Pocket New - January 20, 2017

January 20, 2017 | www.valcomnews.com

Pock e t News — Bringing you community news for 26 years —

After the Storm

Pocket residents dealt with unexpected incidences See page 3

From your Councilman................................2 Crossword Puzzle. .......................................5 Door-to-Door......................................... 16 Police Log................................................... 17 What’s Happening..................................... 20

Cougar football coach leaves JFK for Pleasant Grove See page 4

Irish family was among early Pocket residents

See page 10

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Nick LaPlaca 764-7500

In a recent article, I noted that our parks are our greatest community attraction. I truly believe this sentiment and it is this belief that drives me to push for greater improvements and enhancements of our treasured amenities. Years of budget cuts and inclement weather may have dulled some of the shine of these treasures. But, I am proud to say that thanks to the concerted efforts of my office and the City Parks and Recreation Department, we are starting to see our parks return to their former glory.

Probably the most noted initiative in making our parks better is a coordinated effort to diminish the habitation of burrowing pests in our community parks and to repair the damage caused by these pests.

The effects of burrowing pest habitation may have been most recognizable in Seymour Park – a park that has suffered many years of reduced maintenance due to lack of funding and diminished use, making it an

ideal breeding ground for burrowing pests. Nevertheless, since taking office, I’ve worked closely with park maintenance staff to develop an aggressive pest control plan for each of the affected parks and surrounding areas. This plan includes treating the parks at least once a week during the active seasons of February through October; remedying the damage caused by the pests by filling holes, reseeding/replanting and re-grading the grounds; and actively monitoring the progress of the treatment and the longevity of the remediation so that we can quickly adjust the plan as needed.

Meanwhile, we realize it there is unlikely to completely rid our parks from burrowing pests. State and Federal laws as well as public health and safety concerns that mandate what pest control methods are permissible for public area.

Also, many of our parks often border schools and private land, where the pests can escape the methods executed in the parks and later return to continue to wreak havoc. Towards this end, our Parks staff are working closely with the local schools and community volunteers to coordinate pest control efforts and repairs. I want to especially thank the vol-

unteers of Greenhaven Soccer, Pocket Little League and Pocket Area Congregations Together for your continued commitment to these efforts which has greatly assisted in the improvement of our parks. Additionally, Parks staff are available to provide residents with tips on how to protect their own property from burrowing pests and join in on these coordinated efforts and many of you are already using this resource to protect your properties.

(For information on how to protect your property from burrowing pest in conjunction with the efforts taking place in our local parks, please call 916-808-4070 or email eloew@cityofsacramento.org.)

Along with the fight against burrowing pests, we’ve also made many improvements to our parks.

We’ve added shade structures at the Lynn Robbie Dog Park. We’ve installed pickleball courts at Garcia Bend and Lewis Parks and repaired the tennis court at Lewis Park. The damaged walkways in Garcia Bend Park were replaced and additional ones were installed.

The boat ramp at Garcia Bend was repaired and fortified. And, a new welcome sign was installed at Marriott Park, thanks to the See Councilman, page 6

24 Hour Info @ www.NickLaPlaca.com

Pocket News

w w w. va l c o m n e w s . c o m E-mail stories & photos to: editor@valcomnews.com Pocket News is published on the first and third Fridays of the month in the area bounded by Interstate 5 on the east and the Sacramento River on the north, west, and south.

Publisher...................................................................David Herburger Editor............................................................................... Monica Stark

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Boat adrift — found just south of Garcia Bend Photos and story by Monica Stark editor@valcomnews.com

When the sun came out for a beautiful Wednesday after the heavy storm early last week flooded much of the region and huge waves crashed on the Sacramento River, Pocket residents took to the bike trail to see the swelling of the land. Lower level trails flooded. The boat ramp and docks were under water.

Sounds of birds chirping filled the trees.

And for Milton Youman, a Yuba City resident whose boat has remained docked upstream for the last “four or five” years, the dry day was actually quite wet for him.

Jumping on a swimming pool raft, he paddled himself toward his boat, which was found caught between the branches of trees. Tuesday night’s storm unleashed his prized possession, sending it downstream. Neighbors called to notify him, even sending photographs of the boat, urging him to go find it.

But, search he did. Along with his son, who’s also named Milton Youman and their friend Nate, the boat was not found, until a levee patrol person notified them of its presence – just about a half mile downstream from Garcia Bend Park.

Excited they were because as rules have it — that if a boat is found “undocked” for more than three days, whoever claims it becomes its new owner. That’s what they were told anyway. So the urgency to secure the boat came full throttle. First thought, well, Nate has a boat they could hitch the house boat to, then they could tow it back to the dock. That didn’t work — all the boat ramps and docks on both sides of the river were closed.

Their solution — the kiddie rafts, a pulley and some good ol’ muscle.

Milton, Sr. went out on the raft, paddled to the boat, jumped on. He began to secure the boat to the trees, when the “youngins” — Milton, Jr. and Nate — decided to pull the boat toward shore with a pulley system, also bringing Milton, Sr. back.

Problem was they didn’t want the boat so close to shore for a number of reasons. Primarily, they didn’t want the water to go too far down before they’d be able to retrieve it. Then, it could really get stuck. Other problem, they joked that it might become a “homeless hotel.” It has a kitchen, after all.

So, after Milton, Sr. was back to shore, they pushed the boat back and secured it with the ropes.

Here’s to team work and hope they get the boat back to its proper home.

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www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

Cougar football coach leaves JFK for Pleasant Grove

By John Hull Elk Grove Citizen

SusieSellsSac.com

Matt Costa, the football coach and athletic director at John F. Kennedy High School, will leave the Pocket area for Pleasant Grove next fall, leading the football program there.

There were many years where the Cougars were just plain bad in football, while in sports such as tennis and girls basketball they were quite good. But, Costa came in five years ago and put an end to a 28game losing streak in 2013 and last fall for the first time since the 1990s, they made the playoffs. And, they had a winning record at 6-5.

Sure, it was a 16-seed in Division I and they were destroyed by Folsom, 78-6, but Kennedy football was beginning to take shape.

Now, he’ll be taking his expertise to Pleasant Grove who just experienced their worst season ever, 0-10.

Officially, he’ll replace Jason Rossow, who resigned after three weeks into the season for health reasons. Steve Robards and Lew Lassetter came over from Cosumnes Oaks to fill in the final seven weeks of the season. Athletic director Bruce Belden said most of last year’s coaching staff will also stay on board when Costa arrives.

Costa’s resume includes coaching stints at Mira Loma, McClatchy and Cristo Rey, all football programs that were struggling when he took over and made competitive. He played football at El Camino and at American River College and then at the University of St. Mary.

Costa will also come on board the Pleasant Grove’s faculty next school year.

During homecoming last fall, Costa told the Pocket News the following: “Honestly I think a lot of people in the Pocket really don’t want to admit how good we actually are. They keep sending their kids away to play football at CKM or private schools. We have out scored opponents this season 247 to 94. We have beat CKM three years in a row, out scoring

them 130 to 31. We have kids getting D1 offers. We already have one former Cougar, Chigoze Nnoruka, playing football at UCLA on scholarship. Our offensive coordinator puts together an offense that is truly dynamic and fun to watch and play in. Our defense is one of the best in the area, and academically we are one of the strongest in the school district. It’s obvious to me that if I had a kid with interest in playing football at the next level Kennedy would be my choice. Our coaching staff is top notch, our facilities are the best in the district hands down, we are the first school in the district to have a Nike sponsorship, and we have an administration and faculty that is focused on the success of our student athletes. Not to mention we have the best band in the district and best fans in the area. I don’t think there is much more anyone can ask for out of a high school and its football program.”

Pocket News editor Monica Stark contributed to this report.

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Councilman: Continued from page 2

help of Eagle Scout, Garrett Suggs.

And, we have so much more in store for 2017. I’ve been working with the City Manager’s office to coordinate multi-departmental efforts to develop a comprehensive and robust maintenance plan in effort to better maintain and improve the Pocket Canal Parkway, the levee and our local parks. In addition, the hiring of additional staff in the Parks and Recreation Department has allowed us to now focus more on improvements to our parks rather than simply maintaining and repairing the parks.

For example, we just hosted a Park Project Programming Guide Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 11th. During this meeting, Parks staff discussed the Park Project Programming Guide (PPPG) which is the process that the City uses to prioritize new park and recreation capital projects.

The PPPG process allows staff to identify and prioritize needs, align funding with those needs to create realistic expectations, and deliver projects within a reasonable timeframe. It is through the PPPG that we can find funding for innovative ideas such as the proposed new master plan for a community garden and dog park at Sojourner Truth Park.

If you missed this informative meeting or would like additional information on what was covered, a recorded video of the meeting is available for viewing on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/RickTJennings/videos/. You can also learn more about the Park Project Programming Guide and submit your ideas for park improvements at www.CityOfSacramento.org/ParksAndRec. I am very excited about what 2017 has in store and I look forward to continuing to working with each of you to keep District 7 the best community to live, work and play. As always, please feel free to contact my office at 916-808-7007 to discuss other innovative ideas that we can bring to our community to help it thrive.

Pocket News • January 20, 2017 • www.valcomnews.com

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Pocket Little League to hold fundraiser dinner

By Monica Stark

editor@valcomnews.com

In a community-wide effort, the Pocket Little League will hold a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Elks Lodge, No. 6 (6446 Riverside Blvd.).

Catered by Hannibal’s, the Elks donated the space and the John F. Kennedy High School Pacers are serving the family-style dinner of antipasto and salad, fresh baked bread, rigatoni with Bolognaise sauce and Italian sausage with peppers and onions. Included in the $27-per-person event will be a raffle, music and full bar available. Proceeds benefit the Pocket Little League and Conlin Field.

Further explaining the community support behind the dinner, Alexis Barone, special events coordinator for the little league, said that the main portion of the meal is being catered while the rest is provided through donations and discounts from local businesses. “ The Elks have donated the space and table service is provided by JFK’s PACE program, in turn those students will earn community hours and gratuities will go to PACE. Other busi-

nesses have supported like, Greenhaven Pack and Ship, printing all of the flyers and tickets at not cost. Now we must fill in the gaps; we still need lots of donations for the raffle, helpers to set up, clean up and work the night of. Our website is advertising the event (ran by Dave Lake, a Board member) and with any large event, there are lots of unexpected costs; security, permits, linens, and plenty of other items one might not realize.

I’m really hoping the community will come out for a fun evening and support this great cause! Our goal is to sell 300 tickets and we can’t do that without the community.”

The goals of PLL are traditional; promote, develop and help kids participate in America’s favorite pastime, baseball, while teaching team work and responsibility. The league usually has about 250-275 players

but is hopeful that number grows each year; closer to 350 with 28-30 teams.

Who knows, maybe one day players will go on to the Little League World Series and beyond!

Volunteering as much as possible at various events and since Alexis and her husband had their son in 2012, they are now active in the Little League sports world.

Alexis joined the board in June “and everyone has been great!” she said.” The Pocket is such a close community that the more player we have, the more camaraderie our neighbors will share.

We hope to develop Conlin field each season; completing the 4th field, adding bullpens to the primary fields and one day, batting cages! This wouldn’t be possible without donations, sponsors and participants which are always needed...

What I like most about the league is spending the spring and summer outside in the beautiful setting watching family and friends

have fun. My husband told me after the season ended that he missed going. I did too; I think that’s why I joined the board.”

Current president Bob Wood, who “stepped up to the plate” in September, discussed his love for the league and some of the challenges behind keeping the fields up to par each year.

“At Pocket Little League, we are blessed to play at the beautiful Bill Conlin Fields on Freeport Boulevard. The cost and labor to maintain our fields, and keep them in game ready conditions are our biggest challenge every year. This is why fundraisers such as our January 28th fundraiser, plus sponsorships and our snack shack is vital to the league.

“Little League allows players to build friendships and memories that they will recall throughout their entire lives. There are many times after games that you see all of the kids, regardless of team uniform, playing wiffle ball together, or sitting

at the tables eating a hot dog from our Snack Shack.

That is what Little League is all about.”

For tickets and more information, visit PocketLittleLeague.com, email pocketlittleleague@gmail.com or call Alexis Barone at 730-5952.

If you go: What: Pocket Little League fundraiser dinner When: Saturday, Jan. 28; doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.

Where: Elks Lodge, No. 6, located at 6446 Riverside Blvd.

For more information, visit: pocketlittleleague.com, email pocketlittleleague@gmail.com or call Alexis Barone at 730-5952.

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www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

Passion on paper Free Literature of Love course offered in Sacramento

By Monica Stark

editor@valcomnews.com

Poetry is made for passion.

Using sound and rhythm to convey messages of romance, beautiful love letters and literature are guaranteed to fill the hearts of students of Frank Dixon Graham’s The Literature of Love course through the McKinley Library. Free of charge, students can get set for valentine’s Day by reading and writing passionate love letters and romantic poetry in two one-and-a-half hour classes on consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in early February.

Frank, a published poet, the Editor of Tule Review, and adjunct professor of English at the Los Rios Colleges, will give lectures at each session and also facilitate the reading and discussion.

In lecture one, on Wednesday, Feb. 1, students will learn about the greatest love correspondents of all time. Why did they write the best love letters? What did these lovers have to

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say? How did they express themselves and what stories are behind their romantic correspondences? Attendees will hear a brief history of love letters and their star-crossed lovers. Participants may write their own love letters in class. The authors discussed and the reading of romantic letters will be certain to inspire.

In lecture two, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, less than a week before valentine’s Day, students will read some of the best love poems ever written.

There will be a discussion of these authors and what goes into writing a meaningful or lasting love poem. Students are encouraged to enrich their own relationship by writing their own love poem in class or become inspired to express themselves with a well-crafted note to your valentine.

Open to adults “aged 18 to 81 years and older,� there is no cost associated with either session. It is free and open to the public.

A writer of many love poems, Frank noted they are less likely to get published,

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yet that’s not usually the intended purpose.“Love poems are either meant to express something to the person you love or they are simply created as a reminder of what was, what can be, what is, or what was. My wife is an inspiration and I have to say that I’m inspired by a moment of love or loving.�

Quotidian activities can become the most romantic when shared with someone you love, he explained, so tell those stories in your love poems. Images for love poems may come like photographs of time that one wishes to describe to the listener or reader, he said.

While there’s less of a market for love poems today, there are some poets who have found a way to delight audiences: Mark Doty, Nikki Giovanni, and even Sharon Olds all have different twists on the modern love poem, Frank added. “Pablo

Neruda is, hands-down, the most romantic poet of the past century. He’s my favorite. Neruda used simple language and nature imagery to convey his message. The use of sound is critically important to Neruda and there’s something about those mellifluous lines that can transport one to another dimension emotionally. Poetry is made for passion. Nowhere is that more evident than with Neruda.� Available in Spanish, or in English with good translations by W.S. Merwin and others, Frank said a romantic gift-giver could hardly go wrong with Neruda’s Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair.

If you can’t afford the book, Frank recommends getting a copy from the library and read it to your love interest over a romantic meal that you have cooked for them.

Seeing his students awaken to some beautiful expe-

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rience of language or hearing a writer open up and share some detail of their life that they’ve never been able to express before are some of the greatest experiences Frank has had as a literature professor. In one of his past classes, a couple attended the writing workshops and lectures together. “ They were young. I wasn’t sure how close they were or if they really knew each other well at all. I’d like to think that their relationship blossomed as a result of the class. They were married last summer, not long after the class ended.�

Even in his non-romantic classes on writing and literature, a lot of personal material is shared. Participants support each other. They become friends and really connect with each other, he explained. Beyond the fact that See Love letters, page 9

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Love letters: Continued from page 8

you see them develop as genuinely artful beings, a teacher of writing must love to see that connection between writers happening. Frank has coached boys’ soccer and some of the same principals apply; some of those kids will be friends for the rest of their lives. “Writing is far from the solitary experience many may think of it.

It is a team effort and sometimes, as we’re about to explore, it is a fascination between two people who want to experience life on a deeper level, together.�

This isn’t the first free literature class Frank has offered at the McKinley Library. Required to complete a teaching practicum in a community environment for his master’s program in writing at Goddard College, he realized his love of teaching and decided to continue to offer classes after he graduated. So, since that time, he’s taught five series, each made up of six to eight classes. From contemporary poetics, international forms and styles of poetry to certain specific historical periods of American literature, Frank is interested in teaching a class on social justice poetry and nature poetry in the near future. From coordinating readings that serve as fundraisers for nonprofits to organizing the editing and publishing of the Sacramento Poetry Center’s next anthology, Frank enjoys facilitating other people’s creative expression through writing and literature. “I was given a lot. This is the way I know to give back. The process is also a lot of fun.�

For as long as he can remember language has been important to Frank. “Being read to as a child can stimulate curiosity and wonder. I never stopped imagining the worlds introduced to me,� he said. At some point, life brought on challenges and he found that the best and most healthy escape was to write creatively. Physical exercise was also an important outlet, but as arthritis set in the mental workout of creating poetry has become a more vigorous activity. He has founded or championed a number of literary activities locally.

In the description of the first workshop, Frank writes: “We will read the beautiful love letters of both real and imaginary authors after a brief lecture on the topic.�

Thinking that might “make a few scratch their heads,�

Frank explained with the following example: “Griffin and Sabine is a wonderful work of fiction by Nick Bantock. It is an epistolary novel and an exchange of love letters between two people.

The book is beautiful in design and in content, with letters that may be pulled from their envelopes within the text itself. Beyond that, some of the world’s greatest romances are documented through love letters.�

On that note, Frank added that the love letter is an almost extinct art form. “We’ve given in to texting. Sexting isn’t all that high of an art form. It may be gratifying for a moment, but returning to a tangible piece of writing can, ultimately, be more satisfying.

Some people may have never read or may have never written a love letter. The tactile riches of opening an envelope

sealed with the tongue of one’s love interest can create a new romance or rekindle an old one. A good pen with good ink can combine with quality paper to deliver an important message. A perfectly individualized note from someone who has affection for you in your mailbox? How fun is it to find a stamp that may have some symbolism for both of you? How much value is there in the lasting memory of a love letter?

How much are we missing by not addressing our valentine with our own handwritten card or letter? The letter is a cost effective and quite complete way of conveying our thoughts to someone we care deeply about.�

In the description of the second workshop, he writes: “There will be a discussion of these authors and what goes into writing a meaningful or lasting love poem. Enrich your own relationship by writing your own love poem in class or become in-

spired to express yourself with a well-crafted note to your valentine.� Asked what makes a meaningful or lasting love poem and to describe any personal experiences, Frank shared the following: “A love poem must convey the sentiment of the admirer while stimulating the interest of the admired. Ideally, that’s the way it works.

There are rhetorical and poetic devices that are used to that end. Even still, there are situations in which that’s not possible. There are romances that fail. Love doesn’t fail.

But we are human. An open expression is paramount to any poem. We all learn what it is like to experience rejection. So we put ourselves on the line when we communicate how we truly feel. We’ve all had to learn to kindly reject others who have opened their hearts to us as well.

Whether we succeed in love or whether we fail miserably trying, the effort that can be documented in our writ-

ing is a worthwhile activity.

I’ve written love poems for a few sweethearts. Some even wrote me back. When that kind of emotional exchange happens, the experience can be exhilarating. The closest we can become as human beings is not necessarily in the physical realm but in the experience made possible with words.�

If you go: What: Frank Dixon Graham’s The Literature of Love course Where: Reagan Room inside the Clunie Center (third floor), 601 Alhambra Blvd.

Cost: Free When: Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Who: The program is open to adults aged 18 to 81 years and older

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www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

9

Irish family was among early Pocket residents

By LANCE ARMSTRONG Lance@valcomnews.com

Those who are familiar with the history of the Pocket know that the area’s early, non native inhabitants were mostly Portuguese people who came from the Azores islands. But a lesser known bit of trivia is that an Irish family was also among the Pocket’s early residents.

That family was the Coleman family, who has a link to a historically wellknown Pocket family: the Dutras.

It was the Sept. 3, 1934 marriage of Tony Dutra and Eileen Coleman, that brought together these two longtime Pocket families.

The Dutras are best recognized today through their former, historic home on the old Riverside Road, at the current address of 8144 Pocket Road.

Built in about 1873, this two-story Italianate-style, wood-frame structure was constructed for John Curran, and purchased in 1918 by Antone Perry Dutra and his uncle by marriage, Jess Lewis.

Across another section of the old Riverside Road and about a block east of the Dutra House was the Coleman house and ranch.

Anthony Dutra, 82, mentioned that he first saw the historic Cole-

man house during his childhood in the 1940s.

“The [Coleman] house was in ruins at that stage,” he said. “It was a twostory, clapboard house. At the time the house was built, all of the old houses (in the Pocket) were two stories and on hills, because of the problem with the flooding of the river. The house was partially standing. You could tell it was a house, but it was coming down.”

Anthony noted that the Coleman family’s history in the Pocket may predate the Gold Rush.

“I remember reading that (arrival date of 1847) in some of the (Coleman) family history, but unfortunately I don’t remember where I read it,” he said.

Anthony, whose parents were Tony Dutra and Eileen Dutra, said that the first Colemans to live in the Pocket were his great-grandparents, Henry and Hannah (Carr) Coleman.

“My great-grandparents were one of the first families to settle in the Pocket area,” he said. “They left Ireland because they wanted to start a new life in the New World. Like everyone else (in the Pocket) who I have heard about at the time, my great-grandfather was a farmer.

“He farmed mostly pinto and pink beans and some hay on two parcels of land that totaled about 140 acres. He

7707 Rush River Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831

Photo courtesy of the Dutra family

Henry and Hannah (Carr) Coleman are shown with their son, George Coleman, in this early 1880s photograph.

had mules and horses, instead of tractors, which were used on the land in later years.”

In addition to mentioning Henry and Hannah Coleman, Anthony Dutra was able to identify four of their children as John, William, Tom and George Coleman.

The 1880 U.S. Census lists two other Coleman children: Harry and Mary Coleman.

Revere courT

George Coleman continued his family’s history in the Pocket, as he ran the Pocket Creamery.

The plant, which was recognized as a very modern operation of the time, experienced tragedy, when it was destroyed the afternoon of January 24, 1906.

The fire, which was believed to have begun in the creamery’s furnace room, See Irish, page 11

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Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Irish:

Continued from page 10

caused about $5,000 in damages. However, the business carried a significant amount of insurance to substantially cover those damages.

The Sacramento Union, in its Jan. 25, 1906 edition, noted: “The cream producers of the vicinity will necessarily suffer some slight inconvenience as a result of the fire, but it is understood that the rebuilding will be so rapid as to lessen the inconvenience to a very great extent.”

George Coleman began his own family in the Pocket with

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

the former Minnie Dart, who was a native of Elk Grove.

George and Minnie were married in Elk Grove on Dec. 23, 1906, and had three daughters, Mildred, the aforementioned Eileen, and Eleanor.

The Dart family was a well established family in Elk Grove.

Many longtime Elk Grove area residents remember Dart’s Market. The business opened in 1950 on Main Street, which along with Elk Grove-Franklin Road was renamed Elk Grove Boulevard in 1954.

The street-level market, which remained in opera-

tion until 1961, was located in the historic, two-story Masonic Temple/Old Town Mercantile Building, which still stands in its original location at the modern day address of 9075 Elk Grove Boulevard in Old Town Elk Grove.

Although Anthony has fairly limited knowledge regarding his great-grandparents, he has fond memories about his visits to the home of grandparents, George and Minnie Coleman.

Anthony Dutra said that he was in charge of catching chickens for Sunday dinners at his grandparents’ house.

“I had to catch the chicken, kill the chicken and put it in the water,” he said.

“It was not easy to catch a chicken. My grandmother wouldn’t let me shoot a chicken, because it would get buckshot in the meat.

Grandma would take that chicken and make chicken and dumplings and the family would all gather together for our Sunday dinner.”

During the same era, Minnie, who was known by her family as an excellent cook, would make pies using fruit from the ranch’s orchard.

Since George and Minnie had no sons, the Coleman name in the Pocket ceased existence.

But despite this point, nothing can erase the fact that the Colemans brought Irish heritage to the area during the early years of the Pocket.

www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

11

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Pocket News • January 20, 2017 • www.valcomnews.com

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Community Park Planning Meeting at John F. Kennedy High School garnered residents’ input

by Leigh Stephens

Parks nourish our spirits! Walking through glorious trees, sitting on comforting grass, taking that toddler to the playground on a sunny or overcast day, taking a run or walk by the rivers, unpacking that luscious picnic lunch…Our lives are enriched daily by the city and regional parks in our community.

A recent community meeting at Kennedy High Auditorium found Sacramento Vice Mayor Rick Jennings, II explaining the Park Project Planning Guide (PPPG) to his District 7 constituents. Jennings introduced the PPPG and City Supervising Landscape Architect Gary Hyden who then led the meeting. City Landscape Architect Dennis Day and Parks and Recreation Department Senior Planner Raymond Costantino attended the meeting and also gave input.

Jennings and Hyden both explained that the purpose of the PPPG is to get community input for future planning for all the components of the parks.

The PPPG is a prioritized list of unfunded new parks and recreation capital projects throughout the City.

The process allows staff to identify and prioritize needs, align funding with those needs, and deliver projects within a reasonable time frame.

This planning involves a complex mix of government agencies and citizens cooperating to update existing and bring future parks into reality. The Parks and Recreation Department is funded primarily through special revenue sources:

14

• Park Development Impact Fees; • The 1975 Quimby Act that authorizes the legislative body of a city or county to require the dedication of land or to impose fees for park or recreational purposes as a condition of the approval of a tentative or parcel subdivision map; • The California Land Park Fund, which allows for the conservation of water and parks; • Federal Transportation Development grants; • State and Federal Capital grants; and • Private and foundation grants or gifts. It is played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and with Gary Hyden said, “It’s very im- a slightly modified tennis net. Players portant to do what the community use a paddle and a plastic ball with wants! holes.

District 7 neighbors asked quesSpeaking of requests, Hyden retions about such things as the ongoing minded community members, “We park turf vs. vole battle to rid park turf have to match our workload with the of the pesty, hole-digging rodents. staff who provide the core work. BeAccording to Hyden the voles have cause of funding, nothing will happen already won: “Unfortunately, we’re from a year to a year and a half. When never going to get rid of them!” construction is involved, it can take Others asked about community gar- between three months to two years.” dens, which are a “hot” topic in today’s Official approval also takes a hefty nutrition-conscious neighborhoods. Ac- length of time. cording to the Sacramento City Parks The PPPGuide includes the “Sandand Recreation website, parks include box Survey,” which asks input from approximately 357 community gardens individuals and community groups. not including plots that combine com- The survey asks what category the mon areas and fruit tree orchards. proposed project falls under: neighVice Mayor Jennings says he always borhood and community parks, comlistens to the kids. “When they com- munity facilities, or regional parks and plain about the basketball hoops fall- parkways. ing down or wanting a pickleball court It also asks for a description of how or a water fountain, I listen!” the proposed project will meet the If you’re wondering what pickleball needs in the community and a deis, it’s a sport that combines elements scription of public priority or site sigof tennis, badminton and ping-pong. nificance. It asks for any project cost

Pocket News • January 20, 2017 • www.valcomnews.com

File photo by Lance Armstrong

offsets or partnerships, and if an acquisition project, what is the availability and proposed suitability for active or passive recreational use. Additional considerations involve public use of the project and whether it is in an economically disadvantaged area.

You can get an online copy of the survey form from the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation, “2016 PPPG, Process Overview and Criteria.” This includes all City Districts.

If you, your neighbors, or organizations have requests for park development, submit a copy as soon as possible because the Deadline for the form submission is January 31, 2017. Send to Parks and Recreation Senior Planner Raymond Costantino at City Hall (915 “I” Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814).

For more information contact City Supervising Landscape Architect Gary Hyden – ghyden@cityofsacramento.org or Community Affairs Director Casanya Ursery in the office of Vice Mayor Rick Jennings rjennings@ cityofsacramento.org.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Tea dances continue to gain popularity at the Elk Lodge, No. 6

By Monica Stark

editor@valcomnews.com

A social event that harkens back to an era when television was just a concept, tea dances are making a comeback at the Elks Lodge, No. 6, 6446 Riverside Blvd. Scheduled for the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 5 p.m. as long as the interest continues, the tea dances reflect the cultural evolution that changed entertainment from night clubs.

As entertainment was centered on radio broadcasts that connected families with the rest of the world, the social focus of evening entertainment were night clubs with full orchestras, serving staff, cigarette girls and cocktails, explained Elks Exalted Ruler Conrad de Castro. “The dances were a regular staple and lasted till the wee hours of the morning. This phenomenon covered the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s and the demographics that enjoyed those times now attend ‘tea dances’ which is reminiscent of that bygone music era.”

Deemed “tea dances”, the social events are now held in the afternoons and for the most part serve less potent libations than they did in the past.

The orchestra and the music take them back to a more genteel time when dancing involved close contact with your partner and pleasant conversation, de Castro explained. On occasion wine in limited quantities may be offered but for the most part tea and/or coffee is served with cakes, cookies, cucumber sandwiches and other delights associated with high tea.

Actually, Tea Dances were quite popular in the recent past and held in many local hotels. However, they were generally slated for later times and the aging population as well as the orchestra members found the evening hours to demanding and the popularity of the dances waned. Coincidentally, de Castro was approached by the 30s, 40s, and 50s Band and they negotiated the earlier time and found the interest was renewed. The

www.flickr.com/photos/spitalfields-e1/18551809694

music ranges from “big Band” to pop music from the fifties. This might include but not limited to nostalgic selections from Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. The range of dances include fox trots, waltzes, Latin, tangos, swing etc. covering three decades. Our first outing brought in 60 people followed by 80 in the second.

“What is exciting and interesting are the recollections of the audience,” de Castro explained.

They lay claim to an American age that we can only imagine with the help of such television as Turner Classics and Mayberry. When steamships, trains and propeller-driven aircraft were everyday realities and men and women wore

hats. “With the Tea Dances we can witness this population first hand recreate on the dance floor what happened in a different century. I imagine that this will all be just a memory in the next decade and a site to visit on the web. Hope to see you there.”

If you go: What: Tea Dances When: First Sunday of the month from 2–5 p.m.

Where: Elks Lodge, No. 6, 6646 Riverside Blvd.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

15

with Pat Lynch

Keeping Warm We had ways of keeping warm. We girls wore long, flannel nightgowns and raced to stand over the floor heaters on chill mornings. The warm air rushed up, nightgowns billowed out and we looked like tiny-headed creatures with ballooning torsos. Standing over the heater was so delicious. If you were the first one there the warmth blew gently up and enveloped you. It put you in a state of serenity. But you had to share. You always had to move over, make room, take your turn, and make sure everyone, especially the little ones, got a chance to warm up.

Our little ones were our baby brothers who wrapped their cowboy blankets around their shoulders for billowing and swayed over the heater until the blankets puffed and cold was gone. Then they toddled to the sofa, and waited and watched in sleepy contentment. Sometimes one or another of the older ones would monopolize the heater. Then came the uproar: “Mom, Sheila’s hogging the furnace. Pat’s hogging the

16

furnace.” Our mother always made the miscreant surrender her position, and always said, “You kids don’t know what cold is.”

She was from St. Louis where it snowed and the lakes froze and the temperature dove to freezing. She said her father, our grandfather, would get up at 5:30 a.m. and put logs in the wood-burning stove in the kitchen, and that’s where everyone would huddle, drinking coco. It seemed wondrous to me, drinking hot chocolate and gazing out the window at fresh snow; it seemed idyllic, like a Christmas card. Our mother rolled her eyes. “You kids don’t know how lucky you are.”

One morning our father, Sacramento born and bred, said it was cold as ice and if he didn’t have hot coffee his frozen eyes might drop from their sockets. “I can’t drive to work with my eyes rolling on the floor,” he said. Our little brothers, side by side in their cowboy blankets, looked up in fascination. Our mother gave him his coffee and said again, “None of you know what cold is.”

Well, she was right. One early April, while we ran around in light sweaters, glo-

Pocket News • January 20, 2017 • www.valcomnews.com

rying in the spring, our parents reserved a large cabin in Tahoe. They got some kind of an off-season “deal” that wouldn’t be available later. It meant we would have to miss a day of school, but it was an opportunity that “just didn’t pop up that often,” our mother said. My ecstasy was utterly boundless: we were going to the mountains and not going to school. How does life get better?

We headed up in the station wagon, climbing into country made green and beautiful by rain. We thrilled to see signs that warned of deer crossings and Kathleen said three Hail Mary’s, fervent supplications to send a deer our way. Moira spotted a plop of leftover snow and we let out rapturous shrieks.

It was our first sight of real snow. Other snow sightings followed, chatter escalated. We finally turned up a narrow, bumpy road and reached the cabin, ‘nestled’, as promised, in the deep, high woods. “What the hell?” our father said. We gaped. The cabin had no walls. It had an arched roof, canvass front and back, a brown plywood deck-like floor and front door, but nothing but air on either side.

We kids jumped out of the car into a new kind of cold—exhilarating, biting.

Pinecone cold. The mountains smelled so good. But we all had to pee. We ran into the cabin with no walls.

There was a wood stove but no bathroom. Canvass flaps distended from the roof to

mark off “rooms” but there was no toilet anywhere. By now our parents had gotten out and our father spied an outhouse, half hidden, and a long walk away. This meant the boys got to go pee in the forest with Dad while the girls had to form a line at the outhouse. As usual the littlest went first, but Mom told me to go in with Sheila because Sheila might not be able to reach the “contraption.” I took Sheila’s hand and started toward the outhouse. “You know who wakes up in the mountains in spring?” Kathleen said.

“Bears. They wake up from hunger.” I paused. Don’t think. With faked nonchalance, took Sheila’s hand, and went in. It was dark and vile, but no bear. The toilet seat was encrusted with ice.

Our father took the boys in the car and drove off to find the cabin people who had left us with no walls.

Our mother, Kathleen and I pounded the toilet-seat with rocks, the ice broke off in chunks. The sun that had lit and mildly warmed the crackling forest floor, began to fade, and now the even deeper cold arrived. It felt like it came from space, it stilled the very air. Or mother unpacked our pedal-pushers and we put them on over our shorts. We put on our thin sweaters and extra blouses. Mom told Kathleen and me to gather wood and tinder. Tinder? She said it was the scratchy stuff around the trees.

Kathleen and I stayed together while we gathered, no more talk of bears. It was twilight already. Kathleen wore a dark blue sweater. Bits of dimming light fell on it as she stooped. Something else wafted down. At first it was hard to believe.

“Stand up,” I whispered. She rose, held out her blue arms.

The snow fell gently, fluttering like it does in stories.

“Your hair,” she whispered.

I put my hand to my head.

It was everywhere, beautiful everywhere. We ran back to the tent-cabin and dumped our gatherings by the stove.

Sheila and Moira were sitting up, both of them in one sleeping bag. “Snow,” Moira said. “It’s snowing.”

Our mother had gotten the stove on, a dull red glow shone behind its small

window. “We’ll need more wood,” she said, almost to herself. Then she made a wide, forced smile and said, “Well well. Our first snowfall together. Isn’t this something?” But now a wind had come up and Kathleen and I got in a sleeping bag. The wind forced us to face away from the beauty.

Our father came back with the boys and said the cabin walls rolled down, but you had to first unsnap a gismo and a thingamabob. It took him a while to do this and while he worked he cussed the weatherman and the cabin people. Where was Mom to say, “Mike, your language?” The canvass suddenly rolled down and now we had another wall. Then a thump from behind and our Mother appeared with an armful of logs. Now all kids were in sleeping bags around the stove. Dad got the last wall down, but we still saw snow because it bunched in through cracks and puddled down the tent sides. The wind got louder. “It’s a damn blizzard,” our father said, but Mom said this was no blizzard; it was a storm with flurries. Our parents went to the door and talked in urgent whispers. I scrunched closer to Kathleen. She said even her butt felt cold. Moira said to Danny, “Kathleen’s bottom froze.”

I don’t know how they did it, but our parents packed everything back in the station wagon. Kathleen and I helped the kids out of their sleeping bags and ran with them to the car. At the end our tennis shoes were soaked and we had to ride barefoot, our feet immersed in sleeping bags. Mom turned off the cabin stove and climbed into her front seat. Dad started the heater and drove slowly, slowly, down the skinny road. In half an hour we were warm again and told everyone how and when we first realized we were being snowed on. When we got home two hours later we put on our flannel nightgowns and pajamas and had a picnic dinner on the rug, including Hostess cupcakes. Then I said, “I miss the snow though.” I don’t think I meant it. But I wanted to make my father laugh and see my mother roll her eyes.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

poliCe log The information provided allows for a timely snapshot of significant events in our community. The crimes reported here are preliminary investigations, taken in the field by patrol officers, and may or may not be assigned to a detective for further investigation.

The information provided may be found after further investigation to be incorrect or false. Certain details of these incidents have been removed due to potential follow up investigation into the incident and/or for privacy rights.

Saturday, Dec. 31 (Robbery): 900 block of Shellwood Way at 11:54 a.m.

Officers responded to a residence regarding a robbery that occurred. Upon arrival, officers determined that the victim was confronted by the suspect who engaged in a physical struggle with the victim over some of her property.

The victim fell to the ground during the incident and the suspect left with property stolen from the victim. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

A report was generated and follow-up will be conducted.

(Firearm Arrest): 1100 block of 43rd Avenue at 10:52 p.m.

Officers responded to the parking lot of a business regarding a subject threatening people with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers spotted described suspect near the intersection of 42nd Avenue and South Land Park Drive. Officers detained the

bery that occurred. Officers determined that a man approached the victim at gunpoint in a parking lot and demanded property from her. man without incident and deter- The man took property and mined that he had discharged a fled the scene. A search of the firearm near the intersection of area did not result in locat43rd Avenue and South Land ing any suspect. A report was Park Drive. A search was con- generated and follow-up will ducted of the man’s residence be conducted. and officers located a firearm.

The man was arrested on nu- tuesday, Jan. 10 merous felony charges including (Burglary): 1100 block of Flopossession of a firearm by a con- rin Road at 4:34 a.m. victed felon, negligent discharge Officers responded to a of a firearm, and a violation of business regarding a ringprobation conditions. ing alarm. Upon arrival, officers determined that a burtuesday, Jan. 3 glary had occurred and that (Death Investigation): 7800 the suspects were no longer block of Freeport Boulevard at on scene. A report was gen11:41 a.m. erated and follow up will be Officers responded to the conducted. area regarding a deceased subject that was found along the Wednesday, Jan. 11 river parkway. Upon arriv- (Welfare check): 400 block of al, officers canvassed the area Rivergate Way at 11:32 a.m. for witnesses and evidence and Officers responded to a did not locate any signs of foul welfare check of a subject play. The coroner responded who did not show to work. and took over the investiga- He was located deceased intion. A report was generated. side his residence. The coroner responded to take over Saturday, Jan. 7 the investigation as it did (Shots Fired): 500 block of De not appear there was any Mar Dr at 7:09 p.m. foul play.

Officers responded to the area regarding the sounds of shots Friday, Jan. 13 fired. Upon arrival, officers lo- (Stolen vehicle arrest): 2200 cated evidence of a shooting. A block of Florin Road at 3:37 canvass was conducted and no a.m. injured persons were located.

Officers located an occupied A report was generated. stolen vehicle at the location.

The vehicle was reported stoMonday, Jan. 9 len approximately three hours (Robbery): 8000 block of Pock- prior. The suspect was arrestet Road at 5:56 p.m. ed for Motor vehicle Theft, Officers were dispatched Possession of Stolen Properto the area regarding a rob- ty, and Burglary Tools.

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www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

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What’s

happening

SATURDAY, JAN. 21 EWASTE FOR AWESOME SAM BRANNAN MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS!: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., drop off your ewaste at John Cabrillo Elementary School parking lot for Sam Brannan Music Program. No batteries, lights, microwaves, or lamps. You are allowing live instrumental music to thrive! 1141 Seamas Ave. BEYOND A MIRACLE: Creating California’s Empire of Agriculture - Our state produces over a third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts. “Beyond a Miracle” tells the dynamic story of the agricultural pioneers who shaped the state’s farm heritage. Battling the weather, isolation and destructive mining, California agriculture rose to become a world leader in diversity and quality food to the nation.

Join film maker Bill George for a screening of his new historical documentary film. Saturday, Jan. 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, 7335 Gloria Drive, Sacramento.

HOLY SPIRIT ANNUAL CRAB FEED: Holy Spirit School’s annual crab feed. They will be serving salad, anti-pasta, pasta, shrimp and all the crab you can eat from 5:30 to 10 p.m. 3920 West Land Park Drive. Tickets can be purchased at https:// holyspiritpspc.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/CrabFeed2017/tabid/828491/Default.aspx

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 MEMORY BOOK MAKING WORKSHOP: In this two-day workshop ( January 24th & 31st) from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 2791 24th St., you’ll learn the step-bystep process on how to make your own Photo Memory Book using Mixbook.com, an Internet-based image publishing service. Mixbook lets you upload your favorite photos, pick themes, and design pages that POP! At the end of the final class, you will be ready to order your Custom Photo Memory Book full of memories to treasure for years to come! Judy Bujold of Captured Moments leads this workshop. This is class is offered through the Sierra 2 Senior Center, a program for independent older adults. Fee: $60. Advanced registration is required; call (916) 452-3005 or email katie@sierra2.org. This workshop is limited to 6 participants. *Registered participants must bring a laptop and a folder loaded with 200 digital photos (stored on laptop, external drive or flash drive.)

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 KEYS TIPS FOR TAKING ACTION AND STAYING ORGANIZED: Learn step by step tips on what will work best to simplify life at home, reduce stress, and make it easier to do what has to be done. The instructor will share tips for taking action and staying organized. Pre-registration and pre-payment of $3 required. $5 drop-in fee at the door. Class will be held from 10:30 to noon at ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Drive. For more information, call 393-9026 ext 330, www.accsv.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 27 GREENHAVEN ESTATES PRESENTS: “UNDERSTANDING HENNA”: At 12:30 p.m., come enjoy some Indian cuisine plus learn about henna and what it means in the Indian culture. Space is limited, RSVP at 427-8887. 7548 Greenhaven Drive.

SATURDAY, JAN. 28 POCKET LITTLE LEAGUE DINNER/FUNDRAISER: In a community-wide effort, the Pocket Little League will hold a fundraiser dinner at the Elks Lodge, No. 6 (6446 Riverside Blvd.). Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m. Catered by Hannibal’s, the Elks donated the space and the John F. Kennedy High School Pacers are serving the family-style dinner of antipasto and salad, fresh baked bread, rigatoni with Bolognaise sauce and Italian sausage with peppers and onions. Included in the $27-per-person event will be a raffle, music and full bar available. Proceeds benefit the Pocket Little League and Conlin Field. For more information, visit: pocketlittleleague.com, email pocketlittleleague@gmail. com or call Alexis Barone at 730-5952.

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Pocket/Greenhaven?

READ TO A DOG - Looking for a way to boost school-age reading skills? Join us in the library’s Reading Tower area and practice reading out loud to a registered therapy dog (Marvin, the Wonder Corgi). Kids are invited to bring their own books or borrow one from our fabulous collection. Saturday Jan. 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Robbie Waters PocketGreenhaven Library, 7335 Gloria Drive, Sacramento.

Best Bets

SES ROBOTICS 4TH ANNUAL CRABFEED: It’s crab feed time! From 6 to 10:30 p.m., SES Robotics will be hosting its fourth annual Crabfeed Fundraiser (and dance) on January 28, 2017 at the School of Engineering and Sciences. The price is $50 for one ticket, or $ 288 for a table of 6. Includes all you can eat crab, shrimp, pasta, antipesto, salad and bread. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner, raffle and dance from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. with music by DJ Pete Ochoa. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sesrobotics.ticketbud. com until January 20, 2017. No tickets at the door.

For questions, contact our office at inbox@sesrobotics.org or at 258-2107. 7345 Gloria Drive.

TUESDAY, JAN. 31 PREVENT ANNOYING SALES CALLS: Are you bothered by calls from sales people? Join us for a free workshop to learn about the National Do Not Call Registry and the rules that may reduce the numbers of calls you receive. Are you registered but still getting calls -- find out why. There will be a discussion regarding what you can do about those automated “robocalls”. Free of charge and pre-registration required.

Class will be held from 3:30- 4:30 p.m. at ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Drive. For more information, call 393-9026 ext 330, www.accsv.org.

SES ROBOTICS 4TH ANNUAL CRABFEED: It’s crab feed time! From 6 to 10:30 p.m., SES Robotics will be hosting its fourth annual Crabfeed Fundraiser (and dance) on January 28, 2017 at the School of Engineering and Sciences. The price is $50 for one ticket, or $ 288 for a table of 6. Includes all you can eat crab, shrimp, pasta, antipesto, salad and bread. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner, raffle and dance from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. with music by DJ Pete Ochoa. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sesrobotics.ticketbud.com until January 20, 2017. No tickets at the door. For questions, contact our office at inbox@sesrobotics.org or at 2582107. 7345 Gloria Drive.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2 AFGHAN RICE AND RICE LAMB PILAF (KABULI PULAO): This ethereal mixture of rice and lamb, made with sweet and warming spices, is a favorite dish of Afghans. Learn how to make this delicious dish with step-by-step instructions from beginning to end. Pre-registration and pre-payment of $15 required. Class will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Drive. For more information, call 393-9026 ext 330, www.accsv.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3 DIABETES ACADEMY EDUCATIONAL SERIES: This is a series of classes dealing with diabetes. This class will be a discussion on life style modifications, motivation, stages of life changes and setting smart goals. Pre-registration required and free of charge. Class will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Drive. For more information, call 393-9026 ext 330, www.accsv.org.

ONGOING SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF SACRAMENTO SOUTH MEETING: The club welcomes women and girls to the club’s lunch meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. at the Aviators Restaurant, at Executive Airport, 6151 Freeport Blvd.

WEDNESDAY COFFEE AND CONVERSATION GATHERING: Every Wednesday morning from 7 to 11 am., join neighbors at Caffe Latte, 7600 Greenhaven Drive, for conversation and fun. Find the group back near the piano.

TEA DANCE: Every first Sunday of the month from 2 to 5 p.m, dance to the music of the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s, played by a live 16-member orchestra. A touch of class is yours for $8 at the Elks Lodge, No. 6, located at 6446 Riverside Blvd. That includes tea/coffee, crumpets, scones, cucumber sandwiches, and other delicacies to grace your afternoon experience.

Enjoy quaint conversation and dance music. It’s a romantic chance to recapture the magic of the past and fall in love all over again. For tickets, contact the Lodge at 422-6666.

Pocket News • January 20, 2017 • www.valcomnews.com

EWASTE FOR AWESOME SAM BRANNAN MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS!: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, drop off your ewaste at John Cabrillo Elementary School parking lot for Sam Brannan Music Program. No batteries, lights, microwaves, or lamps. You are allowing live instrumental music to thrive!

1141 Seamas Ave.

POCKET LITTLE LEAGUE DINNER/FUNDRAISER: In a community-wide effort, the Pocket Little League will hold a fundraiser dinner at the Elks Lodge, No. 6 (6446 Riverside Blvd.) on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m. Catered by Hannibal’s, the Elks donated the space and the John F. Kennedy High School Pacers are serving the family-style dinner of antipasto and salad, fresh baked bread, rigatoni with Bolognaise sauce and Italian sausage with peppers and onions. Included in the $27-perperson event will be a raffle, music and full bar available. Proceeds benefit the Pocket Little League and Conlin Field. For more information, visit: pocketlittleleague.com, email pocketlittleleague@gmail.com or call Alexis Barone at 730-5952.

ACC PRESENTS ‘BODY WISDOM BREATH AND MOVEMENT’: Perform easy to follow seated and standing exercises for health and well-being. Most movements are based on eastern techniques for relaxing and re-energizing the body. Use simple Qigong postures to stimulate vitalizing “Chi”. Discover the joy of self-massage and acupressure. Slow down with guided imagery and meditative breath-work. Improving your health and be simple and fun. Pre-registration and Prepayment of $20 @ $5 per class required. $7 Drop-in rate per class. Class will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at ACC Senior Services, 1180 Corporate Way. For more details, call (916)393-9026 ext 330, www.accsv.org.

ACC PRESENTS YOGA-NEW: This yoga class introduces the lyengar method of hatha yoga. Basic standing, sitting, forward extension, introductory inversion, and restorative postures will be taught. This class will build upon prior class and will use props to assist the students. You will need a yoga mat and possibly blocks, belts and blankets. Pre-payment is $6 per class or $8 drop-in rate. Pre-registration required. Class is now held from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Drive. for more details, call (916)393-9026 ext 330. www.accsv.org BABY/TODDLER STORYTIME -- Babies and toddlers (ages 0 to 3 years) and their caretakers are invited to join us for songs and rhymes. Arrive early or stay late for extra social time with other children and parents.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, 7335 Gloria Drive, Sacramento.

KNIT TOGETHER -- Love to knit? Want to learn?

Join the library for expert advice, great conversation and more. All crafters are welcome--not just knitters! Every Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Robbie Waters PocketGreenhaven Library, 7335 Gloria Drive, Sacramento.

Do you have an upcoming or monthly event?

Let us know. e-mail Monica:

editor@valcomnews.com Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Capital region small business development center secured more than $21M for regional small businesses Two years after assisting their first client in December 2014, the Capital Region Small Business Development Center has surpassed significant milestones in helping regional businesses and entrepreneurs grow.

The SBDC offers FREE, high-quality business advice on a wide range of skill sets from financial management, accessing capital, marketing, importing and exporting and how to start a business. Funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration and local matching dollars, a primary goal for the SBDC is to help businesses obtain the financing they need to grow. They work closely with area banks, credit unions and alternative lenders to help companies build partnerships and secure the appropriate loans and capital.

“Our mission here at the Metro Chamber is to advocate for a business climate that both supports and helps businesses grow,” said Peter Tateishi, President & CEO, Sacramento Metro Chamber. “We are directly bringing that mission to life through the SBDC.” Housed and administered by the Sacramento Metro Chamber, in collaboration with Sacramento State and other partners in the region, the SBDC is a resource for growing small businesses and the entrepreneur ready to get a new business started. in just two years, the SBDc has: •counseled 1,394 individuals

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•helped create 73 NEW businesses •created 320 jobs and retained 186 •assisted in securing 119 loans or equity investments resulting in $21.4 million in capital infusion right here in the Capital Region.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community here in Sacramento,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Whether it is new co-working spaces, restaurants, or innovative start-ups, the economy is beginning to feel Sacramento’s entrepreneurial energy.

That’s why it is so important that programs like the Capital Region SBDC are giving small businesses a foundation to build from in our region. As our city continues to experience growth, it’s critical that our small businesses are a part of that equation.”

Since its opening, the Capital Region SBDC has opened 8 hubs across 8 counties and forged partnerships with local innovation and collaboration spaces like the Glue Factory and Capsity in Land Park to offer their consulting services to budding entrepreneurs.

“Our communities are stronger when small business owners can take their passions and turn them into homegrown success stories,” said Congressman Ami Bera. “The free support, advice, and mentorship that SBDC See SBD, page 23

2015-2016 SBDC STATS

73

NEW BUSINESSES CREATED

OPE

N

1,394 CLIENTS COUNSELED

www.capitalregionsbdc.com

119 LOANS/EQUITY

$

JOBS CREATED

186

JOBS RETAINED

320

TOTAL CAPITAL

$21,395,907

www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

1

Organize Sacramento opened doors to its new office in the Tower District

By Russell Rawlings

Last month, Organize Sacramento, a nonprofit focused on grassroots community organizing, opened the doors to its new office, located at 1714 Broadway in the Tower District. The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), sing-along songs of working-class solidarity from the Sacramento Labor Chorus and a packed-to-capacity crowd of diverse community members from across the Sacramento region.

Organize Sacramento, formed in January 2013, was the result of meeting a community need, according to board chair Tamie Dramer. Along with co-chair Eric Sunderland and Christopher Niehaus, the plan to form an organization that would empower citizens with the same organizing tools used by unions to affect change began, Dramer said.

“Nobody was teaching ordinary citizens the strategies and tactics of community organizing,” Dramer said. “So that’s what we do.”

Organize Sacramento has been empowering communities through some large campaigns. In just the last year, the organization put together Raise the Wage Sacramento, a coalition participating in the Fight for $15 — a national movement toward a $15 an hour minimum wage. Raise the Wage Sacramento was fighting to overturn a $12.50 an hour minimum wage passed by Sacramento City Council, Dramer explained.

The effort was cut short when the California legislature passed the Fair Wage Act of 2016 that provided yearly increases leading to a $15 an hour minimum wage by 2021.

“The statewide agenda overtook us, in the middle of our campaign, which was fantastic,” Dramer said.

The group also has big plans for 2017, setting its sights on improving public transportation. Over the course of the year, Organize Sacramento will engage the public with a survey and stakeholder meetings with transit dependent riders. Ultimately the engaged group will form a “transit riders’ union,” engaged community members that rely on transportation.

Such groups are commonly found in cities with effective public transportation systems, such as Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco, Dramer said.

“We saw that Regional Transit wasn’t serving the people it was originally established to serve — low income people, especially low income people of color,” Dramer said.

Regional Transit has faced some strong criticism, as former General Manager Mike Wiley led the agency through massive service cuts in 2009 and ending his tenure in the fall of last year with administrative job cuts and a fare increase that now puts the agency second only to New York City for total fare cost. Organize Sacramento fought against both, Dramer said, but quickly realized that the voice of the public was being ignored by Regional Transit’s Board of Directors.

“We looked at other cities — what they had done — and what we found they had that we don’t are strong transit rider unions,” Dramer said.

Effective public transportation systems help create healthier neighborhoods, Dramer explained. Many lower income people in the region, including seniors and the disabled, rely entirely on Regional Transit for transportation.

“If you can’t catch a bus where you need to go, you can’t go to the grocery store — it limits your access to healthy food,” Dramer said.

Focusing on the difficult campaigns is a job that only a group like Organize Sacramento can accomplish, according to Robert Longer, legislative and political director for Communications Workers of America Local 9421. Longer, who attended the office opening party, said unions, politicians and many other groups that advocate for specific interests occasionally focus on their own “little universes” at the expense of working well together without the help of an organization like Organize Sacramento.

“I think that Organize Sacramento could be kind of a bridging safe space,” Longer said. “To bring groups together to tackle issues that maybe aren’t so sexy — like homelessness or the lack of affordable housing.”

Organize Sacramento was involved in the Coalition for Shared Prosperity, a diverse group of affordable housing advocates and union members, hoping to secure a strong community benefits agreement from the public sub-

sidy-funded Golden 1 Center. The proposed agreement included $40 million for affordable housing development and small business subsidies, to be paid by the arena developer. The coalition was unsuccessful in securing the agreement, but Dramer pointed out that this type of fight is important in keeping the city affordable for everyone.

There is a common thread running through Organize Sacramento’s work. “We’ve always worked on issues around poverty,” Dramer said.

According to Belinda Beeks-Malone, Organize Sacramento board member and president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 146, the diverse skill set and experiences brought by each of the board members makes the group unique from other nonprofits engaged in advocacy work.

“Quite frankly, I think we are on the cutting edge,” Beeks-Malone said.

During the grand opening party, many advocates and others were discussing the additional potential that the office space would provide. Dramer said that the office space will play a vital role in trainings for the upcoming transit riders’ union organizing, but others, including Veronica Beaty, land use policy director at Sacramento Housing Alliance, believe the space will be extremely useful for a wide variety of advocacy efforts.

“As someone who books space for community groups to meet — groups that are large enough to need the convention center — it’s great that there is going to be a space here for that to happen,” Beaty said.

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SBDC:

Continued from page 21

gives our local startups translates into new jobs, puts millions of dollars right back into our economy, and means more people can participate in the exciting growth that’s happening in Sacramento County.”

Recently, the Capital Region SBDC was named the “Top Performing Center” by the SBDC Lead Center due to its high performance in securing capital, creating new businesses and quality counseling for the 23 county region extending from San Joaquin County to the Oregon border.

Additionally, the SBDC secured the largest funded project in the region for 2016 by helping business owner Kevin Terry with Axis Energy Partners secure a loan for $2.9M from Golden Pacific Bank. The additional capital is helping Axis Energy Partners expand globally and hire new employees.

“Over the past two years the Capital Region SBDC has provided excellent service to small businesses in our region. They have counseled nearly 1,400 individuals and assisted with guidance on everything from bookkeeping to marketing,” said Joe McClure, District Director, SBA. “Most importantly the SBDC has helped small business gain access to over $21 million in much needed capital to grow their businesses. I am delighted with their collaboration with other chambers in the Capital Region and how they have leveraged resources to expand their services to entrepreneurs.”

The Capital Region SBDC serves small business owners and entrepreneurs in eight northern California Counties – Sacramento,

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Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Sutter, Yuba, Colusa and Lake counties. Through a combination of workshops and professional business advising consulting appointments, the goal of the Capital Region SBDC is to assist with new business start-ups and help existing businesses to grow through business loans and capital.

The Capital Region SBDC is a partnership between the Sacramento Metro Chamber, the Sacramento State College of Business Administration and partner organizations that help deliver SBDC services geographically throughout the service area. Visit capitalregionsbdc.com for more information.

Founded in 1895, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest, oldest and most prominent voice of business in Northern California.

The Metro Chamber represents nearly 1,700 of the premier businesses and business organizations employing 200,000 workers in the sixcounty Sacramento region. For more than 120 years, the Metro Chamber has served as the region’s leading proponent of regional cooperation and is a primary advocate on issues affecting business, job growth, business prosperity and the quality of life. With nearly 50 networking events a year, the Metro Chamber offers venues for making new business connections.

Visit metrochamber.org for more details.

CalBRE# 00692245

www.valcomnews.com • January 20, 2017 • Pocket News

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