Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "family"

Major League Baseball returns to Sacramento in March

2012-02-09T01:10:39Z

Before the Sacramento River Cats begin the 2012 season in defense of their 10th division title in 12 years, one of the most successful American professional sports franchises will host one of Major League Baseball's most storied champions.

For the first time in half a decade Major League Baseball will be played in Sacramento as the River Cats host their parent affiliate Oakland Athletics on March 31, 2012. Following a successful 2011 season, in which Sacramento won its 10th Pacific Coast League South Division title, the River Cats kick off the 2012 season against some familiar faces who have found success at the Major League level.

The River Cats will host the four-time World Series champion Oakland A's for a fifth time – the first four were sellouts – at Raley Field in West Sacramento.

Since moving to Sacramento in 2000, the River Cats have been one of Minor League Baseball's most successful franchises – winning two Triple-A Championships (2007, 2008), four PCL Championships (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008) and drawing more fans than any other Minor League team over the past 12 seasons.

The roster of former Sacramento River Cats who had successful careers with the A's and the rest of Major League Baseball is an elite one.

Sacramento has graduated more than 200 players to the Majors, including 2002 Cy Young Award Winner Barry Zito, 2002 American League Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske and Dallas Braden, who famously pitched the 19th perfect game in MLB history for the A's on May 9, 2010.Braden, pitcher Brett Anderson, shortstop Cliff Pennington, catcher Kurt Suzuki and second baseman Jemile Weeks are among current A’s players who passed through Raley Field.

The March 31 exhibition game will be the first time a Major League team has played in Sacramento since the River Cats last hosted the A's in 2007. In 12 years, Raley Field has hosted eight Major League games – four between the River Cats and A's (2001, 2003, 2006, 2007), twice against the San Diego Padres in 2001 and the Colorado Rockies in 2004.

The A's will hit the bags at Raley Field against the River Cats just two days after a five-game tour through Japan.

For more information visit www.RiverCats.com/Oakland

Disclosure: Brett Ransford is a Media Relations intern with the Sacramento River Cats.

Real Relationships: Unsolicited Valentine's Day advice

2012-02-06T17:59:44Z

It is February. The month of love. The month of loneliness.

Pretty much everyone falls into one of those categories, but I want to remind you that single does not mean alone.

Make a point to connect with a friend this Valentine's Day. After all, love is not just intimate, but a feeling we have for people who matter to us. Reach out and schedule coffee, dinner, or a fun night in. Forget gifts. They don't matter in the face of time spent together.

Don't get depressed about being alone, but remember to be thankful for what you have, for who you have.

Write a love letter to yourself. Remind yourself who you are and what makes you thrive. Make a list of things you have done and things you have yet to do. Treat yourself to a large cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

If you do have a special someone, put a little thought into your time together. Don't buy for the sake of buying, don't go out for the sake of tradition. What do you two really love to do together? Sometimes it is OK to just be.

Be together. Be in love. Be in relationships with family and friends.

That is what Valentine's Day is about: full, unabashed love for family, friends, life and self.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Have a relationship question? Email me at sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured Mondays in Real Relationships.

Comeback kids pull one out, Kings turn back Blazers 95-92

2012-02-04T02:01:42Z

Since Keith Smart took over coaching duties last month, the Kings have had very little practice time and never had everyone on the roster available for a game.

Things changed this week when the Kings were able to get more time in between games to work on their new game plans. Add that to a healthy Marcus Thornton returning to the lineup and, wham-o!, a team with real possibilities has emerged.

After being down at the half by nine and being throttled by LaMarcus Aldridge the entire time (19 points on 9-of-11 shooting with five rebounds), Smart changed up his formula in guarding the Blazers standout forward which led to a terrific third quarter as the Kings held on the beat the pesky Portland Trailblazers 95-92 on Thursday evening at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings came out hustling, but some dumb fouls on the defensive end turned into easy points for the Blazers.

DeMarcus Cousins looked good early but got into foul trouble quickly and didn’t play most of the first quarter.

Aldridge has a great jump shot from inside the circle and put his skills on display early in this one. It didn’t matter who was matched up defensively against him. The way Portland was moving the ball around the court kept Kings players constantly chasing the ball, and Aldridge found himself more open than not for most of the half.

The lone bright spot in the first half for the home team was the ice-cold-as-of-late John Salmons. Salmons had 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting that included two three-point bombs.

The wheels almost fell off in the second quarter as a bad mix of players had several defensive breakdowns. With J.J. Hickson, Isaiah Thomas, Travis Outlaw, Thornton and Chuck Hayes on the floor, it seemed that there wasn’t enough leadership or offensive firepower to keep up with Portland.

Smart noticed in time and stopped the bleeding by putting Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Jason Thompson back in the game with about 6:40 left in the second. Down by nine, that adjustment was enough to get Sacramento within three, until several Kings misses let the Blazers get the nine-point lead back before the buzzer.

The Kings scored six straight points as Evans and Cousins came out aggressive to open the third, until Cousins picked up two quick fouls that sent him to the pine early again.

With Cousins on the bench, it was time for Thompson to step up, and he did.

Thompson is having his best year to date and is a real force inside now for the Kings. Thompson finished with 13 points and 12 boards and was very active on the defensive end.

Thompson is fully aware of his improved play but doesn’t see it as a surprise. The way he tells it, if he didn’t have four different coaches in his four campaigns, things may be a little different for the man from Rider.

“It’s tough,” Thompson said after the contest. “Four different systems, and every coach wanted something differently out of me. For me, to keep my head and always staying ready for the future and being positive, then things can work out well.”

Good for J.T.! When you break it down, he’s been the most consistent player so far this season.

Once Evans slammed a ball home to tie the game at 63-63 late in the third, you could feel the momentum change. It seems that every time you just give the hometown faithful some hope, they jump out of their collective seats to show their support.

Thursday was no different.

The fans, who sat on their hands until this point, went crazy when Portland called a timeout to collect themselves.

When Salmons open the final stanza with a three, the fans stayed in the game the rest of the way.

Like the fans, Salmons has been waiting for his game to come around. Thursday, he had his best game of the season.

“It definitely feels good to hit shots,” he said. “When you’re not hitting shots like you’re supposed to, you get frustrated. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated. You just have to stick with it, keep going and try to continue to believe and keep working hard.”

The final moments saw rookie guard Isaiah Thomas get a jaw-dropping block and the Blazers miss two game-tying three-pointers.

Thornton had 20 in his return from a deep thigh contusion and said it’s hard to sit on the bench when you want to contribute so badly.

“It was very, very frustrating knowing I couldn’t get out there and help my team do anything,” he said. “It made me realize that me without basketball, I’m basically dead. Basketball is my life and has been my life since I was little, so I was just so happy to be out there with my teammates.”

KINGS NOTES: Evans had another solid all-around game with 18 points, five boards, five assists . . . Jimmer Fredette, Francisco Garcia and Donte Greene all had DNP-CDs (did not play - coach’s decision) . . . Chuck Hayes said he’s still being careful with his shoulder as any type of collision could dislocate it again . . . Former King Gerald Wallace was held in check and had only eight points and three boards.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

Darren Hall at www.darrenhallphotography.net/

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.

Local Man Fired for Feeding Cats

2012-02-01T08:01:05Z

Larry Ottoviani officially lost his job after seven years with the 7Up Bottling Company for doing the one thing that helped him counteract the anxiety in his personal life.

That one thing was feeding hungry cats.

“I love cats and don’t like to see them go hungry,” Ottoviania said. “When I’m feeding cats I can forget everything else for awhile.”

Ottoviani had been warned several times by his supervisor not to feed the cats. The official termination notice dated Jan. 4, 2012, stated that Ottoviani violated his “last chance agreement not to feed the cats on company time and/or company property.”

While Ottoviani does not deny feeding cats, he denied doing so during company time and on company property.

What was it that Ottoviani felt a need to momentarily forget about, even if it meant risking his job?

He is the father of a dependent adult child with severe physical disabilities and has also been coping with the effects of a debilitating illness afflicting his wife.

During the past year, his wife’s condition required several hospital visits as well as some extended stays. And after a tumor had been found on Ottoviani’s right kidney it required the surgical removal of that kidney.

Fortunately, job-related medical insurance covered most of the costs. Since the loss of his job, Ottoviani says he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. Even with COBRA, a health benefit provision that provides temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates, Ottoviania admits “I don’t know how I’m going to afford to pay the $400 monthly premiums.”

The 7 Up Bottling Company, a subdivision of the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group with headquarters in Plano, Texas is a beverage production facility governed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to company spokesperson Jason Genthner, “The FDA states that we must ensure that the grounds around the food plant under the control of the operator shall be kept in a condition that will protect against the contamination of food. Over the years we have seen an increased presence of feral cats on our property.”

Ottoviani believes that if it weren’t for him, at least in part, there would be far more cats on and around company premises.

In 2008, two local animal advocates, Linda Silva and Nicole Hutchinson, discovered Ottoviani feeding cats. When they saw how many cats there were, they immediately began working with Ottoviani on what is commonly referred to as TNR --Trap/Neuter/Return.

Alley Cat Allies, a national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats maintains a website that identifies TNR as the humane, effective approach for feral cats. Feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped (the universal symbol of a neutered and vaccinated cat), and then returned to their outdoor home.

The organization states that another aspect of TNR is that kittens and other cats that can be socialized are not returned but instead adopted into homes. These procedures stabilize colonies of cats since altered cats no longer produce kittens.

Hutchinson enlisted volunteers from the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to sweep and clean up shards of broken glass in an unused area adjacent to the 7Up Bottling Company before launching an aggressive trapping program.

Hutchinson said that between August 2008 and December 2009, 71 cats were trapped and brought to the Sacramento SPCA which runs low-cost feral cat clinics on the first and third Sundays of every month.

The costs for altering the cats were paid by donations from the volunteers and from and grant funds. Ottoviani took home some of the tame cats and kittens, later finding homes for them. He kept the ones he couldn’t find homes for.

In 2006, there was a similar cat feeding incident involving a farmhand employed at the Cornell University Animal Science Teaching and Research Center in ~~Hartford, CT~~ Harford, N.Y..

John Beck was fired for feeding cats on the premises according to a story posted on the Best Friend Animal Sanctuary Network webpage. Beck filed a 20 million dollar lawsuit against Cornell University, which then filed a motion to have the lawsuit thrown out.

Beck admitted that his lawsuit was a long shot and that it was filed “for the principle of the thing.”

“How do you fire somebody for feeding cats?” Beck asked.

Ottoviani still believes he did the right thing. “I acted according to my conscience”, he said.

Linda Silva agrees. “Larry didn’t just feed the cats”, she said, “He went beyond the call of duty and took responsible action. It’s unfortunate that this would lead to the loss of his job.”

Editor's note: Corrections have been made to this article after publishing.

Real Relationships: Saying goodbye to loved ones

2012-01-30T15:57:19Z

Q: My mother is in the last stages of aggressive cancer, bedridden and nearly comatose from the pain medication. We haven't always had a good relationship (actually we have never had a good relationship), but the thought of losing her makes me realize how much I really do love her. I know she has sacrificed a lot for me in her life, and now I feel like I lost out on something special, a relationship with her. I am having a really hard time coping with her dying and us never having the chance to talk about this.

My brother tells me that I just need to let it go and not bog her down with my feelings. I don't know what to do.

A: I am really sorry to hear about your mom and the pain she is experiencing. End-of-life situations have a way of clearing all the gray areas of our lives and making everything black and white.

It is totally natural for you to be feeling a sense of loss and desperation to talk with your mom. You need that closure, but I encourage you to look for the right time. Any conversation that you have with her when she is awak will likely be emotionally taxing on both of you. If she is mostly comatose, then you may not get a chance to have a face-to-face with her, but that is OK. Don’t force it to happen. There will be a time that is right.

Sit by her bedside, even when she is sleeping and pour out your heart. She can hear you, even if it doesn't seem that way. Sometimes closure comes from speaking the words that are in our heart aloud — words you have been thinking but have never said.

If you are having trouble formulating the words in your heart, sit down and write a letter. Take some time to really examine what you want to say, pen your thoughts down and then read it to her. Hopefully you will feel the burden of your past lift off you and only love for your mother will be in its place.

Be prepared that she may have been holding on for a moment when you two could reconcile your relationship. Once that happens, even just from you to her, she may let go.

Let her go.

Give her the permission and the freedom to end her fight and be at peace. Talk with your brother and let him know your feelings and that you spoke to her. Encourage him to do the same if he has anything in his heart that he would like to convey to her. Be in agreement when you both have said your piece that she can go.

Once she is gone, I hope that you are at peace. Carry her memory in place of the burden you felt. That is the best tribute you can make to her.

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions and advice are featured every Monday in "Real Relationships."

Kings lose to Nuggets 122-93 in blowout, no one happy about effort

2012-01-27T02:49:13Z

The fans weren’t the only ones leaving the old barn early on Wednesday evening.

Quite honestly, they weren’t the only ones leaving embarrassed either.

By the time the press got into the Kings locker room after losing 122-93 in a blowout to the visiting Denver Nuggets, most of Sacramento’s players had left the arena also.

No Cousins, no Tyreke, not even Donte Greene hung out long enough to give their side of this ugly one-sided loss.

Keith Smart, the new coach of the 6-13 Kings, was alone at the podium to explain.

“Not what I expected,” Smart started his post-game press conference. “And I’m sure our fans didn’t expect that either. Kind of an embarrassing moment for our fans to watch us play that way.”

After pulling out to an early 7-3 lead behind a couple of Jimmer Fredette jumpers - who started in place of an banged up Marcus Thornton, the flood gates broke and the Kings end of the paint opened up like Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea.

Way too easy.

Drive after drive after drive after drive to the rack. The Nuggets kept coming like the incoming tide - relentlessly.

And the Kings didn’t even put up a temporary barrier to stop the avalanche.

By the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets already had 22 points in the paint on 11-of-17 shooting. And they weren’t done yet. They would finish with an incredible 92 points in the paint! This is the most since the NBA began keeping track of this statistic!

Wave after wave after wave of Denver big men and small reaching the rim with uncanny ease.

By halftime, Denver lead 66-43 and the boo birds could already be heard in the old Arco rafters.

Danilo Gallinari, Nene, Kosta Koufos, Andre Miller, Al Harrington and even Ty Lawson before he got hurt were slicing through the lane without facing stiff competition or even a good knock down.

By the half, the Nuggets were shooting almost 60 percent and the Kings were just over 42 percent from the floor.

It wasn’t that the Nuggets ran the Kings off the floor, that wasn’t it at all. It was just that it seemed almost every time a Nuggets player went into the paint, he either scored or another Nugget player grabbed the board and tired to score.

The only defense at the rim for the Kings came in the form of DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins ended up with 17 points and 15 boards. The only other King with more than five rebounds was Greene who had six.

The shocking stat of the night had to be that Evans, who is usually good for 4.8 boards a game came away with none. That’s right, a goose egg - zero rebounds.

Not the sign of a team that is throwing everything they have into trying to get a win.

Jason Thompson, one of the only ones left to speak after the tough loss, ended with nine points and five boards but knew much more was needed.

“It’s frustrating,” said Thompson from his space in front of his locker after the game. “We didn’t take care of business. We knew what the game plan was. From the start, usually come out to a good start but this time we just went against the odds. We weren’t rebounding and we weren’t playing unselfish basketball.”

That’s it! Straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

Thompson’s been here since the beginning. He’s unselfish to a fault most of the time and is finally having the kind of season the front office thought he could have when they drafted him four years ago.

Thompson knows the solution to what ails the team and holds out hope that the players can pull it off.

“We all got to look ourselves in the mirror and say how am I going to guard my man and how am I going to stop my man from scoring. At the end of the day, the great teams play team defense. But first you have to be able to stop your man and then worry about the help.”

The former Rutgers standout felt so strong about his case, he said it again.

“We all got to look ourselves in the mirror and not just worry about everyone getting buckets but worry about getting stops and rebounds and just let everything else come to us.”

KINGS NOTES: Fredette ended up with 19 points and had five three-pointers . . . The Nuggets had seven players in double figures scoring including Gallinari (23 points), Nene (16 points), Andre Miller (15 points, 10 assists), Al Harrington (10 points) and Corey Brewer (15 points) . . . Isaiah Thomas had ended with 16 points and had six assists . . . Ty Lawson hurt his foot or ankle and was seen leaving Power Balance Pavilion in a walking boot . . . To their credit, John Salmons, J.T., Thomas and Fredette were ready to answer questions from the media after the game . . . Thornton could miss another week or so with a deep bruise in his left thigh . . . Chuck Hayes should be on the floor again when the Kings travel to Utah to face the Jazz on Saturday

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

Dine Downtown kicks off the New Year

2012-01-09T21:59:16Z

The holiday’s are over — now what? How about starting January off right by sampling the best of Sacramento’s dining scene?

Starting today, hungry foodies and food nerds can dine in some of downtown’s favorite hot spots, including the newly opened The Porch Restaurant and Bar, during the annual Dine Downtown Restaurant Week.

Nearly 30 restaurants will offer $30 three-course meals throughout the grid during the next 10 days.

“Dine Downtown gives patrons a chance to relax and treat themselves to a leisurely and delicious three-course meal, at a price that doesn’t break the bank,” said Megan Emmerling, Downtown Sacramento Partnership marketing manager.

“Capitol Garage is known for brunch and lunch,” Capitol Garage and The Porch co-owner Jerry Mitchell said. “We are known for being low brow, but last year we saw a 40 percent increase during Dine Downtown.”

Restaurant owners have found a new challenge in the general population’s interest and knowledge of food.

“It used to be just feed people good food,” Mitchell said. “Now it’s more complicated. People are more aware about sustainability, so it makes it more difficult. We try and use as much local product as possible.”

Last year about 1.3 million dollars was generated in revenue during Dine Downtown.

“Dine Downtown provides restaurants a huge boost at the start of the new year,” DSP executive director Michael Ault said. “We estimate that the event generates just over $1 million in restaurant sales and parking revenue in just 10 days.”

Disclosure: Look for The Porch preview article.

#SmartBall helps Kings overcome 21-point gap, beat Bucks 103-100

2012-01-07T02:25:36Z

Unbelievable! Amazing! Jaw-dropping! Spectacular!

In sports writing, superlatives are greatly overused. Heck, even The Court Jester abuses the Queen’s English occasionally!

In this case, however, I think not!

After being down 58-37 at the half, being outshot from the floor 60.5 percent to 31.8 perccent in the first half and only scoring 12 points in the second quarter, it looked like another lackluster Kings performance would etch another loss in the standings Thursday evening.

Not so fast, my pretty!

After a day of showing Coach Paul Westphal the door, elevating assistant Keith Smart to the position full-time and holding a players-only film study session before the game, the Kings came out in the second half, scored 66 points and played great defense to pull off the improbable win against the Milwaukee Bucks 103-100 in what had to be the greatest home comeback victory in Sacramento Kings history.

Even though the Kings got out to a 13-6 lead, one could just feel that their recent poor play would be extended at least one more night. Eight turnovers in the first quarter and only shooting 25 percent in the second seemed like it would be enough to doom the Kings once again.

But here’s the thing.

The entire game, the Kings were moving the ball, driving to the basket and making the extra pass: everything Smart asked them to do in his first game as the man in charge. It’s just that the shots weren’t falling, and it seemed like every contested jumper by the Bucks was going through the net.

Tyreke Evans (26 points, 10 boards, 5 assists), Marcus Thornton (27 points, 5 boards) and DeMarcus Cousins (19 points, 15 boards, 2 steals) were the stars of the show.

Early in the game, it was Evans that gave the Kings even a small chance of pulling out a much-needed win by scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Other than that, Cousins was being aggressive, but his shots close to the rim were not going in.

The usually hot-starting Thornton was only one of eight from the field at the intermission. He was so displeased with his performance that he came out early from the halftime break and shot something like 30 three-point shots to try to find a rhythm.

It worked!

Thornton went nine of 15 and scored 25 of his 27 in the second half to help propel the comeback.

Even after the third quarter came to a close, the Kings still found themselves down 82-68.

Yet something was different. Was it just the Westphal firing that put extra energy into a team that was playing its third game in three nights and five in six nights?

I’ll let Cousins explain it to you.

“Everybody said it,” the Kings big man said. “You just felt free out there. You didn’t feel like you had 30-pound bags on your back. You felt good that we were having fun even though we were battling back the whole time. We were having fun working!”

Fun. A little three-letter word that might make all the difference in the world this lockout-shortened season for this team.

The fourth quarter was all Kings.

Despite Brandon Jennings killing it with 31 points and hitting six three-pointers along the way, the Kings pushed the ball hard and laid the smack down on defense. In the end, they outscored the Bucks in the fourth 35-18.

It was either Thornton hitting a jumper, Cousins taking it to the rack hard (and scoring) or Evans driving and getting to the free throw line that made the difference.

Sacramento closed the game on a 22-8 run but wouldn’t take their first lead since late in the first quarter until there was 18 seconds left in the game.

“I just told them to play hard,” Smart said in the post-game press conference. “Just play hard first, and after that your game will kick in. That’s all I said to them. I didn’t go in with a rah-rah speech. I just play hard, and things will start to happen.”

Evans agreed with Cousins in saying that things felt a little different against the Bucks.

“We were just out there playing free,” he said. “He’s a great coach. He’s putting in new things to help guys get looks at the rim and at the basket. We just have to work with him.”

It sounds like the start of a beautiful relationship.

Let’s hope the newly coined hash-tag for Twitter (#SmartBall) catches on in more ways than one! [You should explain this more. What does this have to do with the Kings?]

Kings notes: In the second quarter, Chuck Hayes suffered a dislocated left shoulder in a collision and is expected to be out three to four weeks . . . Despite the slow start and most of his jumpers falling short of the rim, John Salmons scored 13 and had six boards . . . J.J. Hickson had 11 rebounds and seven points . . . Kings went from shooting 31.8 percent shooting in the first half to 48.9 percent in the second half . . . Next game is at home versus the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

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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Kings beat Warriors in last preseason tilt of the season, 95-91

2011-12-22T01:48:51Z

Twelve thousand plus in attendance for a preseason game told you that Kings head honcho Paul Westphal was right.

“It’s nice to have basketball back in this building, isn’t it?,” Westphal started his post game press conference.

It sure was!

A good crowd for the only home preseason game this season saw the Sacramento Kings tighten up the defense in the final minutes of the game and hold on to beat the Golden State Warriors 95-91 at Power Balance Pavilion on Tuesday evening.

Leading the way for the Kings was Marcus Thornton who had 21 points, seven boards and four assists and J.J. Hickson who scored 19 points and had nine rebounds.

Tyreke Evans scored the first basket of the new season on the home court with a net-ripping three to give the Kings an early 3-2 lead.

Tyler Honeycutt, the UCLA product that was one of the Kings second round picks, was hustling all over the court and making the Warriors take tougher shots in his first start as a King. Honeycutt got the start because John Salmons, the projected starter at small forward, is still nursing a thigh contusion.

Both teams love to run. In the first quarter alone, eight of the Warriors 19 points came off of the break.

David Lee was a thorn in the Kings side as the Warriors big man either finished with a dunk on the break or was hacked and sent to the line where he made four of his first five from the stripe. Lee finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds.

Thornton hit a couple of early long balls and a tough layup with two guys draped on him that helped give the Kings the lead after one quarter, 23-19.

With less than a minute to go in the first half, Warrior stud Stephen Curry rolled his ankle while trying to guard Jimmer Fredette. Fredette put a good move on the Warriors point guard and Curry couldn’t keep up and tweaked the same ankle that gave him trouble a good portion of last season. Curry would not return.

One highlight that Kings fans probably didn’t see coming was the two three-point bombs that newly acquired Travis Outlaw made in the second quarter. Outlaw, who is coming off of hand surgery, had a solid game considering he’s only attended a couple of Kings’ practices.

Another was watching Kings guard Isaiah Thomas sprint to the basket, beat two Warriors to the hoop and score on a sweet reverse lay in as the clock expired in the first half.

The second quarter was more of the same as the Kings would outscore the Warriors again by four points and lead at the half by eight, 49-41.

Sloppy play saw the Kings give away their eight point halftime lead in the third quarter. The Kings had 11 turnovers in the third, led by DeMarcus Cousins’ five giveaways.

Cousins has missed some practice time and it showed.

But when it really mattered, Cousins came through.

The second-year big man had a couple of steals and a crucial block in the last minute of the game that made a huge difference.

Cousins knew it was time to contribute in a different way.

“I’m really just trying to find a rhythm, it’s my first game back,” said Cousins after the game. “A tough game for me offensively, so I tried to do some key things on the defensive end to help the team win.”

Evans was another big reason the Kings held off the pesky Warriors. He had 10 points in the final period and, in general, just took over the game.

“It started with defense,” said Evans. I knew they were going to try and go to Monte (Ellis) a lot, so I took on the challenge and tried to make him take tough shots. I think that’s what we have to do to be a good team. We got to play good defense.”

With 27.1 seconds left, Thornton hit a three that blew the roof off of PBP and sealed the game for the Kings.

J.J. Hickson, who also hit seven of nine free throws, said he’s ready to do whatever the Kings need him to do. Whether it’s play the four or the five position, he can handle it.

“With me, I’m the type of player that is going to do whatever it takes to win,” said Hickson. “I’m not complaining what position I play, as long as we get it done. I don’t care who does what, as long as we get better individually and as a team, then that’s all we can ask for.”

KINGS NOTES: All three rookies scored in their home debut . . . Honeycutt had six, Fredette had 12 to accompany three boards and four assists and Thomas had eight points . . . Cousins had 10 boards and nine turnovers, mostly in that horrible third quarter . . . Francisco Garcia, Donte Greene and Hassan Whiteside all could have played but did not due to coach’s decision . . . The home opener is Monday against bitter rivals the Los Angeles Lakers

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.

Man on the street: holiday traditions

2011-12-20T06:26:32Z

It’s that time of the year again and the question remains the same, “What are you doing for the holidays?” While some people maintain the same traditions they were raised with, some have welcomed new traditions and some just plain don’t celebrate at all. The Sacramento Press asked locals what their holiday plans were for this year.Alley Katz cook, Felipe Olivares, 39, said he was born in California but his parents moved here from Mexico and while he has become accustomed to the new lifestyle, he has maintained the Spanish holiday tradition throughout the years.

“When I grew up, I went to a school that was literally named ‘White School,’ I was one of two Mexicans in the school,” Olivares said.

For Olivares, the children stay awake until midnight every year and they open their gifts before they go to bed, not on Christmas morning.

“It’s usually a lot of tamales and a bunch of family over. We open our gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve.”Twenty-six year old Peter Barnes, works for the State Water Board and his father married into the Columbian Catholic Holiday tradition, so Barnes said he has welcomed that as a new holiday tradition.

“For the holidays, I usually go home and hang out with my parents in Petaluma. My stepmom’s Columbian and we’re Catholic, so the Columbian Catholics, they do something a little different,” Barnes said. “We usually do Christmas on Christmas Eve, so we do Midnight mass, which is at 10:30 now because nobody wants to go to mass at midnight.”

Barnes explained that this allows him to spend time with both his family and his wife’s family for Christmas.

“Now that I’m married, it allows to me to go for Christmas days at my in-laws. You know, eat breakfast and open up more presents.”

But for some Sacramento residents, this will be the first year they are not able to celebrate their usual holiday traditions due to work hours and time restraints.Alley Katz Bartender and Midtown resident, Erin Caldiero, said she will not be able to make her usual trip to Southern California to spend her Christmas with family.

“I usually go down to Oceanside because that’s where I’m originally from. All of my mother’s side of the family all get together and we don’t even do gift exchange, but we do the Dirty Santa, which is the gift game,” Caldiero said.

The part of the normal holiday celebration that Caldiero enjoys the most is where they get to see how grossed out the children can get. Unfortunately, she will not be able to see the look of disgust this year.

“We throw in some toilet paper and bras for the kids to get all grossed out, that’s what we do,” Caldiero said.Kandyce Rusca, 26, works at a Cash Checking business and lives in Midtown. She said she has one present that she always gets on Christmas Eve.

“My mom always gets me pajamas, that’s the one present we get to open on Christmas Eve,” Rusca said. “I’m not going to complain though because they are really nice pajamas.”

This is the first year she will be spending Christmas as one part of a married couple, so she will have to work out how she will spend the holidays with both families.

“We go bowling every year with his my husband’s dad a couple days before Christmas, he even made us shirts,” Rusca said. “Then, we spend Christmas Eve at my parents’ house, and my husband also gets to open one present there, he usually also gets pajamas,” Parker said. “Then on Christmas day, we will have dinner with my family.”Paragarys' Cook Skyler Stanton, 26, said he travels away from his normal residency in Midtown to spend his Christmas with his dad, his sisters and his nephews in North Lake Tahoe.

“I try to go skiing as much as possible,” Stanton said. “I go to casinos and lose whatever money I have left over from Christmas shopping and regret all of it by the time I get back to Sacramento.”

Sometimes, dietary restrictions can offer new twists on the classic meals that have been a part of every holiday tradition.Roscoe Williams, a consultant from South Sacramento, has incorporated a vegan turkey into his family’s dinner.

“We have dinner with the family and do a gift exchange, either on the 24th or the 25th, depending on what everyone’s schedule is,” Williams said. “Last time, they had a vegan turkey and a lot of vegetables.”

There is still one tradition that some people have carried on, the tradition of not having a holiday tradition. Alley Katz cook and bar back, Thaddeus Porter, 29, who lives in Oak Park and two houses away from his mom, said he does not need a designated day to show his love for his family.

“We haven’t celebrated anything for like 10 years. My mom is kind of old. She lives like two houses away so I visit her like almost every day. I have one brother, and he lives with her and takes care of her,” Porter said. “It’s just how it is. We don’t have people tell us when to give each other gifts or things.”

While Christmas traditions are normally determined by the way people were raised or what they have married into, some people’s traditions are simply to not have one at all. Share your holiday traditions in the comment section below.

Iceland Home to the 2011 Holiday Show

2011-12-20T02:51:12Z

About 20 people performed in the two performances of the 2011 Holiday Show on Saturday at Iceland Skating Rink and raised over $1,000 to help repair the large roof, the next project to make the rink a year-round facility once again.

This is the first ice show since the March 2010 fire.

“The performers have been practicing twice a week since the ice rink opened in November,” said Terrie Kerth, daughter of one of the two co-owners.

Janelle Cardoso is the director and choreographer of the show.

“All the skaters are very technically sound,” said Cardoso. “Most of them have show skating experience.”

Towards the end of the hour-long show Carmen Melissa, who was sitting next to the author, spoke positively of skater Susan Algarne, “You have skaters, then you have your skaters who are natural performers.” Algarne skated to “Let It Snow.”

Cristal Johnson, who came with her family said, “It was unexpected. We came to skate but the show was happening. We loved it.”

Over 100 people attended between the two performances.

To continue to serve the Sacramento community for another 70 years, Iceland recently gained non-profit status. Its main focus is to teach people how to skate.

“We need to let kids know there is a better place than the streets,” said Melissa. “Here you can be part of a family.”

As a volunteer for five years, Harley McCarthy enjoys being on the ice.

“Its a great way to relieve stress,” said McCarthy.

Private skate lessons are only $1 a minute and public skate can be enjoyed during the afternoon hours for $5 including skate rental.

Individuals or groups who donate to the rebuilding of Iceland will receive personalized glass blocks. More details can be found online at www.skatesacramento.com or by contacting Terrie Kerth at (916) 992-4836.

Pets invited to Santa’s Workshop in Midtown!

2011-12-16T20:24:29Z

Skip the crowded malls this Saturday and bring your wish lists and your camera down to the MARRS Building to visit Santa’s Workshop! Santa and his elves have opened up their workshop for the past two Saturdays and this Saturday they are inviting the whole family, even the pets!

Residents and visitors are invited to visit Santa’s Workshop at the MARRS Building from 11am-4pm. Pets are welcome to come down from 2pm-4pm. Grateful Dog Daycare will even be on hand to give the photogenic pooches a special treat.

The MARRS Building is located in the heart of Midtown at 20th & J Streets. MARRS retailers invite all, big and small, to join them at this festive event. Retailers at MARRS include Pete’s Coffee, Mr. Pickles, Sacramento Comedy Spot, Azul, Luigi’s Slice, Denim Spot, LoungeON20 and Asha Yoga.

“We are excited to offer Midtown families and visitors the opportunity to meet Santa here at the MARRS Building as part of their Holiday festivities,” said MARRS developer Michael Heller.

Families and their pets will have the opportunity to take their own photos or they can purchase an instant photo for $5 from the on-site photographer. Children are also encouraged to bring their letters to Santa and place them in Santa’s Mailbox for express journey to the North Pole.

Parking will also be FREE during all hours of Santa’s Workshop thanks to the City of Sacramento, who is providing Midtown with FREE Street metered parking all day on weekends and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays through December 25th.

Please check out marrs-sactown.com for more information specific to each event.

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication Coordinator at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the annual Halloween festivities.

The Court Jester - Media Day musings, Cousins keeps 'em laughing

2011-12-16T04:47:25Z

With the season fast approaching, the Sacramento Kings held their annual Media Day on Thursday, December 15 at Power Balance Pavilion.

Every player had various duties on this busy day - multiple media obligations, shooting stand ups and bits for use in-game and even an open scrimmage, where fans across the valley will get their first chance at seeing this version of the new-look Kings.

With the addition of J.J. Hickson (via trade from Cleveland for Omri Casspi), the signing of free agent Chuck Hayes away from Houston and acquiring John Salmons via draft day trade involving Beno Udrih plus the drafting of three rookies in Jimmer Fredette, Isaiah Thomas and Tyler Honeycutt added to the three new assistant coaches added in the offseason. This could be the most changes that any one team has endured during one year.

Everyone that was anyone showed up at center court on the Kings home floor to get their time in front of someone's microphone.

The Court Jester was there and gathered these thoughts about the upcoming season, the new team chemistry and the how the Kings will play during this season.

Coach Westphal on expectations on the season - “We’re going to be better! I don’t have any hesitation in saying that. I like our team and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Coach Westphal on the shortened time allowed for camp and the effect of trying to put in his offensive and defensive sets - “There certainly is a lot to put in in a very short period of time. I think it’s important to us not to proceed as if we’re rushed. We need to put everything out there and be solid without rushing all the details. They way I’ve tried to do that is to put in the big picture first and then tweaked the details that need tweaking. If we had a summer and a pre-training camp time and then a month of training camp, we might start with the details and build outward. Now we’re starting with the big picture and building inward. We’re trying to do that so we don’t feel rushed and if we can stay healthy, I think it will work for us.”

Donte Greene on the emotions of the last game of the year last campaign - “A lot of emotions. I had a lot of fans coming up to me crying and saying they hope we stay. I was always one of the guys that was a front-runner for us staying here in Sacramento. I’ve been here going on four years, my family loves it here, it’s a beautiful city, so really wanted to stay. Now that we’re here, we need to make sure we stay here and make sure we start winning.”

Donte Greene on the black uniforms the team gets to sport for a few games this year - “The black uni’s are nice. I think we should have had them before. I ask for them in my second year in the league. We finally got them and I think it’s a perfect time for them.”

Donte Greene on coming into camp in better shape physically and more mature as a person - “Just being a professional athlete. That’s another part of me growing up. Last summer, we weren’t really on top of things, so summer I made sure I staying down on my weight and and in 20 pounds lighter than I did last year. Just trying to stay focused. I’m hungry and I’m trying to get another contract to stay in Sacramento. So hopefully that happens.”

Bobby Jackson on his new role as an assistant coach - “I look forward to it. It’s a learning process for me and I’m willing to learn for both of the Jims (Eyen and Todd), Keith Smart and Coach Paul. For me, I’m the new guy coming in and these guys have years of experience and that’s what I want to gain. Gain that experience, gain that knowledge and just learn from probably the best coaches in the league.”

Tyreke Evans on who has impressed him so far out of the news guys - “John (Salmons) is pretty good. I like the pickup when we got him. He’s a three man who can score the ball and play good defense. I think he is going be a great help to this team. Jimmer and the rookies have come in and played well. So I’m looking forward to see how they will play in a game.”

Tyreke Evans on the improvements the team has made in team speed and overall shooting - “I think that is going to be one of our main focuses this year is to try and run teams out of the gym. It’s a short season so I think the more we push the ball, the better chance we have to win.”

Francisco Garcia on his early training camp impressions - “We look pretty good in training camp. Everybody is in pretty good shape. We’re growing well together and think we are going to surprise a lot of people this year.”

Francisco Garcia on how good this year’s group of guys are - “This is the most talent we’ve ever had since I’ve been here. We have a lot of talent. We’re learning how to play together and are doing a pretty good job in training camp right now. We’re focussing a lot on defense.”

Jimmer Fredette on getting some early time to impress in the scrimmage and maybe the first preseason game after Tyreke slightly tweaked an ankle - “I’m just going to do whatever the coaches want me to do and I’ll just try and earn my spot with the playing time given by showing them that I can play with this team and do whatever it is that they want me to in order for this team to win.”

Jimmer Fredette on early comparisons to Tim Tebow - “I’ve heard comparisons, but I still haven’t stepped foot on an NBA floor. I did some good things in college and he did some great things in college as well. I think one thing that is a little bit similar is the naysayers saying what type of position we are. That we can’t do what we did in college in the NBA or the NFL. That remains to be seen from me, but he’s been proving that the last seven or eight weeks with what he’s been doing. I’m just trying to out there and play well, play me game and be a great player for this organization.”
J.J. Hickson on leadership - “I think I lead by example. I think I’m going to take it upon myself to be more vocal this year. Being that I played in the playoffs and got to the Eastern Conference finals, I know what it takes to be that type of team, to be a playoff team and to be a championship caliber type team. I’m in practice going hard in every drill, getting my shots up before and after practice and just doing things a leader is supposed to do.”

Marcus Thornton on the happiness he shared with his mom after signing the Kings offer - “Tears of joy, not that boo hoo crap. It’s great to have an organization that wants you for long term.”

Marcus Thornton on making a splash last year - “It was great timing. I just tried to sieze every moment of it. I just tried to go out there and play hard and to the best of my ability.”

Marcus Thornton on what he needs to improve in his game - “It’s going to start with my conditioning. Getting myself ready to play night in and night out. Getting my conditioning to where it needs to be. Playing against these guys in this league, there are no days off. I’m just going to get my conditioning better and things will fall into place after that.”

Chuck Hayes on showing the Kings players what it means to be tough - “It’s my will to win. I’m a competitive person and I try my best to teach these guys just the little things - the importance of them. We all have talent and can all play this game, but late in the game, our concentration and execution is going to help us win games and we have to make winning plays.”

Chuck Hayes on his game resembling Charles Barkley’s game - “Charles Barkley was my favorite basketball player. Every since I was younger, I was always built like him. I used to follow C-Webb a lot because I lived in Oakland when he was with the Warriors. Then when I moved to Modesto, he went to the Kings so it seemed like I followed his career as well. I’ve always been an undersized guy, a very powerful player - it’s just the way I am. I’ve played the big position since I was little and I’m going to finish playing this game by playing the big position.”

DeMarcus Cousins on, well, whatever he wanted to talk about. He opened the media session by cracking on the media guys and jokingly answering the early questions directed his way - “So, you gonna all stare at me or ask me questions?”

Someone asked him what the biggest difference between last year and this year has been - “We got black jerseys, hello?? Next question! You can’t scare no one with purple - running down the court looking all majestic.”

Once Cousins settled in, he was his typical charming self.

Cousins on differences between being a rookie and now - “Feels good. I don’t have to carry that pick bag anymore.” (referring to his pink Hollie Hobbie backpack) “We’ve got a talented group. We’ve got some veteran leadership. There is a lot of positive energy in the locker room and around the city, so it’s gonna be a new look, a new year for us.”

Cousins on how he tweak his ankle in practice the other day - “I stepped on the midget’s foot - Isaiah. He was definitely in the way,” he jokingly said.

Cousins on how he stayed in shape during the offseason - “Why would I tell you all my secrets? I’m in shape, that’s all that matters. We good!”

Every time he opens his mouth, the gathered masses are ready to burst out laughing. The guy is extremely funny and intelligent at the same time and a real treat to get to cover.

The Court Jester - A Smart addition to staff brings lots of experience

2011-12-14T01:36:08Z

Trust me, Keith Smart had options.

It was just the way Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal struck him during Westphal’s visit to his Bay Area home.

“Coach Paul was incredible as far as the process of trying to get me to come here,” said Smart after the first of two practices on Monday afternoon. “I mean, he came to my house and we sat in my living room for three hours talking about basketball philosophy. And he didn’t have to do that. When the decision came for them to come talk to me, I thought I would have had to come up to Sacramento. He said, ‘Hey, I’ll come visit with you.’ He came up and we sat and talked and I thought that was pretty good. This worked out perfect because it’s right down the highway from my home and I can see my family. My kids in high school and everything. Just being here and having a chance to get back into it again relatively quickly. When you get let go as a head coach, sometimes it doesn’t happen that fast, but I’m back in the teaching fold and learning mode again.”

“I’ve been fortunate to be around coaches that allow you to coach and Paul is one of those coaches as well. He takes input and information that you have and what you want to add to the team and he’s open to all that. It’s a good fit and it worked out really well with me coming here.”

The former head coach of the Golden State Warriors had a record last season of 36-46. But a worse than the Kings road record of 9-32 and the fact that the team never really got newly signed big man and solid rebounder David Lee to fit into what they were trying to accomplish in the East Bay led to his dismissal.

If you remember, Smart is probably known best for his 1987 Final Four heroics when he made a game-winning shot to lead Indiana to a National Championship over highly-touted Syracuse.

Smart has already looked back at what he could have done different in Oakland and intends on learning from past mistakes.

“You look at that you could have went with plays for guys at a certain situations of the game. Percentage-wise, if you go back and look at all the data from the year, you look at that maybe this guy could have done a little bit better in that situation than another guy that I had at that position from time to time. Maybe I should have gone to a particular player in a post up area a little bit more to kind of force the defense to adjust to us a little more. Little things like that.”

“But from managing the team and running a team, which I had a great coach that allowed me to to do a lot of work in Don Nelson, who gave me freedom to run the team and run practice. To have that experience already, that was a plus for me.”

Keith Smart has coaching in his blood.

Even before Don Nelson let him share the pine with him on an NBA bench, Smart was cutting his teeth in the CBA. In his first year as a head coach at any level, he led the Fort Wayne Fury to a franchise-record 31-win season and a spot in the playoffs.

The next season, he did it again. Playoff bound!

While in the CBA, he had an incredible 21 players signed away to NBA contracts. That just screams great coaching.

Smart, who is 47 now, then spent seven years alongside Don Nelson with the Warriors - the longest assistant coaching stint in Golden State history.

Smart knows he has a lot to offer the young Kings’ roster.

“I think that a coach really needs to be hands on in this environment,” said Smart. “Especially with the young players these days leaving school so early. They are still used to a coach being hands on. Until you get to a veteran team to where they pretty much know what they need to do. We need to make sure that we are holding these guys hands to help them to understand how to be a pro. And when they get to that point of being a pro, most of the time your team is going to be better.”

He also thinks that it’s great timing for him because of the influx of so many new players to the team. Another reason is that he can set an example going forward without having to revisit the past.

“I come in blind to everything that may have gone on,” said Smart. “I come in with the idea of teaching and going forward, not so much of looking back because I wasn’t here last year. We have some new pieces, some new players come in and everything fells like its brand new. So for me, I’m able to come in and just look at it from a coaching standpoint and say okay guys I need to do this, I want to do this and move from there as opposed to what went on and what happened and focusing on the negatives. I’m looking at what we can probably do this year to help turn things around and Coach Westphal has been great with all that.”

Coach Smart already sees that this team is unselfish and it started with the teachings of Coach Westphal.

“I think what Coach has done is try and get this team to share the ball, said Smart. “With a young team, that’s always hard because everyone is looking for their own identity. So what he’s tried to do is try and get the players to share and get the coaching staff to have a philosophy of getting them to play with each other and become a team. If they grow as a team, they will get better as a unit and start winning games. If they can understand how important the next guy is, that’s only going to help the team in the long run. And that is what this training camp here is all about.”

Coach Smart and the rest of the coaching staff will first get to see the impact they’ve had on this young team on Saturday, when the Kings travel to Oakland to play Golden State in their first of two preseason games.

On Friday, a look at Thursday’s Media Day and more insight to the season from Kings players.

The Court Jester - Better late than never, training camp begins anew

2011-12-13T02:43:47Z

The long-awaited, lockout-shortened Kings’ season is finally underway as training camp has opened in Natomas at Sacramento’s training facility in the Power Balance Pavilion parking lot.

Here are some observations from the second and third day of the two-week training camp.

State of the Kings Address

Each training camp, Geoff Petrie, the Kings’ President of Basketball Operations, addresses the media to discuss the offseason and his early training camp observations. This year was a lot different for Petrie as he and the staff are having to cram over a months worth of moves, discussions and preparation for the upcoming season in a two-week period.

Here are Petrie’s comments regarding various items during his stand up before the gathered media.

On how he likes the current makeup of the team - “I think at the moment, we are happy where we are. The team has been reconfigured from the last season, so a new group with the potential for what we think is improvement. They all came into camp in pretty good shape considering what turned out to be a very lengthy offseason. They seem focused and energetic and everybody’s glad to be back playing basketball.”

On major differences from last year’s campaign - “I think we are going to be a better shooting team. We’re going to be a better passing team. And I think we will be better able to attack teams offensively in more ways than we were last year.”

On how much room does the team still have under the salary cap considering the signing of Marcus Thornton (4 years, $31 million) and Chuck Hayes (4 years, $21.3 million) as well as rookies Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Honeycutt and Isaiah Thomas to contracts - “We’re still about a million dollars and change away from the minimum salary.”

On how happy he was with the general shape the players came into camp in - “Yeah, I am. In general, there are probably a couple of guys that need to lose a little bit of weight, but overall DeMarcus is ten pounds lighter than he was at the beginning of training camp a year ago. Tyreke is in better shape than he was at the start of camp last year. Marcus is within a few pounds of his game weight. John (Salmons) is in terrific shape. Fredette and all the rookies are fine. Again, considering the amount of time, we are pretty good shape that way.”

Geoff Petrie also emphasized that the team has a couple of offers out there and wouldn’t be surprised if they added another piece or two to the puzzle. At this point, it seems a backup point guard and maybe another big man could be in the mix.

He also sees the amnesty dominos to fall slowly considering that many teams are waiting to see who drops who and what other late deals some teams may be able to throw together.

The Curtain Rises

At some point during each practice, the long canvas shade that keeps the media shielded from the team’s on-court activities rises to allow the gathered newsmen and women to gaze upon the balance of Coach Paul Westpahl’s training drills.

So far this season, the curtain has risen early to allow the media a long look at will be this year’s incarnation of the Sacramento Kings.

Once practice is over, Coach Westphal give his thoughts on the days workout. Here are some of those thoughts from the second and third days of training camp.

On a potential three-guard set with Jimmer, Tyreke and Marcus Thornton and how it’s looked in practice - “It really worked well. At one point, they ran off about 12 or 15 points in a row. We were picking up full court - we’ll be doing a lot more of that this year - and creating some turnovers and early shots and they got out and were explosive. So that’s a combination that can be real effective.”

On how the young guys have looks so far - “Probably the best of everybody. I thought Whiteside had his moments, and Jimmer, Isaiah and Tyler all were excellent.”

On what might be missing from last year that you’ll need this year’s team to step up and get done - “I just think we are trying to grow as a team. We’ve added some players with some experience and some versatility and ball-handling ability. We’ll be a better shooting team. Hopefully healthier and we’ll have a little more depth.”

On whether the Kings will be more of a running team the season - “I think our personnel dictates that can extend the defense a little more effectively and I think we’re doing to try and do that.”

On how John Salmons is fitting in so far - “I think he’s doing an outstanding job! He’s a real pro and he knows where he’s supposed to be and why and he’s helping the other guys. He’s been real good at both ends.”

On J.J. Hickson - “I see a real athletic, dynamic player. He’s still feeling his way with where he’s supposed to be and why, but I think he’s somebody who can bring an element of athleticism to the game every time he comes in.”

Words from the Crown Keepers

Here are some comment from various players after a couple of workouts under their belts.

Isaiah Thomas on being a leader in college and now learning from leaders in the pros - “Because (in college) I was always was the one to lead and was telling people what to do, but now they’re telling me what to do. At the same time, when I do tell them what to do, they are listening too so it’s a mutual thing with all of us. I’m just trying to learn on the flow and learn everything from the vets and the guys that have been here a while.”

Isaiah Thomas on what the coaches are looking for from him - “Just to play hard and come in and bring energy and that’s what I’m going to do whether it’s score for myself or make plays for my teammates, I’m gonna do whatever I can to help the team win and get more wins. That’s my job!”

Isaiah Thomas on getting acclimated to the Sacramento area - “I’m trying to get lost just to see if I can find my way back to the hotel and things like that. I’m just trying to get more comfortable on the court and off.”

John Salmons on his expected leadership role with the team - “I’m just being myself man. I’m not the real vocal type. I just try to come in and be a professional and lead by example. I try and come in everyday and work hard and play the right way.”

John Salmons on what has impressed him the most so far in camp - “They way they share the ball. They are all looking to find the open guy, hitting cutters. I’ve been surprised by that the most.”

John Salmons on having a former teammate - Bobby Jackson - as a coach now - “I guess the longer you play, the more ex-teammates you have as coaches (laughs). Bobby’s cool. Bobby was cool when I was here. We always got along well so we’ll get along well with him as a coach.”

J.J. Hickson on putting in extra time after practice working on his shot - “It’s very important. I’m trying to get better every day. I’m trying to get better with the team so I think it starts with the individual first. I’m gonna get my extra work in when I need to.”

J.J. Hickson on being traded from Cleveland - “I was real surprised. I started in Cleveland. They taught me everything I know up to now. I’m gonna try and come here and let my defensive principals from Mike Brown and Byron Scott roll over into this team.”

J.J. Hickson on what his best attributes are - “I think I’m best when I’m running the floor. Setting screens against the offense real quick. The scoring is icing on the cake but I’m going to do what I have to do to make me and my teammates better.”

Tyler Honeycutt on what he’s already picked up on from the veteran players - “The movement on the floor, reading screens, staying in space and running. (Francisco) Garcia’s been talking to me a lot so I’m listening to him.”

Tyler Honeycutt on Garcia’s mentorship - “He’s been kind of looking over me like a big brother telling me where to go and making sure I’m on the right spots on the floor.”

Tyler Honeycutt on the speed of the game - “It’s like going from high school to college, now it’s college to the big boys. Everybody’s taller, faster, stronger, smarter and more athletic so I’m just trying to get used to that. Getting in the weight room to get stronger.”

Jason Thompson on the new crop of talent and the future of the Kings - “It’s starting to be good. It’s good that everyone is here and healthy. We’re just getting the reps in and putting in the offense, getting used to our defensive principals and get some continuity.”

Jason Thompson on helping the young guys - “Everyone started mature. We’re easing into things with Jimmer and Tyler and Isaiah and just giving them tips and helping them out as we’re learning as well.”

Chuck Hayes on settling in - “There is a lot of energy in the building with the youth and the excitement. I’m learning. I feel like a rookie. I’m learning guys style of play. Learning where they like to shoot the ball, their strength, their weaknesses and trying to get some kind of chemistry with them on the court.”

Chuck Hayes on if he’s, at 6’6”, always played in the middle - “I’ve always been the center from elementary to junior high a little bit in high school and a little bit in college. So playing the position was never foreign to me. I’ve always been the big kid. If you asked to me play point guard, I’d look terrible, but playing center to me is something I’ve been doing my whole life.”

Chuck Hayes on his defensive mindset going against bigger guys night after night - “Every game is a marathon. It’s a 48-minute game. The point is I just try to outwork and outlast my opponent, my guy individually. I try and wear him down and make him uncomfortable. There will be some moments where he’ll get the best of me, but you got to expect that because everybody is a professional. But throughout the 48-minute game, I have to be able to outlast him when it matters.”

Jimmer Fredette on the rush to get ready - “It’s been really exciting to start my first training camp and to start with the team. Everything is pretty accelerated because our first exhibition game is coming up real soon, but we’re doing a great job of trying to stay focused, get the plays down and get our defensive scheme down and all the terminology. It’s a learning process right now, but it’s going well.”

Jimmer Fredette on what about his game will help this team and it’s cohesiveness - “The biggest thing is just to go out there and play my game. If you show them respect, they’ll show respect back to you. Get them the ball when they’re open and take your open shots and hopefully you make them. That’s how you gain respect by going out there and playing as hard as you can, making the right decisions and being a good teammate.”

Tomorrow in The Court Jester, a conversation with the former head honcho of the Golden State Warriors and new Kings' assistant Keith Smart.

Real Relationships: Don't forget about yourself

2011-12-12T16:16:35Z

The holiday season is typically full of fun and festivities: work parties, family get-togethers, nights out with friends, and don't forget all the shopping! It is during this time of year that I find myself busy, tired and lacking in a little personal time. Don't get me wrong — I love the holidays, the parties, the decorations and all of it, but sometimes I get tired.

The scheduling, the invitations and the cleaning followed by the cooking, shopping and general daily life are a lot! I feel like I always get sick shortly after New Years because my body just says, "Enough already."

The solution: There isn't one. However, don't forget about yourself in the midst of all the fun. No, I am not suggesting that you go out and buy yourself a gift because you “SO deserve it...”

I was thinking more along the lines of taking a few minutes every day to sit with a cup of coffee or wine. Read a book or take a little bit longer shower. Use the time to gather your thoughts, review the day or make lists of what you need to do that day.

Tackling all the cheer with a plan will leave you more relaxed anyway, but giving yourself a physical and mental reprieve will go a long way in ensuring that you don't bite someone’s head off when they simply ask if you can pick up something from the store. (Of course I have never done that...)

You will find that the holidays are more fun, more festive and less of a strain on your resources if you remember to take care of yourself.

How do you survive the holiday season? Any great tricks to organize, tackle or refresh yourself? Share with me.

Merry Christmas!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured weekly in “Real Relationships.”

Hoops 4 Health (H4H)

2011-12-08T02:25:10Z

HOOPS FOR HEALTH
A SLAM DUNK FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY
AT THE OAK PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Located at 3415 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Sacramento, CA 95817

-Basketball skills for all youth
-Healthy Snacks
-Valuable Information
-Blood pressure/ Blood sugar testing station
(conducted by the Imani Clinic Organization)
-A safe and friendly enviornment

Our goal is to provide a replicable program which empowers the
youth to focus on its strengths through teamwork. We will also
provide access to healthy alternatives in efforts to curb drug use,
obesity and low self-esteem.

This program is a Imani Clinic / YXPlosion / Community
Collaborative

For more information call (916) 806-2770
E-mail H4H at hoops4health@ucdavis.edu or YXP markjacobs@yxpunite.org
Please ask for William Shepperd, Minh Dang or Mark Jacobs

Disclosure: Mark Jacobs is the President & CEO of YXPlosion

Youth XPlosion (YXP) Sunrise Program

2011-12-08T02:10:18Z

A Great Way To Start A Day !

FREE

Every second Saturdy morning
from 10:00 am to 12:00pm

Location: Oak Park Community Center
3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Sacramento Ca 95817

For Who? : Families!!!
Kids, bring your parents or guardians !!!

9:45 am : Registration
10:00 am : Doors Open
10:15 am : Buffet Breakfast
10:45 am - 11:30 am :
* “Adults and Families Of The Community” Program
( Conducted By Dorothy Jones)
* Face Painting
* Blood Pressure & Sugar Testing
( Conducted By The Imani Clinic)
11:30 am - 12:00 pm : Food Bag Distribution
By Culinary Staff

Please go to www.yxpunite.org or call (916) 806-2770

Disclosure: Mark Jacobs is the President & CEO of YXPlosion

There's an ice rink in Rancho Cordova?

2011-12-08T01:41:26Z

Just off Highway 50, in a city far, far away, skaters are strapping on the blades and cutting wide circles around Sacramento's newest outdoor holiday rink.

Maybe not so far away. It's in Rancho Cordova. It's beautiful. And they won it.

Last summer, Rancho Cordovans surprised everybody by racking up more than 2.5 million votes in a nationwide contest sponsored by the venerable Reader's Digest. After weeks of online voting, and outpacing cities much larger -- and much smaller -- Rancho Cordova ended up in first place -- and holding a $40,000 check.

Along the way, citizens of this city of 65,000 expressed what they would do with the money if they were lucky enough to win it. In post after post, they said something like this: "Provide something for kids to do."

Several months later, that's just what they have done: a glistening outdoor ice rink, and all comers are welcome.

Located just south of Highway 50 at the Zinfandel Drive exit, a towering three-story high Ferris wheel marks the spot. It spins and flashes brightly colored lights, telling you the ice rink is nearby.

Allstate Insurance is the big corporate sponsor of the Rancho Cordova Holiday Ice Rink, and besides the Reader's Digest winnings, both the non-profit Cordova Community Council and City of Rancho Cordova are major backers. Nearly 30 more Rancho Cordova businesses, churches and community groups are also supporting the rink, which was opened with substantial fanfare on Nov. 17.

Since then, the community's 30-foot Christmas tree has been lit during a spectacular tree lighting festival, figure skaters have performed dazzling holiday routines and skaters are showing up for everything from preschool field trips to birthday parties.

"We don't have the only holiday ice rink in the region, but we certainly have the most beautiful," said Lee Frechette, who is the chairman of the ice rink efforts of the Cordova Community Council. "The Ferris wheel is an amazing landmark and offers the best view in the region -- especially if you come at sunset."

A miniature train ride, concessions and hot buttery kettle corn popping away rinkside make it a party.

The Rancho Cordova Holiday Ice Rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 16. Located at 3151 Zinfandel Drive, take the Zinfandel exit and head south. Turn left on Data Drive and you are there.

Tickets and information are available online at www.RanchoCordovaIceRink.com or at the ticket office onsite. Tickets are $5.50 for children 12 and under, and adults 62 and older. Adults are $8.50. Skate rental will cost you another $2. Special rates apply for groups of 10 or more, who score free skate rental. Ferris wheel, train rides and snacks are extra, but worth the price for a great family-friendly outing.

For more information, call the Cordova Community Council at (916) 273-5704.

Editor's Note: The Cordova Community Council is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Disclosure: Shelly Blanchard is executive director of the Cordova Community Council , a sponsor and proud supporter of the Rancho Cordova Holiday Ice Rink.

Real Relationships: Gift Giving

2011-12-05T17:02:27Z

Q: I am a struggling college student with more bills than income. Christmas is always a struggle for me because I don't have the funds I want to dedicate to present-buying. My family completely understands this, and we often choose names to limit the number of people you must buy a present for.

However, my boyfriend’s family (we have been together several years) does not do that, and they are known for their extravagant gift-giving. The past few years that I have participated in their family Christmas, I typically end up over-extending myself on the gifts and putting more than I want to on my credit card.

This year I don't want to do that, but it is embarrassing to show up with cheap gifts at this function. I'm stuck....

A: How well do you know your boyfriend's family? Seems to me if you are close enough to spend holidays with them, everyone ought to be privy to your financial situation. Furthermore, piling up your debt to keep up with the standard is not the answer.

Talk to your boyfriend about this (if he doesn't already know) and work out a solution. It can be embarrassing to discuss financial conditions with your loved one and his family, but if you are serious about spending the rest of your life with him and his family, you might as well be transparent now.

If you want to buy actual gifts, pair up with your boyfriend to give gifts to each person so that you are only carrying half of the cost. If you think it will be well received, look into some creative options for homemade gifts or services.
I have found that offering services versus tangible gifts is a big hit.

For young parents, offer to babysit so they can have a night out or offer to clean the house or do the laundry to give Mom a break.
For the elderly, offer to clean their home or escort them out to the grocery store or doctor appointments. For the elderly who live alone, coming by and spending time with them would also be a nice idea.
For cousins and peers, gift them a certificate to do their laundry, clean their house or animal-sit.
Your boyfriend's parents will probably be the most difficult to decide on a service for. I suggest combining the idea of a financial gift and a service. Splurge on some fun foods and offer to host them for dinner. You can then bless them with a meal, but it will give you a chance to spend some time together.

There are many creative ways to bless others without dipping too far into your wallet. People will appreciate the thought behind the gift as well. Most importantly, you will not put yourself further behind in your finances.

Happy holidays!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured and answered every Monday in Real Relationships.

Your Favorite Neighborhood just got Merrier!

2011-11-29T02:09:55Z

2nd Annual 12 Days of Midtown

Midtown Sacramento is all dressed up for the holiday season with events and specials that are sure to fill visitors and residents with holiday cheer. Festivities will occur December 1st - December 12th with a variety of activities for all ages. The 2nd Annual event will feature various local businesses throughout the Midtown district.

The 12 Days of Midtown kicks off with the Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Sacramento Philharmonic on Thursday, December 1st. The full calendar of merry activities includes a Hot Toddy contests at Santa’s Tavern (The Golden Bear), a gingerbread cookie workshop at artBEAST, Santa’s Workshop at the MARRS Building, multiple holiday showcases by the region’s best performing arts organizations, and of course unique shopping opportunities and holiday sales.

Also back for its 2nd year is the Light Up Midtown contests. MBA has challenged 100’s of businesses to transform their store-fronts into the most impressive winter wonderland that their elves can engineer. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 businesses, with the top Midtown business receiving a $1,000 advertising grant. Resident and visitors are encouraged to vote. One lucky voter will win a $100 Gift Card to a Midtown business of their choice.

Plus for the 15th year in a row the City of Sacramento is providing Midtown with FREE Street metered parking all day on weekends and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays through December 25th. So grab your loved ones and a pair of mittens, and check our events listing below for all your Midtown holiday happenings!

12 Days of Midtown events include:
• “Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Philharmonic” Kennedy Gallery & Headhunters | Dec 1
• “SGMC Holiday Concert” First United Methodist Church | Dec 2
• “Santa’s Workshop” MARRS Building | Dec 3
• “Midtown Monthly’s Holiday FUNRaiser” Luigi’s Fungarden | Dec 3
• “Free Holiday Gift Wrapping” French Cuff Consignment | Dec 4
• “Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Party” ArtBeast Studio | Dec 5
• “Santa's Tavern & Hot Toddy Competition” Golden Bear | Dec 6
• “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” Capital Stage | Dec 7
• “Holiday Shopping Kick-Off Party” MAIYA Gallery | Dec 8
• “The Nutcraker, Opening Night” Community Center Theater | Dec 9
• “Emigrant Christmas” Sutter’s Fort | Dec 10
• “The Snow Queen” B Street Theatre | Dec 11
• “Season of Giving Blood Drive” BloodSource | Dec 12

Please check out exploremidtown.org for more information specific to each event.

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication & Events Manager at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the 12 Days of Midtown.

Real Relationships: Family holiday dynamics

2011-11-28T15:28:21Z

Instead of question-and-answer this week, I am writing a little editorial about spending the holidays with immediate and extended family.

For most people, this season is one of the few times a year we see many members of our extended family. Different interests and personalities collide in what turns out to be a magnificent display of diversity, or a horrific explosion of arguing and hurt feelings. What kind of family do you have?

If your family comes together in a harmonious fashion and shares fun, laughter and love, then you are a very blessed person. Remind yourself how thankful you ought to be for the people you love, who love and care about you.

If your family falls into the other category, one of forced happiness, angry words and months of not speaking, then your mission is a bit different.

Make an effort to not participate in and encourage the drama. You likely cannot avoid it altogether, but don't add to it.

Speak positive and encouraging words to your family this season. Remind yourself what you like about every person you are going to see and build on that thought.

Engage everyone in a personal conversation, even those you are not fond of. Even though you have known these people your entire life, there are likely things about them you don't know. Set out to discover something new about your crazy aunt or your irresponsible cousin. Share something about yourself with them as well.

When the conversation stalls, end the time by thanking them for sharing about their life and let them know that you are glad to see them.

Your last mission is to do your best to not lash out when the times get tough. Don't respond in anger if something is said or done that is not to your liking. Respond in kindness or don't respond at all. Bite your tongue if it kills you.

These people are your family. They will always be your family. Don't say something that you are going to regret.

Happy holidays!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured every Monday in Real Relationships.

Photo essay: 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry

2011-11-24T21:27:33Z

Thousands of Sacramento participants toughed out the rain this Thanksgiving morning as they participated in the 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

For more information and race results visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Photos from this morning's event:

Real Relationships: Mother-in-law vs Daycare

2011-11-21T20:09:00Z

Q: My husband and I recently had a baby (five months ago), and now I am looking to go back to work full time. I have looked in to the cost of care for our son, but the prices are outrageous. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law has offered to care for our son every day that I am working. While this seems like a perfect and inexpensive solution, I am not wild about how my mother-in-law handles my son.

My husband and I have a very particular way we handle our son, and my mother-in-law doesn't always follow our directions when she watches him. I am afraid that without consistency he will be confused as he grows older about what is and is not right, what he can get away with, and he will waiver from the eating/sleeping schedule he has become accustom to.

It would be nice to save the money by having her watch him, but in the long run I don't even know if it is worth it! My husband is on my side, but at the same time we can't stomach spending so much money when we have an alternative. I am torn.

A: I think you already know this, but your son comes first. If you truly are not comfortable with your mother-in-law watching him, then you need to find an alternative. However, it appears that your concerns are a little less severe, and they are more a difference of opinion on how to raise your son. While it is important to stay consistent while raising children, remember that she is a grandma now, and grandparents are meant to spoil children rotten.

That said, you need to be very clear about your expectations and ground rules to your mother-in-law if she truly wants to watch him every day. Make a list of your daily routine that she can follow. If you have any specific requests about his feeding, diaper changing and entertainment, be very clear about them.

It is OK for you to be picky about the upbringing of your child. Hopefully your mother-in-law has his best interest at heart and loves him and will respect your wishes once laid out clearly.

Meanwhile, enjoy going back to work!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured every Monday in "Real Relationships".

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.

"We Will Rock You!"

2011-11-09T04:44:55Z

The Sac State Geology Club is shaking things up on November 18th by auctioning off hundreds of rocks, minerals, fossils and more at the 8th annual Rock Auction. This celebration of the natural world is free to the public, begins at 6pm at the CSUS Alumni Center and will include live and silent auctions, catered food and beverages, and children's activities.

The room will be abuzz with the chatter of rock hounds, educators, students and gem connoisseurs perusing samples of highly polished petrified wood, purple cubic fluorite, and stunning fossilized coral. “But, you don’t need to be a professional to enjoy the festivities,” says Club President Chris Hughes, “many of our guests are new to the rock world-- looking for garden pieces or a unique holiday gift. Others are there to support the next generation of scientists.”

Since its inception in 2004, the Rock Auction has raised thousands of dollars to support the study of geology by subsidizing field costs for Sac State Geology Students and through the creation of Rock Boxes for underfunded schools. According to Club Vice President Bryan Bergkamp, “Each spring, the Geology Club constructs boxes full of rock and mineral samples to donate to local schools. It is our opportunity to educate future geologists.”

Some of the unique items up for grabs in the live auction include a crystal ball of calcite, a two foot tall tower of orthoceras fossils from Morocco, and a valuable “Green and Gold” pair of quartz samples-- one a large quartz point containing fine crystals of green chlorite and the other a piece of quartz containing a significant amount of crystalline gold. “You can’t beat the thrill of a Live Auction,” say department chair and event auctioneer Dave Evans, “The atmosphere can get a little frantic as bidding escalates, and with such exceptional items up for auction, this year should be very exciting.”

Volunteers have been working for months to collect specimens from local businesses, alumni, faculty and collectors. “It is a tremendous amount of work, but it's worthwhile.” Says Hughes, “Because of the support of our donors and volunteers, we are able to share our love of geology with the entire region!”

For more information about the Rock Auction or to donate a specimen please contact the Geology Club at sacstategeologyclub@gmail.com or call Chris Hughes at (831) 595-336.

Disclosure: Jessica Bean is a member of the Sac State Geology Club.

Family-owned Lofings Lighting turns 50 Friday

2011-11-09T01:01:48Z

From the Governor’s Mansion to the living rooms of DIY remodelers and commercial offices, Lofings Lighting has supplied light fixtures, supplies and repairs from its J Street location for 50 years.

C.L. "Roy" Lofing started the business on Nov. 11, 1961 with his wife, Barbara, and son, Don. Even though he recently celebrated his 90th birthday, Roy Lofing said he is happy to come into the business regularly and be with his family, which now has three generations working at the store.

“Words can hardly explain it,” he said. “It’s fabulous.”

Lofing’s grandson, Max Lofing, said Tuesday that the upcoming 50th anniversary of the company’s founding is an exciting event he’s happy to witness.

“It’s a real sense of pride for a family-run business to be able to go that long,” he said. “I think it shows our commitment to our family and the community.”

He added that the company’s ability to evolve, stay abreast of technological developments and provide knowledgeable staff on all aspects of lighting has enabled it to stay alive through several recessions and remain an industry leader. Owners said they often lobby at the state Capitol as representatives the lighting industry as well. Additionally, the company gets to preview new light technology before it comes out.

Pointing at a new LED product that has been on the market for about a year and is being pushed by the Sacramento Metropolitan Utilities District as an energy-saving device, Max Lofing said Roy Lofing was called in by the manufacturer about two years before it went to market for suggestions.

“That’s one way we stay on the bleeding edge of technology,” Max Lofing said. “We really feel it’s our job to know everything about lighting that we can and really have a passion for it.”

But it's not always about the ultra-modern. Lofings Lighting has also worked on several high-profile landmarks, including Hearst Castle and the Winchester Mystery House.

Max Lofing and sister Wendy Lofing-Rossotti said the most basic part of successfully running a business is the tried-and-true method of putting customer service and product knowledge first.

“We want a long-term relationship with all of our customers,” Lofing-Rossotti said. “We really focus on taking care of them and making sure we do our best. A dissatisfied customer isn’t good for anyone.”

One of Lofings Lighting’s satisfied customers is Ron Kingston, a 60-year-old Sacramento lobbyist who has been going to the store for several years.

“The way they earn my loyalty is through customer service and knowledge of lighting,” he said. “I know few stores where they can tell you why the product really works, what’s unique about it and know the available product base systemically. They’re extremely comprehensive.”

He said that if anything needs tweaking or repairing, or if there is any other service needed, Lofings Lighting will send someone out to solve the problem.

“They’re like the old physicians. They make house calls,” he said with a laugh. “You can buy a light fixture at Home Depot, but that’s not what Lofings is about. They’re going to give you a unique level of advice.”

Lofing-Rossotti said that level of advice is what has enabled Lofings Lighting to stay strong even as big-box stores and large corporations have expanded.

“We’re really flexible, and also, we can do whatever we want,” she said, adding that the only people the company needs to clear any decision with are the other family members.

Lofing-Rossotti and Max Lofing said that while some view the business as dealing in only high-end lighting, they have something available for nearly every budget.

“They always stand behind the products and the service,” said Julie Haney, 55, of JMH Architecture. “I’ve worked with them since 1992, and I love working with them because of their knowledge of updated lighting technology like LEDs and fluorescents.”

Haney, whose company is based in Davis, said she usually works on residential remodels and likes that someone from Lofings Lighting will come out to a job site.

“I love it that they’re also family,” she said. “The grandfather’s in there, the dad’s in there and the kids are in there.”

Lofing-Rossotti and Max Lofing said they learned the importance of a good work ethic growing up with the business, and they’ve done every type of job, including dusting light fixtures in the showroom.

Their sister, Michelle Puzdrakiewicz, worked with them when they were growing up and went on to be a pediatrician.

“I think it taught us all a really good work ethic,” Lofing-Rossotti said, adding that her 7-year-old and Max Lofing’s kids, 3 and 5, will likely work in the store when they’re in high school.

The business is still located in the original building at 2121 J St. Five years ago, a second building was added, directly across the street, where customers can preview lighting styles.

“That allows them to see the true effect of the light they are looking at and what it will do, without all the other lights shining in the showroom,” Lofing-Rossotti said.

Don Lofing, Roy Lofing’s son, said he’s excited that the business reaches the 50-year milestone Friday.

“It’s been a good ride,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling, and it’s really great to be here working with my family and being together all the time.”

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

Editorial Note: This article has been updated after it was published.

MidLife GridLife - Altared Thinking

2011-11-04T08:29:53Z

It was supposed to be cathartic.

Healing.

To bring a sense of peace and closure to a difficult experience.

Instead it was like opening the wound all over again.

Grief is complicated.

Father/daughter relationships are complicated.

At least mine is.

Was.

Is.

See what I mean?

When I saw the announcement for this year’s Panteón Sacramento, put on by La Raza Galería Posada, I saw it as an opportunity for my sister and my son and me to do something that we hadn’t been allowed to do properly: memorialize my father.

He died unexpectedly over just a couple of days in May of 2010. He was 68.

His third wife took charge of the memorial, which was a sort of open house, and the obituary, which said little more than who his parents had been and named his surviving relatives; we were happy to be included.

The following March, we were given access to some of his things. There may have been a will; we never asked. He would have left her everything, so to see it would have been a pointless exercise in frustration.

Daughters were difficult, but wives he’s seem to have come up with a reliable formula for. He was disappointing in that way, but predictable.

Am I cynical? Absolutely.

Bitter? You bet.

If only it were that simple.

Much of the person I am is a result of being my father’s daughter.

That’s the first time I’ve formulated the thought in that way, and it isn’t entirely comfortable.

But it’s my truth.

When I was fourteen, my father took me to work in our upholstery shop on Saturdays and showed me how to keep books. He made feel welcome with the employees, and competent. I get my work ethic from him.

He never encouraged me to write per se, but we share a love of the same kinds of pop culture, so after years of writing film and book reviews, he is still the person I think of first when an interesting thriller or series debuts.

He never so much as fried an egg when I lived at home, but later he became my go-to for how long to cook a roast or how to season a chicken.

I, on the other hand, used to help him with his spelling when he wrote speeches when he worked for Caltrans under Reagan.

But my dad and I didn’t talk.

When I was young, I was simply too intimidated to speak to him about anything important; I would begin, begin again, and then generally run out of the room sobbing.

When I was older, we had teary drunken dinners and champagne challenged conversations in the corner at parties where we reassured each other that everything was fine.

I confronted him when things weren’t. He liked to play martyr and I was a bit of a shrew.

I can clearly remember one afternoon in my apartment—I was probably 21—when I went after him over his drinking.

“Okay,” he said, turning around—we were both on our feet and he was across the room near the sliding door—“I’m an alcoholic. Do you feel better now that you’ve heard me say it?”

“Yes,” I said smugly, “I do!”

“Good,” he continued, ”But I hope you know I have no intention of doing anything about it.”

Actually, it turned out he wasn’t really an alcoholic. It was a realization that swept through us all. Bipolar Disorder. None of us have difficulty abstaining when we choose to, and typically take prescribed medication once the diagnosis is in. Dad, however, decided to continue to use alcohol as his treatment of choice, on and off through the years, even after he knew there were healthier options.

Complicated.

I could say that he never told me he loved me.

But he did.

Or that he never said he was proud of me.

But he did.

When I complained that he didn’t support me as much as I wanted him to, he said he knew that was true, because I “didn’t need it as much.” I was “the strong one.”

I told him sometimes it sucked to be the strong one, and he just shrugged, and said I’d be fine.

He put everything he couldn’t give me into my son.

I had to watch that. It stung.

I got to see that. It was…a gift.

Complicated.

So when the opportunity to honor him on Día de los Muertos came this year, I thought it would be a powerful experience for us to share; to put him to rest together, and to remember him, too.

I considered backing out.

I did.

I was already overwhelmed by the idea the night before.

My son talked me out of it.

He talked me into going to Wal-Mart at 9:30 at night to buy face paint.

He’s a really cool kid.

Turns out, after six or seven years of Spanish classes, he knew something about altars, too.

We are not of Latin heritage, so we did not really concern ourselves with pure tradition, but were content to blend some of the cultural aspects with our own personal forms of tribute.

My sister ended up being too busy to join in.
.
I let my son roll it out and then I put my own marks on it, moving a few things here and there.

I was as proud of my boy that morning as I’ve ever been, as his Poppa would have been.

I was proud of myself for not sitting down on the ground in front of his beautiful display and sobbing, which is what I really wanted to do.

Throughout my entire life, my dad would say, and again near the end of his, that we’d all be “better off without him.” It’s just how he was. It was sometimes sad, and other times aggravating to hear.

I never expected to prove him wrong this soon, though. Not really.

In the hospital they restarted his heart four or five times. Eventually they would realize he didn’t want extreme measures, and he passed away a day or so later.

But the last thing I said before they took him out of ER, the last time I spoke to him, was to tell him we’d all be okay.

Just like on television, giving the dying person permission to die, right?

Except that we’d been having versions of that same conversation for years, and it really kind of pissed me off!

Sometimes it sucks to be the strong one.

Complicated.

In memory of Charles “Chuck” Johnson 2/7/42-5/3/10
Loved
His grandson
His daughters
His wives
Ronald Reagan
Good cigars
Barbera
Vehicles made by the Ford Motor Company
…but not necessarily in that order

This Weekend! Midtown Trick-Or-Treat & Pooch Parade

2011-10-25T18:37:26Z

Midtown Merchants are brewing up a bewitching good time for kiddos and pooches of all ages and sizes. Midtown's Annual Halloween celebration is just a few days away. Join us for the Midtown Trick-or-Treat and Pooch Parade this Saturday, October 29th from 11a.m.- 3p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of Trick or Treats from over 70 participating Midtown businesses, as well as a parade of dressed up pooches strutting their stuff throughout the district.

In addition to satisfying your kids sweet tooth, bring the whole family down to Mixed Bag (24th & K) and Relles Florist (24th & J) for a variety of FREE family friendly activities. Catch the hourly magic show, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, the fall arts corner, and a tons of goolish treats including apple cider, cotton candy and popcorn.

Families seeking a spooktacular experience are encouraged to stop by the Haunted Fort at Sutter's Fort or Casa de Espanol's haunted house on J Street.

For the four legged lovers, make sure to catch the 2nd Annua l Pooch Parade and “Yappy Hour”. Pooches of all shapes and sizes are invited to come out in their Halloween best, to try to capture one of the 8 coveted Pooch Parade Awards. Awards included: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall, Midtown Spirit , Cutest Costume, Spookiest Costume, Best Duo and Funniest Costume Award

Pooches will parade around Midtown and then return to the 24th & K location for “Yappy Hour” and Judging. While your precious pets are chomping on treats you can check out the vendor booths, all dedicated to promoting a happy and healthy life for your pet. MBA asks that each participant donate $10 (or whatever you can afford) as a registration fee. 100% of the donations collected will go to the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter to support the incredible work they do to help animals in need.

A complete map of Midtown Trick-or-Treat locations and the Pooch Parade route are available to download here, as well as on-site during the event. For more information visit ExploreMidtown.org or contact Heather Philpott at heather@mbasac.com.

See you Saturday for a ghoulishly good time!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication Coordinator at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the annual Halloween festivities.

Free event this weekend in Midtown- Midtown Modern Arts Festival

2011-10-13T20:08:37Z

The Capital Cities Artober celebration is in full effect and Midtown is excited to give the Sacramento region another opportunity to explore and commemorate the arts in a big way. This Saturday, October 15th, the Midtown Modern Arts Festival (MMAF) will take place on 20th Street between J & K. The FREE family-friendly street-fair will occur from Noon – 6:00pm and is guaranteed to offer attendees a broad spectrum of creativity including Music, Dance, Comedy, the Visual Arts and every medium in-between.

The festival will feature a performance program on two separate stages: the KlickNation Stage and the MARRS Building Stage. Performing artists include the Sacramento Ballet, The Sacramento Philharmonic, Capital Stage Company, The Sacramento Comedy Spot, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet, the Harley White Jr. Orchestra, the Element Brass Band and many more.

"The Midtown Modern Arts Festival presented itself as a great opportunity for the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra to reach out to our community in a fun and unique way. Sacramento's arts are so diverse and we are fortunate to have an event like this that showcases the different art forms” stated Greg Wellman of the Sacramento Philharmonic.

In addition to the live performances there will be a variety of interactive art activities and live artistic demonstrations. Some activities to look forward to are: Sugar skull decorating led by the La Raza Galería Posada, the musical instrument petting zoo, and the children's craft corner. Attendees of all ages will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of innovative art process that will be demonstrated during the festival, such as sculpting and portrait drawings.

"The Midtown Business Association is happy to be able support and promote the performing arts groups and galleries that represent Midtown and the greater Sacramento area. This event showcases the great talent and creativity our community provides and we are thrilled to be a part of this premier event." Amber Schmaeling, Program Director.

Don't miss out on all the excitement and entertainment this Saturday, October 15th from Noon-6:00pm at the Midtown Modern Arts Festival!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the producer of the Midtown Modern Arts Festival. She currently works for two of the sponsoring organizations, the Midtown Business Association and the Heller Pacific Company.

1st Annual Bands, Beans and Brews at Howe Park Oct. 23rd (FREE)

2011-10-12T21:15:30Z

Come join us for our 1st Annual Bands, Beans, & Brews on Sunday, October 23, 2011

in Howe Park, 2201 Cottage Way. Enjoy local bands, including Still Kicking and JackWagon from 1pm until 5pm. For purchase, enjoy the beer garden sponsored by Hoppy Brewing Company (ID required) and additional food vendors.

As an added fun treat, enter the homemade Chili contest for prizes, $5 per entry, please inquire about entry form and rules at www.fecrecpark.com or by calling 916/927-3802. Six categories include meat (mild, medium and hot) and vegetarian (mild, medium and hot).

Chili’s will be available of purchase during the event at $1 a cup…or you can participate in choosing the “fan favorite” for $10 which includes samples of the 6 winners and a chance to cast your vote!

So break out that family recipe to compete in our chili contest or just come out and enjoy a great Sunday afternoon in Howe Park with free live music at Bands, Beans and Brews!

Disclosure: I am currently a Recreation Intern at Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District from CSUS.

Downtown Plaza Ice Rink returns on Nov. 4

2011-10-11T03:29:26Z

On Nov. 4, a festive Sacramento tradition will continue with the opening of the Downtown Plaza Ice Rink. 2011 marks the rink’s 20th anniversary of bringing locals together to celebrate the holidays on ice.

“The rink will bring that New York City ice-skating feel (to) the heart of downtown Sacramento,” said Downtown Sacramento Partnership Marketing Director Lisa Martinez. The rink, located at 7th and K streets, provides locals with the feel of a big city winter.

Martinez said that there is a painstaking process to turn St. Rose of Lima Park into a functional ice-skating rink.

“It takes about three weeks, as long as the weather permits,” she said.

The first step is to lay out a layer of plastic and level the park with sand, Martinez said. After that, the park’s huge air-conditioning unit cools what will be the actual skating rink.

Martinez explained that once cool enough, workers will take a hose and gently spray the surface of the rink until it builds up a layer of frost that turns into ice. This is the ice that people will eventually skate on.

She also said that Sacramento’s relatively warm winter climate can make the task of sustaining the ice a little difficult.

“Once we have an inch or two of ice, we will paint the ice with a white layer … to give it that frosty coating and a nice surface for people to skate on,” she said.

People in the Sacramento area are excited about the rink. Adam Sereno, a resident of Rancho Cordova, said that he has never been ice skating and is looking forward to learning how to do it this year.

“To be honest, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “It’s great that the city puts so much effort into maintaining things like this.”

Martinez said that in the rink’s 20 years, the DSP has had plenty of time to perfect the event.

Every Tuesday, a family skate night will be held, and Martinez said it will create a festive and family-friendly environment.

“We’ve made a commitment to the community to produce a quality holiday event for families,” she added. “We have a 20-year tradition, and we hope to continue it for another 20 years.”

The rink will be open seven days a week from Nov. 4 through Jan. 16. The rink will be open on Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will be open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours will be extended during December for Christmas break. General admission is $8 for a two hour session, and skates cost $2 to rent.

Video of workers creating ice rink below courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership

Rootstock Presents the River City Record Hop Featuring DJ Slimm Buick

2011-10-02T23:47:54Z

A new, family, friendly event will take place in October, offering dance and bicycling for fitness and fun. The bike ride is free, and the dance is also free for those age 12 and under.

Rootstock Presents the River City Record Hop, will be a Weekly All-Ages Western Swing & Rockabilly Dance Party, held every Thursday night beginning Oct. 6 from 7-11pm at Country Club Lanes, 2600 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821.

DJ Slimm Buick of San Francisco (://www.slimmbuick.com/DJ.html) be spinning classic 45 rpm records for dancing and listening enjoyment, with the bowling alley and all of it's facilities open, to the public as well. Admission is $5 for age 13 and over, but will be FREE for selected volunteers.

A bike ride from Citrus Heights will kick off the night, weather permitting, departing from Rosie's Country Kitchen, 6233 Auburn Boulevard, CA 95621 at 6pm, with at least one stop along the route (approximately 8 miles).

For more information, or to volunteer, contact rootstockevents@aol.com or visit RiverCityRecordHop.com or call Mike at 916-796-6551.

Disclosure: I am the DJ.

Fairytale Town hosts Kristi Yamaguchi at ScholarShare book festival

2011-09-23T03:02:33Z

This weekend, Fairytale Town will host the 11th Annual ScholarShare Children's Book Festival. The festival will include hands-on literacy activities for children, dramatic performances and readings and presentations by numerous authors and illustrators. The event will feature a special appearance by Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi will read her first book, "Dream Big, Little Pig!" on Saturday on the Mother Goose Stage at 3:00 p.m. The 2011 release by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List. "Dream Big, Little Pig!" was illustrated by Tim Bowers.

Fairytale Town will host the book festival this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25. Opening hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of the ScholarShare College Savings Plan, guests are offered free admission throughout the weekend.

Author and illustrator presentations will be taking place on Mother Goose Stage on both Saturday and Sunday. Local authors featured at the event include Sacramento local, Tricia Brown, and Davis elementary school teacher, Nikki Smith.

Other notable children’s book authors and illustrators include Gianna Marino, Gretchen Maurer, Bethanie Murguia, Jeff Savage, Dashka Slater, Mira Reisberg, Jorge Argueta, Francisco Alarcon, Sue Fliess, Dianne Danzig, Ann Bowler and Janie Havemeyer.

Hands-on activities will be available throughout the weekend in addition to literacy activities and information and presentations sponsored by local arts organizations.

This weekend’s ScholarShare book festival will also be broadcast on Access Sacramento cable channel 17.

Sponsors for this year’s ScholarShare Children's Book Festival include ScholarShare College Savings Plan, KVIE, MIX 96, The Sacramento Bee, The Rivercats Foundation, Shirley Plant, Wells Fargo, IKEA and Sierra Health Foundation.

Broadway Stage in Sacramento

2011-09-11T22:58:51Z

If you’ve ever longed to see a Broadway Musical onstage, with a live 18-piece orchestra, here’s your chance, and in Sacramento! The Runaway Stage is presenting The Drowsy Chaperone through Oct. 2, 2011, with a cast of 19 talented performers. Singing, dancing, acting, they do it all with incredible talent and timing.

A campy 1920s musical comedy within a play, the show is narrated by “the man in the chair” - played by Steve Minnow. He shows us how to beat the blues by listening to old musical comedy records. (yes, records). My favorite line is when he drops the needle on his antique record player and says “You hear that static. I love that sound. To me, it’s the sound of a time machine starting up.” The characters come to life in his apartment, and his ability to stop the play’s action and comment on the storyline ties everything together with verve and nostalgia.

The 24th St theatre is large (with real theatre seats), the audience was large, and if you miss this show, you’ll regret it. “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow; but soon, and for the rest of your life.”

http://www.runawaystage.com/broadway.html

River Cats beat Reno 5-2 in must-win game to keep title hopes alive

2011-09-10T09:54:42Z

With everything they’ve worked for the entire season on the line, the Sacramento River Cats found themselves down 0-2 after two games of the first round of the Pacific Coast League Playoffs.

After losing the first two games in Reno, 7-4 and 4-2, the Cats force a fourth game after beating the Reno Aces 5-2 at Raley Field on Friday evening and keep the best-of-five series alive.

That’s good news for the team with the best record in the regular season.

Josh Donaldson, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI, knew that it was just a matter of time before the offense woke up.

“It’s something that we really haven’t been tested all year because we had such a big league all year”, said Donaldson as he left the field. “But you know what? We showed our colors today and we’re going to come out tomorrow and try to do it again!”

The River Cats wasted no time in getting to Aces starter Kevin Mulvey. With two outs, Chris Carter, who hit a homer in each of the first two games of this series, continued his nice run by singling a soft ground ball that Mulvey deflected and shortstop Angel Berroa couldn’t get to in time.

Josh Donaldson came up next and ripped a line shot over center fielder Ryan Langerhans’ head for a run-scoring double that gave the Cats the first run on the scoreboard.

The not-so-funny thing was that it was the River Cats first lead of the series.

Reno wasted no time in getting that run back in the second when, with two outs, Cole Gillespie hit a solo shot that bounced off the midway point of the left field foul pole banner.

Donaldson continued his fine hitting by knocking in lead-off hitter Jermaine Mitchell on a sacrifice fly in the third to get Sacramento back their one run lead.

It didn’t last long as Reno started to get to Cats starter Travis Banwart when Andy Tracy led off the fifth with a deep shot that easily cleared the Jiffy Lube sign in right center.

A controversial call in the Cats part of the fifth when Mitchell attempted a steal of second after getting on by a hit by pitch. The Aces shortstop Berroa ran in front of second baseman Tony Abreu to grab the throw from the catcher and he tried a swipe tag on Mitchell as he slide into second. The second base umpire Barry Larson, who’s view was blocked on the play, called Mitchell out on the tag. The problem was that everyone at Raley Field didn’t think the tag was made including Cats skipper Darren Bush, who went out to argue the call to no avail.

The play effectivly ended the start of a rally for the home team.

With two on and one out in the seventh, Wes Timmons lined a shot right to left fielder Evan Frey that he snagged, but it was deep enough to get Tyler Ladendorf home for the go-ahead run.

The funny thing was that Timmons almost didn’t give himself the chance to get the needed RBI. After initially getting some kind of bunt sign, he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do on the upcoming pitches so he had to run down to the third base coaching box and confer with Bush to make sure.

“Bushy and I got a thing,” said Timmons, who admitted the season would have been for naught had the Cats lost on this occasion. “I was looking to set up a safety squeeze or something like that, but I got the signs mixed up so he told me he wanted me to swing. With that said, God is good.”

The wheels came off for the Aces when the next hitter, Carter, torched the pitch from Esmerling Vasquez and sent it well over the wall in left center. The ball bounced once on the top of the Cats clubhouse and then out of Raley Field. What a bomb!

Carter has hit a home run in each of the first three games of the series and has just been hitting the cover off the ball lately. He put it simply when asked what’s gotten into him over the last couple of weeks.

“I’ve just been trying to square things up and keep it low and not try to do so much with it,” said the Cats big man.

Jordan Norberto came into the game in the seventh and pitched two high quality innings before giving way to closer Fernando Cabrera.

Pitching coach Scott Emerson was very pleased with his staff’s effort on this night. When Norberto was mentioned, he sounded had some nice things to say.

“I thought he did a good job of being aggressive and attacking the strike zone. He had six up, six down and a good slider tonight. Any time he’s down with his fastball, he’s tough to hit with that mid-nineties fastball.”

Cabrera would allow two runners on base in the final frame to put a minor scare into the home crowd, but buckled down and struck out the last two hitters of the contest.

Banwart was happy to get his part of the job done and hand it over to the closing crew.

“It meant a lot to get that win and not go home early,” said Banwart. “I just came out there and tried to treat it like another game. I focused in and I scouted hitters the last two games and their place and felt like I had great command of everything and threw a lot of strikes.”

Bush was very complementary about his starting pitcher’s effort.

“He did a great job just like he has been," said Bush. "He attacked the zone, he moved the ball around and he kept it down. He gave up two home runs - both solo home runs. That’s because he was commanding the baseball and was doing a good job. Outstanding!”

The Cats try to get even in their best-of-five series on Saturday night at Raley Field at 7pm.

Be there!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

RON NABITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Pirate Festival & Seafarers’ Marketplace

2011-09-08T18:53:18Z

FREE FAMILY EVENT with a canned food donation to the Sacramento Food Bank.

The Seafarer’s Marketplace & Pirate Festival captures the essence of a caribbean seaport in the 1800s. This family festival features live music, entertainment, contests, games, cannon battles, sword fights and other seafaring activities. Multicultural food and drinks will be available (Portion of food and beverage sales go to the A.T. Valdez Foundation).

The Rio Ramaza RV Park and Marina, and the entertainers, vendors and musicians have all have come together to help collect canned food and donations for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services while offering a fun filled adventure on the banks of the Sacramento River. Children ok but please, no pets.

The event is held outdoors on the Sacramento River, with plenty of shade trees and misters; and a wooden dance floor. Rio Ramaza Park, 10000 Garden Hwy. between Riego Rd. & Elverta Rd.. Parking is on Riego Rd. with free shuttle service to the venue. Parking fee is $5. Detailed directions are on the Web site.

You’ll see all kinds of Characters: Pirates, Sinbad the Sailor, Gypsies, Vikings, Mermaids, Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson, Blackbeard, Captain Jack and MORE !

Visit the Pirate Library and Book Store with local author Pamela Johnson “Heart of a Pirate”
See the river boat once owned by John Wayne and featured in the movie “Blood Alley.
Play in the Kids’ fun area

Musical Entertainment by:

The Black Irish Band
Skip Henderson & John Blakemore (playing some of the music featured in the first Pirates of Caribbean film)
Zydeco On Our Mind aka Z.O.O.M
Mz Myrna with Bobby Q & the Hot Licks
Vicious Groove (playing down home Louisiana R & B)

Real Relationships: The In-laws

2011-09-05T21:29:51Z

Q: I know everyone has this problem, but it doesn't seem like anyone has an answer: in-laws.

My wife's parents are terrific people, but they always want to do things with us, invite us places, have dinners, come to our house, have us to their house and on and on and on. Sometimes it just gets to be too much. It is hard to say no because I feel like they are disappointed when we don't do things with them, plus it seems like my wife likes to be with them that often.

How do I breech the topic of not seeing her parents so often?

A: Mayday, mayday! Abort mission! Just kidding.Seriously though, this is going to be a sensitive topic if you are reading the situation correctly and your wife doesn't see an issue with hanging with her parents all the time.

Without knowing her and her personality, I can predict she will react one of three ways: 1) she will get incredibly defensive and accuse you of not really loving her family, 2) she will break down into an emotional mess and wonder if you really love her family and her, or 3) she will listen to your feelings calmly with an open mind and discuss options rationally that will make you both happy.

Only you know what kind of woman you married, so mentally prepare yourself before you bring it up for the most likely response. I will offer you these suggestions:

If you love her famiy and enjoy spending time with them, be honest about that fact but explain that seeing anyone that often is too much. If you are not wild about her family, consider keeping that info to yourself and moving on to the next step...
Offer suggestions about getting together at a frequency you are comfortable with (once a month, twice a month, etc.).
Suggest that she spend some time with her parents without you. You don't have to do everything together, and that will allow her to see them while giving you a much needed break.
When you do get together with them, suggest new things to do that will be fun for everyone and allow you to enjoy each other's company that much more.

You are a brave man and I wish you the best. Family situation are the most sensitive to broach, especially when they have to do with your spouse’s family. Good luck!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured every Monday in Real Relationships.

Sacramento Children's Museum opens its doors Thursday for children under 8 to explore

2011-08-26T04:32:34Z

After seven years of planning and development, the Sacramento Children’s Museum opened its doors Thursday morning after 24 little hands, holding red scissors, cut the green ribbon in front of more than 300 people waiting to explore the new museum.

The Sacramento Children’s Museum is a nonprofit corporation founded in 2004, that focuses the interactive exhibits on math, science, art and social learning skills for children ages 8 and under.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2701 Prospect Park in Rancho Cordova, children could get their faces painted with bright swirls of pinks, blues and greens, or watch a colorful balloon be shaped into a sword or a giraffe while they waited for the ribbon-cutting. Some wore red firefighter hats they received from one of the four firefighters present from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

A lime-green and red balloon arc enhanced the entrance to the museum, which was quickly filled with energetic children exploring the six interactive exhibits.

“We needed something that gave parents a safe environment for them to bring their young children and allow them to play and to learn,” said Alan Godlove, president of the Sacramento Children’s Museum.

The Sacramento Children’s Museum has six exhibits with a seventh, Solar Car Racers, sponsored by SMUD, to come in September.

They include Waterways, Airways and Raceways, World Market, My Neighborhood, Baby Bloomers and Studio of the Arts.

“Children are encouraged to go and play with everything in the museum,” Director of Operations Sarah Coffman said.

“We have experience specialists, who guarantee that the experience of our visitors is amazing, and children are encouraged to try things multiple times, so they can try it a different way and learn, really, by doing,” Coffman said.

Children can use one, two or 15 golf balls on the multiple ramps in the Raceways exhibit to test and observe objects in motion through physics principles such as velocity, speed and friction.

Airways was a popular exhibit with a line of children waiting to stuff their colorful yarn balls into the suctioned clear maze of tubes.

Claire Poch, 10, said she liked the museum because it helps children learn new things.

“Well there is a really cool thing (Airways exhibit) where you put (yarn balls) in it and it goes around with the air (through clear tubes), and it’s really cool watching it, and it shoots out (from the tube),” Claire said.

Two-year-old Benito Dimas visited the museum with his dad.

“I played golf!” he yelled about rolling golf balls down the ramps in the Raceways exhibit, and he said he liked playing with the water in the Waterways exhibit.

Timothy Sanders, 5, said he enjoyed playing with glow sticks and watching them light up, and he hopes to visit the museum again.

The My Neighborhood exhibit features a farmer’s market with lifelike fruit in baskets that teach children about healthy eating, and a sensory activity including spices in different jars that children can smell.

A glass wall, dividing the Studio of the Arts craft section from the rest of the exhibits, is used for painting and drawing on the glass. The area behind it has multiple tables and chairs with colorful drawers under a large tinted window that house supplies for arts and crafts.

Baby Bloomers is like a large play pen for babies and toddlers filled with different toys specifically made for development stages of children 3 and under, Coffman said.

The idea for the museum grew from a local mom of two, Kathleen Palley, founder of the Sacramento Children’s Museum, whose first experience in a children’s museum was in Denver seven years ago on a family trip.

“I just knew it was something that I wanted to be able to bring my children to again. Sacramento didn’t have anything at all like a children’s museum, so I figured if we didn’t have one, then I would develop one,” Palley said.

As a former elementary school teacher for seven years, Palley said she observed in the classroom that children have different learning styles. She said she helped incorporate that into the children’s museum exhibits, allowing them to explore using the auditory, visual and kinetic learning styles.

“The idea of the freedom to explore and touch everything,” Palley said, was what interested her the most about a children’s museum.

Coffman, who said she has experience from working at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose, said that teachers are encouraged to arrange field trips to the museum, and said that she expects mornings to be filed with different field trips.

“The Children’s Museum exhibits are in line with the state standards,” Palley said about the educational benefits and the opportunities for teachers.

The front desk offers additional learning materials that parents or instructors can use before and after their visit.

Palley explained that there is a focus nationwide on the importance of early childhood development, but said that, “as a community we don’t provide as many resources as we could for these little kids.”

Godlove said that the Sacramento Children’s Museum is accepting donations.

“We are still accepting donations and would love to fill out our final 500 founding families. We have about 400, so there is still 100 slots,” Godlove said.

The first 500 individuals or families to donate will be recognized with their names permanently placed in the Sacramento Children’s Museum, according to the website for the museum.

“The mission of the Children’s Museum is to spark a passion for lifelong learning,” Palley said. “So we are hoping by providing these opportunities to these young children, that it will show them that learning can be fun, and as they grow and continue to go through school, that they will hopefully find something they are passionate about.”

For more information, donation opportunities, operation hours and admission prices, click here.

Second Annual Banana Festival

2011-08-17T09:45:24Z

William Land Park hosted this year’s banana festival. Thousands attended the event that promoted health and community awareness.

The festival celebrated everything having to do with bananas and it was a great family event. Cultures that traditionally use bananas were also celebrated. These included Central and Eastern Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands and other countries.

Vendors sold delicious international food specializing in banana recipes. Two stages were set up to accommodate all the acts performing on August 13 and 14. One of the stages was the children’s corner and a large play area with carnival rides and games was available for children.

Superhero Banana Splitacular also roamed the grounds and acted on many distress calls, mostly by emcees asking for his help. Banana Splitacular entertained and posed for photos with small children.

Several activities were organized to entertain kids and for the most part, they entertained themselves with hula hoops, paper mache activities, limbo and dance, as well as banana and ice cream eating contests.

When I arrived at the banana festival, I made my way over to the food court and looked for some banana treats. Banana chips and lumpias are my favorite and I found them to be quite delicious. I sat down and watched Samoria Lamuse imitate the "Creole Goddess," Josephine Baker. Lamuse made crowd participation part of her act and was able to get volunteers when she needed them.

After a little limbering up, the Beatles’, “Rock and Roll Music,” played as everyone danced onstage. Many others on the grounds began to dance as well.

Lamuse gave away, besides straw hats for volunteers, gifts for the participants. As she gave out the last one, Lamuse explained that she gives back in the spirit of Josephine Baker, who “gave back by adopting 12 children.”

Next to the stage, a banana split eating contest produced several contestants who enjoyed every bite of that treat.

The Filipino Dance group Sinag-tala brought several colorful and ethnic dances to the stage. Dancers of all ages entertained onlookers as they wore traditional Filipino costumes and shared their culture with the audience. The group also had crowd participation as part of their act.

A butterfly dance initiated their entertainment. Sinag-tala played, “Paru-parong Bukid,” a Filipino folk song and dancers danced to the traditional song. A fiesta performance followed with colorfully dressed dancers on stage.

The “Itik-itik” (duck) song and dance was performed with several young members of the duck family moving to the stage. The little ducklings, several older sisters and mama duck, all dressed in yellow, performed the dance. Several traditional Filipino musical instruments were used along with the dances.

The Sinag-tala music and dance entertainment concluded with “tinikling” dancing. They began by asking for volunteers to come up and learn the “bamboo dance,” and once again the dancing banana volunteered.

Sinag-tala has several performances scheduled for December 2 to December 4 at the Luther Burbank Auditorium.

Several trips were given away in a raffle and the lucky winners were able to select from several trips provided by Cuisine Noir Magazine and Sky Resort. Laura Scott was one of those winners and you could hear her screams of joy coming from the vendor area.

The Patrick Reilly Band played several songs on the main stage and attracted a crowd as well.

I walked around the food vendors once again and noticed many banana items for sale; fresh bananas, fried plantains, banana crepes, cotton candy, green banana ice tea, snow cones, smoothies, taffy, banana splits, pies, cookies, pudding, tempura, popcorn and many other edibles that used bananas as the main ingredient. The banana burger was a hit but I did not get a chance to try one.

A 1951 banana taxi, banana hats, merchandise and other things banana were also available. There was even a Banana Queen. Marisa Adams was the 2011 Festival Queen.

Next to the main stage, renowned chef Tyler Stone created some wonderful treats and a line was always present. Chef Stone gave many samples of his frozen banana mousse pop treats that were dipped in chocolate.

Later in the day, One Leg Chuck from Manteca took the stage to perform a few songs after another raffle winner was announced.

Over on the children’s stage, parents were able to sign up their kids to participate in a banana festival pageant. Contestants were eligible for awards in several categories.

To the delight of youngsters sitting around the stage, several stories were brought to life as volunteers acted out readings as part of the Angela James Fenix Dance Storytelling.

A seven day vacation to Belize was the last raffle of the event and it looks like I will be going to Belize. I will have to go after I save some money because, sadly, I did not win the drawing.

Princess Sanders was one of the last scheduled performers to take the children’s stage. Before Sanders' performance, a hip-hop dance recital was performed by a talented young lady. An even younger child then took the stage and did an outstanding job with her own solo dance. The child had moves and danced like a seasoned veteran, like a baby Beyoncé. As Princess Sanders took the stage, her stage presence and voice were superb.

Back at the main stage, the Brazilian dance and drum group Samba Da Terra performed and had many people onstage dancing with them. The colorful outfits attracted as much attention as the dancers.

The Sacramento grown hip-hop group, Project, was the last performer of the day. The four member group performed several songs and announced that their first EP was available for download.

As the Second Annual Banana Festival came to an end, the 1000 pounds of fruit that had been behind the stage was given away. Attendees lined up to get bananas and other tropical fruit to take home.

The fun was not over, however; People that purchased tickets to the festival could go over to Fairytale Town and receive a 50 percent discount to the park.

The festival was once again a great success. Over 100 volunteers and organizers made this a very enjoyable event.

Cats losing streak up to six in 7-3 loss to Round Rock

2011-08-14T00:17:07Z

On a night that had the Sacramento River Cats thinking about grounding up Round Rock Express pitcher Mark Hamburger, the first time starter was serving up filet mignon as he blanked Sacramento in his four innings of work to help the Express beat the Cats 7-3 at Raley Field on Friday evening.

For the home team, Josh Outman started to slip a little in the second when the hitters for Round Rock started taking him up the middle with several solid hits.

After Val Majewski and Joey Butler had back-to-back singles, Matt Kata hit into what looked like a tailor-made double play. Cats second baseman Andy LaRoche’s throw was offline and pulled Brandon Allen off the bag. With two men on, one of the power hitters for the Express, Brad Nelson strode to the plate and ripped a liner into right-center for a clean double that scored both base runners.

The other hitter in the Round Rock lineup with 20 homers - Chad Tracy - was up next and took a 3-1 pitch from Outman straight up the middle for a run-scoring single to give the Express a three-run lead after one and a half innings of play.

On the defensive side of things, Cats center fielder Jermaine Mitchell made a sweet diving catch on a sinking liner off the bat of Express catcher Robinson Diaz in the inning that helped put out the rally.

In the third, Cats catcher Josh Donaldson threw out former Cat and ex-Oakland Athletic Esteban German even though he got a great jump on a steal attempt from second. As Kouzmanoff had his glove waiting between the bag and the runners foot, Donaldson thew a bullet that hit Kouz in the perfect spot - right in the glove.

It wasn’t until the fourth inning that the Cats scratched out a hit against the long-time reliever. After Allen ripped a liner into center that was caught, Kouzmanoff hit a clean single for the first hit off of Hamburger. When the Jai Miller was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat, it looked like Sacramento would put some runs on the board against the right-hander.

With two outs, hope came to the plate by way of Chris Carter. The big man worked the count full before striking out on a fastball away to end the threat.

Hamburger was pulled after four innings of work and had a great line for a guy getting his first start in 168 appearances at the professional level. The guy hadn’t made a start since back in college in 2006!

“I was really excited when they told me I was going to start,” said Hamburger. “I’d done well in college so I always had a feel for starting.”

Even though Hamburger had a no-hitter going into the fourth, he knew the coach would only let him throw so many pitches before resting his “reliever” arm.

“I knew I was getting pulled. I had the feeling that if maybe I kept it a no-no, that maybe he would have kept me in there, but once I gave up the hit, I knew I was coming out.”

The boys from Round Rock added some extra cushion to the lead in the seventh when, in between striking out the side, Justin Souza gave up two doubles, a single and a two-run bomb that added an extra four runs to the Express’ lead.

The Cats would get one back in the seventh when Donaldson took one over the A’s logo tarp into left-center field but that was all they could muster in the frame.

Even though Donaldson was one of the lone bright spots for the Cats offensively going 2-for-4 with the home run, he knows that the Cats sticks aren’t right.

“I think for the most part, our guys are struggling a little bit at the plate, even myself lately,” said the Cats catcher. “We need to turn it around so we all finish strong at the end of the year.

In the eighth, newly acquired Allen absolutely crushed the ball over the Jiffy Lube sign and deep onto the grass near dead center for a solo shot to get the Cats to within five.

Then, on the strength of three singles out of the next four batters, the Cats scored another run on a Chris Carter single to bring the score to 7-3 with Round Rock leading.

With the bases loaded, Cats Manager Darren Bush pulled a rare minor league move - bringing in a pinch-hitter. For various reasons, it doesn’t happen much at this level.

The Cats best chance to do some significant damage this day came to the plate in the form of Adrian Cardenas. Cardenas, who had a nice at-bat, would bounce out to second on the seventh pitch he saw to end the inning.

The Cats’s comeback would fall short and the loss would give them six in a row.

Manager Darren Bush had no problems with tonight’s effort. It’s that he just wishes that the team would have played better on the road.

“We didn’t play very good on the road, that’s for sure,” said Bush after the loss. “We didn’t play good baseball. Tonight we played better. We did all the fundamental things correct. We just didn’t push across the runs. That’s okay. You need to play good baseball. Tonight we did, we just came out on the losing end.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

Sara Molina - RIVERCATS.com & Daniel Gutierrez - RIVERCATS.com

Free Ice Cream August 16 at 4th Annual South Area Neighborhood Ice Cream Social

2011-08-13T00:31:27Z

The 4th Annual South Area Neighborhood Ice Cream Social is set for Tuesday, August 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 5625-24th Street in Sacramento (the corner lawn of 24th Street and Fruitridge Road, midway between I-5 and Hwy. 99). Bethany Presbyterian Church is again serving as the host location for this event, which last year attracted more than 100 members of the community.

The event will feature old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream makers, unlimited ice cream and toppings, cookies and goodies, live banjo band music and children’s activities. There is no cost to attend.

Information and useful resources to help families make the back-to-school transition for their students will also be available.

The all-you-can-eat event is free of charge to all. The Neighborhood Ice Cream Social is presented by community volunteers.

Directions and a downloadable flyer are available. Interested persons may also contact the church office by phoning (916) 428-5281 or e-mailing.

Bethany Presbyterian Church will observe its 100th anniversary in 2014. Originally established in the Oak Park neighborhood, the church has been a fixture in the South Sacramento community since its move to 24th Street in the mid-'50s. The multi-generational, ethnically diverse congregation has a membership of more than 100 and holds Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Lorie Sprinkle serves as pastor. Bethany is the oldest Presbyterian church south of downtown Sacramento.

Buddhist Festival embrace 1940's Japantown

2011-08-12T08:14:07Z

In honor of 66,000 lives lost at Hiroshima. In honor of 39,000 lives lost at Nagasaki . In honor of 110,000 Japanese Americans eradicated to internment camps in 1942. In honor of 20,739 lives lost in this year's tsunami earthquake.

A Sacramento Buddhist Church embrace a 1940's Japantown tradition.

It's going to be big.

Over 40,000 people will come for the 65th Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar on August 13-14, 2011.

The festival unites past and present residents of Sacramento’s Japantown neighborhood to the 112 - year old church located on the corner of 2401 Riverside Boulevard and X Street.

Many families have moved away from the neighborhood but return yearly to support the fundraiser for the Japanese community.

The festival is one of the few traces left of the original Nihonmachi. Sakura Gifts, Osaka Ya, June’s Café are the few remaining businesses in Southside’s dwindling Japantown.

The Japanese American Civil Liberties wall asserts, “1958 - forced removal due to redevelopment, led to the final demise of Sacramento’s Japantown.”

After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the effects of Executive Order No. 9066 still resonate for those who lived through the ordeal.

U.S. Representative Robert Matsui, husband of current U.S. Representative for California‘s 5th congressional district Doris Matsui was a prominent advocate for redress and reparations for Japanese Americans following the incarceration and exclusion of Japanese Americans during World War II. As a child, Matsui's family was forced to eradicate from their Sacramento home and was held in an internment camp at Tule Lake for a year.

“Today, we celebrate the freedom to keep tradition alive even after many trials," shares Sherman Iida, festival organizer.

The food for the event requires10,000 pounds of chicken, 1500 pounds of beef for teriyake, 400 pounds of shrimp for tempura and sushi dishes, 500 pounds of sugar and salt for seasonings, and six tons of ice for cool drinks. It take over 700 volunteers to prepare the place for the occassion.

The free festival is open to the public. Neighbors work side by side in harmony to present the vibrancy of The Koyasan Spirit of Children Taiko Group, the grace of the Japanese Folk Song & Dance Society(odori), the teachings of Buddhist Philosophy, the old school funk, soul, R&B, and classic rock sound of The East Wind Band, the peace of gardening with the Sacramento Bonsai Club, the beauty of Ikebana (floral art) by Ikebana School, and the joy of Japanese calligraphy among the many activities. Here is the full schedule.

The festival is the church’s annual fundraiser that supports many programs including sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups, adult and senior support, and the Japanese language school.

In honor of those who have lived before us. Don't miss two fantastic days of remembrance.

Cats on fire, beat Sky Sox, now eight games ahead of last year's pace

2011-08-04T00:35:40Z

Usually, Cats’ starter Travis Banwart pitches well during the first few innings of a contest.

Banwart’s quietly had a very good season. His numbers put him near the top of several Pacific Coast League pitching categories. He ranks fourth in strikeouts, third in WHIP and third in batting average against while being the team leader in all of those areas.

On Tuesday evening at Raley Field, things went in a different direction for Banwart when he got off to a rough start as five of the first six batters got on base and the River Cats found themselves down 4-0 after one.

But after the shaky start, Banwart settled in and pitched well as he set down 13 of the next 14 batters he faced and helped get the Cats their sixth win in a row by beating the Colorado Sky Sox 8-6 in front of 11,268 jacked up fans.

Cats’ skipper Darren Bush was pleased with, not only this overall pitching performance, but the way his guys have handled the Sky Sox the entire series.

“The pitching was good all series long,” said Bush. “Banny (Banwart) had the rough first inning and then he settled down and put in five solid innings out there for us. That really helps the bullpen going into an eight-day road trip.”

The Sky Sox got off to a hot start on the strength of a couple of walks and a run-scoring single by Mike Jacobs. Included in the hit parade was center fielder Joe Mather’s three-run laser shot home run that almost hit the Premier Access Dental smiley face sign on the way out of the ballpark.

Leading off the third for the Cats, Adrain Cardenas ripped a line shot triple that just missed going out in right field as it hit the padding on top of the fence and rolled out to center. Recent call-up from Double-A Midland Dusty Coleman stroked a looping single that just cleared second baseman Matt Macri’s glove and fell into right-center field for a run-scoring hit.

Cardenas was all smiles as he stood in front of his locker space after the game. He can’t remember a time where he’s had so much fun and played with such a great group of guys.

“It’s just been fun,” said A.C. “This team, it’s awesome! All the way around with all the players that we have, all the talent we have and Bushy is a great manager. The hitting coach, I mean it’s been everybody. This has been the best team I’ve ever played for. Not only has it been the best team, but it’s been the most fun.”

Just as Kevin Kouzmanoff was strolling to the plate, I leaned over and said to Chris Biderman, editor of the up-and-coming Oakland Farm Report (a great source for A’s minor league news), that Kouz was due and this would be a great spot for a homer. About ten seconds later, he took the first pitch over the wall in right to tie the score at 4-4.

Kouzmanoff struck again in the fifth when a he hit a run-scoring bloop single that dropped in between three Sky Sox. Chris Carter was up next and hit a towering shot that would have brought rain on a spring day. The two-run homer gave the River Cats a three-run lead after five.

Kouz, as he is known by his teammates, would love to get back to the big league level. Given that, he sure appreciates being on a winner and wants to do everything he can to being another title to SacTown.

“I feel pretty good,” said Kouzmanoff. “I’m improving each and every day and I feel like all of us are. I think we are really coming together as a team and winning some ballgames. I think we have good team chemistry and a lot of guys are playing well.”

Scott Beerer got one back for the Sky Sox in the sixth on a single that scored Mather. In the bottom of the frame, Michael Taylor singled and scored on a Cardenas sacrifice fly to get the run back and keep the three-run lead for the Cats.

The Sky Sox would etch one more run on the board in the final frame but it wasn’t enough as Fernando Cabrera settled in and got his fifth save of the year.

Kouz sees the pieces to winning a title already here in Sacramento.

“Defense, pitching and hitting,’ said the 30-year old from Newport Beach, CA. “If you can combine all of those things together, I think you you have a pretty good chance of winning.”

Cardenas, a guy that’s high on the A’s radar and a terrific guy in the clubhouse, put everything in perspective as I was leaving the facility.

“The running joke is that we’re the Sacramento A’s. But it’s been a lot of fun here. It’s just a testament to our players. I’m learning from guys like Kouz. We have so much big league experience that if you’re fortunate to be a young guy like I am, you don’t slip up. You see what they do. Kouz, unfortunately for him, has come down here and was sent to Triple-A and never once has he complained and look at what he’s doing now. He’s showing us that someone that’s up in the big leagues and been there for five years - his first time in Triple-A - is not going to pout, is not gonna cry. There’s no chance that we (the younger guys) are going to pout and cry.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF:

STEVEN CHEA

Cats split rare doubleheader, second one a classic against rival Aces

2011-07-25T00:43:38Z

This was one to remember.

On a beautiful afternoon at Raley Field on Saturday, one rare occurrence seemed to open the door for several more as the day went on and the Sacramento River Cats split a rare double header against their bitter rivals, the Reno Aces.

The Aces won the first contest 3-2 and the Cats won the nightcap 5-4 in a game that had just about everything but the proverbial kitchen sink.

How about both managers being ejected during the same at-bat, a foul ball that found it’s way into the press box, a guy being about a foot short of hitting for the cycle and a walk-off homer run all occurring during the crazy second game?

We'll save that for later. How about the first game?

The home team struck first in the second inning. After Jai Miller struck out, hot-hitting Josh Donaldson, who’s hit .353 and had a 1.009 on-base percentage the past ten games, ripped a liner into the left field corner for a double. Second baseman Andy LaRoche, who’s been picking up his average lately as well, singled to left to move Donaldson to third with only one out. Michael Taylor strode to the plate next and took an 0-2 pitch into right that scored Donaldson.

The Cats were up early 1-0 on the three consecutive hits in the frame.

The Aces of Reno put up their first digits of the game on the towering Raley Field scoreboard in the fourth on a fluke two-run single by Robby Hammock.

Before Hammock’s at-bat, David Winfree singled while Cole Gillespie and Andy Tray both walked to load the bases for the visitors. After a Konrad Schmidt strikeout, Hammock hit a ball up the middle that skipped off of Cats starting pitcher Carlos Hernandez’s leg, then rolled quickly into the hole between short and third. Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff drove into the hole to snag the fast-dribbling roller, but the ball bounced off his glove and rolled far enough away to allow a second runner to score on the play.

In the end, it was probably the weirdest two-run single I’ve ever seen.

The Cat got even quickly in the bottom half of the fourth.

Donaldson got his second double in as many at-bats and scored on Laroche’s second single of the game.

Donaldson, who struggled to find a comfort level at the plate early in the season, has been playing well the past couple of months, especially after the incident against Reno in their last meeting.

Donaldson, who was batting when a Reno pitcher intentionally threw behind him, ended up being suspended by the league for approaching the mound in what they must have considered a semi-threatening manner.

“I just feel pretty comfortable in the box right now,” Donaldson said after the twin bill. “It helps when guys aren’t throwing at your head every other game, but it’s just one of those things that most hitters goes through a spell where they’re feeling pretty good and right now I’m feeling pretty good, seeing the ball well and putting some good swings on them.”

Even though Donaldson, who went 2-for-2 with two doubles and a walk in game one, had been steadily increasing the average the last couple of months, I asked him if the incident had anything to do with his recent performance.

“For me, focus is a big part of it,” continued the 25-year old catcher. “Being able to go in there every day and being able to get consistent at-bats. Every at-bat, every games counts from here on out and the season’s going by too fast almost for me so it’s time really focus in and do the things I’m capable of doing.”

All quiet on the Western Front until the seventh and final inning of this rare double header when Aces leadoff man Evan Frey doubled into left center. Colin Cowgill’s single scored Frey for the go-ahead run.

With three bullets left in the gun, the Cats went down quietly in the seventh to lose the first of two on the day.

The Reno Aces win a close one in the first of two by the score of 3-2.

The other star for the Cats in the first game was Andy LaRoche. LaRoche is on of those players that was sent down by the big club to work out some kinks in his offensive game.

He’s been playing better lately indicative by his 3-for-3 and RBI performance and , thanks to Donaldson, thinks he found something in his swing that was preventing him from being as successful.

“I’m getting back to my old swing,” started LaRoche, “the way I used to be like back in my Dodger days. J.D. (Donaldson) actually noticed something with my back knee and since he told me that, I’ve been feeling a lot more comfortable at the plate and my timing’s been a lot better.”

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In the second of two on a beautiful July evening in Sacramento, the Cats were wearing pink uniforms to raise money for cancer research. During the annual affair to raise funds for the Susan G. Koman Foundation, visitors had the chance to bid on the hot pink threads with the winner bidder getting to hit the field after the game and get that player's signature on their newfound collectable.

Adrian Cardenas torched a foul line-seeking triple in the first inning that rolled all the way to the wall in right. Two batters later, Jai Miller hit a towering blast over the wall in left-center that landed on top of the ground keeper’s field house. What a monster blast! A true major league bomb in any park.

Reno didn’t take long to etch their own digits onto the scoreboard. With two outs in the second, Robby Hammock walked, Mark Hallberg singled and leadoff batter Evan Frey walked to load the bags.

That’s when Colin Cowgill popped weakly into shallow right. Even with three River Cats converging on the scene, no one could get there in time and the ball dropped softly near the foul line where the edge of the grass meets the dirt. The seeing-eye single scored two and locked the game in a 2-2 tie.

On a side note, before Tony Abreu flied out to center, he just got a piece of a fastball that came screaming back over the net. That’s when things went into slow motion for your fearless writer.

While sitting next to Nick Lozito, Coordinator of Media Relations & Interactive Media for the Cats, near the right corner of the press box, I locked onto the ball as it came straight for us. Unfortunately for me, I’m left-handed and the ball was speeding towards my right side. As I stood up, the ball entered through the press box open windows and I stuck out my right hand. Not sure if Lozito would also be going for the rocket shot, I was only able to get my right hand up and the ball hit the side of my palm at what seemed 70 -75 miles per hour. The ball just bounced off my hand and fell into the box between Lozito and myself.

After the fact, Lozito assured me he was having no part of the foul ball that was screaming towards us.

My one shot at glory and I couldn’t hang on. It didn’t matter though as I showed the crowd the ball and got a small undeserved ovation.

Back to the game.

Cardenas, who ended up a homer short of hitting for the cycle, led off the third with a single and he scored three batters later when LaRoche hit a roller to third that Hammock knocked down, but couldn’t get back to his feet in time to throw out LaRoche at first.

Chris Carter, who struggled in Oakland and since being back in Sacramento, was up next and hit a line drive into left that plated Kouzmanoff.

Carter’s been moved around defensively quite a bit as the Cats have tried him in the outfield, first base and third base. With all the things going on the defensive side of things, one has to wonder if it’s been affecting him at the plate.

“It’s not that hard, you know,” said the 6’4”, 240-pounder. “I keep them both separate. I can’t take by bat out onto the field and I can’t bring what I do on the field to my at-bats. I’m just trying to work on getting back right.”

The Aces struck right back in the next inning when Hammock took a 1-1 offering over the left-center field wall to get Reno to within one run.

In the sixth, something happened that I’ve never seen. Two managers ejected for different reasons during the same at-bat.

Cats Manager Darren Bush was ejected for either making some gestures or saying something the first base umpire didn’t like on what he thought was a check swing that first base umpire called a ball and Aces manager Brett Butler, yes that Brett Butler, was tossed for arguing a close play at the plate.

Bush sat somewhat confused in his office after the game; still wondering what he did to be ejected.

“Apparently, he thought I was doing something he thought was inappropriate,” said the skipper. “He thought I did something that he thought warranted I be thrown out of the game, but what is was, I’m not sure.”

Compared to what Butler did, Bush’s issues were minor to say the least.

The replay showed that home plate umpire was correct in calling Mark Hallberg out as Anthony Recker blocked the plate and Hallberg couldn’t get his hand in for the score.

Butler, who played for Atlanta, Cleveland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, flipped out after being ejected for arguing and then did a highly animated pantomime of his impression of what had happened. The crowd got a laugh out of Butler’s antics, which lasted a good minute or two.

Cardenas, who was a homer short of hitting for the cycle, torched the 2-1 pitch from Jordan Norberto deep to the warning track. The ball just missed going out of the park and Cardenas would come be the home run short of a rare feat.

Cardenas knew what his line was as on a pitch before his deep drive, he almost swung out of his shoes in his effort to take on out of the yard and complete the cycle.

“I usually don’t hit too many homers,” said Cardenas. “I’m usually the one that likes to keep my swing nice and short. But I’ve been working on a few things as far as trying to turn on inside pitches and be really taking advantage of my swings and hitting the ball a little bit harder. Obviously with the situation and the game being tied and me going to the cycle, I’d be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t trying to hit a homer there.”

No worries for the Cats though as the next batter was Kouzmanoff, who took the second pitch he saw over the center field wall for a game-winning homer run.

“All I was thinking was get a good pitch to hit and trying to hit it hard,” said the slugger from the loud clubhouse as the Cats had the music cranking while celebrating the walk-off win. “We needed base runners at that point and I saw A.C. (Cardenas) hit his and I thought it was out, I really did because it came off the bat well and then just died. But I was trying to get a good pitch to hit and fortunately I got a pitch out over the plate that I was able to handle and drive out.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

SARA MOLINA - RIVERCATS.com

Idol Live! a little green, but so pure of heart

2011-07-14T00:06:03Z

Monday, July 11, Power Balance Pavilion hosted American Idol Live! for the tenth time. Spectators waited - thick, glossy programs in hand - for a live glimpse of their season favorite. There were even several devoted fans with binoculars.

Power Balance Pavilion has hosted American Idol Live! every year since its inception. This year, the event exceeded expectations. The 11 young stars sang to a crowd of over 11,000 people.

The evening’s show opened with all five ladies, all in white, singing Lady Gaga’s, “Born This Way.” Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia and Lauren Alaina in a walking cast, helped down the stairs by Pia Toscana, opened the show.

Start to finish, Idol Live! producers seemed to be working hard to allow each performer to shine in their own way. The group never seemed to be acting as a choir, but rather, as a group of collaborating artists. They performed background vocals for each other whenever the need arose.

With 10 background screens, one would have thought otherwise, but the show’s producer also did a good job of the background graphics and video, emphasizing and complementing the beat, but allowing the singing to speak for itself.

Pia Toscano performed early, introducing her new single, “This Time.” Toscano was one of three idol contestants to perform a single during Monday night’s show. Toscano also belted out “Empire State of Mind,” the 2009 Jay-Z, Alicia Keys duet. The version was tweaked to let Toscano shine. While it did not surpass Keys’ glorious vocals, it was inspiring all the same.

While Toscano’s presentation struggled - she missed an entrance slightly and let her eyes linger on the steps below her for a second too long - she got on track soon enough. With a bit more experience, we could be seeing more of this twenty-something New Yorker.

Toscano was then joined by Stefano Langone for “California King Bed,” a song that was performed by Rihanna in a memorable episode this season. It was clear throughout the show that Langone just can’t get enough of the stage. It was refreshing to watch a performer so intent on enjoying the show right along with the audience.

Langone and Adedapo each had their chance in the spotlight as well. Langone sang “Grenade,” a Bruno Mars ballad, performing on the keyboard as well as showing off his vocals.

Naima Adedapo had the most personality of the group. Among all the performers, Adedapo seemed to be the most likely to strongly forge ahead, vote besotted or not; an excellent personal trait for the celebrity world. Adedapo marked her performance with a memorable and spirited dance that pushed the boundaries of normal body movement.

If Adedapo had the most personality, then 16 year old Thia Megia was the most in love with what she was doing. The young singer from Hayward did a beautiful job, though the sound system surely had the worst effect on her voice. Unfortunate, really, considering the lyrics of her first song, “Who Says,” a tune originally performed by Selena Gomez and the Scene.

“Who says, who says you’re not perfect?”

Paul McDonald began his evening by performing “Maggie May,” his voice hoarsely Rod Stewartesque. The way the crowd was responding, it’s hard to imagine why an artist wouldn’t want this type of exposure for their music.

McDonald tried to liven things up, but it wasn’t until Steven Tyler came on screen, his vivid personality shining through in a ridiculous and slightly profane clip, that things really started to heat up. James Durbin came from the depths of the crowd to belt “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” a Guns N’ Roses classic. The crowd was on their feet and Durbin went down in the show’s history as the first big thing. Durbin later performed an outstanding and crowd pleasing rendition of “Uprising” by Muse.

Also in the first half, Casey Abrams and his bass won over the crowd. Abrams seemed to be intent on saluting the 90’s. Santana and Rob Thomas followed by Maroon 5’s “Harder to Breathe,” it’s a good thing he was in Sacramento, a place where there are more 90’s radio stations than anywhere else in the world.

Abrams seems to be an entertainer at heart, and not just because he looks so much like Zach Galifianakis. Abrams also paired with Haley Reinhart for a great duet before Reinhart went solo.

Reinhart sang “House of the Rising Sun” by Animals, and did it beautifully, although the cut of her dress nearly knocked the show up to NC-17. Her well-liked version of “Benny and the Jets,” was next. The Elton John classic charmed, as usual.

The second half started out with a short Lauren Alaina feature. Her incessant climbing up and down the stairs in a walking cast did nothing to enhance the show - or her performance. All around, spectators tittered their worry, astonishment and disapproval. Still, Alaina’s new single, “Like My Mother Does” was well-received.

“If I Die Young,” a song originally performed by the The Band Perry, came next and was beautifully done. Surely, this is not the last that Sacramento has seen of this artist. Alaina has more than enough talent to go around, her voice uncannily similar to that of her very own Idol, Carrie Underwood.

Jacob Lusk got at least a few crowd members to loosen up and groove. He sang several songs, the best of which was Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Like Adedapo, Lusk appeared confident in his style and abilities and was not afraid to prove it.

The males, McCreery excluded, also collaborated for a song or two. The group seemed to have more camaraderie than the females, where there seemed to be sharp edges, perhaps because it was so hard to walk up and down those stairs.

As the second half progressed, tension built for the big reveal. The audience had yet to see Scotty McCreery, American Idol 2011. It was easy to see and hear that the crowd loved him. There were posters and signs, and outside of the women’s restroom - formerly a men’s room - a young girl sported a puff-painted t-shirt reading, “I love you Scotty McCreery.”

Finally, after a brief overview of every Idol, “S-C-O-T-T-Y” appeared on the center screen and the star himself stepped out on stage. McCreery started with “Your Man,” a Josh Turner melody and his debut audition song.

During his first serenade, it was almost stunning how someone so young, who looks so much like the Mad magazine kid, can already be making it as a ladies’ man in the country music world. McCreery’s adorable presence added to his truly unbelievable vocal skills.

The 2011 American Idol also showed off his single, “I Love You This Big,” and performed “Kiss me or not,” a Thompson Square duet. McCreery has a voice so country and so like Randy Travis that it makes you want to check his lips to make sure that he is actually singing. There is no doubt that McCreery will be making tours and albums of his own in the very near future. The 16 year old’s voice is so big, in fact, that Grand Ole Opry status is imminent.

They called this season a season of remixes, and so it was. Langone and Adedapo began the finale with Aerosmith’s “Walk this way,” and slowly added from there until all eleven were on stage. The cast finished strong together, shifting into a bright rendition of Journey’s, “Anyway You Want it,” each letting their individuality shine through.

All in all, despite the cliché, there really was plenty of talent to go around. Performance skills and confidence were about as green as you could get, but this clearly comes with time. Sacramento was only the fourth stop on the American Idol Live! tour. The first tour just might serve as a rite of passage into the music world. One can only imagine the increased confidence and stair-stepping abilities of the final show of the tour.

Opinion: A Families' Hope is crushed

2011-07-09T18:11:00Z

There are so many stories about how fair Sacramento Housing and redevelopment agency (S.H.R.A). This is how it appears to our community . Do not be fooled this is not so, First of all; the staff members are very rude to all the participants from the moment they walk into the office . They are not seen not as people needing help, but are looked down upon like if they were less than . I am one of those participants i have been on that side of the window you know the one where no one cares about who you are ,because all you are is a number . I mean they do not even look at your face when it is your tun to come up and talk to an assistant . Also the waiting time is ridiculous ,and the agency is so full of self absorbed personal. They are uncaring ,and have lost their sense humanity . This might sound to you like if i might have some sort of animosity or hard feeling towards (S.H.R.A) . Well i will let you draw your own conclusion of this matter . After you read this you can make your decision is (S.H.R.A ) fair or not remember i have proof of everything i say so here it goes. I sincerely believe that (S.H.R.A) is full of it my Family waited for over 15 years to get in housing and right before we were going to get it, my landlord of 4yrs gave me a bad reference, which i fought with providing proof of how good of a tenant i was . But since he rents other homes to sec 8 applicants his word was taken over mine. Now me and my children are still stuck here in the same home with that belongs to that same landlord that lied about me just so that he can still collect $1200.00 dollars rent from me which is way beyond what me and my children can afford . I receive (SSI )and survivors benefits for me and my children to survive tell me how is (S.H.R.A) fair it is not it has failed me and my children . because i do

Disclosure: My family was personally affected by this in a lot of ways, i literally cried in dis pare when i realized that there was nothing i could do about this, well this is what one of the housing investigative workers said to me .I guess money does talk

Real Relationships: Splitting family holidays

2011-07-04T16:19:29Z

Instead of answering a reader question this week, I am venturing into a topic that I am fairly sure everyone faces, whether you are in a semi-serious relationship or you have been married for several decades: family holidays.

Whose family do you spend them with? Do you split time? Do you rotate holidays? Do you party hop? Do you and your significant other fight about this issue? Do you and your family fight about this issue?

I know it is a real problem that everyone faces today, and, unless you have just opted to blow off one or both sides of the family for the rest of your lives, you'll likely always have this issue. So let’s figure out how to make it as painless as possible for everyone, shall we?

First of all, have an open and frank discussion with your partner about their expectations for family holidays and what they would do if they had their choice. This is not the time to get offended that he doesn't like spending Easter with your parents or that she hates spending every Thanksgiving sitting around your mom's table. Allow this to be a sage, honest discussion so that you can start to make some decisions.

Once you figure out where you two would prefer to spend each holiday, have that same open and honest discussion with your families. Maybe you sit down and do it together, or maybe you each go back to your family and talk separately. Only you know what is going to be right in your situation.

Everyone is going to be forced to compromise, regardless of what decisions are made. It is likely that someone might be unhappy with the final decisions. The important thing is for each family member to know what is going to happen ahead of time so that they can plan accordingly, emotionally and logistically.

The holidays are intended to be fun, filled with laughter, good cheer and, God willing, relaxation and kindness. Make an effort to bring these traits with you to each gathering along with your side dish. Leave the guilt and harsh words at home. Understanding, compassion and a "go with the flow" attitude go a long way when it comes to family dynamics.

Happy Fourth of July and stay safe!

Have a Relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured every Monday in Real Relationships.

May I have your attention please Sacramento - The Jimmer has landed

2011-06-25T06:27:49Z

As he made his way down the escalator in the inside Terminal One at Sacramento International Airport Friday afternoon, his eye-catching smile was happily stretched across his face upon seeing the masses awaiting his arrival into the Capitol City.

That’s right Kings fans, along with the other two draft picks selected this week, the Jimmer has landed!

A couple of hundred of the Kings faithful patiently waited for the slightly delayed flight and they weren’t disappointed when 2011 draft picks Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Honeycutt and Isaiah Thomas made their way through the crowd - high-fiving fans and shaking hands all along the way.

The Kings had to do some wheeling and dealing to land Fredette. A draft day trade that sent Beno Udrih and the seventh pick in the draft to Milwaukee for former King John Salmons and the tenth pick. Moving down allowed the Kings to land the Fredette with the tenth pick where they may have felt they could pick him without looking like they were reaching.

Even though Jimmer had some off-the-chart numbers in his senior season at BYU - 28.9 points per game, 3.4 boards, 4.3 assists and shot almost 40% from beyond the arc - Fredette was slotted to go somewhere between the eleventh and sixteenth pick in the first round. But after Kings executives saw his impressive workout, they moved him up their draft board and happily took him with the tenth overall pick.

Many Kings fans made their way to the airport to greet the college star and Fredette was very happy to see the large welcoming committee.

“I’m really excited to be here,” started Jimmer. “To be a Sacramento King and to see the reception is really exciting for all of us here.”

Moments later he would say what everyone in KingsLand wanted to hear.

“I’m excited to be a King!”, exclaimed Jimmer.

The moment wasn’t lost on Jimmer’s girlfriend as she was seen looking back at the police behind her in awe of the crowd as she and Fredette made their way down the moving staircase.

Fredette, the consensus Player of the Year in college basketball last season, brings a smooth shot, amazing range and a nifty little crossover move to a team that will be looking to run and gun this campaign.

Also arriving were 2nd round picks Tyler Honeycutt (UCLA) and Isaiah Thomas (Washington). With the three new additions, the Kings become more athletic and will have more guys that can create their own shot. This team could become impossible to guard defensively.

The Kings brass were somewhat shocked when they realized the UCLA product was still around come the 35th overall pick.

Honeycutt talked about leaving school early considering he was projected to be a first round pick if he had stayed for his junior year.

“I felt like I had a solid year and I thought it was the right time for me,” said Honeycutt. “I felt parts of my game were ready to go to that next level.”

From what the scouts are saying, Honeycutt has a great basketball IQ, is an excellent passer and can block a lot of shots for his size.

With the last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Kings selected Isaiah Thomas. He’s only 5’10” but can jump out of the building. With a 39.5-inch vertical leap, it’s easy to see why the Kings thought he has a shot at making the roster.

Thomas, who averaged 16.8 points and 6.1 assists a contest, really improved his passing skills between his sophomore and junior years.

In his second year in the Northwest, he only averaged 3.2 assists, but by the end of his third season with the Huskies, he increased that average substantially.

Thomas was very happy he was able to stay on the West Coast. He was also a little shocked to see how much Kings fans love their basketball.

“I’m very excited,” started Thomas. “I think everything worked out perfectly. I get to stay home in California. As you can see, we got great fans. I don’t know how many other teams this (airport gathering) is happening to!”

Thomas didn’t stop there when declaring how happy he was to be picked by Sacramento.

“It’s a blessing! It’s a great organization. You can already tell the fans are second to none. This is just unbelieveble!”

For those of you that missed the airport arrival, you can catch the three new draftees at the Rookie Rally at the Arden Fair Mall in front of Nordstrom at 2:30 on this Saturday.

River Cats Homestand Preview (June 25-28, June 30-July 3)

2011-06-22T22:16:54Z

The River Cats will return home this Saturday to face the Reno Aces, who are managed by former Giants and Dodgers start Brett Butler. After a day off, Sacramento then welcomes the Tucson Padres to town for Independence day Weekend.

Here are notes entering the series.

Extra comfort: Sacramento improved to 4-0 in extra-innings games with a 4-3 win Tuesday night. Last season, the River Cats went 5-2 in extra-inning games, and in 2009 Sacramento was 15-4. This gives the River Cats an astonishing 24-6 record in extra innings over the last three seasons.

Dig Doug: In his first start with Sacramento, Doug Mathis looked strong Tuesday night against Tucson. The right-hander tossed 6.0 innings, allowing eight hits. He was charged with three earned runs while striking out two and earning the no-decision. Mathis walked one batter after walking 14 in his final three outings with Fresno before getting released by the Giants organization.

Masterful Marti: Yadel Marti, nicknamed “The Cuban Professor” by Radio Announcer Johnny Doskow, has pitched at least 5.0 innings in his last six outings. Tonight Marti will attempt to extend his win streak to four games. He has also won four of his last five starts. Marti leads the Pacific Coast League in winning percentage, winning 83.3-percent of his starts. He has a 3-1 record and 2.06 ERA at home, and a 2-0 record and 8.67 ERA on the road. However, in his last start (at Salt Lake on June 16), he allowed one run in 6.2 innings.

Roadies: Sacramento has not lost a road series all season, posting five road series wins and three splits. Sacramento has a 24-9 road record and a 23-17 home record. The River Cats have won nine of their last 10 road games, including a four-game sweep of Salt Lake in their previous road trip (June 13-16). The River Cats won the first game in Tucson 4-3 in 10 innings. Sacramento posted a 42-30 road record last season.

Taylor topples milestone: With his game-winning RBI in the top of the 10th inning Tuesday night at Tucson, Michael Taylor recorded his 100th RBI with the River Cats. Taylor is on the cusp of reaching another milestone with the Sacramento club – the next run he scores will also be his 100th in his River Cats career.

Bullpen bullies: The River Cats bullpen flexed its muscles again Tuesday night at Tucson, throwing 4.0 innings of shutout ball in the 10-inning win. Fautino De Los Santos, Trystan Magnuson, and Vinnie Chulk combined to allow only one hit and two walks while striking out five in the four innings. On the season, the Sacramento bullpen has posted a 2.96 ERA with a 291-to-114 strikeout to walk ratio. The bullpen has a 21-10 record.

Back in Tucson: Sacramento’s previous visit to Tucson came June 9-12, 2008, when the Sidewinders were affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Sidewinders moved to Reno in 2009, and Tucson didn’t have a team until the San Diego Padres moved their affiliate from Portland to Tucson this season. The River Cats had a 73-71 all-time record against the Sidewinders, including a 32-40 record on the road.

Record pace: With a 47-26 record through 73 games, the River Cats are a game ahead of their franchise-best record at this point in the season. Sacramento had a 46-27 record through 73 games in 2009. Sacramento’s franchise-best record for a season is 92-52, set in 2003. Sacramento has won seven of its last nine games.

Hop on the Ban-Wagon: Travis Banwart came in relief of Rich Harden on Monday afternoon against the Fresno Grizzlies. He threw 6.0 innings, allowing only two hits, two runs, two walks while striking out 11, tying a franchise record for a reliever. Harden also had 11 strikeouts from the bullpen in 2003. The performance earned him the win and improved his record to 4-4 on the year with a 4.66 ERA.

Southern comfort: Sacramento has held the PCL Pacific South Division lead since April 23. Sacramento’s current 7.0-game lead is the largest lead the River Cats have had all season.

River Cats Media Relations Interns Max Lush, Mark Ling, Kyle Tucker, Mike Morris and Cassie Kolias contributed to this report.

Disclosure: Nick Lozito works in the Sacramento River Cats Media Relations Department.

The Sacramento Press Streaming Live at Sacramento Zoo's King of Feasts

2011-06-22T20:25:44Z

The Sacramento Zoo will be hosting King of Feasts - Wine & Food Luau which will take place at the zoo 6 - 9 p.m. Saturday. Escape to a tropical paradise where you’ll be surrounded by exotic animals as you taste diverse cuisine from Sacramento-area restaurants, wineries- and breweries.

Enjoy walking around the zoo, listening to the sounds of Hawaii, watching traditional hula dance- and partying at the Tiki lounge. Participating restaurants, wineries- and breweries include: 4th Street Grille, Chops Steakhouse, FatCat Scones, Kru, Mochii Yogurt, Zócalo, Hoppy Brewing Company, Pyramid Alehouse, River City Brewing Company- and many more.

Presale tickets are $50 per person, and $45 for zoo members. Admission at the door is $60 per person. if you can’t make it to the event, The Sacramento Press will be live-streaming video of the event via Ustream. Video will appear in this article starting at 6p.m. Saturday and continue until the end of the event.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Free Family Fun Day at the Crocker on June 19

2011-06-17T19:19:39Z

This Father’s Day take the whole family to the Crocker Art Museum’s "Free Family Fun Day.” On Sunday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a Museum-wide celebration of Impressionism and summertime with a host of family programs, including hands-on art making, interactive tours, dance and music performances, and much more.

“Free Family Fun Day” is a unique opportunity to sample the Crocker’s family programs, such as Drop, Yak, Splat!, studio art workshops, and family-friendly art tours. Visitors can try their hands at creating landscapes, sculpting with clay, or crafting portraits of their favorite heroes.

Artist Sarma Karsiere will lead a draw-along session focusing on landscapes. Classic children’s musician Mister Cooper will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. while Mistura Brasileira, a local Brazilian dance troupe, will take the stage at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“Free Family Fun Day” is sponsored by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation. Sunday, July 19, is also “Pay What You Wish” Sunday, sponsored by Bank of America.

For more information, visit crockerartmuseum.org or call (916) 808-7000.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art.

The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday–Wednesday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Sunday. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America.

Nonprofit org. offers dads services, support

2011-06-16T02:20:52Z

Sacramento dads have an ally when it comes to navigating family court and help on parenting: the nonprofit Center for Fathers and Families.

“Our goal is to make fathers into men and make men into fathers,” said Terry Moore, director of adult services at the center. “A lot of them don’t have that take-charge mentality, and we help them provide for their families and look after their families’ safety, even if they’re not with the mother.”

The center, at 920 Del Paso Blvd., was founded in Sacramento in 1994 and provides myriad programs for fathers, kids and families in general, but the focus is on helping fathers develop and maintain the skills needed to be active members of their families, Moore said.

“Fatherhood is forever,” said the center’s CEO, former Oakland Raiders Super Bowl champion Rick Jennings, II. “Once we commit to our children, the future is that much brighter.”

That commitment can come at all income levels, and the center provides a list of 100 low- or no-cost ways for dads to spend time with their kids.

“Pack a lunch, go down to the river, sit on the bank and have a picnic and throw rocks,” Moore said. “There are so many ways. Even just going for a ride on light rail or going up to the (Nimbus) fish hatchery and feeding the fish are great. And the fish hatchery is free, and all kids will love that.”

He said the list includes numerous other ideas that many dads might not think of, but find fun.

Also offered are classes on parenting, where dads learn how to change diapers and mix baby formula, among other topics.

Anger management classes are offered as well.

“A lot of these guys let their tempers get the best of them, and that sometimes keeps them from having unsupervised visitation with their kids,” Moore said. “We help them control that anger and have them focus on the positive.”

The center’s seven employees have training in counseling, family law and other areas that help their clients.

Whitney Robinson, a 52-year-old dad, said that when he was 30, he didn’t have the help he needed dealing with family courts.

“My daughter’s mother took me through hell,” he said. “I had always been the kind of guy who, when it came to defending myself, it was on the streets by fighting or whatever. In the legal system, I couldn’t defend myself.”

He said that when he moved to Sacramento from San Francisco in the 1990s and had a steady job working for a telecommunications company, he wanted to volunteer, and he found the Center for Fathers and Families.

He described the center as a fraternity where men can gather and hep each other solve problems and prepare for mediation with mock runs and classes as well as other legal routes they will likely take when it comes to determining custody of children.

“The center really brings families together,” he said, adding that it helps turn around the problem of “deadbeat dads” by helping them interact with their kids.

Patrick Hunter, a Sacramento father of two in his 40s, said he came across the center about three and a half years ago.

“I was experiencing some difficulties with the family court system,” he said. “I consider myself pretty intelligent, but they were the objective party that helped give me pointers on how to handle problems with paperwork and give me assistance on parenting a young kid.”

When it came to playing with his daughter, who is now 4, he said advisers at the center told him not to be afraid to play house, pick out girls’ clothes and even dance.

“Every week I would pick up something different,” he said.

After-school programs – 12 in the Twin Rivers School District and two in Natomas – are also coordinated through the center, and Moore said they have classes for high school-age boys to help them get on track and stay on track when it comes to grades and staying out of trouble.

Moore said volunteers are always needed and welcome.

“We have a receptionist’s desk, but no receptionist,” he said with a laugh. “We can always use donations, too.”

Regular events are held to promote togetherness between dads and kids, and a special event will be held Friday for Father’s Day.

In the past, Moore said, father/daughter dances have been held. This year, however, the dance will be a smaller part of a larger event: a celebrity basketball game.

Coaching one team will be former WNBA star and Sacramento Monarchs player Yolanda Griffith. Super Bowl champion Jennings will coach the opponents. Teams will include local radio personalities, comics and church officials.

Moore said FM 102.5 radio personality Big Al Sams and New York Jets player Marcus Smith will be some of the celebrity players.

The game will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Rio Tierra Junior High School, 3201 Northstead Drive. A $3 donation is asked to cover shirts for kids and beverages, Moore said.

“We’re doing it on Friday so everyone has Father’s Day to do their own thing,” he said. “My 7-year-old daughter has plans for me. I don’t know what they are, but that day is for her.”

To contact the Center for Fathers and Families, click here.

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

DiNardo still finding his groove as Cats lose to Tacoma 8-4

2011-06-10T23:55:10Z

Lenny DiNardo knows what it takes to be in the bigs again. He just has to try and adjust.

You see, usually by 31 years of age, a pitcher will start losing something off his fastball and may even need to retool himself to stay in the game he loves so much. This is that precise moment in time DiNardo is in, and River Cats pitching coach Scott Emerson is helping him down that bumpy road.

“He’s a different pitcher than he was 10 years ago,” Coach Emo said. “The velocity is a lot less, so he’s got to learn a different type of style. That style is throwing a bunch of strikes at the bottom of the zone and changing speeds.”

On Thursday evening at Raley Field, DiNardo was not able to keep the ball out of the prime hitting zones as the Tacoma Rainiers garnered 10 hits off the Cats starter — eight of them singles — en route to an 8-4 loss.

The Cats etched the first runs on the board on a warm 80-degree evening when Sacramento’s shortstop Eric Sogard took a 1-0 pitch into right for a clean double to lead off the bottom of the first. Josh Donaldson was then safe at first on a perfect bunt that slowly rolled past Rainiers pitcher Chris Seddon. During Kevin Kouzmanoff’s at-bat, Donaldson took off for second. Tacoma catcher Josh Bard threw the ball into center field which allowed Sogard to score from third giving the Cats an early 1-0 lead.

After Kouzmanoff’s walk, the rest of the lineup went down quietly.

In the second, the Rainiers had three of their first five batters get on base with singles. The last one by center fielder Michael Saunders plated Mike Wilson to tie the game.

Tacoma really started hitting the ball hard off DiNardo in the third. After getting the first two batters out easily, the visiting team unloaded on him. A double by Alex Liddi was the shot that temporarily opened the flood gates. The next hitter, Luis Antonio Jimenez, torched a ball down the right field line that hit the bag and bounced over Anthony Recker’s head. It rolled down the line and Liddi scored on the play. Hot-hitting Mike Wilson lifted a full-count pitch over the wall in left that bounced off the Raley sign and bounced back over the fence. The high-velocity shot scored Jimenez and put the Rainiers ahead 3-1.

After getting out of the jam in the third, DiNardo was still ripe for the picking in the fourth as lead-off hitter Matt Tuiasosopo worked the count and finally took the ninth pitch he saw from the Cats starter over the short Sutter Health wall in front of the River Cat bullpen.

Sacramento finally bust out some heavy lumber in the bottom of the fourth.

After a pop-out from Recker, Adrian Cardenas took a base on balls to bring up Matt Carson. Carson knocked his 13th homer of the season over the wall in left that hit the clubhouse. After the shot by Carson, the Cats trailed 5-3.

Carson has really been in a groove lately. With five homers in his last 10 games, the 29-year-old from Newport Beach is doing his part in trying to make his way back to the bigs. And seeing some of his teammates getting the call is keeping him positive about the situation and not the other way around.

“Obviously, this is not where any of us wants to be,” said a candid but smiling Carson on his way off the field. “We want to be in the major leagues, but to see guys get to get the opportunity to go up there (Oakland) — some of the guys have never been up there — it’s actually pretty cool.”

Carson also thinks that a good chunk of this River Cats lineup has something to offer a big league club. And that would be sooner than later.

“There is no one on this team that you think, man, why is that guy up here? But with this team, and anybody who goes up there, you’re just thrilled for them because they’ve worked their butt off and they’re good baseball players.”

Tacoma got to DiNardo again in the sixth. Wilson, who singled to lead off the frame, scored on Saunders’ single a few batters later. Saunders then scored on Sean Kazmar’s single, which was followed shortly thereafter by another single by Matt Mangini.

In total, the Rainiers scratched out five singles and scored three runs in the inning. That was enough for Manager Darren Bush to make that long walk to the mound to pull his starter and replace him with Fautino De Los Santos.

After the dust settled, the Cats found themselves down 8-3 after five and half.

The later part of the game went by quickly. Cats reliever De Los Santos was dealing as he had five strikeouts in 1.2 innings of work. That’s right. In between the two hits he gave up, he struck out every other batter he faced.

Emerson spoke about what the fireball reliever is missing in his run at making a major league roster.

“He’s definitely a power pitcher with an improved breaking ball,” Emerson said. “Once we can get that location down and maybe he can cut his pitches down (he'll be okay). Strikeouts are great, but balls in play are better for outs, especially as a reliever. So you can be fresh for the next couple of days.”

Kouzmanoff, who was playing in his first game for Sacramento since being sent down to work on his game, homered to lead off the eighth to get the Cats to within four.

Even though this is the first time he has experienced being sent down, he sure has a great attitude about it.

“It’s a learning process,” the third baseman said. “I’m learning as we go. I plan on helping the team win and keep working hard. That’s all I can do.”

Relievers key as Cats comeback to scratch out 2-1 win over Bees

2011-06-05T01:30:08Z

Scott Emerson has a philosophy. Let’s call it more of an idea what the Sacramento River Cats pitching coach is looking for out of his pitching staff.

“You want your starter to go six or seven innings and then that cuts down on the usage of the bullpen,” said Emerson after the game. “As an organization, we do have a pitch count for guys to be able to pitch the next day, if they go over a certain number, we can’t use them the next day.”

Considering that Cats starter Bobby Cramer had reached that pitch total well ahead of schedule, it was refreshing to see all three Sacramento relievers combine to hold the Salt Lake Bees to only two more hits in the game. That allowed their timely hitting and sacrificial play to give the Cats the 2-1 victory at Raley Field on Friday evening.

Cramer only went 3 2/3 innings because of that philosophy as he had given up five hits, four walks and six strikeouts. Emerson ferreted out the problem the left-hander was having.

“He’s got to pitch a little more to contact,” said the pitching coach of Cramer. “To throw 77 pitches in that amount of time - less than four innings - we want him pitch more to contact. The strikeouts are great and all but the contact balls are going to be much better for him and he’ll be able to go much deeper in the game. That’s what starters get paid to do - to get us into the seventh inning.”

After loading the bases in the first without incident, in the second, Cramer got into trouble again. A leadoff double that bounced off the bottom of the Toyota sign in left-center by Gil Velazquez set up the first score for the Bees. A few batters later, leadoff hitter Tyson Auer’s second single in as many innings plated Velazquez to give Salt Lake a 1-0 lead.

A good sign early was seeing Cats catcher Anthony Recker increase his hitting streak to 13 games on a sharp double in his very first at-bat. Funny things is, he didn’t even know he had a steak to keep alive.

“I didn’t even know I had a hitting streak going, hopefully I can keep it going,” said a happy Recker as he walked off the field after signing for the young fans along the left field rail.

Recker is one of those guys that seems to be maturing at a very high rate. His stats and development have to be getting the attention of the big club. Especially if he keeps this up.

“I think I’m ready, it’s just a matter of getting an opportunity,” said Recker. “I just have to keep doing what I am doing and keep working hard and keep things going.”

The Cats got some trouble brewing in the fourth for the Bees when Matt Carson led off with a sharp double into left center that rolled to the wall. After a walk by Jai Miller, Carson stole third to set up runners on the corners with no outs. One wild pitch later by Scott Kazmir, who is on a rehab assignment, and Miller was on second.

That brought up Adrian Cardenas with the bases loaded and, with a little patience, Cardenas took a walk that brought in Carson from third to tie the game. A sacrifice fly by Eric Sogard brought in Miller to give the Cats their first lead of the game.

Sogard knows it’s just doing the little things right that can help you scratch out a win.

“We only had three hits, but made the most of it,” said Sogard after signing whatever memento was in every kid’s outstretched hands. “We did the small things right. Got the guys over and sac flied them in so we did what it took to get the win. It was a great win!”

After four, the Cats led 2-1.

In the sixth, Bees’ second baseman took the first pitch he saw from Cat reliever Trystan Magnuson for a ride. Carson tracked it nicely and, with a nice jump, snared the ball as it was clearing the Sutter Health sign in right field. The great catch saved a home run that would have given the Bees the lead.

On that particular play, Carson was glad he was in right and not left field.

“I had a pretty good route to it and got back to the fence,” said Carson. “That part of the fence over there is shorter than the rest of the field so it’s easier to kinda get up there. You can kind of lean back over it, whereas, the higher fence you gotta get a foot up on it and reach over the top of it. But over there, you can kinda just get your back up to the fence and lean back and that’s basically did.”

Besides the home run that Carson saved, the rest of the fifth through ninth innings sailed along like a delta breeze. Three Cats relievers - Magnuson, Jerry Blevins and Vinnie Chulk - combined to only allow only two hits over the 5 1/3 innings they pitched.

Manager Darren Bush is proud of the way his pitching staff has played as of late.

“The pitching staff did a great job,” said Bush. “They gave up a run early and then just shut them down. They’ve done it for the last three games. They did a great job of keeping those guys off-balance and attacking the zone.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

STEVEN CHEA

Rosales and Hernandez keys in Cats comeback win, 7-4 over Bees

2011-06-03T02:09:02Z

Oakland A’s second baseman Adam Rosales was itching to get back on the field, so much so that he just arrived in town to begin his rehab stint with the River Cats and found himself in the starting lineup.

After he collected a single, double and triple by the sixth inning, one had to wonder — after he got pulled in the eighth — if he was even a little upset at not getting a chance to go for the cycle in his first game since August.

“No, it’s just fun to get out there and play,” said Rosales, who has been out for nine months rehabbing a broken bone in his ankle. “It’s fun to bump elbows with these guys and to enjoy playing at this level again.”

He got a chance to do more than bump elbows, as Rosales had three of the Cats’ 10 hits along with an RBI in Sacramento’s 7-4 comeback win over the Salt Lake Bees Wednesday at Raley Field.

After the dreaded rain delay of almost 90 minutes, the Bees opened the first with a sharp two-strike single by left fielder Tyson Auer. After a sacrifice by Chris Pettit, power hitter Jeff Baisley strode to the plate and dinked a bunt to Cats pitcher Carlos Hernandez. Hernandez promptly threw the ball in the dirt and, as it went by first baseman Shane Peterson and rolled to the wall, Auer hustled around the bases and scored from second. Baisley, who got to third on the throw, scored a batter later on a sacrifice from Bees first baseman Efren Navarro.

It first appeared that the River Cats would start clawing their way back from the early 2-0 deficit when leadoff hitter Rosales took the second pitch he saw into left for a single. After stealing second, Rosales was stranded in the heart of the diamond after the next three Cats-made outs.

Most guys would be lamenting over the missed playing time as if a younger player were ready to make a run for the player’s spot.

Not Rosales. He found different ways to keep his head in the game.

“It’s been a long road, but a road that’s taught me patience,” said Rosales, who has been with Oakland since 2009. “(It’s taught) me how to slow the game down a little bit. I get to study video a lot. I had so much time of my hands, I’d try and get as much baseball knowledge as I could when I wasn’t playing.”

The second started off just like the first for the Bees, as the first two batters singled again and sacrificed the runner to second. After that short run of duplicity, Cole Armstrong doubled in Gil Velazquez from second on the first pitch he saw. A batter later, Auer plated Armstrong on his second single of the game.

While Salt Lake put up two in each of the first two innings, Sacramento was still looking to dig in their spikes and scratch something onto the towering scoreboard.

That’s when Anthony “Home” Recker ripped the first pitch he saw over the wall in left field and watched it hit off the clubhouse wall for his ninth homer of the season.

“I had good fortune today,” he said later. “I put a pretty good swing on the ball.”

After a quiet third inning, the Cats finally busted out the whipping sticks. Following a fly out by Recker, the Cats unleashed back-to-back-to-back doubles by Michael Taylor, Eric Sogard and Jai Miller that scored two and got Sacramento to within a run.

Shane Peterson walked after Miller’s double to get Sacramento runners on second and third. Miller scored a moment later on another Cats double — this one by Rosales. Scott Sizemore continued the scoring barrage with a sacrifice fly that plated Peterson.

After a four-run fifth, the Cats led 5-4.

Considering the shaky start Cats pitcher Hernandez got off to — four hits, three sacrifices and two earned runs in the first two innings — the following four innings he pitched were nearly flawless. In frames three through six, Hernandez struck out five and gave up only two hits while keeping the Bees from pasting anymore runs onto the scoreboard.

“I threw a lot of fastballs,” Hernandez said of his change in the game. “I went in and out on hitters and mixed speeds when I needed too. Recker called a good game too.”

The Cats put two more runs on their side of the ledger in the game. Rosales scored on a throwing error by Bees second baseman Dwayne Bailey after his leadoff triple in the sixth. Later, in the seventh, Miller knocked in Recker, who had walked to start the inning.

Three scoreless innings were the work of the Cats bullpen — an inning each by Jerry Blevins, Fautino De Los Santos and Willie Eyre, who, after a leadoff walk in the ninth, struck out the side to end the game.

After the game, the question still begged to be asked: How does a guy who has not picked up a bat for nine months get a single, a double, a triple and steal a base in his first game back? Seriously? After ankle surgery?

“A true hitter is always trying to improve himself,” Rosales said smiling. “I’m still getting completely comfortable at the plate.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

http://www.nabityphotos.com/

Kick Off the Kids' Summer at the Free Safety Fair

2011-06-03T01:05:56Z

Sacramento families can jump-start their children's summer fun at the neighborhood Kids' Safety Fair taking place Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event will be held on the lawn of Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625 24th Street in Sacramento (corner of Fruitridge Road and 24th Street). Among the free activities offered are a bounce-house, face-painting, crafts, music and helpful information from local family and safety resources. A free hotdog lunch will be served.

A map and directions, plus a downloadable print-friendly flyer, are available.

The safety fair is presented as a community service of Bethany Presbyterian Church volunteers.

Bethany Presbyterian Church is the oldest of the Presbyterian churches in the South Sacramento/Land Park area, drawing participation from as far away as Pocket/Greenhaven, Elk Grove/Laguna, East Sacramento/Rosemont and midtown/downtown Sacramento. The church, which moved from Oak Park to its current site in 1954, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014.

For details about the Kids' Safety Fair and additional summer activities, see the church website or call (916) 428-5281.

Real Relationships: The concept of religion

2011-05-23T11:56:24Z

Q: I feel so old-school even asking this, but do couples need to have the same religious beliefs anymore to make it work? My boyfriend and I don't really believe the same spiritually and I wonder if it will become an issue for us in the future. Does he need to convert to Catholicism before I can consider settling down with him?

A: There is no right or wrong answer to this question, nor is there one answer that is going to work in every situation. Religion and spirituality means different things to every person, and how that effects your intimate relationships really depends on you.

For instance, are you a weekly, daily or holiday Mass attendee? Do you go to confession? Do you pray the rosary? Do you observe Lent? As you have probably guessed, I am wondering how committed you are to your faith, because that is ultimately going to determine how important it is to you that your partner be of the same religious persuasion.

I think it is important that, even though your boyfriend doesn't believe exactly as you do (or maybe he just doesn't practice), that he doesn't believe in anything that is contradictory to what you believe. If you are a committed churchgoer and he is not, you two need to be in agreement about your attendance at church and your time commitment there so that it does not become a sore spot in your relationship.

As for whether or not you must believe the same thing, it certainly can't hurt, but I think that if both of you have a complete understanding of the other person's feelings and expectations, and are in agreement, then you should be OK.

Have a relationship questions? Send them to sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured every Monday in Real Relationships.

Railroad museum seeks volunteers

2011-05-19T01:08:19Z

The California State Railroad Museum and Historic Park is calling all volunteers to enter its 50th volunteer academy – volunteers who, according to officials, are the museum’s backbone.

“We couldn’t run the museum without our docents. They are everything,” said Theresa Gonsolis, a guide and volunteer coordinator.

She added that the museum – founded in 1981 – is considered the premiere indoor railroad museum in the country.

Applications for the volunteer docent class are online and are being accepted through May 31, though Gonsolis said there is some “wiggle room” in the deadline.

“Our philosophy is: the more the merrier,” she said.

Docents are only required to work seven hours per month, which can be split up between two days or done in one day, she said, adding that many docents prefer to work more often – some several days per week.

Chip Fong became a volunteer docent nine years ago shortly after retiring from the California Highway Patrol.

“I like to tell people about the history,” he said. “Sacramento is ground zero for California history.”

Fong said working in the dining car in the museum is his favorite because it’s one of the best examples of an original dining car from an era when rail travel was far more common.

He has also worked on the active Sacramento Southern Railroad operated by the museum and other positions.

“It’s a great social life if you like to talk about the history of the railroad and what it did for America – it was the glue that held us together,” Fong said.

To be a docent, previous knowledge of the railroad is not required, Gonsolis said.

The volunteer course, which starts June 25, runs for four weeks and includes three-hour classes Monday and Wednesday evenings as well as seven-and-a-half-hour classes Saturdays.

After graduation, docents can go to work in one of several areas – the museum, the car shop (where train cars are cleaned and maintained), the signals group (which operates train signals), the model train exhibits on the second floor and others.

“We recommend shadowing other experienced docents for a little bit first,” Gonsols said. “They can learn even more from their wealth of knowledge.”

That knowledge is shared with the approximately 500,000 people who pass through the attraction every year.

School groups are common visitors, and 10-year-old fifth grader Cecilia Estrada of Berkeley said Wednesday that the docents were very helpful.

“I enjoyed the trains,” she said. “(The docents) told us really interesting stories about them.”

Cecilia said she thought the refrigeration car was interesting.

Gonsolis added that refrigeration cars allowed California produce to be transported all over the nation, making it the state’s “true gold” as part of the economy.

For more information about applying and an online application, click here.

“This is really a museum where the interaction we have with the public who come and visit is important,” Gosolis said. “(The volunteer docents) are what make our visitors so in awe of this museum.”

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

Why Margie Mott will Walk 'N Rock for Kids

2011-05-12T21:13:00Z

Hope Productions Foundation’s, third annual fundraising walk and benefit concert to support local children’s charities, Walk 'N Rock for Kids, will take place Sunday, May 29th at Raley Field in West Sacramento. Hundreds of local companies and civic groups have formed walk teams to raise funds for 22 nonprofits which serve Sacramento area children and youth. The morning’s walk will start and end at Raley Field, taking participants to the Capitol and through the Downtown Plaza. Later that evening, Hope Productions Foundation will host a VIP reception for event sponsors and a benefit concert featuring American rock icons KISS, which is open to the public. From volunteers to sponsors, walkers to concertgoers, Sacramento has shown great support of this event. Here is a spotlight on Margie Mott. Read on to learn why she will Walk 'N Rock for Kids.

A little about Margie: I am the Executive Assistant to the Central Division Executive as well as the Corporate Financial Officer of Sutter Medical Foundation. I live in Antelope and work in downtown Sacramento.

What is your role in this year’s Walk ‘N Rock for Kids? I will be co-captain of the Sutter Health Cares for Youth walk team which will support Wind Youth Services.

Did you participate in last year’s Walk ‘N Rock for Kids? While I did not get to go in person last year, I was a virtual walker and co-captain of the Sutter Health Team. Many of my co-workers were able to go and I heard that it was all, and more, than I would have expected. I cannot WAIT for this year’s Walk ‘N Rock!

What was your favorite part of last year’s event? While the concert portion is something to look forward to and culminates a good time and rewards ALL who participate, I also love the fact that much needed funds are being raised to support some very well-deserving organizations directly in our own backyard.

Have you ever received support from one of the benefiting organizations? My son is a leukemia and bone marrow transplant survivor. In the past two years he has finally been healthy enough to attend Camp Okizu, once during a “family camp,” and once during “oncology camp.” I can’t tell you what that organization has meant to us and how much he enjoyed going. It’s a “safe place” to send oncology kids where staff, co-campers, and all the other families are familiar with the world that a pediatric patient now lives in. The location is beautiful and peaceful and the activities are amazing! Dominic is excited about going to camp again this year! And while I am familiar with and support ALL the wonderful organizations served by Hope Productions Foundation, my heart is also touched by Wind Youth Services and the support they provide to homeless youth in our community. Their services are not provided by any other entity to the kids that they help.

Why are you involved in Walk ‘N Rock for Kids? Foremost because of the kids, including my own, who have needs that are addressed in such a powerful way by the various local children’s nonprofits that serve them. In addition, Sutter Medical Foundation where I work is community-minded and encourages and supports employee participation in these activities. And finally I am involved because I love the Hope Productions Foundation team!

Hope Productions Foundation provides training, resources and funding for seven local children’s charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, Cristo Rey High School of Sacramento, Keaton Raphael Memorial, Okizu, People Reaching Out, River Cats Foundation and Wind Youth Services. An additional 15 children’s charities will also benefit from abbreviated training and fundraising support through the Walk ‘N Rock for Kids event. With continued support from the community, the Foundation has distributed over $1.5 million in contributions, resources, marketing and in-kind business training to local children and youth nonprofits since its inception in the fall of 2008. More than 51,000 local children have been impacted by the efforts of Hope Productions Foundation.

135th Annual Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festival

2011-05-10T18:27:09Z

For the past 14 ~~135 years~~ Woodland has hosted the Annual Scottish Highland Games. The games bring piping, athletics, dancing, food and this year it offered a fun Celtic experience over the Mother’s Day weekend. The event is usually held towards the end of April but this year they were held a couple of weeks later. The event is scheduled to go back to the end of April dates for 2012.

Several thousand people attend the two day event every year and this year was no exception. It’s estimated that 20,000 people attend the event that originally started at Sacramento’s McKinley Park on June 16, 1877 (a dozen years after the Civil War ended). Although rain and Mother’s Day could have curtailed attendance on Sunday it did not look like it made much of an impact on lowering attendance.

The Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland opened their doors at 9 in the morning and ended at 5 p.m. on both days. We arrived at the Fairgrounds on Sunday to enjoy a great Mother’s Day, great food and drinks and many activities throughout the day.

Near the entrance a ceremony took place with characters donning traditional Scottish medieval clothing. This was a great introduction to the day and the crowd that gathered to watch this re-enactment enjoyed witnessing the event. Many guests continued to stream in through the entrance and moved to the many stations or stopped at a food vendor to start off the day with a hearty breakfast.

Each year for the past 15 or more years members of my family and I make the trek to the Yolo County Fairgrounds to enjoy the Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festival. It has been a family tradition, for our family, to attend one of the two days. Many of the people I spoke to indicated they do the same. The Kurnick family has done the same and Andrew Kurnick said Sunday’s event marked 23 year in a row that they’ve attended the event.

The Caledonian Club of Sacramento hosts the Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festivals every year. They are a nonprofit organization formed to preserve Scottish heritage, culture and traditions.

The family event includes Scottish music, dance, live history, competitions, Scottish clans, children’s activities, animals, vendors and much more. One of the events that fits into the “much more” category is whisky tasting. Whisky, what Americans call “Scotch” is Scotland’s number one export.

Several tents and genealogy stations were set up to learn about Scottish clans. Many clans were represented at the festival and materials were available to find information about other clans.

Scottish animals were well represented and were a very popular attraction. Clydesdale horses (named for the area around River Clyde which runs through Glasgow) were on site to be viewed alone and later hauling a carriage. These magnificent animals from the Jack London Ranch in Glen Ellen attracted many spectators.

Traditional Scottish Highland cattle, a Shetland pony and Scottish sheep were also available for viewing. Several dog breeds were also well represented and included Border Collies, Irish Wolfhounds, Gordon Settlers and Shetland Sheepdogs. The Hennigan Spinning Frisbee K9s returned this year and put on a great show. The California Hawking Club also returned with their Birds of Prey display.

Musical entertainment brought the Wicked Tinkers, Stout Rebellion, Tempest, and Colin Clyne to two stages on Saturday and Sunday. A Scottish fiddling and harping music tents were also set up which showcased various performances. The fiddle has been a staple of Scottish music and culture for centuries as has the Celtic harp (or clarsach).

Pipe Band and Individual Drumming and Piping Competitions also took place at various areas during the Scottish games. Various grade levels were judged as competitions took place. The United States Scottish Drum Major Championships were also held but I did not get a chance to witness the championship competition.

Without a doubt one of the most popular events that take place at the games is the Heavy Athletics competition. Three events make up the competition and contestants have to participate in all events. Putting the Stone, the Scottish Hammer and Weight Over Bar are the three portions that make up the competition. Competitors come from all over the United States, Canada and last year they even had one person from Japan compete.

Arguably the most popular event is the Scottish Highland Dancing competitions. Highland dancing is a celebration of the Scottish spirit. This dancing competition combines strength, agility, movement, music and costume and are accompanied by a live bagpiper.

The re-enactment area was also very popular. The area showcased how people dressed, lived, worked and played in centuries past. These stations were very informational and attracted young and old alike. Shooting and sword fighting re-enactments attracted young kids and the actors were very patient and attentive as they were asked questions. Most of the actors in the re-enactment areas stayed in character as they walked around and spoke to each other and guests.

On Sunday morning Gordon Scott gave some announcements regarding the venue and what was taking place. He pointed out the various areas where events took place, the food areas and other items. He welcomed everyone to the event and especially for the mom’s in the audience who had decided to spend the day at the festival.

Gordon then introduced Angie Roddan, Event Manager, who started off by wishing everyone a good morning and said, “Happy Mother’s Day. We wanted to bring Scotland to you today complete with the weather.” She talked about the clans who participated in the event about volunteering to coordinate and run the event and thanked those who helped.

The Price Charles Pipe Band played Highland Laddie and after that the parade began and many participants at the festival made their way in including representatives from many of the clans.

Over 100 vendors were on hand selling food, drink, jewelry, music, books, art and hand crafts. Haggis, bangers and mash, meat pies, fish and chips, scones and many other delicious food items were available.

Rain stayed away from the festival making this a very enjoyable Mother’s Day and created a great atmosphere for the Scottish Highland Games. The festival provided great entertainment, food, music and activities for everyone. On this Sunday, May 8, 2011 it was a festive day where everyone could be Scottish for a day!

Timmons, Carson and pitching staff shine - Cats win fourth in a row

2011-05-10T01:09:57Z

Wes Timmons just wants to play ball. That is, with God’s blessing, of course.

Timmons had a conversation with his wife before Sunday’s Mother’s Day contest at Raley Field and thinks he may have figured it out. After Saturday night’s game Timmons felt horrible. He told his wife Jennifer that he feels like he hasn’t been in the batter’s box for a year rather than the three weeks it’s been. She then told him what he already knew.

“You need to check yourself and get back in the word and trust in God,” said Jennifer.

So, after his pre-game one-on-one with the man upstairs, a rejuvenated Timmons promptly hit the field and went 3-4 with an RBI, helping the Sacramento River Cats beat the hot-hitting Colorado Springs Sky Sox 5-3 in front of 7,908 moms and family members alike. The win gives the Cats four W's in a row.

“I can’t tell you that God’s blessings are the reason I got hits,” said a thankful Timmons, “but it’s just (about) having confidence - knowing that there are way more important things in life than getting a few knocks out here.”

Speaking of hitting, Colorado came into the game hitting well above .300 as a team. That didn’t faze Sacramento’s pitching one bit as the combined efforts of starter Bobby Cramer and relievers Joe Bateman, Vinnie Chulk and Joey Devine kept the 3-6 batters in the Sox lineup to an amazing 1-for-14 at the plate.

Cats pitching coach Scott Emerson, affectionately known by his players as Emo, has been impressed at what he’s been seeing lately.

“Anytime you can get the meat of the order out is a bonus,” said Coach Emo from his office after the game. “The guys are attacking the strike zone and making the hitter put the ball in play. We are getting good defense behind them and anytime you do that, you’re going to have a lot of success.”

The Cats side of the ledger would start being filled first after a John Donaldson walk and a Shane Peterson single that put two on with one out in the second, Sky Sox starting pitcher Sean White picking Horton off of first base. After a short delay, the decision was overturned and a balk was called on White, allowing Donaldson to score and Horton to go to second. The early confusion gave the River Cats a 1-0 lead after two.

In the third for the Sky Sox, Brad Emaus led off with a single. After a hard line out to center by Willy Taveras, Eliezer Alfonso, the ninth hitter in the order, took a fastball over the left-center field wall on a string as it just cleared the fence for a two-run homer that gave the Sox a 2-1 lead.

Matt Carson led off with a walk for the Cats and a batter later, Adrian Cardenas stroke a shot into center that Sox center fielder could not get a bead on, changing directions several times while tracking the ball before it finally went over his head and bounced over the wall for a ground-rule double RBI that tied the score at 2-2.

Carson led off the fifth with a moon shot that landed on the green tarp that connects the Home Run Terrace and the Cats clubhouse.

Anthony Recker, who has been seeing the ball very well lately, followed with a double and then stole third. Peterson then squirreled one up the first-base line that pitcher Andrew Graham could not run down. Recker scored on the play, giving Sacramento a 4-2 lead.

On Josh Horton’s single moments later, Donaldson would round third and start the charge home. There was a bang-bang play at the plate, but Donaldson’s attempt to run over Sox catcher Alfonso was unsuccessful.

After the Sox scored again, the Cats would look to increase their lead with back-to-back singles by Horton and Weeks to lead off the eighth. Timmons got up and, after trying to sacrifice bunt both base runners over before getting two strikes, ended up slicing one to right for his third hit of the day. Timmons efforts allowed Horton to score a sorely needed insurance run.

In speaking with Timmons after the game, you could tell that his heart and mind were one with his creator as he joked about how seriously players take this game that’s meant for kids.

“Stats are stats,” said a smiling Timmons. “What I believe is that God has a plan for me and I think that he laughs and finds it funny that so many guys take so much into this game. This is fun, it is. For many it is a career, so it is important. I’m not trying to downplay that at all. But in the scheme of things, there are a lot more important things in this lifetime.”

Timmons, nearly a ten-year vet of the minor league system, spends the end of this game like all the preceding contests in which he’s played - signing for the young fans along the third base railing until there are no more.

“These little kids look up to you whether you get no hits or three hits. I got two little girls back home and after the game, they love me for being Daddy. It’s not about how I played. I feel like the kids are the same way. For that moment, maybe you can give them that glitter of excitement. Maybe be a role model that they don’t have. Maybe they don’t have a dad in their lives, but if I can be one little kid’s hope - as corny as that sounds - I really think it’s worth it.”

River Cats' Miller wins PCL Player of the Week

2011-04-26T17:08:26Z

Sacramento River Cats center fielder Jai Miller was named the Pacific Coast League (PCL) Player of the Week for the week of April 18-24, League officials announced Monday. This marks the first time a River Cats player has won the weekly award this season.

The 26-year-old drove in four home runs through six games as the River Cats went 4-2. Miller totaled four multi-hit games for the week, while knocking in eight runs. In the series against Reno, Miller tallied three doubles, four home runs, seven runs scored and eight RBI, finishing 10-for-17 (.588) against the Aces. Miller currently leads the PCL in slugging percentage (.826) and ranks ninth in batting average (.391). He leads the Cats in home runs (5) and RBI (16).

Miller, from Selma, Alabama, is in his ninth professional season and his second stint with the River Cats. To begin the 2010 season he was claimed off waivers by Oakland and played 10 games with the River Cats before being claimed off waivers by the Royals less than a month later. At the conclusion of the 2010 season, Miller elected free agency and signed a minor league contract with Oakland this past offseason.

Disclosure: Nick Lozito is the Media Relations and Interactive Media Coordinator for the River Cats

Man on the Street: Easter edition

2011-04-15T22:26:14Z

Judging by the blossoming trees in Capitol Park and the skyrocketing pollen count in the air, spring has sprung in Sacramento. And with this change in weather comes the ultimate springtime holiday: Easter.

In honor of the occasion, The Sacramento Press hit the streets to ask travelers at the Amtrak station: How do you like to spend Easter?

Bernadette Stafford, 25, a social worker from downtown Sacramento, had a unique take on how she spends Easter.

“I go to my parents’ house, and we harvest stuff from our garden as a way of giving thanks to Mother Earth,” she said. “It’s totally granola hippie stuff,” she added with a laugh.

Stafford said she has never actually celebrated Easter itself, but every year around the same time as the holiday, she celebrates the spring equinox instead.

In addition to paying tribute to nature with a gardening session, in years past, Stafford has taken part in another springtime tradition: a Maypole dance. During a Maypole celebration, participants traipse around a large wooden pole in order to ensure their fertility.

Stafford said her favorite things about the dance are adorning herself with floral garlands and being outdoors.

Opting for a more traditional approach to Easter, Alberta Davenport, a 28-year-old student from Oakland, said she plans to spend the holiday going to church and cooking for family.

She said her family always goes to church the morning of Easter Sunday, and afterward, there is “usually an egg hunt and homemade Easter baskets for the kids.”

Following church and festivities for the children, she said the remainder of her day will be spent preparing a big meal of turkey, pies and cakes crafted from recipes passed down from her mom and grandma.

“My mom can’t do a lot of the cooking anymore, so me and my sisters cook for her and the family,” Davenport said.

Being with loved ones on Easter is also a must for Judy Kuhar, 70, of Maryan, Ill., and this year she and her husband are traveling to Tustin, Calif., to spend the holiday with extended family.

Since they won’t be on their home turf, their Easter plans are still up in the air.

“It’ll all be a surprise,” she said. “It all depends on what the family is doing.”

Though this year will be spent away from home, Kuhar said she fondly remembers past Easters spent with family in Illinois. She said she always hid eggs for her children, and now they do it for their children.

Kuhar’s egg-hunting memories extend as far back as her youth, when she and her siblings would spend all day on Easter looking for hard-boiled eggs that her parents had hidden on their property.

“I’m surprised we never got food poisoning from those eggs after all the hours of hiding and re-hiding them,” she said.

There’s no wrong way to celebrate Easter. Whether you take a traditional or out-of-the-ordinary approach to your Easter holiday, it’s sure to offer opportunities to spend time with loved ones and appreciate the joy of a sunny day in spring.

Let us know how you plan on spending your Easter in the comment section below.

East Sac Woman Makes Finals for First Cover of Baby Lifestyles Magazine

2011-04-13T19:46:42Z

Kimberly Dubach of East Sacramento has been named a finalist for the cover of the first issue of Baby Lifestyles Magazine. The image was taken at her baby shower for her daughter Se'Bella earlier this year.

Baby Lifestyles Magazine is a creative resource for future mothers throwing a baby shower, decorating a nursery, shopping for a baby and just excited about motherhood.

"Se'Bella's baby shower was a great day," said Dubach. "I was inspired by a lot of the information and articles on the Baby Lifetstyles website, so it would be an honor to be featured on the cover of the magazine's first issue."

Dubach faces some stiff competition if she is to win though, the other three finalists each feature distinctive images of baby showers that are just as striking as Dubach's.

To support our East Sacramento candidate, please go to http://www.babylifestyles.com/vote-for-the-first-baby-lifestyles-magazine-cover/ and vote for Cover #1.

The first issue of the magazine is due to be published in June.

KISS: The rock band, the music, the make up

2011-04-08T17:54:55Z

Attention all KISS Army. Yes, that means you. Dust off those platform shoes, dig in the closet for your skin-tight pleather and cover your face in your kid’s Halloween make up because your favorite rock band is coming to town – KISS.

One of America’s most influential rock and roll bands is coming to Sacramento during Memorial Day Weekend. The legendary rock stars that have performed at the Super Bowl, Olympics and “American Idol” – Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer - will be at Raley Field on Sunday, May 29 as the headliner for Hope Production Foundation’s Walk ‘N Rock for Kids 2011. All proceeds benefit Sacramento region charities.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and range from $40 - $125 each. “The Hottest Show on Earth” will be up close and personal during the performance at the intimate venue, Raley Field; all for the benefit of their fans or the KISS Army. Expect to see the smoking guitars, shooting rockets and other pyrotechnics the band is known for during its 37-year-career.

Lace Up Your Shoes and Get Ready to Rock: Five Ways to Prepare for KISS

Worldwide sales for the rock band’s albums now exceed 100 million albums and don’t include its wide range of other products or reality shows such as “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” Due to a schedule of high-profile international tours and stadium performances, Sacramento KISS fans have only rarely had a chance to see their favorite rock stars on home turf with the most recent performance at ARCO Arena in 2009.

“KISS raised the bar for what a rock concert should really be,” said KISS bassist and singer Gene Simmons.

The morning of the concert will feature the “walk” portion of Walk ‘N Rock for Kids 2011 as more than 6,000 walkers will lace up their sneakers (before lacing up their platform boots) to raise money for Sacramento charities including but not limited to: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cristo Rey High School, Keaton Raphael Memorial, Okizu, People Reaching Out, River Cats Foundation, Wind Youth Services.

Team Warrior Princess Sends 23 Kids with Cancer to Camp Thanks to Walk N Rock

This is the third year for Walk ‘N Rock for Kids. Previous performances include Journey, Sammy Hagar and Heart. Hope Productions Foundation is a Sacramento-based nonprofit that provides support and training at no cost for local charities serving children and youth. Their services include training and guidance for nonprofits to improve their marketing, fundraising, partnerships and board cultivation so they may become more efficient and increase their potential for long-term sustainability. Through events such as Walk N' Rock for Kids, Walt Gray Ride, Hope in Harmony and generous business sponsorships, they have raised and provided over $1.5 million in contributions, resources, marketing and in-kind business training for local children's charities.

To learn more, visit www.walknrock.org.

Walk N Rock 2011: Lace up your shoes and get ready to rock

2011-04-08T17:16:55Z

Walk ‘N Rock for Kids will be returning to West Sacramento’s Raley Field on Sunday, May 29 for its third year featuring a fundraising walk in the morning and concert in the evening headlining the rock band KISS. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster.com.

Hope Productions Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support and training at no cost for local charities serving children and youth, created this annual charity event. Through Walk ‘N Rock for Kids and similar fundraising events, Hope Productions Foundation has raised over $1.5 million and supported 22 local charities making a difference in the lives of 51,00 local youth.

There are five easy ways to support or participate in Walk ‘N Rock for Kids 2011:

Sign up for Walk ‘N Rock for Kids. Over 400 teams and 6,000 people participated in last year’s “walk” of Walk ‘N Rock for Kids. Create a team or join an existing team. The walk starts at Raley Field and continues over Tower Bridge to the Capital and back. The route features local bands, activities and concludes with entertainment, food and fun! Sign up at www.walknrock.org.

Buy tickets to KISS. The iconic rock band KISS will be performing at Raley Field the evening of May 29 with all proceeds benefitting local charities. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketmaster.com or at the Raley Field Box Office. The concert is expected to sell out fast due to the strong contingency of KISS Army fans, so buy your tickets now.

Volunteer for Hope Productions. It takes hundreds of volunteers to help organize and implement this large-scale event. Volunteers are needed the day of the event as well as in the weeks leading up. To learn more, visit www.hopeproductions.org.

Become a corporate partner. Local businesses have played a critical role in the success of Walk ‘N Rock for Kids. Their support through the donation of resources and manpower make the difference in the lives of thousands of local youth. Current partners include: Kaiser Permanente, Vistage, Walmart, Wells Fargo, Big Hairy Dog, Waste Connections, Western Health Advantage and over two dozen more. For a complete listing of corporate partners or to join the list, visit www.hopeproductions.org.

Join the KISS Army. Affectionately referred to as the KISS Army, KISS fans are known for their loyal devotion, painted faces and tongue dropping poses. Upload your best KISS photo on the Hope Productions Facebook page or tweet the images using the hashtags #kissarmy and #walknrock. Learn more about the KISS Kulture at www.kissonline.com.

To learn more, visit www.walknrock.org.

PHOTO ESSAY: River Cats Media Day 2011

2011-04-07T23:28:47Z

It’s that time again!

Spring is in the air and the tri-tip is cookin’ at Raley Field.

The Sacramento River Cats kick off their 2011 season Thursday at home against the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05pm and SacramentoPress.com has you covered.

This season, the Press will have some of our most enthusiastic writers and photographers covering the action. Writers include Lindol French, Mark Needham and a few interns. Working the cameras for some great action shots will be Steven Chea, Ron Nabity and some of the other great shot-takers on our roster.

For the Cats, a new manager and several new faces fill out the roster. They hit the field with renewed vigor in pursuit of another Pacific Coast League championship.

Here are a few of the River Cats thoughts during Media Day:

Cats Manager Darren Bush on what he's looking for out of his team - “I want them to have success, individually and as a team, that’s my expectations. They will have the best opportunities for success if they play the game hard.”

Infielder Eric Sogard on his time with the big club last year - “It was a blast getting up there (Oakland) and getting my feet wet. Unbelievable experience getting my first hit in my first game. Even though we were on the road, the crowd really appreciated that and gave me a nice ovation.”

Outfielder Jai Miller on his background - “I’m from Montgomery, Alabama. My mom went to Auburn and my dad played football at Auburn so growing up I was a big Auburn fan. I like the Atlanta Braves but my favorite player was Ken Griffey Jr.”

Outfielder Chris Carter on taking on the missing piece to his personal puzzle - “Working in the outfield since it’s new for me. I just want to get as good as I can out there and just be ready when they call me back up (to Oakland).”

Outfielder Matt Carson on what it will take for him to stick with Oakland - “I don’t really feel like it is something I can change. It’s a situational thing. You just have to wait for your opportunity and be ready when you get that opportunity. I think that’s the key - just stay consistent.”

The River Cats will be at home to begin the season. The Tacoma Rainiers are in town starting tonight through Sunday and then the Las Vegas 51’s play at Raley Field from April 11-14.

Get your tickets now by calling 916.371.HITS (4487) or going to Rivercats.com for more information.

Local Nonprofits prepare for Graduation

2011-04-07T19:02:35Z

Hope Productions Foundation is a Sacramento-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides support and training at no cost to local charities serving children and youth. Services include leadership training and guidance for nonprofits to improve their marketing, fundraising, partnerships and board cultivation so that the nonprofits become more efficient and increase their potential for long-term sustainability.

With continued support from the community through their Walk ‘N Rock for Kids event, the Foundation has distributed over $1.5 million in contributions, resources, marketing and in-kind business training to local children and youth nonprofits since its inception in the fall of 2008. Walk ‘N Rock for Kids is an annual fundraising walk and benefit concert that Hope Productions Foundation hosts at Raley Field over Memorial Day weekend.

The Foundation is currently working with seven Nonprofit Partners that encompass the following areas of service: Advocacy, At-Risk Youth, Education, Illness/Research, Wellness and Youth Development.

The inaugural group includes: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, Cristo Rey High School, Keaton Raphael Memorial, Okizu, People Reaching Out, Wind Youth Services and The River Cats Foundation. These partner organizations are in their final year of Hope Productions Foundation’s three year training program, coupled with leadership development and fundraising support. This summer, the group will celebrate their graduation from Hope Productions Foundation’s program.

Upon submitting their strategic business plan and completing an evaluation, each organization will be considered a Hope Productions Foundation certified nonprofit, complete with a seal of certification to be displayed on the organization’s website. Local corporations and grantors are being alerted of the significant commitment to fundraising and nonprofit management best practices that each organization has made by completing the program.

Hope Productions Foundation and commencement host Wells Fargo would like to thank and congratulate each of the graduating organizations on their accomplishment. Organizations will be honored at Walk ‘N Rock for Kids on May 29 and at the graduation ceremony on June 29.

The next class of Nonprofit Partner organizations will be selected from the current 15 Nonprofit Affiliate organizations. Applications for the next group of Nonprofit Affiliates will be available and accepted this June. For more information, visit the Hope Productions website.

To support any one of the 22 children’s charities benefiting from Walk ‘N Rock for Kids, you can join or start a walk team on their behalf at www.walknrock.org.

Full Circle Treatment Center Raises the Bar on its Fundraising Efforts

2011-04-07T14:10:46Z

After Full Circle Treatment Center became a Nonprofit Affiliate of Hope Productions Foundation in the fall of 2009, executive director Erin Johansen learned some encouraging tips to increase community support for her organization.

First, Johansen raised the bar on her team’s fundraising goals for this year’s Walk ‘N Rock for Kids event. Last year the team raised $11,000, providing partial funding for more than 30 family scholarships at the Placer County adolescent drug and alcohol treatment center. As impressive as those numbers are, this year Johansen set her sights on raising $25,000, enough to assist 60 percent of the clients at Full Circle.

“Our board members and team captain are fully engaged, and we have a high level of confidence we’ll reach our goal,” said Johansen.

Johansen also changed the way potential donors are approached, professionally honing materials and presentation to better target regional companies. Results were positive.

“In the past year I’ve been able to meet with several prospective major donors using a senior level approach, thanks to the training, connections and credibility we’ve gained through the Hope Productions affiliation.”

One meeting paid off when a local company became a Full Circle sponsor. Another resulted in an event sponsorship, and the third prospect invited Johansen to submit a proposal for funding.

“We’re very grateful for the response we’ve received, and hopeful for the future.”

Johansen explained, “We are a start-up nonprofit organization. We do good work, but we’ve been open for less than three years, and we’re brand new to the fundraising world.

“The mission and training program of Hope Productions Foundation is exactly what nonprofits need for success and sustainability.”

###

Full Circle Treatment Center is the vision of a concerned community and five working professionals in the field of family and youth services. The nonprofit facility provides intensive outpatient adolescent drug and alcohol treatment to youths and their families in Placer County and surrounding communities.

Hope Productions Foundation (link to www.hopeproductions.org) provides training, resources and funding for seven local children’s charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, Cristo Rey High School of Sacramento, Keaton Raphael Memorial, Okizu, People Reaching Out, River Cats Foundation and Wind Youth Services. An additional 15 children’s charities will also benefit from abbreviated training and fundraising support through the Walk ‘N Rock for Kids (link to www.walknrock.org) event. With continued support from the community, the Foundation has distributed over $1.5 million in contributions, resources, marketing and in-kind business training to local children and youth nonprofits since its inception in the fall of 2008. More than 51,000 local children have been impacted by the efforts of Hope Productions Foundation.

Team Warrior Princess sends 23 kids with cancer to camp

2011-04-07T08:10:09Z

At the ripe age of six and a half, Juliette Geney can make a powerful claim like no other little girl her age. Last year, her Team Warrior Princess raised more than $23,000 during Walk ‘N Rock for Kids, sending 23 children with cancer to Camp Okizu in the Sierra foothills.

Okizu provides peer support, respite, mentoring and recreational programs to meet the needs of all members of families affected by childhood cancer.

Juliette’s goal was to send 21 kids to Camp Okizu. Thanks to supporters of her Walk ‘N Rock for Kids team and a surprise call from an anonymous donor, Team Warrior Princess was able to surpass that goal.

Warrior Princess — the name Juliette assumed during her own cancer treatment — had another goal for last year’s Walk ‘N Rock for Kids: to walk the entire 5K route through downtown Sacramento. She did, crossing the finish line with family and friends, shouting, “I did it!”

Both milestones were significant, given Juliette’s story.

At four and a half, Juliette was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Her mother, Kirsten Geney, recalls having to carry Juliette into the hospital on the day of her diagnosis, making Juliette’s gleeful stride across the finish line especially poignant.

“I am thankful for so much,” said mom, Kirsten, “including the generous donations given to Okizu and for the healing that will come to so many families affected by childhood cancer.”

She added, "I’m so thankful for Juliette and the opportunity she’s been given to learn that she can make a difference in this world.”

For the past two years, little Juliette has taken an active role in drumming up interest in Walk ‘N Rock for Kids by distributing event materials, unafraid to approach local businesses and ask them to display posters “to help kids like me.” Juliette also appeared in a public service announcement promoting Walk ‘N Rock for Kids.

“It’s a way for her to do something positive, and a way for us to deal with this together,” says Kirsten.

Juliette just completed more than two years of chemotherapy treatments and has been given a clean bill of health. Kirsten explained, “Juliette’s prognosis is better than it would have been 20 years ago, thanks to medical advances.”

Again this year, Juliette plans to join mom Kirsten, dad Christian and little brother Maxim to cheer on the estimated 10,000 walkers who champion local children’s charities at Walk ‘N Rock for Kids.

Learn more about Juliette’s story. You can join or contribute to Juliette’s efforts to raise funds for Okizu at www.walknrock.org/teamjuliette .

Kings, Cousins take out Jazz, packed house enjoys 106-97 Kings win

2011-04-05T01:50:14Z

DeMarcus Cousins sat in front of his locker space exhausted, the effects of a long first season etched in his face and his left shoulder donned in black tape as if held on by Super Glue. At least he wasn’t bleeding this time.

After putting up 17 points, collecting nine rebounds, dealing out six assists and setting a personal high with five steals, it’s understandable why - nearing the end of his rookie campaign - Cousins could barely find the energy to speak to reporters after the game.

“Even though we are not having a great season and everyone knows we are not going to the playoffs, the fan support is unbelievable,” said a soft-spoken Cousins. “They stick with us through thick and thin and we love them for it.”

Cousins was right.

Considering that the long NBA season is coming to a close, combined with the uncertain future whereabouts of the only local major league sports team in the area, it was quite a surprise to see Power Balance Pavilion nearly packed and rocking like the good ole days.

Sunday afternoon, the fans never gave up and neither did the hometown Kings. Spurred on by the constant cheering and defense chants,
DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and the rest of boys in purple took an early lead and rarely looked back in an 106-97 win over the stumbling Utah Jazz.

Evans, who has been moving well and looking like his old self since coming back from the treatment on his foot, had a great night. He put
up a double-double with 24 points and 10 assists, consistently blowing by the Jazz defenders on his way to the rack.

But, for the second straight game, it was Francisco Garcia that was the fire starter. Garcia’s aggressiveness and outside shooting helped
the Kings get out to a 26-19 lead after the first quarter. Garcia ended with 17 points, four boards, two steals and three bombs from
downtown.

The nearly sold out crowd almost lifted the roof off the antiquated building after an incredible behind the back pass from newcomer Marcus Thornton. The pass to Donte Greene for the one-handed stuff gave the Kings a 38-21 lead less than three minutes into the second period of play.

Coach Paul Westphal’s three guard combo of Beno Udrih, Thornton and Evans is starting to show some promise. They can trap the ball so quickly and pressure the ball handler so well that turnovers are created and fast breaks are run to perfection. Considering that all three can handle the ball, shoot well and deliver the pass, the ability to make the opposing team match up to them instead of the other way around will be a constant in this new-look version of the Kings.

It must be noted that reserve forward Darnell Jackson was the Kings leading scorer with 11 points with just over four minutes remaining in
the opening half. This game, he was able to get more minutes since Samuel Dalembert and Cousins had picked up their second foul and
Westphal wanted to make sure they were both available for unlimited minutes in the second half.

Sacramento would maintain a double-digit lead for most of the third. As soon as the Jazz pulled to within five points about four minutes
into the quarter, the Kings would make it a 15-point lead less than three minutes later as the swarming defense paid off.

The trend continued through the end of the game. Utah would never get closer than nine points again.

For the Jazz, Paul Milsap had 21 points and seven boards and Gordon Hayward set a personal high with 19 points on 8 of 14 shooting.

Another bright spot for the ailing Jazz was the performance of recent NBDL call-up Kyle Weaver. Weaver had 19 points off the bench, which included three from long range.

For Cousins and the rest of the Kings, it was another step in the maturation process, another game under their collective belts to
figure out how to play together and jell as a unit.

“Great defensive effort by the team tonight,” said Cousins. “We shared the ball good tonight and it resulted in a win. It was just a great
defensive effort tonight.”

Thornton has really found a niche on this team with Westphal’s newly envisioned three-guard offense and knows that it’s the defensive effort that always contributes to easy scores.

“Cisco, DeMarcus, Sammy - everyone played outstanding defense tonight and that is what got us the win,” said the second-year pro. “We were able to get out and get easy buckets. Against Utah, you need that because they play excellent half-court defense so you need easy
buckets against them.”

Coach Westphal must be, in some ways, sorry the season is coming to a close. In a crazy year that has been filled with the possibility of
the team leaving or not leaving, injuries and infighting, benchings and bloody noses - recently, things in SacTown have the look of a
brighter future. Coach Westphal is sad to see only a few games left on the schedule.

“We’re sorry that the season is coming to an end,” said Westphal. “We’re not just looking forward to the season ending; we want to go
out there and fight these teams and hopefully hurt some of their playoff chances.”

GAME NOTES: The Kings had six players who scored in double figures. Besides Garcia, Evans, Cousins and Jackson, Thornton had 15 points, 7 boards and 7 assists and Udrih pitched in with 12 of his own . . . The Kings ended with 29 assists to only 13 turnovers . . . Cousins and the rest of the Kings’ big men held Al Jefferson in check with only 11 points on 4 of 13 shooting . . . The Jazz were missing several regulars as Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, Raja Bell, Ronnie Price and Devin Harris are all out with injuries.

Kings lose rematch to Nuggets 99-90, Cousins keeps his cool - again

2011-04-03T01:41:41Z

In a rematch of a game in Denver just two days prior, the Kings were hoping that their newfound cohesiveness would be on full display in trying to get one back from the visiting team. No such luck as the Denver Nuggets pulled away in the second half and never looked back in their defeat of the Kings 99-90 in Sacramento on Friday evening.

Make no mistake about it. This was a physical contest. The Nuggets are known for playing that rough, in-your-face, stripping the ball type of irritating defense that tends to get on the opposing players nerves.

It was just after halfway through the first quarter when the Denver center Nene (12 points, 12 boards) pushed Tyreke Evan hard to the ground. Evans was making his first start since coming back from his foot procedure. The fall left Evans grabbing his back in pain for several minutes. It was the opening salvo to let the Kings know that Denver would not be pushed around on this night.

Even though the Kings were able to achieve a seven point lead after one, 28-21, all signs pointed towards the Nuggets keeping the game close. The swarming double teaming of the Kings’ ball handlers was in full effect, causing turnovers and interfering with good shots.

The Nuggets would fight back, as expected, and got the game close by halftime, trailing only by three, 51-48.

It must be pointed out that DeMarcus Cousins, in the last month alone, has incurred probably four bloody noses and several other incidents where he was bullied - I know that sounds kinda funny for a guy that is 6’11” and built like a Freightliner - but he didn’t even receive the benefit of a call in any of those cases. Against Denver, circumstances were no different. Another bloody nose and another foul not called.

A look at the second quarter shows the beginnings of the breakdown. The Kings shot 39% on 9 of 23 shooting, were 0 of 6 from the three-point line, missed 3 of 8 free throws and had five turnovers. As the esoteric Bill Walton would say, “Horrible!”

The third was no better for the home squad. Denver came out very aggressive on defense. The Kings again missed all six long-range bombs, made only two of six free throws and had four more turnovers. Sacramento only scored 16 points in the period.

On the strength of the good guard play late in the third and into the fourth quarter by Raymond Felton - 14 points in the fourth and 17 for the game - the Nuggets were able to pull to a 17 point lead with less than 10 minutes left in the game. Ty Lawson’s pressure on the ball and Felton’s aggressiveness off the bench and at the rack was a problem for the Kings.

About this point, Cousins grabbed his left shoulder and winced in pain from some more of the constant abuse he took in the game.

As the defense chants started to permeate Power Balance Pavilion, the Kings made a mini-run backed by Evans looking like his old self and trying to take over the game. Evans and the Kings cut the lead to six, trailing 90-84 before slowly fading away.

Shortly before the end of the game, Cousins took another blow to the mouth from Dario Gallinari, this one much more intentional. Gallinari swung his hand right under Cousins’s chin and if it wasn’t for Cousins being quick on his feet, the rookie would have been knock out cold. The fact that he didn’t go all Ron Artest on him says a lot.

Cousins talked about his path to maturity during those types of situations.

“I’m trying to show that I’m growing up and I can keep cool,” said Cousins. “I’m not the person everybody believes I am every time I get touched, like it’s going to be the end of the world or something. I was trying to win the game. I didn’t want to do anything like get a technical, ejection or something crazy to mess up the game. I was still trying to win the game and just play through it, but we just couldn't get the win.”

Cousins thinks that after taking the beating he has in the last month or so that maybe his nose is even broken. All he knows is that it’s swollen and it hurts.

“I don’t know what to do,” finished Cousins. “Hopefully, I can just have my nose at the end of the season. That’s what I pray for.”

Kenyon Martin, who finished with 14 points and four rebounds, was happy for the win and knows that Denver must win these types of games if they want to be a contender down the stretch.

Martin also knows what it’s like to be in Cousins’ shoes. In his first few years in the league, he was known as a “problem child”, a guy that would use the rough stuff and argue a lot with the refs and the opposing players.

Martin sees a bright future in the Kings big rookie and talked about what he sees in him and some of the advice he’s given Cousins.

“He’s a young great talent and a beast on the block if he can eliminate all the extra stuff,” said Martin on his way out of the arena. “He’s too good for that. I told him to just play basketball the way he knows how to. Just go out and keep playing hard. He’s young, gifted and he works hard, you can tell. His upside is great.”

“I know what it’s like to go out there and wear your emotions on your sleeve each and every day thinking everyone is out to get you but it’s all about basketball at the end of the day.”

One man, one tweet leads to avalanche of support, #Here We Build

2011-04-01T05:30:37Z

In between cheering, yelling and annoying the apathetic, so-called fan in Row F, Section 107, Seat 17 during the Kings game on Tuesday evening, I was caught up on my tweets when I saw that KHTK 1140 personality Carmichael Dave posed a question via Twitter (@CarmichaelDave) asking folks how much they would pitch in, not necessarily to save the Kings, but to show the Kings and the city how much the community really does want this NBA franchise to stay in town by building a new sports and entertainment complex.

Shortly after scolding the lady next to me for reading a book during free throws, she abruptly nudged me and wondered aloud why was it okay then, for me, to be reading my Twitter feed.

I immediately sat upright in my plastic chair and embarrassingly told her she was right but that I couldn’t stop. I had stumbled onto something with the potential for greatness. This is what “Social Media” was invented for I told her.

Carmichael Dave cried out with a passionate plea upon hearing about the 5-0 vote by the Anaheim City Council to approve $75 million worth of bonds to improve the aging Honda Center in an effort to lure our hometown Kings to southern California.

"How much would you give to keep the Kings?"

“I said that Carmichael Dave,” said Dave, when recapping his initial "tweets" on the subject, “has voted 1-0 to donate $200 towards building a new arena in Sacramento."

"Wouldn’t it be great if we could just bypass all the bureaucratic, red-tape-filled politicians in this city and have the Kings fans and city fans, because it’s not just about the Kings, what if we could “pass the hat” like in a church and build this thing on our own and come up with the money and tell all the politicians to get bent?”

Dave had no idea what was about to happen.

“The next thing you know," Dave continued, "someone donated $50, then somebody donated $100, then somebody donated $5.35 because they are a college student and they’re poor and then it just took off. We got the hash tag going called #HereWeBuild and off it went”

Back to the game. So I start filling in the bookworm lady next to me about this crazy movement. It even brought a moment of hope to her previously heart-broken eyes knowing that people like her still cared that much.

As I rolled a little more through Twitter on my iPhone, I saw where some guy that has something to do with the local Jiffy Lubes had pledged $25,000! Really? $25,000!!!

Okay, now we’re breaking out the big lumber.

Matt Graham, the marketing director for 25 Jiffy Lubes in the greater Sacramento area, was watching his Twitter feed and felt compelled to be a part of something grassroots.

Being a corporate sponsor of the Kings this season and understanding that many of his customers and employees are big fans of the Kings as well as professional sports, he just wanted to help get this movement rolling.

“We felt a substantial amount would have an impact,” said Graham, “as well as maybe getting other local businesses or high network people to join in and see what we can make out of it.”

“You could see all the passion in the Twitter feeds and as it started to gain momentum, in my mind I thought, well, I’ll donate a $1000 for every store we have in the area, so that’s how I came up with $25,000. After talking to Carmichael Dave, we decided if we could do something to either: A) save the Kings or B) make a statement for any other professional sports team’s owners out there to go ‘Wow!, there is definitely passion and a fan base out there and we’ll look at Sacramento in the future.'”

After seeing the $25K drop, Carmichael Dave said it was starting to play out in his mind like a dream Hollywood movie ending with the community coming together and saving this team. Was there still time for the guy in the white hat to come riding in and do something? What if with his 140 words or less he was able to start something that made a difference? Something that people could really get behind?

In just over the time it took to play an average basketball game, a guy with a Twitter account and the people who “retweeted” his original plea, raised over 100 thousand dollars in pledges to build a new arena in hopes that the Kings would stay in town.

Talk about the power of the tweet! Eat your heart out Charlie Sheen!

With the help of Jiffy Lubes of Sacramento and Matt Graham, by Wednesday morning, less than eight hours after the first tweet, there were five HERE WE BUILD electronic billboards up in the area.

Dave knows as this movement grows, he will need guidance and support from people with much more knowledge and more connections than himself to keep the movement rolling.

“I’ll be spearheading this at the beginning, but I can’t wait to step out of the way and let the smart people get involved," he said. "This thing is going to be twice as big tomorrow and ten times bigger the next day. I’ve had several calls, some unbelievable calls from a lot of heavyweights who are much smarter than I, who are much more connected and powerful than I saying that they want to be a part of this. We have been looking for a catalyst. Maybe we have the brains, maybe we have the brawn but we don’t have the public wherewithal to PR this thing through. That’s really what I want to do.”

Dave’s not sure how much money it would really take to get someone’s attention, but he does know what he is going to do next.

“I want to get in front of the smart people and say, ‘I have a nation of fans standing behind me right now with their wallets and their blood, sweat and tears held out in front of them.’”

Now how could you say no to that.

At least the lady seated next to me during the game has something more uplifting to read today other than that cheesy romance novel.

CHECK THIS OUT

In less than 48 hours after Carmichael Dave's first tweet, the Here We Build movement had over $250,000 pledged. For more information regarding making a pledge, upcoming meetings and all things concerning building an arena and keeping our Sacramento Kings in our community, check out HERE WE BUILD on their F acebook site, their Meetup.com site or the HereWeBuild.com website. Carmichael Dave is the producer/punching bag for The Don Geronimo Show, weekdays from noon to 4pm on KHTK 1140.

Food, Music and Fun at Festival de la Familia

2011-04-01T04:17:01Z

Sacramento, are you ready for a fun-filled day of delicious tacos and carne asada, exciting bachata dancers and beautiful ancient art? The 20th annual Festival de la Familia promises all that and more this Sunday at Cal Expo.

The Festival de la Familia is a cultural extravaganza that pays tribute to the people and cultures of Latin American countries by celebrating their customs and traditions and highlighting the variety of Latin influences within our local community.

“It’s really a celebration where we appreciate other cultures in a safe and family-oriented environment,” said Veronica Delgado, chairwoman for the festival’s Arts and Culture Pavilion.

One of the things the festival is known for is plenty of music, and this year the organizers are going all-out with multiple stages open throughout the day featuring live bands representing a variety of Latin styles and sounds, dance performances, a puppet theater and even salsa lessons from professional dance instructors for anyone who wants to give it a try.

In addition to the many singers, dancers and live bands performing throughout the day, the headliner act of the event will be Sonora Santanera, an iconic musical group from Mexico playing their recognizable topical sound.

“We’re really going to put on a show,” said Susie Cano-Guzman, festival president and food vendor coordinator. “It’s a very fun event.”

The festival will also showcase foods from more than 20 Latin countries, Cano-Guzman said. Food vendors will be set up in booths and walking around with carts offering such treats as paletas (fruit bars), raspados (snowcones) and gazpacho – a specialty from the Michoacan region of Mexico – and much more.

Cano-Guzman said she suggests attendees come hungry, because the food is going to be “phenomenal.”

“There will be fresh, authentic foods from Mexico, El Salvador and Peru,” Cano-Guzman said. “And, new this year, we’ll have Cuban food, too.”

Many local restaurants that have provided food to the festival in past years will be returning this year, including Carmen Taqueria, Baqueros, and Frank Levya’s Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant and Grill.

Not only will there be opportunity to eat plenty of food, but parents and kids will be able to make food, too. Margaret Gomes, chef and nutritional instructor with the Live Food Academy will be on-hand throughout the day teaching how to make healthy food for the family with a simple, fun, hands-on approach.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the “Latin Culture Walk” exhibit in the Arts & Culture Pavilion.

“We’ve really enhanced the arts and culture exhibits this year,” Delgado said. “It will focus on a variety of media, from photography to sculpture to mixed media. It’s just incredible what these artists have put together.”

The pavilion will feature a host of ancient artwork and literary works from Latin people through the ages along with a variety of contemporary art displays and more than 40 local artists will be on-hand to discuss their work and answer questions in this interactive exhibit.

Delgado said local artist, illustrator and photographer Felipe Davalos worked with the artists on the new arts exhibit to direct them in fine-tuning their projects and “helped them create something great for the community.”

Nicole Zamora, festival events chairwoman says the all-day event will also include many activities for children, including arts and crafts activities and a chance to meet the players of Sacramento Gold semi-pro soccer team.

“The players will be out there to show off some drills, play with the kids and take pictures with fans,” Zamora said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone who comes.”

Teddy Herrera, the bicyclist from Elk Grove who just returned from cycling over 11,000 miles across the United States will be on hand at one of the kids’ stations in the Children’s Activities section of the festival talking to kids about health and fitness, and leading kids in games like jumprope and hopscotch.

At one of the many crafts tables available on Sunday, kids will be able to make traditional “papel picado,” bright colorful tissue flags with cut-out designs that are hung on strings to wave in the wind.

“The papel picado are used in many Latin countries for all sorts of festivities,” said Cano-Guzman. “The bright colors add to the environment of celebration.”

Zamora said attendees won’t want to miss the parade featuring dancers, musicians, and performers, which begins at 1:30 p.m. and is a festival highlight for families and children of all ages.

“It’s like a traveling cultural exhibit right before your eyes making its way from one end of the festival to the other,” Zamora said.

Delgado said volunteers, committee organizers and sponsors have all worked closely over the past year in a community effort to get everyone involved in making the event interesting and fun.

“Volunteers are the legs we stand on,” Delgado said.

The all-volunteer event makes use of 400-500 volunteers to help with children’s events, watch the stages and guide people through exhibits. Volunteers are still needed for the day of the event, and anyone interested in helping can sign up online here.

The day’s events start with a Catholic mass at 9 a.m., and then entertainment kicks off at 10 a.m. and continues until the gates close at 6 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors 65 and over. Kids 12 and under are free. Discount tickets are also available online here.

For more information, visit the festival’s website at www.festivaldelafamilia.org .

Kings lose battle of the cellar dwellers, Cavs win 97-93

2011-03-18T17:37:58Z

When looking at the Cavaliers roster, it’s hard to find a bunch of names that roll off the tongue as if you’ve heard of them many times before. On the other hand, just to make it to an NBA roster means you have special skills and should never be taken lightly.

In this case, I don’t think a team that has the second worst record in the Association - the Kings - would or could afford to take any team for granted. They didn’t, but still came up a little short.

In a battle of teams with the two worst records in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Sacramento Kings, 97-93, in a game the Kings should have won.

From the outset, the Kings cranked up the defensive pressure by constantly harassing the Cavs’ shooters. Francisco Garcia, who has been playing very well since returning from injury, was covering his man like a wet blanket and picked up two steals and a block in the opening quarter.

Although the Kings ended the first with three steals and two blocks, the Cavs still shot 53% from the field in the opening stanza.

Samuel Dalembert, who is contributing much more than most folks thought he would, continued his fine play as of late by scoring early and often and by using his incredible wingspan for swatting away shots near the rim. Dalembert was the Kings second leading scorer and finished with another double-double consisting of 16 points, 10 boards and two blocks.

Speaking of double-doubles, Cousins ended with 11 points, a game high 16 rebounds but it was his poor shooting percentage that came back to haunt the Kings. The rookie shot only 26% for the game on 5 of 19 shooting.

After getting off to a 28-18 lead after one, things started to turn sour for the home team.

Almost immediately after he came into the game, Luther Head left with calf tightness and was soon followed to the tunnel by Jason Thompson, who appeared to re-injure his ankle at the 7:28 mark of the second quarter.

Enter reserve forward Darnell Jackson.

Grant Napear is right about this guy. Even though used sparingly, Jackson, along with guys like Pooh Jeter and Omri Casspi, provide the spark and energy that the Kings need from their bench. He scored two quick hoops in the first 69 seconds he was in the game.

The Kings opened the second half leading 51-45, but quickly saw Cleveland get right back into the game and even surge ahead in less than four minutes to a 59-55 lead for the Cavs.

The Kings would not be down for long as the Kings rained down long-range bombs and hit four three-point shots in a five shot stretch - three of them by newcomer Marcus Thornton. Thornton would end up the high scorer for the Kings with 23 points.

The Kings would hold slim lead for much of the rest of the game until Cavalier forward J.J. Hickson got the Cavs the lead with 4:31 left in the game.

Now usually, the Kings bench plays a bigger part than it did in Wednesday’s game. But on this night, the bench clearly let the team down. Only the five starters were in double figures in scoring as the bench totaled only 15 points on 6 of 20 shooting for the evening.

“I thought when we went to the bench,” Coach Paul Westphal pointed out after the game, “we didn’t really come in with the same intensity and focus that the starters had and they (Cleveland) made a nice run”

It was a back and forth game down the stretch until the Ramon Sessions hit a shot with 18 seconds left to give the Cavs a slim two point lead. Sessions led the Cavs in scoring finishing with 20 points, five boards and six assists.

Westphal decided to run a play for Cousins and let the big man find a hole and attempt a drive to the rack. Cousins got his opening and made his way into the lane. It appeared that he could have been fouled by Cavs guard Alonzo Gee at the rim, but there was no call and Cousins shot hit off the backboard, then the front of the rim and bounced away essentially ending the game.

After saying that he felt they let this one get away, Westphal talked about the final play call.

“We cleared the right side for DeMarcus and he drove to the basket, got there and the ball didn’t go in.”

For Cousins, who picked up a bloody nose without the benefit of a foul call in the last minute of the game and is learning to not complain about things like that, took the responsibility himself.

“Coach wanted me to iso and drive to the basket and try to get a layup,” Cousins said while seated in front of his locker. “I had a good drive, just couldn’t finish the layup.”

When asked if he received the ball cleanly, did he think that maybe that had something to do with the missed shot, Cousins paused and admitted that maybe it did.

“Umm, yeah, I did kind of mess it up, but I still had a clean drive and just couldn’t finish the layup.”

The maturation process of the big rookie has been nothing short of amazing since the beginning of the year. He’s gone from at times not wanting to give Westphal a high five when being taken off the floor to coming over to the coach - on his own accord - and asking what he could or should be doing.

Let’s hope we here in Sacramento can watch him grow into his potential. It would be really worth buying a ticket to witness.

Nutty Race to Raise Dough for Hospitalized Kids

2011-02-24T20:10:14Z

Dozens of doughnut-loving runners are expected to participate in Donut Dash III, which benefits the Child Life Program at Sutter Children’s Center, Sacramento. The fun run will bring participants of all ages out to Land Park on Saturday, March 19, to take part in the four-mile, four-doughnut challenge.

This unusual race is organized by Zack Wandell, a volunteer at the Sutter Children’s Center who was motivated from a similar race he saw on TV.

“I was watching ESPN one night and saw the Krispy Kreme Challenge in North Carolina,” Wandell said. “It raised money for their local hospital, so when I saw it I thought we could do that here for our hospital.”

Amy Medovoy, coordinator of the Child Life Program, said the money raised makes a big difference in the lives of pediatric patients in the hospital.

“The support that the Child Life Program receives from the Donut Dash helps us to support children and their families through their medical experiences,” Medovoy said. “We do this by providing normal childhood activities, promoting development, teaching children about their illnesses and treatments, and supporting them emotionally.”

Sutter Children’s Center is a comprehensive children’s hospital inside Sutter Memorial Hospital in east Sacramento. It serves 7,000 children a year from 26 California counties and beyond, including Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Solano, San Joaquin and Amador counties. Among its specialized pediatric services are an 80-bed, Level III neonatal intensive care unit, heart surgery, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and clinics for epilepsy, childhood diabetes, cleft palates, obesity and many other diseases that affect children from birth to 18 years old.

The third annual Donut Dash will have participants run two miles, eat four doughnuts at Marie's Donuts, and then run two miles back to the finish line. Wandell says those who are less ambitious can eat six doughnut holes instead of the four doughnuts, but either way, it’s fun for the whole family.

“We get all kinds of people out there,” Wandell said. “We get runners, walkers, joggers and baby strollers. It’s fun. We’ve never had anyone get sick or throw up.”

Wandell said 25 runners participated at the first Donut Dash in 2009 and raised more than $1,500 for the program. Last year, the race saw 80 people run with almost $3,000 donated. This year, Wandell hopes the word will get out and participation will triple.

“My goal this year is to have 250 people raise $5,000,” Wandell said. “And some day I would like to get 5,000 runners and be able to donate $25,000 to the program.”

Many of the families and children who have been part of the Child Life Program attend the Donut Dash and cheer on the participants or take part in the race themselves. They know the value of the program first-hand and appreciate every dollar raised.

“With the Donut Dash's support, we can purchase toys, activities, books, movies, educational tools, toys for distraction, resources and so much more,” Medovoy said. “This is a fun event that really makes a difference in children's lives.”

For more information on Donut Dash III, and to register or make a donation, visit www.DonutDash.org, call Wandell at 916-802-9225, or e-mail him at zack@donutdash.org. Donations can also be mailed to 7880 Alta Valley Way Suite 101, Sacramento CA 95823.

Stephanie Breitbart works in the communications department at Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region.

Orangevale Grange to hold 6th Annual Family Fair

2011-02-17T20:39:24Z

To celebrate Grange Month, Orangevale Grange presents The Orangevale Grange Family Fair for the 6th year and extends an invitation to the families in and around the community to come to their Grange and have some fun.

Admission is FREE for this community event.

Offered is a diverse collection of activities so that each member of the family can find something to do, something to watch, something to intrigue them. There will be many vendors, performers, animals, crafts, games, and activities, along with food, live music, public service displays and much more. There will be other local not-for-profit organizations and businesses on hand demonstrating or exhibiting as well.

The Grange, the oldest agricultaural organization in the nation, is a non-profit family fraternity whose roots are in agriculture. Their focus today is still on agriculture as well as community service and legislative activities. Local community growers, family gardens and the Grange garden provide important educational opportunities and valuable and delicious results!

Why was the Grange started? It was formed in the years following the Civil War to unite private citizens in imroving the economic and social position of the nation's farm population. Over the past 135+ years, it has evolved to include non-rural families and communities as well.

What do I gain by becoming a member? The Grange offers it's members:

•a friendly, family oriented organization that provides membership at any age
•an opportunity to join with others (individuals & organizations) to improve communities
•a chance to influence local, state and national laws
•a social gathering place for activities & recreation
•a place to develop skills for a lifetime

During the month of April each year, dues for new members are FREE. New members are offered the opportunity to experience the Grange for free and then consciously decide to continue their membership in the years to come.

The Orangevale Grange No. 354, organized March 31, 1910, is the oldest service organization in the town of Orangevale. For over 100 years, the members have been active in the community, not only participating in many community activities and events but sponsoring them as well. THe members are honored to be a part of a community that posesses such a long and rich history.

Today's Grange provides an opportunity to serve by providing leadership for local community service projects. For more about the Grange in general, click here.

For Orangevale Grange No. 354, other projects include: distributing personal dictionaries to third graders (Words for Thirds), serving breakfast to the community every second Sunday of the month, celebrating our country's independence with a fireworks booth and demo each July, sponsoring informational workshops and seminars such as Identity Theft Awareness, First Aid & CPR classes, making our Grange Hall available for rentals and for community events.

Sutter's Fort Hospital Doctors

2011-02-16T23:53:12Z

In a History of the Sacramento Medical Center, dated April, 1976, it is stated that, "On October 6, 1849 ~~1949~~ , Drs. W. Deal and J. S. Martin opened Sutter’s Fort Hospital - within the fort." We know that General Sutter had sold the fort to William Bayly in late 1849 ~~1949~~ and moved to his Hock farm. Another recent article on Sutter’s Fort says that the hospital was in operation during 1849-1850 in the southeast bastion of the fort. The wording “within the fort” must be to distinguish this from a small, separate adobe building used by Sutter as a hospital.

In December, 1849, the Sacramento Union newspaper carried the following ad:

Sutter’s Fort Hospital

Inside the Fort, formerly conducted by Drs. W. Grove Deal and James S. Martin, is now under the superintendence of Drs. James S. Martin and Benjamin R. Carman.
The Hospital has undergone necessary repairs for the comfortable accommodation of invalids this winter.

Like Dr. James S. Martin, Dr. W. Grove Deal was a practicing physician from Baltimore, MD, but he also was a Methodist preacher on Sundays, went hunting for gold and had other business activities. It is apparent that, by December, the job of running the hospital had fallen to Drs. Martin and Carman. Dr. Martin also had other interests, running for City Council in March of 1850 on the Rancho Ticket, but this probably was a strategic move to protect his hospital. He lost and a Dr. Volney Spaulding, who ran a competing hospital, was on the winning ticket. There were a number of such hospitals by 1850.

These were pretty rough days in Sacramento, cholera was rampant and it must have been difficult to keep a hospital in good shape. In the summer of 1850 a new ad appeared in the Transcript:

Sacramento Transcript, Volume 1, Number 53, 2 July 1850 — Page 5

SUTTER'S FORT HOSPITAL, - inside the Fort, by Drs. James S. Martin and B. R. Carman, having been thoroughly repaired, is now ready for the comfortable accommodation of patients. The salubrity of the location is evident to every one. The Hospital being in a large adobe building, it is exempt from that extreme heat which is incident to this climate during the summer. Terms moderate. References—Dr. T. G. Chapman, Dr. J. B. Bridgman, Dr. S. McClure, Dr. S. P. Thomas, Dr. L. A. Birdsall, Dr. Deal, Dr. W. Bryarly.

So Dr. Deal was still used as a hospital reference.

In August of 1850 there was a revolt by newcomers to Sacramento against holders of land titles given by General Sutter (in his book “Notes of a Voyage to California via Cape Horn”, Samuel C. Upham considers the newcomers to be squatters). Shots were fired and people were killed. The sherriff, the mayor and Dr. Bryarly (see above) were all involved. The state of medicine in those days is shown by the case of Mayor Bigelow, who had to have his thumb amputated and then, when “mortification” set in, was sent to San Francisco where his whole arm was amputated.

All this had occurred in the vicinity of Fort Sutter and it seems quite possible that the hospital was damaged. Doctor Martin may well have been away at the time. Pencilled notes by a grandson of his, Dr. James Lay Martin of Baltimore, state that “He lost everything when someone had taken his hospital and fort when he had gone by clipper ship to Panama to obtain medical supplies.”

This interpretation is supported by the fact that, in November, Drs. Martin and Carman opened a free dispensary:

Sacramento Transcript, Volume 2, Number 12, 7 November 1850 — Page 1

SACRAMENTO CITY DISPENSARY, K STREET, in " Transcript" Building. In anticipation of there being a great deal of distress in our community this season by sickness, the Subscribers, who have been Physicians of the Sutter's Fort Hospital since the first settlement of this city, have opened a FREE OFFICE or General Dispensary, where those who are not able to pay the fees of an attending physician, and all others who may patronise our Establishment, can obtain Medicines at a low rate, and Advice Gratis. JAMES S MARTIN, M.D. and BENJN R CARMAN, M.D.

An adjoining advertisement for a San Francisco dispensary contains a list that may well describe what was meant by “Medicines”:

Drugs and Medicines: Lemon Syrup, Stoughton’s Bitters, Sarsaparilla Mead, Essence Peppermint, Holden’s Disentary Cordial, Fever and Ague Remedy.

Meanwhile the Sacramento City Hospital run by Dr. Vonley Spaulding had gotten into a heap of trouble for its terrible treatment of indigent patrons and had been cited by a local grand jury – a charge that was denied by Spaulding. The City Council sent a committee to investigate and this was Dr. Martin's testimony to the Council as reported in the Sacramento Transcript of Friday November 15, 1850:

DEPOSITION OF DR. JAS. S. MARTIN.

Questions:
1. Please inform me if you were the attending Physician to the City Hospital from the 24th of October, 1850, to the 1st day of Nov., the day on which the visiting committee of the Council made their visit for the purpose of investigating the charges preferred by the Grand Jury ? Ans- I was.
2. Was the report of the Grand Jury sustained by the facts presented to their Committee, when they visited that institution the latter part of October ? Ans-They certainly were to the fullest extent.
3. What was the condition of the beds, bedding and personal vestments of its inmates during your stay there ? Ans- The beds and bedding were in a very filthy condition, generally, in the adobe ward. The beds, bedding and clothes of many of the inmates, and indeed the entire ward itself, were infested with vermin, from the filth that prevailed and general want of cleanliness. Of these facts I spoke to Dr. Stansbury — one of the proprietors — and he said it could not be remedied at that time.
4. Were there bathing establishments connected with the City Hospital, or bathtubs; or was it customary to use ablution and sponging the cutaneous surface of patients in that institution? Ans- There was no bathing establishment whatever in the Hospital, and only one bathing tub, which was used for other purposes. — Less than half the patients were supplied with sheets, and they in a filthy condition, as before remarked. The air in the entire ward was quite offensive, and insalubrious, and unsafe not only for patients but medical attendants. There being no ceiling, and the wall of the building only about nine feet high, of course ill-ventilated and unhealthy in the highest degree.
5. Was it customary to change the linen of patients, and bed clothes, oftener than once in seven or eight days ? Ans- Such was the custom, as the proprietors told me, but they were not changed at all whilst I was there.
6. Did the proprietors, very soon after the visit of the Grand Jury, change the bed clothes and clothing of the inmates? In a word, was there not a general cleaning up a day or two before the visitors sent by the Council came out? Ans. There was a general renovation at that time.
7. Were you, for a time, in the Baltimore Alms House, as one of the resident physicians? Ans- I was.
8. Did you ever observe there, or do you know of any Hospital in Europe or this country, conducted on such principles as above detailed? Ans. I never have, nor do I believe any one else ever did, here or elsewhere.

JAMES S. MARTIN, M. D. Nov. 13, 1850.

So we see that James Stansbury Martin was working at the Sacramento City Hospital by the end of 1850 and it is probable that the Sutter’s Fort Hospital was now closed for business. The record is not clear where he was working for the remainder of his stay in California but we know that he remained in Sacramento and made application to the State Assembly in 1854 for reimbursment for losses he incurred by running the Sutter’s Fort Hospital for the poor and destitute:

THE DAILY UNION
California Legislature – Fifth Session
Sacramento, March 16, 1854
Senate

"Mr. Colby presented a petition from J. S. Martin, M.D., stating that during the years ’49 and ’50 he had suffered a great loss of time and money in attending to destitute sick in the Sutter’s Fort Hospital estabished by him. His losses amounted to $33,124.27, and he received only $8,684, leaving a balance of $22,440.27 due him by the State. Referred to Committee on Claims."

The final Senate Report on this claim states that: "The claimant, at the time of the dispensation of these charities, was a practicing physician and surgeon, and was a member of the Council of Sacramento City. The claim of James S. Martin is for the sum of $22,440.27, and may be readily understood by the examination of the following bill, the same being for the cost, maintenance and charges of a private hospital, kept at Sutter's Fort in 1849." The costs are then itemized.

The document does not say what happened to the hospital and the claim was turned down by the Senate committee because, "they were unanimously of the opinion, that it would be improper for the State to compensate individuals for losses in their business, even though the business should have partaken somewhat, in its nature, of a public benefaction."

The California Farmer San Francisco, May 3, 1855, has the following item, “We have received from the Purser of the Sonora, J. S. Martin, Esq., MD, a fine specimen of coca pod, containing the seed from which the Mexicans make their chocolate. It was brought from Acapulco.” Dr. Martin apparently remained in California until some time after May of 1855, when he returned to Baltimore and married Lucretia Griffith Warfield on April 18, 1857.

The Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 34, p 1084 provides the following biography:

James Stansbury Martin, M.D., died in Baltimore, Md., April 14, aged 76. He was born in that city April 2, 1824, being the son of Dr. Samuel B. Martin, a surgeon of the War of 1812. He was educated at the Baltimore College, took his M.D. at Washington University, Baltimore, in 1844, and was resident physician to the Baltimore Almshouse, 1846-7. He resided in California from 1849 to 1855, and was surgeon to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and founder of Sutter's Fort Hospital. He returned to Baltimore in 1859, where he remained until 1861, when he removed to Brookeville, Md., and practiced there four years. He then returned to Baltimore, where he remained until his death. He was one of the oldest members of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty.

Given the fact that his father, Samuel Blair Martin, MD ~~Samuel Baird Fox, MD,~~ had been a ship’s surgeon for much of his career, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company was certainly a very logical job opportunity for his oldest son. An uncle named Isaac White Martin was a clipper ship captain and the family must have had excellent connections in the maritime industry. What is a little unclear is whether James Martin left Baltimore before or after he knew of the discovery of gold and whether he maintained a connection with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company after he got to California. A little history of the company seems in order.

The Pacific Mail Steamship Company had been founded with the idea of providing mail and cargo service from San Francisco to Panama, where the goods would be transported to the Atlantic side to be picked up by other steamships bound for ports on the East Coast. Remember that the treaty with Mexico had been signed on March 10, 1848 and California was now U.S. Territory. The first three ships of this line were the California, the Oregon and the Panama. All were new, wooden-hull, side-paddle-wheel steamers, about 200 feet long, that had come around Cape Horn. The California left New York on October 6, 1848, before news of the discovery of gold had gotten to the East Coast, and arrived in San Francisco on February 28, 1849, having picked up hundreds of gold-seekers in Panama who had gotten the word in December, while the California was en-route. Most of the passengers and crew decamped immediately for the gold country, so service back to Panama had to be delayed.

General Smith, new commander of US Army forces in the Pacific was on the California and William Tecumseh Sherman – who had already been in California for several years - boarded the ship to greet him. All this is in Sherman’s Memoirs.

The Oregon left New York on Dec. 8, 1848 and arrived in San Francisco Bay on April 1, 1849. Captain Pearson moored his ship in Sausalito, would not let his crew desert the ship, loaded on coal and made the first of many scheduled mail trips down to Panama and back. The Oregon carried a number of Army and Navy personnel who picked Mare Island for the Navy base and Benicia for the Army arsenal. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company also selected Benicia as their depot, avoiding the hundreds of idle ships moored off San Francisco.

The Panama left New York on Feb. 15 and arrived in San Francisco (presumably at Benicia) on June 4, 1849 and there were now three ships in the mail service to Panama and back. Actually the Panama would have been second to arrive but had to turn back to New York because of an engine failure.

It seems probable that Dr. James Stansbury Martin knew of the Gold Rush and was on either the Oregon or the Panama as ship’s surgeon. His biographers say that Dr. Martin held this position from 1849 through 1855 but we now know that he had many other duties in Sacramento. How he managed to do this is a mystery but it is known that the Pacific Mail Steamship Company did maintain a service to Sacramento during this period and he must have had an understanding with them.

Dr. Martin had a younger brother, William H. Martin, who came to California in December, 1849, as an 18 year old messenger for the Adams Express Company, subsequently making many trips back and forth from San Francisco and New York. He then remained in California and, in 1868, became Land Commissioner for the “California Immigrant Union”, a colonizing effort that brought many new settlers to the state. In 1872, he wrote the introduction to All About California, a book put together by the California Immigrant Union that received very wide distribution.

Dr. W. Grove Deal was also a physician from Baltimore, arriving in California in the Spring of 1849 by way of Panama. The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume 42, p 477, has the following description:

"Among those who came to Auburn in May, 1849, was Dr. Deal of Baltimore, a physician and a Methodist preacher. He was very enthusiastic in stating his purpose to become one of the " honest miners," and calling a gathering together with a long tin dinner-horn, he expressed his intention to dig with them, and to institute divine worship the next Sunday, and he closed by making the hills echo with a cheery hymn. Monday morning's sunrise saw the doctor in the mines with tin pan, pick, and shovel. Eleven o'clock saw him with his shovel battered, his pick broken, his hands bruised and blistered, and his clothes muddy, placing his tools and tin horn in a wagon bound for Sutter's Fort. It was well he did, for together with another good Samaritan he leased a part of Sutter's Fort for a hospital, and when the forlorn bands of immigrants reached the Fort they found medical attention and care, which in many cases saved life or eased the passage to the grave."

Dr. Deal was quite an orator and served as an Assembly Member during the first session of the California Legislature. Apparently, he also went back East later on since he served honorably as a Surgeon during the Civil War. His son, W. E. F. Deal, came to California in 1859 and made quite a name for himself as a lawyer, establishing a practice in both California and Nevada, according to the History of the Bench and Bar of California.

Joseph M. Fox, III
February, 2011

Kings let struggling Jazz back in game, lose tough one, 107-104

2011-02-09T02:16:43Z

After starting out 2-0 during this tough stretch of games, the Kings are working their way through the home part of the journey hoping to rack up some good wins against good teams before going on the road again.

The Utah Jazz were in town with their 3-9 record in their last 12 games and appeared to be ripe for the picking. Unfortunately, it was the Jazz that did the harvesting, as they held on to upend the Kings 107-104 on the strength of Deron Williams’ court magic and Al Jefferson’s play around the rim.

Utah came out firing with Jefferson (23 points, 3 steals), the offensive powerhouse acquired in the offseason, was having his way with DeMarcus Cousins on the block. Jefferson’s great footwork and post moves to the basket were too much for the younger, less-experienced Cousins, who had picked up two early ticky-tack fouls in less than five minutes. The Jazz center seemed to score his 12 points in the opening quarter with ease.

Luckily, Samuel Dalembert (9 points, 11 boards) was up to the task of bodying up against Jefferson. Dalembert came in for an effective stretch as he started to make things more difficult for the Jazz center.

Tyreke Evans picked up his second personal foul at the end of the first to put the two most dynamic Kings players in early foul trouble. The uncommon pairing of reserve guards Pooh Jeter and Luther Head played well and helped the Kings stay close while the starters were out.

By the end of the first half, the Kings had 10 players who had scored.

The Udrih/Evans guard combo was working well, as they were constantly driving to the basket and kicking to open players on the wing or top of the key.

Watching Williams (21 points, 6 boards, 9 assists) play guard for the Jazz was a treat. His lay-ups off the glass were a thing of beauty. So high up on the Plexiglas – no one could even get a fingertip on them.

Which is why when Williams went to the bench with what looked like a wrist injury, it appeared the Kings would be poised for a run. The two young superstars for the Kings – Evans and Cousins – took full advantage of Williams’ wrist issue and dominated the floor. Evans led the way with 13 points and three blocks while Cousins had 11 points and eight boards in the period to help Sacramento get a 10-point lead at one juncture in the third.

So there we were again.

The Kings had a small lead, 87-80, after three quarters. Nobody was in foul trouble. Even Deron Williams was constantly grabbing at his wrist in pain.

The table was set. It looked like the Kings would be able to hold on.

In short, they didn’t. It only took four minutes for the Kings to give up the lead and let Utah back in the game.

With the game tied, the Kings pulled ahead 97-91 with just over half the quarter left. During that stretch, Cousins picked up his fourth and fifth fouls.

Yes, Dalembert played well, but Cousins (25 points, 14 boards) was the difference-maker. Cousins was the leading scorer in the final period with seven points as the rest of the boys in purple stalled out. Even Evans (21 points) had only two points in the quarter.

Turnovers doomed the Kings. Sacramento, which finished with 20 giveaways, was led by Evans’ six, while Thompson and Cousins had four each.

Almost as soon as Cousins was sent to the pine to await the call, Dalembert picked up his fifth foul and had to take a seat, bringing Cousins back in – and maybe a little too soon. With the Kings down 101-99, Cousins readied himself to re-enter the game.

The Kings were still down by one after Cousins made a basket and the foul shot before fouling out and Dalembert had to return.

The usually reliable Andre Kirilenko got to the line twice in the waning seconds, but only made one of two on two separate trips to the line, leaving the door open for the Kings to tie on a long-range bomb.

Coach Paul Westphal had all of his reliable three-point shooters on the floor for the final eight seconds of the game. The Kings’ last shot came from Casspi, whose apparently clear look at the rim wasn’t good enough, and his shot fell short.

Westphal talked about the final play.

“We wanted to get a three up,” said a clearly disappointed Westphal. “You can’t tell who is going to get it for sure – you space the floor, you try and make them make some decisions, and you attack and take whatever three you think you can get.”

After the game, the Kings’ locker room was semi-cleared out. Evans and Cousins, who are usually very open to interviews after a win or a loss, were nowhere to be found, as they had left before the media was allowed in.

Among Casspi’s supporters were Thompson, Landry, Jeter, Dalembert and Donte Greene, who stuck around as if to not let Casspi fall on the sword alone. Casspi, who sat in front of his locker space with his head in his hands for several minutes after his shower, stood tall to answer for the missed shot.

“All the pressure is on me now to make them (three-point shots),” said a frustrated Casspi. “I’m missing a lot of shots that, I don’t know, I don’t remember myself missing those kinds of shots. I’ve been working a lot in practice. I feel like I don’t have my legs under me for some reason.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

RON NABITY

http://nabityphotos.com/

Kings push Celtics to the brink but fall short, lose 95-90 at Arco

2011-02-03T05:30:47Z

Going into the game, Sacramento was missing a few big men: Jason Thompson (sprained ankle) and Hassan Whiteside (knee strain), and then Darnell Jackson right before halftime in a freak incident.

You would think the Kings would have had no chance in matching up with the daunting Boston Celtics, the team with the best record in the NBA.

You would be wrong, as for most of the game the Kings were in it and even pushed back almost every time the Celts pushed them. If it wasn’t for Ray Allen’s fiery halftime locker room speech, the Kings may have prevailed. In the end, in a tough, physical game, The C’s from Beantown got by the hometown Kings, 95-90.

It was the first time this tough season that the Arco Arena was really rockin’. I guess that shouldn’t have been a surprise since Boston is playing like world champions and the Kings have started to show they can win the tough games.

But what was an eye-opener was how many Boston fans were in the building. At times, it sounded like a third of the fans in attendance were cheering for the boys in green, a sound that only angered the loyalists in the facility as they pumped up the noise in their collective effort to drown out the fans wearing the green and white.

Even though the Kings blocked five shots in the first quarter, it was Sacramento’s poor shooting percentage in the period (28.6 percent) that hurt the team. Boston led after one, 27-20.

The game started to get chippy in the second as the Kings were not letting the semi-cheating little things that the Celtics are known for get to them. Even DeMarcus Cousins (20 points, 6 boards, 2 blocks) kept his cool after being shoved by Rajon Rondo during a break in the action. Much like when Cousins went over to Chris Paul after Paul threw Beno Udrih on the ground in the Charlotte game, Tyreke Evans (20 points, 4 boards, 4 assists, 2 blocks) got in Rondo’s face after the shove on Cousins. It’s great to see the Kings coming together though adversity.

Donte Greene (15 points, 2 boards), who’s been getting a lot more playing time with Francisco Garcia on injured reserve, scored 13 points in the stanza to help jump-start the home team. That, along with the fire and instant energy that reserve guard Pooh Jeter brings every time he hits the floor, pushed the Kings to a 54-45 lead at the half. Jeter (8 points, 3 assists) had six points and three assists in the quarter and took a critical charge late in the period.

In a scary scene at the end of the first half, as the Kings were walking off the floor, Darnell Jackson collapsed. After several minutes and what appeared to be something like smelling salts, Jackson was able to sit up and eventually walk off the court on his own accord. The word came down that Jackson was having shortness of breath and would not return to the contest.

Boston kept the intensity going in the fourth by again helping the Kings to six more turnovers in the final quarter. Glen Davis (14 points, 4 boards) had 10 in the period for the Celts by hitting several open jumpers. With all the great interior defense the Kings were playing, it came at the expense of not rotating out far enough to cover Boston’s big men on the outside. And Boston made them pay.

Along with Big Baby Davis, Allen (22 points, 6 boards) was a key factor for Boston. Allen hit four 3-pointers to go with 9-of-15 shooting from the field.

It appeared that Sacramento would have a chance at the end, but the Kings stopped running the ball across the half-court line with two minutes remaining in the game, a choice that would cost them.

“I just thought that if we could create a turnover, that might be a little better chance than hoping that Ray Allen missed a free throw,” Coach Paul Westphal said from the podium after the game.

Even though the Celtics beat the Kings, there’s been a lot of progress made in the last few weeks and the players are noticing.

“I think we are going to be OK from here on out,” Evans said from his space in the locker room. “We just need to keep playing the way we’ve been playing. Our confidence, our starting lineup out there — I think we bring a good effort. Then the bench comes in and they do a good job too.”

Jeter, who's turning into a big crowd favorite, added this on the way out of the arena.

“I’m just glad we had the effort. We’ve been showing in a lot of games that we can play. We played against a great team and I’m glad we didn’t give up.”

GAME NOTES: After having 10 blocks in the first half, the Kings finished with only 12 . . . Udrih had a poor shooting night going 2-of-10 from the field, but did have 6 boards and 6 assists . . . Samuel Dalembert had a good night with 5 blocks and 7 boards . . . Carl Landry only played 16 minutes as Westphal thought the match-ups and the way Dalembert was playing kept Landry from being on the floor more . . . A combination of Casspi and Greene did a good job on Paul Piece holding him to 15 points . . . The Kings play again on Friday at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

JAMES K. LEASH

http://www.sharp-eyeimages.com/

The reality of budget cuts in Children's Services

2011-02-03T02:51:16Z

My name is Melissa Mendoza, and my family and I live in a lovely neighborhood called Woodlake in Sacramento. We are your typical family of four, married for eight years with two beautiful children, a daughter and a son. Our lives seemed typical and ordinary until two years ago when our son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 ½. We were thrown into a world of psychologists, neurologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and so many unanswered questions.

My husband and I had just started our own web and database design business and were now spending countless hours in doctors’ waiting rooms and searching for answers to why our son was still not talking at the age of 2. Why was he spinning in circles and flapping his arms? Why would he entertain himself by slamming a cabinet door over and over? Why did his words stop? Why wouldn’t he answer to his name? The answer was autism.

We were shocked! We told the psychologist, “But he’s a loving kid. He loves hugs, he loves to be touched. He loves to be with other people. How could it be autism?” We didn’t know anything about an “autistic spectrum.” We learned that his diagnosis placed him somewhere in high-functioning but not Asperger’s syndrome, and that many kids with autism love hugs and squeezes and attention. We bought countless books on Sensory Processing Disorder and autism trying to understand our son and the new world we had entered.

We began therapy that was funded through Alta Regional Center right away at JabberGym in Downtown Sacramento. He began with speech therapy twice a week for 45-minute sessions and occupational therapy for 45 minutes a week at their facility. He also had a developmental therapist visit our home once a week for 45 minutes. The results were not immediate, but Mateo began to say more words, and he really enjoyed playing with his therapists each week. They would write up his progress, and each week there were more results. I could see things slowly clicking for Mateo, but we had a very long road ahead of us.

At the age of 3 we began ABA therapy with Capitol Autism Services in Sacramento. These services are also funded through Alta Regional Center. ABA therapy stands for Applied Behavior Analysis program and takes place in our home. Mateo was receiving over 30 hours a week of services, including full-time support at a “typical” preschool. At the age of 3, speech and occupational therapy are no longer provided through Alta Regional Center; families must receive services through their school district. So Mateo began speech therapy at Woodlake Elementary School and was cut to 30 minutes a week, the maximum the district would provide for a 3-year-old who barely spoke. Occupational therapy was now 45 minutes a week at Vineland Elementary School in Rio Linda. Services through the school district are not enough!

To receive ABA Therapy that is funded through Alta, someone must be in your home during the 30-hours-a-week program, and at least 60 percent of the time it needs to be either a parent or grandparent. On top of this we must transport our child to and from preschool, to therapy and whatever appointments he needs. This does not leave much time for running a business and finding quality family time for us all, but we find a way for Mateo.

And it has paid off because the hours and hours of therapy and interaction with typically developing children at preschool with the assistance of an aide has made all of the difference. I strongly believe that Mateo receiving therapy immediately through Alta Regional Center and the dedication and work of his home program tutors from Capitol Autism Services has made it possible for him to attend a typical kindergarten this fall.

Running our business means a large amount of expenses, health insurance, medical expenses, taxes and so much more. It gives us the flexibility to help our son, but there are no tax breaks for middle-class families trying to raise a child with special needs. And now those very services that have made all of the difference for Mateo are proposed to be cut.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget cuts would cut the Lanterman Act’s promise that people with developmental disabilities will get the services and support they need to live full lives in the community.

It would be on a sliding scale, and a middle-class family could be expected to pay up to $6,000 a year to cover services. There is no way our family could afford that. Our son would have to go without.

Autism diagnosis is growing more each year. Currently 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys are diagnosed each year. Autism receives less than 5 percent of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. There are no answers to what causes autism, but there is one thing that we know: Early intervention and services make all of the difference. I know without the early speech therapy, home ABA program and occupational therapy, Mateo wouldn’t be developmentally where he is today.

When we started therapy, Mateo could only repeat one word at a time and hardly spoke on his own. This morning Mateo said to me, “Mama, watch cartoons with me!” He has made huge strides in the past few months. I don’t think it would have been possible without the therapy and support we have received.

If the cuts happen, my son could lose many of his services, and children who are newly diagnosed with autism would definitely be missing out on the most important years of therapy. I know the cuts need to happen, but taking away from children who already receive so little is not the answer.

Thank you for the time to listen to Mateo’s story and how important it is that these services continue for our children. If you would like to hear more of our stories, follow our blog at mateosstory.wordpress.com.

If you are interested in attending the hearings, the information is as follows:

Thursday, Feb. 3
WHO: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services
WHEN: Approximately 10 a.m. or upon adjournment of Assembly floor session
WHAT: Hearing on Developmental Services proposed cuts
WHERE: State Capitol in Room 4202
NOTE: There is a Senate Budget Subcommittee hearing at 9:30 a.m. this same day focusing on the governor’s proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and SSI/SSP, and the proposed elimination of the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
CAN PUBLIC TESTIFY?: Yes – very brief (can also can submit longer written comments)

Thursday, Feb. 10
WHO: Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of the Senate floor session
WHAT: Hearing on Developmental Services proposed cuts
WHERE: State Capitol in Room 4203
CAN PUBLIC TESTIFY?: Yes – very brief (can also submit written comments)

Rescue From the Bermuda Triangle

2011-02-01T06:48:44Z

I have had a very surprising past few days. I wanted to share it here because I think what I have experienced has happened to everyone at one point. The surprising part of what I'm about to share, the most shocking part of all came from the most unexpected place; the point of origin! The thing that caused me the most pain ended up surprising me the most and spun my head clean around.

Being a Mom of 3 extremely active boys so close in age, I have gotten my fair share of disapproving looks. Looks that speak volumes without any sound like the, "you must need a glass of wine before bed" look, the "what are you crazy?!?!" look and so on. When you add the extra twist of having a son...the oldest son...with special needs the looks turn into stares and elevate to "you must like to gamble" looks, and "how irresponsible" looks, especially when my boys were younger.

The looks and stares I can handle, it's when people forget to fix their mute button and add comments to those stares that I have a hard time remembering my mute button works just fine.

To add another level of pain to this soup and salad combo is when all of it comes from a totally unexpected source, a friend. When something painful like this comes from a friend it's worse than if it came from family in a way. Family is family, you're stuck with them whether you like them or not. A friend is a friend because you share a common respect for one another...at least that's the way I see it.

So when a friend says something so shockingly hurtful it knocks this chick-a-dee for a loop. That respect and trust you thought was there is gone and maybe it's just me but I feel like I'm swimming in the Bermuda Triangle without a life jacket. Between the seconds the comment is made and the moment something comes out of my mouth, thoughts are racing through my mind like "what the hell just happened?!?!"..."wait, where am I?!?!" Then something really profound squeaks out like "uhhhh...what???" Of course the moment I race out of there I snap out of my state of shock and my mind is flooded with witty, well said, intelligent come-backs. But it's too late. As far as I'm concerned my "friend" has no idea who I am nor will they ever.

After days of mourning and dodging...the "friend" takes me by complete surprise and offers one of the most heartfelt apologies I've ever heard. My "friend" was completely taken over by emotion delivering the apology...it was gut-wrenching. After I left they realized how what they had said could be so painful. They too had an "uhhhh..." moment. When in fact they were taken aback by the fact that we share a a huge common belief...having a child with special needs is one of the greatest gifts a person could ever receive. So few people receive this gift, so it is to be treasured.

It's not just our commonalities we share that I call this person my friend, it is because of the brutally raw apology I call this person my friend. It takes a lot of, well guts, guts and more guts to right a wrong such as what I just shared with you, and I can't even tell you how important that is to me. I could have easily marked this instance as another introduction to one more ignorant comment...but instead it introduced me to a truly unique individual.

The whole purpose of me sharing this particular experience with you is this...March 21, 2011 marks the annual return of World Down Syndrome Day. Thousands of people will join this celebratory movement worldwide in numerous ways by showing their support of people with Down syndrome; be it in the news, at their school, on the street corner, on their t-shirt, their Facebook status, etc...

My son, Ty and I have one simple request of you on World Down Syndrome Day...be aware that your language can effect those around you, be it intentional or not. Make a concentrated effort to make those around you with or without Down syndrome or another type of intellectual disability FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES. Our hope is that your one day of thoughtfulness will turn into two, then three, then who knows how many. The sky is the limit!

Find out more about World Down Syndrome Day on their website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org or join the Event on Facebook.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

To read more curious thoughts by myself and Ty, visit our blog www.tysadventures.wordpress.com

Just think of the money he'll make!

2011-02-01T01:11:08Z

As I got ready to lay my head down on the pillow for the evening, I started wondering what my son would be doing when he grew up. With all his talent, the possibilities were endless. Visions of grandeur were dancing in my head.

He’ll be running down that 300-foot dark-green pasture – picking them up and putting them down, crossing white line after white line. They say he’s lightning-fast. Great hands, quick feet. No one can catch him, and Lord knows they’ve tried. A natural. A definite “blue-chipper,” they whisper in the stands.

But what about the beating he’ll take? Being hammered game after game after game. It takes a toll, you know. I know he has pads on, but so does everyone else. Their job is to hit him as hard and as viciously as they possibly can – put him on the ground so he thinks about it next the time he comes their way. A lot of guys hobble and limp around for the rest of their lives. This is starting to not sound so good.

He’s also got a real “live arm.” That, along with his great hand-eye coordination, should give him a chance. He’s always loved the smell of freshly clipped grass inside a diamond, surrounded by 47,000 cheering loyalists. Ever since he saw Reggie back in the day, he thought about following in his footsteps. Maybe it was the way you could see every one of them. Their mistakes, their glory – every position clearly defined. But it was still a team sport – one person could not win it all by himself.

But what if he gets stuck in the minor leagues? He could be riding a bus – day in and day out, week in and week out, year after year. I guess it’s one way to see the country.

And what if he hurts his arm? He could be a has-been before he even starts. Players have come and gone before him by the truckloads. Overnight sensations turned one-year wonders. Some never had a chance to endure a sophomore slump, let alone a three or four-year career.

Career? If I’d told my Dad that my career would last three or four years, he would have signed me up with the French Foreign Legion. Right then, no questions asked.

Did I tell you he’s got a great jump shot? He can drive past his buddies on the way to the hoop at any time. Nothing can stop him. If they do, he just pulls up and drains one in their faces. Great hands and a great defender. He can pick your pocket quicker and slicker than a New York City street thief. He even shoots free throws like his father’s idol, Rick Barry.

Would he be strong enough or tall enough? He’s quick, but it’s because he’s small. If his jumper was not falling, how many lay-ups would be soundly rejected into the fifth row of the arena? He’ll be going against bigger bodies game in and game out, enduring constant pounding of chest against chest or chest against back. It’s a long and tedious season. What if he’s the 12th man? Would he by OK with riding the pine?

And if all that wasn't enough, you should see him on the motocross track. He’s the first one out of the gate, and holds it wide-open all the way to the first turn. He’s not afraid of crashing. He hits every jump like he’s Evel Knievel. Nac nacs, tabletops and one-footer tail whips are all in his repertoire. The kid gets more air than Travis Pastrana in his prime. The balance, the attitude, the fearlessness – he’s a natural on two wheels.

But have you seen those guys when they crash? Oh my goodness! He’s not a crash-test dummy. Some of those guys don’t get up after a bad fall. One bad crash could end – not only his career, but maybe his life. Who is going to stand by his side when he needs to be rolled to the doctor in his vegetative state?

Too many decisions. Too much could go wrong.

Did I tell you he is smart also?

You see, my son has not even been conceived yet. He will be someday, but not yet.

I've got a lot of great ideas on what I want him to become, but that's not what's truly important. If we raise him correctly, he can make his own decisions on what he likes or doesn't like, what he wants to do or not to do.

You see, that is the question, but it’s up to him to answer it.

Is Being Deaf a Disability?

2011-01-31T05:35:22Z

Gilbert Eugene Dodson, is the most humble and gentle man I know. I share a lot of memories with my dad and I hear a lot of stories of his childhood. I have a very close relationship with him, as well as he does with all of his kids, but it’s something about his girls that he has a weak spot for. Growing up in a large family himself, he was a very quiet and shy kid and always very well behaved. Unfortunately at the age of 3, he was diagnosed with asthma and the whooping cough, a respiratory tract infection, consequently resulting in the loss of his hearing. Because my dad obtained qualities such as determination, generosity, and demonstrated such strong faith in God, the loss of his hearing was unconquerable.

Being the strong-willed determined man that he is, my Dad didn’t let being deaf stop him from doing anything out of the ordinary, nor did he use it as a handicap for sympathy. He didn’t let his condition hinder him nor did he pity himself. It made him stronger and more compassionate and he was able to dust himself off and keep on striving. He only had to change his lifestyle a little bit. He didn’t have to limit any normal kid activities but he only had to communicate with other kids differently. He went to a school for the deaf where he learned sign language and how to converse. Using that knowledge, when he got older he eventually started teaching sign language classes. He taught all of his children the basics of sign language as well. He learned to communicate with us by reading our lips during conversation. When he met my mother, they also communicated through him reading her lips so they were able to correspond. My mom didn’t look at his hearing as a weakness and she was able to look past that and saw what was in his heart. She saw the tenderness deep down inside and they had an instant connection.

My dad is also a very generous and bighearted man. As cliché’ as it sounds, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Anything we asked for that was in his power to get for us, he did it. He was so compassionate and did everything for us. He would do all of the driving on all of our family vacations, no matter how far it was. He had a goal to get us there and until he did, there was no such thing as resting for him. He lives to make us happy. He is very protective of his girls as well. He is very reliable when we need him to come fix anything in our house. For example, he would come over to even change my light bulb, fix my car, and he would even help me hang pictures on my wall. I have a fear of fish and every couple weeks he would come over just to change my fish tank water. All we had to do was call and he would be right on his way at the first chance he got. We have a very large family of ten but somehow he manages to spread himself and his time to each one of us.

My dad is a strong believer in God and he has a lot of faith. Even though he couldn’t hear, he would still go to church with his family for every service. He was raised in church and was taught to always reverence God. One particular service as the preacher was preaching, he all of a sudden could hear what was being said. Out of nowhere and unexpectedly, he regained his hearing in one ear. His faith in God definitely played a part in that and all of his years of unassuming nature. So after being completely deaf for over 20 years, his speech was incomprehensible. He talked with incomplete sentences and his words were chopped. For him it was almost like learning how to talk all over again and choosing the right words to complete his sentences. His speech is still a bit broken but because of his faith, it has gotten a lot better now. Although he’s still completely deaf in one ear, the hearing aid in the other ear allows him to hear well with it. It has completely changed his life and not a day goes by that he doesn’t thank God for it.

There are a lot of words that I can use to describe my dad. But I prefer to use outstanding to sum them all up. For him to have gone through what he went through, and still make it out to become what we call “World’s Best Dad,” is very admirable. The way he loves us and takes care of us is commendable. The faith he exercises and teaches us is honorable. He showed his kids that he couldn’t be defeated. He is like and angel here on earth and there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for my Dad.

Oh Boy....or Oh Girl?

2011-01-31T05:22:40Z

Raising more than one child can be a challenge within itself. Raising an 8 year old vs. a 2 year old is even more challenging. Some people choose not to have children while others can’t wait to have kids. The most brilliant suggestions for anyone considering kids would be to have a plan and be prepared. Knowing exactly what type of methods of discipline you plan to use may not always turn out that way. Some methods that I use for my 8 year old, I can’t necessarily use on my 2 year old. They have two very different personalities and very different behaviors. My daughter requires more attention and discipline than my son does. My methods with raising my 8-year-old son Calen vs. my 2-year-old daughter Ava have proven to be that girls are more difficult to raise and cater to than boys.

For example, Ava has way more temper tantrums than Calen does and did. She is always the one defying everything I say. She has her own mind and doesn’t like taking directions from neither me nor anyone else. Every time I tell her to do something such as pick up after herself or straighten up her toys, she suddenly goes into this “diva” mode and throws a tantrum. She expects everyone to clean up after her when she doesn’t want to. And when she is sent to her room as a result for punishment when she’s acting up, she will go in there and throw what I call “Hurricane Ava”. She will find anything in her room to throw and start throwing everything across her room from toys, to clothes, to her shoes.

Calen on the other hand never really had temper tantrums. The very few times he got in trouble, he would just go to his room and shut his door and sit in there quietly. He didn’t sit in there and cry nor throw or slam anything around. He waited until I told him it was time for him to come out and he sat there quietly and patiently. Most of the time to him, his room wasn’t punishment. He had his TV, his video games, and his toys to keep him busy. So his punishments were only having video games taken away, even if only for a day, he would learn his lesson the first time.

When it comes to crying, Ava is very sensitive. Most females tend to be that way. I think she becomes more emotional from me talking to her than actually spanking her. Anytime she is told no she can’t have something, do something, or go somewhere, she bursts into tears as if she is physically hurt. Shrieks of emotions come from her majority of the time. When its bedtime she cries, when she wakes up she cries, when she has to take her nap she cries, when its time to get her hair done she cries, and even when its dinner time and she’s not ready to come in to eat, she cries. She is just a ball of emotions.

My son is a lot different when it comes to emotions, just like with most men. He rarely cries and he does not have emotional breakdowns at all. If and when he gets in trouble and I am talking to him about it, he just stares at me with a blank apologetic look. He will apologize and go sulk in his room for a brief moment but he will never cry. Sometimes I will see tears in his eyes but he is stubborn about letting them fall from his eyes. He’s more of a “whiny” type than a crying type.

I am not a firm believer in physical discipline with my children unless it is warranted. My daughter is most likely to get spanked or chastised more than my son. Being that she is so defying and has her own mind and wants to do what she wants to do when she wants to do it, I have to be a little sterner with her. She seems to know how far to push me before I get to that point and she always tests me to see exactly when I will get to that point. Even after being disciplined for something, that will not stop her from doing it again. She also knows how to manipulate me into feeling sorry for her afterward and becoming a little more lenient.

Calen’s behavior never really got out of control. He never even went through his “terrible two’s” so any type of discipline for him was very few. Those few times I believe were uncomfortable for the both of us because it seemed weird that he would even take me to that point when he did. He learned my limit very early on and never really pushed me there anymore. He was very well behaved, calm, quiet, and respectful to me and to others.

With Ava going through her “terrible two’s” and at her independence stage, she tends to not want any help from anyone doing anything. She doesn’t want help using the bathroom, getting dressed, getting in and out of her car set, putting on her shoes, or anything of that nature. She wants to prove to everyone that she can do it by herself and is self-reliant. She has no problem letting you know that she wants to do it by herself. She doesn’t even like to hold anyone’s hand so she doesn’t seem like a baby. She is so independent and grown in her own little way.

Surprisingly, Calen is more needy than Ava when he wants help. I’m not sure if he feels like his place as the baby has been threatened by his little sister, but he is definitely not afraid to ask for help doing anything simple that he should already knows how to do. As an 8 year old, I assumed he would be more independent than my 2 year old but apparently it’s the opposite with that one. He asks for help with simple things such as getting something to drink, or turning out his light for him, hanging up his clothes, and things like that.
Keeping their age difference in mind, I understand that Ava may have less patience than an 8 year old, but she is very demanding. She wants what she wants and she wants it “now!” She has enough manners to say please and thank you but if I don’t answer her right away, or get it as soon as she thinks I should, then she will start to have a fit and beg repeatedly. For example, she will ask for a cup of water and I would tell her to hold on just a minute. But because I didn’t get it right away, she starts to whine and beg and asks repeatedly until she gets what she wants. Even in the grocery store or toy store, she wants everything she see’s. She will throw a tantrum if she doesn’t get it. I even think she plays on our mother/daughter connection and gives me those puppy dog eyes when she starts to beg. It’s like she knows that she is my “baby” and that she is cute and she manipulates everyone with that. She will give you those eyes and smile that is irresistible.

When it comes to Calen, he will ask for something and once I say, “Give me a minute,” he will say “okay” and patiently wait until I get it for him. He does not get impatient and sometimes even will go about doing something else until I’m able to get what it was that he asked for. And if I forgot or take too long, he will come politely remind me that he asked me for something and to please get it.
In my experience, I’ve learned that it is harder to raise a girl than a boy. For me it’s just so hard to look in my baby girl’s eyes and tell her no. She has them puppy dog eyes and that irresistible smile and becomes so physically attached when she wants something. I wouldn’t say I spoil her more but I do believe that she gets away with more than my son did. With boys they are less emotional and would rather stay outside and play with their friends all day. They would even be content with playing video games and pretty much stay well behaved as long as they have their video games. They’re easier and a lot less maintenance.

Rock n' roll high school-ers

2011-01-30T19:51:47Z

“Tony Silva rides the bus to see the punk rock bands
   He rides out from BFN and no one understands
  He doesn’t have a car and he’s not old enough to drive
   But seeing punk rock concerts is what keeps Tony alive.”
--“Tony Silva Rides the Bus”, by The Secretions

Despite a bad economy and multiple venue closures this year, punk rock is alive and well among the under-18 crowd.

“There will be times when things get closed down, and it’ll affect the scene negatively, but in the long run, there’s a resilience in Sacramento,” said Craig Usher, who has been going to punk shows since his freshman year of high school.

Usher, now 42 with children, runs a Facebook page cataloguing shows. He said he still prefers all-ages shows to those held in bars, and smaller, sparser shows to massive ones.

“I was drawn to punk rock, in part, because it wasn’t like mass culture rock n’ roll,” he said. “So if I go to a show where I feel like … the focus is on selling stuff rather than expressing yourself, it just doesn’t feel as rewarding to me.”

The tendency of all-ages punk shows to be smaller and more underground also has practical applications.

Alcohol is an essentially a guaranteed moneymaker for 21-and-up shows, but all-ages venues can only sell food and soft drinks. That tends to raise ticket prices, which makes it harder for teen audiences to afford. The smaller the turnout, the less both venue and band earn.

Amber Rose, a booking agent for Citrus Heights bar the Fire Escape, explained that the key to survival is keeping prices low, and planning all-ages shows on nights when school-attending teens can realistically attend.

The Fire Escape also allows patrons to participate in organized moshing, or “circle pits,” which most all-ages venues have forbidden.

“You have to take care of the people that take care of you,” Rose said.

Though the Fire Escape has a full bar, Rose said the underage shows have been profitable. Openings for all-ages shows have been fully booked through April.

“It’s pretty difficult for kids to (play) all-ages (gigs),” Rose said, adding that there are only a handful of dedicated teenage clubs left.

Mickie ‘Rat’ (a psuedonym), bassist for the Sacramento punk band The Secretions, agreed.

“As a legal, profitable business, all-ages venues will always be struggling in Sacramento until they either lower the legal drinking age or the cost of permits for live music venues,” he said in an e-mail interview.

Rat was much more optimistic about private, underground shows, held in improvised venues like garages and basements and funded partially through donations. Although these shows are held in secret, they aren’t hard to find, he said.

“The people who take an active part in the music scene and go to shows always manage to find out where they are,” Rat said. “Bands will always find places to play, whether it’s in a club or someone’s living room.”

The Secretions are a testament to the punk scene’s vitality, as the band recently celebrated its 20th anniversary together. They still practice and hold the occasional private show at Casa de Chaos, a house in Midtown.

“That old house has seen me through a lot of good times and bad times,” Rat said. “It’s a rundown old shack, but I love it.”

The scene is kept alive by people frequently attending shows of all types and paying to get in, he explained.

“Every person who comes to see a show is just as important as the people on stage,” Rat said. “Without an audience, a show is just a lonely rehearsal in a big empty room.”

But the venue, it seems, is secondary to fans, who go primarily for the music and the friendships they make.

“I go to have fun,” said Gavin Mercer, 16-year-old drummer for the fledgling punk band The Carbonites. “It takes out a lot of aggression, too. You can sweat some of your anger out, or your stress or whatever.”

Rose, the Citrus Heights booking agent, would rather have her teenage daughter attend an all-ages punk show, with lots of people around, than a house party.

“These kids go to all these shows, and they all end up becoming friends. It’s kind of like an underground family,” she said.

Nicole Holbein, 17, said she is sentimental about the “family” the punk scene has introduced her to.

“Everyone has the utmost respect and love for what they're doing, and it's such a positive place to be,” she said. “Everyone looks out for each other.”

Free South Sacramento Health Fair to Include Screenings, Information

2011-01-26T19:01:39Z

Antioch Progressive Church is hosting a free health fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, where Sacramento-area residents can receive health and wellness information and receive health screenings from Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento clinicians.

The health fair is being organized by Jean McKoy, who was a kidney donor for her fiancé (and now her husband) in 2009 at Sutter Medical Center. She is organizing the event to educate the community about the need to live healthy lifestyles and to receive regular screenings and check-ups. Her husband, Geary, wouldn’t have been diagnosed with kidney disease and received treatment in a timely manner had it not been for an insurance company insisting on a physical.

Among the screenings to be performed by Sutter Medical Center nurses at the event are blood pressure, body fat and diabetic screenings. There will also be seminars from Sutter dietitians and clinicians on childhood diabetes and gestational diabetes.

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Antioch Progressive Church’s Family Life Center, located at 7650 Amherst St., Sacramento. For more information on the health fair, please contact McKoy at (916) 821-7828, or email her at healthyfamiliesexpo@yahoo.com

The health screenings are being provided by the Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute and Sutter Transplant Services, both of which are headquartered on the campus of Sutter Memorial Hospital, 5151 F St., Sacramento.

Disclosure: Stephanie Breitbart works in the communications department at Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region.

RVs 4 Preemies Makes Sutter Memorial Parking Lot a Home for Preemie Parents

2011-01-25T00:45:40Z

Kristian Sandoval and Kristine Ibanez have been calling the parking lot of Sutter Memorial Hospital their home away from home for the past five weeks. Through pregnancy complications, Kristine gave birth to the couple’s first baby almost three months early. Little Anais Giselle weighed only 1 pound, 13 ounces at birth and has been in the Sutter NICU ever since.

Cyndi and Dustin Mitchell, founders of the Alyboo and Izybee Foundation, heard about the Modesto couple’s story and offered them RVs 4 Preemies, a brand-new RV set up for the couple to live in on the hospital grounds so they can be with their daughter as much as possible.

“We don’t have a vehicle, so it would be impossible to go back and forth to our home,” Sandoval said. “If we didn’t have the RV, we’d be sleeping in the hospital just waiting for our daughter to be released.”

Kristian and Kristine are the first family to live in RVs 4 Preemies. The Mitchells started the foundation after their twin daughters Alyssa and Isabella – whose nicknames are Alyboo and Izybee – were born prematurely at Sutter Memorial Hospital two years ago. The foundation has volunteers who donate various items to NICU babies and families to help make their stay more enjoyable. Though the Mitchells live locally, they saw many families who had to make a long trip each day to visit their babies. With no place to for NICU families to stay, they bought an RV last summer and started RVs 4 Preemies.

The spacious RV comes complete with a bathroom, kitchen and is able to sleep six. Kristian and Kristine feel very fortunate to have the RV to live in and have opened their doors and invited other families in the hospital over as a place to get away.

“A lot of these people are going through really hard times,” Sandoval said. “Just the way Cyndi didn’t judge us or care who we were when she offered the RV, I want to help others out as much as I can, even if it means taking one person’s mind off this place for one minute.”

The Alyboo & Izybee Foundation is currently in the running to receive $50,000 from Pepsi for their charity. The Pepsi Refresh Project featured the foundation in its national contest, and will award the money to charity with the most votes by the end of January. The Mitchells say the money would help allow 12 families to utilize the RV and open a volunteer workshop, which would help provide 1,200 handmade items for babies and care packages to families. For more information, visit http://www.abibf.org/
The temporary move to the Sutter parking lot for Sandoval and Ibanez began on Dec. 3, when Ibanez checked herself into an emergency room in Modesto.

“I was having trouble breathing and had major swelling on my feet and legs,” Ibanez said. “Everyone said the symptoms were normal, but I knew something was wrong when I couldn’t breathe.”

The ER prescribed Kristine with Vicodin to help with pain and released her. Not satisfied with their advice, Kristine went straight to Memorial Medical Center for another opinion and after only a few hours was rushed to Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento with congestive heart failure.

“It was a really, really scary thing,” Ibanez said. “They knew there was a big possibility that I would have to give birth soon, so we both came here to Sutter Memorial Hospital.”
Kristine’s lungs began filling with fluids and within a few days her kidneys were shutting down. Fearing for the safety of both mother and baby doctors performed an emergency Cesarean section on Dec. 9.

"It was the scariest day of my life,” Sandoval said. “My two girls' lives were up in the air, and not knowing what is going to happen is very scary."

After three days in the ICU, doctors were able to stabilize Kristine and she was able to see her baby for the first time.
“The first day they let her see our daughter, that was the day she started healing,” Sandoval said. “Up until then she was torn apart.”

Baby Anais is now almost 3 pounds and continues to improve daily. Although her parents spend a majority of the time with her in the hospital, being able to walk to their temporary home parked only 50 yards away makes all the difference.

It makes everything so bearable,” Sandoval said. “It kind of makes me feel guilty because in the RV I’m not really at the hospital. I feel like I’m at my home. There are a ton of people that don’t have something to take their mind off this hospital because they don’t get to leave. They are in the hospital all the time.”

Doctors expect Anais to be released from the hospital in the middle of February. Until then her parents will be by her side in the NICU, or resting comfortably in the parking lot, the place they call home.

“We try to know that we haven’t been dealt anything but blessings and good stuff,” Sandoval said. “We are playing this waiting game and waiting to go home, but we feel very blessed. We are trying to show the love that we have been given.”

Stephanie Breitbart works in the communications department at Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region.

peace. love. swap. ~ Don't consign it, swap it!

2011-01-13T21:49:40Z

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

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

Kids grow up so quickly and always need new stuff just as quickly. In this economic climate, what better way to get “new” stuff than to swap with other families? These swaps are beneficial for each and every community in which they take place. It’s green, fun, philanthropic & catching on fast!

The next swap in your area is:
Sacramento swap and play
Location/Sponsor: The Bounce Spot 2939 Promenade St.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Date: Friday, January 28, 2011

Time: Drop off items between 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (clothes should be clean and on hangers - except for shorts, pants & skirts size 0-18 months) ~ Swap starts at 7:30 pm until 8:30 pm

Cost: $5 admission per swapper* & stuff to swap** and $5 to play in the indoor bounce facility. (We are always in need of volunteers if you can not afford the cost.)

If you have any questions or would like to be added to our update list, please feel free to email me at plssacramento@gmail.com.

Also, check us out on YouTube to see what we're all about! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLdNt6V3QUM

Ask the County Law Librarian -- Children's wishes in custody disputes

2011-01-13T18:53:48Z

Q: I’m going through a horrible, messy divorce, and I’m afraid my worst fear may come true—my 13-year-old daughter wants to live with her father instead of me because the cheating bum is “cool” and I’m just an over-anxious nag. Really he is just lazy so he lets her do whatever she wants and I’m the only one who ever enforces any discipline. A friend told me that there is a new law that says a 14-year-old can choose which parent gets custody. Is this true?

A: Under California law, there is no specific age at which children can make custody or visitation decisions. The California Family Code, section 3042(a)), states that a court must “consider” and give “due weight” to the wishes of children who are of “sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to custody or visitation.”

The legislature amended this law in 2010, so maybe that is what your friend is thinking of. The amendment, effective January 1, 2012, requires a court to hear a child who wishes to address the court regarding custody or visitation if the child is14 years or older, unless the court determines that addressing the court is not in the child's best interests. In addition, a child who is younger than 14 years old and wishes to do so may be permitted to address the court regarding custody or visitation if the court determines that hearing from the child is in his or her best interests.

In other words, if the court determines that the child is mature enough to have informed opinions as to custody and visitation, then the court must use this opinion as one factor to consider when making the custody and visitation order.

Whether the minor is of “sufficient age and capacity,” the threshold prerequisite to consideration of the child's wishes, varies with each child. The requisite maturity is not measured by any particular chronological age.

Obviously the new law has not yet been tested in the courts. In previous case law, however, courts have become more receptive as the child approaches teenage years. In Marriage of Rosson, 178 Cal. App. 3d 1094 (1986), and Marriage of Burgess, 13 Cal. 4th 25 (1996), for example, 10-and 13-year-old children met the “sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference” standard. In Stuart v. Stuart, 209 Cal. App. 2d 478 (1962), the court said it would listen to children as young as seven or eight. In Marriage of Slayton, 86 Cal. App. 4th 653 (2001), the court found it doubtful that a 5-year-old could realistically meet the statutory standard. In Marriage of Mehlmauer, 60 Cal. App. 3d 104 (1976), however, the court determined that a 14-year-old boy did not meet the standard and refused to shift custody from the mother despite the child's wishes. The bottom line is that custody is awarded according to the best interests of the child.

The California cases referenced above can be located at http://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/CACourts/ by doing a citation search. After checking the box next to “I have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions,” and clicking on “BEGIN SEARCHING OPINIONS,” click on “By Citation” under the word “Search” on the top left of the screen. Use the “Search by Citation Criteria” template to input your search. For example, in the Stuart v. Stuart case, 209 Cal. App. 2d 478, the first number, 209, represents the volume number of the Reporter the case appears in, so type that number into the “Enter Volume” box. Then, using the pull-down menu, select the abbreviation for the Reporter the case appears in, “Cal. App. 2d.” In the “Enter Page #” box enter the second number in the citation, 478, which is the page upon which the case begins. Finally, click on the “GO” button to retrieve your case.

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

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

The Sacramento French Film Festival presents a "Cinema-Concert" featuring The Italian Straw Hat, a Classic Silent Comedy, with Live Music performed by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra

2011-01-06T20:08:53Z

For the Sacramento French Film Festival, 2011 is a milestone year: one of the most acclaimed film festivals in town will celebrate its 10th year. This special anniversary will be held at the Crest Theatre on June 17-26 but the team of the SFFF has planned other events to make 2011 the year of French cinema in Sacramento and it all starts this month with a prestigious and one-of-a-kind “Cinema-Concert”, featuring a silent comedy with live orchestra.

On January 29th and 30th, The SFFF will bring to Sacramento the North-American Premiere of Un Chapeau de Paille d'Italie (An Italian Straw Hat), directed by renowned French filmmaker René Clair, with a new musical score. For this first-time event, the SFFF is collaborating with the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. This unique partnership is good news for the local art scene, and not surprising coming from two local arts organizations recognized for their dynamism and the high quality and originality of their programs.

René Clair’s hilarious 1928 comedy, one of the most famous silent French films, will be presented with the new score written by contemporary French composer, Raymond Alessandrini. Alessandrini, who has traveled from France especially for the occasion, will conduct an orchestra of twelve principal musicians from the Sacramento Philharmonic, including an accordion player of course!

Based on a play by vaudeville playwright Eugène Labiche, An Italian Straw Hat is a highly entertaining typically French farce: Fadinard is on his way to his wedding when his horse eats the hat of a married woman who was spending time with her lover in the bushes of the bois de Vincennes... To avoid her dishonor, Fadinard must find the very same rare hat, made out of straw from Italy. This will greatly disturb his wedding plans… for our guilty pleasure. Famous film critic Pauline Kael described An Italian Straw Hat as “One of the funniest films ever made... so expertly timed and choreographed that farce becomes ballet.”

There will be only two performances of this fun-filled event featuring a rare 35mm restored print from the French repository of film archives, the Cinémathèque Française: Saturday January 29th at 8pm, and Sunday January 30th at 2pm, at the Crest Theatre, home of the SFFF since 2003.

Tickets are on sale at tickets.com, by phone at 1-800-225-2277 or in person at the Crest Theatre. Tickets purchased at the Crest Theatre do not incur any fee.

More information can be found at www.SacramentoFrenchFilmFestival.org

Cécile Downs is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Sacramento Frnehc Film Festival.

Home for the Holadays: Rare Quads Getting Stronger

2010-12-22T00:19:38Z

As a kindergarten teacher, Danielle Holaday thought she knew just about everything there was to know about kids, but nothing could prepare her for the news she got last May when she found out she was pregnant … with quadruplets.

Holaday and her husband, Ryan, had been trying to get pregnant for more than two years through different methods. The Sacramento couple’s faith and emotions were often tested during the long process, until through a Sacramento fertility center, Danielle had two eggs implanted and the miracle of pregnancy became her reality.

“I found out at seven or eight weeks and I bawled,” Danielle said upon learning she was pregnant with quadruplets. “When I called Ryan bawling after the appointment, his response was, ‘Four heartbeats is better than none!’”

Soon they found out they would be having identical triplets and one fraternal quadruplet, something the couple never imagined would happen to them. There are fewer than 100 similar sets of quads in the nation.

“There is a one in a million chance that one egg splits two times for identical triplets,” Danielle said. “There is a better chance of winning the lottery.”

Because of health problems with quadruplet pregnancies, the fertility clinic strongly suggested “fetal reduction” of the triplets, leaving the one fraternal quad to be born. The first-time parents relied on their faith to make the decision.

“Ryan and I decided to keep all the babies,” Danielle said, “because reduction went against all that we believed in.”

After doing research on local doctors that specialized in multiple birth pregnancies, the Holadays decided Sutter Memorial Hospital would be the best choice to have their babies. Soon after, they found out their quadruplet babies were all boys, a dream come true for Ryan.

“My husband is a huge jock, so he thinks one boy for basketball, football, soccer and baseball,” Danielle said. “I’m thinking a barbershop quartet or a band.”

As the weeks went on and the news sunk in, Danielle reached out to a local quad mom, who also delivered at Sutter Memorial Hospital, as well as quad mothers across the country for support.

“I belong to a Facebook page for quad moms,” Danielle said. “There are 84 moms across the county on there and I ask all kinds of questions and get advice from them.”

Ideally, the couple had hoped to be pregnant 32 weeks or more for a best-case scenario pregnancy, but on Oct. 6, just 26 weeks pregnant, Danielle’s water broke and the baby boys were born, a moment Danielle will never forget.

“It was so surreal when they all came out, Danielle said. “You dream about something like this for years and to finally have them here, it was surreal.”

The Holaday boys – Evan, Kaydan, Jordan and Dylan – weighed between 1.15 and 2.2 pounds each, and their home for the past two months has been in the NICU at Sutter Memorial Hospital, in a room appropriately called “The Holaday Inn.”

“I’m part of the MOMs group here at Sutter (Sutter Mothers of Multiples Center), so my husband and I took a tour of NICU before they were born,” Danielle said. “So we were prepared for what it would be like.”

She said her family and friends have been a huge support since her boys were born, as well as the staff in the NICU.

“The nurses are incredible,” Danielle said. “We have an extended part of our family now because of how much they love the boys.”

Danielle and Ryan have spent more than eight hours a day in the NICU, feeding their boys, changing their diapers, holding them and loving them. Right before Christmas, the boys each weighed about 5 pounds and, the week before, the couple got the news they’ve been waiting for. One of their boys, Dylan, was going home.

“The doctors and nurses have taken great care of them,” Ryan said, “but our babies are definitely miracles.”

Ryan knows having four babies at home will be a lot of work, but says the couple is more than ready for the challenge.

“We are super excited, taking one day at a time and cherishing each moment,” Ryan said. “God wouldn’t have given us these boys if we couldn’t handle it.”

If everything continues to go as planned, the parents have been given the green light that, one by one, the boys will be going home soon, just in time for the Holadays.

Stephanie Breitbart works in the communications department at Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region.

Kings help South Sac school kids get healthy with "Get Fit with the Kings" program

2010-12-10T03:27:39Z

Sure, you see the Kings everywhere in the community donating either time, money or tickets to a future home game.

But this time it was different. And, according to Kings President of Business Operations Matina Kolokotronis, it was one of the most important community-minded event the Kings have ever had the chance in which to participate.

On Thursday, the Sacramento Kings, The California Endowment and the Sacramento City Unified School District gathered at Earl Warren Elementary School in South Sacramento to announce their partnership in creating the new “Get Fit with the Kings” program that is intended to boost the overall health of Sacramento-area youth.

On-hand for the festivities were a slew of Kings’ employees: players DeMarcus Cousins, Pooh Jeter and Francisco Garcia; Kings Ambassador Bobby Jackson; Kings Strength and Conditioning Coach Daniel Shapiro; the Sacramento Kings Dance Team; Slamson; the Kings Breakers and lots of Kings personnel.

The program is intended to support the work of South Sac’s “Building Healthy Communities,” a 10-year, $1 billion program of The California Endowment, by encouraging kids to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and stay in school as a step to becoming engaged.

South Sacramento was one of 14 communities across the state to benefit from the 10-year commitment of The California Endowment. The three schools chosen, Earl Warren Elementary School, Will C. Wood Middle School and Hiram Johnson High School, will get help increasing their FITNESSGRAM scores - an annual statewide test given to the children.

Jim Keddy, the Director of Health and Communities for Northern California, said he thinks the importance of getting and helping keep kids healthy can’t be overlooked.

“It’s important because we have escalating rates of obesity in this country with children, which means escalating rates of diabetes,” Keddy said. “We are coming together to reverse that trend, and we’re doing it by working together and promoting physical education in schools and better school food.”

Keddy also spoke about why they choose the Kings as partners in this venture.

“The Kings are a powerful motivator,” Keedy said. “You can see what’s going on in the auditorium right now. The kids see the Kings players, the dance team and the kind of modeling they provide in terms of physical health and nutrition. It’s inspiring! It just adds electricity to what were trying to do.”

For Kings’ strength and conditioning coach Daniel Shapiro, it was a chance to share some of what he’s been doing all of his life.

“(When I was a kid), I was outside until the sun went down,” Shapiro said. “You didn’t play video games, and if you did, it was when you got inside. I think we’ve kind of lost that.

“The importance of having public schools with good P.E. programs, outdoor parks and just access to people and education to a healthy lifestyle is something that you can’t replace, because it pays off so much in the long run.”

The “Get Fit with the Kings” program will be a comprehensive plan of action including:

- Workshops for students, parents and teachers from Kings players and staff on the importance of exercise and how the school can better promote it

- A “Get Fit with the Kings” website that features nutrition tips, healthy recipes and an “Ask the Doctor” interactive feature

- Investments by the Kings to improve gyms, fields and fitness equipment at the schools

- Community rallies and health clinics at the schools featuring Kings players, staff, dance members and Kings Breakers

A familiar face at these community events has been Kings newcomer and rookie Pooh Jeter, who always seems to be in the mix.

Jeter said he is one who would love to give back to the community any chance he gets when he’s not wearing out the hardwood floors of the Kings’ training facility. He’s also very excited that The California Endowment stepped up for this incredible opportunity for the kids in this area.

“Whenever I have a chance to give back, that’s what I do, especially with kids,” said the 27-year old rookie. “I’m so happy they (The California Endowment) are doing this, because the kids need it. Health is part of life. I’m glad that we started with the kids so they can continue this process as they become adults.”

Photos by Mark Needham

The End of Thanksgiving Blues

2010-11-29T00:12:13Z

It’s that time of year again, yes, time to cook a giant bird in the oven. There is a sense of tradition and nostalgia every year, the smell of a home cooked meal and relatives and friends alike come storming through the front door.

Thanksgiving is a time of reunions and family tradition. Bring on the wild turkeys, the mashed potatoes, the gravy, the cranberry sauce and biscuits for a massive dinner party.

Though most families sit down around a dinner table and pass around plates filled with food, I, on the other hand, never got to experience that tradition until recently.

My family never really celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. Someone takes home a frozen slaughtered turkey and throw it in the oven. Occasionally there will be sides such as: processed macaroni and cheese, semi-cooked mashed potatoes and bowls of rice. We never had any rules about eating around the dinner table, most of us grabbed a plate and headed to our rooms.

This is Thanksgiving with an Asian flair.

For years on end, I wanted a normal dinner that did not involve rice in the mix. Then on Nov 20 2008, a great friend of mine sent me a text I will never forget. The text read:

“Hey buddy, what are you doing for Thanksgiving? Would you like to join me and my family for Thanksgiving?”

I replied with joy and happiness. I was very thrilled to finally have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the dinner table.

On Thanksgiving day, I arrive at my friend’s family’s home, The Vargas house. I was welcomed by the smell of home made food and warm smiles.

The family and I sat around an enormous dinner table, a table where tradition rested.

To my surprise, dinner plates were passed around the table. One by one with smiles and laughter, I felt accepted as a member of the family.

I have made this my tradition, to spend every Thanksgiving with my friends, The Vargas family. Even though they are not my biological family, they are more than that.

I realized that Thanksgiving does not have to be spent with family, it can be spent with friends and still have a traditional vibe to it. Who ever filled our minds with expectations of being with family during the holiday season, must be told wrong.

Man on the Street: What are you thankful for?

2010-11-24T08:13:40Z

During the holidays many people reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives. The Sacramento Press polled people in Sacramento to share some of these sentiments.

Feel free to add what you are thankful for in the comment section.

Vince Hernandez, City Employee

The Sacramento Press caught up with city employee Vince Hernandez at a benefit for Loaves & Fishes on Monday. Hernandez, a tree pruner for the city’s Urban Forestry division, said he knows a few people who are out of work. He said he is thankful he has a job.

He also talked about his pride in his son and daughter-in-law, who both work for the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. “I have a boy, and I’m thankful for him, too,” Hernandez said.

Janet Green, Loaves and Fishes

It didn’t take long for Janet Green to think about what she was thankful for this Thanksgiving.

In response to a question from The Sacramento Press, Green, the outreach development director for Loaves & Fishes, said, “I am definitely thankful for my family, my health and my Loaves & Fishes community.”

Mandy Nguyen Wright, Office Assistant, The Specific Chiropractic Center in Elk Grove
Elk Grove resident, 41

“I’m thankful that I’m breathing and in good health and that (my husband and I) are able to take care of patients. I’m thankful for family and friends to help support us with transitions and events we hold at the office.

“I’m also thankful that I don’t have to cook this Thanksgiving, because I’m going to my family’s house.”

Joseph Phillips, full-time student at Carrington College, part-time cop
Oakland resident, 23

“I’m thankful to be a cop. I had wanted to be a cop since I was 5. My father works for the L.A. County Sheriff’s department. Before that he was a football player, and he had always wanted to be a cop. I’m trying to make him proud up here.”

“I’m thankful for the family – the little bit that I have. Family’s always good when you have it.”

Phillips came to Sacramento to visit his mom in Elk Grove and spend Thanksgiving there.

“I’m thankful for mac and cheese. My Aunt Lisa makes the best mac and cheese.”

Christopher Barry, full-time student at Sacramento State, part-time sales associate at Nordstrom’s, sales intern at The Sacramento Press
Downtown Sacramento resident, 25

“It’s been a busy year for me with school and work. I’m thankful for all of the support I get from my family and friends. I’ve been taking a back seat in hanging out with friends because I’m so busy, but they’ve been supportive. All of their positive motivation keeps me going as I finish my last semester at Sac State.”

Russell Glover, high school student at American Legion, Sacramento resident, 16

“I’m thankful for my family and for the food I’m going to eat on Thanksgiving.”

Glover said his favorite is turkey, and he looks forward to sharing it with loved ones this holiday.

Theresa Fitz, San Francisco resident

Fitz arrived Tuesday by bus from San Francisco, where her brother-in-law picked her up.

“I’m really thankful for my family,” she said.

“Some family is here, so I came up to see them for the holiday,” she added.

Dorothy Malcolm, Sacramento resident, 85

"I'm going to have a bunch of my family here. For the first time in the 30 years I've lived in Sacramento, I have a son and daughter-in-law living nearby. I also have two daughters, a son-in-law and six grandchildren coming. There'll be 12 of us for dinner in my small house. And seven of them are staying overnight."

Elden Bartley, homeless in Sacramento, 50

"I live on the street. I'm thankful that God keeps me alive every day and keeps me safe. And I stay warm with one blanket. I go to church every Sunday. And I've got two good friends out here. So right now, it's working. I'm just very thankful for that. I've been out here four years."

Maritess Oandasan, Granite Bay resident

"[I'm thankful for] family, and that I have a steady job that's possibly promising, and honestly, that's it! Family, because I've had some things happen. And good food."

Matt Minehart, Sacramento resident

"We are thankful for family, great friends, our health, and of course, good music."

Sacramento Press editorial staff Kathleen Haley, Colleen Belcher, Brandon Darnell, Suzanne Hurt and David Watts Barton contributed to this article.