Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "library"

Ask the County Law Librarian -- Law Library Closing for Move; Re-opening March 1

2012-02-04T18:04:01Z

Q. What’s going on at the Law Library? There is yellow caution tape across the stairs to the second floor, which is closed to the public, and there’s a whole lot of banging and clanging going on up there!

Ted D.

A. Sorry about the noise and disruption, Ted! We’re doing our best to keep it quiet, but the sound you hear coming from the second floor is the result of having workers dismantle our rather large shelving units--we’re preparing for our move to a new facility about two blocks on the other side of the courthouse.

The Law Library and Civil Self-Help Center will be closed starting at noon on Friday February 10. We expect to open in our new location at 609 9th Street (corner of 9th & “F”) on or about March 1, 2012. Until February 10, if you need any material on our second floor, please don’t hesitate to ask a reference librarian—we’d be happy to run upstairs and get it for you!

While we’re closed, you can still visit our website at www.saclaw.org for a wealth of information, including sample forms and instructions for navigating a variety of common legal procedures. Our website may be down for a couple of days while we move our computers, but you can “like” us on Facebook or “follow” us on Twitter for the latest details on when that might happen, and exactly when we will re-open.

You may also visit the Witkin State Law Library of California or the Yolo County Law Library, which are the two nearest law libraries open to the public in the Sacramento area. The Yolo County Law Library has graciously volunteered to remain open an extra hour, until 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday for the month of February to accommodate our patrons.

Again, we apologize for any disruption in service, but we sincerely hope you will visit us in our new location and that the many amenities of 609 9th Street (including abundant street parking!) will make you think it was worth the wait!

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

Ask the County Law Librarian - Recovering Money for Property Damage by Tenant

2012-01-20T01:03:41Z

Q: In July 2011, I contracted a new driveway for my home. The cost was $3300. I paid extra for cement coloring. My tenant parked his car on the new driveway and caused permanent stains on both sides of the driveway due to leaks from his vehicle. In October 2011, he tried cleaning it but was not successful. He gave me a hand written note giving up on cleaning the stains. In November 2011, I hired a professional to clean the stains and not all of the stains were removed. He refuses to pay for the damage on the driveway or claim fault for his negligence. This incident has caused a disharmony between us. He knew his vehicle needed repair but was too lazy and stingy to repair his car. We have a written contact that requires his vehicle be maintained if he is to park on the driveway.

He gave his rent termination notice on January 1, 2012 to vacate the premise by January 31, 2012. We have a month to month rent agreement. The living arrangements have been hostile as he says that I have to sue to collect. He has also made the two rooms and bathroom he rented from me unclean, and refuses to clean it. I gave this tenant with his two kids a very clean living arrangements when he moved in on March 1, 2011.

There is also a possibility that he may not vacate my property on January 31, 2012 as I can see the bank notices for his bounced checks he gets in his mail.

How do I make this tenant from hell pay for the property damage? and evict?

Myrna

A: Thank you for your question! It seems you have a couple of issues, let’s tackle the driveway damage first. You didn’t mention if your tenant gave you a security deposit when he moved in. If he did, you may be able to withhold some of it to recover the property damage. California Civil Code §1950.5 primarily governs security deposits; be sure to read each section carefully to be aware of the various requirements for both the landlord and the tenant. Also the California Department of Consumer Affairs has a very good article discussing when a landlord can keep security deposits.

If there was no security deposit left, then Small Claims court is a common venue for disputes over property damages. It has the advantage of being very quick, with cases typically being heard in only a few months, and of being relatively inexpensive. You can sue in Small Claims for up to $10,000, and your damages fall well within this limit. Before filing, you should write a formal demand letter requesting payment for the damages to the driveway, possibly including an estimate for the cost of repairs. You can get help writing your demand later from the California Courts Self-Help Center.

At the law library, we suggest reading Everybody’s Guide to Small Claims Court in California, a very useful book on the small claims process. Every county in California has a Small Claims Advisor that can assist you with your case free of charge. You can find county-specific court information including Small Claims Advisors here: http://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-advisors.htm .

For your second issue, if your tenant becomes a “holdover tenant”, meaning he won’t leave after his notice expires, you will need to formally evict him. A book at the law library that should help with this issue is the California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions , available for purchase at Nolo Press, or to view at our law library, which discusses the process and has sample forms and instructions. You may also want to visit the Unlawful Detainer Advisory Clinic, located in the Carol Miller Justice Center. The clinic assists both landlords and tenants in filling out answers and complaints, preparing cases for trial, and filing post judgment motions.

You can always do some research at the Sacramento County Public Law Library. The law library has print and electronic resources and friendly reference law librarians are available to assist you.

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

Learn To Use Your e-Reader

2012-01-16T20:18:42Z

Did you receive an iPad, Nook, Kindle or another e-reader as a gift and don’t know how to use it? Are you thinking about buying one?

On Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 2 p.m., McKinley Library will offer a free program on the different e-reader devices available. The class will be taught by Megan Wong, Sacramento Public Library’s technology librarian. Wong will also provide information on how to download free library e-books.

This program is presented by the Friends of McKinley Library.

McKinley Library is in the Clunie Community Center at 601 Alhambra Blvd. For more information, call 264-2920.

Disclosure: Lisa Schmidt serves on the board of the Friends of McKinley Library, the all-volunteer support group for the library.

Ask the County Law Librarian - Court-Appointed Attorneys in Civil Cases

2012-01-12T22:49:21Z

Q. I accidentally bumped into the back of a car at a stop sign--I barely even tapped the bumper, I took a picture and you can hardly even see the tiny dent--but now this jerk is suing me for "soft tissue neck trauma," aka whiplash. He is asking for $100,000 for pain and suffering!!! I was laid off about a year ago, before the accident, and still can’t afford car insurance, much less an attorney, even if I could find one who would take my case—I looked and looked! What are people in my situation supposed to do? I did nothing wrong, I could lose everything, and no one will help me! Why won’t the Court appoint a lawyer to defend me?
- Sandeep

A: We’re all very familiar with the phrase "If you are unable to afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you.” We hear it every time someone is arrested on TV or a movie. Generally, the court will only appoint an attorney to ensure that a defendant’s Sixth Amendment “right to counsel” is met, in situations where the defendant cannot afford to hire an attorney. The Sixth Amendment provides that “in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy … the assistance of counsel for his defense.” Originally, this amendment applied only to felony cases, but a series of US Supreme Court decisions have broadened this right to cover nearly all types of criminal cases. However, this amendment is speaking specifically about criminal proceedings, not civil cases.

In California, the court cannot appoint an attorney to represent either party in most civil cases. A recent law, AB 590, does provide for the appointment of counsel in “civil matters involving critical issues affecting basic human needs.” This has been interpreted to mean cases in which shelter, nourishment, safety, or child custody are at stake. The law provides funding for projects run by local legal aid organizations, and services are limited to those who fall at least 200% below federal poverty level. It’s unlikely that your case would meet these criteria. If you are unable to hire an attorney at your own expense, you’ll have to pursue your defense of this case on your own.

If you’re a Sacramento County resident, some assistance may be available to you for this type of case from the Civil Self-Help Center. The CSHC can provide general information and basic assistance to self-represented litigants with certain case types. Common types of cases they can help with include personal injury, property damage, and breach of contract. Keep in mind, though, that their services are “self-help.” This means YOU are in charge of your case. They won’t do everything for you, like an attorney would if you hired one. If you decide to pursue this case on your own with help from the CSHC, you need to be in control of your case, you need to understand and determine your own strategy, and you need to keep on top of deadlines, court dates, and other important milestones. The Law Library has a variety of books and other materials that will help you at each step of your case. The Law Librarians are happy to help you find the books and other resources to help you with your case.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

Ask the County Law Librarian – Providing For Pets In The Event of Death or Incapacity

2012-01-05T19:14:51Z

Q. I am trying to get my affairs in order and I am concerned about what will happen to my three dogs should I die or become incapacitated. Can I leave money in a will or trust for my dog's care?

Suzy

A. You cannot leave money or other kinds of property directly to your dogs because the law says that animals are property. I know most people that have pets consider them to be family members, but the law sees it differently, therefore your pets cannot be a beneficiary in a will. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your pets are provided for when you can no longer care for them.

You can choose a new owner for your dogs and make it a legally binding decision by including it in your will. A provision like: "I leave my three dogs Caldonia, Eli and Keeva to my friend Jennifer Lynn. " Obviously, you should talk to Jennifer before including such a clause in your will. Also consider leaving this new owner some money to go toward the costs of caring for your pets.

You can set up a Pet Trust which names someone, a trustee, in charge of managing and spending the property you leave for the benefit of your dogs. The trustee follows a written set of instructions that you provide. One advantage of a trust is that it takes effect before your death. The provisions in a will don't have any legal effect until you die.

For sample will clauses and other related information the New York City Bar Association has an informative website:
http://www.abcny.org/media-aamp-publications/brochuresbooks/556#Introduction

The law library has two books published by Nolo: Nolo's Simple Will Book, and Plan Your Estate both by Denis Clifford which can help on this topic. Also a great resource for all things related to dogs is Every Dog's Legal Guide, A Must-Have Book For Your Owner by Mary Randolph which is also published by Nolo. This website has a number of articles reprinted from Every Dog's Legal Guide: http://doglaw.hugpug.com/doglaw_073.html

When you are drafting your will or trust consider a contribution to rescue groups, humane societies and other non profits. A gift can help many animals. If you need help on the wording or have other questions the organization will be more than happy to provide assistance.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian -- Small Claims Defendant Can Postpone Trial for "Good Cause"

2011-12-08T23:06:14Z

Q. I am involved in a Sac small claims action that continues to be postponed by the Defendant. I'm trying to get the matter over with. So now I'm wondering: what does "Form SC-105, SC Order and Answer do? Is it a way to expedite a case or ask a judge to review my evidence and rule in advance?

The small claims advisors don't return calls and don't answer their phone. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thank you
Carol

A. I understand your frustration in wanting to resolve your matter as quickly as possible! Form SC-105 is a generic motion form. It is used to ask the court to make a decision about a specific issue in your case, such as amending a judgment to include other names the defendant uses. This form cannot be used to get a judgment on the case.

According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 116.570, any party has the right to ask the court to postpone a hearing date for “good cause.” The code section does not limit the discretion of the court to grant additional postponements for “good cause” as necessary.

The request for postponement can be made either by writing a letter or by using Judicial Council Form SC 150, Request to Postpone Trial. The request shall be filed at least 10 days before the hearing date, unless the court determines that the requesting party has “good cause” to file the request at a later date. If the court finds that the interests of justice would be served by postponing the hearing, the court shall postpone the hearing, and shall notify all parties by mail of the new hearing date, time, and place.

According to Nolo.com’s legal dictionary, “good cause” is a legally sufficient reason for a ruling or other action by a judge. It is up to the other party to provide adequate proof that a postponement is required. Ultimately, it will be at the judges’ discretion if the postponement request is granted.

Try to be patient with the Small Claims Advisor; this is the time of year when self-help centers are busiest. It may easier to obtain services by going there in person rather than through the telephone.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Credit Card Surcharges

2011-12-01T19:55:22Z

Q: I stopped at a new convenience store near my house on my way home the other night, and when I went to pay for my purchases I noticed they had a note taped over the debit/credit card machine that said I would be charged an extra 75 cents if I paid with a debit or credit card, unless the total purchase was $10 or more. Well, I had no choice since it’s the end of the month, so I used my credit card and paid the extra 75 cents, but I was steamed! Is this legal?
-- Cody

A: Credit and debit cards are a convenient option for many consumers. However, they can be very expensive for merchants, who must pay the issuing bank a fee every time they swipe a card. These fees vary, based on the issuing bank and the type of card, but generally range from 1-3% of transaction amount, plus a per-transaction flat fee of 5-20 cents. For merchants with a small profit margin, these transaction fees can really be a drain on their bottom line. Some merchants try to pass these fees on to the customer by imposing a fee for using a credit or debit card.

California Civil Code 1748.1 prohibits merchants adding surcharges or any additional fees when a customer pays for goods or services using a credit card. However, the law does allow merchants to offer “cash discounts” to encourage customers to pay with cash or check, rather than a credit card. Although the outcome is similar – customers paying with a card are charged more than those using cash – there is a fundamental difference between a credit surcharge and a cash discount. With a credit surcharge, the consumer is paying more than the marked price simply because they’re using a card for payment. This can lead to an unpleasant surprise at the register, when the bill is more than the customer would expect based on marked prices. With a cash discount, customers paying with a card pay the marked price, while customers using cash pay less than the marked price. Customers paying with a card are charged the expected amount based on marked prices, while cash customers get a welcome discount.

Although credit card surcharges are illegal in California, there is no law limiting surcharges for debit card transactions. Last year, then-Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 933, which would have prevented merchants from imposing surcharges when consumers use debit cards. However, the merchant agreements for both Visa (rule 6.3) and MasterCard (rule 5.11.2) prohibit the practice.

Keep in mind that “convenience fees” for using credit or debit card are allowed for some merchants, under both state law and merchant agreements. These are generally available to public-sector merchants, like schools, utilities or the IRS.

Until recently, merchants were legally prohibited from setting purchase minimums for credit card use. This was changed with a provision of 2010’s Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The new law allows merchants to set a minimum purchase as high as $10, as long as it is applied to all cards, regardless of issuer.

If you believe a merchant is in violation of State or Federal law or their merchant agreement, you can make a report to your credit card company, or to the California Attorney General’s office.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian: Collecting on a Small Claims Judgment

2011-11-18T17:47:17Z

Q. I am the Judgment Creditor in a small claims case. My judgment was by default. In lieu of a debtor’s examination I am planning to use interrogatories. Is my debtor entitled to a witness fee? Also, is a judgment debtor entitled to witness fees for coming to a debtor’s exam?

Thank you,
Grant

A. Good news! You will not need to pay the debtor any witness fees.

After plaintiffs win a judgment, they are on their own trying collect it from the defendants (now called the "debtors"). In order to find out what assets the debtor has, and where they are located, plaintiffs are entitled to do post-judgment discovery, including interrogatories and an in-person debtor's examination.

The law authorizing post-judgment interrogatories does not require witness fees. (California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) section 708.020.) CCP § 708.020 also refers to the rules on pre-trial interrogatories. (CCP §§ 2030.010 and following.) Those sections do not require a witness fee, either.

A debtor’s examination also does not require a witness fee. Debtors’ examinations are covered by CCP § 708.110 through CCP § 708.205. While CCP § 708.120 provides that a third party who is examined is entitled to mileage, it makes no such provision for the debtor. (Generally, third-party witnesses are entitled to receive "ordinary witness fees" of $35.00 per day and $.20 per mile, round trip. Cal. Government Code § 68093.)

You mentioned that this was a small claims case. I’m curious whether the debtor sent you a Statement of Assets. In small claims cases, the debtor is automatically required to send you a “Judgment Debtor’s Statement of Assets” (Judicial Council Form SC-133) within 30 days of the Notice of Entry of Judgment. CCP § 116.830. You don’t mention whether the debtor did this, and I’m guessing not, since it covers the same questions you most likely would ask in your interrogatories – employment and pay information, bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. If you didn’t receive it, the debtor is technically already in contempt of court.

If you didn’t receive the Statement of Assets, there is a special form to use to set up a debtor’s examination after a small claims case: “Order to Produce Statement of Assets and to Appear for Examination” (Judicial Council Form SC-134). (If you did receive it, but need more information, you would use an “Application and Order for Appearance and Examination,” Judicial Council Form EJ-125.) To get copies of documents such as pay stubs, you can use the “Small Claims Subpoena and Declaration” (Judicial Council Form SC-107) or a standard “Civil Subpoena Duces Tecum” (Judicial Council Form SUBP-002).

If you want more information about the examination or your other options, you may want to contact the free Small Claims Advisor at the courthouse. You can find out more about their free services by visiting the Sacramento County court’s Small Claims Court website. If your case is in another county, check the California Courts website for a link to your county’s advisors . For information on this and many more subjects, visit the Sacramento County Public Law Library, “Providing Free Public Access to Legal Information for over 100 years.”

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - When does a minor have to get parental consent for medical care?

2011-11-10T17:40:21Z

Q. I’m currently working on a project for my ethics class. In this project I play the role of a risk manager who provides information to a 15 year old patient asking for medical emancipation. Do you know of any good resources where I can find more information on medical emancipation because I haven't been successful in my research? Thank you so much for your time, I appreciate it very much.

Best Regards,
Maria

In most cases, parental consent is required for a minor’s medical treatment. There are, however, exceptions, known as “medical emancipation” statutes. These statutes, which allow minors to consent to medical treatment without parental knowledge, approval, or consent, fall into two categories: “general” medical emancipation statutes, which are based on a minor’s status, and “limited” medical emancipation statutes, which apply to specific, designated medical conditions. Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, 16 Cal. 4th 307 (1997).

Examples of general medical emancipation statutes are California Family Code § 7002, which provides that a minor who has become emancipated by reason of a court order, marriage, or active duty in the United States armed forces is considered an adult for purposes of consenting to health care services; and California Family Code § 6922, which provides that minors who are 15 years of age or older, living away from home, and managing their own financial affairs, regardless of the source of their income, may consent to their own medical care.

Limited medical emancipation statutes cover certain circumstances where the state’s interest in protecting the health of minors is considered to outweigh a parent’s right to make medical decisions on behalf of their children. Minors may be reluctant, because of embarrassment or fear, to tell their parents about medical conditions resulting from specific conduct. Consequently, minors may postpone or avoid seeking needed medical care if they are required to obtain parental consent prior to receiving treatment for those conditions. California’s limited medical emancipation statutes include:

Family Code § 6924(b) A minor 12 years of age or older may consent to mental health treatment, counseling, or residential shelter services if (1) the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently, in the opinion of the health care provider, and (2) the minor is either a danger to himself or herself or others without the treatment, or is the alleged victim of incest or child abuse.

Family Code § 6925: A minor of any age may consent to care related to the prevention or treatment of pregnancy.

Family Code § 6926: A minor 12 years of age or older may consent to treatment of an infectious, contagious, communicable, or sexually-transmitted disease.

AB 499 (2011): Beginning in January 2012, minors 12 years of age and older may consent for medical care related to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Family Code § 6927: A minor 12 years of age or older may consent to treatment of care related to the diagnosis or treatment of rape.

Family Code § 6928: A minor of any age may consent to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of sexual assault.

Family Code § 6929 A minor 12 years of age or older may consent to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of drug- or alcohol-related problems.

Health & Safety Code § 121020: A minor 12 years of age or older may consent to HIV testing.

For more information on medical emancipation, see www.teenhealthlaw.org. For information on this and many more subjects, visit the Sacramento County Public Law Library, “Providing Free Public Access to Legal Information for over 100 years.”

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian- Divorce Nullifies Power of Attorney Between Spouses

2011-10-27T19:49:09Z

Q:
Hello I'm e-mailing with a question about the law of Power Of Attorney. My parents have been divorced now since "2006” in "2005" my Dad gave my Mom Power Of Attorney over his personal affairs. My parents have been separated since "1989" but have always maintained a good relationship. Lately my Dad has been showing sing of early Alzheimer’s and we have concerns because it seems that due to their divorce the Power Of Attorney is no longer valid! Is this a fact or is there something we can do to ensure that My Mom remains a vital part of My Dads affairs! I’m not sure and we need to know because there are properties involved and health care issues. So if u could help us out with some helpful info it would be nice. Thanks!!
-Iris

A:
I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s ailing health. It is true that in California, a divorce will nullify a power of attorney, if it was created between spouses before the divorce. The California Probate Code states that if after executing a power of attorney the principal's (your dad) marriage to the attorney-in-fact (your mom) is dissolved or annulled, the principal's designation of the former spouse as an attorney-in-fact is revoked. The California Probate Code also states that the power-of-attorney can be revived by the principal's remarriage to the attorney-in-fact.

If remarriage is not a possibility, and if your dad has the legal capacity to make the decision, he can execute another Power of Attorney listing your mom as the agent or attorney-in-fact. If your dad is able to understand and is willing to sign a Power of Attorney or Advanced Health Care Directive, these may be all that is needed to re-instate your mom’s authority. These forms are available at the law library’s website at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/forms-page.aspx .

However, since your dad is suffering from early Alzheimer’s, he may not be competent enough to do this. The law library has several books you can look at to help determine legal capacity, including: Capacity and Undue Influence: Assessing, Challenging, and Defending: Here's How and When To Do It published by CEB.

If your dad does not have the legal capacity to execute another Power of Attorney, then a Conservatorship may be an alternative for your family. A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in which a responsible adult oversees the personal care or financial matters of another adult considered to be incapable of managing alone. The person who cannot care for him or herself is called the conservatee. The person or organization the judge chooses to do this is known as the conservator. A conservator can be a family member, friend or professional person. California law on conservatorships can be found in the Probate Code beginning at section 1800.

A California conservatorship must be formally established through a court proceeding. The proposed conservator must first file a Petition for Conservatorship to initiate the court proceeding. Once the petition has been filed, the clerk will set the matter for hearing. The hearing will generally be set 45 days from the date of filing. Sacramento County may have some local forms requirements.

The law library has created Legal Resource Guides on Power of Attorney and Conservatorships that will help you get started in your research. These Legal Resource Guides are available from the law library’s website at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/legal-research-guides.aspx .The law library also has other materials available, including sample forms and general information that cover both of these topics.

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

Sacramento Public Library : Self-publishing made possible through Espresso Book Machine

2011-10-25T04:59:02Z

Starting in mid-November, people can print books from a catalog of more than 3 million titles, or even novels they’ve written themselves, in less than five minutes at the Sacramento Public Library.

The library recently acquired an Espresso Book Machine or EBM, which will be available for public use.

Printing on the machine is available through the Library's I Street: A Community Writing & Publishing Center project, where the public can join and learn about self-publishing, according to Sacramento Public Library Outreach & Community Services Supervisor Manya Shorr.

"The UC Davis extension program for creative writing in Davis is closing, (and) that means there is no center for creative writing in the area," Shorr said. "We want to fill that void."

The Xerox brand EBM in the Sacramento Public Library cost $150,000, and the purchase was made possible through a grant given by the California State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Only the Sacramento Public Library has an EBM in the greater Sacramento Area, Shorr said.

According to the Sacramento Public Library website, classes in self-publishing will start in late January 2012.

"We believe that we have a foot in two worlds right now: the digital world and the print world, Shorr said. “People still love books, and people have a book inside of them that they want to write and publish."

“I’ve been working on a book since I was in high school and so I’ve just been writing for years, and I have always wanted to be a writer,” Sacramento City College student Bethanie Murray, 21, said. “It just blows my mind that people can just come in and publish their books for cheap.”

At 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, the library will have an “I Street” info session on the second floor of the library.

"Libraries are bastions of free speech and of intellectual freedom, so we want to celebrate the written word," Shorr said. "We would rather not restrict anything, if possible."

Shorr said that people will use the machine mostly for personal printing, not necessarily books that are going to the library system. However, if people want to publish and sell their books, an international standard book number (ISBN) is required.

A library card is not needed to use the machine. To print a book, a flash drive is required containing two files: A full-color or black-and-white book cover in .pdf format and a black-and-white interior in .pdf format, according to Shorr. Books must be at least 40 and no more than 830 pages.

Prices for publishing a books are still tentative, Shorr said. There will be a setup fee that will pay for storing the user's book to the library's database indefinitely, and for layout adjustments. It will cost $6 a book plus two cents per page.

The EBM will be staffed Tuesday evenings and all day Saturdays, and appointments can be made through the Sacramento Public Library's website.

See the Espresso Book Machine in action below:

Ask the County Law Librarian - Past-Due Traffic Tickets

2011-10-20T21:22:32Z

Q: I got a traffic ticket a while back, and missed my court date. I’d totally forgotten about it until I got something in the mail last week, saying I owed money on my outstanding ticket. It’s a huge amount now, with interest and late fees, etc. Can I ask for a payment plan or community service? I don’t have the money to pay the ticket right now.

-Tanya

A: The payment of past-due traffic tickets is handled through the Sacramento County Department of Revenue Recovery. Periodically, the agency sends out letters regarding outstanding balances, in an attempt to collect money owed to the County. If you receive a letter from the Department of Revenue Recovery and wish to pay the amount in full, you can do so online, by mail, or in person. Unpaid tickets are eventually assigned to a third-party collection agency.

If your outstanding ticket is still being handled by the Department of Revenue Recovery, the court still has jurisdiction over your case. This means that the court can still change the amount you owe, order traffic school, allow community service, etc. To make this type of request, you will need to go to the traffic court at 301 Bicentennial Circle between 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday. You will receive a same-day hearing.

Once an outstanding ticket is assigned to the collection agency, the court no longer has jurisdiction over your case. This means that the court can no longer modify the amount you owe, or allow options such as community service or traffic school. Your must negotiate directly with the collection agency about setting up a payment plan. Your driver’s license will remain suspended until you pay all fines and fees on your record.

If your ticket was due to be paid before January 1, 2009, you may be in luck. The state recently announced a limited-time “Amnesty Program” for outstanding court debts. With this program, California Superior Courts are offering a 50 percent off discount on some old, unpaid traffic tickets. The program will be available January 1, 2012-June 30, 2012. The eligibility requirements may vary from county to county. More information about the amnesty program is available at www.courts.ca.gov/partners/941.htm.

www.saclaw.org

It’s A Party! McKinley Library and Clunie Center celebrate 75 years of memories

2011-10-20T20:44:52Z

McKinley Library and Clunie Center celebrate 75 years of memories

On Sunday, Oct. 23, East Sacramento and Midtown will throw a party to celebrate the 75th anniversary of McKinley Library and Clunie Community Center.

From 1 to 2 p.m., there will be presentations on the history of East Sacramento and Midtown, McKinley Park, Clunie Center and the library by historians and authors Bill Mahon and Amanda Graham. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the history buff, or just the curious, to learn more about the neighborhood,” said McKinley Library’s Shari Nichelini.

The library will be open that afternoon for special programs for children. From 1 to 4 p.m., old-fashioned children’s activities and board games from the 1930s such as Scrabble will be set up for children and teens to play. At 2 p.m., Penny the Clown will perform in the library.

Across the hall in the Clunie Center auditorium, there will be dancing to live big-band music by SwingMasters from 1 to 4 p.m.

As part of the celebration, McKinley East Sacramento Neighborhood Association is planning an art exhibit and sale of art from regional plein-air artists. The group is hosting the first Sacramento Plein-Air Paint-Out from 8 a.m. to noon that morning. Paintings by 17 artists will be on display in the Clunie entrance hall and auditorium. All the art will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going to projects in the neighborhood supported by MENA. The art will be judged by various community leaders and the show attendees and cash awards presented to the winning artists.

Special guests from Sacramento Art Deco Society will attend in period costumes, and vintage cars from the 1930s will be parked in front of the library.

And no party would be complete without cupcakes and old-fashioned root beer floats.

The event is co-sponsored by City Councilmember Steve Cohn, the East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, the McKinley East Sacramento Neighborhood Association and Inside Publications.

All events and refreshments are free.

Clunie Community Center and McKinley Library are at 601 Alhambra Blvd.

Disclosure: Lisa Schmidt serves on the board of the Friends of McKinley Library, the all-volunteer support group for the library.

Ask the County Law Librarian – Service by Publication

2011-09-29T22:16:14Z

Q. I want to sue this guy who sold me a bill of goods, but he has disappeared off the face of the planet and I can’t find him anywhere. I thought I read somewhere that I could just put a notice in the newspaper and that would be ok. How do I do that?

A. When filing a lawsuit, you are required to serve the other party with your summons and complaint, to notify them of the lawsuit. If the other party cannot be located, you will have to ask the court for permission to publish the summons in the newspaper. Publication of Summons, as set forth in California's Code of Civil Procedure section 415.50, is considered a method of last resort. The court can only approve your request for an Order for Publication of Summons if you show that the other party cannot be served in any other manner. You will need to prove to the court that you have made exhaustive attempts to locate the other party. The California Courts Self-Help Website suggests numerous ways to track people down under “Finding Someone in Order to Serve Him or Her” at http://courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-serving.htm. The Law Library also has a guide to “Finding People & Businesses,” available on our website at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/finding-people.aspx.

After all these attempts, if you are still unable to locate the other party, you may ask the court for permission for publish your summons in the newspaper. To do this you must complete an “Ex Parte Application for Order for Publication of Summons,” a “Memorandum of Points and Authorities,” a “Supporting Declaration,” and an “Order for Publication of Summons” for the judge’s signature. You must also obtain declarations from anyone else involved in the search for the other party. There are no fill-in-the-blank forms for these documents, which must be typed on 28-line pleading paper and otherwise conform to the California Rules of Court, starting with Rule 2.100, and any other local rules regarding the format of papers to be filed with the court. Luckily, the Law Library has prepared sample pleadings, and instructions for completing those pleadings, that you can download for free and adapt to your facts and circumstances at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/legal-research-guides.aspx. Scroll down and look for "Service by Publication: Step-by-Step."

Most often the reason a request for Publication of Summons is denied is because the court does not feel that adequate steps have been taken to attempt to find the person to be served. If the court grants the order to publish, however, your next step is to publish the Summons in a newspaper of general circulation in the location where the party was last known to reside. The newspaper will publish your Summons once a week for four weeks, then provide you with confirmation of publication. Pursuant to Government Code § 6064, service is deemed complete on the 29th day after the first date of publication. If the other party has not filed a response 30 days after the effective date for service, you may file for default against the other party. You will then be able to continue your case without the other party’s participation.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Suing the Government

2011-09-15T20:36:51Z

Q-
I want to sue the State of California, the County of Sacramento, the City of Sacramento, and any other state or local government entity that was involved in depriving me of my civil rights in an incident last March. I was talking about my plans with my cousin, and she told me the statue of limitations was six months. I thought the statues were longer than that--years, not months. Irregardless, I'd better get started--so how do I sue the State?

Trinity

A-
Thanks for your question. Bringing an action against a public agency or its employee presents special procedural requirements. Before a lawsuit or complaint can be filed with the court, the injured party must first file a claim with the government agency. The agency will typically conduct an investigation and either agrees with your allegations and settles the matter with you or disagrees, and rejects your claim. Once the claim is rejected, you will be notified in writing that you can pursue the matter in court. This is often called your “right to sue letter”. According to the California Government Code section 945.6, you will need to sue within 6 months of receiving the letter, but other “statute of limitation” sections may apply, particularly if you do not receive the written letter.

For your claim, the California Government Code section 910 sets forth the requirements for the required contents of the claim. However, in order to help people comply with this section, “fill in the blank” claim forms are provided by many government agencies and are often available on the internet. For example, claim forms for the State of California, the City of Sacramento, and the County of Sacramento are all available online. For other local government agencies, the law library has put together some information on finding other Government and Police claims.

If the agency you are hoping to sue does not have a claim form available, you can always draft your own using samples here at the law library. I would suggest looking at book called California Government Tort Liability, a practice guide published by CEB. It is a great place to start your research into this area of law, particularly since there are specific time limitations for filing a claim and many immunities within the act which you will want to take a look at. Finally, once you get your right to sue letter, you are ready for the next step: to file a lawsuit in court.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Patenting Recipes

2011-09-08T22:31:38Z

Q: I recently opened a bakery where I use recipes that have been in my family for generations. I’m worried about my competitors getting a hold of these recipes, and using them in their own bakeries. Can I patent my recipes, to keep them from being used elsewhere?
Thanks!
Arielle

A:
Recipes can be patented, as long as they meet the requirements that apply to any other type of invention. There are several basic requirements you will need to meet in order to patent your recipes.

First, your recipe must fall into one of the patentable subjects described by Federal law. To be patentable, your invention must be a "new and useful" process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter. The US Supreme Court has ruled several times that the only categories of things that cannot be patented are laws of nature, natural phenomena, and abstract ideas. Generally, recipes would fall into one of the patentable categories.

Federal patent law also requires that your invention be useful. As long as your invention is capable of achieving a useful result, it will meet this requirement. A delicious baked good is, in my opinion, a useful result.

The next two requirements are usually the biggest hurdle to obtaining a patent. Federal law requires that your invention be “novel” and “nonobvious.” “Novel” means that it has some significant physical or methodical differences from all prior inventions that are publicly available before the date of your invention or more than one year before your patent application. “Nonobvious” generally means that someone who is skilled in the particular field would consider the invention to be an unexpected or surprising development. It cannot be just the next logical step or change to an existing patent.

These two requirements may be a problem for you in patenting a recipe. To meet the “novel” requirement, you will need to prove that your recipe is significantly different than any other recipe that came before yours, and that was not publicly known more than one year before you apply for the patent. If your recipe has been in your family for generations, chances are it’s been publicly known for years. For your recipe to be “nonobvious” it will need to include something that would surprise skilled chefs. Simply adjusting ingredients and measurements will not likely be enough to make your recipe nonobvious.

Federal law also limits patents to the inventor or discoverer. This means you can only patent your own recipe. You probably cannot patent your grandmother’s recipe, since you did not write it yourself.

After reading all this, you may decide that a patent doesn’t suit your situation, and wonder how you can protect your recipes from other bakeries. Companies like Coca-Cola and KFC rely on trade secret law to keep their secret recipes out of the hands of competitors. A trade secret can be anything that gives you a competitive advantage, such as a special recipe or formula. To be considered a trade secret, you must take steps to prevent competitors and the public from accessing your recipe. Unlike a patent, there is no application process for a trade secret. Instead, you just take reasonable precautions to keep your information secret, like keeping your recipes locked away when not in use, or having your employees sign a nondisclosure agreement. The Uniform Trade Secrets Act prevents others from copying, using, or benefitting from your secret without your permission. If anyone steals or divulges your trade secret, you can ask the court to issue an injunction preventing further disclosure or use of your trade secret. This law does not protect against people “discovering” your secret, by reverse engineering your recipes, though. The Nolo Press website offers more information about trade secrets.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian -- Public Access to Mug Shots

2011-08-25T19:46:42Z

Q. Is it possible to obtain an individual's booking photo using the booking number at a County jail?

Thank you,

Rebecca

A. There are several reasons a person might want to see booking photos (also known as “mug shots”). They are a popular part of news stories on crime, especially when celebrities or particularly newsworthy crimes are involved. In some cases, a person may want a photo to help them identify a person who may wish them harm, but whose appearance may have changed. Academic or other studies may be another potential use for booking photos.

Although a few police or sheriff’s departments routinely release booking photos, and some even post them online, in many cases they are reluctant. You can start by simply contacting the sheriff department or jail records department and requesting the photo. You may find, however, that many—including the Sacramento county jail—will not release them in response to a simple request.

Your next step could be to file a request under the California Public Records Act (California’s equivalent to the Freedom of Information Act). The CPRA (California Government Code Sections 6250 through 6276.48) requires public agencies to permit inspection of their records.

According to the advocacy group First Amendment Coalition, it’s unclear under California law whether the police are required to release booking photos.

Booking photos are a “public record” (“any writing [including photographs] containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency”). (Cal Government Code 6522(e).)

However, records of investigations and investigatory files compiled by law enforcement agencies are exempt from the CPRA requirements. (Cal. Government Code 6524(f).) In 2003, the California Attorney General issued an opinion that mug shots fall within this exception. 86 Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 132, 135 (2003). As a result, law enforcement agencies may, but are not required to, disclose them. Attorney General opinions do not have the force of law, but courts tend to give them great weight when deciding a legal question for the first time.

The 6524(f) exemption itself has an exception: the agency must release the arrested person’s “physical description including date of birth, color of eyes and hair, sex, height and weight,” in addition to the name of the person and information about the circumstances of the arrest. The First Amendment Coalition suggests that “[o]ne could argue that a booking photo falls into this category of records that must be released, since it does no more than visually show information that a law enforcement agency is required to release anyway.”

To use the CPRA to get a booking photo, your first step is to write a request letter. The First Amendment Coalition has a sample of what such a letter should include.

If the letter does not work, you can try re-filing the request with a higher-up official, or you can file a lawsuit to enforce your CPRA rights right away.

If you file a lawsuit, and the court agrees that the records should have been released, you are entitled to reimbursement of your fees and any attorney costs. The First Amendment Coalition has a useful page on filing such a lawsuit. They also offer a Find-A-Lawyer service to match potential litigants with First Amendment specialists, sometimes at reduced rates.

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

Ask the County Law Librarian – How to Stop Wage Garnishment

2011-08-18T17:34:54Z

Q. I just got a default judgment against me by a credit card company. I didn’t bother answering the summons and complaint because I figured I didn’t have any defenses—I spent the money but couldn’t pay the bill. A friend told me they could go after my wages, now, though, and take 25% of them until my credit card bill is paid. I don’t make that much money; we live paycheck to paycheck and I can barely afford to feed my family and pay my rent and other bills, which is how I got into this problem in the first place. Can they really take a quarter of my paycheck? Is there anything I can do about this now?

Jin

A. You could attempt to obtain “relief” from the default judgment, but you must prove you had a specific reason under California law, for example, “excusable neglect” under the Code of Civil Procedure § 473(b), for a court to grant relief from a default judgment. Forgetting about the lawsuit, being too busy to properly respond, or being unable to afford an attorney are not grounds for excusable neglect. You also must show that you have a meritorious defense to the original case. Given what you said in your question, it doesn’t sound like you would be successful pursuing relief from default, but you should read the Legal Resource Guide about the process on our website at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/relief-from-default.aspx, so you know all the options.

A judgment creditor can go after your bank accounts and other personal property, your real property, and even put a lien on a lawsuit you have against someone else. You can read about those measures on the California Court’s Self-Help Website at http://www.courts.ca.gov/1179.htm. “Wage garnishment,” however, is probably the most popular method creditors use to collect judgments, because it is the quickest and easiest. A creditor can garnish, or take, up to 25% of the amount you earn over the federal minimum wage, unless part of your paycheck is exempt under other rules.

In order to garnish your wages a creditor must ask the court for a Writ of Execution, which is an order directing the Sheriff to enforce the judgment in your case in the county where your assets are located, and an Earnings Withholding Order (EWO). Once granted, the Sheriff serves your employer with the EWO, which requires the employer to pay part of your earnings to the Sheriff. Once your employer instructs you that they have received an EWO you have 10 days in which to file your Claim of Exemption and a Financial Statement with the Sheriff’s department listed on the EWO. There is nothing you can do until your employer receives the EWO.

A Claim of Exemption is the form you must file with the Sheriff to explain why some or all of the wages the creditor wants your employer to garnish should be exempt (excluded). Enforcement of Judgments, Form EJ-155, lists most of these exemptions.

Your employer will hold on to the money garnished until either: 1) 10 days go by and the creditor does not oppose your claim of exemption; or 2) the judge makes a decision on the claim of exemption. If the creditor does not oppose your claim of exemption, you employer will return the wages to you.

If the creditor opposes your claim of exemption, you will receive a Notice of Opposition to Claim of Exemption and Notice of Hearing on Claim of Exemption that will set a court date for a judge to make a decision, probably within the month. If the judge agrees with your claim of exemption, you will get your money back. If the judge agrees with the creditor, your employer will send the money to the creditor every month until your judgment is paid in full.

The court reviews all oppositions to claims of exemptions and makes a Tentative Ruling on whether to allow a claim the day before the scheduled hearing. These Tentative Rulings are posted and available for viewing after 2:00 p.m. on the day before the scheduled hearing. The tentative ruling will become the final ruling on the matter unless either party asks for the hearing to be held. If you would like the judge to hear oral arguments, you must notify the other party, the other party's attorney, and the department clerk of your intent to appear at the hearing no later than 4 p.m. the day before the scheduled hearing. If you do not give this notice, your hearing will be taken off the schedule and the tentative ruling will become the final ruling of the court. For more information on the Court’s Tentative Ruling System and how to view the tentative rulings, see the Legal Resource Guide on our website at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/tentative-rulings.aspx.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Serving Legal Documents to a P.O. Box

2011-08-04T20:29:15Z

Q-
I am involved in a court case and need to serve legal documents and the only address I have for the other person is a mailbox at a UPS store and someone told me that I can’t serve a P.O. Box, is that true?
Joseph

A-
The answer depends on what type of P.O. Box you are trying to serve. If it is an actual post office box that is offered by the federal government, through the United States Post Office, then it cannot be served. However, according to the California Business & Professions Code § 17538.5, you can serve a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) which is commonly referred to as a “post office box” even though legally it is not. CMRAs offer private mailboxes, and these are technically not P.O. boxes. If you know that the person you are suing has a mailbox with a commercial mail receiving agency, you do have the option of serving the agency location with copies of your legal papers.

You are able to serve a commercial mail receiving agency because when a customer rents a private mailbox at one of these agencies, California law requires that they sign an agreement which authorizes the CMRA owner or operator to act as agent for service of process for the mail receiving service customer.

Even if the person you are suing has terminated their private mailbox, California law requires that CMRAs accept service of process for and on behalf of any of their mail receiving service customers for two (2) years after termination of any mail receiving service customer agreement. So you may be able to serve the owner or operator of the CMRA within two (2) years after end of the private mailbox rental agreement.

Below are some general steps for serving a CMRA:

1. You must verify the location of the private mailbox. Contact the U.S. Postal Services office and ask for the location of the box. This has the added benefit of allowing you to verify that this box does indeed belong to a CMRA, and is not a federal post office box, which cannot act as agent for service of process.
2. Ask a friend, process server, sheriff, or anyone over 18 years of age and not a party to the case to serve the CMRA owner or operator with copies of your claim.
3. Though not required by law, it is always a good idea to mail a copy of the plaintiff’s claim to the private mailbox itself.
4. The CMRA will send all documents by first-class mail to the last known home or personal address of the mail receiving service customer. Make sure to serve the CMRA at least fifteen (15) days prior to your hearing date.
5. File a completed Proof of Service form with the court clerk five (5) days before your hearing date.

Check out the law library’s Legal Resource Guides for more information on serving your papers.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Sacramento Public Library asks participation in community survey

2011-08-02T01:51:25Z

In light of the most recent cuts to its operating budget, the Sacramento Public Library system is conducting an online community feedback survey to receive input on what programs and services the community values most.

The goal is to make the “best possible decision we can with the least amount of impact,” said Denise Davis, deputy library director of the Sacramento Public Library.

The Sacramento Public Library system held three community forums in mid-July to address the 10 percent cut in its general fund, which came out to about $800,000.

Sixty-five people in total attended the three meetings, most attending the McKinley Library forum. In order to receive the input from those who weren’t able to attend, an eight-question survey is now available on the library’s website.

Shortly before the community forums began, library staff also learned about an additional $600,000 in cuts to be made from the county level, bringing the total reduction in the library operating fund to $1.4 million, which could mean a loss in branches, programs and staff.

With the addition of three new libraries to the system from August 2009 to August 2010, the system is “currently operating using the ‘reserve’ fund,” meaning you are spending more then you receive each year, said Rivkah Sass, director of the Sacramento Public Library.

Both directors agreed that the community forums gave much input to work with, and they will consider all input for their proposal to the Sacramento Library Authority in September.

“We want to try to make the best decisions we can, and we hope the community is aware of the challenges we have,” Sass said.

The survey asks the community which branches may be used the most, which days of the week and hours of the day are the most important to members and which programs and services have the highest value to the community. The survey also asks about the possibility of voluntary fees for some services to remain.

The community feedback survey will remain open through Aug. 15. Any changes will take effect late in September or early October. The survey can be taken here.

Ask the County Law Librarian - Calculating Child Support

2011-07-28T18:41:58Z

Q: My ex and I were divorced many years ago, when we were both working at different jobs than we have now. Teenage boys are very expensive, and more child support would really help! I don’t know if it’s worth the hassle of all the paperwork, though, if the support amount won’t change much. Is there any way for me to estimate how much the new order would be?
- Rachel

A: Typically, child support orders can be modified anytime circumstances change, such as unemployment or job promotion. If it’s been several years since your support was determined, and if you’re working at different jobs, it’s very possible that your support order can be modified.

California has a statewide guideline for calculating how much child support should be paid. These guidelines are outlined in California Family Code section 4055. The formula is fairly complex to calculate by hand, but luckily, the website of the California Department of Child Support Services has an online child support calculator to help you. This is the official calculator used by Family Court Commissioners.

The amount calculated using the formula or the calculator is only a guideline. The court takes into account many factors when determining child support. The main factors are discussed on the California Court's Self-Help website's Child Support page.

The family law Self-Help Center may be able to help you with your support questions. They can't represent you in court, but they may be able to help you with selecting and completing the proper forms to modify your child support order. The Self-Help Center is located in Room 113 of the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding court holidays.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - "Safe & Sane" Fireworks on New Year's Eve?

2011-07-07T21:16:13Z

Q. Hello,

I found your website and I have a question about fireworks. I happen to have been born on New Year's Eve and always thought it would be fun (weather permitting) to have some of the Red Devil fountains to light . . . I guess they are called safe and sane now . . . in my day, that meant Red Devils!

So, is it legal to set off California legal fireworks any time of year? If not, would I need a permit or something? Also, is it legal to purchase fireworks online, as long as they meet a safe and sane standard?

Also, I would most likely be celebrating with friends in Citrus Heights . . . does that make a difference?

FYI, we would either use the street, or the driveway. I'm totally willing to get oil drip pans and fill them with clay cat litter to catch the sparks. We always have a bucket of water, a hose and a fire extinguisher handy.

Thanks! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Pamela

A. Hi Pamela!

Nice to see that someone else is concerned with safety when it comes to handling fireworks. Personally, I think “safe and sane fireworks” is an oxymoron, but I realize I am in the minority.

According to the California Code of Regulations, a license isn’t required for the use or discharge of “safe and sane” fireworks. 19 CCR § 981. The specifications for “safe and sane” fireworks is set forth in 19 CCR § 986.6. You can search the California Code of Regulations at http://ccr.oal.ca.gov/linkedslice/default.asp?SP=CCR-1000&Action=Welcome.

California “State Fireworks Law” limits the time period for legally selling “safe and sane” fireworks to between noon June 28 and 10 p.m. July 6th of the same year. California Health & Safety Code § 12599. The state law does not seem to limit the time of year you can set off fireworks; however, “nothing in the State Fireworks Law authorizes the sale, use, or discharge of fireworks in any city or county where that sale, use, or discharge is otherwise prohibited or regulated.” California Health & Safety Code § 12541.

Both the County of Sacramento and the City of Citrus Heights prohibit the possession, sale, use, display or explosion of any fireworks with two exceptions: certain public displays with the written permission of the fire chief that take place under the supervision and direction of a state-licensed operator; and the sale, use or discharge of “safe and sane” fireworks to noon June 28 and 10 p.m. July 5th of the same year. Sacramento County Code § 4.54.320; Citrus Heights Code of Ordinances § 38-68. You can search the Citrus Heights Code of Ordinances at http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=13326&stateID=5&statename=California.

So, no “safe and sane” fireworks display on New Year’s Eve in Citrus Heights. As for purchasing them online, the State Fireworks Law provides that “it is unlawful for any person to sell or transfer any safe and sane fireworks to a consumer or user thereof other than at a
fixed place of business of a retailer for which a license and permit has been issued.” California Health & Safety Code § 12681.

I’m sorry, Pamela. Don’t worry, though, I’m sure you will have a Happy Birthday anyway—it is the law of safety karma.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Sacramento Public Library to hold community forums in July

2011-06-28T03:28:55Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask the County Law Librarian - Fireworks Stands

2011-06-23T20:14:22Z

Q:

I was surprised recently to come home to a fireworks stand in a parking lot adjacent to my house. I feel that it is too close for safety. What are the laws in the city of Sacramento for fireworks stands?

Thank you,

Lori

Thanks for reading and submitting your question! Late June, fireworks stands start appearing seemingly overnight and appear on almost every street corner. Before the individual or organization can set up a fireworks stand in the City of Sacramento, they must first apply for a Permit to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks. All applicants must provide the city with a public liability policy in the amount of $50,000 and a $25,000 property damage policy and a products liability policy in the amount of $300,000 showing the City of Sacramento as additional insured thereunder.

California has a “State Fireworks Law” that can be found in the Health and Safety Code, Section 12500 – 12728, but it mostly discusses general provisions, definitions, and the classification of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices. For the answer to your question, we need to look within the ordinances for the City of Sacramento, specifically chapter 8.48.130 which discusses temporary fireworks stands. According to this section, “No fireworks shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any other building or within one hundred (100) feet of any gasoline pump or distribution point”. So depending on how close the stand is to your house, there may be a potential violation.

There are other requirements necessary for a fireworks stand, including the number of required exits, two unless the stand is longer than 40 feet, or maintaining two fire extinguishers that are in good working order and easily accessible for use in case of fire. Of course, “No Smoking” signs are to be prominently displayed on the fireworks stand. If you think your fireworks stand is in violation of any of these laws, you can contact your local fire department; chapter 8.48.150 states the fire chief or the chief’s designee may revoke the permit immediately if it is determined there is a violation.

Even though a fireworks stand can be an eyesore, often it is the number one fundraising tool for most non-profit organizations. The stand should be disassembled and removed no later than July 20th.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Neglected Homes

2011-06-16T22:22:45Z

Q: My neighbors moved out a couple of months ago because they were facing foreclosure. They left the house a mess! The yard is totally overgrown, there’s a pile of junk in the driveway, and I’m afraid the pool is going to start growing mosquitoes now that the weather is warming up. Is there anything I can do?
- Karina

A: Unfortunately, you are not alone in this situation. The Sacramento Bee reports that there are thousands of vacant homes in Sacramento, many of which are severely neglected by their owners. According to City estimates, approximately 60 percent of these abandoned properties are bank-owned.

To help combat this growing problem, Sacramento enacted its Vacant Building Ordinance in 2007. Under this law, property owners are required to actively maintain and monitor their property. This maintenance requirement applies equally to individuals, banks, or corporate owners. The Ordinance defines “maintenance and monitoring” as maintaining the exterior of the building, including keeping paint and other finishes in good condition; maintaining landscaping and plants; regularly removing trash and graffiti; keeping the building in compliance with all codes and regulations; and preventing crime and gang activity on the premises. The law also requires posting of the owner’s name and contact information on the front of the building. Vacant buildings not meeting these standards may be considered a public nuisance.

Under Sacramento’s Vacant Building Ordinance, a property owner may be cited with administrative penalties if their property is vacant and not well-maintained for 30 days. The owner can be cited every 30 days until the property is brought into compliance. The initial penalty can be as much as $1000, and up to $5000 for each subsequent penalty. Additionally, the property owner will be charged a $150 monthly monitoring fee, as well as $150 each time a building inspector is called to the property.

If you believe your neighbor’s house does not meet the standards described in the Vacant Building Ordinance, you can file a Code Violation Complaint online or by calling 311. Your complaint will prompt a City inspector to visit the property, and begin the enforcement process. Hopefully this will encourage the owner to clean up the property.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

FRAUD PREVENTION PRESENTATION

2011-06-14T17:00:08Z

Dave Edwards from the Yolo County District Attorney’s office will teach older adults how to avoid becoming a victim of Identity Theft, Mail Fraud, Check Scams, Foreign Lotteries and Telephone Solicitations in a 60-minute talk that is fun and informative. Wednesday, August 3rd, from 11 am - 12 noon in the Arthur F. Turner Community Library meeting room in West Sacramento on 1212 Merkley Avenue. For more information call 916-375-6465. This is a FREE event.

Disclosure: Gabrielle Callison is a Grant Coordinator with Yolo County for the Arthur F. Turner Community Library

June Programs at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library in West Sacramento

2011-06-14T16:00:44Z

Enjoy a summer of reading, fun educational programs and PRIZES for the entire family! Sign up at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library in West Sacramento.

Summer programs for the entire family have started at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library - but there's still time to sign up!

Summer Reading Program, Ages 0-12: Read books, win prizes, join us for fantastic programs at the Library! Sign up at the Library and get a book bag, a reading log and a list of all the summer programs. Visit the Library at least 6 times during the summer, check in at the Information Desk to chat with us about what you've been reading. Come to programs and travel around the world without leaving your home town. Get your Grand Prize! Each child who completes the program will receive a free paperback book and a free pizza from Round Table Pizza.

Alaskan Adventure: The entire family can join us for stories, crafts and show and tell for a real Alaskan adventure! Tuesday, June 28th, 2 pm.

Teen Summer Reading Program, Ages 13-18: Sign up and start reading to be eligible to win some fun stuff. Prizes range from gift certificates to a Flip Camera. The more you read the more chances you have to win prizes. Program runs between June 1st and August 15th only.

Cartooning with Robert Armstrong: Got something you want to say? Say it with comics! Renowned comic book artist Robert Armstrong will teach a beginning cartooning workshop where teens can learn basic drawing skills and how to tell a story with pictures. All materials provided. Monday, June 20, at 2:30 pm.

Adult Summer Reading Program, Adults over the age of 18: Everyone enjoys sharing books they love. Share your recommendations with the Library and you can be entered into a drawing and may win a prize. The Library will post your review (anonymously) and others can discover new and exciting reads!

Pick up the "Novel Destinations Book Recommendation Form" and start reading! Let us know what books you like and a very brief "why". If you would like to enter into a raffle for a prize, fill out the cotact information at the bottom of the form. We will be posting the book recommendations around the library. Help your fellow readers discover new books. The more recommendations we receive the better.

The drawing will be held during the August Book Chat program: Wednesday, August 10th, at 5 pm.

Regular ongoing programs:

Hug-A-Bye Baby Story Time: Join us for a warm and cuddly lap-sit program that will share with parents ways to stimulate language development through songs, lullabies, fingerplays and books. This program is geared towards parents and infants ages 2-12 months.

Thursdays at 11:15 am

Mother Goose on the Loose: Parents with children ages 12-36 months are invited to join us for music, movement, visual literacy and language development.

Tuesdays at 11:15

Preschool Story Time: Parents and children ages 3 to 5 years are invited to join us for stories, rhymes, finger plays, songs and crafts to help develop early literacy skills and encourage children to engage in group participation.

Fridays at 10:30 am

Bilingual Story Times: Children ages birth to 5 years and their parents may join us for stories, songs, movement, rhymes and finger plays.

Spanish/English: every Tuesday at 6pm
Russian/English: every Wednesday at 6pm

All programs are FREE and are held at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library in West Sacramento, 1212 Merkley Avenue. Call 916-375-6465 for more information.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Library!

Disclosure: Gabrielle Callison is a Grant Coordinator with Yolo County for the Arthur F. Turner Community Library

Ask the County Law Librarian - Fixing Errors on Your Credit Report

2011-06-01T23:57:28Z

Q. A couple years ago, a collection agency got a judgment against me without my knowledge. After they started garnishing my wages, I filed a motion to vacate the judgment since I was never served. I won, but the judgment is still showing up on my credit report. How do I get it off? Thanks,

Anya

A. Congratulations on getting the judgment vacated. Since you no longer have a judgment against you, the credit bureaus should remove it from your record. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that easy. Credit bureaus (and the public record researchers who sell them the data) commonly miss changes such as an order vacating a judgment, satisfactions of judgment, and the like. (National Consumer Law Center, Fair Credit Reporting, Ch. 4.3.2.5.2.)

So, what do you do now?

Since your report is no longer accurate, your next step –as with any false or erroneous information on your credit report – is to file a dispute. This triggers a “reinvestigation” by the credit bureau which should result in the inaccurate information being removed. Unfortunately, the dispute process is not reliably effective. Consumers frequently have to file numerous disputes, and sometimes lawsuits, before the errors are corrected. (Fair Credit Reporting, 4.5.1.2.) Here’s how to dispute this or any other problems on your report:

Check all of your credit reports. Check all of the “big three” credit bureaus (Equifax, Transunion, and Experian) to find it if all of them show the judgment. You can order a credit report from each for a fee. Once a year, you can get a free credit report from each upon request by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

Mail a written dispute to each of the bureaus that show the judgment. Although each bureau has a toll-free number for disputes, it is best to use a written dispute to create a record of the request. The online dispute forms you will find at their websites give you limited space and don’t let you attach copies of the order vacating the judgment. (They may also never be seen by a human being.)

There is no required form for a written dispute request, but it should include all of the following:

Thorough identifying information, including full name, current and recent addresses, date of birth, telephone number, Social Security number, name of spouse (if any), and current employment information.
A clear description of the judgment on your credit report, along with a copy of the report with judgment circled;
An explanation of why you are disputing the information (e.g., “This judgment has been vacated by order of the court”), along with a certified copy of the order vacating the judgment. Include specific steps for the investigation (“contact the records department of the court at [phone number] to verify this order”);
And finally, a direct request that the CRA delete or correct the information.

Click here for a sample of such a letter on the FTC’s website.

Consider signing your dispute letter under oath, in front of a notary. This converts it to an affidavit, which boosts its credibility and may get it more in-depth review. Fair Credit Reporting, 4.5.2.4.2-9.

Make sure to send it to the correct address for each bureau. Certified mail, return receipt requested, is advised. Keep copies of all correspondence and the return receipts in a separate file folder for each agency. Fair Credit Reporting, 4.5.2.4.3.If you speak to someone on the phone, make a note of the date, person you spoke with, and outcome and put it in the file folder, too.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA), the credit bureaus must then investigate the dispute, and forward all the relevant data to the information provider (“furnisher”) that sold them the information in the first place. The furnisher then must investigate and report back to the bureau.

When the investigation is complete, the credit bureau must give you the results in writing and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. If you ask, the bureau must send notices of any corrections to anyone who received your credit report in the past six months (two years for reports used for employment purposes).

The bureau will also give you contact information on the furnisher. Some people find that even after they clear an item off their record, it pops up again months later, because the furnisher leaves the inaccurate information in its files, and sends it out again to the bureau. To prevent this, send your dispute directly to the furnisher as well.

What if the dispute is denied?

Disputes often receive very cursory review and are denied almost automatically if the basic information matches the furnisher’s files. If this happens, you can request that a statement of the dispute be included in your file and in future reports.

Unfortunately, you may need to repeat the dispute, perhaps with telephone follow-up, to get a more thorough review. Filing a complaint with the FTC (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/) or the Better Business Bureau (http://complaint.bbb.org/) is another way to get your dispute taken seriously. If you have tried several times without result, you might even try calling your congressional representative or senator to ask them to call the FTC and demand action.

You may even need to file a lawsuit. If you do, under the FCRA, you may be entitled to actual damages (court costs, attorney’s fees, lost wages, and defamation) and in outrageous cases, punitive damages. The library has several books that may assist you with this, including general books such as Nolo’s Represent Yourself in Court and more specific books such as the National Consumer Law Center’s Fair Credit Reporting, which has an in-depth description of how the credit report business works, detailed information on how to file a lawsuit, and sample court forms.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for more information on your credit report rights and how to dispute items on your credit report.

Best of luck with your quest to clear your credit report!

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian -- Is demanding a receipt a violation of rights?

2011-05-26T18:32:33Z

Q. I was wondering if it is legal in California for retailers like WalMart and Best Buy to ask customers for their receipts as they exit the store. As a paying customer, I resent being treated like a criminal. It is because of practices like this that I shop online whenever possible. I understand that membership stores like Costco and Sam's Club have user agreements that allow them to check receipts against items in your cart, but without such an agreement is WalMart violating my rights?

Thank you for your time.

Ally

A. Best Buy and WalMart have certainly started a trend--more and more stores across the country are asking to see receipts upon exiting these days. It may be inconvenient, but it saves you money in the long run—prohibiting theft helps keep your costs down. It doesn’t violate your rights for them to ask for a receipt; you can always refuse and keep going. Only if the security guard then stops you might any violation of rights occur.

California Penal Code (CPC) §490.5(f)(1) provides that “a merchant may detain a person for a reasonable time for the purpose of conducting an investigation in a reasonable manner whenever the merchant has probable cause to believe the person to be detained is attempting to unlawfully take or has unlawfully taken merchandise from the merchant's premises.”

Furthermore, CPC §490.5(f)(2) provides that “[i]n making the detention a merchant . . . may use a reasonable amount of nondeadly force necessary to protect himself or herself and to prevent escape of the person detained or the loss of tangible or intangible property.”

CPC §490.5(f)(3) goes on to state: “[d]uring the period of detention any items which a merchant . . . has probable cause to believe are unlawfully taken from the premises of the merchant . . . which are in plain view may be examined by the merchant . . . for the purposes of ascertaining the ownership thereof.”

And, in CPC §490.5(f)(4), “[a] merchant . . . having probable cause to believe the person detained was attempting to unlawfully take or has taken any item from the premises . . . may request the person detained to voluntarily surrender the item . . . . Should the person detained refuse to surrender the item . . . a limited and reasonable search may be conducted . . . in order to recover the item. Only packages, shopping bags, handbags or other property in the immediate possession of the person detained, but not including any clothing worn by the person, may be searched pursuant to this subdivision.

Finally, CPC §490.5(f)(7), ‘[i]n any civil action brought by any person resulting from a detention or arrest by a merchant, it shall be a defense to such action that the merchant detaining or arresting such person had probable cause to believe that the person had stolen or attempted to steal merchandise and that the merchant acted reasonably under all the circumstances.

So . . . if you refuse to show a security guard your receipt and continue walking to your car with your bag of merchandise, does that constitute probable cause to detain and possibly search your bags? It depends upon the circumstances, but most likely, yes. What would you think if you were in the security guard’s position?

What if the security guard looked in your pocket for your wallet and pulled the receipt out of there? Would that be a violation of your Fourth Amendment right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures? Nope, the Fourth Amendment only applies to police officers and other state actors, not to private store employees. You may be successful in a suit against the store for false imprisonment, however, because the California state statute specifically excludes clothing from the parameters of a limited and reasonable search.

Whatever you do, don’t overreact. You are not being targeted or insulted; everyone is being asked to present their receipt, so don't take it personally. You don’t want to end up like the Bethlehem, PA, man who was sentenced to six-twelve months in jail for yelling at and threatening the Wal-Mart greeter who asked to see his receipt, or the Utah Wal-Mart shopper who now faces criminal charges for disorderly conduct because he cursed at a greeter, threatened to injure a security guard, and screamed at police officers who were called to the scene.

If you really just cannot bring yourself to show them your receipt, don't lay yourself open to criminal charges by aggressive or belligerent behavior. Remain calm and continue walking. If you're detained and think the store security guard acted unreasonably, remain cool and call the police to handle the matter. Especially if you've got nothing to hide.

www.saclaw.org

Hearing Voices audiobook club at Sacramento Public Library

2011-05-23T23:51:51Z

Beginning June 5, Sacramento’s Arden-Dimick Library will host “Hearing Voices – Author, Character and Narrator in Audiobooks,” a summer book club sponsored by the Sacramento Public Library and the California Center for the Book.

At the first meeting, participants will meet the Audie and Audiofile Earphones award-winning Simon Vance, narrator of the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and King’s Speech audiobooks. Vance will discuss his experience of what makes good literature and what makes good audio and how those two may differ. Registered participants will receive audiobooks and series materials, including author biographies and discussion questions.

At each of the four remaining meetings, participants will hear from experts on what to listen for in audiobook narration, the future of audio and book technologies, how the brain processes stories you hear versus those you read, and more.

Participants will also discuss how a particular audiobook performance of a well-regarded print novel affects the reader’s perception of the voices of the author, the narrator and the characters.

The series will focus on four audiobooks, beginning with Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, a classic treatment of urban, turn-of- century, American class and gender relations, in which narrator Lorna Raver implies the angst bubbling below buttoned- up New York society. This audiobook was the winner of a 2009 Audie Award.

Participants will also discuss Bloody Jack, by L. A. Meyer, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery and The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett.

The first meeting will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the community room of Arden-Dimick Library, 891 Watt Avenue, Sacramento.

Interested listeners can register to reserve copies of the audiobooks by calling (916) 264-2920 or by visiting www.saclibrary.org.

Ask the County Law Librarian - Neighbors and Their Trampolines

2011-05-19T22:54:17Z

Q. I share part of a fence with the neighbor behind me and they put a trampoline up against the fence so when their kids and friends jump they clear the top of the fence by a couple feet and look into my yard and home. Their yard is higher on the hill than mine which makes the trampoline sit even higher at the fence, and my yard is an odd wedge shape, narrowing on the side they have the trampoline so that the distance from my bedroom and living room window directly to where the trampoline sits is only about 10 yards. I've explained and asked them nicely once if they could "scooch the trampoline over a bit." This made the mom defensive and unreasonable and she later squirted me with her hose over the fence. I am embarrassed having kids, usually several at one time, jumping and looking over right into my bedroom just yards away when I'm sometimes in bed. Moving the trampoline a few yards away would solve the problem. Is there any law or protocol regulating fence privacy? Thank you.

Cathy

A. When an issue between neighbors arises, there are many options available to those willing to invest a little time and effort into preliminary research. “Neighbor law” is usually governed locally, so your first step might be to survey the options closest to you.

For example, if you and your neighbor belong to a homeowners’ association (HOA), subdivision, or other development, you might check the by-laws (also called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions or CC&Rs) for any limitations, restrictions, or prohibitions relating to trampolines or other play structures. If your neighbor isn’t technically violating any rules, you might have the option of initiating an informal complaint process with the association. You can find more information on homeowners’ associations online or at your local county law library.

You will also want to research your local city and county ordinances. Some city and county ordinances regulate the location of “accessory structures,” though what constitutes an accessory structure will vary depending on the jurisdiction. For example, Sacramento City Code 17.80.050 considers some children’s play structures as detached accessory structures (swing sets, for example) and accordingly provides minimum installation requirements. However, the ordinance does not consider mobile play structures as accessory structures and thus these structures are not regulated by county ordinance. Sacramento County Code §16.18 pertains to nuisances and available remedies, though generally the term ‘nuisance’ refers to an act or device that jeopardizes one’s safety or health. Nonetheless, a thorough look at your local county and city codes is highly recommended for all neighbor law issues. Most California city and county codes can be found online or in print at your local county law library.

At least one California city has dealt with this type of situation before. Earlier this year, Mill Valley’s City Council met to determine whether a trampoline could be considered an accessory structure and thus be subject to the city’s zoning laws. After considering a fact pattern very similar to yours, it concluded that trampolines were not accessory structures and therefore could not be governed by city ordinances.

Though many neighbor law questions can be answered by consulting local resources, some issues are governed by state law. California Civil Code § 3479, for instance, governs “private” nuisances that are “indecent or offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property…”

If you feel you have a cause of action based on a state law, the proper forum would be either small claims court (for monetary damages) or your county’s superior court (for an injunction and monetary damages). However, this route is likely to be both time-consuming and costly, and your claim first must meet certain legal standards and have evidentiary support. You can find California statutes online at www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html

One helpful book that discusses all of these resources and many more is the 7th edition of Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise, published by Nolo. Nolo Press is a Berkeley-based publishing house that specializes in self-help law books written with the layperson in mind. Neighbor Law’s introductory chapter contains information on “tackling” a neighbor problem, including sources of preliminary research, techniques for approaching the neighbor, and methods for pursuing the issue (e.g. the local authorities, mediation, or court). For more information on mediation, see Ask the County Law Librarian: Fence Dispute and Alternatives to Court.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Damages for Security Breach of Sony Playstation Network

2011-05-13T00:17:38Z

Q:

I saw your column on Sac Press and thought maybe you can help. I am a customer of Sony’s PlayStation Network for online gaming, recently they had a security breach and Sony notified me that some of the information released to hackers includes my full name, address, phone number, email address, PlayStation user ID and password, and credit card information, just to name a few. I know this info has gotten into the wrong hands due to the huge amount of spam email I am now getting. My concern is primarily with identity theft as my credit card company has stated they are aware of the issue and I have zero fraud liability, but some of my friends may not be so lucky as they used debit cards and I was told that those do not have nearly the same protection. Is Sony liable if my identity is stolen? Can I make them pay for something like a credit freeze to keep the bad guys from buying a car in my name? And what about my friends who were not lucky enough to have a credit card and used a debit card for their online gaming? I don’t even know where to start, can you please help?

Jim

Thanks for reading and submitting your question! It appears that the lawsuits for damages against Sony are already beginning. A Massachusetts woman was among the first to file a lawsuit against Sony over a hack into the company's PlayStation Network video game service. According to the Boston Business Journal, the class-action lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Boston on May 5, 2011. The plaintiff is alleging Sony stored and retained customer data without authorization, failed to maintain a proper firewall, and did not properly encrypt the data it held. The suit also calls the electronics giant out for delaying for almost a week after it knew of the breach, to notify affected customers. You can read a copy of her complaint for more details of the case.

The real question is not whether or not you can file a lawsuit to recover damages, but rather, once you file your lawsuit in court, will you be able to win your case? Well, in order to prevail in court, you will most likely have to prove that actual damages have occurred. So it would depend on if you actually suffer damages from this incident. According to an article written by Mark Foley, lawsuits seeking to recover significant damages based on the loss of, or unauthorized access to, sensitive personal information have not been especially successful for plaintiffs since inconvenience, and threat may be hard to prove in court. Most companies try to alleviate damages by offering to provide identity theft monitoring to affected customers and Sony is no exception.

ABC News is reporting that Sony is now offering 12 months of free identity theft protection to affected customers. Customers have until June 18th to sign up and should be receiving a detailed email soon with information on how to sign up. If you don’t receive your email, I would contact Sony as soon as possible in order to get further details. Ultimately, if your identity is stolen, you can read the law library’s Everyday Law article for tips on what you can do to protect yourself.

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

Ask the County Law Librarian – There Oughta Be a Law

2011-04-14T15:38:31Z

Q: I have a great idea for a new California law. Our kids get nothing but junk food at their school cafeteria for lunch. They should be learning about – and eating – fresh, healthy food. I want to get a law passed that requires every elementary, middle and high school with a school lunch program to also have a school garden to supply students with fresh fruit and vegetables. How do I get this law passed?

Paula

A: Dear Paula,

Laws are created in one of two ways in California: through the legislature, or through an initiative.

Bills in the State Legislature

Most new laws (or changes in laws) start when a state senator or Assembly member drafts and proposes a bill. People in a certain age range may remember the Schoolhouse Rock cartoon “I’m Just a Bill,” describing this process for federal laws. It’s similar in California, but in real life, the process is complicated by many sub-steps and opportunities for delay. Bills go through a lengthy process of debate, amendment and approval, first in one House then the other, before being signed (or vetoed) by the Governor.

Call, write, or email your representative to suggest a bill. You can also contact the representative’s office to schedule an appointment with him or her. Contact the local or Sacramento office to set up a time to meet. Be prepared with information about the problem your bill would address, how current law deals with this problem, and how your suggestion would improve things.

You can contact any representative, but you are more likely to get a personal response from the Assembly member or senator who represents your own district. To find out who your representatives are, visit “Your Legislature” and enter your zip code.

Once a bill is introduced, there are many things you can do to help get it passed, from organizing letter-writing campaigns, writing letters to the editor, and offering to testify at committee hearings. Tips on these and other methods of lobbying for your bill can be found in “A Citizen’s Guide to Lobbying” and “How to Lobby the California State Legislature,” both put out by the state government.

You can trace the progress of any particular bill through the lengthy process of debate, amendment, and approval by visiting the official California legislative information site’s “Bill Information” page. You can even sign up for an email whenever something happens with your bill.

Passing a Law by Popular Vote: The Initiative Process

California is one of 24 states that use the initiative process. The initiative is the power of the people of California to propose statutes and amendments to the California Constitution (Cal. Const., art. II, Section 8(a)). The laws governing the initiative process are mostly at California Election Code, starting at section 9000.

Initiatives are placed on the ballot if the sponsors can collect enough signatures to qualify – 5% of the number of voters in the last gubernatorial election (currently 504,760 ) for statutes, and 8% (currently 807,615) for Constitutional amendments. If approved by a majority vote, an initiative becomes law the next day.

Getting an initiative on the ballot takes a long time – if you start now, you might be able to get one on the June 5, 2012 ballot. There are also very specific requirements for format and signature gathering. You can read about the process in the California Secretary of State’s “Initiative Guide.”

The first step is to write the text of the law. Next, the sponsors are required to submit it to the California Attorney General, who writes the official title and summary, and if necessary, submits it for fiscal analysis. The AG's office has a good explanation of the process on its website. After that is complete, the sponsors have 150 days to circulate the petition and collect the necessary signatures. Both volunteers and paid signature-gatherers are allowed.

Once the signatures are gathered, the sponsors file the petition with the officials in each county, who count the signatures and report the results to the Secretary of State. If the initiative gathers enough signatures, it goes on the next statewide ballot.

For more information, visit the California Secretary of State’s website or contact the Secretary of State's Initiative Coordinator at (916) 657-2166.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian – Disqualification of Judges

2011-04-07T19:29:13Z

Q. My wife and I are getting a divorce, and the judge is making all her rulings in my soon-to-be-ex’s favor for no good reason that I can see, except that the judge doesn’t like me—she seems to be biased against men. What can I do to get rid of this judge? Can I report her to the State Bar?

A. The law and procedure for the disqualification of California superior court judges, court commissioners, and referees, is in the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP), sections 170 through 170.6. There are two basic methods a party can use to ask that a judge be disqualified from their case:

1) CCP §§ 170-175 provides the justification and procedure whereby a party may take action toward disqualification of a judge “for cause.”

2) CCP § 170.6 guarantees to parties the right to disqualify a judge without any showing of cause whatsoever. This is called a peremptory challenge.

A Section 170.6 challenge is permitted at any time before the commencement of a trial or hearing on a substantive matter in either civil or criminal court. Each side is allowed a peremptory challenge one time only. You have no control over the judge assigned to take over your case, so avoid hasty or ill-informed decisions to disqualify.

A peremptory challenge is usually made by a written motion to the court, done in proper format with specific language and supported by a declaration or affidavit made under penalty of perjury. An oral motion under oath is also allowed. There is no hearing or ruling on a timely and properly-formatted peremptory challenge. The replacement is automatic, and the case will continue as quickly as possible, perhaps hours or days, under a new judge.

There are specific deadlines and strict time frames in which a peremptory challenge must be made, depending on your court’s calendaring system. Improper timing is the number one reason that challenges are rejected.

Even if your deadline has passed for filing a timely peremptory challenge, however, you still have the right to challenge the judge for cause under CCP § 170.1. Grounds for a just cause challenge (relationship, financial interest, etc.) can arise at any time during the proceedings. Therefore, a challenge for cause is timely if raised “at the earliest practicable opportunity” after discovering the grounds for disqualification, even during trial.

Step by step procedures and sample formats for written motions, supporting declarations, and affidavits for both of these disqualification methods can be found in a set of books called California Forms of Pleading and Practice, Volume 27, Chapter 317, “Judges.” You can find this set of books at the Sacramento County Public Law Library.

The State of California Commission on Judicial Performance, rather than the State Bar, reviews complaints that charge judicial misconduct. Procedures and the form of complaint for judicial misconduct can be found on their website.

A judge’s incorrect ruling on its own does not constitute judicial misconduct. A judge who commits legal error is subject to investigation and possible discipline only if the legal error clearly and convincingly reflects bad faith, bias, abuse of authority, disregard for fundamental rights, intentional disregard of the law, or any purpose other than the faithful discharge of judicial duties. If the incorrect ruling or legal error does not meet these standards, then it is not subject to disciplinary review. However, it may be grounds for an appeal in your case.

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Obtaining Evidence for a Contested Traffic Citation

2011-03-30T19:35:06Z

Q. I’ve decided to contest a speeding ticket I received recently. How do I obtain all of the police records and evidence against me?

A. Before you contest your citation, you may want to consider submitting an “Informal Discovery Request” to the issuing agency. Under California Penal Code Sections 1054-1054.7, the prosecution in any criminal case (including infractions) is required to provide the defendant with copies of all written statements, reports, and logs regarding the case. This code section also applies to a copy of the engineering and traffic survey if your citation is a radar case [Cal. Penal Code § 1054.1(f)].

Fortunately, you can submit this request before you formally challenge the citation, in order to review evidence the issuing party may use against you in court. Your copy of the ticket, for example, will not include the notes about the stop that the issuing officer most likely made on the reverse of his or her copy of the citation. Once the issuing agency receives your request, it has 15 days to provide the relevant information. One caveat: the request requires you to submit all of your evidence as well: you will include the names, addresses, and statements of any witnesses you may have with your request.

There is no statewide “official” discovery request form for Section 1054 requests, but a book published by Nolo Press and written by Attorney David W. Brown called Fight Your Ticket in California contains both blank and sample completed forms, as well as instructions. This book also contains the information and strategies you would need to:

-determine if your ticket is beatable
-challenge speeding citations & other violations
-present your case in court
-appeal a conviction

Should you choose to formally challenge the citation, you can subpoena relevant records, equipment, and the issuing officer’s testimony during the trial prep phase of the case by using a Subpoena Duces Tecum (CR-125/JV-525). Samples of this form are available in the book, and the form is available for free online from the California Courts website at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/fillable/cr125.pdf You will need to read the information carefully and conduct further research to be sure you’ve done everything properly.

Fight Your Ticket in California is available directly from the publisher at www.nolo.com, from most large bookstores and libraries, and from your local county law library. To find the law library nearest you, go to www.publiclawlibrary.org

For online resources about contesting a traffic citation, you can find more information on the Sacramento County Superior Court website at http://www.saccourt.ca.gov/traffic/traffic.aspx and on the California Courts Self Help website at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/traffic/info.htm.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

2011-03-25T01:32:44Z

Q-
I am afraid of my boyfriend. We just moved in together last month, and ever since then, he has been shouting and cursing at me. He also pushed me down and punched a wall. I want to break up with him, but I am afraid he will hurt me. Can the law help protect me?

Anonymous in Midtown

A-
I am sorry to hear about your situation! If you feel in are in immediate danger, call 911!

California’s Domestic Violence Protection Act defines domestic violence as abuse toward an intimate partner or family member. The abuse can range from verbal threats, annoying telephone calls, stalking, hitting, and destruction of personal property. If you ever have to call the police, ask for an emergency protective order. A police officer that answers a domestic violence call can ask a judge for an emergency protective order at any time of the day or night. Explain in detail to the police officer why you're afraid. The emergency protective order starts immediately and can last a week. The judge can order the abusive person to leave the home and stay away from you and your children for up to a week.

If you want protection for more than a week, you can ask to the family court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). If the restraining order is granted, it typically requires the abuser to stay at least 100 yards away from you, and have no contact with you, including no email or telephone contact.

The Sacramento family court offers a free workshop on form preparation fro domestic violence restraining orders, Monday and Friday, excluding court holidays, at 8:45 a.m. This class is for both men and women and is held in the Self-Help Computer Room, Room 113A, on the first floor of the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, 3341 Power Inn Road. No appointment is necessary. For those who cannot attend the workshop, the court encourages you to complete your forms using TurboCourt. This program uses simple questions to gather all of the necessary information to apply for a domestic violence restraining order. If you will be filing in Sacramento, be sure to include the mandatory local forms.

You may want to contact WEAVE, INC. (Women Escaping a Violent Environment). WEAVE is a local nonprofit organization that was created to serve domestic violence survivors and their families in Sacramento County by offering counseling and other services including; dissolution & restraining order workshops, and a pro bono legal clinic or free attorney consultation for domestic violence.

Keep in mind that a restraining order can help protect you, but it is still just a piece of paper. A restraining order can lower, but not eliminate the risk of ongoing violence.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask The County Law Librarian - Collecting on a Small Claims Judgment

2011-03-11T20:22:07Z

Q. I just won my small claims case against my landlord for wrongfully withholding my security deposit. Does the court collect for me?
Jenny

A. The court will not collect the money for you. The court can issue the orders and other documents you may need to collect your judgment from the debtor. You can start the collection process when the time to appeal runs out (30 days after entry of the judgment); or if there was an appeal and you won, after the appeal decision (judgment) is sent back to the small claims court, usually about 10 days after the appeal decision.

Encourage the debtor to pay you voluntarily and don’t resort to harassment or illegal collection methods. Some of the most common collection techniques include: placing a lien on real property, placing a lien on business property, seizing wages and seizing bank accounts.

If the judgment debtor does not pay within 30 days after the court clerk mailed the Notice of Entry of Judgment the debtor must send you for SC-133 Judgment Debtor’s Statement of Assets. This form will tell you what property the debtor has that may be used to pay the judgment.

Sometimes the debtor won’t send the completed form and then you can file SC 134 Application and Order to Produce Statement of Assets and Appear for Examination. This summons the debtor back to court and you can ask the debtor questions about his or her assets or property. You can ask about things like where he or she works, how much he or she earns, bank accounts, stocks, other income sources, property and belongings, and anything else that can be used (or sold) to pay the judgment.

Once you know about the judgment debtor’s income and property you can ask the sheriff to take that property to pay you. To do this fill out and ask the court clerk to issue Form EJ-00 1 Writ of Execution. Take the form to the Sheriff’s civil division with a description of the debtor’s property that you want to levy on.

Click on the link for more information on collecting your judgment. The law library has information on this too. One good resource is Nolo’s How to Collect When You Win a Lawsuit in California.

Lastly, keep in mind that not all judgments are collectable because the debtor may not have any income or property of value.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian – “Quashing” Improper Service of Court Documents

2011-02-24T16:14:47Z

Q. I was handed a summons and complaint for breach of contract, but I didn't sign for it, so I don’t think it is legal. I want to challenge this in court. How do I do that?

Tom

A. Probably the most common misconception regarding service of the summons and complaint in civil cases is that the receiving party must sign something in order for the service to be valid. A summons may be served by personal delivery of a copy of the summons and complaint to the person to be served. Such service is deemed complete at the time of delivery (California Code of Civil Procedure §415.10). There is no requirement that the person being served sign for anything.

The most common mistake that people make when serving court documents is that they serve the documents themselves, rather than having a person who is at least 18 years of age and not a party to the action serve them (California Code of Civil Procedure §414.10).

Improper service of the summons, however, is not a defense to the underlying facts of the lawsuit, nor does it have any effect on the running of the applicable statute of limitations. You can challenge the validity of the service by filing a motion to quash service of summons on or before your last day to file an answer, or at any later time if the court finds good cause (California Code of Civil Procedure §418.10), but this typically has little effect on a case other than to cause a brief delay. If your motion to quash service of summons is granted, the court will simply require that you properly served.

For this reason, and because of the time and effort involved in preparing a motion to quash service of summons, many defendants choose instead to ignore the issue and simply respond to the lawsuit, assuming they learn about it in time to respond. There is no standardized form for a motion to quash service of summons; and, like most other motions in civil cases, the motion consists of several parts: 1) a notice of motion and motion, 2) a memorandum of points and authorities, and 3) a declaration, with any attachments (California Rule of Court 3.1112). In addition, the motion must be drafted on 28-line pleading paper (California Rules of Court 2.108, 2.111). Although instructions and samples of pleading paper can be downloaded from our website at www.saclaw.org/pages/creating-pleadings.aspx, there aren’t any reputable examples of motions to quash service available for free online. We have both print and online instructions and samples in the Library at 813 Sixth Street downtown, however, and would be happy to show you these resources and, if applicable, how to download samples from the appropriate database.

If the plaintiff in your breach of contract suit is a credit card company or collection agency suing you over a credit card debt, you can find out how to answer the lawsuit on our website at http://www.saclaw.org/pages/respond-to-credit-card-case.aspx. We also offer an "Answer to Breach of Contract Workshop" every Monday through Friday morning in which an experienced paralegal walks you through the entire process of completing the forms used to answer your breach of contract/collection case.

For more on personal service of process of court papers, including a step-by-step guide and an animated video on proper service, go to http://www.saclaw.org/pages/personal-service.aspx

Good luck with your case, Tom, and don’t hesitate to visit us, in person or online, if you need any more help!

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian – Can I Fire My Attorney?

2011-02-10T20:46:59Z

Q: I hired an attorney for my divorce, but he hasn’t done anything! Everytime I call his office, he doesn’t answer the phone. I leave messages but he never calls me back, he just keeps asking for more money even though I have already paid him way too much already. How can I get rid of him?

Mel

A: I'm sorry to hear that! You have a right to discharge or fire your attorney at any time for any reason or no reason at all, even if you still owe him money for the time spent working on your case. It is a fairly easy process, all you have to do is file a Substitution of Attorney form with the court. When filling out this form, you substitute either your newly hired attorney or yourself, if you plan to represent yourself.

If at the time you let him go, there is outstanding money owed, you will still owe the balance. However, there may be options for disputing the amount owed, especially if you have not been given an accounting of the time and money spent on your case. If you believe that your attorney's bill is too high, you should first talk to your lawyer about the bill, and make your concerns clear. You may find that the case was more complicated and took more time than you realized or your lawyer may agree that a mistake was made on the bill and make corrections. If there is still a dispute, the Sacramento County Bar Association administers an arbitration program to assist clients in resolving fee disputes with their attorneys without going to court. You should contact the Sacramento County Bar Association directly for information on disputing the fee and fee arbitration.

All lawyers who practice in California must live up to ethical standards imposed by the California Supreme Court and the state legislature. You can file a complaint with the State Bar of California if you believe that your lawyer acted improperly, but not just because there is some disagreement between you, or you believe he or she did a poor job. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a lawyer can be given a warning, put on probation, suspended from practicing law for a period of time, or disbarred - prohibited from practicing law in California. For more helpful information on how to handle a disagreement with your attorney, check out this pamphlet from the State Bar of California.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian – Finding a Will

2011-01-20T17:57:29Z

Q: How can I get a copy of a will? I believe I was named in my mother’s will but I can’t find a copy. Mom passed away recently and my sister has been transferring Mom’s property into her own name.

Marge

A: We hear variations on this question surprisingly often. Usually, there is nothing mysterious going on. Check with the probate court in the county where your mother was living when she died. If a will was filed or a probate was opened, that is where it should be, and the clerk will be able to find it using your mother’s name and date of death.

In many cases, nothing will be on file with the court. This is probably not a sign of any kind of misconduct. Perhaps your mom never got around to writing a will. Maybe she put her property in a trust, so probate is not necessary. Even if there is a will, there may not be enough assets to justify a formal probate, or it might not have been located yet. And, occasionally, people do hide or destroy wills.

Finding the will: If your sister is handling your mother’s debts and assets, you can ask her if she has located the will or trust documents. If not, check with your mother’s attorney. Search her home or office file cabinets and desks. Contact any banks she used, to find out if she had a safe-deposit box there. Banks will usually let family members open a safe-deposit box in the presence of a bank officer to search for a will or burial instructions, although nothing else may be removed. Be sure to bring a copy of the death certificate.

If you believe that your sister has (or had) the will and is refusing to give you a copy or file with the court, you can petition the court to order her to produce it under California Probate Code Section 8201. There is no preprinted form for this, so you would need to either hire an attorney or come in to the law library and do some research. We have samples of this form that you can customize.

If you do find a will, you can start a probate case. In the case, you (or someone) will have to tally up all of your mother’s assets and debts, settle the debts, and then divide the remainder between the beneficiaries of the will, all under the court’s supervision.

What if there is a trust? If your mother set up a trust, there may never be a probate case. However, the trustee would be required to give you notice of the trust, even if you are not named in it, since you are one of the children. (California Probate Code Sections 16060.5-16061.8.) Therefore, if there is a trust, you should receive information about it, including your right to a copy of the documents. If you don’t get notice, you can sue the trustee for any damages you suffer as a result (including attorney's fees).

What if there is neither a will nor a trust? If there is no trust or will, your mother’s property goes to her surviving spouse or domestic partner. If none, her property should be divided equally between her children under California Probate Code Sections 6400-6414. If that doesn’t happen, you can start a case in probate court to enforce your right to your portion. Again, if you decide to go this route, you would need to either hire an attorney or come in to the law library and do some research.

Do keep in mind that any court action will take a lot of time, energy, and money. Unless your mother’s estate (after subtracting any debts) is fairly big, it may not be worth investing time and money, but that is up to you.

Try just talking to your sister first. She may be transferring money to make it easier to pay off debts and wind up your mother’s affairs, and may not realize that she needs to keep you better in the loop. If you still aren’t satisfied, you can decide whether to take that next step of filing in court.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

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.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Ask the County Law Librarian - Pet Licenses

2010-12-23T19:51:37Z

Q: We’re adopting a dog for our children for Christmas. A friend told me we'd need to get a pet license. Is this true? If so, who do we contact for that?

Bridget

A: Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

Sacramento County, and all cities within the County, require dogs and cats over 4 months of age to be vaccinated and licensed. Sacramento City also requires licensing of mini-pigs.

Each city processes its own licenses, so you will need to contact the Animal Services department for the city where you live. Links to each of those departments is listed below.

Citrus Heights (contract with the County to process animal licenses) - (read the code section here)
Elk Grove - (read the code section here)
Folsom - (read the code section here)
Galt (contract with the County to process animal licenses) (read the code section here)
Rancho Cordova - (read the code section here)
Sacramento - (read the code section here)
Unincorporated Sacramento County - (read the code section here)

Licensing fees vary between cities, and are significantly higher for unaltered animals. One-year licenses for a spayed or neutered dog will be $10-$15. One-year licenses for unaltered dogs range from $30-$150. Most cities offer one, two, or three year licenses, with discounts for the longer licenses. In order to obtain an animal license, you will need proof of rabies vaccination. If you wish to pay the reduced licensing fee for an altered animal, you will also need proof of spay or neuter.

Licensing your pet offers many benefits, especially if your pet gets lost. If your pet is wearing her license tag, animal control officers will attempt to bring her home, rather than taking her to the shelter. Should your pet end up at the shelter, though, the license will extend the time she is held at the shelter.

www.saclaw.org

Sacramento library inspires Bad Artists

2010-12-17T19:24:08Z

Artists beware: Somebody wants you to dream up the worst art you could possibly make. That is what Wednesday nights’ Bad Art Night event at the Central library was all about. Taking that dream and turning it into a reality.

Bad Art Night was put on by the ALT Library, a program organized by the Sacramento Public Library system.

Bad Art Night was meant to be the creation of art by the creation-less. They wanted nothing good, just the makers to make whatever they could. And at the end, every piece was to be judged, with the winner taking home a prize.

ALT Library was designed for Sacramento readers in their 20s and 30s. They feature events ranging from punk rock pilates to a book club and, coming soon, speed dating for book lovers.

“Typically, There’s a lack of programming or events for that age group,” Said Jessica Zaker, one of the program designers. “We’ve had some events work, and some just flop.”

But they’re trying. Alt Library program is on a trial-and-error basis. Seeing what works and what doesn’t. Bad Art seemed to work, but the turnout was not necessarily what was expected.

Interestingly, the upwards of 15 participants weren’t necessarily in the 20s and 30s age bracket that was expected. It was an all-ages event starting with the youngest artist (with an excess of yarn and a full bottle of glue) being his worst at just 9 years old.

Art materials ranged from ink stamps, acrylics, old wallpaper, glue sticks, markers and anything else that could be cut or glued. There were even canvases available, which were meant to be unique for those who have never before used such materials.

“We like multimedia use here. Those are especially bad,” said Lori Easterwood, another designer of the ALT Library program.

Easterwood, who has been working with the Sacramento Library District for three years, also jokingly noted that “so many people are scarred by bad art teachers in life. This is a way to come to terms with that.”

Though it was only a small event, it was light and transparent for those participating. An hour into its start, just before the final “judgment,” one participant was hesitating at his finished project. There were scissors and art supplies spread around him, and a comment from nowhere came his way, “Yours is too good.”

Someone replied back, “Well, he’s trying to make it worse.”

For information on upcoming ALT Library events, ask your local library branch for a flier or check it out HERE.

Kings fill library shelves during NBA Cares Week of Service

2010-10-25T06:34:24Z

Books - the basic building block in the foundation of learning - were missing from a new high school in Natomas, and it sounded like a job for the community-minded Sacramento Kings.

As part of the 2010 NBA Cares Week of Service and to celebrate the five-year anniversary of NBA Cares, the Sacramento Kings landed the Kings Karavan bus along with several players on Saturday at Natomas Pacific Pathways Preparatory School (NP3) for a community book drive in an effort to fill those barren shelves in the school’s library.

The slight drizzle turned to rain as the temperature dropped and the waterproof ponchos were handed out.

That didn’t stop Darnell Jackson, Pooh Jeter, Jason Thompson and Donte Greene from coming out to gather books from the vehicles driving through various collection drop boxes steadied by Kings Breakers and Sacramento Kings Dance Team members, as well as students.

Since NP3 opened almost two years ago, the library has had computers but very few tangible reading sources. The shelves are almost completely empty, but after today’s campaign, the wooden racks will have many more reading options available to the students.

Principal Tom Rutten was more than pleased to have the Kings in attendance helping collect the reading material for the students that are eager to learn.

“It’s awesome,” Rutten said, smiling. “For them to be willing to take the time and their commitment to the community, it’s just fantastic. We haven’t set a total of how many books we wanted, we just want to get the books into the kids' hands so that they are reading.”

There were several students giving an assist to the Kings personnel on hand.

“We don’t really have much,” student Zohaiv Arshad. “Some of the things that are missing are the sports programs and our library. We are always in the library, but there were computers in there but no books. We thought it would help the future of the school if we got a library.”

Jeter, a Kings player in his first year with the team, always appreciates when an organization such as the Kings partners with the community.

“It’s great that the Sacramento Kings and the community have that kind of relationship,” Jeter said. “This is something that all the kids need. Read to achieve.”

Jackson, a forward acquired by the Kings in the trade that sent Jon Brockman away, agreed with Jeter, saying that when kids go off to college or to reach that next level, they need to know how to read.

The rain couldn’t keep the determined donors away as cars made their way through the maze of kids, dancers and, of course, Slamson.

Collin Pitts, a child who came through hoping to see a few Kings players, was even luckier than that, as Slamson climbed into the backseat of his mom’s car and almost hitched a ride home with the youngster.

Since the inception of the NBA Cares program, the league, its teams and its players have donated more than $145 million to charity, completed more than 1.4 million hours of community service and created more than 525 places where kids and families can live, learn or play.

If you would like to donate a book or two, please visit NP3 at 3700 Del Paso Rd. All donations are greatly needed and will go a long way in building their library collection.

Local Halloween Events

2010-10-15T00:32:07Z

Celebrating Halloween is now a month-long occasion. Here are some spooky activities to get your skin crawling and set your nerves on end all the way through the 31st. All events are in Sacramento, unless noted otherwise.

Trash Film Orgy Halloween 2010

Crest Theatre, 1013 K St.
Oct. 31: 8 p.m. (doors open) 9 p.m. (show begins)
All seats cost $10 ($1 discount for those wearing costumes)
Ages 18 and older only
More information: www.trashfilmorgy.com or call 916-44-CREST

Trash Film Orgy presents “Heavy Metal Halloween” at the Crest Theatre. Live bloody stage shows, audience participation, games and costume contests will accompany a showing of the 1986 film “Trick or Treat,” featuring cameos by Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne. The bar will be open at 8 p.m. to hydrate a lobby full of crazy games, including a series of interactive games helping people become heavy-metal rock stars.

Haunted Hagan Screampark

Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
Oct. 8 - 28: 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Oct. 29 - 31: 7:30 - 11:00 p.m.
Ticket info: www.hauntedhagan.com/default.html

Haunted Hagan Screampark brags of hosting one of “Northern California’s most popular haunts; the Heartstoppers Haunted House.” In addition to having two haunted houses, the Screampark also features a train ride through the woods – operated by the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum. The Screampark also promises a generous onslaught of walking dead.

Living History “Ghost Tours” offered by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation

Eagle Theater, 925 Front St.
Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Adults: $15. Youth (ages 6-17): $10. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.historicoldsac.org or call 916-808-4980

This walking tour leads visitors through the spooky history of Old Sacramento, dating back to the 19th century. Tour guides are in costume and lead an entertaining and insightful trip through the streets of Old Sacramento.

The Mansion After Dark

Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park 1526 H St.

Oct. 23, 30 6 - 9 p.m.
Adults: $6. Youth (ages 6-17): $4. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion/ or call 916-323-5916

The mansion is embracing Halloween by decorating its rooms, playing scary music, providing only dim lighting and having costumed characters share stories of past governors. Fortune tellers will also be on-hand to share their predictions regarding the future. Tours through the darkened mansion are self-guided and appropriate for all ages.

The Haunted Fort

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St.

Oct. 29 - 30: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Adults: $6. Youth (ages 6-17): $4. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.suttersfort.org or call 916-323-7626

Sutter Fort’s State Historic Park offers this new Halloween-related event for visitors to learn more about the melancholy lives of pioneers from the 1800s. The tour lasts 45 minutes and guides visitors through darkened rooms and through the park as it is illuminated by the glow of firelight.

Spookomotive Train

Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot
Front and K streets in Old Sacramento

Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Adults: $9. Youth (ages 6-17): $4. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call 916-445-6645

A skeleton crew silently implores visitors to hitch a ride on this Halloween-themed diesel train. With cobwebs hanging uncomfortably overhead, the Spookomotive train transports visitors a total of six miles along the Sacramento River and through Old Sacramento’s streets, which will be decorated for the Fall Harvest Days activities. The ride is described as being “delightful, but not frightful,” so all ages are encouraged to hop aboard.

Blood Moon Regale

The Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.

Oct. 16: 6:30 p.m. (doors open) 7 p.m. (performance begins)
$20 for advance tickets, $25 at the door
Ages 18 and up
More information: www.bloodmoonregale.com/ or call 916-308-9573

Celebrating its 10th year of performing, Blood Moon’s theatrical dance showcase features students from Hot Pot Studios as well as performers from all over the world. Presented by Unmata, Blood Moon Regale’s “Now That’s Fun” includes jump rope, bath time, magic, threesomes, a trampoline, synchronized swimming and so many other bizarre things that it would be counter-productive to list them all here. To understand the intriguing quality of this performance, you will have to go and see it for yourself.

Sacramento Horror Film Festival

The Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.

Oct. 21-24
A full calendar of film showings and ticket packages can be viewed at: www.sachorrorfilmfest.com/

This annual film festival offers an eclectic mix of film screenings, performances and activities all paying homage to the horror genre. Special guests at this year’s event include performances by Jill Tracy and renaissance man Voltaire. A Zombie Beauty Pageant will also be held with prize packages for those who place first, second, and third.

Safe and Super Halloween Monster Mash

Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Drive

Oct. 22-24: 5 - 9 p.m.
Members: $10. Nonmembers: $7
Children 1-year old or younger have free admittance
More information: www.fairytaletown.org/ or call 916-808-7462

Fairytale Town will feature 17 candy stations and classic monsters, including Dracula, Dr. Jekyll, Frankenstein, witches and werewolves. The park has been made over for Halloween, offering hands-on activities and sets themed after spooky storybook tales. This event provides a wonderful Halloween experience for children and adults young at heart.

Haunted House at Maines Mansion

Midtown
2501 I St.

Oct. 22-31 (except on Monday and Tuesday): Dusk until 10 p.m.
Free admission, but donations are encouraged and accepted
More information: www.myramaines.com/

The Haunted House at Maines Mansion is celebrating its fifth anniversary. About 20 actors and special effects technicians bring the 30-minute show to guests exploring the century-old Victorian home. All donations will benefit Sunburst Projects (sunburstprojects.org) – an organization that helps children and families in the Sacramento area who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Haunted Stacks

Central Library Galleria
828 I St.

Oct. 22: 7 p.m.
Free admission
More information: www.altlibrary.com/ and RSVP at www.meetup.com/altlibrary/

Be unnerved with an evening of paranormal investigation, a big-screen showing of “Ghostbusters” and an after-hours tour of the Sacramento Room. Participants will seek out the lady in red as they wander through some of the oldest parts of the library. There will also be a sharing time dedicated to some of Sacramento’s most popular ghosts.

Haunted Oasis Bellydance Showcase

Lido Bar & Grill
7739 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael

Oct. 23: 6 - 9 p.m.
Free Admission
All ages
More information: www.mychelledancer.com/hauntedoasis.htm

Join the belly dance community as it celebrates Halloween. Sacramento’s best belly dancers will be performing “A Night in the Oasis,” with dancers Rak’elle, Nour, Nyla Crystal, Radhia, Badia of Farasha Storm, Kelly, Jewels of the North and more.

Pumpkin Carving Workshop and Contest

Gluten Free Specialty
2612 J St.

Oct. 24: Noon - 4 p.m.
$20 a person, $30 for a pair (registration required)
Register by visiting the store or calling 916-442-5241

Gluten Free Specialty is making space for pumpkin carvers of all skill levels to join in its inaugural pumpkin carving contest. The store allows participants to use carving tools and supplies. A pumpkin is provided with the price of entry, and the store will also be selling pumpkins all week leading up to Halloween. First prize will receive a $50 gift certificate to the store. Photos of the finished product will be posted for customers to view and vote on throughout the week.

One Scary Nite Halloween Party

Sacramento Auto Museum
2200 Front St.

Oct. 29: 9 p.m.
General Admission: $20
VIP Table: $70
Ages 21 and older
More information: www.onescarynite.com/ or call 916-649-2388

One Scary Nite 2 promises to be bigger, better and scarier than before. The night will include live mixing by “DJ Clue,” fire breathers, stilt walkers, jugglers, zombies, costume contests with cash prizes and a large dance floor. This year boasts star attendances like Denise Richards and Stacey Dash, Bobby Jackson, comedian Tony Roberts and more.

Halloween Blackout Skate

Roller King
889 Riverside Ave.
Roseville

Oct. 30: 7 - 10 p.m.
Free admission with any canned food item (skate rental not included)
All ages welcome
More information: www.rollerkingroseville.com or contact David Jacques at rollerking@surewest.net

This all-ages event benefits the Placer Food Bank. Games and prizes will be offered throughout the evening. Guest are encouraged to wear costumes, provided that they are able to safely skate in them.

Midtown Trick or Treat and Pooch Parade

Oct. 30:
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Trick or Treat
Relles Florist, 2400 J St.

2 - 4 p.m.
Pooch Parade
Kennedy Gallery 1114 20th St.

2 - 4 p.m.
Pooch Costume Contest
24th and K Lot

For those who are scared of the dark, this daytime trick-or-treating event, supported by participating Midtown businesses, is the perfect way to get your candy fix. For those who enjoy dressing up their dogs, a pooch parade and costume contest will be taking place in the late afternoon. To enter the pooch costume contest there will be a $10 donation, which goes to the United Animal Nations. The times and locations listed above are meeting points during the day.

Halloween Carnival 2010

6446 Sylvan Rd.
Citrus Heights

Oct. 30: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free admission
Ages 0-11
More information: www.creativefrontiers.com or call 916-502-6258

Creative Frontiers School and Radio Disney present a carnival full of activities for younger children. The carnival features vendors and food, live performances, raffles, costume contests, face-painting, hay rides, a bounce house, Radio Disney Live and much more.

Exotic Halloween Ball

Cal Expo

Oct. 30: 8:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
General admission: $34 in advance
VIP Tickets: $100
21 and older
More information: now100fm.radio.com/events/2010/10/30/exotic-halloween-ball/

In its 14th year, NOW 100.5 is carrying on the tradition of 100.5 The Zone by presenting an event for the big kids. This huge party features costume contests, four dance clubs, live music from Wonderbread 5, laser light shows, bikini lap dances, a spanking and flogging stage, human petting zoo, mechanical bull rides and an exotic fun house.

Hallow’s Eve Red Carpet Halloween Ball

Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.

Oct. 30: 7 p.m.
Free for executive members, $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers
More information: www.metrospark.net

Come in costume and spend a night with the Halloween-outfitted Shady Lady Saloon. Live entertainment will start around 9:30 p.m., free psychic readings will be provided by Tammy Adams from House of Angels and goodie bags and prizes will be offered throughout the evening. The Harley White Jr. Orchestra will provide the music, and Fall-inspired cocktails will be served.

Dead Rockstars Show

Old Ironsides
1901 10th St.

Oct. 31: 8 p.m.
$8 cover at the door, 21 and older

This annual rock show, presented by Jerry Perry, will feature the likes of Adrian Bourgeous, Ricky Berger, I Scream on Sundae, Breaking Glass, Ol' Cotton Dreary, Crazy Ballhead, The Onlymen, 2 or 3 Guys, Saucer, Jet Black Pope and more.

Halloween Trick or Treat at The Fountains

The Fountains
Roseville Parkway and Galleria Boulevard

Oct. 31: 4 - 6 p.m.
More information: www.thefountainsatroseville.com
Free admission

Each of the retail stores at The Fountains will be throwing a trick-or-treat party. Main Street will be closed off for pedestrian traffic as visitors meander through the many different Halloween-inspired stations.

Trick or Treat Night at IKEA

IKEA West Sacramento
700 IKEA Ct.

Oct. 31: 5 - 7 p.m.
Free admission
Ages 3-12

Rather than getting lost in some real-world neighborhood setting, IKEA open openup to children and provided a series of candy stops throughout its massive store. Come get lost in a maze and mixture of bedroom and kitchen scenarios this Halloween. Kids can get their candy, and you can redesign your living room.

Kids Costume Brunch

de Vere’s Irish Pub
1521 L St.

Oct. 31: 9 a.m-2 p.m.
More information: www.deverespub.com/ or call 916-231-9947

This is de Veres’ inaugural Kids Costume Brunch, giving kids an arguing point for wearing their costumes all day on Halloween. A full brunch menu will be served, with cocktails for the parents. Special treats and giveaways will be available for children in costume. Some of the prizes include 30 passes to the Sacramento Zoo and four passes to the “Boo at the Zoo Party.”

Larry Scholl’s Folsom Ghost Train

City Lions Park
Stafford Way, Folsom

Oct. 22-31: 7 - 9 p.m.
All ages
Tickets are $8

More information: www.larryscholl.net/ghosttrain2010.html

Storyboard artist Larry Scholl put his 20 years’ worth of creative experience – most notably with Walt Disney – to work with the creation of the Folsom Ghost Train. The Ghost Train is the only independent, full audio-animatronic attraction in California.

In-depth coverage of Larry Scholl and the Ghost Train can be found by reading the article below:
www.sacramentopress.com/headline/38412/The_Ghost_Train_offers_scares_for_the_whole_family

Murder and Mayhem Scavenger Hunt

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion
113 K St.

Now through Oct. 31: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Free admission
All ages welcome

More information: www.sacramentopress.com/headline/38078/Murder_and_mayhem_at_Evangelines or call 916-443-2181

A trip to Evangeline’s Costume Mansion provides entertainment for hours, with or without the scavenger hunt. But, in addition to the already-overwhelming stock of costumes, games, trinkets, and funny gadgets, the store now invites visitors to navigate the old mansion in pursuit of clues revealing the identity of murderers from throughout history.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo one: Evangeline's Costume Mansion Scavenger Hunt

Photo two: Ghost Tour

Photo three through six: Trash Film Orgy's presentation of "Trick or Treat"

Photos seven and eight: Larry Scholl's Folsom Ghost Train

Young Jewish Professionals Shake the Lulav for Sukkot NextDor...and Then Save the Deli

2010-09-24T23:58:27Z

Sitting on the edge of wonder, it is time to build the sukkah and dine under the stars with the region's young Jewish professionals, leaders, community, family, and friends. It’s harvest time. In Sacramento, perhaps more than many cities or regions around the world, we can very much identify with the spirit of Sukkot.

Tomorrow evening, Friday, Sept. 24, join NextDor and PJ Library in Sacramento for a Shabbat Sukkot dinner together! We'll dine outside in the sukkah, learn about Sukkot traditions, shake a few lulavs, and read stories. PJ Library is even providing the food! This event is the evening before NextDor's own big Sukkot dinner, so take advantage of both chances to make friends and enjoy dinner under the sky.
PJ Library has also asked NextDor members to read stories for the kids (they will supply the books). Send your RSVPs and questions to SacramentoPJLibrary@live.com.

Both UC Davis JLSA (Jewish Law Student Association) and KI have additional Shabbat celebrations, including comedian Simon Kaufman at KI brought to you by Rabbi Kaufman and family.

On Saturday, NextDor unfolds its 3rd Annual Sukkot Extravaganza at a private home in East Sacramento on the edge of the Fab 40’s. There will be a havdallah and the traditional Sukkot blessings followed by a tasty potluck & lots of socializing under the beautifully decorated sukkah.

We request that each person bring a food dish or bottle of wine to share with the group. If you are interested in bringing a Sukkot-inspired dish, please check out http://itotd.com/articles/322/the-foods-of-sukkot/ for ideas. To receive the address of the event, please contact Patricia Leonard via email at patricialeonard@nextdor.org.

Lastly on Sunday, go Save the Deli! Have you read the book? If not, eat your way to deli heaven, and enjoy the manna falling from the skies, literally. That’s right, Congregation Beth Shalom is flying in deli and bakery from the likes of Katz’s in NYC and Cantor’s in L.A. for the 33rd Annual Sacramento Jewish Food Faire. And someone’s riding the 80 to hit up Saul’s in Berkeley. Head out to Carmichael between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More details NextDor!
Blog NextDor about your favorite traditions or any of the experiences you host at your sukkah or activities from your synagogue. There’s a lot going on across the region.
And thanks for your support!
-Patricia Leonard, Co-Chair Education and Programs NextDor
-Jason Weiner, Co-Chair Membership
-Ryan Lewis, Vice-Chair NextDor
-Brian Fischer, Chair NextDor

New library opens in Pocket-Greenhaven

2010-08-29T07:10:12Z

Since 1958, Robbie Waters has served Sacramento as an officer with the Sacramento Police Department, as Sacramento Sheriff, and as Councilmember for District 7 for the last 15 years.

A uplifting seal of closure was given to his years of service at Saturday morning’s opening of the Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library.

“The library is an accomplishment for the entire community,” said Waters to a crowd of approximately 500 people. “I have no doubt it will be well used.”

The $15-million library consists of 45 public access computers, a 72-seat capacity community meeting room, a teen room, a quiet room, two study rooms, and a Ready to Read room for kids. The library is designed for 67,000 books and materials.

Waters was very humble when referring to the name of the library.

“Other than the birth of three children and a marriage of 50 years, this is the most humbling thing that has happened to me,” said Waters. “It’s unbelievable.”

The Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library group formed in 2005 to begin fundraising for the project and worked at getting the books for the library.

“Dolores (Nuse) and I have been members of the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library since 2005 and we were the only group to start without a building,” said board member Kathi Windheim. “Our group had the growing support of you, the community, and 20 blue portfolio folders containing letters of support from Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assemblymember Dave Jones, (former) Mayor Heather Fargo, and Councilman Robbie Waters.”

“Today, we only have one of those blue folders left.”

Community groups such as the neighborhood Elks Lodge and Curves Fitness Center hosted book sales, and business such as the Pocket Rotary Club, Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream, Subway, and Hey Dude! Where’s My Yogurt also provided support.

“Thank you for showing what is possible,” said State Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg regarding the Friends of the Library and those who worked toward the construction of the facility.

“Thank you for never having the word ‘no’ in your lexicon,” said Steinberg. “This is a very happy day for Sacramento, but it is a happy day for the state as well because it shows what we can do.”

The Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library is the third library to open up in the Sacramento Public Library system over the past year. A new library opened in Valley Hi-North Laguna one year ago, and the Belle Cooledge library recently refurbished.

“This is an opportunity for us to just be thankful,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson. “We opened three libraries this year. That is a big deal.”

Various dignitaries attended the event including former Mayor Heather Fargo, former Mayor and current County Supervisor Jimmy Yee, County Supervisors Roberta MacGlashan and Don Nottoli, City Councilmembers Bonnie Pannell, Lauren Hammond, Sandy Sheedy, and Kevin McCarty, Interim City Manager Gus Vina, and City Attorney Eileen Teichert.

For Waters, it was about giving thanks to the community.

“I just want to thank you for the naming of the library and for letting me represent you for 16 year,” said Waters. “I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Ask the County Law Librarian

2010-08-26T20:08:40Z

Welcome to the Sacramento County Public Law Library’s new column, “Ask the County Law Librarian.”

The Sacramento County Public Law Library has been providing FREE public access to legal information since 1891; however, many residents don’t even know about us. We hope this column will remedy that, educating and informing readers about the legal system and legal services and resources available for free or for a very low cost.

How it works: You come up with a legal question, and I respond, providing references to books, websites, or local agencies that can help you answer your legal question. I cannot provide legal advice – that is, I cannot tell you what you should do, but I can provide legal information, so that you will know what your options are.

Another thing I cannot do is interpret the law. I can, however, direct you to the text of the law itself, and to other sources – in the Law Library and on the Internet – that have analyzed and interpreted the law.

So send your questions to sacpress@saclaw.org! I will feature one question per week each Thursday here at The Sacramento Press. Questions not featured will be answered privately within two weeks. I look forward hearing from you!

Coral Henning, Director

Connect with us:

Twitter: @saclawlibrarian or @coralh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saclawlib

www.saclaw.org

What's happening at the Capitol: October 21, 22, 23

2009-10-21T05:00:18Z

Wednesday, Oct. 21

1:30 - 3 p.m. Firestar Productions will be filming a California Firefighters Conference video. The crew of about six will be filming near the south steps and south lawn area of the Capitol.

5 - 9 p.m. The California State Library will hold their monthly "Food For Thought" event at the California History Room, room 200 of the Library & Courts Building II at 900 N Street. Held the third Wednesday of each month, the free event features a film, refreshments and discussion. This week's film is Young Frankenstein. About 80 people will attend the screening.

Thursday, Oct. 22

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The California Afterschool Network will be holding their annual "Lights On Afterschool" celebration on the south steps of the Capitol. It will feature student performances, guest speakers and an awards ceremony for teachers, parents and students. About 500 people are expected to participate.

Friday, Oct. 23

No events are scheduled for this day.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosts town hall forum

2009-09-04T03:20:16Z

Upon Mayor Kevin Johnson's invitation, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan came to Sacramento Thursday to discuss his views on charter schools and education reform. He also met with Sacramento legislators, students and teachers, before answering questions in a town hall forum.

A little after 5 p.m., Johnson introduced Duncan to a public audience who gathered inside Sacramento's Central Library. In a five-minute speech, he outlined Duncan's resume as a Harvard graduate and superintendent of Chicago's Public Schools.

"I'm more excited about the state and the potential of what we can do in this country with the leadership of President Obama and U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan," Johnson said. "They are talking about some bold reform ideas that I think we all know make good sense."

Duncan took the microphone to a round of applause and gave a 10-minute speech. He also posed questions such as, "How do we as a country get dramatically better (in education)?" and, "How do we educate our way to a better economy?"

"California is a big deal, hold(ing) one eighth of the United States' students," Duncan said, adding, "How California goes, the country goes."

"We want to invest north of $10 billion. We've never had this kind of discretionary money to invest in states, districts and nonprofits to help close the achievement gap. It's a time of tremendous opportunity," he explained.

Then he opened up the floor for 30 minutes of questions.

When asked about his opinion on charter schools, Duncan said, "I'm not a fan of charter schools. I'm a fan of good charter schools."

"What we need in our country is more good schools, and a number of things have to happen; charters are a piece of the solution - never the solution," he added.

Another community member asked what Duncan thought about promoting arts in schools.

"It's always the arts that get cut when money gets tight, (but) it's often band, choir, musicals, being on a sports team, being on a debate team that keep children in school," he said. "We cannot afford to narrow the curriculum, and (teaching the arts) is one the best underutilized strategies for keeping children in school."

Duncan also addressed a question on how to engage parents to be a part of the learning process. "Parents are always going to be kids' first teachers, and they're always going to be their most important teachers," he said. "When parent's aren't engaged or they're fighting the teachers, they're part of the problem."

"We need to do as much as we can to challenge parents to meet us more than halfway," he added.

Got a Favorite Poem? Bring it on Wednesday to the Sacramento Room!

2009-08-27T23:11:27Z

The Sacramento Poetry Center and The Sacramento Room

present

A Favorite Poem Reading

Wednesday, September 2. 5:30pm to 7:30pm

at The Sacramento Room Central Library, Second Floor 828 I Street

Join your fellow Citizens in an evening of fine verse!
Hosted by Mary Zeppa and Bob Stanley

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Readers will include:

Carlos Alcala, Sacramento Bee                             Jeffrey Callison, KXJZ
Marcus Crowder, Sacramento Bee                        Clare Ellis, the Sacramento Room
Richard Hansen, the Book Collector                     Muriel Johnson, California Arts Council
Sheree Meyer, Chair, CSUS English Dep’t           Don NOTTOLI, County board of Supervisors
Suzette Riddle, California Lectures                        Ray Tatar, California Stage

“If a poem is written well,” Robert Pinsky said, “it was written with the poet’s voice and for a voice. Reading a poem silently instead of saying a poem is like the difference between staring at sheet music and actually humming or playing the music on an instrument.”

From 5:30 to 7:30, on a late summer evening, Sacramento’s readers and writers of poetry will have a chance to share their favorite poems at this festive event at the beautiful and historic Sacramento Room. The ten readers listed above will anchor the evening’s festivities; after that, it will be up to the rest of us. Bring a poem to read (not your own), and plan on a maximum of five minutes per reader. Please understand that our time is limited, and the open mic scheduling will be based on a first-come, first-served basis. So get there early, and be ready to hear a wide range of poetry in a wonderful setting.

To read a poem aloud is to give it new life. At the Sacramento Poetry Center, we couldn’t agree more. This July marked our 30th anniversary of our commitment to “the rich and vigorous presence of poetry in contemporary life.” This event will be the first in a new series of SPC readings in the Sacramento Room and at the Central Library. For details on all the poetry activities presented by SPC see www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org

Civil Self Help Center Opens

2009-08-13T18:22:12Z

The Sacramento County Public Law Library (SCPLL) is the new home to the Civil Self Help Center which was formerly located in the Sacramento Superior Court. The Civil Self Help Center provides self represented litigant’s FREE legal advice and information on a variety of civil issues including but not limited to responding to a breach of contract complaint, name change, discovery requests, and much more.

The center came about through a partnership with SCPLL, the Sacramento Superior Court and the Voluntary Legal Services Program of the Sacramento County Bar Association. SCPLL contracts with VLSP to staff the CSHC. VLSP staff consists of a staff attorney and two paralegals. SCPLL staff work with VLSP each morning to “triage” the incoming customers. Staff assist in directing customers to CSHC workshops or in making appointments for one-on-one assistance.

The Sacramento Superior Court due to the state’s economic crisis could no longer fund this important program out of their general fund. SCPLL spoke with the court’s executive office about transitioning the program to SCPLL and a partnership developed whereby the court provided the furnishings and initial office equipment for SCPLL to get the center off the ground. In addition the Superior Court also is providing some grant monies to defray some of the staffing costs. This worked out to be a win-win for all concerned: the program continues to provide much needed services to the public, SCPLL expands services and increases visibility and value in the community and the Superior Court continues to support improved access to justice!

Visit http://www.saclaw.org/pages/civil-self-help-center.aspx for more information about Civil Self Help Center!

Big week for local book-lovers

2009-07-06T21:30:53Z

This will be a big, varied book week in Sacramento, with events ranging from a volunteer chapbook-making workshop to a Second Saturday reception for local art-book author Doug Biggert.

Monday, July 6, 8:00 p.m. The Moody Blues Poetry Series. A Taste of Laguna Southern Cuisine. Weekly poetry reading hosted by Ms. La-Rue, with music by DJ Barney B. $5. A Taste of Laguna. 9080 Laguna, Elk Grove 95758, (916) 691-663
Tuesday, July 7, 7:30 p.m Poets’ Workshop. Sacramento Poetry Center. Weekly workshop moderated by Danyen Powell. Bring 15 copies of your one page poem to be read and critiqued. Free. Hart Senior Center. 915 27th Street, Sacramento 95816, (916) 264-5462 or (530) 756-6228.
Wednesday, July 8, 6-9:00 p.m. The Bone Folders: Poems-For-All Folding Party. The Book Collector. Help build little books of poetry. Poems-For-All needs help folding hundreds of little poem booklets to be given away during Jack Hirschman's San Francisco International Poetry Festival, starting July 23. No previous experience necessary. Refreshments provided. The Book Collector. 1008 24th St., Sacramento 95816, (916) 442-9295.
Thursday, July 9, 6:00 p.m. One Book, One Sacramento: The Soloist. The Sacramento Public Library enters its fifth One Book program with a reading group discussion of Steve Lopez’s The Soloist, the now-famous story about the relationship between an L.A. Times reporter and a homeless, classically trained musician. The Soloist is also a major motion picture from DreamWorks, starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. One Book events will continue through the fall. (The next scheduled reading group event will be Tuesday July 14.) The Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento 95814 (916)264-2700.
Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. The Right Place for Love, by Chris Reed. Reed, his wife Sophie and his two young daughters sold everything they owned and left Davis for Normandy, France. Reed told about the journey in a series of columns for the Davis Enterprise. What didn’t appear in the columns, however, was the collapse of the Reeds’ marriage and Chris’ downward spiral into a life of drunken crisis. The Right Place for Love is his memoir of this period. Free event. The Avid Reader, 617 Second Street, Davis 95616, (530)758-4040.
Saturday, July 11, 6:00-10:00. Second Saturday reception -- Doug Biggert's Hitchhikers. The Verge Gallery and Studio Project will showcase forty years of photography by Sacramentan Doug Biggert, long known to locals as the Tower Books buyer and godfather of the zine movement. The show includes photographs of nearly every hitchhiker Biggert has picked up (over 400). Seventy of these photographs appear in his book, Hitchhiker. Free event. Verge, 1900 V Street, Sacramento 95818.
Sunday, July 12, 11:00 a.m. El Camino Poets Workshop. Hart Senior Center. Hosted by Carol Louise Moon. Bring eight copies of your poems for critique. Hart Senior Center. 915 27th Street, Sacramento 95816, (916) 264-5462.

And here is a little peek ahead at next week:

Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m. One Book, One Sacramento – The Soloist. Book discussion. South Natomas Library, 2901 Truxel Road, Sacramento 95833, (916) 264-2920.

Wednesday, July 15, 11:30 and 5:30. Chef Mark Miller. Grange Restaurant and Bar

. Join Chef Miller for an exclusive book signing of his highly anticipated cookbook,

Tacos,

at Grange Restaurant & Bar, during lunch and dinner hours. Grange Executive Chef Michael Tuohy will create a special menu for the occasion highlighting dishes from

Tacos

. Early in his career, Miller worked at Chez Panisse before starting his own Fourth Street Grill, also located in Berkeley, in 1979. Since then he has created more than 13 restaurants on three continents, most notably in 1985 when he opened Coyote Café in Santa Fe. Other projects have included Red Sage and Raku in Washington, D.C., Loongba

Arden Dimick fall book club theme -- all about food

2009-06-30T19:30:24Z

The Arden Dimick Library open book club has announced a fall theme for foodies – reading about eating, cooking and sharing food. Recent slow food events in Sacramento have illustrated the region’s deep interest in sustainable food issues. Michael Pollan’s California Lectures event sold out. The Crest Theater continues to be pestered by callers looking for opening night of sustainable food documentary Food Inc. Local foodie websites like Vanilla Garlic and Poor Girl Eats Well garner huge audiences and serious praise. With that in mind, this summer may be the perfect time to read about food, preparing you to take part in the book club discussions this fall.

September 20, the club will discuss Julie Powell’s Julie & Julia: 365 days, 524 recipes, 1 tiny apartment kitchen. Powell wrote a wildly popular, comic memoir blog (The Julie/Julia Project) detailing the daily difficulty of trying to recreate 524 recipes from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year, while working at New York’s ground zero by day. The blog begat the book and the book begat the movie (Julie & Julia), which debuts August 7, starring Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as Julie Powell.
October 25, the group will discuss Berkeley professor Pollan’s In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto, whose world-famous mantra -- “eat food, not too much, mostly plants” has captured the attention of readers, eaters, chefs and policy-makers everywhere. Pollan spoke to a standing room crowd at Westminster Presbyterian in June. Now he will appear in the documentary Food Inc, opening with a panel discussion at the Crest Theater Friday, July 3. In Defense of Food is Pollan’s newest and most straightforward read, about the simple premises he thinks can improve the quality, health and pleasure of our eating lives.
November 15, just in time for Thanksgiving, the club will read New York Times food critic Ruth Reichl’s humorous and poignant memoir of her lifetime love of food, Tender at the Bone: Growing up at the Table. Reichl’s food skills grew in part out of her very real need to survive with a mother who was not only taste-blind but disparaging of the dangers of rot.

All the book club talks will be held on Sundays, from 2:00-3:30, at Arden Dimick Library, 891 Watt Avenue, Sacramento. Email with any questions.

Poetry, a film opening and a writing contest: literary Sacramento this week

2009-06-29T17:09:09Z

This is a great week for book-minded Sacramentans, with plenty of literary events taking place in libraries, movie theaters, community centers and museums. Read on.

Monday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. Poetry reading -- Dorine Jennette and Valerie Fioravanti. Sacramento Poetry Center. Hosted by Frank Graham Dixon. Davis resident Jennette has published poems, essays, and reviews in The Journal, Ninth Letter, Coconut, Court Green, Memorious, Puerto del Sol, and the Georgia Review. She has a poetry collection, Grace by Degrees, coming out in 2010. Valerie Fioravanti writes fiction, essays, and prose poems. Her story collection, The Brooklyn Shuffle, was a finalist for the Tartt First Book Award. Her stories have appeared in North American Review, Cimarron Review, Hunger Mountain, and Green Mountains Review, among others. Her stories and prose poems have earned four Pushcart Prize nominations, and special mention in Pushcart Prize XXVIII. She received a Fulbright Fellowship (Italy) to research her novel, Bel Casino, which is one of two novels currently in the works. She teaches short story and multi-genre classes online for the UCLA Writers' Extension and private workshops from her home in midtown Sacramento. She has also taught writing for New Mexico State University and National University's MFA Program. Free event. Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th Street, Sacramento 95816, (916) 979-9706.
Tuesday, June 30 (and ongoing through 8/1), Focus on Writers contest. Sacramento Public Library. Spend your Tuesday looking into the rules for the contest and choosing what you’d like to submit. California writers are invited to enter entries for a chance to win $250 for first prize, $150 for second prize and $75 for third prize in six categories. For information about the categories, visit www.saclibraryfriends.org. Contest entries must be postmarked by 8/1.
Wednesday, July 1-August 19, once/week, 6:30-9:00 p.m., Research and Interviewing Techniques for Nonfiction Writers, U.C. Davis Extension. Elisabeth Sherwin will lead this eight week course for students who want to learn how to gather information and track down interview sources in preparation for publishing. Students will explore many forms of nonfiction writing and learn how to tailor their work to the market. $325.00 tuition. Sutter Square Galleria, 2901 K St, Sacramento.
Thursday, July 2, 8 p.m. Joe Montoya’s Poetry Unplugged. Luna’s Cafe. There will be an open mic, before and after guest hosts Frank Andrick, Mario Ellis Hill, Geoffery Neil & B.L. Kennedy. Two dollar cover fee or one drink minimum. Luna’s Café, 1414 16th Street, Sacramento 95814, (916) 441-3931.
Friday, July 3, 8:00 p.m. Special screening of Food Inc., followed by panel discussion. Crest Theater.Pesticide Watch Education Fund will host a special opening-night screening of Robert Kenner’s red-hot film Food, Inc. Following the film, chefs, academics and activists will participate in a lively discussion on how the region, state and country can tackle the challenges facing farms and the food system. Food Inc, said to be the next Inconvenient Truth, features interviews with authors Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food). Pollan spoke this summer at a sold-out California Lectures event and Eric Schlosser is scheduled to speak through California Lectures' 2009-2010 season. The Arden Dimick Library open book group will read In Defense of Food this fall. Tickets for this special screening are $12 and they are on sale now at tickets.com, Crest box office, or by calling 1-800-225-2277.
Saturday, July 4, 10:30 a.m., Teen Advisory Council meeting. Rancho Cordova Library. Join the teen library council, which meets the first Saturday of each month. Help plan and run programs for the library. Advise on books, music and DVD choices and programs. Receive community service credit. Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento 95827, (916) 264-2770.
Sunday, July 5, 12:00-5:00 p.m. With Malice Toward None: Abraham Lincoln exhibit. The California Museum. Celebrate Independence Day weekend by visiting this Library of Congress exhibit commemorating Lincoln’s two hundredth birthday. It charts Lincoln’s growth from politician to statesman, addressing his presidency’s controversies, including challenges to civil liberties and the Constitution, slavery and race, and the dissolution of the Union and the Civil War. Exhibit continues through August 22. $8.50 for adults, $7.00 for seniors (65+) and college students, $6.00 for youths aged 6-13 and free for children 5 and younger. California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento 95814, (916) 653-7524.

Julie Estridge Library Memorial at Roseville High School

2009-04-04T04:45:25Z

--This is a collaboration by Angelina Turner and Becky Morgan.--

Have you ever been driving down the freeway and noticed that a section is named after someone? A portion of Hwy-65 is dedicated to fallen Officer Mark A. White; or historical figures like the Donner Party have Donner Pass? Cities of all sizes have at least one building named after someone that gave a measurable contribution to their community or accomplished something great: the Crocker Art Museum, Sutter’s Fort, or on a grander scale, the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building or the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Colleges name dorms, gymnasiums and lecture halls, to honor a large donation or because of an invaluable impression left on the school--which brings me to the Julie Estridge Library Memorial Dedication.

If you walk through the Roseville High School (RHS) campus, you will notice several structures that follow the tradition of honoring those individuals who have left lasting impressions on the alumni, parents, staff and teachers. There is the Moeller Gymnasium; J.B. Gale Little Theater; Patti Baker Performing Arts Center; and the Sylvia Besana Administration Building; in addition to the Tedy Bruschi Weight Training Facility and Hanson Field (the football field).

Roseville High School alumni and community members have launched a movement to recognize RHS's longest-serving librarian and one of its most beloved teachers, Julie Estridge, by naming the school's library in her memory.

Mrs. Estridge, who passed away last year, served as librarian at Roseville High School for 27 years, from 1979-2006. Considered a transformational figure on the RHS campus, Mrs. Estridge coordinated the re-design and modernization of the library to make it the intellectual and emotional heart of the school.

"Julie was a shining example of the kind of person we would all hope to be. With her welcoming good cheer,
wise humor and compassionate attention, she left a vibrant legacy of courtesy and quiet grace in the hearts of
those who knew her."-Becky Morgan

“It is teachers and administrators such as Julie Estridge that make students fondly remember their experiences
at Roseville High School. It is teachers and administrators such as Julie Estridge that helped me succeed in my
life with a successful career at Microsoft and as an elected official in Milton Township, Michigan. It is teachers and
administrators like Julie Estridge that should be honored and remembered.” -Supervisor Robert Benjamin

“I have very fond memories of Mrs. Estridge. She was someone that cared deeply for the students, not because we
were students but because she always saw the best in people and believed they could do anything if they had the
tools within their reach. She encouraged us to always set goals that might be just out of reach so that we didn’t sell
ourselves short.”-Angelina Turner

The supporters of naming the library in Julie’s honor feel that this is a normal sequence, since the library is one of the few widely used buildings not named after someone. But like all things in life, nothing is that simple.

Our goal is to find as many alumni who attended RHS between 1979 and the present day and to urge them to write letters to the Roseville Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees in support of the dedication.

Alumni and other members of the community who would like to add their names to the list of supporters should contact RHS teacher Cecil Morris at cmorris@rjuhsd.us.

Supporters should also send a message to the board members asking them to support the naming of the library in honor of Mrs. Estridge. Their addresses are:

* Jack Duran, jduran@rjuhsd.us
* R. Jan Pinney, rpinney@rjuhsd.us
* Garry Genzlinger, ggenzlinger@rjuhsd.us
* Paige Stauss, pstauss@rjuhsd.us
* Scott Huber, shuber@rjuhsd.us

We don’t know if there is any opposition to this petition, thought we do know that the current district policy doesn’t promote memorial dedications of district buildings. But we are hoping to provide a unified front with which to persuade them to see that our librarian, Julie Estridge, is the most qualified to have this honor bestowed in her memory.

The school board will vote on the library dedication proposal at its meeting on April 21. The list of supporters' names, as well as letters and other supporting documentation, must be submitted to the district before April 10.

If you would like to read more about Julie Estridge, her obituary can be found on The Sacramento Bee's web page http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=107440553

There is also a Facebook Group for supports of this proposal http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=61821536611

California Artists Showcased in Competitive Exhibit

2009-01-12T19:12:41Z

January 10, 2009 – Sacramento, Calif. – Showcasing both established and emerging artists in California, the Crocker Art Museum presents the 75th competitive exhibition The Crocker-Kingsley: California’s Biennial from January 10 to February 6, 2009. Due to construction at the Crocker, the exhibition will take place at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, located in Downtown Sacramento at 828 I Street. This exhibit will display 59 contemporary artworks in a wide array of media – painting, photography, sculpture, print and craft.

These works demonstrate the vibrant art scene throughout California. More than 500 artists submitted nearly 1,500 works for this competitive exhibit. The juror, nationally acclaimed artist Michael Bishop, selected 59 works from 54 artists which he felt were the “most fresh and original.” The Crocker-Kingsley presents an excellent opportunity to see various artistic developments in California within a diverse context of artists and mediums.

Among the 54 artists selected to display their works, five artists have received awards for the exceptional quality and excellence of their artworks. Agelio Batle, from San Francisco, was awarded Best of Show for his work of suspended graphite on wood panel, titled Black Growth. Kin Kwok, also from San Francisco, received First Place for his sculptural work of porcelain, pigments and resin, titled Orange Faces. Second Place was awarded to Sacramento artist Gioia Fonda for She Wears Perfume For Luck When She Plays Bingo, a work in acrylic, watercolor, gouache and ink. Geoff Tuttle of Sacramento was awarded Third Place for his mixed-media installation of wood, motor, electric parts, halogen bulbs and plexi, titled Projector. Lastly, San Jose artist Trevor Koch received Honorable Mention for his sculpture of low-fire ceramic, glaze, latex paint, flocking, found objects and hardware, titled Implement.

Visitors to the exhibition between January 10 and February 23 will have the opportunity to vote for the work they believe is deserving of the People’s Choice Award. The winner will be posted on the Crocker’s website on February 2.

On Saturday, January 24, Crocker-Kingsley juror Michael Bishop will talk about his studio and public art from 12-1:30 p.m. He will also discuss the Biennial from the juror’s perspective and what goes into judging an exhibition like the Crocker-Kingsley. This forum will take place in the East Meeting Room of the Sacramento Public Library located in Downtown Sacramento at 828 I Street. Reservations are required for this forum. To register, call (916) 808-1182 or email education@crockerartmuseum.org.

The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of California, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday; 1st and 3rd Thursdays until 9 p.m. Free admission on Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. is made possible through the support of Bank of America. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Do you know an adult who struggles with reading/writing?

2008-11-26T22:56:00Z

Did you know that Sacramento has a program that can help adults with basic reading and writing skills? Since its foundation in 1984, the Literacy Service of the Sacramento Public Library has offered one-on-one tutoring with English-speaking adults, helping them to improve the skills necessary to function in today's society.

Let's face it—adults who have trouble with reading and writing face a daily struggle. Imagine the frustration involved with trying to do basic things like read street signs, order a meal at a restaurant or send someone a birthday card.

Even more frustrating is that many of these adults may have children who are attending school. For these parents, reading a book to their children and helping with homework are impossible tasks.

The Literary Service offers a great opportunity not only for the students, but for community members interested in becoming tutors. Maybe you're a recent college graduate considering a job as a high school teacher or a college professor and want to get a little taste of what teaching might be like.

Or maybe you're a retired teacher who still wants to be active in the community. If you're 18 years or older and can devote an hour or two at least once a week, you can become a tutor.

Tutors aren't required to have any special skills or materials to start. After attending the training sessions, which add up to 14 hours, tutors will be provided with all the necessary course materials. Literacy staff is available to help the tutors if needed.

Students and tutors usually meet once a week for about an hour and a half, either at the library or other public locations convenient for both the student and tutor.

For more information, visit the Arcade Community Library:
2443 Marconi Ave. Sacramento, Ca 95821

You can also visit them at their Web site or give them a call at 966-READ

Do you know adults who have trouble with reading or writing? What kind of struggles does this create? Would you be willing to become a tutor?

Photo credits:
Photo #1 derived from this Web site
Photo #2 derived from this Web site
Both photos licensed under the Creative Commons license