Inside the City Oct 13 by Inside Publications

INSIDE THE CITY

I N S I D E

P U B L I C A T I O N S

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S T R E E T

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L a n d P a r k C u r t i s P a r k Hollywood Park C e n t r a l C i t y W o o d l a k e

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WALK TO DIDION SCHOOL A rare opportunity to live close to Didion School. This spacious home, 2264 square feet, has all new interior paint, Àooring, light ¿xtures, granite counter tops in kitchen and all 3 baths, new dishwasher, and new gas range. Huge family room is just waiting for fun and games! $379,000 PAULA SWAYNE 425-9715

RIVERLAKE Quiet cul-de-sac location for this custom built 5 bedroom 3 bath home! Features include custom maple cabinets, granite counter tops, rod iron spiraling stair case, two ¿replaces, a 4-car tandem garage,1 bedroom and bath downstairs, balcony off master, and more. Wow! $658,900 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

DESIRABLE LAND PARK Lovely home completely remodeled in 2008. 3 bedroom, 2 bath with an exceptional master bath featuring tub, shower and two sinks. Master bedroom walk-in closet and access to backyard. Hardwood Àoors throughout, large living room; 2-car garage. $585,000 LEIGH RUTLEDGE 612-6911, BILL HAMBRICK 600-6528

FANTASTIC CURTIS PARK Hard to ¿nd 4 bedroom 2 bath home in Curtis Park!! Master bedroom has a balcony overlooking the sparkling pool. Formal dining room and breakfast nook. Backyard is perfect for entertaining. Tree lined street - steps to Curtis Park. This truly is the perfect place to call home! $579,000 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

REMODELED LITTLE POCKET Wonderful remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the highly desired Little Pocket area. Remodeled in 2000: kitchen, baths, electrical, walls/insulation, corian counter, appliances, dual pane windows, cabinets, heat & air, Àooring, lighting, recessed lights, whole house fan, and more! $325,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

pending

AN AMAZING PROPERTY Owner/builder used only the best quality materials for this amazing estate! Two master suites (1 up/1 down) with outdoor access to patio/ balcony overlooking gorgeous private large yard. 5 bedrooms 5½ baths with of¿ce and billiard room. Outdoor kitchen and much more! $1,250,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

pending

A SLICE OF HISTORY The “Didion House” in Poverty Ridge! 4 bedrooms 2 full baths and 2 half baths with 3rd Àoor media room that features state-of-the art equipment. Turn of the century woodwork and detailing; new kitchen and full basement. Nicely updated while preserving original style! $1,650,000 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

ROOMY LAND PARK Great Land Park home; a blank canvas awaits your personal touches. 2 or 3 bedrooms, open Àoorplan with large living room, vaulted ceilings, inlaid wood Àoors, lots of closet space, updated kitchen and bathroom, formal dining room, and a spacious big lot! $375,000 ERIN STUMPF 342-1372

4 BEDROOM LAND PARK Super clean, close in, and ready to go! Hard to ¿nd 4 bedroom home with 2½ baths in Land Park! Energy ef¿cient and beautifully maintained. Conveniently located, an easy walk to Land Park, Vic’s Ice Cream and Crocker Riverside Elementary School. $399,500 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

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Inside The City

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Inside The City

on the inside

COVER ARTIST Patricia Williams

October•2013 Vo l u m e 1 6 • I s s u e 9

Celebrating 16 Years!

Publisher's Desk...................................7 Inside City Hall..................................10 Life In The City ..................................14 Out About The Neighborhood ............17 Shop Talk..........................................20 Inside Our Schools ............................26 Local Heroes .....................................28 Home Matters ...................................32 Getting There ....................................37 The Club Life .....................................38 Meet Your Neighbors.........................42 Doing Good .....................................44

Garden Jabber .................................46 Building Our Future ...........................48 Pets & Their People ............................50 Real Estate Guide ..............................52 Spirit Matters ....................................54 Our Readers Near & Far ...................55 Artist Spotlight ..................................56 Writing Life .......................................58 Inside Theatre Guide .........................59 Conversation Piece ............................60 River City Previews ............................62 Restaurant Insider ..............................66 Dining Guide ....................................68

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Inside The City

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Inside The City

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Inside The City

Digging a Hole The jury's still out on the downtown arena development

By Cecily Hastings Publisher’s Desk

rom former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown’s column in the San Francisco Chronicle, July 28: “News that the Transbay Terminal is something like $300 million over budget should not come as a shock to anyone. We always knew the initial estimate was way under the real cost. Just like we never had a real cost for the Central Subway or the Bay Bridge or any other massive construction project. So get off it. “In the world of civic projects, the first budget is really just a down payment. If people knew the real cost

from the start, nothing would ever be approved. “The idea is to get going. Start digging a hole and make it so big, there’s no alternative to coming up with the money to fill it in.” When I read this, my mind immediately went to the sports entertainment complex the city has proposed for downtown—part of the effort to keep the Sacramento Kings from moving. Funny that it took an out-of-office politician like Brown to speak the possible truth about the cost of civic projects. Could this be the case here? Regarding the arena, I am solidly in the camp of ambivalent. I am thrilled as a civic supporter that the Kings will stay in Sacramento with new deep-pocketed owners from the Bay Area. Having a major league basketball team is a great asset to our city. I know many folks who love basketball and are over-the-moon excited that a rejuvenated Kings NBA franchise is staying put. Personally, I have been to exactly one Kings game, and I have no desire to return. My son,

on the other hand, attended several games, had a ball and would go again in an instant. Our whole family has enjoyed concerts over the years, so an entertainment venue downtown is most appealing. Mayor Kevin Johnson deserves the lion’s share of credit for the againstall-odds save. He performed at his absolute finest when all looked lost— the right man with the right skills and connections at just the right time. There are quite a few things to be grateful for with the city’s plans. A big swath of important downtown property will move off the city’s property rolls and into private hands for development. Hopefully, the owners will start paying property taxes, helping to fill the city’s coffers. Lord knows we could use it. The construction of a state-of-the-art arena creates numerous shorter-term construction jobs, which in turn will pump money into the local economy. And the design possibilities are very exciting! I felt a huge sigh of relief that developer Mark Friedman was appointed liaison between the city and

the development team. He thoroughly understands design and has one of the most impressive development track records in town. We have one shot to get the arena design right and fix years of mistakes. The arena must fit seamlessly with historic Old Sac and the new developments planned and approved for K Street. More importantly, it needs to reflect the best of what Sacramento has to offer and be a truly spectacular public space. The design process certainly could help the new out-of-town Kings owners learn to appreciate our fine—but often humble—city. Studies show that an arena of this type is likely to enhance development for a block or maybe two around the site. But this is conditioned on whether the downtown development is already making forward progress or not. I don’t think K Street really meets this qualifier, despite the city’s expenditure of hundreds of millions of redevelopment dollars over the past

Publisher continued on page 8

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Inside The City

Publisher continued from page 8 40 years. The city’s self-sabotaging housing policy has kept Single-Room Occupancy zoning downtown, which sadly brings mentally ill persons onto the streets. That in turn scares away prosperous customers for shopping and dining. So the jury is definitely out on this point. Another disappointing point about the arena proposal is that the whole thing was so rushed. I understand that the threat of the NBA allowing the team to move put in place serious deadlines that were miraculously met by Mayor Johnson et al. But to make major land use and development decisions in that type of time frame can’t possibly be helpful to a decent outcome. From the beginning of this effort, there appeared to be just one arena location considered: the downtown mall. (There had been, however, years of discussions on various arena locations.) Downtown Plaza was dying on the vine, with no options in sight, and certainly needed something to happen. This solution took care of that problem at the same time, so it’s understandable why the downtown interests are pleased as punch.

Citizens who want a vote are not necessarily antiarena. Most love the idea of a new arena; they simply don’t want city tax dollars subsidizing billionaire professional sports team owners. The location, however, looks to face huge hurdles in terms of traffic congestion—enough to have provoked State Senate pro Tem Darrell

October•2013

Steinberg to shamelessly push forth state legislation to exempt the arena development from a good portion of the state’s onerous environmental review regulations. I say shameless because every other developer in the state is normally subject to these regulations. Indications are that the traffic congestion created on I-5 could come back to haunt the city at a cost of potentially hundreds of millions of dollars for Caltrans to mitigate. Caltrans policy has required the locality to pay mitigation costs of its own developments—dollars that are absent from the arena costs prepared by the city and presented in its term sheet. Lastly, there is the issue of whether voters have a right to have a voice in whether the city contributes (at the very least, according to Willie Brown) $258 million in public subsidies, financed mostly from future parking revenue. (Note: City watchdog Eye on Sacramento’s analysis puts the total city subsidy at $350 million before interest costs.) I wish city leaders had embraced and taken the lead on an advisory vote from the beginning. This could have been part of a process to extend the discussions and make the case to city voters. Instead, many arena supporters shamelessly continue to attack at every turn the group circulating petitions to place the matter on the ballot. Even The Sacramento Bee, an ardent arena proponent from the getgo, continues to refer to those wanting a public vote as “anti-arena.” Citizens who want a vote are not necessarily anti-arena. Most love the idea of a new arena; they simply don’t want city tax dollars subsidizing billionaire professional sports team owners. A reliable pollster released a survey last April (mostly ignored by The Bee) stating that more than 78 percent of those surveyed want their voices to be heard on any matter involving a public subsidy of this magnitude. Support for a public vote was across the board: those who support the project and those who oppose it; Republicans and Democrats; men and women; young voters and old; and every ethnic group. Questions regarding specifics of the proposed arena project showed that

people were almost evenly divided on the public subsidy. My guess is that it would have passed after a campaign. So will Willie Brown’s estimation predict the future in Sacramento? Only time will tell. But don’t say that the possibility hasn’t been raised by those closely studying the details and not caught up in the hype.

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Inside The City

Failed Policies What’s so affordable about affordable housing?

By Craig Powell Inside City Hall

discussion of what the city should do to increase the availability of affordable housing all too often turns into an argument between builders and low-income housing advocates. It’s the kind of discussion that opens up a gulf of ideologies and yields little common ground. But there is common ground on one point: The city’s existing low-income housing policies are, by any measure, failing. Look to North Natomas. It is one of several designated “growth areas”

where the city requires builders to set aside 15 percent of all new houses and apartments for low-income residents under the city’s inclusionary housing ordinance (also known as the mixed-income housing ordinance). The ordinance’s goals were idealistic: 15 percent of all new houses and 15 percent of all new apartments in North Natomas would be built for the subsidized poor who would live happily side by side with their unsubsidized neighbors, who would pay the full market rate for their houses and apartments. The reality turned out to be dramatically different. It turns out that it’s exceedingly difficult to make subsidized low-income single-family homes work in the real world. It’s hard for such folks to get financing, even at subsidized home prices. It’s very expensive for builders who must incur the same cost to build a subsidized house as one they sell at market prices. Once a subsidized home is bought by an eligible buyer, it turns out they can’t sell it in the future for a profit: They have to turn

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any profit over to the government and the home must be sold to another qualifying low-income buyer. Such a limitation on resale lasts for 45 or 50 years. How would you like to buy a home, take on all the risks of a mortgage, but never be able to benefit from the appreciation of your property? So North Natomas builders of large subdivisions, being rational actors, decide to meet their 15 percent low-income housing mandates by building less expensive low-income units in apartment houses with 200 units or more, where 80 percent to 100 percent of the residents would end up being low-income tenants— exactly the sort of environment that created no end of social pathologies in large-scale public-housing projects in cities built throughout the country over the past 60-plus years. Most of these big, federally financed, highdensity monstrosities are long gone and now only a memory attesting to the wholesale failure of federal housing policy in the mid-20th century. (Anyone remember CabriniGreen?) Stunningly, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency aided and abetted these concentrated poverty traps by offering up generous redevelopment subsidies to make it easier for the big apartment projects in North Natomas to pencil out for builders. So the city’s inclusionary housing ordinance has, in practice, led to precisely the sort of housing that everyone acknowledges is a major mistake. The de facto projects in North Natomas are nowhere close to regular transit, job centers, school transportation or other public

services. North Natomas residents living nearby are plenty fed up with the social costs associated with the projects and made the city council aware of their angst at its Sept. 3 hearing on the housing element of its general plan. Their North Natomas council representative, Angelique Ashby, has long been a vocal critique of the current policy and a major advocate for changing it. Ashby brings a unique perspective to the issue: She lived in low-income housing as a single mom at one point in her life. She has a passion for fixing the problem for the sake of those in need, as well as for her very peeved North Natomas constituents. The mandates on builders to set aside 15 percent of their product for low-income residents is just one aspect of the city’s crumbling affordable-housing policy. There are three other shaky legs to the city’s affordable housing policy: public housing units that are actually owned and operated by SHRA (like the Seavey Circle and New Helvetia projects near Broadway), which SHRA says it can no longer afford to maintain due to a reduction in federal funding of maintenance costs; city, state and federal subsidies for privately owned and operated multifamily housing projects; and the Section 8 housing voucher program, funded by the federal government but run by SHRA, which helps pay for a big portion of the monthly rent of private apartments selected by the voucher holder.

City Hall continued on page 12 Inside The City

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Inside The City

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City Hall continued from page 10 City subsidies for new private developments have largely evaporated with the demise of redevelopment agencies under state legislation passed two years ago. Federal and state housing funding sources have been drying up with constricted federal and state budgets (i.e., the sequester). So even if the city wanted to keep its current inclusionary housing ordinance in place, it doesn’t have the redevelopment cash to help the builders construct any more highdensity, low-income housing projects to satisfy its mandates. (And without the subsidies, builders can’t afford to build them.) Tom Pace, the city’s long-range planning manager, is the fellow with the unenviable job of trying to mediate a politically acceptable, workable fix for the city’s troubled inclusionary housing ordinance. In classic Sacramento fashion, he’s promised a series of stakeholder meetings. Since June, the city has been floating a possible fix: Allow builders the option of satisfying their housing mandate by paying an in-lieu housing impact fee. The city would then pool the fees it collects and use them to fund subsidies for, most likely, private housing projects with a sizable component of low-income housing, essentially taking the place of lost redevelopment dollars. To supercharge the housing fund and avoid geographical distortions in the market, the fix proposes that

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the new in-lieu fee apply to all new residential construction in the city, not just in the city’s designated growth areas. The suggested fee: $3 per square foot for new homes. This would add $9,000 in additional cost to a 3,000-square-foot house built in the city. (In the designated growth areas—the only parts of town where the inclusionary ordinance currently applies—the fee is designed to roughly match the costs builders currently incur in complying with the 15 percent set-aside requirements.)

Every new home built increases the housing stock and helps lower the cost of an older home for someone of more modest means to purchase or rent. Under the proposal, a builder could claim a substantial credit toward this new fee if he or she builds homes or apartments that are “affordable by design,” meaning that they are smaller units that are likely to be appealing and affordable to lower income people anyway, without the need for a 45- or 50-year restrictive mandate. Sacramento Housing Alliance is opposed to the proposed fix, saying it won’t result in much low-income housing being built. They

are also doubtful that the affordableby-design units will be truly helpful to low-income residents. Given the failure of the city’s current inclusionary housing ordinance, it may be time to take a hard look at whether a system of housing mandates and in-lieu housing impact fees makes any real sense for Sacramento. Does it really generate net additional affordable housing? Does it cause more social and economic harm than social good? Are there more efficient ways of providing low-income housing? Any economist will tell you that the cost of building a below-market house or apartment or paying an in-lieu housing impact fee will be passed along to the buyers (or renters) of market-rate homes and apartments, making such units less affordable. Whenever you make a product more expensive, fewer people buy it. So families that have, say, an older, smaller home in a less appealing neighborhood—the kind of folks who typically buy new homes—end up increasingly priced out of the newhome market by the cost of such mandates and fees. Their inability to afford a higher priced newer home clogs up the classic housing ladder, in which families who move up to larger, nicer, newer homes end up selling their old homes to folks just starting out. It is those older “starter homes” that are the true affordable homes in every real estate market. But when the move-up market stalls out because pricey mandates and fees make new homes unaffordable, the working poor can’t find their first rung on the housing ladder to grab onto.

BIKE SHOP

By eliminating the housing mandates and hefty in-lieu housing fees entirely, new homes will cost less, and more move-up families will buy them, freeing up their old homes for the working poor. Every new home built increases the housing stock and helps lower the cost of an older home for someone of more modest means to purchase or rent. I don’t know where the crazy idea originated that a low-income family should somehow be entitled to a new home with all of the modern amenities, ahead of those with somewhat higher incomes who scrimp, save and sacrifice to be able to acquire their first new home. Incidentally, city staff informed me that total impact fees on new houses in North Natomas now reach an eye-popping $60,000 per new home, twice the state average of $31,100, according to an annual survey by Duncan Associates. The $31,100 state average is, according to the Duncan survey, nearly 90 percent higher than the next most expensive state and 265 percent higher than the norm among jurisdictions that levy such fees, which typically pay for capital improvements, like water and wastewater facilities, required by a new development. Many states and localities on the other side of the Sierra don’t levy such fees, according to noted California demographer Joel Kotkin. Is it any surprise that the median price of a home in California is 108 percent higher than the median cost of a home in the rest of the county? Then there is matter of the inclusionary housing ordinance’s impact on Sacramento’s anemic

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economic recovery. What industry generates the greatest number of jobs in our region and is still suffering the most from the weak recovery? The residential construction industry and the thousands of local businesses that depend on home construction. What’s our greatest current problem in Sacramento? High employment. Probably the single most effective move our city council could make today to increase employment in Sacramento is to make new homes cheaper to build and more affordable to buy by dropping costly low-income housing mandates and avoiding new in-lieu housing impact fees. It will help kick-start the residential construction industry, which is indispensable to a real economic recovery. It’s also a big economic mistake to impose the cost of low-income housing entirely on homebuilders and buyers. The old adage is true: The more you tax something, the less of it you get. If there is political support for

October•2013

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subsidizing low-income housing for the poor, then the least economically damaging way to fund it would be to diffuse the cost through a broad-based tax, not by singling out our most vital local industry for punishment. Finally, we should have a conversation about whether the city’s old methods of providing low-income housing assistance make sense anymore. SHRA has become notorious for wasting money subsidizing lowincome apartment projects at costs that frequently exceed $300,000 per unit, while existing apartment units can be bought on the open market for as little as $50,000 per unit. There is every reason to expect that the city will rely upon the same inefficient funding techniques and cost-careless SHRA bureaucracy to build new low-income housing with a new pool of funds generated by in-lieu housing impact fees. What is the most cost-efficient way of providing low-income housing to the needy? The Section 8 housing

voucher program appears to be the superior choice. It requires only limited oversight by SHRA staff. Housing vouchers also bestow upon recipients something immensely valuable: the freedom and dignity to live wherever they choose, provided an owner agrees to accept the voucher. Housing vouchers can also be structured to ensure that they are used to provide primarily transitional housing for the needy and not a permanent housing choice for those able to work. If you are interested in joining the community conversation over the city’s affordable housing policies, you should contact Tom Pace at tpace@ cityofsacramento.org. Craig Powell is a local attorney, businessman, community activist and president of Eye on Sacramento, a civic watchdog and policy group. He can be reached at craig@ eyeonsacramento.org or 718-3030. l

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Inside The City

Ties and Tails Zoo to hold its annual gala dinner T H E

C I T Y

By Jessica Laskey

f you’re looking for something special to do this month, look no further than the Sacramento Zoo—spend an enchanted evening at Once Upon a Wild Affair on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. The zoo’s annual fundraising gala features animal encounters, a farmto-fork dinner provided by Patrick Mulvaney of Mulvaney’s Building & Loan, a stage show, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $175. For tickets, call 808-8815. Now that you’ve had your lion’s share of fun, it’s the kiddies’ turn to go wild at Boo at the Zoo on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. Kids can don their costumes and trick-or-treat in a safe environment that still has plenty of spooky entertainment, creepy creature encounters and ghoulish amounts of goodies. General admission is $10 (children 1 and younger are admitted free) for all the candy, crafts and costumed fun kids can imagine. Don’t forget that the zoo closes early at 1:30 p.m. both days to prepare for the event. For more information, call 8085888 or visit saczoo.org. The zoo is at 3930 West Land Park Drive.

Tales Among the Tombstones With Halloween fast approaching, you might be thinking that a cemetery is the place to go for all things ghostly and ghoulish. You’d be right, but it’s not just at Halloween: Sacramento

October•2013

Jim Swanson—He Keeps Track of the Volunteer Corps By Jessica Laskey

“I

’m really enjoying living here—I’ve never felt so comfortable,” says Jim Swanson. This is coming from a man who, during his 60 years on Earth, has lived in more places than he can even keep track of at times. “The first time I moved, I was 2 months old,” he says. “I lived in South America for six years after college, then I ended up in Iowa, Ohio, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and now California. It’s a long story.” Swanson has now called Sacramento home for 11 years, perhaps the longest he’s lived anywhere. For 10 of those years, he’s worked in real estate as a broker associate. (Before that, he was in software development and management.) And, for an amount of time he can’t quite recall, he’s been the acting secretary for the Land Park Volunteer Corps. “I’ve always been really interested in volunteering,” Swanson says. “I was a volunteer fireman in Texas, and for the past four years, I’ve been a volunteer board member for Sacramento Self Help Housing. When I moved [to Land Park], I saw signs on the road about the Volunteer Corps. I live about a block from the park, and I wanted to help out.”

His duties as secretary come naturally to Swanson, due in part to his current career. “Craig [Powell, president of the Volunteer Corps] needed someone to keep track of our members,” Swanson recalls. “In real estate, a lot of what I do is keep track of names and addresses, and I also listen well and pay attention to people, so being the secretary made sense.” Swanson isn’t the only person in his family who enjoys helping out—his wife and son are also active members of the Sacramento community. His wife manages the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, which includes the Sacramento History Museum and

the entire Old Sac area. His 11-yearold son is also an avid member of the Volunteer Corps. A love of Land Park seems to run in the family. “We’ve found a really happy home here in Sacramento,” Swanson says. “The only thing I miss is New York pizza. You just can’t replicate it. There’s something about the New York water that gives the dough just the right amount of chewiness.” Perhaps that can be the Land Park Volunteer Corps’ next project: replicating the perfect New York pizza dough. Sounds like Swanson’s just the man for the job. l

Inside The City

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Teachers: Our Greatest Asset Brooke Wells Assistant Head of High School, English Teacher, College Counselor “I use the guitar in class to play songs that thematically relate to the texts.”

2636 Latham Drive | Sacramento, CA 95864 | saccds.org Historic City Cemetery has exciting tours going on all month long. On Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m., learn about the misbehaving politicians who ran amok during Sacramento’s early days. Hear hairraising tales of dueling senators, landgrabbing governors and fraudulent election workers who caroused in California before it was even a state. On Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m., find out what’s blooming at the cemetery with a guided tour that will focus on fall blooms and the plethora of plant species that grow in the Sacramento Valley. Looking for something a little spookier? On Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26, bring a lamp and nerves of steel to the cemetery’s popular Lantern Tours. Four times per night, costumed docents will regale tour goers with tales of untimely deaths, murder, mayhem, suspicious accidents and more by the flickering light of their lanterns—an eerie event just in time for Halloween. Here’s something else that might scare you: Tickets usually sell out within two weeks of going on

October•2013

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Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association’s 23rd annual Wine Tasting, Silent Auction & Beer Garden event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5.

sale, so be sure you buy yours early to avoid being caught dead without them. For more information, call 448-0811 or 264-7839 or visit

oldcitycemetery.com. Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is at 1000 Broadway.

Play Through Want to tackle some tee-offs while giving money to a great cause? Don’t miss the Fairytale Town Classic Golf

Life continued on page 16

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Inside The City

Sierra 2 Arts & Community Center, one of the fundraiser’s beneficiaries. Snack on samples from the likes of The Supper Club, Lucca, Aïoli Bodega, Tower Cafe, Chops Steakhouse, Espresso Metro, Taylor’s Market, American River College’s Oak Cafe, Dad’s Kitchen, Gunther’s Ice Cream, Freeport Bakery, Scott’s Seafood and Wicked ’Wich (now a brick-andmortar restaurant called Broderick’s). Quench your thirst at the craft and Belgian beer garden curated by Rob Archie, owner of Pangaea Two Brews & Bottleshop, or with a variety of wines selected by Taylor’s Market wine guru Dick Ebert. Once you’ve eaten and imbibed, get silly in the photo booth provided by Giggles & Riot, attend a farm-to-fork cooking demonstration by American River College culinary students, bid on more than 150 items in the silent auction, or get lucky in the raffle—all to benefit Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community, McClatchy High School Drama Club and Debate Club and Bret Harte Elementary School.

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Life continued from page 15 Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Teal Bend Golf Course. The play park’s favorite fundraiser begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start to complete an 18-hole tournament, followed by a buffet dinner, raffle, live auction and awards presentation to acknowledge the day’s greatest golfers. Proceeds will benefit the programs and playground improvements at Fairytale Town. To register and for more information, call 808-7462 or go to fairytaletown.org. Looking for a place to take the tykes for pre-Halloween playtime? Check out the 27th annual Safe & Super Halloween at Fairytale Town on Oct. 25, 26 and 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. This year’s theme, A Hobbit Adventure, will bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s wonderful world of Middle Earth to life. Human hobbit hordes can trick-or-treat at 17 candy stations and explore the Elven kingdom of Rivendell, hurry into Bilbo’s hobbit hole, have an adventure in the forest

October•2013

Each year, the nonprofit hosts hundreds of artistic, cultural and educational events at its beautiful historic site.

and interact with Gandalf and Smaug the dragon. Attendees will also enjoy hands-on activities, a costume parade and performances of Puppet Art Theater Company’s “Winnie the Witch.” When you’re there, be sure to check out the park’s newest play structure: The Little Engine That Could! For tickets and more information, call 808-7462 or visit fairytaletown. org. Fairytale Town is at 3901 Land Park Drive.

Howdy, Neighbor! Where will you be on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m.? If you’re anywhere near Curtis Park, you need to be at Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association’s 23rd annual Wine Tasting, Silent Auction & Beer Garden event. Your taste buds will thank you! This annual event is the talk of the town every year, and it’s better than ever in 2013. More than 20 restaurants, 50 wineries and a dozen breweries will feed the crowd at

Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community is a gathering place for Sacramento residents. Each year, the nonprofit hosts hundreds of artistic, cultural and educational events at its beautiful historic site. The building was built in 1923 as an elementary school and, after its rescue by Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association from demolition in 1979, has become a hub of local activities. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 452-3005 or go to sierra2.org. Sierra 2 Center is at 2791 24th St.

Culture Stock Looking for a way to give to a good cause and learn about worldwide cultures without leaving Land Park? Then don’t miss California Middle School’s second annual Multicultural Fall Fair on campus on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival will feature food trucks, live entertainment, crafts, artisans and booths featuring various cultures from around the world. Kids can even get their “passport” stamped as they travel around. There will also be themed food baskets and other silent auction items to bid on or win in the raffle. Proceeds from the event will support California Middle School and its art, music and field trip programs. For more information, go to calmiddle.com. California Middle School is at 1600 Vallejo Way. Jessica Laskey can be reached at goldman.jr@gmail.com. l

Inside The City

We Heart Hollywood Park How do residents love our neighborhood? Let us count the ways

By Greg Brown Out About The Neighborhood

here’s an old Russian proverb: Don’t buy the house; buy the neighborhood. Sounds like the Russians knew what they were talking about. I think I may even have some Russian blood in me. Buying the neighborhood is exactly what my wife and I did almost 10 years ago when we became residents of Hollywood Park in Sacramento. Hollywood Park, east of Land Park and south of Curtis Park, is a small, eclectic, niche kind of a neighborhood. It has a flashy name, but it’s anything but flashy. It’s solid, not showy. The people, the homes and the businesses are all authentic. Hollywood Park has true grit. The homes were mostly built in the 1950s and possess a lot of original character. It’s a 1950s throwback kind of neighborhood. No McMansions. Ample lots and tree-lined streets. A great walking neighborhood. There’s something very nostalgic about Hollywood Park. I talked nostalgia with Hollywood Park’s oldest living resident, 93-year-

October•2013

Freddy Brown and Jay Shenirer fist bump during National Night Out

Neighbors and friends enjoy food and each others's company during National Night Out

old Ray Palumbo. He’s lived in Hollywood Park since 1948, when he built his home, one of the first in the neighborhood. Back then, Freeport and 24th Street was just a big, open

field. He moved to the neighborhood with his wife, Margie, and raised his daughters there. Palumbo said, “I watched each of these houses go up.” He told me he designed the

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front bathroom first and then built around it. He worked for Dolan’s Lumber for 16 years and bragged about how his home’s subfloor was made from Douglas fir. He also said he’s challenge anybody for having the best original carpeting in the neighborhood. He’s very proud of his 3,300-square-foot home. “This house is one of the best built houses in the neighborhood … not one crack!” Palumbo told me he has wonderful neighbors and just loves Hollywood Park. He added, “ People move in here, and they die here.” What makes a neighborhood isn’t just the homes and businesses. It’s the people. Remember that old “Sesame Street”song? “Who are the people in your neighborhood? They’re the people that you meet when you’re walking down the street.” Lots of walking goes on in Hollywood Park. Mike Carroll and his wife, Bonnie, have lived in Hollywood Park since 1998. “We love the neighborhood,” said Carroll. “It’s very quiet. It has become even closer to us since we started rescuing greyhounds who demand daily walks. They have really helped us to get to know the neighborhood and our neighbors better.” Good thing for all the neighborhood walkers there’s a longstanding shoe repair shop as well as a new foot massage place in Hollywood Park. Carroll added, “We also love being able to walk to stores and restaurants and leave the cars in the driveway. Raley’s, Awesome Video, Hollywood Hardware, Oto’s, The Happy Corner

Out continued on page 18 Inside The City

Hollywood Hardware is a fixture in the neighborhood

Out continued from page 17 and New Hong Kong Wok—there’s not much more to life!” One of the businesses within easy walking distance is Hollywood Hardware. The folks there don’t know much about Hollywood, but they know their nuts and bolts. The hardware store with the iconic neon hammer sign has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1948. I get most of my hardware needs from this historic mom-and-pop establishment. In fact, our toilet handle was broken, and I had been jimmy-rigging it with a paper clip. I decided to mosey on over to Hollywood Hardware and finally fix it the right way. The hardware store was doing brisk business on a Saturday afternoon. Susan Reynolds, an employee for almost 11 years, was greeting customers with an enthusiastic “Hi, hon” or “Hey, big poot!” She told me, “We make a point of knowing our customers. It’s just like that show ‘Cheers.’” Hollywood Hardware actually has a tavern atmosphere on weekends, with employees joking around with customers and each other. Too bad they don’t have a beer license. Another neighborhood business within walking distance is John McGraw’s Pocket Club. It’s a bit gritty. The quintessential dive bar. A good place to watch the game, shoot some pool or just shoot the breeze with the regulars. No fancy craft beers, but you can get a Pabst Blue Ribbon in a jelly jar. Authentic Asian restaurants are in abundance on Freeport Boulevard. Get some crispy Peking duck at New

October•2013

Hollywood Park Neighborhood Association hosts an annual Independence Day parade

Hong Kong Wok. The next night, grab some spicy chow fun with black bean sauce at Jade Fountain Cafe. There’s also Far East Cafe, Boba Cafe and Happy Corner. If you’re in the mood for sushi, there’s Akebono and Sushi Cafe. At Blue Moon Cafe and Karaoke, you can grab a bite to eat, rent a room and sing some Billy Joel by the hour.

What makes a neighborhood isn’t just the homes and businesses. It’s the people. A few doors down from Blue Moon is Awesome Video, where you can “rent local” and not have to wait in line in front of a giant red vending machine. Mahoroba Japanese Bakery is another locally owned treasure. It offers a wide array of Japanese desserts, and it’s housed in a midcentury modern octagonal building. It’s cooler than a typical doughnut shop. Lucy McGinniss, who lives in Hollywood Park with her husband and twin boys, said, “Having two kids and only one car, I love the fact that we can walk or bike pretty much anywhere: the Sacramento Zoo, Land Park, downtown, Raley’s, the video store, library, school.” Traci Verardo-Torres said what she likes about Hollywood Park is “I don’t have to take a freeway to downtown, and my neighbors are a

mix of original, semi-original, and transplant homeowners.” She also likes the fact that the neighborhood maintains something of a small community feel. Hollywood Park has plenty of small community events. Hollywood Park Neighborhood Association hosts an annual Independence Day parade. More than 250 residents parade through the neighborhood dressed in red, white and blue. Some people walk, while others ride bikes and scooters decked out with colorful flags and streamers. Patriotic parents pull wagons carrying their little ones waving American flags. This year, a vintage fire truck led the parade. Some neighbors participate by setting up chairs and blankets on their front lawns and watching as the parade glides past. It’s pure Americana. One of the highlights of the parade is the Mimosa house. Near the end of the parade route, a nice couple serves sparkling cider and mimosas to thirsty paraders. At the end of the parade, everybody gathers at Leonardo da Vinci elementary school for refreshments and conversation. HPNA hosts other neighborhood events, like the Hollywood Park Mega Yard Sale the first Saturday in October and Ice Cream Social and Movie Night. There’s also a neighborhood produce exchange and an annual plant sale. For National Night Out in August, the neighborhood was out in full force. It’s a good excuse for neighbors to get to know each other better. Six host houses welcomed anybody to drop by this year. I managed to make it to two NNO parties, including Patrick Kennedy’s.

He and his wife served pulled pork and bacon sandwiches, coleslaw and Track 7 beer. And we got to meet his free-range pet chicken! I learned that the Kennedy family has lived in Hollywood Park for more than 20 years. Four girls and one bathroom: Kennedy must love the neighborhood. He graciously hosted quite a few neighbors. Even Jay Shenirer, his former foe in the City Council race, dropped by to hand out some of his WayUp swag and talk to a few neighbors. Hollywood Park resident Sarah Singleton and her husband, Guido, were also hosts for National Night Out. They served up a Mexicali feast with carne asada, vegan pinto beans, guac, chips, ceviche, Tecate and Mexican sodas. A lot of neighbors as well as people from outside the neighborhood showed up for their friendly neighborhood gathering. People brought their kids, their dogs and their appetites. Some Hollywood Park residents have a real emotional attachment to the neighborhood. Gina Knepp, who grew up in Hollywood Park on Murieta Way, is now back living in her childhood home. She told me, “Aside from loving the notion of turning on light switches that I know my mother and father touched countless times, living in Hollywood Park is more than just the place where I have my home. It is the kind of neighborhood where we know one another, we know one another’s names, we share our fruit, we comfort through our trials and tribulations and we celebrate milestones.” Knepp added, “Hollywood Park has my heart. I wouldn’t give it up for the world.” l

Inside The City

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Inside The City

Sweet Smell of Success Capital Confections' married owners concoct a winner T

By Jessica Laskey

raig and Teresa Higgins’ unofficial motto is, “Don’t ask us what we have, tell us what you want,” and for more than 16 years, the owners of Capital Confections have been living by that delicious creed, creating chocolate confections that would make Willy Wonka’s head spin. “Where else can you order a life-size chocolate leg?” asks Teresa. Her husband—who is the chief chocolatier—adds another layer. “Someone was having a ‘50 Shades of Grey’-themed party,” he recalls, “so we made gray chocolates and chocolate ties and handcuffs—I guess there are handcuffs in the story.” (He professes to have never read the racy book.) “We have more than 800 different molds. I’ve made a chocolate brain for a psychiatrist, and a guy came in wanting to buy his secretary a gift,” Craig continues. “He said she was always talking about her dog, who was a half-black, half-chocolate Lab. I made a dog mold that was half dark chocolate, half milk chocolate. We’ve even done a curling sheet”—the playing space for the obscure Olympic sport—“complete with stones!” It’s clear that Craig is very proud what he and his wife do, and it’s no wonder, considering how much work they’ve put in to make Capital Confections what it is today. “When I was working as a litigation supervisor, I wasn’t seeing my kids as much as I would have liked,” Craig explains. (He and Teresa have two daughters, both of whom are in

October•2013

Craig and Teresa Higgins of Capital Confections

college.) “We decided that if we ran our own business, we could raise our family and be our own bosses.” Teresa, a former legal secretary, chimes in. “There was a small sandwich shop in the building where I worked,” she recalls, “and every day I would think, ‘I have better people skills and know about better local products. I could do a better job running this deli.’ ”

It didn’t take long for the Higginses to take the leap. They found a chocolate shop for sale in the paper and decided to jump in feet first. “The first day, the key to the front door of our house opened the back door of the store,” Craig says. “It was destiny.” The determined duo bought the shop in Town & Country Village from a company that let them operate

under the original name for 10 years, and they did so happily for a decade. But when the 10 years were up, they were forced to change the name to Capital Confections, which they’ve been operating under ever since. “It was unfortunate that when we changed the name, people thought that we’d sold the business,” Teresa says. “Then the original owners opened a new chocolate shop nearby under the old name and people thought it was us. It wasn’t! We were still in the same place we’d always been. We just had a different name. The old owners even went so far as to say that our shop ‘went by the wayside,’ instead of that they’d sold it to us. Customers were confused for a while, but now people know that we’re still the award-winning chocolate shop we’ve always been.” Capital Confections won the Outstanding Retail Award from the Fulton Avenue Association, and it’s not hard to see why. It makes 80 percent of what it sells in-store, with Craig heading the confectionary and Teresa tackling the marketing. They host birthday parties, conduct trufflemaking classes, lead hands-on tours, make custom wedding and party favors, create client gifts complete with company logos, and are always looking for new and exciting ways to feed their clients’ chocolate cravings. “New this year we’re going to be making hard candy masks for Halloween,” Teresa says. “It’s a large lolly on a stick with a skull face you can eat! We also do homemade gelato and sorbet, so we’re looking at putting more tables and chairs outside for people to sit down and enjoy.”

Inside The City

The current revitalization project at Town & Country Village will only increase foot traffic, which the Higginses eagerly await. “As Town & Country becomes one of the go-to places in Arden Arcade again, so will Capital Confections,” Teresa says. For two people, however, it’s never not been the go-to place for treats of both the edible and educational variety. “Our daughters grew up here,” Craig says. “They would hide under the tables at bridal fairs or come in here after school and I’d help them do their homework—until they got smarter than me. That was such a luxury as a dad to be able to be with them and help them learn about business at the same time.” “Raising the kids here and being a family within our business and becoming well-known in Sacramento for doing great work has been one of our greatest joys,” Teresa says. Second only, maybe, to making a life-size chocolate leg.

Need a sweet something to make your senses sing? Head to Capital Confections at 2605 El Paseo Lane in Town & Country Village, or check out the online offerings at capitalconfections.com.

Making a State-Ment If you’ve ever looked into getting a job with the state of California, you know that the search process can be daunting. I have to take a test? What exactly is an Aging Programs Analyst II? And why doesn’t the website search include Retired Annuitant positions—whatever that means? It’s at a time like this that you could really use a helping hand. Enter Michelle Allen, who has not only been through the process herself on multiple occasions, but has made a career of helping people do the same. “I truly believe in the old adage, ‘Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats

Shop continued on page 22

DREAMERS. WELCOME. “I STARTED R. DOUGLAS CUSTOM CLOTHIER IN 2003 WITH THE IDEA THAT CUSTOM TAILORING COULD BE MODERN, AFFORDABLE, AND HIGH END.” RYAN HAMMONDS, R. DOUGLAS CUSTOM CLOTHIER See what other dreamers are doing:

dreamerswelcome.org October•2013

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Michelle Allen helps people find state jobs

Shop continued from page 21 for a lifetime,’ ” Allen says by phone. “I love teaching people how to fish.” According to Allen, there are currently 3,200 state job openings waiting to be filled, but wading through the requirements and registration is almost a full-time job in itself—something Allen knows firsthand. When she needed a job to help her husband afford law school in the 1960s, she turned to the state of California. Though it was technically in a hiring freeze, Allen found work with the Department of Education certifying teachers to beef up the Los Angeles Unified School District. After having two children and caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 49, Allen decided she wanted to rejoin the state’s workforce in the late 1990s. The only question was how.

“I’d been out of state service for over 20 years,” she recalls, “and nobody could tell me how to return to service. I ended up getting a job with the Employment Development Department and people would ask me, ‘How did you do that?’ I made it my business to find out how the system works so I could help others.” In 2005, Allen took over a class for the Learning Exchange entitled “How to Get a State Job.” Her class was so popular that people would ask her to help them outside of class hours. “People offered to pay me if I would help them one-on-one,” Allen says, “and I have this soft spot for teaching this subject. I want to educate you so you know what you can do to maximize your career. The key is to get your foot in the door. Then you’re free to move about the plane.” Allen consulted and continued teaching until 2008, when she retired from state service, but she still

Inside The City

provides pro-bono workshops for veterans and school job fairs. “I always say, ‘Find a need, then fill it,’ ” Allen says. “I’m so grateful for what my state has done for me, now I can help other people find—and fill— opportunities.” Go ask Allen: contact Michelle Allen directly at 457-1630 or go to michelleallencaliforniastatejobs.com.

The Brown House by Duffy Kelly

very now and then you meet someone who makes you feel you’ve known each other forever. If that has not happened to you yet, take a run into Brown House on H (at H and 54th streets) where shop owner Doris Pittell is in her 37th year selling high-end sportswear, dresses and jewelry to Sacramentans. Not only is she helping outfit Sacramento, her quick wit and nononsense wisdom invite you to sit on her chaise, eat a chocolate and share a little about your day. Next thing you know, you’ve made a friend you’ll want to visit whether you’re just passing by or whether you have to go out of your way to find her. Pittell’s Brown House on H is new to that location this year, but her shop is in its fourth decade. Pittell got her start in the clothing business in Land Park in 1977 when she and a girlfriend started a boutique from a private home. The house

October•2013

was brown. Hence the name: Brown House. After all these years and four location changes, the name has stuck. “In those days, two people who were not related could not have a checking account together,” she says. “So when my friend and I started a home business we had to give it a name for our checking account. Brown House it was!” In the beginning, Pittell was a stay-at-home, tennis-playing mom. She knew that women were required to wear tennis clothing when on the court and saw a need for more choices. So at first, her shop carried tennis clothing. It carried a few silk blouses back then as well. But one day there was an ominous knock at the door. “We were quite happy. But we were doing business as residents and it was against the law,” Pittell says. “The police came to the door and told us it was illegal. We didn’t need another warning, so we immediately rented office space at The Lanai near the Executive Airport.” After a year at that location, where the pair gradually increased their offerings to include sportswear and dresses, Brown House moved to Alhambra Boulevard and H Street, where they remained for seven years. Gradually, their merchandise grew to include designer clothing, dresses, evening wear, jewelry, bags, and

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23 A

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Shop continued from page 23 mother-of-the-bride/groom dresses, which they are well known for today. Pittell bought out her partner and stayed in business on her own, soon moving to Loehmann’s Plaza where her business continued to thrive. “As my life has evolved, so has my business,” she says. “In 36 years, a lot has changed. I started as a mom and a housewife and now I am a widow. When my husband, Bud Morris, died last fall, I knew it was time for a change, so I decided to bring Brown House back to East Sacramento. “It’s been amazing because a lot of my old customers from Alhambra and H are coming back. They didn’t want to cross over the H Street Bridge to get to Loehmann’s. I am actually seeing customers I didn’t see in 20 to 25 years, and I think all of my customers from the other side of the river have found their way over here.” This reporter suspected the reason her Arden area customers are following her to H Street has a

October•2013

lot to do with her clothing, but also something to do with Pittell herself, her welcoming comfy chaise, and how easy it is to tell her your life story. (She offers some great homespun advice, too. No charge!) “Don’t you think the reason customers follow you has something to do with how you make people feel so at home?” I ask. “I hope so!” Pittell responds. “This is my home—my home away from home—and people seem to come to visit me in my home. I have customers from out of town, Paris, wherever, who come back and sit a whole afternoon just chatting and catching up. They usually buy something.” Pittell isn’t afraid of much. Not downturns in the economy. Not the Internet. Not even telling me her age. “Everybody knows I’m 69. I let my hair go gray. I am who I am.” But shoppers, don’t let that gray hair fool you. This petite dynamo promises to be working every day for the next 10 years. “I have to. I am my pension!” Brown House is at 5379 H St. in East Sacramento. l

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Inside The City

IC N S II D E T O U Y R

Money Raisers Sacramento school district turns to philanthropists for help V CO H I O C O EL S S

By Jan Ferris Heenan

acramento Unified Education Foundation was created several years ago to support the Sacramento City Unified School District, and the fundraising tool is being revived in part to help the school system combat a costly and inconvenient insult: arson. Two playground fires were set on consecutive days earlier this summer, at Caroline Wenzel Elementary School in the Greenhaven-Pocket area and at South Sacramento’s John D. Sloat Elementary School near Freeport Boulevard and Meadowview Road. Law enforcement officials determined both were the result of arson, and an arrest has since been made.

Two playground fires were set on consecutive days earlier this summer. The two fires consumed most if not all of the play structures, and the school year started in early September without them. Sacramento Unified Education Foundation (formerly Kids First) has launched a donation drive to help offset the $50,000 insurance deductible for both campuses so that the money doesn’t have to come out of SCUSD’s general fund, said foundation president and Sacramento attorney Marty Carr.

October•2013

One of B Street Theatre's award-winning student plays, "C.I.A (Cosmeticians in Action)" written by Hailey Abraham of Marina Village Middle School in El Dorado Hills for Fantasy Festival XXV. Photo courtesy of Barry Wisdom.

Carr, schools superintendent Jonathan Raymond and other public officials accepted the first $4,000 in donations at a news conference at Wenzel Elementary School on the first day of classes. The donations included $1,000 apiece from Caroline Wenzel’s PTA; Rebuild McKinley, which led the reconstruction campaign for McKinley Park’s playground, destroyed in a July 2012 arson fire; $1,000 from SCUSD board of education vice president Darrel Woo; and $1,000 from City Councilmember Bonnie Pannell.

Additional monies have come in since, according to Carr. And while the focus is currently on the playground fires, he said he and other board members plan to heighten the foundation’s profile so that funds can be raised on an ongoing basis to help cover costs of before- and after-school programs and other district resources. “After-school programs are incredibly powerful in keeping kids out of trouble and keeping them on the right path. But there’s just not enough money for that sort of thing in today’s school budgets,” Carr said.

“We’re working hard to try to raise money, to be a vehicle that lets the Sacramento community be supportive in our schools in the same way that communities around the country are doing. “This is the start of something that should make a meaningful difference in the lives of Sacramento students for years and years to come.” The foundation balance was approximately $15,000 before the renewed fundraising efforts, Carr said. Once the all-volunteer group starts one-on-one appeals to

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community philanthropists and other donors, he expects the figure to rise. “My hope is that we’re going to run from the $6,000 we’ve made this month up past $60,000 really, really fast,” he said. To contribute, go to the Sacramento Unified Education Foundation’s Facebook page or send checks, made out to Sacramento Unified Education Foundation, to Sacramento Unified Education Foundation, P.O. Box 246353, Sacramento 95824.

B Street Hits the Road B Street Theatre is taking its shows on the road again to campuses across the region. The lineup this school year is part Dickensian and part medical science—the latter set to music in B Street’s trademark and inimitable style. The Sacramento-based theater company created by actor Timothy Busfield in 1986 has toured local schools throughout Northern

October•2013

California since its inception. The featured productions for this school year include a medley of pieces based on the works of Charles Dickens. The show, called “What the Dickens?,” will tour Nov. 4 through Dec. 20. B Street’s brief “Twelve Days of Christmas” spoof, an annual tradition, will be included at the end of each December show. “Medical Mayhem,” billed as “the history of medicine from leeches to lasers” and in musical form, will be performed between Jan. 13 and Feb. 28, followed by Fantasy Festival XXVIII, which showcases the works of student playwrights. The 28th annual Fantasy Festival will be performed at schools between March 17 and June 6. The five student plays will be selected from B Street’s annual contest for third- through eighth-graders. Schools pay $500 for a single show, $900 for two shows in one day and $1,300 for three shows in one day. Each accommodates a maximum of 450 children.

“We’re going to kids who would never have the opportunity to have arts exposure. This helps keep that arts culture alive,” said Alison Whismore, B Street’s school tour administrator. Buck Busfield, B Street’s artistic director, believes this year’s productions are a good mix of entertainment and education. “It’s one thing to entertain, but you do also want to affect people in a lasting way,” he said. “Some of the programs we do on the school tour are purely to introduce children to professional theater and wow them by showing them how inspirational it is. The other part is the teaching part.” For more information or to book a performance of the B Street Theatre School Tour, contact Alison Whismore at 442-5635. For contest rules or other information, go to bstreettheatre.org. Jan Ferris Heenan can be reached at jan@surewest.net. l

27 A

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Inside The City

Reaching Out to the Homeless Local group provides shoes, sandwiches and more

By Terry Kaufman Local Heroes

t’s amazing how a tiny seed can produce a mighty redwood. When Danielle

Williams held an outreach event for the homeless in 2011 as an assignment for her debate class at Sacramento City College, she could not have envisioned the forest that would sprout from that lone seed. She started by handing out two essential items—shoes and sandwiches—to the homeless. Two years later, her nonprofit group,

Danielle Williams' nonprofit group, Shoes & Sandwiches, provides food and clothing to the needy and operates a Midtown store that provides the funding for those efforts

Shoes & Sandwiches, provides food and clothing to the needy

volunteers, we pull from our team

and P streets. Donated clothing and

looking for quality goods. “We get a

and operates a Midtown store that

to provide people to fill the slots,”

other items are sorted, and the very

lot of foot traffic and word of mouth,”

provides the funding for those

says Williams. The group distributes

best items are reserved for the store.

says Williams. “We’ve evolved from

efforts.

clothing, shoes, hygiene products and

The profits go to fund community

an accidental stumble-upon shop to a

undergarments to those in need and

outreach.

destination. It’s really flattering and

“I wanted to do something for the homeless as a community member

provides blankets and sleeping bags to

at the street level,” says Williams,

those who regularly sleep outdoors.

“and that one outreach turned

The group achieves a lot with very

People can bring in unwanted

exciting.”

clothing and receive store credit,

With minors in administration

which makes it possible for those

of justice and corrections, Williams

into this organization. Now it has

few resources. “We can feed 400

on a tight budget to upgrade their

is a full-time pre-law student at UC

become a huge effort that benefits the

people on just $100,” says Williams.

wardrobes. The store takes items

Davis taking five classes a semester

community as a whole.”

“Philanthropy doesn’t have to be

that nobody wants and gives them a

and working part time District 3

expensive if you do it right.”

second chance at life by “upcycling,”

City Councilmember Steve Cohn.

or altering them to have greater

Her turf includes the river district,

S&S volunteers lend their time and their sweat to projects such as

Because it does not solicit money

American River Parkway cleanups

donations, the organization decided

value. It also serves as a showcase for

where many homeless camp. She is

and the McKinley Park playground

to raise money by recycling items

local artists.

also at The Firefly Exchange six days

rebuild. “If other organizations need

back into the community. In 2012, it opened The Firefly Exchange at 19th

October•2013

The store, which is open seven days a week, attracts serious shoppers

Heroes continued on page 31 Inside The City

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October•2013

29 A

Inside The City

St. Francis High School Presents

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Inside The City

Come Shop the Adventure!

Heroes continued on page 28 a week and runs S&S. How does she

get to the policy level, it will give me

do it? “Magic,” she laughs, adding,

a much broader impact. I know that

“A lot of people help, and we’re so

I’ll bring a perspective that other

well organized, we keep things really

people can’t, because I’ve been in the

simple and consistent.”

trenches. I’ve seen the homeless up

She has her sights set on a top-tier

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close.”

law school in another two years. “The

She continues, “It’s important

organization will have to run without

to remember why you decided to go

me,” she says. “That’s what this is all

into that world in the first place.

about: building a foundation so solid

There has to be a place for the

that I can step away and it will run

homeless. They have to be able to

itself.”

go somewhere.” Williams wants to

Williams foresees a time when

Come celebrate our 1st Year Anniversary Black Friday, November 29th at 11:00a.m.

bring about real change in how the

The Firefly Exchange will move to

homeless are treated. “There will be a

a bigger, or a second, location. She

window for me somewhere,” she says,

dreams of office space for S&S and of

“hopefully at the top.”

building more teams for community service and outreach. For herself, she sees a future in politics, perhaps at the city council level, where she can continue to touch the lives of

The Firefly Exchange is at 1910 P St. For more information about Shoes & Sandwiches, go to shoesandsandwiches.org.

the homeless. “There are so many different levels of outreach,” she says. “There’s the street level, which is

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October•2013

31 A

Inside The City

And Baby Makes Four For their growing family, a couple goes modern M

A T

By Julie Foster

n 2010, Eben and Paige Drucker and their daughter, Ellie, were living in a tiny Land Park house. With plans for a second baby, they knew they needed a larger home. They had already entered escrow on a twostory house when their real estate agent suggested they look at a 2,400-square-foot midcentury modern house in South Land Park. “We hadn’t considered the neighborhood, but when we saw the layout of the house, we knew it was perfect,” says Eben. “This house has a U-shaped flow, which works well when kids or friends are over.” The home’s original owner had recently installed a new roof and furnace and kept the home in great shape. It just needed updating for a young family. “We got to do all the fun stuff,” Eben explains. “We wanted to stay true to the house and not get too out of control,” says Paige. “But it was a typical remodel story where one thing leads to another.” Installing double-paned windows throughout the house was the first thing on the couple’s checklist. They boosted the home’s energy efficiency by removing one of the two water heaters and installing a recirculating pump on the second. They put a Murphy bed in Eben’s new office for overnight guests. Removing the dated carpeting revealed beautiful straightgrain white-oak floors.

October•2013

The Druckers found the perfect home in South Land Park

They gained additional space in the kitchen by pushing the door opening into the laundry/pantry area. A new 10-foot-wide sliding door in the dining room provided additional light and access to the backyard and pool area. Cleaning, staining, and sealing the concrete around the pool with a nonslip compound made the area safe for the small, wet feet of 4-year-old Ellie and her 10-month-old brother, Asher. Two pendant light fixtures from Lumens Light + Living add style to the commodious covered patio. The couple contemplated the idea of redoing the kitchen for some time. The floors were “funky” white

linoleum. The original cabinets were functional yet uninspiring. Because they planned on replacing them at some point, they experimented by painting them random colors, getting a feeling for what they wanted. All the appliances were old. Several of the electric stove’s coils didn’t work. “We were cooking with a toaster oven,” Eben says. The final straw came when the dishwasher malfunctioned and shot water across the kitchen. “We had talked about replacing just the appliances, but that would have meant we would have to run new lines to everything anyway,” Eben says. “We decided to just bite

off more than we could chew and do this.” Their design inspiration came from a photograph of leaf-patterned tile they saw in a Sunset kitchen magazine. The tile was created by Heath Ceramics in Sausalito in tandem with Dwell magazine. “Once we picked out the tile for the backsplash, all our ideas were built on that,” Eben says. The couple yo-yoed on the layout six times. “Paige was thinking about practicality and how a kitchen

Home continued on page 32 Inside The City

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Inside The City

Home continued from page 30

October•2013

should work with the traditional triangle shape and making it really functional for us as a family,” says Eben. “I was thinking about the aesthetic perspective. This was one of our major discussion points.” They settled on a simple, elegant Caesarstone-topped island, running nearly the length of the kitchen, as a stylish yet informal place for congregating. The couple wanted a playful feel for the cabinets that would work with the rest of the house, rather than a hard-edged, industrial look. The straight-grain whiteoak cabinet frames match the flooring, and the door and drawer colors complement the Heath tile backsplash. The cabinet pulls

Inside The City

7. 4.

1 & 2. The remodeled kitchen is open and light and offers views of both the front and back. 3. The living room is cozy and comfortable, perfect for spending time with family and friends. 4. The dining room is large enough for a big crowd, but also the right size for a more intimate gathering. 5. Built-ins keep this den neat and organized while offering storage and room to display collections. 6. Homeowners Paige and Eben Drucker. 6.

7. Outdoor living space at its best.

and the light over the island, a custom design by Rob Zinn of blankblank in Clarksburg, were powder-coated to ensure a perfect match. “This is a great way to take hardware and make it custom,” says Eben. The couple worked with Kevin Frederick of the local firm Hoosier Home Improvement; Popp Littrell Architecture & Interiors provided design help. “The three- month process went incredibly well,” Eben says. “We are so happy. There isn’t a single thing we would change.” I would like to thank Gretchen Sternberg for help with this story. If you know of a home you think should be featured in Inside Publications, contact Julie Foster at foster.julie91@yahoo.com. l

October•2013

Inside The City

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Inside The City

Under the Influence How drunk should drivers be? T

By Walt Seifert

mericans seem to have a unique and puzzling tolerance for vehicular death caused by impaired drivers. Drivers in America are willing to share the road with drivers who are distracted, medicated, high, sleepy, reckless and drunk. People say they are very concerned about these behaviors but often engage in them themselves. The public applies little pressure on politicians to pass legislation that would make drivers safer. It’s absolutely certain that thousands upon thousands of lives could be saved every year if all drivers were fully alert and engaged. During the decade-plus of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, 5,087 U.S. service members lost their lives in hostile action. In that same time, about 140,000 U.S. citizens were killed in alcohol-related driving crashes. Currently, about 10,000 Americans die in automobile crashes caused by alcohol-impaired drivers each year. According to the National Traffic Safety Board, in 2011 alone another 173,000 people received nonfatal injuries in alcohol-involved crashes. More than 27,000 suffered incapacitating injuries. A study of 2006 data estimated the annual economic costs of these crashes to be $129.7 billion. The emotional costs of the deaths and injuries are incalculable. In May of this year, the NTSB recommended a number of actions to reduce the toll of drunk driving.

October•2013

A central recommendation was for all states to reduce the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit from .08 to .05. BAC is the percentage of alcohol in the blood. The NTSB estimates the lower BAC limit would save 500 to 800 lives a year. BAC depends on gender, weight, time, food consumption and other factors. It typically takes the average 195-pound U.S. male three drinks to reach a BAC of .05. For the average woman (166 pounds), it takes two drinks. The United States has one of the highest BAC limits in the world. More than 100 nations have a BAC limit of .05 or less. The European Union adopted a BAC of .05 as one of its measures to reduce traffic fatalities by half and successfully reached its goal.

Some drivers are impaired with a BAC as low as .01. Regrettably, and perhaps predictably, the “beverage” industry response was that the recommendation was “ludicrous.” Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute said, “Moving from 0.08 to 0.05 would criminalize perfectly responsible behavior.” Apparently driving fatalities are OK, but the possibility of reduced alcohol sales is not. Industry worries about income loss are probably misplaced. The French still drink wine and the Germans still drink beer. Scandinavians, Spaniards,

the Dutch and Italians are all known to imbibe. The NTSB notes that alcohol consumption in Europe declined little after the new BAC limit was in place while road deaths decreased dramatically. Research has shown that some drivers are impaired with a BAC as low as .01. While individuals may be affected differently, there’s no question that impairment and crash risks increase as alcohol in the blood increases. Alcohol consumption increases reaction time, degrades judgment and makes drivers less vigilant and less likely to use a seatbelt. As a result, most countries in the world find the risk of having drivers with a BAC higher than .05 to be unacceptable. Just as it’s not wise to drive after drinking, it’s not smart to bike while tipsy. Though inebriated bicyclists primarily endanger themselves and not other road users, they always need their wits about them. While there are pub crawls by bike, biking is not the best alternative to avoid a crash or a DUI ticket. It’s better to walk, take public transit or have

a designated driver. Those are the ways Europeans avoid what can be enormous fines and prison terms for drunk driving. The NTSB recommendation is just that: a recommendation. The NTSB has no regulatory authority. The last time it recommended a lowering of the BAC, from .10 to .08, it took all 50 states more than 20 years to adopt the recommended limit through legislation. For the sake of us all, I hope a lower BAC limit can be put in place in California (where there were 774 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2010) quickly. We shouldn’t have to wait 20 years to prevent needless carnage. Walt Seifert is a bicyclist, driver and transportation writer. He can be reached at bikeguy@surewest.net. l

Inside The City

They Meet To Eat This group’s members love to cook food and talk about it

By Gwen Schoen The Club Life

here are all sorts of foodies. There are the Slow Food folks who focus on preserving heritage foods, the locavores who strive to eat only things grown within their region and the Farm-to-Fork groupies who hunger to know the origin of their food. Add the vegans and the vegetarians, mix them all together in a big bowl and out comes Vira Eison-Hughes, a true foodie who loves it all. At her office job at Morgan Stanley financial services, she’s the first one to jump up and volunteer whenever there’s an event or party that needs planning. “I just love event planning, cooking, learning about food and trying new recipes and techniques,” she said. She dreams of owning her own restaurant or catering business one day, and she has taken classes at culinary schools in hopes of making it all happen. Until then, she is happy to organize the Elk Grove Epicurious club, which held its first meeting last August. “I wanted to meet other people who get excited about discovering new

October•2013

Elk Grove Epicurious members share meals and their passion for food

spices, foods and flavors and are open to exploring new cultures through food,” says Eison-Hughes. She posted an invitation on the Meetup website and instantly 18 people joined. Their first meeting was held at LuLu’s Kitchen in Sacramento. Eison-Hughes invited chef Annicette Benson to teach the group how to make Belgianstyle frites, which are similar to French fries but with a crunchy crust. The meeting was a great success. For the group’s second meeting in September, they decided to have

a potluck at Eison-Hughes’ home in Elk Grove. The theme was traditional German cuisine. Each member brought a dish to share including German-style Brussels sprouts, Bavarian sauerkraut, schneller rotkohl (red cabbage), wiener schnitzel, potato dumplings, himmel und erde (mashed potatoes and apples) and Black Forest cake. Before serving, everyone talked briefly about the dish they had prepared, the challenges of finding recipes and appropriate ingredients along with

the difficulty of preparation. Sticking with the evening’s theme, EisonHughes’ husband, Charles, served German wine, beer and mineral water. Personally, I thought they were a brave bunch since one of the members is Helmut Kopleck, a retired chef trained in Düsseldorf who worked at Four Seasons Hotel in New York and had once owned his own German

Club continued on page 41 Inside The City

ARTober is a month-long celebration of the arts that puts a spotlight on the talent and creativity of artists throughout the region. As part of National Arts & Humanities Month, the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC), the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB), Sacramento365.com, and For Arts’ Sake (FAS) collaborate to bring attention to over 150 art events taking place during the month of October. Throughout the month the public can experience and participate in art events, performances, and free family activities including exhibitions, poetry slams, art festivals, concerts, musicals, and plays.

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Inside The City

Octoberâ&#x20AC;˘2013

Inside The City

You’re unique.

Your community should match.

Club continued from page 38 restaurant in Palo Alto. Koplek’s dish was beef rouladen, thin slices of beef rolled around dill pickles, then braised in a thick sauce. I was skeptical, but it was actually quite tasty. Once everyone was served and settled around a big table on the Hugheses’ patio, the real meeting began. There was lots of talk about preparation techniques and flavors. “I had a challenge making the potato dish,” said Eison-Hughes. “The recipe said to season to taste. But since I didn’t know what it was supposed to taste like, I had no idea.” Teri Lewis had problems figuring out how to run noodles through a grater because she didn’t have one that seemed the appropriate size. “I ended up forcing the dough through my colander and that seemed to work,” she noted. Looking at Charles Hughes’ clean plate, I asked him how he liked the beef rouladen. “It was very good,” he said. When asked how he liked the

October•2013

combination of beef with a dill pickle, he looked a tad confused. “Pickle? I must have liked it because it’s gone,” he said with a laugh. Next month, the group will focus on Asian cuisines, specializing in salads. After that, chef Koplek will teach them how to bone and roast a turkey. “We’d really like to stay small enough to continue meeting in members’ homes,” said EisonHughes. “We like the idea of having potlucks and cooking together, but we’ll just have to see how it goes.” One thing they do need to figure out is who does the dishes. For now, Charles Hughes has stepped up to the sink. He doesn’t seem to mind, as long as he is well fed. With this group, that’s certainly not a problem. For more information about Elk Grove Epicurious, go to meetup.com and search for Elk Grove Epicurious. If you know of an interesting club in the area, contact Gwen Schoen at gwensclubs@aol.com. l

Why are there so many smiling faces at Eskaton Village Carmichael? Because we offer more variety than any other community in the area. From cuisine to culture, and classes to clubs, our residents create a vibrant atmosphere designed to support each person’s specific interests, passions and goals. It’s more than a lifestyle. It’s your plan for happiness. Come for a visit and see the difference Eskaton Village Carmichael can make for you.

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Inside The City

M E E T

Y O U R

Big Names He brings former presidents and other notables to Sacramento N E I G H B O R S

By Terry Kaufman

Condoleezza Rice that was “absolutely magical,” Tom Brokaw’s “amazing” storytelling, and a Q&A with Bill Clinton. “It was really something to

or the past nine years, Sacramentans have had the opportunity to hear worldclass speakers, including former heads of state, renowned scholars, big-name scientists and other game changers, at Sacramento Community Center Theater. That our city can play host to such big names is thanks, in part, to the vision and dedication of local attorney Mitchell Ostwald.

see how he would listen to a question, then take you on a journey that ended up back at the question.” Although most major cities host speakers series, Sacramento’s ranks near the top. “It’s the quality and the depth of our offering,” says Ostwald. “We bring in speakers on politics, health and wellness, global issues, writers, journalists. Patrons are engaged, and they appreciate how the series is put together, the mix and

"We shouldn’t have to drive to San Francisco to see important things. We should be able to have them right here.” Ostwald signed up as a patron of the

the quality.” He notes that subscriber input is invited so that the series can be tailored to patrons’ interests. “The series belongs to the patrons,” he says. “I’m just the facilitator.”

Mitchell Ostwald with former president Bill Clinton, who was a guest speaker at the Sacramento Speaker Series

audience question-and-answer session

The 2012-2013 series, the first one completely under Ostwald’s

moderated by local news anchor

administration, ended on a highly

Kelly Brothers. The results are often

As sponsor of the Sacramento Speakers Series, he has enabled members of our local community to rub shoulders with giants.

successful note in April, and the

surprising. “The speakers are very

Sacramento Speakers Series several

roster for 2013-2014 has been

open because they know that they’re

years back and became friends with

announced. Subscribers will hear

not being taped,” Ostwald explains.

the series founder, Andy Eppinger.

such eminent speakers as Apple

“They inspire us, but we have an

When he learned at the end of the

Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak,

influence on their way of looking at

2010-2011 season that Eppinger

former head of the Joint Chiefs of

things. Many of them are from the

planned to end the series, Ostwald

Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and

Washington Beltway, and they see

Ostwald juggles the Sacramento

felt compelled to step in. “This was at

the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina

that every seat is full and they hear

Speakers Series with his day job as a

a point in time when everything was

Garten. “Our tagline is ‘Big Names

our interests and our concerns. You

lawyer who handles general business

closing in Sacramento,” he says, “and

Are Coming,’” says Ostwald, “and

can see how interested they are in

matters, plaintiffs’ issues, estate

I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to let

these are all big names.”

what’s going on in Sacramento.”

planning and investor rights. “It was

one more thing close.’” He took over management of the speakers series and

Ostwald recalls some particularly

The format consists of an hour-long speech followed by an

wonderful moments: a Q&A with

definitely a learning curve when I took on the speakers series,” he says.

has breathed new life into it.

October•2013

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“Both require my time, and I had to

community to rub shoulders with

work on time management issues.”

giants.

To further complicate matters, he

“The speakers series is really great

wears yet another hat as a farmer

for our city,” says Ostwald. “For a

in the Central Valley. “My dad had

city to thrive, it has to have things

a small investment in a pistachio

for people to do locally. We shouldn’t

farm, and he asked me if I would be

have to drive to San Francisco to see

interested in it. I discovered that I

important things. We should be able

really liked it.” Today, he has his

to have them right here.” He notes

own pistachio farm and regularly

that, in addition to being stimulating

travels to Madera County to oversee

for the mind, the speakers series

its operations. Ostwald points out

makes for a great date night. “The

while that pistachios weren’t even

restaurants are full on speaker nights.

grown in California until the 1970s,

There is a lot more interaction,” he

today California is the world’s largest

says.

producer. “They’re great to eat, and they’re really good for you,” he says. There is symmetry to Ostwald’s

3001 P St. Sacramento, CA

“It’s important for the fabric of our community to have big names come to our city,” says Ostwald. “I led with

various business interests. As a

my heart when I decided to take this

lawyer for almost three decades, he

on. I said, ‘I’m making a stand. This is

has dedicated himself to supporting

one more thing that isn’t closing.’”

local businesses. As a farmer, he has helped to strengthen the backbone of California’s economy. As sponsor of the Sacramento Speakers Series, he has enabled members of our local

October•2013

For more information about the 2013-2014 Sacramento Speakers Series or to purchase series subscriptions, go to sacramentospeakers.com. l

Inside The City

A Dollar a Vote Man, woman and student of the year raise money for leukemia society

By Gloria Glyer Doing Good

hen an organization has a successful fundraiser, what’s next? A bigger and better fundraiser, of course. Take The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year, it raised $389,000 through its Man, Woman & Student of the Year campaign. The group hopes to raise $450,000 in 2014. Participants vie for the title by raising money for the group. Each dollar raised counts as a vote. This year’s winners were Pat Henry, Hanson McClain Advisors (man of the year); Gloria Torres, Cup With Love (woman of

the year); Walker Durant, Jesuit High School, and Cody Barnes, Elk Grove High School (students of the year). Campaign manager Jennifer Pear has already started work on the 2014 campaign. (You have to start early when the goal has been upped significantly.) Interested candidates should contact Pear. For more information, call 929-4720 or go to lls. org. The society is forming a junior board of youth and young adults. Board members will raise money and advocate on behalf of LLS. To join the board, you must be between the ages of 13 and 22. For more information, contact Pear.

Scholarships and More The Sacramento chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships over the past 12 years. The group will hold its next fundraiser, the Women of Excellence awards lunch, on Saturday, Nov.

23, at the Sacramento DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Political columnist and MSNBC host Joy Ann Reid will give the keynote address. For more information, call 888-722-6229 or go to sacncbw.org. Sacramento Life Center, which offers resources and free medical services to women facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy, will hold a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Hyatt Regency. The theme of the dinner and auction is Salute Life. For more information, go to saclife.org.

Shooting for a Good Cause HomeAid Sacramento, which builds and renovates transitional housing facilities for homeless people, raised $85,000 at its annual trap shoot in August, held at Coon Creek Trap & Skeet Club in Lincoln. More than 450 people attended the sold-out event. Team winners were Production Framing (first place); Ames-Grenz Insurance Services (second); and

Carson Homes (third). Next year’s trap shoot will take place on Aug. 22. For more information, call 751-2746 or go to homeaidsac.org.

And Shopping for Another Good Cause Los Niños Service League, which raises funds for Sacramento Children’s Home, will operate a gift boutique on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at Casa Garden Restaurant. Called Gala at the Garden, the event will offer the opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. There will be an opening-night party from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25. Tickets are $25. The boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. Admission is free. Casa Garden Restaurant is at 2760 Sutterville Road. For tickets and more information, call 452-2809 or go to casagardenrestaurant.org.

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Teatime With Teddy Teddy bears will be busy this holiday season. At least two teddy bear tea parties will be held, with proceeds earmarked for nonprofits. Friends of the Sacramento Crisis Nurseries will sponsor a teddy bear tea on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Del Paso Country Club. There will be music, dancing, magic and a visit by Teddy and friends, plus food: childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style for the young set, high tea for the older. Each child will go home with a teddy bear. Tickets are $50 for children, $65 for adults. For more information, call 452-3981 or go to kidshome.org. Roseville Home Start will hold its teddy bear tea on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Flower Farm in Loomis. New teddies will be distributed at the tea, which will include age-appropriate refreshments, performances from â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nutcrackerâ&#x20AC;? ballet, a holiday raffle and more. Roseville Head Start provides programs for homeless families. Tickets are $30 for children 12 and

Octoberâ&#x20AC;˘2013

younger, $45 for adults. For more information, call 782-6667 or go to rosevillehomestart.org.

Artistic Honors Kingsley Art Club, founded in 1892 to promote art knowledge and appreciation, recently presented $500 merit awards to deserving art students from area community colleges. The 2013 merit winners, chosen by the college faculty, were Nancy Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Berg-Jennings (American River College); Frank Mendosa (Cosumnes River College); Kelsey Bowen (Sierra College); Kiere Paris (Sacramento City College); Brian Perry (Folsom Lake College); and Kristine Wheeler (Yuba College). For more information about Kingsley and its monthly programs, field trips and future events, go to kingsleyartclub. org.

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California to help support Woodland Community Optionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; adult day programs and Yolo County Family Respite Service for those with developmental disabilities. The fund is the philanthropic branch of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The California Wellness Foundation gave $100,000 to Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empowerment to fund health programs for homeless women and their children. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empowerment also received a $10,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente for its wellness and recovery substance abuse education and support programs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women and children who are homeless have numerous health needs,â&#x20AC;? said executive director Lisa Culp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are grateful to the Wellness Foundation and Kaiser for recognizing these important needs that are often barriers to women finding jobs so they can support their families.â&#x20AC;?

Grants

All Aboard Fairytale Town recently installed a charming new play structure inspired by the classic book â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Little Engine That Could.â&#x20AC;? Local artist Shane Grammer designed and fabricated the new feature, which includes an engine, train car and caboose for young children to climb on. The structure was made possible through gifts from the Ken Stieger family, William A. Brown Jr., Raleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Otto Construction and Lionakis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Little Engine That Couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reminds us that seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished with a positive attitude and hard work,â&#x20AC;? said Fairytale Town executive director Kathy Fleming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And that message deserves to live on in the minds and imaginations of children in our region.â&#x20AC;? For more information, go to fairytaletown.org. Gloria Glyer can be reached at gglyer@sbbmail.com. l

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund recently gave a $32,370 grant to

Inside The City

The Fifth Season October is a time of renewal in the garden J

By Anita Clevenger

eople who live in colder climates often say that they prefer to live where there are four seasons. California is reputed to have just two. We are the land of extremes: wet and dry; brown and green; fire and flood. Gardeners know that Sacramento does indeed have spring, summer, fall and winter. Our change of seasons is more subtle than in lands that are frozen and brown from November until April. The seasonal changes happen on a different schedule that is influenced from year to year by rain. California also has a unique time when native plant life seems suspended. Judith Larner Lowry, in her book “The Landscaping Ideas of Jays,” says that the period between summer and fall is a fifth season. Plants are in a holding pattern, waiting for rain to push new growth. Seeds that have scattered on the ground are ready to germinate. Shrubs and trees are poised to send out new roots. Brown grass will soon turn green. Lowry says that people who arrived in California in the spring were “generally delighted with the place,” while summer and fall newcomers were not thrilled by the dry brown hills. That was certainly my experience. Sacramento seemed like a tropical paradise when I moved here from Ohio at the end of March more than 30 years ago. I watched in dismay later that spring and summer as everything that wasn’t irrigated artificially seemed to die. Then, in late autumn, the hills came back to life.

October•2013

The plants weren’t dead. They were simply waiting. People who learned to garden where rain and snow fall throughout the year and where ground freezes hard, or who rely on books written for other parts of the world, have to forget the idea that this is the time of year of final harvest and putting the garden to bed for the winter. For us, October is a time of renewed energy. Fall’s time of renewal is ideal planting time. During the fifth season, the ground is still warm and

welcoming, but the days are cooler and shorter. Plants that are irrigated or rained upon will establish good root systems before next year’s parching heat. It’s ironic that some nurseries have already reduced their plant inventories in preparation for the holidays when people should be clamoring to buy plants. If you can’t find what you need, there are a few opportunities to buy plants well suited for our climate. The UC Davis Arboretum will hold two plant sales in October. The

first is Saturday, Oct. 5. There is a special members-only sale from 9 to 11 a.m., and the public is welcome from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale on Sunday, Oct. 20, is open to the public. Members get a 10 percent discount, and new members get an additional $10 coupon. The arboretum has developed a list of 100 Valley AllStars. This selection of perennials, grasses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines provides relatively easy, water-efficient beauty in Sacramento Valley conditions. You can see many of them in the arboretum’s gardens and in the water-efficient landscape at Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. Many of the arboretum all-stars are natives of California, but others are from Mediterranean climates throughout the world. Another valley source for terrific perennials and herbs is Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville. Elk Grove’s Cornflower Farms offers native plants, and will be open for retail sales on Saturday, Oct 12. There is still time in October to start a winter vegetable garden. This is a good time to plant trendy kale and other nutritious greens, leeks, onions and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Check the Sacramento County Master Gardeners’ Gardening Guide and Calendar for information about the best times to set out plants or directly sow seeds. Will ample rains come this year? A surprise rainstorm passed through on Labor Day. Only a 10th of an inch was recorded, but it cleared the air, freshened the foliage, awoke some seeds and made us hope that it was a sign of a wet winter. This rainfall wasn’t unusual. We average a third

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B U I L D I N G

Thinking Outside the Box Smart development is the goal for local Urban Land Institute O U R

F U T U R E

By Jan Ferris Heenan

he Urban Land Institute got its start in 1936 as the National Real Estate Foundation for Practical Research and Education, and its mission has remained fairly constant for 77 years: to help create better places for people to live and work. Members of the organization’s Sacramento District Council put that credo to use locally, on development projects ranging from the Broadway corridor south of the state Capitol to revitalization efforts in downtown Roseville. “We look to create forums in regards to real estate that allow for an open exchange of ideas and information, (and the) ability to talk about best practices among industry leaders and policymakers,” explained Gladys Cornell, principal of AIM Consulting and chair since July of ULI’s Sacramento District Council. The district council boasts more than 300 members, a mix of developers, real estate agents, urban planners, economic development specialists and others from both the public and private sector. Its agenda is a busy and varied one, with subgroups of members dedicated to studying infrastructure needs, transit planning and other elements of local development in addition to the needs of specific geographic areas. The Sacramento district recently received funding from the national Urban Land Institute to create a vision for downtown Sacramento as the possibility of a new sports arena

October•2013

Gladys Cornell, principal of AIM Consulting and chair of ULI’s Sacramento District Council

takes shape. “Our district council is really aggressive about going after grant dollars so we can work on cool projects,” Cornell said. “In this case, we are looking at the public

spaces around the entertainment and sports center, and how to … make sure that everything fits in the context of the downtown core and

maximize the public spaces for the community.” The district council recently helped lead a similar study of Broadway, the commercial corridor that runs from north of Land Park into Oak Park. It undertook the endeavor in conjunction with the Greater Broadway Partnership. Business owners met with ULI members, city planners and others, coming up with a host of recommendations such as tree plantings, public art, outdoor restaurant seating and a plan to make the thoroughfare more pedestrianand bike-friendly. “We create a really good report, almost a how-to manual that an agency or whoever we’re working with can look to implement,” said Cornell, whose firm specializes in public engagement services. The district council also conducted a study, funded by the land institute, of the 240-acre Sacramento railyards. A panel of urban designers and planners from across the country, along with a local host team handpicked by Mayor Kevin Johnson, spent several days touring the site, then issued recommendations a year ago. Chief among the suggestions: that the city consider a transit district as opposed to a single facility, build complete neighborhoods instead of isolated projects and create a strong open-space network and do so in phases. “With the railyards effort, even though the arena part went away, the city is looking at a lot of the other recommendations that were made,” Cornell said.

Inside The City

Fine Old Neighborhoods...Fine Old Homes ng

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October•2013

Even though development slowed during the recession, the economic downturn allowed both ULI members and their public-sector allies to spend time on what Cornell calls “creative thinking,” such as how to continue with infill development now that local redevelopment agencies—a common funding mechanism for decades—have been dismantled. For general information on the Urban Land Institute’s Sacramento District Council, go to sacramento. uli.org. Upcoming events include an October “think tank” on West Sacramento’s Bridge District and a December forum on the proposed 328home McKinley Village project in East Sacramento. The council will host its inaugural Vision Honors dinner at The Citizen Hotel on Thursday, Oct. 17. For more information, contact Mary Sater at 853-7401 or mary. sater@uli.org.

1649 9th Avenue Very nice home on a shady, treelined street in the heart of Land Park! 3 bedrooms, 2 great tiled baths, 1570 sqft, hardwood ﬂoors, ﬁreplace, formal dining room, CH&A, tankless water heater, french doors to a covered patio & lush private yard with fruit trees.... $525,000

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In September, ULI members were expected to meet with Sacramento Municipal Utility District officials to weigh in on SMUD’s redevelopment plans around its 59th Street headquarters. Other initiatives include a possible forum with the city of Roseville as it continues its efforts to revitalize its historic downtown, and similar dialogues in Rancho Cordova and Folsom, Cornell said. In the meantime, Sacramento— particularly Midtown and downtown—has kept the district council busy as the city has evolved in recent decades. Cornell acknowledged that Sacramento is far from the same place she knew as a college student several years ago. “Just from a development perspective, the condos and the lofts, it’s bringing kind of a 24/7, seven-days-a-week livelihood to downtown and Midtown, and yet still working at preserving the great neighborhoods that are around here as well, and really trying to find that balance,” she said.

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Inside The City

Noses for Crime A writer’s real dogs inspire fictional ones

ability is second only to that of the bloodhound, would make the perfect sidekick for my human sleuth, Elsie “Beanie” MacBean, and be easier to follow on steep Tahoe trails. Unlike their taller hound ancestors, which ran with hunters riding horseback, the short-legged basset was specially bred in France to be followed on foot when out on the hunt. It was

By Sue Owens Wright

the Marquis de Lafayette who

Pets & Their People

introduced the basset hound to America, as a gift to President George Washington after the American Revolution.

hen a writer and lifelong

In my first book, “Howling Bloody

dog lover has been owned

Murder,” Cruiser sniffs out the

by a barker’s dozen of

first victim while he and Beanie are

dogs, it’s reasonable to assume

walking along the Tahoe Rim Trail.

that they might end up being

He’s been helping Beanie track bad

written about. If that person is

guys (and gals) at Lake Tahoe ever

also a mystery author, one of her

since. Cruiser also offers some comic

dogs might end up as a character

relief in these tales of murder and

in a book, like Cruiser the canine

mayhem in the High Sierra. My own

sleuth in my Beanie and Cruiser

dogs have never failed to provide me

amusing or remarkable that finds

I was shocked! So was the paramedic.

Mystery Series. I decided the basset

with endless material for my books.

its way into the plot. Fictional dog

Bubba wasn’t about to let that guy

hound breed, whose keen scenting

They are always doing something

Cruiser is most like my first male

take his mom away. Who’d ever have

basset hound, Bubba Gump. Bubba

thought a funny-looking basset could

was a great dog and lived 14 years,

be such a fierce guard dog? Bubba was

which is pretty old for a basset. Like

a wonderful, protective companion

Cruiser, he loved running along

to me, just as Cruiser is for Beanie,

the shores of Lake Tahoe, ears and

a widow who lives alone in her

jowls flapping in the breeze. He liked

mountain cabin.

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October•2013

Steve Demetre featured in SHOPTALK 11-09

to play Frisbee with a mini bagel

In my latest mystery, “Braced for

and could fling it like a Wham-O

Murder,” I introduce another canine

master clear across a room. Bubba

character to the series. Calamity,

became Cruiser in my mind, fun and

a female basset, is Cruiser’s new

easygoing but always ready to defend

partner in crime. Calamity is aptly

his territory or his mistress if need

named because she’s the polar

be. Bubba once chased a paramedic

opposite of Cruiser. She’s trouble with

and ripped the seat of his pants as he Cont. Lic. #874165

leapt to safety over our picket fence.

Pets continued on page 51 Inside The City

Octoberâ&#x20AC;˘2013

Inside The City

Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Sales Closed May 24 - June 13, 2013 95608 CARMICHAEL

5225 ROBERTSON 3110 STEINBRENNER CT 3929 OAK VILLA CIR 5525 KENNETH AVE 2645 NAPOLI CT 2617 CALIFORNIA AVE 6133 MARWICK WAY 2417 GUNN RD 5049 BOWMAN OAKS WAY 1242 JACOB LN 6032 ROSWITHA CT 6030 ELLERSLEE DR 1236 LANTERN CT 4605 STOLLWOOD DR 6125 VAN ALSTINE AVE 6312 RAMPART DR 2009 CLAREMONT RD 3020 WHITEWOOD DR 6430 SANDSTONE ST 2101 ERIC RD 4367 VIRGUSELL CIR 5405 KENNETH AVE 47 RIVERBANK PL 3716 HOLLISTER AVE 1217 MEREDITH WAY 1420 MENDOTA WAY 5107 OLEANDER 4905 SAINT LYNN LN 6372 MARKLEY 2200 MARYWOOD CT 4714 OAKSHIRE CT 5341 GREELEY WAY 4436 JAN DR 3145 OAK CLIFF CIR 4030 POPPLETON WAY 6232 TAMI WAY 6221 TEMPLETON 6454 TEMPLETON DR 6230 VERNON WAY 4750 TALUS WAY 6633 STANLEY AVE 3338 PARKS LN 5822 SHARPS CIR 5907 OAK AVE 4702 ELI CT 5216 MARIONE DR 5638 VEGA CT 5117 KOVANDA AVE 4801 WHITNEY AVE 4921 KEANE DR 5246 MISSION VIEW CT 2952 PANAMA AVE 1741 CARMELO DR 1607 ELSDON CIR 5438 EDGERLY 6036 HOLETON RD 6609 HOLMES LN 2319 FALLWATER LN 5541 ENGLE RD

$230,000 $350,000 $130,000 $250,000 $470,000 $424,000 $229,900 $83,000 $221,000 $433,500 $310,000 $130,000 $490,000 $425,000 $790,000 $240,000 $720,000 $455,000 $275,000 $245,000 $395,000 $357,000 $480,000 $429,000 $390,000 $408,000 $206,000 $200,000 $210,000 $800,000 $315,000 $250,000 $342,000 $924,000 $445,000 $160,000 $250,000 $90,000 $680,000 $258,000 $800,000 $239,900 $200,000 $410,000 $112,500 $500,000 $250,000 $179,000 $244,000 $815,000 $305,000 $207,000 $540,000 $592,500 $207,500 $172,000 $355,000 $215,000 $382,500

95816 EAST SAC, MCKINLEY PARK

2727 G ST 1015 SANTA YNEZ WAY 2111 D ST 3615 MCKINLEY BLVD 592 SANTA YNEZ WAY 2530 O ST 1532 37TH ST 2612 D ST 1525 37TH ST 310 36TH WAY

$250,000 $503,000 $500,000 $637,000 $535,000 $488,000 $1,100,000 $486,500 $1,129,950 $542,500

95817 TAHOE PARK, ELMHURST 2537 37TH ST 3908 1ST AVE 3260 SAN JOSE WAY 3516 6TH AVE 3540 43RD ST 5524 V ST

October•2013

$166,000 $210,000 $75,000 $25,000 $83,000 $391,000

5124 T ST 3265 11TH AVE 4049 11TH AVE 2768 42ND ST 3135 43RD ST 3217 40TH ST 3423 TRIO LN 3419 TRIO LN 3433 6TH AVE 6255 3RD AVE 4047 2ND AVE 4723 U ST 3333 37TH ST 3941 DOWNEY WAY

$552,000 $225,000 $75,000 $131,000 $99,900 $68,000 $245,816 $242,636 $141,000 $250,000 $221,775 $415,000 $70,000 $317,000

95818 LAND PARK, CURTIS PARK 572 SWANSTON DR 1954 7TH AVE 3008 FRANKLIN BLVD 1086 PERKINS WAY 1820 BEVERLY WAY 606 DUDLEY WAY 821 U ST 2567 16TH ST 2505 U ST 581 6TH AVE 2551 27TH ST 2730 11TH AVE 2690 MARTY WAY 1932 MARKHAM WAY 2149 6TH AVE 2527 FREEPORT BLVD 308 V ST 2603 16TH ST 1841 MARKHAM WAY 2009 U ST 2700 21ST ST 1341 MARIAN WAY 1844 2ND AVE 1836 LARKIN WAY 1812 LARKIN WAY 1732 BIDWELL WAY 2625 16TH ST 2721 23RD ST 1757 VALLEJO

$442,500 $533,000 $265,000 $355,000 $300,000 $298,000 $315,000 $280,000 $225,000 $280,000 $255,000 $400,000 $599,900 $300,000 $339,000 $270,000 $545,000 $285,000 $325,400 $636,668 $455,000 $485,300 $399,000 $332,500 $320,000 $349,000 $415,000 $350,000 $342,500

95819 EAST SAC, RIVER PARK

1566 52ND ST 941 MISSION WAY 5450 CARLSON DR 47 LUPINE WAY 5124 T ST 410 MESSINA DR 5339 STATE AVE 5236 F ST 3830 BREUNER AVE 5014 TEICHERT AVE 5460 CARLSON DR 1910 49TH ST 5343 STATE AVE 809 43RD ST 324 41ST ST 5317 T ST. ST 668 54TH ST 1900 46TH ST 4723 U ST 424 40TH ST 1641 42ND ST 1146 48TH ST 5400 S ST 1461 51ST ST 1717 47TH ST 4600 FREEMAN WAY 5361 MODDISON AVE

95821 ARDEN-ARCADE 2836 ALAMITOS WAY 2901 TIOGA WAY 3009 HOWE AVE 3000 CLAIRIDGE OAK CT

$421,000 $769,900 $315,000 $585,000 $552,000 $449,000 $390,000 $320,000 $300,000 $395,000 $445,000 $459,000 $370,000 $420,000 $789,000 $419,900 $498,500 $356,000 $415,000 $350,000 $350,000 $230,000 $380,000 $392,500 $305,000 $319,900 $460,000 $235,000 $555,000 $90,000 $450,000

3445 LERWICK RD 2801 ASHBOURNE DR 3341 HARMONY LN 2565 ROMANY RD 2833 AVALON DR 3113 CLAIRIDGE WAY 3435 BRAEBURN ST 2816 LACY LN 2809 MORSE AVE 3508 NORRIS AVE 4026 CUEVAS 4424 MARLEY DR 2418 TOWN CIR 4149 WHITNEY AVE 4308 MARLEY DR 2377 RAINBOW AVE 2385 TYROLEAN WAY 2601 DANUBE DR 4408 PARK GREEN CT 2916 TIOGA WAY 3638 FRENCH AVE 3560 WEST WAY 2021 KATHRYN WAY 2505 DUARTE CT 2440 CARLSBAD AVE 3813 PASADENA AVE #15 2005 EDISON AVE 4313 RAVENWOOD AVE

95822 SOUTH LAND PARK 7554 32ND ST 7017 CROMWELL WAY 4601 HILLVIEW WAY 6930 21ST ST 7517 COLLINGWOOD ST 7528 THORPE WAY 2971 TRENTWOOD WAY 2217 16TH AVE 87 QUASAR CIR 2036 16TH AVE 6751 FERRIER CT 2305 68TH AVE AVE 2373 CORK CIR 1420 MCALLISTER AVE 7438 19TH ST 7437 FLORES WAY 1424 SHIRLEY DR 1105 BROWNWYK DR 6700 21ST ST 5716 DORSET WAY 7301 19TH ST 7557 AMHERST ST 2118 60TH AVE 4340 CONSTANCE LN 2191 MEADOWVIEW RD 7556 LEMARSH WAY 4953 VIRGINIA WAY 1177 BROWNWYK DR 4457 FRANCIS CT 4309 ULRICH WAY 2379 25TH AVE 7554 TWILIGHT DR 4836 LINTON PIKE 5921 ANNRUD WAY 1246 NEVIS CT 5110 EUCLID AVE 5906 PARK VILLAGE ST 1404 LOMAS WAY 2121 16TH AVE 2161 SHIELAH WAY 2628 50TH AVE 17 SHADY PARK CT 6971 MIDDLECOFF WAY 1180 13TH AVE

95825 ARDEN

2545 EXETER SQUARE LN 2150 UNIVERSITY PARK 702 HARTNELL PL 1324 VANDERBILT WAY 887 E WOODSIDE LN #2

$120,000 $410,000 $253,000 $265,000 $221,500 $385,000 $321,000 $410,000 $390,000 $280,000 $275,500 $270,000 $135,000 $71,500 $252,500 $196,000 $141,500 $165,000 $233,180 $430,000 $220,000 $187,000 $82,000 $233,000 $348,000 $140,000 $125,000 $225,000 $171,888 $110,000 $375,000 $110,000 $179,000 $180,000 $140,000 $185,000 $39,000 $233,000 $174,000 $155,000 $260,000 $30,000 $120,000 $150,000 $285,000 $345,000 $150,000 $340,000 $155,000 $80,000 $157,000 $333,500 $102,000 $157,500 $259,000 $391,200 $1,010,000 $337,000 $256,000 $130,000 $25,000 $277,000 $312,000 $291,700 $435,000 $115,000 $255,000 $329,000 $111,000 $425,000 $162,000 $750,000 $185,000 $300,000 $310,000 $250,000 $52,000

2278 WOODSIDE LN #2 1200 COMMONS DR 835 COMMONS DR 1407 HOOD RD 917 FULTON AVE #454 3101 VIA GRANDE 3136 PENNLAND DR 601 WOODSIDE SIERRA #2 1917 BELL ST 2348 BARCELONA WAY 2313 ESTRELLITA WAY 2025 RICHMOND ST 720 WOODSIDE LN UNIT E 3 2425 SANDRINGHAM RD 1113 DUNBARTON CIR 2290 WOODSIDE LN #4 19 COLBY CT 2317 LANSING WAY

$165,000 $500,000 $260,000 $120,000 $80,000 $119,000 $237,000 $139,000 $210,000 $130,500 $132,000 $259,000 $46,500 $204,000 $264,900 $108,500 $260,000 $205,000

95831 GREENHAVEN, S LAND PARK 6777 FREEHAVEN DR 8003 LINDA ISLE LN 2 RIVER GLADE CT 1109 SILVER LAKE DR 641 RIVERCREST DR 456 SAILWIND WAY 6861 POCKET RD 1300 LYNETTE WAY 7095 POCKET RD 6845 HAVENHURST DR 7289 HARBOR LIGHT WAY 7442 WINDBRIDGE DR 7045 RIVERCOVE WAY 7224 SWALE RIVER WAY 1 SOUTHCREST CT 1411 SAN CLEMENTE WAY 6240 HAVENSIDE DR #2 6240 HAVENSIDE DR #2 7767 EL RITO WAY 6345 OAKRIDGE WAY 1306 58TH AVE 39 LANYARD CT 11 PARK WEST CT 6967 RIVERBOAT WAY 395 LITTLE RIV 6892 TRUDY WAY 6685 RIVERSIDE BLVD 6321 S LAND PARK DR 6252 FENNWOOD CT

95864 ARDEN

4233 BERRENDO DR 3920 DUNSTER WAY 1104 MORSE AVE 1136 MARIEMONT AVE 1308 FITCH WAY 629 LAUREL DR 3785 LAS PASAS WAY 3700 ESPERANZA DR 1236 LANTERN CT 4233 CORONA WAY 1810 LADINO RD 4164 LOS COCHES WAY 4629 MORPHEUS LN 1511 RUSHDEN DR 431 WILHAGGIN DR 4160 STOWE 1309 WATT AVE 3834 BERRENDO DR 3855 LAS PASAS WAY 1210 CARTER RD 3644 CODY WAY 3572 BODEGA CT 3421 WELLINGTON DR 1554 LOS MOLINOS 1433 WATT AVE 4229 AMERICAN RIVER DR 931 LOS MOLINOS WAY 3400 MAYFAIR DR 1275 JONAS AVE

$285,000 $351,990 $330,000 $264,000 $350,000 $365,000 $175,000 $207,000 $340,000 $295,000 $229,000 $290,000 $323,000 $315,000 $297,000 $282,000 $105,000 $105,000 $430,000 $436,500 $242,500 $229,900 $193,500 $350,000 $352,000 $230,000 $319,900 $500,000 $314,000

$463,000 $600,000 $133,000 $645,000 $500,000 $1,930,000 $490,000 $390,000 $490,000 $400,000 $1,300,000 $676,000 $260,000 $105,000 $780,000 $491,350 $185,000 $900,000 $737,500 $550,000 $342,000 $327,000 $110,500 $620,000 $120,000 $500,000 $320,000 $150,000 $280,000

Inside The City

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when my earrings kept mysteriously

a capital T. Like all but one of my

them, although those long ears of hers

own bassets, Cruiser and Calamity

would have been perfect for multiple

are both rescue dogs. Calamity’s

piercings. Finally, I discovered the

character is a composite of my two

Jewels of the Pile in our backyard one

most challenging adopted dogs, Daisy

day. Truth is stranger than fiction,

and Peaches. Crazy Daisy, as I still

unless you’re referring to a Beanie

refer to her, left a lasting impression

and Cruiser Mystery. It’s all fodder

on me, and I’ve written a lot about

for my books.

her. She was paws-down my worst

After nearly 40 years of living with

dog ever, but it wasn’t her fault.

those wonderful hounds of mine, I

Daisy was the unfortunate product

doubt I’ll ever exhaust the wealth

of a puppy mill. My current adoptee,

of inspiration they have provided

Peaches, also has issues from her

for Beanie’s canine companions. My

past, though not as bad as Daisy’s

dogs and I have never solved a crime

were. Their shenanigans have become

together, but just as with Cruiser

a gold mine for Calamity’s character.

and Calamity, you never know what

For example, Calamity is constantly getting into trouble eating things

trouble those keen noses of theirs might encounter.

she shouldn’t, like Beanie’s secret stash of chocolate or her earrings. Daisy once devoured an entire pound of fudge, and she was a champion counter surfer. We could never leave a stick of butter too near the edge of the kitchen table. I discovered she also had a fetish for jewelry

October•2013

Sierra Palmas Apartments

vanishing. She sure wasn’t wearing

Sue Owens Wright is an awardwinning author of books and articles about dogs. “Braced for Murder” is her latest book in the Beanie and Cruiser Mystery Series from Five Star Publishing. She can be reached at beanieandcruiser@aol.com. l

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Pets continued from page 49

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916.482.4867 Inside The City

Birthday Surprise Taking fear out of the equation

By Norris Burkes Spirit Matters

s I approach my 56th birthday, I can’t help but recall some unforgettable birthdays, like the surprise party my wife planned for my 50th or the dozen cupcakes I devoured and threw up just prior to my 7th birthday party. But the birthday I’ll never forget was my 45th, when my Air Force supervisor came into my office at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, wearing a strained expression. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this,” he said, “but your name didn’t appear

October•2013

on the Air Force promotion list to major.” I was unsure how to interpret the news. The pessimist in me said I’d just been fired. If my optimist was saying something, I couldn’t hear it because the pessimist was screaming too loudly. I knew that I had only six months before I would be unemployed and stranded 3,000 miles away from my California home. The only reaction I offered my supervisor was, “And this is my birthday.” It was about that time that a colleague presented me with a helpful book entitled “Who Moved My Cheese?” The author, Spencer Johnson, M.D., seemed to be proclaiming that change was the only certainty in life, so deal with it. The book uses a parable format to depict talking lab mice that work to outsmart the scientists who are constantly moving their cheese into an unfamiliar part of their maze. Somebody had indeed moved my cheese. The military maze I’d

known for eight years had become an unfriendly place. I spent the next hour hunting through the book’s pages for help. Then, about halfway through the book, I stopped, taken aback by a particularly evocative question that the mice characters found written inside their maze.

“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” I stopped and looked away, asking the question aloud in a slow and thoughtful repetition. “What would I do if I weren’t so afraid of change?” I asked myself. It was abundantly clear what I normally did when I felt afraid. I got upset, I fretted and I acted rudely toward those who loved me. But the authors were insisting that I answer a very different question: “What would I do if I weren’t afraid?” I stood and went to the copy machine, where I enlarged the quote into a mini poster that I placed above my desk. A few weeks later, as fear melted from the equation, I came to know exactly what I would do. I would return to my California home and to the most rewarding ministry of my life. I decided to resume my previous career in hospital chaplaincy. No, the question didn’t work magic. It didn’t totally suspend my fears. I

was still scared, but I was determined to keep fear from obscuring my goal. I printed my résumé, scheduled hospital interviews and kept pressing toward the goal. Three months later, I had six job offers and returned to part-time military life as an Air National Guard chaplain (twice since promoted). Eleven years have passed since that harsh announcement. But that day continues to remind me that whenever I’m uncertain, fearful or just plain indecisive, I can reach into my resiliency repertoire for the refrain of that birthday question. When I think about it long enough, the answer usually floats to the top. “What do you do if it doesn’t work?” you ask. That’s easy. I eat a dozen cupcakes. Norris Burkes is a chaplain, syndicated columnist, national speaker and author of the book “No Small Miracles.” He can be reached at ask@thechaplain.net. l

Please Join Us in Our Efforts By Donating Useable Clothing, Furniture and Miscellaneous Household Items. If you need a special pick-up CALL (916)480-0688

www.windyouth.org Hope is in the Wind

Inside The City

OUR READERS NEAR & FAR

eautiful stunningly b e th t a rn o nd Alice Welb uthwest Icela Gullfoss in so

The Sista’s Celebrate 50 together on beautiful Lake Tahoe! (Front: Beth Ruyak, Caroline Jensen. Ba ck: Christy Spoto, Ju lia Mietus, Julie Law, and Roby n Peterson.)

Joel & Gina Wheeler at their destination wedding in Playa Del men,, Mexico Carmen,

Danny and Annie Kaufman outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain

Bevan and Barbara h e d a z a b a Hadi B ntenegro in Kotor, Mo

October•2013

Some of the 33 singers of the Sacramento Children’s Chorus g their the heir ir performing per erfo form fo rmin rm ing in g ttour to China in the Forbidden City during

Len and Nancy Gray drove theirr 1932 Ford Tudor Sudan from Sacramento mento to Victoria, B.C. and back

Take a copy oopy py of Inside Publications Publicationn on vacation with you. Take a picture and e-mail a high resolution copy to readers@insidepublications.com, and we’ll try to get you in a future issue. Due to volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee all photos will be printed.

with Clay on Guthrie, n n a h S r, e uty of The augth Gary and d ying the bea jo n e y re w anada ne Lo Columbia, C and Madeli sh ti ri B in s n rde Butchart Ga

Inside The City

Body of Work Bronze sculpture brings polish to artist’s life S P O T L I G H T

By Debra Belt

hile taking down his recent show of bronze sculpture at the Barton Gallery, David Alexander paused for a few moments to talk about his work. “From the front, this piece looks like a beautiful woman, but if you walk around to the back, it’s something completely different,” he said about a work titled “Beauty,” which depicts a woman’s face framed by long hair in the front, an abstract spiral in the back. As he discussed his work, Alexander, 48, was reflective, recalling the ins and outs of his life, the disappointments and the challenges. He’s worked at numerous jobs in electronics and biotech during his career, and he wistfully recalled not having enough money for art school after spending four years in the Army. But all the while, a quiet energy surfaced as he talked about his sculpture. Alexander has exhibited his work in group shows at galleries throughout the region, including The Brickhouse in Oak Park, Blue Line Arts in Roseville and Kuumba Collective Gallery on Del Paso Boulevard. His recent show of 12 bronze pieces and six paintings was his first solo show, and it was the Barton Gallery’s last. Greg Barton, an artist and sculptor who passed away in 2006, founded the gallery and gave many upstart and midcareer artists the chance to show their work. A lively chapter in Sacramento’s art history ended when

October•2013

Sculptor David Alexander at work on a piece

the gallery closed on Aug. 31 after 18 years. While he has been making art most of his life, Alexander renewed his creative focus three years ago. “I was in a near-fatal car accident in 2009, and it really changed me,” he explained. “For the longest time, I was the most negative person. But now I have a different outlook.”

While recovering from the accident, which left him with a broken vertebra in his neck, Alexander discovered that he had time to work on his art. In 2010, he enrolled in a bronze workshop with sculptor Alan Osborne at Art Foundry Gallery. He hasn’t stopped working since.

“It’s like turning a corner and knowing you’re going down the right street,” he said. Alexander has an innate ability to make sculpture, said Osborne, noting that he can develop an image in his head and sculpt it. “You don’t see this very often,” said Osborne, who estimated he has taught a few hundred artists in the Sacramento area. “Having an idea of something and being able to create it—that’s the sign of a good artist.” In 2011, Alexander began working with sculptor Adam Reeder, which helped take his work to another level. One especially vivid piece of Alexander’s depicts actor Vin Diesel as the science-fiction character Riddick. The finely sculpted bronze head captures the age of the 46-yearold actor as well as his intensity. “My son likes those Riddick movies,” Alexander says by way of explaining how Riddick landed in the show, which includes sculptures of jazz artists and Barack Obama. While he didn’t sell anything at the show, Alexander said people were interested in his work, and he got an inquiry about a potential commission to do a portrait of Muhammad Ali for a traveling exhibit showcasing the former heavyweight boxer. Alexander has received other commissions, including the creation of a helmet and sword for the Sacramento Kings. The real highlight of the Barton show, he said, was an art talk with Sac State’s Allan Gordon, a professor emeritus in art history. “A person of his standing at my event really gave the show respectability,” Alexander said.

Inside The City

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Osborne says this kind of public exposure for artists is what the Barton Gallery excelled at. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a really great gallery for emerging artists to exhibit their work in an intimate environment,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A show gives an artist the chance to write an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement, price their work and talk to the public about it. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always beneficial for the viewer and the artist.â&#x20AC;? Alexander plans to continue making sculpture while working full

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time at Morgan Technical Ceramics in Auburn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to do something worthy of bronze,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to do something important that people will see generations from now and think, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wow, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? He stood up to load his bronze sculptures in the truck parked in front of the gallery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now the real work begins,â&#x20AC;? he said. l

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Inside The City

Farewell to a Friend Ending a streak is hard, even when you’re sick of the activity

By Kevin Mims Writing Life

began jumping rope on March 22, 1997. I was 38 years old at the time. For years, running had been my exercise of choice. But in 1995, my wife and I moved to a small house in Placerville, at which time my running career came to a halt. The house was located beside a two-lane country blacktop with no shoulder. I couldn’t run along Cold Springs Road without having to constantly dodge traffic. And I didn’t like the idea of driving somewhere in order to go running. My solution was to take up the jump rope. And take it up I did. For more than 16 years now, I have spent a part of every day jumping rope. Not sickness, nor exhaustion, nor bad weather, nor the demands of work or family have caused me to miss a single day of jumping rope. But I am 55 now, and I fear that the end of my streak may be near. The beginnings of my streak were modest. At first, I would jump rope for about 10 minutes a day. Soon, however, I was jumping rope for 15 minutes at a time. Then a half hour at a time. Eventually I reached a point where I was jumping rope nonstop for an hour a day. This was in 2003. I was

October•2013

45 years old and in the best shape of my life. I had lost 50 pounds since the streak began. In 2004, my wife and I moved from our two-acre spread in rural Placerville to a small house in Land Park. In Sacramento, I had no outdoor jumping area. The front and back yards here are thoroughly covered with decorative landscaping: a turtle pond, a gazebo, numerous trees, shrubs and flowers. Thus, I began jumping rope indoors, on a rubber mat, in a small clear area of the back bedroom. After moving to Sacramento, I began taking long walks with my wife at least once a week. I also took up tennis. Whenever the weather permits, my partner and I play tennis twice a week. Because I was partaking in other forms of exercise, I reduced my jump-rope regimen to half an hour a day. Jumping rope in Sacramento has never been as pleasant as it was in Placerville. While jumping in Placerville, I would often see hawks and gophers and squirrels and even the occasional deer or coyote. In Sacramento, I see the wall of books in front of me. In Placerville, I didn’t need any musical accompaniment to keep me going. In Sacramento, I never jump without the buds of an iPod pushed into my ears. Recently, nearly 20 years after hanging up my running shoes, I began to feel the call of the open road again. In May of this year, I laced up a new pair of Brooks Adrenalines and walked to Land Park to jog a few laps around it. Soon I was doing this nearly every day. The distance I covered on these morning jaunts was exactly 6.2 miles (according to

MapMyRun.com), which meant I was doing a 10k run/walk nearly every day. I was also playing a 90-minute tennis match in extreme summer heat twice a week. This made it very difficult to keep my jump-rope streak alive. There have been days when I did my 10k in the morning and played a tennis match in the evening. And somewhere in between those two events, I had to find time for a half hour of jumping rope. As a result, I began getting more exercise than my aging, baby-boomer body could handle.

It is a direct connection between my 50-something self and my 30-something self, a tether that binds me to my past. And so I have come to the conclusion that the jump-rope streak will have to end sometime soon. I did not make this decision without a bit of sadness. I don’t love jumping rope. Tennis and jogging are both far more entertaining that jumping. But I do love my streak. It is a direct connection between my 50-something self and my 30-something self, a tether that binds me to my past. My streak and I have spent time together every single day for more than 6,000 days. My wife and I have spent a few days apart during that period. During my childhood, I occasionally

went off to summer camp or some other venue that kept me away from my parents and siblings for days at a time. My streak is the only entity that I have ever spent more than 6,000 consecutive days voluntarily connecting with. I have always believed that we would grow old together, my streak and I. In 2007, when the streak celebrated its 10th birthday, I was featured on a local morning news program. I drove to McKinley Park at 5 a.m. and spent half an hour jumping rope live in front of a handful of curious onlookers and a television audience of at least a few thousand people. Even casual acquaintances of mine know about the streak. Occasionally I’ll run into girls that my granddaughter Samantha once played volleyball with years ago, and even they will remember the streak and ask me if it is still alive. At every family gathering, in-laws that I haven’t seen for months will ask me, “You still jumping rope every day?” The streak is a part of my identity. It would probably be healthier to take whole days off from exercising now and then, but the streak has never been entirely about physical well-being. The streak is a daily reminder to myself that I have the ability to undertake extremely difficult tasks and achieve them. When I am struggling creatively or financially or even wrestling with personal problems, I always take solace from the fact that I have had the fortitude to keep a fairly rigorous daily exercise regimen alive for more than 16 years. I’ve always imagined that I would keep the streak alive until I reached some impressively advanced age,

Inside The City

INSIDE THEATRE GUIDE The Goat, or Who is Sylvia

Clybourne Park

Continues thru Oct 5 California Stage 2509 R St, Sac 451-5822

Continues thru Oct 6 Capital Stage 2215 J St, Sac 995-5464 Capstage.org

Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Albee’s most provocative, daring and controversial play since Who’s Afriad of Virginia Wolf? In the play, Martin, a successful architect who has just turned fifty, leads an ostensibly ideal life with his loving wife and gay teenage son. He sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters. No one under 16 allowed without adult.

My Own Stranger Oct 3 & Oct 5 @ Alex Bult Gallery, 1114 21st St, Sac 476-5540 Oct 7 @ Sac Poetry Center, R25 Complex at 2509 R St. Oct 10 & Oct 11 @ Sol Collective, 2574 21st St, Sac 585-3136 Oct 17 & Oct 18 @ Gallery 21ten, 2110 K St, Sac 476-5500 Oct 24 @ Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St, Sac 585-3136

like 75 or 80. But my old body can take only so much exercise. My hips and knees would gladly abandon the streak today. But something inside me refuses to give it up. I am particularly reluctant to end the streak on some random day simply because I happen to not feel like jumping that day. I considered ending the streak on my 55th birthday, but Aug. 16 came and went and somehow I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Now autumn is here. Soon bad weather will occasionally make it impossible

to play tennis and unpleasant to go running. Perhaps if I can keep the streak going until the dead of winter, I won’t find it as onerous as it is right now. Who knows, I might even find the strength to stick it out until next March, when the streak will celebrate its 17th birthday. I no longer believe I can keep the streak alive forever. My goal now is just to find an appropriate way to tell it goodbye. l

KOLT Run Creations presents My Own Stranger: A New Play Adapted from Anne Sexton’s Writings, by Marilyn Campbell and Linda Laundra. This is a journey into poet Anne Sexton’s struggles with love, loss and her mental illness, using her own words. 3 actresses explor Sexton’s life-roles, demons and creative voices into a powerful and rich theatrical harmony.

Lonesome Hollow Continues thru Oct 26 Big Idea Theatre 1616 Del Paso Blvd, Sac 960-3036 Bigideatheatre.com In the not too distant future, a photographer of artistic nudes is sentenced to an openended imprisonment in a state run “penal village” for sexual offenders. Seeking to find peace among a community of rapists and child moesters, he builds a Zen labyrinth under the watchful eye of a sympathetic guard. With shades of Hawthorne, Guantanamo Bay and A Clockwork Orange, this darkly thoughtful play explores the dangers of society’s desperate quest for a sense of security.

Radio Golf Continues thru Oct 20 Celebration Arts 4469 D St, Sac 455-2787 Celebrationarts.net A drama by August Wilson. Radio Golf puts a unique twist on the elegy. Perhaps the most self-aware of all of the Pittsburgh dramas, the play eschews “riding-off-into-the-sunset” clichés even as it gracefully ends a landmark piece of storytelling. Set in 1997, the play is a direct confrontation of history and the present.

INSIDE PUBLICATIONS October•2013

Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2011 Tony Award for Best Play. This is a bitingly funny and fiercely provocative new play about the volatile combination of race and real estate. When our houses become our homes, and our neighborhoods become our identities, what will we do to protect them? As hidden agendas unfold, an unforgettable story is revealed without good guys or bad guys, just real people with real concerns about the future of their community.

After Juliet Continues thru Oct 20 Sacramento City College 3835 Freeport, Sac 558-2228 A tense truce holds between the Capulets and the Montagues after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Benvolio, Romeo’s best friend, is in love with Rosaline, Juliet’s cousin; but Rosaline is bent on revenge. In the background, a trial is going o n to determine who is responsible.

Down the Road October 4 – Oct 31 Geery Theatre 2130 L St, Sac 448-9019 Emhpros.weekly.com Iris Henniman has taken on her first job with her husband Dan to co-author the first book ever to come directly from the infamous William Reach. They will hear and record the tell-all gory details of Bill as he recounts his killings of 19 girls. His last appeal for life without parole has been denied. . . now all that’s left is your participation in hearing his stories as presented live by Iris & Dan Henniman. Be prepared for your skin to crawl, just a little, as you watch from the safety of the live studio audience. WINE & CHEESE BAR.

Hairspray Oct 11 – Oct 27 America River College Theatre 4700 College Oak Dr 484-8234 You can’t miss this Tony Aware-winning musical to the stage accompanied by a live orchestra! Come watch Tracy Turnblad and the kids turn a segregated TV dance show on its ear as they sing and dance their way into a new era of social justice.

Pride & Prejudice Oct 2 – Oct 27 Sacramento Theatre Company 1419 H St, Sac 95814 443-6722 Come and experience Pride and Prejudice on stage. Jane Austen’s perennially popular story of the game of love among the British upper classes.

Inside The City

Shelly Willis Her job is helping art to thrive in Sacramento

Arts Council. I remember thinking the public art position at the arts commission would be the capstone of my career. I felt like I was coming home when I was hired to manage the public art program. Shortly after I was hired, the county broke ground on the airport’s new Terminal B. I managed the artist selection, fabrication and installation of the project.

By Kellie Randle Conversation Piece

We all know about Sacramento Airport’s red rabbit. Tell me about other projects of the Art in Public Places campaign. The public art program was the brainchild of former Sacramento Mayor Phil Isenberg. He was a visionary. Something that’s near and dear to my heart is caring for the hundreds of works that are in the collection. Art must be maintained like anything else. We just conserved 11 sculptures by Dennis Oppenheim (the flying birds) at the airport. And for months we’ve been restoring a beloved work of art located on the west side of the Macy’s parking garage. This piece, by Fred Ball, will be reinstalled in celebration of ARTober—national arts awareness month—along with the Cesar Chavez Memorial. There’s also a new mural by John Pugh on the Elkhorn water tower, and a sculpture by Jenny Hale for Burberry Park.

he famed red rabbit sculpture at Sacramento International Airport may be the city’s best-known public artwork, but it’s far from our only piece of public art. According to Shelly Willis, director of Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and its Art in Public Places program, art in Sacramento is alive and well. The commission keeps the city vibrant through arts education and grants and is poised to enrich new development with engaging works of art. Tell me about the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. The arts commission was established in 1977 to support artists and arts organizations and is overseen by an 11-member commission. It has three major programs: arts education; public art, which funds art in the public realm; and grant program. It really makes a difference to the 55 arts organizations we fund. What’s your background? Before coming to Sacramento, I worked for the University of

October•2013

Shelly Willis, director of Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and its Art in Public Places program

Minnesota, directing the university’s public art program throughout the state. I’ve worked in government and nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years in the city of Fairfield,

Sonoma and the city of Columbus. I studied art history and business administration at Chico State, and my first “real job” was right here in Sacramento at the California

Why is public art important for a community? You really feel the difference in a city that has invested in a public art program. In Sacramento, you encounter art as you move through the city. It provides a reference for the

Inside The City

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past and helps us better understand who we are. It uniquely identifies a community and makes it a more interesting place to visit. It can engage us in ideas and inspire us to think. It makes a city more beautiful. Arts Day of Giving was quite a success this year. How much was raised and what are the goals for next year? This was our first year. The day was spearheaded by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation in partnership with Mayor Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s For Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sake initiative, Give Local Now and the arts commission. It was the first â&#x20AC;&#x153;onlineâ&#x20AC;? day of giving in our community. The success of the event depended on the arts organizations using social mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and they did! Over $525,000 was raised. The 2014 Day of Giving is May 6. There is a great opportunity to build on last year.

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With the development thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planned in the next 10 years, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting to think about how we might look at our city in terms of art. As the community develops over time, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to just react to development. To help us be proactive, we are working on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first cultural plan. We are currently engaged in partnerships with business districts to produce public artworks. I hope to continue to expand and grow this program. We also will focus attention on growing and supporting the multicultural arts community and education programs, particularly in the schools. There are incredible leaders in Sacramento, all poised to help advance the arts agenda. I am motivated every day by these leaders and thrilled to be in a position to take the arts and cultural community to the next place. Kellie Randle can be reached at kellier@me.com. l

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Inside The City

Get Your Art on! Performances, exhibits, concerts, festivals and more crowd the calendar

By Jessica Laskey River City Previews

s many Sacramentans know, it’s time for ARTober—a monthlong celebration of all things artistic in California’s capital. The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sacramento365. com and For Arts’ Sake have teamed up to remind local art lovers of more than 150 local arts events happening each day in our fair city. Check out artobersac.com for up-tothe-minute listings of performances, exhibits, concerts, festivals and more during the month of October. Now get your art on!

Stranger Than Fiction If you’ve never heard of Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, you’ll be glad you have now. KOLT Run Creations presents “My Own Stranger,” a theatrical production featuring Sexton’s compelling prose at various venues throughout Sacramento during the month of October. Acclaimed as our capital’s favorite fringe theater, KOLT Run Creations

October•2013

KOLT Run Creations presents “My Own Stranger,” a theatrical production featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anne Sexton's prose. Photo courtesy of TBrindisi Photography.

has assembled an artistic team of three adept actresses to represent Sexton’s struggles with family, love, loss and mental illness—culminating in the writer’s untimely suicide at age 47. Adapted from Sexton’s poetry, interviews and letters by Linda Laundra and Marilyn Campbell, “My Own Stranger” is sure to awe, inspire and even tug a few heartstrings—The New York Times describes the piece as “a life’s work celebrated with genius, urgency and humor.” Performances will take place in art galleries across the city, starting on the weekend of Oct. 3 at the Alex Bult Gallery (114 21st St., Suite B), followed by a one-night performance on Oct. 7 at the Sacramento Poetry

Center (located at the R25 complex at 2509 R St.). Performances will continue on Oct. 10 and 11 at Sol Collective (2574 21st St.) and on Oct.17 and 18 at Gallery 2110 (2110 K St.), which will also be featuring the artwork of Stephanie Gardner. The final performance will take place in the historic ballroom at the Crocker Art Museum (216 O St.) on Oct. 24. Due to the intimate nature of these venues, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. For tickets and more information, visit koltruncreations.com.

Rhapsody in Two By now you’re probably aware that the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sacramento Opera have joined forces to become Two in Tune, a performance group featuring the masterful music and opera singing that you’ve come to expect from both organizations. Lend an ear to their first tandem performance at “Here to Stay: The Gershwin Experience” at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Community Center Theater. This multimedia concert will feature the song stylings of soprano Sylvia McNair, the kinetic conducting of Maestro Michael Morgan (in tie and tails, no less), rare Gershwin family

Inside The City

archival material and, of course, the iconic music of George and Ira Gershwin, including “I Got Rhythm” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” For tickets and more information, call 808-5181 or go to 2intune.org. The Community Center Theater is at 1301 L St.

Feet of Fire A mythic tale of a mysterious creature. A primitive ritual revisited. A jumpin’ jazz score dripping with jewels. These are just a few of the splendors to be expected at the Sacramento Ballet’s performance of “The Firebird” with “Rite of Spring” Oct. 24-27 at the Community Center Theater. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic and riveting “Rite of Spring,” co-Artistic Director Ron Cunningham retells and reimagines this sensational, sensual ballet. Sharing the program is the tantalizing Russian tale of “The Firebird”: the otherworldly Firebird springs to life to help Prince Ivan rescue a captive princess and establish a royal empire—all with stunning costumes and choreography. Then comes George Balanchine’s ribald “Rubies:” sizzling steps set to a redhot jazz score. Don’t walk, run—or pirouette, if you’re so inclined—to get your tickets to this exciting program. For tickets and more information, call 808-5181 or go to sacballet.org. The Community Center Theater is at 1301 L St.

Heart of Glass It’s that time of year again: the Sacramento Choral Society presents the first performance of its Stained Glass Concert series at Fremont Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Oct. 26. The “Inspiring Masterworks” program will feature soprano Yoo Ri Clark, mezzo Amy Stevens, tenor Matt Hidalgo and bass John Martin lending their tremendous vocal talents to compositions that include George Frederic Handel’s Organ Concerto in B-flat (with organist Dr. Ryan Enright), Franz Joseph Haydn’s

October•2013

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, don’t miss the Montana Skies concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Crocker

“Missa Cellensis (Mariazellermesse)” and more. For tickets and more information, call 452-7132 or go to fremontpres. org. Fremont Presbyterian Church is at 5770 Carlson Drive.

Woz Up? Whether you prefer PC or Mac, Microsoft or Apple, both camps can agree that there are few computer connoisseurs as influential as Apple Inc.’s Steve Wozniak. The inventor, engineer and programmer will open the new season of the Sacramento Speakers Series on Oct. 1 at the Community Center Theater. The son of an engineer at Lockheed Martin, Wozniak—known affectionately as Woz—was elated by electronics at an early age (as a kid, he would build electronics from scratch). During a brief stint at UC Berkeley, Woz met a young fellow computer programmer named Steve Jobs—the two co-founded Apple Computer on April 1, 1976, and the rest is history. The self-described “computer geek” will download all the fascinating details of his life as a revolutionary visionary in an engagement you won’t want to miss. For tickets and more information, call 388-1100 or go to sacramentospeakers.com.

Full House Crocker Art Museum is full of fantastic festivities this month: Read on to figure out how you’re going to welcome the arrival of autumn at the museum. First up is a performance at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 of Ross Hammond’s “Humanity Suite,” an original piece performed by Hammond and his sextet to honor the ongoing exhibition “Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power.” Hammond— the founder of the In the Flow music festival and award-winning guitarist—and his talented troupe are sure to inspire and delight. The next week, check out Art Mix and the launch of the Architectural Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. The Crocker is teaming up with the American Institute of Architects (Central Valley Chapter) to present this one-of-a-kind celebration of structures. Chat with local architects and designers, groove to live music by the instrumental fusionist group Keys on Plastic, participate in a PechaKucha session on architecture and agriculture, ogle building models by local designers, take in a film, and interact with SacDigiFab’s installation Pixel City. The event is free for members and is included in general admission.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, soothe your spirit at the Crocker Classical Concert featuring sopranos Leslie Sandefu and Sheryl Counter singing spirituals and select works by Frederic Chopin, Giacomo Puccini and Oscar Peterson, with Theresa Keene on piano. You can even start the day with a Prelude Tour at 1:30 p.m. before you settle in for some moving music. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, don’t miss the Montana Skies concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17. This crazy-cool duo, composed of a guitar and an electric cello, has been called everything from chamber rock to psychedelic strings—their program contains everything from Pink Floyd to Antonio Vivaldi and original compositions combining classical, jazz improv and rock ’n’ roll. Sound confusing? Listen to the boundarybreaking tunes and suss it out for yourself. The latter part of October marks the start of three very different, dynamic exhibitions at the Crocker. First is the Collaboration of the Arts, a community program dedicated to promoting fine art in the greater Auburn area. This exhibit, opening Oct. 17, features fascinating artwork from artists ages 4-21—photography inspired by music, 21st century oil paintings that reference Rembrandt and whimsical watercolors. Shake hands with the creative youngsters at the special reception from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. To see where this creativity goes as it grows, check out “Sky is Falling: Paintings by Julie Heffernan,” on display from Oct. 20 through Jan. 26. The Yale University School of Art graduate tells various fantastical tales about self and society with versions of her own self-portrait using European oil painting techniques. The result is imaginative and innovative—an exhibit not to be missed. Also opening on Oct. 20 is “Passion and Virtuosity: Hendrick Goltzius and the Art of Engraving.” You’ve probably never heard of him, but Goltzius was a pivotal printmaker at

Review continued on page 62

Inside The City

Review continued from page 61 the turn of the 17th century known as much for his engraving as Rembrandt was for etching. Take a look at the stunning and precise technique—in his series “Life of the Virgin” and “Passion of Christ”—that influenced engraving and visual culture for centuries to come. Hoping to get your hands on something sensational and unique? You can’t take anything off the Crocker walls, but you can shop at its Art and Antique Show & Sale being held Oct. 25-27 at the Scottish Rite Center. More than 50 dealers from across the country will be showcasing one-of-a-kind collector items, from vintage jewelry to antique furniture. Have a question about a piece you have at home? Specialists will be on hand to answer conservation and restoration questions throughout the event. Admission is $8, parking is free and lunch will be available for purchase. For more information, call 807-0158. The Scottish Rite Center is at 6151 H St. For more information on all Crocker events and exhibits, call 8081182 or go to crockerartmuseum.org. Crocker Art Museum is at 216 O St.

Saddle Up What do horses, policemen and La Raza Galería Posada have in common? Find out at the Saddle Up & Paint event from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at La Raza Galería Posada. This unique fundraiser will raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. The Sacramento Police Mounted Association will present demonstrations to raise funds to support its horses—the saddles currently in use are too old and don’t fit the horses properly—and other SPMA outreach programs. The association will in turn present scholarships to low-income students for English classes at the Casa de Español school in Midtown. La Raza Galería Posada will be hosting workshops for kids to create Día de los Muertos sugar skulls and paint masks as well as organizing the

October•2013

silent auction of a Carmen Lomas Garza print and a tour of the La Raza complex. The event will include live music by the Josh Macrae Band and the College Fun Band to get you in the mood to groove and give generously. For more information, call Mindy Giles at 447-6508 or go to lrgp.org. La Raza Galería Posada is at 2700 Front St.

Art at Home If you’re looking for a place to call home—or simply want to take a peek inside some pretty condos and take in some sensational art—check out Riverfront Plaza’s Art on the Plaza open house from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 12 during Second Saturday. The 90-unit downtown condominium development describes itself as “art friendly”—which is especially fitting considering it’s right next door to the Crocker Art Museum and is the only condo community in the country that has committed funds to purchasing local and regional art for display on the grounds. The complex recently acquired a slew of new artwork by the likes of John Collentine, Stephanie Taylor, Phill Evans, Alan Osborne, Taylor Gutermute, Maria Winkler, Vicki Asp, Donna Billick, William Tuthill, Susan Hoehn, Rhett Neal, Christopher Frisz, Troy Dalton, Maureen Hood, Imi Lehmbrock-Hirshinger and Juanishi Orosco, as well as three large sculptures: Marc Foster’s 5-foot-tall dual column steel structure, “The Space Between”; Vince King’s 16foot carved redwood piece, “Living Waterway”; and Wes Horn’s ceramic mosaic chair, “Mantis Seat.” At the event, you can enjoy live music by Proxy Moon, refreshments by Aharona Catering and sample sips from local wineries and breweries while you ogle the art. Riverfront Plaza is at 200 P St.

Folk Lore Ready for some awesome orchestral tunes? Camellia Symphony Orchestra

Check out Riverfront Plaza’s Art on the Plaza open house from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 12 during Second Saturday and enjoy some beautiful artwork

starts its 51st season with “Folk Inspirations” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Sacramento City College Performing Arts Center. Maestro Christian Baldini will lead the opulent orchestra through classical folk compositions that are more than just music for him. “‘Folk Inspirations’ is a very special program that features four works that borrow musical material from sources outside the concert hall,” Baldini says. “I have chosen composers who are very close to my heart, and the audience is really in for a treat with a concert program that offers variety, energy, colors from the world and very sensual atmospheres.” The program also will include soprano Carrie Hennessey singing the stunning “Bachiana Brasileira No. 5” by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. The piece is written for only the orchestra’s cello and a solo

soprano voice—a sound that is sure to be pure magic. For tickets and more information, call 929-6655 or go to camelliasymphony.org. The Sacramento City College Performing Arts Center is at 3835 Freeport Blvd. Parking is available in lots F and G with shuttle service to the PAC.

Well Done, Welden Painter Jay Welden has a way with a paintbrush. Be wowed by his watercolors at Alex Bult Gallery from Oct. 8 through Nov. 2. Welden works his wonder with watercolor landscapes as well as a new series he’s entitled “Muse.” Inspired by 15th century artist Francesco Laurana’s “Bust of a Lady,” Welden’s latest series is a study of the colored marble sculpture on display at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna—only, in the

Inside The City

hands of Welden, rendered in vibrant watercolor. Wave to Welden (or shake his hand) in person at the preview event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, or at the Second Saturday reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 12. For more information, call 4765540 or go to alexbultgalley.com. The Alex Bult Gallery is at 1114 21st St., Suite B, in midtown.

Thanks for the Memories Whether you’re an ardent archivist or a curious curio hunter, don’t miss A Passion to Preserve, the third annual Sacramento Archives Crawl from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 in celebration of National Archives Month. Crawl participants—the event is open to the public—will get the chance to view rarely seen archives from 23 Northern California institutions. The artifacts will be on display for free viewing at the California State Archives, the California State Library, the Center for Sacramento History and the Sacramento Public Library—a free shuttle service will be provided among the locations in a 1950s-era transit bus. As you visit each location, get your “passport” stamped to receive a limitededition set of commemorative coasters depicting reproductions of a Japanese Sen Nin Bari vest, the first Sacramento City

October•2013

Seal, the California State Seal and the earliest known image of Sacramento. If you’re new to the archive scene, stop by the Preservation Fair at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria to chat with preservation professionals, who will be on hand with suggestions for preserving precious family papers, photographs, art, textiles, home movies and more. For more information, go to sacarchivescrawl.blogspot.com. Archives will be on display at California State Archives (1020 O St.), California State Library (900 N St.), Center for Sacramento History (551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.) and the Sacramento Public Library’s Sacramento Room (828 I St.).

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Time for Storytime Surely you’re familiar with the strange little man who helps a maiden spin straw into gold. Watch the actors of Storytime Theatre do the same with the words of a play when Sacramento City College presents “Rumpelstiltskin” from Oct. 12 through Nov. 3. This timeless tale of desperation, deceit and one very unusual talent has been adapted by Doug Lawson and is directed by Matt K. Miller. Bring the whole family. Admission is only $5 for all. For more information, call 558-2174. All performances will take place in the Little Theatre at Sacramento City College Performing Arts Center at 3835 Freeport Blvd.

tro hestra Maes phony Orc nt ym le S u p lia o el e m Ca ill lead th w i in ns ld a si B o comp tio Christian assical folk cl h g u ro th orchestra

August in October

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2966 Freeport Boulevard

442-4256

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Arts brings August Wilson’s riveting drama “Radio Golf” to Sacramento, now playing through Oct. 20. The final play in Wilson’s 10play cycle chronicling the African American experience in the 20th century, “Radio Golf” pits politics and real estate against ethics in Pittsburgh in 1997. The compelling cast features William “Patric” Council, Zarati Depaz, Romann Hodge, Kelton Howard and Jeanette Taylor in this thought-provoking and passionate play. For tickets and more information, call 455-2787 or go to mycommunityevents.com. For more information on Celebration Arts, go to celebrationarts.net. Celebration Arts is at 4469 D St. Jessica Laskey can be reached at goldman.jr@gmail.com. Please e-mail items for consideration by the first of the month, at least one month in advance of the event. l

Inside The City

R E S T A U R A N T

Beyond Sushi Nagato provides a beautiful break from the commonplace I

By Greg Sabin

ave you ever found some element of modern life so ever-present that you no longer notice it? Or even worse, has a new trend or product become so commonplace that it doesn’t stands out? Remember when seeing a Toyota Prius was a strange and exciting occurrence? Similarly, remember when going out for sushi was a unique and special dining experience?

Nagato’s true place is as a purveyor of traditional Japanese dishes, those soups, stews, curries, grilled meats and fried goodies that have become underwhelming afterthoughts at the neighborhood sushi joint. Now, you can find an unremarkable sushi restaurant tucked into every strip mall and shopping center. The menus are eerily similar. The omnipresent Hoshizaki refrigerated sushi bars, the saran-wrapped blocks of tuna, the Tupperware containers

October•2013

Rainbow roll from Nagato Japanese Restaurant

of day-glo fish eggs all speak to a dull sameness that cheapens a delicate and rare cuisine that should be held to a higher standard. It is a shame, then, that Nagato Japanese Restaurant looks, at first glance, like so many of these common establishments. It is a shame because the culinary skill, precision and history that go into each dish is something to be admired and not overlooked. First of all, Nagato is not a sushi restaurant. Sure, it serves sushi, but more to keep up with expectations and trends than as a focus. Nagato’s true place is as a purveyor of traditional Japanese dishes, those

soups, stews, curries, grilled meats and fried goodies that have become underwhelming afterthoughts at the neighborhood sushi joint. Let’s start with tempura. Sure, dipping shrimp and veggies in batter and giving them a swim in the fryolator seems like an easy task. But Nagato uses a 40-year-old batter recipe that gives its fried treats a special zing and a toothy crunch, raising it to a level rarely seen in the deep-fried arts. Next, a simple cucumber salad. My expectations are always low when I order this dish, expecting limp cucumbers and overly sweet dressing. What Nagato serves, however, is a

petite and visually beautiful dish that combines crisp cucumber slices with a delicate relish of pickled vegetables and a light, bracing vinegar dressing. The care obviously taken with this frequent letdown is an obvious sign of thoughtful preparation in the kitchen. How about soup? Once again, at most Japanese establishments, the complimentary miso soup at the beginning of a meal brings with it very little effort or, for that matter, taste. Nagato’s offering gets your attention. It’s a crystal-clear broth with the flavor of a several-day simmer, a pinch of whisper-thin noodles and an overall warmth that speaks of great things to come.

Inside The City

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Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish

Let’s move on to Nagato’s signature dish, sukiyaki. Before my first visit to Nagato, I was unfamiliar with this Japanese delicacy. It took an in-depth conversation with my good friend, Pete, to educate me on the finer points of sukiyaki-ology. A Tokyo-trained sushi chef, former Nagato employee and incredible jazz drummer, Pete is a wealth of knowledge. He informed me that sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, sometimes served with great ceremony and elegance in Japan, but more of a comfort dish here in the States. It’s part stew, part soup, with special attention given to the finely sliced meats and vegetables added to the amazingly flavorful broth that holds the whole thing together. Nagato’s version is a savory, onionheavy, meaty broth with thinly sliced beef, cabbage, bamboo shoots and

October•2013

a handful of delicate noodles. It is better than almost any French onion soup you have ever had, with more body, more variety of texture and more suggestive moaning noises than you typically make while slurping up soup. The broth has that rich, velvety mouthfeel that one only gets from a not ungenerous helping of butter or meat fat. It’s a hearty meal by itself, but Nagato’s full dinner includes all the items listed above (soup, salad, tempura) as well. Other than the sukiyaki, the simple teriyaki dishes are well prepared and generous. The traditional Japanese curries (typically more savory and more gravy-like than Thai or Indian curries) are nearly Midwestern in their heartiness, perfect for a winter’s day feasting. Really, anything that comes out of the kitchen is wonderfully prepared and faithful to

the Japanese recipes Nagato’s owners brought with them when they opened in the 1970s. It’s a shame that Nagato appears from the outside to be another common sushi place. Perhaps, even more shameful, is that it did not appear this way until recently. Nagato’s former home of nearly 40 years—a fun, funky, wood-paneled space on Fulton Avenue—was recently closed down so that developers could build that other

banal omnipresence of suburban living, the chain pharmacy. It’s also a little sad that Nagato changed its name during the move. For those nearly 40 years, it was known as Nagato Sukiyaki, proudly stating its expertise in that fine traditional dish. Now, its signage reads “Nagato Japanese Restaurant.” Sure, it has lost some of its identity, but thankfully none of its expertise. Nagato Japanese Restaurant is at 2820 Marconi Ave.; 489-8230; nagatosukiyaki.com. l

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INSIDER'S NEIGHBORHOOD DINING GUIDE

B - Breakfast $ Low L - Lunch $$ - Medium D - Dinner $$$ - Higher

Advertisers are guaranteed space in this guide, others listed on a space available basis

MIDTOWN

Aioli Bodega Espanola 1800 L St. 447-9440 L D $$ Full Bar Patio Andalusian cuisine served in a casual European atmosphere

Biba Ristorante 2801 Capitol Ave. 455-2422 L D $$$ Full Bar Upscale Northern Italian cuisine served a la carte • Biba-restaurant.com

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713 56th Street 476-3515

Jack’s Urban Eats

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1801 L St. 446-3757 L D $$ Wine/Beer A counter service restaurant with high-quality chicken, char-roasted beef, salmon, and entrée salads

Café Bernardo 2726 Capitol Ave. 443-1180 1431 R St. 930-9191 B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio Casual California cuisine with counter service

Centro Cocina Mexicana 2730 J St. 442-2552 L D $$ Full Bar Patio Regional Mexican cooking served in a casual atmosphere • Paragarys.com

Chicago Fire 2416 J St. 443-0440

D $$ Full Bar Chicago-style pizza, salads wings served in a family-friendly atmosphere • Chicagofirerestaurant.com

L D $ Full Bar Made-to-order comfort food in a casual setting • Jacksurbaneats.com

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Kasbah Lounge

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New customers only. Not valid with other offers or promotions. Expires 10/31/13.

2115 J St. 442-4388 D Full Bar $$ Middle Eastern cuisine in a Moroccan setting

Lucca Restaurant & Bar L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Patio Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, chic atmosphere • Luccarestaurant.com

Michelangelo’s Italian Art Restaurant

1730 L St. 444-1100

B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Outdoor Dining Crepes, omelets, salads, soups and sandwiches served in a casual setting

Ernesto’s Mexican Food 1901 16th St. 441-5850

B L D $-$$ Full Bar Outdoor Dining Fresh Mexican food served in an upscale, yet familyfriendly setting • Ernestosmexicanfood.com

58 Degrees & Holding Co. 1217 18th St. 442-5858 L D $$$ Wine/Beer California cuisine served in a chic, upscale setting • 58degrees.com

Formoli's Bistro 3839 J St. 448-5699

L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio Housemade curries among their authentic Thai specialties Thaibasilrestaurant.com

B L D Wine/Beer Patio $$ Mediterranean influenced cuisine in a neighborhood setting

Zocolo 1801 Capitol Ave. 441-0303 L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Patio Regional Mexican cuisine served in an authentic artistic setting • zocolosacramento.com

D $$-$$$ Eclectic menu in a boutique neighborhood setting

Mulvaney’s Building & Loan 1215 19th St. 441-6022 L D Full Bar $$$ Modern American cuisine in an upscale historic setting

Negril 2502 J Street 440-1088

Old Soul Co. 1716 L St. 443-7685 B L D $ No table service at this coffee roaster and bakery, also serving creative artisanal sandwiches

Paesano’s Pizzeria 1806 Capitol Ave. 447-8646 L D $$ Gourmet pizza, pasta, salads in casual setting • Paesanos.biz

Paragary’s Bar & Oven 1401 28th St. 457-5737 D $$ Full Bar Outdoor Patio California cuisine with an Italian touch • Paragarys.com

29th and P Sts. 455-3300

B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer English Pub favorites in an historic setting • Foxandgoose.com

L D $ Classic burgers, cheesesteaks, shakes, chili dogs, and other tasty treats • suzieburger.com

Harlow’s Restaurant

The Streets of London Pub

2708 J Street 441-4693

1804 J St. 498-1388

L D $$ Full Bar Modern Italian/California cuisine with Asian inspirations • Harlows.com

L D $ Wine/Beer English Pub fare in an authentic casual atmosphere, 17 beers on tap

Italian Importing Company

Tapa The World

Any Waxing Service

New customers only. Appointment only. Not valid with other offers or promotions. Expires 10/31/13.

2431 J St. 442-7690

2000 Capitol Ave. 498-9891

2028 H St. 443-7585

10% OFF

Thai Basil Café

Moxie

1001 R St. 443-8825

October•2013

New customers only. Not valid with other offers or promotions. Expires 10/31/13.

L D Full Bar $$ Rustic Italian cuisine in an artistic atmosphere • Sacartz.com

Suzie Burger

B L $ Italian food in a casual grocery setting

Soak-off Gel Polish

L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Patio Fine South of France and northern Italian cuisine in a chic neighborhood setting • waterboyrestaurant.com

Fox & Goose Public House

1827 J Street 442-6678

5 OFF

The Waterboy

1725 I St. 446-5012

L D $-$$ Beer/Wine Food with Carribean Flair

Crepeville

Walk-in Welcome, Gift Certiﬁcate Available

1230 20th St. 444-0307

1615 J St. 669-5300

Buckhorn Grill

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm Sat 9am - 6pm

EAST SAC 33rd Street Bistro 3301 Folsom Blvd. 455-2233 B L D $$ Full Bar Patio Pacific Northwest cuisine in a casual bistro setting

Burr's Fountain

La Bombe Ice Cream & More 3020 H Street 448-2334 L D $ European and American Frozen Confections, sandwiches, soups and espresso

La Trattoria Bohemia 3649 J St. 455-7803 L D Wine/Beer $-$$ Italian and Czech specialties in a neighborhood bistro setting

Les Baux 5090 Folsom Blvd. 739-1348 BLD $ Wine/Beer Unique boulangerie, café & bistro serving affordable delicious food/drinks all day long • lesbauxbakery.com

Opa! Opa! 5644 J St. 451-4000 L D Wine/Beer $ Fresh Greek cuisine in a chic, casual setting, counter service

4920 Folsom Blvd. 452-5516

Nopalitos

B L D $ Fountain-style diner serving burgers, sandwiches, soup and ice cream specialties

5530 H St. 452-8226

Clarks' Corner Restaurant

Selland's Market Cafe

5641 J St. L D Full Bar $$ American cuisine in a casual historic setting

Clubhouse 56 723 56th. Street 454-5656

BLD Full Bar $$ American cuisine. HD sports, kid's menu, beakfast weekends

Evan’s Kitchen

B L $ Wine/Beer Southwestern fare in a casual diner setting

5340 H St. 473-3333 B L D $$-$$$ Wine/Beer High quality handcrafted food to eat in or take out, wine bar

Star Ginger 3101 Folsom Blvd. 231-8888 Asian Grill and Noodle Bar • starginger.com

Thai Palace Restaurant 3262 J St. 446-5353

855 57th St. 452-3896

L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Authentic Thai cuisine in a casual setting

B L D Wine/Beer $$ Eclectic California cuisine served in a family-friendly atmosphere, Kid’s menu, winemaker dinners • Chefevan.com

DOWNTOWN

East Sac-Midtown Taqueria 3754 J St. 452-7551 B L D $ Authentic Mexican specialties in a Southwestern setting

2115 J St. 442-4353

Español

L D $-$$ Wine/Beer/Sangria Spanish/world cuisine in a casual authentic atmosphere, live flamenco music - tapathewworld.com

L D Full Bar $-$$ Classic Italian cuisine served in a traditional family-style atmosphere

5723 Folsom Blvd. 457-3679

The Broiler Steakhouse 1201 K St. 444-3444

L D $$$ Full Bar Traditional steakhouse in an upscale atmosphere • The broilersteakhouse.com

Chops Steak Seafood & Bar 1117 11th St. 447-8900 L D $$$ Full Bar Steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef and fresh seafood in an upscale club atmosphere • Chopssacramento.com

Inside The City

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October•2013

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Inside The City

Serving Sacramento for 90 Years!

Sacramento’s Oldest Restaurant

ESPAÑOL Since 1923

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

$10 OFF Total DINNER food order of $40 or more

With coupon. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 10/31/13.

$5 OFF

Total LUNCH or DINNER food order of $20 or more With coupon. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 10/31/13.

Il Fornaio

Riverside Clubhouse

La Rosa Blanca Taqueria

400 Capitol Mall 446-4100

2633 Riverside Drive 448-9988

L D Full Bar $$$ Fine Northern Italian cuisine in a chic, upscale atmosphere • Ilfornaio.com

L D $$ Full Bar Upscale American cuisine served in a contemporary setting • Riversideclubhouse.com

3032 Auburn Blvd. 484-0139 2813 Fulton Ave. 484-6104

Grange

Taylor's Kitchen

926 J Street • 492-4450 B L D Full Bar $$$ Simple, seasonal, soulful • grangerestaurant.com

Hock Farm Craft & Provision

L D $$ Full Bar Upscale seafood, burgers in a clubby atmosphere • Mccormickandschmicks.com

1530 J St. 447-2112 L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Japanese cuisine served in an upscale setting • Mikunisushi.com

Andaloussia

Morton’s Steakhouse

dinner specials, belly dancing weekends • bestmoroccanfood.com

Lunch 11-4 pm • Dinner 4-9 pm Sundays • 11:30-9 pm • Closed Mondays

D $$ Full Bar Relax with drinks and dinner in this stylish downtown space

Ella Dining Room & Bar 1131 K St. 443-3772

L D $$$ Full Bar Modern American cuisine served family-style in a chic, upscale space • Elladiningroomandbar.com

The Firehouse Restaurant 1112 Second St. 442-4772 L D $$$ Full Bar Global and California cuisine in an upscale historic Old Sac setting • Firehouseoldsac.com

D Full Bar $$-$$$ American Cooking served in an all-booth setting. • Houtons.com

Bella Bru Café

1110 Front St. Old Sac 442-8226 L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Seasonal menu of favorites in a setting overlooking river • Riocitycafe.com

L D Wine/Beer $$ American bistro favorites with a modern twist in a casual, Old Sac setting ten22oldsac.com

LAND PARK

October•2013

L D $$ Full Bar Patio Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting

Matteo's Pizza 5132 Fair Oaks. Blvd. 779-0727 L D Beer/Wine $$ Neighborhood gathering place for pizza, pasta and grill dishes

The Mandarin Restaurant 4321 Arden Way 488-47794 D $$-$$$ Full Bar Gourmet Chineses food for 32 years • Dine in and take out

Roma's Pizzeria & Pasta 6530 Fair Oaks Blvd. 488-9800 L D $$ Traditional Italian pizza & pasta Family Friendly Catering + Team Parties • romas-pizzaand-pasta.com

Roxy 2381 Fair Oaks Blvd. 489-2000

B L D $-$$ Full Bar Espresso, omelettes, salads, table service from 5 -9 p.m. • bellabrucafe.com

Ristorante Piatti

L D $$ Full Bar Italian bistro in a casual setting • Cafevinoteca.com

Chinois City Café

571 Pavilions Lane 649-8885 L D $$ Full Bar Contemporary Italian cuisine in a casually elegant setting

Sam's Hof Brau 2500 Watt 482-2175

3535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 485-8690

L D $$ Wine/Beer Fresh quality meats roasted daily • thehofbrau.com

L D $$ Full Bar Asian-influenced cuisine in a casual setting • Chinoiscitycafe.com

Thai House

Ettore’s 2376 Fair Oaks Blvd. 482-0708

L D $$ • D with minimum diners call to inquire $$ Wine/Beer. Elegantly presented American cuisine. Operated by volunteers to benefit Sacramento Children's Home. Small and large groups. Reservations recommended • casagardenrestaurant.org

B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio European-style gourmet café with salads, soup, spit-roasted chicken, desserts in a bistro setting • Ettores.com

Kilt Pub 4235 Arden Way 487-4979 L D $ Beer/Wine British Pub Grub, Nightly Dinner Specials, Open 7 Days

Freeport Bakery 2966 Freeport Blvd. 442-4256 B L $ Award-winning baked goods and cakes for eat in or take out • Freeportbakery.com

Iron Grill

L D $$ Wine/Beer Featuring the great taste of Thai traditional specialties • sacthaihouse.com

Thai Chef's House 2851 Fulton Ave. 481-9500 L D $$ Thai cusine in a friendly, casual setting

Willie's Burgers 5050 Fair Oaks Blvd. 488-5050 L D $ Great burgers and more

Jack’s Urban Eats 2535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 481-5225 L D $ Full Bar Made-to-order comfort food in a casual setting • Jacksurbaneats.com

13th Street and Broadway 737-5115

L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Upscale neighborhood

The Kitchen 2225 Hurley Way 568-7171

Frank Fat’s L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Chinese favorites in an elegant setting • Fatsrestaurants.com

601 Munroe St. 486-4891

427 Munroe in Loehmann's 485-3888

steakhouse • Ironsteaks.com

806 L St. 442-7092

Lemon Grass Restaurant

B L D $$-$$$ Full Bar American cuisine with a Western touch in a creative upscale atmosphere

3535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 487-1331

1022 Second St. 441-2211

L D $ House-made ice cream and specialties, soups and sandwiches

5038 Fair Oaks Blvd. 485-2883

Café Vinoteca

Ten 22

2760 Sutterville Road 452-2809

D $$-$$$ Full Bar Steaks and Asian specialties served in a casual historic Old Sac location • Fatsrestaurants.com

2232 Fair Oaks Blvd. 922-3524

Rio City Café

1213 K St. 448-8900

1001 Front St. 446-6768

Bandera

10th & J Sts. 448-8960

Casa Garden Restaurant

Fat's City Bar & Cafe

1537 Howe Ave. 927-1014 L D $-$$ Authentic Moroccan cuisine, lunch &

D $$$ Full Bar Upscale American steakhouse • Mortons.com

Esquire Grill L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Outdoor Dining Upscale American fare served in an elegant setting • Paragarys.com

2415 16th St.444-2006 L D $ Great burgers and more. Open until 3 am weekends

ARDENCARMICHAEL

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Parlaré Eurolounge

Educational tasting experience of wines by the taste, flight or glass • downtownandvine.com

Willie's Burgers

1111 J St. 442-8200

Dine In & Take Out • Cocktail Lounge • Banquet Room Seats 35

1200 K Street #8 228-4518

2333 Arden Way 920-8382

B L D $$ Wine/Beer International cuisine with dessert specialties in a casual setting

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant

5723 Folsom Boulevard 457-1936

Downtown & Vine

Leatherby’s Family Creamery

D $$S Wine/Beer Dinner served Wed. through Saturday. Reservations suggested.

1518 Broadway 441-0222

L D $$-$$ Full Bar Celebration of the region's rich history and bountiful terrain • Paragarys.com

621 Capitol Mall #100 442-50

www.espanolitalian.com

2924 Freeport Boulevard 443-5154

Tower Café

1415 L St. 440-8888

L D Full Bar $$-$$ Fresh Mexican food served in a colorful family-friendly setting

D $$$ Wine/Beer Five-course gourmet demonstration dinner by reservation only • Thekitchenrestaurant.com

Jamie's Bar and Grill 427 Broadway 442-4044 L D $ Full Bar Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Dine in or take out since 1986

Inside The City

Frank Fatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s...an American Classic In 1936, Frank Fat brought his bride to Sacramento in search of the American Dream. Today, the Fat family is thrilled to announce that Frank Fatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is one of just ďŹ ve restaurants nationwide to receive the prestigious 2013 James Beard Foundation Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classic Award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frank and Mary would be so proud!â&#x20AC;?

$26.95 Anniversary Dinner Special

PRIME RIB, LOBSTER, PRAWNS & MOREâ&#x20AC;Ś FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES ON LUNCH AND DINNER SPECIALS

F r a n k Fat â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ELLA DINING ROOM AND BAR 1131 K STREET 916.443.3772 WWW.ELLA DINING ROOM AND BAR.COM

806 L Street Downtown Sacramento 916-442-7092 www.frankfats.com

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Jamieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadway Grille since 1986

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As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Jamieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill â&#x20AC;˘ 427 Broadway â&#x20AC;˘ 442-4044 Octoberâ&#x20AC;˘2013

Princeton Capital is a Residential Mortgage Lender, and an RMR Financial company, licensed by the California Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, license #415-0027.

Inside The City

Coldwell Banker

#1 IN CALIFORNIA

SMASHING SINGLE-LEVEL HOME! Originally blt by Stephanson & Hail, this 3bd, 3ba property offers beautiful hardwoods in the kitchen and family eating area. 4-car garage w/a bonus room/art studio space behind it. $439,000 POLLY SANDERS 341-7865 BRE#: 01158787 DREAM LIFESTYLE HOME! 4bd, 3.5ba Farmhouse located within blocks of Old Fair Oaks Village, Waldorf School & the American River Prkwy. Light ﬁlled family room, downstairs master/guest suite & gated swimming pool. $665,000 POLLY SANDERS 341-7865 BRE#: 01158787 MID-CENTURY ERA AND CUSTOM BUILT!! 5bd+extra rm off lndry, 4 bath. LR w/frplce w/mantle, frml DR, kitch/fam rm combo looks out to backyard. 2 car garage. $929,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 BRE: 00784986

PICTURE PERFECT! Light & airy w/upgrds thru-out this 3bd, 2.5ba hm. Open great rm concept, Tile ﬂrs in kitch & bdrm, laminate ﬂrs in living & master, kit w/corian cntrs & newer applnces. Great yrd w/patio. $325,000 RENEE CATRICALA 203-9690 BRE#: 01077144

LAND PARK BRICK TUDOR! Gracious & charming 4bd, 3ba, 1930's hm w/all the updates. The large & private bckyrd features a brick patio perfect for entertaining. $737,000 TERESA OLSON 494-1452 BRE#: 01880615

BEAUTIFUL SOUTH LAND PARK! 3bd & 2.5ba. Wood ﬂoors, dual pane windows, LR & family room & a spacious yard. 1/2 the garage has been converted to an ofﬁce & 1/2 bath. $350,000 WENDI REINL 206-8709 DRE: 01314052

SPACIOUS LAND PARK HOME! Features vaulted ceilings, LR frplc, open ﬂr pln, 3bds, 2ba, CH&A & a nice kitch w/ plenty of strge. Bckyrd has a huge covered deck $329,000 PALOMA BEGIN 628-8561 BRE#: 01254423

GREENHAVEN DUPLEX! Attractive rental, quality built. Same owner since 1981. Per assessor over 2800 sqft. 2 bdrms, 2 bath, 2 car garage on each side plus individual yards. Well located. $385,000 CATHY SCHAROSCH 801-9613 BRE: 00586371 CALL IT HOME IN HOLLYWOOD PARK! Adorable 3bd, 1ba hm w/frplce, granite kitch ctrs, hrdwd ﬂrs, D/P Windows, & 1 car garage. Entertain in huge yrd w/fountain. $273,900 SINDY KIRSCH 730-7705 DRE#: 01483907

CONTEMPORARY URBAN! City core living. 2bd, 2.5ba near Farmer's Market, Southside Prk, The R St Historic District & proposed arena. Garage. $379,900 MARK PETERS 600-2039 BRE#: 01424396

MIDTOWN – TAPESTRI SQUARE! New Semi-Custom homes. 1200 to 2800SqFt. $399,000 to $795,000. Models Open Th-Su 11a4p at 20th & T St.TapestriSquare.com MICHAEL ONSTEAD 601-5699 DRE#: 01222608

LAND PARK CHARMER! 2bdrm home w/lovely architecture. Remodld Kitch, Inside Lndry Rm. Lndscpd bckyrd w/Pergola, & Brick inlaid driveway. $369,000 MATT & WENDY KAY 717-1013 BRE#: 01437903

SOUTH LAND PARK CUTIE! Don't miss this 3bd, 2ba w/original Mid-century charm. Hardwood ﬂoors, kitchen tile & appliances & Large 2 car garage. $370,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 DRE: 00784986 MODERN LOFT-LIKE LIVING! In the heart of the dwntwn. The Crocker, R St. Historic District, Verge Center for the Arts, W/X Farmer's Market, Capitol & proposed new arena & entertainment dist. are at your doorstep. Solar panels on roof. *2 car garage* $399,900 MARK PETERS 600-2039 BRE#: 01424396

TURN-KEY IN THE POCKET! This wonderful 3bd, 2ba home has an open ﬂr pln w/bright spacious entry & 2 ﬁreplaces. Newer exterior paint & dual pane windows. $365,000 SINDY KIRSCH 730-7705 BRE#: 01483907

HOLLYWOOD PARK LOCATION! Roomy 3 bdrm cottage w/updtd kitch w/granite counters, LR w/frplc, hrdwds under carpet, CH&A & completely rmdld bathrm. New electrical & plumbing. $264,900 BOB LYSTRUP 628-8561 DRE: 00991041

LOVELY LAND PARK LOCATION! Experience wonderful walk-ability from this 2-3bdrm Land Park home with large kitchen. Call for price! STEPH BAKER 775-3447 BRE#: 01402254

METRO OFFICE 730 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento 916.447.5900

DESIRABLE LOCATION! Woodside Condo with 2 large bedrooms and 1 bath. This is not a Short Sale or REO! Come and enjoy all that Woodside has to offer. $105,000 GINA BORGES-VALDEZ 505-4242 BRE#: 01397123

WONDERFUL HOME IN HOLLYWOOD PARK! Huge possibilities on this mostly original 2-3bd, 1ba home w/ central heating & air and upgraded windows. $234,000 THE WOOLFORD TEAM 834-6900 BRE#: 00679593

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