The East Sacramento News

since 1991

East Sacramento News July 4, 2013

Community News in Your Hands

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Where are they now?

East Sac natives become film producers in L.A. See page 2

Janey Way Memories. .................................5 Local history feature. ................................ 6 Arts................................................ 10–11 Sports.........................................................13 Calendar..................................................... 17

Teen guitarist gains popularity

See page 9

Tahoe Park held succesful SactoMoFoSeeevent page 18

East Sacramento News w w w. va l c o m n e w s . c o m

E-mail stories & photos to: editor@valcomnews.com

Vol. XXII • No. 13

East Sacramento News is published on the first and third Thursday of the month and delivered by mail and home delivery in the area bounded by Business 80 on the west, the American River on the north and east and Highway 50 on the south.

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East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

Where are they now?

East Sac natives become film producers in L.A.

By MONICA STARK

editor@valcomnews.com

Chris just wants to be a kid, and enjoy his twelfth birthday. But, no matter how hard he tries, it seems that just isn’t possible. Gangs, drugs, and violence seem to follow him everywhere. Whether he’s at home with his addict mother or being harassed by his trailer park’s drug gang, Chris can’t catch a break. All he wants is to play, be happy, celebrate, and have someone in his life that recognizes his worth where others can’t ... Fortunately for Chris, one man cares. Andre. Sometimes, though, one man isn’t enough. http://www.looktwicethemovie.com/ East Sacramento natives Jacob Crumbley and Luke Sauser have produced a short film titled “Look Twice”, a film about 12year-old Chris. Chris is someone we have all heard about on the news, from friends, or in a news article. He is the poor kid, having grown up without a dad and an addict for a mom –the young boy that is the target of programs like Head Start and No Child Left Behind, and countless gang-prevention organizations.

In a statement on the filmmaker’s blog, the purpose of the film is to bring this script to the screen to remind people that we are still fighting a war on poverty and violence here at home, in the most obscure places, like a trailer park in Reno. Based on true accounts from young victim of gang extortion, “Look Twice” is a dark and moving emotional narrative, condensed into short film structure. The goal is to return the public’s attention to getting at risk youth the help they deserve.

Jacob and Luke’s parents still live near McKinley Park and so the two visit frequently. They met while lifeguarding for Southgate Park and recreational district in the south area becoming great friends from that moment on and are now working to get into the film industry, “which is not easy to say the least” Luke said. Also Jacob, 18, has become a model for various agencies in Sacramento, Los Angeles and New York since he left McClatchy High School and attained his high school diploma at the age of 16.

Throughout Jacob’s life he has been inspired to become a movie producer/director and Luke has also been interested in entering the industry. In 2012, Jacob finished his first script ‘Look Twice’, edited it with the help of a few film industry professionals he met through modeling contacts and hired various people to fill the essential film production positions that are vital to making a professional film.

“We gained interest in what I like to call ‘forced gang association’ when Jacob was modeling in New York City and living in a project type building with multiple other models in the Harlem area. He was on the street one day and was approached by a

late teen who told his life story: This kid’s mother was constantly distracted with narcotic use and this lack of parental supervision led to the kid’s involvement with various area gang members. He spoke about having good intentions for his future, but when he witnessed illegal activity by his neighborhood gang, those good intentions all went out the window. Apparently this child (as he was around 12 or so at the time) joined the gang as a result of the fear placed in him by these gang member and then he became a victim of circumstance and went on to commit a crime himself; which negatively affected his life in a huge way. This experience of Jacob’s inspired his idea to write the script for our film ‘Look Twice’ and certainly sparked my interest in this topic as well,” explained Luke.

Luke also has a good friend who is from East Sac who he is still close with but who slipped into some gang activity that landed him in jail for a few of his teenage years.

“Although East Sac is a nice neighborhood, I grew up with kids from the area and from nearby areas who I attended school with and were definitely troubled at time but great kids at heart!” Luke said.

Southgate lifeguarding was Luke’s first job and he entered into it two years before Jacob. Jacob is three years younger than Luke so he got a job at the age of 15 while Luke was 18 at the time.

“We hit it off instantly at our first training and soon became best friends. At this job we certainly experienced many troubled children of all ages from the south area. I saw a few innocent children get jumped in the bathroom at the Fruitridge community center and I have broken up many fights,” recalls Luke.

“I’ve also dealt with kids who threw up gang signs and wore colors to represent their gang. These experience definitely drive me to make this film happen because it is something that was a part of my life for quite some time and I want to leave the strongest message possible for mothers who are drug See Producers, page 2 Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Producers: Luke recalls gang activity in Sacramento and ‘Look Twice’ is a call to action Continued from page 2

abusers or simply don’t give their child enough attention. In addition to all this, my mother is a program specialist for the Twin Rivers Unified School district, which was previously the Grant Union School District when I was a kid and visited her work often. My dad also is a retired teacher who taught at Highlands High School in North Highlands during my childhood and often brought me to school. The schools in this district are swarming with different gangs and I certainly knew that from the time I was old enough to understand gangs (probably around 5th or 6th grade).”

Luke helped Jacob get into modeling by driving him to different castings when he did not have his license.

Luke also continued to encourage Jacob when he first started as it was a different type of experience he wasn’t completely comfortable with. They continued to hang out with each other every time Jacob came back home.

Last year Jacob mentioned his experience in New York and said he was going to write a script.

“At first I thought he wasn’t serious but a few weeks later he had a large part of it written and was calling me for advice on some different aspects of the story. I tried my best to give him advice on everything from the plot to

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grammar and he took as much advice as he could,” Luke said.

Through modeling, Jacob also met different professional producers and writers in Los Angeles who helped him make his script professional and the right length. In the long run, Jacob worked his tail off to write this script in the little amount of free time he had while modeling and teaching private swim lessons in LA. He was also mostly paying his own bills at this time and he was only 17. Eventually he took it upon himself to find a co-producer in Reno to help with production and everything took off from there. Since then, we have acquired many more positions in the cast and crew and basically have everything in place to make the film, except the funding.

Luke is now attending St. Mary’s College in Moraga and is acquiring a degree in Environmental Studies. Prior to this, he graduated from Christian Brother’s High School and attended Sierra College in Rocklin, where, at both schools, he played rugby and currently continues to do so at St. Mary’s.

They are currently in the pre-production stage of the film and have built a strong experienced core of producers, photography directors, all levels of editors, an original music producer, a make-up artist, a costume

A scene from the movie.

designer, multiple film location crew workers and actors. Essentially, everything is in place to film and edit apart from the must-needed funding for the large amount of costs that accompany creating a film.

“We have done everything as cost efficiently as possible and have started a verified non-profit ‘crowd funding campaign’ through the well-known website Indie Go-Go,” Luke said.

“We have also made our cause extra legitimate by working hard to run this campaign through the non-profitable charity film funding company, From

the Heart Productions. Again, we have worked super hard to attain this sponsorship as they don’t sponsor every film that comes their way. As a result of this, we are proud to say this officially makes our film a charitable entity, which also makes all donations tax deductible fundraising goal of $32,000 in just six weeks! In two weeks we have attained $1,700 in donations but we still need to raise $30,300 in 46 days, which won’t be easy whatsoever.”

To donate, visit: http://www.looktwicethemovie.com/

www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

McClaskey wins up to $50,000 for air conditioning Twelve Sacramento City Unified ‘Green Teams’ awarded Measure Q bond money for sustainability upgrades and innovations Eleven SCUSD schools and McClaskey Adult Center were allocated a total of $1 million in bond funding for green school projects at the district’s second annual Project Green Awards Ceremony held Wednesday evening at The Met. The funding is from Measure Q bond money set aside for green school initiatives. Measure Q was approved by Sacramento voters in November.

Projects funded are expected to save the district money on energy costs and supplies.

“Our Project Green is a one-of-a-kind project nationwide,” says SCUSD’s Center for Green Schools Fellow Farah McDill. “When I tell people that Sacramento City Unified is allowing students to make decisions about capital improvements to green their school they are amazed.

This is truly a unique venture and one that these students will gain from now and for the rest of their lives.”

SCUSD’s groundbreaking Project Green adds a realworld application to classroom instruction about the environment and sustainable living. Schools across the district were encouraged to form student green teams to conduct green audits of school facilities. With the help of teachers, parents, district staff and local professionals, the teams then drafted recommendations for green improvements ranging from improving lighting to installing water-wise plumbing fixtures.

Students presented their recommendations to a panel of experts representing local non-profits that focus on creating healthy sustainable

East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

learning environments. The panel judged the exhibits, using scoring rubrics.

The team from C.K. McClatchy High School scored highest for its presentation and report, which included a rationale for upgrading campus bathrooms with low-flow, dual-flush toilets, motion sensor fixtures and hand dryers.

The judging panel made recommendations to allocate up to $150,000 for these projects.

In all, the 12 presentations were allocated $1 million in bond funding.

Other allocations to potential projects were as follows: Crocker/Riverside Elementary – up to $120,000 (solar tubes and reflective paint) Fern Bacon Middle School – up to $120,000 (low-flow, dual-flush toilets, motion sensor fixtures and hand dryers) A.M. Winn Elementary – up to $100,000 (cool roof, skylights on multi-purpose room) School of Engineering and Sciences – up to $100,000 (solar tubes and benches) Sutterville Elementary – up to $70,000 (LED lighting) Washington Elementary (project at Sutter Middle School) – up to $70,000 (outdoor classroom) Luther Burbank High School – up to $70,000 (recycling bins and equipment) McClaskey Adult Education Center – up to $50,000 (air conditioning units in select rooms) H.W. Harkness Elementary – up to $50,000 (low-flow, dual-flush toilets, motion sensor fixtures and hand dryers) American Legion High School – up to $50,000 (exercise equipment and fencing for outdoor sports) Isador Cohen Elementary – up to $50,000 (outdoor classroom)

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Janey Way Memories

Celebrating the 100th Janey Way Memories Column

By MARTY RELLES

marty@valcomnews.com

It seems hard to believe, but four years ago, on July 2, 2009, I penned my first Janey Way Memories column. Much has transpired since that date: my third and fourth grandchildren came into this world, a president won re-election, and I witnessed a total eclipse of the sun. All the while, the Janey Way stories have continued to play out on the pages of the East Sacramento News.

Do you recall some of the adventures we have shared? Remember the pit, the vacated sand and gravel site behind the houses on the east side of Janey Way where the Janey Way Gang played? Remember Ole Man Charlie, the sometimes frightening watchman who chased us around the pit. In

the end, we found that he wasn’t really very scary at all.

How about “Scooters and Sidewalk Surfing”, you may remember doing that yourself?

Do you recall how my brother Terry, Randy Puccetti and I pulled off the famous great beer heist?

That first year I also told you about building a Christmas tree fort and how that led to “Christmas Tree Wars.” Sadly, I also told you about the loss of my good friend Mike Gilson in Viet Nam—not all of my stories have been fun.

Writing this column has also given me the chance to tell you about some of the extraordinary people who lived on Janey Way such as my mother and father, Martin and Mary Relles, Dom Costamagna who helped us survive to adulthood, Lou Viani, the Mayor of Janey Way and the many other unique characters who once lived in my neighborhood.

In writing this column, I’ve also had the opportunity to recall many great things about Sacramento such as the Alhambra Theatre, the Memorial Auditorium, the old California State Fair on Stockton Blvd. and Edmonds Field, the home of the Sacramento Solons baseball team.

I must tell you that I have really enjoyed sharing these stories of my youth with you. Doing so, reminds me of what a great city Sacramento is and what a great life I have experienced here.

Over the next year, I hope to share many more Janey Way Memories with you. You can help me with this by sharing some of your Sacramento childhood memories with me. Just email me at marty@ valcomnews.com. I look forward to hearing from you, and also to sharing more of my Janey Way Memories with you.

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www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

East Lawn Children’s Park was established through generous donations

By LANCE ARMSTRONG Lance@valcomnews.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 14 in a series about the rich history of and associated with East Sacramento’s award-winning East Lawn Memorial Park.

It may be one of the city’s smallest parks, but East Lawn Children’s Park at 1510 42nd St., at Folsom Boulevard, certainly draws its fair share of daily visitors.

Once a part of the grounds of East Lawn Memorial Park, this 153-foot by 99-foot park provides plenty of space for its young visitors, who enjoy spending time in its tot play area.

Encompassing the space of about three single-family home lots, the park, which is a tot in its own right when compared to the majority of the city’s parks, is sufficient in size for the neighborhood it serves.

Efforts to have a city park constructed at the site date back to December 1985, when the owners of the nondenominational cemetery first considered donating the property to the city.

In August 1986, East Lawn’s owners finally made an official offer to the city, as they agreed to deed the property to the city, build a park on the site and operate it for 10 years.

East Lawn’s only stipulation for the donation and construction of the park, which had an estimated value of $150,000, was that it be allowed to name the park.

Prior to East Lawn’s announcement, many residents of the area had been concerned that the site, which had sat undeveloped for decades, might be used for an apartment complex or office structure.

Although many neighbors of the site also demon-

East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

strated strong opposition to the then-proposed park, it was reported in the Oct. 17, 1986 edition of The Sacramento Union that their tone had changed and that they had become hopeful that the city would accept the cemetery’s offer.

The neighbors’ early concern, according to The Union, was that the presence of a park at the site would attract “rowdies to the quiet neighborhood.”

The property’s eventual use as a children’s park with the lack of amenities such as picnic tables, tennis court and restrooms represents a compromise to those neighbors’ concern regarding the site’s establishment as a park.

Craig Peterson, East Lawn Memorial Park manager, explained that the idea of a children’s park was not entirely well received.

“ There were some neighbor ladies waving diapers on poles (near the site),” Peterson said. “ They didn’t want dirty diapers in the park.”

Although their wish was not granted, some neighbors requested that the site not be referred to as a park, as they feared that the name would attract “undesirables.”

Neighbors were also concerned with the timing of the cemetery’s attempt to donate the property to the city, since that attempt was made at about the same time that East Lawn applied for a permit to add a mortuary on its grounds. Protests by neighborhood residents led to the end of East Lawn’s drive to add a mortuary to its property.

But with an eventual overall approval for the park from neighbors and the completion of a carefully

written agreement, the donation of the park site was accepted by the city council on Dec. 16, 1986. The park was also approved by the city Planning Commission about two months later.

When Don Hart was named as East Lawn’s president in March 1988, the park had yet to be constructed.

During the following May, East Lawn, which had an escape clause in its pact on the property with the city, requested and was granted a delay in its donation while Hart became familiar with his then-new position.

Some supporters of the park project feared that the delay might be a sign that East Lawn would renege on the donation.

On June 23, 1988, The Sacramento Bee reported See East Lawn, page 7

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East Lawn: Park’s establishment was a great community gesture Continued from page 6

that East Lawn had decided to honor its donation, but that the cemetery was no longer offering $50,000 worth of improvements and 10 years of park maintenance.

It was also reported in the article that a pro-park campaign led by neighborhood resident Cindy Leathers influenced the cemetery board’s decision to complete its donation. The campaign resulted in about 200 postcards and a petition, which were delivered to Hart’s office. The petition was signed by about 500 local residents.

In another article, which was published on Sept. 8, 1988, The Union reported that city park officials had accepted the 42nd Street and Folsom Boulevard parcel for use as a city park. But it was also noted in the article that the property “must await development, because the city has no money available.”

An update regarding the site appeared in the June 1, 1989 edition of The Bee. In that update it was noted that “a frenzy of philanthropy is transforming a simple patch of ground into a full-blown East Sacramento park – the East Lawn Children’s Park.”

The article noted that local businesses and neighbors contributed labor, materials and money to establish the park.

This type of action was not unprecedented at park sites in Sacramento.

For instance, similar action was taken by people in the community to estab-

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lish East Sacramento’s East Portal Park and Portuguese Community Park in the Pocket area.

Donations for the East Lawn project included $20,000 from the Rotary Club of East Sacramento, $15,000 from a single fundraising event that was attended by about 150 community members, and sand for the sandboxes from Geremia Pools.

According to the article, the park’s new playground would be completed in about one to two months.

Among the improvements to the site were a children’s play area and a new fence that replaced the site’s aging, 3-foot-tall fence.

Last week, East Sacramento residents Doug Pope and Terry Kastanis, who were serving as members of the city council during the city’s involvement with the East Lawn park project, reflected upon their memories of the site.

Pope, who represented East Sacramento as a member of the council from 1977 to 1989, said, “ There was a period of time (that passed) from when East Lawn said that they wanted to make the donation.

Actually, preceding that donation was a lot of discussion with East Lawn about their future plans for that parcel. Those discussions ultimately led to them making a decision that they would donate it for neighborhood use. “(Prior to the creation of the city park, the site) was actually being used (by the

community for such things as touch football and flycasting practice). I don’t remember if it was actually mowed though. It was kind of a little bit of an eyesore, if I recall right. But it was being used. (The idea) was to clean (the site) up and make it usable for the neighborhood. For a period of time, there were – and there still are, I think – young families around there. It was a good use of a piece of land, and they let the young kids go around there and play.

“I think it’s a great amenity in the neighborhood and it looks really nice. It’s kept up well. I’m not close to it, so I’m not aware that they’ve had any issues, but I don’t believe they’ve had any issues. But it looks great and you can go by and you see people using it all the time, which is what it’s meant for, so it’s really gratifying to see that occur. It’s matured just fantastic. It has turned out to be I think better than everyone envisioned.”

Photo by Lance Armstrong

East Lawn Children’s Park at the southeast corner of 42nd Street and Folsom Boulevard was constructed in 1989.

In remembering the process, which led to the creation of the park, Kastanis, who served on the council from 1981 to 1994, said, “It was kind of like East Lawn didn’t know quite what to do with (the property). It was just vacant land that East Lawn had. It was kind of a hangout and people were kind of congregating there. I think they started using it like a park and finally East Lawn relented

and gave it to the city as the East Lawn park.

“It was a great community gesture on the part of East Lawn. They didn’t have to do that and they gave that property to the city for a park, and I think that’s commendable.”

www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

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A Rising Sacramento Star:

Parie Wood entertains local crowds with her music

By GINA LORENZO

At the Naked Lounge in Sacramento, Parie Wood awaits her turn to perform for the small coffee bar with a packed audience. She enjoys the performances before her headlining performance and in between sets, she says hello to friends and music colleagues with excited energy. But it’s obvious that on stage is where this Sacramento 17 year old is most comfortable. With her electric or acoustic guitar in hand, she’s calm, she’s enjoying telling her story and she easily adds a sense of humor, taking any sound issues with grace.

Parie’s performance includes songs from her album Manifest which includes only 5 of the songs that she has written.

Parie has been playing the guitar since she saw an ad for one. “When I was 10 years old- there was a special on a guitar for $99.00”. Her mother encouraged her to make the purchase. “I emptied my bank account and my mom paid for the remaining $5.00.

As a young child, my grandma and I used to play Elvis Presley and music has always been a part of life.” she adds.

“Before I even had a guitar I was writing songs. Being a student at the Met, I signed up for an internship here (at DIG Music) after my singing coach, Larisa Bryski introduced me to Marty DeAnda”, who is her manager and the Executive Producer of her album. “That was when I real-

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ized that being a professional musician was a possibility.”

Parie is inspired by various musicians including Paul Simon and Laura Marling. Listen to her songs and you understand her inspiration and respect for these musicians.

Her presence is soulful and her voice, “Music is my therapy and I’ll need to talk about it or have a process. I’ll start thinking in lyrics. I’ll write the music and lyrics separately. I even started writing poems and short stories when I was seven.” Manifest is an accumulation of songs that were written since she was twelve. Some songs were an obvious choice for the album, others a team effort. She also has a music video for her song Freeloader, which can be seen on Youtube. com, and was something that was filmed in a day for fun.

Her family has been supportive and proud including driving her to the bay area for shows and attending her concerts. And their pride must be overflowing; Parie has won a Sacramento News and Review Jammies Judge’s Award and Best New Artist for the Sammies, Since graduating in May, Parie’s goals are now to tour with a local band, make a new album, and generally perform more often locally, building a larger fan base. For now, upcoming shows include Wednesday, July 3rd at Marilyn’s on K Street. Check her out on Facebook.com, download her music on Itunes.com and find out more about this local talent at Pariewood.com

and you’ll understand why Parie states “My dreams are to play with people I love and for fans who love what I do.

www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

SMUD exhibition features artwork by the Women’s Wisdom Art Program The Art of Wisdom: an exhibition of artwork from the Women’s Wisdom Art program, features the work of 28 Sacramento area artists and opens at the SMUD Art Gallery, 6301 S Street, Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2013.

The public is invited to meet the artists and view their work at a free reception on Thursday, July 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibition contains artworks created by students during workshops in the Women’s Wisdom Art program: poems, a quilt made from gourds, and watercolor and acrylic paintings by Liz Bratun, Daphne Burgess, Beaver Brown-Burk, Brenda Cederbom, Tanyia Ceremello, Amanda Chavez, Carla Clifford, Yvonne Davis, Susan Kelly-Dewitt, Steff Echeverria, Jaimie Ferguson, Cathy Hackett, Brenda James, Linda Jones, Mallory Knight,

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Sharon Liberatore, Sue Maclay, Jennifer McCandless, Kimberly Moen, Yolanda Moore, Marilyn Norris, Helen Plenert, Nayyirah Robinson, Linda Tiefenthaler, Hilda Tonerely, Lisa Twillenger, Patricia Wentzel, and Rachael Vasquez. The Women’s Wisdom Art program offers art experiences for women who want to broaden their creative lives. Professional artists teach drawing, weaving, ceramics, mixed media, poetry, gourd crafting, creative writing, and painting.

Women’s Wisdom Art, founded in 1991, offers a safe, nurturing environment for women of all backgrounds. Through the support of staff, volunteers, and other students, women are introduced to art and its healing properties. Thus, women

East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

See SMUD, page 11

“Tea For One”, Mallory Knight, acrylic, 2013, 14” x 11”

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SMUD:

Continued from page 10

realize their true potentials and learn the importance of imagination, control, patience and emotional discipline. All women who wish to participate are welcome.

For more information about the Women’s Wisdom Art program: call Helen Plenert at (916) 482-2608 or email helen@womenswisdomart.org, www.womenswisdomart.org The Art in Public Places Program was established by the City and County of Sacramento to provide visual art experiences in public locations,. The SMUD Art Gallery is a partnership between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission is devoted to supporting, promoting and advocating for the arts in the region.

For further information on

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programs and opportunities through the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission go to: www.sacmetroarts.org. SMAC is funded by the City and County of Sacramento.

If you go: What: SMUD Art Exhibition featuring artwork by the Women’s Wisdom Art program When: July 12-Aug. 26 with a reception on July 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: SMUD, 6301 S Street (near 65th Street), Sacramento Contact: Lorrie Kempf (831) 624-3072, e-mail: lorriekempf@gmail.com Cost: Free

www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

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East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

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Sports East Sacramentan advances to Cal and United States U-20 Eagles for rugby

By Matthew Eason and Richie Walker

As summer schedules fill for kids and families, there is a growing movement across America to give rugby – an old, but “new” sport a try. Rugby has become America’s fastest growing team sport, with leagues, teams, and camps popping up from Sacramento to Washington D.C to Miami and everywhere in between for kids from all backgrounds.

Most Americans think of rugby as “football without pads” played in other parts of the world, but in fact the young American athlete is giving this safe, fun team sport a try more and more, and for good reason. The athletic and life skills developed in rugby help young people grow as athletes and people.

Locally, the exponential growth of youth rugby, lead in large part by Land Park Rugby, has not only made its mark nationally but has attracted the attention of international rugby organizations as well. Established in 2007, the Land Park Motley has helped pave the way for el-

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ementary and middle school boys and girls to play rugby at the highest levels at the high school, collegiate, national level and international level.

Here’s what’s been going on with players from Land Park, East Sacramento and Carmichael.

Just weeks ago, New Zealand’s fifth ranked high school rugby team, Napier Boys High School, traveled to Sacramento to play high school age alumni of the Land Park Motley in what many said was a classic game matching the skills of one of the world’s best youth programs with some of the best high school players to come out of the Motley program.

Jesuit High School is one of the nation’s premier high school rugby programs, and many of its elite players have Motley lineage.

Just a few weeks ago, Jesuit High School recaptured the national High School Championship while upstart CK McClatchy High School took fourth place in the ultra competitive Northern California High Single School Division – home to both Jesuit

Photo courtesy

Rugby players throughout Sacramento convened upon Jesuit High School for a Servei rugby camp.

and last year’s national champions Dixon High School.

East Sacramento’s Nick Boyer, one of the Motley’s original players has gone on to start for national powerhouse Cal Berkeley as well as earning a starting position with the United States U-20 Eagles national rugby team.

At the collegiate level, this year alone at least seven former Motley have committed to Division I schools to play rugby; Austin Guillen, University of California Davis, Ian Hause, University of Arizona, Noah Justin, University of Oregon, Joanah Lessard, Brigham Young University, Mark Poindexter, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Riley Snyder, Arkansas State University.

The fact that Sacramento and the Land Park Motley have become ground zero for

youth rugby has not been lost on one of the world’s legendary rugby players Waisale Serevi, - a Fijian rugby player who lead Fiji to two Rugby Sevens World Cup Championships and is known around the world simply as “Serevi.”. Serevi who is to rugby what Michael Jordan or Muhammad Ali are to their respective sports, cofounded Serevi Rugby to help him give back to the game that has given him so much. Part rugby ambassador, coach and community builder Serevi chose Sacramento for a youth rugby camp this summer because of the growth of youth rugby here in our community.”

Reportedly, the first session with Jesuit over the weekend of June 1516 went well as coaches and players throughout the greater NorCal area had a great experience.

www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

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East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

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www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

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McKinley Village update:

Comment period has been extended for Notice of Preparation The deadline to comment on the McKinley Village Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report has been extended to July 9. The proposed project consists of development of 328 residential units, a neighborhood recreation center, parks and other public spaces on about 48-acre site located along the south side of the Capital City Freeway, north of the Union Pacific rail lines, largely east of Alhambra Boulevard and largely west of Lanatt Street in the northeast area of downtown Sacramento.

If you have comments, submit them to Dana Allen, associate planner for the City of Sacramento, Community Development Department, 300 Richards Blvd., third floor, Sacramento CA 95811. Or call him at 808-2762 or email dallen@cityofsacramento.org The Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report and subsequent environmental documents are posted on the City’s Environmental Impact Report webpage at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/ planning/environmental-review/eirs/index.cfm

COMPUTERS GOT COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Pocket Computer Technician. I do on-site visits in the Pocket area. $45/hr. Outside the Pocket area, travel charge will apply. Problem not fixed? No pay! Free estimates/consultation. Call cell# 296-7161

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN SERVICES

No job too small. Make your “to-do” list and give me a call. Electrical, Plumbing, Tile, Sheetrock,Plaster, Stucco, Repairs and Remodeling, you name it! Lic# 908942. Call Steven at 230-2114.

BBQ fundraiser to benefit Nurse Navigator Program at Mercy Once a month four Mercy nurses get together to trouble shoot their patients’ problems and share improvements. One is a “breast cancer nurse navigator”; another nurse specializes in lung cancer, another prostate and gynecology cancer and the fourth is a generalist based in Woodland.

The Nurse Navigation Program’s goal is to have an early connection with patients as soon as they are diagnosed with cancer so needs can be accessed. Nurses can then help with clinical trials with finances and link them to resources. Tami Hoar “It’s kind of a buffet. Some need a little of this or that.

Some need hors d’oeuvres and desserts.”

The Mercy Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento will be holding its first barbe-

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cue fundraiser on Saturday, June 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. that will raise money to benefit this program. This fundraiser is for cancer patients, and the ongoing development of MCI includinvvg the new upcoming Folsom cancer center. The barbecue to be held at back behind the Mercy Cancer Center will include live entertainment by The Remedies. There will be raffle prizes and fun and games as well.

Make checks payable to Mercy Cancer Institute and mail to Angela Gianulias at 3301 C St. No. 550, Sacramento, 95816.

Donations are accepted if you are unable to attend the event. Bring your children and families. RSVP to 851-2003 or Angela.Gianulias@dignityhealth.org

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Send your event announcement for consideration to: editor@valcomnews.com at least two weeks prior to publication.

July Rotary Club of Pocket/Greenhaven July 4: Guest speakers address local, regional and international topics. Visitors welcome.

7:30 a.m., every Thursday. Aviators Restaurant, 6151 Freeport Blvd. (916) 684-6854.

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River Park Fourth of July festivities July 4: Kiddie parade begins at Caleb Greenwood. There will be antique cars, Black Hat Berry balloon artist, face painting by Alison’s Creations, bounce houses, imagination stations, carnival games and prizes, handmade art for sale. The event is pet friendly.

The day’s events go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Glenn Hall Park. There will be music by Phil Serna and his band, ‘Unsupervised’.

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City of Elk Grove Annual Red, White, and Blue fireworks Celebration July 4: This year, the City of Elk Grove is hosting the 17th Annual Salute to the Red, White and Blue fireworks show at the Elk Grove Regional Park. The festivities begin in the evening with live music and food. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and have a picnic or barbecue while enjoying the concert in the park. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. The firing location based at the Kloss Softball Complex will light up the skies over Elk Grove Regional Park. Admission is free, and parking is $10 per vehicle. Gates open at 7 a.m. Drivers should enter Elk Grove Regional Park at the Main Gate off Elk GroveFlorin Road (9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road).

The Elk Grove Police Department will release traffic information prior to the event.

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Bi-Polar Anonymous July 5: Free 12-step program/support group, for people who have Bi-Polar and those who

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

love them. Meets every Friday, 7-8:30 p.m. 4300 Auburn Blvd., Room 106. (916) 889-5786.

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Fire Station 11 Open House July 6: The Sacramento Fire Department will be hosting Fire Station Open House from 2 to 4 p.m., located at 785 Florin Rd. You are invited to bring your family and friends to visit with firefighters, take a tour of the fire station, and more! For more information, call 808-1011.

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International Celebration at Fairytale Town July 6: From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m, Fairytale Town presents a day of international dance and fun on the outdoor Mother Goose Stage. Enjoy performances from regional groups performing dances from around the world. Free with paid park admission.

Weekend admission is $5 for adults and children ages 2 and older and free for children ages 1 and under. www.fairytaletown. org, 808-7462. Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Dr., 95822 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Music in Carmichael Park July 7: Metro Swing, swing music, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Carmichael Park Band Shell 5750 Grant Ave. 485-5322. www.carmichaelpark.com.

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Merryhill School on Pocket Road to Offer Mommy & Me Classes for the Community July 8-Aug. 26: Free Mommy and Me classes are being offered to the Sacramento community this summer at the Merryhill School located at 7450 Pocket Road from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The classes are being held each Monday and will help introduce mothers and children to basic learning skills needed to build a strong academic foundation. Each hour-long class will be guided by a Merryhill instructor and will focus on one of the following areas of learning including math-

ematics, wellness, art, Spanish and the community. These areas of learning are also taught at Merryhill as part of the preschool’s Links to Learning <http://nobellearning. com/Links_to_Learning_Curriculum_ Guide.pdf> curriculum. Classes will be limited to the first 10 registrants and will be available to children age’s three through five.

Please call (916) 424-2299 to register.

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Rotary Clubs of Arden-Arcade, Carmichael July 9: Guest speakers address local, regional and international topics. Visitors welcome, every Tuesday. Arden-Arcade meets at noon, Jackson Catering and Events, 1120 Fulton Ave. (916) 925-2787. Carmichael meets at 6 p.m., Palm Street Pub & Grill, 6416 Fair Oaks Blvd. www.rotary.org.

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Soroptimist International of Sacramento North meeting July 9: An organization for the betterment of women and children meets at the atria El Camino Gardens at 2426 Garfield, Carmichael. Call Sheila at 624-4643.

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East Sac Rotary July 10: Meets at noon, Evan’s Kitchen, 855 57th St. Sacramento. www.eastsacrotary.com.

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Rotary Club of Pocket/Greenhaven July 11: Guest speakers address local, regional and international topics. Visitors welcome.

7:30 a.m., every Thursday. Aviators Restaurant, 6151 Freeport Blvd. (916) 684-6854.

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The Mission Oaks Computer Club meeting July 11: The meeting topic will be “Assets and Aging: Planning Ahead”, presented by radio program host Bob Scrivano. A problem-solving clinic, led

by Adam Lacey of Applications, Etc, will follow the meeting. First-time visitors are welcome. For additional information call 366-1687 or visit our website at www.missionoakscomputerclub.org. The meeting will go from 1 to 3 p.m. at Mission Oaks Community Center, 4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael.

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Bi-Polar Anonymous July 12: Free 12-step program/support group, for people who have Bi-Polar and those who love them. Meets every Friday, 78:30 p.m. 4300 Auburn Blvd., Room 106.

(916) 889-5786.

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Harmony Henna July 12: Starting at 3 p.m., get a beautiful or intriguing henna tattoo from the talented Jacqueline Robbins. For more information visit www.saclibrary.org or call 264-2920. Belle Cooledge Library is located at 5600 South Land Park Dr. Good for tweens/teens.

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Ninth Annual Sacramento Japanese Film Festival July 12-14: This festival will screen seven movies from Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14 at the Crest Theatre. Films include: Haru’s Journey, a movie about a grandfather and his teenage granddaughter who take to the road in a search for a new life; A Letter to Momo, Studio Ghibli’s anime with a feisty young heroine and winner of the 2012 Asian Pacific Screen Award for Best Animated Film; 13 Assassins, a samurai film which won 4 Japanese Oscars in 21011; and Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful, a documentary on Keiko Fukuda, the only woman awarded the black belt in Judo. Filmmaker Yuriko Romer will be at the Crest to present her film. Single ticket prices: $10; All Fetival Pass $35. Crest Theatre Box Office, 1013 K St.: 916-5189, Tickets.com: 1-800 - 225 - 2277. http://www.sacjapanesefilmfestival.net/.

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Day brings together children of all abilities to interact through, create and enjoy the arts. Enjoy a performance by ACT ON!, a children’s theater camp project of I Can Do That!, and view visual arts creations by I Can Do That! students. Stop by the art “funshops” to make flying saucers, rhumba shakers, pipe cleaner jewelry, spiral mobiles and more. This program is free with paid park admission. Weekend admission is $5 for adults and children ages 2 and older and free for children ages 1 and under. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Dr., 95822 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Delta Day and Sacramento Nights at Old Sugar Mill July 13: Old Sugar Mill is partnering with the downtowngrid association to bring Second Saturday to the Old Sugar Mill. Organizers are looking forward to hosting Installation Receptions, Hands on Demonstrations, and Artist in the Round Curation.

From noon to 5 p.m., there will be artists featuring multiple medias of art. Old Sugar Mill is located at 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg.

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Whip up a Cookbook!

Fire Station 17 Open House

July 13 – 11am –Collect, organize and put it all together during this 6-part series. Workshop #3 will focus on the essence of good writing and learning how to write headnotes. For more information visit www.saclibrary.org or call 264-2920. Belle Cooledge Library is located at 5600 South Land Park Dr. Good for adults.

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July 13: The Sacramento Fire Department will be hosting Fire Station Open House from 2 to 4 p.m., located at 1311 Bell Ave. You are invited to bring your family and friends to visit with firefighters, take a tour of the fire station, and more! For more information, call 808-1011.

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‘Wreck it Ralph’ at Lewis Park July 13: The Didion/Lewis Park Recreational Center Committee (DLPRCC) will be showing “Wreck It Ralph” from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Lewis Park, Didion Gym amphitheatre with free refreshments and prizes for all attendees.

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Very Special Arts Day at Fairytale Town

Music in Carmichael Park

July 13: From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., performances, visual art shows, and art “funshops” will be featured at this annual event presented by I Can Do That! Very Special Arts

July 13: Departure – Journey Tribute Band, songs by Journey from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Carmichael Park Band Shell 5750 Grant Ave. 485-5322. www.carmichaelpark.com.

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www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

17

Gourmet Grub:

SactoMoFo has a successful day in Tahoe Park Story by William Laws

The Sycamore trees in Tahoe Park provided the perfect amount of shade for great dining at the Sacramento neigborhood’s first MoFo Truck event. On Wednesday, June 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the only green spaces not full of happy neighbors munching on restaurant-quality food delivered by special vans were the baseball parks. Ten mobile food trucks, live music and a beer and wine garden transformed the area into a quality food court.

Tahoe Park is the outermost of Sacramento’s park neighborhoods which, include Land Park, Curtis Park and Oak Park. According to event organizer Paul Somerhausen, though, it is the first city neighbor-

18

hood to hold an outdoor event involving mobile restaurant service.

The brightly colored trucks lined the eastern side of the park from the horseshoe pit to the new metal roofed gazebo.

“This grub is really good,” said one young man between eager bites.

The diverse array of provisions featured quality meals ranging from Cajun food to delicious Mexican cuisine. Other vendors offered gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs capped by freshly baked buns.

“I can taste the toasted sesame seeds on this one,” explained one diner who didn’t mind the long line before he could give his order.

Another food truck served shaved ice in a rainbow spec-

East Sacramento News • July 4, 2013 • www.valcomnews.com

trum of different flavors and colors.

Somerhausen, taking a break from supervising the placement of folding tables and chairs, stooped to greet a toddler ambling behind his mom.

“Having this event in Tahoe Park gives it a family feeling that makes it very special,” he explained.

The 39-year old entrepreneur credits his obvious organizing ability to years working in convention services at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

Somerhausen also stresses that his many years in the Sacramento restaurant industry has been rewarding and always an adventure.

In fact, people seemed to find selecting their evening meal as an adventure in itself. Families toting young children, neighbors recognizing and greeting each other with handshakes and hugs were constant, small dramas that took place as hungry pa-

Photos by Monica Stark

People enjoying gourmet grub at the Tahoe Park SactoMofo.

trons stood in line for their chance to order refreshments or something nutritious.

The large, colorful food trucks provided a large part of the festive environment. The Cajun Wagon, for example, sported an image of a crawdad on one side. The shaved

ice truck featured an illustration of a Hawaiian hula dancer. The Bacon Mania truck was adorned with the cartoon drawing of a huge, red pig’s face that seemed to gaze at the diners as they munched See SactoMoFo, page 19

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

SactoMoFo: About 1,500 people attended this first Tahoe Park food truck event Continued from page 18

and nibbled in front of the van.

Another truck was highlighted by the drawing of a chef in a billowy white hat popping up through the sun roof of a speeding food van.

However, it wasn’t the setting but the meal courses that were the stars of the evening. In an instant, one recognized that the food was of good quality. “It’s not the fried Milk Duds or Twinkies that you get at the fair,” explained one visitor from the neighborhood.

Esperanza, a nanny enjoying a chicken taco complimented the way her dish had been prepared. “They got the cheese to melt perfectly on the beans,” she explained.

My wife and I personally relished the corn chowder we purchased from the Cajun Wagon (AKA Louisiana Kitchen) which seemed to have one of the longest lines of customers.

The grilled garlic bread was warm and crunchy without being at all stale.

There were many attendees that agreed with me that the food itself was the best as-

Live music.

pect of the lively event. Isaac Gonzalez, the president of the local neighborhood association, and his wife Jeanna both enjoyed their sandwich from the Kush Burger truck which featured a surreal illustration of a hamburger that brilliantly covered the order window.

Photos by Monica Stark

After the lines died down.

As well, Anne Marie and Joe from 12th Avenue were both amazed at the gaudy shaved ice concoction they had ordered for their grandson.

Much thanks needs to be given to District 6 Councilmember Kevin McCarty who cut miles of red table to

facilitate the use of the city park. The local weather cooperated by being neither too hot or too wet (which would have been the case only a few days earlier). With any luck, the Sacramento MoFo Truck Event can be a summer staple for Tahoe Park for years to come.

Editor’s note: SactoMofo will return to Tahoe Park on July 24 with more trucks to mitigate the long lines.

SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS games are fun for the entire family!

Don’t miss these fun family events: Toyota Family Value Tuesday Enjoy $1 hot dogs & desserts, yum!

Free Parking Wednesday presented by Jiffy Lube Mom & dad will love Free Parking!

Fireworks Friday Fireworks are now on Friday nights too!

Sutter Health Fireworks Saturday Fireworks light up the Sacramento Skyline!

U.S. Bank Sunday Funday Enjoy kids run the bases & player autographs plus face painters and balloon artists!

Buy tickets today at rivercats.com or by calling 800.745.3000 Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

www.valcomnews.com • July 4, 2013 • East Sacramento News

19

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Lots of natural light, spacious rooms and living space, remote office, 2 fireplaces, dual pane windows and a formal entry are just a few of its many nice features. Relax and entertain in the spacious backyard with beautiful pool! $449,900

Charming 3 bedroom home with very spacious floor plan, hardwood floors, central heat and air, charming kitchen, and a completely remodeled bathroom. Located on a large lot and in one of the best locations in River Park just minutes from restaurants, Sac State, and downtown. New insulation and HVAC system in 2009, dual pane windows throughout. $375,000

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One of East Sacramento’s finest homes! Wake up to the tree tops filtering the morning sun or entertain in rooms that invite the outdoors in. Unique features, a spacious artist’s studio, guest wing complete with kitchen and an apartment over the 3 car garage. $1,375,000

Regal brick 2 or 3 bedroom home on a quiet East Sacramento corner. Move in ready with a new kitchen, bathroom, roof, tankless water heater, refinished hardwood floors, interior paint and minimal maintenance yard.

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Built in 1978, this unique contemporary styled home features 3 bedrooms 2 baths, a large open space providing views of beautiful, mature gardens. Living room, dining room, kitchen, family room and master bedroom all have views and access to the gardens. $689,000

4 bedrooms 4½ baths, nearly 5000 square feet, this home has it all … a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room, a large living room and an open breakfast room. The home also features a family room, a sauna/steam room, a full gym, and a workshop. Outside is your own private sanctuary on a big lot with a newer pool and built in kitchen. $1,895,000

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DunniganRealtoRs.com 916.484.2030 916.454.5753 Dunnigan is a different kind of Realtor.®