The spirit of an elementary school slated for closure next fall was expressed and preserved on Sunday, April 21 when students and staff came together to create a gigantic, multi-part mural under the direction of celebrated artist Milton Bowens. Washington Elementary School, established in 1869, is one of seven under-enrolled elementary schools that the Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education voted last month to close. Students from Washington will attend either William Land in or Theodore Judah in East Sacramento, depending on their address.

As a way of easing the transition process, sixth grade teacher Kim Williams worked with Bowens on an innovative mural project. Students were asked to draw images capturing the school’s “spirit.” Bowens, a nationally recognized artist whose multi-media pieces are collected by such celebrities as LeBron James, then worked to incorporate common themes from the drawings into a cohesive, colorful design.

On Sunday, April 28, the design was projected onto six panels measuring 8 feet-by-4 feet and an outline created. Students painted the panels following the outline – a sort of collaborative paint-by-numbers project.

Once completed, the mural was split into halves of three panels each. One half will go with Washington students to William Land and the other half will be displayed at Theodore Judah. Bowens will then work with students and staff at William Land and Theodore Judah to create new panels to make each mural “whole again,” said Dixon.

“There will be a symbolic combining of Washington with the other campuses to create new schools,” Dixon said. “It’s bittersweet but for the children it’s going to be very impactful.”

Throughout the design are images that reflect Washington’s commitment to “green” values, such as recycling. There is also a rainbow, a giant butterfly and jigsaw puzzle pieces.

“It is hoped that the mural will help ease the students’ transition to their new schools, as well as fulfill the vision of Project Green,” said Dixon.

An observant Curtis Park resident was briskly walking the track around William Curtis Park when she witnessed a man backing his Ford Ranger up to a huge pile of shredded bark meant for the children’s playground. She thought to herself, “What a shame to steal from the City and the children of our community.”

She dialed 9-11 and reported the alleged thievery to police. My first thought was, why is there a mountain of bark dumped in the middle of the park? What would Leslie Knope (the main character of Parks and Recreation) do?

I called the City Parks And Recreation department and spoke to Lori Harder. She mentioned that the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association has officially adopted William Curtis Park through the City of Sacramento Partners in Parks program and it was part of the April 6th “Clean Up Day” at the park.

I then asked Terri Shuttle, who is the executive director of the SCNA, if she knew anything about the Curtis Bark Pile and she mentioned it was indeed part of a neighborhood cleanup day. They had requested bark for various spots; unfortunately, they were unable to bring the bark until a week later when no volunteers were readily available.

Soooo, one of the board members took it upon himself to work in the park one day to spread the bark using his pickup truck. Good for him! That’s when the police showed up. Oops. Turns out the Curtis Park resident who initially called the cops was barking up the wrong tree. Turns out the board member was just being a good deed doer. Now he is hesitant to go back and finish the job. The SCNA is looking at schedules to line up volunteers to take care of the rest of the pile but no date has been set.

Last month there was another episode of Yard Crashers direct from Hollywood Park. The lucky couple who received the grand makeover, “A Taste Of Tuscany,“ had a viewing party at Broderick’s in West Sacramento. For those who don’t know, “Yard Crashers” is a backyard improvement show where host Matt Blashaw surprises shoppers at Lowe’s, Green Acres, Emigh Hardware and other home improvement and garden stores with promises of an amazing backyard transformation. From drab to fab!

A lot of the episodes have been filmed in our own backyard in Sacramento. The Yard Crashers crew invades yards with jackhammers, cement trucks, shovels, shears and chainsaws. Before you know it they’re digging up turf, trees, shrubs and removing the greenery that has no purpose and replacing it with thoughtful landscape design.

There have been at least five episodes of Yard Crashers filmed in the middle class neighborhood of Hollywood Park alone in the last few years. Why Hollywood Park? Perhaps it’s because it has Hollywood in the name. Showbiz! Or it could be that the neighborhood has the perfect palette for the backyard makeovers.

The production company, Big Table Media, is actually based out of Sacramento. So it’s a short commute.

The show likes people who are showbiz ready, have a personality, and aren’t afraid to get their fingernails dirty. Also, have a backyard that needs some drastic improvements. On the show’s website they accept viewer submissions. Include a picture of you, your pathetic backyard, and why your yard deserves to be crashed. That’s a route you can take if you’re interested in getting a backyard makeover and want to be the envy of your entire neighborhood. The show airs on the DIY network as well as HGTV. The website for submissions is at www.Diynetwork.com

Last month I wrote about how Raley’s, which purchased the former Capital Nursery lot on Freeport Blvd, has no official plans for it…yet. There have been blue prints created and lots of rumors bandied about. Raley’s official spokesperson stated last month they have “no immediate plans for the site.”

I recently received an email from an “Over The Fence” reader with a great suggestion for the abandoned site. Phil Shroeder mentioned he thinks the property would be a good location for Beer and Food Festivals. “It would be ideal for a Sacramento Oktoberfest. High school musicians could be taught to play appropriate fest music and vendors could supply food and beer. The bus lines are right outside and the police are right down the street. It is just a dream I have of being able to hold European festivals right here in good ol’ Sacramento.”

I like the way Phil thinks! Sounds like a great idea. Throw in some lederhosen and dirndls and it could be a beer and sausage party on Freeport!

I have my own dream for that empty lot. I’d love to see somebody bring “The Zombie Hut” back to Freeport Blvd. “Delightfully different dining with a Polynesian atmosphere.” Oh, and luscious fruity island cocktails topped off with cheery miniature umbrellas. It would be the pride of the neighborhood!

Readers: What would YOU like to see at the former Capital Nursery spot? Send me your ideas at Greg@Valcomnews.com and I’ll publish them in next month’s column. Also, if you have any local neighborhood gossip or items of interest, feel free to send me an email at Greg@valcomnews.com

A unique neighborhood of large canopy trees and early 20th century homes, Curtis Park is the place to be on Saturday, April 27 for the annual home and garden tour.

Everyone is invited to stroll through this unique neighborhood anchored by the Sierra 2 Community Center and an 18-acre park, touring five residences in Century Bungalow, Mediterranean Spanish, Colonial, and Tudor Revival styles with interiors running the gamut from contemporary to traditional. Outdoor spaces ranging from serene gardens to spectacular water features compliment the homes.

The Curtis Park Home and Garden Tour is one of the few in the Sacramento region that offers a range of authentic and historic architectural exteriors with equally diverse and artfully designed interiors.

The tour is held in spring, so visitors can enjoy delightful weather and new foliage.  The homes are not specially decorated to reflect a given theme or holiday, instead, the tour allows visitors to see how people live in these exquisite homes day to day — how they have adapted their homes for their own enjoyment with well designed, fresh and classic interiors, while maintaining and appreciating their historical stature.

A unique stop this year will be the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, celebrating its 90th birthday. Formally Sierra School, the 2013 event included a historic plaque unveiling, visits from local distinguished guests and refreshments. In addition, volunteers are planning displays and a video history.

Another unique feature in the planning stages is a plein air art show.    Artists will be invited to paint any aspect of the neighborhood in the latter half of April, whether it be majestic trees, homes, streets, parks or the Center.  Paintings will be offered for sale on tour day with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association.

Those who visit all sites will log just under two miles. Bicycling through the neighborhood is an option and bike racks are provided.

The program for the 27th Annual Curtis Park Home Tour kicks off at 10am at the north end of Curtis Park.  Visitors will enjoy music, vintage cars, food from Wicked ‘Wich and Mama Kims, and information on home restoration.

The event is a fundraiser for the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association and benefits the Sierra 2 Center and SCNA programs. The Greater Broadway Partnership and Joseph Eschelman with Wells Fargo Advisors are supporting sponsors.

Advance tickets are $20 ($15 for SCNA members) and will be available in late March.  On tour day, tickets will be $25 ($20 for SCNA members).   Call the Sierra 2 Center at 452-3005 for updates, or visit their website at  www.Sierra2.org

If you go:

What: 27th Annual Curtis Park Home Tour, presented by the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA)
When: Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $20 ($15 for SCNA members) in advance; $25 ($20 for SCNA members) day of the event.
Tickets: Will be available online at  www.sierra2.org in late March, at the Sierra 2 Center at 2791-24th Street, and area stores.
Location / Where to Start: On tour day, purchase tickets at the Sierra 2 Center at 2791 – 24th Street, or at the north end of Curtis Park at 26th Street and Donner Way.   The tour winds throughout an almost two-mile area in the Curtis Park neighborhood. Curtis Park is bordered on the north by Broadway, the south by Sutterville Road, the east by Highway 99, and the west by 24th Street and Freeport Blvd.
Food, Refreshments and Music:  North end of Curtis Park, Donner Way and 26th Street
Information:   www.sierra2.org

Editor’s note: There will be a follow up story in an upcoming Land Park News issue about more of the details surrounding the amphitheater and neighbors’ plans to revamp it.

Besides the annual Shakespeare festival put on by neighboring Sacramento City College, the William A. Carroll Amphitheatre in Land Park plays host to not much else.

Its poor lighting, lack of bathrooms and ticket booth, make for a difficult place to hold events. And at a previous movie night, people had a difficult time finding their way out of their seats due to the lack of light. And if performers ever want to use the bathroom, they might be gone for 15 minutes, as the nearest bathroom is a couple hundred yards away.

So about a year ago, neighbors decided they wanted to start a modernization effort and they contacted then city councilmember Rob Fong.

They started meeting with City College staff and came up with some ideas, took some pictures and then surveyed The Land Park Community Association, which indicated 85 percent polled interested in improvements.

It could become a place to hold more shows and even wedding ceremonies.

But, it’s not going to be cheap, says president of the LPCA Mark Abrahams.
Mark Abrahams, president of the Land Park Community Association.

Back in February, citycouncilmember Steve Hansen said the amphitheater project is “very exciting and is a much-needed modernization so that space can be better utilized.” He said if it can work, it’s going to be a win-win for everybody.

Camp Pollock, formally the Boy Scout Camp, soon to be under SVC’s management is a new 11 acre acquisition by the State Lands Commission along the  American River and can be found just north of downtown Sacramento, under Hwy 160.

As a volunteer, you will lend a hand to Camp Pollock’s projects.  The tasks include:  upgrade and expand camping areas, assemble a court yard with an interpretive native plant garden, build benches, construct picnic tables and create a trail in front of Lodge for public access.

The SVC has goals to improve the entry and parking area, as well as hire a contractor to repair the 1924 lodge, to this beautiful property.  Service days are held every Saturday from 9am-1pm, until further notice.  Help the SVC, won’t you?

The SVC is looking for the following volunteers:

Entry Level Volunteer: General improvements to the property are the first goals.  See list  above.  SVC needs your help!

Specialty Volunteer Docents: If construction, painting or plumbing repairs are your skillset specialty, the SVC would love your participation!

Public Volunteer Docent: Spend the day outdoors greeting visitors to historic Camp Pollock. Once constructed, docents will direct guests to natural riparian garden and walking paths along the 11 acres of the property.  Become a lasting memory to those that spend part of their day exploring the American River Parkway in Sacramento.

Contact Matt Gaylord with your interest of volunteering at Camp Pollock. 530-321-2063 or email matthew.gaylord.951@gmail.com

If you go:

Where: Camp Pollock along the American River
Who: Ages 10 and older
Cost: FREE
Register online: www.sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/

Lace up your sneakers and prepare for a scenic tree-lined course that is perfect for walkers, runners and families. The 33rd annual ZooZoom is Sunday, April 14 from 7 a.m. until noon in William Land Park. Sponsored by Fleet Feet, the event will include a 5K walk/run, 10K run or kids’ fun runs. The unique race ends at the back of the Zoo where all participants enjoy cooling down and rehydrate inside the Zoo by the flamingos on the lake.

For 33 years, ZooZoom has been a favorite of area runners, walkers and their families. Kids ages 3 to 12 can participate in the Saucony “Run for Good” fun runs; from the 220 yard dash to the one–mile run, there is an event for every age group. With support from Saucony, Fleet Feet will award grants to schools that have the greatest number of participants and the highest percentage of kids entering the event.

For registration and information, visit www.sacramentozoozoom.com. Participation includes a ZooZoom t-shirt, refreshments for runners and free admission to the Zoo on race day for the runners and their immediate family (limit four people). All proceeds from the event benefit the Sacramento Zoological Society. Bring your entire family to ZooZoom!

If you go:

What: 33rd annual ZooZoom 5K/10K run and kids’ fun run
Where: Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Drive in William Land Park.
When: Sunday, April 14, from 7 a.m. to noon.
Why: To raise funds for the Sacramento Zoological Society while enjoying scenic William Land Park.

Fairytale Town will showcase a diverse selection of theater performances for children and families each weekend in April for the Children’s Theater Festival. Performing companies include the Fairytale Town Troupers, Shadow Puppet Theatre, Boxtales Theatre Company, Roseville Theatre Arts Academy and more.

“Fairytale Town is home to one of the oldest theaters in Sacramento built for children and used for children’s theater productions,” said Kathy Fleming, executive director of Fairytale Town. “Thousands of children have had their first experience with live theater in the Children’s Theater, and we are excited to continue that legacy for today’s children.”

Fairytale Town’s own repertory theatre arts program, the Fairytale Town Troupers, will kick off the Festival the weekend of April 6 and 7. The Troupers will present “Beauty and the Beat!,” a retelling of the classic fairytale with music, magic and some mid-century mod.

On April 13, Sacramento’s B Street Theatre will present the top five plays selected from the Fantasy Festival XXVII, the theatre’s annual playwriting festival and contest for students in third through eighth grades.

Shadow Puppet Theatre, based in Humboldt County, takes their shadow plays based on stories from around the world to schools, libraries and theatres throughout Northern California. On April 14, Shadow Puppet Theatre will present “Ichi the Spider,” an original story inspired by the trickster tales from West Africa.

On April 20 and 21, Boxtales Theatre Company will present “Prince Rama and the Monkey King,” based on “The Ramayana,” one of India’s most important epics and sacred texts. The Boxtales Theatre Company uses masks, movement, storytelling and live music to present myths and folklore from around the world. The Company is based in Santa Barbara, Calif. and presents their high energy and interactive theatrical experiences for youth and family audiences throughout the state.

Voice of the Wood, an educational performance group based in Davis, Calif., tells stories which celebrate diversity and the triumph of good in the human spirit. On April 27, they will present “How the Jackrabbit Got His Very Long Ears,” a Native American creation myth from the great Southwest desert.

The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy will wrap up the Festival on April 28 with “The Princess and the Pea” told in the commedia dell’arte form. The slapstick-humor in this retelling of the classic fairytale will have the whole audience laughing.

Performances are offered Saturdays and Sundays in April. Show times are 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. All performances take place in Fairytale Town’s indoor Children’s Theater.

Tickets are $2 for nonmembers in addition to park admission, and $1 for members. Tickets can be purchased at the Fairytale Town main gate or at the entrance to the Children’s Theater 15 minutes prior to show time.

For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call 808-7462.

About the Shows

“Beauty and the Beat!”
April 6 and 7: At the corner coffee house, beautiful Beatrix is beloved by all-until her faltering father is forced to sell out to a big-time brute who is all business. With music, magic and some mid-century mod, the Fairytale Town Troupers present a new spin on the classic fairytale “Beauty and the Beast.”

“Fantasy Festival XXVII”
April 13: The top five plays selected from Fantasy Festival XXVII, B Street Theatre’s annual playwriting festival and contest for students in third through eighth grades, will be presented.

“Ichi the Spider”
April 14: In this original show inspired by the traditional West African trickster tales, Shadow Puppet Theatre presents the story of Ichi, a very hungry spider who will do anything to get what he needs.

“Prince Rama and the Monkey King”
April 20 and 21: Using masks, movement, storytelling and live music, the Boxtales Theatre Company tells the story of Rama of Ayodhya and his wife Sita who is abducted by a demon king, and Rama’s journey to win her back and defeat the powers of darkness in the world. Prince Rama is filled with examples of virtue, values and morality lived out in a challenging and complex world. The play is based on “The Ramayana,” one of India’s most important epics and sacred texts from the classical Sanskrit canon.

“How the Jackrabbit Got His Very Long Ears”
April 27: Voice of the Wood presents a Native American creation myth from the great Southwest desert. Jackrabbit’s job is to escort the new desert animals to their homes and explain to them why they were made special to fit into the desert environment. His inattention, or lack of hearing, leads to some hurt feelings and a new set of super-sized ears. The whole audience gets to join in the fun by hooting, howling, singing and snapping fingers during the performance.

“The Princess and the Pea”
April 28: The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy presents a humorous version of the classic fairytale told in the commedia dell’arte form. Arlequin is afraid he will be stuck playing the role of the pea, but he ends up getting to play the prince. The troupe romps through a series of hilarious princess tests with great slapstick humor. A fairy godmother in this story? Rosetta’s playing the role, whether the troupe likes it or not.

Editor’s note: Lance Armstrong’s series on dairies in Land Park will be continued on Dec. 27.

South Land Park resident and philanthropist Dr. Herbert Yee, who is also recognized for his many years of working as a dentist in the capital city, makes it no secret that he is a staunch supporter of education.
Already known for assisting in the advancement of education through other projects, Herbert recently presented a check in the amount of $12,500 to Sacramento’s Confucius Chinese School.
The school, which has an enrollment of about 70 students, received this charitable donation during a special dinner honoring Herbert. The donation will be used for teachers’ salaries, janitorial services and school supplies.
The event, which was held on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Rice Bowl restaurant at 2378 Florin Road, began with a performance by some of the school’s students, who sang “God Bless America.”

Directing the event, which was attended by about 250 people, were its masters of ceremony Alfred Yee, the school’s principal, who spoke in English, and Henry Yee, who spoke in Chinese.
Represented at the event were the local Chinese Confucius Church and school, the Chinese Benevolent Association of Sacramento, the Yee Association and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Association.
And attending the gathering as special honored guests were Alan Yee, the western grand president of the Yee Association from Los Angeles, Eddie Yee, the president of San Francisco’s Yee Association, Yi Hua Yu of Stockton’s Yee Association and Bill Wong, president of the Chinese Benevolent Association of San Francisco.
As a prelude to the dinner, the event included several speakers and presentations.
Among these speakers were Senator Leland Yee, who represents District 8 in the western half of San Francisco and the majority of San Mateo County, Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee, Dr. Jong Chen, president of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Sacramento, and Frank Kwong, president of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial and Soo Yuen Benevolent associations.
In speaking beyond the topic of Herbert’s monetary contributions, Kwong said, “(Herbert is) the nicest person, he’s my mentor, he’s a good friend, a good father. That means a lot to our community. It’s a good example of how we put our community together.”
Herbert also spoke to the gathering’s attendees, who also included his wife, Inez, their sons, Randy, Alan and Wesley, their four daughter-in-laws, and five of their grandchildren.

In honor of his goodwill to the Sacramento community, Herbert was presented with a state senate proclamation from Leland Yee.
He also received a proclamation from the People’s Republic of China and a plaque from the Chinese Benevolent Association of Sacramento.
And as a show of appreciation for Herbert’s financial donation to the school, students of the school presented him with a large, artistically decorated, heavy stock paper that included a drawing of an apple on a stack of books and a bullhorn-like image with the words: “Thank you, Dr. Yee, Confucius Chinese School.”
Surrounding these features were signatures of the school’s students.
Herbert is very well connected to Sacramento’s Confucius Chinese School, considering that in addition to attending the school himself, his father, Henry, and all of his sons and grandchildren were once students at the school.
Furthermore, Henry, Herbert and Randy Yee have all served on the school’s board.

Herbert described his longtime involvement in assisting in the advancement of education and his overall love for education.
“My love is in education,” Herbert said. “I built a school in China. That’s education. I’m on the board of the University of the Pacific. That’s education. I love the Chinese school. That’s education. I have an exhibit at the (California State) Railroad Museum. I’m on the board yet, 32 years. And that’s education about trains, transportation. I have a hologram at The California Museum about the history of our family, so that’s education. In Fiddletown, you’ll see my great-grandfather’s herb store. So, I am more attuned to encourage young people to go to college, and especially the Chinese. But now you really don’t need to encourage them. They know, especially the immigrants who come from even Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, China. That’s why (at the University of California,) Berkeley, more than half of the students are Asian, because their parents encouraged them to study.”
Herbert, who graduated from Sacramento High School in June 1942, said that his own father, who began attending Stanford University in 1918, encouraged him to attend schools to further his education.
“I skipped low 7th (grade) and I just went straight from 6th grade to high 7th (grade) and I skipped the last six months of high school,” Herbert said. “Of course, my father pushed me a little bit. Then he said, ‘You try Stanford.’ I didn’t know it was so tough to get (into Stanford), but I got in. I was there 70 years ago. Now I’m 88, almost.”
Eventually, Herbert spent more than a half century working as a dentist. This time included his work as the official dentist for the staff of governors Pat Brown and Ronald Reagan.

Herbert, who is a longtime member of the Sutter Club, American Legion Post 692, Lion’s Club District 4 C5 and Del Paso Country Club, has served as president of many organizations, including the California State Board of Dental Examiners, American Cancer Society for Sacramento County, Sacramento Chinese Benevolent Association and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Association.
Additionally, Herbert recently reached a milestone as a South Land Park resident.
After experiencing difficulty purchasing a home in the area due to his ethnicity, Herbert was finally able to buy his current home on Nov. 2, 1952.
He celebrated the 60th anniversary of this event with his sons, and noted, “Dad is kind of a sentimental guy.”
In speaking about his achievement of purchasing a home in South Land Park, Herbert said, “I was one of the first (Chinese to live in the area). I don’t want to claim to be the (first). Since that time, quite a number of Asians have lived here.”
With his love for education, Herbert said that he is proud that his sons were able to graduate from college and become successful in their professional lives.
Randy is a retired dentist, as well as a member of the Confucius Chinese School board, Alan is a pulmonary doctor, Wesley is a dentist, and his late son, Douglas, was a dentist.
Herbert and Inez also have a granddaughter, Juliana, who is attending Stanford Law School.
Wesley, who gave a speech about his father’s life during the event, recognized the importance of his mother in his Herbert’s life.
“What my father accomplished would not have happened without the love his life and his soul mate, our mother, Inez,” Wesley said. “She raised four boys, was a Cub Scouts den leader, attended our PTA meetings and worked in my father’s office. Later she would accompany my father worldwide on his missions to help people around the world and in our nation.”
As a man who is always involved in many projects, Herbert does not feel that the word, “retired,” is a word that would best describe his current status in life.
“Now, I’d like to say I’m retired, but you know a man like me, we never retire,” Herbert said. “My mind is always thinking. I always say when I wake up in the morning, I want to think that I want to be a better person – a better person today than yesterday. And I want to see how I can best take care of my little wife, who I married 67, going on 68 years (ago), and, of course, my family and all the business I have.”

Lance@valcomnews.com

A free Christmas “Sing-Along Messiah” concert will take place Sunday, Dec. 9, starting at 4 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625-24th Street, Sacramento (off Fruitridge Road between I-5 and Highway 99, just 10 minutes south of downtown Sacramento). Free parking is available.  Donations of canned or packaged goods for the local food closet will be accepted at the door. Map and driving directions: www.bethpres.com.
There is no charge to participate as a singer or audience member, and free refreshments will be served following the concert. A goodwill offering midway through the concert. Chief beneficiary of the offering is the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet, which is struggling to provide emergency supplies of groceries to thousands of in-need area residents this holiday season. In the month of October 2012 alone, food was provided to more than 7,000 individuals.
Everyone is invited to join in the volunteer choir, which will be led by choral conductors from area colleges and churches.  Last year’s combined choir and audience totaled more than 200 people.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own musical scores; a limited quantity of Messiah scores will be available for purchase (just $10) at the door.
“To make this truly a participatory event, we are repeating our custom of not using professional soloists,” says Dr. May Tuan Tucker, Bethany Presbyterian Church Music Director. “Solos will be performed in group fashion at the front by anyone and everyone who desires to sing them.” This special feature is not offered at most Sing-Along Messiah events.
Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend an informal public rehearsal on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at Bethany Church. For more details, contact event coordinator Dr. May Tucker at 428-5281 or e-mail maytucker@mac.com.
The Messiah, composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, is based on bible passages that tell the story of Christ. This musical celebration has since become a Christmas tradition in many parts of the world. The December 9 concert will feature primarily the Christmas portions of the Messiah, concluding with the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus.”
A downloadable Sing-Along Messiah flyer is available at www.bethpres.com.
The Sing-Along Messiah is presented by Bethany Presbyterian Church in partnership with local congregations and schools.

California is currently facing as shortage of qualified teachers – including special education teachers – according to an article printed in September on US News on NBCNews.com.

The article cited a report, “Greatness by Design” released by the California Department of Education in September – a report designed to help improve how teachers are recruited, trained and mentored – that states “there are still shortages of qualified teachers in fields such as special education.”

Dr. Pia Wong, department chair for the Department of Teaching Credentials and professor at California State University Sacramento, says one reason for the shortage is teachers retiring without anyone to fill their positions. “When you look at the average age of teachers in special (education) and general education, it’s an aging population,” she explains. “Based on when people typically do retire or can retire, we know in the next 10 years we’re going to see very high numbers of retirement.”

Another reason, says Dr. Wong, is a growth in the population of students who qualify for special education services due to better diagnostic processes. “Because we have better tools for understanding the special needs that students have, there’s more students that are identified and therefore that creates a need for special programs, special classes, specialized teachers,” she says.

So what does this mean for Sacramento?

Inclusion Practice at SCUSD

In Sacramento City Unified School District, Director of Special Education Becky Bryant says there’s not a shortage of special education teachers overall, but there is a shortage in certain types of special education specialties, such as speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists.

Overall, Bryant says the amount of special education teachers they have is cyclical and will depend on the number of retirees they have each year and if there are new teachers coming to replace them. “Because Sacramento is the capitol, we have a lot of people that kind of move in and out because they have to relocate or something,” she adds.

According to Bryant, SCUSD employs 260 special education teachers and serves 88 schools plus charter schools. She says there are resource specialist programs at all school sites, and throughout the district there are special day programs.

Bryant says SCUSD is in the third year of implementation of an Inclusive Practice program at six schools in the district – C.K. McClatchy High School, California Middle School, Sutterville Elementary, Oak Ridge Elementary, Leataata Floyd Elementary, and Caleb Greenwood K-8 School. Through this model, says Bryant, students who would have been in a traditional special day class setting are now in general education, and the general educator and special education teacher co-teach together to provide instruction to all students in the classroom.

According to Bryant, Inclusive Practice helps teach students skills they will need when they become adults and enter into a diverse society, and it allows all students to learn together and be part of a community. “It’s not about singling out students with disabilities and sending them somewhere else,” she adds.

Special Programs & Inclusion at SJUSD

Over at San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD), Dayle Cantrall, program manager for special education, believes that special education is a growing need because there is not always a pool of credentialed teachers at the ready to fill any holes they may have. “When we have credentialed teachers, they usually end up in a job and they stay – they don’t face layoffs like general education teachers do, they’re always in high demand,” she adds.

According to Cantrall, SJUSD currently employs 307 special education teachers, including speech therapists and adaptive PE teachers. She says there is at a minimum a half-time resource teacher at every school site, and some high schools have upwards to nine special education teachers at a school site. And special education students range from those that need speech therapy to specialized programs for severe autism and the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Cantrall says recent changes in special education programs at SJUSD include specialized programming for severe autism students and a new transition center for kids ages 18-22 this year.

Additionally, there are specialized inclusion programs from elementary through high school on a few campuses in the district, says Cantrall. “We have support built into the particular campuses, including increased number of instructional assistants,” she explains. Plus some campuses also have the capability for a special education student to attend the same school as their brothers and sisters through the support of “roving inclusion teachers” and resources teachers.

What It Takes

To help ensure there are qualified special education teachers for California schools, Dr. Wong says one thing CSUS has done is advocate for an admission cycle for the special education credential program every semester. Additionally, faculty has been active in securing grants from the federal government to help candidates interested in pursuing the special education credential.

For those considering becoming certified to become a special education teacher, Dr. Wong suggests they look into it by doing some research and visiting some classrooms. “I think people may have certain preconceptions about what it means to teach students with special needs,” she explains. “I think if they were to visit some classrooms, they would really see some positive, exciting things happen and maybe find it’s something that attracts them.”

Bryant says they look to hire special education teachers who have a passion for kids in general, and a passion to work with students with disabilities. “(We look for) people who have a clear understanding of how to manage a classroom, how to motivate kids, and who are really willing to work on creating relationships with kids,” she adds.

And Cantrall says if you have a calling to work with at-risk kids, you’re not afraid to collaborate, think outside the box, and do what’s needed to meet the best interests of that child’s needs – go for it. “We need people in special education who are not only dedicated to kids, but dedicated to paving the way so those kids can continue to learn in the least restrictive environment possible,” she says.