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March 19, 2021 | www.valcomnews.com

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Sailors preparing syringes of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine aboard the USS Essex in San Diego, Feb. 3. This marked the first time personnel received vaccines aboard a U.S. Pacific Fleet warship.

I’ll tell you what. As you read this, I’m one day shy of two weeks past my second Moderna shot. Which means I’m about as close to being protected from the virus and one variant (UK) as

it’s possible to be right now. Might I need a ‘booster’ for extra infectious variants (mutations) in South Africa and Brazil? Maybe, and if I do, I’ll sign right up to get them. Plus, there’s now

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a new variant confirmed in New York City. As of this minute (3/9), I don’t know much about it. The CDC is reeeeeeeeally pushing vaccination. On Monday, 3/8 the agency announced it’s safe for small groups of vaccinated people to get together – WITHOUT MASKS! Also safe: gathering maskless (if you’re vaccinated) with ‘low risk’ people – such as .. ? Sorry. Just who they are seems to be a moving target. Current testing, as far as I know, does NOT include more infectious viral variants. People with no symptoms still can spread it. Is political pressure to ‘re-open’ prompting loosened guidelines? I WANT to be optimistic. For one, I need to get my see This ‘n’ That page 14 Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Play Ball! By Devin Lavelle

It’s that time of year again. Spring is in the air. The grass is growing thanks to bursts of both ample rain and shine. For so many of us, the crack of the bat, the snap of a leather glove, laughter, and cheers have traditionally provided the soundtrack to spring. Thankfully, for the first time in the last year, this is a tradition COVID won’t be taking away from us. Thanks to the Governor recently lowering restrictions on youth sports and continually improving COVID rates in Sacramento County, we can finally say, play ball! Last spring my oldest son Henry was just a couple of weeks into his first season of t-ball, enjoying practicing with his new friends on the Pocket Phillies when everything came grinding to a halt. He’s so excited to get his first season of t-ball in, to get his first baseball uniform, to play some games.

But he’s not the only one who’s excited. Anthony Nguyen from Pocket Little League says, “We are beyond thrilled to be back on the fields!!! Many of our volunteers and board members have dedicated so much of their time preparing for the reopening that is great to finally kick some dirt around.” As your Parks Commissioner, I’ve been working closely with our major local youth sports leagues and Councilmember Rick Jennings to ensure they have the resources they need from our city parks to get moving and all three are ready to get moving. Christie Jokinen of Pocket Girls Softball tells us, “Pocket Girls Softball could not be more eager and excited to have our girls out on the field and playing again, which is why we have been proactively planning for months and are ready to go. PGS has already formed teams and will begin practices the week of March 14th, 366 days after our 2020

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season shut down. We will begin playing games the week of April 5th. PGS Board of Directors have carefully followed public health guidelines and have issued protocols and modifications for play for all players and families to follow as we have been directed by public health and our governing body, USA Softball.” Beth Koster of Greenhaven Soccer Club says, “We have updated our comprehensive safety plan that has been approved by the county and city, see Ball page 6

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Pocket residents speak about COVID-19 pandemic at its one-year mark By LANCE ARMSTRONG

As for her thoughts on COVID-19 vaccinations, Williamson mentioned that she is at least temporarily declining to get vaccinated. “I do work in the health field, (but) it’s not mandatory at my job right now,” she said. “I haven’t took it, because it’s still too new. I want to wait a little bit. The majority of the people at my job got it. I’m still watching them and asking them how they feel. Everybody at my job that had it is doing fine. Some people did have little side effects, being sick, not feeling good. But nothing really bad (reactions).” Catherine Namoly, a local schoolteacher who was vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine and said she had no side effects, promoted all of the auPhotos by Lance Armstrong thorized vaccines. Pocket area resident Todd Jones told the Pocket News that he is not interested in “All three (vaccines) are getting vaccinated for COVID-19. good,” she said. “Side effects depend on a person’s body, and Pocket resident Cher- hind on bills, rent. It affect- also benefited from the stim- if he has (an) allergy that’s in yl Williamson said that the ed my children. My chil- ulus checks from the federal a vaccine, (he) will experience pandemic had a significant dren are so depressed. government. a little bit of pain or someimpact on her life. And they weren’t going to “I got the stimulus thing like that. But for the “It affected my life tre- school. But I got another (checks),” she said. “I made rest of us, if you’re fine and mendously,” she said. “I lost (job), so I’m doing OK now.” sure I used (them) for what I you wanted to do it and you my job. I got in debt, got be- Williamson noted that she needed, to pay my rent.” want to go back to work, get out of this from-home studying and Zooming and all of PENDING those stuff. It’s headaches, seSusie Kuwabara riously – especially if you’re a Parker teacher.” Realtor® BRE#00833025 Nimoly added that she supports getting kids back into 916-768-8494 4 Stonefield Ct the classrooms. 4305 Freeport Boulevard, This is a “WOW! Stylish custom located in the prestigious Riverlake Community. Uniquely designed move-in “A lot of them are failing Sacramento 95822 ready home that was made for entertaining. Downstairs master, expansive kitchen and butler pantry, Room classes, especially minorities,” size bar and wine room make quarantining a lot more fun! Great room opens to an extension of the home Native Sacramentan she said. “There’s no face-toalong with built in barbecue/kitchen. Junior suite upstairs along with bonus room, bedroom and one of kind, face (instruction) and helping customized walk-in closet. 3450 sq ft,3 bedrooms but could be changed back to 4 or 5, 4 full baths, 3 car Pocket/Greenhaven SPECIALIST showroom like garage on a double cul de sac corner. 24 hour security and access to lake! $969,500. like counseling and tutoring or a teacher with you helping you go through all this. A lot of them are minorities that are failing, but the ones that have got a little bit of mon-

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With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching its one-year mark, the Pocket News visited with various people in the community on March 13 to hear how the virus altered their lives, and their thoughts on the importance of getting vaccinated. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, at which time it was reported that there were then more than 118,000 cases and 4,300 deaths of this coronavirus worldwide. Last month, the U.S. COVID-19 death toll reached 500,000. People in the he Pocket community and beyond experienced sorrow from the deaths of loved ones, business and school closures, financial struggles and other impacts related to the pandemic. But for many people, much optimism surrounds the pandemic as businesses are beginning to reopen, many schoolchildren plan to return to their classrooms, and vaccines are slowing the spread of this virus.

see COVID-19 page 5

Pocket News • March 19, 2021 • www.valcomnews.com

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COVID-19: continued from page 4

ey and they can find a tutor to come home and study with the kids (are different).” Pocket resident Jose Puertas, spoke about how the pandemic changed his life. “It’s been different, of course, working from home, doing the Zoom classes with the kids and everything,” he said. As for moving forward, Puertas said that he believes that people should not be in a hurry to return to normalcy. “I think we should hold off – because we’re still giving everybody the shots and everything – until everyone’s vaccinated and everything and we figure things out,” he said. “When they send me back to work is when I’ll send my son ( Joseph) back to (Genevieve Didion Elementary) School, or they have the vaccine for the kids.

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“I’m starting to see things reopen, which is nice. But we’re still going to be cautious. Of course, we’re going to keep wearing our masks and everything.” Jackie Cruit also told the Pocket News about her concern with the speed in which places are reopening. “I’m afraid we’re opening too soon and we’re going to have a relapse,” she said. “And I think (Gov. Gavin Newsom is) doing that because of the recall (effort). I think he’s scared and figured he had better get some good PR, so he’s going to open thing up, and I think it’s too soon.” Todd Jones, a Pocket area resident who identified himself as the local rap artist, T-Nutty, mentioned that he has grown tired of the pandemic. “As far as this pandemic, I think it’s real crazy,” he said. “I’m real tired of walking around with pantyhose on my face. I feel like I’ve got panties on my face.” He added that he has been doing the best he can to cope with the pandemic.

Pocket resident Jose Puertas stands with his son, Joseph, a 5th grade student at Genevieve Didion K-8 School.

“I’m just going with the flow; just staying clean and healthy, working out and just doing what’s required to do,” Jones said. “It changed my life

a lot. I’m stuck at home with Asked if he plans on the kids, doing school. But getting vaccinated, Jones in a good way, I’m saving a was quick to show his lot of money, because the opposition. party life has shut down.” see COVID-19 page 11

www.valcomnews.com • March 19, 2021 • Pocket News

Ball:

continued from page 3

and are ready to open registration for our spring soccer program! We will also be opening registration for our fall season on April 1st. We want everyone to know that Greenhaven Soccer is fully committed to following the state and county guidelines. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our players. We are eagerly anticipating kids taking the field in April for Spring Soccer. While there are certain restrictions still in place, we know that our wonderful members will do everything necessary to keep the kids playing.” Anthony says, “We recently started our conditioning program with a huge turnout,

despite not being allowed to play games. With the green light, we are transitioning to a full regular season. The regular season will run from April until the end of May.” It’s been so hard for kids and families with so little to do and so few structured opportunities to get away from our cramped, indoor COVID realities. “Our kids really need things to have some semblance of normality, after this very difficult past year. They can now play and interact with their friends whom they haven’t seen in over a year. Most importantly, being physically active gives them a break from being on the computer for most of the day,” Anthony added. And it’s not just a big deal for the kids, but the whole family. “I know I stand together with so many oth-

er parents in our community, very eager and excited to see our children back outside on the ball field playing with their friends. After our season shut down last year just one day before opening day, this is a time we have all been eagerly awaiting. The past year has been a long and challenging year for all, but this year has also provided us an opportunity to slow down and reflect on all that truly matters. So as we journey back onto the softball field, I know I am personally full of gratitude for the opportunity to be back on the field coaching my daughter and the girls in our community and in our sport, an opportunity many of us may have previously taken for granted,” Christie explained. While some restrictions have been lifted, many safety guidelines continue to be

in place to ensure the impacts of the pandemic continue to fade. Masks are required at all times for coaches and observers and for players, when not participating in play. Appropriate distancing is also required for spectators, among other requirements. While this may seem burdensome to some, Beth Koster tells us from experience, “We know from our individual conditioning sessions last fall that the kids are quite adaptable to the required restrictions. They will be exhilarated and rejuvenated at being back outside playing with their friends. With the new ability to play more competitive games, we fully expect the enjoyment level to be off the charts. The pandemic has been hard on all of us, but more so for our kids. It is challenging to express the lev-

el of our joy at being able to help them take another step closer to normalcy.” I can’t wait to take Henry to his first practice and Christie tells us that I’m not alone in this excitement, “The impact for the kids in our community and in our PGS family was felt and observed even as we first stepped on the field just for assessments. The jitters and smiles, and the laughter and excitement were palpable. Youth sports are so vital to our children’s development. The sport of softball offers a tremendous opportunity for building confidence and discipline, and the opportunity to learn the power of teamwork and perseverance, through a sport that is fun and challenging. The culture within Pocket Girls Softball is family-like and close-knit, and our girls see Ball page 7

Wishing you All to stay well & Healthy

Pocket News • March 19, 2021 • www.valcomnews.com

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Ball:

continued from page 6

King Features Weekly Service

1. What Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and defensive end recorded 160 sacks in his NFL career from 1985-99? 2. The Calder Cup is the trophy awarded to the champion of what professional ice hockey league? 3. In 1973, Los Angeles Lakers center Elmore Smith set an NBA record for blocks in a game with how many? 4. What athletic shoe, first released in 1989, had a built-in device that inflated portions of the tongue for a © 2021 King Features Syndicate, Inc. custom fit? 5. What facility outside of Green Bay hosted two to four Packers home games per season from 1953-94? 6. What big-hitting outfielder won World Series championships with the Philadelphia Phillies (2008) and San NG Francisco Giants (2010)? PENDI 7. What actor, known for roles in “Necessary Roughness” (1991), “Street Fighter” (1994) and “BASEketball” (1998), was a replacement player for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1987 NFL players strike? Answers Dream Home Oasis in Elk Grove! Mike Lee 1. Kevin Greene. Bright and spacious rooms with open floor plan - perfect for Broker 2. The American entertaining. Hockey League This house features luxury vinyl and tile floor(AHL). 1-888-505-8554 ing, vaulted ceilings, custom paint and lots of natural lighting. Backyard is tastefully landscaped and low-maintenance. 3. 17. MikeLeeLoans@gmail.com Enjoy the summer days lounging next to the custom built 0172405 Pump. 4.CalDRE# The Reebok pool featuring a waterfall! 5. Milwaukee County Stadium. 9052 Allbritton Way | $539,888 6. Pat Burrell. 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2130 sqft 7. Peter Tuiasosopo.

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inflated portions of the tongue for a custom fit? 5. What facility outside of Green Bay hosted two to four Packers home games per season from 1953-94? 6. What big-hitting outfielder won World Series championships with the Philadelphia Phillies (2008) and San Francisco Giants (2010)? 7. What actor, known for roles in “Necessary Roughness” (1991), “Street Fighter” (1994) and “BASEketball” (1998), was a replacement player for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1987 NFL players strike? Answers 1. Kevin Greene. 2. The American Hockey League (AHL). 3. 17. 4. The Reebok Pump. 5. Milwaukee County Stadium. 6. Pat Burrell. 7. Peter Tuiasosopo.

March 15, 2021

and families alike are very happy to be reunited on the ball field.” Anthony also wanted to share, “PLL would like to thank all the players and families that have supported us throughout the years. Many families donated their registration fees last season when the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID. Without their generosity, it would have been challenging for PLL to survive. We want our community to know that PLL is here to support the youth

in the Pocket grow and develop through a community-based organized baseball program. There is nothing like Little League Baseball - where dreams are made on the fields and friendships are made for life.” And I will close with this. Writing this article has proven rather cathartic. The last year has been so hard on all of us and we are so close to the end. Normalcy What Pro Football Hall of Fame is1. starting to return. Please, linebacker and defensive end recordthough, thatcareer return ed 160 sacksenjoy in his NFL fromof normalcy as it comes. Cele1985-99? 2. The every Calder step, Cup is every the trophy brate vicawarded to the champion of what protory. Don’t rush it and risk fessional ice hockey league? a3.setback. Wear your mask. In 1973, Los Angeles Lakers cenGet yourSmith vaccine your ter Elmore set an when NBA record turn comes. Ifwith wehow do,many? soon, for blocks in a game we’ll allathletic be able ball 4. What shoe,to firstplay released intogether 1989, hadagain. a built-in device that

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Featured Buisness

Dental Excellence By Devin Lavelle & Will Cannady

The Pocket Greenhaven Community Association’s featured business is Dental Excellence of Greenhaven, join us as we get to know its new owner, Dr. Guillermo Arellano. Devin: Dr. Arellano, or should I say, Coach Billy,

thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Congratulations on the new business. Can you tell us about it? Dr. Arellano: Thanks Coach Devin. As you know, aside from being a dentist, my main role is “Dad” and that has given me the opportunity to also be “Coach”

to my daughters and many other kids in the Pocket community. I’ve been an associate at Dental Excellence for the past five years under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Wong. I recently acquired the practice from Dr. Wong and am looking forward to

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continuing the level of service and excellence that Dr. Wong has created. Dr. Wong has practiced dentistry in the Sacramento area for the past 42 years and will remain at the practice part-time. It has been a great experience working with and learning from Dr. Wong. We share common philosophies in dentistry: a commitment to excellence, hard work, and comprehensive patient care. I will still be providing all of the same services including, sedation dentistry, orthodontics including Fast Braces and Invisalign, and cosmetic, prosthetic, implant, oral surgery, endodontic, and rehabilitative dentistry. Will: That’s awesome, congratulations. As Devin alluded to, we coached our kids together on Greenhaven Soccer’s U6 Tigers several years ago. Between running your practice and parenting do you have time for anything else? Dr. Arellano: Yes, our family has been very involved in the wonderful lo-

cal sports programs our community offers. I have coached my daughter in Greenhaven Soccer and Pocket Little League, and will now be cheering her on in Pocket Softball and Taekwondo at Velez Martial Arts. I sometimes find time for a round of golf, riding my Peloton, and enjoying a meal with friends at the local Device Brewery. And, of course, walking and riding bikes with my family along our local canals. Devin: Living the life! Can you tell us what makes your practice unique? Dr. Arellano: Absolutely. At Dental Excellence, we pride ourselves on providing a wide array of services to meet every dental need for your family. It is important that people feel comfortable and at ease in the dental environment and this is one of the main priorities for every staff member in the office. From the friendly front desk staff, helpful assistants, and thorough and meticulous hygiene staff, see Dental page 9 Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Dental:

continued from page 8

each team member is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to each and every patient. We offer sedation dentistry, which is a great alternative for people who have some fears about dentistry. Will: That’s great. So what made you want to do business, live, and raise your family, here in the Pocket? Dr. Arellano: After graduating from Dental school from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, I was given the opportunity to start my

career with my Uncle, Dr. Stan Arellano, at his practice in Elk Grove. I grew up in Hayward, and my wife and I both graduated from UC Davis, so Northern California has always felt like home. We were drawn specifically to the Pocket area because it is family-friendly, has lots of walkable parks and businesses, and a wonderful community atmosphere. The perfect place to start and raise our family! It has been an honor to be able to work and now own a business in this community. My wife and I have created great friendships here, which has been so impor-

tant as we have raised our family with a village of support. I especially appreciate how everyone in our community has rallied to support our local small businesses during this difficult year. This community has always been so supportive and I am looking forward to all of the ways I can give back as a local business owner. Devin: This is a wonderful place to live and do business. We’re lucky to have you as part of it! Neighbors looking for a dentist can learn more and book an appointment at www. sacramentosleepdentist.com. Local businesses interested in being featured can visit featured.pocketgreenhaven.org.

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Broadway tax preparer launches program to help low-income Californians access their stimulus checks Tax-xpress tax preparation service on Broadway announced it is offering low-cost tax preparation services for low-income Californians to better help then access government stimulus checks. The new Tax-Xpress Stimulus Check Program is designed to ensure low-income Californians have the

professional support they need to file their 2020 tax returns so that they can be eligible to receive potentially thousands of dollars in government stimulus money. Even people with no income in 2020 are eligible to receive the federal stimulus dollars, as long as they complete a tax return.

“Our families, neighbors and friends are suffering devastating financial impacts from COVID-19 and we want to do our part to help them access the government funds they need and are entitled to receive,” said Leslie Scott Bird, owner of two Sacramento County Tax-xpress locations.

COVID-19:

ly see each other, and I can go see my (older relatives), if me getting that will allow me to see them, then I probably will do it.” Taylor Bains, a 2017 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and a current student at the University of Redlands in Southern California, said that she had a special reason why she got vaccinated. “Today’s actually the first day I’m back in Nor Cal in months,” she said. “Because of that, I was able to get vaccinated, and that was the only reason why I decided to come visit my family (in the Pocket) is I am fully vaccinated.” Bains also recalled how many people changed their thoughts on COVID-19. “I didn’t think it (would last a year), but I think a lot of it has to do with people didn’t think it was serious for a really long time, until death started rolling in,” she said. “And then once it personally started effecting people, that’s when they started taking it seriously.” Bains added that while college students are taking COVID-19 seriously and wearing masks, she is concerned with a lot of older generations of people who are less careful. “It’s like older generations that don’t believe it because they lived through things like polio and swine flu and all these pandemics,” she said. Catie Nohra, who was visiting the Pocket with Bains, agreed with her friend.

“I’m a health care worker, so it’s been interesting to see kind of what Taylor said about the older generation,” she said. “Honestly, what I’ve seen working with patients is my younger patients really respect COVID(-19) and all of our regulations, but typically our older patients don’t. “They usually are the ones refusing to wear a mask or refusing to adhere to health care regulations. So, that’s been really interesting to work with, considering I did start working during the pandemic.” Nohra also mentioned her concern with how many people of older generations will live after becoming vaccinated. “It kind of makes me concerned for when things do go back to normal with people getting vaccinated, because now people are using it as an excuse to not be careful. (It) is something that I don’t really like and it makes working in health care more difficult, considering that we’re constantly having to enforce things rather than being able to provide care.” Nohra stressed the necessity of still wearing a mask after receiving vaccination shots. “The vaccine does protect you even to the point if you were to get COVID(-19), you wouldn’t have many major symptoms,” she said. “But there’s still different strains. We still don’t completely understand COVID(-19). So, 100% still wear a mask.”

continued from page 5

“They can keep that,” he said. “I’ve been going this long without the shot. Corona may be some man-made (expletive) or a hoax. Other than that, I’m cool without the shot.” Jones noted that he is concerned with how staying out of school effects kids. “Really, it’s messing the kids up more than us,” he said. “They’re missing out on a lot of things that we was able to experience. To me, that’s the sad part.” Pocket resident Cherene Briggs also shared her thoughts on the pandemic’s year mark. “There’s been a lot of people that have still been able to sustain themselves, because of help from the government,” she said. “I worry a lot about black and brown people. People that did not have enough money to take care of themselves. So, I am happy that there’s been government programs that are assisting people with their rent, with their food, with their PG&E, with different bills that they are not able to afford.” As for getting vaccinated, Briggs mentioned that she is currently undecided. “I don’t like being, quote unquote, forced to do something,” she said.“I never say never. (People in) my family are getting it done. If it’s going to allow us to be back as a family and actualValley Community Newspapers, Inc.

“Our Tax-xpress Stimulus Check Program provides low-cost tax filing services for people who earn $8000 or less. We require a minimal $20 fee to cover costs, that’s it – no strings attached.” Tax-xpress operates two service offices located at 1712 Broadway in Sacramento and 8805 Elk Grove

Blvd. in Elk Grove. They are following Covid-19 rules and all meetings are by appointment only. If you had no income in 2020 or earned less than $8,000, you can call 916441-6748 to schedule an appointment for the $20 Tax-xpress Stimulus Check Program.

Pocket resident Taylor Bains, right, and her college friend, Catie Nohra, who are both 21 years old, believe that many older generation people should be more responsible when it comes to COVID-19.

Sunday, April 4th

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This ‘n’ That: continued from page 2

taxes done and I’m so thankful the VITA program has resumed. VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Preparers are certified by the IRS. Local partners are West Sac’s Family Resource Center/ Yolo County Children’s Alliance (YCCA) and the United Way. Qualifying seniors get their taxes done for free!! These tax preparers have been doing this for years in West Sac; God bless ‘em. And God bless YCCA’s Katie Villegas, too. She’s a long-time workhorse for the disadvantaged, as is her husband, West Sac’s county supervisor, Oscar. The VITA program, around for 50 years, is a godsend for my low income self and others. To make an appointment, call 1-(916) 572-0560. Before the pandemic, the preparers helped you at the former senior center on Cummins Way. Here’s the drill for this year: At your appointed time, wear your mask and drop off your documents at YCCA or the library (no appointments left, though, at Turner). The YCCA/Family Resource Center, 1200 Anna St., is now located behind Alyce Norman School in Broderick, 95605. Behind the school

you’ll drive through a gate, and that’s the building. You can wait in your car in the parking lot, if you like. But take your cell. If they have questions/your return is ready, they will call you. When you make your appointment, they’ll ask you for your phone number(s). Now, as promised, here’s my personal experience with Moderna. No pinch, let alone a ‘jab’ with Shot 1. The absolute 100 percent truth is, I didn’t feel any different at any time in the weeks I waited for Shot 2. Shot 2, in my dominant arm where the muscle is more developed – ow. But no immediate side effects, so I left and went to Raley’s. When I got home with groceries, something had begun to happen. A little unsteady on my feet. Vision a bit blurred, even with my glasses. Muscle pain was worsening, especially in my neck and shoulders. I wasn’t worried. Everything I’d read said to expect your body to react most after the second shot – proof the vaccine was teaching your body to ‘recognize’ the virus and defeat it. No headache, though, nausea or other digestive .. issues. No chills, no fever. Everybody’s different, though, so your side effects may include those. The after-vaccination instructions said to drink a lot of water.

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PHOTO COURTESY YCCA/FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Tax time. A conundrum for some this year. Which preparers are doing taxes where?

So, I did. At bedtime, I took my usual nighttime meds and added half-a-Tylenol. Knocked me right out! Didn’t get up once to use the bathroom!! By the end of the second day after shot 2, I felt good! Honest! No aches, no pains, and even … ENERGETIC! By day three, being off balance and the blurry vision cleared. The vaccinators caution that being vaccinated only protects you from severe illness and that you still can infect someone

else. This is why the CDC’s revised March 8 Covid 19 guideline leaves me bewildered: “(Vaccinated) individuals can gather indoors with others who are fully vaccinated with no precautions (masks, handwashing) but must still adhere to masking and social distancing in public spaces. Additionally, vaccinated people can visit low-risk unvaccinated people from a single household without masks and physical distancing.” (emphasis added)

Huh. Meaning what? You can hug them? Is Walmart a ‘public space’? What happened to outdoor air is safer than indoor air? Today, as I wrap up my column, it’s March 9. My 72nd birthday. Restaurants are open for indoor dining. This year, though, like last, no Raku Sushi with my son, Mike, and his now-fiancé, Ashley. When they can get their vaccines and it’s been two weeks, that’s when we’ll do it. Low income seniors: To make an appointment with West Sac VITA for free preparation of your taxes, call the Family Resource Center at 1-(916)-572-0560. Leave a message if no one picks up. If you don’t get a call back that same day, keep trying; they’re super busy. Call Yolo Health’s Covid info line, 1-833-9656268, for updates on West Sac’s planned mass vaccination clinics at City Hall. If you volunteer to help out at a vaccination clinic, you can get a vaccination, too. Comments? Contact Carol at carol@bogartonline.com. Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Music program continues unique series of events during pandemic The Cosumnes River College (CRC) Music Department continues its unique series of online performances as a way to serve students “outside the classroom” during the pandemic. The college remains in an online teaching environment and the music program is responding with creative new ways of reaching its students and community. The music department created “CRC Music: In the Studio” last fall as a weekly series featuring innovative artists who pushed the boundaries in their fields. The series also highlighted student voices through a se-

ries of open mics and student ensemble performances. The series was so successful, the music department decided to continue the program this spring semester. “This series is a tremendous opportunity for our students to interact weekly with world class artists from across North America, including some right here in our own backyard,” said CRC Music Professor Kurt Erickson. Erickson added that the CRC music department is taking the lead by providing innovative programming one would expect to find at world-renowned, four-year

universities, not at the community college level. The innovation of putting something like “The CRC Music: In the Studio” together is what is putting this department at the forefront of creative programming in the community. The “In the Studio” events take place each Friday at 12:00 pm and feature a rotation of special guests, student performances, and workshops with live Q&A. For more information on this series of events or the CRC Music Program, contact Erickson at EricksK@ crc.losrios.edu or Omari Tau at WilliaO@crc.losrios.edu.

First-of-its-kind health clinic for foster children opens in Sacramento Clinic is a joint partnership between UC Davis Health and Sacramento County Health Center UC Davis Health has partnered with the Sacramento County Health Center to open a first-of-its-kind clinic in Sacramento to provide medical care for children in the foster care system. Located in the Sacramento County Health Center, it’s called the CIRCLE clinic, which stands for Comprehensive Integration of Resilience into Child Life Experiences. The clinic opened last November at 4600 Broadway. The Sacramento County Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary care and behavioral health services to low income residents of Sacramento County. The purpose of the CIRCLE clinic is to: -offer a medical home for the children and adolescents of Sacramento County involved in child welfare -offer primary pediatric care from UC Davis pediatricians Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

-coordinate specialty care -coordinate and provide mental health services in partnership with the UC Davis CAARE Center -screen and refer for any behavior and developmental concerns in partnership with providers at the UC Davis MIND Institute -connect the child and family with appropriate resources in the community -offer appropriate follow-up and communication to close the loop with child welfare providers “The key part of this model is to provide care coordination, not only with child welfare but also with those involved in the child’s life in a child-centered manner. We have integrated general pediatricians, mental care professionals, behavioral therapists and child psychiatrists, along with public health nurses and the county’s child welfare,” said UC Davis volunteer clinical faculty member and pediatrician Katy Carlsen, who has helped spearhead these efforts and donated funds to make this clinic possible. A UC Da-

vis endowment has also been established to generate funds. UC Davis pediatrician Albina Gogo has been part of a workgroup for the past three years to create this clinic and works there part time. “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including being in the foster care system, can create trauma and impact the health and wellbeing of children. The CIRCLE clinic provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive health care to help instill resilience into these children’s lives, resulting in better long-term health outcomes and more stable foster home placements,” Gogo said. So far, the team has seen about a dozen pediatric patients. “I was super excited when I heard about it,” said Monica Foote, a former foster child who is now a foster parent, who came to the clinic for the first time this month. “I experienced a lot of trauma in the system and it did affect my physical health. I’m glad that there is a clinic like this. It’s really touched my heart.”

Bringing $100 million to 1,000 SBDC initiative to connect Blackbusinesses with capital Looking to take a bite out of COVID losses and rebuild a suffering segment of the economy, The Inclusivity Project launched on Feb. 16 with the goal of securing $100 million for 1,000 Black-owned businesses. It’s been estimated that half of the nation’s Black entrepreneurs have been forced out of business by COVID-related circumstances, but Chris Horton isn’t taking that lying down. A finance expert for the nonprofit organization Northern California Small Business Development Centers (Norcal SBDC), Horton is leading a new initiative to reach and help Black small business owners level the playing field when it comes to working capital. The Inclusivity Project is an initiative of the Norcal SBDC network, in affiliation with the Norcal Financial Development Corporation (Norcal FDC) and has the support of dozens of partner organizations that care about increasing the success of Black business owners. The Norcal SBDC – which is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of California – wants The Inclusivity Project to shine a light on the needs of

Black entrepreneurs and provide a safety net that can help them preserve their existing business or start a new enterprise in Northern California. Expert business advising and training opportunities are among the many resources available at no-cost to small businesses through the SBDC program. Throughout 2020, the organization has been hyper-focused on building a cache of COVID resources and being the go-to for loans and grants designed to survive the crisis. “One hundred million dollars is a lofty goal, but the SBDC is committed to economic diversity as it breeds economic vitality, and I think we are up for the task,” Horton said. “It’s my hope that this opportunity will bring needed attention to Black and minority-owned businesses and demonstrate that the SBDC ecosystem serves all people and bridges pathways for minorityowned businesses to financial platforms to stand on.” For more information or to apply for services, go to TheInclusivityProject.com and sign up. For more information on the Norcal Small Business Development Center Program, go to norcalsbdc.org.

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