On June 23, 2012, Sacramento will be treated to the Sacramento Chef Challenge, an annual fundraiser for people with developmental disabilities that features an "Iron Chef" style cooking battle, Cake War competition, gourmet food sampling, beer and wine tasting, live music and more! For $25 a piece, guests are treated to a culinary extravaganza beginning with fair from local restaurants, wineries and breweries including The Couch Sports Lounge, Two Rivers Cider, Terra d’Oro Winery and Morgan’s Restaurant. The first of two competitions will pit three professional chefs in a head to head battle for culinary glory. Chef Challengers will have three hours to prepare and sample an original menu

On June 23, amateur bakers will be given the opportunity to compete in the Cake War: Battle Cupcakes competition at the 10th Annual Sacramento Chef Challenge. Three amateur competitors will go up against three professional cupcake masters in a three hour competition, in which participants create an original cupcake and display that will be adjudicated by event guests and a professional judging panel. To determine which three amateur bakers will get to compete live at the Sacramento Chef Challenge, Cakegrrl.com and INALLIANCE have come together for a video challenge. Candidates have been asked to show off their stuff in a 3-5 minute video that highlights “why you and your cupcakes are the

Registration is now open for the Gold Rush Fun Run in El Dorado County on Saturday, September 22, 2012. The event features a series of races through the Sierra Nevada Foothills along the El Dorado Trail, which was once the historic Southern Pacific Railway line, and now features picturesque scenery and an abundance of wildlife for trail goers. The Gold Rush Fun Run hosts runners and walkers from across Northern California for a 10 mile run, 10K run, 5K run/walk and a 1 mile stroll. All races culminate in a finish line celebration where participants enjoy refreshments, music, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. Synergy Race Timing will chip time the 10K, 10 mile and 5K races, and medals w

When it comes to the most romantic day of the year, traditional gifts of roses and heart shaped boxes of candy still dominate the market, but for those ladies and gentlemen looking for a more unique way to show their affection, consider the gift of food and fun by giving your special someone tickets to the Sacramento Chef Challenge. Tickets are only $25 each and include: • Chef Challenge competition • Gourmet food sampling • Wine and Beer tasting • Cake War presented by Cakegrrl.com • Live Music • Raffle and Silent Auction Prizes “When you’ve celebrated 30 Valentine’s Days together it can be difficult to find a really special gift,” says Rancho Cordova resident Linda Allen, “I was truly

El Dorado County Supervisors held firm to a 2011 decision to support the Shingle Plan Compromise at a County Board meeting on January 24, 2012. The plan divides use of the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor (SPTC) into two distinct segments. The area from Shingle Springs up to Diamond Springs has been allotted for the development of a heritage railroad. From Shingle Springs down to the Western El Dorado County line, development will focus on establishing a community trail that will serve local residents and connect to Folsom, thereby expanding our regional trail system. Trail and train supporters have been at odds for years over use of the SPTC, but the Supervisor's recent de

Cakegrrl.com challenges local bakers to a sweet video competition! This year’s Cake War at the 10th Annual Sacramento Chef Challenge is “Battle Cupcakes,” and organizer's are looking for three amateur contestants to duke it out against three cupcake pros! Amateur baker’s from the greater Sacramento area are invited to join the battle by creating a three to five minute video that shows “why you and your cupcakes are the best!” The challenge is presented by Cakegrrl.com, a local blog that explores and promotes restaurants, activities and fundraisers from across the Sacramento Valley. Kristy DeVaney, the sugarplum behind Cakegrrl.com is excited to see what her fellow bakers have to offer.

2012 marks the tenth anniversary of our region’s premier culinary competition the Sacramento Chef Challenge, and organizers are inviting local restaurants, wineries, breweries and specialty shops to showcase their fare at the June 23rd event. The Sacramento Chef Challenge is a culinary extravaganza featuring two live cooking competitions, lavish food, wine and beer sampling, live music, raffle prizes and more. The event is expected to draw a crowd of over 1000 guests in celebration of INALLIANCE, a local nonprofit that has provided support to people with developmental disabilities for 60 years. “Our vendors draw a huge crowd each year by providing a variety of samples to our guests,” say

For anyone who is still looking for unique holiday gift ideas, the Northern California nonprofit INALLIANCE may have just the solution- tickets to the "Sacramento Chef Challenge" at 4:00 p.m. Saturday Friday , June 23, 2012. The well known culinary extravaganza features two live culinary competitions, food sampling, wine and beer tasting, live music, raffle prizes and more! But, the best part is-100% of proceeds go to programs that support people with developmental disabilities! "2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the Sacramento Chef Challenge, which means we will be pulling out all the stops and slashing ticket prices,” says INALLIANCE Executive Director Diana DeRodeff. INALLIANCE prov

Tickets for Sacramento’s Premier Culinary competition are on sale just in time for the holiday season! The Sacramento Chef Challenge (previously known as the Celebrity Chef Challenge) features a head to head battle between three professional chefs, and tickets make a great gift for the amateur chef, wine connoisseur or food lover in your life. In 2012, the Sacramento Chef Challenge will be celebrating its tenth year, and in honor of this achievement, organizers are slashing ticket prices, adding new attractions and allowing guests to determine “Whose cuisine reigns supreme!” Chef Challengers will have three hours to prepare and serve a specialty menu based on a surprise theme. Guests wil

The Sac State Geology Club is shaking things up on November 18th by auctioning off hundreds of rocks, minerals, fossils and more at the 8th annual Rock Auction. This celebration of the natural world is free to the public, begins at 6pm at the CSUS Alumni Center and will include live and silent auctions, catered food and beverages, and children's activities. The room will be abuzz with the chatter of rock hounds, educators, students and gem connoisseurs perusing samples of highly polished petrified wood, purple cubic fluorite, and stunning fossilized coral. “But, you don’t need to be a professional to enjoy the festivities,” says Club President Chris Hughes, “many of our guests are new to

For the next few months, running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to participate in a number of fantastic races across California. The Sacramento region in particular is full of events for people of all ages, skill levels and interests. Whether you are an avid runner or just looking for a healthy way to support the community, consider joining in a local 5K or 10K race. Most races benefit a nonprofit organization, so you will be benefiting your body, mind and spirit! Here are some upcoming events to consider: Gold Rush Fun Run & Walk October 8, 2011, Placerville, CA This family and dog friendly event features 10 Mile, 10K, 5K, and 1 mile race courses along the El Dorado Trail, plus r

Scott Grochowski is a young man with a great sense of humor and a compassion for animals, but up until about a year ago his Folsom neighbors had never seen that side of him. Instead, Scott was known for violent outbursts and aggressive behavior. The 26-year-old has been diagnosed with Mental Retardation, Autism and mild Cerebral Palsy, which severely limits his ability to speak. This verbal communication deficit meant people who came into contact with Scott had a difficult time understanding him. The frustration Scott endured from his inability to communicate with his community caused him to lash out. When angry, Scott might yell, run at dangerous objects or bite his own arm. Scott’s fami

The El Dorado Trail stretches from South Lake Tahoe to the western El Dorado county line and runs along the Sacramento Placerville Train Corridor (SPTC) from Placerville West. This trail is partially developed (witness the newest, very heavily used, section from Forni Road to Missouri Flat Road) and could eventually be a hiking, biking, equestrian connection of South Lake Tahoe to Folsom. From Folsom the American River Parkway connects to Davis and eventually to San Francisco. The people of El Dorado County purchased the rights to the El Dorado county portion of the SPTC in 1995 under the auspices of the 1983 National Trail System act (better known as the “Rails to Trails” act). This act

The journey of Ed Etter Jr. to a home of his own is a telling documentary of the evolution of developmental disability services in California. In 1943, Ed Jr. was born in Missouri while his father, a Navy man, was bravely fighting in World War II.  When Mr. Etter came home from the war, his wife was missing, and so was his newborn son. According to Mr. Etter, Mrs. Etter took everything (even the light bulbs) and moved to California.  Eventually she placed an eight-year-old Ed into Sonoma State Hospital. Mr. Etter diligently searched for his son, finally tracking him down in 1954. What happened next boggles our enlightened minds - Sonoma State Hospital refused to release Ed to his father.

Everyday, millions of conversations take place across the country. Employers ask, teachers tell, and friends talk. Communication, it is said, is the key to success. For many people with developmental disabilities who cannot speak, the lack of basic communication is an ever present barrier in developing relationships, finding a job, being hired, or performing a job optimally. Other than a few exceptions, people who cannot talk do not work. An inability to effectively communicate with peers, employers and support staff most often leads to stereotyping, social rejection and failure in the workplace. Frustration caused by an inability to express basic needs becomes a “behavior problem” to be f

Runners, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts will take to the trails on Saturday, October 8, 2011 when local nonprofit InAlliance hosts the 3rd Annual Gold Rush Fun Run & Walk fundraiser on the El Dorado Trail beginning in Placerville. Participants will weave their way through the Sierra Nevada Foothills in 10 mile, 10K, 5K and 1 mile races along what used to be the Michigan California Lumber Company railway corridor. Following the races, guests will enjoy a Finish Line Celebration featuring refreshments, music, vendors, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. The races will all be chip timed by Synergy Race Timing and all race winners will receive custom medals. The event is an annual benefit for

There’s something unusual happening at the Orangevale Recreation and Park District. It’s not ballet classes or a magic show—although those things are happening. It’s something that has grown behind the scenes and yet is a key part of the parks we enjoy. For almost 13 years, Orangevale parks have benefitted from a crew that does everything from waxing the slide at the pool, to chalking the baseball diamond. What’s unique about this crew is that it consists of three individuals who have a range of developmental disabilities. You might not normally think that people with developmental disabilities would be shredding almond branches through a wood chipper, or driving giant lawn mowers across

Chants and cheers from nearly 800 concerned citizens filled the Downtown Sacramento streets on February 22 as the “Mommy Tsunami” protest walk finished its final leg from Caesar Chavez Park to the California State Capitol. The walk began on February 19 in Yuba City, where a group of Generation Y moms began a 60 mile journey to the Capitol in protest of Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed $1 billion budget cut to services for people with developmental disabilities. Participants, families, employees and volunteers from disability advocacy and support groups joined in the rally sporting bright red t-shirts baring a large target that read “A Budget Target Again?” Their message is that the propose

While most of us are still recovering from the delights of the “holiday season,” retail stores across the country are decking the halls with red ribbons and pink hearts. That’s right, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means men and women of all ages will begin their annual hunt for the perfect gift! If flowers and candy aren’t enough for your special someone, the nonprofit organization InAlliance has a unique gift that will temp your taste buds, tickets to the Celebrity Chef Challenge. This culinary extravaganza features six professional chefs in a live culinary competition with surprise ingredients ala the “Iron Chef” Television show, and tickets will get you and a guest

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the Celebrity Chef Challenge will be rolling into Sacramento for its 9th annual edition in April of next year. The culinary event that pits local professional chefs in a whisk to whisk battle to determine “whose cuisine reigns supreme” will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the California Automobile Museum from 5:30pm-9:30pm and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action! Six challengers will have 45 minutes to turn five secret ingredients into three power-packed dishes, all under the watchful eye of one live audience! Guests will have a front row seat for the culinary extravaganza, but that’s not all; ticket prices include a tour of the 72,000 sq