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Last Updated: Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM • Subscribe via RSSATOM

Robin Tomlinson

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

In a world of galleries, museums, and art in public places, the average person is exposed to plenty of art. But it’s not every day that such exposure moves someone so deeply that they decide to become an artist themselves. Robin Tomlinson, a Placerville artist, did just that. Four years ago, Tomlinson visited the Navy Pier in Chicago, where over 200 stained glass pieces from all over the world are on display. “The pieces are enormous and beautiful and breathtaking, and when I saw them, I wept,” says Tomlinson.Upon her return home, Tomlinson knew she wanted to devote her time to learning and creating art. At first, art was therapeutic for her, but it quickly evolved into something more. “When family and friends began to see what I’d made and asked me to create pieces for them, I thought maybe there was potential for me to make a profession of it,” she says. “I thought that if I could love what I do and make money doing it, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”Tomlinson’s pieces exhibit skills of a veteran artist as opposed to a woman who is new to the art scene. New though she may be, Tomlinson’s work, also known as “Pieces of Ra Ra,” is capturing some major attention. In fact, she recently sold custom pieces to Red Hawk Casino to display in its High Stakes room. Her art will be permanently featured as part of Red Hawk’s décor. Tomlinson’s art can also be seen and purchased at Artist Edge Gallery, Sacramento (beginning in April); Mia Sorella, El Dorado Hills; and Rocky’s Art Gallery, Placerville. She not only sells her art, but donates 5-10 pieces per year to organizations such as the SPCA, the Lymphoid and Leukemia Foundation, and the El Dorado County Fair. Fun, yes. But easy? Certainly not. Tomlinson reveals a time-consuming, intricate creation process. All her pieces are mixed medium, and she hand cuts glass, rope and other materials for each piece. Her first step is to cover her canvas in clay, which takes 24 to 48 hours to dry. She then must paint the clay, and wait 24 to 72 hours for it to dry again. Next, she lays each tiny piece of rope, glass or beads into her desired design. Finally, she covers the whole canvas with an acrylic material, which can take up to 24 hours to dry. She blow dries the acrylic to smooth out thousands of tiny bubbles, and if her canvases get even the tiniest particle of dust on them while they’re drying, they will be ruined.“It takes a very long time to create each piece. I always have ideas and I just want to create, but I won’t start a new project until I’ve finished the previous one,” she says. Despite the long process, however, Tomlinson is thoroughly enjoying her newfound passion as evidenced when she says, “I’m having a great time. If I could do this for the next 30 years, I’d be in heaven.”

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Scott B. Otsuka

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Next time you marvel at the growing art community in Roseville, you can thank Scott Otsuka and friends. As Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of Roseville, Otsuka also serves as chairman of the Cultural Arts Committee and works with four other members to serve the community as an art ambassador. “We have served as judges for...competitions throughout the community. We also recently reviewed panel recommendations for an exciting public art loaner program that the City is undertaking. There will soon be some great pieces, done by local artists, placed in key locations throughout Downtown and the Historic District,” says Otsuka.With his hard work on behalf of the committee, you’d think Otsuka would be too busy for much else. To the contrary, he has quite a list of other activities to his name. In addition to owning Infinity Financial Mortgage in Roseville, Otsuka coaches his daughters’ soccer teams, serves on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Roseville, and was recently elected to the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District board (to name a few). How does he juggle so much? “Everything I do is related to a passion, so it’s a pleasure to do it,” he says. Fortunately for the City of Roseville, Otsuka has a passion for bettering his community.For more on Scott B. Otsuka be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.

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Spring Cleaning

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Spring has just about sprung, which can only mean one thing. No, not allergies! Time to get your house in tip-top shape! Not only does home maintenance help your curb appeal if you decide you want to sell, but even if you’re planning on staying put for a while, a few simple chores can prevent damage, and even save you some cash. As Ken Patterson, realtor with Keller Williams in Roseville suggests, “starting off your spring with a maintenance checklist can correct any problems before they get worse and cost a lot to fix.” So as we shoo those gray days off until next year, Style offers nine tasks that won’t break the bank to help maintain your home’s aesthetic, safety and cleanliness...just in time for the season’s change. 1. Clean Gutters Whether you climb the ladder yourself, use an attachment on your hose, or hire a professional, cleaning your gutters might be the easiest preventative thing you can do. Be sure to check that your downspouts carry rainwater at least five feet away from the foundation. Any closer than that can lead to water damage. 2. Power Wash Walls and DrivewaysPower washers can be rented for fairly cheap and are a cinch to use. Spray your outside walls, driveways, and paths to clear dirt, grime, moss and cobwebs from your home.3. Sweep ChimneyOnce the weather warms up and you’re finished with fires, have your chimney swept. Dangerous deposits of creosote build up during the winter and can be highly flammable next year when you light it up again. A simple sweep can keep your family safe. 4. Check Roof                                           Judy Black, Folsom realtor with Coldwell Banker, says, “Depending on the age of your roof, homeowners should evaluate and repair damaged, missing or loose shingles as needed.” Look over the roof for any damaged, missing or loose shingles and replace them.5. Wash and Weather-proof Windows and DoorsRain can leave dirty spots, particularly behind window screens, and cold weather can wear down weather stripping. Remove screens, and befriend a bottle of Windex. While washing, if you notice the weather stripping is cracked or worn, re-caulk. 6. Fix Your AC                                           “Spring is a good time to have a service check of your air conditioner to head off any problems before the summer heat waves.” Patterson says.7. Paint                                                 Simple enough to DIY, painting the interior and/or exterior of your home gives you the most bang for your buck. “It is cheap and will keep everything looking fresh and clean,” says Black. 8. Clear the ClutterMake it a clean sweep. Purge your cabinets, your drawers, your closets and under your bed. Placerville realtor, Suzy Allen of ERA Realty Center suggests clearing clutter outside, too. “Move trash cans behind fences,” she says. Garbage should never be seen from the street, unless it’s trash day.9. Mow, Prune and Plant Yard “Keep lawns green, mowed and maintained,” Allen adds. “First impression is most important,” she says. Planting flowers, spreading new bark and keeping bushes trimmed will drastically improve your curb appeal.With just a little motivation and a touch of elbow grease, keeping your home maintained through the spring should be a snap.

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Batter Chatter

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Hey, how ya doin. I’m a backstop. Yep, that big metal thing behind home plate at a ballpark near you. I know...I’m not supposed to be able to talk. Well, your kids aren’t supposed to climb on me, so we’re even. Tom was a little too busy (i.e. he couldn’t think of anything to write) so the editors asked me to step in and share a few of my thoughts on a national treasure that’s about to come back around again, youth baseball.I’ve been a backstop for a long time. The parks department put me up in ‘83. I’m 20 x 16 panelized feet of galvanized steel. I’ve seen a lot of kids playin’ ball and there’s nothing I love more. I guess you could say it’s my reason for being. Over the years I’ve noticed that a few certain elements seem to be the keys to success for everything from boy’s hardball to girl’s softball – both of which I love, by the way. Hey, backstops don’t play favorites (and neither do the umps, but no one ever believes me on that one).One: The parents gotta not only care, but care for the right reasons. If their six-year-old doesn’t poke a homer off the tee, they still oughta get a trip to the ice cream shop after the game. I’m happy to report, most parents get that. But I think the same should go for a 12-year-old. Yeah, they may look like a big-leaguer when they step up to the plate or onto the pitcher’s mound with their game face on, but in the dugout they’re still having burp contests and arguing over who would win in a fight, Batman or Spiderman. Come to think of it, so are a lot of the players in adult recreational softball leagues. Two: Hopefully your kid is out there because they love the game, because there’s no doubt they’re out there because they love YOU. They want you to be proud of ‘em – even the little tyke doing the pee-pee dance in right field. Never stop letting them know how great you think it is that they lace up their cleats – even if they’re tying them on their own now. Three: They’re learning a game – how to hit, throw, run it out to first, all that stuff. But they’re also learning life lessons like fair play, good sportsmanship and making a commitment to others. If you’re tryin’ to stack a team in the pre-season draft, or yellin’ at a 15-year-old ump for missing a call at second, or always missing practices or getting your kid there late, think about the message that sends. It sure ain’t one they’re gonna run on the scoreboard between innings at Pac Bell Park. Four: Winning is great. It’s awesome. It makes me quiver right down to my anchor blocks. But win with class – clamp down on any smack talk or in-your-face celebrations (and that includes some of you parents in the stands). And while you’re at it, teach them how to lose with grace. Sure, it’s fine to kick a little dirt, but losing a little league game shouldn’t be anything that ruins a weekend, or even the ride home. Five: Teach ‘em to support their teammates. Parents and coaches are one thing. But there’s nothing better to the ears (or heart) of a kid who just struck out for the fifth time in a row than to get some encouragement and a pat on the back from a teammate. When they finally do uncork one, it’ll be tough to tell who’s got the bigger smile.Six: Countin’ on your kid to be the next Jenny Finch or Dustin Pedroia? Great, but don’t push ‘em too hard or else you run a real risk of burning them out or wearing them out before they even reach high school. Let your kid’s drive lead you...not the other way around. That’s not to say don’t push a little, but never let that push become a shove.Seven: The most important – enjoy these moments. Once they’re gone, that’s it. You wanna come away with some great memories, right? Well, so does your child. Support, teach, and support some more. It’s pretty simple. Oh, and don’t forget the ice cream. •Catch Tom on the Pat and Tom Morning Show on New Country 105.1.

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Preventing Child Abduction

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Ask almost any mom, and she’ll remember a time when her son or daughter went missing – if only for a moment. She’ll likely describe the aching panic in the pit of her stomach at the thought her child might have been kidnapped. But for parents who have actually experienced the reality, they say the nightmare is indescribable.While child abduction cases are thankfully rare in our community, local law enforcement leaders say it’s important for parents and children, from toddlers to teenagers, to stay educated, prepared and alert. New Tools and Old Beliefs Over the past decade, the child safety playing field has changed considerably. Advancements in technology have led to the AMBER Alert notification system and an international database for missing children. Yet, we’ve also witnessed the growing popularity of a dangerous new tool for child predators – the Internet.Unfortunately, old myths about kidnap prevention remain, such as teaching “stranger danger,” and the need to wait 24 hours before reporting a missing child – two mistakes that could be deadly.Detective Sergeant Dennis Walsh with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department says that statistically, the vast majority of child abductions are perpetrated by someone familiar to the child or the family. That’s why national experts say the “stranger danger” message gives children a false sense of security around familiar faces, while at the same time promotes a fear of strangers whom actually could be rescuers. Kidnap Prevention TechniquesThe key to reducing the risk of child abductions, say authorities, is a combined effort on behalf of parents, children, law enforcement and the community, focused in three areas – education, awareness and preparation. They offer the following tips:For Parents of Younger Children:Make sure your child knows their address, full phone number and parents’ full names.Don’t put your child’s name on the outside of clothing, backpacks or lunch boxes. Warn children about approaching a vehicle or giving out personal information, such as name, address or school, to strangers. Remind children that adults should ask other adults, not children, for things like directions, or help finding a lost pet. Role play other scenarios with examples of common enticements such as candy or ice cream.Watch for teachable moments where you can practice “what if” scenarios and point out “strange” adults (security officers, other parents) your child might safely approach if lost.Have your child’s picture taken yearly and keep a photo and their fingerprints with you at all times. Consider purchasing a GPS-enabled wristwatch or bracelet, or child-locating device.Never leave children unattended in a vehicle. Have your child practice the Buddy System, even in public restrooms. Establish a family code word for emergencies.Screen babysitters and caregivers carefully. Be aware of others who may live or work at the same facility.Teach your child that if a stranger tries to grab him, he should yell loudly for “HELP!” or “I DON’T KNOW YOU!” And then run.Without a doubt, one of the best tools for prevention is community involvement, says El Dorado County Sheriff Sergeant Bryan Golmitz. He says over the last year his office received multiple calls reporting strangers approaching young children, and they thoroughly investigated every one. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to identify and report suspicious circumstances immediately to law enforcement,” Golmitz says. “We can’t help if we don’t know about it.”

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Preventing Child Abduction

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Ask almost any mom, and she’ll remember a time when her son or daughter went missing – if only for a moment. She’ll likely describe the aching panic in the pit of her stomach at the thought her child might have been kidnapped. But for parents who have actually experienced the reality, they say the nightmare is indescribable.While child abduction cases are thankfully rare in our community, local law enforcement leaders say it’s important for parents and children, from toddlers to teenagers, to stay educated, prepared and alert. New Tools and Old Beliefs Over the past decade, the child safety playing field has changed considerably. Advancements in technology have led to the AMBER Alert notification system and an international database for missing children. Yet, we’ve also witnessed the growing popularity of a dangerous new tool for child predators – the Internet.Unfortunately, old myths about kidnap prevention remain, such as teaching “stranger danger,” and the need to wait 24 hours before reporting a missing child – two mistakes that could be deadly.Detective Sergeant Dennis Walsh with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department says that statistically, the vast majority of child abductions are perpetrated by someone familiar to the child or the family. That’s why national experts say the “stranger danger” message gives children a false sense of security around familiar faces, while at the same time promotes a fear of strangers whom actually could be rescuers. Kidnap Prevention TechniquesThe key to reducing the risk of child abductions, say authorities, is a combined effort on behalf of parents, children, law enforcement and the community, focused in three areas – education, awareness and preparation. They offer the following tips:For Parents of Younger Children:Make sure your child knows their address, full phone number and parents’ full names.Don’t put your child’s name on the outside of clothing, backpacks or lunch boxes. Warn children about approaching a vehicle or giving out personal information, such as name, address or school, to strangers. Remind children that adults should ask other adults, not children, for things like directions, or help finding a lost pet. Role play other scenarios with examples of common enticements such as candy or ice cream.Watch for teachable moments where you can practice “what if” scenarios and point out “strange” adults (security officers, other parents) your child might safely approach if lost.Have your child’s picture taken yearly and keep a photo and their fingerprints with you at all times. Consider purchasing a GPS-enabled wristwatch or bracelet, or child-locating device.Never leave children unattended in a vehicle. Have your child practice the Buddy System, even in public restrooms. Establish a family code word for emergencies.Screen babysitters and caregivers carefully. Be aware of others who may live or work at the same facility.Teach your child that if a stranger tries to grab him, he should yell loudly for “HELP!” or “I DON’T KNOW YOU!” And then run.Without a doubt, one of the best tools for prevention is community involvement, says El Dorado County Sheriff Sergeant Bryan Golmitz. He says over the last year his office received multiple calls reporting strangers approaching young children, and they thoroughly investigated every one. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to identify and report suspicious circumstances immediately to law enforcement,” Golmitz says. “We can’t help if we don’t know about it.”

Read More »
Batter Chatter

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Hey, how ya doin. I’m a backstop. Yep, that big metal thing behind home plate at a ballpark near you. I know...I’m not supposed to be able to talk. Well, your kids aren’t supposed to climb on me, so we’re even. Tom was a little too busy (i.e. he couldn’t think of anything to write) so the editors asked me to step in and share a few of my thoughts on a national treasure that’s about to come back around again, youth baseball.I’ve been a backstop for a long time. The parks department put me up in ‘83. I’m 20 x 16 panelized feet of galvanized steel. I’ve seen a lot of kids playin’ ball and there’s nothing I love more. I guess you could say it’s my reason for being. Over the years I’ve noticed that a few certain elements seem to be the keys to success for everything from boy’s hardball to girl’s softball – both of which I love, by the way. Hey, backstops don’t play favorites (and neither do the umps, but no one ever believes me on that one).One: The parents gotta not only care, but care for the right reasons. If their six-year-old doesn’t poke a homer off the tee, they still oughta get a trip to the ice cream shop after the game. I’m happy to report, most parents get that. But I think the same should go for a 12-year-old. Yeah, they may look like a big-leaguer when they step up to the plate or onto the pitcher’s mound with their game face on, but in the dugout they’re still having burp contests and arguing over who would win in a fight, Batman or Spiderman. Come to think of it, so are a lot of the players in adult recreational softball leagues. Two: Hopefully your kid is out there because they love the game, because there’s no doubt they’re out there because they love YOU. They want you to be proud of ‘em – even the little tyke doing the pee-pee dance in right field. Never stop letting them know how great you think it is that they lace up their cleats – even if they’re tying them on their own now. Three: They’re learning a game – how to hit, throw, run it out to first, all that stuff. But they’re also learning life lessons like fair play, good sportsmanship and making a commitment to others. If you’re tryin’ to stack a team in the pre-season draft, or yellin’ at a 15-year-old ump for missing a call at second, or always missing practices or getting your kid there late, think about the message that sends. It sure ain’t one they’re gonna run on the scoreboard between innings at Pac Bell Park. Four: Winning is great. It’s awesome. It makes me quiver right down to my anchor blocks. But win with class – clamp down on any smack talk or in-your-face celebrations (and that includes some of you parents in the stands). And while you’re at it, teach them how to lose with grace. Sure, it’s fine to kick a little dirt, but losing a little league game shouldn’t be anything that ruins a weekend, or even the ride home. Five: Teach ‘em to support their teammates. Parents and coaches are one thing. But there’s nothing better to the ears (or heart) of a kid who just struck out for the fifth time in a row than to get some encouragement and a pat on the back from a teammate. When they finally do uncork one, it’ll be tough to tell who’s got the bigger smile.Six: Countin’ on your kid to be the next Jenny Finch or Dustin Pedroia? Great, but don’t push ‘em too hard or else you run a real risk of burning them out or wearing them out before they even reach high school. Let your kid’s drive lead you...not the other way around. That’s not to say don’t push a little, but never let that push become a shove.Seven: The most important – enjoy these moments. Once they’re gone, that’s it. You wanna come away with some great memories, right? Well, so does your child. Support, teach, and support some more. It’s pretty simple. Oh, and don’t forget the ice cream. •Catch Tom on the Pat and Tom Morning Show on New Country 105.1.

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