Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "events"

Valentine's Weekend Events in Sacramento

2012-02-09T20:29:23Z

Looking for a special way to turn your Valentine’s Day into a memorable holiday? There are myriad options out there, but here are a few highlights for the upcoming weekend:

For the foodie (Fri & Sat 6pm): Let GrubCrawlUSA's Pre-Valentine's Sexy Singles Mingle & Consensual Couples Crawl take you on a taste-tastic tour of Sacramento's finest dining spots. Whether you’re single or paired up, there’s a spot for you—Friday is aimed toward singles & Saturday to couples (so, presumably, if you find someone on Friday you can make a return tour on Saturday!).

For the single lady (Fri 9pm): Stroll Now 100.5’s Mile of Men at The Park Ultra Lounge and take your pick from the area's most eligible bachelors. Stay for the afterparty and get your photo snapped in the photobooth manned by Nicholas Wray.

For the sporty sort (Sat 7am): Rise & shine Saturday morning and get your jog on at Race for Justice: 9th Annual Valentine Run, which begins from Country Club Plaza. This fun run has a kids' race component, plus a costume contest for dogs & humans alike!

For the musical type (Sat 10pm): Make your way to Vega's Nightclub & Sports Bar this Saturday night for Valentine's Heartbreak Hotel. Not only you will you enjoy live music by Barrel Fever and the Fortunite Few, you'll also get to see a live burlesque show and participate in a free pin-up photoshoot by Bad Bones Photography.

For the animal lover (Sun 10am-4pm): Head over to the Sacramento Zoo Sunday afternoon for I Heart Sacramento Zoo and watch the animals receive their Valentines, plus participate in informative talks and peruse activity tables.

For the anti-Valentine (Sun 7:30pm): Movies on a Big Screen notes that around Valentine's Day, they like to screen "some kind of movie that might make your date a little uncomfortable with your idea of romance." This Sunday evening, they feature the 1923 silent classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which, they claim, is a romantic movie (if you remove all of the violence, murder, mayhem, and obsession, that is).

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Find more detail on these events along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Unique & Unusual Pets of the Week!

2012-02-08T20:04:09Z

Here at the Sacramento SPCA we have lots of dogs, cats and rabbits... but did you know that we have OTHER great pets here too??

Check out Featherworth: A very lively and spunky rooster who is among several that we have here at the shelter right now. Roosters are only $5 each right now, and they make great outdoor pets! Here are a couple of tips to help keep your rooster happy and healthy:

•Giving them a wide and open area to live and walk about, allowing them plenty of space to "roost".
•At night, keep them in a simple but comfortable structure or bed, allowing them space to crow at dawn.
•Try to keep their sleeping space dark. Roosters usually crow at the first sight of light, which could be annoying to neighbors.
•Clean their living space frequently.

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And let's not forget some of the more furry, unique pets - rats!

Female sisters (approx one-year-old) are pictured above: Marshmellow, Snow and Frost
Did you know that domesticated rats (such as these three) are very friendly with people? Rats make great pets, and are available for adoption at only $15 each. These sisters get along great too, so if you're looking for more than one, you're in luck!

Keep the arts in your heart this Wednesday

2012-02-07T18:18:48Z

At this Wednesday’s Hearts for the Arts Benefit Event (6pm-9pm at Alex Bult Gallery) artists, community leaders, and Sacramento’s finest convene to celebrate and raise funds for Any Given Child Sacramento. This initiative, spearheaded by For Arts’ Sake, strives to ensure that art experiences are accessible to every child in grades K-8.

As a part of this fun, alternative event you can treat your Valentine to a night like no other, all while supporting a great cause and enjoying an evening of art, music, cocktails, and refreshments.

Esteemed auctioneer David Sobon will auction off “heart-works” donated donated by over 24 local artists, including Raphael Delgado, Shane Grammer, and Micah Crandall-Bear. Live music will be provided throughout the evening by Clemón.

All proceeds from the $30 tickets ($40 at the door) go to support Any Given Child.

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Find more detail on this event along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Experience Sacramento Museum Day this Saturday

2012-02-02T00:17:59Z

Want to check out some of Sacramento’s wonderful museums but have not yet had the time or budget to do so? Mark your calendars for this Saturday and head out to the 14th Annual Sacramento Museum Day.

A record 28 museums are participating this year, including newcomers the Center for Contemporary Art and the Sacramento Children’s Museum. 26 participating museums are offering free admission all day (10am-5pm; last admission at 4pm), and the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town are offering half-price admission in order to offset parking control and security costs.

Sacramento has a wide variety of Museums featuring everything from art, science, and history to children’s exhibits, wildlife, and more.

If you’re having a difficult time narrowing down the options, take these suggestions into consideration:

In order to have sufficient time at each spot, it is recommended to visit no more than two or three Museums for the day
Many of the Museums are within walking distance of one another so, if you plan accordingly, you can park only once and still make your way to two or three spots. Check out the map.
If you will be taking your car, be sure to read over the Parking Suggestions to make sure your day goes smoothly and you avoid any tickets or fines.
If you don’t want to drive, but don’t live within walking distance, consider taking Regional Transit! A great way to avoid the hassle of parking on a crowded day.
Keep in mind that Sacramento Museum Day is a very popular event and that, due to safety reasons, some museums need to limit the number of admissions.
Consider attending Museums that are less well known to avoid crowds at some of the more popular spots (such as the Sacramento Zoo, Railroad Museum, and Fairytale Town) and to check out something you may not otherwise have gone to see!

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Find more detail on this event along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Pet of the Week- Noah

2012-02-01T23:44:46Z

Sweet little Noah!

This four-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix is a bundle of energy but also a lot of fun! He is perfectly content playing fetch, and will gladly bring the ball back to you if you want to keep playing! He is affectionate and a big people lover. Noah also gets along with other dogs. If he sounds like he might be a good match for your family, come pay him a visit today!

Free workshops to teach circus skills

2012-01-28T01:31:56Z

Did you ever want to be in the circus, swinging around on ropes and juggling? The UC Davis Mondavi Center is hosting three free workshops Feb. 5 where families are invited to learn some basic circus skills.

“They’ll learn to climb a rope, hang from a rope and do aerial work,” said 32-year-old master’s student Kevin O’Connor, who is one of two artists who will teach the workshops. “There will be juggling, too.”

O’Connor is using the workshop as a way to explore how the Mondavi Center can be used to bring people in for creative energy that can then be returned to the outside community, a part of his master’s coursework.

Other skills taught in the workshop will include making human pyramids. O’Connor said there is no risk of high falls, as none of the platforms are more than 1 foot off the ground, and all ages are welcome.

“It’s great if you wear two layers of clothing, mainly to protect your skin from the friction of the ropes,” he added.

O’Connor graduated from the three-year circus program of the École Nationale de Cirque in Montreal – the national circus school that spawned Cirque de Soleil.

Each workshop will be 90 minutes long, and the first one kicks off at 10 a.m. Reservations can be made by emailing ucdavisdance@gmail.com, and class sizes are limited. No more than seven people can be included on one email reservation.

Janice Bisgaard, spokeswoman for UC Davis Department of Theatre & Dance, said the the event is the kickoff for the Institute for Exploration in Theatre, Dance and Performance.

The new institute is set up to allow research to be conducted on campus and with direct interaction with the campus community, as well as allow more interaction between the students and performers who make up the Department of Theatre & Dance.

“We’re really excited at the responses we’ve had among the greater community for the workshops,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to be kicking off our new institute.”

The workshops will be held at the Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, located at One Shields Ave. in Davis.

Pet of the Week- Jack Sparrow (Adopted)

2012-01-24T21:39:16Z

Such a charmer!

Jack Sparrow is ALL about getting and giving attention. When he isn't trying to get you to play with him, he is perfectly happy to just curl up in your lap for a nice petting session. This one-and-a-half-year-old will make a great companion for anyone looking for a young, playful and friendly feline. Come visit Jack Sparrow today!

*Find us online at www.sspca.org OR on Facebook and become a fan!

Saturday: Verge Ahead into 2012

2012-01-19T20:28:22Z

Verge Center for the Arts has remained a consistent hub of creativity for Sacramento since they first opened their doors as a private art gallery in 2009. In 2010 they expanded into their current space—a 22,000 square foot warehouse in Downtown Sacramento—and organized as a nonprofit. Now home to 30 resident studio artists, plus extensive gallery and event space, Verge continues their mission of exposing Sacramento to the contemporary art and artists of the region.

2011 was a particularly big year for Verge. Among many other achievements, they had a more-than-successful Kickstarter campaign ($9,165 raised on a $7,500 goal!), won the First Place award of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Arts Innovation Fund, and Executive Director Liv Moe was named Arts Executive of the Year at the Arts & Business Council’s “Prelude to the Season” event.

This Saturday, celebrate Verge’s 2011 successes and help them “Verge Ahead” into 2012 at the “Verge Ahead Success Party” (6pm-Midnight at Verge, 625 S Street, Sacramento). If you have yet to check out this innovative local arts spot, there’s no better time than this!

In addition to exploring the studios of resident artists, you’ll be able to play “Art Golf” (each hole is specially designed by a Verge artist, and be sure to try for a hole-in-one at the Sac365 hole!), get your photo taken at the photobooth for instant sharing of the fun on your social media networks, see live performances by a multitude of bands (Mom, Christine Shields, Fine Steps, Gentleman Surfer, and Ganglians), and dance the night away to tunes spun by DJ Scott Soriano and DJ Hailey. If that’s not enough, arts collective Future Art Notables will take over the temporary gallery with their installation “Assorted Spaces”, which allows viewers to walk among the pieces, fully immersing themselves in the art.

And, don’t worry, tasty beer is provided for the evening by local brewers Ruhstaller, as well as coffee from Insight Coffee Roasters (each $15 ticket includes two refreshments!). Plus, receive free giveaways throughout the night, and a little something extra if you're among the first 50 to arrive.

Come enjoy this soiree and celebrate Sacramento’s burgeoning arts community.

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Find more detail on this event along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Pet of the Week- Zoie

2012-01-18T19:53:16Z

Zoie is a sweet, energetic Hound mix that loves nothing more then being outside and playing!

She is young (only a year and nine-months-old) and is very intelligent-so she has a lot of potential for training and positive reinforcement! Zoie is a really playful and loving girl, who's 'happy place' is being outside playing fetch. She knows her and name and sits on command...already a great little buddy in the making!
Zoie would do best in an active home with an experienced owner who is often home to run, play and explore the world with her. She should do fine with older children at home but no cats please! Other dogs should be OK.

She's looking for a place to call home, come pay her a visit!!

Green Sacramento County

2012-01-18T19:08:40Z

New Website Showcases Achievements, Interactive Map and Constituent Resources

Now, there is a new website that showcases Sacramento County’s green strategies, achievements and helpful information. The website – Green Sacramento County – features an interactive map to pinpoint green activity and provides constituents with green news, tips and resources.

“Sacramento County can be proud of its commitment to sustainability and smart environmental practices. Our green practices used within our organization and in neighborhoods across the County save money, energy and the environment,” said County Executive Brad Hudson.

Green Sacramento County Website Features

Green Map is a fun way to see green activity in the county. Constituents will be able to locate electric vehicle charging stations, park and ride lots, light rail stops, ethanol E85 stations, LEED certified buildings, solar projects, green businesses and bikeways, with just a click of the mouse.

SacCounty Grows Greener features some of the County’s top projects and use of green strategies, such as the Sacramento International Airport’s new Terminal B, alternative fuel stations and the Freeport/Vineyard water projects. There are many projects in the categories of Energy, Waste and Recycling, Transportation, Water, and Agriculture and Open Spaces.

You Can Grow Greener has valuable information and services for constituents to use conveniently located on one page. Find out how to make a business green or how to recycle used oil.

Green News & Events keeps constituents informed of local green events and news about the County’s green efforts.

Green Links & Resources provides the County’s green policies and resources at the local, state and federal levels.

“Whether it is biomass power at the Kiefer Landfill or replenishing underground aquifers with the new Vineyard Surface Water Treatment Plant, Green Sacramento County has the information about what the County is doing to harness clean energy,” said Dave Defanti, Sacramento County Climate Action Plan Project Manager.

Green Sacramento County (http://www.green.saccounty.net/default.htm) will be the gathering point for all Sacramento County’s green project implementations, news, events and resources.

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Brenda Bongiorno is the Communication and Media Officer for Sacramento County's Department of Technology. She can be reached by telephone at (916) 874-7798 or by email at Bongiornob@saccounty.net.

Ways to spend your MLK, Jr. Day in Sacramento

2012-01-12T21:22:34Z

Not everyone has this coming Monday off (alas!) but for those that do, Sacramento has a few options for using your day off to celebrate the man it honors—Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK365 is presenting the 31st Annual March for the Dream, which includes a peaceful march (choose to begin from the Oak Park Community Center, Grant High School, or Sacramento City College) that convenes on the Sacramento Convention Center for an afternoon of celebration. There will be something for all ages and interests—vendor booths, kids’ crafts & activities, entertainment, an art village featuring local artists, and more.

The Crocker Art Museum is opening their doors for their free Holiday Monday program. Monday’s event—“MLK Day – Lift Every Voice”—is a music-infused celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr, with regional choirs performing throughout the day. The event concludes with a screening of Not in Our Town, a documentary about the movement to stop hate.

If you think both those celebrations look fun—and you're also looking to listen to some jazz—consider signing up for Sacramento Wine & Nightlife Tours' MLK Day Experience & Smooth Jazz Celebration. This event meets for the March in front of Sac City College, attends the Celebration at the Convention Center, and then shuttles you to "Lift Every Voice" at the Crocker. From there, the shuttle will take you out to the Old Sugar Mill to enjoy musical performances by Tony Elder & Westbound Groove, Cynthia Douglas, DJ Rock Bottom, and more. This is a great way to make the most of your day!

Also open for the Holiday Monday, though not MLK-themed, is the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which is celebrating the opening weekend of their new Blast from the Past Exhibit. Kids can enjoy a day of hands-on fun learning all about dinosaurs! There’s a Dinosaur Train creative play area, dinosaur bone replicas on display, a “dino-nest” photo opportunity, and a dinosaur diorama craft.

If you are looking to give back with your day off, consider one of Hands On Sacramento’s volunteer opportunities for MLK, Jr. Day of Service.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Pets of the Week: Rufus & Emma

2012-01-11T19:02:44Z

Meet Rufus & Emma!

Rufus (male) is about five-years-old and Emma (female) is four-years-old, but they are the BEST of friends!

Both are Bassett Hounds mixes and are a mandatory dual adoption, which means they must go home together. So if you're looking for two little buddies to join your family, they are a great catch! The price for these dogs is $150 for both (As the second dog is half-priced on dual adoptions).

They love to play outside, ride in cars and just hang out with their people friends.

Come pay them a visit and see what a sweet pair they are. Www.sspca.org

Pets of the Week- Samuel & Jackson (Adopted)

2012-01-04T23:06:12Z

Such a great duo!

Samuel and Jackson are both eight-year-old black Labrador mixes looking for a new family to curl up to. While they are not a mandatory dual adoption, it is recommended that they stay together, because they are the BEST of friends! They both enjoy long walks and playing ball, while also laying around and hanging out with their people friends. Both dogs would prefer dog-friendly homes that have older children.
Their ages qualify them both for our ‘Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program’ which waives the adoption fees to an adopter over the age of sixty.

Do Samuel and Jackson seem like a great match for your family and lifestyle?

Check them out online at www.sspca.org.

Say hello to 2012 at these New Year's Eve nightlife events

2011-12-29T22:06:32Z

Can you belive 2011 is practically over? New Year's Eve is this Saturday and if you're still searching for plans, we here at Sacramento365.com have gathered up some activities for you.

If you're looking for a great, family friendly New Year's Eve experience, complete with fireworks, be sure to head to Old Sac for the New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular.

But, for those of you who are looking for some adult celebrations--no kids allowed--here're a few options to greet 2012 (see even more in our Top 10 & Holiday Event Section). Sacramento nightlife is kickin'!

1. New Year's 2012 Bash with Mickey Avalon: Ace of Spades, 7pm
Hailing from Hollywood, Mickey Avalon is known to the world as one of the hottest underground American rappers and has become a fan-favorite.

2. New Year's Eve Gala: Chicago: Davis Musical Theatre Company, 8pm
Ring in the New Year with Broadway favorite: Chicago. The Tony Award winning performance of the “truth-is-stranger-than-fiction” play is opening for a special preview, accompanied by a catered buffet dinner, champagne, dessert, party favors, a live DJ, and more.

3. Townhouse New Year's Eve Party: TownHouse Lounge, 8pm-2am
On the 365th day of the year, The Townhouse presents a very special NYE party with some of your favorite DJs on both floors: Electro/House/Progressive with Mike Diamond & My Cousin Vinny & Indie/Pop/Dance with The X-GVNR (Pop Freq, Get Wet) & Jon Droll.

4. NYE at the Hyatt Regency: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 8pm-2am
Start the evening with a cocktail in the acoustic lobby lounge listening to the sounds of Quinn Hedges and Ryan Hernandez, then enjoy a gourmet four course meal in Dawson’s, followed by the big event in Sacramento’s largest nightclub with DJ Rated R and the Cheeseballs.

5. New Year's Eve 2012: The Golden Bear, 8pm
What better way to welcome 2012 then spending your evening partying it up at The Golden Bear? There is no better way! Live and direct--DJ Crook on the 1s and 2s spinning all your favorite joints and jams. Cheers with a champagne toast at Midnight, plus take advantage of New Year's Eve drink specials all throughout the night.

6. NYE 2012 Celebration: MiX Downtown, 8:30pm
Celebrate the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 inside Sacramento's favorite rooftop nightclub and lounge, which is also celebrating its third year of amazing parties and fabulous events. Complimentary champagne at Midnight, party favors, and lush decorations get you in the mood for a hands in the air night of dancing and partying with friends.

7. New Year's Eve Bash with John Nemeth: Torch Club, 9pm
John Németh is a rising blues star; a singer steeped in the tradition and reminiscent of B.B. King, Ray Charles and Junior Parker, and a harmonica player of riveting intensity and virtuosity.

8. NYE Dance Party with DJ Larry Rodriguez: Fox & Goose, 9pm
DJ Larry Rodriguez's Dance Party celebrates its 15 year anniversary on New Year's Eve with round, warm sould & funk. DJ Larry Rodriguez is bringing some of Sacramento's favorite dance party kings Mike C. and Tim Matranga to round out the night.

9. Roaring '20s NYE: Crescent Club, 9pm
Take a trip back in time to America's glorious Prohibition Era as you celebrate the New Year with gangsters, glamour, and gambling. The evening’s entertainment includes a Speakeasy Casino, Ballroom Swing Dancing, Gypsy Jazz, Blues, & Cabaret, featuring live music by the notorious Crescent Katz.

10. D30 New Year's Eve with DJ Serafin: District 30, 9pm-3am
In addition to the innovative sound of DJ Serafin, enjoy a huge balloon drop, dazzling confetti rain, complimentary champagne toast at Midnight, delectable confections at Midnight, and complimentary party favors.

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Find more detail on these events along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

New Years Resolutions not JUST for people!

2011-12-28T19:11:35Z

With the New Year just around the corner, resolutions weigh heavy on the minds of most people. At the Sacramento SPCA, we figured that these same concerns might be occupying the thoughts of some of our animal friends. So, we took a random poll of the more than 400 dogs, cats, rabbits and even a couple of rats at our shelter and this is what we discovered:

• Four out of five dogs feel the need to exercise more
• Walking was the number one exercise of choice, with fetch coming in as a close second
• 65% of all animals surveyed are interested in pursuing healthier eating habits
• A whopping 96% of the cats surveyed vowed to get more sleep in the coming year
• 78% of dogs were determined to learn something new, while 99% of all cats thought that they already knew everything
• 87% of dogs and 8% of cats planned to travel more in the coming year
• 100% of all animals surveyed resolved to spend more time with friends and family and to love said friends and family unconditionally

“Despite the fact that a mere 12% of all humans actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions, we feel confident that our animal friends will be much more successful fulfilling theirs,” said Rick Johnson, SPCA Chief Executive Officer.

Visit the Sacramento SPCA in January and resolve to adopt a new best friend. Your new four-legged friend is guaranteed to make you a better person, and to play a key role in making your 2012 the very best it can be. Together, who knows what the two of you can achieve!

The Sacramento is located at 6201 Florin Perkins Road in Sacramento. Visit www.sspca.org for more information and a partial list of available animals. The SPCA adoption center is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am – 6pm (closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day).

The Beatles are in town! Broadway Sacramento's "Rain" delights--for one week only.

2011-12-28T18:27:09Z

Travel back through time with Broadway Sacramento's Rain, a Beatles tribute show that began as an offshoot of the Broadway production of Beatlemania. Rain ran on Broadway for 300 shows and 8 preview performances at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City and has also been a hugely successful national tour for years. Together longer than the Beatles, Rain has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance.

This multi-media show begins by taking us away to a time when four young men stepped on stage at the Ed Sullivan show and changed music as we knew it. Rain chronicles the journey America took with the Beatles, showing us footage of screaming fans, interviews, and historical happenings that changed us all.

Looking around the room, I saw three generations of Beatles fans, all singing along, dancing, and screaming like it was 1964. When it came time for the last number to be performed, I didn’t want the show to end. And neither did anyone else, Rain went on to perform two encores.

This show is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. Who knows, you might just learn a new song or two!

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles continues at the Community Center Theater through January 1. Show times: Wed 8pm; Thurs 2pm & 8pm; Fri 3pm & 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm.

The Broadway Sacramento season continues with West Side Story (Jan 24-Jan 29), Mamma Mia! (March 13-March 18), Million Dollar Quartet (April 17-April 22), and Wicked (May 23-June 17).

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Written by Sacramento365.com Intern, Aimee Steffen
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Sacramento Area Museums Offer Lots of Ways to Celebrate in January!

2011-12-26T21:14:55Z

In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures all year long. With 28 active partners, the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) is proud to showcase a variety of uplifting special events, activities and exhibits in January, including:

“California Hall of Fame” Exhibit at The California Museum -- through October 31, 2012
Honoring individuals from the Golden State who have made their own mark on history and the world, the new exhibit features the personal artifacts of the 2011 California Hall of Fame inductees, including items such as Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 spacesuit, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn's Nobel prize, Carlos Santana's guitar, Amy Tan's handwritten journal and much, much more!

“MLK Day: Lift Every Voice” at the Crocker Art Museum - January 16
Visitors to the Crocker Art Museum will enjoy free Museum admission as well as performances by regional choirs and a screening of the PBS documentary “Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness.” A post-screening panel discussion will explore the issues raised by the film and the connections to the ideals of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.

Chinese New Year Special Display at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum - January 23
Nestled in the Capital City's historic Old Sacramento district, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum will celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special display that includes souvenirs honoring the “Year of the Dragon.”

“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” Exhibit at The California Museum - opens January 24 through June 3, 2012
As the last stop of the national touring exhibition, "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" reveals the often overlooked history of a group of independent American women who helped shape both the state and the nation's cultural landscape over the last 300 years. For The California Museum’s showing, additional artifacts highlighting California sisters has been added.

For more information about SAM, its partners and/or these and other events and activities, visit www.sacmuseums.org

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Sacramento Association of Museums.

Arts in River Park presents a New Year's Eve-Eve party

2011-12-22T01:33:08Z

Party hats and horns are part of the outfit this time of year, but they’ll be doubly appropriate Friday, Dec. 30, when Arts in River Park presents a New Year’s Eve-Eve party that celebrates 10 years of the arts-and-music festival organization.

And talk about horns – musical entertainment at the event will be provided by ReUnion as Bump City, a Tower of Power tribute band. Just like Tower of Power, this tribute band is funkified and horn-driven. ReUnion was begun in 2005 and began its Bump City tribute to Tower of Power in 2009, quickly becoming one of the few TOP tribute bands. Its repertoire includes all the familiar TOP hits, including “Down to the Nightclub,” “So Very Hard To Go,” “What Is Hip?” and “Still a Young Man.”

The concert and attendant arts show and sale (which also will mark the birthday of Arts in River Park co-founder Brenda Waters) will begin at 7 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 5265 H St. Tickets are $15, and checks may be made payable to Arts in River Park, P.O. Box 191312, Sacramento, CA 95819.

Saxophonist/singer Billy Sims, one of the founders of ReUnion, is a protégé of Tower of Power’s original lead trumpet and trombonist Mic Gillette. “ Being the son of a sax player and having an uncle who was a member of Lionel Hampton’s trombone section, I grew up listening to big band music,” Sims said recently. “When I reached my teens, James Brown and Ray Charles had big bands that featured horn sections. Then there was Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago, too. When Tower of Power arrived, with their five-piece horn section blending with the tight rhythm section and vocals, I wanted to play in a band just like that.”

When fellow ReUnion co-founder Matt Martinez suggested a Tower of Power tribute, Sims was immediately on board. The group, whose other members include Sacramento native (and CSUS music grad) Christopher J. Tootle and Stockton-reared vocalist Jerry Littlejohn, “eats, sleeps and drinks Tower of Power’s music,” Sims said. “Mic Gillette is our mentor. He even helps contribute arrangements to our music. And when Mic attends our practices, I call it boot camp,” he said.

ReUnion’s Bump City tribute also includes music of another horn-driven Bay Area musical group, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood. Singer Christine Acosta dispenses the Pense vocals.
The Arts in River Park organization spent its first two years as the H Street Festival, a multimedia event (arts, crafts, information booths and entertainment) held first at a shopping center in River Park and then at the Masonic Scottish Rite center. Its first event was a multicultural fair held exactly one year after 9/11. For the past eight years, it has functioned as Arts in River Park and staged a couple of events a year.

In addition to music by ReUnion, the Dec. 30 event will feature handmade items including ceramics by Robyn Slakey, crafts and paintings by Deborah and Michael Smith and Joy Gee, jewelry and art by Matrix Arts, jewelry and crafts by Sister Sheba and purses by Anastasia Kryukova.

For more information and reservations, e-mail Brenda Waters at BjewWaters@aol.com or call her at (916) 457-3337.

Disclosure: I have dealt with Brenda Waters for many years in my former job as entertainment writer and editor. She asked me to work with her on getting the word out on this event.

Christmas celebrations, Sacramento-style

2011-12-22T00:43:49Z

As always, Sacramento steps up to the plate with holiday events of all sorts. At Sacramento365.com, we see a lot of events come through the site every day. Though there are myriad options in our Holiday Event section, we've narrowed down the list to 10 to get help you pick your Christmas Eve & Christmas Day festivities.

Christmas Eve Events:
Sure, the night before Christmas should be spent snuggled in bed waiting for Santa Claus, but why not get out and about during the day. Here are some options to keep you entertained around town:

1. Free Admission at Fairytale Town & Sacramento Zoo:
FTT 10am-2pm; Zoo 10am-1:30pm
Treat the kiddies to a day out while both Fairytale Town & the Sacramento Zoo offer free admission to all guests. The Zoo encourages participating in their pajama party, so you needn’t even change

2. Downtown Holiday Ice Rink:
St. Rose of Lima Park, 10am-6pm
Located outdoors near Westfield Downtown Plaza, the Downtown Holiday Ice Rink is the perfect holiday experience for the young and young at heart.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play:
Capital Stage, 11am
Inspired by the classic American film of the same title, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience.

4. Holiday Film Screenings: It’s a Wonderful Life:
Crest Theatre, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm
If you can’t make it to Cap Stage’s live performance (see above), you can still catch the original film rendition live on the big screen at the historic Crest Theatre.

5. Theatre of Lights:
Old Sacramento, 6pm & 7:30pm
A symphony of lights, sounds, and visual effects will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem "The Night Before Christmas" was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857.

Christmas Day Events:
Looking to entertain friends & family in town after your regular traditions are over? Or just looking to get out of the house after so much family time? Sacramento doesn’t disappoint. Here are a few options for

1. Christmas Brunch:
Hyatt Regency, 10am-3pm
Enjoy this holiday season with all of the trimmings. Join for a bountiful buffet brunch featuring breakfast items and traditional holiday favorites.

2. Christmas Day Supper Cruise:
Empress Hornblower, 3:30pm-6:30pm
Join Hornblower for Christmas Day with your family and celebrate the season with a delicious meal, relax and enjoy the holiday. The Cruise includes traditional holiday dishes, festive music, and beautiful views of the Sacramento River.

3. Bah Humbug!:
MiX Downtown, 8:30pm-2am
Get out from under your tree and continue the holiday partying at this special Sunday Circus night. Spend the evening with your "other" family at Mix Downtown!

4. Christmas with Arden Park Roots:
Harlow’s, 9pm
Join reggae/rock/punk band Arden Park Roots for a festive Christmas show.

5. Asylum:
Barcode Nightclub, 9pm-1:30am
Featuring resident DJ Bryan Hawk, Asylum is a night of the best cutting edge goth, industrial, nu-darkwave, EBM dance music.

Find more detail on these events along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Pet of the Week- MacHiko!

2011-12-21T21:55:42Z

MacHiko is a beautiful, ten-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback looking for a friend to enjoy long walks and some quiet time with! She has a very sweet and gentle personality and she also has a big heart! MacHiko will do best in a low activity home with an experienced dog owner. She would probably do very well with older children and seems to do well with other dogs so another dog(s) at home should be fine. She is eligible for our Senior Companionship program where adoption fees are waived for adopters 60+ years adopting an animal over five-years- old.

*Don't forget about our Holiday Adoption Promo "Home for the Holidays" going on NOW at the Sacramento SPCA and other participating Sacramento shelters! All animal adoption fees are 75% off - which means great dogs like MacHiko are only $25 through December 30th. Adopt a pet into your family today! Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Nadia

2011-12-14T20:41:51Z

Nadia is a great lap cat, looking for a home to call her very own. She is a sweet, three-and-a-half-year old with a great personality! Nadia is very striking too, with great markings on her face and a beautiful coat. She is currently being kept in a community cat room where she enjoys the company of other felines. She will be your best friend if you pet and love her!

*Don't miss our Home for the Holidays Adoption promo going on NOW through December 30th! All animals (including Nadia) are 75% off their usual adoption fees! www.sspca.org

QUICK QUACK GIVES A GIFT OF FIVE DAYS OF FREE CAR WASHES DECEMBER 18TH THROUGH 22ND

2011-12-14T01:12:25Z

Special Holiday Offer Available to All New and Existing Customers at Two Quick Quack Car Wash Locations on Watt Avenue and Madison Avenue

Sacramento, CA – December 13, 2011 – Quick Quack Car Wash, a growing chain of Sacramento area exterior-only, express car washes, has announced that it will be offering five days of free car washes to anyone visiting two of the seven local car wash locations from December 18th through December 22nd. The seasonal special will be available only at the car washes located at 7145 Watt Avenue and 4301 Madison Avenue.

“We wanted to do something special for the holiday season to let our customers know that we appreciate that they trust us to keep their cars clean while saving them time and money,” said Jason Johnson, President and CEO of Quick Quack Car Wash. “We also wanted to give anyone who hasn’t tried us yet a great reason to do so. We love having our company based in Sacramento and enjoy being a part of this wonderful community.”

The seasonal special will be available only at the Quick Quack car washes located at 7145 Watt Avenue and 4301 Madison Avenue. Customers will receive the basic wash at no charge. No coupon is necessary and there is no catch. Directions can be found at www.DontDriveDirty.com or via the Quick Quack Mobile App available on iPhone and Android.

Disclosure: Travis Kimball is the Marketing Director for Quick Quack Car Wash

Tia Fuller Quartet Inspires Audience

2011-12-12T06:26:28Z

Low lights and a sultry combination of magenta, fuchsia and violet lighting provided the ambiance for the evening. A glance around the room showed an audience of seasoned listeners: a mature, diverse crowd of jazz enthusiasts. At center stage, donning a shimmering purple sequin dress and fishnet stockings stood the quartet's leader, Tia Fuller.

The Tia Fuller Quartet starred in a four-day run at the UC Davis Mondavi Center Wednesday through Saturday, sponsored by the Capital Public Radio Studio Jazz Series.

Fuller emits a raw charisma, sassiness, an uncanny edginess and outright star quality onstage. She picked up her saxophone and began to play her first set. The opener "Decisive Steps," a magnificent composition, delivered a gut-busting solo where Fuller seemed to pour all of her energy into the instrument. Immediately, one gets a sense that "Decisive Steps" is a journeyer's soundtrack, one of perpetual movement and determination.

Afterward, the warm musician welcomed attendees and spoke with the audience.

The song "Wind Soar" delivered an inspirational message to the audience about elevation, pursuing one's dreams and visualizing accomplishments.

The quartet also treated the audience to "Katrina's Lullaby," a tribute to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The track is not on the new album, “Decisive Steps,” but it allowed the musicians to show their range of musical style. "Katrina's Lullaby" has gospel and blues influences peeking through the composition.

The solid groove "Ebb and Flow" has a funky, upbeat tempo and sends the message of "just go with it."

"It's a difficult time in our economy right now," Fuller said. "There's job loss, money issues, obstacles, but we've got to move forward through them with faith and not fear. Keep your eye on the prize.”

Audience members clapped through the song and some danced in their seats.

"Kissed by the Sun" was another audience favorite. The lead musician spoke about the inspiration behind the piece, saying that it was reminiscent of a "sunbeam and a kiss, warm and juicy."

Fuller's saxophone is haunting when it echoes in silence and has a clear “voice.” She definitely has the chops and really knows how to make a saxophone “talk.” Each note captivates your attention. It is a delightful auditory treat to absorb the abrupt musical breaks and intricate scales, accompanied by the complimentary sounds of the piano, bass and drums.

Quartet members Rudy Royston (drums) and Mimi Jones (bass) really impressed the audience with their stunning solos. Unfortunately, the third member, Shamie Royston (Fuller's sister), was unable to attend. Pianist Rachel Eckroth filled in for Royston.

Overall, the Tia Fuller Quartet has great chemistry and takes listeners speeding along and sending them free-wheeling and somersaulting through notes executed with precision. The group's chart-topping album “Decisive Steps” is a testament to the devotion of sound. Listeners can sense enjoyment and a subtle boldness that finds its way inside to their soul.

Fuller ended the evening on a positive note.

"Move forward with decisive steps, with faith and not fear," she said. "I hope you remember that and take that with you."

Pet of the Week- Shivers!

2011-12-08T22:47:18Z

Shivers is an outgoing, confident, and playful little Chihuahua mix! He is affectionate towards people and loves to snuggle up in his owner’s lap. He enjoys going for walks, and he walks well on a leash. Shivers is best suited for a somewhat active home. If he will be living in a home with children, he will do best in a home with older kids. Since he is seven-years-old, his age makes him eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoptions fees waived.

**Home for the Holidays promotion going on NOW! All animal adoption fees are 75% off. That means Shivers (and other great dogs) are only $25 NOW through December 30th! Come on down to the shelter and pick up your new best friend today! **

Dogs: $25

Cats: $21.25

Rabbits: $11.25

Adam Carolla's heedless high speed

2011-12-08T06:54:27Z

Adam Carolla’s wheels aren’t spinning. In fact, his engine has literally stalled.

“I’m down in the garage trying to get a Lamborghini 400GT to start. And I narrowed it down to the fuel pump or the fuses right before I came up here to call you,” the comedian, podcast host and amateur mechanic says in an exclusive phone interview with The Sacramento Press. He’ll perform his stand-up routine at The Crest Theatre on Friday.

In some ways, Carolla’s career has switched to high gear. A decade ago, he co-hosted goofy fare like “The Man Show” with Jimmy Kimmel and “Loveline” with Dr. Drew. Now he’s taken more creative control on projects like Fox Sports’ “The Car Show” and his own wildly popular podcast, which won the Guinness World Record for most downloads. But the flack Carolla’s been hit with because of his edgy jokes and social commentary, especially on the unrestricted podcast, just might send him into a tailspin.

“It drives me nuts… when you put your opinion out there, people grab it, turn you into whatever,” he says of all the ire “The Adam Carolla Show” has drawn. “Back in the day, in order to be a racist, you had to be in the clan or you had to light a cross or lynch somebody. You had to do something to be a racist. Now, just make a Pollack joke and you’re a racist. You can have gay friends and black friends and never have laid a hand on a woman in your life, and still (be called) a homophobe and a racist and a misogynist, and never (have) done a f—kin’ thing.”

But many say Carolla has done plenty. In August of this year, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation lambasted the comedian after hearing his then latest podcast. On it he said the LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender) moniker should instead be called “YUCK,” before rhetorically asking, “When did we start giving a s---t about these people?”

Critics have always condemned Carolla for frequently targeting illegal Mexican immigrants in his monologues and rants. In 2003 they blatantly called him a racist after he joked about Hawaiians being “dumb” and “in-bred” on “Loveline.”

But the deepest furor of all came during a 2010 episode of “The Adam Carolla Show,” when the comedian made a boxing joke that hit too close to home for anyone hailing from the Philippines: “All you have over there is (heavyweight champion) Manny Pacquiao and sex tours.” Hate mail and accusations of racism promptly followed.

“Nah, I don’t give a f---k about any of that stuff,” Carolla says of being called a bigot. “I don’t care what they call me. Am I a Martian? Am I Jewish? What if you just called me something I had nothing to do with? I don’t give a f---k. But (broadcasters like) Ryan Seacrest do… he’s got nine shows. He doesn’t say anything. He’s got sponsors, so he’s gotta give a s--t. I do (my podcasts) for guys that hang around at race tracks.”

Carolla did care enough about the Filipino community’s heated reaction to apologize online, Tweeting, “I try to be provocative [and] funny but I crossed the line and I'm sorry.” That held as much shock value as any of his jokes, considering how rarely he rescinds a comment.

“I gave a f---k then, yeah, because… I got death threats. I got a family. Daddy’s gotta provide,” he says of the pressure that mounted in those weeks, before elaborating on where his most controversial slurs stem from. “On the podcast it’s easy to cross the line, because… I don’t plan out what I’m saying in advance. I just start talking. It can go any thousand different directions. And listen, the line’s been moved. And the line’s different for everybody.”

Carolla dismisses some demographics as simply being more sensitive than others. Meanwhile, those groups feel some comedians are more outrageous than others.

“Some groups don’t give a crap and don’t get offended. Some have a guy, like Asians have Guy Aoki who’s in charge of being offended for them even if they’re not offended,” Carolla says of the Media Action Network for Asian Americans co-founder, who has had heated exchanges with comedian (and former Jimmy Kimmel flame) Sarah Silverman about one of her “chink jokes.”

“I don’t even know what (Guy Aoki’s) nationality is, but he (seems to) represent all Asians, which is semi-racist in and of itself. But I don’t know if there’s any Koreans who know who he is or give a s--t about what I say.”

There are, however, plenty of Americans listening to Carolla — enough to complain and force an apology out of him, enough to help his podcast reach the Guinness milestone, and enough to put his book on the New York Times bestseller list. 2010’s “In Fifty Years, We’ll All Be Chicks” is essentially a series of Carolla monologues strung together across 250 pages.

“My second book will be nothing but (personal) funny stories. My first book had a couple of stories, but mostly lots of ‘let me tell you about this, and here’s what we ought to do,’ moments,” Carolla says, adding that the sequel won’t be out until Father’s Day 2012. “I guess it was Carlin-esque, but I’ve never really read anyone else’s (comedy) book, which does not pay dividends when writing the first book.”

Carolla says he had no idea how to even begin that first manuscript. His editor clarified: The book had to be between 75,000 and 90,000 words. Carolla then wondered how many pages that would equate to, and whether one of those pages or a single line should be devoted to each joke.

“I spent most of my time just trying to wrap my mind around the format of the thing. I’m definitely mechanically oriented. I always think that way.”

He means that both figuratively and literally, especially as of late. Last month Carolla bought a new warehouse for his hot-rod tinkering. He hopes to house all his cars there, including the Lamborghini 400 GT now sitting in his garage — once he gets its engine started.

“I want to have (the warehouse) like a full race shop, and I’m excited to see the air compressors and the hoists and the tool cabinets all set up,” he says, before elaborating on the practicality of his mentality: one that leaves little room for the abstract, the politically correct, or any other mindset but his own.

“I like the beginning, middle and end of the process,” says Carolla, adding that life’s a matter of getting the job done, seeing it through to the bitter end and through anyone’s bitter griping.

“It’s not just a sense of accomplishment — it’s a sense of not being impotent. It’s knowing, ‘OK, here’s what I want to do,’ and the next thing you know, you did it.”

The ‘Adam Carolla Hates the Holidays’ tour will hit the Crest Theatre on Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). For more information, the Crest Theatre's calendar here or call 1-800-225-2277. Check out Carolla Podcast here.

Fuller Quartet Comes To Mondavi Center

2011-12-08T04:23:09Z

Tia Fuller and the Fuller Quartet are scheduled to perform at the UC Davis Mondavi Center tonight through Saturday, with daily show times at 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $19 to $38. The group’s recent accolades include the chart-topping album “Decisive Steps,” ranked No. 1 and touting the nomination for best jazz album in Jazz Week.

Fuller made time in her demanding schedule to speak with The SacPress to give audiences a glimpse into the heart and soul of this jazz sensation.

Fuller's passion for music is literally “in her blood” — the gifted saxophonist hails from a family of musicians. She said it is this personal connection that is the source for her inspiration.

She is a musician with a finely tuned sensitivity to her craft of creating music for her audience. Her reason for being so passionate about jazz music is due to its unlimited expression.

"It's the freedom," she said, "the freedom to express yourself even if it changes on a nightly basis. It's the ability to have a different voice based on how you feel."

Her candor is unwavering, a signature of authenticity. In another word, Fuller is an honest musician.

"I want people to be inspired, to feel connected and encouraged to move forward in spite of any challenges or differences they may face,” she said.

Jazz lovers and concertgoers will be moved by her riveting and energetic performance. It's a rare treat not to be missed.

Home for the Holidays!!

2011-12-01T23:26:40Z

Home for the Holidays? Yes please!

Help us to find comfy beds and warm hearts for the critters here at the Sacramento SPCA. Going on NOW through December 30th, all animal adoption fees are 75% off! Visit any one of the participating Sacramento shelters: the Sacramento SPCA, Sacramento City Animal Care Services, the Sacramento County Animal Care & Regulation and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary!

The four participating shelters will take in over 35,000 animals (collectively) over the course of a year. Our goal for this adoption promotion is to see 1,000 animals find new homes this holiday season. Help us spread the word and make it happen!

Please visit www.sspca.org to find out more information.

Pet of the Week- the lovely Jada!

2011-11-30T19:49:36Z

Help us find Jada a home!
Jada is a very sweet and calm six-and-a-half-year old American Staffordshire terrier mix. She is one of our long-time residents here at the Sacramento SPCA and we’re determined to find her a home this holiday season! She is great with people and will do well with older children and friendly dogs, however, NO CATS please! *Additional bonus!* Her age makes her eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption promo. Any senior over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived!

** Also join us on December 7th, (the first Wednesday of every month) for our Senior Vaccine Clinic!
FREE vaccines for seniors over the age of 60 who bring in their pets! This will be held in the ADOPTIONS building between the hours of 10:00AM- 12:00PM. Please email Shari at slowen@sspca.org for more information.

DECEMBER 1ST thru DECEMBER 30TH: ALL adoption fees will be 75% off. Our goal is to find every animal a home this holiday season!

SactoMoFo 3 - Saturday, December 3rd, 11am-6pm

2011-11-29T19:29:44Z

Foodies! You are invited to SactoMoFo #3 on Saturday, December 3rd, from 11am-6pm
facebook.com/SactoMoFo

Say what?? SactoMoFo (the Sacramento Mobile Food organization) has rounded up 7 Bay Area and over a dozen local food trucks, carts and other vendors for SactoMoFo #3, to be held Saturday, December 3rd, 11 am - 6 pm rain or shine at the Downtown weekend Farmer’s Market location (6th & W Streets, under the freeway). Stop by for lunch and stay for dinner! No tickets, no fees, just lots of great food and drink!

How much?? Admission is 100% free! Just dress warm, bring small bills, a big appetite, and get your snack on!

I can win what?? Stitches ‘n Dishes will be raffling away a Wii and game bundle pack just for stopping by!

Where?? At 6th & W Streets (Sunday Farmer’s Market location) directly across the street from Southside Park. Bring the family and make a day of it!

Why?? The December 3rd event is a winter food drive for the Sacramento Food Bank and the U.S.MC. Reserve's Toys for Tots, so please bring canned or packaged dry goods and new unwrapped toys to donate. That, plus we like to eat and showcase the great food in our area!

Give-aways too?? We will be giving away AWESOME prizes from local businesses, including Ginger Elizabeth, Art Feast, and more! Anyone who brings a donation will get entered into a drawing. We will be picking winners at least once an hour!

Who?? List of trucks and vendors attending:
Sacramento:
Aloha Diner, Big Joe’s BBQ, Cajun Wagon, Chando's Tacos, Coast to Coast, Drewski's Hot Rod Kitchen, Emma’s Tamales, Fuzion Eatz, Heavenly Dogs, It's Corn Cake, La Piedad, Leila's Lumpia, Miniburger Truck, Smoothie Patrol, Volkswaffle, and Wicked 'Wich.

Bay Area:
An the Go, Bacon Bacon, Chairman Bao, El Porteno, Hapa SF, Japa Curry, and Seoul on Wheels

What else?? Other entertainment at the event include:
- Willie’s Woodshop: A hands-on woodshop INSIDE a mobile truck designed for kids to cut, screw, nail, glue, saw and build their own toys to take home for a small price.
- Photos with Santa Claus
- Face painting and balloon twisters
- Certified masseuses
- Live DJ music

Please see our Facebook event page for details through out the week and to let us know you are coming!

About SactoMoFo: SactoMoFo is a group of Sacramento residents that advocate for bringing more and better food options to the Sacramento area. The group is focused on changing the current 30-minute city ordinance, and raising awareness through organized events. SactoMoFo also coordinates food vendors to serve at business, community, charity, and personal events. Contact info@sactomofo.com for more information.

Media Inquiries: please contact Joshua Lurie Terrell at info@sactomofo.com for more information.

Disclosure: The author is responsible for media outreach for SactoMoFo.

Pet of the Week- Mr. Smokey (Adopted)

2011-11-22T21:03:36Z

This eight-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix is both sweet and friendly. He is fairly typical of his breed in that he is very smart, confident and independent, but he’s also a big lover! Positive reinforcement training would help him focus his energy and learn even more commands than he already knows. Mr. Smokey would do best in a somewhat active home with experienced adult owners (older kids and other dogs ok). He is eligible for our Senior for Senior Program in which adoption fees are waived for adopters who are at least sixty-years-old and adopting animals over the age of five.

*Join us on Black Friday and during the weekend for some very special adoption deals! All black (and mostly black) animals are 50% off through the weekend at the Sacramento SPCA!

** Please note we will be closed on Thursday, November 24th for Thanksgiving.

Sacramento Family Keeps Daughter's Memory Alive through Toy Drive

2011-11-18T18:20:35Z

When Rosie Carollo was hospitalized at the Sutter Children’s Center, Sacramento due to a rare form of childhood epilepsy at just 6 months old, she took great delight in the toys, movies and activities in the hospital’s Child Life Program.

After Rosie’s passing in 2004, just shy of her second birthday, her parents, Nicole and George Carollo, were determined to keep her memory alive by giving back to the Sutter Children’s Center – a children’s hospital located inside Sutter Memorial Hospital in East Sacramento – after they provided such great care for their young daughter.

“Rosie was our first child and the light of our lives,” said Nicole Carollo. “When she passed I was almost desperate to find a way to help other children like her. I cannot take care of my baby anymore, but I can help others. We chose Sutter because of the wonderful experience we had with the Child Life Team and we want to give back to them and help brighten up the lives of other babies and children there.”

While strolling through their neighborhood admiring holiday decorations and looking to get a few ideas for their own house, the Carollos noticed barrels in front of homes for people to donate food as they, too, strolled down the street appreciating the decorations. It was at this moment that the Carollos had the idea to host a toy drive in Rosie’s honor.

After observing how much joy that toys brought Rosie while she was in the hospital, the family decided the best way to honor Rosie and give back to the hospital was by donating toys to the Sutter Children’s Center in hopes of creating joy for other kids during their time in the program.

The Carollos began their charitable toy drive in 2007. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Rosie Carollo Christmas Lights Toy Drive, which will be held from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, and is part of the Carollos’ intricate Christmas display at their home at 3961 Fair Oaks Blvd. in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento. New, unwrapped toy donations, as well as any cash or check donations, will be collected to give to the brave children at the Sutter Children’s Center.

In the four previous years, this event has made quite a splash in donations. During the inaugural event in 2007, the Carollos collected 741 items and $236 in cash. Last year, this special event collected more than 1,600 items, up 50 percent from the previous year, and had more than 400 people in attendance the night of the toy drive.

This year, the Carollos and the Child Life Program are requesting Pillow Pets, crib-side soothers, toy doctor kits, infant rattles and toys, Lego sets, teen crafts and DVDs for children and teens. Monetary donations are accepted the night of the toy drive as well as gift cards to stores such as Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart.

“The first year we did it, we had no idea it would become this big,” said Nicole. “We just thought it would be a little toy drive.”

Four years later, the Carollos look forward to the company of hundreds of Sacramento residents who gather in celebration of little Rosie’s life and the life of every child cared for at the Sutter Children’s Center. The family strives to create awareness about infantile spasms which Rosie endured.

“This is easily the happiest night of the year for me,” said Nicole.

Guests and their families enjoy the elaborate display of 15,000 Christmas lights, a gingerbread village, flying reindeer and a life-size nativity scene along with cookies, hot chocolate and even a special visit from Santa Claus. The Carollo family has made it their lifelong goal to spread little Rosie’s story and increase the awareness of infantile spasms. In the future, they hope to set up a foundation in Rosie’s name to raise funds for infantile spasm research.

If you would like to be a part of this event but cannot make it out on Dec. 11, the family is gladly accepting donations through the entire month of December at their driveway drop box located at 3961 Fair Oaks Blvd., at the corner of San Ramon Way and Fair Oaks Boulevard. For further information on how you can help, e-mail Nicole Carollo at N_Carollo@yahoo.com, or visit the “Rosie Carollo 5th Annual Christmas Lights Toy Drive” page at www.facebook.com.

The Child Life Program is an important part of each child's hospital experience at the Sutter Children’s Center. Child Life specialists work with the child, parents and hospital staff to make life as normal as possible and to minimize the emotional trauma to the infant, child or adolescent and his or her family. As a member of the health care team in both outpatient and inpatient settings, Child Life specialists provide essential life experiences for gaining a sense of mastery, for play, for learning, for self-expression, for family involvement and for peer interaction. The program also “employs” three full-time canine therapists as part of its Pet Therapy Program. The Sutter Children’s Center is a comprehensive “children’s hospital within a hospital” that offers on-site 24-hour pediatric and neonatal care physicians. It provides a patient- and family-oriented approach of more than 50 board-certified subspecialists and a full medical transport team. The Sutter Children’s Center is nationally recognized as a center for excellence by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions for its outstanding care for children. Additionally, the Sutter Children’s Center is approved by California Children’s Services and is the only non-university facility in Northern California granted associate membership with the California Children's Hospital Association. For more information, visit http://checksutterfirst.org/children/.

Disclosure: Help the Carollo family by giving back this Holiday Season and gain awareness about the danger of childhood epilepsy and infantile spasms.

Pet of the Week- Penny! (Adopted)

2011-11-09T19:59:41Z

This cute and feisty little three-year-old is very fun to be around! She loves to play and be pet and is looking for a permanent place to call home. Penny can come off a little pushy with other cats, mainly because she wants all of the attention! She might do well with another companion, as she is learning to share the attention while she is here at the shelter. Visit her online at www.sspca.org.

**Join us on 11.11.11 for a very special adoption promo! We'll be open 11:11AM- 11:11PM and all animals are just $11.11! Enjoy shopping, food and family fun. This event only comes ONCE every 100 years; it's going to be a ONEderful day!

Sims Recycling Solutions Invites Community to Celebrate "America Recycles Day" by Recycling Old Electronics and Appliances

2011-11-09T14:44:04Z

Sims Recycling Solutions, the global leader in electronics reuse and recycling, is partnering with Sims Metal Management, KCRA-TV and the California Exposition and State Fairgrounds to host a community-wide electronics and appliance recycling event to celebrate “America Recycles Day.” The event will raise money for the Sacramento Habitat for Humanity and will be held on Saturday, Nov.12, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the California Exposition and State Fairgrounds located at 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815. Items for recycling will be accepted at Parking Lot E off of Ethan way across the street from the Century Stadium 14.

“Sims Recycling Solutions is thrilled to participate in an event that not only provides a way for the Sacramento community to divert e-waste from area landfills, but also will raise money to benefit Habitat for Humanity,” stated Steve Skurnac, President, Sims Recycling Solutions, Americas. “Our innovative recycling technologies combined with our comprehensive hazardous materials management policies and certified facilities provide closed-loop protection to the Sacramento community and the world from the risks associated with e-waste disposal.”

The e-waste collection event will be a drive-through and drop-off system, with staff on hand to quickly and conveniently collect items from participants’ vehicles. For those who plan to recycle a computer monitor or television, please print and complete the collection log found at the www.us.simsrecycling.com/AmericaRecyclesDay website prior to the event to ensure faster processing.

Sims Recycling Solutions will accept the following: appliances, televisions, computer monitors, computers, laptops, cell phones, telephones, printers, speakers, keyboards, mice, PDAs, radios, stereos, MP3 players, CD and DVD players, and VCRs. Sims Recycling Solutions cannot accept smoke detectors, ovens, batteries or ink and toner cartridges.

Sims Recycling Solutions

Sims Recycling Solutions (www.us.simsrecycling.com) is the world's largest electrical and electronics recovery and recycling company with 50 sites across the globe.

Sims Recycling Solutions recycles all types of electronic equipment and enables businesses to meet both their social and legal obligations in the treatment of surplus electronics. The company's asset management and recovery service enables businesses and public sector organizations to sustain the value of IT and electronic equipment, in a legally compliant, data secure, fully traceable and environmentally sustainable manner.

In North America, Sims Recycling Solutions operates 14 sites in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Ontario, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Disclosure: This is a press release from Sims Recycling Solutions.

FALL in love with a Bunny this Season!

2011-11-02T20:02:18Z

Meet the newest addition to the Sacramento SPCA family!

We like to call these little guys (and gals) the "Squash Bunch"- as they are all named after a different type of squash.

This litter of eight, just turned eight-weeks-old and they are each ready to find their new families.

These little ones are very sweet and are used to being held; they are also on the path to being litter-box trained! Rabbits require a little bit of daily cleanup and thrive best with daily, human interaction. They make excellent companions!

Please visit us online at www.sspca.org.

Current adoption fees for rabbits: $45*

**Join us on Friday, November 11th for our 11.11.11 celebration, where we hope you'll find the ONE you've been looking for! We're extending our hours from 11:11AM- 11:11PM and all animals will be available for adoption at just $11.11!! (FREE for Veterans).

Food, entertainment, vendors and fun...what a ONEderful day!

Mastodon's Beastly Inspiration

2011-11-02T00:44:22Z

Amongst the buzz saw riffs lies a tale twisted as knotted lumber’s grain. It was chiselled, grinded, and chipped at until the words surrounding that deep woods howl splintered as if to catch beneath your skin.

That, at least, could be one way to look at the fresh cut tune “Curl of the Burl,” from the latest album by heavy metal craftsmen Mastodon. The song’s title refers to the bloated burr growths swelling under the bark of injured hardwood trees. Such deformities hold a special beauty to certain artisans.

“There’s a group of people in the Pacific North West… They get hopped up on meth, get in their trucks and go into the woods with their chainsaws to hunt for the burl in various trees,” Mastodon singer and bassist Troy Sanders says of the strangely gnarly prey these rabidly fiendish predators work to uproot and mow down.

He went on to describe the value of those knots, which warp the wood in such a beautifully rare fashion that furniture makers and sculptors will pay top dollar.

“These meth addicts will fill their trucks up with these burls, take them into town, sell them to these wood sculptors,” Sanders added. “They take the money and re-up on their meth, then go back in the woods. It’s kind of this crazy circle of insanity.”

Such a tightly wound cycle could aptly describe the songs that accompanied “Curl of the Burl,” on their latest album, The Hunter. The band severed out several of those songs in a slipshod matter, leaving a leaner offering than anything their listeners are used to- especially compared to the ten minute operatic anthems that rounded out their previous release, Crack the Skye.

That album was the most complex they’d ever crafted, and not only on a technical level. Its lyrical narrative centered around a quadriplegic’s out of body experience, a celestial journey that helps him see Stephen Hawking’s scientific wormhole theories up close, then glimpse the impending assassination of Rasputin before striving to save the Russian Tsar from that grisly fate.

Those bizarre themes were concocted by Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor. They stemmed from two decades worth of rescue fantasies starring his sister Skye, who succumbed to suicide at the age of 14.

“Brann approached us and said ‘Guys, I think I’d like to explore this though our music.’ And we said ‘Hey man, if you want to go there that’s fine. We’ll go there with you," Sanders says of the band's pledge to their tenacious drummer. "He wanted to ultimately have a record based on her memory, her spirit, and have something that would live forever.”

The album connected with fans on a level the band hadn’t reached since they released Leviathan in 2004. Both discs featured the intricate song stylings fans had come to expect and adore. And that earlier album also featured a high concept that equalled Crack the Skye's. Leviathan’s lyrical narrative was loosely based around Herman Melville’s classic epic “Moby-Dick.” Songs like “I am Ahab,” and “Seabeast,” still bring crowds to an uproar at Mastodon’s gigs. But the album’s standout track was “Iron Tusk,” named for the rusty harpoon Ahab obsessively longed to pierce the elusive mammoth’s flesh with.

“Within the book Melville refers to the whale as a sea salt mastodon, so it just felt like it was a perfect fit,” Sanders says of the timeless passage that inspired the song title and album’s concept. “It paralleled with how we were feeling in our own band, (after) 200 days a year in our white van. We were like ‘what are we searching for? Are we driven, or are we crazy, or is it a little bit of both?’ It completely mirrored Ahab.”

And just like that fictional sailor’s hulking, floating, elusive muse—or the ghost of Skye that tenderly lingered throughout the recording and tour behind Crack the Skye—the band also pursued a similarly haunting creature on their latest album.

It's a gaping triple jawed beast, its two horns jutting forth like tree branches- a charging minotaur that adorns the album cover of The Hunter. That image didn’t stem from a painting (unlike the cover art for Mastodon's other albums). Instead of a flimsy easel, it was crafted from a burly, curling, warped woodwork.

The towering 3 dimensional wood carving (depicted in a photo on the album’s cover) was the creation of AJ Fosik (who’s work can be viewed at this link http://www.fecalface.com/SF/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1581&Itemid=92). The Philadelphia based wood sculptor’s creations look like psychedelic totem poles, or a perverted taxidermist's rendition of peacock bright muti-eyed carnivores from a forgotten tribal legend.

As the band hammered out fresh tunes for The Hunter near a mixing board, Fosik toiled away on the minotaur in his Philadelphia art studio- his saws and chisels rabidly gnawing at the wood as if they were fangs frothed with sawdust instead of saliva. Those simultaneous projects were captured in a music video for the album's lead single ‘Black Tongue’ (the clip can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwgqenxNUfs).

“We’re big fans of anything prehistoric and mythological. So we knew AJ’s epic wood carvings were a perfect fit for our new, rawer songs,” Sanders says of Fosik’s savage stylings, before pondering what such a ghastly creature could possibly symbolize. “That minotaur, that beast, could represent anything. It could be us, or it could be something we’re hunting for.”

Mastodon will perform at the Ace of Spades on Nov. 2. For more information visit mastodonrocks.com/tour or aceofspadessac.com.

Pet of the Week- Brody (Adopted)

2011-10-26T20:12:20Z

Brody is an eight-year-old Pointer mix who loves to be outside, go for walks, play with toys, or all of the above! He is described as being “one of the best behaved dogs” at the shelter, so we know he will make a lucky family really happy! Also any potential adopter should take note: He is OK with cats but will prefer to be the only dog in your home.

Brody’s age qualifies him for our Senior Companionship Program: Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived. Find out more online at www.sspca.org!

Fairytale town meets Harry Potter

2011-10-24T03:13:30Z

Photo essay by Dan Ward

It’s that time of the year when the candy comes out, people become scarier and Fairytale town puts on a show. This year in Fairytale Town the magical wonders of Harry Potter arrive to showcase its magical spells and large amounts of candy for the children.
The Harry Potter theme will be taking place for a total of four days. The days are October 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th. The park event will be 5pm till 9pm on all four days. Tickets are for sale at www.fairytaletown.org.

Children can enjoy various attractions and displays at this year’s event. Even the adults can come and have a good time seeing all the magicians of Harry Potter world perform their spells.

Fairytale Town is putting on a great potions spell class for the children to try out. Just like in the book series and the movies where Harry and friends had to take potion classes. The children are able to have a dab at trying to make their own potions with different ingredients. They even get to use small cauldron bowls to stir in.

Among all the activities the beverage line was the longest. In store for adults and children were two classical drinks from the world of Harry Potter. First was the marvelous sweet not alcoholic butter beer. As many might know the butter beer is a popular beverage in the town of hogsmeade. It's a sweet treat for people of all ages.

The other was a day in and day out drink in the wizard world. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the classic pumpkin juice which is also a non-alcoholic drink.

As you go through the park there are 17 candy locations for children to stop by and say trick or treat. Each of the stations is run by a few local high school student volunteerers. Dennis, a high school volunteer stated the event as “enjoyable to watch for children and even us high school students, I’m having fun”. Fellow high school volunteer Samantha said “I love the Harry Potter theme for the children”.

Also available with an additional admission ticket is the Harry Potter game show that starts at 6, 7 an 8pm all four nights. The children are able to go in and answer questions about the magical land of wizards, witches, wands and creatures.

If all that excitement is not enough for you then King Arthur's castle will be your urge to go. With the inside set up to be a Harry Potter creation station. The children are able to grab some candy. Sit in Dumbledor's chair and draw characters from the wizarding world.

While exploring the the town don't forget to have your photo taken at the Gringotts bank display. Families are able to hop on tracks and have their photo taken free of charge. Don't let the trolls or dragon scary you. Their all friendly creatures at fairytale town.

This event will be one the children will not want to miss.

Pet of the Week- Mr. Smokey! (Adopted)

2011-10-19T21:42:44Z

Mr. Smokey will steal your heart!

He is a sweet, friendly, eight-year-old Jack Russel Terrier mix who is typical of his breed, in that he is both confident and independent. He really enjoys being outside and is happy to show off tricks like 'sit' and 'stay.' Some positive reinforcement training will help him to learn to focus his energy and learn even more commands.

Mr. Smokey would do best in a somewhat active home with experienced adult owner. He should do fine in a home with teenagers but does need to be an only pet. He is eligible for our Senior for Senior Program in which adoption fees are waived for adopters 60 years old and older adopting animals 5 year and older.

Looking for a mate to explore the world? Come out and meet Mr. Smokey!

**Don't miss out on our Fall-Colored Feline promo going on NOW! All fall-colored cats and kittens are just $14 now thru October 31st! Visit www.sspca.org to find out more.

Demented Salvation

2011-10-19T05:22:10Z

Few might expect to find salvation inside a prison’s walls, but that’s exactly what rap’s most famous supposed Satanist glimpsed.

Tech N9ne (performing at the Ace of Spades on Oct. 24) visited fellow hip-hop eccentric Lil Wayne at Rikers Island while the latter MC served a year- long sentence in 2010 for weapon possession. The three hour dialogue touched on everything. They started with their families and children. Then, their peculiar career paths. Before long, N9ne was opening up about how his success had been hindered by years of anonymous blog posts and whisperings about his supposed 'devil worship.' Then, he revealed to Wayne why those rumours could never be true.

“We talked about spirituality,” N9ne, who was born Aaron Yates in Kansas in 1971, says of the bond he briefly forged with Wayne on that day.

“We talked about how we believe there’s a higher power, how those elderly cats in there (in jail) were tellin’ him it couldn’t be. We have that in common; we wanna believe there’s something there that we’re prayin' to.”

It was towards the end of the conversation, as the guards pointed at the clock and a weary Weezy blinked a little more slowly, that N9ne’s eyes were opened.

“’Fear God.’ It’s on his eyelids, tattooed,” N9ne says of his cohort’s pious emblem. “I think real people recognize other real people. Everybody’s reality is different so I can’t tell you to keep it real, you can’t tell me to keep it real… with me and Wayne it’s different because his reality is bigger than mine, with album sales and business. But on a personal level, we’re right there together, real dudes, and I think that’s what we both sensed when I visited him in Rikers.”

Despite such blessed moments, N9ne has longed for something more from another reality- one that isn’t tangible, but far more spiritual. Much of that hereafter desire stems from the health issues that plague his mother. First there was epilepsy, then lupus, pancreatitis, diabetes and now a blood transfusion to treat a clot in her leg.

N9ne spoke of the doubt that mounted during his mother’s ailments before elaborating on what those qualms of faith led to.

“I thought, the devil tried the righteous, but is she gonna be tried her all her life? Then she dies, is that when she’s worthy? What kinda God is that, when all that happens? I realized [I] needed to find out.”

It was a search that led to his signature song, “Show Me A God." Its verses are tersely bitter, ranging between somber and anger before rising to a seething chorus:

“I’m kinda feelin’ that it is a façade, show me a God.”

Over the years, those kinds of lyrics have left many hip-hop fans dubbing him a heathen.

“People said all that shit then just because I was different. It was never true that I was ‘the devil worshiper,’” he says of the rumours that plagued him since the new millennium and stifled his career right up until he released his first platinum album, “Killer,” in 2008. “They didn’t know that I grew up in the church and I was tryin’ to tell them that, but because of (my dark lyrical) imagery, I was shunned.”

He hopes to convey that upbringing lyrically and in interviews, how his mother raised him to know right from wrong-a value he constantly tries to instil in his own children.

"They’re why I’m still alive. That’s why I got off ecstasy,”

He says that the young ones' creative spirit pushed him to stay clean for more than four years now.

“They love my music. They love Eminem, Adele, Avenge Sevenfold… But I taught ‘em right from wrong, that they’re not supposed to curse. So when they sing along to Eminem and he curses, they make up another word to go (over) it.”

His mother’s approach was much more strict, but not at first. She may have brought home Sugar Hill Gang albums for him to dance to when he was in the fourth grade, or even used rap style vocals for spelling lessons, but soon things changed.

“That’s how my mom and auntie taught me to spell my name, rappin’ the letters in rhythm form. I don’t know how (they realized), maybe I was always beatin’ on stuff, but they said I couldn’t spell my name unless we did it in rhythmic form.”

Those hip-hop beats were quickly replaced by church choirs. N9ne’s devoutly Christian family brought him to weekly mass. Then his pious parents split, his mother remarrying a Muslim when her son was 12 years old. His new stepfather forbade hip-hop in the household as a consequence for the would-be rapper’s slipping grades.

“I had to go sneak and buy it and put it at [a] friend’s house across the street," N9ne says of his father's tough love. “He told me I wasn’t buyin’ rap or tennis shoes, but dress shoes and ties. He was just tryin’ to make me a man, tryin’ to make me intelligent, but I didn’t know it at the time. I was young and dumb.”

Once again, he was left to turn elsewhere- sneaking visits with his biological father’s side of the family, which couldn’t have been a more polarizing influence.

“He was LAPD, but he’d come back to KC (Kansas City) once in awhile. I remember ridin’ on his motorcycle when I was five, then I never saw him again ‘til I was 14. (Meanwhile) I’d go over to his mother’s house and they were hardcore drinkers… liquor everywhere, kids drinkin’.”

“They lived in the hood… I think growin’ up around my mom and aunties made me spiritual. That part of Tech N9ne wouldn’t be here, that big heart, if I’d been raised by my Dad’s side... Mom taught me love, so I know how to put that love in my music to connect with my fans. But if grew up around my dad’s side? Man, I would’ve been Ice Cube, ultra gangster.”

Despite all that wandering through the moral middle ground, N9ne still longed to travel further- to that other reality, that more spiritual level, even if it meant glimpsing actual spirits.

Just over a decade ago, when N9ne had grown into a young man, and fanfare around creepy flickslike “The Blair Witch Project” had grown fervent, the struggling MC rummaged around abandoned buildings with his best friend Brian Dennis.They hoped to capture a ghost on camera, but N9ne had no idea how much his friend would soon literally haunt him.

“We said ‘Let’s go find something.’ Me and Brian wanted to search for something greater, even if it was an alien or a ghost. We wanted to know there’s something here besides us.”

He and Brian set out, visiting broken down insane asylums and caves that were the subject of countless local ghost stories. They went to old hotels like The Eldridge in Lawrence, Kansas-- where the elevator features a picture of a ghost-- and then ride from the top floor to the basement again and again.

“I would stand in the elevator and ride it for like 30 minutes at 4 a.m. and find nothing… I wanted something to startle me, to say ‘Get the hell outta here’ and scare the shit outta me. Then I’d know there’s something here besides us.”

Dennis died before that wish was granted. The rapper says what he misses most about his best friend is his edgy creative streak, rife with dour sounds and creepy lyrics.

“He was always tryin’ to create new music, put the super darkness on me. I was always infatuated with horror films but… he took me under the underground, beyond the catacombs… Brian created that depth and that darkness in my music, and I wish he was still here to enjoy it.”

In a way, N9ne is convinced he still is.

“Sometimes I don’t even know these words comin’ out of my mouth,” the rapper says of his recent freestyles. “I’ll think, ‘Where did I get that word?’ Then I’ll check the dictionary to make sure I’m usin’ it in the right context and it’s always right. It feels like Brian is putting these words in my head. It’s wonderful because I’m getting’ better and better (lyrically).”

By better, he may mean vulnerable as a fresh wound.

“I Love Music,” a highlight from N9ne’s latest lauded album, “All 6’s and 7’s,” features searing, honest lines that detail his burdensome dedication to the rap game that “...saved my life, paid my lights [and] made my wife say, ‘Bye, bye.’”

But much of the album doesn’t stray too far from the demented, edgy imagery he’s famous for. One of its opening cuts, “Am I a Psycho?” features “Why did I let this stripper burn me on the arm with a cigarette, in the same spot 10 times in a row?” as one of its tamest lines.

Aside from switching between such wildly eclectic themes, N9ne’s prowess also lies in his ability to rap backwards on early fan faves like “Absolute Power,” or rhyme at a speed that would leave many listeners wondering if he was speaking in tongues.

With those consecrated microphone skills, he hopes to reach out to each equally twisted fan, together building the new reality he’s always longed for.

“My fans saved my life… I had nothing. I was a bum livin’ in my wife’s mother’s basement, writing my songs,” he says of those dire early days. “She was sayin,’ ‘You gotta get a job; it ain’t workin,’ and I’d say, ‘No I got something.’ Now it’s come to fruition.”

Tech N9ne will perform at the Ace of Spades on Oct. 24.

Sacramento Association of Museums Members Offer Lots to Do, See & Experience!

2011-10-18T16:01:16Z

Check it out! In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures all year long. With 28 active partners, the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) is proud to showcase a diverse sampling of upcoming events and activities happening in November, including:

Sweet Exchange at the (new) Sacramento Children’s Museum - November 1-5
The first-ever Sweet Exchange activity gives kids plenty of incentives to surrender their sugar-saturated Halloween candy in exchange for a fun-filled goodie bag that also promotes dental health. All exchanged candy will be donated to troops overseas.

Superbugs-Not Your Ordinary Germs at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center - November 5-6
In the last 10 years, superbugs have appeared with greater frequency then ever before. These dangerous critters evade modern medicine and are a hot topic in the medical community. Visitors to the Discovery Museum will learn about these dangerous microscopic germs and kids will build a superbug of their own to take home as a souvenir.

Vettes for Vets Car Show at the California Automobile Museum - November 5
Hosted by the California Automobile Museum and Just for Corvettes, the eye-catching Car Show for Corvettes benefits various veteran's groups throughout Northern California with the sales of raffle tickets, vendors, veteran displays, and music. There will also be an extraordinary exhibit of six generations of Corvettes on display at the Museum during November as well as at the car show that is sure to thrill spectators of all ages!

Archaeology Activity Day at the Sacramento History Museum - November 12
Ready to dig in to a new adventure? Families are encouraged to sign up for the first-ever family Archaeology Activity Day. Groups of four may work on a dig to uncover, collect, and dissect just like real archaeologists.

The Art of Disegno: Italian Prints and Drawings from the Georgia Museum of Art at the Crocker Art Museum - begins November 19
Visitors will enjoy viewing this special exhibition from the collections of the Georgia Museum of Art and Giuliano Ceseri that explores the variety and beauty of Italian draughtsmanship through drawings and prints from the 16th through 18th centuries.

For more information about SAM, its partners and/or these and other events and activities, visit www.sacmuseums.org

About the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM)
Comprised of 28 greater Sacramento area museums working in partnership with the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, SAM’s mission is to raise awareness of local museums by giving the community the opportunity to discover California’s fine art, history, science and wildlife treasures. SAM achieves its mission through implementing cooperative promotions and developing strategic marketing alliances, by encouraging sharing of knowledge and resources among its partner institutions.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Sacramento Association of Museums.

Sacramento Cat Hospital to Host Third Annual Pet Food Drive on November 19

2011-10-17T23:50:00Z

On Saturday, November 19, the Sacramento Cat Hospital will host its third annual pet food drive, benefiting Titanic's Pantry (the Sacramento Pet Food Bank). All donations of cat and dog food, canned or dry, will help feed hungry animals throughout Sacramento.

The pet food drive will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael. In addition to pet food, donations of leashes, collars, cat litter, bedding, and other pet supplies are welcome.

"If a family is having a tough time paying the bills or feeding their children, they may not be able to feed their pet," said Dr. Billie Bensen Martin, owner of the Sacramento Cat Hospital. "This pet food drive is a great way for our community to help animals in need all over the city. The current economic climate means that the demand is greater than ever."

"The goal of Titanic's Pantry is to help keep pets and their people together," said Gina Knepp, spokeswoman for the City of Sacramento's Animal Care Services. "If we can help feed pets, people who are struggling financially won't have to give them up."

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 63 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. The 2011/2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey shows that the average annual pet food expenditure is $254 for a dog and $220 for a cat. Titanic's Pantry can help decrease this expense by providing cat and dog food as often as once a month.

Titanic's Pantry was launched in November 2009, when local shelters were seeing more and more people surrendering their family pets because they could not afford to feed them. Since opening its doors, Titanic's Pantry has helped thousands of families throughout Sacramento. Titanic's Pantry is 100% volunteer-operated and is sponsored by the Animal Care Partners of Sacramento, a collaboration of the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

The Sacramento Cat Hospital is a quality full-service feline veterinary hospital that celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2009. Three DVMs (including Sacramento's only Diplomate in Feline Practice certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners) and 16 staff members provide expert, loving care to feline patients. The doctors and team at the Sacramento Cat Hospital are committed to charitable and benevolent activities that make a difference for animals in need throughout our city.

For more information about the pet food drive, contact the Sacramento Cat Hospital at (916) 488-4161 or email info@sacramentocathospital.com.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer of charitable events with the Sacramento Cat Hospital, and also volunteers with Titanic's Pantry.

Pet of the Week- Jada!

2011-10-12T17:39:09Z

Help us find Jada a home!

This friendly and affectionate American Staffordshire Terrier mix is one of our longest residents here at the Sacramento SPCA (110 days).

She’s six-years-old and is a very sweet, outgoing, and independent dog. Jada is looking for a family that will love walks and playing catch just as much as she does! (Also, a home without cats is a must!) Jada’s age qualifies her for our Senior Adoption Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoptions fees waived!

Check out our website, www.sspca.org for more info.

Pet of the Week- Taz (Adopted)

2011-10-05T21:51:39Z

Come visit Taz at the Sacramento SPCA and check out our "Fall in Love with a fall-colored feline special" going on NOW!

All "autumn-colored" cats and kittens (including Torbies, Torties, Calicos and Orange cats) are just $14 through OCT 31st!!

Taz is a four-month-old Torbie colored cat who is very gentle and loves attention. She is even known to give kisses! Taz came from a family with children, dogs and other cats. While she wasn't a big fan of the dog, she got along great with the children and other cats.

Find out more about Taz and our current adoption special online at www.sspca.org.

Annual Heart Gallery Adoption Gala

2011-09-30T15:27:06Z

The Heart Gallery of Sacramento, a partnership of photographers, artists, businesses and volunteers from private and public organizations, is holding their annual event to increase awareness about children living in foster care that are looking for permanent, loving families.

The event features stunning photographs of children that show their spirit and unique personalities.
The free family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 5-8 p.m., in Curtis Hall at Sierra 2 Center for the Arts. The address is 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The Heart Gallery was founded in 2001 in New Mexico, by an adoption recruiter, who had the idea of linking art and adoption. By collaborating with professional photographers to take photographs of children awaiting adoption, the first Heart Gallery exhibit resulted in the placement of eight children. Today, Heart Galleries have opened in more than 80 communities and have become a popular local event.

For more information, visit www.sacheartgallery.org or call 916-217-1552.

Disclosure: Communicatin and Media Officer with Sacramento County

Norcal Noisefest 2011: Six Days of Noise!

2011-09-27T07:12:56Z

Norcal Noisefest 2011, Sacramento's fifteenth annual gathering of experimental musicians and noise artists, returns this week for a six-day noise marathon featuring over 50 performers from across the continent.

Starting on Wednesday September 28 and running every day until Monday October 3, this year's Noisefest has expanded in both time and space: on Thursday night, simultaneous shows will occur in both Sacramento and San Francisco, followed by an on-air Noisefest performance on KDVS, 90.3 FM, in Davis. All other performances take place in Sacramento--at the Naked Lounge downtown, the Geery Theatre in Midtown, Luna's Cafe, and Sol Collective at the edge of Curtis Park.

Noise is difficult to explain. Like abstract art is to representational art, noise attempts to liberate music from the traditional constraints of musical form, to explore the outer edges of musical experience. Founded in 1995, the Norcal Noisefest features explorers reporting back from those edges, to share their sensory discoveries with the city of Sacramento.

All shows are all-ages, admission is $10 per day and includes earplugs.

An all-week festival pass for $40 includes admission to all shows, a Noisefest T-shirt, a copy of this year's compilation CD "Noise Warning," and a commemorative Noisefest pin--and earplugs. Purchase tickets at the door or online via Brown Paper Tickets:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/194346

For updates and more information visit http://www.norcalnoisefest.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011- 8pm
NAKED LOUNGE DOWNTOWN, 1111 H STREET, SACRAMENTO
DELAYED SLEEP (sacramento)
MERDIQUE (seattle,wa)
klowd (sacramento)
SMITE! (sacramento)
KEVIN CORCORAN / WES STEED (sacramento)

THURSDAY, SEPT 29, 2011 - 7:30p - 10p
Wm.J.GEERY THEATER, SACRAMENTO,CA, 2130 L Street
NIGHT NURSE (sacramento)
PETE VON PETRIN (san francisco)
CHOPSTICK (sacramento)
VENETIAN VEIL (sacramento)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 8pm
LUGGAGE STORE GALLERY, SAN FRANCISCO, 1007 Market Street
XOME (sacramento)
+ - ERROR (Germany)
MARLO EGGPLANT (olympia,wa)
DARYL SHAWN/LAURIE AMAT (new york/san francisco)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 11PM
KDVS, FM 90.3. DAVIS,CA
stream @ www.kdvs.org
MATT KRETZMANN (sacramento)
CHAD E. WILLIAMS (sacramento)
LIVER CANCER (rocklin)
WES STEED (sacramento)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 - 7pm
LUNA'S CAFE, 1414 16TH ST, SACRAMENTO
INSTAGON (sacramento)
MARLO EGGPLANT (olympia,wa)
+ - ERROR (Germany)
NOISEPSALM (camino)
CJ BOROSQUE (richmond)
DARYL SHAWN/LAURIE AMAT (new york/san francisco)
ENDIF (reno,nv)
ONE INFINITE LOOP (medford,or)
DESTROY DATE (los angeles)
LORDS OF OUTLAND (san francisco)
THURSDAY, SEPT 29, 2011 - 7:30p - 10p
Wm.J.GEERY THEATER, SACRAMENTO,CA
NIGHT NURSE (sacramento)
PETE VON PETRIN (san francisco)
CHOPSTICK (sacramento)
VENETIAN VEIL (sacramento)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011 - 3pm
SOL COLLECTIVE, SACRAMENTO,CA, 2574 21st Street
BIG CITY ORCHESTRA (san francisco)
+DOG+ (los angeles)
XOME (sacramento)
ACTUARY (los angeles)
THOMAS DIMUZIO (san francisco)
XDUGEF (los angeles)
ENDOMETRIUM CUNTPLOW (northridge)
LIVER CANCER (rocklin)
STRIATIONS (concord)
UBERKUNST (sacramento)
OVERDOSE THE KATATONIC (seattle,wa)
MOE! STAIANO (san francisco)
TRALPHAZ (san francisco)
JOLTHROWER (wet planet)
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF PLANET DWARF PLUTO
(los angeles)
DETH SIKE (seattle,wa)
THE TARAVAL TECHNIQUE (san francisco)
ACCIDENTAL MEMORIES (sacramento)
CARTOON JUSTICE (san francisco)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 8pm
LUGGAGE STORE GALLERY, SAN FRANCISCO
XOME (sacramento)
+ - ERROR (Germany)
MARLO EGGPLANT (olympia,wa)
DARYL SHAWN/LAURIE AMAT (new york/san francisco)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011, 4pm
LUNA'S CAFE, 1414 16TH ST, SACRAMENTO,CA
VANKMEN (oakland)
HOLLY HERNDON (oakland)
MEDICINE CABINET (tracy)
BLOOD INTO WATER (san jose)
THIRTEEN HURTS (pleasant view,co)
HYPNOTIC INJECTION (sacramento)
ORBLESS (oakland)
WELTSCHMERZ (san francisco)
BABY BEAST (vancouver,CANADA)
THEE AHMISH (huntington beach)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 11PM
KDVS, FM 90.3. DAVIS,CA
stream @ www.kdvs.org
MATT KRETZMANN (sacramento)
CHAD E. WILLIAMS (sacramento)
LIVER CANCER (rocklin)
WES STEED (sacramento)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011 - 7:30pm
NEBRASKA MONDAY WEEKLY EXPERIMENTAL JAZZ SERIES
WELCOMES NOISEFEST CLOSING NIGHT
LUNA'S CAFE, 1414 16TH ST, SACRAMENTO,CA
RITUAL WASTE [w/Jon Bafus] (sacramento)
LUCIO MENEGON (new york,ny)
ROSS HAMMOND (sacramento)
DONKEY FLYBYE [of Smegma] (sacramento)
LOUD ODD BASS (sacramento)

Disclosure: William Burg is Director of Promotion for the Norcal Noisefest.

Pet of the Week- Brock (Adopted)

2011-09-14T18:34:24Z

Did you know that the Sacramento SPCA offers FREE adoptions to seniors over the age of sixty, when they adopt animals over five-years-old? It’s called the Senior Companionship Program and it helps to benefit both seniors and pets in our community!

Meet Brock. He’s a seven-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who loves to be outside and explore the world. He’s also affectionate and will come in for a lean if you offer to pet him. He will do best with older children and other dogs; If he sounds like your new best friend, check him out online at www.sspca.org!

The Butcher, the Bender; Le Butcherettes come to Harlow's

2011-09-12T19:51:50Z

The domestic housewife is modernized, upgraded and vilified through Teri Gender Bender, lead singer of Le Butcherettes. Long, dark tresses do little to hide selected performance attire of black hosiery, floral aprons and bloody makeup. The musical style, just as creative, reflects typical garage punk band elements, and then adds experimental aspects which reflect the “artistic project” explains Bender, that is Le Butcherettes.

Emerging out of Mexico City, this trio has been showcased at esteemed festivals such as Outside Lands and Lollapalooza, and has opened for the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Deftones and currently, The Flaming Lips. Their debut album, “Sin Sin Sin,” released January 2011, has only aided claims that Le Butcherettes is one of the top 30 most important bands to watch by Warp Magazine.

Catch Le Butcherettes at Harlow’s on Wednesday. Tickets can be purchased at The Beat or directly through Harlow's.

A Community Celebration of Art: CurtisFest, Tomorrow, Sept. 10, 2011 at William Curtis Park!

2011-09-09T21:45:53Z

Join us for a day of art, music, and fun for the whole family, Saturday, September 10, 2011!

Creations in all art forms, domestic and exotic animals who allow you to pet them, a fairy who paints a glittering swan on your face, and musicians whose songs are brand new each time they perform. These are only some of the imaginative artists and activities that await kids and adults at the 5th Annual CurtisFest on Saturday, September 10th. Presented by the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA), Curtis Fest will be held from 10am until 4pm in William Curtis Park, an eighteen-acre parcel of ground surrounded by quaint bungalows and shaded by renown heritage trees.

CurtisFest was established in 2007 to give local artists a venue at which to exhibit and sell their work. This free fall event will feature almost sixty artists and artisans who will present samples of their creations, great food from local vendors, and live music. Ceramicists, watercolorists, jewelry artists, photographers, potters, portraitists, fabric and giclee artists, and many more will be on hand to provide a fall feast of visual delight.

There will be lots more for attendees to do as they delight in the work of the visual artists. Offering their musical take on the richly creative atmosphereof CurtisFest will be the improvisational project band Instagon. Begun in 1993 as a musical experiment in the unexpectedly compelling sounds that can be created from everyday objects and situations, Instagon formed when a number of local musicians began incorporating this “noise” into a fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and drunge punk. Different musicians join Instagon for each performance, keeping the vibe crisp, intoxicating, and very much alive.

In 2007 a trio of musicians from Instagon developed the idea of creating a band with a solid lineup of jazz cover-versions of popular songs and riffs. The idea caught on with fans, and Garage Jazz Architects was born. Now on indie label TIF Recordings, Garage Jazz Architects will bring their spontaneous garage-jazz covers to CurtisFest to share with all.

The third musical group on board for CurtisFest is The Mike Justis Band. After performing together throughout northern California for twenty-five years with the popular band, Poetic Justis, Steve Mc Iane, Kathy Barwick and Mike Justis formed a trio to bring their mix of country rock and blues to venues in and around Sacramento.

Children are perhaps the most special part of CurtisFest, and this year’s festival offers two events that have proven to captivate children of all ages. Voted 2010 Family Favorite by the Bay Area Parent magazine, Happily Ever Laughter is an ensemble of specially-trained performers who’ve created a cast of singular characters to entertain at all sorts of children’s events. These professional “faeries” are known to enthrall children with not only their extraordinary face-painting, singing, magic, and balloon art, but also their genuine connection to the children with whom they “play.”

After conversing with the fairy from Happily Ever Laughter, kids can wind their way over to visit the animals of Pony Ranch Parties. The law firm of Soluri Meserve is sponsoring the return of the CurtisFest petting zoo. Expert at providing a safe and fun experience for both children and animals, Pony Ranch Parties introduces children to a variety of domestic and exotic animals. The adult staff members of Pony Ranch Parties go the extra mile to share and teach in this memorable interactive experience.

For more information on the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Associations 5th Annual CurtisFest, call (916) 452-3005 or email faith@sierra2.org.

The Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA) formed in the 1970’s to rescue the old Sierra School from demolition. Since then, SCNA has brought neighbors together for a diverse slate of year-round events, and has offered a cohesive voice for community concerns. The restored Sierra 2 Center serves as a focal point for artists, teachers, students, parents, children, and seniors, who rely upon its dance studios, gardens, performance spaces, meeting halls and class rooms to provide a secure, charming home. Curtis Park is a neighborhood of approximately 2500 homes, a patchwork of diverse architectural styles situated around a quaint park.

Pet of the Week- Mr. Smokey (Adopted)

2011-09-07T23:26:44Z

Meet Mr. Smokey!

He is eligible for our Senior for Senior Program in which adoption fees are waived for adopters who are at least sixty-years-old and adopting animals over the age of five.

Doughbot invasion

2011-09-07T05:12:34Z

Doughbot Donuts, a business originally run from home, provides both innovative donut recipes and healthy vegan options. Bryan Widener, 25, and wife Dannah O’Donnell, 26, had their grand opening in their new building at 5 a.m. on Sept. 3 located in midtown at 2226 10th St., selling 700 donuts opening day, and 1,000 the next.

“People were waiting here at 5 a.m., and there was no downtime until probably like 8 a.m.,” O'Donnell said. “We sold out.”

Opening in a hip small shop downtown has been quite the life change for Widener and O'Donnell, who made most of their donuts solely for family and friends from their home since May 2010. To see how it all got started click here.

“Right now, I can’t think of a reason why anyone would want to do this. It is the most exhausting job I’ve ever had and we’ve had to completely change our sleep schedules. Between selling out within like three to five hours and trying to make enough donuts to fill demand with just the two of us, it is just really hard,” O’Donnell said.

According to O'Donnell, their new building used to be a sushi restaurant, and the dumpster outside was completely full of stuff they removed from the inside as they were renovating it for opening day. The couple said they gave up their other jobs and are completely dedicated to donut making now.

“So far, just getting open and making it this far makes all the lack of sleep and everything else worth it,” Widener said.

According to Widener, most of their customer base found them on Facebook and by word of mouth.

“As much as I like donuts, I often feel like I ate something insubstantial and there was no point. I ate a Doughbot donut and had a cup of coffee and it felt like breakfast, even though it was technically a treat,” customer and Facebook fan Ally Krumm, 26, said. “It’s because I know they are made from quality ingredients.”

Widener prepares most of the donuts himself, but O'Donnell has recently been contributing more in that area too. In the past O’Donnell had been a part of every aspect except the actual baking, which was more of Widener’s responsibility because he graduated from the Institute of Technology’s culinary school.

“We basically have all the same type of equipment that we’ve always had: a deep fryer that is both shallow and wide, a proofing box that provides a humid environment for the dough to rise in and a giant mixer,” O'Donnell said.

Three of Doughbot Donuts’ crowd-pleasers are the bacon maple donut,“The Dude,” which is a heavy white Russian Bavarian cream-filled donut with a vodka Kahlua glaze and the Meyer lemon creme filled donut.

“Right now I'm sick of our doughnuts, but I'm sure as things slow down a bit I'll be stuffing my face again,” O'Donnell said. “One of our best ones I'd have to say would be our bacon apple fritter because it has both apple pie spices and bacon – I mean, what's better than that?”

Some of their other regular donuts still include vanilla bean glazed, red raspberry, spicy cinnamon chocolate glazed, a variety of fritters and a new chai glaze donut. Most of their donuts also come in a vegan option and are made with almond milk and egg replacer and are completely made from scratch (besides the chocolate and bacon).

“We started making vegan donuts because when Bryan worked at Magpie (Cafe), he would bring donuts we'd made to work, and all his vegan coworkers would ask for it,” O'Donnell said.

Many of their ideas come from suggestions from fans on Facebook. For instance, someone posted an idea for a sriracha and peanut butter donut recently that they are planning on trying to make in the future.

“Everything we do is a team effort. We think of new things all the time too, like we have a peanut butter and jelly donut and a s’mores donut in the works right now,” O'Donnell said. “I'll come to him with a new idea a lot of times, and he'll be thinking about doing the same exact thing. It's weird.”

Doughbot Donuts’ hours will be from 5 a.m. - 2 p.m. or until they run out of donuts every day except Tuesday, but are subject to change. Their prices range from $1.50 to $2 each.

“Our future goals would probably include, first off, getting a bathroom for our customers, and then eventually expanding so that we can stay open 24 hours,” Widener said.

Presently, there is little seating inside the shop but there is a small drawing area for children.

“Not only are they bringing a really high quality product to the region, they're providing a colorful storefront to our landscape of midtown and I will do whatever I can to support them,” Krumm said.

For current updates and news visit Doughbot Donuts’ Facebook.

This story was edited to reflect the actual name of the business. We originally had it as simply Doughbot's.

Paula Poundstone returns to the Crest Theater

2011-09-06T04:33:26Z

Sacramentans are in for a treat when comedian Paula Poundstone comes to the Crest Theater Sept. 30.

Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Poundstone draws on her own life in her stand-up show and nothing is off the table: her kids, her cats, her demanding job, her frustration at getting older and a full bag of neuroses.

She’s just like many of us – except for a lightning-fast wit and an amazing ability to improvise anything into hilarity.

Poundstone is a national supporter of library Friends groups and a portion of the proceeds from ticket, book and CD sales at the show will support the Friends of the Sacramento Library.

She is known for being a refreshing anti-celebrity – warm, gracious, genuine – and, if her last visit to Sacramento in March 2010 is any indication, audience members will enjoy something closer to an intimate conversation than a run-of-the-mill stand-up performance.

The Sacramento Press caught up with Poundstone for a phone interview last week.

The Sacramento Press: You’ll be in Sacramento Sept. 30 to support Friends of the Library – tell me about that.

Paula Poundstone: I’m really looking forward to coming to Sacramento. I used to work – 100 years ago – at Laughs Unlimited (in Old Sacramento).

I started (as a comic) in Boston and ended up in San Francisco. For San Francisco comics, Sacramento was our first road job a lot of times. We’d go up there for a week. Laughs (Unlimited) had an apartment for us all to use when we came through. It was always really cool to be on the road and live in the apartment for the week. A lot of my closest comic friends are guys I lived with in Sacramento for a week.

I am the national spokeswoman for Friends of the Library. I used to think that libraries are all paid for by taxes, but they’re taken care of by local groups of volunteers. It’s a no-brainer to support this. The best deal in town is the library. It has sex and violence and “how to” and Pippi Longstocking – I can't think of better offerings for free. I'm glad to be part of supporting what your library does.

SP: How often do random people come up to you and say, “Hey! You’re Paula Poundstone – tell me a joke?”

PP: Almost never. I’m not gonna say it’s never happened, but it’s more like an occasional cab driver. In the main, I’m blown away by how many cab drivers hear my voice and recognize me from “Wait, wait... Don’t Tell Me!” (the weekly news quiz show on NPR). I don’t really think of it as your typical cab driver listening fare. I don’t mean anything against cabdrivers – I’m sure they’re a well-read lot. I just imagine they’d want to hear something (pause) else.

SP: In the early part of your stand-up career, a lot of your material centered on your love for Pop-Tarts. You used to say that you couldn’t open a box and eat just one – it became a full meal. Do you really dig Pop-Tarts THAT much?

PP: Yes. Even last night I took (a box) from the top of my high school locker, which is mounted on my bedroom wall...

SP: Wait. You have your ACTUAL high school locker mounted on a wall in your bedroom?

PP: Well, yeah. I’m Paula Poundstone. No, no, really. Not like that. Someone from my school knew I wanted it and the school gave it to me. It’s kinda cool.

SP: Ok. So... Pop-Tarts...?

PP: Last night I took one out, and the only reason I didn’t eat the whole box is because I fell asleep. So, instead I slept with it. I often eat them in bed. I’m not suggesting this as a lifestyle, but it’s good for me.

SP: Another big part of your stand-up was criticism of (actress) Darryl Hannah. “Worst actress ever-ever-ever,” were your words. After all this time, have you finally made peace with her?

PP: (laughs). I don’t know.

One time, years and years ago, I was doing a rally for Bill Clinton, and there were a lot of celebrities crammed onto the stage. I slipped out and walked around backstage and, I swear to God, in the shadows I saw Darryl Hannah. And I was terrified. I really didn’t want to talk to her.

If I saw a Darryl Hannah movie again, I’d probably still say she’s awful, but I’m not sure if – of all the things in the world to be upset about – she shouldn’t really be the top of the list.

I suppose I owe her an apology. I don’t know why I made such a big deal (about her) in the ’80s. It was more of a “fever” that I had than an issue, really.

SP: You’ve been named one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest comics of all time – How cool is that?

PP: It’s lovely. It’s time they redo the list though. I’ll be batted off by someone else before too long. It’s very flattering though. Top 100 – I’ll take it.

In my house, I’m one of the Top Four. We have an award ceremony every year, and I always take an award. Not always first place, but I usually place somewhere in the top four.

SP: What was your worst bomb onstage?

PP: Sadly there have been many. The worst? Farm Aid.

SP: I’m sorry... did you say “Farm Aid?”

PP: Yeah (chuckles). I did Farm Aid one year with Willie Nelson. The (Farm Aid benefit organizers) were doing a thing with Comic Relief at the Super Dome in New Orleans. I thought it wouldn’t be a good match (for me) – but I heard the Neville Brothers would be there. I LOVE the Neville brothers. So, I talked myself into doing it.

As I’m waiting around, I see there are guys in windbreakers and John Deere caps, and there’s kegs of beer everywhere.This was an all-day event, so by the time I go on, it’s now DRUNK guys in windbreakers and John Deere caps.

There I am, 30,000 people, and this crowd... (trails off). I told my children, years later, that there were probably 1,000 people there who loved me – but they weren’t all sitting together. I’d say about 50 percent of the people (in the audience) wanted Neil Young, and the other 50 percent thought I WAS Neil Young. It was awful.

SP: Wow. What did you learn from that experience?

PP: I learned that if I want to see the Neville brothers, I should buy a ticket and go see them.

SP: Who inspires you? Do you have a comic hero?

PP: I credit Robin Williams with renewing audience interest in the form of stand-up comedy. All that enthusiasm was really generated by him. I thank my lucky stars for that boy. He was such a frenetic presence. He was a huge, huge star, and he would work these amphitheaters in Cincinnati, and the rest of us would be working at Uncle Funny’s Yukhouse. But, there was always a feeling that he might stop by, and he did. In every comedy club that exists in the nation, there will be a framed picture of Robin Williams on the stage. He stopped by everywhere.

SP: Some say you have a “love affair” with Twitter. Can you tell me about that?

PP: I remember the moment someone first showed (Twitter) to me. Remember when Davy Jones kissed Marcia (on Brady Bunch) and she said she’d never wash her cheek? That’s me and Twitter.

For a lifetime I have written little postcards in my head. I still do it. Things I want to say in a travelogue way – the short burst that a postcard allows. (Twitter) is like this thing that has been in my head forever has sort of materialized. The point is to always entertain, but I pride myself on never having tweeted in the shower.

Paula Poundstone will be performing at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30 at the Crest theater, 1013 K St.

Tickets prices are $27 to $42 and are available here or by calling Friends of the Sacramento Library at 264-2880.

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

Artober celebrates Sacramento artists

2011-09-03T02:21:20Z

October was officially declared as National Arts and Humanities Month by President Obama back in 2009. Artober is a month-long event starting Oct. 1 that highlights the talents and art resources in Sacramento and celebrates the meaning of the month. It will include local artists, businesses, art walks, festivals, workshops and other special events in Old Sacramento and the downtown area.

Last year, Mayor Kevin Johnson announced that the For Arts’ Sake Coalition would be introducing a new action plan for the Sacramento area. A team of 20 artists and art enthusiasts worked to bring resources together such as getting organizations and businesses involved in the process of making the public aware of the power of the arts. Last year, “Arts Open October” was held, which was a test run and smaller idea of what will be going on this year.

“This is our first year doing it quite like this (bigger than ‘Arts Open October’), and we are trying to rally everyone together, from individual artists to big names like the Mondavi Center,” Artober spokeswoman Veronica Delgado said.

According to Veronica, Sacramento alone holds about 30 museums, a professional ballet company and opera company, music groups and more than 125 theater companies.

“We have different stages of how people are involved,” Delgado said. “We've been sending out letters and making phone calls because we want small and big event supporters. We've also been offering businesses the option of doing an Artober indulge product such as a signature drink or meal.”

The businesses that agree to this will be donating 50 percent of the proceeds to the art organization of their choice, or giving a $200 minimum to it.

“We got enough positive feedback and support to come back and do it again,” Delgado said. “We started with two pages of scheduled events, and now we have almost seven full pages – it's really great that so many people want to jump in and help.”

Some big names that are sponsoring and involved are the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, For Arts’ Sake, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, Sacramento365, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Midtown Business Association, the city’s Department of Convention, Culture and Leisure, The Sacramento Bee and the Sacramento News & Review.

“We want individuals to get active also, and we are giving them the option of doing artist 'hot spots.' They can team up with their biggest collector and have an in-home art show. The same goes for musicians. It doesn't have to be big, but if two people bring 10 friends and host it in their backyard, that is giving them a great opportunity to market themselves,” Delgado said.

There is a variety of ways to get involved, and every style of art is included. Fashion designers, singer/songwriters and private dance or theater companies are all welcome.

Clemon Charles, 47, is a local artist who moved from Barbados 20 years ago and has been performing in the United States ever since.

“I'm a very busy singer/songwriter, and I also play guitar,” Charles said.

Charles will be in the global village set up in Old Sacramento on the “Storytellers Stage” (set-up location not yet announced) doing Caribbean-style storytelling for children on Oct. 1 (he does not know his official time yet).

“Children are my favorite (audience), but everybody is welcome,” Charles said. “I do a lot of folk songs with Jamaican and Indian dialects that people won’t understand, so I tell them what I am singing about.”

The World Music and Dance Festival in Old Sacramento will be kicking the month off for the first two days of October.

On Oct. 9, there will be the Arts Open House, which is an entire afternoon of theater performances at the Community Center Theatre that will also include an art fair.

On Oct. 26, Synthia St. James will be the guest artist at the For Arts’ Sake Coalition Meeting at the Guild Theatre located on 2828 35th St. It will be an opportunity for the public to learn about the For Arts’ Sake implementation and hear what’s going on around the region with Artober activities.

The Artober calendar will be finalized in the coming weeks.

“We are not only raising awareness for art, but we are helping local (forms of the) arts build up their potential customer base and giving them the ability to take action into their own hands and make new opportunities for themselves,” Delgado said.

For more information, visit Artober's website or Facebook page.

Pet of the Week- Torpedo (Adopted)

2011-08-31T16:37:54Z

Editor's Note: Torpedo has been adopted!

Meet Torpedo! A very energetic and quirky dog who is a year and six-months old. He is a Pug/Corgi Cardigan Welsh mix, which gives him a very unique face.

Torpedo is a happy dog who just loves to have fun. When he is outside he likes run about and playing. He enjoys walking with a friend and does well on leash. Topredo is both adventurous and independent, but also loves to hang out with his people friends. As you can see from his picture, he's got a big smile on his face!

Torpedo would do best as an only dog in a very active adult home with someone who is home a lot to play and walk with him. He is a bright guy and should do well with a little training to focus his energy.

**Don't miss out on the 25th Anniversary Gala coming up on September 24, 2011! Join us for an evening of elegance, at the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa. Dine on fabulous food from local restaurants, and taste wine and beer from various wineries and micro breweries. We'll be featuring both a silent and live auction, along with live entertainment from local performance artist David Garibaldi!!

It's an evening not to be missed! Visit our website and buy your tickets today- www.sspca.org.

Brunch Round-up

2011-08-27T04:38:20Z

Looking for an excuse to go out with the girls, or a new spin on a date? Check out these unique brunch specials in Sacramento that are sure to make your mouth water.

Tower Cafe
Located on 1518 Broadway.
Brunch hours are from 8 -11 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 – 11 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Tower Cafe takes pride in its “Madame Cristo.” It is a new version of French toast, loaded with swiss cheese and ham.

“French toast is our most popular dish, and people love it so much that our chef decided to make another version,” Manager Ruben Reveles said.

Breakfast cocktails are also served during brunch hours. “La Frida” is Tower Cafe's version of a Mimosa, which is mixed with a pomegranate blood orange nectar and pineapple juice. “Lychee Lei” is a drink made with Pinnacle Vodka, lychee puree, coconut water and a squeeze of lime. The ever-famous Bloody Mary is also on the menu.

“The 'Lychee Lei' is one of our new drinks, and I must say it's pretty good. We just recently received our liquor license a few months ago, so we have a new series of drinks we make now with all sorts of names,” Reveles said.

For more information, visit Tower Cafe's Facebook.

Cafe Bernardo
Located in Midtown at 2726 Capitol Ave.
Brunch hours are from 7 - 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday (lunch items can also be ordered starting at 11 a.m.), and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday (lunch items can also be ordered at 11 a.m.).

Cafe Bernardo has a signature dish called “Eggs Bernardo,” which is a basic Hollandaise sauce on toasted rosemary bread with two poached eggs on top with ham or bacon and herb potatoes.

“It's our twist on something traditional. We use our own Hollandaise sauce, which is made from scratch, and we get our eggs from local farms, and then of course the rosemary bread is something you don't usually see on something like this,” Head Chef Shannan Berg said.

“Anyone can throw out some bacon and French toast, but we make everything from scratch because we are conscious of our footprint, and our ingredients are fresh and seasonal,” she added.

Brunch cocktails include Bloody Marys and “Absolut Bloody Marys” made with peppar, and citron upon request, on Sundays (only $6 during brunch hours). They also serve bottomless Mimosas on Saturday until 1 p.m. and Sunday until 2 p.m.

For more information, visit Cafe Bernardo's Facebook.

Pizza Rock
Located on 1020 K St.
Brunch hours are from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

Pizza Rock’s highlighted brunch items are breakfast pizzas.

“We have six different breakfast pizzas, something that not a lot of restaurants offer. We have standard ones like egg and sausage, but we also have some crazy ones that are really yummy like 'Triple Berry' and 'Hazelnut Kiwi,' ” General Manager Koreena Schultz said.

Brunch cocktails include a bottomless special, which is anything off the brunch menu for $8 unlimited. This pertains to Mimosas made with blood orange, mango or strawberry and sangria.

Earlier this month, Pizza Rock added a new feature during brunch hours: local acoustic bands playing at the restaurant in an open-mic style.

For more information, visit Pizza Rock's Facebook.

Kupro's Bistro
Located at 1217 21st St.
Brunch hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Kupro’s Bistro has a special steak and eggs and huevos rancheros made with authentic New Mexican sauce.

“We make everything with a twist, that's for sure,” Head Chef Matthew Robinson said. “Like most places would have just normal eggs Benedict, but we have 'Benediction,' which is extremely popular. It is similar to poached eggs, except we use a German pancake instead of an English muffin and add flavor with things like arugula.”

Brunch cocktails include Bloody Marys and house bottomless Mimosas for $10 with the purchase of an entrée.

For more information, visit Kupro's Bistro's Facebook.

Red Lotus
Located on 2718 J St.
Brunch hours are on weekends only from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Red Lotus’ brunch changes weekly. It is a collection of eight to 10 courses of the chef's choice.

“It's unique because you can come in each week and look forward to different meats and seafoods and we incorporate a lot of our regular menu for just $15 a person. Last week, we had an oxtail sweet and sour soup and a tofu mushroom bamboo shoot, along with things like chow mien and fried rice,” Bartender Kate Lynch said.

Brunch cocktails include Bloody Marys that incorporate Japanese horseradish and soy sauce with sriracha hot sauce upon request. There are also bottomless Mimosas for $10 and a full cocktail menu.

For more information, visit Red Lotus' Facebook.

Ink Eats & Drinks
Located on 2730 N St.
Brunch hours are on weekends 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Ink Eats & Drinks offers some original breakfast sliders.

“We have a lot of standard ones, but they’ll have things on them like eggs, caramelized onions and your choice of meat, which could be like sausage or bacon. They are tiny breakfast sandwiches, and they are so good I seriously eat them all the time,” Promotions Manager Jocelyn McGregor said.

Brunch cocktails are customized, offering people the option to build their own Bloody Marys at the bar.

“People are very subjective about what they like. Some people want them spicy, mustardy or horseradishy. We can offer that along with our house mix: tomato juice, pickled green beans, pepperoncinis, stuffed olives, lemon pepper sriracha and hot sauces,” McGregor said. “We also offer a $2 Screwdriver and endless Mimosas with a variety of fruit juices, and nothing we have is premade. It's all made individually when you order, so it has good bubbles.”

For more information, visit Ink Eats & Drinks' Facebook.

De Vere's Irish Pub
Located on 1521 L St.
Brunch hours are on weekends from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

De Vere’s Irish Pub adds Irish flair to everything on the menu.

“We do this Irish breakfast with house-made black and white pudding (sausage) with blood in it, and make a killer eggs Benedict in-house. Not to mention our French toast is like French toast meets a doughnut, deep-fried,” co-owner Henry de Vere White said.

Brunch cocktails include $9 bottomless Mimosas with orange juice. Also offered is a house-made Bloody Mary for $5, and happy hour goes all day long on Sunday.

For more information, visit de Vere's Facebook.

Tuli Bistro
Located on 2031 S St.
Brunch hours are 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tuli Bistro always has a feature Sunday brunch item, which is constantly changing. Ingredients are always fresh and seasonal produce is used.

“Lately we've been serving this breakfast burger on a giant biscuit. Lots of places have breakfast sandwiches, but I don't know of anywhere else that has a burger like us,” Server and Sunday Manager Ryan Pelican said.

Brunch cocktails include $9 bottomless Mimosas. A full bar is not offered but beer and red and white wines are served.

For more information, visit Tuli Bistro's Facebook.

Music in the Park this Sunday, Aug. 28, in Curtis Park

2011-08-26T18:47:06Z

The final Music in the Park concert event of the summer in Curtis Park!

Bring a picnic basket, a blanket, and friends and family this Sunday as we bring the Music in the Park concert series to a close for the summer. This event is FREE and open to the public, brought to you by Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association and sponsors Cook Realty, Surewest, and with support from City Councilman Jay Schenirer.

With an exciting stage show featuring top-drawer choreography, tight vocal harmony, and fantastic screaming horns, the ever popular band, On Air, will be an appropriate grand finale for the concert series. At the children's stage, GWhiz, returns to present his clever line-up of songs and games for children.

In addition to the music and the outdoor setting that inspires a 'kick back and relax' mindset, sponsor Cook Realty will be dishing out ice cream bon bons from Gunther's Ice Cream. Supporting sponsors Surewest and Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op will also be on hand to engage attendees with their goodies.

*Per City ordinance, alcohol is not permitted in the park. However, by special permit, beer and wine will be available for purchase during the event. Sodas and water will also be available.

Come on over to Curtis Park and bring summer to a close with great music, bon bons, and a picnic under the canopy of the historical Curtis Park trees!

Event Info
William Curtis Park
Sacramento, California 95818
Sunday, Aug. 28
6:30PM-8:30PM

Disclosure: Written by SCNA's Executive Director

La Familia presents the "Dream Act Symposium"

2011-08-25T06:37:34Z

It’s getting harder and harder for students to find, apply for and pay for good education. One student named Irvis Orozco, 23, is attending his final year at UC Davis and is currently involved in many community outreach programs such as interning for the UCLA Labor Center at Asian Resources, the Building Healthy Communities Project and Dream Act Advocacy at the Capitol and in the Sacramento region with 100 other students throughout the nation.

Being completely integrated into his community, one would never guess he was not born in the United States as a citizen but came when he was seven months old. Undocumented students like Orozco are hopeful that more educational doors will be opened for them through the Dream Act.

The Dream Act, (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) if passed, would provide conditional permanent residency to certain undocumented students who have graduated from United States high schools, lived in the country for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment or arrived in the United States illegally as minors. Also, if the students complete two to four years of higher education or two years in the military, the students can obtain temporary residency for six years.

The Youth Voice Program at La Familia Counseling Center will be hosting the first Dream Act Symposium, in an effort to bring people together to address issues and struggles that undocumented students go through. It will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, at the La Familia Counseling Center located on 5523 34th St.

“These 'Dreamers' (undocumented students) represent an investment in our nations’ future, and all the knowledge and skills that this huge population of young men and women have attained will be wasted if we cannot reform our broken immigration system and allow them to become full functional members of our society,” said Vidal Gonzalez, universal youth specialist at La Familia Counseling Center where he assists 16 to 21-year-old students in employment, higher education and career development.

This event is open to undocumented and interested students, teachers, counselors and the community. There will be information about undocumented students support services and a resource packet that explains bills and scholarships. Play care for children will be available, and both Spanish and Hmong interpreters will be present.

“We want to give information to students about awareness and rights,” said Orozco.

Attendees will also get to hear from Orozco and Maria Luna, who have been involved in this project, making appearances and giving testimonies at the Capitol. Both are undocumented students finishing college themselves.

The Dream summer program also opened doors for 100 students from all over the nation who came to work in internships with different organizations (nonprofits, labor unions, civic centers, advocacy networks and university programs) to help pass the national and state Dream Acts. The students were able to spend time working together and met Senator Gilbert Cedillo, Thomas Saenz, who is the president of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), and Reverend James Lawson, who was one of the main organizers during the Civil Rights Movement and worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

“Irvis and Maria are an inspiration to me, knowing how hard they struggled to get an education that many of us take for granted, the risks they face being spokespeople for undocumented youth and the personal sacrifices they have made to inspire and assist other 'Dreamers,' ” Gonzalez said.

On May 5, the California State Assembly voted 51-21 to pass AB 130, which is the bill that constitutes half of the California Dream Act. The second half of the Dream Act is AB 131 which is still in the process of getting passed.

“AB 131 passed (the) Assembly, but Maria and I are going back again and giving our testimonies at the Capitol to try to get it completely passed,” Orozco said.

The Dream Act will effect all students, not just undocumented students.

“I think the Dream Act is fair because in the United States everyone deserves a chance at education no matter what their background is. Undocumented students should have the same rights as long as they don’t take advantage of it,” Will Kukis said, a 20-year-old journalism major at Sacramento City College.

“I don’t think the Dream Act getting passed is cool. All of our money is going toward giving undocumented students free stuff then because if they aren’t citizens they don’t pay taxes. Maybe if they had visas, but I just don’t think it’s right,” Nicole Head said, a 23-year-old cosmetology major at Sacramento City College.

According to Orozco, if the Dream Act gets to President Obama’s desk, he has already promised to sign it.

“I believe that the United States is a nation of immigrants and that our success as a nation is directly attributed to our ability to attract the most innovated, ambitious and talented members of humanity,” Gonzalez said. “The majority of these young men and women were brought here as children, and it is unfair to punish them for something that was beyond their control.”

For more information, visit La Familia online or visit the Sacramento Dreamers facebook.

Beatnik presents "For Love Of Woman"

2011-08-23T04:02:13Z

The Sacramento area is constantly unveiling local art and talent and Beatnik Studios is one of its largest event spaces that is dedicated to bringing that talent to light.

“For Love Of Woman,” will be local 60-year-old artist Robert Sanders’ first show in his career. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday (and art will stay on display through Sept. 28) at Beatnik Studios, which is located at 2421 17th St.

“I truly believe that from women all things appear, and I hold them in my highest esteem and appreciation,” Sandars said.

His show includes 36 pieces spotlighting the beauty and inspiring stories of modern women. The proceeds from the reception and auction will go to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition because it will be shown through September, which is National Ovarian Cancer awareness month.

“Anytime we do a benefit like this, we always have a more successful show. It's a win-win situation, because people feel like they can purchase the art because it is for a good cause,” said Greg Pond, a 32-year-old who has managed Beatnik Studios for the past two years.

Beatnik Studios has been around for three years and is about 6,000 square feet complete with a kitchen and stage, which is used during the events hosted there that range from weddings to concerts to birthday parties.

“Generally an artist will contact me and show me their portfolio, and then I’ll decide who I'm going to actually show. In Roberts’ case, he entered a contest where the first-, second- and third-place winners got to have their own show in the gallery, and Robert won,” Pond said.

According to Sanders, “Home” was the theme of the contest, and the proceeds went toward finding children homes through adoption and foster care.

“Our criteria was, does it match the theme, how much skill does this person have, and does the body of work have what it takes to do a solo show, and Robert was a very established artist/photographer,” Pond said.

Sanders' winning piece is called “Foreclosure Nightmare” and is a photograph of a woman completely bound in ropes lying under a palm tree with a stilted house in the background ready to fall apart.

Sanders has shot commercially with Tony Hawk, Harley Davidson, Taylor Guitar, Ford Motocross, Rip Curl and many others.

“I do portraiture work, commercial artwork and have been shooting for a really long time. I was actually nominated for an Emmy for my animation work on a piece called “Eruption of Mount St. Helens” back in the early ‘80s and really started honing in on my photography skills in the early ‘90s more than anything else,” Sandars said.

The models used in Sanders’ show range in age from 24 to 42, depicting women in different shapes and sizes, but mainly highlight the younger women.

“My favorite piece is probably ‘Rosebud.’ It’s the first piece people will see when they walk through the door and is inspired by the movie 'Citizen Kane' and an exchange between Orson Welles, William Randolph Hearst and his mistress Marion Davies,” Sanders said.

According to Pond, the name Beatnik comes from the beat generation. It was originally used as a derogatory term for hippies, but ended up becoming a badge of honor.

“To us, it means living outside the box. We are doing something different with art trying and to make it a business. When you come here we aren't in suits and ties, just normal clothes and treating people like they are human,” Pond said.

On Friday Sanders will be the featured artist, but Beatnik Studios hosts a gallery event every last Friday of the month from 5 - 9 p.m. called Final Friday. A full bar is provided with eats and drinks and live music from local musicians after 9 p.m. The event is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5 to $10 to help pay the musicians for their time.

“Beatnik is a community. No one really gets paid: The work is all volunteer or friends; we also have a lot of interns from Sacramento State University,” Pond said. “It's always fun and exciting here because we just love photography, and we love Beatnik. It's not about rolling in the dough.”

Sanders' show does contain nudity and might not be suitable for children.

“I think my greatest transformation as an artist has been how I perceive my work, a place of coming to terms with myself,” Sandars said. “I'm very proud, but this whole process has also been so humbling.”

For more information visit Beatnik Studios online or take a look at Robert Sandars site.

Editorial note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published.

Pet of the Week- Diana (Adopted)

2011-08-18T22:48:58Z

If you are looking for a young, vivacious and also affectionate cat- then Diana is your girl! She is a one-year-old grey colored tabby who came to us with kittens not too long ago. Now that her kittens are old enough to be adopted, Diana is looking for her future family! Diana is very polite. She uses a scratching post and has good litter box habits. She is also playful and will do best in a home with experienced, cat savvy family members. Don't forget! All cats over one-year-old (like Diana) are FREE through August 31st! Kittens are half- off.

She is currently in foster care, but if you would like to know more about her, please email Sarah at svaranini@sspca.org.

Stellar restaurants and wineries, Belgian Beer Garden, and Experience packages to bid on make this an event you don’t want to miss!

2011-08-17T22:17:35Z

This October, returning as reliably as the falling leaves, is one of the most popular events in the area--Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association’s 21st Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction presented by Cook Realty, benefitting Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community, Sacramento Children’s Home, and Bret Harte Elementary School.

Last year we celebrated the 20th year milestone of the Curtis Park Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, bringing in the beer garden, a new raffle program, a focus on experience packages in the silent auction, and a broader offering of private dinners hosted by neighbors. This year, we’ve taken all of that to an even higher level! This annual event is always the talk of the neighborhood, bringing people together for a decadent three hours of food samplings from the area’s finest restaurants, wine from more than fifty different wineries, silent auction and raffle items that encourage friendly competition and beginning last year, a Belgian Beer garden. The event is the largest fundraising event each year for SCNA and this year will include two other organizations at the heart of the neighborhood, Bret Harte Elementary School and Sacramento Children’s Home

We are on pace to exceed 25 restaurants! Returning as long-standing event favorites are restaurants such as Chops Steakhouse, Aioli Bodega, Taylor’s Market, Freeport Bakery, American River College’s Oak Café, Mighty Kong Café, and Tower Café. Newcomers last year, Casa Garden, Mama Susanna, Sushi Café, and Dad’s Kitchen will also return with their culinary delights. In addition, we have some exciting new participants joining us this year: Lucca, Matteo’s/The Supper Club, Enotria, Tapa the World, Scott’s Seafood and Hot Italian. Restaurant committee co-chairs, Sherry Sherry and Carrie Sage, have been working hard to bring in a super strong line-up that will impress attendees, showing off the unbelievable food scene we are so fortunate to have at our disposal! As if the line-up were not enough, we are introducing the first ever recipe book for this event—a cookbook containing recipes from each of the participating and supporting restaurants along with suggested wine pairings. This cookbook will be given away throughout the event and will be available for purchase throughout the year at the Sierra 2 Center office.

On the beverage side of the evening, Dick Ebert, wine guru at Taylor’s Market, is again coordinating the more than fifty wineries to bring the palate to a perfect state of seduction. There will be no shortage of ways to pair the food options with the beverages flowing from table to table, with representatives on hand to answer questions and provide suggestions. For the beer drinkers in the crowd, the Belgian Beer Garden is returning bigger and better than ever. Rob Archie, owner of Pangaea Two Brews & Bottleshop on Franklin Boulevard, is bringing his worldly insight of the Belgian Beer market back to the event as the sponsor and coordinator of the beer garden.

For the silent auction and raffle drawings, we are again lining up ‘Experience Packages’ that encourage competitive bidding: educational and cultural outings, culinary and gustatory adventures, and outdoor recreation experiences. In addition to the art, entertainment, and service donations, we have lined up such things as Date Night for a Year, Private wine tastings in Napa, Cut your own organic Christmas Tree outing, Create the flavor of the month at Gunther’s and more. We are still in need of auction and raffle donation items to round out the selection so we ask neighbors and businesses to consider donating—we especially encourage donation of experiences: ex. cooking, art, dance, or photography lessons, share your favorite cookbooks, travel books, or children’s books by bundling two or three together. These donations make the event even more special and contribute to the event’s success. All donations are tax-deductible.

One of the most fun and unique aspects of the Curtis Park Wine Tasting & Silent Auction event is the ‘neighborhood dinners’—privately hosted, themed events for six or more people, donated to SCNA for purchase by neighbors. This year we anticipate more than a dozen of these ‘dinners’, to include themes such as Running of the Bulls with food from Spain, southern-style Kentucky Derby Day brunch, a Backyard Pizza Party, French and Indian cuisine and more. Seats at these dinners will be sold during the event, separate from the auction and raffle, on a first-come first-serve basis, and tend to sell quickly.

Of course, this event would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors in the community. Cook Realty has once again stepped in as the Presenting Sponsor. Cook Realty, provider of outstanding real estate services in the Sacramento area since 1974, has been supporting this event at a high level for nearly all of the 21 years and continues to give back to the community through events such as the Curtis Park Wine Tasting & Silent Auction and with the activities of the Cook Realty Charitable Foundation. www.cookrealty.net.

Additional presenting sponsor is Pangaea Two Brews and Bottleshop, a neighborhood gathering place in Curtis Park, sponsor and coordinator of the Belgian Beer Garden. Founded in 2008, Pangaea’s Two Brews and Bottleshop prides itself on serving the finest brewed coffees and beers in the world, as well as tasty eats that complement each other.

We would also like to thank our supporting sponsors, Capitol Mechanical, Air conditioning, Heating and Sheetmetal specialists in Citrus Heights, and Joseph F. Eschelman, CIMA, Managing Director—Investment Officer with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC.

Event Info: Saturday, October 1, 2011
                      4pm-7pm
                      2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
                      (916) 452-3005

Tickets: Click here (thru 9/27) or go to www.sierra2.org or purchase at the Sierra 2 Center office (thru 9/30)
$30 SCNA members, $40 non-members thru 9/27
$45 everyone after 9/27

Disclosure: Written by the Executive Director of SCNA/Sierra 2 Center

Open house event to discuss Riverfront, Old Sac connector

2011-08-16T01:18:37Z

A project designed to help reconnect downtown Sacramento to the riverfront and Old Sacramento is well under way, and the public is invited to learn more about it at an open house Wednesday.

The informational meeting will provide a project overview, details on key elements and the anticipated schedule and next steps, according to a recent press release from city’s Department of Transportation, which is co-sponsoring the open house with the project team.

“It’s been about three years since we’ve had a public meeting on the project,” said Linda Tucker, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation. “Since that time, the economy has changed and the project has been scaled back to a more realistic project.”

Tucker said the public is invited to stop in anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, and city staff and technical specialists will be on-hand to answer questions and provide more details about the project.

When the I-5 Riverfront Reconnection Project was in its initial vision stage, the City Council had considered creating a deck over the freeway to reconnect downtown to the riverfront.

A project review study found the decking idea was too expensive, so it was scrapped in favor of the current bridging project, according to the Department of Transportation website.

The current design – which includes bike and pedestrian improvements to Capitol Mall, a new gateway entrance into Old Sacramento and a new N Street bridge crossing I-5 – is in the environmental review stages now, and the public may review draft environmental impact reports until Aug. 31.

Of the estimated $38 million design and construction cost for the project, about $5 million comes from federal sources, another $1 million comes from local funding, and an additional $300,000 comes from a Caltrans community-planning grant, Tucker said.

Future financing for design and construction will be sought once the planning and environmental phase is completed. That funding is likely to come from a variety of public and private funding sources, according to the Department of Transportation website.

Ultimately, the goal of the I-5 Riverfront Reconnection Project is to ease the way for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to and from downtown Sacramento to the riverfront and Old Sacramento, according to the project website.

“It’ll be a much better gateway to that historic district when all is said and done,” Tucker said. “Once (we) improve the access, it opens up the riverfront area, and opportunities to spur development will start to take shape.”

According to the press release, the environmental document will be finalized and presented to the City Council for adoption in late September or early October.

After that, the city will move forward with the final engineering on the first phase of the project including the improvements to Capitol Mall, an added sidewalk along the south side of the O Street bridge, and a connection from Second Street on Capitol Mall to Old Sacramento.

Depending on available funding, construction for the first phase of improvements could begin as early as 2014.

The open house event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, 828 I St.

To read the environmental document online, submit comments and learn more about the project, visit the project website.

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

Sac World Fest dance auditions

2011-08-08T06:37:54Z

William Land Park’s amphitheater, located at 3800 West Land Park Dr., was filled with cultural dance on Saturday morning as 12 groups auditioned for the opportunity to participate in the fourth annual Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival.

“This is like painting with people, and this festival is like a giant color pallet,” co-producer and local artist Brett Freeman said. “What I try to do is make it as colorful as possible and make sure all those colors are represented.”

The audition process had several judges, including local artist and stage manager Mark Angeles, former Sacramento Ballet dancer Margie Francis and local dance teacher Roxana Reyes.

Flow Crew is from Sacramento and performs Chinese traditional dance, with a wide range of ages in their group.

Also part of Flow Crew was this much younger children's group performing with a Chinese dragon.

“During a recession, funding is really tough,” said Angeles, who has been with the festival since the beginning five years ago. “We've been able to have it every year though.”

Angeles said the festival has become a huge educational program and involves 40 performers and the use of two stages.

Mudra Dancers are from the Folsom area and perform semi-classical Indian dance.

Also part of the Mudra Dancers are these three young ladies.

“Sacramento is the most multicultural and integrated city in America,” Freeman said. “Not only do we have so many different types of people, but we live and work and have children together,” Freeman said.

Chhandam School Kathak, another Sacramento area group, performs a Northern India classical style of dance with both Hindu and Muslim influences.

“Through music and dance we all have something in common,” Angeles said. “That's what unity is.”

Bhasakar Arts Academy is located in Folsom and they performed a Southern India style of dance.

“We are basically trying to develop all cultures in our region,” Freeman said. “We are trying to pull everyone together.”

Freeman said the highlighted instrument this year will be the piano, showing how versatile it can be.

Manasa is another Sacramento group that performed Indian, Asian, Spanish and Middle Eastern styles of belly-dancing.

“We want people to have appreciation for one another, rather then prejudice,” Freeman said.

Last year there was a hip-hop dance-off where the crowd was in charge of judging. Show choir groups were chosen for a “show off” between three or four groups from junior highs, high schools and junior colleges which will be one of the featured presentations this year, Freeman said.

Samoria Lamuse performed her number “Jazzy Bananas,” which she originally wrote for the Banana Festival, taking inspiration from singer and actress Josephine Baker.

The free festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 2 in Old Sacramento. It will include many different types of music, dance, shows and festivities from cultures around the world.

On Oct. 1, there will be a spotlight performance located on the Delta King from 6 to 9:30 p.m. of music and dance from India, which is this year’s cultural spotlight. Other featured ethnicities include Pacific Islander, Latino, East Asian, Irish, Punjabi, African-America and Native American.

“There is always something new,” Angeles said. “Everyone wants a turn,” Angeles said.”

In fact, next year the festival is already planning to focus on African-style dances.

The Rise of Sactown's Social Athletes

2011-08-08T03:47:28Z

The Fall season officially begins this week for Sacramento’s very own sport and social club. Appropriately named the Sacramento Sport and Social Club (SSSC), this unique adult sports experience has something in store for all types of social rec athletes in the Sacramento area.

The idea first arose in 2008 when SSSC founder Brad Satterwhite (“the Commissioner”) and a co-worker of his wanted to get a group of their colleagues together for some good-natured out-of-office fun. They decided on bowling, but when the crew couldn’t find a local league that fit their needs, Satterwhite stepped into the role of league organizer. This league of work colleagues started with 12 teams in what later became known as the Planning, Policy, Urban Development Bowling League (or ‘PUDL for short, named after their career field). Three years later, PUDL is back for the Fall season and more popular than ever before. Longtime PUDL member Jim Clark says:

“PUDL gives you that chance to have a really great time with really great people. You will not find a bowling league that has as much fun both in the alley and out than we at PUDL do.”

But even this is just the tip of the sport and social iceberg... Last year league members started asking about other sports and activities. Recognizing the potential, Satterwhite has since set up leagues that appeal to the socially inclined, coed crowd, adding Cornhole (bean bag toss), Team Trivia, and Indoor Soccer to the mix.

The Club also offers bike and pub crawls, parties, and philanthropic opportunities. The Commissioner also emphasizes rewards and prize opportunities for SSSC participants. Thus, SSSC is creating a niche for itself as THE social league in greater Sacramento. You can almost think of it as a well-organized, never-ending carnival for adults.

If you’re interested in trying something new and fun, now is the time to register for one of SSSC’s upcoming leagues or tournaments.

UPCOMING LEAGUES AND TOURNAMENTS

All of our leagues include two games a night, weekly raffle prizes, awards to season winners, and more. Everyone makes the playoffs. Teams can be male, female, or coed. There is no need to be experienced as our leagues use a handicap-scoring format.

Monday Night Bowling League                       Thursday Night Bowling League
10 week season                                                  8 week season
Teams of 4 (6 on roster)                                    Teams of 4 (6 on roster)
League starts: Sept 19                                       League starts: Sept 8
Registration ends: Sept 12                                Registration ends: Sept 1

These two leagues also include discounted bowling on non-league nights, discounted shoe rental, and discounts at Frank’s Pro Shop.

Cornhole (Bean Bag Toss) League (Sunday Nights)
8 week season
Teams of 2 (4 on roster)
League starts: Sept 11
Registration ends: Sept 8

Indoor Soccer Tournament                 Bowling Tournament
Nov 12th @ South Natomas Arena     Oct 22nd @ Capitol Bowl
Men’s 21 and up                                     Teams of 2, coed, handicap format
Includes 3 games min., medals for Includes 3 games min., pitcher of
top 2 teams, MVP, and best goalie,     beer and pizza, prizes and medals
and free round of beer to winners.       to the top 2 teams.

Visit SSSC online at www.SacSportandSocial.com for registration and more information.

Be sure to “like” Sacramento Sport and Social Club’s Facebook Page!

Disclosure: Erin is an active SSSC league participant.

Second Saturday in Mansion Flats

2011-08-05T22:00:56Z

It’s almost time for the August ‘Second Saturday’, where midtown SacTown comes alive with artists, musicians, art galleries, and shops in the evening hours. “K” Street is ‘kickin’, “J” Street is “jumpin’, and the surrounding streets are pulsing with the rhythms of the night.

But what about “E” Street over in Mansion Flats? Mansion Flats, the sister neighborhood to Alkali Flats, is located from 12th Street to 16th between “the Union Pacific Railyard & “J” streets.

Mansion Flats, Alkali Flats and New Era Park were the original City Street Railway neighborhoods and consisted of the wealthy and middle class families, according to the Sacramento History blog.

Have you been looking for some place new to have sushi? Just stop by Momiji’s Sushi & Grill at 14th & G. Momiji’s offers a wide variety of sushi items, and has a bright, friendly ambience.

After dinner, just head right next door to Barber Blues, located at 625 14th, and enjoy art, music and firewalkers.

If you travel just a wee bit further toward “E” Street, you will find SHINE Coffee*Art*Food on the corner of 14th & E, who will also be featuring live music and local artists’ work, as well as FREE chair massage by Body Blessings Massage & Aromatherapy.

After having a ‘Zen’ moment, breeze on over to next-door neighbor Yoga Seed non-profit yoga studio, 1400 E Street, Ste B, where Japaintin will be celebrating with an art exhibit .

What better way to celebrate midtown’s finest event by cruising on over to “E” Street and checking out these Mansion Flats establishments! You can always hop on Light Rail from K Street to the Alkali Flats station, walk over to E Street, then walk down to 14th to give your grand adventure a more authentic flavor. It’s a little less well lit, and just off the regular path, but is well worth the journey!

After all, “E” Street is for every body!

Disclosure: Elizabeth Edwards, owner of QuietProductions Conceptual Marketing and Body Blessings Massage & Aromatherapy, is a resident of the Alkali Flats, Mansion Flats, New Park Era area, and loves the honest simplicity of life that this area has to offer.

Free Music in the Park concerts in Curtis Park

2011-07-26T17:59:22Z

At 6:30pm on the last Sunday of July and August, neighbors will gather in Curtis Park to enjoy music, picnicking and fun with friends and family. With a blanket and a picnic basket, everyone can enjoy great music in a wonderful outdoor venue, set in the trees of historic William Curtis Park.

On July 31, feature band The Thing Itself takes the stage. The Thing itself blends rock, blues, jazz, funk and gospel into a sound that is fresh and familiar. Their original music weaves upbeat grooves, catchy hooks and often unexpected lyrics. Members of The Thing Itself have been featured in some of the areas top bands over the last 20 years, including Bob's Child, Izabella, The Four Guys From Reno, and Bilbo Marx.

At the children's stage in July, it's "Mister Cooper", whose musical talent and rapport with children have made him indispensable to schools and parents throughout Sacramento. Cooper's music, as Christie Hamm of Belle Coolidge Library says, establishes "a connection with children long after the songs are over".

In August--the 28th--On Air returns to SCNA's concert series, specializing in solid rockers that lean heavily toward the styles of Tower of Power and Chicago. At the children's stage in August Gary Weinberg a.k.a GWhiz returns to present his clever line-up of songs and games for children.

This free Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association event series is made possible by the generosity of Major Sponsors Cook Realty and Cook Foundation along with supporting sponsors City Councilmember Jay Schenirer, and Surewest. Be sure to stop by the Cook Realty booth for ice cream bon-bons from Gunther's Ice Cream. The concerts are open to the public and fun for families and people of all ages. Beverages will be available for purchase, with proceeds to benefit SCNA neighborhood activities and future concert events. Per City ordinances, no other beer or wine will be permitted in the park.

Age is nothing but a number

2011-07-22T04:40:07Z

Age is nothing but a number. Nine-year-old Claire Elizabeth, “A Place Called Sacramento” film festival script winner, is living proof of that.

The premiere of her film, “The Chozen” will be at 1 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St. There will be a $10 fundraising charge for Access Sacramento the night of the premiere only, and after that, all films will be up on the site where people can view them for free.

“In 2000, Access Sacramento, (a nonprofit company) started training folks on how to use digital equipment because most independent small films were using video production instead of film,” said Access Sacramento Executive Director, Ron Cooper. “The idea was to create a local film festival to feature local original work at the Crest Theatre.”

According to Cooper, the judges were unaware of how young Claire was and chose her script purely because it had well-written dialogue and they felt it worked well in 10 minutes. Her script won on merit, she competed with adults and she won fair and square.

This year is unique for “A Place Called Sacramento,” because it has both its youngest, Claire, and oldest, Burt Wilson, 78, script winners yet.

“When I found out I won, I basically called all my friends screaming,” Claire said. “Since I'm the youngest person, people will make jokes like 'So where were you in ‘85?' It's funny.”

Claire not only wrote the script, but she also stars in her 10-minute film, which she said she hopes to eventually turn into a full-length feature and from there possibly have several sequels.

“Basically it’s about a young girl who moves to Sacramento and a clique of girls in her new class, destroying peoples lives and operating as most cliques do. But the heroine has her own secret,” Cooper said. “It's a good story.”

Some names that will be recognizable in Claire's film are Jeffery Weissman (from George McFly and Back to the Future Part II and III) and Lucinda Chrisman (from Disaster! and several short films).

“She's a busy girl, and she's got drive like you wouldn't believe,” said Claire’s mother, Rachel. “I don't know where she gets that kind of drive. But my husband and I definitely encourage it.”

“People say she's so young, I say she's so old,” Cooper said. “I'm a big believer in you get what you expect. She doesn't see herself as a child, she sees herself as highly competent and an opinionated leader, a person with her own ideas and her own ambitions, and she’s willing to work hard to make that happen.”

“The Chozen” started out as being called “The Slumber Party,” which was about four girls having a sleepover, and some boys were going to come over to pull pranks and scare them.

“Then it evolved into something completely different,” Rachel said.

Claire was only 6 when she started acting after seeing a downtown production of “Annie.” Now, four years later, (she will be 10 in November) she has acted in 17 plays and been involved with various companies such as New Star Children's Theatre, Rocklin Youth Theatre, Sutter Street Theatre and Art and Soul Productions. Claire was also on a TV show called “Kids Corporation,” and now has two agents, one in San Francisco and another in Los Angeles.

“If I make a commitment, I stick with it. The only time I've ever broken a commitment was like if I was vomiting because I don't give up on stuff,” Claire said. “I've never in a million years heard my mom try to push me into doing something. I do it because I wanna do it.”

The other nine winners include Patrick Ardell, Danna Wilberg, Gerald Martin Davenport and Rob Tillitz, Burt Wilson, Erica Ruiz and Dwight Taylor, Judith Plank, Nathan Reedy, Joyce Bezazian and Raghni Reddy.

“ ‘A Place Called Sacramento’ is not just about movies and movie-making. If you are new to Sacramento and you are asking questions about what kind of place it is – I would take you and find you a seat in middle of the Crest Theatre and tell you to just watch on Oct. 2,” Cooper said. “Those 10 films will tell so much, and you would see why people like to live in Sacramento.”

Claire is already working on her next projects. In August, she is going to the premiere of “Daddy’s Little Girl,” a 48-hour film she was in that placed in the Las Vegas Film Festival. In Old Sacramento, she is also currently playing the role of Lotta Crabtree who is a 1800s singer/actress.

“I'd like to say for all the kids out there, if you have a dream, I really think that you should follow it because doors open and doors close, but you should go for what you think is right, and if people make fun of you, just keep doing what you wanna do,” Claire said.

Check out these links: Kickstarter for "The Chozen," Access Sacramento, "The Chozen" website, "The Chozen" Facebook fan page, Claire's Facebook fan page, Claire's photographer.

Pet of the Week- Diana

2011-07-20T17:32:48Z

Lovely Diana!

If you are looking for a young, vivacious and also affectionate cat- then Diana is your girl!

She is a one-year-old grey colored tabby who came to us with kittens not too long ago. Now that her kittens are old enough to be adopted, Diana is looking for her future family! She is currently in foster care, but if you would like to know more about her, please email Sarah at svaranini@sspca.org.

Diana is very polite. She uses a scratching post and has good litter box habits. She is also playful and will do best in a home with experienced, cat savvy family members.

Diana is a sweetie pie, check her out online at www.sspca.org!

**Don't forget! All cats over one-year-old (like Diana) are FREE through August 31st! Kittens are half- off.

Keeping community centers open without city funding

2011-07-06T01:49:43Z

When City Council members approved the 2011-12 budget in June, they said that the city’s community centers would not be closed – but the centers won’t receive any city funding to keep them open, either.

Now, a team of people at the city’s Neighborhood Services Department, along with the Department of Parks and Recreation, are trying to keep the 15 community centers in Sacramento open by partnering with nonprofit and community-based organizations.

Late last year, Neighborhood Services had already begun looking for ways to make the idea work when it sent out “requests for proposals” seeking groups interested in overseeing the centers and providing the financial backing needed to operate them.

But the responses the department received weren’t quite what staff had hoped for, said Vincene Jones, a director with Neighborhood Services.

Some of the responses involved a single organization taking over, while others were just not financially feasible, Jones said.

“We want an organization to take the lead, perhaps a (nonprofit),” Jones said, “but we also need other partners who will bring additional services to the centers. No one group can do it all for any center.”

Jones said the department has had to review its criteria and “be more specific” about what it is looking for in public-private partnerships for the centers.

“It’s not an easy process. There’s a lot of pieces necessary to make it work,” Jones said.

Jones said she and Sylvia Fort, parks and recreation program manager, and Dave Mitchell, parks and recreation operations manager, are reviewing the proposals received so far, and they will continue to look for “innovative” ways to save the community centers from closing.

“We want it to be a success,” Jones said, “not hurry into something that just falls flat later on down the road.”

Jones said the centers may end up with reduced hours or fewer open days each week, but the goal is to continue providing services as they have always been delivered at “the same or better” level.

Some of those services include after-school tutoring, computer training, classes and social opportunities for seniors and facilities for neighborhood gatherings.

According to Jones, the community centers in the greatest danger of being closed are George Sim, Hagginwood, Oak Park and Southside Park centers because of challenges in finding either enough support – or, in the case of George Sim center, finding properly skilled support.

George Sim is a difficult center to find community partners for, Jones said, because the center is has a lot of new equipment and systems in the facility that require specialized training.

“It’s not a center that we can send just anyone into and expect them to know how to do things,” Jones said.

So far, though, Jones said efforts to keep the centers open are progressing well, and the department has “good prospects” for volunteer involvement that will make continuing services more likely.

“We’ve found some good (partners), and everyone is hopeful,” Jones said.

In Oak Park, Pastor Jones and the Oak Park Methodist Church have come forward to help the center in that neighborhood remain open.

“(Pastor Jones) has strong ties to the community,” Jones said, “and he’s well-respected. (Oak Park Methodist Church) may not be a leading (support), but they really want to help, and they can do a lot for the center and the people there.”

No permanent agreements for operating the community centers have been made between any of the interested organizations and the city, Jones said, but “we’re all working together and we will see what can be done.”

Keith Hart, chief service officer for Mayor Kevin Johnson, said that when it comes to projects involving public and private collaboration, a volunteer effort is going to be essential.

“It’s not so much about money,” Hart said. “It’s about new ways of working together. (It’s about) private citizens (and) nonprofit organizations volunteering their time and energy and talent to help keep (community) centers going.”

With so many budget cuts and the shifting around of staff positions that came with it, Jones said she is uncertain “who will be where” until “the dust settles from all the changes.”

For Jones and volunteer coordinators working with the community centers, this means July will be a month to “reset” and take stock of what the city and the parks department have to work with before they really see what they will be able to do with the centers.

Hart said there is not a timeline in place for reorganizing the way the centers are operated, but without any collaboration with outside sources, a decision will eventually have to be made.

“If nothing happens soon, there will be a time when we have to say, ‘The doors are closed,’ ” Hart said. “But right now, the city is keeping as much open as they can.”

See a map of community center locations here.

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

Pet of the Week- Buddy (Adopted)

2011-06-29T20:49:14Z

We love Buddy! Meet a very sweet, five-year-old, gentle giant. He is a Golden Retriever (at a whopping 117 lbs!) and is need of a good home, a loving family and a little exercise! Buddy is mild-mannered , walks well on a leash and knows a lot of commands. Sound like a good fit for your family? Come visit him today!

*Join us on Thursday, July 7th from 11am- 3pm for a very unique event at the State Capitol (East steps). We're offering FREE Microchips and Low-cost vaccines to those who bring their dogs and cats (leashed dogs and crated cats please!). Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

Riding Concrete: Skateboarding In California

2011-06-29T02:48:02Z

Walking through a museum there is an expectation of seeing art, ancient artifacts and other historical memorabilia. The California Museum is switching up the idea of what a typical museum holds by introducing California to an important part of its history with a story that is not often told.

Behold the colors, wheels, art, big names, shapes and sizes. Riding Concrete: Skateboarding In California, is the new exhibit showing from July 2 through March 24, giving an up-close look at the California-created sport.

Located on 1020 O St. downtown, the exhibit is curated by the legendary skateboarder and surfer Nathan Pratt, who also co-stared in the “Dogtown and Z-Boys” documentary back in 2002.

“This is the first exhibit about skateboarding here at the museum, and the first one of a California-created sport that we are paying tribute to,” said Brenna Hamilton, communications director for the museum. “We try to tell stories that are not often told by other museums or even in history books.”

The exhibit is like a living timeline dating back to the 1950s with the wood plank and metal roller skate wheel models to the modern boards used today.

Who knew back in 1971 that 14-year-old Nathan Pratt working as a clean up boy in a Santa Monica Zephyr surf shop would one day change skateboarding forever – he and the other Z-Boys who came up with their own innovative and radical style.

“It's funny because there is a whole section of people in my life that know nothing about my skateboarding past. Then one day out of the blue they'll come up to me and be like 'I know a Z-Boy. My kid saw the whole documentary and were like 'Oh my god you know Nathan Pratt? He's a god, he's a legend,'” Pratt said.

According to Pratt the name 'Z-Boys' actually came from the “Zephyr Competition Team,” when the group of Z-Boys at the time were in a contest and the announcer kept having to say the full name over and over. They finally just got fed up and shortened it and its been the same ever since.

“This is the second showing of the exhibit. I did this exhibit down in Santa Monica at the California Heritage Museum about a year and a half ago, and that was the first time anything like that had ever been put together where something really encompasses every era of skateboard from the beginning to current,” said Pratt, 53, as he unloaded some final boards out of boxes.

More than 200 items lent from The Sidewalk Shop, Skatelab, Z-Boy Archive collections and other passionate collectors are on display.

“This (display) is going to appeal to a wide audience” said Amanda Meeker, deputy director of exhibits and programming for the California Museum.

“I think anybody who grew up in California in the last 50 years can come see this and see something that they can identify with,” Hamilton said. “There's a bit of nostalgia even for myself.”

Some highlights include Tony Hawk's autographed personal board, a rare Willie Mays board, the first pro model skateboard and the first board with urethane wheels.

The first Zephyr board and a collection of the first boards made and sold in 1962 by Val Surf the California surf shop (the first known retailer of skateboards), are on display as well. There is also a 1963 Makaha Phil Edwards board (the first pro model skateboard produced), highly collectible 1980s boards made by Sims, Dogtown & Powell Peralta and, of course much, much more.

“The first board I had as a kid was this Bun Buster back here, and I can still remember that from when I was 10 years old,” Pratt said while walking the dimly lit room lined with big glass display cases.

Pratt also said that the kids are his favorite part of what he does because they are so enthusiastic and want to try out the Z-Boys style of skateboarding. This exhibit will not only be enjoyable to those who are into skateboarding, but will really bring people together, he said.

“Kids obviously know about skateboarding, but they may not know about people in the ’60s, like, 'Gosh I may be more like my dad then I realized,'” Meeker said.

“I think the people that made skateboarding into the worldwide cultural phenomenon that it has become have never really been given credibility in history as a significant culture that changed the world,” Hamilton said, “because (skateboarding) grew into a huge movement.”

There will also be photography featured by Craig Stecyk, the photojournalist who launched the Z-Boys and created the "Pig and Crossbones" graffiti and Dogtown cross. Not to mention there will be several different multimedia presentations that will feature some ground-breaking manufacturers, riders and artists.

“I want people to appreciate it, and I think that they do. It's just great to get to see an entire timeline of history and skateboards in one place and hopefully somewhere within that 50-year timeline they can find something that really resonates for them,” Pratt said.

For more information about the California Museum visit their site.

Sacramento Public Library to hold community forums in July

2011-06-28T03:28:55Z

When the Sacramento City Council passed the budget last week, funding for the Sacramento Public Library system was cut by nearly $800,000, and that means the possibility of reduced branch hours and even branch closures.

But deciding just what to cut is a challenge that library staff wants the community to help with.

“We want to talk to the community to see what’s important to them,” said Brenda Haggard, Strategic Communications Officer for the Sacramento Public Library. “We want to make decisions based on what’s important to the people we serve.”

Haggard said the desire is to keep public service intact as much as possible, despite the cuts to funding.

Library staff members are inviting people to attend one of three community forums being held at Sacramento Public Library branches in July.

The forums are offered at the following dates and times:
Wednesday, July 13
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
McKinley Branch, 601 Alhambra Blvd.

Thursday, July 14
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
North Natomas Branch, 4660 Via Ingoglia

Saturday, July 16
10:30 a.m. - noon
Southgate Branch, 6132 66th Ave.

The forums will include a brief discussion of what has happened to the library system over the past few years and an outline of the current financial situation.

An open question-and-answer session will follow, giving attendees the opportunity to brainstorm with library staff about what’s most important to library users.

“We need to find ways to take the funding that we have available to us and make the most effective and efficient use of those dollars,” Haggard said.

A public library system has been part of Sacramento since 1857, and residents have come to rely on their neighborhood branches as resources for information, quiet places to study, and even as hubs for community activities and children’s programs, Haggard said.

“I was raised up with the Dewey Decimal System,” said Leonard Robinbson, a Sacramento resident.

“Unfortunately we are in tough economic times, and everyone is feeling it,” Robinson said. “The library system needs to look for other ways to generate revenue to keep afloat.”

Anthony Neves, a frequent library user from Sacramento, said the biggest priority for the libraries should be keeping computers and books updated.

“Give people a reason to keep going back to the library,” Neves said.

“We’ve made drastic cuts. Painful cuts,” Haggard said. “Branch staff has taken on a great deal more work – everyone is doing a LOT more with a LOT less,” Haggard said.

The system is governed by an elected 14-member Library Authority, which operates 28 libraries in the system including a Central Library in downtown Sacramento.

Library staff will take all of the information they gather at the forums and present recommendations to the Library Authority In September.

Any changes resulting from public input and from staff recommendations will take effect in late September or early October.

For more information about the forums, email Director@saclibrary.org

Pet of the Week -Tucker

2011-06-22T21:53:14Z

Such a face! Tucker is a ten-and-a-half-year old Italian Spinone mix. He is young and sharp for his age, as well as gentle and outgoing. Tucker loves people and is friendly and well mannered on a leash! Tucker is best suited for a somewhat active home with adults or adults and older children. He should not live in a home with cats, and he is not a fan of pushy dogs. He is eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program. This allows any adopter over the age of sixty, to have the adoption fees waived!

** Also going on now through the end of summer: All adult cats over one-year-old are FREE and kittens are half-off!!

Visit www.sspca.org for more details

Local businesses 'Like' Advanced Facebook for Business workshop

2011-06-21T07:29:15Z

93% of all American ~~adults~~ adult internet users are now on Facebook. While this is not a surprising statistic for anyone that has fielded a friend request from their mom, aunt or even grandpa, it does make it harder for small businesses to ignore Facebook as a platform to engage their target demographic. The argument that a business targets an older or less tech savvy demo than Facebook users just doesn’t hold water any longer.

Businesses without a Facebook presence are not just passing up a valuable opportunity to engage their customers, provide customer service, and gain new consumers; they're falling behind. But just being on Facebook and setting up a business page isn’t enough. A Facebook presence must be maintained and used strategically to add real value to your brand.

Enter Josh Unfried speaker at The Social Media Club of Sacramento's recent workshop, “Advanced Facebook for Business”. Unfried, the CEO of WindFarm Online Marketing, spent almost two hours teaching SMCSac members, many of whom run or work for local businesses, how to take their Facebook presence to the next level. In addition to the obvious benefits of improving customer connections, staying top of mind, driving sales through promotions and increasing visibility, Unfried asserts that Facebook is now allowing businesses to "transform customer service into marketing".

"Everyone is now able to watch how you handle a complaint, or answer a question," points out Unfried. "For those that give great customer service this is a tremendous opportunity. For those that don't, the consequences can be equally negative."

Once Unfried covered the benefits and FAQs of using Facebook, the advanced tips started to fly. Even those in the room who had seemed relatively smug about their Facebook skills were soon scrawling notes and asking in depth questions. Unfried walked through the steps of setting up a business page, not because most hadn't already done it, but because, he wagered, not all of them had done it as well as they could have. A few lesser known gems:

Facebook Business Account: Facebook generally requires users to have a personal profile in order to create a Facebook Business page. However, if you have no desire to ever have a personal Facebook profile and would like to manage a Facebook Business page only, it IS possible to create a Facebook Business Account, which does not require a personal Facebook profile.
'Tell Your Fans' feature: If you've created a new Facebook business page and are ready to start accruing 'likes' you can make sure all your current and loyal customers know about your page. Simply use the Tell Your Fans feature to upload a .csv file of your email database. From there you can do an email blast to your current contacts making them aware of your Facebook page and asking them to 'Like' your business.
Launch your page with a variety of content: before you 'Tell your fans' or share the page with your friends, make sure they don't see a blank or boring page when they get there. Videos and photos are the most engaging pieces of content a page can have. Make sure before you market the page you've already posted a mix of text, links, videos, and photos to make your page interesting when new users arrive.

Once the page is set up and ready to go, its time for the most important tool your Facebook page offers: engagement with your fans. Unfried spent a fair amount of time reiterating that engagement is key to successful Facebook marketing efforts. Increased engagement with your fans not only endears your brand to those you're engaging with, it keeps your posts higher in their news feed. The 'Top News' feed posts are ranked by which posts users are interacting with most. An engaged discussion with many comments and likes will keep your brand at the top of your 'fans' news feeds for much longer than it might otherwise.

"Does this inform? Does it inspire? Does it entertain? Does it connect?" he asks. "Ask yourself this before you post from your page."

And don't discount the "magic of randomness". Unfried shared an example of a client that is family dentist in Roseville. The most popular post shared on their wall was simply, "What color is your toothbrush?" Something about the question proved to be irresistible to the dentist's fans. The dentist was able to stay top of mind for each of their Facebook fans as they read and debated toothbrush colors. That single post allowed the dentist to remain at the top of the Top News feed for several days.

Tidbits such as these just scratch the surface of the (over) 90 minute presentation. Workshop attendees were so engaged, that as
Unfried noticed his time running low with some great content still to cover, the audience urged him to continue past his allotted time in order to glean more Facebook wisdom. When one member asked how to convert a personal profile to a business page, Unfried directed those interested to his detailed blog post on the subject, as it was more than time allowed.

Other topics covered in the workshop included growing your Facebook presence, Facebook ads, engaging other businesses, connecting Facebook to your website and more. To see Josh Unfried's Advanced Facebook for Business presentation in its entirety watch the archived UStream.

This 80 person event, which included food provided by Ten 22, beverages by Chic-fil-a, and prizes from the Sacramento Business Journal, was open to members of the SMCS and the general public. SMCSac simply requested a $10 donation to help the club continue to organize events and workshops about various social media topics. For more information about upcoming Social Media Club, Sacramento events, follow @SMCSac on Twitter. To attend the July 12th SMCSac event, register for Social Media & Motherhood on Eventbrite.com.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is a member of Social Media Club of Sacramento

River Cats beat Grizzlies in bottom of the ninth

2011-06-18T15:45:51Z

The River Cats made the first and last run at Friday's game against the Fresno Grizzlies, giving them a close win (6-5) in the first game of the four-game homestand.

The smell of hot dogs, beer and popcorn filled the air. What better way to spend a Friday night than in the summer sun cheering on your favorite baseball team?

This was the first time the River Cats have hosted the Grizzlies this season at Raley Field, and 12,211 fans were present. Having recently lost 5-1 to the Grizzlies, made this win that much sweeter.

The River Cats got the ball rolling with center fielder Jai Miller's home run, the first score of the game.

However, in the fourth inning, the Grizzlies took the lead in the game, scoring three runs.

The game was delayed for about 10 minutes due to an umpire being hit in the face by a pass ball in the third inning and finally starting to feel the effects of it in the bottom of the fifth.

Even so, the sixth inning went by quickly with three up and three down for both teams and the score remaining 4-1 with Fresno in the lead.

Finally, in the eighth inning things began to heat up when left fielder Chris Carter made a double, hitting a fly ball to right field.

Center fielder Matt Carson hit a double to right field and catcher Anthony Recker hit a line drive down third baseline bringing in Carson and tying the game at 5-5.

The River Cats made three runs in the bottom of the eighth and fans roared with excitement.

Breaking the tie game, in the ninth inning, short stop Eric Sogard made a base hit, line drive over the Grizzlies’ short stop's head. Sogard then stole second base and moved up to third base on a wild pitch by Grizzlies' Marc Kroon who had just been put on the mound.

Sogard would soon become the winning run.

Third baseman Andy LaRoche was walked to make it to first and made it to third thanks to Carter, who hit a short infield ball and was safe at first. Sogard then ran in home, giving the River Cats the win of the evening.

Dinger, the River Cats’ mascot, entertained the crowd with intense footwork and kept the crowd cheering even through the highs and lows of the game.

The River Cats face the Grizzlies again Saturday at Raley Field. The game starts at 7:05 p.m.

Jack's Mannequin, Ace of Spades

2011-06-17T05:05:43Z

“One more song! One more song!” chanted Jack's Mannequin fans at Ace of Spades on Wednesday night, that quickly turned into “Three more songs! Three more songs!”

Talk about an encore. Talk about a show.

“You feelin' sexy Sacramento?” yelled Andrew McMahon, 28, lead vocalist and pianist of Jack's Mannequin. He may be a security guard’s nightmare with all his crowd surfing and climbing on equipment such as, speakers and his piano; but he is also a ticket-buyer’s dream because he is quite the entertainer.

The show started at 7 p.m. with more than 800 people in attendance. Lady Danville, an indie pop band from the Bay Area was up first, and Steel Train, an indie rock band from New Jersey, followed. Lady Danville’s singers had a very smooth and crisp sound to their voices with great harmonization, while Steel Train had a more rebellious, energetic and cutting-edge sound.

The lighting and sound were not over done, a little color with spotlights and the speakers were not blasting at an ear-bleeding level. Allowing the focus to be on the pure and organic sounds of the voices and instruments.

Tickets were $30.95, and judging by the smiles flooding the room even after the first two performers, people were satisfied with what they were getting.

However, the crowd was only swaying some and clapping when encouraged, having a medium energy level up until Jack's Mannequin played the hit, “The Mixed Tape,” from the CD, “Everything In Transit.” Everyone went wild, jumping a bit and singing along loudly. Which continued as most of what was played was from that album.

McMahon was originally from Orange County and part of a band called Something Corporate. Now he is a part of Jack's Mannequin, an alternative punk rock band with three other members: Bobby "Raw" Anderson on guitar and backup vocals, Jay McMillan on drums and new bass player Mikey “The Kid” Wagner.

“I've been listening to them for a while,” said concert attendee Tracey Huey, 22. “They have really good melodies.”

The musicians also got praise for several other areas that fans feel they have much expertise in.

“I really like the lyrics,” said concert attendee Elisia Hoffman, 18, as she turned to her friend, Lisa Monagle, also 18, who said, “(McMahon) incorporates the piano with a 'normal band' sound, and I like that.”

Most audience members were between the ages of 18 and 30 and excited that Jack's Mannequin is now finally back on tour.

In June 2005, McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells) and somehow managed to make a full recovery. He is also now currently involved in many fundraising opportunities related to cancer and provides support to patients and families.

“His back story is cool, how he had leukemia and everything. It's so inspirational,” Huey said.

By McMahon's performance, it is obvious to see that he is living every moment to the fullest now.

Ace of Spades, the old location of both Empire Night Club and Venue, didn't change much of its look and feel, and yet it appears to be the upcoming place to be and to get booked at in Sacramento. The place was packed and the atmosphere very casual and modern, despite the dim lights and boxy shape, it did not feel overcrowded.

The only downfalls to the venue is that there is very limited seating and that the servers had to walk out from a back room with food and drinks all the way around everyone, pushing through a sea of bodies to get to the 21-and-over section where they were serving it.

The service was very polite, though, and they even had some free samples of drinks they were serving to people in the audience, like red bull mixed with raspberry and cheery syrups.

Ace of Spades will no doubt be packed all summer if it stays booked up with performers like Lady Danville, Steel Train and Jack's Mannequin.

Good lyrics, melodies, crazy talent on the piano and an inspirational story to boot – what's not to like?

To get in on all the action and for more information about upcoming shows visit Ace of Spades online.

Or find everyone on Facebook:
Ace of Spades
Jack's Mannequin
Lady Danville
Steel Train

Pet of the Week- Speckles

2011-06-15T21:53:24Z

Meet Speckles!

Such a sweet heart! Speckles is a three-year-old cuddle bug, looking for a good lap to snuggle up in. She is very friendly and didn't even mind being on TV for a pet-of-the-week segment! Speckles is OK to live with other cats, small dogs and even children.

Celebrate summer with the Sacramento SPCA as we team up with the makers of Fresh Step litter and the ASPCA for a very special cat adoption event!

Now through the end of August, all adult cats over one-year-old (like Speckles!) are FREE; Kittens are half-off!

Check us out online at www.sspca.org or stop by the shelter and meet a new best friend today!

B Street Theatre's 'Collapse' hits all the emotions

2011-06-14T05:14:29Z

If you are thinking about seeing B Street Theatre’s “Collapse” this summer, have high expectations. Within the first 10 minutes on opening night Sunday, the audience was already in an uproar of laughter.

The play takes place around February 2009 and opens with an extremely comical scene between Hannah and David, a married couple trying to have their first child. Though Hannah is the one who is lying over her husband’s lap about to have a hormone shot injected into her left butt cheek, she is the one pep-talking an uneasy and uptight David.

Their relationship becomes more and more strained and hilarious as Hannah's off-the-wall sister, Susan, unexpectedly stops in for a long-term stay without permission. There are all sorts of side stories inside the main plot as well. For example, insecure and passionate David suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

He was in the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapse a year and a half before the play’s start, and he hasn't been to work in a month. He also suffers from ulcers, but still attempts to be an alcoholic, dumping many of his beers into the living room plant, unbeknownst to his wife.

Then, of course, there is Susan, the loose cannon with great one-liners, losing her job and apartment and agreeing to deliver an unmarked package from her psychic to some character named “Bulldog” in exchange for a plane ticket to Minneapolis, Minnesota to her sister’s house.

Hannah is a classic control freak, though she is extremely lovable. She spends the whole play taking care of everyone else and does not realize until the end how to let things go. She is also still recovering from a miscarriage that had happened a week after the bridge collapse, and she has a deep, burning desire to start a family.

In her search for some peace in her chaotic life she meets Ted, a charming sex addict, while standing outside of what she thinks is an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that she hopes her husband will attend. She soon finds out it is actually a Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting.

Though her intentions are pure, she soon succumbs to Ted's efforts and kisses him in a coffee shop after a long heart-to-heart conversation full of sexual innuendos and awkward moments.

The ironic twist is that Ted is impotent. David and Hannah have the audience in tears in their last scene as they realize their strong love for each other.

There is a lot going on, the play is fast-paced and energetic. There is never a dull moment, and yet the plot is well-defined.

Founded in 1986, B Street Theatre, located at 2711 B St., has been bringing undeniable talent to people of all ages ever since, and “Collapse” is no exception.

Opening night was Sunday, and 170 people crowded into the darkly lit stage room for the 7 p.m. showing. The play runs through July 24 and is directed toward a more adult audience.

Don't let this two-act, 90-minute play (with no intermission) fool you. It was a Global Age Project 2010 finalist, and playwright Allison Moore created a beautiful piece filled with just about every emotion and struggle on the map, and still it manages to leave the audience feeling lighthearted and carefree at the end.

“I like that it was funny and real,” said audience member Melissa Hightower, “because it was based on a real event that the writer experienced.”

Much praise is also due to directors Buck Busfield and Laura Baker for their obvious and widely successful efforts.

Vicki Reece has been ushering at the B Street Theatre for a year now, recruited by an old college roommate, said she is a strong believer that every play at B Street is wonderful.

“(Co-director and Producer) Buck (Busfield) picks plays that are just universally good,” Reece said. “I have enjoyed 100 percent of the plays at B Street Theatre.”

She's right, judging by “Collapse.” Plan on laughing, crying and being constantly surprised.

“It was funny and powerful,” said audience member Ali Lippman. “What was most powerful about it was (the actors’) interactions with each other.”

The chemistry between the actors was evident, and rightly so, as they each have quite a bit of experience under their belts.

Jason Kuykendall, who plays David, may seem familiar because he has also been in “Searching for Eden,” “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” and other productions. Not to mention, he's had television roles on “General Hospital” and “State of Grace.”

Elisabeth Nunziato, playing Hannah, has been acting with B Street since it was founded and been in numerous plays, such as “The Wishing Well” and “Circle Mirror Transformation.”

Amy Resnick, in the role of Susan, has also been in many productions and originated the role of Susan at the Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley at the world premiere of “Collapse.” She has also toured the United States during her career, and she's had roles on many popular TV shows such as “Law & Order.”

Adrian Roberts, who plays Ted, graduated from the American Conservatory Theater's master of fine arts program. He spent two seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and has been in several other theaters. He has also appeared on TV in shows such as “Scrubs” and “Criminal Minds.”

The schedule is fairly flexible, with show times of 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets range from $18 to $30.

“At B Street, you know you are going to get something different,” Hightower said.

A four-man play that blows your mind? Yes, that is brilliantly different.

For more information visit B Steet Theatre online.

Mastermind is back for another Second Saturday Treasure Hunt

2011-06-10T15:49:09Z

Think you really know Sacramento? Find out tomorrow during The Mastermind Hunt: Sacramento! Teams of family and friends will race through parks, around landmarks and even inside local businesses deciphering clues to secret locations in this urban adventure presented Saturday June 11 by Mastermind Treasure Hunts and Downtown Grid. Partial proceeds from this fun and challenging event will benefit Hands on Sacramento, the Valley’s full-service volunteer action center.

The hunt will start and finish in the courtyard at 1801 L street, but covers both Downtown and Midtown. Tickets will be available on the day of the hunt starting at 3:00. The hunt runs from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, check out Mastermind's FAQ.

Players need to think creatively, work together and move quickly in order to win. Clues can involve a variety of puzzle types including trivia, wordplay, or simple codebreaking.

The top three teams will win prizes provided by Downtown Grid, but anyone who’s participated in a Mastermind hunt knows that the real reward is in the adventure.

Mastermind Treasure Hunts will donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to Hands On Sacramento, an organization that has matched more than 16,500 volunteers with opportunities to help others.

The Mastermind Hunt: Sacramento is open to the public, including children 11 and older who are accompanied by an adult. The hunt will take two or more hours to complete, and teams must stay together and on foot. A team can be as small as two or as large as eight players. Single players are welcome – there’s always room for new players in this adventure.

Tickets are $25 per player and will be available "at the door" in the courtyard at 1801 L street.

Twitter, trunk of the tree for #HereWeBuild

2011-06-10T07:12:58Z

What began with an adult beverage and a frustrated Twitter post quickly led to a series of grassroots efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

Radio personality Carmichael Dave, founder of #HereWeBuild, was relaxing in his backyard when he discovered that the Anaheim City Council had voted to pursue efforts to bring the Sacramento Kings to Anaheim.

“I thought this is frustrating and I’m ticked off and I want to let people know,” Carmichael Dave said. “So I tweeted out, ‘Carmichael Dave votes one-to-nothing to issue $200 into a fund to build a new arena. Whose with me?’”

Then the explosion happened which soon resulted in the HereWeBuild, HereWeStay and SacDeflated.com campaigns, and their spinoff campaigns HereWeSit and HereWePurple.

Founders of the movements spoke Thursday evening at the Sacramento Social Media Club #HereWeMeme event at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.

“Meme is basically a trend associated with something happening on the internet,” Laura Good, executive director of the club, said. “We wanted this event to focus on just that.”

Approximately 150 social media enthusiasts and Kings fans attended the event where they heard the stories of the major contributors to the campaigns, and learned how to apply similar strategies.

“We were just a bunch of regular people who saw what was happening and wanted to do something,” Carmichael Dave said.

Event panelist and blogger James Ham said the success of their campaigns couldn’t have been accomplished without the efforts of everyone involved.

“No matter what we did, we did it together,” Ham said. “We didn’t model our plan after anything, we just knew something bad was going to happen if we didn’t do something.”

With the help of their efforts leveraging on blogs, digital billboards and Twitter, enough public pressure was built in the community to result in the Kings staying in Sacramento for another year.

Matt Graham, marketing and fleet director for Jiffy Lube, followed the progression of Carmichael Dave’s tweets and the many pledges by the community in the first few hours. Graham quickly knew he had to act, pledging to be a major financial contributor to the HereWeBuild campaign.

“I felt that (pledging) was the only way to continue the voice and the passion of the efforts,” Graham said. “While we acted nimble and quickly, we were not prepared. But sometimes you just need to react, so that’s what we did.”

To watch the video of the event, visit http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15279047.

###

About the Social Media Club: The Sacramento Social Media Club was founded in March 2009 by local social media activists. Its monthly events bring together journalists, publishers, students, communicators and other interested collaborators to facilitate discussions about the key issues facing our society as technologies transform the way we connect, communicate, collaborate and relate. The Social Media Club’s primary mission is to promote media literacy and standard technologies, encourage ethical behavior and share best practices. To find out more, join their groups on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

About the author: Brittany Wesely is a member of the all-volunteer leadership team for the Sacramento Social Media Club. To find out more about her, visit her website or follow her on Twitter @brittanywesely.

18th Annual Doggy Dash- now being called the 'Soggy Dash!'

2011-06-08T22:18:56Z

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, June 4th for the Doggy Dash, or as it is now being referred to as the "Soggy Dash!"

It may have rained ALL day, but despite everything, the event raised more than $170,000 for the animals at the Sacramento SPCA. We were amazed (and proud!) of the number of pet lovers who braved the weather with us!

We hope to see everyone next year, for the 19th Annual Doggy Dash in 2012. A date has not yet been established, but we're crossing our fingers (and paws) for sunshine and blue skies!

*Attached photos are courtesy of Patrick Storm Photography.

More event photos are available on our Facebook page 'Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash' or online at www.digitalwonderlandphotography.com.

Lutheran Social Services of Northern CA Rallies Their Supporters for A Special Event in Partnership with IMAX Theater

2011-06-08T18:40:56Z

Lutheran Social Services of Northern CA (LSS) has been serving homeless youth and families in the Sacramento and Stockton areas for over 40 years. Now, as failing budgets and program cut backs are impacting many shelters and non-profits, LSS hopes to take the situation and turn lemons into lemonade. They are launching an ambitious campaign to raise funds to support their programs and services.

On, Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., and in partnership with Esquire IMAX Theater, the public can pay $20.00, at a discounted price that will include one popcorn and soft drink, to view the upcoming Pirate of the Caribbean 4, On Stranger Tides in 3D and surround sound. The public can enjoy the continued saga of Jack Sparrow, while supporting a good cause.

“For many years, we’ve helped put homeless families and homeless youth into stable housing and provide a safety net of services so that these families and individuals obtain self-sufficiency. We’re asking the general public to support us during these difficult budget times. We are so grateful to Esquire IMAX for this special showing,” said Sue Laliberte, Deputy Director.

Tickets are available by calling 916-281-6930. Mark your calendar because this will be a fun filled family event, a time to celebrate Jack Sparrow’s next adventure in the seas, and a time to give to a great organization that will impact homelessness in Sacramento County.

Disclosure: Nora Benavides is Director of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California (LSS).

Hot Lunch concert series under way

2011-06-04T02:34:23Z

What’s better than a summer afternoon filled with sunshine, great music, and tons of Italian food? Mama mia, it’s Hot Lunch Concert Series in the park.

The Hot Lunch Concert Series is back for its third year serving Tuscan-inspired pizzas every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. from now until Sept. 1 at Fremont Park, 16th and P streets.

A brilliant collaboration of free music and lunch, which includes a pizza and drink for just $10 (including tax) from Hot Italian, located on 16th and Q streets in Midtown.

“Hot Lunch is a standout event because it showcases musicians in the city that really have a presence,” said Roshaun Davis, spokesman for Unseen Heroes, a promotion company working with event organizers. “But it also allows people to see them for free in a relaxing environment.”

“The unique thing about this event is that it is just one band playing at a time for a full 90 minutes,” Jerry Perry, music coordinator, said. “It is catering to a different audience, too, because it's during the day.”

Returning band and crowd favorite Musical Charis started off the summer, Thursday with its fresh indie folk sound. About 60 people sat on blankets and stood around the stage enjoying the performance. The crowd mainly consisted of students, local workers on their lunch breaks and parents with young children.

Some of the main genres of music are indie folk, R&B, jazz, singer/songwriters, rock and roll, and acoustic. Like Musical Charis, most of the bands that come to play are local. Thursday, The Bell Boys will be playing, and 13 other bands will also play as the summer progresses.

“Charis means gifted in Greek. We chose it because we all play several instruments and even switch them with each other,” said Musical Charis bass player and singer, Isabel Solomon, 23. The band recently got back from a two-month U.S. tour through 22 states.

“It’s a great time to relax before hittin’ the daily grind,” said Skylar Mundy, who attended the event Thursday. She said she works two jobs, so the lunchtime concert is perfect for her schedule, and she is a big Musical Charis fan.

“And right after this, I’m going to go get some pizza,” Mundy added.

There are 20 different pizza flavors Hot Italian has to offer, and some can be made into paninis or calzones.

“We make everything with authentic Italian ingredients along with ingredients from local vendors,” co-owner Andrea Lepore said.

“Hot Italian is just right across the street from the park, so it is really convenient for people to get their pizza and drink for only 10 bucks,” Perry said. “People can call in orders, and they provide ready-made lunches.”

“Most people just sit in their office for lunch. Hot Italian is replacing that idea with an option of something different and fun,” Davis said.
The weather is heating up, and the word is spreading.

“It is fun for us because we get to help Hot Italian out and get to help the music community at the same time by providing outlets for them to display their talents,” Davis said.

For more information, visit Hot Lunch Concert Series on Facebook or Hot Italian’s website.

Pet of the Week- Stanley!

2011-06-02T22:53:00Z

Meet Stanley!

This eight-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix is quite the character! He is very sweet and chatty- loves to tell you about his day! A somewhat active adult home will be best for Stanley (he is not a fan of little kids!). He is OK with cats and tends to ignore other dogs, so he'd be fine as "an only child." He has a long silky coat, but he's used to being combed, so he won't require more than a couple of minutes a day to stay well groomed. In fact, Stanley has some quirky hobbies too- he enjoys running in the sprinklers and taking baths! At the age of 8, Stanley qualifies for our "Seniors for Seniors" program: if his adopter is over 60, we'll waive the adoption fee!

*** Join us on Saturday, June 4th at the 18th Annual Doggy Dash at William Land Park!! RAIN OR SHINE!!!***

Summer Oasis Program for Children saved from Budget Cuts

2011-05-31T23:30:39Z

With current budget cuts happening in most City departments, it is hard to find an opportunity to directly save programs without having to offset it with cuts elsewhere. That is why, I am pleased to announce that I have been able to allocate funding and salvage a very worthwhile and important opportunity for children in District One.

If you have children in your family in need of a fun, positive and exciting summer activity – check out the Summer Oasis Program.
The Summer Oasis Program is a camp for kids that has been offered for several years. Due to cuts to the Parks & Recreation budget, the program was slated to be removed from the 2011 summer offering. After being brought to my attention by Natomas families, I discovered that over 100 Natomas kids love this camp, so I made it my mission to find a way to bring it back. Using District One discretionary funds, I was able to save the program by donating the $10,000 necessary to reinstate it for the summer of 2011. Fox 40 did a special story on it, which you can check out here: Natomas Park and Rec Program Saved from the Ax. This program provides children in 1st through 6th grade with an opportunity to get outside and participate in games, field trips, activities, arts, crafts, and more. This is an 8 week program and cost to attend the camp is $75 per child (field trips will require an additional fee of approximately $20 per field trip) which covers the entire 8 weeks, but you may cater the program on a week by week basis and pay only for those weeks your child attends. Please click on the flyer above for more information and tell your family, friends and neighbors – let’s fill this camp up and get our kids out in the parks having fun and enjoying growing up in Sacramento!

Space is filling up fast so make sure to visit Parks and Recreation Web site to register. Once you arrive at the page, click on “ After School Programs and Day Camps ” on the left hand side bar, then select " Youth ", and then on the right hand side scroll down to “ Summer Oasis ”, select “ Show Courses ” and make sure to select the “ Regency Park – Summer Oasis ” option.

The 10th Sacramento French Film Festival (June 17-26, 2011) Unveils its Film Selection!

2011-05-25T23:36:00Z

The Sacramento French Film Festival will celebrate its 10th year in June 2011 and has just unveiled its exhilarating film selection and its inspired and original poster created, as were the nine previous SFFF posters, by talented Sacramento photographer Kent Lacin. See the complete poster collection here.

To be held June 17-26, 2011 at the Crest Theatre in Downtown Sacramento, the 10th Sacramento French Film Festival will present nine new premieres, two Saturday Midnight Movies, three classics, and one Short Film Program. This year the SFFF is also introducing a new category, entitled "The One That Almost Got Away" and aimed to highlight recent films that the SFFF team wished to show in previous years but was unable to, and is very happy to finally share with its audience, proving that it's never too late to enjoy an unforgettable film! Most of the films presented this year are feel good films that will make the audience reflect on the state of the current times while being highly entertained! It is certainly a pleasurable way for the SFFF to celebrate its 10th year!

A prestigious French guest.

This year's guest will be César nominated screenwriter JEAN-LOUIS MILESI, the screenwriter of director Robert Guediguian, one of France's best contemporary filmmakers. Milesi's screenplays include the joyful working class comedy MARIUS & JEANNETTE, presented this year, and the insightful social drama The Town is Quiet (La Ville est Tranquille, 2000) shown at the first SFFF in 2002. Jean-Louis Milesi directed several short films and features and he will present his sensitive feature LINO (2008) on Sunday June 19.

Hilarious opening and awaited closing films.

The 10th SFFF will open on Friday June 17th, with THE NAMES OF LOVE (LE NOM DES GENS) a hysterical comedy about sex and politics, with the bubbly rising star Sara Forestier (winner of the 2011 César -French Academy Award- for Best Actress in a Leading Role) and Jacques Gamblin. The film won the 2011 César for Best Original Screenplay. After seeing this film, maybe you will know more about what it is to be French!

After two weekends of fun, films and food, the 10th SFFF will conclude on Sunday June 26 with a tribute to French icon, singer-songwriter, and provocateur Serge Gainsbourg, in this year that marks the 20th anniversary of his death, with the exclusive and awaited presentation of the award winning biopic GAINSBOURG, A HEROIC LIFE (GAINSBOURG, VIE HÉROIQUE) directed by Joann Sfar, winner of the 2011 César for Best First feature Film. The César for Best Actor in a Leading Role went to Eric Elmosnino for his incredible portrayal of the inimitable Gainsbourg.

Other premieres include six of the best in French cinema today.

-COPACABANA, is a “dramedy”, directed by Marc Fitoussi, about a non-conformist mother (masterfully played by one of France’s most surprising actresses, Isabelle Huppert) who struggles to impress her conformist daughter (played by Huppert’s real-life daughter Lolita Chammah, winner of the Most Promising Actress Lumière Award for her performance).

-THE WOMEN ON THE 6TH FLOOR (LES FEMMES DU 6ÈME ETAGE), is a delightful comedy about conservative French bourgeois and their Spanish maids in 1960’s Paris starring Fabrice Luchini (recently seen at the Crest in Potiche) was a huge critical and box-office success when it was released in France this Spring. Directed by Philippe Le Guay.

-LINO, is an uconventional love story between a two-year-old boy and the man who finds himself reluctantly in charge of him after the death of his mother, by Jean-Louis Miles presented in the Crest Theatre by its director-actor Jean-Louis Milesi with actor Lino Milesi.

-I'M GLAD THAT MY MOTHER IS ALIVE (JE SUIS HEUREUX QUE MA MERE SOIT VIVANTE), the latest drama by Claude Miller (A Secret, Closing Film SFFF 2008, and Alias Betty, SFFF 2003) co-directed by his son, Nathan Miller, is a suspenseful and shocking story – based on true events – of the complicated relationship between a young man and the biological mother who gave him up for adoption.

-ANGÈLE & TONY, is a powerful feel good story of love and redemption set in a small fishing town in Normandy. It is the remarkable first feature by Alix Delaporte starring Clotilde Hesme (The Grocer’s Son, SFFF 2008).

-BEAUTIFUL LIES (DE VRAIS MENSONGES) is the latest vibrant comedy by Pierre Salvadori (Priceless, After You), inspired by Lubitsch and French playwright Marivaux, starring the delicious Audrey Tautou (from Amelie), Nathalie Baye and Sami Bouajila.

The 2011 classic selection is comprised of three wonderful masterpieces.

-THE YOUNG GIRLS FROM ROCHEFORT (LES DEMOISELLES DE ROCHEFORT, 1967) is a colorful musical, and tribute to Vincente Minelli’s 1950’s American musicals, by Jacques Demy, starring Catherine Deneuve, her sister Francoise Dorleac and the legendary Gene Kelly (star of An American in Paris, directed by Vincente Minelli in 1951) in an remarkable supporting role.

-MARIUS & JEANNETTE is Robert Guediguian’s funny and beautiful true love story between two middle age working class people in sunny Marseille( last year Guediguian’s film Army of Crime won the SFFF’s Audience prize). The film’s screenwriter Jean-Louis Milesi, the Festival’s special Guest, will attend.

-PIERROT LE FOU (1965), arguably Jean-Luc Godard’s best film is now considered one of the most important films in the history of cinema! Godard’s original fragmented storytelling, filming and editing styles achieve perfection and critics began talking about a true cinematic revolution. Starring a luminous Anna Karina and a cool Jean-Paul Belmondo.

Two midnight movies for a mature audience: stylish, surprising and crazy.

-THE SENTIMENT OF THE FLESH (LE SENTIMENT DE LA CHAIR, 2010), is a "Cronenbergian" romance by Roberto Garzelli, that will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat… For those of you who are new to the genre, “Cronenbergian” is an adjective derived from David Cronenberg’s name, the Canadian filmmaker representative of the "Body Horror" genre.

-DON’T LOOK BACK (NE TE RETOURNE PAS, 2009) is a spine tingling psychological thriller by Marina de Van, starring two of France’s most beautiful and beloved actresses, Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci who share the same role.

“The One That Almost Got Away”

The film that the SFFF team is delighted to share with you this year is the quirky romantic and musical comedy, A MAN, A REAL MAN (UNE HOMME, UN VRAI) starring Mathieu Amalric (director and star of ON TOUR), and first feature of the acclaimed Larrieu brothers.

Midweek screenings

Traditionally held over two weekends, the 10th SFFF is adding a weekday evening to its program this year. On Wednesday June 22 there will be a rerun of Guédiguian and Milesi’s comedy MARIUS & JEANNETTE and the premiere of the quirky romance, A MAN, A REAL MAN.

Fun events around films, food and wine!

And as every year, the Festival will be seasoned by fun events. The catered Opening Reception with open bar will feature hors-d’oeuvres and desserts by Sacramento’s finest restaurants and caterers, and music by the Harley White Jr. Orchestra performing French jazzy songs. Midnight Breakfasts will follow the Saturday Midnight Movies and a Petit Déjeuner (French Breakfast) with Sacramento filmmaker Kim Leonard, director of the short PARDON HER FRENCH ~~PARDON MY FRENCH,~~ will precede the Short Film Program on Saturday June 25. And finally a fun champagne and Cake Party will conclude the exciting 10th SFFF. And of course, there will be post screening discussions with film experts and filmmakers including the Festival’s special guest, an art work exhibition curated by Sacramento artist Cherie Hacker, and some surprises…

Passes to the Sacramento French Film Festival are like plane tickets to France… Except that you only have to travel to Downtown Sacramento!

The 10th Sacramento French Film Festival runs June 17-19, 22 & 25-26, 2011 in the main auditorium of the Crest Theatre.
All films are presented in French with English subtitles.

You can find ticket prices, the complete schedule, film descriptions, trailers and more on the SFFF website: www.SacramentoFrenchFilmFestival.org

Disclosure: Cecile Downs is Executive & Artistic Director of the French Film Festival.

It's Kitten Season at the Sacramento SPCA!

2011-05-25T19:05:03Z

Yes! It is offically 'kitten season' once again! And what better way to enjoy this warmer weather, than to share it with a new furry friend?

Pictured above are three buddies named Kiko (149163), Kenji (149164) and Kato (149165). These three are all two-months-old and were in the same foster home. Their foster family reports that Kiko, the female kitten on the left with torbie coloring, is a busy and curious lap cat. Kenji, the cute black male kitten in the center, is a gentle and sweet cuddler. Kato, the male brown tiger on the right, is kooky, funny and curious.

Kittens often get adopted quickly but this time of year there's always more available. So even if these three find their furever homes before you get a chance to get to the shelter, we're sure to have another equally cute and sweet kitten that's just right for your home.

Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

** Don't forget to join us at the Doggy Dash on June 4th at William Land Park! Sign up online to walk in the 2k or 5k walk around the park. Then join us for a FREE "Bark at the Park" Festival!

9:00AM- 1:00PM

Go to www.sspca.org and click on the "Doggy Dash" link to be taken to the event website.

Pet of the Week- Cosey!

2011-05-18T19:10:08Z

Cosey is a big cuddle bug. She is a five-year-old mix of American Staffordshire Terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog, making her a very unique mix! Cosey is a staff favorite here at the SPCA as she is an affectionate girl who loves getting and giving kisses. Cosey would do well in a somewhat active home with another dog or cat. She is eligible for Seniors for Seniors for Adoption Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived!

*Also, don't forget!

Join us for the DOGGY DASH, Saturday, June 4 at William Land Park

Visit www.sspca.org for more information and to register today!
..

Sacramento Cat Hospital Hosts Third Annual Arts & Crafts Fair to Benefit Felines in Need

2011-05-17T22:30:30Z

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend that will also help kitties in need, please stop by the Sacramento Cat Hospital's Third Annual Cat’s Meow Arts & Crafts Fair.

Fair hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael.

All fair proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Cat Hospital Foundation Benevolent Fund, established to provide treatment for injured, sick, and feral cats. Some of these cats require extensive and costly treatment to save their lives. The Benevolent Fund also provides routine physicals, vaccinations, viral screening, food, water, and shelter to the hospital’s foster cats until they find forever homes.

One such kitty is Charlie, who was brought to the Sacramento Cat Hospital after being shot twice; one of the bullets had shattered his left rear leg. Charlie was in need of costly surgery to repair the breaks. Through its Benevolent Fund, the Sacramento Cat Hospital worked hard to raise the money needed to cover the cost of Charlie's surgery with a specialist. Funds were also needed for post-operative care and preventative medicine while Charlie was fostered at the Sacramento Cat Hospital. After being treated and nursed back to health, Charlie was adopted into a loving home.

Attendees at the fair can purchase many handmade, artisanal items including jewelry, beaded purses and clothing, quilts, tote bags, aprons, pillows, etched wood jewelry, cat trees, dog clothing, children’s books, soaps and lotions, scrapbooks and accessories, pet video services, cat dolls, candles, book covers, Tupperware, and much more.

Fairgoers can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win great prizes, including an autographed picture of Tony Shalhoub (star of the hit TV show "Monk"), gorgeous cat trees, feline exam and labwork from the Sacramento Cat Hospital (a $270 value), and more. Winners need not be present.

For more information about the Fair, call (916) 488-4161 or visit www.sacramentocathospital.com. You can also find the Sacramento Cat Hospital on Facebook.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer of charitable events with the Sacramento Cat Hospital.

Friday Night Concerts in the Park launches SCVNGR Trek and Concert Deals

2011-05-13T21:46:40Z

Tonight, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) is adding a new twist to the Friday Night Concerts in the Park. Concertgoers can now compete for prizes in a series of challenges and receive special Concert Deals at local businesses on their mobile phones via the SCVNGR app.

Participants start by downloading the free SCVNGR app for iPhone or Android. To play, look for the “Friday Night Concerts” trek and complete a series of quick concert-themed challenges to earn points. Challenges consist of snapping pictures, answering trivia questions, and social check-ins by bumping phones with friends. Challenges will rotate each week throughout the concert series giving players more chances to win.

Downtown businesses are also offering special Concert Deals for event goers with concert wristbands every Friday night via SCVNGR. Participating businesses include 4th Street Grille, Ambrosia Café, Blue Prynt, Dive Bar, Marilyn's on K, Pyramid, and Torch Club.

“It’s our 20th season this year and while we’re sticking to our roots of live local music, SVNGR is a great new addition to the Concerts. It’s a fun platform that will allow people to interact, compete with each other, and win prizes from local businesses,” said Michael Ault, DSP Executive Director. “It’s all the fun of an old-school scavenger hunt with the bells and whistles of Facebook and Foursquare.”

Fashion and Philanthropy Join Forces During “Girls’ Night Out” Event

2011-05-11T21:47:09Z

Wellspring Women’s Center announced today they are launching a new fundraiser to raise money to support the organization and its mission to provide community services to women and children.

Wellspring’s first annual Girls’ Night Out event will be held on June 16, 2011 at Plaza Five Fifty Five at 555 Capitol Mall in Downtown Sacramento from 5:30pm to 8pm. Event attendees will catch the latest in hot summer fashions with a fashion show courtesy of local Sacramento area boutiques like Serendipity Boutique, Sequels Consignment Boutique, and Runway Boutique.

“We are very excited to introduce a new fundraising event to benefit Wellspring Women’s Center,” said Sister Judy Illig, Executive Director, Wellspring Women’s Center. “We believe we are Sacramento’s best kept secret in the nonprofit community, and with this new event our mission is to educate the community at large about the critical community services we offer to women and their children, as well as raise funds for our important cause.”

The event is also being supported by local businesses that will feature exclusive shopping opportunities in health, beauty and wellness. Attendees will find unique buys from The Pink House, Time to Be Fit, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Nerdy Dog, Lisa Silva Jewelry, Mellow-Me-Out, To Jewels With Love, Maribou Boutique and Salon, Bags U Love and more! Each item sold will help benefit Wellspring.

“AT&T is proud to be a sponsor of Wellspring Women’s Center Inaugural Girls’ Night Out event,” said Tim Ray, Executive Director, AT&T External Affairs. “AT&T has been a long and proud supporter of nonprofit organizations, such as Wellspring, who work tirelessly in our local Sacramento community to provide much needed community services to those in need. With the help of supporters and event attendees, we’re excited to further assist the organization as it transforms women and their children to flourishing members of society.”

Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased online at www.wellspringwomen.org or by calling 916-454-9688 x 205. In addition to the fashion show and shopping, the ticket price also includes access to wonderful raffle items, tasty appetizers from House Kitchen & Bar and much more.

For 25 years, Wellspring has been a beacon of light in a neighborhood known more for its troubles than its triumphs. Programs include a warm and nutritious breakfast meal served five days a week from 7:30 through 11:30 a.m. During 2010, over 45,000 meals were prepared and served largely by a volunteers who travels from neighboring suburbs as far as Roseville, Rancho Murieta, and Folsom, drawn by the unique program which treats people as ‘guests’ instead of ‘client numbers’.

For More Information Online
Web Site Links
www.wellspringwomen.org

About Wellspring Women’s Center
Founded in 1987, Wellspring Women’s Center is a community agency that helps women and their children get from simply surviving to thriving. Services include free counseling and case management, yoga classes in English and Spanish, parenting classes, domestic violence workshops and much more. Follow Wellspring Women’s Center on Facebook for more details.

Dora Lorenzo is a member of Wellspring Women's Center Board of Directors and the Event Committee Chair.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Speaks At The Mondavi Center

2011-05-11T03:51:38Z

What do you know about your family tree?

In the age of technology, much has been made possible, especially in the field of genetics. We watch our high-definition televisions and see a commercial advertisement for ancestry.com or africanancestry.com.

Suddenly, we begin to wonder about our own family tree - the gaps of missing information, the unrecorded years and disappearances of family members. We then ask ourselves that question.

“What do I know about my family history?”

Monday, May 9, the University of California, Davis Humanities Institute presented the “Distinguished Speakers Series,” featuring the renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The evening lecture, held in the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall, focused on Gates work with “African American Lives: Genealogy, Genetics and Black History.”

Gates is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Oxford African American Studies Center, the first comprehensive scholarly online resource in the field of African American studies and Africana studies.

While most people generally are curious about their family history, African Americans in particular, have asked this peculiar question more often. In fact, African Americans have no greater question that seeks an urgent answer in providing knowledge about their identity and ancestral origin to a unique and fragmented history.

“So, how can a man with a background in literature and African American studies end up writing books about genealogy?” Gates asked the audience.

“Well, I wanted to be like Alex Haley,” he said, speaking of the late author of the groundbreaking novel, “Roots.”

“You could say I had a case of ‘Roots Envy,’” said Gates.

The professor began to explain, in great detail, his own family lineage. His personal account of discovering his family roots underscored the importance of genealogy, the intricacy of African American family history and racial identity. The use of historical references and his life experiences helped to further illustrate how Gates came to be fascinated by genealogy.

Gates shared with the audience the in-depth process it took to trace his family history. A series of significant tests for genetics and ancestry were taken. These tests were performed for Y-DNA (father), Mitochondrial-DNA (mother) and Admixture. The last test (admixture) provided a breakdown of three racial percentages: African, European and Native-American ancestry.

After these tests are performed, genetic information is matched with a database of sampled DNA from the three racial categories, and the results are then further narrowed down. The process is extensive and contains details that, due to time constraints, were limited in explanation.

Gates also shared his experiences about building the PBS special “African American Lives.” The Professor said it was important for him to show African Americans with different complexions and varied phenotypes, specifically relating to facial features. The first of the series featured A-List celebrities, industry moguls and icons, scholars and religious figures. Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Dr. Ben Coleman, Dr. Mae Jemison, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Chris Tucker were a few of the participants. The first time the program aired, eight million viewers watched. The series detailed the celebrity guests’ search to discover their ancestry.

During the evening, audience members viewed a clip of “African American Lives 2.” The second installment in the series featured more well-known public figures. The series is intriguing to watch, knowing that everyone shares a common desire - the desire to know about his or her family history.

“Want to know why Oprah got to where she is today?” Gates asked the audience.

He then shared a snippet of the family history of the media icon. One could conclude from the information given that the spirit of entrepreneurship and determination could very well be found in the blood as a genetic trait. The proverbial adage “the proof is in the pudding” really rings true. The importance of genetics can help explain personal qualities and characteristics, a strange unquantifiable inheritance of sorts, passed down through one generation to the next.

Gates is an engaging and energetic speaker. The scholar, educator and public servant ended with an inspirational message for the future. He hopes to make genetic research accessible through public education and develop a program that will teach this information in school.

Imagine how youth would respond to learning the relevance of their personal genetics in science class, and linking that to their family history. If Gates succeeds in developing this program, the youth of tomorrow will be immersed in this enriched, enlightening and interesting learning experience.

Sacramento County Executive Hosting Veterans Fundraiser

2011-05-05T16:17:42Z

A mixer will be held to honor local veterans and help provide meeting space for their activities. Join the fun on Wednesday, May 25, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at VFW Post 67, 2784 Stockton Blvd. Tickets are $35 and tax deductible. View flyer for more details.

Pet of the Week- Marley!

2011-05-04T20:29:49Z

What a face!
Meet Marley, a two-and-a-half-year-old Calico kitty with a lot of love to offer! She gets along great with kids, dogs, and most cats. She comes off a little shy, but warms up quickly. Marley is described by volunteers as the "friendly, quiet lap-cat."

Come pay her a visit on “Cinco de MEOWO” where cats like her (over the age of one) are FREE at the SSPCA! Kittens are half-priced, this day only. Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

Bike Month Kicks Off This Sunday

2011-04-29T22:56:54Z

The weather should be perfect this weekend as May is Bike Month kicks off in the Sacramento region. Get your bike tuned up and ready to ride this weekend and then ride to work on Monday, May 2, and come out for a lunchtime ride led by the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.

The kick-off will start at 11:30 a.m. along the Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, located at 1800 Front Street in Sacramento, just south of O Street. The low-speed bike ride will start at noon, traveling through downtown and midtown and ending by 12:50 p.m.

Bicycling has taken off in the Sacramento region as an easy way for people to get to work or school, run errands, or just ride for fun. Sacramento was recently ranked fourth in the nation for bicycle commuting and the region is a prominent part of the Amgen Tour of California.

May is Bike Month is a campaign to get people on bikes for the first time, as well as encourage regular bicyclists to keep it up. At Mayisbikemonth.com you can pledge miles to ride during May that add up to a regional goal of two million miles. You can also use the bicycle trip planner to choose from bike-friendly or direct routes.

Other things to look forward to in May include a Bicycle Film Festival, the Amgen Tour of California and lots of local events. Find out what’s happening close to where you live or work on the events page.

When you're cruising around town, look for the Pedal Saver window decal at restaurants and shops to save money when you ride in.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Learn more at Mayisbikemonth.com or find us on Facebook.

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Raekwon's Universal Rap Parables

2011-04-29T04:49:10Z

The teenage drug dealer slung a belt around his stocky waist and through the loops of his newly pressed khakis before tightening a necktie around his throat. In the streets below, a junkie who was all too similar to the young hustler’s crack clientele, wrapped his own belt around one of his track-marked arms. Both seemed to strangle themselves enough to make their veins pop. And neither saw any other way to escape.

“It was hard for me to get a (legit) job. I tried everything in my life. My moms made me put suits on and everything. I was just a loser,” said rapper and reformed hustler Raekwon, who will perform at Ace of Spades on May 1, of his humble beginnings in an exclusive telephone interview for The Sacramento Press. “Slingin’ crack was my way of survivin’, just to take care of myself in the best way.”

Growing up in New York’s Staten Island burrow meant navigating streets littered with users and their used, shattered crack viles. And as young Raekwon began contributing to that sea of jagged shards that stretched across the concrete, he began wondering how deeply its glinted edges could sink in.

“I knew the consequences, of course, behind anything and everything I’ve done,” he said. “But it was always in good faith to try to better my life so I could get away. That’s why when we (the Wu-Tang Clan rap troupe) got signed, I was so happy, because it was like, ‘Yo, I’m free.’ It’s like bein’ stuck in chains. You don’t wanna do that s--t. But sometimes you’re forced to do what you don’t like. ”

When he laced his rhymes with those misdeeds, his songs became part of a hip-hop legacy. Raekwon banded together with fellow street poets like Method Man, The RZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Ghostface Killah to form the Wu-Tang Clan in the early 1990s, and their rough and raucous rhymes about the profits and perils to be had in their borough offered a holistic take on ghetto life.

Their chemistry and equal contributions to 1993’s “Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers” left critics and fans dubbing that debut album a classic — and even in those early days, none of those ghetto wordsmiths served up grittier details than Raekwon.

On the group’s first breakout single, “C.R.E.A.M.,” Raekwon rhymed about the impoverished odyssey he and his mother took through the city’s boroughs, long before she fitted him with neckties and pushed him toward job interviews. The song’s first verse began with his lines:

“I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side, Staying alive was no jive, Had second-hands, Moms bounced on old man...”

After that initial album gained acclaim, Raekwon’s status as an elite New York MC grew with the release of his first solo album, 1995’s “Only Built for Cuban Linx.” The disc’s brawnier, brasher production fit well with the rapper’s parables about Italian-style Mafioso hip-hoppers building a criminal empire from the foundation up.

But as the new millennium approached, the Wu-Tang’s rap dominance began to falter after the members’ egos clashed and solo projects saturated the market — and Raekwon’s verses soon disappeared in the raucous mix.

But the 2009 sequel, “Only Built for Cuban Linx... Pt. II,” was heralded as a return to form and offered Raekwon a revival. The album included vivid narratives like “Pyrex Vision,” the verses of which almost act as a recipe for cooking crack with lines like:

“Stab it, tilt and twirl, spit in it, Plus put a little bit of milk in, fiends love it, Sat back, confident in comfort, the light blew out, All I see is all white stuff, suds in it...”

Mothers like his had always said milk was wholesome, so the irony of pouring those pale drops as a main crack ingredient isn’t lost on Raekwon. He says such bizarrely precise juxtapositions make his songs more chillingly intimate, even when they are sometimes fictional.

“At that time it just sounded fly,” he said with a chuckle about “Pyrex Vision”’s standout lines. “Ya know, put a bit of milk in it, ’cause for fiends (that) s--t be like f----n’ milk shakes to them when they get it. When I get to writing and paintin’ a picture, and I feel that the beat is drivin’ me to bang harder with it, it’s like I try to make it as vivid as I can. I doubt if anybody really puts milk in drugs, but it sounds good though. Maybe some cats is doin’ it now. I dunno, I don’t sell drugs no more. My days of that s--t is kid days.”

But all that immaturity, addiction and brutality still lingers with him to this day in his rhymes. He owed a debt to Staten Island’s hazards even as he fled them, because his success stems from his palpable details about those harsh moments.

Raekwon doesn’t see it as glorification of African-American stereotypes, or as an exploitation of his fellow former hustlers. It’s as if those unflinching details are merely a part of his storytelling résumé, as if he stands before his audience still like a juvenile gangster, tightening his necktie’s knot for a whole new job interview.

“It was stuff that we just basically lived amongst, that we didn’t love — we was just livin’ it,” Raekwon said. “That’s all I’m doing, just rewriting life always in the eyes of me. It’s all I know how to do, just dwell on what I know.”

He adds that those gruesome details help draw listeners into a parable that parallels their own, just like the kung fu flicks that inspired the Wu-Tang name and the title of Raekwon’s latest album, this spring’s “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang.”

“I definitely look at life as people goin’ through the same things,” he said. “These karate movies, they sometimes tell the story of the same life that we be livin’, about betrayal, trust, loyalty, bullies and just everything that comes into this world. So I feel like we all just have the same common ground.”

He says his new album’s title tries to capture that universal theme, how our conflicting natures push us further, even when they’re as contradictory as a New York slinger’s street code and the behest of a Shaolin Buddhist monastery.

“On the new album I'm just basically symbolizing,” he said. “Shaolin for us is the solider. The Wu-Tang, he’s just an artist, just a rapper. The Wu -Tang is the hip-hop. He’s the core of it, but the Shaolin makes him a soldier. So you’re always challenging these different kinds of characters inside of yourself.”

Raekwon will perform at Ace of Spades on May 1 at 7:00 p.m., along with opening acts Mean Doe Green, Rebel Diaz, The Cuf, Kodak Visualz and Oasis. Tickets are $20. For more information visit aceofspadessac.com or myspace.com/raekwon.

Golden 1 hosts region's largest free shred event this Saturday

2011-04-28T21:01:54Z

Community shredding events play a valuable role in protecting
individuals against identity theft and fraud. Documents containing sensitive
personal information like Social Security and account numbers are actively
sought out by people who commit identity crimes.

Identity crime experts and law enforcement warn against keeping personal
documents unprotected in homes or disposing of them without micro-
shredding.

This Saturday, April 30, Golden 1 Credit Union and Iron Mountain will host the region’s largest
free shred event. More than 96,000 pounds of confidential documents
destroyed at the last event!

Come between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 30 to:

The Golden 1 Operations Center

8945 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, CA 85826
(Near the corner of Watt Ave. and Folsom Blvd.)

• Bring up to five bankers boxes per vehicle
• Safely destroy personal papers, CDs, DVDs and floppy disks
• All shredded items will be recycled
• Free refreshments

For more information call (916) 732-2900

Disclosure: Marika Rose is assisting with community relations for this event

Pet of the Week- Petunia

2011-04-27T22:12:59Z

Meet Petunia!

This sweet, six-year-old American Bulldog mix is waiting anxiously for her forever home! Petunia loves walks, is house trained AND gets along with children. She is not a fan of cats though. Petunia is affectionate and gentle- come pay her a vist today!

She is also eligible for our Senior Companionship Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived.

*Also! Don't miss out on our June 4th Doggy Dash at William Land Park. We'll be walking with our dogs to raise money for the shelter. Afterwards, join us for a free pet festival. Check it out online at www.sspca.org!

Get in Gear for Bike Month

2011-04-22T18:58:21Z

May is just a few days from now, so tune up your bike, visit May is Bike Month.com, and get ready for a month of great events, promotions, and rides.

Spend a few minutes today at Mayisbikemonth.com and register for 2011. Every week that you log miles in May, you'll be entered into a drawing for bike socks and gift certificates to local bicycle shops.

Once you're on the website, click over to the calendar and see over 40 events scheduled. Check back whenever you visit the site, as we're adding new events every day. We'll have Bike Month gear to giveaway at many of the events, so come out and get yours.

New this year, our Pedal Saver discount program will earn you freebies and discounts when you bike to participating businesses. See a listing and map of participating businesses as well at Mayisbikemonth.com, and look for the Pedal Saver logo when you're on your bike.

We're also cranking up the mileage goal this year because of the continuing success of the campaign. This year, we're aiming for 2 million miles logged at Mayisbikemonth.com. Share this email with a friend or use our enhanced "challenge" feature to encourage a little friendly competition.

You can also find us on Facebook.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Downtown businesses paint the town purple to support the Kings

2011-04-22T01:12:06Z

Downtown businesses are getting in on the underground social media campaign #HereWePurple. They’re supporting the Sacramento Kings while the NBA is in town through displays, specials, deals, freebies and more.

The social media campaign #HereWePurple has encouraged Sacramento to show support for the Kings by “painting the town purple” today while the NBA is in town meeting with local business leaders. The facebook event encourages residents to wear purple, sport a Kings jersey, put sign in your windows and cars, put up flags, wear your purple jewelry or whatever you've got all day long.

“We've been watching the campaign on Twitter and wanted to get our downtown businesses to encourage Sacramentans to get involved” said Lisa Martinez, DSP Director of Marketing and Outreach. "We've been overwhelmed by how many downtown businesses were willing to support the team and offer specials to residents to do the same.”

A number of downtown businesses have answered the call, most offering specials, deals or freebies. Additionally, many of businesses have created outward displays of support as well through lighting, uniforms, napkins, balloons; even logos and websites are turning purple.

Offers from downtown businesses include:

Mayahuel / Special: Purple Margaritas / Display: Purple balloons outside for support
Esquire Imax / Special: Free Popcorn to patrons in purple
Grange & The Citizen Hotel / Special: Kings Preservation Cocktail featuring local 209 gin, preserved grape jam, Dolin Blanc, and lemon / Display: Purple lighting in the windows
Ten22 / Special: Purple Reign Cocktail: Gin, cranberry juice, blue curacao, sweet & sour and lemon-lime soda / Display: logo with a purple border, and Ten22 Power Point presentation
3 Fires Lounge & The Residence Inn / Free scoop of purple ice cream for patrons in purple / Display: Employees dressed in Purple
Ella Dining Room & Bar / Happy Hour all day for patrons in purple – ½ price cocktails, $5 wines
Sheraton Grand Hotel/ Special: $1 Purple Sangria with Purchase of an Entrée / Display: Windows lit with purple lights, Purple napkins in Morgans Restaurant.
de Vere’s Irish Pub / Special: $4 “Kings Hooters” (purple hooter shooters) til close
The Melting Pot / Special: $5 “Kingsberry” Margaritas (Blackberry Margaritas)
Strings Express / Special: Free Cheesy Garlic Bread for patrons in purple
Chocolate Fish Coffee / Special: Free Slam Dunk Freespro (double shot of Espresso) to patrons in purple

In addition, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Sacramento Partnership have created window displays to support Sacramento’s team. The US Bank Building, Memorial Auditorium, Ziggurat Building will join the Sheraton and Citizen Hotel in displaying purple lighting on their buildings. To stay abreast of new downtown deals and updates for the "Here We Purple" campaign, follow Downtown Sacramento Partnership on Twitter: @DowntownSac.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is Marketing Manager for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

UC Davis Professor to give 'Social Media & Social Uprising' lecture at The California Museum

2011-04-15T05:17:03Z

In the past several years, social media has played an ever growing role in calling for, organizing, and executing social uprisings and upheaval around the globe. Increasingly, these uprisings are bringing about significant social change in not only their country of origin but amongst those involved via social media channels. In contrast, some countries are dealing with unrest and the threat of uprisings by locking down Internet access and jailing citizens for sharing certain information online.

The Social Media Club of Sacramento (SMCSac) makes a monthly habit of examining the various ways social media is impacting our everyday interactions, culture, and society at large. The club has partnered with the California Museum to explore the fascinating topic of the role of Twitter, Facebook, Google, and other social media channels in bringing about global social change. Their upcoming event, Social Media and Social Uprising, will be held Tuesday, April 19th at the California Museum on 10th & O streets. Featuring keynote speaker Professor Anupam Chander, a leading scholar in the law of globalization and digitization at the UC Davis School of Law, SMCSac will explore how social media paves the way for citizens to shift from 'friends' to revolutionaries.

In his keynote address, Professor Chander plans to touch on topics that range from the role social media plays in unfree societies, to the corporate social responsibility of companies like Google and Facebook. After the talk, the discussion will be opened to the audience for a Q&A with Professor Chander. Audience members can discuss these topics further, or explore how these insights can be applied to their lives, community, and understanding of global social issues.

The museum gallery will open at 5:30pm, and the evening will commence at 6pm with a wine and appetizer reception hosted by Grace Patriot Wines and the new downtown restaurant Blue Prynt. Professor Chander will begin his keynote address around 7pm, with discussion and networking to follow.

Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased online. If available, tickets may also be purchased at the door on Tuesday. For more information on the Social Media and Social Uprising event, Professor Anupam Chander, the California Museum, or SMCSac, visit the event website or call (916) 653-7524.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is a member of the Social Media Club, Sacramento

V-Day Sacramento 2011

2011-04-15T02:24:59Z

WHAT is it?

V-Day Sacramento 2011 refers to the 2011 Sacramento community production of The Vagina Monologues that will be held in April 2011. It is a project of Northern California Association for Women Take Back the Night based in Sacramento (Sacramento WTBN).

In addition to bringing the local and international plight of women and girls to the forefront, the goals of V-Day Sacramento 2011 are to raise money to benefit local anti-violence organizations and to channel awareness into action. In 2011, the proceeds from the V-Day Sacramento 2011 production of “The Vagina Monologues” will benefit WEAVE, Sacramento Women Take Back the Night, and My Sister’s House.

Learn more about V-Day, V-Day Sacramento 2011 and Women Take Back the Night at vdaysacramento.org.

Join V-Day Sacramento 2011 on Facebook

Follow V-Day Sacramento 2011 on Twitter

Sacramento Women Take Back the Night is proud to host the first annual Sacramento benefit production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” We have an incredible cast ready for two wonderful nights!

WHEN / WHERE?

Performances are as follows:

The Guild Theater:
Friday, April 22
Doors open at 6:00pm (silent auction at this time)
Show at 7:00pm
Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite here

The Crest Theatre:
Tuesday, April 26
Doors open at 6:00pm (Reception and silent auction at this time)
Show at 7:00pm
Tickets can be purchased through tickets.com here

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!