Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "west sacramento"

River Cats to hire about 200 people

2012-01-05T01:31:20Z

The Sacramento River Cats organization is hiring for about 200 stadium jobs starting next week, and unlike previous years, this year’s jobs are being filled online – not at a job fair.

“There’s a wide variety of positions we’re hiring for,” said River Cats spokesman Nick Lozito. “They’re all positions that involve interaction with our fans, so we’re looking for people who are friendly and people who can help maintain what we’ve created here.”

Positions include grounds crew, ticket sales, in-game promotions crew, kid’s corner attendants and parking attendants.

Applicants don’t need to be experts on baseball, but they must be at least 18 years old, Lozito said. Before hiring, applicants will be drug tested and given a background check.

“The most important thing we’re looking for is someone who will fit in with the environment we’ve created here over our first 12 seasons,” Lozito said. “It’s a family environment, and we want someone who enjoys interacting with the community and helping others create a fun place.”

All jobs will be at Raley Field in West Sacramento, and none of them involve traveling with the team for away games. The first home game of the season is April 13. While there is no set deadline to apply, Lozito said the positions tend to fill up fast.

This year doesn’t bring any significant change in the number of positions open for the season, he added.

The creation of 200 positions – even though temporary – represents “an economic shot in the arm,” said West Sacramento Economic Development Coordinator Diane Richards.

“It’s a great entry-level job, and it’s a great asset to have Raley Field and the River Cats, especially with unemployment being so high,” she said.

Yolo County – where West Sacramento is located – has an unemployment rate of 12.2 percent, according to the most recent numbers, Richards said. West Sacramento itself has 18.6 percent unemployment. She added that unemployment in Sacramento County is 11 percent.

“These are tough times,” Richards said. “During the season, a lot of economic activity is centered around Raley Field. We have people from all over the region come here, and it’s definitely great to capture those dollars here.”

To apply for a position with the River Cats, visit the team’s website and click on the employment opportunities tab.

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

Elk Grove Force wins Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops tournament

2011-11-15T06:49:05Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-11-08T05:43:29Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hear an explanation of how the tournament will work below:

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

What the team captains have to say:

Citrus Heights Crush

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

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

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

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

Rancho Cordova Magic Makers

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

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

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

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

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

Sacramento Donkey Fong

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

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

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

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

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

West Sacramento Brick Layers

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

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

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

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

Folsom 49ers

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

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

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

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

Rocklin Rim Rattlers

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

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

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

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

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

Elk Grove Force

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

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

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

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

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

Roseville Annexers

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

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

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

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

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

Photo essay: Capitol Bowl renovation

2011-11-03T00:47:27Z

The family-owned Capitol Bowl bowling alley in West Sacramento is finishing the last details of an extensive renovation that began in April, and owner Ross Amin said the 55-year-old business feels fresh and new.

A grand reopening was held Oct. 14, and final details, such as the installation of booths in the new restaurant space, will be completed in the next few weeks. During the renovation, the business was able to stay open.

“Anybody who comes here now, the first thing they say is ‘wow,’ ” Amin said Wednesday. “It’s more efficient, we can use all our space, and we can really hold a lot of birthday parties and family events now.”

The $600,000 project features a redesigned lobby that saw several walls torn down, a repositioned front desk and a restaurant space upgraded to be more family-friendly and serve healthier foods.

Salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, and turkey and avocado sandwiches round out the restaurant menu, which also includes burgers, pizzas, fish tacos and gourmet nachos. Amin said all food is made fresh, including sauces, and nothing comes from a can.

“The bar used to be in front, and the restaurant was in a dark room,” Amin said. “We made it so it is all open now.”

To read more about the renovation, click here.

More than 300 people can fit into the space, and Amin said that a newly opened party room and other spaces allow the bowling alley to host three to four parties at a time, as opposed to a single party at a time before the renovation.

Jennifer Maier, a 44-year-old Capitol Bowl customer and state worker at the nearby Ziggurat Building, said the remodel managed to bring a modern flair to the space without losing the comfort she has always liked about it.

“I just can’t believe it,” she said. “It’s completely and utterly transformed from what it used to be. The bowling lanes are the only remainder of the former place.”

Adding that the feel of the business is now “slick and open,” she said lunch specials combining bowling games with meals from the restaurant make it an attractive lunch spot for her and her coworkers.

“I think that it is going to be a hot place to hang out at the bar, especially,” she said. “The TVs are nice, and they show football, the fights and other sports. West Sacramento needed a family-friendly nightlife spot.”

Amin said lunch specials include two games, shoe rental and a meal – pizza, a chicken sandwich or a burger with fries or salad and a drink – for $11.95 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Unlimited late-night bowling from 9 - 11 p.m. is available for $10 per person including shoes, with three people minimum per lane.

Elementary and high school students can bowl for $1 per game and $1 for shoe rental from 3 - 5 p.m. Fridays.

Future remodel plans currently in the design phase are geared toward the exterior, including adding a new sign and extending the façade of the building higher.

“This is a family entertainment center, and it’s the only sport where every generation can play,” Amin said. “We have grandpas come in with their children and grandchildren, and everybody gets to play and can have food and fun things to do.”

Capitol bowl is located at 900 West Capitol Ave. in West Sacramento. It is open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings

2011-10-20T00:58:26Z

The City Council unanimously gave the go-ahead for a feasibility study of seven potential river crossing locations Tuesday and accepted a definition for “neighborhood-friendly bridge” that will set the parameters for design of those bridges.

“This has been a long time coming for both communities,” West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon said at the Sacramento City Council meeting. “We obsess about the boundaries between the two cities, but the economic vitality, cultural vitality and the urban agenda for both of our communities will be enhanced by being better connected.”

Location details of potential river crossings can be found here.

There are currently three major bridges crossing the river between Sacramento and West Sacramento: Pioneer Bridge, Tower Bridge and I Street Bridge.

That’s not nearly enough to efficiently handle the amount of current traffic, say project planners – let alone any increases in traffic flow that may be the result of building a new entertainment and sports complex in the future.

“Sacramento is underserved by its current connections,” said Ryan Moore, senior engineer with the Sacramento Department of Transportation.

Moore said the limited connectivity across the river creates over-abundant traffic on all of the existing bridges. Also, the three current bridges don’t fully comply with current design standards making non-vehicle uses more difficult – and making the bridges vulnerable during natural disasters or earthquake.

Moore asked council members to allow staff to seek funding for a feasibility study of seven potential river crossing locations. Moore said a feasibility study would allow city staff to find the “greatest amount of benefit” for both Sacramento and West Sacramento.

“It doesn’t commit us to any particular location,” Moore said. “It’s just an evaluation of all the possible locations.”

According to a city of Sacramento staff report, the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento shared the cost of an initial “need and purpose” study for river crossings, and it is expected that the two cities will continue to work together on future aspects of the project.

The majority of costs involved in a feasibility study are fixed, regardless of the number of crossing locations evaluated, according to the staff report.

Jerry Way, Sacramento’s transportation director, said that “for the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento to do their due diligence,” the total cost for an evaluation of seven crossing locations is estimated to be between $600,000 and $850,000.

Funds have not been committed for future phases of work, Way said.

Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong, who represents District 4, where all of the potential river crossings are located, said Tuesday that he is exciting about the possibility of opening more connections with the city of West Sacramento.

“We can’t overstate the importance of connectivity,” Fong said. “It creates economic development opportunities.”

At the July 19 Sacramento City Council meeting, city staff presented council members with a “Need and Purpose Study” for potential river crossings to connect Sacramento to West Sacramento.

One point of contention with council members at that meeting was the term “neighborhood-friendly” bridge.

All of the council members agreed that this was the type of bridge everyone would want, but they disagreed on how to define that term in a way that satisfied each council member’s ideal.

The definition that city staff brought back to council Tuesday – and which was accepted by council members in their final vote – outlined a “neighborhood-friendly” bridge as:

* Primarily serving short local trips.
* Serves all users – including motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, low-energy vehicles and public transit riders.
* Architecturally pleasing and contextually appropriate aesthetics and dimensions for adjacent neighborhoods.
* Does not require widening of the approaching roadways just to accommodate bridge flows.
* Designed with a target traffic speed equal to or less than the roadways approaching the bridge.
* Does not connect directly to streets that are primarily residential.

Fong told council members that he was satisfied with the new definition and felt it would work well with both cities.

“One thing I was worried about (with a potential new bridge) was the scaling,” Fong said. “We don’t want a massive, overwhelming bridge. The good citizens of West Sacramento also want neighborhood-friendly bridges.”

Councilwoman Angelique Ashby, who – until the recent redrawing of district lines – represented one area where a new crossing is being considered, said that she also supports the idea of moving forward with a feasibility study.

“We need to get it right, and we need to get it done,” Ashby said. “This is a great time for us to study all of our options. (New river crossings) will help us with jobs, with public safety and with routes in and out of our communities.”

Some members of the public who commented at Tuesday’s council meeting were critical of the crossing locations selected for study. One speaker approached the podium with “an offer I hope (the council) cannot refuse.”

“You have before you a proposal to study seven bridges at a cost of almost $800,000,” said Jim Randlett of the Sacramento River Crossings Association.

“I propose that you limit the study to just three possible locations – the downtown section to connect Sacramento to West Sacramento – thereby cutting the cost in half and saving $400,000 for the two cities.”

Randlett said that the downtown locations make the most sense because they are in “a central place between the two cities” – an area that is the proposed site for a new entertainment and sports complex and a major transportation hub for Sacramento.

The other four locations, Randlett said, either already have a crossing or are not sufficient for “pushing thousands of (commuting) cars through.”

Calling Randlett’s offer “fetching,” Fong said the cost of a complete study on all seven potential locations would be money well-spent because it would allow the City Council to “make a well-informed decision” about any future river crossings.

“This literally is a go-ahead to spend the money and do the study,” Fong added.

To fund the feasibility study, Moore said he and his staff will look for opportunities for federal grants, Sacramento Area Council of Governments grants, funds from the Sacramento Transportation Authority and possibly Measure A tax revenues.

Measure A (2004) created a quarter-cent sales tax for transportation projects in Sacramento county.

Moore said the feasibility study may take between 12 and 18 months, including finding a consultant, competing traffic analyses, coordinating with regulating agencies – Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game and others – as well as public outreach to residents and business owners in the areas that would be affected most by the construction of a new river crossing.

Meilssa Corker is a Staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Iris Dement at CSA Event Center: photos

2011-09-13T02:58:10Z

Folk/country singer Iris Dement played a solo show at the Center for Spiritual Awareness (CSA) Event Center in West Sacramento Thursday night with Jay Shaner opening.

Dement played such crowd favorites as "Our Town" ~~"Our House"~~ from her Grammy-nominated My Life album released in 1994. Accompanying herself on piano and acoustic guitar, Dement's distinctive high-lonesome warble relayed plaintive songs of heartbreak and hard times. Her stage presence is warm and self-deprecating, with a sly humor. At one point she remarked about the venue: "I'm not sure how much more awareness I want," and that she might have enough (spiritual awareness) as it is. This writer would tend to agree.

Settlin’ for nothing less than Sugarland with a side of Sara Bareilles

2011-08-26T20:57:30Z

The warm voice of Sara Bareilles welcomed fans to Thursday night’s show at Raley Field. Bareilles seemed at home here in Sacramento, perhaps due to the proximity to her hometown of Eureka. There was an extra bounce in her step as she sang away to the ballpark stands, the smell of hotdogs wafting in the air.

She let fans hear, “Love Song,” early on, which made everyone happy, and followed up soon after with “Many the Miles.” Throughout her performance, Bareilles really took liberties with the sound and tempo for both old and new material. She also informed the audience that she had spent all of Wednesday filming the music video for “Gonna Get Over You,” her newest single, which she then performed.

Sugarland fans got a treat when Kristian Bush made an appearance onstage, collaborating with Bareilles on “Basket Case,” a sweet melody on her newest album, “Kaleidoscope Heart."

“Gravity” came next, a title off of her first album, “Little Voice.” As she strummed, there was something adorable about her knee-dipping sway that underscored the fact that she is just a sweet NorCal girl at heart.

Just after sundown, Sugarland came on stage to packed stands at Raley Field. By this time, the heat had begun to subside and the hope of an incoming delta breeze – plus a hard lemonade or two – had the crowd ready for a great sing-a-long show.

Sugarland, led by Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, played all of their big hits, starting with “Settlin’” and “Stuck Like Glue,” as well as, “It Happens,” and of course, “California King Bed.”

Throughout the show, the audience was very engaged - dancing, singing along and letting out so many wolf whistles that it was almost distracting to the show.

Nettles was a great hostess, wishing happy birthday to anyone who asked, sending her well wishes to Indiana and the victims there, and encouraging the audience to get into the show and the music in any way that they could. She brought everyone to their feet on various occasions, some standing for the whole show, particularly those on the floor just couldn’t get enough.

When the duo needed a break, rather than just taking a break, Bush surprised the crowd by giving away his guitar. He took a nice 10 minute break to walk through the crowd looking for a worthy fan, and then they were right back on stage, singing their hearts out.

Late in the show, Sugarland performed, “The Incredible Machine,” the title track of their newest album and the inspiration for this tour. They also covered a number of artists - mashup style - Britney Spears, Simon & Garfunkel and Dolly Parton among them.

All said and done, Sugarland provided a fun night of music for Raley Field spectators. There was hardly a trace of sadness from the unfortunate events earlier in the month, just an infectious display of life, and a desire for peace and happiness for all.

Sugarland finished by bringing Sara Bareilles back on stage. Together, they sang, “Come on Eileen,” the audience belting every word along with them. It was a great audience for a great show; Sugarland would settle for nothing less.

Soul searching for Sugarland

2011-08-24T04:25:08Z

The Incredible Machine Tour, featuring Sugarland paired with one of several other artists, has already been tried and tested. Earlier this month, the band witnessed a tragic accident at the Indiana State Fair when high winds knocked down portions of the stage, killing six and injuring many others.

After almost a week off, Sugarland members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush turned back to their music for comfort. According to the Associated Press, their show in Albuquerque, the first since the accident, was a somber affair. The group devoted a minute of silence to those lost and injured.

At present, the Raley Field pairing with Sara Bareilles is scheduled to go on, though saddened fans and spectators may find a grieving duo rather than the bright, award winning stars that they were expecting.

A private memorial service is being planned for those in Indiana who were affected by the horrific accident. According to Sugarland’s blog, they got back on the road and back on tour as soon as they could.

“We have always celebrated music as a Healer,” reads their latest post.

Sugarland has sold more than eight million records and has won various CMA, Grammy and ACM awards. In 2011 alone, they won an Academy of Country Music Award for Top Vocal Duo of the Year and a Country Music Television award for Duo Video of the Year for “Stuck Like Glue.”

The country duo will be joined by Sara Bareilles in West Sacramento. Bareilles is a singer, songwriter and pianist, and is most well known for her 2007 single, "Love Song." Raley Field spectators should hear some favorites from her first album, “Little Voice,” as well as new material from her 2010 album, “Kaleidoscope Heart.”

Following Thursday's performance, Sugarland is scheduled to play at the Shoreline Amphitheatre on Friday, August 23. Sara Bareilles will perform again with Sugarland on August 27 in Las Vegas.

4WDD: Complete Streets: West Capitol Avenue Improvements

2011-08-21T16:54:36Z

Please join us on Wednesday evening, August 24th beginning at 5:45pm for this month’s 4th Wednesday Design Dialogue (4WDD).

“Complete Streets” is the inspiring story of the planning, re-design and transfiguration of West Sacramento’s main street area: West Capitol Avenue. The project completely transformed a portion of old highway US 40 with a wide variety of improvements including new, widened sidewalks, re-structured roads, contiguous bicycle lanes, pocket plazas, landscape plantings and iconic bus shelters which celebrate the City’s unique identity.

The re-development of this area has served to foster community spirit by addressing the needs of West Sacramento’s residents and employees and re-vitalizing the area by encouraging new private sector investment as well as complement the city’s Civic Center; which includes Los Rios Community College campus, Yolo County public library, West Sacramento Community Center and transit center.

Come listen to a presentation by MIG, SACOG, the City of West Sacramento and Dokken Engineering as they discuss this amazing project and its process from funding, planning, engineering and re-design to development and completion. Q & A panel discussion to follow.

Presenter:
Mukul Malhotra, Principal, MIG, Inc.

Panel:
Greg Chew, Community Design Program Manager, SACOG
Rick Liptak, President, Dokken Engineering
Bill Panos, Department Head for Community Development, City of West Sacramento

Moderator: Brian Fischer, Brand Aid Media (BAM)

This event is FREE and open to anyone. Refreshments provided.

Please RSVP to info@aiacv.org or call the AIA Central Valley chapter office at 916-444-3658.

Click here for flyer.

What: 4th Wednesday Design Dialog (4WDD) – Complete Streets: West Capitol Avenue Improvements
When: Wednesday, August 24th, 5:45 – 7:30 pm
Where: AIACV Gallery, 1400 S Street, Suite 100, Sacramento

Disclosure: Dalton LaVoie is the co-chair of the 4th Wednesday Design Dialogue Series; a collaboration between the California Sierra Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects Central Valley Chapter.

City council calls for 'neighborhood-friendly' bridges

2011-07-20T06:46:21Z

The Sacramento City Council was asked to accept a feasibility study on new river crossings Tuesday night, but council members put off taking any action until they get an acceptable definition of a “neighborhood-friendly bridge.”

The nine-month study was a collaborative effort between the city of Sacramento and city of West Sacramento that reviewed alternatives for new river crossings to improve connectivity between the two cities.

But the study did not specify a particular design for the proposed bridges, and council members – and residents who came to the meeting to voice their opinions – were concerned that the end result would be a “commuter bridge” that floods residential neighborhoods with unwanted traffic congestion.

“We need more connectivity (to West Sacramento) – that much is clear,” said Councilman Rob Fong. “But we have to have something that works (for people) on both sides of the river.”

Two potential areas were highlighted in the study as having the greatest feasibility. One would be located in a “north market” area, spanning the Sacramento River from Township 9 and Richards Boulevard area to south Natomas.

The other potential location would be in a “south market” area and would link the southern part of downtown at either Sutterville Road, Broadway or Miller Park to West Sacramento.

Currently, there are three bridges that cross the Sacramento river from Sacramento to West Sacramento: I Street bridge, Tower Bridge and Pioneer bridge.

The feasibility study, conducted by city staff along with an advisory committee, concluded that new river crossings would “increase economic activity, reduce transit delays and increase riverfront public access and recreation opportunities,” according to a city press release sent Monday.

But residents of the neighborhoods where the proposed bridges would be built aren’t convinced.

Mark Abrahams, president of the Land Park Community Association, said he opposes bridges that are “out of scale” to the neighborhoods they are located in.

“No effort should be spared to create a bridge that is smart, small and takes the neighborhood into consideration,” Abrahams said.

Building new river crossings is not a new idea, but Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said now is the right time to make it happen.

“Our city has grown,” Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday. “If you go back 10, 20, 30 years, (Sacramento was) much smaller. Now that we’ve grown to 470,000 (people), we need more connectivity outside of downtown.”

Johnson said that, if Sacramento builds a new entertainment sports complex and revitalized the Railyards project, there will be a definite need for “more ways to get in downtown and more ways to get out.”

“I’m not opposed to growth, but not at the expense of our neighborhood,” said Susan Sidhu-Manuel, a retired analyst from Land Park. “Don’t make this about West Sacramento’s transportation needs.”

The Sutterville Road location received the most opposition from residents at the council meeting, and council members took note that it was the least likely to reach final approval.

“I don’t think we should spend any money studying something no one wants,” said Councilwoman Angelique Ashby. “Take (Sutterville Road) off the table completely and be done with it.”

Ashby asked Mike McKeever, chief executive officer of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, if a “commuter bridge” is necessary to achieve the goals of the study, but McKeever suggested using different terminology.

“I think (the term) ‘commuter bridge’ is being used to conjure in people’s minds something like the Pioneer Bridge with thousands of cars.” McKeever said. “Nobody – nobody – is talking about building that sort of bridge.”

New bridges that include both pedestrian and vehicular capacity are estimated to cost between $40 million and $270 million depending on location, design and other variables, according to city staff.

Council members directed staff to return in three weeks with a definition of a “neighborhood-friendly bridge” before the council would consider approving any further studies on the potential river crossings.

“I think we’ve heard enough testimony and description tonight,” said Jerry Way, executive director of the city’s Department of Transportation. “When we come back in open session we’ll be ready to have a conversation about what the definition of a ‘neighborhood-friendly’ bridge is.”

See the possible river crossings here.
See the study executive summary here.

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Foller her onTwitter @MelissaCorker.

Squeezin' into West Sacramento

2011-05-12T02:51:02Z

The original Squeeze Inn on Power Inn Road was made famous by Food Network’s Guy Fieri, who raved about their infamous cheese “skirt,” the restaurant’s twist on the classic cheeseburger. Since then it has opened up restaurants in Roseville and Galt.

Tuesday morning, the Squeeze Inn’s fourth location – at 1350 Harbor Blvd. in West Sacramento – officially opened its doors at 10 a.m.

The newest addition to the Squeeze Inn line is the biggest location so far, seating up to 80 people, according to West Sacramento Squeeze Inn’s publicist, Heather Atherton.

The Squeeze Inn has been a regular on the burger scene in Sacramento for at least 30 years according to co-owner Dave Chambers.

“We’ve always wanted to own our own restaurant, and we love the Squeeze Inn brand. It’s not fast food, and it’s so unique of a brand that it has this crave-ability factor, especially with the cheese skirt. There’s a strong following and we thought it was a great opportunity to start and own something we all loved,” Chambers said.

When Chambers says “we,” he is referring to his longtime friends and partners – Joe Mousley and Eric Ostberg.

The group also has a fourth silent investor who was the one that linked them with the original owner, Travis Hauser, to get the ball rolling on the project. The group were regulars at the Power Inn location, driving in from Roseville to get their Squeezeburgers with cheese skirt fixes.

Atherton mentioned that all three men had previous food industry experience.

“They’re all restaurant industry veterans, some from fast food and some from food services,” Atherton said. “So, there’s a really great depth of understanding of how to deliver great customer service and a really high-quality product.”

Chambers said they had looked at a number of potential locations in Natomas, Vacaville, Davis and Auburn. In the end, West Sacramento proved to be prime location as it was far enough out from the other locations, but close enough in proximity to draw from the original fan base. Chambers also said that it was a truly business-friendly environment.

Atherton seconded Chambers’ comments by saying how welcoming local officials had been.

“We had two soft openings last week to prepare everyone for Tuesday. Friday’s soft opening included a luncheon with the mayor, Christopher Cabaldon, and other officials as a thank-you before their Cap-to-Cap event, which conflicted with the grand opening. We wanted to give them an opportunity to experience the food for all their support,” said Atherton.

Both Atherton and Chambers said the soft openings last weekend had been very busy. Chambers said about 200 people came through on Friday and 500 on Saturday. He expected about 600 to 1,000 at the actual opening.

“There hasn’t been too much real marketing for the event,” Chambers said. “Most of the buzz was created by fans by word-of-mouth. The city and customers have expressed a lot of excitement about it.”

Though the doors wouldn’t open to the public till 10 a.m., the grand opening had an early start as Good Day Sacramento’s Mark S. Allen and Don Geronimo were there at around 6 a.m. helping to further generate noise about the new location with their chatter and antics, including a burger-eating contest with Allen against customers. To watch the contest, check out their website.

By 11 a.m., the restaurant was fully packed and the line was out the door and wrapped around the corner.

Nina Galvan works as a yard supervisor at Stonegate Elementary School and lives near the new location. It was her first time eating at any Squeeze Inn.

“My co-worker was raving about this place for months, and I had been wanting to go, but the other locations are a bit far from here,” said Galvan. “So when I heard about this location opening a few months ago, I was pretty excited to finally be able to try it.”

Galvan brought along her friend, Velina Gonzalez, who works for the city as a site leader for an after-school program.

“I’ve had a burger at the Power Inn location before, but that was years ago,” Gonzalez said. “It was pretty good from what I remember, so I’m glad this place opened up. It’s much closer.”

Both women planned on ordering the classic “Squeeze with Cheese,” with Galvan modifying hers with the addition of some avocado.

Jeff Garrick also came to the opening Tuesday. He’s a forklift driver at Tony’s Fine Foods and a West Sacramento resident.

“I used to work night shifts over at Crystal Milk near the Power Inn location, and my wife, Melissa, would always have me pick up a ‘Squeeze with Cheese’ on the way home ever since we saw them featured on the Food Network show (“Diners Drive-Ins or Dives”).”

The West Sacramento location will feature the same menu and hours as the others. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with all locations closed on Sundays.

For more information, visit the site or call the West Sacramento location at 371-6779.

Fallen trees live on

2011-04-30T01:26:52Z

Nothing lives forever, but according to Clark Kayler, trees can.

He extends the life of trees by turning them into furniture. The trees go from decorating the streets to decorating various rooms.

Kayler, 41, is the owner and founder of New Helvetia Hardwoods.

They rescue trees that have been knocked down by storms, trees that are being chopped down for development purposes or dying trees that are all headed for the landfills.

“(I am) giving our city’s trees a second chance,” Kayler said.

In early 2005, Kayler noticed a tree being removed from his neighbor’s yard. It bothered him. He asked the neighbor for the redwood tree, and he created his first piece of furniture: a table.

As a property manager, he is experienced in restoring and remodeling older homes. Rescuing trees is a hobby he hopes to turn into a business someday, he said.

“I was always driving around fixing things,” Kayler said. “I would see the tree service companies taking down trees. I would grab my trailer (and) pull (up) next to them. It is more of an opportunistic thing, (and then) I see if I can get the tree.”

When a tree will fall is unpredictable, and sometimes people call him, or he finds them, Kayler noted.

The more people know about what New Helvetia Hardwoods does, the more it grows and the more trees are saved, Kayler said.

“Trees get to bless us. They have a long life, their beauty doesn’t die and their contribution to us doesn’t go away … We encounter them every day – they don’t have to disappear,” Kayler said.

His son, Mattias Kayler, 15, helps him and shares the same passion for trees.

Trees are taken for granted. Whether it is acknowledged or not, trees have a presence – they shade, they provide the beautification, smell – they play a role in you wanting to sit there and enjoy the area or relax, Mattias Kayler said.

In turning trees into furniture, it is like giving them a proper burial, Clark Kayler added.

“My favorite tool to use is the axe. I like the rhythm involved in using it – the motion, the swing of back and forth. When you come in contact with the wood, you feel the impact – you feel connected,” Mattias Kayler added.

“When you cut a tree down the middle, you get to see the entire life of the tree. It’s like a biography of the tree,” Clark Kayler said.

He has used around 50 trees so far, and most of them are from Midtown and West Sacramento.

Some of the trees he works with are walnut, elm, figured redwood, big leaf daple and Deodora cedar.

He uses an Alaskan chain saw mill. It is a huge chainsaw to cut trees that can be 6 feet wide and 40 feet long.

Another tool is a skid loader. Like a forklift, it is a common basic contractor’s tool used for moving heavy things. A trailer and a truck are used for transporting the logs.

He has a little yard in West Sacramento, and at times he uses his own garage for the finishing.

The first step is acquiring, then milling, storing and finishing. The process requires a lot of patience, Clark Kalyer said.

He has supplied woods for a number of places in San Francisco for remodeling. Locally, the Azul Mexican Food and Tequila bar restaurant on 20th Street also carries his work.

He said he is concerned that the planting of trees is no longer supported or protected, especially canopy trees.

According to him, it will save money, and the environment, to turn these trees into furniture.

“There is an enormous carbon footprint generated in the throwing away of the trees,” Clark Kayler noted. “It also takes heavy equipment, manpower and expensive equipment.”

Architect and designer Michael Hargis, 38, has worked with Clark Kayler before.

“Clark is very responsive. He is honest, (and) he delivered everything he said he would. I am looking at doing more business together,” Hargis said.

Clark Kayler has found something he is passionate about, and he is on the verge of turning it into a business, Hargis said.

“The fact that he is recycling the trees and things are not going to waste is cool,” Hargis noted.

For more information contact Clark Kayler: clark@newhelvetiahardwoods.com or 548 4007.

Photos: Wine in the Park

2011-04-25T06:12:36Z

If you didn't get your ticket early, you missed out.

Raley Field was the setting for Infuze Marketing's Wine in the Park wine tasting, featuring a selection of wines from surrounding area wineries, appetizers and a seat to watch the ballgame.

The sold-out event took place in the VIP tented section off the third base line before the Sacramento River Cats and the Tucson Padres started the first of a four-game series at home.

Participating wineries included Sierra Knolls Vineyard & Winery, Abundance Vineyards, Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery, Watts Winery and Mount Aukum Winery.

The event was sponsored by Top Speed Data Communications, Porter | Scott Attorneys and the UC Davis Health System, and a portion of the proceeds will go to St. John's Shelter Program for Women & Children.

The next Wine in the Park event is scheduled for June 11. Visit Infuze Marketing for more details.

Capitol Bowl to undergo renovation

2011-04-22T00:30:45Z

West Sacramento’s Capitol Bowl is getting a makeover this summer, adding a patio, upgrading the restaurant and knocking down walls in the 55-year-old business.

“We want to help our customers by improving our facility to give them better service,” said Capitol Bowl owner Ross Amin, adding that the business will be open during the remodel, which starts Monday.

The $600,000 project – which is scheduled for completion in July – is being well-received by customers interviewed by The Sacramento Press Thursday afternoon, including one longtime bowler, West Sacramento resident Rita Dodson.

“We’ve been coming here since 1968,” Dodson said, adding that her children played in leagues, and now she takes her grandchildren to the arcade and to toss a few balls down the lanes.

“I’m excited they’re doing this,” she said. “This place had been getting kind of run-down, but when Ross took it over (12 years ago), he started doing some really good things. The bathrooms are much nicer now, and I’m looking forward to the restaurant.”

The back half of the alley, with the lanes and seating areas, has all been redone: New scoreboards, pin-setters and other equipment were installed over the past few years, Amin said. The bathrooms were also renovated, and he said he is looking to bring the same type of renovation to the rest of the space.

The biggest feature in the renovated bowling alley will be the improvement of the snack bar into a full-service restaurant.

“We’re bringing in a kitchen manager over the summer for the first time, and we’re really making this place serve two purposes – a bowling alley and a restaurant,” Manager Chris White said. “We want to make this a destination for downtown.”

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon said he is excited about the project as well.

“This project is a focal point of our Renaissance in downtown,” he said Thursday at the bowling alley. “It’s one of the most important places in the city, where people come together. This is also downtown Sacramento’s bowling alley.”

Situated two blocks from Raley Field and near the new community center and community college campus that opened over the past year, Cabaldon said the outdoor patio and restaurant – which are planned to be open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights – will be a much-needed dining destination downtown.

White said that burgers and pizza will feature prominently in the restaurant, since that’s what bowling alley patrons tend to want.

“I’m trying to add more healthy choices, but who knows?” she said.

Prices aren’t set yet, but White said they will be reasonable, as she wants to keep the family-owned business a place where families can afford to bowl and eat.

“Right now, a family of four can bowl for about $30,” she said.

Another major change will be in the bar area, which was originally a dark place with the same navy blue color everywhere except the floor – which was a dark red color.

“We’re going to have a U-shaped bar in the lobby, and we’ll be able to seat more people for live music shows,” White said.

Currently, the bar can only seat 46 people, and when live music is brought in on weekends, it doesn’t give bands much of an audience. Once the space is opened up, about 80 people will be able to see the musicians, with another 80 outside on the patio.

Ceilings will also be raised 2 feet, making the height between 12 and 14 feet throughout for a bigger feel inside, and they will be renovated as well to replace water-damaged panels from when the roof leaked years ago.

President and CEO of the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Denice Seals said businesses like Capitol Bowl have a positive regional impact by drawing people to them and strengthening the other nearby businesses.

“All the pieces come together in projects like this,” she said. “Capitol Bowl has made a commitment to stay here and grow.”

White said starting the renovation during the recession was not an easy choice, and it was delayed from a planned start time of last year.

“We stepped back and took a breath, and I’m glad we did,” she said, “but we’re confident going forward.”

A party is being held Friday night to kick off the renovation and raise money for the Special Olympics, which has a bowling league at Capitol Bowl.

From 7 - 10 p.m., bowlers can get an hour of bowling and a pair of shoes ($10 for kids, $15 for adults) in the fundraiser, while a live DJ spins music for dancing in the bar area. A raffle will also be held with prizes donated by West Sacramento businesses.

Everyone at the party will be able to write on one of the interior walls, which will be destroyed on Monday.

“We’re saving a part of it, and we’ll take lots of pictures,” White said.

Capitol Bowl is open weekdays from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

For updates during the construction, visit the construction blog here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Review: Eight Views of the Tower Bridge

2011-03-10T07:11:43Z

Sacramento City College's theater department, City Theatre, presents a program of eight short plays at the West Sacramento Community Center "Black Box" Theatre, at 1075 West Capitol Boulevard. The plays all center on Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge, ranging from the historic to the fantastic.

Because the City College's campus theater is currently undergoing renovation, they have moved their 2011 program to the "Black Box" Theatre, a new facility in West Sacramento. This location provides a most fitting setting for plays with this subject--chances are good that those who attend will cross over or pass within view of the Tower Bridge on the way to the theater.

Eight playwrights composed short one-act plays inspired by the bridge, but each evening is just half of the total program, with four plays per night--Program A and Program B. This review is of Program B (I didn't get a chance to see Program A.)

"Fishing on the Sacramento River", the first play of Program B, introduces the audience to the history of the Tower Bridge via a family fishing together within sight of the bridge. The family's patriarch tells stories of when he worked on the bridge and details of its inaugural day, while his family alternately battles, bonds and tries to catch a fish.

"The Mason Jar" is the story of a group of eccentric friends on a short trip to the Tower Bridge to pay tribute to an old friend, and on the way, make a new one in an unexpected place.

"The Bridge Committee" is a fantasy explanation of the Tower Bridge's origin, portrayed by a group of strange creatures from beneath the earth's surface, attempting to restore their dwindling powers of levitation.

"Roland of the River" is a day in the life of the Tower Bridge's first bridge operator, and a resident of the nearby riverbank, and the bridge operator's lunch.

All of the plays are comedies, featuring a lot of well-delivered and snappy dialogue and more than a few laughs. The student actors were all quite skilled, and the play seemed without technical flaw--if anyone flubbed a line, they covered it well enough to be unnoticed by the audience. Costumes and props were simple and minimal, relying mostly on the audience's imagination to make up for a junior college props budget, but enhanced by projections of the Tower Bridge on the back wall of the theater. There is some adult language and one simulated gunshot in the production, but nothing particularly shocking. All of the stories were themed around bridging the distances between people--between family members, between friends in conflict with each other, between strangers on the street, and between communities who must work together for a common goal. The Tower Bridge's beauty, classic design, utility and history are all acknowledged and celebrated, but all are secondary to the bridge's purpose--to span a gap, and allow people safe passage to the other side.

This weekend is the last weekend of the play's run: schedule is below.

Eight Views of the Tower Bridge: A Local Playwrights Festival

West Sacramento Community Center Black Box Theatre, 1075 West Capitol Blvd., West Sacramento

Program A: March 11, 8:00 PM, March 12, 2:00 PM

Program B: March 12, 8:00 PM, March 13, 2:00 PM

Tickets are $15 general and $12 discount (student ID, seniors, disabilities and SARTA members) for Friday and Saturday evenings, $13 general and $10 discount for Saturday and Sunday 2 PM matinees.

http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/441129192/Local_Playwrights_FestivalTower_Bridge_Eight_Views_of_the_Tower_Bridge

Streetcar back on city's agenda

2011-02-05T01:43:10Z

The planning process for a streetcar connecting the city to West Sacramento is still chugging along. The City Council last addressed the study of streetcar routes in July 2010.

A study of possible routes for the streetcar will likely get under way soon after City Council members hire a consultant for the task Tuesday night, Councilman Steve Cohn said on Friday. Asked why it’s taken months to start the study, Cohn said $300,000 in federal funding awarded to the city was delayed.

The City Council is likely to hire a national transportation consulting firm, Fehr & Peers, to conduct the study. Fehr & Peers will be paid mostly in federal funds, according to the city’s Transportation Department.

The city has $300,000 in federal dollars and $90,000 in local funds to put toward the study. The local funds will not come out of the city’s strapped general fund, the Transportation Department report says.

The sight of a streetcar shuttling between Sacramento and West Sacramento is still years away, according to Cohn. The project has many steps to undergo, including environmental review, design work and construction, he said. In addition, the city will need to obtain more federal funding, Cohn said.

He expressed optimism about the city’s chances of qualifying for more federal funding. “I think we can be very competitive on this,” Cohn said.

Read the streetcar report on the City Council’s Tuesday agenda here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

peace. love. swap. ~ Don't consign it, swap it!

2011-01-13T21:49:40Z

peace. love. swap. is a one of a kind independent coalition that organizes ongoing kid's swaps. The swaps are for local eco-minded parents to get together and recycle (exchange) their kid’s stuff (ages 0-14 and maternity). After the swaps, I donate the leftovers to local charities and needy families.

I'd like to invite you to view more information, read our mission statement, and see what moms are saying about our swaps at: www.peaceloveswap.com. Parents love the swaps, as much as I love coordinating them ! In order to make the swaps a success, we need as many parents as possible to participate.

Kids grow up so quickly and always need new stuff just as quickly. In this economic climate, what better way to get “new” stuff than to swap with other families? These swaps are beneficial for each and every community in which they take place. It’s green, fun, philanthropic & catching on fast!

The next swap in your area is:
Sacramento swap and play
Location/Sponsor: The Bounce Spot 2939 Promenade St.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Date: Friday, January 28, 2011

Time: Drop off items between 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (clothes should be clean and on hangers - except for shorts, pants & skirts size 0-18 months) ~ Swap starts at 7:30 pm until 8:30 pm

Cost: $5 admission per swapper* & stuff to swap** and $5 to play in the indoor bounce facility. (We are always in need of volunteers if you can not afford the cost.)

If you have any questions or would like to be added to our update list, please feel free to email me at plssacramento@gmail.com.

Also, check us out on YouTube to see what we're all about! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLdNt6V3QUM

Tower Bridge turns 75

2010-12-15T01:41:29Z

One of Sacramento’s iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge, celebrates its 75th anniversary Wednesday.

At its inauguration on Dec. 15, 1935, the opening was heralded with the release of about 100 homing pigeons, who carried the news throughout the state.

Although it’s now a lot easier to spread news, Caltrans spokesman Mike Dinger said the bridge operates with the same basic equipment it has for the past three quarters of a century.

“We’ve made some upgrades for safety, but it’s almost all the original equipment,” he said.

Bridge construction began in July of 1934, using some of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal funds for the project, which was estimated to cost $700,000. The final price came in at $994,000.

That price, in today’s dollars, would be $50 million - $60 million, Dinger said, adding that today’s monthly maintenance costs come in at about $24,000.

The project was supposed to be done in November of 1935, but weather pushed the completion date to mid-December.

“They had a really heavy winter that year, and work got delayed,” said Rich Newell, a senior mechanical engineer for Caltrans.

Tower Bridge replaced a bridge on the same spot that had been constructed in 1910 by the Sacramento Northern Railroad, according to a 1936 issue of California Highways and Public Works.

That bridge had been a swinging steel drawbridge, and by the 1930s, it couldn’t handle the amount of traffic efficiently.

Newell said Tower Bridge was built to relieve traffic congestion, which was attributed to choking off commerce from Sacramento during the Great Depression.

According to the 1936 California Highways and Public Works article, in the 25 years that the old bridge had been in use, automobile traffic increased 700 percent in volume and 500 percent in speed, making the cantilevered roadways inadequate.

During construction of the current span, about 1,500 jobs were generated, and all the materials came from California, Dinger and Newell said.

The metal “skin” over the steel frame on the towers was designed to give it an art deco feel, Newell said.

When the bridge opened, it was painted a silver color to represent aluminum, and was later painted “an unfortunate shade of ochre” before being painted the current gold color in the early 2000s, said Bridge Operator Scott Bennett, who has been working on the bridge for about a decade.

The railroad stopped using the bridge in the 1960s, according to Dinger.

Dinger added that the bridge – about 730 feet long – is technically State Route 275, the shortest state highway in California.

Bennett said he raises the bridge about four times per day, but it varies based on river traffic.

When the bridge is raised and lowered – traveling about 1 foot per second – about 5,000,000 pounds are in motion, and it’s all accomplished by the two 100-horsepower electric motors in the control room between the towers.

If electric power goes out, there are backups in place.

Cameras – that Bennett uses to ensure traffic is clear of the bridge – are backed up by the original periscopes in the control room and mirrors on the outside edges of the span. An original 1930s gasoline engine can handle all the heavy lifting.

The bridge’s birthday will be celebrated by Caltrans officials, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon from 9 - 10 a.m. Wednesday on Promenade Circle behind the nearby Embassy Suites.

At about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, as part of the anniversary celebration, the bridge will be raised to allow the sailing ship “Hawaiian Chieftain” to pass. Bennett said the ship gives rides from Old Sacramento for about three months each year.

“It’s been 75 years, and it’s still doing fine,” Newman said. “It’s a testament to the original engineers.”

Exterior and historic photos courtesy Caltrans. Control room photos by Brandon Darnell, staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Historical reference documents provided by the Center for Sacramento History.

Rising Tide Foundation Donates $7,500 to Youth Mariners

2010-10-20T23:16:20Z

PHOTO:
West Sacramento’s Rising Tide Foundation donated $7,500 to the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association during a work party last week on the association’s 78-foot boat docked along the West Sacramento waterfront. Holding the ceremonial check are (left to right) Chelsea Snedden, Julian Wright, Brannen Wright and Dana Eckler. Row Two: David Stroud, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, Samuel McDowell, Ian O’Bryan, Sean Aiken, West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce CEO Denice Seals, and Skipper Nate Eckler. Row Three: Bryan Turner, Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, Boatswain Jakub Davis, Operations Officer Chris Pease and Heather Wright. Row Four: Executive Offer Jeremy Pease, Jim Aiken, Sailing Instructor Jeff Fraine and Engineering Officer Dan DeGroot. Back Row: Mark O’Bryan.

RISING TIDE FOUNDATION DONATES $7,500 TO YOUTH MARINERS

There’s a rusted old shrimp boat docked on the West Sacramento waterfront along South River Road, but it’s not another of the abandoned, sinking vessels that have dotted the shoreline over the years. It is a project of the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association, a group of 18 mariners ranging in age from 12 to 17, and their adult leaders, who intend to turn the 78-foot boat into a training and exploration vessel. But it needs a lot of work.

The youth group will grind through decades of rust to extend the cabin, adding a galley, dining area and training facilities on the top of the boat, while turning the former shrimp holding tanks into separate bunk areas for boys and girls, with a head and shower for each. A small galley, which now adjoins the wheelhouse, will be expanded into quarters for the adult crew. Other improvement will be a retooled mast and exhaust system, according to the group’s adult leader, “Skipper” Nate Eckler.

Board members of West Sacramento’s Rising Tide Foundation toured the boat with Eckler and were determined to help, culminating in a donation of $7,500 during a work party on the boat last week. The crew of young workers stood at rapt, military-style attention as West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and local developer David Stroud, chairman of the Rising Tide Foundation, presented the donation.

“The Rising Tide Foundation was founded under the premise that ‘a rising tide raises all ships’ and even within the comfortable borders of West Sacramento, there are people and projects in need of a boost,” said Stroud. “We are proud to provide that to this endeavor.”

To date, the maritime association has invested about $5,000 in the boat, which was built in Alabama in 1968 and christened the Saint Joseph before it navigated through the Panama Canal to Morro Bay where it served as a working shrimp boat. While en route from Morro Bay to West Sacramento in July, the starter on the big diesel engine failed, but the group completed repairs while being towed to the Golden Gate by a boat operated by a Sea Scouts troop in Napa. The group completed the last 12 hours under their own power. The vessel has been renamed the Neptune, with the boat’s new name embroidered on shirts and caps worn by the crew.

“With donations such as this and the continuing flow of support from the community, we expect to be seaworthy soon,” said Eckler.

Kings announce 'Here We Rise' campaign

2010-09-16T22:31:35Z

The Sacramento Kings are looking to keep fans excited throughout the upcoming season by launching the season-long "Here We Rise" campaign Thursday afternoon.

Recently, they hung up the largest banner in the history of the Sacramento area on the side of the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) building in West Sacramento that can be seen from Interstate-5.

The 177-foot banner, which features last season's Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans and rookie DeMarcus Cousins, is part of the team's new campaign called.

"'Here We Rise' is a tribute to the Kings and the Sacramento Kings community coming together," Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof said in front of the CalSTRS building. "The team and the city have very bright futures, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Our best days are definitely ahead of us."

Kings head coach Paul Westphal and President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie were also present for the announcement and shared their thoughts.

"We're looking forward to rising together with the community and bringing back the wildest arena in the NBA," Westphal said about bringing back fans to Arco Arena."

Petrie, who orchestrated the Kings drafting involving Cousins and Evans, talked about his players.

"Our guys have been in, working out consistently over the last couple weeks," he said. "We have a frontline that's bigger, badder and better. We definitely beieve that the seeds of revival have been sown here. We're going to be young, but we're going to be exciting and we're going to be committed."

The "Here We Rise" campaign has already seen online support. The Kings are encouraging fans to use #HereWeRise on Twitter to show their suport of the campaign.

The Kings are also supporting CalSTRS in another way, other than hanging up a nationally recognized banner on the side of the building. The Kings will have a "California Educators' Night" on Nov. 10 when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It should also be noted that the banner is lit by solar-powered lights for travelers to view at night.

The Kings also announced the "Here We Rise Full Season Pass," for $440, the lowest season ticket price in team history. There are only 500 of these passes available.

The team also announced that they'll once again host an open scrimmage on Oct. 3 and bring back "Kings Paint the Town." on Oct. 16 and 17, where fans can meet players at different locations.

In addition, there will be a Kings caravan that will cruise around Sacramento next month.

The Kings are doing a lot of work before the season begins, but they see a bright future ahead.

Local leaders discuss regional sustainability

2010-08-28T01:06:35Z

Local leaders in the fields of politics, business and environmentalism gathered in Sacramento on Friday to brainstorm how the region could advance its efforts to become more economically and environmentally sustainable.

The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s “State of the Region” event focused on sustainability in the area’s communities.

Chamber spokesman Hal Silliman said more than 300 people attended the event, which was held at the Hyatt hotel downtown and included a panel of local leaders and a presentation from an Environmental Protection Agency analyst. Elected officials from around the region — including Davis, Sacramento, Folsom and Citrus Heights — listened to the panel.

Matthew Dalbey, a senior policy analyst with the EPA, told the audience the Sacramento area is renowned for its “Blueprint,” which serves as a guide on sustainable regional planning.

The “blueprint” was approved in 2004 by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.

“You all know that the ‘blueprint’ is looked on as a model for communities across the country,” Dalbey said.

Still, Dalbey urged regional leaders to ramp up their efforts.

“In order to keep on keeping on, you’re going to have to do things better,” he said.

Specifically, Dalbey asked the region to consider how its sustainable planning process can improve the economic, environmental and public health situation of rural communities and small towns.

In the discussion that followed Dalbey’s comments, panelist and West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon countered Dalbey’s statement that the region should do a better job.

Cabaldon said he becomes frustrated with the federal government agencies working on sustainability efforts “because it seems like they’re so slow.”

He said the area’s leaders should press the federal government to move more quickly to fund the region’s sustainable projects.

Scott Syphax, another speaker on the five-member panel, said the banking industry needs to lend money to sustainable projects.

“The banking spigot is still fairly closed,” he said. To put Sacramento and the region back to work, "we’ve got to turn that back on.”

Syphax is the chief executive of the Nehemiah Corporation of America, a community group based in Sacramento. The group launched in 1994 “for the purpose of promoting homeownership and economic development for under-served populations and communities,” according to its website.

Meanwhile, City Councilman Kevin McCarty noted that the city of Sacramento earlier this month joined an effort with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the county and Valley Vision to apply for $1.85 million in grant money through the federal Sustainable Communities Initiative.

Photo of Syphax and Cabaldon by Tia Gemmell

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Central Labor Council backs Potnick for West Sac mayor

2010-08-19T00:56:08Z

A prominent labor group in the Sacramento region has endorsed Mayor Christopher Cabaldon’s opponent, Greg Potnick, in the West Sacramento mayoral race.

The Sacramento Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, this week endorsed Potnick to become the city’s mayor. Potnick, a former City Council member of 12 years, said he will advocate for working families as part of his campaign.

“I’ve been a union member and supporter my entire life,” Potnick said.

Cabaldon said Wednesday that he had not yet heard from the labor council on its decision. He said he did not want to comment until he talked to the labor council and learned why it endorsed Potnick.

Bill Camp, the executive secretary of the labor council, said the council wants to be better connected to Cabaldon, but feels it does not have a relationship with him. Camp indicated that the council feels it’s not connected with Cabaldon, saying that the SCLC wants to know more details about upcoming construction projects in the city.

The city is developing its Bridge District on the riverfront. Cabaldon is promoting development for that area.

Cabaldon, an education policy consultant, has served on the West Sacramento City Council since 1996. He has been the city's elected mayor since 2004.

West Sacramento residents started electing their mayor in 2004, according to Janet Chapan, a deputy city clerk. Before the city held mayoral elections, council members named one of their council colleagues to hold the position.

Both Cabaldon and Potnick were chosen by their City Council colleagues to serve terms as mayor before 2004.

Potnick is a retired deputy regional administrator for the state Department of Corrections. He held a City Council seat from 1988 to 2000.

He said he is a former member of unions including the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the California State Employees Association and the Teamsters.

Photo of Cabaldon by Kathleen Haley. Photo of Potnick used with permission.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Streetcar plan explained

2010-07-30T21:32:24Z

A study to map out a streetcar route linking Sacramento to West Sacramento is expected to start this fall, according to city Transportation Department spokeswoman Linda Tucker.

More than $400,000 in funding has been set aside for the study -- $310,000 from federal grant funds obtained earlier this year and $90,000 from local transportation funds, said Azadeh Doherty, a principal planner in the department.

The current plan for the streetcar includes a path in West Sacramento, but does not lay out a route in Sacramento. Under the most recent plan, the streetcar would run from West Sacramento City Hall, across Tower Bridge and stop in Old Sacramento at the foot of the bridge.

The city will consider ideas for a route in Sacramento in the upcoming study.

Tucker provided more detail about the study Wednesday in an e-mail to The Sacramento Press.

The Sacramento Press: Who will conduct this study?

Tucker: The City will conduct the study to explore the best route to serve the most riders on the Sacramento side of the river.

City staff from (the) Department of Transportation and the Economic Development department will co-manage the project with the help of a consultant team. We will post a Request for Qualifications for a consultant sometime in August/September. The study should get going this fall.

SP: Will the public and stakeholders be able to influence this study?

Tucker: Absolutely, there will be opportunities for public input through public meetings and a stakeholder advisory group of Sacramento stakeholders and residents. Key stakeholders are Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), developers, business owners and advocacy groups such as the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Chambers of Commerce on both sides of the river, Regional Transit (which will operate the streetcar), public transit riders, bicycle and walking advocates and Old Sacramento, to name a few.

We’re looking forward to getting started to have the public and experts weigh in. The study will be a companion to our previous studies: the Bikeway Master Plan, Parking Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, General Plan, Regional Transit Master Plan, Township 9 and Railyards.

Once the streetcar study is completed, we will be able to do a comprehensive downtown circulation study next summer that will integrate all that was documented during these other studies completed in recent years.

SP: How will Caltrans be involved in the study?

Tucker: They are a stakeholder as they own the Tower Bridge, which will be the streetcar crossing. However, we do not expect they would have an inordinate amount of involvement merely because the funds passed through them from SACOG to us.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

River Cats Still Tied with Grizzlies

2010-07-29T09:35:04Z

On Tuesday, July 27, The Sacramento River Cats played the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. The River Cats entered the game tied with the Fresno Grizzlies for the division lead. Strong performances both on the mound and at the plate helped the River Cats win, while the Grizzlies lost that same night. The result gave the River Cats a 1.5 game lead entering their game against the Sky Sox on Wednesday, July 28. Unfortunately, the River Cats lost the second game of their home stand against the Sky Sox on the 28th, while the Grizzlies rallied to defeat the Tacoma Rainiers in the 10th inning on the same night. Thus, the battle for the division lead continues. The River Cats play the Sky Sox again on Thursday night at Raley Field in West Sacramento. With only 39 games remaining, including 5 at home versus Fresno scheduled for August 25-29, the post-season may be in view, but every win is critically important. As images from the past two games illustrate, Sacramento's Boys of Summer have made River Cats baseball exciting, entertaining, and well worth witnessing.

Sac to plan streetcar's route

2010-07-29T03:29:16Z

The city of Sacramento is back at the drawing board — literally — on its efforts to set up a streetcar connecting to West Sacramento.

A new study to plan the streetcar route in Sacramento has received $310,000 in federal grant funds.

An additional $90,000 from a local source will help pay for the study, according to a July 27 report from the city’s Transportation Department. The City Council signed off on the new funding Tuesday night.

“What we’ll be doing now is looking now more broadly at the best routes for that system on the Sacramento side,” Councilman Steve Cohn said Wednesday.

In the most recent plan, the streetcar would run from West Sacramento City Hall, across Tower Bridge and stop in Old Sacramento at the foot of the bridge.

City leaders learned earlier this month that the Sacramento/West Sacramento project would not receive the millions of federal dollars for which it had applied.

Cohn said one of the weaknesses of the streetcar plan was that it didn’t outline a route in Sacramento beyond Tower Bridge.

In the new study, the city will examine ideas for a route.

“The project focuses on connecting some of the most active destinations in the City of Sacramento including: the dense urban central business district, the vacant 240 acre Railyards redevelopment area, the emerging commercial, arts, and entertainment neighborhood in Midtown, the R Street corridor, the Sacramento State University campus and the Arden Fair Mall,” according to the Transportation Department’s report.

Cohn said he does not expect the city will have a decision on the final route after this study is conducted. But he said he wants to make headway on extending the route past Tower Bridge and connecting it with other forms of transportation, such as light rail.

The city’s report did not specify when work on the study will start. Read the report on the new funding for a streetcar plan here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Public outreach for Bridge District construction

2010-07-16T06:14:39Z

Two dozen residents of West Sacramento attended a public outreach meeting at their city hall to listen to city employees explain the ins and outs of the Bridge District Infrastructure Improvements Project on Thursday afternoon.

"This is just our first attempt at getting information out on our project," said city Construction Administrator Drew Gidloff.

The city's capital improvement manager, Maureen Pascoe, said the meeting was their effort to give residents the heads-up on traffic delays and project timelines.

The project has been in the works since the 1990s and will cost $121 million, according to Toby Wong, city project engineer. It is being financed through a Proposition 1C grant.

"Teichert Construction will probably start demolition work next week," Wong said. "We have a lot going on in this area. We're working with the (Sacramento) River Cats, as they are the primary occupants in this area."

City Resident Engineer Bob Shults was there to explain the three stages of the project and reminded those in attendance about the sign-up sheet. Residents could write down their e-mail addresses and phone numbers to remain apprised of other public outreach efforts and project developments.

The city has already decided on recommended routes they would like drivers to take during the height of construction. There will be several detours for those wanting to travel in the district. You can get the details of what those routes are by contacting the city.

An audience member asked Wong how navigable the area will be and if there will be any closures on Tower Bridge.

"There will be a lot of (traffic flow) impacts with construction activity, and we don't recommend (driving through), but you will be able to get through there," Wong said. "Tower Bridge will be open during all of construction," he added.

The city plans to have a project link on its website where residents can go and read up on all project updates and traffic detours.

Don Fenocchio, a West Sacramento property owner and resident of Clarksburg, Calif., was concerned about the impact on the events held in that area.

"(For) people who are interested in going to Raley Field, will those roads remain open until the end of the (River Cats') season?" he asked.

"Those roads will be open until early next year, definitely longer than this baseball season," responded Wong.

"The River Cats will make adjustments to make sure you can get into the parking," Shults added.

The Bridge District is the triangular area between the Sacramento River and highways 50 and 275. The project has three stages and will last for about 15 months, with the city expecting to finish in September or October of 2011.

Streetcar hits roadblock

2010-07-13T03:29:57Z

Plans to set up a streetcar to connect the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento have hit a roadblock. At the same time, the streetcar project is still on the agenda of both cities.

The federal transportation department bypassed the Sacramento/West Sacramento streetcar project last week when it chose projects for federal grant funding.

Instead, the federal government decided to award funding to cities in Texas, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon said on Monday that he would like the project to compete for federal funds again if President Barack Obama’s Administration offers another grant program.

“We’re going to get it done,” Cabaldon said, expressing optimism about the project’s future. “It’s one of those things that’s kind of captured the imagination in the urban core.”

Meanwhile, Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn said the streetcar will not be running anytime in the near future. One of the weaknesses of the streetcar plan rebuffed by the federal government was that it didn’t have a route for the city of Sacramento, Cohn said. Under the old funding plan, the streetcar would have connected part of West Sacramento to Old Sacramento, but would not have gone further than that.

The city of Sacramento has not yet planned Sacramento’s streetcar route. Cohn said the city needs to spend time to decide where the route will go.

While there isn’t money available right now to put the streetcar on the street, there is funding for planning, according to city Transportation Department spokeswoman Linda Tucker.

Funding for streetcar planning will be on the City Council’s July 27 agenda, she said.

A pot of $310,000 in federal funds and $90,000 in local dollars is available for streetcar planning, she noted.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Dining Out Options: IKEA

2010-07-10T20:46:57Z

By Tony Sheppard
Originally Published in Capitol Weekly

If shopping for a new Beddinge Murbo and a companion Glasört Kulle or maybe a couple of Pjätteryds makes you a tad peckish, fear not for IKEA will feed you just as happily as they’ll load you up with flat-packed Aspelunds and Trondheims.

The restaurant at IKEA is a simple, bright and airy cafeteria with limited, but also pleasant and cheap choices. The signature product is the Swedish meatball, served in a light creamy gravy and generally accompanied by the Swedish “go to” utility item, the lingonberry preserve. These lingonberries double as a relish or a jam, and also appear in a syrup that makes such a tasty drink you might inadvertently sue KoolAid for negligence. Nestled between the meatballs and mashed potatoes in preserve form, they make Reagan-era claims of ketchup as a vegetable seem even more overly desperate.

Alongside healthy salmon dishes and chicken alfredo are kid-friendly choices such as French fries, pasta with a simple marinara sauce, and appealingly multi- colored veggies. And one of the best deals around is the kids meal at only $2.49 for three small menu items, and no age check. It makes for a great light lunch as long as you don’t mind eating out of brightly hued plastic containers. I recently had the pasta, veggies, lingonberry drink, and a slice of almost cake for just over $4. That almond cake is a neat extra at just $1.29, rather than the $8 dessert options that require a team to eat them at so many restaurants these days.

Each IKEA store has menu specials that can be checked online. At West Sacramento, the 15 meatball special drops from $4.99 to an even more special $2.49 on Tuesdays. And Wednesdays are rib days, with a half rack of baby backs for $7.99, complete with cornbread and fries.

But perhaps my favorite treat, for the rare times that I’m out of the house in the morning hours, is the IKEA breakfast. The regular breakfast of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and French toast sticks is just $1.99. However, for only 99c, you can skip the French toast and still get a decent plate of food that makes Denny’s look like wanton extravagance. Best of all, nobody looks down on you when you each order two of the 99c plates.

If you take a liking to Swedish grub, you can also buy items to take home, downstairs in the supremely awkwardly positioned market area. It’s best to have somebody run over there and grab a few things while you’re waiting for the regular registers* or you’ll find yourself past the point of paying and either having to line up again or needing to pay for your food products at the downstairs snack bar (which has even cheaper food than the restaurant). And it’s also good to know in advance that IKEA will charge you for a plastic bag – so bring your own.

*I can’t remember the last time I saw a person actually operating a register – so be ready for the self-check option.

The IKEA restaurant opens 30 minutes before the store opens and, you guessed it, closes 30 minutes before the store closes. The West Sacramento store is open from 10am-8pm, 362 days a year. It’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and closes one hour early on July 4th. And take note, the salad dressing is over by the drinks and ketchup, not near the salad.

IKEA, West Sacramento
700 IKEA Court
West Sacramento, CA 95605
916-371-4532

Other store locations, opening hours, meal deals, and impossible to pronounce or spell furniture solutions can be found online at www.ikea-usa.com.

Photos:

1) Two 99c breakfasts (for one).

2) A kid's meal, chicken alfredo, and two slices of almond cake (for two).

River crossings bus tour

2010-06-16T01:52:41Z

While the riverfront areas near downtown Sacramento and West Sacramento are quickly developing, the two cities are asking for input on possible new river crossings. The cities formed the Sacramento River Crossings Alternatives Study, which will result in a report to the Sacramento and West Sacramento city councils by the end of December.

Monthly input is provided by a Stakeholder Advisory Committee, made up of neighborhood associations, business owners and local environmental groups (previous meeting coverage can be found here and here). Monday's SAC meeting featured an evening rush-hour bus tour of possible crossing locations.

A survey was also released Monday to field public input on favored locations and modes of crossings. It is due June 24.

Consultants Gladys Cornell and Gene Endicott welcomed about 30 SAC members to the bus, including representatives from Regional Transit, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and Walk Sacramento. Yolo County Transportation provided the compressed natural gas-powered bus, which began its journey just east of the Tower Bridge.

"We are trying to give everyone a sense of traffic during peak travel times," said the study's project manager, Ron Milam of Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants.

He said the group has not ruled out any type of crossing so far, nor elected to create a new one.

"Crossings could be gondola, ferry, a fixed or movable bridge, or multi-modal," he said with a twinge of facetiousness.

Milam also described the differences between the three bridges currently connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento.

The northernmost I Street Bridge can hold trains on one level and pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles on another. However, the 12,728 automobiles that cross the bridge daily don't include buses because the lanes are too narrow.

To the south, the iconic Tower Bridge also takes bicycles, pedestrians and automobiles, including buses, and has a daily traffic of 15,665. Walt Seifert, executive director of SABA, noted that according to a study, about 300 bicyclists cross the bridge every two hours.

"I'm pleased that most stakeholders are considering bike and pedestrian bridges as a possibility," Seifert said.

The southernmost Pioneer Bridge, which raises Highway 50 over the American River, sees 162,058 vehicles per day, about 85 percent of all the daily traffic between the cities. However, it does not serve bikes or pedestrians.

Maureen Pasko, West Sacramento's capitol improvement manager, described developments in her city. These included from north to south: The Rivers, The Washington Plan area, the Bridge District, the Pioneer Bluff redevelopment and the Stone Lock Project.

Fran Halbakken, operations manager of Sacramento's Department of Transportation, described projects on the Sacramento riverfront, which include from north to south: The River District (the Richards Boulevard area), The Railyards and the Miller Park redevelopment.

The group is still researching locations and collecting data, but eight of nine potential crossing opportunities the group has identified so far connect to one or more of these developing areas. A ninth could connect Sutterville Road in Land Park and Linden Road in West Sacramento. Photograph five above shows these crossing locations.

For more information about upcoming public input meetings, or to provide direct input, visit the study's website or contact Fran Halbakken at 808-7194 or fhalbakken@cityofsacramento.org.

Photographs:

1. Yolobus about to cross Tower Bridge

2. Tower Bridge from the Docks Riverfront Promenade

3. Tower Bridge from the US Bank main office

4. I Street Bridge

5. A draft of possible crossings

River City Gators quietly beat Razorbacks 11-7 and prep for playoffs

2010-06-14T20:16:47Z

The River City Gators closed out their season quietly Saturday after beating the Contra Costa Razorbacks (11-7) at Old River City High School in West Sacramento.

The Gators ended their season with a record of 8-2 and have secured the number two seed for the playoffs. They will host the Razorbacks again, June 19 for the first round of the playoffs.

Saturday's game was moved to Old River City High School because there were graduation ceremonies being held at River City High School at the time. Due to the location and time change and the hot weather, the crowd size for both teams was sparse but the Gator coaches said they are hoping for a bigger turnout for the playoffs.

For most of the game, both teams seem to lack energy . The Razorbacks lead 7-0 as the first half was about to come to a close until the Gators kicked a field goal to bump up the score to 7-3.

Once the second half got underway, the Gators scored a touchdown and were able to capitalize on a successful two-point conversion attempt thanks to a penalty on the Razorbacks that brought the Gators half the distance to the goal line. After the two-point play, the Gators were up 11-7.

The game ended in controversy when the Razorbacks were called for an illegal horse collar tackle which resulted in the rejection of a Razorback player as he was arguing the call.

River City Gators owner Jason Kang said this game was a throwaway game because both teams have already secured their spots in the playoffs. Despite the slow pace of the game, Kang said that this game was still an important one nonetheless.

“We take every game as a single-game incident,” Kang said. “You’ve got to have momentum going into the playoffs, so it was still a meaningful game.”

Kang was happy with the win but said that the pace of the game was lethargic from both teams and the Gators need to step up their game for the playoffs.

“It was a slow game both offensively and defensively from both teams, but one thing that we did not establish today is letting the Razorbacks know that ‘We are going to dominate you next week, too,’” Kang said.

“We allowed them to come in here and think that they have a shot at beating us next week. We have to step up our game and do the things that we didn’t do this week and improve our game from this week to next week.”

Gators head coach Charlie Ruiz said that the game was pretty sluggish but he said it might have been due to the 4 p.m. start and limited practices. He added that most of the players work night jobs.

“This game was what I expected to be, but I’m still happy with the outcome,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz did say that the pace of the first playoff game against the Razorbacks will be different.

“It’s playoff energy,” Ruiz said. “In any sport, playoff energy is different because the motivation is that if you don’t win, you’re going home, and nobody wants to go home.”

Gators Quarterback Robert Arthur was optimistic after the result of the game against the Razorbacks and said that the win was a stepping-stone to the playoffs. He also said that this game gave his team a good opportunity to look at the Razorbacks' defense and prepare them for the next game.

Ruiz said that out of the 12 years he’s coached the Gators, this season’s team is the best that he’s had and feels that this year the Gators have the talent to succeed beyond expectations.

“The table is set for them, they just have to do what they have to do,” Ruiz said. “The only thing in their way is themselves.”

The River City Gators will host the Contra Costa Razorbacks for the first round of the playoffs back at River City High School Saturday, June 19 with a 6 p.m. kickoff time.

AFL Free Agent Rejoins River City Gators

2010-06-04T01:27:58Z

West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing and activation of Sacramento native and Arena Football League Free Agent defensive back, Mervin Brookins today. Brookins played for the AFL’s Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in 2010, the AFL's Stockton Lightning and the River City Gators in 2009.

Prior to his professional career, Brookins attended Kansas-based Bethel College and Sacramento City College. His agent, Chris Johnson said, “Our focus is to get him reaccelerated to outdoor football. We want to get him doing what he does best: shutting down receivers, intercepting passes, and returning kicks. We need to prove to scouts and general managers that he is every bit the real deal that we know he is.”

Brookins is using the Gators opportunity in order to transition from arena to full field. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and current Gators wide receiver Paris Warren said, “Once you go arena, you never come back.”

While that’s not entirely true, Warren’s sentiment highlights the belief that the differences in field segment responsibility and defensive angles of attack make readjustment to a full field difficult. Relatively few players find it easy to transition.

The goal for Brookins is to quickly adjust in order to prepare for United Football League and Canadian Football League tryouts, as well as upcoming National Football League camps. He was invited to the Seattle Seahawks camp in 2009.

River City Gators Head Coach Charlie Ruiz said the addition of Brookins "Will definitely add a new dimension to our secondary. He's answering a season-long need at just the right time. He's got the speed and strength to handle whatever comes his way. He's been here before, so I'm sure he'll pick up right where he left off. He's the last piece of the puzzle to put us over the top."

River City Gators Co-Owner and NCFL Co-Founder Jason Kang said, "We’re excited about Merv’s return. He’s a part of the defense that we’ve been missing for quite a while. I’m glad he’s back, but I hope he doesn’t stay too long. We’re going to make the most of his availability, and we’re going to help him with his own development goals as well."

Mervin Brookins is set to arrive in Sacramento mere minutes from now. The plan is for him to head straight into meetings. He is scheduled for preliminary workouts and a full practice Friday evening. The Gators have him listed as active for this weekend. Brookins said the tight schedule "Is all business. We had a lot going on in Oklahoma, there's a lot going on right now, and I'm ready for all of it."

Shortly after getting off the plane, Brookins was asked about his thoughts and feelings about returning to Sacramento. He said, "It's great to see my mom. My baby girl is here. I'm going to see my cousin. It's awkward."

Indeed it is, but just as Brookins is glad to see his family, the Gators and their fans are very glad to see him. Kang added, "This is great for the league. It’s always great to get pro players into our system. I’ve been told that a few players from the Pacifica Islanders are heading to the CFL in the next few days. This is a competitive league. Having a dangerous defender and return man like Merv only makes it better."

Ruiz was quick to remind everyone around him, "We're playing to win a championship. Adding a player with pro experience is always a big plus. Merv has a lot of versatility. He's what we need at corner, and he'll be a strong addition to the return game and special teams."

Brookins is rumored to be in talks with several teams including the AIFA's San Jose Wolves. Wolves General Manager and Head Coach Bennie King was unable to return telephone calls before press time. He and his team are currently on their way to Washington to play the Wenatchee Valley Venom.

A source close to the team says Brookins and King will meet privately on Monday, and a deal is likely to be reached that night. That would place Brookins on the Wolves practice field as early as Tuesday, and make him eligible to play at the Cow Palace on Saturday, June 12 versus the Yakima Valley Warriors.

Brookins' agent, Chris Johnson, is also in contact with the UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions and several CFL teams regarding potential free agent deals.

The NCFL is the nation's premier minor league football conference. With players having moved on to the AFL and AIFA, and others attending NFL and UFL camps in the past, the league is highly competitive. In fact, the league's top two teams, the Northbay Rattlers and the Pacifica Islanders, placed first and second at the 2009 minor league national championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Gators next game is Saturday, June 5, on the road versus the defending NCFL and 2009 MLFN National Champion Northbay Rattlers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm in Santa Rosa. The next home game is June 12 versus the Contra Costa Razorbacks. Time and location for that game remains to be decided. To learn more about the River City Gators, please visit their website.

Author's Note : I am am official photographer for the River City Gators.

Gators Obliterate Outlaws 48-6

2010-05-27T11:16:05Z

The River City Gators, Sacramento's minor league football team, faced the East Bay Outlaws in Oakley on Saturday. Despite missing a number of key players due to injury, and resting several others, the Gators defeated the Outlaws 48-6. With the win, the Gators improved their record to 7-1 and clinched their division. With a bye week under way, the Gators are set to return to action on June 5 on the road in Santa Rosa versus the 2009 minor league national champion Northbay Rattlers.

A steady wind and intermittent rain throughout the East Bay presented a number of challenges on Saturday. Injuries to starting quarterback Blake Mori and wide receiver Kyle Providence reduced the number of offensive weapons as wide receivers Paris Warren and Wesley Williams were rested. Backup quarterback Robert Arthur played despite suffering a broken finger early in the first quarter. Passing game inefficiency was more than made up for by greatly improved rushing and stingy defense.

The only blemish on an otherwise productive outing was the continuation of assistant coaching errors, perhaps the most significant of which included a pair of 15-yard penalties and the ejection of Gators assistant coach and equipment manager Terry Johnson.

Johnson was first cited for unsportsmanlike conduct related to what officials perceived as an obscene gesture directed at them. Moments later, an angry Johnson said he would no longer comply with the officials’ requests for game balls. As soon as the first request was made, he simply dropped the ball on the turf and said, “Come and get it yourself.”

That resulted in another 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and Johnson’s ejection. Although he later returned in defiance after the 2-minute warning in the fourth quarter, officials chose not to penalize the team further and simply allowed the clock to run out.

At one point, there were five flags on the field, each related to a different penalty.

Despite the sideline antics, the Gators won the day. They also won the division. Their next opponent will not be so easily defeated. The Gators last played the Northbay Rattlers in Santa Rosa during the 2009 playoffs. In that game, the departure of current Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz defensive back Mervin Brookins to the Arena-2 Stockton Lightning proved crucial as the Rattlers exploited the fill-in corner and won the game.

Though this year’s Gator squad is significantly better than last year’s, victory will require discipline both on the field and on the sidelines.

Images from Oakley tell the story best.

The River City Gators next game is June 5 in Santa Rosa versus the Northbay Rattlers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Author's Note: I am an official photographer for the River City Gators.

Gators Lose to Islanders

2010-05-20T12:10:38Z

On Saturday, the River City Gators lost to the Pacifica Islanders 26-21. The end of the Gators' winning streak came after many players participated in the UFL's open tryout for the Sacramento Mountain Lions. Despite leading 7-6 in the second quarter and 21-19 late in the game, the Gators defense was unable to stop the powerful Islanders offense.

Gators quarterback Blake Mori made several poor decisions that resulted in turnovers. His arm looked burned out from the Mountain Lions tryout. He barely threw warm-up passes before the game. During the game, he misread several defensive schemes and often failed to check his three and four receivers. Oftentimes during the game, it appeared as though Mori's footwork was off, resulting in poor snaps and exchanges from backup center Colbrun Mahan. Starting center Gabe Sorenson remains out with an injury.

Paris Warren never seemed to get in sync on offense and actually played free safety during part of the second half. Gators wide receiver Wesley Williams spent much of the game on the sidelines. Gators wide receiver Steve Dickinson was missing from action. It was later confirmed that he was released from the roster for unspecified reasons. Despite solid performances from wide receivers Cam'ron Mbewa and Kyle Providence, the Gators simply couldn't get the job done.

The Gators often came out of the huddle in no back sets. The lack of a running game underscored the offensive line's inability to control the line of scrimmage and create holes. Quarterback scurries, hurries, sacks and pocket pressure further confirmed that weakness. Even Gators kicker Morton Geivett had a bad night.

During a week where UFL tryout preparation resulted in a number of players not practicing, the effects were visible during the game. The Gators simply did not have their A game. The added fatigue from the UFL tryouts certainly was a factor. A breakdown in morale among coaches and team administrative personnel exacerbated the negativity on the sidelines. The early departure of the Gator Girls, managed by Cheer Sacramento, with 12:24 remaining in the second quarter, when the score was 7-6 favoring the Gators, seemed to alter the vocal expression of support from the warning track and the stands. With a record crowd on hand, such a breakdown in both on- and off-field practices defied comprehension.

Despite all of that, the Gators had several opportunities to win the game. On more than one occasion, the offense had the opportunity to score valuable pull-away points that would have kept them in front. Despite weakness in the secondary, the pass rush of the Gators defensive line was enough to keep the game within reach all the way to the two minute warning. Asked what happened, wide receiver Kyle Providence only said, "Guys don't show up for practice, this is what happens."

From the perspective of experienced media, having studied the game at a high level for the past two decades, it is clear that while Kyle Providence is correct, there's more to it. There's an old saying: You get out what you put in. This applies to more than just players. Everyone in the River City Gators organization from top to bottom must commit themselves to playing full-out no matter what the circumstance. The measurable impact of breakdowns in leadership at any level will always show up on the scoreboard.

Gators co-owner Jason Kang said, "We clearly have many things to work on."

Indeed. Another member of the media said, "It's OK that they lost this game. It gets their heads out of the clouds, and they're still on top of their division."

This is true. It is often said that one of the most difficult things to do in sports is beat the same great team twice. The Gators may very well face the Islanders again in the playoffs. If that opportunity comes, and if they want to win, then the many things they have to work on better be worked out.

Quarterback Blake Mori - looking tired

Wide receiver Paris Warren - wide open all day

Wide receiver Paris Warren - unable to pull down a high pass

Wide receiver Paris Warren - less than pleased

Wide receiver Cam'ron Mbewa - unable to pull in a high pass

Defensive back Brandon Coleman - turned around and unable to stop the TD

Defensive back Art Acosta - returns an interception for a touchdown

Wide receiver Kyle Providence - making the catch

Wide receiver Byron Wallace - unable to pull down the high pass

Kicker Morton Geivett - blocked

Quarterback Robert Arthur - reaching for the endzone

Quarterback Blake Mori - unable to escape the pressure

Wide Receiver Cam'ron Mbewa - protecting the ball

Quarterback Blake Mori - throwing into an empty seam

Kicker Morton Geivett - blocked

Paris Warren - playing defense

Linebacker Datay Pongyan - roughing the passer

Linebacker LaMont Providence - fatigued and dissatisfied

Assistant Coach and Manager Terry Johnson - resigned and by himself on the sideline

Wide receiver Wesley Willams, Defensive back Keenan Fields, and others - sensing the loss in the final minute

The River City Gators play the East Bay Outlaws on the road this Saturday in Oakley. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Authors Note : I am also an official team photographer for the River City Gators

Local groups brainstorm ideas for new Sac/West Sac river crossing

2010-05-11T04:59:00Z

About 40 people gathered at a local library Monday night to brainstorm ideas for new bridges or other structures to connect the cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento.

The two cities are currently exploring ideas for new river crossings. The workshop held by the cities at the Arthur Turner Community Library in West Sacramento was one of a series of public meetings on the topic.

Representatives from a variety of groups and agencies attended the workshop, including the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the Sacramento Walking Sticks and the Land Park Community Association.

Members of the various groups suggested ideas to consultants working on the study. Mark Abrahams of the Land Park Community Association said a new span between the cities should not devalue the livability of the existing neighborhoods. “I’m here with that charge,” Abrahams said.

Jim Randlett of the Sacramento River Crossings Association said “the elephant in the room” is the issue of traffic congestion in West Sacramento.

Meanwhile, Dan Ramos of the West Sacramento development firm Ramco Enterprises pointed out that planned development could make his city a major job center. “We’re going to be a regional draw,” he said.

The discussions for new crossings are in the early stages. At this point, the two cities are working on the Sacramento River Crossings Alternatives Study.

Funding for bridges or other forms of crossings has not been allocated, and locations for projects have not been selected.

The study may be ready by early 2011, said Fedolia Harris, a senior planner with Sacramento’s Department of Transportation.

Questions from the public about the study can be e-mailed to Fran Halbakken at fhalbakken@cityofsacramento.org

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Gators Trounce Trojans 49-14

2010-05-10T10:24:11Z

West Sacramento, CA – On Saturday night, the River City Gators extended their winning streak to 6-0 by defeating the Stockton Trojans 49-14 at River City Stadium. The Gators gained 454 yards of offense and scored seven touchdowns on 52 plays. Quarterback Blake Mori completed 14 of 21 pass attempts for 286 yards and 5 touchdowns. Quarterback Robert Arthur completed 3 of 8 pass attempts for an additional 67 yards.

The Gators spread the ball around. Paris Warren caught 6 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown. Cam’ron Mbewa caught 5 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Providence caught 4 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown. Byron Wallace caught one pass for 21 yards and one touchdown, and Steve Dickinson caught one pass for 33 yards.

The balanced attack also featured five different rushers. Blake Mori carried 6 times for 27 yards and one touchdown. Robert Arthur carried 8 times for 38 yards. Michael Knowlton carried 4 times for 27 yards. Kyle Providence carried once for 9 yards and one touchdown, and Eric Bailey carried 4 times for 0 yards.

All together, the Gators passed 17-29 for 353 yards and 5 touchdowns, and recorded 23 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Special teams and defense generated significant additional yardage, though statistics were unavailable on Sunday.

Despite all of that, the Gators are projected underdogs for their home game on May 15th versus the Pacifica Islanders. Despite coming off a 55-0 shutout, the Islanders are 5-1, their lone loss being a defensive battle against Santa Rosa’s Northbay Rattlers. Gators Co-Owner Jason Kang says, “Gotta love being an underdog. Already picked to be nearly a two touchdown underdog on our own home field? I’m fired up and motivated.” Surely all of the players are motivated too.

Defensive tackle Rayford Green says, “Our motto is ‘Failure is not an Option’ so let’s get it!” With the UFL Sacramento Mountain Lions tryout set to take place on Saturday as well, both teams will be fired up. Tryouts run from 9am-12pm at Natomas High School. Registration begins at 7:30am. Over a dozen Gators players have registered and NCFL sources say a similar level of trout participation is expected from the Islanders. That said, Kang says that “even though player fatigue may be a factor, it should equally affect both teams.”

Images from the Gators vs. Trojans game provide a glimpse of what’s in store for fans this weekend.

Paris Warren in the open field.

Paris Warren in heavy traffic.

Cam'ron Mbewa takes out defenders pursuing Paris Warren.

Kyle Prividence eyes the endzone.

A Trojan defender is no match for Paris Warren.

Cam'ron Mbewa fights for a first down.

Paris Warren eyes his first TD as a Gator.

Paris Warren's first Gator TD.

Paris Warren and Byron Wallace celebrate.

A delighted Paris Warren after the score.

Carl Watson coming in from the outside.

LaMont Providence reading the formation.

Morton Geivett adds the extra point.

Wesley Williams debut in a Gator uniform.

Rayford Green and Kyle Providence.

Rayford Green and Paris Warren.

Wesley Williams.

Paris Warren.

The Gators vs. Islanders game is Saturday May15th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm at River City Stadium in West Sacramento. For more information, visit the River City Gators website.

Interview: Paris Warren Talks About Football

2010-05-10T07:05:37Z

West Sacramento, CA – Paris Warren held a brief press conference Friday afternoon alongside River City Gators Head Coach Charlie Ruiz and the Gators owners group regarding his decision to return to Sacramento and to sign with the Gators. After the conference, he sat down for an exclusive Sacramento Press interview.

SP: When did you return to Sacramento, and what have you been doing since your return?

PW: I came back to Sac in early December 2009. I’ve been training ever since. Been playing lots of basketball, trying to get into basketball shape; football shape is easy.

SP: Basketball, are you a Kings fan?

PW: Of course I’m a Kings fan, I’m from Sac. I’m looking forward to going to games next season.

SP: There’s a UFL tryout at Natomas High School on the 15th, are you going?

PW: I used to play in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers. I played for Jim Haslett and Jay Gruden. My agent, Derrick Fox, who also represents Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers, is doing the talking. If it all works out, I’ll play for Dennis Green and be a Mountain Lion.

SP: What’s the UFL like, and what can we expect at the tryouts?

PW: The UFL is definitely competitive. There’ll be lots of guys showing up. Overall, the UFL might be a half step slower than the NFL, but a lot of guys are from the NFL and can keep up with anyone, they just didn’t make the 53 man roster.

SP: You got injured a while back.

PW: Man that was way back in 2007. It’s done already; full recovery.

SP: What do you like about the River City Gators?

PW: I have some friends on the team. I saw a few games last year. They’re good. This is a fine tuning opportunity for me. I’m planning on playing at the next level in the fall. Any time you play 11-man football, you can develop yourself. It’s better than arena. You never make it back from that.

SP: You spent several years in the NFL, what is that like?

PW: Fast. I was there for a while. I’m pension eligible and an NFLPA member for life. I was with Tampa Bay for a few years, Dallas, New Orleans, All good places.

SP: You went to the University of Oregon, and then transferred to Utah, what happened there?

PW: That’s right. I was recruited to Oregon by Chris Petersen. He’s at Boise State now. When I got there, Mike Bellotti was the coach. I guess we didn’t get along well. We used to have these meetings and he’d tell me he was going to play me. 6-7 weeks later, nothing; I was better than that, so I left.

SP: You think Bellotti will coach again?

PW: I think so. He’s got a lot left. There’s a lot going on in the background.

SP: Some people are saying the Arizona State job might open up if next season isn’t successful.

PW: If he ended up there, I wouldn’t be surprised.

SP: So you left Oregon, you sat out for a year, then what?

PW: I went to Utah and played for the best coach in College Football – Urban Meyer. He’s at Florida now, but when he was at Utah, we were the best. I was All Mountain West, 1st and 2d team, one of the Fiesta Bowl MVPs, I did alright. I always liked Oregon though, and Chip Kelly can get them there.

SP: You mean a national championship?

PW: It’s all about the championship. Why else do you play? I’m here to win games. Those guys are there to win games.

SP: Speaking of winning, you’ve been in some video games.

PW: That’s right, Madden, NCAA, I’ve played myself in college and pro games.

SP: Who’s better, you or virtual you?

PW: Me! The real me! Madden underrated me a bit. I didn’t really like that. I’m better. No need for superpowers. I don’t cheat.

SP: Do your friends and family know what you’re up to here?

PW: Word’s getting around, so we’ll see.

SP: Any final thoughts?

PW: Come check us out. I can only add to what they’re already doing – taking care of business. So now we’re undefeated, and I’m going to do my part to keep it that way.

River City Gators Wide Receiver Paris Warren.

River City Gators Head Coach Charlie Ruiz with Wide Receiver Paris Warren.

River City Gators Co-Owner Frankie Machado; Head Coach Charlie Ruiz; Wide Receiver Paris Warren; Co-Owner Richard Donn; and Co-Owner Jason Kang.

Paris Warren's Gator debut was Saturday night at River City Stadium. He had 6 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown.

To learn more about the River City Gators, check out their website by clicking here. The next home game is May 15th versus the Pacifica Islanders. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm.

Cats Bats Rip Sky Sox

2010-05-10T01:51:12Z

West Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento River Cats’ four-game home series versus the Colorado Springs Sky Sox is nearly complete. Friday’s 10-6 River Cats loss was closer than the final score revealed. A late inning surge brought the game within reach, and with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning, the River Cats had an exciting opportunity to come back.

Saturday’s result was decidedly different. The River Cats overcame an equally difficult opening series of pitches taking a 6-4 lead in the first inning. From there, however, it was all Cats. The second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings all went the way of the home team. With the scoreboard reading 16-5 River Cats, scoreless seventh and eighth innings provided the perfect segue to a ninth inning cut short and followed closely by an exciting fireworks display.

Today’s afternoon game was much closer. A slow start and an early Sky Sox lead turned in the third as the River Cats took a 3-2 lead. Again, they never looked back. Posting three runs in the fifth, and another one in the ninth, the River Cats won the game 7-4. Pitcher Vin Mazzaro got the win, and first baseman Chris Carter had a pair of home runs. As for, outfielder Corey Wimberley, opening somersaults aside, he was quiet today, no doubt saving it for the Monday night series finale.

With tomorrow’s first pitch, scheduled for 7:05pm Pacific, the series will be mere hours from conclusion. Not to worry, the Sky Sox return to Raley Field July 27-30 for another four-game series. However, seniors eat free tomorrow night courtesy of Dell Webb, so bring the family and enjoy what is sure to be an exciting game. The game features the red hot River Cats bats versus one of the best Sky Sox pitchers, Alan Johnson (2-0, 3.05 ERA). At 16-13, the Sky Sox narrowly lead the PCL Pacific North division. Meanwhile, at 13-17, the River Cats are 5.5 games out of first place in the PCL Pacific South division. Season statistics aside, the Cats lead the series with a combined total of 29 runs (vs. 19 for the Sky Sox), and that means not only will tomorrow's game be exciting, but for those of you who demand wins, the Cats should be favored.

Need a little extra ocular encouragement to convince you to come out tomorrow night? Check out these images from the series.

Former NFL Wide Receiver Paris Warren Joins River City Gators

2010-05-07T04:50:05Z

West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing of Sacramento native, and former NFL wide receiver, Paris Warren today. The actual signing took place on the Gators' practice field Wednesday night at 8:30pm. Warren was drafted in the seventh round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2005, and remained with the team until 2008. Thereafter he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (2008), again with Tampa Bay (2009), and the New Orleans Saints (2009). He also played for the UFL's Orlando-based Florida Tuskers in 2009.

Prior to his professional career, Paris Warren attended for the University of Oregon, where, as a freshman, he played football for the Ducks. In accordance with NCAA rules, he sat out the 2002 season after transferring to the University of Utah. As a member of the Utes, Warren was named first team All-MWC in 2003, second team All-MWC in 2004, and he was named Offensive Co-MVP of the 2005 BCS Fiesta Bowl. Warren finished that night with a Fiesta Bowl-record 15 receptions and 198 yards. He also holds the University of Utah single-season reception record, logging 80 receptions during the 2004-05 season.

River City Gators Head Coach, Charlie Ruiz says the addition of Paris Warren "is really going to raise the level of motivation since he's coming from the pro leagues. That someone of his caliber and talent is motivated to play at this level is really excites for me as well. I mean if you're an offensive lineman, how do you not weant to block for this guy?" On the topic of the team, Ruiz says, "we're going to have to make some moves and make some room, but I think the team is going to embrace it and move forward. Hopefully they appreciate that we're constantly trying to better the team."

River City Gators Co-Owner, and NCFL Co-Founder, Jason Kang, says "[the addition of Paris Warren] is going to raise the level of play from all of our players. They'll be working with a guy who's been there and done that. They'll have a chance to pick his brain. They'll have a chance to develop beyond camps and tryouts. This is good for us all the way around." In terms of the NCFL, "to get a player with recent NFL experience and high caliber status adds to the legitimacy of what we're here to do: to cultivate and develop players, and to provide a professional environment for them to play in. We believe that if you have a player like Paris Warren come to this league, than perhaps others like him will follow. So hopefully this will begin to open some of those doors."

Paris Warren was unavailable for comment today. An interview is planned for Friday, and both Charlie Ruiz and Jason Kang have indicated that he will be available to the media after the game versus the Stockton Trojans on Saturday night.

The Gators next game is Saturday, May 8th, at River City Stadium in West Sacramento. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm. The Gators have announced a special offer exclusively available through Sacramento Press. A "50% Off" coupon is included below. Just print it out and bring it to the game for half off the price of admission. To learn more about the River City Gators, please visit their website.

Former SDSU Aztecs Wide Receiver Wesley Williams Joins River City Gators

2010-05-07T04:48:40Z

West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing former California State University - San Diego wide receiver, Wesley Williams today. The signing officially took place on Wednesday night at 8:30pm on the Gators' practice field. Born in Sacramento, Williams grew up in Fairfield, played at San Joaquin Delta College, before initially choosing to attend Purdue University. Circumstances caused him to sign on and play for the San Diego State Aztecs; however, sources say he was recruited by the University of Louisville (Kentucky), the University of Colorado, and Auburn (Alabama).

River City Gators Head Coach, Charlie Ruiz says, "From a position standpoint, Williams solidifies the receiving corps and takes it to an unmatched level. He’s a class act, and he’s easy to deal with. He’ll fit in with the majority of the core of our team, and he’s anxious to get on the field. We’re anxious too!" Furthermore, Ruiz says, "He’s 6’4” and 225 lbs, wait until you see him! He had a free agent tryout with the San Diego Chargers a couple of years ago, and he also spent one summer working the camp of the San Francisco 49ers. He was interested in playing for the Gators last year, but the rosters were locked."

River City Gators Co-Owner, and NCFL Co-Founder, Jason Kang, says "Wes is a nice guy. He’s respectful. He’s everything you want in a football player. He’s going to be a great addition to this team both on and off the field. Adding him to the group including Paris [Warren], Camron [Mbewa], Kyle Providence, and Steve Dickinson, we’ve got the best wide receiver corps in the league, and likely in all of minor league football. You’d be hard pressed to find another unit this deep. " In terms of the NCFL, "this means more legitimate players are coming through our doors. We’re moving away from weekend warriors and recreational players. We’re developing into a springboard for people who are committed to developing themselves. Players like Wes live, breathe, and die for football. That’s the kind of commitment we want.."

Gators Gag Lawmen

2010-05-03T23:44:02Z

On Saturday, May 1st, the River City Gators extended their winning treat to 5-0 by defeating Oakland's Nor Cal Lawmen 30-7 on the road. The game was played in what can perhaps most simply be described as a hostile environment. "It's difficult enough being on the road," one player said, as heckles from the crowd turned into personal attacks. NCFL Chairman Jason Kang expressed unhappiness with the lack of crowd control and security.

Let's get a few things straight. The central part of Oakland, off Broadway and near Oakland Technical High School, is an area I would prefer not to travel through alone at night. I arrived on scene at 12:30pm and had a number of wonderful interactions with young people and adult members of the community. Come 6pm, however, the scene changed. a pack of hostile hecklers issuing threats and slurs said they were intoxicated. One even said he was armed. They claimed a public right to gather on the Oakland Tech campus. While I beg to differ with that opinion legally, I have another sense of the entire scene. It was ugly.

Those fans shaking and rattling the fences demonstrated complete lack of respect for the sanctity of the educational environment where people in that relatively underprivileged neighborhood work hard every day to develop themselves in order to have a chance to rise above the violence and poverty that surrounds them. If you wouldn't do that in your churches (synagogues, temples, mosques, etc) than why would you ever think that type of conduct is acceptable at a school? Sadly, these are not logical people. The only thing they respond to is police force. Unfortunately, the word on the field was that calls for law enforcement support were met with notice of de-prioritized delay that would not have removed troublemakers likely until after the game was over.

Despite the hostility, despite the sound of sirens every few minutes, and despite the sound of engine backfires that the untrained ear might mistake for gunshots, the Gators remained focused and took care of business. A 30-7 victory in such hostile territory is nothing to complain about. A win is a win, and the Gators remain undefeated for yet another week.

There are few images from this game. Admittedly, discontent with crowd conditions raised a safety concern that caused a complete media departure after the first quarter. The Gators return home to their family-friendly and ultra-safe River City facilities in West Sacramento this weekend to play the Stockton Trojans. Not enough can be said to distinguish the two environments. The NCFL is committed to creating a safe and family-friendly environment. The events in Oakland this past Saturday have, and will continue to be addressed by the league. Rule changes are imminent.

Images from the game tell the story.

LaMont Providence and Camron Mbewa.

Camron Mbewa.

Gatoes star wide receiver Kyle Providence.

McRuben Fleurinord has great hands for a big tight end.

Ken Lloyd.

Blake Mori makes good form look easy.

Blake Mori looks downfield.

Kyle Providence and Steve Dickinson celebrate after the first Gator TD.

Refusing to buy tickets, threatening violence, claiming to be drunk, and yelling profanity and racial slurs, area residents selfishly dampen moods and drive fans away from the venue.

As for the Gators home game this weekend, kickoff is currently scheduled for 6pm. There will be no early departure for media attending the game on May 8th. Please see the River City Gators website for further detail.

River City Gators Maul Marin Bulldogs

2010-04-27T07:53:48Z

On Saturday, April 24th, the River City Gators extended their winning streak to 4-0 by defeating the Marin Bulldogs 59-19 on the road in Marin. The Gators overcame a slow start after what was a relatively light week of practice. The game featured the return of Gators star wide receiver, #11 Kyle Providence, who missed the previous game due to UFL tryouts for the Las Vegas Locomotives. Gators quarterback, and former California State University - Sacramento player, #14 Blake Mori, split time with fellow quarterback, #18 Robert Arthur. While both seemed to struggle at times, the two-headed monster proved unstoppable.

It has long been said that a quarterback is only as good as the wide receivers he throws to. The 1-2 punch of #11 Kyle Providence, and #9 Camron Mbewa - also a former CSUS player - are as good as it gets in minor league play. In addition to those two, #15 Steve Dickinson, #82 Byron Wallace, #5 Terrell Crawford, and #2 Robbie Longan - a one-time NFL prospect - solidify the Gators receiving corps. To say the Gators are deep at wideout is an understatement.

Of course, the Gators talent pool is deep at all positions. An examination of the running backs, secondary, and both the offensive and defensive lines reveals considerable size, talent, and ability. Indeed, football is a team sport. The Gators continue to show signs of improved teamwork every week. The speed and precision of game management is always improving. To steal a line out of University of Oregon Head Football Coach Chip Kelly's book, the Gators' goal is simple: Win The Day.

On this day, that goal was decisively achieved. Images from the game tell the story best.

The Gators next game is May 1st, on the road versus the Nor Cal Lawmen. The UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions is scheduled for May 15th at Natomas High School. Kyle Providence and several other NCFL players will be there as well.

Gators rip holes and air it out on spring Saturdays

2010-04-20T10:09:00Z

Traditionalists will tell you that football season is in the fall. Here in Sacramento, however, there is a roster of men who will tell you football season is right now! The River City Gators football team is Sacramento's premier semi-pro football franchise. A member of the Northern California Football League, the Gators have been in the community for a good part of the last decade.

A quick check of the roster confirms that this is no pushover team of kids looking to toss the pigskin around on Saturdays. The offensive line weighs in at an average of 294.1 lbs. The defensive line weighs in at an average of 274.5 lbs. The Tallest offensive lineman is 6'5", and the tallest defensive lineman is 6'6". These are big men!

The Gators play fast and hard. They balance the run and pass. The offense rips holes and pounds the ball up the middle. They also go for the big pass and know how to put on an aerial show. Hands down, if you're a football fan sitting idle this spring waiting for the NFL draft and UFL tickets to go on sale, seeing the Gators play live will not disappoint.

Last year's Gator squad saw one player accepted to an NFL tryout camp with the Seattle Seahawks. Former Gator cornerback, Mervin Brookins, went on to play in the professional Arena Football League (Arena-2 Stockton Lightning). He is now playing for the ArenaOne Oklahoma City Yard Dogz. Another player was awarded an NCAA scholarship opportunity. Yet another former Gator player, defensive end, Sione Umufuke (currently playing for the NCFL's Contra Costa Razorbacks), was able to impress agent scouts enough to sign on with one as he currently prepares for United Football League (UFL) tryouts.

This year's Gator squad features quarterback, Blake Mori, and wide receiver, Camron Mbewa (both alums of California State University, Sacramento). Center, Gabe Sorenson, is a seven year veteran. He's also a regular competitor in World's Strongest Man competitions. His next one is July 4th in Red Bluff. Talented wide receiver, Kyle Providence, once a highly-rated prep prospect from Elk Grove, missed the game due to UFL tryouts being conducted in Arizona.

Sources say the Sacramento Mountain Lions are reportedly holding tryouts at Natomas High School on May 15th; however, this remains officially unconfirmed

The Gators are currently 3-0 (2-0 home, 1-0 away) and heading back on the road this weekend to play the Marin Bulldogs. The next home games are May 8th (vs. the Stockton Trojans) and May 15th (vs. the Pacifica Islanders). Both kickoffs are scheduled for 6:00pm Pacific. Home games are played at the new River City High School Stadium.

Images from the last game, a 35-21 victory over the Central Coast Barnstormers on April 17th, illustrate what the action is like.

West Sac to get biggest solar plant

2010-04-13T04:38:52Z

The biggest solar power plant in the country will be built in West Sacramento, after a Spanish solar development company chose the city for its U.S. headquarters, the company confirmed Monday.

West Sacramento and its port, where the plant will be located, beat Oakland to grab the new national headquarters of Otras Producciones de Energia Fotovoltaico. The company develops solar power plants and manufactures the tracking systems solar panels are mounted on.

The company's subsidiary, OPDE U.S. Corp., officially began operating on March 1 in a roughly 70,000-square-foot building at 1430 Enterprise Blvd. in West Sacramento. But OPDE isn't coming here alone. It's bringing along two more subsidiaries and two suppliers.

Over the weekend, OPDE began assembling dual-axis trackers that will each hold 56 solar panels for another company's Madera plant. At about 1,000 square feet, the trackers are each the size of a three-car garage.

OPDE's 20-megawatt AC power plant, boasting 26,880 solar panels on single-axis trackers, will be the largest in the United States. The first half is expected to go online this year, and the other half by June 2011, said Greg Brehm, director of distributed renewable energy resources for OPDE U.S. The power plant was initially reported as 24 megawatts.

"This will still be the largest," he said. "We're very happy to have opened here as one of the green and sustainable companies in our community."

The next-largest is a 14-megawatt plant at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Another company has talked about building a 20-megawatt plant in Florida, but that doesn't appear to be going anywhere, Brehm said.

The company, which signed a lease for the building in October, is currently undergoing the process to get conditional use permits for the solar plant from the city and county, said Mike Luken, (economic development and port manager for West Sacramento.

OPDE searched Northern California enterprise zones from Oakland to Roseville to find a site for the headquarters of its fabrication facility, Luken said. The company had a small sales office in Oakland already.

Several factors helped with the choice to move to West Sacramento. One of the biggest was West Sacramento's "minimal" business tax, which will save the company at least several million dollars a year, Brehm said.

"It's a very skinny margin on these projects," he said. "You have to squeeze out every penny to make these projects make sense."

OPDE also found a 160-acre site that was available next to the port's deep-water channel. That site could host a photovoltaic plant in part because the Delta breeze coming up the channel will help cool solar panels by two to three degrees on the hottest days. Oakland, which also has a port, was the next biggest competitor.

A large open space on the site's west side will also help. The site is protected from flooding because it sits 30 to 40 feet above surrounding terrain.

"Panels lose productivity, so you want to have a fairly cool site," said Brehm, adding that panels lose half a degree of productivity for every degree the temperature gets over 70.

The city of West Sacramento helped them find the right building for a manufacturing headquarters nearby. The city also offered trading incentives. Imported components that will be used in renewable energy equipment won't be subject to taxes or duties, Brehm said.

"We've just presented to them a very business-friendly climate here in West Sacramento," Luken said.

About 12 people, including three from Spain and others from Oakland, are already working at the manufacturing facility. OPDE will hire 25 to 50 headquarters staff and 50 to 70 for assembly jobs. Another 250 or so will be hired to construct the solar plant and possibly others in this country.

The move by OPDE, its subsidiaries Meca solar and Proinso, and suppliers will create a center of operations for the North American market here, said Bob Burris, deputy director of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization.

OPDE will now be the country's only manufacturer of this dual-axis tracking system, which tracks the sun across the sky, he said.

Two other European companies that already do business with OPDE also have national headquarters in the region. SMA Solar Technology of Germany, which makes inverters for solar modules, is in Rocklin. Optisolar, also from Germany, set up in Sacramento a year ago to make solar panel films.

OPDE's move is part of "an interesting network that's developing in the region," Burris said. "For all these companies to locate here, that says a lot about the reputation of our area in the solar industry."

Photos by: OPDE, Suzanne Hurt and Port of West Sacramento. Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter covering business and development for The Sacramento Press.

Sac and West Sac hope to win federal grant for streetcar

2010-04-02T04:03:10Z

Efforts to establish a streetcar line between West Sacramento and Sacramento could advance if the project is awarded grant money from the federal government, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon said last week.

The West Sacramento/Sacramento line is competing with other projects for a grant of up to $25 million for streetcars, he said.

If the project is selected, the funds would establish a line from West Capitol Avenue in downtown West Sacramento to 100 Capitol Mall, the location of the Embassy Suites in Sacramento, according to Cabaldon.

Both cities would like to run the streetcar to a variety of locations, he said, but initial funding would get the streetcar started.

West Sacramento and Sacramento have been working together on the project. Yolobus also is involved, Cabaldon said.

Which agency would operate the streetcar is unclear, but there is talk of working with Regional Transit, Cabaldon said, adding that he hopes to learn whether funds have been granted in a couple of months.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

West Sac mayor champions major development projects

2010-04-01T03:03:21Z

Christopher Cabaldon is at the helm of an evolving city. The West Sacramento mayor said the city should be a place where families can raise children, but also a spot where young people want to be.

City leaders are taking a positive view of developing West Sacramento, he said.

“We’re not one of those cities that has a no-growth faction on the City Council and a growth faction,” Cabaldon said. “Everyone believes that there’s a lot of potential. The shape and pace of growth is always a question everywhere, and that’s true in West Sacramento as well.”

In one major example of West Sacramento’s growth, the City Council in February approved a 386-unit housing project that will be located in the city’s Bridge District at the riverfront.

The housing project is part of West Sacramento's plan to eventually bring housing and commercial development to 188 acres that make up the Bridge District. The development project could span 12 million square feet, a city staff report said.

Cabaldon, 44, is a single and openly gay leader who said he enjoys urban nightlife. As someone who is not married with children, his perspective is useful because the city and region are trying to attract creative people and young people, he said in a March 24 interview.

He credits recent Sacramento growth for paving the way in West Sacramento.

“Sacramento has changed dramatically, particularly in Midtown, and to some extent in downtown, over the last decade," Cabaldon said.

The Sacramento growth in the central city means that West Sacramento's Waterfront and West Capitol Avenue have potential, he said. "Because it's already been proven that this region can support and make successful that kind of development," he said.

Cabaldon said West Sacramento wants to make major upgrades to its downtown.

The city’s downtown is ripe for development, according to Cabaldon, because it “never really existed.”

Cabaldon said he wants the city’s future downtown to be walkable — a place where people can buy flowers and bump into people they know.

“We want to grow and create a real urban, but small-town downtown,” he said.

At the same time, the city is focusing on practical development projects, such as levee upgrades , said West Sacramento City Councilman Oscar Villegas.

The city is working on strengthening its levees to meet federal 200-year flood protection standards, Villegas said. The levee work is useful in the city’s efforts to bring in businesses, homebuilders and commerce, he said.

West Sacramento will have a competitive advantage when it can tell companies that may move to the city that the levees are secured, Villegas said.

Meanwhile, the city also wants to make subtle upgrades in its historic Bryte and Broderick neighborhoods, Cabaldon said.

“In the Bridge District, I’m trying to get ... $100 million for infrastructure,” Cabaldon said. “In Broderick, it’s just as important to find somebody to open up a cool, independent coffee house with some couches that local neighbors can sit around and gossip with each other at. There aren’t that many places like that.”

Image of developer Mark Friedman's planned 386-unit West Sacramento housing development courtesy of Friedman and the Fulcrum Property Group.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento wants Google's ultra-high-speed network

2010-03-24T06:02:49Z

Sacramento’s elected officials and city staff want to use the Internet at breakneck speeds. The City Council gave staffers the go-ahead Tuesday night to ask Google to set up an ultra-high-speed broadband network in Sacramento.

In February, Google released a document saying that local governments could apply for the speedy network.

“We plan to test ultra-high-speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country,” the document states.

The network would be 100 times quicker than the speeds available to the majority of the public, the document also states.

Google also says that the network would be available to users in the chosen community or communities at a “competitive price.”

Melissa Anguiano, senior project manager for the city’s Economic Development Department, said that the city government wants the entire city to be covered in Google’s program.

West Sacramento, too, is hoping to be chosen by the company.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City and RWA Seeks Water-Efficient Gardeners to Star in Regional Advertising Campaign

2010-01-29T17:42:50Z

Do you have a beautiful water-efficient garden?

If so, the City of Sacramento, the Regional Water Authority (RWA) and its partner agencies are looking for you!

The Regional Water Authority (RWA), City of Sacramento Department of Utilities and other local water providers invite Sacramento-area residents to show off their “Blue Thumb” by staring in its new television and radio advertising campaign promoting water efficiency.

“We’ve all heard of ‘Green Thumb,’ which is often used to describe someone who has a natural skill for gardening,” said RWA Water Efficiency Program Manager Linda Higgins. “Our campaign will showcase people who have a ‘Blue Thumb’—a talent for creating a beautiful water-efficient landscape.”

The campaign will feature residents in their own garden talking about how they earned their Blue Thumb by using water efficiently outdoors through every-day tasks such as making sure sprinklers water the lawn instead of the sidewalk, adjusting their irrigation system according to the season or using a shut-off valve on their hose.

“In the Sacramento region, more than half of the urban water used is for landscape irrigation,” Higgins said. “Making sure landscape irrigation is efficient and eliminating water waste outdoors are two of the most cost-effective ways to stretch our limited water supplies and ensure that we continue to have sufficient water for the Sacramento region to prosper.”

RWA invites residents to nominate themselves, a neighbor or someone they know who has a beautiful, water-efficient landscape to be showcased in the public service campaign. A water-wise landscape uses efficient irrigation, seasonal scheduling and efficient design to ensure water is not wasted.

“We know through research that Sacramento-area residents care about water efficiency—even when our local rivers, streams and creeks appear full,” Higgins said. “We are looking for people who are ready take a stand and say, ‘We care about the Sacramento region. We know water efficiency is important to the health of our community, as well as the health of our local rivers creeks and streams. We take care to water our landscape as efficiently as possible, and you can too.’”

While a garden full of native or drought-tolerant plants is a plus, the campaign will highlight the every-day best practices people use to keep their landscape both water wise and beautiful. Examples include:

• Making sure sprinkler timers are set according to the season and local watering guidelines.
• Adjusting sprinklers and watering times to prevent overspray and runoff.
• Fixing water-wasting problems in the irrigation system quickly.
• Using a shut-off valve on a hose nozzle.
• Using a broom instead of water to clean driveways, patios and sidewalks.
• Checking the irrigation system every month for leaks and broken sprinkler heads.

To qualify to participate in the campaign, residents must receive water from one of the local water providers who participate in the RWA Water Efficiency Program (see list below). For more information and to download a nomination form, please visit www.rwah2o.org

Nomination/entry forms will be accepted through February 22, 2010. RWA’s water efficiency campaign will launch in April and run through August 2010.

RWA is a joint powers authority representing 19 water providers in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.
RWA Water Efficiency Program Participants:

California American Water
Carmichael Water District
Citrus Heights Water District
City of Folsom
City of Lincoln
City of Roseville
City of Sacramento Department of Utilities
City of West Sacramento
El Dorado County Irrigation District
Elk Grove Water Service
Fair Oaks Water District
Golden State Water Company
Orange Vale Water Company
Placer County Water Agency
Rio Linda/Elverta Community Water District
Sacramento County Water Agency
Sacramento Suburban Water District
San Juan Water District

Sacramento River Crossing Study

2010-01-07T02:42:10Z

The new City of Sacramento General Plan includes additional Sacramento River crossings without specifying the location or number of crossings or the transportation modes served by new crossings. The cost of the study will be $260,000 with both The City of Sacramento and the City of West Sacramento sharing the costs for the planning study with West Sacramento contributing $60,000 to that total. The study is expected to be completed in one year, starting in January and ending in December 2010.

The study will include:
• A transparent and proactive public outreach process;
• A purpose and need statement which is grounded in the community values stated in the two cities' General Plan policies and expressed by stakeholders;
• Development of alternatives to include build and no-build scenarios that consider various bridge cross sections types (i.e. types of travel modes that are served), various locations, and number of crossings;
• Planning level analysis of opportunities, constraints, land use implications, impact assessments, travel demand modeling, and costs estimates to inform the process.

Action news capsule: for the night of Wednesday, September 16, 2009

2009-09-17T20:48:11Z

#1. WEST SAC- West Sacramento police and Davis SWAT served warrants on several locations in West Sacramento related to recent
gang activity occurring in the city including the fatal shooting at the Ortega's Night Club. Two people were arrested and a medium sized
marijuana grow was located during the operation.

#2. SOUTH SAC- A shooting occurred in an apartment on 44th Ave near 39th St in south Sacramento. The victim was shot once in the
leg and transported to Kaiser South Trauma Center. Further details were unavailable at the time.

#3. SAC COUNTY- A shooting occurred at an apartment complex on Tuolumne Dr near La Riviera Dr in Sacramento County. One victim was shot in the arm while standing outside the apartment and another victim holding a small child was shot in the arm when a stray bullet
came through the wall of the building. The first victim was self transported to UCDMC before officials arrived and the second victim
holding the child was transported by ambulance to UCDMC, the child was not injured.

#4. RIO LINDA: A shooting occurred in the area of Rio Linda Blvd and Rivera Dr in the Del Paso Heights area. The victim was shot
five times in the upper body and transported to UCDMC. (No Photos)

#5. SOUTH SAC- A hit and run crash involved a vehicle and a sheered off fire hydrant that caused a geyser of water to shoot high
into the air on 65th St and 53rd Ave in south Sacramento. The driver of the vehicle ran on foot from the scene and was found at his home by
CHP and arrested.

#6. FAB 40's- A large play structure was burned in the backyard of a home on 44th St in Sacramento. The structure was a total loss and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

MEDIA SOURCES: Full photos, video and write-ups available by emailing media@maverickphotography.us or calling 916.340.1926
Photography by MaverickPhotography.us, Available Video by Andrus Media
Incident briefs by Calvin Andrus

Review: John Legend at Raley Field

2009-09-06T00:32:59Z

A family atmosphere pervaded Raley Field Friday night as neo-soul artists Vaughn Anthony, India Arie and John Legend performed to a crowd of thousands. The diverse audience of fans who attended the show varied in age; much of the audience was made up of young and old couples and families.

Around 7 p.m. Anthony, Legend's younger brother, opened the show with a 20-minute set. As people were still finding their seats, he brought a self-proclaimed "old-school R&B" sound to the Sacramento audience, but he essentially sounded like a poppier version of his older brother.

Arie took the stage for the next hour, dressed in a wig, colorful scarves and bright makeup. She started off with a prayer song from her latest of four albums, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics.

As Arie warmed up, her soulful vocals increased in intensity to the point that she resembled a melding of Aretha Franklin's power and Lauryn Hill's grace. She played her hit songs "Video," "I Am Not My Hair" and "There's Hope," a cover of Sade's "Pearls," as well as many new songs from her latest album.

In the middle of "I Am Not My Hair," she pulled off a wig to reveal her cleanly shaven head. During "There's Hope," she walked into the crowd and proceeded to high-five audience members.

For the last song of her set, the ballad "Ready for Love," Arie brought out her mother, who sang the last half of the song. It was a seamless transfer, with her mother Joyce Arie (a former Motown singer herself) taking over as beautifully as her daughter played flute.

After an intermission, Legend entered the field through a tunnel usually reserved for baseball players. He walked into the middle of the audience to perform his first song, a cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," while being swarmed by high-fives and hugs.

Then as security guards cleared the way, he walked onto the stage to join an impressive 11-piece band complete with a rhythm section, three-piece horn section and a three-piece, all-female backup vocal choir. He continued his high-energy set with "Used to Love U," and hits like "It's Over," "Stereo" and "PDA," during which he played a grand piano with smoothness and dexterity.

In the middle of his set, Legend and his band backed his younger brother as Anthony sang his original song "If I Were in Your Shoes." During "Good Morning," a song off his latest album Evolver, released in 2008, Arie took to the stage to duet with Legend.

And before the ballad called "Slow Dance," Legend chose a girl from the audience to dance with. After the dance, he gave her a red rose and kissed her, drawing a collective "awww" from the audience.

The highlight of the show came when Legend played his latest single, "Green Light," and segued into The Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." During the Beatles cover, Legend left the stage as his band finished the song before exiting as well.

Legend came back to play a solo version of his Grammy-winning song "Ordinary People," accompanying himself on piano. The band came back on stage to perform "Stay with You," a sweet song to cap off a sweet night of love songs, family and couples dancing to the music.

West Sac: Shop Local

2009-08-30T03:08:12Z

West Sacramento launched a "Shop Local" program Friday to encourage people living and working in the city to rethink their spending habits.

For years, residents had to cross the river into Sacramento for a lot of their shopping because there were so few choices closer to home. But many new businesses, including large national retailers and new restaurants, have sprouted up in the last five years.

During the recession, dining and buying goods and services locally is a "critical" way to support the community, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon said during a press conference. He joined other city and business leaders outside the Nugget Market in Southport Town Center to announce the publicity campaign.

The campaign is sponsored by the city and the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, which are working on a website that will list local businesses.

Shopping locally keeps sales tax revenue in town to maintain city services like the police and fire departments. That also sustains businesses, which are the city's major employers, he said.

"West Sacramento, like the rest of the country and the rest of the planet, has been going through some tough times," he said.

The city's sales tax revenue had been growing steadily every year. Over the last year, that funding has stayed flat, Cabaldon said.

The city has seen new investment in both small, neighborhood retail businesses and big, regional retail.

RiverPoint Marketplace, anchored by the Sacramento region's only Ikea store, became West Sacramento's largest shopping center and sales tax revenue generator upon opening in 2006. RiverPoint visitors can also shop at national stores like Lowe's, The Home Depot and Walmart.

In 2004, an upscale Nugget Market opened at Southport, which now also holds a Target, Blockbuster and Starbucks.

Business leader Eric Flick, who owns Grocery Outlet at 845 Harbor Blvd. with his wife Shannon, said the campaign was started to challenge long-time shopping patterns established when residents had far fewer choices.

Some residents don't seem to know about all the options that are closer to home or the ways that businesses like his have evolved to meet people's needs in recent years, said Flick, a chamber board member and chairman for the Shop Local committee.

"We want to make sure residents know about us and come check us out to see the bargains we have every day," said Flick, who owns several other Grocery Outlets in the region. "They don't have to go across the river to WinCo to save money on groceries."

His store employs 30 people, and 90 percent of them live in town. People who shop locally are helping their neighbors, who own homes, pay property taxes and send their kids to school in town, he said.

"We're in a competitive environment. Consumers do have a lot of choices," he said. "If you can stay local, please choose that option."

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

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

New Public Art Sculpture at Riverpoint Marketplace

2009-08-14T15:30:40Z

The City of West Sacramento announces that they have installed new public artwork in Riverpoint Marketplace, the retail center off Ikea Court and Reed Avenue.

"Synergy" is a 26-foot tall stainless steel and bronze sculpture created by Alber De Matteis, a noted sculptor with works in California, Europe, and South America.

In addition to having a bold presence in daytime hours, the sculpture is illuminated by colored lights in the evening.

Sacramento Democrats Oppose West Sacramento “Gang Injunctions” and Urged the Governor to Abide by the Contract He Negotiated with SEIU

2009-08-13T01:03:15Z

The Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC) voted to endorse a resolution opposing West Sacramento’s “Gang Injunction” because it permits law enforcement authorities to act without evidence of wrongdoing. The “Gang Injunction” allows West Sacramento police to arrest individuals for associating with gang members – even their family members. It also allows West Sacramento police to abuse Sacramento’s sovereignty and arrest people in Sacramento who have violated no Sacramento law.

DPSC member and California Democratic Party Executive Board member, Christine Thomas said, “Wrongful prosecution, accusations, and tracking individuals in databases for the rest of their lives without providing the protections of due process is something we must all guard against. In recent years, we seem to have forgotten the importance of our civil rights and liberties and they have too often been ignored and disregarded.”

In addition, the DPSC unanimously voted to urge that the state of California abide by state law in their negotiations with the SEIU and honor the contract that Governor Schwarzenegger negotiated with SEIU earlier in the year.

The DPSC is proud to support the Stonewall Democrats efforts to assemble a team and raise money to support the Central Valley AIDS walk.

Aaron Young: rising Sacramento soul singer

2009-08-05T04:42:56Z

Aaron Young can't stop writing new songs.

"I'm sort of plagued with it," he said. "I write every day, no matter what I'm doing."

It's part of a work ethic that came from growing up on a pecan orchard in Mississippi.

"I don't know if you've picked pecans to make some money, but you need a lot of them to make a pound, so you're out there a long time," he explained. "It taught me how to stay disciplined at something [and] develop patience."

It's Young's patience and discipline that helped him through rough times, like being dropped from a record label and being homeless in San Francisco.

This Friday night, the currently West Sacramento-native soul singer will bring his uplifting lyrics and passionate vocals to Marilyn's on K. Tickets cost $12, and the show begins at 9:30 p.m.

Young's affinity toward music developed from growing up in the South. "Singing in a [Southern Baptist] church choir allowed me to start singing," Young said. "That's where it all began."

In high school, Young said he had already thought about pursuing a career in music.

Back in the 90s, he started a group in high school called Mixture, which earned a record contract and a number of fans. The group's success included opening for platinum selling R&B artist Brian McKnight.

Mixture's record label moved them into a record executive's house in San Francisco.

While in the Bay Area, the group collaborated on a song with Northern California hip-hop icon E-40. Their single "Pop Ya Collar," which also featured Messy Marv and San Quinn, received radio play in the Bay Area.

But then their record label folded and the band broke up. Young was left with the choice of moving back to Mississippi or remain homeless in San Francisco.

"I stayed out here and by staying it made me a homeless guy because I didn't have a place [to stay]," he said. "I bounced around quite a bit until I got another deal, and I went straight ever since."

Since then, Young has accomplished much more than "going straight." He's toured the East Coast with Grammy-award-winning pianist Billy Beck (of Ohio Players fame) in his band.

He's recorded a self-produced album, They Call Me AY, in 2007. Since moving to West Sacramento (conveniently located near San Francisco where he cut his teeth and a short flight away from Los Angeles where a number of major record labels reside, he says), he's also won the 2008 V101.1 FM Homegrown Soul competition.

"That got me where I am right now," he said of the competition. "It got me on the radio, and got me connections with a record label."

That label was Sacramento's DIG Music. Though the label has not signed Young, several people who work for the company are guiding him, including Jeff Trager.

"I want to emphasize the fact that what separates him from everybody else is his material," said Trager, DIG's director of artists and repertoire. "And it's only going to get better because he works at it."

Now 30, Young is currently working on a follow-up album, and playing shows with Vernon "Ice" Black, who will be in Young's band on Friday. Black's credits include playing guitar with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Aretha Franklin.

"I think he's going to be discovered by some labels as soon as they come out to see and hear him," Trager added. "If a kid has a chance to make it, I think it's a kid like Aaron Young."

*photographs courtesy Aaron Young

West Sacramento Joins in National Night Out

2009-07-30T16:47:13Z

Streets and neighborhoods in West Sacramento will again be participating in the National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

The annual event, which promotes public safety and community partnerships, brings neighbors together for block parties and cookouts.

At 7:30 p.m., in support of the Bryte & Broderick Community Action Group, the Police and Fire Departments, along with other agencies, will converge at Bryte Park at 425 Todhunter Avenue.

For more about National Night Out, contact Community Service Officer Nora McDowell, (916) 617-4837 or noram@cityofwestsacramento.org .

Final Harmony on the River in West Sacramento

2009-07-30T16:32:56Z

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Harmony on the River, a free summer concert series from the City of West Sacramento, will present the final concert of the season. Enjoy an evening with Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots, featuring boogie, blues, and jazz.

Harmony on the River is a family-friendly event, so please bring the kids, a picnic, and soak up the sounds. Pets on leash are allowed, but the City asks that you refrain from any glass bottles.

Parking is free also, so just see a parking attendant on site for a pass.

For more information, contact Scott Stanley of the City of West Sacramento Parks & Recreation, scottst@cityofwestsacramento.org.

West Capitol Avenue Streetscape Traffic Advisory

2009-07-29T14:59:07Z

The City of West Sacramento announces a modification underway in the traffic flow parallel to City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Avenue as part of the West Capitol Avenue Streetscape construction project.

All eastbound vehicle and bicycle traffic is shifted to a single south lane on West Capitol Avenue. Westbound vehicles and bicycles will continue using the north side of West Capitol.

All pedestrian access continues on the north side of the street, as West Capitol's south sidewalk remains closed, and the closure of Merkley Avenue from West Capitol Avenue to approximately 600 feet south stays in effect.

The two Yolobus eastbound transfer stations at Merkley Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard have been re-positioned from the median area to the south side of West Capitol Avenue. The westbound transfer stations and bus stops do not change at this time.

This traffic configuration will accommodate the construction within the West Capitol Avenue median areas, a period expected to last approximately four weeks.

All businesses in the vicinity of the construction area remain open and accessible. Please drive cautiously and pay attention to traffic/construction signs in the area.

Observe the construction zone speed limit of 25 MPH for the safety of pedestrians.

West Sacramento Announces Mini-Grant Program for Non-Profit Organizations

2009-07-29T14:38:38Z

The City of West Sacramento has announced their Mimi-Grant Program for community service organizations with a great program idea needing additional funding.

The City's "Community Mini-Grant Program" provides funds annually to help qualifying West Sacramento non-profit organizations with special funding needs.

This year, thirty thousand dollars is available to non-profit organization applicants that can demonstrate a viable need that benefits West Sacramento and its residents.

Applications for the mini-grant program must be submitted by Sept. 25, 2009, to the Parks & Recreation Department, 1110 West Capitol Ave., West Sacramento, CA 95691.

Once all of the applications are in, they will be reviewed by a Parks & Community Services Commission subcommittee, and the chosen recipients will be announced in the spring of 2010. The selected organizations must enter into a signed contract, after which they will receive eighty percent of the funding. The remaining twenty percent will be awarded when all original receipts are submitted and it is determined that the funds were spent as planned.

To apply, visit the City of West Sacramento's website at www.westsacfun.org and look for “Community Mini-Grants” under Department Highlights, or pick up an application at the Parks & Recreation office on the first floor of City Hall.

For more information or questions, please contact West Sacramento Parks & Recreation at (916) 617-4620.

Sac residents dish about their neighborhoods

2009-07-24T04:06:44Z

When asked to talk about their neighborhoods, Sacramento residents have a lot to say. Sacramento dwellers who follow The Sacramento Press on Twitter revealed their feelings about their neighborhoods on Wednesday and Thursday. Check out their tweets:

@ShermanLoehr: I dwell in River Park. Love being so close to the wonders of East Sac & Fair Oaks Blvd. And listening to trains at night!

@journalistnate: I was born and raised in Oak Park. People from elsewhere are a lot more freaked out about my neighborhood than I am.

@johntodd: RioLinda is not NEARLY as miserable as many make it out to be. It’s much more Mayberry than South Central.

@swellyn: West Tahoe Park. Highly diverse, some artists, some hippies young&old, friendly, neighborly folks.

@JulieBerge: I love midtown dwelling, especially the diversity, energy and beautiful tree-lined streets in the fall

@lizconant: I like my Land Park hood -- nice streets to walk on, proximity to Tower Cafe, Masullo Pizza, Target! & my 5 min commute!

@kb_metrochamber: I love West Sac’s Southport area. Get the best of suburbia and hit downtown in less than 15 minutes.

@SuzHOPkins: Luv the wonderful sense of community & older homes in Land Park & walking to my faves: Vic’s Ice Cream, Freeport Bakery...

@_kelli: East Sac is amazing--can walk to get just about everything I need, the charming homes, it’s a great community of friends

@AngDRC: I love Blvd. Park. The old houses, big trees, all one block away from restaurants and bars!

@Lesley3fold: I love East Sac’s quiet shady streets; walking distance to fro yo, mexican food and starbucks, mckinley park, old homes

@andyleggett: Nothing. Sierra Oaks is upper middle class and quiet as $*@$.

@philanthrophile: re: top-of-mind @ my ‘hood N of Jesuit: wild chickens! U get used to the roosters but it’s the 1st thing visitors say

@tamihackbarth: Front yard garden boxes w/neighbors, amazing library, walking, biking, best yoga studio in town, friends=Poverty Ridge.

@Crystalsmom: I’ve lived in citrus hts, carmicheal, rosemont, college greens, DOWNTOWN, Elverta & now I’m LOVING upper land park.

Follow The Sacramento Press on Twitter. Our Twitter handle is: @sacramentopress

Tony's Fine Foods Expanding "Green" Facilities in West Sacramento

2009-07-20T16:54:51Z

In a combined press release, Tony's Fine Foods and the City of West Sacramento have announced a major expansion of Tony's headquarters and food distribution facilities in West Sacramento. The expansion will accommodate an expanding customer base and new product lines, as well as business acquisitions generating significant growth in market share for the 75-year old, family-owned company.

The company will invest about $15 million to construct a new 77,000 square foot building to house a new freezer and automated distribution warehouse, and renovate existing warehouse and office space. The expansion will increase the West Sacramento company's workforce to 365 fulltime employees, an increase of 75 jobs. The expansion will allow the company to serve the entire California market with an expanded product mix that includes more than 12,000 meats, deli and bakery products, domestic and imported chesses, pastas, catering items, and specialty beverages.

The City's Economic Development and Development Services Divisions are assisting Tony's and BTV Development, the construction project manager, to deliver building permits and other city approvals to achieve Tony's operational goals.
Tony's West Sacramento headquarters, a combination of corporate office suites and a perishable food distribution facility, is one of the most modern and efficient in the region.

The 143,000 square foot facility is located on 25 acres. Their fleet of multi-temperature trucks and trailers are carefully designed for hot, valley temperatures. Twenty-three sealed loading bays allow perishables to be kept in a constant 35-degree Fahrenheit climate, whether in storage, on the dock, or in a truck. Tony's plant accurately tracks all products and ensures freshness by using state-of-the-art software for tasks such as radio frequency computers, real-time inventory, and automatic product rotation, voice-activated multiple order picking, and bar code scanning.

In 2007, Tony's sought an innovative technology to hedge against future energy bills, maintain the quality of its perishable food, and provide a clean energy source. Working closely with PG&E, Tony's invested in a 1-megawatt AC photovoltaic system, and applying $3.5 million in PG&E rebates to create the largest, privately owned solar system in Northern California.

"West Sacramento's business climate has allowed us to focus on serving our customers and growing our business," said Scott Berger, Tony's Chief Financial Officer. "We appreciate the City's partnership with us to achieve a phased construction schedule that meets our operational and financial goals."

West Sacramento’s Mayor, Christopher Cabaldon, said, "The City of West Sacramento is proud to be chosen by Tony's for this major business expansion. Like Tony's, The City of West Sacramento prides itself on standing above the competition in providing superior customer service. Tony's success demonstrates that quality, service and integrity, and sustainable building practices are core principles of today's business leaders."

For more information, readers can visit www.tonysfinefoods.com and www.cityofwestsacramento.org/city/depts/redev/ed/.

Rice Exports Soar At Port Of West Sacramento

2009-07-15T16:34:56Z

In May of 2009, The Cunningham Report stated that while container volumes are plummeting at West Coast ports, the Port of West Sacramento - which does not have container facilities - is enjoying a bumper year for rice exports.

Port Manager Mike Luken said that the port is enjoying its best year for bagged rice exports in 15 years. This year, the port expects to export some 339,000 metric tons of bagged rice, which is about double what the port usually handles during the fall-to-fall rice export season.

The rice is moving primarily to Japan and Korea, where demand increased significantly this season.

Kirk Messick, vice president of Sacramento-based Farmers Rice, says the Korean demand stems from an agreement with the World Trade Organization that requires Korea to increase its imports of U.S. rice each year.

The increased demand from Japan is attributed to several factors- including a lack of rice available from China and Egypt following a perceived shortage of rice in those countries.

Harbor Boulevard Interchange Improvements

2009-07-15T16:25:27Z

Caltrans and the City of West Sacramento have jointly announced that on July 29, 2009, Caltrans will begin construction on improvements to the Harbor Boulevard interchange that crosses U.S. Highway 50 in West Sacramento.

The scope of the project includes new alignment and realignment of the freeway ramp access, widening of the roadways, removal of pavement, and overcrossing structure work.

The project is designed to accommodate increases in traffic activity on the Harbor Boulevard interchange.

An information open house will be held in room 157 of the West Sacramento City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Ave., on Monday, July 27, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the admission is free.

Caltrans staff and City representatives will be on hand to discuss the potential traffic interference, like lane restrictions, speed controls, access, and how you can plan to avoid congestion during construction.

Port of West Sacramento Channel-Deepening Funding in Obama's 2010 Budget

2009-06-03T00:48:49Z

     Mike Luken, Port of West Sacramento Manager has announced that the Port of West Sacramento has been included in President Obama’s proposed 2010 Civil Works budget for $10 million to re‐launch its ship‐channel deepening project.
Inclusion in the President’s budget proposal is a key step in securing the federal funding needed to move the $80 million channel‐deepening project forward.
     By deepening the 43‐mile ship channel connecting the Port to San Francisco Bay from 30 feet to 35 feet along its entire length, more than 75 percent of fully loaded oceangoing freight ships will be able to serve the Sacramento region, compared to less than 40 percent currently.
     Luken indicates that the project is a partnership between federal, state, and local governments. U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson, Ellen Tauscher, and Dan Lungren, who represent the Port in Congress, along with U.S. Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, championed the deepening project to bring it back online.
     The project also has received strong support from members of the Sacramento region state legislative delegation, including State Senators Lois Wolk, Darrell Steinberg, and Dave Cox, and Assembly members Mariko Yamada, Dave Jones, Roger Niello, and Ted Gaines.
     “This project is a great partnership between the Port, the federal government and the state, which is investing $10 million through the Trade Corridor Improvement Fund created with voter approval of Proposition 1B in 2006,“ said Senator Wolk, who represents the Port and West Sacramento.
     “We’re anxious to get the channel‐deepening project underway and pleased to know we have the President’s support at this critical juncture,” said Mike McGowan, chairman of the Sacramento‐Yolo Port Commission. “We need to get the project launched soon to help the Port remain viable as a key Northern California goods movement facility.”
     “This project is an excellent example of the federal government’s priority on restoring the nation’s infrastructure. It will help to generate tremendous private investment in Northern California and create the family wage jobs that are greatly needed to restore our nation’s economy,” said Christopher Cabaldon, Mayor of the City of West Sacramento and member of the Sacramento‐Yolo Port Commission.
     In addition to federal and state funding, the Port is investing up to $10 million in the project. Additional federal funding for the next phases of the deepening project will be requested through future budget processes.
     The channel‐deepening project, which was initially started in 1989 but later stopped due to since‐resolved utility issues, is scheduled to begin in 2010 with completion targeted for 2013. The federal Civil Works funding would support the first phase of construction.
     The channel‐deepening project is led by the US Army Corps of Engineers with the Port of West Sacramento serving as local sponsor. The deepening project is a top regional transportation priority of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Stevedoring Services of America (SSA), and the California rice industry, the Port’s beneficial cargo owners and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). All of these organizations played a pivotal role in moving the channel‐deepening project into its first phase of construction.
     Mike Luken stated that the project would reduce regional freeway congestion and air emissions; enhance cargo exports, such as rice; facilitate the import of cement, steel, large equipment, biofuels, and bulk fertilizer that support Northern California and Central California agriculture; bulk construction materials for private and public projects; and create habitat areas in the Sacramento River Delta.

The "Journey" was on at Raley Field

2009-05-24T07:35:43Z

"Journey" headlined this packed house fundraising event at Raley Field Saturday night, all for the kids. The event was a fundraiser called "Walk 'N Rock For Kids". Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal on the ball field, an auction and an incredible concert.

Hosted by Art Savage, of Raley Field, the event began with an early VIP access and dinner. Tables were set for the VIP's at the front of the stage and a full gourmet dinner was served.

The dinner was prepared by several of the areas celebrity chefs. Coordinating the gourmet dinner was Peg Poswall. The VIP Reception was prepared by Ryan Curray, Centerplate and Julian Vasquez, Delta King's Pilothouse Restaurant. The first course was prepared by Wendi Mentink, Bidwell Street Bistro and Michael Tuohy, Grange Restaurant. Main course was prepared by Dani Luzzatti, Bella Lu Catering and Matt Woolston, The Supper Club and Matteo's. The dessert course was prepared by Karen Holmes, Karen's Bakery Café & Catering and Kurt Spataro, Paragary Restaurant Group.

After the gourmet dinner, a spirited benefit auction ensued. The proceeds benefited the Hope Productions Foundation. Their non-profit partners are: Boys & Girls Clubs, CASA, Keaton Raphael Memorial, OKIZU, People Reaching Out, River Cats Foundation and WIND.

The opening act was a young band known as "the Lost Boys". They delivered a great opening performance with a well engaged crowed. When they left the stage they were headed to Konockti Harbor in Lake County for their next gig.

The stadium erupted as Journey took the stage. They began playing at 8:35 p.m. and went till approximately 10:30 p.m. The audience was regaled with a great mix of both the old and new hits.

Neighborhood feud turns to deadly gun battle in West Sacramento

2009-05-21T20:15:33Z

May 20, 2009
West Sacramento, CA

Though the community near Cummins Way and Keegle Drive was packed with police cars, news vans with communications masts in the air, and a large amount of onlookers, there was a tangible quietness that hung in the night air. Neighbors and passersby looked on in stillness and hushed tones as investigators meticulously and patiently combed through the scene in the middle of the blocked off street of this West Sacramento shooting tragedy.

Neighbors related that at approximately 6 p.m. two men with pistols walked up to a neighbor’s house and opened fire. Occupants of the house under fire came out with a shotgun and returned fire on the two men. When the shooting ended and the dust settled, two men were on the ground and four others were wounded.

“On May 20, 2009, at approximately 6:15 p.m., West Sacramento Police Officers responded to a call of a man down in the street on the 1100 block of Cummins Way” said Lieutent Tod Sockman of the West Sacramento Police Department in a press release today. “When officers arrived on scene there were two males lying in the street with apparent gunshot wounds. Police units from Sac PD, Sac Sherriff and Yolo County responded to assist. “Joe Villanueva, 32 year old male from West Sacramento was pronounced dead on the scene. The other male’s name is not being released until family members can be notified,” said Sockman. Out of the other four wounded, one was another gunman with non-life threatening injuries; two were bystanders hit by pellets from the shotgun blasts and the fourth victim showed up at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Near midnight, West Sac Police secured signed warrants to search two addresses related to the shooting.

Lieutenant Stockman states, “During the initial incident a perimeter was establish looking for a male that ran from the scene. That male was identified as Adrian Villanueva, 31 year old male, and the brother of Joe Villanueva. He is a person of interest and it is unknown what if any involvement he had in the incident. If anyone has any information of his whereabouts they are encouraged to call the West Sacramento Police Department at 916-375-6474. This incident appears to be part of an ongoing neighborhood dispute between neighbors. “

As developments become available, they will be placed in the comments below.

Downtown Sac / West Sac streetcar plan slowly chugs along

2009-05-06T05:52:00Z

The Sacramento City Council will keep working on its plan to set up a streetcar that will, when completed, travel between downtown West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento.

However, most details about how the three-year-old plan would work are not settled.

Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to keep working on the plan, which is known as the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Project.

“By doing this, we’re recommitting not just to a streetcar, but to do a starter line between Central City and West Sacramento,” said Councilman Steve Cohn. “I think it’s been something that’s a regional priority, and one that the city certainly wants to be a part of.”

The exact route and alignment for the streetcar needs to be analyzed, he added.

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon said his city wanted to keep working with Sacramento on the project, which he called “a signature project for our two cities and the region.”

A city staff report notes that “several policy issues arose regarding the route alignment and project financing” during the past 18 months.

The cities have been examining a draft financial plan that states the project will have $69 million in capital costs.

In addition, business and development representatives have weighed in on the issue of the streetcar’s route. The staff report states that business groups “are concerned that the proposed route does not provide a connection to key development sites in Sacramento.”

Al Bulf of Sacramento urged the City Council to press ahead on the project. “I hope we’ll move past the inertia of doing more studies,” he said.

Specifically, the City Council pledged Tuesday to keep developing the streetcar plan by approving a new agreement with West Sacramento, the Yolo County Transportation District (YCTD) and Regional Transit (RT).

The agreement sets up a policy committee that will decide how the project will work.

Members of the committee will include council members from both Sacramento and West Sacramento, members of the “local community or business and development interests,” and representatives from YCTD and RT, according to the city staff report.

The committee will plan the project’s goals, scope, milestones, schedule and financing, the report also states.

Streetcars Proposed for Capitol Mall

2009-04-02T01:35:30Z

Today the Preservation Commission will meet to discuss a study of bringing Streetcars onto Capitol Mall and back to downtown Sacramento. Over the past 30 years, public and private interests have examined the feasibility of streetcars and other services that could travel between West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento, but in May 2007 West Sacramento became the lead agency to prepare a draft environmental impact report for the project in order to gain permits for the project.

With the partnership of West Sacramento, Sacramento, in cooperation with Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) and Yolo County Transportation District (YCTD), a partnership was formed to study the reintroduction of the streetcar and connect the cities and their shared riverfronts. The partnership was also aided by funding from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Community Design Program to perform a thorough analysis so elected officials, public agencies, citizens groups, and other stakeholders could make an informed decision on the proposed transportation investment.

The feasibility study includes a discussion of the technology, alignment, financing opportunities, and operating plans. The 2.2 mile proposed streetcar alignment would go from Washington/Triangle/Civic Center areas of West Sacramento and cross the Tower Bridge. From there the tracks would travel down Capitol Mall and cross over to K Street where it would then make a loop around the Convention Center heading back to West Sacramento.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve transit service and local circulation by connecting both West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento with an alternative (non-auto) mode of transit in supporting existing and future development in the Cities of West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento. Approximate cost to build the Streetcar system is between $50 and $60 million.

Click here to see Video of Proposed Steetcars in action.