Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "holiday"

Seven recipes for holiday treats

2011-12-24T00:54:13Z

The holidays are a time for family gatherings, but let’s face it – sometimes dealing with Awkward Uncle Andrew is best done with something sweet in-hand.

The Sacramento Press talked to local bloggers and pastry chefs about their favorite holiday desserts and compiled the following recipes.

Ginger Elizabeth Fudge Brownies – Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates

“It’s one of the first recipes I learned to make in restaurants when I was younger, and throughout all the different bakeries and schools and everywhere I’ve been, it’s still my favorite brownie recipe,” said Ginger Elizabeth, owner of the Midtown chocolate shop. “I think it’s the perfect blend of cakiness and fudginess.”

The following recipe will make about two dozen brownies

1 1/4 cups + 1 tbsp. butter
3 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
5 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 pound Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates Bulk Chocolate

Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for convection ovens). Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole pan and set aside.

1. Melt Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates Bulk Chocolate and butter over a double boiler on low heat.
2. Using a Kitchen-Aid mixer with a paddle attachment or by hand, mix the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract. Mix for 1-2 minutes until a little frothy. Add the melted chocolate and butter and mix to combine.
3. Add the sifted flour and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared casserole pan.
4. Bake the brownies for 35-40 minutes.
5. The brownies will cut best if allowed to cool overnight.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies – Selland’s Market-Café

“This is one of our favorite cookies,” said owner Randall Selland. “It’s really kind of fudgy in the middle and crispy on the outside.”

Selland said all cookies and desserts at the East Sacramento business are made fresh daily, and it’s a recipe that’s working, with a new location scheduled to open in El Dorado Hills in mid-January.

Pastry Chef Kristine Bertram shared the following recipe:

1 pound of bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
4 eggs
1 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup of white chocolate chips

In a large bowl, place the bittersweet chips and butter. Place bowl over a pan of simmering water and heat until melted, stirring occasionally. In the meantime, in a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, using the whisk attachment, combine the eggs, vanilla and sugar. Whisk until a ribbon forms. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix until combined. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt until just incorporated. Add in chocolate chips and white chocolate chips.

Using a small scoop, scoop onto baking pan. Bake at 325°F for approximately 18-22 minutes.

Chocolate Chunk Cookies – Poor Girl Eats Well

Kimberly Morales, the voice behind the Poor Girl Eats Well blog, said her chocolate chunk cookies have been in her recipe binder for 15 years, but she recently rediscovered them.

“They’re a chocoholic’s cookie, basically,” she said. “It’s almost a cross between a cookie and a brownie. Because they’re so decadent, I feel they’re perfect for gift-giving.”

Her blog focuses on eating well on a budget – taking into account everything from the actual cooking to shopping for ingredients on a budget. She said the cookie recipe below can be prepared for $2.75 per dozen, and the recipe makes about two and a half dozen cookies.

“I started writing because people knew I was broke, and they saw I had better meals than they did, and I figured I’d write about how I did it,” she said.

One thing to note, she said, is that the dough will have a runny consistency similar to brownie batter, and that’s normal.

8 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into chunks
½ stick (4 Tbsp.) butter
2/3 cup of flour
¼ tsp. baking powder
Pinch of sea salt
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
¾ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate morsels

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat (nonstick baking mat). Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the first 8 oz. of chocolate with the butter and cayenne pepper. Melt slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Do not overcook.
3. Combine the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer (or a whisk) until light and fluffy. Slowly mix in the melted chocolate. Then, working in small batches, fold in the flour gently, until the mixture thickens to a thick, batter-like consistency. Lastly, mix in the chocolate chips until completely incorporated into the batter.
4. Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared cookie sheet (make sure they’re a couple inches apart). Bake until glossy and crackly on top and soft in the center, about 10-12 minutes (do not over-bake!).
5. Cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes, serve with a tall glass of ice-cold milk, and enjoy!

Chipotle Gingerbread Cookies – Vanilla Garlic: Stories from my Life in Food

Blogger Garrett McCord said the recipe for chipotle gingerbread cookies is based on one given to him by Kate Washington, former restaurant reviewer for Sacramento News & Review and contributor to other local publications such as Sactown Magazine, who got it from a woman she met in a grocery store.

“The chipotle adds a nice, warm spice at the end,” he said. “It acts the same way as ginger and adds a little bit of smoke flavor to the cookie.”

McCord’s blog focuses mainly on food essays and stories, and he said he is currently working on a cookbook featuring macaroni and cheese recipes using artisan cheese. In January and February, he will be teaching food writing and cheese tasting classes at Whole Foods Market. For more information on the classes, check the Whole Foods Facebook page.

The following recipe makes 4-6 dozen, depending on size of the cookies.

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
1 egg, beaten to blend
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp chipotle powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

1. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg, being sure to scrape down the sides and bottom, until light and uniform.

2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Mix in the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until the entire thing comes together in one uniform batter.

3. Divide the dough into two equal parts and put them on a swath of plastic wrap. Roughly form each piece into a disc. Wrap well in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for three or more hours. The dough will still be somewhat soft for a chilled dough.

4. Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously flour a flat work surface and the dough and roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick; cut into shapes and place on a cookie sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Do not let brown. Cool on the sheets for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Gluten- and Sugar-Free Ginger Cookies – Cakegrrl

Kristy DeVaney said she switched to the gluten-free Paleo diet in March, and doesn’t think processed flours and sugars are needed to eat tasty foods. The Paleo diet emphasizes organic foods and lean meats to mimic what humans’ hunter-gatherer ancestors ate, according to the diet’s website.

“This is a modified ginger snap recipe,” she said. “I really enjoy them because they’re not too sweet. Around Christmas, there’s always an overload of fudge and overly sweetened things.”

DeVaney began blogging in 2005, when she used to bake on the side and used it to showcase some of her creations. Since then, it has morphed into a food, wine, entertainment and travel blog, and she said it now has numerous Paleo diet-friendly recipes.

She recommends baking the following recipe, then dipping it in melted organic dark chocolate. Though the chocolate has sugar, she said the small amount, and the fact that it’s organic, fit within her diet, but it is also possible to use sugar-free chocolate.

3 cups blanched almond flour
2 Tbsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp clove
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cracked black pepper
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 Tbsp fresh ginger or ginger paste

2 Omega 3 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup molasses

1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
1/4 cup unsalted organic butter

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (including lemon zest).
In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs, honey, molasses and vanilla extract with a hand mixer.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and beat with hand mixer until combined.
Add coconut oil and butter into batter, and continue to blend until combined.

Drop balls of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about a tablespoon in size.
Bake cookies for 15 minutes at 375°F.
Let cool completely. To dress them up, you can melt some organic dark chocolate and dip half the cookies into the chocolate. Line on parchment and allow chocolate to set up.

Nana’s Tea Tossies – Undercover Caterer

Writer, blogger and foodie Sarah Singleton said her grandmother’s tea tossie recipe is a family favorite, and the treats resemble miniature pecan pies.

“This is probably a recipe from the mid-’40s,” she said. “I have probably 10 copies of it because it was copied so many times, so this was obviously a very well-loved recipe.”

She said the tea tossies are not hard to make, and her blog stresses the fact that anyone can bake or cook anything, even complicated 30-step recipes for French pates.

Armed with her grandmother’s recipes, she makes a weekly post centered on one of them, explaining that her grandmother and her father were her first teachers when it came to cooking and baking.

3 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sifted flour

Soften cream cheese and butter to room temperature and blend. Stir in flour. (I do this in a stand mixer and sometimes double the amount for a thicker crust). Wrap in plastic and chill slightly. Shape in 3/4-inch balls. Place in small (1 3/4") mini-muffin tins (ungreased). Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the tins. Fill with the following:

1 egg
3/4 cup brown sugar
Dash of salt
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup broken pecans

Beat the egg, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla until just smooth. Divide half of the pecans among the muffin cups. Fill with sugar and egg mixture. Top with remaining pecans. Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes.

Nana says this recipe freezes well, though Singleton said she never has any left over to freeze.

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting – Pretty Yummy Foods

Melissa Vanni said she started blogging about eight months ago because she was always being asked for recipes, and her husband suggested a blog would be easier than emailing them, but it went beyond recipes.

“It kind of became almost like a diary,” she said. “It includes the story behind why I came up with the recipe. I discovered there was more to the food than just the food itself.”

Her cinnamon roll recipe came from a cookbook she discovered in an antique shop, and she said she thinks it’s perfect for a family gathering.

“I like to make them with family on Christmas,” she said. “They’re something that takes a little bit of time to make, and that’s the fun part of it. It makes them really special, and I look forward to them every year.”

1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 stick of butter
1/2 cup of warm water
2 packages of dry active yeast
2 eggs beaten
4 1/2 cups flour

In a pot heat up 1/2 cup of milk and stir in 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of butter.
Cool to lukewarm.
In a large bowl measure in 1/2 cup of warm (not too warm!) water, and sprinkle in 2 packages of active dry yeast.
After the yeast has dissolved add lukewarm milk mixture to the bowl.
Now add two beaten eggs to the bowl and 2 cups of flour and stir before adding the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour.
Stir it until it becomes a slightly stiff dough.
Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface and kneed it until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Now place dough in a greased (Pam or butter) bowl. Cover and let your dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.
When dough is done rising it should be double in bulk and if you poke it with your finger the dent should remain. If the dent disappears give it another 10 minutes to rise.
Now punch dough down and fold the edges of dough to the center to make another ball.
Separate dough into two and turn it out on a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle.
Grab a stick of room-temperature butter and slather half of it on dough.
Now sprinkle a few handfuls of brown sugar over the butter and top it with a few shakes cinnamon and top with a handful of pecans.
Carefully roll and slice into 1 1/2-inch-thick slices
Place rolls in a greased 9-inch by 12-inch baking dish. Cover and let these rise and double in size for about an hour.
Bake for 25 minutes at 375°F.

To make the frosting:
In a bowl combine 4 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, mix well and spread on top of the cinnamon rolls.

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

Reduce waste this holiday season

2011-12-22T17:40:50Z

More residential waste is created during the holiday season than any other time of the year, so the cities and counties in the Sacramento area are encouraging residents to recycle as much as possible.

Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period, the California Department of Resources Recovery and Recycling (CalRecycle) reports. This extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons, per week nationwide. With this in mind, local governments are urging residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle during this holiday season.

"The amount of garbage sent to the landfill increases dramatically during the holiday season," said Doug Eubanks of Sacramento County’s Department of Waste Management and Recycling. "We can change the traditional holiday habit of tearing open presents and throwing away wrapping paper and cardboard. We can recover these materials if residents use their curbside recycling program. Recycling holiday paper is a better alternative than burning it or throwing it into the trash.”

In addition, the number of empty bottles and cans soars during the holidays. About 100 million plastic water bottles will end up in the trash statewide during the holiday season. If recycled, those water bottles could be used to make 48,000 sweaters, or 220,000 square feet of carpeting, according to CalRecycle.

“Tons of empty beverage containers are also generated during this time of year and these cans, glass and plastic bottles should also be recycled,” said Eubanks.

Most residents can put holiday waste paper -- greeting cards, gift boxes and wrapping paper -- in their curbside mixed recycling program. Phone books and calendars also are accepted in the mixed recycling container.

All mixed paper -- which includes cardboard, advertising mail, catalogs, paper boxes, newspapers, computer paper, old calendars and other “clean” household paper -- can be recycled in curbside recycling programs.

The paper should be placed in the mixed recycling container and set out on the curb on regular recycling pick-up days. For those who do not have a curbside recycling program, there are drop-off sites located at many grocery stores, schools, and non-profit organizations, which accept most items.

For more information on recycling programs, visit http://www.holidayrecycling.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Richards works with Ross-Campbell, Inc., a marketing and media production firm specializing in cause-related issues. Holiday Recycling is one of their campaigns.

Christmas celebrations, Sacramento-style

2011-12-22T00:43:49Z

As always, Sacramento steps up to the plate with holiday events of all sorts. At Sacramento365.com, we see a lot of events come through the site every day. Though there are myriad options in our Holiday Event section, we've narrowed down the list to 10 to get help you pick your Christmas Eve & Christmas Day festivities.

Christmas Eve Events:
Sure, the night before Christmas should be spent snuggled in bed waiting for Santa Claus, but why not get out and about during the day. Here are some options to keep you entertained around town:

1. Free Admission at Fairytale Town & Sacramento Zoo:
FTT 10am-2pm; Zoo 10am-1:30pm
Treat the kiddies to a day out while both Fairytale Town & the Sacramento Zoo offer free admission to all guests. The Zoo encourages participating in their pajama party, so you needn’t even change

2. Downtown Holiday Ice Rink:
St. Rose of Lima Park, 10am-6pm
Located outdoors near Westfield Downtown Plaza, the Downtown Holiday Ice Rink is the perfect holiday experience for the young and young at heart.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play:
Capital Stage, 11am
Inspired by the classic American film of the same title, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience.

4. Holiday Film Screenings: It’s a Wonderful Life:
Crest Theatre, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm
If you can’t make it to Cap Stage’s live performance (see above), you can still catch the original film rendition live on the big screen at the historic Crest Theatre.

5. Theatre of Lights:
Old Sacramento, 6pm & 7:30pm
A symphony of lights, sounds, and visual effects will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem "The Night Before Christmas" was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857.

Christmas Day Events:
Looking to entertain friends & family in town after your regular traditions are over? Or just looking to get out of the house after so much family time? Sacramento doesn’t disappoint. Here are a few options for

1. Christmas Brunch:
Hyatt Regency, 10am-3pm
Enjoy this holiday season with all of the trimmings. Join for a bountiful buffet brunch featuring breakfast items and traditional holiday favorites.

2. Christmas Day Supper Cruise:
Empress Hornblower, 3:30pm-6:30pm
Join Hornblower for Christmas Day with your family and celebrate the season with a delicious meal, relax and enjoy the holiday. The Cruise includes traditional holiday dishes, festive music, and beautiful views of the Sacramento River.

3. Bah Humbug!:
MiX Downtown, 8:30pm-2am
Get out from under your tree and continue the holiday partying at this special Sunday Circus night. Spend the evening with your "other" family at Mix Downtown!

4. Christmas with Arden Park Roots:
Harlow’s, 9pm
Join reggae/rock/punk band Arden Park Roots for a festive Christmas show.

5. Asylum:
Barcode Nightclub, 9pm-1:30am
Featuring resident DJ Bryan Hawk, Asylum is a night of the best cutting edge goth, industrial, nu-darkwave, EBM dance music.

Find more detail on these events along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Christmas gifts under $20

2011-12-21T06:58:43Z

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, but the former may prove challenging – especially when you need financially friendly ideas. Even when it’s the thought that counts behind a gift, you still need to look like you’ve thought about it, and socks don’t always leave that impression.

To make this Christmas challenge a bit easier, The Sacramento Press looked at local stores in Midtown that have some fun options, each of them under $20.

The Beat

Location: 1700 J St.
Store hours:
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Beat is an independent music store that sells all genres, new and old. Here, a unique gift can be bought for the music lovers on your Christmas list.

Vinyl records
Suggested for: Lovers and collectors of old music.

Price range: $10 - $20
“Vinyl records transcend all age groups,” said Jeff Tyler, 47, manager of The Beat. He said that a vinyl record is perfect for the dad or grandpa who wants to reminisce their yester-years by listening to the soundtracks of their lives. Tyler asked, “Who does not want to relive their childhood?"

For $16.98, a shopper can give the unique gift of Michael Jackson’s “Farewell My Summer Love” vinyl record. It can be framed, or played on the freshly dusted record player.

In the rare vinyl records section, shoppers can find albums by the likes of The Beatles, The Platters, Green Day and Madonna. Tyler also said that there is a resurgence of interest in vinyl records among teenagers this year.

"The parents are going to know what they are,” said Tyler, “because they played them when they were younger. Grandparents will know, and teenagers are learning."

Band poster
Suggested for: Lovers and collectors of new music.

Price range: $15 - $20
These posters are just as collectible and decorative as the vinyl records above. One example is this 30 inch-by-30 inch 3 Doors Down board poster, sold for $20 and perfect for that special someone.

Metro Electronics

Location: 1831 J St.
Store hours:
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Metro Electronics is the place for electronic parts. Any geeks who wants to build their own computer can find something they need here. There are no widescreen TVs, video games or iPod accessories. Instead, they offer parts for TVs, radios and other electronic devices, and a wide range of do-it-yourself kits for building radios, burglar alarms, LED displays and other doohickeys.

Roulette wheel
Suggested for: Any teen or adult who’s run out of things to solder.

Price: $19.95
For the adults who love soldering and making objects light up, the store carries LED mini kits, including a roulette wheel. Once built, the LED lights randomly light up a number, much like the ball on the real thing. There are other potential gifts like this for the same price, including a “riding Santa,” with lights that flash in a way to animate Santa on his sleigh.

Tyranomech
Suggested for: The people who keep taking your radio apart so they can put it back together.

Price: $16.95
A solder-less mechanical motorized wooden kit, Tyranomech is perfect for teenagers who enjoy challenges outside of Lego products. Builders follow the instructions to piece this wood dinosaur together, so that it can walk (or really wobble) across your table or counter. Batteries are not included, but there’s enough change with your $20 budget to cover that.

The store’s general manager, Bob May, 58, said that this toy is perfect for kids who want to get into basic robotics, because the kit includes real gears and motors. He also admitted to putting some of these together himself, and said they can make adults feel like kids again.

"They are different," May said. “You can say, ‘I built that’ instead of, ‘I bought that.’ ”

If a dinosaur isn’t quite what you need, there’s also an Automech for the same price, which rolls on wood wheels rather than waddles on wood legs.

Trés Chic Boutiqué

Location: 2228 J St.
Store hours:
Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A fun and friendly apparel store, Trés Chic Boutiqué has been in operation for 18 years. The owner, Susan Tiesing, 53, is proud of the fact that most of the store's special-occasion dresses are one of a kind. If you shop for something here, you won’t have worry about someone finding and wearing the same dress.

“We want our customers to have something unique and individual,” Tiesing said.

Here are some examples of items they have “in stock” now.

Guitar pick earrings
Suggested for: The girl who needs more casual (but stylish) earrings.

Price: $19.99
The funky guitar pick earrings’ fun and playful design goes well with casual denim outfits, Tiesing said. They come in red, blue and purple – but they won’t be in the store for long.

Scarves
Suggested for: Girls who wanna have fun.

Price: $19.99
This lavender scarf is a great gift for style and weather alike. Made from 100 percent pashmina, the silky material can be worn with casual or formal attire.

Fingerless gloves
Suggested for: Girls who wanna have warm hands.

Price: $15
Fingerless gloves with attached mitten are great for anyone caught texting all the time. The gloves’ fingerless tips make it easy to type when needed, and the attached mitten can be used for additional protection against the winter cold.

Vintage-inspired gloves
Suggested for: Sophisticated women, and those who think they’re sophisticated.

Price: $18
These vintage-inspired gloves are perfect for adults, according to Tiesing, because of their muted color, showing sophistication and maturity. The polyester and cotton materials are stretchable, making them comfortable to wear.

The Book Collector

Location: 1008 24th St.
Store hours:
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This used book store has more to offer than today’s world will admit. The store carries more than 20,000 used books, which are mostly under $15, making it a great place to find what your bookworm friends and family want. Here’s a perfect example:

“The Adventures of Peter Cottontail” and “The Adventures of Mr. Mocker”
Suggested for: Young readers and read-to-ers.

Price: $5 each
These old and worn books still have enough life in them for kids to read along, making them great Christmas gifts. Store owner Rachel Hansen said adventure stories of personified animals are classics that kids from the ’40s and ’50s enjoyed, and the kids of today will enjoy, too.

"When a parent gives a child a book,” Hansen said, “then it's not just the gift of the book, but the gift of time."

Christmas is a perfect time for these books, she said, because with bedtime stories, parents and their children can spend that special time together reading the books and enjoying each other’s company.

Peradice

Location: 918 24th St.
Store hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday noon - 4 p.m.

A card and gift store that opened in June, Peradice carries greeting cards, candles and other home goods. Lighthearted and bright, the store has plenty to offer to its customers.

“Doofus and Darling’s Manners for the Modern Man”
Suggested for: Your guy friend who sometimes doesn’t get it or your boyfriend who could learn a thing or two.

Price: $12
A fun book on a funnier subject, this book tells what it really means to be chivalrous in this day and age. Best used as a joke gift rather than as a manual.

Candle tins
Suggested for: Anyone who needs to relax this Christmas. In other words, anyone.

Price: $8
These scented candle tins come with scents like “coconut milk mango” and “tangerine teakwood.” They’re handy items when you need to cover another scent or finally have enough time to take that long, relaxing bath.

Handmade earrings
Suggested for: Moms, sisters, girlfriends, wives and any jewelry-loving female with pierced ears

Price: $18
These earrings were handmade by local Pam Nichols, a friend to the store Peradice, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Doilies are included with purchase.

Cuffs

Location: 2523 J St.
Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.,
Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Cuffs is a fun place to find both new and vintage clothing. The store has clothes and accessories for men and women, some clothes are fashionable and cute, and some are downright kinky. Let’s start with the kinky.

Toddland underpants
Suggested for: The one you know will laugh the loudest.

Price: $18
These men’s boxers come in playful prints, from owls to tuxedos. Comfortable, practical, and not a reason to smirk.

Vintage ties
Suggested for: Males who plan to look sharp in their suits.

Price: $12
These ties come in different colors and styles, and all are very classy.

“They all have their own back story,” said Kaitlyn Hester, 21, a clerk at Cuffs. “We just don’t know them.”

Mighty wallets
Suggested for: The one who keeps forgetting to pay you by “losing” his wallet.

Price: $15
Their mighty wallets are named for their strength and eco-friendly impact. Children often try to tear the demo wallet, twisting and wringing and biting, yet the wallet stays intact. It’s small and snugly and fits into your pocket while holding your cash. They come with different designs, from “Star Trek” to red flannel.

Mixed Bag

Location: 2405 K St.
Store hours:
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The self-proclaimed “one-stop gift shop” – for kids, at least. Mixed Bag is packed full of fun toys and goofy joke gifts, quite a few of them falling in the $20 price range. Here’s some of the highlights.

FuzzyFriends slippers
Suggested for: Kids who fit them and fiancés who need them.

Price: $19.95
These silly slippers take the form of ladybugs, bumblebees and other cute animals. They’re great for little ones who want both new slippers and new toys, and in this weather, no one needs to have cold feet.

Sock-It-To-Me socks
Suggested for: The one who’s tired of argyle.

Price: $8.50
Yes, we just went there. But these socks can get away with saying, “I thought of you when I saw these.” With patterns from bicycles to mustaches, these socks give a better connotation to “funky.”

Even if you woke up this morning to find that Christmas is creeping up on you, there’s still time to give. Make that Christmas (shopping) list, and don’t forget to check it twice. The only thing better than finding a gift that keeps on giving, is being that gift yourself.

The article is co-written with Ellen Dominguez

Holiday drinks that warm the soul

2011-12-20T06:43:57Z

With the overwhelming pressure of making sure everyone gets the right present, the holidays can be a little hectic. And the arctic chill of the winter season does not make this any easier. But, with a little bit of liquor and holiday joy poured into the glass, these holiday drinks can make the season bearable.

BARWEST:
2724 J Street, Ste. A
Sacramento, CA 95816
Mon – Fri: 11 am – 2 am
Sat – Sun: 9 am – 2 am

Klondike Bar
$7

½ oz. of Rumplemintz or any peppermint schnapps
½ oz. of Baileys
½ oz. of Godiva/ chocolate liqueur
½ oz. of cream

Shake, strain over 6 oz. glass of ice, rim with chopped peppermint

“It’s Christmas in a glass,” said Bartender Bobby Hodson. “If Santa let you down, this drink won’t”

Golden Bear
2326 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Mon – Fri: 11:30 am – 2:00 am
Sat – Sun: 10:00 am – 2:00 am

French Buttered Pear
$7 / $5.50 – HH

1.5 oz. brandy
1 oz. pear
0.5 oz. Cinn-Vanilla Simple syrup
0.5 oz. lemon juice

Combine all with ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with grated cinnamon

“Chris Tucker actually poaches the pears and then purees them,” said Bartender Amy Pattaglia. “I feel like I should be sitting by a fireplace when I drink it, it’s delicious.”
Drink created by Chris Tucker

The Porch
1815 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Mon – Sun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Hot Porch Tea
$7

1 oz. Meyers Dark Rum
1 oz. Kahlua Cinnamon Spice
½ oz. vanilla bean simple syrup
¼ oz. cinnamon simple syrup
Pinch of nutmeg, brown sugar and hot water

Mix spices, syrups and liquor. Add hot water, top with slice of butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon

“It’s a twist on a hot toddy,” said Bartender Erin Puckett. “It’s cinnamon spice hot rum.”

Alley Katz
2019 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Mon – Fri: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Sat – Sun: 2:00 pm – 12:00 am

Raspberry Cheesecake
$7

Equal parts vanilla and raspberry vodka
3 splashes of cranberry juice
¼ - ½ oz. of Baileys
Rim w/ crushed graham crackers

Shake and strain

“It’s delicious yet really strong,” said customer Tarah Combs. “It’s pretty much the most delicious thing I’ve had all day”

Monkey Bar
2730 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95816
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Fri: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sat: 8:30 am – 2:00 am
Sun: 8:30 am – 12:00 am

Pink Blueberry
$7

1 oz. Blueberry Stoli Vodka
3 counts of sweet and sour
Splash of Sprite and cranberry juice

First, mix the vodka and sweet and sour. Then, add the Sprite and cranberry juice and strain.

“The girls really love this drink,” said Bartender Nelson Machado, who also created the drink. “It’s a good girl drink.”

Man on the street: holiday traditions

2011-12-20T06:26:32Z

It’s that time of the year again and the question remains the same, “What are you doing for the holidays?” While some people maintain the same traditions they were raised with, some have welcomed new traditions and some just plain don’t celebrate at all. The Sacramento Press asked locals what their holiday plans were for this year.Alley Katz cook, Felipe Olivares, 39, said he was born in California but his parents moved here from Mexico and while he has become accustomed to the new lifestyle, he has maintained the Spanish holiday tradition throughout the years.

“When I grew up, I went to a school that was literally named ‘White School,’ I was one of two Mexicans in the school,” Olivares said.

For Olivares, the children stay awake until midnight every year and they open their gifts before they go to bed, not on Christmas morning.

“It’s usually a lot of tamales and a bunch of family over. We open our gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve.”Twenty-six year old Peter Barnes, works for the State Water Board and his father married into the Columbian Catholic Holiday tradition, so Barnes said he has welcomed that as a new holiday tradition.

“For the holidays, I usually go home and hang out with my parents in Petaluma. My stepmom’s Columbian and we’re Catholic, so the Columbian Catholics, they do something a little different,” Barnes said. “We usually do Christmas on Christmas Eve, so we do Midnight mass, which is at 10:30 now because nobody wants to go to mass at midnight.”

Barnes explained that this allows him to spend time with both his family and his wife’s family for Christmas.

“Now that I’m married, it allows to me to go for Christmas days at my in-laws. You know, eat breakfast and open up more presents.”

But for some Sacramento residents, this will be the first year they are not able to celebrate their usual holiday traditions due to work hours and time restraints.Alley Katz Bartender and Midtown resident, Erin Caldiero, said she will not be able to make her usual trip to Southern California to spend her Christmas with family.

“I usually go down to Oceanside because that’s where I’m originally from. All of my mother’s side of the family all get together and we don’t even do gift exchange, but we do the Dirty Santa, which is the gift game,” Caldiero said.

The part of the normal holiday celebration that Caldiero enjoys the most is where they get to see how grossed out the children can get. Unfortunately, she will not be able to see the look of disgust this year.

“We throw in some toilet paper and bras for the kids to get all grossed out, that’s what we do,” Caldiero said.Kandyce Rusca, 26, works at a Cash Checking business and lives in Midtown. She said she has one present that she always gets on Christmas Eve.

“My mom always gets me pajamas, that’s the one present we get to open on Christmas Eve,” Rusca said. “I’m not going to complain though because they are really nice pajamas.”

This is the first year she will be spending Christmas as one part of a married couple, so she will have to work out how she will spend the holidays with both families.

“We go bowling every year with his my husband’s dad a couple days before Christmas, he even made us shirts,” Rusca said. “Then, we spend Christmas Eve at my parents’ house, and my husband also gets to open one present there, he usually also gets pajamas,” Parker said. “Then on Christmas day, we will have dinner with my family.”Paragarys' Cook Skyler Stanton, 26, said he travels away from his normal residency in Midtown to spend his Christmas with his dad, his sisters and his nephews in North Lake Tahoe.

“I try to go skiing as much as possible,” Stanton said. “I go to casinos and lose whatever money I have left over from Christmas shopping and regret all of it by the time I get back to Sacramento.”

Sometimes, dietary restrictions can offer new twists on the classic meals that have been a part of every holiday tradition.Roscoe Williams, a consultant from South Sacramento, has incorporated a vegan turkey into his family’s dinner.

“We have dinner with the family and do a gift exchange, either on the 24th or the 25th, depending on what everyone’s schedule is,” Williams said. “Last time, they had a vegan turkey and a lot of vegetables.”

There is still one tradition that some people have carried on, the tradition of not having a holiday tradition. Alley Katz cook and bar back, Thaddeus Porter, 29, who lives in Oak Park and two houses away from his mom, said he does not need a designated day to show his love for his family.

“We haven’t celebrated anything for like 10 years. My mom is kind of old. She lives like two houses away so I visit her like almost every day. I have one brother, and he lives with her and takes care of her,” Porter said. “It’s just how it is. We don’t have people tell us when to give each other gifts or things.”

While Christmas traditions are normally determined by the way people were raised or what they have married into, some people’s traditions are simply to not have one at all. Share your holiday traditions in the comment section below.

A Unique Gift that Supports the Community

2011-12-19T19:12:40Z

For anyone who is still looking for unique holiday gift ideas, the Northern California nonprofit INALLIANCE may have just the solution- tickets to the "Sacramento Chef Challenge" at 4:00 p.m. Saturday ~~Friday~~ , June 23, 2012.

The well known culinary extravaganza features two live culinary competitions, food sampling, wine and beer tasting, live music, raffle prizes and more! But, the best part is-100% of proceeds go to programs that support people with developmental disabilities!

"2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the Sacramento Chef Challenge, which means we will be pulling out all the stops and slashing ticket prices,” says INALLIANCE Executive Director Diana DeRodeff.

INALLIANCE provides work and life skills training, supported employment services and assistive communication for people with developmental disabilities. “Our mission supports the belief that people with developmental disabilities have an absolute right and responsibility to be fully participating members of the community, and the Sacramento Chef Challenge is a way for us to raise vital funds for our programs while connecting with the community in a fun and positive way,” continues DeRodeff.

Rancho Cordova resident Anthony Paradiso has attended the event for the past four years and says, “I look forward to the Chef Challenge every year. It is exciting and offers a huge variety of food, wine and beer! I love a good competition and the chefs put on a great show.” Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at www.chefevent.com or by calling INALLIANCE at 916-381-1300 x170.

“There are many food events out there, but I support the Sacramento Chef Challenge because it is a quality event that benefits a great cause,” adds Paradiso. To learn more about the Sacramento Chef Challenge, purchase tickets and see photos from past years visit www.chefevent.com today!

Disclosure: Jessica Bean is an employee of INALLIANCE

TV for the Holidays - Access Sacramento Channel 17

2011-12-19T18:53:44Z

Show the NBA you don't need their back-to-back B-ball to enjoy the holiday spirit. During those lulls in family "How have you been?" catching up, endless high calorie snacking, and playing (breaking?) the kid's brand new toys, enjoy local holiday programming made by your neighbors right here in Sacramento County. Here's the schedule of special events - a "snapshot" of our Christmas weekend programming on Channel 17 and streamed on our web site at www.AccessSacramento.org - ENJOY - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

“Celebration Of Lights” – 9:00am

“Kid’s Corp Christmas Special” – 11:30am

“Giving – Winter Wonderland & Raley Field” – 12:00Noon

“Terry Moore Christmas Special” – 12:00Noon

“Dancing With The Stars” – 1:00pm

“Veteran’s Day Parade” – 3:00pm

“Happy Rhythm 2011 Christmas” – 4:30pm

“LiveWire! Santa Christmas Special” – 5:00pm

“Sacramento Dances – Let’s Dance Ballroom’s 2011 Holiday Gala” – 7:00pm

“Club Karo’ky Xmas Show” – 8:00pm

“Christmas With Sister Swing” – 9:00pm

“The Crib (stage play)” – 11:00pm

Sunday, December 25, 2011

“LiveWire! Santa Christmas Special” – 9:00am

“Sacramento Dances – Let’s Dance Ballroom’s 2011 Holiday Gala” – 11:00am

“Club Karo’ky Xmas Show” – 12:00Noon

“Christmas With Sister Swing” – 1:00pm

“Agape Christian Fellowship Xmas Special” – 4:00pm

“Giving – USAF Band of the Golden West” – 5:00pm

“Happy Rhythm 2011 Christmas Special” – 7:00p

“Celebration Of Lights” – 7:30pm

“Chinese Culture 25th Anniversary Celebration” – 10:00pm

All cablecasts will be on Comcast/Surewest Channel 17 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Pacific Daylight/Standard Time. What? You don't have those services? Not to worry, you can also view the programs on our website at www.accesssacramento.org, at the times listed above. Feel free to share this schedule with your friends! Most of the above programs are also posted on Comcast "On-Demand" channel 1 under "Get Local" and "Access Sacramento". Thank you for your support of local community and public access television in Sacramento County.

Disclosure: Ron Cooper is Executive Director of Access Sacramento

Light up Midtown -- the winners

2011-12-17T06:08:08Z

Light up Midtown – the second annual event designed to bring holiday cheer to Midtown storefronts – crowned a winner on Dec. 14. Tres Chic Boutique, a dress store on J Street, claimed first prize for the second consecutive year.

The runner-up was French Cuff Consignment, a secondhand store also on J Street, and third place was awarded to Cheap Thrills Costumes and Party Clothes, a vintage clothing and costume shop on L Street.

Fifty participants competed in the contest to create “the most whimsical storefront,” which is three fewer than last year, said Heather Philpott, events and communications manager with the Midtown Business Association.

For winning, Tres Chic Boutique has $1000 in advertising grants, money that comes from the “12 Days of Midtown” event budget, Philpott said. Second and third place received $500 and $250, respectively.

Tres Chic has a window filled with white twinkle lights, framed with icicles. High-heeled shoes and an old-fashioned Santa, dressed all in white, complete the display.

“It’s about being creative, being whimsical and getting lots of lights up,” Philpott said, adding that the pretty windows helped to get the public vote, but the stores that won did so because they were able to get the word out to voters about the competition.

The display at French Cuff Consignment is a gingerbread dog house and Santa holding a note that reads, “All I want for Christmas is a puppy,” said store owner Corey De Roo. White lights and two Christmas trees frame the scene.

De Roo said she spent about $30 on the display, including several stuffed puppies. Once the holiday season ends, the stuffed animals will be donated to the Yolo County SPCA to be used for promotional work when live animals cannot be present.

Winners can spend their advertising grant anywhere, Philpott said. The owners can submit their invoices, and the MBA will pay the bill.

“I haven’t decided where to advertise,” De Roo said, “but I’ll use the money in a productive way to help inspire people to shop locally.”

Cheap Thrills Costumes and Party Clothes has a storefront with a bit of everything, said store owner Todd Aylward.

“We used lots of lights and dressed the mannequins up in holiday stuff,” Aylward said.

On one side of the storefront, one mannequin is dressed like a nutcracker, and another looks like Father Christmas. The other side features mannequins in party attire, a disco ball and a pair of checkered legs coming up out of the floor.

Aylward said he spent about $100 on the display and added that he plans to participate next year.

Voters this year had an additional incentive to cast their votes – one lucky winner’s name will be drawn to receive a gift certificate for $100 from any Midtown store, Philpott said.

The Light up Midtown competition will return next year, and Philpott said the MBA hopes to attract even more participants.

Editorial Note: A spelling correction has been made to this article after it was published.

Airport provides music to travelers

2011-12-16T01:59:59Z

Sacramento International Airport’s new Terminal B echoes with the sounds of local musicians this holiday season, with airport officials saying they want to add to the flying experience, especially since travelers are recommended to arrive earlier.

“Under normal circumstances, we advise them to get here 90 minutes earlier,” said airport spokeswoman Laurie Slothower. “For the holidays, we’re saying two to two and a half hours early because there are so many little stresses that can be alleviated if you get here early.”

Travelers who haven’t been to the new terminal – which opened in October – should check the airport website to be sure they know where their airline is located.

Anyone traveling with gifts might want to leave them unwrapped, as Transportation Security Administration officials may search the packages, and Slothower said snow globes are another holiday item to be wary of, as they typically cannot be taken in carry-on luggage due to their liquid content.

Bustling holiday traffic has a new soundtrack on Thursdays and Fridays – more harmonic than the typical footsteps, clacking luggage wheels and security announcements.

A number of local musicians perform on the third floor of Terminal B Thursdays and Fridays, giving travelers on layovers – as well as people waiting to meet passengers – something to listen to before they jet off.

For a schedule of all performers, click here.

“It’s something the airport wants to do to sort of thank customers,” Slothower said. “It’s something that’s pleasant for them.”

Ron Goldberg, a musician from Davis, sang and alternated playing a ukulele, guitar and mandolin Thursday afternoon.

Goldberg said he has been playing at the airport during the holidays for five years.

“My music is varietal,” he said. “I’ve tried lots of different styles in my lifetime, and I try to mix it up as best I can – folk and blues and country, reggae, calypso and a couple other directions.”

He added that the new terminal is quieter than the baggage return in the older Terminal A, allowing the music to be more pure.

“This is really a lovely spot,” he said. “This is a musically much more conducive sight.”

Passengers listening to Goldberg Thursday said the music gave them something to do during their downtime.

“If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a great thing to take a minute with,” said Mike Kolesar, a 55-year-old salesman from Elk Grove who travels through the airport about three times per week.

“This was perfect,” he said. “(Goldberg) interacted well with the audience and engaged us and asked us what we liked to hear.”

Kelly McDonald, a 50-year-old saleswoman from Seattle, said she thinks airports with live music provide a better experience.

“It’s a must,” she said. “It adds such a great level of charm to the atmosphere. Not a lot of airports are doing it, but it seems like more and more are, and it’s very enjoyable.”

The musicians performing at Sacramento International Airport are paid for their performances, with a total entertainment budget this holiday season of $18,500.

Ticketed passengers in Terminal B can spend their layovers or preflight waits getting free photos with Santa Claus at gate B17 until Dec. 23, Slothower added.

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

Crest to host holiday film fests for fans of camp, Capra and corpuscles

2011-12-15T12:20:26Z

For those whose Christmas season isn't complete without watching Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed stroll through Bedford Falls warbling "Buffalo Gals," Sacramento's Crest Theatre is bringing director-screenwriter Frank Capra's 1946 Liberty Films classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," back to the big screen for nine holiday screenings Dec. 22-24.

It's just one of three yuletide-themed events scheduled for the 975-seat art deco movie palace during the week leading up to Christmas.

Also on tap: the G-rated "Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival" (Dec. 17 and 18), a syndicated package of "Greetings from the Theater Management" trailers, vintage TV segments, cartoons and the so-bad-it's-good 1964 theatrical feature "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians."

And for those who prefer strychnine to egg nog, an adults-only (18 and older) holiday movie edition of the Crest's long-running Trash Film Orgy series will showcase the 1984 UK slasher flick "Don't Open Till Christmas," along with live pre-show entertainment, including a "Trash Santa" accompanied by a posse of scantily clad elves, games, prizes and a full bar (Dec. 17).

While the Crest has established a successful tradition of showing a much-beloved, classic Christmas title each holiday season, general manager Sid Garcia-Heberger said slotting a quirky, retro festival featuring a lesser-known cinematic centerpiece like "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," or scheduling a decidedly edgy attempt at counter-programming such as TFO's holiday show, is "a roll of the dice."

"We've been showing 'It's a Wonderful Life' for the last 20 years, and in the early years business was OK, but not fantastic," said Garcia-Heberger. "But in the past five or six years, when we've been alternating 'It's a Wonderful Life' with 'White Christmas,' they seemed to really catch on."

Helping ticket sales along has been the Crest's recent partnership with social media outlets, whose heavily discounted offers like Groupon's recent 50 percent-off deal for "a movie outing to 'It's a Wonderful Life' with large popcorn and large drink" resulted in more than 1,000 $9 admission/concessions package purchases.

"But this year's festival shows are new for us," Garcia-Heberger said. "It's hard for us to gauge at this point."

But Garcia-Heberger, an admitted Christmas fan whose family's own holiday traditions include listening to the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre production of "It's a Wonderful Life" while on local road trips, said she's hopeful that the nostalgia factor and innocence of Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival, and the "irreverent Christmas fun" of the TFO holiday show, will capture the attention of both the unapologetically sappy fans of Dec. 25 like herself, as well as those whose take on the holiday season is more "snarkly" than sparkly.

Among that latter group – who are unlikely to queue up for a chance to tearfully watch Zuzu's dad "paste" her precious flower's petals back into place, but are eager to embrace a humor-laced '80s film featuring a serial killer out to off anyone donning red velvet and fur ("Fur is murder," after all) – is TFO Productions co-founder Christy Savage.

"I'm pretty damn excited about our TFO show this month," said Savage, who formed TFO Productions with fellow artists/filmmakers Darin Wood and Amy Slockbower in 2001. "I think it'll be a fun TFO show, it's pretty ridiculous. I'm more excited about Christmas than I have been for ages."

Though the six to 10 annual TFO shows have consistently proven popular – especially those featuring films by Russ Meyers, Roger Corman, and anything with a zombie – Garcia-Heberger is guardedly optimistic about the TFO show.

"The TFO audience is definitely not your general John Q. Public," she said. "They are seeking out unusual, different things for their entertainment."

In the beginning, she said the Crest had expected TFO audiences to be primarily 20-somethings. But as the series continued, they saw that TFO ticket buyers were generally in their late-30s or early-40s.

Garcia-Heberger said she and her TFO partners thinks the Crest finally has the perfect mix of salty-and-sweet holiday treats this year, and that there really is something for everyone.

The shows in detail

Described as "the funkiest, silliest and least emotional movie experience you'll have this holiday season," Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival is a cornucopia of Christmas hors d'oeuvres ranging from such tasty tidbits as the Fleischer Studio's original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer animated short, to a main course that rockets a kidnapped St. Nicholas to the Red Planet where he must outwit the Martian high command in order to return to Earth and save Christmas.

With its cardboard robots and television-antenna Martian headgear, "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" is ripe for mockery, and one of the best jibes was delivered by orbiting space janitor Joel Hodgson and his robot pals (and fellow Satellite of Love castaways), Crow and Tom Servo, in a nonstop stream of sarcastic comments during their screening of the film on a December 1991 episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

That episode was later included on Rhino Theatricals' 1988 DVD release "The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection – The Essentials."

In 2010, Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) added her own twisted take on "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" when her "Elvira's Movie Macabre" series put the bite on the what has been called one of the worst movies ever made. Like "MST3K's" mock-fest, Peterson's television "roast" is now available on DVD.

In 2005 – more than four decades after the film's theatrical release – Roadside Amusements published Lou Harry's novelization of Glenville Mareth's screenplay – proof, of a sort, that "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (and its peppy theme song, "Hooray for Santa Claus") will live forever as successive generations discover what can be best described as Flash Gordon meets Kris Kringle. As a special treat, Roadside Amusements' hardcover book also includes a stocking stuffer: a DVD copy of the movie.

Also on the Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival bill: two of Max Fleischer's classic pre-War theatrical cartoons, 1936's "Christmas Comes But Once a Year," in which "whimsical inventor Grampy creates a whole Santa’s workshop worth of toys for some poor orphans," and 1944's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," a charming adventure that should not be confused with the 1964 Rankin/Bass TV classic.

But the Crest's cool yule lineup doesn't end there, fans of Christmases past will get to set their Wayback Machine dials for additional stops in the 1950s and '60s to visit such cathode-ray icons as Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and their sons David and Ricky, ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her sock-puppet pal Lamb Chop, and marionette Howdy Doody and his comrade, Buffalo Bob Smith.

Rounding out the roster of retro shorts are a series of "Greetings From The Theater Management" trailers that were made for cinema audiences in the days when filmgoers came dressed in suits and dresses, and looked forward (literally and figuratively) to take in a widescreen VistaVision spectacular, and not straight down to focus on a 2-inch cell phone text.

Like Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," the premise of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" has seemingly been adapted a million or so times, with each retelling focusing on how the suicidal protagonist has positively touched the lives of those in his orbit - and how his life has truly been wonderful. Among the latest TV shows receiving the "IWL" treatment was the Syfy network's "Warehouse 13."

And also like "A Christmas Carol," the sentimental "It's a Wonderful Life" has spawned its own roster of parodies, including "Saturday Night Live's" uproarious "lost ending" sketch featuring Dana Carvey as a revenge-minded George Bailey, Jon Lovitz as the evil Mr. Potter, and Jan Hooks as a club-wielding Mary Bailey.

The Trash Film Orgy's holiday show may feature an honest-to-badness movie ("Don't Open Till Christmas"), but it may be the "extras" like the "Trash Santa" and his bevy of comely elves that may turn out to be the real stars of the show.

"There will be a Santa's workshop where you can make crafts, have your picture taken with the sexy elves, and have a drink at the bar," said Christy Savage, co-founder of TFO. "And if you come in costume, you can save a dollar on admission."

Savage said audience members are encouraged to "play along," and embrace the interactive nature of the event.

"It's all about fun," she said. "It's an adult, interactive type of fun, in which we encourage audience participation – even heckling."

Just the facts

Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival | 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18 | Featuring "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," Max Fleischer's theatrical cartoons "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1944) and "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" (1936), plus additional shorts. | Regular admission prices apply ($6 for first show of the day – all seats; $9.50 for afternoon and evening shows – $6 for children, seniors and students)

Trash Film Orgy Xmas | 10:30 p.m. (doors open for pre-show festivities at 10 p.m.) Dec. 17) | 18 and older only | Featuring the movie "Don't Open Till Christmas," plus art-and-crafts, "Trash Santa" and his sexy elves, and more. | $10 admission ($9 if in costume)

"It's a Wonderful Life" | 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-24 | Starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Thomas Mitchell | Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes | $9.50 general admission; $6 seniors/students/matinees (Groupon alert: everyone who purchased a Groupon deal for this film may exchange their Groupon certificate for a specific show time and a concession coupon in person at the Crest during regular operating hours.) | Advance tickets available online at www.tickets.com.

Directions to the Crest

For more info: (916) 44-CREST

Naughty or Nice: If you were Santa, how would City Council fare?

2011-12-15T07:24:48Z

As the song goes, Santa’s making his list, checking it twice and deciding who gets cool goodies and who gets lumps of coal.

Between the budget, redistricting and facing dissatisfied citizens who took over a city park in protest, the City Council has been busy this year, so The Sacramento Press made its own “naughty or nice” list.

If you were Santa, how would City Council fare? Here’s our list for 2011.

Mayor Kevin Johnson: NAUGHTY
Sure, he led the way to advancing green technology in the city and supported a citizens advisory committee’s effort to redistrict the city.

But being absent for 10 City Council meetings in a single year? Tsk, tsk, Mr. Mayor.

(And we’re not bitter about not being invited to the wedding – we just really love wedding cake.)

District 1 Councilwoman Angelique Ashby: NICE
Between town hall meetings to discuss arena options and pulling neighborhoods together to search for a lost teen, Ashby found time to save a local parks program from being cut – and take on Congress for funding approval of levee improvements.

Of course, bringing Santa to Natomas on a fire truck for the first time in city history didn’t hurt her “nice” standing, either.

District 2 Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy: NAUGHTY
Two words: Arena poll. Oh, and two more: Sheedy map. It’s commendable to put voters first, but Sheedy lacks consistency. Telling voters they know what’s best for an arena, but not how to draw their own district boundaries sends mixed messages.

Kudos for keeping a popular teen center going for a third year, though – Santa wants kids to have a safe place to gather and play – and for taking over the Del Paso certified farmers market in the district to keep people eating their veggies.

Still, Sheedy gets coal in her stocking this year.

District 3 Councilman Steve Cohn: NAUGHTY
His work to develop a plan for Sacramento’s rail and transit future is bringing the city closer to becoming a true “intermodal hub” of the north state and if Cohn had his way, sleighs would be allowed on K Street – which Santa would think was very nice, indeed.

But, weeks into heated debate on redistricting, Cohn surprised the city with a compromise map that both galvanized citizens’ opinions on a sensitive topic, and left a bad taste in their mouths. With that Grinch-like move, Cohn earns a spot on the "naughty" list.

District 4 Councilman Rob Fong: NICE
As the council member voted most likely to play a practical joke by his fellow council members, Rob Fong gets points for best one-liners during a council meeting.

Standing up for the LGBT community as a community of interest during the redistricting process weighed in Fong’s favor this year, as well as his support of charitable organizations like Jumpstart 21.

We think Santa would agree that a guy who isn’t afraid of a little three-on-three basketball against local civic leaders falls squarely on the “nice” side of the page.

District 5 Councilman Jay Schenirer: NICE
Although Schenirer found himself in the middle of some battles in 2011, including redistricting struggles and unpopular budget decisions, he bucked up and trudged on in his first year on the City Council.

Schenirer helped bring a new community garden to area residents and offered to subsidize the first year of rent on garden plots for people who couldn’t afford their share. He also spearheaded the five-part “Way Up” initiative that is primed to be a model for building communities throughout the city.

For all that Santa-like generosity, Schenirer gets his name on the “nice” list – and a big mug of eggnog.

District 6 Councilman Kevin McCarty: NAUGHTY
When does Oak Park stop being Oak Park and start being Elmhurst? Somewhere along Stockton Boulevard, McCarty said during the tumultuous redistricting debacle this summer.

Santa would give a cheer for McCarty’s efforts to keep city pools open during the summer despite huge budget cuts to the parks department, and being a proponent of solar energy and “greening” city buildings gets a big ho, ho ho!

But when a whole community spends five weeks protesting a four city-block line adjustment, all the candy canes in Colonial Heights won’t make a sour move any sweeter.

District 7 Councilman Darrell Fong: NICE
The budget cycle was tough this year, and when it came down to brass tacks, Darrell Fong risked the wrath of his police brethren and voted to make cuts to the Police Department – including the layoffs of nearly 80 sworn officers – in favor of balancing the city budget.

Call him Scrooge if you will, but Fong declined his City Council salary and recently voted against pursing a lessee for the city’s parking system because it doesn’t seem fiscally responsible.

For his concern for taxpayers’ pocketbooks, Fong’s name goes on the “nice” list (but parking enforcement may still ticket his sleigh.)

District 8 Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell: NAUGHTY
Budget debates and the quest for the perfect redistricting map is enough to fray anyone’s nerves, but Pannell’s, ahem, “spirited” debate with audience members – and at times, the mayor – at City Council meetings this year earns her a bit of coal.

Yes, Pannell helped her district get much-needed development – including a new pet hospital and long-awaited grocery store – and valuable infrastructure improvements are on the horizon for the area.

Still, Pannell will need a little sugar to go with her “spice” if she wants to make the “nice” list in 2012.

City Manager John Shirey: NAUGHTY
Shirey has been in the big chair for four months now, and the city still doesn’t have a tidy budget, a full police force or flying cars. We expected more from a man who took the state to task for shredding redevelopment agencies.

On the other hand, Shirey did start restructuring his office to streamline operations, and he led the way in city pension reform by being first in line for administrators to pay a portion of their own retirement.

Still, we think Shirey can do more for our fair city. We hope you pull that Superman cape out of the closet and get down to business in 2012 – but for this Christmas? Coal.

Tell us what you think: Have City Council members been naughty or nice this year?

Masterful Master Singers Program

2011-12-13T23:14:44Z

People will go through a lot to hear beautiful music.

Each December, the line of people snaking around St. Francis Church grows. People arrive up to 90 minutes before curtain for the annual holiday performance of the Sacramento Master Singers. Many clutch their seat cushions as they chat with friends and friendly strangers waiting to enter the chilly church. They have braved rain, wind, and cold in years past; this year the autumnal weather lingering on into mid-December was a blessing.

Sunday’s matinee performance of “Glory to the Newborn King” once again hosted a near-capacity crowd. People came in groups and alone; multigenerational families crowded into the hard wooden pews. There were annual visitors from Napa and Yuba City and Richmond, and there were first-timers who decided to try something new this year.

The beauty of the old church, huge and ornate—and cold!—arrested their attention before the program began. It is a superlative setting for the Master Singers’ traditional candlelight processional, this year featuring both haunting plainsong and a gorgeous antiphonal double choir “Ave Regina Caelorum” by Elizabethan composer Peter Philips. The pure tones of the bells the choir plays as they assemble is precise and delicate, a fitting complement to the clear interplay of beautiful voices.

As the program progressed, the music advanced through the centuries, and the international flavor embraced by the Master Singers expands. Director Ralph Hughes has searched for music which brings the human experience of Christmas to all who hear it, the season of hope born in the darkness of winter.

By presenting old standards rearranged for interesting meter, audiences are welcomed into new music with ease. Jackson Berkey’s arrangement of “Joy to the World” was delightful.

As is usual for the Master Singers, the women sang two selections, including the audience favorite “Gaudete!”. When the men took the stage, their luscious “The First Noel” exemplified the rich depth of male voices blending in harmonies both haunting and exuberant.

The full choir finished the concert with a solid serving of lovely tunes and a spirited pantomimed “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” that brought chuckles from the audience and a thunderous applause.

And in time-honored tradition, the singers circled the hall and signed the words to “Peace, Peace”, which blended beautifully into “Silent Night” sung by the audience.

Hughes coaxes extraordinary performances from his 48 singers, and Hughes showcased several soloists throughout the program, notably sopranos Sara Haugland and Eva Cranstoun. The small size of the chorus fosters a feeling of familiar relationship with the singers; personalities are allowed to shine through the music, as in the interplay between soprano Elizabeth Johnston and alto Michelle Iwase in the beginning measures of “Gaudete!”.

Part of the enduring appeal of the Master Singers is the sense that these are friends bringing this lovely music into our lives. One can imagine inviting these talented singers into one’s home to bring meaning, beauty, and warmth to the holidays.

"Glory to the Newborn King" will be performed agin on Saturday, December 17 at 8:00 pm, Sunday December 18 at 3:00 pm, and Wednesday December 21 at 7:00 pm. All performances will be held at St. Francis Church, 26th and K Strees, Sacramento. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Master Singers at www.mastersingers.org or call 916-788-7464.

Choral Society is Home for the Holidays

2011-12-13T07:17:23Z

The holiday choral music season is in full swing. On Saturday night, the Mondavi Center in Davis was host to the 15th annual “Home for the Holidays” concert presented by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra.

This festive event demonstrates the close community connection between SCSO and its many faithful friends, sponsors, and fans. It is eagerly anticipated by the throngs who come from as far away as Modesto, the San Francisco Bay area, and even neighboring states.

They come to hear one of the largest choral groups in the United States, the only one to employ its own orchestra.They come to thrill at the harmony and majesty of the season’s most beautiful music performed with joy and precision by some of the most skilled musicians and singers around. They come to watch the elegant and animated Donald Kendrick direct with passion and great grace.

And they come to sing along with this august body, to be drawn fully into the magical experience of making music that lifts the spirit and moves the heart.

The program this year again featured sacred and secular works, most quite familiar works arranged for the complexity of a large choir.

The chorus sang the lilting “Personent Hodie”, a carol written in 1582 to a melody from the 14th century while ranged throughout the audience; and it took the entirety of Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival”, a sprightly long medley of familiar Christmas tunes for the massive 170-voice chorus to take their places on the risers. This is not a gather-‘round-the-piano informal chorus; to achieve the huge and masterful sound they produce, every voice is needed.

In the next three sections, the chorus gave the audience a wide sampling of different musical styles, from the quick and intricate “Carol of the Bells”, to a charming John Rutter composition, “Donkey Carol”, a shambling tale in 5/8 rhythm of the humble beast who bore Mary to Bethlehem.

The audience rose, as is traditional, for G.F.Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”—after a caution from Kendrick that this was not a singalong version.

After the intermission, the audience was delighted to sing a medley of well-known carols with the chorus and orchestra. This audience participation is a much-loved feature of the Home for the Holidays Concerts, and is one of the many ways that the SCSO has connected the community with the joy of singing and the love of great music.

One highlight of the remaining three sections was Barlow Bradford’s beautiful arrangement of the old Austrian carol “Still, Still, Still”. He also arranged four other selections in the program. Bradford is a distinguished conductor and composer from Utah; he has worked extensively with the Utah Chamber Artists and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The evening ended with a cheerful rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, and the crowd mingling and chatting with the musicians and singers in the lobby carried their good cheer out into the night, heading home for the holidays.

Real Relationships: Don't forget about yourself

2011-12-12T16:16:35Z

The holiday season is typically full of fun and festivities: work parties, family get-togethers, nights out with friends, and don't forget all the shopping! It is during this time of year that I find myself busy, tired and lacking in a little personal time. Don't get me wrong — I love the holidays, the parties, the decorations and all of it, but sometimes I get tired.

The scheduling, the invitations and the cleaning followed by the cooking, shopping and general daily life are a lot! I feel like I always get sick shortly after New Years because my body just says, "Enough already."

The solution: There isn't one. However, don't forget about yourself in the midst of all the fun. No, I am not suggesting that you go out and buy yourself a gift because you “SO deserve it...”

I was thinking more along the lines of taking a few minutes every day to sit with a cup of coffee or wine. Read a book or take a little bit longer shower. Use the time to gather your thoughts, review the day or make lists of what you need to do that day.

Tackling all the cheer with a plan will leave you more relaxed anyway, but giving yourself a physical and mental reprieve will go a long way in ensuring that you don't bite someone’s head off when they simply ask if you can pick up something from the store. (Of course I have never done that...)

You will find that the holidays are more fun, more festive and less of a strain on your resources if you remember to take care of yourself.

How do you survive the holiday season? Any great tricks to organize, tackle or refresh yourself? Share with me.

Merry Christmas!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured weekly in “Real Relationships.”

The Nutcracker Ballet delights at the Sacramento Community Theater

2011-12-12T07:50:13Z

For ballet enthusiasts and those new to the experience, this is one presentation that should not be missed.

Ron Cunningham’s “The Nutcracker” is a traditional interpretation of the ballet he’s been directing for 24 years in Sacramento. Visually stunning sets create the scene for a ballet performance that will delight young and old alike.

Accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, this holiday classic boasts performers of all ages, with over 500 children, including Molly O’Dell,10, playing Clara.

O’Dell’s enthusiasm is infectious as she, along with her Nutcracker Prince, takes the journey from a joyous Christmas Eve into an enchanting dreamland.

The first act is charming and belongs fully to the children as the story unfolds. The sets are spectacular as the seemingly opaque backdrop becomes translucent to reveal another scene in the background.

The second act is a complete departure from the first, as the seasoned cast of dancers enchant the audience with an array of performances. In the “Candy Cane” dance, Richard Smith gives an incredible, almost circus-like show, while Mother Ginger’s “Macarena” elicits laughter as her nine children pour onto the stage from under her skirt.

“The Nutcracker” does not disappoint, and the years of dedication are evident in the performances given by the stars of the show- the “Snow Queen,” the “Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Her Cavalier,” portrayed by Alexandra Cunningham, Amanda Peet and Stefan Calka, respectively, on Dec.9 at opening night.

Each show promises to be a slightly different representation, as many of the performers will dance the part of several characters throughout the ballet’s run.

The show was highlighted beautifully by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s original score. Under the watchful eye of artistic director Ron Cunningham, who also plays "Dr. Drosselmeyer" in the prologue, not a single beat is missed.

It’s quite a feat, especially with so many children, but Cunningham wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a labor of joy,” said Cunningham, who said he thinks he is the only artistic director in the country to work directly with children.

The show runs through Dec. 23 at the Sacramento Community Theater with a total of 13 performances. Tickets are available from $39 to $630 at a range of prices from www.sacballet.org.

~
Photography by Barry Wisdom

Editor's Note: The Sacramento Press editorial staff has edited this article to reflect a correction in ticket prices and a link to purchase tickets from The Sacramento Ballet.

Marching bands, sports cars and beauty queens featured in Sacramento's annual Santa Parade

2011-12-11T21:34:47Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom

It wasn't the glitziest parade on the block, and more ads passed by than during a Talladega Superspeedway Nascar event, but the smiles that beamed from the shoulder-to-shoulder spectators at Sacramento's 2011 Santa Parade are the stuff that Christmas dreams are made of.

Presented Dec. 9 by D&H Special Event Management, the capital city's 29th annual holiday tradition once again delighted young and old with an eclectic lineup of merry marching bands, a spate of sports cars, a bunch of Boy Scouts, a gaggle of Girl Scouts and a Santa in a pear tree. (OK – a Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.)

Horses aside, chances are if it had an internal-combustion engine, it traversed the parade route. A two-story grocery cart, sponsored by Save Mart Supermarkets, provided an impressive visual and provided a distinct counterpoint to the mini CHiPs cart that also "roared" past. Along with the novelty vehicles, there were ample examples of high-powered parade staples, including a volley of vintage Chevrolet Corvettes (many of which squired local pageant winners) and siren-blasting police cruisers.

In addition, equestrians mounted up, beauty queens charmed, the Sacramento River Cats' mascot Dinger waved, and KCRA news anchor/reporter Walt Gray donned his motocycle leathers to enliven the Saturday-morning event which launched at the corner of Ninth and I streets, and completed its rectangular route at the Westfield Downtown Plaza Ice Rink at Seventh and K streets.

KCRA and the now-defunct Weinstock's department store founded the parade in 1983, with D&H taking the reins in 1991.

Today, some 16 "presenting partners" sponsor the event, including Westfield Downtown Plaza, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Macy's and Sactown magazine.

Limitations not stopping their bell ringing efforts

2011-12-10T17:36:46Z

“It’s getting cold out here.”

Kelsey Cottle uttered this while ringing The Salvation Army bell outside Macy’s at Sunrise Mall. Yet her fellow bell ringers did not care--they were having the time of their lives.

“Yeah, they’re having fun,” Cottle said.

Meet Carl Virgin and Eulogio Lizarraga--the jubilant bell ringers. Both have cerebral palsy and are confined to wheelchairs, but they do not let it deter their efforts to give back.

“It just a good time for them to get out and people to see them,” said Cottle, who is Carl’s personal attendant through S.T.E.P. (Strategy To Empower People) services. “It’s great that they get to see them so happy and that they can do this (volunteer) like everybody else.”

Cottle recruited Carl for the bell ringing opportunity last year.

“My church talked about a need to volunteer in your community,” she recalled. “So I thought of him (Carl). I came to him and his roommate at that time about ringing the bell, and they were very receptive to that idea. I talked to their families and the people from S.T.E.P., and they all agreed that this would be a good thing for them to do.”

This year, Carl recruited his current roomate, Eulogio, to ring bells for a two-hour shift, all the time smiling and spreading some holiday cheer to all of those who walked by their red kettle.

“You can tell when they’re happy,” Cottle said. “Even though they can’t use words as much, they can get their feelings across.”

And the donors appreciated their hard work.

“I wanted to come by and say hello to them,” said Theresa, who came with her daughter to donate to the kettle. “It means more to me to see them, with their challenges, volunteering their time. It was great to see (them).”

Cottle said Carl and Eulogio may ring the bell again before the end of this Christmas season. But, without a doubt, they will be back ringing next year.

“We’ve talked about it,” Cottle said. Then turning to Carl and Eulogio, she asked, “Are we coming back again?”

“Sure,” Eulogio said … with a smile.

Disclosure: Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army of Sacramento County. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org or join the facebook page www.facebook.com/salvationarmysacramento

Firewood supplier roundup

2011-12-10T01:14:38Z

As temperatures dip with the approach of winter, Sacramentans are turning to their fireplaces for added warmth. The Sacramento Press checked out a number of vendors who sell and deliver firewood as well as the regulations and safety of burning in your home.

Firewood is usually sold in cords or fractions of cords, and a single cord of wood is stacked 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet and can typically be held in two pickup truck beds.

Firewood vendors and fire officials stressed the need to burn only seasoned wood in fireplaces so it burns at the correct temperature and doesn’t cause damage to chimneys or stoves.

“Only burn approved products – no cardboard or paper products,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Bill Mendonca.

He also recommended getting a chimney inspection or cleaning at least once a year to ensure there are no obstructions or layers of creosote buildup – a byproduct of burning wood in fireplaces – that can be a fire hazard.

When it comes to Christmas trees, Mendonca recommended keeping the tree a safe distance from a fireplace so sparks can’t reach it and set it alight. He also emphasized that Christmas trees should not be burned at the end of the Christmas season because they aren’t seasoned, and the high temperatures from quickly burning needles can damage fireplaces and chimneys.

According to Cal Fire, people can cut their own wood with permits obtained through the federal government or in certain Cal Fire forest areas, but the wood needs to be seasoned a year before it is burned.

Once wood is seasoned – let sit in a dry space – it can be stored outside or inside, and it does not need to be covered, but should be dried for 20 minutes before burning.

In the Sacramento Metropolitan area, it is illegal to burn on certain days, so check the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s notices before burning.

M&M Firewood & Quality Cookingwood
6217 32nd St., North Highlands
614-9000

Secretary Leticia Mejia said the business has been around for more than 10 years and sells many different types of firewood.

“We have oak, almond and an almond mix, as well as lots of odds and ends,” she said. “A lot of people buy the oak or the almond for smoking meats, and we sell a lot of firewood to downtown restaurants and the public for heating purposes.”

M&M delivers in the Sacramento area, and prices vary depending on location, with delivery fees starting at $44. All firewood sold is seasoned for at least one year.

“We do offer kindling, and we’re open to the public so they can come in and pick up firewood,” Mejia said.

Tony’s Firewood
6000 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights
969-9663

Started in 1970 by husband and wife Tony and Connie Dorado, Tony’s Firewood sells oak, walnut, cherry, eucalyptus, cedar, pine and mixed woods, according to Linda Noe, daughter of the Dorados.

“We sell a lot of wood to restaurants as smoking wood and also to homeowners not only with wood-burning fireplaces but with inserts and stoves also,” she said. “We’ve been keeping Sacramento warm since 1970.”

Deliveries of wood are $35, and free delivery is offered in May and June. All wood carried this time of year is seasoned for at least a year. The wood is split and sold in 16-inch lengths with diameters of 5 to 7 inches.

NPC Firewood
8320 Hazel Ave in Orangevale and 11257 S. Ridge St. in Rancho Cordova.
853-9541

Owner Jeff Hadden said NPC Firewood carries a wide range of firewood including the common oaks, cedar and pine.

“We turn some of it into lumber, but most of the firewood we sell is seasoned about a year,” he said. Unseasoned wood is available as well.

NPC Firewood delivers throughout the Sacramento area for a $60 delivery fee for up to a cord.

Pak & Save Firewood
8385 Jackson Road, Sacramento
381-3143

Manager Javier Hernandez said popular types of firewood offered at the business include pine, walnut, almond, white oak and black oak.

All firewood sold is seasoned at least one year.

“We keep our wood covered, so it is always dry and ready to go into the fireplace,” he said. “A lot of our almond wood is used for people who smoke meats, and the rest is usually used for heating.”

Pak & Save delivers in the Sacramento area. Delivery fees start at $50 and vary depending on location.

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

Iceland celebrates North Sacramento's 21st tree lighting with free skating

2011-12-09T06:59:44Z

The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce may have thrown its annual holiday tree lighting a 21st birthday party Dec. 8, but even the adults who donned skates, munched cookies and quaffed hot chocolate eschewed the slightest trace of yuletide cynicism in favor of youthful Christmas-morning smiles.

Hosted by Iceland, the men and women, boys and girls who laced up courtesy of the venerable Del Paso Boulevard ice rink, barely noticed when the switch was thrown, and pumped current through the strings of multicolored lights that formed the "tree."

Those who didn't hit the ice themselves, found plenty of pre-Christmas cheer in picking out rinkside vantage points to watch singles, couples and entire families merrily go 'round and 'round covered by nothing but a starry, starry night.

There's an ice rink in Rancho Cordova?

2011-12-08T01:41:26Z

Just off Highway 50, in a city far, far away, skaters are strapping on the blades and cutting wide circles around Sacramento's newest outdoor holiday rink.

Maybe not so far away. It's in Rancho Cordova. It's beautiful. And they won it.

Last summer, Rancho Cordovans surprised everybody by racking up more than 2.5 million votes in a nationwide contest sponsored by the venerable Reader's Digest. After weeks of online voting, and outpacing cities much larger -- and much smaller -- Rancho Cordova ended up in first place -- and holding a $40,000 check.

Along the way, citizens of this city of 65,000 expressed what they would do with the money if they were lucky enough to win it. In post after post, they said something like this: "Provide something for kids to do."

Several months later, that's just what they have done: a glistening outdoor ice rink, and all comers are welcome.

Located just south of Highway 50 at the Zinfandel Drive exit, a towering three-story high Ferris wheel marks the spot. It spins and flashes brightly colored lights, telling you the ice rink is nearby.

Allstate Insurance is the big corporate sponsor of the Rancho Cordova Holiday Ice Rink, and besides the Reader's Digest winnings, both the non-profit Cordova Community Council and City of Rancho Cordova are major backers. Nearly 30 more Rancho Cordova businesses, churches and community groups are also supporting the rink, which was opened with substantial fanfare on Nov. 17.

Since then, the community's 30-foot Christmas tree has been lit during a spectacular tree lighting festival, figure skaters have performed dazzling holiday routines and skaters are showing up for everything from preschool field trips to birthday parties.

"We don't have the only holiday ice rink in the region, but we certainly have the most beautiful," said Lee Frechette, who is the chairman of the ice rink efforts of the Cordova Community Council. "The Ferris wheel is an amazing landmark and offers the best view in the region -- especially if you come at sunset."

A miniature train ride, concessions and hot buttery kettle corn popping away rinkside make it a party.

The Rancho Cordova Holiday Ice Rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 16. Located at 3151 Zinfandel Drive, take the Zinfandel exit and head south. Turn left on Data Drive and you are there.

Tickets and information are available online at www.RanchoCordovaIceRink.com or at the ticket office onsite. Tickets are $5.50 for children 12 and under, and adults 62 and older. Adults are $8.50. Skate rental will cost you another $2. Special rates apply for groups of 10 or more, who score free skate rental. Ferris wheel, train rides and snacks are extra, but worth the price for a great family-friendly outing.

For more information, call the Cordova Community Council at (916) 273-5704.

Editor's Note: The Cordova Community Council is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Disclosure: Shelly Blanchard is executive director of the Cordova Community Council , a sponsor and proud supporter of the Rancho Cordova Holiday Ice Rink.

Windstorm destroys tree, not spirit

2011-12-08T01:06:38Z

A windstorm that destroyed the Christmas tree in Old Sacramento didn’t get the last laugh, as the company that provided the tree worked over several days to replace it out of pocket.

“There is really not a good explanation for what happened to the tree,” said Chris McSwain, district manager for the Old Sacramento Business Association. “The immediate cause is wind damage. I’d say two-thirds to three-fourths of the needles blew off.”

Last weekend’s windstorm might have turned a once-full tree to a skeleton, but that’s when the tree provider, Carlton Christmas Trees from the Redding area, stepped up to replace it.

“They’ve never seen anything like this happen in 40 or 50 years,” McSwain said. “They insisted on replacing it at no additional cost. They even brought people down here to undecorate the old tree and redecorate the new one.”

James Carlton of Carlton Christmas Trees said Wednesday that there was no question of replacing the tree, which sits at 100 K St.

“This is an unprecedented event that was caused because of the storm, and the last thing we wanted to do was see one of our customers deal with something beyond their control and ability to rectify,” he said. “We took it upon ourselves to do everything we could in our power and in a tight time constraint to try to restore it.”

The company, which also supplies trees to Union Square in San Francisco, Jack London Square in Oakland and the Bellagio in Las Vegas, harvests its trees from the area around Mount Shasta.

The first tree was a 60-foot white fir that weighed 7,500 pounds when it was delivered. It cost $13,000 and was paid for by sponsorships from businesses and residents. The new tree, though shorter at 54 feet, still weighs more than 3 tons and is fuller near the top, appearing taller to some, McSwain said.

“It’s bigger than the one at the Capitol, which is around 40 feet, but it’s smaller than the one at the U.S. Capitol, which is about 65 feet,” he added.

Replacing the tree was no small task, Carlton said, adding that all the tree-cutting and hauling equipment had been removed from the mountain, as it was late in the year to be getting large trees in place – something typically done by mid-November.

“We had to first locate a tree, and once we located it, mobilize our equipment to get it up on the mountain, and then we applied a preservative to the tree, and we cut 24 hours after that,” he said. “There’s a lot of logistics that had to occur over a short period of time.”

Workers from Carlton Christmas Trees began removing decorations from the old tree Monday morning, and the new tree arrived on Tuesday morning. They spent Tuesday taking down the old tree and putting up the new one, and Wednesday was spent redecorating the new tree.

“Our goal is to be done by noon (Thursday),” Carlton said Wednesday afternoon.

Video by Chris McSwain

Nick Marks, a 50-year-old Sacramentan who works in fugitive recovery for bail bonds companies, said he thinks the tree company is doing a good job.

“I was here after the storm, and the old tree just looked like it was bent,” he said. “This one’s a lot fuller, and it’s nice that they’re taking care of it for free. It looks really nice.”

The tree is part of the Theatre of Lights show, and Kelsey Leaird, a 23-year-old supervisor at the Steamers bakery and cafe at 101 K St., said it’s important to business.

“It brings in a ton of crowds,” she said, adding that the tree is an important part of the draw.

“The old tree was pretty scraggly after the storm,” she said. “Before, it was a beautiful tree. Unfortunately, we had the huge windstorm, and it fell apart.”

She said the new tree is something to once again be proud of.

“Some people had some ideas to fix the old one, like taking greenery from tree farms and wire-tying it on, but this is a lot better,” she said. “Once the company came out and saw it, they brought a new one in right away.”

McSwain said the unfortunate incident showcased the holiday spirit.

“Carlton is a family-owned business,” he said. “It’s really one of those good business stories about the way businesses really look out for their customers. Some people were calling the old one a ‘Charlie Brown Christmas tree,’ but it’s really about the spirit of Christmas, not the tree. And now we have both.”

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

Free Holiday Hay Rides Return to Jackson Rancheria

2011-12-07T17:51:04Z

It’s time again for free Holiday Hay Rides at Jackson Rancheria. Now through Dec. 15, guests are welcomed to enjoy a festive hay ride around the Rancheria –decorated in over 2.5 million lights – followed by a visit with Santa and complimentary refreshments for all.

“The Holiday Hays Rides at Jackson Rancheria are one of the most popular local holiday traditions,” said Rich Hoffman, CEO of Jackson Rancheria. “Each year the Rancheria comes alive with millions of holiday lights and decorations and this year is no exception. The hay rides are a perfect holiday activity that they whole family will enjoy.”

The Holiday Hay Rides are offered at the Jackson Rancheria Fire Station on Dalton Road and run Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., now through Dec. 15.

The Rancheria will also be collecting toys for the annual Jackson Rancheria/Amador Sheriff’s Office Christmas Toy Drive.

For more information on the Holiday Hay Rides and additional holiday promotions and events offered at Jackson Rancheria, visit us online at http://www.jacksoncasino.com.

Sacramento Central Library hosts holiday concert

2011-12-07T04:40:30Z

The Sacramento Youth Symphony and Academy of Music enchanted an audience of approximately 350 guests at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. The free holiday concert was hosted by the Central Library on Sunday afternoon.

The Sacramento Public Library invited the public to celebrate music performed by the 85-member ensemble. Musicians played to a full house which has been common for many of the events held at the Central Library.

Sacramento Youth Symphony and Academy of Music’s Artistic Director, Michael Neumann, presented the Academic Orchestra and the concert also featured the Saltarello Flute Ensemble and the Clarion Clarinet Ensemble.

Neumann addressed the audience by welcoming and thanking them for attending the event.

“I’m very happy that you’re here today and I’d like to start you right off the bat with our first group, the Saltarello Flute Ensemble conducted by Alice Lenagham.”

The group, consisting of nine flutists, performed from the second floor of the Tsakopoulos Galleria and entertained guests with “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Mykola Leontovych’s composition, "Carol of the Bells" and two other compositions.

Before the next group took the stage Neumann asked the audience if anyone played the flute. Less than five people raised their hand. He asked the same question about clarinet players and this time a few more raised their hand.

The Clarion Clarinet Ensemble, conducted by Sandra McPherson, walked up to a sitting area in front of the Academic Orchestra. The four clarinet players pleased the audience with four pieces that included “Over the Rainbow” and “Jingle Bells.”

Neumann once again came to the microphone to point out a couple of table in the back that had information on the Youth Symphony and volunteer opportunities. He also asked who had and who had not heard the Sacramento Youth Symphony play before. Most of the audience raised their hand, indicating that most of the audience had previously heard them play. I was one of the few who had not heard them perform before, but I soon became an avid fan.

The last group of the evening to perform had been sitting down since the beginning. Neumann introduced Angelo Moreno who was to conduct the Academic Orchestra. The Orchestra began by giving fans a great rendition of Girolamo Frescobaldi’s “Toccata.”

The audience showed their appreciation and responded with great applause as the orchestra ended their first piece.

Moreno continued to conduct with great enthusiasm as the Youth Symphony played their second performance, Jerry Lehmeier’s arrangement of Gioachino Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” showcasing the young musicians’ talents.

Violins appeared to have the most number of musicians and they were accompanied by several violas and cellos. Flutes, oboes, basses, clarinets, horns, trumpets, trombones, percussion and a harp player completed the orchestra ensemble.

The Academic Orchestra continued their performance with Claude T. Smith’s Prelude on an Early American Folk Hymn, “My Shepherd Will Supply my Need,” which showcased the only harp in the orchestra. The last piece performed was “March Slav” by P.I. Tchaikovsky.

As the music program was about to conclude, Neumann addressed the audience, saying that what the audience saw was only about 50 percent of what the Sacramento Youth Symphony is all about. He noted that other ensembles that did not attend also existed and more information on those groups can be found on their website. Neumann concluded by inviting guests to talk to him and ask questions and he would answer them at the back tables after the show.

A Christmas sing-along concluded the event with the audience joining in and singing “Oh Christmas Tree,” “The First Noel” and “Jingle Bells.”

The Central Library once again hosted a great event that continues to make this a great venue for music, art and community events.

The concert was very well put together and the kids did a terrific job performing in front of friends, family and other guests. After all the performances were over I spoke with Neumann.

When asked how the kids are selected to play in the symphony, Neumann said, “The kids are selected by going through an audition process and every year we go through this audition process not just for the new kids that want to join but for everyone. At the end of the year every seat is vacant and everyone has to re-audition.”

Neumann also mentioned that there are different levels of orchestras, saying that the group who performed is the middle level. There’s a level above and one below.

Describing the selection process, Neumann noted that there is one audition process and afterward each musician is placed in the level best suited for them. Again, Neumann said that if they want to continue they have to re-audition and be placed according to their level.

The number of spots open for each of the orchestra levels is fairly open but there are some limits on some positions and those limits are up to the Artistic Director (Neumann).

The Sacramento Youth Symphony has been around for 55 years and Neumann noted that this is his 33rd year with the organization. Neumann also shared that they have grown since he took over in 1979 from having only one orchestra and having 65 members to 400 people.

Neumann’s passion and dedication to the organization has put the orchestra in a position where future growth continues. He attributes the growth of the program to many factors but one in particular.

“We continue to grow because we have something of great quality,” said Neumann. “We have good teachers and we have great quality and I believe people want to be involved with quality and that’s why we continue to do well.”

A quality performance was given by the Sacramento Youth Symphony and Academy of Music. Their exquisite performance was greatly appreciated by those who were able to witness the program. Their collaboration with the Sacramento Central Library was like an early Christmas present to the Sacramento community.

The partnership highlights two organizations that continue to offer their resources to the Sacramento community and the performance on Sunday showed how well it can work. The Sacramento Central Library and Sacramento Youth Symphony show themselves to be a great cultural destination for the community. Both also offer the resources that help transform young people.

"A Christmas Carol" at the Sacramento Theatre Company

2011-12-06T01:51:26Z

Add The Sacramento Theatre Company to your list of holiday activities this year: “A Christmas Carol,” which runs through Dec. 24 at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, captures the magic and joy of Christmas. The Dickens classic, adapted by Richard Hellesen, is the most consistently produced Christmas show that STC runs and has been a part of the holiday programs on and off for the last 24 years.

For more than150 years Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has been a classically loved and widely acclaimed story of the evolution of a Ebenezer Scrooge from a selfish and sour man to a generous and hospitable fellow. This heart-warming tale of redemption is a Christmas production that has reminded audiences for over a century of the true meaning of life.

On Sunday, the theater was filled with families, students, and theater-goers of all ages. The actors captivated the audience with an outstanding performance, especially by Matt K. Miller, who played Scrooge. His performance captured the splendor of the classic tale of a man rediscovering his Christmas spirit.

The stage effects really transported the audience to a different time and place. Simulated fog poured into the theater to create the dark mystical feel of London and actors dressed in elaborate period costumes that included the Ghost of Jacob Marley in chains and rags and wealthy women in beautiful silk gowns.

The stage was simple with selective yet dramatic props. Many key elements rolled on and off stage throughout the show while an over sized clock remained center stage the entire show. Scrooge’s four-post bed and fireplace, a desk in his office and other key elements diversify the space to show Scrooge as he travels through time.

Through music and dance this performance stands out among the many renditions of “A Christmas Carol.” The uplifting songs in the first act juxtapose against the dark and sinister attitude of Scrooge and help reveal the extent of his rottenness to the audience.

Music director, Sam Schieber, and choreographer, Jerald Bolden are both new additions to this year’s production team. Music that was adapted and arranged by David De Berry uses Christmas carols and songs from the 1800s to accompany the story of Scrooge rediscovering his Christmas spirit.

By the end of act two Scrooge’s outlook on life is in alignment with the blissful songs that the characters sing and bring the story full circle as he joins in singing with the community.

Matt K. Miller makes a wildly captivating Scrooge. Everything from his facial expressions to his posture and tone of voice evolve as Scrooge realizes the true meaning of life by the visiting Christmas ghosts.

Miller does a wonderful job portraying an eerie gloom and distaste for Christmas in the opening scenes of the play. As Scrooge is taken by the Ghost of Christmas Past, Sydney Christoffersen and Bella Bagatelos who both play the part, the thick layers of his hardened heart seamlessly peel back when Miller starts snapping his fingers and bouncing to the songs of his youth and recognizing the faces of old friends.

Miller has performed in many productions at the Sacramento Theatre Company and this is his fourth time playing Scrooge for the company’s production of “A Christmas Carol.”

“Miller has always been excellent,” said season-ticket-holder, Marion Silva. “He does a really great job playing Scrooge. He has really gotten into this character.”

Jim Lane plays an especially creepy and tortured version of The Ghost of Jacob Marley. He is dressed in rags and covered in chains when he emerges from a dark and foggy clock in Scrooge’s home. His voice echoes throughout the speakers of the theater, creating a haunting mood. Lane delivers a chilling performance.

Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, played by Jerry Lee, brings a lightness to the dark and mystical nature of the opening scenes of the show. He portrays a jovial and lighthearted man who continuously looks for the good in Scrooge despite his unenlightened and stingy perspective of the world.

Barry Hubbard and Jackie Vanderbeck make a marvelous team playing Mr. and Mrs.Cratchit. Mr. Bob Cratchit is employed by Scrooge and always defends him, despite Scrooge’s cruel attitude toward him. Vanderbeck portrays Mrs.Cratchit as a sound minded woman who looks out first and foremost for the well being of her family.

Hubbard and Vanderbeck evoke sympathy and compassion in the audience as Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit struggle to make ends meet in the midst of their youngest son suffering from medical problems, not having enough money to help him.

The redemption of Scrooge is climactic when he finally gives BobCratchit a raise in order to help save the life of his son, Tiny Tim, played by Zac Ballard.

Zac Ballard is adorable and lovable as Tiny Tim. He does an excellent job playing a crippled boy with leg braces by moving his legs with labor and looking to family members for help moving about the stage. He wins the audience over with his innocent and angelic attitude.

The props and set design are minimal but dramatic. A large grandfather clock is in the center of the stage throughout the play, symbolic of the looming presence of time slipping away from Scrooge. The clock is so oversized that it almost appears to be a looking down on Scrooge like a God. In addition to the clock, a large four-post bed rolls on and off stage to signify Scrooge leaving and returning to his sleeping quarters as he visits his past, present and future.

“The set seems true to London back then, covered in soot and fog. It looks musty and smelly and cold,” said Carolyn Schilling, season ticket holder.

The use of heavy fog and varying lighting techniques create a dark mysterious world that Scrooge lives in.

The Ghost of Christmas Future is the most disturbing of all of the ghosts, dressed similarly to the grim reaper.

Rather than speaking, the ghost points his long bony fingers to direct Scrooge’s attention to what his future will look like if he doesn’t change. The Ghost of Christmas Future appears out of a trap door beneath the stage and slowly glides up to Scrooge’s level while fog pours out around him and lights flash dramatically.

This is just one of the many effective design elements that lighting designer, Victor En Yu Tan, scenic designer, John Klonowski, and additional lighting design and effects by Jordan Burkholder create in the show.

Costume designers, B. Modern and Jessica Minnihan, created appropriate period costumes that range from rags to the gowns of the wealthy.

All of the elements of the production come together to make the Sacramento Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol” a classic holiday thrill that reminds audiences of the true meaning of life while providing a marvelous show for all ages to enjoy.

This season The Sacramento Theatre Company is inviting local choirs to sing Christmas carols outside the theater before the show starts. Choirs that are interested in singing may contact the theater.

Show times are as follows:

Wednesday 7 p.m.
Thursday 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday 7 p.m.
Saturday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday 2 p.m.

Tickets prices are as follows:
General $40
Children (Age 4-12) $20
Discounts are available for seniors, students and groups.

To purchase tickets, visit the box office website here.

For more information about “A Christmas Carol” visit the Sacramento Theatre Company website here.

All Photos: Barry Wisdom

Jingle All the Way with SGMC

2011-12-05T05:06:48Z

For 27 years, the first weekend in December has been marked by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus singing in the season with their signature brand of holiday glee.

On Friday night, the tradition continued, bringing a substantial and happy audience to Midtown's First Methodist Church for another evening of high spirits, close harmony and popular musical entertainment.

This year’s event was just as jolly and campy as SGMC’s audiences would expect, opening with some of the most outrageous holiday headgear to adorn a stage this side of Beach Blanket Babylon, as choristers waltzed, pranced and swayed to a lively rendition of the classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

“Christmas Angles” juxtaposed a cheery holiday-loving contingent with a cadre of Grinches who insisted that they hate Christmas.

The 38 tuxedo-clad singers then settled into a comfortable series of Chirstmas classics and poignant ballads and finished the first set with a lively percussion-assisted Nigerian Christmas song, “Betelehemu.”

Amid the traditional music with a twist in the second set, a charming and very humorous surprise was “Pop Goes the Season,” a medley of top 40 hits of the past 30 years rewritten to fit the holiday motif. Just imagine Joan Jett’s stomping bop-bop-BAM, bop-bop-BAM intro to belting out “I love Channukah/ Put another spin on the dreidl, baby!”

After a stylistic sampler of “Variations on Jingle Bells” and a jazzy, soulful "Hallelujah Chorus" that would have left G.F. Handel mystified and delighted, the concert ended with SGMC’s signature “Rhythm of Life” and a brief audience sing-along.

SGMC has found a new degree of sophistication with this production. The stage set was clever, the program diverse and well-sung, and the addition of drumming, percussion and a poignant tenor saxophone accompaniment added depth.

Principal accompanist Kay Hight added a splendid dimension to the event. The accomplished young woman was playing her first concert with the chorus, but her talent as a pianist has been honed over 20 years and far belies her tender age — she is just 24.

Artistic director Paul Jones has led the chorus for many years, and he is already starting work on the group’s spring show, “Glitter.” His energetic enthusiasm is as infectious as his brilliant smile.

A satisfied audience shuffled out into the brisk evening air, assured by this Sacramento tradition hallmark that the holiday season has now officially begun.

Time for the Polar Express

2011-12-02T19:27:34Z

It’s Polar Express time again in Old Sacramento.

If you have been anywhere near Old Sacramento lately, you may have been surprised to see children of all ages roaming the streets dressed in their pajamas. It’s the annual running of the Polar Express, in Old Sacramento.

Every year, the volunteer docents of the State Railroad Museum conduct special one-hour train rides from Old Sacramento down the river side tracks to the North Pole. Along the way, songs are sung, hot cocoa is served, and each passenger gets a small gift from Santa. It’s a perennial treat, and with only 19,000 tickets available, they sell out in a few hours. So, even though you can’t get tickets to ride the train, it’s worth a visit to Old Sacramento to see all the kids dressed in jammies.

Natomas tree lighting suffers gusts, but boasts gusto

2011-12-02T03:22:34Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom

Wednesday's Grinchy wind storm may have turned the centerpiece of the South Natomas Community Center's holiday tree lighting into a slightly bent, Whoville caricature, but the shiny bright ornaments, entertainment, refreshments and neighborhood fellowship were straight-up festive.

Emceed by Sacramento Councilmember Steve Cohn, the ceremony featured music by the drummer boys and girls of the Natomas High School Drum Corps, as well as the Natomas Middle School Choir and the Heritage Park Chorale.

"Santa Claus" also made an appearance to lend an ear to the whispered wishes of the children during the event's post-lighting reception in the community center.

Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour kicks off the holiday season

2011-12-01T23:29:03Z

The holiday season kicks off on Friday with over-the-top holiday decorations that sparkle and shine behind the doors of five homes in the “Fabulous Forties.” The 38th annual Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour welcomes thousands to tour arguably the most gorgeous homes in Sacramento to benefit the Sacred Heart Parish School.

“Our goal is for these homes to be like Christmas explosions. It just really ignites the spark for the holiday season,” said Leslie Wilson-Lopez, co-chair of the home tour and Sacred Heart school parent.

The homes on this year’s tour include four in the colonial style circa 1920 and one new home that has been added to a foundry (a factory that produces metal casings) dating back to 1915.

Each home is decorated by local designers and florists who start drafting their designs months in advance.

“No two houses are the same, and the designers have really gotten creative this year,” Wilson-Lopez said.

Co-designer of the foundry home on 44th Street and part owner of Beyond the Garden Gate, a home and garden store in Davis, Pat Stromberg, said that they got their design inspiration from the owner who spent much of her youth living in France.

“Rather than hanging stockings from the fireplace, we have European vintage shoes in the family room, which are traditional decorations in Provence, France,” Stromberg said. “We also have 13 beautiful desserts representing and honoring Christ and his 12 apostles, a tradition to eat at Christmas in France.”

In Provence, France the traditional Christmas meal consists mostly of vegetables and is followed by 13 desserts. Thirteen signifies the number of people at the last supper, the last meal Christ and the apostles shared together. The meal and desserts are eaten before going to midnight mass on Christmas.

The home will have three Christmas trees: two inside and one out front. One tree will be decorated with actual instruments and ornate ribbon that will complement the elegance of the living room, which has a baby grand piano.

“If you think of going to an opera or a symphony, that is what the living room is like,” Stromberg said. “We love the sparkle of the living room and the warmth of the family room.”

One of the five homes is designed by the homeowner herself, Jill Dudensing, who is an interior designer.

“She has a real eclectic contemporary minimalist style,” Wilson-Lopez said. “She likes a traditional Christmas, so it’s like Norman Rockwell meets Andy Warhol in her home.”

Each of the homes has been labored over by designers for months, and most started the installation process of the holiday décor weeks ago.

This year, in addition to the decorations on the bottom floor of each of the five homes, the backyards have been incorporated into the holiday design. Landscaping, lights, wreaths and flowers have been added to many of the backyards, Wilson-Lopez said.

In addition to viewing the homes and getting holiday decoration ideas, guests can actually purchase decorations from the local retailers who designed two of the homes.

Don Garcia from Haus Home Décor and Specialty Gift is the designer for one of the homes on the tour. Hand-blown German glass bird ornaments are decorating the Christmas tree in a bird-themed room at one of the colonial homes. An entire line of hand-blown German glass ornaments are sold locally at the store.

After the walking tour, visitors are encouraged to stop by the Holiday Cafe & Gift Shop located at the Sacred Heart Parish School, 856 39th St. The cafe will have warm beverages, champagne, wine and other holiday treats available. There will be vendors selling holiday gifts including home accessories, hostess gifts, holiday ornaments, candles, candy, jams and jellies, wreaths and more. No ticket is necessary for admittance to the cafe and gift shop.

The walking tour starts on 46th Street between J and M streets, and parking is available in front of all of the tour homes and at the Holiday Cafe & Boutique, located at the Sacred Heart Parish School. The tour should take approximately two hours to complete, and the homes can be viewed in any order.

The tour times are as follows:

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday
10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday

Tickets can be purchased for $30 at the Sacred Heart Parish School or at one of the tour homes located on 46th Street. To purchase tickets online visit the website here.

All proceeds go to support the Sacred Heart Parish School in East Sacramento. The entire home tour is organized and run by parent volunteers.

For more information about the Sacred Heart Holiday Home tour, visit the website here.

Real Relationships: Family holiday dynamics

2011-11-28T15:28:21Z

Instead of question-and-answer this week, I am writing a little editorial about spending the holidays with immediate and extended family.

For most people, this season is one of the few times a year we see many members of our extended family. Different interests and personalities collide in what turns out to be a magnificent display of diversity, or a horrific explosion of arguing and hurt feelings. What kind of family do you have?

If your family comes together in a harmonious fashion and shares fun, laughter and love, then you are a very blessed person. Remind yourself how thankful you ought to be for the people you love, who love and care about you.

If your family falls into the other category, one of forced happiness, angry words and months of not speaking, then your mission is a bit different.

Make an effort to not participate in and encourage the drama. You likely cannot avoid it altogether, but don't add to it.

Speak positive and encouraging words to your family this season. Remind yourself what you like about every person you are going to see and build on that thought.

Engage everyone in a personal conversation, even those you are not fond of. Even though you have known these people your entire life, there are likely things about them you don't know. Set out to discover something new about your crazy aunt or your irresponsible cousin. Share something about yourself with them as well.

When the conversation stalls, end the time by thanking them for sharing about their life and let them know that you are glad to see them.

Your last mission is to do your best to not lash out when the times get tough. Don't respond in anger if something is said or done that is not to your liking. Respond in kindness or don't respond at all. Bite your tongue if it kills you.

These people are your family. They will always be your family. Don't say something that you are going to regret.

Happy holidays!

Have a relationship question? Email sacpress@live.com. Questions will be featured every Monday in Real Relationships.

Small Train Holiday

2011-11-26T03:05:01Z

There’s something about toy trains that captures the imagination of adults and children alike. This year’s “Small Train Holiday” at the California State Railroad Museum is drawing a steady stream of wide-eyed admirers to its special displays of toy and model trains over Thanksgiving weekend.

Grown-ups and kids clustered around the working train displays run by avid toy train operators. Joe Montgomery’s train layout includes treasured trains from his youth. When he was a boy, his father traded several bushels of corn to a store-owner so that his son could have a pre-1950s Marx electric train. Montgomery played with the set for years until called into the armed services, and now he comes every year to the Small Train Holiday to share his love of trains.

Eight-year-old Nathan is a budding engineer, with a very practical bent. He constructed an entire Santa’s village out of Legos, complete with working trains, Santa’s workshop and a lunchroom and bathroom for the elves. Nathan, his grandma and mother were happy to point out the set’s features and to challenge folks to find the 15 Santas hidden in the layouts hosted by the Sacramento Lego Fan Club.

David Thomsen of the Toy Train Operating Society added movement to his village scene with sledders, skiers and a chugging train filled with miniature gift boxes. Another operator’s layout mesmerized children as they watched conveyor belts unload barrels of broccoli and brussels sprouts and load up on logs.

The event also included storytelling with Mrs. Claus, handcar rides, photos with Santa, a 1957 short film set to instrumental music titled “Toccata for Toy Trains” and a scavenger hunt.

Museum director Paul Hammond says the museum has been offering Small Train Holiday for about 15 years. This year’s event runs through Saturday.

Man on the Street: Black Friday

2011-11-25T06:14:25Z

Black Friday: To some, it’s THE day to kick off the Christmas shopping season and snag unbelievable deals on high-end items, even if it means camping overnight or cutting a Thanksgiving meal short. To others, it’s a day to avoid shopping centers at all costs.

The Sacramento Press asked locals to share their Black Friday plans, strategies and experiences. Here is what they had to say:

Ramona Powell, a 54-year-old transportation consultant from Sacramento, said she plans to do some shopping on Friday.

“I’ve looked online at what Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target, JC Penney’s and Macy’s have,” she said. “My tradition has been to go out at about 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and camp out.”

She said her best deal was a $199 laptop from Best Buy a few years ago. However, with some stores opening at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving, she said she might shop online this year instead of cutting her dinner short.

Jessica Russell, a 30-year-old in the military from Syracuse, N.Y., said she is in Sacramento visiting family and will hit the stores on Black Friday.

“You get the paper on Thursday, check out the ads and decide what you want,” she said. “Then you figure out which store you’re going to and head straight for the deals.”

Russell’s brother, 25-year-old Justin Russell, is a Sacramentan who is also in the military.

“I’m going to be watching the kids while my wife and sister go shopping,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t want to go do that.”

Lana Hom, a 48-year-old nurse from Sacramento, said she will be going shopping with her family when the stores open at midnight on Thanksgiving.

“We’re planning to shop,” she said. “We’re going to leave dinner a little early and get to the stores.”

She added that she only shops in a small group, since having too many people would just slow them down.

For some, such as 16-year-old student Jose Guerra of West Sacramento, Black Friday is a good time to socialize and spend time with friends on a day off.

“Go to the mall and get a coffee to keep you warm,” he said. “I’m going to buy as many things as I can get good deals on, maybe an iPad, some shoes and a hat.”

For 43-year-old Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Black Friday isn’t the most important shopping day.

“There’s one sale a year that I do,” he said. “It’s the day after Christmas, when Nordstrom has their men’s suits and dress shirts on sale. I get up at 5:30 in the morning.”

Regarding Black Friday, Ault said he has found lately that a lot of deals can be had online that are similar to those in stores, and it’s not necessary to get up at 4 a.m.

“I don’t really look at Black Friday as the best time to get deals,” he said.

Do you have any Black Friday stories, deals or strategies you’d like to share? Let us know in the conversation below.

Man on the street: Thanksgiving edition

2011-11-23T03:03:50Z

The short, brisk days and the warm, fall colors in the trees remind us that the holidays are fast approaching. With Thanksgiving upon us, The Sacramento Press went to the streets to ask, “What should Sacramento be thankful for?”

“All of the trees,” said Debbie Isley, 59, a retired real estate agent from Placerville. “And the water.”

Isley, originally from Southern California, said she appreciates how green the area is, especially after living in the desert for many years.

For those native to the area, the answers change a bit. Carolyn Gamble, a retired state employee from Carmichael, has lived in the Sacramento area her entire life.

“Sacramento supports everything here,” said Gamble, 65. “It’s a very supportive town."

For Lisa Larimore, a teacher from Davis, it’s all about the food.

“Sacramento should be thankful for all of the really good restaurants,” said Larimore, 48. She listed Elephant Bar and The Cheesecake Factory among her favorites.

Randy Boyle, 59, is originally from Oklahoma, but moved here many years ago for work. Although he has lived in Hawaii, the Midwest and all over California, he said this part of the world is his favorite.

“The great weather and the proximity to all things outdoors,” said Boyle, a manager at UPS from Vacaville. “There are not many places where you can water ski and snow ski on the same day.”

Boyle also said the importance of being the state capital is a reason for Sacramento to be thankful.

For Ericka Landero, 20, a retail associate from Antelope, Sacramento is a place for possibilities.

“I think Sacramento should be thankful for the many opportunities we have in life,” said Landero.

What do you think Sacramento should be thankful for? Please let us know in the comment section below.

Make holiday dreams come true for Sacramento foster youth

2011-11-23T00:25:34Z

SACRAMENTO – As foster youth in the Sacramento area spend the holidays away from home, local residents can ensure they still have stockings and presents to open, thanks to United Way’s Women in Philanthropy and Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program.

“I cannot imagine how lonely it must feel to be removed from your home, especially during the holidays,” said Lisa Watts, chair of United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “This is a fantastic way to give back during the holiday season and know that your gift will brighten the holidays for a hurting child.”

Visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org to sign up to bring specific gifts for children in Sacramento County’s Child Protective Services or to provide a $30 donation to purchase a holiday stocking for a foster youth preparing for emancipation. All items must be received by 4 p.m. on Dec. 5 at United Way’s office, 10389 Old Placerville Road, Sacramento. For more information, contact Kaila Ricci at kricci@uwccr.org or (916) 856-3910.

Holiday gifts will be distributed through Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program, and stockings will be distributed through United Way’s certified nonprofit partners that work with foster youth preparing to leave the foster care system.

United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings women together to foster the future, preparing foster youth for a successful adulthood. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members raise funds, hold drives and provide trainings focused on helping foster youth rise to their dreams. The group also is a partner in United Way’s $en$e-Ability project, helping foster youth become financially self-sufficient through financial literacy courses and individual development accounts that provide a matched savings program. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.

Sacramento County’s Gifts from the Heart is an annual holiday gift-giving program that operates on donations and benefits children and seniors who are in the Department of Health and Human Services’ system of care. For more information, call (916) 875-2027.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

Sacramento Family Keeps Daughter's Memory Alive through Toy Drive

2011-11-18T18:20:35Z

When Rosie Carollo was hospitalized at the Sutter Children’s Center, Sacramento due to a rare form of childhood epilepsy at just 6 months old, she took great delight in the toys, movies and activities in the hospital’s Child Life Program.

After Rosie’s passing in 2004, just shy of her second birthday, her parents, Nicole and George Carollo, were determined to keep her memory alive by giving back to the Sutter Children’s Center – a children’s hospital located inside Sutter Memorial Hospital in East Sacramento – after they provided such great care for their young daughter.

“Rosie was our first child and the light of our lives,” said Nicole Carollo. “When she passed I was almost desperate to find a way to help other children like her. I cannot take care of my baby anymore, but I can help others. We chose Sutter because of the wonderful experience we had with the Child Life Team and we want to give back to them and help brighten up the lives of other babies and children there.”

While strolling through their neighborhood admiring holiday decorations and looking to get a few ideas for their own house, the Carollos noticed barrels in front of homes for people to donate food as they, too, strolled down the street appreciating the decorations. It was at this moment that the Carollos had the idea to host a toy drive in Rosie’s honor.

After observing how much joy that toys brought Rosie while she was in the hospital, the family decided the best way to honor Rosie and give back to the hospital was by donating toys to the Sutter Children’s Center in hopes of creating joy for other kids during their time in the program.

The Carollos began their charitable toy drive in 2007. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Rosie Carollo Christmas Lights Toy Drive, which will be held from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, and is part of the Carollos’ intricate Christmas display at their home at 3961 Fair Oaks Blvd. in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento. New, unwrapped toy donations, as well as any cash or check donations, will be collected to give to the brave children at the Sutter Children’s Center.

In the four previous years, this event has made quite a splash in donations. During the inaugural event in 2007, the Carollos collected 741 items and $236 in cash. Last year, this special event collected more than 1,600 items, up 50 percent from the previous year, and had more than 400 people in attendance the night of the toy drive.

This year, the Carollos and the Child Life Program are requesting Pillow Pets, crib-side soothers, toy doctor kits, infant rattles and toys, Lego sets, teen crafts and DVDs for children and teens. Monetary donations are accepted the night of the toy drive as well as gift cards to stores such as Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart.

“The first year we did it, we had no idea it would become this big,” said Nicole. “We just thought it would be a little toy drive.”

Four years later, the Carollos look forward to the company of hundreds of Sacramento residents who gather in celebration of little Rosie’s life and the life of every child cared for at the Sutter Children’s Center. The family strives to create awareness about infantile spasms which Rosie endured.

“This is easily the happiest night of the year for me,” said Nicole.

Guests and their families enjoy the elaborate display of 15,000 Christmas lights, a gingerbread village, flying reindeer and a life-size nativity scene along with cookies, hot chocolate and even a special visit from Santa Claus. The Carollo family has made it their lifelong goal to spread little Rosie’s story and increase the awareness of infantile spasms. In the future, they hope to set up a foundation in Rosie’s name to raise funds for infantile spasm research.

If you would like to be a part of this event but cannot make it out on Dec. 11, the family is gladly accepting donations through the entire month of December at their driveway drop box located at 3961 Fair Oaks Blvd., at the corner of San Ramon Way and Fair Oaks Boulevard. For further information on how you can help, e-mail Nicole Carollo at N_Carollo@yahoo.com, or visit the “Rosie Carollo 5th Annual Christmas Lights Toy Drive” page at www.facebook.com.

The Child Life Program is an important part of each child's hospital experience at the Sutter Children’s Center. Child Life specialists work with the child, parents and hospital staff to make life as normal as possible and to minimize the emotional trauma to the infant, child or adolescent and his or her family. As a member of the health care team in both outpatient and inpatient settings, Child Life specialists provide essential life experiences for gaining a sense of mastery, for play, for learning, for self-expression, for family involvement and for peer interaction. The program also “employs” three full-time canine therapists as part of its Pet Therapy Program. The Sutter Children’s Center is a comprehensive “children’s hospital within a hospital” that offers on-site 24-hour pediatric and neonatal care physicians. It provides a patient- and family-oriented approach of more than 50 board-certified subspecialists and a full medical transport team. The Sutter Children’s Center is nationally recognized as a center for excellence by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions for its outstanding care for children. Additionally, the Sutter Children’s Center is approved by California Children’s Services and is the only non-university facility in Northern California granted associate membership with the California Children's Hospital Association. For more information, visit http://checksutterfirst.org/children/.

Disclosure: Help the Carollo family by giving back this Holiday Season and gain awareness about the danger of childhood epilepsy and infantile spasms.

"Contractors Caring for Kids" SWEET 16th Annual Toy Drive & Fundraiser

2011-11-09T22:16:54Z

Contractors Caring for Kids
16th Annual Toy Drive & Fundraiser

Saturday, December 10th, 2011
12 Noon to 4:00 PM
* Pls. Note NEW Location
Orangevale Community Center
6826 Hazel Avenue, Orangevale, CA 95662
“Raising money and toys for children in need to build a better tomorrow”
Contractors Caring for Kids is an all volunteer organization, it is also an
IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.
Contributions are tax deductible-ID#68-0397430

Everyone Welcome- Fun Family Event! Bring a Toy and a Smile!

Pie Toss at City and County Building Inspectors, Silent Auction and Big Prize Drawings, Food and Refreshments, A Visit from Santa, Y92 Live Radio Broadcast, Lego Design Build Contest, Face Painting, and so much more.

Benefiting Children’s Organizations:

*Big Brothers/Big Sisters
*Boys and Girls Clubs
*WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Envir.)
*UC Davis Hospice
*Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home
*WIND Youth (Works in New Directions)

*Perhaps you’d like to help the day of the event or to serve on a committee, please call to get involved.
Please deliver checks and raffle prizes to:
CONTRACTORS CARING FOR KIDS c/o Zumwalt & Associates, Inc.,
Attn: Michele Zumwalt 4887 Pasadena Ave., Sacramento, California 95841-4239
For More Info: (916) 978-9600 Office (916) 978-9672 Fax Michele@zumwaltinc.com E-mail
Call or e-mail to request for an e-copy of this flier or go to: http://site.gotgreattools.com/cck_2011_flier.pdf

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.

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.

News Release: SMUD's Labor Day holiday hours

2011-09-01T21:37:05Z

Sacramento Municipal Utility District offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2011 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

The following regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 6:

Residential customer phone service
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
1-888-742-SMUD (7683)

Commercial customer phone service
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1-877-622-SMUD (7683)

Customer lobby service
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Customer Service Center, 6301 S St., Sacramento

Business offices
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SMUD's 24-hour electric outage number, 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) will continue operating throughout the holiday. If power goes out, customers should notify SMUD immediately. In the event of an electrical problem, customers should be prepared to give their address, phone number, nearest cross street and a brief description of the problem.

Disclosure: Becky Repka is employed by SMUD in Corporate Communications.

East Sac July 4th Parade Photos

2011-07-04T22:18:39Z

It has become a tradition for me to photograph East Sacramento's parade on July 4 that moves along 41st and 42nd Streets each year.

Here's some snapshots from this morning:

Officials share fireworks and water safety tips

2011-07-02T00:16:28Z

Lighting fireworks at the Fourth of July block party is a common tradition in Sacramento, and local firefighters shared tips to make sure those fireworks are used properly so the holiday is a safe one.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Assistant Chief Dale Turner said the two most important safety concerns with fireworks are making sure they are used correctly with adult supervision and that they are used in a safe area away from combustible materials.

There should also be 30 feet of pavement, concrete or dirt around fireworks to ensure no fires are started, Sacramento Fire Department Deputy Chief Lloyd Ogan said.

He added that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are legal to use in the city.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks are approved by the State Fire Marshal and are sold by reputable dealers.

When shooting off fireworks, Turner advised having a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby to put out any fires that could start.

“Don’t put used fireworks directly in the trash can,” he said. “Even an hour, two hours, six hours later, they can actually cause a fire.”

He said that with most people storing garbage cans near their houses, those fires can spread and become potentially lethal house fires.

“It always happens every year,” Turner said. “It’s absolutely life-threatening, especially in the middle of the night.”

Ogan stressed the need to follow instructions on the fireworks themselves.

“Fireworks should never be held in the hand unless they are designed for that, but most aren’t,” he said.

He added that any firework that leaves the ground – such as bottle rockets – is illegal.

Fireworks should not be modified, Turner said, since they are designed to work in a certain way, and modifying them makes them illegal.

“You can get really life-changing injuries,” he said. “We want you to have fun with fireworks and celebrate our independence, but do it with conscious thought and in a safe area.”

Turner stressed the importance of supervising children with fireworks.

“When my children were young, my eldest son burned my youngest son with a sparkler, and the scar is still there 15 years later,” he said.

Anyone who has illegal fireworks can drop them off at any fire station for disposal, and they will not be penalized as long as they have not been used, Ogan said.

To ensure a firework is legal, check for the “Safe and Sane” emblem shown in the image below.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks may be legally used from now until noon on Tuesday, Ogan said.

Water Safety

With the Fourth of July weekend drawing people to the rivers, Turner stressed the importance of water safety, adding that this year’s river flows are stronger and higher than in years past.

“This year is worse than any other year,” he said. “We’ve had 89 rescues since June 17, and we usually have about 30 all year.”

Ogan added that anyone using the rivers, especially at Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, should wear a life vest and supervise children.

“Also pay attention to how long you’ve been in the water,” he said. “The water is going to be cold, and you shouldn’t be in for more than a few minutes.”

Dangers of exposure to cold water include hypothermia and lack of strength to leave the water.

For more information on water safety and how to check the fit of a life jacket, click here.

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

Easter Events Extravaganza

2011-04-20T05:02:44Z

Spring is nearly a month in, and as April turns into May, the forecast promises warmer weather and plenty of outdoor activities, especially this weekend, as Easter is Sunday.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Easter, whether you’re looking for a traditional egg hunt or a nice place to eat Sunday Brunch.

What: Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, 11 a.m. - noon

Where: Southside Park, 2107 Sixth St.

Cost: Free

With help from the Southside Park Neighborhood Association and St. John’s Baptist Church, Vineyard Church, the city of Sacramento will host the Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt, which will have a plethora of activities for the kids, including an egg hunt, face painting, carnival games, pictures with the Easter Bunny, various bunny-related crafts and Easter-related worksheets. Mounted police and the K-9 unit have also been invited to join the festivities.

Orange juice and coffee will be served, and there will be a raffle for two $250 Safeway gift cards.

The egg hunt will begin at 11:30 a.m. with 15,000 eggs for the hunting. There will be a total of four hunts, divided by age group. While most of the eggs are easily accessible, there will also be 10 golden eggs that will be a little more difficult to find. The golden egg discoverers can exchange their find for an Easter gift basket filled with various stuffed animals, games and toys.

Jessica Equihua, event coordinator and executive assistant for council member Rob Fong, said they are preparing for 500 participants on Saturday.

“The event is free, and there are plenty of fun takeaways, and one of the major highlights is that families are also provided with resource bags filled with information about services and events, such as this Easter event, in Sacramento,” she said.

For more information, call 808-7004 or go the the city events website.

What: Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

When: Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.

Where: Clunie Clubhouse at McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Blvd.

Cost: $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets are available at the door.

“The Kiwanis community, along with local Key Club and Circle K volunteers, has been putting on this event for hundreds of parents and children for about 24 years,” said Michael Flynn, coordinator of the event.

Traditionally, thousands of eggs are filled with goodies and hidden each year. The hunt will be done in age groups, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting with the youngest and adding the next age group every 15 minutes up to the age of 9, according to Flynn. The breakfast is all-you-can-eat and includes pancakes, orange juice, fruit, coffee or tea and bacon or sausage.

There will also be face painting, carnival games and of course the playground itself for the children to roam free.

President Leslie Merker said, ”The Kiwanis’ mission statement is to serve the children, one child and one community at a time. It will be a fun event for the children, very family-orientated.” In fact, Flynn noted that the proceeds of the event will be for improvement and maintenance of the play structure in the park.

For more information, call 484-1314 or go the the Kiwanis’ website.

What: Spring Egg’stravaganza

When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion, Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road

Cost: Prices vary, $0.50/ticket

Kristyn Staby, recreation supervisor in special events, said that while the name has changed over time, the Spring Egg’stravaganza has been going on since the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) came into place in 1985.

This year, the event will boast several carnival games, an egg drop competition and even a petting zoo by a local nonprofit 4-H Club. Last year, they welcomed about 1,800 guests and are expecting a similar number this year.

From 8 - 10:45 a.m., the Pride of Laguna Creek Lion’s Club will be offering a pancake breakfast for $5, children under 2 can eat free with a paying adult.

Outside of pancakes, they will also be serving ham, fruit and orange juice or hot chocolate. This Breakfast with the Bunny event usually draws about 600 people, according to Staby.

Carnival games and the Egg Scramble, the CCSD’s egg hunt, will occur all day.

The egg drop competition is done in partnership with the CSD Fire Department and takes place at 11:30 a.m. Children construct a simple holder for their egg in hopes that it will not break when dropped from the fire department’s ladder truck. Undamaged eggs are awarded a prize.

For more information, call 405-5300 or go the the CSD’s main website.

There will also be two other Easter hunting events in the area.

Westminster Presbyterian Church will be holding its very first Easter egg hunt in Capitol Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. The event is free and hunting will begin at 11:30 a.m.

For more details, call 747-9592.

Fairytale Town will be hosting its annual Spring Eggstravaganza on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both days will be filled with egg hunts, prizes, pictures with Peter Cottontail, puppet shows and spring-themed hands-on activities.

For more information call 808-7462 or check out Fairytale Town’s event list.

BYOB: Bring your own basket to all egg hunting events.

For those of you who want to head straight to the meal and skip the hunting altogether, there are a couple of local places offering an Easter feast or just a few special eats.

What: Easter is Easy at Ten22

When: Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: 1022 Second St.

Cost: $12 per special; prices vary on regular menu items

Ten22 will be adding three brunch specials to its regular menu this Sunday: Walnut Levain French toast, a Dungeness crab omelet and roasted apple crêpes.

Jay Veregge, the executive chef, said, “We want to provide our customers with the regular menu and have additions for holidays.”

Veregge also mentioned that the restaurant really tries to stay organic and farm-driven.

While the restaurant has only been in Sacramento for a little over a year, it was voted “Best New Restaurant” in 2010 by subscribers of Sacramento Magazine.

Specials will be available from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

For further details, call 441-2211 or log onto their website.

What: Celebrate Easter at the Firehouse

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 1112 Second St.

Cost: $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under

The Firehouse is the sister restaurant to Ten22 and they have been hosting Easter Day Brunches since 2001, said Christi Stevens, marketing specialist.

The Easter brunch was specially created by Chef Deneb Williams and diners will enjoy a three-course menu beginning with a buffet of freshly baked pastries by Pastry Chef Jill Berger, seasonal fruit and assorted meats and cheese. Guests are provided with five entree options of pork chop and eggs, Newport eggs Benedict, Santa Fe tenderloin scramble, vegetarian polenta and prawns and scallops and either chocolate-peanut butter gâteau or lemon cheesecake for dessert.

A three-course children’s menu is also available. This menu also includes the starter buffet and a choice of Triple Berry Pancakes, chicken Alfredo or the Rise & Shine dish, which consists of scrambled eggs, crisp bacon and potatoes. For dessert, an oatmeal raisin cookie sundae is served.

Both The Firehouse and Ten22 have outdoor seating for you to enjoy that great spring weather.

More for information, call 442-4772 or check out the website.

Those in search of some Easter entertainment can check out either of the following two events.

A local church is changing up its regular routine this Sunday, with a performance in place of the normal service.

What: Easter Sunday Performance: Bow at the Knee

When: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:45a.m.

Where: 2805 El Camino Ave.

Cost: Free

This will actually be the second year that El Camino Baptist Church will be putting on this specific production. Last done in 2004, Pastor of Worship David Burckhardt said it was very well-received and looks forward to watching the production again.

April Schrokosch, the ministry arts director, said “Bow at the Knee” is a very relatable play.

“It’s a great production about a man who struggles with looking at two different worlds. He is confronted with a different way of thinking and this applies to many people.”

With a cast of over 50, both Burckhardt and Schrokosch said, it was a true and full-on musical Broadway-style production about the story leading up to Jesus’ death and Crucifixion through the eyes of a Roman Centurion.

More further details, call 488-1522.

If daytime outings aren’t really your thing and you’re interested in something different, you might want to check out Easter Sunday School at Movies on a Big Screen.

What: Easter Sunday School

When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Guild, 2828 35th St.

Cost: $5.00, advance ticket sales on site, cash only at door

This Sunday night, Movies on a Big Screen (MOBS) is showing a collection of vintage Christian material including but not limited to Christian scare films, kids’ shows and other religious video strangeness.

Robert McKeown, co-founder of MOBS, said, “We always try to play with special times of years or holidays. For example, around August, when school usually starts back up, we do a Back-to-School-Night with old educational films from the 50s and 70s. This year’s Easter viewing will be pretty similar.”

MOBS had always done Easter-related films before, such as a showing a Peeps documentary, shot in Sacramento, two years ago, but McKeown said that last year was the first year they had to deal with a movie viewing actually on Easter. So, they wanted to do something different and decided to show the video, “Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter.”

For this event, McKeown scoured through hours of obscure videos for the night’s line-up, which remains a secret until the big night. But after some prodding, McKeown hinted that film clips may include material from an old Christian children’s show with a real life amputee dressed up as a pirate doing autopsies on sinners.

Themed snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, and you are also allowed to bring your own food.

For advance tickets or further details, check out the event page.

If you know of any events not mentioned above, please feel free to put the suggestions in the comment box below.

New Sacramento Community Resource Directory.

2011-03-28T23:45:25Z

Each day there are hundreds of individuals and families living without basic human needs, such as food and shelter right in our own Sacramento County. Using Sacramento Community Family Resources website statics which received over 97,000 page views since January 1st 2011 there were over:

• 1,728 Unique page views from words such as “homeless shelters in Sacramento”.
• 2,945 Unique page views from words such as “food closet locations in Sacramento”.

The list can go on and on, but the most important thing to know is that each of these numbers is an individual or family that is in immediate need of food or shelter.
The question is “do we really need research and statistics to tell us that the economy is bad?” No we don’t. We can all see for ourselves when we drive to work or the store that families in our community are in distress. At that time, you will see someone pushing their over filled shopping cart, standing on the corner holding up a torn paper sign, or on raining days you can see people huddled with their belongings under a roof top. All of the people you see in this type of situation are important, many are moms and dads of children that look up to them.

Solutions are not always easy, even with knowing that over a thousand people looked for emergency shelter this year, then who will use this research or data to open a shelter? Probably no one. And the sad part is that they who need help the most are not always in the “statistics”. No matter what research or statics show, the bottom line is that solutions always take money and time – the two things we seem to have very little of.

So, this article hasn’t said anything you did not already seen for yourself…right. Now what do “I” do to help? Well, the first thing would be to volunteer. Even a little bit of your time makes a huge difference to someone even if it is to just let them know you care. A good place to start with volunteering is http://www.cityofsacramento.org/volunteers/.

The next thing to do is find out what help is available in our community. I would begin with Sacramento Community Family Resources at www.OneFathersLove.com. There I can find updated information from all of the emergency shelters and food closets where I can even download it all to print. Okay now let’s pass that information on to they who need help since it is now easy and free to help others. In fact, two years ago I wanted to help our community so much that I created and published Sacramento’s one and only Sacramento Community Resource Directory! Now Sacramento has a directory of thousands of community and faith-based services. So, we have now identified a huge underserved population in our community and came up with an effective solution to help the families! Yeaaa! “I” hope everyone else will do the same and by all means please post a reply if you have a "better idea", suggestion or even a valuable resource we should know about!

Ask the County Law Librarian - Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

2011-03-25T01:32:44Z

Q-
I am afraid of my boyfriend. We just moved in together last month, and ever since then, he has been shouting and cursing at me. He also pushed me down and punched a wall. I want to break up with him, but I am afraid he will hurt me. Can the law help protect me?

Anonymous in Midtown

A-
I am sorry to hear about your situation! If you feel in are in immediate danger, call 911!

California’s Domestic Violence Protection Act defines domestic violence as abuse toward an intimate partner or family member. The abuse can range from verbal threats, annoying telephone calls, stalking, hitting, and destruction of personal property. If you ever have to call the police, ask for an emergency protective order. A police officer that answers a domestic violence call can ask a judge for an emergency protective order at any time of the day or night. Explain in detail to the police officer why you're afraid. The emergency protective order starts immediately and can last a week. The judge can order the abusive person to leave the home and stay away from you and your children for up to a week.

If you want protection for more than a week, you can ask to the family court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). If the restraining order is granted, it typically requires the abuser to stay at least 100 yards away from you, and have no contact with you, including no email or telephone contact.

The Sacramento family court offers a free workshop on form preparation fro domestic violence restraining orders, Monday and Friday, excluding court holidays, at 8:45 a.m. This class is for both men and women and is held in the Self-Help Computer Room, Room 113A, on the first floor of the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, 3341 Power Inn Road. No appointment is necessary. For those who cannot attend the workshop, the court encourages you to complete your forms using TurboCourt. This program uses simple questions to gather all of the necessary information to apply for a domestic violence restraining order. If you will be filing in Sacramento, be sure to include the mandatory local forms.

You may want to contact WEAVE, INC. (Women Escaping a Violent Environment). WEAVE is a local nonprofit organization that was created to serve domestic violence survivors and their families in Sacramento County by offering counseling and other services including; dissolution & restraining order workshops, and a pro bono legal clinic or free attorney consultation for domestic violence.

Keep in mind that a restraining order can help protect you, but it is still just a piece of paper. A restraining order can lower, but not eliminate the risk of ongoing violence.

Do you have a question for the County Law Librarian? Just email sacpress@saclaw.org. If your question is selected your answer will appear in next Thursday's column. Even if your question isn't selected, though, I will still respond within two weeks.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

St. Patrick's to St. Baldrick's Photos

2011-03-17T03:08:10Z

As St. Patrick's is celebrated on March 17, here are some photos celebrating the St. Patrick's Parade in Old Sacramento and St. Baldrick's at de Vere's.

Above is Father Dan Madigan Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Parade

Below, Mayor Kevin Johnson who also made an apperance at St. Baldrick's.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Not everyone was happy about giving up their locks

Above and below, before and after photos

More St. Patrick's Photos

More St. Baldrick's Photos

A reveler's guide to the de Vere's St. Patricks Day Party in the Park

2011-03-16T19:00:30Z

The weather forecast for Thursday is clear and sunny and Sacramento is counting down the hours to this year's biggest St. Patrick’s Day party.

The de Vere’s Party in the Park kicks off at 10 a.m. on Thursday March 17th at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Downtown Sacramento for 12 hours of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, music, pipes, dancers, food, and drinks. 9th street between I and J streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 5 am to make room for all of the St. Patrick's Day festivities happening in the park. The street will reopen to traffic after midnight.

Advance ticket sales for the Party in the Park available at deveresderules.com end at 11:30 a.m. on March 16, but tickets are available for purchase at the door on Thursday. Party proceeds will benefit Maryhouse, a daytime women and children’s homeless shelter at Loaves and Fishes. You can also purchase raffle tickets to win a trip for two to Ireland for $1 either online via the "Tickets" link at deveresderules.com or on site during the Party in the Park.

Good Eats
Stop by the Party in the Park during your lunch to purchase your ticket to the event and pick up some good eats. Downtown restaurants including de Vere’s Irish Pub, Grange, Café Soliel, Tuli Bistro, and Shady Lady will be serving up great food with menus ranging from pizza, pulled pork sliders, corned beef, and beer brats. Ins and outs are allowed up until 2:00pm, allowing downtown workers the opportunity to take a long lunch at the park, have some wonderful food, and catch Nine 8ths Irish at 11:30am, and Irish Dancers at 1:30pm. Just make sure you leave the park before 2:00pm if you want to gain re-entry later in the afternoon or after work!

Live Entertainment
Live entertainment will rock the park throughout the day featuring traditional Irish entertainment from the Kennelly School Irish Dancers and Sacramento Firefighters Pipes and Drums. 106.5 The Buzz and Radio 94.7 will be on site all day, with appearances by Andy Hawk of Jaime White Mornings on The Buzz, and Casey & Alicia from Radio 94.7. Live musical performances begin at 11:30 am with Nine 8ths Irish, and continue through the day with Whiskey & Stitches at 2:30 pm and the Black-Eyed Dempseys at 4:30 pm. Headliner and San Francisco U2 tribute band, Zoo Station takes the stage at 7:30 pm.

Getting around
If you’re planning to party in the park, make sure you plan ahead to get home safe by having a designated driver, taking public transit, or spending the night Downtown.

Party-goers have a variety of transit options available for the event. The DSP has partnered with Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) to provide complimentary bike valet service at the Party in the Park. For those driving to the event, a discounted parking rate of $5 after 5 p.m. is available at the City Hall Garage located at 10th and I streets.

Last Call Sacramento will also be onsite to prevent buzzed and drink drivers from getting on the road. The local company will provide complimentary safe rides for event attendees and their cars courtesy of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

Local hotels are also offering special discounts on St. Patrick’s Day for party goers. The Hyatt Regency Sacramento is offering a $99 rate on March 17 with promo code “BFFE Rate Plan.” The Citizen Hotel is offering rooms for $109/night online using promo code “CLOVER” for stays March 16-20.

Keep the Party Going
If your evening isn't over at 10pm when the de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Party in the Park comes to a close, there are a variety of St. Patrick's parties continuing into the wee hours. The de Vere's Pub Party will continue til last call, and is within walking distance. Buy your tickets in advance at sacstpats.com to make sure you can get in after the Party in the Park. Events at Brew it Up!, Gallaghers, Dive Bar, Vive!, Parlare, and District 30 are also very close by. If you're ready for fourth meal, de Vere's has got you covered for amazing Irish food, and Wayside Noodles, Ambrosia Cafe, Pizza Rock, and Cafeteria 15L are all close by and open late with delicious grub to fill your belly.

For more event details, visit deveresderules.com. or sacstpats.com Don’t forget, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (@DowntownSac) be tweeting live from the park all day on Thursday. Follow the conversation on Twitter by searching the hashtag #SacStPats.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is the Marketing Manger for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

St. Patrick's Day fundraiser inspires Sacramento to go bald

2011-03-16T04:48:13Z

Hair clippings were scattered along the sidewalk in front of de Vere’s Irish Pub Monday, which hosted the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser benefiting childhood cancer research organizations Keaton Raphael Memorial and St. Baldrick’s.

An estimated more than 200 participants showed up to shave their heads, and it wasn’t just men going under the clippers. Women and children were also a part of the mix.

St. Baldrick's is an international foundation dedicated to raising funds to find cures for childhood cancers. Located in Monrovia, Calif., it stands as a larger umbrella organization that partners with smaller groups. Keaton Raphael Memorial is one of these groups.

Keaton Raphael Memorial is a nonprofit organization from Roseville that was started by Robyn Raphael in memory of her son, who died after a nine-month battle with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects the nervous system.

Julie Fry, events coordinator for the Keaton Raphael Memorial, said they wanted an event focused around St. Patrick's Day in March. Before last year, she said, the event had always been held at the UC Davis Cancer Center in Sacramento.

“We are an organization that helps families with financial, educational and emotional support,” she said.

The entire event began inside de Vere's and spilled over L Street, which was blocked off for hair-shaving stations. The hair-clipping stations were donated by one of the sponsor's, Jodi McCray who owns 20 Supercuts franchises in the greater Sacramento area.

“When there were offers for us to participate,” McCray said, “it was huge because we are local, and it is an honor to be part of St. Baldricks.”

“This is the first one,” McCray said, “but now that we've started, we'll be carrying on with more fundraisers throughout the year.”

Those who had their hair clipped, called shavees, did so as an act of solidarity with the those suffering from childhood cancer.

Beforehand, 185 people had registered on the de Vere's website and had donated $73,812. The grand total count of shavees and funds raised won't be available until later in the week.

Justin Laffoday, who was in line to get his head shaved, said he came out because he is good friends with the de Vere White family, which owns the pub.

“It's a good cause, and it’s a good time,” he added.

Co-owner and manager of de Vere's Irish Pub, Henry de Vere White, said his father, Ralph, originally held the event at the UC Davis Cancer Center for which he serves as director.

“I asked if I could steal it from him,” Henry de Vere White said, “and he said that it was fine, anything that brings in research money.”

Last year, they raised more than $90,000, de Vere White said, adding that his hopes were to beat that this year.

“So far, its going good,” he said partway through the evening, “It can only grow from here.”

Donations were organized through different outlets, like the memorial website and the de Vere's Irish Pub, but also from the beer truck parked outside, where all the proceeds from outdoor purchases went straight into the pool of donations raised.

“Cancer affects everyone in their life,” McCray said. “But here, still it’s very festive, it's a big celebration.”

Party in the Park to benefit homeless women & children

2011-03-15T17:20:46Z

This year de Vere’s Irish Pub and the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) are teaming up to host Sacramento’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day event at Cesar Chavez Plaza on March 17 and to give back to a good cause. The de Vere’s Party in the Park will benefit Maryhouse, a daytime women and children’s homeless shelter at Loaves and Fishes.

“We started this party years ago to create a signature event for Sacramento and give back to the community that had been so supportive of us as a new business,” said de Vere’s Irish Pub Owner Henry de Vere White. “By moving to a larger venue, we’ll be able to do more for our charity partner Maryhouse and continue our mother’s legacy for their cause.”

The de Vere family’s affiliation with Maryhouse began when de Vere’s mother, Antoinette de Vere White, first got involved with a homeless lunch program over 27 years ago. “We started to talk to the women and children to find out what they did after they had lunch with us, and we realized that they had absolutely nowhere to go. The women had to just walk about with their children, carrying all their belongings,” Antoinette de Vere White, associate director of Maryhouse explained, “So the idea for a place where they could come throughout the day, be indoors, and try and retrieve their lives again seemed like a very essential service.”

Maryhouse Women & Children’s Day Shelter serves as a home address for their clients and provides a place to be during the day. Homeless women and their children can shower, have a meal from the Hot Breakfast Meal Program, and continue education at the Mustard Seed School. Maryhouse also offers mail service and telephones so their guests can contact potential rentals, welfare agents, and family members.

Antoinette, a Maryhouse volunteer since its inception, began working full time for the organization after her children, Mark, Henry, and Simon de Vere White, had grown. “The women are just very special people. The humor and strength that is shown by them, many of whom are just there because of poverty, is tremendous,” Antoinette said. “When you are living paycheck to paycheck, one small thing and it’s all over, and you’re out on the street again. When you are very poor, it is very hard to hold onto a roof over your head.”

Funds raised by the de Vere’s St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Park will be used to purchase vital supplies to keep the day shelter stocked as donations run low. Such items include baby formula, jars of baby food, diapers, warm clothing, blankets and other supplies.

Additionally, proceeds will be used for the organization’s Crisis Fund. According to Antoinette, the Crisis Fund is there to help the most vulnerable women and families when all other resources have been exhausted. The fund is a direct response to the current economic climate and increase incidences of first time homelessness.

“The County of Sacramento has been unable to provide a winter shelter this year for men, women, and children. We set up this fund to help families with small children, as well as ill or elderly women, who have no shelter in bad weather,” Antoinette said, “The fund can provide respite room for those who are ill, transportation for those who need to get to their families, and, if funds are sufficient, an emergency motel room for a family in dire need.”

de Vere’s Irish Pub and DSP hope that moving the event to Cesar Chavez Plaza, a much larger venue than the previous one, will allow the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to make an even bigger impact for Maryhouse.

“Through the DSP’s ongoing homeless outreach efforts, we’ve seen the devastating effects the recession has had on our community. The face of homelessness is changing and sadly this includes more families with children,” said DSP Executive Director Michael Ault. “This event is a opportunity to pull our community together to raise awareness for homelessness and to give back to those in need.”

Admission to the event is $25 and tickets are now on sale at SacStPats.com. The event will feature food from local restaurants and live entertainment throughout the day including Irish dancers, Sacramento Firefighters Pipes and Drums, and live performances by local bands Nine 8ths Irish, Whiskey and Stitches, and the Black-Eyed Dempseys. The evening will end with headliner and San Francisco U2 tribute band, Zoo Station.

The de Vere’s St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Park will end Sacramento’s weeklong celebration which included the Old Sacramento St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12, Shamrock’n Half Marathon on March 13, St. Baldrick’s Day on March 14 and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at de Vere’s Irish Pub on March 17. For tips for planning your week, hotel specials and more; visit SacStPats.com or follow Twitter @SacStPats..

Sacramento's biggest St. Patrick's Day Party

2011-03-15T15:25:59Z

This year, de Vere’s Irish Pub and the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) are teaming up to host Sacramento’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day event at Cesar Chavez Plaza at 10th and J streets on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Maryhouse, a daytime women’s and children’s homeless shelter at Loaves & Fishes. Maryhouse provides much-needed support and services for this vulnerable population, including the Hot Breakfast Meal Program and crisis management.

“We’re moving our annual block party to the park, but will still host a pub party at de Vere’s on St. Patrick’s Day. By moving to a larger venue, we can do more for our charity partner, Maryhouse,” said de Vere’s Irish Pub co-owner Henry de Vere White. “DSP is a natural partner for Party in the Park because of their experience producing signature events downtown and for their ongoing homeless outreach efforts downtown.”

Admission to the Party in the Park is $20 in advance online and $25 at the door. Admission to the Pub Party is $10. Tickets are for sale at SacStPats.com.

The event will feature food from local restaurants and live entertainment throughout the day, including Irish dancers and the Sacramento Firefighters Pipes and Drums band. Live musical performances begin at 2:30 p.m. and continue throughout the day with Nine 8ths Irish, Whiskey and Stitches and the Black-Eyed Dempseys. The evening will end with headliner and San Francisco U2 tribute band Zoo Station.
The Sacramento Press will be live-streaming video and photos of the event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. See videos of interviews and performances from the bands, event representatives and organizers, the Firefighter Pipe and Drum Corps, Irish dancers and much more.

Photo stream of the event will also be available through Liveshare, a photo-streaming application available for download to your iPhone or Android smart phone. Photos will be uploaded throughout the day right here on The Sacramento Press, de Vere’s Irish Pub’s Facebook page and a special de Vere's St. Partrick’s Day Party in the Park Facebook page, created to provide the photo stream as well as updates and details on the festivities.

Interviewees for the live stream will include, but are not limited to: pub owners Henry and Simon de Vere White, Lisa Martinez of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, a representative of Maryhouse, Vince Koll of Last Call Sacramento and the Guinness Girls and Tulamore Dew Girls.

The de Vere’s St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Park and Pub Party will end Sacramento’s week long celebration, which so far has included the Old Sacramento St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12, Shamrock’n Half Marathon on March 13 and St. Baldrick’s Day on March 14 . For tips for planning your week, hotel specials and more, visit SacStPats.com or follow us on Twitter @SacStPats.

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Dancers help city kick up its heels at St. Pat's Parade

2011-03-11T03:07:34Z

A local dance troupe hopes to help turn Sacramento's St. Patrick's Day Parade into a céilí – and for all you non-Gaelic speakers out there, that means one big party.

While a little beer is known to flow on St. Patrick's Day, the kind of party we're talking about is more of a cultural celebration.

The céilí – or céilidh in Scottish Gaelic – developed in Ireland and Scotland as an entertaining get-together where stories were told, poems recited and songs sung. Modern céilís (KAY lees) often include dancing.

The céilí is what St. Patrick's Day is all about, said Helen Healy, one of the grand dames of the city's Irish-American community.

"It's a Celtic word for a gathering of music, song and dance," she said.

In 1994, Healy started an Irish folk dance group to help preserve cultural heritage by teaching the traditional dances of her native Ireland to Irish-Americans in Sacramento.

Her group, the Sacramento Irish American Céili Dancers, will show Sacramentans how to kick up their heels in the city's 15th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, set for 1 p.m. Saturday in Old Sacramento, and at six other events held throughout the region to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, which is March 17.

They'll join more than 50 groups with at least 1,000 marchers who are taking part in the parade, which is organized by the Old Sacramento Business Association.

A group of about 14 women and men gathers twice a month for dance classes and practice. They perform throughout the community on request. The class meets from 7 - 9 p.m. every first and third Monday at Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, 2791 24th St., in Curtis Park. Each class costs $5 and is open to all. You don’t have to be Irish-American or have a partner to take part.

Healy, a red-haired and freckled Celt, has been busy in recent weeks preparing for upcoming holiday celebrations. The dates are penciled into a spiral calendar kept near the phone, which has been ringing off the hook.

The dancers range in age from their 20s to 70s. One dancer, Liam Irish, is also a musician who plays several instruments at performances. The teacher, Colleen Pulskamp, grew up taking Irish and Celtic dance classes in Southern California.

On Monday, Healy met with the other dancers to determine who'd march and dance in the parade and who'd perform at other spots over the next week. The dancing they do isn't the high-stepping Irish stepdancing made famous by the Riverdance show.

The group practices the kind of set and céilí dances Healy learned in school and at home growing up in County Kerry, Ireland. The dances were done in great halls at weddings and festivals as well as in pubs and people's homes.

"Whenever people in the old days had a party in their house, everybody did some céilí dancing. They called it 'dancing in the kitchen,' " said Healy, a soft Irish lilt like sunshine in her voice. "If visitors were coming, you might be asked to entertain them – to sing and dance."

She decided to start the group after discovering how few Irish-Americans in the area knew how to do traditional folk dances.

"Everybody was aware of the stepdancing, but there was nobody doing the céilí dancing," Healy said. "I wanted to introduce another part of our culture to Sacramento."

During the parade, the Sacramento Irish American Céili Dancers will be dressed in white shirts, black skirts, green vests and scarves with Celtic designs that Healy brought back from Ireland. They'll stop and perform before the reviewing stand at Front and K streets, in front of the Delta King.

The parade's grand marshals – St. Rose Parish's Monsignor Edward Kavanaugh, who started the St. Patrick's Home orphanage, and Father Dan Madigan, who founded Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services – are being honored for their decades of contributions to the Irish-American community, said Chris Brown, president of the Sacramento Shamrock Club.

The parade has grown to embrace all Celtic culture and has been made possible through the unity of local Celtic groups and individuals, he said.

"We're all a bunch of Yanks trying to keep our Celtic heritage alive," Brown said.

Suzanne Hurt is an Irish-American staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Land Park Volunteer Corps Holds Park Work Day This Saturday

2011-03-03T23:32:19Z

The Land Park Volunteer Corps is kicking off its 2011 season with its first Park Work Day of the year this Saturday, March 5th in William Land Park. Volunteers can report for duty at the Corps' "Base Camp" located in the large picnic grounds directly behind William Land Park.

Volunteers can check-in at 9:00 a.m. and enjoy a complimentary light breakfast offered by Espresso Metro. They will also hear a brief gardening talk on the topic of "Preparing Your Garden for Spring" offered by Capitol Nursery. At 9:30 a.m, volunteers will be dispatched to one of eight different projects areas in the park. A Corps Refreshment Cart will make frequent visits to each project site to keep each volunteer well hydrated. At Noon, Corps members will return to Base Camp for a free lunch underwritted by Land Park Gas.

The Land Park Volunteer Corps was launched in May of last year and has singed up 325 volunteers and donors from around the city to care for William Land Park. Last year it completed 42 projects and logged over 1600 volunteer hours. Since its formation last year, two other park volunteer corps have been formed in the city, at McKinley and Tahoe Parks.

This spring the Land Park Volunteer Corps is holding a fundraising drive to raise funds to complete a gardening tool inventory. Until now, the Corps has relied primarily on gardening tools made available to it by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation. With new park support groups forming around town, the tools offered by the city are now in heavy demand. To free up these tools for use by other groups and to assure the availability of tools for its own Park Work Days, the Land Park Volunteer Corps is seeking to raise funds to complete its own gardening tool inventory. It is also asking its volunteers to bring a spare gardening tool on Saturday to donate to the Corps.

Folks wishing to support the Corps and William Land Park can mail their checks to: Land Park Volunteer Corps, 4678 Cabana Way, Sacramento, CA 95822. You may contact the Corps by calling its Lead Coordinator, Craig Powell, at 718-3030 or e-mailing Craig at ckpinsacto@aol.com. Hope to see you in the park!

The Nibblers and Big Sam at Harlow's

2011-02-24T01:57:00Z

Sacramento's merry band of funkateers, The Nibblers, opened up for New Orleans' party-funk phenomena Big Sam's Funky Nation on Sunday night at Harlow’s.

Wowzers.

I don't know much, but I do know that whenever our Nibblers join forces with a New Orleans powerfunk group led by a virtuoso slide trombonist featured prominently in HBO's "Treme," you better drop whatever you're doing and head on over.

It is always an incredible show.

I wasn't feeling well on Sunday evening, to the point where I was actively soliciting offers to take over my spot covering the show. (By "actively soliciting offers", I mean "updating my Facebook status from bed".)

Boy, am I glad I didn't find any takers.

I arrived about 9:20 and, eschewing my usual PBR for a tall glass of ice water, I headed over to my usual spot at the front left side of the stage.

The hometown heroes took the stage at 9:30, and by 9:31 the dance floor was fully bumping.

It was a typically high-energy Nibblers set, New Orleans soul flavored liberally with jazzy horns and funky beats.

Lead singer Hans Eberbach chopped it up with the gathered revelers throughout.

"It's only been, what, a week since we last played? Feels like forever!" he said.

The crowd, as it always is at Nibblers shows, particularly those at Harlow's, was an eclectic mix. The 20-somethings were about as well represented as the 60-somethings, with the majority of the crowd falling somewhere betwixt the two.

As far as a ratio of sexes goes, let's just say that the ladies love The Nibblers.

A couple of the highlights were songs I knew well from previous Nibblers performances: the churning, bluesy "Memphis Train" ("The train's a-coming!") and maybe their signature hit, "Baby Let Me Kiss You" (the ladies go crazy for this one — really, everyone does).

My favorite song of the night, however, was one that I did not immediately recognize. "Going Slowly Down" is an unexpected, ska-tinged burner featuring some wahhed-out guitar that really stood out. In the middle of the song they transitioned seamlessly into a couple minutes of the ubiquitous Bob Marley classic "Three Little Birds" before returning whence they began.

During the Marley interlude, a familiarly sweet, skunky, smoke began wafting up from the center of the dance floor. Cliched, I know. It wasn't mine.

They closed their set with the straight up funk-rock "Improve," which packs a wallop, and a positive message to boot. ("Take a look around. . . and see what you can improve.")

They left the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause at 10:30 p.m. on the button.

Big Sam had still not taken the stage when 11 p.m. rolled around, and, with a lesser crowd, the natives may have started getting restless.

Not these guys, however. There was a steady 10- to 20-person dance party going on pretty much the entire set break to the filler music playing over the venue speakers. These folks weren't afraid to dance while waiting to dance. All night, it was one of the best dancing crowds I've ever seen at Harlow's, no matter who was (or wasn't) on stage.

11:10 p.m., a voice came over the speakers: "Are you ready to have a good time?!" On came Funky Nation.

The New Orleans five-piece (guitar, drums, bass, trumpet and Big Sam on trombone) came out guns a-blazing and didn't slow down for the entirety of the 90-plus-minute set.

Trombone Shorty threw down the gauntlet with their Harlow's appearance back in September. Going in, I didn't give Sam and the boys much of a chance to match it.

Oh, me of little faith.

Funky Nation absolutely killed it.

I don't know if I've ever seen a performer exert more energy during a 90-minute set than Big Sam did Sunday night. From the moment he took the stage, he was a dancing fool, fully matching the delirious crowd tearing up the dance floor in front of the stage. Some of his moves were Kid ‘n Play-esque, which I consider to be high praise.

They heavily involved the audience throughout the set, launching into all manner of call and response ("Say hell yeah!" "Y'all feeling good? Then scream!" ), as well as numerous call and reacts ("Put your hands up!" "Get low!").

And how about this medley right here: "It's Your Thing" > "No Diggity" > "Cool Like That" > "Hip Hop Hooray" > "Dolla Dolla Bill Y'all"?

If that doesn't get your juices flowing, I'm pretty sure we can't be friends anymore.

At the end of this absurdly dope medley, Big Sam and trumpet player Andrew Bahum left the stage for a few, leaving guitarist Takeshi Shimmura, bassist Eric Vogel and drummer "Chocolate Milk" ("He does a body good!") to drop a searing, almost experimental fusion jazz break, featuring crushing solos from all three.

They had built to a crescendo when the horns came back out, and Sam got utterly loose on the slide trombone. He would break up his wailing lead trombone solo with little comical womp bursts, aimed in the face of revelers (generally female) in front of the stage. Dude's a master showman and had the crowd eating out of his hands.

At one point a birthday was announced. Turns out it was Big Sam’s birthday as well. The birthday girl was hanging out in the back of the room, and Sam wouldn't stand for it: "You can't be scared and all sitting down in the back. Get your ass up here!"

She did just that, and they went into a jam on "Happy Birthday," which then turned into an epic "Treme," which turned into an epic version of "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," which, of course, turned into "Let It Shine," which turned into "You Are My Sunshine," at which point I passed out.

I got one more for you.

After getting the whole crowd to give "spirit fingers," they went into Prince's "You Sexy Motherfucker" > Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" > Kanye’s "Golddigger" > Lil Jon’s "Get Low" (during which the whole crowd and all band members who were able got down on the ground) > "Shout!" (a little bit louder now!) > "Jump Jump" (not sure if it was the Kris Kross or House of Pain version — I was delirious by this point) > Ceelo’s "Fuck You" > Lady Gaga’s "Bad Romance" (I think, or maybe "Poker Face") > Black Eyed Peas’ "Humps."

It was absolutely insane, and the crowd was in a full-blown tizzy.

They finished the set with — what else? — the theme to “The Flintstones.”

The horns left the stage at 12:40 p.m., with the trio following them off a couple minutes later. At this point, I would say only about half of the crowd remained from a high of 150 or so.

Luckily, it was the loud half, and by 12:45 we had spurred on our champion’s return.

Did they encore with "When the Saints Go Marching In”? You bet your sweet bippy they did.

And did they adjust the lyrics to refer back to the 2010 New Orleans Saints Super Bowl victory ("Who dat saying dey gonna beat dem Saints?")? You're darn tooting!

And did Big Sam and A.B. lead the crowd in a conga line around the whole of the venue while all this was going down?

They'd have been crazy not too.

Social Networking "In-Real-Life"

2011-02-21T02:19:12Z

Social media enthusiasts from around the city gathered Tuesday night at The Urban Hive for the Sacramento Social Media Club Relationships and Social Media presentation.

With Valentine's Day just behind us and the ever-increasing role of social networking in our day-to-day lives, relationships via the online frontier was a timely topic for discussion. Four speakers headlined the evening, and the audience was filled with some of Sacramento's most active facebookers and tweeps.

Up first at the podium was independent marketing consultant Paul Ardoin, who discussed facebook privacy settings and how to manage them. "facebook is a for-profit entity; every decision facebook makes on your privacy, they are thinking not about you, but about their revenue stream." Paul suggests checking your facebook privacy settings regularly to make sure they're still to your liking. He also recommends creating friends lists to take advantage of facebook privacy granules, especially if you have a boss who likes to critique your facebook activity.

Lanette Capellas, Staffing Director for The Agate Group, then discussed social media from an HR perspective. Layoffs are increasingly due to social networking negligence, and an overzealous willingness to share. One of her main points: think before you post. Is venting about a bad day at work worth losing your job over? Lanette thinks not, and most are likely to agree. If your fingertips get the better of you and you end up saying something you regret, thank goodness you took Paul's advice and already divvied up the permissions on your friends list.

Feel like your friends list isn't long enough to divvy up? Not to worry, "strangers are friendships waiting to happen," says Laura Good, executive director of Social Media Club Sacramento. Sacramento twitter use is ranked fourth in the nation. Utilize that to your advantage and engage people on social networks in order to realize the real-world potential of a virtual friendship. You can also use hashtags (e.g. #smcsac or #sacbeerweek) to find events going on around town. Laura also recommended MeetUp and Couchsurfing for connecting with like-minded people in town

If you just spent Valentines Day hopping from venue to venue and you still couldn't find your sweetheart, maybe an online dating site should be your next stop. MetroSpark.net is a locally based internet dating site that provides personally tailored classes to help your outward presentation match your inner self. Amar Dhariwal, founder and current CEO of the site, also discussed an array of other online dating sites and even the new generation of mobile dating apps that include geolocators for singles out on the town.

The night concluded with a raffle; the prizes included tickets to B Street Theater, Esquire IMAX, the Sacramento Zoo, California Lecture Series, de Vere's St. Patrick's Day in the Park, and the Sacramento Kings vs Clippers game. Food and beverages provided by Chick-Fil-A Arden Fair and The Sacramento Press made the after party all the better. You may watch the video of the presentation on the Sacramento Social Media Club's uSteam channel. “Like” their Facebook page to stay tuned in for information on future events. The club is also active on Twitter.

News Release: SMUD’s Presidents’ Day holiday hours

2011-02-18T01:02:45Z

Sacramento Municipal Utility District offices will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2011 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.

The following regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 22:

Residential customer phone service 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1-888-742-SMUD (7683)
Commercial customer phone service 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1-877-622-SMUD (7683)
Customer lobby service 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customer Service Centerm 6301 S St., Sacramento
Business offices 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SMUD’s 24-hour electric outage number, 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) will continue operating throughout the holiday. If power goes out, customers should notify SMUD immediately. In the event of an electrical problem, customers should be prepared to give their address, phone number, nearest cross street and a brief description of the problem.

# # #

Disclosure: Becky Repka is employed by SMUD in Corporate Communications.

SacQuotes: Valentine’s Day Memories

2011-02-14T03:29:50Z

Welcome to another edition of “SacQuotes,” where we ask people on the streets of Sacramento topical questions and post their responses. This week, we went out to Second Saturday and asked folks to share their most memorable Valentine’s Day. Here’s what they said:

Hairstylist Jessica Williams shared what could have been a terrible Valentine’s Day that turned out all right. “I was 15, and I had never really had a Valentine before. This one Valentine’s Day my brother got all these valentines from these girls, and I got home and I was really sad because nobody got me one. Then my cat comes walking out and he has this big heart tied around his neck that said: ‘I’m your Valentine Jessica!’ It was so cute!”

Kellen McGuire, Board Of Equalization employee, said every single Valentine’s Day since he was born has been memorable. “My birthday is the 13th of February. My grandmother every year gave me a Valentine’s Day card and just wrote in there, every time, ‘Oh, by the way, Happy Birthday!” McGuire seemed to have a pretty good sense of humor about that.

Sandra Gean, who when asked her occupation said she “loves life and is living,” thinks that the people you know make for a good V-Day. “Valentine’s Day is special when you have wonderful people to love and things to do. I have three sons and a grandson, Orion, who passed away. He was only 19 months, but we had the most fun. Oh, and eating chocolate!” In case you can’t make it out, that’s a “LOVE” temporary tattoo on her forehead.

C.J. Kelly, a student and proud mother to little Joshua, was enjoying Second Saturday with two other cool mommies who also had little ones rockin’ the strollers. “I come from Santa Cruz, and there’s this place called Ciao Bella. It’s really unique. People dance on stages, and they come over to your table and dance. They do little jigs, and there’s stuff on the walls. They have theme nights. It’s just a little Italian place in the woods in Santa Cruz. This guy Dane would take me there every Valentine’s Day. It was our tradition.”

Local baseball player and DJ John McCants recalled that Valentine’s Day was a big deal in third grade. “When I was in elementary school, it was, like, serious with this one girl. I asked her to be my valentine, and I was super excited. She said, ‘Yes!’ We didn’t kiss or anything. It was ‘elementary-style’. We didn’t even hug. I just liked her.”

Rorie Oliver, who works in the student housing department at Sacramento State, told about an unfortunate incident one Valentine’s Day at a theme park. “My friends and I all went to Great America. I ate some nachos, and I’m lactose-intolerant. I was on a roller coaster and I got an upset stomach. I started sweating. I jumped off the ride and ran straight to the bathroom. My friends were following me and saw me posted up against the game where you throw the little fish, and they asked me what I was doing. I had to tell them I sh*t my pants. It was all couples except for me. I was all by myself,” adding sarcastically, “and I wonder why!”

If you have a question you want asked on SacQuotes, e-mail them to us at isaacTPNA@gmail.com.

Love serenade for hire

2011-02-10T01:36:19Z

A Sacramento nonprofit group is willing to sing your loved one’s praises on Valentine’s Day.

Quartets from the Sacramento Valley Chorus will be touring the greater Sacramento area, dropping in on the unsuspecting to deliver singing valentines.

“People love it,” said Bonnie Flint of the Sacramento Valley Chorus. “You have everything from total elation to absolute embarrassment. You have people laugh, you have people cry. It’s usually a very positive response.”

Nine quartets will be singing four-part barbershop harmony a capella as they traipse about town. Flint said favorite spots include offices, schools and hospitals.

Each singing valentine will include two songs. Song options are “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “Heart of My Heart,” “There I Said it Again” and “Cuddle up a Little Closer.”

In addition to the songs, each recipient will receive a silk rose, a card and a heart-shaped box of candy.

Having a singing valentine delivered to your amour will set you back $40, but Flint said the money all goes to the Sacramento Valley Chorus, which is a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of larger Sweet Adelines International, based in Tulsa, Okla.

“It’s a lot of fun helping people feel good,” said Mary Surkala of the Sacramento Valley Chorus. “The most fun is surprising people and seeing how excited they get and how happy they get knowing that this person has sent them a singing valentine.”

The group has been doing singing valentines for about seven years, and the number of visits has ranged from 40 to about 100.

The group has a number of events, including an annual fundraiser in October and Christmas caroling.

“It depends on the day of the week,” Flint said. “Weekdays are usually better because people can have them sent to offices.”

Flint said the quartets are made up of the organization’s approximately 70 members, all of whom are women.

“We’re an audition-only group,” she added. “(Women who want to join) have to learn a song by memory – notes and words – and sing it accurately and hold their part with three other voices singing.”

Each quartet is made up of a lead, a tenor, a bassist and a baritone, Flint said.

For the holiday, each woman will wear a uniform of black pants and shirt with a magenta vest, Flint said.

“When people hear us sing, they very often order a valentine right on the spot,” she said.

To reserve a singing valentine, call 420-1662 or visit the website.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Single on Valentine's Day?

2011-02-08T06:57:16Z

Couples scurry before Valentine’s Day to find their significant others the perfect gift: flowers, chocolate, perhaps an engagement ring? For many people Valentine’s Day may seem like a Hallmark holiday but for others – the single variety – it’s just another day in February.

The Sacramento Press set out to find how singles spend their Valentine’s Day.

“As you get older, it doesn’t matter as much when you’re in college and you’re busy,” said Erica Childs, a Davis native and first-year student at Chico State.

Childs added that she will be busy with sorority rush week at Chico State on the week of Valentine’s Day.

In addition, Yesania Villaroñ, a first-year nursing student at Sacramento State, said she hopes to keep herself busy with various school events on Valentine’s Day.

Like Villaroñ and Childs, Tina Smith, a Sacramento resident, said she will be working for 12 and a half hours on Valentine’s Day serving couples at P.F. Chang’s restaurant on J Street.

While many are busy working and engaging in school events on Valentine’s Day, Sacramento offers “anti-Valentine’s Day” parties to singles.

Lounge On 20 is holding an “Anti-Valentine’s Day Party” on Feb. 12 with an extended happy hour featuring chocolate covered strawberries, numerous prize giveaways and $5 drink specials after 10 p.m. Lounge On 20 is at 1050 20th St.

For those under 21, the Second Saturday Art Walk on Feb. 12 will be offering an “Anti-Valentine’s” gallery reception with the art of Nicolas Caesar and John Hageman Jr. The artists were selected by Wes Craven to be in the upcoming film Scream 4. The gallery is at 5635 Freeport Blvd., Suite 6.

For those looking to meet someone special on Valentine’s Day, the Sacramento News and Review is holding an “Un-Valentine’s Day” party at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom at 8 p.m. on Feb. 1. Tickets are $25 per person and more than 500 local singles will be attending in hopes of finding that special someone. The party will also offer a class on how to reel in other singles for an additional $14.

Kai Ross, 23-year-old Elk Grove resident, said he hopes to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his sister’s friends.

“You should find someone you like spending time with,” Ross said. “Not someone you’re willing to just jump into bed with, but someone for camaraderie.”

Although Eric Brockman, a sales associate at J Street Hydrogarden, said he doesn’t normally celebrate Valentine’s Day himself, it still has a sentimental value to him since his parents were married on Valentine’s Day.

“I don’t really celebrate it, but I call my parents every Valentine’s Day because that’s when they got married,” Brockman said. “That’s what I do.”

Valentine's Day on a budget

2011-02-08T04:21:49Z

Whether you’re short on cash or you’d rather spend your money on something else, Valentine's Day can seem like another unnecessary financial burden. With the typical gift of chocolates, roses and romantic dinners generally geared toward couples, it may feel hard to keep up on a budget.

This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Monday, leaving a whole weekend’s worth of events leading up to the holiday.

The Sacramento Press had the cash-strapped in mind, when we put together a list of things to do around Sacramento, Valentine’s-themed or otherwise, for $20 or less a person.

Friday, Saturday, and Monday
Selland's Specials
Selland's Market-Cafe
5340 H St
Served daily (Monday - Saturday) after 3 p.m.
Blue plate specials: $10 per person
Weekly dinner special (dinner and a bottle of wine): $25 for two.
sellands.com

Looking for classy dining without the steep price tag? Selland’s is offering $10 blue plate specials for the month of February. A different entrée and side is featured each day. If you come on Tuesday, you’ll be treated to panko crusted salmon with an Asian noodle salad. Friday’s special is wood-oven roast pork with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Your heart may be aching but your stomach will be happy.

Saturday
Danny Daze
The Park Ultra Lounge
1116 15th St.
Starts at 9 p.m.
$15 at the door. Ages 21 and older.
theparkdowntown.com

Danny Daze, a nationally recognized DJ, will be performing at The Park Ultra Lounge downtown. Though it costs $15 (and the drinks aren't free), the Park Ultra Lounge is good place to dance the night away and maybe meet someone new.

Second Saturday Art Walk
Sacramento Midtown/downtown grid
Free. 5 – 9:30 p.m.
More information: 2nd-sat.com

Second Saturday isn't anything new in Sacramento. But, since this year it falls on the weekend before Valentine's Day, there are a host of themes to discover along the art walk. Many artists and venues will be hosting events, such as the Artist Foundry gallery, who will have a demonstration on the art of bronze pouring and sculpting.

Tango by the River Milonga
Tango by the River
128 J St.
8 - 9 p.m.
$15 - $20 per person. Ages 18 and older.
rivertango.com

The Tango by the River studio sits directly over the Sacramento River in Old Sacramento. Instructors Donna and Steve Williams offer Milongas, or Argentine Tango dance parties, as an introduction to the Tango. Go with your partner, or go alone, this is one party you shouldn’t miss

Teen Un-Valentine’s Day
Central Library- Teen Underground
828 I St.
1 - 2 p.m.
Free.
More information: saclibrary.org or call 264-2770.

For the bitter teenager, we’ve got just the place for you. Come to the Central Library for games, snacks and crafts with a very Un-Valentine's Day theme. Don't show up wearing red or pink, only black or other dark, gloomy colors are allowed. Get your emo on.

Sunday
Blues Jam
Torch Club
904 15th St.
4 - 7 p.m.
Free. Ages 21 and older.
More information: torchclub.net or call 443-2797.

Established the same year prohibition ended, in 1934, the Torch Club has been a longtime Blues Club in Sacramento. For those feeling blue, from being alone or being broke, Torch Club offers a blues jam and happy hour for those who want to play away their sorrows.

Make Chocolate Roses
Central Library – Teen Underground
828 I St.
2 - 4 p.m.
Free
More information: saclibrary.org or call 264-2770.

Need a Valentine's Day gift for your teenage love? The Central Library has you covered. Nothing says “I love you” like a bouquet of chocolate roses made out of Hershey's Kisses. All materials will be supplied, you just have to bring yourself.

Chinese New Year at Red Lotus

2011-02-07T21:59:56Z

Chinese New Year started on Thursday February 4. The Year of the Rabbit was celebrated at the Red Lotus Kitchen and Bar on J Street this Saturday. Owner Billy Ngo was on hand to make sure things went as well as they did.

Drink specials and their food specialties were available during the evening. The restaurant has been open for less than a year so this was their first Chinese New Year celebration. A special Lion Dance performance was one of the highlights of the evening.

As some of the Lion Dancers waited outside the restaurant some people passing by asked what was going on. It became evident as people asked the same question that many people did not know the Chinese New Year had begun.

Besides the Lion Dance performance red envelopes were given out which contained some give away gifts containing cash prizes and gift certificates.

If you’re not familiar with the Chinese New Year the Year of the Tiger just ended and the Year of the Rabbit, under the Chinese zodiac sign, began this past Thursday. Those born during the Rabbit sign are wise and cautious. Rabbits are quick, clever and ambitious, but seldom finish what they start. The Rabbit is characterized by its gentleness, sophistication and elegance. It turns its back on conflicts of any kind.

What is your Chinese Zodiac Sign? If you’re curious I’ve put a link that gives information on each of the animals under the Chinese Zodiac as well as the dates that are associated to each. If you were born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011 you were born under the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rabbit.

Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is China's biggest holiday and it’s celebrated world-wide. Traditionally, migrant workers in China return to their home provinces with gifts and money for the family. It represents the world's biggest annual mass migration of humans. Capital Public Radio had an interesting segment a couple of days ago indicating that with the new Chinese cultural and economic revolution many workers living in cities don’t return to work after going home for the holiday. Incentives have to be worked out to ensure workers return to work in the larger cities. The new Chinese prosperity has had an effect on a country that used to be primarily an agriculturally based economy.

At the Red Lotus things started off slow but once the Lion Dancers started their show things began to pick up. The Doàn Lan Diêu Quang, Lion Dancers, of Sacramento provided entertainment. Judging by the number of bartenders it looked like they were expecting a good turnout.

Gon Hay Fat Choy means Happy New Year in Chinese, or "Wishing You a Prosperous New Year." The greeting might be slightly different depending on the dialect but most non Chinese people use it to wish someone a happy New Year.

Gon Hay Fat Choy!

Mayor's Initiatives Pep Rally Squad

2011-02-07T19:35:10Z

A Perspective:

2011 City Management Academy's Class #2:

Mayor Johnson Presents with his Initiatives’ Pep Rally Squad

The second session of the 2011 City Management Academy (CMA) 12-week classroom for neighborhood association and other community & business leaders began with a 4-minute, professionally-produced video presentation complete w/ pulsing background music and splashy visual edits which highlighted some of Mayor Johnson’s accomplishments while in office.

As the video ended, Wednesday evening’s first speaker, the mayor (waiting in the wings -- poised in the doorway shadows of a 5th floor New City Hall conference room, standing very still & quiet, head bowed, anticipating the room’s re- lighting and, perhaps, applause) was introduced to the class of 30 by an alumna of a previous CMA, and applause.

This observer experienced the next 3 hours as a press conference -- albeit a somewhat well-spun one. But instead of the typical professional spokesperson offering calm, carefully-scripted soundbites for the consumption of an equally professional audience of media, the eight speakers who presented on the Mayor’s “Vision & Initiatives” seemed at times to be on the verge of a pep rally cheerleading squad in their zeal and almost relentlessly positive enthusiasm. At moments during the evening, a more apt comparison might have been that of a pharmaceutical sales rep to a physician's medical office staff, meal included. The sell was on -- and even a hard sell, at times.

Johnson opened his remarks to the class by describing the just-watched video as much briefer than the 24 minutes of his annual State of the City speech given earlier in the week.

He reiterated the three most significant highlights of his “Think Big” vision concept:

Green Energy (the Emerald Valley) branding for the region’s economic growth
re-development of the J, K, L Streets downtown core district (including some version of an entertainment & sports complex known as the SacramentoFirst initiative)
a focus on improving educational resources and outcomes (perhaps initiating 3rd grade proficiency exams) and a "School Report Card" program for city schools

Several informed, specific questions from the room related to recent news including

the “Crash Tax” just passed by the Council
looming Housing & Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) funding cuts proposed by Governor Brown
county budget reductions affecting area social service agencies

got upbeat, non-specific, unsurprising responses from Johnson. For those wanting even more details of Johnson's currrent version of public speechifying, check out this great Sac Press article covering an appearance from the Mayor at the Oak Park Neighborhood Association the very next evening. Folks who saw both appearance noticed a strong similarity in content.

Following Johnson, we at the CMA were treated to a barrage of well-enough rehearsed spin-meisters hawking a variety pack of the Mayor's initiatives, some with the now-ubiquitous PowerPoint presentations so common to this style of efficient information and idea exchange:

- Anne Moore from Sacramento Steps Forward on the city’s homeless population challenges and solutions.
- Lauren Altdoerffer, Greenwise Sacramento, on the Mayor's branding push to create the "Emerald Valley" green initiatives.
- Andie Corso with STAND UP for Education, an education initiative to promote better city schools.
- Deborah Edwards of For Arts’ Sake on the "Any Given Child" & other programs to develop & promote Sacramento's arts and entertainment communities, venues and organizations.
- Keith Hart & MaryLynn Perry from Volunteer Sacramento on the push to make Sacramento's civic volunteerism "no longer nice but necessary" through various programs and agendas.

Others in the class may have gotten something in the way of new information, interesting ideas and, perhaps, encouragement from the presentations. The time constraints caused by a perhaps overly ambitious evening's agenda seemed to leave little opportunity for question-and-answer, or much more than rapidly moving through the speaker list.

What little time was available for questions drew mostly very specific, recent events-based attempts to get deeper explanations from presumptive key players, or at least those on the inside. But with few and brief noteworthy responses, and candor rarely in evidence, a gloss of urgent, near-keening optimism was the apparent substitute for a conversational exchange of ideas with the class.

Some might fairly call this writer a cynic, and only skeptical on my better days, but public relations -style mechanisms for outreach specific to a room of decidedly engaged civic leadership seems verging on contemptible to me. The evening’s lingering aura of non-inclusion of outsiders by the Mayor's "pep rally team" of initiative insiders, the result of so many superficial & slick presentations, left this participant feeling dissed and disengaged instead of welcomed and encouraged. And definitely not sold in any way. Grrrr...

Next week's class #3: a field trip to the city's 24th Street Corporation Yard & 311 Call Center Tour... so do stay tuned with this "storyline" as the 12 week odyssey continues. Next Sac Press update will be posted here online Friday night, fer shure!

Martin Luther King Day

2011-01-19T07:38:57Z

"Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."

- Martin Luther King, Jr., Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Stockholm, Sweden, December 11, 1964.

The words of Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to inspire decades after his departure.

Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration was a day to remember one of America’s greatest heroes. Monday commemorated the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s Holiday.

Marches throughout the United States took place in honor of King. Sacramento residents participated in their own 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. march. Two groups embarked on the march, one departing from the Oak Park Community Center and the other from Grant High School and both met at the Sacramento’s Convention Center.

(Marchers approaching the Sacramento Convention Center)

An estimated crowd of 10,000 participated and enjoyed the celebration. Inside the Convention Center community and educational booths handed out information related to the holiday. A job fair and expo were also held in the Convention Center.

(Roger Dickinson, Darrell Steinberg)

The birth, life and Martin Luther King's dream were celebrated at the Convention Center downtown and a few blocks away the Crocker Art Museum also celebrated the legacy of King.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Crocker was celebrated through inspirational tours based on his teachings. Consumnes River College Contemporary Gospel Choir performed at the museum as well.

(View of new wing from the second floor)

A hands-on art making project took place on the ground floor of the museum and down the hall at the Crocker Auditorium a film "Martin Luther King: Legacy of a Dream" was screened depicting highlights of King’s involvement in the Civil Rights movement.

This was my first visit to the new Crocker Art Museum and I was very overwhelmed by the size of the new wing as well as to the number of exhibits throughout the three floors of art displays. I was also able to enjoy a guided tour led by a Crocker art museum docent. Debbie led a small group through various exhibits in the second and third floors of the museum as well as a visit through the older section of the museum.

Besides the personable and very knowledgeable docents of the museum many high school student volunteers participated in this event. Other volunteers also help the museum run smoothly and they all go through vigorous training.

Seeing the many young people participates in the march and at the Crocker it seems that the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will continue.

As I write this I heard on the radio that a potentially lethal bomb had been found along a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade route in Spokane, Washington. The parade route was changed to avoid the device and no-one was hurt as the bomb squad disabled it without incident. I don’t know what to make of this but will follow that story to see what comes out of it.

The Crocker Art Museum expansion has not been only its physical growth but many community events will also be held to give exposure to the art of Sacramento and its community. Besides special events Studio Art Programs, films, concerts, dance and member receptions are being planned year round. Lectures and symposia, talks, tours and educational programs for teachers and students also take place throughout the year. Log on their website to find out more about hours, admission fees, events and museum membership.

(View from Crocker Art Museum)

One final reminder; on Saturday February 6, the Crocker Art and other museums will hold the annual Sacramento Museum Day. On this day you can visit several museums free of charge however many of these museums will be packed so plan accordingly.

Thousands March in Honor of Martin Luther King

2011-01-18T21:58:09Z

10,000 honored Dr. Kings Dream on Monday, Jan. 17.2011 in Sacramento.

Thousands in our community marched today from two locations honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It took 30 minutes for the mass of marchers to pass by me as they made a right hand turn from Sutterville Rd. (above) onto Sacramento City College as they made their way to the Convention Center downtown. They formed at Oak Park Community Center.

These marchers, coming from Grant High School, marched south on North 12th St as they travelled to the Convention Center downtown.

Democratic Senate leader Darrell Steinberg and Democratic Assemblyman Roger Dickinson took part in the event.

Hundreds participated in a job fair at the convention center.

The Crocker Art Museum commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with inspirational tours based on King's teachings, gospel music performances by Cosumnes River College Contemporary Gospel Choir, screenings of Martin Luther King: Legacy of a Dream and a reading of Faith Ringgold's "My Dream of Martin Luther King" followed by a hands-on art making project.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF) issued a clarion call to prayer in order to honor his spiritual legacy and his work as a prominent leader in the civil rights movement.

Shemida Jade Lowe watches the parade along North 12th wearing Dr. King's prison number when he was incarcerated after his bus boycott arrest in Alabama, February 22, 1956.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

A December to Remember at Our Kids' Communty Breakfast Club

2011-01-08T02:49:45Z

What a year for Our Kids’ Community Breakfast Club and for the Oak Park Community. It was only fitting that our Dec. 18 event arguably rivaled our OKCBC’s One-Year Anniversary in Sacramento event in September as the biggest event of the year.

As for our effect on the community, we served 38 “new” families (145 people). We also served an estimated 150 people quality breakfasts within one hour. More than 250 giftwrapped books were handed out, and another 250 new toys and clothes were given as well.

As usual, there’s at least a dozen moments that deserve acknowledgement, which will be covered in due time. One that really needs attention is the participation and support of Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna. He and his staff went out of their way to help OKCBC make the holidays a great time of the year for all involved.

Serna was our Honorary Santa Claus, and he was perfect!

As he entered the event area with a “Ho-ho-ho,” the kids jumped to their feet, excited that Santa came to be a part of their day.

Santa Serna made his way around the room as kids anxiously approached him to share what they wanted. As usual, Santa asked, if they had been good girls and boys over the year.

Of course the answer was yes every time. Santa periodically stopped to speak to some of the shy and soft-spoken kids who were a bit overwhelmed to see the big guy up-close.

After Santa Serna made his trip around the room passing out candy canes, he went to the stage where he sat in his chair to hand out gifts and listen to the many wishes kids have for Christmas.

While this was happening, Serna’s chief of staff, Panorea Avdis, and her family were engaged in all of the festivities as well.

Special thanks go to Avdis for all of her help in the coordination of Santa’s appearance.

OKCBC would also like to thank Joseph Angeles, Maria DeAnda and Kerri Aiello for their part in helping OKCBC deliver happiness and hope in a deserving community.

Go tookcbc.org for more information about OKCBC. Be sure to check out the videos posted on the site.

Disclosure: Mark Jacobs is the executive director for Our Kids’ Community Breakfast Club.

Old Sacramento's New Year's Celebration

2011-01-03T21:12:25Z

Many things were happening during this New Year’s Eve. With no rain in sight Old Sacramento looked like a nice place to be. Thousands of people made their way to Old Sacramento increasing traffic all around and finding a parking space downtown even that much more difficult.

As with last year, there were many events planned throughout the evening. The Natomas Night Hawks Drum Corps started off the evening a little after 6 p.m., at Waterfront Park. Unlike many venues scheduled for New Year’s Eve, this was an event meant for the whole family.

The evening was a great event but there were several confrontations that sparked throughout the evening that detracted from the evening’s fun. Sacramento Police and security did a great job preventing any of these from getting out of control.

Waterfront Park housed family entertainment with the Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew doing a great job entertaining the younger audience. Radio Disney crew kept things going in smooth fashion. The DJ played songs that most of the audience seem to know and sang along. Most attractions involved children from the audience and in some cases their parents.

The Diplomatz, a youth hip-hop group, entertained the audience, under the Waterfront Park tent. They also included audience participation as part of their performance.

Mayor Kevin Johnson also took the stage, under the Waterfront Park tent, to wish everyone a Happy New Year and give a shout-out for the Sacramento Kings.

Around 9 p.m., a New Year’s fireworks show awed the audience. Two fireworks extravaganza shows were put on during the evening. The first one at 9 was done in order for children to enjoy the show and also in anticipation that they may be going home soon after.

Purple Haze, a Jimi Hendrix tribute band, played on J and Front Streets and mesmerized the audience with many Hendrix tunes. Ralph Woodson and his band played at last year’s New Year’s Eve show in Old Sacramento as well.

Hip Trash and Friends took the same stage and played a set for a crowd that kept growing. They entertained the audience with a blend of blues, rockabilly and jazz tunes. Another tribute band played under the white tent. Arrival, a Journey tribute band, played to the delight of many spectators.

Obsidian Butterfly put on a couple of shows on Front and K Street. The fire dancers were also here last year and made a return to the delight of those that gathered around to watch them perform. Several of the fire dancers that are part of Obsidian Butterfly have been with the group for quite a while now. Several audience members wondered what it takes to be a fire dancer. If you’d like to find out more about Obsidian Butterfly log on to their website and follow planned events throughout 2011.

The second fireworks show began with the countdown at midnight. Hugs and kisses flowed as did wishes for a happy new year. Minutes after the fireworks show ended thousands of fans began their trek back to their cars.

Sacramento police, security and traffic control handled the event quite admirably and helped make this a great family event. It’s a long way to next New Year’s Eve in Old Sacramento but if you’re looking for a family friendly event to celebrate New Year’s this is the place to be.

New Years Eve Old Sac Style

2011-01-02T04:07:39Z

The streets of Old Sac were packed New Years Eve night in anticipation of the fireworks show announcing the year 2011. The Theatre of Lights showcased as well as music and fun things for the kids.

Here's a glimpse of what was happening:

At the conclusion of the Theatre of Lights show on K St. confetti was sprayed onto the crowd.

Kids and their parents enjoyed the evening with food and glow lights.

RadioDisney.com offered contests for the little ones in the Waterfront Tent on Front St (above and below). A youngster tosses a hula-hoop trying to encircle the gal in white at right. On his first try, the hoop caught me, but that didn't count.

Contestants ran across the stage with recyclables across the stage to see who could deposit the most.

The Crescent Club Speakeasy, above and below, celebrated the New Year with Gangsters, Glamour and Gambling. The Roaring 20's style evening's entertainment included a Speakeasy Casino, Ballroom Swing Dancing, Gypsy Jazz, Cabaret, and Burlesque, featuring live music by the notorious Au Brothers Jazz Ensemble from New York.

Tango by the River, above and below, featured the 5-piece tango orchestra QTango at their New Year's Eve Tango Ball. The Black and White event was advertised to last until 4am "or until DJ Kenny Bell kicks us out," Donna Williams, founder, said.

The 9pm fireworks show was a bit less spectacular than the grand finale at midnight, but still impressive.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

DUI driver injures several in Midtown wreck

2010-12-31T02:35:12Z

Sacramento, CA | A drunk driver with passengers collides head-on with a Taxi minivan leaving several injured in Midtown early Thursday morning.

At approximately 1:47 am Thursday morning, a black compact car collided head on with a taxi cab minivan at 20th and N Streets in Midtown. Occupants in both vehicles were injured and transported to area hospitals with non threatening injuries, per Sacramento Police department. more from this incident and about Midtown DUI checkpoint >>

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze” a Holiday Spectacular at Sacramento Community Theater

2010-12-31T01:08:04Z

Looking for entertainment suitable for all ages to end 2010 or kick off 2011? Look no further than the Sacramento Community Center Theater and Broadway Sacramento’s holiday show “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.”

From the moment the curtain goes up to the last bow, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” is a nonstop spectacle of costumes, set design and a large variety of performances occurring center stage.

These performances include balancing, tumbling, illusion, aerobatics, skip roping and much more. The performers are among the best in the world at what they do. For the older generation, think of the best acts from “The Ed Sullivan Show,” down to the spinning plates.

One of the first acts is a group of Chinese women: Lin Deng, her twin sister Yu, Xaioyu Ma, Hefan Sun and Xiaochen Xu. They perform “Twirling Bauble.”

To describe “Twirling Bauble” as an advanced form of yo-yo doesn't do it justice. Think of a very large yo-yo not attached to its string flung high in the air and from person to person and so much more. In the second act, the women perform “Toy Cycler,” doing tricks that in a traditional circus would be done on horses here using tiny bicycles.

All of these women trained in one of the several acrobatic schools in China, most notably the Shen Yang Acrobatic School and the Beijing Acrobatic School. Nearly all the performers in the different acts have trained overseas.

Some other highlights include: Victor Dodonov (Latvia), who balances tiers of wine glasses on his head to become a candelabra and balances on nine cylinders stacked in opposite directions dressed as a Penguin. He is one of the few people in the world who can do this balancing.

Another rare performer is Abdurazak Reshid Adem (Ethiopia), who, as the Lumberjack Juggler, dances and interprets music while juggling nine balls.

Russian husband and wife Dmytro Deyneko and Svitlana Guranchyk are the “Flying Angels.” They demonstrate incredible strength and beauty in their ariel act.

Americans Mike Fry, Billy Jackson and Lee Reisig, and Hungarian Judit Kovacs are “Skipping Elves.” All are international champion rope skippers. Their rope skipping is far from what you learned on the school playground.

Americans also provide the vocal music. “American Idol” finalist Matthew Conti, Denise Nicole Estrada and Julie Wacksman sing original compositions by Jill Winters and David Scott along with some Christmas standards.

One of the musical interludes includes audience participation conducted by Brazilian Peterson Bardim. Bardim creates a very amusing character.

While all the different acts are being performed, there is constant action going on around them, evoking the classic three-ring circus. There is no time for the audience to become bored. In fact, the audience was nearly constantly applauding, cheering and whistling, expressing approval of the performances.

Neil Goldberg created and directs “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” The show is one of eight “Cirque Dreams” productions that appear from Broadway to on board the “Norwegian Epic” cruse ship.

With “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” Goldberg and his staff have created what truly can be called a spectacular holiday extravaganza. From children to teens and adults, the opening-night audience members looked like they were having a great time. The energy level as folks left the theater was very high. Everyone was saying, “Wasn’t this or that or all of it great!”

Do yourself, your family and/or friends a favor and invite them to go with you to “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” You will have a great start on the new year.

Shows through January 2, 2011

Tickets and more info

New Year's Eve Party & Fundraiser, a black tie affair featuring performances by The Sizzling Sirens & DJ Rico (presented by Chako Pit Bull Rescue)

2010-12-30T00:07:25Z

An elegant and exciting evening featuring a burlesque performance by The Sizzling Sirens, appetizers and drinks, music, dancing, a silent auction and a champagne toast at midnight!

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: http://www.chako.org/newyearsevesacramento.html

Tickets: $80/advance, $100/ door - Includes drinks and alcohol, appetizers, entertainment, plus a chance to win exclusive goodies! Chako is a 501(c)(3), which means your donation is tax deductible!

Chako’s New Year’s Eve party starts at 9:30 p.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m., the event will be held at Bodytribe: 920 21st Street, Sacramento 95816. Questions? Contact us at (916) 534-8608. You must be 21 or over to attend and have a photo ID.

A 501(c)(3) Sacramento Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy group that provides classes & workshops to owners, helps train Pit Bulls as service dogs, and offers other free and low cost services to the public. for more info visit, www.chako.org

Check us out on Facebook to see our current pit bulls for adoption! http://www.facebook.com/chakopitbull

Disclosure: Joleen Vincent is a volunteer Public Relations coordinator for Chako.

New Year's Eve idea list

2010-12-29T02:03:13Z

Looking for inexpensive ways to celebrate New Year's Eve?

Whether you want to dance away a winter's night, explore frosty trails, release what's holding you back or toast your Celtic heritage, here are a handful of ways to say goodbye to 2010 and welcome 2011.

Celtic Afternoon Toast
Get an early start on New Year's Eve. Join the Shamrock Club of Sacramento and the rest of the city's Celtic clubs for a 4 p.m. toast to Ireland, Scotland and the rest of the British Isles at deVere's Irish Pub, 1521 L St. Bagpipers, dancers and singers will gather with other local folks of the Celtic persuasion starting about 2 p.m. A toast is held at the moment the clock strikes midnight in Dublin, London and other fair cities – with plenty of time for people to head off to other celebrations or return to the home hearth before more merriment breaks out in the later hours.

"I guarantee you I'm going to have a Guinness or a whiskey in my hand," said Chris Brown, the Shamrock Club's founder. "The whole idea is to get the toast done early and then get off the streets before the sun goes down."

Dance This Night
The Sacramento Country Dance Society is sponsoring a New Year's Eve dance from 8 p.m. - past midnight in McKinley Park at Clunie Hall, 601 Alhambra Blvd. A band called Ratnip – two fiddles, guitar and piano – will play Irish and Scottish jigs and reels. Caller Susan Petrick teaches each dance before she "calls" or guides dancers through the steps of American country or “folk” dances that originate from Colonial times. People are asked to dress comfortably and bring desserts or finger food to share at the event, which costs $15.

"At midnight, we pass around glasses of Martinelli's (sparking cider) and toast the New Year," said society board member Laura Leonelli.

For dancing on the other end of the spectrum, On the Y at 670 Fulton Ave. is hosting a Vampire Ball from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Waitress Jandy Martin came up with the idea for the heavy-metal bar. Clients will have a chance to dress up like their favorite "Twilight," "Underworld" and "True Blood" characters for the costume ball, which is free.

Frosty Trails
Grab your snowshoes, cross-country skis or back country gear and hit a trail in the free national forest lands around snow-dazzled Lake Tahoe. Or sample groomed trails at one of several resorts.

Hope Valley Outdoors rents snowshoes for $16, cross-country gear for $18 and back country skis for $20 for a full day on 20 miles of groomed and 40 miles of skier-packed trails. The operation is based in a yurt at Pickett's Junction, south of South Lake Tahoe, where highways 88 and 89 intersect.

From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. New Year's Eve, Kirkwood Mountain Resort rents snowshoes or cross-country skis for $22 with a $22 trail pass, a total of $44. The shared trails wind through 32 miles of varied terrain through meadows, forests and a ridge line. At 6 p.m., watch or ski in Kirkwood's torchlight parade. Expert skiers can sign up for $25 and carry two flares down the mountain in the parade. Fireworks follow at about 6:45 p.m.

Holiday Wine Tasting
Get a taste of local wines at the many tasting rooms open during the day on New Year's Eve. Many are decorated and offering special tastings for the holidays. Bob Ehlert, who developed a new mobile device application called Wine Tasting Tab, suggests visiting the half-dozen wineries at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg.

Nearby Bogle Vineyards, 37783 County Road in Clarksburg, has a Chardonnay grape, champagne-style wine and some reserves that can't be found in grocery stores and wine shops available for complimentary tastings. "We do have our sparkling (wine) that would be appropriate for New Year's," said employee Paula Landrum. "It's delicious. I bought a few bottles myself for over the Christmas holiday."

Boeger Winery, 1709 Carson Road in Placerville, pulled some vintage library wines dating back to 2003 out of the cellar for the holidays. Tasting is complimentary for most wines. But a reserve tasting program offers $1 tastes or $10 for a flight of five or six wines and a wine glass, said Tara De La Rosa, who oversees marketing and events.

Meditation and Blessings for the New Year
Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, 2243 Sierra Blvd., is hosting two New Year's Eve ceremonies. The first is held from 10:30 a.m. - noon so participants can get blessings from the main Brahma Kumaris center in India. The second is held from 10 p.m. to midnight. Both ceremonies include meditation, music, burning bowl ceremonies and talks that focus on releasing negative qualities from the past and welcoming new virtues such as love, compassion and harmony in the new year. RSVP for the free event at 922-7281.

Some photos provided by Sacramento Country Dance Society and Boeger Winery. Skiing photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Sacramento makes Christmas tree recycling easy

2010-12-29T01:29:42Z

Another year and Christmas has come and gone. Relatives are heading home, the piles of leftovers get smaller with each meal and in just a matter of days it will be time to vacuum up those little green needles and say goodbye to this year’s Christmas tree.

Each year, tens of thousands of trees are purchased in the Sacramento area. While they can be thrown out in garbage cans or taken to landfills, the city of Sacramento and a few other local programs are offering easy and convenient ways for people to recycle their once bright and beautiful living room centerpieces. Recycling your Christmas tree will not only keep landfills from overflowing, but will also allow what’s remaining to be reused as mulch or for other agricultural purposes.

For those looking to recycle with the city, there are a few easy and free ways of accomplishing this, according to the Department of Utilities.

People with green waste cans may dispose of their trees in those, or leave them for loose-in-the-street collection during the first week of January. Leave the tree remains where they will be visible but not obstructive on the side of the street on your regular collection day.

Trees may also be dropped off, free of charge, at any one of these locations:

Elder Creek Recovery & Transfer Station
8642 Elder Creek Road
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Jan. 8

Also accepting trees Dec. 27 - Jan 31, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. -3 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Kiefer Landfill
12701 Kiefer Blvd.
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

North Area Recovery Station
4450 Roseville Road
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

SMUD Corporation Yard
6100 Folsom Blvd.
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Jan. 8

Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station
8491 Fruitridge Road
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Jan. 8

Also accepting trees Dec. 27 - Jan. 31, Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed Sundays

All tree owners are responsible for stripping the trees of any ornaments, lights, tinsel and other decorations, and must cut trees of 6 feet or more into pieces of 3 feet or less before recycling.

Another economical option is to support local groups or programs who are running Christmas tree drives to raise money for their respective organizations, such as schools and youth groups.

One local Boy Scout troop, Troop 380, has been collecting trees in the Rosemont and Mather areas for about 15 years, said Scoutmaster Dave Ishikawa.

“We’ve picked up about 1,000 trees before,” Ishikawa said, “but we average more around 500 these days.”

Troop 380 asks for $10 for tree pick-up, which is taken to green waste management to be turned into mulch. The proceeds go to paying for the troop’s summer camp and any equipment the scouts may need.

The troop will be picking up trees on both Jan. 2 and 8 in the Rosemont area. For more information, click here.

Photos courtesy of Sacramento County Waste Management and Recycling

New Year's Eve In Sacramento

2010-12-28T01:02:00Z

2011 New Year’s Eve Wine Fest
Sacramento’s Masonic Temple, 1123 J St.
9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
$89 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door.
21+

Sacramento Wine and Nightlife Tours invites all wine lovers to ring in the new year with their favorite glass of red, white or bubbly. Held at the Sacramento Masonic Temple, this bash promises to be one of the biggest and most elegant new year’s celebrations in the city. Hosted in two rooms, the Wine Fest will feature a champagne toast, open bar with wine and beer, live music from performers Larry Ellis Jr. and Southwind, saxophonist Ava Lemert and DJ Rock Bottom. Appetizers will also be served, prepared by local chefs Anthony Brenes of Enotria Restaurant and Wine Bar and Nick Gardella of Mother Lode Market in Jackson.

Other party perks provided by the Sacramento Wine and Nightlife Tours include nanny services by licensed professionals ($20 for first child, $10 for each additional), valet parking ($10), end-of-night shuttle services and next-day car retrieval for those living within a 15-minute radius of the Masonic Temple ($20 round trip) and a special promotional price for ticket holders who are from out of town or looking to end with a romantic evening at the Sheraton Hotel ($99 per person).

Sacramento Press readers may use promotional code EscapeSac.com for $10 off ticket price, courtesy of Sacramento Wine and Nightlife Tours.

For more information call (916) 443-8741 or visit sacnewyear.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash with Stacie Eakes and the Superfreakes
The Torch Club, 904 15th St.
Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
$25
21+

After relocating to the east coast a year and a half ago, longtime Torch Club performers Stacie Eakes and the Superfreakes will return to their old stomping grounds to help celebrate the new year with some of Sacramento’s best soul and blues. The party will go until 2 a.m., and includes complimentary party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

For those who can’t make it out that late or simply want to continue into the day, The Torch Club will also host a free New Year’s Day Hangover party from 2 - 5 p.m. on Saturday. Come and enjoy $4 mimosas, a complimentary Mexican breakfast and the live music of the X-Trio.

For more information call (916) 443-2797 or visit torchclub.net.

New Year’s Eve Cruises on the Hornblower
Empress Hornblower, 1206 Front St., Old Sacramento
Dinner Gala Cruise, 7 - 10 p.m., $168.65
Midnight Cruise, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., $114.36
All ages

Experience the new year in style aboard the Empress Hornblower yacht, a stately vessel with turn-of-the-century decor, mahogany bars and large dance floors. Partygoers will have two cruise options for the evening: a dinner cruise for the first, featuring a buffet dinner and open bar including champagne and liquor, while the second will provide hors d’ouevres, bottomless champagne, and some of the best seats in in the area to view the Old Sacramento Fireworks show at midnight.

Both cruises will also provide complimentary preboarding photo opportunities, new year’s party favors, and a live DJ for entertainment and dancing.

For more information call (916) 446-1185 or visit hornblower.com.

New Year’s Pajama Party
Sacramento Comedy Spot, 1050 20th St.
9 p.m.
$20 advanced tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door.
21+

Laugh your way into the new year at the Sacramento Comedy Spot’s New Year’s Pajama Party. With a strictly enforced dress code, pajama-clad partiers can enjoy dancing, short comedy shows, party games and, of course, the countdown. Guests will get their money’s worth as there is no end-time to the festivities, and snacks and beverages will be provided.

For more information, call (916) 444-3137 or visit saccomedyspot.com.

New Year’s Eve at Capitol City Garage
Capitol City Garage, 1500 K St.
Special New Year’s Eve Dinner: 4:30 - 9:30 p.m., $49.95 for dinner for two, RSVP only
New Year’s Eve 2011 Celebration Massive, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., $10, 21+
New Year’s Day 2011 Brunch, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., prices vary per plate, bottomless mimosas for $6.95

Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a crazy countdown or a rejuvenating brunch, there’s something for everyone at Capitol Garage this new year. Those interested in a relaxing meal are encouraged to reserve a table and enjoy the special dinner for two, which includes two salads, two entrées, dessert and a bottle of the couple’s choice of house wine or champagne.

After the kitchen closes, all guests 21 and over are welcome to ring in the new year at the garage for the New Year’s Eve Celebration Massive, where there will be a full bar, free champagne, live countdown and plenty of live west-coast music including reggae, funk and hip hop. One warning for this great party: Go early. It tends to get packed, and the first 50 guests will receive free promotional gifts and favors. Presale tickets available at United State clothing boutique or online here.

Follow up the crazy night with Capitol Garage’s award-winning food and bottomless mimosas on Saturday.

For more information call (916) 444-3633 or visit capitolgarage.com, or click here.

2011 New Year’s Eve in Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento
6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Free
All ages

Old Sacramento’s New Year’s festivities will be fun for the whole family. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be lots of live music and two fireworks shows.

There will be performances by the Natomas Night Hawks Drum Corps, Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew, Diplomatz Showcase, a youth hip-hop group, Arrival, an award-winning Journey tribute band, Purple Haze, a Jimi Hendrix tribute band, Hip Trash and Friends, a Jazz and Blues band and Obsidian Firefly, a group of fire dancers.

For more information call (916) 808-7777 or visit discovergold.org/nye.

2011 Jerry Perry's New Year's Eve Party at Luigi’s Fun Garden
Luigi’s Fun Garden, 1050 20th St. (20th and J streets)
8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
$5
All ages

Luigi’s Fun Garden only hosts original music. Lite Brite, Pets, Favors, and SIMPL3 JACK will be performing.

For more information visit Luigi’s MySpace Page.

2011 New Year’s Eve at Hilton Hotel, Arden West
Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard St.
8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.
$65
21+

Singles of Sacramento, this is possibly the biggest new year’s party in town. Sold out for the past 12 years, the party will be in three ballrooms, featuring Mercy Me, the Groove Thang Band and DJ Ron Davis. The ticket includes two drinks, party favors and free parking. Mix96 will be giving away prizes, including a $1,000 grand prize. There will also be casino gaming for more chances to win. At midnight there will be a big balloon drop.

For tickets and more information visit clubzone.com.

2011 New Year’s at Beatnik Studios
Beatnik Studios, 2421 17th St.
Free art show 6 - 9 p.m.
$15, 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

The evening starts with the opening of Beatnik’s new art show, “Shades and Scripts.” Then at 9 p.m. the new year’s party starts. The theme is ’20s speakeasy. There will be a photo booth with appropriate ’20s props. The bar is provided by Concerts for Charity. There will be champagne at midnight.

Jamar Wallace, Alyssa Cox, and the Happy Medium will perform from 6 - 9 p.m., followed by Goodness Gracious Me, Prieta, The Kelps, and Musical Charis from 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

For more information, visit sacramento365.com.

Sasha Krongos contributed to this article. Photos by Kati Garner.

Kwanzaa Family Festival at the Crocker

2010-12-28T00:02:41Z

Over 2,000 people celebrated the Kwanzaa Family Festival at the Crocker Art Museum yesterday, the first day of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa, honored worldwide, focuses on family, community, creativity, and the cultural traditions found in the African diaspora.

The Crocker celebrated its new collection of African art with music and dance performances by Umoja, Afia Walking Tree and Spirit Drumz, PROJECT, Phoenix Park Multicultural Kids Choir. There was storytelling by Culture Co-op and a special puppet production, “Hamissi the Brave.”

Here's some of the festivities:

A little girl dancer mimics the moves of the older dancers moving to the beat of drums.

Umoja Productions presented African Drumming and Dance.

The audience clapped along with the beats provided by the drummers.

Phoenix Park Multicultural Kids Choir performed, using the second floor as the stage, above the audience seated inside Friedman Court.

The Ballroom on the second floor of the historic Crocker provided performances by Puppets in Motion presenting Hamissi the Brave and Storytelling with Culture Co-op (above and below).

Free Airbrush Tattoos in the Studio Art Spaces were a big hit with the children.

The "Mud Cloth Madness" exhibit, organized by The Kuumba Collective Art Gallery. is slated to run through February. It is a contemporary art exhibit using the ancient African fabric as a inspiration tool to create (above and below).

Delgreta Brown, a Sacramento Press contributor, is a featured artisit of this exhibit.

Interactive art was part of the Kwanzaa Festival, part of the museum-wide experience of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Read about the seven principles - CLICK HERE>>>

African diaspora cooking demonstrations were presented by Queen Sheba Restaurant and the Crocker Cafe.

A fashion show drew a big crowd (above and below).

The event was sponsored by Target and presented in collaboration with the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum and the Kuumba Collective Art Gallery.

For more information about Crocker Art Museum, CLICK HERE>>>

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

News Release: Holiday Wrap-up: Recycle your tree

2010-12-27T18:49:12Z

Give your Christmas tree the proper holiday send-off. Rather than toss it in the trash, recycle it. You’ll be doing our local landfills a big favor. Bring your Christmas tree to the SMUD Corporation Yard at 6100 Folsom Boulevard on Jan. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. SMUD staff will mulch it for free.

Please remove all tinsel, lights, tree stands and nails. Flocked trees will be accepted at all locations. There is a limit of five trees per vehicle.

Christmas trees may also be recycled for free at the following sites and dates:

In Sacramento

Elder Creek Recovery and Transfer
8642 Elder Creek Road (Jackson Highway, south on Florin Perkins Road, left on Elder Creek Road)
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 8
Also accepting trees
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Dec. 27 – Jan. 31

Kiefer Landfill
12701 Kiefer Boulevard (Jackson Highway, north on Grant Line Road, right on Kiefer Boulevard)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

North Area Recovery Station
4450 Roseville Road (I-80, north Watt Avenue, left on Roseville Road)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station
8491 Fruitridge Road (Jackson Highway, south on Florin Perkins Road, left on Fruitridge Road)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 9
Also accepting trees
Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 27 – Jan. 31

In Folsom

Dan Russell Rodeo Arena
(Folsom City Park, end of Stafford Street)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

Please note: Loads in excess of five trees will be accepted only at Elder Creek Recovery and Transfer, Kiefer Landfill and the North Area Recovery Station.

For more about recycling Christmas trees, contact the Sacramento County Consolidated Utilities Billing Services at 916-875-5555 or visit www.sacgreenteam.com.

###

Contact SMUD News Media Services at: 916.732.5111or media@smud.org

Disclosure: Becky Repka is employed by SMUD in Corporate Communications.

Man on the street: What would you give Sacramento?

2010-12-25T08:49:15Z

The Sacramento Press recently asked Sacramentans what they would give to the city. Here are their responses. Do you have an opinion? Share it in the conversation below.

Sandra Hamameh, program director for the Sacramento Housing Alliance:

"I wish for everyone in our community to have the comfort and security of a safe and happy place to call home."

Olivia Coelho, co-owner of Bows & Arrows, 1712 L St.:

"I would give the gift of an expedited, affordable path to opening small businesses. I think that's part of why we have empty storefronts. It's not just the economy. It would benefit our city, and it would help us fill our empty storefronts with more interesting, small local businesses. There's a lot of creative people in this town and I think we would have a cooler city if the path to opening small businesses was easier and less expensive."

Kimio Bazett, co-owner of The Golden Bear, 2326 K St.:

"First thing that comes to mind is kind of cold I suppose - but more money. More public funding, to be more specific. I feel we have all the right tools - great people at all levels of bureaucracy, great teachers. All the infrastructure is there. If we had more money, I think we'd be much more effective and grow more rapidly."

Pam Fillin, Midtown, age 36
The Sacramento Press caught up with Sacramento resident Pam Fillin in Midtown on Tuesday afternoon. When asked what she would like to give the city, Fillin, age 36, said that a “functional transportation system would be my first vote.” She also said she hopes a city car share program will start up in Sacramento.

Sophia Albertson-Fillin, Midtown, age 6
Sophia Albertson-Fillin, age 6, lives in Midtown and attends Alice Birney Elementary School. The city of Sacramento needs a pet dog, puppets and “lots of Christmas trees,” she said.

Greg King, Midtown, age 36
The Sacramento Press chatted with King as he was replacing old Christmas lights with new ones on a tree at 20th and K streets on Tuesday. Asked what he would like to give Sacramento, King said: “I would want more help for the homeless.” King said he gives food to a homeless man who lives in an alley behind his house.

Madeleine Wright, Midtown, age 15
Madeleine Wright and her twin brother, Will, ate lunch with a friend at a Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop on Tuesday. She said she wants to see “better public transit” in Sacramento. Wright said her stepmother, who is from transportation-savvy Denmark, wants her to take public transit to school. She and her brother attend Sacramento Country Day School.

James Triche, Midtown, age 16
Triche, who lunched with the Wrights on Tuesday, would like to give Sacramento more attractions for young people. “There’s not a lot of stuff kids to do here,” he said, except for attending movies.

Kenny McCanless, Midtown, age 29
If McCanless could give a gift to Sacramento, he said he would give its residents a break from obsessing over how the city is defined. He would like the city to have “a sense of security about its identity.”

Ashley Green, Downtown, age 23
Green said she intends to pursue early childhood education at Folsom Lake College. She would give Sacramento the gift of “more kid-friendly events.”

Reporting and writing by Sacramento Press staff reporters Suzanne Hurt and Kathleen Haley. Photos by Brandon Darnell, Sacramento Press staff reporter.

“White Christmas” Still a Seasonal Joy

2010-12-24T20:33:53Z

The beautiful 1946 Art Deco Crest Theatre is a Sacramento treasure.

Irving Berlin’s song “White Christmas” is one of our most recognizable holiday tunes, played and sung by every performer imaginable.

The iconic 1954 Christmas movie of the same name is a timeless classic, a sentimental love story filled with lavish musical production numbers, beloved stars, gorgeous sets and costumes, and those wonderful Irving Berlin songs.

Presenting the film on the big screen at the Crest for a limited run is a stroke of genius.

Sacramento audiences are treated to a wonderful moviegoing experience whenever the Crest opens her doors for a classic film event. Whether it’s the Singalong Sound of Music, as presented by Outword magazine earlier this year, or a reprise showing of Gone With the Wind, the Crest is the perfect venue for the great movies of yesteryear. From the glorious neon marquee and the cozy ticket booth outside to the gilded, swooping wall sconces and ceiling lighting in the main theater, the Crest speaks to us of a simpler, more elegant age. When theatergoing was a dress-up event and a night out on the town was the only way to see our dreams in Hollywood splendor, the Crest was one of the premier entertainment destinations.

The audience at Thursday’s evening showing of “White Christmas” reflected some of that wonderful sense of community. Most of the not-too-uncomfortable seats were filled, the snack bar was serving amazing quantities of popcorn, and there was much excited chatter. All over the theater, people laughed and snapped pictures with their friends. When the elaborate crimson curtain rose on the Paramount Pictures logo, and the screen assured us that this film was shot in VistaVision, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Over the course of the next two hours, there were many more outbreaks of spontaneous applause. On screen, Bing Crosby crooned, Danny Kaye cracked wise, Vera-Ellen danced her heart out, and Rosemary Clooney sang. Of course the storyline, dialogue, musical numbers, and every laugh were more than just familiar to most of the audience; sometimes the chuckles preceded the jokes.

I doubt that I am giving away any secrets by telling readers that the guys and gals ended up in the correct pairings, the Inn and the general’s dignity was saved, and of course it snowed. The corny, marvelous film is still what it always was: holiday entertainment.

"White Christmas" is showing three more times today: at 1:00, 3:45, and 7 pm. Take the family, sit back, and enjoy a little bit of the holiday spirit of yesterday on the big screen, as it was intended.

The Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street | Downtown Sacramento | (916) 44-CREST (info)

*SPECIAL DEAL*
Everyone attending a screening of this film gets a free skate rental coupon for the Westfield Shoppingtown Holiday Ice Rink!
Advance tickets on sale now at tickets.com, Crest, 1-800-225-2277.

General Admission $9.50
Senior/Student/Matinee $6.00
Playing in Theatre 1

A thank you to our community contributors

2010-12-24T02:14:13Z

We have a lot to be grateful for at The Sacramento Press. We celebrated our two-year anniversary in October, and we expanded our office over the summer. We are most thankful for our community contributors – you take the cake.

Your comments fill in the blanks of questions unanswered. You keep us honest and accurate by pointing out errors. Your thoughts and opinions spark a stream of community dialogue.

Your stories and photos document Sacramento’s history in the making. Your firsthand accounts often break stories like the evacuation of the Roseville Galleria Mall or give us an up-close at, say, a fire in Midtown.

A lot of what comes in is unexpected: a letter written by Thomas Enterprises addressing the foreclosure, video of political sign stealing, photos of an upside down rainbow or a lunar eclipse. We’ve had stories about rescued animals, commentary on a Second Saturday Art Walk shooting and plenty other unique and extraordinary stories.

There are a dozen or so community contributors who we work with on a regular basis. These all-stars take on multiple assignments, many of them working around their full-time jobs. We’ve been happy to work with them as they prepare for a big interview with a celebrity, or give them feedback on their sports coverage or emphasize the importance of meeting deadlines.

As a way of saying thank you to those who have really gone above and beyond in volunteering their time and energy to The Sacramento Press, we created “splash” pages to highlight some of their articles.

Lindol French, a new Sacramento resident, has entertained us with his musings on just about everything. We’ve been there for his first breakup with a Sacramento bar. We got to share his interview with Anthony Bourdain and experience the Neo-Crocker Party. And who could forget his Lindol-isms like this one from when the San Francisco Giants were in the World Series: “This is the kind of torture doled out by a beautiful woman with hot wax and a feather.”

Ron Nabity, a professional photographer, has really brought his love of sports to The Sacramento Press. He has captured stunning action shots, whether it be at a Sacramento Capitols game or of a running back sprinting down the field at a UFL Mountain Lions game. His engaging perspective, both in writing and behind the lens, are a real treat.

Alejandra Gonzalez first approached us with interest of becoming an intern. Her busy school schedule prevented her from committing fully to an internship, but that didn’t stop her from taking on assignments. She has done a wonderful job of highlighting local charities and fundraisers in the area, as well as writing captivating reviews of performers like Shakira and the Eagles.

Bill Burgua first participated on The Sacramento Press as a resident and neighborhood advocate and has since created his own niche. He has become one of our best-known theater reviewers, frequently quoted next to The Sacramento Bee’s critics in e-mail blasts from local theater companies. Bill has worked diligently, doing research and diving headfirst into his assignments. His appreciation of local theater shines through.

Marc McLaughlin has been contributing since August, and has really wowed us with his photos. Marc first introduced us to the Sacred City Derby Girls, with some great shots of mud wrestling and that captured the intensity of the sport. He has taken on some big performers, from Jay Leno to Justin Bieber, and has done telephone interviews for previews (the Judds, Tony Orlando, etc.)

David Alvarez has contributed 89 articles since May of this year! We’ve been lucky to have his coverage of many of the events in Folsom (Sutter Street construction, Ghost Train and Folsom Live!). David has tackled all sorts of stories, from fashion shows to cultural celebrations and festivals to Concerts in the Park. What sets him apart is his interactions with the people involved in the events he covers. As readers, we learn what he has learned as his curiosity leads to a deeper level of reporting.

Barry Wisdom is another fantastic photographer we’ve been lucky to work with. He has worked a lot with Bill Burgua in covering theater, doing many of the previews and showing up to dress rehearsals to get shots of the actors. He’s been there to indulge the eyes at Ginger Elizabeth’s Cupcake Day and showcase the art at Chalk It Up! Sacramento. Barry has a lot of fun doing his articles, and it shows.

Delgreta Brown has highlighted Sacramento’s music scene with her soulful music writing. She really makes you feel as if you’re right there in the audience.

Steven Chea continues to amaze us. He has blossomed from someone who has dabbled in video and photography to a valuable reporter and photojournalist. Steven is able to snap photos and capture both amusing and intense facial expressions. He is noted for taking his camera into the crowd, where the other action is.

Mark Needham is a true Sacramento Kings fan. As the 2010-11 season ramped up, Mark was there at every practice, interviewing players, sharing his predictions for the season and creating a presence for the Kings on The Sacramento Press.

Aaron Davis has his finger on the pulse of Sacramento’s music scene. He’s shared details of the Smashing Pumpkins coming to Sacramento and kept us in the know with his weekly roundup. His writing is fun to read and a pleasure to have on the site.

Ed Fogle has been with The Sacramento Press from the very beginning, chasing down some courageous shots. He has been there on the scene alongside ambulances, yellow tape and blazing fires, getting the photos and sharing them with the rest of us. Ed seems to be everywhere and anywhere the police scanner alerts say the action is.

Steven Bloom is becoming synonymous with the word “comedy” in Sacramento. He has interviewed the likes of Cedric the Entertainer and shared his reviews of Robin Williams, Howie Mandel and Conan O’Brien for those of us who couldn’t make it out to their shows.

Last but definitely not least is Kati Garner. She has taken her camera and breathed life into local media coverage. Her photos are Sacramento. She is there for major political events, for the installation of the Capitol Christmas tree, at the American Idol auditions, Sacramento’s Pride events and everything in between. She was there taking panoramic shots of the Railyards as construction was beginning, and she’s one of the first people we turn to when we hope to get photography. Kati, who has 313 articles to date, is a living camera, leaving a flurry of visual memories in her path.

Take a look at the contributors’ splash pages if you’d like by clicking on their names.

Thanks to everyone above and to everyone we haven’t mentioned. We would be nothing without you.

Sacramento's Charitable Side

2010-12-24T01:55:35Z

It’s that charitable time of year again. During the holidays, many feel compelled to share with those around them. In the spirit of the holiday, The Sacramento Press set out to find people who do give back and where they do it.

A few givers wished to remain anonymous. One man shared that his family adopts a couple of families for the holidays, buying gifts for them instead of each other. A woman said she donates to the local county animal shelter and the Best Friend Animal Society, a no-kill animal shelter. Another man said his family donates to an organization that provides animals to families in Africa. A couple said they donate to Sacramento Loaves & Fishes and the Salvation Army in downtown Sacramento.

Jeffery Cross works for the Board of Equalization as a space planner. He is pursuing a doctorate in health-care administration online at the University of Phoenix. He gives monthly to the Sacramento Food Bank.

Gail Betty works at the American Red Cross as a part-time instructor. She said she was being charitable toward herself this year. She said, “I’m working on forgiveness and letting go of expectations.”

Megan Emmerling works for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. She helped clean a property at 11th and J streets this year for the DSP’s volunteer day.

Henry Harry, who ran for City Council, supports local Oak Park correctional officers. “I was there and knew some people, so I donated about 50 bucks. It’s because I knew they had made a big effort.” He also gave to the Black Parallel School Board.

Eric Love lives in Land Park and works as a structural engineer. “We mainly give through our church, Fremont Presbyterian,” he said. The church sponsors a team that goes to Ethiopia every year, and it also has missions to Jamaica and Haiti.

Roderick Campbell is a political consultant. He donates to the New Millennium Foster Family Agency in South Sacramento, the Sacramento Food Bank and local churches in the Oak Park Area.

James Hinsman is from Citrus Heights and has been in the Army for two years. He donates to the Wounded Warriors Project.

East Sacramento Christmas Lights-From the Fabulous to the Funky Forties

2010-12-23T22:04:48Z

The list of original American folk arts includes bake offs, Amish quilting and decorating your house with flash and dazzle in the Yuletide. In the past 10 years or so, a fever’s swept East Sacramento. Simple light displays have bubbled into massive community efforts that require entire blocks of neighbors to cooperate. Be sure to hit these spots in the 2010 season.

53rd Between G and H Streets

This is a lone wolf spectacular that must be seen. This single house will pop right off the street when you go by. It’s well worth the trip.

The Corner of Elvas and C Street

The fun and flair of flying swine and color cannot be missed. Continue down C street to see a gentle cluster of whimsy and community effort.

39th Between M and J Streets

A smaller home, with animals that move, makes a sweet visit for children on foot.

40th Between M and J Streets

Most trees are wrapped in bright, white lights mixed with delicate decorations-an arresting sight.

41st Between M and J Streets

This well decorated street has 9 houses sporting large, bold peace signs.

42nd Between Folsom Blvd. and J Street

Sparkling boughs of light hang from stem to stern and the eclectic, well-festooned houses are a must see. Don’t miss this one.

43rd Between Folsom Blvd. and J Street

Shimmering boughs and barber pole trees create a glittorama. It’s a deservedly well toured street. Bring the family.

4100 Folsom Blvd.

The concrete condo’s penthouse tenant covered every balcony with white lights, surrounding the whole building. Nice work!

46th Between Folsom Blvd. and M Street

Cartoon animals and spotlights will delight the children.

41st and H Streets

Look north and you’ll see the red nosed dragon with lit up bat wings. (The dragon does live here year-round, but he is gussied up for the season.)

Technically, Elmhurst is not East Sacramento, but our neighbors to the south have two of the area’s most stunning displays.

53rd and T Streets

Peek north down 53rd at T Street and you will see a block gone wild. These lords of light start the day after Thanksgiving with a large block party and set every house ablaze with decorations, lights and even have a live Santa to take requests.

48th and T Streets

For years and years this bold artist has lit up the night with a packed display loved by scores of visitors. It’s even visible from the freeway. A Christmas tradition.

Enjoy the holiday spectacle and hope for balmy, cool, partially cloudy, light wind nights to take in the fun! Be sure to leave a comment if you can add to this list.

Rooftop visitors busy this Christmas

2010-12-23T02:22:12Z

Someone was up on the housetop Wednesday. The merry blue eyes belonged not to Santa Claus, but a pair of chimney sweeps hard at work.

Clay Thompson and Bryce Cheshire stood on the roof of the Land Park home, where they worked together to replace a cracked chimney flue. The two are certified, full-time chimney sweeps employed with Ryan Brothers Chimney Sweeping, one of the area's oldest chimney and fireplace service businesses.

"I think a lot of people are surprised there are chimney sweeps around," said Thompson, 34, of Natomas. "I meet people and I say, 'I'm a chimney sweep,' and they say, 'Really?' "

Many people have never seen chimney sweeps in action. They might not recognize Thompson and Cheshire, who dress in long-sleeved navy blue shirts, pants, gloves and work boots.

"A lot of people ask me where my top hat is. A lot of people ask if we sing and dance," said Cheshire, 27, of Citrus Heights. "We don't do any of that stuff."

Their schedules are packed solid until Christmas Eve. Appointments have been booked three to five weeks in advance since Nov. 1.

"Everyone wants to get it done for the holidays," Thompson said."No one thinks about it until they want to have a fire."

The company recommends people get chimneys and fireplaces cleaned or "swept" and repaired in the summer to take advantage of lower rates and avoid delays in using fireplaces. A fireplace must be cold before it can be serviced, so it must not be used at least a day in advance. The busy season for cleaning and repairs began in early October due to cold weather.

"This time of year, as you can imagine, the demand is very high," said Amie Ryan, who took over the family business at 5710 Auburn Blvd. after her father died two years ago.

Her parents, Edie and John Ryan, started the company in 1978 after he read an article about becoming a chimney sweep in "Mother Earth" magazine. John Ryan made house calls, while Edie ran the office.

"When the company first started, we did do the top hats and stuff. But we felt like it took away from the seriousness of the work," Amie Ryan said. "We have them here at the office, but we don't wear them."

Ryan Brothers is now one of the area's three biggest chimney sweep companies. They employ two full-time sweeps, also known as chimney "technicians," and a part-time sweep – Amie's 23-year-old brother, JP, who is in college. There are about nine chimney sweeps offering independent services.

On a wet, gray Wednesday morning, Thompson and Cheshire took turns breaking off pieces of a 12-foot-long terra cotta chimney flue liner that had cracked and fractured in a chimney fire. Their plan was to replace the terra cotta flue with stainless steel.

Thompson has worked as a chimney sweep for 11 years and is the only certified fireplace inspector in Sacramento and its suburbs. State and local laws don't require certification – only business licenses. Cheshire has worked as a chimney sweep for five years after training with Thompson.

Using a hammer or a pole with a metal wedge, they dislodged pieces of the flue, then pounded them into smaller chunks they sent flying down the chimney. The fireplace inside Pam and Gary Baker's home had been covered with cardboard and plastic sheeting. An electric vacuum hose, its end resting in the firebox, continuously sucked out dust.

Chimney service includes brushing down the flue and fireplace or "firebox" and visually inspecting the flue, firebox and damper. The cost to service a one-story, open fireplace is about $135.

Sacramento doesn't have a wood-burning ban. However, Sacramento County doesn't allow fireplaces to be used on bad air quality days due to fog or an inversion of warm air below cooler air from Nov. 1 - March 1. Newer-style fireplaces are exempt. Residents can check by phone or website, sign up for e-mail updates or call Ryan Brothers to see if they can use a fireplace on any given day, Ryan said.

Regular maintenance can help prevent problems like creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires if ignited, and flue liner cracks caused by chimney fires. Chimney fires can be caused by the wrong materials being burned in the fireplace – often wrapping paper or Christmas trees. A spark or just intense heat can light creosote.

A normal fire temperature of 600 degrees can spike up to 2,500 degrees in five minutes during a chimney fire. Terra cotta tiles don't have enough time to expand and instead, crack, Thompson said.

The tools of their trade include wire- and soft-bristle brushes, flexible poles, vacuum cleaners, respirators, spotlights and flashlights.

Chimneys can be cleaned either from the top down or from the bottom up. Thompson and Cheshire don't climb down into most chimneys, because most chimneys are too small.

But that has been necessary at times. Thompson has climbed into flues that were big enough – 17 inches by 17 inches, or 21 inches by 21 inches – to do repairs. Chimneys were bigger in years past when fireplaces were used for cooking, especially in the grand country estates of Europe.

However, Thompson said he doesn't like to get dirty.

"I think most people are surprised at how clean we are," he said. "I go into houses where people have laid sheets over everything. People are always surprised when we come in and leave and there's no mess."

A Chimney Sweep's Fireplace Tips

1. Always make sure the damper is open before you light a fire. Use a flashlight and look up into the fireplace to see. If you get a face full of smoke after starting a fire, chances are good the damper is closed.

2. Don't burn Christmas trees, or chunks of Christmas trees, in your fireplace. Christmas trees burn fast and hot and can start a chimney fire.

3. Don't use paper to light a fire. Lightweight paper can be pulled up a flue while flaming and start a chimney fire. Instead, use firestarters. Twigs can also work, but leaves are too smoky and don't produce enough heat.

4. Don't burn color newspaper ads or household trash in the fireplace. These can produce dangerous fumes and start a chimney fire.

5. Burn the cleanest, best wood you can get.

6. Don't build the fire too big. Make sure you can see the top of the flames in your fireplace. "Some people have to get a big bonfire burning. Then they wonder why they have fires in their chimney," said Clay Thompson, a chimney sweep with Ryan Brothers Chimney Sweeping.

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

All-Star Bartenders in Sacramento - Matt Nurge, Shady Lady Saloon

2010-12-22T19:15:32Z

When the owners of Shady Lady Saloon decided Sacramento needed in on the newest bar craze, Prohibition-era drinks with people who are passionate about their craft, they lit up the Sacramento nightlife in a way that was just whispering through before.

An artisan like Matt Nurge, an incumbent craftsmen at Shady Lady Saloon, makes the third bartender showcased in my All-Star Bartender series.

The first time I met Nurge he was loaded down with drink orders and making it look like a snap. I don't like to burden bartenders with making labor-intensive drinks when they’re "in the weeds," but we waited a couple of minutes, and he was excited about the idea of making something new, not tired or daunted about the idea of some high-maintenance diva.

My friend next to me was of the bad gin and tonic persuasion, so I wanted to show her how wonderful drinks can be if you put yourself into the hands of an artist.

Those drinks include egg nog-style cocktails with dark rum, a fruit punch loveliness with a cayenne sugar rim and a new obsession of mine all to be blamed on Nurge: The Kentucky Buck.

"When ginger ale or beer is mixed with citrus in a drink, it is - or more accurately, was - known as a buck. Early cocktail books list recipes for the gin buck or London buck cocktail, and variations of rum bucks were called the Shanghai buck, Jamaica buck or Barbados buck, depending on the type of rum used. If you squeeze your lime garnish into a Dark 'n' Stormy, you've got a rum buck."
- Camper English

Nurge makes his Kentucky Buck with whatever fresh fruit they have available at Shady. I'm quite fond of the blackberry, and then he adds a sharp ginger beer, bourbon and all the other "special ingredients" that make it wonderful.

It was a revelation for fruit with whiskey, which I was always a bit wary of, till now. The following answers the questions to how he became so creative in the first place.

The Sacramento Press: How did you get your start in bartending?

Matt Nurge: I spent my youth at a Sacramento bar called Joe Marty’s El Chico on Broadway. My mom worked there on and off for almost 20 years. I would sit at the bar and watch cartoons before school every day. I met a lot of nice red-nosed old drunks.

My first bar gig was a the Hard Rock Cafe. One would think it would have been a clean, safe, family-friendly environment. It was not. Located in what I refer to as the "Shit-bird Triangle," it was nestled between the Amtrak station, the Greyhound station, resident motels and the county jail. There were more 5150s, sex offenders, freshly released convicts and other undesirables coming through this bar than any other in town.

SP: What’s your favorite drink/cocktail?

MN: Wine is always my go-to at home. My favorite cocktail of the day is called a Big Black Buck, which consists of bourbon, fresh lime juice, bitters, fresh blackberries and sage over crushed ice topped with ginger beer

SP: To you, what's the difference between a mixologist and a bartender?

MN: Patrick Gavin Duffy, a great barman, wrote in his 1934 book, "The Official Mixer’s Manual," that, "The idea of calling a bartender a professor or a mixologist is nonsense." I agree.

SP: What is the next big thing to watch for in drinking/cocktails/mixed drinks?

MN: Craft cocktail bars going mainstream. Corporate restaurant/bars ditching pre-made processed ingredients for fresh, local, seasonal, house-made ones.

SP: What's your signature recipe cocktail?

MN: One of my favorite go-to cocktails would be the Chappelle cocktail.

3/4 ounces gin

3/4 ounces sweet vermouth

3/4 ounces fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce falernum

3 1-inch cubes of fresh pineapple

shake and strain in cocktail glass

garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

SP: What's the best way to get a bartender’s attention?

MN: Patiently and silently keep eyes toward him/her with your order and your payment ready.

SP: Where do you drink?

MN: Mostly at home. Also at Shady Lady. But really wherever I please.

SP: Well said.

Up Next: Joe Anthony Savala

Begin 2011 on the Right Foot!

2010-12-22T19:06:01Z

Race Into the New Year With My First 5K Run/Walk

This annual fundraising event is a flat and fast 5k (3.1 mile) run/walk for people of all ages and fitness abilities. It begins and ends at the State Capitol and loops around beautiful Capitol Park. Proceeds help support Wellness Task Force Programs.

Join us as we kick off the New Year with a walk/run, sparkling cider toast, and a place to write your New Year's resolution!

Check out the new and exciting additions to this year's event, including a Toddler Tumble Busfor kids' entertainment, free sports massages, and free food samples from Grateful Bread, Clif Bar, Blue Diamond, and more! Register NOW!

Sunday, January 2, 2011
California State Capitol
10th Street and Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA

GREAT restaurant deals and raffle prizes, too! Bring your race bib to Lucca Restaurant and Bar in Downtown Sacramento for special menu items and discounts. Win gift certificates to Sacramento Pipeworks, Grateful Bread, Arden Hills Country Club AND training certificates from Mama Bootcamp and Moms in Motion! Special prizes for the team with the most participants, as well!

For more information or to register, visit the My First 5K and Kids' Winter Fun Run website.

Youth Scholarships Available!

Know a young person who'd like participate on January 2nd? We have 30 scholarships available for youth interested in doing the 5K and 30 for kids (10 years and younger) to participate in the Fun Runs.

Contact the Wellness Task Force at myfirst5k@wellnesstaskforce.org OR call 916-534-7750 if you are interested in a scholarship for your youth!

ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY, The Wellness Task Force: Our mission is to create and promote programs and policies to increase access to healthy foods and physical activity in California's schools and workplaces.

Disclosure: Jill Broughton is an employee of the Wellness Task Force.

Last-minute holiday volunteering opportunities

2010-12-22T02:03:36Z

During the current “season of giving,” many well-known volunteering opportunities – including helping at Loaves & Fishes, The Ronald McDonald House and Women Escaping a Violent Environment – already have enough volunteers for the Christmas holiday.

But those involved with charitable work all year say that the need will continue well beyond the holidays.

However, if you’re set on volunteering during the holidays, The Salvation Army still has opportunities.

“We’re ramping up for our Coats for Kids drive,” said Salvation Army spokesman Sydney Fong. “Our big day is Dec. 30.”

Fong said the distribution will be held then at the California Exposition and State Fair.

In addition to needing volunteers on Dec. 30, help is needed to prepare the space at Cal Expo, Fong said, and volunteers can get all the information by clicking here.

“When we have (volunteer opportunities), we post them,” Fong said. “For each listing we have, there is a limit to how many volunteers we can take.”

Fong said many people volunteer around the holidays to be bell ringers and help in other ways, but people need help year-round.

Another organization with year-round needs is Eskaton’s TLC program, which stands for “talking, listening and caring,” according to its website.

“We have over 500 older adult clients who live independently in their own homes,” said Eskaton spokeswoman Terri Becker. “They’re all over the greater Sacramento area.”

Becker said volunteers are needed year-round to phone independent seniors who are often lonely and just want someone to talk to. She added that volunteers can make calls from home, their workplaces or the Eskaton office in Fair Oaks.

This is the ninth year Eskaton has done its “Holiday Helpers” program, in which volunteers deliver gift baskets to seniors living at home who aren’t always able to get out on their own.

This year, delivery routes are “pretty much all taken,” Becker said, but there might be a gift card delivery program in January that will need volunteers.

The best way to get involved, she said, is to call her at (916) 334-1072.

Ronald McDonald House is in a similar situation of needing volunteers year-round, but Volunteer Coordinator and House Manager Lois Polaschek said she is “very blessed with my volunteers” and is able to get help throughout the year.

Anyone wishing to get involved, however, can check the website.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Home for the Holadays: Rare Quads Getting Stronger

2010-12-22T00:19:38Z

As a kindergarten teacher, Danielle Holaday thought she knew just about everything there was to know about kids, but nothing could prepare her for the news she got last May when she found out she was pregnant … with quadruplets.

Holaday and her husband, Ryan, had been trying to get pregnant for more than two years through different methods. The Sacramento couple’s faith and emotions were often tested during the long process, until through a Sacramento fertility center, Danielle had two eggs implanted and the miracle of pregnancy became her reality.

“I found out at seven or eight weeks and I bawled,” Danielle said upon learning she was pregnant with quadruplets. “When I called Ryan bawling after the appointment, his response was, ‘Four heartbeats is better than none!’”

Soon they found out they would be having identical triplets and one fraternal quadruplet, something the couple never imagined would happen to them. There are fewer than 100 similar sets of quads in the nation.

“There is a one in a million chance that one egg splits two times for identical triplets,” Danielle said. “There is a better chance of winning the lottery.”

Because of health problems with quadruplet pregnancies, the fertility clinic strongly suggested “fetal reduction” of the triplets, leaving the one fraternal quad to be born. The first-time parents relied on their faith to make the decision.

“Ryan and I decided to keep all the babies,” Danielle said, “because reduction went against all that we believed in.”

After doing research on local doctors that specialized in multiple birth pregnancies, the Holadays decided Sutter Memorial Hospital would be the best choice to have their babies. Soon after, they found out their quadruplet babies were all boys, a dream come true for Ryan.

“My husband is a huge jock, so he thinks one boy for basketball, football, soccer and baseball,” Danielle said. “I’m thinking a barbershop quartet or a band.”

As the weeks went on and the news sunk in, Danielle reached out to a local quad mom, who also delivered at Sutter Memorial Hospital, as well as quad mothers across the country for support.

“I belong to a Facebook page for quad moms,” Danielle said. “There are 84 moms across the county on there and I ask all kinds of questions and get advice from them.”

Ideally, the couple had hoped to be pregnant 32 weeks or more for a best-case scenario pregnancy, but on Oct. 6, just 26 weeks pregnant, Danielle’s water broke and the baby boys were born, a moment Danielle will never forget.

“It was so surreal when they all came out, Danielle said. “You dream about something like this for years and to finally have them here, it was surreal.”

The Holaday boys – Evan, Kaydan, Jordan and Dylan – weighed between 1.15 and 2.2 pounds each, and their home for the past two months has been in the NICU at Sutter Memorial Hospital, in a room appropriately called “The Holaday Inn.”

“I’m part of the MOMs group here at Sutter (Sutter Mothers of Multiples Center), so my husband and I took a tour of NICU before they were born,” Danielle said. “So we were prepared for what it would be like.”

She said her family and friends have been a huge support since her boys were born, as well as the staff in the NICU.

“The nurses are incredible,” Danielle said. “We have an extended part of our family now because of how much they love the boys.”

Danielle and Ryan have spent more than eight hours a day in the NICU, feeding their boys, changing their diapers, holding them and loving them. Right before Christmas, the boys each weighed about 5 pounds and, the week before, the couple got the news they’ve been waiting for. One of their boys, Dylan, was going home.

“The doctors and nurses have taken great care of them,” Ryan said, “but our babies are definitely miracles.”

Ryan knows having four babies at home will be a lot of work, but says the couple is more than ready for the challenge.

“We are super excited, taking one day at a time and cherishing each moment,” Ryan said. “God wouldn’t have given us these boys if we couldn’t handle it.”

If everything continues to go as planned, the parents have been given the green light that, one by one, the boys will be going home soon, just in time for the Holadays.

Stephanie Breitbart works in the communications department at Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region.

News Release: SMUD's Holiday Hours

2010-12-22T00:14:51Z

Sacramento Municipal Utility District offices will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2010 and be closed all day on Friday, December 24, 2010 in observance of Christmas.

The following regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 27:

Residential customer phone service 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1-888-742-SMUD (7683)
Commercial customer phone service 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1-877-622-SMUD (7683)
Customer lobby service 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customer Service Center 6301 S St., Sacramento
Business offices 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SMUD will also be closed on Friday, December 31, 2010 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

SMUD’s 24-hour electric outage number, 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) will continue operating throughout both holidays. If power goes out, customers should notify SMUD immediately. In the event of an electrical problem, customers should be prepared to give their address, phone number, nearest cross street and a brief description of the problem.

# # #

Contact SMUD News Media Services at: 916.732.5111or media@smud.org

Disclosure: Becky Repka is employed by SMUD in Corporate Communications.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort Executive Team to Distribute 500 Meals to Sacramento Families

2010-12-21T23:20:17Z

The executive team of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, led by General Manager C.J. Graham, is celebrating the holiday season by delivering over two tons of food to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services and distributing holiday meals to families in need at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the Food Bank’s Saca Community Learning Center location at 2469 Rio Linda Blvd in North Sacramento.

The donation includes 150 turkeys, 350 hams, 500 cans of cranberry and 500 pumpkin pies. The food is enough to feed approximately 500 families or 2,000 people.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Thunder Valley has donated meals.

Thunder Valley Casino, located 30 miles east of Sacramento, is owned by the United Auburn Indian Community and opened in June 2003.

Disclosure: Emily Burkett is with Thunder Valley Media Relations

Holiday drinks: Get 'em while it's cold outside!

2010-12-21T20:55:19Z

Using seasonal ingredients, robust liquors and festive garnishes, bars across Midtown are preparing to fight the bitter cold by adding some new innovative concoctions and classic holiday favorites to their menus.

Designed to warm the belly and lift the spirits, here’s a look at some of Sacramento’s tastiest winter cocktails.

Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.

Hot Buttered Rum

1 pound softened butter

½ pound brown sugar

½ pound super fine white sugar

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground clove

1 ½ ounces dark rum

Hot water (enough water to fill an Irish coffee glass or mug)

Mix that by hand or using handheld mixer. Store in freezer indefinitely.
Take out 1-2 tablespoons of batter, mix in 1 ½ ounces of dark rum. Fill mug or Irish coffee glass with hot water. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

“People in America were drinking these as early as 1685,” co-owner Jason Boggs said. “Rum was being delivered here and distilled in the early colonies. That was the first way that they were drinking booze. It’s very old.

“That’s the classic hot buttered rum (recipe). Some people add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. We try to keep it classic.”

Lounge on 20
1050 20th St.

Fennel Fizz
$12

1 ½ ounces Lucid Absinthe

¾ ounce lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup

1 splash of soda water

Shaken with diced fennel, topped with egg white foam and garnished with a lemon twist, fennel sprig and star anise. Served in a Collins glass.

Eastern Promises
$9

¾ ounce Jasmine Liqueur

¾ ounce Ginger Liqueur

1 bag of green tea

Hot water

Garnished with a lemon twist and cinnamon stick.

Spiked French Toast
$10

1 ½ ounces rum

1 ounce milk

¾ ounce 5 Spice simple syrup

Shaken and then steamed to warm, powdered cinnamon sprinkled on top, and served in a martini glass.

Drinks created by Vince LaForm and Renee Fong.

Centro Cocina
2730 J St.

Seasonal Infused Tequila
$8.50

5 bags of fresh cranberries

40 peeled green apples

3 cinnamon sticks

4 vanilla bean

3-3 ½ bottles of Silver tequila

Soaked together in a large pitcher. Served as a 4 ½ ounce shot in a chilled flute, or in a margarita with 1 ounce Triple Sec and 1 ounce of lime juice.

Drink created by Joel York.

De Vere's Irish Pub
1521 L St.

Mother’s Milk
$10

1 ¼ ounces Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

2 or 3 shakes of whiskey barrel-aged bitters

¼ ounce Creme de Leche

¼ ounce honey syrup

Shaken and then served in a chilled martini glass , topped with fresh ground nutmeg.

Drink created by Henry De Vere White.

Paesanos
1806 Capitol Ave.

Candy Canetini
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

¾ ounce Absolut Vanilla Vodka

¾ ounce Creme de Cacao

¼ ounce Candy Cane schnapps

1 ounce half and half

¼ ounce simple syrup

Shaken and served in a red sugar-rimmed martini glass.

XO Mocha
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

1 ounce Patron XO Coffee Liqueur (espresso flavored)

½ ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream

½ ounce half and half

Served over ice and topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Creamsicle shot
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

1 ounce whipped cream-flavored vodka

½ ounce orange juice

Shaken over ice, served in a shot glass.

Drinks created by John Hazelton, Erica O’Neal and Amanda Starr.

Red Lotus

2718 J St.

Two Brothers
$9

2 ounces Leopold Bros. New York Apple Whiskey

3 dashes of old-fashioned aromatic bitters

Served in a lowball glass over a signature hand-carved ice block with a lemon twist garnish.

Drink created by Mark Neuhauser.

Zócalo
1801 Capitol Ave.

Homemade Egg Nog
$8

2 ounces Santa Teresa Aged Venezuelan Rum

3 ounces whole milk from Straus Family Creamery

3 ounces half and half from Straus Family Creamery

Shaken, and topped with cardamom, nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

Drink created by Joe Anthony Savala and Dominique Gonzales.

Hey Friends, that's not a "flash mob" that's my grandma!

2010-12-21T08:33:15Z

Tonight, we gathered the family to go to the Roseville Galleria to sing the Hallelujah Chorus, shop for some last minute Christmas items, and to have dinner together. Our daughter was asked to come and sing by her high school choir and we had heard of these “Random Acts of Culture” in other communities. We understood that the singing was being organized by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, so we thought it would be a fun, family thing to do. We’ve had it on our calendar for weeks.

The traffic was heavy in Roseville, but when we finally arrived at the Galleria, we were very excited. There seemed to be hundreds, if not thousands of wonderful and excited people just hoping to sing and experience this unique Christmas event. Everyone around us was joyful and happy to share in this positive experience. However, within a few minutes of our arrival the officials began announcing the closing of the mall and, not knowing what was happening, we left immediately.

We came home to news headlines like “Flash Mob Forces Closure of the Roseville Galleria.” Really? We were a “flash mob” and we were forcing the mall’s closure? That was news to me. I’ve never even thought about joining a “flash mob” or forcing the closure of anything. A bunch of moms, dads, children, and grandparents just wanting to sing the Hallelujah Chorus together, that’s a “flash mob?”

There were many postings on the news sites about how reckless this “flash mob” was and how much harm they caused or could have caused. But, causing harm was the last thing we intended to do tonight. We had thought it was a good idea to show up and support the struggling mall. We wanted to come and sing about our King of kings and to share our joy with our community. But, instead we had come and been labeled a “flash mob” which caused great harm. In all fairness, no one could have known how many people would come to the Roseville Galleria tonight to sing the Hallelujah Chorus.

I think the news media is getting this story all wrong. Maybe the story sounds better if it has a sinister title like, “Flash Mob Forces the Closure of the Roseville Galleria.” But in truth, it was really just hundreds or maybe thousands, of local grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, and children, young and old, hoping to sing Hallelujah to their King of kings. They weren’t trying to be a mob of anything or trying to force the closure of anything. They were just trying to share some HOPE in a hopeless world and maybe show some patronage to a struggling mall while they were at it.

From where I sat, it wasn’t a “flash mob” at the Galleria tonight up to no good; it was just my family and yours coming together in hopes of spreading some Christmas joy.

Galleria Evacuation Forced by Huge Crowd

2010-12-21T07:11:09Z

It was a genuine mob scene—a “flash mob”, that is. The Westfield Galleria in Roseville was evacuated Monday evening when a large crowd strained the capacity of the food court to its limits—and possibly beyond.

Amid reports of the floor cracking and buckling under the combined weight of an estimated 5,000 people, the Roseville Fire Department ordered the entire mall closed and evacuated everyone.

It was an orderly evacuation, though many people were slow to abandon their vantage points. Eventually the grumbling crowds were cleared away from the area around the carousel, the upper gallery and lower floor courtyard, and the surrounding corridors. Shop keepers stood bewildered in their doorways as hundreds of shoppers streamed by on their way to the parking lots.

Some remained in Food Court after evacuation order was given (upper area of photo).

Part of the huge crowd that exited the Food Court area and went to the courtyard.

People using exterior stairway to evacuate into the courtyard from Food Court.

Sacramento Press photographer Kati Garner had accompanied me to the vast mall to report on a “flash mob” event planned for 7:30 in the food court. As members of The Sacramento Women’s Chorus, we had been invited by the organizers, the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, to take part in a "Random Act of Musical Kindness".

We were prepared to join some 200 other choristers from around the area in performing “The Hallelujah Chorus”, an event designed to be “A Spontaneous Celebration of great Music, Community, the Season, and the reopening of the Westfield Galleria at Roseville," according to the Choral Society website. Our director and half a dozen other members were present, scores in hand and voices warmed up.

The word had spread, however, far beyond the scope originally envisioned by Choral Society founder and director Donald Kendrick, who was preparing to direct the mass choir in the exuberant chorus, easily the most recognizable part of the Handel masterwork, “The Messiah”. As singers spread the word, invited friends or relatives or their church choirs, the crowd assembled for the event far outgrew the capacity of the food court to hold it.

When we arrived at 6:00, a full 90 minutes prior to the scheduled concert, there was not a seat to be found in the food court. Tables were jammed; every chair, railing, planter box, and counter space was over-occupied by singers, their supporters, and curious shoppers. It was a wall-to-wall press of humanity, surely more people than were ever expected to occupy that space. The food vendors were doing a brisk business, and the lines for sushi and Panini snaked in long lines through the assembled crowd.

By 6:45, the word was passed through hundreds of cellphones that Dr. Kendrick wanted the singers to relocate to the lower floor. The escalators were frighteningly overburdened, the staircases jammed. People who had been waiting in the food court for hours began streaming to the area around the carousel and were parked three- and four-deep against the gallery rails.

A few folks tried to focus the restless crowd by starting to sing; “Jingle Bells” got off to a strong start but soon faded away in the general cacophony.

According to The Sacramento Bee report, some people heard loud cracking noises and others said they felt the floor shift beneath their feet. Those busy cellphones were soon sending out 911 calls, and emergency personnel started arriving outside, lights flashing eerily through the skylights and windows of the mall.

Soon a bullhorn was heard above the babble: “Roseville Galleria! Attention Roseville Galleria! This is the Roseville Fire Department. The Galleria Mall is now closed. Please move immediately to the nearest exit. The Mall is now closed”.

Some attendees, perhaps nervous in light of the recent devastating fire which damaged much of the Galleria, headed immediately for the exits. Others waited for a second, third, and even fourth announcement from the Roseville Fire Department before clearing out.

Many of the people who were determined to sing gathered outside and Don Kendrick led them in singing the Hallelujah Chorus as planned, although the arrival of more emergency response vehicles drowned out their voices.

Police helicopters circled the parking areas, loudspeakers directing the crowds to disperse. For those who had made it outside on the opposite side of the mall from where they had parked, this entailed a long and chilly trek; when a light sprinkle began to fall, there was a noticeable speed-up of grumbling walkers.

Everyone waved and cheered as a helicopter flew overhead.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crush of people, and Roseville building inspectors are examining the floor to determine the amount, if any, of structural damage. Westfield galleria has stated that the major department stores (outside access) are being reopened as soon as the evacuation is complete.

Even after reaching the car, I had a chilly wait for Kati to make her way there, and then an even longer wait to exit the parking lot, as there had been absolutely no movement of cars for nearly an hour.

Another member of the Sacramento Women’s Chorus had this to report via email: “It's 10pm and the kids and I just got back from the mob. Sat in the van on the upper level of the JC Penney's parking lot for an hour and a half, unable to move, unable to park and get out of the van….All told, we spent 3 hours in the van with no dinner but no bickering, no injuries, no crying and mom didn't yell once - it's a Christmas miracle!”

Hallelujah!

For more images of flash mob scene, CLICK HERE>>>

Photos | Kati Garner and Ed Fogle, SacMav.com

Schola Cantorum: “From Heaven on High”

2010-12-21T05:39:53Z

The Christmas season abounds in music. From the unrelenting commercials set to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to the ubiquitous mall soundtracks of everyone from Elvis and Johnny Mathis to Beyoncé and Jay-Z warbling about sleigh rides and winter wonderlands, it’s hard to escape seasonal music at its most crass and annoying.

Yet for all the songs rendered in Muzak style, there is another form of music that exists to uplift the soul, magnify the solemnity and glory of the season, and bring pure joy to the heart.

Schola Cantorum (or “School for Church Music”) is the mixed voice choir of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. For 18 years, they have been presenting a Christmas concert in their lovely and acoustically excellent church.

This year, “From Heaven On High” featured music of several centuries and captured with exquisite beauty the depth and richness of the Christmas story.

Under the direction of Donald Kendrick (founder and director of the celebrated Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, and director of choral activities at Sacramento State) Schola Cantorum delivered a far-reaching and ambitious program.

The choir was accompanied by organist Stephen Janzen, cellist Hans Hoffer, Cathie Apple (of Citywater modern music ensemble) playing flute, and percussionist Kristen Campbell.

Beginning in darkness with haunting plainchant in Latin, the choir led the audience through the entire sequence of the story of Christ’s birth.

Traditional and familiar pieces alternated with some striking selections. The beautiful, dark motet of Un Instant Mystique (A Boy is Born, composed by Eric Robertson) was a complex, intriguing piece for choir, cello and percussion.

Puer Nobis Nascitur (Donald Patriquin) brought the bright lilt of celebration in a dancing folk-song styling with flute, bells and cello.

The Wexford Carol featured Leah Tenney’s soaring soprano solo, and the purity of the soprano voices in “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” brought another opportunity to reflect on the many styles of music inspired by the Christian tradition over the centuries.

Kendrick also included the near-capacity audience in the performance, directing the members in four verses of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and later in “O Come all Ye Faithful.” The traditional carols were especially beautiful with the choir singing harmony.

The choir sang beautifully, and after some closing remarks by Kendrick, Handel’s rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” (from “The Messiah”) brought the crowd to its feet, as has been tradition since its inaugural London performance nearly two centuries ago when King George II stood as the chorus began.

Schola Cantorum is an exemplary choir. The group has toured Canada, Spain, England, Italy and Austria. The choir sang at the Vatican for the Pope in 2007: the photo accompaning this story was taken on that tour.

Schola Cantorum has produced eight CDs, including a new release this season: “Make We Joy: Music for Christmas.” They are available through the group’s website, www.scholacantorum.com.

Homeless shelter program seeks $50K

2010-12-21T02:31:19Z

A local group that combats homelessness is asking the public for $50,000 to shelter the poor during the winter season. Sacramento Steps Forward needs the funding to continue its new Winter Sanctuary program, which allows homeless people to sleep overnight at certain churches, according to the group’s director, Tim Brown.

Volunteers of America is partnering with Sacramento Steps Forward on the program, which started Dec. 1, Brown said. The two groups have raised about $40,000, which will allow the program to run until the end of January, he said. Another $50,000 is needed to continue the program through the end of March, which is the goal.

“The churches have really stepped up to open their doors,” he said.

Eight churches are currently participating in the program, and another nine have pledged to participate later this winter, according to Sacramento Steps Forward. Not all of the religious centers are churches – one of the nine religious centers that has pledged to help is SALAM, a Sacramento mosque.

About 90 homeless people have used the overnight program since Dec. 1, according to Sacramento Steps Forward.

The bulk of the $50,000 would pay for bus expenses and staff, Brown said. The program buses the homeless from Loaves and Fishes to the churches at night, and back to Loaves and Fishes in the morning, he said. Volunteers of America staffers assist the churches with the overnight guests, he said, explaining the staffing costs.

Sacramento County runs a homeless program, but it did not have adequate funding this year to provide winter shelter for homeless individuals, he said. The county and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency received funding to house 100 homeless families, Brown said.

Tracie Rice-Bailey, an advocate who was formerly homeless, said the cold winter weather makes the Winter Sanctuary program necessary. “The river’s rising, the ground’s getting wet,” she said.

Sacramento Steps Forward is accepting donations for Winter Sanctuary through its website.

Religious centers that have participated in Winter Sanctuary:
St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in partnership with Atonement Lutheran
St. Paul’s Baptist Church
Capital Christian Center
Trinity Cathedral
Lutheran Church of the Master
First Covenant Church

Religious centers that have pledged to participate:
St. Mark’s United Methodist
Trinity Life Center
SALAM
Seventh Day Adventist
Arcade Church
Sun River Church
Living Stones Christian Reformed Church in partnership with City Life Church
Mars Hill Church

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Midtown businesses get in the holiday spirit

2010-12-21T01:55:04Z

Midtown store owners are in a festive mood, decorating their windows to take part in the “Light up Midtown” contest.

The contest is being held by the Midtown Business Association, and the first prize is $1,000 to be used toward advertising.

“This is first year of contest,” said MBA spokeswoman Amber Schmaeling. “Basically it was just kind of a way for the MBA to rally up the Midtown businesses and do something fun for the holidays that could be a fun way for us to all participate in a friendly competition and decorate the district.”

Schmaeling said more than 50 stores participated in the event.

“I think it gave the shop owners a little bit of help to pull together as a team and create a little bit of a shopping district,” said Tres Chic Boutique owner Susan Tiesing.

Though Tiesing said she always decorates her window, the contest prize of $1,000 in advertising grants is appealing.

“That’s pretty significant,” she said.

The display itself serves as an advertisement of sorts, and Tiesing said she has customers coming in to remark on the display every day.

Her window at 2228 J St. is themed to go with her wares, and she described it as “very boutique-y. I have a white princess dress, and the whole window is white with a pink Christmas tree.”

Another business with an appropriately themed display is American Graffiti Tattoo, 1617 J St.

“It’s appropriate for a tattoo shop,” said owner Thea Hogan. “It’s a skull in a Santa hat, and the window says, ‘Happy Holidays.’ ”

The employees all got in on the fun, Hogan said, each contributing something to the window mural.

“The advertising (prize) would be amazing, but anytime we can throw some paint down, it’s fun,” she said.

Hogan added that the average person probably isn’t going to decide to come in and get a tattoo based on a window painting, but being a part of the contest was fun.

“We’re just a bunch of artists,” she said. “Everybody here gets involved.”

The owner of Mosaic Salon, located at 2700 J St., went with more than 17,000 lights hanging from the windows to do his part to literally light up the town.

“We’ve gotten a couple of new clients because of the display,” said owner Todd Buckley. “We just hope we win.”

He said it isn’t all about the competition, however.

“We just want to be a part of the Midtown business community,” he said. “It’s just the camaraderie and supporting local business.”

Zanzibar Fair Trade, located at 1731 L St., had its decorations vandalized and stolen sometime on the night of Dec. 12 or the early morning of Dec. 13, but that hasn’t killed the holiday spirit for co-owner Josh Varner.

“We have two choices,” he said. “We can be angry at the world, which solves nothing, or we can hope that whoever took it was in a place where they really need them, and they’re doing some good somewhere else now.”

Varner said he won’t be putting more decorations up this year, since it might tempt the thieves to return, but he will participate next year.

“We’ve had several offers from people to donate their ornaments, including Downtown Plaza,” he said.

That’s the kind of unity he said he thinks having a contest like “Light up Midtown” brings to the business community.

“We decorated not because we wanted to win the contest, but because we wanted to have a holiday storefront for passers-by and bring holiday décor to Midtown as well,” he said.

Zanzibar is still participating in the contest, and to view the decorations before they were vandalized, click here.

To vote for your favorite, click here.

“We certainly appreciate all of the clientele who choose to come to Midtown,” Varner said. “We bring something unique and diverse to the Sacramento Community, and we’re glad people recognize that. It helps revitalize and keep alive the local Sacramento scene.”

Tres Chic Boutique photo courtesy Susan Tiesing. Other photos by Brandon Darnell, staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

3rd Annual Clean and Sober Toy Run

2010-12-21T00:32:14Z

Christmas is only a few days away and the time of giving, especially to those that have been hardest hit by the downfall in our economy, is coming to an end. On a rainy Saturday morning Nor Cal Clean and Sober held its 3rd Annual Clean and Sober Toy Run.

(3rd Annual Clean and Sober Toy Run leaving Harley Davidson of Folsom)

Riders from various organizations caught up with each other socializing in front of the Folsom Harley Davidson. A depository was set up inside the store for toys brought in. Other riders also took the opportunity to do some shopping.

John O’Mara and his group representing the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) dropped off toys and show their support for this run. John is the Sierra Mountain Region Area CMA Representative and indicated they were going to be setting up for a Toys for Tots event in Placerville. “We’re going to be setting up tables that will have toys suited for the various age groups,” John said. “We’ll have toys and other items for infants up to older children. This afternoon parents will come in with their kids and be able to pick up toys and things that are separated by age appropriate materials.” John noted that since this will take place in Placerville he would not be participating in the motorcycle run but would be with the riders in spirit.

The weather, for safety reasons more than anything else, prevented many riders from making the run on their motorcycles. The run did actually take place however, despite the weather, and it began at the Folsom Harley Davidson on Woodmere Road.

Many Nor Cal Clean and Sober volunteers, as always, were on hand during registration. Ryan Fleenor was on hand to coordinate this event with his many helpers. Jeff Keith from the band Tesla was on hand and participated in the motorcycle run.

The Toy Run started at around 11 in the morning. The loud roar of the bikes made its way out of Harley Davidson and onto the streets of Folsom. The riders made their way to their destination at American Motorcycle Parts on Auburn Boulevard. At the destination site various vendor booths were set up. The parking lot was already full of people other volunteers.

(Members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team)

Several of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team were on site to pose for pictures and greet the riders and guests. The dancers also helped by selling many tickets for the raffle that was going to take place. Various items were going to be raffled off with the last raffle prize being a guitar signed by the members of Tesla.

Jeff Keith, Tesla’s singer, was on hand and participated in the motorcycle run. He participated lending a hand wherever he could. Besides riding his bike he was there posing for pictures and signing autographs. He sat in Santa’s chair and posed with kids who had face painting signs reading “Tesla”. He also sang a couple of Christmas songs with Janice Sanders.

(Janice Sanders and Jeff Keith entertaining the crowd)

The Toy Run this year was set up to benefit the Sayonara Community Center, WEAVE, and Under Privileged Children. Toy barrels were set up at the American Motorcycle Parts parking lot and were manned by a couple of U.S. Servicemen. Throughout the gathering several people representing various motorcycle groups came by with toy contributions.

Many donated prizes were raffled off during the event. Janice Sanders braved the rain and cold weather and entertained the audience with several songs. She also teamed up with Jeff Keith for a couple of Christmas songs.

As the rain started to come down a bit more forcefully it was time to raffle off the Tesla signed guitar. I crossed my fingers and hoped to win the guitar. The lucky winner however was Tami Davenport. Jeff also personalized a signed Tesla photo for Tami to go along with the guitar..

(Jeff Keith presenting Tami Davenport with the raffle grand prize; a signed guitar by his group Tesla)

Judging by the number of toys donated and the tickets sold it looked like this was a successful event. Thanks to all the volunteers, vendors, guests, performers and coordinators children in need will be able to enjoy this holiday. This event was a great example of giving back to the community.

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet

2010-12-20T20:12:54Z

A delectable performance of Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet “The Nutcracker” played in front of near capacity showings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performances took place at the Jill Solberg Theatre at Folsom High School.

Rainy and cold weather did not prevent audiences from attending any of the performances. The audience was made up of aficionados of all ages. Performance members were also of all ages and even a very well behaved baby made a couple of appearances during the show.

At one time there were (and I did try to count them all) slightly over 40 performers on stage. The whole evening was visually appealing as soon as the curtains were parted for the first act. The lighting was great, the scenery was fantastic and the costumes were flawless. The magnificent music by Tchaikovsky along with the acts on stage at times, to me, made it seem like a lucid dream.

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet (PHCB) was performed to the delight of a large audience. The Artistic Director of the PHCB, Pamela Hayes, was born and raised in England and danced with the Royal Ballet of London. She has performed all over the world and has brought her experience to the Sacramento area. For the past 18 years she has strived to preserve classical ballet through the PHCB.

The Nutcracker has always been a favorite and several versions make their way via the several ballet groups in our area and throughout the world. Pamela Hayes’ rendition brings a high caliber interpretation of The Nutcracker. The dancers who took the stage seemed to have spent quite a long time rehearsing for the event. The precision of many of the ballet moves were fine-tuned and quite elegant.

As the curtains opened for Act One the splendor of the stage and those on it were quite breathtaking. Everyone took their spots on stage. The hair, make-up and costumes were quite stunning. As the scene opened at the Silberhaus home, on Christmas Eve, a Christmas party was taking place. The elegant moves of each person, from children to adults, on stage were very precise. In this regard the choreography of Pamela Hayes, Zara Hayes, and Michael Onstad could be witnessed and greatly appreciated.

Herr Drosselmeyer, inventor and toymaker, played by the much sought after Michael Onstad is onstage entertaining guests with magic tricks and life-size dolls that need winding up from time to time. Michael has played the role of Herr Drosselmeyer for 35 years now. He has danced with the Sacramento Ballet, the Eugene Ballet, the Copenhagen Summer Tivoli, and many other companies. His background and choreography are major contributions to the performance.

There were so many dancers on stage and their performances were quite impressive in each and every act. The costumes from the Mouse King and the Nutcracker, besides being very well done, did not interfere with any of the ballet performances on contrary it added beauty to every scene. Baby mice and big mice as well as soldiers also took the stage to do battle.

As Scene 2 opens, The Land of Snow, again shows the talents of the dancers. The corps of ballet was made up of many dancers who graciously moved from one end of the stage to the next and there was always something going on either as main part of the act or as dancers moved in the background.

During intermission voices and laughter of children rang out as they partook in some cookies, pastries and hot chocolate. Many of the supporters at Friday’s performance, for the most part, seemed to be family and friends. Many in attendance braved the weather and several of them noted that it was well worth the drive. Many vendors and volunteers were also on hand at the Folsom High School Theatre. Many sponsors helped with this production. As with many productions and events much of what goes on to make these events successful is the volunteers. Many community and parent volunteers helped wherever they were needed.

Act 2 starts off in the Kingdom of Sweets. The Sugar Plum Fairy greets Clara and the Prince. The Fairy is so impressed that she honors Clara with a magnificent celebration. Choreography and ballet movements at their best were displayed. With all this beauty on stage one cannot forget about the musical score. The wonderful music of Tchaikovsky plays as we witness the performances on stage. If you were to close your eyes during the performance, as I did, the composer’s music can also take you on a dream-like adventure. Images of beauty come to mind and allow the mind to travel into a sweet kingdom as Tchaikovsky’s beautifully composed music plays.

(Photo courtesy PHCB)

Different scenes were performed and moved at a rapid pace. This period of divertissement takes the audience around the world as dancers perform for Clara. As the performance is about to end the audience experiences another great performance as the Sugar Plum Fairy, performed by Julia Feldman, and the Cavalier, Cierra Diaz, perform a pas de deux.

The performance was quite a delight. To learn more about Pamela Hayes and the PHCB go to their website. Her Classical Ballet Training is at the essence of this performance and her teaching is based around it as well.

Art in Sacramento continues to grow. The Pamela Hayes studios are located in Sacramento and El Dorado Hills. The El Dorado Hills studio allows for Folsom and nearby community residents find a place closer to home for this type of classical training.

Santa Claus is hitting the town

2010-12-20T02:52:55Z

Drivers and passersby heading down I Street Saturday afternoon got a quick glimpse of Christmas frivolity as about 30 adult men and women dressed in Santa Claus attire met up outside the Sacramento County Jail to kick off the city’s sixth annual SantaCon.

SantaCon, an event that originated in 1994 in San Francisco as a big holiday prank, has now become an international tradition, taking place in many of the world’s major cities, including New York, London and Tokyo. Adults come together dressed in beards, wigs, long stockings and, of course, the classic red Santa suit, and hit the streets and the bars to revel in each other’s shenanigans and company.

“In the literal sense, it’s a pub crawl,” said Terry Sellers, 34, who participated in his first SantaCon last year in San Francisco. “You get some of your friends together, you put together a crazy costume and you parade around town. It works out perfectly because we love to drink, and other people love to see a hundred Santas walking down J Street.”

Protecting themselves from the rain by huddling under awnings and umbrellas, the Santas mingled and compared costumes as they waited for other partakers to arrive. One Santa had a megaphone, while another had a radio playing loops of Christmas Carols. These were a few props that kept them busy and entertained as the rest of the Santas trickled in.

With the dark skies and rainy weather, this year’s SantaCon group started out relatively small but exuberant. As the troop made their way on foot to Old Sac to hit the first bar, they cracked jokes and told old stories. Many of them had already known each other, as a big part of the group included members of the Sacramento Cacophony Society and longtime SantaCon participants.

The itinerary of SantaCon was completely open and relaxed. With no bars or times scheduled, the Santas were free to go where they wanted and stay for as long as they pleased.

“Santas come and go throughout the day -- we’re not really expecting to stay together,” said one man who has attended every Sacramento SantaCon, who would only identify himself as “Santa Libre.” In fact, many of the Santas would only identify themselves as just that, or some slight, playful variation of the name.

“Santa does what Santa does,” he said.

The enjoyment of SantaCon didn’t end with those in costumes, either. As the celebrators continued their trek, Midtown drivers and pedestrians honked and hollered in excitement, which would often be returned with a hardy, rowdy “ho ho ho!”

Cynthia Wetzel, 33, dressed in a bright green wig and Mrs. Claus skirt, celebrated her first SantaCon in Sacramento this year, hot off the heels of New York City’s, in which she flew east to attend.

“I love seeing everyone’s reaction. I mean it’s just a blast,” she said. “It’s just about celebrating Christmas, having a good time, singing carols, drinking some beer, and enjoying making new friends.”

Lighting Up The Holidays

2010-12-16T18:08:04Z

The company responsible for lighting up the holidays in Fair Oaks Village is again jumping in to lend a hand. Christmas in the Village located in Fair Oaks, CA is an event which is currently celebrating its 27th year. This year’s display utilized over 8500 super efficient LED lights, using less than half the power of a blow dryer to light the 80’ legacy tree in Plaza Park located in Old Fair Oaks. John and the staff of Brothers Electric conduct fund raising activities throughout the year to fund the expense of each year’s light installation. John is already making preparations to “rally the troops” to help with this year’s de-lighting needs, as well as coordinating volunteers for next year. Each year the display is based off of community volunteers and each year the tree lighting ceremony commences without a hitch. The tree is currently on display in the village and attracts many residents from all over the Greater Sacramento Area to enjoy.

Disclosure: Michelle Buller works in Public Relations for Christmas in the Village

Holiday Display at 10th & K

2010-12-09T21:06:04Z

Sacramento County Historical Society's holiday display at 1001 K Street formally opened on November 26, but its operation continues through the beginning of the New Year and it attracted attention from passersby even before the display formally opened.

The display uses figures originally built by the Gaffney Display Company in the 1950s, used in Breuner's Department Store holiday display windows. This tradition began in Sacramento in 1934, continuing until 1974. Gaffney figures were used throughout the Breuner's chain, but have been absent from K Street for decades. More information on the historic Breuner's displays can be found in this article:

http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/40096/Department_Store_Holiday_Display_for_K_Street

Construction of the display started in early November, utilizing the talents of a team of volunteers. Some were SCHS members with experience in museum display construction and art. Local artists involved with the "Matrix Arts" organization lent their talents. Some filmmakers from local film company TFO Productions took some time off from producing their new feature "Planet of the Vampire Women" to lend a hand. And some were just Sacramentans willing to help out. Mark Gaffney, owner of the figures and the still-operating Gaffney Display Company, provided the figures and his expertise in setting up the display. About 60 individuals, businesses and organizations contributed funds and materials to the display project, both through our online Indiegogo fundraising effort, solicited donations, and an appeal to Historical Society members.

The project, located in the dramatic corner window of Sacramento's landmark 1946 Roos-Atkins building, combines the historic figures with a newly designed setting entitled "Winter in the City." Set in approximately 1910, the display portrays a Sacramento streetcorner, with a department store and movie theater inspired by Sacramento buildings demolished long ago (the Edison Theater and Weinstock-Lubin department store that once stood on the 400 block of K Street.) A Sacramento streetcar, returning from Oak Park, is located on the K Street side. A family is transfixed before the store window, the parents appreciating the holiday lights while the kids detail which of the toys inside the window they want. A young couple exits the movie theater, hailing the streetcar for a ride home. A bell-ringing Santa, inspired by the "Volunteers of America" fundraising Santas, stands on the corner welcoming passersby. The display is intended to portray the era when K Street (and downtown Sacramento) was the shopping, entertainment and transportation hub of the Sacramento Valley, as well as a densely populated urban neighborhood that was busy day and night.

The display operates from 11 AM to 11 PM on weekdays, and on weekends the lights and animated figures keep running until 2:00 AM. The display will remain in operation until the first week of January 2011, when the figures will be returned and the lumber used to create the display will be donated to a local theater company.

This Saturday, December 11, the Sacramento Old City Association and SCHS will host the quarterly Preservation Roundtable across the street at 1000 K Street, inside the Cosmopolitan Cabaret. The Preservation Roundtable includes updates and information from local history and preservation organizations, and runs from 9 AM to noon. The featured speaker of this quarter's Preservation Roundtable is Mark Gaffney, who will talk about the history of the Gaffney Display Company and their involvement with the Breuner's animated window displays, as well as the story of this year's holiday display. The presentation will end with a visit to the display site at noon.

Sacramento Preservation Roundtable

Saturday December 11, 9 AM-12 PM

1000 K Street (Cosmopolitan Cabaret), Sacramento

(Photos 1 and 2 by William Burg. Photos 3-11 by M. Parfitt. Photos 12-14 by Gretchen Steinberg.)

Local theater teacher gets kids out of their shells for the holidays!

2010-12-09T04:16:33Z

Theater has always been a form of art native to children. Watching them play and create their own games and stories has been a staple of the family tradition, and more than a few parents have taken the opportunity to canonize these moments on YouTube.

Cynthia Speakman, a local actor and teacher with the Sacramento Metro Arts Commission, has been in the game for over a decade, working with children to improve their performing skills and ability to be outgoing and expressive.

"I think it's very natural for kids to act because they have an enormous need to communicate to others," says Speakman. "Even the kids who aren't extraverted want to be more confident, and for parents it's a remedy of sorts for getting [their kids] out there when they see them as 'too shy.'"

Speakman always emphasizes the idea of the storyteller in her after-school programs, and says that what gets kids going more than anything else is their ability to not only be in a story, but also to see how one is made.

"I think that's what theatre should be about when you're a little kid," says Speakman, "how a story is put together in a visceral way, and how to communicate verbally so you can get through those presentations that you're going to have to do your whole life!"

Over her career as a teacher, working in the multi-purpose rooms of many local elementary schools such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Crocker Riverside, she has taught over 2,000 children and young adults the mystique and fun of the stage.

One of her more recent students, Will Block, 15, played the role of Puck in the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival's 2010 production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." His younger brother, Tom Block, 13 and another of Speakman's students, played Wally Webb in City Theatre's production of "Our Town."

"Some of my students have gone on to do bigger things with their acting," says Speakman. "The majority of my students have more confidence, and that's what I'm after."

When she's not teaching children the joys of theater, she enjoys performing in a local troupe called StoryVoices, a group of spoken word artists who create theme based programs for fundraisers and benefits. She also performs as a guide for Hysterical Walks, a walking tour of Old Sacramento.

Her most recent program is a workshop that stimulates cultural awareness in kids. The children come together at the California Stage and throughout the three day camp they conceive, write, rehearse and perform vignettes for family and friends about what New Year's celebration is like in other countries.

The workshop will take place over the break between Christmas and New Year's. The workshop is from Tuesday, Dec. 28—Thursday, Dec. 30, and last from 9 a.m.—3 p.m.

For more information about classes, contact Cynthia Speakman. For more information on the workshop, visit here.

PHOTOS:

1. Cynthia Speakman (Courtesy of Studio 24)

2. Speakman performing for an audience during a Hysterical Walk

3. StoryVoices (from left to right: Marni Webb, Jan Ahders, Cynthia Speakman, Claire Lipschultz

Everything is Awesome: Photographs by Keith Telfeyan

2010-12-07T02:04:02Z

Everything is Awesome, a solo exhibition of photographs by Keith Telfeyan, opens at Cuffs, 2523 J Street, Midtown Sacramento, on December 11, 2010 and will remain on view through January 7, 2011. Cuffs is open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm and Sun Noon-7pm.

The public is invited to a reception with the artist on December 11, from 6pm-10pm, as part of Sacramento’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk. Enjoy holiday snacks and drinks and Christmas tunes dj-ed by Shaun Slaughter while taking in the show. Cuffs is also sponsoring a toy drive to provide holiday gifts for children in need. Anyone who donates a toy will be entered in a drawing for a $50 certificate to the shop.

For his first solo show at Cuffs, Keith has created a series of digital C-prints from 35mm film entitled Everything is Awesome. Focusing on seemingly mundane, everyday sights, he executes the photographs in a way that causes the viewer to take a second glance—realizing the series title is, in fact, true.

With photography, Keith is able to capture scenes exactly how he perceives them, delivering his fresh take of the world to people who may otherwise be unswayed by a lamp post or a flock of birds. His work offers vision fields that give a lush and clean vicarious experience, bringing out transcendence through texture while alluding to the banal, ordinary moments of life being lived.

In Keith’s words: “Everything is everything. Sorrow and trees and architecture and love and chemistry and politics and the world. It’s awesome…to see a wave of oneness within each particular thing. Or perhaps the everyday itself is simply worth seeing in a new way.” Keith’s philosophy is tied in intrinsically to the photographs in this show. Attendees will leave with a novel view of the everyday and the knowledge that, yes, everything is awesome.

About the artist
Keith Telfeyan makes video art, short films, and photographs. He received his MFA from Parsons the New School for Design in 2009, and his Bachelor’s degree in Film from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003, where he also studied Philosophy and Rhetoric. His artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He was born and raised in Sacramento, California and resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is left-handed and keeps an active dream journal.

For further information about Keith Telfeyan and to see more examples of his artwork visit his website.

______________________________________________________________

All images by Keith Telfeyan:
1. Electric Spirituality
2. Pixilated Abyss
3. Slow Motion Explosion

Disclaimer: Alison Kranz is Public Relations contact for Keith Telfeyan.

53rd and S streets neighborhood full of Christmas spirit

2010-12-04T08:07:26Z

These photos were taken with an iPhone in the Elmhurst area (53rd street, S street, T street).

Most of the homes had arches on the sidewalks made of PVC pipe and strung with lights.

My favorite house of the block was the one with the snorkeling Santa.

This is the house with the snorkeling Santa!

Santa lives in a Yellow Submarine.

A jellyfish, maybe?

A Christmas tree Snowman.

Winter Rollerland

2010-12-03T18:42:47Z

WEAVE has been selected as the beneficiary of an up and coming local hot spot. Winter Rollerland will open to the public on Friday, December 3rd at 1630 I Street - right in the heart of Midtown Sacramento. Winter Rollerland promises the Second Saturday appeal of the Midtown Bazaar and the classic entertainment of a good old fashioned roller rink.

Get your skate on with the Sacred City roller derby girls! Meet Slamson, the Sacramento King's mascot on Saturday, December 4th. Enjoy the ambience of holiday lights, disco balls, and hay bales covered in snow. And after you've skated your day away, it's just a short stroll to the Midtown Bazaar - featuring arts, crafts and delicious foods. Have fun and support a great cause!

WHEN: Opening Day is Friday, December 3 at 5:00pm. The roller rink will then be open each Friday 5 -10pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 6pm in December.

WHERE: 1630 I Street, on the corner of 17th & I Streets, Sacramento

COST: $5

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We're grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!