Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Sonia Lucyga

Sonia Lucyga on "New Editor in Chief: Colleen Belcher"

2011-09-28T21:50:55Z

Congratulations!!!!

Sonia Lucyga on "The Sacramento Press is hiring "

2011-05-13T15:44:02Z

Good Luck Kathleen! You are such a dynamo. I feel lucky I had the opportunity to watch you work during my internship.

Summer ends in rainbows

2009-09-07T21:58:55Z

Sunday, the giant Midtown block party known as the Rainbow Festival, came to its celebratory end.

The three-day event held to raise money and awareness for local lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) charities in Sacramento as well as celebrate community pride has raised over 500,000 since its inception according to the 2009 website.

Vendors lined 20th and K Streets, offering everything from jewelry to T-shirts to rainbow-hued paraphernalia. Local LGBTQI institutions such as the Lavender Library and Sacramento's Gay Man's Chorus hosted booths, handing out fliers and pamphlets with information on events, clubs and volunteer opportunities.

Sacramento State's Queer Straight Alliance's tent featured a "Kissin' Booth," where participants could receive a little love for only a dollar.

A main stage at the corner of K and 20th, adorned with an arch of rainbow balloons, provided a day-long bevy of performances from local and internationally recognized talent. Participants gathered at the foot of the raised stage to watch performances by groups such as Small Difference Women's Choral Ensemble, Unity Dance Troupe and local band Rendezvous With Cool Beans.

Cheer San Fransico took over a section of the street in front of the stage to thrill onlookers with high-flying stunt action and upbeat dance performances.

A few of the performances, much to the delight of those watching, encouraged audience participation. Jay Henslee, winner of nightclub Faces' eight-week competition "Queer Idol," tossed shakers to the crowd so they could keep time with his song.

Lauren Hildebrant, a dance artist performing in Sacramento for the first time, had audience members dance on stage during her last song. She then asked the crowd which member "shook it best."

International recording artist, Kristine W, brought a young man on stage to whom she and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" during her set. One audience member offered the birthday boy a dollar.

"I tell you a drag queen has to shake it long and hard for that," said Kristine. "You did good, honey."

The day's entertainment kept coming, not only from the artists who took to the stage, but also the drag queens who introduced them. First-time festival attendee Thomas Arballo voiced his appreciation for the emcees.

"My favorite part of the day? I think it would have to be those hot-piece drag queens over there," Arballo said.

Monique Moore, host of the weekly Dragalicious Show at Faces, kept the crowd laughing in between introducing the performers.

At one point she brought a fellow drag queen on stage, asking, "Want to switch hair?" Long, light brown and curly was traded for short and platinum blonde with bangs.

"Don't you steal that, girl," Moore said as she watched her wig walk off the stage. "That hair ain't cheap."

The antics of the emcees contributed to the festive environment that continued throughout the day. Kalia Sandoval, Sacramento resident and first-time festival attendee said she and her friends experienced a new and "cooler" side of Sacramento at Rainbow Festival 2009.

"We came because we wanted to have fun, and we definitely did," Sandoval said. "It's been a crazy day. Lots of love."

"Queer Idol" winner Henslee noted how the communal and family-friendly atmosphere of the festival allowed Sacramentans from all walks of life to enjoy the weekend-long party in Midtown.

"I think it's a great representation of not just Sacramento diversity, but also of people respecting others," Henslee said. "I love that Sacramento does this year after year. It says a lot about the city and also the people who organize it."

Photo Credit: anthonybento.com

Gold Rush Days take Sacramento back in time

2009-09-06T02:02:09Z

On the corner of J and 2nd Streets, a man with a sheriff's star and gun holster slung around his waist cupped his hands and loudly announced, "Citizens of Sacramento! The mayor of Sacramento has an announcement!"

If you were expecting Kevin Johnson to address the growing crowd of bystanders, you were sure to be disappointed. Saturday's Gold Rush Days hosted plenty of important Sacramentans, circa 1850.

The free four-day event took over Old Sacramento with 200 tons of dirt and about 200 reenactors in 1850s-style garb.

Attendees milled around the Embarcadero Tent City, a field of canvas tents that featured 1850 institutions such as a blacksmith, lace-maker, tinsmith, dentist, Mormon battalion, the justice of peace and the "Stinking Tent Saloon," where thirsty patrons could purchase root beer and its original predecessor, sarsaparilla.

"It tastes just like root beer, but with a stronger kick," said one "barmaid" after taking a swig.

The tent city offered a variety of characters that offered up detailed accounts of their lives. Samuel Brannan, who proudly distinguished himself as California's first millionaire, chatted with those who stopped by the Mormon battalion tent about his part in the Gold Rush, the Mormon immigrant trail and how he became one of the state's wealthiest men.

Sophie Flaherty, a a volunteer with Sacramento Living History — an organization that participates in events to educate about, promote and revive Old Sacramento — said many people dress in period costume to take on a persona of someone who actually existed in the 1850s.

"If I were to be in costume, I would be a woman who sells cats," said contemporary-dressed Flaherty. "But I would get into my character too much, and would miss all the great events going on."

Embarcadero Tent City was only the beginning of what Gold Rush Days had in store for its participants. On the corner of K Street and Firehouse Alley were two large roped-off sections where groups such as The Blue Canyon Gang and Sierra Nevada Guns for Hire treated viewers with Old West reenactments of bar scenes and gunfights.

One performance dubbed "Squatters Riot" pitted the sheriff and mayor of Sacramento against the squatters who threatened, according to the sheriff, to "take our land and disrupt our way of life." A shoot-out occurred between the two camps, with the sheriff and his band of followers ending up as the last men standing.

The Eagle Theater, at the corner of J and Front streets, played authentic Gold Rush-era films and also hosted events such as a Gold Rush Era fashion show, a lecture on the history of California and music in the Gold Rush era.

One event that consistently drew busy crowds was gold-panning. Adults and children flocked to the waist-high troughs of water and sand to mine as much of the precious metal as possible. They then brought their finds to the adjacent "Adams Company Bank" where they could exchange their treasure for paper currency.

"It's [Paper currency is] safer than carrying gold around in your pocket — no one will rob you," said Ashley Sianez, a fourth-year participant in Gold Rush Days. "It also teaches about the gold mining experience. You couldn't just mine a ton of gold and become immediately rich, and most people mined small amounts and then spent whatever amount they made. We're kind of mimicking the reality of it."

The day concluded with a Johnny Cash tribute band playing favorites to a crowd of 100, such as "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Ring of Fire," on the Save Mart Stage. The nostalgic tunes seemed a fitting end to a day that celebrated California's past in impressive detail.

"[Gold Rush Days] provides a look back then," Flaherty said. "It facilitates a deep appreciation for what it was like back then, and perhaps helps to evaluate how one looks at our current time now."

Sacramento Gold Rush Days runs until Sept. 9. For more information, click here.

Sonia Lucyga on "Solar cookers' Shine On at Sierra 2"

2009-09-03T07:52:01Z

GREAT photos, as usual.

Sonia Lucyga on "Greek Isles arrive in Sacramento at 46th annual festival"

2009-09-03T07:51:14Z

10,000!!? That's awesome. Nice background, weird to think of it at Jesuit when it sounds/looks like a big deal affair.

Sonia Lucyga on "Lebowski Fans Gather at Capitol Bowl"

2009-09-03T07:48:48Z

Awesome awesome awesome. The turnout kind of bumms me out, especially when compared to last years. Did Capitol do anything different, advertisement-wise?

Sonia Lucyga on "Slow Food Sacramento hosts tomato tasting"

2009-09-03T07:43:46Z

Thanks Casey! Tuohy is awesome, and has a history of involvment with the Slow Food movement. Sidenote: click on his highligted name in the fourth paragraph for the chef's blog.

Sonia Lucyga on "Anime convention celebrates fans"

2009-08-31T21:36:39Z

As someone not very well-versed in anime, it was fascinating to see so many different sides. Anthony hit the nail on the head with the stranger's heaven comment; when you are surrounded by like 3,000 people in costume laughing, dancing and having an inordinate amount of fun, it really intrigues you. I totally did some research on anime after Saturday. I was kind of jealous when I couldn't recognize characters. I think the sword was made out of wood. It was massive, "Cloud" had to rest it on his shoulder to carry it, and when the hilt was on the ground it was taller than him. The costume weaponry was incredibly detailed. www.cosplay.com is an interesting site about anime costumes.

Slow Food Sacramento hosts tomato tasting

2009-08-31T04:08:59Z

Sunday, approximately 75 hungry guests took over Grange Restaurant for Slow Food Sacramento's Celebration of Summer event.

The luncheon was organized around a fruit whose flavors reach a peak in the summer season: the tomato.

Event organizer and member of Slow Food Sacramento chapter member Jim Mills told the group that "a tomato is not always a tomato," and that the fruit should really only be enjoyed fresh during its season, which ranges from about June 15 through the end of October.

Grange Restaurant's head chef Michael Tuohy reinforced that tomatoes are best consumed during those four and a half months.

"You'll see tomatoes in the stores in January," Tuohy said, "and it's like 'Why?' They're pointless."

Eating seasonally plays a part in the Slow Food philosophy of protecting the joyous nature of food from "the homogenization of modern fast food and life," according to Slow Food Sacramento's website. Another way this tenet is accomplished is when restaurants buy local, organic produce, and according to Mills, that farm-to-table process was exemplified during Sunday's meal.

"Celebration of Summer" came to fruition when Slow Food Sacramento and Grange Restaurant teamed up to educate about and feed people locally grown produce. Tuohy, a veteran of the Slow Food movement, has done events honoring the versatility of seasonal tomatoes in the past. He created the menu, and Suzanne Peabody Ashworth's farm, Del Rio Botanical, provided the produce.

Del Rio Botanical, located 20030 Old River Road in west Sacramento, provides produce to Sacramento restaurants such as Mulvaney's Building & Loan,1215 19th Street, and The Waterboy, 2000 Capitol Ave.

"We aim to encourage people to frequent restaurants that use locally grown produce as well as raise chef awareness," Ashworth said. "They have a lot on their plate with menu budgets and keeping everything affordable, so our job is to bring awareness to the difference in local food's taste and experience."

The afternoon began with heirloom tomato tasting featuring nine different Del Rio Farm tomatoes such as Japanese Truffle, Green Zebra and Brandywine. The fruits were accompanied by local artisan extra virgin olive oils and sea salts. Slices of crusty bread were stacked around platters to mop up all the juices and oils.

Following the tasting was the first of three courses: a smoked heirloom tomato gazpacho with roasted almonds and extra virgin olive oil. The main course featured an Early Girl tomato stuffed with house fennel sausage, zucchini and farro. The last course, a dessert, consisted of sweet corn ice cream with a balsamic caramel sauce, candied corn, peaches and a rosemary shortbread cookie.

The food seemed to resonate with the group of diners. One participant held up his empty soup bowl and jokingly said "Excuse me sir, there's no more food."

After the meal, satiated participants were free to discuss tomatoes with Tuohy and Ashworth. Questions such as what was in the dessert to how the tomatoes were smoked for the gazpacho were fielded by a smiling Tuohy. Guests also took home a packet of heirloom seeds from Ashworth’s collection.

Tuohy and Ashworth were the masterminds behind the evening's success, but the star was clearly still the tomato.

"They are so flavorful and versatile," Tuohy said. "Anything from soup to dessert, as was seen today."

Anime convention celebrates fans

2009-08-31T00:58:02Z

Last Saturday, the SacAnime Convention kicked off with the highest number of attendees in its five-year existence.

Anime, the pop culture term for animation that is distinctly Japanese, was celebrated by fans from all over northern California at the Radisson Hotel. Security official Peter Kraus said that in his four years working the convention, he has never seen a crowd this large.

"Last year we were at the Scottish Rite Center, and it moved to this location, which is significantly bigger. It's pretty incredible, the way it's grown each year," Kraus said. "I just asked the folks up front what the official number was. They said they are low-balling it at three and a half to four thousand."

Attendees, many of them decked out in full costume, walked shoulder-to-shoulder through the hallways to get to areas such as the main banquet room, where vendors and their tables were packed in selling items like original art, costumes, wigs and books on how to draw Manga.

Event-goers could access a video room through a black-curtained doorway in the vending room. A giant screen played anime films in a theater-like setting.

The outdoor pavilion featured live music from bands like Tanuki Suit Riot, which as part of its set covered popular video game tunes. Despite the 100 degree weather, fans peppered the area in front of the stage, waving their weapons the air, moving to the music.

The smaller banquet room featured a stage and seating that hosted a variety of panels as well as the cosplay masquerade, a choreographed spectacle that featured dance performances from anime fans dressed in detailed costume.

In the celebrity panel, voice actors Paul Mercier, Liam O'Brien, Roger Craig Smith and Alyson Court fielded questions about anime and manga, their favorite anime couples and how to break into the industry. More than 200 fans piled into the room to hear the established voice actors speak.

The vibe was interactive, and the actors teased and bantered with audience members. Fans with questions held everything from costume weaponry to stuffed animals to notepads up high in order to attract the panel's attention.

"No one's overcompensating for anything, are they?" asked Smith as he fielded a question from a young man waving a giant sword.

When asked if the panel members had crushes on any anime character, O'Brien started describing a certain female character, but he could not immediately recall her name. The audience was quick to help him out and reminded him almost unanimously that the animated girl in question was Rukia Kuchiki from the anime and manga series Bleach.

"That's it, Rukia," O'Brien sad. "She's a classic, girl's got spunk. Maybe a little young for me though."

The panel's anime and manga favorites were not the only subjects touched upon. Mercier spoke on the process of becoming a voice actor. He told the crowd how he got his beginnings in the theater and on shows ike Beverley Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place. Learning how to act, Mercier said, was the way to enter the voice industry.

The convention offered a slew of other activities such as console gaming featuring the latest games from different consoles as well as all-time favorites such as Guitar Hero and Halo 3. There was also a collectible card game tournament, and later in the evening, attendees could play anime bingo.

However, the most popular activity for those in attendance--being able to interact with other fans in costume--was not on the schedule. Hundreds of different characters gathered in small huddles to socialize, meet, take pictures and admire each other's getups.

One foursome, dressed as Decus, Wonderchef, Genis and Zelos from the video game Tales of Symphonia drove 45 minutes from Galt with a life-size, hand-crafted coffin prop in the back of a jeep. The cost of constructing the coffin alone was close to $300, said Derek England, dressed as Decus.

"It was about eight weeks of frustration and a definite group effort. This is our first time at one of these things, so we're starting off with a bang," England said.

England and his friends have been anime fans since childhood, he said. They respond to the fact that in terms of story-lines, anime doesn't have the same constraints as other entertainment industries.

"There's not the restriction of having to produce something that will make money," England said. "In anime, you can make a movie for the story's sake, and it's really imaginative and unique."

First-time convention goers Carlie and Kayla Guadagnolos said their time at the Radisson was one of the highlights of their year.

"We got stopped all the time! So many hugs from different people, everybody recognized us and wanted hugs," said younger sister Kayla.

"We've never been to anything like this before, like we watch this stuff on YouTube," said Carlie. "Best day of my life."

Photo Credit: anthonybento.com

Sonia Lucyga on "Keith Lowell Jensen and Friends Hit the Punch Line"

2009-08-28T03:23:40Z

Also included was his now-standard observation on the world of pornography and why there isn’t a sub-genre just for him called “Not F****** Disgusting.” Hilarious. Sounds like a fun night.

Fairytale Town celebrates 50 years in retro style

2009-08-28T03:16:20Z

This Saturday, come celebrate a Sacramento institution's 50th anniversary with Fairytale Town's Crystal Rockin' Royal 50th Anniversary Bash.

The park's annual fundraising celebration got a vintage makeover to celebrate its 50 year landmark, said Fairytale Town's Theatre Arts Educator and Community Relations Coordinator John Lee.

"Traditionally it has been called A Midsummer Night's Dream. Crystal has been sponsoring it for several years and has always supplied all-you-can-eat ice cream," Lee said. "What we have done this year, because it was our 50th anniversary and we opened in 1959, is make it '50s-themed."

According to Fairytale Town's website, the park was dedicated as a gift to the children of the central valley of Sacramento by community and business leaders as well as the Junior League of Sacramento on Aug. 29, 1959. In 1997, after more than 35 years of city management, Fairytale Town became the operation it remains today, a nonprofit board-run organization.

The celebration will get a '50s-style start as an Elvis impersonator is set to begin the night at 5:15 p.m. He will perform a 15-minute set, Lee said, and be available for a brief meet and greet after.

After Elvis leaves the building, the Tune Ups will take the stage to play classic rock and oldie favorites. There will be an open area for dancing, and representatives from the Arthur Murray dance studio will be stepping up to demonstrate some dance moves, Lee said.

Aside from live music, the event will feature a Hula Hoop competition, Silly Putty station and a vintage car display courtesy of the California Auto Museum. Participants are encouraged to come in their best '50s gear, as there will be a costume parade.

The event sponsor, Crystal, will be serving seven different flavors of ice cream at different stations. The frozen dessert is all you can eat, Lee said, so "get ready to eat some ice cream."

The fundraising event, Lee said, is for the entire family. Beer and wine will be available for adults, and there will also be an opportunity to win a necklace and earring set from Tiffany & Co, valued at $400. A $20 donation will enter event-goers into a drawing that will be announced toward the end of the evening.

Fairytale Town is an invaluable tradition for Sacramento children and their families Lee said. In an increasingly technological world, the fact that its interactive hands-on nature is still relevant is definite cause for celebration.

"We are the Land Park landmark! We've been here for 50 years and represent a retro traditional family amusement park," Lee said. "We also consider ourselves a literacy museum. We are keeping all the old play-sets alive as well as all the old connections to the original literary source material."

"This is old-school stuff. No video games, no TV and no rides. It's full-on just climbing and running and sliding and nursery rhymes," Lee said.

WHAT: Fairytale Town's 50th Anniversary Bash
WHERE: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive
WHO: all ages
WHEN: 5-9 p.m., Aug. 29

Tickets purchased before tomorrow are $19.59 for adults and $5 for kids (3-12).
At the door, tickets will be $25 for adults and $5 for kids.

Tickets can be purchased at Fairytale Town's website

Photo Credit to John Lee.

SacAnime Convention

2009-08-26T21:52:17Z

This weekend Sacramento fans can get their fill of everything anime during the 5th annual SacAnime Convention at the Radisson Hotel.

The event has increased in popularity since its inception in 2004. In an e-mail interview director of console gaming and press liaison Jason Dube said last year's event was attended by several thousand people. This year the numbers are expected to be even bigger.

According to SacAnime's website the convention began as an extension of the Sac Con show, an event geared more toward comic books, toys and collectibles. In 2004, the manager of Waldenbooks at the Sunrise Mall store approached founder and convention organizer Dan Houck and his Sac Anime volunteer staff with the idea of holding an anime convention at Sunrise Mall. The team took him up on his offer and SacAnime held its first convention that July.

Since then, the number of bodies attending has increased so much, said Dube, that the convention moved to the Scottish Rite Center in 2007 and finally to this year's largest location, the Radisson.

The event will feature a plethora of different activities throughout the two days and take place throughout the entire hotel, said Dube. Vendors will show their merchandise in the main banquet hall and art from contests such as Manga and Amateur Art will be displayed in the Small Press Zone, which will run along the hallway. Live music from artists Tanuki Suit Riots, Buranden, and akai SKY will entertain attendees in the outside pavilion.

Saturday will have events such as the "Free Hugs: A Guide to Conventions" discussion panel to educate and answer questions of first time attendees. Storyboard artist Brandon McKinney will be leading the "Storyboarding for Animation" panel, which will review the process of creating storyboards for animated television shows and movies.

There will also be special appearances by accomplished voice actors, writers, artists, and directors such as Alyson Court, voice of Lydia Deetz (originally played by Winona Ryder) in the animated adaptation of the 1988 film Beetlejuice and Claire Redfield in the video game Resident Evil 2, Liam O'Brien, Paul Mercier, andRoger Craig Smith, who will be available for discussion in panels such as the "Resident Evil Panel."

An aspect of SacAnime that is particularly well-received is "cosplay," or costumed role play, said Dube. The event will feature two cosplay displays, a masquerade on Saturday and fashion show on Sunday.

Cosplay is not just for performers, according Dube many of the convention's attendees engage in cosplay.

"It’s a remarkable spectacle to see. The most amazing part is it doesn’t have to even be something in anime," Dube said. "I've seen people in costume from Batman, Dr. Who, and Johnny Depp’s character from his 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' The only thing that seems to be an unspoken rule is to be in costume."

The popularity of cosplay not only contributes to the colorful atmosphere of the convention, but also facilitates a celebratory and social vibe, Dube said.

"People love to interact with each other in costume," Dube said. "I've seen the attendees get very excited to jump into spontaneous dance circles or line dancing."

The Sacramento anime scene itself is an exciting thing to be around, Dube said. The fans' energy and passion is representative of why SacAnime has had such growth over the past five years.

"I would characterize the scene as being on fire, wild and growing every year. The Sacramento anime fans have a spirited passion for the genre; the likes [of which] I have never seen before," Dube said.

And what of those who are new to anime? Is there room for them at SacAnime?

"The community is the most friendly and welcoming," Dube said. "As long as you are there to have fun and make new friends, you're going to have a blast."

For more info, visit SacAnime's website

WHAT: SacAnime Convention
WHERE: Radisson Hotel. 500 Leisure Lane
WHO: all ages

SAT ONLY: $25
SUN ONLY: $15
BOTH DAYS: $30

SHOW HOURS:

SATURDAY:
10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday morning
Vendors Room:10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m.
Anime Viewing Room: TBA
Console Gaming Room: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Cosplay Masquerade: 6 p.m.
3pm Concert with: Buranden, Tanuki Suite Riot and akai SKY
Sac Club Rave w/the Random Dj's: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

SUNDAY:
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Vendors Room: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration opens at 10 a.m.
Anime Viewing Room:10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Console Gaming Room: 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

Photo Credit to Jason Dube

Sonia Lucyga on "March of the Stilettos"

2009-08-22T23:39:09Z

Right now I think it's going to be in the Sacramento area as TwinSoup's content covers local spots. However, who knows for the future? Maybe TwinSoup will take over northern CA? :)

March of the Stilettos

2009-08-21T00:09:33Z

What made TwinSoup's Stiletto Crawl different from its fellow pub crawls?

"No men!"

"It's prettier."

"I don't think I have seen a single pair of flip-flops."

Last Wednesday three Sacramento hot-spots got hit with 75 well-heeled ladies courtesy of the Stiletto Crawl.

The traditional beer-and-batter-drenched pub crawls were disbanded--participants sipped champagne and white wine as they were chauffeured by Luxury Limousines from destination to destination.

TwinSoup.com is a local lifestyle guide with daily tips about fashion, events, hot-spots and culture in Sacramento.

Sarah Campbell, who co-founded TwinSoup with sister Rachel, said the initial idea for the event was born when TwinSoup was approached by Madam Butterfly and Hot Italian to do a girl's night out. The siblings put together the Stiletto Crawl concept and began to put the word out on the website and other social networking sites such as Twitter. A week before the event, the $45 pre-sale tickets sold out.

"I felt terrible, because girls were e-mailing me saying 'My girlfriend is dying to come!' But we just didn't have anymore room," Campbell said. "Anything over this [75 participants] would be chaos."

The night began at the boutique Madam Butterfly. Crawlers arrived at 6:30 for a private shopping event where all merchandise was 15 percent off and the champagne was freely flowing.

The first 25 to purchase Stiletto Crawl tickets also received their "swag bags," large gold totes laden with goodies like flip flops, sunglasses, and spa certificates.

Approximately 75 pairs of stilettos then did the only real crawling for the night as they piled into limos. The glamorous pack arrived at Hot Italian a little after 8 p.m. and took over the outdoor patio and a few large inside tables to eat, sip and socialize. After they were done dining the group trickled out of the restaurant to be shuttled to their final destination: MiX, where DJ Gabe Xavier was spinning top 40, pop and dance at the 16th and L location.

Many of the women said they embarked on the Stiletto Crawl to have a night on the town or spend time with their friends. A few just needed a break from their significant others.

"Anything to get away from my boyfriend," joked Sacramento resident Cat Haro. "I love the Giants, but not that much."

"I don't think we do them [girl's nights out] often enough. It's an excuse to all get together with a bunch of friends we would have gotten together with anyway, had anybody actually planned something," said East Sacramento resident Rachel Pitts. "We all work hard, and we're all ready to have a glass of freaking champagne."

Crawler Jamee Sims said that the $45 ticket was a bargain for an extravagant night.

"It is relatively inexpensive for what you get," Sims said. "Champagne at Madam Butterfly, drinks in the limo, and no cover at MiX."

According to Sarah Campbell, events like the Stiletto Crawl expose chic local spots to the hottest current consumer: a woman.

"It's important for local business. Women are responsible for like 80 percent of the economy right now," Campbell said. "Businesses are after our demographic, because a woman will get what she wants, when she wants it."

Campbell said that the event aimed to pamper and celebrate its participants with personalized touches like champagne and limousine transportation. She even made a mix CD for the ride.

"I made a special CD for tonight. All the girls were like 'What music is this?' It's my CD! I wanted to take care of every little detail. It's those types of things women appreciate," Campbell said.

Whether crawlers came for shopping, drinks, or the opportunity to get dolled up on a Wednesday night, the evening was about women with similar interests and passions having a chance to connect in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

"A lot of these women here are professionals in areas like PR and marketing. Right now they could be having stimulating, great conversations about business and life. It's awesome," Campbell said. "You bring the boys in and you get a whole different feel. But when it's just the girls it's suddenly a great bunch of friends."

The next Stiletto Crawl is scheduled for October in Roseville. Visit TwinSoup's website for more info.

Sonia Lucyga on "Parkour traces Sacramento"

2009-08-20T21:05:31Z

Illuminating! I had always wondered about Parkour...The philosophy behind it is phenomenal and totally applicable to day to day existence. I think we could all be more aware of our physical boundaries, or lack thereof!

Fresh Dispenser fashion show at Harlow's

2009-08-19T03:58:01Z

This Thursday attendees will get a preview of back-to-school looks during Fresh Dispenser, a fashion show event whose proceeds will go to Invisible Children, a non-profit organization devoted to ending institutions of cruelty and subjugation in Uganda.

The idea for the event was birthed about eight months ago by local event-planning group First Dirt, said Tim Morales, one of the group's founders and event coordinators. The group wanted to promote the business of local clothing stores that they know and love, Morales said.

"We've [First Dirt has] been involved in planning events for local underground hip-hop for the past four years." Morales said. "We wanted to do something different, like get involved with the local boutiques. It was a way to try to get more business into boutiques that we respect, make sure they stay around, promote the culture of art, music and fashion in downtown as well as incorporate a fundraiser."

Invisible Children's movement began in the spring of 2003 when three young men from Southern California traveled to Africa with the intent on making an adventure film. The material that Laren Poole, Jason Russel and Bobby Bailey returned with, however, became Invisible Children: Rough Cut, a film that uncovers the unfortunate truths of northern Uganda's night commuters and child soldiers.

According to Invisible Children's website, the film has been seen by millions of people since its release in 2005. The non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created in order to answer the viewers' overwhelming responses of "How can I help?"

Morales said Invisible Children's message is an important one but does not always get adequate exposure. He said that First Dirt found the organization particularly promising in that the website is continually evolving, creating new programs like Bracelet Campaign, Schools for Schools, and Visible Child Scholarship Program. The fact that their progress was so visible, Morales said, made Invisible Children the prime candidate for a charity beneficiary.

"I'm pretty skeptical in supporting fundraisers and charity because I don't necessarily know where the money is going," he said. "But I have seen a progression in their website and the different programs they have added to their cause. I feel like I have seen people's money being put to good use. It would have bothered me if i didn't see any type of progression in their site, but it looks like it's an evolving thing. It's not stagnant at all."

The fashion show will feature looks from Sacramento boutiques United State, Artifacts, Kingdom, Gatolla and San Jose boutique Reprezent. Models will walk down a 4-by-16-foot catwalk brought in specifically for the event. There will be no vending, Morales said, so the clothing shown will not be readily available. However, all pieces that will premier on Thursday can be purchased at the stores that house them.

"Our main goal is to show the new stuff for fall back-to-school, to expose the fundraiser and to inform people that these fashions are here," Morales said. "We have access to them. You don't have to go online."

Reggae hip-hop artist Ras Matthew will start the festivities will a 30-minute set before the fashion spectacle and also close out the night after the show.

Morales said that events like Fresh Dispenser haven't always gotten the attention and exposure they deserve in Sacramento. That is why he and his team members at First Dirt believed so strongly in making it happen.

"It's bittersweet," he said. "When the larger population doesn't support us, it forces people like us to put our noses to the grindstone and actually make it happen. It brings something out in you that you might not have known was there. And if you do that, other people latch on, and it starts to become more of the norm."

Fresh Dispenser aims to expose underground fashion and artistic culture as well as an important cause to a population that may not have seen it otherwise. Morales believes the event will be an eye-opening experience for those in attendance.

"I have never been to anything like this," he said. "I think it's going to be something new for Sacramento, said Morales. "It's going to be so many different faces, types and genres that people normally end up categorizing for each other. I think being around one another will be a new experience for those involved."

WHAT: Fresh Dispenser Fashion Show Fundraiser
WHERE: 2708 J St.
WHO: 21 and up
WHEN: Aug. 20, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
HOW MUCH: $15 at the door

For more info visit the Harlow's website, or call (916) 320-9467.

All images courtesy of First Dirt

First Annual SacShows Local Music Awards

2009-08-14T22:00:35Z

This Sunday will mark the first ever SacShows Local Music Awards Show at Empire Club. The event, which will have a "Red Carpet Walk" for nominees and VIP guests, will begin at 7 p.m.

SacShows.com began in 2004 as a music information site that offered show listings for all of Northern California, said local promoter and founder Justin Nordan in an e-mail interview.

Nordan's relationship with Sacramento music runs deeper than four years, though. He recalls his "first love" moment 14 years ago.

"I was instantly transformed by my first local show in Sac when I was 18," he said. "I saw Cake and Daisy Spot at Crest Theater in 1995. I was hooked."

After two years of heavy travel, SacShows abruptly fell into disuse, Nordan said. He plans on relaunching the site eventually but is currently focusing on his three-year brain child: the awards show.

Nordan worried that his awards show might not be able to distinguish itself from Sacramento News & Review's SAMMIES. The SAMMIES held their 19th award show honoring Sacramento music this June. However, after studying awards events, Nordan decided there was room for both events.

"I admire the SAMMIES for their commitment over the past 19 years, but I feel that SacShows can cater to what the music community wants on another level," Nordan said.

There are 11 categories total, with five to seven nominees in each one. The nominees were decided by Nordan and a panel of four other music advisers whom Nordan describes as having "the most unbiased views of the scene."

"Basically, none of us have anything to gain from the nominees, so we were able to really look at all aspects of the artists, their music and their role in the scene," Nordan said. "We eliminated any bands that are signed to major labels, major indie labels, or are involved in development deals with either major or major indie labels."

The nominees are all from within the Sacramento area, Nordan said.

"I consider the Sacramento area from Elk Grove to Placerville and Davis to Auburn," he said. "I also include Marysville/Yuba City and Woodland in the local Sacramento area."

The winners have been chosen by community vote on the Internet. In the nine weeks the voting website has been up, it has received 2,000 unique votes said Nordan.

The event will feature a live DJ, catering by Beach Hut Deli, two bars and a raffle drawing. The Red Carpet will set the tone for a fun night of celebrating local achievements in music.

"The red carpet will treat bands the way they should be treated in the local music scene," Nordan said. "They are talented artists, and stars in the eyes of some fans. I figured we need to make them feel like they are stars."

Even with exciting features like a red carpet, a question still lingers as SacShow's David steps up to the 19-year-old SAMMIES Goliath. How will the SacShows awards event differ from the SAMMIES?

"The awards ceremony itself," Nordan said. "We don't have nominated bands, or winners, playing at the event. That is so we can truly be as unbiased as possible. I don't want to give away the winners, nor play favorites with bands on the bill."

The lack of performances during the show isn't the only defining characteristic of Sunday's event. Nordan strives to make the awards show something of a creative communal brainstorm, while honoring those who inspire it.

"I wanted to create an event that inspires, cultivates creative energy, recognizes talented artists, allowed fans to be a part of the experience, acknowledge the 'founding fathers' of our local scene, and made everyone feel welcome," Nordan said.

The theme of inclusion, of representing the hospitality that exists in Sacramento's artistic community, is one of Nordan's driving motivations in holding the first ever SacShows awards event.

"I don't care if you are a band from the 'burbs, or a band in Midtown," Nordan said. "We want everyone to be involved in this musical rebirth."

WHAT: SacShows Local Music Awards Event
WHERE: Empire 1417 R St
WHO: all ages
HOW MUCH: $10

To learn more about the event, click here or here.

All images courtesy of SacShow's Myspace.

Sonia Lucyga on "The Hot Lunch Concert Series"

2009-08-13T23:49:58Z

Ricky Berger is awesome as is Hot Italian's ferrer roche gelato. It loos liek a lot of the musicians are singer/songwriters...no bands?

Sonia Lucyga on "Drag Queen Bingo Raises Money for Charity"

2009-08-13T21:45:23Z

It's $20 for 10 games. They had great drink deals like $2 Washington Apples. I don't know what charity will be benefitted Aug. 26, but David Mansch and Richard Borill (owners of Hamburger Patties) said they would like to partner up with the SPCA and also gay oriented charities.

Sonia Lucyga on "Drag Queen Bingo Raises Money for Charity"

2009-08-13T21:27:15Z

Only Emcee Rusty Nails was in full drag. But every Bingo winner got his/her chance to play drag queen with a wig and crown.

Drag Queen Bingo Raises Money for Charity

2009-08-13T20:55:00Z

"Pelt her, pelt her, all the way down!"

A lively crowd chanted their intentions as they pelted a wig-wearing bingo winner with crumpled paper score cards. The ritual was repeated with all ten of the winners during last Wednesday's first ever Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Patties.

Approximately 75 prize-hungry people showed up to the 7:00 p.m. event produced by Outword magazine. The night's proceeds went to Women Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE), an organization that provides crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The idea for Drag Queen Bingo came about a year ago, said Hamburger Patties co-owner Richard Borill. Borill and fellow owner Davin Mansch worked with Outword Publisher Fred Palmer to get a charity beneficiary on board for Drag Queen Bingo's launch.

Palmer asked WEAVE if they would want to collaborate, and according to WEAVE's Director of Development and Communication Relations Julie Burnhoeft, the organization jumped at the chance.

"Anytime Outword and Fred Palmer do something, it's going to be a good time," Burnhoeft said. "There have been budget challenges for everyone, so anytime someone can support us it's great. Every little bit counts."

The event will currently run every other week and will support different charities Mansch said. Eventually it is his hope that the turnouts will allow Drag Queen Bingo to be weekly.

Mistress of Ceremonies Rusty Nails made it clear that the night was about audience participation. She kept players on their toes and the entertainment coming with one-liners like "I told you I had Kathy Griffin in the trunk of my car, I'm not going to let her steal my gays," and "When you were 24, Judy Garland was alive."

Palmer met Nails when he saw her hosting a previous event. Her sharp and hilarious energy was the type of presence Drag Queen Bingo needed.

"We [Palmer, Mansch and Borill] wanted someone who was over the top, very fun and energetic," Palmer said. "Not tragic drag, if we wanted tragic drag we would do it ourselves."

As promised in the flyer, this was not "your grandmother's bingo." Winners donned a wig and tiara for their victory dash through the restaurant and a few were pulled onto stage and spanked by Nails.

If there was a tie, the two potentials played a sudden death round. The victor went away with prizes such as a "movie night" gift basket or a $50 Hamburger Patties bar credit, while the loser thrust his or her hand into a large red bag as the crowd chanted "Bag of Crap, Bag of Crap!" Much to the audience's delight, the Bag of Crap yielded gag prizes such as Paul Cameron's Gay Guide.

Drag queens have long been a visible force in the fields of activism, charity and good will. June 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, an event remembered partly through the stories of young drag queens refusing to submit to police raids. As Nails continued to incite laughter and participation from her audience, it was clear how her presence was the catalyst for the night's success.

Felicity Diamond, of Divine Divas of Diversity and the next Emcee for Drag Queen Bingo, said the effectiveness of drag queens as communicators stems from their abilities to combine humor and spectacle.

"We bridge the gap between communities with laughter and fun," said Diamond. "Everyone can relate to and enjoy having fun."

"It's all about selling," Burnhoeft said. "They can make a fabulous case for whatever they're putting out there. Who doesn't love a good drag queen? How can you not do what they tell you to?"

The evening concluded with the 10th and final winner receiving 12 tickets to the California State Fair. There was a bit of a mix-up as Nails thought the prize was only for two tickets. Her reaction when she realized it was 12?

"That bitch is going to have an orgy on the Zipper."

Join Felicity Diamond Aug. 26 for the second installment of Drag Queen Bingo. 6:30 @ Hamburger Patties, 1630 J St.

For WEAVE's Website click here

Photo credit to Charles Peer

Lincoln exhibit's hours extended

2009-08-12T03:04:00Z

Due to the immense popularity of The California Museum's With Malice Toward None: Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibit, visiting hours will be extended to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the original 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The extended hours apply to the last 10 days of the exhibit, from Aug. 13 to Aug. 23.

When museum staff observed the high turnout, they wanted to give potential visitors more opportunity, so the extended hours and the extra day of Aug. 23 were added.

"No one's complained about lines or overcrowding—we just noticed that crowds were gathering at 9:30 a.m. to get in, and people have stayed in the museum right up until we close the door at 5 p.m," said California Museum Communication Manager, Ashley S. Robinson.

The exhibit has seen an influx of 27,000 guests in the past six weeks, said Robinson. She said it has averaged to about 600 people per day, which is an extraordinary number for the museum. The Lincoln exhibit's popularity has been beneficial to both the museum and its visitors.

"If it's too crowded, [visitors] might have checked out the rest of the museum," Robinson said. "A lot of the people who are coming to the exhibit have never even been to the museum before. So this has been a great opportunity for them to check out what other kinds of programs and exhibits they can see here."

Pieces of the exhibit that have generated interest among those visiting have been the inaugural Bible, which President Barack Obama used during his initiation ceremony, as well as the contents of Lincoln's pockets the night he was assassinated. An artifact that has been surprisingly well-received, Robinson said, is First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln's jewelery.

"It's from Tiffany's and they are pearls," Robinson said. "I think people were expecting a lot of documents, and here is this beautiful jewelry. At one point she spent $2,000 on a gown; we converted [the monetary amount] and it's the equivalent of $46,000 today. People don't know that much about Mary Todd, so it is cool for them to see that little bit of her."

This Saturday the California Museum will hold a free admission day for Wells Fargo members. Visitors should bring their Wells Fargo ATM cards to receive a free day of exhibit-combing.

Robinson said on average the exhibit takes about two hours to view. The largest crowds are in the mornings, she said, and recommended anytime after noon as a less congested time.

For more information and for future California Museum exhibits click here.
The California Museum is located at 1020 O Street.

All images courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Sonia Lucyga on "High on Fire at Harlow's"

2009-08-11T19:45:04Z

The photos are great. I don't even know what sludge is, but the piece was so communicative I think I got it. More music reviews!

Sonia Lucyga on "Friends of Laura Ling share their experiences"

2009-08-11T19:18:12Z

In a story that has been splayed on various news institutions nationwide, this focused perspective brings it back to two mother/friends/sisters returning to their families after an extended period of terrifying limbo. I attended a Ling and Lee vigil at the Capitol and this story rang very true to the sentiments and incredible support provided by the community. I think this piece really exemplifies the angles and possibilities Sac Press can offer.

Sonia Lucyga on "Elly Awards Celebrate Sac Theatre"

2009-08-11T19:09:58Z

That is a good idea, an article expanding on how much merit an Elly holds for Sacramento citizens and thespians would be really illuminating.

Elly Awards Celebrate Sac Theatre

2009-08-09T01:04:59Z

The Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) will announce the nominations for the most outstanding theater performances of 2008-2009 at its Elly Nomination Party, said SARTA office administrator Benjamin T. Ismail. Sacarmento City College will host the celebration on Aug. 9 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Held and named in honor of the late Eleanor McClatchy, a devoted patron of local arts, the Elly's are in its 27th year. On Sept. 20, SARTA will honor the winners with a ceremony at the Crest Theatre. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for group rate and SARTA members. They go on sale Aug. 10 and can be purchased by calling SARTA's office or the day of at the Crest box office.

There are seven categories from which theatre members are nominated: comedy, drama, educational musical, educational play, musical, original works, young people's musical, young people's play. Within each category, awards are given to the best in costume design, direction, lead actor, lead actress, lighting design, overall production, set design, supporting actor and supporting actress.

The judging is done by theatre members and enthusiatsts referred to by SARTA as "super-volunteers." Judges cannot be involved in any theatre company in the category they are judging, said Ismail, and usually have backgrounds in theatre. There are five judges in each category, and each of them may attend between a minimum of 15 and maximum of 45 shows during the year-long season.

This year's event will be arranged so that the first two hours focus on the awards to the educational categories while the last half focuses on the adult and musical categories. Some of the night's highlights, said Ismail, will be the performances from musical-nominated companies.

"All the best musical nominees bring their shows back together and they do a performance, Ismail said."[The process is] very similar to the Tony's."

The performances are as full-production as possible, Ismail said, including full costume, make-up, choreography, sound quality, and theatrical lighting. Besides putting on a dazzling show, the Elly performances allow for company member to reunite and redo the number that got them noticed.

"What's really cool is you will get casts of 30 people who all come back to do the Elly's," Ismail said. "Its a fun reunion opportunity for these casts."

Being nominated for an Elly is no walk in the park. According to Ismail, there are around 50 shows in each category and for awards like supporting or lead actor/actress, there can be two or three leads per show. Therefore, the five nominees for each award have gone up against hundreds of people, Ismail said.

"It's a very competitive award—I mean musical judges go to a show a week," Ismail said. "A lot of theatre happens in Sacramento so it's quite an award to even be nominated for. There are so many things you go up against."

While the Elly's offer prestige for theatre companies and entertainment for the general population, the award ceremony also facilitates a wider purpose of bringing together participants, lovers and new talents of Sacramento theatre.

"I think it's a really great opportunity for unification among over 100 theatres, to get to know other people and showcase what we've done for the past year," Ismail said. "SARTA has really worked so that Elly's meet the needs of the community in offering different aesthetics and styles."

Ismail said Elly attendees can expect not only to see talented people performing the best and most exciting numbers of the year, but also to learn what productions may interest them in the future.

"People will really enjoy getting to see, especially in musical category, what has been going on in the community," Ismail said. "You get to get excited about the next season, get to see what's available. Also, you get to see and hear from a lot of new companies coming up. There has been 10 or 15 new companies nominated this year."

"Its a review of the year when you think about it, it's quite a fun thing," Ismail said.

For more information, Click Here for SARTA's website.

Sac Salons Battle at Hair Wars

2009-08-08T04:54:02Z

The second installment of the six week, 12 salon hair competition "Hair Wars" took place last Thursday with runway performances from Allure and Canvas Salon. Each week two Sacramento salons go head-to-head, showcasing their best in avant-garde hair styling.

The runway, constructed specifically for the event, stood in the middle of the Park Ultra Lounge's outdoor patio. Approximately 200 people piled on top of benches and stood on chairs to get a glimpse of the action.

Allure was one of the finalists in last year's Hair Wars. Owner Missy O'Daniel said the competition offers her stylists an outlet by which they can show not only their patrons, but also the community as a whole, what they are capable of.

"What we do in Sacramento on a day-to-day basis is making people beautiful, creating wearable hair," O'Daniel said. "Here [at Hair Wars] we are free to be very creative. The sky's the limit for what we can do."

Canvas Salon took to the runway first at around 10:30 p.m. The show was focused around a modern Egyptian theme, with Canvas' design team drawing inspiration from Cleopatra.

"She was so ahead of her time," said Opaline's Closet's Joni Jacobs, who designed the garments worn by Canvas' models. "[We drew inspiration from] the woman she was, her elegance, the drapery, her obsession with Isis and eye make-up."

The ladies were decked in everything from a calf-length gold-brocade sleeveless dress to a silky black pantsuit. Accessories were omnipresent; gold bangles and arm bands adorned limbs and metallic chain belts cinched waists. The masculine side wore expertly draped fabrics and gold body paint, and contributed considerably to the shows theatrical side. Two gold-painted men in little but a glorified sheet carried the first model on their shoulders before setting her down to walk. Models flirted and teased the stone-faced "slave boys" as they stood waving palm fronds at the runway's end.

The clothes and theatrics provided impeccable backdrops for the star of the show: the hair.

Hugely intricate up-dos, with braids twisted and snaking around complicated buns. Many of the models had heavy, straight-across bangs framing their kohl-lined eyes. The hair hues were on the dark side of the color spectrum, ranging from deep, purplish reds to chocolate auburn.

Cherry Dooran Johnson, co-owner of Canvas Salon, said that it was the salon's first year participating in Hair Wars. Despite the salon's last minute decision to enter, the show was a success for all those involved, said Johnson. She and Jacobs attribute the night's achievements to the talent and closeness of her team.

"We have an amazing team, young and creative," Johnson said. "Tonight they got to explore the artistic side of doing—the other side that's not behind a chair."

"We are a very spontaneous group," Jacobs said. "Everybody is extremely easy to work with, great attitudes— a lot of times that is a difficult thing to achieve with a group of young women. We are all friends."

Allure was the second and final salon to take the stage that night. An Asian aesthetic was the conceptual force behind the looks. Models padded down the runway in cropped kimonos that exposed punky, patterned tights and thick-strapped stiletto platforms. O'Daniel said in the six-week preparation for the show she hand gone to San Fransisco to purchase the original robe-like costumes. Then she and her team took to altering all the garments to transform the traditional look into a modernized one of their own.

Once again the hair stole the show as models rocked asymmetrical bangs with rounded, shiny stacked buns. Faux, brightly colored hair pieces in blues and platinum blond, feathers, and even tiny paper umbrellas added height and depth to cascading ponytails and teased-out up-swept hair.

The show reached its climax when a model with an ornate feather head piece walked down the runway as the head of a re-vamped Chinese dragon. As she finished her walk, the "legs" of the dragon, two young men in all black, exploded from underneath and began sparring, jumping on and off the stage in shows of athleticism and refined knowledge of martial arts. The finale featured all 10 girls lined up on the runway, fanning out posing with their paper umbrellas and lanterns, inciting the crowd.

Both shows offered women and men imaginative possibilities for hair. Viewers were able witness the wildest daydreams of the salons and perhaps incorporate elements of the fantasy hair to refresh the monotony of day-to-day wearable hair. O'Daniel explained how the process of inspiration, however, is a mutual one.

"For people that know us, know we do beautiful hair," she said. "This is a different side on what we are able to do. We do it more for us, to inspire ourselves."

Check out next week's Hair Wars when Luxe Salon & Spa faces off against Hoss Lee academy Thursday at the Park Ultra Lounge.

August [Aug.] 13: Hoss Lee Academy and Luxe Salon & Spa
August 20: Willo Salon & Spa and The California Academy
August 27: Deeda Salon and Magic Salon
September [Sept.] 3: Joseph Anthony Salon & Spa and Bia Salon

Sonia Lucyga on "Concerts in the Park: The Brodys bringing props to the plaza"

2009-07-30T22:18:16Z

That cover band thing is hilarious, very clever. I like their approach to "making it big" whatever that means. To me, their obvious love of music and devotion to a complete, satisfied life is an ultimate success.

3rd Annual Kitty Palooza

2009-07-30T06:02:29Z

Needing to fill a void in your life? With two-for-one cat adoption specials, Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation's Kitty Palooza could be the event to help you do that.

This Saturday and Sunday will be an opportunity for Sacramento cat-lovers to find one, or two, new friends.

The third annual Kitty Palooza will be held at the Sacramento County Shelters on Bradshaw Road August 2. Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation Communication and Media Officer Annie Parker said the two-for-one cat adoption option is the main draw.

"We like to extol the benefits of having two cats; they keep each other company, they take care of each other, they don't get too bored and ruin your furniture," Parker said. "And when people find out that they get two for the same price that they can get one, we have gotten a lot of takers on it."

According to Parker, there are at least 100 adult cats and kittens up for adoption. They come with a bag of food, kitty litter, and toys. If they are not spayed or neutered upon the time of adoption, said Parker, they will be within the week.

Cats can have multiple litters a year, Parker said. Shelters like Sacramento County can receive a daunting influx of kittens in spring and early summer; Kitty Palooza is a way to help find them homes.

"Cat populations can explode and generally cats come in groups, and that could be six cats that have to be spayed or neutered," Parker said. "We have so many cats, so we do these two for ones and special adoption events because we overwhelmingly get more cats than dogs, always."

The event will also offer activities like face-painting, prize drawings, and free pet care information. The process of adopting a cat should be a personal and enjoyable one, said Parker, and the festival-like atmosphere will help to induce that experience.

"It's not like you just point at a cat, and it's like, 'Okay there you go.' They want you to sit down and get to know the cat. A lot of that stuff is here to put people at ease, so they can relax a little bit and take their time looking around. So we are offering little entertainment, carnival things like that," Parker said.

If you already have a cat, said Parker, adding another one to your home through Kitty Palooza involves "minimal issue." The event, a kitten mecca, has huge draw for children; the array of irresistible cats will usually result in a new addition to a home

"I ended up adopting a cat last year," Parker said. "You come, and it's kind of inevitable."

WHAT: Kitty Palooza
WHEN: Aug. 1, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Aug. 2, 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sacramento County Shelter 4290 Bradshaw Road
COST: Free

For more information about Kitty Palooza, click here.
Photos Courtesy of Annie Parker

Sonia Lucyga on "A brief encounter with Club Lyfestile"

2009-07-30T00:45:57Z

These guys sound phenomenal. What's their style akin to? I'm visualizing crumping for some reason.

Sonia Lucyga on "Sac Film-maker Fights Obesity "

2009-07-28T02:37:34Z

Photos credit to ESY NOLA's website: http://www.esynola.org/

Sac Film-maker Fights Obesity

2009-07-28T02:35:05Z

Sacramento resident Robert Lee Grant will screen his documentary Nourishing the Kids of Katrina Wednesday at the Shepard Garden & Arts Center in McKinley Park.

The film focuses on Alice Waters' Edible Schoolyard program in two New Orleans schools: Green Charter and Arthur Ashe Charter Schools. It will feature commentary from First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama regarding the installment of the White House's own organic garden and concerns about America's obesity epidemic.

In 1995, The Edible Schoolyard was established at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School In Berkeley, Calif. by the Chez Panisse Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Waters. In an article in NRTA Live & Learn, an online educational journal, Waters described the benefit of using the cycle of food growth and consumption as a tool to enrich the lives of children.

"Through gardening and cooking and eating meals together you can learn empathy and compassion and sharing," Waters said. "It's very powerful to witness. Food is about care. These kids are hungry."

"Food is about care, and the Edible Schoolyard has proven that when the children feel cared for, it keeps them coming back and eating," Waters wrote. "We find that when they grow food and cook it, they all eat it. They like this kind of experiential education. And they like and need to be cared for and nourished."

According to a study by Harvard Medical School cited in The New York Times Magazine, “After one year, students at King, compared with a control group at a similar middle school, showed improvement in behavior and had fewer emotional problems. They were savvier about ecology, and their overall grade point averages improved.”

Edible School Yard New Orleans (ESY NOLA) started in fall 2006 at two public charter schools. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade participate in gardening and cooking lessons that enforce academic curriculum in areas like math, social studies and science. According to ESY NOLA's website, the program serves a student body of 320, 98 percent of which are African American, 75 percent are from single parent homes and 95 percent qualify for federal or reduced-fee breakfast and lunch programs. Students participate in hands-on learning experiences through weekly classes, where they learn skills such as how to work as a team or correctly set a table, and seasonal events that utilize local foods.

Grant has only produced one other short film in his career. After Hurricane Katrina, Grant enrolled in a five-week course at the San Francisco School for Digital Film-making (SFSDF). The eight-minute film about Waters' Berkeley institution was used to help raise $1.3 million to build ESY NOLA.

"Hurricane Katrina was the defining moment because I wanted to do something special for NOLA, and it coincided with my longtime desire to become an artist/filmmaker," Grant said.

Grant said that being one of the first 10,000 supporters of Obama's campaign influenced the film's direction. His film educates about the Obama administration's efforts in battling the obesity epidemic through the support of organic foods and healthy eating.

"The film is intended to be seen in schools around the country to support President Obama's and First Lady Obama's efforts to bring awareness to the issues of obesity and good nutrition among kids and teachers and health care professionals," Grant said. "Those of us who volunteered for the Obama Campaign have to continue to support presidential initiatives with whatever talents that we possess. Change happens from the bottom up!"

Grant lived in NOLA from November 2004 to January 2009 when he made the permanent move to Sacramento. He cites his favorite part of the film-making process as the interview with two young female ESY NOLA participants, through whom he hopes to show viewers how programs like ESY NOLA have positively benefited American youth, from better nutrition habits to a greater appreciation of nature.

The obesity epidemic is a great challenge for the Obama administration and American society at large, but Nourishing the Kids of Katrina's message is ultimately one of hope.

"[People should take away] a sense of possibility to do something about the childhood obesity epidemic in our country, which is currently on track to make today's generation of kids the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents," Grant said. "If a program like the 'edible schoolyard' can be developed in poor black schools in NOLA, then other programs like it can be successfully developed in every school in the U.S.A."

Following the film's end will be a question-and-answer portion with Grant and Bill Maynard, city of Sacramento community gardens developer. Grant will be fielding questions about the film while Maynard will give advice and instruction on creating community gardens or how to attain a plot within a community garden. Proceeds from the screening will benefit Sacramento American Community Gardening Association; suggested donations range from $5-10.

WHAT: Robert Grant Lee's Nourishing the Kids of Katrina Screening, with discussion to follow
WHERE: Shepard Garden & Arts Center McKinley Park. 3330 McKinley Blvd
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. (Doors open). Film to start 7-7:30 p.m.

*Volunteers are needed for setup and cleanup, e-mail karenhansen108@comcast.com if interested.
*May want to bring cushion to sit on, as seating is metal folding chairs.

Sonia Lucyga on "Music meets design at Vhcle Launch festival"

2009-07-27T07:04:03Z

For more about the event read: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11173/Launching%20Sac%20Style

Launching Sac Style

2009-07-27T06:19:48Z

One of the true gems of Launch, a Vchle Magazine event that took place Saturday, was the innovative stylings of both the fashion designers and those in attendance.

The event, dedicated to Sacramento's fashion and design talent, explored the question: What is Sac style?

"Who knows?" Mel Eligon, store manager of Cuffs, asked. "Style has everything to do with the individual, and there are a plethora of individualities here. This sounds generic, but the D.I.Y. thing, seeking out unique pieces, is really big. In big cities like L.A. and San Francisco, certain things are put in your face for what is fashionable. But because we are a small town, it's easy for us to make an extra effort to look different."

Sacramentans turned out in full force; models, musicians and event-goers combined for spectacular people-watching at Del Paso Boulevard's Greens Hotel. The online design magazine's festival began at 6 p.m. and lasted until 2 a.m.

Vendors lined hallways and decorated corners with display tables and racks of clothing offering anything from reworked vintage pieces to original designs. The hotel's courtyard gave access to unique browsing opportunities as the vendors were set up in individual rooms. Attendees milled from one room to the next viewing creative displays like jewelry on dressers and stacked T-shirts on beds.

Elignon voiced her appreciation for Launch's successful formula of combining vending with showcasing aspects of a fashion show.

"Sometimes when there is a show, the actual products can be easily overlooked, " Elignon said, "but here it's been integrated really well."

Jennifer Slater, an Artifacts model and Midtown resident, echoed Elignon's assessment that not having a definitive fashion reputation allows for greater freedom with individual style as well as business.

"We are so diverse with our style, it can't be pinpointed by one stereotype," Slater said. "Sac Style is a blend of different styles thrown together. And everything is local still, like Artifacts is starting its own Cut and Sew line. Here, even retail is D.I.Y."

Artist and Sacramento resident Jeff Musser said that the community's size was the ultimate factor in its style reputation, or lack thereof.

"I would say Sacramento style is evolving. It's not that we don't have talented artists and designers, we don't have the support mechanism that San Francisco, Chicago, L.A. or Miami does for their artists, " Musser said. "It's not that the money isn't here either, we just don't have the numbers; we don't even have 500,000 people. There is only so much that a designer, musician or artist can accomplish in Sacramento. You hit a ceiling and then you either branch out or you stay in that ceiling."

The aesthetic climax of the evening was the 10 p.m. fashion show, which presented the work of Sacramento-based designers Altered Betty's, Artifacts, Velvet Leaf, Rejects and Van Der Neer. The clothing featured was mostly couture.

Altered Betty's show opened with a model doing belly dance-inspired movements down the runway. The models wore reworked vintage pieces and reflected the label's unique modernity in instances such as dreadlocks and cowboy boots with a patterned, asymmetrically hemmed dress or a jungle print fitted mini-dress with strong-shouldered short sleeves exposing tattooed arms.

Artifacts featured both men's and women's clothing; the males wore urban-inspired street wear while the female models worked vintage-inspired casual pieces like high-waisted floral print shorts and cotton jumpers. Reject featured spidery yarn fingerless gloves in bright red and neon fabric shoestring neck pieces to complement revamped vintage pieces.

Velvet Leaf's collection borrowed inspiration from '60 silhouettes from cape-like sheaths to fitted quarter-sleeve cocktail dresses. Details such as black or cream oversize fabric bows and a gem-encrusted neckline added surprising twists to classic forms.

The final designer, Nicole Kniss for Van Der Neer, gave attendees a theatrical presentation. With Alice in Wonderland clips playing on giant backdrop screens, the line inspired by "the creepiness of children's clothes" displayed jumpers and mini dresses in pastels, with ruffle detail and nude tights. The hair and makeup upped the drama factor; models worked teased pin-curl updos and extended eyelashes framing contoured cheeckbones.

Kniss, who began her design career doing hair for fashion shows, commented on the progression of Sacramento fashion.

"When I started doing hair four or five years ago, it seemed like people were just getting excited about something other than music," Kniss said. "Now, I think these kinds of shows are going to take over the world."

She also credited Sacramento's fashion scene with having a strong sense of unity.

"Its a huge community, and we all want to help out. I mean, what Velvet Leaf is doing [fashion-wise] is really cool," reflected Kniss. "Competition can be really done up; but here, everybody just wants to make everybody famous."

Vchle's Michael Hargis, the main coordinator of Launch, acknowledged the tight-knit nature of the Sacramento fashion community is a large part of the night's success.

"The relationship aspect is more important than anything else. When you love for somebody and care for somebody and you want to see the best for them, you want to showcase what they are," Hargis said. "After trying to network and build community and building something stronger than us as individuals, we wanted to work with people in the fashion world... You root for the girls, you root for the fashion."

The Donnas Show

2009-07-23T05:06:20Z

This Friday Marilyn's on K Street gets a dose of good old-fashioned American Rock 'n' Roll courtesy of The Donnas.

The 8 p.m. event is part of a string of headlining shows incorporated into their 2009 Summer Tour. The Donnas also open for Blondie and Pat Benatar on this summer's Call Me Invincible Tour. The girls will be joined by Aroarah and Triple Cobra (click links for band websites).

The band got its beginnings in Northern California at a Palo Alto middle school. Influenced by groups such as KISS and The Ramones, in 1993 the four 13-year-old self-described "dorky preteen girls" formed The Electrocutes.

Toward the end of high school the girls decided to form another band that would play a different style of music and named themselves The Donnas. To help distinguish between the two bands, each member took on the stage name Donna accompanied by the first letter of her last name.

The original group remains intact with Brett Anderson (Donna A) on vocals, Allison Robertson (Donna R) on guitar, Maya Ford (Donna F) on bass, and Tory Castellano (Donna C) on drums.

In an interview with Evelyn McDonnell of Interview Magazine, Anderson described the sound of The Electrocutes as speed metal.

"The Electrocutes were kind of confusing and enigmatic; we understood it, but nobody else did," Anderson said. "And so we decided that if we're gonna be playing live, we should play something that somebody besides us understands. We started doing the Donnas more, and we finally just merged them together, so instead of saving all of our ideas for the Electrocutes, we used them for the Donnas."

A little over a year ago, The Donnas started their own record label Purple Feather.

"Economic times are bad, not as much money floating around and it's harder for people to take risks," Anderson said. "I look at the music industry as a sinking ship. [With Purple Feather] we just had more control and efficiency with dealing with the economic situation. We didn't have to go through the whole process with asking for permission, waiting till you get it. It's easier to just be like 'We got to do this now!' and do it, and be done."

The label's name was inspired by the group's love of all things furry.

"We were at a photo shoot at Echo Park Lake, and there were all these ducks and we were obsessed with the ducks. We are really into animals in this band," Anderson said. "The ducks were just being so funny and we kept watching them. And there were these ones, that if they raised their wings they had a purple feather underneath. So we were like 'Show your purple feather ducks!' like a pride thing, and then it turned into like 'Hey man, show your purple feather' or 'Hey, don't try to hold me down, I'll show my purple feather.'"

On July 9, the band released its eighth album "The Donna's Greatest Hits Volume 16" through Purple Feather. Donna super-fans (also known as Donnaholics) can hear five re-recorded tracks as well as rare unreleased tracks "I Don't Wanna Break Your Head" and "Teenage Rules."

"[Teenage Rules] is such a funny song, and we barely remembered it," Anderson said. "And when we listened to it again, we hadn't even heard it since we recorded it, so we learned it the day we recorded it. It was this crazy travel through time."

In an industry that isn't always known for producing lasting relationships, the bond of the four original members remains strong. They recently celebrated their 16th anniversary in May.

"We just really like each other, we respect each other," Anderson said. "It's not neccessarly an eye-for-an eye equality, but an overall, at-the-end-of-the-day equality. Moneywise, we split everything four ways, no one's time is more important than any one else's time. I think that makes everyone feel equally valued and I think that makes people want to be more invested."

"I mean there are bands out there where it is a class system, where some members are deemed more valuable. It really sucks for those ones, its like you're a lesser person or something," Anderson said.

The band's sixteen years of touring, writing and rocking has produced not only a slew of anthems, but also the maturity to reflect on the creative process in regards to their work, Anderson said.

"I look back at some of the stuff we did early on, when I thought it wasn't good enough," Anderson said. "I look back on it now and you know it was way better than I thought. We are our own worst critics, that voice in your head. Making something and coming back to it later is a really good way to get over that feeling."

The Donnas have done four shows so far on their summer tour. When asked what it was like to open for icons like Benatar and Blondie, Anderson said even their sound checks blew her away.

"It was really exciting to hear all that stuff live," Anderson said. "I mean songs get over-played by the radio, you can get burned out by songs that are really great. But when you hear "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" live it's like you hear them all over again. You can remember what it felt like the first time you heard them and it's like, 'This is a great song!'"

As touring veterans, the group has had their share of bizarre moments, Anderson said. She attributes some of it to time changes, lack of sleep and foreign food.

"I think a lot of it had to do with jet lag. Like when you get to Europe or Australia, everything seems surreal and you're eating some weird food. There's this mode, and we call it 'jelly fungi mode' when you're like hysterical and everything's funny. We're all hysterically laughing," Anderson said.

"Jelly Fungi Mode" aside, what can Sacramento expect from the lady rockers live?

"There will be a lot of chances for people who daydream themselves about being in a band to participate in the singing and the shouting and the hair," Anderson said.

Who: The Donnas w/ Aroarah and Triple Cobra
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Marilyn's 908 K St
How much: $20 at the door $18 in advance

All photos courtesy of The Donnas Myspace.

Sonia Lucyga on "D.I.Y. Is Alive"

2009-07-14T06:53:58Z

The Symposium took place Saturday, July 11.

D.I.Y. Is Alive

2009-07-13T06:24:32Z

The first annual Sacramento Zine Symposium delivered what it promised in the program: it breathed new life into the Sacto D.I.Y. & alternative press scene.

A fluctuating 100 zinesters, collectors, authors, writers and people without titles gathered in the Brickhouse Gallery for a day of workshops, networking, and discussion. Tables lined the main room of the gallery and came alive with colorful displays of zines, literature, pamphlets and fliers. Event-goers perused the selection of alternative publications and, in most cases, were able to discuss their purchases with the authors.

Outside, a D.J. spun live music all day. Adjacent was a food table that served free lunch and dinner. Event-goers milled around the grassy area to talk, eat and read.

The day's events kicked off with a how-to workshop on screenprinting in which event-goers could screen a logo onto a donated T-shirt for a wearable souvenir.

The second workshop featured a Distro-the middle man between zinesters and their buyers-panel with San Francisco-based Mae Undead of Gimme Brains Distro. Undead fielded questions from workshop attendees about her role as a distributor, or distro, of zines. She explained the process of a creator sending her a letter about their zine and why they'd like to have it distributed. Distros provide access to a multitude of different zines, Undead said, which helps foster and promote the community.

"It's really just about doing something that feels good," Undead said. "It [making zines] allows you to feel OK about trusting yourself and advocating for yourself."

The third and final workshop was an alternative press panel with founders and Editor-At-Large Kaelan Smith, Elijah Jenkins and Andy Jones of Flatmancrooked, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to "identifying, recording and disseminating good stories." The panel discussed the difficulties and exciting potentials of D.I.Y. publishing in the current era of print uncertainty, using their experiences at Flatmancrooked as examples.

Smith explained his belief that the wavering reputation of print's sustainability is not because it faces total annihilation; it is in a transitional period. A modernization of literature is taking place, he said, one in which the art may be consumed but one where the company producing said art will make enough money to pay the writers.

Jenkins and Jones spoke on the freedoms that a D.I.Y. publication like Flatmancrooked have.

"What if you wanted to do anything creative, how hard would it be?" Jones asked. "With a working computer, and some start-up money for equipment, you really can do anything. It's very exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities."

The event was sponsored by KDVS 90.3FM, Raja's Indian Cuisine, Woodstock's Pizza, the Yolo County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Queen Sheba, The Brickhouse Gallery and organized by UC Davis student Sharmi Basu. Basu is a fourth-year political science major, was inspired by Portland's Zine Symposium and believed that the Sacramento area should have one of its own. She researched Livejournal zine communities and started posting, asking about holding a symposium in Sacramento.

"I work with an educational reform research group, and I would help organize symposiums," Basu said. "I thought I could probably do something like that for my friends, for people like this. I just took my experiences with different conferences and conventions and put a D.I.Y. twist on it."

With help from friends, Basu organized a fundrasier when one of her sponsors dropped out. Planning began in January, and around April, Basu described the subsequent months as "troubleshooting."

"Basically everything that could have went wrong did," Basu said. "Luckily, I received a lot of help from my friends."

"It's [zine culture] all awesome. There is no format, and it's a nice form of expression," Basu said. "Problem is, it needs to be available, a resource to have access to."

Sacramento's Zine Symposium provided the spaces for challenges such as availability and print uncertainty to be negotiated and discussed. The work displayed, however, spoke for itself.

"There is a great array of creativity and accomplishment," Jones said. "It's really the crucible of D.I.Y. culture."

Click here for Mae Undead's website

Click here for Flatmancrooked's website

To learn how you can help for next year's Symposium click here

Supporters of Ling and Lee Plead for Amnesty

2009-07-10T08:51:14Z

The goal of the vigil held to protest Laura Ling’s and Euna Lee’s 12-year labor reform sentence was clear: bring them home.

The vigil commenced at 6:30 p.m. where approximately 400 of Ling's and Lee’s friends, family and community members banded together on the Capitol West Steps in support of the two American journalists who are charged by North Korea's high court for illegal entry and engaging in "hostile acts."

Supporters donned “Free Lisa and Euna” buttons and pinned yellow ribbons to their shirts. Many held signs with pictures of the women’s faces and pleas that said “Free Laura and Euna” and “Amnesty Now.”

The vigil was opened with a prayer by Laura Ling’s cousin, Brandon Yip. Following the prayer, Yip played an acoustic guitar and sang the song “Amazing Grace.”

News 10’s Sharon Ito introduced each speaker before they approached the podium. Amoung the speakers was California State President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.

"They are two professional American journalists. They had good intentions. It is essential that we ask our federal governemnet to ask for anmesty and mercy," said Steinberg. "Let us gather here again, on the west steps of the capitol, very soon, and in addition to all of us, let's celebrate with Laura and Euna standing right next to us!"

Other speeches were made by Linda Ng of Orgaization of Chinese-Americans, Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, friends and classmates of Ling, Ling's husband Ian Clayton and sister Lisa Ling.

Ling told the crowd that she and Clayton had recieved a phone call from her sister on Tuesday. Laura told them that she had violated the law in North Korea, and the only hope for her and Lee's return is if the government asks North Korea for amnesty.

"That's why we are out here tonight; to ask for amnesty, but to also ask for forgivness," said Ling. "The notion of forgiveness is something that we could all use a little bit more of in our lives."

A journalist from Sactown magazine offered brief anecdotes about Lee as told to her by Lee's husband. She reminded the crowd that this situation is not just a global one, but a personal one as well.

Joan Burke, Director of Advocacy for Loaves and Fishes, also commented on the personalized aspect of Ling's and Lee's detainment in North Korea.

"I think all of us can identify with just how frightened and powerless the families of these two young women must feel to have loved ones imprisoned, incommunicado and serving 12 years at hard labor on the other side of the world," said Burke. "By our presence at the vigil, we hope to surround these families with a caring community that has not forgotten its own in their time of need."

The vigil reached its close with a final prayer, and Yip, together with Ling's and Lee's 400-plus supporters, singing "One Love."

Sonia Lucyga on "Riding Cool?: fixed-gear bikes without brakes"

2009-07-09T20:15:38Z

It was honestly interesting to know the history behind fixed gears. As with anything, the fact that i have now have a base, albeit still small ha, of understanding about brakeless fixies considerably lessens the stigmatized stereotypes i mayyy have once indulged in. Thanks Mathieu!

Sonia Lucyga on "Barbecue Season---and the Wines to go with it!"

2009-07-09T08:20:39Z

I want to try that feta grilled cheese immediatley. I've combed all your stuff on SP, it's all hilarious and totally readable for both foodies (my father) and those who love food, but can't cook (myself). More posts please! :)

Sonia Lucyga on "Riding Cool?: fixed-gear bikes without brakes"

2009-07-09T05:40:29Z

Is there a demographic for those who refuse to use brakes? I am also unfamiliar with bike culture, and i am trying to visualize why and what type of people would not ride with a brake. It sounds like a purist, idealist kind of thing?

Sonia Lucyga on "Trash Film Orgy"

2009-07-09T05:30:26Z

I have never been to TFO, I am excited to see the spectacle this year. Does anyone know if opening night is bigger or has any special events/entertainment?

Sonia Lucyga on "Deer lands through family truck windshield near downtown"

2009-07-09T05:24:32Z

The size of the hole in the windshield is intense, but I was glad there was a visual.

12 Year Sentence Spurs Sacramento Vigil

2009-07-08T04:11:18Z

On June 8, American Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were sentenced to 12-years of "labor reform" by North Korea. This Thursday a candlelight vigil will be held on the Capitol west steps in peaceful protest.

On April 27 a vigil was held for Laura Ling and Euna Lee to raise awareness for the two journalists' detainment in North Korea. This time it is in support of the two women who face the notoriously harsh conditions of North Korea's labor camps.

The two American journalists were on assignment for Current TV, a cable and web network co-founded by Al Gore, when they were detained on March 17 and convicted of illegal entry and engaging in "hostile acts" after a four-day trial North Korea's high court.

In a letter invitation to the vigil, Ling's sister, a CNN correspondent and Sacramento native, Lisa Ling, voices her concerns about the women's condition in North Korea.

"What Laura and Euna were trying to do was give a voice to those who have none," writes Ling. "Now their voices have also been silenced. Since their detention, their health has deteriorated quite a bit, we are extremely concerned. We are making a plea for mercy with the hope that they may be released on humanitarian grounds."

Community figures such as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California State President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Mayor Kevin Johnson, "Good Day Sacramento" host Mark S. Allen as well as many other organizations and media are expected to be in attendance. Lee and Ling's sentence has the United States in nationwide protest and vigils will be held in other cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Birmingham and Washington, D.C.

Support the Ling family on Thursday evening at the Capitol's West Steps.

WHO: Lisa Ling, the Ling Family, friends and community of Sacramento

WHAT: A community gathering in support of Laura Ling and Euna Lee

TIME: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: California State Capitol west steps (10th St. between L and N streets

SEIU Rally Brings Thousands to Capitol

2009-07-02T06:06:58Z

On Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., approximately 2,000 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) gathered on the west steps of the Capitol in a powerful end to Tuesday's outcry rally over the state’s budget decisions, which would cut the salaries of state workers by 15 percent.

A giant screen was set up to project the image of the speakers. Tents were scattered providing first aid, food and information on how to contact the governor. Participants sat on the grass and milled around, but once Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker took the stage, most remained standing to listen intently to her words.

Walker addressed SEIU's grievances with the state legislature's handling of the budget. She spoke about the issues that have not been taken into consideration by the state, such as SEIU's proposed contract that would have saved $340 million, or their identification of the 34.7 million dollars allocated for private vendor contracts. She reminded the crowd that all departments have been cut by 10 percent, yet people continue to return to work and provide the same services. She also reminded the crowd, to loud cries of indignation, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's announcement of a third furlough day.

"The only thing I have to say is, 'Governor, you were elected to do a job, you have failed, you are not providing leadership to California and today Local 1000 is putting you on notice, and we're not going to take it anymore,'" Walker said.

Speeches finished, members of SEIU took to circling the west steps in a slow march, chanting various slogans of empowerment such as, "We've had enough, we won’t take it no more," "Union power" and the Bob Marley lyric, "Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights."

The sizable turnout featured SEIU members from all over California including Fresno, Redding, Rancho Cucamonga and Oakland.

Lesley Wong, a writer for Caltrans and Oakland resident, noted that the sheer number of bodies the event drew contributed to its success.

"I've been to past rallies, ridden the bus up from Oakland," Wong said. "This one, by far, has been the biggest one we've had that I've been to."

She also expressed that the governor's announcement of the implementation of a third furlough day was a deal-breaker for many state workers.

"It's the final 5 percent extra that pushed everyone over," Wong said. "It's an absolute breaking point. I've got people working with me who are making less money than they were 15 years ago."

In Walker's final address to the members of SEUI, she looked toward the future.

"The next time we come out, I hope to see 20,000 state workers," she said.

The response of the crowd could be heard a block away on L Street.

Red, White and Blue Agenda: What to do this 4th of July

2009-07-02T05:04:48Z

With so many ways to show your patriotism, there will be no excuse to be blue in Sacramento this weekend.

Daytime Fun on the Fourth

Annual East Sacramento Parade
Parade begins: 10 a.m.
Route: Walking 41st and 42nd streets at M Street in red, white and blue.

Pyrospectacular at Cal Expo
What: Independence Day fireworks celebration
When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m., fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cal Expo. Guests should use the East Gate, located at the intersection of Exposition Boulevard and Challenge Way, as the main entrance to the event. Enter through the D Lot parking area.
Highlights: Largest-scale pyrotechnics display in the area’s history; music and dancing in the Grandstand area; live harness racing starting at 5 p.m. in the Miller Lite Grandstand; live music and dancing with Mobility, a subdivision of the U.S. Air Force band of the Golden West
What to know: General admission is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle. A limited number of $10 reserved seats are on sale. Arrive early and bring lawn chairs and blankets. Fireworks, cans, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Bags and ice chests will be searched at the gate. The grass infield will be open on the north side with a section for persons with disabilities set up on the apron by the Winner’s Circle.

Rancho Cordova Fouth of July What: The 25th annual Rancho Cordova Fourth of July celebration
When: July 3 and 4
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Dr., Rancho Cordova
Highlights: Pablo Cruise performs July 3,Double Funk Crunch performs July 4, five nights of carnival rides, two nights of fireworks, community parade, food and craft vendors and a Guitar Hero competition.
More info: http://www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com/ or (916) 851-8818

33rd Annual Fourth of July Five-miler
What: Sacramento’s oldest running event!
When: July 4
7:15 to 7:45 a.m. — Sign in (everyone must sign a waiver)
7:45 a.m. — Start of Kids’ Half-Mile Race (ages 10 and younger)
8 a.m. — Start of Five-Mile Race
Where: Glen Hall Park, on the corner of Sandburg and Carlson Drive in River Park, directly north of Sacramento State.
Highlight: This event is free!

Esquire IMAX Theatre $5 Movie & Dinner Deal What: Guests who show a $20 receipt from any downtown area restaurant can purchase a standard IMAX ticket for $5. Hollywood films receive $5 off ticket price. This offer is valid Sunday through Friday only at the Esquire IMAX Theatre in Downtown Sacramento through Aug. 20.
When: July 4 at 3 p.m.
Where: Esquire IMAX Theatre

Pub Crawl
What: Join the First Annual Sacramento Fourth of July Pub Crawl as it celebrates independence. When: 3 p.m. Where: 1. Bonnlair
2. Club Raven
3. Limelight
4. G.V. Hurley's, Blue Cue or Harlow's
5. Monkey Bar
6. Golden Bear
7. Distillery
8. Stone Grille
9. Old Tavern
10. Zebra Club
11. Whiskey Wild
12. Benny's (Q Street)
13. Press Club More info: sjwolfgram@gmail.com

Night Life on the Fourth

Torch Club
What: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area , David Landon creates plenty of excitement with his metal-edged rock guitar sound. He refreshed several of the very standard standards he takes on, especially a funked up version of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."
Where: 904 15th St., across from the Memorial Auditorium.
More info: $6 cover. http://www.torchclub.net

Harlow's
What: Nikolas Willrich and Eric Wade present Top 40 DJ with a live drummer.
Where: 2708 J St.
More info: http://www.harlows.com

Empire
What: TAT Productions and One Vision team up for the ultimate Saturday party, Rejuvenate. DJ Illest keeps the dance floor hot with his wicked mix of hip-hop and R&B.
Where: 1417 R St.
More info: $10 cover. For VIP booth reservations, e-mail vip@empireeventscenter.com.

Sonia Lucyga on "Balancing the budget topples hopes"

2009-07-02T04:40:04Z

way to go hawa, great angle! :)))

Sonia Lucyga on "SAMMIES take the party outdoors"

2009-06-30T01:59:32Z

Sister Crayon blew me away! I know they are playing at Launch, a music and design festival in July. http://launch.vhcle.com/

Sonia Lucyga on "SAMMIES take the party outdoors"

2009-06-30T01:57:45Z

Thanks Tina! I really enjoyed the event.

Sonia Lucyga on "SAMMIES take the party outdoors"

2009-06-29T22:35:35Z

Thanks for a much more accurate estimate! Hooray for brewskie sales

Sonia Lucyga on "SAMMIES take the party outdoors"

2009-06-29T16:28:42Z

Thanks David, my estimation is around 400. I was talking to a group of previous SAMMIE attendees and they said this years turnout was a success despite the heat. I think people really enjoyed the option of having different areas to mingle around and activities to check out. Also, there was no segregating of the musicians and fans, no special blocked off area where they were designated to drink water and look cool before they came on. A band would come right off a stage and be able to immediately talk with their fans and freinds. The result was a lot of love for the community and its talented members :)

SAMMIES take the party outdoors

2009-06-29T03:53:28Z

The Sacramento News & Review Music Fest and SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Ceremony made its outdoor debut Saturday at Cesar Chavez Park in the sweltering heat but kept music lovers cool with the help of a dunk tank, beer and wine garden and the park's fountain.

In the past, the annual event has been held at the Crest Theatre, but this year, organizers of the 19th annual fest chose to celebrate in the sun, with art and fashion vendors and a huge inflatable slide.

The mood was celebratory throughout the festival. Children and adults alike splashed in the park’s central fountain as the 14 bands performed on two stages. The beer garden offered shaded areas for the 21 and over to lounge, and everyone stayed hydrated with Green Sol Water.

The various bands hailed from vastly different genres, from indie to country to heavy metal.

Terra Lopez, lead singer of the Outstanding Indie-nominated Sister Crayon, said she was happy for the exposure the event brings

“There are people here who probably would never have heard or seen us if it weren’t for events like this, " she said. "It brings people of different genres together…We played after a metal band. It’s awesome.”

“The News and Review, the whole SAMMIES thing, is the most legit event Sacramento has for its musicians,” said Tyler Campbell, lead singer of Arden Park Roots, which took home the SAMMIE for Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam. “ It’s the most supportive event and the most prestigious thing you can be a part of as a Sacramento band.”

The day concluded with the SAMMIES Award ceremony, where recipients came to the stage to accept their plaques and give brief acceptance speeches.

Members of the Outstanding Singer-Songwriter winner Be Brave Bold Robot paid homage to the late Michael Jackson by singing an a capella version of “Man in the Mirror” upon receiving their award. MC Rut (which was not present due to its tour obligations) swept the ceremony with awards in all three categories in which the band was nominated.

The 2009 Sacramento Area Music Awards Reader’s Choice Winners are as follows:

Outstanding Emcee:
Random Abiladeze

Outstanding Rock:
MC Rut

Outstanding Punk/Hardcore:
Final Summation

Outstanding Hard Rock/Metal:
Prieta

Outstanding Hip-hop/Rap:
Righteous Movement

Outstanding Turntablist:
DJ Epik

Outstanding Jazz/Blues/Latin:
Ross Hammond

Outstanding Indie:
the New Humans

Outstanding Country/Americana/Folk:
Light Rail

Outstanding Experimental:
Mom

Outstanding Singer-Songwriter:
Be Brave Bold Robot

Outstanding Teen Band:
Red Wire Army

Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam:
Arden Park Roots

Outstanding Pop:
Agent Ribbons

Outstanding Electronica:
Tha Fruitbat

Outstanding Hip-hop Producer:
Jae Synth

Outstanding Release/Album:
MC Rut, MC Rut

Outstanding Sacramento Band:
MC Rut

Author's Note: The photo credit goes to Jessica Zou

Sonia Lucyga on "2nd annual California Children's Rally"

2009-06-26T18:30:10Z

Great article, i really liked hearing exactly what the kids were saying, especially the quote from Heather Cox. i didn't even know what a Proposition was when i was in 5th grade, let alone whether i agreed with one or not. " Roll up your sleeves and Drop your agenda"? are you kidding me?! this girl makes me excited about the future generation/nervous that my children will have to be wunderkinds to get into college. Great job hawa

Green Sol water serves up more than H20

2009-06-26T06:02:57Z

Executive Partner of Green Sol Water Dominic Carini pauses halfway through our phone interview to take a business call. Two minutes later he’s back, in slight disbelief.

“I guess I’m one of the officials that’s supposed to water the BET awards, so I’m flying down to Hollywood. It’s crazy what’s going on. I can’t believe this is my life right now,” says Carini.

Carini’s impromptu invite qualifies the kind of splash Green Sol’s movement has had in its first four months of existence. Green Sol Water offers an alternative to petroleum-based plastic through their product's polylactic acid water bottles. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable plastic derived from corn starch.

The movement got its start when longtime friends Carini, a Sacramento native, and Micheal Lacy pitched the idea of an educational approach to spread the word about the patented product to their bottle's manufacturers.

“We asked, 'what would you guys say if we told you we would be willing to divide the team to do events, to do education, to start working on curriculum, and create more of a grassroots motion through schools, through city parks, and hydration of city workers? What if we went that route and you allowed us to privatize this?' And after a couple of months [of seeing] our numbers of proving what we were doing, and literally not stopping, they agreed. That’s now why you’re seeing Green Sol. Now that they’ve given us the ball there’s no way we can stop,” said Carini.

Lacy and Carini brought in financier Steed Hustrulid, whom Carini refers to as "a tremendous add to the team." The three wunderkinds of water set their unique business model in motion, using the product to communicate their message of awareness with educational programs; community and business sponsorships; local- and territory-based wholesale distribution; custom labeling; and bottle recovery logistics.

"We are not just a water bottle company. We are actually promoting the overall conversion, but the most important ingredient is recovery because California state does not have redemption for these bottles; no one is putting anything together for them to get to the composter," said Carini. "Right now, the recovery process is not done curbside or in receptacles. Green Sol developed first bioplastic-only receptilces. If you were to go to the park downtown, you would see Green Sol cans."

The lack of state-provided recovery is the obstacle preventing Green Sol from going retail.

"The plan is to make sure that people understand that the recovery is not in place. We are already talking at the Capitol to make sure that our message with the bottle is that bio-products are still available, but until it's curbside, it’s not going to be readily available,” Carini said.

With the bigger picture in mind, Green Sol is currently shouldering the process of recovery. Two weeks ago at the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, Green Sol was the sole source of redemption for the entire festival.

"We took all of the bioplastic waste, we took all of the forks and spoons, we chose to become the recovery process that was left short by all the other retailers that were bringing compost to the event," said Carini.

The movement's positive message and dedicated team members leave sizable impressions on event goers. Chris Morrow, who witnessed Green Sol in action at Sacramento's Concerts in the Park, says he was "feeling the Green Sol vibe."

"They’re not promoting a water bottle, a lot of their attention is turned to what’s going in on respect to the environment.." Morrow said.
Green Sol's objectives extend beyond that of making money from selling water, says Carini. It is part of what what he believes will be the total conversion of petroleum-based plastics into materials that are biodegradable. Carini, like his fellow team members, is in it for the long haul.

“I would hope Green Sol to be synonymous with the transition into households, in composts, and as a form of education. Also, that Green Sol's vision would be so everyday that it's not a surprise anymore. It’s a long way off, but I just see it becoming completely mainstream,” said Carini.

To learn more about Green Sol, visit their website at ourgreensol.org.

Green Sol Water will be hydrating and educating at the Sacramento News & Review Music Fest at Cesar Chavez Park, Saturday from 3 - 9 p.m.

Sonia Lucyga on "Rock poster artists in American Artifact at Crest"

2009-06-23T21:36:57Z

Cool to highlight an individual like Imagine, i love his quote about DIY factor in the punk scene. I think there is a huge untapped and kind of unnoticed source of originality and artistry in that community (distorted by life suckers such as Hot Topic). I was stoked to see how this background shaped his success. way to go paul/nice work jenn!

Sonia Lucyga on "Scenes from Sac Pride Festival"

2009-06-22T22:31:16Z

I saw a few protestors during the parade, but none at the festival.

Sonia Lucyga on "Who attends tattoo festivals, why?"

2009-06-22T20:28:47Z

Really interesting angle with about families at the festival. I like the idea of tattoos as artwork rather than a brand. It was neat to read about parents who share that view, even Barbie likes tattoos (much to the dismay of many ): http://www.digtriad.com/news/features/article.aspx?storyid=120212&catid=216

Sonia Lucyga on "Day two of French film festivities "

2009-06-22T20:16:13Z

i didn't know the festival had events like this, i wish i would have gone. I love big hair. I want to see the film too.

Sacramento has PRIDE!

2009-06-22T05:34:45Z

It’s 9:43 a.m. Saturday, June 20, and the participants of the 2009 Sacramento Pride Parade are still stationary; onlookers begin to gather on L Street alongside Capitol Park. Winding her way through the various spectators, Sacramento native Rose Brun passes out flowers.

“I’ve been doing this since 1974,” she says, doling out a cala lily, “When I was younger, friends lost their jobs by being gay, but every year it gets better. Stuff like this brings us together. We need to break down barriers. ”

Breaking down barriers—a lot of balloons, music, dancing and good vibrations—seemed to be one of the parade’s objectives as it made its way from L Street through the downtown district to Sacramento Pride Festival’s Southside Park location.

Among the marchers were Sacramento City Unified School District’s Vice President Patrick Kennedy, Miss Gay Rodeo 2009, Empress XXXV of the Court of the Great Northwestern Imperial Empire, Miss Precious Taylor’d Cargo, California Faith for Equality and Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. The Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! and a group of sash-sporting dancers from Dancing with Pride kept energy high with spirited performances. The procession culminated at Southside Park with lots of cheer and goodwill from the crowd waiting to welcome them inside the rainbow-ballooned arches.

This year’s festival featured an alcohol-and tobacco-free area with Youth Pride Zone. The safe Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex space included activities like bungee runs, a dunk tank and a youth performance stage. The day-long celebration also included three separate stages, a beer garden for the 21 and over and a classic car show. Event-goers could stroll along the Southside Park Pond, stop at various booths and receive free goods like waters, popsicles and food and beauty coupons from Midtown businesses.

The main stage included tented seating where audience members watched musical performances such as A Church of all Gospel Choir, The Verve and the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus. Cheer San Francisco and Sacramento Sirens Cheer Elite got the crowds excited with high-flying stunts and lively dance routines.

The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center event was backed by quite a few big sponsors such as Outword Magazine, Ikea, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and Barefoot Wine. The Wells Fargo tent handed out rainbow leis that added even more brilliance to the colorful atmosphere.

The vibrant and stimulating entertainment provided a complementary backdrop to the true stars of the festival: the community. Sacramento resident and veteran PRIDE attendee Nastscha Storm talked about her favorite part of Pride: “I like all the people. I get to see all my friends again. I posted on my MySpace ‘queers wanted’ because I like the term queer. Everybody, if you’re queer, you’re probably my friend, so get over here.”

Even first-time Pride goers connected with the ubiquitous feeling of acceptance and tolerance.

“I’m having a great time,” said first timer and Folsom resident Alexandra Boirasky. “I think it’s great that the community is supporting all people, not just straight people. I think it says Sacramento is ready to accept all and moving on to be a more cosmopolitan, diverse city.”

Having completed her 2007-2008 reign as Most Imperial Majesty Empress XXXIV, mainstage hostess Deneka Ashely St. James reflected on the 2009 Pride Festival’s turnout: “It says that we are committed, that we stick together, that we take care of one another and that we embrace each other fully,” St. James said.

“Gay Sacramento is in. Just the amount of straight people here; the brothers, fathers, sisters that come out and support the gay members of their family show that we embrace one another and love one another,” added St. James.

Sonia Lucyga on "Saturday: Luigi's Fun Garden spins pizza and vinyl"

2009-06-20T06:28:07Z

I love the fact that this event is such a long standing tradition, and I wish i could check it out. The title is awesome, big green hand for jonathon for cool ass coverage!

Sonia Lucyga on "Advisory Committee Meets to Protect Community Interest"

2009-06-20T06:18:02Z

JT, I think the community echos your concerns about appropriately filling the ex-classrooms. A big issue for the committee was that the sites retain the option to be re-used as schools. They also are advising the board that the leases be no longer than 3 years, and are adamantly opposed to any property being sold. It will be interesting to see what the Board of Education decides to do with the six sites, and how much they heed this committee's advice.

Advisory Committee Meets to Protect Community Interest

2009-06-19T05:55:31Z

The members of Facilities Re-use/7-11 Committee left their three-hour meeting having reached enough consensuses to fill a PowerPoint presentation for the Sacramento City Unified School District’s Board of Education.

On Wednesday, June 17, 11 community members met for the third time at the Serna Center to discuss potential re-uses for six school sites within the Sacramento City District that have been closed due to dilapidated enrollment and budget shortfalls.

The meeting was facilitated by Sacramento Mediation Center Director Ellen Taylor and UC Davis Mediator and Facilitator Mary Madison. The committee was founded with the intent of advising the Board of Education’s decision based on a community perspective.

The final verdict for the re-use of the recently closed Genesis High School, Lisbon, Alice Birney, Thomas Jefferson, Marian Anderson and Bear Flag Elementary Schools will be decided by the eight members of the board.

The meeting focused on developing criteria for possible re-use, the preferred uses for the sites and potential partnerships, and a review of public requests for the spaces.

The group created a checklist of concerns involving the potential re-uses. General consent was reached on matters such as leaving the option for the site to be re-used as a school again or keeping future uses consistent with community needs. Organizations such as Parks and Recreation and Sacramento Office of Education were deemed preferred partnerships and prospective uses such as child care, fee-based adult education training, and senior care were approved as positive ways to occupy the sites.

Despite the cohesive progress made by the Committee, there was still a question hanging over the various discourses: How much impact will their efforts have on the Board of Education’s decision making processes?

According to Second Vice President Board Member Patrick Kennedy, the committee will have “a tremendous amount of impact.”

“These aren’t just school decisions, these are community decisions,” Kennedy said. “The role of a board member is to take community values and turn it into policy at the level of the board. This committee is important because it provides the voice of the values.”

Committee Member and Chairwoman of Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education Heidi McLean voiced her concern over the board’s considerations of the group’s efforts, “I just want the board to welcome input from the community. Communication is the hardest thing for the district.”

The meeting’s close, however, brought a sense of gratitude for the efforts of the dedicated community members and facilitators, as expressed by SCUSD’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Barentson.

“On behalf of the District, we are very pleased with the work of this Committee. We need this information; it is so important to the decision making process and I want to thank the public for their support,” said Barentson.

“It has been a wonderful meeting with wonderful people,” Taylor said, “Everyone has shared ideas and has the same goal, and there have been no issues of contention.”

“I was very thankful for the mediators and facilitators,” McLean said. “The fact that they were here to move the process along allowed me to be at a sense of peace with the end product.”

More information on the Facilities Re-Use/7-11 Committee can be found on its website: www.scusd.edu/operations_support/7-11%20Re-Use.htm

Sonia Lucyga on "Cops-3 Bad Guys-0, Pursuit a losing game for Sac bad guys "

2009-06-18T21:09:43Z

The bad guys vs Police is such a great angle. This type of coverage is particularly interesting because its obvious the story doesn't end when the text does. Not to mention the vintage style reworked in a way that makes it relevant. What a cool piece, this storyline is exciting

Sonia Lucyga on "The Crystal Method lights up Harlow's with electric show"

2009-06-18T20:56:26Z

Great photos!

Sonia Lucyga on "Farm Stand Offers More than Food"

2009-06-18T20:43:16Z

I think farm stands like this are such positive community unifiers. Not only does it promote local growing but infuses a social/community aspect into a process that grocery stores and bulk buying have turned into a rather mundane one. I never knew about the urban farm stand, great coverage. makes me also want a pluot.