SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Today, Democrats on the Assembly Committee on Public Safety killed legislation that would have protected victims of domestic violence. Assembly Bill 2462 by Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach) would have required a judge or magistrate to consider whether a victim of domestic violence had been strangled or suffocated before allowing their aggressor to post bail.
“It is vital that we give victims of domestic violence time to seek help and get away from their abusers,” Harper said. “I am disappointed that Capitol Democrats do not want to help them from being trapped in the agonizing cycle of domestic violence.”
Experts across the medical profession agree that manual or ligature strangulation is “lethal force” and is one of the best predictors of a future homicide in domestic violence cases. According to The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, the odds for homicide increase 750% for victims who have been previously strangled, compared to victims who have never been strangled.
“No woman should ever have to experience what I experienced. It is shameful that Democrats voted against the rights of victims today.” said Patricia Wellman, a domestic violence victim who brought this bill idea to Assemblyman Harper. “After my husband strangled me, he was released from jail in fewer than three hours. For the next five weeks, he stalked me. If he had gone in front of a judge, I would never have had to struggle with this life-threatening ordeal.”
Assemblyman Matthew Harper represents the 74th Assembly District; he is the former Mayor of the City of Huntington Beach. The 74th Assembly District includes the cities of Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods & Laguna Beach.
Velvety and Breathless
American River College Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony and Soloist Irina Samarina playing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Moving from velvety and smooth to turbulent and breathless, Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor is considered one of the great Romantic concertos and soloist Irina Samarina has the credentials to tackle the work. This concerto and Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony round out ARC Orchestra’s program on May 2nd at 7:30 pm at the ARC Theater.
The Romantic period is characterized by expanded orchestras and powerful expressions of emotions. The violin concerto is no exception.
“Sibelius’ concerto is full of images of Finland’s nature, cold as fire, dark emotional plains, dramatic melodies, and a lot of lyricism,” explained Samarina. “I love playing this concerto because it gives the soloist an opportunity to shine and gives the orchestra a strong role. The most challenging thing is to blend and balance all the emotions as an ensemble and a soloist.”
Samarina has been playing the violin since she was seven years old. She has a doctorate in musical arts and has traveled as a soloist in Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Israel, and the United States. She is currently playing in Stockton Symphony Orchestra, teaching, and is an active member of Music Teachers’ Association of California.
This will be the first time Samarina has collaborated with the ARC Orchestra.
“It is such wonderful experience,” she said. “I love how the orchestra brings melodies that the soloist is trying to stay on top of. It is great to share and put all thoughts into the music, music that brings a message of light and hope.”
The orchestra is also performing Tchaikovsky’s last symphony, one that reveals the composer’s virtuosity as well as the tragedy of his time. The first movement opens with the brooding bassoon echoed by dark notes coming from the strings before lightening up with a quicker theme from the winds. The second movement proceeds gracefully into the third which is the emotional highpoint of the work. The symphony is groundbreaking in its ending. Tchaikovsky chooses an adagio lamentoso, as slow and melancholy as the words suggest and then the entire work ends in a minor key.
“Some feel that the sixth symphony is Tchaikovsky’s suicide letter to the world,” said
Steven Thompson, ARC Orchestra director. “His death occurred nine days after the scores’ completion in what we now know was a coerced poisoning by a circle of Tchaikovsky’s former law school classmates. Their concern was that Tchaikovsky was about to be outed for being gay (in a severely homophobic Czarist Russia) which they felt would bring dishonor to their alma mater. They convinced him to take his own life through a dosing of arsenic...a horrible and painful death. The events leading up to his decision to end his life seem to have happened after the symphony’s completion date, but the story persists. At times melancholy and emotional and at other times triumphant and heroic, Tchaikovsky wrote that this symphony was the best of his works.”
For more information on the American River College Orchestra and these concerts, contact Dr. Steven Thompson at (916) 484-8433 or visit the ARCO website. General information can also be found at the ARCO Facebook page.
Sacramento Metro Chamber Announces President and CEO
Amanda Blackwood will Lead Metro Chamber as its New President and Chief Executive Officer
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Metro Chamber Board of Directors announced today that Amanda Blackwood will lead the organization as President and CEO effective May 1, 2018. In her new position, she will provide strategic direction, vision, and management for the programs and personnel of the Metro Chamber. Blackwood will take the position over from the current Interim CEO and President, Darrell Teat, who has been leading the Chamber since late last year.
“It is my honor to serve as the leader of the most established and prominent voice for business in the six-county Capital Region,” said Ms. Blackwood. “We are experiencing a time of major growth, energy, and a desire for progress. Many feel, including me, that the time is now to embrace our future strategically and with thoughtful intention. I will do everything I can to activate this region to embrace innovation, become more business-friendly at all levels, and continue to focus on our shared goal of making the Capital Region the best place to live, work, and play.”
Blackwood is joining the Metro Chamber after serving as owner and managing partner of OE Consulting Group, a women-owned and led firm established in 2014 that works with both for- and nonprofit clients to provide strategic solutions for talent management and business process challenges. Previously, Blackwood served as the chief development officer for Elevation Entertainment Group, where she provided leadership to ensure effective, efficient and culturally aligned operations for a statewide, multi-location, 700 team member workforce. Blackwood’s career spans both the private and nonprofit sectors with a strong focus on financial management including her past role as CFO for Folsom Asset Management, Inc. during which time she oversaw $100 million in assets annually and 13 active companies.
Her passion for economic development and community investment has driven Blackwood to devote time and expertise to multiple regional boards and projects. Her experience working with chambers includes serving on the board of directors for the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce since 2016 and is currently serving as chair of the board. She has also devoted her time to the Governor’s Office of Innovation as the committee chair for Valley Vision’s Innovation Pipeline, vice chair of Greater Sacramento Economic Council’s Young Professional Board, and is the current president of Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Association. Blackwood is a frequent public speaker including speaking appearances for the California Department of Human Resources and Girl Scouts USA.
“Amanda’s experience as a change leader in business and her strong combination of results-driven strategy and regional knowledge is one of the many reasons the Metro Chamber board selected her to lead us into a new era,” said Metro Chamber Board Chair Chris Delfino. “As a board, we value the energy and changes that the next generation of leaders are making in our communities. We know Amanda will bring a dynamic and new approach to the Metro Chamber, its programs, and our Capital Region through a voice that also represents our growing young professional workforce, small business sector, and women-owned businesses.”
“I would also be remiss if I did not extend the board’s deepest gratitude to Darrell Teat for stepping into the Metro Chamber’s President and CEO interim role at a time when we needed it most,” Delfino added. “He has been a strong leader and has been an incredible asset to all of us.”
Darrell Teat, who is currently serving as Interim President and CEO, will return to his firm, Darrell Teat & Associates effective May 1.
Susan Peters: Leading the County to a Brighter Future
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Susan Peters is serving her fourth term on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, representing the third district, which encompasses a large area of unincorporated Sacramento County, including Foothill Farms where she was raised. She has served as a passionate champion for redevelopment and expansion of Public Business Improvement Districts. Currently, the focus is fixed on addressing the most pressing issues to come out of the recession: A depleted county budget, crumbling roads and a growing homeless population.
Susan Peters: Sacramento County Supervisor District 3
City of Birth: San Diego, CA. Raised in Foothill Farms
Most admired person: Winston Churchill.
Hobbies: gardening, reading, walking five miles a day with her dog on the American River Parkway.
Q: You support PBIDs and certainly, with Carmichael as a model, they are successful. Why?
A: I have wanted to get PBIDs started in a number of areas. So we’ve had two come through in the last couple of years, one on the north end of Watt Avenue, and one for Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael. There’s one in Fair Oaks Village being discussed and another one on Watt Avenue. It all started with Fulton Avenue years ago and they’re kind of the gold standard I think everyone looks to.
Q: Could you update us on the final phase of the Fair Oaks Boulevard Improvement Project?
A: Phase II is finished and Phase III is going to start in the fall. The area runs from Marconi to Engle and Phase I was at the Marconi end, Phase II was at the Engle end, and now they are going to do the middle.
Q: With Fair Oaks Village as an example, PBIDs are not easy to get going. Why?
A: The geographic areas and business conditions in each of these areas are very different, and it can be difficult to gather together everyone to give them the details of how they work and come together. That’s why several years ago we put together the PBID academy here at the county. We outreached to numerous commercial corridors and asked them if they had an interest in coming in and going through the academy and the four from Fulton, Watt, Carmichael and Fair Oaks did attend. It’s not easy. It does have to have a majority vote.
Q: The County is dangerously low on reserves. What’s the plan for addressing this?
A: We are coming forward with a policy on reserves that should come to the board in the next 60 to 90 days. But it really comes down to what the board is capable of putting in to reserves at budget time and it has not been a priority as we’ve come out of the recession. The recession lasted a lot longer in Sacramento than it did in other places in the nation, so it has taken a long time to get on our feet. The budget’s over $4 billion, so I would hope there is money for reserves. When you think about the size of the dent in our budget the recession took, you see how difficult it is. We went down a third in terms of our total budget in one year. We are just getting back to even footing. We are not waving the flag.
Q: Federal cuts for transit funds and infrastructure are real. What’s the strategy for fighting back?
A: The money that comes from the feds comes from the feds, and we really have very little influence over it, other than through work with our local congressman. It’s a very partisan congress right now, so I don’t know what’s going to come out of this congress. Certainly all the communications we have with our local team in Washington is that we are in desperate need of money for roads.
Q: Did you support the gas tax hike and are you among the camp calling for its repeal?
A: It’s more subtle than that. I’ve spent my entire time on the board trying to increase the betterment of the condition of our roads, so I’m for any money we can get.
Q: Your tag line on your website talks about leading the county to a “brighter future.” What does that look like?
A: It changes from year to year. But I think one of the things I’ve learned is that every time you have a plan you begin to implement, a new crises comes up. Homelessness and the condition of our roads are the crisis now and we are focused there.
Q: In terms of homelessness, your board has a four-part plan in place. What is the prognosis for success?
A: It is the third plan to end homelessness since I’ve been on the board and we are hoping this one works. It is aimed at the hardest to accommodate. We’ve put money aside so that they have a place to get help, then transition on to learn life skills and get jobs. It’s a learning process and I’m gathering a lot of information.
Q: Why did you want this job and how many terms do you plan on?
A: I wanted to do this because I grew up in the district. I felt I knew a lot about it, its benefits and its shortcomings, and I thought I might be able to help. As far as how many terms I’ll serve, I haven’t made that decision yet.
River Cats Host Giants As Baseball Season Has Arrived
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Spring Training came and went in the blink of an eye for a San Francisco Giants organization determined to make another playoff run. In what has been a busy offseason full of big moves for the club, anticipation and expectations are high.
For the second time ever, the Giants broke camp and headed home – but not to San Francisco, rather Sacramento. The River Cats hosted their big league club in what was a welcoming Saturday afternoon for both players and fans.
Fans tailgated and lined up outside Raley Field early, knowing that it was their best opportunity to catch their favorite players in such an intimate setting. During batting practice Giants players took the time to sign autographs down the right field line for a large group of diehards with Brandon Belt, Hunter Pence, Brandon Crawford and Pablo Sandoval leading the way.
The only downer during the day was talk of the recent injury of ace Madison Bumgarner, who suffered a broken hand from a line drive just one day prior during his final spring tune up. Manager Bruce Bochy addressed the media before the game, broaching the subject that was on everyone’s mind.
“It’s looking like a couple of months, give or take,” said the Giants manager. “Surgery went well.” Bumgarner, who suffered an injured shoulder and missed three months last season after a dirt bike accident, was looking like a man with something to prove this spring. “He looked as good as I’d seen him,” said a solemn Bochy, who is already down both Bumgarner and starter Jeff Samardzija to begin the season.
But the Giants manager also had some positive things to say about his ace’s absence. “I feel good about this club and their ability to handle something like this.” Bochy’s timetable of an early June Bumgarner return is earlier than initial reports.
As for the rest of the team, the resurgence of Pablo Sandoval has been one of the biggest stories out of camp. As of Sunday, Sandoval is hitting .314 with four homers and 17 RBIs this spring. “Same old Pablo,” Bochy told the media. “Unfortunately we took the bus from San Francisco and had to hear Pablo singing the whole ride.”
The additions of Andrew McCutchen and Evan Longoria along with the resurgence of Sandoval and a healthy roster of familiar faces put the Giants in a great position as they head into the regular season.
On the River Cats side of things, Mac Williamson is one of the biggest names who didn’t make the big league roster. Williamson tore it up this spring, hitting .318 with four homers and 14 RBIs. But the rejuvenated 27-year-old found himself in a crowded outfield that already consists of Hunter Pence, newly acquired McCutchen and Austin Jackson plus veterans Gregor Blanco, Gorkys Hernandez and possibly rookie Steven Duggar. For a team that could hardly put together enough beating hearts for an outfield a season ago, a crowded one isn’t a bad thing.
It should be an exciting season for both clubs as they have rosters full of talent – especially offensively. One of the newest River Cats, Saint Mary’s High School and College alum Kyle Jensen, has already left his mark, going yard yet again on Saturday. The first baseman is hitting .333 with five home runs and 10 RBIs this spring. Formerly of the Reno Aces, where he hit 30 homers and drove in 120 runs in 2016, Jensen spent last season playing in Japan before coming home and signing with the Giants organization.
The Giants jump right into the thick of things, opening up their regular season in Los Angeles with a four game set against the Dodgers beginning March 29. Their home opener is Tuesday, April 3 as they host the Seattle Mariners in interleague play.
The River Cats start the season on the road against the Tacoma Rainiers on April 5. Their home opener will be against the Reno Aces on Tuesday, April 10.
Chamber Award Event Honors Business Leaders
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael Chamber of Commerce has named Lina Fat – a powerhouse member of Sacramento’s famous Fat family of restauranteurs – as Carmichael Person of the Year. A recent awards dinner saw Fat, three more business people, a community volunteer and a local non-profit honored.
More than 200 Chamber supporters attended the fundraiser at Arden Hills Resort. Program emcee was 2017 honoree, Good Day Sacramento anchor Tina Macuha.
Cheered by a contingent of relatives, Lina Fat was recognized for professional and philanthropic vision. Born in Honk Kong, she worked as a pharmacist in Sacramento before joining her husband's family business. The mother of three earned culinary laurels while training with top international chefs and was later a pioneer in Asian-fusion cuisine. Now 79, she is vice-president of Fat City Inc. A proponent of performing arts, Fat launched the Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival in 2007. This colorful annual pageant showcases diversity in the Sacramento region through music and dance. Celebrating her own culture, the awardee wore a gown embroidered with koi carp – an auspicious Chinese symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
The award dinner also recognized Shawna Rivera as Businesswoman of the Year. A hairdresser-turned-baker, Rivera established a coffee shop for coiffeur clients more than 20 years ago. Much enlarged and in new quarters, the Lido Café is now among Carmichael’s most popular eating spots.
Japanese-born chef Taro Ara Arai sported pink hair, rhinestone-encrusted shoes and gave thanks to God for his phenomenal American success. Arriving in USA as a teenager who barely spoke English, the flamboyant “sushiologist” dreamed big. He now owns Mikuni’s Group, a multi-restaurant operation that annually feeds millions of California sushi lovers.
Aged, 33, Carmichael-raised Comerica Bank executive Dan Kellow was named Young Professional of the Year. Barbara Safford was cheered for years of volunteer service to the Chamber and many other non-profits.
Among silent auction items offered at the fundraiser, a painting of Old Sacramento by Carmichael artist David Peterson fell for $800. Donated by the Fat family, a lavish dinner for 10 won a $2,000 bid. A sushi-making class with Mukuni’s chefs garnered $1,000 and a group breakfast at Good Day Sacramento with Tina Macuha raised $500.
The Sacramento District Dental Foundation – whose projects benefit children and families who are unable to afford dental care – is 2018 Non-Profit of the Year and shared part of the evening’s proceeds.
Event sponsors included: Dignity Health, SMUD, Post Modern Marketing, Sacramento District Dental Society, Safe Credit Union, the American River Natural History Association and the Carmichael Times.
Sacramento Regional Transit District Moves Art
Local Artists Design Light Rail Wraps for “Rolling Art” Exhibition
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC), the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) unveiled four light rail trains that have been wrapped with art designed by four local artists: Ruby Chacón, Linda Nunes, Kerri Warner and Donine Wellman at the 7th & Richards/Township 9 light rail station in the River District.
“I want to thank the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission for being a great partner in our endeavor to bring creative energy and joy to our community,” said Henry Li, SacRT General Manager/CEO. “We are continually looking for ways to improve our riders’ experience, contribute to the beautification of Sacramento, and operate in a fiscally prudent manner. Art-wrapped trains accomplish each of these objectives.”
Chacón’s art creates spaces of belonging and builds community through art. Nunes’ artwork is a surreal and condensed landscape environment created with impenetrable vegetation, sunny colors, and subtle texture. Warner wanted her art to be colorful, whimsical and relatable to the people of Sacramento. Wellman chose bright and cheery colors with a countdown as the train arrives in a whimsical city.
The artists were selected from a juried registry based on their individual bodies of work that would suit the scale of light rail trains. Their colorful masterpieces will be traveling throughout the Sacramento region at various speeds – while also reflecting joyful expressions of our diverse Sacramento communities.
“These four artists represent such range in terms of their content, subject, style and design. Each artist came up with a unique message, completely different from the other, which is what I love about this exhibition,” said Patrick Kennedy, Chair of the SacRT Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. “Art does many things – it inspires, it creates conversation and it brings joy. SacRT is proud that our trains can bring a positive visual impact and message in each community.”
Each unique in style, color and design, the artists’ designs were transferred to vinyl and then applied using a standard fabrication and installation method to attach to the train. Wrapping is an efficient and cost-effective way to improve the exterior of older light rail trains. Funding for the project was provided through existing SacRT resources.