Inside Arden December 2022

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Cecily Hastings Cathryn Rakich editor@insidepublications.com M.J. McFarland Cindy Fuller Linda Smolek, Aniko Kiezel @anikophotos Michele Mazzera Info@insidepublications.com or visit insidesacramento.com

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CHRISTINE VOLKER

Chris Volker is a local artist who has exhibited her work in group shows and galleries in California, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico. She has a BFA in painting from the University of Iowa. She is best known for her geometric expressionist paintings built up through layers of oil paint and cold wax. Similar to music, she hopes the viewer can respond to the play of line, planes, movement and color. Shown: “Green,” oil on canvas, 20 inches by 24 inches, in a private collection. Visit @ChrisVolkerArt on Instagram.

Research shows that people living with chronic illness who receive palliative care generally live longer and report a higher quality of life and a better sense of well-being than those who do not.

Palliative care can help you manage your symptoms, connect you to essential resources, and coordinate your care so that you can savor the moments that mean the most to you.

C H CH

By Cecily Hastings Publisher’s Desk

News of a murder next to Sutter Lawn Tennis Club arrived as a text message from a friend. My first thought was the location must be confused with the Sutter Club located near the Capitol.

It was no mistake. The unthinkable happened in my neighborhood. An older gentleman was shot in the face with a rifle. He was on his way to his weekly card game at Sutter Lawn.

In an instant Charles Starzynski joined James Raleigh and Mary Kate Tibbitts as a murder victim in one of our city’s best neighborhoods.

Outgoing City Council member Jeff Harris had a connection to all three victims. “Charlie was a wonderful person,” he says. “I spent innumerable hours in my truck going to work as a general contractor listening to KXPR and Charlie. I didn’t know Mary Kate, but her brother Dan Tibbitts is my friend. James Raleigh was also a very dear friend who was like my blood brother in many ways.

“Their murderers hit home very hard for me and their loved ones. Their lives were all very meaningful and senselessly taking them from us is just tragic. Not to mention that the three killers threw their own lives away forever. It’s just a huge, huge loss all the way around,” Harris says.

Starzynski’s alleged killer was free on a $5,000 bond for felony domestic violence when police arrested him for the East Sac murder. James Raleigh’s alleged killer

Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester speaks to members and neighbors at Sutter Lawn Tennis Club.

Photo by Cecily Hastings

was a homeless man who attacked Raleigh outside his Carmichael residence, living just doors away from County Supervisor Rich Desmond, a lifelong friend. Mary Kate Tibbitts was tortured, raped and murdered along with her two dogs in her Land Park home, allegedly by a felon with a long criminal history and an outstanding warrant.

The Sutter Lawn Tennis Club is a historic, century-old, family-friendly neighborhood sports club. We’ve enjoyed membership for three decades.

As the horrible news spread among club members and neighbors, club leaders quickly planned a membership meeting to understand what happened. Before the meeting, dread hung over

me. I couldn’t concentrate. I had played tennis there just a few days earlier, 10 feet from the scene of the murder.

When I explained to my husband I was going to the meeting, he became concerned for my safety. I told him I’d be among friends and the police, but it wasn’t unreasonable for Jim to remind me a murder had just occurred in the alley next to the club.

Most members are neighbors. Seeing so many distraught faces was unsettling, especially as these are usually happy, smiling folks having fun.

The meeting was valuable and cathartic. Matt Ryan, who describes himself as someone who “plans to spend the rest of my life in this community,” was the organizer.

Ryan laid out the political timeline. Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 109, known as “public safety realignment,” in 2011, to reduce prison populations. Three years later, voters passed Proposition 47, which decriminalized possession of drugs and theft under $950. In 2016, voters passed Proposition 57, which allowed felons early prison release.

During the pandemic, many counties established zero bail policies, but those orders have been largely rescinded. A state Senate bill to formalize zero bail in California failed in the Assembly in August.

In May 2020, the “Defund the Police” political movement arrived. Shortly thereafter, some elected officials pledged to refuse donations from law enforcement associations, such as unions.

“Almost always, policies have good intentions but unintended consequences. I will give the benefit of the doubt to the past, but let’s not make the same bad decisions again going forward,” Ryan said.

The meeting wasn’t about pointing fingers or accusations or falling into acidic discourse. Instead, he said, “I want to foster listening and understanding how this happened. And what it will take policy-wise to stop this from happening in the future.”

The Sutter Lawn meeting filled these goals. Police Chief Kathy Lester described tremendous police work behind identifying the suspect within three hours and quickly apprehending him.

L last month means about $10 million a year from our city budget will permanently fund the nonprofit youth services industry, all on the hope that someday our city might be safer.

I respectfully challenge the mayor’s statement that he will “do anything and everything” for public safety. When he had the opportunity to avoid potential future cuts to safety, he caved to political favors and special interests.

Dan Tibbitts spoke from his heart, but it was grounded in the work he has been doing since his sister’s murder. “Politicians who condone this travesty of justice killed my sister, and likely thousands more. Our skyrocketing crime is caused by our elected officials, despite everything they claim to be doing to stop it,” he said.

“Law enforcement must be part of any functioning community. Demonization of law enforcement is what we have today. Criminals are smart, hatefully smart,” Ryan said. “When they see and hear the Defund the Police and (no-money pledge) narratives gaining traction, they become emboldened and more brazen. It plays a large part as to why we are here today.”

I agree with Ryan. We all know people who have been victimized. We know terrific people who took the opportunity to move on to greener pastures and safer locations. These horrific incidents could have happened to anyone.

How many more times do we have to meet and grieve before we try to change our criminal justice policies and try something different?

FLOWERS DECOR GIFTS TRIMMINGS

But when a retired military officer asked about protecting ourselves with guns, Lester was adamant the police could protect us. I don’t fault her. Lester is an exceptional public servant. But if the facts make one thing obvious, it’s this: The police can’t protect us.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who often plays tennis at Sutter Lawn, attended the meeting. “I would literally do anything and everything to increase public safety in our city,” he said.

I believe Steinberg probably means well. But his help in passing Measure

“All of these ridiculous criminal policies that have proven to make us less safe and more vulnerable and have clearly been an 11-year failure that needs to be changed,” Ryan said at the meeting. “If not now, when?”

Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Fair Oaks Blvd & Munroe (279) 345-0902

Charles Starzynski

James Raleigh Mary Kate Tibbitts

HOW MANY MORE TIMES DO WE HAVE TO MEET AND GRIEVE BEFORE WE TRY TO CHANGE OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICIES AND TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

Organized and produced by Barrett Barrera Projects. [image]

Photo

Real Art For Real Change

GARIBALDI PAINTING BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Acolorful portrait of tennis legend Serena Williams, created by performance painter David Garibaldi, recently brought in $4,500 to benefit Saint John’s Program for Real Change.

The nonprofit organization, which supports formerly homeless women and their children, auctioned off the artwork at this year’s Party for Change

J L JL

By Jessica Laskey Out & About

fundraiser. The event raised nearly $900,000.

SAFE Credit Union commissioned Garibaldi to create the painting at its annual Impact employee event earlier this year, and donated the artwork to Saint John’s Program for Real Change.

Carmichael resident Garibaldi says his work has raised more than $7 million for charity worldwide and he’s performed 100-plus shows around the world.

“A program like Saint John’s needs all the support we can give,” Garibaldi says. “There are too many women and children who do not have a system of support, and they are overlooked far too often.”

For more information, visit saintjohnsprogram.org and garibaldiarts.com.

SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL GRANT

Maria Harrington, owner and founder of local Spanish language school and cultural center Casa de Español, recently received a $5,000 Inclusive Banking grant from American Express.

The grant program has awarded a total of $600,000 to 120 small business owners who identify as Native or Indigenous, Hispanic or Latinx, LGBTQ+, or as immigrants, refugees or forcibly displaced.

Founded in 2011, Casa de Español shares the Spanish language and cultures of Latin America and Spain in a holistic and immersive way. The school serves more than 300 students each quarter and frequently partners with local organizations, such as La Familia Counseling Center, Crocker Art

Museum and Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California, to give back to the community.

Casa de Español is at 1101 R St. For more information, visit casadeespanol. org or call (916) 346-4535.

METRO BOARDLINK

Metro EDGE, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, has launched a new board development opportunity for young professionals.

BoardLink focuses on placing under-40 professionals on regionally recognized business boards to increase board diversity and address regional workforce demands.

“By dedicating a young professional seat at the table, this program seeks to empower the next generation of leaders and create belonging for their voice

David Garibaldi’s portrait of Serena Williams is auctioned off at Saint John’s Program for Real Change fundraising event.

in regional conversations,” says Liz Lorand Williams, Metro EDGE’s board development chair.

Participating organizations include Metro PAC, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Metro Chamber Foundation, Sacramento Steps Forward, Sacramento Metro Advocates for Rail and Transit, Valley Vision, Visit Sacramento and Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

Interested businesses with available board positions are encouraged to email Williams at llorandwilliams@ downtownsac.org. Metro EDGE member candidates can learn more at metroedge.org/get-involved/join-a-board.

LEADERSHIP SAC

Applications are open for the 38th cohort of Leadership Sacramento, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation.

Founded in 1985, Leadership Sacramento is an interactive, yearlong program designed to inform and educate community-minded business and civic leaders on issues that impact the region’s economy. The program offers personal and professional development and networking opportunities, and ends with the completion of a community project benefitting a local nonprofit.

“Leadership Sacramento unites like-minded individuals working towards a common goal of positively impacting our region,” says Kyla Bryant, executive director of the Metro Chamber Foundation. “This program aims to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders and regional changemakers through inspired learning.”

The deadline to apply is Dec. 12. Applications can be found at metrochamber.org/foundation/ programs/leadership-sacramento.

MICROBUSINESSES

The fourth round of grant funding for microbusiness owners in Sacramento County is now open through Dec. 20. Microbusinesses can receive $2,500 grants.

The program is funded by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate and administered by Sacramento County to assist microbusinesses impacted by the pandemic.

To qualify, applicants must receive less than $50,000 in gross revenue annually, have fewer than five fulltime employees and have been in

operation by the end of 2019. For more information, visit sac4micro.org.

SAC REGION CEO

Sacramento native Kerry Wood has been selected to head the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

Wood previously served as the foundation’s chief marketing and donor engagement officer. Former CEO Linda Beech Cutler will serve as an adviser through the end of the year.

Wood’s “stellar experience building philanthropic resources—grounded in trust and authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders—extensive community foundation knowledge, deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, passion for serving the capital area and the nonprofit community, and her strategic and collaborative leadership style reflect an ideal combination to elevate the foundation in every way,” says foundation board Chair Kate Stille.

Since 1983, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants and scholarships in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo counties. For more information, visit sacregcf.org.

Four of the six planned projects will include units specifically for people experiencing homelessness, and one will provide transitional housing beds for homeless individuals through a contract with The Salvation Army.

The city will partner with affordable housing developers CADA, Mutual Housing, BRIDGE Housing and Eden Housing; private developers Fulcrum Properties, Urban Elements and College Town International; and local partners Paratransit, Habitat for Humanity, and Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

The projects are expected to open in late 2023 through the end of 2024, and will be located at 7141 Woodbine Ave., 440 Arden Way, 805 R St., 4501 9th Ave., 3400 Stockton Blvd. and various lots in Oak Park.

“dog friend” Tracy, who was eager to partner with her on this new endeavor.

After months of trading drafts back and forth, and enlisting the talents of Spanish illustrator Irene De Prada, the first book, “Nala and the Color of Love,” was released.

“We’re so blessed to be starting out on this journey and we look forward to the idea of sharing our positive messages with so many young parents and all of their precious little ones,” Giancanelli says.

For more information or to order, visit nalasbooks.com.

AFFORDABLE HOMES

More than 800 new affordable housing units will be built in the city thanks to $35 million in funding recently approved by the City Council.

NALA’S BOOKS

Arden Park residents Sally Giancanelli and Ryan Tracy have collaborated on a new series of children’s books full of heartwarming messages, tales of bravery—and dogs!

“I knew early on that there was always something special between my boys and our dogs,” says Giancanelli, an Inside Sacramento account representative. “This bond planted the seed for me to one day write a children’s book.”

When yellow lab Nala came into her life, Giancanelli knew she’d found her muse. She connected with neighbor and

Kerry Wood named CEO of Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

Applications are open for Leadership Sacramento. Pictured is the 2022 Leadership Class.

Sally Giancanelli and Ryan Tracy are the authors of “Nala and the Color of Love,” the first in a new series of children’s books.

CARING QUILTERS

A group of 10 avid quilters, known as Sew What Sisters, are helping those in need.

Leader Debra King-Abraham says the group has been around for more than 20 years and includes members from Sacramento, San Francisco, Contra Costa and Solano counties.

“Our goal is to have fun and give back to others,” she says. “We’re not a program, just quilters that care.”

This month, the group will present approximately 20 quilts to Wind Youth Services in Sacramento and muchneeded supplies to the Veterans Home of California in Yountville.

SAC STATE MURALS

Sacramento State has unveiled a series of murals created in partnership with Wide Open Walls as the first part

of a multi-year project highlighting the university’s Antiracism and Inclusive Campus Plan.

Eight artists hailing from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds were paid $1,000 each to paint the murals on the south side of Santa Clara Hall. The murals represent the project’s theme: “Believe, Becoming and Being.”

“I want to be able to say something in my art,” says Sac State alumnus and muralist Erik Oliver, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico at age 12. “I had to learn the language and it was a different kind of transition and a new experience for me, which came with a

lot of unexpected challenges, and I want to be able to share that through my art.”

Other mural artists are Phillip Altstatt, alumnus/staff; Luis Garcia, faculty; Emma Montalbano, student; Jane Simeon, student; Anastasia Sullivan, student; Wood Farguheson “Tsumnu,” guest artist; and Beth Consetta Rubel, WOW artist.

ART EDUCATION

The Crocker Art Museum has launched the Mel and Leta Ramos Family Virtual Education Center, a comprehensive resource for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and other educators looking to integrate art into their classroom, home or community.

The platform, funded by the Mel and Leta Ramos Family Foundation, includes lesson plans for every subject and grade level, engaging video content, art education coaching, curriculum reviews, professional development and more. All resources on the site are free to access.

“The Education Center transforms Crocker resources, as well as community-made content submitted through the site, into a flexible, on-demand format to better serve educators working in a post-COVID classroom,” says Mallorie J. Marsh, the Crocker’s associate director of education.

LGBTQ+ HOSTS

The Sacramento LGBT Community Center is in need of safe and affirming host homes for young LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.

The center’s Host Homes program provides bridge housing for individuals 18 to 24. The length of stay is flexible,

averaging four to six months. Stable housing, meals, social/emotional support and case management are provided— at no cost—while individuals make progress toward their life goals.

For information on becoming a host home, visit saccenter.org/housing.

WATER SMART CONTEST

Do you have a budding young filmmaker at home? The Regional Water Authority and local water providers are looking for submissions for their annual Water Spots Video Contest from local high school and middle school filmmakers.

The contest challenges entrants to make a 30-second public service video that educates and motivates the community to stop water waste. The 2023 Water Spots theme is “Do Your Part To Be Water Smart.”

Videos will be judged by a panel of water experts and community leaders, and online voting. The top-scoring video from each school will win a $50 Amazon gift card. The video that receives the most online votes (People’s Choice) or top scores from the panel (Judge’s Choice) will receive a cash prize.

Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice winners will be eligible to win the Grand Prize, which includes showing the video for one month at a local movie theater.

The deadline to enter is March 10, 2023. For more information, visit bewatersmart.info/waterspots.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

The Sacramento Blues Society has made its first contribution to the Little Charlie Baty Memorial Music

Sew What Sisters are making quilts for those in need.

Scholarship for students at Sacramento State’s College of Music.

The scholarship was developed to support current music students in honor of local musician Charlie Baty, who died in 2020, and his commitment and support of the Sacramento Blues Society and Blues in the Schools program.

To donate to the Little Charlie Baty Memorial Music Scholarship, visit sacblues.org.

HOLIDAY GIVING

Although The Salvation Army is busy year-round, December is a big month for the organization. The Salvation Army Del Oro Division has plenty of ways for locals to pitch in.

For the Tis the Season Food Drive, drop off nonperishable food Dec. 13 at 3250 Arena Blvd., Dec. 14 at 5159 Fair

Oaks Blvd. or Dec. 15 at 1915 Douglas Blvd. All drop-offs are 3–7 p.m.

The Adopt-A-Family holiday program assists families in crisis with food, clothing and gifts through individual sponsors. Distribution takes place Dec. 20 at Cal Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Army will distribute gifts through its Angel Giving Tree program Dec. 21 at Cal Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To donate to area families in need, visit deloro.salvationarmy.org.

SEE’S CANDY

Buy See’s Candy for your holiday gatherings and gifting, while supporting Soroptimists International of Sacramento.

The club’s store features a broad selection of See’s prepackaged candy with profits funding programs

and community services to assist underserved women and girls.

The store is open Dec. 1–24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Loehmann’s Plaza on Fair Oaks Boulevard. For more information, visit soroptimistsacramento.org.

CHECK BEFORE BURN

From now through Feb. 28, residents in Sacramento County—including the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento—must check projected air-quality levels before using their fireplaces or wood stoves.

No-burn days are called when weather conditions trap wood smoke near the ground. This fine particle pollution poses a serious health threat and causes more than 50 percent of the winter air pollution in the county, according to Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.

To check before you burn, visit airquality.org, call (877) NO-BURN-5, download the free Sacramento Region Air Quality mobile app, follow @AQMD on Twitter or sign up to get daily burn status emails at sparetheair.com.

LEAF SEASON

Leaf season is upon us. This means city residents can pile excess yard waste in the street for collection by “the claw.” Wondering how this fits in with the new organic material recycling? Not much has changed. Simply continue to fill your yard waste container with food scraps and food-soiled paper along with leaves, branches, grass clippings and other organic yard waste. Additional yard waste that doesn’t fit in the bin may be left on the street for collection.

Don’t put food waste in the street yard waste pile. Make sure there is space between the curb and yard waste pile for water to flow to storm drains. Organic waste and recycling should not be placed in plastic bags. Christmas trees can be added to yard waste piles. For more information, visit sacleafsmart.org.

Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Erik Oliver is one of eight artists participating in Sac State mural project.

The Salvation Army’s holiday gift distribution takes place this month.

Hello, Neighbor!

J STREET CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATION, CONNECTION FOR

You’ve probably driven by it countless times, a Spanish-style building shaded by trees along J Street between 52nd and 53rd streets. You’ve even stopped there

at the traffic light on Rodeo Way.

An ornately painted sign identifies the building as A.W. McClaskey Adult Center. It was once El Dorado Elementary School. Today it houses various classes, several focused on adults with developmental disabilities.

“Before legislation desecrated adult education, we used to have 10 apportionment areas,” says Susan Lytle Gilmore, principal at McClaskey since 1992.

DISABLED ADULTS

By Jessica Laskey Giving Back: Volunteer Profile

When seismic regulations were ordered in the 1970s, the site was deemed too expensive to retrofit for kids but perfect for adults. In 1978, the building was repurposed as the A. Warren McClaskey Adult Center, named for a former Sacramento City Unified adult education director.

“We had classes for older adults, home economics, adults with disabilities, ESL, adult basic education for below-eighth-grade skills, CTE (career technical education), parent education and more. Now the only ones left are adult basic education, ESL, CTE and adults with disabilities.”

The center seeks to “enhance life opportunities and choices of adults with

developmental disabilities” through classes that include community access, employment exploration, independent living, job preparation, leisure time, production occupation work and socialization.

“My group of 12 students are ages 25 to 73,” says recycling program teacher Scott Ford. “Once they get here, they really like it and they’re welcome to stay as long as they like.”

Ford’s class partners with local schools and businesses to collect recyclables. Students sort and sell materials to recycling centers for a small

Scott Ford and Kathryn Harris (in front) with McClaskey Adult Center students

Photo by Linda Smolek

profit, which goes to program costs and modest paychecks for students.

“It’s a work program. Students are not only learning skills but also earning extra money,” Ford says.

While students stay busy with collection rounds in a donated van and trailer, they stay equally active in the center’s two gardens, where Kathryn Harris works.

“The garden community class teaches the students skills for jobs in garden centers, nurseries, landscaping and other soft or basic skills, as well as about a healthy lifestyle and teamwork,” Harris says.

“We have a fruit, vegetable and herb garden and a California native rain garden that’s doing really well. Our plan is to eventually incorporate tech so students can learn how to post things on social media. We also want to start a store or stand where we can bring in the community.”

Harris partners with community compost collective ReSoil Sacramento and plans to start a vermiculture (worm) program.

“There’s a lot going on in the garden,” she says. “We’re always looking for volunteers to come work with students through the district’s

volunteer program or on a monthly basis at our work parties. We welcome donations for tools or for people to come and share their wisdom and expertise with us. We’re trying to empower students to be the best they can be in whatever they’re doing.”

Ford also needs volunteers, but of a different nature. He encourages neighbors to save bottles and cans and drop them off at the center, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or get on the pick-up schedule for highvolume contributions.

“We live in this wonderful neighborhood that we don’t have a lot of contact with,” Ford says. “We want people to know that there’s an organization right around the corner doing really good work for a vulnerable population.”

For information, email Scott Ford at scott-ford@scusd.edu. A. Warren McClaskey Adult Center is at 5241 J St.

Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Previous profiles can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Our Joan Didion

HOMETOWN HONORS CELEBRATED WRITER

Joan Didion, the trailblazing Sacramento-born writer who died a year ago, is getting her due in her hometown.

Didion, 87, was one of her generation’s most celebrated writers. But except for a white mansion with a wrap-around front porch at 2000 22nd St., there are few visible signs she ever lived here.

The reasons aren’t clear. Sacramento has always been skittish about boasting on its celebrities, and a number of

G D GD

By Gary Delsohn Building Our Future

Didion fans believe she never cared for the place.

They point to comments made in her writing and elsewhere—“Anybody who talks about California hedonism has never spent a Christmas in Sacramento,” for instance—and how she couldn’t wait to flee after graduation from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1952.

But many ambitious young people feel constrained by their hometowns. There is ample evidence she cared deeply for the city and its surroundings.

After moving to Los Angeles and New York, she regularly returned to Sacramento to finish her books. She wrote, “My family had come to Sacramento in the 19th Century… . It formed everything I ever think or ever do or am.”

Now some residents are determined to show the world Sacramento will always love Joan Didion.

There will be two striking statues of her on display, one at the city’s central library Downtown, another at Sacramento City College, where she took classes before moving to UC Berkeley. Sac City will establish a permanent writing scholarship in her name.

This is happening primarily thanks to former public relations man Maurice Read and Gregg Lukenbill, a longtime associate of Read who brought the Kings to town.

Read and Didion were pals at Sac City and kept in touch. One keepsake: a letter Didion sent March 17, 1987, after she read a magazine profile that mentioned the suicide of Read’s daughter.

“I just sat here and cried—how could it have been, how could it be, how must it have been and how must it be still,” Didion wrote to Read.

She went on to talk about deaths in her own family, including the suicide of Stephen Dunne, youngest brother of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne.

“It is the hardest, almost impossible kind of death to deal with, to think about. We have had a lot of deaths in the family, even a murder… and none stay as raw as suicide. All I can say is that I’m sorry I didn’t know at the time, and I send you my love.”

Read has fond memories of his friendship. Nights studying at the library. Driving out to the country and drinking beer with Didion and friends. Joan stayed in the car, fearful of snakes. “Every so often we’d go over, she’d roll down the window, and she’d take a sip of beer,” Read recalls.

Troubled that his old friend wasn’t properly celebrated here, Read enlisted history lover Lukenbill, vice president and driving force behind the Sacramento Historical Society. They

Maurice Read and Gregg Lukenbill

began to raise money. It poured in quickly, more than $100,000 in 60 days.

Support came from County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy and Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the Sacramento Historical Society, Griffin Dunne, Angelo and Sofia Tsakopoulos, U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, members of the Didion family, Matt Bult and the Thiebaud Foundation, the Burnett and Mimi Miller family, Mark Friedman, Marci Friedman, Sotiris and Matina Kolokotronis, the Susan McClatchy Foundation, Phyllis Hammer, Dave Luchetti, Joe Gibson and Ruth Rosenberg, Sandra Bauer and Tom Naygrow.

Lisa Reinertson, a Northern California sculptor, was commissioned

to create two life-sized statues of Didion. Lukenbill approached Kings ownership and came away with $10,000 and use of Golden 1 Center for a Didion celebration and November unveiling. Her birthday, Dec. 5, is Joan Didion Day in Sacramento.

Here’s Read with more potential news: “A felicitous result of our efforts has been to attract the attention of Joan and John Gregory Dunne’s heirs. They had recently started a search to find a home for the papers and archives of their famous relatives. When they saw the enthusiastic community response to Sacramento’s celebration of Joan, they quickly included Sacramento as a possible site for the Didion/Dunne papers.”

City officials, Read says, are exploring the purchase of the old U.S. Post Office at Ninth and I streets. It could house the Didion/Dunne papers plus Sacramento’s extensive and unique collection of historic documents, photographs, maps and

artifacts, material now crammed into a substandard building prone to flooding.

Whether this happens remains to be seen, but I have long been a Joan Didion fan and love this story. I like Lukenbill’s explanation of why she is the perfect ambassador for the city, its history and aspirations.

“She was a fifth generation Sacramentan, if you can believe that,” he says. “And she was hell-bent on accuracy and the truth. In the world we’re living in now, where brainwashing with social media is the norm, how is she not the perfect person to represent this city?”

Gary Delsohn can be reached at gdelsohn@gmail.com. Previous columns can be found and shared InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

“SHE WAS HELL-BENT ON ACCURACY AND THE TRUTH. IN THE WORLD WE’RE LIVING IN NOW, WHERE BRAINWASHING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE NORM, HOW IS SHE NOT THE PERFECT PERSON TO REPRESENT THIS CITY?”

After 37 years, I’ve finally figured out the curse of the Kings. It’s all about real estate.

I’m not talking about a real estate curse that involves ancient Native American burial grounds.

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By R.E. Graswich Sports Authority

For some Kings fans, the fictional image of bones beneath old Arco Arena explained why the team was so lousy.

The burial grounds theory collapsed when the team moved Downtown. If anything, the Kings got worse on K Street.

The real estate curse haunted the team’s ownership from the start. Since the Kings left Kansas City in 1985, they were run by men whose basketball wisdom was fogged by real estate. At some point, passion for dirt takes control.

The current owner, Vivek Ranadivé, was a Silicon Valley tech tycoon and electrical engineer when he bought the Kings in 2013. Today he’s a real estate guy.

The Kings and their private equity partners control big chunks of property. Their purchase of the River Cats baseball team, presented as a marriage of sports interests, isn’t about baseball. It’s about real estate. Buying the River Cats gives the Kings and their investors access to waterfront land in West Sacramento.

Ranadivé’s investments include 7 million shares of WeWork, a real estate company that lost about 85% of its value in the past 14 months. Vivek serves on the board of directors.

The real estate curse seems to have burrowed deep into Ranadivé.

Consider what he gave up to take control of the Kings (his stake is secret, but I believe he owns about 37%).

When Ranadivé bought the Kings in 2013, the NBA required him to sell 7% of the Golden State Warriors. That seemed reasonable a decade ago.

Today the Warriors are worth three or four times more than the Kings. They have a bigger, newer, fancier arena overlooking San Francisco Bay.

Even worse, the Warriors have won four championships since 2015. It’s almost like they needed Ranadivé to leave before they turned everything around.

The real estate curse started with Joe Benvenuti, who purchased the Kansas City Kings and moved them west. He owned 50%. Gregg Lukenbill and several partners bought smaller pieces.

Photos by Aniko Kiezel

Fans and Kings personalities celebrate at Fan Fest, one way the team connects with the community. Another is owner Vivek Ranadivé’s interest in real estate.

Lukenbill and his friends were dreamers. Benvenuti was a real estate guy.

The master plan for the Kings involved real estate, not basketball. Joe never attended an NBA game before he bought the team. He used the Kings as leverage to open Natomas for development.

Benvenuti knew if he showed up at City Hall with an NBA team and plans for an arena, the City Council couldn’t deny his application to rezone hundreds of agricultural acres for industrial development.

The scheme was simple. No entitlements, no team, no arena. The city rezoned the farmland.

When Benvenuti died in 2012, his estate included $600 million in warehouses, distribution hubs, call centers and offices. About half were within 2 miles of Arco Arena. The Kings were losers, but Joe didn’t care. He died a winner.

Next came Jim Thomas, who purchased the Kings in 1992. Thomas was a real estate guy. He built skyscrapers in Dallas and Philadelphia and especially Los Angeles, where he claimed four of the tallest buildings in the 1990s.

Thomas talked about developing commercial properties in Sacramento. He completed just one. Working with city officials to replace an old garage at 10th and I streets, he built the 25-story California EPA building. The tower was a success, but the Kings leaked money. Their failures prompted Thomas to sell.

When the Maloof family bought the team in 1998, they were small-time Las Vegas casino operators and beer distributors. They weren’t real estate developers. Unfortunately, they became real estate guys two years later when they built the Palms hotel and casino.

Within a decade, Palms and its adjoining towers buried the family financially and forced the Maloofs to sell their beer distributorship, hotel, condo tower, casino and basketball team in 2013.

Maybe Ranadivé can break the real estate curse, but I doubt it. He’ll have to go back to electrical engineering or tech. He’ll have to forget real estate. He blew it with the Warriors. Quitting real estate is his only hope.

R.E. Graswich can be reached at regraswich@icloud.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Show Time

Their testimony is performance art, complete with profanities and songs that rhyme. They fill the Board of Supervisors chambers at 700 H St. with f-bombs and wild accusations, somehow believing the best way to win support from elected officials is to insult them.

When the board meets, activists often testify about Sacramento County’s purported failures involving homelessness, mental health and law enforcement.

Among the voices is Decarcerate Sacramento, a group determined to curb jail expansion, decrease jail population and shift funds from law enforcement into “community-based systems of care.”

To hear from ordinary, non-activist residents, board members often have to

schedule meetings in suburban locations miles from Downtown.

Few suburban citizens—people from unincorporated neighborhoods who have no local government other than the county supervisors—attend H Street sessions.

Supervisor Rich Desmond recently held a meeting in Carmichael. The topic was public safety. Desmond had no problem filling the room, packed with more than 300 people.

The meeting was scheduled weeks in advance, but the turnout was prompted by the recent murder of a local resident. A homeless man was in custody.

The contrast is stark between the Carmichael meeting and routine board sessions on H Street.

Carmichael attendees had grievances, but they exercised restraint. Downtown activists often turn a board session into a pep rally with chanting and programmed applause.

in 2020. So far, he’s apparently not impressed with the profanity and antics.

At the Carmichael meeting, Desmond told constituents the board “doesn’t hear enough from community members,” citing how activists often dominate.

Since the pandemic, activists learned they don’t have to show up to air their views.

Social distance requirements created the ability to testify by phone. The board agenda explains how to call in.

Even if there’s no pertinent issue on the agenda, activists know they can talk uninterrupted during time allotted for matters not on the agenda.

Expect more inflammatory rhetoric Dec. 7 when the board is scheduled to hear a report on upgrades for the jail. Activists dislike the Sheriff’s Department and want it curtailed.

reasons for shortages vary and include sick leave, vacations, retirements and deputies quitting.

Seger, president of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, has been a cop for 20 years. He says negative media portrayals of law enforcement haven’t helped retention or recruitment.

“We need good people to stay,” he says, but acknowledges many leave due to the “new reality” of negativity for people who want to build a law enforcement career.

On the other hand, Seger says residents often express appreciation to the men and women wearing the uniform. “People are just coming up and saying ‘thank you,’” he says.

By Howard Schmidt Inside The County

HSAt H Street, activists follow their own agenda and arrive in force. Few bother to moderate anger and frustration. They testify on favorite topics even when the board deals with other matters. They recently assailed supervisors for a “fascist-like Nazi decision on homelessness.”

Theatrics take a toll. Desmond, the newest board member, was elected

In some ways, the Sheriff’s Department is already being curtailed, though the reasons are complex. There are more than 100 vacant deputy positions. Unfilled jobs result in inadequate patrol strength for unincorporated suburban neighborhoods.

Sgt. Nathan Seger says vacancies sometimes leave patrols “at below or at minimum level,” depending on the number of deputies available. The

Desmond wants suburbanites to make their voices heard on H Street. Beyond the theatrics, public testimony can make a difference.

Howard Schmidt worked on federal, state and local levels of government, including 16 years for Sacramento County. He can be reached at howardschmidt218@aol.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Find your way back to the little things that matter.

Don’t let joint pain put life on hold or remove you from the day-to-day you once knew. When the pain is gone, the little things feel far more special—like enjoying your morning coffee with two sugars and no painkiller.

At Dignity Health, we can help show you the way back to the things you’ve been missing. Two of our hospitals are among only 17 in California certified by The Joint Commission for Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, offering the highest quality of personalized care for a full range of conditions. Learn more about our services at DignityHealth.org/SacramentoOrtho

BY SUSAN MAXWELL SKINNER

1. Mascot enthusiasts sport critter costumes for a visit to Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael.

Pupils and staff of Carmichael’s El Rancho School celebrate the school’s 57th birthday. Principal (left) is Holly Olson.

Elsie Hall (center) celebrates her 100th birthday. The centenarian founded Wonder-Land Preschool at American River Community Church. Family includes (from left) Nancy and Nick McCreery, and Tom and Diane Hall.

Zaven Gee (front) leads Troop 144 Boy Scouts at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Gee’s Eagle Scout project rebuilt the facility ’s back deck.

Sheriff-elect Jim Cooper (center) meets Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members (from left) SMUD directors Brandon Rose and Heidi Sanborn, and chamber directors Kelly Foley and Katie Pexa. Incoming undersheriff (right) is Mike Ziegler.

Gold Star families and supporters gather for observances at Patriots Park in Fair Oaks. The Wall of Honor monument recalls fallen community heroes.

PHOTOS

clean p wer grid

The Clean PowerCitySM movement is happening. Our commitment to zero carbon by 2030 means we’re creating more energy from completely renewable resources, accelerating clean energy with the region’s first grid-scale battery farm and setting an example for the rest of the world to follow – all while providing safe, reliable and some of the most affordable energy in California.

Coming To Ter ms To Terms

WRITER EXPLORES CHILDHOOD CANCER JOURNEY THROUGH FICTION

Maia Evrigenis could not have known her battle with adolescent cancer would be universal, but that’s what happened when her fictional memoir “Neon Jane” was published by Koehler Books this past May.

“As a cancer survivor, I felt like I was living in a different body,” says the Arden Arcade resident, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 13. “Other people didn’t have bodies that made cancer cells. I felt weird and alone about being different, and that’s the part of the book people

J L JL

By Jessica Laskey Meet Your Neighbor

tell me they relate to the most. It’s given me the sense that my extremely personal experience is actually very universal.”

Evrigenis spent seventh and eighth grade at Sutter Middle School in treatment and recovery for AML, a rare blood cell cancer that requires intense chemotherapy, which Evrigenis received at Stanford’s Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital.

Since Evrigenis hails from a wellknown local family—her father, orthodontist Greg Evrigenis, has put braces on many kids in town—she became known as “Greg’s sick kid.” She tried to escape this identity by attending New York University, thinking she’d start over in a new city.

“Little did I know that the cancer survivor identity made me me. It wasn’t something I wanted to forget,” she says. “People didn’t know I had that heavy history. I missed being somewhere where people respected me, where I felt more understood. Now that I’m back in Sacramento, I feel vulnerable but also the most seen. I’m validated being around people who knew me then.”

Coming to terms with her identity as a cancer survivor led Evrigenis to pursue a master’s of fine arts degree at California Institute of the Arts and capture her feelings in a book. She always wanted to be a writer, but many people encouraged her to pursue medicine and find a cure for cancer. It took four years at NYU to realize she was meant to be a writer.

“By senior year, I could not ignore that I had this book ready to be written,” says Evrigenis, who graduated with her MFA in 2019. “Getting my MFA was the right choice. I got to really focus there and this book just came out.”

While “Neon Jane” is loosely based on Evrigenis’ experience, it’s a work of fiction. Jane is a spunky, pinkwigged ghost who haunts 24-year-old protagonist Maia, pressuring her to be a more successful person in the name of childhood cancer. (Evrigenis wore a pink wig after losing her hair during chemo, but that’s where the similarities end.)

“It’s been really well received because people say it feels so real,” the writer says.

Although Evrigenis is working on her next project (a short story collection), she’s taking a moment to revel in a job well done.

“Though as a writer you’re naturally always thinking about what’s next, I’m trying to enjoy the fact that this book is completed,” Evrigenis says. “I see it sitting on my parents’ coffee table and I think, oh my gosh, I actually did it! Now I’m just trying to focus on my baby girl Jean and feeling much more present. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel pressure to write this story.”

“Neon Jane” is available at Capital Books, Beers Books and online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, Indiebound and BookShop. For information, visit koehlerbooks.com/book/neon-jane.

Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Previous profiles can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @ insidesacramento. n

Maia Evrigenis

Photo by Aniko Kiezel

INSIDE OUT

Community Events

PHOTOS

BY SUSAN MAXWELL SKINNER

1. Veterans Day observances at Carmichael Vietnam Memorial unite survivors of Korean, Vietnam and Middle Eastern conflicts. Boy Scout Troop 55 presents colors.

2. Supervisor Rich Desmond convenes a safety forum at Mission Oaks Community Center.

3. Guitarist Henry Robinett (right) leads his jazz trio during a Carmichael Parks Foundation gathering in Sutter-Jensen Community Park. Fellow musicians are Bob Lemas and Tim Buckley.

4. Diana Shockley opens “I Love Pie” bakery in Milagro Centre. Husband Justin, daughters Katelyn (right) and Gwendolyn join the fun.

5. Former Sheriff John McGinness (center) attends a Carmichael Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

6. Our Lady of The Assumption pastor Father Eduino Silveira blesses bocce courts before the official opening ceremony in Carmichael Park.

Moroccan Gem

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR SHOWCASES REBORN

After a two-year hiatus, the Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour returns to East Sacramento’s Fab 40s the first weekend of December.

One of the most historic and visible homes in the neighborhood will open its doors with new owners and beautiful upgrades.

After a long courtship, Cindy Ward Escott and Rich Escott married in February and purchased the 3,550-square-foot home in May. Cindy moved from 43rd Street, while Rich sold his home in Rocklin.

“We’d looked for a while and this unique property had everything we were looking for,” Cindy says. “It had a generous double lot, and a first-floor bedroom and bath.”

Rich had his own requirements: “It also had a huge garage that I was looking for. I never dreamed of finding a six-car garage.”

With domes, turrets and twisted columns, the cream stucco house looks more like a Moroccan castle then the former home to one of Sacramento’s most influential pioneers. Merchant-turned-agricultural reformer David Lubin constructed the mansion on 39th Street in 1918. Lubin passed the property to his son, who established the once-mighty Weinstock’s department stores.

C H CH

By Cecily Hastings Photography by Aniko Kiezel Open House

For decades, the historic home was painted pink. The current neutral color theme is more classical than fantasy.

Once nicknamed the “pink castle” by neighbors, the four-bedroom, five-bath home makes an immediate impression. A copper dome sits above the main entrance. Stainedglass windows glow in soft shades of pink. With a massive marble fireplace, the living room has a ballroom feel with its own built-

1918 ‘CASTLE’

Cindy Ward Escott and Rich Escott

in elevated bandstand and a wooden slide. “We’re not sure what the slide was for,” Cindy says. “But the children sure like it.”

The couple just completed a refresh with new paint, wall coverings, lighting fixtures and furnishings by designer Taige Clark.

Previous owners made major renovations to the kitchen featuring a charcoal gray and white color scheme. Copper accents include the hood trim and hammered kitchen sink that overlooks the garden. The room opens to the central round dining room, and is grounded by a graphic quartzite center island and slate floor tiles.

“The renovation of such a historic house with so many unique details is a real challenge to get right,” Cindy says. “There are so many details using natural mahogany and totally custom trims with intricate details.”

While modern updates to the kitchen and bathrooms by previous owners were appreciated by the couple, they opted to install more authentic Moroccan-style lighting. “It just gives the home more character,” Cindy says as she points out huge pierced silver globes in the living room. “And the shadows they cast at night are just magical. It is my favorite room.”

To the left of the entry is a massive Honduran mahogany curved bar room. Downstairs features a large bedroom and full bath, plus an open office space for Cindy. Upstairs they have a bright and generous master suite with huge

closets installed by the previous owner. “In 1918 they hardly built any closets at all,” Cindy says.

The master bath is spacious with a garden view and access to a wraparound rear balcony.

Two upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms are used as a guest room and office for Rich.

“We both downsized from four-bedroom homes, so we had a lot of furnishings to give away to relatives,” Cindy says.

The double-wide lot is an ongoing project. “It was beyond overgrown when we moved in,” Rich says. “Our focus has been removing all the overgrowth so we can formulate a plan for the future with a clean slate.”

The couple tells me the designers decorating the home for the holiday tour are using vibrant pink and teal and (of course) a jeweled Moroccan theme. “We can’t wait to see it all come together for the tour,” Cindy says. Holiday home tour guests eager to visit after two years of lockdowns will agree.

The Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour returns Dec. 2, 3 and 4, rain or shine. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of tour. Visit sacredhearthometour.com.

Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. To recommend a home or garden, contact editor@insidepublications.com. More photography and previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Rescue Reset

WILDLIFE CARE

ASSOCIATION

REGROUPS AND REBOOTS

The downy-feathered bird was almost lifeless, alone in the grass with no mom in sight. A small nest rested in the branches of a crepe myrtle a few feet away.

He was younger than a fledging, who would have hopped and fluttered in an attempt to fly. With no protection, the chick would not survive a roaming cat or the afternoon heat.

I returned the youngster to his nest. After an hour of waiting and watching, no mom or dad returning to the scene, I placed the chick in a box and drove to Sacramento’s Wildlife Care Association.

The nonprofit volunteer-based organization is housed in an old radar dome—the shape and color of a giant golf ball—at the former McClellan Airforce Base. The wildlife association traded a donated parcel of land for its

CR

By Cathryn Rakich Animals & Their Allies

current property, which came with the building, and moved to the site in 2008 with a 99-year lease for $1 a year.

Two floors make up approximately 4,000 square feet for triage and care, including an avian nursery, office, laundry and dishwashing space. Another 2,000 at the top of the dome is used for storage.

Founded 47 years ago by prominent naturalists, including Effie Yeaw and William B. Pond, the organization operates on approximately $300,000 a year, mostly funded by grants and donations.

“Since 1975, we’ve helped over 300,000 animals in the greater Sacramento area,” says association President Theresa Bielawski.

Songbirds, raptors, bats, squirrels, opossums, rabbits and raccoons are a sampling of the ill, orphaned and injured wildlife that receive rehab. Animals that recover, or mature and learn to hunt, are released back into the wild.

But that work nearly came to a halt when several employees

simultaneously resigned earlier this year, prompting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to temporarily close the facility due to lack of staff to care for the wildlife that arrive daily, Bielawski explains.

Resident birds and mammals were transferred to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in Auburn. New arrivals were stabilized at McClellan and transported to Gold Country.

Not to be daunted, the group turned the closure into an opportunity. “We were the phoenix rising from the ashes,” Bielawski says.

Over the years, the facility had become cluttered, disorganized and unkept. “We hadn’t done any renovations since we moved in,” she adds. “But we couldn’t do anything

with animals there. When they shut us down, we said, ‘Let’s do it now.’”

Years of clutter was discarded. Walls were stripped and painted. Old carpeting was swapped out for new vinyl plank floors that are easy to sanitize.

Medical supplies and equipment were reorganized. Worn-out animal crates were replaced with larger, sturdier enclosures. Cumbersome playpens gave way to size-adjustable, more durable “reptariums.”

Most importantly, qualified staff, including a new animal care manager and facility manager, were hired.

“Having the right people to care for the animals is at the top of our list,” Bielawski says.

“We did a complete reset to our facility,” says Dina Fiala, the group’s new volunteer coordinator. “We are

A young Eastern Fox Squirrel receives nutrition at Wildlife Care Association.

Dina Fiala at Wildlife Care Association.

working hard to rethink the flow of the

better office space, create a better break area and allow for better animal-care separations.”

Ten weeks after shutdown, the Wildlife Care Association was still waiting for its permit to be renewed, but the organization is optimistic.

“We made changes that should have been made a long time ago, starting with finding qualified staff and making necessary physical changes to the building, to the property, to our aviaries,” Bielawski says. “We are heading in the right direction.”

For information on what to do if you find an ill, injured or orphaned wild animal, as well donating and volunteering, visit wildlifecareassociation.com.

Cathryn Rakich can be reached at crakich@surewest.net. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Come As You Are

RECOVERY LIFE

COACH

HELPS CLIENTS HEAL AND THRIVE

Stacey Johnson has lived with bipolar disorder for close to 30 years. She self-medicated until she received a diagnosis. After recovery and years of working in substance-abuse treatment, she hopes to help others with her life coaching business, Come As You Are, which focuses on substance abuse and mental health recovery.

“I believe that addiction and mental illness are gifts when they’re transformed,” Johnson says. “We experience life in a very different way than the average person. I truly believe it’s a calling. We’re resilient people who’ve overcome a lot. To me, there’s a real strength in that.”

Through primarily in-person sessions, Johnson works with individuals, couples and families to set goals toward building a sober foundation, developing independence, prioritizing mental health and rebuilding relationships around sobriety.

but left the restaurant business at age 44. She spent a year soul searching and learning about anthroposophic psychology, a concept developed by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner that seeks to counteract the materialism and upheavals of the modern world. (Johnson holds a certification through the Association for Anthroposophic Psychology.)

At 45, she started working in substance-abuse treatment with various populations, including the homeless and incarcerated, at local outpatient clinics, such as the Intensive Outpatient Program she helped launch at Pathways Recovery.

Now nearly a decade into her third career, Johnson is looking toward the next phase of her journey—connecting with young people. She plans to start booking speaking engagements at area junior high and high schools to talk to kids about drug prevention in a personable way they can relate to.

J L JL

By Jessica Laskey Meet Your Neighbor

“Some people need continued support to reach the next phase of their recovery by creating goals and healing with family and partners,” she says. “There’s a lot of trauma and turmoil in family. People become addicted because of pain and trauma, not because they want to. I help empower people to believe in themselves. The opposite of addiction is connection.”

Connecting with people has been essential in Johnson’s life. The San Diego native taught Waldorf programs and special education to kids and teenagers with severe mental health issues, before shifting gears to work as a chef and general manager at a time “when women weren’t in kitchens.” She opened several restaurants during her 20-plus-year career and worked for the Paragary Restaurant Group, helping launch Café Bernardo.

Johnson sees food as “a beautiful language we all speak from the heart,”

“The world’s a lot bigger and a lot scarier than when you and I were growing up,” Johnson says. “I want to speak from the heart to their hearts, which is the way we ultimately connect to people.”

When not on the speaking circuit, Johnson wants to expand her Come As You Are client base and continue her education in anthroposophic psychology. No matter what she’s doing, her ultimate goal is always the same.

“I love people, I love our community and I want to see everyone thrive and fulfill their destiny,” she says. “To be the most who they are in their lifetime.”

For information, visit comeasyouare. life.

Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Previous profiles can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Stacey Johnson

Photo by Aniko Kiezel

Wine Not?

BEST TO PRACTICE THE ‘SMILING TRADITION’

In 2009, I was senior chaplain responsible for Sunday worship services at the Air Force Field Hospital in Balad, Iraq.

One Sunday, a few hours before our 10 a.m. service, I watched my sleepwalking chaplain assistant, Sgt. Peoples, fuss with chapel arrangements as if preparing for a pope.

He adorned the altar with properly colored cloths. He arranged the folding chairs, loaded with Bibles. Pouring the communion cups was his last job.

“How many cups should I prepare, Sir?”

“Twenty-five.” “Really?” he said.

“I need you to fill 20 cups with purple grape juice but set aside five cups with white wine in the center of the communion tray.”

We’d seen fewer than 15 congregants on the previous two Sundays. He probably didn’t want me to have any illusions of grandeur.

“Where’s your faith, Sergeant?”

“Don’t that kinda go against General Order No. 1?” He accented his question with a chuckle, but knew the order prohibiting alcohol in a war zone made allowances for religious services.

“We are out of white wine,” he said. “Is it OK to grab some rosé from the priest?”

I said sure.

The combo of wine and juice on the tray is a chaplain practice that helps accommodate congregants who range from teetotaling Southern Baptists to stein-grabbing Lutherans.

It was our third service in the war zone and it went off without a hitch.

Sadly, I can’t say the same for Chaplain Johnson, who ran the evening service. He frowned upon accommodations involving alcohol.

Jesus never turned water into wine. “Actually,” she said, “Jesus transformed the bad wine into the most excellent version of Welch’s 100% grape juice.”

Since Johnson was scheduled to leave the following week, I decided not to impose the blended communion policy on the conservative chaplain.

However, I did order Peoples to clean and refill the communion trays as a parting favor to Johnson. But God had other plans.

When Johnson entered our office that evening for the change-of-shift report, he looked past me and smiled, pleased to see the communion trays filled with grape juice ready for his 8 p.m. service.

The next morning, Peoples and I arrived for our report, and we found Johnson upset. He’d strewn the unwashed communion trays across the desk and proceeded to give us hell, or his version of it.

licking their lips and responding in chorus, “It’s wine, chaplain. It’s real wine.”

My sleepy assistant had inadvertently filled every communion cup with Catholic rosé.

With the broadest of frowns, Johnson declared, “Today was only the second time in my life that I’ve had wine.” Apparently, he was tricked into drinking once in high school.

As I watched him pack up, a smile formed in my mischievous heart. I apologized and asked to be forgiven for my sergeant’s error.

“I’m so sorry, but I missed the seminary class where we learned how to turn wine into Welch’s juice,” I said.

He wasn’t amused. But his smile returned the next week when he was given his ticket home.

As it did for most of us who practiced the “smiling tradition.”

By Norris Burkes Spirit Matters

NBJohnson was from something I call the “frowning tradition.” He seemed more comfortable leading parishioners in “shalt nots” than “thou shalts.” He promoted his church covenant, admonishing chapel attendees to “abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks.”

He reminded me of my sixth grade Sunday schoolteacher who asserted that

He recounted how he preached a rousing swan song and raised a communion cup to cue the imbibing. He pronounced, as most Baptist clergy do, “This cup represents the blood of Christ spilled for you. Take it and drink it all.”

Then he threw back the half-ounce like a shot glass and coughed out a raspy question, “Is there something wrong with this juice?”

Hearing his version of the service, I hid my smile. I imagined parishioners

Norris Burkes can be reached at comment@thechaplain.net. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. Burkes is available for public speaking at civic organizations, places of worship, veterans groups and more. For details and fees, visit thechaplain.net. n

Lots of Potential

Earl Withycombe and Amy Yang

URBAN AG PROGRAM HELPS EVERYONE WIN

Imagine a Sacramento where every few blocks community gardens flourish. Where we have access to the food bounty of our region. Where we can walk with our kids, parents or partners to harvest grapes, pomegranates, broccoli heads, mustard greens and basil tops.

In almost every neighborhood, a vacant and unimproved lot awaits cultivation. The ghosts of fig trees whisper potential.

Fortunately, City Hall is ready to help. With the Urban Agriculture

G M GM

By Gabrielle Myers

Photography by Aniko Kiezel Farm To Fork

Incentive Zone Program, the city lets property owners benefit financially and with community-minded spirit as they contribute to local nourishment.

For many reasons, including the high cost of construction, many lots sit empty for years. Amy Yang, associate planner with the city, says the Urban Ag program offers “an incentive to activate vacant spaces within the city, which may be especially appealing to landowners who are not yet ready to develop on them.”

The program is simple. Landowners must commit a parcel to agriculture for five years. The county tax assessor replaces the assessed value with the average value of “irrigated” cropland in California. For 2023, the number is $18,100 per acre. A landowner can figure savings by using that number as a comparison with current property taxes.

While newer landowners benefit most thanks to their higher assessed values, veteran property owners also benefit.

“This program provides some leverage for urban farmers to approach landowners and make the case that landowners will save money if urban farmers are allowed to turn their vacant lot into a community garden or another type of urban agriculture,” Yang says.

A farmer can meet with the owner, get permission to farm and submit an application with simple documentation, such as a letter of agency and a contract.

Earl Withycombe, a community leader and one of the first property owners to participate in this program, says owners benefit in many ways.

Withycombe turned his property into a hub for urban agriculture and community-minded investments with the Oak Park Sol Community Garden and Alchemist Microenterprise Academy and Kitchen Incubator Program.

He says the program “makes sense financially and reduces maintenance costs.” With the land in use, he doesn’t have to clear trash every year or pay weed-abatement fees for fire prevention.

One potential barrier is the requirement for a metered water connection or approved well on site. While the landowner could find and perhaps revamp old connections, many vacant lots have never been inhabited

and don’t have water connections. The cost of installing a water line can range from $600 to $2,600 or more, depending on location.

Yang and her team are sensitive to the water challenge and “internal conversations are ongoing” on how to best address it, she says.

I’d love to see our community develop a fund in partnership with the city or independently to help pay for water connections. The health and vigor of our communities would pay us back many times.

Imagine the nourishment we can bring to residents and their children, regardless of socioeconomic situations. We all deserve access to our region’s cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables to nurture bodies and minds and contribute to a great city.

For information, visit cityofsacramento.org/community-development/ planning/long-range/urban-agriculture.

To determine the amount of tax incentives your property might qualify for, email the assessor’s office at asr-agriculturalteam@saccounty.net.

Gabrielle Myers can be reached at gabriellemyers11@gmail.com. Her latest book of poetry, “Too Many Seeds,” can be ordered from fishinglinepress.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

Closed October 1 - 31*

95608

6027 VIA CASITAS $274,000

2374 VIA CAMINO AVE $300,000 2609 GREENFIELD WAY $320,500 6321 NEW SALEM $355,000 3913 OAK VILLA CIR $369,000 5944 MALEVILLE AVE $389,000 2220 GUNN RD $400,000 2816 LA COLINA WAY $420,000 5256 AGATE WAY $470,000 6129 LONGMONT WAY $480,000 5920 DENVER DR $490,000 4828 BOYD DR $490,000

5032 PATRIC WAY $510,000 2537 WINSFORD LN $516,500 6301 SAINT JAMES DR $536,000

3727 CASA LOMA WAY $539,000 3942 NICKLAUS PL $541,000 4414 STOLLWOOD DR $580,000 3517 ALTAMONT DR $603,000 3615 ORANGERIE WAY $615,500 4740 NORTH AVE $619,000

6255 MEADOWVISTA DR $625,000

2644 GARFIELD AVE $630,000

5956 KENNETH AVE $640,000

4752 OLIVE OAK WAY $660,000 1120 MCCLAREN DR $665,000 6244 KIERNAN DR $677,000 5551 IVANHOE WAY $699,999 4832 THOR WAY $715,000 4399 VIRGUSELL CIR $750,000 2627 GUNN RD $780,000 3316 OAKVIEW LN $835,000 6870 LANDIS AVE $855,000

1150 GLEN AULIN CT $880,000 4801 OAK VISTA DR $925,000 4828 KEANE DR $979,000 4935 FAIR OAKS BLVD $1,000,000

95815

1191 SONOMA AVE $200,000

1181 SONOMA AVE $200,000 2931 BELDEN ST $220,000 1804 GLENROSE AVE. $270,000 620 ACACIA AVE $290,000 973 ALAMOS AVE $292,500

1826 EL MONTE AVE $332,000

2987 PONDEROSA LN $360,000

2605 CROSBY WAY $365,000 1701 DIGGS PARK DR $380,000 2471 BEN ALI WAY $435,000 2431 CLEAT LN #102 $493,680

95816

1919 ALHAMBRA BLVD $500,000 3208 L ST $525,208 2625 T ST $549,000 2224 D ST $550,000 220 27TH ST $551,000 3917 S ST $565,000 1308 35TH ST $655,000 1322 W SUTTER WALK $675,000 581 37TH ST $735,000 1058 DOLORES WAY $749,900 717 39TH ST $820,000 3320 FORNEY WAY $930,000 733 36TH $1,185,000 1341 37TH ST $1,525,000 95817 3457 10TH AVE $319,000 4218 12TH AVE $330,000 3984 2ND AVE $380,000 2006 57TH ST $537,500 3025 MARSHALL WAY $538,000 4139 4TH AVE $640,000

95818 1106 X ST $420,000 463 TAILOFF LN #97B $450,000 175 LOG POND LN $470,000 1989 4TH AVE $510,000 2119 BIDWELL WAY $539,000 2280 11TH AVE $615,000 1815 CARAMAY WAY $615,000 2622 PATTON WAY $750,000 3653 CROCKER DR $775,000 2749 COLEMAN WAY $820,000 2709 MONTGOMERY WAY $990,000 1241 8TH AVE $1,200,000

95819 1317 63RD ST $390,000 1347 62ND ST $465,000 5409 T ST $580,000

5509 SPILMAN AVE $590,000 1541 42ND ST $599,000 1165 51ST ST $715,000 215 SAN ANTONIO WAY $720,000 4100 FOLSOM BLVD #4D $749,990 4737 M ST $750,000 109 AIKEN WAY $780,000 1436 42ND ST $1,300,000 1426 41ST ST $1,487,000 1210 40TH ST $1,675,000 4100 FOLSOM BLVD #10A-D $2,000,000

95821 2531 FULTON SQ LN #28 $240,000 3554 LARCHMONT SQ LN $307,000 3548 LARCHMONT SQ LN $310,000 2024 EL CAMINO AVE $322,000 2374 MARCONI AVE $325,000 2288 MARCONI AVE $333,000 2329 EDISON AVE $350,000 2137 BLUEBIRD LN $359,500 2044 JANICE AVE $364,000 2521 DUARTE CT $395,000 3005 LERWICK RD $410,000 2661 WATSON ST $415,000 3721 JO ANN DR $417,000 3330 SIERRA VIEW LN $418,000 2550 BORICA WAY $429,000 3611 POPE AVE $442,500 2917 TAMALPAIS WAY $454,000 3925 LASUEN DR $462,500 2821 KINO ST $465,000 4220 DE COSTA AVE $499,000 3556 RONK WAY $500,000 3414 MORSE AVE $506,000 3001 SANDHURST CT $515,000 3004 TAMALPAIS WAY $525,000 3414 CLUB LN $540,000 3807 MYRNA WAY $550,000 4404 BELCREST WAY $555,000 4212 HOLMBY CT $570,000 3320 HARMONY LN $600,000 3512 MIAMI ST $725,000 3928 KINGS WAY $781,000 3303 POPE AVE $880,000 2800 ECHO WAY $950,000

95822

7263 LOMA VERDE WAY $317,000 3041 BEESTON AVE $335,000 7512 MUIRFIELD WAY $345,000 2336 66TH AVE $350,000 2808 52ND AVE $351,000 2001 WAKEFIELD WAY $355,000 2112 62ND AVE $390,000 2355 50TH AVE $395,000 7451 SCHREINER ST $399,000 7551 29TH ST $409,000 7417 AMHERST ST $410,000 7527 WAINSCOTT WAY $410,000 7018 HOGAN DR $420,000 7358 TISDALE WAY $425,000 2158 60TH AVE $430,000 2428 38TH AVE $435,000 2186 55TH AVE $435,000 3241 TRENTWOOD WAY $435,000 5311 ROSITA WAY $460,000 1660 WAKEFIELD WAY $475,000 2529 38TH AVE $475,000 1508 CLAUDIA DR $487,700 839 BELL AIR DR $499,000 5625 CAPSTAN WAY $515,000 1138 ROSA DEL RIO WAY $526,000 2308 GLEN ELLEN CIR $565,000 1118 LAKE GLEN WAY $715,000 1109 BROWNWYK DR $730,000 11 SHADY PARK CT $749,000 1277 RIDGEWAY DR $840,000 3878 BARTLEY DR $1,305,000

95825

879 WOODSIDE LANE E #6 $220,000 877 WOODSIDE LN #7 $230,000 861 WOODSIDE LN #1 $236,000 2280 HURLEY WAY #36 $250,000 2262 WOODSIDE LN #3 $255,000 841 WOODSIDE LANE E #13 $295,000 653 WOODSIDE SIERRA #4 $305,000 2205 BYRON RD $365,000 2437 PENNLAND DR $375,000 2286 SIERRA BLVD #G $385,000 3116 SUNVIEW AVE $430,000 3012 EL PRADO WAY $470,000 2205 LANDON LN $480,000 613 E RANCH RD $499,000

2042 UNIVERSITY PARK DR $510,000 828 COMMONS DR $519,000 134 HARTNELL PL $535,000 3009 EL PRADO WAY $542,000 1100 DUNBARTON CIR $637,000

95831 559 LEEWARD WAY $335,300 528 RIVERGATE WAY $412,500 6835 STARBOARD WAY $440,500 380 RIVERTREE WAY $524,900 7503 DESERTWIND WAY $525,000 6667 SPURLOCK WAY $564,000 6281 14TH ST $570,000 388 SPINNAKER WAY $580,000 1230 GRAND RIVER DR $615,000 1172 MONTE VISTA WAY $656,000 7333 L ARBRE WAY $685,000 471 TWIN RIVER WAY $700,000 4 MARINA BLUE CT $765,000 6990 RIVERSIDE BLVD $783,000 6746 SWENSON WAY $812,500 6740 13TH ST $825,000 6711 ARBOGA WAY $930,000 7803 OAK BAY CIR $1,200,000

95864

3440 HUMBOLDT WAY $375,000 1020 SINGINGWOOD RD $405,000 3244 WINDSOR DR $476,000 4604 OXBOW DR $492,000 2204 AVALON $495,000 4061 ESPERANZA DR $699,000 2048 MARYAL DR $706,000 4512 SURITA ST $720,000 770 EL ENCINO WAY $725,000 1400 MARIEMONT AVE $835,000 1470 EL TEJON WAY $840,000 4240 STOWE WAY $950,000 1527-1529 EASTERN AVE $952,640 810 SOUTHWICK WAY $975,000 830 LAKE OAK CT $1,115,000 921 CORONADO BLVD $1,120,000 3020 LATHAM DR $1,125,000 4213 LOS COCHES WAY $1,861,400 1317 STEWART RD $4,100,000

SPONSORED BY:

Neighborhood

Vibe

POCKET RESTAURANT SERVES CARIBBEAN FEAST WITH BRONX ACCENT

When restaurant partners Chris Sinclair, Raphael Jimenez Rivera and Matt Brown created Bodega, they wanted an East Coast feel with Caribbean flair. It’s a taste of home they can share with their West Coast neighborhood.

“In New York and New Jersey you can get Puerto Rican food, Caribbean food almost everywhere,” Sinclair tells me. “It’s as common as tacos are out here on the West Coast.”

S G

By Greg Sabin Restaurant Insider

The neighborhood approves. The reception has been stellar since Bodega’s August opening. Diners come from around the corner and across the region to visit the Pocket shopping center where the restaurant sits.

Despite rave reviews, Sinclair thinks of Bodega as a humble neighborhood bar and family restaurant. “Two of the three owners live in the neighborhood, and all of us have kids,” he says. “We want neighbors to come out for a lively dinner, families to come over after the soccer game, and everything in between.”

The menu runs from upscale to family friendly. The burger is perfect for kids, with two slider patties, shredded lettuce and American cheese. It’s done with expertise but without pretense.

At the other end of the spectrum, the pan-fried prawns, served head-on in spicy butter sauce, sit elegantly atop a pillow of sweet potato and plantain puree. It’s worth ordering twice.

“The Cubano sandwich is one of our most popular dishes,” Sinclair says. “But, the jerk wings and mussels in coconut milk have a lot of fans as well.”

The menu is tight and focused. Sinclair tells me specials stay seasonal

and keep the kitchen entertained. Empanadas are always available, especially in the morning, when one can sit at the bar and have a fresh Cuban coffee or cappuccino.

Photos by Linda Smolek

Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with happy hour and dinner on Mondays. Sinclair says they open earlier or stay open later if the vibe is right. Flexibility is in the cards.

Sinclair owns a bottle shop in town, and his extensive knowledge of spirits and cocktails informs Bodega’s bar. Ingredients such as house-blended bitters, charred cinnamon and smoked ice highlight a tight lineup of creative cocktails.

The West Indies Sour combines cognac, red wine and allspice liqueur to create a Caribbean sip. The rum and cola brings together aged dry rum, cola syrup, champagne, bitters and lime in a way that goes beyond the twoingredient mix we’ve had too many of at some point.

Beyond the bar list, Bodega is ideal for pop-ups and special events. In December, the team plans to host a Coquito contest. Coquito is Puerto Rican coconut eggnog and sounds like a

IS

perfect addition to the holiday beverage list.

In November, Bodega hosted a bartending flair competition with the local J.J. Pfister Distilling Company. The event mixed juggling and cocktail experts with juggling beginners and cocktail amateurs to haphazard but joyful results.

It feels like much of what the Bodega team is up to qualifies as tonguein-cheek. The vibe is fun, silly and welcoming. But the skill in the kitchen is serious, producing some of the most vibrant dishes in town.

With the loss of longtime favorite Celestin’s, Bodega fills the void for those who seek homey Caribbean flavors and the emotional warmth they provide. I’ll be thrilled to hang out at Bodega for years to come.

Bodega is at 6401 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 898-2231; bodegasac.com.

Greg Sabin can be reached at gregsabin@hotmail.com. Previous

reviews can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @ insidesacramento. n

Creature Discomfort

HOW TO OUTSMART HUNGRY NIGHT STALKERS

Navel oranges, plump, juicy and begging to be plucked, are ripening in Sacramento. Anticipating a morning harvest, it’s not uncommon to discover hollowed-out orange peels clinging to the tree or scattered underneath. The nocturnal spoiler is probably a rat.

Desperate and unhappy home gardeners often pose this question to UC Master Gardeners and nursery folks: “What is eating all my (fill in the blank).” Few urban gardeners are spared the carnage of critters snacking on fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Rats, squirrels and birds are common suspects. We are spared, for the most part, by more voracious garden pests— deer, gophers, moles and rabbits.

Animal garden pests can’t be controlled by insecticides, hand picking or blasts of water. They must be outsmarted.

D V DV

By Dan Vierria Garden Jabber

Rats keep pest-control companies busy. They carry diseases and parasites and can cause tremendous damage by chewing wiring and garden produce. Rats are night creatures, but you may spot a roof rat scurrying across a powerline at dusk.

Rats leave the rinds of oranges. With lemons, they devour rinds and leave the pulp. In warmer seasons, rats eat fruits, nuts, berries and just about anything else.

Rat problems can be reduced by not leaving pet foot outdoors, eliminating or heavily pruning back preferred habitat such as English ivy and jasmine, and cleaning up any piles of “junk” where rats can nest. Traps work best to reduce rat populations. Baits are not recommended.

Last summer, I netted my table grapes to deny the California scrub jays. It worked beautifully until squirrels finished stripping my neighbor’s fig tree and bullied through the netting for a table grape buffet.

Scrub jays have targeted my blueberries for years. Blueberries are easy targets, even with netting. Unlike grapes that are mostly hidden and hang below the main canes and leaf canopy, blueberries can’t hide. Birds easily peck through draped netting unless you attach it to a durable overhead structure.

Changing tactics last spring, I wrapped blueberry bushes in bridal veil material (called tulle) and did not lose a berry! The tighter weave allows light and air to penetrate but not bird beaks.

Tree squirrels are especially problematic, but for every nine people who declare war there’s a neighbor who lovingly feeds squirrels. Smart and persistent, tree squirrels maneuver around most deterrents to dine on home-grown edibles. As a final insult, they dig and bury snacks in pots and beds.

Denying squirrels access to beds and containers is labor intensive but may answer your prayers. Squirrels love bare soil. Areas of bare earth or potting soil can be covered with fist-sized stones or any other space-filling object. Pieces of hardware cloth or chicken wire can be cut and stretched over bare areas and removed when plants grow to fill those spaces.

Fruit and nut trees are much more vulnerable to tree squirrels, who may even chew bark to line nests. Once the outer layer of bark is stripped all the way around a limb, expect it to die. It should be removed.

One recent winter, either squirrels or roof rats chewed a 3-foot-long stretch of bark off a main limb of a lemon tree in my yard. The limb was removed and the tree survived.

Trapping squirrels is not effective because another family will move in. Tree squirrels are classified as game mammals by California Fish and Game Code.

Certain species require a permit for trapping and releasing, and it’s illegal to use poisonous baits on all tree squirrels. Once you have identified the species, check existing laws with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before taking action.

City of Sacramento animal control doesn’t respond to pest infestations, only to injured wildlife. So you are on your own or you can call a pest-control company. For a deep dive into garden pest control, this site is loaded with information: ipm.ucanr.edu.

Let me know if you have an effective critter-control strategy. Maybe I’ll share it in a future column.

Dan Vierria is a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener for Sacramento County. He can be reached at masterg29@ gmail.com. For answers to gardening questions, contact the UCCE Master Gardeners at (916) 876-5338, email mgsacramento@ucanr.edu or visit sacmg.ucanr.edu. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

INSIDE OUT

Happy Holidays!

PHOTOS BY LINDA SMOLEK

Homes around Sacramento celebrate the holidays with festive decorations for the young and young at heart. Season’s greetings from everyone at Inside Sacramento!

WILHAGGIN CLASSIC 4B/2.5BA/3275sqft Nestled in quiet cul-de-sac with great street appeal. $1,020,000 ANGELA HEINZER 916.212.1881 CalRE#: 01004189

ARCHAICALLY STUNNING Beautifully designed John Harvey Carter midcentury-modern 4br/3ba home w/ pool $855,000 ANGELA HEINZER 916.212.1881 CalRE#: 01004189

ARDEN PARK BEAUTY 3B/2BA/1953sqft Turnkey w/wood oors $939,900 TIM COMSTOCK 916.548.7102 CalRE#: 01879462

GARDEN OF THE GODS GEM 3B/2BA/1578sqft w/ wood oors & huge bkyd w/Pool TIM COMSTOCK 916.548.7102 CalRE#: 01879462

ARDEN PARK 4 B/3 BA/2509sqft Extensive updates. Turn-key ready. $800,000 CHRIS BALESTRERI 916.996.2244 CALRE#: 01511288

SOLD SOLD SOLD COLDWELL BANKER COLDWELLBANKER.COM SACRAMENTO METRO OFFICE 730 Alhambra Boulevard #150 | 916.447.5900 ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each ColdwellBanker Residential Brokerage Of ce is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents af liated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304.

800.874.9779

Middle School Information Night

Holiday Boutique

Circles Of Life

PAINTER USES SPHERES AND STORIES TO MAKE MEANINGFUL ART

By Jessica Laskey Open Studio

Amoody blue dreamscape punctuated by floating golden crescents and shadowy orbs hangs on the wall. Next to it, a small placard with text.

“Golden Moons,” it reads. “There seems to be a price for living with

full intention, awake and alive to the possibilities of the world. You two watch me take the risks. Holding light in a dark corner no one wants to look at. And it scares me to see you pivot away from me and on to your own path with the same luminosity. And that action, my golden moons, excites

me and scares me. With audacity and flair, telling the world what you need to shine. Where did you learn this? Did I teach you or did you teach me?”

Artist Whitney Lofrano of Story Circle Gallery is a storyteller in paint and words. An art director by training, Lofrano learned early that communication takes many forms.

“You can’t really have a painting without a story,” says Lofrano, who began her career working on “Got milk?” and other big ad campaigns. “With my advertising background, I wasn’t cited as a copywriter but I was working with brilliant writers. To be able to distill an idea in time has served as a catalyst for selling my art. I’m able to make people feel.”

Growing up in Berkeley, Lofrano would often go museum hopping with her grandmother, a world traveler and self-taught artist. She taught Lofrano the science of color and how to make any palette out of red, yellow and blue.

“She taught me that if the color is pleasing to the eye, an OK painting could be magnificent,” Lofrano says.

When she decided to formalize her art education at University of Oregon, Lofrano’s dad insisted she pick a more “practical” major. She chose another of her interests: journalism. “I’d always had an easy storytelling capability,” she says. “I found it natural.”

Oregon happened to have an award-winning advertising department and Lofrano quickly found her people among the “whacky and weird ad folks.” When her college team won a New York Times ad campaign contest, Lofrano was thrust into the advertising elite. She ended

Whitney Lofrano with her dog Prince

Photo by Linda Smolek

up at Goodby Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco after graduation.

After a “really wild, crazy ride” in the world of Bay Area advertising, she moved to Sacramento to be with her long-distance boyfriend (now

husband) and landed a job at Crocker Flanagan and later Glass McClure, where “they really let my storytelling fly.”

When Lofrano became a mom, she realized her “Mad Men lifestyle” of

long hours and short deadlines wasn’t going to work. She left her job and tried to settle into family life, but soon found herself “spinning out” and struggling with alcohol to satiate her anxiety.

Art saved her. She called up a friend, gallery owner and fellow artist Tim Collom, and said, “I’m going to tell stories of people in circles. I’m going to have a show in a year and come out to my friends as a recovered alcoholic. Can I have your gallery?”

The answer was yes. Lofrano spent the next year attending AA meetings and painting up a storm. Her inclination toward storytelling led Lofrano to write a short blurb next to each painting to explain the meaning behind the imagery. The Collom show in 2007 almost sold out. Lofrano has

since had several other shows with similar results, proving she’s on the right path.

“I feel like a conduit, like I’m being used by some other something. It’s a weird sensation,” Lofrano says about her work. “On a molecular level, we’re made of circles. We’re on a big circle hurtling through space. Circles are a natural thing that can mean so much to so many.”

For commissions and information, visit whitneylofrano.com.

Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Previous profiles can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

TO DO

THIS MONTH'S CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

JL

By Jessica Laskey

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Dignity Health

Through Jan. 16, 2023

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 2–9 p.m.

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Ali Youssefi Square, 7 & K streets • godowntownsac.com/icerink

The city’s favorite ice rink returns with a series of themed events. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $8 for children 6 and younger. Price includes skate rental. Show your ice rink wristband at participating businesses to receive discounts. Check the website for holiday hours.

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at 7 & K streets. Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

The Nutcracker

Sacramento Ballet Dec. 10–24

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St. • sacballet.org

The beloved annual holiday tradition continues. This year’s newest stage production includes choreography by Sacramento dancers Nicole Haskins, Colby Damon and Julia Feldman. Tickets start at $35.

Holiday Concert

Sacramento Symphonic Winds

Sunday, Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m.

El Camino High School Center for the Arts, 2340 Eastern Ave. • sacwinds.org

Enjoy the season with holiday music to put a bounce in your step. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for students and seniors; free for children 8th grade and younger. Tickets available at the door.

Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour

Sacred Heart Parish School

Friday, Dec. 2, noon–8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

East Sacramento Fabulous 40s • sacredhearthometour.com

Tour beautiful East Sacramento homes decorated for the holidays by local designers. Tickets include access to the café and holiday boutique featuring more than 25 local artisans. Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 day of tour.

Dancer Wen Na Robertson in Sacramento Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Maximillian Tortoriello.

Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous Crocker Art Museum

Dec. 18–April 2, 2023

216 O St. • crockerart.org

This high-fashion exhibition features 50 creations, ranging from ball gowns to tailored coats, by British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, and 63 images by French photographer Ann Ray that give a behind-the-scenes look at McQueen’s creative process.

Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass

Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus

Dec. 9 & 10, 12 & 13, 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ, 2700 L St. • sacgaymenschorus.org

This funny, family-friendly concert features popular holiday favorites with class and sass under the direction of Christian Bohm. Tickets are $30 for general admission; $15 for students; $45 for VIP seating. All audience members required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Home for the Holidays

Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J St. • sacramentochoral.org

This holiday concert at the newly renovated Memorial Auditorium features guest tenor Salvatore Atti, puppets by Green Valley Theatre Company and a visit from Santa. Tickets are $18–$53.

Messiah Sing-Along

Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra

Monday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 2100 J St. • sacramentochoral.org

Come sing Handel’s “Messiah” (including the soloists’ parts) with conductor Donald Kendrick and organist Ryan Enright. Bring your own music or borrow a score at the door. Stick around for the free post-show reception. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for students and seniors.

Frozen New Year’s at Noon

Aerospace Museum of California

Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan • aerospaceca.org

Celebrate the New Year with Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen,” including songs, stories and “Frozen”-themed STEM activities with Amelia Bearhart and friends. Just before noon, ring in New Year’s Eve with a countdown party.

‘Tis the Season: A Celebration of Holiday Stories

B Street Theatre

Dec. 3–24

The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. • bstreettheatre.org

In this celebration of holiday magic, audience members enjoy a charming and hilarious collection of stories that capture the excitement of what it’s like to be a kid during the holidays. Tickets are $24 for adults; $19 for children.

Electronic violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling at Hard Rock Live.

“Gown with Mother Mary Print” by British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen at Crocker Art Museum. Photo by Sarah Carmody. Courtesy of Barrett Barrera Projects & RKL Consulting.

A Festival of Lessons and Carols

Capitol Chorale

Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ, 2700 L St. • pioneerucc.org

This festive concert includes works by Haydn, Mendelssohn and John Rutter, as well as local singers of all voice types.

Hard Rock Live

The Music of Paul McCartney, Dec. 2, 8 p.m.

Amon Amarth, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Lindsey Stirling, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.

Nancy Sit, Dec. 25, 5 p.m.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, 3317 Forty Mile Rd., Wheatland hardrockhotelsacramento.com/entertainment

Check out this stellar December lineup at the region’s newest entertainment venue. Tickets are $20–$189.

A Christmas Market

CLARA Studios and McKeever School of Irish Dance

Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

2420 N St. • claramidtown.org

In the European tradition, this outdoor holiday fair includes local artisan vendors, live performances and festive food.

Winter Wonderland

Fairytale Town

December 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 1–7 p.m.

3901 Land Park Drive • fairytaletown.org

Celebrate the season with Santa, holiday lights, festive décor, various vendors, arts and crafts, and snow! Tickets are $10 for nonmembers; $7 for members; free for children 1 and younger.

Pasquale Esposito – In the Spirit of Christmas

Notable Music and Arts Organization

Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.

The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. • bstreettheatre.org

Pasquale Esposito performs a colorful repertoire of holiday favorites in new arrangements that allow the Italian tenor to demonstrate his vocal prowess. This PBS special touring production is accompanied by San Jose State University’s orchestra. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Notable Music and Arts Organization, which provides music and voice instruction to the underserved. Tickets are $55 and $65.

Santa in Winter Wonderland at Fairytale Town.

Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus in “Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass.”

One Night Only W/ Jack Gallagher

The Sofia

Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.

2700 Capitol Ave. • bstreettheatre.org

Join standup comedian, storyteller extraordinaire and Emmy-award winner Jack Gallagher for one night! His 45-year career includes appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, “Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” a reoccurring role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” numerous films and performances on stages across the country. Tickets are $23, plus handling fee.

Holiday Choral Concert!

Sacramento Valley Concert Choir

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7–9 p.m.

Arden Christian Church, 4300 Las Cruces Way • svcchoir.org

Enjoy lively holiday music at this free concert with classic pieces that include “Ose Shalom,” “The Christmas Waltz,” “Nutcracker Jingles” and “Riggin’ Up the Lights.”

A Master Singers Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 2100 J St. Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m.

Fremont Presbyterian Church, 5770 Carlson Drive Friday, Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom • mastersingers.org

Revel in the beauty of the holidays with Biebl’s “Ave Maria,” a choreographed “Noel” arranged by Todd Smith, “Hlonolofatsa” arranged by Daniel Jackson, and new renditions of seasonal carols. Tickets are $37 for adults; $10 for students.

Color Chorus: Distinct Voices

PBS KVIE Gallery

Dec. 13–Jan. 27, 2023

2030 West El Camino Ave. • kvie.org

This group show includes work by Miles Hermann, Patris, Ed Forrest, Kathy Dana, Polly LaPorte, Andres Alvarez, Dwight Head, Leslie McCarron and the late Earl Boley.

Dragon Discovery

Sacramento Zoo

Through Feb. 26, 2023

3930 West Land Park Drive • saczoo.org

Experience 14 towering animatronic dragons from all corners of the globe and learn how some animals carry traits similar to these mythical creatures of lore. The exhibit is free with paid admission thanks to sponsor First 5 California.

“Truckin’” by Kathy Dana at PBS KVIE Gallery.

Dragon Discovery at Sacramento Zoo.

Comedian Jack Gallagher at The Sofia.

Christmas Angels & The Nutcracker

Deane Dance Center and Sacramento Civic Ballet

Saturday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m.

The Center at Twenty-Three Hundred, 2300 Sierra Blvd. • deanedancecenter.com

Enjoy the one-act ballet “Christmas Angels” choreographed by Don Schwennesen, followed by a traditional performance of “The Nutcracker” featuring Ana Konovaloff as the Sugar Plum Fairy and David Biers as the Cavalier. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for students and seniors.

Small Treasures Show & Sale

Elk Grove Fine Arts Center

Through Dec. 29

First Saturday Reception, Dec. 3, 4–7 p.m. 9683 Elk Grove Florin Road • elkgrovefineartscenter.org

Each artist has created a unique themed series of five small treasures on 5-by-7 wooden panels that may be purchased individually or in groups. The show also includes items perfect for holiday gift giving, such as jewelry, pottery, art prints and ornaments.

WARHOLiday

Archival Gallery Dec. 1–31

Second Saturday Reception, Dec. 10, 5–8 p.m. 3223 Folsom Blvd. • archivalgallery.com

This group show features work inspired by Andy Warhol (whom some of the participating artists met when he came to town in 1981), as well as the gallery’s signature collection of vintage Santas on display in the front window.

Holiday Show of Hands

Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School

Friday, Dec. 2, 4–9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 5701 Locust Ave. • holidayshowofhands.com

Shop for gifts—and for yourself—at this annual show of custom work by more than 150 crafters and artists, including gift items, décor and collectibles, as well as antiques, food and a silent auction. Early-bird admission on Friday is $10 from 4–5 p.m., and $5 from 5–9 p.m. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday.

Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

“Barbie” by Stephanie Pierson at Archival Gallery.

Dancer Ana Konovaloff in Deane Dance Center's “The Nutcracker.”

Holiday Show of Hands at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner.

ACROSS 1 Civilization in the Passover story 6 Grand ___ (tennis feat) 10 PC brand

Zipper component

Caesar’s attire

Stuffing herb

You may play with it at a casino (In this answer, note the first 2 letters + the last 3) 19 Urge to act 20 ___ B. Wells (civil rights pioneer) 21 Texter’s exclamation 22 Actress Holly Robinson ___ 23 First parts of CPR? (first 2 letters + last 4) 28 “Trusty” mount 29 Consume 30 Stretch the truth 31 Rep. of N.Y.’s 14th district 33 Marching insect 34 Tends to spilled milk 35 Certain wasps, or the words that wrap around 17-, 23-, 48- and 57-Across? 39 “My bad” 40 “I’ve got it!”

“___ be better off ...”

Public transit option 43 Colorado native 44 Currency that anagrams to “liras” 48 Be constantly annoying (first 2 letters + last 3) 53 “Eternals” director Zhao 54 Missions, briefly 55 Answering machine’s beep, e.g. 56 Sci-fi saucers 57 “Sounds rough” (first 4 letters + last 3) 61 Smallest of the litter 62 Tennis legend Arthur 63 Tony winner ___ Elise Goldsberry 64 “Frozen” character who can control ice 65 Settled a debt 66 Tough jumps in skating DOWN 1 Moral principles 2 Skilled in 3 “I know ___, but what am I?” 4 Score units: Abbr. 5 Not just any 6 Crush grapes, say

Sound of music?

Grow older 9 Month with the shortest name

Colorado ski resort

Feel great concern

Vain “voyages”

Aptly named flights

Cow’s call

Cookware item

Nice bargains

False deity

“The Chi” creator Waithe

Fire starter, at times 32 Raccoon relative

2020 WNBA MVP Wilson 34 Field doctor

Fresh-faced 36 Deltas’ followers

Question of time 38 Warriors coach found in “locker rooms” 39 Relatively unknown 43 Hawaiian instrument, briefly 45 Relatively unknown 46 Winner’s wreath 47 Stockholm residents 49 ___ Rica 50 Mario’s dinosaur sidekick 51 Chose 52 Computer port initials 57 Flight tracker backdrop 58 Mex. neighbor 59 Notable time 60 Curse

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THEATRE GUIDE

MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY

Saturday Dec 17 @ 8 PM

The Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts

2700 Capitol Ave, Sac

Tickets@bstreettheatre.org

Company Members Dave Pierini, Tara Sissom, Stephanie Altholz and Jason Kuykendall perform classic long-form improvisation for a late-night audience. Based off an audience suggestion, performers will create a one-night-only improvised play, so every performance will be unique! As an exciting caveat, if we do achieve “maximum occupancy” (aka a sell-out show), we buy everyone pizza!

SEEKERS OF THE STRANGE

Sunday Dec 18 @ 7 PM

The Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts

2700 Capitol Ave, Sac Tickets@bstreettheatre.org

SEEKERS OF THE STRANGE is a fictional, paranormal investigation team that embarks on a perilous and sanity-sapping foray into the unknown each month. Using the model of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, Company Member John Lamb and other familiar faces bring live roleplaying to the stage. Part game, part improvisational storytelling, and all strange, the Seekers invite the audience to help them navigate a supernatural mystery. Whether you want to be an observer or create a character and become an active participant, SEEKERS OF THE STRANGE offers a truly unique theatre experience every month. Perfect for those who enjoy HarmonQuest or classic RPGs.

THE WICKHAMS:

CHRISTMAS

AT PEMBERLEY

Live Theatre & Virtually on Demand Thru Dec 24

Capital Stage 2215 J St, Sac Boxoffice@capstage.org

It’s Christmas at Pemberley again! This new companion piece to Gunderson & Melcon’s holiday hit MISS BENNET, THE WICKHAMS takes us downstairs where servants are bustling with the arrival of holiday guests. In the warmth of the Darcy kitchen, family secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested. A bright new holiday tale full of mirth, wit, and the power of giving back to others.

BLACK NATIVITY

Dec 2 – Dec 18

Celebration Arts 2727 B St, Sac 916 455-2787

CelebrationArtsActs@gmail.com

Black Nativity by Langston Hughes retells Christianity’s famous nativity story with an entirely African-American cast. Traditionally the play has been performed in a gospel style, which includes Christmas carols. The birth of Jesus plays prominently in the play’s production.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec 1 – Dec 24

Sacramento Theatre Company 1419 H Street, Sac 916 443-6722

Sactheatre.org

This audience-favorite adaptation of Charles Dickens’ time-honored tale returns! It’s Christmas Eve, and the greedy Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by a succession of divine spirits who force Scrooge to confront his regrettable youth, his icy present devoid of kindness, and what his future holds if he doesn’t change his miserly ways.