Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "car"

How to Care for Your Car and Spare The Air

2011-09-09T22:50:29Z

How to Care for Your Car and Spare The Air
Tips on Taking Better Care of Your Car While Reducing Air Pollution

We all know that owning a car is an ongoing responsibility that requires dedication, time, effort and money. Ultimately, the lifespan and value of a car depends on the amount of care it’s given along the way. The everyday care and simple “tune-ups” can be quite easy to brush to the side in the rush of our everyday lives, but a task that we wish we would have stayed on top of by the time we’re forking over the big bucks to pay for parts and labor to fix major car problems.

Personal car use is the nation’s biggest contributor to air pollution. For this reason, keeping up with the everyday general maintenance of your car is not only a benefit to you, but a huge benefit to the environment as well. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and the air districts of the Sacramento region recommends these quick and easy tips to avoiding bigger car problems down the road, while reducing the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to air pollution.

1. Drive smart
There are a number of things that you can do while driving that will save gas, cut down on the wear and tear on your car and reduce air pollution:

Try not to brake and accelerate abruptly. The constant revving of your engine is sometimes unnecessary and only wastes gas, releasing more emissions into the atmosphere. If you’re in stop-and-go traffic, or on a long stretch of stop lights, taking it easy on the gas pedal will save you money and reduce your car’s emissions.
Idle less. If you find yourself waiting for the train or in stopped traffic for more than 30 seconds, turning your engine off instead of idling will actually save gas and release fewer emissions than if you were to keep your car running.
Take advantage of your cruise control. A steady speed on the freeway can save up to 33 percent of the gas you burn, while using less energy and reducing the release of emissions.

2. Drive less
Most of us have grown to be quite dependent on our cars. So much so, that we forget the simplicity of using other means of transportation which can be quite beneficial to our health. Using alternative transportation also cuts down drastically on air pollution. Here are some other options to consider:

For close, quick errands, ride your bike. A one-hour bike ride can burn off the amount of calories that are in a quarter pound burger. If you’re going to burn something, it’s better to burn off calories that you don’t want than gas you will have to replace!
Carpool or take public transportation. Driving less will help keep the air clean, but it will also cut back on gas expenses and keep the mileage on your car low so it will last longer and have a higher resale value. If you want to carpool, but don’t know anyone going in the same direction, you can become a member of the Sacramento Region Commuter Club at SacramentoCommuterClub.org. Thousands of its members are saving money and doing their part to Spare The Air by carpooling with others.
Pick one day a week to avoid driving all together. Bike to work if it’s close enough. Otherwise use public transportation or carpool. Leaving your car at home one day a week will prevent 55 pounds of pollution from being emitted into our air each year while preserving the value of your car.

3. Keep up with your car’s maintenance
Making sure that your car is “up-to-speed” on its maintenance will extend its life, increases its resale value and save you money in the long run. The healthier your car is, the fewer emissions it will release into the atmosphere while on the road. Here are some things to remember:

Get those tune-ups. Pick a day for your errands and while you’re out, find a close and convenient place to drop off your car for a quick tune-up. There are parts of your car that require maintenance or replacing, which sometimes aren’t evident until examined by a mechanic. These can include vacuum and coolant hoses, transmission belts, engine belts, air filters and staying on top of your car manufacturer’s recommended frequency of oil changes.
Fill up in the evening, and don’t top off. Fueling your car once the sun goes down releases fewer emissions. Once your tank’s full, avoid spilling gas and “topping off” because as it evaporates, the gas turns into air pollution.
Keep your tires properly inflated. When you stop to fill up your tank, make sure your tires have the recommended amount of air. This will minimize wear on your tires while increasing your car's ratio of miles per gallon.

As a result of a joint community effort, high readings of air pollution have declined in the region resulting in fewer Spare The Air days. But our work isn’t done! We’re still being exposed to levels of ozone pollution that can cause long-term health effects. For more information on the Spare The Air campaign, follow us @AQMD on Twitter, SpareTheAir Scooter on Facebook or visit www.SpareTheAir.com where you can find facts on air pollution, helpful tips on avoiding exposure to air pollution and a free daily Air Alert email which provides information on the quality of air all throughout the Sacramento region.

Disclosure: On behalf of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

Hot Italian temporarily a car showroom?

2011-08-27T00:43:06Z

People headed to Midtown’s Hot Italian for a pizza or gelato might be surprised to see two new additions to restaurant – a pair of cars from Italian manufacturer Fiat, which returned to the United States this year after a 27-year hiatus.

“We’ve been looking for new pop-up concepts, and they’re stylish, they’re Italian, and they’re a great fit,” said Andrea Lepore, managing partner of Hot Italian, located at 16th and Q streets.

A “pop-up,” she explained, is a temporary display that sometimes has retail components to it.

“It kind of pops up, and you have to catch it while it’s here,” she said. “It will be up for at least three months.”

The two cars, a Fiat 500 and a Fiat 500C Cabriolet – with a retractable roof – can’t be purchased at the restaurant, but they fit the restaurant, in more ways than one.

“The most common thing people ask us is how we got them in here,” Lepore said. “It was a little tight, and on one, we had to back it up and then fold the mirrors in. We had about an inch of clearance on either side.”

FIAT Pop-Up Shop Launch from HOT ITALIAN on Vimeo.

Joey Gonzalez, general manager of Fiat of Sacramento, 2329 B Fulton Ave., said he thinks the cars will appeal to Hot Italian’s clientele.

“We found that a lot of Italian-Americans have a fond memory of or feel comfortable with the Fiat brand,” he said. “Also, the lifestyle that Hot Italian promotes is very similar to what our buyers are looking for.”

He said the Fiat vehicles fit an urban lifestyle that emphasizes compactness and fuel economy over larger sedans or SUVs. With Hot Italian being a destination for bicyclists and being located in Midtown, he said he thinks the vehicles will be exposed to people who might not otherwise know about the Fulton Avenue dealership.

Perry Harris, a Fair Oaks resident, went into the restaurant Friday with his family and said he was surprised to see the cars in the space.

“They look great. They kind of look fun to drive,” he said. “It looks like I need a coast highway, to tell you the truth. It looks like a reason to get out and drive.”

Perry said having them there brings attention to them.

“You don’t really see Fiats too often,” he said. “I wish more cars looked like this.”

Another diner at Hot Italian Friday, Valeria Morrow, is originally from Argentina and spent time living in Italy, with her Italian husband.

“I think it’s cool,” she said. “It adds a nice vibe to the place.”

She added that in Italy and Argentina, she saw some restaurants with vehicles in them like the Fiats in Hot Italian, but it wasn’t common.

“For us, this is a great brand to associate with,” Lepore said. “The convertible is really fun to drive.”

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

'Drive,' she said: Hands-on with Tesla's electric roadster

2010-11-16T03:05:16Z

As a fan of 1960s muscle cars, getting me excited about electric vehicles isn’t easy. But on Friday, I was handed the keys to something that makes my ’66 Mustang feel lethargic and a Prius look like a gas guzzler. And at $138,000, it should.

Miki Sofer of Tesla Motors brought one of the company’s Roadster 2.5 models to the Sacramento area, and I was one of the lucky ones to take it for a spin.

With an advertised 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, I was all but drooling over the electric car that can travel 244 miles on a single charge that, according to Sofer, costs as little as $5 to replenish.

“There are more and more charging stations in the Sacramento area,” Sofer said, “so we’re really looking to expand more into this market.”

She explained that the vehicles can be charged at any outlet, but specialized ones currently being installed make the process faster.

The more than 1,300 Tesla Roadsters delivered since 2008 have driven almost 7 million miles – saving more than 350,000 gallons of gas, according to Tesla spokeswoman KC Simon.

After giving me the rundown on the vehicle and answering my questions, Sofer told me to get behind the wheel.

The roadster’s cockpit was surprisingly accommodating of me, even at 6 feet 2 inches. Sofer stuck the key in the ignition, and I was a little embarrassed at having to ask her if the car was actually turned on.

The watermelon-sized motor didn’t shake the car when it powered up, as I’d expected, and I realized that driving an electric car was going to be a unique experience.

Where a gearshift would normally be were merely four buttons – for park, drive, neutral and reverse.

The Tesla Roadster has only one gear, Sofer said, and as I let off the brakes, the vehicle crept forward noiselessly, giving no indication of the power waiting to be unleashed.

Fortunately for Tesla, fairly heavy traffic gave me some time to get used to the vehicle’s manual steering and the throttle before I had open road on which to unleash the car’s equivalent of 500 horsepower.

As I let off the throttle approaching a red light, I felt the car immediately drag, and Sofer told me it generates electricity off the spinning axles when the driver releases the “gas” pedal.

I tightened my grip on the wheel, the light turned green, and I stomped on the throttle.

It felt like taking off in a fighter jet. I was slammed into the seat, and the roadster shot forward like a rocket. But the individually adjusting suspension and the low profile translated to an incredibly smooth ride.

Traditional gasoline engines need to gain RPMs before the torque peaks and gives them full power, but electric engines peak immediately, allowing Tesla’s roadsters to beat their competition – Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis – off the line.

And the best part? The motor’s muted whine doesn’t alert every cop in town that you might be breaking a few speed laws.

As cool as the Roadster is, it comes with a base price of $109,000, and a fully-loaded one will top $160,000 – making it unattainable for most drivers.

Sofer pointed out that for a hand-built, carbon fiber car, that’s not a bad deal, and several Sacramentans have taken the plunge.

The technology in the supercar, however, will be brought to a sedan in 2012.

Designed to compete with upper-end luxury sedans, the vehicle will be priced at less than $60,000 and is intended to bring Tesla’s proven electric design to a wider population.

As the infrastructure to support electric vehicles continues to be built, Sofer said she sees gasoline-powered vehicles going by the wayside.

“The future is here,” she said. “This car is the future.”

To purchase one of the vehicles, visit the company website.

Photo one by Miki Sofer. Other photos courtesy of Tesla Motors.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Automobilia! Exhibit Sponsored by Ferrari of San Francisco

2010-11-06T03:59:04Z

The California Automobile Museum is proud to announce that Ferrari of San Francisco will be the title sponsor of its newest exhibit, Automobilia! Celebrating Italian Automotive Design.

"I thought this Automobilia! exhibit was the perfect fit for the area and an exciting opportunity to support the Ferrari brand by our presence in the community that has shown its love for Italian motor cars," said Greg Minor, general manager of Ferrari of San Francisco, who noted the growing number of Ferrari owners in the Sacramento area. The project is the most ambitious ever undertaken by the California Automobile Museum and the sponsorship by Ferrari of San Francisco marks the Museum's first support for a large exhibit from the Bay area.

Automobilia! Celebrating Italian Automotive Design opens November 13, 2010 and adds an international flair to the Museum's current exhibits by showcasing some of the auto industry's most exotic cars and men who have become legends for creating them. The project includes construction of a piazza-style exhibit complete with murals that reflect Italian art and architecture to showcase the cars. Featured marques in this long-term exhibition include Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat, Lancia and Alfa. The exhibit will also give viewers a glimpse into the lives of men whose names have become synonymous with their cars, such as Enzo Ferrari and Ferruccio Lamborghini, and others such as De Tomaso, Pininfarina, Bertone and Bizzarrini, whose creativity and passion for performance made these cars among the most elite in the world for their speed, handling and styling.

"With Automobilia! we want to do more than simply display beautiful cars," explains Karen McClaflin, Executive Director of the California Automobile Museum. "We want people to see the Italian culture that influenced the creation of these cars and for them to get to know the men whose styling and engineering are reflected in them, in much the same way that people want to know more about the artist when they admire a painting or a piece of sculpture," added McClaflin. "We think the exhibit will be a unique experience for everyone."

A wide variety of cars and special events are planned throughout the run of Automobilia!. The cars expected in the piazza on opening day include:

• a Ferrari 275 and Ferrari Testarosa
• an Alfa 1750 Spyder
• a Pantera De Tomaso
• a Lamborghini Diablo
• a 1973 Moto Guzzi scooter

For more information, call (916) 442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.

Kaela Nelson is the Marketing and Education Coordinator for the California Automobile Museum

Ask the County Law Librarian - Proof of Auto Insurance

2010-09-23T17:44:38Z

Q: I got pulled over and thought I had a valid insurance card at the time. It turns out my policy had actually been canceled. What can happen and what are the laws regarding driving without insurance?

Betty

A: In California, you must have car insurance that covers you when you're driving any car. If a police officer stops you, you must show proof of insurance. Failing to show proof of financial responsibility, meaning insurance coverage, is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 16029. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d07/vc16029.htm. Violating this code could result in fines up to $500 plus penalties, impoundment of the vehicle and suspension of the driver's license. If the vehicle is impounded the owner will have to pay for all storage and tow charges as well.

If you have insurance but don't have proof to show the officer, you'll be charged with an infraction for driving without proof of insurance and must provide proof of your insurance to the court and pay a fee.

If you don't have insurance, you must buy it. Then, provide your proof of the insurance to the court and pay a fine. The consequences can be far more serious if you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance. You may have to comply with the financial responsibility laws (SR22, SR22s, SR16), including having to pay for any injuries or damages from the accident out of your own pocket.

Do you have a question for the County Law Librarian? Just email sacpress@saclaw.org. If your question is selected your answer will appear in next Thursday's column. Even if your question isn't selected, though, I will still respond within two weeks.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

“Land of the Rising Sun” Featured in New Exhibit

2010-06-29T22:07:00Z

The newest exhibit at the California Automobile Museum (CAM) will highlight the success of Toyota, Japan’s largest car manufacturer, as a trendsetter in America since the days it sold the gas-sipping Toyopet on Hollywood Boulevard when the newest models in Southern California dealerships had massive tail fins.

The summer long exhibit, TOYOTA: Oh What A History!, sponsored by Elk Grove Toyota, opens on July 17 and will run through September 19. “Toyota was the first car manufacturer from the “Land of the Rising Sun” to sell cars in the United States and to challenge Detroit on many levels,” noted Karen McClaflin, Executive Director of the California Automobile Museum. “Over the last half century the company has left its mark as an industry leader, producing cars that were long on reliability and low on pollution. Its cars have also been high on the speed charts in every form of racing, from the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR to exotic prototype sports cars and trucks in the desert.”

TOYOTA: Oh What A History! will showcase cars from Toyota’s early years to some of their current raciest machines from the track. The vehicles on exhibit offer something for environmentalists, racing fans and automotive historians alike. Among the vehicles in the exhibit:

A 1959 Toyopet Crown sedan, a gas-sipping, economical model that introduced American buyers to Toyota when all gas was still leaded and under $0.25 a gallon

A 1967 2000 GT; a long-nosed sleek coupe that began Toyota’s road racing history in the U.S., pre-dating the popular Nissan/Datsun “Z” cars

A 1998/99 Mark III GTP prototype sports car; powered by Toyota during that car’s domination of IMSA road racing, a series that featured one-of-a-kind machines with almost no technical limits on design

A gas/electric hybrid Prius that set a Land Speed Record over 200 mph for its class on the salt flats of Bonneville, showing that environmental responsibility and speed can be packaged in one car

An off-road race truck, typical of the machines that have won dozens of major races for Toyota Motorsports, such as the Baja 1000, sanctioned by SCORE

The TOYOTA: Oh What A History! exhibit will have an exhibition sneak peak and panel discussion on Friday, July 16 from 6pm – 9pm with guests from Toyota Motorsports, including Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, winner of numerous races and championships in the SCORE off-road series, and Scooter Patrick, a veteran road racer who piloted the GTP machine to victories in the IMSA series. The evening will also include a no host bar and light appetizers. This event is free for CAM Gearhead Members and $15 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

On Saturday, July 17th the exhibit will officially open to the public. From 11am – 1pm, visitors can get autographs from Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and Scooter Patrick and from 11am – 3pm can test drive 2011 Toyotas, courtesy of Elk Grove Toyota. This event is free for CAM Gearhead Members and included with paid Museum admission for the general public.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience first-hand Toyota’s undeniable mark on the world’s auto industry with its attention to detail, innovative technology and a commitment to designing and building the world’s most popular cars.

Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod

2010-04-28T17:23:36Z

The California Automobile Museum’s newest exhibit features cars that were created in California but have been celebrated in movies, songs and popular culture across the country and around the world for a half-century.

The exhibit, Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod is sponsored by So-Cal Speed Shop, Sacramento and runs now through July 5. It explores the hot rod culture that grew out of the dry lake beds of California in the post-World War II years and ultimately spread to drag strips and back roads, as well as burger drive-ins and street cruises, such as the annual car cruise hosted by the California Automobile Museum which will commence on the streets of Downtown Sacramento on July 31st.

“By definition, every hot rod is a unique expression of style or the owner’s desire for speed,” said Karen McClaflin, Executive Director of the California Automobile Museum. “But collectively, hot rods represent a common language of individuality and adventure that brings out a bit of rebel or free spirit in each of us.”

The idea of hot rods started in the early 1920s and ‘30s, as racers looking for more speed modified and hopped up Henry Ford’s Model Ts and As to find extra horsepower. But the phenomenon exploded after World War II as servicemen returned home and applied what they had learned about mechanics and technology in the military to the cars they were driving.

After the deprivation and hardship of the war years, hot rods were a way of expressing the pent-up demand for adventure and daring, and a way for racers to earn bragging rights for those who could push technology and speed to the limit.

The powerful V-8 engines of Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler provided more horsepower than the more primitive four-banger engines of the past. The popularity of hot rods created a new, California-centered industry as manufacturers, many of which continue to thrive on world-wide sales today, made crankshafts, pistons, cylinder heads and add-on parts to boost power and speed to record levels.

The first stages on which to push these speed machines to their limit were the dry lake bedsbeds of Southern California, where unofficial “timing contests” were as disorganized as an Oklahoma land rush and twice as dangerous. That same daring was carried out on back roads all over America as the hot rod culture spread from coast to coast.

One of the most prominent cars on exhibit is the legendary "Old Crow" belly tank racer owned by Bobby Green. "Belly tanks" were one of the first examples of a new style of speedster built from army surplus that used aircraft fuel tanks for bodies to take advantage of their minimal wind resistance for maximum speed. "Old Crow" has attracted attention on a number of fronts having been featured in a Discovery Channel feature on Bonneville racers; being on display in locations as far away as Amsterdam; and being prominently displayed in a recent Tommy Hilfiger advertisement. The exhibit also includes examples of the style known as “highboys,” which mount narrower ’28 and ’29 bodies for streamlining on a wider ‘32 Ford frame, which provided more stability at high speed and more room for a V-8 engine, as well as for superchargers and other add-on high performance parts.

Also on exhibit, ’32 Ford “Deuce Coupes,” still the most popular model among hot rodders, each with a slightly different style illustrating the evolution of speed technology.

For enthusiasts interested in an up-close and detailed “how to” look at hot rod construction, the exhibit will also include a partially disassembled ’34 Ford to show off the modifications that are more than skin deep.

For more information visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.

Rare Grouping of World War II Jeeps at the California Automobile Museum

2010-04-24T16:33:36Z

The California Automobile Museum is temporarily home to all three mass-produced World War II military jeeps. The 1941 Bantam Reconnaissance Car (Jeep), 1943 Ford Military Jeep, and 1943 Willys Military Jeep are great examples of American innovation during the war years that are rarely seen together.

In July 1940, the U.S. Army issued a challenge to the nation’s automakers to produce a light, cross-country reconnaissance vehicle described as a “quarter-ton, 4X4 truck.” Ford, Willys-Overland, and American-Bantam took on the task but only American-Bantam was able to produce a prototype in the short amount of time the military required. However, Bantam’s limited production capacity made it impossible for them to produce the number of vehicles the Army needed. The government shared the design with Ford and Willys-Overland and all three companies produced what would become known as the “Jeep.” These Jeeps became the primary vehicle of the U.S. Army and Allies during World War II and the postwar period.

These Jeeps won’t be in one place for long. The 1941 Bantam Reconnaissance Car is part of this month’s Car Club Cavalcade featuring American-Bantams and is on display until April 30, 2010. The 1943 Willys Military Jeep is part of the newest exhibit, Drive Fast, Take Chances: Birth of the Hot Rod and is on display until July 5, 2010. The 1943 Ford Military Jeeps is part of the Museum’s permanent collection.

For more information about the Museum visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org or call (916) 442-6802.

California Automobile Museum hosts Annual Spring Swap Meet

2010-02-04T16:31:48Z

Mark your calendar and don't miss the California Automobile Museum's Annual Spring Swap Meet on Sunday, March 7, 2010 from 6am - 2pm.Vendors will offer unique and hard to find automobile collectibles and accessories, including antique auto parts, tools, books, magazines, models and much more! The Meet is located next to the Museum at 2400 Front Street - parking in Museum parking lot, on the street, and behind the Museum. New this year, vendors can pre-register by visiting www.CalAutoMuseum.org/SwapMeet. There will also be set-up and merchant and car sales registration on Saturday, March 6 from 2pm - 5pm and registration and set up will open at 5am on March 7. General admission and parking are free. Merchant stalls (one stall is two parking spaces) are $30 and car sale spaces are $15. Proceeds benefit the Museum. Call (916) 442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org/SwapMeet for more information.

About the California Automobile Museum: Formerly the Towe Auto Museum, this spacious 72,000 square foot museum is home to over 150 vehicles of various makes and models, ranging from the early 1900s to alternative power vehicles of the future. Exhibits recreate the love affair we have with automobiles and provide historical information about the automotive industry. The Museum's mission is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The Museum is located at 2200 Front Street, between Broadway and Old Sacramento with ample free parking. The Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, taking the last admission at 5pm and stays open until 9pm every third Thursday. For more information visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org or call (916) 442-6802.

Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase Announces Keynote Speaker Daniel Sperling

2009-10-03T01:39:34Z

The Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase keynote speaker Daniel Sperling is an internationally-renowned expert on transportation, energy and sustainability issues. In December he co-authored the book Two Billion Cars which projects that within 20 years the number of motor vehicles on the planet will double from its current total of one billion due primarily to growth in India and China.

Sperling is a Professor of Engineering and Environmental Science & Policy at the University of California, Davis, and Founding Director of the university's Institute of Transportation Studies. He also serves on the California Air Resources Board, chairs the Future of Mobility Council of the Davos World Economic Forum, and has authored 10 books and over 200 technical papers and reports on transportation and energy.

Recently, The Clean Tech staff sat down with Dan Sperling to discuss the future of green technologies in the Sacamento region and the upcoming Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase.

CleanTech: How important will green technologies be to the economic growth of the Sacramento region?

Dan Sperling: Green technologies could provide a large economic boost to the Sacramento area. UC Davis and Sacramento State provide the knowledge base and, very importantly, the scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs needed to build green technology companies. Angel and venture capital investors are key to launching entrepreneurial start-ups, while larger biotech and IT companies have the resources to expand their Sacramento initiatives.

CleanTech: Can you give us a preview of your keynote address?

Dan Sperling: We need to transform our vehicles, fuels, and mobility systems if we are to significantly reduce oil use and greenhouse gases. It is less a question of cost than vision, leadership, and will. Most vehicles of the future will be powered by electricity, hydrogen and biofuels. Such a future transportation system would be very efficient and could be very low carbon.

The two places with the most troublesome emissions problems - California and China - are taking the lead in developing effective strategies that can help wean us from our reliance on conventional, petroleum-fueled cars.

California's embrace of eco-friendly policies, supported by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and China's willingness to confront the twin environmental and energy crises wrought by exponential growth in cars, suggest that if they can develop ingenious and effective solutions, there really is reason for hope.

The Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase features some of the nation's key thought leaders on green and clean technology. It is the ideal venue to network with experts, explore new technologies, navigate regulations and examine workforce concerns.

The Clean Tech Showcase will be held Friday, October 16 at Sacramento State University. For more information or to register, visit www.cleanstart.org.

The Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase is produced by CleanStart, an initiative of SARTA (Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance) designed to accelerate the development of clean technology ventures within the Greater Sacramento Region. SARTA is a non-profit organization founded to foster entrepreneurial growth and attract investment capital to the greater Sacramento region.

Join the Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase Facebook Page

Local performer missing: Lawrence Dinkins Jr.

2009-06-30T22:42:14Z

Family and friends are asking for help from anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Lawrence Dinkins Jr. Dinkins, a poet who performed during Sunday's In the Flow jazz festival, was last seen on 17th and Broadway Sunday evening wearing a "Tuskegee Airmen" shirt, dark pants and a cap.

His abandoned car was found nearby, unlocked with windows rolled down and several of his possessions inside but family and friends have been unable to contact or locate him. The Sacramento Police Department is also looking for him but no further information is currently available.

A picture of Dinkins is attached and if anyone has any information, please contact the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 808-0560 or (916) 934-3611

Car Wash

2009-06-27T22:06:00Z

There is a Car Wash for the Woodcreek High School Marching Band and Color Guard! (In Roseville)

Price: Donation (Normally $5-$10) But it is up to you!

Location: Raley's Parking lot (Woodcreek Oaks BLVD and Pleasant Grove BLVD)

NO CAR WASH WEEKEND OF 4TH OF JULY

Day/Time: Every Saturday from 10:30a-2:00p

Date: June 13, 2009 - August 7, 2009

ALL PROCEEDS: Go towards the Woodcreek High School Marching Band and Guard!

Rainy Road Havoc for EMS

2009-05-02T02:40:42Z

Sacramento, CA
Friday, May 1, 2009

Sacramento EMS crews were kept quite busy all day Friday. Mild temperatures and start of a new weekend had many people out on the road, but add in rain with heavy traffic throughout the region and you’ve created a recipe for havoc on the roads. We caught up with Sacramento Fire engines, truck crews, medic rigs, and Sac Police on a couple of incidents today out of the many we heard being dispatched over the squawk box. As the rain poured down, fire crews made sure the scenes were safe and assisted as paramedics tended to the victims; and officers took statements and reports on wet notepads.

The first incident we encountered with EMS crews was a head-on collision on Elder Creek Rd, just east of Power Inn before the railroad tracks. The second incident was a vehicle vs bicycle and a secondary collision when another vehicle ran into the first. We were unable to get information on injuries; however, airbags deployed on both of the vehicles in the first accident, and the juvenile bicyclist was being treated in the back of the ambulance upon our arrival at the second incident.

These weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend. With the decent temperatures expect lots of people out and about and heavy traffic conditions. With the sporadic cloud burst and periods of heavy rain, expect traffic delays. Consider leaving early so you can take your time getting to your destination safely. When we are in a hurry and potentially distracted, it greatly increases our chances to be involved in an accident. Not only do we put ourselves, our families and those around us at risk, we also put our local firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement at risk as they put themselves in harms way on the wet roads to tend to our injuries and take reports. Yes, it is their job, but wouldn’t it be nice if they didn’t have to do their job. Be safe as you travel around town this weekend.

R.T. Train Collides With Sedan

2009-02-11T01:46:44Z

A downtown bound Sacramento Regional Transit train collided with a sedan at the Stockton Blvd. crossing this afternoon.

The green sedan, carrying only the driver, somehow ended up in the path of the on-coming train when it was struck.

No injuries were sustained by the single occupant of the sedan or by any light-rail passengers on board.

Officer Schumacher with the Sacramento Police Department confirmed the lack of injury in the incident saying only that the vehicle was on the wrong side of the crossing arm.

Richard Williams was working across the busy street and heard the accident but said that he did not see it happen.

“It looks like the arms came down before we heard the crash,” said Williams.

The vehicle sustained mostly front end damage, the train appeared to continue its normal route after inspection.