Hope Floats in Sacramento Pools

Due to budget cuts, most of Sacramento’s community pools will not be open this summer.  But thanks to Save Mart Supermarkets, there’s hope!  The 8-week “Help Save Mart Save Our Pools” campaign will match up to $500,000 in donations to help re-open some of the City’s pools. 

You can help by visiting your local Save Mart Supermarket and purchasing a paper “Help Save Mart Save Our Pools” icon for $1 or more.  Or donate through their website at http://www.savemart.com/saveourpools.  The campaign ends on April 10, 2012.

Citizens Academy Provides Lessons in Law & Order

What happens when someone is arrested?  How are criminal charges filed?  What are the roles of law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and probation officers in a criminal case?  Is it really like what you see on TV?

Find out more by attending the upcoming Citizens Academy, a 10-week course designed to involve the many cultures of our community in learning about issues of diversity, race, and the criminal justice system.  The program is sponsored by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, and the District Attorney’s Multicultural Community Council.

Classes will be on Tuesdays, April 10 through June 12, 2012, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Sacramento Police Headquarters, 5770 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento.

Program applicants must be at least 18 years old and live or work in Sacramento County.  Application packets are available by contacting Stephanie Hofer at 916-874-7428 or by email at hoferst@sacda.org.  The application deadline is Thursday, March 23, 2012.

Don’t Be a Crash Test Dummy!

The Sacramento Police Department is offering a FREE driver safety class to teenage drivers and their parent or guardian.  Participating teens must be 15 to 19 years old and must bring a parent or guardian to the class. 

The next classes will be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, and Wednesday, March 28, 2012, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at the Police Central Command Station, 300 Richards Blvd., 2nd Floor, Sacramento. 

Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 916-808-6126. 

Just Shred It!

Wondering where you can safely dispose of
all those broken electronic gizmos or
old bank statements that are cluttering your home and office? 

Take 'em to the E-Waste/Paper Shredding Event on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mary Tsukamoto Elementary School, 8737 Brittany Park Drive in Vintage Park.

Your donations will benefit the Sheriff's Crime Prevention Unit and the South Sacramento communities they serve.

Acceptable e-waste items are:
TVs (all sizes and types)
Computer towers & monitors
Laptops
DVD players & VCRs
Printers
Stereos & Radios
Telephones & Cell phones
Video games
Microwaves

No appliances or batteries, please!

For more details, call On-Site Electronics Recycling at 209-234-7994.

Confidential Paper Shredding will also be available from Shred-It.

Sports Program Seeks Wounded Warriors & Veterans

Paralympic Sport Sacramento is seeking veterans and wounded warriors with physical disabilities, as well as those who are blind or have low vision, to participate in Paralympic sports and recreational sport programs.

For more information, please contact Annie Desalernos at adesaler@cityofsacramento.org or 916-808-3809.

March Scholarship Deadlines

DEADLINE:  MARCH 3, 2012
The Sacramento Area Black Caucus, Inc. will award Rosenwald “Robbie” Robertson Scholarships this spring. The $500 scholarships are awarded to the students who best demonstrate the standards of academic achievement, leadership and service to the African American community which the late city councilman and community leader exemplified. 

Applicants must be graduates of a Sacramento area high school by the end of the spring term, 2012 or continuing college/university students. Previous award recipients are eligible to apply. For more information regarding the scholarship and applications call SABC’s office at (916) 484-5025. www.blackparallelschoolboard.com.

DEADLINE:  MARCH 9, 2012
Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA) scholarship.  For more info visit: http://dhaweb.saccounty.net/Scholarship/index.htm.

DEADLINE:  MARCH 12, 2012
SAFE Credit Union is offering $10,000 in scholarships for exceptional, college-bound high school seniors. Ten students will receive $1,000 this spring. SAFE scholarships are awarded annually to students who live or attend school in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo Yuba, Sutter, Amador, Butte, Contra Costa, Nevada, San Joaquin, Solano or El Dorado counties.  The application package is available online at safecu.org and at SAFE Credit Union branches. Interested students can call (916) 979-7233 or (800) 733-7233.

DEADLINE:  MARCH 16, 2012
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Sacramento Chapter (SacNCBW) offers scholarships to graduating seniors who meet specific qualifications. For more info and to downloaded the application, visit www.sacncbw.org.

DEADLINE:  MARCH 31, 2012 
U.S. Bank Scholarship Program.  Here’s your opportunity to apply for one of 40 $1,000 scholarships.  In order to be eligible for the U.S. Bank Scholarship Program, a student must be a high school senior planning to enroll or a current college freshmen, sophomore or junior at an eligible four-year college or university participating in the U.S. Bank Student Loan Program and a United States citizen or permanent resident alien. For more information and to apply visit http://www.usbank.com/student-lending/scholarship.html.

It’s Better to Give Than to Receive

Are you looking to donate some of your time and experience to a worthy cause but not sure where to start? 

Check out the City of Sacramento’s website for a list of citywide short-term and ongoing volunteer opportunities,  http://www.cityofsacramento.org/volunteers.   Some of the recent listings include volunteer tax aides, park cleanups, Paralympic Sports, and historical re-enactments.  There’s something for everyone!

WaZoBia!

WaZoBia means “Come! Come! Come!” in three distinct Nigerian tribal languages. It is an invitation for togetherness and unity.  Share the spirit of Africa and celebrate Black History Month with a cultural and dance program presented by Mr. Sunny at the Southgate Public Library on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Calling All Polar Bears!

Southgate Recreation & Park District will hold a Competitive Swim Clinic for children ages 6 to 18.  Participants must be able to swim at least 25 yards of freestyle (crawl stroke) or have completed the Goldfish-level or equivalent of swim lessons.  The clinic will cover correct techniques for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly in addition to racing starts, flip turns and legal finishes. 

Get a jump on the 2012 Summer Olympics by signing up now!  The clinic will be held on Monday, March 5, 2012 at Rutter Swim Center, 7650 Palmer House Drive, Sacramento. 

For more information, please call 916-422-7610.

A Little Knowledge Goes A Long Way

California State University's “Super Sunday” is Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 10:30 am.  The location is St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 2130 4^th Street, Sacramento.  CSU representatives will be available to provide information on the 23 university campuses.  Learn about the application and admissions process, financial aid, student services, degrees, the Early Assessment Program, and more. 

For additional information, please contact the church at 916-446-7198.

The 23^rd Annual NorCal African American Young Male Conference takes place on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm at Genesis Charter High School.  This conference is for African American males ages 12-21 years old and their parents.  It includes educational and informative workshops plus a complimentary breakfast and lunch.  Online registration at www.100blackmensacramento.org is free until February 17.  Registration after that date and at the door is $10 (cash only).

Spring Into A New Career

The Sacramento State Career Center is hosting a Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 10 am to 2 pm in the University Union Ballroom at 6000 J Street, Sacramento.

This FREE event is open to current students, alumni, and the public.  Find out about full-time, part-time, internship, cooperative education and volunteer work opportunities.

February Scholarship Deadlines

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Best Buy Scholarship Program. Open to students in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Students need solid grades plus community service or work experience.  Apply online at www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com or www.at15.com. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 17, 2012
The Links, Incorporated, Sacramento Chapter Scholarships.  For graduating high school seniors of African heritage who exemplify academic excellence and exhibit leadership potential.   For details and applications visit http://sacramentolinksinc.org/page/scholarships-1. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 17, 2012
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will award $1 million in scholarships to area students.  The PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship program will offer up to $30,000 per year to each winner. Applicants can be high school, community college or nontraditional students. They must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational school in the 2012-2013 academic year.  Winners must demonstrate community leadership, financial need and academic achievement and personal triumph.  www.pge.com/brightminds.

How Sweet It Is

The 23^rd Annual Sweet Potato Festival will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Pannell Meadowview Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento.   Sweet potato pies and ice cream will be for sale.  There will also be a sweet potato pie bake off, entertainment, and more.

A Lesson in Art & History

“A Moment in Black History” will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Fern Bacon Middle School, 4140 Cuny Avenue, Sacramento. 

This FREE event will feature a Black History Art Gallery sponsored by the Sojourner Truth Art Museum.  The Phoenix Park Visual & Performing Arts Program will present Black History in the Arts.

Cash for College for LBHS Titans

Since 1998, the Florin Road Foundation has awarded $104,000 in scholarships to 261 graduating seniors of Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento.  The students may use their cash awards for any program of study at the college, university, or trade school of their choice. 

This year the Foundation plans to award a minimum total of $4,000.  Applications are available now from the Burbank Career Center and from our website at www.florinroad.com (click on the “Florin Road Foundation” link).  

All applications and supporting documents must be received by the Florin Road Foundation by 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012.

Tax Time Doesn’t Have To Be Taxing

The City of Sacramento in collaboration with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is offering FREE certified tax assistance and preparation to income-eligible families and individuals (families earning less than $50,000 year).  

These services are available at the Pannell Meadowview Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento.  Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from February 1, 2012 through March 7, 2012, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.  Assistance is also available on Saturday, February 18 and 25 and Thursday, March 8 from 9 am to noon. 

For more information, visit www.cityofsacramento.org/volunteers/vita.html

Museum Day is On The Way!

The 14th Annual Sacramento Museum Day will be on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 10 am to 4 pm.  All participating museums close at 5 pm, with the last guests admitted at 4 pm.    Please note that shuttle buses will NOT be operating this year, though many museums are within walking distance of each other.  You can pickup a Museum Day Guide with map at any participating museum. 

This year, a record 28 museums will offer free or half price admission for the day.  Florin Road's Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum will once again be participating and offering free admission.  The SOJO Museum is located at 2251 Florin Road, Suite 126, Sacramento, inside the Florin Road Arts & Business Complex (ABC). 

For more information, please contact the SOJO Museum at 916-424-3904 or visit http://sojoarts.net/ or http://www.sacmuseums.org/museumday.html.

Sacramento's Own Fountain of Youth

Find out about the efforts of the Sacramento Youth Commission to make the City a better place for the youth of today and tomorrow.  Upcoming meetings will be held at 6 pm at the Historic City Hall Chambers, 915 I Street, Sacramento, on the following dates:

• Monday, February 6, 2012
• Monday, March 5, 2012.

For additional information or to request an application to serve on the commission, please contact Commission Coordinator, Christina Demoss-Griffin, at 916-808-6111 or at cdemoss@cityofsacramento.org.

Youth Basketball Team Signups On Now

Register early for Southgate Recreation & Park District's Youth Basketball team.  Children in grades 3 through 8 and at all skill levels will learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and techniques in a safe and structured environment. 

Games will be held from Sunday, March 11, 2012 though Sunday, June 10, 2012 at the Rizal Community Center, 7320 Florin Mall Drive, Sacramento. 

Early registration is $70 through February 10, 2012.  Registration from February 11 through March 2 is $60.

For more information, please call 916-395-0601 or visit the district's website at http://southgaterecandpark.net/.