Inside pocket feb 2015 by Inside Publications

INSIDE

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PRSRT STD US Postage PA I D Permit # 1826 Sacramento CA

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

2015

POSTAL CUSTOMER

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FEB

POCKET GREENHAVEN SOUTH POCKET

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T H E

N E I G H B O R H O O D

pending

AMAZING REMODEL Recently remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the Didion School boundaries. New kitchen, electrical, baths, Àoors, windows, doors, paint in and out, baseboards, lighting, (includes LED lights), ceiling fans, landscaping, quartz counter top, farm house sink, designer tile Àoors and much more. $389,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

pending

SOUTH LAKE SHORES Location! Location! 2 bedroom condominium with beautiful view and access to Lake Greenhaven! View the lake, sandy beach, boat dock and quacking ducks from living room and master bedroom as well as spacious deck views! Private gated driveways. Convenient comfort. $120,000 CONNIE LANDSBERG 761-0411

pending

AMAZING ELK GROVE 4 bedrooms plus of¿ce and 3 full baths. 1 bedroom and full bath and of¿ce on 1st Àoor. Home features built-in pool, rv access, upgraded cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, wood Àoors, 6 panel doors, food pantry, custom window blinds, tile roof and much more. $390,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

sold

SOUTH LAND PARK HILLS Wonderfully spacious ranch style home in desirable South Land Park. Double doors open to a beautiful entry and inviting family room with plantation shutters and view of backyard. 3 or 4 bedrooms 2½ baths, kitchen pantry living room w/ wood burning ¿replace insert. $449,000 BETH SHERMAN 800-4343

pending

sold

SOUTH LAND PARK TERRACE Mid-century ranch in the hills of South Land Park Terrace. Living area opens to beautiful backyard and pool. 3 bedroom, 1½ bath family home; bright and light and oh so charming. Perfect for entertaining. Convenient location. New roof! $449,500 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

ELK GROVE CORNER Single story 3 bedroom 2 bath home on a larger corner lot. Excellent location. Home features upgraded laminate Àoors, new interior paint, tile roof, large cement patio with big patio cover and a great yard waiting for your ¿nishing touches! Close to lake and parks. Wow! $248,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

for current home listings, please visit:

DUNNIGANREALTORS.COM 916.484.2030 916.454.5753 Dunnigan is a different kind of Realtor.

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PRETIGIOUS RIVERLAKE High quality Parker–built halfplex with a spectacular Àoor plan! 4 bedrooms 3 full baths with downstairs bedroom and bath. Fantastic courtyard for extra living space. Spacious loft/den. Gorgeous formal dining room; and a large nook in charming kitchen. Rare 3-car garage. $550,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

MOVE-IN READY Enjoy this well maintained home! Highly sought after single story 4 bedroom 3 bath home with roomy master suite. The family room adjoins the kitchen and is perfect for the chef to chat while making dinner! Located on a quiet street just steps from the Sacramento River. Pretty backyard! $425,000 PAULA SWAYNE 425-9715

pending

LIKE NEW! Elk Grove 3 bedroom 2 bath home with wonderful great room Àoor plan. Features include designer carpet, two-tone paint, granite counters and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, sunken tub, stone patio, tile Àoors and upgraded cabinets throughout. Great Elk Grove schools and close to everything. $309,000 MONA GERGEN 247-9555

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COVER ARTIST Susan L. Lee I am a second-generation Chinese-American, mother of two grown children and a resident of the Pocket for 24 years. I graduated from Sac State with a teaching credential and minor in art. My art took a backseat for 25 years as I raised a family and taught inner-city children. Upon my retirement I decided to be bold, step out of the box, and return to my original love…art.

Visit simmisupaperco.com

LOCAL PUBLISHER Cecily Hastings publisher@insidepublications.com 3104 O St. #120, Sac. CA 95816 (Mail Only) EDITOR PRODUCTION DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY AD COORDINATOR ACCOUNTING EDITORIAL POLICY

FEBRUARY 2015 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 1 5 6 8 12 18 20 22 24 26 28 32 34 36 38 40 41

Marybeth Bizjak mbbizjak@aol.com M.J. McFarland Cindy Fuller, Daniel Nardinelli Linda Smolek, Aniko Kiezel Michele Mazzera Jim Hastings, Daniel Nardinelli 916-443-5087 Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of Inside Publications. Inside Publications is delivered for free to more than 65,000 households in Sacramento. Printing and distribution costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. We spotlight selected advertisers, but all other stories are determined solely by our editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising. No portion may be reproduced mechanically or electronically without written permission of the publisher. All ad designs & editorial—©

SUBMISSIONS Submit cover art to publisher@insidepublications.com.

Submit editorial contributions to mbbizjak@aol.com. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions at $25 per year guarantees 3rd class mailing.

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Lessons Learned LOOKING BACK ON ALMOST TWO DECADES OF COMMUNITY PUBLISHING

BY CECILY HASTINGS PUBLISHER’S DESK

his month we celebrate our 20th year of publishing. When my husband and I made the decision in 1996 to start our first publication, Inside East Sacramento, we had no idea where this journey would ultimately lead us. We started publishing our second edition, Inside The City (now called Inside Land Park), in 1998. We added Inside Arden in 2000 and Inside Pocket a year ago. When I was a young college student, both my mind and my heart were in the world of design. I studied product design, along with interior and graphic design. While I never designed products, I worked for a decade in commercial interior design before going into publishing. And for the past two decades, my graphic design skills have been put to use. But honestly, design alone would have left me unfulfilled over time. I’m grateful that while working in interior design, I was introduced to the world of sales and sales management by my husband, with whom I worked at the time. This

skill is crucial to our publishing business, which is solely supported by advertising sales. And while the world of graphic design can be wonderful and creative, it also would have not been enough to keep me working in that field for 20 years. Looking back, I am very grateful for my mother who—while never having a paid career—made huge contributions to her community as a volunteer. Recently, while cleaning out my library, I came across a book on the history of the Detroit neighborhood where we grew up. I vaguely recalled that the book was written while I was an adolescent. I read the book’s forward and was stunned: It was a beautiful thankyou from the author to my mom for her diligence and hard work as a volunteer organizing the history and getting the book published. Someplace deep inside me, a seed had been planted that ultimately grew into our publishing business. My job as publisher came without a job description. I had worked as an editor for another neighborhood newspaper for two years and saw the basics of publishing being undertaken by the owner. I got that job solely because of my work founding a neighborhood association. My writing skills were marginal at best, I was told. But with practice and lots of reading, they improved. When the owner put his business up for sale, I asked about buying it. He declined and told me to start my own newspaper. For the entire time I worked for him, I shared my ideas to improve the design and content of the paper. He rejected almost all of them.

So I started with a playbook of sorts on what we wanted to create to serve the neighborhood. My husband Jim serves as our chief financial officer and handles the accounting, contract management, printing, distribution and technology. As publisher, my job is to manage the community relations, ad sales, editorial, design and monthly production of the paper. Our different personalities and unique set of complementary skills helped us find success in a difficult business. Reflecting back, I want to share the lessons my husband and I have learned in this venture.

QUALITY MATTERS Our team members are all sticklers for quality in everything we do. Whether it is our writing, editing or design we insist on the best. There are so many details in this business, and our entire staff treats them with artisan-type precision. We are proud that our staff has successfully developed a streamlined approach to a complicated business. We strive for perfection on every page. But with millions of words and hundreds of pages each month, errors happen. Accepting that our staff is human is important. I rarely have to beat anyone up over errors as they do it to themselves first!

STAY FOCUSED Over the decades, we have tried a couple other business ideas beyond just publishing what you are reading. At the time they seemed like good ideas. But none ever proved to be good. A few years ago, we decided to simply pursue our main mission,

which is delivering a high-quality publication of local content to our readers each month.

NO COMMENT In the past decade, the idea of anonymous readers commenting to articles posted online grew dramatically and then proved to be somewhat disastrous for publications as discourse fell into the gutter and brought grief to the writers. This idea never appealed to me, so we never did it. I get an occasional nasty anonymous email. But if a reader takes the time to respond thoughtfully to anything I or our writers have written, we reply in kind. One thing I’ve found is that oftentimes readers are critical of things that were actually never written.

TREAT EMPLOYEES LIKE FAMILY We have a staff of 15, and most work part time. And we contract with dozens of writers and artists whose contributions are essential. A good portion of our staff have been with us a decade or more. We work out of offices in our home garage and basement, but most have the option of working at home and do so often. That we have created these jobs and a comfortable working environment is extremely meaningful to us. We not only hold our staff members in the highest regard, but we treat them like family. We have discovered that if we take our time to hire people and evaluate them over probationary periods, we make good decisions. PUBLISHER page 9

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The Fence Chronicles A LOOK INSIDE A BACKDOOR DEAL

BY R.E. GRASWICH POCKET BEAT

ick Jennings is not the first politician to take some inconvenient facts and embroider them into a more favorable fiction, but it’s nice to report the community isn’t ready to let him get away with it. Jennings, the rookie city councilmember who represents the Pocket and Greenhaven, made a massive mess of the illegal levee parkway fence removal at Chicory Bend and Rivershore courts. He cut a secret deal and destroyed a hardfought resolution that solved the problem of those particular illegal fences. But rather than admit what he did, Jennings tried to change the story. He claimed he “inherited” the controversy and was merely seeking a compromise, sort of what King Solomon might do, though he didn’t use that precise analogy. “I can’t win, no matter what I do,” Jennings told me. And he said, “I inherited this. I’m just trying to be fair to everyone.” And, “I didn’t cut any secret deals.” Unfortunately, none of those statements is true. Let’s take them one at a time:

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Jennings could have won by simply leaving well enough alone. The illegal fence problem was resolved last fall by former city councilmember Darrell Fong, who, better late than never, joined with state levee authorities to push the city to schedule removal of the illegal barricades. The residents who built the fences had been notified. The barricades were coming down. Then along came Jennings. He took a solution and turned it into a problem. And he complains he can’t win. In trying to be “fair to everyone,” Jennings really means about 24 people who live along Chicory Bend and Rivershore courts—presumably all sensible grown-ups who knew what they were doing when they bought

property alongside a public parkway and contrived to cut off access and create a private sanctuary. If Jennings truly wanted to be fair to everyone, he would have considered the tens of thousands of Sacramento residents and taxpayers who like to enjoy open, lawful access to the river levee parkway, not one specialinterest group whose interests are privacy and no public access. But let’s not quibble. As for the secret deal, which Jennings denies, the councilman’s own actions make his denial a farce. He admits he met privately with the Chicory Bend and Rivershore homeowners, not bothering to notify the public.

Behind closed doors, he negotiated an agreement under which the gates on the illegal fences would be unlocked during certain hours. And, to get around demands by the state that the fences were too close to the levee, he agreed to let residents build new fences on city land a few feet away, supposedly beyond the reach of state law. If these actions don’t qualify as a secret deal, I’d like to have Jennings show me a better example. Jennings’ actions amount to a giveaway of public property, which under the city charter is forbidden without city council approval. (State law has a few things to say about this as well.) As for the number of public hearings, public testimonies, town

halls, city staff reports and firstresponder impact audits that were involved in the process, the number is zero. Jennings didn’t publicly share his maneuvers until the dirty deed was done. For his crowning achievement, Jennings didn’t waste time announcing his backroom wizardry at a city council meeting, where elected officials are required to follow certain procedures, no matter how inconvenient. Instead, Jennings posted a 434-word proclamation— written in an “Attention, Earthlings!” tone—on a social media website, Nextdoor Pocket, and called it a day. In all fairness, the illegal fence business at Chicory Bend and Rivershore is small potatoes compared to the breathtaking precedent set by our new councilman. His actions indicate he has no tolerance for public process or transparency. I’m happy to report many residents, starting with Gary and Linda Buzzini and Jim Houpt, have called Jennings out to remind him he was elected, not crowned, and that special-interest groups aren’t the only people he’s paid to represent. The Buzzini duo is demanding all of Jennings’ secret documents on the fences. Before I realized the depth of his secret deals, I told Jennings I was going to spend 2015 trying to pry open public-access points along the levee parkway at the 6400 block of Benham Way and the 6300 block of Surfside Way in the Pocket. The public levee parkway is blockaded by private fences at those locations, in what could be violations of state law. Jennings said he would help me. He said he believes in public access. He even called parkway levee access “non-negotiable.” I would love to think he really meant what he said. Then again, you know the old line about being fooled once. R.E. Graswich can be reached at reg@graswich.com

READERS SOUND OFF ON FENCE CONTROVERSY Editor’s Note: Inside Publications rarely runs letters from our readers, but the outcry of public opinion against private fences that restrict access to the Sacramento River levee and parkway has prompted an exception. Columnist R.E. Graswich has reported on the levee fence controversy for several months. In upcoming editions, he will examine the backroom deal made by City Councilmember Rick Jennings to build new fences, and he’ll review hundreds of pages of public documents that describe how private river levee barricades were permitted in the first place. Inside Publications wants to thank our readers for their passion on the issue of river access. Public outrage and exposure are powerful tools in forcing authorities to provide reasonable access to all points along our city’s most cherished resource: the Sacramento River. The emails below were edited for space. Thanks for exposing the outrageous meddling of Councilman Rick Jennings on the otherwise settled fence issue. I hope you will follow this matter, as well as why, after 20-plus years of dithering, the city hasn’t found the spine to complete a bike path along a river. A few timid property owners have held this up forever. Jerry Fitch Thank you for pursuing the Pocket fence issue. I live about two blocks from the river. There is a small area of walkway near Seymour Park and Riverside, not far from me. But if I want to ride my bike, I usually just drive it down to Garcia Bend Park. Since I live close to the river, I would love to have better access to the levee for exercise and recreation. It’s a great asset. Carolyn Kay One of my favorite places to run was along the beach in Malibu,

which was nowhere near my home. Rhetorically, what would happen if someone got hurt climbing or circumventing the fence in an effort to continue along the public way? I’m more than willing to throw support behind the effort to open up the path. Keith McCallin In addition to the Chicory Bend and Rivershore barricades, your January article also mentioned illegal fences at the 6200 block of Surfside Way and the 6500 block of Benham Way. It stated, “They go up and over the levee, leaving deep concrete footings in their wake” and “include 11 in-ground swimming pools and 13 walkways dug into the levee base, raising questions about potential damage to our city’s levee.” Please keep readers posted of the status of these illegal fences in the Pocket area. Bill Hom Several people told me about the controversy over private property claims along the levee when I bought my house in the Pocket 12 years ago. The Realtor even told me then they were working on opening the levee pathway! Ha! Rosalind Gottfried Thank you again for your story and keeping on top of this issue. My family and I have been following the story, and some friends and I have thought about involving our children by having them make signs and marching around the streets that have illegal fences. Again, thank you for letting us know about this and keeping the issue in the forefront. Kim Kim Just finished reading your update on the illegal fences. Really poor judgment on Rick Jennings’ part, given that “the other side of the story” he talked about in trying to defend the fences was an unlawful use of public property. When former councilman Darrell Fong was running for the Assembly, I asked him about the fence issue. He said no doubt they would come down, essentially noting

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the code you mentioned. Enrique Farias Thank you for the excellent articles about the illegal barricades on the levee, and for addressing the public-access issue in general. I look forward to hearing how your tour with Councilman Jennings goes. Just wanted you to know you have lots of support on your side. Dan O’Donnell I would like to add my voice to those who are glad that we are finally doing something about the illegal blocking of public access to the river. I have lived in the Pocket area for 35 years and this issue has been festering for much longer. Each attempt at trying to remove these impediments to the public’s access to the river has been thwarted by backroom deals with those having a special interest. A special interest at the expense, literally, of the general public. Richard Teramoto n

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Pathway to a Job LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL OFFERS VOCATIONAL-ED PROGRAMS THAT WORK

last February. Chef Eric McFadden brings his own style of smoking to this small barbecue joint. “I drive in my smoker with mesquite and white oak wood each day,” he says. The sweet-smelling rig can be found in the supermarket parking lot. If the succulent aroma drives you inside, McFadden offers a variety of Southern dishes, from smoked spare ribs to Cajun fried snapper. He’s getting ready to roll out a Southern breakfast on weekends. Vic’s Market is at 5820 South Land Park Drive. For more information about Good Eats, call 949-1850.

BY SHANE SINGH POCKET LIFE

ohn F. Kennedy High School is one of a handful of schools in Sacramento City Unified School District that offer “career path” programs. “These programs don’t get the press or draw like humanities programs like HISP and PACE, but they likely have as strong of an impact on participants,” says parent Cindy Kazee. “Lately, the news has been full of opinions about the high cost of college debt, and the fact that many students enrolled in college would be better served in two-year or apprentice programs. Careerpath graduates often enter the workforce without the crippling debt and a degree they can’t use.” At Kennedy High School, students can study law enforcement or culinary arts. The school also offers a manufacturing and design program called MaD. These courses are not the traditional shop classes of yesteryear. Instead, they’re geared to industrial and technical engineering, with computer-assisted drafting and technical writing.

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GET RID OF YOUR STUFF

The Good Eats restaurant inside Vic’s Market has been serving up delicious Southern cooking since last February. Chef Eric McFadden brings his own style of smoking to this small barbecue joint.

Given the challenges facing college graduates in today’s job market, career-path programs such as Kennedy’s can provide a viable alternative for students. For more information about Kennedy’s career-path programs,

contact program director Robert Greene at robert-greene@scusd.edu

SOUTHERN FARE The Good Eats restaurant inside Vic’s Market has been serving up delicious Southern cooking since

If you have a garage full of e-waste or unwanted clothes, we have a solution for you. School of Engineering & Sciences will hold an e-waste and used-clothing drive on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school has partnered with a company that will shred all hard drives at its secure facility to maintain privacy. The drive organizers will accept computer monitors, televisions, desktop and notebook PCs, VCRs, stereo equipment, CDs, speakers, keyboards, mice, PDAs, digital cameras, zip drives, telephones, cell phones, printers, copiers, laser and multifunction scanners and fax machines, small household appliances such as toasters, mixers and blenders, and vacuum cleaners with the dust bag removed. They are unable to accept large household appliances

POCKET LIFE page 10

PUBLISHER FROM page 5 In the past decade, we had a few hires that didn’t work out. In all cases, it was our fault for not adequately checking references or properly identifying their personality and character profiles. Another lesson is to fire quickly once you have lost faith in an employee, rather than expecting the employee to change.

DELIVER TO EVERYONE Probably the single smartest decision we ever made was when we decided 20 years ago to direct-mail our publications to the homes in an entire neighborhood we serve. It is very costly and in the beginning took a huge chunk of our budget. But it has proven to be the key to bringing a neighborhood together. And since our advertisers pay all the bills associated with the cost of production, it helps their ads become very effective at reaching their prospects. Most small businesses reach customers in a five-mile radius. Our delivery strategy gets them deep into their surrounding neighborhood.

When you sit and look at one publication, it is hard to realize the collective impact of 68,000 copies a month we publish. My husband calculated that we printed 5,350,000 total pages last month alone.

My mission in life is to help bring neighborhoods and communities closer together. While we may not have started with this exact goal, it certainly grew out of the experiences we’ve had in the past 20 years. And it will remain our mission as long as we are able.

TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN OUR FRIEND

IN SOLIDARITY

We have embraced every technology breakthrough as it was developed, and there have been huge strides in the past 20 years. We want our team to have every tool imaginable to do their jobs as easily as possible. Being small has made this easier as we can decide quickly to make changes to enhance productivity.

SUPPORT THINGS THAT MATTER I especially love the arts, animal welfare and neighborhood

volunteerism. So over the years, we have spent considerable money helping sponsor costs of advertising for these types of nonprofit organizations. It is our way of contributing directly to help these organizations grow and prosper.

We stand in solidarity with the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo after 12 members of its staff were savagely murdered by Muslim extremists in its Paris office last month. The publisher expanded its weekly print run for the first issue of Charlie Hebdo after the terror attack to 7 million copies. Its normal circulation is 40,000. The expanded print run was financed in part by other media groups and distributors that agreed to waive their fees so that the proceeds would go to the newspaper and victims’ families. Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com n

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POCKET LIFE FROM page 8 such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, furniture and hazardous household waste including batteries, car batteries, paint, pesticides, used oil, cleaning supplies, fluorescent light bulbs, water heaters and tires. They will accept clothing, sheets, drapes, comforters, bedspreads, purses, towels and belts. They will also accept backpacks, toys, stuffed animals, hats and paired shoes. “The clothing drive will assist the athletic program purchase much-needed sports equipment and help with tournament fees and the health fitness program overall,” says parent organizer Berta Serrato. “The clothing drive will also help the class of 2015 with their graduation trip and graduation fees.” Proceeds from the e-waste drive will help purchase materials and pay for competition fees for three school teams: First Lego League, First Tech Challenge and First Robotics Competition. The school hopes to raise $25,000 for the three teams. For more information about the school’s robotics and tech teams, go to sesrobotics.org School of Engineering & Sciences is at 7345 Gloria Drive.

John F. Kennedy High School coach Robert Fong

HOOP DREAMS John F. Kennedy High School’s 2014 Metro League Championship boys’ basketball team will play two home games this month: on Thursday, Feb. 5, versus Florin High School, and Tuesday, Feb. 17, versus Burbank High School. Both games start at 7 p.m. Says coach Robert Fong, “Players to watch this season are sophomores Austin Alexander and Isaiah Davis, junior Cole Taira and seniors Colin Uda and Darian Hagan-Carr. I want to mention Colin Uda, Cole Taira and Ephram Coner for their roles as exceptional scholars in addition to being athletes.”

LOCAL SCOUTING Boy Scout Troop 259 produces Eagle Scouts and provides service to

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Artist Keith Bachmann grew up in the Pocket and went to Alice Birney, Sam Brannan and John F. Kennedy and later studied under artists Gregory Kondos, Fred Dalkey, Larry Welden and Darrell Forney

our neighborhood. I earned my Eagle

For more information about Troop

award from this troop back in 1992.

259, call Krieg at 397-2048.

I often reflect on the many life skills

LOCAL ARTIST

that scouting taught me.

Presenting the best in music, dance and speakers

Artist Keith Bachmann has Pocket

This month, Troop 259 will participate in Klondike Derby,

roots: He went to school at Alice

a winter camping event in the

Birney, Sam Brannan and John F.

Sierra Nevada mountains. Team

Kennedy. At a very young age, he

competitions will test scouting skills

was noted for his natural talent. He

such as first aid, shelter construction,

later studied under artists Gregory

rescue, fire building, sled race and

Kondos, Fred Dalkey, Larry Welden

more.

and Darrell Forney.

THE SOUL OF THE BLUES

Bachmann’s sister, Valerie

According to Scoutmaster Ike Krieg, the troop consistently receives

Magaoay, lives in Greenhaven/Pocket

Boy Scouts of America’s annual

and has a room in her house to hold

Journey to Excellence Award. To win,

his paintings, which she loans out

a troop must offer a rich program of

to local restaurants, hair salons

activities throughout the year. For

and other businesses. For more

Troop 259, this includes summer

information, email her at vzane@

camp, monthly camping trips,

sbcglobal.net

community service projects, regular troop meetings and more. This summer, the troop will travel by train

Shane Singh can be reached at shane@shanesingh.com n

to Camp Makualla in Oregon.

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Billy Childs Quartet WED–SAT, FEB 4–7 • 8PM Temple Grandin TUE, FEB 10 • 8PM Orchestre de la Suisse Romande FRI, FEB 13 • 8PM Brian Jagde, tenor Craig Terry, piano WED, FEB 18 • 8PM A full list of the 2014–15 season is available at mondaviarts.org

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Repeating History? CITY RETURNS TO LONG-TERM LABOR DEALS WITH LATEST FIREFIGHTER CONTRACT

BY CRAIG POWELL INSIDE CITY HALL

hilosopher George Santayana’s historic admonition—“Those who do not remember the past are destined to repeat it”—was ringing in my ears as I watched the city council approve a four-year labor pact with Firefighters Local 522 last month. The new contract includes three pay raises that will increase most firefighters’ pay by 12.5 percent over the next two years, on top of a 5 percent raise firefighters received two years ago. The average pay for a Sacramento firefighter, including overtime and retirement cash-outs, amounted to about $98,300 in 2013, according to an analysis by The Sacramento Bee. All other factors remaining the same, the raises should bring annual pay for a typical city firefighter to about $110,500 in two year’s time. A little bit of history is in order. Just before the onset of the Great Recession in 2007 and 2008, the city council, thinking perhaps that prosperity would last forever, foolishly entered into five-year labor contracts with just about every city union. When the recession struck with full force, the city was unable to rein

in benefits costs or cancel generous pay hikes that it had promised in the five-year labor contracts. It had shackled its own hands with the fiveyear contracts. The only tool left in its toolbox was to fire city employees, which it did by the hundreds, year after year as the recession dragged on, leading to a great retrenchment in city services that remains largely unchanged today. If the council had not approved such long-term contracts and had adopted one-year labor deals, it could have rather easily canceled the pay and benefit hikes. Instead, city officials had to go to each city union on bended knee and beg them to make concessions. It was a very hard sell, to say the least. Why would labor leaders agree to concessions that would only anger and disappoint their members? When the unions did agree to concessions, they were modest, mostly involving a deferral of raises for a year or so. For the most part, the city fired people to close its growing budget deficits. It was no way to run a railroad, and the public bore the brunt of it with degraded parks, laid-off cops and firefighters, browned-out fire stations, closed city pools and community centers, terminated recreation programs for the young, etc. The council at least had the excuse that it didn’t see the Great Recession coming. (Heck, few did.) How could it have known that, within a year, the national economy would tank and Sacramento would be the epicenter of what’s come to be known as the Great Recession. So we can’t be too harsh on the council for its judgment error.

But the source of the city’s great retrenchment—its toxic long-term labor contracts—has been widely acknowledged by city officials, editorial writers and me over the past several years. Eye on Sacramento, the watchdog group I head, met with councilmembers at the time to ask them to commit to never again approve such contracts. Not long after John Shirey was hired as city manager, he assured members of the Sacramento Business Coalition that the days of the city entering into such contracts were over and that, in the future, labor contracts would be limited to 18 months to preserve the city’s fiscal flexibility.

Just before the onset of the Great Recession in 2007 and 2008, the city council, thinking perhaps that prosperity would last forever, foolishly entered into five-year labor contracts with just about every city union. Fast forward to today. Over the past year, Shirey has been warning the council and the public that the city’s budget, which has had tiny surpluses for a year or so, is poised to

return to progressively larger deficits. He has warned that the city is set to go off a “fiscal cliff” in 2019 and 2020 due to rapidly rising CalPERSmandated pension contributions, rising retiree health care costs, rising salaries and the expiration in 2019 of the Measure U half-percent sales tax hike. The cliff will lead to $50 million deficits if the city doesn’t change policy. Annual $50 million deficits would wipe out the city’s existing budget reserve in just six months and eat through a city workforce already diminished from years of layoffs. While not a single current member of the city council was on the council back in 2007 and 2008 when the five-year pacts were approved, they were presumably reading newspapers and observing the budgetary carnage the city’s long-term contracts were causing. So how in the world could the city council last month approve a four-year labor contract with the firefighters union, containing sizable raises, with the fiscal cliff looming? Did they learn nothing from the devastation of city services during the Great Recession? The council of 2007/2008 has the excuse that it didn’t see the recession coming, but current councilmembers have no such excuse. They know the fiscal cliff is coming and how steep it is. Are they Pollyannas who think we’ll simply grow our way out of the fiscal hole with some new buildings downtown? The hole we face is too deep and the tax revenues the city would collect from development too slender for downtown development to come close to closing the coming deficits. CITY HALL page 14

POC FEB n 15

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CITY HALL FROM page 12 Compounding the problem is the council’s new appetite for spending money on new projects. The city is either already committed to fund or is considering funding, in whole or in part, an array of pricey new projects, including a new community theater, a new performing arts theater, a new children’s theater, the Powerhouse Science Center and a new streetcar system. They can also look forward to a $15 million tap to the general fund in the next few years once the arena bonds are sold and reserves set aside from arena bond sales to fund bond payments in the early years are exhausted. The city is rapidly raising rates on city parking garages and meters, as well as installing new smart meters with dynamic pricing capability (such as the ability to remotely hike parking rates during high-volume events like Kings games), all in a frantic effort to mitigate the impact of the arena bond payments. It’s also moving ahead with plans to extend the hours of operation of parking meters and install meters in areas currently without meters. In addition to big raises for firefighters, last June the city council approved a new three-year contract with city police that will give cops cumulative raises of 9.3 percent over the next two years. A Sacramento police officer’s average base pay was $91,200 in 2012, according to the Bee study. That number is likely to rise to about $99,700 in the next two years, $11,000 less than what firefighter pay will likely be, just shy of the city’s new $100,000-per-year club that will soon be admitting city firefighters as charter members. (Just how important are these contracts? The police and fire contracts, collectively, account for well over one-half of the city’s $385 million annual general fund budget.) Do these raises bear any reasonable relationship to market labor rates? No. If they did, pay for police officers would be higher than firefighter pay, than it’s much tougher for folks to pass through the tight employee screening required to become a police officer. Firefighter screening, while rigorous, is not as challenging as police screening, although many

POC FEB n 15

firefighters are also certified as EMTs and paramedics. Plus, when firefighter job openings are announced, fire departments are typically deluged with hundreds and sometimes thousands of applicants. In 2013, 1,300 showed up for firefighter jobs in Houston, and more than 1,000 showed up a few years ago in Miami for 35 positions offering a starting pay of $46,000 per year, with many camping out overnight. In Tacoma, 3,000 applicants lined up for 20 firefighter jobs.

Firefighters make more because firefighters wield more political pull than cops. They’re more willing to walk precincts for council candidates, a highvisibility role that firefighters seem to enjoy and that cops shy away from, perhaps for good reasons. When the number of applicants for a particular job wildly exceeds the number of positions available, it’s a clear sign of a market failure, where the compensation offered is much, much higher than the compensation that qualified applicants are willing to accept. For jobs in local government, who wins and who loses when markets fail in setting pay levels at rational levels? City taxpayers lose as they’re forced to pay dramatically higher wages and benefits than the market would set. Qualified job applicants lose out on capturing a job that they’d be perfectly willing to take for pay much lower than the pay being offered by local government. Finally, we all lose out on the chance to improve (or at least preserve) the

level of government services we all receive because lower average pay levels mean the government can afford to employ more people to provide services. Then there’s the fairness issue. Isn’t it unjust to deny someone a job for which he or she is perfectly qualified and for which he or she is willing to take less money than the pay offered? Is it unjust to hand that job to someone who, through sheer random luck or connections, lands on the top of a heap of applicants? Of course it is. Landing a job in a municipal fire department in California these days is like winning the lottery, or being accepted into a highly exclusionary—and anticompetitive—guild of the Middle Ages. So if market forces are having no influence on setting firefighter pay, what forces are at play? This one is not hard to figure out. Pure political pull is what’s driving firefighter compensation into the upper atmosphere. Such pull comes from the large contributions that the firefighters union’s political action committee can deliver, and from the willingness of rank-andfile firefighters to walk precincts during elections, as well as the high campaign value (or, more accurately, the high perceived campaign value) that the firefighters union’s endorsement has to campaigns for city council. Why are firefighter salaries jumping so much ahead of police salaries in Sacramento? It’s more difficult for applicants to pass strict police screening (reducing the pool of eligible applicants), and cops are arguably exposed to more frequent dangers and unremitting stress than firefighters, particular since 90 to 95 percent of all actual fire department service calls these days are for medical response and medical transport. As one wag accurately put it, the fire department in recent years has become an ambulance service that occasionally puts out fires. Firefighters make more because firefighters wield more political pull than cops. They’re more willing to walk precincts for council candidates, a high-visibility role that firefighters

seem to enjoy and that cops shy away from, perhaps for good reasons. A firefighter needn’t be concerned about knocking on the door of someone he or she may have recently arrested. (It’s also not a good way to win a vote.)

Last month, the union’s steadfast support of the mayor paid off with a generous and reckless new contract. City manager Shirey looked physically ill as the contract was discussed and approved by council. If you look at the election results, however, the money, the precinct walking and the official endorsements of the firefighters and police unions don’t have the campaign value or cachet that a lot of politicians perceive them to have. In two of the most hotly contested recent council elections, Jay Shenirer’s tough first campaign for council and Jeff Harris’ victorious run in November, neither of the winning candidates had much in the way of endorsements from recognized special interests. The public employee unions opposed them both. The candidates won because they burned through a lot of shoe leather incessantly talking to voters at their homes and successfully connecting with them. They both defeated candidates who had the fullthroated support of both public safety unions, as well as numerous other supposedly influential endorsements. Endorsements from organizations, special interests and elected officials just don’t seem to count for as much as they once did in council races in

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Sacramento, which I take as a sign of a healthy and robust grass-rootsoriented democracy. The impact of the public safety unions, however, is much greater in mayoral races, where money counts more and it’s harder for candidates to talk to every voter. So if the actual power of public employee unions to affect the outcome of council races is waning, why is the council still approving labor contracts that provide excessive compensation to firefighters? Because we always have a number of councilmembers with ambitions to run for higher office, particularly for seats in the legislature. (We had three councilmembers running for the legislature in November.) And in legislative races, public safety union endorsements are more valuable, as the need for cash is greater and it’s almost impossible to meet the entire electorate in person. The reality is that the firefighters union has been a stalwart political ally of the mayor’s from before his first day in office, and in the November election the mayor augmented his roster of council

supporters. Last month, the union’s steadfast support of the mayor paid off with a generous and reckless new contract. City manager Shirey looked physically ill as the contract was discussed and approved by council. Now we’ll get to see firsthand how much pain the new contract will inflict on city residents.

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ARE STREETCARS REALLY THE KILLER APP FOR FUTURE GROWTH? The city’s slow-moving streetcar project kicked into high gear in midDecember when the city suddenly announced that it was moving up the schedule for an advisory vote of downtown and Midtown property owners. They’ll be asked if they want to impose a special property tax levy on themselves to help fund construction of the proposed $150 million Sacramento-West Sacramento streetcar system. Property owners who own parcels within three blocks of either side of CITY HALL page 17

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CITY HALL FROM page 15 the proposed streetcar route would be subject to the tax if it’s approved. The city council approved a $7 million city government contribution to the project on Jan. 13, the same night it kicked off an advisory vote of property owners. If a majority of property owners approve of the tax by the end of voting on Feb. 17, the city will call a formal election in April or May of registered voters in the proposed community facilities district, most of whom are renters. As a special tax, it will require a two-thirds majority vote of registered voters to approve it. On Jan. 14, Eye on Sacramento issued a report on the streetcar project to help inform the public and property owners about key details and potential impacts of the project, including traffic impacts on city streets and freeway ramps (mostly negative), construction impacts on merchants, the risks and consequences of cost overruns, the experiences of other cities with streetcars (mixed), impacts of the

streetcar system’s operating deficits on the city’s general fund and, most important to many, whether streetcars would likely have the catalytic effect on local development that supporters of the project claim (probably not). EOS also addressed some matters of particular concern to voting property owners, including the absence of protective provisions that could reduce owner risks, the fairness of how the tax burden would be spread among owners, clarification of the amount and duration of the assessments (40 years), and concerns over a special discounted tax rate for arena developers that EOS estimates will save arena developers approximately $10 million in tax levies, at the expense of all other owners in the proposed financing district. The EOS streetcar report can be viewed at eyeonsacramento.org Craig Powell is a local attorney, businessman, community activist and president of Eye on Sacramento, a civic watchdog and policy group. He can be reached at craig@ eyeonsacramento.org or 718-3030. n

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Fit for Life SENIORS HELP THEIR INSTRUCTOR MOVE TO A NEW EXERCISE FACILITY

BY TERRY KAUFMAN LOCAL HEROES

or the seniors in Paul McCarthy’s fitness classes at the YMCA on Eastern Avenue, it was the worst possible news: The doors of the YMCA were closing. Although rumors had circulated for some time that the facility would fold, there was real distress when the class schedule began tapering down. Some of the students had been attending the Y for more than two decades. When the doors finally closed last August, however, a plan had been hatched. The plan included all of McCarthy’s devoted students, and it envisioned no discontinuation of their relationship with him. “What Paul did for us was just amazing,” says Julie Lavine, 81, who has attended his early-morning balance ball classes religiously. “He had such a profound influence on all of us that unquestionably anybody would follow him.” The 60 or so students in the senior balance, weight and aerobics classes— ranging in age from 55 to 90—found McCarthy a new workout studio on Marconi Avenue just past Eastern, then packed, drove, schlepped, hauled, lifted, cleaned and organized his new space.

POC FEB n 15

Paul McCarthy runs Fit4U with the help of Linda Martin

“The place needed a lot of work,” recalls McCarthy, “and I wasn’t financially able to do what needed to be done. But as a family we cleaned this place. They cleaned bathrooms, scrubbed floors. We’re talking people in their 70s and 80s.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Even today, I have individuals who come in to dust and empty the trash. How often do you have a business where people pay to be members, and then they come in to empty the trash?” The mastermind behind the scheme was Linda Martin, one of McCarthy’s most dedicated followers. “Linda is like my right hand,” he says. “She

has been a godsend.” Martin found the new location (next to Tricks Gymnastics), took McCarthy to see it and challenged him to think big. “She said, ‘What if we … ?’ She knew that I needed help to do it, so she set up a volunteer list, got everybody to sign up, organized the workers and just made it happen.” That McCarthy generates this degree of loyalty is no surprise to those who know him. He has worked for years as a personal trainer, helping athletes improve their mental and physical condition, as well as a health and wellness coach for individuals at all stages of life

and health. Five years ago, he was approached by the managing partner at Ellis Law Group to run a training program for the firm’s lawyers. “I had coached his kids in soccer, and he needed a personal trainer,” says McCarthy. “He told me that he was moving his firm to a new building and he asked me, ‘How about if we put a gym in there for the employees? They sit in their offices a lot of hours.’ They can come in on their lunch hours or before they head home, work out for a half hour, shower and get back to work.” McCarthy continues to train the lawyers, but now he has his

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own business, called Fit4U, to run. That business is made possible by a group of seniors for whom he is the difference between wellness and decline, both physically and mentally. “When I started at the YMCA, I saw that they didn’t have aerobics or other classes that this group needed,” McCarthy says. “I was 50, not 20 or 25, so I said, ‘Let’s start programs that work for you.’”

“I wasn’t put on this planet for myself, only for others. I’m inspired to see them doing it. I want to be where they’re at when I’m 75.” His new workout space is large, and McCarthy has large plans for it.

Lean University will be a 10-week class on healthy eating. High school and college students can take part in speed and agility training, and there will be off-season training for athletes. Recognizing the benefits of exercise for aging brains, he intends to offer classes for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. He will hire additional trainers, but the senior classes will remain with him. “They share what’s going on with them, and I share what we can do,” he says. “We collaborate. I formulate classes based on what’s going on with them. I’ll be their lifeline to health and fitness. I wasn’t put on this planet for myself, only for others. I’m inspired to see them doing it. I want to be where they’re at when I’m 75.” Fit4U is at 4440 Marconi Ave. For more information, call 487-1945 or go to thefit4u.com Terry Kaufman can be reached at terry@1greatstory.com n

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A Singular Crop LOCAL MUSHROOM FARMER GROWS FUNGI THAT ARE SOUGHT AFTER BY CHEFS

has four houses and plans to add more this summer. Walker explained that when the pins (sprouts) begin to form, she cuts the bags open or removes the cotton-ball plugs so that the mushrooms can fruit through the openings. She pulled open a door to one of the hoop houses and invited us to step inside. It was a truly amazing

BY GWEN SCHOEN

sight. There were well over 8,000

FARM TO FORK

bags, all stacked neatly on wooden shelves higher than my head. Perfect

ven the most adventuresome

blue oyster mushrooms sprouted

foodie has to admit that some

from nearly every bag. I expected the

types of mushrooms look too

growing rooms to be dark, but Walker

weird to just pop into your mouth.

explained that mushrooms like soft

That is, until they meet Roxana

light, not darkness. The air felt damp

Walker.

and smelled woody. “We spray the

Walker describes herself as a

room with misters similar to the ones

farmer, but really, she’s more of a

used at grocery stores,” she explained.

mushroom evangelist who grows

Roxana Walker, owner of Dragon Gourmet Mushrooms, holding a shiitake mushroom log

an amazing variety at her Dragon Gourmet Mushrooms farm in Sloughhouse. She invited us for a visit on “bagging day,” when the farm was buzzing with activity. As we stepped out of the car, she immediately launched into a sermon about the benefits and culinary delights of mushrooms. We were instant converts. Hallelujah. Walker is a scientist by trade. She retired from the state after working for 30 years as an air-quality chemist. About 20 years ago, she became fascinated by the health benefits and the use of mushrooms in Eastern medicine. Following a class in mycology and learning how mushrooms remove toxins from soil, she began experimenting with

POC FEB n 15

“Mushrooms don’t like to be wet. But they do like dampness, so we spray between the rows to keep the

growing oyster and shiitake varieties

explaining her growing process. She

as a hobby. In 2000, she launched

follows a Chinese method she learned

Dragon Gourmet Mushrooms out of

from her mentor in Washington.

a warehouse on North B Street. A

“Bagging day is a busy time,”

humidity high.” Once mushrooms begin to grow, they are harvested daily. Recently, Dragon Gourmet Mushrooms

year ago, after retiring, she bought

Walker explained. “We grow the

celebrated one ton of oyster

property in Sloughhouse and decided

mushrooms in a mixture of untreated,

mushrooms harvested in a single

to “go big,” as she says.

hardwood sawdust reclaimed from a

month. A bag will last about five

Life as a mushroom grower could

molding shop. It is mixed with other

months before it is removed and the

be lonely. There are no big tractors

growing materials, then pasteurized

process begins again. The sawdust

making noisy passes through fields.

with steam and placed in plastic

material left in the bags once

No birds to chase out of the crops. No

bags about the size of the Sunday

production ends is carefully collected

bands of farm workers harvesting the

newspaper. Mushroom spawn (seed)

and donated to gardeners to use for

fields. Walker, though, is surrounded

is added. The bags are sealed with a

mulch.

by family members and friends who

ball of cotton and moved to growing

help with the day-to-day duties.

sheds we call hoop houses.”

We followed along as she clomped

The hoop houses, which she built

If you’ve dined at Boulevard Bistro, Andy Nguyen’s Vegetarian, The Kitchen, Roxy Restaurant and

through the mud from shed to hoop

herself, look like Quonset huts with

Bar, Mama Kim Cooks or Lucca

house, checking on her crops and

heavy canvas covers. Currently she

Restaurant & Bar, you’ve probably

tasted Dragon Gourmet Mushrooms.

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Chefs who specialize in farm-to-table trumpet and beech varieties to their dishes. Ian McBride, head chef at Lucca, is a big fan. “I discovered Roxana while shopping at the Sunday farmers market,” said McBride. “She has a wonderful variety of mushrooms that I enjoy featuring at Lucca.” Some of McBride’s favorite ways to use mushrooms are really quite simple. “Trumpet and oyster mushrooms are thick and meaty, so we like to grill them brushed with some lemon olive oil and serve them on steaks,” he said. “They are also wonderful roasted in brown butter. The beech mushrooms, which range in size from toothpick to pinky finger, make a wonderful chutney dish because they soak up flavors and they pair beautifully with currants.”

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Poetry Man CANCER ENDED ONE CAREER BUT STARTED ANOTHER

BY MARY PARRA MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

ou will rarely catch Lance Pyle walking around the Land Park neighborhood without a notebook and pencil in his hand. It’s here that this 66-year-old grandfather of four gathers inspiration for the poems he writes and illustrates under the pen name Peter Blueberry. An architect by trade, Pyle faced a life-changing experience a little over five years ago when he found out he had stage IV squamous cell cancer in his lymph nodes. He had the cancerous lump removed and underwent radiation treatments. A year and a half later, the cancer came back with a vengeance, this time on his tongue. After doctors removed part of his tongue to get rid of the cancer, Pyle didn’t know if he’d ever be able to speak again. He retired when it became too difficult for him to communicate with people on the phone. He thought his life was over until his then-7-year-old grandson stepped in. “One day he was taking a shower and asked if I would tell him a story or a poem,” recalls Pyle, who lives in Citrus Heights but spends at least four days a week in Land Park helping out with his grandkids at the house he designed for his daughter. “He enjoyed it

POC FEB n 15

Lance Pyle shares a story with his grandkids and their friend

so much, he told me I should write poetry.” In the past four years, Pyle has written more than 300 poems. Many include illustrations, which Pyle sketches in pencil. The poems, which are short and simple, echo the style of the late poet Shel Silverstein.

They appeal to readers of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, with subject matter that includes nature, family values, bathroom mishaps and monsters. He likes to include a lesson in a poem whenever he can. Take, for instance, his poem “Are You Ready To Be My Friend?”: You don’t have to build me up, Or tell me how great I am.

You don’t have to buy me anything. Sometimes, just hold my hand. You don’t have to pat me on the back. Just be someone I can depend. Always tell me the truth. Are you ready to be my friend? Other poems are funny. In one, called “Toilet Trees,” a little boy is

Another reason to have the right living trust: Your granddaughter, Nancy • She has danced her way into your heart. • She dreams of adoring crowds and fragrant bouquets. • But will she have what she needs to live the happiest life? • Will what you pass to your children make it to her safely? • Or might divorce, creditors and other threats limit her future? Call me for a free consultation. Learn how your living trust can be updated to protect the “Nancy” in your life. Or visit my website, www.wyattlegal.com.

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mortified when his mom asks a simple question at the grocery store: I’ve used up all the toothpaste, And the paper cups are all gone. My toothbrush is looking cruddy, And I have no hair gel to put on. My shower is looking dingy, And the floor has spots of goo. The toilet paper is all used up, So I don’t know what I’m going to do. Now, my mom just said, “Come on, Billy, we’re going to the store. We’re going to get some supplies, And come back and clean your floor.” But when we finally got to the store I nearly fell to my knees, Because the first thing that my mom asked was, “Where do you keep your toilet trees?” While Pyle enjoys writing poems, he wanted to bring his words to people to make them smile. So he emailed elementary schools in the

Sacramento area, asking if he could come read to the students. Several accepted his request. His first reading was at Crocker Riverside Elementary School in Land Park. Now he is invited to read at schools, libraries and senior citizen centers all over Sacramento and beyond, going as far as Marysville and Tracy. And while his second cancer surgery forced him to talk more slowly, he can communicate just fine.

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is a very strange and very rewarding journey I’m on.” He’s written and illustrated seven books of poems that he compiled into a big book called “The Rainbow Makers.” It’s available at Barnes &

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Noble, on Amazon and through his blog, peterblueberry.com. Pyle decided to use a pen name because there are three people named Lance Pyle in the Sacramento area. To come up with the nom de plume, he sat at the computer and typed in names. He started with Peter and put

While Pyle enjoys writing poems, he wanted to bring his words to people to make them smile.

a few words after it, but each time the word was taken. Then he typed in Blueberry. It wasn’t taken, and he had a new name. Pyle looks at his cancer diagnoses as a rebirth. “As strange as it seems, I’m glad I got cancer,” he says. “If I never got cancer, I never would be on

As a father-daughter team with backgrounds in the nursery business and in garden design, we design gardens that last for years. “We solve problems, renew gardens or create a garden oasis just for you.”

this road.”

“I’ve made it back and performed to more than 15,000 people in the past three years,” says Pyle. “This

To see a video of Lance Pyle reading some of his poetry, go to YouTube.com His poetry blog is at peterblueberry. blogspot.com n

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‘Peter Pan’ Premiere SACRAMENTO BALLET’S RON CUNNINGHAM TO SHARE INSIGHTS ON HIS LATEST WORK

By Jessica Laskey RIVER CITY PREVIEWS

f you’ve been lucky enough to see Ron Cunningham’s stunning original productions at the Sacramento Ballet throughout the years, make sure to mark this month on your calendar. His production of “Peter Pan” will have its world premiere Feb. 13 through 15 at the Community Center Theater, and themed events all month long will make you want to crow. Learn about the hard work and endless imagination that went into creating this masterful piece when Cunningham himself hosts “Inside the Director’s Studio: The Making of Peter Pan” at 6 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the ballet’s studios at 1631 K St. To purchase tickets, call the ballet box office at 552-5800, ext. 2. Then, on Feb. 13-15, join Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and everyone’s favorite villain, Captain Hook, for Cunningham’s familyfriendly ballet. The production will be presented with George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes,” so you’ll be able to get into a patriotic American mood just before flying off to Neverland. Interested in seeing what happens behind the scenes? The ballet is

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Don't miss the world premiere of Sacramento Ballet's "Peter Pan" Feb. 13 through 15 at the Community Center Theater

offering a rare chance to observe an open rehearsal, for free, from 4 to 5 p.m. on Second Saturday, Feb. 14, at its midtown studio. Don’t miss the chance to get a sneak peek at what it truly takes to make ballet magic! If all this talk of fantasy is making you yearn for a piece of the Peter Pan action, don’t miss the “Take Me to Neverland” Gala from 7 to 11 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Delectable food, signature drinks and fabulous entertainment will whisk you away to the island of your imagination.

Feel like dressing the part? Costumes are “admired, but not required,” as the ballet puts it. Tickets are $250 each—80 percent of which may be tax deductible—and table sponsorships are available. For tickets or more information, call 552-5800. The Sacramento Memorial Auditorium is at 1515 J St. For “Peter Pan” tickets and more information, call 808-5181 or go to sacballet.org The Community Center Theater is at 1301 L St.

THE DAY AT THE MUSEUM If you’ve been holding off on exploring some of Sacramento’s fascinating cultural sites due to a tight budget, make sure you take advantage of Sacramento Museum Day on Saturday, Feb. 7. Now in its 17th year, this exciting event offers free or reduced admission to 30 of our capital’s coolest cultural sites, thanks to a partnership between the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Discover the wealth of art, history, science and wildlife that abounds all over our fair city. Due to the popularity of Sacramento Museum Day, some locations must limit the number of admissions for safety reasons, so event coordinators suggest selecting no more than two or three sites to visit to maximize the time you have to “ooh” and “aah.” The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the last guests will be admitted at 4 p.m. For more information as well as a map of participating locations, go to sacmuseums.org

AMERICA THE TUNE-FUL Hear a melodic tour of American history when the Sacramento Children’s Chorus (SCC) presents its annual mid-winter concert, “Après Le Noël: Our American Journey,” at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8 at St John’s Lutheran Church. The SCC’s advanced and high school choirs, Cantoris and Capella, will perform under the direction of Lynn Stevens alongside special guest group the Reconciliation Singers Voices of Peace, under the direction of Jennifer Reason. The program will feature all kinds of music from America past and present, including hymns, barbershop, ragtime, spirituals and patriotic songs such as Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times,” Randal Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star” and selections from Aaron Copland. For tickets and more information, call 646-1141 or go to sacramentochildrenschorus.org St. John’s Lutheran Church is at 1701 L St.

THE ART OF LOVE There’s no better way to celebrate a day of romance than to take in an art show entitled “Valentine’s Love,” which opens Feb. 14 at the Bon Vida Art Gallery. Maybe throw in a bottle of champagne for good measure … Featuring artists from Northern California, this show is part of Bon

Vida’s mission to display Latino, Chicano and Outsider Art with Mexican art themes in its Franklin Business District gallery to introduce the work both to the underserved Latino community of Franklin as well as to the Sacramento art community at large. For more information, call 5191200 or 400-3008. The Bon Vida Art Gallery is at 4429 Franklin Blvd.

LA VIE MODERNE What do Henri de ToulouseLautrec, improv comedy, cello music, prom and prints have in common? They’re all part of a funky February at the Crocker Art Museum guaranteed to rock your socks. The exhibition “Toulouse-Lautrec and La Vie Moderne: Paris 18801910” starts the month off with a bang on Feb. 1 and will be on display through April 26. As the Modernist movement descended on Paris in the late 1800s, artists such as Henri de ToulouseLautrec and adherents to the Naturalist, Symbolist, Incohérent and Nabi art schools were at the forefront of a movement that sought to leave the French Academic standards behind and usher in a new period of excitement found in the cafés, concerts, circuses and theaters of Montmartre. Explore the artists, writers, performers and musicians who made this era enthralling. This exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International of Alexandria, Va. Experience your own little bit of Paris at the Twisted Sacratomato Salon at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5. Described as a “weird combination of a bar quiz night and the famed salons frequented by writers and artists of Paris in the early 20th century,” the event promises games, storytelling, art tours and lots of laughs provided by the Comedy Spot’s AntiCooperation League and its members’ impressive improv skills. A cash bar will be available for aperitifs. The event is free for museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. To get you in the musical mood for the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit, check

Hear a melodic tour of American history when the Sacramento Children’s Chorus (SCC) presents its annual mid-winter concert, “Après Le Noël: Our American Journey,” at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8 at St John’s Lutheran Church

out the Classical Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, featuring the San Francisco Munich Trio with Rebecca Rust and Dmitriy Cogan on cello and Friedrich Edelmann on bassoon. The talented trio will perform pieces such as Georges Enesco’s Sonata No. 1 for Cello and Piano, which was composed in 1898 and first performed by Pablo Casals in Paris in 1907. Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early by calling 808-1182. Tickets are $6 for museum and Capital Public Radio members, $10 for students/youths and $12 for nonmembers. For many of us, prom was the highlight—or, for probably more of us, the nadir—of our high school existence, so why not experience it from the adult perspective at the Crocker’s Art Mix Prom Night from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12? Don your best prom duds and dance the night away to live music with DJ Kaprisun, get inked with some temporary tattoos, have your hairstyle touched up by Deeda Salon, design your own studded leather bracelet and browse the DISPLAY California pop-up store for that extra accessory to complete your ensemble. Drinks are under $5 all night and tickets are free for museum members, $10 for nonmembers and $2 off for college kids. The exhibition “Of Cottages and Castles: The Art of California Faience,” on display Feb. 22 through

May 17, is the first of its kind to display the work of ceramic engineer William Bragdon and his business partner, potter Chauncey Thomas. After meeting as classmates at Alfred University in New York, the two talented artists joined forces in the early 1900s to create California Faience, a company that created decorative tiles, vases and sculpture and was commissioned by architect Julia Morgan to create a complete tile environment for William Randolph Hearst’s famed home and grounds in San Simeon. The exhibit will feature some of those very tiles, as well as the work the dynamic duo completed in the Arts and Crafts, Art Deco and Moderne styles. Keeping in the same vein of never-before-seen art on exhibit, “The Nature of William S. Rice: Arts and Crafts Painter and Printmaker” opens Feb. 22 and runs through May 17 and will feature rare pieces from the collection of artist and naturalist William S. Rice. Rice was a prolific painter of the California landscape when he moved West in 1900, but he’s perhaps best known as a printmaker and the author of two definitive books on the classic Japanese art of ukiyo-e (woodblock printing, or “pictures of the floating world”).

PREVIEWS page 27

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Counting the Birds ANNUAL EVENT RELIES ON CITIZEN SCIENTISTS TO COLLECT DATA

BY DR. AMY ROGERS SCIENCE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

hen I lived in Minnesota, we envied the birds that flew south before the onset of our frigid winter. The first robin to return home was always a happy harbinger of spring. This explains my particular delight here in Sacramento when I see an entire flock of red-breasted birds—in January. But there’s more than robins in my yard. Have you seen the birds in Sacramento in winter? You probably notice crows or pigeons, but what about the birds that flit past the corner of your eye, that roost in the trees or hide in the shrubbery, or gather in the water around Yolo Causeway? Have you ever taken a few minutes to really look at them? You should. Sacramento is a hub of bird activity in the winter. Tens of thousands of birds come to town, rather than leave, drawn by our mild temperatures and wetlands. These avian tourists arrive from as far away as the Arctic Circle, traveling a superhighway in the sky known as the Pacific Flyway. The flyway stretches all the way from Alaska to

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Photo courtesy of Jenner Junghans

South America. Like any freeway, it has rest stops along the way, places where weary birds can eat and regain their strength. The Sacramento region is a major rest stop, or even winter home, for migratory birds. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area around Interstate 80 between Sacramento and Davis hosts thousands of traveling birds, including many species of ducks that feast on leftover rice in the fields and high-flying snow geese, white with eye-catching black wing tips. The Cosumnes River Preserve (south of Elk Grove just off I-5) is noted for its sandhill cranes, impressive birds with a 6-foot wingspan and distinctive call. National wildlife refuges at Stone Lakes (south on I-5), Colusa (40

miles north of Woodland, off I-5) and Sacramento (another 25 miles north of Colusa) are bustling with waterfowl and other bird species in the winter. Birding (the term aficionados prefer over “birdwatching”) in these places requires nothing more than time. Part of the fun, though, is identifying particular species. There is a scavenger-hunt kind of thrill to checking birds off a list. It’s easier than you might think. Just grab a pair of binoculars, print a page of bird pictures specific for our area (such as “What’s This Bird?” at SacramentoAudubon.org) and head out. The visitor centers at Cosumnes and Yolo also offer bird guides. Or carry a smartphone app, which will give you photos and recorded birdsong

to help with identification. Merlin Bird ID (free) and iBird (not free) are both great for beginners. You don’t have to leave your own neighborhood to identify remarkable birds. Jenner Junghans, education chair of the Sacramento Audubon Society, says, “When people who are not birders see photos of our local birds for the first time, they’re often stunned. They had no idea we have local birds with such bright colors and bold patterns. People feel like they’re looking at photos of birds from someplace like South America.” Some local birds are even international celebrities. Every day in my Arden neighborhood, I see large, beautiful, black-and-white birds with long tail feathers and striking yellow

PREVIEWS FROM page 25 beaks. This seemingly common bird is in fact a rarity. The yellow-billed magpie is not found anywhere on Earth except California’s Central Valley. February is the perfect time to give birding a try. Feb. 13-16 is the Great Backyard Bird Count, a worldwide annual event that anyone can participate in. GBBC is an important scientific research project that relies on ordinary people to collect data. It’s quite simple. For 15 minutes, count all the birds you see, whether you’re gazing out your kitchen window, walking downtown or hiking through a nature area. Submit your location and number of each species you saw to gbbc.birdcount. org. With data collected by a large number of people in a variety of places, scientists are able to track bird populations and migration patterns. Over time, this information helps scientists see trends and determine how bird populations are affected by development, habitat loss, disease and climate change. Scientists can then make recommendations to conserve and protect habitat and birds, all because of the combined efforts of citizen scientists—people like you. If you’d like to join in the bird count but don’t know a meadowlark from a mockingbird, the enthusiastic, experienced birders of the Sacramento Audubon Society invite you on two birding trips dedicated to the GBBC. Birders will meet on Friday, Feb. 13, at 8 a.m. at William Pond Park and on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 a.m. at Discovery Park. The Audubon Society offers beginning birder events throughout the year and also has new birding trips and activities especially for kids. Visit SacramentoAudubon. org for the latest information. Amy Rogers is a novelist, scientist and educator. She can be reached at Amy@AmyRogers.com. Learn more about her book “Reversion” at AmyRogers.com n

Is the chilly winter weather getting you down? Why not boogie the blues away with Tom Rigney & Flambeau in concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26? The groovy group specializes in fiery Cajun and zydeco two-steps, low-down blues, and funky New Orleans tunes that have made them a definitive favorite at the Sacramento Music Festival for years. Need a drink to loosen up your dancing feet? Enjoy Happy Hour before the concert at the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 for museum members, $18 for students/youths and $20 for nonmembers. 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.

MUSICAL MÉLANGE Where can you hear the floating notes of flutes as well as the toetapping tunes of Gypsy Jazz? Sacramento Community Concerts offers both in one dynamic, kooky concert at 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Part I will feature the Camellia City Flute Choir, under the direction of Marty Melicharek since its founding in 1998. Lend an ear to its haunting, unusual and unique collection of contrabass, bass and alto flutes. Part II will get your blood flowing with a performance by Hot Club Faux Gitane, an acoustic Gypsy Jazz-style swing band that specializes in traditional Gypsy tunes, jazz standards and original compositions. The group is composed of five talented musicians who play guitar, acoustic bass, mandolin, bassoon, clarinet, melodica and saxophone. For tickets and more information, go to sccaconcerts.org Westminster Presbyterian Church is at 1300 N St.

RAW DEAL See it here first! Check out emerging artist Timothy Mulligan’s first solo exhibition “Raw, Real &

Check out emerging artist Timothy Mulligan’s first solo exhibition “Raw, Real & Reimagined” at the Alex Bult Gallery from Feb. 12 through March 7

Re-imagined” at the Alex Bult Gallery from Feb. 12 through March 7. After graduating from California State University Sacramento, Mulligan studied as a printmaker and started experimenting with watercolors, pastels and pencil drawings. He has exhibited at the Crocker Art Museum, the Haggin Museum in Stockton, the California State Fair and other local galleries, and he’s won dozens of awards in national and regional art competitions, including first place in the California Gold category of the KVIE Art Auction. Hobnob with Mulligan in person at the preview reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb.12 or at the Second Saturday opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. For more information, call 476-5540 or go to alexbultgallery.com The Alex Bult Gallery is at 1114 21st St., Suite B in midtown.

CLASS OF ’65 Calling all alumni of the Sacramento High School Class of 1965! As you’ll be celebrating your 50th class reunion this year, get a head start on the festivities and check out the reunion website to find out more and connect with old classmates before the official reunion on Oct. 24 and 25 at the Red Lion Woodlake. Reunion organizer Gail Harris Thearle is trying to get in touch with all SHS Class of ’65 alumni, so give her a call at call at 215-8042, go to classreport.org/usa/ca/sacramento/ shs/1965 or email her at gail.thearle@ gmail.com The class reunion will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by a brunch the next day. The Red Lion Woodlake is at 500 Leisure Lane. Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Please email items for consideration by the first of the month, at least one month in advance of the event. n

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Master Class A CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOWS HOW THE MAGIC HAPPENS BY JULIE FOSTER HOME INSIGHT

f you’ve ever felt overwhelmed when choosing a new paint color for your living room from the dozens and dozens of shades of blue available, imagine the decisionmaking required when planning the interior of a five-bedroom, threeand-a-half-bath home that’s been stripped down to the studs.

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“We love that we were able to maintain a lot of the signature components of the home while celebrating a modern style,” says Kelly.

Interior designer Kerrie Kelly recently completed work on just such a project: a 3,100-square-foot East Sacramento home built in 1933. Next Generation Capital, which purchased the house as an investment, tapped Kelly for the project. The remodel, the third she has worked on for the company, took her two months. She was tasked with

retaining the home’s classic East Sac charm while layering in contemporary elements that would appeal to the greatest number of buyers.

“We lay out everything so we can begin to see the flow, color, textures, lines and shapes of things." “We love that we were able to maintain a lot of the signature components of the home while celebrating a modern style,” says Kelly. Creating an interior that flows gracefully from room to room requires looking at the big picture. A very abbreviated list of the items Kelly needed to choose included paint colors for doors, walls and trim; kitchen

cabinets, hardware, backsplash tiles and appliances; light fixtures and carpeting; floor and wall tiles; and plumbing fixtures for the bathrooms. Kelly, who calls her business a design lab, assembles all her choices on a large table. “We lay out everything so we can begin to see the flow, color, textures, lines and shapes of things and even how easily things can be maintained,” she explains. One Home Construction performed the major renovations, which were complete by the time Kelly and her team began. The house was rewired and replumbed. An energy-efficient Nest thermostat system and new windows will help keep energy bills under control. The kitchen’s Leviton switch plates can be configured as regular outlets or USB ports and can be easily removed and run through the dishwasher when culinary grime becomes an issue. HOME page 30

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HOME FROM page 29 “I love it that you can move into a house with so much personality and everything works,” says Kelly. “You don’t have to worry about whether the outlets work or any efficiency issues.” In the dining room, modern furnishings, new wainscoting and a dramatic paint color (SherwinWilliams’ Folkstone) complement the original built-in hutch and its leadedglass doors.

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Kelly’s attention extended to the smallest details, such as the kitchen cabinet door pulls. She chose simple, wide handle pulls because they won’t show fingerprints and will extend the life of the cabinets’ paint finish. The kitchen cabinet’s clear glass panels with wire mesh detail mimic the dining room hutch doors, melding the new and old. Counter tops are sleek Silestone that make for easy

cleanup, while the wedge-shaped backsplash tile captures the eye. The kitchen’s peninsula-shaped counter and seating area extends into the family room, linking the two spaces. A commodious pantry with a wine rack provides additional storage. A wall-mounted television suspended above a rectangular gas fireplace creates a cozy gathering area. Two sliding doors offer access to the refreshed backyard.

The three full bathrooms and the downstairs powder room are especially luxurious. Kelly wanted a jewel-box effect in the powder room since it was a space guests would use. Shimmering geometric wallpaper, sconces, beveled tiles and a marbletopped vanity with chrome fixtures evoke classic style. Kelly notes that the house, which she calls a traditionally tailored Tudor, contains many beautiful

finishes and high-tech features. “You can get a high-end look by saving on money on tile and other finishes from Home Depot, then splurge on signature light fixtures,” she explains. The house’s exterior also received a facelift. A new concrete patio and pergola off the back of the house provide more usable living space. In the front, concrete steps are tucked into the grass. A sliding door off the kitchen nook allows for easy access to the front porch.

“This home now has the modern amenities everyone wants combined with the style of an older home,” she says. “Now is the time to layer on the artwork and just live here.”

If you know of a home you think should be featured in Inside Publications, contact Julie Foster at foster.julie91@yahoo.com n

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Interior designer Kerrie Kelly

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The Curse of the Kings ONCE RIDING HIGH, OWNER VIVEK RANADIVE IS ITS LATEST VICTIM

BY R.E. GRASWICH SPORTS AUTHORITY

ings owner Vivek Ranadive is a math guy who understands numbers and percentages. He’s never been stopped by long odds stacked against him. That’s his trademark. As a teenager in Mumbai, India, he won admission to one of the most selective schools in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He convinced the Indian government to support his move to Boston. He arrived in the United States essentially broke but studied hard and eventually built a very successful data company, Tibco. In 2013, in hot pursuit of the Kings, Ranadive challenged the CEO of Microsoft, a man whose net worth runs to several billion dollars. They fought for ownership of a basketball team that bounced through four cities, one of the worst franchises in pro sports. The Kings sold for a record price. Ranadive won. Or did he? Today it’s time for a tantalizing question: Now that he’s nearing the end of his second year as owner of the Kings, how is Ranadive doing? It’s an important question, one that runs deeper than the win-loss record of the Kings.

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Kings owner Vivek Ranadive chats with former Kings player Vlade Divac

Three events—the clumsy, earlyseason firing of coach Mike Malone, Ranadive’s exit from the CEO suite at Tibco, and a lawsuit by former partner Darius Anderson—indicate the Silicon Valley engineer is slipping down the familiar path taken by his predecessors. Which, if you’re like me and want to see Ranadive succeed with the Kings, is not good news. Since their birth in the Depressionera snow banks of Rochester, N.Y., the Kings have developed an alarming habit of devouring their owners— pulling them in and crushing their spirits, depleting their wallets, dominating their interests to the neglect of other affairs and generally leaving them wondering why they ever got hooked up with the franchise

in the first place. The team, you could say, is cursed. The franchise founder and guiding spirit, Les Harrison, won an NBA championship—still the Kings’ only title—but ended up moving and selling out when fans in Rochester turned their backs and stopped buying tickets. In the next city, Cincinnati, owners were forced to sell when government authorities took exception to the cozy relationship between the club’s management and Las Vegas mobsters. The management’s company was called Emprise. A federal jury convicted Emprise of conspiracy involving an ownership deal with a Vegas casino. The team changed its

name and started fresh in Kansas City. The Kansas City owners were always short of cash. They hung on for several years, content with mediocrity, until a reasonable offer arrived from a precocious young Sacramento land developer and dream merchant named Gregg Lukenbill. The offer—$4.5 million in cash, $4.5 million in deferred payments, plus $1.5 million when the team moved—looks ridiculously low 32 years later. Even so, Lukenbill didn’t have the money. He had to partner with a bigger developer, Joe Benvenuti. I won’t waste more than a few words on the next two owners, Jim Thomas and the Maloof family. It’s

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enough to say things went bad for both of them. Thomas was dependent on his partners for cash flow, and when the partners grew tired of writing checks for the Kings, Thomas had to beg and borrow from the city. The Maloofs blew through their family fortune while trying to hang onto the team. This brings us to Ranadive, who, like Thomas in the early going, has the benefit of very wealthy co-owners. Ranadive may need some assistance, thanks to his divestment from Tibco. Not long after Ranadive bought the Kings, Tibco’s value began to falter. Some investors complained the boss was spending too much time on his NBA fun. Ranadive gave up the Tibco chairmanship. He exited with about $290 million, nice but not exactly a sum that impresses NBA owners these days. (The Maloofs sold their interest in the Kings for $347 million.) I wanted to speak to Ranadive and ask how the Tibco affair would impact the time he spends on the Kings. I

asked the team, but they just sent me a press release. As for Malone’s firing, Ranadive was unable to explain the move with clarity worthy of a CEO. Apparently, Malone was sacked by a committee of guys whom Ranadive identifies by youthful nicknames: Petey, Mullie and Bratzy (general manager Pete D’Alessandro, senior adviser Chris Mullin and junior adviser Mike Bratz). It’s not clear if Ranadive was an instigator, collaborator or spectator. And there’s the Anderson lawsuit, which claims Ranadive helped cheat Anderson out of an equity position with the team. The Kings say the suit is “frivolous.” Whatever else he may be, Ranadive is a brilliant engineer. But there’s another discipline that should interest anyone who invests with the Kings: historian. R.E. Graswich is the author of the book “Vagrant Kings: David Stern, Kevin Johnson and the NBA’s Orphan Team.” He can be reached at reg@ graswich.com n

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Sunshine on a Stem NOW’S THE TIME OF YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE COLOR YELLOW

BY ANITA CLEVENGER

GARDEN JABBER

his is the time of year when splashes of bright yellow flowers punctuate an awakening landscape. This color of distilled pure sunshine is not my favorite in later spring and summer, when vivid yellow clashes with more subtle pastel palettes. It seems to hog the spotlight. “Look at me! Look at me!” it shouts. Much as I love summer’s sunflowers, I tend to avoid hot colors in my garden during Sacramento’s sizzling heat. In late winter and early spring, however, yellow is just right.

Bees don’t see red at all, but they do perceive yellow, blue and ultraviolet light as they seek sources of pollen and nectar. Acacias are one of the first plants to bloom each year. Their puffy, lemonyellow flowers are spectacular but hated by many who blame them for

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allergies. Experts say that’s unfair. Acacias produce and drop copious amounts of pollen, but the grains are large and don’t blow in the wind like pollen from deciduous trees and grass. Some people are sensitive to acacia’s fragrance. If your eyes are red and you are sneezing, don’t blame the pollen of these beautiful yellow Australian trees. Late in February, forsythia’s bare, arching branches suddenly burst into a flower fountain of sunny blossoms. Its display lasts just one or two delirious weeks, although you can force earlier bloom by bringing some cut branches inside. Prune after bloom by cutting out a third of the

flowering branches and removing weak or dead wood. The shrub will retreat into oblivion until next year’s moment of glory. If you see yellow-flowered vines cascading over a fence or down an embankment, they possibly are Carolina jessamine. In March, yellow Lady Banks roses clamber up trees and in great mounds along the highways. Daffodils may be the quintessential yellow spring flower. They are part of the narcissus family, which has many different colors and shapes of flowers. However, it’s the classic all-yellow trumpet narcissus that the poet Wordsworth celebrated and

that artists feature on Easter cards. Daffodil Hill in Volcano is a popular destination in March. Visitors see many different kinds of daffodils there, but the yellow ones attract the most attention. Perennial and annual flowering plants can also contribute petal sunshine to your landscape. Calendula, pansies, snapdragons and columbine are among the winter and early-spring flowering varieties with bright yellow flowers. I grow California poppies in my home garden and in the Historic Rose Garden in Sacramento Historic City Cemetery. They are usually deep gold, or even orange, in color.

Until I encountered a botanist when visiting Rancho Seco’s vernal pools last spring, I was unaware that another native poppy, the Frying Pan poppy, paints the Sacramento Valley with low-growing yellow flowers in the spring. From a distance, they are indistinguishable from several other low-growing native wildflowers, such as California goldfields, that create large, bright, sunny patches on meadows and hillsides. Some pretty yellow flowers in your gardens or along the roads are weeds. Dandelions, of course, bloom just about all year long. In winter and spring, Bermuda buttercup, an oxalis, is exceptionally attractive, with shamrock-shaped leaves and clusters of bright flowers. The University of California considers it a nuisance, however, because it spreads so readily by underground bulbs and is hard to eradicate. I’ve got it in my garden despite my husband spending many hours trying to remove it. You probably have it, too. In the Napa Valley, mustard billows between the rows of vines, a breathtaking sight. Nearly as pretty, but quite invasive, is

the Scotch broom that infests much of California’s wildlands. Is it a coincidence that so many early-spring flowers are yellow? It’s possible that yellow flowers attract pollinators. Bees don’t see red at all, but they do perceive yellow, blue and ultraviolet light as they seek sources of pollen and nectar. Perhaps there is no scientific reason for there being so many yellow spring flowers. Maybe they just bloom to make us happy and to give us hope for many sunny days ahead. Anita Clevenger is a Sacramento County UC Master Gardener. For answers to gardening questions, call 875-6913 or go to ucanr.edu/sites/ sacmg Fair Oaks Horticulture Center will hold its next open garden on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd. Master Gardeners will demonstrate how to prune ornamental grasses and shrubs and finish pruning fruit trees and grapevines, and they’ll answer questions about vegetable gardening-.n

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Vows of Love LET ME DIE IN YOUR ARMS

BY NORRIS BURKES SPIRIT MATTERS

s a minister, I officiate at dozens of picturesque weddings with a pageantry of limos, gowns and tuxedos. During these ceremonies, I stand before a couple as they publicly proclaim poetic promises accompanied by an elegantly performed love song. It’s easy to see the exchange of vows as the most beautiful part of the ceremony. But as a chaplain who’s been doing this marrying-burying thing for more than 30 years, I can tell you that nothing matches the beauty of watching those same vows being fulfilled by people who meant what they said when they promised “for better or for worse … till death do us part.” To this day, I’ve never heard a love song as beautiful as the serenade that came from the room of a 45-year-old cancer patient in 1991, when I was serving as a chaplain intern at UC Davis Medical Center. The song drew me down the hallway toward the room. Several staff members were gathered outside the door. Inside the room lay a jaundiced patient with a liver that

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Becky and Norris Burkes exchange vows in a January 1980 ceremony

was clearly failing. All of his organs were failing. Doctors were measuring his life in days, if not hours. So into his bed came Anne, his wife of 22 years and maybe all of 98 pounds. She nuzzled alongside him, stroking his face, as he strummed a John Denver medley on a guitar. After about 10 minutes, he switched chords and nodded toward

his eavesdroppers as if to ready us for his finale. His wife took her cue by sitting up in bed with crossed legs, brushing her hair behind her ears and wiping her tears. Then she stared deeply into his dark eyes as if going toward a preplanned rendezvous with his soul. She clearly knew what was coming. For it was her song, “Annie’s Song.”

“Come let me love you, let me give my life to you,” he began with a crackling voice. He stopped for an unwritten rest beat, forced a smile and pushed further into what seemed a prayer set to music. Let me drown in your laughter / Let me die in your arms Let me lay down beside you / Let me always be with you Come let me love you / Come love me again While a few of the staff members held their professional composure through the songs, it’s a safe bet that our stoicism didn’t last through the entreating lyrics, “Let me die in your arms.” The physical and spiritual intertwining I witnessed in this couple sharing a hospital bed will always recall for me the scripture from Genesis that says, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh….” It’s a wonderful moment when couples pledge their togetherness with “until death do us part,” but it was a sacred moment to behold this couple turn their “I do” vows into a goal-line declaration of “We did.” Brother, that’s love. Sister, that’s pageantry! Thirty-five years ago this month, my wife and I said, “I do.” And by the grace of God and our love for each other, we still do. Happy anniversary, sweetheart. Note to readers: If you’ll share your love story of lifelong commitment, I’ll post it on my website, thechaplain. net. Please send your story to ask@ thechaplain.net or P.O. Box 247, Elk Grove, CA 95759. Leave your recorded comments at (843) 608-9715. n

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Artful Pair THESE MURALISTS WANT TO BEAUTIFY SACRAMENTO BRIDGES, HIGHWAYS AND MORE

BY JESSICA LASKEY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

hen you first meet Sofia Lacin and Hennessy Christophel—the “L” and “C” behind LC Studio Tutto, formerly LC Mural & Design—you might be struck by how young and lovely they both are. But take a moment to get to know them and you’ll quickly see that they’re much more than pretty faces. In fact, the dynamic duo is taking the Sacramento art scene by storm. “We love working on all kinds of projects as long as they’re creatively challenging and contribute to our city’s authentic growth,” Lacin says. “Tutto translates to ‘all’ or ‘everything’ in Italian, which captures our desire and mission to integrate fine art into daily life.” Lacin and Christophel are the ambitious artistic forces behind large-scale public art projects that give new life to Sacramento’s most blighted neighborhoods. One of their current projects, Bright Underbelly, is transforming the underside of the W/X freeway at 6th Street where the Sunday farmers market takes place into a colorful canopy of natureinspired imagery. Another, Hanging Mist, is an installation made up of 72 perforated aluminum panels painted in soft layers of color mounted on the walls of the inner courtyard of Warehouse Artist Lofts at 11th and R streets. Their project Contagious Color covered the bridge structure at 12th and C Streets in vibrant abstract murals. “This project has been so exciting because of the dramatic transformation,” Christophel says.

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Muralists Sofia Lacin and Hennessy Christophel

“It’s amazing to be able to change someone’s daily commute from dreary and depressing into something inspiring.” This desire to change the world through art is an interest the two women have shared since they first met at Mira Loma High School. They were classmates in advanced art as part of the rigorous International Baccalaureate program, where their working relationship began. “We always dreamt of working together,” Christophel says. “We’re a good mix within our artistic skills. I’m more detail-oriented; Sofia is more big vision.” “And our artistic personalities translate as business personalities,” Lacin adds. “I like to brainstorm

about the future, take meetings and be the contact person. Hennessy loves to present to big groups and keep track of records and details. We divide tasks business-wise but do everything together creatively, which is why we’re able to work in public spaces. We have two perspectives.” Both Lacin and Christophel come from creative backgrounds: Lacin’s parents own a commercial photography studio; Christophel’s mom is an artist. So it might seem only natural that the two would follow in those footsteps. But their artistic perspective is all their own. “We’re both interested in designing environments that connect you to your space,” Christophel says. “The large-scale nature of our work helps

it become an environment that you move through and walk through. We started doing murals, but our canvases aren’t just walls anymore. They’re water tanks, underpasses and freeways.” “As artists, we’re idealistic,” Lacin says. “Everyone should be able to experience art, so when we’re choosing a site, we aim to have very diverse audiences.” “That way everyone can experience it,” Christophel continues. “That’s part of the challenge of the scale that we love: It becomes a communal experience.” LC Studio Tutto is involved in each project from its inception until the last brushstroke, which means that Lacin and Christophel are responsible

not only for dreaming and drafting, but also getting down and dirty for their work.

“Our dream for when we’re older and not climbing around on scissor lifts like monkeys is to open a B&B.” “We walk the line as designers with our modern, cool studio in the River District, but at the same time we’re kind of like construction workers,” Christophel says, “riding scissor lifts and eating carrots, sitting on the sidewalk covered in paint and dirt. Our job is never the same and always active. It’s fun to be dirty.” “We have to reintroduce ourselves to people sometimes,” Lacin says with a laugh.

The grime is clearly part of the appeal, as is the community they work in. “When we were younger, we didn’t imagine staying in Sacramento,” Christophel admits. “But we found we were getting so many interesting projects here. There’s a real hunger for art here. It’s been a great place to start our business and make significant contributions to this art landscape.” “It’s nice to be in a city where people are interested in art and very collaborative,” Lacin concurs. “Everyone wants to be together to create.” Their ultimate goal, however, might surprise you. “Our dream for when we’re older and not climbing around on scissor lifts like monkeys is to open a B&B,” Christophel says. “It would be a combination art experience and luxury experience. We love giving people beauty and novel experiences.” For more information on LC Studio Tutto, go to lcmuralanddesign.com n

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WINTER CONCERT

FEBRUARY 8, 2015, AT 7:00 P.M. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1701 L Street, Sacramento

Featuring Cappella & Cantoris with Special Guests RSVP CONDUCTOR: Lynn Stevens TICKETS $30 Preferred, $17 General, $12 Students

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www.sacramentochildrenschorus.org

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More Than Beer TWO NEW BARS OFFER GREAT FOOD ALONG WITH SPORTS AND SUDS

BY GREG SABIN RESTAURANT INSIDER

f you’re looking for a spot to catch a game or throw some darts or just throw a few back with a ragtag gang of revelers, odds are you don’t think about grabbing some well-made food while you’re at it. The average corner pub or sports bar doesn’t spend much time curating a gastropub menu, sourcing local ingredients or hiring well-trained chefs to execute a culinary vision. More often than not, you’re likely to get a pile of frozen bits dumped in the fryolator and served with a side of special bottled sauce, each item chosen from the regional restaurant supplier for its price point and shelf life and not much else. It’s refreshing that two operations have opened in the past few months that manage to balance well-executed cuisine with giant flat screens, craft cocktails with American macrobrews, and cheese boards with shuffleboards. Field House American Sports Pub—This sports bar comes from the ownership group that brought you one of America’s best bars (according to Esquire Magazine, no less). The trio of personalities that made Shady Lady Saloon a success turned their sights toward other projects last year. Field House was one. Located on Fulton Avenue in the former home of Mandango’s Sports Bar & Grill, Field House is a welcome update on the sports bar concept. You can still find a wall of big-screens tuned to everything from college

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Stop by Field House and enjoy Rally Nachos while watching your favorite sport

football to more college football, and you’ll still find a shuffleboard table and a row of dartboards. But you’ll also find a bar stocked with fine wines, craft beers and the fixings to make exquisite cocktails. The most surprising thing, however, is a menu that—while not too creative at first glance—pays off with expert preparation and fine ingredients. A dish of fish and chips gets a bump with housemade tartar sauce and hand-cut fries, and the panfried chunks of snapper are a welcome treat.

Burgers are finely crafted using a beautiful ground beef mix and ethereal fresh buns. Wings are well above average and come with your choice of sauce: traditional American hot sauce or something more international like spicy Thai or Vietnamese sauce. The standout is the Full Court Press, a 32-ounce bloody mary garnished with an entire meal of skewers. The perfect one-stop brunch order, this titanic treat starts with a quart-sized Mason jar filled with spicy blend of tomato juice and vodka.

Then, a handful of pickled green beans and asparagus is thrown in the mix. A skewer of pearl onion, olive and cherry tomato is added, along with a skewer of shrimp and pickled egg. Next, a bacon-wrapped sausage is skewered and added to the party. Finally, a petite hamburger—a slider—is set atop yet another skewer and proudly driven into the beverage like a Spanish flag planted by some mustachioed conquistador in a bygone age. The whole thing costs $18 and RESTAURANT page 42

Art Preview

GALLERY ART SHOWS IN FEBRUARY

Red Dot Gallery presents a themeoriented group exhibition called California Scape: Beyond the Snapshot. Participating artists include Tim Mulligan, Margarita Chaplinska, Susan Ballenger, Leslie Philpott, Bud Gordon and Matt Bult. Shown left: “Highway 101” by Margarita Chaplinska. 2231 J Street, Ste. 101

An exhibit of the work of Trent Burkett, a potter, sculptor and professor of art, will be at Jay Jay Art. Show runs through Feb. 28. Shown above is a detail of a work by Burkett. 5520 Elvas Avenue; jayjayart.com ARTHOUSE on R presents “Popstractions” featuring the work of Sid and Donine Wellman. Exhibit runs Feb. 14 to March 10. Shown left: “Fly” by Sid Wellman. 1021 R Street, sidwellman.com

Artspace1616 will exhibit paintings by Alejandro Rubio and sculpture by Numan Begovic in February. Shown above: A work by Alejandro Rubio. 1616 Del Paso Boulevard

Animal House is the10th Annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition of Animal-themed Artworks at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center from Feb. 18 to March 8. Shown above: “Ahi” by Sandy Lindblad. 5330B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael

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RESTAURANT FROM page 40 fills you up like no other beverage/ meal you’re likely to encounter. Given the owners’ experience and successes, they’ve made a smart decision by not going full gastropub here. This is, after all, a sports bar, and quirky, challenging food is not the right fit. Instead, smartly, they’ve crafted a comfortable menu and let the cooking do the talking. Well played. Field House American Sports Pub is at 1310 Fulton Ave.; 487-1045; fieldhousesac.com

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

POC FEB n 15

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 Mon-Fri 7-5, Sat-Sun 8-4 | 551-1500 | info@estellspatisserie.com

insidepublications.com

The dining room at Field House

VISIT

Duke’s Plates & Pints—Open in Arden Town Center since November, Duke’s Plate & Pints already has a growing legion of fans from the nearby Arden Park and Wilhaggin neighborhoods. Featuring a deep, diverse selection of beers on tap and some surprisingly good food, the joint has all the makings of a local favorite. Taking over the former digs of Beach Hut Deli, Duke’s simplified the layout and really opened up the room. Unfortunately, some of the stools and tables are a bit rough, being made of concrete and hard woods, but the ample sunlight coming through the windows and the commodious patio out back are bound to be favorites once the spring sunshine starts to make an appearance. The beer selection is impressive and probably the best in the neighborhood next to Capitol Beer and Tap Room. The selections are almost all California brews, with a few Rocky Mountain choices sprinkled through. The menu is simple and straightforward, with sandwiches and bar appetizers the order of the day. But little touches like housemade ketchup, locally sourced sausages and surprisingly excellent sliders make Dukes a lot more than a beer bar. If you live in Arden Arcade, don’t be surprised to hear more and more of your friends ask, “Grab a pint at Dukes?” Dukes Plates & Pints is at 510 La Sierra Drive; 514-8430; dukesplatesandpints.com

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CARMICHAEL

Desirable Cameron Ranch location. Open Àoor plan, large yard, breezeway, built in pool, spa, large covered patio, lots of fruit trees & mature landscaping. 4 Beds, 2 bths, new roof, corner lot. Easy access to transportation, schools, parks & shopping. $427,500 DAVID OHARA 916-600-9495

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GREENHAVEN/POCKET

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Popular single story within the gates in West Lake. 3 beds (+Of¿ce), 3 bth, spacious family room, open kitchen with island, all on a large corner lot. Private courtyard enty. $409,900 JOLEEN DUNNIGAN 916-717-3559

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Spacious Àoorplan w/sep living & family rms, formal dining area, lge open kitchen w/granite counters & stainless steel appliances, double overns & wine refrigerator. Private backyard w/built in pool, wet bar & personal spa..perfect for entertaining. $579,999 JOLEEN DUNNIGAN 916-717-3559

GREENHAVEN/POCKET

Large 4 bed, 2.5 bth with spacious family room with dramatic vaulted ceilings, separate living/dining area, bright kitchen w/nook with large window over looking the backyard, wood laminate Àooring in entry, living area & nook. $319,900 BERNADETTE CHIANG 916-381-2888

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CARMICHAEL

Move in ready & beautifully remodeled! This 4 bed, 2 bth features granite counters in kitchen & baths, new windows, new paint inside & out, ¿nished garage, lifetime metal roof, covered patio and so much more! Desirable corner lot! $350,000 MARTHA MACIAS 916-616-6600

GREENHAVEN/POCKET

Updtd 3 bd, 3 bth a few blocks from Didion. Granite counters & new cabinets in kitchen, remodeled baths, new dual pane windows/sliders, plantation shutters, custom lighting, resurfaced & retiled built in pool & so much more! $399,500 NICK LAPLACA 916-764-7500

DOWNTOWN

High exposure property on the downtown grid. Lots of upside potential. Mixed use (5 residential units upstairs, 203 commercial units down), totaling over 5000sf. All are paying abou $1.00/sqft as rent. Don’t miss this opportunity! $699,900 JOHN WONG 916-531-7150

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©2014 BHH AfÀliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH AfÀliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Houseing Opportunity.