Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "contest"

Journalism Open Workshop Jan. 17

2012-01-11T01:13:59Z

Need a push getting started on your article for The Sacramento Press Journalism Open 2012? We've got a workshop for that.

Bring your story ideas and questions about the writing contest to our Journalism Open workshop Tuesday, Jan. 17.

We will go over how to enter photos: standalone or accompanying, judging criteria, past winners and how to develop your stories by including sources and doing research.

The workshop will be from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at The Sacramento Press office.

Our office is located at 431 I St., Suite 107, in the Sacramento Valley Station station. We are in the same building complex as Starbucks.

We recommend you find parking on the street, bike or take light rail, as the Amtrak parking lot charges, and we cannot cover the cost of parking.

To RSVP, email workshops@sacramentopress.com. If you RSVP and decide later not to attend, please send us an email to notify us that you will not be coming so we can have an accurate head count.

Thanks, and we hope to see you here!

New 'To Catch an Error' contest starts today!

2012-01-02T00:04:11Z

The Sacramento Press’ “To Catch an Error" contest has ended for the month of December. We are excited to announce our winner, Steven Chea!

Chea received a total of 46 points for catching minor spelling and grammar errors in stories by community contributors and editorial interns.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

If you missed last month’s contest, it’s time to start hunting again. Beginning today, we will wipe the slate clean and start our January contest. January’s winner will receive two tickets to see Paula Deen in the meet and greet section. One runner-up will receive a $15 gift card to Monsoon.

The deadline for entries will be midnight on Jan. 31.

See below for complete rules. If you have any feedback or questions about the contest, please email support@sacramentopress.com.

What is the contest all about?

"To Catch an Error” is a monthly contest that we hope will improve the quality of content on our site. We know mistakes are inevitable, but we want to do our best to eliminate as many as possible.

That’s why we're asking for your help to catch errors in articles on The Sacramento Press! Each month, we want you to submit any spelling, grammar or factual errors you catch to contest@sacramentopress.com.

Errors will be accepted until midnight on the last day of each month (unless stated otherwise). Throughout the month, errors will be evaluated and corrections made to articles at our discretion.

At the beginning of each month, we will announce the winner from the previous round along with the errors he or she caught, wipe the slate clean and start all over!

Errors will be assigned different values, using the following point system:

* Minor grammar and spelling error = 1 point
* Misspelling name of person = 3 points
* Factual error = 5 points
* Error in editorial intern story = 3 bonus points
* Error in staff reporter story = 5 bonus points

Note: The Sacramento Press follows Associated Press style for most spelling and word usage.

Each month, the person with the most points will receive a prize, a merit badge on his or her profile and a little bit of social media love. Prizes will vary from month to month.

Official contest rules

Eligibility: To be eligible, contestants must be registered as a user on The Sacramento Press.

Note: The same person cannot win two months in a row.

Deadline: All errors must be submitted by midnight on the last day of each month, unless otherwise stated.

How to enter: You can enter as many times as you like each month, and multiple entries can be submitted at the same time. Entries must be submitted by e-mail and will not be accepted through social media or as comments on articles.

To submit an error, send an email to contest@sacramentopress.com with the following:

* Your first and last name, along with your Sacramento Press user name
* A link to the story where you found the error
* Copy and paste the entire sentence or paragraph as it appears in the article, along with the error

If clarification is needed, a Sacramento Press staff member will follow up with you. When an error is submitted to us, a reply will be sent, verifying the number of points earned within 24 hours.

Submit errors as soon as you catch them! If an error has already been caught and a correction issued, points will not be given for the error.

Corrections: Errors will be verified by the Editorial and Community Outreach departments, and normal editorial correction policies will be applied. We will edit minor spelling or grammatical errors. More serious errors, such as factual inaccuracies, will be investigated on a case-by-case basis. Please note, we are under no obligation to issue a correction for every error submitted.

Note: The Sacramento Press has the final say in all errors being submitted.

Prizes: Prizes will change every month, and we reserve the right to change a prize at any time without notifying contestants.

Good luck!

Tree crushes garage but not homeowner’s spirits

2011-12-20T01:40:20Z

Bill Swayze enjoys entering contests on 96.9 The Eagle’s website, but little did he know that being chosen as their lucky winner would come at the perfect time for him and his family.

After learning that a limb from a large heritage oak tree had fallen onto his son’s garage rendering it unusable, Bill wanted to help. Following his daily ritual, Bill went on to 96.9 The Eagle’s website that same morning only to discover a new PODS Moving and Storage of Sacramento’s Free Storage contest. In hopes that his son, Ty, could use the free storage while his garage was being repaired, Bill entered the contest.

Receiving nearly 300 entries in the contest, participants were asked to tell why they needed the use of a PODS® storage container. Stories ranged from needing assistance with moving, to wanting to organize old items in the garage to simply having too much junk. One entry stood out from the rest.

“After reading what had happened to Mr. Swayze’s son, we were eager to help out,” said Brian Bills, territory manager of PODS Sacramento. “PODS is very involved in the community and always eager to help out those in need. We are so glad that someone so deserving has won much-needed free storage.”

Bill was overjoyed at the announcement of the prize and immediately re-gifted the free storage to his son to help during his garage’s rebuild process. Ty and his wife received a PODS® storage container along with 6 months of free storage.

PODS of Sacramento is owned and operated by Storage Mobility which operates 21 franchises across the U.S., The firm currently owns more than 8,800 PODS® branded containers and employs approximately 100 people. The Sacramento franchise also participates in Chips for Kids Toy Drive, Toys for Tots, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and several other community organizations.

Disclosure: The author of this story handles public relations for PODS

The Sacramento Press Journalism Open 2012 begins Jan. 1

2011-12-05T07:22:58Z

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to publish your first article, consider the rewards of doing it on The Sacramento Press.

Last year we gave out thousands in cash prizes to winners of The Sacramento Press Journalism Open, and we’re ready to do it again.

This is the third year that we’ve hosted The Sacramento Press Journalism Open. The contest is pro-am, meaning writers of all skill levels are welcome to enter.

If you aren’t familiar with The Sacramento Press, we’re a hyperlocal online newspaper that focuses on community news. We aim to be the best source for local news and we would like you to help us achieve that by sharing your stories. No reporter knows more than you when it comes to issues affecting your neighborhood, your stance on why your daughter’s school should stay open, or an event you witnessed firsthand.

More than 1,700 people have written articles on The Sacramento Press since the site launched in October 2008. We look forward to seeing many new bylines – including yours – as the contest heats up.

We awarded prizes to 12 individuals last year, and this year we have $2,000 in prizes to give away.

The winning article for the Journalism Open 2011 was about the state of Sacramento’s bridges and was written by Isaac Gonzalez.

To see the list of last year’s winners, click here.

Before you publish your story, we highly recommend submitting your story for copy editing. We offer free copy editing to catch spelling errors and/or grammatical mistakes in your articles. To submit your story for copy editing, email the story to journalism@sacramentopress.com. Your edited story will be returned to you within 24-48 hours.*

*Depending on the volume of submissions being sent in for copy editing, it might take longer than the normal 24-hour turnaround time.

If you have questions about the copy editing process, email support@sacramentopress.com.

Publishing an article on The Sacramento Press is easier than you might think. To start writing, simply go to the top of this page and click the "Sign Up" button and follow the prompts. You will be asked for information and to accept our terms of use agreement. After you are signed up, click the "Write" button at the top of the page, create a Storyline and start writing.

We suggest that you write your story in a separate writing application (i.e. Word) and then, when you've finished and had it copy edited, cut and paste it into our site.

Important: Every story you enter/post on the site must be tagged "Open2012" in the tag section. Just write those words in the space provided under tags. You should also add tags to you story, especially choosing one of our “section” tags – Culture, Business, Politics and Sports – depending on which ones fits the story best.

Hit "Publish," and you have posted your first story on The Sacramento Press. You've also been entered in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

To enter a photo that is accompanying someone else's story, tag the story with the following: open2012yourname (example: open2012JoshRamsey).

Remember, no story is too small. Are you concerned about the safety of your neighborhood park? Do you have insight into the upcoming City Council election? Have a favorite landmark that you’d like to share? Write about it on The Sacramento Press and you could be walking away with the $600 grand prize.

So, what are you waiting for? Commit acts of journalism and be a part of the growing community of citizen journalists.

CATEGORIES & CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

Entries will be judged by our editorial staff, and that judgment will be subjective. But we will be using criteria for what we think good journalism is. Among those criteria are:

Accuracy: Facts, spelling and quotes should be correct. Double-check everything and use your computer’s spell check.
Writing style: Writing should be clear, concise and enjoyable.
Local focus: Stories should be set in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer or El Dorado counties.
Sourcing: Include a minimum of two living, breathing sources in your story. Quotes from people who know what you’re writing about will always enliven and improve your story. Aim to include different perspectives. Wikipedia, About.com, press releases and book or newspaper excerpts are not acceptable sources.
Impact: Your story will also be judged on how readers react in the conversation on The Sacramento Press, as well as how it is received in the real world.
Mostly though, we’ll judge entries based on how interesting they are, if they’re news or a new approach to an old story, how well-researched they are, the quality of the writing and the quotes.

Stories can be any length, but they must be original nonfiction about the Sacramento area.

Stories may not be re-posts from blogs or other publications, print or online.

Finally, we will give extra weight to high-quality photographs, either accompanying stories or standing on their own with explanatory captions.

RULES

To be eligible, stories must be posted on the site, by you (using your real name), between 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2012 and 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2012. We will be able to help you post either over the phone or in our office.*

*Appointments must be made for in-office help. Contact support@sacramentopress.com to arrange an appointment.

You must live or work in one of our four home counties listed above, and be at least 18 years of age. High school students under the age of 18 can enter if they have a parental consent form.*

*Parental consent forms must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian of the minor entering an article. To arrange for this, please email support@sacramentopress.com.

You may enter as many different stories as you like, but please enter/post each story only once! Make sure to tag it "Open2012" in the tag section or it will not be counted as a submission. There is no charge to enter.

Be sure to reread and double check what you've written; once it is published on the site, it cannot be modified.

PRIZES

First Prize $600
Second Prize $400
Third Prize $200
Three $100 prizes for honorable mentions
$500 in prizes awarded to best photos

Entries will be judged by The Sacramento Press editorial and community outreach departments. All decisions will be final. Limit one prize per entrant. Winners will be announced on the site, Feb. 13, 2012.

Addendum: You must be 14 years of age or older to publish an article on The Sacramento Press and to enter the Journalism Open.

New 'To Catch an Error' contest starts today!

2011-12-01T17:02:28Z

The Sacramento Press’ “To Catch an Error” contest has ended for the month of November. We are excited to announce our winner, Marion Millin !

Millin received a total of 54 points for catching minor spelling and grammar errors in stories by community contributors and one of our staff reporters.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

If you missed last month’s contest, it’s time to start hunting again. Beginning today, we will wipe the slate clean and start our December contest. December’s winner will receive a complimentary lunch for two at Zocalo.

Due to the New Year’s Eve holiday, the deadline for entries will be midnight on Dec. 30.

See below for complete rules. If you have any feedback or questions about the contest, please email support@sacramentopress.com.

What is the contest all about?

"To Catch an Error” is a monthly contest that we hope will improve the quality of content on our site. We know mistakes are inevitable, but we want to do our best to eliminate as many as possible.

Errors will be accepted until midnight on the last day of each month (unless stated otherwise). Throughout the month, errors will be evaluated and corrections made to articles at our discretion.

At the beginning of each month, we will announce the winner from the previous round along with the errors he or she caught, wipe the slate clean and start all over!

Errors will be assigned different values, using the following point system:

Note: The Sacramento Press follows Associated Press style for most spelling and word usage.

Each month, the person with the most points will receive a prize, a merit badge on his or her profile and a little bit of social media love. Prizes will vary from month to month.

Official contest rules

Eligibility: To be eligible, contestants must be registered as a user on The Sacramento Press.

Note: The same person cannot win two months in a row.

Deadline: All errors must be submitted by midnight on the last day of each month, unless otherwise stated.

To submit an error, send an email to contest@sacramentopress.com with the following:

If clarification is needed, a Sacramento Press staff member will follow up with you. When an error is submitted to us, a reply will be sent, verifying the number of points earned within 24 hours.

Submit errors as soon as you catch them! If an error has already been caught and a correction issued, points will not be given for the error.

Note: The Sacramento Press has the final say in all errors being submitted.

Prizes: Prizes will change every month, and we reserve the right to change a prize at any time without notifying contestants.

Good luck!

Editor's Note: The official contest rules have been revised. Beginning this month, contest winners cannot win two months in a row.

Think Big announces Citizen Architect finalists

2011-09-16T22:19:39Z

Designs for an outdoor amphitheater, an open-air plaza and a walk of fame were announced Tuesday as the top three contenders in the Think Big Sacramento Citizen Architect competition – a contest to design a portion of the planned entertainment sports complex.

The contest, which began in July, has been touted by the Think Big Sacramento committee as a way for the public to “leave its legacy” on the new complex, according to a press release.

Ideas submitted by Troy Bedal, a sporting goods store manager from Roseville, Shaun Baland, a state worker from Lincoln, and Gary Bladen, a recent UC Davis graduate working on sustainable development, were chosen as the top three out of more than 20 submissions.

Think Big Sacramento Project Manager Jeremiah Jackson said the design competition was intended to give members of the public – people who aren’t necessarily artists, architects or actual designers – a chance to put a personal stamp on the arena project.

“It’s all about concepts and ideas,” Jackson said. “We wanted (a design) that could really become an iconic symbol for community engagement.”

When the contest began, Mayor Kevin Johnson said, he hoped it would encourage someone from the public to create a “symbol of Sacramento and the surrounding region” and to build on the “grassroots support that has kept the Kings in Sacramento.”

A panel of celebrity judges, including local artist David Garibaldi and mixed martial artist Urijah Faber, narrowed down entries to the three finalists. The final winner will be selected by members of the public who vote in an online poll on the project’s website.

“To have a new project like this where the fans get to have a hand in it is just awesome,” Faber said Tuesday. “It’s great to give people an opportunity to be involved.”

Garibaldi congratulated the finalists on using a “creative process” to understand that developing their ideas was “more than just having an idea – it’s the inspiration behind it, too.”

According to a press release, entries were judged on feasibility and viability, design and creativity, and regional pride and sustainability.

Baland’s idea of a small outdoor amphitheater draws on inspiration from Cesar Chavez Park as a place for a variety of pre- and post-event activities.

“I envision a place for fans to gather, have a good time and have free entertainment and converse with each other before big events,” Baland said.

Bedal designed a walkway of bricks – a “walk of fame,” he called it – as a simple yet cost-effective idea.

The pathway would extend from the curb at the edge of the street to the front doors of the arena. Walls along the side of the pathway would showcase busts of local heroes and sports figures.

“Each brick will be personalized for everyone (who supported) the idea of a new arena,” Bedal said.

Bladen, a self-described “lifelong Kings fan,” submitted a plan for an environmentally friendly, open-air plaza. It would feature a terraced garden and lights powered by rooftop solar panels.

“It’s a celebration of what I think are the region’s main attributes: land, sun, water and a unique ecology,” Bladen said.

“People are our biggest commodity,” Think Big committee member Greg Hayes said Tuesday. “We want this arena to be about the people of this region.”

Hayes said online voting began Wednesday, and polls will remain open until the first week in November.

See the finalists’ designs and cast your vote HERE.

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

California Family Fitness’ Body Fit Challenge Offers People a Chance to Shed Pounds

2011-08-02T00:06:45Z

California Family Fitness (CFF) today announced that its’ next Body Fit Challenge (BFC) will begin Saturday, August 13, and interested individuals are encouraged to sign-up. The BFC is an eight-week long group training program, in which the participants are coached by a trainer through twice weekly group workout sessions, and educated on exercise habits, nutrition and lifestyle changes.

“The Body Fit Challenge has been a great success for our members since it first started three years ago,” said Randy Karr, president of California Family Fitness. “Throughout the duration of the BFC, participants have shed more than 33,000 pounds. We are very proud of the BFC, and are thrilled to be a part of such a life-changing program for so many people.”

At the end of the eight week program, prizes are awarded to the participants who lose the highest percentage of body weight at each CFF club, as well as the top male and female participants company-wide.

Two-time BFC winner David DeMoss says of the BFC, “The BFC is so worth the time and money if you want to lose a lot of weight or just tone up your body. Your trainer will set you in the right direction, and the positive input from your teammates will make for a great experience."

To find out more about California Family Fitness’ upcoming Body Fit Challenge, please click here. Both members and non-members are welcome to participate in this program.

Disclosure: Justin Dyke is a public relations professional representing California Family Fitness.

Cast a Patriotic Vote for our Trees

2011-06-28T15:46:08Z

Imagine this: You’re driving down the highway in a new Sacramento Tree Foundation Truck. It’s your first full day on the job, it’s raining, you’re slowing down to look for your exit when… bam! Another truck sideswipes you at 70 MPH. Suddenly you’re tumbling, tail over hood, down the embankment, until finally you come to a stop – miraculously right side up and without a scratch on you. The roll bar saved your life, but the trees, the truck, and yes, your first day are completely wrecked.

Know what’s even worse? You don’t have to imagine it. It happened. On one rainy day in April the Sacramento Tree Foundation lost a truck that we had hoped would help us move trees and large supplies to our plantings in parks, at schools, in neighborhoods, and at habitat restoration sites. We were lucky because our driver walked away without a scratch on him, but we were sad because losing the truck would slow down our efforts to plant 5 million trees in the Sacramento region.

Enter Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good initiative – our chance to win a truck so that we can do more good for our community.

So how do you know we’re “doing good”? Well, check us out. Go to www.sactree.com to view the 2-minute video we made to explain why we need a Toyota truck. If that doesn’t convince you then consider this: for 29 years the Sacramento Tree Foundation has been helping people throughout the Sacramento region plant, care and learn about trees. Elm, maple, sycamore, pine…look outside right now and chances are you will be looking out upon a forest of trees. Our region reaps the benefits of an urban forest rich with a canopy of 7 million trees. From air quality, to shade, to health and well being, trees define the Sacramento landscape and make our community a wonderful place to live.

Trees have also become a way for people to give back to their community. From September 2010 through June 2011, the Sacramento Tree Foundation saw over 4,000 volunteers show up at our planting events. These 4,000 volunteers put over 18,000 trees in the ground. That’s equivalent to $5.3 million in energy saving benefits to the community, $14.5 million in air quality improvements, and an $8.5 million increase in property values. And that’s just in one year! Imagine the benefit to the community if we all continue to plant trees for another 30 years.

Of course, in order to plant the trees, we have to move trees, and to move the trees we need a new truck. But to get that new truck we need your help.

And I know you want to help. Of the 500 contestants that are entered in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good initiative, four are from the Sacramento area: Freedom Bound Center; Disabled Sports USA Far West; the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Of the four, two have already won vehicles. Freedom Bound Center took home the prize on May 17, and Disabled Sports USA Far West, in Citrus Heights, was the May 22 winner. The Sacramento Tree Foundation is up for its vote on July 4, 2011, and votes for the American Red Cross can be cast on August 13.

So, to close this out, I just want you to imagine one more thing. This Independence day while you’re outside barbequing under the shade of a giant elm, biking under a line of oaks along the American River Parkway, or relaxing in hammock between two maple trees, think of the organization that wants to help put more trees in the ground. Think of the Sacramento Tree Foundation and remember that you can improve your community just by voting on July 4. Visit sactree.com to watch the video and sign up for a reminder to vote.

Disclosure: Anne Fenkner is a Greenprint regional coordinator for the Sacramento Tree Foundation

KVIE Community Video Project to Showcase Local People & Places

2011-04-01T20:59:05Z

KVIE Public Television is seeking video submissions for You on the Road, a community video companion project to its Rob on the Road series hosted by Rob Stewart. This project is an opportunity for anyone to use public television to share their stories about the people and places that inspire them, and capture what makes our region an exciting place to live and work. Through Rob on the Road and You on the Road stories, you can help others experience our region in a new and inspiring way!

From the submissions received, KVIE will select stories to be featured in a 30-minute special edition of Rob on the Road. The producers of the selected videos may also have the opportunity to be interviewed by Rob Stewart as part of a program series airing on KVIE beginning this summer. “This is a great way to celebrate the things people love about our region. I’m looking forward to seeing the wealth of talent this new KVIE citizen team has to offer,” says KVIE producer and Rob on the Road host Rob Stewart.

This is an open and on-going call. To be considered for the first broadcast, submissions must be received by June 1, 2011.

KVIE Public Television strives to be our region’s storyteller, and is one of the most prolific creators of local content within the public television family. Through on-air initiatives like the Rob on the Road series hosted by Rob Stewart, KVIE brings a fresh, new look at the people and places that make our community our home. Every week, Rob Stewart travels throughout KVIE’s 28-county viewing area, visiting the people and places that capture the spirit of what makes California great. These are the stories that matter and move you—the good news stories you always hope for in local news but rarely see.

For more information about the submission process and video submission specifications, along with Rob on the Road examples, visit www.kvie.org/robontheroad.

Sheryl Brown is the marketing communications manager at KVIE Public Television.

VIBE hosts Cake Craze Contest for local cake decorating artists and bakeries

2011-03-10T05:10:08Z

Saturday, VIBE organization will be organizing and hosting a cake-decorating contest where local bakeries will showcase their designs in Midtown for the Second Saturday Art Walk.

Cake Craze is a fundraiser and all proceeds will benefit the VIBE Foundation and the new teen center that is being built.

VIBE is a youth organization which was founded in 2007 and officially became a nonprofit organization about a year ago.

“The VIBE Youth Board was brainstorming ideas and came up with the Cake Craze contest,” said VIBE spokeswoman Mylesha Ramey.

Julia Hildago, chairwoman of VIBE, said this is the first time we’ve done an event like this and we’re very excited.

The youth organization is made up of a group of teens, including Hildago, who seek to emphasize youth leadership throughout the Sacramento community.

Several local bakeries and cake artists will be participating in the Cake Craze contest.

Participants include New Roma Bakery, Posh Couture Cakes, Crazy Cake Company, Olivia’s Custom Cakes, the Nugget Market on Florin, Cake Castle Bakery, That’s a Cake, and freelance cake artists Stacy Smith, Sierra Rizing and Rosalie Sarron.

The youth board will be judging the contest.

All contestants will be judged in four visual categories: best in presentation, most creative, most outrageous, and best depiction of theme.

“There are no guidelines or requirements,” Ramey said. “Each bakery must come up with their own cake and it has to relate to the theme Generation Y.”

The winner will be featured in The Sacramento Bee with a photo of the winning cake, said Christina Demoss, executive director of VIBE.

In addition to being promoted through the Bee, the winner and the other contestants will be promoting their businesses at the actual event.

“I plan to hand out some business cards and hopefully get more business,” said Rosalie Sarron a contestant of Cake Craze. Sarron is a freelance cake decorator who lives in Natomas.

“We’ll probably end up having at least 1,000 people coming to the event,” Demoss said.

VIBE leaders said they would like for all contestants to be creative and diverse in the presentation of their cake art.

“I am really excited about the theme because I am a part of Generation Y, and I love designing cakes, so I this will be a really good first experience,” Sarron, 25, said.

Hildago explained that all proceeds will be going to the VIBE Foundation and that the organization is currently in the process of opening a teen lounge in Midtown.

The Cake Craze contest will be from 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. at 1725 K St. In addition to the cake art contest, there will be vendors such as Starbucks and Vic’s Ice Cream.

All participants will be bringing their decorated cakes between 3:45 -4:30 p.m.

The cakes are only being used for decorating, not eating, but there will be live entertainment.

“For the entertainment, we have John King. He’s from San Francisco, and he plays the drums off of like trash cans and pans. It’s really interesting and very cool,” Hildago said.

Demoss encouraged anyone who is interested in attending this event to come and support the local bakeries and youth of Sacramento.

For more information, visit the VIBE Foundation website. www.thevibefoundation.org

Sac Press Journalism Open workshop Jan. 12

2011-01-10T20:23:34Z

The Sacramento Press Journalism Open is well underway and we're very pleased to see new bylines popping up on our site because of the contest.

The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 31, so make sure you've posted all of your entries and tagged them open2011 by that deadline.

First place wins $700, second place $500, and there are many other cash prizes, including prizes for best photos.

For those of you who have questions about the contest, we will host a workshop Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at our office. We will be happy to give advice and suggestions on how to develop your story ideas.

Our office is located at 431 I St., Suite 107, in the Amtrak station. We are in the same building complex as Starbucks.

We recommend you find parking on the street, bike or take light rail, as the Amtrak parking lot charges $1.50 per half hour, and we cannot cover the cost of parking. If you take light rail, we will give you two passes when you get here - one to cover your trip here and one to cover your trip back.

To RSVP, send an e-mail to workshops@sacramentopress.com.

For the complete rules of the contest, click here.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you at the workshop!

Sacramento Press Journalism Open returns in January 2011

2010-12-13T05:19:05Z

The first Sacramento Press Journalism Open was a success, and we’re ready to do it all over again! We will have some exciting prizes for our top submissions, and your stories could be chosen for our section pages or newsletter for thousands to read and enjoy.

Becoming a published writer is easier than you think, and we’re here to walk you through the process and get you committing acts of journalism.

I'm David Watts Barton, editor in chief of The Sacramento Press, our area's top hyper-local news website, where we focus on up-close, in-depth coverage of neighborhoods like yours. We aim to spread the traditional habits of good journalism – accuracy, fairness and a diversity of opinion – across the Web. We do it with a mix of professional and amateur writing from around the community.

We're hosting this contest because we want you to join us. The future of journalism may depend on you. Your ideas, your questions and the answers you find will increase the amount of good, local information you and your fellow citizens need to make informed decisions, whether it's about city government or where to go for entertainment. And once you've asked the questions you want answered, we want you to write for The Sacramento Press – because citizens like you are The Sacramento Press!

This contest is a pro-am, where writers of all skill levels and points of view – writers like you – are welcome to write about what interests you.

No story is too small for The Sacramento Press. Do you have a business you love, a community volunteer you admire, a trend that disturbs you, people who give you hope, city employees who drive you crazy? What don’t you understand about City Hall? What do people need to know about your neighborhood? What’s old and admirable? What’s changing?

Any of those questions could lead you to people you don’t know as well as you’d thought, or introduce you to people you didn’t know. And you can share that new-found knowledge with your fellow citizens.

That’s where The Sacramento Press comes in: In addition to providing the platform to publish, we also offer free copy editing and workshops on various aspects of journalism, from interview techniques to photography to ethics. We will do everything we can to help you create the best journalism you can.

And we have cash prizes!

For more on that and on how to enter your work in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open, read on!

To start writing, simply go to the top of this page and click the "Sign Up" button and follow the prompts. You will be asked for information and to sign off on our terms of use agreement. After you are signed up, click the "Write" button at the top of the page and start writing.

We suggest that you write your story in a separate writing application and then, when you've finished and had it copy edited, cut and paste it into our site.

To utilize our free copy editing, simply e-mail your story to journalism@sacramentopress.com, and we'll send the edited version back to you within 24 hours.

For specific questions, you can contact our customer service expert, Casey Kirk at casey@sacramentopress.com. She can help you along in the process.

Important: Every story you enter/post on the site must be tagged "Open2011" in the tag section. Just write those words in the space provided. You should also feel free to add tags to you story in the space provided, especially choosing one of our “section” tags – Culture, Business, Politics and Sports – depending on which one fits the story best.

Hit "Publish," and you have posted your first story on The Sacramento Press. You've also been entered in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

CATEGORIES & CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

Entries will be judged by our editorial staff, and that judgment will be subjective. But we will be using criteria for what we think good journalism is. Among those criteria are:

Accuracy: Facts, spelling and quotes should be correct. Double-check everything and use your computer’s spell check.
Writing style: Writing should be clear, concise and enjoyable.
Local focus: Stories should be set in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer or El Dorado counties.
Sourcing: Include a minimum of two living, breathing sources in your story. Quotes from people who know what you’re writing about will always enliven and improve your story. Aim to include different perspectives. Wikipedia, About.com, press releases and book or newspaper excerpts are not acceptable sources.
Impact: Your story will also be judged on how readers react in the conversation on The Sacramento Press, as well as how it is received in the real world.
Mostly though, we’ll judge entries based on how interesting they are, if they’re news or a new approach to an old story, how well-researched they are, the quality of the writing and the quotes.

Stories can be any length, but they must be original nonfiction about the Sacramento area.

Stories may not be re-posts from blogs or other publications, print or online.

Finally, we will give extra weight to high-quality photographs, either accompanying stories or standing on their own with explanatory captions.

RULES

To be eligible, stories must be posted on the site, by you (using your real name), between 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2011 and 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2011. We will be able to help you post either over the phone or in our office during our normal business hours (10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday).

You may enter as many different stories as you like, but please enter/post each story only once! Make sure to tag it "Open2011" in the tag section or it will not be counted as a submission. There is no charge to enter.

PRIZES

First Prize $700
Second Prize $500
Third Prize $200
Five $100 prizes
$350 in prizes awarded to best photos

Entries will be judged by The Sacramento Press editorial department. Decisions will be final. Limit one prize per applicant. Winners will be announced Feb. 14, 2011.

There will be a workshop from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 at The Sacramento Press office to answer your questions. Be careful that you're happy with what you've written; once it is published on the site, it cannot be modified.

You must live or work in one of our four home counties listed above, and be at least 18 years of age. High school students under the age of 18 can enter if they have a parental consent form.*

*Parental consent forms must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian of the minor entering an article. To arrange for this, please e-mail Casey Kirk, casey@sacramentopress.com.

Editorial Note: The rules have been changed to allow for people who work (not just who live) in one of the four counties we cover (Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer) to enter the contest.

The Big Lebowski Comes to Marilyn's on K

2010-10-04T01:40:48Z

The Dude abides. Twelve years after cult classic "The Big Lebowski" starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman hit theaters, fans are still celebrating the film’s unpredictable and sometimes confusing plot, startling brute violence and hysterical, expletive-riddled dialogue, prime for quoting. Marilyn’s on K Street hosted The Big Lebowski Fiesta Friday night for these fans, and the White Russians and robes were suitably flowing.

Marilyn’s deserves some party-throwing props. The costume contest brought all the favorite Big L characters to life: the White Russian won for best female costume, and The Jesus won the male competition. The cute female in the short furry white dress and high-heeled boots won the best-of title, but not without a dispute. Jesus supporters chanted his name as the skin-tight purple sweat-suited character raised his bowling ball in triumph and pumped his pelvis in time.

One of the major factors in the longevity of the film’s popularity is its distinctly eclectic, “Dude-like” soundtrack. After the 8 o’clock showing, local bands The Nuance and Walking Spanish (almost unrecognizably disguised as the movie band The Autobahns) entertained the audience with covers from the soundtrack, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan and The Eagles. Walking Spanish didn’t disappoint with their rendition of Kenny Rogers' psychedelic gem, “Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)." Just a short sound test immediately following the movie was all that was needed, and the Autobahns had the joint jumping.

I wasn’t able to stay for all of The Nuance’s set, but it was nice to see our friend Larry from Old Ironsides’ open mic in a new light, playing bass and singing backup. Musically, both groups were tight. Nuance had a wider variety of songs, but Walking Spanish had the verve and energy of a younger band, despite performing a style of music not normally on their set list. Front man Alex Nelson bookended his smooth, reedy vocals with quotes from the movie as if he had auditioned for every part. However, the drummer looked a little bored with his duties, while keyboardist Chris Haislet was having so much fun his head was whipping around like a sprung jack-in-the-box. Overall they’re fresh, imposing young performers that I definitely want to see again, sans the shirt-and-tie outfits and slicked back hair.

Real White Russians were a steal at $5.50 for a generous single, and $10 for a double. Wii bowling was set up for free play, and anyone who wasn’t sashaying around in a dirty robe and flip-flops was dancing or nailing virtual strikes. Tickets were $10 at the door.

Marilyn’s threw a party worthy of The Big Lebowski. But that’s, just, like, my opinion, man.

We've got a winner!

2010-08-05T19:03:10Z

The lucky winner of our Deal Ticket Sweepstakes is Lauren Edvalson!!!!!!

A little bit about the winner:

Lauren currently holds a position within The Sacramento Bee’s advertising department, where she specializes in developing multimedia advertising campaigns to drive sales and awareness for her clients in the arts and entertainment industry. Lauren also serves as vice president of corporate support for the AMASV (American Marketing Association, Sacramento Valley Chapter) fostering relationships with marketing executives in the Sacramento region. When Lauren is not working, she manages her own business as a stylist for the Stella & Dot jewelry.

Congratulations Lauren! By spreading the word about Deal Ticket, Lauren has won the ultimate local prize package:

-Brand-new Apple iPad with 3G
-Four greens fees for Ancil Hoffman Golf Course
-Family pass for four to The Sacramento Zoo
-$20 off to Red Lotus
-$100 towards A. Jaffe jewelry from Roger's Jewelry
-Sacramento Kings basketball signed by Jon Brockman
-Sacramento Kings limited edition poster

Because she put forth a valiant effort in spreading the word about Deal Ticket and accumulated an astounding 111 points, we’ve also named a runner-up in the Sweepstakes. Congratulations to Gina Beltran! Gina will be receiving a $50 gift card to her favorite local retailer and a $50 gift card to her favorite local restaurant.

If you haven't signed up yet to receive Daily Deal e-mails, all you have to do is go to the Deal Ticket home page and sign up by giving us your e-mail address.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Deal Ticket Sweepstakes!

Photo is of Lauren Edvalson

Wine and music with a Monkee

2010-08-04T18:24:20Z

It was a who's who of legendary rock n roll music on Monday night at Pearl on the River in Sacramento. Starship's Mickey Thomas and the legendary Mickey Dolenz from the Monkees graced Sacramento fans with a patio jam. Handfuls of fans crammed into the gorgeous eatery to sip on vino from various local wineries including Frank Family Vineyards, while listening to the nostalgic music of an era gone by. Dolenz is in town cutting a tribute album with songs from Carole King at Gigatone Records for the my record fantasy contest.

Save money and win big in Deal Ticket Sweepstakes

2010-07-22T19:48:35Z

We are excited to announce a special opportunity and want our users, as part of The Sacramento Press community, to be the first to take advantage.

How would you like to save 51-90 percent on Sacramento's top restaurants, salons and businesses every day? Well, now you can! We introduce to you: Deal Ticket.

It’s really easy to sign up and start saving. Every day, we feature a fantastic deal from a local business. That deal is featured for one day only. You click to buy the deal and save money by doing so. All you have to do is sign up for the daily Deal Ticket e-mail so you don’t miss out on deals you’ll love.

To give you an idea of what's in store, we have great deals at Tuli Bistro (60 percent off), Evan's Kitchen (58 percent off), Article (67 percent off) and the L Wine Lounge (55 percent off) - all lined up for just the first week! To get started on the savings, just visit the Deal Ticket website and enter your e-mail.

Plus, it gets even better. Starting this week, we're giving you multiple chances to win tons of prizes (including an Apple iPad) just for spreading the word about Deal Ticket. See the complete rules and details below.

If you sign up to receive daily Deal Ticket e-mails, you will have another chance to win big in a whole new sweepstakes starting next week. Keep an eye out for details here next week or, if you are a Sacramento Press user, you will get an e-mail with complete details.

Thank you for your continued support of not only us, but Sacramento's local businesses.

HOW TO ENTER THE DEAL TICKET SWEEPSTAKES

Now through Aug. 4, 2010, enter the Deal Ticket Sweepstakes and be entered into a drawing to win the ultimate local prize package:

-Brand-new Apple iPad with 3G
-Four greens fees for Ancil Hoffman Golf Course
-Family pass for four to the Sacramento Zoo
-$20 off to Red Lotus
-$100 towards A. Jaffe jewelry from Roger's Jewelry
-Sacramento Kings basketball signed by Jon Brockman
-Sacramento Kings limited edition poster

It's easy to be entered in the sweepstakes. All you have to do is spread the word, and you'll earn points the more you do. Each point gets your name put into the drawing, and here's how to earn them:

Worth 1 POINT each:

- Tweet about this contest or about Deal Ticket in your Twitter status
- Post about this contest or about Deal Ticket in your Facebook status.
- Become a fan of Deal Ticket on Facebook (see link at bottom) and comment.
- Sign up to be on our mailing list by clicking the "Sign Up" button in this e-mail
- Are you on Foursquare? For every place you are the “mayor" of, you get one point! Send us the list of places where you are the mayor.

Worth 3 POINTS each:

- Blog about this contest and/or about Deal Ticket.
- Send us a link to your favorite local restaurant, boutique, or any other business.
- Foursquare Mayors: share Deal Ticket with the venue where you are the mayor by telling them (we'll take your word that you actually did it!), posting the link to Deal Ticket on their Facebook page or Twitter.
-Post a 'Shout out' to your Foursquare friends about Deal Ticket.
-Joining the conversation on Deal Ticket's Facebook Discussion Forum, "What's your favorite spot to eat in Sacramento?" or "What's your favorite store?"

To show us your entries, e-mail us at contest@sacramentopress.com. Include your name and your total number of entries in the subject heading. In the body of your e-mail, type a list of everything you've completed, including the verifiable links. We will check all the links, so make sure they work!

Important things to keep in mind:

-If you do not send us an e-mail at contest@sacramentopress.com with your completed tasks, they will not be counted.

-You may repeat the same task, but only one of each task will be counted per day.

-The more points you earn, the more times your name will be entered in the sweepstakes.

-Please do not send multiple e-mails. Just send one e-mail with your total entries.

-Deadline for entries is Aug. 3 2010, at midnight

IMPORTANT: PLEASE SEE COMPLETE RULES HERE

Deal Ticket Facebook
Deal Ticket Twitter

Enter-To-Win: Caddie For Orlando Magic’s Matt Barnes

2010-07-20T05:11:21Z

This Saturday, July 24, Athletes vs Cancer (AVC) will hold the annual community event to support research, create awareness, provide screening opportunities and deliver subsequent support to cancer patients. Founded in 2009 by Matt Barnes in memory of his mother, the Foundation has expanded to recruit additional athletes and coaches touched by cancer. It’s primary focus in 2010 is to secure a mobile cancer screening van. The vehicle will visit low-income neighborhoods providing free cancer screenings, awareness and resources from AVC and its partner organizations.

This awareness-raising celebrity golf invitational takes place Saturday, July 24 at the lovely Woodcreek Golf Course in Roseville.

AVC has partnered with The Sacramento Press and Deal Ticket, a daily deal group buying site for the Sacramento region, to give one lucky person the chance to caddie for AVC host and former-Del Campo High School student Matt Barnes. The lucky winner will get one-on-one strategy time for 18 holes with the NBA star and much more.

This prize package includes:

4 VIP tickets and passes for friends or family (in addition to your entrance)
Parking Pass
Photo and autographs with Matt Barnes
Caddie Bib for the day
The once in a lifetime experience to caddie for a NBA player!

To enter, email and tell us why you should be Matt Barnes’ caddie.

Send entries to: contest@sacramentopress.com

All entries must be time stamped by 1:00 pm PST, Friday July 23, 2010. The Top 3 finalists will be chosen by myself and Casey Kirk at The Sacramento Press, then the final winner will be chosen by Matt Barnes himself. Please include your phone number.

Rules: Winner must arrive to Woodcreek by 9:30 AM on Sat 7/24/10. Winner must be 18 years or older. Prize cannot be transferred or sold. Winner must be in good physical health and able to be on the golf course and/or in the outside weather conditions for more than five hours. Winner must abide by golf etiquette. All entrants agree to receive a Deal Ticket via email. We will not share your email or information with any outside parties for any reason.

You can read all about the event, how to get involved in this cause, and more at http://athletesvscancer.org.

Here is a list of some of expected celebrity golfers:
Matt Barnes, Orlando Magic
Chris Webber, Retired NBA and TNT
Vince Carter, Orlando Magic
Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats
Urijah Faber, UFC
Nate Robinson, Boston Celtics
Brad Miller, Chicago Bulls
Jason Kapono, Philadelphia 76ers
Doug Christie, Retired NBA
Scot Pollard, Retired NBA
Earl Watson, Indiana Pacers
George Hill, San Antonio Spurs
Toby Bailey, NY Knicks
Alvin Gentry, Head Coach Phoenix Suns
J.A. Adande, ESPN
Greg Vaughn, Retired MLB
Jason Williams, Orlando Magic
Leon Powe, Cleveland Cavaliers
Maurice Evans, Atlanta Hawks
Corey Dillion, NFL
Adrian Ross, Retired NFL
Bo Outlaw, Retired NBA
Grant Napear, KHTK
Brian Gates, Assistant Coach, New Orleans Hornets
Edna Campbell, WNBA
Henry Turner, Retired NBA
Tim Roye, Warriors Broadcast Announcer

Athletes fly high outside Galleria Mall

2010-05-10T03:55:39Z

The Journeys Backyard BBQ Tour rolled into Roseville Saturday to amaze hundreds of action sports fans for its only California stop during the 2010 tour.

Fans from all over Northern California flooded the south parking lot of the Galleria Mall in Roseville for the opportunity to watch their favorite extreme sports athletes. The event brought Sacramento a rare opportunity to watch stars participate in freestyle motocross, skateboarding and BMX demos on a 60,000-square-foot playground of ramps.

The event featured stars Rob Dyrdek, Danny Way, Dave Mirra and riders from the Metal Mulisha freestyle motocross team.

While the athletes were not putting on a show, live bands entertained the crowd on a 36-foot stage that presented a “Battle of the Bands” contest. Along with the athletes and bands putting on a show for the fans, the event offered many tents set up by sponsors to offer free swag for the fans.

One fan, Beau Riddles, drove down to the event from Plumas Lake in order to watch the Metal Mulisha perform high-flying tricks.

“Came down here to see the Metal Mulisha,” the 21-year-old Riddles said. “They're crazy, dog. Anybody can jump on a bicycle. You fall down, its not that bad. If you're flying through the air 30 feet up [on a motorcycle], and you fall, you're gonna break something.”

Many others saw the event as an opportunity to bring their kids out and enjoy the warm spring weather while they watched the show.

“I just wanted to bring my son to see Rob Dyrdek and Dave Mirra,” said Brandon Glasgow, who brought his son Cordell from Lincoln to watch his favorite stars.

Cordell said he wanted to come to the event to see Rob Dyrdek mostly, since he himself skateboards about three hours a day.

With music blaring and action sports athletes performing ridiculous tricks, the event produced quite the atmosphere for both the fans and the athletes in attendance.

“The atmosphere is awesome," said professional BMX rider and DC team member Chris Doyle. "Everyone's been really friendly, and it's been pretty cool.”

For DC team member and amateur skater Wes Kremer, the atmosphere was like nothing he had ever experienced.

“You know, this is honestly what I'm not used to. This is probably the most hectic skate event I've participated in. I'm just used to free skating with the homies and having a mellow day,” Kremer said. “It's not my usual environment. At the same time, it's good for the people, and everyone's hyped as long as the people love it. If everyone's having fun, it's all good.”

As an amateur skater from Carmel Valley on the DC skate team, Kremer knows what it takes for someone to make it in the industry.

“Skate at your own pace. Have fun," he said. "Don't do what anyone else thinks, don't even care about anything else. Do what makes you happy and have fun doing it."

The Journeys Backyard BBQ Tour has four more stops scheduled, including Dallas, Cleveland and Boston before ending in Nashville.

Picture 1: BMX rider performs a backflip for the crowd

Picture 2: Young gun Chaz Ortiz rides the mini-ramp

Picture 3: Rob Dyrdek of MTV's "Rob & Big" watches Chaz Ortiz ride the mini-ramp

Picture 4: Rob Dyrdek skates the mini-ramp

Picture 5: Chaz Ortiz hits the rail down the stairs

Picture 6: Rider from Metal Mulisha shows off his tricks

Picture 7: Riders from the Metal Mulisha fly high above the crowd

Picture 8: The stage that presented the "Battle of the Bands" contest

Picture 9: BMX Rider drops into the mini-ramp

United Football League invites Sacramento sports fans to suggest their favorite name for the city's UFL team

2010-03-18T19:18:26Z

The United Football League is inviting sports fans in Sacramento to suggest their favorite name for the new professional football team that will play in the state capital when the 2010 UFL season kicks off.

Suggestions for team names began pouring into the mailbox of UFL-Football.com following the announcement on March 3 that the Sacramento UFL team will play five home games at Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State this fall.

Fans will also have the opportunity to potentially win some great ‘Ultimate Fan Experience’ prizes of four suite passes, and four on-field pre-game passes for a home game, an opportunity to meet head coach Dennis Green on the field during pre-game and PA recognition during the game.

Three entrants will be selected at random from among all eligible entries received to win the ultimate fan experience and be designated ‘UFL Foundation Fans’. Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on March 17, 2010. Full details and competition rules can be found at UFL-Football.com.

“We want to empower the fans of this new Sacramento United Football League team to give us their thoughts on the name that they feel has a strong local connection and that they will be proud to chant from the stands at Hornet Stadium,” said UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue.

The UFL-Football.com website is now hosting ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your Name – You Make The Call’, inviting football fans to start voting for their preferred choice of team names from a shortlist of six options or to suggest a different team name:

• Sacramento Condors
• Sacramento Miners
• Sacramento Pioneers
• Sacramento Redwoods
• Sacramento Senators
• Sacramento Sting

The Sacramento team will be led by head coach Dennis Green, who in his first United Football League season led the California Redwoods to a 2-4 record and his running back Cory Ross led the league in rushing with 462 yards. As a head coach in the NFL, Green compiled a regular season record of 113–94 with the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.

About The UFL: The UFL was developed to fulfill the needs of football fans in major markets currently under served by professional football by providing a high quality traditional football league comprised of world class professional football players. The UFL will serve the communities with pride, dedication and passion, and uphold a leadership role in the development of football worldwide. The UFL will provide every fan with an affordable, accessible, exciting and entertaining game experience. The United Football League debuted in October 2009 with four teams in Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and San Francisco for its “Premiere” season. The UFL offices are in New York, N.Y. and Jacksonville, Fla. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue and is being funded by a consortium of private investors. For more information on the UFL and how to purchase tickets for the 2010 UFL season, please visit www.ufl-football.com.

Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announces the Spring 2010 Fight the Bite Contest!

2010-02-25T20:55:51Z

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces the Spring 2010 Fight the Bite "Design a Calendar Page" Contest for students in grades K-12!

To further educate and inform our community about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, the District is hosting a contest encouraging students to create a calendar page that urges you to practice any or all of the D's of Mosquito Prevention.

All students have to do is draw a picture showing us how they FIGHT the BITE and keep safe from mosquitoes using one or more of the District D’s: DRAIN standing water around your home, avoid outdoors during DAWN and DUSK because these are times of peak mosquito activity, DRESS in long sleeves and pants, DEFEND yourself with insect repellent, close the DOORS and window screens should be in good working condition, DISTRICT personnel is available to help.

Entries are divided into three grade categories: K-3, 4-8, and 9-12 and are judged on creativity, originality, and effectively communicating one or more of the District D's. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place in each category. First place will win $150, second place will win $75 and third place will win $50. Since we know all schools are struggling with budget cuts, this year the District will also be awarding a prize for the classrooms of the winning students. First prize for the classrooms is $450 to be used on educational materials and supplies! Fliers are being distributed through the schools or can be downloaded at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net

Who is eligible to enter? Students is grades K-12 who reside within Sacramento and Yolo Counties.

Where should entries be submitted? Mail or deliver entries to Fight the Bite Contest, Sac-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District, 8631 Bond Rd., Elk Grove, California 95624 or our Yolo county office at 1234 Fortna Ave, Woodland, Ca. 95776.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 3:00pm.

To download an entry form and view winners of previous contests to get ideas of what to submit, visit http://www.fightthebite.net/school-program and go to the contest section.

All eligible children and schools are encouraged to enter the contest!

If you have any questions, please contact the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District at 1-800-429-1022.

Thank you for your support!

3 Winning Strategies for Sacramento Area Small Businesses

2009-11-21T23:54:04Z

The Wall Street Journal featured a story recently that held some tremendous promise for Sacramento Area small businesses. The article titled “Three Best Ways to Win Community Support” outlines the some opportunities that small businesses can create or take advantage of. I think these are particularly ripe for those businesses around the Sacramento community.

First off, a recent trend in small business marketing has been to develop community around your products and services. Community is where loyalty comes from. It is why we have newsletters, a social networking presence, and why we all wish there was a bar where everybody knew our name. These tips will help you further to engage your customer outside the confines of your primary place of business.

The articles first recommendation was to hold a contest or event with local flair. Being a New York paper they pointed to the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. Sacramento has an active community. This week my wife has our family signed up to participate in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is sponsored by numerous local and nationally franchised businesses and is a fundraiser for the Sacramento Food Bank. This is a great example of participating in events with local flair. My favorite new pizza spot in Sacramento is Hot Italian. As a fan on Facebook and recipient of their weekly emails I know that they participate in a lunch hour concerts held in the Freemont Park across the street. Another example may be a Second Saturday event. Monthly these events are hosted all over Sacramento with particular fervor in the Midtown area as well as some Suburban locations like the Fair Oaks Village. People who attend these events often are a good source of repeat business.

The second recommendation: Team up with other local businesses, especially those with complementary products. Every business is looking for that perfect partner. We often forget how teamwork works. One customer of mine is a local Max Muscle. The owner selected a site two doors down from a sports footwear store and shares the shopping center with a soccer supply store. Shortly after moving in the footwear store began to sell sports supplements. Now instead of stores working together to build a successful shopping center they are taking an isolationist approach. Why not offer complimentary products from other local businesses in your store. When local businesses win, we all win. A common mistake of marketing is also that it is done in sort of a self congratulatory manner. Working in community helps us to avoid this pitfall. It turns out that customers listen far more when we begin to talk about others. Find some complimentary businesses to partner with. Generate some conversation about each other. Begin a movement together! And that brings us to recommendation number three.

Join or start a grassroots business alliance. The Midtown Grid is a fantastic example of a business alliance in Sacramento. With a dedicated website at MidtownGrid.com these business has joined together in a variety of campaigns for mutual beneficial causes. One in particular is the Green The Grid initiative. When businesses set aside their own well being and put the community first they will experience the same in return.

I believe that most people want to shop local. Given the option of supporting a local business or not, I think there is a strong desire to participate in supporting a local economy. Show your community that your feel the same. Be a business that contributes to the community and see if the community does not give right on back. So host some parties, build some partnerships, and participate in a movement.

I am sure I have missed some well behaving local examples. What Sacramento Area business have you seen using these principles to better the community and grow their businesses? Please, include a link.

Justin "XT8PLNR" Kennedy Wins

2009-11-02T06:00:06Z

In a competition to see who had the best community questions for the Sacramento Kings, Sacramento Press community contributors posted questions they would ask the Kings to the site in hopes of getting the most thumbs ups. Writers battled it out in the Conversation section with questions aimed at the new team, the new coach, the General Manager and even past players. The community cast their vote for the best budding sports writer by clicking the thumbs up icon on their questions. The five writers with the most thumbs ups were forwarded to the Sacramento Press Editor-In-Chief Geoff Samek to seal the fate on the final winner.

After reviewing the bunch, Justin Kennedy (username XT8PLNR) was selected as the lucky winner. Justin is excited and will be hosting 3 of his friends at the coveted sold-out opening night. Then, he will be representing all the entrants at an exclusive after-practice interview where he will get to ask these very questions to the Sacramento Kings team and staff.

Congratulations Justin and a special thanks to everyone for participating. Look for Justin's story on Sacramento Press and Kings.com soon.

Kings Writing Contest - Win Opening Night Prize Package & Exclusive Access

2009-10-28T05:29:15Z

Full Court Sacramento Press with the Kings - Win A Kings Opening Night Package

Our Paint The Town Purple writing contest was a success and the winners enjoyed their prize packages. Now we bring you a new way to get your writing and photography closer to the largest sports franchise in Sacramento and get rewarded big time in the process.

Would you like to have...

free tickets for you and three of your best friends to the Kings home opener at Arco Arena on Monday, November 2?
a new digital camera?
access to cruise around Arco Arena opening night with your new digital camera snapping photos that will be published on Sacramento Press and Kings.com?
exclusive access to interview the Kings players post practice a week later?
your exclusive interview published on Sacramento Press and Kings.com.

Join us in an exclusive contest where one lucky winner will get the entire prize VIP package above!

Here’s how you can win:

In the Conversation section below, post the question or questions you would ask the Kings if given the chance to do an in-person interview.

How we will pick the winner:

First, the community gets to help decide. In our Conversation section, people can give your comment thumbs up or down. The top five users with the most thumbs ups will be chosen. Then one of our Editors will pick the grand prize winner.

The official rules can be found by clicking HERE.

If you post only one question, you are entered, but there is no limit to the number of questions you can post. Good luck, and we’ll see one of you and your friends on opening night at Arco Arena!

Kings Writing Contest Official Rules - Win 4 Tix To Opening Night and More!

2009-10-28T05:22:35Z

“Full Court Sacramento Press with the Kings”
OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES
The Sweepstakes begins on October 27 and closes on November 1, 2009. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes full and unconditional agreement and acceptance of these Sweepstakes Rules, which are final on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

(1) How to Enter: No purchase necessary.  Entrants can go to SacramentoPress.com, comment on any King’s related article and they will be automatically entered into the contest. Comments MUST coincide with a King’s related article or it will not qualify for the promotion/winnings. Please include the question you would ask any Kings player or staff member in your comment. The online Sweepstakes will begin on October 27 and closes on November 1, 2009 at 11:59 am. The Sacramento Press, The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, the National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc. (a.k.a. Sponsors), and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, franchisees, licenses, directors, owners, employees and agents, assumes no responsibility for entries they are unable to process due to network, hardware or other technical failures, or for incomplete, damaged, misdirected, illegible or lost entries. Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, operation of the website or otherwise in violation of the rules and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or modify this sweepstakes if not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, technical corruption, non-authorized human intervention or force majeure. The use of automated entry devices or any other conduct that impedes the integrity of the sweepstakes is prohibited. Entrants can enter as often as they wish by commenting on various stories.

(2) Who Can Play: Sweepstakes is open to residents of California living within seventy-five (75) miles of ARCO Arena, except employees and immediate families (siblings and children) of The Sacramento Press, The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, The National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc., and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, franchisees, licenses, directors, owners, employees and agents.

(3) Grand Prize: One (1) winner will be selected in a subjective selection process from all of the “King’s questions” during the contest period to determine the winner. The winner will be chosen for the prize by Staff Members of The Sacramento Press from all eligible entries based on entries with the most “thumbs ups”. The winner will be notified on November 1, 2009 by 4 p.m. In the event the winner cannot be contacted or declines the prize, an alternate winner will be selected. “THE FULL COURT SACRAMENTO PRESS WITH THE KINGS” includes an opportunity for the winner and three guest to attend the Kings Opening Night game on October 23rd. The winner (1 person) will have the opportunity to spend the evening at ARCO Arena for Opening Night of The Kings and get access to interview the Kings team after a practice! Prize package will include a digital camera to take photos throughout the game and a total of four (4) tickets to enjoy opening night with the Kings. The photos you take will be downloaded to a SacPress laptop that will be online and posted as a photo collage live throughout the game, credited to the winner. During the week of 11/9/09, you’ll be invited back to interview Kings players after practice and pose the question(s) which will become a feature story on both sites. Total sweepstakes prize value is approximately $1300.

(4) Winners are solely responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes unless otherwise indicated. No substitution, cash equivalent or transfer of prize permitted except at the team’s option for a prize of comparable or greater value.
(5) Chances of winning are dependent on number of correct entries received prior to the end of the sweepstakes.
(6) The winning team’s name can be obtained after November 2, 2009, by writing to: ”Full Court Sacramento Press with the Kings” ARCO Arena, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95834: Attention: HEATHER VAUGHAN
(7) Liability Agreement: By entering, entrant agrees to follow the Official Rules and hold harmless and indemnify The Sacramento Press, Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, and/or the National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc., and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against any and all liability, damages or causes of action (however named or described), with respect to or arising out of either (i) entrant’s participation; or (ii) the receipt or use of the prizes awarded in the sweepstakes.
(8) In consideration for being awarded a prize, winner hereby agrees and consents, without further authorization, compensation or remuneration of any kind, to the use of winner’s name and/or likeness in any and all advertising, promotions and other publicity conducted by The Sacramento Press, The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, and/or the National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc., and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, except were prohibited by law.
(9) Sweepstakes void where prohibited.  Before being awarded a prize, potential winners must sign a Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, standard form of Declaration, Release and Waiver Form, releasing the Released Parties from any and all liability arising from, among other things: (i) participation in the Sweepstakes; and (ii) acceptance of the prizes awarded therein; and (iii) the administration of the Sweepstakes and distribution of the prizes awarded therein.
(10) Liability Agreement: By entering, entrant agrees to follow the Official Rules and hold harmless and indemnify Sponsors, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against any and all liability, damages or causes of action (however named or described), with respect to or arising out of either (i) entrant’s participation; or (ii) the receipt or use of the prizes awarded in the promotion.
By entering the Sweepstakes, each winner grants to Sponsors the right to the use of his or her name, likeness or photograph without compensation in any publicity or for promotional purposes carried out by the above parties. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or otherwise.
Sponsors, reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value and/or to terminate, modify or withdraw this Sweepstakes, in whole or in part (including altering the manner in which the prizes are distributed), at any time, without prior notice for any reason including, but not limited to, the delay or cancellation of the event for which the Grand Prize is awarded, or, if viruses, bugs, tampering or other causes beyond the Sponsors, control affect the administration, security, fairness or proper play or conduct of the Sweepstakes. In the event a substitute prize is awarded, such prize must be accepted as awarded and cannot be exchanged for cash or otherwise. Further, Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any person and void any entries of that person who it believes has tampered with the entry process or any other component of the Sweepstakes, whose conduct or action affects the administration, security or fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, or who fails to meet or abide by the Sweepstakes Rules and conditions.
The Sacramento Press and The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, does not assume any responsibility for tampering, theft, defects, viruses, human errors including negligence, deletions, technical or telephone, computer line, network, server, access providers, computer equipment or software problems, undeliverable messages, computer errors, lost, misdirected, late or incomplete entries or inaccurate capture of information or any online difficulties that may result in damage or malfunction the computer or the failure of Sponsors to process any entry and otherwise award any prize. Nor is responsibility assumed for printing errors appearing in these rules or related Sweepstakes materials. In addition, Sponsors, will not assume any responsibility of any nature whatsoever in all cases where their inability to hold the Sweepstakes or to remit the prizes to the winners results from a cause beyond their control, including Acts of God, weather conditions, strike, lock-out or other labor dispute. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this Sweepstakes is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should an attempt be made, Sponsors, reserve the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution.

Winners Of Paint The Town Purple

2009-10-14T00:49:48Z

Pre-season purple has been painted all over town and all over this site. All the people that joined the Sacramento Kings conversation were entered to win one of five prize packages courtesy of Sacramento Press and the good folks at Maloof Sports and Entertainment. Here’s how we chose the winners.
We had our man genius technology guru Joel “let’s get some Chinese food” Rosenberg run a report of every single participator. Then, we assigned each entry random numbers. We asked a group of 25 people to pick a number within that range, printed those 25, placed them in a bag, and had Melissa Broughton, the SacPress accounting wizard, use her unbiased hand to draw the lucky 5, including the Grand Prize winner.
But before we announce the winners and prizes, here are some of our favorite comments.

“I have a great feeling about this year! I have been a fan since I was a youngster and, to be able to have an opportunity to meet players, take a VIP tour and see the game from the court...makes me blush...kind of a PURPLE hue.”

“Westphal and Hawes have put their heads together and re-defined the meaning of team leadership - Let's go for it boys!!”

“I BLEED PURPLE”

“After last season there was nowhere to go but up and I think they've got a real nice core of young guys who are going to build on. Give it a couple years and the Kings will be better than that other team in CA that wears purple!”

“Brockness Monster vs Joey Chesnut, pancake eat off. Who you got?”

“I can't wait for the season to start so I can see the man child Tyreke Evans represent the PURPLE and Black.”

“...who purpled?”

“Every time I pass a particular Raley's I remember the time I met Hedo there back when I was in high school. May have been more than just a girlish crush... ;)”

And the winners are....

GRAND PRIZE: dgoodz24
Winner gets two tickets to a game, will have the opportunity to sit on Kings Press Row throughout the game. In addition, they will receive a tour of the arena and (4) personalized Kings jerseys. Total prize value is approximately $1500.

RUNNER UP’S:
Melissa Warren
mysacramentodotme
keithknapp
charla18

These four lucky individuals each receive a pair of good lower bowl seats to a game, a $25 food & beverage card and a dance team meet & greet.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone that participated. A special thanks to Tina Armour, Greg Majewski, Suzanne Hurt, Rhowen Raju, Jason Thompson, Jon Brockman and Martin McNeal for writing full articles.

Go Kings!

Kick It With The Kings Starters, Write and Win

2009-10-09T05:57:44Z

From now through all of Saturday, our community and beloved readers of Sacramento Press can get involved with a very cool event called Paint The Town Purple. Through a collaboration with Maloof Sports and Entertainment and Sacramento Press, we've come up with a fun promotion that involves the core of this site: YOU!

Friday and Saturday, you can kick it with The Kings! I'm not talking about hanging with the guy who stocks towels, I'm talkin' about starters and stars. The real deal NBA ballers right in the streets of Sacramento. You can see the schedule HERE. So get out there, meet the players, take your kids, get some pictures, ask them the hard questions.

Then, join the conversation on Sacramento Press.

Make Comments on any Kings related story
Write your own Kings related story
Use tags like "kings" or "purple" in your story or comments
Post your photos from painting the town purple, you with Spencer or Francisco, or just you Kingsin' it up

Once you do, you can WIN!

The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to sit on Kings Press Row throughout a game, right in front! In addition, they will receive a tour of the arena and (4) personalized Kings jerseys. That's YOUR NAME on a Kings jersey. That is killer!!!!!
Four other people will be drawn and win Sacramento Press Purple Packages that includes 2 tickets to the October 23 Pre-Season game and a behind the scenes tour with a meet & greet w/ members of the dance team and the mascot Slamson. (No stalking allowed)
Check out the full rules HERE.

We're all big fans of basketball season and the Kings, and it's great having one of the 30 NBA teams right here in Sacramento. I'm glad Maloof Sports is getting them out in the community and am really excited they're working with Sacramento Press. And mostly, really glad you, our readers, are getting involved and telling us and them what you think, how you feel, and what you suggest for the coming years. Thanks for being a part of this, and good luck on winning! (If you do, can I go as your guest?)

So far, Christo, LEgokings1007, SaraHanson, kelly, Paul Dickey, kristinakaye, RichardM, Kat Haro, John Justo, sscot0420, and MonarchMVP are entered to win. Are you going to let them walk with the prizes? Join the conversation!

Kings players fan out to "Paint the town purple"

2009-10-07T01:16:01Z

This weekend, the Sacramento Kings and the Sacramento Press will "paint the town purple" - and give citizen journalists the opportunity to talk to the players and preview the upcoming season themselves.

The Kings will be fanning out across the Sacramento area and making personal appearances to stir up excitement for a new season with a new coach.

On Friday, Tyreke Evans, Beno Udrih, Sergio Rodriguez and Kevin Martin will be among the players appearing everywhere from the Wells Fargo Bank on Capitol Mall to ARCO Arena, before the Star Wars in Concert event that same night.

On Saturday, Omri Casspi, Francisco Garcia, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes will be among the players appearing at another four venues, including Old Sacramento in the afternoon and in Midtown for Second Saturday.

At the events, the players will be talking with fans and will take time to be interviewed by citizen journalists - who could be you. But you need to arrange this before the event. If you're interested in talking with one of the Kings, please contact us by the end of the work day on Thursday and we'll see about helping you arrange that. Reach us at journalism@sacramentopress.com, and put "Kings" in the subject line.

Below are the times, venues and players on the Kings' "paint the town purple" schedule.

Sacramento Press readers also have a chance to win a seat in the Kings' Press Row during a pre-season game on Oct. 23. The winner will also get to invite three friends to sit in the stands during the Oct. 23 game. To enter the contest, the winner of which will be determined by a random drawing, just comment on any Kings-related story on Sacramento press and add the word "PURPLE" in the comment field between now and Oct. 12 at midnight. Winners will be notified on Oct. 13 by 10 a.m.

Winners will also receive four personalized Kings jerseys and a tour of ARCO Arena.

FRIDAY, Oct. 9

Location 1: Wells Fargo
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Players: Tyreke Evans, Lanny Smith
Address: 400 Capitol Mall, Sacramento

Location 2: Raley’s
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Players: Beno Udrih, Kenny Thomas
Address: 8870 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks

Location 3: Star Wars In Concert
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Players: Sergio Rodriguez, Melvin Ely
Location: ARCO Arena

Location 4: Casa Roble vs. Folsom Varsity Football Game
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Players: Kevin Martin, Sean May
Address: 9151 Oak Ave., Orangevale, 95662

SATURDAY, Oct. 10

Location 1: Arden Fair Mall/Carl’s Jr. (in the food court)
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Players: Francisco Garcia, Andres Nocioni

Location 2: Old Sacramento
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Players: Omri Casspi, Donte’ Greene

Location 3: 2nd Saturday - Midtown
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Players: Spencer Hawes, Jon Brockman
Address: 2206 K Street, Sacramento

Location 4: 2nd Saturday - Midtown
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Players: Jason Thompson, Desmond Mason
Address: 2206 K Street, Sacramento

The Sacramento Press Journalism Open starts today!

2009-10-01T04:40:22Z

How many times have you read a newspaper article and said, "I could have written that"?

Well, now you can. For nearly a year, you have been able to do that on The Sacramento Press, where everyone can try his or her hand at writing a news story, and be published instantly, on the Web. That will continue to be the case, as the Press grows its audience and a small army of community contributors that now numbers more than 500 people.

But for the month of October, The Sacramento Press is sweetening the pot: Not only can you write stories, have them copy-edited and posted on our site. Now you can win, and win big: The Sacramento Press Journalism Open is offering prizes of as much as $500 for telling the stories that only you can tell.

From midnight Thursday, October 1 to the end of the month, The Sacramento Press Journalism Open welcomes writers, professional and amateur alike, to compete for cash and prizes. No story is too small, no subject too obscure. But more than that, we want you to try your hand at making a mark on your community by telling the stories that you know and no one else does, about events, people, businesses, cultural curios and...well, anything you want!

We want to see Sacramento through your eyes, your words, your pictures. And so do thousands of your fellow Sacramentans, who read the Sacramento Press every day.

There's much more to say about the contest. Please visit the Sacramento Press Journalism Open landing page and find out more about this month-long event and how you can enter. It is as easy as a blog post, as free as the air we share, and as challenging as you want it to be. Tell us about your community and the people in it, and gain an audience of thousands who you never thought you could reach - with your very first post.

We're waiting to read your stories.

Commit your acts of journalism now!

Welcome to The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

2009-09-16T00:14:43Z

We're so glad you're interested in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open! Not only can you win some great prizes, you can also have an effect on your community and gain some skills in the bargain! Contributing to our site is quick and easy - we can show you everything you need to know to take the act of making journalism into your own hands!

I'm David Watts Barton, the managing editor of The Sacramento Press, our area's top hyper-local, citizen-written news website, where we focus on up-close, in-depth coverage of neighborhoods like yours. We aim to spread the traditional habits of good journalism - accuracy, fairness and a diversity of opinion - across the Web. We do it with a mix of professional and amateur writing from around the community.

We're hosting this contest because we want you to join us! The future of journalism may depend on you: Your ideas, your questions, and the answers you find will increase the amount of good, local information you and your fellow citizens need to make informed decisions, whether it's about city government or where to go for entertainment. And once you've asked the questions you want answered, we want you to write for The Sacramento Press - because citizens like you are The Sacramento Press!

This contest is a pro-am, where writers of all skill levels and points of view are welcome to write about what you know and about what interests you.

We urge you to think small: The blighted vacant lot on your street, the business person you patronize, the leader you admire, the trend you abhor, the community group you support, the artist living above you, the band rehearsing next door. What don't you understand about your neighborhood? What's great about it? What's changing? These questions will lead you to more questions, questions will lead you to people you don't know, and people will lead you to stories that need to be told.

We're here to help: In addition to providing the platform to publish, we also offer copy editing and workshops on various aspects of journalism, from interview techniques to the use of social media. We will do everything we can to help you create the best journalism you can!

And don't forget the prizes! For more on that and on how to enter your work in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open, read on!

Join us in the first Sacramento Press Journalism Open. And remember, we are here to help you commit the best acts of journalism you can! Contact us at The Sacramento Press: To utilize our free copy editing, simply e-mail your story to journalism@sacramentopress.com and we'll send the edited version back to you. Colleen Belcher, journalism support manager, is at colleen@sacramentopress.com. Managing editor David Watts Barton is at david@sacramentopress.com.

Prizes

Journalism as a profession has taken its lumps lately, but there's still money to be made, especially if you win one of the many prizes offered in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

Our Grand Prize winner will enjoy a weekend for two at The Village at Squaw Valley and a meal for two at world famous PlumpJack restaurant. We'll even throw in $50 for gas money!

Our contest's first-place winner will get $500 and an original portrait of themselves by Wall Street Journal sketch artist Noli Novak; second place receives $250 and third through fifth places, $100.

All winners, including the 10 additional winners in the more specific categories below, will win a Sacramento Press journalism kit that includes an Olympus digital recorder, a bio-degradable pen, a reporter's notebook and a stylish Sacramento Press T-shirt.

Winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

How to Enter

Simply go to the top of this page and click the "Sign Up" button and follow the prompts. You will be asked for information and to sign off on our terms of use agreement. After you are signed up, click the "Write" button at the top of the page and start writing!

We suggest that you write your story in a separate writing application and then, when you've finished and had it copy edited, cut and paste it into our site.

We encourage you to take advantage of our free copy editing before you post your article. To get your story copy edited, e-mail it to journalism@sacramentopress.com.

Important: Every story you enter/post on the site must be tagged "Open2009" in the tag section. Just write those words in the space provided.

Hit "Publish" and you have posted your first story on The Sacramento Press. You've also been entered in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

Categories & Criteria for Judging

Entries will be judged by our editorial staff, and that judgment will be subjective. But we will be using criteria for what we think good journalism is. Among those criteria are:

Accuracy: Facts, spelling and quotes should be correct. Double-check everything and use your computer’s spell check.
Writing style: Writing should be clear, concise and enjoyable.
Local focus: Stories should be set in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer or El Dorado counties.
Sourcing: Include a minimum of two living, breathing sources in your story. Aim to include different perspectives. Wikipedia, about.com, press releases and book or newspaper excerpts are not acceptable sources.
Impact: Your story will also be judged on how readers react in the conversation on The Sacramento Press, as well as how it is received in the real world.

Stories can be any length, but they must be original non-fiction about the Sacramento area.

Stories may not be re-posts from blogs or other publications, print or online.

Ten additional prizes will be awarded to stories that succeed in various areas, as judged by our staff of professional journalists:

Best lede (opening paragraph)
Most original story idea
Best-researched article
Best "get" (unusual story or difficult-to-get interview)
Most widely read story
Most community interaction (in conversation section)
Best headline
Best quote
Best use of the Storyline feature
Best accompanying photos

All entries will be eligible for all these categories, as well as the top prizes.

Rules

To be eligible, stories must be posted on the site, by you, between 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2009 and 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2009. We will help you post from Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 at 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. until Friday, Oct. 30, 2009; you may come to our office during weekday business hours (M-F, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to post on our computers. You may enter as many different stories as you like, but please enter/post each story only once! Make sure to tag it "Open2009" in the tag section or it will not be counted as a submission. There is no charge to enter. We will shred and recycle any entries that come in on dead trees - we're an online newspaper! Again, you must post the story yourself.

Entries will be judged by The Sacramento Press' editorial department. Decisions will be final.

We want you to win! We offer copy editing and advice on reporting. There will be a workshop on Oct. 13 to help answer your questions. Be careful that you're happy with what you've written; once it is published on the site, it cannot be modified.

You must live in one of our four home counties, and be at least 18 years of age.

Pizza eating contest celebrates second anniversary of Luigi's Slice

2009-08-24T05:17:13Z

Luigi's Slice, 20th Street's Brooklynesque pizza joint, celebrated its second anniversary by borrowing from a New York tradition - the eating contest.

"It was the Fourth of July, and we were watching Joey Chestnut win the Coney Island hot dog-eating contest," Linda Brida, event organizer and wife of owner Greg Brida, explained. "Greg and I talked about how fun it would be to hold an eating contest for the second anniversary of Luigi's Slice; and six weeks later, we're here."

The 'Luigi's Slice First Annual Pizza Eating Throw Down,' held at 6p.m. on Aug. 22, drew two dozen contestants ready to frantically eat their way to a $500 prize.

A few challengers were seasoned eating contest veterans. "I once ate 67 plates of sushi in college," said Kirk, a hopeful contestant. "I almost won. I never lost it though, you're just in the bathroom for a whole day."

Many others never participated in an eating contest, but are avid fans of Luigi's. "I love this place," exclaimed Pat Guild, contestant and Midtown resident. "I used to go to the original Luigi's Pizza [on Stockton Boulevard]. It's cool that this place is closer, and you can get it by the slice."

Hopeful City Councilman County Supervisor, contestant and frequent Luigi's patron Phil Serna was also in attendance. Standing beside longtime friend Greg Brida, he enthusiastically explained that he would do, "anything to help promote Midtown and Downtown business."

As the crowd assembled, Linda Brida explained the rules. The contestants had 10 minutes to eat as much pizza as possible. Contestants all had buckets, and if they puked, they were out. Additionally, the contestants could only eat one pizza at a time. And they were to all sign standard legal waivers.

Amid shouts and cheers from the crowd, the contestants were individually called to their positions. The crowd grew anxious as dozens of pizzas were placed on the tables.

Then it began.

Audience screams oddly juxtaposed the baffling scene of 23 men and one woman stuffing their faces with warm, water-soaked pizza. Like tired swimmers catching their breath, the constants would sporadically relieve their stuffed mouths with orange water stained by repeated pizza-dunking.

"Ten, nine, eight..." As the crowd began shouting the countdown, many appeared to have little idea of who was winning; but few, if any, seemed to mind. Amid the jubilant confusion, one could not help being swept into the madness.

After the contestants swallowed their last bites of pizza, the judges reviewed each person's tally. "With eight slices, Paul Dickey is the winner."

Ecstatic and admittedly still hungry, Dickey raised his hands, thanking everyone. And after the other contestants were awarded medals of participation, the Bridas handed Dickey a plaque and a giant $500 novelty check.

"I ate eight slices, that's one extra large pizza in 10 minutes," Dickey explained. Asked about the prize money, he replied, "It's already spent. I'm buying a wedding dress for my fiancée, Kathy. The wedding is on September 9 at nine o'clock with nine people. That's good luck."

Second Round, and the Talent Wins!

2009-08-09T07:21:36Z

Ok, we have been updating you all along with the success of the "Sacramento Has Talent" Competition being held at the "New" Tommy T's Comedy Cluib; well, the Second Round is about to start this Tuesday Aug. 11th at 7:30. All good acts, but only half make it on to the Finals. The audience is always the best judge, and that's why with this competition it's the audience who decide which acts have what it takes to represent our area.

Come join us and help pick the Best, because we got rid of the Rest!

Starting with this next round of shows, all the acts win because TV cameras will be taking it all in and soon these talented people will be seen on your local TV screen. Come out and be a part of this fun event, everyone gets a vote and everyone has fun...it's the best $5 for 12 act show in Sacramento on a Tuesday...Ha! The show features Singers, Comics, Musicians, & More!

Come early because Tommy T's has a full food menu and amazingly good food...well, for a comedy club.