On May 31, West Sac Bike Repair Café, in partnership with Mayor Martha Guerrero, will take its tools and knowledge out to the neighborhood at the inaugural West Sacramento Health Fair. Photo by Raymond Sherbourne

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The West Sac Bike Repair Café located at the Holy Cross Parish is a skillful pit stop that helps residents get back onto their two wheels.

Offering free assistance to repair bikes to small appliances, this community-led effort not only offers a helping hand with repairs but also an opportunity to connect and learn from each other.

On May 31, West Sac Bike Repair Café, in partnership with Mayor Martha Guerrero, will take its tools and knowledge out to the neighborhood at the inaugural West Sacramento Health Fair.

This event will feature several different stations to assist with the repair of bicycles, jewelry, computers and electronics, sewing, small appliances such as toasters and lamps, tool sharpening, hair extensions and styling, among other services at no cost.

Repair partners include Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, Computers for Kids of West Sacramento, The Bicycle Kitchen of Sacramento and The Community Shop Class of Oak Park.

The Health Fair will have an emphasis on two areas that are dedicated to May which is Bike Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Repair partners include Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, Computers for Kids of West Sacramento, The Bicycle Kitchen of Sacramento and The Community Shop Class of Oak Park. Photo by Raymond Sherbourne

As an incentive for residents to bring out their bikes and get physical, there is a planned bike ride on a public path located in the Bryte neighborhood along the river. 

“The idea is to get everybody together, get a cup of coffee or something in you, and then go on a short bike ride around the area to go up and see those bike paths,” said West Sac Bike Repair Café member Pierson Rohr. “They run right along the Sacramento River and it’s a public path that’s paved up on the levee. It has some wonderful sitting areas and just gorgeous, gorgeous trees.”

Rohr, who is also the league cycling instructor at Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, is one of the bike specialists with the West Sac Bike Repair Café.

“In the spirit of mental health and repairing and things for you, we want to show you where you can use these things and where you can go out for a little bit of peace right along our route,” said Rohr.

Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), CommuniCare+OLE, Lifestyle Medicine, Yolo County Children's Alliance and Because She Is, a youth-led nonprofit, will have booths set up at the health fair. They will provide resources to community members interested in learning more about how to address different kinds of mental health issues and concerns.

Ishiael Logan Camara, a high school intern for Mayor Guerrero, has been a main organizer for the health fair. Camara said this is the first joint event with the city and West Sac Bike Repair Café, adding that it is a shared commitment to community wellness that made this collaboration a great fit.

“This event provides a unique opportunity to support community wellness. By combining the health fair, repair cafe and wellness activities, we’re addressing both physical and mental health needs in one space,” said Camara. “We’re aligning with Mental Health Awareness Month by including organizations like NAMI, who will be there offering information and support. Their presence offers an important outlet for community members navigating mental health challenges, ensuring the fair isn’t just about physical wellbeing but mental wellbeing too.”

The Community Health Fair on May 31 will feature several different stations to assist with the repair of bicycles, jewelry, computers and electronics, sewing, small appliances such as toasters and lamps, tool sharpening, hair extensions and styling, among other services at no cost. Photo by Raymond Sherbourne

Terri Young has been at the start of the West Sac Bike Repair Café alongside co-founder Annie Durst, her neighbor, when the idea came about to have a repair café based in the West Sacramento community. She extends the invitation to anyone who would like to attend, even if you might not have anything you need repaired.  

“Come on out and check us out, whether you have a repair or not,” said Young. “You come in and you leave with a different skill. You come in with a different idea of what's possible. And you come in with a different view of the people in your community.”

Rohr added that the effort into making this fair has been a huge collaborative effort and that there has been major support from the West Sacramento City Council, especially with the help of councilmember Norma Acala who represents the Bryte neighborhood in District One.

Mayor Guerrero also has a significant role in pulling this event together and co-hosting with West Sac Repair Café. Rohr also thanked the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, executive director Deb Banks and their volunteers who have dedicated their time to offering bike repair for the event.

The health fair set-up will start at 8 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 1321 Anna St. The fair and repair café will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Items will no longer be accepted for repairs after 11:30 a.m. The bike ride will be from 10 to 10:20 a.m. and Guerrero will lead a community yoga session #MoveWithTheMayor at 11 a.m.