Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "rocklin"

Elk Grove Force wins Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops tournament

2011-11-15T06:49:05Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-11-08T05:43:29Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hear an explanation of how the tournament will work below:

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

What the team captains have to say:

Citrus Heights Crush

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

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

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

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

Rancho Cordova Magic Makers

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

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

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

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

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

Sacramento Donkey Fong

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

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

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

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

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

West Sacramento Brick Layers

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

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

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

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

Folsom 49ers

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

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

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

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

Rocklin Rim Rattlers

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

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

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

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

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

Elk Grove Force

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

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

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

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

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

Roseville Annexers

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Amendment Day

2011-09-11T05:49:03Z

“We have to fight to protect the Second Amendment” said Sam Parades, member of the Board of Directors of Gun Owners of America, to a group of gun enthusiasts who gathered to express their second amendment rights at a “2nd Amendment Day” event, sponsored by TDS Guns of Rocklin.

Craig, co-owner of TDS Guns, said they put on this event “to show our support for the Tea Party and the Second Amendment.” “People don’t take responsibility”, said Craig, when asked about the purchase of firearms for unlawful reasons. “It’s not the gun’s fault, it is the individual.”

Several guest speakers spoke at the event, including Eric Hogue, VP of Advancement at William Jessup University, Sacramento area talk show host, and radio commentator. Hogue reflected on his upbringing being exposed to guns and how his Great Grandfather taught him everything he needed to know about the use, danger, and proper way to use guns, “so why on God’s green earth, do I need a government to tell me more than that”.

Nearby, two protesters used their First Amendment rights to peacefully express their views on the subject of gun control. “We have been able to point out our beliefs about how accidental deaths from guns are unacceptable and there are too many in a modern society” said one protester.

Also on hand today was Miss Capitol City, Rachel Walter, who is vying for the Crown of Miss California in 2012. TDS Guns is one of her sponsors for the pageant. When asked about her goals for the competition, “my goal as the future crown holder is to help promote education in the state that she loves; after all, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to the next.

Mark Meckler, Co-Founder and National Coordinator for the Tea Party Patriots inspired the crowd with his thoughts, “It is critically important that we come out on days like today and support the Second Amendment. It’s critically important that we read the Second Amendment, that we read the entire constitution, and that we understand the rights given to us by the founders”.

In America, we have been given the right to express our opinions openly and honestly. We can march, we can protest, we can even criticize our leaders as well as hold events like today’s, as long as we stay in the boundaries of the law. There are issues we may not agree with that are neighbors see differently and for the most part, we agree to disagree. Some issues such as the 2nd Amendment can polarize people in a way, which is very hard to find common ground, but the majority of us seem to be proud, we have that right to do just that.

No, Not Everyone Who Lives in Roseville wears Ed Hardy

2011-08-29T05:35:03Z

So please stop categorizing us as such.

I'm not sure what it is about you downtown folk. I know firsthand it's hard as hell to get any of you to leave the grid. Yes, I know, a lot of you don't own cars, and lord knows you can't ride your fixie all the way to Rocklin. No, it's not that far, actually. A lot of us up here drive down there all the time. ALL. THE. TIME. I suppose if I want to see some of my friends I have to come to them? Apparently.

But I digress. I have heard so many times people from Sacramento blast us up here in the 'burbs. "Oh, they are all Ed Hardy-wearing, steroid-taking, bleach-blond, over-tanned, fake-boobed douchebags who drive BMWs and lifted trucks."

Pretty sure the last time I checked, that's about 15 percent of the population up here. Don't act like this "type" isn't running rampant all over downtown either! All of those mortgage brokers who lost their jobs still live downtown, overpay for VIP booths and act like a-holes when out in public. It's not just a treat for us up here.

It would be really easy for me to just say all people who live downtown can't afford to buy a house, a car, are hipsters, wear god awful neon skinny pants and Toms and ride bikes because they are too cool for cars. (Don't act like you haven't seen this type all over downtown.) Also, the attitudes on these hipsters! Who died and made them god of "I liked this before it was cool"? Ew. No one likes an arrogant hipster. But me saying this and actually believing it all is just as bad as being stereotyped as a "typical Roseville dude-bro tool."

I live in Rocklin. I grew up here and went to school in Roseville. My entire family lives here. I am quite sure that no one in my family, nor anyone in my huge circle of friends is, was, or ever will be what you all call a typical Roseville "bro." Not all of us have hideous tribal tattoos, wear Affliction, or fist bump our homies.

Perhaps, just perhaps, you should attempt coming up here and seeing what it's really like. Sure, we have The Fountains and The Galleria with its expensive brand-name stores. But, hey, guess what? We also have Ross, Marshall's and Target! There are a ton of good restaurants up here, quaint shops in downtown Roseville and even some quality hole-in-the-wall bars (for those of you who prefer a dimly lit, stinky bar that serves PBR).

I have several tattoos, buy my clothes from cheap stores, drink PBR sometimes and love to eat at hole-in-the-wall joints. Oh, and guess what? I drive downtown almost every weekend to a) visit my friends and b) go out. I am always amused when people assume I am from downtown, and by the look of shock and almost horror on said downtown person's face when I tell them I am from Rocklin. "Really? But you look so downtown!" Not sure if that's a compliment or not these days.

A recent article on this site said: "To the people of Rocklin and Nouveau Roseville, it is a bastion of filth and homelessness and liberal politics (Did you feel that generalization come sweeping past at warp sweep?)"

I felt compelled to leave my first comment ever on an article on Sacramento Press, and now here I am writing a POV article almost as a rebuttal.

So please, dear Grid Folk, be gentle in your stereotyping ways. I would think that people living downtown with "liberal politics" would be a little more understanding of things foreign to them.

Well-Known Sacramento Broadcaster Eric Hogue to Join William Jessup University as Vice President of Advancement

2011-05-18T21:38:39Z

ROCKLIN, Calif. – William Jessup University announced today that Eric Hogue, a longtime Sacramento area talk show host and radio commentator, will join the university as its Vice President of Advancement. Hogue will begin his new role effective June 1.

Hogue has been a supporter of the university, the Greater Sacramento region’s only private residential university, since it relocated from San Jose in 2004.

“We look forward to Eric joining our executive administration team,” said Dr. John Jackson, William Jessup University’s president. “He will be instrumental as he continues to build our marketing and communications programs as well as foster existing and new relationships in the community that are vital to the continued growth of our institution.”

Hogue, who has worked for Salem Communications radio stations in the Sacramento region since 2000, was KTKZ-AM’s first Program Director and morning talk host.

Hogue, who resides in Roseville with his family, has hosted successful talk shows on Salem’s News/Talk 1380 KTKZ and Christian/Talk 710 KFIA.

He has been a frequent guest host for Salem Radio Network’s national commentators, including Bill Bennett, Michael Medved, Dennis Prager, Mike Gallagher and Hugh Hewitt. He is also a guest opinion columnist for the Sacramento Bee.

“Those that have listened to me over the past 11 years know that, as a marketplace Christian, I am committed to excellence in life, civic leadership and quality, higher education – for that end, there is none better than William Jessup University,” Hogue explained. “I am honored and excited as I begin this new and enriching chapter in my life.”

Hogue will oversee the University’s Advancement program; administering and managing all development and fundraising, alumni affairs and donor, media, church and community relations.

While he will be leaving his morning show on KTKZ, Hogue will continue to host his popular one-hour daily program – “The Capitol Hour” – that airs weekdays at noon.

“I am motivated by achievement….and relevant, creative growth; I also love building for the future. To stay on the air with 1380 KTKZ while joining WJU is a once in a life time opportunity,” said Hogue.

About William Jessup University
Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private, four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines including Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. Anticipated majors include fields in the humanities and science. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations in Rocklin include Business Administration, Counseling Psychology and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. In San Jose, concentrations are offered in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology and Christian Leadership. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is the Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville.

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

2011-04-05T17:04:26Z

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

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

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

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

http://www.californiafamilyfitness.com

http://www.sportchalet.com

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

Eighth annual Run Rocklin will once again benefit Matt Redding Foundation

2011-02-03T17:26:23Z

The eighth annual “Run Rocklin” will be held Sunday, April 3 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin.

This signature city event begins with a 12K run at 8 a.m., followed by a 5K run/walk at 8:15 a.m. Children may participate free in the quarter-mile Kids Fun Run at 7:45 a.m. There is also a 1-mile run for kids, which is free and is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

Run Rocklin has become a significant community event that last year attracted teams of runners from throughout the Sacramento region and had 2,600 total participants.

The festive event will once again feature music by JD Productions, Quality DJ Entertainment, complimentary food from Randy Peters Catering, and other goodies from local vendors.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group for the 5K and 12K events. Awards and prize money will also be given to the top three male and female overall finishers in the 5K and 12K events.

All registered and paid participants will receive a colorful commemorative T-shirt and a finisher’s ribbon. Bragging rights will be awarded to all of the team participants, and prize money will be awarded to the top three largest school teams.

The race, which helps raise money for the local nonprofit Matt Redding Scholarship Foundation, has now given a total of $34,000 in memory of the fallen Rocklin police officer.

Redding died tragically while on duty in October 2005 when he was struck and killed by a drunken driver.

"Matt loved this community and would be so honored that people are running year after year in a race that supports a scholarship foundation in his name,” said John Redding, Matt’s father. “Our family is extremely pleased that so many people continue to support Run Rocklin. It’s a great community event, and we’re happy the Redding family can be associated with it.”

Director Larry Osborne has a son who is a Rocklin police officer and has a personal connection with the Redding family, even though he didn’t know Matt personally.

“The people of Rocklin and other nearby communities have embraced our event for several years and have really made Run Rocklin something special,” said Osborne, who served as a city of Berkeley police officer in the early 1970s. “We’ve been fortunate to have tremendous community involvement that has enabled us to grow the event and be able to make a generous contribution each year in Matt Redding’s memory. Everyone connected with Run Rocklin is thrilled to have created something that has become a real tradition.”

Adults can pre-register for $29 prior to race day, and the cost increases to $34 on the day of the run. Kids 18 and under can pre-register for $15 or pay $20 on race day.

Teams of six or more people are welcome, and all participants will receive a special team T-shirt. Teams must register by the March 18 to be eligible for the special team T-shirt.

To register, visit runrocklin.com. For more information about the race or to become a sponsor or volunteer, e-mail Larry Osborne at elephant@eaward.com or call 415-9991.

Blue Oaks Cinema 16 opens its doors

2010-11-19T20:55:47Z

The new, locally owned and operated, Blue Oaks Cinema 16 in Rocklin opened its doors today to a waiting crowd. The state-of-the-art megaplex features 16 all digital theaters with high-end Klipsch surround sound. The Theater also features a UDC theater with a wall-to-wall screen, 13.1 surround sound, leather seats and more leg room.

The owner, Dan Tocchini, stated that the theater is the first in the world to feature elevated digital projectors that do not require any projection booth. The technology allows them to maximize usable space and give the audience a better experience. Continuing with the advanced features in the theater, Tocchini stated that every aspect of each theater is controlled by an iPhone looking device: lights, projections, air conditioning and sound can be adjusted instantaneously – allowing for each movie to get a personalized touch.

With an average of 175 seats per theater (individual theaters range from 130 – 290 seat), there is ample room for the growing Placer community. The theater also conveniently offers four ticket kiosks, along with your normal ticket counter, as you enter the doors. These kiosks allow you to purchase tickets or pick-up tickets you purchased online.

For the convenience of families, the theater is offering an Early Bird special for all movies starting in the 10:00am hour. The price for the Early Bird special is $5.50 for general movies and $8.50 for 3D movies.

PRICES:

General Cinema

General Admission $10.50
Children (3 – 11) & Sr. Citizen (60+) $7.00

Bargain Matinee
Any Show Before 6 pm(Mon - Fri
All Shows before 2pm Sat, Sun & all Holidays $7.75

Early Bird
1st Matinee showtime everyday $5.50

Dolby 3D Digital Cinema

General Admission $13.25
Children (3 – 11) & Sr. Citizen (60+) $10.25

Bargain Matinee
Any Show Before 6 pm(Mon - Fri
All Shows before 2pm Sat, Sun & all Holidays $10.75

Early Bird
1st Matinee showtime everyday $8.50

Ultimate Digital Cinema

UDC General $13.25
Children (3 – 11) & Sr. Citizen (60+) $10.00

Bargain Matinee
Any Show Before 6 pm(Mon - Fri
All Shows before 2pm Sat, Sun & all Holidays $10.75

3D Ultimate Digital Cinema

3D UDC General $15.25
Children (3 – 11) & Sr. Citizen (60+) $12.00

Bargain Matinee
Any Show Before 6 pm(Mon - Fri
All Shows before 2pm Sat, Sun & all Holidays $12.75

For more information on Blue Oaks Cinema 16 please follow this link.

Photos by Marc McLaughlin
Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

FREE Celebrate America Event in Rocklin

2010-06-26T19:16:48Z

The people of Rocklin and its surrounding communities have picked up again this year where the City left off. Celebrate America took the place of the Rocklin Jubilee last year when the City of Rocklin cut the funding for the decades-running event. But never fear - the private sector is here!

With the help of K-Love/Air-1 and dozens of other sponsoring businesses and donating individuals, Sunset Christian Center is hosting the 2nd Annual Celebrate America event at the Twin Oaks Park in Rocklin tonight. Gates open at 4PM, and the patriotic musical extravaganza begins at 8PM and ends with an aerial fireworks show. This free family-friendly event will be a treat for young and old, and be especially poignant for our veterans, police, and firefighters.

Activities from 4PM to 8PM include several local food vendors; bounce houses and inflatables, including water slides, in the kids Playland; a military display with all branches of the service, including rock climbing walls, a Blackhawk helicopter, and more; face painting and balloon twisting clowns; and local talent acts on the main stage. Entertainers include dance troupes, martial artists, an illusionist, and surprise crowd pleasers. (We could tell you who they are and what they do – but that would ruin the surprise!)

At 8PM over 150 cast, choir and crew members who have been working hard for months bring you the Celebrate America show. This colorful, flag-waving celebration is a patriotic salute to our great country. It incorporates music, dance, drama, a full military processional, fun sing-a-longs, and features 4-time Dove Award Artist of the Year Natalie Grant as the guest performer. K-Love's Larry Wayne will narrate the show, and special guests include Congressman Tom McClintock and Assemblyman Ted Gaines as well as Sunset's own Pastor Greg Fairrington.

And what would an Independence Day celebration be without fireworks? At the end of a rousing rendition of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag" medley, the show ends and an aerial fireworks display begins. You’ll “Ooooo and Ahhhhh” over this perfect exclamation point to a moving tribute to everything good about America. Celebrate America is an event you won't want to miss. For more information, and to see blogs, photos and videos, please visit CelebrateAmericaOnline.com.

10,000 to Give Helping Hands to Distressed Sacramento-area Parks on Saturday

2010-05-05T20:11:47Z

SACRAMENTO – More than 10,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their friends will descend on parks throughout the Sacramento region Saturday, May 8, to perform necessary work from clean-up and general maintenance to painting, planting trees and even construction jobs.

Under the banner of Mormon Helping Hands, an international program of the Church that has provided manpower in distressed communities and organized relief efforts after natural disasters, the volunteers have chosen parks in their own communities to perform work in state, regional and city parks that have been hit hard by the recent downturn in the economy. The Sacramento effort is part of a statewide Mormon Helping Hands undertaking whose theme is “Preserving California’s Parks.”

“Members of the Church since the 1840s were instrumental in the establishment and building up of the state, including Sacramento and many other local cities and towns,” said Dennis Holland, Director of Public Affairs for the Sacramento Region. “We feel it is our duty to continue in following Jesus Christ’s example of service to others by helping to improve the communities in which we live, especially during these tough economic times for our local and state governments.”

One of the projects will be at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, which will be losing its funding from Sacramento County on July 1. Located inside Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael, the nature center has a list of projects to be accomplished, but no funds to pay for the labor to accomplish them. Among the projects that the Helping Hands volunteers will tackle is the construction of a natural playground out of fallen trees, the weeding of non-native plants from the nature area, the restoration of a pond, and the building of a display stand for a section of a 150-year-old Valley Oak tree.

“There is no way with our current low staffing levels we have now or expect to have in the future that we could remove the invasive and very tall-growing, non-native weeds,” said Marilee Flannery, Park Interpretive Supervisor of Effie Yeaw Nature Center. “This and the other projects would never get done without the helping hands of these volunteers.”

About 800 volunteers – including Hmong and Samoan groups – will donate more than 2,000 man-hours at the City of Sacramento’s William Land Park, which has seen its finding cut by 60 percent in recent years and its maintenance staff trimmed from 22 to seven employees. Volunteers will focus on numerous work projects, including historic trail restoration, power-washing of park amenities, landscape maintenance, specialized gardening, and the cleaning out of the park’s three ponds. The volunteer service in Land Park has an estimated value of more than $70,000.

To thank the Helping Hands volunteers, both the City and County of Sacramento have officially declared May 8, 2010, as Mormon Helping Hands Day.

The numerous other local projects include:

In Natomas: Partnering with the Sacramento Tree Foundation and the Sacramento City Council, volunteers will plant 86 trees at Rosebud Park in North Natomas and build a community garden in a Natomas neighborhood that doesn’t currently have such amenities.

In Sacramento: One of the oldest cemeteries will receive a sprucing-up, as 400 volunteers will do some light painting, trimming around headstones and cleaning them up at East Lawn Memorial Park at Folsom Boulevard and 43rd Street.

In Orangevale: Volunteers will be refurbishing one of the town’s biggest draws: the Frisbee Golf Course at Orangevale Park.

In El Dorado County: At the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where early members of the Church were instrumental in discovering gold and sparking the Gold Rush, hundreds of workers will paint and restore several buildings. Last year, the state park was threatened with closure.

In Placer County: More than 800 volunteers will be working in the Hidden Falls Regional Park, installing several miles of fence posts and non-barbed wire, clearing existing trails, building new trails and clearing brush.

In Yolo County: About 400 volunteers will be performing necessary work in six Woodland parks as well as the Woodland Opera House. In addition to weeding, raking and spreading bark chips, the volunteers will paint and stain buildings, gazebos, benches and picnic tables, replace roof shingles and pressure-wash buildings.

To cover one of the projects, please call Gary Zavoral at (916) 367-9537 or e-mail him at bigzav@hotmail.com.

For more on the churchwide Helping Hands program, go the Church’s Newsroom at http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/-mormon-helping-hands-program-a-decade-of-service.

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City of Sacramento Earth Day Celebration a Big Sucess

2010-04-24T18:48:58Z

There were several Earth Day celebrations and events Thursday. One of the biggest and most successful was the official City of Sacramento Earth Day Celebration. The event was held at Cesar Chavez Park and in the plaza of City Hall. An estimated 3,500 people of all ages attend this years' event. It was supported by Mayor Kevin Johnson and the City Council. The City of Sacramento Neighborhood Services Department organized the event.

I spoke with Neighborhood Services Department Director Vincene Jones. Jones and her staff started back in January giving early notice to Sacramento area schools, informing them of the event and its value as a field trip. Local media was enlisted to help get the word out. They worked with Regional Transit to secure 560 one-day free passes for bus and light rail. This allowed students to use public transit to and from the event in keeping with the values of Earth Day.

Staff had targeted junior high and high school students. It was obvious that there were large numbers of younger kids also. They especially stood out in the orange aprons given to them by Home Depot along with plants to take home for planting.

Home Depot had one of 59 booths. About 25 booths were commercial entities. The rest were city departments, other governmental entities, nonprofits, education and others. The 59 booths were an increase of about 35% over last year.

Mavis McAllister from American River College and Peggy Ursine with Cosumes River College were promoting Los Rios GreenForce. This is a program with all four Los Rios colleges that prepares students to work in green industries.

Ryan Bailey had a booth promoting Sacramento Sustainable Businesses. This included BERC, a free public service provided by Sacramento County, the city of Sacramento, Sacramento Utilities Departments and Sacramento Local Regulatory Agencies. They advise businesses on how to navigate all the complex environmental regulations.

City of Sacramento departments included utilities, promoting pollution prevention in waste water runoff, recycling, composting and one of several displays of worm bins. City employees Jamie Cutlip and Karl Kurka operated a booth promoting the city's Create a Sustainable Sacramento program. Bill Maynard, who works tirelessly at events like this, was giving out tomato plants as part of the city of Sacramento Community Garden Program.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District booth was a great hit with the kids. There were live displays of all stages of mosquitos and mosquito fish that eat them The kids were having a great time watching the mosquito fish eating mosquito larva. Kevin Valone and Steve Ramos with Vector Control said that this was one of the best turnouts for any of the venues they have been to. They were especially pleased with all kids asking them questions. They said they have found it best to educate the young kids to achieve their goal of protecting public health and welfare from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as West Nile virus, Western Equine Encephalitis, canine heartworm, malaria and others. In most cases, the kids go back to their families and educate them. This was a comment that was echoed by many of those presenting at the event.

There was also entertainment, with a message for the kids from Radio Disney, a performance from Top Class Magic and the Sacramento City College theatrical performance of the “Fall of X,” a play about the dangers of joining a gang.

Besides Home Depot, there were several other commercial green businesses or businesses with green products. These included Sacramento Natural Foods Coop, Costco, Propel Alternative Fuels, Green Sacramento Construction Services and several solar energy companies.

Jake Millan with Propel related a story about the power of kids. A man who came to his booth told him that he had recently purchased a flex fuel vehicle that would run on E85. When asked what prompted this, the man replied that his kids were so embarrassed and tired of getting teased when they were dropped off at school in the family Hummer they pushed the family to buy a more responsible vehicle.

Now I do not want to create the impression that the city of Sacramento Earth Day Celebration was only for kids. There were large numbers of downtown and state office workers asking questions and collecting information. I spoke with Rocklin Treasurer Kim Sarkovich and Mary Rister, one of her staffers. They were attending a conference on municipal finance. They said they were having a wonderful time visiting the event during their lunch break. They were particularly enjoying the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop booth. Part of Sarkovich's interest stems from her hobby as a suburban beekeeper.

All the people I spoke with who had displays at the event were very pleased with the turnout and response from the public. They expressed that Jones and her staff at Neighborhood Services were great to work with and that they were pleased with the commitment throughout the city government supporting a green and sustainable Sacramento.

Photos: 1. Welcoming kids to Sacramento Earth Day Celebration 2-3. City of Sacramento Neighborhood Services Department 4. Ryan Bailey, Sacramento Sustainable Businesses 5. city Department of Utilities 6. Jamie Cutlip and Karl Kurka, Create a Sustainable Sacramento 7. Bill Maynard, Sacramento Community Garden Program 8. Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District employees Kevin Valone and Steve Ramos 9. Radio Disney entertains 10. Sacramento Natural Foods Coop 11. Dennis with Costco 13. A solar energy provider and Jake Millan in front of the Propel Alternative Fuels booth 12. Green Sacramento Construction Services 13. Kim Sarkovich and Mary Rister check out the Soil Born Farms booth with employees Randy and Jackie

Church Goes High Tech, Stays High Touch

2010-04-12T19:14:32Z

One look at its website will tell you that Sunset Christian Center in Rocklin is using social media to reach its congregation and the community. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, animated ministry guide, media library—it’s all there, and not in a cheesy, DIY kind of way. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and engaging.
The same can be said for the new children’s ministry areas. Just off the main lobby a 35-ft pirate ship moored in azure “water” marks the entrance to The Cove, where first- through third-graders meet. Across the hall palm trees and a smiling monkey atop the bamboo check in station welcome you to Jungle Quest, an amazing suite of themed rooms for newborns through kindergarteners. Built into these permanent installations are interactive gaming stations, flat screen TVs, touch-screen and card swipe check-in for parents.
You may be thinking, wait a minute. This church has been here for more than 20 years, the senior pastor must have retirement in view, we’ve been in a recession, this had to have cost buku bucks—so what are they thinking?!
The truth of the matter is that it would have been far easier for the church to just go along as it had been and not really challenge itself to reach out of its comfort zone. But God has a much bigger plan for this church of about 2,500 faithful. They feel called to impact the Rocklin/Roseville area and beyond by caring and serving in a very big way. They know the power of God in their lives, the miracles, healing, direction, peace and provision that a personal relationship with Jesus brings, and want to share those blessings with the community.
But how do you demonstrate caring and compassion if people won’t walk through the front door? True, Sunset hosts the free Celebrate America food/show/fireworks event at Twin Oaks Park for the Rocklin community, but you can’t nurture a relationship with one event. So, they decided to create exciting learning and play environments that would attract families, allowing the church communicate with kids in a current, meaningful way. Pastors at Sunset hired Quick Creative Construction in Roseville, which has created high-profile spaces including Thunder Valley Casino.

Biblically Relevant
The apostle Paul said he was “all things to all people”, meaning that he changed his style in order to relate—but his message, and Sunset’s message—remain the same. In a culture that exposes kids to adult content and situations encouraging them to act older than their years, Sunset presents a safe place for kids to be kids.
Children’s pastors Tiffany and Eric Saathoff and Preteen pastor Sean Sweet visited local schools to learn what tools they were using to relate to kids. “We want to build a strong Christian foundation in young children to avoid “clean-up” when they get to be teenagers and don’t know who they are,” says Pastor Tiffany. Cutting-edge technology helps speak the kids’ language, and having “off-the-charts-cool” environments created just for them makes kids feel valued. Pastor Sean reminds us of the saying, “They won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
In order to encourage the kids to have a personal relationship with God, Sunset leaders first develop a personal relationship with the young people. In partnership with parents, pastors attend soccer games and school plays, and have ice cream dates. Pastor Sean holds weekly “Jamba Juice hours” during which parents know he will be there to support them in raising their kids. Wednesday night attendance at “Elevate” for fourth- and fifth-graders has tripled since the beginning of the year—mostly because kids are bringing their friends to the ultra-homey Tahoe cabin-themed preteen area complete with ski-lift, fireplace, and Wii stations. Elevate’s Tahoe theme was chosen by a fourth-grader, and is meant to lift one’s eyes and focus on the higher things of God.
After 15 minutes of hanging out and game playing with friends, the doors roll up and the interactive service begins. Ironically it’s not difficult to pull them away from the games because the service itself is so engaging. Ultimately the kids walk out having built relationships, learned how to incorporate God’s word into their lives, and are eager to come back for more.
Each of the areas was thoughtfully designed with purposeful themes. They’ve incorporated Biblical principles into the walls, floors, ceilings, and sound systems of the newly remodeled areas in order to capture the senses and stimulate creativity. One of the Jungle Quest rooms is called the Treasure Trove. While parents check in at the window, 3-yr olds can crawl through the munchkin-sized hole under the counter and follow the floor map to a treasure chest. There the leader keeps props for interactive teaching about the traits that God treasures, such as kindness, obedience, forgiveness, etc. (More about Jungle Quest room themes)

Socially Aware
In this “grow-up-fast” culture, children and preteens are often left feeling lonely and inadequate simply because they haven’t developed the cognitive skills to handle grown-up pressures and exposure. Divorce and the split home life that accompanies it often rocks kids and leaves them scrambling for solid ground. Peer pressure, bullying, and deaths in the family also affect kids from all walks of life. Sunset Christian Center recognizes that some youngsters may need a little extra TLC.
The welcoming environments created specially for them, and the integrated high tech “tools” make kids feel comfortable, safe, valued, included and loved. Leaping from stone to stone in the underwater world of a coral reef does truly take you away from the concrete and square walls of life. Just that alone may be a blessing for some kids. Within these fantasy worlds they are free to express themselves through art, dance, music, exploration of their skills and talents—and yes, playing games.
Traditional and video games are designed for two or more players to encourage interaction and relationship building. Leaders notice kids who used to sit by themselves now engaging with others and communicating in ways they may not normally with their parents. Parents are grateful for the help in reaching their children, and also for the support Sunset provides. High tech toys can be isolating and divisive, but Sunset incorporates them rather than banning them, and parents are catching on to this paradigm shift.
The safety of the children is a high priority. Sunset uses a program called Checkpoint by ACS Technologies, where parents check in via touch-screen computer and card scanner, and name badges including parent’s names and contact info are printed out for the children. Leaders are fingerprinted, background checked, and there is a probationary period before they work with youngsters. When parents want to observe their children, they also have to check in and wear a VISITOR name tag so the children can distinguish them from the leaders. Other people are generally not allowed into the children’s areas at all. (Truly a bummer because you just really want to hang out in there!)

Financially Responsible
Sunset’s $400,000 makeover incorporates more than 3,000 square feet, and took about a year to complete. More renovations are planned for the future. Standing on the wood-textured pirate ship deck, gazing up into the mast sails and lookout 25 feet over your head thinking, “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore,” you’re not really thinking about the money. Actually, the project would have cost more, but most of the demolition and prep work was done by volunteers from the church.
Every design decision was made with “bang for the buck” thinking. Pastor Tiffany is a regular shopper at the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Roseville, where she found pegboard, a display case, and other items she repurposed for the project. By bargain hunting at the ReStore she not only saved money, but also supported the Habitat home currently being built in Rocklin and kept those items out of the landfill.
It’s funny how God provides when you’re following His will. None of the church’s many other ministries suffered budget cut backs. During the construction of the children’s areas in 2009, Sunset gave $550,000 to 45 missionaries in 38 countries and to other local charities such as Teen Challenge and Mercy Ministries. $47,000 of that was raised by the youth themselves, instilling the importance of giving to others less fortunate.

A Place of Hope
The fantastic and otherworldly classrooms and play areas of Sunset’s children and preteen ministries fill you with wonder, awe, and hope as you take in all the surprising and delightful details. In the world of a child, this communicates the love, peace, and joy of Jesus Christ’s message. Sunset’s dream is for people to experience God’s presence in a profound way that transforms their lives, marriages and families, beginning with children.
Sunset Christian Center’s vision of being a place where people feel free to come and find their God-given purpose and destiny in life is embodied in the very plaster of their walls now. If we could just approach life, run, laugh and play with the abandon and wonder of children, maybe we too would find ourselves creating places of joy, peace, stability, love and strength in our own little worlds, wherever they may be.

Local artists visiting Cambodia, restoring hope to victims

2010-04-08T03:45:15Z

When Shane Grammer's old church acquaintance Clayton Butler asked him to paint a mural in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, he didn't think twice. Grammer, a 38-year-old artist currently residing in Roseville, completed similar murals in Peru, Mexico and Brazil, sometimes teaming with urban kids on the pieces.

"I'm ecstatic; I love that," Grammer said. "I've offered stuff like that before, and people are just busy or don't do it. So when I'm asked to do it, I'm like, 'Yeah, I'm there tomorrow. Where do I sign up?' "

On April 12, he will be leading a team of six to Cambodia to help Agape International Missions, where Butler works, to help end child sexual slavery and help restore hope to its victims. The team's goal is to "bring hope and joy" through art to the young girls in Phnom Penh's red light district, Svay Pak. They will paint a mural on a new building planned to be a new community center for the girls.

Grammer discovered his passion for art as a young teenager after he was assigned a project in driver education. He had a choice of writing a 10-page paper or creating a model. After choosing to do the model, he found that he enjoyed the two-week-long project so much, he would spend hours every day perfecting his assignment.

Watching the 1983 documentary "Style Wars" on graffiti and hip-hop culture sealed the deal and introduced Grammer to urban art. He's made a living as an artist for the last 15 years and currently runs a company, SG Studios, that makes themed environments for theme parks, casinos, and even churches. On the side, he creates fine art, and painted a graffiti mural at the B Street Skate Park.

When he told his sister-in-law, artist Becky Watson, about the opportunity to paint a mural in Cambodia, she replied to him, "I'm coming with you. You need to find a way, because I have to go."

Watson said she'd done art with youth before in Africa and Nicaragua, but this would be her first time creating a mural with kids. She also invited friends from different fields - a writer, a videographer, a photographer and a musician.

She wants the group to help the girls - some recovering victims of sexual abuse, some still working in brothels - "to tap into their creative process. I think if we can unwind them and give (them) a paintbrush in hand (to) experience it, they will remember it."

But while the two are "like a literal brother and sister," said Watson, they have different ways of mentally preparing for their trip.

"I've broken down and cried once," Grammer said. "That was last Saturday night at a church. They gave me about five minutes to speak and tell them about what I was doing, and they ended up giving me about $2,000."

Since then, Grammer, a self-proclaimed "emotional guy," said he's been so busy with work and family, he's been able to file away his emotions.

Watson, on the other hand, is planning the group's itinerary.

"I think about it every day, and I think about the kids we're going to see, so I keep my mind on it and I'm focusing on it 100 percent of the time," she said. "I just don't want to forget something I want to impart on the kids."

The group, called "Heart for the Kids," will hold a final fundraiser for the trip Thursday night at the Roseville Tower Theatre, 421 Vernon St. The 7 p.m. event will feature art, music and a live auction. Admission is a $10 donation at the door. All proceeds from the event will cover the group's expenses for the trip, with the remaining money raised being donated to Agape International Missions, a Rocklin-based nonprofit. See the above flier for more details.

Sacramento Office Space Rates Decline

2009-03-30T23:49:53Z

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

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

Downtown - 2009 rates are 8 to 11 percent lower

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

Elk Grove - 2009 rates are 8 to 11 percent lower

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

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

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

Data Source: Synergy Real Estate Group