Ray Sotero was a reporter and editor covering mostly politics, government and business for 22 years, including stints at the Modesto Bee and the Sacramento Bee, Gannett News Service and USAToday. A Vietnam veteran who celebrated his 19th and 20th birthdays in a combat zone, he is a 1979 Nevada Journalism grad and retired in 2019 after 19 years as a communications director for five successive California State Senators. He has lived in northeast Sacramento County since 1988. Gannett also carried his twice-monthly motorsports column for 15 years. More at rayonracing.smugmug.com.
By this person

When Life Gives You Lemons, Race Them
Capital Region drivers join motorsports event showcasing cars under $500
When veterans participate in the irreverent race of old cars called 24 Hours of Lemons, they get a healthy dose of camaraderie, fun and a rush of adrenaline. Costumes and janky cars are just the beginning of what makes this eclectic race special.

After the Deluge
Owners and staff of Tongan-owned Sacramento construction company struggle to contact families following the Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano explosion
The volcanic eruption and tsunami in the South Pacific in January affected the families of the owners and staff of the Sacramento-based construction company PMT Cement — owned and staffed entirely by Tongan Americans.