Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "capitol"

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>>>

California International Marathon draws huge crowds in 28th year

2011-12-05T04:16:27Z

Early Sunday morning, over 4,000 runners from around the world participated in the California International Marathon, a 26.2-mile race from Folsom to downtown Sacramento. As the runners scaled the greater Sacramento area into the afternoon, hundreds of supporters lined the route carrying signs of support and yelling words of encouragement.

Meadow Bailey, a 34-year-old homemaker from Rancho Cordova, was one of the many who came out to show their support. She said that although this was her first time coming, she had an enjoyable experience.

“Everybody is cheering, and there’s a great sense of unity,” she said.

Starting near Folsom Lake, participants headed east down Oak Avenue. Passing through Orangevale, Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks, runners gradually traveled downhill, a signature element of the CIM that makes it one of the fastest races in the country. Taking Fair Oaks Boulevard all the way into Midtown, runners eventually turned onto L Street, where they raced to the finish line located on the west side of the Capitol. A full map can be found here.

Several events were held concurrently to the marathon. A shorter relay was held where participants worked in teams. Another event, the MaraFUNrun, was a 2.62-mile run for children and families.

The winners of the marathon were recognized at an award ceremony that started at 3 p.m. For the men, Erick Monyene, a 24-year-old from Keller, Texas, came in first place with a total time of 2:11:50. He was followed by 30-year-old Ryan Bak from Bend, Ore., in second place and Joseph Mutinda, 37, from Santa Fe, N.M., in third place. Their times were 2:14:17 and 2:14:53, respectively.

For the women, Abrha Serkalem, a 24-year-old from Eth, took first place with a time of 2:33:40. In second was Atalelech Asfaw, 20, from Albuquerque, N.M., with a time of 2:33:56. In third place was Nuta Olaru, a 41-year-old from Antioch with a time of 2:37:13. A complete list of finishing times can be found here.

As the runners raced toward the Capitol, the streets were lined with many people who came out to show support. Many bands played at several points throughout the race, including folk singer Willie Ames, hip-hop artist Crazy Ballhead and various high school marching bands. As the runners passed, musicians and supporters alike cheered out in their support.

Sara Nylin, a 29-year-old teacher from Rancho Cordova, participated in the marathon for the first time this year. She said if it weren’t for the people who came out in support, she wouldn’t have been able to pull through.

“It’s a big marathon, and there’s a lot of people,” she said. “I had people supporting me, and now I’m supporting my friends as they finish.”

Other people participated in the relay and later stood on the sidelines supporting the marathon runners. Faith Caplan, a 30-year-old teacher from East Sacramento, was one of them.

“The course is nice and the weather is usually beautiful,” Caplan said, adding that this was why she has participated for the last five years.

Tammy Cortopassi, 48, is a medical assistant who lives in Midtown. Having come to watch the race and support the runners for the first time, she said she believes the runners who come in last place deserve the same respect and recognition as those who come in first.

“No one waits for the last person,” she said after most of the runners had passed her spot along Alhambra Boulevard. “The last is just as important as the first.”

Cortopassi’s compassion for all racers was evident all throughout the day. Phrases such as “You can do it!” and “To the finish line!” were yelled by people who were watching the race and others who were simply walking by it.

When the runners reached the finish line, they were greeted with more cheers, lots of water and massages. Sweat darted down many of their foreheads, and others laid down in the grass surrounding the Capitol, catching their breath.

“The race was a lot of fun to watch,” Bailey said. “I’m just glad I wasn’t doing it.”

FatMan Cigars: smoke 'em if you've got 'em

2011-12-02T05:24:02Z

FatMan Cigars, located just six blocks from the Capitol, is the product of one man's two-decade infatuation with the cigar.

Joey Madrid, 40, owner and operator of FatMan Cigars, said he discovered cigars as a navy electrician in 1990, and dreamed of opening a cigar shop since 1995. At the time, he was told he was too young to be taken seriously in the business.

FatMan Cigars marks its first year in business on Tuesday. Unlike many cigar shops, it is one of the only places in Sacramento where you can purchase your cigar and smoke it inside. The standalone building, with separate ventilation systems for each floor, gives patrons the freedom to light up inside, a luxury for California smokers.

“I first started smoking cigars in a submarine,” said Madrid, a native Sacramentan. “Now I can’t sit and smoke in a public park.”

That dynamic helped shape the business Madrid opened late last year, just months before Hangar 17, Madrid’s restaurant venture, closed. Unlike others in his business, the strict laws that govern where the public can and cannot smoke have actually helped Madrid set his shop apart from the competition.

“It definitely has helped business that smoking is prohibited,” Madrid said. “It’s a challenge for a brick-and-mortar (store) that doesn’t allow smoke to compete with excise taxes and out-of-state tobacco sales.”

Madrid credits Mark Just, owner of Tower Cigars, as a mentor. With 19 years in the business, Just gave Madrid advice and guidance, a relationship that is helped by having two different business models.

“His business has a lounge that allows people to smoke,” Just said. “It’s much larger. We’re just a hit-and-run.”

Madrid’s building, located on 10th Street near R Street, was once home to the offices of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. Now, completely remodeled, the space is a true cigar lover’s haven.

The lower level features a walk-in humidor and lounge area, complete with leather furniture, hardwood floors and flat-screen televisions. An antique cash register rests atop the sales counter, and in a second lounge, farther down the hall, sits a working soda machine from 1963. The narrow hallway is lined with bookshelves- filled with hundreds of empty cigar boxes.

“My friends say I’m a hoarder,” Madrid said, adding that he does not sell the empty boxes, but gives them away to customers, including one who uses the boxes to make guitars and ukuleles.

The upper level is a private lounge for members. It is accessible via key card through a separate entrance at the back of the building.

The members’ lounge features a poker room, a locker room that houses 60 lockers, several flat-screen televisions and more leather furniture. A small kitchen area with refrigerator, restroom and two balconies complete the space. Madrid plans to add a sink and dishwasher to the kitchen next year.

Membership rates start at $500 per year and include cigar storage and exclusive access to the members’ lounge. Madrid does not sell or provide food or beverage, but members are permitted to bring those items into the lounge.

His members have made some requests, including the addition of a door to the poker room so that it can be used as an office. Madrid said he does his best to meet their requests, but he has had a few unique suggestions – such as the installation of a fireman’s pole – that he could not accommodate.

While Madrid said most of his clientele is male, he does have a few female members and clients. He said his clients range from CEOs of companies to “average guys like me,” and said the proximity to the Capitol brings in some staffers and politicians.

“I can tell how my day is going to go by the the parking situation,” Madrid said, adding that he often closes on state holidays, because the neighborhood is so quiet.

FatMan Cigars sells cigars, humidors, lighters, cutters and other cigar-related products. Prices range from just a few dollars to $45 per cigar, the price for a Padron, one of his most popular options.

The shop is open from noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The members’ lounge is open for members from noon to midnight, Monday through Saturday.

Capitol Mall design competition winners to be announced Nov. 9

2011-10-18T01:16:33Z

An array of designs submitted as part of the Catalyst Capitol Mall Design Competition in an effort to spark a “big idea” for future enhancement of the corridor from Tower Bridge to 10th Street were reviewed by a jury Oct. 7, and winners will be announced Nov. 9.

While the winner can’t yet be revealed, Kris Barkley, competition adviser to the city on behalf of the American Institute of Architects, described some key assets of the winning proposal.

“The first-place winner, I think, is really, really focused on what I think the people of Sacramento are feeling will work there,” he said. “It’s a tree-centered development that improves the urban canopy we have in Sacramento and brings it more fully into Capitol Mall.”

The competition began earlier this year and is intended to redesign the section of Capitol Mall from Tower Bridge to 10th Street after it was returned to city ownership by the state in 2006.

The first-place design will be awarded $20,000, with $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place.

An entrance fee of $200 per design was charged, which covered part of the cost. The total competition budget was $66,500.

With the ongoing economic crisis, Barkley said one aspect any successful design would have is the ability to be built in phases.

“They can be accomplished in smaller chunks to create an overall master plan over a period of years,” he said. “That way, the city can ease into it slowly as funds are available.”

The 48 designs that met the criteria, which can be viewed here, include a wide range of ideas.

One involves removing the center median, moving traffic lanes closer together and widening the existing sidewalks. Another envisions constructing a raised grass walkway, and still others call for the construction of iconic buildings used for myriad purposes.

Barkley said the second-place design divides Capitol Mall into different zones, with some being open plazas as public space and others being quieter.

One of the jurors in the decision-making process was Sacramento Urban Design Manager Bill Crouch, who said the field of entries was varied and made up of quality designs.

“We got a lot of really good, creative submittals,” he said. “There wasn’t one idea that was repeated over and over again.”

For fairness, Crouch said, judging criteria was set from the beginning and applied equally to all submissions, and each submission had a number attached to it instead of a firm so no juror would know whose project he or she was looking at, and therefore would judge it only on the quality.

“I think the public will be really impressed when the winners are announced and there’s an opportunity to view them,” he said. “The public should be encouraged that in a down economic climate, there’s so much international interest. The designs came from all over, and I think that’s a compliment to Sacramento.”

Designs came from all six inhabited continents, including countries as diverse as Iran and Vietnam.

Crouch added that the decision-making process took the better part of a day – even after jurors had reviewed the designs – but by the end, there was a general consensus on which projects deserved first, second and third prize.

The jury was made up of three internationally known design professionals, Crouch, a representative from the state and a Capitol Mall District representative. To view the jurors’ biographies, click here.

“I’m excited that there was interest from all over the world and that we had that number of submissions,” said City Councilman Steve Cohn. “I can’t discuss personal observations because I haven’t had a chance to look at them, but I understand from city staff that we got some very high-quality submittals.”

Cohn added that he looks forward to getting a vision for what the Capitol Mall corridor – including branching off to the Crocker Art Museum and Westfield Downtown Plaza – will look like and start making steps toward realizing that vision.

Other details of the winning designs will not be released before the Nov. 9 announcement, said Marika Rose, spokeswoman for the competition.

The announcements will be made at the Wells Fargo Center, 400 Capitol Mall, in an event that is open to the public, with ticket prices of $25.

“There will be a video presentation to highlight the winners and explain why they were chosen,” Rose said, adding that the video will also give history of Capitol Mall, which was originally considered the gateway to the city.

Members of the pubic can also vote for their favorite design through the Catalyst website.

“I think it’s always interesting to see what comes out of the public viewing of things and makes the process more transparent,” Barkley said. “Anyone can get in and see what’s happening, and it helps them see how the winners were selected.”

Lisa Martinez, marketing director for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, said the designs that DSP staffers have had the chance to review look promising.

“We haven’t had a chance to really be able to review every single one of the entries, but from just the few we’ve looked at, there are a lot of great ideas and a lot of creativity coming out,” she said.

Rose described the whole process as smooth.

“It was a pleasure for everyone to work on,” she said. “It was very little investment for the city, and they’ll get a great return on phase-able designs.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Local workers join nationwide movement with Occupy Sacramento

2011-10-07T01:10:23Z

Protesters took to Cesar Chavez Plaza Thursday to fight what they say is the richest 1 percent of Americans controlling 50 percent of the country’s wealth – and they plan to “occupy” Sacramento for at least a week.

“I’m out here to fight for the people so we can get power back from the corporations,” said Neph Garcia, a diesel mechanic from Woodland.

“The 1 percent is making the decisions, and the 99 percent suffers from those,” he added. “We have to be free from corporate decisions. The politicians are pretty much their puppets.”

About 300 protesters with Occupy Sacramento assembled at Cesar Chavez Plaza downtown on Thursday morning before setting off on a march around the Capitol, chanting slogans such as “banks got bailed out, we got sold out.”

Police on horseback and bicycle kept watch over the marchers, occasionally blocking traffic as they crossed streets. Protesters stayed on the sidewalks, as they did not have a permit to demonstrate on the streets.

Christopher MacDonald, a spokesman for Occupy Sacramento, said there is no set time for the occupation to end, and the idea is to raise awareness of the issue as well as stand in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street group and others like it across the country.

Occupy Sacramento is not directly affiliated with other groups around the country, he added.

Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Andrew Pettit characterized the protests as peaceful, estimating that on Thursday afternoon the number of people demonstrating at the plaza was around 150 or 200.

“They’re obeying the traffic signs and rules, they’re not disturbing businesses and they’re even staying in the crosswalks,” he said.

Earlier in the day, some demonstrators tried to enter a couple of banks, but the doors were locked, and no demonstrators got in, Pettit said.

By Thursday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and no additional police patrols were called in.

“We’re using our existing patrols and diverting some of them downtown,” Pettit said.

Sacramentan Pedro Leon, who operates a printing press for the California Department of Justice, said he came out to show his support for the movement.

“Enough is enough,” he said. “We thought we sent the message when we elected Obama and others, but that message is not being heard.”

Leon said the ultimate goal, as he sees it, is to allow Americans to once again embrace the American Dream.

“It’s no longer what my parents had,” he said. “Then, a father could work and support his family comfortably. Now, you can’t even do that with two incomes.”

Other protesters said they shared the frustration of their compatriots in other cities, with Sacramentan Jacob Mendez, a student assistant, saying the U.S. economy is “one-sided” and characterizing big business as “corporate fascists.”

Sacramento stay-at-home mom and activist Krystin Leonhardt said she is upset that oil companies, banks and big agriculture businesses are “posting record profits” while schools can’t afford supplies.

“I’d like to see our government recognize that they represent us, not corporations with big money,” she said. “People are starting to take power, and they’re realizing there’s power in numbers.”

According to the Associated Press, labor unions joined the fray Wednesday when they gave their support to the activists.

The Local 1000 chapter of the Service Employees International Union supported the Occupy Sacramento movement.

"I encourage everyone to support these demonstrators in Occupy Sacramento and Occupy Wall Street because we need an economy that supports middle class families," Local 1000 President Yvonne R. Walker said in a press release.

"The Occupy Wall Street movement has done a great job of drawing attention to income disparity in this country and the need to create middle class jobs,” she added. “We need to do what we can to support them here in California."

The union represents about 45,000 Sacramento-area workers, and SEIU spokesman Jim Zamora said between 12 and 20 union members were staffing a tent and first aid station throughout the day, handing out water and other items to the protesters.

“It’s not a Democrat or a Republican issue,” said Diana Bennett, a protester from Roseville who works as a bookkeeper. “People are really standing up to the corporate money running this country. We’re fighting to get it back.”

Cesar Chavez Plaza closes at 11 p.m. and reopens at 5 a.m., according to Pettit. Demonstrators may be cited or arrested if they stay in the park while it is closed.

MacDonald said protesters planned to stay in the park and were talking with police on Thursday afternoon.

“We want to work things out,” he said, “but this is a full occupation, so we want to stay.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Hundreds Gather at State Capitol to Celebrate Mexico's Independence Day

2011-09-17T05:48:59Z

Hundreds of people gathered at our state’s capitol Thursday night to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day.

Voices rang proud and flags swayed high, as both the American and the Mexican national anthems were sung in tribute to the mixture of these heritages. Americans of all cultural backgrounds stood in solidarity, reveling in the significance of this day, when, 201 years ago, Mexico waged war against Spanish rule and tyranny.

Still for many, the festivities were more than just remembering what happened two centuries ago, or eating too much of the amazing food provided by Sacramento’s mobile food trucks. Instead, they represented the struggle of Mexican Americans here in the United States in becoming an important and recognized ingredient in America’s melting pot.

As people listened to their favorite ranchera and banda music, wore their craziest or most authentic Mexican outfit, and cried out “Viva México, y Viva los Estados Unidos” (Long live Mexico, and long live the United States), cheers of gratitude and pride echoed everywhere for the great struggle of our ancestors, who fought for equality in this country.

Having the opportunity to celebrate who we are on the steps of California’s great capitol, made the Mexican American struggle and its successes that much more real for all of us there.

Capitol Mall design project getting worldwide attention

2011-09-15T23:10:52Z

More than 70 design entries have been submitted for the Capitol Mall design competition to redo the section of the street west of the Capitol building, and organizers said Thursday that they expect to get up to a total of between 150 and 200 over the next couple of weeks.

The competition’s goal is to draw interest from international designers, architects and urban planners as well as from locals, with the winner taking home a $20,000 prize.

“We’ve been really pleased with the turnout,” said Kristopher Barkley of the American Institute of Architects Central Valley Chapter, which is advising the city on the competition.

He added that the 70 entries have come from all six inhabited continents, and submissions have come from places as far-flung as Iran and Vietnam.

“It puts a spotlight on Sacramento,” said Maurice Chaney, a spokesman for the city. “People throughout the world can really bring some good ideas to revitalize and bring some good energy to Capitol mall.”

Those ideas, however, won’t translate to construction anytime soon.

“This is sort of an idea-gathering type of event,” Chaney said. “Based on that, we can see what would be implementable in a short period of time or long-term. At this point, this is the first of many steps to redesign Capitol Mall.”

Barkley said there is still time for people to enter the competition, with the deadline for submissions being Sept. 29.

“A lot of people wait closer to the deadline to turn in, so we are expecting more to come,” he said. “It’s exciting how far it’s reaching. It’s really getting out there and bringing in a lot of entries.”

Anyone can submit a design – large or small – to fit the parameters of the competition, which are outlined on the competition’s website.

The competition came about when the state returned control of the portion of Capitol Mall between Tower Bridge and the Capitol to the city five years ago.

“I think it’s a really exciting time for Sacramento,” Barkley said. “Even though we’re in a recession, it’s these kinds of positive things that will move us forward and take us out of it into the future.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

SactoMofo? Fo Sho!

2011-09-09T14:36:52Z

On September 15th, at the Capitol, 12 awesome food trucks are getting together to help celebrate Mexican Independence Day! I know what you are thinking, isn't Cinco de Mayo supposed to be for that? Oh contrare! September 16th is the actual day.

If you went to the last SactoMofo food truck festival at Fremont park back in April, then you know just how crazy popular this has become in Sacramento. It was packed from the moment it opened until the time it closed! The organizers weren't expecting such a huge crowd, and unfortunately most trucks weren't prepared to handled that many people. Wait lines were horrendously long, and a lot of people stood in line for hours just to hear that the food trucks ran out of food.

SactoMofo learned from that event, and "El Grito" (as this event is being called) looks to be exponentially more organized and put together. There are the standard popular food trucks from Sacramento, as well as a few from other cities.

El Grito starts at 5:30pm and will go until 9:00pm........be sure to come early and get your grub on. There will undoubetdly be lines for each truck! Also, there will be a stage with entertainment celebrating the holiday. So, grab your food, and enjoy the show!

Which food trucks will be present? Here is the complete list:

lineup:
1. Miniburger
2. Wicked
3. La Piedad
4. La Mex
5. Chando’s
6. Drewski
7. Corn Cake/BBQ
8. Mama Kims
9. VolksWaffle
10. Emmas Tamales
11. Pizza company
12. Fat Face

(above information from SactoMofo's Facebook)

This looks to be another amazing foodie event, will you attend? I know I will be making the trek from Roseville to feed my face!

For more information about SactoMofo, please visit their website: www.sactomofo.com - which also lists a daily account of where the food trucks in Sacramento will be and for how long daily!

Gelateria opens at 19th and Capitol

2011-09-01T07:31:33Z

For weeks, a sign saying “so close you can almost taste it” hung in the window of the storefront vacated by Le Petit Paris last year, and on Tuesday, Sacramentans got their chance to go in and sample authentic Italian gelato in Midtown when Devine Gelateria & Cafe opened.

“The opening went really well,” owner Elizabeth McCleary said Wednesday morning as she prepared to make gelato and sorbetto from scratch for the upcoming day.

Originally planning to close at 8 p.m. on the opening day, there was a line of people as late as 7:45 p.m., and McCleary said she might adjust her hours to stay open another hour if the trend continues.

Flavors include roasted almond, pistachio, dulce de leche, biscotti, stracciatella (chocolate chip), dark rich chocolate, hazelnut and marscapone.

Other flavors are being created as well, including blackberry sorbet and chocolate peanut butter.

“There’ll be more as time goes on and things start to run a little more smoothly,” she said. “I’ll even be doing some flavors from wine around the holidays, a champagne gelato or something.”

Sorbetto flavors include blueberry, lemon, Bartlett pear, cantaloupe, kiwi banana and caramelized pineapple.

Prices are $2.50 for a 2.7-oz mini, $3.50 for a 4.5-oz small, $4.25 for a 5.75-oz medium and $5 for a 7.1-oz large.

After working in advertising for more than 15 years, McCleary jetted off to Italy to learn the art of making gelato from scratch.

Unlike ice cream, gelato is denser and creamier, and McCleary said it is lower in fat as well.

“People have been blown away (by the gelato), which is the reaction I was hoping for,” McCleary said.

One of the people who was blown away by the taste and authenticity of the gelato was Curtis Park resident Patricia Moses, 53.

“It’s the real thing,” she said. “I don’t need to buy a plane ticket (to Italy).”

Eating a roasted hazelnut and chocolate-flavored scoop Wednesday afternoon, Moses said she’s glad the shop opened.

A longtime lover of authentic gelato, Moses said gelato is differentiated from ice cream by the intensity and precision of its flavoring.

“She’s making it the way you’re supposed to,” Moses said.

McCleary said she had to get a pasteurization license to be able to work with the materials in the way she learned when she studied the process in Italy.

“The Milk and Dairy board was here for five hours on Friday,” McCleary said, adding that she had to pass a written test as well as a practical test and show that she knew how to properly use the machinery.

That certification allows McCleary to make her own gelato base from scratch, so she is not relying on anyone else and can work with the flavors to make it consistent every time.

Once the business hits its stride, McCleary said, she plans on rolling out a mobile cart to sell gelato at farmers markets and also wants to find restaurant customers.

Also on offer at the gelateria and cafe are paninis for $6.99, which are prepared by local caterer Mark Mitchell, owner of Mitchell and Sons Mobile Eatery.

McCleary said she knew Mitchell from a restaurant he worked at, and it was during a chance meeting at Mulvaney’s B&L when she learned he was catering and could provide her with paninis.

Panini options include chicken, turkey, roast beef, prosciutto and a vegetable option. Different combinations of cheese and vegetables are available on each sandwich.

“They’re made on a couple of different types of focaccia bread,” Mitchell said. “They’re fresh every day. We’re not wrapping them holding them in the fridge for several days.”

He added that he enjoys gelato, and he is happy to have Devine Gelateria & Cafe as a place to eat as well as a client.

McCleary said she buys local products, from her dairy products to the Temple Coffee she uses to make lattes, Americanos and espressos.

Roz Nice, a 57-year-old Auburn resident, said the opening of the gelateria and cafe is part of a trend she is seeing in Sacramento.

“Sacramento is really coming of age with its gourmet restaurants and cafes,” she said Wednesday.

A fan of Italian gelato as well as traditional ice cream, Nice said she feels satisfied by a smaller amount of gelato than ice cream.

“It’s delicious here,” she said. “It’s just like the gelato I had in Italy.”

Devine Gelateria & Cafe is located at 1221 19th St. Hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. on Sunday. The business is closed on Mondays.

To read more about McCleary and the differences between gelato, sorbetto and ice cream, click here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

4WDD: Complete Streets: West Capitol Avenue Improvements

2011-08-21T16:54:36Z

Please join us on Wednesday evening, August 24th beginning at 5:45pm for this month’s 4th Wednesday Design Dialogue (4WDD).

“Complete Streets” is the inspiring story of the planning, re-design and transfiguration of West Sacramento’s main street area: West Capitol Avenue. The project completely transformed a portion of old highway US 40 with a wide variety of improvements including new, widened sidewalks, re-structured roads, contiguous bicycle lanes, pocket plazas, landscape plantings and iconic bus shelters which celebrate the City’s unique identity.

The re-development of this area has served to foster community spirit by addressing the needs of West Sacramento’s residents and employees and re-vitalizing the area by encouraging new private sector investment as well as complement the city’s Civic Center; which includes Los Rios Community College campus, Yolo County public library, West Sacramento Community Center and transit center.

Come listen to a presentation by MIG, SACOG, the City of West Sacramento and Dokken Engineering as they discuss this amazing project and its process from funding, planning, engineering and re-design to development and completion. Q & A panel discussion to follow.

Presenter:
Mukul Malhotra, Principal, MIG, Inc.

Panel:
Greg Chew, Community Design Program Manager, SACOG
Rick Liptak, President, Dokken Engineering
Bill Panos, Department Head for Community Development, City of West Sacramento

Moderator: Brian Fischer, Brand Aid Media (BAM)

This event is FREE and open to anyone. Refreshments provided.

Please RSVP to info@aiacv.org or call the AIA Central Valley chapter office at 916-444-3658.

Click here for flyer.

What: 4th Wednesday Design Dialog (4WDD) – Complete Streets: West Capitol Avenue Improvements
When: Wednesday, August 24th, 5:45 – 7:30 pm
Where: AIACV Gallery, 1400 S Street, Suite 100, Sacramento

Disclosure: Dalton LaVoie is the co-chair of the 4th Wednesday Design Dialogue Series; a collaboration between the California Sierra Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects Central Valley Chapter.

State Controller and Sacramento Mayor celebrate non-profit’s decade of success

2011-08-05T18:31:54Z

Before guests could hit the dance floor and mingle with friends at a non-profit organization’s 10th Anniversary celebration, local community leaders gave a “Celebrity Show” posing to be celebrities of the last decade to say a few words.

The emcee introduced the first celebrity – Hillary Clinton. Walking and gracefully waving to “Stand by Your Man” by Tammy Wynette from the back of the ballroom to the podium is Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg’s (D-Sacramento) District Director Susan McKee.

Guests stood up from their seats to take videos and photos while others clapped and laughed.

“I told the President that C.C. Yin has always been my man and all of you know I stand by my man,” Clinton said. “I brought a special gift from the White House, but, because of budget cuts, it’s only a key chain.”

The room roared with laughter until the next celebrity was introduced.

Assemblyman Roger Dickinson played Jerry Brown, NAACP Sacramento Branch President Betty Williams played Diana Ross and former Sacramento Monarchs’ player Ruthie Bolton played Oprah Winfrey, just to name a few.

Over 700 guests attended the 10th Anniversary Gala celebration of non-profit, non-partisan organization Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association’s (APAPA) Saturday, July 31 at Sheraton Grand Hotel.

The celebration included dinner, several speakers, a video about the organization and lots of dancing.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson began the ceremony noting how thankful he is for APAPA’s contributions to the community.

“I’m so proud to have APAPA based in Sacramento,” said Johnson.

Founded in 2001 by C.C. Yin and fellow civic-minded community members, APAPA’s goal is to empower Asian Americans in civic and public affairs through education, active participation and leadership development.

Keynote speaker California State Controller John Chiang is grateful for APAPA and its effort in helping create leaders who are willing to make the tough decisions.

“What APAPA has tried to do in the last decade is to narrow the divide between research and knowledge and good public policy,” said Chiang.

A video showcasing APAPA's successes of the past decade was played. Check out the video.

APAPA has given over $50,000 in scholarships and over 80 State Capitol internships. In 2001, there were no API state and constitutional office holders. In 2009, there were 15.

APAPA helped bring about API leaders into our government system.

Looking back at the past decade, Yin had high hopes for the future.

“Ten years from now, led by the younger generation, APAPA will be taken to the national level,” said Yin.

APAPA currently has four chapters throughout California: Collegiate, Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California.

Yin invited everyone to the dance floor with the final words.

“See you in October,” said Yin.

Every September or October since 2005, APAPA has put together Voters Education and Candidates Forum free for the public to become more aware of the democratic process, register to vote, interact one-on-one with candidates and watch debates.

Last year, over 30 state and constitutional candidates spoke and debated with opponents for the some 2,000 attendees at California State University, Sacramento.

On Saturday, October 22, APAPA’s 2011 Voters Education and Candidates Forum will be held in San Francisco.

For more information, visit www.APAPA.org.

Hands on History at Sutter's Fort

2011-05-20T09:43:14Z

What did the pioneers do for fun in the 1840s? Visitors at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park were able to see firsthand on Saturday a few of the things pioneers did for fun and what life was like for families during that time. Sutter’s Fort hosted a “Hands on History” event called “Spring Has Sprung!” a hands on event that focused on toys from the 1840s.

Spring Has Sprung! is dedicated to fun and games. Demonstrations of barrel-hoop races, the game of Graces, tug-o’-war, jump rope, marbles and parlor games took place throughout the day. Children in pioneer wear showed visitors the many games.

Pioneer games gave people a chance to get together, helped children develop and build lasting friendships or maybe even lead to courtship and marriage. Since homes were few and far apart, it gave communities a chance to get together and interact.

My visit to Sutter’s Fort started off with a bang. A cannon-firing demonstration was taking place at one of the courts, where a crowd had gathered. Park guide Steve Beck explained each step needed to fire a canon. About 40 parents and kids attentively listed to what Beck had to say and answered his questions.

Beck called out orders to the pioneers preparing to fire the cannon while also describing the actions. “Present cartridge!” Beck yelled with authority. The children hung to his every word with great concentration. He asked the audience if the cannon was ready to be fired after the cartridge had been rammed into the muzzle. By this point previous steps had already taken place. One of the kids noted that the cannonball had not been put into the cannon.

Beck explained that the cannonball could travel more than a mile once fired. He noted that the Capitol was just about a mile away, and the audience laughed. As he continued to inform the audience what was happening, four volunteers in pioneer costume followed his instructions. Once everything was set, Beck was ready to give the “fire” command.

Beck told the audience to cup their hands over their ears as the cannon was about to fire.

“On the count of three, I want you to yell out ‘fire in the hole!’” he instructed. “That means there’s going to be an explosion. 1, 2, 3!”

“Fire in the hole!” yelled the audience.

“Fire when ready” was his last command.

A great big boom was heard, and some people jumped as the shot was fired. Kids laughed and screamed.

“Wow. That was great! Cool, huh? That was an amazing sound. Oh my gosh, that was loud. It scared me.”

After the firing, Beck said he was happy about the size of the crowd.

“Despite all the information about (state park) closures, we still have a pretty good crowd, so that’s always nice,” he said. “This way of delivering history with hands-on activities is something we’ve always done a little bit of through our educational programs, but not until this year have we really expanded it to include the rest of the public and adults, as well.”

Beck has worked at Sutter’s Fort for 14 years, and for 12 of those he ran the educational program. He took what he learned from that program to now strengthen the public program. His enthusiasm was evident as he talked about Sutter’s Fort and the way of life in the 1800s.

Beck emphasized that the park guides have a passion for delivering history. Several volunteers in period clothing were available to answer questions for the many guests. These volunteers are very well trained and thoroughly enjoy being there to deliver their enthusiasm for history.

“Frankly they’re a remarkable group of people,” he said. “There’s a strong sense of community here.”

Beck praised the many volunteers who make these events possible, calling them “unsung heroes.” Volunteer efforts save the state money, and it’s remarkable how much time, money and energy they put in.

One day a month, usually on the third Saturday, the fort celebrates a Hands on History day, each with a different theme. Steve noted that pioneers going west usually traveled during the spring to escape bad weather, so that inspired the Spring Has Sprung! theme. June’s theme will be “Three Flags, One Fort.” Beck pointed to the Mexican civil flag that was flying and said the program will discuss when California was still part of Mexico.

Beck directed attention to a baker who was getting an oven ready. On-site cooks and bakers prepared food for the event, including cinnamon rolls from the outdoor beehive oven and apple pies. The sweet smell filled the air.

In the second story of the building is the clerk’s office. Day-to-day business was conducted there, including buying and selling goods, settling credits and debts, disbursing official paperwork, registering cattle brands, and securing business licenses and deeds of trust.

Most of the young visitors carried around Sutter’s Fort Kids’ History Hunt activity papers. They had to find the objects on the paper and then write down the names of the items. Once the sheet was filled out, they took it to the admission kiosk and received a prize. By participating in other activities, the children received Sutter Bucks that could be redeemed at the general store for special prizes.

The next Hands on History day is June 18, which will include a weaponry exhibit and a firing demonstration. Visitors can have their photos taken with 19th century arms. Children will have a chance to create and color flags that flew over Sutter’s Fort.

Those interested in volunteering and are at least 18 years old can call 653-9069 or send an e-mail to vipp@parks.ca.gov to receive a volunteer packet.

Sutter’s Fort is located between K and L streets and 26th and 28th streets. More information and a virtual tour can be found on the Sutter’s Fort website.

Amgen Tour of California coming to Sacramento

2011-05-11T00:57:43Z

Some of the world’s top bicyclists will be racing into Sacramento Monday to finish the second stage of the sixth annual Amgen Tour of California at the Capitol.

Racers will enter Sacramento from the northern city limits on Sorrento Road to Main Avenue, then head to Highway 160, where they will then enter the central city on 12th Street, according to Department of Transportation spokeswoman Linda Tucker. For the race route and road closures, click the interactive map below.

View Amgen Tour of California Route in a larger map

“You’ve got the opportunity to watch some of the best athletes in the world ply their trade,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, which owns the race. “It’s free, and that’s one of the great things about cycling.”

The race is one of the largest in the world, Messick said, adding that it joins the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in notoriety.

Racers are in 19 teams of between 13 and 30 riders each, and Messick said they are typically the same teams that will race in the Tour de France, which takes place in July.

The overall champion is the rider who completes the approximately 800-mile course from Lake Tahoe to Southern California in the least overall time, and there are also winners of each of the eight individual stages.

“It’s a great opportunity to see the incredible diversity of terrain you have in the state of California,” Messick said. “It never fails to amaze me.”

Messick said he the race will traverse mountainous terrain as well as flat land and urban areas.

Riders will be entering the circuits around the Capitol around 3:15 or 3:30 p.m., Messick said, and once the stage is completed at the Capitol, there will be an after party.

The event consistently draws more people each year, Messick said.

“Cycling clearly is continuing to grow every year,” he added. “More people participate, people buy more bikes, and we think it’s fantastic because cycling is an extraordinary activity and a great mode of transportation.”

Local riders can get a chance to ride with riders of the Liquigas-Cannondale team by showing up at 10 a.m. at Mike’s Bikes, 1411 I St., according to Manager Brian Durling.

“It’s the (squad) that’s not racing that day,” he said. “Everyone can come. It’s a mellow-pace ride that’s going to leave at 11 (a.m.) and ride up the bike trail for 15-20 miles and be back here in Sacramento to watch the finish.”

Durling said the tour being in town always generates buzz and excitement about cycling.

“Since it started coming here, we see more and more people excited about it every year,” he said. “It’s definitely good for business.”

Durling said it’s hard to quantify how good it is for business, with May being Bike Month and the weather improving, when people typically tend to buy bicycles anyway.

“I’m excited they have some Northern California mountain stages where they’re actually in the mountains instead of rolling down the foothills or the SoCal coastal mountains,” he said.

When it comes to Sacramento, Durling said it is interesting to see them riding through the streets in person, as opposed to watching other cycle races on TV. “We see them riding on the roads we ride on,” he said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Protests Galore!

2011-05-10T00:59:20Z

I regularly walk my dog in Capitol park and enjoy the sights and sounds in the area. Most times it is pretty low key with a few lawmakers and tourists wandering around and the occasional exhiled spouse reading on a park bench.

Today though was pretty interesting. I was curious about this whole Cindy Sheehan thing and wanted to see if she was having any impact. The teachers tried to take the spotlight but honestly they fell short.

CTA met in Gallegos Square and on the steps of the Cathedral. They had a decent sized group but apparently they weren't quite as organized as I would expect from teachers.

As I approached they were praying. Sorry, I did not know you all were praying since I didn't notice any heads bowed. Granted, I am not a christian but I was raised as one and as I recall you bow your head when you pray. So, that is my excuse if I accidently disrespected your prayer. Anyhow, this long prayer went on and when they said Amen I knew I was acting like a jerk walking around taking pictures of all this.

I had heard they were willing to walk a block for their cause from Gallegos Square to the Capitol so I went up ahead so I could get some decent photos.

I do believe the intent of the walk/march was for it to be done in silence while they rang a Tibetan gong. Well, that worked in practice for the first half of the group but the back half started yelling something about taxing the rich. I asked one attendee if they weren't supposed to be silent and he said yes but we have one jerk in the back that started it. So by then the entire crowd was chanting something about taxing the rich and leaving the poor alone. Sorry, it just didn't have a good ring to it so I can't remember what it was.

There was one small group that decided to break out in the protest standby song "We shall overcome".

All in all I was not really impressed with the CTA gathering. In fact they seemed to fall apart when they reached the Capitol. People were looking for them but even the CHP that was asked said "I don't know we should be able to hear them but I can't."

As far as Cindy Sheehan and her group of anti-war protestors I never saw any. I did not go into the Capitol building though because I had my trusty companion, Jackson the big black dog, with me.

I did see a group of sleeping bags and duffel bags thrown on the ground so maybe they belonged to the peacers.

National Foster Care Month Information stole the show with their fabulous band "Mumbo Gumbo", their info booths and the cute children that happened to be visiting and took time to bust a move. I lost interest in the protestors and found myself dancing to really good music by Mumbo Gumbo. I checked their web site and they will be playing at Swabbies Restaraunt and Bar on July 31st.

I finally had to leave and went on the hunt for the CTA and peacemakers but could not find them. I did see something weird and strange though. I've included pictures.

A twenty something walks up to the Capitol Building with a giant teddy bear and a photo frame that contained many photos. I could not see what the photos were. He seemed to think he could just walk in. A CHP officer stopped him and there was a small discussion and finally the young man walked away. As he walked by me I said "Wouldn't they let you deliver your present" and he said NO, I asked if it was for Jerry and he asked me if I had a phone he could use. I said No and watched him walk away and meet up with his two partners.

Next thing I see is a contingent of young female vampires! Oops, my mistake, maybe they aren't vampires or even goth. All they really are is a group of young women in identical long black dresses. Probably just a photo shoot?!

I am letting my fantasies run away with me so it is time to head home. Besides the BBD has arthritis so walks are slow and short.

Indian relics, native voices shine at California Museum

2011-03-16T04:18:48Z

Rare artifacts will be unveiled this month in a new exhibit documenting the culture and contributions of California's first people at the California Museum in Sacramento.

A huge stuffed condor from the Smithsonian, Modoc chief Captain Jack's buckskin jacket and a cape and arrowhead that belonged to Ishi, reputedly the last Native American to live a primitive life in California, will be showcased in "California Indians: Making A Difference," which opens March 31.

"We have some objects that have never been on exhibit before," said curator P. Christiaan Klieger, an anthropologist affiliated with the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. "It's not your typical sort of basket exhibit at all."

However, old and new baskets will be among the items on exhibit because California Indian basketweavers are recognized as some of the best weavers in the world. The exhibit includes what anthropologists have described as one of the finest baskets ever made – a 101-year-old basket made by a Washoe weaver named Dat So La Lee (also spelled Datso Lalee), who died in 1929, he said.

The exhibit will use more than 400 artifacts, photos, art, documents and multimedia presentations to tell stories of the peoples' early life, survival, adaptation and resilience. The displays include contemporary paintings by artists such as Frank La Pena, a local Wintu, and botanical specimens of foods still eaten by Indians.

Klieger and the museum put together a California native advisory panel with 12 elders, artists and other leaders from separate tribes to guide creation of the exhibit. The result is a collaboration that enables descendants of the state's first inhabitants to tell the stories of their people with their own voices.

At one time, more than 150 tribes or bands lived in the region that later became California. The exhibit being installed this week by the museum's crew represents more than 60 tribes from the coast, the Central Valley, the deserts and the lake and mountain region.

The displays include an interactive kiosk where visitors can hear eight native languages spoken and six video stations for an oral history project about life as a native person.

"We're directed by what native people themselves want to see in the exhibit," he said. "That's the only way we can be authentic about it these days."

The California Museum is one of only three museums in California whose collections and exhibits represent the entire state. The others are the Oakland Museum of California and the Autry National Center in Los Angeles.

The small State Indian Museum operates nearby at Sutter’s Fort, but the California Museum was established in the Capitol as the official state museum. This exhibit is being installed to add to the museum's diversity by documenting native peoples in a permanent exhibit, Klieger said.

More artifacts will be rotated into the 3,000-square-foot long-term exhibit next year. The museum provides a showcase for items from the California State Archives and borrows from other museums’ collections and individuals to create its exhibits.

"The exhibit was built to be expanded upon," said Brenna Hamilton, the museum's communications director. "There are so many tribes and so many stories, we can't tell all of them at the same time."

Museum visitors will soon have a chance to see the entire exhibit, including artifacts that are very hard to get.

Stuffed condors – which are important to many California tribes – are even more rare than the living creatures, with only a few museums in the world possessing condor specimens. A specimen with an approximately 13-foot wingspan is on loan from the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

"It's like a small airplane," Klieger said. "It's huge."

The collection also features a buckskin jacket once worn by Captain Jack, a famous chief who in 1873 lost the Modoc War, the last of the Indian wars in California or Oregon. The jacket has never been exhibited before.

A private collector has loaned the museum a cape that was worn by Ishi, the last Yahi clan member who followed the ways of his ancestors and lived in the wilds apart from European-American culture until 1911. He had survived in his tribe's homeland in the foothills near Lassen Peak until making contact with the outside world near Oroville.

Ishi, who was about 49, spent the last five years of his life at the University of California, San Francisco. The exhibit also contains an arrowhead Ishi made from a glass bottle and gave to a boy who was in a nearby hospital after breaking his leg. The boy grew up and died in World War II, but his widow kept the arrowhead. She gave it to the California Academy of Sciences in 1976.

A reception introducing the exhibit will be held for museum members from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on March 30. The museum, 1020 O St., is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sundays. The cost is $8.50 for adults, $6 for youths and free for children 5 and under.

The curator and museum staff refer to the exhibit as "the native voice." As such, the exhibit's official name reflects the word native peoples use for themselves, rather than the term "Native Americans." The latter was used widely, starting in the 1970s and 1980s, by the majority culture, Klieger said.

"That was rejected soundly by the Native Americans," Klieger added. "They said, 'Call us Indians.' "

Editorial Note: The captions for the photos of corn and acorns have been corrected with information from the California Museum.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

The Fight for Higher Education

2011-03-15T02:04:49Z

Rainy weather wasn’t going to stop the thousands of students who marched to the Capitol to fight for higher education Monday morning.

California’s budget crisis has students from the UC, CSU, and Community Colleges concerned about their future.

Governor Brown’s proposed budget increases community college tuition by 38.5% and cuts $400 million from the California Community College (CCC) system.

This proposed budget is one of the reasons the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), an organization run completely by elected student members, puts this annual ‘March in March’ event on.

“It’s a fundamental right that every Californian should have access to an affordable and quality higher education”, says SSCCC President Alex Pader. “Today we asked the state legislature to give the people of California the opportunity to vote on tax extensions and thus, the level of services that the state provides.”

Extending the current tax rate would cause cuts to the CCC system to be significantly less, but in order for the measure to be on the ballot, it must have two-thirds approval of the state legislature. State democrats are generally agreed on keeping this tax rate, but they need the votes of four republicans in the state senate in order to put it on the ballot.

This idea of extending the tax rate was evident on signs that the students held. “Let me vote for my future” and “Let the people vote” were among the many that were displayed.

Energy flowed from the students from across the state at the California Automobile Museum where they gathered to begin marching. “Students united! We’ll never be divided!” “They say cut back, we say fight back!” Students repeated these chants as loud as they could, hoping they could connect to state representatives they feel are out of touch with the reality of the proposed cuts.

Many of the students’ signs displayed the number 400,000, the number of students in the CCC system that would be lost if the cuts were to happen as proposed by Governor Brown.

Not all attitudes toward legislators were negative. Among the speakers to address the crowd were avid community college supporters Assembly Member Warren T. Furutani (D – South Los Angeles County) and Assembly Member Marty Block (D – San Diego). They spoke to the students assuring their support for investing in their educational future.

Not afraid to voice his opinion, Assembly Member Block shared how he felt about the events that transpired on the west steps of the Capitol this morning. “Today California’s higher education students literally shook the Capitol. Their voices, thousands strong, demanded that we ‘let the people vote’ in order to ‘stop the cuts’ to our public colleges and universities. It was a privilege to speak to so many passionate young people, and I hope that their efforts resonated with my republican colleagues, who are reluctant to send the ballot measure to the voters.”

Thousands of the almost 3 million California Community College students showed up in Sacramento today to show that they are a force that won’t be taken down without a fight. They stood in solidarity for the 400,000 that may be lost from the system, and they hope that lawmakers heard what they had to say.

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

Solidarity Candlelight Vigil

2011-02-24T22:42:41Z

Sacramento’s State Capitol West Steps was the gathering spot for over two thousand supporters of the striking collective bargaining Wisconsin workers. A “We Are One” solidarity candlelight vigil brought more supporters to the capitol than was expected.

As tens of thousands of people continue their protest in Wisconsin they begin their second week of demonstrations. In Sacramento and other cities in California supporters plan to show their solidarity with Wisconsin collective bargaining state workers.

Chants of “You take on one of us, you take on all of us! We are one!” and others rang out at various times throughout the vigil. Solidarity was the theme for the night and similar events are being planned through major cities in California, Ohio, Indiana, Florida and the wave keeps going from one state to another.

Representatives for collective bargaining groups gathered in front of the capitol building while opponents of the solidarity demonstration stood on the other side of 10th Street. Both sides were civil to each other and police officers were stationed on each side of the street.

A podium was set up in front of the capitol and speakers came to the microphone to address the issue in Wisconsin and to show their support for those workers. Francisco Herrera provided music and Bill Camp from the Sacramento Labor Council welcomed the crowd. An opening prayer by Vernon Holmes, a Lutheran Minister from Sacramento, started off a series of speeches by different workers and union representatives.

Many of the speeches were in support of collective bargaining in Wisconsin and also to steer support for the rights of nurses, teachers, bus drivers and other public workers in California. Several politicians were on hand to support the demonstration and stood side by side with teachers, ironworkers, janitors, Teamsters and others.

Printed and hand-made signs were carried with messages such as “Collective Bargaining is a form of Democracy”, “We Stand with Wisconsin Workers”, “We are the Working Middle Classes! We are America” and “Unions Created the American Dream”.

Some of the speeches were very energetic and inspiring. To show further solidarity many signed a banner that said “We Stand With Wisconsin Workers”. The banner was going to be delivered to the protestors at the State House in Wisconsin. Similar solidarity assemblies throughout the U.S. are being put together and supporters are planning to send representatives to Wisconsin.

No matter what the outcome in Wisconsin it looks like collective bargaining will be put to the test there and in other states in the near future. These types of demonstrations for and against collective bargaining continue to bring Americans to a confrontation. Thus far the demonstrations have been, for the most part, peaceful. As we gather on one side or the other in such peaceful means we can proudly say “Only in America”.

Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights

2011-02-23T11:08:13Z

The sun was still shining on the State Capitol at 5:30 p.m. Monday, at the start of the Sacramento Central Labor Council's Candlelight Vigil for Wisconsin Workers. The crowd grew to an estimated 2,000 people, in solidarity with labor and human rights movements in Wisconsin and beyond.

The supply of signs for "We Stand With Wisconsin Workers" and flameless vigil candles didn't meet the demand. There were handmade signs, such as: "Labor Rights. Human Rights. Women's Rights. We Are One" and "Serf's Unite."

"We Are One," "It's About Freedom" and other signs from dozens of labor organizations, represented nurses, state workers, educators, fire fighters, law enforcement and skilled trade unions.

The opening invocation called for justice and for all people to have their basic needs met. It expressed gratitude for "so many who stood up to engage evil: the evil of corporate greed and malice; the evil of government union busting; the evil of protecting the rich at the expense of the poor."

The first speaker was Art Pulaski of the California Labor Federation. "The protests that we see in Wisconsin today are much bigger than one legislative bill or one state. It isn't just about Wisconsin. It isn't just about public sector workers. It isn't even just about union members.

"This is about an assault on the working class values of America. This is a fight for democracy. This is a fight that all working Americans cannot afford to lose."

The speeches and songs in solidarity continued. The best sound quality was in the center front. The crowd that spilled toward the back and onto the grassy sides had some difficulty hearing the speakers.

A man in a luxurious overcoat worthy of a corporate robber baron, passed through the crowd quickly and commented, "They should have gone non-union for the sound system."

The enthusiasm of the people was not deterred by the cold temperature or the cold-blooded attitude that non-union labor is superior to union labor.

Bill Camp, Executive Secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, gave a shout out to several legislators that he said were "in the house." Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom Tweeted in: "Standing in solidarity w my brothers & sisters across this country."

One of the speakers challenged the legislators who have expressed support, to commit for the long term and write legislation in support of the Wisconsin workers.

The message, loud and clear from the feeble sound speakers and the strong show of solidarity, matched the invocation at the start of the vigil:

"As we applaud those in Egypt, Iran, Tunisia and Libya, who cried out against government oppression - oppression that seeks to deny their rights - let us also applaud those in Wisconsin and through out this land who seek to do the same."

More actions are planned for the week. MoveOn.org announced a call for "emergency rallies in front of every statehouse Saturday, Feb. 26 at noon, to stand together to save the American Dream."

USuncut is a group based on UKuncut to organize those "ready to help make corporate tax dodgers pay their fair share" also planning events for Feb. 26

Channel 1000 video: Solidarity for Wisconsin workers: candlelight vigil

Mayors, governor to negotiate redevelopment

2011-01-27T06:27:37Z

Nine mayors representing California’s largest cities met with Gov. Jerry Brown in a closed session Wednesday to urge him not to eliminate redevelopment agency funding.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting on the West Steps of the Capitol, mayors from Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anaheim, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Ana, Fresno and San Diego explained their reasons for wanting to keep redevelopment agency dollars in the city budgets.

“Every one of us understand the magnitude of the budget challenges we face in the state,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

He added that all mayors understand the need to shoulder their share of the budget cuts necessitated by the recession, but argued that eliminating redevelopment agencies is unfair, saying they create jobs and work as an investment to stimulate economic development.

Brown briefly addressed reporters outside his office right after the meeting.

“We’re working. We’re not in agreement yet,” he said. “We’re going to meet further. We’re going to keep talking.”

Brown has advocated for eliminating city redevelopment agencies, which are responsible for developing infill projects, such as recent work on K Street in Sacramento, in addition to other responsibilities.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said the mayors told Brown in the meeting that “it’s a terrible idea to abolish redevelopment in cities up and down the state.”

He said Brown was open to the idea of working with city governments, adding that the governor understands the value of redevelopment.

“He said we will have to bring solutions, and that’s incumbent on us,” Johnson said.

He then mentioned successful redevelopment projects just blocks from the Capitol, including the Sheraton Hotel, in which he said an $8 million investment of redevelopment funds was able to leverage $100 million.

“(Brown) is a tenant here in a project that is only here because of redevelopment dollars,” Johnson said. “We reminded him of it, he was in good spirit ... he said, ‘You guys can be part of a working group going forward.’ ”

Johnson emphasized that California’s mayors and city governments will stand firm on the issue.

“The problem with eliminating redevelopment ... is that all of us have historical high unemployment rates,” Villaraigosa said. “This is the wrong time to move away from job creation.”

The nine mayors who spoke Wednesday on the West Steps of the Capitol agreed that spending redevelopment dollars – which come from property taxes – brings further economic growth and translates to more revenue.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said redevelopment in downtown San Diego has resulted in each dollar spent bringing back $8.50 to the city.

The argument for eliminating redevelopment and enterprise zone funding is that it will allow more state funds to be spent in areas such as public safety and education.

With that, several public safety advocacy organizations have come out in support of Brown.

California Professional Firefighters, an advocacy group for approximately 30,000 firefighters, argued that cities overstate the impact of redevelopment agencies in job creation.

According to a press release from the CPF, the number of documented jobs created across the state in the past decade was approximately 241,000.

The release also cites a Jan. 18 report by the California Legislative Analyst that contends there is “no reliable evidence that redevelopment agencies improve overall economic development in California.”

The mayors did not answer questions about the report during the press conference.

The next step in the process, according to the mayors, will be to sit down with Brown and negotiate a workable solution.

“It was a good meeting, a good start, an important opportunity for us to be at the table to engage in these discussions,” Villaraigosa said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

A man called Moonbeam.

2011-01-04T07:36:56Z

"Noon-2 p.m.: A "people's party" with free hot dogs will be held at the Capitol Northwest lawn; (Jerry) Brown will speak." Steven Harmon, San Jose Mercury News, 1/3/11

As a political science major, a former intern at one of Washington D.C.'s most influential think tanks, and an all around amateur politico, I was very tempted to go to "The People's Inauguration Party 2011" to see Jerry Brown speak.

I'm tempted to do lots of things.

As a broke fat kid, I actually went to "The People's Inauguration Party 2011" to eat free hot dogs.

I kept a running diary of my experiences thereat:

11:50 AM- I arrived at the Capitol and immediately located the line for the free hot dogs. It was probably 150 yards long, beginning at the party tent on the Northwest steps and winding itself nearly all the way to the West lawn.

11:55 AM- I found my way to the end of said line, and jumped in. The line was moving briskly, and populated with exceedingly upbeat folks from nearly all walks of life. I say nearly all because there was one group that was conspicuously absent: the (apparently) homeless. I saw nary a one. At a downtown event, offering free food to "everyone". I'm not sure how they pulled that off. (busing?)

12:00 PM- The seven-piece mariachi band that had been "entertaining" those of us in line moved under the big top to "entertain" those of us who already had their hot dogs and were eagerly awaiting the governors arrival. Nobody in line was visibly upset by this development. Can't speak for those already in the tent. More on the Mariachi's later.

12:15 PM- I arrived at the hot dog tent, which featured three windows. At the first, I was flummoxed by the rapid-fire greeting I received:
"DoritosFritosCheetosorPlain?" "Huh?" I replied, dumbly. "Doritosfritoscheetosorplain" my inquisitor responded, exasperated. I went with Cheetos because it was what the person in front of me had chosen, and I didn't want to find out what would happen to me if I'd made the young lady repeat herself a third time. Thankfully there was no choice to be made at the next two windows, where I received first a bottled water and then two (two!) hot dogs. As far as condiments went, it was pretty basic: mustard, catsup and relish. I took three of each (if it's free, I'll take three!) and found a spot near the podium to get my grub on.

12:18 PM- Hot dogs, inhaled. Pretty solid dogs, would have been a lot better with onions and kraut, but they had a nice char on em. They were a bit small. I could have eaten six without hesitation or remorse. "This Jerry Brown guy is alright" I thought to myself.

12:20 PM- I joined the rapidly growing crowd in the main tent. There were four or five rows of chairs in a semicircle facing a stage with a podium atop it. Behind the stage hung a banner reading "The People's Inauguration Party 2011" with "JERRY BROWN" underneath. The seats had long since been occupied and the crowd was about five people deep behind them. Middle back of the room was a small raised area for the television news cameras. Beyond the news cameras was a covered area with 10 or 12 tables at which people stood and ate their hot dogs. The Mariachi band was playing to the left of the stage.

12:30 PM- Perfunctory "We want Jerry" chant begins.

12:30 PM- Perfunctory "We want Jerry" chant ends.

12:35 PM- From my vantage point, I can see all of the following things: a blood red feather boa, a pair of leather bike chaps, a VFW hat, a bald mullet ponytail, a bright yellow yarmulke, an eye patch, and a big blond afro (to be fair, the last three all belonged to the same person). Politics (and free hot dogs) makes for strange bedfellows.

12:42 PM- A half-hearted rhythmic clapping of the the sort you might here at a rock show when the crowd is trying to extoll a band into returning for an encore begins.

12:42 PM- Halfhearted clapping ends. If it had been at a rock show, the lights would have come up. No encore for you.

12:44 PM- I briefly, but seriously, considered re-entering the hot dog line. You know whats better than two free hot dogs? Four free hot dogs.

12:46 PM- As the Mariachi begins it's 20th (120th?) song of the afternoon, a woman to the left of me says what we'd all been thinking: "Enough with the music, already". Here, here. Mariachi music is best appreciated in small (two or three song) doses. And while drunk. Really drunk. Try listening to 80 minutes straight of mariachi music while dead sober sometime. I dare you.

12:50 PM- "Alright, now I'm sorry I voted for him" offered June, who was there playing hooky from work. "If he doesn't come out soon I'm gonna leave. He's not gonna pay my parking ticket". She was joking about being sorry she voted for him. I think.

12:51 PM- K.J. arrives, makes his way through the crowd, poses for a couple pictures and then poof, like that, he's gone.

1:00 PM- Nothing happens. Mariachis still playing. Huzzah.

1:12 PM- Another "We want Jerry" chant begins and ends. A modicum better than the first.

1:14 PM- June can't take it anymore, takes off.

1:19 PM- The Gubernatorial hype man (Gubernatorial fluffier?) takes the mic, exhorts the crowd "Let's get it going for the Governor !!!" and looks to his right where the man himself is exiting the Capitol and heading our way. The crowd goes respectably bananas. Finally, they are going to get to greet their champion! The wait was worth it!

1:21 PM- A funny thing happened on the way to the podium. J.B. took a b-line across the lawn and entered the back portion of the tent, to glad-hand his way through the hot dog eaters. For a moment it looked as if he was simply going to go up to the podium the back way, through the crowd, but then he turned right instead of left. He approached the hot dog tent.

1:25 PM- He ate a hot dog

1:27 PM- He left the tent, the same way he'd come in, and re-entered the Capitol, never to be seen again. To the consternation of his adoring supporters, many of whom had been waiting two plus hours to see the man.

1:28 PM - One of Brown's flunkies (Ed. note- it was Lou Correa, D- Santa Ana. Authors note- potato, potahto) took the podium, and offered a lame analogy about how the Governor had "visited the cheap seats" and had ignored "those with the most access". Which would have been fine and valid had the people in front paid money or exerted their political influence to get their seats. But they hadn't, they had simply taken more time out of their busy day to get their earlier. It was more important to them. And this is the thanks they got. Not even a cursory walk through from their conquering hero. Thanks for nothing, Moonbeam.

1:29 PM- It was all over. A flunky (The same one? A different one? I don't know. Stuffed suits all look the same to me) announced that "this is the people's inauguration" and sheepishly thanked us all for coming. The crowd booed. I thought it was a joke until I saw the TV news folks breaking down their equipment.

It's an interesting first act as Governor, to dick over your supporters like that. I don't quite understand the thinking behind it. Regardless, he's made a powerful new enemy. I certainly didn't see that coming while I was eating my free* hot dogs.

*There's no such thing as a free hot dog.

Capitol Events this week

2010-09-06T02:13:40Z

Monday, Sept. 6
6 - 7 p.m. God’s Next Level Ministry will hold a prayer for state leaders, government and the people of Sacramento on the West Steps of the Capitol. Around 30 people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, Sept. 7
No events today.

Protesters shut down L Street

2010-08-18T23:59:44Z

About 20 protesters – many of whom were in wheelchairs – were arrested Wednesday afternoon after blocking L Street in front of the Capitol to protest cuts to in-home care services in the state budget.

“Those services provide the means for people to live independently and stay out of nursing homes,” said Peni Hall, who came from Berkeley to participate in the protest but who left the street before officers started making arrests.

About 40 police and CHP officers arrived at the protest, said Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.

“We were notified of an improvised protest in the middle of L Street,” Leong said, adding that he believed the group had a permit to protest at the Capitol.

Leong said officers asked the protestors to move, and when they didn’t, they were arrested.

At press time, the 20 protesters were being processed, which Leong said would result in their being cited and released or jailed.

The fact that many were in wheelchairs hindered the process, he said.

Leong did not know exactly how long the protest went on, but he said it had been at least a couple of hours.

Officers reopened L Street at 4:15 p.m.

Hall, who sat in her motorized wheelchair with a sign reading, “Cuts Kill,” said the services currently on the chopping block include in-home care providers.

In-home care providers are instrumental in helping disabled – many of whom are elderly – live in their homes by assisting them with getting out of bed and into their wheelchairs and doing household chores throughout the day, Hall said.

“An institution costs three to five times as much as in-home care,” she said, adding that many disabled people can’t afford that, and must live with family.

Connie Barker is an in-home care provider in San Rafael, and she said it is not just her livelihood at stake, but in many cases, “the very lives of the people I care for.”

Barker said she cares for three people, and they have become friends to her.

“The whole argument behind (the cuts) is really just a travesty,” Barker said. “They say it will save money, but it’s just not true...It’s penny-wise and pound-stupid.”

Barker said the short-term cuts will lead to long-term problems.

“A lot of these people can live on their own for a week, a month, maybe a year,” Barker said, “but after that, they’ll be worse off, and possibly very sick.”

Both Leong and Hall said the protesters intended to be arrested.

“It’s the only way to get the message out,” Hall said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

This week at the Capitol

2010-07-27T23:31:08Z

Wednesday, July 28
10 a.m.-8 p.m. The California Latino Capitol Association Foundation will hold a morning press conference, followed by a reception for its students on the North Steps of the Capitol. Around 200 people are expected to attend.

Capitol Clothing to close

2010-07-22T01:04:54Z

Downtown Sacramento will lose another small merchant when Guy Hungerford closes Capitol Clothing Co. next month.

The loss is already being mourned by men who've bought suits from him over the last 30 years. To them, Hungerford is an institution known for dispensing one-liners even quicker than his fashion advice.

On a recent afternoon, customer Kevin Woodruff stood among racks of sale-priced suits and bemoaned the store's impending closure.

"Where will we go when you're gone?" asked Woodruff, who wore a Hawaiian-type print shirt and slacks. "The problem is I don't buy that many suits. I haven't bought a suit in 11 years."

"Murder. MURDER," Hungerford said. "You're killing me with that, you know. I need you guys in suits every day."

Hungerford got into the business selling suits at a store called Vaughn’s in 1980. In 1983, he became a partner in another store, Planteen and Krogh, on K Street. The store closed after the city acquired the property using eminent domain.

He opened his own store, Capitol Clothing Co., in 1993. Since then, the store has operated at six spots within a block of 11th and K streets. Hungerford opened in his present location across from the Capitol at 1107 L St. two years ago.

The recession and a continued trend toward more casual clothing has hurt suit sellers like Hungerford. But the state's money problems and cuts in state workers' pay have killed business, he said.

"A year ago, somebody over there brought up the possibility of a fourth furlough day," he said, pointing to the state Capitol. "On that day, (business) stopped."

"I've seen it slow plenty of times in the last 30 years," he said. "It's never stopped. On that day, it stopped."

Hungerford's clients don't include Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ("His suits are custom-made in Thailand or something"), who ordered state workers to take unpaid furloughs three times a month and, now that furlough Fridays ended in June, is seeking to pay them minimum wage. Hungerford doesn't blame the governor.

"It's not Arnold," he said. "It's the Legislature. Those boys run the show."

His name is painted in gold right on the front window, which reads, "Capitol Clothing Co. Guy Hungerford." Now, big purple letters on the store's display windows also read, "Everything MUST GO! Store Closing LIQUIDATION. Permanent Furlough!"

The walls of the shop are lined with business suits, many from Montreal suitmaker S. Cohen. Every suit is now on sale. The store also carries ties, socks, dress shirts and a few casual shirts.

Hungerford usually avoids talking politics with customers, who are primarily state agency staff, city workers, lobbyists and attorneys. He knows most of them by name. Hungerford has found they'd rather talk about baseball or anything but work. He stays away from high-pressure sales tactics.

“We try to keep things simple here,” he said. “When I go out to shop, I don’t want somebody to jump on me.”

A few local and state politicians also frequent his shop, although most state legislators do business in their districts, he said.

Sacramento City Councilman Kevin McCarty, who stopped by the shop Friday, has been a customer of Hungerford's for about 10 years.

"He's been an institution in the downtown area for quite a while," McCarty said. "He's always given me an opinion on what's going on at City Hall. When I go in, I usually get more than a suit, a sports coat or new shirt.”

State workers make up about 20 percent of the city's workforce, and businesses like Hungerford's are being impacted by the pay cuts, McCarty said.

"Even in the best of times, it's not like we're getting rich selling suits on K Street," Hungerford said. "The furlough thing has just puckered everybody up."

Hungerford won't be the only one losing a means of income when the store closes. He's had the same tailor for 27 years. Now, she'll be losing business, too, he said.

"Business is kind of ugly for everybody down here these days," he said. "The problem is, I can't see an end. I can't see an end anytime soon."

Hungerford, 60, can't afford to retire. His youngest will enter high school next year.

McCarty said he's not sure what to make of the store closure. It's not the first time Hungerford has shuttered his store. The last time, four or five years ago, the store was closed for about two years. Then Hungerford reopened in his present location.

"He says it's time to get a real job," McCarty said. "I'm not sure what the past 25 years have been -- that hasn't been a real job?"

Ironically, Hungerford's goal is to get a job with the state. He's already taken the state job exam to become a business services officer.

But first, he's got to sell the rest of his merchandise. Suits that normally sell for $300 to $400 are currently selling at $99 to $199. Hungerford plans to close his shop in three to five weeks, after he sells as much inventory as possible.

"Until it comes time for me to stand around here trying to sell a $39 coat — then I'll lock the doors, paper over the windows and be done," he said. "Maybe I'll have a job by then. That'd be nice."

Photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

This weekend at the Capitol

2010-07-03T06:52:40Z

Saturday, July 3
12 - 2 p.m. Madeline Lowery will hold a rally and prayers for California Department of Corrections prisoners on the South Steps. About 30 people are expected to participate.

Capitol events this week!

2010-06-21T03:51:20Z

Monday, June 21
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association will be hosting the African New Year Jubilee on the West Steps of the Capitol. African New Year’s Day celebrates the year 6,250 based on the Great Pyramid Complex, an ancient African science of the Earth's rotation.

Tuesday, June 22
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Strategic Counsel will have an electric vehicle info booth and a rally on the North Steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol June 16 - 18

2010-06-16T04:53:16Z

Wednesday, June 16
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The California Deaf Newborn Identification & Advocacy Stakeholder Coalition will be having a rally on the South Steps of the Capitol. The rally is intended to voice opposition to AB2072, which will be heard by a committee the same day.

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The State Agency Green Employees will be hosting the Green Fair on the West Steps of the Capitol. If you have recyclables like old cell phones, plastic bags or printers, the fair will have proper places for them.

Thursday, June 17
11:30 a.m. The Cal-Nevada Methodist Church will have a rally for immigrant rights on the South Steps of the Capitol.

Friday, June 18
6 - 9 p.m. The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will be having their Dyke March Experience on the West Steps of the Capitol. There will be live music and speeches throughout.

Race for the Rock 2010

2010-06-07T06:46:42Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kelly Siefkin of SFBFS summed up the day.

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

For more information, visit racefortherock.com.

Photos:

1. Winners Andy and Steven

2. Race for the Rock crowd

3. Bikes

4. Dwyer-Voss and Behar

5. SacPress sign

Senator Mark Leno Hosts Religious Freedom and Marriage Talk

2010-05-19T05:50:05Z

By Ken Pierce

Sacramento, CA – May 18, 2010 – Today Senator Mark Leno (D – San Francisco) hosted a discussion at the State Capitol of a bill he sponsored to hopefully help define a confusing aspect of the same-sex marriage fight that may be headed back to the polls in California in 2012. SB 906 was introduced January 27, 2010 and named the Civil Marriage and Religious Freedom Act.

The summary of the bill states that it does reaffirm the freedom of the clergy to make faith-based decisions regarding which marriages they solemnize and further clarifies the distinction between civil marriage and religious marriage. It also clarifies that religious institutions would not lose their tax-exempt status in California if they refuse to solemnize a certain marriage that is contrary to their religious faith.

Among the discussion group was Sen. Leno, New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, and Equality California Executive Director, Geoff Kors.

Bishop Robinson is the first openly gay priest to be ordained a bishop in a major Christian denomination. As a high-ranking member of the clergy, Bishop Robinson has advocated for equal protection under the law and for full civil marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The Bishop mentioned that New Hampshire enacted a similar bill which helped pave the way for the legalization of same-sex-marriages in his state.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda is a courageous vocal opponent to Uganda’s proposed legislation to criminalize and execute members of the LGBT community. The government could soon outlaw his ministry with Integrity Uganda, and Bishop Christopher could be put in prison for his support of LGBT Ugandans. While the Bishop praised the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act proposed in California, his real message is that Religious zealots here in the United States are still fueling support for Uganda taking a harsh stand towards Ugandan LGBT citizens. While their verbal support has been hushed due to the huge backlash of media attention, Bishop Senyonio said, “Money from the U.S. is still flowing into Uganda as well as other African nations in support of strong governmental actions targeting homosexuals”.

Now that the heated debate of when to put to the vote to same-sex-marriage is settled, EQCA is moving ahead with a strategy to win the support of California citizens. Their network of offices and volunteers, including here in Sacramento, has been making thousands of phone calls and knocking on doors across the state. Geoff Kors, executive director led the way for his organization to become a co-sponsor of the Religious Freedom and Marriage bill as part of that new strategy.

Currently SB 906 is on its third reading on the Senate Floor. The bill is sponsored by EQCA and California Council of Churches. It receives official support from AIDS Project Los Angeles, Anti-Defamation League, Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality, California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, California Teachers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, Jewish Political Action Committee (JPAC), Sacramento Lawyers for the Equality of Gays and Lesbians, Inland Counties Stonewall Democrats, and the City of West Hollywood.

Ken Pierce is a local Sacramento writer and Director of Public Relations for Equality Action Now.

Photos by Ken Pierce:

1. (L to R) New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, California Sen. Mark Leno

2. (L to R) Geoff Kors, Bishop Robinson, Uganda Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, Sen. Mark Leno

3. View of the California State Capitol Building

Health and Fitness Week - Unofficial Declaration!

2010-05-12T21:07:12Z

Share the news! The Wellness Task Force unofficially declares the third week of May, "Health and Fitness Week." To celebrate we are offering two great opportunities to engage in some fun activities with us.

Let’s Move! Walk the Park
Join the Wellness Task Force and your downtown Sacramento friends in a fun walk around the Capitol and receive a free goodie bag for participating!
Thursday, May 20, 2010 from Noon to 12:30pm
West Steps of the State Capitol

RSVP here by May 17th to ensure you receive your goodie bag. We'll need your name, email address and phone number. View event flyer. This event is sponsored by the SmartSpot division of PepsiCo.

Fit Crawl 2010
There are still a few tickets left! Take this opportunity to experience some of midtown Sacramento’s most exciting fitness activities in one day! On May 22nd from 1pm to 5pm, you can punch, kick, stretch (and more!) your way through the afternoon. Five local businesses, Asha Yoga, Bodytribe Fitness, Fleet Feet Sports, Sacramento Pipeworks, and Ultimate Fitness will offer free mini-classes or demonstrations to participants of the Fit Crawl 2010.

“Crawlers" will rotate between participating businesses on bicycles to sample a variety of fitness activities, receive special offers, and meet new friends. Unwind afterward with light food and beverages at L Wine Lounge.

Tickets can be purchased in advance only at: Asha Yoga (1050 20th Street), Ultimate Fitness (1705 I Street), Bodytribe (920 21st Street)

All proceeds benefit the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness. For more information click here.

Matisyahu, Grandpa. Grandpa, Matisyahu.

2010-05-06T03:20:10Z

The world’s most popular reggae singer came to Sacramento Sunday and played a show in front of 4,000 ecstatic fans.

This, in and of itself, doesn't seem like it would be all that noteworthy. Big stars play shows in Sacramento, if not all the time, at least semi-frequently. I mean, John Mayer is coming to the Sleep Train Amphitheater in August, right? And Carrie Underwood is coming to Arco in a couple of weeks.

But Matisyahu, the Jewish reggae artist whose album, "Bright Side of Life," has been at the top of Billboard’s reggae charts for six weeks, didn't play at Arco for $45 a seat, or Raley Field for 35 bucks a pop, or even Harlow's for 18 a ducat. He played for free, on the Capitol steps, at the Jewish Heritage Festival.

His opening acts? An eco-friendly fashion show, the L.A. Israeli Youth Dance Team and a raffle drawing. To be fair, a juggler, a face painter and Kings’ Mascot Slamson were also running around, but they spent most of their time in the Kids Zone, so I don't really count them as openers.

When I first heard that Matisyahu would be playing a free show on the Capitol steps, I flat-out did not believe it. "You're lying," I commented on a friend’s Facebook post. The man is an international superstar. He's gonna play a free show at a small heritage festival? Yeah, right. Weird Al Yankovic, maybe, but Matisyahu? Not a chance.

I arrived around 1:15 in the afternoon and got confirmation that the Hasidic beatboxer was, in fact, coming, and the performance would start at 3:15.

My next thought was that someone in Sacramento must have compromising photos of the reggae star. Now, this theory is still entirely plausible, but I no longer consider it likely.

I wandered around the west steps of the Capitol, taking in what was an otherwise average heritage festival:

-Informational booths for places like Hillel, Chabad, Knesset Israel Torah Center, European Wax Center and, of course, The Sacramento Press.

-Food carts, heavy on the falafel.

-A street market featuring vendors selling arts, crafts, clothing and specialty foods, including 2 artisan honey vendors.

-A rock climbing wall, bungee basketball, a blow-up slide and other carnival-type attractions in the kid zone.

When I got there, the crowd was about what you'd expect at a Jewish heritage festival. There were a lot of families, a fair amount of seniors and a gaggle of kids. Nothing out of the ordinary. Everybody was in a celebratory mood, smiling and happy. I was often asked enthusiastically about my shirt, which spelled out "Temple Alameda" in Hebrew. No one seemed the least bit disappointed when I explained sheepishly that I was, in fact, a goy, and wore it for solidarity. Actually, I ended up being invited to more than one upcoming Shabbat dinner.

The only inkling of the concert to come was a smattering of hippy-looking kids and a few dreadlocked truststafarians floating around. But as 3 o'clock approached, the demographic began to shift...dramatically.

Kids on skateboards and BMX bikes started streaming in around 2:30 p.m. Next came the beer-soaked college kids and 20-somethings. The main contingent of the Rastas and 4:20 crowd rolled in in a haze of smoke just before Matisyahu was set to hit the stage

"If my boobs had mouths they'd be so drunk right now!" said a particularly buxom young lady who had apparently been spilling most of her drinks down her shirt.

By 3:15, the west steps of the Capitol were overflowing with one of the strangest, most incredible hodgepodge of people you could ever hope to see. From babies in Pampers to octogenarians in Depends, this truly was an all-ages show. Hasidic Jewish rabbis intermingled with high school punk kids and 30-something hipsters, all of whom wore big smiles on their faces.

It was a beautiful day. Nobody seemed to mind much that the star didn't arrive until close to 3:45. When he did show up, his only accompaniment was a buddy on an acoustic guitar. He had a mellow, conversational tone that he maintained throughout the performance. At one point, his cell phone rang. "Should I answer it?" he asked the audience. He did, on speaker.

"Even if I weren't in front of 4,000 people, I couldn't understand you," he said to the guy on the other end of the line. "This guy’s from Long Island. Even New Yorkers don't like Long Island...except Jones Beach," he joked before hanging up and getting back to the music.

His performance was great – a full hour-and-45-minute set without breaks (not counting several interludes to banter with the crowd and one giant hugging session).

He played a bunch of his hits, a cover or two, and some new stuff. He discussed his newly adopted veganism, his guitarist’s upcoming foray into "master cleanse," lamented that he never got to play football ("I had to go to Hebrew school"), recommended a book (“Eating Animals,” by Jonathon Safron Foer) and queried us on our local rivers. He named both the American and the Sacramento, and he even went for a swim in the former!

The show was set to end at 4:30 p.m., but he stayed on a full hour past the scheduled end time. It would have been totally understandable had he decided to blow through a 30-minute set of a few of his hits and ditched town. I half expected it.

But he did nothing of the sort. He put on a fantastic show and really endeared himself to the crowd with his playful engagement. He seemed genuinely happy to be here, playing a free show at a heritage festival. There aren't many artists of his ilk who'd do the same, let alone be happy about it. But Matisyahu isn't just any artist.

Toda, Matisyahu.

As always, the high quality, professional looking shots are the work of my good friend Ahsan Awan. The others are yours truly throwing darts with a point and click.

If you have any thoughts, questions, or angry diatribes you'd like to direct at me, lindol@gmail.com should do the trick.

Matisyahu headlines the Jewish Heritage Festival

2010-05-03T04:58:52Z

Sure, there was a rabbi or two, kosher food and people passing out the newspaper Kabbalah Today. But Sunday's Jewish Heritage Festival seemed more like a Matisyahu concert than a festival celebrating Jewish culture.

The American, Hasidic Jewish reggae artist is known for his top-40 hit "King Without a Crown," and "One Day," an official 2010 Winter Olympics Anthem. He's also known as a great live performer.

It was a much larger audience than last year's festival, several thousand people lining in front of the west steps of the Capitol, with hundreds more sitting on and behind the steps. The line for a falafel sandwich was a wait of more than 30 minutes at one point.

Vendors - including everything from a jewelry vendor to an Omri Casspi-themed Sacramento Kings gear booth, even a shofar (a ceremonial ram tusk horn) vendor - began lining 10th Street between O and L in the early afternoon. The festival kicked off a little after 1 p.m., and shortly after an eco-friendly fashion show took place on the stage.

The crowd was diverse. Some wore traditional Jewish garb, others were in urban clothes. There were families, young adults and reggae fans who were there just to see the concert.

Hundreds more showed up for the L.A. Israeli Dance Team, but it was clear that the thousands of people congregated at the stage were there for the free Matisyahu performance. Matisyahu was supposed to be onstage by 3:15 but he didn't show up until a little before 4 p.m. to an outburst of applause from an eager audience.

Live, he is usaually backed by at least a three-piece band, but today he was accompanied only by Dave Holmes, guitarist for Brooklyn band Dub Trio.

He began his set by saying that the show was his "largest acoustic gig ever." With Holmes laying out a foundation of melody on acoustic guitar, Matisyahu (Hebrew for Matthew) sang "Jerusalem," "Exhaltation" and "One Day," ending each song with beatbox solos.

Despite the small instrumentation, Matiyahu was able to cover a large range of sounds.

His voice is a soulful falsetto when he's singing, but he mainly delivers lyrics in the form of Jamaican toasting - or rhyming over a reggae beat (think Damian Marley or Yellow Man). His beat-boxing work was nothing short of amazing, with beatboxing solos on nearly every song, sometimes evolving into scat singing.

In the middle of his set he covered Bob Marley and the Wailers' "Who Feels It Knows It."

He also employed crowd-pleasing antics. He used call-and-response, and he even invited one person to give him a hug. This invitation turned into a massive group hug as people rushed the stage, leading Matisyahu to exclaim that the hugging session was like the book, "If You Give a Moose a Muffin."

One time, he answered his iPhone between songs, talking to a friend who happened to call. Off the same iPhone, he read lyrics to a new song he debuted at the show, adding, "I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't a free show."

He also riffed on what he knew of Sacramento, joking that the falafel vendor was great, as is shopping at Dimple records and swimming in the American River, which also elicited cheers.

It was satisfying enough for a free Matisyahu show and a fun day overall. That being said, hopefully he brings the whole band and plays a proper show next time he's in Sacramento.

The 2010 Jewish Heritage Festival

2010-05-02T19:14:39Z

The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region is proud to present the 2010 Jewish Heritage Festival today, May 2nd starting at 1 p.m. Watch the event live on the below live-stream.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

The festival celebrates the centennial founding of the kibbutzim movement in Israel and provides an opportunity to learn and act on Tikkun Olam (social action) initiatives and activities. This free event features live music, traditional food, entertainment, dancing troupes, cultural exhibits and displays, family and children's activities, a special teen zone, raffle and more. The event is taking place at the Capitol west steps from 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Highlights include:

1:50 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. - an Eco-Friendly fashion show, showcasing the hippest trends in Eco-Friendly fashion.

2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.- a performance by The Los Angeles Israeli Dance Team

3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.- a performance from hip-hop artist Matisyahu

House Kitchen & Bar

2010-04-29T00:27:49Z

The newest best kept secret in Sacramento cocktails and cuisine is House Kitchen & Bar. Located at 555 Capitol Mall, slightly inset on the corner of 5th and Capitol, the pleasantly open environment exists where 55 Degrees once was. 55 Degrees was owned by Ali Mackani, the owner of Midtown Sacramento's Lounge ON20.

House opened earlier this month and transformed the once urban kitchen into a city dweller's culinary masterpiece. The service is top-notch, the staff is friendly and articulate, and the management redefines professionalism. In fact, the only thing that overshadows the food and service inside is the fantastic bar service. Jennifer Dunmore, an area native and stylist at Image Salon in Rocklin said without hesitation upon her first sip, "This is the best Manhattan ever." Indeed, an old bar owner once said with a slur, "If he can make a good drink, then count me in." To that, all of Sacramento should raise a glass because House Kitchen and Bar makes the best specialty cocktails downtown has to offer.

Amber Schmaeling, Manager of Membership and Development for Sacramento's Midtown Business Association, and formerly of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, says that "establishments like House provide great service to the Capitol crowd by day, and also create a whole new reason for people to come downtown in the evening." While House is perhaps too new for accurate metrics, this past weekend's 20/30 Club event certainly drew a large crowd.

While the 20/30 crowd focused on liquid libations, the kitchen side of House produces numerous dishes to die for. The "5 cheese" elbow mac and cheese is better than anything home made. The Dungeness crab creamy spinach dip with garlic toast is a highly addictive guilty pleasure. The Cajun shrimp with garlic bred for dipping was so incredible that a single bite seemed to cause the sort of endorphin rush generally associated with long distance running. To call that euphoric state bliss would be an understatement.

The drunken chicken salad with spring greens, dates, bacon, pecans, and avocado seduces the palate with a delicate balance of heartiness and healthiness. Leave the point counters behind, however, because with incredible double dipped fried chicken with mashed potatoes, even the most disciplined dieters are likely to break down and suffer the delightful consequences of gastronomic glee. Never mind the skirt steak tacos with avocado salsa and cilantro rice, just looking at the plate invokes overwhelming desire to order another one, to go! No doubt, if you do, incredibly gracious and lovely servers like Aja Uranga-Foster (pictured above) will take excellent care of you.

With complimentary parking after 5pm in the Plaza 555 structure, visitors can rest assured that they can safely and comfortably visit House under just about any weather condition. Street parking on 5th is convenient and available as well. Meagan Svendsen, House's General Manager, says "[Downtown Sacramento] is a sophisticated area." In fact, the ultimate concept is to forward an intention where people feel an appreciation for their sophistication, while simultaneously being free from the serious confines of the office. Indeed, House demonstrates an appreciation for the close community. Meagan herself has an MS in pharmacy and experience in pharmaceutical sales. Her intelligence and sophistication creates a tone and sensation inside that makes House the perfect place for any conversation. As Meagan points out, the colors at House reflect the atmosphere: light, bright, and comfortable. She says that House is a place where people "Loosen the tie, and take off the jacket." Moreover, she says that "this is Chris' vision," referring to Chris Nestor, the Owner and Executive Chef.

Chris' unique culinary style, described as being "re-imagined American comfort food," is all that and more. He has an impressive background. Trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, Chris has every reason to stand out. A philosopher once said, "Humility is the key to success." Chris Nestor is quiet and understated, but also very well-connected and highly regarded. The art of making comfort food, or perhaps making both food and the dining experience comfortable, is a unique attribute that is not easily learned. It requires patience, balance, and experience. Chris Nestor is also the creator of Ink Eats and Drinks, Midtown Sacramento's incredible late night diner located at 2730 N Street. Ink can be explored online here.

The House dining experience is not only new and exciting, it's a must. The images below provide an unedited view of House at night.

House Kitchen & Bar is open for lunch and dinner, from 11:30am to 9pm, Monday to Wednesday; and from 11:30am to 10pm Thursday and Friday. House is currently closed on both Saturday and Sunday. For reservations, call 916-498-9924. In addition, you can find House online by clicking here.

Westboro Baptist Church to protest the Capitol

2010-04-22T16:42:13Z

      Members of the Westboro Baptist Church plan to picket May 2 and 3 at the California State Capitol Building, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Shalom School, McClatchy High School and the Jewish Federation of Sacramento.
      The Westboro Baptist Church regularly pickets funerals of soldiers and homosexuals and has recently gained media attention because of the United States Supreme Court Case they are involved in regarding a demonstration that members of the church made at a marine’s funeral.
      McClatchy High School Principal Greg Purcell said that the administration is meeting next week to discuss how they can minimize the effect of the protest.
      Regarding McClatchy High School, the church website said, “You parents, teachers, and so-called leaders have raised a bunch of Bible illiterate brute beasts that cater day and night to their feeeeeeelings (sic), aka, their lusts.”
      According to the church’s website, on May 2, members of the church will picket the Jewish Heritage Festival at the Capitol Building.
      The church’s reason for the protest is posted on their website: “You must repent for the awful crime of killing your SAVIOUR!! Your tacky festivals are no substitution for obeying your God!! Your heritage means nothing to God.”
      A full schedule of picket destinations, times and reasons for those demonstrations can be found at the church’s website: http://www.godhatesfags.com/schedule.html.

What's Happening at the Capitol: March 20

2010-03-20T06:13:18Z

Saturday, March 20

10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

California Complete Count is hosting a rally/march to raise awareness of the U.S. Census. Entertainment starts at 10:00 a.m. and a 1/2 mile march around the Capitol starts at 10:45. At 11:45, there will be brief speeches from Mayor Kevin Johnson and Lt. Gov. Mona Pasquil. Entertainment from community groups will continue until 2:30 p.m.

The rally/march is intended to raise awareness and support for the census. Workers from the Census Bureau will man questionnaire assistance centers to answer questions and help fill out census forms.

The event is part of the March 20 "Be Californian, Be Counted" day. Five hundred people are expected.

No other events are planned until Monday.

Stage one of 2010 Amgen tour to end at Capitol

2010-02-10T05:51:19Z

"For us domestic riders, this is our Tour de France," Chris Jones said of the Amgen Tour of California. "It's the biggest race of our year," added the 31-year-old cyclist from Auburn.

Jones and Michael Sayers, a retired professional rider, are Amgen tour veterans. They joined John McCasey, Sacramento Sports Commission director, at a Tuesday press conference at Mason's Restaurant. They introduced the tour's first stage -- from Nevada City to Sacramento -- with Mayor Kevin Johnson and Councilmen Ray Tretheway and Steve Cohn also in attendance.

The event kicked off with a video that provided a glimpse of the scenery cyclists will see when they ride from Nevada City to Sacramento on May 16.

Several months ago, fans learned via Twitter that Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer will race again this year. Starting Monday, preview videos began revealing each stage with aerial shots and and cyclists giving first-person accounts. The videos will continue to be released on YouTube and amgentourofcalifornia.com, two per day, until Friday. Each stage log, with turn-by-turn directions, will also be available on the Amgen tour website.

"Nevada City, the start this year, has a rich history," said Sayers, who is a Sacramento native. "Some of the biggest names in American cycling have competed in the Nevada City (Bicycle Classic), and I think it's a big honor that the race is giving Nevada City a few circuits before the stage starts."

After several miles in Nevada City, the 104.2-mile day will take riders through Grass Valley, Placer County and Meadow Vista before entering Auburn.

"My favorite part is going through Auburn about two blocks from my house," said Jones. "Then we'll head over the (Foresthill) Bridge."

Jones explained in the stage-one preview video that the Foresthill Bridge is the tallest in California. Built in 1973 to accompany the never-built Auburn Dam, the bridge provides breathtaking canyon views 738 feet above the American River.

Aside from a 1,500-foot climb to Cool, cyclists will continue downhill through El Dorado County into East Sacramento, before finishing at L and 11th streets. The stage will favor sprinters, and close to the finish line, cyclists may reach up to 40 mph. Streets will be closed to traffic along the entire stage route, details available here.

Sacramento will host free events May 16, McCasey said, including the mayor's ridealong in the morning and festival sponsor Anschutz Entertainment Group's Lifestyle Festival, from noon to 4:30 p.m. Stage two of the tour will feature a 109.5-mile ride from Davis to Santa Rosa.

The local economic impact of the Amgen tour is considerable.

"You're talking about $8 million," said Mayor Kevin Johnson. "Quality of life, a free family event, 80,000 people downtown, and we'll all look like Chris (Jones) if we cycle enough."

Photos 4 and 5 credit Anthony Bento.

What's happening at the Capitol: January 27, 28

2010-01-27T17:40:18Z

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Noon - 1 p.m. The California Prolife Council will be holding a "Rally For Life" on the West Steps of the Capitol. Following the rally, the group of approximately 350 will meet with legislators.

Thursday, Jan. 28

Noon - 1:30 p.m. The California Office of Privacy Protection will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. They will discuss the importance of protecting privacy by disposing of personal information, especially electronic data. Approximately 15 people are expected.

No further events will occur outside the Capitol until Feb. 1.

What's happening at the Capitol: January 25

2010-01-25T06:00:31Z

Monday, Jan. 25

Noon - 2 p.m. The U.S. Census Bureau will hold an informational rally on the west steps of the Capitol. About 250 participants are expected.

No further events will be held outside the Capitol until Wednesday.

Religious Faithful, Law Enforcement and Citizen Activists Rally on Capitol Steps to Protest Potential Legalization of Marijuana

2010-01-12T18:21:50Z

They Send Strong Warning to Assembly Public Safety Committee:
“AB 390 is a Direct Threat to Public Health and Safety and We will Defeat It”

With President Obama leading the charge against legalization of marijuana in what he calls a “new era of responsibility,” a cultural change is taking place in California as more and more community activists join law enforcement officers, former drug addicts and faith-based leaders in support of the anti-marijuana cause.

Braving rain and wind, many of them appeared on the steps of the State Capitol today at a rally to protest AB 390, which was to be voted on by the Assembly Public Safety Committee. Ironically, the chair of this committee is the author of AB 390 to legalize the sale, production and use of marijuana in California.

“How hypocritical is it to have the head of the Assembly Public Safety Committee wanting to increase access to a harmful, highly carcinogenic drug that is clearly a danger to society and our youth,” said John Redman, executive director of the non-profit Californians for Drug Free Youth. “Plain and simple, pot is bad for the brain, especially young brains, and if our elected officials allow us to continue down this path of destruction, there will be no turning back.”

The rally spawned a cultural anti-drug revival of sorts as the religious faithful came by the dozens to listen to a youth gospel choir sing of a return to a life in our communities, free of the ravages of drugs that begins with smoking pot. Sacramento’s “Kids for a Better Society” served as a youthful reminder that it is in the early teen years that marijuana is first tried.

At a time California is considering the legalization of marijuana, the federal government’s annual survey of teen drug use indicates a worrisome trend showing that while marijuana usage is down: eighth, 10th and 12th graders are softening their views on its harmful affects. The Obama Administration’s drug czar sees this as a “warning sign.”

“When beliefs soften, drug use worsens,” said Gil Kerlikowske, who also stated emphatically in earlier remarks that he and the President are against legalization of marijuana and making weed accessible, where it can find its way into the hands of impressionable youth.

Proponents of legalizing marijuana contend that if pot is bought and sold out in the open, it can be regulated and taxed, and law enforcement could keep a better watch on kids to keep it out of their hands. As they made these claims, top law enforcement including members of the California Police Chiefs Association, California Peace Officers Association and the California Narcotics Officers Association joined in the rally to vehemently protest what they see as an ill-conceived piece of legislation that they say will only lead to more crime, violence and truancy in schools.

“As the government studies attest, marijuana usage is down among youth because it remains illegal,” added Redman. “There’s a reason why cigarettes, alcohol and prescription medications are more prevalent among young people because these substances are legal and therefore, perceived as being more socially acceptable. Legalizing marijuana and encouraging the manufacture and sale of dope will follow this same course and effectively lead to more widespread usage among teens.”

For Bishop Ron Allen who is the founder and president of the International Faith-Based Coalition, the battle against the proliferation of marijuana sales and use is not just a religious calling for a better society but a personal crusade as well. A former addict, he knows first hand how marijuana almost ruined his life and his hopes for the future.

“I grew up in Oak Park and when a bag of pot and a pipe were handed to me, I could not resist the temptation and I fell into a life of drugs and battling addiction,” said the Bishop. “By the Grace of God, I followed a better path. And now that I am clean and sober, I see it as my calling to ensure that our youth do not slip down the dark path of drug addiction as I once did. That is why I am on a crusade to muscle all the strength of our 3,600 member International Faith-Based Coalition to ensure bad public policy like this never sees the light of day.”

Contacts: Lori Aldrete, (916) 552-2650 or (916) 501-2654 (cell), laldrete@acsquantum.com or Corinne Chee, (916) 552-2650, cchee@acsquantum.com

What's happening at the Capitol: January 11, 12

2010-01-11T04:26:54Z

Monday, Jan. 11

1 - 2 p.m. California State Student Association will hold a press conference regarding AB 656, which creates a California Higher Education Fund through a new 9.9 percent oil severance tax. About 75 people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol for the press conference.

Tuesday, Jan. 12

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Foundation for a Drug Free World will have an information booth on display near the north steps of the Capitol. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is supported by Scientology churches and other volunteer organizations.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. International Faith-Based Coalition will be holding a public safety and public health rally on the West Steps of the Capitol. About 400 people are expected to attend.

What's happening at the Capitol: January 5

2010-01-04T05:45:10Z

Tuesday, Jan. 5

11 - 11:45 a.m. The Marin Institute, an alcohol industry watchdog group based in San Rafael, will hold a press conference and rally in support of AB 1019 on the west steps of the Capitol. Authored by Assembly Member Jim Beall (D-San Jose), the bill proposes to establish a state alcohol-related services program funded by large alcohol wholesalers. The bill, which was introduced in February, will be reconsidered by the state Legislature this month.

What's happening at the Capitol: end of the year events

2009-12-16T00:22:35Z

Through December 31, there are fewer Capitol events, according to the CHP's Capitol Permit Officer.

The only event scheduled in the next few weeks is a rally Monday, Dec. 21. From noon to 1 p.m., the Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a vigil against the death penalty on the north steps of the Capitol. About 15 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol? will resume in January.

Marathon road closures on Sunday

2009-12-01T08:43:53Z

The 26.2 mile course of Sunday's California International Marathon ends at the Capitol, which means that most of it takes place outside of the downtown/Midtown Grid. But if you're planning on being out and about on Sunday morning, beware that a number of streets will be closed in the usually-quiet central city.

Particularly between about 8 a.m. and noon, Grid streets will be problematic. If you live in the Grid, walk or bike.

With approximately 14,000 runners expected to participate, the area around the Capitol is likely to be crawling with cars and pedestrians. Organizers just released the mile-by-mile lowdown on road closures, by intersection. Here are the closures that will effect the central city. These are the times the California Highway Patrol is expecting to close and reopen various streets to regular automotobile traffic:

Mile 24: 33rd & J St. (just before Alhambra). Close: 8:12 a.m. Reopen: 12:46 p.m.
Mile 25: 22nd & L St. (just before RR tracks). Close: 8:15 a.m. Reopen: 1:00 p.m.
Mile 26: 8th & L St. Close: 8:18 a.m. Open: 1:14 p.m.

The finish line area, between 8th and 10th Streets and Capitol Mall, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about this year’s event, see www.runcim.org.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 21

2009-11-21T03:21:22Z

Saturday, Nov. 21

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. California State Sen. George Runner and California State Assemblyman Roger Neillo will team up with the Patriot Defenders Network to sponsor the "Water For Farmlands" forum. The group seeks a temporary waiver of the Endangered Species Act in order to revert water that is currently rehabilitating endangered fish species to Central Valley farmers. About 500 people are expected to attend the forum, which will be held on the Capitol's west steps.

2 - 5 p.m. Aspiranet, a nonprofit that provides social services to foster children, will be holding a National Adoption Day rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 300 people are expected to participate.

No further events will take place until Wednesday, Dec. 2.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 10

2009-11-11T00:45:34Z

Wednesday, Nov. 10

1 - 2 p.m. In honor of Veterans Day, Mexican-American Veteran Memorial, Inc., will hold a memorial service at the California Veterans Memorial for about 50 people.

No further events until Saturday, Nov. 14.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 5

2009-11-05T00:27:58Z

Thursday, Nov. 5

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Blood Source Sacramento will be holding a blood drive for an expected 50 participants. Their "mobile blood van" will be parked near the fish pond.

No further events scheduled until Sunday, Nov. 8.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 24, 25

2009-10-24T04:03:13Z

Saturday, Oct. 24

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Boy Scouts of America will hold the California Capitol March to help celebrate 100 years of scouting. The walk will begin at the west steps of the Capitol and end at Raley Field, where there will be midway games, a BMX and skateboard show, pinewood derby races and other entertainment. The event costs $20. About 10,000 people are expected.

Sunday, Oct. 25

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. UC Davis Children's Hospital will be holding a free Halloween-themed Capitol Family Fun Day on the west steps of the Capitol. Preschool through preteen children are encouraged to wear costumes while learning about health, fitness and safety. Free pumpkins and pumpkin carving kits will be distributed and the event will feature musical and martial arts performances. About 3,000 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 21, 22, 23

2009-10-21T05:00:18Z

Wednesday, Oct. 21

1:30 - 3 p.m. Firestar Productions will be filming a California Firefighters Conference video. The crew of about six will be filming near the south steps and south lawn area of the Capitol.

5 - 9 p.m. The California State Library will hold their monthly "Food For Thought" event at the California History Room, room 200 of the Library & Courts Building II at 900 N Street. Held the third Wednesday of each month, the free event features a film, refreshments and discussion. This week's film is Young Frankenstein. About 80 people will attend the screening.

Thursday, Oct. 22

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The California Afterschool Network will be holding their annual "Lights On Afterschool" celebration on the south steps of the Capitol. It will feature student performances, guest speakers and an awards ceremony for teachers, parents and students. About 500 people are expected to participate.

Friday, Oct. 23

No events are scheduled for this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 9

2009-10-09T00:28:04Z

Friday, Oct. 9

Noon - 1:30 p.m. The Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus will be presenting the Tonga Defense Services Marching Band. About 90 people will view the performance on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 5-8

2009-10-05T06:20:29Z

Monday, Oct. 5

10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. California Partnership to End Domestic Violence will be kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on the north steps of the Capitol. About 300 people will attend.

No events will take place until Oct. 9

What's happening at the Capitol: October 3, 4

2009-10-03T04:45:50Z

Saturday, Oct. 3

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Alzheimer's Association will be holding its annual Memory Walk, beginning on the south steps of the Capitol. About 2,000 people will participate.

1 - 2 p.m. The China National Day Foundation will be holding a flag-raising ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol. About 100 people will attend.

Sunday, Oct. 4

7:30 a.m. - Noon The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will be holding its annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, beginning at the West Steps. About 3,000 people will participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 1, 2

2009-09-30T23:28:18Z

Thursday, Oct. 1

3:30 - 5:30 p.m. California Department of Health Care Services will be holding a retirement celebration for it's department on the Capitol's lawn. About 40 people are expected.

Friday, Oct. 2

No events planned on this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 26, 27

2009-09-26T03:50:24Z

Saturday, Sept. 26

6:45 - Until it ends The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be holding their annual "Light the Night" walk at the Capitol. About 3,000 participants will walk a mile around the Capitol starting at the west steps.

Sunday, Sept. 27

No events are scheduled on this day. No events are scheduled until Wednesday, Sept. 30.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 24, 25

2009-09-24T01:38:06Z

Thursday, Sept. 24

Noon - 1:30 p.m. California's Department of Education will be holding a company picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected.

5 - 7 p.m. American Society for Public Administration will be holding a reception at the firefighters' memorial. About 50 people are expected to attend.

6:30 - 8 p.m. The Marine Corps band will be performing on the west steps of the Capitol to an expected 50 people.

Friday, Sept. 25

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. A Native American Day Celebration will be held on the south steps of the Capitol. It will feature speakers, music and dance. About 300 people are expected to participate.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Sacramento chapter of the national group Parents of Murdered Children will be holding a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims gathering. About 100 people are expected on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 21, 22

2009-09-21T04:39:26Z

Monday, Sept. 21

Noon - 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a rally against the death penalty. About 15 people are expected to participate in the rally on the north steps of the Capitol.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The city's Department of Transportation will be holding a department picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. About 60 people will be participating.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 17, 18

2009-09-17T04:19:53Z

Thursday, Sept. 17

8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. The California State Treasurer's Office will be setting up an information booth for the State Employees Charitable Campaign near the traffic circle west of the Capitol. About 75 people are expected to visit.

9:30 a.m. - noon A film crew of eight people from the China Travel Channel will be filming on the north and west sides of the Capitol.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. American Heart Association will be holding a wellness fair on the west steps of the Capitol. During their lunchtime, about 2,500 state employees will also be walking around the Capitol in the AHA's annual Health Walk.

Friday, Sept. 18

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club will be holding a Prisoners Of War/Missing In Action rally on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 people are expected to participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 14, 15

2009-09-14T00:49:02Z

Monday, Sept. 14

No events are scheduled on this day.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

6 - 9:30 p.m. The Mexican Cultural Institute of California will be holding a Mexican Independence Day celebration on the west steps of the Capitol. About 2500 people are expected to participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 12, 13

2009-09-12T00:23:26Z

Saturday, Sept. 12

No events are scheduled for this day.

Sunday, Sept. 13

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Capitol City Aids Fund will be holding their annual walk and rally at the Capitol. Those who wish to walk or run the 5K course around the Capitol can register at Fleet Feet Sports, 2311 J St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The group will also be holding a health fair on the west steps of the Capitol will provide healthy snacks and drinks.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 10, 11

2009-09-10T03:48:28Z

Thursday, Sept. 10

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. United Way will be holding its California State Employees Charitable Campaign kickoff event on the west steps of the Capitol. About 400 people representing 100 non-profits are expected to to attend.

Friday, Sept. 11

6:30 – 9 p.m. As part of Air Force Week, country music artist Aaron Tippin will be performing for free on the west steps of the Capitol. About 3,500 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 7, 8

2009-09-07T03:41:26Z

Monday, Sept. 7

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Music 4 Autism Awareness will be holding a concert on the north steps and the surrounding lawn area. About 200 people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sacramento Convention and Visitor's Bureau will be holding a press conference/concert to kick off Air Force Week. About 800 people are expected to participate in the event on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 31, September 1

2009-08-30T17:44:07Z

Monday, Aug. 31

Noon - 1:30 p.m. Health Care For All Sacramento Valley presents Single Payer Players puppet troupe in a show entitled "The Sound of Moolah." It's a humorous musical presenting facts and details about Single Payer Health Care. The eight puppeteers will perform on the north steps of the Capitol.

Tuesday, Sept. 1

10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Ella Baker Center will be holding a press conference on the south steps of the Capitol. It will be celebrating its 13th anniversary with about 300 people.

Noon - 1 p.m. Central Valley Air Quality Coalition will be holding a clean air rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 150 participants are expected.

The Party Politic

2009-08-29T06:07:34Z

People gathered Friday afternoon at the Capitol Building to protest the Democratic Party platform, as well as to voice opposition to AB 32 (AKA the "Global Warming Solutions Act."

What's happening at the Capitol: August 26, 27, 28

2009-08-26T04:07:10Z

Wednesday, Aug. 26

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. State Senator Fran Pavley will be holding a press conference about baby bottle legislation. About 90 people are expected to gather on the West Steps of the Capitol.

Thursday, Aug. 27

5:30 - 9 p.m. The California State Capitol Museum will be holding a volunteer appreciation dinner near the old rose garden. About 110 people are expected.

Friday, Aug. 28

Noon - 5 p.m. The Sacramento Tea Party will be holding a rally entitled "Save California from Big Government Eco-Regulation." Held on the Capitol's West Steps, about 100 people are expected.

3:30 - 6 p.m. A rally for education and children entitled "Pink Friday" will be held on the north steps of the Capitol. About 100 people are expected to participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 24, 25

2009-08-24T01:33:52Z

Monday, Aug. 24

No events are planned for this day.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary will hold a fundraiser outside the north and south entrances of the Capitol. People will be collecting donations.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Office of Assemblyman Mike Duvall has organized a water display to be constructed on the north steps of the Capitol. About 400 people are expected to view it throughout the day.

11 - 11:30 a.m. California Assemblyman Pedro Nava will be holding a press conference regarding budget cuts. About 15 people are expected to attend the conference to be held on the south steps of the Capitol.

Velocab tour: a photojournal

2009-08-22T02:00:52Z

If you live in the Midtown or Downtown areas, you've likely seen a polka-dotted cycle rickshaw around town lately. Chances are it was a Velocab, a part-engine, part-human-powered vehicle that serves as a taxi for one to three people.

In a recent Sacramento Press article, Velocab owner Marc Christensen mentioned several historic spots accessible by a short bike ride. The following is a photo essay that captures a glimpse of what one might view on one of these rides, which takes less than two hours:

Pictured: a Velocab, a zero-emissions taxi.

Above: The Sacramento Press began its Velocab tour near the Amtrak station. It proceeded underneath the highway and into Old Sacramento.

Photograph: The California State Railroad Museum is one of many museums in Old Sacramento. Others include the Sacramento History Museum, The Wells Fargo History Museum, The California Military Museum and the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum.

Foreground: in Old Sacramento toward the riverfront, signs for the California Steam Navigation Company and the Delta King in the foreground. Background: the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento.

Pictured: An old Victorian-style house near 17th and Capitol.

Above: The State Capitol building shows Neoclassical-style architecture.

Photograph: the firefighters' memorial is one of the many memorials among the points of interest on the grounds outside the Capitol.

Above: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, established around 1840.

Pictured: Velocab owner Marc Christensen lays in the shade, taking a break from pedaling and the summer heat.

Tours take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They can be arranged by calling (916) 498-9980. A 90 to 120-minute tour costs $36 per cab and a one-hour tour costs $28 per cab.

Photographs credit Jonathan Mendick and Greg Majewski

What's happening at the Capitol: August 19, 20, 21

2009-08-18T22:35:57Z

Wednesday, Aug. 19

10 - 11 a.m. The Pacific Legal Foundation will hold a press conference entitled "Save Our Water" on the West Steps of the Capitol. They will deliver a petition to the Governor asking to summon the Endangered Species Committee, or "God Squad," to divert water from a fish conservation operation to farms. About 50 people are expected to attend the press conference.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. The Agenda for Economic Recovery will be holding a press conference on the south steps of the Capitol. About 25 people are expected.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pesticide Watch will be holding a press conference on the use of methyl iodide in California agriculture. A group of 50 scientists, including five Nobel Laureates have considered the chemical a public health threat and a potential water contaminant. About 100 people are expected to attend the press conference on the north steps of the Capitol.

Thursday, Aug. 20

No events planned on this day.

Friday, Aug. 21

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. CALPIRG will be holding a press conference about healthcare reform on the north steps of the Capitol. Part of the press conference will be to display a wooden "Healthcare Harry" prop. About 15 people are expected to attend.

No further events will occur until Tuesday, Aug. 25.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 17, 18

2009-08-17T03:05:19Z

Monday, Aug. 17

Noon - 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a noon hour vigil against the death penalty. About 10 people are expected to participate in the vigil on the north steps of the Capitol.

11 a.m. - noon The Million Boat Float will hold a press conference and rally on the west steps of the Capitol. The event was created to voice opposition to legislation proposing to "construct a water conveyance system comparable to the Panama Canal" in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ACLU of Northern California will be holding a rally to urge "elected officials to make equitable budget solutions and sensible criminal justice reforms in order to save $12 billion over five years and restore the social safety net for Californians." About 100 people are expected to gather for the rally on the south steps of the Capitol.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The office of Assemblyman Mike Duvall will be displaying energy storage devices on the north steps of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected to visit the display.

Noon - 1 p.m. The Congress of California Seniors will be holding a lunch, press conference and legislative visit day in the southwest corner of the Capitol. About 150 people will participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 15, 16

2009-08-14T21:00:47Z

Saturday, Aug. 15

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. The United States Corps of Chaplains will be presenting a memorial wreath at the Capitol's All War Memorial. About 30 people are expected to attend the event.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Events for Aug. 16 not available at the time of this posting.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 13, 14

2009-08-13T00:04:06Z

Thursday, August 13

Noon - 1 p.m. California Women, Infants and Children's Association will be holding a walk for World Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The walk will begin at the south steps of the Capitol, and about 100 people are expected to participate.

Friday, August 14

3:30 - 3:45 p.m. The U.S. Corps of Chaplains, a nonprofit group that provides aid to active military members and veterans, will be meeting to view a display at the Capitol's All Wars Memorial. About 20 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 5, 6, 7

2009-08-05T03:40:46Z

Wednesday, August 5

No events are planned for this day.

Thursday, August 6

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Blood Source Sacramento will be holding a blood drive for an expected 50 participants. Their "mobile blood van" will be parked near the fish pond.

Friday, August 7

11 a.m.-1 p.m. A ceremony honoring veterans who have been awarded a Purple Heart will take place near the All Wars Memorial at the Capitol. It will include the laying of wreaths, posting of colors, and a 21-gun salute. About 50 people are expected to participate. The public is also welcome.

No events are scheduled until Thursday, Aug. 13.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 3, 4

2009-08-03T06:28:29Z

August 3

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. California Deparment of Veteran Affairs will be holding a news conference on the G.I. bill. About 500 people are expected to attend the conference on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 29, 30, 31

2009-07-29T04:10:50Z

Wednesday, July 29

8:30-10 a.m. A rally organized by the California Youth Leadership Forum for Students With Disabilities will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 120 people are expected to participate.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Chicano Youth Leadership Project will have a student rally, press conference and dinner on the north steps of the Capitol. About 150 people are expected to participate.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Campaign for College Opportunity will be holding "Save Me a Spot in College Day" on the south steps of the Capitol. Scholarships will be awarded to 266 students from around the state. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell will deliver the keynote address. About 500 people are expected.

Thursday, July 30

10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Books Not Bars, a statewide organization dedicated to shutting down California's youth prisons, will be holding a press conference on the south steps of the Capitol. About 400 people are expected to attend the rally.

Friday, July 31

No events scheduled on this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 24, 25

2009-07-24T16:58:11Z

Saturday, July 24

No events are scheduled for this day.

Sunday, July 25

11 a.m.- 4 p.m. In A Sweet Way Ministries will be holding a musical celebration on the west steps of the Capitol. About 500 people will attend.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 18, 19

2009-07-18T18:49:06Z

Saturday, July 18

No events planned for this day.

Sunday, July 19

8 a.m.-10 p.m. Filming for a movie entitled "Power and Pride", starring Stephen Baldwin, will be taking place on the west steps of the Capitol. The film is about a Senator named David Fletcher who rapidly ascends in power while risking his family, faith and personal values. Approximately 50 people are expected to attend.

Noon- 5 p.m. The Department of General Services will be holding a company picnic on several lawns around the Capitol. About300 people will be participating.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 15, 16, 17

2009-07-15T03:46:20Z

Wednesday, July 15

9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. A "green information fair" will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected to participate.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Department of Corporations will be holding a staff appreciation lunch near the fish pond. About 100 people are expected to gather for the lunch.

Thursday, July 16

8 a.m.-10 p.m. Filming for a movie entitled Power and Pride, starring Stephen Baldwin, will be taking place on the west steps of the Capitol. The film is about a Senator named David Fletcher who rapidly ascends in power while risking his family, faith and personal values. Approximately 50 people are expected to attend.

5-9 p.m. A monthly "Food for Thought" event will be held near the Capitol in the California History Room, at 900 N St., Room 200. The event includes a film screening, refreshments and a post-film discussion. This month's film is Apollo 13. About 80 people are expected.

Friday, July 17

No events planned on this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 13, 14

2009-07-13T06:09:07Z

Monday, July 13

11 a.m.-Noon The office of State Senator Lou Correa has planned a Peruvian Independence Day ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol. The ceremony will include flags and speakers. About 50 people are expected to participate.

Tuesday, July 14

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Health and Human Services will be holding a blood drive near the capitol in the Bateson Building at 1600 9th St.

7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento, a community program for young girls, will be holding a bake sale on the north steps of the Capitol.

12 Year Sentence Spurs Sacramento Vigil

2009-07-08T04:11:18Z

On June 8, American Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were sentenced to 12-years of "labor reform" by North Korea. This Thursday a candlelight vigil will be held on the Capitol west steps in peaceful protest.

On April 27 a vigil was held for Laura Ling and Euna Lee to raise awareness for the two journalists' detainment in North Korea. This time it is in support of the two women who face the notoriously harsh conditions of North Korea's labor camps.

The two American journalists were on assignment for Current TV, a cable and web network co-founded by Al Gore, when they were detained on March 17 and convicted of illegal entry and engaging in "hostile acts" after a four-day trial North Korea's high court.

In a letter invitation to the vigil, Ling's sister, a CNN correspondent and Sacramento native, Lisa Ling, voices her concerns about the women's condition in North Korea.

"What Laura and Euna were trying to do was give a voice to those who have none," writes Ling. "Now their voices have also been silenced. Since their detention, their health has deteriorated quite a bit, we are extremely concerned. We are making a plea for mercy with the hope that they may be released on humanitarian grounds."

Community figures such as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California State President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Mayor Kevin Johnson, "Good Day Sacramento" host Mark S. Allen as well as many other organizations and media are expected to be in attendance. Lee and Ling's sentence has the United States in nationwide protest and vigils will be held in other cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Birmingham and Washington, D.C.

Support the Ling family on Thursday evening at the Capitol's West Steps.

WHO: Lisa Ling, the Ling Family, friends and community of Sacramento

WHAT: A community gathering in support of Laura Ling and Euna Lee

TIME: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: California State Capitol west steps (10th St. between L and N streets

What's happening at the Capitol: July 9

2009-07-07T22:52:10Z

Thursday, July 9

11:45 a.m.- 4 p.m. California Association for Micro-enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) will be holding a legislative day near the north steps of the Capitol. It will include lunch with legislators under a tent and a presentation by Senator Leland Yee. About 40 people are expected.

5:30- 9 p.m. A gathering in support for Laura Ling and Euna Lee will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 participants are expected including Lisa Ling and her family, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg and Mayor Kevin Johnson.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 4 through July 8

2009-07-03T18:21:37Z

Saturday, July 4

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Americans for Prosperity and Mark Meckler, organizer of the Sacramento Tea Party, will be holding an Independence Day Tea Party on the west steps of the Capitol. About 500 people are expected.

Noon- 1:30 p.m. Kevin S. Carter will be reading poetry on the north steps of the Capitol. Though he will be reading through a sound system, it is unknown how many people will attend.

Sunday, July 5 through Wednesday July 8

No events are scheduled.

SEIU Rally Brings Thousands to Capitol

2009-07-02T06:06:58Z

On Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., approximately 2,000 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) gathered on the west steps of the Capitol in a powerful end to Tuesday's outcry rally over the state’s budget decisions, which would cut the salaries of state workers by 15 percent.

A giant screen was set up to project the image of the speakers. Tents were scattered providing first aid, food and information on how to contact the governor. Participants sat on the grass and milled around, but once Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker took the stage, most remained standing to listen intently to her words.

Walker addressed SEIU's grievances with the state legislature's handling of the budget. She spoke about the issues that have not been taken into consideration by the state, such as SEIU's proposed contract that would have saved $340 million, or their identification of the 34.7 million dollars allocated for private vendor contracts. She reminded the crowd that all departments have been cut by 10 percent, yet people continue to return to work and provide the same services. She also reminded the crowd, to loud cries of indignation, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's announcement of a third furlough day.

"The only thing I have to say is, 'Governor, you were elected to do a job, you have failed, you are not providing leadership to California and today Local 1000 is putting you on notice, and we're not going to take it anymore,'" Walker said.

Speeches finished, members of SEIU took to circling the west steps in a slow march, chanting various slogans of empowerment such as, "We've had enough, we won’t take it no more," "Union power" and the Bob Marley lyric, "Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights."

The sizable turnout featured SEIU members from all over California including Fresno, Redding, Rancho Cucamonga and Oakland.

Lesley Wong, a writer for Caltrans and Oakland resident, noted that the sheer number of bodies the event drew contributed to its success.

"I've been to past rallies, ridden the bus up from Oakland," Wong said. "This one, by far, has been the biggest one we've had that I've been to."

She also expressed that the governor's announcement of the implementation of a third furlough day was a deal-breaker for many state workers.

"It's the final 5 percent extra that pushed everyone over," Wong said. "It's an absolute breaking point. I've got people working with me who are making less money than they were 15 years ago."

In Walker's final address to the members of SEUI, she looked toward the future.

"The next time we come out, I hope to see 20,000 state workers," she said.

The response of the crowd could be heard a block away on L Street.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 29, 30

2009-06-29T03:36:57Z

Monday, June 29

8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Five people from the California State Parks Foundation will be having an informational display on the north steps of the Capitol.

9-10 a.m. About 100 students from the California 4-H Youth Development program will be taking a photograph near the traffic circle on the west side of the Capitol.

Tuesday, June 30

11 a.m.- Noon California Primary Care Association will be holding a health care rally on the west steps of the Capitol. About 150 people are expected in the rally.

3-5 p.m. The ACLU will be holding a rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 150 people are expected to participate.

2 p.m. (Tuesday, June 30)- 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 1) SEIU Local 1000 will be holding an afternoon rally Tuesday, overnight vigil and morning rally Wednesday for the state budget. About 8,000 state workers are expected to attend the event on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 27, 28

2009-06-26T18:36:39Z

Saturday, June 27

10 a.m - 1 p.m. California Primary Care Association will be holding a health fair on the West Steps of the Capitol. One hundred and fifty people are expected to participate in the event, which will feature speakers, educational booths, and free health services.

Sunday, June 28

Noon - 1 p.m. One hundred members of the California 4-H Youth Development Program will be holding a picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. They will also be meeting with legislators as part of the 2009 California Focus program.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 25, 26

2009-06-25T04:47:37Z

Thursday, June 25

9-10 a.m. Neuropathy Action Foundation will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi will attend the conference along with 40 other people.

10 a.m.-Noon The California Department of Personnel Administration will be taking a group photograph on the west steps of the Capitol. 225 employees will be in the photograph.

Noon- 1:30 p.m. California Boy's State, a program that helps high school juniors develop a knowledge of government, will be at the Capitol visiting legislators. The group of 1,000 will be eating lunch outside the Capitol at various locations.

Friday, June 26

8 a.m.- 7 p.m. ChicaGirl Magazine will be holding a photo shoot near the old rose garden. Eight people will participate.

10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Detachment 88 of the Air Force ROTC will be holding a commissioning ceremony for 2nd Lieutenants entering the Air Force. One hundred people are expected to attend the ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol.

10:30 a.m.- Noon Special Olympics of Northern California will be holding a torch run and press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. One hundred people are expected in the ceremony celebrating the event, which will feature more than 1,000 athletes.

3-5 p.m. Metropolitan Car Club Owners of North America will be displaying 40 cars on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 22, 23

2009-06-22T01:16:45Z

Monday, June 22

11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. 100 people from Californians for Disability Rights will rally on the north steps of the Capitol for health issues in the budget.

Tuesday, June 23

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 500 children and their parents will convene at the west steps of the Capitol for the California Children's Rally, a celebratory, kid-friendly rally.

Here is the group's schedule of events:

10 a.m.: Kids ring school bell and get things started at the Annual California Children’s Rally Kazoo Parade
“Students First: Children Speak About the Mission of Public Education,” a dialogue to define the mission of public education in California
10:30 a.m.: Informational hearing on SB604 [which elicits public input to determine the core values and mission of public education in California] in room 4202 with State Senator Gloria Romero
Parents for Public Schools (San Francisco), Parents Revolution/Parents Union (Lost Angeles), The Lemonade Initiative (Lost Angeles), other parents TBA
Ben Austin, Lemonade Initiative; Parents
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley introduces AB8, a bill to simplify the mysterious money-spewing “Dr. Seuss Rube Goldberg Machine”* that is California public school funding
- * a giant contraption to be built live on the Capitol steps by the children, with Trash for Teaching‘s Beth Elliott
Noon – 1 p.m. POTLUCK Picnic Lunch/Celebration
The Burning Moms Hammer Pants Dance
A final toast by Sandra Tsing Loh to ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL MOTHERS
The Angry Tired Teachers’ Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Finish!
1 – 4 p.m. Families may use this time to visit their legislators. No appointments are needed (you don’t even need to knock!), but a bit of preparation will help you learn about your legislators. You can expect to at least meet with their staff. Here’s a helpful link.

In solidarity for Iran's distressed

2009-06-21T04:43:47Z

Clad in green clothing and ribbons, hundreds gathered at the west steps of the Capitol Friday, to bring awareness to the current unrest in Iran. Their signs called for freedom, nonviolent resistance and a plea, “Obama Please Help Us.”

Speakers detailed the series of events over the past week in Iran, highlighting violence and the concern of Iranian voters. An enthusiastic speaker read a numbered manifesto in Farsi, listing desires for the future of Iran.

Included in this list was the wish for a leader elected by the people. Many people voiced their concerns over the alleged unfair election. Others began a series of chants that called for “Freedom from Dictatorship,” that soon evolved into reciting death wishes for political leaders in Iran.

In the midst of this, a man with long black hair, draped in an American flag, ran through the crowd and to the top of the capital steps. He opened his arms in the air, and pleaded to the crowd in Farsi to leave politics outside of the dialogue.

This majestic image was of Babak Parham, a local electrician. “This issue is about basic human rights,” he commented. “We need to look to the future and focus on civil society in Iran. This is a great event to bring our voices together.”

Ali Mackani, one of the organizers of the event, and local entrepreneur and businessperson, said, “You know over the last week and a half, as part of just looking at my friends’ Facebook, and what we heard through the internet, I just felt like we have to do something.” The event was organized to pay respect to the efforts of people “risking their lives, because they feel they’re doing something for freedom,” Mackani said.

It is evident that the internet has become a central medium of disseminating information from Iran to the outside world. Mackani, and many of the organizers interviewed, referenced Facebook and Twitter as sites of gathering knowledge about what is happening in Iran.

“Without it I don’t think the youth of our community would actually know what’s happening,” he said.

Amidst the crowd of supporters were Iranian American youth of all ages holding signs and chanting with their relatives. “Facebook,” said one teen, “is not just for chatting.”

Many others commented on the power of Twitter to allow them to stay connected to friends and bloggers in Iran out of concern for their families. “If it weren’t for Twitter right now, we would not have the video and information that we have,” remarked an anonymous organizer.

Most of the interviews, in fact, were conducted under anonymity. “People have a reasonable concern over safety, not necessarily for themselves in the U.S., but for potentially their families in Iran, said an anonymous activist. She continued, “There’s obvious concern over people being hurt and the Islamic Republic going after people. We want to ensure our own safety if we choose to travel there, and our families’ there.”

Fortunately, some have been able to reach relatives through phone and Skype, an online communication program, successfully.

The gravity of events in Iran has a great impact on the Iranian American community in Sacramento. For some of Mackani’s relatives, current events in Iran echo images of the Iranian revolution in the 1980s. “What I’m hearing from family and friends is that it has the same feeling: underground movement, rooftop chanting.”

Ali Mackani hoped to reach out to influential leaders through the rally. “We want the international community to look at this in a very serious light,” he said.

He anticipates the international community to negotiate and discuss Iran’s future based on vocal activism from communities like Sacramento. “It’s not just an Iranian movement; it’s an American Iranian movement, it’s an American movement. Everyone that cares about humanity is getting involved in this,” said an anonymous rally participant.

These globally conscious citizens were able to raise awareness, horns honking in concert with the chanting by the streets. The organizers wanted to “spread the news that this is happening," said a woman anonymously, “so the people see what we’re doing here and that we care.”

She has also received feedback from Iran in messages that state, “Thank you for keeping us in your hearts and minds and we hear you.”

Sacramento Iranian Americans are having an impact overseas. They are in contact with activists, translating their messages to their local communities, and furiously re-tweeting pictures and eye-witness accounts. Micro-blogging macro issues, Sacramento area Iranian Americans are actively seeking peace for their homeland.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 20, 21

2009-06-19T20:58:30Z

Saturday, June 20

9:30 a.m.-noon The 22nd annual Pride Festival, sponsored by the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, will begin with a march and parade from the west steps of the Capitol to Southside Park. This kicks off a two-week-long schedule of events including the all-day Pride Festival at Southside Park. View the Pride Festival's schedule here. 3,000 are expected to participate in the march, parade and festival.

Sunday, June 21

7 a.m.-9 p.m. Karma Productions 12 LLC will be shooting a film on the west steps of the Capitol. 700 people will participate in the filming.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 17, 18, 19

2009-06-17T01:58:20Z

Wednesday, June 17

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Comcast will be holding a high school recognition ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol. Last year the company gave out an average of $1,000 to over 150 12th grade students for higher education.

Noon-2 p.m. Ten people from the California Department of Public Health will be manning a public safety booth on the west steps of the Capitol. They will be passing out informational handouts.

Thursday, June 18

11 a.m-2 p.m. California Department of Social Services' Multicultural Commission will be holding a World Fair event in the Department of Social Services' quad area. 150 participants are expected to attend.

Friday, June 19

10:30 a.m.- Noon Hands in Peace, a children's peace festival, will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. "The event will celebrate diversity in Sacramento's children ages 10-20," said Inge Ring, a board member and organizer of Hands in Peace. "Kids of all ethnic and religious groups will be participating in a pentathalon over a four-day period from June 18 to June 21 as a vehicle for peace promotion." Senator Darrel Steinberg, Councilmember Rob Fong and the president of Hands in Peace will all speak at the Capitol in a press conference for the event. Around 200 children are expected to attend the press conference.

Noon-4 p.m. Fathers 4 Justice will be holding a rally and press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. The group uses direct action "done with humor" to spread their message according to their mission statement on their website. 25 people will gather for the event.

5:30-8 p.m. Three districts of the United Methodist Church will be eating dinner at different locations around the Capitol. 325 people will gather for the meal.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 15, 16

2009-06-15T05:10:20Z

Monday, June 15

Noon- 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a noon hour vigil against the death penalty on the north steps of the Capitol. 12 people are expected to listen to a special program of poetry reading.

2-4:30 p.m. Southside Art Center, which holds arts programs for people with developmental disabilities, will be holding a press conference on the west steps of the Capitol. This will be held in conjunction with the Journey of Hope fundraiser, a cross-country bicycle trip which raises money and understanding for people with disabilities. 100 people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, June 16

No events scheduled for this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 13, 14

2009-06-13T04:55:42Z

Saturday, June 13

No events scheduled on this day.

Sunday, June 14

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Ronald McDonald House Charities will be holding their scholarship award ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol in front of an expected audience of 450 people.

10:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Worldwide Knit In Public Day, an international festival which has been held annually since 2005 as a way for knitters to gather and socialize, will be held at the Capitol. 49 people are expected in the northwest corner of the Capitol near 10th and L Streets. For more information see wwkipday.com.

3-5 p.m. The Marine Corps will be holding a 2nd Lieutenant commissioning ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol for 30 people.

Demonstrators ride across state, protest HIV cuts

2009-06-11T06:09:08Z

Carla Tuff rode one of 12 buses that departed Los Angeles at 3 a.m. today to join an estimated 1,500 people protesting statewide HIV service cuts at the Capitol. The "Fight for Your Life" rally was organized by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation along with other HIV and AIDS awareness organizations.

Tuff said she was one of 58 other protestors who rode a bus from the Tarzana Treatment Center in Los Angeles, where she has received medical and mental treatment as an HIV-positive patient for the past several years.

"If they stop our medications ... I won't be able to raise my kids," Tuff said.

Now 44 years old, Tuff said she was 26 and pregnant with her first child when she was diagnosed HIV-positive. The father of both her children died from the disease. Her children, who are 16 and 17 years old now, are HIV-negative because of treatment she has received.

"Thank God that they are negative," she said.

Chris Vigiano, a social worker who participated in the rally on behalf of the Tarzana Treatment Center, explained that the $80.1 million cuts from public health care will curb AIDS and HIV programs such as HIV counseling, epidemiology studies, case management, surveillance and AIDS drug assistance programs.

"The proposed budget cuts are basically jeopardizing services for our clients," Vigiano said. "If state funds won't be able to support guidelines of federal grants, [it will be] detrimental to the HIV community."

For more information on the statewide rallies against HIV cuts, visit the following link.

*Author’s notes: All photos courtesy of Ed Fogle; click the following link to view website: Maverick Photography.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 8, 9

2009-06-08T02:00:47Z

Monday, June 8

Noon-2 p.m. A filming for a Cesar Chavez documentary by Discovery Channel, Eyeworks and Cuatro Cabeza Productions will take place on the West Steps of the Capitol. A small crew of five people is expected.

12:15-1 p.m. Near the new vegetable garden next to the Capitol Park insectary building on 13th and L Streets, Steve Poinzer will be holding his "Steve Poinzer for Governor" photo shoot with a crew of five people.

Tuesday, June 9

10-11 a.m. Freedom 2 Care is, according to their webpage, a "coalition organized by the Christian Medical Association to bring together organizations and individuals who recognize the value of preserving historic American civil rights and freedoms in healthcare." They will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for an estimated 20 people.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 6, 7

2009-06-06T00:10:16Z

Saturday, June 6

9-10:30 a.m. A city-wide treasure hunt to find a $25,000 diamond ring will kick off near the fish pond. Nearly 400 people are expected in the hunt, and according to RacefortheRock.com, the clues will be delivered via text messages. The $25 entrance fee will be donated to Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Couples or teams of two with both members over the age of 18 can enter, and you must win a space to participate.

10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Infineon Raceway has scheduled a NASCAR Rally Day on the west steps of the Capitol for an estimated 1,000 people. The fifth annual rally will feature a visit from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Max Papis, who will headline the festivities, have a question-and-answer session with fans and sign autographs. The celebration leads up to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway June 19 to 21. According to infineonraceway.com, "the event will also feature music, interactive games, special ticket offers for the big race weekend, face painting and a bounce house for children."

11 a.m.- 7 p.m. There will be several private weddings at the Capitol in various locations.

3:30-5:30 p.m. The U.S. Marine Corps will be holding a retirement ceremony for 160 people on the south steps of the Capitol.

Sunday, June 7

8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nike Women's Fitness Festival will be held on the west steps of the Capitol for 3,000 people. People can still register in person Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6 at Fleet Feet Sports. SJ DJ will be performing from 7:30 to 9:45 a.m. and Dog Party will perform from 9:45 to 10:05 a.m.

Supporters demand clemency for Ling & Lee at Capitol

2009-06-04T06:38:20Z

At least 100 people participated in a Sacramento demonstration Wednesday evening for the clemency of Current TV journalist, Euna Lee, and producer Laura Ling, detained in North Korea. The two women, originally from Sacramento and graduates of Del Campo high school, were scheduled to stand trial Wednesday (Thursday, June 4 in North Korea) for illegally crossing the DPRK border and other "hostile acts."

The participants — family members, friends and supporters of the women, some bearing signs demanding their release — gathered at the L Wine Lounge and Urban Restaurant in Midtown Sacramento, and proceeded with a walk to the Capitol west steps.

Upon arrival at the Capitol, participants were asked to engage in a moment of silence. Statements were made in support of Lee and Ling by Mayor Kevin Johnson, Jerry Wang, a family member of Laura Ling, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), Assemblyman Paul Fong (D-Cupertino), Senator Robert "Bob" Huff (R-Diamond Bar) and former Del Campo students Beth Deibels and Marcus Marquez.

Among those in the crowd was teacher Jim Jordan, who taught Ling at Del Campo in his honors junior English class in 1992-93.

"She's one of my [former] students, a fellow journalist, a member of our community [and] a member of my school community, and we just want to support her and Euna and their families in any way that we can," Jordan said.

Wang made a statement of behalf of the Ling and Lee families expressing gratitude for the public support of the two women.

"Our families have been comforted by the unexpected and overwhelming support for Laura and Euna," Wang said. "We would like to thank all of those individuals who are organizing to secure the release of the girls."

Although she does not know Ling or Lee personally, Deibels explained that having attended the same school as the women, "We can't help but feel connected to them."

The vigil was arranged Monday morning by Deibels and Marquez when they realized a vigil in Sacramento had not yet been arranged in recognition of the womens' trial.

"There were other vigils [scheduled] across the country ... and we wanted to make sure Laura's hometown didn't fall off of the map," Diebels said. "Facebook is how it started, believe it or not."

Diebels and Marquez posted the event and sent initial invitations through the online social network.

Other vigils were listed to simultaneously take place in Birmingham, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

To read more about the first Sacramento vigil for the two women, see Lee & Ling vigil.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 3, 4, 5

2009-06-02T20:54:59Z

Wednesday, June 3

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Two fuel cell vehicles will be displayed on the east steps of the Capitol for an estimated audience of 40 people.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The California Association of Realtors will be taking a group photograph on the West Steps of the Capitol, with an expected turnout of 2,000.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pacific West Association of Realtors will be holding their Legislative Day and lunch on the north steps of the Capitol for 150 people.

Thursday, June 4

No events scheduled for this day.

Friday, June 5

8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Filming for a movie entitled Power & Pride starring Stephen Baldwin will be taking place on the West Steps of the Capitol. The film is about a Senator named David Fletcher, a politician who rapidly ascends in power, while risking his family, faith and personal values, according to its website. Approximately 50 people will be in attendance.

9 a.m. - Noon Clean Air 2009, a clean air rally, will be held on the north steps of the Capitol for 150 participants.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 30, 31

2009-05-30T02:59:09Z

Saturday, May 30

7 a.m.-1 p.m. The Kings of Queens motorcycle club will be holding a walk-a-thon fundraising event for breast cancer near the south steps of the Capitol. The event is expected to draw 500 participants.

10 a.m.- Noon Forty people will be participating in a prayer rally for California Department of Corrections prisoners, parolees and personnel.

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Senator Darrell Steinberg's office will be holding a ceremony honoring graduates. 500 people are expected on the south steps of the Capitol.

According to a press release from the Senator's office:

"Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) will hold a special recognition ceremony this Saturday at 11 am on the South Steps of the State Capitol to honor graduates who have been nominated by their Sacramento area schools.

For this annual graduation event, Steinberg encouraged every high school and middle school in his Senate district, including charter schools, continuation schools and special education schools to nominate a “Most Improved” and “Most Outstanding” student to be honored. Each honoree received a personal invitation letter to attend the ceremony with their family, where they will receive special recognition and a Senate Certificate from Senator Steinberg.

“I look forward to spending the day congratulating and getting to know these hard working students and their families,” Steinberg said.

Sunday, May 31

Three private weddings are scheduled throughout the day.

Disability Capitol Action Day reflects on Olmstead case 10 years later

2009-05-28T06:58:04Z

"We're here to fight! Day and night! For our basic human rights!"

That was just one of the chants shouted by both the disabled and their caretakers and supporters on their march from the U.S. Bank Building to the Capitol for today's sixth annual Disability Capitol Action Day.

Coordinated by the Disability Action Coalition, the gathering of more than 2,000 people was held on the 10th anniversary of the Olmstead Court Decision, a landmark case involving plaintiffs Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson that set a precedent of helping the disabled to live in community settings as opposed to confined in homes and institutions.

Despite being highly functioning and capable of living in a community, both women were kept in institutional settings. In 1997, the court deemed this a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Judge Marvin H. Shoob suggested the women were being unfairly segregated. The state appealed the decision but lost, and in 2000, the case came to a close in favor of the plaintiffs.

This year's Action Day theme was "Where is California 10 years after the Olmstead Decision?" and speakers and legislators as well as Lois Curtis, a plaintiff in the Olmstead case, took the stage to let the crowd know that California has plenty of room for improvement in its programs for the disabled as well as funding and accessing those programs.

Serving as a message of empowerment as well as a backdrop to the stage was a flag made up of more than 700 handmade "story sticks" with feathers and pictures of individuals who have contributed to a nationwide tour of creating a video archive of stories of both struggles and accomplishments of the disabled.

The state's recent budget woes have led to cuts of essential programs such as in-home support services, supplemental security income, and Medi-Cal that are necessary for the disabled to be able to live and thrive independently. February's budget led to two cuts to SSI/SSP grants, which help to support more than 1.1 million low-income seniors and people with disabilities. By July 1, when the second cut is scheduled to take place recipients will only be receiving a maximum of $850 per month.

Signs posted around the grounds reading "Can you live on $850 a month?" conveyed the sense of frustration felt by many relying on the funding. During intermissions between speakers, attendees danced together on stage and chanted messages of hope and a shared understanding for one another.

Reflecting on her frustration after struggling to find assistance for her son more than 15 years ago after his ADHD and bipolar diagnoses, Misunderstood Einsteins founder and Action Day attendee, Cheryl Maxson, said, "It's gotten a little better, but not much."

She started the company after searching through the Yellow Pages and only coming up with two organizations that could help her son. She recalls being sent in circles in a territory that was new and unknown to her. She said she was given many "politically polite" reasons as to why agencies couldn't help her and wasn't sure where she could turn. Maxson's mission is to fill in the holes in the system and to provide assistance to all.

"If I have to turn someone away, I turn them to someone," Maxson said.

Misunderstood Einsteins is just one organization that showed up to provide information and education at the event. Programs like AT Network, which provides technology to assist people with disabilities, and the California Association of Family Empowerment Centers provided resources to attendees as well.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 27, 28, 29

2009-05-27T08:26:44Z

Wednesday, May 27

10 a.m.- 12 p.m. California Alliance for Retired Americans will be holding their annual "Wrinkle Run." According to their web site the CARA is "a statewide network of hundreds of organizations for the purpose of educating and informing its membership, the public, and elected officials about issues that affect the well being of California's older adults." Though 150 people are expected, any "runner, walker, roller, or rocker", can participate if they are willing to pledge $50 in funds. Senior groups will provide the entertainment and awards are given for most pledges, best costume, and other "crazy categories," on the north steps of the Capitol.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. California Foundation For Independent Living is partnering with the Disability Action Coalition to host the Disability Capitol Action Day. The event will include a march, educational rally, resource fair and legislative visits among other activities. Located on the west steps, 2,500 people are expected to participate.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus is holding a rally and press event in conjunction with their Asian and Pacific Islander Summit. 300 people are expected on the south steps of the Capitol.

1-2 p.m. Advocacy Respect Commitment (ARC) of California, an advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be holding a ceremony honoring 30 graduates near the fish pond.

Thursday, May 28

8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. California Association of Local Conservation Corps, which represents 11 different conservation corps, will be holding an awards ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol for 250 people.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Governor's Office has scheduled an electric Hummer to be displayed on the east steps of the capitol.

2-5 p.m. A pro-life rally will be held on the west steps of the Capitol for 100 participants.

6:30-8 p.m. FTR, Inc., an engineering company, will be holding an informational event on minority contractors in the Secretary of State building auditorium for 200 people.

Friday, May 29

A private wedding and corporate videotaping are planned for Friday, but no public events will be held.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 25, 26

2009-05-24T23:29:16Z

Monday, May 25

12-1 p.m. Elk Grove Civil War Round Table will be holding a Civil War Memorial walk and rally near the fish pond. Fifty people are expected to participate.

1-2 p.m. A 21-gun salute will be held in memorial of the Mexican-American War near the Mexican-American Veterans Memorial just north of the traffic circle on 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. Seventy-five people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, May 26

7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Happy Tails, a no-kill facility dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals, according to their website, will be holding a bake sale on the north and south entrances of the Capitol.

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Caravan for Justice will hold its third rally at the Capitol, for "thousands of Californians who have grown fed up with laws and policies that continue to undermine our freedoms and destroy the most valuable and humane of infrastructures called: FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS," says the flier. Three thousand people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol.

1-3:30 p.m. 9-1-1 For Kids will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for 100 expected people.

6-7 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the rose garden.

7 p.m.* - All Night?* As explained in an earlier Sacramento Press article, if Proposition 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

*7 p.m.: This event is contingent on Prop 8 ruling.
*All Night: This depends on crowd interest.