OBSNews: Breaking Business and Politics News

Health Care Reform Could Be Main Focus Of Lungren Town Hall In Carmichael Thursday

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:59:55 +0000

By Brian Kaveney

GOLD RIVER, CA (OBSNews.com) – If recent calls and correspondence to the Washington D.C. and Gold River District offices are any indication, Congressman Dan Lungren’s (R-CA) Town Hall in Carmichael Thursday evening could center once again on the topic of health care reform.

The House of Representatives narrowly passed H.R. 3962 after a very late-night vote Saturday in Washington D.C. The Democratic majority led by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) squeaked the measure by on a vote of 220 to 215. Lungren, all but one of his 175 Republican colleagues and 39 Democrats voted against it.

Last week Lungren’s staff delivered copies of the bill to 29 public libraries in the Third District. A Republican alternative was also distributed.

Though the House measure passed, legislators are certain there will be a lengthy and likely contentious debate before a bill passes out of the Senate into the President Obama’s hands.

Event:

Congressman Dan Lungren Town Hall

When:

7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12

Where:

La Sierra Community Center
5325 Engle Road, Suite 100
Carmichael, CA 95608

Brian Kaveney is the Communications Director for Congressman Dan Lungren who serves as Ranking Member on the House Administration Committee in addition to serving on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees

Rep. Doris Matsui to Give Major Address on Federal Priorities, Local Impact of Economic Recovery Package

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:21:13 +0000

By Mara Lee

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) will address a crowd of students, faculty and community members at the Sacramento State Alumni Center on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 10:00am to discuss a variety of federal issues, including the local impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is making the largest alternative energy investments in our nation’s history, and helping to propel Sacramento as a clean-tech capital.

“We can ensure that America is on the path to economic recovery by bolstering the growth of new jobs right here in Sacramento,” said Matsui. “The federal government stands ready and committed to supporting local businesses in our region that can produce clean, reliable energy alternatives to traditional sources, such as foreign oil, and to promote energy efficiency. Sacramento is ready to be a leader in the research, development, and implementation of clean tech, and I look forward to discussing my federal priorities, and provide an update about how the stimulus package is helping to put our community on the road toward a clean-energy future.”

Following Congresswoman Matsui’s remarks, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) General Manager John DiStasio will present an overview of the $127 million Smart Grid federal grant awarded through the stimulus package to SMUD, Sacramento State, and their partners to develop and implement clean energy and green technologies throughout the Sacramento community. The grant is the largest of its kind awarded to any California recipient.

WHAT:

Rep. Matsui Delivers Address on Federal Priorities and the Recovery Act

WHO:

Congresswoman Doris Matsui

SMUD General Manager John DiStasio

CSUS President Alexander Gonzalez

CSUS Professor Barbara O’Connor

Los Rios Community College Vice Chancellor Sandy Kirschenmann

WHEN:

Friday, November 13, 2009 at 10:00AM

WHERE:

Sacramento State Alumni Center
6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

This event is free and open to the public, and parking is available adjacent to the Alumni Center. For more information, constituents are encouraged to contact Rep. Matsui’s Sacramento office at (916) 498-5600.

Mara Lee is the Press Secretary for Congresswoman Doris Matsui who represents the 5th Congressional District in California.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

CA Sen. Gil Cedillo Commends Passage of Historic California Water Law

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:50:58 +0000

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – Sen. Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement on the passage of a comprehensive legislative package on water. After a second night of deliberations that went well into the night, both houses of the California Legislature passed a five-bill package covering water policy and financing:

“I am proud of the collaboration and compromise demonstrated in both houses and by both parties. Over the past two days, legislative members balanced regional concerns with the overall well-being of our state and came up with an actionable plan.

"I am also proud of the Latino Caucus for its contributions to this debate. We believe that access to clean and reliable water is a human right, serves a public benefit, and is an economic necessity. Members of the caucus contributed proposals addressing urban, suburban, and rural needs including storage, conveyance, water quality, environmental safeguards such as Delta Restoration and recycling; many of which are included in the final package.

"Latinos make up roughly 40% of the state’s population. They work the farms facing historic water shortages and they also live in densely populated urban areas dealing with water quality issues. The water policy package will create or restore thousands of lost jobs in the agricultural community including farm workers and operators. The water bond will provide monies for groundwater cleanup, water availability for urban and rural communities, and conservation. These were critical provisions for Latinos, and all Californians, and we welcome the monumental step forward on water issues in our state.”

"The package is the most comprehensive undertaken by the state in decades and includes provisions for an $11 billion bond that must be approved by voters next year and new provisions for water conservation. Under the new policies most municipalities will be asked to reduce water consumption by 20% by the year 2010. Other important elements included the creation of a council to oversee Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta water management and environmental projects and a program to measure groundwater levels throughout the state. California was the last state in the drought-ridden Western region to monitor usage of the vital but scarce resource.

California State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D – Los Angeles) represents the 22nd Senate district of California.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Latino Legislative Caucus Hosts Green Jobs Summit in Downtown Los Angeles

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:16:41 +0000

Chairwoman Karen Douglas of California Energy Commission to be Keynote Speaker

By Christy Wolfe

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - The Latino Legislative Caucus and State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) will host the Green Jobs Summit, El Poder Verde, in downtown Los Angeles this Thursday and Friday, October 29-30. Chairwoman Karen Douglas of the California Energy Commission will give a keynote address at an opening reception on Thursday beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Other speakers will include Commissioner Dian Grueneich of the California Public Utilities Commission; Barbara Halsey, Executive Director of the California Workforce Investment Board; Orson Aguilar, Executive Director of the Greenling Institute; and Rafael Aguilera, Executive Director of the Verde Group. On Friday three panel discussions will focus on emerging sectors and job opportunities within the green economy, distribution of benefits and burdens, job training and regulatory challenges.

The event will be held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown, which was awarded Green Seal's Silver Certification for its environmental sustainability efforts in August. The hotel is the first in the city to achieve the non profit’s certification which conforms to science-based sustainability standards, and also the first in the Los Angeles City Council’s Green Business program.

On Friday the 30th the day will begin with welcoming remarks by Senator Gilbert Cedillo. From 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. there will be policy panel discussions with a break from Noon to 1:15 P.M. for lunch.

Full agenda available on request

Location: Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

Christy Wolfe is the Director of Communications in the office of California State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D – Los Angeles)

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Drexel More Than Triples Enrollment For Its Fall Classes in Sacramento

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:45:47 +0000

Sacramento Facility Expands To Eight Master’s And One Doctoral Program

Glen Thomas, Secretary of Education for the State of California, addresses the incoming graduate students at Drexel University

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – Drexel University has welcomed more than 120 new students this fall, bringing to over 175 its total number of graduate students as it expanded offerings for working professionals at the university’s Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento.

Drexel, a 118-year-old institution based in Philadelphia, just opened its doors in Sacramento on January 5, 2009, at its high-tech Graduate Center at One Capitol Mall. .

Speaking directly to the University’s leadership in Philadelphia over Drexel’s high-definition videoconferencing system during a special Convocation event in September, Dr. Glen W. Thomas, Secretary of Education for the State of California, said, “Your vision to open a Sacramento campus is very exciting to us in Sacramento, in our region, in our state.” Addressing Drexel’s newest students, the Secretary said, “Drexel is known for being entrepreneurial and visionary and technologically savvy. Here we have cutting edge programs. Now, more than ever before, this state needs people like you who are highly educated. ”

It was only in May 2008 that Drexel trustees approved opening a campus in Sacramento – the first outside of Philadelphia in the university’s history. The Center welcomed its first 53 graduate students on January 5, and this fall added four more master’s programs and one doctoral program.

“We’re thrilled that Drexel has been embraced by so many community, education and business leaders throughout the Greater Sacramento region,” said Drexel President C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, who visited the Sacramento campus in July. “In a very short period of time, we have forged strong partnerships with the region and with our students, who we are eager to help prepare as the region’s future business and community leaders. Our team of faculty members has done a tremendous job in structuring programs that meet the needs of working professionals and deliver great value to our students.”

Carl “Tobey” Oxholm III, Dean of Drexel’s Graduate Center in Sacramento, said the welcome Drexel has received from business, civic and government leaders has been tremendous.

“We have exceeded everyone’s expectations with the arrival of so many excellent students this fall,” Oxholm said. “The terrible economy has undoubtedly made it more difficult for working adults to find the economic resources they need to pursue a top-tier graduate degree. But it’s also a great opportunity for Drexel, because we are perfectly positioned to play a key role in preparing the next generation of business, government and non-profit leaders in the Greater Sacramento area, which has become and will remain for decades a true destination location.”

Offered again this fall are four master’s programs that are core to the region’s economic future: Business Administration, Higher Education, Information Systems, and Library and Information Science, To them, Drexel added a Doctorate in Education degree program and four more master’s programs: Human Resource Development, Public Health, Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management, and Nursing Education & Faculty Role.

Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, has again been ranked as one of the nation’s ten most innovative universities by US News & World Report-America’s Best Colleges 2010. Drexel is widely recognized for its focus on experiential learning through its co-operative education program, technology and use-inspired research.

Drexel will again offer five master’s programs and the Ed.D. to begin on March 29, 2010, and all nine in September 2010. To learn more about applying for programs in Sacramento, visit www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (916) 325-4600 or (888) 389-3781.

Lungren Welcomes The Engraving of Our National Motto

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:12:50 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (OBSNews.com) - Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA) released the following statement after inspecting the engraving of the National Motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ in the Capitol Visitor’s Center (CVC):

“The CVC is a wonderful addition to the Capitol complex and it welcomes everyone who comes to share in our nation’s history. Today the Architect of the Capitol finished engraving our national motto ‘In God We Trust,’ and they have done a superb job.

“The CVC itself contains a variety of statues including among others Sakajawea, King Kamehananea of Hawaii, Janet Rankin, (the first female member of Congress) and even Filo T. Farnsworth of Utah (the father of television).

“In the midst of these wonderful symbols identifying us as a nation, I felt that an additional element of our nation’s history would add to this representation of our common patrimony and would be a reminder of the importance our Founders placed on the guidance of Providence in the birth, development and future of our Nation.”

Congressman Dan Lungren serves as Ranking Member on the House Administration Committee in addition to serving on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Presiding Sacramento Judge James Mize Named Judge of the Year

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:27:53 +0000

Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge James Mize has been unanimously selected as the 2009 Sacramento County Bar Association’s Judge of the Year

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - Judge James Mize was selected for this honor not only because he met the five criteria used for selecting the SCBA Judge of the Year, but for excelling at demonstrating service to the community. He is a founder of the Voluntary Legal Services Committee, which was a program of the SCBA to provide pro bono legal services to indigent clients, and Sharing God’s Bounty, a free meal program offered at St. Philomene’s Catholic Church.

Judge James Mize is the recipient of many community-based awards including the Center for Youth Citizenship’s 2008 Education & Community Outreach Award and the California Judge’s Association’s 2007 Alba Witkin Humanitarian Award.

The Sacramento County Bar Association’s Annual Bench/Bar Reception will be honoring Presiding Judge James Mize as Judge of the Year on Thursday, September 24, 2009.

Also being honored at the reception are the Sacramento Superior Court’s newly appointed judges.

For further information, please contact the Public Information Office at 591-0050.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

William Jessup University Celebrates 70 Years

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:10:09 +0000

ROCKLIN, Calif. (OBSNews.com) - William Jessup University will commemorate, honor and celebrate their 70 year existence at a special cake ceremony for students and staff on September 21 at 11:45 a.m. The celebration observes the first day of class that the University, then known as San Jose Bible College, held on September 20, 1939.

As San Jose Bible College continued to grow, it was renamed San Jose Christian College in 1989. Later, regional accreditation was granted by the Western Association of Schools and colleges (WASC) in 2002 and the name was changed to William Jessup University in 2003.

The name change reflected the decision to broaden the academic programs to include traditional undergraduate studies, professional studies and, eventually graduate studies in a variety of disciplines.

William Jessup University became the Sacramento area’s only first private, four-year residential university in 2004, when the university moved to its 128 acre campus in Rocklin.

“I am honored to celebrate what our university has accomplished and consider it my privilege to serve this community,” said Bryce Jessup, the University’s fifth president.

Jessup, the son of the founder of the college has led the University to its greatest growth in enrollment, facilities and curriculum. Students from more than 30 different birth countries have enrolled at Jessup over the years.

Currently the university has a lot to celebrate. The first phase of its $25 million expansion project is complete revealing a state-of-the-art 24-unit student apartment complex.

The University also experienced its largest incoming class this year with a record breaking enrollment number citing 194 students, including 91 freshmen.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. Anticipated majors include fields in the humanities and science. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations in Rocklin include Business Administration, Counseling Psychology and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. In San Jose, concentrations are offered in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology, and Christian Leadership. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

IT Legacy Modernization Seminar Brings Best from EDD, DMV, CALPERS, and More to State Capitol

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:33:19 +0000

Public Sector Technology Exchange Founder James Baker Assembles All-Star Technology Panel

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - On September 15, 2009 The Public Sector Technology Exchange hosted a Legacy Modernization seminar that was sponsored by information technology companies Unify (http://www.unify.com) and Western Blue (http://www.westernblue.com). The event took place at the Capitol Building in Sacramento, California.

The event began with an interview between author and public sector strategist James Baker and Dale Jablonsky, the current Chief Information Officer for the Employment Development Department (EDD). The two discussed EDD’s legacy application modernization projects and how to transfer existing software and database processes over to new applications.

Click on video below to play Part I - Introduction and Interview (2 more videos below)

Legacy Modernization for IT Systems - Public Sector Technology Exchange seminar - 1 from OBS News on Vimeo.

The interview between Baker and Jablonsky concerned the need for all legacy-based software and database systems in California to modernize. Jablonsky shared his “lessons learned” with an audience of more than 100 people representing state and county governments as well as leaders of the technology industry.

Click on video below to play Part II - The Panelists

Legacy Modernization for IT Systems - Public Sector Technology Exchange seminar - 2 from OBS News on Vimeo.

After the interview between Jablonsky and Baker, Jablonsky moderated a panel discussion that heard from the panelists and then fielded questions from the audience. The panelists were:

• Teri Bennett, AEO Information Technology, CalPERS

• Bernard Soriano, CIO DMV

• Kevin Dickey, Deputy CIO & CISO, Contra Costa County

• Terry Joslin, President - Western Blue

• Todd Wille, President and CEO - Unify

• Christine Dunham, Quantum Consulting

Click on video below to play Part III - Q & A

Legacy Modernization for IT Systems - Public Sector Technology Exchange seminar - 3 from OBS News on Vimeo.

The Public Sector Technology Exchange was founded by public sector strategist and author, James Baker (see http://www.JamesJBaker.com> The PSTE is an independent forum created to discuss the issues and challenges of government as they relate to information technology. To see a review of the book, "How To Win Business From the Government" visit http://www.governmentbusinessbook.biz/ and click on "What People Are Saying" tab.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

William Jessup University Reports Record Breaking Enrollment

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:27:36 +0000

ROCKLIN, Calif., (OBSNews.com) - William Jessup University opened its doors this fall to their largest enrollment yet, revealing an incoming class of 194 students attending the Greater Sacramento region’s only private four-year, residential university.

“Over the last 12-18 months, the recruitment and enrollment efforts of the entire University have accelerated,” said Vance Pascua, vice president of traditional undergraduate admission.

“In light of the economy and the state budget cuts, we have made a concerted effort to find creative ways to ensure affordability and accessibility for students to choose Jessup.”

Last January, the university announced it would decrease tuition by 2.5 percent, a benefit that the new student population has welcomed.

The University also honors a new provision to the GI Bill called the Yellow Ribbon Program. The program allows any veteran who has served on active duty for at least 36 aggregate months since 9/11 to have the complete cost of tuition covered in any program the University offers.

Approximately 91 of the incoming students are first time freshman with an average GPA of 3.38. Students come from as far east as North Carolina and Florida and west as far as Hawaii. Of the new students, 78 are student athletes joining the ranks of the substantial sports program the university continues to build.

About William Jessup University

Drexel University Simplifies Process for Undergraduate Transfer Students

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:23:13 +0000

Adds Six Northern California Community Colleges To Its AcademyOne Partnership

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – Drexel University announced today it is making things simpler for students at six Northern California community colleges to transfer to the University through a partnership with AcademyOne Inc., a web-based services provider for transfer students and institutions that serve them.

Through AcademyOne’s CollegeTransfer.net prospective transfer students can view which courses from their current institution are transferable to Drexel’s undergraduate campus in Philadelphia.

Drexel has currently completed course equivalency listings at six California community colleges listed on Collegetransfer.net. They are: Sierra College; Folsom Lake College; American River College; Sacramento City College; Cosumnes River College; Santa Rosa Junior College.

“Drexel University welcomes nearly 1,000 transfer students each academic year,” said Joan McDonald, senior vice president for Enrollment Management at Drexel. “Our participation in the AcademyOne network provides new and enhanced means to meet the needs of these Northern California students as they join Drexel.”

The linkage is the latest in a growing connection between Philadelphia-based Drexel and Northern California.

Drexel last year began a special, $1 million scholarship program to encourage undergraduate students from 18 Northern California counties to attend Drexel in Philadelphia. Full-time transfer students are among those eligible for the $10,000 per year “Build the Pipeline” scholarship program.

And earlier this year, Drexel opened the Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento, offering advanced degree programs for working professionals.

CollegeTransfer.net is an online service that allows transfer students and their families to investigate and plan their options for the transition through an online match of how a course from the previous institution transfers to the prospective institution. A student enrolled at Sierra College, for example, can log on to CollegeTransfer.net and view courses offered at Sierra College that will transfer to Drexel. Advisors can use CollegeTransfer.net to formulate program articulations.

CollegeTransfer.net contains the course catalogs of more than 4,000 U.S. and international colleges and universities. Drexel is continually expanding its list of equivalencies with selected colleges and universities.

AcademyOne software allows for automated updating and inter-institutional communication between partners to maintain accuracy and currency as courses and programs change within the feeder institutions.

More information on how to transfer to Drexel can be found at: http://www.drexel.edu/em/undergrad

Founded in 1891, Drexel is ranked as one of the nation’s most innovative universities by US News & World Report. The University is widely recognized for its focus on experiential learning through its co-operative education program, technology and use-inspired research.

Elk Grove Churches Join Together for Speical "Cityhope" Campaign

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:16:42 +0000

ELK GROVE, Calif, (OBSNews.com) – As people in the community face economic challenges not seen in generations, 15 Christian churches in Elk Grove are coming together for the next eight weeks to cohesively serve a community where so many are hurting.

Each of the churches will come together as one church… “The Church At Elk Grove” and feature similar sermons from Sept. 12 to Nov. 1 based on 1 Corinthians 13, a chapter focused on loving and serving one another.

Church members will be asked to commit to reaching out to neighborhoods, putting up 2,500 lawn signs about the effort and supporting non-profit organizations that address the needs of the community.

“It is our hope that our local churches will focus outward and partner with neighborhoods and organizations in a mobilized effort to care for our neighbors who are hurting, restore relationships and bring healing to our entire community,” said Barry Smith, Senior Pastor at Impact Community Church in Elk Grove. “The dramatic needs in our community demand a united effort where we put our differences aside and work together. And it’s finally happening.”

The Church At Elk Grove effort also will feature a special City Hope ’09 program with 40 days of devotional guides and programs for small groups to come together weekly in an effort to reach our community with God’s love.

During the effort, the churches will be partnering with a number of non-profit organizations, including the Elk Grove Food Bank, a ministry focused on local teen rescue from human trafficking for prostitution called Courage House and the Elk Grove Community Non-Profit Network.

“We are excited to come together with other Christian churches to serve the community as Christ showed us how to do,” said Jason Whalen, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Elk Grove. “It is time for us as churches to look outward and serve our community and be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

The participating churches represent a broad range in the city, including:

- Discovery Church
- First Baptist Church of Elk Grove
- Grace Community Church
- Harvest Church
- Impact Community Church
- Laguna Christina Center
- Lifepointe Community Church
- Lighthouse Church
- Light of the Valley Church
- Living Water Lutheran Church
- Oak Tree Community Church
- Open Door Community Church
- Peace Presbyterian Church
- Reflect Church
- St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

Trevor Glenn, a local resident who is helping to organize “The Church at Elk Grove” effort, said he expects more churches to join the effort as it moves forward.

“We are gratified at the support and interest in supporting our community at this time and working together,” Glenn said.

For more information on the program, please visit www.thechurchatelkgrove.org

“Hot Chili & Cool Cars” Rumbles Into Rocklin

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:14:26 +0000

Five Star Auto Care & RC Willey Return As Title Sponsors

ROCKLIN, CA (OBSNews.com) - On Saturday, Sept. 19, classic cars, chili booths and vendors will line Pacific Street in Rocklin from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Hot Chili & Cool Cars event. This year is the Sweet 16th anniversary of the event, and the third consecutive year Five Star Auto Care and RC Willey have sponsored together.

Hot Chili & Cool Cars is one of the area’s largest street faires, with thousand attending each year. Families who come to this free event can expect to enjoy a chili cook-off with dozens of competitors and a contest featuring over 150 classic cars, as well as a variety of vendors, live entertainment, music, crafts and kids’ activities. Newest of all this year are the Midway games and Toilet Races – a race of the Rocklin Chamber’s very own porcelain hotrods.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to participate in such a fun filled day for the community,” said Jim Sperlazza, owner of Five Star Auto Care. “Everyone has such a good time. And it’s fun for us to see some of the participants in the Cool Cars contest who regularly bring their vehicles to our hand car wash and repair center.”

Known for their community involvement, Five Star Auto Care was recently listed in Modern Car Care, a nationwide industry journal, as one of the Top 50 Car Washes in the entire United States, one of only three in California. Five Star’s true hand washing process, high efficiency water usage, eco-friendly cleaning agents and more than 600 solar panels make them one of the most environmentally responsible car washes in existence today. For more information about Five Star Auto Care visit 6818 Five Star Boulevard in Rocklin, call 916-315-0555, or online at www.FiveStarRocklin.com.

“RC Willey looks forward to being a part of this event every year,” said Tammy Cooper, store manager for RC Willey in Rocklin. “It’s such a great community event to support because it is fun for all who attend, and you don’t have to spend a dime. We truly love doing what we can to help events like this exist.”

RC Willey is a brand-name furniture, home electronics, appliances and sleep product store. It has been offering exceptional selection, value, service and professionalism to its customers for more than 75 years. The large, comfortable facilities have much of their merchandise on display for customers to experience on-site. RC Willey is located at 6636 Lonetree Blvd. in Rocklin or online at www.rcwilley.com. For more information call 770-2455.

To be part of the Sweet 16 anniversary of Hot Chili and Cool Cars, visit the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Web site at www.RocklinChamber.com or call 916-624-2548.

House Passes Matsui Legislation Honoring 9/11 as National Day of Service and Remembrance

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:23:48 +0000

Bi-Partisan Resolution Encourages Americans To Participate In Community Service Activities Across The Country

By Mara Lee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (OBSNews.com) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Resolution 718, a resolution introduced by Doris O. Matsui (D-CA) and Peter T. King (R-NY), honoring September 11th as the first-ever federally-recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. The bi-partisan resolution calls upon all Americans to engage in community service and contribute to local projects in their neighborhoods on September 11th in tribute to those who selflessly served their communities during the attacks, when strangers came together to help those in need, and to reignite the national sense of service that our country felt immediately following the horrific events of 9/11.

“On September 11th, we remember the thousands of innocent Americans who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, and pay tribute to the brave men and women who rose to service in a heroic attempt to protect the lives of those still at risk,” said Congresswoman Matsui, Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus. “Across the nation, thousands of first responders, rescue and recovery workers, and volunteers who helped others in their time of need, embody the spirit of service and compassion that makes our nation great. This year we will honor them not only by remembering their heroism, but by recommitting ourselves to bettering our communities and our country.”

“The terrorist attacks of 9/11 are some of the deadliest and most horrific events our nation has ever seen, yet in the midst of that tragedy our nation came together – stronger than ever before,” said King. “By making 9/11 a national day of service, Americans can unite as they did eight years ago in the spirit and memory of the heroes and victims lost in these tragic attacks.”

The Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act that was passed by both Houses of Congress and signed into law by President Obama earlier this year, laid the groundwork for September 11th to become a national day not just of remembrance, but also of service. The Matsui/King resolution passed today, in combination with the national activities Members of Congress are planning in coordination with the White House, the Corporation for National and Community Service, non-profit organizations and many 9/11 families, are designed to encourage Americans to take part in projects to strengthen in their communities – in every corner of every state in the country.

“For many years, Representatives Doris Matsui and Peter King have been two of our strongest supporters of the 9/11 National Day of Service, and without their help, vision and leadership, creating this wonderful, forward-looking legacy would not have been possible,” said David Paine, President and Founder of MyGoodDeed.org, the nonprofit group that championed the effort to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance initiative. “We fully support and welcome their bi-partisan call for all Americans to observe 9/11 this year by engaging in volunteerism, good deeds, and other forms of charitable service.”

Congresswoman Matsui encourages Sacramentans to join her and her staff in participating in 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance service opportunities this Friday. To find out more about volunteer events in the Sacramento area, please visit Hands on Sacramento’s website: www.handsonsacramento.org

Mara Lee is the Press Secretary for Congresswoman Doris Matsui who represents the 5th Congressional District in California.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Sacramento Region Community Foundation Announces 100,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits Providing Basic Needs

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:34:38 +0000

Bank of America Charitable Foundation is the Founding Contributor for the new ‘Greatest Need Fund’

Eric M. Stanion, manager of corporate social responsibility for Bank of America, speaks at a press conference where the Sacramento Region Community Foundation announced $100,000 in grants to non-profit organizations that provide critical services to families in need. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provided a leadership contribution to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund to support the effort.

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – The Sacramento Region Community Foundation today announced that 10 local non-profit organizations that provide critical care services will receive a total of $100,000 from the Foundation’s “Greatest Need Fund” – a fund to provide immediate support in response to the economic downturn.

The grants are made possible by contributions to the Community’s Greatest Need Fund by long-time donors. The Foundation also announced that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has made a leadership contribution to the Fund, becoming the first Founding Contributor with a $100,000 contribution.

Recipients of the Community’s Greatest Need Fund provide a variety of services to the community, ranging from housing, to counseling, to providing food and clothing.

“With non-profit organizations being hit hard in this challenging economy, it’s essential we support local charities that provide important services for the community. These grants will help the organizations serve tens of thousands of people to meet critical needs throughout the Sacramento area,” said Ruth Blank, chief executive officer of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. “We appreciate the support we have received from the community to our request for donations. In particular, we want to thank Bank of America for its leading contribution and hope that others will leverage and use our Greatest Need Fund as a way of addressing critical needs at this time.

The 10 grant recipients were chosen following a competitive process, including:

• Roseville Home Start Inc., which successfully transitions homeless children and families into affordable, sustainable, permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

• Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center, which, through its Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Homeless Prevention Project, provides rental assistance, utility assistance and motel vouchers to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness.

• River City Community Services, which offers safety and respite to families without shelter but seeking stable housing. The Rental Assistance Program is to help families avoid the spiral of homelessness by maintaining stability in their living situation.

• Women's Empowerment, which provides counseling to homeless women, directing them to services available and providing basic direct service including bus passes, food and clothing.

• United Christian Centers of the Greater Sacramento Area, Inc., which, through its Transitional Housing Program, addresses the housing needs of economically disadvantaged, homeless families in West Sacramento by providing a safe and supportive environment for the clients.

• St. Vincent de Paul Society, Roseville Area Conference, Inc., which helps accommodate clients seeking shelter, supplemental groceries, diapers, food and hygiene supplies.

• Center for Fathers and Families, which provides food and utility assistance to families who are actively enrolled or have graduated from a Center for Fathers and Families program.

• Volunteers of America Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada, which helps residents move out of long-term shelters or transitional housing and into permanent housing by helping them meet eligibility requirements, file applications and provide financial support for security deposits and first month’s rent.

• California Emergency Foodlink, a distributor of emergency food throughout the Sacramento area through local agencies serving specific zip codes. By centralizing the procurement efforts, it allows smaller agencies to expend their resources on the distribution of food.

• Salvation Army Del Oro Division – Sac Metro/Sac County, which helps secure a safe place to reside while providing emergency housing, meals, toiletries, laundry service, counseling and referrals to those in need.

“In these difficult economic times, nonprofits are facing skyrocketing demand for basic human services - like health care, hunger relief, and shelter – while receiving far less funding from traditional sources to meet these needs,” said Kathie Sowa, Sacramento market president, Bank of America. “Bank of America is responding to these critical needs by funding emergency safety net grants to leading grant-making institutions like the Sacramento Regional Community Foundation, which already has relationships with local critical care providers and can get out the capital immediately.”

The Sacramento Region Community Foundation has been an advocate for quality of life since its inception in 1983. It works to expand philanthropic activity and enhance its impact for the betterment of our communities. For more information, visit www.sacregcf.org or call (916) 921-7723.

Bella Floria expands eco-conscious brands in exclusive partnership with Kahina-Giving Beauty

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:59:04 +0000

SACRAMENTO, CA (OBSNews.com) – Bella Floria Organics, an online natural and organic beauty boutique (www.BellaFloria.com), has expanded its eco-conscious skin care brands by partnering with Kahina-Giving Beauty, a New York and Moroccan-based company that features organic argan oil in its unique skin care line.

In keeping with its consumer-oriented, socially-conscious mission, Bella Floria joined forces with Kahina-Giving Beauty, noting the company’s high-quality products, its dedication to environmental preservation, and its dedication to social causes. Bella Floria proudly offers the Kahina-Giving Beauty line, as its exclusive online-only retailer.

“Not only does Kahina Giving Beauty share our passion for pure skin care but also our eco-conscious and socially responsible values,” said Emelyn Rodriguez, founder of BellaFloria.com, which offers helpful consumer information along with top brands in natural and organic skin care, cosmetics and aromatherapy products.

“You can rest assured that when you purchase a Kahina Giving Beauty product, you are not just helping revitalize your skin, but also helping the environment and the women who help produce this wonderful product.”

Rodriguez noted that she was attracted to the product line not only for its purity and quality but also for how Kahina Giving Beauty works with and supports the Moroccan women who extract the oil from the nuts of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in Morocco.

The product line has also garnered national attention, with recent articles in magazines such as Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Nylon and Real Simple.

Kahina-Giving Beauty’s skin care line uses argan oil, derived from the nut of the resilient argan tree, as the core ingredient in its products. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Research has shown that it helps soften the signs of wrinkles, helps restore skin elasticity and is a natural way to help treat, acne, eczema and psoriasis. The New York Times has dubbed argan oil “liquid gold.”

Kahina Giving Beauty Founder Katharine Phillips L’Heureux traveled the world in her quest for an effective and pure skin care solution. Her search led her to ancient cities in Morocco where she discovered first-hand the effectiveness of pure argan oil. Although argan oil is still being discovered in the U.S., it is popular in Europe, particularly in France and England. And Moroccan women have been using it for centuries to help combat the harsh effects of the desert environment.

L’Heureux gets her argan oil from multiple cooperatives which were established to provide a source of income for women in southwestern Morocco, home of the Berbers. The Berber women gather in groups of 10 to 20 with varying roles. Most sort and crack the nuts, others roast the nuts or hand churn a mortar to form a paste and another kneads the paste to extract the oil.

“I am always astonished at how generous these women are although they have so little and how happy they are given their difficult circumstances,” L’Heureux said. “The women have taught me to find and embrace our similarities instead of our differences.”

L’Heureux uses certified argan oil and she receives a chemical analysis of each batch of oil she purchases. The Kahina line is manufactured in a carbon neutral facility and its packaging and glass bottles are made from recycled materials. The cooperatives also participate in reforestation projects to help preserve the argan forests.

And like BellaFloria.com, Kahina Giving Beauty donates a portion of its profits to support socially responsible causes. In Kahina’s case, L’Heureux donates 25 percent of the company’s profits to literacy and women’s rights programs that help the Berber workers and their families.

“We are thrilled to offer this unique product line,” Rodriguez said. “Kahina Giving Beauty is a natural match with Bella Floria’s goals and principles.”

Contact: Emelyn Rodriguez (888) 902-1115

National Christian College Fair Held Sept. 15 in Rocklin

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:12:56 +0000

William Jessup University, Bayside Church hosting college planning event

ROCKLIN, Calif. (OBSNews.com) – Wondering what distinguishes a Christian university from other institutions of higher learning? Discover the differences at this year’s National Christian College Fair co-sponsored by William Jessup University and Bayside Church on Tuesday, September 15.

Representatives from over 30 regional and national Christian colleges and universities will be available to speak with students, parents, pastors and school counselors from 6-8 p.m. at Bayside Church, 8191 Sierra College Blvd.

This is a unique opportunity to discover how a Christian education may be an important part of your college future. It is the only college fair this year of its kind in the greater Sacramento area.

“All too often private higher education is viewed as cost-prohibitive when families search for the ‘right fit’ school,” said Vance Pascua, who is the fair coordinator and William Jessup’s Director of Admission. “This college fair is a great way to learn more about the affordability and the advantages of attending colleges and universities like William Jessup and the many other institutions represented from California and nationally.”

View displays, gather planning materials and meet with admissions representatives. This free event will offer detailed information about the financial aid process provided through two important seminars presented by a knowledgeable Financial Aid Director.

“The colleges and universities represented are for students who want to receive sound academic preparation while integrating Christian world view and principles,” Pascua said. “We serve a special niche of students who value such an education. Last year this event was one of the top three attended of all the Christian college fairs in the nation.”
Besides William Jessup University, other institutions represented include Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Westmont College, Point Loma Nazarene University and Seattle Pacific University. Schools from the Northeast, Texas and Canada will also be represented.

Light refreshments will be offered free to attendees. Bayside Church’s Café will also be open selling a variety of food and drinks.

For more information, contact Vance Pascua at 577-2221 or go to www.naccap.org/fairs.asp.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Business Administration, English, Family & Children’s Ministry, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Bible & Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers an adult School of Professional Studies at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology, Post-Bacc Teaching Credential (Rocklin campus) and Christian Leadership (San Jose campus). For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

Mayor Kevin Johnson Announces Stimulus Funds, Low Bids Enable City to Increase List of Road Rehab Projects

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:42:43 +0000

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - The City of Sacramento Department of Transportation will be able to resurface 12 streets with federal stimulus funds, twice as many as originally estimated given the competitive bids. Sacramento-based Teichert Construction and Watsonville-based Granite Construction were the lowest bidders. “Based on the federal formula of one job per every $35,000 investment, we are creating or sustaining 219 local jobs via stimulus money and a dozen streets will be repaired and restored to a nearly new condition,” explained Mayor Kevin Johnson. “The contractors will be hitting the streets in just a few weeks.”

Johnson also thanked U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui for her leadership and support in seeing that Sacramento got a fair share of the federal dollars. “This month, Sacramentans will see the benefits of the Recovery package throughout the city as eight million dollars worth of roads, from Arden Way to Truxel Road, will be rehabilitated. These projects will create jobs, make our local streets safer, and leave a tangible benefit in our community,” Matsui said.

The streets chosen for the overlay, which is the most comprehensive street maintenance treatment, are among the highest ranked streets in the City’s street maintenance database. The database contains background info about all City streets including date of construction, maintenance history and traffic.

If approved, the following streets will be resurfaced by Granite Construction in September.

•Truxel Road: Del Paso Road to 300 foot south of Gateway Park Boulevard
•Arena Boulevard: East Commerce Way to Gateway Park Boulevard
•Arden Way: Del Paso Boulevard to Evergreen Street
•Florin Road: 24th Street to Franklin Boulevard
•Calvine Road: Franklin Boulevard to Bruceville Road
•San Juan Road: Azevedo Drive to Zenobia Way

If approved, the following streets will be resurfaced by Teichert Construction, beginning in September:

•T Street: 16th Street to 30th Street14th Avenue: 65th Street to Power Inn Road
•14th Avenue: 65th Street to Power Inn Road
•El Camino Avenue: East Levee Road to Business 80
•Elder Creek Road: 65th Street Expressway to Power Inn Road
•Grand Avenue: Norwood Avenue to Rio Linda Boulevard
•Rio Linda Boulevard: North Avenue to Grand Avenue

For more information on the work hours and potential impacts of each job and to see the map, please go to www.cityofsacramento.org/transportation under News and Traffic Alerts, which will be updated when the contractor schedules are determined in September.

Source: Office of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Statement from Congresswoman Matsui on the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:27:09 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (OBSNews.com) – Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA), issued the following statement today after learning of the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts:

“Senator Ted Kennedy’s passing is heart-breaking news to all of us – to those in public service, and to everyone who believes in the promise of this country. Senator Kennedy has carried the torch for civil rights, national service, education for the American people, and challenged us always – that we can do better. The lion in the Senate, he will always be our champion for quality, affordable health care, proving to us that this is an economic, and a moral obligation.

“Senator Kennedy has shaped so much of the last 50 years in American political life, and we all awoke today understanding that our country has lost a wise and visionary leader. I feel a personal loss, as have many others, who have benefited from his acts of kindness throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kennedy family, his wife, Vicki, and their children, Ted Jr., Kara, and my colleague Patrick, as well as to the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, who have undoubtedly been influenced by this great man we have been so fortunate to have in our lives.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D) represents the 5th Congressional District in California.

Drexel University Report Finds California Leading Advances, Yet Reflects Nation’s Struggles, in Addressing Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:51:52 +0000

First-of-its-Kind Study Serves as Nationwide Model

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - A new report released today finds that while California is one of the nation’s leading states in taking actions to bring its racially and ethnically diverse communities into preparing for and responding to public health emergencies, there remain persistent individual and institutional barriers to meeting their needs when fires, floods, disease and other events occur.

The authors of the report also fear that the continued strain of the economic crisis on emergency preparedness efforts, compounded with the prospect of El Nino and an H1N1 outbreak in the fall, could further impede these efforts in California and across the nation at a time when they are most critical.

The report, California’s Emergency Preparedness Efforts for Culturally Diverse Communities: Status, Challenges and Directions for the Future, is considered to be a first-of-its-kind study in that no other state has undertaken such a comprehensive review of its emergency preparedness, response and recovery capacity and actions for racially and ethnically diverse residents.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Center for Health Equality at the Drexel University School of Public Health with support from The California Endowment and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health.

“California is a state rich in racial and ethnic diversity that has a long history of facing and responding to a wide range of disasters, and has devoted significant attention at the state and local levels to tailor preparedness efforts for its diverse communities,” said Dr. Dennis P. Andrulis, the director of the Center for Health Equality. “Yet, this was the first explicit effort to review and assess the effectiveness of current programs, and identify challenges and gaps toward reaching and engaging these communities in promoting effective preparedness efforts.”

The report highlights promising findings, such as state, local and community resources, particularly in Southern California and the Bay Area region, that are tailored to address diverse population needs, but also points to persistent socioeconomic, cultural and linguistic barriers faced by individuals and communities. The report additionally discusses challenges encountered by planning and response agencies, including limited capacity and funding for cultural competence education, language assistance and other culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

“The findings of this study indicate that challenges and barriers to preparedness among diverse communities are not new, but deeply rooted in social, economic and political world within which people live and work,” said Andrulis. “While progress has been made, we are concerned that budget cuts could lead to an erosion of recent advances and undermine the preparedness of racial and ethnic minorities.”

Drawing on the findings of the study, the researchers outlined a series of priorities to address current challenges and better prepare diverse communities for emergencies, including:

* Ensuring the inclusion of community representatives across preparedness and response planning, implementation and evaluation.

* Focusing on preparedness needs within their broader community contexts, such as poverty, housing, employment, and transportation.

* Encouraging greater flexibility in allocating state and local funds to support innovative partnerships with community and faith-based organizations, as well as the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services.

“We are increasingly focused on ensuring that our culturally diverse communities are represented across disaster planning, response and recovery,” said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, who was previously Vice President for Strategy, Research and Evaluation at The California Endowment and supervised the report. “This study serves not only as a milestone, but also a guide to improve quality and equality in preparing for and responding to diverse communities.”

“This report can also be used to help identify priorities and community assets for developing culturally and linguistically appropriate preparedness plans and programs in California, as well as serve as a model for other states,” said Andrulis.

The researchers’ analysis included a review of current literature to examine how racial and ethnic minorities in the state have historically faired in disasters. This was followed by a review of Web sites of public and private sector emergency preparedness agencies at the state, regional and local levels. In addition, the researchers interviewed individuals representing a range of regions, sectors and areas of expertise within California and convened an expert panel to discuss recent achievements and remaining priorities for the state.

For information about the Master’s in Public Health being offered this fall in Sacramento in an executive (Friday/Saturday) format by Drexel University, visit http://sacramento.drexel.edu/programs/masters-public-health/index.aspx

For more information about the Drexel University School of Public Health, please visit www.publichealth.drexel.edu.

California State Fair Rocks Opening Night

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:26:06 +0000

State Fair Combines Fun, Family, Food and Wacky Art

By Patrick McGilvray

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - California's State Fair is in full effect and the opening night on Friday was marked by music, art, and the midway full of rides, games, and food.

People come to the State Fair for many reasons, and this years theme, "Weird, Wild, Wacky," seemed to bring out the child in people young and old.

One of this years highlights is the amazing toothpick scuplture by artist Scott Weaver is an homage to San Francisco constructed of over 100,000 toothpicks. More than 30 years in the making this piece of art served throngs of art lovers on opening night as the main attraction.

"Rolling Through the Bay" Toothpick Scuplture


Also impressive were numerous other works of artistic and creative expression throughout the fair. A personal favorite was this guitar:

Another highlight of the night was the crowd-pleasing hypnotist Terry Stokes. His act and the audience members who acted upon his hypnotic suggestions pleased the crowd for quite some time.

Hypnotist Terry Stokes

Whether it's art, animals, food, or people watching, this year's State Fair has something for everyone. Fireworks at 10 PM every night.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Webmaster Radio's SearchBash Kept Party Rolling at SES San Jose

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:25:29 +0000

Despite challenging economy, industry stalwart fills gap left by Google after Google Dance canceled

By Michelle Andersen

Search has become such a pervasive technology that every single demographic knows what it is, knows who the players are and have an opinion on the topic. It's part of the world of technology that has seeped into popular culture to the point that the new celebrities are technologists.

Which is why the Search Engine Strategies Conference and Expo, 5,000 attendees strong this year, has continued to be an technology industry staple. Contrary to past years, however, SES San Jose 2009 was a much more sober and intensive year for attendees. Gone this year was one of the traditional events of the conference, the Google Dance. It was apparently canceled due to the company's concerns about the economy. Everyone admits that it's been a tough year.

However, the party had to go on and, in the vacuum created by the absence of the Google Dance, Searchbash, created by WebMasterRadio.FM, stepped up its game to fill the void. The party balanced the sheer size of the Google Dance with a dance that brought everyone a little closer together and provided a little bit of happiness to the 1,000 plus search aficionados who attended.

In its fifth year, Searchbash has also been a mainstay of SES, and the favored event of this year's low-key crowd. With an Alice in Wonderland theme, resembling the Alice in Wonderland ride at Disneyland, complete with costumed characters, party-goers experienced ambient music while they worked on their drinks and their deals.

Brandy Shapiro-Babin, co-founder of WebMasterRadio.FM and creator of Searchbash commented, “We wanted to create a wonderland for our community that has worked so hard this past year. We've been digging in and it was a moment to have a bit of fun. We appreciated that our presenting sponsor AdGooroo and sponsors Findology, Litle, PixelSilk, IdeaLaunch and LeapFish stepped up to the plate in a united front to provide everyone with an amazing life and business experience.”

Brandy confided that some people claimed to have done their biggest deals at the party, which went from ambient to full-on dance party in no time flat. One SEO executive was spotted pole dancing with a feathered boa. He was cheered on by colleagues that he did and didn't know and was seen during a conference break at the Fairmont Pool the next day.

WebMasterRadio.FM has become an intrinsic part of technology industry conferences in the past few years, and is the go-to resource for everything related to b-to-b digital marketing. From SES alone, their continuously-manned booth broadcast 40 live-streamed interviews and streamed every keynote from the conference. Full coverage of SES can be found at www.webmasterradio.fm.

OBSNews plans to party at the next Searchbash at SMX New York in October.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Drexel’s Sacramento Campus Opens Doors Wide For Post-9/11 Military Veterans

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:09:58 +0000

'Yellow Ribbon’ Program Provides Free Education for Veterans

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – The Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento will hold a special information session on Tuesday, Aug. 25 for veterans interested in the new GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program.

The program allows eligible veterans to take Drexel courses and receive Drexel degrees without paying any tuition or fees, while also receiving a living stipend of approximately $1,700 per month. The program is done in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The special veterans’ session will begin at 5 p.m. with information about the nine graduate degree programs being offered this fall at Drexel available in a general information session that begins at 6 p.m.

Unlike many institutions participating in the new program, Drexel is among a small group of universities with no cap on the number of veterans who may enroll, and no cap on the cost of the academic program.

The University’s contribution allows veterans who meet government and University admissions requirements to receive a top-ranked education completely free at the Drexel’s Center for Graduate Studies, located at One Capitol Mall in Sacramento, in any one of the eight master’s and one doctoral degree programs being offered this fall.

“We are proud to be able to give back to those who have served our country so well,” said Carl “Tobey” Oxholm III, Dean of Drexel’s Sacramento campus. “A graduate education at Drexel will help our veterans master the substantive knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed in careers that are at the heart of this region’s economic engine.”

This program also benefits veterans wishing to attend Drexel’s main campus in Philadelphia for undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as those who prefer to pursue their educations entirely on-line, where Drexel offers more than 80 different programs.

The Yellow Ribbon program was authorized by Congress under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and became effective Aug. 1, 2009. It is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944 and paved the way for nearly 8 million veterans to receive training or higher education.

The Department of Veterans Affairs expects 460,000 veterans to participate during the first year of the program. VA officials anticipate a 20 to 25 percent increase in the total number of applications for veteran’s educational programs.

Drexel opened its doors to students in Sacramento on January 5, 2009 and is offering eight master’s and one doctoral program in careers at the heart of Greater Sacramento’s growth and economic development initiatives – entrepreneurial business, knowledge management and information science, engineering, health care, and education.

For information on the new GI Bill and specific benefit questions, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/ or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

To attend an Information Session, register online at www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (888) 389-3781 or (916) 325-4600.

William Jessup Unveils New Student Apartment Complex in Rocklin

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:00:06 +0000

First Phase of Expansion Project Completed

ROCKLIN, Calif. (OBSNews.com) – William Jessup University has doubled its on campus housing capacity by completing the first phase of a $25 million expansion project announced in July 2008.

The university welcomes incoming students for the fall semester on Aug. 10 by opening the doors to its new student apartment complex, located on the 128-acre Rocklin campus.

“One of the reasons that we moved from our small campus in San Jose to Rocklin was to be able to accommodate more students on campus,” William Jessup President Bryce Jessup said. “These student apartments meet that goal, allowing us to enhance our student’s educational experience and have room for continued growth.”

The upscale student apartments mark the first completed milestone in the expansion phase.

“This is the initial step in seeing this campaign through to fruition,” said Jessup who simultaneously announced the public phase of the university’s Capital Campaign and his retirement, slated for May 2010. “It is my hope to finish this race strong and opening our student apartments as planned means we are on track.”

The state-of-the-art, 192 bed apartment building contains 24 total apartments, each with four fully furnished bedrooms and two baths. The eight-person suites are approximately 1,420 square feet in size.

Apartment amenities include a full kitchen with new appliances, wireless internet and basic television service, central air and heating, a 100 space, two-story parking garage, multiple laundry facilities, and a courtyard with ample room for community gatherings and barbeques.

The project broke ground early last August and was completed just one year later. This undertaking exudes remarkable project management expertise from myriad levels,” said Gene De Young, Jessup’s Vice President for Finance and Administration. “We were ahead of schedule and on budget. I can’t ask for anything more.”

Reeve-Knight Construction Inc. served as the chief contractor for the project. Taylor Teeter Partnership in Fresno is the architectural firm that expedited the venture and is credited with strategically preserving the original conversion of the Herman Miller Furniture factory, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, to the existing campus design.

The new apartments blend favorably with the aesthetics of the adjacent converted buildings in the nearby village area of the campus.

Students will begin moving in Aug. 10 and Jessup’s fall semester starts Aug. 26.

For more information on William Jessup University please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

About William Jessup University

SARTA Leadership Series - "Intellectual Property Basics for Medtech Entrepreneurs"

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:39:55 +0000

By Patrick McGilvray

SACRAMENTO, California (OBSNews.com) - The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (www.SARTA.org) and its MedStart program (www.MedStart.org) recently held an educational seminar designed to educate medical technology entrepreneurs and inventors regarding some basic and advanced concepts in intellectual property law.

The lectures and question and answer session were all videotaped. All videos produced by OBSNews.com. Please scroll below to view all 5 videos (4 presentations and a Q&A session).

The videos all contain copyrighted information that belongs to the individual speaker.

Brad Heisler

SARTA Leadership Series - MedTech IP & Patents - Brad Heisler from OBS News on Vimeo.

Brian Ho

SARTA Leadership Series - MedTech IP & Patents - Brian Ho from OBS News on Vimeo.

David McGee

SARTA Leadership Series - MedTech IP & Patents - David McGee from OBS News on Vimeo.

John Chapman

SARTA Leadership Series - MedTech IP & Patents - John Chapman from OBS News on Vimeo.

Q&A Session with all of the speakers

SARTA Leadership Series - MedTech IP & Patents - Question and Answer Session from OBS News on Vimeo.

Video production costs underwritten by the UC Davis Center for Biophotonics. http://cbst.ucdavis.edu

Event sponsored by Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies.

US Home Prices On the Way Back Up

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:47:08 +0000

House Values Rise For First Time in 3 years

By Marie Brown

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - Residential real estate values in Sacramento have been among the hardest hit in the nation, so good news about yearly price increases for American homes released today should cheer the local and national markets.

According the Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller house price index homes in the United States increased in May on a monthly basis, an occurrence that hasn't been seen in almost three years. The increase of .5 percent was the first jump since July of 2006.

"This could be an indication that home price declines are finally stabilizing," commented David Blitzer of Standard and Poor's.

Despite this positive outlook, another industry expert, Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com, opined, "It reflects the recent decline in foreclosure sales, and prices will continue to fall over the next several months."

Sacramento real estate broker Patrick McGilvray, president of The Home Buying Center (www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com), commented about the national rise in home values, "Sacramento real estate has been so hard hit for so long that it's nice to finally see some long-term upward trends on a national level."

McGilvray commented that much of the home sales activity in the Sacramento area has been focused on first-time homebuyers, foreclosures, and properties purchased with government loans such as FHA and VA loans. "There hasn't been much activity in the higher-priced homes on the market, but hopefully the national recession is easing and we'll soon return to a more normal market condition."

Drexel Holding Two August Information Sessions For Sacramento Graduate Studies Center

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:27:50 +0000

Drexel’s Center For Graduate Studies In Sacramento Will Expand To 8 Master’s and One Doctoral Program In September

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - Drexel University will hold Information Sessions on Wednesday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 25 for students interested in attending the new Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento this fall.

By September the Center will offer up to eight master’s degree programs and one doctoral program designed for working professionals and focused on the heart of Greater Sacramento’s growth and economic development initiatives.

The programs include:

MBA: The LEAD MBA helps seasoned professionals, managers and ambitious career-changers optimize their business expertise and leadership potential.

Nursing Education and Faculty Role: Designed for experienced nurses with the vision and passion necessary to teach the next generation of clinicians.

Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management: Prepares experienced nurses for opportunities to serve as directors of nursing, nurse managers and nurse executives in hospital, community health and ambulatory care environments.

Public Health: Offered in an executive (Friday/Saturday) format and starting on August 25, Drexel’s MPH provides graduates with the skills to benefit entire populations through education, policy development and advocacy, service and research.

Human Resource Development: One of the few programs in the nation that emphasizes a true human resources development curriculum with experiential (Co-op) and online features, Drexel’s MS-HRD prepares HR professionals for their key role as a force to support change in both people and organizations.

Higher Education: Provides the substantive knowledge and technical skills needed to guide complex, dynamic institutions, where there will soon be a major transfer of responsibility to the next generation of leaders.

Library and Information Science: Focused on the collection, organization, preservation and distribution of existing records – both printed and electronic. Graduates advance to leadership positions, working to improve the strategic use and management of information resources across business, government and nonprofit organizations.

Information Systems: Graduates of Drexel’s MSIS program – ranked for years among the top 10 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report – are equipped to lead organizations with their ability to leverage information to task and create solutions to problems through accessible, usable and structurally sound information systems.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management: Presented in an executive (Friday/Saturday) format, Drexel’s EdD provides the expertise and experience in administration, finance and leadership needed for management positions in the field of education.

Both the August 12 and August 25 Information Sessions will run from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Center for Graduate Studies at One Capitol Mall in Sacramento. Each session covers everything students need to know, including how to apply and how to secure financial aid.

Drexel program representatives will provide detailed information about curriculum, course schedules, faculty and admission requirements. Students who submit an application while at a session will have their application fee waived. Drexel provides food, beverages, and complimentary parking for the events.

Drexel has developed special fellowships and grants for the region’s working adults. All applicants are automatically considered for Sacramento Leadership Fellowships, which are offered in varying amounts based on academic merit.

Other financial aid programs include:

- The Constantine Papadakis Public Service Fellowships, which support those in government and nonprofit public service and provide a minimum 15 percent tuition grant.

- The Yellow Ribbon Program, a partnership with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs providing free education for post-9/11 military veterans.

- The Bridge to the Future Grants, which cut tuition in half for new students who have been laid-off and unable to find a new job.

To attend an Information Session, register online at www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (888) 389-3781 or (916) 325-4600.

Mortgage Loan Applications Jump In Spite of Rate Climb

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:40:38 +0000

By Marie Brown

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com)– For the week ending in July 17, demand for United States home mortgage loan applications increased, despite increases in mortgage rates, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Rates for 30 year mortgages climbed from 5.05 percent to 5.31 percent. Nevertheless, refinancing loan applications and home purchase loan applications increased.

According to the association's Market Composite Index, designed to track how many mortgage applications are submitted, went up 2.8 percent while refinance loans moved up 4 percent.

National rates still are generally below 6 percent in all parts of the country.

Refinances were 55.5 percent of total mortgage applications, up from 54.9 percent the week before. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) decreased to 4.8 percent from 5 percent.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.

Mortgage rates continue down for a third week says Freddie Mac survey

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:13:21 +0000

By Marie Brown

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - Mortgage rates are down again, and Americans of all sorts are hoping that more encouraging signs like this will usher in a new era of stability after years of volatility in the Sacramento real estate market.

According to a survey released today by Freddie Mac mortgage interest rates fell to 5.14 percent for the week ending on July 16. The previous week the figure was 5.2 percent.

The record low for the year occurred during the week which ended on April 2. Rates then averaged 4.78 percent. The survey has been in effect since 1971.

For Sacramento real estate watchers this should be good news as the region has seen the extremes of real estate boom as well as bust.

Sacramento real estate broker Patrick McGilvray, president of TheHomeBuyingCenter.com. said that the agents on his team are very busy helping first-time home buyers buy foreclosure houses and also that, "Mortgage refinancing has been very busy this year. Many homeowners are taking advantage of the low rates to refinance their mortgage loans for long-term savings."

McGilvray added, "Refinancing isn't right for everybody, but it's something to look at in terms of trimming monthly expenses in times like these."

William Jessup University Will Hold Information Session Aug. 4 For Yellow Ribbon Veterans

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:33:56 +0000

ROCKLIN, CA (OBSNews.com) - William Jessup University will hold an information session from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4 to discuss its new Yellow Ribbon program, a full tuition scholarship program aimed specifically at local veterans.

Any veteran who has served on active duty for at least 36 aggregate months since 9/11 will have the complete cost of tuition covered in any program the University offers.

“This scholarship program reinforces the commitment WJU has made to those individuals willing to put their lives on the line for our country,” said Korey Compaan, Director of Financial Aid at William Jessup. “We are excited to be able to assist our veterans with the opportunity to experience the unique value of private, higher education for virtually no out-of-pocket costs to the student.”

Effective Aug. 1 for the 2009-10 school year, the Yellow Ribbon program is made possible by the passage of the new post 9/11 GI Bill. Eligible veterans will receive the cost of tuition and fees, up to the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning. For California that amount is over $13,000 per year.

Because a private education is more costly than a public one, the Veterans Administration has added a new provision to the GI Bill called the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Under this provision, WJU has entered into an agreement with the Veterans Administration to scholarship up to 50 percent of the cost of tuition and fees that exceed the standard education benefit. The VA will then match the amount of the scholarship – completely covering the cost of tuition and fees for the veteran.

The VA also contributes up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies as well as a monthly housing allowance. Combining these benefits will enable a veteran to have nearly all educational costs covered for each term.

“WJU gladly works with all the programs offered through the Veterans Administration,” Compaan said. “The Yellow Ribbon Program is the only VA program that guarantees full tuition, but we certainly encourage all veterans to explore the possibility of utilizing their benefits at WJU.”

The scholarship program applies to both the Traditional Program and the School of Professional Studies (SPS) Program.

For more information, visit info@jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

About William Jessup University

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