Launching Missiles At Goats: Iraqi Refugee And Comedian Yaseen Mazin Finds Humor In Tragedy

Yaseen Mazin was six years old when he first saw U.S. soldiers in his Baghdad neighborhood. His family fled, and as a teenager he was living in a Sacramento suburb. That’s when his older brother played him a George Carlin comedy special. It had an impact, and today he works through his past — and speaks up for refugees — as a stand-up comedian, finding the humor in tragedy.

       
     
Pat the Book Angel

Patricia Dansby has been around the world in her time serving in the Air Force. She settled in Sacramento and worked for the state of California until she retired 13 years ago. But despite that public service, she's better known by another title: Book Angel.

She has spent the past 11 years promoting literacy by distributing free books throughout Northern California at little free libraries, government offices, and nonprofits. With donations from the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library and others, Dansby not only supplies the little free libraries locally but sends books throughout the United States and even Ghana.

Dansby has only increased her drive in the past two years, making sure that books were accessible to as many people as possible throughout the pandemic.

       
     
'That ugly game': an Iraqi war survivor reflects on the invasion of Ukraine

Mazin Alhaidari lived through more than two and a half decades of war and sanctions in his native Baghdad, Iraq, before settling in the Sacramento area in 2008.


Those experiences have led him to avoid news reports about the war in Ukraine, but is sympathetic to the suffering of people who are dying and facing sanctions. Alhaidari describes war as being between politicians and governments, and not benefiting regular people in any way.


“I don’t want anybody to face what we faced before,” he said from his Carmichael home.


Alhaidari offered reflections on his own experiences in light of the war in Ukraine and lessons he has learned.

       
     
"Man Behind the Curtain"

Chris Carlson is the man behind the curtain of a bicycle-mounted puppet theater, “Wetface Puppets.” Take a ride as he wanders the streets of Sacramento. His goal: “mess with people.”

       
     
The View From Here: A Year At Encina - Student And Staff Profiles

Six profiles from "A Year At Encina."

 

1,100 students. 21 languages. 56 teachers. Encina Preparatory (6-12) High School serves families who come from around the world and across the street. This year we explore culture, resilience, challenges and change in suburban Sacramento. More reporting at CapRadio.org/encina

       
     
A Year At Encina: "When Soccer Is The Common Language"

From the streets of El Salvador, Iraq and Sacramento, the boys of Encina Prepartory High School's varsity soccer team band together and win game after game. Despite a lack of common language, the powerhouse team figures it out, finding friendship and purpose through their love the sport. Devoted to their coach, the boys learn lessons they can use on and off the field.

       
     
Demolition Derby: It's A Family Thing

The Holt men have demolition derby in their blood. For 3 generations, the Modesto, California family has participated in demolition derbies all across the state. At the Sacramento County Fair, they enter the arena not just as family, but as friendly foes.

       
     
"Ourselves, but Louder" - Independent Pro Wrestling in Sacramento

Sacramento resident Joshua Littell has been a fan of professional wrestling for much of his life. However, when he was 29 his interest turned into a new identity beyond his day job as a waiter. On the third weekend of every month, he wrestles for Supreme Pro Wrestling (SPW) in Sacramento as Sir Samurai. Take a look into his world.

       
     
Smash Bros. Tournaments at Cafe Colonial

Thirteen to 30-year-olds gather weekly at an Oak Park cafe to brawl within the virtual world of a nearly two-decade old, Japanese video game.

Read the story: capradio.org/articles/2017/08/18/dashing-mashing-button-smashing-in-an-oak-park-cafe/

       
     
City of Slow Rivers - Bob Stanley

Sacramento's outgoing Poet Laureate performs his original poem "City of Slow Rivers."

       
     
From Tehran to Carmichael - Violinist Ardalan Gharachorloo

Ardalan Gharachorloo is violin soloist with the American River College Orchestra in Carmichael, Calif. He has pursued his passion for music since beginning to play the violin at age six in his home country of Iran. Gharachorloo follows the tradition of his grandfather, the former concertmaster of the disbanded Tehran Philharmonic. Read the full story on CapRadio Music: bit.ly/1RDPxC0

       
     
State Fair Midway at Night

The sun goes down and the Midway at the California State Fair lights up.