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LAND PARK CURTIS PARK SOUTH LAND PARK HOLLYWOOD PARK MIDTOWN DOWNTOWN
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BEAUTIFUL 7th AVE HOME The lovely exterior of this home is just a hint of what is in store for you! Spacious entry, large living room with detailed ¿replace and lots of light. 2 bedrooms, hardwood Àoors throughout, dining room, big backyard. Plantation shutters, large breakfast nook. $439,000 KELLIE SWAYNE 206-1458, PAULA SWAYNE 425-9715
CRAFTMANSHIP FROM A BYGONE ERA Beautifully renovated from head to toe - The Didion House - Rich wood, ¿ne detailing and spacious rooms. Historical in in both style, heritage and culture. 4 bedrooms 2 full baths and 2 half baths with new kitchen, three Àoors, including media room, and a full basement. $1,395,000 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395
DOWNTOWN PENTHOUSE LOFT Penthouse unit in prestigious Sacramento high rise condominium. Live on the top Àoor with beautiful views of Capitol and downtown - walk or ride to everything, shops, restaurants; the Capitol! Stylish 1 bedroom, 2 bath, indoor parking, plus doorman services. $639,000 TERRY O’CALLAGHAN 616-6622, ANDREA GOODWIN 616-6623
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CLASSIC SPANISH IN LAND PARK Traditional features include hardwood Àoors, beautiful front picture window, vaulted ceilings, gas ¿replace, formal dining room, custom kitchen tile, one-of-a-kind decorative stairway, tile roof, dual pane windows and storage galore! 3 or 4 bedrooms 2 baths and drought tolerant landscaping! $575,000 KELLIE SWAYNE 206-1458
WONDERFUL S LAND PARK Sharp 3 bedroom features new roof, Àoors, granite counters and master bath remodel. Nice location close-in, with easy access to both 99 and I-5. Screened-in Florida room for relaxing with those Delta breezes. Family room / kitchen / dining area, and generous sized living room with ¿replace. $345,000 MIKE PUENTE 395-4727
PERSONAL PARADISE Paradise is personal and this might just be it! Cute as a button in Land Park! Updated kitchen and newer central heat and air. Re¿nished hardwood Àoors and a private backyard. $349,500 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395
4 BEDROOM HOME Super clean, close in, and ready to go! Hard to ¿nd 4 bedroom home with 2½ baths in Land Park! Energy ef¿cient and beautifully maintained. Conveniently located, an easy walk to Land Park, Vic’s Ice Cream and Crocker Riverside Elementary School. It’s waiting for you! $325,000 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395, ERIN STUMPF 342-1372
SOUTH LAND PARK HILLS In the rolling hills of South Land Park! 3 bedroom, 1½ bath family home with sparkling pool and big backyard. Bright and light and oh so charming. $449,500 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395
MED CENTER Location! Location! Location! This Med Center cutie makes a great investment property or the perfect spot to call home. Walk to UCD, shops restaurants and more. 2 bedrooms, spacious kitchen and nook. Newer carpet and paint, nice back yard and off-street parking. $299,900 JAMIE RICH 612-4000
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916.612.4000 | JamieRich.net HOLLYWOOD PARK . MIDTOWN . LAND PARK CURTIS PARK . EAST SACRAMENTO
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We wanted a realtor who understood what a big deal this is to us. It’s the biggest deal, buying our first home! Jamie was as enthusiastic as we were, and fun to work with. She just understood us and what this home means to us.
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COVER ARTIST Joyce Laws Joyce Laws is a former Sacramento artist now working in Tomales Bay. Her watercolors were among the first art used on our covers in 1997.
Visit joycelawsartist.com EAST SACRAMENTO
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LOCAL PUBLISHER Cecily Hastings publisher@insidepublications.com 3104 O St. #120, Sac. CA 95816 (Mail Only) 916-441-7026 (Information Line) EDITOR PRODUCTION DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY AD COORDINATOR ACCOUNTING EDITORIAL POLICY
DEC 2014
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Marybeth Bizjak mbbizjak@aol.com M.J. McFarland Cindy Fuller, Daniel Nardinelli Linda Smolek, Aniko Kiezel Michele Mazzera Jim Hastings, Daniel Nardinelli 916-443-5087 Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of Inside Publications. Inside Publications is delivered for free to more than 65,000 households in Sacramento. Printing and distribution costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. We spotlight selected advertisers, but all other stories are determined solely by our editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising. No portion may be reproduced mechanically or electronically without written permission of the publisher. All ad designs & editorial—©
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Deputies Honored TRAGIC SHOOTINGS SHINE LIGHT ON IMMIGRATION POLICY FAILURES
BY CECILY HASTINGS
O
PUBLISHER’S DESK
ur region was shocked and saddened when Sacramento County Deputy Danny Oliver and Placer Deputy Michael Davis Jr. were brutally murdered on Oct. 24. Oliver, a 15-year veteran, cared deeply about the Sacramento neighborhoods he served as a problem-oriented policing deputy. It was in that community-focused role that Oliver lost his life. Authorities say he approached Marcelo Marquez and Janelle Marquez Monroy in their car at a Motel 6 parking lot near Arden Way. Marquez allegedly shot and killed Oliver with a rifle, carjacked another vehicle and later killed Davis in Auburn. A third Placer deputy was injured and a motorist gravely injured in what turned into a 30-mile crime spree. As a result, thousands of schoolchildren spent the day either in lockdown or sheltering in place, and neighborhoods were evacuated. Eventually, sheriffs from Sacramento and Placer counties somberly announced that they both had lost deputies. Davis’ father, Michael David Davis Sr., was a Riverside sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty 26 years
earlier to the day. No family should have to endure that amount of pain. As a law enforcement family, we are heartbroken for the family, friends and co-workers of the slain officers. Our son has been a deputy sheriff for just under two years. It was the first law enforcement death in Sacramento since he joined the force, and our emotions are still running high. The following Sunday, our Fremont Presbyterian Church held its annual Scottish-themed service called Kirkin’ of the Tartan. When the service was dedicated to the memory of the slain deputies and the bagpipe band struck up “Amazing Grace,” I lost all control of my emotions. Even as I write this, I am on the verge of tears. A friend of my son’s from his police academy was shot in the line of duty and later died during his recovery earlier this year. Alex attended the funeral and later said, “Mom, it was the saddest moment of my life.” An employee of ours whose husband is a Sacramento deputy brought us a blue light bulb to display in our porch light as a memorial—just as they had done. The crime spree dramatically illustrates how dangerous police work can be and how grateful the community needs to be that men and women step up to do this job. In recent months starting with the Ferguson incident last summer, I have listened to those who criticize both law enforcement efforts and even the officers themselves. But no doubt the thousands of citizens across two counties, terrified in their homes, schools and stores, were happy to have these brave officers protecting them from possible harm on that fated day.
But there is another important part of this story. The next day, local officials announced that Marquez was in this country illegally and had been twice deported to Mexico. Yet he was running around California with a gun after having left Utah. In an interview on national television, Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones later said Marquez was deported four times starting in 1997. He had at least 10 different encounters with law enforcement. Federal law makes returning to this country after you are deported a felony punishable with two years of
prison. Yet Marquez served no time in jail ever. Lots of people all over the country have had their lives turned upside down by the federal government’s refusal to enforce immigration law in collusion with sanctuary states and cities. This includes victims of DUI and hit-and-run accidents all over our state. Gov. Brown has been a champion of rights for the undocumented. He’s allowed them a whole host of rights and responsibilities and has ordered PUBLISHER page 9
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Water Wise? MASSIVE WASTE REPORTED IN CITY’S METER PROGRAM
BY CRAIG POWELL INSIDE CITY HALL
I
t is not too often that I publicly applaud the work of a fellow journalist, but we may all end up owing a huge debt of gratitude to investigative journalist Joe Rubin for his lengthy Nov. 13 cover story in Sacramento News & Review on the apparent massive waste in the city’s program to install water meters at every Sacramento home, a project now half completed. The magnitude of the reported waste is eye-popping, amounting to several hundred million dollars of needless construction costs and several hundred million dollars more in interest costs on city utility bonds sold to finance the work. According to numerous industry experts, officials from other California cities and a former city utilities engineer interviewed by Rudin, Sacramento’s Department of Utilities is making two key, very bad decisions: It is abandoning, en masse, perfectly good cement and cast-iron water mains in folks’ backyards and tearing up city streets to install new water mains—unnecessarily—in city streets in front of homes; and it is installing water meters in city sidewalks, which requires tearing the sidewalks
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up and rebuilding them, instead of inexpensively placing the meters in homeowners’ yards. The decision to install meters in sidewalks will cost $50 million, while the decision to jackhammer up the streets and replace water mains will cost $350 million. Interest on long-term city bonds issued to pay for the work adds several hundred million more to the tab borne by city ratepayers. So just how out of whack is Sacramento’s spending on water meter installation? Well, Fresno installed an almost identical number of water meters (105,000) in just two years at a cost of $73 million—$400 million cheaper than Sacramento’s 20-year meter installation plan (not counting interest costs). Fresno left backyard water mains alone and installed water meters in homeowners’ yards, not in city sidewalks. But Rubin’s story involves more than just profoundly bad decisions by city officials. He reported on an effort by DOU staff to manipulate a supposedly independent review of the water meter project by engineering firm CH2M HILL, which initially sought to explore whether Sacramento’s water mains needed to be replaced at all. A DOU engineer responded in an email to CH2M HILL, “Justifying the mains to be replaced is our highest priority and should be the first task completed.” At the behest of Councilmember Steve Cohn, a focus group of homeowners was convened in 2005 to learn where they preferred water meters to be placed: in their yards or in their sidewalks. The then-director
of the DOU, Gary Reents, told the city council that the focus group “unanimously, overwhelmingly chose the sidewalk option.” The DOU, however, was unable to provide Rubin with a copy of the focus group’s findings. But Rubin obtained a copy of an executive summary of the findings from the city clerk’s office. It reported that the focus group favored placing meters in their yards, not in city sidewalks, once they were informed of the higher cost.
The city council is known for the blind trust it places in DOU staff, only to be shocked when scandal ensues. This is true despite a long history of recurring DOU scandals. Rubin also reported that one of the city contractors working on the meter project, T & S Construction, cut two gas lines in the past two years, one in Curtis Park and the other in East Sacramento, leading to home evacuations. A PG&E official said the gas line breaks were the fault of the contractor and could have led to the kind of explosion that leveled a house and damaged neighboring homes in Rancho Cordova in 2008.
Astonishingly, the DOU’s current acting director, Bill Busath, was unaware of the gas line breaks and customer evacuations until Rubin informed him of the incidents. It gets worse. A senior DOU official who played a role in convincing the city council of the merits of the sidewalk plan back in 2005 was then the city’s water superintendent, Barry Holland. What became of Holland? Well, in 2008, following an FBI investigation, he was sentenced to federal prison, having pled guilty to taking kickbacks for selling used city water meters to an unscrupulous contractor, which raises the obvious next question: If he admitted to taking kickbacks for selling used water meters, might he also have taken kickbacks from contractors to sell the city council on the higher-cost plan to install waters meters in city sidewalks? The city council is known for the blind trust it places in DOU staff, only to be shocked when scandal ensues. This is true despite a long history of recurring DOU scandals. (In 2012, an Eye on Sacramento report characterized the DOU as the city’s “reliable scandal generator.”) The city council and successive city managers have historically managed the DOU with far too light a touch, intervening only when the train goes off the tracks. It is not as if city management wasn’t warned. In its 2012 report on the city’s water and sewer infrastructure upgrade plan, EOS urged the city to engage outside firms to conduct comprehensive, CITY HALL page10
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PUBLISHER FROM page 7 authorities not to detain dangerous criminals. On the national front, President Obama will not enforce immigration law, either. Like all the presidents before him, he has not secured our border. This failure has led to chaos, violence and death. Since President Obama was elected, deportations have increased substantially and much of the effort is focused on criminals. About 60 percent of the people deported in 2012 and 2013 had been convicted of a crime. But neither this administration nor previous ones has been able to stop many of those deported from getting back into the country. The nonprofit Migration Policy Institute reports that 1.1 million people removed from the country between 2003 and 2010 had previously been deported. But sanctuary states and cities have decided they are not going to tell the federal government that these criminals have returned. And to be realistic, Attorney General Eric
Holder doesn’t want to enforce them anyway. In his national interview, Jones explained that the problem “stems from the unwillingness of both state and federal legislators to have the political courage to address this critical situation.” Jones has done a great job recruiting, hiring and training officers like Oliver who love working in their communities. Will our political leaders honor these and other fallen law enforcement officers with a change of policy? I wish I were more hopeful. It was reported that Gov. Brown attended the funerals, so maybe he will better understand the life-shattering consequences of his sanctuary policies. As the holiday season approaches, please keep these devastated law enforcement families in your hearts and prayers. And never forget the brave men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe. They rightly deserve every possible honor we can offer for the indescribable courage they offer each and every day. Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com n
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SEASONS GREETINGS! Thank You For A Wonderful 2014
Wishing you and yoŸ family a Joyous Holiday Season and a magni5cent New Year! Steffan Brown ł 717-7217 ł SteffanBrown.com CITY HALL FROM page 8 independent technical and financial assessments of the DOU’s plans. EOS also warned the city council that the DOU management lacked the experience and expertise to provide adequate oversight over a massive infrastructure program that was slated to cost more than $2 billion, the largest infrastructure project in city history. In both instances, EOS’s warnings were ignored. In 2011, the city’s auditor, Jorge Oseguera, who answers solely to the city council, audited the DOU and found that backyard meters were being abandoned regardless of their condition. He called on the DOU to stop the practice and install water meters in backyards, not in sidewalks. His warning was ignored by the city council, the city manager and, of course, the DOU. What action should the city now take in response to Rubin’s stunning revelations? First, it should impose an immediate moratorium on all water meter installations pending a full investigation of the matter by qualified outside consultants who have no past or future financial interest in city business. Second, it shouldn’t resume installing meters until it changes its plan and leaves backyard mains intact (unless they’re actually shown to be failing) and halts the current practice of tearing up sidewalks to install water meters. Third, it should terminate DOU staffers who played any role in the promotion of the policy to abandon backyard mains or install meters in
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sidewalks, as well as those who misled the city council (and the public) into adopting the program or who played any role in tampering with the assessment of the program by CH2M HILL. Fourth, it should require that, in the future, every city staffer who addresses the council be sworn to tell the truth under penalty of perjury, as administration officials who testify before congressional committees have long been required to do.
behind closed doors with DOU staff for more than five months in 2012, concocting the current plan with zero public scrutiny or input. The public was not even aware that such a plan was being contemplated until it was announced as a fait accompli. By that point, councilmembers had been sold on the plan by DOU staff and had closed their minds to contrary views. Instead of engaging in a real public debate, the council approved spending $200,000 of ratepayer money on a PR firm to get the public to accept the multiyear, double-digit water and sewer rate hikes called for under the plan. Sixth, it should cooperate fully with any civil and criminal investigations that may ensue, including the very real possibility of renewed FBI interest in the DOU. The silver lining is that Rubin’s revelations might actually lead to the city modifying its water meter program and reducing the future cost burden on city ratepayers by several hundred million dollars. If so, you can thank Joe Rubin for it.
The silver lining is that Rubin’s revelations might actually lead to the city modifying its water meter program and reducing the future cost burden on city ratepayers by several hundred million SHORT TAKES dollars. If so, you can he city is gearing up to raise garbage and recycling rates thank Joe Rubin for it.
T
Fifth, the council should end its unhealthy (and undemocratic) practice of delegating policy responsibilities to four-member ad hoc council committees that conduct their work entirely outside of public view. The ad hoc committee on the city’s utilities infrastructure plan met
by 3 percent, 2 percent and 2 percent over the next three years, according to a staff presentation last month to the city’s Utilities Rate Advisory Commission. The DOU is expected to seek much more substantial multiyear rate hikes for water and sewer service effective July 1, 2015, with hearings on the proposed hikes expected in the spring, although the scandal
CaBRE #01882787
in the water meter program could derail that plan. The city has raised water rates by 10 percent in each of the past three years while raising its sewer rates 14 percent in each of those years, on top of major sewer rate hikes imposed by the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District to pay for a new $2 billion tertiary sewage plant. In the aftermath of the election, support is growing for the adoption of the ethics and transparency reforms that were part of the defeated Measure L (the strongmayor initiative). Mayor Kevin Johnson announced his support last month for an ethics committee, an ethics code, an independent redistricting commission, a sunshine (transparency) ordinance and funding of a city budget analyst position. Councilmember Steve Hansen, the leader of the opposition to Measure L, also signaled his support for adoption of the reforms and asked city staff to come up with plans to create a broad-based task force to develop the proposals. The mayor is taking a different tack, designating a four-member ad hoc committee of four council members (made up of his closest council allies) to work on the reforms. Meanwhile, EOS announced its plan to help organize a broad coalition of groups and community leaders to draft and promote meaningful and effective ethics and transparency reforms in the coming year. On Nov. 13, the city council approved new labor contracts with the city’s largest bargaining unit, Local CITY HALL page 13
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39, and with the politically juiced plumbers and pipefitters union. The agreement with Local 39 will increase wages by more than 7 percent over the next 18 months, leading to an increase in the city’s projected general fund deficit of nearly $4 million by 2016. During the recession, the city offered unions the choice of forgoing contractually scheduled wage hikes or facing employee layoffs. While almost all city unions agreed to skip wage hikes to avoid layoffs, Local 39 took the opposite tack. It pocketed the wage hikes for four years of its five-year contract and saw large numbers of its younger members given pink slips. Its decision had two major impacts. While the senior members of Local 39 (park workers, utilities workers, etc.) saw their pay shoot up almost 20 percent during the recession (its benefits shot up even more), its junior members were laid off in droves, leading to a hollowingout of park maintenance staffs and
other city departments. Why city management chose to reward such selfish behavior with another round of wage hikes is anyone’s guess. But to hand out hikes in the face of looming general fund deficits is frankly inexcusable.
During the recession, the city offered unions the choice of forgoing contractually scheduled wage hikes or facing employee layoffs. What is particularly troubling about the city’s latest round of wage hikes for city unions is that city management has failed to disclose
to either the council or the public the “echo effect” such hikes will have on the city’s pension costs and unfunded pension liabilities. Since pension benefits are determined by final salary levels, a boost in wages has an outsized effect on lifetime pension costs, particularly wage hikes for older workers who are nearing retirement, as many Local 39 members are. The city is already facing an expected 50 percent hike in its required annual pension contribution to CalPERS over the next five years—a major factor in the projected “fiscal cliff” the city will hit in four years. To add to that burden with wage hikes without even bothering to compute their impact on city pension costs is inexplicable.
Craig Powell is a local attorney, businessman, community activist and president of Eye on Sacramento, a civic watchdog and policy group. He can be reached at craig@ eyeonsacramento.org or 718-3030 n
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Fair Fun CAMELLIA WALDORF TO HOLD ANNUAL WINTER FESTIVAL
BY JESSICA LASKEY LIFE IN THE CITY
I
f you and your wee ones are looking for some holiday fun this month, don’t miss Camellia Waldorf School’s 26th annual Winter Faire on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school campus will be transformed into a wonderland of wintery activities: candle dipping, apple twirling, holiday crafts, booths full of great gifts, a gingerbread house display, puppet shows, live music and more. Treat your taste buds to a selection of gourmet coffees, freshpopped popcorn and delectable soups created by local chefs as part of the school’s ongoing Golden Ladle Soup Competition. If the tykes want to toddle off on their own, steer them toward the Children’s Store, a kidsonly shop run by the school’s fifthgrade students featuring inexpensive ($1-$3) gifts for that lucky parent or sibling. The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Some activities may require a small fee, but all proceeds go to the school’s scholarship fund. For more information, go to camelliawaldorf.org
If you and your wee ones are looking for some holiday fun this month, don’t miss Camellia Waldorf School’s 26th annual Winter Faire
Community Association is looking to fill two seats on its board. The volunteer community group is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Land Park. Board members help LPCA to protect William Land Park, host community events, raise awareness about neighborhood issues and work with elected officials to advocate on behalf of the community. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, what are you waiting for? Contact LPCA representatives Ken Mennemeier (551-2580 or kcm@ mgslaw.com) or John Schade (4446161 or drjschade@aol.com) to throw your hat in the ring. For more information on LPCA, go to landpark.org
DO YOU WANNA BUILD A SNOWMAN?
It really is a Winter Wonderland at Fairytale Town this month during the event of the same name on Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 11-14 and 18-21, from 1 to 7 p.m.
Camellia Waldorf School is at 5701 Freeport Blvd. For more information, go to camelliawaldorf.org
JOIN THE TEAM Have you been hankering to get in on the action in your neighborhood? Well, you’re in luck. Land Park
It really is a Winter Wonderland at Fairytale Town this month during the event of the same name on Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 11-14 and 1821, from 1 to 7 p.m. Everyone’s favorite play park will be decked out in holiday decor with a dazzling display of lights and a magical flurry of “snow” each night at 7 p.m. Each weekend will be full of fun activities and crafts as well as vendors to make your spirits bright. Want to meet Santa’s reindeer? Visit the park Dec. 13 and 14 for a chance to shake antlers with Rudolph. Want to meet Mr. Claus himself? Visit him in his workshop on Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. If you just feel like a frolic, the park will be open
LIFE IN THE CITY page 16
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ILP DEC n 14
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LIFE IN THE CITY FROM page 14 only from 1 to 7 p.m. during Winter Wonderland. Trying to pinch your pennies or looking for a place the kids can romp around on Christmas Eve? Enjoy free admission from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24. While you’re wandering around, be sure to check out Fairytale Town’s newly renovated Farmer Brown’s Barn, which reopened at the beginning of October. Improvements to the barn—one of the park’s original play sets—included expanding Eeyore the donkey’s stall, installing new stall doors for both Eeyore and Daisy the cow, repainting inside and out, updating the loft and more. The barn was also outfitted with four new exhibit spaces that will host permanent exhibits— including an observation beehive, the first dedicated beehive exhibit in Sacramento—and a seasonal space that will transform into Farmer Brown’s Hatchery come springtime. Fairytale Town is at 3901 Land Park Drive. For tickets and more information, call 808-7462 or go to fairytaletown.org
on Oct. 24. Why is this extra exciting, other than the fact that visitors will hopefully get to see the new bundles of joy exploring their habitat by Christmastime? Lions are considered regionally endangered in West Africa and an estimated 42 percent of major lion populations are declining. Their habitats are now only in game reserves in Eastern and Southern Africa. Therefore, the zoo participates in the Lion Species Survival Plan to work with captive populations to increase awareness of the problems
the unique offerings at the Zoofari
Isabella has demonstrated to achieve
new little lions and don’t see them or
Market or, better yet, share your love
this exceptional level of academic
their mama on exhibit, don’t let that
of the zoo with your loved ones with
excellence,” says NSHSS founder and
concern you.
a gift of membership, a Zoo Parent
chairman Claes Nobel. “Isabella is
certificate or brass paver.
now a member of a unique community
If you stop by to get a peek of the
“These are very early days for our first-time mother. Females would
The Sacramento Zoo is at 3930
of scholars—a community that
naturally take some ‘maternity leave’
West Land Park Drive. For more
represents our very best hope for the
from the rest of the pride for the first
information, call 808-5888 or go to
future.”
four to eight weeks,” says Dr. Adrian
saczoo.org.
“Our own female will be off-exhibit for a while to allow her the same kind of mother-cub bonding. If all goes
Formed in 2002, NSHSS recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated
Fowler, the zoo’s acting director.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES A gentle reminder for the next time
outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment at the high school level. Membership
well, we are hopeful that the cubs will
you want to post a “Lost Pet” sign
in NSHSS gives qualified students
be ready to explore their exhibit in
or notice of your yard sale: Signs on
access to scholarship opportunities,
the weeks running up to Christmas.”
utility poles actually do more harm
academic competitions, free events,
than good.
member-only resources, publications,
As in nature, however, along with
GIFT OF THE MAGPIE
CA BRE #01402254
that face this beautiful big cat.
birth comes death. The zoo was sad to
Each time a sign is nailed, stapled,
participation in programs offered by
report that its male Sumatran tiger,
tacked or screwed to a utility pole, the
educational partners, personalized recognition items and publicity
Castro, had to be euthanized due to
workers who climb those poles are put
this month with a special treat day
lymphoma on Oct. 29. At 16 years old,
in danger. How? When the signs fall
honors. With more than 1 million
for the zoo’s wild denizens, a pajama
The Sacramento Zoo is jumpin’
Castro was the longest-living large cat
off or are removed, the fasteners often
NSHSS members in more than 160
party, an exciting birth, lots of stellar
diagnosed with lymphoma, as well as
remain, causing line workers to get
countries worldwide, Isabella is in
shopping at Zoofari Market and more.
the oldest breeding male Sumatran
cut or injured. Nails and staples can
good company. Way to go!
tiger in the United States. When he
also obstruct climbing gear, which can
could no longer fight his cancer, which
cause workers to slip or fall.
Why should humans have all the fun? On Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10
was diagnosed in February 2013, the
Magic, a day to bundle up and watch
zoo’s veterinary staff had to make the
folks a favor and the next time you
the animals receive custom-made
tough decision to let him go.
need to advertise your garage sale,
holiday spirit. Don’t miss Free Admission Day
“Castro has been an incredible tiger
NSHSS, go to nshss.org
So do those hard-working utility
a.m. to 4 p.m., check out Holiday
treats that are sure to put them in the
For more information about
misplaced pet or neighborhood event,
KNIT WITS Now there’s a way you can put that
and we have been privileged to care
don’t use the utility poles as your own
horrendous sweater Aunt Harriet
for him,” says senior zoo veterinarian
personal billboard.
knit you to good use: Throw it on
and the Christmas Eve Pajama Party
Dr. Ray Wack. “We are extremely
on Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m.
thankful to all of the specialists from
to 1:30 p.m. Consider it the zoo’s
the UC Davis School of Veterinary
gift to you—a day without admission
Medicine and the Sacramento medical
with your running shoes and jog
GIRL POWERS Local girl makes good! Sacramento
William Land Park as part of the Ugly Sweater Run on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m.
fees, and an excuse to break out your
community who rallied to assist
native and St. Ignatius College
cutest, coziest pajamas! (Note: The
us in providing Castro with a long,
Preparatory student Isabella Powers
festive 5k run before tucking into
comfortable life.”
was named to the National Society of
your choice of hot chocolate or a
Back on an upbeat note, holiday
High School Scholars last month.
selection of adult beverages (Sam
shopping is in full swing, and you’re
“On behalf of NSHSS, I am
zoo is closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.) Have you heard the great news?
Burn lots of calories during this
Adam’s Winter Lager, Boston Lager
The Sacramento Zoo’s African lion
probably looking for gifts that will
honored to recognize the hard work,
or Angry Orchard Hard Cider). Get
pair gave birth to three cuddly cubs
delight and surprise. Check out
sacrifice and commitment that
warmed up at the start line with
16
ILP DEC n 14
fun inflatables, photo stations and inspiring seasonal music, then hit the course and you’ll find holiday-themed stations every mile to keep you going. Once you’ve worked up a sweat in that hideous sweater, the post-run festivities begin, which include drinks and other holiday goodies as well as awards for best real mustache, best fake mustache, best beard, worst sweater and best sweater. Look your worst to do your best! Want to do good for others while feeling great on the course? The Ugly Sweater Run has partnered with Save the Children, a child advocacy nonprofit that gives children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm around the world, so be sure to select the Save the Children donation option when
TRUCKIN’ ALONG in an awesome atmosphere? Don’t miss this month’s installment of Food Truck Mania in Land Park on
Park at 3800 South Land Park Drive. To register and for more information, go to theuglysweaterrun.com
DIY Wedding Parties and Classes RellesFlorist.com for details
Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. Thanks to Land Park Community Association’s brilliant partnering
Relles Florist
plan, this monthly event brings the neighborhood together over delectable dishes from local food
2400 J Street • 441-1478
trucks that are part of SactoMoFo
RellesFlorist.com
(Sacramento Mobile Food), as well as
Voted Best Florist 12 years by readers of Sacramento Magazine
great music and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment. The trucks will gather at the corner of Freeport Boulevard and Sutterville Road (4000 South Land Park Drive). For more information, go to sactomofo.com
Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at
world in areas that include health,
Belle Cooledge Library.
education, environment, community
The event will feature a panel of parents of current Peace Corps volunteers who will discuss topics like safety, health, staying in contact and
you register online. The start line is in William Land
Flowers – The Perfect Holiday Gift
Hungry for some delicious food
WE COME IN PEACE Do you have a teen who’s interested in joining the Peace Corps? Get all your parental questions and concerns addressed during the Peace Corps Family and Friends event on
how volunteers evolve as a result of their experience.
economic development, agriculture and more. Belle Cooledge Library is located at 5600 South Land Park Drive. For more information, go to peacecorps.gov
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends
Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com n
Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the
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Konrad Von Schoech BRINGING MONEY TO LOCAL SCHOOLS
BY JESSICA LASKEY VOLUNTEER PROFILE
T
hey say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. That’s exactly what Konrad Von Schoech, president of Land Park Schools Foundation, and a group of dedicated parents did when it looked like funding for their children’s school, Crocker/Riverside Elementary, was headed for disaster. “Over the last decade, parent members of the Crocker/ Riverside PTA have become expert fundraisers, raising tens of thousands of dollars each school year to support school programs,” says Von Schoech, whose son is a fourth-grader at the school. “One of the main sources of fundraising dollars was from parent-hosted fundraisers. We would organize a party, find a venue, secure the food, get donations from other parents and sell tickets. As the events grew in popularity, we began encountering issues. Some venues wanted proof of insurance, but we discovered that national and state PTA rules prevent the PTA from providing insurance to parenthosted fundraisers.” Stymied in their efforts to provide alternative funding to a school that, according to Von Schoech, has the lowest per-pupil funding in the district, the parents took matters into their own hands. They tried to form a booster club that could funnel funds directly to the school so staffers could decide exactly how that money was spent. But their idea was voted down by the PTA board. In a meeting with
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ILP DEC n 14
Konrad Von Schoech (back row, second from right) is the president of Land Park Schools Foundation
the Crocker/Riverside principal, it was suggested that if they formed a nonprofit organization, they could secure permits for their events and donate directly to the school. That’s how Land Park Schools Foundation was born. “A small group of us worked over the early months of this year to develop bylaws, apply for nonprofit status with the IRS, obtain an insurance policy, streamline the permit process and do the other activities that built the foundation for the LPSF,” Von Schoech says.
“While we were working, we started wondering why we couldn’t also help fundraising efforts at other Land Park public schools. Eventually, our kids are going to leave elementary school, so we want to make sure we’re able to assist junior high and high schools in the area with what they need to succeed. I mean, let’s face it: Funding from the district isn’t getting better.” The foundation now provides funding for Crocker/Riverside, Leataata Floyd Elementary School, Tiny Tots Preschool, California
Middle School and C.K. McClatchy High School. Not surprisingly, other schools in the region are coming to the foundation for help in starting their own nonprofits. “We’re more than happy to guide them through the process, to provide a road map,” Von Schoech says. “School is such a big part of a community. We want everybody to be successful.” For more information about Land Park Schools Foundation, go to landparkschools.org n
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Fat Success FAMILY IS KEY FOR THIS LEGENDARY RESTAURANT GROUP
BY R.E. GRASWICH CITY BEAT
B
efore Frank Fat’s banana cream pie and Frank’s Style New York Steak and boozy lobbyists and political deals hatched on napkins, before the $1.3 million makeover and suburban expansion, there was Monday Night Dinner. Monday was the slow night for the Fat family. But it wasn’t slow for Mary, wife of Frank and matriarch of the clan that created the most famously enduring collection of restaurants in Sacramento. Each Monday, Mary was busy in her own kitchen in Sierra Oaks, preparing a simple, traditional Chinese meal for family members. Mary didn’t keep head counts. She made enough for everybody. “She never knew if five of us would show up or 20,” says Jerry Fat, recalling his mother’s Monday tradition. “It didn’t matter. We always knew there would be a family meal at their place on Monday. With Mom and Dad, it was always family first.” As Frank Fat’s restaurant celebrates 75 years at 8th and L streets in downtown Sacramento, the significance of family meals and
20
ILP DEC n 14
Jerry and Kevin Fat
traditions becomes paramount to the story behind the restaurant’s longevity. The Fat family, whose numbers extend well beyond 30 when greatgrandchildren and in-laws are considered, have always said the
restaurants succeeded because customers responded to Frank’s principle of good food, good service and good value. In truth, it’s not that simple. Plenty of restaurants offer good food, service and value, but they don’t
survive 75 years. Plenty of families inherit successful businesses from hardworking immigrant founders, but few remain united and prosperous deep into the third generation. “It’s pretty rare,” says Jerry, who serves as CEO of the family empire. “My parents didn’t tell any of us that we had to go into the restaurant business. We always worked at the restaurant, and for the most part, we hated it. But the most important thing was for us to get an education. Our parents never pushed us into the business. Maybe that’s the secret to why we’re still here.” Education brought the Fat children into professional galaxies far beyond the kitchen, from law and dentistry to computer science. Magically, liberated by graduate degrees and the confidence that they weren’t under pressure to enlist in the world of Frank Fat’s, the children ended up doing the right thing. Hang around the family today for a glimpse of how it works. While Jerry and eight other Fats constitute the board of directors (the family’s accountant is the only outsider with a vote), they seem astonishingly nonchalant with their legacy. Poster-sized enlargements of family photos are stacked against a wall in the corporate suite, featuring Frank and Mary at various stages of their long lives. There are wedding photos and pictures of the Fats entertaining a trove of 20th-century California governors. There are shots of Jerry’s brothers, Wing and Tom, now deceased, and the other children, six in all. The photos, destined for historical preservation at Sacramento State
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Where Sacramento Gets Engaged! son of Ken (Jerry’s brother) and Lina, agreed to make the four restaurants— Frank Fat’s, Fat City in Old Sacramento and Fat’s Asia Bistros in Roseville and Folsom—his life. The Fat concept of time is illustrated by the sense that, among senior members of the family, Kevin is still regarded as something of a newcomer. He’s 47. He became general manager of his grandfather’s restaurant 10 years ago, quitting a good job at Oracle in San Francisco. Frank Fat lived to 92. He worked almost to the end in 1997, greeting customers, reminiscing about visits from Ronald Reagan and John Wayne. Mary died two years later at age 91. They were married 73 years. Longevity, loyalty and success were not accidents or luck. Neither is 75 years as a successful business. “We have a pretty amazing family,” Kevin says.
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Learning Curve HEADMASTER OVERSEES A DECADE-PLUS OF IMPROVEMENTS AT COUNTRY DAY
BY JESSICA LASKEY SHOPTALK
“W
hen you think about building a school, you have to take a multi-pronged approach,” says Stephen T. Repsher, the headmaster of Sacramento Country Day School. “It’s a combination of a number of things: You have to have strong programs, outstanding, dedicated, enthusiastic teachers and, most important, those teachers must have the ability to inspire enthusiasm in others. That’s what drew me to this school in the first place.” Repsher is now in his 12th year as the head of the Arden-area school, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year of providing independent, academically and culturally enriched education to the Greater Sacramento region. In fact, it’s the only true independent, pre-kindergarten-through-12th-grade school in Sacramento, according to Repsher. Its small class sizes, academically rigorous curriculum and hands-on, experiential learning have drawn hundreds of students since its inception in 1964 (including yours truly; I’m what they call a “lifer,” someone who attended SCDS all the way from kindergarten through high school). “I wanted to work at a school where I saw more opportunity to create something and help the school grow and thrive,” Repsher says. “Here at SCDS, I saw the opportunity to really achieve something special. It
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ILP DEC n 14
Stephen T. Repsher is the headmaster of Sacramento Country Day School
clearly had a long and rich tradition in independent school education, and I felt it could become an even stronger school in Sacramento. It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.” Repsher came to SCDS in the summer of 2003 following long stints
at other independent schools around the country. After the upstate New York native earned his bachelor’s degree at Union College, majoring in modern languages and spending a year abroad in Madrid, he moved
on to the graduate program at New York University, where he had the chance to return to Madrid and travel around Europe for nearly three years. But when it came time to start his teaching career, his native state called him home. “I applied to teach in public schools in the mid-Hudson Valley, but I didn’t have a teaching credential,” Repsher recalls. “I lacked just 12 credits, but that turned out to be a blessing because I met a fellow who places educators at independent schools.” His first teaching job was at a boarding school in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he taught Spanish and French for six years. After getting married, he and his new wife moved to Southern California so Repsher could take a position at HarvardWestlake School, where he stayed for five years. He headed the upper school at Viewpoint School in Calabasas for 11 years, where he made the acquaintance of a certain Dr. Dan White, a former SCDS headmaster who would help change the course of Repsher’s career. “Dan served on the board of trustees at Viewpoint when he was head of The Webb Schools,” Repsher says. “Later on, he told me such good things about Country Day. I had landed my first headship in Santa Barbara. I was there for six years. But when the headmaster position at SCDS opened up, I left and came to Sacramento.” Under Repsher’s ambitious leadership, the past 11-plus years have seen significant growth at SCDS, including the development of the physical plant (the campus started out
in the 1950s with temporary buildings that have been steadily replaced with brick-and-mortar classrooms over the past decade) and the continued expansion of the academic program. “I spend a significant amount of my time between December and April looking for the best teachers in the nation,” Repsher says. “It goes hand in hand: First you need an outstanding program/curriculum, but you also need facilities that reflect the quality of your education. At some point, when buildings begin to collapse and the termites take over, you have to do something.” Repsher took action, and now the SCDS campus boasts its own wireless network and school-owned tech devices for all middle and high school students; the multi-lab, state-of-theart Frank Science Center; a two-story Lower School building that houses a library and spacious classrooms; an Early Childhood Center for prekindergartners; updated high school and middle school quads and classrooms; and the newly remodeled middle and high school Matthews Library. Repsher also has plans to finish work this year on the Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology and a “maker space” where students have access to all kinds of cool equipment, from art supplies and sewing machines to robotics and engineering apparati, with many more projects to come. “Country Day education is experiential,” Repsher explains. “Our students engage actively, use their hands, think and create. All of that together helps us to position the school for the next 50 or 100 years and provide the best possible education. I look forward to many more years to come.” Interested in starting your student at SCDS? Call 481-8811 or go to saccds.org Sacramento Country Day School is at 2636 Latham Drive.
GOING TO THE DOGS There aren’t many jobs where a client might get a belly rub at the end of a long day, but not every workplace is Grateful Dog Daycare, the only
Robert Espinosa opened Grateful Dog in Midtown in 2009
cage-free dog day care and boarding facility in Sacramento. “Dogs are social animals,” says owner Robert Espinosa, who opened Grateful Dog in Midtown in 2009. “They want to interact. It’s my belief that healthy social interactions and regular exercise make for a happier companion. “When I first started Grateful Dog, I looked to model the business on the way I wanted my own dogs to be cared for: free to play all day and sleep in a comfortable room with other dogs and humans, free of cages. “When dogs have freedom, boarding is less stressful. Traditional kennels are incredibly loud, but here, it’s not. There’s so much less barking that people can’t believe we have 80 to 90 dogs onsite every day.” Espinosa has been the “leader of the pack” since the mid-1990s, when he and his wife started doing casual foster and rescue work out of their home in San Francisco. When a Craigslist job for a dog day care
employee in the East Bay popped up, Espinosa jumped at the chance to make his love for canines into a career.
“We also offer overnight, cage-free boarding, which is unconventional and novel. Most people don’t even know it exists. ” “The core of my knowledge about dog day care comes from my work with Lauren Westreich at Every Dog Has Its Day Care in Emeryville,” Espinosa says. “I learned how dogs interact, the psychology of dogs, how to safely run group play, and I just fell
in love with it. I decided I wanted to open my own.” Espinosa and his wife moved to Sacramento in 2000 to be closer to their families, and nine years later Espinosa took the plunge. “In Sacramento, dog day care was not as popular as it was in San Francisco or Los Angeles,” he recalls, “so there was an empty niche to fill. I knew day care really well from doing it for so long, but when I opened, I hired a really good groomer to help me build a grooming department. We also offer overnight, cage-free boarding, which is unconventional and novel. Most people don’t even know it exists.” Now more than five years into business, Espinosa has a staff of 26 and a diverse clientele of pups and their parents who stop in for everything from day care to grooming (there’s even a self-service bath area, if you’re so inclined) to environmentally friendly pet products. The facility boasts multiple play yards, indoors and out, where dogs can hang out. “We separate dogs into different play groups so similar dogs can be together,” Espinosa explains. “That way smaller, mellow dogs can have their space and so can the larger, more physical dogs. Just like humans, dogs are dynamic and always changing. Some dogs are wallflowers, and that’s just fine. We provide for all dogs’ needs.” Potential clients must also undergo a behavior evaluation before they’re admitted to Grateful Dog, which keeps the cage-free atmosphere safe and fight-free. “Dogs must be social and nonaggressive,” Espinosa says. “We also have 24-hour supervision. Our staff is trained to watch the dogs’ behavior to head anything off before it starts. For overnight boarding, we’re the only kennel that has someone sleep with the dogs in every room, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe, like home.” At Grateful Dog, it really is a dog’s life. What could be better than that? Need a place where Fido can feel at home while you’re working SHOPTALK page 24
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
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SHOPTALK FROM page 23 or traveling? Contact Espinosa and his staff at 446-2501 or info@ gratefuldogdaycare.com to schedule an evaluation. For more information, go to gratefuldogdaycare.com Grateful Dog Daycare is at 430 17th St.
HAVE MERCY It may seem strange to hear a CEO say that he hopes to be put out of business, but when you’re Kevin Duggan, president and CEO of Mercy Foundation, that goal makes a lot more sense. “Our 60th anniversary tagline is ‘From 1954 until the end of need,� Duggan explains. “It would be wonderful if there were no longer a need, but until that time, Mercy Foundation will continue to work with generous donors to meet our community’s needs.� Duggan has made a pretty storied career working to meet the needs of the underserved throughout the region. The Bay Area native
began his philanthropic path as an undergraduate at UC Davis, where he worked his way from administration to becoming the head of the Chancellor’s Club, an honorary giving society that recognizes donors who give more than $1,000 a year to the school’s annual fund. While at UC Davis, Duggan decided to pursue his master’s degree in business administration, but come graduation, he realized he could do far more good if he brought his business acumen to the not-for-profit sector. Duggan helped found the UC Davis MIND Institute, an international research center that is committed to the prevention, care and cure of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Once MIND Institute took off, Duggan was invited to serve as the executive director for Society for the Blind. “Society for the Blind couldn’t serve as many people as needed to be served,� Duggan says. “We set out to raise funds to buy and renovate a new facility. We ultimately raised about $3.5 million and moved to a
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Kevin Duggan is the president and CEO of Mercy Foundation
20,000-square-foot training facility, quadrupling our size.� Clearly, Duggan has a knack for helping worthy causes find funding, so when Mercy Foundation came calling, he was more than ready. “Growing up in an Irish-Catholic family, I was very familiar with the Sisters of Mercy and all they did for others,� Duggan says. “When I was approached about working with them, I jumped at the opportunity.� Mercy Foundation is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, meaning it’s a separate nonprofit entity that raises funds for community causes that the Sisters have held dear since they arrived in Sacramento more than 150 years ago. Their ministries include health care, education, housing and care for the poor and the elderly, causes that Mercy Foundation has continued to support during its 60 years of operation. “Supporting all of the Sisters’ local ministries is an important part of the foundation’s mission,� Duggan says. “Thanks to an operating grant from Dignity Health, the Sisters’ health care ministry, 100 percent of every
gift goes to the program of the donor’s choosing.� In his two-and-half years as CEO, Duggan has overseen some very exciting projects in both the health care and education ministries: the completion this year of Alex G. Spanos Heart and Vascular Center at Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital in East Sacramento and the ongoing campaign to provide Cristo Rey High School, a collegepreparatory school for low-income students, with a much-needed new campus. “Completing the project will be a huge accomplishment,� Duggan says. “It greatly enhances the Sisters’ ministry of education in the region. “As for me, I’ve been very, very lucky to work on things that are extremely meaningful to me. If you’re philanthropic in nature, it’s very likely that Mercy Foundation supports something you’re interested in. It’s a privilege to serve in this position.� If you’re interested in supporting Mercy Foundation and its many ministries, call 851-2700 or go to supportmercyfoundation.org n
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Making Connections SHE BRINGS BUSINESSES AND CHURCHES TOGETHER TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS
BY TERRY KAUFMAN LOCAL HEROES
T
wo are better than one: This simple truth from Ecclesiastes 4:9 forms the underpinnings of E49, a local organization that’s trying to change the world one life at a time. It began about five years ago when Tammy Vallejo, an East Sac real estate agent with lots of business experience, sat in her church on a Sunday morning and had an epiphany. “I belonged to Restoration Life in Elmhurst,” she says, “and I realized that we needed to take the idea of working in God’s image with purpose into the community and unite people outside of the church to meet the needs of our community.” Vallejo felt that if business and religious leaders were brought together for a common purpose, nothing was impossible. She founded E49 to make and grow those connections. Today she runs it with a staff of five. “Nonprofits and churches exist to meet the needs of the community,” says Vallejo, “but business people are finishers. This needs to be somebody’s business, so we made it ours.” People tend to focus their attention on other parts of the world, says
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Tammy Vallejo is the founder of E49
Vallejo, when there are critical needs at our own doorstep, such as homelessness, sex trafficking and hunger. “There are 2,500 chronically
homeless in Sacramento,” says Vallejo, “and 85 percent of them would like to be in homes. These are not huge numbers from a business
standpoint.” Vallejo has used her Real Estate with Purpose business to create a private response to homelessness. The company donates a percentage of its gross revenue to subsidize E49. It has partnered with a handful of nonprofits to purchase five homes that provide temporary or permanent housing to homeless individuals. It also matches homeless people with local churches so they can receive the support they need to get back on their feet. Vallejo believes that unless society looks at the bigger picture, such problems will only get worse. “You really can’t make a dent in their problems if you don’t address the whole person, the whole issue,” she says. Vallejo cites the sex-trafficking business. “I was driving my kids to West Campus one day and I saw a 14-year-old out there,” she says. “I thought: This could be my daughter. It’s not OK. The problem is that there are so many other issues wrapped up in it, you need to get to the real root of the issue.” According to Vallejo, the foster care system is part of the homeless problem. Locally, 2,500 children are placed in foster care. At 18, children “age out” of foster care and have no support. “We have a world of adult orphans,” says Vallejo. “They’re homeless on the street at 18. If you rescue them from the street but don’t connect them with a job, then you really haven’t solved the problem.” With about 1,200 churches and thousands of businesses, says Vallejo, the Sacramento region should be able to respond to the crisis in a more meaningful way. “It doesn’t get solved
DREAMERS. WELCOME. “ THE GREATEST THING ABOUT OWNING A BUSINESS IS THE FEELING OF CREATING SOMETHING THAT OTHER PEOPLE APPRECIATE AND LOVE.” SEAN KOHMESCHER, TEMPLE COFFEE See what other dreamers are doing:
dreamerswelcome.org just with housing,” she says. “It’s ultimately about relationships.” Working with City Pastors Fellowship, an organization of 400 senior pastors from 42 areas, E49 connected their churches with more than 260 nonprofits, most of them faith-based. Additionally, it introduced business people into the mix to build a stronger cord. “We have 35 organizations in this space, but it’s starting to multiply,” says Vallejo. “We’re at the crux right now.” Among E49’s business partners are such household names as Wells Fargo and Walmart. Additional support comes from smaller businesses that have taken advantage of Suite 210, E49’s headquarters at 2830 G Street in Midtown. E49 leases space in the suite to entrepreneurs who share E49’s vision and mindset. “Our job is to be an incubator, to help businesses grow while coaching them to serve the community,” says Vallejo. For more information, go to e49corp.org n
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Holiday Delight EAST SAC STUNNER WILL BE OPEN ON ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR
BY JULIE FOSTER HOME INSIGHT
W
hen Heidi Cordeiro was asked to participate in Sacred Heart’s Holiday Home Tour, she asked her husband Neal what he thought, then consulted with her friend, designer Denyse DesJardin. The timing was perfect.
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“This is a time-honored tradition that supports a good cause, and we tried very hard to represent the tour in the best possible way.”
“It worked out fortuitously. We could just decorate for the tour around what we had already done,” she explains. “This is a time-honored tradition that supports a good cause, and we tried very hard to represent the tour in the best possible way.”
The Cordeiros purchased their East Sacramento home in August 2013. Built in 1926, the original structure was a one-story cottage. “You would never recognize the home from old photos,” Cordeiro says. Over the decades, previous owners extensively remodeled the house. Today, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,000 square feet of living space. But Cordeiro felt the traditionally decorated interior needed a bit of freshening up. “In deciding on a style for the redecorating, we tried very hard to honor living in this fabulous neighborhood using traditional elements yet bringing modern touches into the décor to reflect Neal’s and my style,” she explains. Their plan involved paying homage to the formal spaces in HOME page 30
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Implementing DesJardin’s ideas meant painting the interior, adding
her participation in the home tour
new light fixtures for dazzle and pops
was minor compared to DesJardin,
of color throughout.
comparing herself to a surgical nurse
For the tour, Cordeiro had to
“Because I am a layperson when it
her decorating scheme. A long-held
comes to decorating, it was important
family tradition involves giving each
to engage the help of a knowledgeable
of her children decorations every
person, a skilled designer to help me
Christmas. “This was so they could
achieve the look I wanted,” she says.
set up their own homes,” she explains. So when her children, now young
the front of the house, such as the entry and living room, while moving toward a more natural, organic and casual feeling for the rooms in the
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rear of the home. They used wood and metal accents along with traditional furnishings for a chic, urban look. “It reflects the way we live in the house,” says Cordeiro.
handing off instruments to a surgeon.
incorporate fresh holiday ideas into
build up their collections when they
HOME FROM page 29
and have a theme. She stressed that
Elements of urban-chic style greet tour goers at the front entryway, where the suspended light
adults, recently moved out of the
fixture features traditional crystal
house, their ornaments went with
surrounded by metal. Additional
them.
crystals were added for the tour. The
Cordeiro offers a host of tips for
banister’s garland is classic except
happy holiday decorating. Start
for the copper- and peacock- colored
your planning early, be open to new
decorations laced throughout. A metal
ideas, think things through, have a
art tree on the entry chest mixes
plan for implementing your ideas,
and moss with modern side plates, flatware and glasses. In the living room, a Christmas tree is decorated with old cameras, clocks and abstract art pieces. DesJardin created the eye-catching stockings hung from the fireplace mantle from a burlap table runner from West Elm. Situated in a large planter and topped with cotton balls still on their stems, the family room Christmas tree is draped with models of old cars and planes, antique printing plates and grinders. Mixed in are metal initials representing couple’s names. Splashes of color from traditional Christmas ornaments and antlers tinted a vibrant shade of eggplant complete the look. DesJardin explains that by elevating the tree in a large container, gifts don’t spill out into the room, and you can get by with a smaller tree and fewer ornaments. In the backyard, a living succulent wall is outlined with holiday lights. “Denyse and I have enjoyed every modern elements with time-honored Christmas ornaments. “The dining room represents a great transition from the more formal living room into the organic and relaxed family room,” Cordeiro explains. The round dining table and chairs coupled with silk drapes provide a classical feeling, while the custommade wall sconces reflect a more modern vibe. Ornaments, both eclectic and traditional, hang from branches suspended from the ceiling. The table setting mixes organic
moment working toward this. We hope people enjoy our home as well as all the homes on the tour this year,” says Cordeiro. “We are blessed to be a part of it.” Sacred Heart’s Holiday Home Tour takes place Dec. 5-7. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on the days of the tour. For more information, go to sacredhearthometour.com If you know of a home you think should be featured in Inside Publications, contact Julie Foster at foster.julie91@yahoo.com n
elements such as birch chargers
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The Final Play HOW MEASURE L GOT SWATTED AWAY
BY R.E. GRASWICH SPORTS AUTHORITY
T
wenty-one years ago in Phoenix, Kevin Johnson’s dream of winning an NBA championship ended when he sprinted to the free-throw line and pulled up for a jump shot. Before Johnson could fire, Horace Grant swatted the ball away. The play, in the last instant of Game 6, gave Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls a 99-98 victory over Johnson and his Phoenix Suns and a third consecutive title for Chicago. This November, Sacramento voters handed Johnson another crushing defeat when they rejected his six-year quest to become the city’s executive mayor. Measure L, which would have given budgetary and hiring powers to Johnson and subsequent mayors, was rejected by 57 percent of the voters. In basketball terms, Measure L was a 20-point thumping for Johnson. There will be no Game 7 for strong mayor, and probably no third term for Sacramento’s sportsman-mayor. I spent almost four years working as Johnson’s special assistant during his first term at city hall. I helped smooth out early drafts of Measure L and wasted countless hours fretting over messaging and lobbying and
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Mayor Kevin Johnson
Measure L, which would have given budgetary and hiring powers to Johnson and subsequent mayors, was rejected by 57 percent of the voters
trying to make people believe how wonderful Sacramento might be if the city would just stand back and let Kevin Johnson run things.
Yet when the time finally came to me to cast my ballot for Measure L, I voted no. While the concept of executive mayor delivered an appeal of accountability, I was repelled by
the thought of Johnson actually being in charge: no coach to call the play, no referee to blow the whistle, no Horace Grant to swat the ball away, just Kevin. From experience, I can tell you the mayor’s office would have been a train wreck if we had executive authority when I worked there. I saw no evidence that Kevin had become less stubborn or more willing to compromise over the last two years. He always said he believed strong mayor was best for the city, and he obviously was sincere. But his love for Sacramento and desire to see the city thrive were inevitably overshadowed by his private ambitions. Ambition and self-determination, which carried Johnson from Oak Park to the University of California and into the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan and the Bulls, prevented him from declaring he would let
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strong mayor take effect with his replacement. He wanted the boss job for himself—that was the whole point.
“It’s not really that big of a deal compared with trying to guard Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals.” Johnson once told me he would resign if it would help strong mayor become law in Sacramento, but he didn’t mean it. Instead, he teased around about running for a third term if executive mayor became reality. He couldn’t bear to pass up the strong-mayor shot—the game winner—to another player. He wanted it for himself. And that’s why Johnson’s opponents were so effective when they deployed the “power grab” label against Measure L. With its rhetoric
and window dressing stripped away and Johnson angling for a third term, Measure L looked an awful lot like a power grab. The voters could smell it, and that was that. With strong mayor dead, now is a good time to begin the assessment of Johnson’s mayoral career. His two terms can be described in sporting terms, which is fitting and ironic. Of course, his legacy will be the Kings and their new arena, which rises from the rubble of Downtown Plaza. The irony is that Johnson ran for office to prove he was something other than a basketball player, to demonstrate his leadership, to educate children in neglected neighborhoods and coax distant corporations to set up shop in Sacramento. He ran for mayor to get away from sports, yet wound up right back in the arms of free throws and field goals. In recent months, Johnson warmed to his legacy as our sportsman-mayor. He encouraged several CEO friends to invest in the Sacramento Republic soccer team, which would have been ridiculous a year ago. (Johnson rolled
his eyes in 2012 when several interns in the mayor’s office mentioned the idea of a soccer stadium in the railyards.) My guess is he would have helped the Republic arrange some sort of stadium public finance deal had strong mayor passed. It was Johnson’s fate to be a sportsman-mayor. His status as a sports celebrity carried him into office. His competitive intensity— straight from the gym—guided every step at city hall. Even as he ran away from his sports history, he couldn’t let it go.
When people asked him about tough political decisions, he would say, “It’s not really that big of a deal compared with trying to guard Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals.” Then along came Measure L, and it was, only worse. R.E. Graswich worked as a special assistant to Mayor Kevin Johnson from 2009 to 2012. He is the author of “Vagrant Kings: David Stern, Kevin Johnson and the NBA’s Orphan Team.” He can be reached at reg@ graswich.com n
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Working Together IMPROVING SOUTH OAK PARK/FRUITRIDGE POCKET IS A GROUP EFFORT
BY PHIL SERNA COUNTY VIEWPOINT
N
eighborhoods don’t ascend to greatness without the concerted effort of many varied interests. Chief among them must be people like me who possess a constituency’s confidence to do everything possible to improve the communities we serve. It is a rightful expectation. But how can I alone help achieve greatness for a community? Admittedly, the truth is … I can’t do it alone. I’ve yet to meet an elected official who can. Even our strongest past and present local elected leaders would agree, I’m sure. In recent weeks, much has been written about the effort to improve the unincorporated South Oak Park/ Fruitridge Pocket community. This is the area generally located east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, south of 14th Avenue, west of Stockton Boulevard and north of Fruitridge Road. Following a visit to the neighborhood this summer, I have worked to marshal county resources to better address everything from illegal dumping to crime prevention to animal control, and everything in between. Nearly all of the local services provided to residents living here come from the county of Sacramento. It’s a working-class neighborhood with a rich history. And like many other local communities, its residents are what make it so special. I know firsthand how special it is because I spend time there. At least three times a week, I’m in the neighborhood talking to folks, checking up on service calls or even
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giving tours to prospective partners like other elected officials and nonprofit service providers. Each time I’m there, I’m reminded that this effort is fundamentally about people: those who live, work and play in the neighborhood, but also the dedicated public servants whom we count on to help effect the changes we desire as elected officials and as constituents. Consequently, improving the community will only succeed if both groups are genuinely invested in doing so, and that’s where I come in.
Following that neighborhood visit back in July, I reflected on why my office received such disproportionately low numbers of calls, emails and letters relative to what I had witnessed. Simply put, I see myself as part of a team (our executive staff and department heads being my teammates), and we are all responsible for ensuring county service providers enjoy a respectful and productive relationship with
the people we serve. To be certain, this does not mean I strive to micromanage delivery of services, but it also means I will not be complacent with existing service delivery models if neighborhood conditions tell us something is obviously amiss. Furthermore and perhaps most importantly, I am most responsible for making sure my constituents don’t abandon hope and lose faith in their county government. Following that neighborhood visit back in July (the one that inspired this intensified effort to improve the quality of life for area residents), I reflected on why my office received such disproportionately low numbers of calls, emails and letters relative to what I had witnessed. In other words, I struggled to understand why I wasn’t hearing from concerned, even outraged residents as much as I thought I should given unacceptable conditions like rampant illegal dumping, nearby squatter “shooting galleries” and even the number of offleash dogs roaming the streets. The conclusion I reached is that residents must think seeking assistance using our 311 and 211 systems, or by other means, including directly contacting their county supervisor, would be futile. Why call to demand better service if you believe no one is listening, right? Of course, this wasn’t and isn’t the case. Our office spends most of our time and energy assisting constituents who need help, and we strive to enhance that part of what we do. But it was one of the most demoralizing experiences I’ve had during my first term: to think my constituents may have given up on the same county
government they perceived as giving up on them. At that moment, my role in this whole initiative came into clear focus. A couple weeks later, during National Night Out, I spoke with approximately 200 residents from South Oak Park/Fruitridge Pocket and explained all the things the county of Sacramento is doing to help turn the neighborhood around. Things like installing 250 high-intensity, low-wattage LED streetlights, resurfacing streets, organizing neighborhood watches, enhancing code enforcement operations, sponsoring neighborhood cleanups, coordinating more regularly with the probation, district attorney and sheriff’s departments; and even the possibility of siting a healthcare clinic somewhere within the community.
And even though many of the changes we all want to see happen will take time to implement, the neighborhood is already beginning to see positive changes. All of these and other measures have been set in motion, and thankfully every Sacramento County
department head and manager from whom our office has sought assistance has been incredibly responsive. And even though many of the changes we all want to see happen will take time to implement, the neighborhood is already beginning to see positive changes like dangerous, abandoned homes coming down and more aggressive code enforcement activity getting the upper hand on illegal dumping. This all amounts to a good start, but it will be neighborhood residents who decide the greatness (or not) of their community once all is said and done. Today, South Oak Park/Fruitridge Pocket residents have a county supervisor whose No. 1 priority is improving their quality of life. As such, I have said publicly on more than one occasion “hold me accountable” to underscore my earnest commitment. Words, however, won’t be the measure of success. My constituents want results, and that’s what I and our entire county
team are aiming for. Making South Oak Park/Fruitridge Pocket a great neighborhood will necessarily mean residents—whether owner or renter, people of color or not, rich or poor, young and old, male and female— must invest themselves. The current interest expressed by one person does not make for a sustainable future, as it relates to almost anything, and it is especially true when it comes to something as complex as restoring people’s confidence in their own local government. I remain convinced that with the committed help of neighborhood residents and our dedicated county public servants, not to mention private and nonprofit partners with whom I’ve been discussing the community’s needs, South Oak Park/ Fruitridge Pocket can and will be the great neighborhood we all know it can be. Phil Serna represents District 1 on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. He can be reached at SupervisorSerna@saccounty.net n
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Food For Thought CHEFS MAKE THEIR SPECIAL DISHES FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
includes a gift boutique and fashion show. Students from Jesuit and St. Francis high schools serve as models, along with their parents and siblings. The boutique will be open to the public from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. For more information, go to jesuithighschool.org
BY GLORIA GLYER DOING GOOD
T
ake 13 chefs, ask them to prepare their signature dish and what do you have? A successful fundraiser for the March of Dimes. The Signature Chefs Auction, held Oct. 30 at Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, raised $227,000 for the organization. Participating chefs included Deneb Williams (The Firehouse), Michael Thiemann (Mother), Jay Veregge (Ten22), Oliver Ridgeway (Grange), Taro Arai (Mikuni), Molly Hawks (Hawks), Kurt Spataro (Paragary Restaurant Group), Moses Hernandez (Sienna), Nikko Rios (Thunder Valley Casino Resort), Jon Clemons (The Porch), Rob Lind (Ella), Ginger Elizabeth Hahn (Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates) and Patrick Mulvaney (Mulvaney’s Building & Loan).
CHRISTMAS TREE LANE Jesuit High School’s Loyola Guild will hold its 58th annual Christmas Tree Lane fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Red Lion Woodlake Inn. The event
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A MUSICAL APPEAL Orchestras do not survive with the wave of a baton. It takes money. Camellia Symphony Orchestra has established the Artistic Discretionary Fund to help pay the bills for instruments, venue rentals, guest artists and more. To learn more, go to camelliasymphony.org
CARROT KUDOS Oak Park’s Capitol Heights Academy participated in California Food Literacy Center’s Veggie of the Year contest. The winner?
Seventy-five percent of kids don’t consume the recommended daily amounts of fruits and veggies. The carrot, beating out more exotic vegetables such as kohlrabi. “This is all about getting kids excited about
vegetables,” said Amber Stott, the center’s founding director. “These kids are excited and are going to ask their parents for carrots, and we hope more kids in the community will do the same. Seventy-five percent of kids don’t consume the recommended daily amounts of fruits and veggies. This contest draws attention to vegetables and how fun they are to eat.” For more information about the center, go to foodliteracycenter.org
ZOO-TASTIC Sacramento Zoo’s Wild Affair on Oct. 4 proved to be a popular event. It raised about $100,000 and was sold out three weeks in advance. The event included behind-the-scenes tours, dinner by the Fat Family Restaurant Group and auctions hosted by Dave Bender of CBS13. For more information, go to saczoo.org
WOMAN POWER RUNNING FOR FREEDOM On Sept. 27, more than 3,000 people participated in The Race to End Human Trafficking in Folsom, raising more than $100,000 for an organization called Break Free. “Our vision is a world free from human trafficking,” said Ashlie Bryant, the group’s co-founder. Break Free provided human trafficking presentations in middle schools, high schools and colleges. For more information, go to breakfreerun.org
FAIRYTALE TOWN REDO Visitors to Fairytale Town in William Land Park will find a renovated and improved Farmer Brown’s Barn to explore. Included is an expansion of Eeyore’s stall, new stall doors for Eeyore and Daisy, new paint inside and out, an updated barn loft and more. Improvements were made possible in part by Sacramento County supervisor Jimmie Yee, the Spencer and Curry families and J. Steven Carroll.
Women’s Empowerment recently received a $10,000 grant from Bank of America. According to executive director Lisa Culp, the money will help support an eight-week program for homeless women, addressing basic needs such as health and housing. For more information, go to womensempowerment.org
HELP NEEDED Los Ninos Service League always needs volunteers. The group, which raises money Sacramento Children’s Home, does more than just serve lunch at Casa de los Ninos restaurant. Behind the scenes, volunteers work in the kitchen, serve at private events and tend to the garden. For information about the next training session, go to casagardenrestaurant. org or call 452-2809. Gloria Glyer can be reached at gglyer@sbbmail.com n
HAVE “INSIDE,” WILL TRAVEL 1. Tom and LeeAnn Stewart in Salt Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada 2. Madisyn Anyimi, Jordan Anyimi, Roman Warren, Isaiah Anyimi, Tony Gamble, Nena Anyimi, Synclaire Warren, Allen Warren, Gina Warren and Charles Anyimi in Montego Bay, Jamaica 3. Donna Ouchida visiting Valley of the Temples in Agriento, Sicily 4. Mario and Meredith Grandinetti traveling to Truckee, California 5. Kathyrn Beltrami, Martin Pierucci, Jeanne Ireland, Rose Beltrami in front of the Locanda Cipriani on the island Torcello, Venice, Italy 6. Christine Canelo in Ireland
Take a picture with Inside Publications and e-mail a high-resolution copy to travel@insidepublications.com. Due to volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee all photos will be printed or posted. Can’t get enough of Have Inside, Will Travel? Find more photos on Instagram: InsidePublications
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Festive Foliage DURING THE HOLIDAYS, BRING NATURE’S BEAUTY INDOORS
BY ANITA CLEVENGER GARDEN JABBER
P
eople have been decking the halls with boughs of holly since ancient times. There’s something about the winter solstice that led Druids and other Europeans to bring greenery inside to celebrate the lengthening of days and promise of spring. Until explorers brought plants from the Americas and Asia, Britain had only four native evergreen trees: holly, Scotch pine, yew and box. No wonder these plants came to symbolize life and hope. Holly, with its shiny leaves and bright berries, was honored the most. In the words of an old Christmas carol, “Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.” Ancient Romans, too, used holly to decorate for December’s Saturnalia festivities. Romans and Sacramentans may not grasp just how cold, bleak, colorless and forbidding midwinter can be in less temperate zones. Despite the bare branches on our deciduous trees, Sacramento’s winter landscapes are lush with green grass, evergreen plants and flowers. You may already be growing many plants in your yard that can be cut to
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decorate your house for the season. Look for beautiful leaves or needles, berries, flowers, cones or pods. You will probably be surprised at the possibilities. I first became aware of how greens could serve as holiday decorations during an East Sacramento holiday home tour more than 25 years ago. This was the time of Martha Stewart’s ascendancy, and decorators sprayed just about everything from pinecones to magnolia leaves with gold paint. However, they didn’t spray all of the greenery. Swags draped the railings. Wreaths hung in the windows and on the doors. Boughs were piled onto mantels and atop buffets, and branches were stuck
into vases. Inspired, I bought a can of paint, came home, got out the loppers and brought inside everything that was green and potentially decorative. My house looked and smelled wonderful. However, I learned a few lessons. It’s best to wash off the foliage and let it dry outside to remove dust and insects. If you are planning to leave your decorations up for a couple of weeks or more, choose evergreens that hold their berries and leaves. Deodar cedar and Italian cypress shatter quickly, and you’ll be finding their needles for months to come. Pyracantha berries rot. Even holly’s leaves and berries will turn brown
after a week inside unless put into water. I still bring in greenery for the holidays, sometimes scavenging tree lots and green waste piles for promising materials. At home, I cut big, shiny leaves and interesting pods from my southern magnolia, M. grandiflora, and clip bits of pittosporum from my backyard. In recent years, I’ve been inspired by Janice Sutherland, who helps create fragrant, colorful natural decorations lining the center of the tables at the Sacramento Perennial Plant Club’s annual dinner. “I’ve been cutting greens for a long time,” Sutherland says. “I like growing plants that can be used for
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holiday decorations and as fillers in bouquets. I plant things to have berries for the birds and to bring inside.” One of her favorite sources of greenery is the common myrtle, or Myrtus communis. Dwarf varieties are more popular, but Sutherland’s full-sized shrub stretches to the rooftop. Myrtle is fragrant with dark, shiny evergreen leaves and dark-blue berries. Other berry-bearing plants that Sutherland loves for decoration include Cotoneaster x ‘watereri,’ which has arching branches and bright-red berries, and Euonymus fortunei ‘Green Lane,’ with pods that open up with orange to red berries inside. “Another plant I like to mix in with greens is the snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus, for its white, round berries on bare branches,” she says. Sutherland also uses dried hydrangea flowers, crab apples and rose hips to add color to arrangements. Sutherland makes wreaths and other decorations from long-lasting cedar, bay and boxwood. She’s learned
that she can augment artificial garlands with natural materials, more easily creating a lavish display. When the season is over, she tucks dried bits of cedar into her boxes of Christmas decorations to keep bugs away. Once you start evaluating your evergreen shrubs and trees for their possible decorative contribution, you may gain a new appreciation for how handsome they look in your landscape. They provide year-round color and form, with the added benefits of flowers for bees and berries and shelter for wildlife. Gold paint went out of style along with big hair and shoulder pads, although I sometimes can’t resist gilding an occasional leaf or cone. Natural greens are always in fashion and make your home look much more festive. “Holly” rhymes with “jolly,” after all. Anita Clevenger is a Sacramento County UC Master Gardener. For answers to gardening questions, call 875-6913 or go to ucanr.edu/sites/ sacmg n
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39
On Track AMBITIOUS RAILYARDS REDEVELOPMENT IS CHUGGING ALONG
BY SENA CHRISTIAN BUILDING OUR FUTURE
I
t’s not hard to tell that the Sacramento Valley Station on the edge of downtown was once a truly beautiful and grand train depot. Built in 1926, the station at 5th and I streets has lost some luster over the years, after decades of deferred maintenance. But it’s set to grow as the second phase begins in a project to create a world-class regional transportation hub. As it now stands, Sacramento’s depot is the seventh-busiest rail passenger terminal in the United States, second only to Los Angeles among the 74 Amtrak stations in California. The city down south sees 1.6 million visitors to its train station yearly, while Sacramento sees nearly 1.2 million. Visitors entering Los Angeles Union Station, which opened in 1939, pass through the exquisite historic concourse on their walk to the tracks, which connect to Amtrak, metro rail and buses. Along the way are opportunities for dining and other commerce. When both of these California depots opened many decades ago, arriving passengers were greeted with a dramatic scene, says local historian William Burg. The city of Sacramento aims to reclaim that excitement. “It’s that sense of drama, that sense of arrival,” says Burg, president of Sacramento Old City Association. “Equally important was (the station’s) historical function.”
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Sacramento Valley Station is getting a major overhaul. The depot is the seventh-busiest rail passenger terminal in the United States.
The final plans incorporate the architectural restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Sacramento Valley Station
That recognition—the need for a updated and expanded station to meet the growing demand for mass transit—motivates efforts to overhaul the historic depot as part of the
three-phased Sacramento Intermodal Transportation Facility project, located on the 240-acre Union Pacific railyards site.
Design renderings for the depot’s renovation were unveiled in June; construction is set to begin this summer. The $30 million renovation is scheduled to be finished in 2016, which coincides with the 90th anniversary of the station’s opening. The third and final phase of the project should be done in 2019. The historic depot will be the gateway to a concourse connecting to all modes of transportation: train, light rail, bus, bicycle, taxi, car and pedestrian. (There are also plans to connect the site to high-speed rail when it becomes a reality.) The original waiting area, ticketing counter and dining room will be restored. “The building, its original design and workmanship, is really remarkable—the more so as one works with it, discovering great details and nuances,” says Sacramento Preservation Commission director Roberta Deering. “In my mind, it is one of Sacramento’s most important buildings. Sacramento is very lucky that such a fine structure was built here.” It’s also fortuitous, Deering said, that the city was able to acquire the building in 2006 and pull funding together from all levels of government to pay for the expensive endeavor. The first phase of the project cost $70 million and involved moving the freight and passenger rail tracks 500 feet north to accommodate longer passenger trains, more efficient travel, safer ways to cross the tracks and connect the downtown with the railyards site. Three passenger tunnels were constructed, and new
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roofing and abatement of hazardous materials was completed. A $10 million structural retrofit was finished this spring in preparation for the next big step. The second phase includes the more extensive refurbishing and rehabilitation of the historic depot. The third stage is the intermodal project. About a decade ago, when the city council first approved the concept to develop a regional transportation hub, early drafts involved taking the old depot out of service completely. Members of Sacramento Old City Association rallied to save the historic rail depot and ensure it became part of the intermodal station, Burg says. “Ten years ago, a lot of depots across the country were vacant and just sitting silent and very underutilized,” he says. With encouragement from Sacramento Old City Association, the final plans incorporated the architectural restoration and rehabilitation of the historic
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Sacramento Valley Station. Those plans include tenant improvements, mechanical and electrical upgrades, artwork preservation, new dining terraces, landscaped seating areas, new bike storage and rental, improved lighting, upgraded ticketing machines and new retail and offices. According to Burg, the association had a lot of foresight to see the value of preserving the historic depot to help meet the growing demand for train transit throughout the United States; Amtrak ridership is at an alltime high. Deering says this second phase will finally open up the entire building again, as the upper floors were left vacant for many years. “(This) is a project that will do justice to this spectacular building, ensuring it will have a strong foundation and systems that will allow it to function for another 90 years or more,” she says. Sena Christian can be reached at sena.c.christian@gmail.com n
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41
Lena: A Life READING BETWEEN THE LINES IN A DIARY FROM LONG AGO
BY KEVIN MIMS WRITING LIFE
B
ack in September, at an antiques street fair in Petaluma, I purchased a handwritten diary for the year 1960. That night, sitting up in bed, I began to read it. The author was a relatively wealthy Berkeley woman who was born in Tennessee in 1872. She never identifies herself by name, but a little Internet sleuthing disclosed her identity as Lena C. Sharp. If the diary had a title, it would probably be “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” Lena did a lot of shopping in 1960, most of it at high-end stores in San Francisco and Oakland that have since gone out of business. Here are some typical entries: Lunch at Capwells. Looked for crystal earrings to match my chain. Looked for hats …The new fashions are coming in and I am still wearing my red straw hat from two years ago. Bought crystal earrings at Hinks—$5.25. Went to Hughetts. Bought blue dress and black-and-white hat. Went to City of Paris for new lipstick. Looked for blue hat at Macy’s and then at the Emporium.
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At 88, Lena still has legions of acquaintances and friends, but she seems to truly love only one person, a woman named Genia (short for Eugenia), who was probably her daughter. Genia lives with her husband, George, in Berkeley, within walking distance of the apartment that Lena owns and lives in. Other than Genia, the primary focus of Lena’s social life is the Order of the Eastern Star, a Christian social organization in which Lena, a former Grand Matron, is extremely active. Hardly a day goes by without Lena attending some O.E.S. function. A gifted orator, she is often called upon to speak at these gatherings. She has a large repertoire of jokes, anecdotes, poems and prayers that she can recite from memory. In her diary, she’ll note that she delivered “the anecdote about the boy and the large bear” or “the story about Estes Kefauver” or “the Mark Twain tale.” Lena’s social calendar is ridiculously full. The diary mentions numerous Nifty Fifty gatherings (whatever those might be), whist parties, bridge parties, canasta parties, bingo nights, luncheons at the Mira Vista Clubhouse, The Thousand Oaks Matrons and Patrons party, meetings at the Women’s College Club, a lecture at the Northbrae Women’s Club, a bus tour of San Francisco, an Arts Festival, a Community Concert production of “Hansel and Gretel,” a barbershop quartet performance, at least three fashion shows and a flower show. Lena also has her share of sorrows. Many of these come from Genia, who seems to resent it if Lena spends money on anyone but her. On Jan. 6,
Lena writes: “Genia and I ate at True Blue. I paid for part of her meal. I can’t imagine why she is torturing me about the cups for Anne & Esther.” The next day she writes: “Can’t stand torture about cups much longer. Can’t understand why Genia acts this way. Can’t ask her about what to do about them—she goes all to pieces. In the meantime it is embarrassing to me, for I had told Anne & Esther I was giving them the cups.” Any sort of criticism from Genia ruins Lena’s day. On March 21: “Genia said I was tense and talked too much, so I added that to my list of stuff to worry about.” On March 31: “Told Genia I would like to borrow her garden in September for a Past Matrons lunch. She said ‘Positively not.’ Was I hurt!” On July 14: “Genia shut car door on my foot and was cross with me. Felt miserable.” Though she could be insensitive to her mother, Genia never entirely lost my sympathy. The year 1960 was a rough one for her. Her ne’erdo-well husband spent most of the year embroiled in a legal battle with his sister over custody of their ailing and elderly mother, Edith (whose estate, when she died, would be worth around $100,000, according to Lena). George being largely ineffectual at most adult tasks, it was up to Genia to look after Edith (who was living with Genia and George pending a decision in the custody battle), to hire an attorney, to get George and Edith to court for various hearings, and to support the three of them with her real-estate practice. She often spends nights and weekends showing properties to prospective buyers. She is the property manager
of several apartment houses. And she spends a lot of time shuttling both her mother and her mother-in-law (neither of whom owns a car) to and from various social functions, doctors’ appointments, and beauty shops. If she occasionally comes across as grumpy in Lena’s diary, it is not without reason. The year 1960 was a watershed moment in American history. The torch of leadership was about to be passed to a new generation of Americans, and Lena is keenly aware of this. On June 7, she voted in the California primary, but she doesn’t say whom for. Lena is a very religious woman, and in many ways a very conservative one, but it seems more than likely that, in 1960, she broke with her conservative O.E.S. chums and voted for John F. Kennedy. On July 13, she writes: “Watched TV. Such excitement at Democratic convention. Long ovation given to Stevenson. Couldn’t be stopped or controlled.” On July 27, she writes: “Watched Republican convention over TV. Kind of tiresome compared to the Democratic.” Lena’s nemesis is Kathryn M., a younger member of the O.E.S. and very active in chapter politics. Kathryn seems to envy Lena her superior gifts as a public speaker. On Aug. 9, Lena writes: “Told story of lion tamer. Lots of laughs and compliments, which infuriated Kathryn, poor soul!” Kathryn frequently makes cutting remarks intended to hurt the feelings of Lena or one of Lena’s friends. On Aug. 13, Lena writes: “Marguerite told me she had ‘scars’ from Kathryn’s ugly barbs.” Kathryn’s most memorable
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appearance comes on July 26, at an O.E.S. meeting where the theme was politics. Lena delivers what she calls “a candidate story,” probably a nonpartisan anecdote meant only for amusement. When Kathryn’s turn comes, she makes no effort to be nonpartisan. According to Lena, “Kathryn brought a newspaper clipping of Mrs. Kennedy wearing pants and remarked, ‘I sure wouldn’t vote to put a vulgar woman like that in the White House.’” On Nov. 7, the day before the general election, Lena is at a party and Kathryn mentions having sent her some Nixon campaign materials. Lena writes, “I haven’t read them … I wonder at her nerve.” So did Lena vote for Kennedy? Here’s her entry for Nov. 8, 1960: “Election Day. I voted at 3 P.M. … When I went to bed at 10 Kennedy was far ahead. Glad it’s over—too much venom. Have never told anybody how I voted. Nobody’s business. Pray it will be for the best for our dear country.”
Lena was born seven years after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and lived long enough to vote for John F. Kennedy (or not). Unfortunately, she didn’t live long enough to see him take office. She died on Jan. 12, 1961. She remained active until the very end—so active, in fact, that she didn’t have time to buy a new diary. She chronicled the last 12 days of her life in the blank pages at the end of her 1960 diary. And she seemed to have no inkling that the end was near. On Jan. 9, 1961, she wrote: “Went to club … My new gray hat and gray shoes looked nice. I’m going to get a lot of wear out of them.” Lena began each day’s diary entry with a brief weather report. Her final entry reads: “Thursday, January 12. Up at six. Fog.” She died later that day. The new president was sworn in eight days later.
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43
Neighborhood Real Estate Sales 95608 CARMICHAEL
6019 VIA CASITAS $104,000 5618 HESPER WAY $201,500 3629 CHARRING LN $657,000 4819 CAMERON RANCH DR $395,000 6432 ORANGE HILL LN $645,000 3824 HOLLOWAY LN $200,000 3021 WALNUT AVE $209,900 31 RIVER BLUFF LN $550,000 3316 VIENNA AVE $369,000 6222 VIA CASITAS $105,000 4436 OTIS CT $440,000 2508 LANDWOOD WAY $310,000 6241 GOBERNADORES LN$1,600,000 4824 COURTLAND LN $210,000 6126 SYLVESTER WAY $249,000 3119 PETTY LN $315,000 5168 PATTI JO DR $344,000 1620 GORMAN DR $380,000 5918 CASA ALEGRE $145,000 2157 GUNN RD $220,000 5211 SAGEL $290,000 3201 MURCHISON WAY $335,000 2553 LOS FELIZ WAY $345,000 4931 CAMERON RANCH DR $425,000 1701 WOODACRE CT $576,092 5966 VIA CASITAS AVE $103,000 4043 EASTWOOD VILLAGE LN $243,000 4008 FAIRWOOD WAY $273,000 5525 ARDEN WAY $496,500 4929 SECLUDED OAKS LN $535,200 4005 KNOLL TOP CT $150,000 5115 WALNUT POINTE LN $235,000 2836 RANDOLPH AVE $226,000 3952 APPLE BLOSSOM WY $230,000 1961 CENACLE LN $1,495,000 2522 LOS FELIZ WAY $250,000 4543 BARRETT RD $300,000 5428 FAIR OAKS BLVD $361,000 5903 OAK AVE $387,000 4725 CAMERON RANCH DR $395,000 6971 LOS OLIVOS $410,000 2716 HOFFMAN WOODS LN $189,500 4151 SCRANTON CIR $265,000 4770 RUSTIC OAK WAY $380,000 4726 SALEM $510,000 3523 JAY JAY LN $540,000 5979 VIA CASITAS $101,500 5617 SAPUNOR WAY $199,000 4761 ROBERTSON AVE $246,000 3200 ROOT AVE $340,000
95816 EAST SACRAMENTO, MCKINLEY PARK 2614 T ST 2320 D ST 2225 O ST 2120 I ST 412 23RD ST
44
$325,000 $529,000 $325,000 $295,000 $369,900
ILP DEC n 14
516 26TH ST 315 36TH WAY 741 36TH ST 513 26TH ST 3350 SERRA WAY 1151 37TH ST
95817 TAHOE PARK, ELMHURST 3525 6TH AVE 2956 34TH ST 2960 32ND ST 3133 4 AVE 2748 59TH ST 4225 8TH AVE 3816 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD 3516 SANTA CRUZ WAY 3985 4TH AVE 3928 1ST AVE 3530 41ST ST 2501 33RD ST 2231 58TH ST
95818 LAND PARK, CURTIS PARK
2168 MARSHALL WAY 2004 VIZCAYA WALK 781 PERKINS WY 1861 CARAMAY 2010 BURNETT WY 2017 4TH ST 2212 7TH AVE 2221 18TH AVE 1825 CASTRO WAY 2638 13TH ST 2016 LARKIN WY 1321 VALLEJO WAY 1425 ROBERTSON WAY 3211 E CURTIS DR 558 JONES WAY 1748 7TH AVE 1825 11TH AVE 2632 28TH ST
$350,000 $685,000 $470,000 $539,000 $195,400 $422,900
$253,000 $335,000 $302,500 $180,000 $210,000 $110,000 $80,500 $122,000 $159,900 $96,500 $103,000 $200,000 $300,000
$389,990 $894,889 $389,000 $335,000 $198,000 $215,000 $267,000 $215,000 $385,000 $347,000 $275,100 $620,000 $625,000 $680,000 $282,000 $590,000 $795,900 $240,000
95819 EAST SACRAMENTO, RIVER PARK 865 BEAR FLAG WAY 925 50TH ST 5247 MINERVA 600 SAN ANTONIO WAY 4728 B 5032 T ST 120 COLOMA WAY 5638 SPILMAN AVE 230 TIVOLI WAY 4451 MODDISON AVE 872 41ST ST 5417 T ST
$333,000 $341,000 $365,000 $549,000 $405,000 $360,000 $469,000 $500,000 $565,000 $433,000 $583,000 $447,000
5718 MONALEE AVE 5154 TEICHERT AVE 411 45TH ST 53 TAYLOR WAY 4909 K ST 5276 MINERVA AVE 236 TIVOLI WAY 1848 49TH ST 4117 A ST 450 45TH ST 1372 43RD ST 3801 BREUNER AVE 4108 B ST 5125 J ST 67 TAYLOR WAY
95821 ARDEN-ARCADE 2500 CARLSBAD AVE 2560 VERNA WAY 3903 WHITNEY AVE 3540 BECERRA WAY 2701 TIOGA WAY 2516 BUTANO DR 4443 PARK GREEN CT 2929 BURNECE ST 3301 HARMONY LN 3318 LYNNE WAY 4247 EDISON AVE 3025 POPE AVE 2434 TOWN CIR 3300 RUBICON WAY 2301 CARLSBAD AVE 3000 LERWICK RD 3715 N EDGE DR 2837 KERRIA WAY 3100 CREST HAVEN DR 3246 BROOKWOOD RD 2530 DANUBE DR 3520 WELCH CT 2750 CARSON WAY 3250 BONITA DR 2801 EDISON AVENUE 2160 RED ROBIN LN 3119 WHITNEY AVE 3825 EDISON AVE
$475,000 $500,000 $925,000 $330,000 $456,000 $345,000 $440,000 $360,000 $597,000 $451,000 $990,000 $399,999 $592,500 $349,000 $410,000
$235,000 $246,500 $186,500 $220,000 $235,000 $252,500 $359,000 $229,500 $309,500 $319,000 $391,500 $750,000 $206,500 $165,300 $200,000 $199,900 $230,000 $220,000 $300,000 $231,000 $245,000 $335,000 $242,000 $511,248 $148,500 $149,000 $300,350 $314,900
95822 SOUTH LAND PARK 7472 BALFOUR WAY 7366 MILFORD ST 2520 37TH AVE 5517 DORSET 2632 52ND AVE 2142 MONTECITO WAY 7491 GEORGICA WAY 4520 ATTAWA AVE 7381 TISDALE WAY 7384 TISDALE WAY 1120 AIDAN AVE 1068 CAVANAUGH WAY 7001 24TH ST
$140,000 $219,000 $235,000 $310,000 $169,000 $189,900 $235,000 $260,000 $268,586 $269,528 $375,000 $399,000 $99,000
5616 EL ARADO WAY 7224 15TH ST 2682 MEADOWVALE AVE 7458 HITHER WAY 2342 25TH AVENUE 4405 23RD ST 3846 BARTLEY DR 7571 SAN FELICE CIR 2981 LOMA VERDE WAY 7208 21ST ST 1443 WACKER WAY 6630 23RD ST 7461 WILLOWWICK WAY 1108 GLENN HOLLY WAY 7220 15TH ST 2740 57TH AVE 4531 S LAND PARK DR 2508 51ST AVE 5608 JAMES WAY 4601 STAGGS WAY 7041 WOODBINE AVE 2629 47TH AVE 7480 TISDALE WAY 5613 NORMAN WAY 7443 GEORGICA WAY 7280 MILFORD ST 2949 BEESTON AVE 4986 VIRGINIA WAY 5708 DORSET WAY 3211 TORRANCE AVE 2378 ANITA AVENUE 1153 LANCASTER 1157 BROWNWYK DR
95825 ARDEN
1604 HOOD RD #A 2274 SIERRA BLVD #G 939 FULTON AVE #508 1019 DORNAJO WAY #115 2240 JUANNITA LN 2442 LARKSPUR LN #303 2332 LLOYD LN 2266 SWARTHMORE DR 1515 HOOD RD #B 2008 BOWLING GREEN DR 1901 RICHMOND ST 941 FULTON AVENUE #512 2450 LARKSPUR LN #320 2016 RICHMOND ST 2544 EXETER SQUARE LN 100 ELMHURST CIR 540 WOODSIDE OAKS #2 2212 WOODSIDE LN #2 1019 DORNAJO WAY #151 2200 MADERA RD 1909 KINCAID WAY 2349 FIELLEN CT 741 COMMONS DR 922 COMMONS DR 841 WOODSIDE LANE E #1
$169,500 $196,000 $124,000 $223,360 $244,500 $215,000 $575,000 $145,000 $127,000 $140,000 $152,000 $170,210 $180,000 $319,900 $190,000 $215,000 $575,000 $204,990 $215,000 $230,900 $118,500 $148,000 $198,857 $245,000 $264,805 $195,000 $110,775 $320,000 $349,000 $118,000 $186,650 $410,000 $351,000
$126,000 $195,000 $104,250 $105,000 $189,500 $63,500 $215,000 $387,000 $79,000 $125,000 $160,000 $72,000 $85,000 $245,000 $232,069 $432,500 $185,000 $101,000 $110,000 $210,000 $235,000 $239,000 $296,000 $480,725 $116,000
95831 GREENHAVEN, S LAND PARK
7631 KAVOORAS DR 927 SUNWIND WAY 6588 LAKE PARK DR 35 HIDDEN COVE CIR 365 HATTERAS WAY 217 DELTA OAKS WAY 24 REEF CT 6270 OAKRIDGE WAY 6414 FAUSTINO WAY 7566 MYRTLE VISTA AVE 7309 POCKET RD 442 BUNKHOUSE WAY 935 GULFWIND WAY 6885 WATERVIEW WAY 7387 FARM DALE WAY 737 WESTLITE CIR 1212 58TH AVE 1010 ROUNDTREE CT 6725 SWENSON WAY 975 COBBLE SHORES DR 63 SHADY RIVER CIR 7645 RUSH RIVER DR 6516 S LAND PARK DR 23 GENOA CT 6841 GREENHAVEN DR
95864 ARDEN
2901 KADEMA DR 4420 ARDEN WAY 2130 EDITH ST 4501 JUNO WAY 4220 BERRENDO DR 3852 CRESTA WAY 2411 VERNA WAY 3308 WHITE OAK CT 3201 SOMERSET RD 2009 DAPHNE AVE 1408 ROWENA 1111 LA SIERRA DR 2029 MEDUSA WAY 3715 ATWATER RD 2008 ADONIS WAY 1631 EL NIDO WAY 3153 TRUSSEL WAY 4332 VALMONTE DR 4416 ASHTON DR 4381 ASHTON DR 1200 CARTER ROAD 2020 VENUS DR
$270,000 $391,000 $269,000 $285,000 $329,000 $329,500 $457,000 $567,000 $290,500 $385,000 $392,000 $295,000 $275,000 $285,000 $341,000 $390,000 $410,000 $117,000 $437,000 $670,000 $352,000 $295,000 $373,500 $280,000 $375,000
$665,000 $317,000 $325,000 $386,250 $429,000 $679,900 $358,000 $875,000 $246,500 $295,000 $349,000 $569,000 $275,000 $362,500 $392,000 $540,000 $210,000 $480,000 $601,000 $680,000 $683,500 $314,000
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Pickup Lines FIVE GREAT ALTERNATIVES TO ‘HOW’S YOUR DAY?’
BY NORRIS BURKES SPIRIT MATTERS
H
ow do people answer you when you ask, “How are you?” My guess is that, no matter how they’re feeling or what difficulty they’re facing, they respond with the obligatory “Just fine. How are you?” That’s because the question doesn’t seek an honest answer. In fact, it often means “I don’t have time for an honest answer, so please just say ‘Fine’ and let’s get on with our day.” While the salutation is perhaps a cultural nicety, I’d like to suggest some alternatives that I call “spiritual pickup lines.” I’m not talking about
the happy hour kind of pickup line. These are intended to “pick up” the spirit of the fellow strugglers we meet in our daily journey. Why this kind of advice in a spiritual column? Because, as Jesus suggested in Matthew 5:47, people of faith should dig deeper into relationships than a typical hello. “If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.” I propose we adopt these five questions to supplant the traditional “How are you?” 1. What’s new in your world?” This is my daily favorite because it usually prompts people to share a short story about fun, faith or family. If they deflect the question by saying, “Oh, not much,” I prompt them with “Come on, there’s got to be something new.” Stressing the word “new” allows people to share how the sacred has recently intersected their ongoing story. 2. “Tell me about your …” My wife, who spends most of her day greeting schoolchildren, has taught me to start with observations,
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not conclusions. For instance, instead of asking a child, “What are you drawing?” she’ll say, “Tell me about your drawing.” I sometimes use this greeting on people who appear different than me. I ask them to tell me about their distinctive T-shirt, their religious jewelry or their tattoos. I think it says, “I’ve noticed you are different, but I want to understand and respect your difference.” If you really want to take this greeting to another level, say, “Tell me about your smile today.” Or “Tell me about your tears.” 3. “What’s your plan today?” or “What’s your day looking like?” This is a deeper alternative to the insincere grip-and-grin that often accompanies “What’s up, dude?” This greeting hints that you’d like to help make the other person’s day better. It’s also a question that sets up the last two on my list. 4. “How can I help make this a good day for you?” If you honestly seek to know about a person’s well-being, then you must be willing to help. This is the philosophy Jesus employed when he asked the blind roadside beggars in Matthew 20:32, “What do you want me to do for you?” When they told Jesus, “We want our sight,” he miraculously restored their sight. Spiritual people must also ask, “How can we can help others to see?” That leads to my most sincere greeting: 5. “What are you praying for?” or “What are you hoping for?” If you ask this question, you demonstrate two things. First, you
get the person to examine his greatest needs. Second, and more importantly, you declare your willingness to enter a spiritual covenant that will help the person attain his greatest need.
I think it says, “I’ve noticed you are different, but I want to understand and respect your difference.” If you’ll ask these five questions of five people today, I can almost promise you that, by the end of the day, when someone asks, “How are you?” you’ll be able to say much more than “Just fine.” Norris Burkes is a chaplain, syndicated columnist, national speaker and author of the book “No Small Miracles.” He can be reached at ask@TheChaplain.net n
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Abracadabra MEMBERS OF THIS CLUB HAVE SOME TRICKS UP THEIR SLEEVES
props for things like sawing someone in half. Then there’s audience magic. That’s the type of magic we saw performed by Mat Franco, the fellow who won the ‘America’s Got Talent’ television show. He performed tricks that involved the whole audience.”
Recently, for example, they produced an evening of magic for kids at Mission Oaks Community Center and performed a magic show for families at Ronald McDonald House.
BY GWEN SCHOEN THE CLUB LIFE
O
ne thing I’ve learned about magic tricks is that you just have to go along for the ride. Don’t try to figure out the magic; just let the amazement flow and have fun. At least, that’s what magician Richard LaVergne preaches. “I have this peso,” he said. “I’m going to cover it with a half-dollar coin and put both coins into your hand. Now put your hands behind your back and place one coin in each hand. Without opening your hands, bring them to the front. Which hand has the peso?” I opened my right hand to reveal the half dollar. I opened my left hand to reveal a quarter. No peso. “Well,” he said. “Toss an imaginary quarter into the air and I’ll catch it in my shirt pocket.” Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the peso. And that’s pretty much how the meeting of the Sacramento Magic Club progressed. Everyone took great delight in tricking me time and time again. At the end of the evening, I was totally confused and just hoped that by the time I got home I still had my house keys and wallet.
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Magician Bill Devon-Hutcheon works with rabbits and doves
The Sacramento Magic Club is actually called a ring. It is an offshoot of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The international organization has more than 14,000 members in 73 countries. The Sacramento Ring has 30 members. Of those, about half are professional
magicians; the rest perform magic just for fun. “There are three basic types of magic and most of us have a specialty,” said LaVergne. “Stand-up or close-up is when the magician does card tricks or makes a coin disappear and reappear. Stage effects includes
That brought up a question I’d been wanting to ask. “Do you folks know how Franco pulled off those amazing card tricks and predictions?” I said. “Absolutely,” said LaVergne. “That’s all the magic community talked about, and we were thrilled that a magician won. But we’re not telling the secret.” That’s another thing I learned about magicians: These people know how to keep secrets. The Sacramento Ring, formally called the Victor Saint Leon Ring 192, meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Mission Oaks Community Center
ATTENTION RESIDENTS of Sacramento County and the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento
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Cantus FRI, DEC 5 • 8PM All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Through a mix of holiday songs, readings from war journals, poetry and period radio broadcasts, the all-male a cappella vocal ensemble captures the true meaning of the season.
To report a complaint or suspected violation, or for more information, call the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District at 1-800-880-9025.
Mariachi Sol de Mexico SUN, DEC 7 • 3PM (4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael). The meetings are quite fun and entertaining. The first half hour is spent talking about events members of the ring will attend. The group performs at a variety of community events and fundraisers. Recently, for example, they produced an evening of magic for kids at Mission Oaks Community Center and performed a magic show for families at Ronald McDonald House. After the business meeting, members perform and practice magic tricks and (if there are no guests present) often teach each other how to pull off the tricks they perform. The night I visited, no secrets were spilled. I would, however, have loved to learn how Bill Devon-Hutcheon turned a tomato into a bottle of ketchup, how Mary Mowder (aka Magical Mary) made a bracelet pass through my wrist and how other members cut ropes apart and put them back together and changed the suits of playing cards. Most of the members developed an interest in magic when they were
kids and never lost their fascination for the art. Bob Brown, 93, has been performing magic for 87 years. He was a financial planner by profession, a magician for fun. “My reflexes have slowed down a little,” said Brown. “But I still have fun with it. I started at the age of 9 when my mother gave me a Gilbert magic set. That got me hungry to learn more and more.” Brown has traveled all over the world performing magic for dignitaries such as Prince Rainier of Monaco. Like Brown, Devon-Hutcheon began learning magic tricks as a young boy. “I spent five years on crutches,” he said. “When I was about 9, I saw a magician and thought it looked like fun. It was something I could do while on crutches.” You don’t have to be an expert at magic to join this club. You just need an interest in the art and a hunger to learn more. For more information, go to magician.org or contact Rick Hill at rrhill@ucdavis.edu or (707) 6788807. n
A Christmas Spectacular A Mondavi Center Holiday Tradition!
American Bach Soloists SUN, DEC 14 • 4PM Messiah Jeffrey Thomas, music director
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Dr. John & The Nite Trippers WED, DEC 3 • 8PM Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and New Orleans music legend.
Brad Mehldau Trio THU, DEC 4 • 8PM “One of the most consistently fascinating voices in current jazz.” –JazzTimes
Mike Birbiglia WED, DEC 10 • 8PM Thank God for Jokes A full list of the 2014–15 season is available at mondaviarts.org
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Cycling on Sidewalks IT’S NOT AS SAFE AS BICYCLISTS ASSUME
BY WALT SEIFERT GETTING THERE
B
icycling on the sidewalk has been controversial for a long time. Bikes on sidewalks annoy and endanger pedestrians. A recent Capitol-area crash between a young male cyclist and former Bee reporter Hilary Abramson caused her serious injuries. It prompted articles, opinion pieces and letters to the editor in The Sacramento Bee. The city council and its staff are now reviewing and reevaluating local rules for sidewalk riding. Compared to the carnage on the road in the United States, where each year more than 30,000 motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are killed and more than 2 million people are injured, crashes between cyclists and pedestrians are a minor problem. Yet a single crash anywhere is one too many, and it’s certainly not a minor problem if you are a crash victim. Cyclists ride on the sidewalk because they mistakenly think it’s safer than mixing it up with traffic on the street. It’s true that being on the sidewalk means a rider is well protected from being hit from behind by a car. On the street, such
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“overtaking” crashes have a high fatality rate. It’s the type of crash that many cyclists fear most. But that fear is usually exaggerated, since getting hit from behind happens extremely infrequently. Most car/bike crashes occur at intersections where the paths of vehicles and bikes cross. That’s what makes riding on the sidewalk so dangerous, and not safer, for cyclists. Cyclists on sidewalks enter intersections at places and speeds that motorists don’t expect and don’t look for. Right-turning motorists are looking left for a gap in traffic. They don’t expect a cyclist to be coming from their right on the sidewalk. Further, for cyclists on the sidewalk,
every driveway is a brand-new intersection. Each one is a potential conflict point with a vehicle. Cyclists on sidewalks also must maneuver around (and can be obscured by) benches, trashcans, poles, signs and pedestrians, all while being constrained by tight quarters: the width of the sidewalk. So instead of being safer on sidewalks, bicyclists increase their risks. A number of studies have shown the risk of sidewalk riding ranges from two to nearly 25 times greater than the risks of riding in the street. Most cyclists don’t know about those studies, however. They just want to “avoid” cars and feel safe. Unfortunately, their perception of
what is safe is at odds with what the facts are. Bicycling on sidewalks can be done safely, especially for short distances such a riding half a block to reach a bike rack. If cyclists travel at walking speed, yield to and warn pedestrians and exercise extreme caution at intersections, they reduce their risks. That still doesn’t mean sidewalk cycling is a good idea for adult cyclists. Just as many cyclists don’t know what the relative risks are, they don’t know what the law is regarding bicycling on sidewalks. Part of the problem is that the law is unclear in Sacramento. The law also varies by jurisdiction, since California allows
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Pocket Door each city and county to set its own rules for sidewalk riding. Other states have their own variety of laws. Some ban sidewalk riding altogether. Some ban it only in business districts. Some allow it everywhere. Some allow kids to ride on sidewalks, but not adults. Sacramento’s city ordinance allows biking in a “residence district.” A residence district is not defined in the city’s ordinances, but is in the California Vehicle Code. It turns out a residence district is not the same as a residential area. You have to count buildings and measure street frontages to determine if you are in a residence or business district. That’s too complicated for bicyclists or law enforcement. The real question for Sacramento is not what the law is, but what it should be. As witnessed by the many different versions of the law on sidewalk riding across the state and country, there’s no easy answer to that question. But there is room for some general agreement. Existing city ordinances are not clear and simple enough. The
pedestrian/bicycle mix on sidewalks creates problems. Streets aren’t safe enough for any users. There definitely aren’t enough safe streets for bicyclists. Younger children aren’t safe riding on many streets.
The real question for Sacramento is not what the law is, but what it should be. Most bicycle and pedestrian advocates would agree that it would be good to get bicyclists off the sidewalk. Bicyclists aren’t going to do that unless there are safe places on the street to ride. Even then, some will ride on the sidewalk. It would take a major investment in bicycle infrastructure, such as bike lanes and protected bikeways, to provide bicyclists with safe alternatives to
sidewalk riding. The size of the task shouldn’t deter us from starting to make changes, though, especially in the downtown Sacramento area. Slower urban streets would make them safer for everybody. Kids younger than 12 or so probably should be allowed to ride on the sidewalk. They aren’t old enough to make good decisions in complicated traffic situations. That doesn’t mean sidewalk riding is completely safe for them, because the intersection
and pedestrian crash risks still exist. Young kids need to ride at pedestrian speeds, yield to pedestrians, stop at intersections and yield at driveways. You can be pretty certain that no matter what the city council decides about local rules, bicycling on sidewalks will remain controversial. Walt Seifert is a bicyclist, driver and transportation writer. He can be reached at bikeguy@surewest.net n
Celebrating 25 Years in Our Community Join us on December 13th for our annual Winter Faire
(916) 427-5022 www.camelliawaldorf.org
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Smart Gifts HOW TO CHANNEL YOUR SCIENTIFIC SANTA
BY DR. AMY ROGERS SCIENCE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
I
’ll bet science wasn’t on your holiday shopping list last year. This year, how about adding science to the season while supporting local businesses or nonprofts? I present to you my ideas for science-y gifts from Sacramento. At the top of my list is a handson adventure at The Discovery Museum’s Challenger Learning Center (3615 Auburn Blvd.; the discovery.org). Totally entertaining for adults and kids as young as middle school, these Friday-night simulations ($20) let you pretend you’re in Mission Control managing a rendezvous with a comet, or you’re on a spacecraft headed for the Moon. I’ve done it twice with my tweens and we loved it. Reserve tickets for the next mission on Jan. 2 as a one-of-a-kind gift. Parallax Inc. (parallax.com) is a local tech company that makes electronics. While most of its products are for dedicated hobbyists or professionals, the Scribbler 2 robot ($130) is designed for beginners who want to get into robotics. The Scribbler is a sturdy wheeled robot that is prebuilt and preprogrammed
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for eight modes, including the ability to follow a line, avoid objects and draw. If your gift recipient is more interested in machines that fly, you can buy a model rocket or quadcopter at RC Country (6011 Folsom Blvd.; rccountryhobbies.com). Sacramento’s best local science is found in the region’s natural world. Make it easy for a friend or a whole family to explore nature along the American River Parkway. Give an annual Sacramento County Regional Parks parking pass ($50) or
a membership in Effie Yeaw Nature Center ($30; includes parking at the center). The Yolo Basin Foundation (yolobasin.org) offers nature-themed workshops of high quality and limited size. Reserve a place for your loved one who is curious about birdwatching in A Big Day of Birding on Jan. 24 ($75). Or how about a chance to learn how to use that fancy digital camera at the Nature Photography workshop on Feb. 7 ($100)? Other workshops focus on honey and local
pollinators, and the ecology of Putah Creek. You can buy a Yolo Basin bat T-shirt now and promise your giftee an extraordinary Bat Walk and Talk. These sellout events led by local bat celebrity Corky Quirk begin in June with signups months ahead. Technology rules at Midtown’s Hacker Lab (1715 I St.; hackerlab. org). Perhaps your gift recipient would enjoy a one-night introduction to 3D printing, laser cutting, computer programming or sewing. Your giftee is already part of the
maker movement? Buy a month of access to Hacker Lab’s metal and wood shops, welding, soldering and more. For kids, look at Hacker Lab’s ongoing series of classes organized by Kids Electronics Lab.
Sacramento’s best local science is found in the region’s natural world. Books make great gifts. The American River Natural History Association (arnha.org) publishes several nature books of local interest. “An American River Almanac” is its newest release, featuring color photos and essays celebrating local wildlife. “The Outdoor World of the Sacramento Region” is a musthave reference for local naturalists, covering animals and plants you’ll see along the river and in our region. Other great science books with a local focus include “The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada,” “Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region” and “California Rocks: A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Golden State.” For fiction, give a science-themed thriller by local best-selling author James Rollins. His newest actionpacked title “The 6th Extinction” includes settings you might recognize (Bodie, Lee Vining and Yosemite). Or consider “Reversion,” my new science thriller about a rabies virus that both kills and cures. Looking for a local science book for children? Woodland
resident Kristine Duehl writes the Budding Biologist series of accurate, beautifully illustrated books, with titles like “Am I an Insect?” Also, if you have children on your list, you might give them a session at a science-themed camp. Explorit (explorit.org) in Davis offers threehour science exploration workshops during winter break for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade ($45). Effie Yeaw Nature Center (effieyeaw.org) in Carmichael offers Winter Under the Oaks camps for only $25. Got preschoolers? Give a group of up to 10 kids a special storytime at Splash Center (sacsplash. org) with a chance to meet creatures that live in vernal pools ($75). Planning ahead for summer vacation, give a gift certificate for Destination Science (destinationscience.org), which offers weeklong summer day camps at Sac State for kids 5 to 11 years old. For kids ages 7 to 17, consider iD Tech’s computer and technology summer camps (idtech. com), which are also held on the CSUS campus. If none of these works for your inner Santa, go global for your science gifts. Hit the Internet and find DNA earrings, a pi ice cube tray, plush microbes, a chemistry-inspired cocktail set or a periodic-table shower curtain. For presents, science beats sweaters and slippers any day. Amy Rogers is a novelist, scientist and educator. Contact her at Amy@ AmyRogers.com or learn more at her website, AmyRogers.com n
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
by David Sedaris Dec 3 – Dec 27 Capital Stage 2215 J St. Sac 476-3116 BACK by POPULAR demand, The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris returns with Aaron Wilton reprising the role of Crumpet the Elf! This play takes you to the heart of Macy’s Santaland of 1989 and skewers it with candid wit any adult will appreciate. A brilliant evocation of what a slacker’s Christmas must feel like. Out of work, our slacker decides to become a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. This wickedly funny tale is based on the outlandish, and true, chronicles of humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf!! Witty. Sardonic. Unpredictable. (for mature elves only)
SNOW WHITE and ROSE RED Thru Dec 28 B Street Theater – Family Series 2711 B St. Sac 443-5300 Bstreettheatre.org This delightful Grimm’s fairy tale about two sisters and the enormous bear they befriend will enchant kids of all ages, just in time for the holidays!!
SPINNING INTO LIGHT Thru Dec 28 B Street Theatre (Mainstage) 2711 B St. Sac 443-5300 Bstreettheatre.org Enjoy a world premier musical by Buck Busfield titled “Spinning Into Light”. Love, labor and lullaby around in this charming musical set in a small, Southern mill town. A world premiere.
DIRTY DANCING: THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE
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Dec 26 – Jan 4 Presented by Broadway Sacramento at Community Center Theater Community Center Theater 1301 L St. Sac 557-1999 This is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hits songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?,” and the of course “I’ve Had The Time of My Life”. Don’t miss your chance to see this live theatre sensation!!! You’ll have the time of your life!!
THE FANTASTICKS
Dec 4 – Dec 14 UC Davis, Wyatt Pavilion tdtickets@ucdavis.edu Davis (530)752-8710 The UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance will be presenting the musical The Fantasticks at Wyatt Pavilion on the UC Davis campus. This newly imagined, feel-good musical is perfect family entertainment. The poetic book and breezy inventive score, including such familiar songs as “Try to Remember”, “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “They Were You”, helped make this show so durable. Get ready for a Steampunk, Holiday Wonderland!!
THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA Thru Dec 6 Big Idea Theatre 1616 Del Paso Blvd. Sac 960-3036 BigIdeaTheatre.com De-frocked priest T. Lawrence Shannon attempts to hide from his personal demons in a dilapidated hotel on the coast of Mexico and instead finds himself enmeshed in intrigue as three women battle for his attention. Tennessee Williams last great play is a haunting story of dying dreams, frustrated sexuality, and lost-souls transformed as people are pushed to their breaking point.
KATE Thru Dec 14 Sacramento Theatre Company 1419 H St. Sac 446-7501 Taking place on New Year’s Eve 1999, Katharine Hepburn reflects on her life and her loves as she ponders, at age 92, what the future holds. Filled with fond memories, while also delving into uncharted emotional waters, audiences will experience a side of Hepburn they, perhaps, have never seen.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE MUSICAL Dec 3 – Dec 28 Sacramento Theatre Company 1419 H St. Sac 446-7501 This musical is back by popular demand, just in time for the holidays. Based on the 1946 film of the same name, It’s a Wonderful Life returns to STC’s Main Stage as part of this year’s Season of Legends, Epics and Icons. The show is about an angel-in-training who gives a despondent man a look at what the world would be like if he had never been born. A holiday classic, the story reminds us that each person touches the lives of so many others and to value what’s most important.
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Beat of Her Own Drum TIFFANY TAMARIBUCHI BLAZED A PATH AS FOUNDER OF SACRAMENTO TAIKO DAN
BY JESSICA LASKEY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
T
iffany Tamaribuchi’s artistic philosophy can be summed up in four words. “Will drum for food,” she says, laughing. But she’s not joking. As the founder and artistic director of Sacramento Taiko Dan, the region’s premier Japanese drumming group, Tamaribuchi has put in more than her fair share of sweat equity to get the group going. “From childhood, I had wanted to play taiko,” Tamaribuchi says. (In Japan, “taiko” refers to a number of percussion instruments, but outside the country, it’s often used to refer to ensemble taiko drumming.) “There’s a festival called Obon where people gather every summer and drum and dance. From the time I could walk, my mom said I would stand in front of the big drum. I grew up wanting to do it.” But the road was not going to be easy for the aspiring artist. “Back in the early 1970s, everyone said, ‘You’re too young’ and ‘You’re a girl,’” Tamaribuchi recalls. “I tried to join Bay Area taiko groups in high school, but it was too difficult to get back and forth.” Undiscouraged, she remained an avid taiko player and started doing accompaniment at the Odon festival in 1986. A year later, while attending a performance of San Francisco Taiko Dojo at Sacramento State, she had a chance encounter with the group’s founder that set her artistic future in motion.
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Taiko drummer Tiffany Tamaribuchi
“I asked if he would consider starting a group here,” Tamaribuchi recalls. “He said, ‘No, but I’ll teach you.’” That’s all the encouragement she needed. Tamaribuchi spent the next year traveling back and forth to San Francisco to learn all she could about the fascinating art form. In 1988,
she founded an all-women ensemble called Jodaiko and, the following year, Sacramento Taiko Dan. “As soon as I started taking classes, I started handing out fliers about the group I wanted to start here,” Tamaribuchi says. “Because I was so young, people kept saying, ‘Who are
you, kid? How are you going to pay rent or insurance?’” But her persistence paid off. “The reverend at the Japanese United Methodist Church called and said, ‘I heard you want to start a group,’” Tamaribuchi says. “He said I didn’t have to pay rent or insurance until I could.” And thus, Sacramento Taiko Dan was born. When it first started in August, Tamaribuchi had 12 students. By the time October rolled around, she was teaching 40, and the group has only grown from there. “There was a real demand for it at the time,” Tamaribuchi says. “I think it was because a lot of taiko groups in California only allow you to join if you’re a member of their church. With us, you can just come on down.” They did, in droves, and now Tamaribuchi teaches about 80 students ranging in age from 7 to over 70. “Part of the reason I started this group was because I wanted to do community outreach,” Tamaribuchi says. “I wanted to put a human face on my culture. I wanted to show that it’s accessible, that you can be happy, tapping your feet, having a good time. We’re not silent. We’re vibrant, happy humans. I was kind of weird when I was a kid: I really liked Japanese cultural things, and I took traditional classes like flower arranging. It’s a real shame other kids aren’t into that stuff anymore, so I was hoping taiko could be the gateway. “It’s an exciting Japanese art form, not long and slow and boring like a tea ceremony,” she continues. “Many of my students have actually gone
on to study other Japanese cultural things. Everyone’s looking for a connection to their cultural heritage.” Tamaribuchi certainly found hers. She’s toured the world with the group Za Ondekoza, won the All Japan Odaiko Competition (where she was the only female competitor) and performed at Carnegie Hall, as well as in Europe and Japan. She’s helped local churches start their own taiko groups and she teaches workshops all over the world. (She just got back from a stint in Maui.) “I’m one of the few women who teaches in California,” Tamaribuchi says. “It’s been challenging because I play more power-style, which definitely breaks some gender barriers. I’m 47 now, and I’m the one who drums at the big festivals because the guy who used to do it finally retired. And there are more women getting into taiko now than ever, which is humbling, cool and kinda freaky.” For more information about Sacramento Taiko Dan, go to sactaiko.org n
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Nuts For ‘Nutcracker BALLET EXTRAVAGANZA, SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA MAKE FOR A MAGICAL MONTH
BY JESSICA LASKEY RIVER CITY PREVIEWS
A
re visions of sugarplums dancing in your head yet this holiday season? They will be soon: The Sacramento Ballet has two magical entertainment offerings this month, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea and Ron Cunningham’s legendary production of “The Nutcracker.” If you have an aspiring ballerina or balletomane at home, don’t miss the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Capital Plaza Ballroom. Guests will be treated to a sandwich and dessert buffet— complete with tea or hot chocolate, of course—and the chance to meet and greet the beloved cast of characters. Take home a beautiful memory book and collector’s ornament as well as your own photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy herself for a $10 donation to keep the magic alive long after you’ve left. Want to see that talented cast in action? Cunningham’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Community Center Theater with breathtaking ballet, stunning sets and homegrown
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The Sacramento Ballet has two magical entertainment offerings this month, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea and Ron Cunningham’s legendary production of “The Nutcracker.”
talent. Five hundred local children perform in the production each year. And back by special request, select performances will be accompanied by a live orchestra. Performances with live music are as follows: at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. on Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20, and at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. If you happen to fall in love with one of the four-legged cast members you see prancing across the stage, there’s good news: Thanks
to a new creative partnership this year between the ballet and the Front Street Animal Shelter, each performance will feature an adoptable dog from the shelter as well as other shelter pets available for adoption during intermission. Talk about a show souvenir. For tickets and more information for either event, call 552-5800 or go to sacballet.org The Capital Plaza Ballroom is at 1215 J St. The Community Center Theater is at 1301 L St.
THINKING INSIDE THE BOX You know what they say about one person’s trash. See what the talented artists at Archival Gallery have done with upcycled cigar boxes at the exhibition The Box It Came In, on display all this month. Participating artists include Gary Dinnen, Carol Mangan, Tim Collom, Eric Dahlin, Maureen Hood, Patricia
Altschul, Cindy Wilson, William Ishmael, Mariellen Layne and more. For more information, call 9236204 or go to archivalframe.com Archival Framing and Gallery is at 3223 Folsom Blvd.
HAPPY HOLIDAZE Crocker Art Museum knows how to do the holidays. Check out its awesome offerings this month, starting with Art Mix Holidaze from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Instead of a classic Christmas theme, the Crocker is shaking it up and getting groovy with a psychedelic celebration, including a glowing winter wonderland complete with kooky trees in the courtyard, a “bizarre bazaar” curated by Trisha Rohmberg where you’re sure to find the funkiest gifts, music to free your mind by Massive Delicious and DJs DoofyDoo and Chic Fillet, as well as ornament decoration, five-minute art talks and more to make for one trippy, totally rad Thursday. The event is free for museum members, $10 for nonmembers, with a $2 discount for college students. Drinks are under $5 all night. If you’re yearning for a return to the classics, be sure to check out the Classical Concert featuring the Bel Tempo Ringers at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. This family-friendly performance by Sacramento’s own handbell choir is sure to “ring your bell” with holiday songs as well as contemporary tunes. Space is limited, so advance reservations are recommended. Call 808-1182. Who can resist a few of “My Favorite Things?” Don’t miss the do-re-mi’s that have minted Julie Andrews fans for decades when the Crocker presents “The Sound of Music” Sing-Along at 2 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26. This Sacramento tradition includes a screening of the film (singing along is encouraged, of course), a costume contest, door prizes, goodie bags, yodeling and more. The sing-along often sells out early, so avoid being a “Lonely Goatherd” and buy your tickets early.
Call 808-1182 or go to the Crocker’s website. Do you struggle to stay awake until the clock chimes midnight on New Year’s Eve? The Crocker has solved that problem with an event that’s sure to please youngsters and yawners alike: Noon Year’s Eve, a Free Family Festival, kicks off at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 and lasts till 2 p.m. The free noontime fiesta is a nod to the Crocker’s current Latino artist exhibition, so you can be sure the event will be fun and festive. Say “bienvenido” to the new year while enjoying live music and dance performances as well as art activities throughout the museum. (The museum will remain open with free admission until 5 p.m.) For more information on all Crocker events, call 808-1182 or go to crockerartmuseum.org Crocker Art Museum is at 216 O St. Music For (and By) All Ages Hear young voices rejoice at the Sacramento Children’s Chorus 22nd annual holiday concert, “On This Night,” on Dec. 6 and 7, as well as on Dec. 13 during the Sacramento Choral Society’s “Home for the Holidays” concert at Memorial Auditorium. “On This Night” will feature all five choirs under the direction of SCC founder and artistic director Lynn Stevens, along with Julie Adams and Melanie Huber. “We’ll feature traditional Christmas chants and carols, some jazz arrangements, a lovely Hanukkah ballad, and lighter offerings such as ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ and songs from the movie ‘Frozen,’ ” Stevens says. Just a few days later, keep the holiday glow going with the Sacramento Choral Society’s “Home for the Holidays” concert, featuring the SCC as well as guest artist Julie Miller (a mezzosoprano from the Chicago Lyric Opera), the bell choir from Christ Community Church, a candlelit procession, and an audience sing-along that’s guaranteed to make your spirits bright. The SCC’s “On This Night” concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Westminster Presbyterian
The Crockett-Deane Ballet Company and the Deane Dance Center will present the tandem production of “Christmas Angels” and “The Nutcracker”
Church (1300 N St.) and at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Carmichael Seventh Day Adventist Church (4600 Winding Way in Carmichael). For more information on the SCC concert, call 646-1141 or go to sacramentochildrenschorus.org The Sacramento Choral Society’s “Home for the Holidays” concert will be performed at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (1515 J St.). For tickets and more information, call 536-9065 or go to sacramentochoral.com
TUTU-FOR-ONE Who wouldn’t want two terrific ballets at one entertaining event? The Crockett-Deane Ballet Company and the Deane Dance Center will present
the tandem production of “Christmas Angels” and “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 20 and 21 at the Center at Twenty-Three Hundred. “Christmas Angels” features the retelling of the nativity through beautiful dance choreographed by one of the company’s founders, Don Schwennesen, to the traditional Christmas carols we all know and love. Next, stay tuned for a narrated, one-act production of “The Nutcracker” set to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s score, complete with vibrant costumes and perfect pirouettes. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. For tickets and more
PREVIEWS page 58
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AND THE BAND PLAYED ON
PREVIEWS FROM page 57 information, call 453-0226 or go to deanedancecenter.com The Center at Twenty-Three Hundred is at 2300 Sierra Blvd.
Looking for a mélange of music to tap your toes to? Look no further than the Sacramento Concert Band’s free holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 at Christ Community Church in Carmichael. Now in its 46th season, the 50-piece band is composed of members who range in age from 22 to 92, which might explain the group’s eclectic musical selections. The holiday concert will include pieces from musical theater composer Richard Rodgers (“There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune” and “Climb Every Mountain”), classical tunes, traditional Christmas and Hanukkah music and more. The concert is free of charge, but donations are gladly accepted to help feed the hungry. For tickets and more information, go to sacramentoconcertband.org Christ Community Church is at 5025 Manzanita Ave. in Carmichael.
MAY YOUR DAYS BE ‘MARRY’ See the magic that happens firsthand when a real-life married couple tackles Stephen Sondheim’s poignant musical “Marry Me a Little,” running Dec. 11-21 at New Helvetia Theatre. Bradford and Kiera Anderson, married stage and screen performers, will portray two urban singles looking for love on a Saturday night. (In fact, it’s a family affair: The show is directed by Kiera’s brother and New Helvetia founder, Connor Mickiewicz.) The bittersweet musical revue features songs that Sondheim culled from his own shows, including “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Follies,” “Company,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “A Little Night Music.” Due to more mature subject matter, the show is recommended for audience members ages 13 and older. For tickets and more information, call 917-0024 or go to newhelvetia.org New Helvetia Theatre is at 1028 R St.
MASTER CLASS Listen to the “masters” of their craft at the Sacramento Master Singers' performances of their popular holiday concerts, “A Celtic Christmas” on Dec. 13, 14, 18, 21 and 23, and “Jingle All the Way” on Dec. 21. “A Celtic Christmas” will feature beloved Christmas carols as well as special guests Men of Worth, a hilarious Scottish/Irish folk duo. Also on tap are a selection of Irishstyled ancient chants from Michael McGlynn, regional premieres of work by contemporary British composers Cecilia McDowall and Paul Mealor, and the world premiere of a special arrangement of the Welsh carol “All
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Listen to the “masters” of their craft at the Sacramento Master Singers' performances of their popular holiday concerts. Photo courtesy of Bruce Patt.
Through the Night,” composed by Sacramento’s own Clifford Shockney. For young carol connoisseurs, the Sacramento Master Singers will also present the special family concert “Jingle All the Way,” featuring Men of Worth and plenty of tyke-friendly tunes. “A Celtic Christmas” will be performed at 8 p.m. on Dec. 13, and at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18, 21 and 23 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (1066 26th St.), as well as at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Folsom Lake College’s Harris Center for the Arts (10 College Parkway in Folsom). “Jingle All the Way” will be performed at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Francis of Assisi. For tickets and more information, call 788-7464 or go to mastersingers. org
HOWDY, NEIGHBOR! Rub elbows with the talented folks behind Celebration Arts at the theater
company’s festive Neighbors’ Night from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Enjoy complimentary dessert, wine and coffee while chatting with Celebration Arts’ board members, volunteers, artistic staff and the cast of “A New Song For Christmas,” artistic director James Wheatley’s original production just in time for the holidays. Stick around and take in the show for only $8. Just interested in the entertainment? “A New Song for Christmas,” Wheatley’s dramatic musical about a small-town church choir in conflict while its members prepare for their annual Christmas program, runs Dec. 6-21. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20; and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14 and 21. For tickets, reservations for Neighbors’ Night and more information, call 455-2787 or go to celebrationarts.net Celebration Arts is at 4469 D St.
SEE THE LIGHT Make like Santa and travel around the world in one magical night at Global Winter Wonderland, a lantern festival and multicultural theme park at Cal Expo through Jan. 4. Feast your eyes on 16 acres of larger-than-life lantern designs of landmarks from around the world, enjoy entertainment on two stages (including Global Winter Wonderland’s Circus of Light), taste delicious international delicacies, shop for unique items at the holiday bazaar, even visit Santa at the North Pole! Global Winter Wonderland is open Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14, and daily starting Dec. 19 through Jan. 4. Hours are 4:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, go to globalwonderland. com Cal Expo is at 1600 Exposition Blvd.
Make like Santa and travel around the world in one magical night at Global Winter Wonderland, a lantern festival and multicultural theme park at Cal Expo through Jan. 4
ON THE TOWN Ring in the season right here in River City with the River City Chorale’s holiday concert on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 at various venues throughout the Sacramento area. Under the able baton of director Richard Morrissey, the chorale will perform seasonal pieces in new arrangements, as well as excerpts from John Rutter’s “Magnificat, ” African folk tune “Bethelehemu,” and a French carol, “Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant.” The chorale is rounded out by Kathy Earl on piano, the musicians of the River City Chorale Orchestra and guest performers from the Bel Tempo Handbells. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 at Christ Community Church in Carmichael (5025 Manzanita Ave.); at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Faith Presbyterian Church in South Sacramento (625 Florin Road); and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the First Baptist Church of Fair Oaks (4401 San Juan Ave.). For tickets and more information, go to rivercitychorale.org
DANCE, DANCE REVOLUCIÓN Nothing could be more festive than a program entitled “Festejos!” The Calidanza Dance Company presents this two-hour holiday ballet folklórico at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Crest Theatre. Calidanza’s 22 dancers, under the direction of Steven Valencia, will bring the vibrant movement of Mexico to Sacramento audiences, accompanied by the award-winning San Francisco acoustic folkloric group Vinic-Kay. The feast for the senses will include world premiere dance pieces as well as traditional crowd-pleasers such as “Danza de los Viejitos” (“Dance of the Old Men”) and an audience sing-along to Cantos de Navidad (Christmas songs sung and played by Vinic-Kay). The show ends with a Mariachi Christmas from the state of Jalisco and a postperformance piñata for the kids in the lobby. Small treat bags will be provided by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For tickets and more information, call 599-3441 or go to calidanza.org The Crest Theatre is at 1013 K St.
ARTISTIC VISION(S) Are you hankering for some good old-fashioned holiday tunes? The Sacramento Symphonic Winds concert “Holiday Visions!” will have just what you need at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Crowne Plaza Sacramento Northeast. The 60-piece adult symphonic band directed by Dr. Les Lehr will delight with selections that include “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, the music and narrations of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” “Tubby the Tuba” by George Kleinsinger, “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovich, “Christmas Sing-Along” by David Lovrien, and lots more. For tickets and more information, call 489-2576 or go to sacwinds.org Crowne Plaza Sacramento Northeast is at 5321 Date Ave.
AS SEEN ON TV Celebrate the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and its 30 years of fantastic entertainment and community support for local gay and
lesbian people with the “Holiday Spirit” concert Dec. 5-9 at First United Methodist Church in midtown. This year’s scripted concert, “A Gay-Mation Special,” is a playful take on the stop-motion and clay animation holiday TV specials of the 1960s and ’70s, including 1964’s “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (based on the song of the same name and narrated by Burl Ives), 1970’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” and 1974’s “The Year Without a Santa Claus.” The concert will include a variety of traditional and contemporary holiday classics, including a mash-up arrangement of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Little Drummer Boy” by acclaimed composer/arranger David Maddux. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5; at 3 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6; at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7; and at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9. For tickets and more information, go to sacgaymenschorus. org First United Methodist Church is at 2199 J St.
SING IT SWEET Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Sacramento Valley Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, at the annual show “MGM Grand to Winter Wonderland” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center. The award-winning group is composed of 96 women from all over the Sacramento region and specializes in four-part harmony a capella singing, complete with cool choreography, and a wide range of material, from Broadway to ballads to blues. You just have to hear it to believe it. For tickets and more information, go to sacramentovalleychorus.com The Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center is located at 8333 Kingsbridge Drive. Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Please email items for consideration by the first of the month, at least one month in advance of the event. n
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Delish Dinners TASTY BOOKS HIGHLIGHTS COOKBOOK AUTHORS AND THEIR AMAZING RECIPES
BY GREG SABIN RESTAURANT INSIDER
O
n a recent fall evening, I joined 20 or so Sacramento food fans for a dinner featuring the recipes of a standout California chef. Held at The Porch, the excellent Southern food restaurant on K Street, the event celebrated Tanya Holland, owner/chef of Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen and BSide BBQ. The menu included apple and spinach salad, white gumbo, Creole meatloaf and other creative dishes. The recipes came from Holland’s new book, “Brown Sugar Kitchen: New-Style, Down-Home Recipes from Sweet West Oakland.” The event also featured an opportunity to eat with and chat with Holland herself. The evening was part of the Tasty Books series of cookbookthemed dinners put together by local writer and food expert Ann Martin Rolke. A Land Park resident, Rolke graduated from Duke University with a degree in literature and attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. She spends her time writing restaurant reviews for Sacramento News & Review, editing cookbooks, testing recipes and, with her husband Bob, raising her highspirited daughter Eva. Over the past few years, Rolke has been hosting writers from around the world at various restaurants throughout the Sacramento area. Each event focuses on a chef’s most recent cookbook and pairs that chef with the most capable kitchen in town to bring that chef’s recipes to life.
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Macarons from Ginger Elizabeth is a light and sweet finish to any meal. Coffee caramel, vanilla almond and snickerdoodle are some of the flavors available at the shop.
Several of the events have been hosted at Mulvaney’s Building & Loan. The highly regarded Midtown restaurant did well with the recipes of Cheryl Sternman Rule, author
of “Ripe,” a cookbook about eating produce with an eye toward color. Patrick Mulvaney and his crew also did well with the dishes of Boston chef Joanne Chang. Her South End bakery and cafe, Flour, is an award-
winning establishment, and her latest cookbook, “Flour, Too,” offers a variety of creative baked goods as well as innovative savory dishes. Having had the opportunity to visit Flour during my last trip to Boston, I can say with experience that Mulvaney’s takes on Chang’s recipes did them justice. While not carbon copies of the dishes served at Flour, Mulvaney’s interpretations showed off the chef’s personality while paying tribute to Chang’s ideas. Rolke teamed up with fellow Sacramento News & Review writer Garrett McCord last year to feature his first cookbook, “Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese.” Taylor’s Kitchen worked with McCord and his co-author, Stephanie Stiavetti, to create a gooey, sumptuous evening of mac-and-cheese overload and wine tasting. While not exactly a doctorapproved evening, nearly every food writer and local food fan was in attendance. Last summer, author Jennie Schacht featured recipes from cookbook “I Scream Sandwich!” at Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, the unparalleled chocolate maker and confectioner on L Street in Midtown. Normally, I don’t need an excuse to eat ice cream sandwiches, but when an ice cream sandwich cookbook author teams up with one of the finest purveyors of sweet treats in the United States, it’s an event not to be missed. In the case of Tanya Holland, The Porch seemed a perfect fit for her creative Southern recipes. The Porch’s staff carried off the event with flair, especially nailing Holland’s smoked mashed sweet potatoes and
Stop by Mulvaney's B & L in Midtown for lunch or dinner
caramelized banana pudding. The potatoes were beautifully smoky and indulgently velvety. The banana pudding was familiar yet exciting with the addition of a rum-caramel base and homemade vanilla wafers. But more than just the food, the large dining table and convivial atmosphere gave diners an opportunity to chat with Holland, to pick the brains of staffers at The Porch, and to interact with each other. Many of us were strangers when we entered The Porch that evening, but we all left as friends. I got to chat with Holland about some of the old standout restaurants in Oakland from my time there 20 years ago. I also got to chat with Bob Rolke at The Porch’s bar over a couple of stiff Dark ’n’ Stormies. This is what the Tasty Books dinner series gets so right. More engaging than a simple book signing,
more adventuresome than dinner at a familiar restaurant and more educational than an evening out with friends, these events bring together all the best elements of communal dining. Moreover, they also allow our local kitchen talent to team up with nationally recognized chef/authors, growing our town’s culinary cred while exposing area diners to outof-town stars they may not yet have discovered. Using her background in cooking, writing and cookbook editing, Ann Martin Rolke has found a fantastic way to satisfy all her passions while letting us share them. To join Tasty Books’ mailing list, email tastybooks@yahoo.com Greg Sabin can be reached at gregsabin@hotmail.com n
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INSIDE’S
Midtown
MIDTOWN
Jack’s Urban Eats
1800 L St. 447-9440
L D $ Full Bar Made-to-order comfort food in a casual setting • Jacksurbaneats.com
Aioli Bodega Espanola L D $$ Full Bar Patio Andalusian cuisine served in a casual European atmosphere
Biba Ristorante 2801 Capitol Ave. 455-2422 L D $$$ Full Bar Upscale Northern Italian cuisine served a la carte • Biba-restaurant.com
Buckhorn Grill 1801 L St. 446-3757 L D $$ Wine/Beer A counter service restaurant with high-quality chicken, char-roasted beef, salmon, and entrée salads
Café Bernardo 2726 Capitol Ave. 443-1180 1431 R St. 930-9191
1230 20th St. 444-0307
Kasbah Lounge 2115 J St. 442-4388 D Full Bar $$ Middle Eastern cuisine in a Moroccan setting
Lucca Restaurant & Bar 1615 J St. 669-5300 L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Patio Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, chic atmosphere • Luccarestaurant.com
Moxie 2028 H St. 443-7585 D $$-$$$ Eclectic menu in a boutique neighborhood setting
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio Casual California cuisine with counter service
Mulvaney’s Building & Loan
Centro Cocina Mexicana
L D Full Bar $$$ Modern American cuisine in an upscale historic setting
1215 19th St. 441-6022
2730 J St. 442-2552
Make It Fun. Make It Festive. Make It Fat’s! Your Best Choice for Holiday Entertaining.
L D $$ Full Bar Patio Regional Mexican cooking served in a casual atmosphere • Paragarys.com
Old Soul Co.
Chicago Fire
B L D $ No table service at this coffee roaster and bakery, also serving creative artisanal sandwiches
2416 J St. 443-0440
D $$ Full Bar Chicago-style pizza, salads wings served in a family-friendly atmosphere • Chicagofirerestaurant.com
Crepeville 1730 L St. 444-1100
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Outdoor Dining Crepes, omelets, salads, soups and sandwiches served in a casual setting
Ernesto’s Mexican Food 1901 16th St. 441-5850
B L D $-$$ Full Bar Outdoor Dining Fresh Mexican food served in an upscale, yet familyfriendly setting • Ernestosmexicanfood.com
F R A N K F AT ’ S 806 L STREET 916-442-7092
F AT ’ S A S I A B I S T R O ROSEVILLE 916-787-3287 FOLSOM 916-983-1133
F AT ’ S C AT E R I N G 9 1 6 - 4 4 1 - 7 9 6 6 W W W. F AT S R E S TA U R A N T S . C O M
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1806 Capitol Ave. 447-8646 L D $$ Gourmet pizza, pasta, salads in casual setting • Paesanos.biz
Paragary’s Bar & Oven 1401 28th St. 457-5737
D $$ Full Bar Outdoor Patio California cuisine with an Italian touch • Paragarys.com
Suzie Burger 29th and P Sts. 455-3300 L D $ Classic burgers, cheesesteaks, shakes, chili dogs, and other tasty treats • suzieburger.com
The Streets of London Pub
1217 18th St. 442-5858
1804 J St. 498-1388
L D $$$ Wine/Beer California cuisine served in a chic, upscale setting • 58degrees.com
L D $ Wine/Beer English Pub fare in an authentic casual atmosphere, 17 beers on tap
Fox & Goose Public House
Tapa The World
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer English Pub favorites in an historic setting • Foxandgoose.com
Harlow’s Restaurant F AT C I T Y B A R & C A F E 1001 FRONT STREET 916-446-6768
Paesano’s Pizzeria
58 Degrees & Holding Co.
1001 R St. 443-8825
Plan Your Fat’s Holiday Party Now.
1716 L St. 443-7685
2708 J Street 441-4693 L D $$ Full Bar Modern Italian/California cuisine with Asian inspirations • Harlows.com
Italian Importing Company 1827 J Street 442-6678 B L $ Italian food in a casual grocery setting
2115 J St. 442-4353 L D $-$$ Wine/Beer/Sangria Spanish/world cuisine in a casual authentic atmosphere, live flamenco music - tapathewworld.com
Thai Basil Café 2431 J St. 442-7690 L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio Housemade curries among their authentic Thai specialties Thaibasilrestaurant.com
H
Wells Fargo ome for the Holidays
Saturday, Dec 13 at 8:00 PM Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
Create Your Dream Garden
1515 J Street, Sacramento Special Guest Artist Julie Miller, Mezzo, Lyric Opera of Chicago Guest Chorus
Sacramento Children’s Chorus Lynn Stevens, Conductor
Guest Bell Choir Christ Community Church
Julie Miller
Radiant music for Christmas— A candlelit procession, audience singalong, new and familiar choral orchestral holiday songs. Merriment guaranteed!
NEW CD RELEASE
Wells Fargo
Home for the Holidays Two Recorded live Dec 2013 at Sac Memorial Auditorium For Sale at Concert
TICKETS CCT Box Office 916.808.5181 or TICKETS.com Donald Kendrick, Music Director
SACRAMENTOCHORAL.COM
with a little help from the experts
200
$
for a 2 Hour Consultation (drawing and notes included)
We solve problems, renew old gardens or create a garden oasis just for you. We are a father daughter team with 40 years experience in the nursery business and garden design. Our experience makes us uniquely qualified to help your garden thrive.
Complete designs by quote. Visit TheGardenTutors.com or Call 606-6029
RUNNING ... WALKING ... CROSS TRAINING ... YOGA
Sacfit
The FUN running and walking club Over the past 10 years, we have successfully trained over 5,000 people – from couch potato to experienced athletes and everyone in between.
JOIN US FOR OUR 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
So come on out and make new friends, get fit for summer, fulfill that New Year’s resolution, and have fun along the way! Our next 16-week session begins Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. We meet at the Rio Americano High School gym.
Register online right now at Sacfit.com Register in person on January, 3rd , 10th, and 17th Questions? Call us at (916) SACFIT1 (722-3481)
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French-inspired pastries, cakes and breads handcrafted on-site every morning by artisan bakers and chefs!
FRIDAYS Doughnut Day &
SUNDAY Croixnut Day (flavor changes every week)
FRENCH TEA SERVICE $25/PERSON Set menu includes: tea sandwiches, assorted pastries, macaroon, tarts and choice of organic tea (reservation required)
Located on the corner of 9th & K in downtown Sacramento M-F 7-6, Sat 8-6, Sun 8-4 | 551-1500 | info@estellspatisserie.com
The Coconut Midtown 2502 J Street 440-1088 Lunch Delivery M-F and Happy Hour 4-6
L D Full Bar $$ American cuisine in a casual historic setting
The Waterboy
Clubhouse 56
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Patio Fine South of France and northern Italian cuisine in a chic neighborhood setting • waterboyrestaurant.com
Zocolo 1801 Capitol Ave. 441-0303 L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Patio Regional Mexican cuisine served in an authentic artistic setting • zocolosacramento.com
HOLIDAY CONCERTS
Featuring five choirs CONDUCTORS: Lynn Stevens, Julie Adams and Melanie Huber
December 6, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church 1300 N Street, Sacramento December 7, 2014, at 4:00 p.m.
Carmichael Seventh Day Adventist Church 4600 Winding Way, Sacramento
EAST SAC 33rd Street Bistro 3301 Folsom Blvd. 455-2233 B L D $$ Full Bar Patio Pacific Northwest cuisine in a casual bistro setting
Burr's Fountain B L D $ Fountain-style diner serving burgers, sandwiches, soup and ice cream specialties
Cabana Winery & Bistro 5610 Elvas 476-5492 (916) 646-1141
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www.sacramentochildrenschorus.org
723 56th. Street 454-5656
BLD Full Bar $$ American cuisine. HD sports, kid's menu, beakfast weekends
Evan’s Kitchen 855 57th St. 452-3896 B L D Wine/Beer $$ Eclectic California cuisine served in a family-friendly atmosphere, Kid’s menu, winemaker dinners • Chefevan.com
Español
4920 Folsom Blvd. 452-5516
TICKETS $30 Preferred, $17 General, $12 Students
5641 J St.
L D $-$$ Beer/Wine Food with Thai Food Flair
2000 Capitol Ave. 498-9891
On This Night
Clark's Corner Restaurant
LD $$ Wine tasting and paired entrees. Sunday Brunch 10 - 2. • cabanawine.com
5723 Folsom Blvd. 457-3679 L D Full Bar $-$$ Classic Italian cuisine served in a traditional family-style atmosphere
Formoli's Bistro 3839 J St. 448-5699 B L D Wine/Beer Patio $$ Mediterranean influenced cuisine in a neighborhood setting
Italian Stallion 3260B J St. 449-8810 L D $-$$ Thin-Crust Pizza, Deserts and Beer in an intimate setting and popular location
La Trattoria Bohemia 3649 J St. 455-7803 L D Wine/Beer $-$$ Italian and Czech specialties in a neighborhood bistro setting
Les Baux
Fat City Bar & Cafe
5090 Folsom Blvd. 739-1348
1001 Front St. 446-6768
BLD $ Wine/Beer Unique boulangerie, café & bistro serving affordable delicious food/drinks all day long • lesbauxbakery.com
Opa! Opa! 5644 J St. 451-4000 L D Wine/Beer $ Fresh Greek cuisine in a chic, casual setting, counter service
Nopalitos 5530 H St. 452-8226 B L $ Wine/Beer Southwestern fare in a casual diner setting
Selland's Market Cafe 5340 H St. 473-3333 B L D $$-$$$ Wine/Beer High quality handcrafted food to eat in or take out, wine bar
D $$-$$$ Full Bar American cuisine served in a casual historic Old Sac location • Fatsrestaurants. com
The Firehouse Restaurant 1112 Second St. 442-4772 L D $$$ Full Bar Global and California cuisine in an upscale historic Old Sac setting • Firehouseoldsac.com
Frank Fat’s 806 L St. 442-7092
L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Chinese favorites in an elegant setting • Fatsrestaurants.com
Il Fornaio 400 Capitol Mall 446-4100 L D Full Bar $$$ Fine Northern Italian cuisine in a chic, upscale atmosphere • Ilfornaio.com
Grange 926 J Street • 492-4450 B L D Full Bar $$$ Simple, seasonal, soulful • grangerestaurant.com
Hock Farm Craft & Provision 1415 L St. 440-8888
L D $$-$$ Full Bar Celebration of the region's rich history and bountiful terrain • Paragarys.com
Star Ginger 3101 Folsom Blvd. 231-8888 Asian Grill and Noodle Bar • starginger.com
Thai Palace Restaurant 3262 J St. 446-5353 L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Authentic Thai cuisine in a casual setting
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant 1111 J St. 442-8200 L D $$ Full Bar Upscale seafood, burgers in a clubby atmosphere • Mccormickandschmicks.com
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar 1530 J St. 447-2112
DOWNTOWN
L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Japanese cuisine served in an upscale setting • Mikunisushi.com
400 L St. 321-9522
Morton’s Steakhouse
Foundation
L D $$ Full Bar American cooking in an historic atmosphere • foundationsacramento.com
Chops Steak Seafood & Bar
621 Capitol Mall #100 442-50 D $$$ Full Bar Upscale American steakhouse • Mortons.com
1117 11th St. 447-8900
Parlaré Eurolounge
L D $$$ Full Bar Steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef and fresh seafood in an upscale club atmosphere • Chopssacramento.com
10th & J Sts. 448-8960 D $$ Full Bar Relax with drinks and dinner in this stylish downtown space
Downtown & Vine
Rio City Café
1200 K Street #8 228-4518
Educational tasting experience of wines by the taste, flight or glass • downtownandvine.com
Ella Dining Room & Bar 1131 K St. 443-3772
L D $$$ Full Bar Modern American cuisine served family-style in a chic, upscale space • Elladiningroomandbar.com
Christmas Services for e Entire Family
1110 Front St. Old Sac 442-8226
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Seasonal menu of favorites in a setting overlooking river • Riocitycafe.com
Ten 22 1022 Second St. 441-2211 L D Wine/Beer $$ American bistro favorites with a modern twist in a casual, Old Sac setting ten22oldsac.com
Esquire Grill 1213 K St. 448-8900 L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Outdoor Dining Upscale American fare served in an elegant setting • Paragarys.com
Estelle's Patisserie
901 K St. 916-551-1500 L D $$-$$$ French-inspired Bakery serving fresh pastry & desserts, artisan breads and handcrafted sandwiches. EstellesPatisserie.com
4:30 pm Family Service SP SP SP &DQGHOLJKW 6HUYLFHV IUHPRQWSUHV RUJ &DUOVRQ 'U ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
65
Visit Land Park’s Newest Café
Vic’s Café
LAND PARK Casa Garden Restaurant 2760 Sutterville Road 452-2809 L D $$ • D with minimum diners call to inquire $$ Wine/Beer. Elegantly presented American cuisine. Operated by volunteers to benefit Sacramento Children's Home. Small and large groups. Reservations recommended • casagardenrestaurant.org
Freeport Bakery 2966 Freeport Blvd. 442-4256 B L $ Award-winning baked goods and cakes for eat in or take out • Freeportbakery.com
Iron Grill
Riverside Clubhouse
2633 Riverside Drive 448-9988
L D $$ Full Bar Upscale American cuisine served in a contemporary setting • Riversideclubhouse.com
Taylor's Kitchen 2924 Freeport Boulevard 443-5154 D $$S Wine/Beer Dinner served Wed. through Saturday. Reservations suggested.
Tower Café 1518 Broadway 441-0222 B L D $$ Wine/Beer International cuisine with dessert specialties in a casual setting
Fiona loves the “Hobbit” house her Dad built
Willie's Burgers 2415 16th St.444-2006
Innovative Designs and Remodels
1537 Howe Ave. 927-1014 L D $-$$ Authentic Moroccan cuisine, lunch &
66
ILP DEC n 14
916-826-1849
License No. 938975
2333 Arden Way 920-8382
L D $ House-made ice cream and specialties, soups and sandwiches
Lemon Grass Restaurant 601 Munroe St. 486-4891
L D $$ Full Bar Patio Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting
Matteo's Pizza 5132 Fair Oaks. Blvd. 779-0727 L D Beer/Wine $$ Neighborhood gathering place for pizza, pasta and grill dishes
The Mandarin Restaurant 4321 Arden Way 488-47794 D $$-$$$ Full Bar Gourmet Chineses food for 32 years • Dine in and take out
Roma's Pizzeria & Pasta L D $$ Traditional Italian pizza & pasta Family Friendly Catering + Team Parties • romas-pizzaand-pasta.com
2381 Fair Oaks Blvd. 489-2000 B L D $$-$$$ Full Bar American cuisine with a Western touch in a creative upscale atmosphere
Ristorante Piatti 571 Pavilions Lane 649-8885 L D $$ Full Bar Contemporary Italian cuisine in a casually elegant setting
Bella Bru Café
Sam's Hof Brau 2500 Watt 482-2175
B L D $-$$ Full Bar Espresso, omelettes, salads, table service from 5 -9 p.m. • bellabrucafe.com
L D $$ Wine/Beer Fresh quality meats roasted daily • thehofbrau.com
Café Vinoteca
Thai House
3535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 487-1331 L D $$ Full Bar Italian bistro in a casual setting • Cafevinoteca.com
L D $$ Full Bar Asian-influenced cuisine in a casual setting • Chinoiscitycafe.com
ImpactBuilders.org
Leatherby’s Family Creamery
dinner specials, belly dancing weekends • bestmoroccanfood.com
3535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 485-8690
Call Impact Builders for your FREE estimate today!
L D Full Bar $$-$$ Fresh Mexican food served in a colorful family-friendly setting
Roxy
Chinois City Café
Decks, Porches, Kitchens & Bathrooms
D $$$ Wine/Beer Five-course gourmet demonstration dinner by reservation only • Thekitchenrestaurant.com
ARDENCARMICHAEL
Creating spaces for
gatherings & entertaining with beauty and comfort
2225 Hurley Way 568-7171
6530 Fair Oaks Blvd. 488-9800
5038 Fair Oaks Blvd. 485-2883
“Consider Our Impact”
The Kitchen
L D $ Great burgers and more. Open until 3 am weekends
Andaloussia
You’ll love what Neil can do for your home remodels
2535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 481-5225 L D $ Full Bar Made-to-order comfort food in a casual setting • Jacksurbaneats.com
3032 Auburn Blvd. 484-0139 2813 Fulton Ave. 484-6104
L D $ Full Bar Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Dine in or take out since 1986
3193 Riverside Blvd (Next to Vic’s Ice Cream) 475-1223 • cafevics.com
Jack’s Urban Eats
steakhouse • Ironsteaks.com
427 Broadway 442-4044
Between 3-6pm. Mention this ad. Expires 12/31/14.
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio European-style gourmet café with salads, soup, spit-roasted chicken, desserts in a bistro setting • Ettores.com
La Rosa Blanca Taqueria
Jamie's Bar and Grill
*with purchase of any entreé
2376 Fair Oaks Blvd. 482-0708
13th Street and Broadway 737-5115
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Upscale neighborhood
Free specialty coffee drink*
Ettore’s
427 Munroe in Loehmann's 485-3888 L D $$ Wine/Beer Featuring the great taste of Thai traditional specialties • sacthaihouse.com
Willie's Burgers 5050 Fair Oaks Blvd. 488-5050L D $ Great burgers and more n
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FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS. RE/MAX Gold agents in your community are here to serve you this season and throughout the year. We take this opportunity to thank you for your business and wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
MIDTOWN
2014 CAPITOL AVE. #100 SACRAMENTO, CA 95811 916.227.8155
CALIFORNIA’S #1 RE/MAX COMPANY
SIERRA OAKS
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Coldwell Banker
#1 IN CALIFORNIA
MIDCENTURY MODERN! Cute 2bd 1953 modern hm w/wood flrs, updtd kitch, CH&A, great indoor-outdoor connection & a wonderful yard. $280,000 PALOMA BEGIN 628-8561 CaBRE#: 01254423 GATED AND TRANQUIL! Contemporary yet charming 1/2 plex w/ 3 bedrooms & 3 baths, living room w/ vaulted ceilings & wet bar, dining room, updated kitchen & loft. $324,900 WENDI REINL 206-8709 CaBRE#: 01314052
LAND PARK TUDOR! 5bd/2ba, 2300sqf, Formal living & dining rooms, updated plumb/electric/sewer/ windows. Guest cottage w/ bath & fab location. $700,000 PALOMA BEGIN 628-8561 CaBRE#: 01254423
REMODELED CURTIS PARK HOME! Gorgeous kitch w/SS applnces, granite cntertops & breakfast nook. wood flrs, LR frplce, frml dining, & lovely granite & tile bathroom. DP windows & newer HVAC & roof. approx. 600sqft upstrs loft. $474,900 STEFFAN BROWN 717-7217 CaBRE#: 01882787
THE L STREET LOFTS! City living w/concierge, quality finishes! 4 unique flr plans From the mid $300,000’s. Models Open W-M, 10a-5p. LStreetLofts.com. MICHAEL ONSTEAD 601-5699 CaBRE#: 01222608
CURTIS PARK BUNGALOW! Rare 2bd/1.5ba beauty w/recently updtd bathrms & kitchen. Refinished flrs, carport & easy access to light rail & dwntwn! $369,900 STEFFAN BROWN 717-7217 CaBRE#: 01882787
MID-CENTURY CONTEMPORARY! This 3bd/2ba combines modern living & striking charm! 1580sf property w/frml LR, a rmdld kitch, covered patio & 2 car gar. $419,950 RICH CAZNEAUX 454-0323 CaBRE#: 01447558
PENDING
RARE LAND PARK DUPLEX! Unit 1:(The Cottage) 1bd+office/dining rm, newer hrdwd flrs, newer HVAC, inside lndry rm, & LG bckyrd. Unit 2:(2 story) I N Ghrdwd flrs in bd/office, 2 bd/1.5 bath, spacious Master, Dnewer N E P frplce, dining rm, inside lndry rm, 838 SF full bsemnt. $599,000 JEANINE ROZA & SINDY KIRSCH 548-5799 or 730-7705 CaBRE#: 01365413 & 01483907 DON’T BE FOOLED! This actually has original 3 bdrm plus a large in-law area of 1 bdrm, bath and living-dining area that was added to back of home. Newer paint and carpeting 4 months ago. $293,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE#: 00784986
CURTIS PARK CUTIE! 3 bdrms, 2 baths with a sitting room off the master bdrm. Remodeled kitchen and pretty backyard. $509,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE#: 00784986
LIVING THE LIFESTYLE In Granite Lake Estates, this beautifully crafted home feat. 5 BEDS/4BA w/over 3600sf. Equipped w/ Energy Star standards. Meritage 2014 built. Alcott Model. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Cntr Island and Great Fam Room. 4 CAR Garage. WalkIn Closets. HUGE lot. $695,000 WENDY KAY 717-1013
SPECTACULAR SPANISH STYLE! On a charming, treelined Curtis Prk street. 3bd w/a stunning kitch, master ste, & a bonus office area leads to the tile patio. $539,900 STEPH BAKER 775-3447 CaBRE#: 01402254
WONDERFUL CUSTOM BUILT HOME! Desirable Cameron Ranch home on huge .31ac lot, w/an amazing bckyrd featuring a pool & lrg lawn. Stunning kitch w/ tons of cabinet & strge. Master Suite w/sitting area & slider to the outdoor patio. $439,000 SCOOTER VALINE 420-4594 CaBRE#: 01896468
LARGE CORNER LOT – PRIVACY! This home features rmdld kitch & bathrms, frml living & dining rms w/frplc, kitch fam rm combo. Lrg bckyrd w/blt-in pool. $425,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE#: 00784986
WONDERFUL LAND PARK! Rebuilt & expanded in 2014. Gourmet kitchen, stone, granite & wood, 3 bd/3 ba. Master suite w/jetted tub & den/nursery rm. Bright & light - dining or family rm in addition to living area & eat-in kitch. $559,000 MICHAEL ONSTEAD 601-5699 CaBRE#: 01222608 CHARMING TUDOR! Original family home with 3bds/2ba and G just a block from the D IfiN park. Charming living P room replace and a formal dining E Nwith room. $489,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE#: 00784986 CURTIS PARK COLONIAL! Magnificent & spacious 4bd/2 bth w/all the vintage charm intact. Updtd Kitchen/baths & generous family rm for modern living. $649,000 STEFFAN BROWN 717-7217 CaBRE#: 01882787
METRO OFFICE 730 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento 916.447.5900
EXCLUSIVE CONDO! Located in the Fab Forties. Rdmld w/state of the art modern decor & finishes. 3bd/2ba w/Quartz counter tops in kitch & bathrms. $519,000 KARIN LIBBEE 230-6521 CaBRE#: 01908304
NESTLED IN THE COLLEGE TRACT OF LAND PARK! 2/3 bed, 1.5 bath, 2252sqft, & is blt in 1940. Spacious bckyrd patio, lush foliage, & separate hm office. 2 frplcs & hrdwd flrs. $669,000 MIKE OWNBEY 616-1607 CaBRE#: 01146313
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