Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "halloween"

Inside Sacramento's Supreme Pro Wrestling: I Want to Be a Wrestler When I Grow Up

2011-11-02T05:10:42Z

I know. I'm a psychic and a writer of the paranormal so why pray-tell am I interviewing wrestlers? Paul Dale Roberts of HPI Paranormal told me he had a hot lead on a fantastic wrestling team and asked me to do the story. What girl would pass up that chance? I certainly wasn't going too.

It's Halloween night and it feels like the perfect time to interview men and women in costume. My assistant Tamreen Crockett joins me to take extra notes. He caught all the details I didn't. His notes became a valuable tool in this article. Our meeting place is at their practice in Sacramento, California. The place "Supreme Pro Wrestling Training Academy," where they teach pro wrestling. At the moment I have a lot of questions running through my mind. I'll work on getting as many of them answered as possible.

Supreme Pro Wrestling is Sacramento's only source for live pro wrestling from what the website www.supremeprowrestling.com says and my research seems to back that up. SPW has no sponsors they've been fueled by ticket sales for what will be twelve years in April. Their annual anniversary show always brings in the biggest group says, Sir Samurai, who is now the owner and manager of SPW. Sir Samari was a professional wrestler himself. Six years ago he got his start as a ring announcer, assistant to the owner and then a trainer! He has seen professional wrestling from every angle and job. From humble beginnings he was left a legacy. That legacy now carries on in Supreme Pro Wrestling!

He manages a diverse group and he gave me the low down on a few of them. Professional wrestlers of the WWE John Morrison actually got his start at SPW so when Sir Samurai says these are some guys to look out for, it's time to listen! On January 8, 2011 JR, Brian Reed, Ms. Bratt and Joe De Soul who dances in the ring, will be making their début as professional wrestlers on their home turf at 6200 McMann Drive. "JR (pictured on the left) has potential, size, agility, attitude and is a power lifter." says Samurai "He is someone to look out for. Brian (pictured on the right) is a football player, he is young and hungry. He's only 20 and has an advantage starting young. "The British Messiah" Timothy Thatcher is the most successful wrestler on the team at present. He has wrestled in England and is the top wrestler in Northern California. He has drawn the attention of the WWE!" Their head trainer ,"The Nihilist" Cjay Kurz from Fresno, Calif. has been in this business longer than anyone else with 10 years under his belt. The Riv we met as we were leaving. He's a nice guy and extremely helpful. It is unbelievable that he is a bone crushing wrestler - until you see him in the ring! The tattoos, bulging muscles and focus on what's happening in the ring even when he isn't the one in it give a clear indication he takes his career seriously! He is definitely someone I'd like to interview and investigate fully.

Recently the SPW added two women to the roster and today I was able to interview one of them Ms. Bratt! What exactly compels one to become a wrestler? That is where I needed to begin.

Ms. Bratt has been apart of the SPW on and off since she was fifteen. She is now twenty-two. Her start began when she saw one of their flyers at Dimples Records seven years ago. "I begged my mom to take me. I grew up with two-half brothers and two-step brothers." she explains. "We used to watch wrestling during family time something captivated me about it. You never knew what was going to happen next. Then I found Indy wrestling. It's an addiction. I can't get away from it." She continues on about the current condition of professional female wrestlers. "Women were banned and now WWE has models in skimpy clothes. It gives us a bad rap. That's what people think real female wrestlers look like. I am a real female pro wrestler. I've always wanted to do this. I was a teenager with my friends jumping off the roof. We were always getting into crazy stuff." She spoke about wrestling like it wasn't only her life, but as if it was in her blood.

Violence isn't my cup of tea, but I'm in to the gruesomeness of what really happens in this sport I can't lie. People must really get hurt. I was wondering what type of injuries people get from this sport. So naturally I had to ask, what are your scariest moments?
"I've cracked my heel. That sucks. I freak out more when other people get hurt. Not myself. I've seen scary injuries. The worst - a broken cheek bone and a gashed knee. I had to closed that up."

After I winced a few times I prodded along. Most of us remember names like Mr. T, Hulk Hogan and The Rock. Who is your favorite role model in wrestling? "Lita before she broke her neck and Trish Stratus (Canadian professional wrestler, actress.) Luna was the first one who really said you don't have to be a "girly girl," but Mae Young is my favorite! She is still at it and she is like 88." (Mae was an influential woman in bringing popularity to female wrestling. She has documented wrestling matches every decade from 1939 till now.)

I asked if Ms. Bratt had any important causes or charity she supports. She supports the cancer relay for life. http://www.relayforlife.org/ The SPW team is constantly involved in the school district and always support charities for AIDS, cancer and kids. Just recently they participated in a charity show for River City High in West Sac.

"What is the meaning of courage to you?" I asked Ms. Bratt. "Being able to chase your dream! That takes a lot of courage and a lot of bravery to pursue. There is a lot of turn your brain off and do it in wrestling. Thinking can be bad because you second guess yourself. You have to commit and just do it. That takes bravery!"

What's your favorite wrestling move? I asked "The Monkey Flip I did the first time recently! It's really cool," she says.
Kids, don't try this at home. Go to the academy if you want to do this the right way! Here is the "Monkey Flip" on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBW5dw_3kLQ

Shows are the third Sunday of every month. Tickets are available online or at the door. The next show is November 20, 2011 and the début of the four SPW newbies are January 8, 2011. I'll be there! Sir Samurai, did tell me that even people who aren't into wrestling enjoy the shows tremendously! "There is comedy, action and wrestling. There is something for everybody!"

I didn't get a lot of time to interview everyone as I wanted to. In the beginning it was as if I wasn't there. When they train they train hard and are completely focused. Nothing else matters. This is their life. I am thrilled that a few were able to take some time and give us a glimpse into the profession. The team impressed me. I'd love to interview JR, The Riv and Brian before their début!
Address: 6200 McMann Drive
Sacramento, Ca.
Website: www.supremeprowrestling.com
Photo Gallery: www.supremeprowrestling.yolasite.com/picture-gallery.php
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/spwstreetteam

www.belindabentley.com
(Celebrity Psychic)
www.facebook.com/tvpsychicbelindabentley
G.H.O.S.T Founder
HPI Senior Lead Investigator

www.belindabentley.com
www.twitter.com/sexpsychic
G.H.O.S.T Founder
HPI Senior Lead Investigator

Please take a second to earn a free donation to my Cause, Whaleman Foundation, and help me provide whales or dolphins helped from facing the threats of whaling. Click Here:
http://www.socialvibe.com/users/389519

Special Note: Belinda Bentley did a fantastic job with this interview. It's nice to step out of the world of the paranormal to look into other peoples' worlds, this is exactly what Belinda did. My son Jason Randall Porter aka 8-Ball will enjoy this interview, because he was once with Sacramento's TWF (Trace Wrestling Federation) - known to the world as Backyard Wrestling. TWF used to be featured on Sacramento Access TV. I used to party with Maddog Buzz Sawyer at Confettis and Bobby McGees in the 80s. Maddog once picked me up and carried me through a huge crowd of people in Bobby McGees, just because he could. My uncle 'Chuy' Villalobos aka El Lobo used to be a pro wrestler with Pepper Gomez and wrestled Haystack Calhoun and Ray Stevens. His son a lifetime Marine named Will Villalobos of San Jose is a Golden Glove Boxer, Pro Wrestler and has a black belt in Karate. Yes! I enjoyed Belinda's interview, since I have a connection to the wrestling world. Thank you to Genalyn Santos for bringing this group to Belinda's focus! Paul Dale Roberts

Disclosure: Author: Belinda Bentley

Trick or Treat in East Sac

2011-11-01T07:36:22Z

Halloween in the Fab Forties, specifically on 41st St. between J and M St. was full of bags begging to be filled with candy. At times there were 10 trick or treaters at once. With three of us tossing sweets into the bags, it was all we could do to keep up. In two hours time we forked over 50 lbs of the sweet stuff. Here are some of the creatures of the night:

Photo essay: costumes on halloween weekend

2011-10-31T05:49:23Z

The costumes on the streets of Sacramento during the Halloween weekend highlighted the creativity of Sacramentans. Everything from rock stars to actual rocks were present on the streets during the evenings.

Government employee Michael Larson, and his girlfriend Caroline Wright said they channelled their relationship into their costumes.

“My sister suggested I be Aron Ralston from 127 Hours,” Larson said. “She said our costumes would be a metaphor for our relationship.”

Larson utilized a backpack, bandanna, headband and mock bloody splint to dress as Aron Ralston. Wright made herself the rock that took Ralston’s arm by covering herself in packing paper and textured spray paint. Her shoes where mini-rocks as well.

Student Shalha Farzan, said she was inspired to dress up as the house from the movie “Up” after looking in the mirror.

“This just came to me in the shower,” she said. “I realized that my body resembles a house.”

Farzan cut out cardboard, painted it to resemble a house, and draped the house over her shoulders. She did not comment on the balloons.

Another couple, Kate Zenenick and Marshall McMunn, said their “Wayne’s World” costumes were inspired by a gift and a mutual love for two of their childhood heroes.

“My dad mailed this hat to me from Michigan, and it just inspired me to be Wayne,” UC Davis doctoral student Kate Zenenick said.

“I also feel like I relate to Garth,” McMunn said.

Even Eskew said he dressed up as John Mayer due to a friend’s comment.

“My friend jokingly referred to me as John Mayer, and I think we share some characteristics,” Eskew said.

Eskew said he picked up his blazer and scarf at the Goodwill, but the guitar was one he has owned and played for years.

Student Matt Whalen converted an ostrich costume into Aquaman.

“I was just watching television,” Whalen said. “I thought, this guy is cool. I should be aquaman.”

An ocean creature was also present Saturday evening.

“I am a sea anemone,” student Bree Putman said. “This fabric reminded me of the ocean. I used pipe cleaners for the antennae and used a hot glue gun to glue these starfish on,” she said.

Costumed Pooches & Kids Trick or Treat in Midtown

2011-10-30T18:41:33Z

Not too creepy or scary, the spirit of Halloween filled Midtown's streets yesterday. Relles Florist on J St featured a magic show, balloon twisting, arts corner and apple cider booth. The kids were out in full force.

Costumed canines celebrated Halloween with a Pooch Parade around Midtown. At parade's end judges passed out coveted Pooch Parade Awards. Here's the winners and other paraders:

Spookist Costume - Sofia the Bat (no photo).

One Scary Nite 3

2011-10-29T04:40:07Z

After a slightly flawed but excellent nonetheless One Scary Nite 2, expectations were high for the third annual installment of the "Deon Taylor Enterprises presents: One Scary Nite" Halloween party, which went down at the California Auto Museum Thursday night.

Familiar attractions returning this year included "Mad Scientist" Jack Sparx with his Tesla coil, huge propane fireballs and deranged laugh, stilt walkers, fire dancers, go-go dancers and many bloody, gory "staff monsters" and zombies who shuffled around the venue with a vacant look in their eyes, grunting at passing partygoers.

Absent this year were the red carpet and arrivals, the national musical act (last year it was Bell Biv Devoe), the haunted house, the massive 7,100-pound fire-breathing metal dragon and the long, snaking lines of people waiting to get in.

Notable attendees this year included filmmaker and emcee Deon Taylor wearing an inflatable ostrich costume, former Sacramento Kings player/current regional scout/player development coach Bobby Jackson dressed as Blade, NFL free agent Ephraim Salaam dressed as Master Chief from Halo, and comedian and co-host Tony Roberts in costume as Fred Sanford.

Entertainment included sets by DJ Charlie Ramos and former NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos and live performances by Sacramento acts I2W, Kumandae and Bueno.

Maybe last year's party was a lot to live up to, or maybe it's the economy, but this year it just didn't come together to be "bigger, scarier and better than before" as promoted. At one point Taylor had to light a fire and get the party on track, grabbing a microphone and ordering the lights turned down more, the go-go dancers back on their boxes, and people onto the dance floor.

Whether it was the light attendance or lack of starpower, Thursday's party just felt scaled down and a little "dead."

Will there be a One Scary Nite 4? Let's hope so, and let's hope it's reborn in a big way. One Scary Nite 2 was a blast, and it would be great to have Sacramento's biggest Halloween dance party back in full force.

All photos copyright Steven Chea

Sacramento’s La Raza Galería Posada Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Festivities; Transformational “Panteon de Sacramento” Saturday-Sunday, Oct.29-30. Theatre, Music, Poets, Workshops.

2011-10-28T20:12:58Z

Culminating the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos festivities this year, La Raza Galería Posada, Sacramento’s not-for-profit Latino art and cultural center, brings the Panteon de Sacramento (Sacramento’s Cemetery) to life.This is a two day/night outdoor display of fifty large, colorful altares. The altares will be available for public viewing on Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30. Families, individuals, area artists and local not for profit organizations will build the altares for public display.Theatre, music, poets and children's workshops are all part of the two-day event. In Sacramento, Día de los Muertos has been celebrated since the early 1970s, commensurate with the Galería’s founding in 1972, 39 years ago.

Date: Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30.

Times: Saturday ( 11 am-10 pm, Sunday: 8 am -8 pm)

Location: Behind the KlickNation parking lot at J St. near 20th St. (east of the MARRS Building)

The creative altars - 12 feet long and 6 feet wide – will display the traditional flower of the dead, Cempazuchitl (Marigold), papel picado, candles, photos of the deceased, Pan de Muerto (Mexican sweet bread) and personal artifacts.

"We created the free Panteon de Sacramento (Sacramento's Cemetery) to replicate a small town environment in Mexico during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead),” says Marie Acosta, Executive Director of La Raza Galería Posada. “In the open air, with the church bells in the background, visitors will be transported to a commemoration similar to a small pueblo with colorful displays created as "altares" to honor those we loved in life that have passed on. Everyone is welcome!"

One of the very special guest performers is Eduardo Lopez Martinez, who is coming in direct from Mexico. "I call him our "Calaca-in-Residence" says Acosta. Martinez is in the tradition of the legendary and irreverent Cantinflas, and in the popular Mexican theatre tradition, La Carpa. He will bring song, dance and original performance to the Panteon on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 pm.

Whether in the day, or bathed in the light of the moon, upon entering LA RAZA GALERIA POSADA'S Panteon de Sacramento at J St. & 20th St. in midtown Sacramento, one immediately feels that it is a place of memories and, the presence of those who have passed.

New this year, the Galería will create a community altar for the public to place offerings. The public is invited to bring photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings for loved ones who have passed away. This is free, all are welcome.

Panteon de Sacramento Event and Workshop Programming*

Saturday, Oct. 29 (11am-10pm)

11am Panteón opens to the public

Opening Ceremony- Danza Azteca-Xantotl(Unification)

12-2pm Workshop*-Cempazuchitl-Flower Making

($5/person)

Noon -4 pm DJ-Albert Garnica playing oldies, rancheras, viejitas, and other requests($1/song)

2:30pm-4pm Workshop*- Mask-painting

($10/person)

4:30pm Workshop*- Mask-painting

($10/person)

4:45pm Marco Ferrero presenting “Hidden Truth-La Viuda de Don Marcos”

5:30pm Poetry Reading by Escritores del Nuevo Sol

“Recordando a Nuestros Antepasados” and open mic to follow

6:30pm Performance by Eduardo López Martínez-Direct from México!

NOT TO BE MISSED!!

10 pm Panteón closes for the night. Re-opens at 8am tomorrow.

*All workshops are on the first come first serve basis and while supplies last.

Sunday, Oct. 30 (8am-8pm)

8 am Panteón re-opens.

2pm-5 pm- DJ Larry Rodriguez (Flower Vato)

12-2pm Workshop*-Cempazuchitl Flower Making

($5/person)

2:30pm-4pm Workshop*- Mask-painting

($10/person)

4:30pm- Workshop*- Mask-painting

($10/person)

7:30pm Closing Ceremony

The complete program of events at the gallery is at : www.larazagaleriaposada.org.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

La Raza Galería Posada hours: Tuesday-Friday 1pm to 8 pm, Saturdays 11am-6pm, Second Saturday 1pm-9pm.

About La Raza Galería Posada: LRGP is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary cultural center and public space serving the Sacramento community, offering Latino/Chicano and Native arts exhibitions, art education programs, workshops, films and concerts and serves as a community gathering place. La Raza Galería Posada is located at 1022-1024 22nd St. between J & K Sts. in Sacramento, California. School tours and group tours are offered Monday- Saturday by reservation.Office: 916-446-5133.

Disclosure: Submitted by Mindy Giles, music fan and publicist for La Raza Galería Posada

Sacramento Area Concerts and Local Music Events This Week

2011-10-28T18:35:43Z

Here are some of the many music events happening in the Sacramento area this week. For more detailed information on these events and many more go to www.eMusiConnect.com. Have a Happy Halloween!!

Sacramento Area Concerts & Music Events

Running through January 2012: Bingo The Winning Musical at Cosmopolitan Cabaret at 10th & K street in Sacramento. Show at 7:30 PM.. Tickets are $32.00 - $48.00.

Friday, October 28th: Sacramento Ballet presents Dracula at Sacramento Community Center Theatre. Tickets are $17.00 - $68.00.

Friday, October 28th: Midnight Star - A Taste of Honey at Thunder Valley Casino. Concert at 8PM. Tickets are $20.00 - $30.00.

Saturday, October 29th: Exotic Halloween Ball at Cal Expo. Doors open at 8:30PM. Tickets are $24.00 & $100.00 VIP. More info at http://now100fm.radio.com/2011/09/30/2011-exotic-halloween-ball/

Saturday, October 29th: Nightmare on R Street (15th & R Downtown) Halloween Block Party at Shady Lady, Burgers & Brew, Ace of Spades, R-15.

Saturday, October 29th: Sinners & Saints Halloween Party at Thunder Valley Casino. Doors Open at 9PM. Tickets are $19.00.

Tuesday, November 1st: Foo Fighters - Cage The Elephant at Power Balance Pavilion. Concert at 7PM. Tickets are $27.00 - $59.00.

Tuesday, November 1st: Method Man at Ace of Spades. Show at 7PM. Tickets are $32.95.

Wednesday, Novmeber 2nd: Mastodon at Ace of Spades. Show at 7PM. Tickets are $32.95.

The Local Music Scene

Friday, October 28th

Wake The Dead Halloween Bash at Harlows 10PM/$12

The Coalition Halloween Party at Torch Club 9PM/$8

TSLOS - Nice Monster - Musical Charis at Fox & Goose 9PM/$5

3 Dance Floors of DJ Top Hits - Hip-Hop - Latin at Faces $5 before 10PM/$10 After

Zach Deputy - Quin Hedges at Marilyn's 9 p.m.

CrookOne TGIF Halloween Pary at Golden Bear 10PM/No Cover

80's & 90's DJ Mix at Mix Downtown 9PM

City of Vain - Riot Radio - Setting Sons - Bastards of Young at Blue Lamp 9PM

Afternoon Teacup Collection at Lunas 9PM/$6

French Cassettes - The Isaac Howl - Black Holes at Old Ironsides 9PM

Blame the Bishop - Glowbox Lemonade at Naked Lounge Downtown 8:30PM/$5

DJ Gabe Xavier Halloween Party at Park Ultra Lounge 9PM/$15

Roger Carpio & John Drole at Townhouse 9PM/$5

Get Down To The Champion Sound with DJ Esef at Capitol Garage 10PM/$5

Costume Lingerie and Masquerade Ball with DJ A-1 & Benji Lugo at District 30 9 p.m.

Halloween Show with Misamore - Fallrise - Sixes and Sevens - Hot Pot Studios Fusion Bellydance at Shenanigans 9PM

Throwdown - Havenside - Carnifex - Suffokate - First Blood - Chernobog -And Came Back Brutal at The Boardwalk 7PM

Get Shot! - The Number 13 - The Left Hand - The Crunchees - Stalking Distance at Distillery 10PM

Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live Music at at Luigis Fungarden 8PM/$6

Matt Nathanson - Scars On 45 at Ace of Spades 7PM

Playboy School - Full Melt - Estaban Villa at Beatnik Studios 8PM

Tainted Love All Halloween Eve Weekend Party at Power House Pub 9PM/$20

Saturday, October 29th

Children of the Grave - Smirker at Marilyns 9PM

Isaac Bear - Face 4 Radio - Puzzeltree at Old Ironsides 9PM

Todd Clouser’s A Love Electric - Ross Hammond Trio at Fox & Goose 9PM

Wonderland & Haunted Rooftop Halloween Party at Mix Downtown 9PM

Country Music & Line Dancing 8PM with DJ's on Three Floors at Faces $5 before 10PM/$10 after

DJ Peeti-V Halloween Party at Park Ultra Lounge 9PM

4th Annual Halloween Bash at Stoney Inn 9PM

South Lot & Halloween Party at Distillery 10PM

Halloween Howler with KB & the Slingtones - The Revtones - The Vintage Vandals at The Torch Club 9PM

Not For Profit - Pushtonawanda - Honyock at Naked Lounge Downtown 8PM/$8

DJ Whores at The Golden Bear 10PM/No Cover

Arden Park Roots - Dogfood at Shenanigans 9PM

The Pirate Ball at District 30 9PM

Spazmatics Halloween Eve Weekend at Power House Pub 10PM/$20

DJ Larry Rodriquez at Press Club 9PM/$5

Warp 11 Halloween Party at Blue Lamp 9PM

X-GVNR & Brian Hawk at Townhouse Lounge 9PM/$5

Alesana - A Skylit Drive - Sleepting with Sirens - Attila at Ace of Spades 7PM

Sunday, October 30th

Jason Webley - Fierce Creatures - Musical Charis - Julie the Bruce at Beatnik Studios 7PM

Dragalicious Show & DJ Hits at Faces 9PM/$5

Blues Jam 5PM & The Nibblers Halloween Party at Torch Club 9PM

Powerhouse of Blues at Power House Pub 3PM

Industry Night at Golden Bear 9PM

Kathryn Calder - Anomie Belle at Blue Lamp 9:30PM

Sunday Night Soul Party with DJ Larry & DJ Hailey Press Club 8PM

Dead Rock Stars Halloween Show with I Scream On Sundae - Diciembre Gris - Ricky Berger - Sureshot - Denver Piledrivers - Crazy Ballhead - Be Brave Bold Robot - Virtue Vices - Blame The Bishop at Old Ironsides 8PM/$7

Disclosure: I have been covering the local music scene in the Sacramento area for over ten years, and just want people to know what's happening where they live. There is a lot to choose from and a wide variety of local talented musicians.So Get Out & Enjoy!!

Sacramento's spooky houses

2011-10-27T06:25:41Z

Though not nearly as widespread as Christmas decorations, many Sacramento homes and businesses are decking the halls with ghoulish adornments for Halloween.

“This is Halloween you can see from space,” said Midtown resident Heather Scott outside her well-lit home at 24th and T streets.

Emerging from the grave to greet – or scare – visitors is the “friendly Marcus the Carcass” in her front yard.

Scott, who said Halloween is the best holiday of the year, took the decorating inside, filling the mantel with spooky accents and even letting a skeleton take up residence in the bathtub under a severed leg hanging from a chain.

“I have an over-developed sense of the macabre,” she said, attributing it to her father’s showing her the original “Halloween” film at about age 8, then coming in to scare her later that night as she slept.

“My sister and I were literally climbing up the curtains,” she said with a laugh.

Always dressed in a costume for the holiday, Scott said she has a group of regular trick-or-treaters who come by her house for traditional baked goods and, on cold Halloween nights, hot cider.

Other homes throughout Sacramento are also decorated, and while some might be more low-key with just a few cobwebs or strings of lights, others take it a little further.

It’s not just residents getting into the Halloween decorating spirit – some businesses are also scaring up decorations.

Carl Wenger, general manager of Shady Lady Saloon, said the bar is decorated to give a more fun atmosphere to the business.

“We just think it adds a lot to the ambiance, and doing something for Halloween makes it more exciting for everybody,” he said.

A pair of inverted corpses decorate the two pillars patrons see upon entering, and faux spiderwebs are wrapped around the chandeliers while drawings that harken to a turn-of-the-century Victorian era help add to the spookiness along the walls.

Do you have a favorite house or business that’s decorated for Halloween? Post about it in the conversation below or send a photo to brandon.darnell@sacramentopress.com, and it will be added to this story.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Hangtown to Host 3-Day Halloween Music Fest

2011-10-27T03:05:32Z

Placerville will host a three-day musical jubilee, the Hangtown Halloween Ball, which promoters and the community hope will become an annual event. Festivities begin Friday evening and run through Sunday at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

The camping event will feature an all-star lineup on two full stages (both indoor and out): The Funky Meters, Ozomatli, 7 Walkers (featuring Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann), David Grisman Sextet, Melvin Seals & JGB, Zach Deputy, Elephant Revival, New Monsoon, Poor Man’s Whiskey, Head for the Hills, Dead Winter Carpenters and, of course, three nights of Railroad Earth.

For the Friday opening, Railroad Earth will execute a unique original score to the 1922 horror classic “Nosferatu,” while simultaneously projecting the film. The performance will be followed by a full show with Bay Area favorites New Monsoon, plus special guests.

Event organizers have been working tirelessly to create an amazing festival site complete with roving performers, visuals and a spooky Halloween spirit that is sure to excite the imaginations of all who attend. They have planned a number of activities throughout the weekend, including pumpkin carving and some trick-or-treat opportunities for the kids.

“We have a remarkable site,” Promoter Ryan Kronenberg said. “The main stage area is set within an expansive natural amphitheater while the indoor late night hall, located just 100 yards away, is a 2,100-person venue with plenty of room for dancing.”

Conscious Alliance is also happy to announce they will be hosting an “Art That Feeds” food drive at the ball all three days. Patrons who donate 10 non-perishable food items will receive a free Hangtown Halloween Ball poster created by TRiPP.

Conscious Alliance always encourages food donations to be low-sodium and health-oriented products. Organic food donations are especially encouraged. Ramen noodles will not be accepted for the free poster.

There are still a limited amount of single- and three-day event packages available, including VIP camping. Vendors will be on hand serving food, drinks, wine and beer.

Disclosure: Holly Howard is a volunteer promoter for this event.

Is trick-or-treating what it used to be?

2011-10-26T06:02:48Z

Is Halloween what it once was? Events hosted by churches, schools and businesses, as well as parents dropping their children off in wealthy neighborhoods, may have eclipsed the good old-fashioned door-to-door trick-or-treating.

“I think parents are much more cautious than they used to be,” said Lourdes Brown, an office manager at the Capital Heights Academy, an elementary school located at 2520 33 st.

Aveola Abedipe, a teacher at the Phoenix Private Preschool(600 I st.) said that the school offers a Halloween party because parents of preschool children don’t commonly take their kids out on Halloween anymore.

“I think some schools offer parties for children. We host a party with candy and decorations, and it is open to the public as well,” Abedipe said.

Abedipe and William Land Elementary School Receptionist Paula Maran said that another alternative to trick-or-treating is church events.

“River Life Covenant Church (4401 A st.) puts on a Halloween event, and I know of some churches in Midtown that do too,” Maran said.

Children can also go to the mall for candy and haunted fun. Westfield Downtown Plaza will have treats, decorations, a spooky fun house and maze to enjoy on Sunday.

Angela Hassle, a receptionist at the Mustard Seed school for homeless kids, said businesses along J and K streets will be giving out candy to trick-or-treater’s on Monday as well.

“There is a party in the Wells Fargo building. And lots of the stores give out candy,” Abedipe said.

The Hines Corp., the owner of the Wells Fargo building at 400 Capitol Mall, puts on a Halloween party in the Wells Fargo lobby.

"Midtown does a trick-or-treat day," said Washington Elementary School principal Marilyn Collins.

While events may have become a popular alternative to trick-or-treating, some parents still drop their children off in neighborhoods to give them a taste of the real thing.

“Parents will drop off their kids in the ‘Fabulous 40’s’ or East Sacramento because these are nicer neighborhoods than some of the others in town,” Maran said.

The “Fabulous 40’s” is a neighborhood in East Sacramento famous for having some of the largest houses in the city.

“I used to go to the ‘Fabulous 40’s’ thinking they would give out more candy,” said Melissa Krause of the Courtyard Private School. “I think parents take their kids there because they think it’s safer too.”

Collins believes that walking the neighborhood has not gone out of fashion.

"The neighborhoods are still very popular. Some people drive to the 'fab 40's' or Land Park, but most people still go through the neighborhood door-to-door. It just depends on what part of town it is," she said.

But for the best decoration, Maran suggests visiting T and 56th streets.

“T and 56 goes all out and completely decorates the block,” Maran said.

Where do you suggest trick-or-treating this Halloween? Leave your comments below.

This Weekend! Midtown Trick-Or-Treat & Pooch Parade

2011-10-25T18:37:26Z

Midtown Merchants are brewing up a bewitching good time for kiddos and pooches of all ages and sizes. Midtown's Annual Halloween celebration is just a few days away. Join us for the Midtown Trick-or-Treat and Pooch Parade this Saturday, October 29th from 11a.m.- 3p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of Trick or Treats from over 70 participating Midtown businesses, as well as a parade of dressed up pooches strutting their stuff throughout the district.

In addition to satisfying your kids sweet tooth, bring the whole family down to Mixed Bag (24th & K) and Relles Florist (24th & J) for a variety of FREE family friendly activities. Catch the hourly magic show, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, the fall arts corner, and a tons of goolish treats including apple cider, cotton candy and popcorn.

Families seeking a spooktacular experience are encouraged to stop by the Haunted Fort at Sutter's Fort or Casa de Espanol's haunted house on J Street.

For the four legged lovers, make sure to catch the 2nd Annua l Pooch Parade and “Yappy Hour”. Pooches of all shapes and sizes are invited to come out in their Halloween best, to try to capture one of the 8 coveted Pooch Parade Awards. Awards included: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall, Midtown Spirit , Cutest Costume, Spookiest Costume, Best Duo and Funniest Costume Award

Pooches will parade around Midtown and then return to the 24th & K location for “Yappy Hour” and Judging. While your precious pets are chomping on treats you can check out the vendor booths, all dedicated to promoting a happy and healthy life for your pet. MBA asks that each participant donate $10 (or whatever you can afford) as a registration fee. 100% of the donations collected will go to the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter to support the incredible work they do to help animals in need.

A complete map of Midtown Trick-or-Treat locations and the Pooch Parade route are available to download here, as well as on-site during the event. For more information visit ExploreMidtown.org or contact Heather Philpott at heather@mbasac.com.

See you Saturday for a ghoulishly good time!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication Coordinator at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the annual Halloween festivities.

Folsom Looks For 1,000 Pumpkins Friday

2011-10-25T18:26:09Z

Folsom is hosting its 3rd annual "Night of 1,000 Pumpkins" on Friday, October 28. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to bring in as many jack-o-lanterns as they can for a festival of pumpkins on Sutter Street.

Anyone who checks in a carved jack-o-lantern will get a raffle ticket to win one of many prizes, including an iPad 2, courtesy of MyFolsom.com. Carving parties are encouraged to get the pumpkin tally up; if you bring in 20 jack-o-lanterns, they'll give you 20 raffle tickets! Tickets will be distributed based on the number of pumpkins brought in.

The event is expected to be a social gathering, as the public checks out the pumpkins, and the kids watch Charlie Brown at 6:30 and Beetlejuice (PG) at 8:00 PM. In between showings, the raffle for the iPad will take place. Trick-or-treating will also be part of the event, and Monster Golf will be selling Monster Ware as well. MyFolsom.com, the founding sponsor of this event, will be on hand selling glow-in-the-dark t-shirts and handing out non-candy goodies to the kids, such as glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark pencils.

This is the third year for this popular event; the first two drew thousands of visitors, but the pumpkin tally was lighter than hoped, with both years around 300 pumpkins total. Organizers are hoping that this year's raffle approach will work, as well as getting local schools to have pumpkin drives as well. Any group or individuals is encouraged to participate in this event.

On Saturday, Sutter Street will also be hosting a craft fair "Fallfest" from 10-4, where dozens of merchants will be on hand to sell their wares. Good food and good shopping is expected!

Night of 1,000 Pumpkins
Friday, October 28, 2011 6 – 9:30 pm
Sutter Street, Folsom
Admission: 1 jack-o-lantern

Sutter Fallfest
Saturday, October 29, 10-4
Sutter Street, Folsom
Admission: FREE

Disclosure: John Gladding is involved in organizing "Night of 1,000 Pumpkins"

2011 Lantern Tours: A spirited event

2011-10-24T06:08:51Z

On a clear crisp evening in late October, passersby of the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery might catch the fleeting glimpse of a lone figure carrying a lantern and weaving his way through a maze of massive headstones.

But don’t be too alarmed. It’s just a local volunteer performing his role in the cemetery’s annual Lantern Tours event.

This event has become a local favorite and is the cemetery’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting education programs and headstone restoration projects.

Established in 1849 and recognized as one of the oldest operating cemeteries west of the Mississippi River, the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery or Old City Cemetery still has room for future “occupants.” However, since each plot is family-owned and some of the descendants’ whereabouts are unknown, some plots may be left eternally empty.

Luckily, for its current inhabitants, support from a group of local volunteers helps with the preservation of the historical landmark.

The Old City Cemetery Committee, formed in 1980 by Sacramento residents, is dedicated to educating locals on the cemetery’s history as well as raising the funds needed for its upkeep and restoration. They are also in charge of organizing volunteers and promoting the Lantern Tour events held on the grounds.

This year’s Lantern Tour brings guests “face to face” with some of Sacramento’s notable citizens through reenactments of their untimely deaths. Visitors will be captivated with tragic tales of love and loss, madness and revenge.

The 2011 Lantern Tours sold out quickly for their four weekend tour dates, which conclude next weekend. Be sure to reserve your tickets early for next year’s event.

In the meantime, if you should spot the fading glow of a lantern or hear the low murmur of voices from within the gates of the oldest cemetery in Sacramento, remember that it’s just a volunteer leading a group of brave visitors.

Or is it?

"Dracula" at Sac Ballet, a Halloween Treat

2011-10-24T03:59:44Z

Few children and older guests dressed up in Halloween costumes for Saturday night’s “Dracula” performance at the Community Center Theatre, which included two other performances: “Second Before the Ground” and “Serenade.”

“Second Before the Ground” is a fun, light performance with simple backdrop colors and costumes. The dancers perform controlled and comical ballet movements with creative contortions choreographed by Trey McIntyre. As a united family of wildlife dancing to bongo drums and African-inspired music by the Kronos Quartet, their performance was something like out of “The Lion King,” with dancers running across the stage like a stampede of smiling, prancing antelope.

Intermission changed the scene to “Serenade,” the world’s first plotless ballet. An emotional beauty, “Serenade” is America’s first ballet choreographed by George Balanche and music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Groups of ballerinas in sync with the purity of the music captivated the audience with synchronized swimmer-type movements flaunting their poise and smiles.

After two unrelated acts, Ron Cunningham’s Halloween vampire thriller “Dracula” steals the show. The haunting music by Anthony DiLorenzo builds as the opening scene commences. Count Dracula exits his coffin nude into his castle — something Edward Cullen would not dare do in any “Twilight” novel.

Dancer Stefan Calka is a charming Dracula villain, with an embroidered red cape, sexy widow’s peak and a strong, seductive presence among characters Lucy Westenra and Mina Murray.

Dracula’s attempts to lure his victims to the dark side make for an entertaining performance. The story unravels as the props set the scene of a gloomy Transylvania. The women who play the roles of the creatures in the night and the brides of Dracula resemble zombies with their exotic, wild and erratic behaviors.

Dracula has a stalking presence throughout the performance. When he and Lucy dance during her engagement party, it is intensely passionate and dramatic. When he finally takes her as his victim during the bedroom scene, her scream makes that old 1931 film come to life. That familiar shriek was necessary to carry out the horror on stage.

During the last scene with the killing of Dracula and Lucy, the audience gasped as they pulled Lucy’s head detached from her lifeless body — no blood necessary, just red lights flashing, indicating the striking of the stake.

Every scene follows the old vampire film. It is a short performance, the shortest of the three, yet a classic for Halloween enthusiasts. Three performances in one night showcases the diversity of the Sacramento Ballet dancers, yet most came to see “Dracula.”

“Dracula” continues at the Community Center Theater Thursday and Friday. Tickets are available online.

Photo courtesy of David Alvarez

Fairytale town meets Harry Potter

2011-10-24T03:13:30Z

Photo essay by Dan Ward

It’s that time of the year when the candy comes out, people become scarier and Fairytale town puts on a show. This year in Fairytale Town the magical wonders of Harry Potter arrive to showcase its magical spells and large amounts of candy for the children.
The Harry Potter theme will be taking place for a total of four days. The days are October 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th. The park event will be 5pm till 9pm on all four days. Tickets are for sale at www.fairytaletown.org.

Children can enjoy various attractions and displays at this year’s event. Even the adults can come and have a good time seeing all the magicians of Harry Potter world perform their spells.

Fairytale Town is putting on a great potions spell class for the children to try out. Just like in the book series and the movies where Harry and friends had to take potion classes. The children are able to have a dab at trying to make their own potions with different ingredients. They even get to use small cauldron bowls to stir in.

Among all the activities the beverage line was the longest. In store for adults and children were two classical drinks from the world of Harry Potter. First was the marvelous sweet not alcoholic butter beer. As many might know the butter beer is a popular beverage in the town of hogsmeade. It's a sweet treat for people of all ages.

The other was a day in and day out drink in the wizard world. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the classic pumpkin juice which is also a non-alcoholic drink.

As you go through the park there are 17 candy locations for children to stop by and say trick or treat. Each of the stations is run by a few local high school student volunteerers. Dennis, a high school volunteer stated the event as “enjoyable to watch for children and even us high school students, I’m having fun”. Fellow high school volunteer Samantha said “I love the Harry Potter theme for the children”.

Also available with an additional admission ticket is the Harry Potter game show that starts at 6, 7 an 8pm all four nights. The children are able to go in and answer questions about the magical land of wizards, witches, wands and creatures.

If all that excitement is not enough for you then King Arthur's castle will be your urge to go. With the inside set up to be a Harry Potter creation station. The children are able to grab some candy. Sit in Dumbledor's chair and draw characters from the wizarding world.

While exploring the the town don't forget to have your photo taken at the Gringotts bank display. Families are able to hop on tracks and have their photo taken free of charge. Don't let the trolls or dragon scary you. Their all friendly creatures at fairytale town.

This event will be one the children will not want to miss.

Local mask maker shares his Halloween collection

2011-10-24T03:09:57Z

Douglas Miller, resident of Carmichael and director of labor relations for Sacramento Regional Transit, spends his weekends working with his hands, sculpting and painting Halloween masks. Miller is owner and founder of Mask Master of California and has been making masks since 1985.

Without ever taking one course in sculpting or mask-making, Miller has taught himself the art entirely on his own.

“I have made close to 1,000 masks since I first started and have sold most all of them,” Miller said.

From dog masks and werewolves to witches and Frankenstein, Miller makes nearly 20 different types of Halloween masks that can be customized to fit customers’ color preferences.

“Every mask is custom airbrushed and so no two masks look the same,” Miller said.

This year he plans to make masks for Mardi Gras as well as a collection of half masks that can be worn at masquerade balls. He also hopes to make a broader selection of Halloween masks for next year.

“I have so many ideas,” he said. “I just see what is the trend at the moment or just sit down and start to sculpt and see where it takes me. I have a mask that started from a walrus nose and from there it turned into a really scary looking guy,” Miller said.

First Miller makes a sculpture of the face he wants the mask to eventually take. Then he makes a negative of the sculpture by encasing it in plaster and breaking the original sculpture away. Miller explains the process of making masks in the video below.

“It takes over 30 hours to make a sculpture for a mask, but after that step it doesn’t take nearly as long,” Miller said.

The masks are made out of natural latex that is poured into the plaster negative and then painted. The masks can be worn for a number of years, and only after six years does the latex start to weaken, Miller said.

“I like my gorilla mask the most,” he said. “I used a gorilla from the cover of National Geographic for my gorilla mask and just started sculpting. It turned out awesome,” Miller said. “Whenever people put on the chimp mask though, they just start giggling and laughing because it looks so real.”

This is Miller’s first year getting back into making masks after some time spent recovering from an illness. He sold to local retailers and commercial businesses in the late 1980s and early 1990s but is now returning to the field.

Miller first discovered mask-making when he went to North Hollywood after his third time taking the bar exam in 1985. He took up a friend’s offer for a job at Don Post Studios, a mask and special effects company, to work in the shipping department. While he waited for his exam results, he shipped masks all over the United States to be used in movies and productions.

“Every night after it closed down, I would go see how sculptors made the masks,” Miller said.

After a few months working in the shipping department and finding that he had passed the bar exam, Miller returned to Sacramento and started his professional life. He continued exploring his interest in mask making.

“I started sculpting in my apartment, but eventually my dad and I built a studio in the back of the house we live in now,” Miller said.

Miller sells his masks at craft fairs and local community events. He is still determining his schedule for selling this season. Masks can be purchased over the phone at 485- 3373 for $20 apiece.

For a good scare- haunted house round-up

2011-10-19T07:18:13Z

The Halloween season is upon us and besides it being a time for Jack O’ Lanterns and spiderwebs, it’s a time to get the candy scared out of us. When you’ve exhausted your stack of scary movies, it might be time to wander through a haunted house or two for a scream-filled, skin-crawling kind of fun.

The Sacramento Press put together a list of several haunted houses in the area that are sure to make one’s hair stand straight.

Maines Haunted Mansion

Location: 2501 I St., Sacramento
Hours: Oct. 21-31 (except 24th and 26th)
7 - 11 p.m.
Admission: free - suggested donation

This traditional Midtown classic is now moving into its sixth year with a completely new show every year. This year brings a funeral parlour theme to Midtown as attendees play the role of a crowd that has come to see a funeral. Visitors will take part in a classic interactive melodrama, advertised by the family as Maines’ Funeral Emporium, as the attendees become a part of the plot. The story unfolds as visitors tour through the century-old Victorian house and attend a funeral at the end. Visitors will solve a mystery as they become enveloped in the action.

100 percent of the proceeds will go to Sunburst Projects, a nonprofit organization devoted to children with HIV/Aids and their families.

For the website, click here.

Fright Planet

Location: Cal Expo (formerly Raging Waters) 1600 Exposition Blvd.
Hours: Oct. 19-10, 23, 25-26, Nov. 1-2 open 7 - 10 p.m.
Oct. 21-22, 27, 30-31 open 7 - 11 p.m.
Oct. 28-29 open 7 - midnight
Admission: $19.95 general admission to all five haunts, $26.95 general admission plus one 3-D haunted movie,
For VIP prices, click here)

This theme park features five different haunts run by a total of 150 actors each night, all of whom had to undergo an intensive training session, for over 100 hours, which organizer Krystie Bolton said prepared actors to take on multiple roles such as walking and talking like a zombie.

Dead Man’s Lagoon- a new haunt in the style of “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Death row – not all of the cells are locked in this haunt
Psycho Midway – a “4-dimensional” carnival theme, which includes the classic scents (fourth dimension) reminiscent of your general carnival, with clowns
Blackout – playing off of the classic phobia, this haunt is completely pitch black
Pirates of Scurvy Island – this year’s newest haunt, which Bolton said is more theatrical than the others as actors play out a script and put on a show for visitors

For the website click here.

Haunted Hagan Screampark

Location: 2197 Chase Drive drive, Rancho Cordova at Hagan Community Park
Hours: Oct. 21-22, 28-29 open 7 - 11 p.m.
Oct. 23, 26-27, 30-31 open 7 - 10 p.m.
Admission: For one train ride and one entry into each haunt- $20 adults, $15 children 12 years and under
For train ride only- $8 adults, $5 children 12 years and under

Joel Watson, director of the former Heartstoppers Haunted House, brings his haunt to this premiere theme park. The park features several attractions, including Heartstopper’s Haunted House – an 1867 western town inundated by zombies with three different buildings to explore – and the former ScaryU Haunted House transformed into the all-new Hangtown Sideshow – a take on the classic traveling freak show, complete with the bearded lady, a juggler, a bed of nails and more.

In addition to the haunts, this theme park also features a spooky train ride to and from the haunts and a corn maze filled with scarecrows. An open courtyard holds all sorts of attractions for families with children in a non-scare zone.

For the website click here.

Cemetarium

Location: 5415 Kenneth Ave., Fair Oaks at U Pick Pumpkins
Hours: Oct. 21-22, 28-29 open 7 - 11 p.m.
Oct. 23-27, 30-31 open 7 - 10 p.m.
Family-friendly hours (low-scare) 7 - 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $8, children 12 and under accompanied by an adult

Spawning from what began in 2002 as a fundraiser for his son’s school, Fair Oaks native Frank Babcock and joins with partner Troy Clapham to bring their haunt to the pumpkin patch this year with several unconventional scares sure to catch one off guard, multiple times.

In its first year as a professional haunt, this house has more than 20 actors playing multiple roles and producing scares from multiple rooms on a given night, and organizers still welcome more to participate.

Attendees will have to fight their way through this 600-foot-long house, which features several sections, each with different characters and fears to overcome, including The Parlor, which captures visitors in the cobwebs of antiquity as the furniture takes on a mind of its own, The Crypt, The Torture Room and the Industrial Room, among others, and according to organizers, the scares might not stop once you pass the threshold.

For the website click here.

Corbett’s House of Horror

Location: 1120 Galleria Blvd. across from the Roseville Galleria
Hours: Oct. 20, 23, 25-27 open 7 - 10 p.m.
Oct. 21-22 open 7 - 11 p.m.
Oct. 28-31 open 7 p.m. - midnight
Admission: $10 for one haunt, $20 for all four haunts

Corbett’s House of Horror is a premiere haunt in the former Expo Design Center and is open rain or shine. After 15 years worth of experience with home haunts, Steve Baker decided to partner with friends Jim Corbett and Jim Carey to bring the home haunt to a larger setting.

With more than 40 actors on any given night, Corbett’s House of Horrors offers four haunts:

The Hollywood Experience – an homage to several time-honored horror movies and their monsters such as Elvira and Freddy Krueger
Medical Center – playing off of classic phobias such as mad dentists, crazy doctors and insane asylums
Haunted “Carn-Evil” – A haunted carnival with clowns and tricks around every corner, including drop floors and
House of Horror – a take on the classic Halloween theme of haunted graveyards and the living dead

The idea for all four haunts spawned from four rooms that were featured in Baker’s home haunts.

With any mention of Sacramento Habitat for Humanity this Thursday, as a special event fundraiser, $5 of the ticket purchase will be donated to the charity.

For the website, click here.

Callson Manor

Location: 800 All America City Blvd., Roseville at Placer County Fairgrounds
Hours: Oct. 7-9, 13-16, 20-23, and 26-31 open 7:30 - 10 p.m.
Admission: $10 per haunt, $7 for all four mini attractions, and $23 for all eight attractions (see website for VIP tickets and combo pack)

Back for its fourth year in Sacramento, Bryan Patterson’s pro haunt features four haunted houses, each with a different theme and level of scare. From greatest level to least:

Panic – a combination of several classic phobias, including claustrophobia
Vampire’s Crypt – described as one of the more popular of the year, this haunt includes a vampire bar and dance room
Miner’s Revenge – explore the mine shaft without getting stuck
Callson Manor Funeral Home – using real caskets as props, infested with zombies

A scare-free courtyard, described as the “safe zone,” is available to children and families with multiple photo opportunities with cast members and a Living Dead Stage featuring the Obsidian Butterfly fire dancers on some nights, and punk rock bands on others. The park features four mini attractions as well, including Senses (all senses will be tested if one dares), Maze Craze, Zombie Crawl and the Oddities Exhibit, with voodoo dolls and many other pieces to the collection.

For the website click here.

Forest of Lost Souls

Location: 485 Platt Circle, El Dorado Hills
Hours: Oct. 29 5 - 6:30 p.m for young trick-or-treaters, 6:30 - 8 p.m. for adults and teens
Oct. 30-31 6 - 9 p.m. for adults and teens
Admission: $5 per person without canned food item, or $4 with one canned food donation, and $3 with two canned food items.

What organizer Joe De Celle described as a “pro haunt out of the garage,” this attraction is featured right out of his three-car garage for its second year in El Dorado Hills, but De Celle’s seventh year putting on the home haunt. With 600 square feet to work with, this haunt features a maze intertwining five thematically different rooms with scares coming from any direction and builds a reputation on surpassing visitors’ expectations.

The maze starts with a mild scare, a classic phobia, and those who continue further enter "the Forest of Lost Souls."

De Celle uses security cameras throughout the haunt to keep surveillance on the guests. To view videos of the haunt from past years, click here.

A “scare-free” window is set early in the evening on the first night for younger children and families to go through the haunt without actors jumping out at them.

This is the first year admission is being charged. The haunt has partnered with Food Bank of El Dorado County and is trying to raise up to 300 pounds of non-perishable canned food items to donate by the end of the month.

For the website, click here.

Local costume shops offer Halloween necessities

2011-10-18T03:50:05Z

On Halloween, we all have the opportunity to be someone else. From nostalgic retro-nurses to bruised and battered zombies, almost everyone will be dressed up for a spooky night of fun, fright and candy. The Sacramento Press rounded up various local costume shops to help you find your perfect Halloween fit.

B-Bop Costumes
1931 L St.
443-2234

Hours:
Monday through Friday 10 a.m - 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Hours will be extended as Halloween nears
Rentals: Yes
Sales: Yes

Located in what owner Larry Slaybaugh called “one of the older and more iconic houses in Sacramento,” B-Bop costumes provides customers with an intimate costume-shopping experience. Racks of authentic costumes and clothing sit between walls that are lined with face makeup and costume accessories.

“We have everything you can think of,” Slaybaugh said.

Slaybaugh said that one of B-Bop’s distinguishing factors is that its costumes are real clothes.

“We specialize in 1920s and 1970s vintage,” he said. “All of our costumes are actual clothes from the era. We don’t have much in terms of fake replications.” He said that he believes that the real clothes will allow people to look as authentic as possible.

B-Bop offers both sales and rentals, and prices vary depending on what a customer is looking for. Whether searching for an economical or top-of-the-line outfit, Slaybaugh said that his store is a great place for anyone to find a costume.

Broadway Costumes and Theatrical Supply
3945 Franklin Blvd.
455-6021

Hours:
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday noon - 4 p.m.
Hours will be extended as Halloween nears
Rentals: Yes
Sales: No

Broadway Costume and Theatrical Supply has more than 3,000 costumes for people to rent, said owner Kathryn Felgenhauer. While the shop does not offer sales, she said that she believes it would be hard for any other costume shop to top its selection.

“We offer just about everything, and it’s all of theatrical quality,” Felgenhauer said.

In addition to the costume selection, which includes everything from animals to period pieces to characters, the rental business also carry a wide selection of makeup and accessories.

“We just (received) a whole bunch of unique moustaches,” Felgenhauer said.

Felgenhauer said that her employees will personally walk customers through the makeup process, which is often a daunting task. She added that the top-of-the-line makeup selection is not only great for Halloween, but for theater productions as well.

With an organized selection of costumes and a helpful staff, Felgenhauer said that she believes that her store can fill everyone’s Halloween costume needs.

Cheap Thrills
1712 L St.
446-4103

Hours:
Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Hours will be extended as Halloween nears
Rentals: Yes
Sales: Yes

After reopening with its original owners in July, co-owner Todd Aylward said that Cheap Thrills is back to offering high-quality costumes that are “whatever you want them to be.” He owns the store with his wife, Sondra Aylward, and also owns the costume store Prevues.

“We have lots of authentic costumes, from Victorian to the 1980s,” he said.

Aylward said that the employees are able to put together crazy costumes for their customers. A wide selection and lots of character give his store a unique feel.

“We strive (for) good customer service,” he said. “We want you to have fun and feel good about yourself at the same time.”

The outside of the building, painted purple and orange, foreshadows the colorful atmosphere that customers will experience inside.

“We’ve got everything you could need here,” Aylward said. With everything from makeup to professional costumes, Cheap Thrills has plenty for customers to choose from.

Prevues
2417 K St.
448-4556

Hours:
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Hours will be extended as Halloween nears
Rentals: Yes
Sales: Yes

Owner Todd Aylward said that Prevues is the sexy sister store of Cheap Thrills.

“Prevues is pretty outrageous,” he said. “If you want glam or anything out of the ordinary, this is the place to go.”

Prevues caters to a more adult audience than most other costume stores in Sacramento. Selling showgirl and pinup model costumes, Aylward said that it brings a “sexy side” to the local costume market.

Aylward added that Prevues strives for the same high-quality customer service found at Cheap Thrills.

The selection at Prevues is just as wide, only it caters to a more mature audience.

“It’s just another type of costume store,” Aylward said. “If you’re looking for a fun costume store, Prevues is the place you ought to go.”

I Wannabe Costumes
700 4th St.
West Sacramento
371-0901

Hours:
By appointment only, Monday through Sunday
Rentals: Yes
Sales: No

Julia Harrington owns and operates I Wannabe Costumes from the comfort of her own home. While this may seem unconventional, customers would have trouble differentiating her house from any of the other costume shops in Sacramento.

“All of my costumes are very high-quality,” Harrington said, adding that her daughter makes many of the costumes, and the others are either professional-quality or actual clothing from a certain era.

A large variety of costumes are offered, Harrington said. Everything from the entire “Star Wars” cast to “Shrek” and other kids’ cartoon characters are available for rent. Period costumes are also available, from Elizabethan to the Wild West.

Harrington said that while many costume stores charge extra for the necessary accessories, all of her costumes include everything for one flat rate.

“You can build your own costume, and I include everything in one price,” she said.

Harrington also uses her business to do local charity functions, from elementary school history events to community theater productions.

“Costumes provide hands-on learning, and it sticks with the kids,” she said.

I Wannabe Costumes is available by appointment only, but Harrington said that customers will be happy with the costumes that she rents out.

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion
113 K St.
443-2181

Hours
Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Hours will be extended as Halloween nears
Rentals: No
Sales: Yes

Evangeline’s, an Old Sacramento favorite, has three stories, two of which sell high-quality costumes and wigs, said Manager Jen Kossmann. The store attracts a multitude of customers year-round with its fun and vibrant atmosphere and huge selection.

Kossmann said she credits the ambiance and the enormous selection of goods to the store’s strong sales.

“We are able to carry more than any other costume store,” she said. “It’s more fun than at other stores.”

Customers can take the old-fashioned elevator to the second and third floors, where the costumes are primarily sold. People can try on numerous professional-quality wigs.

“We specialize in having the most,” she added.

Where do you go to shop for costumes in Sacramento? Share your favorite shops in the conversation below.

More Zombie Madness from the Trash Film Orgy

2011-10-16T00:51:53Z

If you're like a lot of people, Halloween is your favorite holiday, and what better way to get your Halloween week off to a rousing start than to see one of the goriest movies about Zombies ever made. Lucio Fulci's 1979 classic, "Zombie," is making its way to the big screen at The Crest Theatre for two screenings, Friday and Saturday, 21 - 22 October at Midnight.

When a young women travels to a remote tropical island in search of her missing father, all hell breaks loose when she and her companions find that a strange epidemic is causing the dead to walk…with an insatiable hunger for human flesh! This Undead classic features some of the most shocking scenes in horror cinema…don’t miss it on the Big Screen!

Brought to you by our local monster mavens at the Trash Film Orgy, this screening is fully remastered and uncut, featuring every classic scene from the original film.

Also at the show will be a zombie make-up table, so you can get your zombification, the Zombie Olympics, which will feature some fun and games. An onstage costume contest will feature fabulous prizes!

The doors open at 11pm, and if you are in an awesome costume, you can ask for the Zombie Discount.

Disclosure: Paul Brown is a long-time volunteer with the Trash Film Orgy.

Costume shop continues to see strong sales

2011-10-11T01:15:09Z

As about 40 customers browsed Halloween costumes on the second floor of Old Sacramento’s Evangeline’s Costume Mansion Monday, Manager Jen Kossmann remarked that business was slow, as the rain kept people at home.

Costumes for adults have grown in popularity over the past five years, and Kossmann said this year was no exception, with the store expanding its costume mansion opening hours from as early as February. Traditionally, the costume mansion opens around August.

“We’ve just been really busy, and we normally only open (the costume shop) to escort people up in the off season,” Kossmann said. “This year, we had so many people going up there, it just made sense to open it all the time.”

The staff does not track exactly how many costumes are sold – a daunting prospect given that some people piece costumes together, some buy complete sets and others might just buy an accessory – but Kossmann said a rough guess is that the number is “in the tens of thousands.”

The ground floor of the store contains gifts, games and toys, while the second and third floors house the costume mansion and are accessed by an elevator or stairs.

October is the shop’s busiest month, and approximately 75 temporary employees were hired to augment the regular staff of 30 to 40. Extended hours mean the store is now open from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Selling well this year are costumes related to TV shows and movies, as well as a few older ones that have surged for other reasons.

“Stewardess uniforms are really popular this year,” Kossmann said, noting that the TV show “Pan Am,” which features flight attendants, is doing well.

Other favorite costumes this year include zombies, medieval-themed costumes and even a mask modeled after the mobile game “Angry Birds.”

“Gypsy costumes are also really popular this year,” Kossmann said. “I don’t know any real reason for it other than that we have a lot of really cute gypsy costumes this year.”

Despite what might be popular, Kossmann advised those seeking costumes to come in without a set idea of what they want to be and let something in the store inspire them.

“You can get a lab coat for $15 or $20 and maybe add a stethoscope to it for a good costume that’s really cheap, or you can go all out and really customize something,” she said.

She added that people can make zombie costumes as easily as tearing up clothes they already have and then applying makeup.

“Makeup really is what makes a zombie costume,” she said. “There are lots of great videos on YouTube that show you how to do the makeup.”

Lauren Gregory, a 20-year-old Sacramentan, browsed the store Monday trying to decide what she will be for Halloween.

“I have no idea yet,” she said. “I wanted to come here because I read online that it’s haunted and used to be a brothel, and I like that kind of creepy history.”

Kossmann said the upper floors of the Gold Rush-era building were used as a boarding house for a long time and did serve as a brothel-type business at one point.

As far as hauntings, she said she has not personally seen any evidence, but some employees have.

“It’s things like stuff falling or lights going on or off that shouldn’t, or hearing something upstairs when you know you’re the only one there,” she said.

Gregory’s friend, 20-year-old Lisa Jones of Sacramento, said she plans to dress up as a biker.

“I don’t like to do the really girly things for a costume,” she said. “They have a really great selection here.”

Brothers Robert and Max Hernandez, 27 and 30, came up from Stockton to visit the shop because of the selection and the setting – Old Sacramento.

“They’ve got a lot more stuff for the ladies, but it’s a really good shop,” Robert Hernandez said as he perused a wall of pirate costumes.

Max Hernandez added that he comes to Evangeline’s every year.

“The selection is a lot better here than in Stockton,” he said, adding that he will be dressing up as Joker from “Batman.”

Kossmann said shipments are still coming in, and if shoppers don’t see what they want, they should ask.

“We have two floors of inventory, and there’s a lot packed into it,” she said.

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion is located at 113 K St.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Historic Parks Offer Lots of Hallween-Related Walking Tours!

2011-09-23T21:34:24Z

Some of Sacramento’s most popular historic sites and museums are daring to get into the Halloween spirit with unique walking tours this October. In the spirit of Halloween fun, the special activities feature spooky ghosts from the past, animated storytellers with lively tales of California’s early governors and even docents relating creepy details of unusual deaths of early pioneers. Entertaining, but with a focus on interpreting California’s rich history, all of the Halloween-related activities are family-friendly with age recommendations noted below.

Living History “Ghost Tours” offered by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation - October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29
Visitors are invited to journey back in time through the streets of Old Sacramento on guided ghostly Living History tours. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides share California’s spooky history and provide intriguing tales that date back to the 19th century. Tours are offered every 30 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m. and cost $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.HistoricOldSac.org or by calling 916-808-7059. Not appropriate for very small children.

“The Mansion After Dark” at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park - October 22 & 29
Dimly lit with darkened rooms and “coffin corners,” the Mansion will be a decked out in Halloween decor for guests to see the historic site in a whole new light as part of the special “Mansion After Dark” open house activities. With costumed characters and scary music to set the mood, storytellers will captivate visitors with tales of the past lives of governors and fortune tellers will share predictions about interesting futures. Self-guided walking tours are available from 6 - 9 p.m. and cost $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under. More information is available at www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion or by calling 916-323-5916. Appropriate for all ages.

“The Haunted Fort” at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park - October 28 & 29
Daring guests can venture to Sacramento’s oldest establishment for a fascinating and popular Halloween-related event called “The Haunted Fort.” Amid the glow of firelight, historical characters will take Fort visitors on 45-minute guided tours through the various darkened rooms, many of which are said to be haunted by past inhabitants. Along the path shared by weary visitors from the 1800s, guests will learn about the creepy and melancholy ways in which some of our early pioneers perished throughout history. Walking tours depart every 10 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m. and cost $6 for adults, $4 for youths ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under. More information is available at www.suttersfort.org or by calling 916-323-7626. Not appropriate for very small children.

All tours are available rain or shine.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

“Spookomotive” Train to Haunt Old Sacramento in October

2011-09-15T21:13:07Z

All aboard for Halloween fun! For three weekends beginning in mid-October, the California State Railroad Museum will once again offer engaging and entertaining rides aboard its popular “Spookomotive” train this fall season. “Spookomotive” trains operate Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of October 15-16 and continuing the weekends of October 22-23 and October 29-30.

For these three weekends only, “Spookomotive” trains depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., departing at the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot at Front and “K” Streets in Old Sacramento. The diesel-powered “Spookomotive” pulls the whimsically decorated train, crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks and staffed by a “skeleton crew.” Visitors are encouraged to climb aboard for a fun-filled, 40-minute, six-mile roundtrip ride along the Sacramento River.

In addition to “Spookomotive” train rides, Old Sacramento will be crawling with other activities during October including Ghost Tours and trick-or-treating. For more information about Old Sacramento activities, visit www.oldsacramento.com. For more about “Spookomotive” train rides or other California State Railroad Museum events and activities, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

About the California State Railroad Museum
Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Cheap Thrills announced its final farewell

2011-02-07T04:53:43Z

The owner of Cheap Thrills, Fred Smith, or “Uncle Fred” as he likes to be called, announced he is retiring and closing the store.

The costume shop at 1209 21st St. was slated to close Jan. 31, according to manager Noelle Castro. Once she started calling loyal customers to tell them they were closing, many of them asked to keep it open for a bit longer, she said.

Smith broke the news to his employees about three weeks ago, and Castro said she had heard rumors, but no one believed it until Smith announced it.

“When I was putting up the sign in the window, a tear dropped down from my eye,” she said.

Mike Farrell, who works as a salesman, or “costumer,” started as a seasonal worker for Cheap Thrills in 1998. It was the first vintage store he ever went to, he said.

Farrell said the store is a rite of passage for a lot of people and he is sad to see the store close.

“(It’s) just sad, and kind of depressing on many different levels,” he said. “We are all family. It’s kind of like we are breaking up.”

Castro had a customer tell her, “It’s been an institution for years and years.”

Smith was not available for an interview. Castro and Farrell said they could speak on his behalf.

“(Smith) has put in his time,” Farrell said. “He built the store from the ground up. He’s a self-made man. Sort of like a phoenix rising.”

Farrell added that Smith came from a broken place and reinvented himself, becoming “Mr. Haberdasher” and then employing others, making a good contribution.

The store is a reflection of his life, Farrell said. He was given a second chance, and the clothes represent that.

“Second-hand clothes, second chance at life,” Farrell said.

Castro said Smith opened Cheap Thrills around 1969, when it carried just costumes and formalwear.

It was around 1998 when Smith opened the Zoots Tux & Etc. shop next door, exclusively for zoot suits. People call from different cities just to rent zoot suits, Castro said.

Besides being a collector, Smith has worked in architecture and even had a rabbit farm at one time, she added.

Uncle Fred was more than a boss to his employees.

“The man has helped me in my personal life and professional, especially when it came to business,” Castro said, adding that Smith is like a father to her.

Farrell said Smith helped him to “place stock” within himself.

“When you’re a salesman, one has to sell yourself, and with that comes a certain amount of confidence,” Farrell said. “When I started, I had little to none, and this place helped me to establish myself. Fred had a great deal to do with that.”

Working at Cheap Thrills was like a party, Farrell said, especially at Halloween.

“One year, it got so crazy, we were renting everything to (customers) plus the kitchen sink. Nate (Smith, Fred’s son) rented a piece of the carpet (to a customer),” Farrell said.

Castro said one of her best memories was helping a customer get ready for his wedding.

“We’ve always gone above and beyond for the customers,” she said. “One time, I went to a wedding 30 minutes before it started to deliver formalwear, and I was driving around on I Street to find the location. It was a great feeling.”

She said she isn’t sure when Cheap Thrills will close its doors for good, and that because of so many customer requests to stay open, it’s a day-by-day thing. It could come next week, she said.

Castro has been a part of Cheap Thrills since 1999 and said she will stick with it until the end, like she knows Smith would for her.

The hours of Cheap Thrills will have the same hours until closing, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is discounting certain items from 25 percent to 50 percent.

Corsetiere tightens corner on market

2010-12-22T01:39:54Z

Corset maker Erin Bray lives life surrounded by silk, satin, velvet and lace.

Most corsets are made to order. Her Isabella Corsetry shop in Midtown is stocked with corsets in nearly 20 styles and dozens of fabric combinations, from cranberry-colored satin with black lace trim or a brown and cream-colored faux fur leopard print with red trim to red or black vinyl.

The sight of such luxuriously romantic garments are enough to cause swoons, long before a corset's back laces are pulled tight. More than 10 years ago, Bray turned sewing skills, an interest in history and a few period costuming classes at American River College into a full-time occupation at what was then a disappearing craft.

"I love period architecture, furniture and clothing," said Bray, a Midtown resident. "I feel like I kind of happened into corsets by accident and it just fit with my love of antiquities."

Five days before Christmas, the corsetiere and her 21-year-old daughter Mekaela worked in a chilly Midtown warehouse making a few last corsets that had to be shipped off before the holiday. Mekaela ironed pieces for a lime-green brocade corset a man ordered as a present for his wife, a Nebraska pinup model.

Bray made her first corset for a friend to wear as a bridesmaid in a wedding in 1998. Few people were making corsets at the time.

A self-taught corset maker, Bray has developed patterns for 19 different corsets by hand. The garments come in two basic configurations: overbust, which covers the bust, and underbust, which stops beneath the bust. Underbust corsets can be worn over dresses, shirts and slips, as well as under clothes.

Corsets typically reduce waist sizes by three to five inches. Her shop carries corsets in standard corset sizes ranging from 18 inches to 38 inches – the measurement of the reduced waist size after a corset is put on. Most people can wear standard corset sizes, Bray said.

She also makes fully custom, one-of-a-kind corsets for customers who visit her shop or order through her website. All the corsets are put together by hand and sewn with machines.

Bray enjoys the variety of fabrics and colors she gets to work with.

"I like the idea of being able to do a bunch of unique garments," Bray said. "I can't imagine having a clothing line and picking just a few fabrics to work with. I have over 200 fabrics in stock, and I'm constantly hunting for new fabrics."

She now sells 700 to 800 corsets a year. About 90 to 95 percent of her corsets are sold wholesale to retail shops in Portland, Seattle, Denver, Canada, Miami, New Orleans, Hawaii and the Bay Area. The Denver store is her biggest customer, selling at least half her corsets each year. She also shows her corsets at apparel trade shows and Goth events.

Customers include romantic couples, the rockabilly crowd, burlesque dancers and people going to costume parties at Halloween.

Her corsets have gained a spotlight on HBO's vampire series, True Blood. She made a burgundy velvet corset for a nasty vampire known as Lorena and a leather corset for Pam, who's just as evil. The corsets were worn on episodes last summer.

Sales have jumped after corsets appeared in movies such as "Underworld" and "Moulin Rouge," Bray said.

Her biggest seller is the Edwardian overbust, which works well on a variety of body shapes. Corsets start at $99 for basic "cinchers," or shorter, simpler underbust corsets that are sewn for her. Corsets made in-house start at $200 for underbusts and go up to $350 for overbusts. Fully custom corsets cost $300 to $450.

Bray makes corsets at least five days a week. Summer is the busiest season as Halloween orders come in from stores. There's enough work that Mekaela, her oldest daughter, works at the shop part-time doing most of the cutting, and her youngest, 18-year-old Cassaundra, works a couple times a week adding grommets and laces to corsets.

She estimates 50 to 100 people are making corsets in this country now. Bray said she's happy to have found her niche making unique garments that add romance to people's lives.

"They're really fun because they're beautiful," she said. "And they make anybody look beautiful."

Appointments are necessary to visit Isabella Corsetry, at 2311 S St. The shop can be reached at 612-4075.

Photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Lockdown Brewing: Revenge of the Brews

2010-11-03T00:47:39Z

Friday Night was the third hosting of “Hallow’wine: Revenge of the Brews” at the Lockdown Brewery in Rancho Cordova.

The event was meant to be filled with a three-fold purpose, beyond the All Hallows Eve festivities, with a sneak peek at the developing tasting room, the unleashing of their new India Pale Ale, and a benefit for the nonprofit Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento.

Each beer was a varied and developed taste for such a small operation. Skipping through the various colors (apparently out of beer hue order), the darker choices had the most flavor. The notable choice was not the prized release of the new IPA, but rather the Scotch Ale presented itself as the unique taste of the night.

Despite the good intentions, and the Scotch Ale, the night was not one to die for or even remembered as a night of sober-less fun. In all, it seemed to lack a real punch-in-the-gut, or spectacular glow to match the glassy eyes and red cheeks. Maybe it was the cover band that tuned too loud. Maybe it was the band’s attempt at Elton John and Beach Boys covers. (I may have heard Journey, but who’s to say? I thought that quagmire of fuzz was original jams at first.)

To move away from the band, one’s sole entertainment became the costume contest being judged through the night. That’s when one entered the sublime. With chickens adorned in bling, Dorothy from Oz, “The Dude” and Captain Jack Sparrow all making an appearance, it was a wonder there was no DJ spinning worn-out vinyl to get Beauty and the Beast shaking it with a little liquid courage.

By 9:30 p.m., it was time to pack it in. With the muddled taste of Lockdown brews in my mouth, it was a shame to see the event lacked a delicacy the beer had.

One Scary Night

2010-11-02T02:18:14Z

It was December, 1991, I was an eighth grader and I had just received my winter grades. My parents had promised to buy me a CD for every A I earned, so I was especially thrilled to see four of them on my report card.
   Four A’s. Four CDs. The first CDs I'd ever own. Read ’em and weep: Jesus Jones’ "Doubt," Nirvana’s "Nevermind," Boyz II Men’s, "Cooleyhighharmony" and Bell Biv Devoe’s "Poison."
   I can't explain away the Jesus Jones decision. I wish I could blame it on the pot or the drinking, but the only pot that chubby 13-year-old me dabbled in was pies, and the only unhealthy drinking I was doing was that of strawberry milkshakes.
   Nirvana and Boyz II Men would soon become two of the biggest groups of the '90s. "Nevermind" is one of the greatest albums of all time, and "End of the Road" is still played at eighth grade graduations every spring. (I like to keep track of that sort of thing).
   That brings us to Bell Biv Devoe (now. . . you know). Of the albums I bought that day, I may have been most excited about "Poison." The title track, along with "Do Me," fully captured my 13-year-old imagination.
   Even though I had little idea what it meant, I was fairly certain that I too wanted to "smack it up, flip it and rub it down" one day.
Lest you think they were simply glorifying sex to impressionable adolescents, "Poison" made it clear that the theme park of love also had a seedy underbelly. It was practically a PSA. Without BBD, I might be walking around today, trusting a big butt and a smile.
   Bell Biv Devoe was the headliner at Friday night at "One Scary Night II," presented by Deon Taylor and 102.5 KSFM, at the California Auto Museum.
   The event was billed as "Sacramento's Hottest Halloween Dance Party," and I think that it lived up to the billing, for the most part.

There were some unfortunate, but ultimately forgivable, missteps, however:

–The event flier prominently featured Flavor Flav. I, and many other partygoers, expected the original hype man to be in attendance. He was not – he had attended the 2009 edition. (This was more of a misdirection than a misstep).

–Partygoers were promised a "HUGE celebrity guest list including Denise Richards, Stacey Dash, Bobby Jackson, Mitch Richmond, Michael Berryman and MANY more." Denise, Stacey and Mitch were all no-shows. If you’re gonna list celebrities who aren't gonna be there, you could have at least gone with some bigger names.

–The two front bars ran out of change at 9:45 p.m. The party didn't even officially start until 10 p.m. (Luckily I had $20 in ones).

–The bars started running out of booze by 10:30. The front bar had only beers and tequila by 11 p.m. They were out of beers at one of the bars next to the dance floor before Bell Biv Devoe took the stage.

–There was only one bathroom for the whole event, and the line for the women’s room was worse than the lines for the booze. The men's room soon became unisex.

Thankfully, the party was able to overcome the myriad issues, thanks in large part to a really great crowd. A few other saving graces:

–The celebrities who did attend were gracious and convivial:

–Mark S. Allen was the MC (seemingly in accordance with Sacramento law) and was his usual gregarious self. He came dressed as a Chilean miner, complete with his own rescue pod. "Are you the mistress or the wife?" was his stock line. (There were a few miners about, but he knocked his out of the park. Maybe he had the Good Day interns help him with it).

–Michael Berryman, of "The Hills Have Eyes" fame, was a delight. The first celebrity to arrive, he signed every autograph, posed for every picture and was exceedingly upbeat and positive. When asked about one of his upcoming roles, he offered simply, "I just love the craft." (I was talking to him about a movie he did, “Dirtmaster,” when he offered some sage words of advice: "Don't do steroids. That shit will kill you." I'm not sure what inspired the comment, but pretty sure it was not my chiseled physique.)

–Larenz Tate and Tyrin Turner were in attendance and "together for the first time since ‘Menace to Society.’ " Regardless if that’s true, they too were imminently approachable and spent a good portion of the evening posing for photos and talking to fans.

–The "Staff Monsters" were fantastic. They were more than 100 zombies, ghouls, monsters and crazies who wandered the party and stayed in character at all times. They really set a spooky, surrealistic mood for the evening.

–Obsidian Butterfly and Jack Sparksprovided fire and electricity-based entertainment in front of the venue, keeping those waiting in line to get in entertained and upbeat.

–Claude the Dragon. A 10-foot-tall, 20-foot-long fire-breathing animatronic dragon made from found materials? Yes please.

–The music. There were a bunch of DJs, and the dance floor was hopping all night.

–The costumes. The partygoers went all-out, and there were some outrageous getups. A few of my favorites were a "the paparazzi," Gilly, The Predator and, of course, countless sexy nurses, sexy police officers, sexy schoolgirls, sexy pumpkins, sexy orthodontists, sexy podiatrists, etc.

–Maino. Apparently he's a famous rapper, but I'd never heard of him before he walked up the red carpet. I had heard his track "All the Above" before, however, and he killed it on stage. Some rap acts struggle in live performances to measure up to the heavily produced studio sound of their albums. Maino had no such problem. I was very impressed. (I was kinda hoping that he was from Maine, and that was how he got his name, because that would be awesome. Alas, a cursory Wikipedia perusal tells me he's from Brooklyn. Maino is short for Jermaine. Sort of. The Pine Tree State is still waiting for its first rap superstar.)

–Bell, Biv Devoe. The boys didn't hit the stage till after 1 a.m., and they only played a three-song set, but the three songs they did, they did well. "B.B.D. (I thought it was me)" into "Do Me," into "Poison." They have been playing these three songs (only these three songs?) for the last 20 years, and they have them down pat. The sound could have been a little better, but their dance moves were surgical in their precision and oh-so-1991. 13-year-old me was so ecstatic he spilled his milkshake.

All of the images are the work of the supremely talented Steven Chea. With a "v".

Folsom's Halloween Treats For the Troops

2010-11-01T22:56:40Z

CASH FOR CANDY AND SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS

Local Pediatric Dental Office Takes a Stand Against Sweets this Halloween

FOLSOM, CA – What’s a ghost’s favorite candy? BOO-ble gum of course! One area pediatric dental group is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Kids Care Dental Group of Folsom and receive $1 per pound. The doctors at Kids Care are leading this anti-decay movement by giving away cash and toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-provoking candy. The candy will then be sent to our troops overseas via Operation Gratitude
(www.opgratitude.com)

“We want kids to have fun….but we also want kids to be healthy….and there is no way a pillow sack full of candy is good for anybody. Ditch the candy, is what we’re saying. Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. Jared Danielson, one of the doctors at Kids Care Dental Group. “Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well!”

Candy will be collected at Kids Care Dental Group of Folsom (2545 East Bidwell, Ste 100, Folsom, CA 95630) on Tuesday, November 2nd from 3:30-6:30pm. For more information please call us at:

(916) 570-1500

folsom@kidscaredentalgroup.com.

Kids Care Dental Group of Folsom
2545 East Bidwell St, Ste 100
Folsom, CA 95630

Source: KCDG Press Release

Midtown Halloween and Pooch Costume Contest

2010-10-31T21:38:14Z

Saturday, the day before the official Halloween, little ones and their parents were trick or treating Sac Midtown businesses.

It's an annual event organized by the merchants and the Midtown Business Association and it was great.

Relles Florist provided fun for the kids; Howdy Do Dat the magician with his real live bunny, face painting by All Party Art and Pony Tails, as well as trick or treaters creating faces on small pumpkins.

"oh come on, that flag isn't right"

Guest appearances were made by some of the dogs that were all dressed up for the Pooch Parade and Costume Contest.

Do you like the dark and brooding type?

Kennedy Art Gallery hosted the awards ceremony next to Headhunters.

Charlie Kennedy, the Spider

In the afternoon the dapper and beautiful canines paraded around midtown and were judged to see which would be the "Top Dogs" This halloween.

The winning dogs in the Pooch Costume Contest are:

1st place - Wiley the Aztec

2nd place - Rudy the Clown

3rd place - Cupcake the Raggedy Ann

Cutest - Lulu the shark

Midtown Spirit - Apple, the Lady Gaga

Funniest - Oliver the Chicken
Best Duo - Mac and Teddy thePolice Dog and Convict
Spookiest - Charlie the Spider

Costume contest judges were Karen Jacques (Board member UAN), Corey DeRoo (French Cuff Consignment, Susan Tiesing (Tres Chic Boutique) and Niki Fay (Midtown Business Association).

Proceeds from the registration fees for entering the Pooch Parade/Costume contest were donated to United Animal Nations. Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. http://uan.org

"Would you please fetch my pipe and newspaper, old sport?"

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Folsom's Night of 1,000 pumpkins

2010-10-31T00:30:11Z

Folsom's historic Sutter Street glittered with lighted pumpkins lined up on sidewalks and windowsills Friday night. I don't know the exact count of the jack-o-lanterns, but there were lots of them and folks were loving them during the event's second year.

Prizes were awarded in the following categories: Scariest Pumpkin, Best Special Effects Pumpkin, Best Traditional Pumpkin, Funniest Pumpkin, and Best Kids Pumpkin. There were two Halloween movies on an inflatable screen in the street - one scary movie, one kids movie - face painters, free popcorn and the shops had customers lined up for goodies.

Here's some stuff I saw:

Johnny Cash pumpkin

There was the possibility of a zombie "flash mob" showing up, but I didn't see any groups of the walking dead.

MyFolsom.com and the Folsom Historic District Association sponsored the event.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Where To Go Halloween Weekend And Not Lose Your Wallet

2010-10-27T22:46:50Z

Cancelation of the long running Exotic Erotic Ball in San Francisco? Are Sacramento's Exotic Ball ticket sales going to be down due to the economy?

It seems as Halloween is upon us many Sacramentins are looking for more economical night time parties this year and I thought I would take the time to give out some information on some upcoming night time events in the Sacramento area that wont break your wallet.

Saturday Night:

The 5hundy.net / calpubcrawl.com group will be having there annual pub crawl starting in midtown, then snaking its way into Old Sacramento. The Crawl starts at 6.30 at Shady Lady and ending in Old Sacramento at River City Saloon & Vega's. Details at http://www.calpubcrawl.com/

98 Rock will be down at the New Shenanigans Pub in Downtown on J Street for " Halloween Mayhem on J Street " details at http://www.jstreetshenanigans.com

Halloween at the Hive, a sober party 7pm to midnight @ the Urban Hive 1931 H Street Sacramento, Ca

Hollow’s Eve Red Carpet Halloween Ball at the Shady Lady Saloon More information: www.metrospark.net

Halloween with Radio Static at Marilyn’s on K. details at http://www.marilynsonk.com/events.htm

Halloween Night - "Sunday Night"

Old Sacramento Halloween Block Crawl, Old Sacramento Halloween Block Crawl. Why party at only one place on Halloween night when you can party at six, all on one block. With no cover charge, drink specials, music, contests and more. Details at http://www.OldSacramentoBars.com

WARNER DRIVE AT SHAKERS PUB in Citrus Heights. Band plays original and covers and talk about cheap drinks at this neighborhood hangout.

Haunted Halloween Night Party at the 7440 Club in Citrus Heights with DJ, Costume contest at midnight!! $100 first place
$3 Cover after 9pm Details at http://www.rockys7440club.com

So there are a few alternatives to the high priced parties this weekend, feel free to comment other night time activities.

Disclosure: Sean Derfield is the owner of River City Saloon

Fun at The Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-27T00:26:40Z

If I were a kid again, I'd want Mom and Dad to take me to The Pumpkin Farm.

It's 12 acres of fun filled with 100 tons of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from. They've grown pumpkins that are more than 800 pounds there and you can see them. During the 2008 season, they grew one of the FIRST two GIANT PUMPKINS over 1000 pounds grown in the Central Valley, right there at the Farm!

Three-year-old Dareton Wilbur gets help from his dad lifting up his first pumpkin (above).Below, he puts his finger on a second one to take home.

Kids love feeding the goats. even if they stick out their tongues. The farm zoo also has friendly llamas, calves, goats, sheep, turkeys and of course, 3 little pigs.

Other farm fun things are acres of corn mazes, sunflowers, antique equipment, straw bale pyramids, and even a huge jump castle.

So many pumpkins to choose from!

Two of the three pigs taking a rest.

An old fashion hayride is just the ticket to see the farm.

The new Go-Kart Train Ride is a big hit since its premier last year. Kids also love the eight car train.

The Pumpkin Farm is situated on an authentic old Northern California farm & orchard off of the historic Old Auburn Road. It's celebrating its 36th year. It's a family-run farm. Leonard Shymoniak's kids grew up there and his grandkids are now helping out. It takes six months of work to prepare for pumpkin season.

The Pumpkin Farm is located at 7736 Old Auburn Road at Mariposa in Citrus Heights, CA, 95610. Parking and admission is free.

The Farm is open every day in October, rain or shine, from 9 am to 6 pm. For more information (including school and youth group inquires), please call (916) 726-1137.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Light Rail Prepares for Zombie Onslaught

2010-10-25T15:37:52Z

Zombie enthusiasts are gearing up for the first-ever "Zombie Train" on Friday - a flashmob on Sacramento Light Rail, capped off by Tainted Love at the Powerhouse Pub.

Folsom is hosting its annual "Night of 1,000 Pumpkins" on October 29, in which they are soliciting the public's help to bring 1,000 jack-o-lanterns to its historic Sutter Street. At 7:23 PM, a trainful of brain-eating zombies is expected to arrive in search or brains and beer. All Zombie enthusiasts are encouraged to come, as well as anyone interested in attending the bar crawl, though organizers ask that the zombies not eat the children. It is unknown how many zombies will show up, though organizers are hopeful that up to 100 zombies will make the journey.

The Zombie Train starts in Midtown at 6:28 at the Sac Valley Light Rail station, and makes its way to Folsom, presumably picking up quite a few undead for an interesting train ride. Organizers are hoping fellow zombies will take pictures and video of their trip and post them on the Facebook page.

Once in Folsom, zombies will be checking out the pumpkins, shops, craft tents, and various bars, which are expected to have drink specials for zombies in attendance. Powerhouse Pub will even be hosting Tainted Love that evening ($15 cover charge) and having a $300 zombie contest. "Throbbing Zombies" will also be on special for the undead in attendance at Powerhouse.

Zombies are advised to find a sober friend to drive or cab it home, as the 7:23 light rail train will be the final Folsom train for the evening. Lake Natoma Inn is also down the street for zombies who can't make it back to their graves by sunrise.

What: The Sacramento Zombie Train
When: Friday, October 29
Where: starts in midtown, ends in Folsom

Train stops:
Sac Valley 6:28p
8th & O 6:34p
16th Street 6:39p
29th St 6:43p
University/65th 6:49p
Watt/Manlove 6:55p
Mather/Mills 7:03p
Sunrise 7:10p
Hazel 7:16p
Folsom 7:23p

The ghosts of Sacramento's past

2010-10-23T01:01:28Z

Do fiendish phantoms haunt the 1850s building at 114 J St. in Old Sacramento?

According to rumors and legend: Yes.

While none of the current tenants claim to have seen otherworldly beings, the stories persist.

“This used to be a restaurant and bar, and the guy who owned it would go out front and barbecue, and his kids would run up to him saying, ‘Daddy, daddy, you have a customer,’ but when he went inside, no one was there,” said JoAnne Peterson, co-owner of Sacramento City Dry Goods.

Another legend, according to Peterson, centers on the spirit of a girl who wanders one of the upper floors.

“She’s very particular about you keeping things neat,” said Peterson, who emphasized that she doesn’t put any credence in the tales. She added that the girl allegedly throws things about if they’re left out of order.

Second- and third-floor tenants didn’t report any sightings, and one claimed he didn’t want to talk to the press about the ghosts because he is currently on good terms with them and doesn’t want to upset them.

Tim Castleman, who owns the Practical Cycle bicycle shop on the ground floor of the building, said he had numerous problems with the alarm system when it was installed earlier this year.

“It was always zone six,” Castleman said. “It’s in the back of the building, on the interior doors.”

The alarm would frequently go off, and Castleman would hustle down to the shop to see if anything was amiss.

“It was nerve-wracking,” he said. “We never could figure it out.”

The false alarms sounded for a couple of months until the third alarm company he used eventually installed a new system and the problems ceased.

Were the false alarms caused by a ghost?

Castleman smiled and shrugged. He said he’s heard the stories of the girl on the upper floors, but he hasn’t seen her.

The building was one of the ones raised on screw jacks following the disastrous flood in 1862, and the job wasn’t done perfectly, as can be seen by looking at the crooked windows in the center of the building’s front.

Photo one is of Elizabeth Pedersen playing the part of the ghost in one of the city’s underground areas now used to store period clothing for a future museum project at Sacramento City Dry Goods.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Vampire Ball set to bring fangs and fun to Old Sacramento

2010-10-20T21:44:47Z

The Crescent Club Speakeasy will host the second annual Vampire Ball this Saturday, a party for vampire fanatics and Halloween revelers alike, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Romanian League in Defense of Animals (ROLDA).

This year’s event will be modeled after HBO’s “True Blood,” said Shannon McCabe, event organizer.

A staff of 25 helped her put together a party six months in the making, including professional set designers, vampire go-go dancers, two local DJs and actors who will be playing roles from the “True Blood” cast. Food will be served by Café Americain.

“I want to feel like I’m in the town of Bon Temps,” McCabe said, alluding to the fictional town where the HBO vampire series is set.

Fans of the show will recognize characters like Sookie Stackhouse and Eric Northman, among others, as costumed actors mingle with the crowd. The indoor café will be renamed “Merlotte’s Grill” after a restaurant from the series. The courtyard will be transformed into a blue bayou, McCabe said, to emulate the feel of the show’s small Louisiana town.

There will be a dance floor named “Fangtasia” with DJ David V and another called “Dracula’s Castle Dance Hall” with DJ Natalie Liquori, which will draw guests after they spend time at the “Hair of the Dog Bar.” Others can wander the three stories of the historic mansion or take a break in the rooms on the third floor that will be playing vampire films and “True Blood” episodes throughout the night.

McCabe said she created this event after becoming a fan of the “Twilight” saga. After 15 years of being a professional event planner, she thought, “How can I bring this to other fans so that they can experience it and not just watch it?”

She is also the founder of Haunted & Paranormal Investigations International (HPI), which hosts ghost-hunting classes and overnight stays at haunted locations, as well as investigates claims of paranormal activity.

“The owners of the Crescent Club Speakeasy have had paranormal ghost experiences,” McCabe said, adding that this was part of the reason she chose the location for the Vampire Ball, as well as the “crazy Victorian décor and chandeliers and vampiric atmosphere” of the historic Governor Newton Booth mansion.

“You aren’t required to dress up,” McCabe said, “but it will heighten the experience.”

During the night, a charity raffle will be held to raise money for ROLDA. McCabe, a member for almost two years, said the idea made sense because “Romania has animals in need and (was the home of) Dracula. I love animals and vampires, and so I have the Vampire Ball to help Romanian animals.”

Tickets are $12 online (available here) or $15 at the door.

Photos used with permission from Shannon McCabe's website.

Halloween Costume Crawl

2010-10-19T22:20:06Z

Costume Crawl III
The Costume Crawl is Back!!! Get your All-Hallows-Eve Pre-Party on Tuesday, October 26th, 2010.

Come enjoy a FREE menu of Monster Munchies and Ghoulish Grubs, as well as discounted Spooky Spirits. Wear or bring your costume to work/school or change in our private dressing room at our first GrubCrawl venue...this is the (not so dry run) chance for you to see how good you look as a sexy (or scary) firefighter/pirate/character from GLEE (or Dispicable Me!?)

You'll have a spook-tacular time with the freakiest fun crowd on the planet, as we haunt for the hottest place to party…all for great price per person!
We'll start our Monster March at VIVE Cocina Mexicana & Ultra Lounge, Downtown Sac near 7th & "K" Street, as close to 6:00 p.m. as you dare! Then, after an hour of revelry*, we'll scream our way to Table 260 for more bites & brews! Next, the Ghouls and boys will slink and stumble to 4th Street Grille, where wicked wait-staff will help us quench your thirst for bloody good food and drinks.

Finally, get ready for the ultimate Thriller....FREE ADMISSION to the new Shenanigans Restaurant and Club (the old Image VIP Nightclub) to dance till the full moon rises.

Shenangins will host a massive Costume Contest with prizes for the SCARIEST, SILLIEST, AND SEXIEST Costumes as well as one Grand prize for Overall Best Costume, .....so anyone can win. REGISTER NOW! GrubCrawlUSA.com

*rev·el·ry/ˈrevəlrē/

Noun: Lively and noisy festivities, esp. when these involve drinking a large amount of alcohol.

Disclosure: Cline Moore is the founder of Grub Crawl USA

Local Halloween Events

2010-10-15T00:32:07Z

Celebrating Halloween is now a month-long occasion. Here are some spooky activities to get your skin crawling and set your nerves on end all the way through the 31st. All events are in Sacramento, unless noted otherwise.

Trash Film Orgy Halloween 2010

Crest Theatre, 1013 K St.
Oct. 31: 8 p.m. (doors open) 9 p.m. (show begins)
All seats cost $10 ($1 discount for those wearing costumes)
Ages 18 and older only
More information: www.trashfilmorgy.com or call 916-44-CREST

Trash Film Orgy presents “Heavy Metal Halloween” at the Crest Theatre. Live bloody stage shows, audience participation, games and costume contests will accompany a showing of the 1986 film “Trick or Treat,” featuring cameos by Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne. The bar will be open at 8 p.m. to hydrate a lobby full of crazy games, including a series of interactive games helping people become heavy-metal rock stars.

Haunted Hagan Screampark

Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
Oct. 8 - 28: 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Oct. 29 - 31: 7:30 - 11:00 p.m.
Ticket info: www.hauntedhagan.com/default.html

Haunted Hagan Screampark brags of hosting one of “Northern California’s most popular haunts; the Heartstoppers Haunted House.” In addition to having two haunted houses, the Screampark also features a train ride through the woods – operated by the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum. The Screampark also promises a generous onslaught of walking dead.

Living History “Ghost Tours” offered by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation

Eagle Theater, 925 Front St.
Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Adults: $15. Youth (ages 6-17): $10. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.historicoldsac.org or call 916-808-4980

This walking tour leads visitors through the spooky history of Old Sacramento, dating back to the 19th century. Tour guides are in costume and lead an entertaining and insightful trip through the streets of Old Sacramento.

The Mansion After Dark

Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park 1526 H St.

Oct. 23, 30 6 - 9 p.m.
Adults: $6. Youth (ages 6-17): $4. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion/ or call 916-323-5916

The mansion is embracing Halloween by decorating its rooms, playing scary music, providing only dim lighting and having costumed characters share stories of past governors. Fortune tellers will also be on-hand to share their predictions regarding the future. Tours through the darkened mansion are self-guided and appropriate for all ages.

The Haunted Fort

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St.

Oct. 29 - 30: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Adults: $6. Youth (ages 6-17): $4. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.suttersfort.org or call 916-323-7626

Sutter Fort’s State Historic Park offers this new Halloween-related event for visitors to learn more about the melancholy lives of pioneers from the 1800s. The tour lasts 45 minutes and guides visitors through darkened rooms and through the park as it is illuminated by the glow of firelight.

Spookomotive Train

Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot
Front and K streets in Old Sacramento

Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Adults: $9. Youth (ages 6-17): $4. Ages 5 and under: Free.
More information: www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call 916-445-6645

A skeleton crew silently implores visitors to hitch a ride on this Halloween-themed diesel train. With cobwebs hanging uncomfortably overhead, the Spookomotive train transports visitors a total of six miles along the Sacramento River and through Old Sacramento’s streets, which will be decorated for the Fall Harvest Days activities. The ride is described as being “delightful, but not frightful,” so all ages are encouraged to hop aboard.

Blood Moon Regale

The Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.

Oct. 16: 6:30 p.m. (doors open) 7 p.m. (performance begins)
$20 for advance tickets, $25 at the door
Ages 18 and up
More information: www.bloodmoonregale.com/ or call 916-308-9573

Celebrating its 10th year of performing, Blood Moon’s theatrical dance showcase features students from Hot Pot Studios as well as performers from all over the world. Presented by Unmata, Blood Moon Regale’s “Now That’s Fun” includes jump rope, bath time, magic, threesomes, a trampoline, synchronized swimming and so many other bizarre things that it would be counter-productive to list them all here. To understand the intriguing quality of this performance, you will have to go and see it for yourself.

Sacramento Horror Film Festival

The Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.

Oct. 21-24
A full calendar of film showings and ticket packages can be viewed at: www.sachorrorfilmfest.com/

This annual film festival offers an eclectic mix of film screenings, performances and activities all paying homage to the horror genre. Special guests at this year’s event include performances by Jill Tracy and renaissance man Voltaire. A Zombie Beauty Pageant will also be held with prize packages for those who place first, second, and third.

Safe and Super Halloween Monster Mash

Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Drive

Oct. 22-24: 5 - 9 p.m.
Members: $10. Nonmembers: $7
Children 1-year old or younger have free admittance
More information: www.fairytaletown.org/ or call 916-808-7462

Fairytale Town will feature 17 candy stations and classic monsters, including Dracula, Dr. Jekyll, Frankenstein, witches and werewolves. The park has been made over for Halloween, offering hands-on activities and sets themed after spooky storybook tales. This event provides a wonderful Halloween experience for children and adults young at heart.

Haunted House at Maines Mansion

Midtown
2501 I St.

Oct. 22-31 (except on Monday and Tuesday): Dusk until 10 p.m.
Free admission, but donations are encouraged and accepted
More information: www.myramaines.com/

The Haunted House at Maines Mansion is celebrating its fifth anniversary. About 20 actors and special effects technicians bring the 30-minute show to guests exploring the century-old Victorian home. All donations will benefit Sunburst Projects (sunburstprojects.org) – an organization that helps children and families in the Sacramento area who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Haunted Stacks

Central Library Galleria
828 I St.

Oct. 22: 7 p.m.
Free admission
More information: www.altlibrary.com/ and RSVP at www.meetup.com/altlibrary/

Be unnerved with an evening of paranormal investigation, a big-screen showing of “Ghostbusters” and an after-hours tour of the Sacramento Room. Participants will seek out the lady in red as they wander through some of the oldest parts of the library. There will also be a sharing time dedicated to some of Sacramento’s most popular ghosts.

Haunted Oasis Bellydance Showcase

Lido Bar & Grill
7739 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael

Oct. 23: 6 - 9 p.m.
Free Admission
All ages
More information: www.mychelledancer.com/hauntedoasis.htm

Join the belly dance community as it celebrates Halloween. Sacramento’s best belly dancers will be performing “A Night in the Oasis,” with dancers Rak’elle, Nour, Nyla Crystal, Radhia, Badia of Farasha Storm, Kelly, Jewels of the North and more.

Pumpkin Carving Workshop and Contest

Gluten Free Specialty
2612 J St.

Oct. 24: Noon - 4 p.m.
$20 a person, $30 for a pair (registration required)
Register by visiting the store or calling 916-442-5241

Gluten Free Specialty is making space for pumpkin carvers of all skill levels to join in its inaugural pumpkin carving contest. The store allows participants to use carving tools and supplies. A pumpkin is provided with the price of entry, and the store will also be selling pumpkins all week leading up to Halloween. First prize will receive a $50 gift certificate to the store. Photos of the finished product will be posted for customers to view and vote on throughout the week.

One Scary Nite Halloween Party

Sacramento Auto Museum
2200 Front St.

Oct. 29: 9 p.m.
General Admission: $20
VIP Table: $70
Ages 21 and older
More information: www.onescarynite.com/ or call 916-649-2388

One Scary Nite 2 promises to be bigger, better and scarier than before. The night will include live mixing by “DJ Clue,” fire breathers, stilt walkers, jugglers, zombies, costume contests with cash prizes and a large dance floor. This year boasts star attendances like Denise Richards and Stacey Dash, Bobby Jackson, comedian Tony Roberts and more.

Halloween Blackout Skate

Roller King
889 Riverside Ave.
Roseville

Oct. 30: 7 - 10 p.m.
Free admission with any canned food item (skate rental not included)
All ages welcome
More information: www.rollerkingroseville.com or contact David Jacques at rollerking@surewest.net

This all-ages event benefits the Placer Food Bank. Games and prizes will be offered throughout the evening. Guest are encouraged to wear costumes, provided that they are able to safely skate in them.

Midtown Trick or Treat and Pooch Parade

Oct. 30:
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Trick or Treat
Relles Florist, 2400 J St.

2 - 4 p.m.
Pooch Parade
Kennedy Gallery 1114 20th St.

2 - 4 p.m.
Pooch Costume Contest
24th and K Lot

For those who are scared of the dark, this daytime trick-or-treating event, supported by participating Midtown businesses, is the perfect way to get your candy fix. For those who enjoy dressing up their dogs, a pooch parade and costume contest will be taking place in the late afternoon. To enter the pooch costume contest there will be a $10 donation, which goes to the United Animal Nations. The times and locations listed above are meeting points during the day.

Halloween Carnival 2010

6446 Sylvan Rd.
Citrus Heights

Oct. 30: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free admission
Ages 0-11
More information: www.creativefrontiers.com or call 916-502-6258

Creative Frontiers School and Radio Disney present a carnival full of activities for younger children. The carnival features vendors and food, live performances, raffles, costume contests, face-painting, hay rides, a bounce house, Radio Disney Live and much more.

Exotic Halloween Ball

Cal Expo

Oct. 30: 8:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
General admission: $34 in advance
VIP Tickets: $100
21 and older
More information: now100fm.radio.com/events/2010/10/30/exotic-halloween-ball/

In its 14th year, NOW 100.5 is carrying on the tradition of 100.5 The Zone by presenting an event for the big kids. This huge party features costume contests, four dance clubs, live music from Wonderbread 5, laser light shows, bikini lap dances, a spanking and flogging stage, human petting zoo, mechanical bull rides and an exotic fun house.

Hallow’s Eve Red Carpet Halloween Ball

Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.

Oct. 30: 7 p.m.
Free for executive members, $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers
More information: www.metrospark.net

Come in costume and spend a night with the Halloween-outfitted Shady Lady Saloon. Live entertainment will start around 9:30 p.m., free psychic readings will be provided by Tammy Adams from House of Angels and goodie bags and prizes will be offered throughout the evening. The Harley White Jr. Orchestra will provide the music, and Fall-inspired cocktails will be served.

Dead Rockstars Show

Old Ironsides
1901 10th St.

Oct. 31: 8 p.m.
$8 cover at the door, 21 and older

This annual rock show, presented by Jerry Perry, will feature the likes of Adrian Bourgeous, Ricky Berger, I Scream on Sundae, Breaking Glass, Ol' Cotton Dreary, Crazy Ballhead, The Onlymen, 2 or 3 Guys, Saucer, Jet Black Pope and more.

Halloween Trick or Treat at The Fountains

The Fountains
Roseville Parkway and Galleria Boulevard

Oct. 31: 4 - 6 p.m.
More information: www.thefountainsatroseville.com
Free admission

Each of the retail stores at The Fountains will be throwing a trick-or-treat party. Main Street will be closed off for pedestrian traffic as visitors meander through the many different Halloween-inspired stations.

Trick or Treat Night at IKEA

IKEA West Sacramento
700 IKEA Ct.

Oct. 31: 5 - 7 p.m.
Free admission
Ages 3-12

Rather than getting lost in some real-world neighborhood setting, IKEA open openup to children and provided a series of candy stops throughout its massive store. Come get lost in a maze and mixture of bedroom and kitchen scenarios this Halloween. Kids can get their candy, and you can redesign your living room.

Kids Costume Brunch

de Vere’s Irish Pub
1521 L St.

Oct. 31: 9 a.m-2 p.m.
More information: www.deverespub.com/ or call 916-231-9947

This is de Veres’ inaugural Kids Costume Brunch, giving kids an arguing point for wearing their costumes all day on Halloween. A full brunch menu will be served, with cocktails for the parents. Special treats and giveaways will be available for children in costume. Some of the prizes include 30 passes to the Sacramento Zoo and four passes to the “Boo at the Zoo Party.”

Larry Scholl’s Folsom Ghost Train

City Lions Park
Stafford Way, Folsom

Oct. 22-31: 7 - 9 p.m.
All ages
Tickets are $8

More information: www.larryscholl.net/ghosttrain2010.html

Storyboard artist Larry Scholl put his 20 years’ worth of creative experience – most notably with Walt Disney – to work with the creation of the Folsom Ghost Train. The Ghost Train is the only independent, full audio-animatronic attraction in California.

In-depth coverage of Larry Scholl and the Ghost Train can be found by reading the article below:
www.sacramentopress.com/headline/38412/The_Ghost_Train_offers_scares_for_the_whole_family

Murder and Mayhem Scavenger Hunt

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion
113 K St.

Now through Oct. 31: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Free admission
All ages welcome

More information: www.sacramentopress.com/headline/38078/Murder_and_mayhem_at_Evangelines or call 916-443-2181

A trip to Evangeline’s Costume Mansion provides entertainment for hours, with or without the scavenger hunt. But, in addition to the already-overwhelming stock of costumes, games, trinkets, and funny gadgets, the store now invites visitors to navigate the old mansion in pursuit of clues revealing the identity of murderers from throughout history.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo one: Evangeline's Costume Mansion Scavenger Hunt

Photo two: Ghost Tour

Photo three through six: Trash Film Orgy's presentation of "Trick or Treat"

Photos seven and eight: Larry Scholl's Folsom Ghost Train

Looking for a Historic Yet Spooky Good Time?

2010-10-12T16:37:02Z

Some of Sacramento’s most popular historic sites and museums are daring to get into the Halloween spirit with unique walking tours this October. In the spirit of Halloween fun, the special activities feature spooky ghosts from the past, animated storytellers with lively tales of California’s early governors and even docents relating creepy details of unusual deaths of early pioneers. Entertaining, but with a focus on interpreting California’s rich history, all of the Halloween-related activities are family-friendly with age recommendations noted below.

Living History “Ghost Tours” offered by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation - October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30
Visitors are invited to journey back in time through the streets of Old Sacramento on guided and ghostly Living History tours while entertaining and knowledgeable guides share California’s spooky history and provide intriguing tales that date back to the 19th century. Walking tours are offered every 30 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m.   Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.HistoricOldSac.org or by calling 916-808-4980. Not appropriate for very small children.

“The Mansion After Dark” at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park - October 23 & 30
Dimly lit with darkened rooms and “coffin corners,” the Mansion will be a decked out in Halloween decor for guests to see the historic site in a whole new light as part of the special “Mansion After Dark” open house activities. With costumed characters and scary music to set the mood, storytellers will captivate visitors with tales of the past lives of governors and fortune tellers will share predictions about interesting futures. Self-guided walking tours are available from 6 - 9 p.m.   More information is available at www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion or by calling 916-323-5916. Appropriate for all ages.

“The Haunted Fort” at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park - October 29 & 30
Daring guests can venture to Sacramento’s oldest establishment for a fascinating new Halloween-related event called “The Haunted Fort.” Amid the glow of firelight, historical characters will take Fort visitors on 45-minute guided tours through the various darkened rooms, many of which are said to be haunted by past inhabitants. Along the path shared by weary visitors from the 1800s, guests will learn about the creepy and melancholy ways in which some of our early pioneers perished throughout history. Walking tours depart every 10 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m.   More information is available at www.suttersfort.org or by calling 916-323-7626. Not appropriate for very small children.

All tours are available rain or shine.

Disclosure Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents various local clients including Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, the Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

The Ghost Train offers scares for the whole family

2010-10-07T00:57:21Z

This Halloween season, the Folsom Ghost Train will take guests on trips through a haunted cemetery filled with a fully animatronic cast of motorized ghosts and ghouls.

The design of the ride is similar to that of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

Guests might even share the ride with the creator, Larry Scholl, who started the Ghost Train after a 20-year career in animation, including working for Disney.

“The other guests don’t know it’s me,” Scholl said, “but I love to listen to their conversations, their excitement. It’s the best way to see honest reactions.”

Scholl said the ride always evokes a few big screams, but called it “fun scary and family-friendly.”

“The Ghost Train averages around 2,500 patrons each year,” event promoter Jonathon Morken said in an e-mail. He and Scholl met in 2006 and shared a passion “for old horror films and audio animatronics.”

“I think it’s beautiful to look at. It’s not done just to scare people—it’s a mood piece,” Scholl said.

Scholl said children are his favorite audience.

“Kids believe it. You can see when they’re smiling, when it’s working. They’re transfixed,” Scholl said.

Every character is animatronic, and there are no live actors. Scholl respectfully refers to his creations as “cast members,” and said his favorite character is a dancing ghost that is “the cheapest effect, yet still gets a lot of attention.”

“It’s not the budget that creates the magic,” Scholl said.

With no live actors, the crew behind the scenes works hard to keep the ride moving smoothly. Scott Berge, the lead engineer, and Scott Frasier, the lighting and effects designer, help Scholl to the extent that he said the event would be impossible without them.

“There are usually no more than five people working behind the scenes,” said Scholl.

Another notorious cast member is the Devil Dog, a 7-foot-tall beast that Scholl said is what most people talk about after the ride.

Scholl started his animatronic hobby in his own backyard 10 years ago and met Terry Gold, owner of the Folsom Valley Railway, who asked him to bring his show to Folsom.

“The first year was a pleasant surprise. It was a hit. Crude, of course, but it started as a love,” Scholl said. “Now it’s out of control and expensive, and we need a huge moving van to carry everything.”

Despite the lack of investor support, despite some of the animatronics faltering on opening night, and despite a shoestring budget, Scholl said, “I love it so much that no matter the frustration, I just keep going.”

The Ghost Train is located at the City Lions Park on Stafford Way in Folsom and runs from 7-9 p.m. from Oct. 22 through Oct. 31.

Tickets are $8.

Photos from Jonathon Morken

Murder and mayhem at Evangeline's

2010-10-01T00:05:11Z

Most law-abiding citizens would rather not dabble in any business involving murder and mayhem, but Evangeline’s Costume Mansion finds a way to entice even its best-behaved visitors.

A quick visit can turn into an entertaining hour of aimless milling around. But now customers can infuse some purpose into their wandering as they guide themselves through a murder-themed scavenger hunt, gathering interesting facts at stations throughout the store about some of history’s most notorious villains and gruesome killers.

Evangeline’s store manager Jen Kossmann is responsible for organizing and implementing the hunt into the already-overwhelming layout of the store. Kossmann said the design for each of the 10 stations was inspired by the themes of the rooms themselves.

Rooms’ names are titled after the contents they display. There is a Gothic chamber, a renaissance room, a storybook land, heaven and hell, a saloon and a lab where naughty nurse costumes cover the walls from floor to ceiling.

“I used the store itself as a tool for knowing who and what would go where,” Kossmann said.

Stations are hidden on both the second and third floors of the Costume Mansion, most of which are inconspicuously tucked away in corners of the themed rooms. Others, like Jack the Ripper’s station, can be identified by elaborate decoration (severed heads and blood) and props relating to the character being investigated.

Visitors can collect scavenging guides on the second floor, which contain a map and questions corresponding to each station.

Axe murderer Lizzie Borden’s clue can be found propped up on a fireplace in the saloon room. It was believed that she burned her bloodstained dress after murdering her parents. With tangible visuals accompanying each station, participants don’t need to strain their imaginations to feel the weight of the horrors these individuals created with their crimes.

Criminals on the circuit include Al Capone, Son of Sam, the Zodiak Killer, Blackbeard the pirate, and other lesser-known villains and dark characters from various periods in history.

Kossmann said that in preparing the hunt she did a lot of reading on serial killers. In her research she came across America’s first documented serial killer, H.H. Holmes. Kossmann’s guide makes comparisons between Holmes’ infamous Murder Castle and Evangeline’s Costume Mansion.

It was in Holmes’ Murder Castle that many of his victims were trapped and discombobulated by the unorthodox layout of the building – doors opened onto brick walls, and staircases led to nowhere. Evangeline’s costume mansion has similar features and is recognized as one of Sacramento’s oldest buildings.

Kossmann admitted that she did not want to make the hunt too creepy, but given that the hunt is titled “Murder & Mayhem,” visitors cannot complain when they find themselves embarrassed by their frightful reactions to the mansion’s many hidden scare tactics.

With so much foot traffic coming through the store, Kossmann said there hasn’t been much need to advertise the hunt.

Kossmann said the store is usually staffed by 35-50 employees, but during the Halloween season around 100 seasonal workers join the staff to keep the mansion up and running.

The scavenger hunt is self-guided and can be enjoyed anytime the store is open. Kossmann said she hopes the scavenger hunt will be an ongoing feature in the store by changing the questions and themes that go along with it.

As Halloween approaches, people will begin flooding into Evangeline’s. Kossmann said “it gets really crazy” and furniture is moved to make way for the high volume of customer traffic.

The scavenger hunt adds history and intrigue to the already-stimulating mansion store. Whether you have a morbid fascination with the crimes of murderers or wish to brave the padded-cell dressing room, Evangeline’s offers an escape into the bizarre for everyone who visits.

Evangeline’s is located at 113 K St. and is open from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Nighttime tours offered at the Old City Cemetery

2010-09-24T00:14:46Z

This Halloween season, take a unique nighttime tour through the Old City Cemetery with nothing but a lantern to light the way through the maze of historic tombstones and wandering spirits.

The annual Lantern Tours offer guests a special visit with Sacramento’s oldest residents.

“Guests are led by a gas-lit lantern through the cemetery, and we stop to meet residents who are played by costumed docents,” said Old City Cemetery Committee Director Lynda Walls.

Walls, who doubles as the official tour guide, said the stories are often told through skits.

“It’s very entertaining. We try to have a sense of humor with the most respect,” she said.

There is a palpable sense of history at the Old City Cemetery. Established in 1849 on land by John Sutter, the property’s size (now over 28 acres) has fluctuated over the past 160 years.

“At one point the property reached a bit farther north, when Broadway was a two-lane road, and there was once a beautiful bell tower,” Walls said.

The cemetery is adorned with many types of trees, colorful flowers and plants growing along the criss-crossing paths between grave sites. It is a peaceful, well-maintained resting place for much of Sacramento’s history, from WWII soldiers to past governors.

After sunset, however, one can easily think of the opening scenes of “Night of the Living Dead.”

“I don’t think it’s spooky,” Walls said. “I love it. We are very respectful of the cemetery residents and their descendants.”

The costumed volunteers who play the roles of the deceased base their stories on well-researched information. There are between 50 and 60 volunteers who bring the Lantern Tours to life.

“The actors are given the true information about their character – old newspaper clippings, journals – and they write their own scripts,” said Connie Clark, the assistant who oversees the cast.

Clark also participates in the tour.

“One year I was Amy Crocker,” she said, “and her grandson happened to be on the tour. So that was a pleasant surprise.”

For moments like that, the Cemetery Committee always makes sure its research is accurate.

“It is important to us to be truthful,” Clark said. “Besides, as the saying goes: Truth is often stranger than fiction.”

Clark said she has been performing historical reenactments for many years and came to the Old City Cemetery in 2007. She said she volunteered when she heard stories of the cemetery being vandalized, and she wanted to help protect its history.

“The tickets sell out every year,” Walls said, adding that it’s despite the event never being advertised and gaining popularity solely by word of mouth.

“Each year we choose different stories and meet different residents to make no two years the same,” Walls said, “while our returning volunteers help keep the tour quality consistent.”

First-time volunteers are asked to fill the role of the “wandering spirits” who wander the cemetery during the tour. They graduate to bigger roles after they’ve observed the veterans and know what is expected of them.

In an e-mail, Walls said the Lantern Tours have made about $8,000 in the past by only hosting tours for one weekend. “This year, we have enough volunteer to expand to two weekends... We're expecting to raise about $18,000.”

She said half the proceeds go toward toward the Old City Cemetery’s other projects, such as genealogy assistance, education outreach, general upkeep of the property gardens and much more. The other half goes toward the restoration of headstones.

“Due to age, weathering, storms and past vandalism, hundreds of the unique hand carved marble and granite headstones are damaged, broken or no longer in their bases,” Walls said in an e-mail. “The average cost of repairing a single headstone runs about $300 - $400.”

The tours generally last between sixty to ninety minutes and refreshments are served.

“We invite people to come out and see what goes bump in the night,” Clark said.

The Old City Cemetery is located at 1000 Broadway.

The Lantern Tour dates:
Friday & Saturday, October 22 & 23
Friday & Saturday, October 29 & 30
6:00, 8:00 and 10:00 pm
Tickets cost $30

Normal visiting hours are:
7 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Winter (closed Wed. and Thur.)
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. in the Summer (closed Wed. and Thur.)

For more information call 916-448-0811

TFO Halloween

2009-11-02T02:57:01Z

As promised, the Trash Film Orgy was a trashy good time.

The Crest Theater was full Saturday of costumed fans of “The Howling” and “From Dusk Til Dawn.”

Before the double feature began, visitors occupied the lobby for ghoulish activities such as make-your-own-monster and monster a go go.

The stage in front of the movie screen was set as living room for a special performance of “Little Dead Riding Hood,” the murderous adventure of a young girl trying to find happiness in the adult film industry while she delivers tequila and hot dogs to her dying grandmother.

“We are presenting a musical on stage which we have no business doing,” said the evening's hidden host.

The crowd cracked jokes during the movies, tossing Halloween puns back and forth.

During intermission, visitors rushed to the booth outside the theater doors to sign up for the costume contest. The first 10 people to sign up became contenders for the trashy showing, where prizes didn’t matter.

“You’re only going to die of laughter,” said Jennifer Anderson. “Its trashy, funny and wrong on so many levels.”

The Day of the Dead-ly Davis Derby

2009-11-02T00:34:42Z

In a flurry of face paint, furry costumes and fixies, around 50 people raced through downtown Davis on bikes Saturday afternoon, a mad dash to the Death Star — a.k.a. the Social Sciences Building at UC Davis — to find a map that would lead them through the rest of the ride: the Day of the Dead-ly Davis Derby.

The Halloween ride was the fifth installment of the Davis Deadly Derby, a DIY bike race that changes form with each occurrence. Usually it involves a scavenger hunt, once it involved music performances at each checkpoint, and always it ends in celebration and beer. The makeshift race was organized by members of the Davis Bike Collective, with donations benefitting their new location at Bike Forth on Fourth and L streets.

Seasonally appropriate challenges on this costumed race included a persimmon toss and trick-or-treating. Teams had to climb to the roof of the Cruess Hall food science building with at least one bike in tow. The race concluded with each team recounting their adventures in rhyming couplets with ukulele accompaniment.

The next Davis Deadly Derby is rumored to be in April 2010. Forget the Amgen Tour, man. This is the most spirited of bike races.

Halloween in Sacramento - a photo essay

2009-11-01T19:37:00Z

Photos of the dog fashion show by Eric Whalen

Photos of Midtown Trick or Treat by Suzanne Hurt

Photos of Halloween night by Tina Armour

Sac ranks high in collisions, Sac PD working to eliminate drunk driving

2009-11-01T04:15:02Z

The California Office of Traffic Safety [OTS] releases a yearly ranking of 13 cities of similar size (population over 250,000) for collisions by daily vehicle miles traveled and average population.

The 13 cities are Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach, Fresno, Oakland, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Riverside and Stockton.

The numbers for 2008 are not yet available, but for 2007, Sacramento ranked No. 1 in many categories.

For collisions with alcohol involved, Sacramento ranked first with 478 victims killed and injured.
For collisions where the driver had been drinking (HBD) both under age 21 and ages 21 to 34, Sacramento came in first with a combined 214 victims killed and injured.
Sacramento ranked first by population for total fatal and injury collisions with 4,404 victims killed and injured.
Sacramento also ranked first for collisions involving bicyclists by population, speed-related collisions by population and nighttime collisions by population. Nighttime collisions were defined as occurring between 9 p.m. and 2:59 a.m.

Sacramento Police Department applied for OTS grants and was awarded two grants for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

The first is the Sacramento County Pilot Program for Brief Intervention of Impaired Drivers. This program is being tested in Sacramento for repeat offenders. It is a voluntary interview with drivers before they are released from jail which can provide resources and treatment for alcoholism.

The second grant was for the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program, in the amount of $670,500. This grant money has funded the new DUI Enforcement Team, which has been in effect since Oct. 1.

Ten additional DUI checkpoints have been added for a total of 22 checkpoints in Sacramento from Oct. 1 until Sept. 30, 2010.

Overall $83 million has been awarded to the state of California for traffic safety grants.

Sergeant Dave Hargadon runs the DUI Team and attributes the high number of collisions involving alcohol to the increased nightlife in Sacramento.

Hargadon said the police department has been working with the Midtown Business Association to reduce driving under the influence in Downtown and Midtown. They have been discussing ways they can work with these establishments to prevent drunk driving.

One tactic the DUI Team will be to possibly train employees of establishments where drunk drivers tend to come from. The DUI Team will start determining if there is a trend of drunk drivers coming from certain bars or clubs.

“We’ve been asking people where they are coming from, but until now it has only been a word on a police report,” Hargadon said. “The DUI team will start keeping track of that information.”

Statistics for 2008 have shown improvements for the state of California.

“Last year in California, 1,029 people died in alcohol impaired crashes; a 9 percent reduction in deaths from 2007.” OTS director Christopher Murphy said in a Sacramento Police Department press release.

Hargadon said the DUI Team has been successful so far.

“The preliminary numbers show we are making a difference in all categories,” Hargadon said. “The effort we’re putting into this is making a difference.”

In addition to the DUI Team and the two aforementioned grants, the OTS provides funding for the AVOID program.

According to Chris Cochran, spokesperson for OTS, AVOID programs are another layer of DUI prevention. Forty-one counties in California participate.

In Sacramento County, there are 15 agencies that work together to prevent drunk driving collisions and fatalities. They decide what holidays and events to patrol based on which ones involve alcohol. This year there will be 27 AVOID events, said Brian Winsor, who runs the Sacramento AVOID program.

The holidays and events include Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, Summer mobilization (Aug. 21 to Sept. 7),Winter holiday (Dec. 18 to Jan 3, 2010), Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Causeway Classic and Halloween.

For the summer months between Aug. 21 and Sept. 7, the AVOID the 15 (the Sacramento County division, which gets its name because of the number of participating agencies) arrested 413 people for driving under the influence.

This Halloween, the AVOID the 15 will be out in full force.

Los Rios, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Folsom and Rancho Cordova police departments will be patrolling starting at 7 p.m. tonight.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2004 and 2008, 462 individuals have been injured or killed for the past five Halloween nights in Sacramento.

For more information about OTS and Sacramento's efforts to combat drunk driving, visit www.ots.ca.gov and www.every37.com.

One Scary Nite a rowdy, spooky good time

2009-10-31T02:05:29Z

The irony of Flavor Flav hosting a Halloween party is that people actually dress in his everyday outfit for a celebration of this most dark of holidays.

The Public Enemy hype man and unlikely reality TV phenomenon arrived at the red carpet for the One Scary Nite Halloween party at the California Auto Museum with business partner Deon Taylor and retired Kings star Bobby Jackson. The trio hammed it up for the row of photographers, Flav flashing his gilded grill and trademark clock necklace while costumed party-goers yelled “Yeah boy!” as they filed into the horror-themed interior of the museum.

"I loved to go trick-or-treating when I was younger, but now I have kids so I take them," Jackson said. "I was gonna dress up as the hunchback but my costume was a little snug. I don't really have a favorite candy, but I do love Wathamacalits."

Inside, strobe lights cut through the darkness of the entrance where hired, professionally detailed ghouls with “Monster Staff” signs pinned to their backs dragged themselves around the room. Jason Vorhees sneaked behind unsuspecting victims and held his blood-drenched knife to their throats for photos while Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers rounded out the classic horror flick posse, aided by a small army of zombies in various states of decay.

A haunted hallway separated guests from the real action in the main room, where a massive dance floor lay in front of a stage equipped with a state-of-the-art DJ rig pumping club hits like Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface.” Werewolves and other such beasts shook their furry moneymakers with Playboy bunnies while go-go dancers grooved on three raised platforms on the floor.

Aside from the standard gruesome fare, more adventurous partiers traded comfort for creativity. The Master Chief from the wildly popular “Halo” video game series patrolled the room in full armor and weaponry, a Russell Crowe-style gladiator looked for combatants and a man with a huge stack of dollars with eyes on the top balanced on his shoulders was “the money you could be saving with Geico."

Co-host of the evening and “Good Day Sacramento” entertainment reporter Mark S. Allen stopped the party to say a few words.

“For a long time Sacramento needed a party like this,” Allen said. “Now we have one and it’s all thanks to you guys!"

Deon Taylor’s local enterprise bearing his name used a large screen hanging behind the stage to loop preview clips of the company’s “Nite Tales” TV series, a new horror program that will feature Flavor Flav essentially playing the same role as the Cryptkeeper from the classic “Tales From the Crypt” show.

The clock finally struck midnight and everyone converged on the center of the dance floor for what was promised to be a very special surprise performance. A red-suited Michael Jackson moonwalked onstage for a tribute to the sorely missed pop icon. Classics like “Billy Jean” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” were performed flawlessly, but the real highlight was a fitting rendition of “Thriller,” with the entire monster cast joining for the song’s famous choreographed dance sequence.

After the special entertainment exited, all eyes were directed up at a plastic bag full of $5,000 attached to the rafters of the museum. The bills rained down on the crowd in a flurry of green and were snatched out of the air and then scrambled for on the floor until the music kicked back on and everyone danced into the night with a bit more cash in their pockets.

Photos 1-7 by Jonathan Mendick.

Photos 8-14 by Cindy Saechao.

Interview quotes and press organization by Tina Armour, who got us on the red carpet.

Halloween events

2009-10-29T03:27:43Z

Why worry about Halloween plans when you can just read The Sacramento Press' guide to Halloween events? Remember these Halloween safety tips, click each title for more information and enjoy:

Boo at the Zoo

Who: 10 and under, parents.
What: Trick-or-treating, magic shows, kid's haunted house, crafts, food, spooky train, creepy carousel. $9 general admission, $5 zoo members, free for children 2 and under.
When: Oct. 30 and 31, 4:30 - 8 p.m.
Where: Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Drive.

Pink Toupee Collective Halloween Eve Festival of Music and Merriment

Who: All ages.
What: Concert featuring Draw Pinky, Hell Toupee, Kelp, Marty Cohen and The Sidekicks.
When: Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show.
Where: Ooley Theatre, 2007 28th Street.

Autumn Sky's Creature Feature

Who: All ages.
What: Concert featuring Autumn Sky, Adrian Bourgeois, Carly Duhain and Jared Emme. Costumes encouraged. $6 cover.
When: Oct. 30th, 8 p.m.
Where: Luna's Cafe and Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street

Pumpkin Carving in the Park

Who: All ages.
What: Tools are provided. Pumpkins available for sale.
When: Oct. 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: McClatchy Park, 3400 5th Avenue.

Midtown Trick-or-Treat

Who: All ages.
What: Trick or treat at Midtown businesses. A costumed "doggy parade" will start at 1 p.m. at 24th & J streets and proceed on J Street to 1801 L St.
When: Oct. 31, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Capitol Ave. to J Street, from 16th Street to 27th.

Spookomotive

Who: All ages.
What: A decorated train staffed by a "skeleton crew" rides along the river for a six-mile round trip. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-17, children ages 5 and under ride free.
When: Oct. 31, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St.

Old Sacramento Trick-or-Treat

Who: All Ages.
What: Trick or treat at Old Sacramento businesses. For more information, call 442-7644.
When: Oct. 31, Noon - 4 p.m.
Where: Old Sacramento.

Crocker Trick-or-Treat

Who: 5 and under, parents.
What: Trick or treating, puppet shows, hands on art activities.
When: Oct. 31, 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: Crocker Arts Museum, 216 O St.

Halloween Pub Crawl

Who: 21+
What: Costumes required. Spend 30 minutes at each bar: Shady Lady Saloon, R15 Bar, MVP Sports Grill, DeVere's Irish Pub, Capitol Garage, Gallagher's, Pyramid Ale House, River City Brewery, Vega's Nightclub, River City Saloon.
When: Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Begins at Shady Lady Saloon, 1409 R St.

Vampire Ball

Who: 21+
What: Tarot readings, vendors, raffle, DJ Johnny Warlock, vampire films, $25 presale, $30 door.
When: Oct. 31, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Vega's Underground Bar, 910 2nd St., Old Sacramento.

Nightmare on L Street: An Urban Masquerade

Who: 21+
What: Reservations required. Black clothes required. $25 includes snacks and desserts, entrance into a drawing for wine and dinner at L Wine Lounge and a portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit HOPE Productions Foundation.
When: Oct. 31, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: L Wine Lounge, 1801 L St., Ste. 50.

Dia De Los Muertos

Who: All ages.
What: Altars and art by Andrea "YaYa" Porras. Poetry, music & dance performances by Riza con su Baile de Fuego, Guerrilla Folklorico, Raices de mi Tierra, Danza Azteca and Drag Queen and King performers.
When: Nov. 2, 6 p.m. - midnight.
Where: Zócalo, 1801 Capitol Ave.

Neighborhood Services' Spooky Hall 2009

2009-10-26T23:38:09Z

The Neighborhood Services Department invites you and your children to join us this Friday from 10am to 3pm for a fun and safe Halloween trick or treat celebration at New City Hall (915 I Street).

Ghosts, goblins, and characters of Halloween will roam the passages of City Hall giving away sweets and treats.

We look forward to seeing you.

Old City Cemetery Lantern Tours

2009-10-25T22:37:42Z

The tales told during the Old City Cemetery's annual Lantern Tours sound like they were pulled from today's headlines: dead prostitutes, drunks, suicides, gunfights, couples killed for their money, an estranged husband ordering a contract hit on his wife. Many folks murdered because of greed, love, and jealousy.

This past Friday and Saturday nights, costumed volunteers dressed authenticly as they told the tales of the cemetery's notable residents who roamed our area over one hundred years ago.

Their ghosts roamed among us as we headed deep into the cemetery under the moonlight.

Reserve your tickets now for 2010 Lantern Tours. This year's tours sold out quickly.

Visit: http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/

Photos | Kati Garner

What's happening at the Capitol: October 24, 25

2009-10-24T04:03:13Z

Saturday, Oct. 24

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Boy Scouts of America will hold the California Capitol March to help celebrate 100 years of scouting. The walk will begin at the west steps of the Capitol and end at Raley Field, where there will be midway games, a BMX and skateboard show, pinewood derby races and other entertainment. The event costs $20. About 10,000 people are expected.

Sunday, Oct. 25

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. UC Davis Children's Hospital will be holding a free Halloween-themed Capitol Family Fun Day on the west steps of the Capitol. Preschool through preteen children are encouraged to wear costumes while learning about health, fitness and safety. Free pumpkins and pumpkin carving kits will be distributed and the event will feature musical and martial arts performances. About 3,000 people are expected.

Autumn Sky's CREATURE FEATURE

2009-10-22T02:26:23Z

Autumn Sky's "Creature Feature"

The only Halloween theme to land on a day sure not to interfere with your elaborate Trick-Or-Treats festivities falls on Friday, October the 30th. Join one of Sacramento's top chaunteuses, Autumn Sky, for a night of ghoulish tricks, treats, and musical fun at Luna's Cafe on O and 16th at 8:00pm. Cover at the door is only $6, and it's an all ages event sure to entertain with special guests Adrian Bourgeois, Carly Duhain, and Jared Emme.

See you there (muahaha.) Costumes are highly encouraged, as all the talent will be in full Halloween-themed attire!

AUTUMN SKY'S "CREATURE FEATURE"

8:00pm on October 30th. $6, all ages, located at Luna's Cafe and Juice Bar on O and 16th.

See www.myspace.com/autumnskymyspace for more information.

Fear Overload terrorizes Downtown Plaza

2009-10-19T02:05:22Z

Shock and terror will overcome visitors to Fear Overload.

Men carrying chainsaws, bloody zombies, masked figures and decapitated limbs are everywhere. People never know where or when they will be attacked.

Fear Overload wants them to stay and play awhile, compared with most haunted houses that push people through as fast as possible by scaring from behind. Visitors to the ravaged chemical plant will be approached by killers from all angles. They'll even be trapped in rooms and forced to figure out how to get away, escaping certain death, according to owner Dave Polanco.

Rooms are filled with dead bodies, spilled neon-colored chemicals and blood-spattered walls. One corridor features a long, caged area that houses a psychotic, blood-soaked zombie. The cage doesn't hold for long, though, and visitors come face to face with this cold-blooded killer and no apparent way out.

"I got scared going through," said Sop, a Fear Overload actor. "It starts creeping you out when you stay in there for a while."

Polanco said two people have became so frightened that they had to be escorted from the haunted spot since it opened Thursday.

The preparation for the haunt begins at 3 p.m., when the actors begin getting made up and into costumes. It takes up to three hours to administer the makeup--wounds, decaying flesh and blood spatter, said Philly Phearless, makeup artist.

"Everything is set up perfectly," said actor Enissan Martinez.

The haunt is open from 7 p.m.-midnight daily through Nov. 1. Tickets are $14, cash only at the door, $13 online. VIP tickets, or front-of-the-line passes, $18 at the door, $17 online.

Polanco warned against pregnant women or children younger than 13 attending. "There will also be emergency exits every 75 feet for those who cannot complete the haunt," he said.

Actor Andrew Keith had his own warning: "Turn back now."

Photos courtesy of Anthony Bento. For more pictures, visit www.anthonybento.com

Witchapalooza Combines Costumes, Rides and Fantasy

2009-10-12T03:40:50Z

The second day of Witchapalooza brought rows of vendors to a small covered section of Cal Expo on Sunday.

With Halloween quickly approaching and fall already in full swing, most of the booths focused on costumes and items for the spooky event. It seemed that each vendor was dressed for the occasion, whether as a wizard, witch or other horrorific character.

Local all-girl pop rock act Adhara opened the festivities, playing covers and original songs. High schoolers and other fans swayed to the squeaky-clean sound and soulful inflections of lead singer Athena Marie. Danceable and melodic, the band’s tunes began the day on a bright note, in contrast to more edgy tone of the main area.

A running theme seemed to be steampunk, a subgenre of fantasy culture that focuses on Victorian-era fashion with a futuristic, science fiction emphasis on technology. Many booths featured clothing and accessories appropriate to the style, while those running them wore goggles, top hats, vests, pocket watches and even holsters carrying model flintlock pistols. Novels that influenced the genre, such as Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” also were for sale, as was an assortment of jewelry and trinkets.

Numerous vendors featured costumes and merchandise from “Harry Potter” and its latest successor, the wildly popular “Twilight” series. Calendars adorned with glossy photos of Edward Cullen and other vampires and werewolves sat across from wands, hats and cloaks in a clash of the fantasy titans. Bearded men dressed as professors from Hogwarts School tended the booths.

In another connection to the film world, two actors in the horror genre appeared at the event. Malcolm McDowell, famous for his portrayal of Alex DeLarge in Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of “A Clockwork Orange,” sat behind a table stocked with production stills awaiting signature.

Kristy Swanson, mostly known for playing the title character in the 1992 movie “Buffy the Vampire Slayer," sat next to McDowell with her husband and "Skating With Celebrities" partner Lloyd Eisler. Swanson signed autographs on wooden stakes and posters of "Buffy" and posed for pictures with families. She seemed surprised when one fan commented on her bit role in “Dude, Where’s My Car?” responding with a smile, “Oh, yeah, I did do that one!"

For kids, the biggest attractions were the rides. Bungee cords attached to a V-shaped pole swung riders into the air and pulled them back like a rubber band. The more adventurous thrill seekers did flips in mid-air, screaming at their weightlessness.

That sound should make those who put together Witchapalooza in this, its first year, very happy.

Scarecrows to haunt Old Sac

2009-09-19T14:36:23Z

Old Sacramento in the fall would be a little more lifeless without its scarecrows.

Every year for at least a decade, the scarecrows have turned up on balconies, wooden sidewalks and a spooky-looking park to enchant visitors.

But the scarecrows fell apart as they grew older. Business owners have become reluctant to adopt them for storefronts in recent years.

So six Sacramento artists -- most who live in the grid -- were recruited to breathe new life (death?) into more than two dozen scarecrows in time for Halloween. Melissa Martinez, the Old Sacramento Business Association's new leader, is playing up Halloween in the business district this year to draw more visitors and shoppers.

"This year, I want to take it to the next level," she said. "It's going to be awesome."

Visitors can make scarecrows Sept. 26 and trick-or-treat on Halloween. The eerie below-ground-level space known as Atlantis Park will be turned into Scarecrow Park, complete with spooky nocturnal scenes, dramatic lighting and the creepiest scarecrows. "Skeleton" crews will conduct train rides on the Spookomotive. Public ghost tours will take place on weekend nights. And a local paranormal investigative group will do its best to determine whether departed spirits linger in Old Sacramento.

Scarecrow restoration began two weeks ago when illustrator span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Jackie Jacquelyn Bond, clothing designer Leendah Munoz and engineer Eric Vierria pulled 26 scarecrows from a dark storage container on the edge of Old Sacramento. They and three others, including Ariana Gillespie, volunteered to redo the scarecrows on a $200 budget.

"We have some of the most notorious artists in Sacramento participating in this — people who are known by their art, but not by their faces," said Munoz, standing before scarecrows set out beneath the underbelly of I-5.

They quickly got to work disemboweling the life-size figures, whose bodies, clothes and heads were falling apart. The scarecrow miners, dance hall girls, gamblers, settlers and "corpses" with nooses around their necks were built around metal skeletons wrapped in insulation, raffia and newspaper— some that had been rotting and molding.

"As soon as we saw them, we said, 'Oh, yes. They need us. They called to us,' " Munoz said.

The artists said some of the faces, created with a mix of styles and materials, were even more chilling. They said styrofoam heads, cartoon visages and others made from faux vegetables and flowers seemed to have lost their original purpose at the tops of decrepit bodies.

"There's a few of 'em that are pretty creepy; extra 'Children of the Corn' y," Vierria said, referring to a movie.

Over the past two weeks, the artists re-formed and restuffed the bodies, using raffia on the appendages to create an authentic scarecrow look. Bond hunted through thrift stores for some replacement clothing and vacuumed the clothing that still covered scarecrow bodies. Hair was fixed and hats placed on heads.

After getting permission to be "a little edgier," the artists made plaster masks of themselves and their friends, then painted on tortured faces for frightening finishing touches.

"They just needed some love," Bond said.

For more information about Halloween in Old Sacramento, go to http://www.oldsacramento.com/events-and-activities.php.

Photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Haunted house? Eerie for sure.

2008-11-01T02:55:48Z

It's halloween. And this new storyline is about news taking place 6 blocks from my house. And about 6 blocks from my house is something rather pertinent on this particular holiday.

A stroll through Evangiline's in Old Sacramento today leaves no doubt that the holiday is as popular as ever and in full swing.

But there's the commercial Halloween that most of us have come to view as the holiday and then there are those that look beyond the candy and the costumes for something more sinister. And while personally I am not a fan of the occult, strolling passed the house at 22nd and H Street, might give anyone a chill.

In the middle of the day, at dusk or the middle of the night, the house demands your attention. The wrought iron fence, the dead and dying lawn and the stone around the base of the house seems straight out of a horror movie.

Notice in the pictures above, that one light is on and one is off. Notice all the dirt on the outside of the house, but also note that the house is in really good shape despite the grime.

The house dominates the intersection. It's stately and spooky at the same time.

With many Victorian homes near it having been turned into multiple family homes this one stands proudly as a vacant giant built for one family but inhabited by no one.

If you don't have plans on this lovely crisp evening, I would highly suggest you drive by this interesting home. See if you get a shiver down your spine.

Ever been? Know the house? Have any ghost stories to share about it? Comment in the conversation below and check back for updates as I report more about the house and its history.

Happy Halloween!

Ghosthunters Get Busy During Halloween

2008-10-25T10:29:17Z

Ghosthunters Get Busy During Halloween
By Paul Dale Roberts, HPI General Manager/Ghost Hunter/Ghostwriter

It’s getting close to Halloween. People want to get scared. The date is October 21, 2008, Tuesday. The Stockton Record wants me to do an initial investigation at a legendary haunted home in Stockton. The home is located at N. Pershing Street. Waiting for me in this home are the lovely Christine Taylor, her brother and videographer. The owner Rick Freeman, his enchanting daughter Bobbie Lawson and her grandmother are also waiting.

The owner gives me a briefing about this home that reminds me of a cross between a countryside cottage and a European castle. Legend has it, that it was built in 1925 by the man that built the Stockton Hotel. One of the stories that are constantly told in Stockton is that a man committed suicide by hanging himself in this home after his fiancée called off their wedding. People say that a little boy apparition has been seen looking outside from the attic window. People have heard a little boy and little girl crying and when they investigate to see where the children are, there are no children crying, nor are there any children for that matter. Many people think that the little boy was confined to the basement and died of starvation. As I looked into the basement, Bobbie showed me crayon marks that read: ‘Hi there, bye there.’

Rick Freeman, the owner bought the home as an investment. He tells me that the longest any occupant lived in this house was for 6 years, all others stayed in this house no longer than 6 months. Many former occupants feel that the home is cursed. Family tragedies have occurred to previous homeowners after they moved out of the home. I used divining rods and asked if there was an entity in the house. The rods crossed indicating yes. I asked the rods to take me to the location where the entity was. It took me to the garage. Note: Divining rods are not a sound science, but should only be used for experimentation. Checking my digital audio recorder, I have a menacing sound that sounds like a man growling, I need to place this on audacity to verify the sound. My photographs display a huge amount of orb activity. I plan to prepare a December scouting mission to this location and see what we can fully discover at the most haunted house in Stockton.

After leaving Stockton, I prepared to head over to Old Sacramento. Awaiting Shannon McCabe and I, were Robert James Neep (videographer) and Jonathan Mumm (news reporter) of Channel 10 News. They wanted Shannon and I, to take them to the spooky haunts of Old Sacramento. The first place we took the Channel 10 crew was Evangelines. Shannon (employee) of Evangelines gave us a grand tour of the haunted basement. Story has it that a 49er (miner) apparition was seen down here. A piece of cloth and a knick knack hovered in the air in front of two employees and then came crashing down, scaring the daylights out of the Evangeline’s employees. Footsteps have been heard and once an employee was pushed from behind. In the 70s, a nightclub called D.O. Mills was located on the third floor. Late at night, employees have heard music, laughter and dancing from those old disco days. What is interesting is that in the 70s, I would actually dance at D.O. Mills and several other nightclubs, I was the 3rd and 5th disco king in the 70s. Perhaps my residual haunting energy is still trapped in time at D.O. Mills.
After we left Evangelines, we headed over to Fanny Anns. Legend has it that a saloon girl named Angie was flirting with a cowboy patron. Her lover Billy Michaels walked in on her. Being a jealous man, he shot her dead. Angie’s ghost is supposed to haunt the second level.

Then our last stop was Vegas. Shannon explains that Richard Trenton Chase aka the Vampire of Sacramento frequented this establishment. Richard was sort of a wall flower and when asking girls to dance, he was rejected every time. He finally left the establishment in frustration. When Two Four Productions came to Vegas, their psychic was able to pick up the negative energy of Richard Trenton Chase during a séance. Another killer that frequented this establishment was suspected CHP cop killer Lou Rodrigues. Lou is still serving time in Pelican Bay, he’s not a ghost, but I thought this was some notorious information that Channel 10 should know. A lady patron in the early 80s saw a female apparition in the women’s bathroom and came out screaming, because the lady vanished in front of her eyes. Rick the owner of Vegas took us into his office, where the atmosphere seemingly changed and all of us felt a loss of vertigo.

So, you can see, Tuesday was a full night. At 5am on Wednesday morning, I was back up and headed over to Vegas again in Old Sacramento. This time Shannon McCabe and I, waited for Andrew Faulk (videographer) and Natalie Bomke (news reporter) of Fox 40. We were going live this morning. We gave very cheerful Natalie the grand tour of Vegas explaining how to use a variety of ghost equipment and the legends of Vegas that was once known as the Steamboat Navigation in the 70s.

To see pictures of the N. Pershing home and the investigation in Old Sacramento, click onto this link here:
http://www.meetup.com/HPI-International/photos/?photoId=5988543&photoAlbumId=464703

Note: Bobbie recently sent me some updated information via email, here is what she had to say: “Hi, I am not sure if we mentioned this during the investigation today or not, but my dad, grandma, and me heard a child’s voice saying "Momma....Momma" when we were outside by the garage. It seemed to be coming from inside the house, but we thought it could have been in the park across the street or at a neighbors. Of course that is one of the problems with that house, outside it is really noisy. Just something to look for when you look at your recordings. Also, I spoke to my husband and my friends and we are all really interested in doing a night investigation. Like I said I am available on any Saturday so just let me know the date you would like to do this and I will let them know. It does not necesarily have to be in December, so if you would like to do it sooner or later that is fine as well. I see you are pretty busy so just keep me updated.”

Paul Dale Roberts, HPI General Manager, Paranormal Investigator & Ghostwriter
Haunted and Paranormal Investigations International
www.HPI.paranormal.net
www.ghostgirls.net
www.nancybradley.org
WPRT Paranormal Radio - Content Editor
Email: JazmaPika@cs.com
Paranormal Cellular Hotline: 916 203 7503 (for comments on this story).

If you have a possible investigation call: 1-888-709-4HPI

Copyright © 2008 Paul Dale Roberts, HPI Ghostwriter Copyright © 2008
all rights reserved.