Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Anthony Bento

Idea Fair hosts local architects' vision for a future downtown

2009-12-17T04:35:14Z

On Tuesday night The Capitol Creative Collective in partnership with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership hosted their first Idea Fair.

The event, which was hosted at The Mix at 16th and L streets, provided a forum for local architects to showcase their vision for future downtown development.

Several dozen architects and interested individuals attended the intimate event which was held on The Mix's second-floor patio.

“We wanted to give people an opportunity to get excited about their city,” said Lisa Martinez of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “The projects are more of a show and tell. This forum is a great place for people to learn and get inspired.”

Projects ranging from the creation of observational towers along the the downtown riverfront to the development of an architecture-themed charter school in Sacramento were discussed at the fair.

Sacramento-based architects Jeff Walker and Requel Apodaca presented their vision for an urban transformation of Discovery Park.

Modeled after Central Park in Manhattan, the project would directly integrate the new urban park to both the rail-yards project and future urban development north of the American River.

“The park would connect the city to the river as it grows,” Walker said.

According to Jake Favour, founder of the the Capitol Creative Collective, the Idea Fair was also designed to provide a cross-pollination of ideas before the Downtown Sacramento Partnership's annual State of Downtown breakfast on Jan. 19, 2010.

“We've been working [at the Capitol Creative Collective] to incubate and showcase a few new designers and designs,” Favour said.

The State of Downtown breakfast will provide forum to present many of the ideas showcased at the Idea Fair to major decision-makers, Favour said.

Although the economic downturn has limited sources of financing, it also has presented opportunities for the local architects of the Capitol Creative Collective.

“When the city is hard up for ideas, they cannot hire an architect for $50,000,” Favour said. “They can turn to up and coming architects [of the Capitol Creative Collective] who pitch their ideas for free.”

Dedicated collectors attend political items fair

2009-12-14T06:01:04Z

The Northern California Chapter of American Political Items Collectors held a small fair at Sierra 2 Center in Curtis Park. The event on Sunday attracted an enthusiastic group willing to brave the stormy weather.

"I started the Obama Political Items Collectors about a year ago," said Cary Jung. "The Obama campaign was so grass roots, people were making items out of their garage and bedrooms."

Jung said his interest in political collectibles began more than 40 years ago. "I've been collecting since '64 during the Lyndon Johnson campaign."

Like Jung, many of those at the event are lifelong collectors. Fred Jorgensen said he began collecting Kellogg's pep pins when he was a youngster. The small pins came inside cereal boxes during the 1940s, he said.

"I transitioned to political pins when I was older," Jorgensen said.

He explained that social and economic shifts have changed the appearance of pins. Before the 1930s, many pins were very colorful. Higher labor costs forced manufacturers to drop some of the color, Jorgensen said.

"Originally, each color required a separate pass through a printing press," he said. But innovations have allowed multiple colors to be printed simultaneously, bringing the return of the more colorful button.

According to collector David Hyman, technological changes also have led to far greater variety in political items. "There are many more buttons in contemporary campaigns," he said.

Enthusiastic campaign supporters and entrepreneurs often use their garages to produce custom buttons, Hyman said

Increasingly, presidential campaigns charge for political items in states where a race isn't close, state, such as California in the last presidential election. "They sell the buttons in California, but in battleground states like Nevada, it's like they've turned back the clock," Hyman said.

Despite the cost, collectors are driven by their passion.

"I love history," said Jung. "It's great to hold history in your hands."

Historical center offers unique holiday gifts

2009-12-12T19:03:09Z

The story of Sacramento's rapid development from remote frontier city to hub of the modern Central Valley is rich and storied. It's easy to forget that 65 years ago trolley cars criss-crossed Sacramento's bustling streets. Not too long before that, areas such as East Sacramento and Land Park were unincorporated farmland.

Since 1953, the Center for Sacramento History, the city and county's official archive, has collected and preserved artifacts that tell Sacramento's colorful story. But it's not just a repository. The center allows researchers to duplicate its vast collection of video, photographs and documents for a modest fee.

Recently it partnered with Zazzle, an Internet company, to allow the public to create high-quality reproductions of the center's most sought after material.

"We got interested with Zazzle because the California State Library and the Bancroft Library at Berkeley have partnered with them," said Dylan McDonald, center archivist. "We just scan [the artifact] one time so it preserves the original copy."

Those interested in historical holiday cards, calendars, maps or other collectible objects can order them on the Center for Sacramento History's website.

The items make unique holiday gifts and help the center maintain basic services during a period of economic instability.

McDonald said the percentage of each sale that goes to the center has helped offset declines in city and county funding.

Marathon passes through East Sacramento

2009-12-07T03:29:57Z

Runners of the 27th Annual California International Marathon passed through East Sacramento on a crisp Sunday morning.

Photo credit: anthonybento.com

Parade of Lights attracts hundreds

2009-12-06T05:05:38Z

The First Annual Sacramento Parade of Lights began at 17th and Capitol on Saturday evening. An eclectic group of participants and onlookers crowded the mile-long route.

For larger-sized images please visit: anthonybento.com

Rescued meal program faces diminished services and future costs

2009-12-04T03:32:29Z

"I see us potentially losing some of the volunteer base," said Supervisor Don Notolli at Tuesday's board meeting. "The human contact for the seniors is [currently] happening five times a week ... that day-to-day contact is important."

Despite concerns, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved changes Tuesday designed to save the popular Meals on Wheels program. In 2010, hundreds of seniors will no longer receive daily hot meal visits.

A plan drafted by the county's Department of Human Assistance will save the county $917,000. It will cut $680,000 from the program and shift $237,000 to the state's Medi-Cal program.

The changes will become effective Dec. 31.

The plan, however, will maintain meal service for all seniors. "We are pleased to announce that we will continue to provide meals to all of those within the program," said Bruce Wagstaff, director of the Department of Human Assistance.

Wagstaff announced that the program will save money by discontinuing delivery of daily hot meals for many seniors. "Many of the (1,400) seniors in the home-delivery program [will] receive a five-pack of frozen meals each week that they [will] reheat over the course of the week," he said.

But some seniors aren't able to heat the frozen meals. About 150 of those most vulnerable seniors will continue to receive daily hot meals, delivered by the program's network of volunteers.

Wagstaff pointed out that 9.2 county positions will be cut, too.

"This plan [to save Meals on Wheels] covers the current fiscal year, and includes the use of stimulus money that will not last forever," he said. "Intensive fund raising will continue to be a key part of our strategy."

To help finance the program beyond this fiscal year, the county plans to aggressively seek donations and community support through the Interfaith Service Bureau, Wagstaff said.

According to the county report on the program: "Donations during Fiscal Year 2008-09 totaled $85,000. Since calendar year 2000, [Meals on Wheels] has raised approximately $500,000 in donations."

Earlier this year, the county received $306,000 from the federal stimulus program to finance Meals on Wheels. These resources will be be depleted on Sept. 30, 2010.

At an Oct. 20 meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors delayed making budgetary changes to the Meals on Wheels program in hopes that county administrators could find a way to save it. Many were pleased that the program was saved from elimination, but worry about an uncertain future and the loss of human contact for many seniors.

To help offset these cuts, Notolli suggested that the county seek new volunteer assistance to maintain the program's daily contact with seniors.

"Nobody thinks that this is the best solution," said Geraldine Esposito, chairwoman of the Sacramento County Adult and Aging Commission. "But we can actually retain the program and that's what's critical right now."

For more information regarding Sacramento County programs, budget-related information or other related information, click on the Sacramento Press' Sacramento County tag.

Theatre of Lights

2009-11-26T04:57:50Z

On the evening of Nov. 25, Mayor Kevin Johnson kicked off the first annual Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights with the ceremonial lighting of the Old Sacramento Christmas Tree. For more information regarding this ongoing event, visit: oldsacramento.com.

Photography: anthonybento.com

Holiday decorations at Winn Park

2009-11-23T02:33:57Z

On Sunday, eight volunteers from the Midtown Neighborhood Association spent their afternoon beautifying Winn Park.

For more information on the Midtown Neighborhood Association, visit: sacmidtown.org

Sacramento Harvest Festival celebrates its 35th year

2009-11-19T05:33:24Z

This weekend, more than 250 artisans from throughout the country will display more than 24,000 arts and crafts at Cal Expo.

From Nov. 20 - 22, the Sacramento Harvest Festival will offer the community shopping and entertainment.

"We have people that come specifically for a vendor," said Liz Stigge, festival communications officer. "It's great to have that community interaction."

The Sacramento Harvest Festival began 37 years ago in San Francisco. According to Stigge, individual artists, who were part of a national crafting movement in the 1970s, created the festival as forum to collectively display their work and interact with the community.

Since then, the festival has expanded to eight locations in California and one in Las Vegas, Nev. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Sacramento festival. Organizers have attempted to remain true to the festival's roots, however.

"We only allow American arts and crafts [in the current festival] to honor that tradition," Stigge said.

The festival has also evolved to include an eclectic group of musicians and performers.

"We have a stilt-walker, strolling performers and many bands," Stigge said.

This year the festival is partnering with the Elk Grove Food Bank. Anyone who brings canned food to the event will receive $2 off admission.

Additionally, the event benefits Big Brothers and Sisters of Greater Sacramento, a non-profit organization that mentors children. Attendees may support Big Brothers and Sisters by purchasing a $1 festival shopping bag or through donations.

Tickets cost $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for teens. Children 12 and under are free and groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for $5.

For more information, visit: www.harvestfestival.com.

Photographs courtesy of Liz Stigge.

Hundreds queue for free Swine Flu vaccine

2009-11-19T05:22:50Z

Waiting to receive the county's free H1N1 flu vaccine, hundreds of Sacramentans queued outside of Loaves and Fishes on Wednesday.

“I'm thankful that they have this,” said Beverly Hoeven, a resident at the Salvation Army's nearby shelter. “I just want to be protected, my daughter is pregnant.”

Organizers expected roughly 1,000 people, but they were prepared to service any in need. “There is no shortage,” said Sacramento County Public Health employee Lorence Kuhlman.

Residents from throughout the area began waiting more than an hour before the 10-a.m. opening of the clinic.

“I've seen what this illness can do, and I can get the shot for free,” said community resident Jennifer Rose.

As the vaccinations commenced, the swelled line began to shorten. The county vaccinated six individuals at a time and dozens of officials from both the county and Loaves and Fishes expedited the process by helping those in line complete medical forms. Officials also periodically reassured everyone that they would receive the vaccine.

"This is really a good thing," Rose said. "The more people that get vaccinated the less chance there will be a pandemic."

As of Nov. 18, Sacramento county has scheduled more than three dozen free H1N1 community clinics. Individuals interested in the vaccine can visit the Sacramento County Public Health website at www.scph.com or call the county's health line at (916) 875-5881 for more information.

Kuhlman recommends individuals check the website or call before they visit a clinic.

“Even today, things will change,” Kuhlman said. “It's very fluid, we adapt according to community health needs.”

Grandmother fights for students' safety

2009-11-14T01:12:45Z

Located between a low-income housing project and an old industrial zone south of Broadway, Jedediah Smith Elementary and Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High School, both on McClatchy Way, attract few passers-by. Before and after school, however, a swarm of students descend upon the street, which badly strains the neighborhood's infrastructure and places the children's lives at risk.

Jean Caruthers has frequently witnessed the street's poor condition. For over two years she has walked her three grandchildren to school along McClatchy Way, and has watched children jaywalk and cars drive by unsafely. "Kids walk out, looking at their shoes, and cars go by very fast," she said.

After a severe accident at the elementary school parking lot, Caruthers decided to try to force officials to make the area safer. "A kid got hit and dragged by a car in the parking lot of the elementary school," she said.

Caruthers began contacting neighborhood organizations, property management groups, the city council — anyone who would listen.

Some organizations and people ignored her, and others told her that she was "nothing but a troublemaker," she said. But she finally found success with sympathetic city officials at Council-member Robert Fong's office and with the management of the adjacent low-income housing units.

"The housing authority ripped out the cyclone fencing and installed a beautiful wrought iron fence with two openings that lead directly to new crosswalks," Caruthers said. In turn, the city added the crosswalks and other pedestrian improvements.

Caruthers said the officials recognized the problem once they visited the area before and after school time. "When safety is violated, people get hurt or killed," she said. "They could have a hell of a lawsuit."

According to Sacramento city representative Linda Tucker, the city has installed roughly $25,000 of pedestrian access improvements along Fifth Street and McClatchy Way as a result of Caruthers's advocacy.

"I'm quite pleased with what everyone has done, but they're not done yet," Caruthers said. "I know it is going to be an ongoing process."

Caruthers is most concerned about continuing problems with the elementary school parking lot. "The school has added crossing guards, but it's not enough. It's still an issue," she said. According to Caruthers, the underlying problem with the school's parking lot involves its poor design. "The school was built in 1953, and its time for it to be updated," she said.

Another lingering issue concerns the lack of sufficient sidewalk along Fifth Street, which intersects McClatchy Way and is often used by students walking to and from Broadway. When it rains the students are forced to walk in the mud. "It's a heck of a mess," Caruthers said.

Despite this, Caruthers remains optimistic and thankful for all that has been done to improve McClatchy Way. "It's much safer for everyone - not just the kids," she said.

Photo credit: anthonybento.com

Comedy Spot brings laughter to midtown

2009-11-08T03:33:31Z

The Anti-Cooperation League christened the Sacramento Comedy Spot's new location with a long-from improvisational performance on Friday night.

A compelling blend between dry wit, slapstick and quick thinking enthralled the crowd of over 100.

During the performance, the comedians welcomed audience volunteers to the stage to share details about their lives. Adeptly transitioning between scenes portraying gambling-obsessed women, lustful elderly men and hypochondriac middle school children, the performers created a series of hilarious scenes inspired by the volunteers' lives.

One audience volunteer mentioned that he works at the UC Davis Medical Center and has an affinity for stealing pens. In a scene inspired by his life, visiting L.A. comedian Betsy Sodaro entered a room with two pen-obsessed doctors and said, "I have a pretty bad case of cancer, but I have a big box of colored Sharpies — the whole rainbow."

"Everyone supports each other and works off each other," said Brian Crall, performer and Comedy Spot co-owner. "It's about playing smart on stage, taking a creative idea and making it work."

Located in 20th Street's MARRS building, between Lounge on 20 and Azul, the Comedy Spot is bringing affordable improvisational and stand-up comedy to Midtown on Thursday through Sunday nights.

"We are an alternative comedy place," Crall said. "We are not going to charge you a two-drink minimum. You'll have a good time watching quality comedy at a good price."

The new location represents a significant expansion for the Comedy Spot, which had occupied a smaller location on Broadway. The current location is three times larger, Crall said.

"It's like the movie Trading Places,'" Sodaro said. "Broadway was Eddie Murphy and this place is Dan Aykroyd."

Monday through Thursday the Comedy Spot also offers classes on improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy. The Comedy Spot is planning on brining in nationally recognized comedians to help teach some classes, Crall said.

"It's almost like a gravitational pull," said aspiring long-form comedian and Comedy Spot intern Kelsea Williams. Williams hopes that after taking classes, she'll be able to join the Anti-Cooperation League. "They are so good at what they do, it makes you want to be a part of it," she said.

Ticket prices for the Comedy Spot range from $5 to $8. Headlining shows begin at 8 or 9 p.m, while the more experimental performances begin later in the evening. Information about upcoming shows and classes is available at their website.

Photo credit: anthonybento.com

Friction at county meeting reveals union divide

2009-11-02T03:14:38Z

Communications sent to several Sacramento County supervisors during an Oct. 20 meeting reveal a significant disconnect between some union members and their leadership regarding furloughs. More than 20 e-mails were sent to Supervisors Susan Peters and Jimmie Yee during the meeting, the vast majority of which supported furloughs over firings.

"I was never asked by my union rep if I would prefer furloughs over layoff. I was never notified of any meetings," wrote one woman. "Of course I would rather be furloughed than laid off!"

"The meetings that I have gone to seem to be rallies with incomplete information and a slant toward the union's position," wrote one social worker.

John Lewis, Stationary Engineers Local 39 representative, explained his union's opposition to furloughs at the meeting. "We find [layoffs] distasteful, but probably a better choice."

Supervisor Peters appeared dumbfounded by his statement.

"I've spent my whole life in the private sector, as an employee and employer, and all those years it was very clear that people would rather have everyone take a little bit of a hair cut rather than have people [be] laid off ... Explain to me why your members would rather have layoffs ... Our whole staff is furloughed 20 percent," Peters said.

"Did you actually go to your membership to vote on whether they preferred furloughs?" interjected Supervisor Yee.

"We kept our membership informed," Lewis replied. "Over the past couple of months, we've had many, many meetings ... by and large, we feel like we know what they want and need."

"But, I've received a lot of e-mails from employees saying that they prefer furloughs as opposed to layoffs," Yee said.

"Had our discussions gone just a tiny bit differently, we may be on the list [of unions that struck furlough agreements with the county]," Lewis said.

"But you did poll your membership?" Yee asked.

"Yes we did."

"And what were the results? Can you make that public?"

"How do you mean?" Lewis responded.

"How did they vote?" Yee and Peters asked in tandem.

"We did not [vote]," Lewis said.

"I would encourage you to do polling because as we're sitting here, in this moment, we are getting e-mails saying that the consensus of employees is that they would rather be furloughed," Peters said.

"I would gladly move to take a reduction in hours to save my job," wrote one Local 39 member. "As a junior member, I will be thrown under the bus by my own membership."

Local 39's labor agreement with the county states that a "layoff shall be based on seniority." Junior members will be laid off first and senior members last, regardless of job performance, salary, or any other metric. Other county labor agreements mirror this stipulation.

The messages sent to the supervisors represent the viewpoints of a small number of the 6,200 nonfurloughed county workers. They illustrate, however, conflicting agendas within the unions. During the summer, contractually-obligated cost of living increases were issued to union employees while the county eliminated 700 positions and furloughed nonunionized management personnel. Additionally, scheduled salary increases threaten more county jobs next year.

Unable to issue furloughs without union approval, county officials proposed a .908 work reduction plan, which would have reduced employee hours by about 10 percent. Unions were opposed and the .908 plan was not approved at the Oct. 20 supervisors meeting.

Some unions, however, did reach furlough and other cost-saving agreements with the county. According to county labor negotiator Steve Keil, agreements with the Service Employees International Union have saved five positions.

Many labor unions, however, failed to reach agreement with the county.

"Parts of the county workforce have gotten step [pay] increases, cost of living increases, and have not participated in sharing the significant financial problems of the county," said County Executive Terry Schutten.

Photocredit: anthonybento.com

Despite wild weather, Capitol Plein Air Festival is a success

2009-10-18T04:31:37Z

The artists participating in Sacramento's first plein air festival survived a week of chaotic weather to produce a vivid collection of locally inspired paintings.

A "plein air festival" celebrates the physical beauty of a place by requiring participants to create artwork depicting aspects of a location within a specific time frame.

Participants in the Capitol Plein Air Festival selected locations such as the Crest Theatre and Cezar Chavez Park for inspiration. Others chose lesser known places, such as the Meadowview Light Rail station or simply a wet sidewalk.

"All of the work was created since Sunday," explained event organizer Patris Miller at the event's gala, held Friday at the Capitol Art Center and Patris Studio at S and 12th streets.

To ensure that the paintings were created during that time frame, the canvases were stamped at the beginning and end of the festival.

On Friday the participants were also invited to create a work from scratch between 1 and 4 p.m.

During the "quick draw," artists scrambled to complete their paintings. "You have a paintbrush in one hand, a stopwatch in another," said participant Gerald deDios.

Holding two colorful 3 inch paintings, deDios explained that "because of the limitations, I decided to keep it small."

Rollie Barrero, a friend of deDios, also participated in the quick draw. Composing a much larger work, he found the three-hour limitation to be cathartic. "For that moment it's an escape, that's how an artist feels," he said.

"You just don't have a lot of time," said artist Alfredo Tofanelli, speaking about the event's quick draw.

Like deDios and Barrero, Tofanelli has participated in other plein air festivals. "I've done quite a few, from the Carmel Art Festival to the Estes Park Plein Air in Colorado," he said. "I've done [a quick draw] in as little as 45 minutes with a sunset."

Many of the over one hundred gala attendees expressed astonishment. "I can't believe that anyone could do this in 3 hours," said quick draw admirer Barbra Harsch.

Some of the artists in the Capitol Plein Air Festival were Sacramentans who had considerably less experience than the traveling professionals.

"I've never entered in a plein air contest," said Patris Studio student Sam Liberman. "The rain and the wind was really bad, (but) I managed to get out every day but one," said Liberman.

Lieberman is a regular student at the Patris Studio. The studio offers educational events nearly every day, many of which are led by distinguished local artists. Fees typically range between $20 and $25 per class.

The paintings created during the festival will be on display at the studio until Nov. 21.

The 14-month old studio has high hopes for future festivals. "We would like to establish [the Capitol Plein Air Festival] as one of the major plein air events in the West Coast," said Miller.

To learn more about the Capitol Art Center and the Patris Studio visit their website.

Photographs of pre-gala painting by Rollie Barrero

Gala photographs by Anthony Bento

Capitol Update Oct. 15, 16

2009-10-15T03:44:33Z

Thursday Oct. 15:

Preparations begin for the California Fire Foundation's annual Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Capitol Park's California Firefighters Memorial. For more information, visit the CFF website.

10 - 11 a.m. CALPIRG will hold a press conference at the north steps of the Capitol.

12 - 1 p.m. Jefferson Transitional Programs will hold a anti-stigma performance on the south steps of the Capitol.

Friday Oct. 16

No public events scheduled.

Photo credit: Anthony Bento

Town hall suspicious of strong mayor proposal

2009-10-12T02:19:42Z

Participants in a town hall meeting on Thursday held at Caleb Greenwood Elementary School expressed skepticism and suspicion about the "strong mayor" proposal endorsed by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.

"I suspect that it [the strong mayor initiative] is a power grab, but I suspect that something will come out of [the town hall meeting] and I'll be able to make a rational decision," said resident Mike Montgomery.

The town hall meeting, which attracted about 50 people, included a thorough presentation of the strong mayor proposal that has been placed on the June 2010 ballot. The presentation was by members of the Charter Review Committee, a group created by the City Council to research and draft an alternative to the strong mayor proposal.

Chester Newland, professor of public policy at the Sacramento branch of the University of Southern California, is a member of the committee who is opposed to the strong mayor proposal.

"A mayor with talent and community organization has the ability to inspire cooperation and communitywide participation," Newland said. "The [strong mayor] initiative will reduce the council members to cyphers ... the mayor will divide them into factions."

Newland is a dissenting voice on the committee, which has recommended that the role of the mayor be strengthened. A majority of the committee members suggested that the mayor be given the power to appoint the city manager, with the concurrence of the council. The city manager, however, would remain the city's chief executive officer.

The strong mayor initiative would make the mayor the city's chief executive officer. About 800 non-union city officials, such as the city manager, would serve at the pleasure of the mayor.

"The criticism [of the strong mayor proposal] is that is politicizes the staff," said committee member Alan G. LoFaso.

"A mayor needs a manager [who can] speak truth to power when the mayor makes a mistake," Newland said.

If the strong mayor proposal becomes law, the mayor would no longer sit on the City Council. To fill this vacancy, the proposal calls for the creation of a ninth City Council district. The proposal, however, does not specify how the district will be created. The strong mayor initiative specifies that the mayor is to sit on the City Council as its ninth member and serve as mayor until the ninth district is created.

When asked when the ninth council member would be seated, LoFaso replied, "It is unclear."

The strong mayor initiative also requires that the mayor submit an annual budget to the City Council. "If the council cannot agree to a budget, the mayor's original proposed budget becomes law," said LaFaso.

Other U.S. cities have enacted elements of Sacramento's proposed strong mayor initiative, but with a difference. "Most cities, when they went to strong mayor systems, created term limits," said committee member Cecily Hastings. The proposed initiative does not contain such a provision.

Asked if the strong mayor initiative can be altered before the June 2010 election, Hastings replied, "The [strong mayor] proposal is set in stone. No one can change it."

The City Council has until March to place the Charter Review Committee's proposal on the June ballot. If it is placed on the ballot, it will be listed alongside the strong mayor proposal.

The proposals would not directly compete on the ballot. Instead, each initiative would be voted on separately. If a majority of voters approve both proposals, the one with the most votes becomes law, said LaFaso.

The Charter Review Committee's documents and communications are available at: cityofsacramento.org/charter.

To see an outline of the different proposals, click here.

To learn more about the strong mayor proposal, visit the Sacrament Press 'strong mayor' tag.

Photo credit: Anthony Bento

Capitol Update Oct. 12, 13

2009-10-12T02:12:05Z

Monday Oct. 12:

Noon - 1:30 p.m. Kevin S. Carter will read poetry on the north steps of the Capitol.

Tuesday Oct. 13:

10 - 10:30 a.m. Californians Against Higher Taxes will host a press conference at the north steps of the Capitol.

Photo credit: Anthony Bento

Capitol Update Oct. 10,11

2009-10-10T01:28:18Z

Saturday Oct. 10:

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. The American Diabetes Association will hold its annual "Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes". Seven-hundred participants are expected and will meet at the west steps of the Capitol and walk along the Capitol Mall and then through Historic Old Town, finishing back at the Capitol. There will be live entertainment, music and a health and education fair. To learn more, visit http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/StepOut554048010?pg=entry&fr_id=6468.

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Grant High School will hold an African American Cultural Rally at the north steps of the Capitol. Three-hundred participants are expected.

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The California State Archives will hold its 10th annual Family History Day workshop at 1020 O Street. Short classes on a variety of subjects will be available: beginning genealogy, what's available at local institutions, computer software and demonstrations, preservation techniques and much more. To learn more, visit http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/events/family-history-day.htm.

Sunday Oct. 11:

1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Church World Service will hold the 25th annual five and ten kilometer Sacramento CROP Hunger Walk at the west steps of the Capitol. A portion of the proceeds will go to support local groups that aid the hungry and disadvantaged. To learn more, visit http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer.

Photo Credit: anthonybento.com

Weathering summer storm, Green Sacramento grows again

2009-10-10T01:23:05Z

Josh Daniels spent his summer trying to survive. Green Sacramento, his business that specializes in environmentally-sustainable home improvement products, was teetering on the brink of collapse.

"It was a crazy summer," he said.

The precipitous decline in the regional housing market and the collapse of the global financial system formed a noxious combination that was difficult to overcome.

With community support, however, Daniels persevered and Green Sacramento survived its near-death experience.

"I got a lot of local support," he said. "People realized that they didn't want to lose [Green Sacramento]."

Daniels moved his business from H Street to a new location on 20th Street, between I and J streets, and created a 'Green Living Center' that would act as a one-stop shop for those seeking sustainable home improvements. He brought in a team of independent businesspeople -- an interior designer, a landscape architect and an energy consultant, all of whom specialize in green construction.

The independent green construction team has been given offices facing a showroom filled with Green Sacramento products.

Standing in the new showroom, surrounded by paint cans, flooring displays and many unboxed items, Daniels explained that the more central location of his days-old Green Living Center already has provided dividends. "Things definitely have picked up," he said.

The interests of both the curious passer-by and the committed green renovator are served by the center.

"I'd love it if people just call and ask questions," said Tommy Young of E3 NorCal, who provides home energy consulting for the center. Laughing, he explained that he often moves customers toward less-expensive but more effective products. "I've unsold so much stuff," he said.

Although increased efficiency always has been a goal in green technology, in this economic environment more customers are focusing on it to reduce their energy usage.

According to Young, many Sacramentans spend over $1 per square foot to power their homes each year. "I'm trying to get someone down to 25¢ per square foot [of energy usage]," he said. For a 2,000-square-foot house, that would represent a savings of $1,500 in annual energy costs. And savings multiply, Young said, as "energy costs [on average] increase 6 percent per year."

The improvements that the Green Living Center offers, such as solar heating and thermal insulation, do not simply increase efficiency. "It's just as much about comfort," explained Young.

Conventional heating methods involve 'forced air systems', where machines manufacture hot or cold air and push it into a living space. "Forced air systems are just not comfortable," Young said.

Forced air heating and cooling oscillates between activity and inactivity, which creates an environment that is often too hot or too cold. The radiant systems offered by the Green Living Center, however, employ sunlight and other natural environmental features to provide comfortable home temperatures.

These sustainable renovations often involve a combination of cutting-edge green technology and traditional building techniques.

"Older homes [in Sacramento] were designed with the delta breeze in mind," said Matthew Piner, the center's architect.

Piner's business, Piner Works Architecture and Building Group, provides renovation and other construction that best take advantage of Sacramento's unique environment. Additionally, his company installs radiant heating and cooling systems. Together, these techniques provide "the best of the old and the best of the new," he said.

Piner and his colleagues at Green Living Center say they hope that concerns about energy prices and sustainability will combine with increased state and federal subsidies to fuel a green construction boom, propelling the center and the region to prosperity.

"That's where the growth in the economy is going to come from, growing into sustainability," Piner said.

Supervisors begin multi-day budget process

2009-09-30T03:22:31Z

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors began deliberations on proposed solutions to the county's $76-million deficit on Tuesday.

At the meeting, county officials projected the collection of $59 million in sales tax revenue for the 2009-10 fiscal year. In the 2007-08 fiscal year, the county collected $80 million.

The projection was met with skepticism from board members that have repeatedly reviewed the deteriorating budget during the past 18 months.

"I don't want to be back here again [considering new cuts] because of an overly optimistic projection," said supervisor Roberta MacGlashan.

The board failed to find solace in a subsequent report on property tax revenue, which stated that although the residential market has stabilized, significant declines in commercial real estate may be looming in the future.

"We haven't seen the bottom yet," commented supervisor Jimmie Yee.

In a statement, Undersheriff Mark Iwasa reminded the board that cuts to the Sheriff's department would result in declines in patrol services.

Several board members found difficulty in obtaining information from the Iwasa. When Yee asked Iwasa how many total positions exist in the Sheriff's department, Iwasa replied, "I don't have that information."

The structure of Sacramento County's government empowers the board of supervisors to set the total funding for each department. The elected department heads, such as the sheriff and the district attorney, decide how procured money is spent within their departments.

The board also heard from county workers, who protested the .908 work reduction plan that would reduce the total number of hours worked by county employees by nearly 10 percent.

The proposal differs from a furlough, as county workers would not be given credit toward retirement for hours lost. The board is scheduled to vote on the work reduction plan Oct. 20.

Later this week, the board of supervisors is scheduled to vote on a final 2009-10 budget that may include significant cuts to Child Protective Services and the possible closure of the Gibson Ranch Park and Mather Community Campus, a shelter that serves hundreds of the area's homeless. Virtually every other department and program has faced cuts.

The board is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday and vote on the final budget Friday. The public can watch the meetings live or read more about about the materials presented at the meetings at www.saccountytv.saccounty.net/default.htm.

Christopher Walken impersonators delight audience at Guild Theater

2009-09-29T05:07:12Z

Last Saturday at the Guild Theater, a traveling acting troupe performed All About Walken, a 90-minute experiment that blended short-scripted sequences with audience participation and improvisation.

The performance, inspired by society's fascination with Christopher Walken, included everything from Walken's childhood to imagined performances of Walken in films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Wizard of Oz.

The seven-person cast included two female cast members, which tremendously enhanced the show. One of the most hilarious moments occurred when a woman, in Walken's famous deadpan voice, promoted a feminine hygiene product.

Another highlight was when an actor impersonated Walken playing the shark in Jaws. The iconic theme of the film was sung with Walken's unique pitch and intonation, as the Walken-shark moved rhythmically toward his prey.

The show fluidly moved between sequences and was held together by recurring scenes of Walken in a New York taxicab driven by Robert DiNero.

At several points, multiple Walkens occupied the stage. Resembling the most hilariously surreal scenes of Being John Malkovich, they all watched themselves and, at times, interacted. It was a treat to watch something so fun and bizarre unfold in live theater.

Although the show was delightful, the limits of its premise became apparent as the novelty faded. Video sequences such as 'Gay Walken Marriage' fell flat and the Walken Thriller dance, though fun, seemed oddly out of place.

The talented actors, however, kept the audience captivated and the beautiful Guild Theater provided a perfect venue for the creative performance.

Unfortunately, All About Walken does not have any future performances scheduled for the Sacramento area. A similar show, All About Jack: The Impersonators of Jack Nicholson is playing in Los Angeles from Oct. 1-15 and in San Francisco on Oct. 10 and 11.

To read more about All About Walken, visit its website at www.myspace.com/allaboutwalken

Lauded by supporters, IHSS faces criticism and cuts

2009-09-26T05:59:57Z

As a response to a $72 million shortfall, Sacramento County officials proposed on September 16 an over $1 million funding reduction to In Home Support Services (IHSS), a program that provides home care for the disabled and elderly. According to the county proposal, the reduction, "will leave [IHSS] with 52 case-carrying social workers for over 21,000 cases."

The $1 million cut would only save the county roughly $490,000. The remainder of the lost funds would come from the elimination of $515,000 in attached federal monies.

According to Laura McCasland, Communications Officer at the Sacramento County Deptartment of Health and Human Services, a last-minute infusion of state resources has restored the federal monies and likely saved IHSS from dramatic cuts, although reductions will leave the program with less than 63 positions to oversee 21,000 cases.

The IHSS program compensates caregivers with an hourly wage -- $10.40 per hour in Sacramento County -- for providing home care to disabled and elderly persons. The purpose of the program is to help vulnerable Californians remain safely in their homes while saving resources that may otherwise be spent on institutional care.

According to the California Department of Social Services, "Nearly 60 percent of IHSS providers are family members of recipients."

Some, including Governor Schwarzenegger, have argued that IHSS is rife with abuse, a claim that has been substantiated by a March 23 Sacramento County grand jury report.

The grand jury found that, "At its best, [IHSS] is a dysfunctional system plagued by upper management who refuse to make meaningful changes or even look into matters that will be beneficial to the truly needy people [IHSS] is pledged to support. ... The lack of fiscal controls and oversight at IHSS has made it an easy target for those who are greedy."

The grand jury report has led to the creation of a multi-agency District Attorney task force that is currently investigating fraud at IHSS.

Supporters of IHSS, however, are suspicious of the grand jury's claims. "Have you ever seen anyone being prosecuted for fraud? No. Where are the prosecutions if there is fraud?" said Human Services Specialist George Raya, in an interview with the Sacramento Press.

Official statewide investigations into IHSS have been generally supportive of the program.

Earlier this year, allegations of IHSS misuse prompted the California State Senate to order the Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes (SOOO) to examine the program. On March 24, SOOO issued its report on IHSS, which found strong, but qualified, support for the program. While the report did criticize the program's inability to verify timesheets completed by caregivers, the report "found general consensus that [IHSS] saves taxpayers money in nursing home costs and improves the lives of its vulnerable beneficiaries."

In the July budget revision, the state government reduced funding for the program by $263.5 million. These reductions, which were a response to a $62 billion state deficit, will "limit the provision of IHSS services to the neediest consumers," according to a California state budget report issued by the Governor's office.

Responding to program criticism, budget-related changes include the implementation of "rigorous anti-fraud efforts," according to the report. They will require that all providers attend an orientation and be fingerprinted and subject caregivers to civil penalties if they falsify timesheets.

The California Department of Social Services reports that on Nov. 1, program reductions will result in 36,000 individuals currently covered by IHSS losing care coverage while approximately 97,000 see a reduction in care.

IHSS's future is uncertain, as it is largely tied to the status of California's state and county budgets, but supporters argue that cuts to the program create greater societal costs in the future. "It saves pennies, but it costs pounds later," said George Raya.

The Legislative Analyst's Office has reached a similar conclusion. A report issued by the organization on April 14, 2008 found that the IHSS program costs $12,406 per enrollee, while the comparable cost of a Medi-Cal skilled nursing facility was $57,182.

"Overdrawn" illuminates the underbelly of predatory banking

2009-09-22T03:06:16Z

On Friday and Sunday nights, the Guild Theater at 35th and Broadway held screenings of the documentary Overdrawn. The film, directed by Karney Hatch, provides insight into the development and implementation of widespread banking practices, such as overdraft fees and high-interest loans. The director answered questions after Sunday's 7 p.m. screening.

Overdrawn begins with a brief history of banking, jokingly referred to as "one of the two oldest professions." Usury, the levying of punitively high interest, is characterized as socially harmful and potentially evil.

The film explains that for much of the United States' existence, state usury laws were enforced, limiting interest payments to 7 percent. During the 20th century, these laws were relaxed and repealed.

This wave of deregulation is shown to have culminated in the bank overdraft fee, which, when calculated at an annual rate, can charge individuals more than 1,000 percent interest.

While the film lacks Hollywood polish and its narrative structure is, at times, choppy, Overdrawn is remarkably successful at building its case against predatory banking.

Two scenes stand out. At one point, a troubled former bank employee describes the systematic mailing of $1,000 checks to low-income neighborhoods, including those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. When cashed, the checks instantly became high-interest loans.

The film also features an interview with a loan shark, who explains his rates. The rates charged for unconventional loans are much higher than for traditional loans.

Although the film's tone is somewhat grim, crusades against bank abuses in England are presented as blueprints for potential victories in the United States.

Director Hatch eliminates all of his bank fees by settling a small claims court grievance with Wells Fargo. The $47 court filing fee he paid to file the grievance was even refunded.

Through interviews with industry experts, Hatch reveals that community development banks and credit unions are often good choices for those concerned about usurious practices by commercial banks.

Although the film provides a wealth of information, many viewers may find it to be dated, as the film was produced in 2007, before the current banking crisis. When asked during Sunday's Q&A about revisiting the film with updated content, Hatch said that he "chose to leave the film as a time capsule."

Hatch also mentioned during the Q&A that some viewers of his film who were inspired by his success at eliminating fees through small claims court have failed to replicate his luck.

Hatch is optimistic that the string of legislative and judicial successes that banks have enjoyed over the past several decades may be ending. He said he hopes that his film will make a difference in Congress. "I'm trying to set up a screening on Capitol Hill," he said.

To learn more about Overdrawn, visit: www.overdrawnmovie.net.

To read more about the Guild Theater, visit: www.guildtheater.com.

The Scoot Shop raises scooter awareness and money for the arts

2009-09-21T04:52:07Z

The Scoot Shop at 1619 E Street hasn't been around for a year yet, but it's already developed a reputation as a Midtown magnet within the Sacramento scooter subculture.

"There's a big scooter community in Sacramento, and there hasn't been a home [for that community]," said Scoot Shop co-owner Rebekah Spurgeon.

Judging by the crowd of enthusiastic scooterists in attendance at the Scoot Store, it appears the community has found a home.

The store, a cross between a large garage and a small aircraft hangar, holds dozens of scooters and a vast array of scooter equipment. And on Saturday night, it held the first annual Scooter Jamboree, a two-day event that included a meet and greet and a charity ride through Sacramento on Sunday morning.

The meet and greet included live music, fire dancing, a charity auction and an art show featuring the work of Casey Sachen, a Chicago-based photographer.

Sachen's show is a montage of images taken at scooter rallies throughout the United States. "I've been a scooterist for years, and I felt it was really important to document the rallies. ... It's a subculture that we should know about," Sachen said. The photographs, which include images taken at Sacramento-area rallies, will be on display at the Scoot Shop until mid-October.

The scooter community represents every demographic. "It's across the board, from college-aged to retirement," Spurgeon said. "Some want to be in the scene, some want an economical mode of transportation."

A woman nicknamed "Bodacious" by her friends at the Sacramento chapter of the Royal Bastards Scooter Club explained that within a few years of beginning to ride scooters, she had abandoned large vehicles. "Honestly, I've gone camping with just my scooter," she said.

When she first purchased her scooter, what surprised Bodacious, she said, was the community. "I did not realize there was a whole scooter culture," she said. Like many of those at Scooter Jamboree, she now attends regional events, such as Amerivespa, and community rides with organizations such as the Royal Bastards.

Proceeds from the Scooter Jamboree were donated to the Sacramento-based T&M Organization for the Arts. T&M representative Shiree Cano said her group provides art and music at afterschool programs for children and young adults.

To learn more about the Scoot Shop visit: www.thescootshop.com.

To view photographs from Casey Sachen's project visit: www.bluesmokephotography.com.

To read more about the Royal Bastards Scooter Club visit: www.royalbastardsscooterclub.com.

Behind hazmat workshop lies a storied past

2009-09-11T04:44:33Z

The 20th annual "Continuing Challenge" Hazmat Workshop is being held at the Sacramento Radisson through Friday, Sept. 11.

Hosted by the Sacramento Fire Department, the workshop provides a forum for emergency response teams and other interested individuals to become familiar with the hazmat industry's cutting-edge equipment and services. More than 70 industry groups are in attendance.

Walking around the Radisson courtyard, surrounded by advanced computer equipment, detection devices and polymer-lined chemical suits, one wouldn't expect that nearly thirty years ago the industry was practically nonexistent.

Jan Dunbar, event coordinator and retired chief of special operations at the Sacramento Fire Department, explained that until the late 1970s, the current hazmat response did not exist. "For many years, the Fire Department would respond to hazmat situations by just washing (the contamination) down with water."

This all changed when fire officials throughout the country were forced to rethink their 'wash-down' policies. Safety concerns dramatically rose after responses to major contaminations resulted in the deaths of firefighters. According to Dunbar, in one hazmat response in Kingman, Ariz., "12 firefighters died instantly."

And in the 1970s, he said, the federal Environmental Protection Agency began citing fire departments for their 'wash-down' policies. "This was an era when the fire service of America took a look at itself and decided it could do better," Dunbar said. That's when a whole new response service -- the hazmat team -- was born.

In 1980, several major East Coast fire departments launched their first hazmat teams. In 1981, Dunbar was selected to start Sacramento's first such team.

Although fire departments responded to safety and environmental concerns by creating hazmat teams, the industry at that time was unable to provide departments with adequate protection and detection devices, Dunbar said. It "was disorganized, (with) no standards, no self-imposed direction. Everything had been stagnant. When I looked at chemical suits in 1980, they were totally unacceptable," he said.

Dunbar explained that much of that era's equipment was developed during World War II. Nearly 40 years had passed and there was little technological development.

"Professional organizations in the fire departments demanded that the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) create committees for the purposes of writing standards (for the hazmat industry)," Dunbar said. "Within a very short period of time, 1989 to 1990, standards were published and manufacturers had to follow those standards."

The standards were very strict, Dunbar said, but the industry met and exceeded those goals within several years. As a result, the standards became even more rigorous.

Looking over the Radisson courtyard filled with vendors from an industry he helped to create, Dunbar said, "The technology was always there, (industry) just needed a kick in the pants to do it."

To learn more about the "Continuing Challenge" Hazmat Workshop, please visit: www.hazmat.org

Children's House wins at First Annual Hooter's Wingfest

2009-09-07T05:08:58Z

Doug Kappy was sitting on a massive velvet and steel throne. Smiling, the event MC and Bay Area Hooters owner surveyed a William Land Park Golf Course driving range transformed by food vendors, eager eating-contest competitors and the Refugees, a Tom Petty tribute band.

"People look at Hooters and [often] don't realize our work at charitable events," he said, after stepping down from the glistening chair.

These words reflect the juxtaposition between Hooters' iconic style and its fundraising work on behalf of the George Mark Children's House, a unique hospice for terminally ill young children and their families.

The First Annual Hooters Wingfest Sacramento was conceived as a fundraiser for the George Mark Children's house, a San Leandro-based nonprofit.

Through private and institutional giving, George Mark provides housing and therapy for entire families before and after a child's passing. "We provide comprehensive no-cost compassionate care in a home-like setting so you don't feel like you're in an institute," Charbel Semaan, George Mark external relations manager, explained.

While Semaan was speaking, a young wheelchair-bound child was escorted into the event by his family. "Terren has known nothing but pain his own life. He's slowly dying [and] his is mother is battling breast cancer," George Mark representative Kevin Kimbrough explained.

At George Mark, Terren and his family have found long-term counseling and care.

"We've never turned anyone away at George Mark," Semaan said. "If we become so full, that's the inspiration for other organizations... We don't want to be the first and only, we want to be the first of many."

Asked about the Hooters fundraiser, Semaan replied: "I see a direct connection here... after an event like this we consider Hooters part of the George Mark family."

Several dozen yards away, young Hooters girls zig-zagged across the lawn, selling raffle tickets to raise funds for George Mark Children's House. "It's $20 for [the length of a man's] wing span, $10 for an arm," they cheerfully explained.

As the the Refugees ended their set with Tom Petty's "American Girl," the crowd of more than one hundred grew anxious. The seven competitors, who had each earned a place by winning preliminary competitions, were called to the stage.

"We had competitions in August every Thursday night," said Frank Chopski, event organizer and owner of three Sacramento-area Hooters. "The wings are regular hot, and the winner will be the first one to 30," he added.

As the seven men were escorted onstage, the crowd began to cheer. The Hooters girls topped off the excitement by placing large containers of spicy wings in front of each contestant.

Then the eating began.

Vying for a three-day, two-night trip to Honolulu, the contestants immediately entered a whirlwind state of frantic consumption. As the containers were emptied, the crowd's excitement became increasingly palpable.

In a flash, Arden Hooters regular Brian Jensen was declared the winner. Jensen triumphantly threw his arms in the air, his face stained orange with sauce.

As the wild scene died down, Jensen was crowned on the steel and velvet throne as the Hooters Wingfest champion. "I'm gonna take my fiancée Jenna [to Hawaii] on our honeymoon," Jensen said.

After the crowd began to disperse, George Mark representative Kevin Kimbrough congratulated the elated champion. On that Saturday afternoon, however, both Jensen and George Mark Children's House had been winners.

To learn more about George Mark Children's House, visit www.georgemark.org

To read about upcoming Sacramento-area Hooter's, visit www.hootersofcalifornia.com

Greek Isles arrive in Sacramento at 46th annual festival

2009-09-03T06:00:38Z

This weekend the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation will hold its 46th Annual Greek Festival at the Sacramento Convention Center. The theme of this year's festival is "come experience the Greek Isles."

Home-cooked dishes unique to the Greek Isles, such as the Cyprus stifado stew, shrimp Santorini and sesame cookies, will satisfy the hearty appetites of the 10,000 expected attendees.

The festival will also include cooking demonstrations, dance instructions, live music and Mediterranean-themed products and clothes.

Attendees can enjoy the Sacramento group Omega's Greek dance music all three evenings of the festival. During the day, festival-goers will be serenaded by the Bounisi band which event co-chair Gerri Magers describes as, "music like in the villages of Greece." At 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday attendees will be treated to the award-winning folk music of the church choir.

Volunteers have donated over 11,000 hours preparing for this year's festival. Food preparation began in March and will end the night before the festival. Over 900 families form the congregation at the church, which is located opposite of McKinley Park.

The Sacramento Greek Festival traces its genesis to November 1964. Drawing inspiration from a similar Stockton festival, the event began as a modest fundraiser at the Annunciation church hall. Over the course of the past 46 years, the festival has been held at many venues, including Cal Expo, Jesuit High School, Country Club Plaza Mall, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, and the Governor's Hall at the old state fairgrounds. The festival found its current home at the Sacramento Convention Center in 1984.

The three-day event will begin on Friday, Sept. 4 and conclude on Sunday, Sept. 6. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Friday, and noon on Saturday and Sunday. Regular admission is free for children 12 and under, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors; however, early attendees will be admitted without charge before 3 p.m. Friday. Funds raised are used to support the Church of the Annunciation.

For more information, visit the Sacramento Greek Festival website.

Solar cookers' Shine On at Sierra 2

2009-08-28T04:24:25Z

Solar Cookers International (SCI) held its annual Shine On event Aug. 21 at the Sierra 2 community center in Curtis Park. The event included demonstrations of solar cooking, complimentary solar-cooked food and two informative presentations hosted by notable Sacramentans. About 250 people of all ages were in attendance.

SCI volunteer Del Tura demonstrated the potential of the solar box cooker. Overlooking a large lamp positioned near a cooker, Tura enthusiastically described the history and effectiveness of the device, which has been been used since the 1970s by U.S. hobbyists. "Earlier today we had the cooker in the parking lot; it reached 250 degrees. Under the lamp, it only gets to about 200."

Inside the cooker were 15 chocolate chip cookies, baking under the simulated sunlight. "It takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the cookies to bake, but there's very high moisture."

The first presentation of the evening, hosted by former Sacramento Bee food editor, author and Capitol Public Radio reporter Eline Corn, contextualized the solar cooking movement within America's broader need to claim ownership of the cooking process. "Somehow, in our society, putting the food in your mouth has jumped over the preparation." Food preparation is ancient and precious, she said. "We have given that power [of preparation] to someone we don't even know."

With the solar cooker, it is possible to cook many different foods - chicken, fish, vegetables, pastries - easily and sustainably.

Although the solar box cooker is used by many enthusiasts in the United States, the device represents only the first generation of solar-baking technology. Thanks to the work of SCI, newer, more portable and less expensive solar cookers are being distributed and used in many sun-rich developing nations, such as Kenya and the Philippines.

In his presentation, microbiologist and humanitarian Dr. Bob Metcalf described the vast potential of solar cooking in the developing world, where water contamination and fuel shortages are major obstacles to healthy living. Traditionally in these communities, contaminated water was boiled; however, boiling water requires resources that are often unavailable in the world's most impoverished areas.

Solar cookers and the WAPI (water pasteurization indicator) provide these distraught communities with a potential solution to their purification and dietary needs. The reusable WAPI, a small partially wax-filled plastic tube, is placed in the middle of a black pot, which is located in the center of a solar cooker. "When the wax in the tube moves, you've pasteurized water at 65°C or 149°F," Metcalf explained.

The WAPI is a useful visual aid, enabling villagers to see the purification of water in a solar cooker, which cannot normally reach the temperatures necessary to boil water. Through this method, it is possible to pasteurize five liters of water in two and a half hours with a solar cooker; done twice, this process provides a typical family with a multiple-day water supply.

Water purification can have significant and immediate effects. Metcalf showed a photograph of a smiling African mother helped by his aid team. The team had given her a water purification kit and $25 solar cooker. "Thank you," she said, "because my children used to get diarrhea all the time, and now they don't."

The Sacramento-based Solar Cookers International is attempting to raise $50,000 before the end of September. Donated funds will be used to support SCI's worldwide aid programs.

Solar Cookers International.

Team Maria benefit at The Park

2009-08-25T04:18:22Z

A fundraising benefit will be held at The Park (1116 15th St.) on Aug. 26 for Team Maria, a newly formed group of cyclists dedicated to raising money for the Best Buddies program for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Team Maria cyclists will ride alongside California First Lady Maria Shriver and Actor Rob Lowe at the annual Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, a charity event that will be held on Sept. 12. The event includes a 100-, 62-, 35- or 15-mile bike ride down the Pacific Coast Highway, or a 3K walk or 5k run led by Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. Those interested in participating can register at the Best Buddies Challenge Website, and cyclists interested in joining the 30-person (and growing) Team Maria may sign up on the team's website. Participants commit to various fundraising requirements.

Beginning at 5:30p.m., the benefit will include complimentary Asian-inspired appetizers, a raffle and an auction. Prizes will include tickets to the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women, beach cruisers, a one-night stay with breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, a California Museum for History, Women and the Arts gift basket and more. The event aims to help Team Maria reach its $30,000 fundraising goal by Sept. 12. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Best Buddies.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is an international organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. In addition to operating four offices in California, the Best Buddies program functions through an extensive network of middle school, high school, college and community chapters.

In June 2007, Audi of America announced a partnership with Best Buddies. For the next three years, Audi will continue to be the exclusive automotive sponsor of Best Buddies International. In addition to Audi's support for Best Buddies' numerous projects, the company's vehicles have traditionally led the way for participants in the Hearst Castle challenge.

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle arrives at a time of particular significance for Shriver. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Maria Shriver's mother and longtime champion of the Special Olympics, passed away on Aug. 11. Team Maria and Best Buddies continue Eunice Shriver's mission of improving the lives of the intellectually disabled.

Tickets for Wednesday's event at The Park are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Please contact abianchi@deweysquare.com for more information.

To learn more about Best Buddies California call (888) 68 BUDDY or visit bestbuddiescalifornia.org.

If you're interested in joining Team Maria, Shriver and Lowe at Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, visit: http://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/.

Pizza eating contest celebrates second anniversary of Luigi's Slice

2009-08-24T05:17:13Z

Luigi's Slice, 20th Street's Brooklynesque pizza joint, celebrated its second anniversary by borrowing from a New York tradition - the eating contest.

"It was the Fourth of July, and we were watching Joey Chestnut win the Coney Island hot dog-eating contest," Linda Brida, event organizer and wife of owner Greg Brida, explained. "Greg and I talked about how fun it would be to hold an eating contest for the second anniversary of Luigi's Slice; and six weeks later, we're here."

The 'Luigi's Slice First Annual Pizza Eating Throw Down,' held at 6p.m. on Aug. 22, drew two dozen contestants ready to frantically eat their way to a $500 prize.

A few challengers were seasoned eating contest veterans. "I once ate 67 plates of sushi in college," said Kirk, a hopeful contestant. "I almost won. I never lost it though, you're just in the bathroom for a whole day."

Many others never participated in an eating contest, but are avid fans of Luigi's. "I love this place," exclaimed Pat Guild, contestant and Midtown resident. "I used to go to the original Luigi's Pizza [on Stockton Boulevard]. It's cool that this place is closer, and you can get it by the slice."

Hopeful City Councilman County Supervisor, contestant and frequent Luigi's patron Phil Serna was also in attendance. Standing beside longtime friend Greg Brida, he enthusiastically explained that he would do, "anything to help promote Midtown and Downtown business."

As the crowd assembled, Linda Brida explained the rules. The contestants had 10 minutes to eat as much pizza as possible. Contestants all had buckets, and if they puked, they were out. Additionally, the contestants could only eat one pizza at a time. And they were to all sign standard legal waivers.

Amid shouts and cheers from the crowd, the contestants were individually called to their positions. The crowd grew anxious as dozens of pizzas were placed on the tables.

Then it began.

Audience screams oddly juxtaposed the baffling scene of 23 men and one woman stuffing their faces with warm, water-soaked pizza. Like tired swimmers catching their breath, the constants would sporadically relieve their stuffed mouths with orange water stained by repeated pizza-dunking.

"Ten, nine, eight..." As the crowd began shouting the countdown, many appeared to have little idea of who was winning; but few, if any, seemed to mind. Amid the jubilant confusion, one could not help being swept into the madness.

After the contestants swallowed their last bites of pizza, the judges reviewed each person's tally. "With eight slices, Paul Dickey is the winner."

Ecstatic and admittedly still hungry, Dickey raised his hands, thanking everyone. And after the other contestants were awarded medals of participation, the Bridas handed Dickey a plaque and a giant $500 novelty check.

"I ate eight slices, that's one extra large pizza in 10 minutes," Dickey explained. Asked about the prize money, he replied, "It's already spent. I'm buying a wedding dress for my fiancée, Kathy. The wedding is on September 9 at nine o'clock with nine people. That's good luck."

Amgen Bike Race Photographs

2009-02-15T01:15:53Z