Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "boxing"

Law enforcement, firefighters box for charity

2011-08-22T05:31:59Z

Law enforcement and correctional officers, military personnel and a firefighter went toe to toe in the boxing ring Saturday night, raising money for charity in the Battle of the Badges Fight Series: Road to the Championship.

Held in the intimate courtyard setting of Liquid Nightclub in Citrus Heights, the well-attended event benefitted charities including the Armed Forces Foundation, Firefighters Burn Institute and Sacramento Sheriff's Toy Project.

Battle of the Badges Fight Series events are a lead-up to the title fight at Battle of the Badges VIII. Last year's Battle of the Badges VII was held in August at Memorial Auditorium.

All bouts had a three-round limit, and on the card Saturday were 10 preliminary matches and one main event, featuring heavyweights Bryan Williams (Fresno PD) vs. Mike Gomez (CDC-CSP Sac).

Highlights of the evening for the crowd included a lights-out KO of David Richardson (CDC Solano) by Chris McElroy (CDC CSP Sac) and a brutal pummeling of Mike Hernandez (El Cerrito PD) by Noel Montes (CDC-CCPOA) that went the full three rounds and left Hernandez's face covered in blood.

All boxers were ranked by the United Combat Association and the matches were officiated by the California State Athletic Commission. Visit the Battle of the Badges website for information on upcoming bouts.

Fight results:

1. Brent Burkhart (CDC-DVI) defeated Gary Mungia (Army)

2. Jed McNamara (Dept of ABC) defeated Jose Hermosillo (Williams PD)

3. Dru McDonald (Sac Fire) defeated Craig Hamblin (CDC Solano)

4. Fracnsico Flores (Stanislaus County Sheriff) defeated Neil Tremethick (Army)

5. Brenden Reavis (CPS) defeated Javier Banuelos (CDC CSP-Sac)

6. Ruben Jones (CHP) defeated Eduardo Barajas (Williams PD)

7. James Davis (CDC-Folsom) defeated Craig Colosimo (CDC - Mule Creek)

8. Chris McElroy (CDC CSP Sac) defeated David Richardson (CDC Solano)

9. Chris Martinez (Avenal PD) defeated Orlando Rivera (Border Patrol)

10. Noel Montes (CDC CCPOA) defeated Mike Hernandez (El Cerrito PD)

11. Bryan Williams (Fresno PD) defeated Mike Gomez (CDC CSP Sac)

All images copyright: Steven Chea

Local Sports Illustrated columnist talks sports writing

2011-07-14T06:27:45Z

From Little League to Major League Baseball or punches to knockouts in boxing, it’s important to keep fans and readers up to date on sport results and highlights.

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated columnist for SI.com, shared his personal experiences Tuesday, giving multiple anecdotes to explain lessons learned, experiences gained and answered audience member questions about the craft.

The single most important skill that Amick stressed was preparation and research. He compared sports writing to a chef saying that one prepares by having the correct ingredients for a recipe.

He encouraged the audience to try to gain as much information about the sports topic, the team, athletes and statistics.

A diverse crowd of 25 interested in sports or involved in sports writing for local papers, a magazine and blogs attended Tuesday’s Sacramento Press Sports Writing workshop.

The workshop attracted Brandon Fleshman, production coordinator for the All Weather Window company in Vacaville. His public relations degree from Sacramento State University prompted him to learn more about sports writing in hopes to launch a sports-related career in marketing, journalism or public relations, Fleshman said.

“I’ve never had a class in sports writing, so I don’t really know the first thing,” Fleshman said. “I have an idea from reading a lot of sports articles. (I’m) looking forward to learning the basics and also a little extra.”

Personal Trainer at Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa Robert Linkul said he was excited to see the workshop offered locally.

“I write for Personal Fitness Professional Magazine, and (take) every opportunity I get to try to get a little bit better at it,” Linkul said.

Linkul said that there are a million things to write about when it comes to the fitness field, so he is “hoping to find some creativity, some distinction between topics, and I want to create more depth on each topic.”

Also in attendance was Bengy Egel, 17, a correspondent for The Davis Enterprise.

“I hope to understand what I am doing a little better, and understand where the future of sports journalism is headed, and see what I need to do to adjust my focus,” Egel said.

Aside from research and preparation, Amick advised attendees to quickly find a personal strength in the sports writing field.

“Finding your strength, I think, is incredibly important,” Amick said. “Don’t be afraid to shift gears if it is not working out for you. Just be fearless and try again.”

Feature writing, Amick said, allows him to be creative and produce original content from a deeper level, versus a game recap that just tells the audience the highlights.

To do this, he explained that it is important to read many different sports articles and look for style and voice.

Describing his former Kings beat for The Sacramento Bee, Amick added that going to practices and sparking conversations with the players about what is going on with the team can yield new story angles that will engage the reader through descriptions about a player’s injuries, familial circumstances, personal struggles, or team tensions.

Other story-digging tools Amick gave the audience members to help them produce original content included phoning teams’ public relations directors, talking to the coaches or getting lunch with a player.

He advised the crowd to follow athletes on Twitter for breaking news, story ideas and background content for research.

“The danger of modern media (is that) everything is immediate,” Amick said about the innovation of Twitter.

He explained that it has become difficult for reporters to break sport news because Twitter is widely used and reports action as it breaks on the courts, the field, in the ring or any other sport-related setting. For this reason, Amick encouraged using different media platforms, such as having a blog and a professional Twitter account.

A piece of advice on an editing note: Amick said to write the story, then read it out loud, but as a reader, not as a writer, and to ask oneself whether the story is boring or compelling.

He discouraged using cliches in sports writing.

Common sports cliches include: "It's a real pressure cooker. It's a nip-and tuck-game, or It's a whole new ballgame," according to sportscliche.com.

Amick said his former sports editor would often remind him to include a human interest aspect in his writing to attract as many eyeballs as possible by saying, “The 80-year-old grandmother up in Loomis, I want her to read and like your story.”

Confident interviewing skills, Amick said, are key to producing compelling content by asking the athletes and coaches questions others won’t ask, stepping outside the box and “probing them in interviews.”

Amick’s last words of advice to the group included writing as much as possible, getting feedback for the writing and asking questions of people who know the field well.

Rumble in the Auditorium: Battle of the Badges

2010-08-31T01:03:55Z

Boxing returned to Sacramento Saturday night with Battle of the Badges VII, an annual charity boxing event featuring correctional officers, police officers and firefighters from the Northern California area.

Fifteen bouts of three two-minute rounds took place in front of an estimated 2,000-3,000 boxing fans at Memorial Auditorium, benefiting such charities as the Firefighters Burn Institute, Sac Fallen Officers Resource Fund, The Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project and Sacramento SPCA.

Some agencies represented in the matches included the Sacramento and Vallejo fire departments; the Sacramento, Davis and Woodland police departments; the California Highway Patrol and California State Prison, Sacramento.

There were 14 male bouts and one female bout. The majority of the fighters had never boxed before, but have been training for several months at places like Grimz Gym and LA Boxing.

After weigh-ins and a pre-party at Blue Cue, the prematch action began at Memorial Auditorium Saturday afternoon. Fighters were in many different states of mind as fight time drew closer. Some listened to music through headphones to calm the nerves, and others prepared their muscles by shadowboxing in front of a mirror.

After all fighters had their hands wrapped for support, a meeting backstage was held for the corners and fighters to go over the ground rules of the matches: Don’t hit boxers when they’re down, no hitting below the belt, no “rabbit punches” (hits to the back of the head), and others.

After the singing of the national anthem by Roxanne Devera and a prefright ceremony performed by the California State Prison, Sacramento, and California State University, Sacramento, Army ROTC Honor Guard, the bouts were under way.

Fighters chose the music they walked out to, and the songs were played by DJ A-1 accompanied by Justin Barnes on live drums. For those who are curious, “Gonna Fly Now,” also known as “Theme from Rocky,” was indeed chosen by one fighter, however, "Eye of the Tiger" was not.

The ready-for-action crowd erupted each time a fighter let loose a flurry of punches, as well as when fists connected hard with their intended targets – mainly faces.

The bouts were engaging for the fans, and the crowd was enticed to stay involved between rounds with the help of the Corona Ring Girls.

The event featured its share of blood, sweat and knockdowns. No one was knocked out, but there were TKOs (technical knockouts), and many fights went the distance, and the winner was decided by decision.

One of the most intense moments of the night occurred during the match between Ryan Dodd (Department of Child Support Services) and Raymond “Sugar Ray” Cancel (CSP, Sacramento).

During boxing matches, an indication is made that there are 10 seconds remaining in each round by knocking loudly on a table with a hammer or similar instrument. Saturday night, the 10-second warning was created by slapping the floor of the ring several times with a large, flat instrument.

When the 10-second warning was sounded before the end of the first round for this particular bout, a disoriented Cancel mistook this for the bell signaling the end of the round, dropped his hands and turned to walk to his corner.

His opponent, Dodd, took the opportunity to cock his right fist back and unleash a devastating, unchallenged right punch to the side of Cancel’s now-undefended head, knocking him to the floor and ending the bout with a TKO. A fair punch within the rules, it still elicited a deafening amount of boos from the crowd. Dodd was awarded the Knockout of the Night belt later in the evening.

Battle of the Badges was created in 2003 by correctional officers Israel Montes Jr. and Yvonne Vasquez of California State Prison, Sacramento, to raise money for related charities. Montes said he hopes in 2011 he can bring firefighters and policemen from New York to compete on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.

Corona Girls model the Championship Belt at the Pre-Party event at Blue Cue.

Shawn “The Rock” Correa (California State Prison-Sacramento) receives a physical before the fights.

Ilya Bezuglov (Davis PD) stares down his opponent after their weigh-in.

Julie “The J-Cat” Williams (San Quentin)

The Championship Belt on display whets the appetites of the boxers the night before the fights.

A fighter gets his hands wrapped before his bout.

Referees go over the rules with fighters backstage at a pre-fight meeting.

Tyrome Johnson (CSP-Sacramento) listens to music in his dressing room before his fight.

Katie “Pacwoman” Hartwig (Sacramento Sheriff ‘s Dept)

Memorial Auditorium

Matt Jameson (Woodland PD), left, appears to dodge a blow from Noel Montes (California Correctional Peace Officers Association).

Corona Ring Girl

One of the judges waits to hand in a decision to the referee.

Cain "The Brawler" Bramasco (Deuel Vocational Institute-Tracy) is victorious over Craig "Ramblin" Hamblin (CSP-Sacramento).

Shawn “The Rock” Correa (CSP-Sacramento), foreground, gets a ten count from the referee after being knocked down by Rich De Los Cientos (Sacramento Sheriff’s Dept).

Before intermission a $10,000 check was presented to the Firefighters Burn Institute.

Tyrome Johnson (CSP-Sacramento), left, takes a blow from James Smith (CHP).

A fighter rests in his corner before the next round begins.

Ralph “Big Nasty” Heredia (CSP-Sacramento), left, cocks a right hook for Ilya Bezuglov (Davis PD).

Julie “The J-Cat" Williams’ (San Quentin) left hook connects with her opponent, Katie “Pacwoman” Hartwig (Sacramento Sheriff’s Dept).

Hartwig gets a pep talk from her trainer between rounds.

A warm reception for Javier Banuelos (CSP-Sacramento) as he enters for his fight.

Banuelos, left, connects with his opponent Gomez’s jaw.

Master of Ceremonies Lance Corcoran

Javier Banuelos (CSP-Sacramento)

A dazed Raymond “Sugar Ray” Cancel (CSP-Sacramento) slowly gets to his feet after being knocked down by his opponent, Ryan Dodd (California Dept of Child Support Services).

A bloodied Cancel is checked by ringside physician Dr. Gary Furness after being knocked down by Ryan Dodd.

A left hook from Carlos Cabrera (Sacramento Sheriff’s Dept), foreground, glances the face of Larry “Pitbull” Fernandez (CSP-Solano) during the Main Event fight.

Cabrera, right, throws a hard right punch at Fernandez.

Cabrera, center, victor of the Main Event.

Photos: Steven Chea

Battle of the Badge VI: Raley Field Rumble

2009-10-12T03:27:11Z

Once the sun set in West Sacramento, the stage lights flickered on and the red boxing gloves came up.

Saturday's Raley Field Rumble pitted firefighters, corrections officers and law enforcement officers from all over Northern California against one another, all in the name of Sacramento charities.

"We like to support different charities each year," said Isreal Montes Jr., creator of the event. "We keep it local in Sacramento. This year we're supporting the Firefighters Burn Institute, Sheriff Toy Project and Sacramento Fallen Officers Resource Fund."

Correction officers Montes and Yvonne Vasquez, from California State Prison Sacramento, started the city's "Battle of the Badges" in 2003. The inspiration for it struck Montes after he won a gold medal at the Western States Police and Fire Games that same year.

He never imagined the event would become as big as it has. More than 3,500 people attended this year.

"It started at the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Sacramento," Montes said. "There were maybe a few hundred people and we had no budget. Every year since it has grown more and more popular."

The event started with correctional officers competing and helping local charities, Montes said. In 2004, firefighters got involved. Fliers and word of mouth spread the word. Last year, the event was held at Memorial Auditorium and drew more than 3,000 spectators.

"What's great about this thing is that it builds a lot of camaraderie among us," Montes said. "People have come up to me to say, 'Wow, what a great fight!' Contenders are coming from seven different institutions, like CHP officers or Sacramento City firefighters, to compete."

Officer Debra Salvo, Folsom Police Department, was on hand to support friend and co-worker Officer James "Lights Out" Dorris, also from Folsom Police.

"He spent a lot of time working out. His biggest problem was not being able to snack," Salvo said of Dorris. "He is a huge junk food eater. He can't wait to be able to eat again!"

Concession stands offered typical ballpark fare: hot dogs, burgers and alcoholic beverages. Commemorative shirts and red boxing gloves were on sale for $15.

First time attendees Jeff and Mike Gerbers said they were proud to support the event.

"I'm a huge boxing fan," Jeff Gerbers said.

Mike Gerbers, who has lived in Sacramento 42 years, said he was eager to see the event grow locally.

"I love the sport, and I'm so glad to have come out," he said. "The more [boxing] events we have in Sacramento, the better!"

Roxanne Devera, a sophomore at Franklin High school, opened the event by singing the national anthem.

A moment of silence followed a three-gun salute, and taps honored the men and women in uniform.

"We can't forget the sacrifices made for us," said the announcer. "God bless this country."

Sixteen bouts were scheduled. Youngsters from the Sacramento Boxing Group fought in the first three matches. Parents could be heard shouting words of encouragement to the young contenders.

The first fight card event, between Raymond Cancel, who works at California State Prison Sacramento, and Ken Amodo, a corrections officer at Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, ignited the crowd. Raley Field erupted in cheers and screams.

Amodo delivered a hard left hook to Cancel's temple 30 seconds into the first round, and almost got a knockout. Cancel swayed on his feet for a few seconds.

Then he fought back. The crowd jumped up, shouting words of encouragement to both contenders.

Amodo was named the winner after three rounds. Both contenders received a standing ovation.

The fights concluded at 10:30 p.m.

Montes said he hopes the next event will be even bigger.

"I need a year off," he laughed, "but I am proud of it, it was great. It took six years to get to this point."

Montes then spoke of his dream.

"I am hoping in 2011, on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, I can bring firefighters and policemen from New York to compete, but nothing is planned quite yet."

"I am just happy everyone had fun this year," Montes said.

Charities benefiting from the event included The Firefighters Burn Institute, Sacramento Sheriff's Toy Project and the Sacramento Fallen Officers Resource Fund.

Photos courtesy of anthonybento.com. Please see his Web site for additional photos from the event.

Washington Neighborhood Center continues, faces financial struggles

2009-08-17T21:00:27Z

Last week, The Sacramento Press wrote about local youth and hip-hop legend KRS-One spearheading a fundraiser for the Washington Neighborhood Center. Unfortunately, the event was not "well-attended enough on its own to make a significant dent in our financial burden," said the center's vice president Adria Banihashemi.

The center's financial problems have been building over the last five years, Banihashemi explained. One of the center's main donors, United Way, a budget-challenged non-profit itself, has sent the center significantly less money in the last few years.

But it wasn't one grant, person or event that caused the struggle for money, Banihashemi said.

"Lower attendance at events and reduced United Way contributions are both the result of an overall struggling economy," she added. "Many folks in Sacramento are just not donating or spending as much at events, and that really affects us."

The Washington Neighborhood Center first opened in 1952 as an outreach center for the Fremont Presbyterian Church. Since then, it has provided the Alkali Flat and Washington neighborhoods with educational, health, arts and cultural programs, with an emphasis on youth.

In the early 1980s, Banihashemi's grandfather Don Conley became the first coach of the center's boxing program. Under Conley's training, Sacramento boxer Loreto Garza won the World Boxing Association's light welterweight world title in 1990.

Before his death in 1998, local restaurant owner Sam Gordon (of Sam's Hof Brau) donated money to the center, making it the Sam Gordon Washington Neighborhood Center. Since that time, the center has seen very few individual donors.

Then in 2006, a severe rainstorm damaged the center's roof, library and computer center. The center operated for nearly a year without a roof or proper insulation, until Cesar Chavez Day in 2007.

On that particular day, the Maloof Sports and Entertainment organization and the Sacramento Kings renovated the entire facility, including the roof, the building's foundation and the electrical system. They also renovated the tutoring room, game room, kitchen, basketball court and boxing gym.

Currently-held programs at the center include the CSUS Barrio Art Program, where Sac State students work with young and old community members to create cultural works of art, a bi-weekly Aztec dance group and a daily training program in the boxing gym.

To run the facility at its full capacity -- internet, phones, electricity, program leader stipends, and loan payments -- the group needs to bring in about $3,000 per month, Banihashemi said. But since they have only been receiving about a third of this money, they are operating on a deficit and in danger of shutting down completely.

To cut costs, the center recently limited "drop-in" days, where students could come use free tutoring services and a computer lab, to two days per week. It's usually open Monday through Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m.

"We need a lot more volunteers giving supervision time during our open hours, more grant writers to help us secure larger chunks of funding, and regular events that are well-planned and well-attended so we have regular monthly income to pay our bills," Banihashemi added.

"We are being very creative right now with how we organize our programs to be the most efficient and we would love more involvement from community members to make these changes work."

This week's slew of music, festivals, classes & comedy

2009-04-29T00:51:55Z

Spring is almost over and so begins the onslaught of fun, fabulous things to do during the summer months in Sacramento! It's not quite time to break out the bikinis and flip-flops, but I have spotted some sleeveless tops and open-toed shoes lately...my all-time favorite season in Sacramento is almost here! This week, and particularly this week-end, is already jam-packed with music, festivals and outdoor events with the promise of the heat soon to come. I hope you haven't made plans already...

Tuesday 4.28

Music: Rev Theory-- $12 at the door
Where: Marilyn’s on K
When: Doors- 6:30pm, Show- 7:15pm
Why: You may get an idea for their music-style by the bands they’ve opened for: the likes of Evanescence, Papa Roach, Buck Cherry and Saliva to name a few. Supporting bands for the night include: Divide The Day, Trackfighter, Man Automatic. Four bands for $12 bucks- that's $3 a band!
Info: (916) 273-3269

Wednesday 4.29

Comedy: Norm MacDonald-- $$?
Where: Punchline Comedy Club (Howe & Arden)
When: Doors- 6:30pm; Show- 7:30pm
Why: He continues to regularly tour the country performing his popular stand-up comedy, however, he is perhaps best known for his offbeat delivery of "the fake news" on "Saturday Night Live" for five seasons. Norm MacDonald continues to be a major comedic presence. His totally hilarious impersonations of Bob Dole and Burt Reynolds on “SNL,” were my favorites. However, MacDonald proved that his wit and writing were not to just for small screen. Among others, MacDonald played roles in Billy Madison with Adam Sandler, The People Vs. Larry Flint and the 1999 Andy Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon.
Info: Tickets

Music: Mary Mary-- $40/30 in advance, $45/35 day of show
Where: Crest Theatre (10th & K)
When: Doors- 7pm, Show- 8pm
Why: Urban gospel superstars Mary Mary like to do everything on a big scale. All of their pursuits- musical, spiritual, or otherwise-are larger-than-life: not a single thing is left to chance. Their latest disc melds the twosome's love of truth-grounded gospel music beautifully woven with a colorful patchwork of R&B, pop, soul, jazz, electronic music, and then some.
Info: The Crest Calendar

Thursday 4.30

Music: Tony! Toni! Tone!-- $20
Where: Avalon Nightclub (805 15th Street)
When: 9pm-2am
Why: Attention all children of the late 80’s-early 90’s! If you didn’t listen to Tony! Toni! Tone! when you were growing up, you probably didn’t listen to music. With hits like "It Never Rains in Southern California", these guys had us all saying ”It Feels Good.”
Info: (916) 670-5944

Sports & Recreation: Fight Night Boxing-- $20-$100
Where: Arco Arena (1 Sports Parkway)
When: Parking- 5:30pm, Doors- 6:30pm, Show- 7:30pm
Why: If you are the type that considers boxing a sport, then check this out. This guy is from Woodland! Talk about support local, this guy may need some encouragement from the crowd. Vicente Escobedo (19-1-0, 12 KOs) is going up against Kevin Kelley (60-9-2, 39 KOs). Vicente Escobedo has won his last 10 fights including an impressive 6th round Total Knock Out of previously undefeated Dominic Salcido. Kevin Kelley is a former WBC featherweight champion.
Info: Arco Arena Events

Literature: Meet “Pucci Lewis” Author Margit Leische-- Free w/ Museum admission: $6-$8.50 (Kids 5 & under Free)
Where: California Museum for Women History & the Arts
When: 6pm-8pm
Why: I find it interesting to hear how authors come up with the stories the write, particularly fiction. What inspires them and how much do they really know? Liesche is the author of Hollywood Buzz, the second edition of the World War II era Pucci Lewis series. “The book is rich with drama, historical fact, female sleuths and old Hollywood mystery.” Liesche extensively researched the film industry during World War II and female organizations like Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), which is the setting for this novel. She will give a lecture on the background of the book incorporating documentary footage of the WASP and film clips from the First Motion Picture Unit, featuring Hollywood stars. This should be a very interesting event. Bring your books if you got ‘em! If not, I’m sure there will be some to pick up at the signing.
Info: (916) 653-7524

Friday 5.1

Music: First Friday Night Concert in the Park!--FREE
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: Every Friday Night, 5:00-9:00pm
Why: This 15-week concert series will rock Cesar Chavez Plaza every Friday night from 5 pm to 9 pm with the sounds of live, local music. It’s sort of the “unofficial start” to summer for many Sacramentans.
Even in its 18th season, the Concerts in the Park series remains true to its roots by continuing to showcase Sacramento’s local music scene with this free, family friendly event. This season’s line up features a total of 51 local bands including 27 new acts to the park series. The bands reflect a broad spectrum of musical acts including blues, punk, country, rock, indie, soul, pop, reggae and hip hop. And for after the show, keep your concert wristband and receive specials at local bars and restaurants for that night.
Info: (916) 442-8575

Comedy: Chelsea Handler
Where: Community Center Theatre (13th & L St)
When: Doors, 7:00pm; Show, 8:00pm
Why: Handler has performed nationwide as a stand-up comedian and appeared on many TV shows. Most recently, she is known for hosting her own late night talk show on E! titled “Chelsea Lately”. With her style of ridicule and sarcasm, she draws more than a half million viewers with the show despite the fact that her guests often are not A-list celebrities. To give you a little perspective, in a 2008 interview Handler said, "The worse the guests are, the more pathetic they are, the funnier the show is”.
Info: (916) 808-5181

Film: Found Footage Festival--$10
Where: Movies on a Big Screen (600 4th St W. Sac)
When: 7pm & 9:30pm
Why: I am going. This is what sold me: “The Found Footage Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases footage from videos that were found at garage sales and thrift stores and in warehouses and dumpsters throughout the country. Curators Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher (whose credits include "The Colbert Report," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Onion") will host the screenings in-person and provide their unique and hilarious observations and commentary on these found video obscurities. So yes - that means plenty of live comedy along with the found footage! From the curiously-produced industrial training video to the forsaken home movie donated to Goodwill, the Found Footage Festival resurrects these forgotten treasures and serves them up in a lively celebration of all things found.”~ Movies on a Big Screen
Info: http://www.shiny-object.com/screenings/

Fundraiser: An Affair to Remember--$45 adv/$60 at door
Where: Radisson Sacramento (500 Leisure Lane)
When: 7pm
Why: You may know someone who was a foster child or may have been one yourself. I hear it’s not always the easiest way to grow up. This event is a benefit in honor of foster care youth in transition. Guests will enjoy an exciting night of fine food, live music, and spring fashions while showcasing former foster care youth and their stories. Lots of “celebs” will be there too! A portion of the contributions from this event will be donated to foster care youth that "age out” of the system. The goal is to support 50 foster care youth throughout the Sacramento region.
Info: (916) 440-9703

Saturay 5.2

Festival: California Celebration!!-- $7-$9.50 (Kids under 2- Free)
Where: Sacramento Zoo (Land Park Drive & 16th)
When: 9am-4pm
Why: California Celebration is a fun-filled day all about the rich cultural diversity in our state. Animal talks, cultural groups, live performances and activity stations will fill the Zoo! Bring the kids and get some sun!
Info: (916) 808-3713

Music: The Skinny Singers- Jackie Greene & Tim Bluhm
Where: Marilyn’s on K (908 K Street)
When: 9pm
Why: They’re skinny but man do they have big voices!! These shows always sell out! If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure you make it to this one.
Info: (916) 446-4361

Festival: Indie Sacramento May Market-- FREE
Where: Fremont Park (15th & P St)
When: 12pm-3pm
Why: The purpose behind IndieSacramento is to help spread the word about locally owned businesses and to help Sacramento gain the reputation it deserves as a city with cutting-edge art, crafts, and fashion — plus great local shopping and eats. Some highlights:
* FREE swag bags to the first 150 patrons!
* Shop for hip, handmade goods, clothing, and accessories!
* Enjoy live entertainment!
* Appreciate local food & drink or plan a picnic lunch with the family!
* Attend IndieSacramento's Craft University for craft classes & demos!
Info: IndieSacramento.com

Festival: Dragon Boat Festival-- $50/person, $450/ Table of ten
Where: Radisson Hotel(500 Leisure Lane)
When: 3:30-5:30pm, outdoor reception; 5:30-8:00pm, formal dinner & program
Why: The Dragon Boat is a symbol of unity, civil rights and the future of our Asian Pacific Islander Community. About 2300 years ago, Qu Yuan, a Patriotic Poet and an exemplary for integrity and loyalty, advocated for justice and the rights of the common people. This year, OCA will honor Assemblymember Dave Jones for his commitment to the Asian Pacific Islander Community. OCA will be honoring Dr. Sonney Chong for his many years of community service. This year we are celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival as "A Timeless Tradition, A Culture We Treasure."
Info: (916) 627-5165

Class: Model A Tune Up Class-- $170 (includes instructional materials and lunch)
Where: California Auto Museum
When: 9pm-3pm, May 2nd & May 9th
Why: If you are lucky enough to own one of these bad boys, you probably know a thing or two already about fixing them up. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you want to take on a new hobby. If you’re an antique car junkie, this is a two-part class that teaches how to tune up Model A Fords. The first day focuses on demonstration of tests and measurements. The second day will consist of performing each of the demonstrated tests and measurements on Model As. Students who have a Model A are encouraged to bring their car with them and all checks will be performed on the owner’s vehicle. Students who do not have a Model A will still have the opportunity to assist with tests and measurements.
Info: (916) 442-6802

Festival: Unity & Diversity Music Festival-- $13 Adv/$20 at Gate (Kids 10 & Under FREE!!!)
Where: Southside Park
When: 10am-6pm
Why: The event will have fun & entertainment including a host of vendors, cultural foods, arts & crafts, raffles and prizes. The headliners are Butterscotch, a Sacramento/Davis native and former final contestant on NBC's America's Got Talent; and Mystic Roots, a talented reggae band from Chico. Other performers include: Ras D, Mr. Majestic, The Soulcialites, Ralph Gordon, Orquesta Bakan, Mystic Man & Lakay amongst others. Guaranteed to be a day of family fun and entertainment!! The website requests: NO ALCOHOL, COOLERS or PETS.
Info: (916) 993-3691

Fundraiser: Prelude d’ Elegance-- FREE
Where: Town & Country Village (Fulton & Marconi Avenue)
When: 10am-4pm
Why: A Concours d'Elegance is a show of vehicles that are judged on their elegance and pristine condition. Shriners' Prelude d'Elegance is a sneak preview of extraordinary classic and vintage automobiles, wooden boats, motorcycles and bicycles. Have some fun with their Keystone Cops and the Shriners Paddy Wagon – enjoy informal fashion shows and special discounts at participating stores throughout Town & Country Village.
Info: http://www.shrinersconcours.com/

Sunday 5.3

Festival: Jewish Heritage Festival--FREE
Where: California State Capitol- West Steps (10th and L St.)
When: 1pm-4pm
Why: In conjunction with national Jewish American Heritage Month, the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region* brings a new tradition to Sacramento - the first annual Jewish Heritage Festival. Celebrate all that unites us with traditional food, live music and entertainment, dancing troupes, cultural exhibits and displays, family and children’s activities, a special teen zone and much more.
Info: Jewish Heritage of Sacramento Website

Class: Yoga for Teachers--FREE
Where: It’s All Yoga (2405 21st St.- Between Broadway & X)
When: 2:00pm
Why: As a teacher, you work really hard. And you probably don't get the pampering you deserve. That's why It’s All Yoga is offering a FREE class just for you. In honor of Teachers Week, their very own Linda Wagner will stretch, open and pamper you with yoga! No yoga experience necessary. They have everything you will need - just wear comfy clothes.
Info: (916) 501-4692

All of these events can be found at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events. For more information and details about the venues and organizations involved, click on the title of the events or visit www.Sacramento365.com.

Raccoon

2009-03-26T07:39:31Z

Jab left jab right, swing and hook. Get low, bob, weave, and I'm dizzy. I look up and my partner tells me to keep going.

I can barely gather up enough strength to put my hands back up, but I find it, somehow. I lift the 16oz gloves on my hands and start the punch combination over again. I'm dripping sweat like it was pouring rain on my face, and I’m not sure I’ll make it to the next class. Who knew boxing was so intense?

When I first signed up for beginning boxing at Sacramento City College I knew there would be challenges, but I never thought that when I unwrapped my hands after class they would be shaking. Glancing at the stairs, I wonder how I will walk down them with my legs hurting like they do.

Before we got to the light sparring, I was able to hold my own. But the actual combat has been a challenge, to say the least. The drill consists of half of the class being in an inner circle that doesn't move and the other half in an outer circle that moves clockwise, every time meeting a new opponent.

There are five women in the class, including me. For the first time, the instructor told us that males and females can take jabs at each other. Most of the men in this class are over 5 feet 6 inches, and I don't know how my 5-foot-2-inch self will ever reach them with my short arms. My height and my nerves make it hard for me to focus on correctly following through with my punches.

When I return to my regular partner, who is a guy only an inch or two taller than me, I feel more at ease. He’s been encouraging, helping and supporting me through the class so far. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and with him, I feel comfortable and motivated.

I start with my regular jabs, and then I surprise him with the hook. I land it! Still in good spirits, my partner rushes me like me a football player as I uppercut his sides. The instructor blows the whistle and my partner smiles at me with approval as he says, "You did really good. You have the strength - don't forget that."

I hear him, but I don't believe him, and the next person I have to face isn’t a believer either. Most of the men in the class are supportive and will stop and correct me if I make a mistake, but there are others who aren’t as supportive, like my next opponent.

He stands well over 6 feet tall and looks bored at the thought of having to spar me, but I try to stay motivated, and I give it whatever energy I have. I land the uppercut to the side of his tall body, and just as I celebrate, I let my guard down and “Pop!” he lands one on my eye.

Thank goodness he is not giving 100 percent, rather 40, but there’s still a quick sting of pain. I am mostly shocked, as this is the first time anyone has punched me who wasn't my sister.

I collect myself. I think to myself, “This is a boxing class. This is what is supposed to happen.” I wait for the next person to face me.

This time it’s a woman, and we’re about the same height, but she has an athletic build and she is wearing her softball shirt from high school. I haven't really seen her in action before, but I am about to find out what she’s made of.
The whistle blows and I have the feeling that she is going easy because I am throwing punches unsuccessfully and her response is delayed. I keep going, and then I find out her response is to throw the fastest jab combinations I’ve ever received. That was a surprise. She landed a bunch of punches on my face and my stomach.

At this point, my confidence has completely deflated. I’m disappointed that the sport that I’d waited so long to try out for didn’t turn out to be something I instantly excelled at, as I had fantasized.

Maybe I should have pushed a little harder when we ran up and down the stadium stairs or jumped rop the whole time instead of stopping early? Do I give up because I am now afraid of what will happen toward the end of the semester, as the class becomes even more intense? I fear that I’ll get my nose broken and have two black eyes that will make me look like a raccoon.

Time’s up and class is over. I slowly walk to my backpack and drink from my water bottle. The instructor walks by and says "Not bad," I hear some of other guys tell me I've improved.

I’m dead tired and I debate whether to make this my last class. I get up and realize that I had the stamina to punch the padded wall for another half hour.

I can't leave this! I’ve grown to love boxing, and it has given me a feeling I’ve never felt before. None of the other sports I have failed at have made me feel like this. There’s something about boxing.

Whether I become better or come out with a bloody nose and lumpy face, I’m happy to say that I’ve found something that makes me feel I was made to do this.