddest Bike Show In North America" fills Sacramento streets this weekend.

It proclaims to be "all about amazing motorcycles- Americans and metrics, revived classics to tricked out customs, and from some of the worlds top bike builders to enthusiasts restoring or building bad ass bikes out of their garage."

The show includes motorcycle and motorsports manufacturers' exhibits and their reps to answer questions, live music, the Purrfect Angels, and vendors. And the opportunity to meet Chibs and Lyla from Sons of Anarchy, a drama on the American TV network FX.

This afternoon I happened upon the event. Driving on J St in front of the Convention Center I gawked at the bikes filling both sides of the street, as wel as side-streets.

And they roared touring through midtown and downtown!

So, I became a motorcycle groupie for the second time this week.

Here's some photos:

Check it out for tomorrow

Bikers rally at the Capitol

2012-01-11T19:42:12Z

Two bills were on bikers’ minds Monday as they rallied at the Capitol.

Hundreds of California motorcyclists, drivers and passengers, showed up for the yearly motorcycle rally sponsored by the American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) Monday morning.

They gathered on the Capitol building’s south-side in support of two bills that would change the state’s helmet law and throw out the motorcycle-only checkpoints.

Legislators were scheduled to vote Monday afternoon after rally.

For results, CLICK HERE>>>

Those Jazzy Cats

2012-01-08T04:28:14Z

Most are familiar with the saying "Dogs have masters, Cats have staff."

At the cat show Jazzy Cats - Mardi Gras Madness today, the two-legged staff of all the adorable balls of fluff were scurrying to get their favorite felines to their judging stations.

Sponsored by The International Cat Show (TICA) it continues through tomorrow from 10am - 4pm at the DoubleTree Hotel across from Arden Fair Mall. I discovered today it's a popular show. The big ballroom was packed with cats, their accessories and staff, plus plenty of cat lovers.

Here are some photos from today:

Disclosure: I am the staff of Hershey the cat!

A Gander to Folsom Lake

2012-01-03T04:16:40Z

Thanks to an extended New Years holiday weekend folks were enjoying their freedom.

Being footloose and fancy-free myself, I took a gander to Folsom Lake and spotted folks on bicycles, horses and boats, hiking and flying a model airplane.

Here's some shots:

Pillow Pets Delivered to UC Davis Children's Hospital

2011-12-20T23:49:17Z

Over 100 children were the happy recipients of Pillow Pets delivered by Sacramento Metro Fire Dept. The fire department assisted Pillow Pets for Life founder Kara Kateley with the delivery of 350 pillow pets to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital for current and future patients.

July 2011, Metro Fire announced a partnership with Pillow Pets for Life, a non-profit organization focused on bringing comfort to hospitalized children. Since July, the public has been able to drop off pillow pets at any Metro fire station.

"We are very honored to visit the patients and deliver them a bit of joy during what might be a difficult time while they are in the hospital’, said Assistant Chief Scott Cockrum.

Here are some moments from this morning's delivery:For further info please contact Scott Cockrum, Metro Fire Assistant Chief 916-616-2431

Elk Grove's Old Fashioned Christmas

2011-12-10T05:56:33Z

In about 20 minutes you can have a no-stress, peaceful Christmas experience and no-long-lines for-Santa-photos with the kids.

This is the sixth year of the "Old Fashioned Christmas" presented by The Elk Grove Historical Society in the Hotel and Stage Stop just a hop off Hwy 99 in Elk Grove's Heritage Park.

Three rooms upstairs and four down are lavishly decorated, and donated by the designers, in the fashion of Christmas spirit past.

Ladies Parlor

Ambience in the Ladies Parlor just inside the front door was decorated by Michelle O'Leary, Design FX Home Staging and Redesign, and Teresa Smedley, Staging 4 All Occasions.

Men's Parlor

A 1900's version of the "man cave" was designed/decorated Bob hagman, Tiffany Horne and Debra Williams of Interior Design Group.Nursery Room

Adam and Megan Enos and Kim Bartholomew. Huggable Me, created this cozy room.

A Pink Christmas (North Bedroom)

Designer/decorator Barbara Clark, Fireside Florist, created a young lady's dreamy room filled with the beauty of Christmas for the youthful heart.

South Bedroom

Designer Ray Bayles, Old Towne Creations, paid special attention to matching the decorations to the wallpaper to make this room an elegant display of what might have been done in the 1850's.

Dining Room

Elizabeth Lake created a beautiful room for a warm Christmas dinner. She manages Lumens Light + Living in midtown Sacramento.

Kaleidoscope Kitchen

Embellished with the spirit of Christmas and a medley of beautiful colors,the kitchen welocomes individuals of various backgrounds to enjoy Christmas. Created by designer/decorator Aziza Prasad, Exquisite Interior ReDesign.

Ballroom/North Pole Village

Be sure to come upstairs to see Santa and have your picture taken with him Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10th and 11th & Dec. 17th and 18th from 12pm through 6pm. No long waits to have your picture taken with Santa for $10.

When your tour ends, make sure to stop for gingerbread and cider in The Ginger Bread House.

For more info CLICK HERE>>>.

An Old Fashioned Christmas runs through Dec 18th on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - 12pm-6pm.

Admission $5.

Chiildren 12 & under FREE.

Santa photos Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-6pm - $10.

Elk Grove Historical Society

9941 East Stockton Blvd.
PO Box 562
Elk Grove , CA 95759
Phone: (916) 685-8115
E-Mail: eghs@elkgrovehistoricalsociety.com

Disclosure: I am one of the Santa photos photographer.

Capitol Christmas Tree is Lit Up for the Holidays

2011-12-08T04:22:39Z

Tonight the Governor and First Lady Anne Gust Brown joined Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson for the 80th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the West Steps of the State Capitol.

The 40-foot-tall white fir tree is decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.

It's illuminated by 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.

Six-year-old Makayla Jones, of Visalia, assisted the Governor and First Lady in lighting the Capitol Christmas tree.

Kitty O'Neal, of KFBK Radio, was emcee of the ceremony. There were performances by California Army National Guard, 59th Army Band, The Brass Quintet, The Governor’s Own; Bel Tempo Ringers; Galena Street East; students from the Oakland Military Institute and Oakland School for the Arts; Woodland Opera House; St. Paul’s Baptist Church Choir and Kevin Wilson played the finale piano accompaniment.

Here are more photos from tonight's festive ceremony:

HIV Positive not so Negative Anymore

2011-12-02T23:05:25Z

Communities across the globe observed World Aids Day to reflect on the catastrophic toll HIV/AIDS has created.

World Aids Day was honored in Sacramento thanks to the partnership of The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and St. John's Lutheran Church.

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day memorial is "Never Forget," highlighting the still continuing struggle of HIV/AIDS in our Sacramento community, said Ken Pierce, Equality Action NOW - Chairman of the Board - Communications Director.

Yesterday The Center hosted a participatory and interactive memorial in the Panepento Family Main Room at the Center from noon to 6pm.

Community members came in, writing messages honoring those lost to HIV/AIDS, and lighting a candle in remembrance.

At 6pm a silent procession, lead by River City Sisters, traveled three blocks to St. John's Lutheran Church on L Street, for a service of honor and action. It will included a presentation of a Resolution by elected officials, a brief history of the HIV/AIDS struggle (see condensed timeline below), interpretation and presentation of AIDS Quilts, special musical presentations, and several personal perspectives on the impact of HIV/AIDS in people's lives.

After the service there was a candlelight vigil on the steps of the church in remembrance of those lost.

Here is a summary of last night's presentation of the timeline of AIDS based on informartion from Wikipedia:

1930s
    •    Researchers believe that in the 1930s a form of simian immunodeficiency virus jumped to humans in central Africa. The mutated virus becomes HIV-1.
1959
X-ray showing infection with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
    •    The first known case of HIV in a human occurs in a person who died in the Congo, later confirmed as having HIV infection from his preserved blood samples.
    •    In New York City, on June 28, 1959, Ardouin Antonio, a 49-year-old a Jamaican-American shipping clerk dies of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a disease closely associated with AIDS. Dr. Gordon Hennigar, who performed the postmortem examination of the man's body, found "the first reported instance of unassociated Pneumocystis carinii disease in an adult" to be so unusual that he pickled Ardouin's lungs for later study. The case was written up in two medical journals at the time, and Hennigar has been quoted in numerous publications saying that he believes Ardouin probably had AIDS.
1960s
    •    HIV-2, a viral variant found in West Africa, is thought to have transferred to people from sooty mangabey monkeys in Guinea-Bissau during this period.

    •    Genetic studies of the virus indicate that, in or about 1966, HIV first arrived in the Americas, infecting a single person in Haiti. At this time, many Haitians were working in Congo, providing the opportunity for infection.

    •    A 2003 analysis of HIV types found in the United States, compared to known mutation rates, suggests that the virus may have first arrived in the United States in this year.

    •    A St. Louis teenager, identified as Robert Rayford, dies of an illness that baffles his doctors. Eighteen years later, molecular biologists at Tulane University in New Orleans test samples of his remains and find evidence of HIV present.

1970s
    •    The first reports of wasting and other symptoms, later determined to be AIDS, are reported in residents of Africa.[8]

    •    Norwegian sailor Arvid Noe dies; it is later determined that he contracted HIV/AIDS in Africa during the early 1960s.

    •    Danish physician Grethe Rask dies of AIDS contracted in Africa.
    •    A San Francisco prostitute gives birth to the first of three children who were later diagnosed with AIDS, and whose blood, when tested after their deaths, revealed HIV infection. The mother died of AIDS in May 1987. Test results show she was infected by as late as 1977, perhaps earlier.

    •    A Portuguese man known as Senhor Jose dies; he will later be confirmed as the first known infection of HIV-2. He was believed to have been exposed to the disease in Guinea-Bissau in 1966.
1980s
    •    San Francisco resident Ken Horne, the first AIDS case in the United States to be recognized at the time, is reported to Center for Disease Control with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). He was also suffering from Cryptococcus at the time.
    •    French-Canadian flight attendant Gaetan Dugas pays his first known visit to New York City bathhouses. He would later be deemed "Patient Zero" for his apparent connection to many early cases of AIDS in the United States.
    •    Rick Wellikoff, a Brooklyn schoolteacher, dies of AIDS in New York City on December 23. He is the 4th American to have died from the new disease.

Kaposi's sarcoma on the skin of an AIDS patient.
    •    Nick Rock becomes the first known AIDS death in New York City.
    •    Dr. Lawrence Mass becomes the first journalist in the world to write about the epidemic, in the "New York Native," a gay newspaper.
    •    The CDC reports a cluster of Pneumocystis pneumonia in five gay men in Los Angeles.
    •    CDC reports clusters of Kaposi's sarcoma and Pneumocystis pneumonia among gay men in California and New York City.
    •    By the end of the year, 121 people are known to have died from the disease.
    •    First known case in the United Kingdom.

    •    CDC MMWR 1982 31(23);305-7
"Exposure to some substance (rather than an infectious agent) may eventually lead to immunodeficiency among a subset of the homosexual male population that shares a particular style of lifestyle.
    •    CDC reports a cluster of opportunistic infections (OI) and Kaposi's sarcoma among Haitians recently entering the United States.
    •    The term AIDS (for acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is proposed at a meeting in Washington of gay-community leaders, federal bureaucrats and the CDC to replace GRID (for gay-related immune deficiency) as evidence showed it was not gay specific.
    •    Summer, First known case in Italy.

   •    CDC defines a case of AIDS as a disease, at least moderately predictive of a defect in cell-mediated immunity, occurring in a person with no known cause for diminished resistance to that disease.
    •    a baby in California becomes ill in the first known case of AIDS from a blood transfusion.
    •    First known case in Brazil and Canada.

    •    Dr. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, isolates a retrovirus that kills T-cells from the lymph system of a gay AIDS patient. In the following months, she would find it in additional gay and hemophiliac sufferers. This retrovirus would be called by several names, including LAV and HTLV-III before being named HIV in 1986.
    •    CDC National AIDS Hotline established.
    •    United States Public Heath Service (PHS) or (USPHS) issues donor screening guidelines. AIDS high-risk groups should not donate blood/plasma products.
    •    Australia has first death from AIDS in Melbourne, the Hawke Labor government invests in a significant campaign that ultimately gives HIV/AIDS in Australia one of the lowest infection rates in the world.
    •    AIDS is diagnosed in Mexico for the first time. HIV can be traced in the country back to 1981.
    •    The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique is developed by Kary Mullis, improving the researches on microbiology and genetics, also widely used in AIDS research.

One of the first reported patients who died of AIDS (presumptive diagnosis) in the US is reported in the Journal Gastroentereology in 1981. Professor Louis Weinstein, his treating physician, commented that "Although no clear-cut evidence of immuno-deficiency could be demonstrated in our patient, this could not be ruled out completely.”

    •    Gaëtan Dugas died. He was a French Canadian flight attendant linked by the CDC directly or indirectly with 40 of the first 248 reported cases of AIDS in the U.S.
    •    U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Margaret Heckler announces at a press conference that an American scientist, Dr. Robert Gallo, has discovered the probable cause of AIDS: the retrovirus subsequently named human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in 1986. She also declares that a vaccine will be available within two years.
    •    Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS by a doctor performing a partial lung removal. White became infected with HIV from a blood product, known as Factor VIII, as part of his treatment for hemophilia which was given to him on a regular basis. 1985
    •    FDA approves first AIDS antibody screening tests for use on all donated blood and plasma intended for transfusion.
    •    Rock Hudson dies of AIDS. On July 25, 1985, he was the first American celebrity to publicly admit having AIDS; he had been diagnosed with it on June 5, 1984.

    •    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is adopted as name of the retrovirus that was first proposed as the cause of AIDS by Luc Montagnier of France, who named it 'LAV (lymphadenopathy associated virus) and Robert Gallo of the United States, who named it HTLV-III (human T-lymphotropic virus type III)
    •    ...one million Americans have already been infected with the virus and that this number will jump to at least 2 million or 3 million within 5 to 10 years..." - NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, New York Times.
    •    President Reagan instructs his Surgeon General C. Everett Koop to prepare a report on AIDS. (Koop was excluded from the Executive Task Force on AIDS established in 1983 by his immediate superior, Assistant Secretary of Health Edward Brandt.)
    •    First officially known cases in the Soviet Union and India and China..
    •    AZT (zidovudine), the first antiretroviral drug, becomes available to treat HIV.[1]
    •    Williamson, West Virginia closes its public swimming pool following an incident involving a local resident with HIV/AIDS. The Oprah Winfrey Show broadcasts a town hall meeting during which local residents express their fears about AIDS and homosexuality.
    •    Randy Shilts investigative journalism book And the Band Played On:

    •    May, C. Everett Koop sends an eight-page, condensed version of his Surgeon General's Report on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome report named Understanding AIDS to all 107,000,000 households in the United States, becoming the first federal authority to provide explicit advice to Americans on how to protect themselves from AIDS.
    •    December 1, the first World AIDS Day

    •    The television movie "The Ryan White Story" aired. Another AIDS-themed film, The Littlest Victims, debuted in 1989, biopicing James Oleske, the first U.S. physician to discover AIDS in newborns during AIDS' early years, when many thought it was only homosexually-spread.

1990s
    •    Ryan White - Dies on April 8, 1990 at the age of 18 from pneumonia caused by AIDS complications.
    •    Congress enacted The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act or Ryan White Care Act, the United States' largest federally funded health related program (excluding Medicaid and Medicare).
    •    Brazilian singer Cazuza dies in Rio de Janeiro on July 7, 1990 at the age of 32 from an AIDS related illness.

    •    A little over 24 hours after issuing the statement confirming that he has been tested HIV positive and had AIDS, Freddie Mercury (Singer of the British band Queen) dies on November 24, 1991 at the age of 45. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS.
    •    NBA star Magic Johnson publicly announces that he is HIV-positive.

    •    The first combination drug therapies for HIV are introduced. Such "cocktails" are more effective than AZT alone and slow down the development of drug resistance.
    •    American actor Anthony Perkins, known for his role as Norman Bates in the Psycho movies, dies from AIDS.
    •
    •    Popular science fiction writer Isaac Asimov dies on April 6. Ten years later, his wife revealed that his death was due to AIDS-related complications. The writer was infected during a blood transfusion in 1983.

    •    Tennis star Arthur Ashe dies from related complications.
    •    Elizabeth Glaser, wife of Starsky & Hutch's Paul Michael Glaser, dies from related complications almost ten years after receiving an infected blood transfusion while giving birth and unknowingly passing it on to her daughter, Ariel, and son, Jake. Ariel died in 1988, Jake is living with HIV, with Paul Michael remaining negative.

    •    Saquinavir, a new type of protease inhibitor drug, becomes available to treat HIV. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) becomes possible. Within two years, death rates due to AIDS will have plummeted in the developed world.
    •    Legendary British DJ and entertainer Kenny Everett dies from AIDS on 4 April 1995.
    •    Oakland resident Jeff Getty becomes the first person to receive a bone marrow transplant from a Baboon, as an experimental procedure to treat his HIV infection. He died of heart failure after cancer treatment, in 2006.

    •    Robert Gallo's discovery that some natural compounds known as chemokines can block HIV and halt the progression of AIDS is hailed by Science magazine as one of that year's most important scientific breakthroughs.

    •    "The most recent estimate of the number of Americans infected (with HIV), 750,000, is only half the total that government officials used to cite over a decade ago, at a time when experts believed that as many as 1.5 million people carried the virus." article in the Washington Post.


    •    International Human Rights Day, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) is launched to campaign for greater access to HIV treatment for all South Africans, by raising public awareness and understanding about issues surrounding the availability, affordability and use of HIV treatments.
    •    studies suggest that a retrovirus, SIVcpz (simian immunodeficiency virus) from the common chimpanzee Pan troglodytes, may have passed to human populations in west equatorial Africa during the twentieth century and developed into various types of HIV.
    •    Edward Hooper releases a book called The River, which accuses doctors who developed and administered the oral polio vaccine in 1950s Africa of unintentionally starting the AIDS epidemic.
2000s
    •    World Health Organization estimates between 15% and 20% of new HIV infections worldwide are the result of blood transfusions, where the donors were not screened or inadequately screened for HIV.

    •   FDA licenses the first nucleic acid test (NAT) systems intended for screening of blood and plasma donations.

    •    CDC recommends anti-retroviral post-exposure prophylaxis for people exposed to HIV from rapes, accidents or occasional unsafe sex or drug use.
    •    A highly resistant strain of HIV linked to rapid progression to AIDS is identified in New York City.

    •    The first case of someone being cured of HIV. A San Francisco man, Timothy Ray Brown, coinfected with leukemia and HIV, is cured from HIV due to his bone marrow transplant in Germany. Other similar cases begin being studied to confirm what is believed to be similar results.

2011
    •    Confirmation of the first patient cured of HIV, Timothy Ray Brown, as having a negative HIV status, 4 years after treatment.

Foggy Soggy Days of Fall

2011-11-30T02:13:25Z

The beauty of fog is that it creates a haze of the things we normally see sharp, clear and with strong colors.

No blue sky or the sun's rays beaming upon us. Colors are muted.

Our world is more quiet thanks to water droplets in the air.

Building tops seem to disappear into the sky.

That describes today's blanket of fog over Sacramento:

Christmas lifts off in Old Sacramento - Photos

2011-11-24T06:04:02Z

Over 4,000 of us Christmas enthusiasts crowded together on K St in Old Sac tonight for the third annual Theatre of Lights. Mayor Johnson lit the Christmas tree.

A beautiful 60-foot white fir is poised on Front St near the Delta King Riverboat. Turned on, it's like a chameleon, changing colors and design.Two white-haired gentlemen made an appearance - Mark Twain and, of course, Santa Claus.Twain narrated "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from a balcony of one of the lit up buildings.A chorus comprised of volunteers from Old Sac Living History sang tunes with Father Christmas (above and below).

Over About 50,000 visitors experienced the show last year.

The light show continues through the holidays:

• Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 27, nightly at 6:15 and 7:45

• Thursday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 4, nightly at 6:15 and 7:45

• Thursday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 11, nightly at 6:15 and 7:45

• Thursday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 18, nightly at 6:15 and 7:45

• Monday, Dec. 19-Friday, Dec. 23, nightly at 6:15 and 7:45

• Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, one show only at 6:15 p.m.

• New Year's Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, 8:45 and 9:15 p.m. as part of the Sky Spectacular fireworks show.

For more information CLICK HERE>>>

The Grid in Technicolor

2011-11-19T01:21:38Z

Right now Sacramento is full of "Kodak moments." This afternoon I stalked Downtown and Midtown for those moments. There was something around every corner.

The Grid in Technicolor:

Par for the course

2011-11-17T03:41:03Z

Early evening light brightens fall color-turned leaves along El Macero Dr. near the country club. The 18-hole El Macero Country Club in El Macero, CA, southeast of Davis, is a private golf course that opened in 1961.

Courageous Veterans of Old City Cemetery

2011-11-15T06:10:53Z

With Veterans Day landing on a Friday this year it was conducive for many events honoring those who have served.

Somewhat under the radar, Old City Cemetery (OCC) gave visitors a tour of a few of the grave sites of Military Medal recipients fought in the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Spanish-American War. Amongst them they were recognized with these medals:
    •    2 - Medal of Honor
    •    2 - Distinguished Flying Cross
    •    6 - Silver Star
    •    23 - Bronze Star
    •    5 - Air Medal
    •    44 - Purple Heart.

Three volunteer tour guides took turns telling the stories of the circumstances surrounding the dead soldiers.
.
As we started walking we were told that "at one point, between the first and second World Wars, the city decided we needed a place to bury veterans who were not able to afford their own plots. In addition to the various grave sites throughout the cemetery, the city contributed the land in the back."

And, that's where we headed.On our journey, we tried to find the grave of a young man who was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

We were not able to find it. Many older plots with flat monuments sink into the ground and are covered over.

Two Medal of Honor Recipients were Newton T. Gould and Lebbeus Simkins.Here's some information about Simkins:
He was a coxswain, a crew member who is in charge of navigation and steering of the ship. He served aboard the ships USS Brooklyn, Richmond, Lancaster, North Carolina and Princeton.

The Richmond, the ship Simkins was on, opened fire on all of the confederate steamers in range and a battle began.

Simkins was awarded the Medal of Honor "for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Coxswain Simkins performed his duties with skill and courage throughout a furious two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan."

It was during this time that Admiral Farragut, aboard the Hartford, made his famous command - "damn the torpedoes…..full speed ahead."

After the war he was a member of the San Diego Odd Fellows Lodge until he died in 1884.

For information about upcoming tours, visit http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/calendar.htm

November is Runaway & Homeless Youth Month

2011-11-13T20:47:35Z

Last night the California Coalition for Youth staff and volunteers met on the west steps of our Capitol building recognizing November is Runaway & Homeless Youth month.

This year, to raise awareness throughout the state, they lit the State Capitol GREEN!

They shared ways we can all help:

Visit a homeless youth program in the community. To find the programs go to the Resources & Tools page ca-rhymonth.org.

Volunteer for the California Youth Crisis Line. Call 1-800-843-5200 or send email to cycl@calyouth.org.

Write a letter to the editor at your local newspaper sharing your thoughts about youth homelessness.

Tell your friends about California Runaway & Homeless Month and the resources like California Youth Crisis Line.

Display a California Youth Crisis Line poster in your workplace or at school. You can request posters by calling 1-800-843-5200.

Light your porch with a green light bulb from your local hardware store and light it through the end of November.

On the Road again - K St

2011-11-13T19:05:59Z

K Street was a happenin' place last night. The revival of automobile traffic lured lots of folks to see Sacramento history repeating itself.

I was perched on top of Hyatt's parking garage. I was in good company; K St Venues was blowing mass quantities of confetti from here, as well as across the street onto, the parade of cars.

Crowds lined the streets along K and 12th. Restaurants were busy.

Here are some photos from last night:Vintage, muscle and modern cars did an inaugural round-trip on K St.Only between 8th and 12th K St are cars allowed at a slow speed. No Parking allowed and there are passenger drop-off/pick-up zones.

Veterans Day parade in Sacramento

2011-11-12T04:07:43Z

This morning's Veterans Parade on Capitol Mall had a huge turnout.

It was Sacramento's first in about a decade. With Chuck Yeager, legendary test pilot and retired Air General, as the grand marshal how could it not be well attended?

There were over 67 entries from marching bands to Girl and Boy Scouts.

Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV) was honored to be the leading Color Guard for this historic event.

“Sacramento Valley Veterans thanks the City of Sacramento for including us in this momentous occasion,” said SVV President Tyson Redhouse, “This is a great opportunity for the Sacramento community to come out and show support for our area’s Veterans and Servicemembers. We are honored to be a part of this year’s events.”

Also part of the parade were two Tuskegee Airmen, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knight of Columbus, Car Clubs, Aerospace Museum, pageant queens, military units and many more.

There were Children's activities and educational displays as well as entertainment.

Here's some photos:West Sacramento held their first ever Veterans Day parade.

Disclosure: I served in the US Navy from 1973-77.

Day is done, gone the sun

2011-11-12T01:39:48Z

Veterans Day 2011 ended with cloudy skies above the skyline. A fitting scene for the lyrics of the military song Taps:

"Day is done, gone the sun, from the lakes from the hills from the sky, all is well, safely, rest, God is near.

Fading light, Dims the sight, And a star gems the sky Gleaming bright, From afar, Drawing, near, Falls the night.

Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun Neath the stars Neath the sky,

As we go, This, we, know, God is near."

Writing this I discovered how Taps came to be. See for yourself - CLICK HERE>>>

Cars on K St - This Saturday

2011-11-10T04:03:18Z

For the first time since 1969, cars will be allowed to drive on the section of K St. that has been pedestrian-only. It's the reason for a big celebration.

The festivities kick off this Saturday, Nov.12 at 4 pm with an opening ceremony with Mayor Kevin Johnson, local dignitaries, and an inaugural drive down K Street. The celebration continues with live entertainment at the 12th & K Street stage with local DJ, 7evin, spinning all night long and performances by the Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience dance troupe; Smirkers, a local rock band; Mariachi Latino; and Spazmatics, an 80’s cover band.

For many business owners, adding cars to K Street is a step in the right direction that is good for business. “Visitors can now drive by businesses that they would have never know even existed,” said Esquire IMAX Theatre Director Doug Link.

“We’re putting our best foot forward. Even if you’re just coming to see the cars, get ready to experience a new K Street,” said DSP Executive Director Michael Ault. “Downtown and K Street is home to so many unique businesses that you can’t find anywhere else. They truly are the heart and soul of our city.”

A worker readies a new traffic light along K St.Visitors can explore the new K Street with a special SCVNGR trek on their smart phones.

Lisa Martinez, Downtown Sac Partnership says visitors can earn points with each business they visit and compete for the top 5 spots to win prizes like a $100 gift card at Chops, hotel night at the Residence Inn at Capitol Park, Citizen Hotel, and Hyatt Regency as well as tickets to events like Marilyn’s on K New Year’s Eve Party. Prizes will be awarded on November 14.

Follow the latest news on Twitter using the hashtag #CarsOnK or visit www.downtownsac.org/events/cars-on-k.

Model in Green Technology: Winn Center at Cosumnes River College

2011-11-10T03:31:25Z

The Winn Center on the Cosumnes River College (CRC) campus will be unique as one of the few instructional buildings with LEED certification on California community campuses.

Completion of the Winn Center for Architecture and Construction Technology is scheduled for fall 2013. Its 24,000 square feet will serve as a gathering place for construction and architecture professionals, provide classroom space and laboratories. It will also be home to photography and pharmacy programs.

The $13.7 million center will be funded by local bond money and private donations, the largest contributed by brothers Mike, Tom and Pete Winn. Theirs is the largest private gift in the history of CRC.

The Winn family operated Winncrest Homes. In 2000 the company merged with Lennar Communities, a national home building titan.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held Monday, Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, gave the keynote address. Other speakers were Tim Fry and Mark Cirksena, Lionakis/DPR, the Design Build Team; Bonnie Pannell, Los Rios Community College Chancellor Brice Harris and CRC President Deborah Travis and others.

"Building energy efficient homes, hospitals, offices, schools - entire communities - is a challenging endeavor." Mike Winn explained. "The fact is very few careers require such a wide, interesting array of skills and relationships."

Winn said that he hopes "today marks the beginning of Sacramento's next building cycle."Miike Winn is the president of Michael Winn Associates, a Sacramento-based land development and planning company.

Disclosure: Mike Winn is my brother-in-law.

Downtown Ice Rink Opens

2011-11-05T05:14:24Z

Kids were lined up and ready to skate on opening day of the downtown outdoor ice rink. A chill was in the air, adding to the feel of the upcoming holidays.

"There's nothing that says 'holidays' better than ice skating," Michael Ault, Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership said right before the rink opened.

And this is its 20th season. Skating was free today until 10 p.m.

Located at 7th & K Streets in downtown Sacramento it is open annually seven days a week from early November to mid-January.

The 7,000 sq. ft rink, across from the Westfield Plaza, is produced by the Downtown Partnership with numerous sponsors.

Here's photos from opening day;

Generally, hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Open daily November 4, 2011 – January 16, 2012
Monday – Thursday: 2 pm – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday – 10 am – 8 pm

For more info, CLICK HERE>>>>

Trick or Treat in East Sac

2011-11-01T07:36:22Z

Halloween in the Fab Forties, specifically on 41st St. between J and M St. was full of bags begging to be filled with candy. At times there were 10 trick or treaters at once. With three of us tossing sweets into the bags, it was all we could do to keep up. In two hours time we forked over 50 lbs of the sweet stuff. Here are some of the creatures of the night:

Costumed Pooches & Kids Trick or Treat in Midtown

2011-10-30T18:41:33Z

Not too creepy or scary, the spirit of Halloween filled Midtown's streets yesterday. Relles Florist on J St featured a magic show, balloon twisting, arts corner and apple cider booth. The kids were out in full force.

Costumed canines celebrated Halloween with a Pooch Parade around Midtown. At parade's end judges passed out coveted Pooch Parade Awards. Here's the winners and other paraders:

Spookist Costume - Sofia the Bat (no photo).

Training to be the best Urban Search and Rescue Teams

2011-10-28T03:52:02Z

Realistic training for Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) calls for thousands and thousands of pounds of steel, concrete, rubber and what ever else.

All 62,500 tons of it. The big cranes that lift and move it. And the rescuers working quickly to save lives of those caught in a disaster.Over 50 US&R task force members from across the nation (Florida, New York, Washington and Texas, to name a few) took the FEMA-sanctioned training course at the national training facility in Rancho Murieta this week.

Three days in the classroom included learning how to calculate the weight of the materials they will need to remove. This simulated training scenario had two cars trapped and crushed beneath tons and tons of material. The rescuers, working in teams along with the crane operator, removed the heavy debris, piece by piece, off the two cars. If this were an actual disaster, people's lives could be saved.

Battalion Chief Jeff Metzinger, training instructor, is affiliated with Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Team called California Task Force 7.

When this type of training began years ago the word "terrorism" wasn't part of the picture.

"We're one of 28 teams in the US that respond to big disasters, like the Oklahoma City Bombing, World Trade Center and Pentagon on 9/11, hurricanes and earthquakes."

Some of these trainees responded on 9/11.

When disaster strikes FEMA activates the Task Force teams.

Constant hands-on training is a must so team members have the skills needed to do the work.
"It's very unusual work, very dangerous work," Metzinger explained.
This training that at Rancho Murieta was a heavy equipment and rigging class - specializing in the use of cranes.

"The cranes remove large pieces of steel, concrete, or what ever, to get access to people to rescue," he said. "Some of the cranes are very expensive, some of them millions of dollars. The businesses partner with us and allow us to use their site."

Realistic training can not occur without the heavy materials and equipment. Capt. Jay Coon, instructor, says he is especially thankful for the support they've received from Schnitzer Steel Products and Don Childers, Nationwide Crane Training.

When the teams deploy, the heavy equipment is provided at the location of the disaster. Teams bring jackhammers, cooking equipment, special cameras, search dogs, sleeping equipment.

They are self sufficient for seven days.

When asked why they do this kind of work responses included "to give back"..."to use my talents"…"we get to save someone."

Batting Lessons

2011-10-25T04:10:10Z

With just a little more than a week away to Halloween, what could be more appropriate than taking a class about bats?

Not the wooden ones. The flying ones.

A couple of nights ago, I drove to Mather Field, destination; S plash Education Center at Mather Field. It is one of many buildings at Mather Field that once served the Air Force and its military community.

Over 50 of us came to learn about bats at a presentation titled "Going Batty: The facts about bats."

My only experience with them, back in the early 60's in Prescott, AZ, was throwing rocks toward the bats so we could watch them dive at them using their sonar.

That must've been more fun than it sounds because I've got a good visual of it in my brain. For a 10 year old it was a blast!

And of course I was a big fan of those black and white movies of Dracula, the vampire.

Corky Quirk, of NorCalBats, a bat rescue and rehabilitation center hooked us into her enthusiasm about the flying rat-looking things!

Here's some of the highlights of what she talked about:

There's lots of different kinds of bats and they aren't are the bad guys like they are depicted in the media.

It appears bats may have evolved on this continent prior to the separation of the continents.

They've been around for 55 million years.

They are not related to the rat. DNA studies show they are related to hoofed animals.

We humans are closest to the rat, according to DNA analysis.

Bats, like us, are mammals. Breast milk feeds the young, grow hair or fur, are warm-blooded and are not born encased in an egg.

Most bats give birth to one pup per year. In a cave, there can be 500 pups per square foot.

Four limbs are the basic structure of mammals - two arms and two legs.

The bat is no exception. Looking closely at a bat's extended wing, you'll see the arm, wrist, thumb and fingers. "Blind as a bat" is an erroneous myth. They have eyes and most of them see in black and white.

In darkness they hunt flying bugs and their sonar, echo location, is used. Their throat puts out a high pitched click not heard by humans.

Around the world there are more than 1,100 species of bats.

Vampire bats are not in the USA unless they live in a zoo.

Across our continent there are 45 species, in our state, 24 and around our foothills and valley area, there are 16 bat species.

Worldwide, the live on every continent except Antarctic. And they eat insects.

In tropical areas like the rainforest and jungles, as well as deserts, they eat other things like nectar, frogs and fruit.

Scientist use bats to help disperse seeds in open areas.

Bats use their hind legs, which are connected with skin, enabling them to scoop things up.

Vampire bats, 3" tall, sneak up on a sleeping animal and, using two very sharp front teeth, not fangs, it makes a tiny incision in the hide. They lick or lap up the blood, not suck it.

Three species of vampire bats live in Central and South America.

1,000 bats eat the equivalent of two grocery bags filled with insects each night.

Quirk specializes in bat rescue and rehabilitation. If you see a bat, or any wildlife, on the ground, do not touch it with your hands. Use some kind of container, like a paper coffee cup or a box, to place over it. Call your local wildlife rescue group. They'll figure out how to get the animal into care.

A bat on the ground has a 1 in 10 chance of having rabies. Do not touch them with your skin.

In downtown Sacramento Quirk says she gets lots of animals that have been covered by a Starbucks coffee cup or food take-out containers.

Quirk can be reached at 530-902-1918.

Find out more information at norcalbats.org/

Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders at Crocker

2011-10-24T02:29:29Z

Robots, created by self-proclaimed 'mad scientist' Clayton Bailey, are part of the "career spanning retrospective of 50 years of the work of contemporary sculptor Clayton Bailey".
The exhibit opened Sat., October 23 and runs through January 15, 2012. Museum visitors will be delighted, tickled and surprised if yesterday's opening is an accurate indicator.
Clay and metal, including his signature “exploding pots,” disarming robot sculptures, and ray guns, inspired by science fiction and fashioned from discarded aluminum, had visitors laughing and jumping as they wandered past over 150 displays.
Bailey's alter-ego, Dr. George Gladstone, showcases his pseudo-scientific discoveries, including proof of "Big Foot" and ceramic fossils from the "Bone Age," as a mockumentary titled “Wonders of the World Museum."
Exhibition curator Diana L. Daniels notes that while Clayton Bailey is a major figure of Funk art, the American sculptural ceramics movement known for its playful sensibility, “He is serious about the craft of humor and making art. For more than five decades Bailey has made it acceptable to laugh at contemporary culture and even ourselves with objects that linger in the imagination.”
After high school, Bailey had his sights set on being a pharmacist. He worked in a retail drugstore during high school and his first year in college.

"I got disillusioned with pharmacy after working five years for a drug store," he said.So he looked for something else to do.

"I thought I'd decorate the windows in the drugstore instead," he explained. "And that's how I discovered art."

He looked into it and the only art class available was ceramics. And he loved it so much it became his life.

"I stumbled into it accidentally," he said.

He set off in another direction - aluminum - after making a collection of skeletons for his “Wonders of the World Museum" in Port Costa, CA where he lives.

It occurred to him to make a robot barker to call people into the museum.That was the beginning of the robots.

He was a robot and made a costume of his own design. Then thought it would be good to make some robot-girlfriends and it took off from there.

Bailey builds life-sized robot sculptures -- more than 100 in total -- out of found objects.

He says he likes to build beauties and monsters. He builds robots that entertain and educate.Bailey studied with Harvey Littleton, the father of the contemporary glass movement, at the University of Wisconsin. Visiting instructors Bernard Leach, Toshiko Takaezu, and Peter Voulkos further shaped his approach. Bailey moved to California in 1968, settled in the Bay Area, and became a leading educator, teaching at California State University, Hayward for 26 years. His work is represented in collections from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.
Learn more about Bailey HERE>>>

For more info about the exhibition, please visit Crocker Art Museum

Pig Tales

2011-10-20T22:51:12Z

Gather up the young 'uns and head over to Fairytale Town! There's some new pigs 'on the block!'

You'll meet twelve-weeks-old piglets named Wynken', Blynken' and Nod. They are Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs. Their mom and dad live in Vacaville.

These little ones are new on the "job", taking over when the older pigs retired to the private ranch of a Fairytale Town Supporter.

Tuesdays through Saturdays kids can meet them close to their home on a grassy spot.

They reside in the brick house, with a straw and wood house nearby (remember the Big Bad Wolf saying he'll blow your house down?)

The wolf isn't there so you can peacefully enjoy the piglets.
Fairytale Town staff loves them, especially animal keeper Jim Herandez. He has fun interacting with them and has taught them to stand on their hind legs for a cheerio. He 'potty' trained them in one day and they respond when their names are called.

He said pigs don't like to be held - it makes them afraid. So they are best enjoyed by touching them and walking around with them.
These gals should be around for awhile since they have a lifespan of 12-16 years. They'll grow to be somewhere between 50-150 pounds.

So bring the little ones to meet the pig trio. It could help their favorite pig stories come to life!

Who can resist these little faces?

For more info about Fairytale Town, CLICK HERE>>>

Ya otter see this

2011-10-20T16:42:46Z

Have you ever stared into an otter's eyes? I did and so can you.

Just head on over to Sacramento Zoo.

"Splash", the new otter exhibit, opened mid-September. It's larger and showcases an improved, more realistic, otter haitat. The existing concrete pool is about the only thing that carried over to the new exhibit.

According to a Zoo spokeperson, donations from fundraisers, private donors and the companies working on the construction funded the $160,000 project (Sac Zoo is non-profit).
The new habitat took about three months to complete.

It now sports a decorative rock background, a new water fall and an all-glass viewing area for the public. When I was there yesterday, one of the otters (not sure if it was Wilson (male, 11) or Percy (female, 12) kept poking its head up and looked at me several times.For more information about the Zoo, CLICK HERE>>>

Midtown Modern Art Festival - Photos

2011-10-17T14:38:20Z

Some scenes from Midtown's Modern Art Festival:

For article about the art festival, CLICK HERE>>>

Huge turnout for Making Strides to End Breast Cancer this morning

2011-10-17T02:34:53Z

Thousands of breast cancer survivors, their friends and families, up at the crack of dawn, came to the Capitol to show their love and support for the women, even the men, in their lives. Before they hit the pavement there was a prelude.

Sacramento Women's Chorus sang our National Anthem in unison with the Color Guards' presentation of the colors.

Warm-up exercises kicked into high gear and off they went!

Marching against breast cancer.

"Big or small save them all", 'tutus for ta tas", "real men wear pink" signs stated.

It took 43 minutes for the last of the marchers to go thru the start gate. Perhaps 19,000 of them, this year's desired goal.

Here are some photos showing what it looked like this morning:The route took them west from the Capitol, then they looped back east on K St. and then back to the starting line.Headed down K Street.Making Strides to End Breast Cancer is an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. At the time this article was written, this was posted on their website:

Together we've raised $195,391.47 to help save lives.

Fire-damaged wing re-opens in Roseville Galleria

2011-10-07T00:01:04Z

Shoppers were anxious to check out the re-built wing damaged by arson fire last fall.

Some were feeling impatient because mall security wasn't letting hundreds of people in all at the same time. It was a lesson learned near Christmas last year when the weight of a 'flash mob' created structural stress on the second floor food court.

Discount offers and promotions were given to the first 1,500 people in line. 100 of those early shoppers found a $50 gift card in their bags according to Westfield Galleria spokeswoman Stephanie Ringey.

Here's some scenes:Shopper Trista Jensen said she thinks the new area seems brighter and more spacious.Signs throughout the mall stated "We're back Better than ever".

Photos of Airport Terminal B Grand Opening

2011-10-03T18:44:58Z

Here are more photos from Saturday night's big celebration of The Big Build, the name of the Sacramento International Airport's new Terminal B project:

For more info CLICK HERE>>>

SacWorldFest

2011-10-03T18:02:02Z

Dancers and musicians with ties from all over the globe performed in the fourth annual World Music & Dance Festival in Old Sacramento.

There were lots of activities just about everywhere; world class music and dance performances on several stages throughout the venue, educational and interactive experience that teaches children and families about our region’s cultures through hands-on experiences (craft and art activities, dance clinics, and musical instruments), stories, poetry, and talks geared toward youngsters and a learning experience from culinary experts cooked with spices from Around the world.

Here's some of what I saw:

Remembering Who Protects Us

2011-10-02T18:47:09Z

Firefighters place themselves in dangerous situations to keep the rest of us safer.

30 fallen firefighters were honored and their names were placed on the Memorial Wall of the California Firefighters Memorial in Capitol Park.

Eleven of them passed away this past year and nineteen died in previous years and are not forgotten.

The U.S.flag was presented one by one to their families.

Among those remembered were two Sacramentans.

Terrence Gee, Captain, Sacramento City Fire Department was. He died December 20, 2010 after serving for 25 years.

James C. Saunders, Firefighter, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District died of a heart attack while fighting a grass fire on October 7, 2010. He also served on the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department.

The Pipes and Drums of California Professional Firefighters paid tribute to those who sacrificed in the line of duty before and after the memorial.

Among the speakers were Governor Jerry Brown, Lou Paulson and President, California Professional Firefighters.

Doves were released at the end was a symbol of peace and hope.

Native American Day

2011-09-23T22:42:19Z

The 44th annual Native American Day was celebrated, Thursday, Sept. 22, on the south side of the capitol building. It honored Native Elders who keep the tradition, stories, languages and culture alive for future generations. Governor Brown personally wrote and signed a proclamation for the day.

There were cultural demonstrations, guest speakers, the Tule River Color Guard, traditional games, music and dancing, artisans showcasing their wares, informative booths, including an update on the new California Indian Heritage Center project.

Here are some photos from the day:

Painterly effect

2011-09-23T14:51:13Z

Early morning clouds provide a painterly backdrop for the Globe Mills complex in Alkali Flats.

Bye-Bye to Don't Ask Don't Tell

2011-09-21T20:20:27Z

Last night Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV), along with LGBT Veterans groups, hosted a celebration at Head Hunters/Kennedy Gallery in midtown. The crowd was enthusiastic for several public figures who dropped by to share their support and happiness that the 18-year long Don't Ask, Don't Tell compromise ended. It allowed homosexuals to serve in the military by keeping our sexual orientation under wraps.

That was 20 years after I enlisted. I'm gay. I served in the US Navy from '73 to '77 and received an honorable discharge at the end of my enlistment.

I've carried a mental smirk about that ever since.

During last night's celebration, emcee Ty Redhouse, SVV President and USAF veteran asked the audience who served in the military?

Lots of hands went up.

Unbeknownst to me, my sister who is also gay, told Ty what I did in the service. He acknowledged me for making naval history when I became the first female to graduate from the US Navy's Scuba Diving School at San Diego's Naval Station.

My co-workers after school were obviously men. They had my gayness figured out and it was not a problem.

And, thanks to Naval Public Affairs, I was on The Mike Douglas Show, What's My Line and in several books.

Now that the appeal has made it ok to be gay and serve our country, the military can continue with its mission. That's all any of us want - to carry on our life's mission.

We gay folks make many sacrifices and contributions just like straight people in the military. I was proud in my uniform and serving in the US Navy for four years.

I'll probably always carry my mental smirk because "I got away with it"!!!

Enough about me.

HERE'S SOME PHOTOS FROM LAST NIGHT:

On display in the Kennedy Gallery are historical photos and articles depicting DON'T ASK DON'T TELL era.

For a video of last night CLICK HERE>>>

Disclosure: I am a gay veteran of the US Navy.

Golden Evening

2011-09-15T03:01:27Z

The US flag flaps in the delta breeze as the sun goes down behind the CalSTRS building in West Sacramento.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-12T05:31:32Z

Ten years ago Sunday, 3,000 people lost their lives from acts of terrorism in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Today Sacramento honored those people with a Day of Remembrance.

At 5:30am a vigil and reading of the names of those who died took place on the west steps of the Capitol. A moment of silence occurred at 5:46am.

Firefighters participated in Sacramento’s annual 9/11 Memorial Climb. This event honors the 343 Firefighters of FDNY that paid the ultimate sacrifice at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. This year’s Climb was held at the “Renaissance Tower” in downtown Sacramento

Over 3,000 runners took to the streets In Downtown Sacramento for the 9/11 Memorial 5K Run/Walk to give those who vowed to “Never Forget” the opportunity to exercise that vow. The 5K will started at 9:11. At the finish of the 5K, American flags were handed to runners as they crossed the line. Each flag represents an American who lost their life on 9/11/2001. Runners carried the flag they were given and will placed it in the grass in the “Tribute in the Park”.
Each American Flag was placed next to a name plate engraved with the name of an American who did not return home. Nearly 3000 flags stand united in the grass as a tribute to those that were lost.

This afternoon The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Sacramento presented a "Decade of Remembrance" at the east steps of the Capitol. Speakers included State of California Dept. of Justice Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, City of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, and Director Sacramento County & Sacramento City OES, Chief Rick Martinez.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, local Life Scout Alexander Aprea erected a sculpture memorial representing one one-hundredth the size of the Twin Towers including a steel piece from the wreckage.

The dedication ceremony was held today at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The sculpture exhibits two 13-foot-tall industrial steel I-beams representing the Twin Towers and an actual 1-foot-by-3-foot piece of steel from the wreckage in between the two taller I-beams.

The day ended with two flyovers the Capitol building and a candlelight vigil. The ceremony was led by former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGuiness and included Rep. Tom McClintock and other officials.
First responders, as well as the FBI, were acknowledged for immediate and follow up work surrounding the attacks.

Enjoy seasonal produce at two Farmers Markets

2011-09-06T22:02:18Z

Summer is just about history but two Farmers Markets aren't.

Two new locations that were added to this year's weekly circuit - East End Capitol Park at 15th & L streets and 6th & Capitol Mall - remain open on Thursdays 10am -1:30pm through September 29!

I just happened to take a photographic journey through them last Thursday:

Along Capitol Mall

East end Capitol Park

CHECK 'EM OUT THIS THURSDAY!!!

Snapshots of Rainbow Festival 2011

2011-09-06T01:53:09Z

Here's some of the folks who entertained the crowds during the 12th annual Rainbow Festival:

Step Back in Time - Gold Rush Days Photos

2011-09-04T23:37:35Z

This was my third yearly visit to Gold Rush Days in Old Sac.

I just walked around and grabbed shots of things happening. There seemed to be lots of activity in the surrounding perimeter streets.

The California Band of the Battalion - "Music from a time when instruments had character...... and characters had instruments" Tent City: A recreation of town life in early Sacramento City where you can visit saloons, a gambling tent, doctors, dentists, and even an undertaker! Tent City will also offer a variety of tasty treats available for purchase, including fish & chips, roasted corn on the cob, fresh-made kettle korn, homemade sarsaparilla, root beer, draft ale, local wines, and more!

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-03T01:50:33Z

This morning Sacramento Area firefighters local 522, in cooperation with local fire jurisdictions held a pre-event presentation for Susan Clark, the Sister-in-law of United Airlines pilot Captain Victor J. Saracini, Captain of United Flight 175, which hit the South Tower of the trade center at just after 9:00am on September 11, 2001.She said that 9/11 was "a tragic day and we are a strong country."Clark says her family has wonderful memories of Victor."We should never forget," Clark said. "We should remember what happened to our country - reflect on it. And remember the sacrifice people made that day and that their families continue to sacrifice."When asked what she'll think about when the 2977 flags are 'planted' during the memorial, she said she'll think of everyone that perished that day.

For events held IN Sacramento on Sept.11, 2011 - CLICK HERE>>>

Lincoln Rail Car Fire Causes Thousands to Evacuate

2011-08-25T05:06:03Z

When I checked my email upon arising this morning, there was a message from Trista Jensen, American Red Cross Capital Region Communications and Marketing Director, asking me to come take pictures at the three shelters the chapter opened for residents displaced from the train car propane fire in Lincoln.

Shelters were opened last night at Lincoln Community Center at 1st & Joiner, Kilaga Springs Lodge on Sun City Blvd & Lincoln Crossings Club House on Groveland Lane.

On Tuesday night, 270 local residents took advantage of the emergency shelters.

My first stop was at the shelter on Groveland Lane. Not a lot of evacuees there. So I headed to the Community Center.

I soon find out the Center shelter is the closest to the burning railroad car full of propane. Only one mile away.People seemed to be in good spirits. Food and water was on hand and everyone visited, read books, took naps or played with their dogs.

Some medical needs that Red Cross nurses tended to included an allergic reaction, headaches and minor cuts needing bandages.

The Red Cross has also activated their Safe and Well website for people trying to locate loved ones, or for people who would like to register themselves as safe and well. The Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies.

The site allows people inside a disaster or emergency-affected area to list themselves as "safe and well" by customizing a message for their loved ones or selecting from pre-scripted messages.

From a computer, visit www.safeandwell.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Throughout the afternoon Lincoln residents continued to check in at the shelters.American Red Cross collaborates with other agencies and businesses to provide the best service possible to people affected by disasters. Farmers Insurance (above) and Salvation Army (below) provided grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks.Firefighters came from Grass Valley, Ophir and other towns to help.The shade provided a good place for a restful nap.When I left the shelter around 4:45pm there were approximately 600 residents that had checked into the three Red Cross shelters.

A plan is underway to drain the propane from the flaming car. Doing this could get the blaze under control in 24 to 48 hours. Thousands of residents could return home once the fire is extinguised.

Disclosure: I am an American Red Cross volunteer and I am a Verizon Wireless customer.

111-mile Sac River Swim Successful!

2011-08-21T19:18:41Z

Jamie Patrick, a San Francisco business man, did an amazing thing. He swam 111 miles in 31 hours • 16 minutes using only his arms, legs and hands. No fins or propulsion machine.His water journey began in Princeton, in Colusa county on ~~Aug. 21~~ August 19 at noon and ended in Old Sacramento, emerging from the water Sat. Aug. 20 at 7:22pm.

He averaged about 3.5 mph.
He pulled himself out onto a long dock under the Tower Bridge and was greeted by many fans.
His face was red with large areas covered in zinc oxide for sunburn protection.It was a non-stop journey. He was constantly given small chunks of food every 20 minutes by one of two kayakers that always flank him as he swam. He had to keep hydrated with water and liquids containing electrolytes.

A Winnebago motor home drove along the river as a support vehicle.

Neil McDunagh, a friend waiting for him to finish, said earlier he swam out to Patrick several miles up river before arriving in Old Sac.

McDunagh said that Patrick would play verbal word games with whoever was in the kayaks to keep himself sane.Patrick undertook this challenge as a fundraiser for promoting literacy for schoolchildren.

He is an old hand at extreme water challenges. For a list of his accomplishments, GO HERE.

Today, on his website, this was posted at 8:45am - "Jamie is up and feeling amazing this morning. Sore in the expected places. We all had an amazing time on the river and can't thank everyone enough for the support we received."

Guardians of Crocker Art

2011-08-14T21:12:54Z

"From 2005 until the opening of the New Crocker, we (Jim and wife Karen) were preparing dozens and dozens of art works that had been either in storage or disrepair, bringing them back (to good shape) so that when the Museum opened they would have all of these pieces to display," explained Jim Alkons, art conservator, at the Crocker.

"It was a very insightful thing for the Museum to do", he said.

He praised the Crocker for doing a wonderful job because they anticipated the new building - the expansion, the opening - and being ready to display the many pieces they've had in storage.

He says his experience has been that this foresight doesn't usually happen. It's an afterthought in lots of organizations.

The Crocker had great foresight! They were poised and ready for the re-opening.

And thanks to the new building, Museum patrons can now watch the Alkons in action.

Right now they're working on the Crocker Collection. About half-dozen paintings have been turned over to them from the California Impressionist show, along with some other pieces.

"We're very eclectic in that we work on anything that needs to be done," Alkons said.

They've examined many pieces of the Brooklyn collection in an upstairs gallery. Part of their roll here is to keep an eye on the art and make sure everything is in proper condition.

Guardians of the art.

All restoration work is reversible. Any art piece must able to be returned to its original condition before repairs or enhancements were done. Not be frozen in time.

As a temporary repair it enables future art conservationists to use better restoration processes as they develop.

As conservators they have to understand how the artist painted, their techniques and materials used so that they can be emulated in the restoration.

This painting (above and below) was created in 1958. It has suffered the wear of time, so it's dirty, and not really well framed. It can go back to the galleries once it's been cleaned and better framed.

Alkon said that every day they see something they've not seen before.

"There's always a new challenge, a new problem," he said. "We never loose our enthusiasm because there is never a dull moment in this work."

One unique problem came in the form of the Vision of Saint Francis painting (below).

It came rolled up and out of the basement of a building in San Francisco.

It was a wreck. It had been crunched and folded with creases all over it. Lots of damage.

It required a massive overhaul. Its restoration took two years.

The Alkons are "old hands" at art conservation. Karen has been at it for 25 years and Jim 36 years.

"We've not gotten tired of it," Karen explains. "I still get a thrill out of cleaning a painting."

Crocker visitors can watch as the Alkons work. Ask at the front desk where to find them!

Visit The Crocker!

Railyards Birdseye View

2011-08-11T02:16:12Z

Here's an elevated view for another perspective to Big things underway at Sacramento Railyards by Carlos Eliason:

Fun Faces of the Fair

2011-07-28T05:25:26Z

I headed to the Fair today. It was hot. Ate a corn dog. Wandered around and started shooting:

Heading to my car, I bought a Funnel Cake to go and gobbled it up at home!

The Fair continues through July 31. Still time to go.......check it out at bigfun.org

New on the Crocker's Block

2011-07-26T17:31:20Z

Yesterday the Crocker Art Museum installed two new outside sculptures. Placed in the courtyard is an untitled piece by Gerald Walburg.

Folded Circle Cube and Disc, a fourteen-foot sculpture weighing 3,000 lbs. by artist Fletcher Benton, was Installed at the corner of O and 3rd Streets.

Benton’s work is included in the permanent collections of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.

The artist was awarded the International Sculpture Center’s award for Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture in 2008.

Folded Circle Cube and Disc was donated to the Museum by Frank and Lill Anderson of the Bay area. Lill has known Benton since the late 1950's.

Installation of the piece required a crane. Here's a few pictures of the installation:

Firefighting Camp for Kids

2011-07-24T18:00:40Z

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District sponsors an annual four-day camp. Each day of camp 11, 12, and 13 year old kids are given a chance to see and learn the varied disciplines of today’s fire service.

They were shown a demonstration of an auto extrication and a Combat Challenge "firefighter physical fitness challenge".

The youngsters were taught how to handle a fire hose, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to climb ladders. And then they put those skills to use under supervision.

"This is an annual camp put on by Sacramento Metro Fire," Jason Wenner, Sac Metro Fire Engineer/Paramedic, explained."Children living in the Sac Metropolitan Fire respnse area who are 11, 12 and 13 years old can attend."

It's a big area - 419 square miles. Wenner explained it's part of a community outreach program. The kids get to spend four days with firefighters who volunteer their time.

"The kids learn about the fire service - what we do, why we do it." Wenner said."They can gain a better understanding, perhaps make a better decision about their careers in the future."

Sometimes they learn this is not what they want to do. Sometimes they learn this is exactly what they want to do, Wenner explained.

He says other than fire service knowledge they can gain life skills like how to be a good team player, self-confidence and responsibility and leadership.

Each youngster used a fire hose in controlled burn-room to put out a fire that simulates a bedroom fire.Young fire fighters learn how to intubate someone who cannot protect their own airway due to being unconscious or not having a heartbeat.Life saving skills were put to use.A 100-foot aerial ladder was extended against a training building five-stories tall for the kids to climb.They learn to face a challenge or obstacle. With a bit of training and courage they are able to do it.A gasoline mixture is set on fire in a pan and the kids used their recently learned skills to put it out with a fire extinguisher.

Wenner says everyone should know how to use an extinguisher.

The last day of camp, they spent the morning at Sunsplash where they learned water safety and water rescue techniques.

Camp ended with a fun afternoon filled with speed and firefighting skills put to use -

BUCKET BRIGADE

WATER HOCKEYThe team that pushes the bucket across to the other side wins.

MAKE AND BREAK

Make and Break is a wildland fire scenario. When there is a fire in a field and a fire engine can't be driven onto it hose and water need to get out to it. Firefighters have to walk to that fire and lay hose down as they go. To train young firefighters the hoses are laid out and they run to couple the hoses together, spray water out and knock a cone down and then sprint back.Grown up firefighters play bucket brigade a bit more aggressively than the younger ones!

Museum Adventures for Mom, Dad and Tots

2011-07-19T22:17:21Z

Crocker Art Museum has launched a Museum Guide and an Interactive Gallery for families.

This morning Crocker Art Museum staff led kids and adults on a Story Trail. Featuring a captivating storybook, "Birdy's Museum Adventure" leads families on an adventure through the Museum to look, discuss and discover seven works of art.

"Birdy's Museum Adventure" can be checked out at the Admission Desk to begin a fun exploration into the galleries with trail markers to lead the way.

The kids were really engaged as we followed along.

Our adventure concluded at Tot Land, a gallery devoted entirely to families. Located in the Museum's Education Center, the gallery is designed to encourage creativity while building eary-learning skillls. Using the screen of "The Living Art Wall", toddlers will be able to express their creativity through digital drawing and painting with their fingers. Resources available in Tot Land support a successful path to early literacy and creative thinking.

Tot Land and Story Trail are free with Museum admission and are available during the Museum's regualar operating hours. For more information, visit crockerartmuseum.org or call (916) 808-7000.

Fair Time - Photos

2011-07-18T05:10:55Z

I hopped on over to the Fair today in the early afternoon. Headed for the Gelato booth first thing and then just roamed around at my leisure.

Here's what I saw:

Defenders of Freedom has large vinyl postcards for fair visitors to write a personal message to military personnel deployed overseas. The United States Postal Service is a partner in this.A permanent memorial, the Cal Expo September 11 Memorial Plaza displays photos from that day and features a steel I-beam from the World Trade Center as well as a 5,000 lb. granite ball inscribed with the names of all who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Three rounds of the Firehouse Challenge had California Firefighters pairing up into two person teams to compete in a cooking challenge for the California State Fair Golden Bear award. In the picture below Stockton firefighter Jim Magnuson, left, steps into the cooking area of Sac Metro Fire to borrow an ingredient from firefighter Tom Chen. Sac Metro Fire won today's third round. They will be up against Woodland Fire on Sunday July 31 at 11am for the final competition.

Two large sculptures in the Fine Arts exhibit.

For information about the fair, check out BIG FUN.

Mermaid Parade in Old Sac

2011-07-17T00:18:07Z

Over 100 nautical-looking folks showed up looking like creatures from the deep blue sea: pirates, lobsters, mermaids, walrus and others.

The Mermaid Parade was a sort of preview for the midnight screening of Humanoids from the Deep, a classic b-horror movie with campy acting and aquatic horror scenes at The Crest.

Here's the some of the creatures on parade today in Old Sac:

Pandamonium at the Zoo

2011-07-12T23:37:03Z

I visited the Sac Zoo today to check out the re-opened Panda exhibit. Three were hanging around sleeping and scratching. They are "foxy" looking. Only one was being photogenic for me. The other two were hidden on tree limbs.While at the Red Panda Exhibit be sure to stop by Greater Sacramento chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (Greater Sac AAZK) booth where you can create a Red panda craft or purchase “lucky bamboo”. All proceeds from the bamboo will go towards the conservation and education efforts of Red Panda Network.

While there I checked out Jingaa, the Sumatran tiger born March 18, 2010. She weighs about 100 lbs and will soon be the same size as her mom at 190 lbs!

I sat down with a hotdog basket for lunch near the giraffes. I swore to myself I wouldn't take anymore photos of the giraffes. This one was begging for it:

EPIC Indoor Skatepark hosts Money Cup

2011-07-10T20:20:48Z

EPIC Skatepark of Rocklin hosted Maloof's Road Tour Skate Contest yesterday. The road tour kicked off June 11 in Chicago, traveling to 11 additional cities during the 12-week RV tour across the country. The Tour features Local Skate Contests, Giveaways and Day of Community Service.

Other cities include (in order of stops): Kansas City, Denver, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Vancouver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Birmingham, Miami, Atlanta and Philadelphia.The Maloof Road Tour will work with local skate shops in each city to host skate contests (High Ollie, Best Line contests and more) on Saturdays at each stop of the tour. The winners of the Best Line contests in the first 10 cities will be flown to Las Vegas in August for MAGIC, the fashion industry’s largest event, where they’ll compete on a special course on the show floor for a shot at $5,000 cash.

The tour wraps up with the first-ever Maloof Money Cup contest in Washington D.C. over Labor Day Weekend.

“Giving back is an important part of what we do in skateboarding,” said Joe Maloof, founder of Maloof Money Cup and owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. “Encouraging others to help us with community service projects on Sundays is essential to our success and is part of our global initiative.”

Bradley Elias, 17, of Fresno took first place and Brent Bell, 16, of Lincoln second place.

Here's some shots of Bradley in action during yesterday's cometition at EPIC Indoor Skatepark:

Here are some shots of Brent in action:

Before the competion began skateboarders were flying all over the skatepark:

East Sac July 4th Parade Photos

2011-07-04T22:18:39Z

It has become a tradition for me to photograph East Sacramento's parade on July 4 that moves along 41st and 42nd Streets each year.

Here's some snapshots from this morning:

3 on 3 RoundRock Basketball Photos

2011-06-13T05:44:40Z

Here's photos from Saturday's event on the Capitol Mall.

For more informattion See Steve Tuck's article

Olympian Strength

2011-06-10T18:27:48Z

50 wounded, ill and injured military Veterans, representatives from Veterans groups and the United States Olympic Committee, along with city and state leaders, gathered to announce and celebrate that Sacramento won a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The grant will provide strong support allowing disabled, ill and blind veterans to keep active in sports events.

The event included activities at River Cats Independence Field, located at the Sam Pannell Meadowview Community Center:

The City of Sacramento, Access Leisure, through their Parlaympic Sport Sacramento Club program is a formal partner with the United States Olympic Committee's Paralympic Division. The US Paralympics Division is creating a nationwide network of Paralympic Sport Clubs to provide sports opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Paralympic Sport Sacramento is proud to offer and/or support these Paralympic Sports: Sled Hockey, Track and Field, Handcycling, Goalball, Quad Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis and Swimming.

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Paralympic Military Program provides post-rehabilitation support and mentoring to American servicemen and women who've sustained physical injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, visual impairment/blindness and stroke. Veterans are introduced to adaptive sport techniques and opportunities through clinics and camps and are also connected with ongoing Paralympic sports programs in their hometowns.

Access Leisure is a program of the City of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation. Access Leisure provides sports, residential camping and outdoor education as well as social and fitness programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities.

U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and promoting excellence in the lives of people with physical disabilities.

Love and Gratitude on Memorial Day

2011-05-30T21:29:17Z

Rev. Dr. David Thompson also gave a Memorial Day Address after the Invocation. He explained "it is up to us to carry the torch for freedom.And to do so in the context of peace-making."

"If the American dream is to form a more perfect Union then we must all be dedicated to that proposition that Abraham Lincoln put before us: that all are created equal," Thompson said. "If the world is to survive, that same proposition must set us all free." Alan Fisher reminded that Memorial Day is more than a three-day weekend.

"My hope for you and me," Fisher said, "is that Memorial Day will have a little bit more of the resolution than New Years Day. That we'll resolve to be kinder, we will resolve to be better citizens in a country that these who have fallen have worked so hard and given so much to preserve and protect."

"On Memorial Day have a little bit of Valentine's Day; love for country, love for those who gave all, love for the freedom that we are cherishing today," he asked.

Sac Jazz Festival | Photos

2011-05-28T04:22:14Z

Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee opened today for the 38th time.

A parade kicked it off at 11:45am under cloudy skies that brightened as the day went on.

Here's some pictures:

Sac Jazz Festival & Jubilee runs through May 30.

Pink Fire Trucks on Tour - “Cares Enough to Wear Pink”

2011-05-26T23:45:19Z

I figure these firemen are secure in their manliness since they are dressed in pink and drive around in pink fire trucks all over the country.

They are on a mission: to raise awareness and money for the fight of cancer impacting women.

Today they were at the South Sacramento Cancer Center on Bruceville Rd.

Capt. Mike Mullins of Virginia Beach, VA joined this year's tour in San Francisco a few days ago. He explained that "Pink Heals, guardian of the ribbon," is a cancer service organization that raises awareness of all cancers. This is a Movement, founded four years ago, to celebrate women by wearing her color and then helping them locally with their battle against cancer."

Mullins further explained: "Men get cancer too but as men we must put our women first in their battle for life; it’s this selfless calling of support that is driving this movement."

"We are looking for one hundred chapters to be set up across the Country, we have 12 chapters that are currently painting their trucks pink and providing Love and Hope in their communities," Dave Graybill, founder explained. "We will eventually build about fifteen fire stations that will be built out of the names of people that have battled cancer. Each one of these stations will have two pink brand new pumpers that will go out into the community to inspire support for people battling cancer."

About every square inch of the exterior of all three trucks is filled with signatures - over 10,000 (above and below).They tour the country every year for three months in pink fire trucks, carrying the signatures of very special people. They are mostly women, some men and a few children.Apparel sales fund 100% of the Pink HEALS Tour.

When a man signs a fire truck it is to honor a woman impacted by cancer. A woman signing the truck can honor any male or female.

Honoring Harvey Milk

2011-05-24T19:18:07Z

"Harvey Milk was a hero that stood up and fought for the elderly, the disenfranchised and the needy in San Francisco, and for gay and lesbian rights in a time when no one else was taking up their plight, and he was gay." Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now (EAN) said. "Milk fought for the rights of all, and that included LGBTQI people in his community.”

"Harvey Milk was a leader in the gay rights movement who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977." Ken Pierce, Director of Public Relations, EAN, explained. "This made him the nation’s first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city."

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization hosted the second annual Harvey Milk Day Celebration event, Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the downtown Crocker Art Museum.

In memory of Milk, Reynolds presented three awards:

2011 Harvey Milk Activist of the Year
Diana Luiz - for her total involvement in the fight for true equality in more actions and rallies than we can mention. Diana is ever present with a solid ability to make thinks happen. She has been an equality activist for more than 10 years here in Sacramento and involved with Equality Action NOW since it's inception November 5, 2008.

Ken Pierce - As the Director of Public Relations and Media, Ken has put a strong and present voice to our movement for true equality. He is on top of our issues and has a presence about him that makes you want to listen to him. He is a collaborator, a motivator and a high achiever.

2011 Harvey Milk Educator of the Year
Angela Luna - since the very beginning of Equality Action NOW Angela has been involved at the leadership level, fighting and speaking about her own life experiences. Angela researches, wrote and fretted over educating our children on heros in the LGBTQ community and completed her important piece on the Life of Harvey Milk that was developed into a curriculum that she has available for students from 4-12 grade. "We all get to have heros, and Angela is one of mine," said Reynolds.

The award-winning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk. was viewed.

Photos | Kati Garner, EAN volunteer photographer

Equality Action Now

Jodi Radke

Civil War Re-enacted at Gibson Ranch

2011-05-22T19:03:59Z

I felt like I really stepped back in time when I went to the Civil War Re-enactment presented by the National Civil War Association at Gibson Ranch yesterday. Until my cellphone rang!

There was lots going on, like A Civil War Clothing Demonstration, free Guided Camp Tours, a May Day Celebration and "Searching for the Dead" Scenario, Horse Drawn Artillery Demonstration, a Period Wedding and Consolidated Drunm Band concert and more.

2011 is the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the Civil War between the Southern and Northern American States.

I'm not a history buff. I enjoyed seeing and hearing what it may have sounded like back in the time of Abraham Lincoln.

Here's some moments:

First Sgt. Lovell, Norfolk Light Artillery Blues explained that that the first shots of the Civil War were not fired at Ft. Sumter, but in Pensacola, FL where Federal Sentries fired upon some citizens. The Confederacy didn't fire the first shots, he said.

AMGEN | Photos from Northgate at Hwy 160

2011-05-17T00:03:55Z

I positioned myself on the inside of the curve on Northgate that the racers traveled before their tred hit the ramp onto Hwy 160. I could've held my breath longer than it took all of them to pass by.

Here's what flew by me:

To follow the Tour of California or to find out the results from today's Stage 2, go to AMGEN

Mercy's Mock Mayhem Medical Emergency

2011-05-15T19:53:35Z

An 'armed suspect' began firing upon people in Mercy General Hospital on J St. yesterday. A 'bomb' had to defused.

Sacramento Police Department partnered with Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento Fire Department, and the City/County Office of Emergency Services by staging the mock emergency.

"The purpose of this exercise is for the participating agencies to practice the use of a Unified Command System." Norm Leong, Sac PD Public Information Officer said. "During the exercise, personnel will focus on coordinated efforts, critical decision making and support roles between all involved agencies."

"Unfortunately, workplace violence is a reality and exercises like this help prepare our emergency personnel for similar real life situations" explained Leong.

Sea World at the Capitol

2011-05-13T00:46:39Z

It was a zoo at the Capitol this afternoon.

Sea World was on the north side displaying amphibians, reptiles, and small animals. And a few of the animals went inside the Capitol building to pay a visit to the lawmakers and staff.

It was a touchy-feelly experience for those who stopped by.

Their visit is educational so that folks can experience and see what Sea World does for wildlife conservation and animal care.

The visit was a partnership with Conservation Ambassadors' program "Zoo to You."

Here are some freeze moments from today:

During their travels, Sea World is getting the word out about a new attraction called Turtle Reef.
According to a spokesperson,"the focal point of Turtle Reef will be a nearly 300,000-gallon aquarium featuring adult Hawksbill and green sea turtles — some more than 50 years old — as well as younger green sea turtles that hatched at SeaWorld in 2009."

To learn more about Sea World's Conservation program, click HERE.

Here We Rally | Photos

2011-05-11T15:51:09Z

Here's some images from the big Kings rally in Cesar Chavez Park Tuesday night:

Read about the Here We Rally HERE

Mother's Day at World Peace Rose Garden

2011-05-09T19:53:39Z

Mother's Day seemed a good to capture the flowers and people at our State Capitol's Rose Garden. Pretty much everything was showing its splendor. Whiffs of fragrance filled the air as I strolled through it.

Here's some photos from Mother's Day:

For info on the rose garden CLICK HERE>>>

It was Happening at the Zoo

2011-05-08T18:35:00Z

Cultural entertainment, art, music, dance and, of course, the animals, yesterday.The Sacramento Zoo celebrated the rich cultural diversity that defines California.

Here's some shots of what was happening:

There was many more exhibitors, artisans and performances!

Watch for next year's event here:

Explosion damages Sacramento's Airport - simulated

2011-05-05T23:33:08Z

On Tuesday, 1pm, an improvised explosive device (IED) denoted in the public area of the International Arrivals Building at Sacramento's airport.

Significant structural damage impacted two floors.

Four people were killed by the explosion and six were seriously injured, four minor.

A Cougar Air 5150, a Boeing 737, was taxiing to Gate 40. The aircraft's air frame was extensively damaged due to flying derbris from the explosion.

The aircraft initiated emergency evacuation and passengers deplaned via slides onto the tarmac.

Of the 60 passengers on board five are deceased, 11 seriously injured, and five with minor injuries. Among the five crew members one is deceased, one seriously injured and three uninjured.

If you're wondering why you hadn't heard of this on the major news channels it's because it didn't happen.

But 16 agencies involved responded as if it did.

Lots of volunteers participated, most of them playing the victims. They were made-up with varying colors of stuff applied to their faces, legs, arms and necks. They were given a card telling them how to role-play as a victim.

Emergency personnel arrived in droves and got down to business helping the victims.

The 'airplane passengers' were actually in a bus on the tarmac. Many walked off unscathed. Some didn't.

A man carrying his dead 'child' went berserk!One was handcuffed by a Sheriff's deputy for something he said.One 'injured' passenger couldn't breath, all he could do was cough and barely move.

The most seriously 'injured' were laid on the tarmac,then transported hospitals.

I showed up in my Red Cross shirt and my camera, so I was assigned the role of Reporter. The freedom I was allowed yesterday would not be the case in a real emergency.

Everyone was told to "react how you would if this were a real emergency".

Certain airports are required to conduct this exercise every three years.

It allows responders the opportunity to perform as they would in a real emergency in a no-fault learning environment.

Farmers Markets now in Season | Photos

2011-05-03T23:20:25Z

Fremont and Roosevelt Parks Farmers Markets had good crowds and good food on hand for opening day.

Here's some snapshots:

For more info, go HERE.

Men in Heels - More photos

2011-05-02T21:45:45Z

Here's some more photos from Saturday's WEAVE fundraiser involving men wearing heels for one mile!

It was a pretty funny sight!

Check out this ARTICLE about it

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

A Heck of a Sunset

2011-04-28T03:34:18Z

Clouds are not all bad. They make colorful sunsets, as in this view down H Street near Elvas Ave. around 8pm this evening.

Swainson's Hawk Soars

2011-04-27T00:40:11Z

A Swainson's Hawk soars above Sutter's Landing Park this afternoon. Sutter’s Landing Park is one of the only urban locations in the region where Swainson’s hawks can be seen and appreciated. Urbanization tends to drive away the hawks, which are rarely viewable outside rural areas.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Hey NBA, Sacramento is Worthy

2011-04-21T23:08:58Z

People of all ages were wearing purple in Downtown Sac today. I had to really look to spot purple. Some colors were almost purple so I figured they were showing support for the Kings. On the south side of the Capitol a man was wearing a big King's face with a crown. I was driving too fast to catch him. Fans were wearing purple to show visiting National Basketball Association representatives that the capital is worthy of an NBA team.

Some businesses were offering specials that included purple.

Here's some of the folks I saw around Cesar Chavez Plaza and City Hall:

Project R.I.D.E. saddles up

2011-04-17T01:25:22Z

Project R.I.D.E. saddles up and rides as part of fundraising for their facility in Elk Grove.

This morning's ride was its 28th annual John Lewis Memorial Trail Ride.

The Barton Ranch in Sloughhouse hosted this country activity for 49 riders. It is located west of Rancho Murieta between Jackson Highway and Highway 50.

Everyone arrived at 7:30am, ate some great grub, drank some coffee and saddled up, hitting the trail at 9am.

Rolling hills, vivid blue skies after morning fog lifted, green grass, running creeks and sunshine made for a great ride. Cattle, including calves roamed amongs the great oak trees.

Here are some snapshots of the ride:Activities continue this evening with a special “American Idol Country Style” presentation, performed by Jessie Baker students.Then there's BBQ rib eye steaks served with with all the trimmin’s.

All proceeds generated during the day and evening events benefit Project R.I.D.E.’s therapeutic recreational horseback riding program, which serves over 400 students with special needs in a safe, structured setting.

Project R.I.D.E. offers therapeutic recreational horseback riding instruction to over 440 riders with disabilities in the greater Sacramento area. A safe, structured program improves physical, emotional and social functioning through interaction with specially trained equine handlers and volunteers.

projectride.org/

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Highlights

2011-04-15T03:52:31Z

Downtown's skyline is highlighted by soft light from the sun around 7pm this evening. View from southend of Jefferson Blvd in West Sac.

Photo | Kati Garner

In Solidarity with The Sikhs

2011-04-14T21:31:37Z

The recent shooting of two elderly Sikh men in Elk Grove propelled Sikh Solidarity Day at the state Capitol on April 13, 2011. The long list of speakers included Assemblymembers Logue and Dickinson; Bryan Noblett, Elk Grove Police Dept and Scott Jones, Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept; Jon Fish, Sacramento Interfaith Service Bureau and Edith Crawford, Institute for Advancing Unity.

Several hundred people attended.

Indian food was served as well as fruit and dessert by City of Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Vernon is trying to stop bill AB-46 by Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez that would dissolve Vernon, a tax-rich city with a history of paying officials more than $500,000 a year. Signs posted by them read "Mr. Speaker Don't Take My Job." They were there for visibility.

The west side of the Capitol building was colorful. Here are some snapshots of Sikh Solidarity Day:
Here are the Core Beliefs of the Sikh religion:

• A single Creator sustains people of all faiths. All are free to practice their beliefs freely.
• Every human being is equal in the eyes of God. All positions of authority in Sikh religious and political life are open to both women and men.
• Sikhs are guided by three daily principles: Work hard and honestly. Always share your bounty with the less fortunate. Remember God in everything you do.
• Sikhism seeks to create a just society. All Sikhs are required to contribute to the welfare of humanity.
• The Sikh religion does not have a clergy. Each individual is personally capable of experiencing the Creator.
• The Sikh faith rejects polytheism, idol worship, superstitions and blind rituals.
• Sikhism considers no place, day or time more holy than any other.

State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg proclaimed "Let us pick a day together when we are all Sikh Americans, we are all Californians and we all stand together,"

For more information: sikhcoalition.org/

AMERICAN MUSCLE at CA Auto Museum Photos

2011-04-10T19:01:29Z

"American Muscle celebrates Detroit’s 1960s glory days of speed, sound, and style, when lightweight, mid-sized cars with big engines tore up American roads. The exhibit captures the colorful history of the muscle car, from its origins (whether you believe that was in 1964, 1955, or even 1938) to its sudden demise in the economy-conscious 1970s," a museum spokesperson stated.

The exhibit runs through July 9, 2011.

Yesterday's opening of the show was in the parking lot featuring competition for categories such as best paint job, loudest engine and best of show. There was food (BBQ), vendors, a kids’ area, music by 96.9 The Eagle, mobile detailing, free giveaways and a Show N’ Shine.

Here's some of the cars on display.

Nate Hickok receives a congratulatory handshake for winning loudest engine with his 1969 Mustang Mach 1.

For more photos of American Muscle, click HERE>>>

The California Auto Museum is located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, California 95818 • (916) 442-6802

Photos | Kati Garner, MaverickPhotography.us

(MaverickPhotography.us is official photographer for California Auto Museum)

Walking Across America for American Equality Bill

2011-03-30T01:41:23Z

I met a man today who is doing a noble thing. Richard Noble is walking the Rainbow Flag across the nation.

By walking the Rainbow Flag across America through cities and isolated regions in person, he says that "gay life comes out of isolation for many kids and into a tangible form."

A group of people from EQUALITY ACTION NOW walked across the Tower Bridge with him as his journey brought him to Sacramento.

"Today I want to dedicate my walk to Satender Singh, a 26 year old who was gay bashed to death here in Sacramento by 2 Slavic men who were part of a Slavic group dedicated to the destruction of homosexuality and part of a Slavic group to do just that," he said. "Today we walk unafraid and certain of justice to those who cause us harm in America. Yes, we have civil rights and have federal protections. Make no mistake."

"This is my hope, this is my dream," Noble said. "If one gay kid comes and tells me they were thinking of suicide and changed their mind as a result of seeing a gay person walk across America by being visible with the Rainbow Flag, then I have done something worth while."

On March 12, his journey began in San Francisco and will end at the Statue of Liberty in New York within a year-and-a-half.

Along the way, in the cities and towns he travels through, he will introduce and submit a calender item to adopt a resolution that would include sexual orientation and gender identity to the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

He is submitting it to the Sacramento City Council tonight.

Not even on his path, West Hollywood, California is the first city to do accept the resolution.

He says he will ask Congress to bring sexual orientation and gender identity to full protection under the Constitution of the United States."There is no doubt in my mind and in my heart, why I am doing what I am doing," Noble explains. "The untruthful rhetoric of religion and it's effect in elections, translates into the unconstitutionality of current law, and through wisdom, non-violence and perseverance, we can change that, reminding each other of the inherent nature of the ultimate truth that we are each created as embodiments of love."

You can read and sign the petition here: change.org/petitions/the-gay-rights-amendment
More information HERE>>>

His iPhone is powered up and he gives updates on Facebook through his travels.

Storm over Sacramento

2011-03-27T00:05:21Z

My plan of the day included another road trip while the rain and wind were pummeling the area.

At 12:16pm I found myself on a levee overlooking the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area.

Interstate 80 is seen in the upper third of the photo above. Everything is submerged. This is the south side of the freeway. The north side is also filled with water.Looking east from the levee I saw more than these two power poles skirted by water.

To see how the are looked on Feb. 13, about six weeks ago, CLICK HERE>>>Next I hopped on Old River Rd from West Sac and travelled south on the west side of the Sacramento River. A trailer park along the way had water encroaching upon it. The photo above is the big water tower along I-5 just south of the Pocket area.

It's evident how high the river is compared to the level of dry land.

Turned around and then headed north out of West Sacramento. Followed N. Harbor Blvd to Old River Rd., still on the west side of the river. I wanted to see how the homes along Garden Hwy looked from this perspective.

To see how the area looked March 20, CLICK HERE>>>These two frame-built homes look like houseboats from this perspective.This shows the Sacramento River near the Tule Canal north of West Sacramento. Water is draining into the canal from the river.

For a NOW-CAST of the weather, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

BANJO - RAMA

2011-03-26T05:15:44Z

Each year the Sacramento Banjo Band sponsors an annual banjo music festival known as Banjo-Rama. World class banjo stars are featured as soloists and in ensembles. Eddie Peabody, probably the most famous banjo player ever, performed at the very first Banjo-Rama.

In addition to banjo virtuosos, there are several exciting west coast banjo bands. It's quite a musical spectacle that could just as well have been named the banjo Olympics. These musicians are not just plucking chords like grandpa used to do on the back porch! They are genuine pros! Their fingers and hands are sizzling hot, moving faster than the eye can follow, playing everything from classical to popular music. You'll be surprised and delighted at their imaginative arrangements, versatility, and precise execution. Primarily 4-string banjos are played at Banjo-Rama.

Banjo-Rama proceeds are a benefit for charities like the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Workshops and performances continue through the weekend. For Saturday and Sunday schedule CLICK HERE>>>

sacramentobanjoband.com/

Storm on the Grid

2011-03-25T01:05:32Z

Early this afternoon I hopped in the car and cruised around between East Sac and Downtown watching how folks were handling the newest round of the storm:Some handled it in style with a pretty umbrella.Others tried to outrun the raindrops.This gal handled it with practicality.Many had their arms full of stuff, no cover over their heads or just barely. I saw one man with a plastic shopping bag on his head.This outdoorsman was dressed for spring.Others just plowed through it (J & 41st St.)

And I wonder what willl tomorrow bring?

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Latino Leaders honored in Cesar Chavez Resolution

2011-03-22T23:33:39Z

In advance of Saturday’s annual march commemorating Cesar Chavez' birthday, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution honoring him Board of Supervisors Chambers this morning.

“We want to honor Cesar Chavez on behalf of the citizens of Sacramento County, my father, and all of the hard work that continues to be done in improving the working and living conditions of farm workers in California,” said Phil Serna, District 1 Supervisor.

Supervisor Serna awarded the principal resolution to Becky Chavez, (above) Cesar’s niece, who has lived through the United Farm Workers’ movement her uncle championed.

"Phil has always admired Cesar’s strength and courage as he fought tirelessly for those who had no voice." said Joe Angeles, Special Assistant to Supervisor Phil Serna. "And under his father, the late Mayor Joe Serna Jr., the City of Sacramento became the first California municipality to establish an official holiday on Cesar Chavez’s birthday and named the park across from City Hall 'Cesar Chavez Plaza'.”

"Phil felt it only fitting the County honor Cesar Chavez in advance of the annual march commemorating his birthday, which is why Phil asked different members of the Latino community from the arts, labor, international, business, advocacy, and public safety to accept a signed copy of the resolution," Angeles explained.

Here are the community leaders who were honored today,receiving a copy of the Resolution:

The 11th annual Cesar Chavez march is

Saturday, MARCH 26, • 2010 at 10:00 AM.

March begins at:
Arteaga's Supermarket
940 Sacramento Ave. (at Jefferson Blvd)
West Sacramento, CA 95606

For more info on the march CLICK HERE>>>

To hear a portion of the Resolution meeting on Capital Public Radio, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Eat on the Fly

2011-03-22T15:36:21Z

One mourning dove dines while another flies away after enjoying a snack in my East Sac backyard. The feeder is for smaller birds, like the House Finch, but these big guys were able to partake in a nice snack of Nyjer Seed, no problem. The Mourning Dove diet consists of mainly small dry seeds, forcing a dependance on drinking water throughout the year. However, with their strong ability to fly they do not need to stay near waterholes. Doves drink continuously, by sucking and swallowing, up to six times faster than other birds, reducing the time required at available water. This is important as most predators are known to ambush their prey while drinking.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Rollin' along the Rivers

2011-03-21T02:05:06Z

Feel like I still live in Washington state with all this rain. So I did what comes naturally to me and took a trip along the rivers to see what havoc the wind and rain have created.

Headed east on Hwy 50 to end up at Folsom Dam. The rain was coming down hard as I drove by it. Water was pouring into the American River from Folsom Lake.

Then I shot over to Sunrise Blvd and took the American River Access to get next to the river. A few people were braving the rain. A woman below paused to look at the river as she crossed the foot bridge at 11:04am (below.)

Next I headed to River Bend Park, hoping to drive to the river but access was closed. It was pouring and I didn't feel like getting cold and wet.

Onward to the Howe Ave Access Park. A sign indicated it was closed due to flooding. Yep, it was flooded.

Trees normally dry were submerged.

Arrived at Discovery Park around 1pm. The road over the green bridge was blocked. The rain took a break and folks ventured out. People parked their cars at the entrance and walked across the bridge. It was immediately apparent why it was closed to vehicles.

The river and land had become one. Kinda zen-ish.Got on the Garden Highway around 1:45pm and it was pouring hard again. Saw several scenes similar to the one at the very top and the one below. Resident's backyards were replaced with the Sacramento River. Some vehicles were submerged.

Throughout my journey I spotted split trees and lots of debris in the road driven by wind and rain.

For photos of the Old Sac area affected by rain on Friday, CLICK HERE>>>

To stay on top of current weather conditions, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Walk IN the River

2011-03-19T02:31:42Z

Bear with me here, but I love when the weather is all stormy and makes things happen to the surroundings. Like today when I saw how full the Sacramento River is!I took a stroll along the West Sacramento River Walk area near the Ziggurat Building (you know, that pyramid-shaped one across from Old Sac) this afternoon and wasn't able to follow the sidewalk on the lower level.

It was flooded and rising.

So I enjoyed the view.

And we can expect more wet stuff and high winds. Read about it HERE>>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Access Sacramento Celebrates 25 years.

2011-03-13T22:17:09Z

Access Sacramento opened its doors and studios to the public to mark its 25th year of offering community media for Sacramento County.

For 25 years, nonprofit organization Access Sacramento has been “making a difference, one voice at a time,” through its commitment to covering local entertainment, high school sports and cultural events. Saturday’s event will showcase what local media has to offer the community and how attendees can play a major role in community reporting.

I was 'the media covering the media' as I roamed around snapping photos for a couple of hours. Here are some shots:

Many special guests including Assemblyman Roger Dickinson, City Councilman Steve Cohn, Supervisor Phil Serna, and Chris Flores representing Congresswoman Doris Matsui dropped by.

Folks had the chance to meet local media organizations like The Sacramento Bee, KCRA, News 10, FOX 40 and others.

The Media Lab showcased the public launch of the new web site AccessLocal.tv with content from our five "Neighborhood News Bureau" partner organizations.The television studio hosted performing groups to demonstrate studio television productions skills.

Students from Luther Burbank High School in above photo: Vanessa Pagan, Jasmine Owens, Mo Lee and Sebastian Nand promoted March12-18 as a Week of Peace, a collaboration among students from Sacramento area schools, churches, Youth Organizations, After School Programs, City Park and Recreation, and all workplaces.

Access Sacramento is putting together a network of news bureaus in the South Sacramento area. The goal is to get youth to report for their communities, producing news stories about South Sacramento. The effort is based around a website that access Sacramento has set up called accesslocal.tv.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Acosta Vs San Diego fought for California Welterweight Title

2011-03-13T18:06:10Z

There is something exciting watching grown men, and women, pummel each other with hands, legs, feet, knees and elbows.

Rocklin's Coach's Sport Bar hosted the IKF Championship Muay Thai Kickboxing event in front of a packed audience.

It was my first live kickboxing experience.

I liked it!

Here's some pics and the list of fighters who competed is below the photos:

The Main Event - IKF Champ Roberto Morales against tough Josh San Diego fight for the chamionship title:

The Fighters:

AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 172.1-179
TBA VS Bode Weithingthon, Sacramento, 0-0, 6'1, Robinson
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 137.1-142
Brian Delapena, San Francisco, 1-1, 5'6", Kru Sam VS Marquise Ross, Fresno, 0-0, 5'9", James Contreas
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 117.1-122
Michelle Cabutuando, Sacramento, 0-0, 5'3", MT Lao VS Cat Feely, San Francisco, 0-0, 5'7", Jongsanan
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 132.1-137
Alec Gonzales, Vallejo, 1-0, 5'7", T. Howard VS Phil Devera, San Jose, 2-4, 5'7", Derek Yuen
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 142.1-147
Joel Douglas, Chico, 0-0, 5'8", B. Clements VS John Cabrido, Milpitas, 0-0, 5'8", Rudi Ott
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 153.1-159
Sean Cronin, Rocklin, 1-1, 5'11", R.Davis, VS Robert Alvarado, Patterson, 0-1, 6'2", M. Hermia
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 132.1-137
Jennifer Faust, San Leandro, 0-0, 5'10", Ramos VS Joshe Mikow, San Francisco, 1-1, 5'7", Fairtex
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 195.1-215
Anthony Hernandez, Woodland, 0-0, 6', D.Morrissey VS Frank Tapia, Fresno, 0-1, J. Contre
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 132.1-137
Powell Knogkham, Sacramento, 0-0, 5'8", MT Lao VS Nemo Vier, Fairfield, 0-0, 5'6", BBDC
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 153.1-159
Tai Ly, San Francisco, 0-0, 5'9", Kru Sam VS Bear Baily, Sacramento, 0-0, 5'11", C. Robinson
AMATEUR MUAY THAI: 147.1-153
Jeremy Jacildo, Vallejo, 0-0, 5'8", T. Howard, VS Izzy Morales, Ceres, 1-0, 5'10", Mike Duran
VACANT IKF AMATEUR MODIFIED MUAY THAI RULES CALIFORNIA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE
Anthony Acosta, San. Leandro, 5-2, 5'10", VS Josh San Diego, Milpitas, California, USA, 3-0, Rudi/Unlimited

More kickboxing events: ikfkickboxing.com and AK Promotions

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Red Cross Month in March

2011-03-09T17:39:10Z

Our local American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter booths were set up on the west steps of the Capitol Building March 9 to remind folks March is Red Cross Month. Information about disaster preparedness, health, CPR and lifesaving was all about educating legislators, staffers and the public about the great work of the Red Cross!

AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

For over a century, the American Red Cross has harnessed the generosity of the American people, mobilizing us to offer assistance in the wake of disaster. Whether aiding towns fighting rising floodwaters or nations struggling with starvation and disease, the American Red Cross and its international partners have served during crises across the United States and around the world. During American Red Cross Month, we celebrate our Nation's humanitarian spirit, and we recommit to providing relief and hope in times of crisis.

The American Red Cross has a long history of partnering with Presidents of the United States to confront the world's most pressing challenges. During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson called on our citizens to help the American Red Cross "respond effectively and universally to the needs of humanity under stress of war." This relationship continued in 1943, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed March as Red Cross Month, urging the public to support the efforts of the American Red Cross to provide resources and medical care to troops, allies, and peoples around the world.

Emergency response organizations like the American Red Cross play a vital role in relief operations by deploying scores of volunteers to rebuild communities hit by disaster and by providing critical support and resources at home and abroad. When a devastating earthquake struck Haiti last year, the American people responded with an outpouring of compassion, prompting an unprecedented international response and relief effort by the American Red Cross. These efforts reflect our country's noblest ideals, and they contribute to a climate of international trust and cooperation.

Volunteers play an essential part in every American Red Cross effort, from traveling to disaster zones around the world to donating blood at local community centers. Through their service, ordinary citizens have done extraordinary things, upholding the humanitarian mission of service and relief organizations and keeping our Nation strong and resilient. Though we can never fully know the challenges we will face, American Red Cross Month reminds us that Americans will always pull together in times of need and will always look to the future with hope and determination.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2011 as American Red Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and by supporting the work of service and relief organizations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Photos | Kati Garner, American Red Cross Volunteer

A capitol landing?

2011-03-08T21:37:37Z

What looks like someone landing on top of the Capitol building is a State arborist doing maintenance on a large tree on the west side of the Capitol this morning. He had just finished thinning out some branches about 75 ft up. His partner held the end of his rope as he rappelled to the ground.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Women of Color awards

2011-03-08T06:53:19Z

Women of color, and a few good men, were recognized durning the 26th annual Sacramento Community Women of Color Day/Diversity Event.

"This event honors outstanding women of color for achievements/contributions, and women, men, businesses, and organizations of all cultures supporting/promoting diversity." Suzanne Brooks, CEO explained.

Brooks said that in the 26 years since March 1st was established as Women of Color Day, more than 250 have been honored in Sacramento.

Commemorations have also been held in other California cities, 22 additional states and 5 other countries.

Here are the honorees:

Joan Cartwright Originally from New York City, Joan Cartwright has a B.A (Communications and Music) and M.A. (Communications). Joan studied piano, composition and theory with pianist Gerald Price, and harp with Caliope Proios.

She also studied ballet and modern dance with Bernice Johnson and Lavern Porter, African dance with Dinizulu. She's performed on television, radio and on stage, including at the Blue Note (NYC), The "A" Train and Erny’s (Delray Beach), O’Hara’s, Promenade and Riverwalk Sunday Jazz Brunch (Fort Lauderdale) and Ellington's (Sanibel Island.

She has given lectures to over 5,000 children/college students in U.S., Switzerland, Sicily, China and Japan on women in jazz and being a singer. Her workshops highlight pitfalls and benefits of the music business.

Courtney Dempsey

Courtney Dempsey is an anchor/reporter. She joined the CW31 staff in August of 1995 and has been working with Good Day Sacramento. She started her career working part-time while attending Sacramento State University and joined the team full-time upon graduation. She has worked a gamut of jobs during her tenure, but what she enjoys the most is doing feature segments.

Outside of television, Courtney has worked in many other realms of entertainment. She hosted the midday show and anchored morning news and traffic as “CoCo” on KBMB 103.5 FM. She has done commercials and voice work for both television and radio. Her passion for dancing, since the age of four, has led to a leisure career with professional dance ensemble “Company 19.” She enjoys community service, culture and education. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Jack & Jill of America, Sacramento Black Journalists Association and Black Alumni of Sacramento State University.

Sarah EnloeSarah Enloe joined the California Diabetes Program in September 2002. As the lead administrative support staff, she oversees record keeping and reporting systems for program activities, contractor requirements, and program budgets.

Sarah provides technical consultation and assistance to contractors in the areas of state and federal requirements, budget and accounting procedures, and contract management services. She also serves as technical advisor to staff on administrative policies, contracting, budgeting, and fiscal projections. She provides day-to-day administrative support for the Program and also assists in the hiring process.

Prior to joining the California Diabetes Program, Sarah worked as with the Department of Defense for 16 years and later transferred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) – Immigration and Natural Service (INS) as an Analyst. She remained with DOJ - INS until 1999 when she relocated back to Sacramento to be closer to her family.

Dr. Linda S. Goodrich

Dr. Linda S. Goodrich, Chair,Theatre and Dance Dept., Sacramento State University, began dance training in ballet, modern, Afro-Haitian and jazz dance.

Born in Columbus, OH, she danced with Dancentral Modern Dance Company; then directed several companies, including Dunbar Dance Company in Ohio before moving to New York to continue studies. She earned her M.A. (1972), Ph.D. (1976) at The Ohio State University in English, and her M.F.A. in Choreography and Performance (1982) at Mills College.

Moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in the 70’s, she performed in Stompin’ at the Savoy and played the lead in Carmen Jones. She has directed and choreographed such shows as Dancing at Lugnasa, The Colored Museum, Jar the Floor, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbo Was Enuf, and The Old Settler and performed with Sacramento Theatre Company, and others. For 18 years, she has been Artistic Director to Sacramento/Black Art of Dance (S/BAD) following black concert dance traditions and Katherine Dunham, and is a founding member, Ebo Okokan, Afro Cuban ensemble.

Kamala HarrisKamala Harris, in December, 2003, was elected as the first woman District Attorney in San Francisco’s history, and the first African American woman and South East Asian woman in California to hold the office. She has spent 20 years in courtrooms as a prosecutor fighting violent crime, hate crimes, financial crimes—especially against elders and discrimination. She opposes the death penalty.

She is the recipient of numerous awards from professional and community organizations, including the National Black Prosecutors Association. She is the 32nd and current Attorney General of California following the 2010 California state elections. She has worked as an author. She is the first female, African-American, and Asian-American attorney general in California and the first Indian-American attorney general in the United States.

INDIGIEFEMMETash Terry born and raised on the Navajo Nation and Elena Higgins born in Aotearoa (New Zealand) of Maori and Samoan heritage are the powerful musical duo Indigie Femme
.
These international performers have united to unleash their creative intelligence that taps into their ancestry. Indigie Femme weave innovative and traditional songs and finds parallels throughout their experiences. Their musical ensemble includes: 6 &12 string guitars, mandolin, cajun, djembes, medicine drum and percussions. May 2010 saw the launch of Indigie Femme’s new CD, “Indian Souvenir.” The album draws upon life’s experiences capable of touching and relating to all lives. It is dedicated to two significant people who have touched and enhanced their lives—Elena’s mum, Julie Higgins, and Tom Riggs, Tash's Deaf mentor. Both passed away from cancer.

40,000 miles has been clocked up this year in the air and on road as Indigie Femme promote “Indian Souvenir” in North America and Australia. Various cultures coming together and seeing through the eyes of other perspectives, and letting go of separation and discrimination is a huge part of Indigie Femme’s vision. Indigie Femme are based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Purple Moon Dance Project

The PURPLE MOON DANCE PROJECT was founded by Jill Togawa in 1992 to realize a creative vision:

Integrating non-western and western dance forms and aesthetics
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Exploring the continuum of intimacy between women.

The mission of Purple Moon Dance Project is to increase the visibility of lesbians and women of color and to encourage social change, peace and healing in our society through the medium of dance. Purple Moon's work is "diversity made physical!"

Purple Moon produces an annual ‘home season’ of work in San Francisco, and tours nationally and internationally. Their work has been presented at the NGO Forum on Women in Beijing, China, the Gay Games Cultural Festival in New York, at Highways, in Santa Monica, California, and other venues in Oregon, New Mexico, Hawai'i, and California.

Purple Moon’s artists offer workshops for women and girls without formal dance training, and for community organizations who work with lesbians and women of color. Through its performance and educational activities, Purple Moon's vision is to contribute to social change, peace and healing in our society.

Pleshette Robertson

Pleshette Robertson, founded Sacculturalhub.com in 2001 with the goal of providing Black Urban Entertainment News in Sacramento and beyond. It’s mission is to be the central information hub of interesting and exciting things to do, places to go, and people to meet has evolved into The Hub: The Urban Entertainment & Lifestyle magazine.
The Hub serves the purpose of providing tangible literature and valuable resource information of value forAfrican Americans. It serves as a very comprehensive resource and exciting up-to-date entertainment guide for the residents, tourists, Capitol City based African American businesses with information about special events, family living information, news, education and more.

The Hub website has also drawn a broad spectrum of affluent users and readers of the multicultural population growing rapidly in Sacramento who are attracted to the urban lifestyle. Features of the site include a highly circulated e-newsletter, multiple tiers of tiers of advertising, a business directory, VIP members, event calendars, current newsfeeds, classifieds, and forums. Newsletters and a newspaper keep many in the community informed, including newcomers and new businesses

Angela Rosas

Angela Rosas is a Public Relations and Social Media Specialist at WholesaleInsurance.net and provides social media, PR, and SEO support to various other Sacramento area businesses.

She has been volunteering for WEAVE Inc. since 2007 as a certified Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault peer counselor, a Speakers Bureau representative, provides regular assistance at fundraising events, and is currently serving on the planning committee, providing PR/media support, for Sacramento's first “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes."

In 2009, Angela created Chicas Latinas de Sacramento in an effort to increase Latina volunteerism and cultural awareness, and manages member and community recruitment, marketing, finances, and event/calendar planning. Chicas Latinas de Sacramento provides on-going volunteer and community support to organizations such as Weave Inc., Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center, and regularly grants wishes for members of the community and their families. The organization continues to grow in both members and community involvement, due to its positive impact in the community.

The Sacramento native received her BA in journalism from California State University of Sacramento.

Larry Dalton

Larry Dalton is a well-known Sacramento photographer whose work has appeared in many area publications, including the Sacramento Observer and Sacramento News and Review. Larry makes it a point to get out to community events all over the area and to take photographs which are honest and complementary to his subjects. He is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.

Alyson Huber

Alyson Huber Assemblymember Alyson Huber was elected in November 2008 to represent the 10th District, comprised of Amador County, and portions of Sacramento, El Dorado and San Joaquin Counties. It includes the cities of Lodi, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Stockton, and Jackson.

In her role as Assemblymember, Alyson is focused on reforming the way the state does business and holding government accountable to the taxpayers so that our children can have a quality education, people can get back to work and the economy can get moving.

As a former business lawyer, she understands the many pressures facing businesses in California, and as a working mother she understands the pressures that families face every day.. Alyson is living proof that the American dream is alive and well. Overcoming family hardships as a child, she worked hard to put herself through school and was the first of her family to graduate from college. Alyson first attended CSU Chico, then transferred to Cornell University where she received her Bachelor of Science with honors. She came back to California and received her law degree from the University of California's Hastings College of the Law.

Chris LeeChris Lee is currently employed as Staff Counsel at State of California, Dept of Managed Health Care. He has worked for a local attorney and as a programmer in information services. A graduate of University of the Pacific—McGeorge School of Law, Harvey Mudd College and Scripps College, he has an ongoing intellectual curiosity inspiring lifelong learning. He runs the half marathon and speaks with love, pride and appreciation of his parents and especially his grandmother.

A brilliant, classically trained pianist, who began playing at three and has performed with many bands and exciting venues including Monterey, the Sacramento Jazz Festival and the Mondavi Center, Chris has worked in jobs outside music and attended law school while performing longer than any other musician with The Jazz Generation.

He is humble about his many talents. He adds to any group’s with his collaborative spirit and his musical ability. His community contributions are less well known. He has donated his time to raise funds for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and as a duo with the vocalist at a fundraiser for a person with cancer that he doesn’t know. His community service is made quietly but caringly when needed.

He is great role model for today’s youth, a fine example of the working musicians who are the backbone of the field of music, and a true artist.

Tina Veeolet

Tina Veeolet is the owner of Aloha Florist in Sacramento. Not simply the owner of a florist business, Tina is a designer of original arrangements specializing in tropical flowers, including Hawaiian and other leis. She is also a supporter of community organizations through her many donations of flowers for events.

She is one of those kind and generous members of society who does not give in order to receive praises. Tina has been a supporter of Women of Color Day for more than a decade, not only contributing flowers, but often attending Women of Color Day Events to staff a table and create leis for honorees and others.

A California Legislature Assemby Certificate of Recognition award was presented to Suzanne Brooks in Honor of the 26th Anniversary of the founding of March 1st as Women of Color Day.

The program also included "Aurora,"new musical show featuring African dance, Candombe percussion, music by Suzanne Brooks/The Jazz Generation Band; and recognition of the United Nations declaration of 2011 as the Year of African Descendants.

The UN has declared 2011 as the year of African Descendants.

Camellia International Folk Dance Concert | Photos

2011-03-07T22:38:44Z

Sunday afternoon was the 55th annual Camellia International Folk Dance Concert held at the CSUS Student Union. It was high quality and fast-paced with lots of variety.

The audience was stage-level (which was the floor). The dance floor was in the middle of the large performance room and the audience wrapped around all four sides.

Here are some scenes:

Ukrainian Dance Ensemble - West Ukraine

Bedouian Dancers - Algerian

Zado Singers - Eastern Europe

Balliamo! - Italian

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Scottish

Tezaur - Romanian

Bhaskar Arts Academy - Indian

Tance El Dorado - Mexican

China Moon Dance Troupe - ChineseVintage Dancers of Sacramento - Early American

Aska Kolo Ansambl - Serbian

After the concert there was easy folk dancing for the audience to participate. For more info CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Mardi Gras Pub 'n Grub in Old Sac

2011-03-06T18:52:16Z

The streets of Old Sac were bustling last night as folks showed up to celebrate the second annual Mardi Gras Pub 'n Grub Crawl.

When I arrived around 6:15pm it was already looking busier than last year's event.

I roamed the streets and sauntered into Cafe New Orleans. It was already packed.

Old Sac featured venues with live music, food & drink specials, street entertainment, beads and costumes.

Here's some scenes from the early hours:

Businesses that were in the Mardi Gras spirit included:

Café New Orleans - Beignets & Hurricanes, featuring music by Sabor.
Crescent Club - Bal masque’ du Mardi Gras.
Fanny Ann's - Bayou Burger & Mardi Gras Flasher.
Laughs Unlimited - featuring music by Road Test & Mere Mortals, comic Cash Levy.
O'Mally's Pub - Jambalaya & Hurricanes, featuring music by MooseKnuckles.
RiverCity Saloon - Poor Boy Sandwich Special, featuring music by Western Lights and karaoke.
Delta King - Delta Bar & Grill - featuring music by Gordon Groft.
Fat City Bar & Café - Canjun Crab Cakes, Shirp Jambalaya, Blackened Swordfish & Bourbon Street Punch.

Check here for more events coming to Old Sac soon!

Enjoying Beer Week at Total Wine

2011-03-04T17:01:04Z

Would you ever think to go to a business called Total Wine during Beer Week?

If you didn't, you missed out on some great beer tasting!

Don't fret. There are still two days left for indulging. (Not wasting anytime here, so I'm sipping on a Tangerine Wheat beer as I write.)

Total Wine stocks over 2,500 microbrews and imported beers. They make the beer selection in grocery stores look puny.

Here's the tastings they've offered so far during Beer Week:

Tues: Sudwerk, Widmer and Green Flash

Thurs: Coney Island, He'Brew, Samuel Adams, Prima'tor, Newcastle and G.K. Skaggs.

and coming up -

Fri: 1-6pm : New Belgium, Ballast Point, Blue Moon, Gordon Biersch, Deschutes and Lagunitas.

Sat: 3-6pm: Total Wine Brewery Direct Beers and Sierra Nevada Brewing.

The way it works is you pay a dime for 5 tickets/tastings. Inexpensive! Yesterday part of our ticket stubs went into a free drawing. Maybe they will the remaining days, also.

After plopping my dime down and with my glass in hand, I moseyed on over to Coney Island Craft Lagers since I hadn't heard of them.

The Albino Python was very nice with hints of ginger, sweet orange peel and crushed fennel seeds. I also liked the Coney Island Lager and the Mermaid Pilsner.

Here's some interesting info on Coney Island.

Another one I'd not heard of is Alhambra, imported by GK Skaggs. The lager and negra brews were very drinkable.

I had my taste buds ready to try their Cave Creek Chili Beer brewed in Cave Creek, Arizona, (Pop.1328 including coyotes and cattle) but, alas, I had used all my tickets!

Total Wine is located in Roseville and totally worth the short drive! You'll see beers you never even knew existed and the prices are right!

Volunteer to Help Someone

2011-02-28T20:31:33Z

March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation or taking a class.

“When someone provides a hot meal to a disaster victim, takes a first aid class, or helps someone in the military, they join the Red Cross,” said Dawn Lindblom, Capital Region Chapter CEO. “We want to say ‘thank you’ to all who support us. That support enables us to provide help and hope to those who need our assistance.”

For nearly 100 years, U.S. Presidents have called on people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943. Since that time, President Obama and every president since have issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month.

The Red Cross has been helping people for 130 years, responding to disasters, assisting members of the military, teaching lifesaving skills, and serving as one of the largest blood suppliers in the United States.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 200 disasters every day. The organization provides a round-the-clock link between those in the military and their families, and supplies blood and blood products to approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

The Capital Region Chapter responded and provided assistance in 410 local disasters last year. The chapter processed 860 emergency military calls and trained 46,000 people in CPR and first aid classes.

“We work very diligently to help those in need,” Lindblom said. “Whether out on a disaster, alongside our troops or in a first aid class, Red Cross workers touch the lives of millions of people every year.”

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.

“When people join the Red Cross by volunteering, donating blood, taking a course or making a contribution, they enable us to continue our work, both here at home, and around the world,” Lindblom said.

The Capital Region Chapter has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month in March, including CPR Saturday training events on March 5, 12 and 19, Save a Life Saturday on March 19, and Red Cross Day at the Capitol on March 8.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Capital Region Chapter serves an eleven-county region including Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, eastern Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Yolo counties. For more information, visit redcrosscrc.org or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/RedCrossCRC.

Article | Trista Jensen, Director of Communications and Marketing,
American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter

Photos | Kati Garner, American Red Cross volunteer

Enjoying Beer Week - Sudwerk Brew

2011-02-27T20:41:18Z

It's Beer Week in Sac. I love beer. I thought to myself, "how can I do something productive and enjoy some beer?"

I went to Sacramento Beer Week to check out the events. Discovered Sudwerk Brew in Davis was offering tours and tasting Saturday afternoon.I headed to the tasting area and immediately joined another beer lover as we were taken on a tour led by Trent Yackzan. We saw where Sudwerk began in the early 1990's - in the area that is now the bar in the restaurant. The tanks are stainless steel and the copper was added to the exterior for looks.

In the year 1993, the owners reached their first of many milestones; the Sudwerk Restaurant & Brewery was hailed as the Number 1 Brew Pub in America (Sudwerk sold more beer in-house than any other establishment)!

We are shown the kettle, mash mixer and lauter tun. The three vessels collectively make up what is termed the "brewhouse". The mash mixer is where milled malt and hot water meet and the two are thoroughly blended. In the mash, enzymes convert malt starches into fermentable sugars. The lauter tun acts like a big sieve and accomplishes the goal of separating liquid (wort) from solid (spent grain). The kettle is where the wort is boiled and also where hops are added in the process.

Hefeweizen is an unfiltered beer.

Sudwerk's facility creates 100 bottles of beer per minute. In a week it cranks out up to 1,728.000 bottles.

There's a lot more information about their brewing process. Too lengthy to cover in this article. For more details on Sudwerk's brewing process, CLICK HERE>>>.

Two men brewing their own (above).

White Labs Inc., Pure Yeast and Fermentation, is located at Sudwerk.The company provides a wealth of services to not only brewers but also winemakers, distillers and others in the fermentation business.

Charlie Bamforth, Department Chair, Food Science & Technology, University of California, Davis has an office at Sudwerk. He kicked off Sacramento Beer Week at the Crocker's Brewer's Showcase event Feb 24, 2011.

Sudwerk is home to the Professional Brewing Progams.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

More than Beer Brewing

2011-02-26T00:44:24Z

Another round of storm clouds serve as a backdrop for Central United Methodist church on H St. in East Sac this afternoon. There have been reports of a funnel cloud spotted over Mather Field in Rancho Cordova this afternoon. The National Weather Service earlier issued a severe thunderstorm warning for North Central Sacramento County, including the cities of Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Fair Oaks and Carmichael.

According to KCRA, a hard freeze warning is in effect from 3 am to 9 am Sunday.

The Pig and Sausage too

2011-02-21T19:27:54Z

Land Park resident Cynthia Lang told me she's been coming to all of the classes at Taylor's.

"They're great," she said. "Just when you thought you knew everything, you don't. There's always something great to learn."

She's learned about cuts and how to prepare them for the BBQ and for the holidays. She's an old-hand since she's been at classes for lamb, sausage, pig and the cow, chicken and fish.

"They're all amazing," she said.

To start the class Johnson and a co-worker bring out one-half of a pig and lay it on the high table in front of us. It's a packer hog that weighed about 180 pounds. The side on the table weighs around 65 pounds.

"This hog is ten to fourteen months old. They grow pretty quick." he explained.

"Taylor's doesn't carry organic meat due to the amount of fraud going on in the organic community," Johnson said."It's a way for sellers to get higher prices (claiming it's organic)."

"The great thing about the hog is you can use the whole thing," Johnson said as he broke the shoulder off with a hacksaw, effortlessly.

This is the whole shoulder (above). The pork butt comes from the front end, not the back of the hog. It's the butt of the shoulder. He then removes the bones. He recommends using pork with the skin on it as it makes the fat melt into the meat and it's "nothing but flavor."

A fresh leg of pork is a great way to feed a lot of people.

Establishment stamps are required to prove the meat has been FDA inspected. It looks like a postage ink stamp on the skin.

The crowd asked lots of questions as he progressed through the different parts of the hog. Someone asked the best temperature to bake the hog parts. Johnson said, "if you ask my wife the temp is 325 degrees. It's kind of a blanket temp to cover yourself."

He shared he dined on roasted pig's feet in France and it was one of the best dishes he ever had. His wife was just staring at him as he ate. He kept us entertained with stories from all over.

He even gave the secret to cooking perfect prime rib!

He worked his way through the ribs while sharing more humorous stories, like how good hand and eye coordination are important when using a meat cleaver.

Under the area he cut away is the bacon and pancetta, "all that good stuff." He follows a natural seam when cutting away the top meat.

"Baby back ribs are the most overrated ribs there are," he said.

Anytime you can find a butcher using carcass animals it's the best. Vacuum packaged meats' chemistry is changed.

A ribeye pork chop with a little marbling is good.

Fresh walnuts, garlic and dried apricots are stuffed inside a pork loin and tied with butcher's twine. Trichinosis is no longer a problem with pork. Johnson said he's thinking of giving knot tying classes. Tying a roast makes the meat cook uniformly. Shoppers can buy the uncooked tied meat in sections at Taylor's.

The more fat in sausage, the more flavorful. Johnson likes the meat to be a little warm making it move through the pusher easier.

Natural casings are easier to use than synthetic. Keep the unused casing in salt water in your refrigerator and it'll last a long time.

With sausage you want to follow a recipe so it is consistent. He said a good sausage maker will not tell you his/her recipe. Johnson and his crew mix the sausage and seasonings by hand, the best way to know it is well mixed.

Taylor’s Market Butcher Danny Johnson is a 1982 graduate of the Oregon Meat Cutting School. He started working at Taylor’s on May 2nd 1983 and became part owner in October of 1987. In January 2007 Danny and his wife Kathy became sole owners of Taylor’s.

For more classes at Taylor's Market on Freeport Blvd. click HERE>>>

SacPress Photos \| Kati Garner

Fill the Boot for Burns

2011-02-21T03:51:11Z

Tomorrow is a day off for many folks. Not for over 150 firefighters raising money for the Firefighters Burn Institute to aid victims injured in fires. The Firefighters have held this unique fundraiser each February for the past 17 years.

The Firefighters Burn Institute (FFBI) was founded in 1973 by Sacramento Area Fire Fighters, Local 522 and has grown into the area’s largest firefighter-run charity.

You'll find them collecting donations from passing motorists at the intersection of Sunrise Blvd and Greenback Lane from 9am- 4pm tomorrow. Near Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights. They've been there since Friday.

Take a little road trip on your day off. Since the mall is right there you can hit the President's Day sales after making your donation!

For more information visit ffburn.org

SacPress Photos \\\| Kati Garner

More than one million boxes of Girl Scout cookies delivered

2011-02-19T23:41:12Z

Rain and cold didn't dampen the spirits of volunteer workers distributing one million boxes of Girl Scout cookies today. A constant stream of vehicles from small cars to delivery vans came to Cal Expo to pickup pre-sold boxes of Girl Scout cookies waiting to to be delivered.

Helen Whitelaw, Director of Sales and manager of today's cookie distribution, says initial orders are up 11% over last year.

Whitelaw rode shotgun in a golf cart with Bob Carlson, owner of Carlson Logistics, supplier of the several dozen semi-trailers filled with the cases of cookies.

American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter served the cookie workers breakfast and then spaghetti, garlic french bread, salad, drinks and cookies for lunch. The Girl Scouts gave a monetary donation to the chapter for the food. Ten Red Cross volunteers served over 300 workers throughout the day.

The money earned from Girl Scout Cookie sales fund the Girl Scout programs that build girls full of courage, confidence and character.

For more info, check out:www.girlscoutshcc.org

To learn more about the American Red Cross, click HERE>>>

SacPress Photos \\| Kati Garner (American Red Cross volunteer)

Enjoy the Wildlife

2011-02-14T03:54:38Z

About 11 miles east of Sacramento is the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area that feels a million miles away once you're there. It's a great escape!

A Great Blue Heron takes flight when approached.

The Yolo Wildlife area is home to many birds - Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Pied-Billed Grebe, Eared Grebe, Horned Grebe,
Western Grebe, American White Pelican. Double-Crested Cormorant, Least Bittern, American Bittern, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, White-faced Ibis and Sandhill Crane.

It's also abundant in plants, fish and reptiles.

There are four major habitat types in the area:

Permanent Wetlands

Seasonal Wetlands

Riparian Forests

Grasslands

A lookout extends over a part of the wetlands.

A snowy egret does some fishing.

The Great Blue Heron before it took flight (top).

Sacramento's skyline is visible in the background as visitors walk around the basin.

For more information on the Yolo Wildlife Area, click HERE>>>

California Duck Days will be held on February 25th and 26th.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Western Collegiate Cycling in Land Park

2011-02-14T02:50:53Z

This spring-like day I found myself wandering around looking for life outdoors. I found it at Land Park.

It involved bicyles and college students from around California universities pedaling fast in a big circle.

Here's some photos I shot:

Today's event was hosted by Cal Aggie Cycling

For info on the Western Collegiate Cycling Conference, click HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Damento Juggling Festival

2011-02-07T23:52:34Z

I'm not a juggler. Never even been to a juggling show until Saturday night when I attended the Damento Juggling Festival held at George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science Auditorium in Rancho Cordova.

Even Mayor Robert McGarvey was there and had the honor of 'throwing' the first juggling thingee. (I really don't know juggling terms.)

The show was packed with adults and kids. A couple huge air balls were being batted up and around the room before the show started.

I had been wondering what in the heck Damento was supposed to mean. As I sat there I noticed the sign above the stage. It showed:

"Damento • Davis / Sacramento Jugglers".

All of a sudden my brain got it! DAvis /sacraMENTO.

I was unable to identify each act, so not everyone's name is included with their photos. They were all excellent performers and funny by using their expressions.

Here's some snapshots:

Kyle Johnson

Chris Garcia (above and below).

Thom Wall

Bri Crabtree

This guy didn't juggle. He had an audience member strap him tightly into a straight jacket. Five men hoisted him atop his tall unicycle. First time I'd seen someone break out of a straight jacket.

After straining inside the jacket, he showed us he had one hand free from the right sleeve.

That free hand was able to undo two stapped buckles on his back.

FREE!!!

Jeremiah Johnston

Two brothers who performed a hilarious act from start to finish.

After many tries the younger brother launched a ball from his mouth into the tuba.

This tightrope juggler was not part of the show but had been involved in the free workshops and open juggling that were available Fri., Sat., and Sun.

Damento is a not-for-profit juggling club. Basically, they are a group of folks who like to juggle… they get together in Davis and in Sacramento to throw things up in the air and at each other. Check it out HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Dropped and Chopped: Rides at California Automobile Museum

2011-02-06T19:17:27Z

California Auto Museum's new show, "Dropped and Chopped," features the classic years of traditional rods and customs between 1946-1960. On display are autos that have been chopped off the top and dropped in height, riding lower to the ground.

This yellow Marquis(above and below) was built by Bill Cushenberry in the 1960s, based on a 1956 Ford Victoria hardtop. The car debuted on the show circuit in 1962 and has won numerous awards.

Raced in Bonneville in 1951 and built on the east cost, this '32 Ford was built in 1948. This is the first time it has been shown on the west coast.

A classic “K Street Cruiser” in the early 1950s. this 1936 Ford Phaeton (convertible sedan) is "an unrestored example of a unique Sacramento custom, designed for cruising downtown avenues on summer weekend nights, still owned by the family of its builder."

"This 1949 Mercury convertible sedan was purchased by Harold “Buddy” Ohanesian in 1945 and taken to Harry Westergard and Less Crane for restyling. Dick Bertolucci completed the effort in 1949, adding a removable hardtop custom crafted from the front half of a 1946 Chrysler top, the back half of a 1941 Buick, and the rear window from an Oldsmobile. The maroon paint color, with Venus Martin no. 9 gold powder added, became known as “Sacramento Maroon” or “Bertolucci Maroon,” due to Bertolucci’s frequent use of the color."

A definite low-rider.

According to Wikipedia:"Chopping the top" goes back to the early days of hot rodding and is an attempt to reduce the frontal profile of a car and increase its speed potential. To chop a roof, the pillars and windows are cut down, lowering the overall roofline. Some racers on the dry lakes chopped the tops of their cars so severely the windows were only a few inches tall. These were sometimes referred to as "mail slot" windows. This sort of bodywork is also popular on custom cars, customs, and leadsleds . Roof chopping also quickly became very popular with drag racers for much the same reasons as it did for lakes racers. The first roof chopper is considered to be Sam Barris (brother of auto customizer George Barris), who chopped and customized his brand new 1949 Mercury. Barris also pioneered a more advanced form, where the B-pillar is removed turning it into a pillarless hardtop in the process.
Concept cars, such as the AMX-GT, often undergo a lowering of their roofs even if the vehicles are based on production models.
Automakers use the chopping technique to make their show cars look more sleek and "racy", although it would be impractical for normal use.

Dropping, also called channeling, is when a car body is lowered over the frame by removing the floor and refastening it higher inside the body, causing the body to rest closer to the ground without altering the suspension. The overall effect is to give the car's body a more massive appearance. Each automobile would have its own engineering challenges as far as modifying the various components of the chassis. Local laws may prevent making the modifications too extreme, and safety would dictate some restraint. Channeling is also popular amongst hot rod, leadsled and minitruck enthusiasts, though the latter refer to it as a "body drop."

Sponsored by Bertolucci, "Dropped and Chopped" will be on display through March 27 at the California Auto Museum.

Photos | Kati Garner, SacMav.com

Disclosure: MaverickPhotography.us is the designated photography team for the California Automobile Museum.

Sunset Vibrates over Sacramento

2011-02-06T07:03:50Z

A vibrant sunset behind evergreens gives hope for warmer weather and spring. This was the scene just north of Bradshaw Rd. off Hwy 50 this evening. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Cosumnes River Preserve in the Fog

2011-01-28T18:27:46Z

Yesterday morning, in the fog, I drove to Cosumnes River Preserve, about 30 miles south of where I live in Colonial Heights. I really had no idea what I would see.

As I neared the preserve along Bruceville Rd I saw bodies of water and brush. If I hadn't been paying attention, I would've missed a huge gathering of Sandhill Cranes in a foggy field.

I was practically the only person there.

Here are some photos of what I saw:

The link to the preserve is HERE

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Diffusion

2011-01-28T16:04:17Z

Trees and a bench are backlit by diffused light from street lamps in the fog at McKinley Park last night. Sac Press Photo | Kati Garner

Sac Ballet Director's Cuts of Romeo & Juliet

2011-01-22T20:22:35Z

Roberto Cisneros leaps into the air during the first moments of Sacramento Ballet's in-studio presentation of short takes from their upcoming Romeo and Juliet production which runs Feb. 10, 11, 12 and 13 at the Community Center.

Here are some other photos from the night:

Dancers demonstrate the sword fight, using real swords. They were professionally trained how to do it ensuring everone's safety.

Tender moments.

Difficult overhead lifts.

Artistic Directors Ron and Carinne Binda Cunningham took turns explaining many of the segments of Romeo and Juliet.

Read a blog about the making of Sac Ballet's Romeo & Juliet

Sac Ballet website

Sac Ballet on Facebook

Dance Magaizine talks about Roberto Cisneros in "25 to Watch"

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Thousands March in Honor of Martin Luther King

2011-01-18T21:58:09Z

10,000 honored Dr. Kings Dream on Monday, Jan. 17.2011 in Sacramento.

Thousands in our community marched today from two locations honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It took 30 minutes for the mass of marchers to pass by me as they made a right hand turn from Sutterville Rd. (above) onto Sacramento City College as they made their way to the Convention Center downtown. They formed at Oak Park Community Center.

These marchers, coming from Grant High School, marched south on North 12th St as they travelled to the Convention Center downtown.

Democratic Senate leader Darrell Steinberg and Democratic Assemblyman Roger Dickinson took part in the event.

Hundreds participated in a job fair at the convention center.

The Crocker Art Museum commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with inspirational tours based on King's teachings, gospel music performances by Cosumnes River College Contemporary Gospel Choir, screenings of Martin Luther King: Legacy of a Dream and a reading of Faith Ringgold's "My Dream of Martin Luther King" followed by a hands-on art making project.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF) issued a clarion call to prayer in order to honor his spiritual legacy and his work as a prominent leader in the civil rights movement.

Shemida Jade Lowe watches the parade along North 12th wearing Dr. King's prison number when he was incarcerated after his bus boycott arrest in Alabama, February 22, 1956.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Sutter Steel is Rising

2011-01-17T21:06:30Z

During a foggy morning, a construction worker walks along a steel beam two stories above ground level. Work is in progress on The Anderson Lucchetti Women’s and Children’s Center. This expansion of Sutter General Hospital will be a 242-bed, nine story building that will provide innovative technology in a patient-focused environment. It also will feature a life-saving helistop near Capitol Freeway, which will allow helicopters to transport severely injured and sick patients for treatment, mostly newborn and pediatric patients.

Anderson Lucchetti Women’s and Children’s Center will provide the highest level of neonatal and pediatric intensive care services, pediatric cardiac care, pediatric neurosurgery services, pediatric cancer services, and high-risk and conventional maternity services to families in 27 counties.
A freestanding, three-story skywalk will connect the Anderson Lucchetti Women’s and Children’s Center with the Ose Adams Medical Pavilion.
The Anderson Lucchetti Women’s and Children’s Center is named in honor of the generous donation from the Anderson Lucchetti family. At $18 million, the Anderson Lucchetti contribution ranks as the single largest gift from an individual family to a capital campaign in the greater Sacramento area.

Construction crews have begun installing case arms for the new spanning structure that will eventually connect Sutter General Hospital to the Women’s and Children’s Center.

The expansion project is right next to Biba's Restaurant at Capitol and 29th St.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Iceland Rink Open!

2011-01-15T22:22:21Z

Wendy (Kerth) Nugent embraces her brother Rob before Iceland Ice Arena reopened this morning on Del Paso Blvd. It was a happy day for the Kerth family. An arson fire destroyed the historic business ten months ago. The occupancy permit was granted yesterday.

Skaters tied on their skates for the first time in ten months in anticipation of hitting the ice once again.

Paul Schachder is one of the many volunteers that helped restore Iceland. He says he didn't find out about it until a couple of weeks after the fire. After hearing about the arson blaze in the news, he says he drove by and saw all the people inside with the wheelbarrows cleaning up. "The cleanup was the hard part," he said. "Then the rebuilding is the fun part, watching it go back together."

He said he's happy.

Before Rob and Terrie Kerth, brother and sister, cut the ceremonial ribbon, they thanked all the volunteers who got them to this point. Without them, they said they would not be here today.

"We've turned what was essentially a disaster into a wonderful community," Terrie said.

"Out of bad things you can find some good. The community outpouring has just been amazing," Rob shared. "It took 700 volunteers to put the ole gal back on her feet and for a community that everyone underestimates, it is a triumph for our entire city and ice skating itsself."

Then Rob says excitedly, "there's something I've been waiting to say............Ready?............all skate in a regular direction, please!"

And onto the ice they glided.

The rear of Iceland has open window frames and temporary tarps create a ceiling until the building is finished.

Rob Kerth and two ice skaters are in silhouette with the front wall in the background.

Iceland is open weekends and holidays from 10am-5pm and weekdays 2pm-5pm. This Monday is a holiday so they'll be open from 10am-5pm. Adults $8, Kids $5, Skate rental $2. The entrance is in the back.

For a recent SacPress story about Iceland CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Bull Riders at Arco

2011-01-14T20:37:55Z

How does a professional bull rider ride a mechanical bull?

With no hands.

And two television news anchors?

Hanging on for their life!

Promoting the Professional Bull Riders at Arco Arena tonight, Bulls Restaurant and Bar hosted a bull "ride-off" with the crew of Good Day Sacramento early Friday morning and a professional bull rider and an enthusiastic crowd.

Tonight will be the eighth of nine straight days of bull riding for many of the PBR’s Top 40, who stopped by two Touring Pro events in Colorado before heading to California.

“Sacramento is loaded with really good bulls, and the other bull that’s flown in under the radar a little bit, but he actually beat Bushwacker two or three times in the Classics, is Moon,” said PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert.

On hand at tonight and tomorrow's event will be 60 bulls, according to Dennis Lewis of Flying U Rodeo.

"It'll be a good event" Lewis said. "With 40 riders tonight, the top ten will ride again tonight. Tomorrow night's event will determine the champion."

Mckennon Wimberly, 22, of Cool, Texas rides the mechanical bull with no hands. He has travelled the country with Professional Bull Riders for four years. He's been riding bulls all his life. He grew up on a ranch and his dad was a bull rider.

"I just kinda grew up living the cowboy life," he says. "I've rode and trained horses. I wanted to be just like my dad. He was a professional bull rider. I just started trying it when I was young. When I was old enough to make my own decisions, I had a love for the sport and just kept on doing it. I've always thought about being a world champion and haven't thought of anything else."

Mark gets the crowd cheering before the bull ride competition.

Mark does his tries like crazy to stay on the bull to beat Lisa.

Lisa's time winning ride.

Surviving the mechanical bull ride, Mark and Lisa jump for joy. Lisa beat Mark's time on the bull.

Mark and Lisa bravely stand next to a real live bull in front of Bulls.

For information about Professional Bull Riders at Arco Arena, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Meet Downtown's New K Street

2011-01-13T22:42:24Z

Last night's VIP reception at the new Dive Bar, District 30 and Pizza Rock hopefully is a forecast of the future for the three new development projects. Last night was energizing and packed full of people who moved from one venue to another.

Here are some shots:

District 30 dance club got the VIPs dancing, drinking. and enjoying themselves (above and four below).

Pizza Rock has the semi-truck sticking out of the wall above the bar. It features a special pizza oven that heats to 900 degrees and can cook a pizza in 90 seconds and will also include an Avalon sound system, DJs sitting in the ceiling, Guitar Hero, four pizza ovens and the capacity to churn out 500 pizzas per hour.

Pizza acrobats are on hand to entertain.

George Karpaty, owner of the three new businesses, get in the groove.

William Bevier, one of the VIPs attending, is the owner of Bevier Structural Engineering. His company worked to make the Dive Bar and Pizza Rock safe and sound while sporting a salt water aquarium and the semi-truck.

Bronkar entertained the crowd in front of the venues.

Women acrobats performed in a blown-up bubble.

A mermaid peers at the crowd below from the huge salt water acquarium above the bar.

A supple entertainer twisted around on top of the pianos in the Dive Bar.

Some of the Downtown Sac Partnership staff in the Dive Bar.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Shadows

2011-01-12T23:42:23Z

Early afternoon light casts interesting shadows of a tree against an old barn along South River Rd. this afternoon along the Sacramento River. The sun has been a pleasant reprieve to the seemingly endless gray skies in January. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Railyards Look Back on Track

2011-01-07T23:39:20Z

Work is underway once again at the downtown railyards.

Here are some images I captured Jan. 6, 2011 between 7:13am and 8:44am:

An Amtrak train makes its way toward Sacramento's train station during an early foggy morning, skirting the east side of the historic railyards.

Two workers on the 6th St. bridge appear to be talking (above) and another sandblasts the surface (below).

Three construction workers walk along a portion of the 5th St. bridge along the east side of the old buildings.

An expanded view of the 5th and 6th St. bridges (above and below).

Looking northwest to an old water tower on the west side of the 6th St. bridge.

A panorama from north to south, looking west.

For related article, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

World Series Trophy is a Grand Slam for Fans

2011-01-07T22:25:03Z

Hundreds of San Francisco Giants fans endured waiting in line for hours for a one minute photo opp behind the trophy. The Giants won the Commissioner's Trophy in November when they defeated the Texas Rangers in game five of the World Series. A circle-of-flags, the trophy made its only stop in Sacramento on Thursday; in the State Capitol during late morning and early afternoon at Sacramento City Hall.

Fans stated over and over, "I just gotta see the trophy". One said "it's a once in a lifetime thing, well hopefully not once in a lifetime".

This young fellow was "born the year the Giants won the series, so he's gotta be here."

It was a long and winding line to get to Room 211 in the Capitol. The line started at the east entrance, snaked around to the north side, through the Rotunda and down a hall, back through the Rotunda, down the hall toward the east entrance where it met the start of the line, down another hall, up the stairs and winding through the second floor.

Smiles got big at this point, the last stop before viewing the trophy!

Fans hurriedly posed behind the trophy. Fans can purchase an official photo with the trophy. The photographer's camera had a wireless photo uploader attached so that once the photo was shot it went to Giants Fans Photos.

Fans' excitement followed them after they exited the Capitol. Vickie Beaudikofer (above) came out the door whooping and screaming "Oh Yeah"! She claimed she rubbed her hand against the trophy. Below, a couple gives each other the high five.

"For more than 52 years, our dedicated fans have supported us through thick and thin," said Giants Managing General Partner and CEO Bill Neukom. "The trophy belongs to them as much as it belongs to us and we want to extend the World Champions celebration throughout Giants country and to thank our fans."

Next stop is Redding on Monday, Jan. 10, and Chico, Jan. 11. For more details on the tour CLICK HERE>>>

The Trophy Tour is presented by Visa. Toyota is the official vehicle of the Trophy Tour.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

I Am Equal Photo Tour

2011-01-07T21:26:51Z

Hands ink-stamped, Joey O'Shea and John Wells, members of Equality Action Now, greated people participating in yesterday's "I AM EQUAL 100,000 PHOTO WORLD TOUR".

The object of the tour is "to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to take a stand for those individual issues of human rights and equality that resonate most deeply within them. This project gives people the tools to engage in a conversation about life, freedom, peace, and unity in a way they may never have had before."

I AM EQUAL officially launched its 29 city, 2011 U.S. tour at The Citizen Hotel in downtown Sacramento Jan. 6, 2011.

“We see people coming in support of children’s rights, or to end domestic violence,” explains project photographer, Matt Spencer. “There are some who are standing up for gay and lesbian issues, and others who are survivors of abuse or disease. Each person has a story and this project is here to empower people to stand up and tell their story.”

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

No, not the Speedo!

2011-01-07T21:10:00Z

These three fellows were at the corner of L and 10th Street, near the State Capitol, yesterday interacting with folks passing by during their light-hearted rally and publicity gig.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Fargo Fog

2011-01-06T18:14:00Z

Downtown's Wells Fargo Center along Capitol Mall was shrouded in fog early this morning. The tallest building in the city, it stands at 423 ft. The remainder of the first full week of 2011 should be not so much fog and partly cloudy, according to the forecast. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

New Years Eve Old Sac Style

2011-01-02T04:07:39Z

The streets of Old Sac were packed New Years Eve night in anticipation of the fireworks show announcing the year 2011. The Theatre of Lights showcased as well as music and fun things for the kids.

Here's a glimpse of what was happening:

At the conclusion of the Theatre of Lights show on K St. confetti was sprayed onto the crowd.

Kids and their parents enjoyed the evening with food and glow lights.

RadioDisney.com offered contests for the little ones in the Waterfront Tent on Front St (above and below). A youngster tosses a hula-hoop trying to encircle the gal in white at right. On his first try, the hoop caught me, but that didn't count.

Contestants ran across the stage with recyclables across the stage to see who could deposit the most.

The Crescent Club Speakeasy, above and below, celebrated the New Year with Gangsters, Glamour and Gambling. The Roaring 20's style evening's entertainment included a Speakeasy Casino, Ballroom Swing Dancing, Gypsy Jazz, Cabaret, and Burlesque, featuring live music by the notorious Au Brothers Jazz Ensemble from New York.

Tango by the River, above and below, featured the 5-piece tango orchestra QTango at their New Year's Eve Tango Ball. The Black and White event was advertised to last until 4am "or until DJ Kenny Bell kicks us out," Donna Williams, founder, said.

The 9pm fireworks show was a bit less spectacular than the grand finale at midnight, but still impressive.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Kwanzaa Family Festival at the Crocker

2010-12-28T00:02:41Z

Over 2,000 people celebrated the Kwanzaa Family Festival at the Crocker Art Museum yesterday, the first day of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa, honored worldwide, focuses on family, community, creativity, and the cultural traditions found in the African diaspora.

The Crocker celebrated its new collection of African art with music and dance performances by Umoja, Afia Walking Tree and Spirit Drumz, PROJECT, Phoenix Park Multicultural Kids Choir. There was storytelling by Culture Co-op and a special puppet production, “Hamissi the Brave.”

Here's some of the festivities:

A little girl dancer mimics the moves of the older dancers moving to the beat of drums.

Umoja Productions presented African Drumming and Dance.

The audience clapped along with the beats provided by the drummers.

Phoenix Park Multicultural Kids Choir performed, using the second floor as the stage, above the audience seated inside Friedman Court.

The Ballroom on the second floor of the historic Crocker provided performances by Puppets in Motion presenting Hamissi the Brave and Storytelling with Culture Co-op (above and below).

Free Airbrush Tattoos in the Studio Art Spaces were a big hit with the children.

The "Mud Cloth Madness" exhibit, organized by The Kuumba Collective Art Gallery. is slated to run through February. It is a contemporary art exhibit using the ancient African fabric as a inspiration tool to create (above and below).

Delgreta Brown, a Sacramento Press contributor, is a featured artisit of this exhibit.

Interactive art was part of the Kwanzaa Festival, part of the museum-wide experience of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Read about the seven principles - CLICK HERE>>>

African diaspora cooking demonstrations were presented by Queen Sheba Restaurant and the Crocker Cafe.

A fashion show drew a big crowd (above and below).

The event was sponsored by Target and presented in collaboration with the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum and the Kuumba Collective Art Gallery.

For more information about Crocker Art Museum, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Get your groove on at downtown Ice Rink

2010-12-24T04:39:32Z

It's the night before Christmas Eve, my spirits needed a little lift, so I swang by the Ice Rink across from the Westfield Downtown Plaza. It was Hawaiian Night, advertised by the Downtown Sac Partnership as "Ice Rink Luau (Bust out the grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts for a free skate rental between 4-8 pm)".

I hung around about an hour and I didn't spot anyone dressed for a luau. I guess getting a free skate rental didn't matter much. Lots of kids and adults were having a grand time.

I've been taking photos at the Ice Rink since I arrived in Sacramento in 2006. It's always a light, fun moment being an observer ( I never was good at rollerskating or ice skating - weak ankles).

And there is always the challenge of capturing it photographically. I guess I'll never grow bored with it!

Here's some shots:

After a tasty meal, and a beer of course, at River City Brewing, here was the scene around 6:30 - folks lined up to get in (and I still didn't see anyone dressed for a luau!)

A lightshow of snowflakes plays on the First Northern Bank next to the Ice Rink.

For more information and hours of the Ice Rink CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Fab Forties Christmas Lights

2010-12-23T04:17:28Z

A great area to see Christmas lights is in East Sacramento in the Fab Forties. It's the streets 40th through 49th located between J St.and Folsom Blvd.

Here's some lit up homes:

SacPress Photos |Kati Garner

Sun Bath

2010-12-23T03:19:07Z

UCD Medical Center's Children Hospital along Stockton Blvd. is bathed in late afternoon sunlight against a backdrop of dark storm clouds to the east today. A funnel cloud was spotted south of Mather Field around 12:45pm. It didn't touch down or cause damage.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

World Record for Longest Glow Stick? Perhaps

2010-12-17T21:27:37Z

A group of fans converged on K St last night in to promote the newest TRON movie playing at IMAX and to hopefully set a new Guiness World Record for the longest 'glow stick."

"By the end of the event, 1,485 glowsticks were connected end to end in a continuos wavy snake that stretched five city blocks from the DSP Ice Rink at 7th and K down to 12th and K at the Esquire IMAX Theatre," said Doug Link, Marketing and Operations manager of Esquire IMAX theatre on K St.

Bunches of glow sticks got activated at the start line around 9pm.

The beginning of the half-mile long glow stick.

The sticks got connected to each other and made their way south on K St.

It was a great team effort, especially considering the folks came together for the first time and connected and laid the 1,485 glow sticks from one end of K St to another.

Link and a fan connect glow sticks.

The glow stick had to make a U-turn due to light rail tracks in the intersection of the block near IMAX.

Once the glow sticks were all connected the line was documented by video camera and then they were disconnected and removed.

One hour after the glow stick line creation began, TRON fans assembled in front of IMAX for a group shot, holding the glow sticks used. LInk said IMAX is going to submit the 2,722 feet to the Guiness Book of World Records. They will officially notify Link if it is a World Record within a couple of weeks. For those who couldn't stay for the midnight show, the Esquire IMAX Theatre gave special discount coupons to participants for future shows.

Link said "thank you" to all of their social media followers who came out and helped this event be such a success.

For information on TRON showings, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Holiday Evenings on K Street

2010-12-17T19:29:00Z

Fog around US Bank and Wells Fargo towers seen from K St.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Christmas Memories at the Governor's Mansion

2010-12-16T22:33:31Z

This rainy weekend should be a great time to visit the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park. It's filled with Christmas to show how it looked when California's governors actually lived there.

Our new governor, Jerry Brown, visited his family here while at college. His father, then-Governor Edmund G. Brown, and his family were the last first-family to celebrate Christmas in the stately mansion.

Here's what you'll experience. It's definitely more fun in person than just looking at these pictures I shot:

You'll experience live holiday music, storytellers and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The clawfoot bathtub is in the master bathroom. It was one of the very first indoor bathrooms in California. It was the talk of the town and it was considered very special that Mr. Gallatin had an indoor bathroom. The tile is Italian. The toilet and tub are originals. Teenager Kathy Brown, Jerry's sister, painted the red toenails on the tub.

This bedroom was converted from an outdoor porch.

This is the master bedroom of the mansion. A dress worn by Mrs. Edmund G. Brown is on the far left.

This second floor bathroom was originally a nursery. Several other bathrooms began as closets.

This bedroom with the double beds was used by the Reagan's during their three-month stay.

This, reportedly, is the bedroom used by then-college student Jerry Brown when he visited his family.

Family eating area in the rear of the mansion not far from the kitchen.

A docent walks down the driveway after ending her shift in the mansion.

Al Livingston, a Living History volunteer shared that the Governor's Mansion was built in 1877 for Albert and Clemenza Gallatin. He built on the highest spot, both for flood and ego. He spent over $75,000 bringing building materials like marble, and some workers, by ship from Italy, around the tip of South America.

The Gallatins lived in the mansion from 1877-1887.

Joseph Steffens purchased the house with a $10 gold piece and four pieces of vacant land in Pacific Heights near San Francisco.

The State of California purchased the house from the Steffens for $32,000 in 1903 to use as a home for California's first families.

The first wedding held in the mansion was one of the Steffens daughters.

13 governors and their families lived in the house from 1903-1967.

Governor George Pardee, his wife Helen and four daughters were the first residents of the “new” Governor’s Mansion.

Ronald Reagan's family resided there only three months after learning from the Fire Marshall it was a big fire hazard.

It then stayed empty for seven years. Since then the first and second floors have been renovated and are open for public tours.

Work is now underway on the third floor. All kinds of original things have been uncovered.

The park is located at the corner of 16th and H Streets in downtown Sacramento.

For more information about the Governor's Mansion State Park, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Homeward Bound

2010-12-15T20:34:55Z

The Hawaiian Chieftain motors along the Sacramento River this morning towards the I-80 overpass and onward to the ocean as it heads home to Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, WA. The topsail ketch arrived in Old Sacramento October 15, 2010 to provide Adventure Sails and on-board tours.

For more information on Hawaiian Chieftain, CLICK HERE>>>

Sac Press Photo | Kati Garner

Tower Bridge Still Spry at 75

2010-12-15T20:22:28Z

As part of the 75th anniversary celebration of Tower Bridge, the Hawaiian Chieftain embarked on its journey home to Gray's Harbor in Aberdeen, WA under the raised middle section of the bridge.

Jody Jones, District 3 Director, left; Christopher Cabaldon, Mayor City of West Sacramento; Kevin Johnson, Mayor City of Sacramento and Cindy McKim, Director, California Dept. of Transportation were among State and local officials who spoke about the bridge's history and its importance to Sacramento during a ceremony on Promenade Circle in Old Sacramento this morning.

Costumed docents from the Old Sacramento Living History Program were part of the celebration.

An anniversary cake, made by Cakes by Request Bakery Boutique was served.

For a look back on the bridge, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Serna Sworn into County Supervisor Seat

2010-12-15T02:37:38Z

Phil Serna, wife Roxanna, niece and nephews Clara Rivera, Emilio Mayorga, Andres Mayorga and Ricky Rivera, applaud after he was sworn in by Sacramento attorney Tina Thomas today in the room of the Board of County Supervisors. The room was filled.

Serna presented flowers to Roxanna and thanking for her support.

Serna and his extended family grouped together for photos at ceremony's end.

Serna beat two contenders vying for Roger Dickinson's vacant seat: Grantland Johnson and Keith Weber.

For more information about Serna, CLICK HERE>>> and HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Posada NavideÑa - Energetic, Colorful Performance

2010-12-14T05:32:16Z

Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presented Posada NavideÑa, a ballet folklórico dance concert at the Crest Theatre Sunday afternoon. Posada NavideÑa is a ballet folklórico interpretation of the traditional Mexican Christmas celebration, Las Posadas. 20 dancers and 16 musicians gave an energetic, whirlwind performance with original choreography.

Here are some scenes:

The performance was presented by La Raza Galeria Posada, a multi-disciplinary cultural center and public space serving the Sacramento community by offering Latino/Chicano and Native arts programming, art education workshops, and a community gathering place. To learn more CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Good Signs on K St.

2010-12-13T05:19:05Z

The Dive Bar is the last of three new businesses on K St. to have its sign completed. The sign maker put the finishing touches on it early this evening. Pizza Rock and District 30 signs are up and the trio are on track to open on or before Jan. 1, 2011. Crest Theatre's marque is reflected in the glass. For more info on these businesses, CLICK HERE>>> .

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

20th Annual Tree Lighting for Del Paso Area

2010-12-10T05:46:12Z

The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce hosted its 20th annual tree lighting ceremony tonight. The vibrantly lit tree is behind the Iceland Rink at the Woodlake Community Pool, 1445 Lockbrae Rd.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Capitol Tree Lights up the Night

2010-12-09T01:43:51Z

Article | Mary Nares

A hallmark of the Schwarzenegger administration has been the elaborate and festive annual party to light the tree at the Capitol. For seven years, First Lady Maria Shriver has orchestrated a party to showcase the diversity and abundance of the state, and the public has been invited to share in the celebration. For this final Christmas of their tenancy in the Governor’s office, the First Family of California pulled out all the stops.

Several hundred Californians, including two dozen or more sitting legislators gathered at the west steps of the Capitol to enjoy the show. The building was decorated with trees and two large wooden soldiers, and a light show of blue, green, and lavender snowflakes danced across the stately marble façade. One tree, in pride of place on the steps, was entirely decorated with handmade ornaments from some of California’s many developmentally delayed and physically challenged citizens. The weather cooperated and the mood was upbeat; people sipped complimentary Peet’s coffee as they listened to the St. Paul’s Baptist Church choir, the 59th Army Band brass Quintet, and some young performers from the Song4Food CD project offered seasonal music.

The event was titled “A Season of Giving”, and the California grocer’s Association donated over 150,000 pounds of food to be distributed to California’s food banks. Additionally, the Song4Food artists are part of a project to raise funds for food banks throughout the country. Their December proceeds will be given exclusively to the Sacramento Food Bank.

When MC John O’Hurley took the stage, he re-introduced himself as “the man who killed Seinfeld”, three TV series of his own, and four soap operas-- he proclaimed himself to be “the Grim Reaper of Television”. The invocation was offered by Sister Terry Dodge, a recipient of the Maria Shriver’s 2010 Minerva Award, which honored her for her work with women being released from prison.

Following remarks from Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, and two songs from former “American Idol” contestant and actress Frenchie Davis, Maria Shriver took the podium. She talked about the joy and challenge she has found in coordinating this event. She reiterated her commitment to the hungry of California, and her support of the food banks and other community services to help the less fortunate through this difficult season. After introducing their son Christopher, the First lady introduced her husband, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Governor explained that the magnificent 55 foot tall tree, decorated with over 1500 ornaments and 9000 energy efficient lights, was designated the “Tree of Heroes”. It was dedicated to all the men and women who are heroes in our communities, from firefighters and peace officers to those serving in our armed forces, and including the 38 recipients of the Governor’s Medal of Honor who were decorated earlier in the day. Then with the help of little Jasmine Lee, an 8-year-old developmentally challenged child, the Governor hit the switch and the huge tree was ablaze with brilliant multicolored lights.

Rounding out the evening was a performance by David Archuleta, the 2008 runner-up from American Idol. His many fans thrilled to his wonderful voice and he closed the evening on a cheerful and memorable note.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Sac Etsy Handmade Holidays at the Midtown Bazaar

2010-12-08T22:27:33Z

Grab your wallet, purse or piggy bank and get shopping for some great handmade gifts at the Midtown Bazaar, on I Street between 16th and 17th, Streets this Saturday, Dec. 11th, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m..

Admission is free!

"The Midtown Bazaar is a year-round marketplace that offers shoppers a perfect place to shop for items such as vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, candles, artwork, cards, home accessories, and home-baked goodies for your pets," Amy Johnson said. "They offer live music by local musicians, as well as wonderful food and drink from local eateries."

It's a great place to find handmade treasures which make nice gifts.

According to Johnson of Revitalized Vintage, the Sac Etsy Team is 155 members strong and growing daily. It was founded by Tana Taylor of Prairie Primitives Folk Art in February of 2009 to help Etsy shop owners in the Sacramento area network and support each other with the goal of promoting local artisans and helping all to be successful. Its members’ work spans a wide spectrum and includes nearly every handmade item imaginable.

The Sac Etsy Team will be offering one lucky winner the chance to win a gift basket of handmade Sac
Etsy items valued at over $100.

If you are unfamiliar with the term Etsy, wikipedia.org/wiki/Etsy describes it as "an ecommerce website focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. These items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath & beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys. Many individuals also sell craft supplies like beads, wire, jewelry making tools and much more. The vintage items on the site have only one rule to follow: they must be 20 years or older. These items range from old boots and ice skates, to dresses, hats and scarves."

At the Midtown Bazaar you'll have the chance to see, feel, taste and smell their products right there.

Included in the photo collages above are these Sac Etsy members:

Kewish Designs
Miss Teawinkie
Prairie Primitives
Megan Ellis Art Glass Beads
Wise Earth Herbs
Pure Palette Scents
Odd Artist Studio

Visit the Sac Etsy Team blog: CLICK HERE>>>>>

For informaion on the Midtown Bazaar, CLICK HERE>>>>>

Photos | Kati Garner

Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus: 26 Years of Wonderful

2010-12-05T22:54:44Z

Article | Mary Nares

The annual holiday concert by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus is one of the brightest traditions in town. SGMC has been entertaining and engaging sellout audiences for 26 years, and 2010’s “Wonderland” upheld the chorus’ glowing reputation.

The 42 singers, clad in their tuxedos (many with glittery rhinestone brooches twinkling from crisp lapels), enthralled the full house at First United Methodist with an eclectic program.

From the familiar “Winter Wonderland”, to the gorgeous haunting “Prayer of the Children”, each number was clean and well sung.

Soprano Kathryn Donovan was guest soloist for “Must The Winter Come So Soon”.

Of course, no SGMC concert would be complete without humor, and they did not disappoint the audience. “Coming Out On Christmas” featured campy choreography and drew appreciative belly laughs.

And the chorus celebrated “It’s Our Christmas Cheer” with shiny red and gold pompoms worthy of the Glee cast.

Artistic Director Paul Jones and Principal Accompanist Mark A. Robinson create a professional showcase for the vocal talents of the Chorus. Every performance is beautifully interpreted for the hearing impaired by Drea Atkinson.

Director Paul Jones led the audience through a sing-a-long for the grand finale.

SGMC will be accepting new members until the end of January, when rehearsals for the Spring concert will begin. “One For The Road” will be presented in Sacramento, Loomis, Stockton, and Davis on several dates from April 29 through May 15, 2011.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Santa's Adventures on MARRS

2010-12-05T06:07:17Z

Santa landed on MARRS today and wished everyone a Merry Christmas during 12 Days of Midtown "Holiday on MARRS".

I was there to document this historic event:

Santa and his helper trekked on MARRS bringing good cheer to one and all.

First stop was to get Santa in the zone with some yoga (above and below).

Photo with Santa was part of his adventure.

In and out of doors we went.

Shaking hands and bumping fists is all part of his work.

Off to his sleigh he went when his work here was done.

For more info about midtown CLICK HERE

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Socked-in Scenics

2010-12-03T01:53:49Z

Even though the sky was socked-in and gray there were some good sights from Discovery Park today.

A narrow canal, under Natomas Park Drive, runs parallel to Garden Highway, emptying into the Sacramento River.

Even though the Jibboom St Bridge hides I-5 in the background, tall vehicles cast reflections in the water (blue semi cab pulling a white trailer on left).

Sacramento skyline against gray skies.

A sea lion comes up for air as it trolls for fish in the converging waters of the Sacramento and American Rivers.

A man rides his bicyle on a path under the bridge.

A homeless man loads his backpack and gear to move to another site.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Public Invited to Send Holiday Cards to Soldiers

2010-12-01T21:55:18Z

For a fourth year, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to deliver holiday cards to service members, their families and veterans, many of whom will be far from home this holiday season. The Holiday Mail for Heroes program provides Americans with the opportunity to send holiday greetings and a note of thanks to our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Sending a greeting card is a small effort that makes a big impact for our American heroes during the holiday season,” said Trisha Johnson, emergency services director at the Capital Region Chapter. “The American Red Cross serves and supports members of the military, veterans, and their families by providing emergency communications, comfort and assistance each day. The Holiday Mail for Heroes program continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces.”

The American Red Cross will be hosting a local card-signing and drop-off event on Sunday, December 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Sacramento office, located at 1565 Exposition Boulevard. The public is invited to join in the event, signing cards to be delivered to military members near and far, or dropping off their own handmade cards.

For a full list of recommended guidelines and best practices on the Holiday Mail for Heroes program visit redcross.org/holidaymail. For questions regarding the card-signing event, please contact Trisha Johnson at 916-993-7087.

WHAT:                          Holiday Mail for Heroes
                                     Card signing and drop-off event

WHERE:                       American Red Cross
                                     1565 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento

WHEN:                          Sunday, December 5, 2010
                                     1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Capital Region Chapter serves an eleven-county region including Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, eastern Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Yolo counties. For more information, visit http://www.redcrosscrc.org or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/RedCrossCRC.

Photo | Kati Garner, American Red Cross Volunteer

Capitol Mall Almost Aglow

2010-11-30T06:42:17Z

I arrived at Capitol Mall around 5:30 this evening and had to really make sure I wasn't missing the 22,450 LED lights that were to be on the towers between 1st and 7th Streets.

US Bank was the most photogenic so I captured scenes there, near and far.

I'm guessing perhaps there were technical difficulties with getting the other buildings lit. All was not lost!

Here's what I saw:

The front of US Bank is very eye-catching.

To the left of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the art outside.

Bank of the West dressed in Christmas red and green and white lights on the trees at its entry (below).

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Winn Park Dressed in Holiday Spirit

2010-11-28T21:56:03Z

This morning was a fine time to get Winn Park into the Holiday mood. Seven volunteers, bundled in their warm coats and hats, set themselves in motion.

It took less than an hour-and-a-half for Ken Knutson, William Burg, Randall Fontenot, Lee and Hanju Archie, Thomas Williams and Vivian Gerlauch to get the poles and park sign decorated on behalf of the Midtown Neighborhood Association.

For more information on the Midtown Neighborhood Association, visit: sacmidtown.org

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Black Friday Shopping and Mayhem

2010-11-27T18:02:31Z

Thanksgiving evening at 11pm, Ed Fogle and I joined forces to capture the Black Friday shopping frenzies. Our adventure began at Arden Fair Mall.

Here is a timeline:

11:49pm - Thanksgiving evening

Traffic at Arden Fair Mall was ongoing.

Busses continuously dropped shoppers off.

12:01 AM

At the front of the mall, the line's tail-end of shoppers were sprinting to get through the doors.

12:04 AM

Elevators were packed.

Shoppers were packing into stores!

Apple was busy!

Shoppers with bags streamed out of Macy's.

1:47 AM

Fry's Electronics at Northgate Blvd had a long line of shoppers trying to stay warm in 34 degrees. The woman in the blue cap arrived at 10am Thanksgiving.

4:16 AM

Target on Broadway apparently had no problem selling flatscreen tvs.

Empty!

Check out lines were long.

Hard keeping carts handy at the store's front door at 4:29am.

5:06 AM

Wal Mart at Florin Rd in south Sacramento was the scene of an unruly crowd evacuated from the store. The Sacramento Sheriffs Department was sent in to gain control of the situation.

Assistant manager “L.C.” made several announcements over a bullhorn encouraging the crowd to move down to the single entrance where customers would be eventually let back in under better control (above and below).

5:44 AM

Shoppers were allowed back into the store in a single-file line.

For more footage and information from Black Friday in Sacramento:

For video footage of the Wal Mart scene, please visit: http://sacmav.com/2010/11/26/florin-town-walmart-mayhem-black-friday/#more-906

For more footage of Arden Mall, please visit:http://sacmav.com/2010/11/26/black-friday-at-midnight-at-arden-fair-mall/

Photos | Kati Garner, SacMav.com

Old Soul Kind of Morning

2010-11-26T22:25:23Z

A pastel sky welcomes the new day-after Thanksgiving. This was the scene from in front of Old Soul on Broadway at 7am this morning. SacPress Photo |Kati Garner

Red Cross Update | Calaveras County Shelter Closes; Tuolumne County Shelter Remains Open

2010-11-25T21:51:05Z

The shelter that has accommodated dozens of residents in the Ebbets Pass area will be closing as of 1:00 pm Thursday. A significant amount of the area's power has been restored, allowing residents to return to their Calaveras County homes in time for Thanksgiving. Many residents in Tuolumne County, however, remain without power. The American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter will continue to operate the shelter at the Word of Life Fellowship Church in Miwuk Village to accommodate residents in the area who are in need of a warm place to stay, a hot meal to eat, and a place to gather with neighbors. A local Marie Callender's restaurant is donating turkey dinners for the residents in the shelter in Miwuk Village to help them celebrate Thanksgiving.

Tuolumne County Shelter (remaining open until power is restored):
Word of Life Fellowship Church, 24630 Highway 108, Miwuk Village

Calaveras County Shelter (closed as of 1:00 pm, Thursday):
Old fire station adjacent to new fire station facility, 1028 Manuel Road, Arnold

Information courtesy American Red Cross, Capital Region Chapter

Photo | Kati Garner, American Red Cross Volunteer

Car Dealership in Westfield Downtown Plaza

2010-11-25T00:16:55Z

Black Friday may find some shoppers at the Westfield Downtown Plaza surprised when they see cars parked in a store on the main level. It's truly a unique site - Sacramento is apparently the first, and only, city in North America with a car dealership within the walls of a mall. Monday, Nov. 22, the Hyundai Store officially opened for business in the Westfield Downtown Plaza. It's located on the J Street side under the Food Court. I had to see it myself. As far as I could tell, access is the same as for the other mall stores. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

For more details, please see:http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/41123/A_One_of_a_Kind_in_Sacramento

American Red Cross Helps Residents Impacted by Winter Weather

2010-11-24T21:13:45Z

The American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter is helping those impacted by the recent severe winter weather affecting the sierra region. On Tuesday evening, the Red Cross partnered with Tuolumne and Calaveras counties to open two warming centers to assist residents who are still without power. The location of the two warming centers are:

Warming Center in Tuolumne County:
Fire Station, 18781 Cedar Drive, Twain Harte

Warming Center in Calaveras County:
Old fire station adjacent to new fire station facility, 1028 Manuel Road, Arnold

The Red Cross will continue to provide assistance until power is restored and there is no longer a need for emergency shelter.

The American Red Cross urges the community to follow a few simple tips to stay safe during snow emergency weather.

Staying safe in your home:
•       Create or purchase a 3-day disaster supplies kit. Kits should include water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions for each member of your family. Also keep additional blankets, bottled water, and a flashlight with extra batteries available.
•       When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
•       If you purchase a fresh Christmas tree, secure it in a sturdy stand away from heat sources and exits and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
•       Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials. Take special care when burning candles and never leave a lit candle unattended.

Staying safe in your car:
•       Have your car winterized and keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include blankets, food, water, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.
•       Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
•       Allow extra time when traveling. Let someone know your destination, route, and when you expect to arrive. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.
•       If you do get stuck, stay with your car—do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna and keep your overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour.

Staying safe outside:
•       If possible, avoid being outside in the coldest part of the day or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.
•       Dress in multiple thin layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.
•       Keep dry and get out of wet clothes immediately. Warm your core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup.

To learn more about how to stay safe during severe winter weather or to purchase a disaster supply kit, contact the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter at 916-993-7070 or visit http://www.redcrosscrc.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Information | Press Release, American Red Cross, Capital Region Chapter

Photo | Kati Garner, American Red Cross Volunteer

Sutter Stormy Backdrop

2010-11-23T22:34:14Z

Stormy skies provide a dramatic backdrop to Sutters Fort and the Sutter Construction cranes in midtown around 1pm two days before Thanksgiving. Freezing temperatures are expected from tonight through Thanksgiving day. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Support Make-a-Wish Foundation in the Fountains at Roseville this Holiday Season

2010-11-22T06:34:26Z

The Fountains at Roseville dove into the holiday season with its first Christmas tree lighting and pledges all of the coins tossed into the display fountains during this holiday season to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Walt Gray of KCRA was the master of ceremonies. His nose was recently injured and is bandaged.

The sky was a fountain during the ceremony, pouring rain upon the participants.

Judy Britts directed the Northern California Children's Choir in singing Christmas carols before the tree was lit.

Visitors from Cinderella gave their support for the honored guest.

Four year old Jacob, the honored guest, weathered the rain with his parents Ryan and Sarah. Jacob has Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and his wish is to go to Disneyland.

The jolly visitors from the North Pole showed up wishing everyone the best.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Sacramento was founded in 1983. Since that time the chapter has given hope, strength and joy to kids in fulfilling more than 3,500 wishes.

http://www.makeawish-sacto.org/

The Fountains at Roseville is located on the corner of Galleria Boulevard and Roseville Parkway in Roseville.

http://www.thefountainsatroseville.com/

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Storm Scenic

2010-11-22T05:11:44Z

The storm-ladden skies viewed from The Fountains in Roseville offered gorgeous views around sunset. Photo | Kati Garner

Roseville kicks off Holidays with Christmas Parade

2010-11-21T22:34:57Z

Roseville had a great Christmas parade Saturday afternoon. And they luckily they had a break from the rain while it happened.

Their 49th Annual Sylvia Besana Holiday Parade began at the intersection of Douglas/ Riverside/Vernon at 3pm.
Here are some photos:

The Mayor turned on the town's Christmas Tree lights when it got dark, Santa was in the Tower Theatre and there was lots of ornament decorating going on.

The Merchants along Vernon Street will be open for holiday shopping this season, rain or shine.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Local Fans Smitten with newest Harry Potter

2010-11-19T19:58:44Z

A Harry Potter fan gives a big thumbs-up after seeing “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" as she exits Regal Natomas Marketplace 16 at 2:15am this morning. According to http://AccessHollywood.com, fans across the country loved it to the tune of $24 million for its midnight debut.

Here's local reactions and photos of Harry Potter fans as they streamed out of the theatre:

(Put an exclamation mark after all over these)

Everything about it was good
I just kept hoping it would never end
It was funny, kinda scary, had great action and I loved it
The ending was kinda sad
It really touched my heart
I gotta see the next one
I thought this was the best one
Parts were left out of the book, but still a great movie
I loved the opening

This fellow said he's secure enough in his manhood to have a little wand.

This fan explained she brought her own tea leaves reading set so she could be like Professor Trelawney.

No comment from this fan!

For more photos and video, please see: http://sacmav.com/2010/11/19/harry-potter-sells-out-another-box-office-hit/

Photos | Kati Garner, SacMav.com

Ho Ho Ho!

2010-11-18T23:06:00Z

A young boy sits on Santa's lap today at the Arden Fair Mall under the big Christmas tree. Our jolly pal from the North Pole is available for photos through Dec. 24. The mall has added new stores, including Brighton Collectibles, Calendar Club, Clear, Hickory Farms, Sleep Number by Select Comfort, T-Mobile, Totally Toys and Extreme Energy.

Here's his busy schedule and the photo info link: http://http://www.ardenfair.com/events.asp?id=71979&start=11/6/2010

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Governor-Elect Jerry Brown meets with Transition Team, Finance Officials

2010-11-17T02:08:33Z

Governor-Elect Jerry Brown was deep into a meeting with state finance officials and his transition team when media swarmed in by invitation.

Per the Press Release sent, "Jerry Brown will hold a brief photo availability for news media during a meeting between the Governor-Elect, his transition team and Department of Finance officials in Sacramento."

This afternoon we were escorted to the 10th floor of the Department of Justice into the meeting room of his Attorney General's office.

For a few moments it went from simply being a photo opportunity to a rapid fire of questions from our group and answers from Brown.

Luckily I had my handy-dandy digital recorder with me. I laid it down between two folks at the table.

For awhile the meeting carried on as if we weren't there. The clicking of cameras was heard as the meeting continues.

Finally, one of us asks, "Governor, what's the biggest challenge for you?"

Brown's response "I'd say the biggest challenge is just starting the work, which I have, day by day, to keep chipping away."

"The challenge is to get all the significant players to belly up to the bar and give me their ideas and take responsibility for how California can solve this problem. It's really a challenge for all the people of California as to how we manage what's in front of us. And what's in front of us is this enormous, unprecedented gap between the money coming in and the money committed to going out."

He says that's what he's working on.

I was the last out the door and turned around to get this shot as Brown's meeting continued.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Cast from Cirque Dreams Holidaze show their stuff.

2010-11-17T01:16:44Z

Acrobats with Cirque Dreams Holidaze showed what they do well today to a crowd at the Downtown Ice Skating Rink. They seemed to flow from one thing into another effortlessly.

David Pacheco and his pup Bravo, with sunglasses on, caught the show.

You'll find more information here: http://www.cirqueproductions.com/

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Discover Oak Park | Then and Now

2010-11-15T20:30:07Z

Fall is a great time to take a walk. If you don't like walking just for the sake of walking, take the self-guided walking tour of Central Oak Park.

The newly published brochure, Central Oak Park Walking Tour, was produced by the Center for Sacramento History in collaboration with Dr. Robin Datel of CSUS, Sacramento History Foundation, the Sacramento County Historical Society and California State University Sacramento.

Take a walk into past and present day Oak Park.

Here is a jump start that covers the area on the north side of Broadway:

2837 36th Street is the site of the former Bicycle Kitchen. It is a small building on property owned by the Brickhouse Art Gallery. Its current occupant is Images & Beyond.

2837 36th Street is now the site of The Brickhouse Art Studios. In the 1930s Charles D. Soracco acquired property at the corner of 36th Street, 4th Avenue, and Broadway. Soracco Sheet Metal operated there until 2002.

3501 Broadway is the site of the Gostick Brothers/Wulff And Sons Meat Market. Until 1951 various meat markets operated here. It is currently vacant. Renovation is planned.

3519 3rd Avenue, next to the meat market, this bungalow was built for the George A. Gostick family in 1912.

3519 Broadway, home to Stilson Brothers Cleaners, was constructed for the company in 1927. The business continues its operation there.

3503 Broadway was a former gas station. A Shell Oil Company service station was built here in 1922. The building retains it's original look. It is now home to 6 Day Tires.

3649 4th Avenue is the former site of Oak Park School of Afro-American Thought in the 1960's. It is now occupied by Bouey Termite & Contstruction, Inc.

3600 Broadway has been the site of the United Methodist Church since the building was dedicated in 1927.

3401 2nd Avenue was the location for various gocery, furniture, and other stores on the ground floor until Thom’s Cyclery’s moved in from next door in 1938 and stayed until 2007! The wood- frame building dates from 1896.

3500 2nd Ave, now Oak Park Pre-School, was built in 1901 for prominent Oak Park physician Dr. John T. Culver, who lived here for 52 years. In 1953, the house became a privately run child-care facility, Oak Park Day Nursery. The sorority, Eta Gamma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, started child-care center and continues its operations today.

The information used above is taken from the new Central Oak Park Walking Tour brochure. There is lots more detailed descriptions in it and many more sites to see in person.

The photos shown above the color images (present day shots) are courtesy of the producers of the brochure.

I shot the color photos shown above.

The brochures are available at locations throughout the central Oak Park area, including the businesses listed below.

Evolve the Gallery

2907 35th Street

Sacramento, California 95817

Underground Books

2814 35th Street

Sacramento, CA 95817

Old Soul Co. @ Forty Acres

3546 3rd Avenue

Sacramento, CA 95817

US Bank

3418 Broadway

Sacramento, CA 95817

Colonial Heights Library

4799 Stockton Blvd

Sacramento, CA 95820

For copies of the brochure or to serve as a public distribution site, call (916) 808-7072.

Be a Walking Art Piece

2010-11-13T21:43:07Z

The Art to Wear Show continues Sunday, Nov 14 from 11am - 4pm at the Shepard Garden and Art Center, McKinley Park, at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento. It is presented by Sacramento Center for the Textile Arts.

Here's more examples of what you'll discover:

This is a close-up of the bra area on the first photo at top.

Even some "not to wear" art is available.

Here's the preview article: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/36404/Art_to_Wear

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Honoring our Veterans on Veterans Day

2010-11-13T20:52:45Z

A visitor to the All Wars Memorial in Capitol Park gazes at the tall sculpture on Veterans Day. Docents were on-hand to great visitors at the All Wars Veterans Memorial just off N St. on the Capitol Park Grounds.

Veterans, as well as non-veterans, gathered at the Mexican American Veterans Memorial at Capitol Park on Veterans Day for a ceremony honor those who had sacrificed their lives.

Someone had asked one of the event planners, "Why do you guys need a special memorial?," Pedro Hernandez explained to the crowd.

He said he thought about it for a minute and then replied, "I don't believe we need a special memorial or do we think that we are special?"

"We all deal with grief in our own ways, some through alcoholism, some by turning off life, some people do it any way they can," Hernandez said.

"But it was these women (the photos of mothers who lost sons in war are displayed to the right of Hernandez) that came together, some of them lost two sons, some of them lost three sons. Instead of turning to alcohol or drugs, they came together and said 'We cannot forget what our sons did.We cannot allow them not to be recognized. We cannot live the rest of our lives knowing they did what they needed to do and now it's our turn'."

Mary Salas holds a photo of War Mothers that was presented to her.

And these mothers of sons killed in WWII began to fund raise to create this memorial.

Hernandez said, "It is that we are special. That is why we need to be recognized. That is why we give our life to this country. And if my children, my grandchildren and their grandchildren give their lives to this country it is because it means that much to us."

This memorial is symbolic of what was happening throughout all of California when all Hispanic mothers lost their sons fighting for this country during WWII.

Assemblywoman Mary Salas, 79th assembly district, explained that those Mexican-American mothers created something so that their sons and daughters will never be forgotten.

A veteran salutes a memorial wreath presented by Irene Canseco and Angel Dhin.

"It gives me and our whole community such a sense of pride." Salas said. "Our country is sometimes filled with such controversy and negativity, and sometimes in politics somebody will use a group. They will say 'this group is not patriotic' or 'this group is a burden on our society.' "

"And quite frankly, many times the Latino community has been scapegoated as a problem," Salas explained. "When really we were the solution."

Not only the solution, but a part of the community that brought wealth to the state of California.

"We are a proud and patriotic people," Salas said. "Our people have contributed so much not only to the state of California but to the United States of America."

Vets and non-veterans attended the Veterans Day ceremony (above and below).

Some of the pictures and memorabilia placed at the base of the Mexican American Veterans Memorial.

A soldier salutes as Taps is played.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner, (US Navy veteran (1973-77))

A Capitol Christmas Tree

2010-11-09T23:06:49Z

The Christmas Tree at the State Capitol is in place and awaiting decorations and lights.

According to Les Strike, Capitol Park Operations Manager, the 55 ft white fir was set in place around 9am this morning, thanks to Diamond Crane Co.

The California Department of General Services (DGS) cut down the tree yesterday on U.S. Forest Service property in Camino, CA in El Dorado County, and CAL FIRE transported it to the Capitol, with a California Highway Patrol escort.

Strike says they try to pick out a tree that the Governor and First Lady will be happy with and the public will enjoy.

Strike and his crew have had their eyes on the current one for about five years.

"Because of all the rain we've had in the last couple years, this one really liked the good rain and it grew fast," he said. "This tree grew a good 15 to 20 ft. in the past two years and we were pleasantly surprised how it developed and got full branches on it. We said 'That's a winner.'"

Now that it's in place there's finishing touches to be done.

Besides decorations and lights, a stage will be built on top of the grass and a fence will be built around it.

"Each year is a bit different" in regards to the tree lighting event, Strike said. "We really don't know the details yet."

There will be up to 9,000 LED Christmas lights and more than 2,000 ornaments. In keeping with tradition, the Department of Developmental Services provides 1,500 of those ornaments, handcrafted by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from state developmental centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.

By using LED lights, 95 percent of the energy that would be consumed by incandescent bulbs is saved. The tree is free since it's donated.

The tree lighting ceremony will tentatively take place on the west side of the Capitol on Dec 7 at 4:30pm.

Crews place boards around the base of the big tree to support it.

Once the Christmas tree was positioned and well-supported a crew member climbed about half way to the top to release some cables used in moving the tree.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Christmas in the Air in Old Sac

2010-11-08T20:03:18Z

4,000 pounds of evergreen arrived in Old Sacramento early this morning.

It stands about 55 ft tall and had to be put in place by crane. It left its home near Mt Shasta a day ago. The near-perfect-shaped Christmas tree is now in place at K and Front St.

Old Sac's Christmas tree is lowered to the ground above it's new home for the holidays.

Ron Shoffitt, left, of Maxim Crane Works and Joe Roberson of Carlton Christmas Trees, remove the flag and lights from the tip of the tree sticking from the rear of the truck that hauled it to Old Sac.

Up, up and away it goes.

Some lower limbs are buzzed off before lowering the massive evergreen into its base.

The holidays are rapidly approaching. They're happening……….deal with it.

Tell the old curmudgeon within to go to its happy place.

Here's the Old Sac Christmas schedule, so please mark your calendars:

The holidays start in Old Sacramento the week of Thanksgiving as the historic business district prepares for the annual Old Sacramento Tree Lighting and Theatre of Lights.

On November 24, the Tree Lighting festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include live performances, a visit from Father Christmas and much more.
Visitors can join the fun and watch as Mayor Kevin Johnson flips the switch to light the tree at 6:30p.m.

Back for the second year, event-goers will experience the Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights.

That night at 6:30p.m. a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem The Night Before Christmas was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857.

The Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights will run two 20-minute light shows throughout the holiday season Thursdays through Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Decorations for the tree and around Old Sac will go up the end of this week.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Old Sac Aglow

2010-11-08T17:33:27Z

After a stormy weekend, the rising sun glows in the the glass tower atop the Ebner Hotel in Old Sacramento early this morning.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Maryhouse Offers Shopping for a Cause

2010-11-06T20:41:55Z

"This Designer Warehouse event is an opportunity for people to actually shop till they drop and feel guilt-free because every dollar earned here goes straight to our Maryhouse Day Hospitality Center for homeless women and children," explained Sister Libby Fernandez, RSM, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento.

Sister Libby tries on a designer top during the designer warehouse sale held Friday on the 25th floor of the US Bank building. It continued through Satuday.

There were many high-end brands among the more than 40,000 pieces, including Charmel, Lillith, Cosabella, Elm and others.

Here's some photos from Friday:

Hats, hats and more hats!

Lots of good eats donated by Tony's Fine Foods. The Wine Warehouse and Young's Market donated a nice selection of wine.

Clothes for the little ones.

Mo finishes up on some shopping.

Leather gloves aplenty.

For more information about Maryhouse and Loaves & Fishes: http://www.sacloaves.org/

Visit Mariel Tagg's preview of the sale:

http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/39902/Buy_discounted_designer_clothes_donate_to_charity

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Art to Wear

2010-11-03T23:32:43Z

Want to be a walking and fashionable piece of art?

Don't miss this upcoming art sale.

Sacramento Center for the Textile Arts is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for 30 years serving Sacramento and area communities. This annual sale provides support for the SCTA Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships to textile students at area universities and colleges. The annual event provides an opportunity for textile artists to promote and sell their work in the community.

ART to WEAR is held at the Shepard Garden and Art Center, McKinley Park, at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento.

The November 13 and 14, 2010, event begins with a fashion show on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 10am with the sale following between 11am and 4pm.

The sale continues on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 11am to 4 pm. Admission is free.

The sale will include a variety of hand crafted garments, accessories, unique jewelry, home decor and more!

One of a kind fashions will be highlighted in the fashion show.

Information and photos courtesy of Sacramento Center for the Textile Arts

Day of the Dead was alive and kicking

2010-11-03T22:54:06Z

Until I visited the recent exhibit of Day of the Dead exhibit in midtown this past Sunday and Monday, I had it conjured up in my pea-pickin' brain that it was something weird, macabre and totally unrelated to me.

True, it is a Mexican holiday called Día de los Muertos. Yes, it does have some bizarre rituals like donning wooden skull masks called calacas, creating sugar skulls and it is very close to Halloween. So, it's gotta be weird, right?

Its origins can be traced back to the indigenous cultures. Celebrating the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations perhaps for as long as 2,500–3,000 years.

The wooden skulls are placed on an altar dedicated to the deceaed. A relative or friend eats the sugar skull with the name of the dead person on its forehead.

When my Grandma Polly died six years ago, the things I kept of hers could be considered totally whacked.

I have her tube of lipstick that bears imprints from her lips. I nabbed her dental retainer box with her false teeth. And her tweezers.

Remembering the dead is such a human thing. Something we all do, but in different ways.

JFK's assassination on November 22, 1963 comes alive again just about every fall.

We just don't want to forget the people we loved once they die.

Here are some scenes from the Day of the Dead exhibit behind the La Raza Galería Posada at K and 22nd:

An artist sketches a display.

A young girl touches some flowers that are part of an altar.

Visitors pause to take in the displays (above and below).

A group of local artists honored dead artists (Salvador Dali in foreground framed photo).

A deceased's favorite liquid?

The two-day exhibit was the first of its kind in Sacramento. Participating organizations included Mexican American Legal Defense Education Fund (MALDEF), Consulado Mexicano de California en Sacramento, Amnesty International, California State University, Sacramento – EOP, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, California Arts Council, CARES/Planned Parenthood, The Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California, Mujeres Ayudando La Raza, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA), Sacramento County Employees Latino Caucus, NoiseFest, Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes.

Artists and individuals included Steven Rowe, Monica Delgado, Greg Ulibas, Suzanne Rubalcava, Brian Castaneda, Shayna May, David Alverez, Jasmina Aguila, Sue Schoneman, Jennifer Luna, Kathy Blackburn, Maria Quintero-Lenihan, Vanessa Esquivido, Irene Lugo, Jesus Barela, Eric Riviera-Jurado, Mari Arreola, MENDOMAS artist collective, Cassandra Ariaz, Michelle Barbaria, William Burg, Kevin Santos-Coy, Olga Cid.

The Dia de los Muertos: El Panteón de Sacramento is funded by the James Irvine Foundation, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and the California Arts Council to provide a unique culturally based art installation. La Raza Galería Posada is a multi-disciplinary cultural center and public space serving the Sacramento community by offering Latino/Chicano and Native arts programming, art education workshops, and a community-gathering place.

For further info: Veronica Delgado: 916-792-4947 or visit http://www.larazagaleriaposada.org
SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Midtown Halloween and Pooch Costume Contest

2010-10-31T21:38:14Z

Saturday, the day before the official Halloween, little ones and their parents were trick or treating Sac Midtown businesses.

It's an annual event organized by the merchants and the Midtown Business Association and it was great.

Relles Florist provided fun for the kids; Howdy Do Dat the magician with his real live bunny, face painting by All Party Art and Pony Tails, as well as trick or treaters creating faces on small pumpkins.

"oh come on, that flag isn't right"

Guest appearances were made by some of the dogs that were all dressed up for the Pooch Parade and Costume Contest.

Do you like the dark and brooding type?

Kennedy Art Gallery hosted the awards ceremony next to Headhunters.

Charlie Kennedy, the Spider

In the afternoon the dapper and beautiful canines paraded around midtown and were judged to see which would be the "Top Dogs" This halloween.

The winning dogs in the Pooch Costume Contest are:

1st place - Wiley the Aztec

2nd place - Rudy the Clown

3rd place - Cupcake the Raggedy Ann

Cutest - Lulu the shark

Midtown Spirit - Apple, the Lady Gaga

Funniest - Oliver the Chicken
Best Duo - Mac and Teddy thePolice Dog and Convict
Spookiest - Charlie the Spider

Costume contest judges were Karen Jacques (Board member UAN), Corey DeRoo (French Cuff Consignment, Susan Tiesing (Tres Chic Boutique) and Niki Fay (Midtown Business Association).

Proceeds from the registration fees for entering the Pooch Parade/Costume contest were donated to United Animal Nations. Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. http://uan.org

"Would you please fetch my pipe and newspaper, old sport?"

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Folsom's Night of 1,000 pumpkins

2010-10-31T00:30:11Z

Folsom's historic Sutter Street glittered with lighted pumpkins lined up on sidewalks and windowsills Friday night. I don't know the exact count of the jack-o-lanterns, but there were lots of them and folks were loving them during the event's second year.

Prizes were awarded in the following categories: Scariest Pumpkin, Best Special Effects Pumpkin, Best Traditional Pumpkin, Funniest Pumpkin, and Best Kids Pumpkin. There were two Halloween movies on an inflatable screen in the street - one scary movie, one kids movie - face painters, free popcorn and the shops had customers lined up for goodies.

Here's some stuff I saw:

Johnny Cash pumpkin

There was the possibility of a zombie "flash mob" showing up, but I didn't see any groups of the walking dead.

MyFolsom.com and the Folsom Historic District Association sponsored the event.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Disney on Ice

2010-10-29T23:08:09Z

I had no idea that Sacramento was home to so many 3-foot tall fairies, princesses, lions, clownfish and mermaids.

The audience at Arco Arena was filled with excited children who had brought their parents to see Ariel, Simba and Peter Pan. Their glittery costumes, flashing light wands and sparkly tiaras filled the arena with magic even before the show began.

“Disney on Ice: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey” is a crowd-pleasing extravaganza of toe-tapping music, colorful costuming, beloved Disney characters, spectacular special effects – and exciting ice skating.

Mickey and Minnie teamed up with longtime pals Donald, Daisy and Goofy to carry us along on their magical vacation. We visited Africa with the Lion King, the undersea world of “The Little Mermaid,” paradise with Lilo and Stitch, and Neverland, home of Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

In the grand Disney tradition, the show features a large company of wonderful skaters to bring familiar characters to life. Each segment presents key scenes from the films with humor, dramatic effects and those songs we know and love. The choreography, set design, lighting, costumes and sound quality combine to draw everyone into the experience.

Even the littlest audience members were enthralled, gasping with surprise or giggling delightedly in all the right places.

Brian, a sweet 2-year-old sitting in front of me (on the booster seat his parents had wisely brought along) laughed and pumped his little arms in the air, dancing in his seat. He was enthralled the entire time, even forgetting to eat his popcorn. His parents were equally engaged, clapping enthusiastically and ooh-ing when Wendy, John and Michael Darling flew overhead on their way to Neverland. I even saw some cool, ultra-sophisticated teens singing along.

A word of caution: Parents, be prepared for the concourse filled with all things Disney. Photos in Ariel’s undersea world, stuffed animals and fairy wands and Captain Hook hats all vie for your attention and your dollars. And I saw several adults sporting adorable Flounder hats. I wish I had purchased one of those darling blue and yellow chapeaus, and maybe a whirly light wand...

This affordably priced family adventure will run through Sunday afternoon and is a guaranteed hit with young and old alike. Grab a costume and get your Disney on.

“Disney on Ice Presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey” at Arco Arena

Friday, Oct. 29 - 11:00am, 7:00pm
Saturday, Oct. 30 - 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday, Oct. 31 - 11:00am, 3:00pm
Ticket Prices: $14, $17, $23, $38 (VIP), $60 (Front Row); Parking: $12.00
Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com, Arco Arena Box Office, or call 1-800-745-3000

Story | Mary Nares

Photos | Courtesy of Disney

Fun at The Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-27T00:26:40Z

If I were a kid again, I'd want Mom and Dad to take me to The Pumpkin Farm.

It's 12 acres of fun filled with 100 tons of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from. They've grown pumpkins that are more than 800 pounds there and you can see them. During the 2008 season, they grew one of the FIRST two GIANT PUMPKINS over 1000 pounds grown in the Central Valley, right there at the Farm!

Three-year-old Dareton Wilbur gets help from his dad lifting up his first pumpkin (above).Below, he puts his finger on a second one to take home.

Kids love feeding the goats. even if they stick out their tongues. The farm zoo also has friendly llamas, calves, goats, sheep, turkeys and of course, 3 little pigs.

Other farm fun things are acres of corn mazes, sunflowers, antique equipment, straw bale pyramids, and even a huge jump castle.

So many pumpkins to choose from!

Two of the three pigs taking a rest.

An old fashion hayride is just the ticket to see the farm.

The new Go-Kart Train Ride is a big hit since its premier last year. Kids also love the eight car train.

The Pumpkin Farm is situated on an authentic old Northern California farm & orchard off of the historic Old Auburn Road. It's celebrating its 36th year. It's a family-run farm. Leonard Shymoniak's kids grew up there and his grandkids are now helping out. It takes six months of work to prepare for pumpkin season.

The Pumpkin Farm is located at 7736 Old Auburn Road at Mariposa in Citrus Heights, CA, 95610. Parking and admission is free.

The Farm is open every day in October, rain or shine, from 9 am to 6 pm. For more information (including school and youth group inquires), please call (916) 726-1137.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Downtown Ice Rink under Construction

2010-10-25T00:06:48Z

With the stormy weather happening, it's feeling like fall. And what comes after fall?

WINTER! Which means ice skating.

Construction is happening now on the new Westfield Downtown Plaza Ice Rink – Sacramento’s original outdoor ice rink.

A worker holds a section of the plastic pipes ~~which will carry the freon~~ that keeps the ice fozen as, ...well, ice!

“We’re thrilled to welcome back the ice rink to the heart of Downtown and celebrate 19 years of holiday magic,” said DSP Executive Director Michael Ault. “It’s amazing how quickly we can transform a public park into an icy wonderland. We should be making ice by this coming weekend.”

Crews position the ~~freon-carrying~~ tubes so they line up correctly under the 7,000 square foot rink (above and below).

The rink re-opens Nov. 5 at noon with a ribbon cutting ceremony and free admission for skaters. A dazzling light display will create a winter wonderland feel. According to Lisa Martinez, Downtown Sac Partnership, "every Tuesday the rink will host a family skate night where kids skate free with a paid adult admission. Downtown employees receive a free skate rental every Wednesday courtesy of the Westfield Downtown Plaza. The rink is also offering Saturday ice skating lessons on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m."

The rink will be open daily through January 17. Regular admission to the ice rink is $8 for a two-hour session and $2 for skate rental. It is located at located at 7th & K streets in Downtown Sacramento near Westfield Shopping Plaza.

Folks can follow the ice rink action and find deals at http://www.downtownsac.org/icerink

Find the rink on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/downtownsac.org

Follow on Twitter: http://@DowntownIceRInk

Catch video clips of the rink under construction: http://www.youtube.com/DowntownSac95814

The event is sponsored by the Westfield Downtown Plaza as well as The Hines Company, CIM Group, Trane, Made in the Shade and CBS 13 and CW 31.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Spook'tacular Miniature Horse Expo & Sale

2010-10-23T21:52:17Z

Bring Miniature horses together with little horse friends and you'll get huge fun, especially close to Halloween.

It's the sixth year for the two-day event - Spook'tacular Miniature Horse Expo & Sale - which is a fundraiser for rescue animals, pet owner support groups and youth education on humane pet ownership.

Saturday was a family event featuring venues, raffles, a parade of stallions, a horse sale, costume contest, and a kids activity center.

Tomorrow will be more of an educational event with open workshops on raising, showing and selling miniature horses.

It's held at the Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd, Roseville, CA
Rain or shine...undercover! See event flyer at bottom.

Here's some snapshots from Saturday:

And, last but not least, there were some stylin' Alpacas strutting their stuff!

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Download event flyer: http://http://www.petiteequine.com/images/stories/2010spooktacularflyerforms.pdf

http://www.petiteequine.com/

Gassy Downtown

2010-10-21T05:16:31Z

Gas rises from a hole where construction crews accidentally damaged two gas lines at T & 6th Streets this afternoon just south of Downtown Sacramento while digging to install storm drain lines.

Sacramento Fire Department responded as a level Two Hazmat and up to fifteen homes and one business were evacuated. Evacuations and street closures extended up to one block in all directions of the gas leak while PG & E worked to turn off the leaking gas. Once PG & E arrived on scene, it took over two hours for the leak to be stopped and residents allowed back into their homes.

There were no firefighter or civilian injuries and all evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes by 5:45pm. Up to fifteen gas meters south of the incident and several others from 6th to 3rd street will be without gas until the pipe can be repaired and gas flow restored.

Photo | Kati Garner, Maverick Photographers

For more photos of the scene, please visit:

http://sacmav.com/photos /?picasaViewAlbumId=News_20101020_SacMavOnSceneUneditedDirectUpload%2C0

A Pirate's Life, Matey ?

2010-10-19T21:02:06Z

The Hawaiian Chieftain had arrived in Old Sacramento just minutes before I got there on Friday, October 15. Leaving Antioch earlier that day, they sailed seven hours to reach Sacramento.

They were hungry and had chores to do before they could call it a day.

So, I captured their end-of-sail work before they were told to 'stand-down', which means you are 'free to do what you wish.'

Six of the crew, four men and two women, secure the sails to the mast. They were way up there!

They all scurried up the rope ladders on each side of the ship to reach the mainsails.

The sails at the bow are secured in place.

Joel Ruud in the stern where maps and navigation tools are kept.

The ship's ropes are secured.

Dinner is prepared.

The mast before the sails were tied down.

The stern's exterior.

The crew in Sacramento are Captain Michael (Jake) Jacobson, Bellingham WA; Mate Nick Williams, Angwill CA; Education Officer Joel Ruud, Las Vegas NV; Bosun Sarah Baker, Bellingham WA; Engineer Don Johnson Eastsound WA; Cook Brandon Webber, Eugene OR; Topman Rachael Protas, Coupeville WA; Topman Rangi Ferris, Port Townsend WA and Topman Cutis Yu University Place WA.

"The Hawaiian Chieftain takes on new crew all the time," said Joel Ruud. "Someone can just stop by and say 'I'd like to sail with you."

They are directed to the ship's website: http://www.historicalseaport.org/ or call 800-200-5239.

Someone thinking they would like to be a crew member can learn what it's like to live on a tall ship for two weeks. If the lifestyle fits, anyone at least 16 years old may stay on as volunteer crew which can lead into becoming a paid crew member. Paid crew positons include the cook, captain, bosun, first mate, engineer, steward and purser.

Ruud, 18, says he's the youngest member in Sacramento. The average age range is 20-25. He says being a crew member is a great way to meet and work alongside interesting people from all over the world.

He explained a typical day aboard the Chieftain.

"The cook has breakfast ready for us around 7:30am." Ruud explained. "We go to the aft cabin for muster, which is our meeting before the day starts."

He says chores for the day include swabbing the deck, cleaning the cabins, ongoing maintenance and, of course, being open for tours while docked.

Once every two weeks is a day off. The Chieftain has 16 bunks, one shower and a washer/dryer on board.

During its stay in Old Sac it will be focused on educational programming, which will include sailing down the Sacramento River for K-12 students, home school groups, church groups, senior groups and youth service groups through Dec. 14.

For Halloween, the Hawaiian Chieftain invites all youthful zombies, inspiring superheroes, glamorous princesses, and piratical minions to drop by for tricks or treats from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Admission is free.

The topsail ketch is currently on the Old Sacramento riverfront in Sacramento, just north of the Tower Bridge.

For kids and parents unable to visit in the evening, the ship will be open for walk-on tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 31. Costumes are encouraged. Hawaiian Chieftain is also taking group reservations for a three-hour educational sailing experience from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. To make reservations on Hawaiian Chieftain, call 800-200-5239.

The ship's homeport is Grays Harbor, Washington.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority (GHHSA) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, Washington that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington. GHHSA provides educational, vocational, recreational and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community.

Memorial honors Fallen California Firefighters

2010-10-17T23:06:19Z

Thirty-one fallen California firefighters were honored Saturday at the California Firefighter Memorial in Sacramento's Capitol Park.

Consumnes Firefighter, Richard Ibarra, was among the thirty-one fallen firefighters who were honored today at the California State Firefighters Memorial.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger offered remarks in honoring the fallen.

A folded American flag represented each firefighter honored today and was presented to the respective families as the final roll call was made and bell rung.

Each firefighter was also represented by a masted flag of their department carried by a fellow firefighter.

Article | Ed Fogle, Maverick Photography

Photos | Kati Garner, Maverick Photography

To see more photos of the Memorial, please visit: http://sacmav.com/2010/10/17/fallen-firefighters-honored/

Two Sac Police Officers Receive Medal of Valor

2010-10-16T04:39:23Z

Sacramento Police Officers Matt Suehowicz (left) and Richard Kawasaki received the Medal of Valor at the California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) 2010 award banquet.

Sacramento Police Department PIO Norm Leong told of their actions immediately in an article on Sacramento Press:

"On December 22, 2009, at 12:50 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department received a call of a car accident near Riverside Boulevard and Darnel Way. Officer Matt Suehowicz was first to arrive at the scene, observing the front end and passenger compartment of a 1998 Green Ford Expedition fully engulfed in flames with a male subject trapped inside. Officer Suehowicz quickly grabbed his fire extinguisher in order to get the flames back far enough to rescue the victim. Officer Suehowicz attempted to grab the driver out of the car, but could not due to the victim’s legs being trapped. Officer Richard Kawasaki arrived on scene shortly after and the two officers were able to pull the victim out of the car to safety.

The victim sustained major injuries and burns. Sacramento Fire Department transported the 17-year-old victim to an area hospital. The Sacramento Fire Department indicated that if not for the actions of the officers, the driver would have died.

“We are thankful for the two officer’s ability to rescue the victim under the dire conditions they were faced with and are very proud of their heroic actions. This situation also brings to light the type of heroism that the men and women of the Sacramento Police Department display regularly in our community” said Deputy Chief Sam Somers." http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/19658/Officers_Rescue_Teen_From_Burning_Car

The Medal of Valor was established in 1968 by an endowment from Harry Strasser, a San Diego firefighter and founder of CSFA. Award winners are nominated by the first responder community and the general public.

The California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) presented the Medal of Valor to firefighters, law enforcement officers and civilians from across California who have exhibited great courage in order to save the life of another. The award banquet was held Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Capital Plaza Holiday Inn in Sacramento, California.

Photo | Maverick Photographer Kati Garner

Glowing Pyramid

2010-10-16T03:54:08Z

The Ziggurat Building across the river from Old Sacramento seems to glow from within at sunset.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Bigger.Badder.Better.

2010-10-13T01:17:25Z

Sacramento's Kings unveiled their newest and highly visible humongous banner today. It's on the side of Parking Garage A at the Sacramento International Airport. At 28ft tall and 55.5ft wide it bears intense images of five of the Kings frontcourt players: veteran center Samuel Dalembert, the NBA’s Rookie of the Month for July, DeMarcus Cousins, rookie shot-blocking sensation Hassan Whiteside and three-year NBA veterans Jason Thompson and Carl Landry. It's all part of their campaign "Here We Rise" which is a tribute to the Kings and the Sacramento Kings community coming together.

Visit http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/37166/Kings_announce_Here_We_Rise_campaign

For further details, visit http://HereWeRise.com

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Sacramento's Ugliest Dog Contest & Cutest Canine Pageant

2010-10-10T16:09:48Z

Sacramento has gone to the dogs where ugly is adorable and being cute is so-so at Sacramento's Ugliest Dog Contest & Cutest Canine Pageant held Saturday at The Greens Hotel on Del Paso Blvd.

Adam Sartain of Sacramento Speaks Media Agency did a professional job as emcee.

A little girl plays with one of the contestants in the Cutest Dog category.

Tangles a Pomeranian, won paws down, as the number one Cutest.

The Ugliest dog award went to Icky, a Chinese crested canine with almost no hair on its body except for patches here and there and a lovely mohawk. Icky is an old hand at winning. He won the World’s Ugliest Dog Online Voting this past year.

Here are some of the other Canine Contestants:

A dog gets a kiss from his master.

Cortez Quinn, District Director for Roger Dickinson, Councilmember Sandy Sheedy and Ruthie Bolton, Former WNBA Sacramento Monarchs player, were the guest judges.

A little encouragement was needed at times.

And some got the royal treatment all the way to the stage!

Cortez Quinn watches a contestant strut her stuff.

How cute am I?

Minnie Me, a Teddy Bear Teacup Poodle from Grass Valley, lives the life of luxury. She has a fiance named Bernie whom she will marry at the end of the year. They each have their own Facebook page where they talk to one another.Minnie Me and her friends raise money for people who can't afford vet bills for their pets. Her pink outfit from New Zealand was custom made for her.

Diana gives her owner a pep talk before the pageant.

Dexter, with the knock 'em dead killer-blue eyes.

Oooo la la!Ohhhhh.....what a little baby.

Sacramento Top Dawg Restaurant and Del Paso Boulevard Partnership hosted the pageant.

Proceeds benefit Sacramento Area Animal Coalition, Sacramento SPCA, Puppy Love Rescue and City of Sacramento Animal Care Services.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

New Crocker Opens

2010-10-10T03:08:11Z

The New Crocker Art Museum opened its doors today for museum members to take a look. Tomorrow at 10 am it opens for the general public. Here is the schedule of events for opening day: http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/old_site/event_schedule/grand_opening.html

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Music & Dance Festival Vibrant, Energizing

2010-10-05T18:54:17Z

Sacramento's third annual Music and Dance Festival in Old Sac was like a mini-trip 'round the world in one day. It can be described as a "global village of dance, music, artistry and children's theatre performances."

The streets of Old Sacramento were filled with sounds of drums, reggae, Hip Hop, Japanese, middle eastern music, country music, and the sounds of clogging and a live DJ competition.

"The Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival celebrates the rich diversity woven throughout our community," said Lina Fat, past board chair of the festival and executive chef of Fat's Restaurants. "It's extraordinary that dancers and musicians with ties from all over the globe will be performing right here in Sacramento."

Here are snapshots from this past Sunday festivities:

TranceFusion Dance Company / Indian(above & below)

Sakura Minyo Doo Koo Kai / Japan / Dance & Live Music

Hip-Hop Dance-Off

8 year old Lil Kida was hands-down winner of Best Individual Dancer award (above,below).

Sacramento Country Dance Society (above, below)

Kalyna / Ukrainian / Dance(above, two below)

Sacramento Taiko Dan/Japan/Live Drums

Yaling Dance Group / China / Dance (above,below)

Samba Da Terra / Brazilian / Dance & Music(above, below)

Live DJ Competition between DJ Revolver (left, large) DJ Circuit (upper small, right) and DJ Rigatony (lower right, small)

Hip-Hop Dance-Off - ICE Dance Co., the group winner.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

http://www.sacramentoworldfestival.org/

New skyline

2010-10-04T23:03:04Z

The refurbished historic Ebner Hotel in Old Sacramento adds its new spire to the Sacramento skyline. Two new stores, Chef’s Mercantile and Christmas & Co., will split the 5,200-square-foot ground floor of the Ebner. For complete information, please see http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/36408/William_Glen_kids_to_open_stores.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Good Beer and Fun at Turn Verein's Oktoberfest

2010-10-04T03:27:57Z

I'm not German and yet I enjoyed Oktoberfest at Turn Verein's 43rd annual celebration this weekend.

The beer was cold, the music fun and the crowd engaging.Some were dressed in their mock dirndls and leather pants. Most of us weren't!

Massive quantities of good food was consumed.

Here's some snaps from Saturday night:

The cups tumbled one second later!

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Tango | Vibrations of the Soul photos

2010-10-02T21:32:57Z

"Vibrations of the Soul", presented by Ernesto Rassi's theater company, California a Todo Tango, is a musical history of Tango at the 24th Street Theatre (Sierra 2 Center). It finishes tonight.

Facundo Posadas performs. He is an icon in the world of Argentine Tango and the only Afro-Argentine traveling the world to share the roots of this dance by teaching and performing Milonga and Candombe.

Tango is sexy, vibrant and energizing. Here are some snapshots from opening night:

Visit: http://www.californiaatodotango.com/ and http://www.rivertango.com/

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Kings mascot Slamson camping on top of IKEA sign!

2010-10-02T01:48:53Z

Slamson and Mitch Germann, VP, Marketing and Communications for Maloof Sports & Entertainment, (above) speak to tv crews before Slamson begins his ascent to the top of the sign behind them.

Slamson, the Kings Mascot, will be camping out on top of the IKEA sign in West Sacramento until an extra 1,000 tickets are bought for the Kings Home Opener Monday, Nov. 1.

He made the climb to the top of the 90ft. sign Friday afternoon around 4pm.

Slamson about half-way up to his new spot.

Slamson gets settled in for his campout in his den with altitude.

Samson waves from his easy chair atop the 90ft. IKEA sign along Hwy 80.

Fans can bring Slamson back down by purchasing an extra 1,000 tickets to DeMarcus Cousin's first regular season game at ARCO Arena.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 2 at noon at the team's Box Office Party at the ARCO Arena Box Office.

Fans can follow his adventure at FreeSlamson.com.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Happy Tails Hour

2010-09-29T18:15:58Z

happytails.org

image courtesy of Happy Tails

Something for Everyone at the New Crocker

2010-09-29T15:50:11Z

The New Crocker will have something for just about every art lover in all of us. And you'll get to see it all October 10 at 10am when the Crocker Art Museum reopens.

Due to a major expansion and getting things ready for 10/10/10 at 10am, the Crocker has been closed for several months getting itself ready to present its new self.

There are grand works of art for your eyes and great food to keep your inner artist nourished while visiting.

The museum has chosen Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney, Mulvaney's B & L American Restaurant of Sacramento, to operate the Crocker Cafe.

Along with the new cafe, the 125,000-square-feet addition has given the Crocker:
• 12,000 sq ft of temporary exhibition space.
• 45,000 sq ft of gallery space for the permanent collection.
• An Education Center and Teacher Resource Center.
• Ann and Malcolm Henry Works on Paper Study Center.
• Two story atrium and courtyard.
• Collections care and outdoor seating.
• Multi-media auditorium

Highlights of the Crocker's collection include:
• A comprehensive collection of California art dating from the Gold Rush to the present.
• Exceptional holdings of aery master drawings.
• Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Contemporary paintings, sculpture and multi-media works.
• One of the largest and most comprehensive international ceramics collections in the United States.
• Rapidly growing collections of African, Oceanic and Asian art.

The Crocker will celebrate its reopening with four special exhibitions:

Tomorrow’s Legacies:
Gifts Celebrating the Next 125 Years
OCTOBER 10, 2010 – JANUARY 9, 2011

Wayne Thiebaud: Homecoming
OCTOBER 10 – NOVEMBER 28, 2010

A Pioneering Collection:
Master Drawings from the Crocker Art Museum
OCTOBER 10, 2010 – FEBRUARY 6, 2011

The Vase and Beyond

Here are some of the art masters in the masterpiece called Crocker Art Museum:

Address:

216 O St., Sacramento, CA 95814

Hours

Tues & Wed: 10am - 7pm

Thurs: 10am - 9pm

Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm

(916) 808-7000

http://crockerartmuseum.org

(Information courtesy of Crocker Art Museum)

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Latinos for Fiorina?

2010-09-29T01:13:40Z

Alfonso Aguilar, addressed a small gathering on the west side of the Capitol Building this morning.

The California Tus Valores campaign made a brief stop this morning along 9th St. on the west side of the Capitol Building.

According to their website it is "an effort of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, an initiative of the American Principles in Action, an organization dedicated to preserving and propagating the fundamental conservative principles upon which our country was founded.

The Partnership's dual mission is to garner greater Latino support for conservative causes and candidates and, at the same time, to encourage the conservative movement to support Latino conservative groups, leaders, candidates and policies that are welcoming of Latino immigrants. In this manner, it serves as an effective liaison between established conservative groups and the growing Hispanic community. The Latino Partnership works within the Latino community to support candidates who are committed to fundamental conservative values and ideals and who also favor policies that are welcoming to immigrants.

The Tus Valores Campaign is an independent expenditure of American Principles in Action, a 501(c)(4) organization."

Their two major sponsors are Susan B. Anthony List and The National Organization of Marriage.

This morning's stop was all about supporting Carly Fiorina.

"We believe in the family, life, life begins at conception and natural death,"Alfonso Aguilar said. "We believe in marriage, traditional marriage between a man and a woman. We believe in policies that are welcoming of immigrants."
Those are some of the values Latinos and Fiornia share according to Aguilar.
"People in the central valley know that because of big government policies and big government intrusion that jobs are being lost, businesses are going down," Aguilar said. "Barbara Boxer could have done something to let the water flow to the central valley.
According to Aquilar, she didn't do anything even though she is the Chair of the Senate Committee of the Public Works and Environment.
And, he says, Boxer hasn't lifted a finger in 18 years to support immigration reform.
"Fiorina has the same values as many Latinos," Aguilar said.

Ken Piece, a member of Equality Action Now, walked among the rally attendees carrying the rainbow flag and a sign with the words 'imagine equality' and 'love' on it.
After the rally organizers finished speaking, Pierce made a statement: "It's interesting that the speakers here said that Carly Fiorina speaks for all Mexicans. I don't think she speaks for all Mexicans. All we have to do is look to the south to Mexico as far as LGBTI rights and civil rights are concerned and it's clear she doesn't speak for all Mexicans."
He remarked that the crowd, what little crowd there was, is a major indication of the kind of support the Latinos give the Fiorina campaign.

"I think Carly Fiorina has a long road to travel," Pierce said .

"Definitely we all need to get out there and vote," he said. "Lately we've been discouraged with our lawmakers. They want us to lay down. We cannot do that now."
Pierce concludes by saying, "Go register to vote so people like this can be shut down."

Ken Pierce was a one-man rally for the opposite views held by Fiorina's supporters.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Kids in Shriners Hospital get a kick out of visiting Rockettes

2010-09-24T19:01:50Z

Two members of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes delivered a bit of early Christmas cheer to children in Sacramento's Shriners Hospital in advance of their upcoming Christmas show at Arco Arena December 15.

Rockettes Heather Langham (let) and Lindsay Howe, a Sacramento hometown gal, signed autographs (top) and helped youngsters do The Rockettes-style kicks and poses (below).

Children were on the second floor play area of the hospital watching and interacting with The Rockettes (above and below).

Sacramento native Rockette, Lindsay Howe (above) and Heather Langham came dressed in one of their Santa-style Christmas show outfits.

Sacramento will have a chance to see The Radio City Rockettes perform, in person, this holiday season.

Press Release

THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, STARRING THE WORLD FAMOUS ROCKETTES,

COMES TO SACRAMENTO FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

SINGLE TICKETS ON-SALE SEPTEMBER 24TH

Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) is proud to announce the expansion of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular tour to the mid-west and west coast as the beloved holiday tradition delights more than 25 cities across the country this holiday season including New York’s Radio City Music Hall. This beloved holiday show will delight the entire family when it hits the stage at ARCO Arena for the first time ever for two performances only on Wednesday, December 15th.

Group tickets are currently on-sale and single tickets will go on sale September 24th.

In 2008, the brand new Arena tour debuted to rave reviews with the launch of the biggest production in the show’s 77 year history and redefined family entertainment in an Arena setting. Due to overwhelming success, in 2009 the tour expanded to cities across North America making it the largest Christmas Spectacular tour ever.

This newest production was specifically designed for large-scale venues and replicates on a grand scale the exact production of The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Audiences are taken on a theatrical journey that the entire family can enjoy together. Children thrill as Santa takes the audience on a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole, while parents marvel at the unparalleled precision dance of the Radio City Rockettes. The Christmas Spectacular is truly unique in its universal appeal to people of all ages. From small children to grandparents, this dazzling holiday production is guaranteed to bring smiles to their faces and help create wonderful family memories to last a lifetime.

“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is the #1 live holiday production in the world and has been a cherished part of holiday family traditions for generations,” said Don Simpson, executive vice president, Productions, MSG Entertainment. “We are thrilled to build upon the past two year’s successes and expand this extraordinary tour to the west coast. We look forward to bringing the spirit and warmth of our holiday production to new audiences with the traveling Christmas celebration.”

Directed and choreographed by Linda Haberman, who conceived and directed the critically acclaimed 75th celebratory show at Radio City Music Hall, the Arena production was specifically designed to play in large venues scaled to capacities ranging from 7,000 – 12,000. This multi-faceted theatrical touring production was completely constructed for an arena space, allowing the audience to experience the magic of The Christmas Spectacular like never before. Hitting the road in November, the show celebrates Christmas with show-stopping Rockette numbers, dazzling costumes, dramatic arena lighting effects, breathtaking imagery, and festive musical compositions.

“My vision for the Rockettes and The Christmas Spectacular has always been to explore scale and take the precision dance form to new levels, whether in a theatrical venue or an arena space,” said Linda Haberman, director and choreographer for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. “In my view, the mark of a true classic is that it is timeless, relevant and can be re-interpreted to push artistic boundaries.”

The production is enhanced by an immense LED screen that transports the audience from a wintry landscape to Times Square to Santa’s Workshop right before their very eyes. The larger than life sets and awe-inspiring special effects allow families to connect with both the intimacy and grandness of The Christmas Spectacular as they are immersed in the warmth and grandeur of the holiday spirit. From the moment guests settle into their seats, the audience becomes part of the Spectacular’s magical experience.

Fan-favorites like the legendary “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which continues to set the standard as the signature Rockette number for precision performance, and the “Living Nativity” remain a vital part of the show’s core. And the Rockettes will undoubtedly bring the audience to their feet with a Rockette finale “Let Christmas Shine,” which honors and celebrates the Rockettes as the stars of the show.

For more than three-quarters of a century, the Radio City Rockettes have entertained millions of families with their eye-high kicks and unparalleled precision dance. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular creates wonderful memories for more than two million patrons each year and has been enjoyed by approximately 69 million people in 63 cities since its inception in 1933.

TICKET INFORMATION: Groups of 10 or more are ON SALE NOW and save 15% by calling (916) 928-3650.

Individual tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at ARCO Arena go on-sale in September and range from $47.50 to $67.50 (plus applicable service charges). Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the venue box offices, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 800-745-3000. A limited number of GOLD CIRCLE seats and “MEET THE ROCKETTES” packages are available through Ticketmaster. Accessible seating will be available for patrons with disabilities by calling (916) 473-4029. For more information please visit www.radiocitychristmas.com or www.arcoarena.com.

MSG Entertainment (MSGE), the live entertainment arm of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSG), is a worldwide entertainment company recognized for its signature combination of event production and entertainment marketing. In addition to the nearly 900 entertainment concerts and events that take place each year at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, The Beacon Theatre and The Chicago Theatre, MSGE has an exclusive co-booking agreement with Boston’s Citi Performing Arts Center/ Wang Theatre. MSG Entertainment's live events include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which includes the national arena tour and the theatrical tour and has played to more than 69 million in 63 different cities across North America. Additionally, MSGE has an ongoing partnership with Cirque du Soleil to create new content and productions for its venues. Wintuk, which premiered in 2007, was built exclusively for The Theater at Madison Square Garden and runs every holiday season. More than five million people attend MSG Entertainment branded events annually including concerts, special events, and family attractions.

About Maloof Sports and Entertainment:

Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings and ARCO Arena. Owned by the Maloof family with long-term, local partners, the organization is committed to being a contributing member of the Sacramento community. Teaming up with local leaders and non-profit organizations to give back to those in need throughout the region, MS&E has donated millions of dollars to charity in 11 years of Maloof family ownership. For more information about Maloof Sports & Entertainment, please visit kings.com, arcoarena.com or call 916-928-0000.

Tickets go on sale September 24. For more information please visit: http://radiocitychristmas.com or http://arcoarena.com

About Shriners Hospital

Shriners International supports Shriners Hospitals for Children®, a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Painting for Paws!

2010-09-24T02:20:37Z

The 6th annual "Painting for Paws" Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary will highlight the art created by the cats and dogs of the sanctuary. In addition, there will be "human artwork," a silent auction, complimentary food & wine, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

Saturday, September 25

6 - 10 p.m.

Painting for Paws - Pavilions Shopping Center • Fair Oaks Blvd.

Near Howe Ave.

$10 entry

For more information, call 916-320-4254

or email:

happytailsevents@surewest.net

(image and info courtesy Happy Tails Sanctuary)