Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "elk grove"

Elk Grove Force wins Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops tournament

2011-11-15T06:49:05Z

The Elk Grove Force beat the Sacramento Donkey Fong, 33-23 in the final match, making Elk Grove the first champion of the annual Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops Regional Celebrity Basketball Tournament.

There were more than 250 attendants watching the game Monday afternoon at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation basketball arena in Elk Grove.

In the final match, Former Monarch Danielle Viglione of the Sacramento Donkey Fong injured her left ankle as she went for a rebound early in the game. In the last six minutes of the game, another Sacramento Donkey Fong player was injured: Rolland Foley III, 20, a Sacramento City College student, injured his knee.

"I'm sad for my teammates," Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong of the Sacramento Donkey Fong said, referring to his teammates' injuries. "It's kind of hard to enjoy it after that."

He said that the event was for a great cause – Jumpstart 21 – and the game needs to be revisited so that injuries can be avoided in next years' tournament.

Jumpstart 21 is a workforce development and internship placement program for foster youth created by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.

"The championship game, man, what a game. It was back and forth (and), unfortunately, the other team had a few injuries, we hung in there, and brought the championship for Elk Grove," Professional Water Skier Brian Detrick, 22, said.

In the first round of the tournament, the Elk Grove Force beat the Rocklin Rim Rattlers, 35-12; the West Sacramento Brick Layers won against the Folsom 49ers, 14-12; the Sacramento Donkey Fong secured the victory against the Roseville Annexers, 37-20; and the Citrus Heights Crush beat the Rancho Cordova Magic Makers, 25-20.

In the semi-finals, the Sacramento Donkey Fong beat the Citrus Heights Crush 29-22, and the Elk Grove Force beat the West Sacramento Brick Layers, 35-13.

"Everybody came together for the spirit of helping the emancipated foster youth so we were very excited." CEO and President Patricia Fong Kushida of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce said. The event went well, she said, except for the couple of injuries during the final game.

Vice Mayor of Elk Grove Jim Cooper said that the biggest winners in the game are the youth in the Jumpstart 21 program. He was captain of the Elk Grove Force team.

Eight cities of the Sacramento region to compete in a celebrity basketball tournament

2011-11-08T05:43:29Z

The National Basketball Association might still be in a lockout, but the Sacramento region is set to have a celebrity basketball tournament Nov 14. where eight teams representing Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Elk Grove, Roseville, West Sacramento, Rocklin, Citrus Heights and Sacramento are participating for a fundraising event.

The Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops Regional Celebrity Basketball Tournament is a three-on-three half-court basketball tournament fundraising event held by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SACC).

The proceeds will benefit Jumpstart 21, a workforce development and internship placement program by the SACC for young adults recently out of the foster care system, said SACC Director of Events and Foundation Matthew Sumida.

The teams will be captained by an elected official from each of the cities and coached by a graduate of the program. Sumida said that the 12-week training program provides the young adults with basic employment skills, and once training is completed, the graduates are provided internship placement within the Sacramento region.

"This program will help raise funds for those internships," Sumida said,"and it's a great way for the former foster kids to get involved and to interact with high-level community leaders."

The captains for each of the teams are required to recruit their own players, Sumida said, where two have to be female, and one has to be a media person. During the game, a female player is required to be on the court at all times. Also, a member of the team should be a representative of the team’s official sponsor. It is not necessary for the teammates to be residents of the city their team represents, except for the team captain.

He said that some of the players have former professional basketball experience, including Danielle Viglione, a former Sacramento Monarch, who is playing for the city of Sacramento team.

Marcos Breton of The Sacramento Bee will be the master of ceremonies.

Sumida said that it would have been ideal to have Mayor Kevin Johnson included in the event, but he was not available.

The tournament will also have its own version of the Royal Court Dancers – the Jumpstart 21 Dancers – who will be trained by the Sacramento Kings Royal Court Dancers. The dancers are event sponsors and public officials, said Six Degreez President Sharon Gerber, the official event planner of the tournament.

There will be a five-minute warmup time before each of the games. Two fifteen-minute half-court matches will play simultaneously, and the teams will have one 30 second time-out.

"We are planning to have this as an annual event, and each year the trophy will be passed on to the next winner. " Sumida said. "It's a fun event that we came up with to help raise money and also to find out who the best basketball team in the region is."

Hear an explanation of how the tournament will work below:

The event runs from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Registration starts at 3:00 p.m.
The event will be held at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation, 9040 High Tech Court in Elk Grove Tickets can be purchased here.

What the team captains have to say:

Citrus Heights Crush

Coach: Nicole Miller
Captain: Mayor Jeannie Bruins
Members:
Mel Turner
Paul Robins
Joel Archer
Nicole Garing
Diane Ebbitt

"I am looking forward to (a) faceoff with West Sacramento – a challenge I put out to Oscar Villegas," Citrus Heights Mayor Jeannie Bruins said. "We're going to crush them because we are the Citrus Heights Crush."

She said that her team has practiced once, and the players are ready. Unfortunately, Bruins said, she will not be playing and will stay on the sidelines. She said that she will be the No. 1 cheerleader for the team.

"It is just fabulous what they do," Bruins said of the Jumpstart 21 program.

Rancho Cordova Magic Makers

Coach: Angela Montes
Captain: Councilwoman Linda Budge
Members:
Nathan Dietrich
Bob Shallit
Sam Miller
Adam Lingren
Rebecca Sloan

"We have four dedicated basketball fans in our team, and we have been watching the Sacramento Kings for a long time, and hopefully it rubbed off," said Rancho Cordova City Councilwoman Linda Budge.

Budge said that in order for them to win in this competition, they will have to play like a team. She said that she will make sure that her teammates make some assists.

The team has not had the chance to practice together, but she said the players have practiced separately, with some of them practicing basketball with their kids.

"We are doing this because we are basketball fans, but most of all because it is for a good cause," Budge said."We will be playing for them."

Sacramento Donkey Fong

Coach: Roland Foley III
Captain: City Councilman Rob Fong
Members:
City Councilman Jay Schenirer
State Assemblyman Roger Dickinson
Bethany Crouch
Tim Mech
Sam Luong
Danielle Viglione

"We don't care who we meet in the finals, we just know we are going to win," Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong said.

He said that they enjoy being the favorite team to win, even though the other teams might not like it. He has not talked with Mayor Kevin Johnson to get some basketball tips, but Fong said he will definitely do so.

"Most of us are rooted to the earth and won't be doing any jumping at all," said Fong, who also said that this should not be a problem. The team practiced Sunday.

"It is for a great cause, and we are willing to take great physical risk to support it," Fong said. "I'm just hoping that when all is said and done, none of us will be heading to the emergency room.”

West Sacramento Brick Layers

Coach: Reyan Reyes
Captain: City Councilman Oscar E. Villegas
Members:
Chris Ledesma
Kristin Marshall
Bob Johnston
Jeff Dorso
Kalyca Seabrook
Bernadette Austin-Bower

"We don't care who we face off," West Sacramento City Councilman Oscar Villegas said. "Bring it!"

Villegas said that a friendly game is always good for the soul. His team has practiced, and he said that it is going well.

"I would bet somebody else's paycheck that we would win," he added. "I can dunk if they lower the hoop to 7 feet,"

Folsom 49ers

Coach: April Redricks
Captain: Mayor Andy Morin
Members:
Matt Dawson
Teo Torres
Ben Porter
Lani Stowers
Shannon O'Neill

"I would like to go against Rancho Cordova in the final match, because they are our friendly neighbors, and if we can beat them, we can have some serious bragging rights," said Folsom Mayor Andy Morin.

"I want to be as competitive as possible, but I am also looking forward to meeting with old friends in a friendly, competitive setting," he added.

Morin said that his team is set to meet up this week for practice, and he hopes that his team will be in good condition for the tournament.

Rocklin Rim Rattlers

Coach: Leslie Lee Jr.
Captain: City Councilman Scott Yuill
Members:
Greg Daley
Tina Macuha
Brian Jenson
Dave Butler
Paul Ackerman

"I am looking forward most to helping supporting the Jumpstart 21 program and having fun doing it with the regional flair," said Rocklin City Councilman Scott Yuill.

He said jokingly that his team has practiced extensively through email and is well-prepared for the tournament.

"I am a much better golfer than a basketball player, and I am a horrible golfer," Yuill said."I'd like to go head-on with Rob Fong because he usually beats me in golf.”

"In Rocklin, we are very humble and polite, and I think it will be out of character to point out our sheer athletic superiority," he added.

Elk Grove Force

Coach: Naomi Mendez
Captain: Mayor Steve Detrick
Members:
Jim Cooper
Drisha Leggitt
Dan Elliott
Keri Thomas
Alex Van Dyke
Brian Detrick

"My team, of course," Elk Grove Mayor Steve Detrick said when asked who will win. "We are the team to look out for."

He said that he is a recreational basketball player, but his team has not had the chance to practice yet.

"I put my best into everything I do, and hopefully our team can come up on top," he added.

"I think it's great that we are taking the cities of Sacramento and participating in such (an) event for a common goal," Detrick said. “The Sacramento region has no boundaries when it comes to fulfilling such goals."

Roseville Annexers

Coach: Olajuwon Curtis
Captain: City Councilman Tim Herman
Members:
Gayle Garbolino-Mojica
Kelly Brothers
Steve Fleming
Daniel Hahn
Steffi Jones

"We did not snag any former Monarch or King, but we will try to be competitive and have a lot of fun," City Councilman Tim Herman said.

Herman said that his team has already practiced once and will be practicing once more before the game. His players are happy and proud to represent Roseville and Placer County, he added.

"Most of us are under-the-basket kind of players. Unless they lower the hoop, I do not think we will be doing any dunks," Herman said.

"It's for a great cause, and to raise awareness and money for the Jumpstart 21 is a victory for all of us," Herman said.

Check Before You Burn Starts November 1 in Sacramento County and its Cities

2011-10-28T22:16:15Z

Check Before You Burn Starts November 1 in Sacramento County and its Cities

The fifth season of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s Check Before You Burn program starts November 1 and runs through February 29, 2012. Residential wood burning will be restricted or prohibited on days when fine particle pollution is forecast to be high. The law is in effect in Sacramento County and its cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento. Residents are required to Check Before You Burn.

The District will restrict or prohibit the use of indoor and outdoor fireplaces and wood stoves, and fire pits and chimineas that burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs or any other solid fuel to keep fine particle pollution down. A voluntary request to discourage burning will be issued when air pollution levels are on the rise.

Check Before You Burn Categories:
Stage 2 – All Burning Prohibited

All burning is prohibited in any device when fine particle pollution is forecast to exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter. It is illegal to burn any solid fuel, including wood, manufactured logs and pellets.
Stage 1 – No Burn – Unless Exempt
It is illegal to burn when fine particle pollution is forecast to be 32-35 micrograms per cubic meter unless EPA certified fireplace inserts or stoves, or pellet stoves are used.
Burning Discouraged – Voluntary
Burning is discouraged when fine particle pollution is forecast to be 26-31 micrograms per cubic meter. The AQMD asks you to voluntarily choose not to burn.
Legal to Burn
When the forecast is 25 micrograms per cubic meter or lower then it is legal to burn and the use of manufactured fire logs is acceptable at this level. If you choose to burn please follow clean burning techniques in order to burn as cleanly as possible.

Exemptions:
The following exemptions apply to both Stage 1 and Stage 2 categories:

Homes where wood burning is the sole source of heat
Financial hardship waiver approved by the Air Pollution Control Officer – must be renewed each burn season
Devices that operate exclusively with natural gas or propane
Cooking devices
Ceremonial fires related to specific religious activities

Enforcement:
Enforcement will be through complaints (800-880-9025) and sightings of visible smoke by Air District enforcement staff. First time violations will result in a $50 fine or a requirement to complete and pass a wood smoke awareness course. Fines for subsequent violations are higher.

Check Before You Burn:
1. 1-877-NO-BURN-5 (1-877-662-8765)
2. Visit www.AirQuality.org
3. Subscribe to Air Alert at www.SpareTheAir.com and check the Daily Air Quality Forecast box to receive a daily email
4. Check the Sacramento Bee’s weather page located on the back of the Our Region section
5. Listen to television and radio weather forecasts
6. Follow us at twitter.com/aqmd

Residents can visit www.AirQuality.org or call 916-874-4800 for more information.

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

Fourth of July roundup

2011-06-30T20:32:12Z

Sacramento

Cal Expo Sacramento Independence Day Celebration
Monday – Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
1600 Exposition Blvd. – Fireworks in the Miller Lite Grandstand
Price: Free
Parking: $10 in the Cal Expo parking lot
Age: All ages

Cal Expo will present its famed fireworks display for guests. Guests can enjoy preshow music provided by 107.9 The End and the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

Raley Field Independence Day Weekend Celebration
Saturday and Sunday. Games start at 7:05 p.m. Sat and 6:35 p.m. Sun
Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive
Price: $7-$42
Age: All ages

Family and friends can enjoy Raley Field’s annual Fourth of July celebration with two games against the Tucson Padres. There will be a fireworks show after each game to celebrate. In addition to the festivities, there is an American flag giveaway presented by the Army to the first 2,500 fans.

2011 Sacramento Firecracker 5K/10K Run & Walk Sacramento CA
Saturday at 9 a.m.
William Land Park, 3800 West Land Park Drive
Price: Adult entrance costs $35 until Thursday and is $40 on race day
Children (15 and under) are $20
Age: All ages

It’s time to don the running shoes for the Firecracker 5K/10K run. The course will follow the paths and nearby roads of William Land Park and is divided into 5K and 10K divisions.

There will be post-race refreshments at the finish line and an award ceremony and raffle giveaways after the event.

“We’re expecting a few thousand people,” said Robert Mathis, race director. That’s 50 percent more than last year.

“We encourage people to wear red, white and blue,” Mathis added.

Fourth of July Fun at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
Saturday and Sunday from 12:30- 4p.m.
3615 Auburn Blvd.
Price: Children (3 and younger) are Free, Children (4 - 12) are $4, Teens (13 - 17) are $5, Adults (18 and older) are $6, Senior Citizens (60 and older) are $5
Age: All ages

The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center presents an inexpensive, fun and educational family weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Space Quest exhibit, and kids finish with free craft activities for children ages 4 - 12. Families can also choose to attend the Planetarium shows (at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) that are included with ticket purchases.

The Science & Space Center will also be selling fireworks at the museum for those on the more adventurous side. Proceeds will benefit the museum.

40 Palooza
Saturday, 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday
7440 Auburn Blvd.
Price: $8
Age: 21 and older

For those looking for a little extra excitement for the Fourth of July, Rocky’s 7440 will spice the night up with drink specials and music from DJs Victorious, Snoope and D-Rock. The 40 Palooza will be hosted by ILL Fam and MySacNightLife.

Old Sacramento Fourth of July Champagne Brunch Cruise
Monday, 11 a.m. - 1p.m.
A cruise along the Sacramento River departing from the L Street Dock, 1206 Front St.
Price: $25.80 - $43
Age: All ages

The Hornblower Cruise will provide a unique way of celebrating the Fourth of July. With a two-hour cruise, guests can dress up and enjoy a brunch buffet, drinks, and a live soloist entertainer. Formal wear is not required, but guests are asked to dressy-casual clothing.

Folsom

Folsom Pro Rodeo
Friday - Sunday
Dan Russell Rodeo Arena in Folsom, at Stafford Street and Leidesdorff Street
Price: Reserved seating is $24.50, and general admission ranges from $15 - $19.50
Age: All ages

The Folsom Pro Rodeo will have daily events including rodeo competitions, a carnival, kids activities, country music and dancing, and nightly fireworks shows over the arena.

Each night of the event, renowned skydiver Kent Lane will free-fall from 4,500 feet trailing a 2,000-square-foot American flag behind him.

El Dorado Hills

Second Annual Fireworks Jubilee
Sunday 4 p.m. - Monday at midnight
El Dorado Hills Town Center
Price: Free
Age: All ages

El Dorado Hills will present a day of fun for all ages. From live music on three stages to a chili cook-off to a fireworks show, there will be plenty to do throughout the town center.

Following the fireworks show is a performance by band Mother Mayhem in the Steven Young Amphitheater until 11:30 p.m.

Rancho Cordova Third and Fourth of July Carnival and Parade
Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. (Parade Monday at 10 a.m.)
Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive
Price: Free for kids 5 and under, $2 general admission, 10.00 parking.
Age: All ages

For those looking for an all-day, activity-filled event, Rancho Cordova’s July Carnival and Parade offers just that.

“It is the largest local event,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council and main organizer of the event. “There will be the parade, concerts and, of course, our highlight is hosting the All-American barbecue showdown. People come with their own decorated barbecue sets, funny aprons, and guests come to taste it all.

“It’s a lot of fun and should be fantastic,” Blanchard added.

Carmichael

Carmichael's Fouth of July Parade and Fireworks
A pancake breakfast starts Monday’s events from 7:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Parade begins at 10:30 a.m.
Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue
Fireworks can be seen from the La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road
Price: Free ($5 for unlimited access to the Kid Zone inflatables)
Age: All ages

Folks can enjoy a pancake breakfast at Carmichael Park to start their day and then head over to the La Sierra Community Center to watch the annual Fourth of July parade at 10:30 a.m.The route begins at the intersection of Marconi Square and Fair Oaks Boulevard and heads to the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Manzanita Avenue. The parade will feature community floats, marching bands, equestrian entries, military units, antique cars and more. For front-row seating, head to the front of the park on Fair Oaks Boulevard or watch from the grandstand located at 5757 Grant Avenue across the street from Carmichael Park.

Following the events of the morning, La Sierra Community Center will provide activities for children ranging from puppet shows to Kid Zone inflatables. Food and drinks will be provided by the Carmichael Little League snack bar. Once it is dark, the fireworks will begin.

Elk Grove

Elk Grove Fourth of July Fireworks
The event Begins Monday at 6p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Elk Grove Regional Park
Price: Free admission, $10 parking
Age: All ages

For an easygoing Fourth of July, Elk Grove will present music, food and fireworks. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Live music from Latin and R&B band Solsa will be provided, and people are encouraged to bring a blanket and have a picnic or barbecue before the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Roseville

Roseville Fouth of July Parade
Mondayfrom 10 a.m. - noon
Vernon/Douglas/Riverside intersection to Royer Park, 190 Park Drive
Price: Free
Age: All ages

The City of Roseville will have its annual Fourth of July parade. For anyone who wants to go and grab a seat, the parade route will follow Vernon/Douglas/Riverside intersections, continue down Vernon, take a right on Lincoln Street and a right on Park Drive, ending at Royer Park.

The Music in the Park series will have the Capitol Pops Concert Band, playing the kind of music enjoyed since 1997, perform at Royer Park from noon -2 p.m. following the parade. There will be games for kids and food for everyone.

Roseville Fireworks
Monday. Gates open at 7 p.m. Fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m.
Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd.
Price: Free
Age: All ages

Roseville’s fireworks show will be held in the Placer County Fairgrounds. Guests can bring their friends and families to a traditional setting for the fireworks show.

Roseville Fourth of July Cosmos Crime Run
Monday at 8 a.m.
Sculpture Park, 350 N Sunrise Ave
Price: $20 Age 17 and under, $30 pre-registered runners/walkers, #35 race-day registration, $100 pre-registered team of 4 - 7
Age: All ages

For a healthy start to the day, Roseville will host the 17th annual Cosmos Crime Run, which will benefit the Roseville Community Crime Stoppers. The route will follow the Miner’s Ravine Bike Trail.

“It is a popular event. There were 400 people last year,” said Bob Smith, one of the organizers of the event. “There will also be police and fire service demonstrations this year for anyone who wants to go.”

Citrus Heights

Fourth of July Weekend Carnival and Fireworks
The carnival runs Thursday through Monday, and fireworks will be held Monday.
Sunrise Mall, 6196 Sunrise Mall
Thursday and Friday from 4 - 11 p.m.
Saturday through Monday from noon - 11 p.m.
Price: Single Tickets are $0.95, a 20-pack costs $18 and an all-day pass costs. $20.
Age: All ages

For a day of fun, the Sunrise Mall will host a Fourth of July carnival. Carnival rides and activities will be provided, and the event will be concluded with a fireworks show at about 9 p.m. with an additional hour of the carnival after.

Man on the Street: What's a sign that it's officially Summer in Sacramento?

2011-04-28T22:16:29Z

What’s a sign that it’s officially summer in Sacramento?

Summer is around the corner, and signs of the season are showing up everywhere in the city, the days are warmer and outside recreational activities begin to increase.

The Sacramento Press stopped locals in the central city during the Second Saturday Art Walk, and asked, “What’s a sign that it’s officially summer in Sacramento?”

Musician/singer Elijah Bell, 19, lives downtown and said he knows it’s summer when girls are walking around wearing less clothing. He added, “The days seem longer, and more songs come out on the radio.”

Live music and local street performers are also more prevalent during summer on Second Saturdays. Street performer Archime Vice, 21, said there is an increase in police patrolling during the summer.

“More cops are out late on summer nights to stop buskers (street performers) from playing after 9 p.m.”

Chanel Love, 21, a student at Sacramento City College lives in Elk Grove, said she notices that people seem to take time off work most often during summer.

“People are taking more vacations, and you see more young people out on the weekends.”

Midtown resident, Zachary Denco, 21 said that for him a sign that summer is here is when “Second Saturday is happening,”

He added that the ArtWalk can only be properly experienced during the warm season.

Like Bell, Andrew Emary, 26, a furniture installer who lives in Elk Grove, along with his wife Juliana agreed that girls are wearing less clothing, but said they don’t wear enough clothing.

“In the summer, girls are wearing shorts that are too short, and I’ve even seen them wear their bikinis at the mall.”

What are some other signs that summer has officially begun in Sacramento? Give us your responses in the comment section below.

California Family Fitness Teams up with Sport Chalet in “Soles for Souls” for the Japan Disaster Relief Fund

2011-04-05T17:04:26Z

California Family Fitness has partnered with Sport Chalet to participate in a shoe drive to benefit the tsunami victims in Japan. All shoes that are donated will be sent directly to Soles4Souls for distribution to the Japanese people.

“We highly encourage everyone in the community to donate at least one pair of shoes,” said Randy Karr, President of California Family Fitness. “It is devastating to see how the tsunami and earthquake in Japan has affected so many, which is why we have partnered with Sport Chalet in Soles4Souls to lend a helping hand and make a difference.”

To donate to this very worthy cause, people can drop off gently worn shoes at either Sport Chalet or a California Family Fitness club in Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove or Orangevale. Shoe donations will be accepted until Thursday, April 7, and will then be collected by Soles4Souls.

To locate a Sport Chalet or participating California Family Fitness location please visit:

http://www.californiafamilyfitness.com

http://www.sportchalet.com

Justin Dyke is a public relations professional in Sacramento, working on behalf of California Family Fitness.

The Real (Funny) Housewives of Rio Linda bring plenty of laughs to Elk Grove

2011-03-07T04:08:44Z

It was a night of dirty jokes by the ladies and for the ladies on Friday night at the Laguna Town Hall in Elk Grove, where the Real (Funny) Housewives of Rio Linda brought their comedic talents to the Laguna West neighborhood as part of their current tour of the Sacramento area.

A near-capacity crowd made up of women of all ages, some of whom did bring their husbands or boyfriends, filled the hall, which was configured with a more intimate setup rather than a traditional auditorium stage.

Without having any prior knowledge about these comedians and their show, one might go into it thinking all five of them perform at the same time as a group. Instead, Sinderella, Kristen Frisk, Kimmie Kay, Cheryl the Soccer Mom, and Stephanie Garcia each deliver their own set over the course of two hours. And while the group’s name is a play off the Bravo network series, these ladies were highly entertaining without any of that high-maintenance drama.

Each of the Real (Funny) Housewives have great energy while on stage, but Kimmie Kay may have had the most on this evening. Her enthusiasm for making the audience laugh combined with her set of very adult-themed content appeared to draw the most side-splitting laughs. Each of the ladies were very funny and entertaining as they talked and joked about their own life experiences from being married and having kids to trying various methods of weight-loss.

All five of the ladies have professional comic backgrounds, and they met while doing shows at many of the same venues in town. It was Cheryl, who is the soccer mom after all, who got this group together. Cheryl said most typical comedy shows will have just one woman on the bill, if any, so this was a way for each of them to support each other. The support was evident, too, as each member of the group sat off to the side and watched the show while one of them was on stage. Each of ladies still performs individually when the group, which has been around for about a year, is not touring together.

If you enjoy jokes about male and female anatomy, among other things, and you are not easily offended, then this is the show for you. You will not be disappointed.

On Being Clairaudient and Clairsentient - The Musings of an Empathic Psychic

2010-11-06T09:00:37Z

Having special gifts are truly a blessing...for the most part. The Powers that Be, sometimes known as "God" or any of the other titles held, gives us these gifts when we are young. It is only the 'Prove it to me' scientific attitude of the World that makes us a little jaded and unbelieving and we begin to close off these portals of information; becoming one of those who rely on the scientific realm or begin asking for the tangible results.

But what about those days when you just want to run into the market to grab a few things and the cosmic neon sign is on, blinking AND playing a message over the astral loudspeaker? Then the lady in line in front of you turns around and proceeds to give you a one minute update on her life - vocally, while you are getting other information through the back of your head. Your hair is mussed and you are in your funkiest sweats, definitely NOT the time for a consultation. This is sometimes what I experience as a clairaudient and clairsentient.

I must have been a precocious child, as I can recall my Mother trying to 'shhh' me when I would put my wonderings to words and say things that I was working on in my head. Like the time I went to Houston and I, coming from a predominantly caucasian part of California, wondered out loud about the many African-Americans that were around me. How interesting that later in my life, I would practice an indigenous nature-based religious belief that came over during the Diaspora. I am sure now that I must have caused embarrassment for my Mother on more than one occasion.

Being clairaudient and clairsentient is sometimes a challenge to own these gifts. Like the the time in the vestibule of my Catholic church at the time when I was being told something by an elder in the congregation, and a young male voice (I am presuming that it is St. Michael, my favorite angel) whispered in my left ear that it was a lie and I almost choked on my mint. Another time, while leisurely strolling the pasta aisle of a nearby supermarket, I could hear a buzz or hum coming towards me, like when you are in the country late at night and you can hear a car approaching from the distance and the noise grows louder are it gets nearer. I turned my head to see a man who could have stepped right out of Woodstock approaching my basket. His eyes were intent in a stare on me and when he whooshed past me, I could hear the works, "rape you', blow past me like the wind. I stopped and blinked, turned around, and he was gone!

Another dilemma that I face is the gift of being clairsentient, the ability to feel sensations on my body that are indicating something with the other person. For instance, when doing a tarot card reading for someone is when they are not telling the truth, or at least, not telling me how bad it is. How do you maneuver around that the messages radiating from them are like the wind blasting me from the front, but they are saying "No' and the sensation of stomach.They are holding back because the 'secret' is out.

A few years back, I went with an acquaintance to a night with a psychic. The room was packed and my friend had to sit alone a couple of rows in front of me. During the session, I kept adjusting my posture in the chair as I kept feeling that something was grabbing my left shoulder and pulling me down towards the floor. I also had the sensation of uncomfortable heat, as if I was in front of a large roaring fireplace my left. After the psychic's talk, she went around the room giving each an opportunity cramping starts in my body. When it was my turn, I instead asked her to 'help me' with this situation. The psychic told the audience that I was picking up the problems of the lady sitting to my left. She asked me what was the sensations I was feeling, then asked to lady what was affecting her on the left sade of her body. The lady told the psychic that she ha a nerve illness that is 'flaring up' and she is in pain on her left side. The psychic, myself and the whole room then joined together to send her healing on the afflicted side. After a bit, the psychic came back to me and asked how the sensation was. I told her the heat was not at a temperature I could handle and the pulling down of my shoulder had lessened. There are other times that I 'take on' a clients' pain while doing a reading, and then give them alternative and natural remedies they might want to try at home. While I am not a doctor nor do I practice medicine, I tell people to do the research into healthy herbs and spices that will help in their situation.

I know that I was given these gifts to assist people that need guidance and I thank the Heavens, Saints and Angels every day that I have these abilities to help others. I always ask that if the messages I receive become 'bunk' or not true anymore, I would then close these portals of information and insight and become a muggle. Thank goodness so far, this has not happened.

Jacqueline is a well known tarot reader in the greater Sacramento area. She is an educator and a cultural anthropologist and has guest lectured at Cosumnes River and American River colleges for the Magic, Witchcraft and Religion classes offered on both campuses. Jacqueline graduated from cat yronwode's Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course and makes various items of this unique Southern folkloric belief system for clients. She is an aborisha in the Cuban/Puerto Rican Lukumi religion and sings with the Afro-Cuban dance/drum group, Ebo Okokan. Jacqueline currently writes articles for various magazines and does readings with the Tarot and Obi divination by appointment only. You may visit Jacqueline's various websites at:

http://www.tarotbyjacqueline.com

http://www.free-candle-spells.com

http://www.lucky13clover.com

Q&A with sheriff candidate Jim Cooper

2010-10-29T01:42:45Z

The duel between two Sacramento County sheriff’s captains is nearly over.

Local voters will choose one of two candidates in the Nov. 2 election to replace outgoing Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness. Sacramento County Sheriff Capt. Jim Cooper is in the final stretch of his runoff campaign against Sheriff Capt. Scott Jones.

Cooper, who is also an Elk Grove City Council member, sat down with The Sacramento Press on Thursday afternoon to discuss his ideas and qualifications for the sheriff’s post.

The Sacramento Press has asked for an interview with Jones, and aims to talk to him before Election Day.

SP: In your view, what are a few of the most pressing public safety problems in the county?

JC: I think number one is patrol services. We laid off 122 deputies in August 2009. We’re getting 50 back. But that still leaves a hole of 72 officers still missing in patrol. That’s critical ... because we want to protect our children.

[The Sheriff’s Department] has been over-budget. I think everybody out in the community (is) making do with less. They aren’t going out as much, not spending as much money. And here we are, we’ve overspent our budget. And that’s not right either.

We need to live within our means as a public agency.

It’s all about protecting our children ... For the last two and a half years, I’ve been the commander of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. We do all the Internet crimes against children investigations. Those are all the child pornography investigations for Northern California. So, if you’re downloading or trading child pornography, we come after you and arrest you.

SP: What is your strategy for how the Sheriff’s Department should work with neighborhoods?

JC: You’ve got to get out there in the neighborhoods and know those neighborhoods. And part of that problem is, we’ve lost our service centers. We had community service centers in every neighborhood in Sacramento. We closed those and shut most of those down. Our citizen volunteers – most of those folks staff those service centers. We’ve got to rely more upon those folks in doing that.

(Before the cuts), citizens could go to the service centers and get their issues addressed, especially with the community-oriented-policing (COP) officers. We lost all of our COP officers, and we don’t have them anymore. That’s vital to have those folks out in the community.

SP: What are a few key differences between you and your opponent, Scott Jones?

JC: I’ve worked patrol; I’ve worked narcotics/gangs. As far as being a captain, I’ve commanded every major division in the Sheriff’s Department. So, I’ve got the experience.

Number 2, I’m a city councilman down in Elk Grove. I’m in my 10th year – my third term. I’ve been mayor twice. We set aside $13 million when we saw the economy getting bad. We’ve had no layoffs (at) our police department – none whatsoever. I’ve got the experience of going back to Washington, D.C., and bringing money back here for local projects in Elk Grove. Approximately $120 million in federal funding I helped bring back.

And I have relationships with our congressional delegation in Washington. He doesn’t have that – he’s never had relationships with those folks.

SP: What would be your top three priorities as sheriff?

JC: To get more officers back on the street.

To re-implement the grant-writing unit. And that was part of our problem – we got rid our grant-writing unit. And over where I am, in high-tech crimes, we’re about 70 or 80 percent grant funded. It’s important to have that grant-writing unit. And last year, we lost out on some federal grants. The Sacramento Police Department got $9 million in federal funding. They had no layoffs.

Third one is more community collaboration. We don’t talk with the community enough and collaborate with them. Sacramento is a big county, and each community has different needs and different problems. It’s not a cookie-cutter approach. So, you’ve got to reach out there and establish community councils to deal with problems in specific areas.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Elementary Students Donating Socks to Salvation Army

2010-10-26T20:05:13Z

Socks were overflowing at the Foulks Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove on October 22. It was the culmination of a three-week effort in which students from five Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) elementary schools and six other schools in Galt participated in the second annual Socktoberfest donation drive.

During Socktoberfest, students collected socks to help supplement donations distributed by The Salvation Army. Sock bins were placed at each of the schools until the end of the collection.

More than 1,600 pairs of socks were collected.

"I want to thank all of the schools and students involved for another great effort in this year's Socktoberfest," said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County Coordinator. "The sock donations will go a long way to assist many families in need. Also, it's a great way to keep them warm, especially when we are entering the winter season."

Socktoberfest was spearheaded by EGUSD servicing learning coordinator and sixth grade teacher William Utile.

“We gave the kids the opportunity to help out and make a difference,” Utile said. “I was really excited to see more teachers come on board and get their classes involved.”

In addition to the sock collection, service learning teachers created a curriculum for the students featuring Sock Sally, the sock puppet. Lessons cover mathematics, poetry and reading.

Socks can still be purchased online for donation to Socktoberfest. To donate online, visit http://socksally.theclassroom.org/sockdonationorder.html.

Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army in Sacramento. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org

Teichert pitches New Brighton

2010-07-29T05:36:04Z

Teichert Land Co., one of the state's oldest development companies, is seeking city and county approval to turn its old Jackson Highway quarries into a 4,000-acre subdivision that plays up the land's agrarian roots.

A community would be built along Jackson Highway on a piecemeal quilt of former sand and gravel mines in what was once known as Brighton, Sacramento's first suburb, under a plan by Teichert subsidiary Stonebridge Properties LLC. The area once contained strawberry farms operated by Japanese immigrants.

The land development company is proposing to build a park-centered neighborhood dubbed New Brighton between Florin-Perkins Road in Sacramento to the west and Excelsior Road in Sacramento County to the east, as far north as Folsom Boulevard and as far south as Elder Creek, Stonebridge Properties President Randy Sater said Wednesday evening at the Urban Design Alliance's monthly Design Dialogue event.

Development would require the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors to open up 20,000 acres of land for development under a new county general plan currently being considered, and then approve the specific plan for the Aspen Project, named after the mines Teichert has operated since 1935. At that time, though, the operation was only a few hundred acres.

"We're talking about land we've been mining in for the last 80 years," Sater told 30 people who gathered for the event. "This is a way to bring that land ownership full circle and to do it in a really cool way, and hopefully give back to the community."

Under the plan, 9,000 residential units that would hold an average 2.3 people would be built, creating a community of nearly 21,000. Proposed architectural styles for residences would be European, Spanish and Monterey, like homes in Sacramento's park neighborhoods.

The project would include retail, office and four certified-organic, working "urban farms" with different purposes and ranging in size from 20 to 300 acres.

The community would be centered around an area known as Four Corners, designed as a remnant of neighborhood centers of yesteryear at the site where Matsuda's nursery operated. Adjacent to that would be a farm with community gardens, a rentable community barn and a production kitchen where residents can learn how to cook the kale they grow and eat.

Nearby, a second farm would be operated for profit and sell produce in the community. Another farm would be tied into the elementary school's curriculum and provide produce for lunches. A farm at Bradshaw and Jackson Highway would be built as an entertainment venue for festivals, performances and other events.

Road medians would include edible landscapes. Olive groves and orchards would grow along entry roads.

"So you're going to be coming into this agrarian setting coming into the community," Sater said.

Teichert plans to create a creek valley system, building on changes in topography already left by the mining. The company plans to build a creek corridor, Rock Creek Parkway, through the site to handle stormwater drainage and retention issues created by below-grade ground levels left by mining.

"We're creating terrain where Sacramento has none," Sater said. "We've got all the right equipment and this is like a big sandbox."

The linear parkway will include seven miles of trails for hikers and cyclists. The creek will be dry except during heavy rain.

City and county officials have said the regional sewage treatment plant that serves the city and county has enough capacity to handle the project. But improvements and upgrades may be needed as they connect to the system, he added.

Teichert wants to build on the property after mining down beneath sand and gravel layers to silt and/or clay deposits and deciding that it didn't make economic sense to mine through that layer, Sater said.

The portion of the plan that would be located inside city boundaries has just begun an environmental review with the city's Economic Development Department.

That portion would need to be approved by the city's Planning Commission and the City Council, which would be expected no sooner than spring of 2011. The first phase of the project could take 20 years to build completely, Sater said.

Don't consign it, swap it!

2010-04-09T21:55:08Z

Peace. Love. Swap. is a one of a kind independent coalition that organizes ongoing kid's swaps. The swaps are for local eco-minded parents to get together and recycle (exchange) their kid’s stuff (ages 0-14 and maternity). After the swaps, I donate the leftovers to local charities and needy families.

How it works: You bring items to swap (clothing, toys, sports equipment, etc.) plus $5 per family. While the volunteers set up, the kids can play in our family friendly venues and parents can look around at our vendor tables. Once set up is complete, families can come in and take as much or as little as they need.

I'd like to invite you to view more information, read our mission statement, and see what moms are saying about our swaps at: www.peaceloveswap.com. Parents love the swaps, as much as I love coordinating them. In order to make the swaps a success, we need as many parents as possible to participate.

Kids grow up so quickly and always need new stuff just as quickly. In this economic climate, what better way to get “new” stuff than to swap with other families? Please let me know if you are interested in joining our email newsletter or becoming a vendor at one of our events. It’s green, fun, philanthropic & catching on fast!

The next swap in your area is:

Sacramento Kid's swap and play
Location/Sponsor: Funderland
1350 17th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822-1200
(916) 456-0115
Date: Wednesday May 12, 2010
Time: Drop off items between 7:00 AM and 8 Am~ Swap starts at 8;30 AM until 10 AM (This first swap is live on Good Day Sacramento and will have drops off dates before the event. Please check the website and join the mailing list for more details.)
Cost: $5 admission* & stuff to swap**

Here is a link: http://www.peaceloveswap.com/findanevent/sacramentoca.html

CRIME ALERT: Sewer District Imposter Casing Homes- posted from EGPD Press Release

2010-03-10T18:06:04Z

(This is a direct post from the EGPD Press Release and safety information you need to be aware of)

ELK GROVE, CA – The Elk Grove police department is asking for help from the community in identifying a residential burglary suspect posing as a “sewer district” employee.

Over the last two weeks, the department has responded to three attempted residential burglaries involving an individual who has identified himself as a “sewer district” employee. The unidentified individual has been described as an Asian male adult, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 20 to 30 years of age, wearing a work vest.

In each of the attempted burglaries, the suspect approached residences and knocked on the front door. If there is no response, the suspect would then attempt to gain entry into the residence by using some type of metal pry tool to open the front door. In two cases, the owners were home and confronted the suspect by opening the front door after they heard noises. The suspect then claimed that he was a “sewer district” employee and was looking for the sewer lines. After being confronted, the imposter fled the area in a tan or orange colored Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck.

As a reminder, Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) employees wear blue uniforms that clearly identify them as SASD employees. In addition, SASD employees also carry identification badges that display their photos and a Sacramento Area Sewer District logo. The vehicles utilized by the Sacramento Area Sewer District are always clearly marked with the SASD logo and phone number.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Communication Center at (916) 714-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 and the message.

South Sac pursuit ends through a wall in Elk Grove

2010-01-29T09:57:39Z

A pursuit that started in South Sacramento Thursday night, ended in Elk Grove when the driver of the fleeing vehicle crashed through a wall at a house on the corner of Villeneuve Dr. and Power Inn.

The driver fled leaving a bloody trail for officers to track him by. Other occupants of the vehicle were trapped until Firefighters extricated them and were transported to the hospital with injuries.

The driver was found and arrested in the neighborhood a short time later. The capture came by officers tracking the blood trail, fresh footprints, K9 alerts and neighbors calling in too 911 with sightings.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SCENE VIDEO FOOTAGE

Tough economy makes for some creative home living in Sacramento

2009-12-24T07:09:40Z

When Land Park resident Ken Parks was first strolling through the listing of available places he wanted to rent, he thought “wow, newly built, upscale neighborhood, pool, gym, great price, quiet home away from home living, what more could a guy ask”. However the listing that Parks was searching through wasn’t your typical rental listing in the apartment or home market, it was a room space being rented by a homeowner out of her Natomas condo complex. Parks, a 34 year-old state employee represents a growing number of people within Sacramento County and around the country that have taken to calling someone else’s home their home with room space renting or sub-leasing housing. It is not a totally new concept, nor will it send traditional landlords out of business, yet it is a trend that realtor analysts say is growing during these crunching economic times. For some people they are trying to find some creative ways to save money and rather than simply moving back home with parents, as many adults are doing in the boomerang generation, they are taking the route of renting space from other professionals and family-oriented homeowners with a room to rent. They are doing it in areas from downtown Sacramento to Natomas, from Roseville to Folsom, from Davis to Elk Grove and areas beyond.

Sacramento like most of the nation had been hit hard by slow home sales and increasing foreclosures in the sagging housing market over the past few years. Recognizing one side of that ineffectuality President Obama opened up the government’s checkbook in his first year in office by using the people’s money with his home buying stimulus package as our country was headed toward its worst annual number of homes sold in decades. According to the California Association of Realtors November home sales report, in Sacramento the area had the largest statewide decrease of prior year sales at -16.5 percent. Overall for the state the number of homes sold has been solid with a 4.5 percent increase for the month of November, still this has not offset the number of vacant rental properties in the region. Until then the carryover meant people had to make to some hard choices with limited options in their standard of living, and some took to renting rooms out of existing homes in order to raise some instant cash.

Despite some enticements to get people interested in buying homes or condo’s, the loss of homes due to foreclosures, financial windfalls, and an unstable job market has forced many into renting rooms from others as an economic savings alternative. This has led to a decrease in new apartment leasing where rental prices for the county have spiked over the last 5 years. Within Sacramento the average 1 bedroom goes for $741.00 while the average 2 bedroom goes for $881.00. In some areas, realtors and property managers are taking notice to where their potential new and existing residents are going and now joining the fray by offering occupancy packages of lease to own, gifts for first-time buyers, more flexible sub-lease options, split month and automated deduction payments, and other discounts and incentives to help fill spaces of vacant apartments and houses sitting in beautiful suburban cul-del-sac neighborhoods. “With the number of people losing jobs, and the foreclosure market, we try to balance our services to help both the renter and landlord meet their needs”, says Ted White of Sacramento Delta, a property management company which specializes in listing available apartments and homes for rent.

One frequent search point for many would be room dwellers is Craigslist, as the popular community friendly site has an entrée of apartment, home, shared room, condo, and other listings, and it’s a list that keeps growing. Roommates.com another popular site boasts being the largest roommate matching service in the nation. White thinks businesses like his that serve as the go between of the landlord and renter do add value,” In order to better service our clients we have to utilize these tools (Craigslist) and yet we can pre- screen applicants for landlords thus making the process that much easier”.

In settings where these types of new living situations are working they offer a host of new relationships. Relationships that get formed with the social media circuit becoming as an ever popular way of communicating, and its not just students that are taking up these offers. Twenty or thirty years ago in the pre-Internet age people would use local newspapers or supermarket bulletin boards to post or find a room or apartment for rent. Today, people can not only search for rooms online but search with many specifications that makes it easier to find someone with similar tastes and compatible interests. Social media sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and others have helped turn the cultural tide from the impersonal to personal. All of this buzz about room renting often makes it much easier for people to connect. It is common to find a bunch of college students of three, four, or five all living in a rented out house or condo. It makes for inexpensive luxury living on the cheap. A lot of what it takes to make such arrangements work is more than finding your next housemate simply because there is space available but connecting with people who you share other activities and interests with. This is why a lot of effort should go into any decision before making the plunge to rent from someone just because the price is a bargaining or you need someone to move in your apartment before you get evicted for lack of payment. While there is often less haggle over the normative of credit checks, criminal history, income verifications, move in deposits, or past rental history inquiries it seems the two most important things required are being respectful to each others space and pay your rental bill on time.

Unlike the rich and famous who often will rent out cottages in Martha’s Vineyard, the average Joe and Jane American are finding that renting room space can be a win-win for both parties. From college students to single professionals to church going families as long as there is a room available in a house or apartment going unused and some willingness to make some extra cash than expect this sub-leasing trend to continue. People are no longer embarrassed as they once were by the fact that they can rent room space from someone else. The layers of the taboo or stigma of being an inhabitant, house sitter, or transient is no more. Everyone is feeling the brunt of the economy and what better way to get some relief than rent that room out which was unused or was kept for storage or office space. Empty nesters, a term often referred to describe parents of grown children that have left home, will use what was once little Johnny’s or Sarah’s room as a new rental opportunity. Sometimes it even surprises the grown children that their parents are now renting out the room that they grew up in. For those that do move back home, they will sometimes find a rent bill attached to their room door as well, and makes for smart responsibility on the part of the elder parents. Most family advice counselors recommend that set boundaries when the children return and charging rent is a good way of ensuring the returning children that they won’t be able to freeload their way through these tough times. The idea is that it will make the children more accountable and understand that if they were staying somewhere else they would have to pay rent.

However the problems aren’t just older adult children returning home for free room and board, but many working adults have been out priced for housing and can’t afford to stay in a standard of living they were once accustomed to 5-10 years ago. All and all this seems like one creative housing trend that maybe here to stay until the economy gets back on its feet.

Making a Difference One Stride At A Time

2009-11-25T21:24:48Z

The Vision

Throughout my life I have made good decisions and some challenging. Some decisions created great success and others assisted in my journey of developing the character that I have today. I firmly believe in the mission and services the Elk Grove Food Bank offers, as I personally have benefited from community based services (9) years ago, during “my time” of challenge. Since that time, I have completed college, bought a home, married a wonderful and supportive woman and furthered my passion of running to reach new challenges and hurdles for my life long journey. Through the development of ultra marathons in my life, I have taken this ability a step further, by incorporating exposure for community based organizations. Developing the CIM Squared Project on an annual basis for the Elk Grove Food Bank Services has given me the ability to show my truth towards a wonderful cause and support system for the Elk Grove Community. Since my inaugural year in 2008, I have been voted on the Board of Directors for the food bank and have expanded the vision from simple financial donations, to drop off points within the Elk Grove Business community from October thru December each year. I have also gained support from the Laguna Rotary Club to increase exposure of the project, along with Planned Solutions Inc. to assist in the food drop off point pickups.

Myself (Christopher Waters), Jim Barstadt, and Rey Sanchez, will be running the California International Marathon twice. We will start at the finish @ 1:30am and run to the start of the race, before the CIM begins. We will then run the actual race with the 7000+ runners to the capital. The double marathon is a merely an event…the truth behind the run is the involvement of the Elk Grove Community, their support and generosity to assist a need for individuals and families during the holidays that are less fortunate. During a very trying time, with unemployment and the economy recovering, we must do our part to make a difference.Creating a team, making the stride and developing our personal truth has pushed us to continue the effort of running the California International Marathon twice, to raise awareness of the food banks efforts in Elk Grove and support from the community to deliver a simple solution for hunger in Elk Grove. "Giving Hope", "Giving Support" and "Giving Back", is the bottom line for all the support given within this project. I truely am grateful for being involved in such a blessed project for the Elk Grove Food Bank.

Run Logistics

Contact: Christopher Waters

ph: (916) 764-0769 or email christopherl.waters@gmail.com

Support / Donations

In-Kind Donations

If you wish to donate "in-kind" goods, our receiving hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am until 12:45 pm. Please do not leave items on the dock after hours. The address is 8820 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624 (Attention CIM Squared Project)

Mail-In Donations

Please mail checks or money orders to:

Elk Grove Food Bank Services (Attention CIM Squared Project)
P.O. Box 1447
Elk Grove, CA 95759

Sacramento Dems to Discuss Furloughs, the Elk Grove City Charter, AB 138 at Monthly Meeting

2009-07-14T19:12:01Z

The Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC) will hold its monthly meeting today (July 14) at 6 p.m. in room 127 of the State Capitol Building. The DPSC will discuss furloughs for Sacramento County and State workers and their impact on families and the local economy.
DPSC Treasurer, Guy Crouch will present Assembly Bill 138, which would enact a mandatory peer review requirement for California accounting firms that provide any audit, review or compilation services. The DPSC will consider taking a position on the legislation.

Elk Grove City Councilmember and Congressional candidate Gary Davis will be at the meeting to discuss the Elk Grove City Charter.

Finally, California Attorney General Candidate Alberto Torrico and Congressional Candidate Joan Buchanan will be in attendance to discuss their campaigns.

Moule's Elk Grove Glass Moves to Larger Space

2009-06-07T17:28:59Z

Moule’s Elk Grove Glass is proud and excited to say they have outgrown their current location and are moving to a larger, more customer accessible facility. On June 1, 2009, the operation currently at 9044 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove CA, re-locates to 9744-A Dino Drive, Elk Grove CA. While they have thoroughly enjoyed the growth and expansion the downtown location has provided for the past 30 years, this has also translated to a need for additional space.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, and to thank the community for their continued support, John and Terri Moule of Moule’s Elk Grove Glass will be hosting a Grand Opening Barbeque on July 11, 2009 from 11am to 3pm. Please bring your friends and family and join John, Terri, and their crew in their joyous celebration.

Moule’s has over 60 years combined experience in the glass business and are proud to continue to provide “customer first” service. Their welcoming attitudes and high integrity generate a solid and loyal customer base and their fair pricing and community based presence attract additional referred customers. Moule’s provides service to both retail and commercial customers and have available a line of retail glass care products. Their product lines include :
• Affordable and Superior Entry Doors
• Window Screens & Heat Reducing Sunscreens
• Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
• Highest Quality Cardinal Tub & Shower Doors
• Skylights
• ..and Much More!!

Moule’s Elk Grove Glass is one of eight other Moule’s locations in Northern California. The original is Moule’s Paint and Glass in Grass Valley CA, established in 1949 through the hard work and diligence of Bill and Marge Moule. Bill and Marge have 12 children – 9 boys and 3 girls – and all 8 shops are owned by a family member so the business is still truly family owned.

Contact: Terri Moule, Moule’s Elk Grove Glass; 916-685-3909; tmoule@frontiernet.net
Release provided by: Cybertary/Elk Grove; elkgrove@cybertary.com; 916-515-9051

Sacramento Area Business Owners Teach Why Now's the Time to be Excited about Doing Business - Despite Hard Economic Times

2009-06-07T16:52:07Z

Many small business owners are succumbing to fear due to the economy and worry whether they will succeed. Business owners are finding it more challenging to be optimistic and excited about the future of their businesses. However, two Sacramento area business owners are teaching that now is the time to be excited about doing business and they are teaching how business owners can be excited about doing business - despite hard economic times.

Jerry Kennedy, owner of Inside Out Business Solutions, and Joel D Canfield, author, award-winning speaker and co-founder of the Northern California Association of Entrepreneurs, conduct interactive business workshops where attendees learn why now is the time to grow your business and how you can succeed while others fear and fail. Their workshops are titled, "The Time is Now 11:59".

Many immediately think of impending doom when they hear the phrase 'the time is now 11:59'. When asked why they chose that title and what it means to them, Joel and Jerry explained that the source of the phrase is Rick Wilson, a very unconventional people-oriented dentist in Philadelphia. Joel explained that rather than feeling impending doom due to the economy, we should feel the enormous excitement similar to what we feel the minute before midnight on New Year's Eve - even if we have to intentionally cultivate that excitement because we don't feel it naturally. Joel said: "We understand some people are worried right now but we believe you can choose to be excited even if you are not already. That choice will make your business better starting right now."

Joel and Jerry don't just want to share their enthusiasm, of which they have plenty. They want to share why you should be enthusiastic and practical steps on how to have that enthusiasm in your business. Jerry says that at the minute before midnight you can be facing one of two directions. If you are looking backwards you are looking at all the things you could have done differently. If you choose to look forward, you see what you can do tomorrow to get the results you want. He stated: "That's what we are encouraging business owners to do - look forward and make decisions today about what you're going to do tomorrow that is going to get the results you want."

Why do Joel and Jerry feel now is the time to be excited about business when there's an economic downturn? "The economic downturn is what it is," said Jerry. "I love the quote that our suffering is caused by our resistance to what is. If we want to wallow in the misery of the crisis, we can choose to do that or we can choose to focus on how we are going to play a part in fixing it. By focusing on solutions we take our power back because right now for the most part we are giving our power to the media outlets and the doom and gloomers. All we have to do is make the decision to take our power back."

As Joel pointed out, psychologist and sociologists have conducted studies and found that when you have a positive frame of mind you think more clearly, see abstracts more readily, and are more open do different ways of thinking. Because of those things you become better at problem solving and creative thinking. Even if the situation doesn't warrant it, a positive frame of mind still is a better tool for small business persons. "We're not being Pollyannas, pretending nothing's wrong", says Joel. "We just don't believe that the situation has to decide our future."

"It all comes down acting as if," added Jerry. "You can act as if the situation you are in is real and stay in that reality or you can act as if the situation is what you want it to be." Jerry went on to discuss cognitive dissonance, which he explains is a condition of disagreement of what your conscious mind observes through your senses and what your subconscious mind believes to be the case. He says, "Your subconscious ALWAYS, make that bold, all caps, underlined, wins the disagreement." So act as if a belief in your subconscious mind is reality and is what you expect it to be because the subconscious wins the disagreement.

Dr. Richard Wiseman in The Luck Factor and Dr. Barry Schwartz in The Paradox of Choice both refer to counterfactual thinking. Joel says this is needed for creating cognitive dissonance as a tool for improving our mental and emotional state and just plain creating good luck.
So what is the main thing Jerry and Joel want each attendee to take away from their workshop? Simply stated Joel says, "That each attendee can choose to be happy about the future of their business." Jerry adds, "If you are in business, you are in sales: accept it, get over it, and move on. The caveat being do it well, do it properly and you will be a HERO."

Joel and Jerry's next workshop will be held on June 12, 2009 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 9380 Elk Grove-Florin Road in Elk Grove, California. One of Jerry Kennedy's topics will explain how each business owner today can be a HERO by creating an atmosphere where it's comfortable for people to buy from you. One of Joel D Canfield's topics will discuss how you can make a great living doing what you love. To learn more about their workshops, visit their website at http://theTimeisNow1159.com.

Gary Davis Announces Run for Congress

2009-05-13T14:20:15Z

Make no mistake about it, I love serving my community. As a City Council Member and Mayor in the City of Elk Grove, I get to do what I love most – serve people and neighborhoods. During my tenure on the Council, we have accomplished much. Just a few of these accomplishments include: reforming our entire city government, bringing good jobs to the community, reducing crime, strengthening our neighborhoods, and much, much more.

Though I call Elk Grove home, I am proud to announce my candidacy for Congress in Rancho Cordova – my native community (and now City!). That’s right. I was born and raised in Rancho Cordova. Yes, I am a Lancer. Yes, I played football. Max Miler was my coach! I helped launch the successful cityhood campaign, walked precincts for signatures, and my parents were precinct captains. My parents and sister still live in Rancho Cordova and I know this place inside and out!

As Mayor of Elk Grove and a proud native Rancho Cordovan, I know that our communities have been hit hard by the economic downturn. We need jobs. With the rising number of home foreclosures, we need to keep our neighborhoods safe. These are not just local issues. They should be important to all of our elected representatives. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. And, that is why I am running for Congress.

In Washington, I’ll make sure our communities are getting the resources and leadership needed to be at the center of our economic recovery. We need an advocate for good jobs and our fair share of federal dollars.

Each time I head back to Washington to fight for resources, I run into the same obstacle – our Congressman. He is locked in an extreme ideological corner and refuses to engage in a discussion about helping the communities of the 3rd Congressional District. The latest discussion is around Department of Justice grants for more police officers for our streets. For the record, I am fighting to secure these funds and get more police patrolling our neighborhoods. He voted against the bill to fund the program.

Make no mistake about it. This is not a partisan issue. This is about doing what is best for our community. And, this is what I love. Perhaps this is also why I am being supported by Republicans, Democrats, and lots of people who reject partisan politics!

If you send me to Congress, one thing is for sure – I will never shy away from a fight when it comes to advocating for local interests. Can you imagine how much greater our communities can be if we had a Congressional representative who provides local leadership?

Today I announce my candidacy for Congress. However, I cannot do it alone. If you agree that we need change in Washington and that we need a Congressional representative who will fight for Rancho Cordova, then I need your help. Please visit my website at www.DavisBeatsLungren.com and sign up to volunteer.

Thank you for your consideration.

Elk Grove shooting, 1 dead

2009-04-22T15:38:05Z

Elk Grove, a relatively quiet town, has lost a friend early Sunday. A shooting killed a woman and left three men wounded. Police reported the fight was between partygoers in a residential neighborhood.

Rest assured, two suspects were arrested hours after the incident at a Sacramento hotel nearby.

The incident happened just south of Laguna Boulevard of tract homes where many neighbors were dismayed and scared for their lives.

Police officers found four victims. Alison Joelle Freeseha, 25, of Escalon, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and the three men, whom were transported to a local hospital soon after their discovery. Although names of the men have not been released, police said in a statement two men were in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon.

Elk Grove detectives said the house party boiled with two guest arguing, which led to a physical fight. They also said, one woman had left the house party, however, returned a short time later with a male passenger.

The passenger then proceeded to open fire killing one person who approached the car and three others in a garage that was left open.

Investigators spoke with witnesses and identified suspects--Raymond Vigel, 20, and Tamara Bassett, 23, both live in Sacramento.

Vigel and Bassett were arrested at the Comfort Inn and Suites, a hotel near Howe Avenue and Folsom Boulevard.

The weapons used during the shooting have yet to be found by police officers.

Sacramento Office Space Rates Decline

2009-03-30T23:49:53Z

The Sacramento office market experienced a year-over-year decline of up to 13 percent for key submarkets as landlords began lowering prices and offering incentives in order to attract tenants. In addition with businesses downsizing or closing offices altogether, more space has come on the market which has helped to drive down prices even further.

The following section shows the year-over-year declines for the average price of space in key Sacramento submarkets. (The price range factors in specific location and class of space) :

Downtown - 2009 rates are 8 to 11 percent lower

El Dorado Hills - 2009 rates are 7 to 11 percent lower

Elk Grove - 2009 rates are 8 to 11 percent lower

Highway 80 Area - 2009 rates are 6 to 10 percent lower

Roseville/Rocklin - 2009 rates are 10 to 13 percent lower

While none of the major submarkets posted a gain in average price between 2008 and 2009, there is a silver lining for businesses that signed leases at higher rates. Depending on their individual lease situation, they may be able to negotiate for a lower rate if they are willing to renew their lease. However with the current market situation, many Sacramento businesses are apprehensive about making long-term commitments until the economy begins to turn around. Until that happens, prices for office space in Sacramento will likely go even lower.

Data Source: Synergy Real Estate Group