Inside The County

Refugee Resettlement

COUNTY READIES AID FOR AFGHAN ARRIVALS

Sacramento County taxpayers will assist Afghan refugees with a $5 million contingency fund set up by the Board of Supervisors, but only if federal authorities fail to come through with aid.

The fund refl ects the county’s belief that numerous refugees will resettle here. Sacramento County is home to one of the largest Afghan immigrant populations in the U.S. Many live in unincorporated areas of Arden-Arcade.

County Executive Ann Edwards says many new arrivals will be non-special visa holders with limited language skills, facing hardships due to cultural challenges. Those refugees may not receive the same federal assistance given to special visa holders.

Federal funding is available to assist special visa holders in transition. Special visa holders often speak English and are familiar with American lifestyles.

Five local nonprofi t agencies provide resettlement services, which include securing housing and benefi ts. Edwards estimates the number of newcomers “could be as large as 20,000.”

Supervisor Rich Desmond is concerned about the impact. He notes many refugees already here experience “subsistence living” due to the housing crisis and cost of living.

Supervisor Sue Frost says resettlement poses a challenge since there is “not enough housing for the homeless.”

Edwards believes Sacramento will receive federal funds based on recognition of how refugees impact

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By Howard Schmidt Inside The County

local communities. She has tried to assure the supervisors that the feds are “working really hard” on the funding issue.

The board authorized the $5 million contingency fund in case federal support falls short. The money won’t be tapped unless needed.

To help the community understand the situation, Desmond held a webinar discussion. Panelists included representatives from county departments assisting refugees, San Juan Unifi ed School District and Lao Family Development Center, a resettlement agency.

The goal is to get newcomers permanently settled and self-suffi cient within 90 days, says resettlement offi cial Kathy Chao Rothberg. That covers meeting them at the airport, fi nding an apartment, and providing orientation about being a tenant and living in Sacramento. Resettlement agencies assist in obtaining state identifi cation and vaccinations, and getting children enrolled in school. They also help with employment training for adults.

Shafi ullah Hotak, a refugee who came to Arden-Arcade in 2014 after working for the U.S. military, believes most newcomers can’t make it within such a short period. “It is important for them to have a family tie to help,” he says, noting he needed eight months.

The San Juan Unifi ed School District has seen an increase of immigrant enrollees jump from 4,500 in 2015 to around 6,000.

How can local residents help? Hotak says meeting refugees with a smile and a welcoming greeting is an excellent start.

Howard Schmidt has worked on the federal, state and local levels of government, including 16 years for Sacramento County. He can be reached at howardschmidt218@aol.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

TIMOTHY SCOTT

Celebrating his first year in Sacramento!

HAIRSTYLIST

FOR MEN AND WOMEN

We can make you look

BETTER than just your best!

Why do you refer to "We" when it's just you in your salon?

"I say 'we' because it's a collaboration between the client and myself to create a hairstyle that fits. My consultations are thorough. I ask a lot of questions along with taking into consideration your head and face shape, body build and your daily routine. Between my ideas and your preferences, we create a look that makes you look great and is easy to manage at home as well."

What do you do for people who aren’t open to new ideas?

"I can do your hair any way you want it. But depending on what I see, I may advise to make some adjustments to make it better. What's most important to me is that the client and I understand each other and together we work to create a style that works for them."

How long have you been working by yourself?

"I've been a hairstylist for 34 years, of which 29 have been working solo. I've been selfemployed since I was 23 and I really prefer working alone. It's a completely private session and we can talk about whatever we want without anyone listening in or the distraction of commotion going on around us."

Your salon is very spacious and grand. Did you use a decorator?

"I did it myself. I wanted a space to reflect who I am; open, low key, and fun loving. I didn't want it to look like a hair salon at all."

I had to smile when I saw your mirror ball floating up there.

“Yeah. To me, happiness is a disco ball. It does make people smile, it’s nostalgic, it evokes good energy, and it adds a touch of sophistication. It’s also just fun and I like it in the room.”

You only use Kerastase products. Why is that?

"Kerastase is top of the line in luxury hair care. They have something for every type of hair, which provides me the ingredients to create formulas that will make your hair sublime."

What's one word of advice you would give to people about their hair?

"Don't leave your house without doing your hair. Now, sometimes people wake up late and don't have time to do it. I get it. But your hair is like your bedroom: even if everything is put away, dusted, and vacuumed, if your bed isn't made, your room looks unkept. So, if your hair isn't done, you just don't look as good, no matter how nice or expensive your outfit is."

What do you like most about being a hairstylist?

"I like helping people who genuinely come to me for what I can offer, honest advice and expertise. Now, I always say that I'm not perfect, but I try to be and I do my best to give people what they want and make them happy. I will never say that I'm better than anyone else. There are a lot of talented people in this business. Like I say, I want to make people look better than just their best, and when I've achieved that, THAT is rewarding for me and makes it all worthwhile."

Do you have a hero in the industry? Or is there anyone in the business who inspires you? anyone in the business who inspires you?

"Yes, Tabatha Coffey, hands down. She had a TV show called 'Tabatha's Salon Takeover' where she coached struggling salon owners on how to run a business. I think she's tremendous."

How do you keep up with your profession?

"I go to hair shows and take classes all the time. Sometimes I'll go to a class that I've been to before. You'll always see or hear something that makes you go, 'Ah, right'. The hands on classes are my favorite. That's the best way to learn a new technique or to learn about a new product. The classes can get expensive, but there's real value in self-improvement and keeping current. They're fun to go to and I see a lot of creativity that inspires me."

What services do you offer?

"I do precision hair cutting, hair coloring including highlighting, and hair smoothing."

Do you have a favorite?

"I like all aspects of doing hair. Although, I don't do permanent waves anymore because I never liked the way they look and I think they're too damaging to the hair."

Are your clients exclusive?

"No. Everyone is welcome. My door is open to men and women of all walks of life.

I do think however, the relationship with your stylist IS exclusive. I have learned not to try and make something work when it isn't or win over a difficult client. I strongly suggest that people read through my website, click on the links to watch my TV interviews, and read my Yelp reviews. Even the bad ones.

My only requirement is that you schedule your own appointment through the website. The website walks you through all the necessary information needed to book the appointment. I cannot make appointments over the phone or by walking in. I prefer not to be distracted during a session out of respect to the client. Doing it online is easy, instant, and convenient."

www.timothyscottsalon.com

3330 Folsom Blvd. at 34th St. in East Sacramento