Sacramento Magazine June 2023

A NEW ERA IN ENTERTAINMENT

KID ROCK

JUNE 2 • 8PM

KEVIN HART REALITY CHECK

JUNE 8 • 8PM

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND

JUNE 9 • 8PM

TESLA WITH BUCKCHERRY

JUNE 10 • 7:30PM

BROTHERS OSBORNE WITH CAYLEE HAMMACK

JUNE 16 • 7:30PM

AUSTRALIA’S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

JUNE 17 • 8PM

JOHNNY MATHIS THE VOICE OF ROMANCE TOUR

JUNE 23 • 8PM

VAT NANG TINH HE VIETNAMESE CONCERT

JUNE 24 • 8PM

BILL BURR LIVE!

JUNE 29 AND 30 • 8PM

GEORGE BENSON & BONEY JAMES WITH LALAH HATHAWAY

JULY 7 • 7PM

RUSSELL PETERS ACT YOUR AGE WORLD TOUR

JULY 8 • 8PM

DIANA KRALL

JULY 14 • 8PM

HERE & NOW

EKIN IN CONCERT 2023

JULY 15 • 7:30PM

MAXWELL - NIGHT: THE TRILOGY SHOW WITH MACY GRAY

JULY 21 • 7:30PM

LEGENDS OF MOTOWN SUPER TRIBUTE SHOW

JULY 22 • 8PM

BLUES TRAVELER & BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS

JULY 28 • 7PM

STYX WITH STARSHIP FEATURING MICKEY THOMAS

JULY 29 • 7:30PM

RAIN A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

AUGUST 4 • 8PM

BUDDY GUY DAMN RIGHT FAREWELL WITH ALLY VENABLE

AUGUST 5 • 7:30PM

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW WITH ZEPPELIN USA

AUGUST 11 • 7:30PM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PERFORMANCES VISIT WWW.THUNDERVALLEYRESORT.COM

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE THUNDER VALLEY BOX OFFICE, OR AT THUNDERVALLEYRESORT.COM

PETER FRAMPTON NEVER SAY NEVER TOUR

AUGUST 12 • 8PM

JERRY SEINFELD LIVE

AUGUST 18 • 8PM

CHICAGO

AUGUST 26 • 8PM

ALOE BLACC WITH ALLEN STONE & ERIC BELLINGER

SEPTEMBER 1 • 7PM

COUNTING CROWS:

BANSHEE SEASON TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

SEPTEMBER 8 • 7:30PM

STEVE MILLER BAND

SEPTEMBER 23 • 8PM

JETHRO TULL THE SEVEN DECADES

SEPTEMBER 29 • 8PM

KENNY LOGGINS THIS IS IT! FINAL TOUR 2023 WITH RICHARD MARX

OCTOBER 13 • 7:30PM

NE-YO WITH ROBIN THICKE & MARIO

OCTOBER 21 • 7PM

AIR SUPPLY & WILSON PHILLIPS

OCTOBER 28 • 7:30PM

Photography by Francisco Chavira 62

DREAMING OF THE BEAM Community spirit was all purple for two NBA playo weeks in April.

Photography by Gabriel Teague 66

MILLION-DOLLAR LISTINGS

By Catherine Warmerdam

PUBLISHER

Dennis Rainey

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Krista Minard

ART DIRECTOR

Gabriel Teague

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Darlena Belushin McKay

DINING EDITOR

Marybeth Bizjak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sasha Abramsky, Luna Anona, Mark Billingsley, Diana Bizjak, Cathy Cassinos-Carr, Kara Chin, Sena Christian, Marcus Crowder, Ed Goldman, Dorsey Griffith, Angela Knight, Elena M. Macaluso, Reed Parsell, Kari L. Rose Parsell, Bill Romanelli, Thea Marie Rood, Nora Heston Tarte, Mari Tzikas Suarez, Catherine Warmerdam, Sara E. Wilson

ART

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Debbie Hurst

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kat Alves, Gary and Lisa Ashley, Mike Battey, Beth Baugher, Francisco Chavira, Debbie Cunningham, Wes Davis, Terence Duff y, Tim Engle, Kevin Fiscus, Kevin Gomez, Aniko Kiezel, Ryan Angel Meza, Tyler Mussetter, Stephanie Russo, Rachel Valley, Susan Yee

ADVERTISING

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Lisa Bonk

ADVERTISING MANAGERS

Duff y Kelly, Victor Obenauf

SENIOR ADVERTISING DESIGNER

John Facundo

MARKETING & WEB

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Dan Poggetti

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Riley Meyers

SENIOR CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

David Benvenuto

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Stephen Rice

SALES OFFICES

SACRAMENTO 1610 R Street, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95811 info@sacmag.com

Bike Ride

PUBLISHED BY SACRAMENTO MEDIA LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT

John Balardo

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TO SUBMIT MATERIAL

Have you spotted something appropriate for editorial coverage in Sacramento Magazine? Please submit as much information as possible about the subject to Darlena Belushin McKay at darlena@sacmag.com. Keep in mind that we maintain a relatively strict local boundary— Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo counties— and our lead times run long, with most issue lineups completed four months prior to publication.

STORY IDEAS

WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

If you are interested in contributing to Sacramento Magazine, please send information to (writers) Krista Minard, krista@sacmag.com or (photographers and illustrators) Gabriel Teague,

The Green Life

ow’s everybody doing with their composting? Last summer, we were all picking up our nifty little pails and getting accustomed to separating our veggie ends and eggshells from our plastic clamshells and foam packaging. There was some mild grumbling about stinky kitchens and confusion over what to do with meat scraps and pet poop. In Folsom, where I live, residents had some extra befuddlement. For single-family homes, compostable waste must go in a clear plastic or recyclable bag and into the “green can” with yard clippings. This created a storm of commentary and questions on our neighborhood social media sites: “Plastic bags? That can’t be right!” Despite the city’s explanation right on its website (the bagged material gets separated from the grass clippings, debagged and transferred to a food-waste processing facility), it took awhile for people to accept it. In our family, confusion mounted when our daughter moved from Curtis Park into a Folsom apartment complex with her fiancé. Different rules applied there.

But we’ve all gotten used to it, right?

In this issue, Luna Anona writes about composting and other ways to live more sustainably. Some of it is so obvious that it serves simply as a happy reminder: Wear what’s already in your closet, take the bus or ride your bike, refill a water bottle. And some of it gets us thinking about community. When one of my kids had a hard-worn couch to get rid of recently, she didn’t even consider sending it to the dump. She posted it on a neighborhood site, dirt cheap, and was candid about its characteristics: preshredded (thanks to cats Pearl and Lily), best placed against a wall due to a sagging panel. A woman with two young children and a low budget contacted her and offered cash, plus a few extra bucks if it could be delivered. The couch went to a good home—and it lives on, against a wall and joyfully climbed upon by two kids “who were so excited when we brought it in!” my daughter said. Luna’s story also tells us we’re using too many paper towels. Guilty as charged. They’re so convenient, especially those ones with the half-size option. But I’m more aware now, every time I rip one off. I vow to do better.

This June issue is packed with stories: In addition to tips for living greener, you’ll find pieces about mushroom foraging, Kings playoff parties, expensive houses, Music Circus, top trends in cosmetic procedures (did you know people come to Sacramento to get their “work” done?), summer events, plus food and drink, some North Coast travel and a mini-profile of a guy who collects vintage cars. And, of course, more.

Happy summer!

HAND THERE’S MORE . . .

Coming up on June 8: Sac Mag has teamed up with Sky River Casino to throw a whiskey party at California State Railroad Museum. More than 20 whiskey expressions will be available for tasting. For more information, go to sacmag. com/whiskey.

KRISTA MINARD

krista@sacmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Francisco Chavira

While shooting the Tower Bridge Dinner chefs last year for Visit Sacramento, photographer

Francisco Chavira, a regular contributor to Sacramento Magazine, asked them each to bring a relevant prop. Tyler Bond brought morels he had hunted that morning. “He told me about foraging, and I could not stop thinking of it (for a story),” says Francisco. “We had to wait for all the elements—weather and ground temps—to line up just right for the morels to sprout.”

Mariah Quintanilla

“For this cover, I was excited to experiment with typography and cover the page with nature-themed elements,” says illustrator Mariah Quintanilla. “Once I found the right form and placement for the larger text, the rest of the page came together organically. This month’s theme is very important to me personally. I try to live as sustainably as possible, whether that includes reducing waste in my home, conserving water or buying only used objects and clothes.”

Sacramento Magazine’s free newsletter goes to email subscribers every weekday. Catch the latest updates in dining, arts and entertainment, wine, recreation, health and more. You’ll also find links to other community news and resources and social media posts that have caught our eye. Subscribe at sacmag.com/newsletters.

Marcus Crowder

Writer Marcus Crowder, who has covered arts in Sacramento for more than 25 years and was the theater critic at The Sacramento Bee for 17 years, brought his insight about the local artistic community to his story about Scott Klier, incoming president and CEO of Broadway Sacramento. Marcus has had work published in American Theatre, Diablo Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle and 7x7. He also enjoys traveling to beach towns around the world with his wife, Laura Compton.

It’s science-driven excellence for hearts in Sacramento.

At Sutter Medical Center, we’re at the forefront of what’s possible with heart care. From being the first and still the only hospital in the area to offer heart transplants to replacing heart valves with only a catheter, we’re no stranger to innovation. Science-driven heart care is what we do, and it’s right here in Sacramento. It’s a thousand things, big and small. sutterhealth.org/smcs

Something fresh is coming to

Downtown Sac

Every Wednesday 4–7 PM July 5–August 30

Making Movies

Documentary filmmaker James Sweigert grew up skateboarding in Sacramento. He looked up to the N-Men, a group of skateboarders who met underneath Interstate 5 in Old Sac. In his film “N-Men: The Untold Story,” Sweigert uncovers an unknown side of Sacramento, and reveals how the N-Men influenced the global reach of skateboarding. For more, turn to page 20.

The 916

inside: Sober Sunday / Hot Wheels / Street Soccer / Ranking Sustainability

Love and Skateboarding

A local filmmaker pays tribute to N-Men in a new documentary.

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Although it took some time, skateboarding has fi nally been recognized for the sport it is. The X Games debuted on ESPN in 1995, and skateboarding was added to the Olympics in 2021, establishing the art form as more of a sport than a hobby.

But did you know that a ragtag team of skateboarders from Sacramento nicknamed the N-Men had a hand in both of those revolutionary steps? Dating back to 1975, when the diverse group met underneath Interstate 5 in Old Sacramento, the global impact they would eventually have on the world of skateboarding was unknown. Now it’s coming to light with the debut of “N-Men: The Untold Story,” a documentary on the movement and its ties to the local community, created by James Sweigert, a documentarian and fi fth-generation Sacramentan. The movie will play at the Crest on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. (sold out) and June 3 at 3 p.m.

The movie has already made a name for itself, winning best sports feature from the Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival, and special jury winner and honorable mention for a feature documentary from the Los Angeles Film Awards, where it was also nominated for best picture.

“I was inspired to make this movie because I have always loved documentaries, and I once heard, ‘If you want to be a

fi lmmaker, tell a story only you can tell,’” Sweigert recalls. “In Sacramento, I grew up skateboarding and always looked up to the N-Men, who were formed as a result of their resentment of SoCal’s Z-Boys.”

When Sweigert saw Stacy Peralta’s skateboard documentary featuring Dogtown and Z-Boys, Sweigert knew Peralta had missed part of the story—the part that encompassed the N-Men he had looked up to in Northern California but who had remained largely underground, receiving less attention than their SoCal counterparts. “Some of them had gone on to do great things, and I was inspired to tell their story,” Sweigert says. It took 11 years for the documentary to come to fruition. “This fi lm reveals an unknown side of Sacramento—the underground, hardcore skate tribe and several of the characters, young and old, who still carry on the inclusive, radical spirit of the original N-Men crew,” Sweigert explains. “I want to make Sacramento proud of my friends who have flown under the radar, and I hope to help put Sacramento on the map as a significant contributor to the global skateboarding community.”

FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT NMENTHEMOVIE.COM

“I WAS INSPIRED TO MAKE THIS MOVIE BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED DOCUMENTARIES, AND I ONCE HEARD, ‘IF YOU WANT TO BE A FILMMAKER, TELL A STORY ONLY YOU CAN TELL.’”

Aaron Leong, James Sweigert and Jimmy Bell

Tony Hawk and James Sweigert

N-Men world champ Jamie Hart

N-Men co-founder Doug Jones

N-Men co-founder John O’Shei

Sober Sundays

Whether you’ve bucked alcohol all together or identify as sober-curious, a zeroproof cocktail (booze-free) may be enticing. Better than ordering up club soda with a wedge of lime, there’s no longer a need to skimp on flavor just to skip the alcohol for the day.

At the KIMPTON SAWYER HOTEL , the swanky poolside lounge REVIVAL is all in on the trend, declaring the seventh day of the week Sober Sunday and celebrating with a list of creatively cool mocktails served into the night. The new menu was announced alongside the hotel’s wellness program in April but will continue to be served on the rooftop through the end of summer. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are at the forefront of every recipe, along with Seedlip nonalcoholic spirits, which contain zero sugar and zero calories. Also on Sundays, Vinyl Nights allow guests to dig through bins of vintage records and make requests to the night’s DJ, who will spin your favorite vinyl tracks from 5 to 9 p.m. While the spotlight is on zero proof, the Revival menu won’t stop serving its regular cocktails and specialty drinks as well with its all-day happy hour for guests.—

NORA HESTON TARTE

Seedlip

SUNNY SPICE SWIZZLE

Spiced Seedlip, cinnamon syrup and lemon

BERRY FRESH

N FRUITY

Seedlip Grove 42, Spiced Seedlip, lemon, simple syrup, muddled blackberry and cucumber and soda water

A BENEVOLENT HONEY BEE

Seedlip Grove 42, honey and lemon

GARDEN MULE

Garden Seedlip, lime and ginger beer

WELLNESS BARREL

Spiced Seedlip, Seedlip Grove 42, pineapple, lime, orgeat, cinnamon and ginger ale

STRAWBERRY GOODNESS

Strawberry syrup, lemon, honey, grapefruit and soda water

gabriel teague

COLLECTED

It Started With Hot Wheels

BY CATHERINE WARMERDAM

Twenty-seven-year-old engineer Quan Tran got a thrill from racing Hot Wheels as a kid, but he says cars “really became an obsession when I started driving at age 16.”

When it came time to buy his first vehicle, Tran recalled how much his father had loved the Pontiac Firebird he’d owned years earlier. “That’s what made me want to get an old American muscle car, so I could be cool like my dad,” he says with a chuckle. Instead, Tran inherited the antithesis of a thundering, high-performance sports car: his mom’s stodgy Volvo station wagon.

“I didn’t really want it, so with their permission, I sold it and worked odd jobs for a couple of summers to save up for a 1968 Ford Mustang,” he says. “I’m sure they let me get it thinking it would be too much for me, always breaking down and needing to be repaired, but it only made my obsession grow.” Tran became fascinated with Euro and Japanese sports cars from the ’60s and ’70s after watching vintage car races at Laguna Seca Raceway with a family member a few years later. “That race rewired my whole perspective on cars.”

Today, Tran has accumulated a small collection of prized automobiles: a 1978 Porsche 911 SC, a 1978 Datsun 280Z and a 1972 Datsun 510. (There is also the 1993 Toyota pickup that gets him from point A to B. “That’s the donkey cart, Old Reliable,” he jokes.)

Tran relishes taking the Porsche on multiday rallies with other car enthusiasts. “The whole point is to pick a route and go explore it with like-minded people,” he says. “There’s a lot of camaraderie among the drivers.” Those personal connections are what drive Tran’s hobby. “More than owning cars, I like the experience of working on them, driving them, doing things with them. With each car I own, there’s a subset of friends that I’ve made directly because of the car, and that’s why I value them.”

“MORE THAN OWNING CARS, I LIKE THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING ON THEM, DRIVING THEM, DOING THINGS WITH THEM. WITH EACH CAR I OWN, THERE’S A SUBSET OF FRIENDS THAT I’VE MADE DIRECTLY BECAUSE OF THE CAR, AND THAT’S WHY I VALUE THEM.”

WHO: Quan Tran COLLECTION: Vintage cars

Quan Tran

Good Sport

Sacramento is the first city in the United States to host the STREET SOCCER HOMELESS WORLD CUP. More than 100,000 people are expected to participate or watch the event, which takes place July 8–15 at Sacramento State.

Sixty-four teams from 51 nations are expected to come, and more than 200 volunteers will staff the event, the first since 2019 and the 20th anniversary of the event. Entry is free. Food trucks and live music will round out the event.

Street Soccer is a 4-on-4 version of the sport, and is played on courts roughly the size of a tennis court—with walls. Scoring often reaches into the double digits because of the small court size and fewer players, despite games being just 14 minutes long.

To be eligible, players must not have played in previous Homeless World Cups, must have been homeless within the past 12 months and must be in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.

“We’ve taken about 20 men and women to Homeless World Cups over the past 12 years,” says Lisa Wrightsman, the managing director of Street Soccer USA: Sacramento. “The majority of the adults we have taken are now not only housed and employed, but living very fulfilled lives, engaged in the community and their families. We have had a few players attend Sacramento State and graduate.”

Wrightsman herself was homeless for a few years after a stellar career playing for the Sac State Hornets. After a pro career failed to materialize, Wrightsman says she was ill-prepared for life off the pitch and found solace in drugs and alcohol. Early in her sobriety, she says, she found out about Street Soccer USA while in a sober-living program run through Volunteers of America. She competed in a national tourney in 2009 and the Homeless World Cup in 2010 in Brazil. She coached the United States at the 2011 tournament in Paris and has attended every World Cup since, she says.

“The tournament changed my life,” Wrightsman says.

Her wife, Tiffany Fraser, also is a former Sac State soccer player and is now chief of staff for Street Soccer USA.

“We don’t expect (Homeless World Cup) to change everything, though we hope it will spur discussion and change negative perceptions of homeless individuals,” Wrightsman says. “At the end of the day, these players are people deserving of respect. Not because they have been homeless, but because of what they have overcome to be where they are today. We want everyone to see the possibilities of the human spirit.”—MARK

BILLINGSLEY

SUSTAINABLE SAC

We’re No. 9! We’re No. 9! Sustainability-wise, we’re worse than San Francisco and a lot better than Fresno.

BY REED PARSELL

OK, so corporate-generated city rankings are not going to get anybody too proud or riled up at this point. However, the rankings we shall discuss here this month refer specifically to sustainability, which is what this editorial space is all about.

In April, the grass-advocating LawnStarter company published “2023’s Most Sustainable Cities,” by writer Sav Maive, and Sacramento ranked No. 9. The methodology was described thus:

“To come up with our ranking, we compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on five sustainability categories. We looked at the number of zero-energy buildings, alternative fuel stations, and greenhouse-gas emissions, among 26 total metrics.”

Among California cities, the capital does not fully reign. It is judged sustainably superior to Los Angeles (ranked 10th), Sunnyvale (yes, Sunnyvale makes an appear-

ance, at 22nd), and Fresno (not intuitively a formidable competitor in any best-cities list, 128th). The Bay Area bests us, however, with San Jose (sixth), Oakland (perhaps last in the American League, but fourth here) and—a city not known for its front yards, LawnStarter—San Francisco (first). San Diego squeezes in at fifth, with Boston (second), New York (third), Seattle (seventh) and Baltimore (eighth) completing the Top 10.

Here’s where the grass company placed Sacramento among some of the rankings’ other metrics:

• Number of incentives and policies supporting renewables and energy efficiency: 47th

• Thrift shopper-friendliness: 16th

• Biking-friendliness: 20th

• Number of green restaurants: 27th

Our fair city especially excelled in state waste management performance, collecting the silver medal by coming in second place. Take that, Bay Area!

The LawnStarter story fertilized our curiosity about other online lists that attempt to compare cities’ sustainability cre -

dentials. AllTransit, which claims to be “the largest source of transit connectivity, access, and frequency data in America,” currently deems we have the nation’s 34th best public-transportation system among U.S. towns with at least 250,000 residents. We are placed between Aurora, Colorado (32nd) and Phoenix (34th). At No. 1, king of the hill, top of the list? New York.

Sacramento scores much higher in a less-flattering study by the American Lung Association: its Most Polluted Cities list. Paired with Roseville, the capital city is judged seventh in ozone (Los Angeles-Long Beach, at No. 1, is the worst), sixth in year-round particle pollution (Bakersfield) and eighth in short-term particle pollution (sorry, Bakersfield, but you are No. 1 here, too).

Being dinged for our air quality is depressing, but take a deep breath because here comes a refreshing splash of retribution: Tapsafe ranks our water quality as the best in the nation, topping 405 other cities that contain at least 100,000 residents. We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1!

Our fair city especially excelled in state waste management performance, collecting the silver medal by coming in second place. Take that, Bay Area!

Land and Sea

At a magical spot north of Fort Bragg, visitors can rejoice in the landscape, whether they’re wandering alongside the ocean or deep in a fairytale forest.

Explore

inside: Wild waves and deep woods

The Inn at Newport Ranch

BY KRISTA MINARD

For years, we passed the place: The Inn at Newport Ranch. With a gate on Highway 1 about 11 miles north of Fort Bragg, the property practically shouted its promise as we sailed on by, but we always were headed somewhere else. From the road, we could see a lodge house, some additional structures, a stately cypress, a pasture full of cows, and an expanse of grassy coastline bluffs with dramatic views. What a fabulous location, we would say to each other.

That is, apparently, what The Inn at Newport Ranch owner Will Jackson, now in his 90s, thought when he bought the land back in the mid-’80s. He very gradually purchased adjacent parcels, eventually securing 2,100 acres of coastline and forestland across the highway. With commitment to land preservation and sustainability, he set out to patiently create a luxury destination on the working cattle ranch. The inn opened in 2015.

This past March, my husband, Mike, and I finally spent two nights there. We stayed in the Grove Suite in the Redwood House, named for the 24 redwood trunks anchoring the building (which also includes two other suites and the spa). The Grove is a twobedroom, two-bathroom space with a wall full of windows facing the water and a broad door to throw open to an oceanside deck and private hot tub to sink into beneath the stars. The suite also includes a small kitchen with an adorably diminutive (but perfectly functional) oven and dishwasher, a fireplace and those tree trunks populating t he living room. We felt as though we lived in a forest by the sea—albeit with pillowtop mattresses, fluffy robes and walk-in showers. We could walk just beyond the building to the on-site organic garden and pick veggies to cook in the suite if we wished.

More guestrooms exist in the Main Inn, Barb’s Place and Ranch House buildings, for a total of nine, and all are different from one another. Jackson’s house, where he stays when he’s on-site, is available for full buyout when he’s not. Called Sea Drum, it’s a four-bedroom cliffside home that’s away from the primary compound and can sleep 10 people.

The Main Inn is the hub of operations, with three guestrooms (filled with handcarved furnishings and artwork) and a great room/dining area—this beautiful room full of wood has a long window seat perfect for reading, and a stunning open fireplace large enough to stand inside. Another sitting room has cozy leather chairs, a fireplace, window tables for breakfast, and views of the ocean. On the rooftop: a hot tub.

Weather during our stay allowed us to explore in relative comfort on our first day. Chilly, for sure, and the brilliant lateafternoon sunshine illuminated some foreboding purplish clouds that hovered over the water. Some 20 miles of trails run throughout the property, including several miles that front the Pacific, and guests can proceed pretty much as they wish (as long as they don’t bug the cattle, leave any gates open or take any stupid risks). We happily tromped beside crash-

The deck and rooftop hot tub of the Main Inn

Mushroom foraging

ing waves, wind whipping our jackets and numbing our fingertips. We found waterfalls and viewed tiny, inaccessible beaches. We took little offshoot trails to picnic tables and benches tucked into bluff sides and imagined warmer days: We would bring a basket packed with snacks and sit at land’s edge, munching, deep-breathing, admiring.

Then came the rain. The next day, we took a bone-drenching tour with historian Otis Brown. He grew up about 5 miles north in the tiny town of Westport (and still lives there with his wife, Felicia, a floral and botanical expert who tends Inn at Newport Ranch’s garden). He loads guests into his universal terrain vehicle— which has tackle-anything tires, a windshield, roof, doors, but no windows or wipers—and takes them out, rain or shine, along the coastline and into the woods, telling stories all the way. We bundled up in inn-provided foulies—Columbia waterproof pants and jackets— and set out in the storm. As sideways rain splattered our cheeks, we trucked out along the bluffs, where we stopped at a lidded cauldron suspended from a massive metal tripod and surrounded by big stones. We had arrived at Council Bluffs. During more inviting weather, sunset cocktail hours and wedding ceremonies

often happen in this scenic spot. We learned about epic parties on the ocean cliffs, some including wedding guests who consumed far too much alcohol and made poor choices about where to swim; and about migrating whales wandering so close to shore that bluff-walking guests could smell their breath.

Brown explained that this land had once belonged to Native Americans—pri-

Halfway through our two-hour tour, we got an extra treat: Chef Patrick Meany, who had joined the inn’s team just a few weeks prior, donned his slicker pants and jacket and jumped into the UTV with us. Fresh off a several-year stint south of Mendocino at Michelin-starred Harbor House in Elk, Meany was ducking out of the kitchen during a break from babysitting his fermented sourdough (made from local

marily the Yuki tribe—and he showed us arrowheads that could still be found around the area. Then along came the settlers, and in the 1860s, the town of Newport was established. Some 2,000 people lived in the area, logging and farming. Across the highway from the inn, a cemetery up on the hill is home to residents gone before. Its white-washed fence is a landmarking beacon for mariners off shore, Brown said.

grains). As the rain picked up, we crossed the highway and headed into the woods. Shrubbery turned to redwoods as we passed the mushroom farm—logs teeming with the edible fungi—and Meany pointed out plants that he would use in dinners at the inn and timber he would use for grilling over live fire. Shouting over the driving rain, rushing creek and the UTV motor, we discussed the inventive dinner Meany had created for inn guests the

The Grove Suite

The Grove Suite

We trudged among the dripping redwoods in this verdant forest, where moss carpeted the logs and lacy lichen swooped between tree branches.

Explore

night before. It had included foods fermented on-site (like grilled and fermented daikon with sea vegetable vinaigrette) and sorrel gathered from these very woods. He was in the process of hiring his kitchen team and looked forward to ramping up his fermentation program even more. It’s now well underway and guests are enjoying specialties such as housemade kombucha spiced with Douglas fi r needles and wild Newport honey.

Otis Brown doesn’t just run UTV tours and talk about the property’s history. He also looks after the cemetery and manages the forest preserve, maintains the mushroom farm, clears fallen trees and takes care of the redwood starts that guests can plant. Undaunted by the torrent, we climbed out of the vehicle and trudged among the dripping redwoods, imagining bears and deer in this fairytale place, where moss carpeted logs and lacy lichen swooped between the branches. Afterward, on the ride back to the inn, Brown climbed the UTV along the road high upon the ridge, which a orded us a breathtaking view of the coast that would’ve gone on forever on a sunny day.

The Inn at Newport Ranch, 31502 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg; (707) 962-4818; theinnatnewportranch.com. Rates start at $650 a night and include breakfast and happy hour; dinner and UTV tours and other guest experiences (including foraging) are additional. Call to inquire about the Whirlybird Special—helicopter transportation to the property, which includes a helipad.

While You’re in the Area—Head south to Fort Bragg and cruise into MACKERRICHER STATE PARK and take the boardwalk trail at Laguna Point through the woods and wetlands out to various vantage decks overlooking the Pacifi c. Whales, seals and lots of birds are visible from the walkway and its lookouts. Another wonderful walkway: THE PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE , an antique railroad bridge constructed in 1916 and in use till 1949. It runs more than 500 feet, over Pudding Creek and the beach. In the city of Fort Bragg, explore its downtown streets—you’ll fi nd boutiques, restaurants, souvenir shops, good co ee, used books and MENDOCINO CHOCO-

LATES THE SKUNK TRAIN departs from the railroad depot and takes passengers on an excursion deep into the redwoods of the Noyo River Canyon. Railbike excursions also are available. Anymore, you won’t fi nd much glass at GLASS BEACH , but it’s always worth looking for some tiny polished bits. Take a drive into NOYO NARBOR for some fi sh and chips. One of our favorite fi sh houses in town is fi sherwomen-owned and -operated PRINCESS SEAFOOD , where you can get a rock cod hero or a shrimp po’boy (among other seafood dishes) and, on weekends, listen to live music on the deck overlooking the water. Another favorite stop: the grill outside HARVEST MARKET, where you can pick up a tri-tip, chicken or salmon sandwich (or burger or hot dog), grilled fresh while you wait. Just south of town, stop into the beautiful MENDOCINO BOTANICAL GARDENS , known for its tender species (and fragrant!) rhododendrons; also on-site are the perennial garden, a collection of heaths and heathers, lots of birds, and trails that wind through the forest and out to the windswept ocean blu s.

Cancer care as unique as you.

You are one of a kind. Your smile, your laugh, the way you look at those you love. So, when it comes to cancer care, you deserve a treatment approach that’s as unique as you. Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento’s nationally recognized oncology program features a comprehensive range of services—from advanced diagnosis and treatment through supportive care and recovery—so you get the plan that best fits your needs. And guiding you every step of the way is our nurse navigation team—the largest, most comprehensive in the region.

Because when you have personalized, expert care close by, you can focus on healing. And living. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/SacramentoCancer.

Cosmetic Surgery: 10 Local Trends

There’s been an unprecedented demand for cosmetic procedures across the nation and in Sacramento. Here’s what people are asking for, according to four local physicians.

Wellness

inside: Bigger, smoother, thinner, “snatched”

BY CATHY CASSINOS-CARR

ig breasts, big butts, big lips. “Bigger is better” has been a cosmetic surgery trend for years, at least in celebrity circles: Think Cardi B’s backside, Dolly Parton’s “twins” or Kylie Jenner’s pout.

But what happens in Hollywood (or Dollywood) doesn’t necessarily happen here. Sacramento is different. Or is it?

Apparently, it is and it isn’t.

“We are lucky that in Sacramento we have more normal people who don’t want to look fake,” says dermatologist Suzanne Kilmer, M.D., founder of Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California (on J Street), who has been de-aging local patients with minimally invasive procedures for 30 years. But while most want to look natural, Kilmer says, there are some—mainly the younger clientele—who look to TikTok and Instagram for inspiration.

“It’s a split group right now,” Kilmer says. “ There are the young ones who come in with a picture and say, ‘I want my nose or cheeks to look like that ,’” she says. “But the older patients don’t want that at all.”

Serving this schizophrenic demographic can be challenging. But staying on top of trends helps. Just what trends are happening on the local front these days? We asked four experts to weigh in.

The Zoom boom. If you cringed every time you faced yourself in the glare of your computer monitor when the “Zoom boom” hit during the pandemic, you are not alone. If the shock factor sent you running to the nearest plastic surgeon, you are also not alone. “During COVID, when everyone was working from home and on the computer, people suddenly became worried about what they looked like in the monitor,” says boardcertified plastic surgeon Shahriar Mabourakh, M.D., of Folsom Plastic Surgery. Like many, Mabourakh closed his doors for a short time during the pandemic’s peak. But when he reopened, there was a rush of patients, he says, mainly seeking fast help in the form of nonsurgical treatments. “We started seeing things like Botox and fillers, and by extension lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, things like that—anything they could do to make themselves look better in front of the computer,” says Mabourakh. But even postpandemic, he says, he continued to see an

uptick in business for both nonsurgical and surgical procedures.

This is not just a local trend. Nationwide, more than three-fourths of plastic surgeons who responded to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons survey in 2022 reported an unprecedented demand for cosmetic procedures, post-pandemic.

Nonsurgical surge. Not a new trend but a growing one, the popularity of nonsurgical procedures continues to surge. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center, neurotoxins (mainly Botox and Dysport; there’s also a new one, Daxxify) and fillers (such as Juvederm) remain king, says Kilmer. “A lot of times people ask what I do to stay looking natural, and I say toxins and fillers,” she says. Beyond that, Kilmer’s got more than 50 lasers and devices for every imaginable purpose— things like CoolSculpting (a fat buster) and Resonic, which uses high-frequency sound waves to combat cellulite.

Combining nonsurgical treatments is also a trend, Kilmer says. “We’re realizing that combinations work so much better than just one thing alone,” she says. For example, Kilmer says, a patient might use Fraxel (a laser) to improve skin tone and texture, a different laser to combat blood vessels and yet another to blast away brown spots, then do Fraxel again over the entire surface “to smooth it all together. And they’ll heal faster from everything if we do it all at once.”

No more “one and done.” The days of waiting a lifetime for the “big” surgery—typically a face-lift in one’s 60s—is over. Today’s consumers prefer to get a jump-start on the battle against aging, usually in the form of nonsurgical procedures in their 30s and 40s, so they can stave off a major surgery for a while—or avoid it altogether. “There’s talk now that you don’t wait to do a face-lift; you do preventive things so you don’t have to do a face-lift,” says Kilmer. “I think someday we’re going to look back and say, ‘Can you believe we ever used to do face-lifts?’”

That wouldn’t be a good thing for faceonly specialists like Arnold Almonte , D.O., a board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent years perfecting the art of the face-lift. But even at his Almonte Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Roseville, he sees plenty of patients who would rather take baby steps than plunge straight into surgery. “I’m seeing a trend of younger patients seeking out facial rejuvenation in the form of nonsurgical treatments,” he says. “They like the way they look and want to keep it, and they don’t want to do anything drastic later on.” At the same time, Almonte says, he’s seeing younger patients wanting facelifts. “Why would a 39- or 41-year-old want that work done? Because they want to maintain that youthful look. If they’re starting to see changes, a little loose skin or excess fat, they want to take care of that now.” In its 2021 statistics, The Aes-

thetic Society also reported a younger demographic for cosmetic surgeries in the United States: The 36–50 age group had the highest number (41%) of surgeries, followed by those ages 51–70 (31%).

Facial fat grafting. When face-lifts do happen, the “windblown” look of yesteryear is out, says Luke Boone , M.D., a board-eligible plastic surgeon at Ideal Plastic Surgery in Sacramento. “More of a natural look is absolutely the current trend,” he says. One way of helping to achieve that, says Boone, is with facial fat grafting. “A face-lift used to be just sort of pulling everything back, but now we’re focusing on tightening the deep structures of the face and re-volumizing with facial fat grafting, then resurfacing with lasers or chemical peels,” he says. Fat grafting not only adds a youthful fullness to an aging face, says Boone, but has the advantage of being more longlasting than fillers. Fat grafting is popularly used for other body parts, too, he says—especially the booty.

Snatched—in more ways than one. Yes, snatched jawlines are a thing. (We’ll get to that in a minute). But the trend Boone sees most at Ideal Plastic Surgery, he says, is a different kind of snatched: the Brazilian Butt Lift, aka BBL. “ The snatched waist with a big booty— that’s a request we get a lot,” Boone says. Not every patient is a candidate for the hourglass-on-steroids look; it depends on anatomy. But for those who are, the procedure involves taking fat from other parts of the body and transferring it safely to the buttocks, says Boone. The word “safely” is key: A 2017 report from The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation suggests a significantly higher mortality rate for gluteal fat grafting than any other aesthetic procedure.

“The most detrimental outcome for a gluteal fat transfer would be a pulmonary fat embolism,” says Boone. But such outcomes, he says, are “exceedingly rare” in the hands of an experienced surgeon practicing current standards of care.

Also on the “snatched” list of trends: jawlines. As a surgeon specializing in faces (and necks), Almonte can speak to this trend. “‘Snatched’ is that sharp jawline and neckline that’s being increasingly requested,” he says. To create that look, Almonte performs what he calls the “ALift,” his signature lower face and neck lift, starting with incisions that start in

the temple, go down in front of ears around the earlobes, and back behind the ears. A third incision goes under the chin, where fat is liposuctioned away. By lifting and trimming the skin, removing fat and tightening the muscle under the skin known as the SMAS, says Almonte, you’ll be snatched—and likely stay that way for 10 to 12 years.

Fox eyes. In the category of “who knew?,” fox eyes are also trending, says Almonte. “I’m not necessarily a fan,” he says. “But if you were to put your fingers around your temples and pull your skin up and back, it creates a slanted, tight look. People are requesting that.” Be warned, however: You won’t find it on Almonte’s list of services. “If I do a temporal lift or brow lift and it turns out to look like that, great,” he says. “But I’m not going to do a procedure just to create that look specifically.”

Lip lifts. One procedure Almonte will do—and does with increasing frequency—is a lip lift. “They’ve become hugely popular,” he says. As we get older, he explains, the distance from the corner of the nose to the top of the lip lengthens, creating a droopy, aging look. By making an incision under the nose, removing a little skin and closing the gap with stiches, the upper lip is lifted. “The purpose is not to make your lip bigger, but to show more of it,” Almonte says.

Implant removal. In a bit of role reversal, an increasing number of patients are requesting breast implant removal, says Mabourakh. “More and more are coming to have them removed, especially the over-50 crowd,” he says. “They’ve read about problems implants

have caused, and they just want them out.” Rupture, systemic symptoms and even anaplastic large cell lymphoma are among the risks associated with breast implants. But the vast majority will not experience any serious complications, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—and the number of women getting breast augmentation still far outpaces the number who are doing the opposite.

No drains, big gain. Tummy tucks (abdominoplasties) have long been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries and also one of the most arduous, with yucky drains and a lot of pain. But that’s changed recently—and for the better— with a new no-drain version that’s gaining ground, says Mabourakh. “With a traditional abdominoplasty, the drains are uncomfortable and stay in for a couple of weeks,” he says. The new procedure, which uses progressive tension sutures instead of drains, offers several advantages over the old-school approach, according to Mabourakh: shorter and easier recovery, less risk of complications and better results. (Yes, an even flatter tummy.)

Sacramento: A destination?

We’ve saved the best for last: Sacramento, we’re told, is now a cosmetic surgery destination. Why? “Well,” jokes Almonte, “there’s this little thing called the internet.” There’s also a little thing called money: Surgery is generally less expensive here than, say, LA or San Francisco. “We’re like Beverly Hills north, but at a fraction of the cost,” says Almonte. Other experts interviewed for this story noted similar trends, with patients coming from as close by as Modesto and Mexico (a big one) and as far away as India and New Zealand. Beverly Hills north, indeed.

ON THE NATIONAL FRONT

TOP 5 SURGICAL PROCEDURES

l Liposuction

l Breast augmentation

l Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

l Mastopexy (breast lift)

l Blepharoplasty (eyelid)

TOP 5 NONSURGICAL PROCEDURES

l Neurotoxins

l Dermal fillers

l Skin treatment (chemical peels, hydrofacials, etc.)

l Hair removal

l Skin treatment (combination lasers)

Source: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics, 2020–2021, theaestheticsociety.org

“THE SNATCHED WAIST WITH A BIG BOOTY THAT’S A REQUEST WE GET A LOT,” LUKE BOONE, M.D., SAYS.

The Sacramento region is fortunate to have health care professionals who continuously strive to attain ever-higher levels of patient satisfaction through a blend of the latest technologies and careful listening.

The following medical professionals stand out in our community.

Daniel L. Monahan, M.D. Wynter Phoenix, M.D.

FOCUS: It is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Wynter Phoenix to The Monahan Vein Clinic in Northern California. Dr. Daniel Monahan has been in practice for over 30 years. Dr. Phoenix has included vein treatment in his practice as a general surgeon for over 10 years. The doctors have been friends since meeting at a scientific conference a few years ago. The practice stands out for being dedicated entirely to the treatment of vein disease. The Monahan Vein Clinic treats an extensive range of vein disease, including patients suffering from varicose veins, spider veins, blood clots issues, and lymphatic problems. While Dr. Monahan still enjoys and will continue to care for his patients the addition of Dr. Phoenix prepares for the future and will ensure a continuity of vein expertise in the Sacramento area and beyond for many years to come. Both surgeons will provide enhanced quality of care as they share knowledge and experience. Most varicose vein treatments are covered by insurance. Specific estimates for spider vein treatment can be given at the time of appointments by our nurses. Call today for an appointment, (916) 791-8346.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Monahan Vein Clinic

1211 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Ste 120, Roseville, CA 95678 (916) 791-8346 (VEIN) www.veinfocus.com

David Kaufman, M.D., FACS

Drew Davis, M.D.

Lauren Daly, M.D.

Plastic Surgery

FOCUS: The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry is focused on aesthetic plastic surgery with an emphasis on breast enhancement, body contouring and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. We also offer an array of non-surgical options for aesthetic improvement. TRAINING: All three of our surgeons underwent plastic surgery training at Stanford University. WHAT SETS THEM APART: A combination of exceptional training, extensive experience and a passion for excellence differentiates The Natural Result. Supported by a team of caring, fun, and energetic professionals, our goal is to make patients feel confident they are in the right place from the start. For that reason, we strive for patients to feel like our “extended family” and to be excited about the prospect of selfenhancement. CHECK US OUT: We invite you to visit us at our state-of-the-art facility located in Folsom. You can also scan the QR code to learn more about our surgeons, the team who supports them, and the surgical and non-surgical treatments we offer. We look forward to caring for you!

Timothy John Pirolli, M.D. UC Davis Health

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

FOCUS: Board-certified, fellowship-trained congenital heart surgeon Dr. Tim Pirolli specializes in procedures for the full spectrum of congenital heart defects, from newborns to adults. He trained in surgery at Stanford and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and has a special interest in complex cardiac repairs.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Sacramento: 916-734-3456 | Regional clinics: 916-734-3456 2521 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 health.ucdavis.edu/children/services/pediatric-heart-center

Kendall Homer, D.M.D. Eric Grove, D.D.S.

FOCUS: General Dentistry, including cosmetics, implant restoration, and emergency dental care. EDUCATION: Dr. Homer completed his B.A. at Sacramento State and earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Washington University. Dr. Grove received a B.S. from Pacific Union College and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Drs. Homer and Grove belong to the ADA/CDA/SDDS. Dr. Grove is also an active participant in the SDDS. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Dr. Homer’s and Dr. Grove’s patients’ appreciation is evident in client loyalty, with 40-year plus patients bringing their children and grandchildren in for treatment. CHARITABLE WORK: Dr. Homer supports Save Ourselves, an organization that provides counseling and peer support to people living with breast cancer. Dr. Grove has participated in overseas dental mission trips and also participates in the Smiles for Big Kids program in Sacramento. FREE ADVICE: Studies have linked diabetes, heart disease and stroke to gum disease. Oral health is a significant part of overall well-being.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kendall Homer D.M.D. / Eric Grove D.D.S. 9216 Kiefer Blvd., Suite 5, Sacramento (916) 363-9171

www.grovehomerdentists.com dentist@grovehomerdentists.com

THE YEAR IS 2023. We’re cautious but optimistic. We recycle, obviously. We’re hydrated, hopefully with the help of our refillable water bottles. We bring our reusable totes to the store and take pride in typing “0” when the self-checkout asks how many bags we need. We want to do the right thing (though we may have brief moments of bewilderment at Starbucks when we try to match up what we’re holding to the corresponding pictures and their destinations of compost, recycling or landfill). But we’re all still genuinely concerned about the future of our planet and what it might look like in 2123 if we keep treading on it with our giant carbon footprints. We all have a carbon footprint: a net total of greenhouse gas emissions generated by our lifestyle and choices. In the United States, our consumption habits generate an average 16 tons of carbon emissions per year, among the highest carbon footprints of any country. If everyone on the planet consumed resources the way Americans do, we’d need the equivalent of five Earths to sustain everyone’s lifestyles, according to The Nature Conservancy. The time for change was yesterday. Here are some easy ways to do your part to be more sustainable, plus tips from a few Sacramentans who are already doing theirs.

BY LUNA ANONA

BECOMING GREENER DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ABOUT LIVING A LIFE OF DENIAL. HERE ARE SOME EASY, FULFILLING WAYS TO DO BETTER FOR THE PLANET.

If your new f ood turnsforest out to be sharefruitful, it

Don’t toss your surplus food out! Use it to

Don’t toss your surplus food out! Use it to help feed others. THE AWKWARD GARDENER’S COMMUNITY TABLE is a passion project of a community advocate and activist named Brie, who prefers not to share her last name due to her line of work and the risks associated with it. “TAGCT was born after I started my first large garden in 2018 and quickly realized that one can have surplus produce on their hands quite easily after I made the common newbie mistake of eagerly planting seven zucchini plants,” says Brie. After learning that this is a common problem for all gardeners, she had the idea to create an outlet for extra produce in the community. The goal is to fight food waste and food insecurity by diverting surplus to those in need in the Sacramento metropolitan area. In the beginning, TAGCT focused on creating meals for people living in encampments, but it has since expanded to help stock community pantries and fridges. “Statistics suggest we could feed the world’s hungry with the amount of food we waste. I believe it’s not for a lack of folks not wanting to address the issue, but, rather, a lack of knowing where to send it to avoid it from becoming waste,” Brie says. Visit @tagcommunitytable on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about TAGCT or visit freedge.org to learn more about community pantries and fridges.

LEARN HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

Growing your own food isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for the soul. Successfully harvesting your first fruit or vegetable is reward enough—and then you get to eat it. “The more local organic food we can grow ourselves means less chemicals in the air and water and less transport of food from long distances. Moreover, the act of growing some of the food that you need each day teaches you that just as a garden needs the ‘gardener’ to thrive, so does the earth benefit from active human stewardship,” says Shawn Harrison, founder and co-director of SOIL BORN FARMS Soil Born Farms is home to the Center for Food, Health and the Environment, a living laboratory that encompasses 55 acres of organically managed gardens, farm fields, orchards, pasture, creek and native habitat. Through a variety of weekly classes, tours and activities, youth and adults can build the skills necessary to grow some of their own food, get in the kitchen to support simple and delicious cooking, and better care for the earth. Whether you have a forlorn packet of starter seeds collecting dust somewhere or you’re looking to take your homesteading to the next level, Soil Born has a class for you.

And growing food isn’t just for people with gardening skills or sprawling backyards. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, try lettuce, radishes, kale, summer squash, arugula and tomatoes. If you have limited space, try culinary herbs like thyme and oregano and salad ingredients like lettuce, radishes and turnips.

To learn more, visit soilborn.org.

SHANNON HARDWICKE

EDUCATION PROGRAMS MANAGER, Soil Born Farms

How I became aware of my impact on the environment: I became especially aware of my individual impact when I had children and was struck by the fact that my kids will be living in a world where endangered species are common, climate change is imminent and plastics are everywhere. I started a Green Team at my kids’ school. After conducting a trash audit, we reduced our waste from five bags of trash each lunchtime to just one.

How I do my part: One thing I’m very passionate about is creating and protecting healthy ecosystems in my yard, at school gardens and at Soil Born Farms. We are so trained to kill ants and spiders, remove fallen leaves, use harmful pesticides and neatly manicure our yards. In our pursuit of perfectly manicured yards and pest-free homes, we destroy many of nature’s natural cycles. I love to create and protect spaces that allow beneficial insects to thrive, encourage healthy soil through the decomposition of leaves, and build habitats that serve birds, bees and other pollinators.

A sustainability myth or misconception to clear up: Recycling isn’t always what it appears to be. I’ve always worked hard to recycle everything I can, but I’ve recently been made aware of how few things are truly recycled in our waste management systems. I’ve realized that reducing my waste is the only way to solve this. Simple steps I’ve taken to reduce waste include always taking cloth bags to the store, buying produce that is unpackaged, placing lunch items in reusable containers and considering products with containers that can be refilled.

My tips for individuals just beginning their sustainability journeys: Protect the environment around your home. A few simple changes can include planting flowers to support birds and pollinators, using fewer harsh chemicals and utilizing mulch and leaves in your yard to retain water and help build healthy soil. These simple choices affect our water, soil and food systems as well as our bodies.

BRIE

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, The Awkward Gardener’s Community Table

How I became aware of my impact on the environment: I was raised from an early age to be aware of my individual impact and what steps I could engage in to be more eco-friendly. My family recycled as best as we could, and we were mindful of conservation, such as turning off the water or lights at home when not in use. My elementary school always did a day of service around Earth Day, which focused on beautifying the campus through planting flowers, cleaning up garbage or setting up systems like recycling bins in classrooms. At one point, I was on the student council as Commissioner of the Environment. I grew up surrounded by the message to be mindful of my impact on the environment.

How I do my part: I am by no means living a full-fledged zero-waste lifestyle, but I try my best to do what I can in as many ways as I can. Here are a few ways: I minimize single plastic usage in the form of using reusable containers and jars for storage; I use beeswax wrapping instead of plastic wrap; if I use a Ziploc bag, I reuse it; I save single-use plastic containers for the Davis Night Market to reuse; I garden and compost; I use wool balls instead of dryer sheets; and I purchase products that are cruelty-free and use eco-friendly ingredients and practices. I rarely have much in my garbage bin, whereas my recycling bin is always overflowing, and I utilize my garden compost pile frequently. A sustainability myth or misconception to clear up: It’s not hard to be more sustainable. You don’t have to approach it with all-or-nothing thinking. We all have a duty to engage in more earth-friendly practices and educate ourselves about the impact we have on the environment. We should be more focused on how we can do better as a society, and less focused on who’s “right” or “wrong” on certain issues. For example, why argue about whether eliminating plastic straws and utensils in restaurants is foolish, when accepting that perhaps that small step is still valuable—regardless of the size of the impact it incurs—should be a practice that we want to engage in as mindful humans?

My tips for individuals just beginning their sustainability journeys: Small steps add up. If it seems too overwhelming or too costly, just start with one thing and work your way up to implementing more and more over time. Begin with what seems easiest or the most practical to incorporate into your life. Single-use plastics are a great place to start, as they are a huge part of our society, so being able to eliminate at least some of that element in your daily life can add up. Switch to glass storage and reusable silicone storage bags. Identify where you are frequently engaging in single-use products that can be switched out for more sustainable alternatives, such as in the bathroom, laundry room or kitchen. Recycle, reduce and reuse as much as possible.

COMPOSTING ISN’T COMPLICATED

What do you do with your eggshells, carrot peels and moldy bread? What about the leftovers you couldn’t finish, the bananas you were (seriously, totally, definitely) saving for banana bread, and the kale from the farmer’s market that always manages to get lost in the back of your fridge? Approximately one-third of the world’s food is thrown away. What’s worse is that food ends up in landfills where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while it rots. But there’s another way: When you compost, your discarded foods are just beginning their journey. Composting is a process that converts organic matter into a soil amendment rich with nutrients through natural decomposition. The compost can then be used to build healthier soil, prevent soil erosion, conserve water and improve plant growth and health in your yard. If you’re not so keen on having a worm habitat in your backyard, you should still contribute to composting: Both the city of Sacramento and Sacramento County offer organics recycling with your waste services, or you can drop your food scraps off at a community drop-off site: Resoil Sacramento/Green Restaurants Alliance Sacramento accepts scraps on Saturdays at Midtown Farmers Market between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays at Winn Farmers Market between 3 and 7 pm. Visit grasac ramento.org for more info.

Try a little pick-me-up

Let’s talk trash: our city has a lot of it. With enough litter, landscapes become landfills. It pollutes our air, water and soil, and destroys natural habitats. But there’s a group helping to change that, one pickup at a time: SACRAMENTO PICKS IT UP! SPIU! turns picking up trash into fun social outings for positive change by organizing group clean-up events and providing safety vests, pickup sticks, gloves, trash bags and sanitizers. Last year, the mighty volunteers launched a campaign to clean out trash from the Sacramento and American rivers, filling dozens of trash bags at each site along our waterways. The group also encourages others to get together for smaller group pickup days or even solo adventures, and to share stories of how #SacramentoPicksItUp. Learn more about SPIU! by joining their Facebook group or @sacramentopicksitup on Instagram.

SORRY, BUT YOU’RE PROBABLY USING TOO MANY PAPER TOWELS.

If you spill something on the kitchen floor, if you are doling out napkins for a dinner party or if you need to clean your bathroom countertop, how many paper towels should you use? If you said anything more than “zero,” there is a very good chance that you are using too many paper towels. (There’s no need to be defensive. Most of us are using too many paper towels.) On average, 45.3 million Americans use eight or more rolls of paper towels every month. But the single-use product is easy to swap out.

» If you’re looking for something between a rag and a paper towel: Reusable bamboo towels are machine washable (up to 100 times) and made from easily replenishable bamboo fibers, so they don’t contribute to deforestation. They have the paper towel “feel” without being paper towels.

» If you’re looking for something to clean windows and grease: Repurpose your newspaper.

» If you’re looking for something to clean electronics: Try a microfiber cloth.

» If no one can pry paper towels from your cold, dead hands: Consider unbleached paper towels made from 100 percent composted materials. Look for brands that are Process Chlorine Free or Totally Chlorine Free. And don’t forget to compost them!

» For everything else, use a washable rag.

IMPOSSIBLE BACON BLEU VEG

2431 J St., second floor; (916) 448-8768; vegsacramento.com

REDUCE YOUR MEAT CONSUMPTION

An Oxford University study named going vegan as “the single biggest way” an individual can reduce their carbon footprint, shrinking it up to 73 percent. If you aren’t ready to give up animal products full time, you can still take part in Meatless Mondays— an initiative to go without meat one day per week. Here are a few of our favorite vegan eats around town to get you started.

GURU POTATO CURRY ANNA’S VEGAN CAFE

3500 Stockton Blvd.; (916) 451-6842

VEGAN BANH MI MENDOCINO FARMS

1610 R St.; (916) 368-5400; mendocinofarms.com

DIVINE REALIZATION

ANDY NGUYEN’S VEGETARIAN

2007 Broadway; (916) 736-1157; andynguyensvegetarian.com

CHIPOTLE CHICK’N TACOS GREEN GRILL

3191 Zinfandel Drive #3, Rancho Cordova; (916) 898-2896

VISIT THE BEST HOME FURNISHING STORE—IT’S IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Except it’s not actually a store: It’s all the things your neighbors want to part with. From one-of-a-kind items to basic freebies to moving sales, you can find probably everything on your Pinterest board and then some right down the street, from unused Talavera tiles to gently used midcentury-modern couches. Because although a popular Swedish home outfitter might be good for a quick furniture fix, it’s also a smörgåsbord of mass-produced particle board with a lifespan of a couple years in a climate-controlled apartment (and potentially multiple decades in a landfill). Every year, Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture, forming mounds of waste that have increased 450 percent since 1960, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Bonus: Sometimes, you can find gems for free. Check out these groups before buying something new, or download their apps (And when you’re ready to redo your place, there’s probably someone waiting to take things off your hands) :

• REDDIT.COM/R/SACRAMENTOBUYNOTHING

• FACEBOOK.COM/MARKETPLACE/SAC

• SACRAMENTO.CRAIGSLIST.ORG/SEARCH/SSS

• OFFERUP.COM

• NEXTDOOR.COM

LUCI PETLACK

LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY BLOGGER, lucismorsels.com

How I became aware of my impact on the environment: Growing up in California, “sustainable living” has always been in my periphery, but it wasn’t until 2019 when we had our first kid and bought our home that I really started to focus on it. I remember trying to figure out the right temperature for washing cloth diapers and how we could save money in our new home. The articles out there were often convoluted about sustainable living, but I kept reading until I found something that fit our lifestyles. One article led to another, and I started really embracing the process of learning, the slow process of making changes, and started shifting gears to think about how I could live my life with sustainability in mind.

How I do my part: When it comes to living sustainably on the individual level, I’ve found the list is often long but full of small actions. I love Sacramento’s new organic green waste program: It makes it so easy to minimize food waste. This year, I’m also learning about the materials and labor that go into fashion. I love clothes and beauty, but I want to be mindful about making intentional and fewer purchases. And after a few years of takeout meals, we’re trying more and more to physically eat at local restaurants instead of to-go. I am even trying to remember to bring my own containers for leftovers—another source of food waste.

A sustainability myth or misconception to clear up: Sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all lifestyle, and you don’t have to change who you are. My style, food choices and interests haven’t changed much since we started living more sustainably—I still wear great jeans, get my hair colored, use fabulous skincare and watch a lot of baseball!

My tips for individuals just beginning their sustainability journeys: My two biggest tips are to cut back on food waste and to buy fewer new things. Part of cutting back is learning how to properly store and cook produce, as well as trying to eat more seasonally: In-season produce tends to taste better and last longer. Most of the recipes on my blog are based on seasonal eating, and I even self-published two cookbooks last year on seasonal eating because I think sustainable living should taste great, too! And while I’m not telling everyone to stop shopping, it’s important to cut back on purchases and buy with intention and purpose.

BRING SUSTAINABILITY TO YOUR STYLE

The fashion industry is responsible for 8–10% percent of global emissions—more than aviation and shipping combined, according to the United Nations. Fast fashion—what most of us are accustomed to buying and wearing—is low-priced, stylish clothing that is rapidly produced at high volumes. Many fast-fashion garments exploit not only the environment but labor, and they keep consumers on a perpetual treadmill due to both inexpensive construction and quickly changing trends. If you decide to move away from fast fashion, the best way to start a new wardrobe is to keep your current one. “The most sustainable thing you can do is wear what you own,” says THALIA CASTRO-VEGA , a personal stylist and content creator (@polychrom3). “People have different income needs, and fast-fashion brands tend to have lower price points, so the most important thing is to be mindful of your rate of consumption and wear what you own.” Castro Vega’s advice if you’re looking to slow down your pace on the fashion treadmill is to simply identify your personal style. “There has been this upsurge in clothing consumption because people view it as disposable, but if we change our mindset and see it as pieces that are true to our personal style and that we will wear often, we’ll make mindful purchases and not overconsume,” Castro-Vega says. Sustainability and size inclusivity go hand-inhand. “Sustainability is accessible to everyone through conscious shopping, but it also needs to be available to everyone in terms of sizing when someone does need to buy,” Castro-Vega says. When size inclusivity isn’t available, people have a much tougher time finding something that fits and may end up in a constant buying cycle from a brand, perhaps even a fast-fashion brand. Other tips include learning how to style one garment in five to 10 ways, cleaning shoes after every wear to ensure their longevity, mending apparel instead of throwing it out, and using gentle deter-

something end brand. in to 10 ways, cleaning shoes after every wear to ensure their longevity, gents and air drying.

DRIVE LESS

Remember, you’re not in traffic, you are traffic. But there are ways to skip the worst of it while being friendly to the environment.

TAKE LIGHT RAIL

Sacramento Regional Transit’s 42.9-mile light rail system consists of three rail lines, 54 stations and a fleet of 96 vehicles. Whether you’re going downtown or to Folsom (and hopefully to the airport in the future), there’s probably a stop for that. Visit sacrt.com for more info.

RIDE YOUR BIKE

Sacramento is relatively flat, making it ideal for leisurely bicycle commuting. While not every street has a viable bike lane, you can map out your trip for the most bike-friendly paths. Visit sacbike. org/resources/maps or sacregion511.org to plan the safest and most efficient bike route.

HOP ON THE BUS*

Flixbus has three stops and stations in Sacramento, and can get you to San Francisco, New York and everywhere in between. According to Flixbus, traveling on their buses emits around 36 grams of CO² per kilometer, compared to car travel, which emits around 168 grams per km (and plane travel, emitting 321 grams per km). Visit flixbus. com/bus/sacramento-ca for more info.

*Megabus recently returned to Sacramento, and it can take you to Anaheim, Oakland, San Francisco and more. Learn more at us.megabus.com.

REFILL MORE THAN JUST YOUR WATER BOTTLE

Most of us are cognizant about the downsides of single-use plastic for our beverages, but we still buy new tubes of toothpaste and new bottles of soap and shampoo when our current ones tap out. But one store on the grid has proven that a new set of bottles isn’t necessary. REFILL MADNESS is a zerowaste shop and soap refillery that opened its doors in February 2016. “I wanted to offer our customers a way to shop that was the opposite of throw-away culture,” says owner Sloane Read. “I really wanted to make consumers aware of the plastic problem and that they could take part in a solution.”

The shop offers refills on laundry detergents, hand soap, bath and body products, dish liquids and household cleaners. In addition to refilling your containers, you’ll also find household products for sale with zero plastic packaging or in biodegradable/plastic packaging, such as shampoo/conditioner bars, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT:

The Refill squad will greet you, weigh your containers and take your order. After your order is fulfilled, you’ll receive a stamp for each refill on your rewards card. You can also purchase any quantity you want, which is a great way to test new products.

“Consumers have immense power to create change—the almighty dollar says it all,” says Read.

Give it a try: Refill Madness, 1828 29th St.; (916) 382-4823; refillmadness sacramento.com.

That goes for your booze, too

ROULA ENGLAND

DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR, 350 Sacramento

How I became aware of my impact on the environment: I owe a lot to my first-born, who majored in sustainability in college and taught me even more about living sustainably—he’s my inspiration. He taught me that your purchased water bottle is no more than tap water in a convenient bottle to go. How I do my part: I unplug any appliances not being used. I don’t use electricity during peak hours, despite the fact I have rooftop solar panels. I am conscientious about washing in cold water and not driving my car often, even though it is fully electric. A sustainability myth or misconception to clear up: Not everything that appears “green” actually is. It’s essential that the consumer—someone like you and me—researches what eco-friendly is, because of greenwashing. Greenwashing is nothing more than companies posting online that they are “going green” to add to their corporate social responsibility image by making you think it’s eco-friendly when, in reality, it isn’t. There’s also the misconception that sustainable living means not shaving or only buying from local farmers markets. That’s not exactly the meaning. It just means to be a conscious shopper who knows where the products come from and what happens to the waste once the products are disposed of. My tips for individuals just beginning their sustainability journeys: Think twice before shopping, find ways to shop local and without plastic containers, and make sure your big purchases have big environmental benefits. Don’t forget to pay attention to labels and what they really mean. Compost your tea bags, tea leaves, banana peels and lightly used paper towels and napkins. Instead of throwing away old water in a glass or bottle, water your plants with it. If you want to be inspired and learn more about changing your lifestyle, surround yourself with people who are practicing living sustainably. Volunteer at your local climate change nonprofit and see how you can make a difference. Learn what happens to your waste once it leaves your home. You have a lot more power than you think: If we all refused to purchase products when completely packaged in plastics, companies would be forced to find alternative packaging.

STEPPING into the SPOTLIGHT

BY MARCUS CROWDER

The incoming president and CEO of Broadway Sacramento, Scott Klier, talks about his new responsibilities as the longtime musical theater company evolves.

Earlier this year, on a cold, windy winter day, I walked up Broadway from NoHo in mid-Manhattan with Scott Klier. We had just fi nished a long lunch at the renowned Italian restaurant Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria, and he was accompanying my wife and me to our subway stop. “Alimentari” means “food” or “foodstu s” in Italian, and lovely pastas along with a decadent short rib sandwich had been consumed. “Vineria” is a wine shop, and a delicious Grenache blend accompanied the meal. Klier wanted to “walk o ” a bit of the lunch, so he was going to continue on foot above ground to his hotel.

Klier was in the fi nal days of an annual monthlong stay in New York, conducting casting sessions for the upcoming Music Circus season, which opens in June with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” He had seen more than 2,500 actors for just over a hundred onstage slots. There are other

casting sessions in Los Angeles and Sacramento where half as many performers are seen, but New York typically yields the most prospects for the season. When he got back to his room, Klier spread headshots across the bed and scoured notes on his laptop, looking for the right combination of singers and dancers he would hire for the summer shows.

Currently the producing artistic director of Broadway at Music Circus and COO of Broadway Sacramento, Klier not only oversees casting of the Music Circus season’s six shows; he also spearheads the selection of the titles he’s now casting for as well. Once a fresh-faced intern, Klier became an overworked production manager and then Music Circus’ artistic director. Klier’s journey at Broadway Sacramento reaches its apex this summer when he takes over as president and CEO, running the organization after longtime CEO Richard Lewis steps down.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER MUSSETTER

“I think Scott is a perfect choice to take over the company,” Glen Casale tells me. Casale has been the organization’s artistic consultant and de facto house director for more than a decade. Casale is always in the room with Klier, seeing actors and deciding casting for the shows.

“He is always concerned that our audiences are gonna see the best quality that he can give them with his limitations, with the limitations of the theater,” Casale says.

Klier laughed easily and often during lunch, praising the food and the wine and allowing himself to relax after several weeks of nonstop work. He has preferred staying just out of the spotlight during his quiet ascension in the company. Now he is the face of the organization, representing it at the big industry party in April: closing night of “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

Coming in as a production manager, Klier soon began adjusting the unforgiving Music Circus summer schedule, instituting one-week gaps between shows and designing sets for the unusual circular space. “I think he’s got great insight,” Casale says. “He knows so many di erent areas about the theater in detail. He knows sound, he knows set construction, he knows set design. He knows stage management.”

When we talked, he was consistently interested in what I thought and had to say, and was himself guilelessly direct and surprisingly transparent.

“My most formative years, my 20s, were spent in New York,” Klier told me as we walked up the crowded street. “The friendships and professional relationships developed over that decade are all in New York. To not have those folks in my daily life is a struggle to this day.”

Born and raised in Sacramento, he went to college at Loyola Marymount in Southern California before journeying to New York, where he built a solid career stage managing on Broadway and national tours.

Squinting into the wind, Klier recalled leaving New York in 2003 after a decade to come back home to Sacramento as a production manager for Music Circus. “Well, it was a mixed bag,” Klier said. “I was grateful to work for good people. I was grateful to work for an organization with such a great history. What was lost in this process was the access to Broadway, to the center point of the American theater.”

What Klier gained was the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s stability and growth while learning the business side of show business. The organization had just moved into its permanent physical theater space (then called Wells Fargo Pavilion and now UC Davis Health Pavilion) and would need to figure out how the building actually worked. Klier enthusiastically dove into getting the most out of the new theater.

He was also back in the physical sphere of his immediate family. “I was most grateful to be present for the last years of my mom’s parents and then my mom,” Klier said. “The thought of having been on the East Coast through her cancer journey is about as horrible a thing as I can think of.” His mother passed away in 2015.

As personnel shifted in the organization, doors opened for Klier at what was then called California Musical Theatre (now Broadway Sacramento), and he didn’t hesitate in filling the space. “My responsibility certainly grew over the developing years and the various changes,” he said.

Klier knew what he was getting into. In college, he worked as a summer intern at Music Circus after coming to shows in the old canvas tent as a child with his parents.

In college, Scott Klier worked as a summer intern at Music Circus after coming to shows in the old canvas tent as a child with his parents.

Above: Scott Klier around the age he started at Music Circus.

Below: Scott Klier with the cast of “Beauty and the Beast” in 2017.

He’ll continue overseeing production of Broadway at Music Circus and assume some of Lewis’ other responsibilities. Broadway Sacramento is conducting a national search for someone to handle the complexities of tour booking.

There are few jobs in the country like Klier’s because there are very few organizations like Broadway Sacramento. There are plenty of organizations that book national tours of Broadway shows. It’s the Music Circus part of the equation that makes Broadway Sacramento unique and regional audiences fortunate.

The Music Circus shows are created almost entirely from the ground up in Sacramento. (Sometimes costumes are borrowed for particular shows, such as this year’s production of “The Music Man” with Klier making his directorial

debut. It will benefit from costumes made for the recently closed Broadway production that starred Hugh Jackman.) Klier choreographs the complex logistics of planning and producing an undertaking that flowers in the summer at UC Davis Health Pavilion but gestates all year long in preparation.

Once the season starts, one show will be performed in front of audiences while the next one up is rehearsing. “Scott’s got Music Circus so wonderfully dialed in,” Lewis says. “Every last detail is on us. That’s the most complicated part of what this company does.”

When I first met Klier 20 years ago, after he had just taken the production manager position, his temporary office was in a converted janitorial closet just off the Sacramento Theatre Company Main Stage lobby. His current office

Scott Klier in the theater-in-theround at UC Davis Health Pavilion

has a large, lovely window looking across J Street to Memorial Auditorium.

STC and Broadway Sacramento share the space at 15th and H streets that houses their three theaters. The entwined relationship between the two companies has long been misunderstood, if known at all. Currently, Broadway Sacramento is responsible for the H Street property, which includes the Pavilion, and makes Sacramento Theatre Company its tenant. When the bonds are paid o , the Pavilion will be owned by Broadway Sacramento, and the STC property will be owned by the city. “Broadway Sacramento can use the Pavilion anytime we like, but it has no backstage/rehearsal space, which is why we use the STC spaces,” Lewis says. The period of access to STC for Broadway Sacramento is roughly from Memorial Day to Labor Day, though they share the box o ce all year.

This cohabitation obviously encumbers both organizations, though neither complains. It also renders one of the city’s fi nest performance spaces unusable nine months out of the year. It’s one of the constraints that keep Klier up at night as he figures out how to get more butts in seats.

Broadway at Music Circus is the most Sacramento thing there is. It has somehow survived seismic cultural shifts, recessions and a scandal but still stands, producing and performing this iconic American art form. There is a

danger in being around for more than 70 years, as Music Circus has: People think they know who and what you are. Yet many people are still surprised to learn that Music Circus shows are unique original productions, not touring shows—they won’t go anywhere else. (Often that’s a shame.) There is also a perception it’s a quaint, anachronistic thing by people who haven’t paid attention to productions like “Hair,” “In the Heights,” “Once on This Island,” “The Color Purple” or revivals of edgy classics like last season’s “Carousel.” This year, titles such as “The Addams Family,” “Rent” and “Ragtime” give the season a current musical sensibility.

The Music Circus evolution is tied not just to the history of theater in Sacramento but to the history of theater in the West.

Russell Lewis (Richard’s father) and Howard Young were Broadway producers whom Eleanor McClatchy, president of The Sacramento Bee and the region’s most generous and influential arts supporter, commissioned to come work in Sacramento. In 1951, Lewis and Young Productions debuted Music Circus—the fi rst professional musical theater-in-the-round west of the Mississippi and only the fourth in the entire country—in the Civic Repertory’s Eaglet Theater parking lot at 15 and H streets. Lewis was in charge of the show, and Young saw to the business. Now, it’s Sacramento’s oldest professional performing arts organization and Cal-

This year, titles such as “The Addams Family,” “Rent” and “Ragtime” give the season a current musical sensibility.

Above left: Flyer from Music Circus’s fi fth year of production. Above middle: Music Circus in 1960. Above right: A line forms to enter the tent in the 1950s. Below left: The tent in 1969. Below right: Construction of the Wells Fargo Pavilion in 2002.

ifornia’s largest nonprofit musical theater company, with a budget in 2023 of $22 million. The organization carries around 40 full-time employees and hires between 350 and 400 temporary workers during the summer season. This year it will present eight Broadway touring shows and six Broadway Music Circus shows, 120 performances in all.

Eventually renamed Music Circus, it presented shows under a temporary canvas tent erected in early summer and dismantled in the fall. The permanent Wells Fargo Pavilion opened in 2003, on the same site as the original canvas tent. On May 11, 2022, Broadway Sacramento and UC Davis Health announced a new partnership that included renaming the venue UC Davis Health Pavilion. Touring Broadway musicals for the Broadway on Tour series (established in 1989) are produced at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center at 13th and L streets.

Due to the pandemic, there was no Music Circus in the summers of 2020 and 2021. The shows came back in 2022, but audiences were still cautious. After a banner attendance year of nearly 100,000 in 2018 and a more representative year in 2019 of nearly 90,000, the return from the pandemic was nearly 25% off in 2022, with just over 75,000 tickets sold for the summer. The organization is now scrambling to not only make up for lost revenue but reclaim its lost audience as well. Sales for 2023 have been significantly stronger than last year. Still, it’s an open question whether people will come back.

After Lewis made it known he intended to step down this summer, the board approached Klier about stepping up one more rung. He had a decision to make. That he would take the position was not a slam dunk, at least not to him.

“I’ll be honest with you, when he (Lewis) made that decision and publicly shared it among our staff and with our board, I had to do some deep soul searching because at that very moment, I was pretty depleted,” Klier confided.

“The reality is that the last few years with the pandemic, with economic struggles, have really taken a toll on all of us. There have been many times where we’ve been running on fumes,” he said.

“The thought of showing up at that office every day and not having Richard there is depressing. I love him, and it’s going to be a very tough adjustment to not have that brilliant and ever-funny energy in the office,” said Klier.

“I think in many respects, producing theater and presenting theater as we do has never been more challenging,” Klier told me as we sat in a crowded midtown Sacramento wine bar. “The pressure on us to fill over 2,000 seats at every performance is enormous, and the consequence of not achieving that is equally enormous.”

Klier wants to broaden the Broadway Sacramento audience, not necessarily making it younger but more diverse in all ways. The worrying drought in local media coverage of performing arts, particularly noticeable in Sacramento, gives all regional performing arts organizations steeper hills to climb. They understand they have to take their stories to the people themselves. Figuring out how to reach audiences eager for engagement has become a priority.

“I hope that along the way, we create greater bandwidth for artistic expansion,” Klier said. “Nothing would make me happier if at the end of this next tenure, most people

in Sacramento have had a Broadway Sacramento experience. We’ve got a long way to go before that happens.”

“Scott has a long-term vision,” Casale says. “He’s got ideas of how he could expand it. Maybe in the future, things will change a little.” According to Casale, Klier has an “audience first” mentality, which is prominent in any planning discussions.

“While I can fantasize about all of the shows that no one is going to stand in my way of doing, that’s a fallacy,” Klier said. “My responsibility is to find titles where there is synergy, where I’m confident the majority of our audience will show up for and appreciate.”

There was a downpour as we left the wine shop, and we huddled under a small awning looking into the steady night rain, which showed no sign of abating.

“To take this on without humility and fear—it’s a fool’s errand,” Klier said. “This is more than doing a few shows a year. This is a 70-plus-year arts organization that thousands of people have come to depend upon. I take all of it very seriously.”

Wells Fargo Pavilion in 2006

Scott Klier at UC Davis Health Pavilion

foraging

a pictorial by FRANCISCO CHAVIRA

MUSHROOM HUNTERS JOURNEYED TO AN EL DORADO COUNTY FOREST BURN SITE IN SEARCH OF MORELS.

The trick is to listen to Mother Nature, says mushroom forager and chef Tyler Bond, who with friend and fellow mushroom hunter Ryan Phillips traipsed into the woods of El Dorado County a few weeks ago on what Bond called a “quest for a magical patch of fruiting mushroom.” They were searching for morels, a spring and summer mushroom that turns up at lower elevations in early spring and at higher elevations as the season warms. Factors in growth include weather, ground trauma, canopy, terrain and seasonality, said Bond, who shares his foraging fi nds with other local chefs. He pointed out that mushroom hunting is not just about hiking and hunting for premium, elusive ingredients to eat and share; it’s also a way to get away from the daily grind and appreciate the outdoors—“an opportunity to fi nd solace in nature,” he said. On this adventure, the guys ran smack into nature in the form of a mama bear running her two cubs up a tree. “These sightings are to be cherished,” said Bond. Later, in the kitchen at Lemon Grass Restaurant, where Bond has worked for the past three years, he turned the day’s morel bounty into an elevated version of the classic Thai soup tom kha: broth made from red curry, ka r lime, lemon grass and ginger topped with grilled morels and asparagus, sprinkled with fried garlic, chili, shallot flowers, thyme flowers and Vietnamese herbs. Along with restaurateurs Billy Ngo and Michael Ng, Bond will open Chu Mai, a new restaurant on S Street, later this year.

Chef Tyler Bond (right) and Ryan Phillips with their bounty of morels

DREAMING OF THE BEAM

FOR TWO WEEKS IN APRIL, OUR CITY WAS GRIPPED BY THE THRILL OF THE NBA PLAYOFFS.

A PICTORIAL BY GABRIEL TEAGUE

SUDDENLY OUR CITY WAS AWASH IN PURPLE. The Sacramento Kings had clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Fans flocked to Golden 1 Center to see their favorite NBA team compete against the Golden State Warriors whether the Kings were playing at home or away. The center hosted free watch parties—outdoors during home games and inside the arena during remote games—with spectators chanting “Light the beam!” to the big-screen broadcasts. The Kings’ championship bid ended with a seventh-game loss, but by then the players surely felt the love and loyalty of their supporters.

BY CATHERINE WARMERDAM

emember when a home priced at $1 million was a newsworthy event in the Sacramento region? Tim Collom does.

Millio nDolla r R

The founder and CEO of House Real Estate has been helping clients buy and sell houses for more than two decades and marvels at how the seven-digit asking price used to be a rarity. Now, he says, “that number is starting to become an average in some spots.”

In the city’s well-established neighborhoods, it’s not unusual to see a modest ranch or a well-loved Craftsman—homes that for decades were the domain of the middle class—fetch a million bucks. In a few affluent suburban areas like El Dorado Hills, new homes with ample square footage and all the bells and whistles are starting at more than $3 million.

A constellation of forces—a long period of low mortgage interest rates, the influx of deep-pocketed Bay Area buyers, the normalization of work-from-home scenarios brought on by the pandemic, and a dearth of new-home construction—has pushed regional home prices into the stratosphere. “The market is aggressive on every level,” says Collom. “Transactions may be down, but multiple offers are up,” forcing prices ever higher.

Just what are buyers looking for—and what are they getting—in the region’s high-end real estate market?

“The number one thing is space, whether that’s an ADU, a home office or a gym,” says Collom. “It might also be space outdoors, say a pool or large acreage. People want space, they want land.”

High-end buyers also pay a premium for seclusion. “People love privacy, whether that’s gates or distance from neighbors,” says Collom. “They also want neighborhoods that have been tested, that have endured the real estate cycles.” Good public schools, he says, aren’t necessarily high on luxury buyers’ lists “because a lot of their kids go to private schools.” A gourmet kitchen, on the other hand, “is expected.” If the home is a little outdated, however, “these buyers have the money to fix it up and make it their own.”

Here’s a nice sampling of the best—the biggest, the beautiful-est and the priciest—homes on the market this spring. When this magazine went to print, they were all still available. Get your checkbook ready!

Listin gs

A peek at some of the region’s priciest homes

This sprawling estate in Davis includes a pond with its own beach.

27681 Mace Boulevard,

SPECS: 5 bedrooms, 5½ bathrooms, 8,791 square feet

Davis

BRAG FACTOR: 1.5-acre pond with beach and adjacent infinity pool and gazebo; 2,500-bottle wine room; game room; guest cottage; three-car garage with air-conditioned 1,800-square-foot workshop.

LISTED BY: Suzanne Kimmel, RE/MAX Gold First Street

450 Crocker Road

SPECS: 4 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms, 4,472 square feet

BRAG FACTOR: Squeaky Williams architecture and storybook-style yard with brick patios, pool and pool house, outdoor shower, fire pit and pizza oven; office with ample storage; one-bedroom guesthouse; temperaturecontrolled cellar.

LISTED BY: Nadia Zierke, Coldwell Banker Realty

ASKING PRICE

$3,200,000

ASKING PRICE $4,995,000

134 1 45 th Street

SPECS: 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 3 half bathrooms, 6,963 square feet

BRAG FACTOR: Historic former residence of Governor Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy; exquisite formal gardens with partially enclosed brick patio and trellis-covered paths; elevator; basement with wine cellar, game area and media room; seven fireplaces.

LISTED BY: Kim Pacini-Hauch, RE/MAX Gold

3180 Adams Road

SPECS: 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, 6,628 square feet

BRAG FACTOR: Five en-suite bedrooms; formal office with private veranda; parlor; media room; exercise area; wine closet; hotel-like manicured grounds with pool and hot tub.

LISTED BY: Brenda Hurst, Lyon Real Estate

ASKING PRICE $2,840,000

ASKING PRICE $2,750,000

1500 39th Street

SPECS: 5 bedrooms, 3½ baths, 4,886 square feet

BRAG FACTOR: Classic architectural details including arched windows, stone fireplaces and paneled walls; parklike land-scaping with mature trees and tiered patio; fully equipped ADU; wine cellar; four-car garage.

LISTED BY: Libby Woolford, Coldwell Banker Realty

3187 Barberry Lane

SPECS: 5 bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms, 6,057 square feet

BRAG FACTOR: Santa Barbara-style architectural features, including Saltillo tile floors and hand-hewn cathedral beams; two offices; walk-in wine pantry; three-car garage; lush yard with pool and colorful tiled fountains.

LISTED BY: Kim Pacini-Hauch, RE/MAX Gold

El Dorado Hills | $3,295,000

Stunning Mediterranean estate on approximately 1.2 private acres. Offering lush landscaping, vine-covered pergolas and beautifully appointed interior. Boasting approximately 5,952 square feet, 4br/6ba, an office, gym, elevator, wood floors, six fireplaces, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliance package. Great room concept with beamed ceiling, built-in bar, 300+ bottle wine cellar opens to the covered lanai with infinity pool and expansive views overlooking the lake.

Debi Ambroff 916.425.9930 debi.ambroff@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01017131

El Macero | $2,750,000

This gorgeous property is located on the 17th fairway and provides over 5,400 sq. ft. of luxury living with 5 en-suite bedrooms, 5 and 1-half baths, an office and an art studio. The home presents traditional elegance with coffered cathedral ceilings, raised panel wainscoting, a grand staircase as well as formal dining and living rooms with fireplaces. The enchanting backyard features a massive fireplace and gathering area, built-in BBQ, a fenced pool and spa, beautiful trees, plants and views.

Dana Hawkins 530.219.5076 dana.hawkins@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01318897

Sacramento | Price Upon Request

Come and live on one of the best streets in Sacramento! This exceptional home has been thoughtfully modernized with sumptuous yet understated high-quality finishes, with attention to detail, creating a truly unique and stylish experience. Don’t miss the backyard offering an outdoor grilling kitchen and seating, turf grass, garden beds and relaxing water and firepit features.

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051

sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com | CalRE #02017793

Sacramento | $2,295,000 4br/4ba Colonial w/elegant living spaces, a gourmet kitchen, & a resort-like backyard w/a pool, spa, loggia & fireplace, and outdoor kitchen.

Rich Cazneaux 916.212.4444 rich@eastsac.com | CalRE #01447558

Carmichael | Price Upon Request

Welcome to this stunning 4br/4ba home on Autumn Point Lane, a private gated community. The magnificent property combines two separate parcels that spans a combined nearly 2.5 acres, offering privacy and tranquility.

John Byers 916.607.0313 john@byersteam.com | CalRE #01935458

Auburn | $1,499,988

Welcome to this incredibly private 4br/3ba property with 50x100 steel shop, carefully updated by the current owner in 2007. Enjoy 11+ fenced acres featuring two ponds, expansive gardens and your own private nature trail.

Jane Miller 916.799.7397 jane.miller@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00640671

Granite Bay | Price Upon Request

This stunning 5br/3ba gem is picture perfect with its charming curb appeal and lush landscaping on almost .92 acre lot. Relax by the pool in the backyard oasis. Nearby access to Folsom Lake & trails.

Suzanne Volkman 916.773.1028 suzanne.volkman@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00702179

Carmichael | $1,550,000

Located on one of the most desirable streets in Del Dayo Estates, this lovely 4br/3ba home has been beautifully remodeled throughout. Venture outside and discover separate areas for the pool, firepit, dining area & yard!

Angela Heinzer 916.212.1881 angela.heinzer@yahoo.com | CalRE #01004189

Penryn | $1,499,000

Welcome to this custom 4+ bedroom and 3.5 bath home that has been updated throughout. Del Oro High School district, view the Matterport tour to see for yourself! – https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=ufR3tFCWirv

Jane Miller 916.799.7397 jane.miller@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00640671

Loomis | $1,495,000

5br/4.5ba home on approx. 2.6 acres w/a vineyard, orchards and olive trees. The main home is approx. 3,413 sqft w/an open plan & entertainer’s kitchen. Additionally, there is a private guest house on the property.

Jane Miller 916.799.7397 jane.miller@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00640671

Elk Grove | Price Upon Request

Country Living At Its Finest – Sitting on almost 5 acres and surrounded by natural beauty, this property is the ideal retreat. Enjoy an open-concept layout with a chef's kitchen, sunroom and an expansive guest quarter!

Alison Traverse Warren 916.690.6960 alison.warren@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01733854

Rocklin | $1,395,000

Welcome to this bright 4br/4.5ba home with a family/kitchen combo and a double-sided fireplace. Don’t miss the fabulous backyard complete with a saltwater pool, built-in BBQ peninsula and fireplace.

Jacqueline Nance 916.300.6510 homes@sellingwhitneyranch.com | CalRE #02027555

El Dorado Hills | $1,199,000

Located in Fairchild Village in one of EDH's most coveted neighborhoods, this stunning 4br/2.5ba home features a fabulous outdoor room with a fireplace and kitchen, a built-in pool, waterfall, firepit and personal spa.

Debi Ambroff 916.425.9930

debi.ambroff@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01017131

El Dorado Hills | $1,125,000

Enjoy this fabulous Lennar Vanderbuilt estates plan in the Heritage senior community! This 3br/2.5ba smart home features a resort rear yard boasting a covered pergola, outdoor kitchen, golf green, firepit & garden boxes.

Debi Ambroff 916.425.9930

debi.ambroff@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01017131

El Dorado Hills | $1,100,000

5br/4.5ba w/private office, vaulted ceilings, formal dining room, top-of-theline stainless steel appliances, center island, plenty of cabinets, primary spa-like bathroom, outdoor fountain & more.

Laura Hague 916.878.8208

laura.hague@cbrealty.com | CalRE #02094940

Sacramento | $1,099,950

Welcome to this Spanish adobe ranch that sits in the center of a spectacular block of homes along the northeast border of Del Paso Country Club! Chef's Kitchen. Beautiful BKYD w/sparkling pool! Entertainer's dream!

Tim Comstock 916.548.7102 tim.comstock@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01879462

Sacramento | $1,089,000

Brick Tudor Treasure! Nestled on tree-lined Berkeley Way, this 3-4 bedroom and 2 bath timeless-head-turner!

Jeanine Roza 916.548.5799 | CalRE #01365413

Sindy Kirsch 916.730.7705 | CalRE #01483907

Granite Bay | Price Upon Request 4br/3.5ba home with views of the Loomis Basin & primary suite on the main level. Family room has a river rock fireplace with brick accents & opens out onto the spacious deck.

Suzanne Volkman 916.773.1028

suzanne.volkman@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00702179

Auburn | $1,095,000

3br/3.5ba remodeled home w/large shop on approx. 5.2 acres. Offers covered outdoor living space w/fireplace, BBQ & TV. Greenhouse, storage/ tack room, chef’s kitchen, high-end finishes, LED lighting & much more.

Danielle Larson 530.906.1889 danielle.larson@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01469169

Sacramento | $1,000,000

Located on a tree-lined East Sac street, this beautiful single-story three or four bedroom, two bath home with 290 sqft finished basement. Enjoy being close to parks, restaurants, shops and so much more.

Elise Brown 916.715.0213 eliseivesbrown@gmail.com | CalRE #01781942

Elk Grove | $945,000

Stunning 3br/3ba home in the exclusive gated community of Laguna Lake. This property boasts a prime location directly on the lake, complete with a private dock, ideal for enjoying water activities and serene views.

Mark DeGennaro 916.849.4810 Mark@MarkDRealty.com | CalRE #01394970

Lincoln | $900,000

Nicely situated on a corner lot, this 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home w/approx. 3,926 sq. ft. offers a gourmet kitchen, an upstairs primary suite, loft, an office niche, a pool/spa, a 3 car garage, plus owned & leased solar.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

Carmichael | $894,000 4br/2.5ba in the heart of Carmichael's historic Old Del Dayo neighborhood w/abundant natural light, wide plank hardwood floors, skylights, vaulted ceilings, brick patio, centerpiece pavilion & bountiful gardens.

Jonathan Baker 916.837.4523 jonathan.baker@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00484212

Folsom | $875,000

Another home SOLD! If you're looking to buy or sell, I'd be happy to help!

Craig Buntin 916.897.7856 cbuntin1@gmail.com | CalRE #01494440

Roseville | $825,000

This warm and peaceful single-story home is well designed with four bedrooms and three baths. Relax in the fully landscaped and tranquil backyard with sounds of running water and the scent of fragrant plants.

Lauren Erickson 916.759.9963

lauren.erickson@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01963249

Sacramento | $875,000

If you love sun and fun, entertaining indoors and out, this spacious three bedroom, two bath brick Tudor is your little slice of heaven. Discover a backyard oasis with a mini-pool/spa, waterfalls and a converted garage!

Steffan Brown 916.717.7217 steffan@steffanbrown.com | CalRE #01882787

Elk Grove | $799,000

Welcome to Laguna Lake, where luxurious living meets pristine golf course views. We are thrilled to present this newly listed 4br/3ba home situated within the gated community of Laguna Lake.

Shanda Lusich 916.214.8479 | CalRE #01070238 Mark DeGennaro 916.849.4810 | CalRE #01394970

Elk Grove | $789,000

This six bedroom, three bath beauty plus a bonus room has formal living and dining rooms, a separate family room, a chef's kitchen, dining nook, expansive primary bedroom, a peaceful backyard and a three-car garage!

Traci Petersen 916.224.1515 traci.petersen@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01267649

Roseville | $775,000

This amazing 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom home with approx. 2,442 sq. ft. sits on near a 1/3-acre lot and provides backyard privacy, LARGE RV/boat side yard access, a storage shed, a BUILT-IN POOL and outdoor pergola.

Melinda Shrader 916.747.7535 melinda.shrader@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #00994757

Elk Grove | $749,000

Venture into this South Shore Lakeside three bed, three bath beauty showing pride of ownership throughout!

Enjoy the Delta breeze in the private backyard with a covered patio, making you feel as if you’re on vacation!

Mark DeGennaro 916.849.4810 | CalRE #01394970

Shanda Lusich 916.214.8479 | CalRE #01070238

Roseville | $779,000

This four bedroom, three bath gem offers a spacious living and dining room, expansive chef’s kitchen, family room, a sizable primary, plus a sleekly landscaped backyard with a hot tub, solar energy and a three-car garage.

Jeanine Roza 916.548.5799 | CalRE #01365413

Sindy Kirsch 916.730.7705 | CalRE #01483907

Sacramento | $765,000

Welcome to Sacramento's beautiful Arden Park! This adorable 3br/2.5ba home offers an updated gourmet kitchen & an office/fourth bedroom. Don’t miss the sparkling swimming pool & built-in hot tub. Great school district.

Tim Comstock 916.548.7102 tim.comstock@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01879462

Sacramento | Price Upon Request

2br/2ba home w/1930’s charm, breakfast nook, large backyard, updated kitchen, brick fireplace, oak hardwood floors, plantation shutters & recently upgraded HVAC, dual paned windows & sewer line.

Tim Pantle 916.834.6376

Tim@TimPantle.com | CalRE #01377493

Elk Grove | $720,000

This gorgeous Laguna West home went on the market on March 30. It went pending – well above the list price – the same day. I can't promise such a great outcome for every deal, but I will work very hard to help you.

Bob Walter 916.616.0829 bob.walter@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01876679

Carmichael | Price Upon Request

Welcome to this single-story 3br/2ba beauty in the gated community of Carmichael Whispering Oaks. Enjoy cozy nights in front of the fireplace or venture outside to the covered patio for outdoor dining and entertaining.

John Byers 916.607.0313 john@byersteam.com | CalRE #01935458

Rocklin | $649,900

This stunning 4br/2ba single-story home has everything you have been looking for. Enjoy a dining/living room combo, a shared great room and updated kitchen and finally, a backyard pool oasis built for entertaining.

Alison Traverse Warren 916.690.6960 alison.warren@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01733854

Sacramento | $625,000

Discover ultimate luxury at Heritage Park, an active adult community! Equally enjoy the striking 2br + Den spacious residence with an immense chef's kitchen, a sizable family/living room and a low maintenance backyard.

Ed Corominas 916.599.9389

Ed@EdCorominas.com | CalRE #01095218

Elk Grove | $625,000

Sold in Fallbrook! – This beautiful, recently sold three bedroom, two bath home has been updated with all the modern amenities. Unwind after a long day or host a fun summer BBQ in the backyard oasis with private pool!

Shanda Lusich 916.214.8479

shanda.lusich@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01070238

Sacramento | $615,000

Charming bungalow in the highly sought-after Elmhurst neighborhood! This home exudes warmth and character from the moment you step onto the beautiful and inviting front porch. Remodeled & updated interior!

Tiegen Boberg 916.747.0773

tiegen@tiegenboberg.com | CalRE #01964215

Ione | $615,000

3br/2ba home situated on the 13th hole of the prestigious Castle Oaks Golf Course w/updated kitchen, engineer wood flooring, plenty of light, outdoor pavilion, covered patio & much more.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Sacramento | $599,000

Welcome to this adorable two bed, one bath Elmhurst home! 1,032 sqft., 2-car garage, quarter basement, cozy fireplace, spacious rooms, and planter boxes in backyard. Close to Midtown, T St Parkway.

Elise Brown 916.715.0213 eliseivesbrown@gmail.com | CalRE #01781942

Ione | $585,000

4br/3ba beautiful Castle Oaks, a premier Golf Course Community home offers a flex room, luxury flooring, wonderful kitchen upgrades & a recently finished gorgeous backyard for you to enjoy.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01987204

Fair Oaks | Price Upon Request 4br/2.5ba Fair Oaks home situated on a corner lot on approx. .31-acre lot w/built-in pool in the desirable Walnut Grove Estates subdivision.

Tim Pantle 916.834.6376 Tim@TimPantle.com | CalRE #01377493

Sacramento | $545,000

Welcome to this spacious home situated in a cul-de-sac backing up to the American River levy with access from the back gate. This home sits on a large lot with a beautiful backyard featuring a pool, patio & garden beds.

Jaime Becker 916.715.7454 jaime@jaimesells.com | CalRE #01737783

Sacramento | $545,000

Remodeled this year, this charming two bed, one bath cottage is in the highly desirable Poverty Ridge. Enjoy a modern open plan, a kitchen with newly installed appliances and a living room filled with natural light.

Angela Heinzer 916.212.1881 angela.heinzer@yahoo.com | CalRE #01004189

Sacramento | Price Upon Request

Beautiful, single story, 2br/2ba end-unit w/a cozy fireplace in the living room & an updated kitchen that overlooks the charming patio! Primary bedroom w/2 closets & an updated bath w/walk-in shower.

Lee Mahla 916.761.0400 lee.mahla@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01899823

Elk Grove | $439,000

SOLD-This beautiful 3br/1.5ba home has been meticulously maintained and shows pride of ownership throughout. Enjoy an updated kitchen and plenty of space for outdoor activities and entertaining in the backyard.

Mark DeGennaro 916.849.4810

Mark@MarkDRealty.com | CalRE #01394970

Elk Grove | $430,000

Introducing Boardwalk at Lakeside, a luxurious gated community located in the heart of Elk Grove. This beautiful 2br/2ba approximately 1,254 sq. ft. property is a true gem that offers an ideal blend of comfort & style.

Zachary Basler 415.299.7027 zachary.basler@cbnorcal.com | CalRE #01886964

Sacramento | $1,429,000

This 4 bd, 4 ba Land Park home boasts a luminous interior, a flawless coupling of old & new world charm, & a host of incredible amenities.

Rich Cazneaux 916.212.4444

Chris Kunz 916.798.5046 CalRE #01447558 | CalRE #01994094

Carmichael | $1,249,000

This Carmichael 3br/2.5ba custom-built home with a 2 br/2 ba guest house and covered deck was designed with modern living in mind!

Janay Parkinson 916.717.2750 janay.parkinson@goparkinson.com

CalRE #02030986

Sacramento | $889,000

Immaculate 4br/4ba on a peaceful cul-de-sac in the Pocket/Greenhaven area on a .37 acre lot, pool, brick fireplace, and close to Didion School. Cindy Leathers 916.803.5481 cindy.leathers@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #02014889

Carmichael | $869,950

4br/2.5ba Located near American River access, this home offers quintessential California living and a backyard oasis w/a pool & lush foliage.

Rich Cazneaux 916.212.4444

rich@eastsac.com

CalRE #01447558

Roseville | $865,000

Fiddyment Ranch. Built in 2018, 4br/3.5ba, pool, gorgeous main floor primary suite, ensuite main floor guest room, upstairs bonus. West Park HS. Chip Dusseau 916.934.8444 chip.dusseau@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01908517

El Dorado Hills | $849,000

Rare opportunity to own a single-story 4br/2ba home on an approximately one-third of an acre lot, on a private cul-de-sac in El Dorado Hills! Nicki Kalteis 916.214.2049

nicki.kalteis@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #02102682

Roseville | $799,000

Welcome to this 5br/3ba home featuring an inviting backyard with a custom spa, two covered patios, an outdoor peninsula, fireplace & greenbelt views!

Jacqueline Nance 916.300.6510 homes@sellingwhitneyranch.com

CalRE #02027555

Gold River | $789,000

This Gold River home has been remodeled and updated throughout! Stunning Kitchen. Beautiful and private backyard with pool/spa.

Kathleen O'Neill 916.832.0333 kathleen.oneill@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01440748

Roseville | $750,000

3br/3.5ba home in Heritage Solaire Adult 55+ Community. 2 Jr suites & a large primary. Bonus sitting room, giant walk-in closet & curb-less shower.

Leslie Garrett 805.450.6433 leslie.garrett@cbrealty.com

CalRE #02155538

Davis | $749,000

3br/3ba Gorgeous 2022 condo in The Cannery w/private balcony, stainless appliances, parking & storage, central location.

Amy Winslow 530.848.8286 amy.winslow@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #02100012

Carmichael | $689,000

4br/2.5ba Beautiful and well-maintained single-story home located in the highly desirable Carmichael neighborhood on nearly a quarter of an acre.

Angie Westberg 916.296.3751

Amy Karle 916.835.4340

CalRE #02034542 | CalRE #02126594

Rocklin | $649,900

Come see this 4br/3ba Rocklin home to really appreciate it! Bathed in natural light, enjoy a formal dining/living room & a family room/kitchen combo.

Greg Larson 916.223.1500 greg.larson@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #00838126

Elk Grove | $649,000 4br/2.5ba in Elk Grove's Laguna West community w/open floor plan, solar heated pool/waterfall, full sized basketball court & 4-car garage.

Josephine Leung 916.396.8698 josephine.leung@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01802315

West Sacramento | $639,000 3br/2ba w/open floor plan full of natural light, covered patio, Nest thermostat, Ring doorbell, B-Hyve sprinkler control & owned solar.

Sarah Vasquez-Curtis 916.527.4106 sarah@lovesacrealty.com

CalRE #01974655

Citrus Heights | $599,500

Pride of ownership abounds in this spacious, twostory home. Situated on a corner lot in a cul-desac, you will enjoy the privacy this location offers.

Greg Larson 916.223.1500 greg.larson@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #00838126

Elk Grove | $565,000 3br/2ba ranch style home w/chef’s kitchen, dining bar, spacious bedrooms, gas fireplace, sunroom, large workshop & built-in pool.

Nancy Wong 916.599.3037 nancy.wong@cbrealty.com

CalRE #02058859

Carmichael | $550,000

Centrally located Carmichael duplex! Earn additional income by building a second duplex or ADU on the huge lot.

Jennifer Berry 916.508.0898 jennifer.berry@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #02097085

Rancho Cordova | $539,000

In the heart of Stone Creek, find this popular 4br/3ba floorplan featuring a beautiful backyard with a stamped concrete patio & lush landscaping. Jaime Becker 916.715.7454 jaime@jaimesells.com

CalRE #01737783

Folsom | $499,900

East-facing lot in premier Folsom custom home community-Empire Ranch/Lakeview Oaks w/views of sunsets, hills, valley, city lights & Folsom Lake.

Sree Raavi 916.502.9322

sree.raavi@cbrealty.com

CalRE #02036153

Ione | $479,000

3br/2ba in a prime location across the street from Howard Park, offering breathtaking views of the lush greenery w/fridge & w/d included.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250

tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01987204

Fiddletown | $475,000

3br/2ba on nearly 1.68 acres of horse property, with breathtaking views of rolling hills and vineyards abound w/covered porch, 2-car garage & more.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250

tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01987204

Placerville | $459,000

3br/2ba ranch-style home w/LVP flooring, LED lighting, double-pane windows, fireplace, attic & ceiling fans, enclosed laundry & much more.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250

tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01987204

Sacramento | $440,000

3br/1ba remodeled home w/custom tile flooring, refinished hardwood flooring, quartz counters, remodeled kitchen & more.

Markus Gomez 916.214.3872 markus.gomez@cbrealty.com

CalRE #02068035

Sacramento | $425,000

Located in the Riverpark neighborhood. Conveniently situated near Sacramento State and close to many shopping and dining options.

Sabrina Berhane 916.320.0366

sabrina.berhane@cbrealty.com

CalRE #01364594

Sacramento | $375,000

Welcome to this charming home in the heart of Colonial Village! Enjoy this three bed, one bath home featuring an updated kitchen.

Antonio Cardenas III 916.541.4051 sacramento.realtor916@gmail.com

CalRE #02017793

Sacramento | $365,000

This turnkey 3br/1ba home with a huge backyard is now available! There is plenty of natural light, a two-car garage and newly installed flooring!

Tim Comstock 916.548.7102

tim.comstock@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01879462

Lodi | $349,000

2br/1ba charming bungalow w/convenient dual layout featuring a tub & shower combo, updated grey vanity & tile flooring.

Tammy Goolsby 209.332.0250 tammy.goolsby@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01987204

Camino | $295,000

2br/1ba adorable bungalow w/built-in cabinets, granite counters, detached garage w/workshop, renovated front porch and much more.

Laurena Martin 916.769.0845

Christina Hinds 916.341.7806

CalRE #01251816 | CalRE #01902832

Elk Grove | $198,000

2br/2ba updated double wide w/newer roof, HVAC, Sheetrock and textured walls, windows, flooring, appliances, fixtures, deck, landscape, shed & more.

Penny Runyon 916.806.9715

penny.runyon@cbnorcal.com

CalRE #01489882

Citrus Heights | $154,500

Move-in ready! Come see this immaculate two bedroom, two bathroom home. Charming and wellmaintained, this house will have you over the moon!

Geno Davis 916.531.6800

MyRealtorGeno@gmail.com

CalRE #02093958

sac design

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Goodbye, winter! Hello, sunshine!

+ A COUPLE WHO DID IT THEMSELVES

DIY SURVIVAL TIPS

By Catherine Warmerdam

IF YOU CAN SWING A HAMMER or charge a power drill, you can renovate your home, right? Not so fast. No matter how many episodes of “Fixer Upper” or “Rehab Addict” you’ve binged, DIY remodeling isn’t for everyone. In addition to legit construction skills, attempting your own remodel requires planning, preparation and oodles of patience.

Just ask Allison and Aaron Byrne, veteran DIYers who’ve spent the past two years giving a fresh, stylish makeover to their Arden-Arcade home. Allison, a social media strategist for Reddit, and Aaron, a former health care management consultant now working in the construction eld and building furniture on the side, are fearless renovators. “We tiled the laundry room day 3 of living here,” says Allison.

From painting and cabinetry to lighting and oors, this capable couple has tackled every house project imaginable. And they offer hard-won advice to folks wanting to do the same.

Delineate roles early on. If you’re working on the project with another person, talk up front about who’s in charge of what. In Allison and Aaron’s case, she took the lead on design while he headed up execution and order of operations. “A DIY project can be stressful on a relationship and your home life,” says Aaron. “We found it really helpful to have really clear roles and responsibilities.”

Keep your larger vision top of mind. Even if you’re unable to complete all of your dream projects in a short time span due to time or budget constraints, “having a holistic vision for the house is super important,” says Allison. “You may have to renovate one room at a time, but each project should build on the next so that it doesn’t look disjointed.”

Think holistically about impacts to your living space. Whether you’re remodeling a tiny bathroom or your entire home, consider what Aaron calls “storage, staging and scope isolation.” Where will you keep

the tools and materials needed for the job? Do you have ample space set aside for cutting lumber or assembling cabinetry? How will you minimize dust and debris outside the worksite? “Thinking ahead about all of these things will help the project go more smoothly,” he advises.

Purchase materials in advance. Nothing brings a home project to a screeching halt faster than the words “out of stock.” That’s why Aaron recommends purchasing materials, appliances and xtures up front, before work begins. “We learned from the supply chain shortages during the pandemic that it’s risky to dive in and not have everything you need for a project.”

Know when to call a pro. It’s OK not to know everything. “If you’re unsure or uneasy, it’s worth getting on the phone with a professional,” suggests Aaron, who recommends having a list of trusted resources at the ready. “It’s never fun to have to scramble to nd someone in the middle of an emergency.”

Interior photos: Andrea Gunn

Allison and Aaron Byrne

TURN, TURN, TURN

REMEMBER SWIVEL CHAIRS? They were living room staples from the 1950s through the 1970s, which is why many of us have happy memories of spinning dizzily on them at Grandma’s house. Now they’re back in a big way.

“More and more people are tapping into what works for their lifestyle and what brings them joy in their home,” says Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director at Kerrie Kelly Design Studio, about the swivel chair revival. “People feel nostalgic about them being playful and fun.”

Kelly frequently calls for swivel chairs in her clients’ homes because they work so well in spaces that call for versatility and comfort. In a great room, for example, chairs can conveniently be oriented toward multiple focal points—a window, a television or the fireplace—with one effortless maneuver.

Kelly recommends taking swivel chairs for a spin—literally— before purchasing to ensure they rotate fluidly without any creaking or bumpiness. Unlike typical armchairs, swivels are workhorses that can break down if they’re not made with high-quality parts.

For her projects, Kelly favors classic upholstery options like leather or faux leather, which “are timeless and can give a space a bit of a grounding effect.” Velvet is another versatile choice, she says, “especially in a statement color.” Catherine

Warmerdam

shop talk

FANS OF THE KITCHEN

TABLE, the adorable, packedto-the-rafters kitchenware store in East Sacramento, can rejoice with the opening of a second location in Land Park in the space formerly occupied by Details boutique. Owner Susan O’Brien has stocked the new location with all the goodies that made the original store a must-go shopping destination: Mason Cash embossed mixing bowls; unique barware; colorful kitchen textiles; locally produced pantry items and more—so much more. O’Brien also carries Hestan high-performance cookware “now that we’ve got more room to spread out.” The bountiful selection at The Kitchen Table makes shopping for gifts such a joyful occasion that it’s impossible to leave without a little something for yourself.

—Catherine Warmerdam

2665 Riverside Blvd.; kitchen tablesac.com

Top: Courtesy Kerrie Kelly Design Studio

IRG + SOAPSTONE

Soapstone takes a modern twist in dramatically dark tones and dense colors. With its impenetrable surface, Soapstone resists heat and moisture and needs no sealant to maintain its beauty. Patinaed over time, Soapstone’s warm look and cool feel imbues longevity into this stylish kitchen area.

Designer Miche Victoria worked with the homeowners to balance their desire for a Serena & Lily-inspired coastal vibe with the home’s classic bones. “The house came with a timeless beauty and charm—we didn’t want to take away from that,” says the designer. “We came up with a style I would call California traditional.”

Traditions New

Story: CATHERINE WARMERDAM Photos: STEPHANIE RUSSO

Interior Design: MICHE VICTORIA INTERIOR DESIGN Contractor: BIERCE DESIGN BUILD

t’s been said that you can’t go home again, but that’s exactly what Carolynn Puccioni did when she moved back into her childhood home with her husband, Tony, and their two children. Carolynn’s father had been living in the East Sacramento residence for decades when they decided to swap homes to give her young family more living space and her father the opportunity to downsize.

Returning to your childhood home calls for reckoning with old memories at the same time that new ones are being made. In the case of the Puccioni family, it also meant deciding which of the home’s original design features to retain and which to update. That’s where the vision of interior designer Miche Victoria came into play.

“It was clear to me when I first walked into the home that Carolynn’s mother, who died when Carolynn was a teen, had excellent taste,” says Victoria. “Everything in it was beautiful—the furniture, the finishes— but it needed a face-lift. For me, it was really important to stay true to the home’s original architecture as we were freshening up the space.”

That meant that quaint details—like the round-top front door, the parquet flooring in the main living space, the niches in the dining room wall, the archways between rooms—were kept in order to preserve the home’s character. Meanwhile, other changes—modernizing the kitchen, adding a bathroom, opening up a hallway to give better access to the family room—were made to meet the needs of a contemporary family.

“It’s a completely different home now, and yet it’s not,” says Victoria. “It still has many of the little touches that add so much charm, which is important because the family made a lot of memories here, and I did not want those memories erased. I’m proud that we were able to update the home while staying true to the beauty that was already here.”

“This was a very special project because of its history. Every time I saw Carolynn’s dad, I wanted to make sure we were making him proud.”

—Miche Victoria

RIGHT: In the dining room, Victoria was keen on preserving original details like the wall niches and the parquet flooring. Shutters and molding, once stained dark brown, were painted white to brighten the space. Victoria added a “showstopper” in the form of an oversized pendant. The dining table is the same one homeowner Carolynn Puccioni grew up with. “There were a lot of memories made around that table,” says the designer, “so it made sense to keep it.”

BELOW: Wicker chairs placed near a bay window in the living room fit the homeowner’s desire for an easygoing look. “This is the perfect place to sit and read a book or watch the kids play,” says Victoria. The use of blue “here and there” hints at a coastal aesthetic.

ABOVE: The kitchen, once closed off to adjacent rooms, was opened up to accommodate the family’s desire for a more open format. Adding an island was at the top of the family’s wish list.

“Tony loves to make pizza, and the family enjoys having lots of people in the kitchen,” says Victoria, “so we wanted a space that was open but that stayed true to the home’s traditional style.”

RIGHT: Victoria transformed the downstairs powder room with tall wainscoting, grass cloth wallpaper and a playful mirror. “I always try to add something textural to a room, and grass cloth is one of the best ways to do it.” The cast-iron sink “adds to the traditional feel without taking up the space of a large vanity.”

LEFT: In the kids’ bathroom, navy hexagon floor tile plays well with striped Serena & Lily wallpaper.

BELOW: Victoria had to get creative about space in order to add a bathroom suite to the primary bedroom. “We knew it couldn’t be huge because space was limited, so we created a wet room to fit both the tub and the shower,” she explains. Marble floors and white tile make the bathroom feel as though it’s been there forever.

“It’s a completely different home now, and yet it’s not.”

—Miche Victoria

suite escape

A

couple gets the retreat of their dreams.

Story: CATHERINE WARMERDAM Photography: TRA HUYNH/TWO TWENTY PHOTOS and YVONNE HARTY

Interior Design: HARTY INTERIORS Contractor: JDR CONSTRUCTION

Rocklin

There are few things parents of young children desire more than a tranquil refuge they can retire to at the end of a hectic day. That’s exactly the type of sanctuary designer Yvonne Harty created for a Rocklin couple whose busy life includes running their own business and raising three kids.

“Their days are really full. They wanted to have a place that feels like a retreat, somewhere they can get away from it all,” says Harty.

The overhaul of the primary suite began with a complete reimagining of the layout, which was riddled with inconveniences: a tub sandwiched awkwardly between two sinks; a window that couldn’t be opened because of its location behind the tub; a difficult-to-access walk-in closet. “Moving things around was a real challenge from a construction standpoint,” says Harty, “but it was necessary.”

Harty relocated the toilet so that it has its own dedicated space outfitted with a compact sink. The tub and shower were moved and combined into a single enclosed wet room. Where the tub once sat, Harty added a makeup vanity, perfectly situated to capture natural light from the window. Perhaps the most drastic alteration was the addition of a fireplace in an area of the bedroom that previously functioned as dead space.

Harty took color cues from renovations that the owners were doing to the downstairs portion of the home. “They like everything neutral, not a lot of color,” says the designer, who painted the bedroom’s paneled walls an inky gray. “A bedroom is a very good place to introduce a darker color because you want to feel relaxed, not stimulated.”

PAGE 15: In the seating area, a round marble-topped table and tufted leather club chairs make for an inviting spot to unwind. Hardy designed the fi replace surround with marble tile in colors that echo those in the bathroom. “Personally, I’m a fan of incorporating warmer tones, especially when gray is part of the palette.”

OPPOSITE: The large built-in houses more than an entertainment center. The home-

owners’ two dogs sleep each night in the mesh-door cabinets below the television.

BELOW: “Bedrooms are perfect for moody colors,” says designer Yvonne Harty, who chose Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal for the walls, which are embellished with traditional picture-frame molding. “One of the reasons they bought this house is because that molding can be found throughout, so it made sense to add it here.”

“A bedroom is a very good place to introduce a darker color because you want to feel relaxed, not stimulated.”

—Yvonne Harty

Wherever possible, Harty took care to soften the space with rounded elements, from the Hubbardton Forge sconces to the mirrors to the faucet hardware. “I like clean lines, but in a bathroom, where there are a lot of rigid lines and hard elements, it helps to have something with curves,” explains Harty.

The revamped suite, which is about 700 square feet (not including the closets), is now a soothing space where the homeowners can relax and recharge. “They like to come up here at the end of the day and have a glass of wine,” says Harty. “It’s a place they can really enjoy now.”

ABOVE: Harty was intentional about choosing a built-in tub for the wet room. “I’m not a fan of freestanding tubs. It’s hard to clean behind them, and they are less safe because there’s nothing to hold onto when you’re exiting them,” she explains. “My job is to make things practical for the client, not just have a pretty picture for my portfolio.”

LEFT: The toilet room gets its distinct look from Sarah Von Dreele’s Chapman wallpaper. “The airy print was one of the ways I softened the space, which functions almost like a powder room thanks to the addition of a sink,” says Harty.

RIGHT: Delicate seashell mosaic tiles on the walls of the wet room “add some texture and warmth to the space so that it doesn’t feel too white and sterile,” says Harty.

MASTERS CLUB

MEET THE REGION’S TOP-PRODUCING RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Sacramento Magazine is pleased to honor some of the region’s finest REALTORS® in a special section dedicated to the latest Masters Club Honorees.

On the next several pages you will meet the cream of the crop in the residential real estate business, REALTORS® who have achieved special club criteria in sales, closed transactions and/or membership participation. You will also learn more about a few special neighborhoods as some expert REALTORS® showcase their favorites. Discover how, working together, these REALTORS® have helped our region’s real estate market thrive! We thank participating Masters Club members and their associations for their support in this section.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR!

FOR SACRAMENTO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® MASTERS CLUB

2022 was a successful year for the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® Masters Club.

The purpose of the Masters Club is to support the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® in providing programs and services that enhance the competency, professionalism and productivity of its members, and to recognize the achievements of the top REALTORS® who apply for membership and who have earned a requisite level of excellence in real estate sales.

The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® Masters Club is active in supporting community activities by donating monies and services to a wide range of local charities including the Foster Youth Education Fund, Women’s Empowerment and Wind Youth Services. Make your move to team up with the best in real estate, your Masters Club REALTORS®!

Congratulations to all the outstanding producers who achieved Masters Club Membership during 2022!

2022 OFFICERS

KELLY PLEASANT, GUIDE REAL ESTATE | President

YURI RAMIREZ-VILLANUEVA, EXP REALTY OF CALIFORNIA INC. | President-Elect

YURI RAMIREZ-VILLANUEVA, EXP REALTY OF CALIFORNIA INC. | Secretary-Treasurer

BARBARA LEBRECHT, RE/MAX GOLD FAIR OAKS | Immediate Past President

2022 STEERING COMMITTEE

James Amen, Amen Real Estate

Karen Berkovitz, Lyon Real Estate

Keveron Bryant, Bryant Gonzalez Real Estate

Katie Butler, Better Homes and Gardens RE

Jason Habeeb, Galster Real Estate Group

Barbara Lebrecht, RE/MAX Gold Fair Oaks

Lori Logan, Better Homes and Gardens RE

Patti Martinez, Lyon RE LP

Kelly Pleasant, Guide Real Estate

Yuri Ramirez-Villanueva, eXp Realty of California Inc.

Tyson Redmond, RE/MAX Gold Sierra Oaks

Rico Rivera, Guide Real Estate

Breeze Singh, HomeSmart ICARE Realty

Raj Singh, HomeSmart ICARE REALTY

Cynthia Woods, Galster Real Estate Group

Joy Yip, eXp Realty

The Placer County Association of REALTORS® is a real estate membership based organization with 4,157 members in the Placer County Area. The Placer Association is focused on being the leading advocate of the real estate industry; to serve the communities in which we do business; and to build valuable alliances locally and statewide to promote private property rights. Visit www.pcaor.com for additional information.

Placer County Association of REALTORS® Honors Top Industry Achievers

This spring, the Placer County Association of REALTORS® (PCAR) announced the recipients of the 2022 Masters Club Membership. While the real estate market continues to normalize across the region, State, and Nation, these professionals have continued to demonstrate their robust knowledge of the industry and the important role they play for their clients throughout the transactional process. They have diligently served as trusted advisors and have established credibility through their professionalism and a passion for their field.

“As an association, our job is to educate our members and encourage them to be the best that they can be for the industry as a whole and for every one of their clients,” noted PCAR CEO, Dean Anderson. “Seeing so many of our REALTOR® members qualify for Masters Club is always exciting and something we look forward to celebrating each year.”

2022 marks the 48th year that PCAR has celebrated the prestigious Masters Club designation for their members. To qualify, members must have met the previous year’s sales and transaction qualifications set by the Masters Club Committee. In 2022 Masters Club membership qualifications included sales of $5 million with at least 8 transactions or a total of 20 transactions.

CHAIR:

Michele Colombo- Committee Chair, GUIDE Real Estate

COMMITTEE:

Marianne “Mimi” Kim, GUIDE Real Estate

Cristina MacWilliam, GUIDE Real Estate

Nichole Moody, GUIDE Real Estate

Desiree Pointer, Compass

Amy Rivers, NextHome Cedar Street Realty

Cathy Ruiz, Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International

Bill Sadek, Engel & Völkers Roseville

Chris Sheffer, Sheffer Sells Real Estate

Cynthia Smith, GUIDE Real Estate

Tracy Young, The Advantage Group

“Our members have proven, especially over the past 3 years, that they are resilient and steadfast in their work, and qualifying as a Masters Club Member gives them the recognition they deserve for such outstanding commitment,” said Michele Colombo, chair, PCAR Masters Club Committee. “To know that our industry is in such good hands with REALTOR® that truly care about their work and clients is very exciting!”

Participants who qualify for Masters Club represent the top 10-15% of PCAR members. This year, 438 Masters Club members qualified and represented the top 10% of the REALTOR® membership which totaled 4,157 at the close of 2022. The Masters Club membership is comprised of the following classes;

• 1st Year Members- 57 Members

• Member 2-4 Years- 97 Members

• L ife Member 5-9 Years- 125 Members

• Outstanding Life Member 10+ Years- 141 Members

• Presidential 25+ Years- 23 Members

Rancho Murieta Neighborhood Expert

Karen M. Hoberg Broker/Owner Rancho Murieta Homes & Land, Inc.

ENERGY. PASSION. COMMITMENT. Karen’s love of people, genuine concern, exuberant personality and great business sense have made her one of Sacramento County’s Top Residential Real Estate Brokers year after year. For over 38 years, her clients have recognized her market knowledge, tireless attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to results.

Throughout the years, generations of families remain loyal and utilize Karen’s talents and expertise to help them buy and sell again and again. Karen enjoys living and selling homes in Rancho Murieta, and is the Top Producing agent in her community. She also has a proven track record throughout Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Amador Counties. It’s very important to Karen to give back; she continues to contribute to her many favorite charities: Red Cross, Kiwanis, Optimist Club, ASPCA, Jacob’s Angels, Playmakers, Entertainment, Theater and Culture of Rancho Murieta, Boy Scouts of America, youth sports plus local firefighters and law enforcement.

EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. RESULTS.

OUTSTANDING PROPERTY HAS 5.9 ACRES WITH SHADE TREES & PANORAMIC VIEWS OF ROLLING HILLS & SIERRAS

Exceptional hilltop property has 1 story custom home, 2 barns, pasture land fully fenced & cross-fenced. Private gate. Waterproof vinyl plank ooring, energy e cient windows, granite counters, stainless appliances, solar tube skylights, outdoor kitchen w/ wood- red pizza/bread oven, spa, Koi pond, fruit trees. 6950 META CT, SLOUGHHOUSE, CA 95683 $898,800

IMPRESSIVE COUNTRY PROPERTY HAS CUSTOM HOME + 2ND HOME ON 14.54 ACRES & VIEWS OF GRASSLAND & SIERRAS

Secluded property - endless possibilities in Wilton area, 5,059 sf of 1st oor living, downstairs primary ste, junior ste & 1 additional BD & BA + o ce. Upstairs w/ 2nd primary ste + 4th & 5th BD & BA. Hardwood-style tile oors, Alder cabinets & slab granite. Separate 1,488 sf 1 story home has 3 BD & 2 BA. Stunning sunsets, Delta breezes, horse barn & arena.

12701 RISING RD, WILTON, CA 95693 $1,275,000

DISTINCTIVE FULLY REMODELED CUSTOM HOME SURROUNDED BY OAK & REDWOOD TREES NEAR CHESBRO LAKE

Exquisite home has 2,630 sf with 3 BD, o ce & 2.5 BA + 775 sf bonus rec area with billiard & ping pong tables, sauna + BA. Incredible interiors: perfectly smooth wall texture, extensive engineered hardwood ooring, modern European style solid wood cabinetry, stainless hardware, slab Quartz counters, designer tile + crystal xtures. Large wrap-around deck great for entertaining.

6512 CAMINO DEL LAGO, RANCHO

MURIETA, CA 95683 $1,038,000

Erik Hoberg Senior REALTOR® Rancho Murieta Homes & Land, Inc.

SKILLED. IMPACTFUL. EFFECTIVE. Senior REALTOR® Associate Erik Hoberg has been in Real Estate since 1998 where he combines his love of people with his unique background in architecture, custom home building and interior design to create a winning formula in the residential real estate business. His foundation adds to the success shared by his family, company and clients. Erik is skilled at highlighting a property’s hidden potential with simple, effective and impactful changes to maximize a successful sale. Working with both buyers and sellers, he offers valuable insight about the relationship between the two. Erik has a proven track record in many of Sacramento-area neighborhoods and surrounding counties. When he’s not working, find Erik volunteering at the Sacramento Bike Kitchen and on the trail with the Murieta Trail Stewardship. Erik is an Outstanding Life Member.

EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. RESULTS

A LUSH COURTYARD GARDEN & CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE BECKON YOU TO THIS CURTIS PARK DREAM HOME FILLED WITH NATURAL LIGHT, SPACIOUS ROOMS, HIGH CEILINGS, ARCHWAY ENTRIES & REFINISHED ORIGINAL HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT.

Schools, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Breweries, Ice Cream Gunther’s, Light Rail, Golf Course

Impressive staircase, classic kitchen & French doors. O ce/den, wine cellar. Large primary suite upstairs with balcony garden & park views. Historic roof tile to the old growth redwood framing & original lath & plaster walls, this home is a piece of history. Enjoy the park in your front yard & the car free lifestyle. Walk to

& more.

Angela Heinzer

Angela began her real estate career in 1988. From the beginning she built a reputation as an energetic and hard working advocate for her clients. Her enthusiasm and commitment to customer satisfaction have been the foundation to her success. Born and raised in Sacramento, she could not think of a better place to raise her family. Her personal interests include skiing at Lake Tahoe, family trips to Santa Cruz and Mendocino, and taking her dogs for a run down the American River Parkway, which she considers to be one of Sacramento’s greatest treasures.

DRE# 01004189 | SAR

Coldwell Banker (916) 212-1881

angela.heinzer@cbnorcal.com

www.angelaheinzer.com

Sue Olson

Coldwell Banker

DRE# 00784986 | SAR (916) 601-8834

sue@sueolson.net

43 years experience.

Rindy Merrifield

GUIDE Real Estate/Forbes Luxury

Broker Associate

DRE# 01208294 | PCAR (916) 276-1010

rindy@rindym.com

Brian Kassis

RE/MAX Gold

DRE# 00989626 | “Your REALTOR® for Life!” (916) 539-9555

Brian@TeamKassis.com

www.briankassis.com

Barbara Frago

Lyon Real Estate DRE# 00580837 | SAR (916) 425-3637

bfrago@golyon.com

www.barbarafrago.com

Laurel Davies

Century 21 Select Real Estate, Inc.

1555 River Park Dr., Ste. 109, Sacramento

FiveStar Pros | DRE# 01049869 | SAR (916) 952-6813

mizlaurel@aol.com

www.mizlaurel.com

26 years Masters Club Member

www.lockhartbailey.com

Lenora Harrison

Thanks to all my clients and the community for your continued support and business. I love selling Real Estate in Sun City Roseville. Celebrating 21 years in Masters Club.

Broker/Associate GRI, CNE, SRES and International President’s Circle

Coldwell Banker Sun Ridge Real Estate DRE# 01229917

(916) 765-4188

Dr. Nick LaPlaca, Ed. D.

BHHS - DRYSDALE PROPERTIES

Broker Associate - Proven track record of success for over 40 years. Expert knowledge of the local market and its rich and colorful past. Expert Witness Experience. Certified Residential Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Trust & Probate Specialist. Past President of the SAR Masters Club. Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate from University of the Pacific. Former Assistant Dean - UOP McGeorge School of Law.

DRE# 00842218 | SAR

Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale Properties (916) 764-7500

nick.laplaca@BHHSDrysdale.com

BHHSDrysdale.com

Chris She er

My Clients are saying:

“We reached out to Chris 18 months before we decided to list our home. We met several times and took all her advice. By following her advice, we had seven o ers in 5 days and closed under 30 days!!! Trust us, she is a MASTER at this.”

—Mike Wells

She er Sells Real Estate PCAR

(916) 300-5835

chris@she ersells.com

www.she ersells.com

Gil A. Albiani

CELEBRATING OVER 44 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS, MASTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP

We have been blessed with clients who continue to call upon us to help with their real estate needs. Again in 2021, farms and land, lots, estate homes and small commercial properties comprised a major part of our business. We look forward again this year to continue providing personal and professional real estate services to our loyal and new clients.

Albiani Real Estate Group

DRE# 00584962 | SAR

(916) 425-0330 gil@albianireg.com

Diane Pennisi

The Pennisi Group of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has an unsurpassed reputation for integrity. As part of the top brokerage in her marketplace, clients of Diane and her team not only benefit from Coldwell Banker’s state-of-the-art resources, marketing tools and agent support; they are also ensured a positive and quality real estate experience. The Pennisi Group is in the TOP 1% of agents at Coldwell Banker nationwide. With over 60 years of combined experience, The Pennisi Group has earned numerous awards and industry recognition.

DRE# 01179964 | SAR

OutstandingLife Member

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (916) 296-6166

dpennisi@cbnorcal.com pennisi.com

Viki Benbow

• Selling the Greater Sacramento Area since 1969 and a Broker Since 1972.

• Wrote a #1 Best Selling Book on Amazon – Signed Sealed and Sold!

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give me a call and let me put my 52 years of experience to work for you. Remember, experience is not expensive, it is priceless!!!

Coldwell Banker SAR | Presidential

DRE# 00356708 | NMLS # 1815492

(916) 284-7133

viki@vikibenbow.com

SacramentoHomeHunter.com

GRI, CRS, CNE, SRES DRE# 01189785 | SAR (916) 296-8886

www.rhondaholmen.com

Maggie Frisch

Broker Associate

DRE# 01000718 | SAR Lyon Real Estate (916) 996-8050

mfrisch@golyon.com

www.maggiefrisch.com

Glenda Hill

Coldwell Banker (916) 761-7548

DRE# 00666365

glendaahill@earthlink.net

SAR

Angela Gitt

Personal service over 40 years in Sacramento

DRE# 01132561 | SAR

Lyon Real Estate (916) 224-5843

agitt@golyon.com

www.angelagitt.com

Rhonda Holmen

Suzanne Volkman

National Association of REALTORS®—REALTOR® Emeritus

When it comes to the purchase or sale of real estate, you want a caring, knowledgeable professional. When that property is in the greater Sacramento area you want Suzanne Volkman. In Suzanne you will find not only an experienced communicator and negotiator but an advocate in your real estate transaction who just doesn’t give up, no matter the obstacle. Simply put, you want her on your side. Whether buying or selling call Suzanne today. You will be glad you did!

Broker Associate - CRS, PMN DRE# 00702179

(916) 773-1028

suzanne.volkman@cbnorcal.com

www.SuzanneVolkman.com

Glenn

It is a privilege to serve fabulous clients from all over the world for 35 years! I enjoy working for wonderful families and individuals with their real estate needs and providing a positive experience and results. As a life long resident in the Greater Sacramento area, it would be an exciting opportunity to work for you!

DRE# 00932673

Better Homes Realty CA Gold (916) 899-7373

gfong@bhrcaliforniagold.com

www.bhrgold.com

Dee Schwindt, REALTOR® Emeritus

Specializing in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo Counties - Dee has built her business with great care and attention to detail. Aimed at achieving her clients’ complete satisfaction, she takes a “Clients First” approach when guiding them through the Real Estate world. For 36 years Dee has been a consistent award winner and top producing agent.

Coldwell Banker (916) 341-7852 | (916) 704-0718

DRE# 00498850 | SAR

dee.schwindt@cbnorcal.com

www.CallDeeFirst.com

CRS, GRI, CNE, SRES DRE# 01097766 | SAR

(916) 730-8895

www.idelleclaypool.com

Lyon Real Estate DRE# 00465919 | SAR (916) 616-7858

gknopke@GoLyon.com

www.gloriaknopke.com

Paula Swayne

The process of purchasing or selling a home should be about you. It should be fun. It should be exciting. In the end, you should be comfortable and knowledgeable about the way the process worked. These are the goals that I have for you.

Helping clients since 1995, I understand how stressful and chaotic home selling or purchasing can be. However, with patience, empathy, and knowledge, it can actually be a great adventure! Let’s travel this road together!

Dunnigan REALTORS®

DRE# 01188158

(916) 425-9715

Paula@PaulaSwayne.com

www.PaulaSwayne.com

Broker Associate, MS, GRI, SRES

Knowledge is power! In today’s challenging real estate market, knowledge and experience are more critical than ever. So is getting the job done with energy, enthusiasm, and attention to detail. At every critical turn in your real estate journey I am there to explain your options and answer your questions. Take the first step by calling me today!

Miller Real Estate DRE# 01401950 | SAR (916) 717-4828

kandace@kandacemulvaney.com

www.mulvaneydube.com

Fong

Kandace Mulvaney

Idelle Claypool

Gloria Knopke

Land Park Neighborhood Expert

Jim Anderson, Senior Executive REALTOR®

Just south of downtown Sacramento is the lovely neighborhood of Land Park named after its centerpiece William Land Park which is a hub for families far and wide. With its own golf course, a giant pond complete with fishing, the Sacramento Zoo, and the amusement parks of Fairytale Town and Funderland, there’s plenty to do. From jogging the shade-lined park, fishing in the giant pond, picking up a game of baseball, volleyball, or croquet, there’s a place for you? Or just grill and chill in the well-maintained spacious park. Radiating from the central hub are canopied streets of old-world homes as charming as they are beautiful. Great schools, Sacramento City College, Taylor’s Market, the homemade ice cream parlors of Vic’s and Gunther’s and Broadway’s abundance of fine restaurants make Land Park and its offshoots of South Land Park and Curtis Park among Sacramento’s finest neighborhoods to call home.

DRE#

Desirée Pointer

(916)

2620

Cheryl Keller

DRE#

(916)

Jon

• Bilingual in English & Japanese

• Five-star rated on Yelp.com

• Accredited Buyer’s Representative

• Graduate, REALTOR® Institute

LuAnn is an established real estate professional who has served our region for 10+ years. Call LuAnn today to experience the dedicated, knowledgeable and professional service you deserve.

eXp Realty of California Inc.

DRE# 01764898 | SAR (916) 585-3788

LuAnn@LuAnnsHomes.com

www.LuAnnShikasho.eXpRealty.com

Jan Detrick

DRE# 01208861 | SAR

Outstanding Life Member

Coldwell Banker Realty

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) (916) 812-8180 | jdetrick@cbnorcal.com

JanDetrickRealEstate.com

DRE# 00925201 | SAR | Past President

Garcia Realty (916) 206-3802

Franco@GarciaRealEstate.com

www.GarciaRealEstate.com

Coldwell Banker

Donna DRE# 00975576 | PCAR

Maureen DRE# 01136382 | PCAR (916) 956-1994

Focusing on 55+ Active Adult Communities placercountyrealestate.com

SRES

|

I’d like to salute the wonderful people I have been lucky enough to work with throughout my real estate career. I truly appreciate you all! From the buyers and sellers to my fellow agents, escrow & title o icers, stagers, pest companies, lenders, contractors and many other professionals who lend your expertise to help close escrows, you absolutely make this real estate world go ‘round! Thank you for your hard work, your cherished friendships and help along the way.

Coldwell Banker Realty

DRE# 01070238 | SAR

(916) 214-8479

shanda.lusich@cbnorcal.com

www.shandalusich.com

Sacramento Top 500 REALTOR® Global Luxury Specialist

Dunnigan REALTORS® DRE# 01270375 | SAR (916) 247-9555 mona@monagergen.com

www.monagergen.com

Coldwell Banker Realty DRE# 01394970 (916) 849-4810 mark@markdrealty.com

Broker, SRES, REALTOR®, StoneBrook Realty Group DRE# 01040512 | SAR (916) 601-4225

kelly@stonebrookrealtygroup.com

StoneBrookRealtyGroup.com

My sincere thank you to all of my clients and friends for your continued support and business. I appreciate all of you! Celebrating 7 years in Masters Club.

Coldwell Banker Sun Ridge Real Estate DRE# 01938527 | PCAR | CNE,SRES (916) 521-6516

youragentpearson@gmail.com

www.wesellsuncity.com

LuAnn Shikasho

Donna Lunardini & Maureen Higelin

Mona Gergen

Kelly Upchurch

Larry Pearson

Franco Garcia

Shanda Lusich

Mega real estate service with a Blissful experience, is our company mantra.

MegaBliss Real Estate is about connection, we are a guide for our clients and a resource. Buying and selling real estate is a big commitment, working with a team that you vibe with, who communicates, keeps it transparent and positive, and has your back is key to a MegaBlissful experience. Thank you for trusting our team to be your guide through your next chapter.

MegaBliss Real Estate

DRE# 01397300 | (916) 949-6929

melissa@megablissre.com

www.megablissre.com

Nancy Arndorfer

Nancy has been a REALTOR® for over 40 years. As a native Californian and a Sacramento resident since 1964, Nancy served as President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® in 2004 and was SAR REALTOR® of the Year in 2002. She is a certified Military Specialist, a Delta Gamma Alumnae and a volunteer with The Assistance League. As a top producer for many years, both of her children followed in her footsteps and are agents today.

DRE# 00443547 (916) 838-1763

NArndorfer@golyon.com

Lisa Rothfels

Lyon Real Estate

DRE# 01726096 | SAR (916) 996-8877

LRothfels@GoLyon.com

LRothfels.GoLyon.com

Erin Stumpf

DRE# 01706589 | SAR

Coldwell Banker (916) 342-1372 erin@erinstumpf.com 916sell.com

Lyon Real Estate, Sr. Exec. Assoc. DRE# 01321061 | SAR (916) 205-6943

GBatchelder@GoLyon.com

GregBatchelder.com

Patti Martinez

Lyon Real Estate DRE# 00588974 | SAR (916) 768-3157 pmartinez@golyon.com pattimartinez.net

Russ Teague

DRE# 5500973 | SAR

Lyon Real Estate Senior Executive Associate (916) 802-1489

SHarrold@GoLyon.com

SusanHarroldhomes.com

Hard work & commitment to my clients’ best interest has allowed me to be a top Fair Oaks agent. For 20+ years I’ve been blessed to work with great people who trust me to guide them through one of the most monumental times of their lives. Having the opportunity to work with so many great people has resulted in my business growing into a thriving real estate team. As a team, all members share the same commitment to our clients but we are now able to utilize our individual strengths and then work together to ensure the best outcome. We look forward to providing personal professional service to new & loyal clients.

RE/MAX Gold

DRE# 01297999 | SAR

(916) 531-7124

Becky@TeamLund.com

www.TeamLund.com

eXp Realty of California

DRE# 01472899 | PCAR, EDCAR, SAR (916) 716-9046

danamillersells@yahoo.com

www.agentdana.com

Diez & Sigg Properties DRE# 01394997 | SAR (916) 206-9902

RussTeagueRealtor@gmail.com

RussTeagueHomes.com

Andy

DRE# 01227077 | SAR

Lyon Real Estate (916) 230-3778

AThielen@GoLyon.com

www.AThielen.GoLyon.com

Melissa Marie Allman

Becky Lund

Susan Harrold

Thielen

Greg Batchelder

Dana Miller

Sierra Oaks Neighborhood Expert

Tanya Curry, REALTOR®

Sierra Oaks & Sierra Oaks Vista, Wilhaggin, Del Dayo

As the American River weaves its way from Folsom Lake to downtown Sacramento it makes a scenic backyard for many residents including those in Sierra Oaks, Wilhaggin and Del Dayo. Expansive lots, ranch-style homes and proximity to nature inspire residents to jump on their bikes, lace up their shoes, even pop in their kayaks and head to the 26-mile long treasure known as the American River Parkway. It’s here where Eppie’s Great Race got its start and Rio Del Oro draws athletes for tennis, pickleball, fitness and swimming. Jesuit and Rio Americano high schools attract families looking for an exceptional education experience and are close enough to the river that P.E. classes and track teams take advantage of the parkway trails. Great restaurants abound at The Pavilions and The UV and everything is close enough to downtown that you won’t need a freeway.

DRE# 01375328 (916) 698-9970

tcurry.golyon.com

Brandon and Mandy Shepard

As Owners of The Residence Real Estate Group, Brandon and Mandy Shepard have built their reputation through their incredible agent and client relationships. With local roots and a proven track record, they have a fiercely loyal dedication to every single transaction. Brandon also serves on the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® Masters Club Steering Committee. Both Brandon and Mandy are Certified Relocation Specialists. As a team, Mandy and Brandon are the REALTORS® you want to be sure to chat with to help answer the burning question, “Where will you reside?”

Mandy Shepard Broker/Owner

The Residence Real Estate Group

DRE# 01894353 | SAR | Continuing Life (916) 213-3013

mandyshepard@sbcglobal.net

www.theresidencere.com

Brandon Shepard Owner

The Residence Real Estate Group

DRE# 01701893 | SAR | Outstanding Life 916-479-1936

bshepard2@sbcglobal.net

Fair Oaks Area Specialist

Toddy Schultz

DRE# 01483530 | SAR Lyon Real Estate (916) 342-3573

tschultz@golyon.com

www.teamupwithtoddy.com

Terrie Hunt

Broker/Owner

River Ridge Realty

DRE# 01213387 | SAR (916) 663-6300

TerrieHunt@RiverRidgeRealty.net

www.RiverRidgeRealty.net

Sara Raudelunas

Sara is an accomplished REALTOR® eager to assist & deliver results with zealous integrity and a determined mindset. She has worked in Real Estate for more than 16 years and has a well-rounded understanding of the market in the Sacramento region. Working with Sara and Sotheby’s International Realty will prove to be the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

Nick Sadek Sotheby’s

DRE# 01442897 | SAR (916) 826-1500

sara@rgroupsells.com

Laura Miller

Keller Williams Realty Capital Valley DRE# 01504107 | SAR | (916) 718-5166

lauramiller@kw.com

www.lauramillerrealtor.com

Tammy Yu

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Elite Real Estate

Speaks Chinese, Mandarin and Cantonese DRE# 01365718 | SAR (916) 600-2098

tammyuus@yahoo.com

Traci Petersen

Coldwell Banker Realty DRE# 01267649 | SAR (916) 224 -1515

traci.petersen@cbnorcal.com

Making you feel like you’re her only client!

Victoria Witham

Witham Real Estate

DRE# 01456452 | SAR (916) 718-1751

Victoria@WithamRealEstate.com www.WithamRealEstate.com

Personable. Knowledgeable. Professional.

Scott Palmer

Scott Palmer Real Estate is authentically local. Reach out to lifelong Sacramento resident Scott Palmer, Broker/Owner, or one of his talented REALTOR® teammates to see how we can help you with your next real estate transaction. We know Sacramento! Experience, Integrity, Results.

LIFE | SAR | DRE# 01326834 (916) 838-0313

scott@scottpalmerrealestate.com

www.scottpalmerrealestate.com

Trey Bonetti

• Managing Broker

• Active REALTOR®

• Property Manager with over 300 units managed

• Real Estate School on site

• Serving the Greater Sacramento Area for over 30 years

Shaun Alston

Five Star Professional WINNER 2022/2023

Five Star’s winners stand out due to their excellences in overall client satisfaction and market knowledge. Specializing in all price ranges, this trend setter, top producing agent has been breaking records and was named No. 1 by Homelight listed in the Top 1% of all Agents in the region selling 76% more. Your search is over!

— WINNER- Top Dollar Seller — Top Sales Price to List Price Ratio

— WINNER - Buyer/Seller Volume — Highest $$$ Sales all Agents

— WINNER – Buyer Transaction Volume — Highest Number of Transactions

DRE# 01191824 | SAR, South Lake Tahoe Association of REALTORS®

Bay Area Association of REALTORS®, Eagle Realty (916) 698-4646

shaunalston@landmarkeagle.com

www.EagleRealty.org

• Masters Club Outstanding Life Member

• Relocation Services, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

Cook Realty 4305 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, 95822 DRE# 00999899 (916) 768-9360

trey@cookrealty.net

www.cookrealty.net

Tom Harvey

With extensive knowledge of the Greater Sacramento Area real estate market and deep roots in the community, I have a solid reputation for representing Buyers, Sellers, and Seniors with a simple goal in mind—create a client relationship and successful transaction based on skill, results, integrity and trust.

Coldwell Banker Realty DRE# 01864883 (916) 599-3018

www.tomandnancyharvey.com

Broker DRE# 01749720 | SAR

Galster Real Estate Group (916) 743-6611

cynthia@realestatesinger.com

www.realestatesinger.com

CJ LYNCH

CJ LYNCH IS AN INDUSTRY TRIPLE-THREAT POWERHOUSE WITH AN OUTSTANDING TRACK RECORD IN RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND LAND TRANSACTIONS. HIS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE HAS EARNED HIM NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND HAS BEEN NAMED A TOP PRODUCING REALTOR® AMONG NEARLY A MILLION AGENTS IN THE NATION. IN ADDITION, CJ HAS BEEN ACCREDITED AS A TOP PRODUCING AGENT ACROSS SACRAMENTO, EL DORADO HILLS AND PLACER COUNTIES. MOST RECENTLY CJ HAS ALSO BEEN FEATURED IN SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE AS THE “FACE OF SACRAMENTO REAL ESTATE”.

CJ UTILIZES HIS BACKGROUND AS AN EDUCATOR AND HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT TO CAREFULLY STRATEGIZE EACH TRANSACTION. THUS, HE HAS THE UNIQUE ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATE DEALS FOR FIRST-TIME, LUXURY, OR LAND BUYERS.

CJ IS THE FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF RED DOG REAL ESTATE.

Margo Reid Brown

Lyon Real Estate New | SAR DRE# 02031538 (916) 716-8713

mbrown@golyon.com

eXp Realty DRE# 01828462 | SAR (916) 595-5704

Sonya@SonyaDixon.com

www.SonyaDixon.com

David Sirsi

“Thank You” to every one of my clients, friends and family. Without you, the success attained over the past 39 years would not have been possible. It has been a pleasure being able to “SRVU1ST”.

• Presidential Outstanding Life Member

• Top 10% -30 Years +

• Sacramento Magazine Five Star REALTOR® 2013-2017

Senior Executive Associate

Lyon Real Estate

DRE# 01369531 | SAR (916) 719-6381

LAUBLE@golyon.com

www.LisaAuble.com

DRE# 02013954 | SAR (916) 704-5101

Nelson@TeamLund.com

www.TeamLund.com

David Sirsi Real Estate | EXP Realty of California

DRE# 00654342 | SAR PCAR (916) 988-6600

David@DavidSirsi.com

www.DavidSirsi.com

Sonya Dixon

Cynthia Woods

Lisa Auble

Nelson Lund

Angelique Marriott

Angelique has been servicing buyers, sellers, and investors in their real estate needs for 37 years. Her real estate knowledge is unsurpassed, along with her compassion to place the needs and best interest of her clients above all else. Angelique built her real estate business on trust, integrity, and transparency. She serves the Greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties. She has been awarded the Five Star Professional for 2022-2023, and is a member of Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, California Association of REALTORS®, National Association of REALTORS®, and Luxury Homes. Angelique is a strong believer in Knowledge is Power, and she is Certified in Probate Sells, Foreclosure and Short Sales, and Negotiations. In her spare time she volunteers as a CASA, (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Foster Youth. She is a mentor and voice in the court for foster youth. Angelique enjoys ballroom dancing, walks in nature, reading, the beach, and above all spending time with her Grandchildren.

Lorisa M. Sherwood

Windermere Granite Bay Realtors

DRE# 01811573

(916) 204-8400

HomesWithLorisa.com

J Corey Eames

Corey builds client trust through transparent, clear, consistent communication, and patience, allowing the client to be the driving force in achieving their real estate goals. Leading with integrity and an intentional approach, Corey works tirelessly to do what is best for his clients. He attributes his success to his clients—their trust, their patience, and their curiosity are what allows him to continue pursuing his passion of helping buyers and sellers build and capitalize on the tremendous wealth-building potential of real estate.

eXp Realty of California

DRE# 01744482

PCAR (916) 469-5102

www.coreyeames.exprealty.com

Pam Crawford

DRE# 01327114

Lyon Real Estate (916) 849-2167

PCrawford@Golyon.com

www.PCrawford.GoLyon.com

Venise Taa e

Venise Taa e is a top-performing agent at Keller Williams Realty, and is passionate about helping her clients achieve their buying and selling goals. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, and has built a reputation for her uncompromising integrity, excellent negotiation skills, and dedication to her clients throughout the entire process. She has been buying and selling homes in the greater Sacramento area for over 22 years, and has extensive knowledge of the local market. Venise ran a successful business in the Bay Area, and has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who Women In Business.

NEW

| PCAR | DRE# 02022383

Keller Williams Realty

(916) 660-6775

SoldbyVenise@gmail.com

I’ve had the pleasure of serving wonderful clients throughout California in my real estate career. Every client is important to me, and I strive to provide excellent service and attention to every client. During a lifechanging transaction, the little details matter the most. I aim to be the source of information and professional advice for customers unsure of what steps are necessary. Let me help you achieve your goals.

I am fluent in French and Portuguese.

Claudia Vyhmeister

com

Top producing REALTOR® with 20 + years of experience in the industry

Assisting buyers, sellers, investors, military families

Single family existing homes, condos, land, new homes

Trusts & Probate

Lyon Real Estate | Hablo Español DRE# 01393964 | PCAR (916) 765-9730

seeclaudia4homes.com

inside: Concerts, festivals, art and more! 0623

Summertime Fun

June is bustin’ out all over with things to do—as are July and August! Here are 20 top picks.

BY KARI L. ROSE PARSELL

THROUGH JULY 28

Rock the Park—

On Friday nights, May through July, Downtown Sac is the place to be for Concerts in the Park

For 30 years, the free concert series has drawn big, appreciative crowds for its eclectic mix of local and national artists and DJs and its spirited, hometown vibe. A beer and wine garden and food vendors add to Friyayfestive atmosphere. At Cesar Chavez Park. godowntownsac.com

THROUGH SEPT. 13

Park Perk—Wednesday evenings just picked up! Picnic in the Park returned to Central Park in Davis in mid-May after a three-year pandemic pause. Folks come from all over to attend this free, weekly gathering to shop the famed food stalls of Davis Farmers Market and enjoy food vendors, wine and beer, kids’ activities and an inspired lineup of live bands. davisfarmersmarket.org

JUNE 9 – 11

Vive le Cinéma!—

Immerse yourself in le cinéma français at the 22nd Sacramento French Film Festival. Enjoy eight feature films, each preceded by a short film, all with English subtitles. The festival kicks off with a DJ’d party and a screening of “The Night of the 12th,” winner of six 2023 Césars (French Oscars), including best director and best film. At Tower Theatre. sacramentofrenchfi lm festival.org

Let It Glow—The

Water Lantern Festival brings people together to illuminate the darkness. Attendees decorate floating rice-paper lanterns, then launch their glowing lit lanterns by the hundreds onto the water at dusk, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Music, vendors and food trucks round out the experience. At Gibson Ranch Regional Park. waterlanternfestival.com

JUNE 10 – 11

Out and About—

Get your pride on at the Sacramento Pride Festival , the city’s LGBTQ+ Pride celebration saluting queer community, achievement and activism. Join 20,000 festivalgoers for music, entertainment, dancing, vendors, community groups, inclusive zones and family activities. Top it off with the rainbowfilled Pride March on Sunday. At Capitol Mall. sacramentopride.org

Sacramento French Film Festival

Sacramento Pride Festival

Above left: Wendy Weitzel; middle left: The Night of the 12th/Unifrance; above right: Mickey Morrow

Picnic in the Park

Concerts in the Park

Water Lantern Festival

Art Revival—Second Saturdays in Midtown is back! Explore midtown’s myriad cultural offerings, by day and night, on special second Saturdays of the month. Partake in art gallery openings and receptions, family art experiences at Muir and Fremont parks, the Midtown Farmers Market, pop-up art and music performances, specials at midtown restaurants and after-parties. exploremidtown.org

Center Stage—What would summer be without Music Circus , Sacramento’s summer stock theater-in-the-round that has staged Broadway hits since 1951? On tap:

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” June 13–18;

“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” June 27–July 2; “The Music Man,” July 11–16; “The Addams Family,” July 25–30; “Ragtime,” Aug. 8–13; “Rent,” Aug. 22–27. At UC Davis Pavilion. broadwaysacramento.com

Music to

Our Ears—Savor the sounds of mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo and bass at the 48th Annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival . Headlined by 2023 Grammy-winning guitarist Molly Tuttle and her band, Golden Highway, the festival features top bluegrass artists, free workshops, jam sessions, kids’ programs and more. At Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. fathersdayfestival.com

Free at Last— Celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, at the 20th annual Sacramento Juneteenth Festival

Enjoy a host of activities: gospel under the stars, a fair with community groups, entertainment, vendors, health/wellness and arts/education pavilions, a golf tournament and more. At William Land Park. sacramento juneteenthinc.org

Midsummer

Magic—Dress up the kids (and yourselves!) in fairy finery and Ren Faire garb for Fairytale Town’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy. Evening festivities include live entertainment, hands-on activities, a marketplace and all-you-can-eat ice cream at tasting stations throughout the children’s storybook-themed playpark. At William Land Park. fairytaletown.org

Left above: Gabriel Teague; left below: John Woodworth; below right: Kevin Graft

Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival

Music Circus

Fairytale Town’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy

Second Saturdays in Midtown

Sacramento Juneteenth Festival

Fairest of Them

All—Funnel cakes and fried pickles on a stick? Yes, please! Get your fair-food fix and more at this year’s CA State Fair & Food Festival . With fun to fancy food and drink, carnival rides, daily entertainment and nightly concerts, plus esports and new exhibits (we’re talkin’ wild science, wizards and dragons!), the fair offers something for everyone. At Cal Expo. calexpostatefair.com

JULY 15

Triple Treat—Kick your weekend warrior skills into high gear at the third Great American Triathlon . Athletes of all ages and abilities come out in full, friendly force to run, bike and paddle (but not swim) the American River Parkway in this hometown competition, following the route of Eppie’s Great Race—the popular triathlon that ended its 45-year run in 2018. greatamericantriathlon.com

JULY 28 – 30

Some Enchanted

Evening—For a magical night under the stars, head to the 34th Annual Strauss Festival of Elk Grove. Watch beautifully costumed dancers waltz, quadrille and polka on an outdoor stage to a live orchestra performing works by Austrian composer Johann Strauss. The free festival is an Old World celebration that never grows old. At Elk Grove Regional Park. straussfestival.com

Go Bananas—Baseball will never be the same, thanks to the Savannah Bananas Playing Banana Ball (their zany, circus style of play, guided by the mantra “make baseball fun”), the team sells out every game and has become a TikTok sensation. On tour, the Bananas bring their cheer squads, pep band and on-field antics— dancing, kilts, stilts—to Sutter Health Park. the savannahbananas.com

Clowning

Around—Prepare to be wowed by the athleticism, agility, humor and grace of the world’s most celebrated circus performers in Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo.” A Sacramento premiere, “Corteo” is classic CDS, featuring comedic yet poignant clowns, thrilling acrobatics, tumbling and juggling, haunting live music, and ethereal costumes and sets. At Golden 1 Center. golden1center.com

elow right: Maja Prgomet

CA State Fair & Food Festival

Great American Triathlon

Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo”

Strauss Festival of Elk Grove

Savannah Bananas

AUG. 19 – 20

In Full Blume—

When spring’s still-flooded fields forced a date change, Sol Blume music festival didn’t miss a beat, retaining top R&B, soul and hip-hop artists and expanding its lineup for an epic summer concert experience. The all-ages fest features headliners Brent Faiyaz and Kehlani, plus Ella Mai, Teyana Taylor, Jessie Reyez, Isaiah Rashad, Chloe and more. At Discovery Park. solblume.com

AUG. 26

Art Moves— Get exercise and entertained all at once at the 24th Annual Race for the Arts . Come run, walk, jog or jeté the 5K in support of your favorite local arts organizations while being treated to live music and dance performances all along the route. The event kicks off with kids’ fun runs and wraps up with a free arts festival. At William Land Park. raceforthearts.com

Dress To Express

Put on your finest cosplay frocks and flock to Sac Anime Summer 2023

The pop-culture convention, which attracts thousands of anime and manga devotees, provides a weekend full of cosplay, gaming, contests, art, music and exhibitors, plus celebrity anime voice actors, ready to grant autographs and photo-ops. At SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. sacanime.com

All That Jazz—Long for the sounds of the ol’ Sacramento Jazz Jubilee? The eighth annual Hot Jazz Jubilee may be just the ticket. Revel in live performances of jazz in its many forms—early, straight-ahead, New Orleans, swing, zydeco— along with some rock ’n’ roll and R&B for good measure, at multiple venues, all under one roof.

At DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. hotjazzjubilee.com

Art Underfoot—

Watch chalk artists transform the sidewalks of midtown’s Fremont Park into incredible, if ephemeral, works of art at the 33rd Chalk It Up! Chalk Art & Music Festival . A Labor Day Weekend tradition, the free, family-friendly art fest is a feast for the senses, also offering artisans and makers, food and drink vendors, and a fabulous lineup of local bands. chalkitup.org

SacAnime

Race for the Arts

Hot Jazz Jubilee

Chalk It Up! Chalk Art & Music Festival

Sol Blume

PREMIERE PREMIERE

AUGUST 22 - 27

YOUR GUIDE TO SENSATIONAL GAMING IN THE SACRAMENTO REGION

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

Sacramento at Fire Mountain

Are you ready to press play on summer fun? Visit Sacramento’s hottest casino. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, just 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento, the Airport, and Roseville. Be ready to rock!

The casino offers world-class gaming and Hard Rock’s signature, high octane style. There are plenty of ways to play 24/7, with all your favorite card games, roulette, craps, and 1,400 of the hottest, newest slots and video poker machines with jackpots as high as $250,000. The 60 table games offer a casino like no other in the region. What’s your pleasure? There’s Double and Single Deck Pitch Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Tiles, Three-Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and a variety of so many more games to choose from. California Craps features two dice, six cards, and the in-roll excitement of hop bets. In the beautiful Asian Gaming area, you can enjoy Midi Baccarat, Face Up Pai Gow, and Tiles. You’ll rack up Comp Dollars while playing slots and table games, so be sure to sign up for the Unity card program. For a glamorous VIP experience, test your luck in the high-limit room; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain is happy to accommodate the highest of high rollers.

Take your entertainment experience to the next level at Hard Rock Live, our new intimate, cutting edge audio-visual entertainment venue. Since opening in 2022, Hard Rock Live has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment like Maroon 5, Pitbull, Chris Rock, Sting, George Lopez, and many more. Hard

Rock Live serves as a flexible event center with the capability to host a multitude of programs including live shows, a variety of premier sporting events like boxing and MMA, meetings and trade shows, galas and more. Hosting over 70 shows a year, the venue features up to 2,500 seats or over 3,500 occupants for general admission, with no spectator further than 140 feet from the stage. The destination offers a second-level mezzanine with VIP skyboxes and balcony seating, creating an intimate setting that offers some of the most compelling experiences and sightlines in the market.

Relax after gaming at the 169-room modern luxury hotel. Take advantage of Hard Rock’s exclusive “Sound of Your Stay” free amenities package menu. You can get free access to record players and your favorite vinyl in your room and can even borrow a guitar in case you want to play your favorite tune! Tracks, another unique Hard Rock amenity, allows you to download or stream curated music playlists perfect for working out at Body Rock, chilling by the pool, or spending a romantic evening inside.

Council Oak Steak & Seafood, signature restaurant and winner of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, provides upscale cuisine in a chic and comfortable atmosphere. Upon entering the restaurant, guests can peer into the Butcher Shop through a glass wall. This is where the steaks are personally selected, cut, and branded for you. This expertly maintained, climate-controlled environment also features dry-age coolers and pink Himalayan salt brick walls where 100% U.S.D.A. primal cuts are aged between 21 and 28 days for extra flavor.

The Messi Burger (a Hard Rock exclusive!) is waiting for you at the Hard Rock Café. It’s the latest innovation in Hard Rock International’s “LIVE GREATNESS” campaign in partnership with global soccer legend Lionel Messi. Fresh Harvest Buffet offers all-you-can-eat whole lobster & crab along with a carving station, gourmet Asian recipes, and delicious desserts Friday through Sunday. YouYu Noodle Bar dishes up fresh, delicious Vietnamese pho, Shrimp Pad Thai, and satisfying Dim Sum and Chinese specialty noodle dishes and stir fries. If nightlife is your jam, Center Bar is the heartbeat, the place to see and be seen. Choose from a variety of domestic and imported beers or taste a signature cocktail, like the Hurricane and the classic Caribbean mojito. For a taste of refinement, sip elevated cocktails or enjoy half-price wine bottles on Thursdays at the Council Oak bar. Take a little piece of Hard Rock home from The Rock Shop, find all the signature Hard Rock goodies you won’t find anywhere else. Pick up something to remember your trip by and keep the good times rollin’ well after you leave. Remember to check out the $1,000,000 Memorabilia collection from some of the biggest rock legends in history. Hosting a corporate meeting or a private event shouldn’t be stuffy and boring; they should rock. Whether you’re hosting an intimate board meeting, a wedding, or a largescale conference, give your guests something to cheer about at a venue with over 10,000 square feet of meeting space that will impress. On your way out, enjoy exclusive discounts at Rocktane Gas & Smoke, Hard Rock’s signature gas station and smoke shop. Being a rock star has its privileges.

THRILLS AT EVERY TURN

Expect epic excitement around every corner when you play, stay, and dine at Northern California’s premier destination. A world-class hotel, luxurious spa, thrilling casino gaming action, top-tier amenities, the hottest entertainment in town and so much more are yours for the taking, everywhere you turn.

GETAWAY SACRAMENTO

STONES GAMBLING HALL

From the moment you walk in, you can feel the distinction. Stones isn’t your average casino. Meet Mike Love: A Stones team member who’s been with us since day one and a perfect example of what makes us so special.

Stones Gambling Hall radiates the intimate charm of a casual house game while exuding sophistication and energy through its experienced staff, sleek surroundings, and high stakes winnings. You’ll feel right at home as you sit down to play with your friendly dealer who remembers your name as they welcome you to your position brimming with potential. Place your bets on this 24/7 feeling of possibility as you stack your chips in two state-of-theart card rooms offering CA Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow, Three Card Poker, Spanish 21, Texas Hold’em, and Omaha. Just steps away, Sammy’s Restaurant & Bar offers a convenient dining retreat to those looking to take a break from the action or table service to the ones whose heads are forever in the game. Lucky Boba is also nearby to fuel your hand that never stops with a menu of caffeinated favorites. So, if you’re looking to upgrade from just a game to an intimate card room experience, swing by to say hi to Mike and let Stones deal you in.

COLUSA CASINO RESORT

Colusa Casino Resort offers an experience tailored to you! At Colusa Casino Resort, you’ll feel at home in the safe and comfortable accommodations our guests have come to know and love. We invite you to be more than just a number, from our generous Loyalty Rewards Program to our customized guest service interactions. Stop by for a day of fun and stay the night at the River Valley Lodge, your favorite local getaway!

With your choice of more than 1,200 of the hottest slot machines and the best in Table Games, there’s plenty of opportunity to Win Big!

High-Stakes Bingo, played four days a week, features the $175,000 Blackout Jackpot, the largest Bingo Jackpot in Northern California! Regardless of experience, it’s perfect for single players, couples and large groups. You’ll always have the opportunity to yell BINGO!

Visit The Branded Butcher, Colusa Casino Resort’s new American Chop House, offering hand-cut steaks, burgers, and ribs. Executive Chef Joel brings great passion and flavor to all dining outlets, expressing his vision through exceptional menu options with an emphasis on quality.

Visit ColusaCasino.com for our list of upcoming shows and entertainment!

GETAWAY SACRAMENTO

Have Your Druthers

How do you build a better pancake? At DRUTHERS COFFEE & WAFFLES , the answer is easy: Just add sweet potato. This sweet little shop in East Sac’s Sutter Park development serves gluten-free, vegan waffles whose star ingredient is better known as a Thanksgiving side than a breakfast main. The waffles come in three flavors: plain, peaches and cream, and coffee cake. Add a cup of Druthers coffee (hot or cold) made with chicory syrup and cream for a Southerninspired morning treat . 533 53rd St.; drutherssutterpark.com

inside: Busy, Busy, Busy / Father Knows Best

AT AN AGE WHEN MOST PEOPLE HAVE BEEN RETIRED FOR YEARS IF NOT DECADES, GEORGEANNE BRENNAN SHOWS ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.

Georgeanne Brennan

A Woman in Full

BY MARYBETH BIZJAK

Georgeanne Brennan is fetching groceries from her car as I pull up to her Winters farmhouse for a visit. When I offer to help, Georgeanne starts to give me a bag, then changes her mind. “I’ll take the heavy one,” she says, placing a much lighter sack into my arms.

The prolific cookbook author and renowned food expert turned 80 in May, but she’s clearly capable of toting heavy bags—and much more. In the past year alone, she opened an apéritif tasting bar in Winters, finished writing a cookbook, became a recipe developer for Kermit Lynch’s wine club, accepted a commission to create a collection of small artworks for Pottery Barn Teen, traveled to France, cruised the Mediterranean, penned travel stories for the Napa Valley Register and started a blog. For the past few months, she’s also been sorting through and organizing her papers for donation to the UC Davis Library Archives.

Dropping the groceries off in the kitchen, we move into her cozy sitting room and settle in. The first thing I do is apologize sheepishly for asking her how it feels to turn 80. “That’s all right,” she says briskly. “I’ve come to terms with it.”

At an age when most people have been retired for years if not decades, Brennan shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. The past year has been particularly rewarding, both personally and professionally, for her: Last June, she opened L’Apéro les Trois with Berryessa Gap’s winemaker, Nicole Salengo, and its president and COO, Corinne Martinez.

Apéritifs have long been one of Brennan’s many interests. Many years ago, when she lived in France with her first husband and their toddler, neighbors would invite them over for local wine that they infused with lemon. She then began making her own French farmhouse-style apéritif wines, and in 1997 she wrote the cookbook “Aperitif: Recipes for Simple Pleasures in the French Style.”

During the pandemic, Brennan and Salengo (a friend) started musing about making apéritifs with Berryessa Gap wines. Using Brennan’s recipes and fruits and nuts sourced from local orchards, they whipped up their first batches in Mason jars. The results were good enough that they went to Martinez with samples and a business plan to sell a few cases through the winery. But Martinez had another idea: to turn a building she owned in downtown Winters into a French-style tasting room serving the apéritifs,

which come in six flavors: Meyer lemon, rosemary orange, Blenheim apricot, green walnut, homestead quince and black Mission fig.

Aside from a short stint in a doughnut shop when she was 16, Brennan had never worked in a restaurant, let alone owned one. Her main claim to fame is her cookbooks: more than 30 of them, many of them written for Williams-Sonoma and a large number of them related to her life in and love for France. Her book “Food and Flavors of Provence” won a James Beard Award; “Aperitif” was honored with a Julia Child award.

At L’Apéro, she creates the recipes and writes the promo materials and website content, including a monthly blog. “I’m kind of the creative director,” she explains. Her food menu is straightforward and French, featuring nibbles that go well with the apéritifs: black olive tapenade; Skyhill Farms goat cheese served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of herbes de Provence; Mt Tam cheese baked in a mini casserole dish; and a seasonal pate such as smoked trout with Meyer lemon.

Brennan also comes up with the menus and recipes for the ticketed five-course dinners held at L’Apéro every other month, which sell out quickly and focus on one of the tasting room’s apéritif flavors. For the orange-centric dinner in April, the meal included beet and orange salad, grilled lamb with orange marmalade, and orange almond olive oil cake. “L’Apéro has allowed me the opportunity to do things I excel at, one of which is thinking up things,” Brennan says. She seemingly has no trouble thinking up things to do. Right now, she’s planning a trip to Ireland and looking forward to the publication of her new book, “Pistachios: Savory and Sweet Recipes Inspired by World Cuisines,” in the fall. And of course she still cooks every day. “There’s always something to do,” she says.

L’Apero les Trois will hold its next dinner, Celebrating the Apricot, on June 12. Tickets are $165 and include tax, tip, and wine and cocktail pairings. The August dinner, Celebrating the Fig, will be held Aug. 21. For tickets or more information, go to laperolestrois.com.

At 80, cookbook author Georgeanne Brennan is still creating.

Origin Story

A STINT IN JAPAN WAS THE SPARK BEHIND CRAIG TAKEHARA’S BINCHOYAKI.

BY CATHERINE WARMERDAM

How did Craig Takehara, a JFK High School grad who grew up in the Pocket neighborhood eating “nostalgic dishes” like his mother’s version of goulash, end up a James Beard Award nominee with a wildly popular Sacramento restaurant? He has his dad to thank.

“I was living on my own at age 19 when he made me an appointment at a culinary school that he’d seen on a work trip to LA,” recalls Takehara. “I was like, ‘Dad, what are you doing? Why are you making me this appointment?’

But I checked it out and ultimately enrolled. I hated sitting at a desk and was always good with my hands, so cooking was a good outlet for me. Without even really trying, I ended up one of the top five students in my class.”

At culinary school, Takehara not only perfected his beurre blanc but also m et his future wife, Tokiko Sawada. “She’s a chef in her own right and definitely more well-rounded than I am,” he says.

The couple toiled in restaurants around Southern California for several years, managing kitchens and dreaming about the type of place they’d open someday.

Takehara did turns at several white-tablecloth establishments but ultimately decided that his heart wasn’t in fine din-

ing. It was during a cooking stint in Japan in 2005 that he found his calling. “Seeing how they did barbecue there and the culture of the food was exciting. That really stuck with me. I liked the casualness of it,” says Takehara.

Finally, in 2016, he and Sawada opened Binchoyaki, a barbecue-centric izakaya restaurant in Sacramento’s relocated Japantown. (The city’s original Japantown was destroyed in the 1950s, the victim of redevelopment.) The small-plates format and the thrill of cooking over hot coals suited Takehara.

“I’m not a big-entrée kind of an eater,” he explains. “I like to pick at different things, and there was nothing like Binchoyaki in Sacramento at the time. What we make here is almost like what my mother’s or my grandmother’s food was to me: soul food, comfort food, unpretentious but with good flavors.”

Diners soon fell in love with what Takehara and Sawada had created (inventive dishes served in a low-key setting), and so did big players in the local hospitality scene. “In the days when we stayed open late, we used to get a rush of industry people coming in after their shift—executive chefs, bartenders, general managers,” says Takehara. “It was a bit nerve-wracking, but it was also the biggest compliment to have their support. I’d much rather have that than a Michelin recommendation or a James Beard award.”

Building upon the success of Binchoyaki, Takehara and Sawada recently opened a takeout-only ghost kitchen, Kizuna by Binchoyaki, at The Line near Sacramento State. “It’s a smaller menu for now with none of the barbecue items,” he says, “but we’ll be expanding as we’re able.”

Although the James Beard nomination did not materialize into an award, Takehara is content. “It’s nice to get some recognition for the hard work that we do, and it’s good for Sacramento. We’re just so happy to be part of the restaurant scene here.”

“I HATED SITTING AT A DESK AND WAS ALWAYS GOOD WITH MY HANDS, SO COOKING WAS A GOOD OUTLET FOR ME.”

Dine

As a reader service, Sacramento Magazine offers the following list of noteworthy restaurants in the Sacramento region. This is not intended to be a complete directory, and not all restaurants profiled appear every month. Before heading to a restaurant, call or check its website to make sure it’s open.

ARDEN

BENNETT’S AMERICAN COOKING At this neighborhood hangout, the food is like homemade, only better: things like braised short rib with mashed potatoes, lasagna Bolognese and chicken enchiladas. There’s something for every taste, from avocado toast to prime rib (weekends only). 2232 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 515-9680; bennettsamericancooking. com. L–D–Br. American. $$$

CAFE BERNARDO AT PAVILIONS The menu offers straightforward fare guaranteed to please just about everyone. Breakfast includes huevos rancheros and French toast, while lunch and dinner feature pizzas, burgers and entrees such as pan-seared chicken breast. 515 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2870; cafe bernardo.com. B–L–D. New American. $$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY Go for the ice cream, all made on the premises and used in shakes, malts and towering sundaes. 2333 Arden Way; (916) 920-8382; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $

LEMON GRASS RESTAURANT This chic eatery serves delicious, upscale Asian fare such as salad rolls, green curry and catfish in a clay pot. Everything tastes fresh, light and clean. 601 Munroe St.; (916) 486-4891; lemongrassrestaurant.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $$$

THE KITCHEN Part supper club, part theatrical production: This is like no other restaurant in Sacramento, and it’s Michelin starred. You need to make reservations months in advance for the multi-course dinner. The food is complex and mind-blowingly creative. 2225 Hurley Way; (916) 568-7171; the kitchenrestaurant.com. D. American. $$$$

WILDWOOD RESTAURANT & BAR At this restaurant, New American and global cuisine shares the menu with an all-American burger. The spacious patio is a great place to grab a drink and listen to live music. 556 Pavilions Lane; (916) 922-2858; wildwoodpa vilions.com. L–D–Br. American/global fusion. $$$

ZÓCALO This Mexican restaurant is one of the best places to while away an evening with friends over margaritas. The menu has regional Mexican specialties such as tacos de cazuela, a casserole-ish concoction of steak, chorizo and cheese served with house-made tortillas. 466 Howe Ave.; (916) 2520303; experiencezocalo.com. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$

BROADWAY

ANDY NGUYEN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT This bastion of Buddhist-inspired vegetarian cuisine serves food that is fresh and flavorful. 2007 Broadway; (916) 736-1157; andynguyenvegetarian.com. L–D. Vegetarian/Asian. $

SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE Choose from an array of appetizers and hot items along with crowd-pleasing side dishes and pizza. This high-quality takeout food can be a real lifesaver on nights when you’re

too busy to cook. 915 Broadway; (916) 732-3390; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$

TOWER CAFE This place is a hot spot on weekend mornings. Regulars swear by the New Mexico blueberry cornmeal pancakes and the thick-cut, custardy French toast. Breakfast is all-American, but lunch and dinner have a global flavor. 1518 Broadway; (916) 441-0222; towercafe.com. B–L–D. World fusion. $$

CARMICHAEL

D’MILLER’S FAMOUS BBQ Ribs, hot links, tri-tip and more are served with traditional accompaniments such as cornbread, coleslaw and baked beans. The food is simple and hearty this casual eatery. 7305 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 974-1881. L–D. Barbecue. $$

MATTEO’S PIZZA & BISTRO The menu is compact, and there’s no skimping on first-rate ingredients. The pizza crust is damned good, attaining that chewy-crispy-airy trifecta. You also can order pasta, steak or a burger. 5132 Arden Way; (916) 779-0727; pizzamatteo.com. L–D. Pizza/American. $$

CAPAY

ROAD TRIP BAR & GRILL This family-friendly joint serves up classic roadhouse fare, from salads and sandwiches to burgers and chops. 24989 State Highway 16; (530) 796-3777; roadtripbg.com. B–L–D. American. $–$$

CITRUS HEIGHTS

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden.” 7910 Antelope Road; (916) 729-4021; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ i ce cream. $

CURTIS PARK

PANGAEA BIER CAFE While it’s known as a beer cafe and bottle shop, this casual spot also serves up tasty bar food, including a burger that has taken home top honors more than once at Sacramento Burger Battle. 2743 Franklin Blvd.; (916) 454-4942; pan gaeabiercafe.com. L–D. American. $$

Zócalo’s tacos

DAVIS

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

This hip sushi bar serves its sushi with a side of sass. The dense menu offers appetizers, rice bowls, bento boxes and sushi rolls. 500 First St.; (530) 756-2111; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

OSTERIA FASULO This restaurant has a beautiful outdoor courtyard, and the menu is proudly Italian, with wonderful pastas and robust meat dishes. Try the vanilla panna cotta for dessert. 2657 Portage Bay East; (530) 758-1324; osteriafasulo.com. L–D. Italian. $$$–$$$$

PASTE THAI This hidden gem, located in a busy strip mall, offers the cleanest, freshest Thai around. Everything is made in-house, including the pastes that go into the exquisite curries. 417 Mace Blvd.; (530) 564-7051. L–D. Thai. $$

SEASONS This attractive, upscale restaurant showcases seasonal products; the menu changes every three months. Pizzas are great; so are the bountiful salads. But you’ll find the kitchen’s real talent in its creative appetizers and limited entrees. 102 F St.; (530) 750-1801; seasonsdavis.com. L–D. New American. $$–$$$

DOWNTOWN

BINCHOYAKI Small plates of grilled meats, fish and vegetables are the stars at this izakaya-style restaurant. But you can also order ramen, tempura and other Japanese favorites. 2226 10th St.; (916) 4699448; binchoyaki.com. L–D. Japanese. $$–$$$

CAMDEN SPIT & LARDER This swank brasserie in a modern, glass-walled building near the Capitol appeals to lobbyists, lawyers and legislators with its gin-forward cocktails and a menu that’s an interesting mash-up of British chop-house classics, English schoolboy favorites and elevated pub fare. 555 Capitol Mall; (916) 619-8897; camdenspitandlarder. com. L–D. Steakhouse. $$$–$$$$

THE COCONUT ON T With Thai dishes made from fresh ingredients, this little restaurant is a popular spot for creative twists on staples such as pad thai or drunken noodles, as well as curries, rices and rolls. Sweet potato fries and fried calamari are house favorites, too. 1110 T St.; (916) 822-4665; coconutont. com. L–D. Thai. $

ECHO & RIG Situated in the lobby of The Sawyer hotel, this outpost of a Vegas steakhouse is sleek and unstuffy. Prices are considerably gentler than at most other steakhouses, but the quality of the meat is high. In addition to standard cuts like filet, NY steak and rib-eye, you’ll find butcher cuts such as hanger, bavette, skirt and tri-tip. 500 J St.; (877) 678-6255; echoandrig.com. B–L–D–Br. Steakhouse. $$$

ELLA This stunning restaurant is an elegant oasis compared to the gritty hustle and bustle outside. From the open kitchen, the staff turns out innovative dishes and old favorites. The emphasis is on seasonal and local. 1131 K St.; (916) 443-3772; elladin ingroomandbar.com. L–D. New American. $$$$

FOX & GOOSE PUBLIC HOUSE This tavern plates up some of the best breakfasts in town, along with pub staples like beer-battered fish and chips, Cornish pasty and Welsh rarebit. 1001 R St.; (916) 443-8825; foxandgoose.com. B–L–D. English pub. $–$$

FRANK FAT’S Downtown Sacramento’s oldest restaurant, Fat’s is a favorite of the Capitol crowd. The restaurant is well known for its steaks—especially Frank’s Style New York Steak—and its brandy-fried

chicken. This is Chinese cuisine at its most sophisticated. 806 L St.; (916) 442-7092; frankfats.com. L–D. Chinese. $$$

KODAIKO RAMEN & BAR This below-ground ramen shop takes the Japanese noodle soup to a whole new level. Ingredients are organic, and almost everything is made in-house. For a fun experience, sit at the six-person ramen counter and chat with the chefs. 718 K St.; (916) 426-8863; kodaikoramen.com. L–D–Br. Japanese/ramen. $$–$$$

MAGPIE CAFE This restaurant has a casual, unassuming vibe, and its hallmark is clean, simple fare that tastes like the best version of itself. 1601 16th St.; (916) 452-7594; magpiecafe.com. B–L–D. Californian. $$

MAJKA PIZZERIA + BAKERY This little takeout shop offers only one style of veggie pizza per day. But oh what a pizza it is! It features organic, whole-grain sourdough crust and toppings sourced from local farmers markets and small farms. When the weather’s nice, pick up a pizza and a bottle of natural wine and head across the street to Fremont Park for an alfresco meal. 1704 15th St.; (916) 572-9316; lovema jka.com. L–D. Pizza. $$

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

For description, see listing under “Davis.” 1530 J St.; (916) 447-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

THE 7TH STREET STANDARD Located inside the Hyatt Centric, this is an unabashedly big-city restaurant. Chef Ravin Patel’s menu has a modern California sensibility, using fresh ingredients, classic French techniques and a healthy dash of South Indian flavors.

1122 Seventh St.; (916) 371-7100; the7thstreetstan dard.com. B–L–D. Modern American. $$$

URBAN ROOTS BREWING & SMOKEHOUSE At this brewery, a massive smoker turns out succulent meats—brisket, ribs, turkey and sausage—in the tradition of the great barbecue houses of Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, yams and poblano cheese grits. Sit indoors or out at long picnic tables. 1322 V St.; (916) 706-3741; urbanrootsbrewing.com. L–D. Barbecue. $$

WILLOW Located in The Exchange hotel, this elegant restaurant specializes in southern Italian and Mediterranean Sea cuisine, with a focus on pastas (all made in-house). 1006 Fourth St.; (916) 938-8001; willowsacramento.com. B–L–D–Br. Italian. $$$

EAST SACRAMENTO

ALLORA Modern Italian fare with a heavy seafood bent is the focus at this sophisticated eatery. Tasting menus come in three, four and five courses, with caviar service and in-season truffles offered at an additional cost. Extensive vegetarian and vegan options are also available. 5215 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 538-6434; allorasacramento.com. D. Italian. $$$$

CANON With Michelin-starred chef Brad Cecchi at the helm, this breezily chic restaurant offers an ambitious menu of globally inspired sharable plates. Much of the menu is vegetarian, vegan or gluten free, but you can also order from a small selection of hearty meat, poultry and fish dishes. 1719 34th St.; (916) 469-2433; canoneastsac.com. D–Br. Global/New American. $$$–$$$$

Echo & Rig’s tomahawk steak

THE HOUSE OF AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS The food here is simply first-rate. Everything from soups and salads to curries and stir-fries is made with care and precision. 4701 H St.; (916) 942-9008; thaiatsac. com. L–D. Thai. $$–$$$

KAU KAU Hawaiian soul food is on the menu here, with island faves such as loco moco, house-made Spam musubi and lomi-lomi salmon bowl. 855 57th St.; (916) 431-7043; kaukau916.com. L–D–Br. Hawaiian. $$

KRU Chef/owner Billy Ngo produces high caliber, exciting Japanese fare. The restaurant has a craft cocktail bar, outdoor patios and an omakase bar. (An omakase cocktail pairing is also available.) 3135 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 551-1559; krurestaurant.com. L–D. Japanese. $$$–$$$$

MATTONE RISTORANTE When Sacramento’s famed Biba restaurant closed its doors, a few alums struck out on their own to open this Italian eatery. It’s a worthy successor to Biba, serving freshly made pasta and classic Italian fare such as calamari fritti, veal marsala and chicken cooked under a brick. 5723 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 758-5557; mattonesac.com. L–D. Italian $$$–$$$$

THE GREEN ROOM This lounge from the owners of Bacon & Butter caters to the happy hour crowd with a menu of craft cocktails and noshy small plates such as roasted mushroom toast and cauliflower poppers. It’s fun food for a fun time of day. 3839 J St.; (916) 475-1801; thegreenroomsac.com. D. Gastropub. $$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE This local chain offers a comprehensive lineup of breakfast fare: omelets, Benedicts, crepes, waffles, burritos and, of course, mimosas. The rest of the menu is similarly broad,

with burgers, salads, grilled sandwiches and Mexican “street food.” 5641 J St.; (916) 400-4084; mimo sahouse.com. B–L. American. $$

OBO’ ITALIAN TABLE & BAR This casual Italian eatery is beautifully designed and efficiently run. There are hot dishes and cold salads behind the glass cases. But the stars of the menu are the freshly made pastas and wood-oven pizzas. There’s also a full bar. 3145 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 822-8720; oboitalian.com. L–D. Italian. $$

ONESPEED Chef Rick Mahan, who built his stellar reputation at The Waterboy in midtown, branched out with a more casual concept at his East Sac eatery. The bistro has a tiled pizza oven that cranks out chewy, flavorful pizzas. 4818 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 706-1748; onespeedpizza.com. B–L–D. Pizza. $$

ORIGAMI ASIAN GRILL This fast-casual eatery serves Asian-flavored rice bowls, banh mi, salads and ramen, along with killer fried chicken and assorted smokedmeat specials from a big smoker on the sidewalk. 4801 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 400-3075; origamiasian grill.com. L–D. Asian fusion. $–$$

SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE For description, see listing under Broadway. 5340 H St.; (916) 736-3333; sellands.com. L–D–Br. Gourmet takeout. $$

EL DORADO HILLS

AJI JAPANESE BISTRO This casually elegant restaurant offers an innovative menu of Japanese street food, interesting fusion entrees, traditional dishes such as teriyaki and tempura and—yes—sushi. There’s a short, approachable wine list, sakes and a full bar serving handcrafted cocktails. 4361 Town

Center Blvd.; (916) 941-9181;ajibistroedh.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $–$$

ALMIGHTY BISTRO This all-gluten-free restaurant has a large menu that includes salads, sandwiches, tapas and lots of meatless options. You’ll find bluefin tuna poke, kale Caesar salad, avocado toast on an everything bagel, grass-fed burgers, falafel, shiitake beans & rice—a tremendous variety for every dietary need. 4355 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 510-1204; al mightybistro.com. L–D–Br. Gluten-free global. $$

C. KNIGHT’S STEAKHOUSE An upscale dinner house serving steaks, chops and seafood, this restaurant offers classic American fare that’s stood the test of time. Make sure to order the Green Phunque, a tasty side dish that’s like creamed spinach on steroids. 2085 Vine St.; (916) 235-1730; cknightssteakhouse. com. D. American steakhouse. $$$$

MILESTONE This unstuffy eatery serves great takes on comfort-food classics like pot roast and fried chicken. It’s straightforward, without pretense or gimmickry. The setting is like a Napa country porch, and the service is warm and approachable. 4359 Town Center Blvd.; (916) 934-0790; milestoneedh. com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under East Sacramento, 2023 Vine St.; (916) 9340965; mimosahouse.com. B–L–D. American. $$

SIENNA RESTAURANT The menu includes a playful melange of global cuisine, including fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, stone-hearth pizzas, inventive appetizers and a stacked French dip sandwich. 1006 White Rock Road; (916) 941-9694; siennarestau rants.com. L–D–Br. Global. $$–$$$

ELK GROVE

BOULEVARD BISTRO Chef/owner Bret Bohlmann is a passionate supporter of local farmers and winemakers, and his innovative food sings with freshness and seasonality. 8941 Elk Grove Blvd.; (916) 6852220; blvdbistro.com. D–Br. New American. $$–$$$

JOURNEY TO THE DUMPLING This Elk Grove eatery specializes in Shanghai-style dumplings, along with Chinese dishes such as green onion pancakes, garlic green beans and salt-and-pepper calamari. 7419 Laguna Blvd.; (916) 509-9556; journeytothedump ling.com. L–D. Chinese. $$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden.” 8238 Laguna Blvd.; (916) 691-3334; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

For description, see listing under “Davis.” 8525 Bond Road; (916) 714-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

FAIR OAKS

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

For description, see listing under “Davis.” 4323 Hazel Ave.; (916) 961-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

SHANGRI-LA A fun restaurant reminiscent of Palm Springs in the ’50s, this Fair Oaks Village establishment boasts an expansive, retro resort-style patio and a menu teeming with beautiful, inventive cocktails. Come for Baja fish tacos, ahi poke or a towering burger, and find plenty of other vibrant dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients. 7960 Winding Way; (916) 241-9473; shangrilafairoaks.com. D. American. $$

Italian sausage pizza from OneSpeed

FOLSOM

BACCHUS HOUSE WINE BAR & BISTRO With a seasonal menu packed with innovative, globally influenced dishes, this restaurant has plenty to choose from. 1004 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 984-7500; bacchus housebistro.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$–$$$

CHICAGO FIRE Oodles of melted cheese blanket the pizzas that fly out of the kitchen of this busy restaurant. Here, you get to choose between thin-crust, deep-dish and stuffed pizzas. 310 Palladio Parkway; (916) 984-0140; chicagofire.com. L –D. Pizza. $

FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AND DIM SUM BAR The menu focuses on Asian cuisine, from Mongolian beef and Hong Kong chow mein to Thai chicken satay served with curry-peanut sauce. 2585 Iron Point Road; (916) 983-1133; fatsasiabistro.com. L–D. Pan-Asian. $$

LAND OCEAN The menu hits all the steakhouse high notes: hand-cut steaks, lobster, seafood and rotisserie, entree salads and sandwiches. 2720 E. Bidwell St.; (916) 983-7000; landoceanrestaurants.com. L–D–Br. New American/steakhouse. $$$–$$$$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under “East Sacramento.” 25075 Blue Ravine Road; (916) 293-9442; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American. $$

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ROUNDHOUSE This restaurant offers a solid menu of delicious seafood, from crab cakes and calamari to roasted lobster tail. 824 Sutter St.; (916) 989-6711; scottsseafoodroundhouse. com. L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$

GARDEN HIGHWAY

CRAWDADS ON THE RIVER This riverfront restaurant draws crowds looking to party on the water. The Cajun-inspired menu includes fish tacos and several fun entrees. 1375 Garden Highway; (916) 929-2268; saccrawdads.com. L–D–Br. Cajun/American. $$

THE VIRGIN STURGEON Best known for its seafood, this quirky floating restaurant is the quintessential Sacramento River dining experience. In summer, a cocktail pontoon is connected to the restaurant, where you can enjoy the breezy proximity to the water below. 1577 Garden Highway; (916) 921-2694; the virginsturgeon.com. L–D–Br. Seafood/American. $$

GRANITE BAY

HAWKS Known for its elegant cuisine, this restaurant features framed photos of farmscapes that remind diners of owners Molly Hawks and Michael Fagnoni’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu is full of delicious surprises, such as seared scallop and sea urchin. 5530 Douglas Blvd.; (916) 791-6200; hawksrestaurant. com. L–D–Br. New American/French. $$$–$$$$

GREENHAVEN/POCKET

CACIO The fare at this tiny restaurant is Italian comfort food, with an emphasis on pasta. Service is warm and homey, prices are gentle, and reservations (even at lunch) are a must. 7600 Greenhaven Drive; (916) 399-9309; caciosacramento.com. L–D. Italian. $$

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD ON THE RIVER Located in The Westin Sacramento, Scott’s has a patio and a view of the river. For dinner, splurge on a lobster tail or choose a more modestly priced grilled salmon. 4800 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 379-5959; scottsseafoodon theriver.com. B–L–D. Seafood. $$$–$$$$

LINCOLN

HIGH STEAKS This Thunder Valley Casino restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise, offering up everything from an 8-ounce prime filet to a 26-ounce bone-in New York steak. Side dishes range from sweet potato casserole to five-cheese macaroni. 1200 Athens Ave.; (916) 408-8327; thundervalleyresort.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$$

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY For description, see listing under “Arden.” 610 Twelve Bridges Drive; (916) 209-3757; leatherbys.net. L–D. Sandwiches/ice cream. $

MIDTOWN

BEAST + BOUNTY The heart of this chic restaurant is its open hearth, where meats and vegetables are roasted over a wood fire. The meaty rib-eye, served over potatoes, is meant to be shared. So is the pizza, thin and seductively charred from the wood-burning pizza oven. 1701 R St.; (916) 244-4016; eatbeastand bounty.com. L–D–Br. American. $$$

CENTRO COCINA MEXICANA This is the restaurant that introduced Sacramento to authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Standout main courses include cochinita pibil, vegetables in pipian verde sauce and Oaxacan enchiladas. 2730 J St.; (916) 442-2552; centrococina.com. D–Br. Mexican. $$$

LOCALIS Only the second restaurant in Sacramento to receive a coveted Michelin star, this little restaurant is known for its prix-fixe menu of inventive, ingredient-driven dishes. Chef Christopher BarnumDann works with local farms to source most of the

menu within 100 miles. 2031 S St.; (916) 737-7699; localissacramento.com. D. Californian. $$$–$$$$

MULVANEY’S B&L Distinctive and cozy, this topflight restaurant exudes the generous affability of its owner, chef Patrick Mulvaney. It’s housed in a brick firehouse from the late 1800s, and the lush patio is a popular spot in warm months. The menu changes frequently and is focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. 1215 19th St.; (916) 441-6022; mulvaneysbl.com. L–D. Californian. $$$

PARAGARY’S This legendary restaurant focuses on elegant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. During the warm months, the serene patio behind the restaurant is the place to be. 1401 28th St.; (916) 457-5737; paragarysmidtown.com. L–D–Br. NewAmerican/ Californian. $$–$$$

THE WATERBOY This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant produces some of the finest cooking in the r egion. Chef/owner Rick Mahan honors local farmers with his commitment to simply prepared, highcaliber food. You can’t go wrong if you order one of the lovely salads, followed by gnocchi, ravioli or a piece of fish. You’ll also find French classics such as veal sweetbreads. 2000 Capitol Ave.; (916) 498-9891; waterboyrestaurant.com. L–D. Mediterranean. $$$$

ZÓCALO For description, see listing under “Arden.” 1801 Capitol Ave.; (916) 441-0303; zocalosacra mento.com. L–D–Br. Mexican. $$

OAK PARK

THE BUTTERSCOTCH DEN You’re the chef at this dimly lit supper house, where you cook your own

Crawdads on the River’s seafood simmer

friends to see who can come up with a perfectly medium rare hunk of meat. 3406 Broadway; thebut terscotchden.com. D. Steakhouse. $$

FARIA On Wednesday evenings, this wildly popular artisan bakery turns into a dinner destination with a concise menu of hyperlocal, produce-forward dishes. Pizza is a mainstay (toppings change with the season), along with thoughtfully composed salads and small plates. 3417 Broadway; (916) 204-8726; fariabakery.com. D (Wednesdays only). Bakery. $$

FIXINS SOUL KITCHEN This bustling place serves up friendly Southern hospitality along with delicious Southern fare, including chicken and waffles, gumbo, fried catfish, and shrimp and grits. 3428 Third Ave.; (916); 999-7685. fixinssoulkitchen.com. B–L–D–Br. Southern. $$

OLD SACRAMENTO

THE FIREHOUSE Since opening in 1960, this has been Sacramento’s go-to restaurant for romantic atmosphere and historic charm. Located in a 1853 firehouse, it’s white tablecloth all the way, and the outdoor courtyard is one of the prettiest in town. The food is special-occasion worthy, and the wine list represents more than 2,100 labels. 1112 Second St.; (916) 442-4772; firehouseoldsac.com. L–D. Californian/American. $$$$

RANCHO CORDOVA

CATTLEMENS This classic Western steakhouse serves up big slabs of prime rib, porterhouse, T-bone

more. 12409 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 985-3030; cattle mens.com. D. Steakhouse. $$$

J.J. PFISTER RESTAURANT & TASTING ROOM In addition to a tasting room where you can sample locally made premium gin, vodka and rum, this family-owned distillery also operates a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The alL–Day menu features salads, sandwiches, tacos and boozy desserts. 9819 Business Park Drive; (916) 672-9662; jjpfister. com. L–D. Casual American. $$

ROSEVILLE

FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AND DIM SUM BAR For description, see listing under “Folsom.” 1500 Eureka Road; (916) 787-3287; fatsasiabistro.com. L–D. Pan-Asian.

$$

LA PROVENCE RESTAURANT & TERRACE This elegant French restaurant offers some of the region’s loveliest outdoor dining. The seasonal menu features items such as bouillabaisse and soupe au pistou. 110 Diamond Creek Place; (916) 789-2002; laprovenceroseville.com. L–D–Br. French. $$$–$$$$

MIKUNI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR For description, see listing under “Davis.” 1565 Eureka Road; (916) 797-2112; mikunisushi.com. L–D. Japanese/sushi. $$

THE MIMOSA HOUSE For description, see listing under “East Sacramento” 761 Pleasant Grove Blvd.; (916) 784-1313; mimosahouse.com. B–L. American.

$$

NIXTACO Singled out by The Michelin Guide for a Bib Gourmand award, this taqueria is known for its authentic nixtamalized blue-corn tortillas (made fresh in-house), high-quality ingredients and inventive taco fillings. 1805 Cirby Way; (916) 771-4165; L–D. Mexican. $$

PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL The bustling, comfortable restaurant is a local favorite. The kitchen offers a great list of small plates and robust, approachable entrees. 1455 Eureka Road; (916) 783-3600; paulmartinsamericangrill.com. L–D–Br. New American. $$$

TAHOE PARK

BACON & BUTTER Lively and delightfully urban, the place is packed with fans of chef Billy Zoellin’s homey flapjacks, biscuits and other breakfasty fare. 5913 Broadway; (916) 346-4445; baconandbutterB–L. Breakfast/American. $–$$

MEZCAL GRILL For description, see listing under “Natomas.” 5701 Broadway; (916) 619-8766; mez calgrill.net. L–D. Mexican. $$–$$$

WEST SACRAMENTO

DRAKE’S: THE BARN Located in a stunning indooroutdoor structure along the river, Drake’s serves excellent thin-crust pizzas, along with a few salads and appetizers. You can get table service indoors or on the patio. But if you prefer something more casual, grab a folding lawn chair, find a spot at the sprawling outdoor taproom and order a pizza to go. 985 Riverfront St.; (510) 423-0971; drinkdrakes. L–D. Pizza. $$

FRANQUETTE This contemporary French café from the owners of Canon is an open-all–day, drop-infor-a-glass-of-wine kind of place. You can order a freshly baked croissant or tartine at breakfast, a salad, quiche or baguette sandwich for lunch, and something a little more filling—say, duck meatballs or a crock of boeuf bourguignon—at dinner. 965 Bridge St.; hellofranquette.com. B–L–D. French. $$–$$$

WINTERS

L’APERO LES TROIS This chic, French-inspired wine tasting bar offers simple little bites, such as gougeres and black olive tapenade, to enjoy with locally made, small-batch aperitifs. 22 Main St.; (530) 402-1172; laperolestrois.com. Wine bar. $$

BUCKHORN STEAKHOUSE Hefty steaks and highquality cocktails are the name of the game at this long-running steakhouse. The Angus steaks are aged and butchered in-house. Pricing is a la carte; sides include sautéed mushrooms, garlic truffle fries and Buckhorn’s justly famed roadhouse onions. 2 Main St.; (530) 795-4503; buckhornsteakhouse. com. D. Steakhouse. $$$-$$$$

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Baklava cheesecake from The Firehouse

A Life Cut Short

U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy campaigns for president at Florin Center in this March 23, 1968, Sacramento Bee photograph by Dick Schmidt. Less than four months later, after winning the California Democratic primary, Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan, who shot him three times at Los Angeles’ Ambassador Hotel. In 1963, Kennedy’s brother, President John F. Kennedy, had been assassinated in Dallas.

—DARLENA BELUSHIN MCKAY