Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "doris matsui"

Sacramento gets federal funding for area water projects

2011-12-20T01:06:51Z

Congress passed a funding package Friday for water projects in the Sacramento region – including $25 million for improvements along the American River – but without federal authorization, the levees surrounding the Natomas Basin can’t use more than four or five thousand of those dollars.

"While it is very encouraging to see Washington D.C. responding to some areas of flood control in the Sacramento Valley,” City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby said in an email Monday, “this funding does not address the most important public safety infrastructure project in Northern California.”

Although the newly-passed funding package includes more than $50 million for flood control projects in the Sacramento region, the funding only applies to projects that have already been authorized by Congress and design work for future projects.

The bill gives $20 million to continue construction on spillways at Folsom Dam, $4.9 million to improve flood protection in the South Sacramento area and $25 million for work within the American River watershed, according to a press release from Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

A federal nod of approval is the one thing the Natomas levee improvement project doesn’t have yet.

“(Federal) authorization is key,” Jay Davis, a consultant for the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, said Monday.

Levee improvements in Natomas have been federally authorized in the past, Davis said, and those projects were funded and completed in the late 80s and early 90s. The newest levee improvement project requires new authorization.

“These (recent funding) dollars can only be used for design work, not actual improvements,” Michelle Kille, director of public policy for Ashby said Monday. “If we get authorized, we could use those dollars now.”

According to Ashby, the process to request authorization has already started, but Congress is in no hurry to grant it because the levee improvement project is currently considered an “earmark” project – something the rules of the House of Representatives prohibits.

As it stands, Kille said, the federal water project funding can only be used for remaining design elements of the levee improvements – and those elements will require only about four or five thousand dollars.

The funding package – called the “megabus” bill – included an energy and water appropriations bill, which funds the Army Corps of Engineers and, in turn, Sacramento’s flood projects.

Those projects, which range from levee improvements in south Sacramento to studies conducted on the American River, have been under way for a few years and are in various states of completion, Davis said.

Despite the limitations of the most recent federal funding, Rick Johnson, SAFCA Executive Director, said Monday that the passing of the megabus bill gives more certainty of funding for the upcoming year for other important projects.

“Given the fiscal circumstances in Washington,” Johnson said, “We are fortunate to achieve the results that we've gotten.”

Of the 42 miles of levee surrounding the Natomas Basin, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency has completed approximately 18 miles of levee improvements.

As for the remaining 24 miles of levees, Ashby said it is “imperative” for the city of Sacramento that improvement efforts move forward – but it is unclear how soon Congress will authorize the project.

Melissa Corker is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Matsui Announces $300,000 in Federal Grants for SETA's On-The-Job Training Program

2011-10-20T19:46:34Z

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) held a press conference announcing that the Sacramento Employment & Training Agency (SETA) is receiving $300,000 in federal funding to support SETA's On-The-Job Training Program. The event was held at the Beutler Corporation, located at McClellan Park, one of the several Sacramento companies that will be able to hire workers as a result of this grant. Congresswoman Matsui was joined by California Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas, SETA Executive Director Kathy Kossick, and Beutler Corporation President Rick Wylie to make the announcement, followed by a tour of Beutler's manufacturing plant.

“I am excited to announce the allocation of $300,000 in federal funds to the Sacramento Employment & Training Agency for their On-The-Job Training Program,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This infusion of federal funds will specifically support Sacramento businesses and projects committed to boosting the area's economy, clean technology industry, and are creating jobs for our local workforce.”

The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Energy and the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to the Energy Commission Clean Energy Workforce program, which in turn has awarded funding for the On-The-Job (OJT) Training Program. The Program subsidizes employers who are hiring workers in the clean energy fields, helping to create jobs, support Sacramento's growing clean energy sector, and ensuring that local workers receives the training they need to be successful in their new positions.

“Sacramento is making its mark on the clean energy economy,” said Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas. “Under the Energy Upgrade California Program, successful partners, such as SETA and small business leader Beutler, have trained and employed hundreds of workers in the Sacramento area while reducing homeowners energy bills.”

“The Green OJT program, funded by the California Energy Commission and the Employment Development Department, will reimburse employers 50-70% of the wages paid to trainees for 3-6 months of training. The program will put unemployed people back to work learning skills that are needed for the jobs of the future,” said SETA Executive Director, Kathy Kossick.

“In the midst of the most horrific crash in the new home construction industry of our lifetimes, the support that we and many of our existing and incoming employees have received through an earlier Green OJT program over the last 12 months has helped us turn around our company and provide jobs and enriched careers for over 90 people here at Beutler Corporation. For the first time in 5 years, our business is growing, we're hiring again, and home owners throughout the region are living more comfortably with lower energy bills because of this and other ARRA funded programs. This additional funding will only add to these wonderful success stories,” said Rick Wylie, President of Beutler Corporation/Advanced Comfort & Energy Systems.

Beutler has enjoyed employment growth over the last year, in large part due to the Moderate Income Sustainable Technology (MIST) Program, part of more than $20 million made available by the California Energy Commission through the Recovery Act. MIST is a revolving loan program that finances third tier energy efficiency measures through 0-3 percent, 15-year loans and grants under the Energy Upgrade California program for moderate income families. Currently the MIST program is providing more than $14.8 million in funding to homeowners with 251 completed retrofits; another 241 retrofits in progress; and 141 applications in process. These energy upgrade loans average about $23,500 each will save homeowner hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year.

“Clean energy has enormous untapped potential for job creation in our region, and that is why I believe the federal government must continue to invest in American clean energy technology, support U.S. companies who are creating new jobs, and ensure that we are able to compete in a global marketplace,” Matsui added. “I will continue to fight for cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality programs like the On-The-Job Training Program that allow companies to innovate, grow, and hire. Today, is an example of federal funding – and the Recovery Act – hard at work putting Sacramentans back to work.”

For more information about the Clean Energy Workforce Training Program please visit http://www.energy.ca.gov/cleanenergyjobs/

For information about Energy Upgrade California, a one-stop shop for home improvement projects that lower your energy use, conserve water and natural resources while making your home more comfortable, visit https://energyupgradeca.org/overview

For more information about Congresswoman Matsui’s efforts to make Sacramento the Clean Tech Capitol, visit www.matsui.house.gov.

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Disclosure: Mara Lee is Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Sacramento gets $19.4 million from feds to rehire peace officers

2011-09-30T01:37:48Z

Sacramento city and county were awarded a total of $19.4 million in federal funding grants Wednesday – enough to put 25 police officers and 25 sheriff’s deputies back to work for the next three years.

The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program is a competitive grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice that provides funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to hire, rehire, or retain police officers.

This year, 2,712 law enforcement agencies requesting more than $2 billion to fund the hiring of 8,999 officers were considered for COPS Hiring Program funding, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Selection for awards was based on an applicant agency’s overall need for federal assistance, local crime rates, current commitment to community policing and their proposed community policing plan.

The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department received an award of $11,306,450 – the largest single award in the nation under the COPS program this year.

The Sacramento Police Department received $8.1 million in grant funds. It is the largest COPS grant the city has received in the three years that Sacramento has been selected for an award, and was the third highest COPS grant awarded in the nation this year.

Each grant provides funding for the salaries and benefits of officer positions for three years, with the requirement that agencies maintain the positions for one additional year at the end of the grant funding period.

The Sheriff’s Department grant will fill 25 deputy positions, department spokesman Jason Ramos said Wednesday. Those deputies will be assigned to a new youth and gang violence unit in Sacramento county.

Sheriff Scott Jones said in a press release Wednesday that his department plans to take a “comprehensive approach” to combating youth and gang violence by expanding enforcement efforts of gang unit detectives, adding a school component with school resource officers and partnering with youth-focused community organizations.

“It feels like Christmas in September,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said in a press release Wednesday, referring to the $8.1 million grant award to the Sacramento Police Department.

Huge budget cuts to the police department forced the city to lay off 46 sworn officers in July. The new COPS grant will allow the city to rehire 25 of those officers.

Representatives for the police department and the Sacramento Police Officers Association could not be reached for comment.

"We had to watch officers turn their badges in for the first time in our city's history,” Johnson said. “Now we have an opportunity to pin those badges back on our officers and get them back on the street."

Johnson declared the award “a big win” for Sacramento and emphasized that public safety must continue to be the top priority for the city.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) called the grants “wonderful news” for Sacramento residents in a statement released Thursday.

“This federal funding will strengthen our community’s law enforcement’s ability to keep us safe, and ensure that budgetary shortfalls do not eliminate these critical positions,” Matsui said.

Only 238 of the 2,712 grant requests were ultimately funded – roughly 9 percent of the total number of applications – for a total of $243,398,709 in grants, funding 1,021 officer positions nationwide.

In all, the Sacramento region – including $19.4 million for Sacramento city and county and a $2.58 million award for Placer county – was awarded the largest combined dollar amount in the nation.

Grant funds will be available to the Sacramento Police Department after the City Council formally accepts the grant at the next council meeting.

The Sheriff’s Department grant is expected to receive formal acceptance by the County Board of Supervisors in early October.

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

Congresswoman Matsui Announces $148K in Federal Funds for Crocker Art Museum

2011-07-29T18:49:28Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that the Crocker Art Museum has been awarded a federal Museums for America grant of $148,441 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These funds can be used for a wide variety of projects, including research, planning, and new programs and activities that support the efforts of museums to integrate new technologies.

“The Crocker Art Museum is one of the jewels of Sacramento, and this grant announcement is great news for our region,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The federal funding will further enable the Crocker to provide valuable programming for Sacramento families, and to be a catalyst for our local arts scene.”

Museums for America is the IMLS’s largest grant program for museums. These grants help support ongoing projects and activities that increase a museum’s ability to engage with and serve their surrounding community. Today’s funding will help support the Crocker Art Museum’s “All About Families” initiative, which is increasing the Crocker’s ability to engage family audiences by helping to build staff knowledge and skills to meet the needs of families and ensuring that exhibits and programs respect many voices and perspectives.

Lial A. Jones, Mort & Marcy Friedman Director of the Crocker Art Museum, remarked, “Ensuring that the Crocker Art Museum is a vital resource for all families in our community is critical to the Museum’s mission. We are thrilled to receive support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to strengthen our ‘All About Families’ initiative and to help us further our understanding of how we can better serve families in our region.”

The IMLS received 481 applications for Museum of America grants this year, and were able to fund 160 projects. Grantees are required to provide at least a 1:1 match; the Crocker will provide matching funds in the amount of $249,999.

Disclosure: Mara Lee is Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Layoffs of 35 city cops avoided

2011-06-15T05:37:18Z

Thirty-five police jobs were saved from proposed layoffs after the Sacramento Police Department received a waiver on a federal grant that funds officer positions, spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong confirmed late Tuesday night.

The number of proposed layoffs in the 2011/2012 budget for Sacramento police officers has dropped from 81 to 46.

The City Council will vote next week on proposed budget cuts that include layoffs of cops and other Police Department staffers. Council members were weighing whether to lay off 81 police officers, but the grant waiver means they will decide whether to lay off 46 officers. The council will also choose whether to lay off 68 civilian police department staffers – those proposed cuts were not affected by the federal grant waiver.

The city is facing a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

"This grant exemption is a positive in an otherwise difficult budget year,” Police Chief Rick Braziel wrote in a Tuesday night press statement. “We are thankful for the quick approval of this grant exemption, which would not have been possible without the efforts of Bernard Melekian from the Department of Justice, the support of Congresswoman Doris Matsui and the hard work of our police staff.”

Meanwhile, Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka told the City Council at a Tuesday night budget hearing that she had no update on any labor concessions from city unions. Despite the standstill, “staff continues to have an open door” to negotiations with city unions, she said.

In addition, the city could still negotiate with the unions for possible concessions after the budget is approved, Masuoka said.

While Councilman Darrell Fong, a retired police captain, has said he intends to vote for the police cuts, he announced at Tuesday’s council meeting that he would redirect his City Council salary for the 2011/2012 fiscal year to the Police Department’s budget.

The base pay for Sacramento City Council members is $60,800 annually.

“I’m hopeful as we continue between now and next week to keep having discussions and hope to get to a better place,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said at the meeting.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

SMUD-CSUS Agreement Ups Region's Clean Tech Presence

2011-06-14T20:23:08Z

The Green Capital Alliance presented “Road Map to 3,000 Jobs” at the Sacramento State University Alumni Center Thursday June 9th.

The Green Capital Alliance describes itself as “a broad partnership of people and organizations aiming to make the clean technology sector a defining feature of Sacramento’s economy.”

The centerpiece of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the Californis State University Sacramento (CSUS). The MOA formally regonies work started last year between the two institutions. The MOA basically ties together the smart meter progran at SMUD and he California Smart Grid Center work at Sacramento State. For specific details of the agreement click here.

Dr. Emir Macari, dean of the Sacramento State College of Engineering and Computer Science and member of the California Smart Grid Center, introduced the two principals for the major event of the day. SMUD general manager and CEO John DiStasio represented SMUD in the partnership. He said $127 million was being spent on smart-meter transition for all SMUD customers that will be completed in 2013. Smart meters will be a major component and source of information that will lead to new technologies in managing energy usage and the management of the smart grid that will allow implementation of these technologies. The ability to have widespread use of electric vehicles is dependent on this.

Sacramento State President Dr. Alexander Gonzales was the other principal for the partnership. He said 85 percent of the students at Sac State come from the region. He went on to stress the long relationship between SMUD and Sac State.

“Both SMUD and us are essential for the economy,” he said.

They then formalized the relationship by signing a formal memorandum of understanding.

“Students will be the greatest beneficiaries of this agreement,” Gonzales said. “This is already a living document. We have been working together for three to four years.”

While the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was the major event of the meeting, there was a great deal of more information prestented at “Road Map to 3,000 Jobs.'

Jack Crawford of Velocity Venture Capital was the keynote speaker at the presentation. Crawford presented a quick picture of the state of the creation of green economy companies and jobs in the greater Sacramento region. He said his venture capital company has 13 companies in its profile, with seven generating income and four that are cash-positive.

Crawford lamented that, while teaching as a guest in the MBA program at the University of the Pacific, he learned that the MBA graduates leave the area because of the perception that there are no “cool” companies to work for in the region.

He talked about the uphill battle after Forbes declared Sacramento the fifth worst city in the country and the difficulty of retaining start-up companies that do succeed. They leave for the glamor and climate of entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley.

Crawford does not see everything as bleak in regard to clean technology in the region. He cited Click Nation as one successful company that chose to stay. He cited a figure of 100-plus clean tech companies in the region. Entrepreneurs that were big on the Internet are now moving to clean tech. The Sacramento region is rated 10th in job activity and fifth in percent of LEED buildings in the country.

He sees a need for public-private partnership for clean tech to succeed here. Crawford believes that there is a poor tolerance for risk in the Sacramento region, and that there needs to be a change in culture to attract risk-takers. He cited the typical pattern of fail, fail, succeed for entrepreneurial companies.

Crawford ended by saying that with a growth of clean technology companies, philanthropic contributions would grow.

Following a short break, Julia Burrows with Valley Vision spoke of some of the different organizations studying green technology in the region. These included Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance, Center for Strategic Economic Research (CSER), Centers of Excellence at Los Rios Community College District, Valley Vision and Green Capital Alliance. They are helping to create the clean energy sector strategy, and what followed was an overview of the RICO (regional industry clusters of opportunity) process.

Burrows introduced Ryan Sharpe from CSER. CSER was formed in 2001 to gather data on clean tech in the region. They now have a database for the region. They group the data into four groups: clean energy, energy efficiency, clean transport and green building.

Sharp doubled Crawford’s estimate to over 200 companies in the region. Most of them are small with one to 19 employees and averaging $1.1 million in sales. Most deal with clean energy or energy efficiency. He said the Sacramento region competes mostly with Austin, Denver, Portland and the greater Bay Area.

He was followed by Theresa Milan from the Centers of Excellence at Los Rios CCD. This is one of several COEs set up and funded by the state of California.

Milan said state policy drives growth such as the CA Solar Initiative and New Solar Homes Partnership. The COE looks at expanded industry growth and workforce needs. They are seeing an employment increase from 700 in 2007 to over 1,300 today, plus a 60 percent increase in the number of clean tech firms.

The final speaker was Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

“It is important to get our stories out about what we are doing about clean technologies,” Matsui said, adding that housing and governmental sectors are imploding in the region.

Matsui is working on a bill in Congress to boost the competitiveness of clean-energy manufacturing. She pledged to keep working with this segment and echoed the need to keep the knowledge and jobs here. She is part of a bi-partisan congressional high-tech caucus. Matsui emphasized that we need to “learn from the past so that we do not get stuck in the past.”

She talked about the advantages in the Sacramento region of progressive utilities, educational institutions, infrastructure and investors.

“Federal investment is absolutely necessary,” she said.

Matsui concluded saying that her grandchildren Anna and Robbie are her touchstones for the future.

Speaking with Matsui after the meeting, she railed against "the stupidity of continuing the oil company subsidies while cutting funds for clean energy research," among other problems with congress.

The Clean Energy Sector Strategy: Sacramento Region, presentation materials and more infromation from each speaker is available on the Green Capital Alliance webesite here.

Matsui Announces Over $2 Million in Grants for Local Organizations to Hire 253 AmeriCorps Members

2011-05-26T14:02:32Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that two local Sacramento organizations will receive a combined $2,087,419 in AmeriCorps grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service, and will be able to hire 253 AmeriCorps members as a result. Congresswoman Matsui, Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, has been continually supportive of both AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service, and has helped lead the fight for adequate federal funding to support programs like these in the last several Congresses.

“As our region continues to work toward economic recovery, these funds will help put 253 AmeriCorps participants to work in our community,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Not only will today’s grants create new jobs, they will create jobs at two of our local nonprofits that work each and every day to make our community a better, safer, and healthier place. I am thrilled that Sacramento will be receiving these funds and recieving the benefits they provide.”

North Highlands-based Child Abuse Prevention Council, Inc. will receive $1,436,679 to support both their Birth and Beyond program and their Youth Investment Center. AmeriCorps members who participate in the Birth and Beyond program will provide parenting education and support services to both expectant parents and those with young children who reside in Sacramento neighborhoods where children are most at-risk of abuse and neglect. Birth and Beyond members will also conduct weekly home visits and parenting education workshops that improve practices and reduce families’ involvement with Child Protective Services.

Members who serve in the Council’s Youth Prevention Center will work as Youth Mentors and Volunteer Coordinators, focusing their service on communication, daily living, work and study skills, home life, self-care, social relationships, money management, and career planning. They will assist foster youth with their academics in the classroom and during summer school by providing homework assistance and meeting with foster parents via home visits.

The City of Sacramento’s START program will get $650,740 for their Get Fit Now! initiative, and be able to hire 124 AmeriCorps members. These AmeriCorps members will teach fitness and nutrition education to children grades 1 through 6, and will also offer adult fitness classes for children’s parents at Family Nights held every six weeks. Additionally, they will establish and maintain school-based gardens where children will learn how to grow nutritional food. These are positions that would have gone unfilled without the influx of federal funds.

Today’s grants are the result of the Fiscal Year 2011 AmeriCorps State and National funding competition, which continue the direction and priorities of the 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the Corporation’s 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. Congresswoman Matsui was a co-sponsor of the Serve America Act when it was enacted in the 111th Congress.

Mara Lee is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Congresswoman Matsui Announces Over $500,000 for Sacramento YouthBuild Program

2011-05-17T20:56:47Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps (SRCC) has been awarded a Department of Labor competitive grant of $542,502 to support their YouthBuild program. This is in addition to the $1 million in federal funding SRCC received in June 2009 for their YouthBuild program; a three year grant that ends in 2012.

“YouthBuild helps young people in Sacramento gain both the academic and work skills they need to succeed,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “By providing valuable job training skills and a modest stipend, the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps is literally helping our youth build a better life, brick by brick, project by project.”

YouthBuild is a job training program that provides unemployed and undereducated young adults with the opportunity to complete a GED or a High School Diploma while learning job skills in the field of construction. YouthBuild participants alternate between a week of general education academics and a week of building affordable housing in their community for first time low-income home owners. Students are trained on facility maintenance, plumbing, electrical and more, and are required to work toward their GED and perform over 48 hours of community service. Sacramento’s YouthBuild has already served over 65 students in their building maintenance program.

Dwight Washabaugh, Executive Director of the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps, said, “The Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps (SRCC) is proud to have been selected for a Department of Labor 2011 Youthbuild grant. This grant will enable the SRCC to provide job training in the construction and building maintenance field to some two dozen young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age who have dropped out of high school. The job training will be coupled with academic education at the SRCC’s campus of the John Muir Charter High School, which will provide each participant the opportunity to complete their high school diploma requirements.”

This grant is part of $75,848,000 in additional funding from the Department of Labor for YouthBuild programs to provide education and training to young people across the United States. The Labor Department has administered YouthBuild since 2006, awarding its first grants in 2007. In that time, more than 16,000 young people have participated in programs in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands. YouthBuild participants include individuals who have been in the juvenile justice system, youth aging out of foster care, high school dropouts and others. In addition to receiving academic and occupational skills training, young people develop leadership skills and participate in community service opportunities. The Labor Department held a competition for applications in fall 2010. A first round of awards were announced in March 2011, and an additional 74 grantees were announced today.

To learn more about Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps and for application information, please click here.

Congresswoman Matsui Announces $35,000 in NEA Grants for Local Organizations

2011-05-17T17:00:27Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that two local organizations, the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra Association and California Presenters, have been awarded grants by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Sacramento Philharmonic will receive $20,000 to support an educational outreach series featuring Carnegie Hall's LinkUP! for Music “Orchestra Rocks” program; and the California Presenters’ $15,000 grant will support their 28th annual Artist Information Exchange Conference.

“Investing in the arts is an investment in the creativity and innovation of our community,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This federal assistance will help California organizations continue to educate our youth and support our local artists. I am so pleased that these programs have been recognized with these awards.”

“The Sacramento Philharmonic is extremely proud to have been an NEA Grantee every year since 2006,” said Marc Feldman, Executive Director and CEO of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. “The NEA’s support has enabled the Philharmonic to fulfill our mission of bringing music to a new public, as well as thousands of children and family members. Thank you to Congresswoman Matsui and all those who help to raise the bar for the arts in Sacramento.”

“California Presenters is so pleased to receive this much valued NEA funding,” said Ruth Rosenberg, Administrative Coordinator, California Presenters. “Funding will be used in support of our 2012 Artist Information Exchange conference, during which time leaders in the presenting field work together to bring the best artists to the people of California.”

These NEA matching grants will help support projects that involve the creation and presentation of artistically excellent work – both new and established. This round of grants amounts to nearly 800 awards and over $25 million in funding for programs that provide access to the arts in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts generate, on average, six dollars from non-federal sources for each dollar awarded.

In addition, this round of NEA grants includes partnership grant awards made to each state’s state arts agency and to the country’s six regional arts organizations. These partnership awards amount to over $50 million in arts funding. The California Arts Council, which is based in Sacramento, received $1,162,700 during this round of funding to support their Partnership Agreement activities.

For more information on Congresswoman Matsui’s work in Congress, please visit www.matsui.house.gov. For more information on the NEA, please visit www.arts.gov.

Mara Lee is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

U.S. Health Secty Sebelius: Reducing hospital-acquired infections, re-admissions will save lives, money

2011-05-09T21:31:17Z

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told 265 delegates of the Sacramento Metro Chamber's Cap-to-Cap program that Medicare and Medicaid will evolve into a "value purchaser" to protect federal dollars by lowering costs and improving outcomes by reducing hospital injuries and readmissions.

Sebelius addressed the delegation at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., Monday, May 9, as the group began three days of extensive promotion of the region, with 244 appointments set up with Congress, the Senate, the Administration and other federal officials and agencies.

The Secretary was introduced by Congresswoman Doris Matsui of Sacramento, who Sebelius credited with taking a leading role in improving health care in America.

Both Sebelius and Matsui took notice of the effort being made by Cap-to-Cap delegates during the five-day event, saying that the dialogue created by the delegates is a "critical part of democracy."

"I can't tell you how important it is to have folks on the ground who run a business, schools, cities and nonprofits to come to the capital and inform those lawmakers on how the (policy) discussions impact the real world," Sebelius said.

Spending most of her time talking about reforms to Medicare and Medicaid, Sebelius said there was "no question," of the need to look at the rising costs of the two federal health care programs whose costs are rising at a faster rate than inflation—but slower than the private market. Her speech then described the difference between a Republican proposal and the Obama Administration's newly launched initiative, where "doing it right costs less than doing it wrong."

She described the Republican party's proposal as one that would cut and shift costs to lower the federal bill. Individuals would get a voucher to purchase health care insurance from private providers.

But the problem with that, she noted, is that in the first year of the GOP plan, the Congressional Budget Office estimates citizens 65 years or older will pay $6,500 out-of-pocket for their insurance. Fairly quickly, Medicare patients would be covering 75 percent of the tab.

The Obama Administration, however, seeks to drive down costs by improving the quality of health care coverage—and, she said, this is already happening in areas across the country.

"What we need to do is create a platform so Medicare will be a value purchaser...this will provide an immense platform to lower costs and improve outcomes."

How the Administration is proposing doing that is through a newly launched program called Partnership for Patients, which Sebelius said will address the problem that a third to a sixth of all patients admitted to hospitals are harmed by what happens there.

Sebelieus rolled out startling statistics: About 100,000 patients die every year because of hospital care and hundreds of thousands spend extra money and time in hospitals because of the care.

Two ambitious goals of Partnership for Patients are to reduce hospital-acquired infections by 40 percent and cutting readmissions by 20 percent, she said.

"Both of those should be zero...to do no harm is the ultimate goal," Sebelius said. "If we achieve the two goals, we can prevent harm to three million people, save 60,000 lives and end up spending $50 billion less...Those are huge numbers and it gives you some idea of the impact."

Already, 2,500 partners and 1,200 hospitals have signed up, she said. "They are committed to achieving the goal. It's not hypothetical now. It's going on now."

Sebelius touched on several other initiatives to lower health care costs and improve outcomes, including sharing of Medicare data with private entrepreneurs to bring to market new applications to improve patient care and as well to help individuals stay healthier by making better choices and taking a role in their own health care.

The Cap-to-Cap program continues through Wednesday. On Tuesday, delegates will hear from former Congressional Budget Officer Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin. On Wednesday, a special Policy Briefing will be held on the Rural-Urban Connection Strategy, with White House Domestic Policy Council Senior Advisor Doug McKalip and U.S. Department of Agriculture Senior Advisor Doug O'Brien, plus a panel of Sacramento region elected officials.

Hal Silliman is communications director for the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

Congresswoman Matsui Introduces Safe and Complete Streets Legislation

2011-05-05T19:42:49Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011, legislation that would require each state’s department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization to put in place a Complete Streets policy that ensures all Federally-funded transportation projects accommodate the safety and convenience of all users. Complete Streets policies ensures roadways are built with all users in mind – including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, motorists, freight vehicles, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. This bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congresman Steven LaTourette (R-OH).

“Complete Streets policies are a win-win for local communities: they save lives and create forward-looking projects that provide lasting value,” Matsui said. “I have seen firsthand the interest in Complete Streets on the local level, and a Federal Complete Streets standard will ensure a consistent approach for all of our transportation investments.”

“We are so pleased to have Congressional champions who are committed to creating safer streets,” said Barbara McCann, Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition. “Representatives Matsui and LaTourette are being responsive to communities across the country that are adopting state and local Complete Streets policies and want to see a consistent commitment to safety reflected in federal transportation investments as well.”

The Urban Land Institute has estimated that carbon emissions from transportation would be 41 percent above today’s levels in 2030 if driving is not curbed, and a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that providing more travel options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking, is an important element in reducing traffic congestion. The study concluded that congestion was responsible for an annual $78 billion loss in fuel during traffic jams in 2007, an increase from $57.6 billion in 2000.

“Especially at a time when gas prices are putting enormous pressure on the pocketbooks of American consumers, more and more people are looking for alternatives to driving,” added Matsui. “However, far too often, our roads are designed with one thing in mind – trying to move vehicle traffic as quickly as possible. The risks of such design are apparent in the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths and injuries we see every year, and often discourage more people from considering other transportation methods. By completing our streets, we can open up our roadways to pedestrians and cyclists – helping to ease congestion and providing an alternative to gas powered vehicles. In doing so, we take strides to fight air pollution and global warming and improve our public health and safety.”

In 2008 alone, over 5,000 pedestrians and bicyclists died on U.S. roads and more than 120,000 were injured. One study found that designing roads for pedestrian travel by installing raised medians and redesigning sidewalks and intersections reduced pedestrian risk by 28%. That means that seniors walking to the grocery store or church and children walking to school are put at unnecessary risk.

Congresswoman Matsui’s home state of California was one of the first states to put a Complete Streets policy in place, and the Sacramento region’s Blueprint for growth has been a model for other metropolitan areas. The Blueprint incorporates Complete Streets polices on the local level, and the Safe and Complete Streets Act would do so on a national level.

“Complete Streets polices are designed to ensure streets, intersections and trails are designed to make them easier to use and maximize their safety," said Mike McKeever, Executive Director of Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). "This legislation will encourage Americans to live more active and healthy lifestyles, while also providing more travel options, and cutting down on traffic congestion. SACOG applauds Congresswoman Matsui’s leadership in helping to implement our region’s Blueprint policies on a national level.”

Terry Preston, Complete Streets Coordinator for WALKSacramento, added, "WALKSacramento applauds Rep. Matsui for her strong leadership in support of Safe and Complete Streets in our communities. The Safe and Complete Streets Act will provide needed direction and guidelines for Federally supported road design and construction. Pedestrians are consistently overrepresented in traffic injury and death statistics due to poor road design. Yet, our need for sustainable communities calls on us to support more walking trips to the park, the bus, our children’s’ school and elsewhere. We need safer, healthier and more complete streets. WALKSacramento looks forward to working with Rep. Matsui on developing and enacting a Federal transportation measure that will complete our streets and meet the needs of all users regardless of age, race, income or disability. Our roads belong to all of us."

A copy of the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 is available HERE. A copy of a Dear Colleague letter being circulated in support of the legislation is available HERE

Mara Lee is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

SMAC holds arts funding symposium

2011-03-24T00:30:13Z

Representatives from over 80 arts organizations received tips on obtaining funding at an arts funding symposium hosted by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) Tuesday moning at the KVIE banquet room with a speech by Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

The free event titled “Where's the Money?” was a day full of speakers, panels and workshops with teachers, artists, grant writers and various other active participants for the arts in Sacramento in attendance.

KVIE General Manager David Lowe opened the event by talking about the Public Broadcasting Station to note that KVIE also largely relies on funding from public grants, private grants, and donations like the attendees in the room.

“Keep fighting for every bit of funding,” he said, “not only so you can survive, but also so you can thrive.”

Matsui, who represents California's District 5, addressed the crowd in her speech, applauding them when she said, “ your commitment to the arts is wonderful and timely.”

Matsui said she came to support SMAC because she wants this type information available. She went on to defend the arts, saying they are needed for cultural development.

“Arts are important for the vitality of a community,” she said. “Arts are the DNA of a community.”

Matsui also addressed Sacramento more specifically when she noted that the Sacramento arts community is unique because there are so many organizations that work together, whether they are ballets, symphonies or otherwise.

The opening workshop was given by Mike Griffin, the congressional liaison for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

“National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to advancing artistic excellence, creativity and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities,” he said.

NEA, Griffin said, distributes about 40 percent of its federal funds among partnerships like SMAC and other nonprofits working to promote the arts in the community. He was there to discuss the options for funding arts programs at the federal, state and local levels, and how to apply.

Along with the NEA, Kay Sprinkel Grace, author of “The Boundaries of Risk: Daring to Dream in the Arts,” spoke on how to find funding, and later there was a private local funders panel facilitated by Sprinkel Grace.

“Everyone is here for one reason – they are looking for money,” Said SMAC Executive Director Rhyena Halpern. “There's a real hunger for it.”

SMAC hoped the symposium would provide an opportunity and concrete resources for private and public funding, she said.

One attendee, Nixa Schell, came on behalf of the Sacramento City Unified School District, where she is director of the fine arts programs. She came because of the decline in arts-based programs in schools and simply because “there is no money.”

“Everything has to be funded through grants right now,” she said.

Despite the lack of funds, there are programs being developed to integrate art and music into the classroom. One program titled “Any Given Child” has teachers work with artists and musicians in the community to develop lesson plans to infuse art and education.

Through this whole process of developing programs and finding funding, Schell said she hopes it will encourage students and teachers to be less intimidated by the arts and to be able to use them.

The program closed with its last run at the exchange of information with speed dating for arts funding. Artists and art organizations met face-to-face with funders and nonprofits like SMAC and For Art’s Sake.

“The purpose is to inspire,” Halpern said. “It's a really hard time right now.”

Mayor Johnson announces care package for troops in Afghanistan at weekly press conference

2011-03-15T20:17:53Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced a care package will be sent to American troops stationed in Afghanistan Tuesday at his press conference. The care package was put together by the mayor’s office, public safety organizations and the community.

The contents include American flags, letters from Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Gov. Jerry Brown, and various snacks, candy, and sporting equipment. U.S. Marine Sgt. Anthony Silva, currently deployed in Afghanistan, sent Johnson an e-mail requesting a care package.

“(Silva) said, ‘We are out here fighting for our country, and if the mayor’s office could help facilitate a few things for us troops out here, it would be very meaningful,” Johnson said.

The troops’ No. 1 request was an American flag. In response, the mayor’s office will be sending two - one from the office of Matsui, and another from the office of Sen. Barbara Boxer. The flag from Boxer’s office once flew over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

In addition to the American flags, the care package includes the California and Sacramento flags, a Sacramento city-limit sign, and sporting equipment and snacks donated by the Sacramento Police Department, Fire Department, other local agencies and private citizens.

“You will not imagine how many people wanted to send things and share,” Johnson said.

The serviceman, from Oakdale ~~a Sacramento area native~~ , told Johnson he and his fellow troops wanted to name their operating base “Patrol Base Sacramento” in honor of his hometown.

The care package will be leaving from Travis Air Force Base later today and should arrive in Afghanistan sometime Wednesday.

At the conference, Johnson also discussed the city’s ongoing efforts to dissuade the Kings from moving to Anaheim. Johnson reiterated that the franchise “has one foot out the door, and three or four toes also out the door.

“It’s more likely that they will leave than stay,” Johnson said. “While there’s still time on the clock, we need to treat them as our team, we need to go out and support them as often as we can … but I think the reality is one that’s going to be very challenging to keep them here.”

Johnson added that he plans to speak ~~recently spoke~~ with the former mayor of Charlotte, N.C., about his city’s successful efforts to attract a new NBA franchise following the departure of the Charlotte Hornets to New Orleans in 2002.

“They lose their team, and then in 2003, a year later, they break ground on a new arena. In 2004, they get the Bobcats, and in 2005 they have a ribbon-cutting in a new arena,” Johnson said. “So that could potentially be a very similar, telling city for us to study when it comes to our potential predicament in Sacramento.”

Building a new sports complex, like Charlotte, would be essential for attracting a new NBA franchise to Sacramento, Johnson said.

Editorial Note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

Fire Department's brownouts to end soon

2011-02-24T20:05:48Z

The Sacramento Fire Department expects to hire 27 firefighters and end its “brownouts” soon, thanks to a $5.6 million grant from the federal government.

The grant to the city fire department and a $5.4 million grant to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District were discussed at a Thursday morning press conference held by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) and local fire officials.

The Metropolitan Fire District, which covers Sacramento and Placer counties and the cities of Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova, will hire 24 or more firefighters with its funding, said Metro Fire Chief Bill Sponable.

The city fire department has two rolling brownouts in effect, which means that certain fire trucks and engines are out of service at various times, according to former Fire Department spokesman Jim Doucette. Matsui said Thursday that the grant money could be released “pretty quickly” and must be awarded by September.

“It will alleviate two brownouts that we currently have,” said city Fire Chief Ray Jones.

The money comes from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.

“As we know, sadly, the budget cuts on the state and local levels have left our first responders both understaffed and overworked,” Matsui said. “We all know that we’ve witnessed brownouts that have temporarily shut down fire stations in our neighborhoods.”

Assistant City Manager Cassandra Jennings praised Matsui, who wrote a letter advocating for the city fire department to receive the grant.

“We are in the midst of dealing with budget challenges here in the city of Sacramento,” Jennings said. “We have looked at revenue sources; we’re looking at efficiencies and other ways to address our budget challenges. But there’s no better way than (for) a great partner to come and sort of save the day, and give us some resources.”

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Congresswoman Matsui Announces $11 Million in Federal Grants to Hire 51 Local Firefighters

2011-02-24T17:38:09Z

$5.6M for City Will Employ 27; $5.4M for Metro Will Employ 24 Firefighters

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that the Sacramento Fire Department and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District have been awarded $11 million in grants to hire 51 additional firefighters for the Sacramento region. Congresswoman Matsui was joined at the press conference by Sacramento Fire Department Chief Ray Jones and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Chief William Sponable at the Sacramento Fire Department Headquarters this morning to announce the grants.

“It is my pleasure to announce that the Sacramento Fire Department and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District together have been awarded $11 million in federal grants to hire 51 additional firefighters for the Sacramento region,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Here in Sacramento, our firefighters are on the front lines protecting us all. Now, with the hiring of 51 new responders, we will be able to keep our squads safe, well-rested, keep morale high, and protect our community during times of disaster and distress.”

Through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, the Sacramento Fire Department was awarded $5,606,864 to hire 27 firefighters and restore two fire companies. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District was awarded $5,470,824 to hire 24 firefighters. The SAFER grant is awarded annually through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide financial assistance to help fire departments increase their cadre of frontline firefighters. The goal is to assist local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities so they may respond to emergencies whenever they occur, assuring their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

“I am extremely excited about this grant and what it means for both the citizens of our community and our firefighters,” said Chief Ray Jones, City of Sacramento Fire Department. “The grant money will make our communities safer for emergency response by restoring two browned out companies; and improving response time. This is a winning situation on all fronts.”

“This SAFER grant awarded to Metro Fire will save lives!” said Chief William Sponable, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. “While current economic times remain challenging this grant will provide Metro Fire the ability to hire new firefighters, replacing those we have lost through attrition over the past several years. These firefighters will be used to staff two additional truck companies that will increase public safety and provide additional fire ground safety for our firefighters.”

Congresswoman Matsui has been a strong proponent of the SAFER grant program over the years and helped secure the federal funding by writing a letter of support on behalf of the Sacramento Fire Department in 2010.

DISCLAIMER: Mara Lee is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento.)

Congresswoman Matsui Introduces Critical Flood Protection Legislation for Sacramento Families, Businesses

2011-01-26T21:13:19Z

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) introduced the Natomas Basin Flood Protection Improvements Act in the House of Representatives Tuesday, which would provide Natomas families and businesses the flood protection they need by authorizing additional construction work on the Natomas Levee Improvement Program, and in turn create jobs and support the area’s construction industry.

"This is an opportunity for the federal government to deliver for the Sacramento region by improving our public safety, strengthening our economy, and creating good jobs for our constituents,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to authorize this project. This Natomas Basin Flood Protection Improvements Act is a critical component in improving the flood protection of our region.”

The Sacramento region is the most at risk urban area to river flooding in the nation. Accordingly, the region has worked continuously to bolster its flood defenses and emergency preparations, and has invested millions of dollars of local, state and federal funding to strengthen its levees. Securing federal authorization for construction in Natomas is the next critical step.

Specifically, Congresswoman Matsui’s legislation would authorize full federal participation in the Natomas Levee Improvement Program, which will restore 100-year flood protection and ultimately achieve 200-year level flood protection. Natomas is home to almost 80,000 residents and hundreds of local businesses. The Natomas area is also a key transportation hub for the region, incorporating the Sacramento International Airport, Interstate 5 and Highway 99, all a critical part of the regional economy.

Each year of delay in levee improvements exposes the community, as well as the State of California and the federal government, to additional risk, increased program costs, and direct and indirect impacts to the economic health of the region. It also creates a financial burden for families. Since the Natomas area was remapped by FEMA in 2008, homeowners have been mandated to buy flood insurance, which can cost up to $1,300 a year.

“My legislation would expedite the completion of urgently needed improvements that protect the people of Sacramento,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “A key component towards addressing public safety concerns in Natomas is seeking federal authorization to allow for these upgrades to move forward more quickly. That is why I introduced this critical measure, and will do everything I can to ensure the project is authorized.”

The foundation for Rep. Matsui’s legislation is a recently completed report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which declared the 42 mile levee improvement project to be in the federal government’s interest. The State of California and Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) have started work on the levee improvement project, and by the end of this year will have spent $360 million on roughly half the project. The upgraded levees in Natomas will be some of the widest and strongest levees built in the state and will comply with new, stronger federal levee standards.

“I am working every single day to reduce our risk, ensure flood insurance is affordable, and to increase federal support of Sacramento’s flood protection projects,” Matsui added. “From the Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project to the South Sacramento Streams Group, there are a number of currently authorized flood protection projects that are improving our safety and together will offer our region the best possible flood protection.”

For more information, please visit www.matsui.house.gov/floodcontrol

Disclosure: Mara Lee is the Public Information Officer for Doris Matsui's office

The much-anticipated Crocker opens

2010-10-11T18:38:49Z

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Crocker Art Museum Sunday morning, Congresswoman Doris Matsui said what many were feeling: “It’s been a long time coming, but it’s surely worth it.”

The expansion to the Crocker has been in planning for more than 10 years and under construction for about three years. A few hundred people crowded together and listened to the speakers, ready to see what was held inside the modern white building of steel and glass that was about to be handed over to the public. More than 14,000 people took the free tour by the day’s end.

Citing the (nearly complete) $100 million campaign to fund the project, Mayor Kevin Johnson announced, “To anyone who says Sacramento is not valuing art, that simply is not true.”

The 125,000-square-foot expansion was designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects and triples the size of the museum. The new space includes a cafe run by Mulvaney's, a large outdoor courtyard for live performances, studio art classrooms, an expanded library and an auditorium. Perhaps most notably, though, the expansion provides more space to display artwork that would have otherwise not come to Sacramento.

“There has been a perception of Sacramento as not the greatest cultural center,” Chief Curator Scott Shields said.

Shields said he hopes the new Crocker will be a game changer for Sacramento, a transition away from the “cow town” image to something more metropolitan. Progress has been good so far, he said – a lot of the new artwork on display came to the museum based on the “build it and they will come” principle.

“Before the expansion, there would have been nowhere to put it,” Shields said. “They would have said ‘We like your museum, but if you can’t display it, then we’ve got to go somewhere else.’ ”

The museum now dedicates 57,000 square feet to displaying artwork, which is the size a football field without end zones. The Crocker is known for its large collection of California art as well as one of the most comprehensive international ceramics collections in the country. It has a large collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and many notable pieces originating from 19th century Central and Northern Europe. The African, Oceanic and Asian collections are all popular and also growing quickly.

Among the new collections, one of the most talked about is a retrospective featuring 50 paintings and drawings by Wayne Thiebaud. Thiebaud is now 89, and his artwork spans 70 years. Much of his work could fairly be labeled pop art. Solid blocks of bright color depicting still life and portraits can’t help but remind the viewer of Warhol, while Thiebaud’s California landscapes wield fantastical trappings reminiscent of Dr. Seuss as he plays with perspective and scale to great effect.

After looking at Thiebaud’s paintings of Sacramento farmscapes, Bobbin Mulvaney said, guests can visit her cafe downstairs and eat food that came from those same farms.

The menu at the cafe takes from the same philosophy that drives the Mulvaney couple’s restaurant: locally grown organic food and sustainable practices makes for a delicious meal. In addition to the cafe’s regular menu, groups of up to 40 people may schedule lunch at the museum for special events, requesting any menu they want.

“With all this expansion,” Patrick Mulvaney said, “(visiting the museum) becomes a day-long event.”

Just then, while standing in front of the cafe and almost as if on cue, Patrick got spotted by an excited fan who asked if she could take his picture.

“I’m going to be coming to the museum a lot more now that Mulvaney’s is doing the restaurant,” she said excitedly.

This is exactly what the museum wants. Visiting the old Crocker took an hour or two, but it wasn’t servicing the community as well as it could have, said Randy Roberts, deputy director.

The museum brought Roberts in about a year ago because she’s been in the business of growing museums for 31 years and she’s good at what she does. The new Crocker faces a difficult challenge by opening a large new space and simultaneously starting lots of new programs.

“It’s like your learning curve is happening at the same time you have to make a good impression on someone,” Roberts said.

From 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., there were performances, exhibits and activities to showcase the types of programs Sacramentans can expect to see come out of the museum in the future.

ArtCar Fest 2010 set up shop across the street while Chalk-It-Up! Sacramento led a street painting activity in front of the museum. The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra performed throughout the day while the main stage in the courtyard featured 14 performances of dance and music from around the world. There were workshops for kids in the classrooms, gallery talks throughout the museum, multi-media presentations introducing the new building, a beer and wine gallery, a magic show and various musical performances throughout the day on a second stage. A laser light show ended the night.

Between these types of events and the art on display, the museum is an institution that brings a lot of pride, Roberts said.

“This is something we built,” she said. “And it becomes part of our identity. It becomes part of the identity of the area.”

One of the museum’s aims has been to enrich local education with what they call experiential learning. Yearly, 35,000 students engage in some activity associated with the museum, including 14,000 on-site. Stacey Shelnut-Hendrick, director of education, said they now expect to double the number of on-site children who participate in their programs.

Not originally from Sacramento, Hendrick said she believes the museum’s expansion is a response to Sacramento’s artistic streak.

“It’s a very creative community,” she said. “What they drive, what they wear, how they live...it’s a very soulful city. This museum might give people a sense of who they are.”

Photos by Kati Garner

Grand Opening of Plate's Cafe & Catering

2010-09-10T20:38:17Z

St. John’s will give formerly homeless women with children the opportunity to gain work experience and become more self sufficient with its new restaurant, Plates Cafe and Catering. St. John’s Shelter Program for Women & Children celebrated its anniversary on Thursday along with the grand opening of Plates. Guest speakers such as Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Assemblywoman Alyson Huber and Mayor Kevin Johnson attended, along with 350 supporters from the community.

"Plates is a very, very special place,” Matsui said. “It provides a place, a structure, a sanctuary.”

After graduating from the 90-day program at St. John’s Shelter, Plates trains women with skills in the food service, catering, retail, and hospitality industries.

The 90-day program works with women on a one-on-one basis and sets up weekly and monthly goals. The women are required to attend classes and workshops each week and to do community service. Services and classes include domestic violence counseling, mental health counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, weekly health services from a nurse, parenting classes, fitness and nutrition, employment services, art therapy, budgeting and financial management class, and other self-development classes. “Some women are able to start at Plates before the 90-day period is over,” said Rachele Burton, Community and Government Relations Manager at St. John’s.

The women work 25 hours a week for six months, create their own resumes and interview for the positions at Plates. “There are four paid employees at Plates,” said Michele Steeb, Executive Director at St. John’s. “20 women make this happen. They are leaving a state of dependency and becoming independent.”

Reverend Scot Sorensen from St. John’sLutheran Church was in attendance and talked about the need for this shelter and the church opened St. John’s Shelter almost 25 years ago, on Nov. 1, 1985.

St. John’s had been looking for a business for a while, to make more revenue and become more self-sufficient. St. John’s sought out the help of MBA students at Intel to analyze different industries. Research showed that the hospitality and food industries were the most flexible for women with children.

“In April we found out about the space here at Depot Park,” Burton said. “And in two months we were open.” Plates occupies the building lease free - all St. John’s pays for is utilities. By eating at Plates you are “helping women transform their lives with a French fry,” Burton said.

Michelle Barry is in the Plates program and plans to complete it in November. The program has inspired her to be more self-sufficient.

“I hope to help at St. John’s in the future so that they can maybe benefit from my experience,” she said. “We get no tips and no pay, but St. John’s pays half our rent.”

David Husid works for Lutheran Social Services and has been working with St. John’s for eight years. “It’s real good work experience for the women going through the shelter,” he said. “Great food, great prices.”

Plates plans to get its own garden started, but currently uses local produce, meats and cheese.

Breakfast prices range from $1 to $7 for the continental breakfast. The lunch and dinner options include the buffet for $18 per person, which serves items such as Southwest Caesar Salad and Mediterranean Pasta.

Plates is located at 14 Business Park Way in Sacramento. It is open Monday through Friday. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. lunch is served from 11a.m.-4 p.m. and dinner is served from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. http://www.eatatplates.com/

“We will be here for many, many years,” Matsui said.

R Street improvement kicks off

2010-09-09T02:22:03Z

The R Street improvement project officially started today at a groundbreaking ceremony in front of the Fox and Goose Public House at 10th and R streets.

“This is absolutely wonderful,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “We have a history here – a thriving commercial history.”

R Street is getting numerous upgrades from 10th Street to 13th Street as part of the more than $6 million project, including sidewalks, pedestrian-oriented traffic lights, designated parking spots and drainage, according to Sacramento Department of Transportation Director Jerry Way.

In a nod to the R Street corridor’s history, rail lines will be preserved in the streetscape.

“This project has been long and anxiously awaited,” Way said.

Part of the funding – about $1.5 million – came from a federal earmark.

“That has some bad connotations, but when it actually works, it leverages a lot of money,” Matsui said. “The federal government needs to be involved in urban planning, and it is. I’m looking forward to a continued partnership with the state and with the city.”

Mayor Kevin Johnson applauded the project and said the 170 jobs it will create are a boon to the local economy.

“The R Street corridor is going to be an amazing opportunity for us,” he said. “This is a microcosm, I believe, of everything that is happening in our city.”

The project lies in City Council District 4, and Councilman Rob Fong said the $6.1 million to address infrastructure in his district is key to preserving the history and helping bring in new development in the mixed-use corridor.

While the groundbreaking was today, dirt won’t actually be moved for about two weeks, according to Todd Leon, R Street development manager for the Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA), which partially funded the project.

Leon said the work from 11th Street to 13th Street will, depending on weather, be done sometime in late November or December.

Work from 10th Street to 11th Street will start after St. Patrick’s Day and be completed in June, he added.

“The businesses are going to be open the whole time, and we wanted to work around their busy times,” he said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Congresswoman Matsui Applauds Announcement of $205 Million in Recovery Act Funding for California Broadband Projects

2010-08-18T20:53:28Z

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswomen Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, commended the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) announcement that California will receive Recovery Act funding totaling $205,147,578 for seven Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) projects in California. One such project, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, has been awarded $10,944,843 to provide outreach, training, and learning support to increase digital literacy and broadband usage. As a result, community colleges systems like the Los Rios Community College District, which serves the Sacramento community, will benefit from the fiber optic cables being laid up and down the state as a direct outcome of this grant.

“In our increasingly connected world, it is important that all Americans have access to, and a comfort with, broadband technology,” said Rep. Matsui. “I am pleased that California has been awarded these funds, and that the Los Rios College District will be among the beneficiaries. These awards will assist both urban and rural communities throughout California in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that our citizens are able to be active participants in all aspects of society.”

On July 30, Congresswomen Matsui and Eshoo sent a letter to NTIA Assistant Secretary and Administrator Lawrence Strickling urging the NTIA to give greater consideration to California BTOP applications in the next round of Recovery Act funding. NTIA announced their decision to award California over $205 million in BTOP funding early Wednesday.

“Every day the Internet becomes a more influential and critical resource for education, free speech, and commerce around the world,” said Rep. Eshoo. “When a child cannot access the Internet, she suffers a severe disadvantage to her peers. This is one reason we specifically crafted language in the Recovery Act to fund broadband deployment to underserved areas. I’ve worked on this issue for a long time and I’m so pleased today, because these vital grants are a real victory for California’s children, our first responders, and our nation.”

“The California Emerging Technology Fund commends the California Congressional Delegation for aggressively advocating for Federal investment in needed broadband infrastructure,” commented Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF.) “We are especially appreciative of Congresswomen Matsui and Eshoo in coordinating the submission of a letter from the Delegation to the Administration. And, we are grateful that NTIA has recognized that the needs are great in California with 44,000 square miles of rural and remote communities still un-served and underserved in our state--an area as large as the State of Kentucky – and more than 10 million residents still not connected with broadband to the Internet – a population comparable to the State of Illinois. This investment in California is a major step forward in closing the Digital Divide in America.”

The Foundation for California Community Colleges project focuses on sustainable broadband adoption in the state by providing lower-income students with laptops and software training, and developing an open source online digital literacy course available to students and their families at libraries and other public computer centers.

California BTOP Projects Funded By Today’s Awards, Totaling $205,147,578

Foundation for CA Community Colleges: $ 10,944,843

California Connects will provide outreach, training, and learning support to increase digital literacy skills and broadband usage. Laptops and software training will be provided to lower-income students. An open source, online, digital literacy course will be developed and provided to students and their families and accessed at libraries and other public computer centers throughout California.

California Broadband Cooperative, Inc., Digital 395 Project: $81,148,788

Digital 395 is a 583 mile fiber optic network between Carson City NV and Barstow CA providing Mid-Mile broadband & route diversity to 15% of California. Serving 25,949 households, 2571 businesses, 237 anchors, & 68 POIs in the Eastern Sierra, the Cooperative represents a CPUC-funded public-private partnership aimed at long-term economic development. It creates 1107 shovel-ready jobs over 2 years.

CENIC/Cvin: 18 Counties in the Central Valley -- Middle Mile: $46,619,757

CVIN/CENIC will build a 1371 mile fiber-optics infrastructure through 18 California counties: Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Nevada, Placer, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, Tulare & Yuba providing direct fiber connectivity to 63 anchor institutions & access by another 40 anchor sites & hundreds of thousands of businesses & residences.

Motorola: BayWeb Public Safety Project for Greater Bay Area: $50,593,551

The project is a public-private partnership between Motorola, public safety agencies, and broadband providers in the San Francisco Bay area. The project will deploy a comprehensive Middle Mile network that will expand broadband service for emergency responders utilizing LTE technology and offer wireless broadband service to community anchor institutions and residential and business end users.

Plumas Sierra Rural Electric: Middle Mile Project: $ 13,770,240

The Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) CCI project is a fiber optic Open Access network that traverses through parts of Plumas, Sierra, and Lassen County that are unserved and underserved. The PST Middle Mile project is a collaborative regional effort.

ZeroDivide: Tribal Project in Rural San Diego: $686,157

ZeroDivide's “Tribal Digital Village Broadband Adoption Program” will increase broadband adoption from the 17% current baseline usage to 70% (4800 new broadband users) among members of 19 Native American tribes in rural So. California. This will be accomplished through outreach & public awareness, digital literacy training, content creation, and establishment of sustainable business models.

ZeroDivide: Shared Project Between CA, HI, NM, OR, UT, and WA: $1,384,242

ZeroDivide will expand broadband access to low-income youth in communities across these six states. The project plans to provide training and support services to encourage sustainable adoption and technology awareness with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

# # #

Government infighting stops local energy savings program

2010-08-06T05:04:29Z

A local energy efficiency program led by Sacramento City Councilman Kevin McCarty is caught in the middle of a giant bureaucratic tug-of-war.

McCarty’s program would give residents and businesses a lengthy period of time to pay for energy-efficient upgrades at their homes and workplaces. Assessments on residents’ property taxes would fund the upgrades. The local program garnered $740,000 in federal stimulus funds in November.

But McCarty’s planned program — one of many similar energy-saving programs throughout the country — was squashed in July by the federal agency in charge of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Sacramento City Council passed a resolution Thursday that backs a bill in Congress to overturn the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s decision on the programs.

The federal agency argued that the financing system for the energy efficiency programs created problems for lenders. McCarty’s program and similar efforts elsewhere are formally called property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs.

“First liens established by PACE loans are unlike routine tax assessments and pose unusual and difficult risk management challenges for lenders, servicers and mortgage securities investors,” according to a July 6 statement from the agency.

The local program was halted before it had begun, city Sustainability Manager Yvette Rincon Rincon said. In July, the federal agency “stopped almost all the PACE programs in the nation,” Rincon told the City Council Thursday night.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, is the author of a bill aiming to reverse the federal agency’s decision. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, is co-sponsoring the bill along with several other Congress members.

The state has also joined the fray. California Attorney General Jerry Brown challenged the federal agency on the PACE issue in a lawsuit last month.

McCarty said after Thursday’s City Council meeting that the local program would help lower energy costs for residents, create new jobs and confront climate change.

“We’re right on track to make this work,” McCarty said. “And there’s one hiccup all of a sudden with this federal government action.”

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Rep. Doris Matsui Hosts Successful Clean Energy Forum Today with Almost 200 Participants

2010-06-03T23:39:40Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) hosted a first of its kind forum at the Sacramento State Alumni Center for local clean technology companies to explore federal funding opportunities with representatives from the Administration. Joined by prominent representatives from the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and the Export-Import Bank, Rep. Matsui’s event highlighted Federal programs that businesses can apply for to promote the use of clean technology, bolster the clean energy industry, increase exports of American-made clean energy products, and reduce both energy consumption and costs for consumers and businesses. ‪‪

“As our regional economy continues to recover and grow, the emerging clean technology industry is helping to ensure that Sacramento is prosperous throughout the next century,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “When our local companies have the opportunity to sit down and meet with Administration officials face-to-face, they can better understand what is required of them in the loan process and that will make our region more competitive down the road.”

Almost 200 participants attended today's event - a clear sign of the excitement around the clean energy sector in Sacramento. Local businesses, non-profits, government agencies, university representatives, and citizen activists came together to discuss on-going projects as well as future opportunities coming to Northern California.

Representative Matsui also discussed legislation she recently introduced, the Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010, which would assist small- and medium-sized clean technology businesses to find new markets at home and abroad to sell their clean-tech products.‪‪ This legislation would create a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund to be administered by International Trade Administration within the Department of Commerce to help increase the competitiveness of American-made clean technology.

“Sacramento is poised to become a national leader in clean energy,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Today’s forum will help our local stakeholders understand what federal resources are available to them and how best to prepare, strengthen and grow their businesses to compete in a global marketplace.”‪

The Recovery Act, supported by Congresswoman Matsui last year, has set forth record levels of investment in the burgeoning clean and green technology industry. The Obama Administration and this Congress continues to deliver on its promise to support clean tech companies that, in turn, will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, renew our competitiveness in a global marketplace, and promote the use of alternative technologies that do not threaten our natural resources. Last fall, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) in cooperation with California State University Sacramento (CSUS) and Los Rios Community College received a Recovery grant of $128 million for the installation of smart meters and a regional smart-grid infrastructure. The federal funding will enable SMUD to deploy technology that it could not otherwise afford that will, for example, help SMUD predict power outages, and know more quickly when they do occur.

“SMUD proudly supports the Sacramento region’s clean technology business sector,” said Elisabeth S. Brinton, Chief Business & Public Affairs Officer, SMUD. “As the nation’s most progressive electric utility, SMUD has been a local economic development engine for many decades, from pioneering utility scale solar over 25 years ago, to our Smart Grid and Advanced Renewable Energy Development work happening today. Congresswoman Matsui’s practical and visionary leadership is a key to our region’s competitiveness. Today’s Clean Energy Federal Funding Forum gives local private sector companies important access to federal funding options needed to accelerate the commercialization of energy related technology in today’s otherwise tough economy – supporting the clean energy technology that will help utilities like SMUD best serve our customers for years to come.”

# # #

Rep. Matsui Introduces Legislation to Bolster Local Clean Tech Industry

2010-04-27T19:50:32Z

Today I introduced the Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010 to boost the competiveness of U.S. clean technology industry in the U.S. and international marketplace. This will have an enormous impact on the Sacramento region, and help further the region’s progress toward becoming a clean-tech capital.

The bill is co-sponsored by leading Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including House Commerce Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush (D-IL), Chairman Emeritus John D. Dingell (D-MI), and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA).

Currently, our nation’s clean tech industry is lagging behind many of its international competitors, particularly in exports abroad. According to a U.S. Senate Report released in January 2010, the U.S. clean technology industry exported about $7.7 billion in products and services last year compared to China’s $22.7 billion and Germany’s $19.6 billion. Moreover, the Department of Energy has found that the increase in exports of green technology could reach $40 billion per year and could create more than 750,000 jobs by 2020.

The Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act would create a $15 million Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund – to be administered by International Trade Administration within the Department of Commerce – to help increase the competitiveness of American-made clean technology industry here in the U.S. and in the international marketplace. The newly-created Fund would support the development, implementation, and sustainability of a National Clean Energy Technology Export Strategy, and serve to assist U.S. Clean Tech firms with export assistance in finding and navigating foreign markets to export their goods and services abroad.

My legislation would help also strengthen America’s domestic clean tech manufacturing industry by requiring the Fund to promote policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology industry at home. In turn, that will help American companies increase their demand and create new, good jobs in communities like Sacramento.

The U.S. must be a leader in manufacturing and exporting clean technologies, not one that becomes dependent on foreign energy products. This legislation will enhance the U.S. standing in the race to clean energy by coordinating a national strategy to increase the competiveness of the U.S. clean tech industry here in the U.S. and in the international marketplace. Sacramento is poised to become a national leader in clean tech. This legislation will provide much-needed resources to strengthen and grow our local businesses in Sacramento as they expand into the global clean tech marketplace. This legislation sends a strong message to businesses around the world that America is serious about being a leader on producing clean energy.

“Right now, the global market for environmental goods and services is estimated at $700 billion,” my colleague, Chairman Rush said in a statement. “This means that the future of the overall U.S. economy not only depends upon a vibrant domestic market but strong American leadership in the rapidly expanding green economy. At present, only six of the top 30 global companies that lead in this sector are American owned. This must change. This bill will help innovative U.S. companies close this global gap. I’m committed to working with my colleague, Rep. Matsui, to do all I can to assure the passage of this legislation.”

“I am proud to join with my friends, Representatives Matsui and Rush, in introducing this important legislation, the Clean Energy Export Act,” said Chairman Emeritus Dingell. “It is part and parcel to the President’s goal of doubling exports in five years and gives wonderful incentive to American companies to design and manufacture the environmentally friendly technologies of tomorrow. Initiatives such as the one proposed in this bill will help our country gain a competitive edge in the export of the technologies the rest of the world wants and needs.”

“Clean energy technology will be a critical component of tomorrow’s economy, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and provide domestic energy without harming the environment,” added Rep. Eshoo. “China and European Union nations realize this potential and are investing heavily in this developing industry. We have two choices: invest now, make America #1 in the world, and help our companies succeed, or watch other nations corner the global market. The Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010 will position our nation to compete and become the world leader in this increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

Steve Kircher, Chairman and CEO of Solar Power, Inc., a solar company based in Roseville, added his support for the legislation, stating: “We remain very enthused about building high quality manufacturing in the United States for solar technologies, specifically at McClellan. This legislation will certainly be helpful. We can’t build a business that relies solely on selling products into Sacramento County. We currently sell our products into Europe, Asia and Australia and it is our firm intent to sell the products we will be making at McClellan throughout the world.”

Greg Brehm, Distributed Renewable Energy Resource Director at OPDE U.S. Corporation, a solar manufacturer locating its American headquarters at the Port of West Sacramento also expressed support for Rep. Matsui’s legislation saying, “OPDE U.S. Corporation enthusiastically supports Congresswoman Matsui’s efforts to enact the ‘Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010.”

The OPDE U.S. Group includes Mecasolar U.S., which produces its Spanish-designed solar PV tracking equipment near the Port of West Sacramento, CA, U.S.A. from U.S. made steel. Mecasolar’s trackers have demonstrated increased energy harvest by up to 40% for solar farms around the world. “And Proinso, the distribution arm of OPDE U.S., views the Congresswoman’s bill as an opportunity to increase exports of this U.S. manufactured clean technology equipment,” Brehm added.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2010:

The legislation would create a “Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund” administered by International Trade Administration within the Department of Commerce to ensure American clean energy technology firms have the information and assistance they need to be competitive both at home and abroad.

Specifically, the Fund would serve to require the International Trade Administration to:

1. Assist U.S. Clean Tech firms with export assistance and find and navigate foreign markets to export their goods and services abroad.
2. Enhance U.S. Clean Tech Manufacturing firms by requiring the Fund to promote policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector.
3. Develop and Implement a National Clean Energy Technology Export Strategy.

For more information, I encourage constituents to visit my website or call my office at (916)498-5600.

Celebrating the 40th Annual Earth Day

2010-04-22T19:03:03Z

On April 22nd each day for the past 40 years, our nation has celebrated this day as Earth Day - an opportunity for many of us to join with family, friends and neighbors to celebrate our environment and work towards a healthier one..

At this time each year, I enjoy celebrating Earth Day with my family and reminding my grandchildren about the importance of respecting nature. Protecting our environment means guaranteeing our families can breathe clean air and drink clean water. For those in the region, much of our food supply comes from local farmers and can be adversely affected by harmful pollutants. It is important that the next generation understands and appreciates all that our planet has to offer us in order to ensure that every generation is able to enjoy these same benefits.

As a member of the House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been working diligently with my colleagues to curb the pollution that puts our health at risk and find long-lasting, sustainable energy solutions that will end our reliance on foreign oil and reduce living costs for American families. Last year, the House passed a comprehensive clean energy bill, paving a new course towards a clean energy economy. Now it’s the Senate’s turn. And if this legislation is enacted, it will spur massive investment in new clean energy jobs, and reduce the harmful pollutants and emissions that are causing dangerous climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has partnered with agencies across the globe to showcase many simple changes you can make in your daily life to help combat climate change and harmful pollution trends. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, I encourage all of you to visit http://www.epa.gov/pick5/ and join me in making a pledge to “Pick 5” so that the next generations may enjoy the beauty of Sacramento as we do today.

We have made great strides over the last 40 years, yet there remains much left to be accomplished in protecting our environment. I will continue to stand-up as your advocate in Congress, and hope that you will join me this Earth Day in making a few small steps towards lasting change.

-Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento)

Matsui pushes Sac as clean tech capital

2010-04-12T03:04:00Z

U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui launched a collaboration Friday in an effort to make Sacramento the nation's clean-tech capital.

The impetus: $127.5 million the U.S. Department of Energy awarded to Sacramento Municipal Utility District and local partners last fall to install a regional smart electric grid system. The grid collects electricity use information from generation to consumption and makes that available via the Internet.

Local green-sector businesses, organizations, academics and government agencies now must team up to figure out how to use the federal funding as venture capital to stimulate economic growth through clean-tech initiatives and green energy projects, said Matsui, who represents Sacramento as part of California's Fifth District.

"With a changing economy comes opportunity, and this is the time to think big," she said, speaking to more than 50 people at SMUD headquarters. "We need to walk out with a clear vision of what the region needs to do to become the clean-tech capital."

The money was among $3.4 billion in stimulus funding grants divided between more than 100 utilities, businesses and cities in October for smart grid technology development. The Obama administration is using the 2009 Recovery Act to lay the foundation for a national clean-energy economy and to make the country a global energy leader, said Travis Dredd, special assistant to U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

Matsui, who sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, also announced Friday that California State University, Sacramento, has won $750,000 in stimulus funds for smart grid workforce training.

The $127.5 million grant will allow Sacramento to "move to the front of the line" and speed the development of smart-grid technology here — and that infrastructure will pave the way for other innovations, said SMUD General Manager John DiStasio.

Sacramento has a chance to become "the hub for clean tech in the country," said Bob Burris, deputy director for the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO).

"We believe that could be the case," he said.

The number of clean-tech companies has grown quickly in the region over the last few years. The area was home to 30 such businesses in 2006. The number of companies then jumped to 56 in 2007 and 90 in 2008. The pace slowed with the recession, growing to 95 in 2009 and 106 in 2010, said Meg Arnold, chief executive officer of Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance. While at UC Davis, Arnold developed programs to support start-up companies that began on campus.

SMUD, Paciﬁc Gas and Electric Co. and Roseville Electric — the three primary electricity providers here — are on the cutting edge in the development and use of clean energy, according to SACTO.

In the last six months, half of the companies expressing interest in moving to Sacramento have been clean tech. About 70 percent of those are European, 13 percent are from the Pacific Rim and 17 percent are domestic, Burris said.

Ecostream of Holland and SunTechnics Energy Systems of Germany recently established national headquarters here.

The region is attractive to such businesses for several reasons. California provides the biggest market for sustainable energy and other clean technologies. Natural resources, including sun and wind, are plentiful. The area is centrally located in the West and easily accessible via highway, rail and sea ports. UC Davis and California State University, Sacramento, offer leading clean-tech programs. And as the capital, Sacramento is policy headquarters for the country's most progressive, environmentally friendly state, Burris said.

Collaboration has helped the region get where it is. The Green Capital Alliance has been promoting a partnership of clean tech and a green economy, Arnold said. UC Davis and UC Berkeley are working together to build a clean energy hub in the area.

Matsui is now working to build on that cooperation in order to make the region and its economy clean and green. A follow-up session to the Friday meeting is expected to be held by early June.

"We've done an awful lot here in Sacramento," she said. "But we need to step it up a notch."

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter covering business and development for The Sacramento Press.

Rep. Doris Matsui Commends Successful Transition to Digital Television

2009-06-12T21:09:40Z

Today Sacramento transitioned to a nationwide, digital television (DTV) service, which is an advanced broadcasting technology that will improve our television viewing experience.

DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality, and more programming choices for viewers. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology. It will also provide Sacramento residents with more advanced wireless services, including enhanced wireless broadband.

“I am so pleased that our transition to DTV in Sacramento has been seamless thus far, and my office will continue to be a resource for people with questions in the coming days and weeks. Credit must go to the Department of Commerce, our local broadcasters, and the numerous community groups that got the word out in advance and helped Sacramento prepare for the change.”

An important benefit of our switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications that will allow police, fire departments, and first responders to improve communication in an emergency situation.

As we continue to switch over and get acclemated to digital television, Rep. Matsui is committed to making sure Sacramentans have all of the information they need. Please see her Digital TV Transition Guide if you have any questions or concerns, and please see below for the schedule of transition for each television station in Sacramento:

Channel, Affiliation, Time & Day
3 KCRA, NBC, 9am - June 12
58 KQCA, MY, 9am - June 12
40 KTXL, Fox, 9am - June 12
13 KOVR, CBS, 6pm - June 12
31 KMAX, CW, 6pm - June 12
10 KXTV, ABC, 11:59pm - June 12
19 KTFK, Univision, 11:59pm - June 12
6 KVIE, Public, 11:59pm - June 12

For more information, please visit www.matsui.house.gov.

Sacramento residents to receive extra Social Security checks

2009-04-26T19:52:22Z

Sacramento residents who receive Social Security funds will soon get an extra $250 check in the mail.

In Sacramento, 111,840 residents who participate in the Social Security benefits program will receive the additional $250 check in the next few weeks. About 52 million Americans across the country will receive the $250 checks.

The one-time money is part of the federal stimulus package, known formally as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Sacramento residents will receive about $27.96 million total in the form of these checks, according to the office of Representative Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento).

“Every dollar helps during this time when people hurt by the economic downturn are cutting back on essentials such as groceries and medical prescriptions,” Matsui said through a spokeswoman Friday.

The additional $250 will be mailed separately from recipients’ regular social security benefits.

Checks should arrive by June 4, said Alexis Marks, spokeswoman for Matsui.

Marks noted that people do not need to apply for the check—it will be sent automatically to people who receive Social Security monies.

Matsui advocated for the one-time checks to be included in the federal stimulus package, Marks said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Rep. Doris Matsui On Mayor Johnson’s Volunteer Initiative

2009-03-02T20:07:54Z

The following is a news release from the office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui:

Calls for Renewed Commitment to Service in Wake of Recession

Sacramento - Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) renewed her call today for Americans to participate in community service in the wake of challenging economic times. As a Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, Rep. Matsui has been an advocate and leader on national service issues. Congresswoman Matsui has continued to promote service locally, participating in numerous events with service members who build homes, tutor children, clean parks and assist first responders during fires and other natural disasters.

Congresswoman Matsui also introduced House Resolution 43 earlier this year, which recognizes the efforts of those who serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day and promotes the holiday as a day of national service. As the Honorary Chair of Volunteer Sacramento, Rep. Matsui released the following letter today in support of the Mayor Kevin Johnson’s initiative:

Dear Friends,

As your representative in Congress and as Co-Chair of the Congressional National Service Caucus it is an honor to support Mayor Kevin Johnson’s efforts to increase volunteerism in our city.

From our nation’s beginning, Americans have always valued service and giving back to the communities that we are from. Sacramento is no different, as the spirit of volunteerism has always defined our city. We are privileged to be home to AmeriCorps*NCCC’s western headquarters, hundreds of community based non-profits and countless individuals that are committed to improving the lives of others. I am confident that this new initiative, which is designed to further enhance that spirit of volunteerism, will enjoy your support.

I look forward to working with you to help this initiative be a resounding success, a success that our city can be proud of.

Best regards,

DORIS O. MATSUI