Battle Plans

Battle Plans

The table at Coffee Works in East Sacramento is filled with papers, folders, index cards, markers, pens, a laptop and ruler. Each has a purpose.

It’s the mobile workplace of Ken Cross. There’s room for a cup of coffee and a muffin, just barely.

Nearly 12 years removed from retirement as CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento, Cross, 74, thrives on being busy. He combines work away from home with the joy of conversation.

The West Point graduate began his Army career more than 50 years ago. He’s transitioned many times, sales to service, volunteerism to senior education.

Dedicated ‘Doer’

Dedicated ‘Doer’

When Warren Truitt and his family arrived in Sacramento in 1981, his 15-year-old son jumped on his bike and discovered the American River Parkway.

“He came home and was so excited,” Truitt recalls. “He said, ‘Dad, you have to ride with me.’”

That launched Truitt’s passion for biking. He rode for 38 years, covering 222,000 miles. “Almost to the moon,” he says.

Riding the bike trail also sparked his interest in conservation efforts to protect the American River Parkway.

Artful Volunteer

Artful Volunteer

Jim Tracy believes volunteer work should be practical and purposeful. After a 27-year career with SMUD, including 10 years as chief financial officer, he looks for ways to contribute where his experience can make a measurable difference.

“As a public organization with no shareholders, SMUD’s focus was on low rates and quality service to the people of Sacramento County,” Tracy says. “I feel that focus provides me a good foundation for volunteering with community organizations.”

That foundation guides how he chooses to serve. Rather than spread himself across many groups, Tracy focuses on where he can be most useful.

In The Swing

In The Swing

In The Swing Sacramento Golf Council runs events for links lovers By Jessica Laskey May 2026 Janice Luis was busy planning another golf tournament, but she’s always eager to chat about her favorite sport and volunteer gig. “Golf is a very fun sport to play,” says the...
Sweet As Honey

Sweet As Honey

If Lisa Romero can offer some advice about bees, it’s this:

“If you see a swarm of bees, take a breath, be calm, go to the Sacramento Area Beekeepers website and report it,” Romero says. “Someone will come out and get it. Don’t spray them with water or pesticides, don’t bother them. You don’t have to hide inside. Just call a beekeeper.”

Spring is swarming season for honeybees, which means Sac Area Beekeepers get many calls and online reports of swarms this time of year.

Romero, the group’s vice president, says honeybees swarm when the hive gets too crowded. The queen leaves with half the colony to find a new home.

Rock Of Ages

Rock Of Ages

Beloved rock radio station K-ZAP is back on the airwaves, along with one its legendary voices, Dennis Newhall.

Newhall and a crew of about 20 rock aficionados launched the nonprofit K-ZAP in 2015 to recapture radio glory from the 1960s and ’70s. Then and now, the goal is, “Present the most interesting music in an honest and personable way. No hype. No jive. No bluster.”

And no corporate overlords. K-ZAP is run by volunteers, letting Newhall and crew keep it fun.