Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "midtown"

Midtown's musicians featured in new art exhibit

2012-02-09T01:37:59Z

Art pays homage to art in a new gallery exhibit called “Musicians of Midtown” at Gallery 2110 as artist Brooke Walker-Knoblich exhibits 10 paintings of local musicians playing in Midtown venues.

“I’ve always been intrigued by musicians in particular – not just music, but the performance of music,” Walker-Knoblich said.

The paintings – all done in oil – evoke the emotions she felt in hearing the music, she said, adding that she watched the musicians perform, drawing sketches of them in as little as 30 seconds, then painting the larger works using the sketches as foundations.

Some of the works have shorter brush strokes to fit with the quicker pace of the music, while others are longer, and light and darkness are used to show emotion as well.

Musicians such as Musical Charis, The Nibblers and Clemon Charles are featured in the paintings, and the venues in which they are performing include The Urban Hive and Bows & Arrows, though the musicians are the prominent parts of the paintings.

For the exhibit, 20 sketches and 10 paintings are on display, and Walker-Knoblich said she spent the past year working on the body of work, which could extend into the future if other galleries are interested in the style.

Originally from Nevada City, the 29-year-old Walker-Knoblich moved to Midtown about three years ago. The current show is a departure from her normal style of work, which is Renaissance Realism.

“It was very liberating, and very challenging, too,” she said. “It was very different. I could kind of do whatever I wanted.”

She sketched more than 450 musicians over the past year, but for the show in Midtown, she chose 10 locals to turn into paintings.

“When I moved down to Midtown, I started checking out the scene, going to venues, and I was totally shocked at how great the scene was and how personable the artists were,” Walker-Knoblich said.

Walker-Knoblich said she has been an artist from an early age, but a year spent in Paris when she was 21 was the year when she determined art would be her career.

Clare Bailey, owner of the gallery, said that she would like to see Walker-Knoblich’s work tour to other cities, allowing Walker-Knoblich to add new paintings as some are sold and keep the exhibit evolving and financially successful.

“There are some artists, whose sketches she did, (who) have traveled from across the country to get here, and those haven’t turned into paintings yet, but they could, and this could be an exhibit that travels,” Bailey said.

“I think one of the elements that I love the most is we’re paying tribute to music in a fine art gallery – and it’s all related,” Bailey said.

All works are for sale, and the exhibit will run through March 2, Bailey said.

For more information on Gallery 2110, click here.

The exhibit is currently on display, but a reception will be held Thursday, with Walker-Knoblich available from 6 - 8 p.m. Guitarist Sean Paul Mee will be playing music during the reception as well.

Viewing the show on Saturday will be possible anytime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., as the gallery extends its hours for the Second Saturday Art Walk. Walker-Knoblich Will be in the gallery from 5 - 9 p.m. Saturday as well.

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

Nonprofit organization reaches fundraising goal

2012-02-08T02:07:02Z

La Raza Galería Posada, a local nonprofit Latino arts organization, succeeded in reaching its fundraising goals to stay open after Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna helped fill the funding gap with a music event Saturday.

In November, the center announced that it needed to raise $25,000 or face closure.

“We are extremely grateful for Supervisor Serna for his beyond-the-call-of-duty support,” said Marie Acosta, executive director of La Raza Galería Posada. “It’s very rare when an elected official will go out of their way and walk the talk for a nonprofit in need of funding.”

Funding sources for the art gallery and cultural center, located at 1022-1024 22nd St., have been in steady decline since 2005, threatening the existence of the 40-year-old center.

Saturday’s event, titled “Phil Serna Music on a Mission,” raised $30,000, which was split between La Raza Galería Posada, Cottage Housing, Women Escaping a Violent Environment and Roberts Family Development Center, according to a Monday press release.

While the extra push was needed over the past year, Acosta said Tuesday that there are several new funding sources opening up for the center this year, and the organization will apply for funding from places such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the Sierra Health Foundation, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and the James Irvine Foundation.

“We are very hopeful that we will be able to receive funding from those sources, but we will always need support from the community, and now more than ever,” Acosta said.

Willie's Burgers launches food truck

2012-02-07T08:04:11Z

The locally owned Willie’s Burgers plans to launch a food truck – the Willie Wagon – in Sacramento this week, carrying burgers, chili burgers and fries.

“We’ve always thought a food truck was a good way to get the product and what we do out to people,” said Bill Taylor, owner of Willie’s Burgers. “I’d started developing the idea of a Willie Wagon since 1995, but it’s been in the back of my mind.”

Willie’s Burgers opened at 16th and Broadway in 1991, and a second location opened in Carmichael in 2004. Now, taking the burgers to offices and events with the food truck is proving a good addition to the business, Taylor said Friday.

“It’s been terrific,” he said. “We follow basically the same menu we have downtown, and we will be bringing in shakes once we get the milkshake machine.”

The original idea behind Willie’s Burgers was to bring some of the burger culture from Los Angeles to Sacramento, including staying open late, Taylor said. Currently, Sacramento’s mobile food ordinance requires the trucks to finish serving at 6 p.m., but it is moving to 8 p.m. in April, and Taylor said getting the laws changed is a priority.

“Having a downtown food truck roundup would bring more people downtown, and to the streets, and that would make the streets safer,” he said.

Another benefit to the food trucks, he added, includes giving some local chefs the chance to start small with a cheaper venture to showcase their creations – making a name for themselves without having to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Prices at the Willie Wagon will be between $7 and $10 for a burger, drink and fries, and a few dollars more with a milkshake or chili fries.

Managing the food truck is J.J. Wakamiya, who said Monday that he wants to use the truck to encourage more people to explore the diverse areas of Sacramento.

“I want to encourage people to get out and try new foods and look for new things,” he said.

Final inspections with the city of Sacramento were scheduled for Tuesday morning, and Wakamiya said he planned to start running a downtown route this week.

Currently, the truck is licensed to operate in Rancho Cordova and Sacramento County.

“We’ve done a few events, like a rugby tournament and some office gatherings in Rancho Cordova,” he said. “We’d like to do more events like SactoMoFo 4 on April 21.”

He said that while the main goal is to sell burgers and spread the Willie’s Burgers name, the truck is part of a campaign to change the controversial ordinance that constricts food trucks to operating for only 30 minutes at a time within city limits.

“We want to support the mobile food industry and enhance it from a generic taco truck or roach coach to a branded truck with specialized menu,” he said.

To find out where the Willie Wagon will be, check the truck’s Facebook page.

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

The Red Rabbit opens on J Street

2012-02-07T01:47:39Z

The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar is now open in the space that used to hold Red Lotus in Midtown, and a grand opening is scheduled for Friday.

The restaurant and bar aims to bring affordable food and drinks with an international flair to the block and see the same successes that other businesses – Harlow’s, BarWest Burgers & Wings and Centro Cocina Mexicana – have seen, said co-owners Matt Nurge and John Bays.

“We’re going with the globally inspired concept,” said Bays, who is the restaurant’s chef. “We’ve got a little Vietnamese, a little American – a lot of braising going on, and we’ve got some Hawaiian.”

An assortment of cheeses – including Spanish Manchego – will be on the menu, and while those come from overseas, much of the rest of the food is locally sourced.

“We try to get everything from local suppliers whenever we can,” Bays said.

Bays said the food prices are still being tweaked, but he plans on offering salads for around $5 - $7, and entrées range from around $11 - $15, with appetizers falling in between.

The menu itself is still being finalized, but some items, such as the “Bastard Banh Mi” – a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich with lemon chicken, pickled vegetables and chillies on grilled bread – are essentially finalized.

Vegetarian items are included as well, and Bays said it was important to build them from scratch, not just have them as an afterthought.

“These are vegetarian and vegan meals,” he said. “They’re more than just a side of vegetables.”

One of the vegetarian items is the “Earth Burger,” which has beans, rice, almonds, carrots, zucchini, onions and a goat cheese spread on an egg bun.

Brunch – including a Bloody Mary bar – will be held Saturdays and Sundays starting Feb. 18.

Nurge said house cocktails will be about $7, and well drinks such as a gin and tonic will be $4.

Currently, the restaurant is waiting on its liquor license, but all draft beers will be California brews.

“The ABC doesn’t tell businesses when they will get their licenses, but we’re hoping it’s soon,” he said.

“Everything we’re doing is simplified, but with high-quality ingredients,” Nurge said.

The theme of simplification is carried through with the décor of the restaurant, which is markedly different from Red Lotus, but those familiar with the former business will notice some of the same features, including the circular bar inside the doorway and the back patio.

“We were looking at the space, and a lot of it was really nice,” Nurge said. “On the patio, we took out the bamboo, and we really liked what we had left.”

The back patio is an all-weather patio with a roof, gas heaters for the winter and water misters for the summer. A front patio also runs along J Street, and Nurge said the whole restaurant can hold about 150 people comfortably.

One facet of the restaurant that pertains more to the approximately 30 employees than customers is a monetary incentive. A percentage of the restaurant’s profits will be doled out to the workers each quarter, and they will share in the profitability of the business.

“We open the books to them, and they can see exactly how we’re doing financially,” Nurge said. “It’s absolutely transparent, and we want them to feel like they’re more than just workers. We want them to feel like they’re a part of our success, because they are.”

The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar is located at 2718 J St. It is scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday through Thursday, until 2 a.m. on weekends, Nurge said. When brunch begins later this month, the restaurant will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For now until Thursday, it will open at 6 p.m., and then will follow normal business hours.

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

"Where We're Born" - Solid Ensemble Brings Big Talent to Small Space

2012-02-06T03:57:09Z

Where we’re born is more than a location, it’s part of who we are.

Where We’re Born, the stage play by Lucy Thurber, is a strikingly simple and honest look at a young woman’s struggle with life change, the desire to and difficulty of leaving the comfort of your home and history—however hurtful it may have been. It is not a story, but a more like a series of snapshots taken during the course of a few days when the relationships and potentially, lives of three people are forever altered.

The catalyst for all of this is Lilly (Jessicah Neufeld), on a quasi-vacation from college. She arrives back in the small Western Massachusetts hill town she calls home just as a domestic crisis is unfolding between her cousin, Tony, (Brian Harrower) and his girlfriend, Franky (Kelley Ogden), but rather than creating a welcome diversion, she unleashes unexpected drama of her own.

The cast of five, under the direction of Lisa Thew, gives solid individual performances, as well as performing keenly and comfortably as an ensemble.

Harrower gives an especially subtle, but emotional and compelling interpretation of Tony, a guy who spends most of his time drinking beer, smoking pot, playing pool, and listening to rock and roll with his best buddies, but also has a deep-seated need to keep all of the women in his life happy.

David Chernyavsky and John Gregory Young round out the cast as Tony’s ever-present pals.

Ooley’s is a little-known theater, intimate, but more than adequate. KOLT Run Creations makes good use of the space, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Even the concessions are notable, provided by Num Nums, homemade for each performance and chosen specifically for each show. (Lime mini-cupcakes: To. Die. For.)

Having just seen another local show earlier in the week, it was impossible not to compare and contrast the quality of the productions. The lead actress in the previous show tripped over numerous lines (more than a week into the run) and--along with others in the cast--over the area rug that kept flipping up throughout the show.

Not fatal mistakes, but distracting flaws.

When the lights came up at the end of Where We’re Born, my guest and I turned to each other and marveled that two hours had already passed.

That’s a rare and excellent entertainment experience.

If only there’d been more people there to share it.

Where We’re Born, February 3rd-26th. Ooley Theater, 2007 28th Street (near T Street). Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays, February 19th and 26th at 2 PM. koltruncreations.com or (916) 454-1500. This production contains adult content.

Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving

2012-02-05T20:08:43Z

Posted by cyd evans

I saw an officer talking on a cell phone while driving a marked car yesterday. Don’t the same rules apply to police officers as the general public regarding only using hands free devices?

Dear cyd evans,

Police officers are to abide by the same rules of the road as citizens. However, there are some exceptions to these rules – for instance, when talking on a cell phone while driving, California Vehicle Code Section 23123 (d). This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties. This translates to, if the officer is using the phone for official business then this law applies. If they are talking to their spouse about non-police business for example, then they are in the wrong.

Police do a lot of business on their cell phones, and our cars are like our offices. We use the computers and cell phones for every call for service. We coordinate with other units, with dispatch, records, get additional information from victims, talk to citizens, Deputy District Attorneys, supervisors, and coordinate with outside agencies all on the cell phone. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Co-op eyes new grocery store location

2012-02-01T01:45:33Z

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op is looking at the possibility of moving its store from the current site at 1900 Alhambra Blvd. to a larger location with more than double the parking at the block that borders R, S, 28th and 29th streets ~~24th and S streets~~ .

Members will vote on the potential move toward the end of March or early April, and if approved, the new store could open in 2014, said Wendy Hoyt, an urban planer who works for the new site’s developer, Separovich/Domich Real Estate Development. Ravel Rasmussen Properties is also part of the development team.

Co-op General Manager Paul Cultrera said Tuesday that the proposed move would be advantageous for a number of reasons.

“Our current site is too small, the retail space is cramped and parking is inadequate,” he said. “I’ve been talking about this for a number of years.”

He added that the co-op board and management began seriously looking for a new site about two and a half years ago, and they wanted it to be close to the current store and have more parking.

“Parking is a major complaint we get from our customers,” Cultrera said. “We have 56 spaces for about 2,800 customers coming in every day.”

If approved, the new site will include 61 parking spaces in front of the store and another 55 on the ground floor of a four-story parking garage. Currently, the site is a parking lot, and for the building to be constructed, will need to be moved, as they are used by state workers. The other three floors of the garage would be for them, but open to co-op shoppers on nights and weekends.

The store itself will be able to carry more products, and Cultrera said more space would be added to adequately stock them, though not likely bring in entirely new product lines.

“We certainly could expand the produce market,” he said. “We’d like to feature more local farmers.”

Other areas for expansion include the cheese department and, most notably, the meat department, which was added about five or six years ago.

“The deli is also very busy, and when it was laid out 14 years ago, it was doing $20,000 per week in sales. Now it’s doing about $50,000,” Cultrera said, adding that all the deli products are produced in a small kitchen behind the deli area, and a larger one is needed to keep up with demand.

Another asset to the proposed new space would be consolidating the co-op’s five buildings into one, allowing management offices, administrative departments, the learning center and the grocery store to all be together.

Hoyt said the administrative portion would be on a second-floor mezzanine, and the overall retail space would – under the current preliminary plans – grow about 38 percent from 16,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet. The total building will be about 40,000 square feet.

The developers are planning to spend approximately $15 million up front, and the co-op will spend an additional $6 million on improvements such as refrigeration units, and will then sign a long-term lease for the building, Hoyt said.

~~The total project cost is estimated to be about $15 million, Hoyt said, meaning it will have to be approved by the co-op’s membership.~~

Since the money needed to be borrowed is more than the company’s net worth, co-op members will need to OK it with a simple majority.

Cultrera said that members – who are also owners – will vote on a ballot that will be sent out to the entire membership.

Hoyt said informational meetings will be held with the members and the neighbors starting in March.

The move will not be the first for the co-op, which had its first major store on Freeport Boulevard and moved to the current location in the late 1980s. A second store opened in Elk Grove in 2005, but it shut down in early 2007.

If the membership approves the move to the new site, Cultrera said, the building will be done as sustainably as possibly, but it is not likely that the co-op will seek certification by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

“Everyone knows the standards, and we want to build it to meet the standards, but the certification is $70,000 or $80,000,” he said.

The former Elk Grove store was built to be energy efficient, and the electric bills were about 50 percent less per cubic foot than the current co-op site, Cultrera said.

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

Editorial Note: Corrections were made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information was struck out and the correct information added.

Stuck In The Middle

2012-01-31T21:15:09Z

Recently there have been many restaurants closing in Sacramento for different reasons, most due to the down economy. Somewhat new to the scene is Blue Prynt Restaurant and Bar located at 815 11th street in the downtown area of Sacramento. Blue Prynt occupies the space formerly known as Sofia, one of the culinary casualties of our area. While this restaurant has its own entrance it is unfortunately connected to a Best Western Motel.

Upon entering I was excited to see the grand transformation that had taken place. I noticed new paint, furniture and light fixtures. The carpets seemed the same but I could be mistaken. I don’t judge restaurants by how beautiful or tacky they look (not 100% anyway), I take into account food and service.

Upon peering over the menu I thought I might start with an appetizer but the section consisted of five items. I was looking at things like shrimp cocktail and calamari which honestly bored me to tears and frankly seems somewhat lazy. Don’t get me wrong, I like shrimp cocktail, I like calamari, but in order for items like these to stand out there has to be something with an essence of culinary creativity in the menu item description. Horseradish and cocktail sauce can only be so good.

Moving on to the entrees - things looked promising. Items like quail stuffed with a chorizo chicken mousse and king salmon with basmati and wild rice pilaf gave me hope. My guest and I both ended up ordering the special which was a steak sandwich with mushrooms and feta cheese. I asked our server Hannah if the kitchen was asking for temperatures for the steak. When she told me no temps were being taken I asked how the steak was cooked and was told it would be somewhere in the neighborhood of medium. When we got the sandwiches the mushroom and cheese went nicely with the steak but the meat was cooked to a disappointing medium well to well done.

I will go back and visit Blue Prynt again on a weekend for dinner to see how the experience is. If there is a significant difference complete with wow factor I will post an actual review of the restaurant. At this point what I see is a tremendous opportunity being missed by a restaurant which I feel has the potential to do great things.

As a place that moved into the space of a former restaurant which was somewhat dated I would think the owners at Blue Prynt would want to work hard to make people forget about what was there and died. I think Sacramento as a whole has too many restaurants in the realm of being just okay. With expendable income being limited these days for many people, dining out has become an amenity. Our community will only frequent eateries that leave a strong and positive impression. Whether the impact is made on the food or service side, it still needs to be there. Restaurants need to treat every day as if everything is at stake because quite frankly it is. Those who do not make their mark and stand out with an impressive and more importantly consistent product are doomed to fail. This is the part of my article where I cut it short. I could easily go on and describe everything not being done at Blue Prynt. The fact is I would just be reapeating myself and at some point be perceived as being unnessesarily cruel and anyone who has read my articles will tell you I am nothing if not fair.

Andy Soto

Mikuni celebrates 25 years

2012-01-26T01:12:52Z

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar will celebrate a quarter century in business May 15, and co-owner Taro Arai said that after the touch-and-go nature of the first five years, the business has come a long way.

“The first five years, the more we worked, the more money we lost,” he said. “I still cannot believe it’s been 25 years. We’re so lucky to have all the support we’ve had.”

Now with nine restaurants in the greater Sacramento area, Arai said the business will be expanding in 2012, and while more brick-and-mortar restaurants are likely in store, the next thing people will see is a food truck.

There is no set timeline for rolling out the food truck yet, but Arai said he and his family have already started shopping for a truck.

“If it takes a year, I’ll be pretty upset,” he said.

“We’re working on the menu,” he added. “That’s the exciting part. I think we’re going to change the menu every week to see what people want and what works out there.”

Fitting the menu to be something the customers want and come back for has been key to staying in business for the past 25 years, he added.

When the first restaurant opened in Fair Oaks in 1987, it was due to a miracle, Arai said.

Working in a family member’s Japanese restaurant, Arai’s father was approached by a man who asked for his bank account information. Trusting the man, Arai’s father gave him the information.

A few days later, $300,000 was deposited into the account, and the man said to pay it back whenever it was possible.

“He gave us a no-contract loan,” Arai said Wednesday. “It was crazy.”

That loan enabled the family to open Mikuni, which translates as “kingdom of God.” The family planned to feature sushi, but there was one problem – Arai didn’t know how to make sushi. To remedy that, his father sent him to the bookstore.

“I needed, like, ‘Making Sushi for Dummies,’ ” he said with a laugh. “I learned how to do it, and we kept making new rolls for the people. My father told us to never stop making new rolls.”

Starting as a family of five who arrived from Japan with little more than a dream and the earnings from Arai’s paper route, there are now 17 family members involved in the restaurant, with Arai’s four children working during the summers and for special events.

“Its nice that it’s still a family business,” he said.

Despite success, the restaurant was not immune to the financial troubles brought about during the recession.

“We did struggle from 2007-2009,” Arai said. “My brother-in-law took over as CEO, and he’s just turned everything around, and we’re coming back strong now. He’s done a great job, and my brother is executive chef, and my sister is working in marketing.”

The Sacramento restaurant, located at 1530 J St., was part of the revitalization of the area when it was developed in 2003, said Downtown Sacramento Partnership spokeswoman Lisa Martinez.

“That was a historic renovation of a building that was not the best site before then,” Martinez said Wednesday. “Mikuni and P.F. Chang’s moved in, and it was kind of a turning point for the district. That year and the following year saw a big transformation in a lot of places downtown, and they were on the cutting edge.”

Martinez added that since the restaurant is on the border of downtown and Midtown, it helped create a bridge between the two districts and aided in making the area become more pedestrian-friendly.

“It’s been nine or 10 years since that development, and now downtown is known as a great location to go out and eat,” Martinez said. “Downtown really is the hub, and I think Mikuni and that development really strengthened the district.”

Arai said that being in business to make money is important for the 650 employees and their families, but it isn’t the end goal for the company.

“We’re committed to give back,” he said. “We’ve just reached $1 million in donations to breast cancer research, and we want to make a difference. We want to continue to help the charities in town. That’s another goal we have, and we keep pushing it.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, Mikuni is having contests and promotions that include a trip for two to Las Vegas, and someone will win a Honda Fit. For more information, click here.

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

NAG meeting tackles big issues

2012-01-24T21:44:11Z

Area 1 Neighborhood Advisory Group members cautiously welcomed the new leader of the Midtown Business Association Monday evening at their monthly meeting and took the opportunity to express their frustrations with the organization.

About 40 residents, business leaders and presenters attended the meeting – a high turnout, according to Bill Burgua, attendee.

Elizabeth Studebaker, the new executive director of the Midtown Business Association, said her first focus is on trash removal, and that aggressive changes will be made. She also addressed concerns about the growing number of bars and restaurants in Midtown.

“There’s a very strong perception that the neighborhood has been taken over by the hospitality industry,” said Burgua. “You are up against a really dim view from the people in the neighborhood.”

Studebaker said she’ll work hard to repair the relationship between residents and the MBA, but she asked for time and assistance from the community.

She also announced the search for a maintenance manager to oversee the removal of trash, graffiti and the overall appearance of the business district.

In regard to the proliferation of liquor providers in the area, Studebaker said she’s in search of a healthy balance of businesses, with a focus on small businesses.

“MBA can’t decide who opens a business here, but we can be a communication tool,” Studebaker said.

David Brent, interim director of the city’s Department of Utilities, presented proposed increases to water and waste water rates. The increases would fund a program to replace or rehabilitate the aging infrastructure.

The water treatment plant on the Sacramento river is operating with the original pumps from 1920. Many miles of pipeline are more than 100 years old and are in danger of failure, Brent said. He added that it’s a necessary investment to avoid the risk of flooded houses, closed businesses and sewage backups.

“All our lives, we’ve turned on the water or flushed the toilet without any thought as to how it gets there or where it goes,” Brent said.

The proposal included a 10 percent increase for each of the next three years to unmetered water rates, and an average 15 percent increase to waste water rates. The total increase would add approximately $20 to the average customer’s bill each month by the final increase in 2014, according to Brent’s proposal.

The proposal goes to the City Council on Feb. 21.

Sacramento Police Department Lt. Bill Champion and Norm Colby with the Department of Transportation addressed the growing incidences of copper theft around Sacramento. Some of the hardest-hit targets have been street lights, traffic signals and parks.

“For every foot we put in, they pull out three,” Colby said.

Champion and Colby asked residents to be vigilant and to contact police if people are seen in electrical boxes that don’t seem like they belong. Also, the public should note any missing access covers, as they likely indicate a theft has occurred.

Colby said he’s working to replace the current electrical access covers with locking lids. So far, 400-500 have been purchased, but with 80,000 lids in Sacramento, it is a long, expensive project.

The cost to replace the missing copper is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Champion said cameras have been set up to catch thieves, but a better way to tackle the problem is with recyclers and scrap metal dealers.

“If they have nowhere to take it to sell, it becomes worthless,” Champion said, adding that dealers should be required to check identifications and take thumbprints from sellers.

Central city parking was addressed by Greg Sandlund, associate planner with the city of Sacramento. Sandlund said efforts are being made to modernize parking requirements for new businesses and housing developments. He said his office is looking to provide alternative, smarter ways to provide more parking in the neighborhood, such as scooter or bike parking.

Residents voiced frustrations about the current parking situation and said the city needs to incentivize business owners to share private parking, particularly at night when many lots sit empty.

“Old neighborhoods are dense, and this creates an issue where residents at night can’t get anywhere near our houses,” said Karen Jacques, member of NAG. “It’s a convenience issue and a safety issue.”

Teresa Jackson, with the Department of Parks and Recreation, presented proposed changes to the ordinances that govern special events. Jackson said current codes haven’t been updated since 1995, and the Special Event Ordinance Committee was formed to streamline the process.

The committee is a collection of business owners, event planners and neighborhood representatives.

The proposed updates will make it easier for event planners to understand the “do’s and don’ts” in Sacramento.

Among the changes is a proposal to increase the time needed to file an application from 20 days before the event to 60 days, a process that will allow for better community notification, Jackson said.

The decibel level of special events was also addressed. The acceptable levels would be increased, but the Special Event Ordinance Committee wants to require event planners to pay for an event attendant to monitor sound, Jackson said. She added that police officers now carry decibel meters, and planners will be fined if city resources are used to close down an event.

The next agenda committee meeting will take place on Feb. 6, and the next general NAG meeting will be Feb. 21. Meetings are usually held at the Hart Senior Center, located at 915 27th St.

Creativity Revived

2012-01-21T01:04:05Z

Growing up, sometimes we forget to exercise our creative activities. For some, our creative drive dies right along with the hand-me-down car from Grandma senior year in high school. Sometimes our creative energy is put on the backburner as stresses and responsibilities of being an adult such as finding a job, keeping a job, paying bills, the mortgage and providing for our families take over… or our creative energy fades away completely.

Here in Sacramento, we love each other. We support each other. Seriously, we do. Just stop for a moment and think back on how many creative projects, ideas and businesses that have thrived in the last decade or so. Regardless if the doors of any of these ideas or businesses are still open or not, the point is... they made it happen. There is no denying the inspiration of such creative ventures have spread faster than a California wildfire during a dry, hot heat wave.

The latest album you’ve had on repeat is your best friend’s band. The last film you watched was your boyfriend’s short film that was screened at the local art collective spot. The earrings you are wearing are handmade from a local designer bought from the boutique your neighbor owns. Within the last few years Sacramento has built a pretty comfortable and welcoming cushion for the our creative class to fall on.

We were fortunate enough to have events like SellOut/Buyout, which was a combined art and trade show that called for local artists and designers. For some, Sellout/Buyout was how we were introduced to many of our favorite local designers and artists today. Annually, Sacramento hosts Launch, an art, design and music festival. Launch highlights some of the most talked about local artists, musicians and designers. Both events like Sellout/Buyout and Launch were opportunities for artists of any avenue to showcase their creative pursuits and network with like-minded people.

Julie Cassotta, 29, a Sacramento native who recently discovered her talent and love for handcrafting jewelry, recently said goodbye to an 8-5 office job to pursue more satisfying opportunities. She admits she used to do a great deal of creative writing when she was younger that she no longer does. She is also a graduate from the Elite Academy pursuing hair and makeup, but hasn’t been using those skills as much as she would like to these days.

For the last 14 years Julie has learned the art of repairing and building custom guitars at her family owned shop, SonFather Guitars, alongside her brother, Jesse and her Father, Dave. All those years working intensely with her hands has acquired her precise skills that have helped her with her jewelry designs, as she works towards a collection of hand crafted one of a kind pieces of jewelry that includes a bevy of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.

For Julie, what started out as a creative hobby for herself now has her pieces for sale at Bows and Arrows Vintage clothing store in midtown Sacramento as well as her Etsy online shop, Real Life Dollhouse.

Julie's pieces are reconstructed, mixing different types of materials together such as vintage charms with modern, and she has taken the time to share some information in the interview below regarding her new jewelry designing success, and how it has revived the creativity back into her life.

Question: What inspired you to start designing jewelry?

Answer: Initially, I was frustrated with buying cheap jewelry that fell apart and not being able to afford some of the rad jewelry that I was seeing online and whatnot. I started remaking pieces that had broken or lost parts or were out of date, etc. Then one day I was looking for a lion necklace and couldn't find what I was looking for so I decided to use my inlay knowledge and make something myself. A light bulb kind of went off in my head and it just took off from there.

Question: When did you realize your creative endeavors could become more than a hobby?

Answer: I started posting some of the pieces I had made on my blog and had received great responses. I figured it was time to take it seriously and put together a collection and start an Etsy store.

Question: You know you've found the perfect material to incorporate into one of your pieces when...........

Answer: …… I find something interesting or just catches my eye really. If there's something I'm looking for but can't find, I'll try to make it myself.

Question: Do you have a plan of attack when you start creating pieces such as sketching ideas or do you just dive into it?

Answer: Both really. Sometimes I have a clear vision of what I want to make and other times, more often actually, I just look around at what I have and start piecing things together. Especially when working with natural materials like stone and wood, sometimes they have a mind of their own and will only let me manipulate them so much.

Question: You also repair guitars at your family owned custom guitar shop, SonFather Guitar. Explain how working there has influenced or helped your jewelry design?

Answer: Well, I've been working with wood from a very young age because of the shop and my father being a woodworker. The inlay aspect of guitar building has always been an interest of mine and has become a skill I have developed and specialized in for over 10 years now. The influence it has had on the jewelry is very literal and apparent, I basically use the same materials, mostly scraps or samples that we've had lying around for years. I started with the lion piece that I made for myself, then I started making similar ones for friends then I just kind of developed a "let's see what else I can do" mentality about it.

Question: Your Soapstone, Heartbeat Wooden Double Finger and Ebony and Turquoise statement rings are featured in your Etsy Shop. All very unique, and obviously hand crafted. Tell us about the work that goes into those pieces compared your reconstructed pieces.

Answer: The wood and stone work is definitely more unique and personal. A lot more work is involved. It takes time and planning, templates, samples, test runs, etc. The reconstructed pieces are simpler, easier, the kind of thing I put together sitting on the floor in my living room watching a movie. Those are more about having a good collection of interesting items to work together.

Question: Do you favor making one style of jewelry over another?

Answer: I love both really, the ones that I wear the most myself are the reconstructed ones, they're a little bit more casual, easy to wear with many different things. The statement pieces have to wait for the right occasion but they're more challenging for me to make so I take a bit more pride in those pieces.

Question: Do you have a favorite local designer(s) that createhandmade items? ( jewelry, clothes, accessories, etc.)

Answer: I have a friend in San Diego, Georgina of Trevino Joyeria, who makes fantastic jewelry. Also, Tessa Parks has been making some really rad stuff lately, although I'm not sure if she has any for sale yet.

Question: What direction do you see your jewelry designs going?

Answer: I honestly have no idea, I'm inspired by all kinds of things all the time, I think it will always be changing and evolving. I'd like to learn how to do some metal work, so maybe things will go that direction? I don't know. I'm not much of a planner. I just do things and see what happens.

Hopefully for some of you who have shelved your canvases in the depths of your closet or let dust collect on your camera in the recent years, remember why you had those items in your pocession in the first place. Make time for your long lost creative activity or try a new one you never imagined you had in you. Who's next, Sacramento?

'Alley house' to open for neighbors Friday

2012-01-19T02:05:51Z

The architect and owners of a new house on Blues Alley between 22nd and 23rd streets are looking to bring the controversy surrounding its construction full circle, inviting neighbors to an open house Friday.

Originally proposed as a three-story, 2,400-square-foot building, the house, went through a series of design reviews, eventually getting to the City Council.

The house features a contemporary style and materials including corten steel – an alloy that gives a rusted look without damaging its structural integrity –

Sacramento Press Community Contributor Deb Belt wrote about the controversy surrounding the project, which sparked a flurry of comments on both sides of the issue. Read that article and the conversation by clicking here.

Neighbors who were unhappy with the project in their neighborhood of historical buildings brought the issue to the City Council despite the fact that it met all building codes and had been previously approved, said Architect Stephen Henry.

According to a city report, 10 neighbors spoke at the Sept. 16, 2010, Design Commission meeting, with seven opposed and three in favor of the project.

The report states that residents were concerned that the three-story building was out of scale with the one- and two-story buildings nearby, it didn’t fit the aesthetic context of the area and it was “detrimental to the privacy of the adjacent neighbors.”

Neighbors in favor of the project said that it brought welcome security to the area, which was previously vacant and had security issues.

Last February, the City Council directed the homebuilders to redesign the project, a process Belt – who is married to Henry – discussed in a subsequent article.

“They basically said that the building could be three stories tall if it was redesigned, or it could be two stories tall if it’s in the contemporary style,” Henry said. “That really speaks volumes to what the real issue is.”

The builders opted for a two-story home, bringing the square footage down about 600-650 to a total of 1,750-1,800 square feet.

Much of what can be seen of the home from nearby streets is the blue-painted siding, but driving by it on the alley shows the modern rusted steel alloy facade. Opposite the house is a concrete block wall that houses a plumbing company, Henry said.

“It’s kind of a transitional zone of the neighborhood,” Henry added.

With the house nearing completion, Henry said the open house is to invite nearby residents to see the end result. It will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. Friday.

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

Local businesses collaborate on coffee-infused beer

2012-01-19T02:02:34Z

A small-batch, coffee-infused India pale ale is the result of the collaboration of Old Soul Co. and Rubicon Brewing Company. The month it’s spent on the taps at both businesses has brought good reviews, the business owners said.

“We’ve done coffee beers before, but they tended to be darker beers – the stouts and the porters,” said Rubicon Brewing Company Brewer Aldred Griffin. “We almost scoffed at the idea of doing an IPA, but after trying it the first time, it surprised us, and it was really pleasing.”

Griffin said the bitterness and hops in the IPA complemented the roastiness of the coffee.

Old Soul Co. co-owner Tim Jordan said the coffee used in the beer is Ethiopian Beloya, which is one of the rare reserve coffees.

Griffin agreed, saying, “It’s almost kind of a trick when you’re drinking it and smelling these aromas and seeing the color not really matching up with what you’re drinking.”

“We cold-brewed it, and we picked it because it had a little bit of floral character we thought would complement the hops,” Jordan said. “We’ll do this IPA as long as it makes sense for them to have time to do it in their fermenting tanks.”

He said the beer has a little bit of richness to it. The scent of coffee gives the drinker the impression of a sense of warmth inside.

The beer is offered at Rubicon and the Old Soul locations with beer taps: Weatherstone at 812 21st St. and 40 Acres at 3434 Broadway.

A pint runs $4.50, and Jordan said Old Soul pours legitimate 16-oz pints.

“We’re a cafe and coffeehouse first and foremost,” he said. “We’re not trying to make a bunch of money off alcohol. We like to carry artisanal and craft brews.”

Rubicon Brewing Company owner Glynn Phillips said he enjoys working with Old Soul Co.

“They are a great account of ours that has a very local spin on it,” he said. “We buy a fair amount of their coffee and serve it here at Rubicon. I like the way they run their business.”

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

KOLT Run Creations Celebrates Their First Season

2012-01-16T17:19:12Z

Every beginning writer at one time or another has been admonished to “Show me, not tell me,” by a mentor or instructor.

If last night’s Revelations 2012 is any indication, theater companies would be wise to follow the example of KOLT Run Creations and take the same advice to heart.

Revelations 2012 was a party, a preview, and review, all in a tidy little two-hour time frame. It was a chance for patrons and potentials patrons to appreciate past productions and sneak a peek at what’s ahead in the season to come.

Actors from past seasons and the upcoming shows were on hand to present a forty-five minute performance of short scenes that did a brilliant job of showing the flavor of the company in the past and the direction it will be going with the next three productions. Very clever. It helps that KOLT, as intimate as their productions are, always manage to secure some of the most accomplished actors in the area.

Show us, don’t just tell us.

Also on hand was a gold buyer, so, theoretically, one might have raised the money for a season subscription right then and there—pretty savvy, huh?

There were snacks and desserts from Num Nums, a catering company whose sole mission is to provide concessions for independent theater.

Raffle prizes were handed out.

It was fun.

Perhaps interest in local theater would increase if more people experienced the fun component.

Kudos to Kelley Ogden and Lisa Thew of KOLT Run Creations for taking that first shot!

KOLT Run Creations will present Where We’re Born by Lucy Thurber at Ooley Theater, February 1-26th. Tickets and more information about the entire season can be found at koltruncreations.com or (916) 454-1500

Lewis Black In Sac

2012-01-15T20:48:12Z

Lewis Black had high expectations for the 21st Century. They have not come anywhere close to being met, and he is not amused.

He is, however, quite amusing.

Although he claims to be disappointed by the direction the world is taking, he also admits to being swept up in the inevitable pull of progress. He started a web site; every performer needs a web site. But then he found out he needed a Facebook page to promote his web site!

It all came to a head when one morning he woke up after a drunk and discovered he was now on Twitter!

All this, he laments, and not a single flying car.

Not what he had hoped for at all.

The Community Center Theater was respectably full on Saturday night when first John Bowman and then headliner Lewis Black took the stage.

Bowman did about 45 minutes, focused mainly on the travails of touring: lesbians in New Hampshire, being bored in Biloxi, and perils of pooping on the tour bus.

Black took the stage at nine, revved up and ready to rant.

His signature finger shaking singled out the shame of the 21st Century, the onset of adult ADD due to a surplus of electronic technology, and his confusion over why anyone would want to “keep up with the Kardashians.”

The last 30 minutes of the 80-minute set were devoted to politics.

Black scolded audience members for being members of the Republican Party—or the Democratic Party. He blamed them for supporting anything that was happening in Washington. He assured all of the Republicans that President Obama is not a Socialist, because, he, Lewis Black, is a Socialist, and he would know. He said there are too few of them to take over the country and most of their leaders are in cemeteries, so not to worry.

There were times he looked as if he was having a seizure.

Clearly, he was in his element.

At the opening of the show, Black cautioned the audience that, “Humor is not the best medicine; medicine is the best medicine,” and advised not to howl through an illness, but to see a real doctor!

I certainly wouldn’t argue with that that.

On the other hand, I think everyone in the audience felt a lot better after the show than they did before the show.

There’s something to be said for humor done well.

J Street Yummy Yogurt Cafe on hiatus

2012-01-14T00:06:57Z

The Yummy Yogurt Cafe at 19th and J streets closed Dec. 1, and though it was expected to reopen by the end of the year, owner Jason Yee said it will remain in hiatus for a while longer.

“Right now, we’re working on a new plan, and we just really haven’t gotten to the point to expose the plan yet,” Yee said Thursday, adding that he is still looking for ideas or anyone who wants to partner with him for a new concept.

The idea is to have the space up and running again in a couple of months.

Yee said he didn’t shut down the space because of lack of sales, but because he wants to revamp the store itself to provide something more than frozen yogurt.

“It’s a great location, and that’s part of why we decided to close,” he said. “The location is great, so we want something greater in there. We want something more unique.”

The original Yummy Yogurt Cafe in Westfield Downtown Plaza remains open, and there are no plans to close it, Yee said.

Groundbreaking for new mixed-use development in Midtown

2012-01-13T01:49:29Z

Ground broke on a new mixed-use retail and residential development in Midtown Thursday, and work is set to be complete on two vacant former state lots at 16th and O streets by mid-2013.

“We’re going to get 84 market-rate apartments, 13,000 square feet of retail, and we’re going to have another chunk of Sacramento with a nice infill, pedestrian-friendly development,” said City Councilman Rob Fong, whose district contains most of downtown and Midtown. “It’s the kind of live-work space that really is a nice fit for the city.”

The project – with one four-story and one five-story, mission-style building – is a partnership between the Capitol Area Development Authority – a joint powers group between the state and city formed in 1978 – Ravel Rasmussen Properties and Separovich/Domich Real Estate Development.

The approximately $24 million project includes $1.5 million in funding from CADA, which also provided the two lots. The developers brought in $5 million and financed another $17 million, said Scott Rasmussen of Ravel Rasmussen Properties.

“We’re hoping to get some small public improvement grant money from SMUD as well,” he said.

Across the street from the Fremont Building and a few blocks away from Fremont Park and the popular restaurant Hot Italian, Rasmussen said the location is a prime spot.

“It’s a dynamic location, and it may be kind of the new center for downtown and Midtown,” he said.

The 84 apartments are expected to rent for between $1,200 and $1,500 and will be one- or two-bedroom units. The 13,000 square feet of retail space will likely house between five or six tenants, Rasmussen added.

Rasmussen declined to comment on the nature of the tenants, saying that while some outreach to businesses has been made, it is too early to speculate on which ones will eventually be a part of the project.

“I hear one of the retail users is going to be some sort of restaurant with patio dining,” Fong said, adding that it’s too early in the process for specifics.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui was in attendance at the groundbreaking, saying the project shows progress for the city.

“It shows that we’re doing things in Sacramento, and we know that we’ve had a hard time, but things are getting better slowly,” Matsui said. “It’s going to provide a livability and a sense of community.”

She added that the new plan in urban development – reverting to plans from a century ago – is to make living and working space that is walkable and easily accessible to bicycles.

“I think that by next year, we’ll find real progress,” Matsui said. “People (will be) walking around and enjoying themselves here. That’s the goal.”

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

How do bookstores survive in the digital age?

2012-01-12T04:44:15Z

From increasing availability of digital content to online shopping and a still-sluggish economy, independent bookstores are finding it harder to survive. The Sacramento Press checked out three central city bookstores to see what is working for them.

When Borders Books and More closed last year, emails to the store’s Borders Rewards members cited surges in electronic readers as one of the major reason’s for the bookstore giant’s collapse. Locally, Newsbeat – a Midtown indie newsstand – shut down in November, with the owner pointing to the availability of digital content.

Beers Books, The Book Collector and Time Tested Books – all located within the grid from 24th and J streets to Ninth and S streets – emphasize selling used books.

“We buy and sell as many used books as possible,” said Bill Senecal, manager of Beers Books, located at 915 S St. “We haven’t focused on new books in a long time.”

What new books are sold at Beers are typically ones that are sought after or popular new releases, but 90 percent of the store’s sales come from used titles.

Peter Keat, owner of Time Tested Books, located at 1114 21st St., said that while he sells some used books, the secondhand books give him and his staff greater control on pricing.

“Given the fact that people price check on Amazon.com and other Internet sites, we really have to be pretty careful with our cost and the price of our books,” he said.

Sales have been steady for the past year at Time Tested Books, but Keat said that translates more to “hanging in there” than prospering.

While Beers Books and Time Tested Books carry a mix of new and used, The Book Collector, located at 1008 24th St., only carries new books when they’re from local authors and poets.

“Our focus is still on being an inexpensive, general-use bookstore,” said owner Richard Hansen. “We sell used books and focus on the overall pricing to stay competitive.”

Hansen said the main goal in staying competitive with discount online or secondhand booksellers is to price books to compete with the cost of the title and the shipping.

“People will buy a book for 99 cents and then pay $3.99 in shipping from Amazon,” he said. “The sellers are making their money on the shipping, since it only costs them $1.50, but it’s still costing the buyer $5 to get it to their door.”

Senecal, Keat and Hansen all said the reason they don’t focus on new books is because they can’t compete with nationwide chains, but nationwide bookstores aren’t the biggest reason.

“The big box stores will kill you,” Senecal said. “You’re up against Costco, Target and Walmart.”

Hansen said the markup on new books is so slight that it makes it impossible to compete with the larger stores, which can often negotiate better deals with publishers by buying in bulk.

Each store has its own strategy for staying relevant and profitable in an era dominated by digital media.

“For us, it’s partially the mix of books that we have and the level of customer service we provide, and also the general atmosphere with high ceilings and a lot of light,” said Keat of Time Tested Books.

Keat said one of the strategies Time Tested Books uses is searching for books that customers are looking for, even if it means buying them online.

“It’s a matter of getting what the customer wants in terms of condition and the proper edition,” Keat said, pointing out that online sellers might have a different idea of what “excellent condition” means than a reader.

“We assume the risk for the customer if they aren’t happy with it,” Keat said. “That means they’re not stuck with something they don’t want.”

Keat also hosts regular events, such as author appearances and book signings.

Beers Books keeps customers coming back with competitive prices, a high turnover rate of books and weekly sales – including storewide sales during every Second Saturday Art Walk.

“I think the wide variety of merchandise is really important,” Senecal said. “Some people come back every few days to see what’s new, and also, not every book is on Kindle (and other e-readers).”

Senecal, of Beers Books, and Hansen, of The Book Collector, also mentioned the bookstore’s role in being a place for the “serendipitous find” that only a bookstore can offer.

“When you go to a bookstore, you get the experience of browsing,” Hansen said. “You see things you otherwise wouldn’t look for, and you find new authors that way.”

Hansen said he draws customers into the store with books out front on sale for 25 cents or $1, and hosting events featuring local authors and poets are popular as well.

“We’re going to have a book art workshop here later this year,” Hansen said, adding that the bookstore is not just a place to sell books, but a venue for book-related events.

Another way the bookstores keep in business is by selling online through various outlets, including ABE Books.

All three booksellers mentioned that having a bookstore in an urban area is one of the key ways of keeping culture alive and allowing people easy access to an environment where they can leisurely peruse books, and all three mentioned that the number of bookstores is dwindling.

“It remains to be seen what will happen to the physical book,” Senecal said. “I hope there’s a place for the physical book in the future.”

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

Work finishes on The Porch

2012-01-11T01:28:25Z

The namesake of The Porch, a southern-style restaurant and bar that replaced Celestin’s Island Eats & Cajun Cuisine, is now finished.

Completed last week, the front patio area seats 16, and a back porch is planned, though construction likely won’t begin for at least a month, said Olivia Pinto, a host at The Porch.

The restaurant, located at 1815 K St., opened in December. To read more about the restaurant, click here.

Mongo Mongo Mongolian BBQ opens in Midtown

2012-01-10T06:52:12Z

Mongo Mongo Mongolian BBQ restaurant at 19th and J streets opened Saturday, and owner Jonathan Ng said he is pleased with the customer turnout.

“It’s been good, we’re really excited to be open,” Ng said Monday.

Much of the interior design still needs to be finished, Ng said, but getting the restaurant open and focusing on the food was the top priority.

“It’s kind of barren, but we’re working on it,” Ng said, adding that interior décor details are being worked out.

In order to keep the garage doors installed when the business was Garlic Shack – which shut down after only three months – Ng said a unique setup had to be made to meet health department regulations that stipulate the kitchen can’t be open-air.

Customers walk in along the left side of the restaurant, go through sliding glass doors and prepare their bowls for the chef. The chef then cooks the food on the Mongolian barbecue – a circular device originating from the shields used by Ghengis Khan’s army – and customers can go to their tables, to have the food delivered when it is completed.

Dinner bowls cost $10.95, and lunch bowls – weekdays until 4 p.m. – are $7.95. The restaurant takes cash only, but an ATM is inside.

The enclosed kitchen allows the garage doors to be opened when weather permits, and customers can sit on the patio once the furniture is installed.

Jenifer Estrada, a 20-year-old Sacramentan who works in retail, said Monday that she enjoyed the food, and it stacked up well against other Mongolian barbecue restaurants she has tried.

“It’s my first time here, and I really liked it,” she said. “The food was very good, and I hope they stay around longer than the last places that were here.”

Estrada said she had pork with noodles, vegetables and teriyaki sauce.

Another Sacramentan, 35-year-old construction worker and musician Chris Orozco, agreed with Estrada’s take on the restaurant.

“It’s pretty good, and I think the fact that they stay open late is nice,” he said, referencing the 3 a.m. closing time for Friday and Saturday nights.

“It’s fresh, and everything was crisp,” he added. “People need to make it out here and support the new local eateries.”

Mongo Mongo, located at 19th and J streets, is open from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Favorite sandwiches star in new food truck

2012-01-10T03:09:38Z

Coast to Coast Sandwiches – Sacramento’s newest food truck – brings what the owners say are some of their favorite sandwiches from across the country, including a South Philly cheesesteak and a Reuben.

Co-owners Robert Ramos and Sean Figueroa – not able to find an exact match of their favorite sandwiches from east of the Mississippi – decided they had a niche, and they looked to open a business.

Both graduated from culinary school, where they initially came up with the broad strokes of the Coast to Coast Sandwiches idea. Ramos was born in New York and lived in Florida, while Figueroa’s family is from Louisiana, and the Louisiana po’boy sandwich is his mother’s recipe.

“The Reubens here don’t compare to the ones in New York, and the cheesesteaks aren’t the real thing, not that we’ve found,” Ramos said. “We had both lived in different parts of the U.S. and loved the foods from those areas but could never find an exact match out here.”

Initially, the plan was to open a restaurant, but Ramos said lenders weren’t willing to take a chance on loaning money to a couple of chefs without restaurant ownership experience.

“I went four to five months looking for a location,” Ramos said. “It was pretty frustrating.”

Finally, the pair decided to focus on an idea that was originally an offshoot of the brick-and-mortar store: a food truck.

“We found a truck, went through the hurdles the city and county like to put in front of you, and in November, we started doing small engagements and gatherings,” Ramos said. “We started going out on the streets right before Christmas.”

As the name implies, the fare focuses on sandwiches. There are five types, and each is $7.

Sandwich types include a South Philly cheesesteak, Louisiana catfish po’boy, NorCal BLT, New York City pastrami and a Reuben.

The sandwiches are served on rolls or sliced breads, and both hot and cold options are offered.

Two sides are available – sweet potato fries and bacon macaroni and cheese – and a combo meal includes a sandwich, a side and a drink for $10.

“I really like the staff,” said Angela Marbay, a 42-year-old Sacramentan who is a manager for the state. “They’re very nice and personable.”

Marbay bought a Reuben sandwich on Monday near the DMV offices, saying that the quality of the food the first time the truck came by brought her back, and she is happy to have the food truck option in the area.

“The South Philly cheesesteak is really, really good, too,” she said. “I like when the food trucks come by, and I think people should support the small businesses.”

John Glaeser, a 48-year-old association manager from Sacramento, said Monday that he recently took an interest in local food trucks and wanted to try Coast to Coast Sandwiches.

“I like that you can get in and out fast at lunch,” he said.

Ramos said the ultimate goal is still to build a traditional restaurant, with a much-expanded menu.

“We don’t have the space on the truck to do everything we want to, and there’s a lot more we’d like to offer,” he said. “Right now, we’re hoping to build our brand, and the truck is a great moving billboard for it.”

The side of the truck is decorated with graphics of the Golden Gate Bridge meeting the Brooklyn Bridge above the Gateway Arch from St. Louis. Ramos said it shows some of the different parts of the country that the food comes from.

To keep up with Coast to Coast Sandwiches’ whereabouts, check its website, which has a schedule of appearances as well as a live Twitter feed.

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

Ask Officer Michelle - What To Do About a Friend Who's Using Drugs

2012-01-08T19:02:36Z

Posted by MartinM

Hi,I suspect that my friend Is using drugs,I am almost sure he is using some kind of drugs.Should I report him? After all I am not 100% sure,but he has had some problems before.

Thank you.

Dear MartinM,

It sounds like you have some concerns about your friend using drugs. You may be right. Have you discussed this with your friend? He may need help and police involvement may not be the best route. Your friend may need some intervention from friends and family. There are many drug and alcohol clinics in Sacramento and in the outlying region where your friend may seek help.

If your friend is selling drugs or furnishing the drugs to others, then you should call the police. Being under the influence of a narcotic or drug is a misdemeanor in this state. If they are operating a motor vehicle, or are involved in caring for children while under the influence, it could be a felony, especially if it your friend gets into an injury accident.

If your friend is on probation or parole, his agent should be notified. It is a violation of the conditions of the probation/parole if the subject uses illegal drugs during the time they are on this status.

Your friend may also have a mental condition such as bi-polar. People with this condition may act strange, have mood swings, have disrupted sleeping patterns, and change their social behavior which may present much like a person on drugs. They may distance themselves from their friends and family. I am not a physician, but I do work with people with mental illness every day, and have been working with them for 21 years, so I do have some exposure.

Several years ago, I did a series on our blog entitled, "Drug Trends and Teens." I laid out some the different types of drugs that are often abused. Attached is the link: http://blog.sacpd.org/2007/02/09/drug-trends-and-teens-2/ You may want to read the article and familiarize yourself with the different types that fit the behavior of your friend. I hope you will be able to help your friend. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

G Hum Parade through Midtown, Southside Park

2012-01-06T01:26:56Z

Southern Midtown will be its own “G” Street Saturday as an experimental musical event composed of an expected 100-plus people all playing the G chord on various instruments winds its way from Bows & Arrows at 19th and S streets to Southside Park.

Daniel Trudeau, a 26-year-old musician from Placerville, said he wants to create a community and play a pleasant sound walking through Sacramento, calling it the G Hum Parade.

“It’s basically just for our ears,” he said. “Ambient noise is pleasing to the ear, and when you’re part of the energy of what’s going to be going on, it’ll be really special.”

He said he’s had the idea since he was a teen, thinking it would be a funny experiment, and in the age of Facebook, where an event can be created with a few mouse clicks and keyboard strokes, he decided to make it happen.

“The G chord was the first chord that came to mind,” he said. “It was the first chord I learned, and it’s the first chord most people learn.”

Starting in Bows & Arrows, the group – toting guitars, clarinets, battery-powered keyboards and anything else its members want to carry – will play the G chord for 15 or 20 minutes before heading off to Southside Park.

The continuous sound won’t be directed, so it is expected to be an ongoing hum, Trudeau said.

“It’s going to be played as sporadically as possible,” Trudeau said. “It’s a rising tide. It’ll rise, and we’ll hear how it sounds in Bows & Arrows, then we’ll hear how it sounds on the move, then we’ll hear it stopped outside at Southside Park.”

Bows & Arrows co-owner Olivia Coelho said the event fits with the store’s idea of unifying people into a community around art.

“I like the route,” she said. “It’s a beautiful part of Midtown that is under construction right now, so it’s sort of being born into its new identity, and there’s lots of amazing businesses already located there, even though other parts of Midtown have been getting more attention.”

Coelho said she thinks events like the G Hum Parade are necessary to bring people together in an era where they are increasingly separated by technology.

The parade starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bows & Arrows, 1815 19th St., and is scheduled to end at 4 p.m. in Southside Park, 2115 Sixth St. The timeline is loosely set, with the first 15 or 20 minutes taken to gather and get things going at Bows & Arrows, and some time at the end in Southside Park. For more information and to sign up, click here for the Facebook page.

“It’s totally artsy,” Trudeau said. “It’s going to just be about how the people are feeling about it.”

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

Elizabeth Studebaker leads MBA

2012-01-05T03:45:10Z

The Midtown Business Association kicked off the new year with a new executive director: Elizabeth Studebaker, who took over the position that has been vacant since Rob Kerth left in October.

Studebaker, 33, officially took the helm of the MBA on Monday, with an operating budget of about $650,000 per year. Most recently, she spent almost five years as executive director for a similar organization in San Diego, the North Park Main Street Business Improvement District. The Sacramento Press caught up with Studebaker to ask her some questions about what she has in mind for Midtown.

The Sacramento Press: What are your immediate goals for Midtown?

Elizabeth Studebaker: My immediate major goals are pretty much all focused on the sidewalks and street appearance. I think they are in pretty dire need of increased attention. We need the installation of new trash cans, more aggressive litter removal and graffiti abatement. We also need increased nighttime security patrols.

I have meetings set with several of our contractors already to get a more thorough explanation of what we get from them. I will then determine if they are the right fit or if we should go with someone else. I’m in the process of doing a complete organizational overhaul, revamping and retooling where I see the need.

SP: What are some of your long-term goals?

ES: One of my next priorities is creating stronger relationships with our counterparts in neighboring districts. There are lots of economic development groups, including the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the Metro Chamber, River District and Broadway District. There are a lot of lessons that we can learn from each other.

SP: Some have said there is an “us versus them” mindset between Midtown and downtown. What are your thoughts on that?

ES: I think the identity of Midtown is pretty obviously different from that of downtown. As adjacent neighbors, we’re better-served if we’re working together and in close communication. If nothing else, I want to be attending their meetings, and I hope they’ll be coming to mine and meeting with each other’s staff on a regular basis. A lot of learning comes from peer-to-peer communications. I had a lot of success with that in San Diego, where we all met on a monthly basis.

SP: What drew you to Sacramento and Midtown?

ES: I moved to Sacramento as a result of my husband being offered a new job. We moved up here a few months ago, and the timing happened to be pretty good in terms of the position opening at MBA. The district I was the director of in San Diego had about the same number of businesses, with 500 small- to medium-sized businesses and very few national chains and corporations.

I am also very excited about the history and nature of the district and its buildings. The character of Midtown is one of the most exciting things, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the trees. Coming from San Diego, we had a very unhealthy tree canopy pretty much everywhere. I still get giddy when I go for a walk in Sacramento under all those trees.

SP: Some longtime neighbors have been at odds with restaurants and bars that put a heavy emphasis on alcohol sales. How do you plan to balance business activity with residential livability?

ES: The MBA does not have the authority to set (alcohol) licenses or set conditions on those licenses. From the perspective of an organization like the MBA, I was in a similar situation in San Diego. I would hope I have a similar relationship here in Sacramento, with regular and aggressive education for business owners and staff about being a good neighbor. I need to meet with resident groups, and those are some of the meetings I will be having soon. I’ve requested to be on the NAG (Neighborhood Advisory Group) agenda, and I’ve met with a few of the residents. It’s still too early to say anything direct about how I’m going to work with the residents.

Basically, I want to keep the lines of communication open. If there are specific problems that need to be addressed, I’ll do my best to address them. I understand this is an area densely populated with residential and commercial uses, and we all need to get along.

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

Midtown gets its long-awaited Squeeze Inn

2012-01-04T01:43:01Z

A long line of eager Sacramentans arrived at 17th and K streets Tuesday looking for the perfect skirt. But it wasn’t apparel they were after – it was the “cheese skirt” that cloaks the meat patties on burgers at The Squeeze Inn.

Owner Sabrina Nicola said this is the eighth Squeeze Inn location, and the first day of business went well.

“Everyone seems to be really happy,” she said Tuesday afternoon. “I think we had about 150 people for the lunch rush, and they’re a lot of locals and nearby workers who are happy to see us.”

Nicola, who previously worked at the original Squeeze Inn on Fruitridge Road, said she wanted to bring the feel of the original space and combine it with contemporary artwork.

To read more about Nicola's efforts to open the restaurant, click here.

Pricing is about the same as the other locations, but varies slightly due to taxes being included in the list price. Single burgers range from $6.25 to $8.75.

Customers eating lunch on Tuesday said the new location measures up to their expectations.

“I’ve been to the old one, and I’m happy this one is here,” said Ann Monson, a 58-year-old state worker from Sacramento. “My office is right next door.”

She said she’s been anticipating its opening for the past few months and described the cheeseburger as “outrageous cheesy goodness.”

Another local happy to see the restaurant open was 29-year-old KC Caitano, who works at the Artistic Edge art gallery, 1880 Fulton Ave.

“I couldn’t be happier that they’re in Midtown,” he said, adding that he lives nearby. “To finally have one here and close to home – I’ll probably be in here every day.”

He said he was happy to see an option on the menu that appealed to his Hawaiian roots: a Squeeze with Cheese with spam.

“If you’ve never tried (The Squeeze Inn) before, you’ve got to,” he said. “It’s one of the things you should do before you die.”

The restaurant can seat about 55 people at a combination of tables and a counter, and a railed-off front patio will be added to the seating area when the weather warms up, Nicola said.

Midtown’s Squeeze Inn is located at 1630 K St. It is open from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Monday.

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

The Sacramento Press on 'Insight'

2012-01-04T01:10:43Z

On Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” program on Tuesday, host David Watts Barton and I talked about new laws in effect for the new year, businesses scheduled to open in the near future, the upcoming elections and other local issues.

The beginning of the year typically brings in a number of new laws, and 2012 is no different. Some of the notable changes include mandatory child booster seats in cars for kids under age 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, the banning of openly carrying unloaded handguns and a new law that states police can no longer impound a vehicle at a DUI checkpoint if the only offense is the driver not having a license.

Click here to read about those and other laws that went into effect Sunday.

Also new this year will be several businesses. A sports-themed restaurant and bar, Mongolian food’s arrival on the grid and a new bicycle share program have all been covered by The Sacramento Press in the past and will soon be open for business in the central city.

To read about some of the new businesses coming in the next few weeks and months, click here.

If the mayor’s office has its way, it won’t be business as usual in Sacramento’s political future. A charter reform proposal could be on this summer’s ballot, and it would reshape the way Sacramento’s government works. An executive – or “strong” – mayor, an independent redistricting commission and an ethical review process are all parts of the reform measure being discussed at City Hall.

It’s a big year for Mayor Kevin Johnson, as he and the City Council members from even-numbered districts campaign to keep their seats in this year’s elections. While some districts – including District 4, which covers the central city – are full of competition, others currently only have a couple candidates, and Kevin McCarty currently has no challengers to his District 6 seat. But the deadline to enter the political race isn’t until March, so the competition could heat up even more.

One of those in the running for a City Council seat is Rob Kerth, former executive director of the Midtown Business Association. The MBA position was filled by Elizabeth Studebaker on Monday, and The Sacramento Press will follow up with her to learn what plans she has in store for Midtown.

The California Supreme Court’s upholding of Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to eliminate redevelopment agencies – and its dismissal of legislation that would allow them to continue with significant payments to the state – mean many projects in blighted areas of Sacramento won’t get done, and those that haven’t been finished might be in jeopardy too. Look for Sacramento Press reporter Melissa Corker’s latest update on redevelopment Wednesday.

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

2011 roundup recap

2011-12-31T01:12:24Z

Throughout the year, The Sacramento Press compiles roundup articles to let readers know where they can score anything from vintage clothes to coffee to comic books.

Where do you go for your favorite cup of Joe? The Sacramento Press checked out the central city’s coffee bar selection in October, compiling a list of caffeinated hangouts. Whether for studying or hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone.

In addition to those mentioned in the roundup article, Insight Coffee Roasters opened in Southside Park in December.

Fashionistas looking for something from a bygone era might want to scour the clothing racks in Sacramento’s thrift and vintage clothing stores, listed here. From charity storefronts to local boutiques, shoppers can find classic fashion or a hipster’s paradise.

One area where digital media hasn’t made many inroads is the comic book market, and Sacramento has enough options that it took two articles to gather them all. Some shoppers might be surprised that the stores aren’t full of guys resembling the cast of “The Big Bang Theory.” Click here for part one and here for part two.

Those looking to spend their weekends in relaxed culinary heaven need not cook their own breakfasts: sleep in and, when getting out of bed doesn’t seem like a bad idea, head out to brunch. The Sacramento Press looked at a number of local restaurants’ brunch offerings in this article.

For anyone looking for food from foreign shores – be it for a new dish or something to recall a homeland or vacation destination – The Sacramento Press searched out some of the area’s ethnic grocery stores, listed here.

Anyone looking to show off knowledge of the inane, the obscure or just have fun might look to pub trivia night events. Local watering holes provide an array of options for trivia competitions, and this article outlines many of them.

New businesses coming in 2012

2011-12-30T04:51:12Z

As 2012 approaches, there are several new businesses preparing to open, from much-anticipated restaurants to a privately funded bicycle share program. Below is a list of some of the new businesses Sacramentans can expect to see in the new year.

Those who frequent the downtown area will have a new place to eat and drink in late February or early March as the Firestone Public House opens with 60 beer taps in what the owners said will be a new take on the sports bar theme.

The Wong family – which runs Mix Downtown, Cafeteria 15L and the Park Ultra Lounge – is teaming up with the de Vere White family – of de Vere’s Irish Pub – for the new business that will replace the old California Pizza Kitchen spot at 16th and L streets.

Midtown will be getting a Mongolian barbecue restaurant, with Mongo Mongo Mongolian Barbecue due to open in the next few weeks. Previously the home of the ill-fated Garlic Shack, owner Jonathan Ng said he plans to stay open for the late-night crowd that frequents the area.

Also in Midtown is a restaurant that will be replacing Hangar 17, at 17th and S streets, which closed earlier this year. The owners of The Golden Bear restaurant and bar are opening Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co., which co-owner Kimio Bazett said will be a “grown-up” version of The Golden Bear.

Brian Mizner, formerly of Hot Italian and L Wine Lounge, will be the chef at the restaurant, and Chris Tucker, from The Golden Bear and Shady Lady Saloon, will be the beverage manager, Bazett said Wednesday.

The restaurant is expected to open in late March or early April.

Red Lotus Kitchen and Bar, an Asian restaurant at 2718 J St., closed in September, allowing Shady Lady Saloon bartender Matt Nurge and his business partners to open their own space, which will serve peasant-style food from multiple cultures.

Named Red Rabbit – partly inspired by the new artwork at the airport – the restaurant will share profits with its employees. That aspect is something Nurge said he believes will help show the workers they are valued as well as give them an incentive to keep working there, saving costs on training new staff in an industry that has high turnover.

City Hall Garage will be getting a new restaurant: Big Joe’s BBQ, which will replace Fog Mountain Cafe at the corner of 10th and J streets. Fog Mountain Cafe closed in April, and Big Joe’s is expected to open early next year.

The beer business in Sacramento will have a fresh face next year as well, with the New Helvetia Brewing Company expected to open in late February or early March on Broadway.

Owner David Gull said he will initially open as a brewery and tasting room, and a restaurant may be added to the space about six months later, though there is no set timeline on it.

Bicycle enthusiasts won’t need to bring their own set of wheels to Midtown once The Last Mile launches in the first quarter of 2012. The Last Mile is a privately funded bicycle share program owned by Aaron Zeff, who also owns Priority Parking.

With the new business, cyclists will be able to rent bicycles by the hour for a little more than $1. Zeff, a board member for the Midtown Business Association, said that most programs of the kind are funded with public dollars, and The Last Mile won’t have its bills footed by taxpayers.

Are there more businesses opening next year that you know about? Share them in the conversation below.

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

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

Year in review: Food vs. government

2011-12-29T02:23:45Z

Two city ordinances regulating food were the subject of debate in Sacramento in 2011, and while backyard keeping of egg-laying hens was allowed, the other, more volatile issue rages on – the controversial ordinance governing food trucks.

The ordinance limiting food truck operation within city limits to 30-minute intervals has been a source of contention for more than a year, but it heated up in 2011 with the inaugural SactoMoFo mobile food festival in April.

At the festival, Fremont Park was occupied by thousands of foodies who dropped by for a taste of gourmet on the go, and it achieved its goal of bringing widespread awareness to the issue.

Owners of “brick-and-mortar” restaurants were split on the issue, prompting a series of talks between them, restaurant advocacy groups, city officials and mobile food vendors.

The issue came before the City Council’s Law and Legislation Committee most recently in November, but the issue was postponed.

City Councilman Jay Schenirer, chairman of the Law and Legislation Committee, said Wednesday that while the issue will be on the agenda in 2012 – and he hopes it will be in the first quarter, there are no firm plans on when that will be.

In the meantime, regular food truck gatherings are held outside the city limits, because the county has no ordinance limiting operators to 30 minutes.

Backyard chicken keeping was allowed in the city in 2011 after a long discussion and series of public meetings, with advocates writing about it on The Sacramento Press as far back as 2009.

Those in favor of keeping chickens for egg-laying purposes argued that they wanted to have control of their food supply, ensuring food to their standards, and they pointed out that numerous other cities already allowed chicken keeping.

People opposed to allowing backyard chicken keeping said they feared the chickens would be noisy and possibly be conduits for avian flu.

The issue was almost killed in 2010, but City Councilman Steve Cohn walked out of a meeting to prevent what would likely have been a vote to end it.

The ordinance, which went into effect Nov. 1, did not please everyone, as it placed several restrictions on keeping chickens in backyards, including limiting the number to three and keeping them at least 20 feet from an adjacent residence.

The ordinance only allows the keeping of hens – as roosters don’t lay eggs and also crow, and it remains illegal to slaughter chickens in backyards. A $15 licensing fee per chicken is collected to pay for enforcement of the ordinance.

Gina Knepp, manager of the city’s animal shelter, said Wednesday that only about 20 chickens have been licensed in the past two months, but far more than that live in the city.

“We just cited a gentleman who had 30 chickens in his yard,” she said, adding that there has been no decrease or increase in calls since the ordinance passed.

“It’s still premature to tell,” she said. “I plan to go back to the council after six months and recommend some changes to the ordinance.”

Some of the recommendations she said she is considering include a flat licensing fee so owners don’t license each chicken as well as the ability to pay licensing fees online, which she said is probably discouraging some people from licensing their chickens.

Another change in food laws was the state-mandated food handler card, which requires most restaurant workers to pass a state test on food safety before being allowed to work.

The law went into effect July 1, though enforcement was delayed to allow time for restaurants and their workers to get the cards and come into compliance.

The state government got involved in funding garden boxes this year, with the local nonprofit organization Ubuntu Green working with low-income families to build boxes where they can grow healthy foods.

Community gardens were also a part of Schenirer’s WayUp Sacramento program, which promotes healthy living. It was launched in Oak Park in October.

Even schools got involved in small-scale farming this year, as Sacramento City College started a city farm project to “teach with dirt.”

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

Year in review: Business comings and goings

2011-12-29T02:18:58Z

The past year saw quite a bit of businesses come, go and expand in the central city area, and The Sacramento Press covered many of those happenings. Below are some of the major expansions and changes as well as some of the most-viewed stories on businesses closing.

A favorite Sacramento lunch spot changed hands this year as Chef Daniel Pont handed over ownership of La Bonne Soupe Café in late April. The 72-year-old chef said he still enjoys cooking, but running the one-man shop by himself was too much. He has since opened another restaurant, this time in Folsom, where he has a staff to help run it.

New owners Ed Stoddard and Leah Brown reopened the restaurant in the same location in May.

The popular Bows & Arrows vintage clothing store closed its spot at 17th and L streets in April and moved across from Safeway on 19th Street. As part of the move, owners Olivia Coelho and Trisha Rhomberg partnered with Davis-based Fat Face Cafe to add food and drinks to the new spot as well as art shows and musical performances.

Curtis Park’s Pangaea Two Brews Cafe expanded its business from being a taphouse and cafe to include a bottle shop. Owner Rob Archie said he wanted to offer locals the chance to grab individual bottles of less-common brews at to-go prices.

The Downtown 24 Hour Fitness club completed an extensive remodel in October, a $10 million project that added 31,000 square feet to bring the total to 50,000, which now includes a basketball court, a racquetball court and new cardio machines.

A couple who started a donut business called Doughbot Donuts from home in May 2010 added a Southside Park storefront in September. Owners Bryan Widener and Dannah O’Donnell said they sold 700 donuts on the first day and 1,000 the next.

Temple Coffee was a fixture in an old bookstore on 10th Street between J and K streets since 2005, but it moved a block east in September, reopening in a larger location. Owner Sean Kohmescher said the new, more open space allows for more conversation and personal engagement.

The owners of Tuli Bistro opted for a downtown location, opening Restaurant Thirteen on the ground floor of the Sterling Hotel at 1300 H St. in March. The new restaurant is intended to have an atmosphere similar to a fine-dining establishment, but without the stigma, said Chef Adam Pechal.

Shoki Ramen House also opened a second location in May, this time bringing the Japanese noodles to R Street. The ramen is all made from scratch in-house.

Despite many restaurants doing well in 2011, there were some that closed – with closures due to retirements, a bad economy or any number of other reasons.

Newsbeat, a newsstand that stocked a wide range of hard-to-find magazines, closed its doors in the MARRS Building in Midtown in November. Co-owner Terrence Lott attributed the closure to high rents and the decreasing demand for print media as digital media continue to grow in popularity.

Perhaps the biggest flop in central city business in 2011 was Garlic Shack, which was much-anticipated and kept delaying its opening date. When it did open in July, it was to mixed reviews, and by mid-October, it was gone, with no word from the owners.

The unique Hangar 17, a restaurant in a Quonset hut in Midtown, shut down in March. Owner Joey Madrid said the economy cost the business its viability, and workers left with a bitter taste in their mouths, saying their final checks bounced.

Next-door Midtown businesses Aura and Red Lotus also closed in 2011, and Aura was replaced by BarWest Burgers & Wings, while Red Lotus will be replaced by another restaurant, Red Rabbit, in 2012. Aura closed in March, and Red Lotus closed in September.

Despite the popularity of bicycles in Midtown, the bicycle-themed Spin Burger Bar at 16th and K streets wasn’t able to make it, closing in July. The closure, however, opened the space for a new Indian restaurant, which was up and running in December.

The 52-year-old Capitol Aquarium also closed in 2011, calling it quits in July as the owners were unable to find a buyer for the business.

Another veteran business, Brew it Up!, wasn’t able to make it at the corner of 14th and H streets, shutting down in late July. Owner Mike Costello said debt piled up and not enough customers came in to pay the bills, so he had to call it quits.

Not all restaurant closures were due to the economy, with Celestin’s Island Eats & Cajun Cuisine being one example. The 28-year-old business closed when owners Patrick and Phoebe Celestin decided to retire. They said they didn’t want to sell it, and the space reopened in December as The Porch, a Southern-themed restaurant run by the owners of nearby Capitol Garage.

Do you have a favorite business that expanded or closed in 2011? Let us know in the conversation below.

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

Year in review: Business milestones

2011-12-27T05:29:55Z

The Sacramento Press covered many stories in 2011 of businesses coming and going, but there are a number of Sacramento businesses that celebrated milestones, withstanding the test of time and recessions big and small.

Midtown Italian restaurant Paesanos – Italian for “friends” – has been in business for 15 years, since April 1996. Director of Operations Dana Scarpulla told The Sacramento Press that Midtown has undergone major changes since the restaurant’s founding, and most have been positive.

Pastas, pizzas and salads top the list of favorites at the restaurant, which has since expanded to Paesanos Pronto and a couple other locations. There’s also word of another location opening in 2012.

The Kitchen, owned by husband and wife Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer, has been in business for 20 years, starting in May of 1991.

Known for its presentation dinners that are highly interactive, The Kitchen caters to an upscale crowd with $125 four-course demonstration meals. Selland is expanding as well, opening another restaurant in El Dorado Hills in mid-January.

Another restaurant in business for 20 years is Ernesto’s Mexican Food. The Midtown eatery weathered recessions by focusing on quality and service, said owner Pauline Jiménez.

It opened in November 1991, and top dishes at the restaurant include tortilla soup, chile rellenos and carnitas. Of course, the margaritas play a big role in the restaurant and bar as well.

Biba Restaurant celebrated its 25th birthday with a reopening and makeover in July.

"Just like a beautiful woman, you don't stay beautiful forever unless you do something," owner Biba Caggiano told The Sacramento Press. "This place needed something: color, other things. I'm very, very, very happy."

Caggiano ws born in Italy, and the name might be familiar to those who watch The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel, as she hosted more than 100 episodes of “Biba’s Italian Kitchen” on the networks.

The nonprofit cable TV Access Sacramento turned 25 in March, marking a quarter century of covering local life, including entertainment and cultural events as well as high school sports.

Local officials including Assemblyman Roger Dickinson and City Councilman Steve Cohn attended the organization’s birthday party, and Sacramento Press Community Contributor Kati Garner was there to take photos.

Locally owned Lofings Lighting sits in an unobtrusive spot on J Street most noticeable when driving by at night, and the business marked its 50th year in November.

Over the past half-century, the Lofing family has become renowned in the industry for expertise in lighting fixtures and technology, serving both residential and commercial clients across the country. The Lofings routinely test new technology and give input to manufacturers before the products go to market.

The American River Parkway is often called “the jewel” of the region, and for the past 50 years, the Save American River Parkway Association has been working to preserve it and encourage its use by local residents and tourists alike.

The nonprofit group has more than 600 members and keeps tabs on the 23-mile stretch of parkway, which hosts 5 million visitors each year doing everything from bicycling and running to boating.

Are there any other businesses that celebrated milestones this year? Let us know in the conversation below.

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

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

Ask Officer Michelle - Unusual Use of ATM Card after a Night of Drinking

2011-12-18T20:18:16Z

Posted by dram13

Hello,

I went out Friday night with some friends and had a bit too much to drink. We took a taxi from the bar and the next day I find out from my bank that over $700 was taken from my account. I had zero money in my wallet and it was shown that money taken out from multiple ATMS before I got home. There are three possibilites I see happening. A) I was guided by the people I was with to take money out while I was intoxicated B) People took my password and card out of my wallet while I was asleep and took money out C) Taxi driver did either A or B. I know that under the law if a girl is intoxicated and a male sleeps with her, it can be considered rape since she was not in the right frame of mind; can the same logic apply to my scenario? My bank is willing to reimburse me but I have to file a police report. Is it reasonable that I do so, at least to find out what happened?

Dear dram13,

There are so many reasons not to get so drunk that you lose control of your faculties – especially for a female. I am glad that you are alright.

Go online at sacpd.org and file a police report. Some banks can provide footage of the ATMs where your card was used, thus exposing which one of your acquaintances used your card. You will also want to annotate the cab company that you used and any specific information about the driver if you can remember, in your report.

Taking advantage of a person who is incapacitated is morally wrong, but it sounds like you don’t have any recollection of the night at all. Do you know if you gave consent to use your ATM card, or did you draw money out before you became impaired? You may regain some of the memories of the evening and hence be able to put some pieces of the puzzle together. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

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.

Expanded bike share program to launch early next year

2011-12-17T01:19:08Z

Midtown’s Ride Your Own Way bicycle share program wrapped up its six-month trial period this week with an average of 20 bicycle rentals per week and plans to significantly expand it under a private company in 2012.

“I think the bike share is a really great program to have in Midtown,” said Midtown Business Association Streetscape Program Manager Niki Fay. “It obviously gives people a way to get around businesses quicker and easier, and the environmental benefits are great.”

The bicycle share program launched in June and provided two locations with six bicycles each that were rented to riders via automated systems. Similar programs are successful in cities such as Washington, D.C., Montreal and Paris.

After a six-month pilot program that saw some vandalism and bicycle theft, MBA and business partners concluded that the system should expand, but under the control of a private business.

The new business, named The Last Mile, will launch in the first quarter of 2012, said founder Aaron Zeff, who also co-owns Priority Parking – which housed the kiosks for the pilot program.

“We learned a lot from the MBA trial, and since MBA doesn’t have the funding ability, we thought we’d try it as a private enterprise to come up with a bike share that would be complementary to our customer base as well as something good for the community.”

The program will use smartphone applications to allow riders to take a bicycle from one area and ride it around the city, dropping it off at any other location, Zeff said. There are plans to have 30 locations with 10 bicycles each, but they will be rolled out slowly throughout the year as the bugs get worked out.

The app will work similar to the way in which Zipcars are rented, he said.

Pricing – though not final – should be around $1 per hour and $10 per day, Zeff said.

“The idea is to promote short use of the bike to get to a destination,” he said. “We don’t want to be competition to a bike rental company for recreational bikers.”

He added that he thinks this is the first program to be privately funded and operated in the country. Most bicycle share programs receive government subsidies or infrastructure, and the end cost of the bicycles can be $6,000 each.

“We’ve drilled that down to under $1,000 because of our system not having infrastructure other than bikes and existing parking facilities,” he said.

Unlike heavy steel bicycles in other cities, bicycles from The Last Mile are all-aluminum three-speeds with internal hub gearing.

The major problems during the pilot program, according to Ikon Cycles owner Adrian Moore – who purchased the bicycles to be used in the pilot program – was that they were targets for thieves because they were not overseen.

To combat that issue, the bicycles will now be housed in parking garages with attendants as well as businesses, so someone can always see them.

“Theft was not a surprise,” Moore said of the pilot program. “The system was not good enough to prevent it.”

Ikon Cycles, near 23rd and J streets, will be one of the early businesses to host a bicycle station in 2012, Zeff said. Another place will be Mexican restaurant Zócalo, where Priority Parking handles valet services, and riders will be able to hand their rented bicycles off to the valets for safekeeping.

“If you have an Internet connection, you can put (a station) in your store,” Zeff said. “It’s a universal locking system, and it’s essentially an iPhone or Android app.”

Initially, the stations will be located in the downtown and Midtown areas, and expansion throughout the city is possible, including stations for college students at Sacramento State.

The Last Mile is named after the problem many users have when using public transit – how to get the first and last mile to their destinations if they are not located near a bus or light rail stop, Zeff said.

With the initial 30 locations to be rolled out slowly, he added that it’s a good opportunity to let the free market influence something for the public good.

“It’s up to the consumer to decide if they want it,” he said.

Fay said she expects the program to be popular, especially with the bicycle culture being a large part of Midtown life.

“The first benefit is how it makes it easier for Midtown residents and visitors to get around town,” she said in an email, adding that other benefits include the air quality of having multimodal transportation and solving the problem of how public transit commuters get from their stops to their final destinations.

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

Indian restaurant opens on K Street in Midtown

2011-12-15T02:30:48Z

Indian cuisine arrived at the corner of 16th and K streets last week when Monsoon Indian Bar & Grill opened Dec. 8, and the response has been positive, co-owner Paul Singh said.

“I go to Yelp, and we’re getting reallygood reviews,” Singh said. “I think it’s a good barometer, and it also gives you feedback. People take the time to go and write, and I take them seriously, even though it’s only about 10 or so so far.”

Some of the most popular dishes so far, Singh said, are thechicken tikka masala, lamb Vindaloo and the samosa pakora appetizers – vegetarian-friendly pastry wraps of peas and rice.

“People are coming back for additional visits, and that gives me confidence,” Singh said.

Many of the nearby buildings house state offices, and some of those employees were in the restaurant for lunch on Wednesday.

“This is my first time trying Indian food,” said Nadine Jordan, a 50-year-old state employee from Sacramento. “It was an awesome experience. I’ve never tried it in my life, and it was absolutely good.”

Farzana Buksh, a 27-year-old state worker from Sacramento, is from an Indian background and said she thinks the food is authentic, though not necessarily what her mother would make at home.

“The food was really delicious,” she said. “I had the chicken tikka masala, and it was good.”

Erik Sweeting, a 28-year-old state worker from Rocklin, said he tried the mango prawns and enjoyed them as well as the naan.

“The service was very friendly,” he added. “I’ll definitely come back.”

Those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine are given samples of the food, Singh said. A new dish is in the works that will provide three samples of three different foods during lunchtime.

“We currently have a lunch deal that is very popular,” Singh said. “We call it the two for 20, and you get an appetizer, two meals of your choice, rice and naan bread for $20.”

Though the soft opening was last week, Singh said the grand opening will likely be the first week in January.

“We wanted to wait until after the holidays since everyone is so busy,” he said.

The interior décor, which Singh said he originally envisioned as being more traditional, is more modern – a result of the restaurant’s large window space.

Stockton-based interior designer Kathleen Jennison worked with Singh and his business partners.

“They wanted it to be Indian but also contemporary,” she said. “They were looking for a nightclub feel, but also a family-friendly atmosphere.”

Jennison said she wanted to evoke a sense of rain, given the restaurant’s name, and the gray and blue walls are accented by crystal light fixtures to give a feel of cloudiness with lightning. The concrete floors were polished to give a sense of shiny water.

One wall is red, which Jennison said is an homage to the colors of Indian spices.

Monsoon is open from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

The Porch opens in old Celestin's spot

2011-12-14T02:21:24Z

The Porch, a southern-style restaurant, opened Thursday and is celebrating its grand opening this week in the space built to hold the popular Celestin’s Island Eats & Cajun Cuisine, which closed in September.

“We’ve had a really nice response,” said co-owner John Lopez. “Everyone has said good things so far, and we have several people who have been back multiple times.”

Popular food items include shrimp and grits, fried chicken, homemade brisket and a shrimp purloo – andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, shrimp, rice, blue crab gravy and grilled chicken.

Customers familiar with the layout of Celestin’s will notice several differences in the remodeled space. The floor-to-ceiling walls have been chopped to much lower heights, giving the restaurant a more open, less-compartmentalized feel. Bamboo floors cover the entire dining area, and a faux fireplace on a wall adjacent to several faux windows looking out to a Charleston plantation’s grounds give the feeling of being in a southern home.

“We wanted to open it up and make it feel welcoming,” Lopez said. “We took one of the server stations and turned it into a 12-foot family table that people can reserve now.”

The restaurant can seat about 110 people inside, and the namesake front porch is still under construction, with work expected to wrap up within the next week.

“We have gas lamps, and it’s going to look like a porch with white pickets along the railing,” Lopez said.

Grand opening events with drink specials will be continuing through Friday, with representatives from vendors such as Sudwerk, Lagunitas and Big Sky Brewing Co. coming.

A cocktail menu was devised by a bartender the owners met on a research trip to Charleston, and there are 12 beers on tap.

The custom-built wooden back bar area is designed to show off the restaurant’s whiskey and bourbon selections, and Lopez said he plans to add tastings with several flights – multiple small samples – of the spirits in the coming weeks, as well as with beer and wine.

Much of the ingredients in the menu items are locally supplied, with fish coming from farms in Sloughouse, sandwich bread from Old Soul Bakery in Sacramento and cornmeal from Grass Valley Grains of Wheatland.

Lopez, who also co-owns the nearby Capitol Garage, said brunch will be added to The Porch in January, featuring southern fare, though the menu is still being determined.

Approximately 30 employees work at the new restaurant, including four of the employees from Celestin’s. When Celestin’s closed in September and the co-owner Phoebe Celestin agreed to lease the space to The Porch, she said the new restaurateurs’ willingness to interview her former staffers made her happy.

Gregg Hill, a 47-year-old software developer from Rocklin, said during lunchtime Tuesday that the barbecue pork sandwich was good.

“The restaurant is big, and it’s nice and clean,” he said.

Another diner who stopped in for lunch was 32-year-old state worker Bentley Jorgenson of Sacramento.

“I liked to eat at Celestin’s, and I was sad to see it go,” he said. “(The Porch) is great. I was amazed with how they redid this place. It looks great.”

The Porch is located at 1815 K St. and is open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 11 a.m. - midnight Thursday through Saturday. The “social hour” is from 3 - 6 p.m. daily and includes $1-off drink specials.

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

Second Saturday events

2011-12-13T22:30:02Z

Sacramento art galleries hosted small crowds of visitors during the last Second Saturday of the year. Many visitors took advantage of the smaller crowds to do Christmas shopping. Galleries and other businesses sold art, crafts, gift certificates and other items to Christmas shoppers.

Festivities in Sacramento began earlier in the day with the annual Santa Parade. Thousands of children, along with their parents, lined the parade route. The parade started at the corner of 9th and I Streets and an anticipated crowd of over 25 thousand watched.

The annual parade began at 10 a.m. and participants included marching bands, cheer squads, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, several floats, car clubs, horses, community organizations, beauty queens, dancers, actors and other performers. Santa and Mrs. Claus were the most anticipated and popular members of the parade.

Another holiday event also took place later in the day during Second Saturday festivities. La Raza Galería Posada staged a community posada “Las Posaditas” on Saturday and will bring the event to Midtown again on Saturday, December 17.

The posada (lodging) is a re-enactment of the story of Joseph and Mary searching for lodging. Volunteers played the parts of an angel, Joseph and Mary.

The posada started with Galería Posada’s Program Coordinator Roberto Lopez welcoming guests and giving a little history about the posada and where the procession was going to take place.

Posada participants caroled the Midtown area with several songs that included “Jingle Bells,” “El Niño del Tambor,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and other songs.

Following the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking lodging and going from inn to inn the posada made a couple of stops. The first destination was Casa de Español located at 2115 J Street.

The number of carolers was around 65 when they began and each of them entered Casa de Español for some chocolate and drink treats after singing several songs.

The second stop of the evening for the posada procession was Gallery 2110 and the Sacramento Art Complex. Several visitors to the Sacramento Art Complex enjoyed the carolers who ended their singing with “Feliz Navidad.”

The procession made one final stop at the MARRS Building on 20th Street. By this time the carolers had grown in size as others joined in. A piñata awaited the carolers where they sang several more holiday songs.

Children took turns as they tried to break a piñata and afterwards tamales were provided for the posada carolers.

The posadas will take place once again at the Galería Posada on Saturday, December 17. I’m not sure if they will follow the same route but visit their website to find more information.

Ikon Cycles moves to larger Midtown location

2011-12-13T05:19:45Z

The 3-year-old Ikon Cycles bicycle shop recently relocated from its 18th Street location to a new spot on J Street, finishing construction last week.

Owner Adrian Moore, originally from Portland, came to Sacramento in 2004 and shortly thereafter decided to open a shop similar to the ones in his hometown.

“In Portland, there’s a lot of fiercely independent local stores,” he said. “I think of this shop as being like some of the locally owned ski and snowboard shops.”

The original location, 1126 18th St., was a 500-square-foot space, and Moore said some were skeptical that he could fit a bike shop inside, but it worked well.

Deciding to move to the new location, at 2318 J St., took the shop from what Moore called the best corner in Sacramento, but it meant a space about three times the size for the same price.

“It’s not quite as good for visibility, but it’s a high-traffic area, and I’m hoping as things get better, the foot traffic picks up, too,” Moore said.

The first thing customers see upon entering the shop is a large pipe sculpture Moore created. Coming out from the left wall, the PVC pipes stretch to the ceiling and branch out like a tree, and many have LED light fixtures in red, white and green – the colors of the Italian flag.

“We sell a lot of Italian products in here, so that made sense,” Moore said.

The industrial look to the space is complemented by bamboo benches suspended from the ceiling. A trio of bicycles are set up in the corner to provide state-of-the-art training to cyclists preparing to race or keep up their skills through the winter months.

“The trainer stations are amazingly popular,” Moore said. He added that unlike the more rudimentary Gold Sprints, where riders pedal a stationary bicycle for all they’re worth, the trainer stations at Ikon Cycles accurately simulate terrain, steering, wind resistance and a number of other factors, and video screens in front of the riders give the feel of a virtual tour of some of the famous cycling areas in the world.

“They have a lot of the major climbs, and they have several stages of the Tour de France,” Moore said.

Moore said his shop includes an eclectic mix of bicycles and gear, adding that customers can get everything from introductory bicycles all the way up to professional-grade cycles hand-built in Italy with carbon fiber frames.

“One thing we do that really no one else is doing is custom-fitting you for your bike,” he said, adding that an adjustable bicycle frame allows him to determine the proper size bicycle needed for a customer.

“If you’re riding for four hours, the fit of the bike will really determine whether you keep riding or whether you hang it up in your garage,” he said. “If you’re not comfortable on that bike, you’re not going to ride it.”

A seating area in the front of the shop underscores what Moore said is his priority when it comes to running a business – customer service.

“The only way to survive is by really being there for the customer,” he said. “We give them a place to sit, and we spend probably eight hours with a customer buying a bike before we ever get any cash handed to us.”

Kimio Bazett, co-owner of The Golden Bear bar, said he is a customer of Ikon Cycles and thinks the shop has a personality to it.

“The emphasis on people’s comfort and the feeling of welcoming is something you don’t really see too much of these days,” he said. “Having the living room lounge area where people are encouraged to hang out and get a feel for the place is better than the feeling of ‘buy something or get out.’ ”

Bazett said he bought a used bicycle and took it into Ikon Cycles for a tune-up, and he’s been going back for the past year and a half.

“Adrian (Moore) is part of this new breed of Sacramento entrepreneurs,” Bazett said. “I actually believe he’s not chasing the dollar, but he’s chasing the vision. He’s more interested in the aesthetic and the experience than he is about the bottom line.”

Moore said he enjoys being a part of the community, and he was the purchaser of the bicycles for the Midtown Ride Your Own Way bicycle share program.

Ikon Cycles is open 10:30 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 2318 J St.

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

Ask Officer Michelle - Concerns About Kidnapper out on Parole

2011-12-11T19:11:38Z

Posted by cherylwin

Can I complete a restraining order on someone without providing my location? This is a person who was in prison for kidnapping me years ago and is now free and off parole as of yesterday.

Dear cherylwin,

It must be unnerving for you knowing that the man who once victimized you is out. Here’s what you should do. His parole agent should have already put those conditions on his parole prior to getting out of prison. You may want to call Parole and make sure the condition to stay away from you was added. He must only know your name and you don’t need to supply your address. If you see the man anywhere near you, call the police. If he attempts to contact you via telephone, mail, or text, call the Police Department and his parole agent. He will be detained and his parole agent will promptly be called and his parole will be violated thus sending him back to jail.

In the meantime, let your neighbors know about your situation. They can be a lookout for you when you aren’t there. You might also want to invest in an alarm system. Keep me posted on this.

Officer Michelle

MidLife GridLife - Cougar Daze

2011-12-10T19:31:27Z

Online dating became exasperating. The real proof of that was when I pulled my profile even though I had to continue to pay for it for two more months; it just wasn’t worth seeing that same rotation of hiking, grilling, great outdoorsman with stellar senses of humor continue to taunt me, day after day, week after week!

I had decided I ‘d try it “old school”—just talk to men in bars and restaurants like the old days—and see how that worked in 2011.

It did. Almost too well.

I went to Sweetwater Bar and Restaurant hoping to chat some folks up for this column, and ended up in conversation with a charming young lawyer. It wasn’t—I swear!—until we were standing outside on the sidewalk, having both eaten at the bar, that I realized he’s timed his exit to coincide with mine.

I can’t remember the entire exchange, which I began entirely speechless, but I do know at one point I managed to blurt out, “You know I’m old, right?”

He did. But we spent a couple of lovely hours not dwelling on it. I did not go home with him, nor vice versa, because he’s 29. I’m looking for a relationship. He is younger than my older son.

No.

One of my male admirers has become obsessed with this encounter, and continues to bring it up, long after it has lost its interest in my life.

“Have you heard from him?” he asks.

“Are you kidding?” I respond.

“He seemed pretty interested at the time,” he presses.

“And then what?” I play through, “I was going to have his children? I think not.”

This is one of those cases where if the shoe was on the other foot, the foot would be feeling pretty cozy!

A few weeks later, sitting on the patio at R15, a really hot guy, say mid to late 20’s hanging out with a friend starts chatting with me. He buys me a drink while I’m waiting for my date to show up (I was uncharacteristically early) and his friend was inside hitting on a bachelorette party.

He asked if I lived nearby. Just then I saw the guy I knew must be my date walking toward the door and waved at him.

“Why,” I say, returning my attention to Hot Patio Guy, “Do you ask?”

“You just have a Midtown vibe about you. Most women I see down here really don’t.”

My date arrives at the table with a portable oxygen tank. Timing is everything.

Fast-forward to this past week. I posted the following on my Facebook status:

Tonight I get hit on in the Walmart parking lot by a guy in his twenties selling bootleg (or just plain hot) DVDs and CDs who told me "Seriously, you have hella hot a**!" Forties are not only fabulous, if you shop at Walmart, they're a little freaky!

I am coming to terms with the fact that I give off some sort of amusing Cougar energy. Flattering, but unproductive in my world. But flattering.

I received the following round of replies (my responses in italics):

#1 I see a column evolving

LOL

#2 I detest ‘hella.’

Slanguage of the street—or in this case, parking lot!

#2 Back in Texas guys would say “Buh” who were too lazy to say “Bubba.” Same thing.

Okay, you changed my mind; not going to go out with him after all! ; )

#2 Nah. Go ahead. Get some 20s nookie. It’s probably…hella good!

Touché!

#3 You will have access to hella movies!

#4 All guys in their 60’s are creepy :-P [from guy in his 60s]

#5 Count your blessings!

#6 Well, at least you know the dude was not lying!

#7 That is great—the story, not the situation!

There are probably women who wouldn't chat up a young dude selling black market stuff out of his car after dark in the parking lot of the Walmart (I told him I'd been selling my stuff off, too), and, here, it was the highlight of my day! ; )

#4 This screams for a romantic comedy, starring James Franco and Cameron Diaz. Possible flick title: "Save Money, Live Better" ;-)

#6 I'll have what she's having...

In addition to reaffirming my egotistical belief that my friends are some of the most clever in cyberspace, it made me wonder, what about a web site where friends could sign an on and rate your date? They do it with exes, they do it with hookers, why not this?

Even the simplest encounters have, if nothing else, entertainment potential. In the old days, we got on the phone and dished, but no one talks on the phone anymore. And not everyone is as willing to post their shenanigans for their entire friend list as I am. What if you could come home and post your evening’s events and get feedback from all of your besties, good, bad and brutal?

www.creeporkeeper.com?

www.mindovermate.com?

Start checking those copyrights. I’m off to Walmart to find a date for New Year’s Eve.

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.

The Sacramento Press on 'Insight'

2011-12-07T02:02:03Z

City Council election drama, a potential swap of high school campuses, new businesses and two Sacramento Press contests were all topics I discussed with Jeffrey Callison Tuesday morning on Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” program.

Elections are quite a ways away, but the District 2 City Council race is already heating up as some accuse candidate Kim Mack of using an email list from her time working on the Obama campaign to push for a Strong Mayor initiative for Mayor Kevin Johnson. Mack denies sharing the email list with the Strong Mayor backers. Read more by clicking here.

Another contentious issue in the city right now has to do with education – more specifically education facilities. The Sacramento City Unified School District board floated the idea of swapping Sacramento Charter High School and West Campus – two high schools that sit about two miles apart. Proponents say moving the public West Campus school to the old Sacramento High School facility – which now houses the charter school – would provide a pedestrian-friendly comprehensive school for the area. Opponents say there is no reason to swap them, and moving schools will only put a different set of students in an inadequate facility.

As the ongoing Occupy Sacramento movement stays in the news, one Sacramento Press reader asked Sacramento Police Officer Michelle Lazark in her weekly column about the difference between camping in Cesar Chavez Plaza and in front of stores for deals. Lazark replied that police enforce the no-camping ordinance on public property, but typically don’t do so on private property unless business owners ask them to or there are “No Loitering” signs posted.

A pair of coffee roasters with about a decade of experience each are opening Insight Coffee Roasters, a new coffee bar and roasting house in Southside Park. The duo plans to focus on sustainable coffee, working directly with growers in Latin America and selling only organic milk and sugar in their drinks.

The old Fog Mountain Cafe business in the City Hall Garage will soon be replaced by a barbecue eatery: Big Joe’s BBQ. Fog Mountain closed in April, and the city forgave some of the lease in order to bring Big Joe’s on as soon as possible.

Bringing as much comedy as drama, Sacra-Melo – a musical theater parody group – opened on the Delta King in Old Sacramento in late September. Actors don’t stay strictly to the script, but interact with the audience and work with piano accompaniment to give a show the owners say is unique in the area.

Finally, a pair of contests on The Sacramento Press gives readers the chance to be more interactive with the site and earn some prizes at the same time. “To Catch an Error” is in its second month and gives readers the chance to help us improve the quality of content on the site. For more information on how you can take part – and win a meal at Zócalo – click here. The second contest is the third annual Journalism Open, which runs for the month of January. Is there something you think should be in the news? You have the chance to put it there and win prizes – with the first place winner taking home $600. For more details and rules, click here.

Reunion Tour comes back and wins the Indoor Kickball Championship

2011-12-06T16:07:41Z

In the Xoso Sport & Social League final Indoor Kickball season of the year, and a championship game that featured the regular season's top two teams, #2 Reunion Tour pulled away from #1 Turn Your Head and Cough to win the 2011 Late Fall Indoor Kickball title 18-9.

Playoff night (last night) kicked off with the play-in matchup of #4 Balls to the Wall versus #5 The A-Team. Balls to the Wall (4-4) built a 19-6 lead after four innings but The A-Team (3-5) rallied with three runs in the fifth and eight more in the sixth before coming up short 19-17.

#4 Balls to the Wall advanced to the first semifinal where they faced #1 Turn Your Head and Cough (6-2). After holding Balls to the Wall scoreless for the first three innings, Turn Your Head and Cough steadily built a 16-1 lead going into the bottom of the sixth. Balls to the Wall was able to put six runs on the board before being shut down for a final score of 16-7.

The other playoff semifinal pitted #2 Reunion Tour (6-2) against #3 Gryffindor (5-3). Reunion Tour jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning before running away with the game 18-4 to set up a title showdown with #1 Turn Your Head and Cough.

This season's final presented an opportunity for Turn Your Head and Cough to avenge their only two losses of the season, both at the hands of Reunion Tour, 10-9 and 21-12. With excellent defense played by both sides and a scoreless tie after two innings, the game seemed headed for a low scoring finish. The Reunion Tour offense woke up with four runs in the third inning and tacked on eight more in the fourth with the help of "double damage" to lead 12-5 after four innings. Reunion Tour pushed the score to 18-6 in the top half of the sixth inning before putting away Turn Your Head and Cough by the final score of 18-9.

Cheers to the 2011 Late Fall Champions, Reunion Tour, and to all the teams for a great season! Many of the teams will now be moving over to coed dodgeball or volleyball during the winter months, so we'll see who comes out on top next time...

Disclosure: Nick is the founder of Xoso.

California International Marathon draws huge crowds in 28th year

2011-12-05T04:16:27Z

Early Sunday morning, over 4,000 runners from around the world participated in the California International Marathon, a 26.2-mile race from Folsom to downtown Sacramento. As the runners scaled the greater Sacramento area into the afternoon, hundreds of supporters lined the route carrying signs of support and yelling words of encouragement.

Meadow Bailey, a 34-year-old homemaker from Rancho Cordova, was one of the many who came out to show their support. She said that although this was her first time coming, she had an enjoyable experience.

“Everybody is cheering, and there’s a great sense of unity,” she said.

Starting near Folsom Lake, participants headed east down Oak Avenue. Passing through Orangevale, Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks, runners gradually traveled downhill, a signature element of the CIM that makes it one of the fastest races in the country. Taking Fair Oaks Boulevard all the way into Midtown, runners eventually turned onto L Street, where they raced to the finish line located on the west side of the Capitol. A full map can be found here.

Several events were held concurrently to the marathon. A shorter relay was held where participants worked in teams. Another event, the MaraFUNrun, was a 2.62-mile run for children and families.

The winners of the marathon were recognized at an award ceremony that started at 3 p.m. For the men, Erick Monyene, a 24-year-old from Keller, Texas, came in first place with a total time of 2:11:50. He was followed by 30-year-old Ryan Bak from Bend, Ore., in second place and Joseph Mutinda, 37, from Santa Fe, N.M., in third place. Their times were 2:14:17 and 2:14:53, respectively.

For the women, Abrha Serkalem, a 24-year-old from Eth, took first place with a time of 2:33:40. In second was Atalelech Asfaw, 20, from Albuquerque, N.M., with a time of 2:33:56. In third place was Nuta Olaru, a 41-year-old from Antioch with a time of 2:37:13. A complete list of finishing times can be found here.

As the runners raced toward the Capitol, the streets were lined with many people who came out to show support. Many bands played at several points throughout the race, including folk singer Willie Ames, hip-hop artist Crazy Ballhead and various high school marching bands. As the runners passed, musicians and supporters alike cheered out in their support.

Sara Nylin, a 29-year-old teacher from Rancho Cordova, participated in the marathon for the first time this year. She said if it weren’t for the people who came out in support, she wouldn’t have been able to pull through.

“It’s a big marathon, and there’s a lot of people,” she said. “I had people supporting me, and now I’m supporting my friends as they finish.”

Other people participated in the relay and later stood on the sidelines supporting the marathon runners. Faith Caplan, a 30-year-old teacher from East Sacramento, was one of them.

“The course is nice and the weather is usually beautiful,” Caplan said, adding that this was why she has participated for the last five years.

Tammy Cortopassi, 48, is a medical assistant who lives in Midtown. Having come to watch the race and support the runners for the first time, she said she believes the runners who come in last place deserve the same respect and recognition as those who come in first.

“No one waits for the last person,” she said after most of the runners had passed her spot along Alhambra Boulevard. “The last is just as important as the first.”

Cortopassi’s compassion for all racers was evident all throughout the day. Phrases such as “You can do it!” and “To the finish line!” were yelled by people who were watching the race and others who were simply walking by it.

When the runners reached the finish line, they were greeted with more cheers, lots of water and massages. Sweat darted down many of their foreheads, and others laid down in the grass surrounding the Capitol, catching their breath.

“The race was a lot of fun to watch,” Bailey said. “I’m just glad I wasn’t doing it.”

Ask Officer Michelle - Suspicious Abandoned Vehicles

2011-12-04T22:46:26Z

Posted by bmclemons

Hello Michelle.. Question.. I’m aware of a vehicle which obviously hit something when the driver was drunk not sure if it was a pole or something, but was able to make it back. The car is sitting in an apartment complex garage now for over 3 months and is completely totaled. Shouldn’t this be reported to either DMV or the authorities?

Dear bmclemons,

You could call the police department in your jurisdiction and report it as a suspicious vehicle. The dispatcher will ask you what the license plate is. It may be a stolen vehicle, or a vehicle involved in a crime. If it doesn’t have a plate attached to the vehicle, an officer can still be sent out to check the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN will contain all of the vehicle data information.

If it is not listed as stolen, it would be the duty of the property owner to have the vehicle towed from the premises. If it was reported as stolen, the registered owner would be called, and the police would have the vehicle towed to a tow yard from the rotational list.

Thank you for your post.
Officer Michelle

MidLife GridLife - On Broadway

2011-12-02T06:38:12Z

Occasionally it has been whispered that I complain (whine) about things in my adopted hometown, so I decided to share some of my impressions of the place I've called home for almost forty years. The writing spans a bit of time and perspective, as well.

Before I was a columnist, I was a poet...

Saturday Night SacTown (Circa 1978)

Pregnant girls with basketball bellies
and bigger bad bangs
tarantula lashes
purple lips colored inside the lines
Not dressed for the weather
Hanging out by the Discount Store
Worrying their gum
Waiting

At the bar on K Street, gay men
Sucked in by the stereotype
Puppy dog eyes
Leather baseball caps and cowboy boots
Leather vests, Pearly buff chests
Eyes lined
Outside, after hours
(they call it the ‘patio sale’)
A sauna of soured cologne, musky desperation
Leftovers leave together

Wannabe grown-ups, adolescents
Tank tops hair gel
Cherry toenails on the dash
Cruising in cars
Windows down
Way down on Broadway
Speakers and adrenaline blaring
Bottle in the backseat
No U-turn

3/23/91

Tower, Café Patio
Sunday morning late
Saccharin on the breeze, sunshine
Legs folded, entwined, swan neck
Scuffed cotton slippers, hooded
Faded black scarf
Crocheted around her neck, faceless
Sad beautiful music
Sung far away in Spanish
Sifting water
Olive and grey sweaters
Books doodled and doted on, softened
Scarred
Glass of water with no lip imprint
Light through the shrubbery behind her, a paper sack
Stage right. I read her
With my brunch, she reads
And replaces things from the paper bag

When she takes her leave
her hip sway
hints at chapters I might have missed

2008

Local youth dancer receives gold

2011-12-01T01:16:35Z

Angelina Baca has received a gold medal for her solo contemporary dance performance at this year’s Co-Dance Convention and Competition. Co-Dance is a national touring dance competition and convention that features not only a competition but master’s classes with current industry leaders and stars. Co-Dance’s Sacramento regional event was held November 4-6, 2011, at the Doubletree Hotel , with 17 dance studios from all over California and Nevada participating.

The gold medal is the culmination of months of hard work at the Contemporary Dance Conservatory in midtown Sacramento, where Baca is a student. Baca is also a member of the Teen Company that competed with two group dances, “Houses,” which received a gold, and “Fear,” which obtained a high silver finish. In addition, Baca participated in the master’s classes at the convention with teachers Robert Roldan and Kayla Radomski, both from the show “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“I thought Co-Dance was a good learning experience,” said Baca after the Co-Dance weekend. “I had a lot of fun in the master’s classes. I learned a lot from Robert and Kayla – they were the best teachers there. They taught me new choreography that I hadn’t done before. When I did the audition for scholarships with Kayla, I felt like I could really let go and flow with the music – like I could do anything.”

Dance has become a way of life for Baca. She trains at the studio two to three hours per day, five days per week, taking mostly ballet and contemporary classes, but also studying jazz, hip-hop and acting at the studio, all while maintaining a nearly 4.0 GPA. Her two younger sisters also dance at the studio.

Contemporary Dance Conservatory opened in Midtown Sacramento in May, 2011 at 213 26th Street and is co-owned by Artistic Director Lena Logan and her husband James Bahn. Logan has been Baca’s dance instructor and mentor for three years.

Baca has been studying dance since she was three years old, but has only been able to reach her potential after she was hand-picked by Logan. Since then, Baca’s progress and growth as a young dancer has been impressive and rapid. She now has over 20 live performances under her belt and has gained a new confidence in herself as Ms. Lena, as the dancers call her, constantly pushes her to achieve that which she did not think was possible.

The atmosphere at CDC is positive, welcoming and mellow, but by no means easy once you step on the dance floor. Logan challenges the dancers each and every day and gets to know the strengths and weaknesses of all the dancers. Baca has flourished in these conditions and credits Logan’s teaching style and approach.

“She makes us dig deep and pulls things out of us that we didn’t know were inside of us,” says Baca. “I knew when I started working with Ms. Lena that she was going to take me to a whole new level with my dancing.”

Baca’s next goal is to improve her individual scores and win a scholarship at the next competition in February. She will also be auditioning for entrance to the Performing Arts program at the Natomas Charter School in March and looks forward to going “en pointe” next year in ballet. Her dream is to be known as a dancer who makes the world look at this art form in a new and exciting way and to represent her hometown of Sacramento.

In addition, Baca hopes to obtain more sponsors before the spring portion of the dance season. She currently has three official sponsors responsible for helping her obtain her goal of debuting her first solo competition piece. Sponsors include Rene Domingo Photography/Blue Sky Marketing, 524 Restaurant in midtown, and Papillon Salon in Natomas. Friends and family also support her in her efforts to train and gain more experience in the competition arena.

Disclosure: Krista Baca is a dance mom at the Contemporary Dance Conservatory.

Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?

2011-11-28T18:37:40Z

Posted by Jib916

Good Morning Michelle.
I had a question regarding how you plan on handling the occupiers/campers camping in front of best buy and other big box retail stores for black Friday.

If Sacramento has a no tent policy, isn’t it only fair that these peoples camping equipment shall be confiscated, just like the protesters? After all the law is the law.

Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Justin Buell

Dear Justin,

The “no tent” policy you are speaking about refers to occupying a camping space on city/county property. When people camp in front of stores in anticipation for stores to open or to get prime tickets at a box office, they are occupying space on private property. We typically don’t enforce the city ordinance on private property unless the business owners have an issue with individuals causing a specific problem. We will enforce the law if the store owners have a “no loitering” sign posted.

There are other issues that go along with the camping ordinances. Sometimes, people bring their children out to camp out. If the conditions are such that it is posing an unsafe environment for a child, officers can enforce the 273 code of the California Penal Code which is basically the code referring to child endangerment. I mean, have you seen the news footage where some people are nearly trampling each other to get inside the store when it opens?

I know that some of the stores are only allowing an allotted number of people in every 15 seconds to alleviate this problem. Thank you for your concern.

Officer Michelle

Monsoon to bring Indian cuisine to 16th and K

2011-11-28T05:41:56Z

Monsoon Indian Bar & Grill is scheduled to open the first week of December in the building at 16th and K streets that formerly housed Spin Burger Bar and Bistro 33.

“It’s going to be fresh food, prepared daily,” said co-owner Chan Singh. “This is Indian food where we use spices to enhance the flavors of the food, not overkill it.”

Singh, originally from Delhi, India, came to North America in the 1990s, getting into the restaurant business in Toronto, Canada, opening his original Monsoon location.

Singh said his business in Toronto is well-run by his managers, allowing him to come to Sacramento and focus on the new venture.

In India, the monsoon season typically lasts from June to September, and it’s a special time, according to Singh.

“It’s considered to be kind of a romantic time in India,” he said. “You have five to six months of 100-plus temperatures, and then the monsoon comes, and it really brings everything to life and cools down. People love to go out and have fun and eat.”

The restaurant, which will be open seven days per week, will serve lunch and dinner and have a full bar. A limited late-night menu will be available after about 10 p.m., and Indian-themed cocktails will be available as well, Singh said.

The food will be traditional Indian, served to Singh’s specifications.

“It’s going to be the kind of food I like to eat,” he said. “If I wouldn’t want to eat it, why would I serve it?”

Chicken Vindaloo, a spicy dish from the Goa region; Kerala fish, a fish topped with coconut sauce, peppercorns and curry leaves; chicken tikka masala, roasted chicken in a curry sauce; and numerous other dishes including shrimp and salmon will be available.

In addition, there will be a variety of what Singh said are more modern dishes in India, including a dish with chicken atop a coconut chickpea sauce and lamp chops in a creamy curry sauce.

A range of vegetarian items will be available as well.

Full menu details are still being worked out, as is the cocktail selection. Prices for food will range from around $10 for vegetarian items to $12 - $15 for non-vegetarian items. The lunch menu will be less-expensive, with food running from about $8 - $10.

The 2,800-square-foot restaurant will seat about 95 people inside, and the existing patio will be retained.

Most recently, the space held Spin Burger Bar, which evolved from Bistro 33.

“We originally wanted to decorate it in a traditional Indian way, but when we saw the building, it’s very modern, so we will have a more modern influence,” Singh said.

Some of the décor will be paintings imported from India.

While Singh is not a Sacramentan, he said he will be living here for the foreseeable future as the restaurant gets started, and he has two local partners.

“We were looking in Roseville, but when we saw that this space was available, we knew we had to come here. I don’t think there is anything else like this around here.”

Jennifer Young, a 41-year-old state worker from Sacramento who works in the area, said the restaurant will be a nice complement to the area.

“I like curry,” she said Wednesday afternoon. “I’ll definitely try it out.”

Young said that, with numerous state office buildings in the area, affordable food will likely be key to staying in business.

Another nearby state worker, 27-year-old Abby Eddy of Sacramento, said she thinks the corner location is the perfect spot for a restaurant, and it will be successful if it provides a good late-night option for diners and those looking for drinks.

“I’ll definitely give it a shot,” she said.

Monsoon Indian Bar & Grill, 1020 16th St., is scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.

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

MidLife GridLife - Shoot Up, Shut Up, Step Up?

2011-11-26T01:44:22Z

I went downtown on Thanksgiving morning and saw people feeding the homeless and it really pissed me off.

It seems to me that feeding the homeless once a year on Thanksgiving is a little like only going to church on Christmas Eve.

But, yes, there is more to this than what you may initially perceive as my Mother Superiority complex.

I need people to stop feeding the homeless on my block. Period.

I work at Quinn Cottages, a program that provides housing for homeless people who are ready to change their lives, to move from the streets and become self-sustaining. Many of them are in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction.

Many have mental health issues. All of them are committed to change. All of them perform at least 12 hours of community service a month, and most many more than that, closer to 30.Some are in the process of reuniting with children or reestablishing relationships with other loved ones that became broken during months or years of poor decisions.

Quinn Cottages is located on North A Street, just off of 16th Street. Next door, is a shelter program, one of several run by Volunteers of America. Also helping their clients to remain clean, sober, and committed to the positive choices they are making while waiting for more permanent accommodation.

Homeless people not in programs tend to congregate outside on the street anyway. They hang off the curbs, discouraging people from parking. They smoke dope--I know this because when I walk to my car I can smell it—well, I think so, anyway; I’m told it smells like oregano-- they talk trash, and they leave trash.

They throw running shoes up over the power lines to signal the availability of drugs for sale.

Eventually, law enforcement will manage to get them to disperse and things will start to look decent and safe again (although the shoes stay, and I don’t know what the ramifications for actual business practice are).

And then, within a few days or a week—a month at most--cars and vanloads of good Samaritans pull up with food to lure even more of them back to our block.

Yes, Them.

Those people.

It has, at this point, become a game of Them and Us.

I am not a hater of homeless people. I have said before that not only have I spent years hanging out and working with homeless people, but that they are not a category unto themselves: the only thing a lot of homeless people have in common is being designated homeless by the county or not sleeping in a societally sanctioned home.
I’m okay with homeless people. I have a problem with riff raff.

I’m okay with teenagers who like gangster rap. I have a problem with gangsters.

I am not a hater of people who feed homeless people, although I used to cringe at the use of the word “feed” until I saw the frenzied events of which I speak, and it resembles nothing so much as that.

I take issue with the lack of forethought and sensitivity with which these forays into charity work are conducted.

The people who stay at Quinn Cottages and Volunteers of America have made a choice, an often difficult and life-wrenching choice.

Depending on their personal circumstance—shelter v. Transitional Housing—they may have years, months, weeks or minutes of clean time. It might still be taunting them with future failure.

And what do we ask them to do?

Walk a gauntlet.

A gauntlet of syringes, and smoke and sneakers overhead 24/7.

I hear a whisper. A little defiant whisper saying something about “real life.”

But this isn’t real life; this is Early Recovery—from something that sucks, whatever that something was—and it’s hard enough without being tested on the way to your own front door every day. It’s especially challenging for those who weren’t at all sure they’d ever have—or deserve to have—a front door again.

There are people over the past few years who have put forth plans that seemed basically to want to make the homeless vanish, or at least, speculate that if they continued to spin the plans long enough and fast enough, they would run off or be sent somewhere and the problem of unattractive people schlepping about the streets would right itself.

The homeless people are in Roseville and Elk Grove. When enough turn up in Granite Bay and (I know, I know!) Rocklin, and someone petitions for a shelter, that might be the first strong mayoral candidate to succeed in this area—and you go Placer County; just don’t be haters!

But I digress.

I am beginning, as I always suggest people do, with my little corner of the world. I am not proposing that groups stop catering meals for the people on the street. I am not imagining that people will stop smoking or selling drugs or throwing garbage on the streets.

Just our street.

Three blocks down, Loaves & Fishes provides an amazing array of services for homeless and low-income individuals during the week. They are openly non-discriminating about the level of sobriety of their patrons. Organizations could set up there on the weekends when L&F is closed. Or, on weekdays nearby, where the behavior has been deemed unofficially acceptable.

From my perspective, it would also be great if the organizations communicated, so that they didn’t all show up at once, since people can only gorge themselves on so much food and carry so many provisions at one time.

This brings me to my second subtle suggestion: spread the love and joy throughout the year.

I will give you a very different example.

I have worked in two different programs where families are adopted for Christmas, and sometimes for Thanksgiving, as well.

Thanksgiving typically involves donation of the ingredients for a traditional meal, maybe the necessary tools if the kitchen isn’t well stocked. The family drops off bags of food, introduces themselves, asks some questions about the sizes and interested of family members, and says they‘ll see the family around Christmas.

Christmas can be a very different story. Christmas can be crazy.

Think about buying your child that gift you really can’t afford because you know you haven’t been around as much as you wanted to be this past year, and you feel really bad about it, so you want him to be able to have something really cool, because it’s the thing you can do.

Now take your child out and substitute a homeless boy or girl—or five.

Now follow the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be. You’re that child’s mom. You finally have your three years of sobriety/stable mental health. Your kids are working with you again. You have a job and you’re not getting government money anymore. For the first time you’ll be able to pay for your own Christmas! You don’t have credit, because that’s part of what got you in trouble in the first place, but you have cash saved all year just for this purpose.

But as you gather your purchases, the purchases your started out so proud of, you begin to hear their voices…This is the ghetto version, Mom! I asked for the other one, not this one! Is that all? Rather than give a child a Christmas once a year that a family will never be able to match once they're on their own, why not spread your time throughout the year with a family, modeling parenting skills, budgeting, talking about the other meaning in a holiday that doesn't revolve around expensive goods. Instead of throwing all of your money at Thanksgiving, endow or facilitate a monthly or weekly group that a program could otherwise not afford.

Find a program that means something to you, and ask them what they really need. Seriously. A Horton Hears a Who moment: Not only will they appreciate your generocity, but they will take note of and appreciate your empathy--I guarantee it.

Those of us, who work in mental health, recovery, and social services, do appreciate volunteers, and people who give service.

As long as it is a service.

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own." ~Benjamin Disraeli

"You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event -- it is a habit."

-- Aristotle

More about how you can support the agencies mentioned is available at:

Cottage Housing www.cottagehousing.org

Loaves & Fishes www.sacloaves.org

Volunteers of America www.voa-sac.org

Light Up Midtown 2011

2011-11-24T20:12:18Z

The Midtown Business Association is inviting businesses to light up Midtown by transforming their store windows into a winter wonderland this season with an opportunity to win a $1,000 advertising grant from the MBA.

This is the second year the MBA has hosted “Light Up Midtown” in the hope of opening the doors of local businesses to more customers this holiday season.

“We wanted to find a way to dress up the district and be festive and let people feel very involved in it,” said Heather Philpott, MBA communications and events coordinator.

“Businesses can take ownership of the project and get an opportunity to be a part of making the district look great,” Philpott said Wednesday, “and besides, who doesn’t like a little competition?”

The prizes – advertising grants of $250, $500 and $1,000 – will be awarded to the top three vote-getters. The grants are coming from the MBA events/marketing budget, Philpott said.

“Instead of us spending $1,000 to put lights up and do a little decorating Midtown,” Philpott said, “we let the businesses decorate and win something that is valuable for them in the long run.”

Midtown business owners and their elves have until Tuesday to register for the competition. Businesses must be located within Midtown Property Business Improvement District boundaries to apply, according to the competition rules.

Then, they can deck the halls – and storefronts and windows and anything else that will hold garland and sparkle – to transform their businesses into festive displays.

Visitors and shoppers will vote online for their favorite starting Dec. 1.

Voting continues through Dec. 12, Philpott said, and winners will be announced live Dec. 14 on the morning newscast of Good Day Sacramento.

More than 50 Midtown businesses participated in the competition last year. The top three winners of 2010 were Trés Chic Boutique, Mulvaney's B&L and Cyber Electronik.

Mulvaney’s and Trés Chic Boutique have already registered to compete again this year, Philpott said Wednesday.

Summer Hairabedian, lead stylist at last year’s big winner, Trés Chic Boutique, said that she and the other Trés Chic employees are already planning this year’s decorating scheme.

“I can’t disclose that information,” Hairabedian, 28, said when asked what this year’s theme would be. “It’s top secret.”

Trés Chic Boutique, 2228 J St., a clothing store specializing in prom, pageant and special occasion dresses, won Light Up Midtown 2010 with a glimmering “white wonderland” theme, Hairabedian said.

“We had a white crystal ball gown in the window,” Hairabedian said, “with white reindeer and snowflakes and lights and gold presents to accent it.”

Trés Chic used its 2010 prize to advertise in local school newspapers and Midtown Monthly magazine. Hairabedian said she is unsure what they would spend the prize on this year if they were to win again.

Other businesses already getting their icicles and ornaments ready for the fun include Relles Florist, Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop and Mosaic Salon.

“We mostly decorate the windows and add light to it,” said Jim Relles, 64, owner of Relles Florist at 2400 J St. “This year we might do some exterior (decorations), but either way, we will have very festive Christmas windows.”

Relles said if his business wins one of the advertising grants, he would like to put it toward radio advertising just before Valentine’s Day.

“We had 18,000 lights in our window last year,” said Todd Buckley, 34, co-owner of Mosaic Salon at 2700 J St. “We’ll do a little twist on the decorations this time, but the lights will be included.”

Although most of Mosaic’s advertising is word-of-mouth, Buckley said he’d probably try to do some radio advertising if his business wins a prize this year.

Philpott said there are some new competitors this year, too: Faces Nightclub, Felicia Strati, City Suds and J 27 Gallery are just a few.

Felicia Strata is a clothing boutique at 1901 Capitol Ave., and City Suds is a neighborhood laundromat at 1830 L St.

The initial idea for Light Up Midtown came from Amber Schmaeling, MBA marketing and outreach director, and Philpott and other MBA staff helped make the idea a reality in time for the 2010 winter holidays.

“People enjoy the way the malls dress up for the holidays,” Philpott said. “Hopefully this gives the same warm, fuzzy feeling and gets people to shop at smaller local businesses.”

For more information and to cast your vote, visit www.exploremidtown.org. Only one vote per person is allowed.

Melissa Corker is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Latino culture center faces deep budget gap

2011-11-22T01:20:51Z

La Raza Galería Posada is in a situation similar to many local arts organizations, needing to raise about $25,000 in the next two and a half months to stay open.

“We receive a lot of our funding from grants, but those have gone down significantly since about 2005,” said Executive Director Marie Acosta.

La Raza Galería Posada has been a culture center and art gallery for the past 40 years. It started as a bookstore, then morphed into a gallery. Acosta said it currently serves to give exposure to up-and-coming Latino and Chicano artists.

Private donors are being called upon to help raise the funds, and Acosta said that the organization has a mailing list of about 2,500 people, so if each person donated $10, it would provide the needed funds.

A call put out a couple of weeks ago was encouraging, she said.

“We got a lot of checks, and a lot of them were more than $10, and even more than $20,” she said. “The problem was, we didn’t get 2,000 of them.”

With arts organizations lacking funding across the board, La Raza Galería Posada’s story isn’t unique, and Acosta said she hopes to see the type of success that the Sacramento Opera saw when it needed to raise funds from private donations earlier this year.

Funding for La Raza Galería Posada, which in years past has ranged from $50,000 - $70,000, dropped to about $30,000 this year as government funds for nonprofit organizations were cut, and other funding sources decreased.

One organization that has given grants to La Raza Galería Posada is the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that distributes grants based on community needs.

“I think La Raza is increasingly meeting the changing demographic, but also becoming relevant to our mainstream community as well,” said Priscilla Enriquez, chief giving officer for the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

She added that data for Sacramento shows that there is no majority ethnicity, and Latinos are a growing population in the area.

Another organization that has supported La Raza Galería Posada is the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.

“We’ve supported them for about 30 years, and we really believe in what they do,” said SMAC Executive Director Rhyena Halpern. “It’s a really important community-based organization, and they do really high-quality programming.”

She added that the inclusion of performing arts, films and other media has expanded the organization’s offerings in recent years.

“We have quite a few Mexican folkloric dance groups, but La Raza is really what we have here in terms of visual and performing arts,” Halpern said. “They’re the main Chicano, Latino and Native American arts organization, and they’re really important.”

One example of the expanded offering of La Raza Galería Posada, Acosta said, is the recent Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration, which allowed approximately 40 families to build traditional Day of the Dead altars at no cost.

“It’s not just Latinos and Chicanos who come in here,” Acosta said. “We are a resource for students throughout the area who are learning Spanish or studying history and lots of other subjects.”

For the month of December, La Raza Galería Posada will house 14 vendors selling handmade items with Latino/Chicano roots in its Mercado Navideño, or Christmas market.

If the money is not raised by the end of January, Acosta said La Raza Galería Posada will be forced to go on hiatus, but she hopes that doesn’t happen.

“There is strong hope that we will raise the money,” she said. “I know a lot of people care about us and like having us here, and the economy is bad, but they have been willing to give when they hear about our situation.”

La Raza Galería Posada is located at 1022-1024 22nd St. in Midtown. To donate, follow the link on the organization’s website.

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

Ask Officer Michelle - Police Arrest Two in Connection with Beating a Mentally Challanged Woman

2011-11-20T22:26:31Z

Posted by ron_lopez2011

Please extend my personal thanks to the officers involved in the arrest of Rasaan Zawadi. I hope you get his accomplices too. That story just bugged me to the core; thank you for what you guys do.

Dear ron_lopez2011,

Thank you Ron! For those of you who aren’t familiar with Rasaan Zawadi, he was one of two bullies who were shown in a viral video taunting and punching a handicapped woman in front of a South Sacramento store. Zawadi was seen harassing and punching the female victim several times. Another suspect, 19-year-old Donnell Wade, who was seen punching the female in the face and knocking her out, was also arrested for the crime.

According to a recent press release, “We received calls from throughout the country inquiring about the investigation. Detectives assigned to the case discovered that patrol officers had responded to an assault call on October 1, 2011, at approximately 12:11 p.m., near Center Parkway and Mack Road. The officers arrived, finding that the suspects had fled the scene and the victim, a 42-year-old female, did not wish for prosecution at that time.”

On November 12, 2011 police were called to the area of Omaha Court and Seyferth Way in South Sacramento regarding a weapons call. Upon arrival Donnell Wade began to run from police. He was taken into custody without incident for his involvement in the attack. The weapons call was not related to Donnell.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this suspect to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.”

Local vegan shop reopens in new location

2011-11-18T01:49:26Z

Never Felt Better Vegan Shop, which reopened Nov. 4 in a new location at 19th and P streets, offers not only vegan food, but a range of products made in what the owners say are ethical methods by local vegans.

“Everything we offer is vegan-friendly,” said Jen Fosnight, co-owner of the store. “Nothing here was tested on animals, and there are no animal products in anything here.”

She said the shop is not just for vegans, but for anyone who wants a wide range of goods.

The boutique offers non-leather belts and wallets, vegan nacho cheese, vegan tamales, other assorted vegan and fair-trade food items, soaps, artwork produced by local vegans and even clothing made locally that promotes animal rights.

Monica Engebretson, 37, is a co-owner of the Puppy Bird clothing line – sold in the store – and worker for Born Free USA, an animal rights nonprofit organization.

“Jen asked me if I wanted to sell my clothing line in her shop, and I’m a vegan, so it seemed like a perfect fit,” Engebretson said.

She added that she and Fosnight met through Sacramento’s craft scene, as Fosnight makes jewelry.

“I like having her shop here because I can go in there and find products that maybe aren’t available or carried in other local stores,” Engebretson said. “There’s lots of local handmade items, so I know I’m not supporting sweatshops and exploitative models of consumerism.”

Engebretson said she gets clothing from secondhand stores and screen prints images of animals with quotations about preserving animal habitat and caring for animals. Oftentimes, she screen prints the images on patches and applies them to the clothes.

“We turn the clothes into a statement,” she said.

She added that seeing a vegan shop in Sacramento is “a sign that Sacramento is growing up and getting hip and getting with the times.”

Fosnight said she became a vegan about eight years ago, and her husband, Shawn Fosnight, has been a vegan for about 22 years.

Together, they decided to open the store about two years ago. Originally in an upstairs location at 24th and K streets, the move to the new location Nov. 4 provided more visibility and translated to increased foot traffic in the store.

“We are definitely not just for vegans,” Shawn Fosnight said. “Anyone can come in here, and a lot of people love the soaps, and even a lot of non-vegans buy the food because it is healthier and locally produced.”

Jeannie Trizzino, 48, is a vegan from Chico who stopped in the store Thursday morning.

“I love it here,” she said. “I can come here and buy whatever is in the store and not have to worry about looking at the labels.”

She added that places such as Trader Joe’s are selling more vegan food, and though it is well-marked, it is often mixed in with non-vegan food.

“Anyone can come in here and poke around,” Trizzino said. “They can see that being vegan isn’t hard, and it’s good for them and for animals.”

Jen Fosnight said that,as the store gains recognition, she wants Never Felt Better Vegan Shop to be a resource for vegans and non-vegans alike who would like to find out more about ethically produced items, local produce and animal rights.

One of the items Shawn Fosnight said many non-vegans come to the shop for is fair-trade chocolate, which like fair-trade coffee is produced in a manner friendly to workers and the environment.

The store is also used as a spot for people to meet up on a variety of topics, Jen Fosnight said. From 6 - 9 p.m. Dec. 10, the store will host a vegan cookie exchange, where people can bring in their favorite vegan cookies and exchange them with others.

From 6 - 9 p.m. Dec. 17, Jen Fosnight said the shop will hold a workshop on how to veganize beauty and makeup practices, including a list of products that don’t include animal products or test on animals, as well as where to get them locally.

Never Felt Better Vegan Shop is located at 1910 P St. and is open from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturdays and noon - 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information on upcoming events, check the company’s website.

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

A Sign in the Window

2011-11-17T06:54:34Z

One walks down 16th Street on the “grid” in Sacramento and comes across two large and empty buildings at the corners of L and K streets. Both once newly operating restaurants in this energetic area have since closed their doors.

The buildings, a common sight for many pedestrians and grid commuters like me, are prominent icons within the mid and downtown areas of Sacramento. The old Firestone building at 16th and K streets with its art deco details and sidewalk-fixed spot lights stands lonesome among the moving traffic and thriving businesses in the suites next door. The contemporary O Street Lofts, built back in 2005, beg for a tenant in their corner, first-floor suite with a wrap-around patio. If they stay vacant what will happen to the positive image that many want in the revitalization of Sacramento?

In mid-2011, after only being open for just a couple of years, California Pizza Kitchen closed its doors, despite an advantageous location within Midtown, due to corporate acquisition and forced closure of many locations. Just a few months later its neighbor, Spin Burger Bar, a concept of the well-known Bistro 33 name, a block away, foundered as well.

With a rough economy and deep recession many restaurants, both corporate and “mom and pop,” saw a huge hit to business in the last couple of years and struggled to stay afloat. It looks like when one door closes another opens in its place, in the case of these two locations, despite the hardships. According to the alcoholic beverage permit transfers posted on their windows, we have new tenants moving in.

A joint-venture between the men behind, de’ Vere’s Irish Pub and MIX Downtown Lounge will be opening at the former C.P.K location at 1132 16th St. Firestone Public House, a sports-themed bar with a full-dining menu boasting American cuisine is scheduled to open early next year.

Along with that will come the new occupant at 1020 16th St., Monsoon Indian Bar and Grill. A joint-venture with building owner, Loftworks and the original, Toronto-based restaurant company. It boasts a budget-friendly lunches and dinners for the growing, Indian-food concepts that don’t have a strong hold in our market as of yet. Eager for holiday sales, it is scheduled to open its doors before the end of the year.

The essence of big city atmosphere, the place you go to make a name for yourself. A place where all it takes is a sign in a window to get people talking. Let’s see how these new ventures prosper within Sacramento’s hustle and bustle.

Disclosure: Employee at another local downtown restaurant and local resident. No connection to either new restaurant opening.

Photo essay: La Tavola linen rentals

2011-11-17T01:32:45Z

More than 1,500 linen items from napkins to tablecloths and chair cushions are available for rent at La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, which has operated out of 1221 19th St. for about six months.

Whitney Werts, marketing manager for La Tavola, said much of the business centers on linen rentals for events such as weddings, holiday parties and other receptions.

“We import fabrics from all over the world and manufacture everything ourselves, and then we rent that out to customers,” she said.

The business started in Napa four years ago, then expanded to Southern California. With a strong client base in Sacramento, Werts said it made sense to open a store in the area. The Sacramento location is in a building formerly occupied by Le Petit Paris, which closed last year.

Sharing the former Le Petit Paris spot is the next-door Devine Gelateria.

The company is owned by Betsy and Herb Stone of Napa, who previously owned two other rental businesses that were subsequently bought out by larger corporations.

“No order is too small,” Werts said, adding that standard tablecloths made of polycotton linens are about $18 each, and napkins cost 75 cents each. Shipping orders in the Sacramento area costs about $25, or customers can pick them up at the store.

Tablecloths, table runners, chair covers and cushions are all produced in standard sizes, Werts said. For complete size listing, check the La Tavola website.

All linens are laundered at the facility in Napa upon their return, Werts said.

The satellite showrooms, such as the one in Sacramento, stock a complete set of the linens, and when orders are given, they arrive from a 65,000-square-foot warehouse in Napa.

“At the very minimum, we need to know three or four days before the event,” Werts said.

The business is open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed from noon - 1 p.m.

Editorial Note: Spelling corrections have been made to this story after it was published.

Vanilla Bean cupcakes sweeten up Midtown

2011-11-16T07:14:48Z

One couple’s quest to bake the ideal cupcake has created Vanilla Bean Gourmet Cupcakery in Midtown, where gourmet cupcake enthusiasts and first-timers alike will find delicious and uniquely crafted treats.

Vanilla Bean, which also houses a self-serve frozen yogurt bar, boasts more than 20 cupcake flavors with names such as Death By Chocolate, Blueberry Pancake and Raspberry Beret. Offerings in the shop change daily, with anywhere from eight to 12 varieties available in the cupcake case. They also do special orders, events and weddings.

Both Patricia and Carlos Mares, who own and operate the shop at S and 18th streets which previously was home to Cultivé Frozen Yogurt, claim to have never liked cupcakes. Patricia dreamed of a cupcake she would enjoy: one with a moist, bread-like consistency and frosting that wasn’t overpowering.

“Normally the frosting is too sweet – it makes my teeth hurt,” Carlos Mares said of most cupcakes he had encountered. They began to experiment by tweaking various recipes, and finally a batch came out just right.

The name Vanilla Bean is a nod to the Mares’ policy of using real vanilla beans to flavor their cupcake and frosting recipes. Only fresh spices are on the ingredients list, and their website bears the promise that customers will never find a bottle of vanilla extract in the kitchen.

Patricia Mares’ idea to open a gourmet cupcake and frozen yogurt shop was born of her first visit to Cultivé’s shop in downtown Davis. Realizing that gourmet cupcakes and frozen yogurt would not only complement one another but also attract similar quality-seeking customers, Patricia Mares decided she’d like to own a shop that offered both products.

When Cultivé leaders decided to sell their Midtown location at 1809 S street, the Mares jumped at the opportunity to pair their cupcakes and Patricia’s passion for Cultivé’s frozen yogurt. Vanilla Bean officially opened for business on Sept. 1.

The 1,200-square-foot shop is roomy and bright, simple yet colorful. Toppings for the frozen yogurt include a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, sprinkles, candies and chocolates. Next to the register, dozens of decorative cupcakes are arrayed on platters in a glass display case.

Cupcakes are available in two sizes; mini ones are two dollars each, and regular cupcakes cost three dollars.

“In every cupcake, we strive for a diversity and complexity of textures and flavors,” Patricia Mares said.

Strawberry Shortcake, for example, hides a surprise: Take a bite to find a chocolate-covered strawberry nestled inside, covered by homemade whipped cream that adorns the top.

“I like that they have tons of flavors, and that they’re all unique,” said Celeste Linares, 28, a regular at Vanilla Bean since September. A self-proclaimed cupcake enthusiast, Linares said she was excited when the shop opened less than a block away from Massage Envy, where she works as a receptionist.

She has tried almost every flavor and noted that it’s fun to experiment, though she does have her favorites, including the Chuck Norris: a vanilla cupcake filled with peanut butter ganache, topped with chocolate frosting and a chocolate-covered pretzel.

Vanilla Bean takes cupcake suggestions from customers, and new flavor ideas are qualified by how effectively they inspire a sense of nostalgia. The Mares said they want to remind customers of childhood, and how amazing certain special treats tasted.

Flavors like Raulsy’s Peanut Butter Cup, Maple Bacon Bar and S’mores – which features a torched marshmallow on top – are some of Vanilla Bean’s most popular nostalgia-inducing cupcakes.

Patricia Mares likened the Maple Bacon Bar, one of her personal favorites, to a feel-good pancake breakfast at Denny’s when some of the maple syrup runs into the bacon.

“It’s the All-American cupcake,” said Patricia Mares of the flavor that she also considers the most outrageous on the menu.

A new coconut-flavored cupcake is on the horizon, and next summer, Patricia Mares said, she hopes to start baking with alcohol to create cocktail-inspired cupcakes.

Vanilla Bean also offers gluten-free and vegan cupcakes, made special to order.

The Mares said they look forward to a bustling shop and a full patio when the weather warms up next spring, and plan to open a second shop in the Bay Area, where they are originally from. Patricia Mares said she believes that the quality of her cupcakes guarantees the long-term success of Vanilla Bean, and she hopes to franchise her business in the near future.

“You just need to taste them to know: Wow! This is homemade. They are like no other cupcake,” Patricia Mares said, adding that she enjoys participating in community events, including the recent Day of the Dead celebration, to give everyone a taste of just how good a cupcake can be.

Vanilla Bean is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out Vanilla Bean’s Facebook page for updates and new flavors.

Editorial Note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published.

Ruhstaller beer makes Sacramento comeback

2011-11-16T05:49:27Z

A Sacramento entrepreneur is looking to bridge past and present with the resurrection of one of Sacramento’s most-recognized names in beer: Ruhstaller.

J-E Paino, a native San Franciscan who grew up in Houston before moving to Davis for college, settled on the idea of marketing new, California-grown and brewed beer under the classic Ruhstaller name about two years ago, and he officially launched the product Tuesday night at Mulvaney’s B&L, 1215 19th St.

“As I researched Sacramento’s brewing history, the guy that kept coming up over and over again was Ruhstaller,” Paino said Monday.

Frank Ruhstaller left Switzerland for the United States in the mid-1800s, and he made his way to Sacramento, setting up his brewery in the old City Brewery in 1881, Paino said. Shortly after, he became a partner in the Buffalo Brewery.

William Burg, a member of the Sacramento Heritage Board of Directors and other local historical societies, said the Buffalo Brewery was a virtual “Who’s Who” of prominent Sacramento brewers.

“Ruhstaller’s son took over his business and may have run (the Buffalo Brewery) for a while,” Burg said. He added that Ruhstaller was adept at marketing – producing numerous novelty items, plates, mugs and other beer-related merchandise that remain highly collectible today.

Paino said Sacramento was a natural site for brewing around the turn of the century, with hops growing from the area of Campus Commons out to Sloughouse, and the rivers provided ready access to ship all over the region as well as Asia.

Under Paino’s ownership, Ruhstaller is produced in two varieties – the Ruhstaller 1881 and Hop Sac ’11.

“The 1881 is a California red ale,” Paino said, explaining that all the hops are grown in California near the Oregon border. Without any malting houses in California, the undried hops are shipped to Vancouver, Wash., malted, and returned to Sacramento for brewing.

According to Paino, using the hops without drying them gives the beer a unique flavor. Much like wine, in which the drinker can taste the variation in each vintage based on weather conditions, soil and a number of other factors, the 1881 ale gets a unique flavor from California.

The Hop Sac ’11 is an orange-colored ale also made with California hops. Paino said the name is an homage to Sacramento’s history of harvesting hops, which were placed in burlap sacks.

The recipes are not the same as the originals, Paino said, since the original recipes were far different from what is popular today.

Paino said he has been producing the beer for about four months, and he has had to brew it at local breweries – including Hoppy Brewing Co. – when they have space, as he does not yet have a commercial facility.

Patrick Mulvaney, owner of Mulvaney’s B&L restaurant, said Ruhstaller beers have been the most-asked-for brews he carries at the restaurant.

The beers, so far only available on tap, can be found at several local eateries. For a complete list, click here.

Tyler Zurcher, a 31-year-old Sacramento filmmaker, said he was well aware of the Ruhstaller name, having studied Sacramento’s brewing history.

“J-E said he was going to bring back Ruhstaller, and I said, ‘Great, can I try it?’ and it was really good,” Zurcher said. “It’s a unique name that these guys brought back, and I think it’s awesome that they’re doing that.”

Burg said that, from a historian’s standpoint, he is happy to see more interest in an era of Sacramento history that is often overlooked.

“There were 17 or so breweries within the grid, total, before Prohibition,” he said. “People are realizing our history is marketable. For a long time, people assumed no one would have any interest after the Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad, but there is a rich industrial history here.”

Rob Robertson, a 35-year-old software developer from Sacramento, said he isn’t familiar with the history, but he found it interesting after reading a little bit about it on the Ruhstaller website.

“So far, this beer has been at really all the premium places, and it’s really tasty and hoppy,” he said. “It’s hoppalicious.”

Paino said he is happy with the popularity of the beer, with demand outpacing supply. He plans to begin offering the beer in a bottle, possibly in 2012, in addition to kegs.

“When Ruhstaller came to Sacramento, it was a place where you didn’t need to be someone to become someone,” Paino said. “And that’s something that hasn’t changed.”

For more information about Sacramento’s brewing history, Paino and Burg said Ed Carroll’s book, “Sacramento’s Breweries” is a good read.

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

Newsbeat shuts doors on 20th Street

2011-11-15T04:13:53Z

Editorial Note: This story has been updated since it was published.

Newsbeat, a business that some called Sacramento’s last newsstand, closed over the weekend, leaving an empty space in the popular MARRS Building.

“It’s a tragedy for our building. A tragedy,” said Pete Haynes, owner of the next-door Denim Spot. “They were a pillar of the Midtown and Sacramento community. We’ve definitely lost a piece of our culture.”

The independently owned Newsbeat, 1050 20th St., sold hard-to-find magazines and candies, greeting cards and a mix of other goods.

Terrence Lott, co-owner of the store, said that in comparison to his other Newsbeat location in Davis – which remains open – some of the “bread and butter” business never materialized, including sales of candy, cigarettes and cigars.

“The building is trafficked significantly, but we never had that kind of neighborhood destination,” he said.

He added that opening in the space took a big capital investment, and the building is one of the higher-rent places in Sacramento, and revenues didn’t recoup the costs.

Newsbeat was open in the MARRS building for four almost four years, and before that, it was at 10th and L streets for 16 years.

Lott didn’t rule out the possibility of opening another space sometime in the future, but said there are currently no plans.

“We’re just ind of taking a step back,” he said. “There’s a lot to figure out about the idea of selling print media.”

On the closing days, Lott said the community support was touching, with longtime customers stopping by, some bringing cookies and other baked goods.

“That was rewarding and reinforcing,” Lott said. “That makes you just believe in community.”

Mike Heller, property developer overseeing the MARRS Building, said in an email Monday that the business plan was not viable, and the general economy “contributed greatly” to the business’ closure.

He said he will now look to bring in another tenant for the building.

Haynes said business has slowed considerably on the block in the past year – and high rents with a much smaller Second Saturday Art Walk crowd have hurt all the businesses.

Valeri Simons, a 51-year-old who works at the nearby Headhunters bar and lounge, 1930 K St., echoed Haynes’ statements.

“It’s been pretty slow lately,” she said. “That’s terrible that they’re gone. I think it’s definitely a loss to the area.”

Simons added that she used to purchase cards at the store, since it was close and had a better selection than many of the larger chain stores.

Haynes said the business stocked items that simply weren’t available elsewhere.

“They were so unique, people came from all over because they knew they could find or quickly get access to magazines maybe you could only get in Europe,” he said.

Brian Crall, owner of the Sacramento Comedy Spot in the same building, said Newsbeat will be missed.

“It’s a great ma and pa store, but the economy is really tough,” he said.

Nicholas Avey, a 27-year-old freelance graphic designer from Midtown, said he went into Newsbeat a few times to buy postcards and magazines.

“It’s sad,” he said, adding that he doesn’t plan to make the drive to the Davis store.

Crall said that it was disconcerting to see the moving truck packing up the last of the store fixtures Monday night.

“It’s really upsetting to see when somebody goes out of business,” he said. “I’m an independent business owner myself. We do the best we can every single day, and it’s sad when you see somebody who has put so much of their life into it have to close down.”

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

18-year-old offers a new art gallery to Second Saturday

2011-11-12T23:47:56Z

Surrounded by midtown's most famous venues including Club 21, Mezkal and Cam's Salon and Spa on 21st Street sits a new art gallery open to the public.

Alex Bult, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, opened this gallery for the first time on November 12, coinciding with midtown's Second Saturday event.

He is perhaps one of the youngest gallery owners that Sacramento has seen but is no foreigner to the world of art.

"I've been interested in art for about four years," Alex Bult says. " I've been around art my whole life and have wanted to open a gallery since I was 16."

Although Alex Bult's father, Matt Bult, and his grandfather, Wayne Thiebaud, are both artists, this young gallery owner is not an artist himself.

"I don't do any art myself, says Alex Bult. "I've never really been good at it."

Although the artist blood may not run throughout the family, Alex Bult follows in the footsteps of his uncle, Paul Thiebaud, who also owns a gallery, according to Alex Bult.

Nevertheless, he still endured a lot of hard work to open his art gallery.

"It was hard to open the gallery," says Alex Bult. "We leased it in September, redid the whole inside, had to get all the artists together and planned artists for the next couple months. I'm actually booked through May."

Alex Bult was unsure if his gallery would be able to open so quickly but knew that the opening reception would take place on Second Saturday, according to the young gallery owner. During the next couple of months, Mike Henderson, professor in Davis, will have his artwork displayed in Alex Bult's gallery.

As a proud father, 55-year-old Matt Bult spoke highly of his son's achievements.

"He's always been very motivated to do things on his own," Matt Bult says. "He's had this dream for a while."

Matt Bult is a Sacramento artist and does various types of artwork.

"I do abstract, landscape, sculptures...kind of everything," Matt Bult says.

Although he does not own an art gallery like his son, he shows his art locally at the Elliot Fouts Gallery, according to Matt Bult.

As one of Sacramento's youngest gallery owners, Alex Bult has high hopes for the future.

"Hopefully I can open more galleries," says Alex Bult. "Maybe I can have one in LA if this works out."

Out of the various gallery visitors on Second Saturday, 55-year-old Karen Gee found the gallery appeasing.

"I think it's great that Alex was able to accomplish this at such a young age," Gee says. "I was a bit surprised that he didn't have any artwork himself. But I think this gallery is the gateway to the successful future we all strive for."

MidLife GridLife - Going to Temple on Sundays

2011-11-11T22:45:30Z

A year and a half ago, give or take, I was unemployed.

For seven months.

Long, terrifying, faith-shaking months.

A period of time that began optimistically with the idea that I would give myself until after the first of the year (I was fired at the end of November—the most wonderful time of the year; the hap-happiest season of all!) before I panicked, and spiraled into a cold sweaty pool of disbelief, when my father died unexpectedly just before my birthday in May.

I am fortunate to have terrific friends, some of whom came quite unexpectedly out of long ago created nooks and crannied to offer tremendous comfort and support. I also learned that I have amazing colleagues, some of whom are now friends, who offered everything from an empathetic ear and free lunches, to job leads.

By June, one of those colleagues, Rick Jennings from The Center for Fathers and Families was even kind enough—among other things--to call my former employer (the one I had left for a theoretically “better” position) and offer to hire me part-time, if they would do the same, despite not really having a position available.

Happily, it never came to that.

In the year or so I was gone, my former employer, Cottage Housing, had not filled my position, due to all of the budget issues being discussed in the governor’s office. The position opened up again shortly after Rick’s intervention on my behalf, and I was able to apply for and regain it.

But for the unlucky seven months in between, I filled out three applications for loan modification, saw my father pass away, and followed the feds as they changed their collective mind about how long I should be able to collect unemployment.

All things I could have done from the comfort of my bed.

I’m bipolar. When things go sideways, the only place I want to be is my bed.

I’m bipolar; the last place I should be when things go sideways is my bed.

Being bipolar is a different column. This is about where I went for seven months to keep myself sane—or at least as sane as I ever like to be.

I went to Temple Coffee—on S Street (there’s a difference).

Sometimes I went there as many as five days a week.

My sister had told me about Temple in passing once, and I had taken a friend there and really like the atmosphere.
It now became my home away from home.; and by association, my home office.

I am not a person who says things like, “It has great energy,” but it does.

I tried taking my laptop to various other coffee establishments, both independent and corporate—including those in bookstores--but I had very little luck getting anything of substance done. I could check my email, play a little Scrabble, update my Facebook status ad nauseum, but I wanted to write, to feel productive, and that just didn’t seem to happen.

Until I started going to Temple.

I wrote my first play at Temple.

An entire play.

Poetry, some articles for an insurance web site, cover letters…

A play.

I found out my sister went to Temple for coffee on Mondays and started seeing her every week, sometimes as her date, sometimes just to say hello. Sometimes on Sundays, as well.

Soon I could order my latte and inquire, “Has my sister been in yet?” and the person behind the counter—Luke or Spenser or Lauren, say—would reply, “No, I haven’t seen her this morning yet,” or (most often on Sunday, because I tend to move a lot slower than she does), “She was here, but she left awhile ago.”

The Temple Coffee crew is so impressive. They know their business and they know their clientele. If I’ve talked to them more than a few times, they know my order and my name. This has also been true at Starbucks, but the vibe is just different. It’s quieter.

It’s an added source of fun that when I tell people “I was at Temple yesterday,” the uninitiated still think I may have converted to Judaism. They are fewer and fewer these days, however, as I spread the word.

I am now thankfully employed, but I still spend my Sundays and Mondays at Temple. Now I do homework or write; or play Scrabble or update my status on Facebook.

And I am grateful with every sip for the way it made me feel during those scary seven months.

It just has a great energy about it.

Temple Coffee has two locations: 1010 9th Street and 2829 S Street, both open 6am-11pm daily. www.templecoffee.com

Local blog tracks restaurants, happy hours

2011-11-11T19:23:33Z

When Darrel Ng moved to Sacramento from San Francisco in 2003, he made it a point to learn where the best happy hour deals were, and as he took more and more interest in the local restaurant scene, he decided to share his findings, launching the blog Cowtown Eats in 2009.

“I used to work at the Capitol, and we were always asking each other who had the best happy hours,” Ng said. “Most of us were from out of town, and it was frustrating trying to find the best value.”

Now a public relations professional for the health industry, Ng said his blog isn’t so much a source of income as a passion for the local dining scene, but he did say it helps fund his happy hour research trips.

Cowtown Eats, which now has about 35,000 page views per month and close to 8,000 unique visitors, has continually updated information about the local restaurant scene, be it Ng’s original writing, posting of daily deal coupons for restaurants or links to stories covered by various local media outlets.

“I post twice a day, and I spend about 45 minutes each night working on those, then I just schedule them for the next day,” Ng said.

As for the name, Ng said he wanted to take the traditionally negative connotation of Sacramento as a “cow town” and turn it into something positive.

One 23-year-old Sacramentan, Chris Odneal, took a path similar to Ng’s, moving to Sacramento from the Bay Area about a year ago to work in the Capitol.

“Most of us move up here from all over the state, and we were looking for places to go,” Odneal said. “Someone suggested Cowtown Eats to me, and we found it to be one of the most useful spots for compiling where all the happy hours are in Sacramento.”

Odneal said he uses it to find happy hours with good value when it comes time to celebrate birthdays or other events.

“It’s a great tool for folks moving into Sacramento and trying to figure out where the best places are,” he said. “You can click on a day of the week and find the best deals out there.”

Ng said he thinks the success of his blog – which lists between 100 and 150 happy hours – is due to the level of detail he provides.

“Some other blogs might have numbers, like they say a certain place carries domestic drafts for $2, but I say exactly which beers they have,” Ng said. “They might do it as a business, but I have a real passion for it, and I think that comes through.”

He added that he focuses on value. While a $2 happy hour deal might sound good, sometimes the food isn’t necessarily worth it, and maybe a $30 meal special at a place that’s traditionally more expensive is a much higher value for the dollar.

Reviewing restaurants is something he does rarely.

“Not everyone has the same palate, and besides, food review sites are a dime a dozen,” Ng said. “If I find something amazing, I’ll post about it, like maybe a seasonal burger at the Mini Burger Truck or something.”

Ng said he learns about new events in a variety of ways, be it simply walking around the city, talking to restaurant owners and workers, or, in some cases, hearing directly from restaurants themselves.

“Some of the ones with more sophisticated marketing teams send me emails when they have something new,” Ng said.

One of those is the Paragary Restaurant Group.

“I think he has a really good readership of kind of that foodie community,” said Callista Wengler, marketing director for the Paragary Restaurant Group. “For us, that’s the ultimate in terms of customers, because if you can get the foodies, there’s a whole network you want to reach out to.”

In addition to sharing ideas with Ng on a professional level, Wengler said she frequently reads Cowtown Eats when she’s looking for something new, as well as to learn about other restaurants.

In the future, Ng said, he plans to create a more permanent logo and updated design for the blog, but he has no specific timeframe for that.

“I’m still kind of surprised so many people read it,” he said with a laugh. “I never knew it would grow like it did, but I’m really enjoying it.”

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

Family-owned Lofings Lighting turns 50 Friday

2011-11-09T01:01:48Z

From the Governor’s Mansion to the living rooms of DIY remodelers and commercial offices, Lofings Lighting has supplied light fixtures, supplies and repairs from its J Street location for 50 years.

C.L. "Roy" Lofing started the business on Nov. 11, 1961 with his wife, Barbara, and son, Don. Even though he recently celebrated his 90th birthday, Roy Lofing said he is happy to come into the business regularly and be with his family, which now has three generations working at the store.

“Words can hardly explain it,” he said. “It’s fabulous.”

Lofing’s grandson, Max Lofing, said Tuesday that the upcoming 50th anniversary of the company’s founding is an exciting event he’s happy to witness.

“It’s a real sense of pride for a family-run business to be able to go that long,” he said. “I think it shows our commitment to our family and the community.”

He added that the company’s ability to evolve, stay abreast of technological developments and provide knowledgeable staff on all aspects of lighting has enabled it to stay alive through several recessions and remain an industry leader. Owners said they often lobby at the state Capitol as representatives the lighting industry as well. Additionally, the company gets to preview new light technology before it comes out.

Pointing at a new LED product that has been on the market for about a year and is being pushed by the Sacramento Metropolitan Utilities District as an energy-saving device, Max Lofing said Roy Lofing was called in by the manufacturer about two years before it went to market for suggestions.

“That’s one way we stay on the bleeding edge of technology,” Max Lofing said. “We really feel it’s our job to know everything about lighting that we can and really have a passion for it.”

But it's not always about the ultra-modern. Lofings Lighting has also worked on several high-profile landmarks, including Hearst Castle and the Winchester Mystery House.

Max Lofing and sister Wendy Lofing-Rossotti said the most basic part of successfully running a business is the tried-and-true method of putting customer service and product knowledge first.

“We want a long-term relationship with all of our customers,” Lofing-Rossotti said. “We really focus on taking care of them and making sure we do our best. A dissatisfied customer isn’t good for anyone.”

One of Lofings Lighting’s satisfied customers is Ron Kingston, a 60-year-old Sacramento lobbyist who has been going to the store for several years.

“The way they earn my loyalty is through customer service and knowledge of lighting,” he said. “I know few stores where they can tell you why the product really works, what’s unique about it and know the available product base systemically. They’re extremely comprehensive.”

He said that if anything needs tweaking or repairing, or if there is any other service needed, Lofings Lighting will send someone out to solve the problem.

“They’re like the old physicians. They make house calls,” he said with a laugh. “You can buy a light fixture at Home Depot, but that’s not what Lofings is about. They’re going to give you a unique level of advice.”

Lofing-Rossotti said that level of advice is what has enabled Lofings Lighting to stay strong even as big-box stores and large corporations have expanded.

“We’re really flexible, and also, we can do whatever we want,” she said, adding that the only people the company needs to clear any decision with are the other family members.

Lofing-Rossotti and Max Lofing said that while some view the business as dealing in only high-end lighting, they have something available for nearly every budget.

“They always stand behind the products and the service,” said Julie Haney, 55, of JMH Architecture. “I’ve worked with them since 1992, and I love working with them because of their knowledge of updated lighting technology like LEDs and fluorescents.”

Haney, whose company is based in Davis, said she usually works on residential remodels and likes that someone from Lofings Lighting will come out to a job site.

“I love it that they’re also family,” she said. “The grandfather’s in there, the dad’s in there and the kids are in there.”

Lofing-Rossotti and Max Lofing said they learned the importance of a good work ethic growing up with the business, and they’ve done every type of job, including dusting light fixtures in the showroom.

Their sister, Michelle Puzdrakiewicz, worked with them when they were growing up and went on to be a pediatrician.

“I think it taught us all a really good work ethic,” Lofing-Rossotti said, adding that her 7-year-old and Max Lofing’s kids, 3 and 5, will likely work in the store when they’re in high school.

The business is still located in the original building at 2121 J St. Five years ago, a second building was added, directly across the street, where customers can preview lighting styles.

“That allows them to see the true effect of the light they are looking at and what it will do, without all the other lights shining in the showroom,” Lofing-Rossotti said.

Don Lofing, Roy Lofing’s son, said he’s excited that the business reaches the 50-year milestone Friday.

“It’s been a good ride,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling, and it’s really great to be here working with my family and being together all the time.”

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

Editorial Note: This article has been updated after it was published.

Ernesto's Mexican Food celebrates 20 years

2011-11-08T02:17:30Z

Despite challenging times, Ernesto’s Mexican Food in Midtown will celebrate 20 years in business next week, and owner Pauline Jiménez said the key to success has been focusing on quality food and service.

“We’re a neighborhood restaurant,” Jiménez said. “I’ve lived in the community for 50 years, and I think for the past 20 years we have been a staple here, and we are still going strong.”

For 13 of the past 20 years, Jiménez said, Ernesto’s – located at 1901 16th St. – has been listed as best Mexican restaurant in Sacramento Magazine and has received other recognition in local contests.

The business opened Nov. 18, 1991 in a space that was best-known for a Chinese restaurant, The Golden Buddha, which operated for 40 years. A pizza restaurant was there for three years in between.

To celebrate the milestone, the restaurant is preparing a $20 prix-fixe menu for two people, which will include an appetizer, two entrées and dessert. The special menu will be available Nov. 17-19 starting at 6 p.m.

The local Mariachi Mi Tierra Mariachi band will perform each night starting at 6:30.

Tequila tastings will also be held during the celebration, with Jose Cuervo Tradicional tequila being used in all margaritas – without a price change.

“We partnered with Jose Cuervo, so people are getting the premium tequila for the same price for our anniversary,” Jiménez said.

The menu items have not yet been set, said Director of Operations Dani Jiménez-Pareja, granddaughter of Jiménez, adding that it will include several of the restaurant’s most popular items.

“Our carnitas are one of our most popular dishes,” she said. “A lot of people really like our tortilla soup, and the chili rellenos are good, too.”

Jiménez said that while the industrial section of the nearby neighborhood hasn’t changed too much, restaurants in the nearby blocks have come and gone.

“These times are tough,” Jiménez said. “We have had to look at places where we can save, but we don’t jeopardize the quality of our food, and we haven’t raised our prices in four or five years.”

Jiménez added that of the changes seen over the past two decades, most of them have had to do with the day-to-day running of the business, from remodeling the building after the first year to the advent of touch-screen computers for sending orders to the kitchen.

“We also made our food more healthy,” she said.

Jiménez-Pareja said eliminating trans fat and offering more healthy options with kids meals – such as fruit and vegetables – have all been recent changes in a trend toward more healthy eating, and more is coming.

“We’re working to have less sodium in the food,” she said. “That’s probably the next thing the health departments will focus on, and it just masks the flavor anyway. We’d rather have the natural flavor of the food come through.”

Jiménez said the natural flavors are key to the flavor palate of Mexican cuisine, and she only buys fresh ingredients, from local markets whenever possible.

“You get better food. It’s a healthier food when you get it fresh from the market,” Jiménez said.

Another change when vegetarianism became more widespread shortly after the restaurant’s opening was switching soup bases from chicken broth to vegetable broth.

Alyssa Bressen, a 23-year-old from Las Vegas, ate at the restaurant for the first time Monday afternoon. She came to Sacramento to visit relatives.

“These are seriously the best carnitas I’ve ever had,” she said. “They know how to do them right here.”

Sophie Bressem, a 49-year-old Sacramentan, said she thinks the chile verde is the best dish on the menu, and the restaurant is a place she takes family members and friends when they come to visit.

“I’ve been coming here for years,” she said. “I eat here at least once a month, if not more. It’s great food, a great atmosphere and it’s got great music.”

Jiménez said she enjoys the business, and even at age 74, she is happy to continue coming in to work every day, and she has done all the jobs except dishwashing and serving.

“I’ve been in the kitchen, I’ve bussed tables and I’ve hosted. In the early years, I had to do quite a bit, but now I don’t,” she said.

“It’s a tough business,” she added. “When people come to me and tell me they want to open a restaurant, I think they must be mad, but if you have the patience and the will, you can do it. I love coming to work every day, and I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”

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

Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Suspicious Subjects

2011-11-06T17:11:12Z

Posted by ted bas

Greetings! I enjoy reading these archive articles. Thanks.
In my neighborhood, I suspect 3 individual who are, I believe, are in constant plans to rob empty home. One of them daily eye on certain vehicles which would have left their residence. I believes he communicates this to his partner and then determines who else is left behind on a house they plan to steal from. Yesterday I went out to the area where he usually observes. when he saw me, we walked away like guilty for some reason. Today, he is out there but in a more secluded area, eyeing or in a look out for some vehicle while he talks to his friend in the cell phone. Need your advice. I am willing to help to prevent any crime. Thank you for your help. Incidentally, I usually call the non emergency number, however, this may be trivial. Thanks.

Dear ted bas,

What you should do is call the police department and report a suspicious subject. Be ready to describe the subjects to the dispatcher from head to toe, (ie., height, weight, race, hair color/style, clothing description, etc). If there is a vehicle involved, be ready to describe the car as well. It would be optimum if you had a license plate, but try to get it without putting yourself in any kind of danger.

If there has been an increase of home burglaries in your neighborhood lately, let the dispatcher know that as well. You are probably right. These subjects are doing what we call “casing.” They’re looking for opportunities to victimize people. By calling us, you may be preventing a crime-in-progress. You are to be commended for being such an astute neighbor. If you don’t already have an established Neighborhood Watch group, I would suggest that you start one. There is information on our website at www.sacpd.org on how to establish a Neighborhood Watch.

Officer Michelle

Alleyways of Sacramento receive names, part four

2011-11-05T04:31:15Z

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, The Sacramento Press profiled the alleys in the central city that were formally named on Oct. 11 by an ordinance approved by the City Council. Below is the final installment of the new alley names.

Rice Alley

Curt Pow, the 36-year-old owner of Elixir Bar and Grill, has his business situated on the corner of Rice Alley and 10th Street.

“I’m okay with Rice Alley,” he said, adding that the Asian theme fits into much of the area’s culture.

While Pow said that he believes the names won’t directly help his business, he doesn’t think they will hurt it, either.

“What our area needs right now is retail business,” he said. “The city should allocate more effort for helping businesses rather than naming the alleys.”

Solons Alley

Jeff Standley, a 28-year-old sales associate at the Constantly Growing speciality hydroponic shop located along Solons Alley, said that the naming may help out with bringing more foot traffic into the alleys and then into the stores.

“Generally, people are looking for a main street,” he said. “If you can designate (the alleys) a little better, I assume it will be better for directions.”

Standley said that a name like “Sutter’s Alley” would have been more recognizable and memorable to local residents and that maybe the city should have named it that instead of Solons.

Tomato Alley

Uptown Alley

Dana Nolan, 56, was walking through her neighborhood on the south side of downtown Sacramento near Uptown Alley. She said she wondered why they named the alley “Uptown” since it is so far south.

She added that the names should have been more historically relevant.

“I think it would sort of get a sense of the neighborhood character,” she said. "I can go over to the cemetery and pick seven names just off the top of my head.”

Nolan also said that it adds too many names to a city that has streets with more than one name, like Capitol Avenue and Power Inn Road.

“It’s bad enough that you have to remember that there are three names for M Street,” she said, referring to Capitol Avenue, which becomes Folsom Boulevard.

Victorian Alley

Victoria Grant, 32, and her husband, George, 31, live along Victorian Alley. Victoria Grant is a nurse, and George Grant is in the military on active duty.

Victoria Grant said that naming the alleys would make it easier for people to identify where they are.

But George Grant said that he was less than enthusiastic about the naming.

“It’s just an alley,” he said.

Victoria Grant said that she liked that her name was very similar to the alley’s.

What do you think of the city's names for the alleys? Leave your thoughts in the conversation below.

John G. Hernandez contributed to this story.

Gym, Tan, Dodgeball win first title, and Team AP completes first 3-peat!

2011-11-05T00:00:32Z

Last night featured 150 local young professionals, competing for the right to claim Xoso Dodgeball Champion on their athletic resumes. Another 100 playoff hopefuls had already had their dreams of dodgeball glory fade into the distance. The Xoso Sport & Social League offers two divisions on Thursday evenings, separating veteran "A" league teams from newer "B" league teams.

On the B League side of the gym last night, Gym Tan Dodgeball proved that it doesn't always matter where you're seeded.

The Fall Season of Xoso dodgeball wrapped up last night with an epic night of playoffs and championship matchups. Coming into the night Drinkin' Team (6-2) and Titsburg Feelers (6-2) arrived with the top 2 seeds, while Gym Tan Dodgeball (5-3) and Hookers and Bacon (4-4) had earned the lowest seeds - 5th and 6th respectively.

In the opening round the first matchup contained little drama as Sexual Chocolate and Gym Tan Dodgeball(GTD) were set to square off in a battle of 4-seed vs 5-seed. Sexual Chocolate unfortunately didn't have the minimum number of players and so GTD was awarded a victory by forfeit and advanced to the semifinal round. The other quarterfinal matchup was a different story as the 3-seed, Ball Thugs & Harmony, went to battle against the 6-seed Hookers & Bacon. It was a close fight the entire game as the game progressed: 1-1, 2-1, and finally 3-1 with Hookers & Bacon finally able to distance themselves from Ball Thugs. Ball Thugs were not done however, as they whittled their competition down in the next game. This 5th and deciding game determined the match as time ran out on Ball Thugs, even though they had more players left as time expired, this additional point brought them a 3-2 loss and allowed Hookers & Bacon to complete the upset and move on to face Titsburg Feelers in the semifinals.

The Titsburg Feelers took advantage of their 1st round bye and used their rested arms to welcome Hookers & Bacon to the semifinal round. Hookers & Bacon put up a tough fight by winning 3 games, however the #2 seed proved to be too much and won convincingly 6-3. With their victory Titsburg earned a spot in the Championship game versus the winner of #5-seed Gym Tan and #1-seed Drinking Team. In this other semifinal match the top-seeded Drinking Team had a strong advantage as they battled GTD late into the match with a 3-2 lead, and time winding down at approximately the 4 minute mark. Gym Tan would not give up. GTD successfully tied the match up at 3-3 with just over 2 minutes remaining. With little time on the clock these two teams battled in one final game to determine who would move onto the Championship match. In an exciting and heated contest Gym Tan gutted it out and was able to secure a win in the final game for a 4-3 match victory.

The intensity and stakes only got higher as the Championship Match featured Gym Tan Dodgeball squaring off against the second-seeded Titsburg Feelers. The games in this final match were long and extremely hard-fought as each side knew what was at stake. They battled toe-to-toe for four exhausting matches and in the end were tied at 2-2, due to the Titsburg Feelers having more players on the court as time expired and Gym Tan missing a half-court basket as the whistle blew. The Championship was settled with one final sudden death game. The score was finally settled when the team that seemed to have the most fight in them, Gym Tan Dodgeball, was able to oust the final Titsburg Feeler and claim Xoso Dodgeball Championship status. Gym Tan was able to knock off the #1 AND #2 seeds to truly prove that, in the playoffs, it's anyones game.

Congrats to Gym Tan Dodgeball on their first championship!

On the "A" league side, Team AP survived to win their 3rd straight A League title.

In one of the most tightly contested dodgeball playoffs in recent memory, Team AP was able to secure their 3rd consecutive Thursday dodgeball crown. Usually seeded 1st or 2nd, AP (6-2) finished the regular season in 3rd place and faced the unusual challenge of not having a 1st round playoff bye and instead having to win three matches to clinch the championship. In round 1, AP struggled early against 6th seeded Bat S*** Crazy (2-1-5) before pulling away late to win 5-2. The other round 1 matchup saw 4th seed (o)(o) (4-4) knock off 5th seed Dirty Smurfs (4-4) also by the score of 5-2 to advance.

In the evening's first semifinal, top-seeded and undefeated D3: The Mighty Drunks (8-0) battled (o)(o) in a closer than anticipated match but emerged a 4-2 winner. Semifinal #2 was a tense affair that saw Team AP jump out to a 3-1 lead on a 2nd seeded Kendall's Bridesmaids (7-1) before Kendall's Bridemaids closed the gap to 3-2 and then evened the match at 3-3 by winning a 3-on-3 sudden death round after regulation time had expired. The squads then faced off in an untimed, winner-take-all 8-on-8 game won by AP to set up a championship showdown with longtime rivals D3.

This season's title match between AP and D3 marked the 4th time these rivals have squared off in the playoffs over the last few seasons. A determined D3 played hard to end AP's post-season dominance but was unable to slow down AP as they established a 4-1 lead in the first 20 minutes of the match. Energized by their earlier round scares, AP was in classic form for the championship round marked by their athleticism and unmatched throwing ability. D3 clawed back late to narrow the lead to 4-2 but ran out of time as AP closed out the match 5-2 and celebrated the first three-peat in Xoso history.

Congrats to Team AP!

Disclosure: Nick is the founder of Xoso.

Alleyways of Sacramento receive names, part three

2011-11-04T05:17:27Z

On Oct. 11, the City Council approved an ordinance that officially named the alleys of the central city. On Tuesday and Wednesday, The Sacramento Press highlighted many of these alleys, including their new names and what residents and business owners think of them. More alleyways are included below.

Leistal Alley

Cohn said Leistal Alley is an alley that the city has put resources into renovating.

With a lighted walkway and an upscale pavement job, co-owner of Old Soul Coffee Jason Griest said he hopes that all of the other alleys will soon be similarly renovated.

“We see a lot more foot traffic in the alley now that they’ve renovated it,” the 36-year-old Midtown resident said.

Griest said that he thought a better name for the alley would have been “Old Soul Alley” as an homage to the coffee shop that gives the alley its character and charm.

Matsui Alley

Bombay Bar and Grill is located on Matsui Alley and 21st Street, and Manager Amit Kumar, 35, said that the naming will make it easier for customers to find restaurants located along the alleys.

Kumar also said that naming the alley after someone prominent will help it stand out from some of the other alleys.

Neighbors Alley

Opera Alley

The 17th Street. Commons housing complex is located on Opera Alley.

Louise and David Thompson, two seniors who live near Opera Alley, run the Interfaith Experience, a community outreach group that seeks to unite different churches in the area.

Louise Thompson said that she thinks naming the alleys is a great idea that was long overdue.

But Louise Thompson said that she believes that the city should have looked more into the history and character of the alleys to find the most suitable names for each one.

“There are all kinds of dramas that happen within these alleys,” she said. “If we were to really concentrate on the particular landscapes that create these alleys, then we could be recording history and giving (the alleys) a sense of place.”

David Thompson said that he agreed with his wife.

“There is always history that gets eroded and lost, and naming (the alleys) accordingly would keep that history alive,” he said.

He added that he thinks it would be a good idea to call Opera Alley “Commons Alley,” because of the housing complex.

Powerhouse Alley

Powerhouse Alley runs south of P Street and next to the Fremont Community Garden.

Brandon Louie, a 30-year-old community organizer who lives in Boulevard Park, said that naming the alleys is a good first step in utilizing the space that the alleys provide.

“I think giving the alleys an identity gives us more of an incentive to clean them up,” he said.

But Louie said that he doesn’t want the naming to be just a symbolic gesture and that it is important that Sacramentans take action to redevelop them soon.

Louie said that it would be hard to come up with a better name than “Powerhouse.”

“Maybe The People’s Alley,” he said. “Something a bit more communal.”

Quill Alley

Quill Alley is perhaps one of the busiest alleys in Sacramento, as it is home to the 16th Street light rail station, where many people come into Sacramento from the suburbs.

Ray Thompson, a state worker from Land Park, said that his main concern was that the names be in order alphabetically.

When asked about the name “Quill,” the 48-year-old said that he would have tried another name that better kept up with the history of Sacramento.

“Quill is more like pens or writing,” he said. “I probably would have named it something to do with rail or industry.”

What do you think of the city's names for the alleys? Leave your thoughts in the conversation below.

John G. Hernandez contributed to this story.

New Metro Chamber CEO brings business, political experience

2011-11-04T00:25:34Z

Former Assemblyman Roger Niello will be the new CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber starting Jan. 1, coming back to an organization he led in the 1990s as the area struggles to come out of the recession.

“For me, it’s sort of coming full circle, and I find it very exciting that way,” Niello said. “The chamber in a way was sort of my launchpad into politics, and now I’m coming back, still with my business roots, and will be working with the leadership to expand business.”

Niello, who spent a quarter century running retail and auto dealerships with his family’s business, the Niello Auto Group, was elected to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors in a special election in 1999, where he served until November 2004. From 2004-2010, he served as a state assemblyman.

Former CEO Matt Mahood left the Metro Chamber in June. The chamber announced in August that Pat Fong Kushida would be the new CEO, but she never started the position.

Niello said the biggest challenge facing him and the Metro Chamber over the next several years is the economy.

“I wouldn’t say it’s any one particular issue (in the economy),” he said. “We have to look at the shape of the economy and work with other groups in the region in the private sector and the public sector at both the local and state levels.”

A study is currently under way called Next Economy, a public/private revitalization project with the Metro Chamber, the Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) and Valley Vision, all nonprofit organizations focused on economic growth.

“The effort is to study the economy, but not so much the study itself as understanding the details of the shape it’s in and getting ideas to take action on growing and expanding businesses,” Niello said. “We need to keep an eye toward small businesses in particular, because that’s where the real growth of the economy comes.”

SARTA CEO Meg Arnold said Thursday that she thinks Niello was a good choice for the position.

“I am really excited and enthusiastic about it,” she said. “He brings a whole range of attributes to the position. Obviously his business experience and his connections in the region and his political experience, but he is also really geared toward partnerships, and that’s what we need – to work together.”

Arnold said she expects to see stronger collaboration between nonprofit organizations, government organizations and businesses going forward.

Martha Lofgren, interim CEO of the Metro Chamber, said Niello’s business experience was “first and foremost” in his selection.

“He’s been a business owner in the Sacramento area for about three decades,” she said. “He obviously has a lot of experience in politics at the local and state levels, and the Metro Chamber always looks at how government affects business.”

She said his history with the organization – serving as president in 1995 – is also a plus.

Niello’s salary was not disclosed, but Lofgren said it is competitive with similar positions in other like-sized nonprofit organizations in the area.

The Metro Chamber has nearly 2,200 member organizations and businesses.

“The chamber is much stronger now than it was in ’95 in all respects,” Niello said, adding that he wants to draw more job diversity to the region. “Government jobs are good, but the percentage we have here is too high, and bringing in more jobs relying on government subsidies, like some of the green industry, isn’t the answer. We need to bring those in, yes, but we also need to grow our smaller businesses, because that’s where wealth comes from.”

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

Central city alleys receive names, part two

2011-11-03T03:41:34Z

On Oct. 11, Steve Cohn’s 5-year-old idea to give the alleys of Sacramento their own formal names was finalized, giving them what many residents describe as a new sense of character.

In a continuation of Tuesday’s article, The Sacramento Press has highlighted many local businesses along the alleys and spoke to residents regarding their thoughts on the alleys’ new names.

Fat Alley

Khalid Khan’s liquor store, called Don’s Bottle Shop, is located on Fat Alley and 16th Street. Khan, 60, said that naming the alleys won’t do his business any good.

“I don’t have control over what (the city) wants to do,” he said.

He emphasized that the city should be more focused on finding more direct ways to promote local businesses, and that naming the alleys is a distraction from more important issues.

Government Alley

Sacramento is the capital city of California, and Cohn said that Government Alley’s name is an acknowledgement of the city’s importance in state politics.

Midtown attorney Jan Kaworsky said that while he believes that the effort to name the alleys is worthwhile, he would have chosen different names.

“I probably would have named Government Alley ‘Anti-Government Alley,’ ” he said.

Historic Alley

As the alleys progress further south into Midtown, businesses begin becoming more prevalent on their corners. Old Soul at Weatherstone, one of Sacramento’s popular coffee bars, is located on the corner of Historic Alley along 21st Street.

Jeramy Robinson, 25, is a manager at the coffee bar and lives right by Historic Alley.

“There’s a lot of activity that would benefit from having a name for this alleyway,” he said, referring to the many homes and businesses within the vicinity.

He said that the name “Historic” is very fitting for the alley, especially since Old Soul at Weatherstone is located in the building that housed Sacramento’s first cafe.

Although supportive of the idea, Robinson voiced some concerns about the alley naming.

“It’s a new idea on the grid system,” he said. “It might confuse people that aren’t necessarily familiar with (it).”

When asked what he would have named the alley, Robinson said that he would have given it a name that relates even more closely to Old Soul at Weatherstone.

Improv Alley

Jazz Alley

Jazz Alley spans several busy areas in Sacramento, cutting through the hearts of Downtown and Midtown. Off of 10th Street is Broadacre Coffee, a new coffee bar owned by Justin Kerr, Jacob Elia, Lucas Elia and Andrew Lopez.

Kerr and Elia, 21 and 23, said they think that while the idea to name the alleys had good motives, the names that were chosen are lackluster and uninteresting.

“I think they could have come up with a better name than Jazz Alley,” Kerr said. “I know the process took a long time, but the names are kind of generic.”

Kerr said jokingly that a more appropriate name for Jazz Alley would have been “Java Alley” because of their store’s location.

Elia said that he can see how naming the alleys would aid police in responding to emergencies more quickly.

“If you can say, ‘I’m on Jazz Alley and 10th St.,’ now they know you’re not just somewhere (in between) Ninth and 10th (streets),” he said.

Kayak Alley

Bernice Gamino works at Harv’s Carwash, located on 19th Street and Kayak Alley. The 28-year-old resident of Natomas said that she isn’t confident that naming the alleys will produce positive results.

“I think it might confuse people,” she said. “A lot of people don’t even know that they (named) them, and the names are weird.”

She suggested that naming the alleys after things all Sacramentans would recognize would have been better.

“I would have named it Kings Alley,” she said. “It’s the first thing I think of when I think of ‘K’ and Sacramento.”

Watch for tomorrow’s story that will include more of the alleys.

What do you think of the city's names for the alleys? Leave your thoughts in the conversation below.

John G. Hernandez contributed to this story.

Central city alleys receive names

2011-11-02T06:04:54Z

After initially being proposed five years ago, City Councilman Steve Cohn’s idea to name Sacramento alleys has finally been put into action. On Oct.11, the City Council approved a list of new names for the alleys.

Cohn said that the alleys need names to help residents identify them more easily.

“Instead of saying ‘the alley between L and Capitol,’ you could just say the name of the alley,” he said.

The process for naming the alleys took so long, Cohn said, because it is very complicated.

“It took a while because we had to do a lot of outreach,” he said. "It's part of the rules and regulations for naming streets."

Cohn said that approval was needed from various administrative agencies like the Department of Transportation, the Sacramento Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service. Permission from these agencies was needed to coordinate and integrate the new names without creating duplication or confusion.

All of the alley names begin with the letter of the street they are directly south of. However, there was often disagreement on what words should be used for the naming.

“My original proposal was names of international cities, and some (residents) liked that, but others didn’t,” Cohn said.

To reconcile the differences, he said that city staff asked local neighborhood and business associations, such as the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, what kind of names they would like to see by holding public events throughout 2008 and 2009. Names relating to Sacramento's history and culture were often popular, like Democracy and Jazz.

The proposal was also delayed several times during the past five years.

"It was put on the shelf from time to time," Cohn said. "There wasn't a lot of people working full-time on it."

Cohn said that street signs will not be put up on the alleys anytime soon, especially with their $300 price tag.

“Little by little, as the economy improves and our budget improves, we may go back and appropriate the money,” he said.

The alleys are located in between B and W streets, and many stretch between Third and 30th streets. The first letter in each alley’s name is the same as the street that it is directly south of.

The Sacramento Press high-lighted some of the alleys below.

Blues Alley

Blues Alley is located in the northern part of the city that lies near many industrial buildings and residences.

Saleh Tyebjee, 26, is an engineer who lives in the downtown area. He said that although naming the alleys gives them some much-needed character, the names will ultimately make it more difficult for people to navigate on the grid system.

“It’s one of the nice things about living on the grid,” he said. “You always know where you are. (Naming the alleys) makes it a little more difficult to find your way around.”

Tyebjee said that if he could have named the alley, he would have called it “Grant Alley” because the alley runs right up to Grant Park.

Chinatown Alley

South of Blues Alley is Chinatown Alley, which runs through some of Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods.

Jeff Laible lives off of Chinatown Alley. The 52-year-old installation mechanic said that he believes naming the alleys will actually help people navigate better throughout the central city.

“It’s not just the alley between C and D,” he said. “If you say ‘Chinatown Alley,’ you know which one it is.”

Laible said that he has no preference when it comes to names for the alleys, as long as everyone actually knows the alleys’ names.

Democracy Alley

Eggplant Alley

Forty-seven-year-old promoter and resident of Eggplant Alley Jerry Perry said that he had trouble understanding how the name “Eggplant” was decided on.

“I cannot believe that they couldn’t find something more relevant historically than the word ‘eggplant,’ ” he said. “(It) sounds like some 1920s cartoon character lives here.”

Perry said that he has lots of ideas for the alley that he thinks would have been more suitable, like “Excellent Alley.”

“I think it would have been more exciting if they had found more historical Sacramento characters,” he said. “A lot of the names they chose are weak.”

The rest of the alleys will be showcased throughout the course of this week.

What do you think of the city's names for the alleys? Leave your thoughts in the conversation below.

John G. Hernandez contributed to this story and created the video.

Food truck ordinance talks postponed

2011-11-02T03:30:50Z

Any decision regarding Sacramento’s controversial food truck ordinance – which currently limits trucks to operating a maximum of 30 minutes in one spot – will have to wait, since a City Council Law and Legislation Committee meeting was canceled Tuesday.

“There’s a lot of stuff to look at in state law, and we’re trying to figure that out,” said Councilman Jay Schenirer, chairman of the committee. “A lot of it is whether it’s just legal or not.”

One of the legal issues is that California Vehicle Code protections on commercial vehicles can arguably be applied to mobile food vendor operations.

Operators of food trucks have been advocating changing the city ordinance for more than a year, saying that the 30-minute time limit keeps them from being able to reasonably do business in city limits.

The inaugural SactoMoFo, a mobile food festival held in Fremont Park in April, was by all accounts a successful event, and since then, a serious push has been under way to revise Sacramento’s ordinance.

But it’s not as easy as doing away with the existing laws.

Some “brick-and-mortar” restaurateurs said they are afraid that allowing food trucks to operate within the city without proper regulation will pose serious threats to their businesses.

“What it comes down to is very real, very human issues,” said Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Association. “It’s a challenging economic time, and all business owners are as acutely aware of their balance sheet as ever.”

He added that he believes mobile food vendors and traditional restaurants can easily coexist.

The Law and Legislation meeting planned for Tuesday could have addressed that, but city officials said they want to make sure any new ordinance has legal merit.

“We’re still moving forward on it,” said Councilman Darrell Fong. “There’s a lot of interest from the different parties involved in this, and it’s going to take all those groups working together: restaurant owners, mobile food trucks and us as a city.”

Conway said the legality of local governments regulating commercial vehicles is murky at best.

“There is some existing case law and appellate law that has found the state vehicle code preempts local ordinances, and therefore local governments are pretty limited in what they can do to regulate commercial vehicles,” he said.

The answer to that question is what stalled the issue in Sacramento Tuesday.

“They really want to make sure they get this right, and I think they really are sincere about setting a model and giving citizens a chance to experience both types of food,” Conway said. “They’re digging deeper than most jurisdictions have.”

According to the staff report for the meeting, the revisions to the ordinance will be addressed in four areas: vending on public right-of-ways; vending on private property and any related zoning issues; hours of operation and/or time limitations; and permitting and operating requirements for mobile food vendors.

Conway added that he doesn’t think the City Council is being complacent and pushing the issue aside, but rather that it has been very busy since April, dealing with issues such as medical marijuana, Occupy Sacramento, backyard chicken coops and the budget.

“I always say, it was being awfully hopeful that we could be able to get it done by the year’s end,” said Catherine Enfield, who operates the Munchie Musings blog and aTwitter account covering Sacramento food trucks.

“Basically, it’s just frustrating,” she said, “but it’s just a setback in the timeline. I’m still very encouraged by what I hear out of City Hall. I’m still very hopeful, you just have to be patient.”

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

Mongolian barbecue coming to Midtown

2011-11-01T02:10:41Z

A Mongolian barbecue restaurant will be moving into the building at 1830 J St., with owners saying they will bring cuisine with about 1,000 years of tradition to a spot that has recently seen two businesses close.

Co-owner Jonathan Ng, 24, said Monday that he plans to open Mongo Mongo Mongolian BBQ with three business partners by early December, bringing to Midtown a restaurant type popular in Sacramento’s suburbs.

“Once Garlic Shack fell through, I just jumped at it,” said Ng, who formerly co-owned Tamarind – a Vietnamese restaurant at 25th and J streets – and was a manager at Plum Blossom, the restaurant that occupied the space before Garlic Shack.

Key to making the new business work will be selling quality food at good prices, Ng said, adding that he wants to keep the average meal at less than $10.

Offering a variety of meats, sauces and vegetables, Mongolian barbecue allows patrons to create their own custom meals and then have them cooked on a circular grill by a chef.

Meat choices will include beef, chicken, pork and lamb. Sauces will range from teriyaki to more custom sauces, including some fusion sauces mixing traditional Asian flavors with Italian and Spanish spices and sauces. Another sauce Ng said he anticipates being popular is an orange-flavored sauce similar to that used on orange chicken at some restaurants.

“The sauce makes the meal in Mongolian barbecue,” Ng said. “We’re going to really focus on good food and good service.”

Customers will be able to create their own combinations of items or choose from a prepared menu. Rather than standing in line and waiting for their food to be cooked, diners can sit while a server brings the cooked meals to their table.

The Mongolian barbecue cooking style dates back at least as far as the Middle Ages, when the warlord Genghis Khan led a nomadic army conquering and plundering throughout Asia.

“Cooking on a circular grill comes from the way they would cook their food on their shields,” Ng said. “They’d put whatever vegetables they stole and meat they poached on them and cook it over fires.”

Moving into the space with its newly installed roll-up garage doors fronting J Street presented Ng and his business partners with a problem: Mongolian barbecue restaurants typically have kitchens out where customers can see them, but health code requires kitchens be enclosed, so either the garage doors had to go, or another solution devised.

“We decided to take out the (existing) wall separating the kitchen from the restaurant and make it out of glass with sliding glass doors,” Ng said.

With that plan, customers can still walk in and out of the garage doors onto a patio, and the kitchen is easily seen as the chef cooks the food, moving it over the grill surface with two large chopstick-like tongs.

A separate griddle will allow the restaurant to offer vegetarian and vegan options.

The patio fronting J Street will be accented with plants, and cushioned chairs with low tables will give it a lounge-like feel, Ng said.

Currently, there are no plans to pursue a full liquor license, but Ng said beer and wine will be available. The beer selection will be broad, with some pan-Pacific selections such as Tsing Tao (from China) and Tiger Beer (from Thailand). Sake and the plum wine known as sojo will be served, and they might also find their way into sauces.

The restaurant will focus on lunch and dinner, but hours have not yet been set, Ng said. It will stay open until 3 a.m. for the Thursday through Saturday night crowd, which he said is a top priority.

“We don’t have that many late-night places in Sacramento where you can actually get good food,” he said. “That’s something we need here.”

Matt Burden, a 41-year-old entertainment industry worker, said he agrees with the need for late-night food variety.

“If it’s open late, they’re going to make a fortune,” he said.

Originally from Australia, Burden now lives in Vancouver, Canada, and travels to Sacramento on business.

“Mongolian barbecue is so good,” he said. “I like that you get your bits and your bobs and then have them grill it up. I would do some chicken, soy, teriyaki and peppers. That’ll do well.”

Amanda Moore, a 23-year-old Sacramentan who works for a nearby nonprofit health care organization, said she hopes to see the business do well.

“I wish them the best of luck. I’ve been here since July, and this is the third business that will be in there,” she said. “I hope they can make it work.”

Amber Schmaeling, program director for the Midtown Business Association, said that the area is one of the prime business blocks in Midtown, and while Garlic Shack did not last long – opening in July and closing in September – Plum Blossom lasted “quite a while.”

“In close proximity, you’ve got Starbucks and several nightlife establishments,” she said. “If I was opening a business, I would see that as a key space with a lot of potential.”

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

"Chocolate Salty Balls" Come Out of Nowhere to Win Recess Championship

2011-10-31T18:39:08Z

In a surprising turn of events, Chocolate Salty Balls emerged as Xoso Sport & Social League's Fall 2011 Recess League champions with a tense 2-1 volleyball victory over previously undefeated Green Dogs and Spam. CSB entered week 8 of the regular season in 4th place but was able to leapfrog over UR FIRED and Drexel Dragons into 2nd place by winning their final week matchup while the other playoff contenders lost.

For the two team playoff, CSB (3-3-2) chose to square off against #1 seed Green Dogs and Spam (8-0) in volleyball as opposed to the other Recess sports (Indoor Kickball and Dodgeball). Despite volleyball being CSB's strength and Green Dogs' weakness, it was Green Dogs that seized game one 21-17. On the verge of elimination, CSB came out strong in game two, winning handily 21-9, and set the stage for winner take all game three. CSB rode their game two momentum to a 15-10 lead and seemed in complete control before Green Dogs rallied to narrow the score to 16-14. Their efforts fell short, however, as CSB was able to rely on great serving to win points late to clinch the championship with a 21-17 game three win.

Disclosure: Written by a member of Xoso Sport & Social League

Photo essay: costumes on halloween weekend

2011-10-31T05:49:23Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student Matt Whalen converted an ostrich costume into Aquaman.

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

An ocean creature was also present Saturday evening.

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

Día de los Muertos Festivities with La Raza Galería Posada

2011-10-30T01:51:28Z

Día de los Muertos—Day of the Dead--is a Mexican tradition that stems from
Meso-American societies, and was heavily influenced during the Spanish Conquest of Mexico in the XIV Century.

During Día de los Muertos families create ofrendas (offerings) for loved ones who have passed. Día de los Muertos is observed in various forms throughout the American Continent and is an important pillar of Mexican, Latino and Chicano culture in the United States (La Raza Galeria Posada).

Although the Day of the Dead actually falls on November 1st, festivities are being held this weekend by La Raza Galeria Posada in a special location, between J and K, 20th and 21st Streets in Midtown.

The central focus is the display of altars.

They are as diverse as the souls who inspire them; some are small and simple, others large and elaborate. Many are traditional. They include the bread, salt, foods and flowers, and many other ingredients culturally appropriate for sending someone safely into the next life. Others are less orthodox.

All are an obvious labor of love, born of loss.

For the uninitiated, the exhibit may be unique in its blend of sorrow and celebration.

It’s also an opportunity to teach children and young people about grieving and loss.

The festivities resume Sunday morning. Admission is free.

8 am: Panteón Re-opens.
12pm-6pm: DJ-Albert Garnica playing oldies, rancheras, viejitas, and other requests ($1/song)
12-2pm: Cempazuchitl Flower Making Workshop*- ($5/person)
2:30pm-4pm: Mask-painting Workshop*- ($10/person)
4:30pm-6pm: Mask-painting Workshop*- ($10/person)
7:30pm: Closing Ceremony

The Honey Badgers win Xoso's First Softball Championship!

2011-10-28T18:38:07Z

On Sunday, Xoso Sport & Social League concluded the inaugural season of Xoso Coed Softball.

As we've all heard when it comes to the playoffs... anything can happen. On Sunday, "anything" did.

The #1 seeded "We Got The Runs" had rolled through the regular season schedule, ending with an undefeated 8-0 record. In game one, they matched up against the #4 seeded, "Foul Balls and Dirty Bunts" who came in with a 3-5 record. FBaDB were playing shorthanded, but managed to hang in there against a full #1 team. "We Got the Runs" put up the maximum number of runs in the first inning, and lead 9-2 after one. FBaDB managed to get within five runs at the end of the second inning, and battled back to close to within six at games end.

In the other semi-final matchup, #2 "Just the Tip" (6-1-1) faced off against #3 "Honey Badgers" (5-3). The Honey Badgers put up two runs in the first, another four in both the 2nd and 3rd, and added two more in the fourth, to take a 12-4 lead into the final two inning. "Just the Tip" tried to rally back, but ended up falling, 12-6.

The Honey Badgers picked up where they left off in the championship game, putting up seven runs in the first inning. "We Got the Runs" rallied back, and trailed 14-8 after four innings but they just couldn't make up for the first inning outburst. The Honey Badgers came away with the first Xoso Softball Championship with a final score of 14-11.

Disclosure: Nick Berruezo is the founder of Xoso Sport & Social League

“Superior Donuts” Gets Capital Stage Off To A Great Start At Its New Home

2011-10-28T05:51:56Z

Capital Stage’s move from the Delta King to the heart of Midtown, while a great deal of work, seems to have gone smoothly. The new theater certainly fulfills the part of Capital Stage’s mission about performing “in an intimate, close up setting.”

Capital Stage chose “Superior Donuts” by Tracy Letts to open its seventh season. It is the first in a theater designed by them to produce the type of shows they like to do. Letts is now best known for “August: Osage County” a major Broadway hit bigger than life in every way.

“Superior Donuts” tells the story of Arthur Przybyszewski a classic hippy from the 60s. Arthur now runs the rundown North Chicago donut shop inherited from his Polish emigrant parents. We see two months of his life: December 2009 and January 2010.

Arthur's life is coasting along, slowly but surely down hill. He comes to the namesake donut shop to find the police and the Russian emigrant that owns the store next door. Someone broke in during the night and vandalized the shop and tagged it. The Russian continually pressures Arthur to sell so that he can expand his business as an electronics mega store.

Into Arthur's life comes Franco, who, pulling the help wanted sign from the front window, insists that Arthur is going to hire him. After much persistence on Franco’s part, Arthur gives in. Little does he know how much this young man will change his life in a short period of time.

The wonderful Matt K Miller plays Arthur. It is always a great experience to watch Miller act and “Superior Donuts” is an excellent vehicle for him to work his craft. He is especially good in the soliloquies where the action in the play stops and Arthur reflects on his life.

Franco Wicks, a young black man from the neighborhood with a troubled not too distant past, is played by a terrific Jammy K. Bulaya. He is especially good in the very funny patter that goes on between Franco and Arthur. Franco to Arthur disparaging his hippy ways: “Let me tell you who looks good in a ponytail: girls----and ponies.”

Lady Boyle the alcoholic elderly street person rolls in and out of the donut shop on a daily basis. Capital Stage associate artist Janis Stevens who was so great as Maria Callas in last season’s “Master Class” at Cap Stage plays Lady who is not so drunk that she does’t have wry observations and pertinent comments to make.

Debuting at Cap Stage, Lori Russo plays Officer Randy Osteen who everyone except Arthur knows is stuck on Arthur. She is paired up on the beat with fellow officer James Bailey played by Sacramento actor, stage/film director and playwright Anthony D’Juan. Officer Bailey and his wife have a secret of their own.

The Russian entrepreneur next door Max Tarasov is played by local actor Gary Pannullo with Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly as his nephew Kiril Ivakin

Barry Hubbard plays the not so nice bookie Luther Flynn with Shane Edward Turner as his nasty enforcer.

Capital Stage artistic director Stephanie Gularte directs. She makes good use of the new theater space to strongly connect the actors and audience.

Producing director Jonathan Williams has created a set design that makes full use of the new space. Williams always creates great, interesting sets. Here audience members can feel like they are sitting at a table back in the corner of a real donut shop. He also co-ordinated the fight scenes.

Capital Stage is off to a great start at its new location. The new space opens up the possibility for an even stronger connection between the performers and the audience. “Superior Donuts” is a good choice for the premier show. It is very funny yet has lots to say to the audience. It is also written by someone who is being recognized as a major contributor to the American stage. The casting from revered veterans such as Matt K. Miller and Janis Stevens to bright new actors like Jammy K. Bulaya is a treat.

"Superior Donuts" Capital Stage through November 13, 2011
More info and tickets

Sacramento's spooky houses

2011-10-27T06:25:41Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Councilman helps youth in Oak Park

2011-10-27T05:36:45Z

On Wednesday, City Councilman Jay Schenirer launched WayUp Sacramento, a community development initiative aimed at helping Sacramento’s youth live healthier and prepare for successful careers. The first stages of the program are set to be implemented in Oak Park by the end of this year.

Schenirer held a conference on Wednesday to debut the program at the Effort/Oak Park Community Center, 3415 Martin Luther King Blvd.

WayUp has been in development for 10 months, however Schenirer said that the ideas behind the project have been with him for much longer.

“I’ve been doing community work forever,” he said. “I also believe that all kids should have the same opportunities that my kids have.”

WayUp consists of five youth-oriented programs: WaySmart, WayFit, WayFresh, WaytoWork, and WayHome.

WaySmart is an educational initiative that exposes children to potential health-care careers. The initiative includes field trips to hospitals, volunteer opportunities, and internships.

Schenirer said he is focusing on training students to work in health-care careers because of forthcoming job opportunities at Sacramento’s UC Davis Medical Center.

“UC Davis just signed a deal with BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute), the largest DNA sequencing company in the world. This will create many jobs in the medical fields,” he said.

WaytoWork is the step beyond education that is aimed at helping students get internships and pursue careers in health care by guaranteeing positions through collaboration with medical facilities.

And medical education may inadvertently improve another problem: hospital space.

Schenirer described overcrowded emergency rooms that are the result of a high percentage of the population not having health insurance. WayFit aims to change this by providing all of the Oak Park youth with yearly checkups.

“Having access to medical care is crucial,” Barbara Kronic of the Sacramento City Unified School District said. “By bringing medical exams, we can guarantee better success for these kids.”

Healthy living is also being promoted through WayFresh, a grassroots development of community gardens to promote healthy and sustainable eating habits by educating young people on the benefits of gardening.

“I want people to see the community gardens within nine months,” Schenirer said.

Schenirer is currently trying to purchase an abandoned Coca-Cola factory on Martin Luther King Boulevard in hope of renovating it and turning it into a tool library that will rent out gardening equipment, and building a facility for garden education.

WayHome involves purchasing dilapidated properties and converting them to affordable and livable homes that, according to Schenirer, will cost less to buy than many properties in the area cost to rent.

The project has so far accumulated roughly $800,000 from corporations and individuals who have donated. Furthermore, 27 vacant Oak Park lots have been donated for garden space.

“We’re sort of building the airplane as it’s going down the runway,” Schenirer said.

“The city has got some challenges, but we are trying to start (in Oak Park) and then build outside and institutionalize the movement,” he said.

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

2011-10-26T06:02:48Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local chefs open new eatery in Natomas

2011-10-25T01:03:18Z

A group of central city restaurateurs is teaming up to branch out into Natomas, but in a more casual setting than their full-service Midtown and East Sacramento locations.

Pork Belly Grub Shack is scheduled to open this week and is a collaboration between the owners of Kru, a Japanese restaurant at 2516 J St., and Formoli’s Bistro, which recently moved to 3839 J St.

“It’s going to be really casual – burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads,” said Billy Ngo, owner of Kru. “It’s going to be simple, good food, and it’s going to be cheap.”

Menu items will feature a lot of pork, with a pork belly grilled cheese, sandwiches built around pork, and burgers such as the Notorious P.I.G., a 10-ounce beef patty with a slab of braised pork belly and pork rinds on a bun.

Suzanne Ricci, wife of Formoli’s Bistro Chef Aimal Formoli and one of the partners along with Formoli and Ngo, said pork was the obvious focus because all of them enjoy it so much.

“Everyone’s had bacon, but best part of the pig is the belly,” Ricci said, explaining that the savory area will be the restaurant’s focus.

“It’s super-basic, super-simple stuff,” she said. “It’s got lots of pork belly, which is really the best part of the pig, and it’s heavier, comfort food with competitive prices.”

Also on the menu will be some Asian-inspired dishes, most notably banh-mi sandwiches with meat selections.

Pork Belly Grub Shack, located at 4261 Truxel Road, will have items ranging from $4 - $9 and will primarily be a lunch place and sell take-out for early dinner. Hours are planned to be from about 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., though they may change.

Ngo said he, Ricci and Formoli thought the deal on the space it was too good to pass up and decided to bring a local independent eatery to an area dominated by larger chain businesses.

“There’s a lot of chain restaurants out there, so we want to bring some Midtown-style cooking to the area,” Ngo said.

Ricci said that while they all have traditionally operated full-service restaurants, the new place, which is looking to do a lot of catering and takeout as well as counter service inside, is more appealing in a down economy.

The approximately 1,600-square-foot space can seat about 30 people and used to be a specialty chocolate shop, so food-service necessities such as floor drains were already installed, Ricci said.

Outdoor seating is planned for the future, once the restaurant gets up and running.

Interior décor will feature pig paintings by locals Liz Miller and Matthew Byrd.

“We want to bring some of a Midtown artistic, creative feel to (the restaurant),” Ricci said.

Opening amid fears of a second recession, Ricci said the economy is always a consideration, but she believes the restaurant will do well.

“With Billy (Ngo) and Aimal (Formoli), I know the food is going to be good,” she said. “If the product is good and the pricing is reasonable, then it’s definitely going to be a place people can bring their families.”

General Manager David West was previously a bartender at Red Lotus, and he said he sees the restaurant growing in popularity and turning into a small chain if it does as well as he expects.

“There’s two amazing chefs behind it,” he said. “It’s gonna be good.”

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

Ask Officer Michelle - Shared Duplex Debate Over Medical Marijuana Smoke

2011-10-23T16:38:22Z

Posted by logsmom08

Hi Officer Michelle!

I am a renter in the Sacramento area. I live in a duplex and share the other half of the house with someone who has a ‘medical card’. My neighbors and I share a garage wall in our duplex and I am assuming that they smoke in their garage because when I walk in my garage, the stink about knocks me over. Do I have any rights to ask them to stop smoking in the garage or anywhere where I and my family can smell or be effected by it?

Dear logsmom08,

The best thing you can do about that is to speak with your landlord. Some landlords have their renters sign a marijuana smoking clause now. The law about smoking marijuana regardless if it is for medicinal purposes is that it can’t be smoked in a place where the public has access. Now, even though the garage is a part of his/her residence, it is still a common area to you and your family. If there are children who live in your or your neighbor’s residence, that could also change things.

Medicinal marijuana can be ingested in different ways as well as not to have the smoke permeate into your home, or linger in the garage. If you are on good terms with your neighbor, you may want to ask them to smoke it when you are not home, or suggest that he/she ingest it a different way. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

2011-10-20T16:50:22Z

This past weekend marked the 20th anniversary of the Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (SIGLFF) at the Crest Theatre. The festival ran selected film series each evening from Thursday to Saturday.

Founder Alan Cole started the project in 1992 as a student-run film festival that received support from Sacramento State University, Gay and Lesbian Alliance students with grant funding from Associated Students Inc. , which is a official governing body which operates the sponsorship of programs and services to CSUS students.

A bevy of sponsors and volunteers support the board of directors, programming and gala committees to prepare and organize the annual festival that takes place in October to celebrate National Coming Out Day. The festival showcases handpicked films by the committee that are created by filmmakers of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The festival serves as a vehicle for LBGT talent such as actors, writers, producers and directors from around the world to showcase their abilities.

Thursday evening kicked off the festival with two works: one 18-minute film called "The Rescue" by director Phillippe Gosselin and an 88-minute film called "Morgan," directed by Michael Akers.

Board of directors president J. Todd Lohse explained that each night centered around a theme. Thursday evening was films directed toward men , Friday evening was ladies night with films based around lesbians, and Saturday was a series of short films that touched on subjects such as sexual identity, race and struggling relationships.

The large crowd at Friday’s screening was mixed with people of all ages from all walks of life, but it was apparent that the female population dominated the night’s attendance.

Well before the films started, members of the public, LGBT community, volunteers and workers were busily flurrying around the Crest Theatre concessions stands for popcorn, drinks and snacks, grabbing a cocktail and mingling with other filmgoers. Even after the lights flickered to warn everyone the film was starting soon, people were still falling behind with cocktails finishing a great conversation or in line for last-minute snacks.

Cole and Lohse introduced the films, speaking of their love and commitment to the organization. They thanked their sponsors, such as Fred Palmer from Outword Magazine, who has been a sponsor for the last 14 years.

The first film was "Lesbian Cliche Song" by director Bob Koherr. At five minutes long, the film served almost as a satirical music video of all the typical lesbian cliches perceived by society, which the audience seemed to agree with as they responded with laughter.

The second was a feature film, "Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together" directed by Wendy Jo Carlton. The dramedy musical focuses on two best friends who blur the line of friendship and romance.

Afterward, one of the film’s stars, Fawzia Mirza, took the stage to answer questions from the audience.

"Are you single?" was the very first question asked. (The answer was yes.)

After her Q&A, she encouraged everyone to carry the party over to Headhunters nightclub for the after-party.

"We are loving the idea that gays and lesbians are receiving recognition not only for their filmmaking but that stories about the private struggles of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are being artistically told,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous, standing hand-in-hand with her partner outside the theater.

Visit siglff.org for updates, volunteer information and details for 2012's festival.

See you next year!

Muntean's soups' one year anniversary

2011-10-19T05:49:29Z

This month is the one-year anniversary of the opening of the restaurant Muntean’s Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches at 1225 J St. George Muntean owns the restaurant with his wife, and while soup is the specialty, Muntean is no soup nazi.

Entering the restaurant, a customer is likely to be surprised by a barrage of soup samples offered as he or she contemplates what to buy.

Muntean said his generosity is a product of his Romanian heritage as well as his business philosophy.

“Romanians are very friendly,” he said. “(This work) is my bread and butter. I offer the customer as much as I can if they are new here. I want them to choose something they like,” he said.

Muntean’s offers 12-15 soups per day. Some of these include: Hungarian chicken stew, curry chicken, turkey gumbo, clam chowder, and broccoli cheese among other more conventional soups.

The restaurant also offers roughly 20 daily sandwiches such as smoked turkey, turkey and avocado, and corned beef; and salads such as falafel salad, spinach salad, and a Greek garden salad.

Everyday the restaurant features 10 special-menu items such as spicy tomato vegetable soup, potato cheese soup, and cream of broccoli.

Three days out of the week special regional meals are featured as well. On Tuesdays Romanian food is offered, on Wednesdays it’s Greek and on Thursdays it’s Hungarian.

The recipes come from either Munteans’ family, or cooking ideas he discovered while in and around his native country of Romania.

“We offer Romanian, Hungarian, and Greek recipes. All of the recipes either came from my parents, or things I picked up while travelling,” Muntean said.

Muntean’s also offers sodas, tea, and coffee, but no alcohol.

Muntean said that the majority of his clients come from the surrounding office buildings and Sacramento Convention Center bustle. Because of the proximity to these spaces, many of his customers are regulars.

The other large demographic is fans of his old restaurant, Hannibal’s.

“25-30 percent of my customers used to go to Hannibal’s,” he said. “They come here because they liked the food there.”

Located at 525 L St., Hannibal’s was opened on a whim by Muntean after visiting a friend in Roseville. He found that he preferred the temperate California climate to his previous home in Florida.

“I don’t look at the economy, I look at the weather,” Muntean said.

Hannibal's utilized the same recipes as Muntean’s. However, after leasing the space that housed Hannibal’s for 10 years, Muntean’s landlord would not renew the lease with him.

Muntean then opened the Muntean Blvd. Bistro in Roseville. But after five years the restaurant went under.

“I had put everything I had into my restaurant in Roseville. When it failed, some of my family came out here to help me get started again,” he said.

In October of 2010, Muntean opened his soup restaurant on 12th and J Streets, and it seems that the third try is a charm.

“There is no competition, not like the way I do it,” he said.

Muntean's offerings of samples, explanations of the menu, and overall charisma show that he cares about his customers. Furthermore, he said one of his favorite aspects of owning the restaurant is opening people’s minds to new types of food.

“The best thing is offering kids a taste,” he said.

Muntean said he chose the 1225 J st., location because it had previously been a restaurant and did not need much renovation.

“I owned everything already from the Roseville restaurant, so it made moving less expensive,” he said.

Muntean said he hopes to eventually expand.

“I would like to start a franchise,” Muntean said. “But this worries my wife.”

Muntean’s is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit the restaurant’s website.

The Sacramento Press on 'Insight'

2011-10-19T01:22:09Z

During The Sacramento Press’ spot on Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” Tuesday morning, host Jeffrey Callison and I discussed the Occupy Sacramento movement, early turns in the upcoming City Council elections, a design competition for Capitol Mall and the arrival of a sailing vessel in Old Sacramento.

With the Occupy Sacramento demonstration well into its second week, protesters are upset that Cesar Chavez Plaza is closed from 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. due to a city ordinance. Sacramento Police Department spokeswoman Laura Peck said Monday that 58 arrests have been made, and the City Council plans to decide whether to allow the protesters to stay in the park after hours, after they went to City Hall last week.

More city politics have been in the news lately, with City Councilman Rob Fong announcing last week that he will not seek another term, instead pursuing a career as a lobbyist. Shortly after the announcement, Steve Hansen, a local activist, announced he will run for the District 4 seat. This will be the first election since District 4 took over most of the central city, which was previously split between three districts.

The former Red Lotus spot on J Street in Midtown has a new tenant, with January being the earliest possible opening date. The currently unnamed business will be a 50/50 mix of restaurant and bar, and it has a special incentive for employees: They will be given a share of the profits.

A few blocks down J Street, the owner of Thai Basil and the upstairs Level Up Lounge wants to add a second-floor deck area so people in the lounge will not have to go down to the street level to smoke, and the deck will also serve as a more permanent roof over the patio seating at Thai Basil. Neighbors raised concerns about added noise, but the Planning Commission approved the project on Thursday.

Federal prosecutors in Southern California have announced that they will go after print, TV and radio advertising for medicinal marijuana, and some Sacramento publications, notably Sacramento News & Review and The Sacramento Bee, have carried those advertisements. SN&R was able to hire more reporters within the past year due to the ads even as general advertising revenues fell across the industry. The Sacramento Bee recently announced its decision to start carrying them. The Sacramento Press has previously reached out to medical marijuana dispensaries for advertising but did not run any advertisements from them. For a timeline on medical marijuana issues in California, click here.

Sacramento received 48 submissions that met the criteria for its Catalyst Capitol Mall Design Competition, which was held to bring international attention to the section of Capitol Mall between Tower Bridge and 10th Street as the city looks for a “big idea” for the space after the state relinquished control of it in 2006. A jury selected the winners, which will be announced Nov. 9. The public can weigh in on the designs as well by clicking here and following the link to the voting page.

Anyone wanting insight into merchant sailing in the 18th century can visit the tall ship Hawaiian Chieftain, docked in Old Sacramento near Tower Bridge until mid-December. Visitors can tour the ship, where crew members will be standing by to answer questions and give history of an era gone by.

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

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.

Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Concerned About Neighbors' Pitbulls

2011-10-16T17:43:23Z

Posted by neighborwatch

Hi Michelle,
We recently had new neighbors move in the house behind ours. They have a few dogs, 2 of which are large pit bulls.
The first thing we noticed were the dogs barking for extended periods of time, all hours of the night. The tenants are home, but seem to ignore the barking. Recently we’ve witnessed 3 instances where the largest dog is attacking the other dogs/other possible animals in their backyard. Vicious attacks which leave their deck stained with blood.

The most recent incident involved the woman trying to separate the dogs, and she was thrown to the floor and screaming. I called 911 as I felt her life was in danger. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened next because the police never came to question me. It looks like the dogs may have been taken in by animal control, but I’m not certain.
My big concern is what happens if they return? I have 3 small children who I no longer allow to play in the backyard for fear that the dogs could breach the fence. I am terrified after witnessing a woman being attacked by her own dog.
What type of recourse do I have?
Another factor is suspicious activity surrounding the basement area of their home. Shady characters are lead through their back door to an area of the backyard which I cannot see from my vantage point. We can’t figure out if dog breeding is going on, or drug activity or what? I’m feeling a little out of my league here :)
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Dear Neighborwatch,

It sounds like Animal Control handled the situation. You were right in calling 911 on them. Chances are that once Animal Control takes the dogs, they won’t be coming home. You can call Animal Control (dial 311) and voice your concerns. Since the dogs have already exhibited aggressive behavior, you don’t want to take any chances with 3 small children. If you believe that they are illegally breeding and selling dogs, you would also express that to Animal Control.

As far as the suspicious behavior, you need to be more specific. If you think your neighbors are involved in illegal narcotics, call our Narcotic’s Tip Line at 808-5796. Are there any suspicious smells like chemicals emitting from the residence? Are there people coming and going at all times of the day and night? Have you seen any drugs, scales, packaging materials, money transactions?

It sounds as though you have really strong instincts about this residence, and may very well be right.
Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Thai Basil gets the Ok on second-floor patio

2011-10-15T03:56:31Z

Following a controversial debate between Thai Basil and Level Up Lounge owner Suleka Sun-Lindley and her supporters, and members of the community concerned about noise levels and trash issues, in an 8-1 vote the Planning Commission granted the businesswoman approval to build a second floor-patio off of her lounge.

The Thai Basil restaurant opened in May 2002, while the second-floor Level Up Lounge was added in 2007. They are located at 2431 J St.

Despite Thai Basil being voted Best Thai food of Sacramento by Sacramento Magazine and Sacramento News & Review for the past 10 years, Sun-Lindley said that the economy has forced her to rethink ways to get customers and to keep them inside.

“People go downstairs to smoke, and they usually end up leaving,” Sun-Lindley said. “With the patio, the customer can step outside for fresh air or to smoke without leaving.”

The addition will also benefit nonsmoking customers of Thai Basil eating on the bottom-level patio by shading them from the sun and protecting them from the rain better than the leaky awning that is currently placed above the outdoor area.

“Our goal is to create a positive dining experience for the customer,” she said.

Sun-Lindley made it clear that her strategy for achieving this goal does not include the promotion of drinking or smoking. The deck is pragmatic.

“Unless you ban smoking in California, there will be smokers,” she said. “We try to give our late-night customers water to sober up. We also walk some customers home to make sure they get there safely.”

The restaurant and lounge will also have security guards monitoring activity inside and outside the premises Thursday through Saturday between evening hours and closing at 2 a.m.

Prior to the go-ahead decision, community members expressed their differing sentiments on the matter.

Brian Holloway of Holloway Land Co. said he believes that Thai Basil should be supported because of its popularity in Sacramento.

“Thai Basil is an important fixture in the community,” he said. “It’s one we need to keep thriving in Midtown.”

Other residents disagreed.

Richard Jansen of Midtown said he is concerned that the patio will add to the noise problems he has experienced since the addition of Level Up Lounge.

“I don’t trust that design. The buildings in that area are old, (and) noise carries easily. If it was enclosed into J St., it would be more acceptable,” Jansen said.

According to Sun-Lindley, the restaurant and lounge windows were recently replaced with double-pane glass.

Arcelia Marcado, a J St., resident and owner of Salon De Arcelia, a hair salon near Thai Basil, said she was concerned about the noise of the impending construction.

“A guy at the restaurant said they would be doing the building at night. I don’t know how I’m going to get any sleep,” she said.

The Planning Commission assured Marcado that after-dark construction was prohibited by city code. Sun-Lindley said she was aware of this and in agreement to work only during the day.

The construction costs will be roughly $150,000.

For more information about Thai Basil and Sun-Lindley, click here.

Local business emphasizes the need to play

2011-10-15T01:14:25Z

A pair of Sacramento entrepreneurs are building a business centered around what they say adults are missing in their lives – play.

Jeff Louie and Chris Chu, both 30, founded Asobuyo in April as a way for like-minded locals to get together, play games, sample food from local businesses and get to know one another.

“We’re all about using play as a mechanism for life change,” Chu said. “When people play, they have better quality of life and less stress.”

Asobuyo is a Japanese word that roughly translates as “let’s play,” Chu said, adding that weekly meetings of Asobuyo members are centered around playing games in groups of four in a fun way to get to know people.

The first event was held at Capsity Offices, 2321 P St., which is a co-working space Louie co-founded. The game was several video clips of Midtown set up in a trivia game similar to “Scene It?” but that proved too difficult to facilitate, with the amount of time involved in producing the video and developing questions.

Now, game evenings are typically spent at local restaurants so the members can bond over food, and some of the restaurants Asobuyo has partnered with are Kupros Bistro, Cafe Lumiere and Old Soul Co.

One game they play is called Superstar, and in it, one member of the group is the superstar, and team members collect myriad facts about the superstar – everything from how many keys he or she has on a key ring to where he or she was born. They then must memorize the facts.

Throughout the night, different questions are asked, and the superstar’s teammates – or “fans” – have to answer correctly, racking up the most correct answers to beat the other teams.

“It’s a good game to play early on so maybe some of the more quiet people get to tell more about themselves,” Louie said.

“We plan our games strategically so they build on each other,” Chu said, adding that over the course of the night, the team that wins the most games is declared the overall winner and receives prizes – which have ranged from cakes and food to gift cards from hosting businesses.

Wendy Duncan, 27, said she enjoyed playing Urban Dictionary Balderdash, in which a definition from the popular website and book “Urban Dictionary” was read, and participants had to guess the word it described.

“I think (Asobuyo) is just a good combination of everything: food, socializing and fun,” she said.

She added that, for her, the biggest benefit has been meeting like-minded people who are interested in having fun and exploring the city.

“I’ve grown up in Sacramento, and I feel like a lot of the locals have a poor image of the city and talk trash about it,” she said. “They say there’s nothing fun to do, but Asobuyo lets us have a lot of fun and get to know the area.”

The business makes its money through some paid events as well as marketing for local businesses.

One upcoming event, scheduled for 2 - 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, is a spy-themed grub crawl and scavenger hunt, Chu said.

“Each spy team will go to each place and complete a mission, then sample some food and meet the owners,” Chu said.

While most events are free, the food crawl and scavenger hunt will cost $35, with $10 being donated to the charity Asian Resources, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing social services in Sacramento, especially to youths with limited English-speaking abilities.

Khonnie Lattasima, 29, said she found out about Asobuyo through the website Yelp while browsing events.

“I emailed them, and it sounded interesting,” she said. “I didn’t really know what it was, and I think it’s something you actually have to experience.”

She added that she enjoys the positive attitudes of everyone involved.

“It breaks down a lot of barriers, and you get to know a lot of people,” she said. “They’ve done a great job. It’s basically a play movement, and they’re building something really positive in the community.”

Louie said he and Chu want to eventually expand beyond Sacramento and create a movement where people see that taking time to play and have fun actually adds to productivity and quality of life.

Future plans involve an option of a paid premium membership and more integration with technology, including some form of mobile app.

“We wanted to start in Sacramento,” he said. “We’re both from Sacramento, and we want people to be proud that there are businesses that want to start up here.”

To contact Asobuyo, visit the company’s website or Facebook page.

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

International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival hits Sacramento

2011-10-14T22:37:56Z

The Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival kicked off Thursday evening, celebrating its 20th anniversary of great indie LGBT films and their filmmakers at the Crest Theatre.

The festival is a non-profit organization, dedicated to showing independent LGBT films in [in or from?] Northern California. The festival continues through Saturday, with each evening concentrating on different subjects. Thursday evening focuses on male relationships, Friday on female relationships, and Saturday showcases a series of short films.

Each year brings opportunities to show more films, give more money to nonprofit LGBT organizations and provide grants to filmmakers.

Each evening, films begin at 7:30 p.m. The Crest is located at 1013 K St. Tickets are on sale at the Crest, The Beat and tickets.com.

Calif. Hall of Fame ceremony moves venues

2011-10-14T07:25:13Z

The California Museum’s biggest fundraiser – The California Hall of Fame induction ceremony – is moving from its small setting in the museum auditorium to Memorial Auditorium, increasing seating almost tenfold.

“The museum auditorium doesn’t allow for very many people to attend,” said museum spokeswoman Brenna Hamilton. “We’re now able to have a substantially larger audience so we can invite more people, including 500 museum members, which has never been done before.”

Beginning in 2006, and until last year, the ceremony was held in the museum, where it could seat roughly 260 people. Memorial Auditorium will allow 3,000 attendees.

Memorial Auditorium is especially fitting for this year, Hamilton said, because The Beach Boys are being inducted, and they played their first major concert and recorded a live album at Memorial Auditorium.

Other inductees this year are astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Elizabeth Blackburn, community activist Father Gregory Boyle, GAP founders and philanthropists Doris and Donald Fisher, basketball player Magic Johnson, disability rights advocate Ed Roberts, guitarist Carlos Santana, novelist Amy Tan, and California Supreme Court Justice Roger Traynor.

“I think we have an amazing lineup of inductees this year,” Hamilton said.

With about 60 days until the ceremony on Dec. 8, those looking to snag a seat for the ceremony have the option of purchasing one of two new museum membership levels that grant access to it.

An individual membership for $125 gives the purchaser free admission to the museum with a guest, a 10 percent discount to the museum store and invitations to events and exhibit openings, including the hall of fame ceremony.

A dual membership pass for $250 gives the same benefits to two people and all children under 18 in the household. Tickets to the hall of fame ceremony are limited to two, however.

As a private nonprofit organization that doesn’t receive state funding, Hamilton said the museum relies on the hall of fame induction ceremony to pay for virtually all of its exhibits, operating costs and educational visits to schools.

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

Red Lotus space might be filled by January

2011-10-14T01:12:14Z

A pair of restaurateurs are opening a restaurant and bar in the space that formerly housed Red Lotus in Midtown, which closed last month, and employees are being given a special incentive to do quality work – a share of the profits.

“It’s going to be a simple, affordable neighborhood spot where families can come for a meal, and it’s welcoming of everyone,” said co-owner Matt Nurge. “It’s going to be rustic – a little like peasant food, and a little like street food.”

While still in the early stages with a possible opening date of sometime in January, the as-yet-unnamed restaurant and bar at 2718 J St. will have its food planned by Executive Chef and co-owner John Bays.

Both grew up in Sacramento, working in various restaurants and bars. Nurge said he knew Bays casually for years, and about six months ago, mutual friends helped them connect as business partners.

“It’s fun food, not uptight – just simple,” Bays said. “I have a braised short rib patty melt I'd like to do, maybe a ramen pot pie, just some different stuff.”

Other menu possibilities include Vietnamese chicken sandwiches, burgers with fried eggs, stir fry dishes made on the existing wok grill and a number of sandwiches.

“We want to really be busy at lunch as well as dinner and after,” Nurge said. “We have the Sutter building that’s opening up, and there will be 4,000 people in the area, and we want to deliver good food at a reasonable price.”

The Sutter building will house the hospital’s Anderson Lucchetti Women’s and Children’s Center.

He added that lunch dishes will likely range from $7 to $10, and dinner dishes will go for around $10 to $15.

Currently, the restaurant seats about 120 people, but the seating will be redone, with a distinct bar area up front and restaurant seating in the rear, Nurge said. Front and back patio seating will be a major part of the restaurant’s draw, he added, with more-permanent tables and chairs fronting J Street.

Nurge described the operation as half restaurant and half bar, and said he will draw on his experience as a bartender – most recently his three-year stint at Shady Lady Saloon – to create craft cocktails that will be on a regularly rotating menu.

“I want to keep the cocktail menu small so it’s simple, and I’ll rotate drinks like we will the food, providing whatever is in season locally,” Nurge said, adding that the restaurant’s six beer taps will likely be rotated with California selections.

In an industry that sees high turnover rates among staff – and the expenses that go along with training new employees – Bays and Nurge said they want to make employees a top priority, designating a percentage of the restaurant’s profits to them.

“It’s something to set us apart from other restaurants,” Bays said. “It lets them know they’re valued, that they’re working toward something that gives back to them, not just working for the man.”

Nurge said employees will not be asked to contribute any money to the business, and the plan is to have all of them included, with possible extra benefits for long-term employees, though nothing has yet been finalized.

“Mainly, we want to share our success with the people who help make us successful,” Nurge said. “My mom was a server for 25 years, and (the employees) carried the business on their backs, and people sat back and counted the money.”

He added that he intends to make money, but he wants to do it in a way that includes everyone.

If someone cares about what they do, they’ll stay longer, he said.

Bays added that the shared profits will incentivize employees to come up with cost-saving ideas and keep an eye toward cutting down on waste.

Both owners have histories in the restaurant industry. Nurge worked at numerous restaurants and bars, and Bays currently works for the Sacramento City Unified School District and owned a restaurant called Grapes at 11th and H streets in the late 1990s.

Alex Origoni, co-owner of Shady Lady Saloon – where Nurge currently works – said that extensive experience is one of the most important assets to becoming a successful restaurant operator.

“So many people get into the industry because they think it’s cool or because people tell them they have a great potatoes au gratin recipe and they should open one,” Origoni said. “Having a good menu is maybe about 5 percent of operating a restaurant business.”

Origoni said Nurge has a certain style to his cocktail creations gleaned from a career working for varied restaurants and bars, giving him experience in catering to many types of customers.

“That’s a huge advantage,” Origoni said.

Another advantage is being a part of what Origoni described as the tight-nit fraternity of restaurateurs in Sacramento who consider themselves friends and help each other out whenever possible.

Already, Nurge said, Shady Lady Saloon and other restaurant owners have offered their help.

“We see it as a team effort to build the industry and make the community even more interesting,” Origoni said. “Getting into that is the best advice I can give him, and it’s advice he already knows.”

Nurge and Bays said they are looking forward to joining the successful block of J Street anchored by Centro Cocina Mexican and Harlow’s.

“Success breeds success,” Nurge said. “That was one of the things that really attracted us to this space.”

Nearby residents have previously raised concerns about businesses selling alcohol on the block, and Nurge said he intends to work with the neighborhood associations in the area, and he currently has no plans to apply for an entertainment permit, which is required for amplified music in the city.

“We’re not a nightclub,” he said. “We’re more of a low-key restaurant and bar, and we want to be a local spot and still draw people from Midtown, families from East Sac, and people from the other areas as well.”

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

Historic Maydestone building opens after renovation

2011-10-13T01:11:06Z

A 100-year-old building on the border of downtown and Midtown Sacramento officially reopened Wednesday after about a year of renovation work in what proponents said is an example of redevelopment at its best.

More than 100 businesspeople, developers, city staff and government officials were present at the opening of the Maydestone building as Mayor Kevin Johnson cut a chain with bolt cutters in a twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is something that we’re very proud of in Sacramento,” Johnson said. “(In 1912, the building) had people that lived upstairs who were architects, it had small businesses, there were waiters and waitresses – it was affordable. You fast-forward 100 years, and it’s doing the exact same thing.”

Sacramento-based D&S Development, Inc., handled the $7 million affordable housing project that includes 32 apartments on four floors as well as a basement common room with recreational and relaxation facilities.

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency Executive Director La Shelle Dozier said the Maydestone’s redevelopment helps Sacramento give off a positive image.

“(Sacramento) shouldn’t be known for coming out of the Memorial Auditorium and seeing vacant and boarded buildings,” she said. “It should be known for projects like the Maydestone.”

Dozier added that similar projects are under way at La Valentina, the Hotel Berry and the 700 block of K Street.

Speaking as a board member for the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, Rob Kerth said the building is a model for redevelopment with a green focus, as LED lighting is prevalent, solar panels were installed on the roof, heating and air-conditioning systems are energy-efficient, and even the elevator generates power as it descends.

Bay Miry of D&S Development said it was the Maydestone building that brought the downtown developers into redevelopment work in partnership with CFY Development, Inc. The two businesses are currently working on the massive project on the 700 block of K Street.

Johnson spoke in favor of redevelopment – a controversial funding mechanism whose future is currently being determined in the California Supreme Court.

“When you have double-digit unemployment figures, anything we can do to create jobs, and this project produced 200 jobs,” he said. “This is a win, win, win on all accounts.”

The 32 apartments in the building on the corner of 15th and J streets range in size from 300 to 700 square feet, and Miry said they are currently being rented out, with more than 30 applications already received.

Sixteen units are available at $729 per month, 13 in a range from $800 - $1,300 per month and three at about $1,500 per month.

Where possible, Miry previously told The Sacramento Press, original built-in storage, furniture and flooring was retained, keeping the building true to its historical character.

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

Thai Basil and Level Up Lounge owner pursues second-floor patio

2011-10-12T01:02:48Z

A Midtown business owner is looking to add a second-floor patio area to her combination restaurant and lounge, but as the plans go to the Planning Commission for review Thursday, some neighbors say it will present a noise problem.

Suleka Sun-Lindley owns Thai Basil and Level Up Lounge at 2431 J St., and with the lounge – which opened in 2007 – not making money, she said she hopes the addition of an open-air balcony will help it become profitable.

“Thai Basil is doing well, but Level Up has been costing us money,” she said Tuesday afternoon. “I’m hoping that adding an area where people can go outside and smoke will make more people want to come.”

The Thai restaurant, which opened in May 2002, is a successful branch of a family business begun by Sun-Lindley, her mother and sister in Roseville in 1996. Sun-Lindley, who moved from Thailand in 1989, was an architect before going into the restaurant business.

After being granted a liquor license in a lottery in 2006, the upstairs portion of the building was turned into Level Up Lounge.

Building an upper deck or patio was the logical solution to two problems, Sun-Lindley said.

“We like to have our outdoor seating at Thai Basil, but the awning leaks in the rain, and I wanted to build a permanent covering over it,” she said. “I thought it would be perfect to make it a deck for Level Up so people could use it to go outside and smoke, instead of going downstairs to the street.”

The design involves extending the front and rear walls of the building 8 feet and putting a floor and new awning in place to allow lower-level seating in all weather as well as upper-level open space.

In all, 300 square feet will be added to the 4,000 square feet the building already occupies, but the capacity of Level Up Lounge – 50 people – will not increase.

Some neighbors, however, are concerned about added noise from the business, which stays open until midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

“My worries are that if that went in, then I might not be able to sleep,” said nearby resident Joe Diaz. “The DJs already play loud music, and I hear it. It goes right through my double-pane windows and insulated walls.”

He added that he is concerned people will step outside and have loud conversations on the balcony that will keep him awake, and parking will be more scarce.

Another nearby building owner, Brent Johnson, said he has four residential tenants for whom noise is a problem, though he acknowledged noise as a reality in a mixed-use area such as Midtown.

“It’s mostly just the noise,” he said. “I’m all for local businesses succeeding, but the noise went up when the bar came in, and I think instead of it being an open-air patio, it could be closed to keep in the sound.”

He added that he sees a benefit to the patio as well.

Currently, smokers on the street level toss cigarette butts onto his property, he said, adding that he thinks having an upstairs area where they can smoke will cut down on the problem.

Sun-Lindley held an informal meeting at the lounge Monday night, with staff passing out about 40 fliers inviting neighbors to give input. Modifications were made to the design to completely enclose the rearward wall – which faces homes – after the comments of the four people who came, with two supporting and two opposing. It was originally designed as a half-wall.

Others familiar with the space said the addition will make the lounge more attractive.

“I love the expansion idea just to get people out to have some fresh air,” said local artist John Krempel, who has had about 20 art shows in the lounge.

“During my art shows, people want to get outside and get some fresh air, but they have to go downstairs, and a lot of the time, they just leave,” he said. “It would be such a better experience if you had (the patio) up there.”

Sun-Lindley said she enjoys having art shows in Level Up as a way of staying involved in the community.

“The nearby neighbors are the ones we want to have coming in,” she said. “We want to run a business, but we also want to be good neighbors.”

Fully enclosing the outdoor space, she said, “would kill the ambiance.”

Adding to the building has been a continual process since the restaurant’s opening, with a permanent storage area, new flooring, new paint, revised lighting, courtyard seating and the building of the lounge all being done over the years as money was available.

“We want to put the money we make back into the business,” she said.

Planning the patio cost about $19,000, with a $9,000 non-refundable permit fee added to $10,000 in planning and architectural renderings. If approved, the estimated cost of the addition, as designed, is about $150,000.

“I really want it for a better outdoor dining experience, but it’s also something we want to see at Level Up, since having an outdoor area is so Sacramento,” she said.

The design will be reviewed by the Planning Commission at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the City Council Chambers at 915 I St.

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

Ballet, music and art at Midtown's Second Saturday

2011-10-11T08:37:35Z

Summer has come and gone but crowds at Second Saturday still remain large. Second Saturday events have grown in popularity and other communities participate in Second and Third Saturday art events.

During fall several cities stop their art walks. Folsom and El Dorado Hills had their last Second Saturday of the year in September and October respectively.

Popularity of similar events in smaller towns continues to grow. Attendance and art displays expand in the smaller venues but none of these can compare to the popularity of Midtown’s event.

This Saturday I attended a handful of galleries and events. Since there are so many places to view and experience art I made a list of places I was invited to or wanted to see and took the rail from Folsom to Midtown.

My list of galleries or events I had, included the Sacramento Ballet Studios, the Heart Clothing Boutique, Urban Hive studios and places in between depending on time allowed.

The Sacramento Ballet on 1631 K Street held an open rehearsal for their upcoming “Dracula” performances. The dancers either wore full ballet outfits or casual dancing attire for the performance.

The Sacramento Ballet is one of the most delightful pleasures to experience in Sacramento. Ron Cunningham’s troupe always provides great entertainment. It isn’t until an open rehearsal is performed for public viewing that one can see and experience the time and effort spent on practice.

Once on stage however the Sacramento Ballet puts on great performances that showcase the wonderful talent they have and the time and effort they spend practicing.

The audience that attended this art in motion exhibit watched an impressive performance of Dracula that will take place at the Sacramento Community Center. Four performances of Dracula have been scheduled for October 22, 23, 27 and 28. Performances are at 7:30 except for October 23 which plays at 2:00.

Sacramento Ballet’s Artistic Director, Ron Cunningham, sat facing the ballet dancers during rehearsal and gave few directions as they performed. Any directions may have been more for the benefit of the audience as we followed the Dracula rehearsal.

Once the performance ended the audience vacated the dance area while Cunningham talked to the Sacramento Ballet performers. Outside the dance area people began to come in for another rehearsal.

The second rehearsal will eventually turn out to be a Vampire Flash Mob that will take place at a time and location still unknown.

The Vampire Flash Mob will be based on Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance. Dancers from all ages will be participating in the flash mob. Sacramento Ballet’s Christopher Brian Nachtrab was on hand to lead the flash mob rehearsal and the dance studio was packed.

Nachtrab made sure he announced that there was a video on YouTube that went through the choreography as well in case dancers needed further practice. More information as well as the actual time and place of the flash mob will be given on their facebook page.

Heart Clothing Boutique on 1903 Capitol Avenue celebrated their one year anniversary of business. Owner Vanessa Lopez celebrated by thanking her customers and friends by holding a fashion show outside her shop with DJ Esef playing in the background.

Heart Clothing had plenty of guests to help Lopez celebrate her 1 year anniversary. The small boutique is geared to make each shopping experience unique and personal. Byuti Salon and Spa teamed with Heart Clothing to provide hair and make up for the models.

Down the street at the street at the Gay and Lesbian Center on 1927 L Street a Second Saturday art exhibit was being showcased. As I walked around to look at the art I picked up some delicious appetizers that were provided for guests.

On the outside back patio the Kenny Rego and the Law of One Band played. The four member group played to a small audience.

Although I was only there for a couple of songs they showed a wide musical range touching on some folk, rock, indie and Americana. Kenny Rego’s vocals and their lyrics also excelled. Kenny Rego and the Law of One Band have a myspace page and you can sample some of their songs on YouTube and Reverbnation.

Kenny Rego and the Law of One Band played “Working Class Man” as their last song and its great melody, lyrics and vocals was a good selection to end their set.

Over at Barber’s Shop Alfa Romeo on 1116 18th Street, Mike Blanchard and The Californios played. Some fans watched from seats in the garage while others danced just outside on the parking lot.

A protest rally by “Take back the Night” marchers moved on to K Street from 20th. It looked like well over a hundred marchers paraded down the streets of Midtown carrying protest signs and yelling out demonstration chants to bring awareness to their cause and inform the public.

One of my last destinations was the Urban Hive where an Artober Art Show was taking place. The show recognized the art of four magnificent artists; Milton Bowens, Felipe Dávalos, Theresa Fike and Aaron Hagar.

Art filled the walls of the Urban Hive and several guests were on hand to view the work of these four artists. An intimate question and answer period also took place. Felipe Dávalos and Milton Bowens talked about their work and answered questions from guests.

The show at the Urban Hive Gallery runs from October 6 to November 7 and the Second Saturday event served as an inaugural Artober Art Show. The talents of these great artists can be viewed at the Hive and appointments can also be made to view the work.

Bowens and Dávalos, great artists in their own right, delighted guests with their commentary and it’s great to see this kind of interaction between the artist and their admirers. Dávalos’ art and work have been seen in National Geographic and other renowned publications. He has also created illustrations for children’s books, magazines, archeology, art history and several of his pieces are on exhibit.

Bowens has a powerful presence and talked about his work and the work of poets, writers and music performers who influence today’s society and how their communication medium transcends through cultures via their music.

Bowens described his work by saying, “I use text in combination with color and shades. I pretty much deal in history but there are a lot of hidden messages woven into the fabric of my paintings. My paintings are very personal to me to start with but they’re just anchored in what I consider pivotal moments in American history.” With that comment he described his works and what several items common in his art signify. Bowens continued to talk about his work and made the event very real and personal as he indulged the audience in what his work stood for.

A refreshing artist perspective was shown at the Artober Art Show and it allowed for meaningful dialogue between artist and guests.

Guests to the event were encouraged to bring new art supplies and materials to benefit the Stanford Home for Children and the Wellspring Center for Women. To find out more about Artober guests can visit the Urban Hive or Artober websites or contact Veronica Delgado 916-792-4947.

As many of the artist galleries began to close several other establishments remained open keeping the Second Saturday Art Walk spirit alive. Midtown continues to benefit from the event and it could clearly be seen as lines of people stood outside certain venues waiting to get into several of the popular clubs.

To follow other area artists and performers Roseville will host their Third Saturday on October 15. Several galleries in and around Vernon Street will host several artist receptions.

40th Anniversary of the Crocker Art Museum's Annual Art and Antiques Show

2011-10-10T04:12:54Z

The Art Service Group celebrated the 40th annual Art & Antiques Show & Sale, which benefits Sacramento's beautifully renovated Crocker Art Museum. Over 50 regional and national arts and antique dealers participated in the event Friday through Sunday in the historic Scottish Rite Center, which is known for its dedication to education, fellowship and charity.

Dealers and volunteers from Sacramento County to Shingle Springs and Klamath Falls, Ore., join together to bond over their love of art and antiques and donate their time and efforts to participate in the three-day event.

The $7 admission fee and proceeds from the silent auction will support the Crocker Art Museum. The silent auction was filled with donated fine art, depression glass, pottery and other miscellaneous collectibles.

As collectors entered the center, they were greeted with the smiling faces of seasoned volunteers from the Crocker offering programs and encouragement to enter a drawing which offered winners one of 10 prizes, such as limited addition paintings or a luncheon gift certificate.

Each dealer was spaciously set up and spread out as if you were walking into each shop of their own. The event showcased top-notch heirlooms that catered to serious collectors, with one-of-a-kind items such as furniture from the Victorian era, European pottery and plates, fine art, vintage Oriental rugs, jewelry and silver goods.

The venue was quiet and visited by what seemed to be mature crowds who occasionally approached a dealer softly talking to and quizzing them about their pieces. One woman picked up a silver necklace at Sylvia's Sterling booth and said, " Wow. This looks just like my grandmother's."

Also on hand where professional appraisers and evaluators for people who are always curious as to how much their beloved piece of history is worth. The Crocker also hosts "Evaluation Days" in October as Sacramento's version of “Antiques Roadshow."

San Bruno resident Willie Mitchell of Old Pump Antiques, who was participating for his fourth year in a row, said the show had been relatively slow until Saturday afternoon.

"Yesterday it was slow, but today the crowd has been picking up,” he said. “I guess people like to sleep in!"

Mitchell has been dealing antiques for over 35 years. "Yes, it has been slow, but that goes for all industries right now,” he said. “The sales, they come and go.”

Despite each dealer having their own focus, they all have the same intention at heart, which is to support the Crocker. Proceeds will assist a variety of projects, from "cataloguing the glass and master drawing collections to creating location records for the paintings from the original Crocker family collection," according to their July/August Slice of Life newsletter.

In past years, the Art Services Group has also provided funds for many projects including computers, Y2K readiness software, specialized lighting fixtures, art storage boxes, temperature and humidity monitors, art conservation, art library reference books and chandeliers.

If you missed the Art & Antiques Show this year, there is always next year and more opportunities to contribute to the museum. Please support and enjoy the museum by taking a look at the calendar of events.

Ask Officer Michelle - Video Taping Police on Duty

2011-10-09T14:46:22Z

Posted by GARYA73

Is it illegal to video record an on-duty peace officer?

Dear GARYA73,

In the State of California, it is legal to video tape a peace officer, if you are in public and have a legal right to be there. You must not impede the officer in any way while they are in the course of his/her duties. If a crime scene has been established, members of the public may not cross it, even to film. This may lead to contaminating evidence within the crime scene.

This happens all the time. Everyone has a camera phone or a video recorder and officers are constantly being scrutinized. The other issue is that people often post their videos on social media networks.

I am of the philosophy that if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, it is not a problem. I however, don’t want to be on a media website without my consent. Public perception is very important, but what people have to understand is the whole picture. Say I get a call for service about a man who is aggressively panhandling and harassing citizens downtown. Say this person is a repeat offender and they have an extensive background with the police. I contact this subject and begin asking him questions about his identity and what he is doing. Say he gets indignant and begins talking about his rights and police harassment. Say a bystander starts taping at that moment before they know the whole situation. This is what concerns me. When things are taken out of context, the public’s perception of the police, based upon the video, is biased.

If the public is going to video a cop while they are in the course of their duties, it should at least be done responsibly.

Thank you for writing.

Officer Michelle

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