Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Jennifer Wade

Marriage Equality Rally and March at the Capitol

2009-11-06T22:16:36Z

Over 200 people gathered Wednesday night]at the California State Capitol for a rally and march which marked the first anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8.

The event, “A Day of Smiles, Tears and Action,” was led by Equality Action NOW, a grassroots civil rights organization, along with several supporting organizations. The event also followed relevant elections in Maine and Washington on Tuesday.

In Washington, voters approved Referendum 71, keeping a law that expanded state benefits to same-sex domestic partners. In Maine, voters rejected a law passed by the state's legislature and signed by the governor that would have allowed same-sex marriages. Maine is now the 31st state to reject same-sex marriage in a popular vote.

Proposition 8 amended California law to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman.

Last year was not the first time that California voters were presented with a vote to narrow the definition of marriage. In 2000, Proposition 22 passed, approving the same language, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

During his speech at the event, EAN volunteer and Camp Courage representative Chris Hauck pointed out the positive difference between the two propositions. While Proposition 22 won by over 22 points, Proposition 8 won by less than five points. Hauck also noted that Proposition 8 was not supported by a majority of voters in areas like Santa Barbara and Irvine, areas where an overwhelming majority supported Proposition 22 almost a decade ago.

Proposition 22 was eventually overturned by the California Supreme Court, allowing gay marriage for approximately five months before the passage of Proposition 8. Proposition 8 was upheld in the California Supreme Court last May in Strauss v. Horton.

As the ongoing judicial and legislative battle ensues, national groups including the American Civil Liberties Union are discouraging further legal action, saying it could do more harm than good. Instead they recommend making changes at the ballot box.

Jennie Reiken, Sacramento field manager for Equality California, strongly encouraged attendees to start canvassing. She encouraged people to educate those around them by having one-on-one conversations about their relationships.

“While the event was held to commemorate the passing of Proposition 8 and the resulting year of inequality, the rally was held to encourage people to get involved in any way they can and provide ample volunteer opportunities," EAN spokesperson Hilary Hodge said after the rally.

Following the march, several organizations made sign-up sheets available to participants. EAN recognizes there is a difference of opinion between marriage equality activists on whether to try voters again in 2010 or 2012. Whenever the issue returns to the polls, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN has stated, “(EAN) does not take a stand one way or another since choosing a date has worked to polarize our community. We will be there whenever a rally, a vote, a stand needs to be made, and we will support all of our brothers and sisters in solidarity.”

In the near term, grassroots efforts in Sacramento continue, including an intensive two-day training called Camp Courage Sacramento this Saturday and Sunday. The training is designed to teach community organizing skills for marriage-equality activists. Registration information is available here. A fundraiser for Camp Courage will be held this tonight at Head Hunters located at 1930 K Street in midtown Sacramento.

A brief timeline:

March 7, 2000 – Proposition 8 passes in the Primary Election

May 15, 2008 – Proposition 22 overturned by California Supreme Court (in re: marriage cases)

Nov. 4, 2008 – Proposition 8 passes in the General Election

May 26, 2009 – Proposition 8 upheld by California Supreme Court (Strauss v. Horton)

Upcoming events for burgeoning fashionistas

2009-02-07T06:44:53Z

After spending a week writing a massive government document which will soon be gathering dust in a public library near you, I am just dying to get home and dive under the covers with the latest Lucky (my new favorite trashy fashion magazine), my Ben & Jerry’s, and a rat terrier warming my feet. For those of you are looking to actually get out of the house there are some big fashion events you need to put on your calendar.

Despite the recent (and continued) close of several midtown boutiques (Shoefly, Dara Denim, Barby K and now Blush), Sacramento continues to “do” fashion as the industry boasts more events in 2009. Three local events of late have caught my attention – Fashionably Live, IndieSacramento and Movement of Design.

Saturday February 14th, 2009, 10AM-3PM, Trinity Cathedral Church
IndieSacramento
Lots of vendors with handmade goods at the monthly craft bazaar. Get something made with love for your sweetie on VDay and enjoy some free coffee. Just remember to bring cash!
Price: Free, $1 donation appreciated
All ages

Sunday February 15th 2009, 8PM, Center Court
Fashionably Live
Sactown Magazine and Center Court present a benefit fashion show for WEAVE. WEAVE and fashion shows are old friends and Sactown’s sure to put on a good show. Plus they just retired Chris Webber’s jersey so let’s celebrate! 11 Designers and 2 Boutiques show their stuff. Donate new or nearly new professional clothing for WEAVE’s Suited for Success program.
Price: $10, Presale available at Havoc and She’s Got Style Boutique
Age: 21+

Saturday March 7, 2009, 6PM, Fashion Battle starts at 9PM, Artisan Building
Movement of Design
What even is a fashion battle?! Come see local boutiques play it out to music. Also 3 DJ areas, vendor booths and a fashion-inspired art show. This is the first in a series of collaborative design events at the Artisan which are going to rock 2009.
Price: $5
All Ages

Hope to see you there (yeah at all of them)!

Winter Sales

2009-01-26T05:41:58Z

I have come to realize that the amount of time I spend on my bike is directly proportional to the amount of money that comes out of my wallet. Or it might be a more advanced function involving the quadratic equation or a differential analysis. Needless to say, you do not need to be a math major to understand the value of a good midtown sale.

Right now boutiques are trying to unload massive quantities of fall and winter goods to make way for spring items. Factor in the after-Christmas mark downs and economic turmoil (did anyone ever confirm that rumor about Prada at TJ Maxx?!) and you've got the perfect conditions for bargain hunting.

Let's face it. It's going to be chilly for a couple more months so you should probably check these sales out before global warming hits full tilt:

Atelier / 1617 16th Street / Winter Sale featuring 20–75% off original prices and an expanded $1-$5 room in back. The place to find Sacramento fashion labels Reject, Martini Kisses, Threadedheart, Naik Fur, Linden Simone, Sapphire Cordial and more.

Bows and Arrows / 1712 L Street / Clip the latest coupon in the Sacramento News and Review. Lots of premium vintage and modified vintage.

Cuffs / 2523 J Street / Rainy Day Sale featuring 25% off vintage, 30% off all tees, 40% off denim and other markdowns. Cute vintage clothing and new vintage modern styles.

French Cuff Consignment / 2419 J Street / 20% off printable coupon at midtowngrid.com. Everything from GAP to Chanel.

Havoc and United State / 918 24th Street and 1014 24th Street, respectively / The Huge “Get Fresh” Sale with up to 70% off stock. Lots of tees, street wear, outerwear and accessories.

Krazy Mary's and Sugar Shack / 2527 J Street and 2425 J Street, respectively / Lots of premium clothing on sale from 30 to 80% off. Brands include Paige denim, Betsey Johnson, Odyn, Obey, Free People, Tulle and more.