College. It’s usually a topic most parents talk about with their children. Not a “if you go to college” conversation, but a “you’re going to college” conversation. Throughout our youth, we struggle and achieve in school. We advance to the next grade level until we finally reach high school graduation. This is the real […]
A reasonable ask for 2016
What is a new year? A new start. New memories are made and goals are set. Most of all, we reflect upon the past year and how we don’t want to backtrack in the future. Let’s take a look at 2015. Some call this a year of destruction and terror, with the reference having […]
Barriers down, one young person at a time
Mission: to help remove barriers for underserved, disenfranchised and at-risk youth while at the same time improving their lives. Founder and President of the No Youth Left Behind Foundation of America Dr. Carroll Cooks envisioned a way to “empower youth through education, training, workforce development and community by creating quality human experiences with educational youth […]
A green oasis blooms on Broadway
On small lot along 35th Street in Oak Park, across from a coffee shop and an auto repair service, sits a business that brings organic plants and greenery to the community. Angela Pratt is owner and operator of The Plant Foundry, an urban nursery that provides Oak Park with certified organic plants, soils and seeds. […]
New light rail service brings communities closer
After years of planning and construction, the Regional Transit Blue Line light rail trains began operating to Cosumnes River College this summer. Talk of the line’s extension began in 2009. The environmental research and documents were completed and approved. The paperwork formed the basis for construction that soon began in the neighborhoods the line would […]
A family jewel’s footprints
Moving is a huge deal. Many people are lucky enough to have never left the home where they grew up before going off to college. But I never had a chance. Whenever I’m asked where I’m from, I always answer, “The Bay Area.” Surely that doesn’t sound specific, but it tells the story. Throughout my […]
What about the children?
The wind whistles by, vacant of laughter. The sun shines down, void of smiles. Where are the children? Many are inside glued to their bright screens and plush seats, their attention elsewhere. What happened to the days of scooter riding and tag chasing, the patter of feet running to make it home before the streetlights […]