Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "state capitol"

Free Admission Day Celebration at State Capitol - September 9!

2011-08-19T21:35:24Z

Californians deserve a day to celebrate their great state and on Friday, September 9 at 11:30 a.m. (on the north steps of the State Capitol), the public is invited to a special -- and free -- event in honor of California’s 161st year of statehood!

Visitors will enjoy patriotic live music, birthday cake and ice cream provided by California State Parks, the State Capitol Museum and with support from the California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association. Come one, come all and be sure to stop by the California State Capitol Museum located inside the Capitol that offers free admission all year long.

For more information about the special Admission Day Celebration or other events and activities happening at the California State Capitol Museum, please call 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

World Masters Track and Field 2011 400 meter and Hurdles finals

2011-07-16T21:07:02Z

Editor's Note: More than 4,800 athletes from 93 countries, ranging in age from 35 to 101, are competing in the 19th World Masters Athletics Outdoor Championships at Sacramento State's A.G. Spanos Sports Complex through July 17. This marks the first time in 16 years that the biennial event has been held in the United States.

Click here for a complete list of each day's results from the WMA Championships in Sacramento.

For more info on the World Master's Athletics Championships, click here.

World Masters Track and Field 2011 Friday 15th July

2011-07-16T12:16:13Z

Click here for a complete list of each day's results from the WMA Championships in Sacramento.

For more info on the World Master's Athletics Championships, click here.

World Masters Athletics 200 Meter finals: July 12, 2011

2011-07-13T20:12:45Z

Click here for a complete list of each day's results from the WMA Championships in Sacramento.

For more info on the World Master's Athletics Championships, click here.

Students march for higher public ed funding/tax extensions

2011-03-15T00:31:30Z

The rain didn't stop an estimated 13,000 college students and faculty from marching on the State Capitol Monday to demand legislators work out their differences and put tax extensions on the ballot, which educators have said would make next year's cuts more bearable.

Students were bused from all over the state to the Towe Auto Museum, where the march officially began. Called the “March in March,” Monday's protest was the fourth year in a row that the same group came out to the Capitol in such large numbers.

As it stands now, Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 assesses a $1.4 billion cut to higher education, including $500 million to University of California schools and the California State University system and $400 million to community colleges.

Over the past few years, California's public post-secondary systems have experienced unpredictable fee increases, employee furloughs, layoffs and, for the first time, enrollment reductions prevented access to qualified California residents state the offices of the California State Student Association and Student Senate for California Community Colleges.

In reaction to Brown's budget proposal, California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott said the proposed cuts hurt colleges' ability to serve students and will harm California's economic recovery.

“These are difficult times for California, and there's no way to avoid the pain of budget cuts,” he said. “However, if our community colleges sustain reductions of this magnitude, we anticipate up to 350,000 students will be turned away next year.”

Scott said if just 2 percent more of California's population earned associate degrees and 1 percent more earned bachelor's degrees, the state's economy would grow by $20 billion.

“Those educated workers would generate state and local taxes of $1.2 billion a year, and 174,000 new jobs would be created in California,” he said.

“The UC, CSU and California Community Colleges can get our state headed back in the right direction,” he added, “but we cannot do it with continually shrinking budgets. Remember, higher education is not a cost to California, but an investment.”

Sacramento City Community College Student Body President Justin Turner said the number of students from his campus nearly doubled from last year, and nonetheless, many classes have been eliminated from the schedule.

“This put the students in a situation which may prolong their transfer, AA degree, or certificate program at city college,” Turner said. “As the cuts increase, the classes will, too, which will also turn students away and may push some students away from getting a education.” he said.

If the proposed budget passes, with all the cuts hitting higher education, classes may further disappear and double in size.

“It's a scary thought. To think when Gov. Brown was in office the first time, you could go to a community college nearly free ... Wow, have times changed,” Turner said.

Organizers said that the protests have helped higher education funding in the past. According to Community College Student Senate President Alex Pader ~~Lee Fuller~~ , at this time last year, then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget asked for a $60 per unit hit at the two-year schools. “We rebelled against them and got them down to $26,” Fuller said.

Fuller, 48, is a returning student at Coastline College. He lost his job when the economy tanked and said he now sees more and more older students.

Cutbacks to classes and student services, including counselors, has been one of the biggest obstacles this year.

“The counselors are there to help the students, and if students are there to figure it out on their own, they take wrong classes, they take too many classes, too few classes – it just delays the process over and over,” Fuller said, adding that there are some counseling departments that have been reduced to one or two people, and they're dealing with 60,000 students.

Shortly after the noontime rally, students filled the Capitol rotunda and chanted, “Save our schools,” for a few minutes while other students sent postcards to their legislators asking for more funding.

Monica Stark can be reached at monica.stark@sacramentopress.com

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

Photo essay: California International Marathon 2010

2010-12-08T00:34:13Z

The California International Marathon went off without a hitch on Sunday. Despite severe weather warnings, conditions were perfect and thousands of athletes took part in this popular, annual event.

A young cheerleader enjoyed her time at the finish line infront of her State Capital.

The Highway Patrol's mounted division helped with security for all the athletes.

Sac P.D. did a great job helping this event go off without a hitch.

A female relay runner finishing up her leg and the race.

Another relay runner in her closing stages.

The most colorful athlete of the day completing his race in 3 hours, 20 minutes.

Husband and wife on a Sunday morning jog..."wait, we've just completed the CIM!!"

Not so much fun for everyone, this athlete was determined to finish the last 250 yards and had assistance from another athlete.

"I am done with running, I see the line and I will take my time, but I will get there!"

So close to the finish line, "Are you really gonna pass me up?"

A very proud son running the last few strides to the line.

Pete Youngman of the Sacramento KIngs made it round in a little over 3 hours and 30 minutes, even with cramps for the last 6 miles!

The winner of yesterday's marathon was Canadian Dylan Wykes who ran the course in 2:12:39. 150 yards from finish line on Capitol Mall.

For more photos, visit http://www.darrenhallphotography.net/

Downtown Plaza loses tree, lighting

2010-11-24T04:40:56Z

Sacramento’s holiday lights will shine a little less brightly this season when Westfield Downtown Plaza goes without a giant Christmas tree for the first time in 30 years.

Without a tree, the annual day-after-Thanksgiving tree lighting ceremony at the mall's Seventh and K streets entrance also won't be held. However, the plaza is likely to be the only place in Sacramento with a little snow this winter after artificial snow-making machines are set up in a children's play area.

Sacramentans can enjoy two other Christmas tree lightings. Old Sacramento will light up its huge tree at 6 p.m. Wednesday at K and Front streets, followed by a light show and more to set the historic district sparkling. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will host a tree lighting ceremony at the state Capitol at 5 p.m. Dec. 7.

The plaza has had a tree averaging about 50 feet tall for the last 29 years, Plaza Marketing Director Raelene Trumm said.

"We're not doing the tree this year," Trumm said. "There's a tree lighting at Old Sacramento and one at the Capitol, so it seemed to get lost in the middle."

Westfield Downtown Plaza is the title sponsor of the ice-skating rink, which lies in St. Rose of Lima Park across the street from the Seventh and K streets entrance. Management decided to decorate the entire plaza with about 16 smaller Christmas trees, Christmas lights and window decorations rather than focus on one end. On Tuesday, crews began installing trees, Trumm said.

"We just wanted to add more Christmas atmosphere throughout the mall," said Trumm, adding that the economy and work at the Seventh and K entrance also contributed to the decision. She couldn't say whether there would be a tree at the plaza next year.

Macy’s Christmas store has temporarily set up shop in the second-floor space vacated by Banana Republic, near the K and Seventh streets entrance.

In Old Sacramento, a crew of four used an 80-foot boom to decorate the 5,000-pound, 50-foot blue spruce trucked in from Carlton Christmas Trees, a farm near Mt. Shasta. The crew strung up more than 4,000 lights: traditional colored Christmas tree lights, icicle lights, twinkle and flicker lights, and strobes. Ornaments range from plastic candy, bells and balls to handmade ornaments celebrating the 1857 poem, "The Night Before Christmas."

At least eight people helped decorate buildings and install lighting and sound equipment, said Old Sacramento Business Association Executive Director Melissa Martinez.

The district is adding holiday scenes and expanding the Theatre of Lights, a light and sound show begun last year. The 20-minute show will operate at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, throughout the season. On certain nights, Old Sacramento will also host Santa and other street performers, TV personalities and vendors selling cocoa and spiced nuts.

"This is the best year yet," Martinez said. "We've really concentrated on bringing it up to a different level and increasing the wow factor."

Photos of Christmas tree installations at the state Capitol and in Old Sacramento by Katie Garner. Other photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

National Adoption Day - 11/20/10 at the State Capitol

2010-11-17T20:20:44Z

"Strengthening Communities One Family at a Time"

November is National Adoption Month. Counties and communities across California will promote adoption and permanency awareness through activities and events that bring attention to the needs of the children and youth in foster care throughout the state waiting for families to love and adopt them. Of the 60,000 children and youth that are in California's foster care system, 25,000 of them are ready to be adopted, and yet the continue to linger in care. Locally, there are about 1,200 children and youth in the Sacramento region who are waiting to be adopted.

National Adoption Day on November 20, 2010 will cap the month-long effort to raise awareness about the thousands of children in California waiting for families, celebrate those special people who have provided a loving home to children in foster care, and inspire others to come forward and be a forever family to children and youth.

Special Event
National Adoption Day
California State Capitol -- “Dawn to Dusk Calling Out of Names”
Saturday, November 20, 2010
6 am to 6 pm

This day culminates the month-long effort around the nation to promote awareness of foster children and youth in search of adoptive families. The event is hosted by a unique coalition of local and state public and private agencies who have united in their efforts to help foster children. On the West steps of the California State Capitol, state and community leaders, adoptive parents, former foster children and child advocates will “call out” the names of children and youth who continue to wait for family love and belonging. This meaningful event will honor those who have come forward to transform the lives of children through adoption as well as recognize the thousands of children in California waiting for forever families.

This ALL DAY event will include:

6:00am – 6pm: Calling Out of Names

8:00am – 6pm: Community Adoption Information Fair:
Featuring information and educational materials from local adoption agencies on how to become a forever parent to a child in foster care. A great opportunity to meet with multiple agencies at one time.

9:00am: Pancake Breakfast

10:30am: Walk Around the Capitol:
Join families and community members for a walk around the Capitol and celebrate the special role of adoptive families in our region.

Throughout:
Entertainment, inspirational speakers, kid’s crafts and more!

6:00pm – Candlelight Vigil:
Stand with us for this powerful moment on the steps of the Capitol.

Get Involved
For more information on how you can help strengthen our community one family at time, visit the websites of one of the agencies sponsoring National Adoption Month in California. Learn how you can become an adoptive family or provide other ongoing, permanent support for foster children in need. Learn also how you can volunteer for National Adoption Day at the State Capitol.

Become A Parent
To learn more about how you can help strengthen our community by becoming a permanent family to a child or children in foster care in the greater Sacramento Area.

Please visit the websites of one of these sponsoring agencies:

AspiraNET: www.aspiranet.org
EMQ Families First: www.emqff.org
Lilliput Children's Services: www.lilliput.org
Sierra Forever Families: www.sierraff.org

Call Out Names

To lend your voice as a participant in the “Calling Out of Names,” contact: Sara Hanson at 916.368.5114 or email shanson@sierraff.org.

Other Events Throughout the State and Nation
Dozens of other events will occur on National Adoption Day in California – and hundreds more across the nation. All seek to bring attention to the thousands children that are waiting for families. For more information, visit www.nationaladoptionday.org.

LGBT COMMUNITY CALLING FOR PROTEST TODAY AT CAPITOL

2010-08-18T18:56:38Z

Monday the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit placed their own stay in the Federal Prop 8 Case, which doesn’t allow the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Once again disappointment, and for some, anger has invaded the lives of many same-sex couples who were set to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building today.

In place of the planned Wedding Ceremonies, leaders of the LGBT Community are calling for a Protest Rally and March around the State Capitol. This will begin on the West Steps at 6:00pm, Wednesday August 18 (when hundreds of same-sex marriages would have taken place).

Equality Action Now as well as organizations throughout the region are hosting a protest rally and march in reaction to same-sex couples “having to once again put their wedding plans on hold and continue to suffer being treated like 2nd class citizens without the ability to protect their family and each other, as other citizens who are able to legally marry in the State of California”.

While the program is still in the planning stage, confirmed speakers include State Senator Mark Leno, Equality California’s Government Affairs Director, Mario Guerrero, a representative of Faith for Equality, Diana Luiz and Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, Sacramento couple who were set to wed today, and Hilary Hodge, spokesperson for Equality Action Now.

Organizer Enrique Manjarrez explains the reason for the protest is, “For the community to support couples who were looking forward to their wedding day. For young people looking forward to a life where they are truly equal under the law. For all of us to show the world that you may knock us down, but we’ll get up again. The fight for equality goes on here in Sacramento, and across the country”.

Party chairmen prime the press for November election

2010-07-01T02:24:16Z

California's Democratic and Republican chairmen addressed how their parties' candidates will overcome the budget crisis if elected in November at the Capital Plaza Halls Tuesday afternoon. The lunch was hosted by the Sacramento Press Club and was attended by members of the working press, state politics, and public.

Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring and Democratic Party Chairman John Burton spoke mainly on the gubernatorial and senate elections, claiming that in the coming months it will become increasingly clear why either party has the better candidate.

Among the issues addressed was that of campaign financing. With Meg Whitman's campaign likely to spend hundreds of millions of dollars for this election, audience members asked how Jerry Brown's campaign was planning on competing.

"Nobody can compete with Whitman money," Burton said.

Burton added later in an interview that Brown will most likely save what money he does have for later in the race, where he can spend at a similar pace, though in a shorter time frame.

Nehring warned the audience to not get too caught up in how much money is spent, stressing campaign management is the deciding factor.

"Ultimately the campaign has to have the resources to get their message out," Nehring said.

Both chairmen were asked by a member of the audience how they see a protracted passage of a state budget affecting the elections. With so many state employees here in Sacramento, it was asked if they should anticipate political posturing from either side of the aisle in the coming months.

Neither chairman saw this as a potential issue, both claiming that neither party had found any trends or indications to make them concerned.

Nehring said that perhaps Sacramento was especially sensitive to the budget situation due to the high number of state employees in the community. But he said that this isn't reflected across the state.

Another of the issues discussed was that of redistricting for the State Legislature. Nehring said he felt that redistricting would be the right thing to do, but Burton warned that it is only a tool for more gerrymandering.

"Does this mean you'll end up on opposite ends of this issue?" queried an audience member.

"We're probably going to end up on opposite sides of the whole damn election," Burton replied.

Sacramento LGBT Community Prepares For Federal Prop 8 Ruling

2010-06-24T17:29:24Z

Following a five-month hiatus, intriguing closing argument to the Federal lawsuit against California’s Proposition 8 were heard in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, and a decision in the case is expected shortly.

The leadership of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a local, grassroots civil rights organization and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning to respond to whatever ruling Judge Vaughn Walker decides in the case with a rally at the Sacramento G&L Center, 1927 L St.

As of this writing there are no indications when the ruling will take place. Organizers are preparing for any day or time it could be announced. There were rumours flying yesterday that the decision could be handed down as early as this Friday, June 25, 2010, but the general thinking is the decision will not be made before this weekend’s San Francisco’s Gay Pride events or even prior to July 4th, Independence Day.

There are two possible rulings that could be made. Ether the banning of same-sex marriage will be viewed by this court to be unconstitutional and once again it will be legal for same-sex adults to attain a marriage license in the state of California, or the law which had caused so much controversy and millions of dollars on both sides spent to repeal or uphold will continue to be the law of the land.

One way or another one thing is certain, the ruling will be appealed and the case will continue to the Federal Court of Appeals before possibly heading to the Unites States Supreme Court.

Planners of the “D-Day” event are encouraged by early indications that the possibility of the decision on their side is high. With hope that they are right, plans are being formed to close down 20st street between K and L streets, the block the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is located near, for a celebration.

Speakers and entertainment are being lined up and the community is being informed through a vast social networking infrastructure that has been developed since the general election of 2008.

Of course, organizers are also planning for a defeat which could start within hours of the decision at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, with a short press conference and then begin a protest march to the California State Capitol where participants will be able to express their feelings of the decision and speakers will offer their support and encouragement.

In any case, Sacramento will be ready to be vocal about what is predicted to be a cornerstone to the future of same-sex marriage here in California.

For more information about plans for “D-Day” go to the web site for Equality Action Now (www.equalityactionnow.org) or the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (www.saccenter.org).

Local High School Graduates Receive Over $140,000 In Scholarships From Ronald McDonald House Charities and Local Businesses

2010-06-16T23:09:28Z

Over 300 students, parents, friends, and family members braved gusty winds on the West Steps of the Capitol on Saturday, June 12, to recognize over 140 local high school graduates from the Sacramento area who had been chosen as the 2010 Ronald McDonald House Scholars. Participants at the Recognition Ceremony took photographs and shook hands with local community leaders as part of an event to award the recipients with a certificate acknowledging their scholarship award.

Several prominent business and community leaders attended the event including Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Sacramento City Council Member Rob Fong, Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, KCRA-TV anchor Adrienne Bankert, Univision 19 reporter Carlos Sanchez, and KFBK-AM reporter Rob McAllister. These honored guests spoke to the recipients, congratulating them on their achievements and challenging them to bring the knowledge and experience they gain back to their communities.

Working with several business and organizations throughout the Sacramento region, Ronald McDonald House Charities raised nearly $140,000 in scholarship funds to high school graduates from Northern California based on need and academic achievement. The largest contributor to the scholarship fund was the Northern California Golden Arches Association, an organization comprised of local McDonald’s restaurant owners who also participated in the ceremony. Recipients of these scholarships will be attending colleges and universities throughout the state and the nation.

“It’s a great thing to be able to support students from the Sacramento area who have worked hard academically, and will now be able to continue their educational goals,” said Steve Ramirez, a local McDonald’s restaurant owner and Global Trustee with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Our hope is that these students will continue their education, earn their degrees, and then give back to their respective communities in whatever endeavors they pursue.”

As part of the ceremony, each recipient who attended the event introduced themselves and stated the name of the institution they would be attending. The recipients also thanked a particular sponsor of the scholarship program along with personal thanks to friends and family for their support. Of the 140 student scholars, approximately 80 students joined the festivities for the day. This is the eleventh year that the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California has provided scholarships for Sacramento area students.

Equality Action NOW Announces Pride Month Activities

2010-06-10T20:57:39Z

Equality Action Now, a Sacramento based, award-winning civil rights organization will have a super-busy few weeks ahead. The grassroots, all-volunteer activist group will be participating in several events slated for Pride Month.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE LGBT CAUCUS Awards Ceremony

On Monday June 14, 2010 at 10:30 AM, the California Legislative LGBT Caucus will host a special awards ceremony. The California Legislature will proclaim June 2010 as LGBT Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT Community’s past accomplishments and contributions. The Assembly will also honor LGBT individuals selected from across the state for their lifetime contributions and accomplishments in creating a better future for California and the United States.

Sacramento’s own, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and long-time activist has been chosen to receive a lifetime achievement award along with other noted honorees such as Armistead Maupin, Aaron Alvarado, Dr. William Beck, Cecilia Chung, Professor David Cruz, Del Martin (Posthumous), Phyllis Lyon and Jewel Thais-Williams.

The ceremony will take place on the floor of the Assembly with a reception following hosted by the LGBT Caucus consisting of Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez, Senator Christine Kehoe, and Senator Mark Leno.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS – Federal Prop 8 Trial

On Wednesday, June 16, closing arguments in the Federal Prop 8 trial will take place. It has been suggested that the judge in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case may render a decision ether immediately or within a day or two.

The leadership of Equality Action Now is planning on calling a Press Conference on the steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center as soon as the decision comes down from the court. If the outcome is positive there will dancing and a celebration. If the decision is against same-sex-marriage, EAN will lead a protest march from the Center to the West Steps of the State Capitol.

Anyone wanting to participate should sign up to receive Action Alert emails on the www.EqualityActionNow.org web site.

DYKE NITE – Capitol Pride Festival Event

Equality Action Now members are actively participating in leadership positions for this years Pride Events. EAN member, Hilary Hodge is helping to make sure Dyke Nite, to be held on the West Steps of the State Capitol, the evening of the Pride Festival, is a success. Dyke Nite is a fun event for all sexes and age groups and will begin Friday, June 18, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. There is free admission with entertainment by Der Spazm, Sappho's Serenaders, Kings of Drag, Hot Pot Studios, C. Foster and Jovi Radtke are closing with Spoken Word. Hilary Hodge will emcee the event.

SACRAMENTO’S CAPITOL PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Entirely run by volunteers and benefiting the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Capitol Pride Festival will, for the first time, be located along Capitol Mall between the west steps of the State Capitol Building and the iconic West Sacramento Drawbridge Saturday, June 19, 2010.

PRIDE PARADE

This year the Pride Parade will begin at Southside Park and run straight down 7th Street to the State Capitol. Equality Action Now will be bringing up the rear of the parade and along the way will be inviting everyone along the route to join in their march to the Festival. If you want to join them at the beginning, EAN members will be forming up at 9:00 AM at or near the corner of 7th and T Streets at Southside Park. Look for the “Imagine Equality” signs. If you like you can bring beads, and leis to hand to people along the route.

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Entry to the Festival along Capitol Mall will be $10. With the new venue it is expected that this year’s Pride Festival could be the largest yet. Food, entertainment, drink, (think a cold slushy margarita), and hundreds of vender booths will stretch out along the visually stunning Capitol Mall corridor.

Equality Action Now members are an important part of the Sacramento LGBTQI Community and are proud of their accomplishments and participation in helping all citizens. For more information on how to join EAN go to their web site at www.EqualityActionNow.org or email info@equalityactionnow.org. For information about the Pride Festival go to http://sacramentopride.org or download the official Pride Guide at www.outwordmagazine.com .

My day at the Amgen Tour of California

2010-05-17T21:29:54Z

It was an exciting day in Sacramento as Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC) rolled through. It kicked-off in Nevada City and returned to the river city with cycling's biggest superstar and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong (seen above).

The Tour de France is the world's premier cycling tour. The ATOC is the Tour de France of North America. Besides Armstrong, the free food and free schwag at the MBT (Shoes) Lifestyle Festival wasn't bad either.

I'm not a huge fan of cycling, but I'm drawn to the ATOC since I first went in 2008. Knowing that cycling's biggest star, Armstrong, would be in the race drew me back since I missed it last year. This could also be my last time seeing the race in Sacramento since I'm transferring to Azusa Pacific University in the fall.

I was planning on going to the ATOC just for the experience but I decided to help out KCRA's Leticia Ordaz as well. My internship with KCRA 3 ends this week.

When I arrived on 10th Street there were vendors as far as the eye could see. Crowds of people were streaming into the tents full of merchandise.

You couldn't walk anywhere without seeing a bicycle and many of the fans at the event were knowledgeable about the sport of cycling. Many of them took advantage of the free bike parking on the State Capitol grounds. It was a great atmosphere even before the race reached Jackson Highway.

Bob Hammond was one of the many fans enjoying the festival and he was glad that Sacramento was getting a taste of professional cycling.

"I really like the fact that it's drawing high quality, professional riders," Hammond said. "The city of Sacramento is really going to benefit. It sees a lot of people coming from everywhere, not only from Northern California but sees people from the western United States."

Local cyclist Luiggi Zuniga, who hails from Peru and recently won a local race with Team Kinetic Cycles was also in attendance.

"(I came) to see the top riders in the world riding around our lovely Sacramento," he said. "Lance Armstrong, of course, he's the best rider in the world."

At the festival activities ranged from buying official ATOC merchandise, taking a picture with Armstrong using a green screen, spinning a wheel to win prizes and keeping up-to-date with current race results at the Radio Shack tent.

I took advantage of anything that caught my eye. Signs, stickers, free samples, you name it, I grabbed one. I even got my body fat checked at the Herbalife tent. I tested at 15.6%, which is considered underweight. Not a surprise to me since I'm five-feet-nine-inches and weigh 156 pounds.

As soon as I heard that the cyclists were coming, I tried to make it back to the KCRA live truck, but the road had been sealed off. I made the mistake of going back to 10th Street when I should have stayed on the Capitol Mall and ran around the border of the route.

To get a decent view of the race on L Street between 10th & 9th streets I had to balance myself on top of a CVC pipe next to a palm tree. A fan's crazy idea for me worked and I got some great photos of the race as the cyclists zoomed by.

Unfortunately, you could hear the reaction of the crowd when U.S. national road racing champion George Hincapie and Belgian sprinter Tom Boonen both crashed.

Britian's Mark Cavendish of HTC-Columbia finished in first place with Argentina's Juan Jose Haredo right behind him for second place. The favored winner of the ATOC, Levi Leipheimer of Team Radio Shack, came in 42nd place and teammate Armstrong finished in 69th place.

Stage 2 started today in Davis, home of the United States Bicycle Hall of Fame, and ends in Santa Rosa. Even though it lasts less than a day, ATOC remains one of Sacramento's biggest events of the year.

From left to right: Paul Mach, Alexander Kristoff, Mark Cavendish and Maarten Tjallingii.

A Chorus Line to Highlight Harvey Milk Day Rally Entertainment

2010-05-10T21:15:00Z

To commemorate Harvey Milk Day, on his birthday, May 22, 2010 Equality Action Now will host a fun and historic Rally and March on the West steps of the State Capitol. Invited guests include adult and youth speakers from the community as well as entertainment. Highlighting the entertainment will be the cast of Broadway’s hit, A Chorus Line.

The road tour of A Chorus Line will be playing at the Sacramento Community Theatre May 19-23. According to their tour manager the cast will perform their matinee show then head over to the Capitol to perform a musical number from A Chorus Line, “What I Did For Love”.

A Chorus Line, one of the most recognized Broadway musicals, won nine Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever.

Additional entertainers at the Harvey Milk Day Rally will include:

Small Difference Women's Choral Ensemble is a group of women of all orientations who are dedicated to performing music that has a message. It is one way the members have channeled their activism to change this world for the better. We sing songs for peace & justice, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender equality, women's liberation, the environment, and human rights for all. We are a proud member of Sister Singers Network and GALA (the Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses).

Irina Rivkin is an Outmusic Awards Recipient for OutSong of the Year 2003, & Nominee for Outstanding Debut Recording 2005, Rose Street House of Music founder and singer-songwriter Irina Rivkin has performed for 25 years, from her childhood singing Russian folk and American Jazz in a family band, to performing her own songs for the last 12 years. She expresses insightful, gutsy, vocal world-folk originals, journeying into the personal and political, with occasional travels into Russian and Spanish language lyrics. Irina layers her poetic lyrics with rich textured harmonies, swirling with vocal percussive beats, all created live on-the-spot using her loop station instrument.

Cooper Rae, a performance artist from Midtown Sacramento. Rae is committed to creating music and art that effects a social change, Her performance is inclusive and combines a variety of styles into her music – jazz, blues, alternative, neo-soul, r&b, funk, even country. Rae’s original songs touch on a multiple subjects: politics, love, sex, heartbreak, and personal strength. She says that her music is very reflective of her life; therefore it’s very lesbian.

Jovi Ratke and C. Foster “Spoken Word” artists:

Jovi Ratke is a new face on the spoken word scene, but this up and comer has been throwin down words since she learned how to speak them. Over the past few years, she has been a strong and inspiring voice at rallies for marriage equality, events to benefit our homeless communities, and everywhere she can find a mic. Jovi is compact fluorescent lighting meets the energizer bunny with more heart than she can contain folded in. She writes like pen to the page creates oxygen and she possesses a voice that begs to be heard.

All the world’s a stage for performance poet, C.Foster. She can be found reciting lines while shifting gears and pounding pavements. Foster’s work centers on the complexity of love and all the unusual places it exists. With a cracked rearview and a rusty heart, she finds beauty in the breakdown.

Eric Baldwin, an accomplished actor/director has performed across the United States as well as Europe will be playing Harvey Milk, reciting from two of Milk’s speeches, including his inspiring “Hope” speech. Eric as Harvey Milk will then lead the grand finale march around the State Capitol Building.

Harvey Milk Day Rally and March May 22, 2010 at the California State Capitol Building, 10th and L Streets, from 4-6pm is sponsored by Equality Action Now, Outword Magazine, Uptown Studios, Stephan’s Auto Haus, Rainbow Chamber, SIGLFF, EQCA, Faces, B’nai Israel, and Badlands and Depot. For more information on this free, family-friendly event: www.EqualityActionNow.org or call (916) 446-1082.

Matisyahu Makes Music the Best Policy

2010-05-03T21:39:55Z

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than on the steps of the State Capitol. On Sunday, May 2d, the Jewish Heritage Festival drew large crowds to experience the food, culture, and arts. The headliner, internationally known musical performer Matisyahu, shared his blend of reggae, urban beats, and flavorful world music with the crowd that not only embraced him, but also each other, thus demonstrating how, on this day at the Capitol, music was indeed the best policy. A variety of cultural dance performers, speakers, and even the Sacramento Kings' mascot, Slamson, were on hand.

Tea Party April 15 2010 at the California State Capitol

2010-04-16T21:01:21Z

I don't want to make any big generalized Political statements here, I'll let the photos do that, but I WILL say that the whole thing seemed devoid of any sort of Joy or optimism. Calling the State Capitol "That stupid building" over and over again seemed a little excessive and more than a bit regressive and M.C.s Eric Hogue and Roger Hedgecock seemed more interested in fomenting anger than in putting forth any sort of answers to the "issues" they purported to address.

Stage one of 2010 Amgen tour to end at Capitol

2010-02-10T05:51:19Z

"For us domestic riders, this is our Tour de France," Chris Jones said of the Amgen Tour of California. "It's the biggest race of our year," added the 31-year-old cyclist from Auburn.

Jones and Michael Sayers, a retired professional rider, are Amgen tour veterans. They joined John McCasey, Sacramento Sports Commission director, at a Tuesday press conference at Mason's Restaurant. They introduced the tour's first stage -- from Nevada City to Sacramento -- with Mayor Kevin Johnson and Councilmen Ray Tretheway and Steve Cohn also in attendance.

The event kicked off with a video that provided a glimpse of the scenery cyclists will see when they ride from Nevada City to Sacramento on May 16.

Several months ago, fans learned via Twitter that Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer will race again this year. Starting Monday, preview videos began revealing each stage with aerial shots and and cyclists giving first-person accounts. The videos will continue to be released on YouTube and amgentourofcalifornia.com, two per day, until Friday. Each stage log, with turn-by-turn directions, will also be available on the Amgen tour website.

"Nevada City, the start this year, has a rich history," said Sayers, who is a Sacramento native. "Some of the biggest names in American cycling have competed in the Nevada City (Bicycle Classic), and I think it's a big honor that the race is giving Nevada City a few circuits before the stage starts."

After several miles in Nevada City, the 104.2-mile day will take riders through Grass Valley, Placer County and Meadow Vista before entering Auburn.

"My favorite part is going through Auburn about two blocks from my house," said Jones. "Then we'll head over the (Foresthill) Bridge."

Jones explained in the stage-one preview video that the Foresthill Bridge is the tallest in California. Built in 1973 to accompany the never-built Auburn Dam, the bridge provides breathtaking canyon views 738 feet above the American River.

Aside from a 1,500-foot climb to Cool, cyclists will continue downhill through El Dorado County into East Sacramento, before finishing at L and 11th streets. The stage will favor sprinters, and close to the finish line, cyclists may reach up to 40 mph. Streets will be closed to traffic along the entire stage route, details available here.

Sacramento will host free events May 16, McCasey said, including the mayor's ridealong in the morning and festival sponsor Anschutz Entertainment Group's Lifestyle Festival, from noon to 4:30 p.m. Stage two of the tour will feature a 109.5-mile ride from Davis to Santa Rosa.

The local economic impact of the Amgen tour is considerable.

"You're talking about $8 million," said Mayor Kevin Johnson. "Quality of life, a free family event, 80,000 people downtown, and we'll all look like Chris (Jones) if we cycle enough."

Photos 4 and 5 credit Anthony Bento.

Legacy trees, Sacramento baseball celebrated

2010-02-01T05:26:18Z

New life is coming out of old trees in Sacramento.

A foothills woodcarver is finishing a prototype for a collectible wood baseball bat made from a tulip poplar loved by generations as it stood on state Capitol grounds for 129 years.

Two Mendocino brothers created a seven-foot-tall abstract tree sculpture from another part of the tree.

And a Sacramento sculptor is working on a free-form chair from a California black walnut that marked the site of an old wagon trail for at least 140 years.

The wood remains of these old trees are being turned into art, furniture and other new projects to benefit the Legacy Trees Project. Sponsored by nonprofit Sacramento Education Events for Art, the project is an artist-organized effort to stop special local trees from being turned into wood chips or firewood by distributing the wood to carvers instead.

These artisans want to preserve local icons and memories by recycling or repurposing wood from trees that once made up part of the city's urban forest, said James Cooper, SEEART's executive director.

"It's to honor the life and legacy of historic trees that have contributed to the livability and the aesthetic of Sacramento," he said. "It just so happens some of it is art. Some of it is collectibles. Some of it is furniture — anything that creates a valuable continuing legacy of what once stood for more than 100 years as part of the community."

The project seeks historic, aged, socially significant or especially valuable hardwood and softwood trees that are dying or coming down for another reason. The woodcarvers work together to collect the wood once the tree is taken down by professional tree fallers.

The project was launched in 2007 to stop the state's oldest tulip poplar tree, which was rotting, from going to a green-waste facility. Since then, the collective has saved the black walnut and another well-loved tree, a second-growth sequoia that grew near the old state fairgrounds.

"Our idea is to see that the legacy of these trees continues in an honorable way, instead of going to a wood chipper or mulch," said Cooper, who is making the black walnut chair.

Woodturner Frank Russell has nearly finished the first in a series of collectible vintage bats commemorating Sacramento's place in baseball history.

The tulip poplar tree was planted in 1878, less than ten years after the Capitol was built, two years after the Battle of Little Bighorn and a few short years before the Peruvian Bitters became Sacramento's first semi-professional baseball team. That was also 29 years after Alexander Joy Cartwright, considered the father of American baseball, reportedly brought the game to Sacramento when he came looking for gold in 1849.

Sacramento is believed to have been the first West Coast city to have an organized baseball team, according to some historians. The Peruvian Bitters were renamed the Altas, the Altas became the Solons, and the rest is history.

That's a history artisans with the Legacy Trees Project would like to rekindle. Using wood from a locally loved tree, Russell will make bats to commemorate different segments of local baseball history. One is planned to honor the late Art Savage, who brought minor league baseball back to Sacramento in 2000 after buying the Vancouver Canadians and turning them into the Sacramento River Cats, Cooper said.

Other bats may commemorate Sacramento's longtime team, the Solons, with signatures from surviving team members. Some bats also may celebrate Sacramento players who made it to the major leagues.

Russell, 66, has been "turning" wood for five years, since he and his wife moved to retired and moved from Southern California to Placerville. He'd worked in quality engineering and production control for 3M. But woodworking seemed to come naturally to Russell, who said his great-great-grandfather was a cabinetmaker in Scotland.

"I've actually had a fascination with wood all my life," Russell said.

Using an old Louisville Slugger as a model, he created a 31-inch bat — just a few inches short of professional league size — from a 35-inch slab or blank, a single piece of wood that was three inches square. Only the ends of the bat need to be finished, he said.

"The actual finish on the bat is completed. It's all nice and pretty and shiny," Russell said.

The tree from which the bats are made had grown to a massive size near the Capitol's north entrance. Huge flowers blossomed on leafy green branches that threw out substantial shade each summer.

Professional bats are made from a single piece of birch or ash, which are strong woods and hard, yet lightweight. Tulip poplar is a softer hardwood that is a little heavier and normally light yellow in color. Sacramento's tree was diseased, which turned its wood ash-brown with yellow and purple-brown streaks.

"It is stunning," Cooper said. "The incredible thing is how old it looks — because it really is old."

Russell volunteered to make the bats to help raise funds for the project. He got involved with the organization after hearing the tulip poplar was coming down. His interest and experience was in making gavels for fellow Masons.

He'll now make a gavel from the tulip poplar that will be presented this spring to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, in a black walnut presentation box made by his brother, James.

"He's really an artist when it comes to making boxes," Frank Russell said.

Wood from the three trees is going into more projects, including tables and custom mantles. There is a limited amount of wood and a short waiting list, but the Legacy Trees Project is taking more requests for wood from artists, Cooper said.

Up to 12 baseball bats are expected to be completed in time for baseball spring training. With any luck, a dozen remnants of the tulip poplar will branch out into new resting places in Sacramento, he added.

"With wood that old, you've created an antique — a contemporary antique," Cooper said. "And to think this was going to end up as wood chips."

What's happening at the Capitol: January 27, 28

2010-01-27T17:40:18Z

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Noon - 1 p.m. The California Prolife Council will be holding a "Rally For Life" on the West Steps of the Capitol. Following the rally, the group of approximately 350 will meet with legislators.

Thursday, Jan. 28

Noon - 1:30 p.m. The California Office of Privacy Protection will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. They will discuss the importance of protecting privacy by disposing of personal information, especially electronic data. Approximately 15 people are expected.

No further events will occur outside the Capitol until Feb. 1.

What's happening at the Capitol: January 25

2010-01-25T06:00:31Z

Monday, Jan. 25

Noon - 2 p.m. The U.S. Census Bureau will hold an informational rally on the west steps of the Capitol. About 250 participants are expected.

No further events will be held outside the Capitol until Wednesday.

What's happening at the Capitol: January 11, 12

2010-01-11T04:26:54Z

Monday, Jan. 11

1 - 2 p.m. California State Student Association will hold a press conference regarding AB 656, which creates a California Higher Education Fund through a new 9.9 percent oil severance tax. About 75 people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol for the press conference.

Tuesday, Jan. 12

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Foundation for a Drug Free World will have an information booth on display near the north steps of the Capitol. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is supported by Scientology churches and other volunteer organizations.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. International Faith-Based Coalition will be holding a public safety and public health rally on the West Steps of the Capitol. About 400 people are expected to attend.

What's happening at the Capitol: January 5

2010-01-04T05:45:10Z

Tuesday, Jan. 5

11 - 11:45 a.m. The Marin Institute, an alcohol industry watchdog group based in San Rafael, will hold a press conference and rally in support of AB 1019 on the west steps of the Capitol. Authored by Assembly Member Jim Beall (D-San Jose), the bill proposes to establish a state alcohol-related services program funded by large alcohol wholesalers. The bill, which was introduced in February, will be reconsidered by the state Legislature this month.

What's happening at the Capitol: end of the year events

2009-12-16T00:22:35Z

Through December 31, there are fewer Capitol events, according to the CHP's Capitol Permit Officer.

The only event scheduled in the next few weeks is a rally Monday, Dec. 21. From noon to 1 p.m., the Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a vigil against the death penalty on the north steps of the Capitol. About 15 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol? will resume in January.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 21

2009-11-21T03:21:22Z

Saturday, Nov. 21

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. California State Sen. George Runner and California State Assemblyman Roger Neillo will team up with the Patriot Defenders Network to sponsor the "Water For Farmlands" forum. The group seeks a temporary waiver of the Endangered Species Act in order to revert water that is currently rehabilitating endangered fish species to Central Valley farmers. About 500 people are expected to attend the forum, which will be held on the Capitol's west steps.

2 - 5 p.m. Aspiranet, a nonprofit that provides social services to foster children, will be holding a National Adoption Day rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 300 people are expected to participate.

No further events will take place until Wednesday, Dec. 2.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 10

2009-11-11T00:45:34Z

Wednesday, Nov. 10

1 - 2 p.m. In honor of Veterans Day, Mexican-American Veteran Memorial, Inc., will hold a memorial service at the California Veterans Memorial for about 50 people.

No further events until Saturday, Nov. 14.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 5

2009-11-05T00:27:58Z

Thursday, Nov. 5

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Blood Source Sacramento will be holding a blood drive for an expected 50 participants. Their "mobile blood van" will be parked near the fish pond.

No further events scheduled until Sunday, Nov. 8.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 24, 25

2009-10-24T04:03:13Z

Saturday, Oct. 24

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Boy Scouts of America will hold the California Capitol March to help celebrate 100 years of scouting. The walk will begin at the west steps of the Capitol and end at Raley Field, where there will be midway games, a BMX and skateboard show, pinewood derby races and other entertainment. The event costs $20. About 10,000 people are expected.

Sunday, Oct. 25

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. UC Davis Children's Hospital will be holding a free Halloween-themed Capitol Family Fun Day on the west steps of the Capitol. Preschool through preteen children are encouraged to wear costumes while learning about health, fitness and safety. Free pumpkins and pumpkin carving kits will be distributed and the event will feature musical and martial arts performances. About 3,000 people are expected.

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.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 9

2009-10-09T00:28:04Z

Friday, Oct. 9

Noon - 1:30 p.m. The Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus will be presenting the Tonga Defense Services Marching Band. About 90 people will view the performance on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 5-8

2009-10-05T06:20:29Z

Monday, Oct. 5

10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. California Partnership to End Domestic Violence will be kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on the north steps of the Capitol. About 300 people will attend.

No events will take place until Oct. 9

What's happening at the Capitol: October 3, 4

2009-10-03T04:45:50Z

Saturday, Oct. 3

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Alzheimer's Association will be holding its annual Memory Walk, beginning on the south steps of the Capitol. About 2,000 people will participate.

1 - 2 p.m. The China National Day Foundation will be holding a flag-raising ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol. About 100 people will attend.

Sunday, Oct. 4

7:30 a.m. - Noon The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will be holding its annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, beginning at the West Steps. About 3,000 people will participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 1, 2

2009-09-30T23:28:18Z

Thursday, Oct. 1

3:30 - 5:30 p.m. California Department of Health Care Services will be holding a retirement celebration for it's department on the Capitol's lawn. About 40 people are expected.

Friday, Oct. 2

No events planned on this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 26, 27

2009-09-26T03:50:24Z

Saturday, Sept. 26

6:45 - Until it ends The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be holding their annual "Light the Night" walk at the Capitol. About 3,000 participants will walk a mile around the Capitol starting at the west steps.

Sunday, Sept. 27

No events are scheduled on this day. No events are scheduled until Wednesday, Sept. 30.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 24, 25

2009-09-24T01:38:06Z

Thursday, Sept. 24

Noon - 1:30 p.m. California's Department of Education will be holding a company picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected.

5 - 7 p.m. American Society for Public Administration will be holding a reception at the firefighters' memorial. About 50 people are expected to attend.

6:30 - 8 p.m. The Marine Corps band will be performing on the west steps of the Capitol to an expected 50 people.

Friday, Sept. 25

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. A Native American Day Celebration will be held on the south steps of the Capitol. It will feature speakers, music and dance. About 300 people are expected to participate.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Sacramento chapter of the national group Parents of Murdered Children will be holding a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims gathering. About 100 people are expected on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 21, 22

2009-09-21T04:39:26Z

Monday, Sept. 21

Noon - 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a rally against the death penalty. About 15 people are expected to participate in the rally on the north steps of the Capitol.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The city's Department of Transportation will be holding a department picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. About 60 people will be participating.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 17, 18

2009-09-17T04:19:53Z

Thursday, Sept. 17

8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. The California State Treasurer's Office will be setting up an information booth for the State Employees Charitable Campaign near the traffic circle west of the Capitol. About 75 people are expected to visit.

9:30 a.m. - noon A film crew of eight people from the China Travel Channel will be filming on the north and west sides of the Capitol.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. American Heart Association will be holding a wellness fair on the west steps of the Capitol. During their lunchtime, about 2,500 state employees will also be walking around the Capitol in the AHA's annual Health Walk.

Friday, Sept. 18

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club will be holding a Prisoners Of War/Missing In Action rally on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 people are expected to participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 14, 15

2009-09-14T00:49:02Z

Monday, Sept. 14

No events are scheduled on this day.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

6 - 9:30 p.m. The Mexican Cultural Institute of California will be holding a Mexican Independence Day celebration on the west steps of the Capitol. About 2500 people are expected to participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 12, 13

2009-09-12T00:23:26Z

Saturday, Sept. 12

No events are scheduled for this day.

Sunday, Sept. 13

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Capitol City Aids Fund will be holding their annual walk and rally at the Capitol. Those who wish to walk or run the 5K course around the Capitol can register at Fleet Feet Sports, 2311 J St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The group will also be holding a health fair on the west steps of the Capitol will provide healthy snacks and drinks.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 10, 11

2009-09-10T03:48:28Z

Thursday, Sept. 10

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. United Way will be holding its California State Employees Charitable Campaign kickoff event on the west steps of the Capitol. About 400 people representing 100 non-profits are expected to to attend.

Friday, Sept. 11

6:30 – 9 p.m. As part of Air Force Week, country music artist Aaron Tippin will be performing for free on the west steps of the Capitol. About 3,500 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: September 7, 8

2009-09-07T03:41:26Z

Monday, Sept. 7

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Music 4 Autism Awareness will be holding a concert on the north steps and the surrounding lawn area. About 200 people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sacramento Convention and Visitor's Bureau will be holding a press conference/concert to kick off Air Force Week. About 800 people are expected to participate in the event on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 31, September 1

2009-08-30T17:44:07Z

Monday, Aug. 31

Noon - 1:30 p.m. Health Care For All Sacramento Valley presents Single Payer Players puppet troupe in a show entitled "The Sound of Moolah." It's a humorous musical presenting facts and details about Single Payer Health Care. The eight puppeteers will perform on the north steps of the Capitol.

Tuesday, Sept. 1

10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Ella Baker Center will be holding a press conference on the south steps of the Capitol. It will be celebrating its 13th anniversary with about 300 people.

Noon - 1 p.m. Central Valley Air Quality Coalition will be holding a clean air rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 150 participants are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 26, 27, 28

2009-08-26T04:07:10Z

Wednesday, Aug. 26

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. State Senator Fran Pavley will be holding a press conference about baby bottle legislation. About 90 people are expected to gather on the West Steps of the Capitol.

Thursday, Aug. 27

5:30 - 9 p.m. The California State Capitol Museum will be holding a volunteer appreciation dinner near the old rose garden. About 110 people are expected.

Friday, Aug. 28

Noon - 5 p.m. The Sacramento Tea Party will be holding a rally entitled "Save California from Big Government Eco-Regulation." Held on the Capitol's West Steps, about 100 people are expected.

3:30 - 6 p.m. A rally for education and children entitled "Pink Friday" will be held on the north steps of the Capitol. About 100 people are expected to participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 24, 25

2009-08-24T01:33:52Z

Monday, Aug. 24

No events are planned for this day.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary will hold a fundraiser outside the north and south entrances of the Capitol. People will be collecting donations.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Office of Assemblyman Mike Duvall has organized a water display to be constructed on the north steps of the Capitol. About 400 people are expected to view it throughout the day.

11 - 11:30 a.m. California Assemblyman Pedro Nava will be holding a press conference regarding budget cuts. About 15 people are expected to attend the conference to be held on the south steps of the Capitol.

Velocab tour: a photojournal

2009-08-22T02:00:52Z

If you live in the Midtown or Downtown areas, you've likely seen a polka-dotted cycle rickshaw around town lately. Chances are it was a Velocab, a part-engine, part-human-powered vehicle that serves as a taxi for one to three people.

In a recent Sacramento Press article, Velocab owner Marc Christensen mentioned several historic spots accessible by a short bike ride. The following is a photo essay that captures a glimpse of what one might view on one of these rides, which takes less than two hours:

Pictured: a Velocab, a zero-emissions taxi.

Above: The Sacramento Press began its Velocab tour near the Amtrak station. It proceeded underneath the highway and into Old Sacramento.

Photograph: The California State Railroad Museum is one of many museums in Old Sacramento. Others include the Sacramento History Museum, The Wells Fargo History Museum, The California Military Museum and the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum.

Foreground: in Old Sacramento toward the riverfront, signs for the California Steam Navigation Company and the Delta King in the foreground. Background: the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento.

Pictured: An old Victorian-style house near 17th and Capitol.

Above: The State Capitol building shows Neoclassical-style architecture.

Photograph: the firefighters' memorial is one of the many memorials among the points of interest on the grounds outside the Capitol.

Above: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, established around 1840.

Pictured: Velocab owner Marc Christensen lays in the shade, taking a break from pedaling and the summer heat.

Tours take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They can be arranged by calling (916) 498-9980. A 90 to 120-minute tour costs $36 per cab and a one-hour tour costs $28 per cab.

Photographs credit Jonathan Mendick and Greg Majewski

What's happening at the Capitol: August 19, 20, 21

2009-08-18T22:35:57Z

Wednesday, Aug. 19

10 - 11 a.m. The Pacific Legal Foundation will hold a press conference entitled "Save Our Water" on the West Steps of the Capitol. They will deliver a petition to the Governor asking to summon the Endangered Species Committee, or "God Squad," to divert water from a fish conservation operation to farms. About 50 people are expected to attend the press conference.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. The Agenda for Economic Recovery will be holding a press conference on the south steps of the Capitol. About 25 people are expected.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pesticide Watch will be holding a press conference on the use of methyl iodide in California agriculture. A group of 50 scientists, including five Nobel Laureates have considered the chemical a public health threat and a potential water contaminant. About 100 people are expected to attend the press conference on the north steps of the Capitol.

Thursday, Aug. 20

No events planned on this day.

Friday, Aug. 21

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. CALPIRG will be holding a press conference about healthcare reform on the north steps of the Capitol. Part of the press conference will be to display a wooden "Healthcare Harry" prop. About 15 people are expected to attend.

No further events will occur until Tuesday, Aug. 25.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 17, 18

2009-08-17T03:05:19Z

Monday, Aug. 17

Noon - 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a noon hour vigil against the death penalty. About 10 people are expected to participate in the vigil on the north steps of the Capitol.

11 a.m. - noon The Million Boat Float will hold a press conference and rally on the west steps of the Capitol. The event was created to voice opposition to legislation proposing to "construct a water conveyance system comparable to the Panama Canal" in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ACLU of Northern California will be holding a rally to urge "elected officials to make equitable budget solutions and sensible criminal justice reforms in order to save $12 billion over five years and restore the social safety net for Californians." About 100 people are expected to gather for the rally on the south steps of the Capitol.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The office of Assemblyman Mike Duvall will be displaying energy storage devices on the north steps of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected to visit the display.

Noon - 1 p.m. The Congress of California Seniors will be holding a lunch, press conference and legislative visit day in the southwest corner of the Capitol. About 150 people will participate.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 15, 16

2009-08-14T21:00:47Z

Saturday, Aug. 15

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. The United States Corps of Chaplains will be presenting a memorial wreath at the Capitol's All War Memorial. About 30 people are expected to attend the event.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Events for Aug. 16 not available at the time of this posting.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 13, 14

2009-08-13T00:04:06Z

Thursday, August 13

Noon - 1 p.m. California Women, Infants and Children's Association will be holding a walk for World Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The walk will begin at the south steps of the Capitol, and about 100 people are expected to participate.

Friday, August 14

3:30 - 3:45 p.m. The U.S. Corps of Chaplains, a nonprofit group that provides aid to active military members and veterans, will be meeting to view a display at the Capitol's All Wars Memorial. About 20 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 5, 6, 7

2009-08-05T03:40:46Z

Wednesday, August 5

No events are planned for this day.

Thursday, August 6

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Blood Source Sacramento will be holding a blood drive for an expected 50 participants. Their "mobile blood van" will be parked near the fish pond.

Friday, August 7

11 a.m.-1 p.m. A ceremony honoring veterans who have been awarded a Purple Heart will take place near the All Wars Memorial at the Capitol. It will include the laying of wreaths, posting of colors, and a 21-gun salute. About 50 people are expected to participate. The public is also welcome.

No events are scheduled until Thursday, Aug. 13.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 3, 4

2009-08-03T06:28:29Z

August 3

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. California Deparment of Veteran Affairs will be holding a news conference on the G.I. bill. About 500 people are expected to attend the conference on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 29, 30, 31

2009-07-29T04:10:50Z

Wednesday, July 29

8:30-10 a.m. A rally organized by the California Youth Leadership Forum for Students With Disabilities will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 120 people are expected to participate.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Chicano Youth Leadership Project will have a student rally, press conference and dinner on the north steps of the Capitol. About 150 people are expected to participate.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Campaign for College Opportunity will be holding "Save Me a Spot in College Day" on the south steps of the Capitol. Scholarships will be awarded to 266 students from around the state. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell will deliver the keynote address. About 500 people are expected.

Thursday, July 30

10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Books Not Bars, a statewide organization dedicated to shutting down California's youth prisons, will be holding a press conference on the south steps of the Capitol. About 400 people are expected to attend the rally.

Friday, July 31

No events scheduled on this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 24, 25

2009-07-24T16:58:11Z

Saturday, July 24

No events are scheduled for this day.

Sunday, July 25

11 a.m.- 4 p.m. In A Sweet Way Ministries will be holding a musical celebration on the west steps of the Capitol. About 500 people will attend.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 20

2009-07-20T17:20:45Z

Monday, July 20

Noon- 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a noon-hour rally against the death penalty. Held on the north steps, about 10 people are expected.

No further events planned this week.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 18, 19

2009-07-18T18:49:06Z

Saturday, July 18

No events planned for this day.

Sunday, July 19

8 a.m.-10 p.m. Filming for a movie entitled "Power and Pride", starring Stephen Baldwin, will be taking place on the west steps of the Capitol. The film is about a Senator named David Fletcher who rapidly ascends in power while risking his family, faith and personal values. Approximately 50 people are expected to attend.

Noon- 5 p.m. The Department of General Services will be holding a company picnic on several lawns around the Capitol. About300 people will be participating.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 15, 16, 17

2009-07-15T03:46:20Z

Wednesday, July 15

9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. A "green information fair" will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 200 people are expected to participate.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Department of Corporations will be holding a staff appreciation lunch near the fish pond. About 100 people are expected to gather for the lunch.

Thursday, July 16

8 a.m.-10 p.m. Filming for a movie entitled Power and Pride, starring Stephen Baldwin, will be taking place on the west steps of the Capitol. The film is about a Senator named David Fletcher who rapidly ascends in power while risking his family, faith and personal values. Approximately 50 people are expected to attend.

5-9 p.m. A monthly "Food for Thought" event will be held near the Capitol in the California History Room, at 900 N St., Room 200. The event includes a film screening, refreshments and a post-film discussion. This month's film is Apollo 13. About 80 people are expected.

Friday, July 17

No events planned on this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 13, 14

2009-07-13T06:09:07Z

Monday, July 13

11 a.m.-Noon The office of State Senator Lou Correa has planned a Peruvian Independence Day ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol. The ceremony will include flags and speakers. About 50 people are expected to participate.

Tuesday, July 14

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Health and Human Services will be holding a blood drive near the capitol in the Bateson Building at 1600 9th St.

7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento, a community program for young girls, will be holding a bake sale on the north steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 9

2009-07-07T22:52:10Z

Thursday, July 9

11:45 a.m.- 4 p.m. California Association for Micro-enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) will be holding a legislative day near the north steps of the Capitol. It will include lunch with legislators under a tent and a presentation by Senator Leland Yee. About 40 people are expected.

5:30- 9 p.m. A gathering in support for Laura Ling and Euna Lee will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 participants are expected including Lisa Ling and her family, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg and Mayor Kevin Johnson.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 4 through July 8

2009-07-03T18:21:37Z

Saturday, July 4

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Americans for Prosperity and Mark Meckler, organizer of the Sacramento Tea Party, will be holding an Independence Day Tea Party on the west steps of the Capitol. About 500 people are expected.

Noon- 1:30 p.m. Kevin S. Carter will be reading poetry on the north steps of the Capitol. Though he will be reading through a sound system, it is unknown how many people will attend.

Sunday, July 5 through Wednesday July 8

No events are scheduled.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 29, 30

2009-06-29T03:36:57Z

Monday, June 29

8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Five people from the California State Parks Foundation will be having an informational display on the north steps of the Capitol.

9-10 a.m. About 100 students from the California 4-H Youth Development program will be taking a photograph near the traffic circle on the west side of the Capitol.

Tuesday, June 30

11 a.m.- Noon California Primary Care Association will be holding a health care rally on the west steps of the Capitol. About 150 people are expected in the rally.

3-5 p.m. The ACLU will be holding a rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 150 people are expected to participate.

2 p.m. (Tuesday, June 30)- 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 1) SEIU Local 1000 will be holding an afternoon rally Tuesday, overnight vigil and morning rally Wednesday for the state budget. About 8,000 state workers are expected to attend the event on the west steps of the Capitol.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 27, 28

2009-06-26T18:36:39Z

Saturday, June 27

10 a.m - 1 p.m. California Primary Care Association will be holding a health fair on the West Steps of the Capitol. One hundred and fifty people are expected to participate in the event, which will feature speakers, educational booths, and free health services.

Sunday, June 28

Noon - 1 p.m. One hundred members of the California 4-H Youth Development Program will be holding a picnic on the lawn of the Capitol. They will also be meeting with legislators as part of the 2009 California Focus program.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 25, 26

2009-06-25T04:47:37Z

Thursday, June 25

9-10 a.m. Neuropathy Action Foundation will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi will attend the conference along with 40 other people.

10 a.m.-Noon The California Department of Personnel Administration will be taking a group photograph on the west steps of the Capitol. 225 employees will be in the photograph.

Noon- 1:30 p.m. California Boy's State, a program that helps high school juniors develop a knowledge of government, will be at the Capitol visiting legislators. The group of 1,000 will be eating lunch outside the Capitol at various locations.

Friday, June 26

8 a.m.- 7 p.m. ChicaGirl Magazine will be holding a photo shoot near the old rose garden. Eight people will participate.

10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Detachment 88 of the Air Force ROTC will be holding a commissioning ceremony for 2nd Lieutenants entering the Air Force. One hundred people are expected to attend the ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol.

10:30 a.m.- Noon Special Olympics of Northern California will be holding a torch run and press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. One hundred people are expected in the ceremony celebrating the event, which will feature more than 1,000 athletes.

3-5 p.m. Metropolitan Car Club Owners of North America will be displaying 40 cars on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 people are expected.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 22, 23

2009-06-22T01:16:45Z

Monday, June 22

11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. 100 people from Californians for Disability Rights will rally on the north steps of the Capitol for health issues in the budget.

Tuesday, June 23

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 500 children and their parents will convene at the west steps of the Capitol for the California Children's Rally, a celebratory, kid-friendly rally.

Here is the group's schedule of events:

10 a.m.: Kids ring school bell and get things started at the Annual California Children’s Rally Kazoo Parade
“Students First: Children Speak About the Mission of Public Education,” a dialogue to define the mission of public education in California
10:30 a.m.: Informational hearing on SB604 [which elicits public input to determine the core values and mission of public education in California] in room 4202 with State Senator Gloria Romero
Parents for Public Schools (San Francisco), Parents Revolution/Parents Union (Lost Angeles), The Lemonade Initiative (Lost Angeles), other parents TBA
Ben Austin, Lemonade Initiative; Parents
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley introduces AB8, a bill to simplify the mysterious money-spewing “Dr. Seuss Rube Goldberg Machine”* that is California public school funding
- * a giant contraption to be built live on the Capitol steps by the children, with Trash for Teaching‘s Beth Elliott
Noon – 1 p.m. POTLUCK Picnic Lunch/Celebration
The Burning Moms Hammer Pants Dance
A final toast by Sandra Tsing Loh to ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL MOTHERS
The Angry Tired Teachers’ Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Finish!
1 – 4 p.m. Families may use this time to visit their legislators. No appointments are needed (you don’t even need to knock!), but a bit of preparation will help you learn about your legislators. You can expect to at least meet with their staff. Here’s a helpful link.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 20, 21

2009-06-19T20:58:30Z

Saturday, June 20

9:30 a.m.-noon The 22nd annual Pride Festival, sponsored by the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, will begin with a march and parade from the west steps of the Capitol to Southside Park. This kicks off a two-week-long schedule of events including the all-day Pride Festival at Southside Park. View the Pride Festival's schedule here. 3,000 are expected to participate in the march, parade and festival.

Sunday, June 21

7 a.m.-9 p.m. Karma Productions 12 LLC will be shooting a film on the west steps of the Capitol. 700 people will participate in the filming.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 17, 18, 19

2009-06-17T01:58:20Z

Wednesday, June 17

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Comcast will be holding a high school recognition ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol. Last year the company gave out an average of $1,000 to over 150 12th grade students for higher education.

Noon-2 p.m. Ten people from the California Department of Public Health will be manning a public safety booth on the west steps of the Capitol. They will be passing out informational handouts.

Thursday, June 18

11 a.m-2 p.m. California Department of Social Services' Multicultural Commission will be holding a World Fair event in the Department of Social Services' quad area. 150 participants are expected to attend.

Friday, June 19

10:30 a.m.- Noon Hands in Peace, a children's peace festival, will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. "The event will celebrate diversity in Sacramento's children ages 10-20," said Inge Ring, a board member and organizer of Hands in Peace. "Kids of all ethnic and religious groups will be participating in a pentathalon over a four-day period from June 18 to June 21 as a vehicle for peace promotion." Senator Darrel Steinberg, Councilmember Rob Fong and the president of Hands in Peace will all speak at the Capitol in a press conference for the event. Around 200 children are expected to attend the press conference.

Noon-4 p.m. Fathers 4 Justice will be holding a rally and press conference on the north steps of the Capitol. The group uses direct action "done with humor" to spread their message according to their mission statement on their website. 25 people will gather for the event.

5:30-8 p.m. Three districts of the United Methodist Church will be eating dinner at different locations around the Capitol. 325 people will gather for the meal.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 15, 16

2009-06-15T05:10:20Z

Monday, June 15

Noon- 1 p.m. Sacramento Area Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a noon hour vigil against the death penalty on the north steps of the Capitol. 12 people are expected to listen to a special program of poetry reading.

2-4:30 p.m. Southside Art Center, which holds arts programs for people with developmental disabilities, will be holding a press conference on the west steps of the Capitol. This will be held in conjunction with the Journey of Hope fundraiser, a cross-country bicycle trip which raises money and understanding for people with disabilities. 100 people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, June 16

No events scheduled for this day.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 13, 14

2009-06-13T04:55:42Z

Saturday, June 13

No events scheduled on this day.

Sunday, June 14

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Ronald McDonald House Charities will be holding their scholarship award ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol in front of an expected audience of 450 people.

10:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Worldwide Knit In Public Day, an international festival which has been held annually since 2005 as a way for knitters to gather and socialize, will be held at the Capitol. 49 people are expected in the northwest corner of the Capitol near 10th and L Streets. For more information see wwkipday.com.

3-5 p.m. The Marine Corps will be holding a 2nd Lieutenant commissioning ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol for 30 people.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 8, 9

2009-06-08T02:00:47Z

Monday, June 8

Noon-2 p.m. A filming for a Cesar Chavez documentary by Discovery Channel, Eyeworks and Cuatro Cabeza Productions will take place on the West Steps of the Capitol. A small crew of five people is expected.

12:15-1 p.m. Near the new vegetable garden next to the Capitol Park insectary building on 13th and L Streets, Steve Poinzer will be holding his "Steve Poinzer for Governor" photo shoot with a crew of five people.

Tuesday, June 9

10-11 a.m. Freedom 2 Care is, according to their webpage, a "coalition organized by the Christian Medical Association to bring together organizations and individuals who recognize the value of preserving historic American civil rights and freedoms in healthcare." They will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for an estimated 20 people.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 6, 7

2009-06-06T00:10:16Z

Saturday, June 6

9-10:30 a.m. A city-wide treasure hunt to find a $25,000 diamond ring will kick off near the fish pond. Nearly 400 people are expected in the hunt, and according to RacefortheRock.com, the clues will be delivered via text messages. The $25 entrance fee will be donated to Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Couples or teams of two with both members over the age of 18 can enter, and you must win a space to participate.

10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Infineon Raceway has scheduled a NASCAR Rally Day on the west steps of the Capitol for an estimated 1,000 people. The fifth annual rally will feature a visit from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Max Papis, who will headline the festivities, have a question-and-answer session with fans and sign autographs. The celebration leads up to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway June 19 to 21. According to infineonraceway.com, "the event will also feature music, interactive games, special ticket offers for the big race weekend, face painting and a bounce house for children."

11 a.m.- 7 p.m. There will be several private weddings at the Capitol in various locations.

3:30-5:30 p.m. The U.S. Marine Corps will be holding a retirement ceremony for 160 people on the south steps of the Capitol.

Sunday, June 7

8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nike Women's Fitness Festival will be held on the west steps of the Capitol for 3,000 people. People can still register in person Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6 at Fleet Feet Sports. SJ DJ will be performing from 7:30 to 9:45 a.m. and Dog Party will perform from 9:45 to 10:05 a.m.

What's happening at the Capitol: June 3, 4, 5

2009-06-02T20:54:59Z

Wednesday, June 3

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Two fuel cell vehicles will be displayed on the east steps of the Capitol for an estimated audience of 40 people.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The California Association of Realtors will be taking a group photograph on the West Steps of the Capitol, with an expected turnout of 2,000.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pacific West Association of Realtors will be holding their Legislative Day and lunch on the north steps of the Capitol for 150 people.

Thursday, June 4

No events scheduled for this day.

Friday, June 5

8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Filming for a movie entitled Power & Pride starring Stephen Baldwin will be taking place on the West Steps of the Capitol. The film is about a Senator named David Fletcher, a politician who rapidly ascends in power, while risking his family, faith and personal values, according to its website. Approximately 50 people will be in attendance.

9 a.m. - Noon Clean Air 2009, a clean air rally, will be held on the north steps of the Capitol for 150 participants.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 30, 31

2009-05-30T02:59:09Z

Saturday, May 30

7 a.m.-1 p.m. The Kings of Queens motorcycle club will be holding a walk-a-thon fundraising event for breast cancer near the south steps of the Capitol. The event is expected to draw 500 participants.

10 a.m.- Noon Forty people will be participating in a prayer rally for California Department of Corrections prisoners, parolees and personnel.

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Senator Darrell Steinberg's office will be holding a ceremony honoring graduates. 500 people are expected on the south steps of the Capitol.

According to a press release from the Senator's office:

"Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) will hold a special recognition ceremony this Saturday at 11 am on the South Steps of the State Capitol to honor graduates who have been nominated by their Sacramento area schools.

For this annual graduation event, Steinberg encouraged every high school and middle school in his Senate district, including charter schools, continuation schools and special education schools to nominate a “Most Improved” and “Most Outstanding” student to be honored. Each honoree received a personal invitation letter to attend the ceremony with their family, where they will receive special recognition and a Senate Certificate from Senator Steinberg.

“I look forward to spending the day congratulating and getting to know these hard working students and their families,” Steinberg said.

Sunday, May 31

Three private weddings are scheduled throughout the day.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 25, 26

2009-05-24T23:29:16Z

Monday, May 25

12-1 p.m. Elk Grove Civil War Round Table will be holding a Civil War Memorial walk and rally near the fish pond. Fifty people are expected to participate.

1-2 p.m. A 21-gun salute will be held in memorial of the Mexican-American War near the Mexican-American Veterans Memorial just north of the traffic circle on 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. Seventy-five people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, May 26

7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Happy Tails, a no-kill facility dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals, according to their website, will be holding a bake sale on the north and south entrances of the Capitol.

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Caravan for Justice will hold its third rally at the Capitol, for "thousands of Californians who have grown fed up with laws and policies that continue to undermine our freedoms and destroy the most valuable and humane of infrastructures called: FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS," says the flier. Three thousand people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol.

1-3:30 p.m. 9-1-1 For Kids will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for 100 expected people.

6-7 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the rose garden.

7 p.m.* - All Night?* As explained in an earlier Sacramento Press article, if Proposition 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

*7 p.m.: This event is contingent on Prop 8 ruling.
*All Night: This depends on crowd interest.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 23, 24

2009-05-23T02:26:22Z

Saturday, May 23

8-11 a.m. Hope Productions Foundation will be holding their "Walk 'n Rock" fundraising event in which people will walk from Raley Field to the Capitol and back to Raley Field. Richard March is scheduled to perform at the Capitol's West Steps. About 2500 people will participate in the event, and Journey will be headlining the evening concert at Raley Field.

11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Three separate private weddings will be held near the rose and cactus gardens.

Sunday, May 24

7 a.m.-8 p.m. Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500 will be holding their annual "reading of the names" ceremony for an audience of about 200 people near the Vietnam War Memorial.

3:30-6 p.m. A wedding and photo session will be held for a private wedding near the new rose garden.

What's Happening at the Capitol: May 18, 19

2009-05-18T19:15:04Z

Monday, May 18

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. California Immigrant Center will be holding their annual Immigrant Day Rally on the west steps of the Capitol. 250 people are expected.

"Immigrants and their supporters from around California will converge on the West Steps of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento to celebrate Immigrant Day on May 18, 2009, and take the message to lawmakers that to recover from the economic crisis the state needs to maintain support to California's workforce and its families," says a media advisory.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. March of Dimes's California chapter will be holding their annual lobby day on the south steps of the Capitol for an expected crowd of 100 people.

"Join us for the March of Dimes advocacy event of the year as we discuss our mission with California’s state legislators. Let them know the importance of helping California moms and babies. This is your chance to make a difference by telling them your story and why you volunteer for March of Dimes," says the event's page.

Noon - 1 p.m. Sacramento Areas Coalition Against the Death Penalty will be holding a vigil against the death penalty. 20 people are expected to participate in the rally on the north steps of the Capitol.

Noon - 3 p.m. "The Run For FUNds" charity run for the San Carlos Charter Learning Center will end near the fish pond at the Capitol, culminating in a rally that will draw an expected 200 people.

"The Run for FUNds is also the largest-ever fundraiser in the school’s 15-year history. It seeks to raise $100,000 to save Spanish classes and library programs being cut due to the funding crisis, and to ensure school can open for classes this fall," says the race's webpage.

Tuesday, May 19

9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. American Medical Response will be holding an emergency vehicle display on the south steps of the Capitol to a small audience of eight people.

10 a.m - 3 p.m. Association of International Automobile Manufacturers will be displaying energy efficient vehicles on the north steps of the Capitol to 50 people.

What's Happening at the Capitol: May 16, 17

2009-05-16T00:30:31Z

Saturday, May 16

8-11 a.m. Roughneck Motorcycle Club will be holding a charity motorcycle run for the Firefighters Cancer Awareness Support Network near the firefighter's memorial. 250 people are expected.

9 a.m.-Noon Alternatives Pregnancy Center will be holding a 2K "Walk for Life" and according to its website, will offer free pregnancy tests, counseling, information, ultrasounds, maternity and baby supplies, and more. Located on the west steps of the Capitol, the event is expected to draw around 300 people.

9 a.m.- 4 p.m. UC Davis' Vietnamese Student Association will be holding a Bike-A-Thon which will begin on the UC Davis Campus and end at the State Capitol just south of the fish pond.

"The money raised during our Bike-A-Thon will go towards implementing VietHope’s Youth Development Program, which inspires scholarship recipients to take initiative by taking what they have learned in school and applying their new knowledge into practice in the real world. VietHope’s mission is to provide scholarships to underprivileged students in Vietnam" says a flier from the Bike-A-Thon website.

11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Five separate weddings are scheduled to take place near the rose garden.

Noon-6 p.m. Million Marijuana March will be holding a pro-medical-marijuana rally with speakers, legal information and live music. Double Lion, Feva, TPR and Kapital Kings are on the lineup, says a post on a greenpassion.org forum. 800 people are expected to show up for the event on the north steps of the Capitol.

5-6 p.m. Sacramento Adventist Academy, a private K-12 school, will be holding a band performance on the west steps of the Capitol for an expected audience of 500 people.

Sunday, May 17

Noon-4 p.m. NorCal AIDS Challenge, a four-day 330-mile ride with over 65 participants, started in Folsom on Thursday, May 14 and will end at the Capitol's west steps with a closing ceremony. It expects to draw 800 people.

5-11 p.m. Make-A-Wish Foundation will be holding a "Twilight Walk for Wishes." An event open to the public, registration begins at 5:45 p.m. and the walk begins at 6:45 p.m. on the south steps of the Capitol. "The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Sacramento & Northeastern California is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy," says their local webpage.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 13, 14 and 15

2009-05-13T07:05:47Z

Wednesday, May 13

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sea World's Ambassador Team will be bringing animals to the north steps of the Capitol during an annual educational outreach day. Among other animals they will have penguins, lemurs, porcupines, foxes, possibly an alligator, according to Corrine Brindley, a Sea World employee on the Ambassador Team. People are welcome to stop by to meet the animals, learn some interesting facts about the animals and about conservation efforts. School groups and large crowds of young people are expected to be streaming in all day long, Brindley said. For those working inside the Capitol, there will be an animal setup in the Senate Lounge from 1:30-3 p.m.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. California Beer and Beverage Distributors will be holding a lunch reception for Legislative Day on the west steps of the Capitol. According to Rhonda Stevenson, Director of Marketing and Public Affairs, 400 beer and beverage distributors from throughout California will be presenting to legislators and answering questions about what distributors do, the latest green initiatives, and the importance of state regulation. "We want to have our issues heard and be part of the political process," Stevenson added.

12-4 p.m. Californians For Justice will be holding a rally entitled Campaign for Quality Education. According to their website, the organization would like to "reform education funding and fully invest in a quality education for all students." The purpose of the rally is for students, teachers, parents, and community organizations to gather in support of educational justice and the '100 Percent Prepared for College and Career' Plan. Roughly 1000 people are expected to participate in the rally, which will be held on the south steps of the Capitol.

Thursday, May 14

10 a.m.-5 p.m. California State Employees Association (CSEA) will be holding a benefit fair for retirees near the fish pond on the east lawn. Says the CSEA website, the 3rd annual fair will showcase "the wide range of benefits that CSEA provides." Representatives from theme parks, insurance companies and businesses will be on hand to explain specials available to its members. The CSEA fair will be positioned next to the SeaWorld animal exhibit. SeaWorld is one of the theme parks that offers discounts to CSEA members. 500 people are expected to attend.

Friday, May 15

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will be holding their Medal of Valor ceremony in front of an estimated 1,000 people. According to its website, the award is "earned by employees distinguishing themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of correctional service. The employee shall display great courage in the face of immediate life-threatening peril and with full knowledge of the risk involved. The act should show professional judgment and not jeopardize operations or the lives of others."

What's happening at the Capitol: May 6, 7 and 8

2009-05-06T08:27:55Z

Here are the events at the Capitol occuring May 6, 7 and 8:

Wednesday, May 6:

6 a.m.-5:30 p.m. California Department of General Services have arranged a free e-waste drop off, so anyone can drop off old electronics for free on the west side of the Capitol.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. California Child Care Resource Network will hold an affordable child-care rally entitled Stand for Children. Taking place on the north steps, the rally looks to draw 700 participants.

Thursday, May 7

8 a.m-4 p.m. California Animal Rescue League will be having a bake sale on the north entrance of the Capitol.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ella Baker Center for Human Rights will be holding a press conference near the fish pond for their campaign Books Not Bars. 75 people are expected.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. National Day of Prayer Task Force will be organizing a prayer and celebration on the south steps of the Capitol for an estimated 600 people. According to the group's website "The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman."

2-5 p.m. California Peace Officers Memorial will have a rehearsal for Friday's "Walk of Honor" for Peace Officers on the west steps of the Capitol.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Sacramento County Office of Education will be holding a recognition ceremony for high school graduates near 1500 11th Street. According to the website "the event is traditionally opened with a flag ceremony conducted by a local high school, youth, or veterans' organization. Each honoree is introduced and presented with his or her high school diploma." Approximately 160 people will be in attendance.

8:30-9 p.m. California Peace Officers Memorial will hold a candlelight vigil on the west steps of the Capitol, "with welcoming comments from the CPOMF President, remarks from departmental and past survivor representatives, a Roll Call of Heroes, as well as music and prayer," according to the organizer's website.

Friday, May 8

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. California Peace Officers Memorial will hold their enrollment ceremony on the west steps of the Capitol. According to their website, the "formal ceremony begins with the ‘Walk of Honor’ from the State Capitol to the Memorial Monument. [It continues with] presentations by state representatives, CPOMF’s President, and a departmental keynote speaker. [The] Ceremony concludes with a 21-gun salute, taps, and retiring of the colors."

5-7 p.m. Sacramento Walking Sticks will be holding a walk for approximately 150 people beginning from the Capitol's rose garden. According to their website, "the Sacramento Walking Sticks is California's largest [American Volkssport Association or] AVA affiliated walking club. We started in November 1984 and are a non-profit organization that is run 100% by volunteers."

What's happening at the Capitol: May 4 and 5

2009-05-04T21:13:41Z

For those of you who missed it, the Jewish Heritage Festival was a huge success over the weekend.

Here is the calendar of events at the Capitol for Monday and Tuesday:

Monday, May 4:

2:30-3 p.m. California Federation of Republican Women arranged a photo shoot on the west steps of the Capitol with about 200 participants.

5-10 p.m. California Latino Caucus Foundation will hold a Latino heritage rally and dinner on the north steps of the Capitol for approximately 300 people.

Tuesday, May 5:

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Association of California Car Clubs will be displaying 40 classic cars on the west steps of the Capitol to an expected audience of 40 people (rain permitting).

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sacramento Fire Department was planning to hold their annual awards ceremony, but according to Captain Jim Doucette "we are changing the location to our headquarters at 5770 Freeport Boulevard due to the expected rain."

11 a.m.-4 p.m. California Association of Museums will be holding a rally and information booth on the north steps of the Capitol. Approximately 100 people will attend.

12-1 p.m. Calaveras County Fair will be holding a frog jumping competition for about 50 people just south of the fish pond.

What's happening at the Capitol: Friday, May 1

2009-05-01T09:42:49Z

Friday, May 1st:

4 p.m. Union Civiva Primero De Mayo will be holding a demonstration and rally in support of immigration reform on the west steps of the Capitol. About 200 participants are expected.

The following is a press release for the event:

We the Workers Who Pay Taxes Demand:
Bail out Working People -- NOT Wall Street or the BANKS!
This Is Why We Will March on May 1st, 2009

April 29, 2009

In recent months, we have witnessed billions of dollars pumped into the financial institutions WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Reckless behavior and greed have been graced with the most extravagant rewards, allowing the rich to get even richer. After receiving their bailout, A.I.G. executives resumed their plans for a retreat at a lavish resort. Meanwhile, foreclosures have risen, unemployment has soared, and misery has spread with virtually nothing being done for the millions of workers suffering from these afflictions.

We cannot sit back and simply hope that things will get better. The financial executives have organized themselves and lobbied for bailouts. We must now do the same. We must organize ourselves and mount a campaign, insisting that government programs benefit the majority of the population first and foremost, not the super wealthy small minority.

At this historic crossroads, as we face the prospects of another Great Depression, we, the undersigned dedicate ourselves to forging the broadest unity in action among those in the labor movement, Black and Latino organizations, immigrant rights groups, and antiwar and other social justice protest movements to secure the emergency measures listed below.

We endorse these demands as necessary steps to address the pressing needs of working people and the oppressed in general so that we can all enjoy a secure and comfortable life and find relief from an economic crisis we had no part in creating. We are committed to reaching out to more workers and encouraging them to endorse our demands and join our movement, the Workers Emergency Recovery Campaign (WERC), so that we can form committees across the country, organize educational forums, and then aim at building a national conference to promote this campaign. In this way we can begin to win the majority of working people to this agenda. In solidarity we can win.

Here are 10 fundamental demands that we believe should be included in a Workers' Emergency Recovery Plan to Bail out Working People -- NOT Wall Street:

1. Put a halt to the Wall Street bailout plan. Not one more penny should be earmarked to bail out the bankers and speculators. It's time to bail out working people.

2. Enact a moratorium on all home foreclosures, utility shut-offs, evictions and rent hikes. Nationalize the mortgage industry, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

3. Enact H.R. 676 -- the universal, single-payer healthcare plan. Take the private insurance companies out of the healthcare equation. Guarantee fully funded pensions for retirees, along with healthcare and other benefits.

4. Enact the0AEmployee Free Choice Act (EFCA) so that every worker can have union representation.

5. Stop the layoffs in auto and other industries across the country. Nationalize the Big 3 automakers. Re-tool the auto industry to build rapid mass transit, solar, and wind systems.

6. Stop the scapegoating of immigrant workers. Stop the ICE raids and deportations.

7. End all funding for the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring our troops home now. The war expenditures in these countries alone are estimated at $3 trillion. Redirect all war funding to meet human needs.

8. Enact a massive national reconstruction public works program (minimum expenditure needed of $1 trillion) to rebuild the nation's schools, hospitals and crumbling infrastructure and to put millions of people back to work at a union-scale wage. Provide all necessary funding for a genuine reconstruction program in the Gulf Coast; enact the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act (H.R. 4048).

9. Defend and expand the rights and economic security of those who are unable to work. Grant living-wage benefits to single parents, disabled, seniors, and the unemployed. End the arbitrary, punitive time limits, sanctions, denial of education, and forced unwaged workfare in the TANF welfare program.

10. Tax the corporations and the rich -- not working people -- to finance a workers' recovery plan. The rich currently enjoy historically high levels of wealth while being taxed at bargain-basement rates. Implement a retroactive tax on windfall revenue on the oil-energy industry, return capital income taxation to 1981 levels, and repatriate the $2 trillion from the offshore tax havens.

Endorsers of May 1st Protest in Sacramento, Calif.:

El Consejo Sindical para el Avance del Trabajador Latinoamericano AFL-CIO, Sacramento Chapter
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement AFL-CIO, Sacramento Chapter
Union Civica Primero de Mayo
Organizacion de Trabajadores Agricolas de California, OTAC
Sacramento Central Labor Council AFL-CIO
SEIU Local 1877
Chicano Consortium
BAMN
SEIU UHW-West.
Frente de Mexicanos en el Exterior
Justice Reform Coalition,
La Raza Network,
Sac Civil Rights Network
El Organizador (Organizer)
Sacramento NAACP,
CAIR-Sacramento Valley,
West Sacramento LULAC,
CLUW,
Los Rios College Federation of Teachers - Local 2279 (AFT/CFT),
Peace and Freedom Party of Sacramento (Partido Paz y Libertad de Sacramento),

Al Rojas
http://www.lclaasacramento.com.
(916) 712-4251 cell

What's happening at the Capitol: April 29th and 30th

2009-04-29T06:49:03Z

Wednesday, April 29th:

9 a.m.-3 p.m. California Correctional Peace Officers Association will be holding an annual memorial service and luncheon for victims of crimes. 600 participants are expected to gather on the west steps of the Capitol.

10 a.m.- 5 p.m. California Physical Therapy Association will be holding wellness screenings near the fish pond for an estimated 25 people. This includes "gait analysis (running or walking), blood pressure/heart rate analysis, grip analysis, and an exercise station with weights, balls and resistive bands" according to their website.

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. State Farm will be filming a public service announcement on the north steps of the Capitol with 4 participants.

No events are scheduled for Thursday, April 30th.

What's happening at the Capitol: Tuesday, April 28th

2009-04-28T06:04:22Z

What's going on at the Capitol?

Tuesday, April 28th:

7 a.m.-5 p.m. The American Lung Association will be holding an education and training day near the Capitol's fish pond for an expected crowd of about 150. This event plans to give "information to legislators about the success and challenges of tobacco control programs locally and statewide," according to the Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing's website.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Consumer Attorneys of California will also be holding their "Lobby Day" on the north steps of the Capitol with an estimated 60 participants.

10:45-11:30 a.m. Governor Schwarzenegger's office plans to display a hybrid vehicle to an audience of 15 on the east steps of the Capitol.

12-1 p.m. Golden State Donor Services will be unveiling their new "donor sticker program" near the firefighter's memorial. 50 people and three small fire vehicles are expected.

12-1:30 p.m. The California Catholic Conference will be holding a "Lobby Day" event on the west steps of the Capitol with an estimated crowd of nearly 600.

1:30-2:30 p.m. Senator Alex Padilla plans to have a press conference on the west steps of the Capitol addressing a crowd of 70.

What's happening at the Capitol: Monday, April 27

2009-04-26T06:12:30Z

Ever drive by the Capitol building and see a crowd gathering, only to pass by wondering what was that? Whether it's a large gathering, a rally, or a special event, stories in this storyline will focus on all happenings outside of California's historic State Capitol building, located at 10th and L Streets.

Future articles in this storyline will likely include interviews with organizers and participants, as well as photographs, flyers and additional information.

Monday April 27th:

California Young Democrats will be holding a press conference to help mobilize the youth vote. Taking place from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., the event will consist of approximately 60 people who will convene at the north steps of the Capitol.

Professional Beauty Federation of California will be holding a rally and giving free hair cuts to nearly 300 legislators from 3 - 7 p.m. on the south steps of the Capitol.

The California State Assembly is holding a memorial event from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on the west steps of the Capitol. 175 people are expected to show up.

*Note*: Events are compiled from the California Highway Patrol's Weekly Event Report, and are subject to change.

Dinner and a Movie, for the Homeless?

2009-03-18T23:37:50Z

Sacramento is now also known for the "Tent City" for the homeless. That’s okay. If Sacramento, the capitol of the seventh or eighth largest economy in the world has to be the poster child city for the homelessness problem in America, then so be it!

Probably every man, woman and child in our area is aware of the growing homeless community. It does not matter where you are in the Sacramento area, homelessness happens. In fact, some of the people interviewed for the stories about our tent city, said "we never dreamed that we would be homeless and in this condition". I have never dreamed of being homeless, have you? Maybe we are next.

I come from a very large family and I believe if my world got to the point of having no place to go home to or sleep, someone in my family would give me a place. My dear mother, Marilou Nordby, whenever she would see someone less fortunate than herself would always say, "there but for the grace of God go I". Which means, that could be me in those peoples shoes, but because of God's grace it is not me. One time she confided in me and said that her greatest fear was becoming homeless. I was shocked! My mother had nine children and at the time she told me this every one of them were still alive. I told her that as long as I was alive she would never be homeless. I hope that gave her some peace in her fears.

As compassionate people we need to be reminded that not all homeless are mentally unstable, drug addicts, alcoholics or even losers in this game of life, but rather each of them at one time had a home, a mother, a father, brothers and sisters and even children and we should treat them as if they were our mom or dad, or a sister or a brother because we don't know their circumstances.

I have been stirring the idea around with friends that I know that we should have a dinner and a movie night for our homeless. Today I want to share this idea with the readers of the Sacramento Press with hope that this will go further than this online news source.

Here is what I am envisioning for that night.

We will ask the churches and clothes closets to donate clothing for all ages and gender and we will have an opportunity for anyone who needs a new set of clothes to pick out what they want to wear for that dinner and to leave in. We will have a place to dispose of old clothes. Of course we will have some sort of changing rooms available and port-a-potties on 10th street.

This banquet honoring our less fortunate neighbors will be done on the west side of the Capitol building using this glorious building as a backdrop for this event. The Capitol also represents the state government for the people, all the people, even the homeless. The grounds will be decked with tables all decorated like a fine restaurant(except everything is disposable) a tablecloth with a candle and a flower, nice plastic ware and napkins. We will serve steak, chicken, potatoes, fresh veggies, milk, or soda, coffee or tea, and a dessert that is fit for a politician or cupcakes and cookies for the little children.

After dinner we will show a movie on a giant screen with a great sound system. The movie should be heart warming with some comedy and rated for all ages. Perhaps the newly released "Marley and Me". I have never seen it, but I think everyone would enjoy it. There will be popcorn, movie type candy and bottles of water and other drinks.

After the movie we will have blankets, sleeping bags and personal items for anyone in need of these things.

I don't know all the logistics of this yet, but if enough of us get together with our influences and connections we can totally bless our homeless and let them know that we care. Perhaps the lawmakers and city leaders will see this event as a wake up call and put some real attention towards helping ease the sting of the plight of the homeless which now include many little children.

I know everyone reading this is now thinking, 'this is going to cost some money'. Yes it is! But I believe every good cause can be very easily funded by anyone who can afford a little to help. Some who can afford more will also help. I believe if we make this event known to everyone, there will be plenty to take care of the cost. I am also sure that many who have other needed resources will also want to be involved. I am going to put my money where my heart is so I will make the first donation to this cause and I believe the rest will come. Kind of like the “Field of Dreams”, build it and they will come. I say “do it and it will come”.

I was talking to a homeless man today and asked him about this dinner and a movie idea and he was very excited about it. I asked if the homeless would come? He said "oh yes they will". He also shared with me of his hope of the "Ten Year Plan" to get the homeless problem under control. We can't wait for ten years. We need to do something now.

I realize that this is not a "fix" to a serious problem, but if we can bring some joy to people if only for a night, it will be well worth it.

If anyone who reads this article would like to get involved somehow, someway, your service and willingness to serve will be much appreciated by those who come. Leave a comment and contact me personally at jacknordby@hotmail.com

P.S. When was the last time a homeless person heard the words, "your table is ready" or, "how did you like the movie"? Lets give them something to talk about. Better yet, lets give them some love with hope that things can turn around for them.

Candlelight vigil for gay marriage

2009-03-05T06:56:58Z

Hundreds of gays, lesbians and supporters lined the south steps of the State Capitol to recommit to the cause of fighting for equality Wednesday at around 5 p.m.

Organized by the nonprofit Equality Action NOW (which also helped organized the larger March 16 rally at the State Capitol), the people were there to tell the world that they want equality, and they want it now.

On the eve of the California Supreme Court hearing arguments on the validity of Prop. 8, the state amendment to ban same-sex marriages, the hundreds marched from the State Capitol to the steps of the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building.

The gathered held signs with slogans such as, “We are never going away,” "God does not discriminate, people do" and "What happened to equal rights for every citizen?

After hearing remarks from Pastor David Thompson of Westminster Presbyterian Church and an opening prayer by Reverend Lindi Ramsden of the Faith for Equality Coalition, the crowd held a candlelight vigil in a show of support for the freedom for all to marry.

"On the eve of justice, you've assembled here alongside crowds from 35 other cities in this state,” Thompson said, “and I'm here to say, I do support the freedom to marry be given to all people."

Event organizers then turned the attention of the crowd to recognize that Mariko Yamada, who represents California’s 8th District in the State Assembly, was in attendance. Then one organizer used her megaphone to lead the crowd in a call and response: "What do you want? Freedom! When do you want it? Now!"

"Tomorrow, [Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Shannon Minter and his team] are going to start the fight that has never been fought before," said longtime Sacramento resident and Equality Action NOW founder Tina Reynolds.

"Even though we're thinking it's about a 50/50 [chance]," she added, "I think that we're going to win because it's about being fair. If the California Supreme Court takes away our rights, they can easily take the rights away from every other minority."

Reynolds encouraged people to join the rally in San Francisco tomorrow where 100,000 people are expected to gather at the Supreme Court of California at 350 McAllister from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, the court will also hear views over whether the 18,000 gay marriages performed in 2008 before November should be legally recognized if the ballot measure is upheld. Though the court could decide as early as tomorrow, they must make a decision in the next 90 days.

Jade Baranski, a 23-year-old who also works for Equality Action NOW, said that her organization has "given me a direct outlet to mobilize others in our community."

"Once the court decides,” she added, “we're either planning for a celebration, or a reactionary rally."

Though there's no rally planned for tomorrow, if anything occurs, "there will be a viral rally happening tomorrow," said Baranski.

SEIU Protest

2009-01-16T02:31:43Z

Thursday, less than two hours after Governor Schwarzenegger finished his State of the State address, a few hundred members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1000 gathered to protest on the south steps of the State Capitol.

The SEIU, whose mission is to improve the lives of workers and their families, held seven simultaneous protests against budget cuts for state workers, including gatherings in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

For many California families, problems with our national economy compounds the problems within the state's budget.

Although the crowd was roughly half the size of the previous day's protest, today's chants were louder and led by several protesters using megaphones. The protesters nearly all wore the same purple t-shirt and held the same SEIU sign which read "Value Us".

Tensions seemed to be escalated because of the Governor's presence in the Capital Building, and a handful of police officers on bicycles circled the group.

Yvonne Walker, President of the SEIU Local 1000 was the first of three speakers to address the audience.

When asked when she lost faith in Governor Schwarzenegger, she said, "I lost faith when he stopped governing California, and started governing sound bytes." She made it clear that the SEIU would do whatever they could until the governor fixes the state of the California.

"We can eliminate contracts for private employees who do the same job as state workers do for twice the price" she said in her speech. Her statement "We, are not a strain on the state budget, we are value added," drew loud cheers from nearly everyone present.

Meanwhile, another protester, Tom Stroud, said that recent budget cuts had affected "continuing training for teachers, cut funds to buy new textbooks, and eliminated other education programs entirely."

Stroud, a teacher in the state prison system, explained that he lost faith in the governor in 2005 when Schwarzenegger backed propositions 75 and 76 aimed at cutting state workers' pensions.

Proposition 75 passed, effectively prohibiting union members such as teachers, nurses, and law enforcement officers from voicing opposition to budget cuts. He promises to attend more SEIU protests whenever he could.

As the speeches neared the end, organizers led the crowd into spirited chants such as "Furlough Arnold", "We need California Safe", and "Value Us".

As the crowd dispersed, many stopped by a table where a few organizers handed out sack lunches and soda, a reimbursement to members for spending their lunchtime to protest together.

SEIU came about in the year 1921 when a group of janitors and security officers joined smaller unions in the Chicago area. In addition to being the most diverse union consisting of 56 percent women, the SEIU also represents the largest group of immigrant workers, more than any other union. They are the largest healthcare union in the U.S. and the second largest public services and property services union.

Was anyone there? Did you feel that the crowd was different from Wednesday's protest? Are you a state worker, and how is the budget affecting you? How can we solve the budget?

State of the People

2009-01-15T17:05:00Z

Wednesday, on the eve of Governor Schwarzenegger's annual state address, droves of people gathered at the State Capitol to protest the recent budget cuts. Various state, union and trade organization members, as well as local students and state workers, attended the rally entitled "State of the People."

The recent cuts -- totaling $10 billion in 2008-09 -- have left many throwing blame at each other for the state's financial problems. In the meantime, many California families' financial problems multiply in the midst of our nation's economic crisis.

This protest is held annually, with a similar larger one scheduled during the Governor's address. Though upwards of a thousand people showed up, they were a passionate and peaceful crowd.

Evan LaVang, director of the Independent Living Resource Center of Northern California, warmed up the crowd and emceed. "Budget cuts have deeply wounded our families," said LaVang.

Roughly a hundred stood behind him, holding signs with slogans such as "We need jobs not layoffs," "School cuts won't fix the economy," and "Families are losing their homes."

The overall message of the nine featured speakers was that regular people -- teachers, health care providers, the elderly -- suffer disproportionately from the budget cuts.

One speaker, Herb Meyer, a disabled 73-year-old, is not only a veteran of a foreign war, but a veteran of the protest.

The Marin County resident said in his speech, "This is the fourth year in a row I've been here." A recipient of In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Meyer relies on home workers to help him with his daily activities. "IHSS is one of the most cost effective programs in the state of California," said the disabled veteran from his wheelchair. But if the Governor’s proposal passes, IHSS will be eliminated.

Audience member Juan-Antonio Molina, a home care worker from San Francisco, was also visibly angry about the effects of the yearly budget cuts.

"Every year it is the same," Molina said. "Home care and health always get cut first, but everybody needs it; it's not a luxury. The elderly need and depend on the home care workers. Why not cut money from the rich people?"

When asked about what the protest meant to her, Berta Perez, another home care worker, said, "It means that we have hope. It's not right what he's cutting, especially for the elderly because they need to live with dignity. The governor should sit down and realize that the elderly and disabled people need the most financial help."

The Governor’s budget proposes that grants for elderly and disabled individuals to receive money from Social Security Income and the State Supplement Program will be reduced to the 1983 standard level.

Speakers led the crowd in chants such as, "Enough is enough!", "No more cuts!", and "Walk one day in our shoes!"

Most speakers targeted Governor Schwarzenegger as the person to blame. California families wanted to make it clear that the "State of the People" is grim, and to see Schwarzenegger's plan is faulty.

Was anyone there? If so, what was your impression of the protest? How has the state's budget cuts affected you? How can we solve the state budget problem?