INSIDE
I N S I D E P U B L I C A T I O N S . C O M
O
S T R E E T
S A C R A M E N T O
MAR 14
C A
9 5 8 1 6
POSTAL CUSTOMER ******ECRWSS******
PRSRT STD US Postage PA I D Permit # 1826 Sacramento CA
G E T
3 1 0 4
LAND PARK CURTIS PARK SOUTH LAND PARK HOLLYWOOD PARK MIDTOWN DOWNTOWN
I N T O
T H E
N E I G H B O R H O O D
STYLISH SOUTH LAND PARK Gracefully appointed, 3 bedroom 2 bath home. The home combines natural elements of wood, masonry and light to create alluring spaces throughout. Lush landscaping, pool and koi pond and spacious 2 bedroom guest cottage. Come see the magic! $667,000 STEPHANIE GALLAGHER 342-2288
SPACIOUS ELEGANCE Unique 3 or 4 bedroom 3 bath home with a lovely garden and pool; that also includes an additional lot in rear. Downstairs master with sitting area, ¿replace, walk-in closets. Large separate family room marvelous sunroom and remodeled kitchen with great storage. $1,200,000 PAMELA RICHARDS 716-3615
CUTE 3 BEDROOM Wonderful brick exterior home in the desirable Land Park neighborhood on a cul-de-sac street. An open Àoor plan with newer upgrades including dual pane windows, composition roof, two remodeled bathrooms and much more. 3 bedrooms 2 baths, charming yard. $329,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555
pending
4 BEDROOM LAND PARK Super clean, close in, and ready to go! Hard to ¿nd 4 bedroom home with 2½ baths in Land Park! Energy ef¿cient and beautifully maintained. Conveniently located, an easy walk to Land Park, Vic’s Ice Cream and Crocker Riverside Elementary School. $329,000 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395, ERIN STUMPT 342-1372
WONDERFUL WEST SAC Wonderful single-level home in a quiet cul-de-sac. 4 bedrooms, 2½ baths on almost a quarter acre. Granite counters and glass subway tiled back splash set the kitchen apart. Solar heat for pool and house (annual electric bill $300 - $500!), dual pane windows and a tile roof. $430,000 NANCY WEGGE 600-5458, LISA MARTIS 612-7548
pending
POVERTY RIDGE 4 bedrooms 3 baths, box beam ceilings, stained glass built-ins, wainscoting picture railing, big front porch. Lots of original hardware throughout - even a laundry chute. Easy in-law quarter or separate apartment with ¿replace, kitchen, bathroom and a separate entrance. 3-4 car garage with alley access. $524,000 LISA McCAULEY 601-5474
LAND PARK TUDOR Fantastic 3 bedroom in a sweet location. This charming home has hardwood Àoors, newer windows, a large formal dining room, brand new custom gate, a remodeled bathroom and a spacious kitchen. The front and backyard have been fully landscaped. $435,000 TIM COLLOM 248-8048
for current home listings, please visit:
DUNNIGANREALTORS.COM 916.484.2030 916.454.5753 Dunnigan is a different kind of Realtor.
®
2
ILP MAR n 14
CHARMING ORIGINAL What a fabulous opportunity to get your hands on this charming original Land Park home. Conveniently located 2 bedroom close to Taylor’s Market. You can keep it as is for that nostalgic feel or treat it as a blank canvas to create your dream home. $278,000 MISKA PEARSON 206-3402, MATTHEW MARQUEZ 692-0903
pending
ADORABLE LAND PARK 2 bedroom on quiet street; a blank canvas for your personal touches! You will love the spacious living room and formal dining area, built-ins, composition roof, new concrete driveway, exterior recently painted, 2-car detached garage, cute backyard. $280,000 ERIN STUMPF 342-1372
So Much More Than Just a Real Estate Agent.
Jamie approaches your transaction the way a business analyst approaches a major deal. She does all the little things that a career in the business world has taught her— due diligence, cost/benefit analysis, timeline-driven reporting back to the client. These are proven methods. There are no shortcuts. She does her homework. An agent who comes from a successful career in business is a rarity—but an agent who thinks like a business advisor is your best asset.
916.612.4000
www.JamieRich.net BRE# 01870143
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
3
COVER ARTIST Sam Francis Sam Francis (1923-1994) is a California native painter and one of the state’s most celebrated artists. This painting is Untitled, 1973, acrylic and oil on canvas, 42 x 30 inches, from the Sam Francis Foundation. A special exhibition “Sam Francis: Five Decades of Abstract Expressionism from California Collections” will be on display through April 20 at the Crocker Art Museum.
EAST SACRAMENTO
L A N D PA R K
ARDEN
MAR 14 V O L U M E
PUBLISHER Cecily Hastings publisher@insidepublications.com 3104 O St. #120, Sac. CA 95816 (Mail Only) 916-441-7026 EDITOR PRODUCTION DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY AD COORDINATOR ACCOUNTING EDITORIAL POLICY
Marybeth Bizjak mbbizjak@aol.com M.J. McFarland Cindy Fuller, Daniel Nardinelli, Lyssa Skeahan 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 50,000 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—©
SUBMISSIONS Submit cover art to publisher@insidepublications.com. Submit editorial contributions to mbbizjak@aol.com. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions at $20 per year guarantees 3rd class mailing. Send check with name & address of recipient and specify publication edition.
Publisher's Desk.............................................................. ....7 Know the Candidate ......................................................... 10 In Memory of Greg Hatfield .............................................. 12 Volunteer Profile ............................................................... 13 Life in the City .................................................................. 14 City Beat.......................................................................... 16 Shoptalk .......................................................................... 20 Local Heroes .................................................................... 24 Home Insight.................................................................... 26 Meet Your Neighbor ......................................................... 30 The Club Life .................................................................... 32 Doing Good .................................................................... 34 Garden Jabber ................................................................ 36 Building Our Future .......................................................... 38 Pets & Their People ........................................................... 40 Real Estate Guide ............................................................. 42 Spirit Matters ................................................................... 44 Art Preview ...................................................................... 45 Have Inside Will Travel ..................................................... 46 Writing Life ...................................................................... 47 Inside Out........................................................................ 48 Conversation Piece ........................................................... 50 Getting There ................................................................... 52 Artist Spotlight ................................................................. 53 River City Previews ........................................................... 54 Theatre Guide .................................................................. 57 Restaurant Insider ............................................................. 58 Dining Guide ................................................................... 60
%
LOCAL
VISIT INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM CONTACT OUR ADVERTISING TEAM
4
Ann Tracy
Duffy Kelly
East Sacramento
Arden-Carmichael - Native Advertising
Central City - Land Park
798-2136
224-1604
341-9755
ILP MAR n 14
18 • ISSUE 2
Michael Boyd
Mimi Kent Pocket - Central City
212-8899
PRESENTS:
Ron Cunningham’s Spectacular
ŕľźŕľşŕś‹ŕś†ŕś‚ŕś‡ŕľş ŕľťŕśŽŕś‹ŕľşŕś‡ŕľş Accompanied by live music and full chorus with George Balanchine’s
$ŕś…ŕś…ŕľžŕś€ŕś‹ŕśˆ %ŕś‹ŕś‚ŕś…ŕś…ŕś‚ŕľşŕś‡ŕś?ŕľž
0DUFK
Community Center Theater
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! &RPPXQLW\ &HQWHU 7KHDWHU %R[ 2IĂ€FH
Photo by Keith Sutter
916.808.5181
,I \RX DOUHDG\ KDYH WLFNHWV WR RXU SRVWSRQHG SHUIRUPDQFH RI The Great Gatsby SOHDVH FRQWDFW RXU %R[ 2IĂ€FH [ ALLEGRO BRILLIANTE SPONSORED BY:
WWW.SACBALLET.ORG
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
5
LASER & SKIN
surgery center O F
N O R T H E R N
C A L I F O R N I A
One of the world’s most comprehensive laser centers, providing state-of-the-art skin laser surgery and industry leading research in a warm, caring environment
LASER TREATMENTS
COSMETIC SERVICES
Wrinkles | Brown Spots | Scars
Botox® & Dysport® | Fillers
Facial Vessels | Birthmarks
Juvéderm Voluma™ | Thermage®
Hair Removal | Tattoo Removal
Ultherapy® | Coolsculpting®
DERMATOLOGY
PLASTIC SURGERY
Acne | Mole Removal
Facial & Eyelid Rejuvenation
Sclerotherapy | Skin Care
Breast Enhancement
Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery
Liposuction | Body Contouring
MARCH SPECIAL
MEDISPA
Purchase a package of 3 Laser
Facials | Microdermabrasion
Hair Removal treatments and
Velashape ™ | Facial Peels
receive 10% off. Call for details.
Venus Freeze™ ©Laser & Skin Surgery Medical Group, Inc.
3835 J STREET SACRAMENTO | (916) 456-0400 | SKINLASERS.COM
Bringing Wine Country to the City Wine TasƟng Nosh-Lunch-Dinner–PaƟo Retail Sales/Wine Shipping Event Space/EducaƟonal Classes 36 wines by the taste - 66 by the boƩle
Multi-Winery Tasting Room without the drive
1200 K St #8 (across from the IMAX) 228-4518 www.downtownandvine.com
6
ILP MAR n 14
Lip Service IT MAY BE BETTER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BAD SERVICE THAN TO YELP ABOUT IT
BY CECILY HASTINGS PUBLISHER’S DESK
I
t’s surprising how many touchpoints you have with customer service. In a typical day, you may visit your local coffee shop, dry cleaner and gas station— all before 10 a.m. Add a few phone calls for service needs, a trip to the library, the grocery store or a specialty shop, end your day with dinner out and you will have encountered a dozen or more people who perform customer service. Multiply that over a year and you have thousands of experiences. Most of us know the difference between great, good and poor service. Do you look forward to the same pleasant people you see on a repeated basis? If so, chances are they get your repeat business. Even when you have more infrequent service needs, you tend to remember and rate the last encounter. Doing business with someone for the first time can be either a pleasant surprise or a total drag. I recently had a service experience that I found extremely unsatisfying. When we built our home seven years ago, we put in a Heat & Glo
gas fireplace. Last fall, the remote control (I still wince at the thought of using a remote for this!) stopped working. I researched the brand online and found a local dealer on Fulton Avenue. It took numerous calls and messages to get a service appointment. Finally, I spoke with a cranky woman on the other end of the phone who barked the only time available and said it would cost me $120 to have a repairman come out and diagnose the problem. When the technician arrived, he was pretty competent, although he called twice on the way over for clarification on directions. After telling me I needed a new remote control, he put me on the phone with the store, and I gave my credit card number so they could order it. I was told it would be in the following week. The technician asked me to pay him for the service call via check and had me make it out to him personally. That took me back a bit, but I did as asked. It would have been nice if the company had explained that to me in advance. About three weeks later, I still had not received the new remote. I called the dealer and left several messages. When I finally reached the same cranky lady, she snapped that it had arrived but that they needed payment. We scheduled an appointment to have it brought over. It turned out to be wrong model, so I had to order another one. Again, I had to give the company my credit card. The correct remote finally arrived and now works fine. When I shared this experience with my three tennis partners one Saturday morning, it turned out that
all of them had had the same nasty service experience that I had! Small world. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a way to share good and bad service experiences? It turns out that is exactly the business model created by online giant Yelp. Yelp operates an online urban guide and business review site founded in 2004. The website began as an email service for exchanging local business recommendations. It later introduced social networking features.
Most of us know the difference between great, good and poor service. While I know all about Yelp, I rarely use it. I have my own network I use for referrals, and I always try to support advertisers, many of whom I know personally. Yelpers tend to be younger than I, and some may not have the communications skills to effectively and fairly complain in person. It is easier just to go online and get even. Some small-business owners have told me that the online review process can be corrupt and harmful. While a number of my favorite shops have great online reviews, I want to attempt to put in perspective some negative ones. I was first made aware of this problem a few years ago by my friend Sheree Johnston, who owns
NOTE TO OUR SOUTH LAND PARK READERS Inside Pocket, which debuted last month, left some Inside Land Park readers confused when they were mailed the new Pocket edition in error. We apologize to our loyal readers. From this month on, you will receive Inside Land Park each month.
East Sac Hardware. She asked me to review some of her online ratings versus my own experiences with her store. I found it amazing to read negative reviews of a place that is generally beloved in our neighborhood specifically because of its extremely helpful service. Her husband Rich has helped me hundreds of times find exactly what I need. Johnston decided she’d fight back and tries to address each review. She believes negative experiences often result from unrealistic customer expectations. Take, for instance, the store’s tool refund policy: They do not accept returns on tools. This is to counter unscrupulous folks who buy a tool to use once, then return it for a refund. The shop has a bold sign with the policy at the counter. It’s also noted on the store’s receipts. And when you buy a tool, they almost always state the policy verbally. Yet that doesn’t stop people from returning tools and demanding refunds. “This is probably behind many of the negative reviews,” says Johnston.
PUBLISHER page 8
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
7
Modern Furniture for All Offering stylish, affordable, classic modern design.
IT’S JUST YOU ON A BIKE (and a room full of awesome people)
A Full-Body Indoor Cycling Studio
www.team-ride.com
916.455.7000 55th & H
2 Women & A Chair
2womenandachair.com | 916.929.7621
PUBLISHER FROM page 7 “With over 85,000 transactions per month, mistakes can be made because we are all human,” she says. “But we try hard to please and guide our retail customers, realizing ultimately that there are those who we can never make happy.” Salon Cuvee owner Brenna Simon also has had negative experiences with Yelp. She says that other salon and spa owners have also been burned by negative reviews. “I have tracked most of them back to disgruntled former employees after they have been fired. The timing and wording made this obvious.” Simon asked her regular clients to consider posting their positive experiences to put the bad ones in perspective. Many jumped at the opportunity to help. Yet the positive reviews never appeared. When she called Yelp, they said the new reviewers were not “Yelp regulars” so their reviews weren’t valid. Then, they suggested she become a member at a cost of hundreds of dollars a
8
ILP MAR n 14
month in order to moderate her reviews. “I refuse to give in to this extortion from a business profiting from negativity,” says Simon. As small-business owners, my husband and I, along with our staff, go to great lengths to take care of our advertisers. We also try hard to satisfy our readers, who aren’t customers per se since we produce a free publication. But still I have heard some complaints about us through the grapevine. Almost every case goes back to a business with huge expectations and very little budget to advertise their business. I’ll bet every business we sent to a collection agency (after going to great lengths to work out a payment plan) thinks we were the problem. Gratefully, the percentage of business we have to send to collection is extremely low, but still it is frustrating. The best way to handle both positive and negative experiences is to spread your own word to friend, and neighbors. Keep in mind that fairness
is key. Dealing with the public in retail is very challenging. That is all the more reason that I am kind and fair when dealing with store clerks. And when I have a bad experience with someone, I try to tell the owner or manager directly—which I tried unsuccessfully with the fireplace shop. That is usually the only person who can actually do something to improve the service. And that is exactly how I’d want someone to treat me.
As for online reviews, beware of the negativity and reviewer anonymity that have done so much to lower our level of public discourse. And keep in mind that a huge national corporation has nothing to lose by unfair bullying of local businesses. And they have everything to gain with money taken out of our community. Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. n
LIKE
INSIDE PUBLICATIONS
A CLEAR VISION FOR A HEALTHIER YOU S Sutter Imaging is continuing its partnership with you by providing more service options, in including diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and tele-radiology, all using the latest ttechnology. This expanded coverage offers patients more services and locations to choose from in our region. It’s one more way we plus you.
(916) 878-3456 Learn more at sutterimaging.org
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
9
Know the Candidate SCHENIRER ON THE CITY BUDGET, TAXES, THE ARENA AND MORE
BY R.E.GRASWICH
S
acramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer will run for re-election to the District 5 council seat he was elected to in November 2010. The district includes Curtis Park, South Land Park, Oak Park and parts of South Sacramento. The election will be June 3. Schenirer was an elected member of the Sacramento City Unified School District board from 1996 to 2004. Apart from his council duties, Schenirer works as an independent consultant and policy adviser on education reform and youth policy and strategies. He was assistant secretary for education and development and planning under then-governor Gray Davis, deputy director of the Foundation Consortium for California’s Children and Youth and general manager of Sacramento Food Bank. He also owned and operated a private business for 11 years. Schenirer and his wife Bina live in Curtis Park and have two sons in college, David and Noah. A second candidate, Ali Cooper, has announced his candidacy for the District 5 council seat. Inside Publications invited each candidate to share with us their views on important topics. Cooper informed Inside Publications he would not be available for an interview until after Feb. 24, too late for our March edition. We plan more coverage of this type each month leading up to the June election.
10
ILP MAR n 14
The city’s general fund budget for the current fiscal year is about $369 million. About $220 million of that goes to police and fire. The city manager has projected a $12 million deficit next year. What will you cut? Schenirer: I don’t know that we’ll have to make cuts next year. The city manager did his budget projections prior to the sales and property tax updates, and both are looking a little better than we thought, so you have an increase in revenues. We also have contracts open with our employee groups, and rather than cut personnel, which we absolutely don’t want to do, let’s work with our employee groups and do more with less. So I’m optimistic. I want to be conservative and solve the structural deficit, but do it in a way that lets us provide the services we’re doing today. Measure U helps the city maintain staffing levels in public safety and parks. The city manager expects a $27 million deficit in 2020, when Measure U expires. How will you prepare for the end of Measure U? Schenirer: There are several things we’ve got to do. We are trying to put together a Measure U reserve, so that as we save money from Measure U, we can stretch out those six years. If our sales taxes go up beyond projections, there will be additional dollars. We’ll put that into a reserve. But that doesn’t solve the challenge. What has to happen, if we’re able to provide services that people want in Sacramento, is we’ll need to make a
Councilmember Jay Schenirer
decision about the services we want moving forward. Can we cut $27 million out of our budget? I don’t think so. We will have to ask those questions of the voters and see what level of services they need, desire and are willing to pay for. The city’s proposed arena partnership with the Kings involves agreements among labor, business and the taxpayer. The Kings will leave town without it. Explain why you do or don’t support that partnership. Schenirer: I very much support that partnership. There are a host of reasons. You have to look at what would have happened had we lost the team. There are 300 jobs out of the gate that we lose. And we lose a business that really means something to people in Sacramento. You have to look at what the deficit
would be. On the asset side, it means thousands of new jobs. The construction industry has at least a 40 percent unemployment rate, so filling that void is really important. We’re talking about 4,000 to 5,000 construction jobs, when you think about the arena and ancillary development. With the arena and ancillary development, you’re talking about another 4,000 to 5,000 jobs that are permanent. Hopefully, none of these are minimum wage jobs. They all have a living wage or union wage connected to them. It will revitalize downtown. We’re starting to see that already and we haven’t even broken ground. I’m excited about the next five years and what the arena can do as a catalyst in both the economy and as a place where we want to live. We talk about attracting a creative class to Sacramento and keeping our young people here. A vibrant downtown is a big part of that, and an arena is a catalyst for a vibrant downtown. Do you support the parcel tax for improved library services? Schenirer: Absolutely. I think a $12 tax is essential for two reasons: One, we don’t want to be closing libraries, and the $12, or $1 a month, is a pretty minimal charge to make sure we keep all our libraries open. Second, I think there’s a little bit of room in there to try some new things. Libraries in Sacramento and everywhere else need to kind of reinvent themselves for the 21st century. But they are a very important community asset. I have no problem supporting that.
For a Beautiful Home. In a Beautiful World. Professional Cleaning, Repairing & Appraisals Free Consultation in Your Home SACRAMENTO 2550 Fair Oaks Boulevard (916) 486-1221 ROSEVILLE 1113 Galleria Boulevard (916) 780-1080 www.mansoursruggallery.com
What strategies can the city use to assist developers with projects in designated redevelopment areas? Schenirer: I’ve spent a lot of time on this issue the last couple of years as chair of the council’s law and legislation committee. We’ve completely redone our zoning codes. We’ve redone our parking codes. We’re trying to make it a more business-friendly city. That doesn’t mean throwing the gates open and doing everything somebody may want. But it means finding the balance between regulations and letting people create business and be entrepreneurs in this city. That’s really important. Sacramento has been known as being hostile to business. We can’t do that. If we don’t create jobs, then the rest of it doesn’t really matter. The second thing is the support for the arena and the development that’s happening downtown. The third thing is something I’ve been working about three years on. We’re creating a med zone along Stockton Boulevard by UC Med Center. There’s an initiative run
by the Chamber of Commerce and Valley Vision and other groups that looks at the economy of Sacramento and designates certain sectors that we can see potential growth in. Health is one of them. We want to be a proof point for that. We take all of the research that’s being done at the Med Center, and the work that’s being done at Kaiser and Sutter and Dignity Health, and do technology transfers. We create entrepreneurial activity in the neighborhoods that can then match the supply side of what’s happening in our schools. If you’re doing stem-cell research, if you’re doing telemed, or genome sequencing, you want to be on Stockton Boulevard. How can we take that and create jobs in our neighborhoods? How do we partner with school districts and create jobs and fill them with people who will live and work in Sacramento? I’m working hard on that. We’re working with grad students and business students at our universities. Within a year or so, we’ll have a really good plan with implementation steps on the horizon. n
Newson Court
3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths
17th Street
3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths
Otium Way
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
11
In Memory of Greg Hatfield LOCAL LEADER WAS A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FOR SACRAMENTO RESIDENTS
BY CRAIG POWELL
G
reg Hatfield, executive vice president and co-founder of Eye on Sacramento and a dear friend of mine, died on Jan. 29, a suspected victim of the flu that is taking too many of our family members, friends and colleagues. Greg was 65 and in shameless good health, an avid skier, sailor and off-roader. I never knew him to ever be ill until his final, devastating illness. This current strain of flu is cruelly and perversely bringing down those who are in the best of health, turning their stronger-than-average immune systems into mortal treasonous threats to their lives. If the title character of Tom Wolfe’s 1998 novel was “A Man in Full,” Greg Hatfield was “a citizen in full” to Sacramento. He spent the first 12 years of his career ably serving Sacramento residents in the city manager’s office, rising from a smart young management analyst to a utility relief pitcher for the city
12
ILP MAR n 14
manager, who tapped Greg to manage city departments when a capable, steady hand was required. From such experiences, Greg accumulated a virtually unsurpassed knowledge of the inner workings of city government and earned the respect of his peers. His near photographic recall didn’t hurt, either. After leaving government service, Greg spent the remainder of his career as a highly respected private development consultant, helping an estimated 1,000 businesses, builders and developers navigate the often mazelike world of government permits and building codes, enabling his clients to grow and provide employment for thousands. His sunny disposition and deep professional knowledge earned him the respect and affection of building department staff members throughout the region, many of whom he trained and mentored, as many have noted in their remembrances of Greg on SacBee.com’s Guestbook. Greg was passionate about being of service to the Sacramento community.
He was a ferocious, lifelong advocate for clean, honest, transparent and efficient local government. Like most Americans, Greg instinctually sided with the underdog. He unselfishly fought to defend the interests of average Sacramento residents whenever they were threatened by the raw political power of entrenched
special interests. His knowledge, wise counsel and warmth made him an indispensable part of Eye on Sacramento. Naturally, Greg became a leader in his own neighborhood, serving many years as co-president of South Pocket Homeowners Association. He was a protector who made sure that his neighbors were never cheated out of their fair share of attention from city government. And he was the first to roll up his sleeves and personally trim overgrown grass in his neighborhood’s Marriott Park when it needed trimming. Greg leaves behind two daughters, Jennifer Paradise and Lindsay White, four lovely granddaughters and too many friends to count. Rest in peace, my friend. As for everyone else, please get a flu shot today. It is not too late. Craig Powell is president of Eye on Sacramento, a civic watchdog and policy group. He can be reached at craig@eyeonsacramento.org or 7183030. n
ild u B / ign s e D es c i v Ser
Sheila Inks A FRIEND TO MERCY GENERAL HOSPITAL
For All of Your Kitchen, Bath and Whole-House Remodeling Needs s
chen
djkit
.com
ork sign W All De ouse. d In-H te le p Com terior ed In fi ti r e C Staff er on n ig s De
nto’s rame ds c a S o ng Ser vi eighborho n t oldes 81 19 e sinc e in-hom e e r f or a D&J Call f tion with lta consu
ense
rs lic acto 4 4 5 9 8 2
contr
7
.257
925 916.
Coldwell Banker
#1 IN CALIFORNIA
Fine Old Neighborhoods...Fine Old Homes
SOLD 2524 53rd Street Fantastic opportunity to own a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home with a bonus studio that has a kitchen and bathroom! Both have been freshly painted. Main home has hardwood floors. Spacious backyard with redwood trees. Great Elmhurst neighborhood. Walking distance to UC Davis Med Center. $299,000
559 Swanston Drive Fantastic price in Land Park for a roomy & open 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with vaulted ceilings, LR fireplace, big bedrooms with multiple closets. Beautiful backyard with Heritage Oaks and giant covered deck. Walk to Crocker Elementary..... $279,900
1649 9th Avenue Very nice home on a shady, tree-lined street in the heart of Land Park! 3 bedrooms, 2 great tiled baths, 1570 sqft, hardwood floors, fireplace, formal dining room, CH&A, tankless water heater, french doors to a covered patio & lush private yard with fruit trees.... $499,900
PALOMA BEGIN
BOB LYSTRUP
628-8561 PalomaBegin@gmail.com PalomaBegin.com
628-5357 blystrup@gmail.com BobLystrup.com
DRE#01254423
DRE#00991041
©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304.
S
heila Inks is a volunteer with heart—literally. As the newly elected president of Mercy General Hospital Guild, Inks has a personal connection to the 60-year-old organization that goes beyond a sense of civic duty. “I originally joined the guild because I was taught by the Sisters of Mercy and I was so impressed with all that they do,” says Inks, who has lived in Land Park for 42 years. “My first love is helping outside the surgery waiting room, being the liaison between patients and families and hospital staff. You meet the most wonderful people.” Inks herself was one of those anxious family members pacing the waiting room 10 years ago when her husband underwent heart transplant surgery in San Francisco. (The surgery was so successful that he now also regularly volunteers at Mercy.) The experience opened her eyes not only to the importance of the volunteer-public connection, but also a sweetly reassuring service that Mercy provides its heart patients: pillowcases. Inks makes 150 pillowcases a month for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery at Mercy. That’s a lot of pillowcases, even for someone with a background in home decor. (Inks
retired five years ago from her job as an interior designer.) But her dedication to creation is just one aspect of her 17 years with the Guild. “It’s been quite a progression,” Inks says. “I’ve been the membership chair, the second vice president, the first vice president, the treasurer. I’ve worked my way up.” When Inks takes over as president at the beginning of April, she’ll be overseeing the guild’s 150 active volunteers and 150 donor members in their quest to make Mercy General Hospital the best it can be. “The guild not only provides volunteer services—like running the gift shop and the information desks—but also fundraisers to give money back to the hospital to purchase items that aren’t in their general fund,” Inks explains. “Over the years, we’ve been able to buy transport carts, hospital beds and medical equipment. When they redid the lobby, we purchased the art for the walls. Raising funds for the hospital is what we’re here for.” That, and making sure the patients, public and staff of Mercy General Hospital are given a helping hand—with a healthy dose of heart. For more information about Mercy General Hospital call 7317189 or go to mercygeneral.org.
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
13
Dr. Who? FAIRYTALE TOWN CELEBRATES DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY
BY JESSICA LASKEY
S
LIFE IN THE CITY
pring has finally sprung, so what better way to celebrate than to have a good run around the play structures at Fairytale Town? Their spring and summer hours—9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily—go into effect on Saturday, March 1, so you’ll have plenty of sunlight to romp. And just in time, too, for the party of all parties: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration on Sunday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. As the good doctor— aka Theodor Seuss Geisel—says, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so ... get on your way!” Participate in hands-on crafts, stop by the Mother Goose Stage for a nonstop read-aloud of your favorite tongue-twisting Dr. Seuss classics and, of course, all the fun in the sun a kid could want. If you’re looking for some indoor entertainment, why not gather a school group together and attend a performance of Sacramento Children’s Theater’s “Rocket, the Runaway Engine” at Luther Burbank High School playing now until March 7? For 75 years, Sacramento Children’s Theater has provided local elementary school children with a free
14
ILP MAR n 14
Don't miss Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration on Sunday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Fairytale Town
musical theater production each year. While the program was originally operated by the Junior League of Sacramento starting in the 1940s, it is now under the auspices of Fairytale Town to help it reach more kids than ever with the help of community volunteers who serve as playwrights, actors, backstage helpers, costume sewers and more. “Fairytale Town is honored to carry on the Junior League’s legacy of promoting live theater to children in our community,” says Kathy Fleming, executive director of Fairytale Town. “The Sacramento Children’s Theater program augments Fairytale Town’s long and rich history of providing children with their first experience of live theater.” Performances are free for local school groups from prekindergarten through third grade. Advance reservations are required. Call 8087462. Luther Burbank High School is at 3500 Florin Road. For more information about all things Fairytale Town, call 808-7462 or go to fairytaletown.org. Fairytale Town is at 3901 Land Park Drive.
SUGAR RUSH
Combine your love of donuts and running at the Donut Dash on March 8 in Land Park
Do you love donuts but worry about burning off those delicious calories? Enter the Donut Dash Seis on Saturday, March 8 in Land Park, a fundraising fun run that combines donuts—from Marie’s Donuts, no less—and jogging to help raise money for the Child Life Program at Sutter Children’s Center. Started in 2010, the Donut Dash offers participants the chance to walk or jog two miles from the meet-up point in Land Park to the local
TOMB TOUR Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a mausoleum and a tomb? Ever wanted to see one up close? Now’s your chance when the Old City Cemetery presents a mausoleum and tomb tour on Saturday, March 1, at 10 a.m. Satisfy your inquiring mind and find out who’s buried inside—and why. If you’re more interested in flora than funerals, don’t miss the cemetery’s early-perennials tour on Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m. The Old City Cemetery Committee will take you tiptoeing through the tulips—rather, early-blooming perennial plant life—in Hamilton Square Garden. Tours are free, but donations are greatly appreciated and help with cemetery upkeep. For more information, call 448-0811 or 2647839 or go to oldcitycemetery.com. The Old City Cemetery is at 1000 Broadway.
SPARE SOME CHANGE Find out more about mausoleums and tombs at the Old City Cemetery Tour on March 1
legendary establishment Marie’s Donuts on Freeport Boulevard. Once “dashers” have had their fill of four complimentary donuts or six complimentary donut holes, they stroll back the same two miles—so the calories don’t even count, right? Proceeds benefit Sutter’s Child Life Program, which provides youth patients with activities, art projects, games, toys, movies and exercise equipment to take their minds off their maladies. The program also provides information to educate children about their illnesses, prepare them for procedures and surgeries, help their families cope with stressful medical experiences and celebrate holidays and special events during hospitalization. To date, the Donut Dash has raised $115,000 for the cause—a pretty sweet deal all around. To register or for more information, go to donutdash.org or contact event organizer Zack Wendell at 802-9225.
MERCY ME Rub elbows with the new crop of officers of Mercy General Hospital Guild on Thursday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at Casa Garden Restaurant. The meeting will install Sheila Inks as president, Barbara Cooper as first vice president, Mae Anderson as second vice president, Lynda Middleton as treasurer, Rosalie Nielsen as recording secretary and Glender Fishel as corresponding secretary. They will oversee Mercy Guild Volunteer Services, which provides compassionate volunteer support to patients, families, staff, physicians and visitors to Mercy General Hospital. For more information, contact Betty BeBe Wright at 424-2628. Casa Garden Restaurant is at 2760 Sutterville Road.
Hey, you. Yes, you! Did you know that if you visited the Sacramento Zoo in 2013 and dropped a token in one of the wishing wells at the zoo entrance, you helped the organization provide more than $100,000 to over two dozen conservation efforts around the world? That’s the most the zoo has ever contributed in its entire 87-year history—and it’s partly thanks to you. The Quarters for Conservation program provides each guest a token upon entry to place in the wishing well that corresponds to a conservation cause they’d like to see prosper. Last year’s initiatives included the local Riparian Bush Rabbit Recovery program, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary project and the Masai Giraffe Conservation program. A total of $50,000 is divided up each year to support these programs. While each project is guaranteed at least $5,000, your votes determined how the total got divided among the three projects. The public spoke, and with those voting tokens and other conservation contributions, the zoo was able to provide more than $100,000 to various animal protection programs.
So what will you vote for this year? The zoo’s 2014 initiatives are Tiger Conservation in Sumatra, to reduce tiger-human conflict around Leuser National Park; the Pacific Health Fisher Project, which studies the impact of diseases on local fish species to protect their dwindling numbers; or the Galapagos Penguin Lava Nest Project, which seeks to build safe breeding grounds for the penguin population. Inspired to find out more? Check out the Conservation page at saczoo. org or call 808-5888. The Sacramento Zoo is at 3930 W. Land Park Drive.
DO GOOD DELICIOUSLY Celebrate spring with lunch and a sip (or two) of wine at Casa Garden Restaurant’s Wine Social on Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy your choice of red or white wine provided by Sutter Creek’s BellaGrace Vineyards and a panoply of delectable Casa-made hors d’oeuvres. Entree choices include three-cheese garden lasagna and chicken Caesar salad, with a delightful latte mocha torte for dessert. Looking for something that’ll give you the luck of the leprechaun and taste amazing, too? Check out Casa’s St. Patrick’s Luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The meal includes your choice of traditional corned beef with steamed potatoes and pea/pecan slaw or chicken Caesar salad and a decadent dessert of almond cake framboise. The Irish Eyes will serenade you with live music. Proceeds from each meal benefit Sacramento Children’s Home. Reservations are required. Call 4522809. Casa Garden Restaurant is at 2760 Sutterville Road.
JUST RIGHT Ready for a play that’s not too cold, not too hot, but just right? Don’t miss Storytime Theatre’s production of “Goldilocks” playing March 8 through April 6 at Sacramento City College. The timeless tale of the wandering blonde and her epic porridge picking has been adapted by Doug Lawson
LIFE page 17
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
15
Bright Lights A MIDCENTURY-MODERN FAN SETS OUT TO SAVE LAND PARK’S NEON
BY R.E. GRASWICH
T
CITY BEAT
hey are stitched into the textures of Land Park, generational guideposts that connect families past and present and remind us how we shop, eat and relax. Joe Marty’s name in neon script, autographed across a baseball over his empty old saloon. The big-top presence of Pancake Circus, with its three-ring fluorescent allure: “Steaks, Sea Food, Salads.” Neon colors of blueberries and cream that call out “Vic’s Ice Cream.” Dancing neon kids above Tower Cafe. Caps-locked COLLEGE CYCLERY in red, black and white. (Just don’t bother looking up the word “cyclery.” It expresses itself eloquently, but there’s no such word in the dictionary.) The neon signs of Land Park began life as marketing tools. They were designed to call attention to themselves and entertain and be appropriately outrageous while drawing customers inside. And now they are dying, like the rest of us, often faded and broken, filled with strange fuses and solenoids that would baffle an electrical engineering undergrad.
16
ILP MAR n 14
Gretchen Steinberg is working to save vintage neon signs
Gretchen Steinberg, who has proudly turned her home on South Land Park Drive into a celebration of midcentury pastels, furniture, TVshow lunch pails and toy rocket ships, has set out to save the old signs of her community. Those neon tubes that hiss with gas and turn red or yellow or purple when charged with low voltage are iconic, she believes. We must save them. Along these clean and simple lines, she formed the nonprofit Sacramento Modern group to help save our cultural and architectural links to the post-World War II era. “Our signs are our cultural landmarks,” she says.
Steinberg is a born aesthete, burdened with none of the censor’s prudence. Consider her response to the Tower Liquor sign at Broadway and 16th Street. Never necessarily a beacon of family values, the booze sign is a prosaic counterweight to the masterpiece across the street: the famed Tower Theatre neon with the jitterbugging boy and girl and their beckoning pitch, “Records Cosmetics Films.” But when Steinberg noticed this winter that the Tower Liquor sign was damaged (a fierce wind broke the brittle plastic like a cheap bottle of wine slipping from a soggy brown paper bag), she felt awful. She had to
stop at the liquor store and perform a welfare check on the wounded sign. “Say what you will about the Tower Liquor sign, it’s been there for probably 40 years and it’s part of that corner,” Steinberg says. “I went inside and asked the guys what was going to happen with the sign. They said, ‘Oh, yeah, the wind damaged it, but don’t worry. We’re going to come back with something even better!’” Steinberg didn’t know how to take the “something even better” part. But she was pleased a few weeks later when a crew installed the new Tower Liquor sign, bright with a yellow BEAT page 18
COLOR IS LIGHT ON FIRE SAM FRANCIS
Five Decades of Abstract Expressionism from California Collections ON VIEW JANUARY 26 – APRIL 20, 2014
0 4USFFU t %PXOUPXO 4BDSBNFOUP t crockerartmuseum.org 4BN 'SBODJT Untitled EFUBJM "DSZMJD PO DBOWBT Y JO 5IF %PSJT BOE %POBME 'JTIFS $PMMFDUJPO "SUXPSL ÂŞ 4BN 'SBODJT 'PVOEBUJPO $BMJGPSOJB "SUJTUT 3JHIUT 4PDJFUZ "34 /FX :PSL
LIFE FROM page 15
girls & boys from public or private schools are welcome!
Summer Classes & Camps
For 5th-12th Grade Girls & Boys Arts, Academics, Sports & More!
Register Now! www.stfrancishs.org/summer Session 1: June 16 - July 3 Session 2: July 7 - July 25
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
and Matt K. Miller (who also directs) and features a talented troupe of Sacramento City College students in the iconic roles. Admission is only $5 (free for children 2 and younger), with a half-price special for opening day. For more information, call 558-2174. Performances will take place in the Little Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the Sacramento City College campus, located at 3835 Freeport Boulevard.
A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN Sixty years ago this year, Land Park Pacific Little League gave the kids of Land Park, Curtis Park, Hollywood Park, South Land Park, the Little Pocket and the surrounding areas the chance to play ball right in their own neighborhoods. Celebrate this marvelous milestone at the opening day parade on Saturday,
March 22, at 8 a.m. at Dooley Field behind Holy Spirit Parish School. For 20 of the last 60 years, Dooley Field has served as home turf for Land Park Little League (founded in 1954) and Pacific Little League (created in 1959). Once the Curtis Park Little League joined up in 2000, Land Park Pacific Little League became the thriving baseball bloc it is today. Do you remember back to a time before the current catchers and batters were born? You’ll love the photos, memorabilia and old jerseys on display for the parade. You might even bump into former teammates (if you can recognize them). For more information, go to lppll. com. Dooley Field is at 2 San Mateo Court. Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. n
5900 Elvas Avenue . Sacramento, CA 95819 . 916.737.5040 ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
17
BEAT FROM page 16 background and white-and-black lettering, offset by two wine bottles, one of which can pass for a gallon of Chianti wrapped in wicker. “I never saw the original Tower Liquor sign when it was brand new, but my guess is it looked pretty much like the replacement,” Steinberg says. “You have to give them credit for keeping it consistent.” The passion for old signs has carried Steinberg into the tangled web of city ordinances and historic preservation. It can be a no-man’s land, where preservationists debate historical significance with landlords, and landlords spar with bureaucrats over variances and expansion plans. Steinberg becomes the person in the room who says, uh, excuse me, can we please talk about your sign? A collegial, collaborative style serves her well. Steinberg researched city ordinances and concluded that while many buildings fit within definitions of historical relevance, the signs that go with those buildings are almost never protected. Speaking for the unwashed and silent signs, she employs tact and persuasive humility, tugging at nostalgic heartstrings as needed. “We work closely with preservation groups and have a great relationship
with the city,” Steinberg says. “We also work with landlords. We know they might need to repurpose a building and might not want an old sign, but we talk to them and get them to appreciate the significance.” The timeless appeal of old neon certainly helps SacMod’s mission. Steinberg looks around the country for case studies in other cities, noting how they preserve their midcentury fluorescence. Tucson, Ariz., has done a nice job, along with Portland, Ore., Knoxville, Tenn., and Fort Collins, Colo. Steinberg is not especially fond of Las Vegas, which boasts a museum devoted to that city’s famous neon. “It’s a boneyard approach,” says Steinberg, who prefers her neon wild in its natural environment. Sacramento has a neon graveyard, a storage facility at McClellan Field for the community’s old signs. Steinberg won’t go there. “It would make me sad,” she says.
YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE
FINDING A GREAT DENTIST HERE!
• Children & Adults • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants Always accepting new patients.
44-SMILE or visit us at
www.sutterterracedental.com LIKE US ON
For more information about Sacramento Modern’s campaign to save the city’s neon signs, go to Facebook.com/SacMod.
3001 P St. Sacramento, CA
R.E. Graswich can be reached at reg@graswich.com. n
Paul Raskin, D.D.S.
NEW LAUNDROMAT
NOW OPEN! FREE DRY w/ wash! New Equipment SML/MED & Jumbo Washers & Dryers
Drop-Off Laundry $1.25 per pound WiFi/ATM Machines accept credit/debit
2431 K ST lovelaundry.com 916 ™ 469 ™ 9840 HOURS 5 a.m.–MIDNIGHT Sam's Hof Brau is one of the endangered vintage signs
18
ILP MAR n 14
lovelaundry.com
One of the region’s most respected denture makers! Call for a Complimentary Consultation!* (a $75 value) • State-of-the-Art in-of¿ce denture laboratory • Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back* • CareCredit available *restrictions apply
2344 Butano Dr, St. C2 Sacramento, CA 95825 971-6700 www.neubite.com
E S K AT O N I N D E P E N D E N T L I V I N G W I T H S E R V I C E S
Land Park Lively
What’s Your Sign?
People are friendly at Eskaton Monroe Lodge. Maybe it’s the lively environment or the setyour-own-pace lifestyle. Friendships blossom at our picturesque independent living lodge, where you can enjoy a private apartment with all the amenities. Housekeeping, dining, hospitality services and a dynamic recreation program keep life easy (and fun). Life Enrichment Initiatives include creative art and music; Thrill of a Lifetime; Eskaton Celebrates 100+; and community gardens. Our new discreet QuietCare® smart sensors provide residents and families a peace of mind advantage.
Call or visit us today. Ask about the Eskaton difference. Live here ... Live at your own pace.
This is the sign of… The #1 Top Real Estate Producer (Kim Pacini-Hauch) in all of Sacramento County for 2013. • With closings in excess of $31 million, who sold 38 homes last year and listed 40. • Sales for properties $500,000 and above totaling $27 million, with $9.7 million of that coming from homes of $1 million and above. • More than 25 years real estate industry experience. • Recognized as a leading fundraiser and advocate for numerous Sacramento area charitable organizations. • Current agent of record for listings featured on the front cover of Luxury Homes Magazine, in Sunset Magazine, to name just a few.
The #1 Independently Owned Residential Real Estate Company in Northern and Central California.
Eskaton Monroe Lodge Independent Living with Services
3225 Freeport Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95818 916-264-9001 eskaton.org | 866-ESKATON
• Founded with just 2 offices and 40 agents, the company now has 22 locations, over 750 of the industry’s most productive agents, and serves 12 counties. • Over 120,000 closed transactions and $32 billion in real estate sold in 20 years.
The #3 RE/MAX franchise in the world. • The RE/MAX Network was founded in 1973 with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their business with great independence. Over 90,000 agents provide RE/MAX a global reach in more than 90 countries. Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.
The home of some of the best and brightest agents in the market, who have chosen RE/MAX Gold because… • It is a company with a commitment to and passion for the communities in which their agents live and work. RE/MAX Gold is proud to have played its part in raising more than $130 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Susan G. Komen and other charities. • It is a company that takes a more client centric approach and encourages its agents to make this their highest priority.
And last, but certainly not least, it is a sign that this community can trust and have faith in!
• Over 9,100 families helped in 2013 1HZ RŧFHV REMAXGold.com for over $2.6 billion in closed sales. 12: ZLWKHUYH \RX LQ WR V ZQ 6LHUUD 2DNV 0LGWR
877.78.REMAX
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
19
The Cutting Edge HABERDASHER STEVE BENSON WORKS HIS MAGIC ON MEN'S WARDROBES
he says has enjoyed a resurgence in
BY JESSICA LASKEY
recent years. Clients select the fabric
SHOPTALK
“P
and finishes and Benson works his eople are much more
measurement magic to make sure a
conscious of fit these
suit or shirt fits like it was made for
days,” says Steve
you—because, of course, it was.
Benson, owner of the eponymous S.
“Shirts that you buy off the rack
Benson & Co. clothing company on
are often too tight across the chest,”
H Street. Benson knows this fact
Benson says. “A lot of my clients
firsthand: Not only does he stay on
prefer ease in the chest and shoulders
top of trends to outfit his clients in
but a more fitted waist. For suits,
the most current styles, but he also
there’s been a real return to quality—
recently lost 67 pounds.
clean lines, mother of pearl buttons, wool mixed with cashmere. With the
Losing the weight “forced me to really reevaluate my wardrobe,”
right details, a garment can look like
Benson says. “Most of the clothes I
it cost twice as much.”
owned I couldn’t alter—my brother
Benson prides himself not only on
inherited most of them, lucky guy—
creating the perfect personal garment,
so I had to prioritize what I really
but also working with a client’s
needed and restock my closet. The
existing wardrobe to keep them on
trend today is having your clothes fit
the cutting edge. “I offer ‘wardrobe management,’ ”
closer to your body, which is actually much more flattering.” It doesn’t
he explains, “where I guide and advise
hurt that Benson himself is feeling
clients, go through their existing
much more confident these days in
wardrobe, analyze body type and color
wearing such streamlined styles, but
options, and also prioritize current
his interest in staying up-to-date has
and future clothing needs. I find that
a lot to do with Benson’s rebranding
some of my clients who retire buy
effort to court some younger clientele.
Steve Benson is the owner of S. Benson & Co. clothing company on H Street
one or two new items every season
“It was time for a change,” Benson says. “I revamped my website, I’m embracing social media—I’m on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter— and my new business focus is ‘the well-dressed gentleman.’ I’m seeing younger guys coming in who need outfits for college, post-college or for entering the workforce.” While Benson may be modernizing the business he has owned since 1995, he’s staying true to the personal panache that put him on the map, first as an employee at Irwin Clothing Company, where he worked during
20
ILP MAR n 14
fewer clothes, but I think that adding
college until eventually managing and
happy and looking great. When
owning the now-defunct retailer, and
people dress themselves, they’re on
now as the sole proprietor of his own
a quest for a personal identity and
stylish store.
consistency. My mission is to help
“I consider the atmosphere in my
gentlemen define their clothing needs
shop to be as relaxing as shopping
and provide them with garments
in my living room or a comfortable
that better reflect their personality
men’s club,” Benson says. “I find the
and lifestyle, all in a comfortable and
greatest joy in the friendships that
relaxed environment.”
I’ve made over the years. I’ve never
Benson specializes in both off-the-
considered myself a salesman, but
rack dressing (he carries a variety of
(rather) a friend of my clients who
work, weekend and evening brands)
wants them to leave my shop feeling
as well as custom clothing, which
makes a person look more vibrant, more aware of trends—like they’re really paying attention.” And if you need help on that front, Benson is happy to lend a hand. Does your bureau need a boost? Give Benson a ring at 452-4288 or go to sbensonandco.com. S. Benson & Co. is at 5617 H St.
WINDOWS TO THE SOUL When Bob Henderson set out looking for a specialized business he
could sink his teeth into after careers as both a commercial real estate broker and airline pilot, he couldn’t have picked much better than window restoration. “This is a highly specialized business,” Henderson says. “I’ve always loved to build things, so I wanted to do something specialized. I certainly found it.” As the owner of Artisan Window & Sash Restoration, Henderson is the go-to guy for updating old wooden windows to increase efficiency while preserving the architectural aesthetics that make these classics so cool. “People who own older homes want to maintain the authenticity and value,” Henderson says, “but old single-pane windows are a source of energy loss. Many owners of old homes find their energy bills to be unacceptable. The Bi-Glass system we use is a revelation because it offers an ‘all of the above’ solution that saves money”—25 to 100 percent below traditional vinyl, aluminum or wood—“and energy” —there’s a 20 percent annual reduction in energy costs—“and keeps waste out of landfills.” The window- and money-saving system originated in Boston and, before Henderson learned the ropes, was only offered by one other technician in Portland (with whom Henderson trained). Traditionally, once the drafts from cracked casements became unbearable for residents, they would have no other choice but to re-outfit their home with new windows. Instead, Henderson and his crew “convert” the old windows using the patented Bi-Glass system, which he describes as follows:
“I’ve always loved to build things, so I wanted to do something specialized. I certainly found it.” “During a Bi-Glass conversion, a trained technician removes the
A NATURAL DESIGNER
Artisan Window & Sash Restoration owner Bob Henderson
original window sash from the frame and takes it to a mobile workshop,” he says. “Then a patented tool package is used to root out the old window putty and glass. Next, the new Low-E insulated glass is installed. The interior grillwork remains intact and virtually unchanged. In addition, new weather-stripping is installed to eliminate all drafts. The sashes are then reinstalled into their openings and adjusted to fit snugly. All of this is done in the space of less than a day for each window.” Once Henderson discovered the newly patented process—it was featured on the PBS series “This Old House” as far back as 1993—he set out to learn everything he could before founding Artisan Window & Sash Restoration in 2011. He flew out to Boston to observe the inventor, connected with the technician in Portland for further training and the inventor himself even flew out
to the West Coast to help Henderson get everything up and running. Now Henderson boasts a burgeoning client list of home- and business-owners who are hoping to hang onto their structures’ architectural charm. “I knew Sacramento would be the perfect place to do this because we have so many old homes,” Henderson says. “I work on buildings in midtown that are in historic preservation zones. You can’t just replace the windows, you have to make sure they look like the originals.” With Henderson’s help and expertise, those windows will be feeling like new, but looking just as quaint, in no time. Do you have aging window architecture that needs updating? Call Henderson at 947-6900 or go to artisansash.com. The Artisan Window & Sash Restoration office is at 4751 Hillcrest Ave.
For LeSanne Lindborg, it was only natural that she would become a designer. “I’m a third-generation designer,” she says proudly by phone from her design outpost, McKinley Square Home, on Alhambra Boulevard. “I inherited my expertise from my mom—she had four stores when I was growing up in Seattle—and my grandfather was a designer, too. I come from artistic, self-employed people.” Lindborg’s love of all things interior started at an early age, when she would assist her mother in her design studios or at custom build sites. “I grew up working in my mom’s stores, refinishing furniture, painting,” Lindborg recalls. “(Design) is really laborious work. It’s all about stuff that has to be moved.” But the hard work didn’t scare her off. In fact, it made her even more excited to be part of the transformative process of design, which Lindborg refers to as a “journey” she goes on with her clients. “Design is so very personal,” she says. “The process helps people hone in on what’s really important to them. For me, it’s all about scale and balance, the yin and yang that I learned from my mother. Every vignette, every layer of lifestyle design tells a story about the person who lives (in the space). When I meet a client, I know we’re going to go on a journey together. It is my goal to create for the client beauty and comfort beyond even what they thought possible.” Lindborg has been doing just that for more than 35 years, but not always just with interiors. She owned two jewelry stores to sell her own designs for 17 years, designed a line of clothing and accessories that she had manufactured overseas for seven years, and is now celebrating her fifth year as the sole proprietor of McKinley Square Home (originally called LeSanne Design). “I’m always creating, creating, creating,” she says. “I can’t help it.” Luckily for her clients, Lindborg SHOPTALK page 22
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
21
Restore That Historic Charm
Before
“The porch looks better than I could have ever dreamed. Impact Builders designed and constructed it beautifully. They were a joy to work with I couldn’t be happier.” - Lisa
After
~ ~ ~ ~
ImpactBuilders.org
Custom Carpentry Kitchen and Bath Remodels Additions Home Performance Upgrades
(916) 826-1849
License No. 938975
Guitar repair by
Dave Lynch Lynch & Steve Steve Lovas Lovas Dave Want to Learn to Play Guitar?
Private Lessons $100/ $120
Get your guitar set up for Winter starting at $64.95! Guitdoorbell, music for your door® For kids or travel $129.95 here!
LIKE
Guitar Workshop 916-441-6555 3248 J Street GuitarWorkshopOnLine.com
INSIDE PUBLICATIONS 22
ILP MAR n 14
LeSanne Lindborg is designer and owner of McKinley Square Home on Alhambra Boulevard
SHOPTALK FROM page 21 doesn’t try to quell her creative instinct. She instead uses her keen eye for design to craft interior spaces that speak to a variety of styles. “Ninety percent of my job is being psychic about my clients’ needs,” Lindborg says. “I want to expand their horizons and give them something that makes them say, ‘I had no idea I would love this so much.’ I do a lot of educating. People see design shows on TV and think that’s how it works, but those are unrealistic. It’s a journey to create harmony, beauty and balance.” For some, the true process of design can sound rather daunting. “Some people experience trepidation toward interior design because they may be afraid they will get something they don’t want,” Lindborg says. “A good designer partners with clients to design a space to lift the spirits of all who enter.” If you want a taste of Lindborg’s overarching aesthetic, there’s no
better place than McKinley Square Home, a space that the designer fell in love with five years ago. (“I hounded the landlord,” she admits.) She since has decked it out, from rafters to rugs, with furniture and accessories that are designed to inspire. “The showroom is meant to get people interested and excited about our design services,” Lindborg says. “It’s mostly about exposing people to the things we can create together. We don’t often give ourselves a space that’s just ours, that reflects our success, that’s encouraging and uplifting, but it’s so important. Each design project is like writing music. Each person’s symphony is unique and every item is a note in that symphony.” Does your home need a design update? Let Lindborg lend a hand— and eye—and call 444-2011 or go to mckinleysquarehome.com. McKinley Square Home is at 810 Alhambra Blvd. n
Create Your Dream Garden with a little help from the experts
NOW is the time to START
200
$
for a 2 Hour Consultation
(drawing and notes included)
A father daughter team with 40 years experience in both the nursery business and garden design which makes us uniquely quali¿ed to help you with your garden. We solve problems, renew old gardens or create a garden oasis just for you.
Visit TheGardenTutors.com or Call 606-6029
DREAMERS. WELCOME. “YOU CAN’T REALLY MAKE ANYTHING HAPPEN WITHOUT DREAMING.” ESTHER SON ESTELLE’S PATISSERIE
See what other dreamers are doing:
dreamerswelcome.org
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
23
Refuge for Refugees LOCAL GROUP OFFERS MICROLOANS AND MORE TO IMMIGRANTS
BY TERRY KAUFMAN
T
LOCAL HEROES
wo decades ago, Sacramento’s Interfaith Service Bureau launched an initiative to help resettle refugees into the Sacramento region. The Sacramento Refugee Ministry worked with immigrants from all parts of the globe who faced many common challenges, from finding housing and jobs to adjusting to a new language and culture. A number of refugees, particularly those from the former Soviet Union, were interested in starting their own businesses but didn’t have the knowledge to do so.
The group has 18 paid staffers and a multicultural roster of volunteers and interns. By the late ’90s, the ministry was working with local banks to create a microlending system and to provide training and guidance on how to start a business. When Debra DeBondt came aboard in 2001 as refugee
24
ILP MAR n 14
Opening Doors helps immigrants become self-sufficient contributors to the community through education
resettlement program manager, the microloan program was in its infancy. Today, DeBondt is chief executive officer of the organization, which in 2003 was rechristened Opening Doors. The group has 18 paid staffers and a multicultural roster of volunteers and interns. It is funded through private donations, foundation grants and federal funding. “We believe that self-employment is a great way for refugees to get involved in the workplace,” says DeBondt. She says that when they start businesses, refugees also start to view themselves in a whole new light, taking pride in becoming selfsufficient and contributing to the
community. In addition to microloans, which are continually replenished through a revolving loan fund, Opening Doors provides a wealth of technical support services for immigrants. The flagship offering is MoneyWorks, a six-month financial makeover program taught by local banking and finance experts on a pro bono basis. Immigrants are taught how to gain control of their personal finances by changing their habits and setting achievable goals. Through coaching, peer support, workshops, and one-on-one counseling, the new arrivals develop the skills they need
to handle money and manage their finances. Classes are taught in six-month installments, beginning in the spring and fall, and they run weekly for three months and then once a month for three months. Trinity Lutheran Church in Midtown provides not just a venue for the classes but also on-site childcare for the attendees. Financial support for the program comes from local banks, as well as the United Way, Kelly Foundation and Cowell Foundation. Opening Doors also sponsors a legal services program to help undocumented immigrants qualify for visas. “Our main focus is visas,”
says DeBondt. “They can qualify if they cooperate with law enforcement, or if they are the victims of violent crime.” She notes that violence among immigrants, as well as child prostitution, is “quite a substantial issue in Sacramento.” DeBondt shares the story of a refugee who heard about Opening Doors through her church and showed up on the group’s doorstep about five years ago with shocking tales of her subjugation in the human trafficking trade. This inspired the nonprofit to establish its Survivors of Human Trafficking program and to become a founding member of Sacramento’s Rescue and Restore Coalition. The program focuses on foreign-born survivors of trafficking, whether through indentured servitude or the sex trade. “We work with the survivors to help them restart their lives,” says Emma Lindrose, Opening Doors’ marketing and development manager. “We provide education and case management, connecting them with vital resources, including housing.”
This inspired the nonprofit to establish its Survivors of Human Trafficking program and to become a founding member of Sacramento’s Rescue and Restore Coalition. Lindrose says that the organization and its programs will continue to expand to address the needs of new refugee groups. Currently, programs are provided in English and Spanish. With the recent influx of Iraqi immigrants, she foresees a need for Arabic speakers.
Lorene Warren DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO PARTNERSHIP’S CONTEST WINNER
799.2121 Trust 34 Years of Experience. View All Homes on My Website!
• Services Guaranteed • Pre Sale Home Repairs • All aspects of preparing your home for sale • Professional Home Interior Staging
Eclectic candy from near and far, carefully selected for quality and taste. 1012 9TH STREET BETWEEN J AND K ST.
ANDYSCANDYSTORE.COM (916) 905-4115
LoreneWarren.com
“We can’t imagine spending our
best years anywhere but home.”
CALL TODAY!
Our Life. Our Memories. Our Home. Live Well at Home with Home Care Assistance! • NEW! Home Care Assistance is the only home care agency to train care partners in mental stimulation. We help clients delay symptoms of cognitive decline by engaging them in research-based, enjoyable cognitive activities. • Home Care Assistance’s unique Balanced Care Method™ promotes healthy mind, body and spirit. • Home Care Assistance is the only senior care company with a Home Care University to train and develop care partner employees.
TOREMENTO NEWWS A N SACR
NTO IN DOW
ts ortmen ions gift ass confect y d n a a c m d de d n e a k es h ic it d p r favo es an · Hand d retro hocolat n c a m s ie iu nd · Prem rted ca events al impo gs and in t s · Unusu a t y d ptions n re ca r-free o a g u s · In-sto nd items a · Kids’ 10% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
30 Years in Business Design-Build ¿rm specializing in: • KITCHENS • BATHS • ROOM ADDITIONS • WHOLE HOUSE REMODELS
CALL 369-6518 OR VISIT EBERLEREMODELING.COM Free Initial Consultation
Kent Eberle Master CertiÀed Remodeler President, Eberle Remodeling
NARI of Sacramento’s most award-winning remodeling company!
Your Gift of Love Leave everything you’ve worked for to the people you love.
Protect your loved ones with a living trust 18 Years Experience Free Initial Trust Consultation Mark J. Lamb, Attorney at Law
To learn more about Opening Doors, go to openingdoorsinc.org. n
916-706-0169
5363 H Street, Suite A Sacramento, CA 95819 HomeCareAssistanceSacramento.com
Wills • Trusts • Probate & Special Needs Trusts
485-2593 2725 Riverside Blvd., Ste. 800
Lambtrust.com ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
25
Family Friendly FOR ONE EAST SAC COUPLE, THIS FLIP WAS NO FLOP
BY JULIE FOSTER HOME INSIGHT
“We found this house midflip. The closer we looked, the more we liked it,” Paige says. HOME page 28
26
ILP MAR n 14
2.
1.
3. 1. The Schulte children busy having fun. 2. The family room is open, light and perfect for spending time with family.
4. 3. The kitchen is light and open. 4. Comfortable and cozy, the master bedroom is a calm retreat after a busy day.
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
27
The home is filled with architectural details
“It gives the feeling of a charming old house and is a nice original piece of the 1940s home,” says Schulte.
HOME FROM page 26
P
aige and Nick Schulte needed a new home for their growing family and wanted to remain in their East Sacramento neighborhood. A solution proved to be right down the street: A contractor was remodeling a house to ready it for resale. “We found this house midflip. The closer we looked, the more we liked it,” Paige says. A combination of factors sealed the deal for the couple. The contractor retained the charm of the 1940s home, upgrading it with loads of storage areas and incredible finish work. Moreover, they could stay in their neighborhood. The 1,500-square-foot home received an extensive remodel from Todd Smith Homes. Work included the installation of new windows. Both the interior and exterior received new paint. Smith added a master bedroom and bath. Adding two covered porches created additional living spaces. Revamping the kitchen assured a warm and functional place for the family. Dressed up with fine finish
28
ILP MAR n 14
work, the living room and dining room gained a big dose of style. Five arched doorways, a favorite design element of Smith’s, add appeal.
“It has been a little slice of heaven living in a community neighborhood where we really do know and look out for each other,” she says. “It’s like a block party every day.” With three young children, the Schulte family needs plenty of storage. The remodeled home includes media storage in the playroom and double closets in the master bedroom. The master bath’s under-vanity
storage and a deep closet tucked into a niche in the hallway are amazing, says Schulte. Transforming the garage into an office for her husband provided even more space. “We converted the garage into an office so the ability to store things in actual storage space is a blessing, instead of looking for the toilet paper under the bed,” she explains. Pushing out a wall provided muchneeded space in the galley kitchen. It also created the opportunity to add some architectural interest. Smith left exposed what had been the exterior brickwork of the living room’s fireplace. Now incorporated into the kitchen and painted a creamy white, the chimney serves as a dramatic focal point. “It gives the feeling of a charming old house and is a nice original piece of the 1940s home,” says Schulte. The kitchen’s new flooring is a perfect match for the living room’s original wood floor. New kitchen cabinets line the walls. Counters topped with creamy quartz provide plenty of workspace. Two stools
tucked under one side of the counter offer a view to the street. Within steps of the kitchen, the light-filled laundry room makes daily chores a little less tedious. A French door opening on to the covered back porch provides a view of the children’s play area. The living room is a showstopper. A beautiful double tray ceiling adds a sense of elegance and spaciousness. The crystal chandelier illuminates the fine finish work of the ceiling. The fireplace’s surround and mantle mimic the detailed tray ceiling. The dining room’s contemporary hatbox light fixture complements the more formal chandelier. Picture panel molding on the arched doorway between the living and dining room adds more interest. Standing inside the front door, your eye is drawn through the living room and the dining room’s back door. It appears as if the space is uninterrupted. Yet tucked inconspicuously into a wall in the dining room is an indentation large enough for both media and toy
Building or Remodeling? IT’S JUST YOU ON A BIKE
OVER 20 YEARS in the construction industry!
(and a room full of awesome people)
Design–Build Whole House Remodeling Custom Homes Kitchens & Baths
Experience & craftsmanship within your budget Work with our designers or your architect FREE CONSULTATION in your home
Room Additions Garages & Casitas
A Full-Body Indoor Cycling Studio
www.team-ride.com storage and space for a series of photos of the children. Schulte calls it her hidden gallery. Schulte loves the two covered porches. “We use the porches like living rooms for the kids to play in and for date nights in the summer,” Schulte says. The back porch, surrounded by decomposed granite, is a great play area for the kids. The front porch allows for a street view as well as lots of interaction with the neighbors. “The front porch is a perfect place for a glass of wine on summer evenings and family dinners alfresco,” Schulte explains. For young families thinking about moving, Schulte offers a few helpful pointers. Families on a modest budget should look for space outside the home that can extend your living area. Repurpose the old master bedroom as a room the kids can share if you plan to add a new master bedroom. Don’t forget storage for all the games, toys and other stuff young families accumulate.
www.millsbuilders.com 451-9733, ext. 2
916.455.7000 55th & H
Schulte explains that finding this home within their price range in their walkable, close-knit neighborhood was an extra delight.
“We use the porches like living rooms for the kids to play in and for date nights in the summer,” Schulte says. “It has been a little slice of heaven living in a community neighborhood where we really do know and look out for each other,” she says. “It’s like a block party every day.”
CA License No. 782869
Whether you are buying or selling, make Steffan part of your team
Together, we can bring you HOME!
717-7217 Steffan Brown
Your neighborhood specialist
SteffanBrown.com
If you know of a home you think should be featured in Inside Publications, contact Julie Foster at foster.julie91@yahoo.com. n
Character. Competence. Commitment. Community.
BRE #01882787
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
29
Funny Man THIS RENAISSANCE GUY IS COMEDIAN, WRITER AND FINANCIAL PLANNER
BY JESSICA LASKEY MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR
I
f you’re an Inside Publications reader (and since you’re reading this sentence, I’ll assume you are), you know Greg Sabin’s work. He writes the pithy restaurant reviews in the back of the paper. But did you know that Sabin is also a certified financial planner, comedian and musician? “I’ve been called a bizarro Renaissance man,” Sabin says with an easy laugh over beer at The Shack in East Sacramento—one of his favorite hangouts for its Wednesdaynight trivia games. (In fact, two of his friends join our table as trivia time draws near.) “Everything in my life has sprouted from being comfortable in front of people.” That’s not hard to imagine, considering his affability and quick wit. When you discover that he’s a performer—both of comedy and music—it seems to fit his personality. But finances? “I kind of fell into it,” he admits. “I’m a licensed stockbroker and a certified financial planner. I’ve been in the financial industry for 13 years now.” That’s the same amount of time he’s been playing the banjo, though if you get him talking, you’ll be able to tell which one gets his blood pumping more. “I’m a product of the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society,” Sabin says proudly. “I got into it as a high school student and they gave me a lot as a kid. Now I work as a teacher
30
ILP MAR n 14
and counselor every year at their jazz camp for kids in Sly Park.” Another talent the Sacramento native discovered as a Jesuit High School student was improvisational comedy, but he’s quick to admit why he chose it over other forms of funny. “I was very bad at stand-up,” Sabin says, grinning. “Stand-up demands
His love of comedy and jazz stuck with him through college at UC Berkeley, where he earned a degree in Russian history. Yes, you read that right. “There’s a ton of writing in history,” Sabin clarifies, “so it was just as good as any other major for someone who likes to write.” Once out of school, Sabin decided to pursue his “first love” of comedy, so he headed to Los Angeles for two years to make a go of making people laugh for a living. “I wouldn’t say I was successful,” Sabin says with a shrug. “But I met people who became successful. I just didn’t dig the hustle. I figured that doing it on the side would be just as rewarding.” Sticking to his skill set has worked out quite well for Sabin. When he’s not being a financial whiz at work, he’s performing at Sacramento Comedy Spot in Midtown or at Shady Lady Saloon with his two bands, The FreeBadge Serenaders and The Crescent Katz. “The Sacramento that you repeat Comedy Spot is the same thing a good home,” over and over. You Sabin says. have to have an act “I’ve worked that’s well-honed with [owner] Greg Sabin and rehearsed. In Brian Crall for improv, you don’t have to memorize seven years. I feel like I’m close to a lines. You just make it up.” founding member. Top L.A. talent are
AMEN
RY
DAY
OL
SA
T
HO
N
Top Sacramento talent, too. Every Saturday night, Sabin and his troupe, Anti-Cooperation League, interview local celebrities and perform a long-form comedy routine involving vignettes riffing on those local celebs. Familiar faces like KCRA-3’s Gulstan Dart and Edie Lambert and Mark S. Allen of “Good Day Sacramento” have all been victims—er, subjects. “We can’t keep Mark away,” Sabin laughs. With all that stage time, it’s impressive that Sabin also serves as this paper’s Restaurant Insider and regular contributor each month. But he’s apparently so used to talking about this part of his career that he readily spouts off answers to the usual questions.
CR
COU
“I come from a foodobsessed family.”
“My favorite restaurants in Sacramento are Sam’s Hof Brau and Flaming Grill, which is in a parking lot across from what used to be Loretto High School,” Sabin says. “You didn’t ask me that … but I get that question all the time.” Though he doesn’t have any formal culinary training, Sabin’s inquisitive palate makes him a formidable food writer. “I come from a food-obsessed family,” he says, “but I’m a very mediocre cook. I like to say that I’m an eating enthusiast. I also love Sacramento’s food scene. It’s calm and competent. No one’s trying to out-creative each other or be cutting edge. That’s just not the personality of the town. We’re surrounded by the world’s greatest agriculture. That’s who we are.” You can be sure that once he’s worked up an appetite selling stocks, getting toes tapping with his banjo or trombone and making people guffaw into their beer, Sabin knows where to get some good eats. n
TO
always blown away by the work we do there.”
SC
SACRAMENTO COUNTRY DAY Where Lifelong Friendships Begin
CREATIVITY • EXPLORATION • CURIOSITY ART • MUSIC • GARDEN • LIBRARY • FIELD TRIPS BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
Coeducational • Fully Accredited • College Preparatory Pre-kindergarten through 12th Grade www.saccds.org • 916.481.8811 • since 1964
Stretch, Relax and Calm the Mind at Marcela teaches Restorative Yoga
Yoga for the rest of us
Sierra 2 Community Center • 2971 24th Street • 996-5645 Find our class schedule at sacramentoyogacenter.com
When it comes to flooring, We’ve got you covered Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate • Tile • Vinyl • Countertops • Window Coverings s: s Say
egar n i V e t ral Whi 50/50 ter is a natu a and w ot remover. sp Sima
www.simasÁoor.com
Family Owned and Operated since 1951 (916) 452-4933 3550 Power Inn Road Sacramento, CA 95826 • No Gimmicks • Honest Pricing • No Pressure Sales • Mobile Showrooms
FREE In-Home Estimates
FREE
Pad Upgrade with every installed custom carpet order
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
31
Tiny Tresures ITTY-BITTY HOUSES AND OTHER MINUSCULE THINGS ARE THEIR PASSION
BY GWEN SCHOEN THE CLUB LIFE
P
eople who love miniatures look at the world with a completely different eye than the rest of us. To them, a twig picked up during a walk is a tree in front of a dollhouse. A piece of pretty stationery is future wallpaper for a miniature dining room. A grain of rice is a fish in a tiny koi pond. “I am constantly on the lookout for things to use in dollhouses and room boxes,” says miniature enthusiast Renate Winter. “You might call it an obsession.” Winter is the president of The Itty Bittys, a miniatures and dollhouse club in Sacramento. The club is small, just 11 members, but they like it that way. “Any larger and we wouldn’t be able to meet in members’ homes,” says Winter, who started the club in 2008. Members get together about once a month, usually for a make-it-and-takeit project day. The Sunday afternoon that I joined them, they were learning how to make upholstered furniture. The teacher, Barbara Thornton-Hill, who lives in Nevada City, brought kits with precut materials and a variety of fabrics. Club members gathered around a long table in Winter’s living room. It was crowded and there seemed
32
ILP MAR n 14
Renate Winter is the president of The Itty Bittys, a dollhouse and miniatures club
to be more laughing than learning going on, but everyone certainly was having fun.
The Itty Bittys club belongs to the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, an umbrella organization
with more than 175 member clubs. The group and its member clubs host conventions, shows and house parties across the country. These major events attract collectors from all over the world as well as celebrity dollhouse designers. Like model railroad operators, dollhouse and miniature enthusiasts are sticklers about scale. The most popular scale is 1:12, called oneinch scale, which means one inch in miniature for 12 inches or a foot in reality. Many collectors specialize in a much smaller ratio. The important thing is that everything about the scene or building that the miniature artist creates must be the exact scale. Chandeliers, candlesticks, dishes, furniture and even pets are perfect. “It is truly amazing what is being done with dollhouses now,” says Winter. “At the last convention I attended, there were dollhouses with working lights, running water and working televisions. Can you imagine?” Winter’s Carmichael home is filled with tiny treasurers including collections of miniature trunks, dolls, dollhouses and room boxes. The room boxes, she explains, are cross sections or vignettes of single rooms, rather than an entire building. Because her own home is small and space is limited, room boxes are a way to tinker with miniatures and create fantasy spaces such as a kitchen or quilting room. “We were really poor when I was growing up,” explains Winter. “My mother gave us shoeboxes to play with. More than playing with the dolls, I loved furnishing the boxes to create pretty dollhouses. So I guess you could say I’ve always loved them.”
9, 2014 2 12 h c Mar
ING V I V E R IA L E H P O
Remodeling Homes for Life
Lia Jill
• Design/Build to your budget • Kitchen / Bath Remodels • Additions • Guest Cottages Allie Dawn ett rie Benn
by Che Adapted & r e h p ary Pih By Dr. M
• Over 25 Years Experience in Sacramento’s most established neighborhoods • Free Consultation
$GXOWV 8QGHU www.stfrancishs.org
• Ask about our Financing Options
Appropriate for mature audiences St. Francis Theatre 5900 Elvas Avenue . Sacramento For more information, call 916.737.5002
Lic# B548643
| 916-215-9293 | fuginaconstruction.com scratches and shreds to the side of this.”
“I am constantly on the lookout for things to use in dollhouses and room boxes,” says miniature enthusiast Renate Winter.
Itty Bitty members at work on a project
Winter’s two cats carefully step over and around the houses and rooms on display. They peer inside windows and keep a close eye on the tiny people inside. They appear
forever hopeful an itty-bitty mouse might take up residence among the furnishings, giving them reason to explore further.
“We try to keep everything as authentic as possible,” says Winter as she shows the progress she has made with her newly upholstered chair. “Maybe I should add some cat
If you’d like to learn more about The Itty Bittys and other dollhouse clubs in the area, stop by the Elegant Dollhouse shop at 1120 Fulton Ave. on May 4. The Itty Bittys will have a membership information table and will be available to answer questions. Or visit the NAME web site, miniatures.org, where you will find a list of all clubs in the country. If you know of an interesting club in the area, contact Gwen Schoen at gwensclubs@aol.com. n
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
33
Future Do-Gooders FIFTH-GRADERS ARE LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
BY GLORIA GLYER DOING GOOD
S
tudents in Phoebe Hearst Elementary School’s fifthgrade class want to volunteer their time to help a nonprofit. Sounds simple enough, but it’s a challenge to find an organization with room for the entire class: 32 students, ages 10 and 11. “Ideally, we would like to walk from the school at 60th and Folsom Boulevard,” says room mom Tracy Brezinski. If your organization could use these young volunteers, call Brezinski at 451-5175, or call the school at 277-6690.
HADASSAH HONORS LOCAL WOMEN Sacramento Hadassah held its annual Women of Distinction brunch in February, honoring local women who have made an impact on the Jewish community through volunteer work. The honorees included Della Burnett, Albert Einstein Residence Center; Liz Igra, Central Valley Holocaust Educators Network; Roberta Malkin, Congregation Beth Shalom; Jolan Rosenthal, Hadassah; Michelle Ahronovitz, Hillel at Davis and Sacramento; Sharon Saltzman, Jewish Community Foundation
34
ILP MAR n 14
of the West; Sue Sperber, Jewish Federation of Sacramento; Carol Loew, Mosaic Law Congregation; Barbara Kletzman, National Council of Jewish Women; Dorothy Anderson, Temple Or Rishon; Judy Lewis, Shalom School; Hannah Olson, TDX; and Illene Carroll, Congregation B’nai Israel. Interested in knowing more about Hadassah? Contact Tammy Rochman at tfroc@aol.com.
AWARD SEASON Soroptimist International Sacramento has presented its Violet Richardson Award to a pair of high school students for outstanding contributions to their schools and communities. Honorees Lara Kong and Kelsey O’Donoghue each received $750. The group also presented its Women’s Opportunity Award, along with a $2,000 check, to Clair Wilson. The award goes to a woman who provides the primary support to her household while pursuing education to enhance her skill set and employment opportunities.
DONATIONS ADD UP The Old Spaghetti Factory recently presented more than $38,000 to the American Cancer Society. The money came from a monthlong campaign during which 13 California and Arizona restaurants operated by the Dariotis group collected donations from customers. “Recently, the Dariotis family has been dealing with cancer,” said restaurant group owner Chris Dariotis. “Like many families, ending breast cancer is near and dear to our hearts. We are excited to partner with the American Cancer Society again for a breast cancer
fundraising campaign. We are looking forward to being a part of this worthy cause for years to come.”
“Like many families, ending breast cancer is near and dear to our hearts. We are excited to partner with the American Cancer Society again for a breast cancer fundraising campaign.” Walmart Foundation donated $54,800 to two area nonprofits: Women’s Empowerment and Senior Gleaners. Said Gary McDonald of Senior Gleaners: “This gracious donation will allow us to distribute more than 131,000 pounds of food to low-income families.” Women’s Empowerment will use the $29,000 grant to educate and empower homeless women with the skills and confidence needed to get a job, create a healthy lifestyle and regain a home for themselves and their children, according to executive director Lisa Culp. Golden 1 Credit Union gave CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) $35,000 to continue its work with older foster youth. CASA provides trained volunteers to speak on behalf of children in juvenile court and
to help children navigate the child welfare and legal systems.
A BIRTHDAY FOR ASSISTANCE LEAGUE Assistance League of Sacramento is celebrating 45 years of service for children, women and families. The group operates eight philanthropic programs with services ranging from clothing children for school to community college scholarships. League volunteers operate a thrift shop at 2528 Yorktown Ave. For the first time, the shop is establishing a thrift shopper card: For every $10 spent on merchandise (including tax), the participant will receive one punch on the card. After 20 punches, the shopper will receive $10 off a purchase of $20 or more. For more information, go to sacramento. assistanceleague.org.
NEW YEAR’S NEEDS My Sister’s House expressed gratitude for the more than 100 holiday angels who helped the organization during the Christmas holidays. Now it is 2014, and the needs continue. Anyone wanting to help can do it in a very easy way: On your next visit to the market, add a few extra items to the cart. Not much, not extravagant, just simple everyday items: toilet paper, paper towels, Styrofoam cups, paper plates and napkins, trash bags (big and small)—you get the idea. Then give My Sister’s House a call at 930-0626.
CONSERVATION AT THE ZOO The Sacramento Zoo topped $100,000 in giving to support wildlife
Gloria Glyer can be reached at gglyer@sbbmail.com or (530) 4774331. n
Your home cleaned--
GREEN!
$20 Off Your First Cleaning* *Not valid for past service or existing clients. Please mention this ad.
CALIFORNIA GREEN CLEAN OFFERS OUR CLIENT’S PEACE OF MIND We carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Our well trained staff are bonded, background checked and drug tested.
Please call 916.497.0333 or visit californiagreenclean.com
Independent Assisted Living Respite Care
conservation in the United States and around the world in 2013. One of the zoo’s projects, Quarters for Conservation, allows zoo visitors to have a say in its conservation funds are allocated. Zoo visitors receive a token, which they use to vote for one of three projects. Those votes determine how much funding each project receives. The three programs for 2014 are Tiger Conservation in Sumatra, Pacific Health Fisher Project and Galapagos Penguin Lava Nest Project. With an eye to future donations, the zoo is sponsoring free estate planning seminars led by Mark S. Drobny, a certified legal specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law. The first session will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8. For more information, call 8088815.
Call Nicki for a complimentary tour:
(916) 733-6512
Welcome Home MercyMcMahonTerrace.org
May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.
RCFE #340312763
3865 J Street,
Sacramento, CA 95816
Proudly serving Sacramento since 2007
E v e r w o o d ®
Come See Our Showroom
Open Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm In Home Consultations Available
Heritance® hardwood
Paula, Patti & Lori
Architella® Meritage
Blinds – Shutters – Shades
Meet your Designers
Davis Home Trends 2300 Fifth Street Davis, CA 530-756-4187 www.DavisHomeTrends.com ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
35
Watering Wisely IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT
BY ANITA CLEVENGER
I
GARDEN JABBER
t’s been hard not to panic in the face of statewide drought declarations, announcements of watering restrictions by local water districts and startling photos of a nearly empty Folsom Lake. We’re told that about two-thirds of residential water use is consumed outside. Quick! Let’s take out our lawns! I’ve been thinking of reducing my front lawn, or perhaps removing it altogether, but I’m not going to rush into doing it this spring. I still haven’t figured out a good, maintainable design that takes into account our two shade trees. I need to study what other people have done, visit more water-efficient public gardens, explore tools and information online and consult with a landscaper certified as a “green gardener.” Even if I knew exactly what to do, now is not the time to put in new plants, which would need copious water to survive our long, hot summer. Fall is always a better time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. In a dry year, it’s even more important to wait. How, then, will I reduce my water consumption? By making sure that all of my irrigation is done as
36
ILP MAR n 14
efficiently as possible and reducing its frequency. Along with some added water conservation in the house, I should be able to achieve the city of Sacramento’s goal of a 20 to 30 percent reduction. Too often, we waste water. We don’t know how much water our plants need and apply too much. We allow water from sprinklers spill over the sidewalk and into the street. We don’t use shut-off valves on our hoses. We water during the heat of the day when water rapidly evaporates. We water shallowly and often, rather than deeply and infrequently. We can calculate how much water our lawns need by referring to The
UC Guide to Healthy Lawns. Irrigate only until runoff begins, then allow the water to soak in before applying more. Sacramento’s Stage 2 Water Shortage Contingency Plan mandates only two days of watering a week during daylight saving time. This may cause your lawn to look less lush during the summer, but it won’t die. Other UC tips to reduce water needs are to water between 2 and 8 a.m., to aerate your lawn if the soil is too compact, and to “grasscycle,” allowing short clippings to stay on the lawns to decompose, retain moisture and add nutrients. Keeping organic material on the soil is a good idea throughout your
yard and garden. Don’t let your lawn service blow every shred of organic material from under your shrubs, sending dust and other allergens into the air. Mulch retains moisture and keeps roots cool. Apply four to six inches of it to planting beds and around your trees, keeping it at least six inches away from tree trunks. Mulch container plants, too. Trees and shrubs often need additional deep watering during the summer. If you are watering your lawn less, it’s even more critical that you make sure that they are getting enough water. Young trees need regular irrigation. For mature trees, probe the soil 6 to 8 inches below the surface. If it’s dry, water slowly until water penetrates to that level. Repeat when the soil is dry again. Examine your irrigation system for leaks and inefficiencies. If you don’t use drip irrigation for your planting beds, fruit trees and vegetable gardens, consider installing it. Make sure that plants with like watering needs are grouped together. If you have a thirsty plant in the middle of more drought-tolerant ones, either find a way to give it some additional water without oversaturating the rest, move it or take it out altogether. You can still grow vegetables, but choose carefully what you grow and don’t plant more that you will harvest and use. Sacramentans love to grow tomatoes, plants that send down deep roots. According to Lifetime Master Gardener Pam Bone, tests show that those that are watered just once a week are less watery, taste better and are less inclined to develop GARDEN page 39
No climbing. No cleaning. No danger. That’s Byers. SAVE $500* UP TO
Expires 9/30/13
Don’t risk your safety – Byers’ LeafGuard takes gutter cleaning off your list forever. Guaranteed to NEVER clog for as long as you own your home, or we’ll clean your gutters for FREE. Keeps leaves, pine needles and debris out. Maintenance-free – permanently! The only seamless, one-piece leaf protection gutter system. A patented system, not an add-on screen or cover. Call for a free Heavy-duty, rustproof aluminum. 10 beautiful colors, plus 20 oz. copper. consultation “He’s a smart young man!”
* Discount not valid with any other offer. CA License 518784
“Learned it all from you, Dad...”
and no-obligation estimate 916-585-7961
Water rolls in. Everything else rolls right off.
585-7963 • ByersRoof.com
ranteed Clog-Free Gua
Learn more at ByersLeafGuard.com
2nd Saturday March 8, 2014 5:00-7:00PM *FREE PARKING
The art on display is submitted and judged work from St. Francis High School students. Come join the reception. Enjoy seeing incredible art of all mediums and meeting artists while enjoying live music and appetizers. Artwork by Bianca Quiroz ’14
St. Francis High School Arts Complex 5900 Elvas Avenue . Sacramento For more information, call 916.737.5002
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
37
Arena Plans Unveiled DESIGN INCLUDES A DRAMATIC ENTRANCE AND STUNNING VIEWS
BY SENA CHRISTIAN BUILDING OUR FUTURE
D
uring the first Sacramento Kings game after the final drawings for a city-subsidized downtown arena were unveiled, team announcers Grant Napear and Jerry Reynolds couldn’t contain their excitement, calling the plans “innovative” and “off-the-charts fabulous.” “When we bought the Sacramento Kings, we committed to the NBA and to the people of Sacramento that we wouldn’t just build a new arena, but that we’d build a world-class entertainment venue, an arena truly for the 21st century,” said Kings owner Vivek Ranadive in a statement announcing the release of the drawings in late January. The new entertainment and sports center will be built at Downtown Plaza, between 5th and 7th streets and J and L streets. The multiuse arena will have 17,500 seats indoors and will accommodate professional basketball, college sports, concerts, ice shows, rodeo and motor sports, graduations, conferences and conventions, trade shows, circuses and other familyoriented events. The building has a curved design and is intended to be certified as LEED Gold, which refers to advanced energy and environmental design. Demolition is expected to begin this summer. The AECOM-designed venue is scheduled to open in October 2016. The center’s dramatic grand entrance boasts five retractable windows, measuring a total of 50 feet tall and 150 feet wide—about half the length of
38
ILP MAR n 14
a city block. The windows create an indoor-outdoor feel, blurring the line between ticket holders watching inside and people outside in the public space. The design incorporates view corridors to the main plaza with multiple vantage points where people can peer in and out. Lead architect Rob Rothblatt
says the building is not hermetic like traditional sports arenas that are enclosed and lack windows. The arena includes a performance bowl with general and premium seating, suites, indoor standing viewing areas, an outdoor courtyard and a river-view terrace overlooking Tower Bridge, Old Sacramento
and the Sacramento River. There will be a practice facility with two courts and the Kings’ administrative offices attached to the building, and restaurants and retail space accessible to the public. Rothblatt has described the surrounding outdoor space as “urban theater with purpose,” giving people things to watch, do and buy.
The center will be made using only three materials: glass, recycled aluminum and pre-cast concrete comprising rocks of Sierra limestone and sand from San Benito. The center will provide farm-to-fork concessions, reflecting Sacramento’s vibrant local food scene and agricultural sector.
“We want this to be uniquely Sacramento, something that celebrates who we are and how we live our lives,” said Kings president Chris Granger. “We want this to be uniquely Sacramento, something that celebrates who we are and how we live our lives,” said Kings president Chris Granger at a recent Sacramento Planning and Design Commission meeting. “We want it to be a great civic space, something that is active, whether there are 200 people in the plaza or 17,000 people in the plaza at breakfast time or at game time. We want this to help reactivate downtown and, of course, be a showcase in environmental and technological innovation and sustainability.” One of the goals is for the new arena to energize everything around it. The project also includes a vision for future development adjacent to the Downtown Plaza site of new office space, retail/commercial, residential units and hotel rooms. The downtown arena has faced plenty of opposition from those who don’t think the city should foot $258 million of an estimated $448 million bill for the project. STOP, Sacramento Taxpayers Opposed to Pork, submitted signatures on a petition to force a public vote on the financing plan. But Sacramento city clerk Shirley Concolino threw out the petitions in January, saying they
didn’t meet all the legal requirements under the California Elections Code for placement on the June ballot. STOP responded by filing a suit challenging Concolino’s ruling. Residents won’t have to cough up new taxes to pay for the arena, and the city isn’t dipping into its general fund. Instead, the city will borrow money through the sale of municipal bonds. The city will own the center and lease it to the Kings’ owners. Proponents say the entertainment and sports center will increase salestax revenue and property values for nearby buildings and attract more businesses downtown. The center will create thousands of jobs during construction, and several hundred permanent jobs. In the meantime, sound engineers are working to ensure the facility’s acoustics can accommodate both musical concerts and the NBA’s loudest, and best, fans. n
GARDEN FROM page 36 blossom-end rot. Bone suggests that some other plants may not be high value. Corn, for example, needs a lot of water, doesn’t yield much and is readily available at farmers markets. Even though February rain has made the shortage less dire, we still need to conserve water, now and in the future. Having less lawn is a good idea. This fall, I plan to terminate some turf. Anita Clevenger is a lifetime Sacramento County UC Master Gardener. For answers to gardening questions, call 875-6913, go to ucanr. edu/sites/sacmg/ or visit Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, where the Water Efficient Landscape is always open and where periodic workshops are scheduled. A workshop on May 17 will focus on water-saving ideas. Sacramento Tree Foundation has information about how dry winter tree care at sactree.com/drought. n
Sacramento’s
Premier Antique Destination Over 120 Dealers 45,000 sq ft
IN BUSINESS SINCE 1977
4 Star Dining
Free Parking
The Lighting Palace - Sales and Repair 817-9625
Picket Fence Antiques 455-6524
Evan’s Kitchen 452-3896
Sekula’s 712-8303
Fifty-Seventh Street Antique Mall 451-3110
Mike & Greg The Pottery Guys 731-4556
Alchemy 999-1409
Eclectic Antiques 453-9085
Sassi Salon 739-0878
Amorini Antiques 455-1509 Cross Fit East Sacramento 207-7500
Dance “10” 769-4857
The Ruralist 956-0776
855 57th Street (Between J & H Streets) ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
39
Dog Treats LOCAL BAKESHOP CATERS TO FOUR-LEGGED CUSTOMERS
pumpernickel flour and gluten-free
If you’re wondering about the “Palette” in Paws and the Palette,
displayed for sale in her shop with
baker.
Spurney is a talented artist who
some of my other animal artwork. I
loved painting and crafts as a
fondly remember how much Bubba
in the case look so scrumptious, it’s
youngster and later studied art at
loved the people-shaped dog cookies
hard to believe they aren’t intended
the Fashion Institute of Design and
that were baked especially for
for people to eat. When selecting
Merchandising in Los Angeles. She
another of my book signings at Bogy’s
cookies for my dogs, I’m spoiled for
has incorporated art and handmade
Barkery years ago. They were a hit
choice by the delightful assortment
gifts in her business, all with a pet
with all the other canine visitors that
of colors and shapes, from hearts to
theme, of course. Her own art is
day, too.
The treats appealingly displayed
hydrants. “Our best-sellers are our
BY SUE OWENS WRIGHT PETS & THEIR PEOPLE
L
adybug the basset hound was an adorable puppy tripping on her long ears back when
Jo Wardle and her daughter, Lisa Spurney, managed their twin businesses, Bogy’s Barkery and The Palette, together in Midtown. The shop closed its doors for a few years but reopened a couple of years ago under a new name and ownership. Ladybug, now almost 13 years old, is still greeting customers at Paws and The Palette. Spurney’s charming dog bakery and boutique, which she now runs with her own daughter, Kia, occupies the same location on 24th Street. “We started the bakery so we could have a place that carries healthy, organic treats for dogs,” Spurney says. “Ladybug has lots of allergies to wheat, corn, soy and grains. We started our vegan cookie line for her because she also doesn’t tolerate dairy. Being vegan ourselves made it easy to transition into those changes.” She says Ladybug is much healthier now. Spurney makes most of the cookies herself, but some made with
40
ILP MAR n 14
old basset buddy, Bubba, is currently
flour are ordered from a specialty
displayed in the
s, along with our vegan cookies, c peanut butterr cookies and
Spurney has designed a career llov of animals, around her love h is evident when which u step st into her store you
kess and our vegan cakes purrney cupcakes,” Spurney
an nd meet her own and pa pampered pet,
says. “All the are wheat
L Ladybug. “I had b bassets as a child
free, corn
and I absolutely
free and
love the breed,”
treats we sell
soy free. All
she says.
treats are
“Bassets are so s sweet and loving.”
made with
I couldn’t agree mo Ladybug more.
carob and yogurt.”
lov cookies and loves ha a sweet tooth, has
Ladybug’s favorites are
s she’s the perfect so P pup for Paws PR
the cupcakes and vegan
a The Palette. and Ne eigh Neighboring business o neers know this houndow owners
cookies. She also likes the -D Dog store’s new V-Dog s, vegan v Breath Bones,
tow that makes about- town r gular rounds re rrou regular of the shops. Paws and and n The Th he Palette is a proud Paws
hiss senior dog chews. This pa aratively basset is comparatively ering she hangs svelte considering around a bakeshop every day, but that’s probably because Paws and the Palette is a healthful dog bakery. The store also stocks a wide assortment of other paraphernalia for the pampered pet, including eco-friendly products and toys.
shop shop, along
with that of
other Sacramento artists who are pet lovers, including yours truly. She hosted a book signing and art show for me at Paws and The Palette last December. A pastel painting of my
sponsor sp pon onsor an a and d collection coll co collectio lec site for Pets of the Homeless, where people can donate pet food and supplies to help pets of people who are homeless. Spurney supports Field Haven Feline Rescue (she has a cat named Kit), the SSPCA, Farm Sanctuary and the Front Street animal shelter. She also
g
cp
a
p
grills
cushions & pillows
accessories
patio furniture
• • • •
2 swivel-rocker chairs Loveseat Coffee and end tables Made with the highest quality resin wicker • Sunbrella® cushions
Spring Blowout Price
$
2500
Folsom Location Only
Patio Renaissance Set Limited Quantities Available • Folsom Location Only Visit the Folsom store online: outdoorliving.idiggreenacres.com
Folsom 205 Serpa Way 916-358-9099
3 Convenient Locations
Open 7 Days a Week Mon–Sat 7am–7pm · Sun 8am–6pm
hosts birthday parties for dogs. What better way to celebrate your dog’s birthday or “gotcha day,” as many adopters refer to the day they adopted their shelter dog. If you’re planning
Sacramento • Roseville • Folsom www.idiggreenacres.com
Have You Had Your Garage Door Serviced?
WE ARE NOW OPEN IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO!
Maybe you should
a party for your pup, need some healthy, yummy treats and other pet supplies, or are in the market for some original pet-themed artwork, by all means visit Paws and the Palette. And don’t forget to say hello to the
Roller belongs in track
opener is the ONLY thing saving this car
friendly, long-eared shop dog that broken
Lic #764789
naps on a snuggly bed under her pawprint blanket when she’s not greeting customers. Paws and The Palette is at 1014 24th St. Sue Owens Wright is an awardwinning author of books and articles about dogs. “Braced for Murder,” her latest book in the Beanie and Cruiser Mysteries from Five Star Publishing, is nominated this year for a Maxwell Award for best fiction by the Dog Writers Association of America. She can be reached at beanieandcruiser@aol.com. n
You need a professional to service your garage door if: • your garage door only partially opens • you have to push the opener button more than once to open the door • you have to muscle the door open manually
Call Us Today!
GARAGE
DOOR CENTER Sacramento
452-5802
28 Yrs Experience
Sales | Service | Install
New Client Special: Unlimited Month For $100 barre studio
Downtown Sacramento | 1011 8th Street & J Street | 916.400.3343 Roseville | 1611 Lead Hill Blvd. | 916.783.8367 Folsom | Broadstone Marketplace | 2766 East Bidwell | 916.351.8361 sac@thedaileymethod.com www.thedaileymethod.com
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
41
Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Sales Closed November 2013
95608 CARMICHAEL
6035 RANGER WAY $314,900 2319 FALLWATER LN $277,000 2747 ROYAL PALM WAY $470,000 3301 WINSOME LN $344,500 1418 MEREDITH WAY $577,500 5929 MARLIN CIR $198,000 5246 SHELATO WAY $455,000 4928 MELVIN DR $340,000 4718 COURTLAND LN $125,000 5937 RANGER WAY $250,000 0 CARMELO ST $3,650,000 3819 HORTON LN $172,000 7100 STELLA LN #2 $115,000 3526 SERRAMONT CT $765,772 3816 OLIVEBRANCH LN $210,000 6068 VIA CASITAS $95,000 3153 PETTY LN $292,000 6240 ROSS AVE $222,000 3051 ROOT AVE $200,000 5913 CAMRAY CIR $350,000 3827 OLIVE LN $345,000 5635 CLARK AVE $215,000 5316 NYODA WAY $335,000 6044 VIA CASITAS $92,500 6153 VIA CASITAS $95,000 5435 KENNETH AVE $260,000 5328 SANDSTONE ST $205,000 6709 STANLEY AVE $545,000 2371 MISSION AVE $245,000 6060 VIA CASITAS $126,500 5229 ARDEN WAY $300,000 2649 MARIE ANN LN $186,000 6205 LANDIS AVE $225,000 5865 SHARPS CIR $269,000 1085 HARRINGTON WAY $461,500 2535 BOWKER CT $405,000 5130 OAK LEAF AVE $275,000 4620 ASHEVILLE CT $460,000 5743 IVYTOWN LN $122,500 6342 DORCHESTER CT $267,000 5260 GRANT AVE $210,000 3117 ROOT AVE $265,000 5922 CASA ALEGRE $110,000 5330 HALSTED AVE $269,000 4832 SHERLOCK WAY $605,000 3545 DENFIELD LN $420,000 6423 RAMPART DR $326,500 4955 WESTERBERG WAY $200,000 4950 PATRIC WAY $213,000 5029 VERDANT LN $169,000 6352 EDGERTON WAY $210,000 4834 CAMDEN CT $250,000 5437 ROBERTSON AVE $210,000
95816 EAST SACRAMENTO, MCKINLEY PARK 1531 38TH ST 584 34TH ST 3199 B ST 1321 33RD ST 708 34TH ST 1027 35TH ST 1125 34TH ST 1524 40TH ST 1530 36TH ST 3167 B ST
42
$1,325,000 $1,188,000 $385,000 $412,000 $880,000 $460,000 $330,000 $680,000 $404,000 $360,000
ILP MAR n 14
1284 32ND ST 616 35TH ST 2701 P ST 3532 J ST 2601 G ST 908 29TH ST 1620 24TH ST 3135 CARLY 300 SANTA YNEZ WAY 1908 22ND ST 1014 SANTA YNEZ WAY 700 38TH ST 1040 35TH ST
95817 TAHOE PARK, ELMHURST 3876 7 TH AVE 3533 S 36TH ST 5204 U ST 3957 4TH AVE 2517 51ST ST 3717 9TH AVE 2161 36TH ST 6237 2ND AVE 3500 42ND ST 3743 4TH AVE 3828 11TH AVE 2960 32ND ST 3601 38TH ST 2525 37TH ST 3124 SAN DIEGO WAY 3215 8TH AVE 3524 37TH
95818 LAND PARK, CURTIS PARK 1759 7TH AVE 816 T ST 2211 11TH ST 2909 17TH ST 2954 25TH ST 1919 8TH AVE 1082 6TH AVE 1055 10TH AVE 549 ROBERTSON WAY 2964 GOVAN WAY 2636 HARKNESS ST 2021 U ST 2770 PORTOLA WAY 2761 2ND AVE 2720 26TH ST 518 FREMONT WAY 2624 18TH ST 1367 8TH AVE 573 JONES WAY 2016 20TH ST 672 6TH AVE 2910 MUIR WAY 1601 9TH AVE 2632 ROCHON WAY 612 FLINT WAY 2414 27TH ST 2206 24TH ST 3501 CUTTER WAY 2741 12TH ST 2917 27TH ST
$265,000 $440,000 $510,000 $439,000 $480,000 $290,500 $207,500 $300,000 $595,000 $270,000 $684,000 $670,000 $499,000
$87,500 $55,000 $200,000 $110,000 $235,000 $152,500 $298,000 $205,000 $142,500 $46,000 $144,400 $110,000 $130,000 $200,000 $149,500 $80,000 $120,750
$625,000 $349,000 $450,000 $395,000 $610,000 $780,000 $470,000 $440,000 $340,000 $1,111,000 $395,000 $658,080 $525,000 $305,000 $133,000 $320,000 $426,000 $920,000 $300,000 $365,000 $371,000 $329,000 $418,600 $540,000 $298,800 $235,000 $345,000 $875,000 $450,000 $410,000
95819 EAST SACRAMENTO, RIVER PARK 309 40TH ST 1712 41ST ST 720 41 ST 4739 C ST 1569 49TH ST 5516 C ST 4130 MCKINLEY BLVD 722 46TH ST 4806 I ST 1524 40TH ST 4632 HENRY WAY 4800 D 1032 58TH ST 5500 STATE AVE 410 SANDBURG DR 865 BEAR FLAG WAY 1736 BERKELEY WAY 517 SANDBURG DR 1901 52ND ST 5600 SANDBURG DR 640 40TH ST 5013 TEICHERT AVE 5701 SHEPARD AVE 1050 55TH ST 1616 49TH ST 5470 CARLSON DR 41 36TH WAY 5215 T ST 5463 H ST
$535,910 $620,000 $405,000 $425,000 $362,000 $382,000 $644,000 $481,000 $444,500 $680,000 $550,000 $698,000 $407,000 $687,000 $401,000 $325,000 $616,000 $323,500 $235,000 $466,500 $410,000 $350,000 $330,000 $371,000 $380,000 $485,000 $378,500 $363,000 $315,000
95821 ARDEN-ARCADE 4001 ADELHEID WAY 4511 ELIZABETH AVE 3407 SAINT MATHEWS DR 3354 HORSESHOE DR 4614 BRIARWOOD DR 2949 LETA LN 2731 MORSE AVE 3226 BROOKWOOD RD 3808 KINGS WAY 2710 ECHO WAY 3606 MULHOLLAND WAY 2829 VERNA WAY 4200 CARNEGIE WAY 2670 PARK HILLS DR 2581 FULTON SQ LN #77 3400 KENTFIELD DR 2100 RED ROBIN LN 3351 POTTER LN 2224 TALLAC ST 3326 KENTFIELD DR 3112 CREST HAVEN DR 3501 GABILAN WAY 3320 KENTFIELD DR 4421 LOCKWOOD WAY 2371 MISSION AVE 2136 WHIPPOORWILL LN 2132 MARCUS CT 4200 SILVER CREST AVE 2819 AURORA AVE 4452 WINDING WAY 2021 KATHRYN WAY 2741 MARILONA DR 3920 ROSEMARY CIR
$350,000 $342,000 $220,000 $145,000 $400,000 $350,000 $381,000 $212,050 $215,000 $176,900 $319,000 $232,000 $336,400 $162,800 $69,410 $204,900 $96,000 $190,000 $147,500 $269,000 $225,000 $340,000 $155,000 $319,500 $245,000 $103,000 $150,000 $355,000 $176,985 $299,000 $153,500 $265,200 $247,000
2305 CARLSBAD AVE 4112 HANCOCK DR 3936 JUNE CT
$185,000 $315,000 $222,000
95822 SOUTH LAND PARK 1440 27TH AVE 4649 SUNSET DR 2701 69TH AVE 2617 52ND AVE 805 BELL AIR DR 1433 32ND AVE 3261 TORRANCE AVE 5850 14TH ST 2500 37TH AVE 1721 59TH AVE 2152 VOLLAN WAY 5605 KINGSTON WAY 7544 TWILIGHT DR 3281 WATER MILL WAY 5321 VIRGINIA WAY 2122 57TH AVE 2233 63RD AVE 6009 ANNRUD WAY 7648 ADDISON WAY 1910 HARIAN WAY 1243 43RD AVE 4923 S LAND PARK DR 1331 40TH AVE 2300 22ND AVE 985 ROEDER WAY 7489 24TH ST 6032 ANNRUD WAY 1980 63RD AVE 5641 EL GRANERO WAY 1133 LAKE GLEN WAY 4453 MEAD AVE 1581 69TH AVE 6137 HERMOSA ST 2231 22ND AVE 7520 LEMARSH WAY
95825 ARDEN
$375,000 $400,000 $125,000 $240,000 $305,000 $180,000 $214,900 $245,000 $209,000 $214,500 $105,000 $285,000 $60,000 $238,500 $325,000 $147,000 $160,000 $260,300 $250,000 $220,000 $440,000 $575,000 $330,000 $220,000 $320,000 $126,000 $282,000 $185,000 $155,000 $215,000 $679,000 $127,000 $99,750 $224,000 $115,000
527 HARTNELL PL $442,500 2312 SWARTHMORE DR $291,000 3239 CASITAS BONITO $150,000 753 BLACKMER CIR $380,000 356 RIO DEL ORO LN $280,000 SIERRA CREEK LN $221,000 1305 VANDERBILT WAY $240,000 1016 VANDERBILT WAY $250,000 2202 WOODSIDE LN #7 $125,000 1197 VANDERBILT WAY $275,000 730 WOODSIDE LN E UNIT 8 $71,000 1405 COMMONS DR $346,000 2244 LA PALOMA WAY $154,900 935 COMMONS DR $277,500 1913 WOODSTOCK WAY $270,000 724 HARTNELL PL $210,000 2304 ESTRELLITA WAY $199,000 703 E RANCH RD $375,000 2430 PAVILIONS PL LN #306 $535,000 2413 LAREDO RD $143,000 2241 WOODSIDE LN #12 $90,000 2412 LARKSPUR LN #241 $62,500 104 HARTNELL PL $288,500 1019 DORNAJO WAY #213 $92,000 2217 WOODSIDE LN #2 $126,000
2345 SANTA ANITA DR
$80,000
95831 GREENHAVEN, S LAND PARK
6600 LAKE PARK DR $340,000 7462 GRIGGS $283,000 6844 WESTMORELAND WY $310,000 97 STARLIT CIR $340,000 820 SILLIMAN WAY $190,000 74 HERITAGE WOOD WAY $306,500 1209 58TH AVE $268,000 7312 IDLE WILD WAY $323,000 662 CLIPPER WAY $200,000 7524 MONTE BRAZIL DR $387,500 218 ROUNDTREE CT $140,000 670 RIVERLAKE WAY $425,000 6908 SIERRA BONITA WAY $359,000 901 ROUNDTREE CT $105,000 103 ROUNDTREE $135,000 7712 BLACKWATER WAY $490,000 6 SEA FOAM CT $335,000 10 GARCIA CT $327,500 31 LAKESHORE CIR $306,000 7465 RIO MONDEGO DR $379,000 6531 DRIFTWOOD ST $220,000 35 STARGLOW CIR $430,000 7387 MARANI WAY $269,000 7618 NORTHLAND DR $625,500 7036 EL SERENO CIR $262,000 6357 SEASTONE WAY $135,000 230 PORTINAO CIR $259,900 718 CLIPPER WAY $380,000 5 AMARAL CT $252,000 7665 WINDBRIDGE DR $180,000
95864 ARDEN
2512 MORLEY WAY $629,900 3456 WINDSOR DR $162,000 3548 BODEGA CT $725,000 3548 BODEGA CT $725,000 3116 WINDSOR DR $135,000 1345 KEENEY WAY $205,000 3201 CHURCHILL RD $192,000 1220 STEWART RD $825,000 159 RIVER CHASE CIR $425,100 1643 EL NIDO WAY $370,000 4525 OXBOW DR $280,000 1424 LA SIERRA DR $451,000 SIERRA CREEK LN $221,000 2781 NORTHROP AVE $209,000 909 SAVERIEN DR $480,000 1101 STEWART RD $475,000 651 MYSTIC LN $2,074,500 3745 LAS PASAS WAY $406,000 511 KNIGHTSBRIDGE LN $2,795,000 3830 EXMOOR CIR $900,000 800 SIERRA OAKS VISTA LN$575,000 810 LARCH LN $640,000 320 WYNDGATE RD $610,000 1345 MORSE AVE $163,000 1332 KEENEY WAY $163,000 106 HIGHLEY CT $549,000 4017 ESPERANZA DR $787,000 1053 ENTRADA RD $450,000
Market Leaders. Neighborhood Experts.
Fair Oaks gem! 4 bed, 2 bath home In Northridge Country Club area. Call to see! $347,000 Pam Crawford 916-849-2167
Midtown highwater bungalow Fixer – Perfect for investor 2 bedrooms 2 baths $239,000 Ann Nash 916-212-2380
Striking Mid-Century Modern Innovative design w/open living space. Ready for Immediate occupancy! $499,000 Lorene Warren 916-799-2121
A place with space! 3bdrm/3baths, hardwood floors Central HVAC, Dual pane windows $269,000 Lorene Warren 916-799-2121
Classic Land Park home! 2 bdrms with separate office Hardwood flrs & landscaped yard! $449,500 Lorene Warren 916-799-2121
3bdrm/2ba, 400 ft to Curtis Park, 1000 ft To Land Park, 800 ft to Coming Soon Grocery & coffee shop in CP Village $422,000 Chad Talach 916-715-6455
Turn key in Carmichael 3/2 sep fam Rm & lv rm, 2-car garage, auto sprinklers F & R, Natural Light abounds! $299,500 Pam Petterle 916-601-9494
Sprawling Single Story adobe on 1 acre On river; 5bd/3ba vaulted ceilings; Charm-Clarksburg location $545,000 Debbie Elliot 916-775-4043
2620 21st Street, Suite A, Sacramento
(916) 453-3333
Terrific
The Terrible Two’s Toddlers at Bergamo Montessori
Yes, it’s true. We do think toddlers are terrific - so much so that we have created a specialized educational environment designed just for them, filled with wonderful things to see and do. They learn to select their own tasks, work peacefully and put everything away carefully. Two year olds learn how to dress themselves and clean up. Most of all, they develop a real sense of pride and a deep love of learning. For the past 37 years, we have partnered with parents to provide the highest quality early childhood experiences as part of our world class Montessori school. If you are searching for a unique, safe and stimulating program, Bergamo may be the school that you have always dreamed of finding for your child.
Extended hours available for working parents!
BERGAMO MONTESSORI SCHOOL
18 months – 8th Grade
916-399-1900 B E RG A M O M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L S Authentic Montessori since 1975
www.BergamoSchools.com Call or log on today to schedule a school tour!
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
43
Seeking Purpose WHAT ARE YOU PRAYING FOR?
A
always belonged to you. You created me and you sustain me. You take care of me the way I love my children. Speaking of children, that’s my only worry. I know they cope with things differently because you blessed them with their own individual personalities. But I also need to know that you take care of them. Hold them in your hands and help them to cope. Help them see the blessing of family that you have given us. Help them see that this blessing is the only thing that sustains us through this difficult time. Thank you for your love for me. May I be a light that shines with your love. Amen.
God, There may be those who think I should be mad at you; I need you to know it’s nothing like that. I know things like this happen in a world you created. There is no purpose in being mad at you. In fact—and this is the crazy thing—I actually think you’ve given me a gift. It’s the gift of seeing. I now see what was always there. Now I see the wonderful network of friends and family you have put here to help me. I feel your hands through their caring hands. I know your love through their protective love. There’s a road ahead of me that I cannot see, and that’s OK because you can see it and because my life has
Here's the second prayer: God, I’d like to take a moment for a little chitchat today. First I’d like to thank you for my sisters and brothers who are helping me through this. Thank you especially for my sister who is taking care of eight kids—hers and mine. Thank you for the helpmate you’ve given me and for the way in which he’s working so hard to stay with me through this illness. Hey, God, as long as we’re chatting, can we talk about something that’s kind of bothering me? I know you do things in your own time, but I’m wondering if there’s something I should do to hurry this all along. I know I’m supposed to have patience, but the waiting is the worst part for me. No, maybe the worst part is finding the purpose. Please help me see a purpose. I thought my purpose was being a special-ed teacher, but this “teacher” is having a hard time
BY NORRIS BURKES SPIRIT MATTERS
s a hospital chaplain, I often ask patients, “What are you praying for?” Surprisingly, they don’t always ask for healing and homecoming. Over the years, I sometimes paraphrased their answers into written prayers and invited the patient to post it for all to read. Today I want to share two prayers written by terminally ill patients.
44
ILP MAR n 14
learning—especially when it comes to your purpose. So teach me, God. I’m willing. I’m listening. Help me to run this race with confidence, so that I can say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Your student, Donna Did you notice how these prayers lack superficiality? Neither prayer reads like a wish list for Santa. Both prayers ask God for a purpose and deeper relationships.
Today I ask you, what are you praying for? What is your heart’s desire? If you know, compose your prayer on paper. Then, if you are ready for change, I challenge you to publicly post it and pray it daily. Finally, I invite you to email it to me. I promise to pray with you. 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
Art Preview GALLERY ART SHOWS IN MARCH
An exhibit at JAYJAY called “Butting Heads” features the paintings, mixed media and ceramics of Michael Sarich. JAYJAY is at 5520 Elvas Ave. (jayjayart.com)
At Elliott Fouts Gallery, “An Eclectic Grouping” features the work of select UC Davis alumni and faculty, including Tony Natsoulas, Jeff Nebeker, Maija Peeples-Bright, Roland Petersen and the late ceramicist David Gilhooly. Shown above is “The Shepherd Brothers,” a lithograph by the late Roy De Forest. Elliott Fouts Gallery is at 1831 P St. (efgallery.com)
Sacramento Fine Arts Center’s newly remodeled Gallery 3 will exhibit “Recent Works” by Skip Lee. “Carnie” by Skip Lee is shown at left. Sacramento Fine Arts Center is at 5330B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. (sacfinearts.org) Artistic Edge features works by Sinisa Glisic, Gary Harris and Sam Lieberman. Shown above is “Where Am I,” a pastel by Lieberman. Artistic Edge Gallery is at 1880 Fulton Ave. (artisticedgeframing.com)
“Awash” is an exhibit of watercolor paintings by eight Sacramento artists at SMUD Art Gallery, 6301 S St. The show runs through March 19. Shown at right is the work of watercolorist Elaine Bowers.
Smith Gallery exhibits the work of Steve Memering, who is well known for his use of color and light. Smith Gallery is at 1020 11th St. Suite 100. (smithgallery.com)
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
45
HAVE “INSIDE� WILL TRAVEL 1. Nurse volunteers, Wendell Alderson and Tina Cerruti, at the hospital in Phan Rang, Vietnam 2. Ken and Debbie Vanderford at Niagara Falls 3. Mayo Jack visiting the Elvis exhibits at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee 4. Karl and Avalon Battles on their honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii 5. Valerie Hill and daughters, Tori and Maddy Hill, visiting Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico 6. Brooklyn Gray always wanted to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, so her Grandma took her there on her 17th birthday
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.
46
ILP MAR n 14
The Folding Kayak
WHO NEEDS TO ROW THE BOAT WHEN ASSEMBLING IT IS SO MUCH FUN?
BY KEVIN MIMS WRITING LIFE
L
ast year I bought a boat. I know that a lot of men do this when going through a midlife crisis, but I wasn’t going through any crisis that I knew of. I didn’t buy a yacht or a cabin cruiser or a speedy little racing boat. I bought a kayak. And, truth be told, it was a rather strange kayak. It wasn’t the kind of kayak you carry to the lake on a rack atop your car. This was a kayak that could be folded up into a small square package, roughly the size of a suitcase. A long strap allows the owner to carry this particular brand of kayak on one’s shoulder like a handbag. The
kayak is made out of a material that seems to be a hybrid of plastic and cardboard, and it weighs only 25 pounds. Its design was inspired by origami. If you want to take this kayak for a paddle, you must first unfold it from its suitcase configuration and then refold it into its boat configuration. The manufacturer assured me that this could be done in five minutes. I ordered the kayak in June. The manufacturer informed me that I could expect to wait eight months for it to ship. This brand of kayak (Oru is the trade name) is popular, and the company always has a big backorder to fill. I didn’t mind the wait. I didn’t have enough money to purchase the kayak outright. So I made a down payment online and then spent the next eight months saving up the remainder of the purchase price. During that time, I occupied myself by reading books on kayaking. I also watched online instructional videos about kayaking. What’s more, I frequently visited the manufacturer’s website and watched a video on how to assemble the kayak. I figured if
CALL 648-8455 Neighborhood orhood ences References Since 1984
• • • • • • • •
Sod Sprinklers & Drainage
Drought Tolerant Landscapes
Exterior Lighting Pruning Consultation Plantings Full & Re-Landscaping
Steve Demetre featured in SHOPTALK
Cont. Lic. #874165
I watched the video enough times, I’d be an expert on assembling my origami kayak by the time it arrived. I was wrong. When my kayak arrived, in early January, I excitedly set about trying to assemble it in my living room. If you’ve never assembled a 12-footlong kayak in a 16-foot-long living room that is full of furniture, you probably don’t know how challenging it can be. My first attempt took me 43 minutes (I timed it), not including the 10 minutes I spent pushing all the furniture to the perimeter of the room. When I was done assembling the boat, I felt like I had been wrestling an alligator for an hour. I was drenched in sweat and shaking like a hula doll on the dashboard of a speeding car. The assembly process had taken me nearly nine times as long as the manufacturer’s estimate. But I was undaunted. The manufacturer’s promotional materials had warned me that the first few assemblies might take as long as 20 minutes, due to the stiffness of the materials and the inexperience of the assembler (me). I was determined to do better next time. When my wife came home from work that evening, she found the assembled kayak resting in the arms of our 7-foot-long sofa. This was not a sight inclined to bring joy to her heart. After all, she had planned on sitting on that sofa after dinner and watching a DVD or reading a book. I told her not to worry. “I assembled it in 43 minutes,” I said. “I’m sure I can disassemble it much faster than that.” “Feel free to begin any time,” she said.
“I’d like to,” I said. “But the assembly process exhausted me. I’m waiting for my strength to return.” After dinner, instead of being entertained by a book or bingewatching several episodes of “The West Wing,” my wife curled up in a chair and watched me wrestle my giant origami alligator back into its suitcase. This process took about half an hour and left me nearly as exhausted as the assembly process had. Clearly I had a long way to go before I would be realizing the ideal established by the manufacturer: five minutes to assemble, five minutes to disassemble. But I was nonetheless pleased with my maiden efforts. “What do you think?” I asked Julie, as I slipped the support strap over my shoulder and strutted around the living room with my kayak as though I were modeling a handbag. ‘“Can we watch ‘West Wing’ now?” she said. After that, I began assembling and disassembling my kayak at least once a day. Sometimes I would do it two or three times. After a week of kayak ownership, I was able to assemble the boat in just under 18 minutes. But I wasn’t satisfied with that result. I knew that I could do better if I just kept at it. And so I continued to assemble and disassemble my kayak until I was forced to measure my progress in fractions of seconds rather than minutes. I began timing myself with a stopwatch, sometimes shaving mere milliseconds off my previous best time.
WRITING LIFE page 49
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
47
INSIDE
OUT CONTRIBUTED BY ANIKO KIEZEL
Passing ‘The Dream’ on to Pediatric Patients Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, an award-winning author-illustrator team whose works have celebrated the significant contributions of African-Americans, visited Sutter Children’s Hospital on Feb. 12. They held an interactive art session with pediatric patients as part of Words Take Wing: Honoring Diversity in Children’s Literature, an annual event hosted by the UC Davis School of Education. Andrea Davis Pinkney has authored more than 20 books. She received the Coretta Scott King Author Award in 2013 for “Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America” and the Coretta Scott King Honor in 2001 for “Let It Shine: Black Women Freedom Fighters.” Brian Pinkney received the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award in 2000 for “In The Time of the Drums.” For “Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra,” he was awarded the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor and the Caldecott Honor in 1999.
48
ILP MAR n 14
Time for a career change? A State Job May Be Your Answer Michelle Allen, will help you: ¡ Identify the exams and the jobs for you
Mondavi CENTER
Ballet with a twist!
¡ Assist with the application process ¡ Turn a “jobâ€? into a career in State Civil Service ¡ Demystify the process with a customized 1-on-1 consultation
Benefits ¡ Holidays Off ¡ Job Security Michelle Allen is a former long term state employee; now a teacher and consultant.
MichelleAllenCaliforniaStateJobs.com 457-1630
WRITING LIFE FROM page 47 Every evening, when my wife got home, I would greet her with the announcement of my latest time: “Thirteen minutes flat today,� I would say. Or “Twelve minutes 35 seconds.� And always she would ask me the same thing: “Did you put it in the water yet?� This obsession of hers with water struck me as unreasonable. I always dodged the question. “Plenty of time for that later on,� I would assure her.
Eventually, there came a day when I shaved a full four minutes off my previous best assembly time. When that happened, I felt like Bob Beamon at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. It was at that fateful Olympiad that Beamon broke the previous long-jump record by a stupefying 21 and three-quarters inches. (The long jump is a sport where records are usually broken by a half an inch or so.) I visited the Facebook page of Oru Kayak to see if anyone could boast of a greater improvement in their personal best assembly time. Curiously, no one on Facebook was talking about assembly times. All they wanted to talk about was their weekend kayak trip to
Please Join Us in Our Efforts By Donating Useable Clothing, Furniture and Miscellaneous Household Items. If you need a special pick-up CALL (916)480-0688
www.windyouth.org Hope is in the Wind
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo MAR 27
Dancing the fine line between high art and high camp, Les Ballets Trockadero has been delighting audiences since 1974 with its parodies of classical ballet and modern dance. Always a highlight of the Mondavi Center season.
Charles Lloyd, Zakir Hussain and Eric Harland: Sangam t MAR 7 Three masters merge jazz improv and Indian rhythms
#BMMFU 'MBNFODP &WB :FSCBCVFOB t MAR 11 Featuring Lluvia, a tale of smoldering love told through the fire and passion of flamenco
Eva Y erb ab na ue
I never realized that boating could be so good for you, or so much fun.
Tahoe, or taking their kayak out on the San Francisco Bay for the first time. Occasionally, people used the Facebook page to promote a group outing for Oru Kayak owners. But I wasn’t interested in a kayaking get-together. What I wanted was a kayak-assembly competition. I was sure I could win my age group. As of this writing, I’ve reached the point where I can consistently assemble my kayak in under 10 minutes. At my age, I don’t know that a five-minute assembly time is doable, but I haven’t given up hope yet. I took up kayaking in order to improve my health—and I haven’t been disappointed. I’ve lost five pounds since the day it arrived, and my strength and durability seem to be improving almost daily. I never realized that boating could be so good for you, or so much fun. My life as a boating enthusiast would be perfect if only my wife would quit pestering me to take the damn thing out onto the water. n
$BMBEI /VB t MAR 17 The perfect St. Patrick’s Day!
+POBUIBO #BUJTUF t MAR 19–22 LIMITED AVAILABILITY New Orleans meets New York in this jazz phenom
#SJBO (SFFOF t MAR 20
Caladh Nu a
Explaining the Elegant Universe
"OUIPOZ EF .BSF t MAR 29–30
Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim for the Piano
$JSDB t MAR 30
Australian acrobats push themselves to their emotional and physical limits
PICK 3
SAVE 10% 5JDLFUT BOE NPSF NPOEBWJBSUT PSH t ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
49
James Beckwith SAC METRO CHAMBER CHIEF ON THE ARENA AND LEADERS FOR THE FUTURE
BY KELLIE RANDLE CONVERSATION PIECE
A
s the incoming chairman of Sacramento Metro Chamber, James Beckwith has a frontrow seat for all the changes taking place in the capital region. Here, he talks about his vision for the future of Sacramento. Tell me about the Sac Metro Chamber. What does it do for the Sacramento region? The Sacramento Metro Chamber is an 1,800-member-strong organization that’s been around over 100 years. Our role is to be the voice of business in the region. We have several programs that help us accomplish that. We have four main things we do: foster relationships, inspire development projects, engage in public policy and support business growth. As the incoming chair, what is your vision for 2014? How does it differ from that of your predecessors? Every year, the chairman has a different focal point in terms of what they want to produce. I’ll continue to complete the combination of NextEd with the chamber programs. NextEd is a regional organization that fosters workforce development and brings together folks in the private sector
50
ILP MAR n 14
James Beckwith is the incoming chairman of Sacramento Metro Chamber
with educators, both at K-12 and college level. The purpose is to help create a strong connection between the employers and the educators, to create job-ready individuals when they get out of high school or college. Second, it’s really about the arena. The importance of the arena is overwhelming when you think of what its impact will be in this region and all the follow-up investment that’s going to happen because of it. Let’s assume the arena gets built. All the buildings are going to get augmented and spruced up ... retail establishments and offices. Then you start thinking: What’s going to happen in West Sac? All that land that’s ready to go right next to Raley
Field. Then think of the railyards and what’s going to happen there. And finally, what’s going to happen out in Natomas? Think of the old arena being torn down and making way for what I’d like to see: a big corporate business park. We could get a Google type of company and move a campus here. Think of all those high-paying jobs that would come. Now, a lot of things have to happen in order for that to go forward. The arena has to get built and it has to be done successfully. Then there will be a lot of follow-up investment. Success will breed success around here. This is one of the most interesting times to be in the capital region. It’s right now.
What does the chamber do to build the next generation of leaders for the region? 2014 is going to be the year of the young professional. We have a great program called Metro Edge. It’s made up of folks 40 and under, either at the beginning of their career or midway in. They’re full of enthusiasm, ideas and energy. It’s a great organization. We’ll work collectively with them to bolster what they’re doing with a formalized mentorship program, and also encourage their involvement in other programs that exist within the region. We’d like to help place them on community-based boards and to have them be part of leadership of
this community. If I look around at a board meeting and I’m the youngest guy there, it’s a problem. We need to get younger. I want the young professional to see 2014 as a breakout year for them. Since this is an election year, how will the chamber approach this election cycle? We have a very active PAC. We support candidates who are business friendly regardless of what side of the aisle they’re on, so they can push a pro-business, pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda. That’s what we’re looking for in who we support. We do that by endorsing them. We get involved across the region in city council, county, Assembly and Senate races. We value our relationships with our local, state and federal electeds. They can reach out to us and ask for perspective. One of the best things the chamber can do is to create a dialogue and relationship with those individuals. How does being chairman and CEO of Five Star Bank help in your new position with the chamber? Five Star Bank is a regional business bank so every part of this region is important to us. We have substantial business in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova and South Placer. That gives me perspective on what’s going on in the region. The Metro Chamber is year by year becoming more regional in its focus. We care deeply about what happens up in South Placer and what happens in Elk Grove, what happens out in Yolo County, Davis, Woodland
and West Sac. We’re always reaching out. Our programs have breadth to them and they touch those areas in a positive way. How do you see Sacramento in 10 years? Right now, we have about 2.2 million people in our region. I think 39 percent of them have college degrees. In 10 years, I want to add 2 points to that percent. Two percent times 2 million people is 40,000 plus. Where do all these people come from? A lot of them come from Sac State, Drexel, UC Davis and our other universities. We want them to stay here. We want to have jobs for them here. We want them to be here to start their businesses. In 10 years when this arena gets built, and there’s development downtown, in West Sac, the railyards and the old arena, young people graduating from these institutions are going to stay. They’re going to say, “I’m not going to San Francisco to start my career. I’m going to start it here in Sacramento. I’m going to create my business here.” Once this happens, you have a big change. Our standard of living is going to change. It’s going to affect our public schools and our arts environment in a positive way. It will affect our open spaces and the way that we look at civic amenities. Our average per capita income’s going to go up appreciably. When the major employers are looking for a place to move their business, we want it to be Sacramento because it’s got the educational system in place, it’s a good place to live and it’s a great place for a young person to start a career. n
LISA WIBLE WRIGHT ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR FAMILY LAW
C CAliforniA MusicAl TheATre
ANNOUNCING THE A
2014 SEASON! 2 at the WELLS FARGO PAVILION
JUNE 24 - 29
A multiple Tony-winning singular sensation! Featuring music by the brilliant Marvin Hamlisch, this emotional behind-thescenes look at the Broadway world is a celebration of what it means to be a professional dancer, fervently pursuing the passion to perform onstage. Featuring “What I Did For Love,” “I Hope I Get It,” and the show-stopping “One.”
JULY 8 - 13
Using a little bit of discipline, a spoonful of sugar and a whole lot of magic, the quintessential nanny reacquaints the Banks family with the things that really matter in life. Like The Little Mermaid at Music Circus in 2012, this Disney classic is fun for all ages. With “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Step In Time.”
JULY 22 - 27
This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed for theatre. Love transcends both the harsh realities of war and social stereotypes in this sweeping tale that won a Pulitzer Prize and 10 Tonys. With “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”
AUGUST 5 - 10
Travel to the mystical Scottish Highlands village of Brigadoon where, with true love, anything is possible, even miracles. The traditions of two worlds collide in this enchanting tale by Lerner and Loewe (Camelot, My Fair Lady), with a soaring score featuring “Almost Like Being In Love,” “From This Day On,” “The Heather on the Hill.”
AUGUST 19 - 24
This hilarious, bawdy musical comedy by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein won six Tony Awards in 1984, and both subsequent productions won the Tony for Best Revival. Centered in a bustling nightclub on the French Riviera teeming with song, dance and laughter, it features “The Best of Times,” “I Am What I Am,” “Song on the Sand.”
5-SHOW SEASON PACKAGES ON SALE NOW! W ELLS F ARGO P AVILION B OX O FFICE 1419 H S TREET , S ACRAMENTO
900 UNIVERSITY AVE., SUITE 101 SACRAMENTO, CA 95825
564-6262
| (916) 557-1999
WWW.SACRAMENTOMUSICCIRCUS.COM ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
51
An Ounce of Prevention FEWER CRASHES MEAN LESS HUMAN SUFFERING
BY WALT SEIFERT GETTING THERE
B
en Franklin said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That wise dictum applies to all sorts of things, including health care, road maintenance and traffic safety. Preventing disease avoids needless suffering and the expense of drug treatment or surgery. Repaving roads can be 10 times as costly as timely maintenance. Similarly, it’s vastly better to prevent car crashes than to deal with their aftermath of property damage, injury or death. Yet there has been a decided emphasis in U.S. traffic safety efforts on protecting vehicle occupants from crash impacts rather than preventing crashes from occurring in the first place. Traffic safety is a major public health issue. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for people ages 5 to 34. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2.6 million adult drivers and passengers received emergency-room treatment as a result of crashes in 2011 alone. Vehicle-related injuries and fatalities are not a new problem. Over the years, considerable progress has been made in reducing injury rates. A
52
ILP MAR n 14
lot of that progress has occurred since the publication of Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, “Unsafe at Any Speed.” Nader took automakers to task for making unsafe products and for valuing style and low production costs over safety. Manufacturers, which had fought mandatory seat belts since the 1950s, initially responded by attacking and harassing Nader instead of improving car safety. Nader eventually won a $425,000 settlement from General Motors for invasion of privacy. Following Nader’s book, Congress passed a law in 1966 that created the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and led to the adoption of federal vehicle safety
standards. Since then, many fairly simple design changes have made car crashes more survivable. Seat belts, shatter-resistant windshields, head rests, padded dashboards, energy-absorbing steering wheels, crumple zones, air bags and child car seats have reduced the violence of the “second collision,” when human bodies hit auto interiors. Highertech anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control have also helped. In 1925, there were 17.9 deaths from vehicle crashes per million miles traveled. By 1997, that death rate was cut by 90 percent. Still, the amount of highway carnage in America remains
unacceptably high with more than 30,000 people dying a year. The United States lags behind many developed countries in traffic safety. Scandinavian countries have done particularly well in achieving low fatality rates. The rate in Sweden is nearly three times lower than in the United States. Ironically, part of the reason the United States doesn’t have a better safety record may have been Nader’s book. The book focused on ameliorating the effects of vehicle crashes instead of preventing the crashes. The major causes of car crashes stem from human behavior, not from poorly designed (or maintained) cars. Drivers mostly crash because they are drunk, speeding or distracted. These causes remain inadequately addressed. In the United States, standards for drunk driving are less strict and penalties less severe than in other developed countries. Despite the added risk, it seems to be OK to speed in this country. Car commercials and movies glamorize speeding, while traffic engineers have straightened and widened roads, making higher speeds possible. Speed enforcement is lax and there’s opposition, instead of a push, to use readily available technology to cite and fine speeders. Distractions have increased, not lessened. Cell phones, MP3 players, GPS navigation and voice controls tempt drivers, taking their hands off the wheel and their minds off the road. While new gadgets distract drivers, new technology also promises to assist them and may one day remove GETTING THERE page 55
They're Scrappy FOR THESE ARTISTS, OLD CALIFORNIA TRASH IS THEIR TREASURE
BY JODIE BERRINGER MYERS ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
F
or Land Park residents Tom and Sally Myers, what’s old is, artistically speaking, new again. After a 41-year hiatus, these two are back creating what they call wood sculptures. But it’s probably not what you’re thinking. They construct 3-D pieces using found old wood, rusted metal and tin scraps, tattered fabric and foliage indigenous to California. “The only thing new is the glue,” says Tom Myers. Tom, 88, met Sally, 78, more than 50 years ago at the Sierra Camera Club in Sacramento. “She’s my child bride,” he says. Together, they run a successful business, Tom Myers Photography, specializing in California, American West, agriculture, wildlife and environmental photos. Tom’s work has been published in National Geographic, National Wildlife magazine and Sunset Books. They started making one-of-a-kind wood sculptures in 1969, exhibiting in galleries in Carmel, San Francisco and Sacramento and selling well over 150 pieces. But in 1972, when the photography business ramped up to more than a full-time job, they put their artistic endeavors on the back burner until seven months ago, when they started creating their scrappy artwork once again. “Because of digital photography these days,” Sally says, “it frees us up and gives us more time to do the wood sculptures.” Each sculpture depicts a scene, such as Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, the historic town of Locke,
Land Park residents Tom and Sally Myers create artwork from items found along roads and rivers, in ditches and other places
the State Capitol or the Delta King. Their rustic pieces are often nods to the past. “We love to give that sense of time and place of days gone by,” says Sally. Each diorama is securely affixed to worn wood or tin. While some are stand-alone works of art, most are designed to hang on a wall. The artists scavenge for their materials, mostly in the ditches and fields of Northern California. They
often go on Google Earth to find trash piles or unorganized dumps. Their many years of photography experience have made them expert at foraging for hidden treasures. “We’re used to always looking down and close up in nature,” Sally says. But it’s easier said than done. “It’s really hard to find the old rusted metal stuff now,” Sally says, “because everything these days is aluminum.”
When they find thin, malleable wood or crusty old tin, it’s like winning the jackpot. The shabbier, the better. “Yes,” Tom says, “we are up to date on our tetanus shots.” Art seems to be a genetic thing in the Myers family. The couple’s son, Jeff, is an acclaimed artist in his own right. His paintings and prints are colorful works, combining abstraction ARTIST page 55
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
53
Body of Work ‘GATSBY’ GIVES WAY TO SACRAMENTO BALLET’S ‘CARMINA BURANA’
By Jessica Laskey RIVER CITY PREVIEWS
S
ensual. Stunning. Sensational. These are just a few effusive adjectives that come to mind when thinking of the Sacramento Ballet’s production of “Carmina Burana,” which is making a surprise return to the Community Center Theater on March 27-30. Ron Cunningham’s “Carmina Burana” is taking the place of his “Great Gatsby” this month—the ballet is holding the F. Scott Fitzgerald fantasy for later in the season to make sure all of the elements (live music, singers, a healthy corps) can come together properly—but the arresting visuals, cataclysmic choreography, live music and 80-member chorus of “Carmina” sure to make it a new favorite. For tickets and more information, call 808-5181 or go to sacballet.org. The Community Center Theater is at 1301 L St.
RESCUE MISSION If you’ve ever seen a play at Celebration Arts, you know the work that’s being done there is strong, compelling, thought-provoking and
54
ILP MAR n 14
“Carmina Burana” is making a surprise return to the Community Center Theater March 27-30
important for our region. Not only does the company present rarely staged works by prominent African American playwrights, it also employs and trains talented local actors for every production, a feat that few professional theater companies in Sacramento accomplish. But it is in need of our help. Like most local businesses, Celebration
Arts depends on patrons who live in the area to support its shows. Here’s a portion of the organization’s plea: “We send you this message at this time because we find ourselves very close to closing our operation. The cost to present stage plays has dramatically increased while at the same time our income from grants and ticket sales has drastically
decreased. The total of all income is used for our productions, including licensing of play rights and leasing our theater space. “As currently structured, each production funds the next production. We therefore have no guarantee of income to support our productions and necessary infrastructure. Financially, 2013 was particularly challenging: most months we struggled to meet our obligations, hoping that the next production would bring in sufficient funds. “We are reaching out for your assistance to help us establish a foundation of annual giving, now more vital than ever to alleviate the pressures from production-toproduction. This foundation will ensure we remain a viable arts entity for the Sacramento region while also continuing to present plays that can only be seen on the Celebration Arts stage.” Do your part to keep local arts alive in our city. Donate at celebrationarts. net or send a tax-deductible donation to Celebration Arts, 4469 D St., Sacramento, CA 95819. Together, we can keep this integral institution up and running, and presenting thought-provoking theater, for years to come.
YES, MASTER Get ready for some sensational singing when the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra presents “European Masterworks” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Community Center Theater. The impressive program will include “Stabat Mater” by Charles Villiers Stanford and Symphony No. 2 by Felix Mendelssohn, performed
GETTING THERE FROM page 52
ARTIST FROM page 53
humans from the safety equation altogether. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to equip cars with transponders that “talk” to each other within a range of about 300 yards. The devices can exchange location, speed, direction and other data. This vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology will warn drivers of impending dangers. Potentially, the systems could help drivers avoid or mitigate 70 to 80 percent of vehicle crashes involving unimpaired drivers.
with representation. He also assists his parents in the digital scanning and computer/techie side of their stillthriving photography business. Tom, a native Chicagoan, and Sally, raised in the Bay Area, show no signs of slowing down. Tom regularly charters a helicopter to take aerial photographs for his agricultural and industrial clients. “It’s better than Disneyland,” he says of those helicopter rides. “I look down, there’s my feet, and then there’s nothing underneath!” They’ve also published a number of books. Their most recent, “A Postcard History of Sacramento,” chronicles vintage photos of Sacramento taken from 1904 to 1930. For Tom and Sally Myers, there are a lot of great ideas in the queue. They want to create sculptures of iconic buildings in Old Folsom, Fair Oaks and the Gold Country. They also do special orders. They’ve created sculptures of an old ranch-style house commissioned by a gentleman from Montana and of a beautiful old Victorian for a client in San Francisco. In January, they had an exhibit at The Temp Gallery. During Second Saturday in March, they will again show their artsy showpieces at 33rd Street Bistro on Folsom Boulevard.
Preventing traffic crashes would be a very welcome and important public health achievement.
St. Francis High School’s production of “Reviving Ophelia” will run March 21-29
by sopranos Marina Boudart Harris and Carrie Hennessey, alto Malin Fritz, tenor Mathew Edwardsen and baritone Eugene Villanueva. Let your ears relax into the rhythms; there will be projected supertitle translations so you can keep up with every languid lyric. Arrive early at 7 p.m. and you’ll be treated to a pre-performance talk by maestro Donald Kendrick. This performance of “European Masterworks” is dedicated to SCSO cellist and friend Judy Waegell. For tickets and more information, call 808-5181 or go to sacramentochoral.com. The Community Center Theater is at 1301 L St.
NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT If you love silent movies for the dramatic acting and equally dramatic musical scoring, don’t miss the Sacramento Community Concerts performance of “A Night at the Movies” at 7:30 p.m. on March 22 at Westminster Church.
Organist Dave Moreno will accompany some of your favorite silent films on the church’s 3,000-pipe organ with the help of emcee and crooner Matias Bombal. It’s sure to be a dramatic evening of entertainment! For tickets and more information, call 400-4634 or go to sccaconcerts. org. Westminster Church is at 1300 N St.
OH, OPHELIA Being a teenager is hard. Being a teenage girl can be even harder. Watch four young women battle the tough stuff—bullying, abuse, death, alcoholism, puberty—in St. Francis High School’s production of “Reviving Ophelia” March 21-29. The hard-hitting material may sound heavy for a high school play, but St. Francis is determined to start a conversation with its students (all St. Francis attendees will be required to see it) and the community as a PREVIEWS page 56
Unlike with “self-driving” or autonomous cars, the transponder technology will not control the car. It won’t apply the brakes or take evasive action on its own. It relies on the human driver to respond. While the government intends to mandate the warning technology in all new cars at some future date (and retrofit systems will likely become available), widespread use is years away. Both transponders and autonomous cars do focus on prevention. It remains to be seen whether they will be competing or complementary technologies—and what the costs and effectiveness of each are. What is certain is that fewer crashes would mean less human suffering. Fewer crashes would cut medical, property damage and insurance costs. Preventing traffic crashes would be a very welcome and important public health achievement. If Ben Franklin were still around, he’d probably be saying, “I told you so.”
Tom and Sally Myers can be reached at 443-8886. n
Walt Seifert is a bicyclist, driver and transportation writer. He can be reached at bikeguy@surewest.net. n The Myers' artwork is amazingly detailed
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
55
PREVIEWS FROM page 55 whole. It helps that the cast of four young women—Annie Randle, Emma Vance, Tori Johnson and Jordan Davis—tackles the subjects with acting aplomb and poise that far outpaces their ages. For tickets and more information, call 737-5002 or go to stfrancishs.org. St. Francis High School is at 5900 Elvas Ave.
DON’T BLAME CANADA Though Sacramento isn’t located anywhere near Canada, you can see what entertains our neighbors to the north right in your own hometown. The B Street Theatre presents Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s comedy “Wrong for Each Other” from March 2 through April 13. It’s no surprise to the folks at the B Street that Foster is Canada’s most prolific and produced playwright. The theater has produced at least three other Foster productions to great acclaim. This current comedy follows Rudy and Norah as they fall in love, get married, get divorced and then come face-to-face again to relive the highs and lows of their relationship. Witty, heart-warming and heartwrenching, “Wrong for Each Other” proves just how funny love can be. For tickets and more information, call 443-5300 or go to bstreettheatre. org. The B Street Theatre is at 2711 B St.
MARCH MADNESS When you’re looking for something to do, sometimes you just have to improvise. Don’t miss the Improvisational Jazz concert at the
Crocker Art Museum, as well as lots of other fun and funky offerings this month, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. Acclaimed Italian guitar master Antonio Calogero and Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Paul McCandless will make the Crocker hop with an eclectic evening of improvisational jazz music. Talk about a dynamic duo. If you liked Calogero’s guitar moves, don’t miss the Classical Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 featuring the Athens Guitar Duo. This Grammy Award-nominated group performs music created by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla and Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, along with works by composers from Turkey, France and the United States. The coolest part? The talented twosome performs on guitars built by a master luthier (a maker of lutes and other stringed instruments) including an extremely rare 11-string guitar. Ready to get funky? Check out Art Mix’s Funk Springs Eternal event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. To celebrate the spring season, the Crocker is getting “funky fresh”: live performances by Groovincible and Idea Team, a special set by the DJs from FFFreak! and demos by Sacramento’s first Bboy crew The Outsiders. Need some more funk in your life? Peruse the pop-up Dimple Records shop and explore interactive art making with the evening’s featured artist. To help you get your funk on, drinks are under $5 all night. To support the next generation of art makers in Sacramento, the Crocker will participate in national Youth Art Month, a yearly celebration of the importance of youth arts
Just Listed in East Sacramento www.WalkerRealty.net
education. See some sensational student artwork and rub elbows with the young creators at the Youth Art Month Reception from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. The reception is free with museum admission. Finally, get back in balance at the end of the month with “Art in Balance: Tai Chi” in the Gallery at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. This event is exactly what it sounds like: Participants will meditate during an instructional tai chi session led by Tara Stiles amid the art in the galleries. Take a gander while you take a breather. The class is open to all ages and skill levels and is included in general admission. For tickets and more information on all Crocker events, call 808-1182 or go to crockerartmuseum.org. The Crocker Art Museum is at 216 O St.
THE NEW PLAY’S THE THING How do you stay on the cutting edge of the theater world? Just ask Ray Tatar, artistic director of California Stage and an avid advocate for new plays. Tatar’s company is one of six theaters in the United States that has been chosen to present one of the winning entries in the first-ever New Play Festival of the American Association of Community Theaters. “The Vanishing Point” by Nelda Roberts will open March 29 and play every weekend in April at the R25 Arts Center. Roberts’ award-winning piece, about the destruction of the Bayous and the diaspora of the American Cajun culture, was chosen from 250 entries and will enjoy its world premiere right here in Sacramento. How’s that for cutting edge? “The Vanishing Point” will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays at the R25 Arts Complex, 1721 25th St. For tickets and more information, call 451-5822 or go to calstage.org.
THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC
$395,000 Steve Walker, Broker
(916) 448-2848 • steve@walkerrealty.net
56
ILP MAR n 14
DRE #00880608
Are you a fan of Broadway musicals? How about symphonic music? You can combine both kinds of engaging entertainment at the Sacramento Symphonic Winds
concert “Broadway!” at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 at Crowne Plaza Sacramento Northeast. Warm up your vocal chords and lend your voice to the audienceparticipation concert celebrating music from “Oklahoma!” “Carousel,” “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music,” all by musical legend Richard Rodgers, as well as “The Cowboys” by John Williams and the song stylings of the Sac Winds’ Youth Artist Competition winner. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, go to sacwinds. org. Crowne Plaza Sacramento Northeast is at 5321 Date Ave.
DREAM ON Good music and good deeds come together on March 5 at the Crest Theatre when three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs to benefit Bridget’s Dream, a nonprofit organization battling sex trafficking in Sacramento.
Sacramento is among 18 mediumsized U.S. cities with frighteningly high rates of child sexual exploitation. Sacramento is among 18 mediumsized U.S. cities with frighteningly high rates of child sexual exploitation. Responding to this gut-wrenching statistic, Leah Albright-Byrd founded Bridget’s Dream in 2011 to raise awareness and funds for the fight against trafficking. Inspired by the nonprofit’s mission, music promoter Scott Brill-Lehn arranged to send some of the proceeds garnered from Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s performance to the group to aid its cause. In this special performance, the South African male choral group, whose melodious voices you may recognize from Paul Simon’s hit album “Graceland,” will
THEATRE GUIDE Wrong For Each Other
4000 Miles
The Merry Wives
Passion
March 2 – April 13 B Street Theatre 2711 B St, Sac 443-5300 Bstreettheatre.org Does absence truly make the heart grow fonder? Norm Foster’s warm hearted comedy puts this theory to the test. Rudy and Norah were two people who fell in love, got married and then got divorced. When by chance the two meet again, the couple flashback through the highs and lows of their relationship. A hilarious look at how things which begin so right can end up going so wrong. Thru March 29 Big Idea Theatre 1616 Del Paso Blvd, Sac 960-3036 Bigideatheatre.com Step back in time to the wild, wild West, where anything goes. Enjoy this playful twist on Shakespeare’s classic comedy that celebrates our region’s vibrant history.
The Tempest
who set out to lovingly tribute, and
March 5 - 9 Sacramento Theatre Company 1419 H St, Sac 443-6722 Sactheatre.org King Alonso of Naples and his entourage sail home for Italy after attending his daughter’s wedding in Tunis, Africa. They encounter a violent storm, a tempest. Everyone jumps overboard and are washed ashore on a strange island inhabited by a magician.
deliciously reinvent, the classic mac
Smokey Joe’s Café
Garrett McCord, co-author of “Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese,” comes to the Library Galleria downtown to speak to his salivating fans at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11.
present pieces from a more than 50-year career, including songs from the recent Grammy-winning album “Live: Singing For Peace Around The World” (dedicated to Nelson Mandela) and the group’s newest CD, “Always With Us” (a tribute to Nellie Shabala, wife of Joseph Shabala, the singing group’s founder and leader). For tickets and more information, call the Crest at 442-5189 or go to bridgetsdream.org. The Crest Theatre is at 1013 K St.
READ MY LIPS
McCord and his co-author, Stephanie Stiavetti (who happened to be a classmate of mine at UC Berkeley), are self-described foodies
’n’ cheese of yore. Cooks of all levels will enjoy the recipes and anecdotes as well as tips to transform this comfort food into something special with fresh, simple ingredients. My tummy is already rumbling … For more information, go to saclibrary.org. The Library Galleria is in the Central Library at 828 I St.
Hungry for a great read and a delicious meal? Snag both when Garrett McCord, co-author of “Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese,” comes to the Library Galleria downtown to speak to his salivating fans at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11.
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
March 5 – 15 Eagle Theater, El Camino High School 4300 El Camino Ave 952-6513 Choir, Band and Drama departments join forces to present 8 evenings of high energy musical performances. Take a musical ride through 39 popular rock and roll and rhythm and blues songs. Excellent choreography will have you singing and dancing the night away.
Romeo and Juliet
Thru March 23 Sacramento Theatre Company 1419 H St Sac 446-7501 The famous romantic tragedy by William Shakespeare about the forbidden love between two star-crossed lovers. You won’t want to miss this.
March 12 – April 13 Capital Stage Company 2215 J St 995-5464 Capstage.org After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feistery 91 year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. This play is wonderfully funny, touching and ultimately surprising play about growing up and finding home. Thru March 9 New Helvetia Theatre 1028 R St Sac 469-9850 Based off the book by James Lapine, and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the theatre company proudly presents this musical. Set in 19th century Italy, a young soldier and the changes in him brought about by the obsessive love of Fosca, his Colonel’s homely, ailing cousin.
Seussical the Musical
Thru March 23 24th Street Theatre Runawaystage.com 207-1226 Runaway Stage Productions brings you this perfect musical for families and theatergoers of all ages. The incredible Cat in the Hat narrates a magical story featuring the very best of Dr. Seuss characters and stories. “There is Horton the Elephant, Jojo, Mazie and Gertrude” RSP Producing Director Bob Baster said. “We have great characters that jump off the page and come to life on the stage. Dr. Seuss has a message that everyone can relate to. It is a kind, humorous and sincere message.”
Reviving Ophelia
March 21 – 29 St Francis High School 5900 Elvas Ave Sac 737-5002 This is a gripping story of four teenage girls battling the corrosive influences of popular culture and each searching for the personal North Star that will guide her home. Lives of these four girls from first grade, through middle school and then through high school to graduation and young adulthood.
SUBMIT EVENTS TO ANIKO@INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
57
New Two A PAIR OF NEW RESTAURANTS WIDENS THE DOWNTOWN DINING SCENE
BY GREG SABIN RESTAURANT INSIDER
I
t’s been a rough few months for the Sacramento restaurant landscape. Longtime standout Enotria closed its doors after an interesting run of being first the best little restaurant on Del Paso Boulevard, then the best wine bar and restaurant outside of the grid, and lastly a molecular-gastronomy adventure. Restaurant THIR13EN closed it doors not long after. The second project of Tuli Bistro’s Adam Pechal, THIR13EN couldn’t quite take off after a few years of hard trying and beautiful cooking. There have been ups and downs at 9th Street’s Blackbird, first a rocky and public closing and now rebranding as Blackbird Kitchen + Beer Gallery. Despite the ridiculous name, if the cooking is on par with Blackbird’s previous seafood-centric iteration, I’ll happily spend some dining dollars there. So yes, there have been more than a few bumps in the road for local diners, which is why it’s nice to see a pair of new restaurants open up their doors downtown. The first is a newish establishment named Foundation Restaurant & Bar, an upscale casual eatery and drinkery already popular with the corporate employees working in the buildings surrounding it. Focusing a bit more on the bar than the restaurant, Foundation offers a compact and approachable menu offering steaks, chops, and seafood. Highlights include “lamb
58
ILP MAR n 14
Gorgonzola burger with garlic fries from Foundation
lollipops,” which are really just lamb chops with a tomato/jalapeno jam. Three substantial chops come with the order, perfectly grilled and well seasoned. The tomato/jalapeno jam is a bit on the syrupy side, but it’s well balanced against the heat of the peppers. The grilled New York strip is a simple, straightforward steak plate, with roasted shallots and blue cheese. The steamed mussels work on all fronts, swimming in a broth of paprika-spiked beer broth. The standout might be the porterhouse pork chop. It’s a not-
insubstantial chunk of meat served over sugary sweet potatoes and crisp French green beans. If memory serves, the former occupant, 4th Street Grille, also was known for its pork chop. It too was basically a steak/chops/seafood place with a well-appointed bar. Truth is, other than a new coat of paint and new upholstery on the booths, it’s hard to tell the difference between Foundation and the former tenant. The food is similar, although maybe a touch more current with its selection of seasonal ingredients. The vibe, too, is similar, with a heavy
lunch and after-work rotation coming through most days. Overall, not much has changed. If you, like me, don’t work in the area, and your last visit to 4th Street Grille was a few years ago, then you’ll probably not notice much of a change with Foundation. This is not elegant food, yet not quite comfort food. This is a menu to be found in almost every downtown in almost every American city. It’s an inevitable slice of Americana. Foundation Bar & Restaurant is at 400 L St.; 321-9522; foundationrestaurantandbar.com.
The second of downtown’s new entries in the dining market is Mother on K Street. One of the most hotly anticipated openings in recent memory, the vegetarian restaurant has had a swarm of positive press and excited buzz.
The food is hearty, comfortable, flavorful and sumptuous. The recipes are familiar and homey. They just happen to be vegetarian. Casual, hip, small, popular and inevitably uncomfortable, Mother is the new “it” place to dine downtown. Within two weeks of opening, nearly every food-focused friend I have pitched his or her two cents into the giant opinion tip jar. Most of their opinions were positive, some zealously so. I thought I’d spice up the experience by actually taking my mother, Carol, to Mother. First, my mother is not a vegetarian. Second, cramped, popular, casual restaurants are not her scene. Had she not seen so much positive press come out about the place, she probably would have suggested another destination for lunch. Her take on the place was mixed, as was mine. The food is hearty, comfortable, flavorful and sumptuous. The recipes are familiar and homey. They just happen to be vegetarian. Mother’s beet salad was the star of the show. My mother said several times, “I’d come back just for that.” It’s a hefty dish with shaved raw beets and whole roasted beets mixed with quinoa, watercress and creamy yogurt dressing. The textures and flavors come together beautifully. Where some restaurant beet salads feel like a celebration of good olive oil, fine vinegar and pedestrian beets, this dish felt like a beet showcase with some muscular props.
The dining room at Foundation downdown
The rest of the menu comes across with bright notes and seasonal flavors showing off some kitchen mastery and old-school southern chops. But sometimes the offerings are a bit overseasoned. (A dish of roasted Brussels sprouts tasted like the salt cellar had been lost in it.) Other times, the menu choices are a bit odd. (Iced coffee is available but not hot coffee.) I find myself wanting to like Mother. For a vegetarian joint, the food is excellent and the vibe is fun. I’d love to say that the food is excellent, regardless of its meat content. For me, Mother isn’t quite there yet. But the fact that my mother, one of the toughest restaurant critics I know, seemed to enjoy her experience there says a lot in the new restaurant’s favor. Mother is at 1023 K St.; 594-9812; mothersacramento.com. Greg Sabin can be reached at gregsabin@hotmail.com. n
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
59
INSIDE’S
Midtown
MIDTOWN
Fox & Goose Public House
1800 L St. 447-9440
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer English Pub favorites in an historic setting • Foxandgoose.com
Aioli Bodega Espanola L D $$ 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
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio Casual California cuisine with counter service
Centro Cocina Mexicana 2730 J St. 442-2552
L D $$ Full Bar Patio Regional Mexican cooking served in a casual atmosphere • Paragarys.com
Chicago Fire
2416 J St. 443-0440
D $$ Full Bar Chicago-style pizza, salads wings served in a family-friendly atmosphere • Chicagofirerestaurant.com
Crepeville
1730 L St. 444-1100
B L D $-$$ 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 $-$$ Full Bar Outdoor Dining Fresh Mexican food served in an upscale, yet familyfriendly setting • Ernestosmexicanfood.com
58 Degrees & Holding Co. 1217 18th St. 442-5858
L D $$$ Wine/Beer California cuisine served in a chic, upscale setting • 58degrees.com
1001 R St. 443-8825
Harlow’s Restaurant 2708 J Street 441-4693
L D $$ Full Bar Modern Italian/California cuisine with Asian inspirations • Harlows.com
Italian Importing Company 1827 J Street 442-6678
B L $ Italian food in a casual grocery setting
Jack’s Urban Eats
1230 20th St. 444-0307
L D $ Full Bar Made-to-order comfort food in a casual setting • Jacksurbaneats.com
Kasbah Lounge
2115 J St. 442-4388
D Full Bar $$ 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
1215 19th St. 441-6022
L D Full Bar $$$ Modern American cuisine in an upscale historic setting
Old Soul Co.
1716 L St. 443-7685
B L D $ No table service at this coffee roaster and bakery, also serving creative artisanal sandwiches
Paesano’s Pizzeria
1806 Capitol Ave. 447-8646
L D $$ Gourmet pizza, pasta, salads in casual setting • Paesanos.biz
1401 28th St. 457-5737
D $$ Full Bar Outdoor Patio California cuisine with an Italian touch • Paragarys.com
Suzie Burger
29th and P Sts. 455-3300
L D $ Classic burgers, cheesesteaks, shakes, chili dogs, and other tasty treats • suzieburger.com
The Streets of London Pub 1804 J St. 498-1388
L D $ Wine/Beer English Pub fare in an authentic casual atmosphere, 17 beers on tap
ILP MAR n 14
2115 J St. 442-4353
L D $-$$ 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 $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio Housemade curries among their authentic Thai specialties Thaibasilrestaurant.com
The Coconut Midtown
Español 5723 Folsom Blvd. 457-3679
L D Full Bar $-$$ Classic Italian cuisine served in a traditional family-style atmosphere
Formoli's Bistro
3839 J St. 448-5699
B L D Wine/Beer Patio $$ Mediterranean influenced cuisine in a neighborhood setting
Italian Stallion
3260B J St. 449-8810
2502 J Street 440-1088 Lunch Delivery M-F and Happy Hour 4-6
L D $-$$ Thin-Crust Pizza, Deserts and Beer in an intimate setting and popular location
The Waterboy
La Bombe Ice Cream & More
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Patio Fine South of France and northern Italian cuisine in a chic neighborhood setting • waterboyrestaurant.com
L D $ European and American Frozen Confections, sandwiches, soups and espresso
L D $-$$ Beer/Wine Food with Thai Food Flair
2000 Capitol Ave. 498-9891
Zocolo
1801 Capitol Ave. 441-0303
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Patio Regional Mexican cuisine served in an authentic artistic setting • zocolosacramento.com
EAST SAC 33rd Street Bistro
3301 Folsom Blvd. 455-2233
B L D $$ Full Bar Patio Pacific Northwest cuisine in a casual bistro setting
Mulvaney’s Building & Loan
Paragary’s Bar & Oven
60
Tapa The World
Burr's Fountain 4920 Folsom Blvd. 452-5516
B L D $ Fountain-style diner serving burgers, sandwiches, soup and ice cream specialties
Clark's Corner Restaurant 5641 J St.
3020 H Street 448-2334
La Trattoria Bohemia 3649 J St. 455-7803
L D Wine/Beer $-$$ Italian and Czech specialties in a neighborhood bistro setting
Les Baux
5090 Folsom Blvd. 739-1348
BLD $ Wine/Beer Unique boulangerie, café & bistro serving affordable delicious food/drinks all day long • lesbauxbakery.com
Opa! Opa!
5644 J St. 451-4000
L D Wine/Beer $ Fresh Greek cuisine in a chic, casual setting, counter service
Nopalitos
5530 H St. 452-8226
B L $ Wine/Beer Southwestern fare in a casual diner setting
Selland's Market Cafe
L D Full Bar $$ American cuisine in a casual historic setting
5340 H St. 473-3333
Clubhouse 56
Star Ginger
723 56th. Street 454-5656
BLD Full Bar $$ American cuisine. HD sports, kid's menu, beakfast weekends
B L D $$-$$$ Wine/Beer High quality handcrafted food to eat in or take out, wine bar
3101 Folsom Blvd. 231-8888
Asian Grill and Noodle Bar • starginger.com
Thai Palace Restaurant Evan’s Kitchen
3262 J St. 446-5353
855 57th St. 452-3896
L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Authentic Thai cuisine in a casual setting
menu, winemaker dinners • Chefevan.com
DOWNTOWN
B L D Wine/Beer $$ Eclectic California cuisine served in a family-friendly atmosphere, Kid’s
East Sac-Midtown Taqueria 3754 J St. 452-7551
B L D $ Authentic Mexican specialties in a Southwestern setting
Foundation
400 L St. 321-9522
L D $$ Full Bar American cooking in an historic atmosphere • foundationsacramento.com
serving all day long for your appetite
... and your lifestyle!
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
coffee
where wine flows minds mingle and time flies Oȼʑn
Picnic bagueԽe
7:30ʋm ʑvʑrydʋɨ
LESBAUXBAKERY.COM
5090 FOLSOM BLVD, EAST SACRAMENTO 739.1348
LUNCH, DINNER & HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS FEATURING LOCAL STERLING CAVIAR WWW.ELLA DINING ROOM AND BAR.COM 1131 K ST. DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO 916.443.3772
HURRY...2014 Reservations Are Filling Up Fast!
BOOK YOUR WEDDING
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
Mckinleyparkcenter.org reservemckinley@aol.com
Call 243-8292
ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
61
Serving Sacramento for 91 Years!
Sacramento’s Oldest Restaurant
ESPAÑOL Since 1923
ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
$10 OFF Total DINNER food order of $40 or more
With coupon. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 3/31/14.
$5 OFF
Total LUNCH or DINNER food order of $25 or more With coupon. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 3/31/14.
5723 Folsom Boulevard 457-1936 Dine In & Take Out • Cocktail Lounge • Banquet Room Seats 35 Lunch 11-4 pm • Dinner 4-9 pm Sundays • 11:30-9 pm • Closed Mondays
www.espanolitalian.com
Chops Steak Seafood & Bar 1117 11th St. 447-8900
L D $$$ Full Bar Steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef and fresh seafood in an upscale club atmosphere • Chopssacramento.com
The Firehouse Restaurant
Iron Grill
1112 Second St. 442-4772
13th Street and Broadway 737-5115
1200 K Street #8 228-4518
steakhouse • Ironsteaks.com
D $$$ Wine/Beer Five-course gourmet demonstration dinner by reservation only • Thekitchenrestaurant.com
Frank Fat’s
Jamie's Bar and Grill
La Rosa Blanca Taqueria
L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Chinese favorites in an elegant setting • Fatsrestaurants.com
L D $ Full Bar Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Dine in or take out since 1986
L D Full Bar $$-$$ Fresh Mexican food served in a colorful family-friendly setting
806 L St. 442-7092
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
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant 1111 J St. 442-8200
L D $$ Full Bar Upscale seafood, burgers in a clubby atmosphere • Mccormickandschmicks.com
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar 1530 J St. 447-2112
L D Full Bar $$-$$$ Japanese cuisine served in an upscale setting • Mikunisushi.com
Morton’s Steakhouse
621 Capitol Mall #100 442-50
D $$$ Full Bar Upscale American steakhouse • Mortons.com
Parlaré Eurolounge D $$ Full Bar Relax with drinks and dinner in this stylish downtown space
Educational tasting experience of wines by the taste, flight or glass • downtownandvine.com
Rio City Café
Ella Dining Room & Bar
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Seasonal menu of favorites in a setting overlooking river • Riocitycafe.com
L D $$$ Full Bar Modern American cuisine served family-style in a chic, upscale space • Elladiningroomandbar.com
Ten 22
1131 K St. 443-3772
Esquire Grill 1213 K St. 448-8900
1110 Front St. Old Sac 442-8226
1022 Second St. 441-2211
L D Wine/Beer $$ American bistro favorites with a modern twist in a casual, Old Sac setting ten22oldsac.com
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Outdoor Dining Upscale American fare served in an elegant setting • Paragarys.com
LAND PARK
Estelle's Patisserie
2760 Sutterville Road 452-2809
901 K St. 916-551-1500 L D $$-$$$ French-inspired Bakery serving fresh pastry & desserts, artisan breads and handcrafted sandwiches. EstellesPatisserie.com
Fat's City Bar & Cafe 1001 Front St. 446-6768
D $$-$$$ Full Bar Steaks and Asian specialties served in a casual historic Old Sac location • Fatsrestaurants.com
62
ILP MAR n 14
2225 Hurley Way 568-7171
L D $$-$$$ Full Bar Upscale neighborhood
L D $$$ Full Bar Global and California cuisine in an upscale historic Old Sac setting • Firehouseoldsac.com
10th & J Sts. 448-8960
Downtown & Vine
The Kitchen
Casa Garden Restaurant 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
427 Broadway 442-4044
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 $$ Wine/Beer International cuisine with dessert specialties in a casual setting
Willie's Burgers
2415 16th St.444-2006
L D $ Great burgers and more. Open until 3 am weekends
ARDENCARMICHAEL
3032 Auburn Blvd. 484-0139 2813 Fulton Ave. 484-6104
Leatherby’s Family Creamery 2333 Arden Way 920-8382
L D $ House-made ice cream and specialties, soups and sandwiches
Lemon Grass Restaurant 601 Munroe St. 486-4891
L D $$ 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 $$ Neighborhood gathering place for pizza, pasta and grill dishes
The Mandarin Restaurant 4321 Arden Way 488-47794
D $$-$$$ Full Bar Gourmet Chineses food for 32 years • Dine in and take out
Roma's Pizzeria & Pasta 6530 Fair Oaks Blvd. 488-9800
Andaloussia
L D $$ Traditional Italian pizza & pasta Family Friendly Catering + Team Parties • romas-pizzaand-pasta.com
dinner specials, belly dancing weekends • bestmoroccanfood.com
Roxy
Bella Bru Café
B L D $$-$$$ Full Bar American cuisine with a Western touch in a creative upscale atmosphere
B L D $-$$ Full Bar Espresso, omelettes, salads, table service from 5 -9 p.m. • bellabrucafe.com
Ristorante Piatti
1537 Howe Ave. 927-1014 L D $-$$ Authentic Moroccan cuisine, lunch &
5038 Fair Oaks Blvd. 485-2883
Café Vinoteca
3535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 487-1331
L D $$ Full Bar Italian bistro in a casual setting • Cafevinoteca.com
2381 Fair Oaks Blvd. 489-2000
571 Pavilions Lane 649-8885
L D $$ Full Bar Contemporary Italian cuisine in a casually elegant setting
Sam's Hof Brau
2500 Watt 482-2175
Chinois City Café
L D $$ Wine/Beer Fresh quality meats roasted daily • thehofbrau.com
L D $$ Full Bar Asian-influenced cuisine in a casual setting • Chinoiscitycafe.com
Thai House
Ettore’s
L D $$ Wine/Beer Featuring the great taste of Thai traditional specialties • sacthaihouse.com
B L D $-$$ Wine/Beer Patio European-style gourmet café with salads, soup, spit-roasted chicken, desserts in a bistro setting • Ettores.com
Willie's Burgers
3535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 485-8690
2376 Fair Oaks Blvd. 482-0708
427 Munroe in Loehmann's 485-3888
5050 Fair Oaks Blvd. 488-5050 L D $ Great burgers and more n
Kilt Pub
4235 Arden Way 487-4979
L D $ Beer/Wine British Pub Grub, Nightly Dinner Specials, Open 7 Days
Jack’s Urban Eats
2535 Fair Oaks Blvd. 481-5225 L D $ Full Bar Made-to-order comfort food in a casual setting • Jacksurbaneats.com
Meet Tom Willey of T&D Willey Farms and enjoy a three-course meal featuring the farm’s produce, created by Chef Ame Harrington
20 6 - 8:30 PM
THURS. MARCH
SACRAMENTO
NATURAL FOODS CO-OP
$16 maximum value. Seniors 55 and older. Must present proof of age. Coupon required. Offer valid 1-1-2014 through 3-31-2014.
locally owned since 1973
Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid on Valentine’s Day.
OPEN DAILY TO EVERYONE • 7AM TO 10PM
1900 ALHAMBRA BLVD. SACRAMENTO, CA 95816
PRE-REGISTER AT SACFOODCOOP.COM
’r e u o Y ed! Invit
Buy one entrée and get a second entrée FREE!*
Join u 28t s at Ja im Pat h ann rick ual e’s ’s D S ay P t. ar ty ! Where word ord of “mouth watering” p has been spreading e since
1986!
1001 Front Street, Historic Old Sacramento 916-446-6768 www.fatcitybarandcafe.com
Sacramento Turn Verein’s 46th Annual
Bockbierfest
Enjoy our Great Outdoor Biergarten
Friday, April 4 6pm - 12am Saturday, April 5 3pm - 12am *3pm - 6pm Children Activities & Crafts • Bier, Wine, German Food • German Music & Dancers • Live Music on Three Stages
As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
ALL DAY MARCH 17TH Under the Big Top. Indoor & Outdoor, rain or shine! Live Music and Dancing. Sacramento’s oldest, most authentic St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Guinness and Harp on tap. Traditional Irish Specialties including Corned Beef & Cabbage.
Jamie’s Bar & Broadway Grille • 427 Broadway • 442-4044
Car parking available one block away and Bike parking onsite
Herzlich Willkommen! 3349 J Street, Sacramento • (916) 442-736 0
Buy Your Tickets Online at
SacramentoTurnVerein.com ILP n INSIDEPUBLICATIONS.COM
63
Coldwell Banker
#1 IN CALIFORNIA
DOWNTOWN TOWNHOUSE! Facing Roosevelt Park in the heart of the city. Steps to The Capitol, R Street Historic District, museums, galleries, restaurants, and transit. 2 BR 1.5 BA w/loft. 1 car garage and gated patio area. Welcome home to Saratoga Townhomes. MARK PETERS 600-2039 CaBRE#: 01424396 TAHOE TERRACE HOME! Opportunity Knocks! Nice Flr plan w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm/ Area offers doors leading to bckyrd. Kitch has tile counters. Indoor Lndry Rm. Close to Hwy 50, UC Med Center & Sac State! $215,000 WENDY KAY 717-1013 CaBRE#: 01335180 CURTIS PARK CUTIE! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with a sitting room of the master bdrm. Remodeled kitchen and pretty backyard. $580,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE#: 00784986
DUPLEX OPPORTUNITY! 2BRM, 1.5 bath each side. Some updates to bathrooms. One side in process of remodel to bathroom and kitchen. $299,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE: 00784986
SPANISH STYLE CUTIE! 2bds w/hrdwd flrs, frplce, coved ceilings. Liv/din rm combo. Updtd kitch & bath. Lrg bsemnt w/outside entry. Detached deck. $329,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE#: 00784986
CURTIS PARK DUPLEX! This unique duplex (2/1 & 1/1) lives lrg w/A BIG living rm w/cozy frplce, wood flrs, lrg dining rm, huge kitch, HVAC & bsemnt too! $389,000 JEANINE ROZA 548-5799 CaBRE#: 01365413
THE L STREET LOFTS! City living w/great views, concierge, quality finishes! 4 unique flr plans from $329,000. Models Open W-M, 10a-5p. LStreetLofts.com MICHAEL ONSTEAD 601-5699 CaBRE#: 01222608
ITALIAN ELEGANCE MEETS THE SACRAMENTO RIVER! 4-5bd, 4.5ba w/old world craftsmanship in every luxurious detail from the 1800+/-SF Travertine Terraces to the imported Milan cabinetry, marble mosaics & infinity edge swimming pool. Outdoor kitchen & fireplace. 4 car garage & 42 ft. covered boat dock. $3,495,000 MAGGIE SEKUL 3417812 CaBRE#: 01296369 LIVE IN THE COUNTRY ALONG THE SAC RIVER! Mins to Dwntwn. Main Hse is approx. 3600sf w/lrg great rm, & blt-in pool. Mobile hm rents for $650/m. Great views & close to marina. $539,000 MAGGIE SEKUL 341-7812 CaBRE#: 01296369
MID-CENTURY ERA AND CUSTOM BUILT! 5bd+extra rm off lndry, 4 bath. LR w/frplce w/mantle, frml DR, kitch/fam rm combo looks out to backyard. 2 car garage. $839,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE: 00784986
STRENG BROTHERS CLASSIC HOME! 3bd/2ba, Frml DR, gourmet kitch & fam rm. Master ste w/ sitting area, & double walk-in closets. Beautifully lndscpd yards, w/pool, spa, waterfall & RV parking. Located in the heart of Wilhaggin. $689,000 TOM LEONARD 834-1681 CaBRE#: 01714895 LAND PARK DREAM HOME ON PREMIER STREET! West Lincoln Avenue address. 2661 sq ft. 4 spacious bedrooms + office, 2.5 baths, wine cellar, pool, several upgrades. $1,199,000 WHITNEY FONG 616-8557 CaBRE#: 01918373
CLOSE TO MED CENTER! New to the market is this sweet 2bd, 2ba with remolded kitchen. Be the first to view. THE WOOLFORD GROUP 834-6900 CaBRE#: 00680069, 01778361, 00679593 ENDEARING BUNGALOW! 2bd, 1ba bungalow offers a formal LR, Kitch w/eat-in area, & updtd bath. Hrdwd flrs, indoor lndry, & entertaining bckyrd. $349,950 RICH CAZNEAUX 454-0323 CaBRE#: 01447558
LAND PARK! 3bd/2ba w/an adorable interior! Open flr plan newer kitch, LR w/frplc, mstr ste w/over-sized shower, detached gar, & bkyrd garden. $499,000 SUE OLSON 601-8834 CaBRE: 00784986
SOLD
HOME SWEET HOME! Near Med Center, this Elmhurst Cottage offers 3bds, 2 full baths, a frml LR w/frplce, frml dining area, nook w/blt-in desk, FAM RM, tankless water heater, D/P window, & driveway w/ gate. $379,000 WENDY KAY 717-1013 CaBRE#: 01335180
SPACIOUS & REMODELED! 4/5bd, 3,850 sq. ft., 3 full baths, .3 acre, rmdld kitch, Solar heated pool, spa, private patio, & guest qrtrs. In Del Dayo Estates. $944,000 WENDY MILLIGAN 425-0855 CaBRE#: 01099461
METRO OFFICE 730 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento 916.447.5900
RANDY PARKS HOME READY FOR YOU NOW! Gleaming hardwood floors set the stage for this superclean, charming, and updated 3 bedroom and 1.5 bath floor plan, close to great shopping at Town and Country village. $239,000 THE POLLY SANDERS TEAM 341-7865 CaBRE: 01158787
MIDTOWN – TAPESTRI SQUARE! New Semi-Custom homes. 1200 to 2800SqFt. $399,000 to $795,000. Models Open Th-Su 11a-4p at 20th & T St.TapestriSquare.com MICHAEL ONSTEAD 601-5699 CaBRE#: 01222608
CaliforniaMoves.com
facebook.com/cbnorcal
©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License #01908304.