Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "train"

Amtrak train stops on I Street Bridge

2012-01-02T05:19:07Z

A west bound Amtrak train suddenly stops on the I Street Bridge on January 1, 2012 at 12:35 p.m. The train was detained for twenty minutes then was pulled back to the Sacramento train station. A few minutes later, the bridge swiveled over to let a Hornblower cruise ship past through.

To see the train being rolled back, click video.

Boston Takes Over the Naked Lounge This Tuesday

2011-11-03T06:38:39Z

In the mood for a low-country Regina Spektor-meets-Jimmy Buffett-on-whiskey act followed by a Dave Matthews crossed with a beached-out Buddy Holly number? Well, you can... this coming Tuesday, November 8 at the Naked Lounge in downtown Sacramento (1111 H St.), starting at 8:30. This all ages show features two of California's up-and-coming, on-the-scene singer-songwriters, Jo Elless (www.joelless.com) and Mike Macchia & Tyler Canaday (Mike's Lost and Found, http://www.youtube.com/TheMikeMacchia). Midwest and northeastern roots, with a little dixie thrown in for good measure, Jo Elless is a Berklee-trained multi-instrumentalist who arranges her songs for wind orchestra (all of the instruments, of course, she performs herself-- ranging from flutes to tinier flutes to saxophones and various clarinets). Her songs feature musings of foggy, city, subway life and Decemberists-like folk tales of the deserted south. Her latest album, Copley Inbound, received national acclaim, including landing Elless a spot on the cover of the magazine Saxophone Journal. Coincidentally, Boston native Mike Macchia will also perform along with Tyler Canady, in the form of Mike's Lost and Found (it's also his birthday, so join in the party!) follow her with a blend of sultry, acoustic rock sure to get you kickin' back, tapping your toe, and reminding you of past summers in love. It's all this coming Tuesday, November 8 starting at 8:30 at Sacramento's downtown Naked Lounge, 1111 H St. Sacramento CA 95814.

Disclosure: Sacramento music scene columnist

Train Hits Thunder Valley

2011-07-26T01:11:36Z

Grammy awarding winning, Train, not to be confused with the series of connected railroad cars pulled or pushed by one or more locomotives, thundered into town on Sunday and performed to a sold out crowd at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort.

Thunder Valley Casino and Resort really scored with signing on Train to perform at their outdoor amphitheater. Train just finished their Save Me San Francisco tour last month. Taking full advantage of their current success, they headed back out on the road with Maroon 5 and Gavin DeGraw for a summer tour. The band actually performed in Southern California Saturday with the others, drove by bus to Sacramento, then headed back down to Hollywood for a Monday night show with the rest of the group.

Train got off to a fashionably late start. Scheduled to appear at 7:00 p.m., they didn’t take the stage until 7:35 p.m. which I’m sure had everything to do with the sun beating on the stage at that hour of the day. When they finally took the stage, they were met with wild applause and deafening screams.

Guitarist Jimmy Stafford and drummer Scott Underwood took the stage to kick off the show. Already on stage were Bassist Hector Maldonado and keyboardist Jerry Becker. They were joined shortly after by lead singer/songwriter Pat Monahan singing, “Parachute.”

Monahan was nonstop throughout the concert. He was bouncing from one side of the stage to the other, the whole time delivering his uniquely expressive vocals. Monahan being a short and downright skinny dude - got a little assistance from a platform at the edge of the stage.

As the evening progressed, I think Monahan may have changed his wardrobe more than Lady Gaga (if that’s even possible). He started out with a shirt and vest, then went down to the shirt, came back out with another vest, and at one point donned a red jacket similar to the one Michael Jackson wore for thriller.

Being the funny man that he is, Monahan started off joking about how women always show up to their concerts all dressed up, but the men simply wear t-shirts. After Monahan walked out among the crowd, he said every time he does that there’s at least one ass grabber. 80 percent of the time it’s a dude, but today it was a 75 year old lady.

Fifteen lucky ladies who were dancing on the floor ended up dancing onstage. Monahan had them climb a makeshift ladder to get up on stage. One of the ladies actually started climbing with a drink in hand. She made it; the drink didn’t. Once they were all onstage, he instructed them to perform their most sexy dance as he sang, “She’s on Fire.”

This was a high energy show with a lot of audience interaction. On top of being a great singer and songwriter, Monahan makes for a great front man, keeping the audience engaged the entire performance. When they ended their set with “Drops of Jupiter,” it was obvious to me and everyone else that the concert had gone by way too quickly and we all wanted more.

Before the concert, I had an opportunity to talk with lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford about Train’s new venture, Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co. They recently released their first line of wine, Drops of Jupiter Petite Sirah. According to Stafford, their Petite Sirah was featured as the wine of the month at Bonefish Grills across the U.S. and is available at select stores and restaurants. The price tag – $9.99.

Stafford explained that the wine started out as a blend of various grapes from Livermore Valley’s Concannon Vineyards. Once they arrived at just the right blend, it was determined that the wine had a high enough percentage to call it a Petite Sirah (75 percent of the varietal must be present in the wine).

Being the wino that he is, Stafford says there’s nothing like a good glass of red wine before a show. He also told me they would be coming out with a Chardonnay and a Merlot in the near future, so keep an eye out for those.
After the concert, Caroline Logan approached the band asking if they could record a video for her girlfriend who was getting married to the song, “Marry Me.” She was visibly upset and crying, so Monahan grabbed the phone and started recording. He informed her friend that she was at the concert drunk and out of control. He was quite comical during the recording.

The song list for the show was:

Parachute
If It’s Love
Meet Virginia
She's on Fire
Calling All Angels
Latin routine of their various hits
Ramble On
Drive By (off their upcoming album)
Save me San Francisco
Ordinary
Marry Me
Hey Soul Sister
Free
Drops of Jupiter

Go to Thunder Valley Casino and Resort for a complete listing of upcoming events.

Bridge over tracks to connect Curtis Park, Land Park

2011-06-14T00:53:50Z

Residents will get a chance to see the design of a planned pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the railroad between Curtis Park and Land Park Wednesday night.

The city’s project team will give a construction update at the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, 2791 24th St., at 6 p.m. ~~6:30 p.m~~ . Wednesday

The bridge is designed to give pedestrians and cyclists safe access over the railroad tracks from the light rail stop at Sacramento City College near the intersection of 24th Street and Sutterville Road.

“Currently, pedestrians and bicyclists must use Sutterville Road to travel between Curtis Park and the light rail station,” according to a Department of Transportation newsletter. “This multi-lane, high-speed roadway makes walking and bike riding a risky and inconvenient way to travel.”

Click here to see the city's map of the area.

According to the newsletter, the elevated track crossing will be 12 feet wide, with concrete railings and access shields to give riders and walkers enough space for safe two-way traffic.

Engineers will be able to begin the design phase in July, when the environmental phase is completed. A grant of $500,000 was received from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and no funding is coming from the city’s general fund, which is currently $39 million in the hole as City Council attempts to balance spending and revenues.

Sacramento Department of Transportation spokeswoman Linda Tucker said the project is a candidate to receive Proposition 1B funds from SACOG.

“The city should succeed in getting the money to build it,” she said in an email Monday. “It’s really a ‘feel-good’ project that will get students and RT riders from Point A to Point B in the safest, most direct fashion.”

The design phase is expected to be completed in 2012.

Currently, the design includes using both ramps and staircases to access the elevated crossing. Ramps will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and stairs might have small ramps incorporated into them that would allow cyclists to push their bicycles up the stairs if they don’t want to use the longer ramps.

The approach ramps are 400 feet long on either side of the 300-foot span over the railroad tracks.

The project goes back to 2006, when a feasibility study was funded as the city looked to link the already pedestrian-oriented Curtis Park and Land Park neighborhoods and provide better access to public transit, according to Tucker.

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

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

Railroad museum seeks volunteers

2011-05-19T01:08:19Z

The California State Railroad Museum and Historic Park is calling all volunteers to enter its 50th volunteer academy – volunteers who, according to officials, are the museum’s backbone.

“We couldn’t run the museum without our docents. They are everything,” said Theresa Gonsolis, a guide and volunteer coordinator.

She added that the museum – founded in 1981 – is considered the premiere indoor railroad museum in the country.

Applications for the volunteer docent class are online and are being accepted through May 31, though Gonsolis said there is some “wiggle room” in the deadline.

“Our philosophy is: the more the merrier,” she said.

Docents are only required to work seven hours per month, which can be split up between two days or done in one day, she said, adding that many docents prefer to work more often – some several days per week.

Chip Fong became a volunteer docent nine years ago shortly after retiring from the California Highway Patrol.

“I like to tell people about the history,” he said. “Sacramento is ground zero for California history.”

Fong said working in the dining car in the museum is his favorite because it’s one of the best examples of an original dining car from an era when rail travel was far more common.

He has also worked on the active Sacramento Southern Railroad operated by the museum and other positions.

“It’s a great social life if you like to talk about the history of the railroad and what it did for America – it was the glue that held us together,” Fong said.

To be a docent, previous knowledge of the railroad is not required, Gonsolis said.

The volunteer course, which starts June 25, runs for four weeks and includes three-hour classes Monday and Wednesday evenings as well as seven-and-a-half-hour classes Saturdays.

After graduation, docents can go to work in one of several areas – the museum, the car shop (where train cars are cleaned and maintained), the signals group (which operates train signals), the model train exhibits on the second floor and others.

“We recommend shadowing other experienced docents for a little bit first,” Gonsols said. “They can learn even more from their wealth of knowledge.”

That knowledge is shared with the approximately 500,000 people who pass through the attraction every year.

School groups are common visitors, and 10-year-old fifth grader Cecilia Estrada of Berkeley said Wednesday that the docents were very helpful.

“I enjoyed the trains,” she said. “(The docents) told us really interesting stories about them.”

Cecilia said she thought the refrigeration car was interesting.

Gonsolis added that refrigeration cars allowed California produce to be transported all over the nation, making it the state’s “true gold” as part of the economy.

For more information about applying and an online application, click here.

“This is really a museum where the interaction we have with the public who come and visit is important,” Gosolis said. “(The volunteer docents) are what make our visitors so in awe of this museum.”

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

Light rail signs to give real-time train info

2011-02-18T01:09:50Z

Sacramento light rail riders will soon have real-time information on train schedules and delays as a new electronic sign program is implemented.

In an effort to improve its communication with riders, Sacramento Regional Transit is installing 36 signs at 22 stations in the first phase of a project that will eventually see signs at all stations, said Alane Masui, Sacramento Regional Transit spokeswoman.

“They need the information so they can make the decision that best fits their needs,” she said.

Signs will inform riders about train delays and scheduling issues, Masui said, adding that the information is currently posted to the website, but transit officials wanted to make the information more readily available.

“They will be able to say things like, ‘Trains experiencing minor delays,’ ” she said. “If there is a service disruption, we can let our passengers know so they can plan accordingly.”

Riders interviewed Thursday at the Sacramento Valley station, which has one of the new signs, said they thought the new electronic signage is a good idea.

“You never know when a train’s coming or if you just missed one,” said Terrance Williams, who rides light rail every day. “It’s going to save time.”

Masui said passengers will be able to plan around train delays, opting to either wait out the delay or find alternate transportation such as buses or taxis if need be.

“This will definitely help,” said Bruce Smith as he waited for a train in the rain on Thursday. “I used to ride the trains a lot, and I always wanted the info. It’s going to be more like BART now.”

The signs are currently in test mode, and installation started in November, but they are scheduled to start working with real-time updates sometime this spring, Masui said.

“Very soon, we’ll be posting schedule information,” she said. “It’s currently published in the timetable. It will all be tied into our network, and passengers will know exactly where their train is.”

Each sign costs abut $12,000, and the first phase of the project is part of a grant from state Proposition 1B transit funds.

The second phase – to complete the signage – has yet to be funded, and Masui said that will come in 2012.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Local Halloween Events

2010-10-15T00:32:07Z

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

Trash Film Orgy Halloween 2010

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

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

Haunted Hagan Screampark

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

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

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

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

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

The Mansion After Dark

Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park 1526 H St.

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

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

The Haunted Fort

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

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

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

Spookomotive Train

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

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

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

Blood Moon Regale

The Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.

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

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

Sacramento Horror Film Festival

The Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.

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

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

Safe and Super Halloween Monster Mash

Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Drive

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

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

Haunted House at Maines Mansion

Midtown
2501 I St.

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

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

Haunted Stacks

Central Library Galleria
828 I St.

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

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

Haunted Oasis Bellydance Showcase

Lido Bar & Grill
7739 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael

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

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

Pumpkin Carving Workshop and Contest

Gluten Free Specialty
2612 J St.

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

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

One Scary Nite Halloween Party

Sacramento Auto Museum
2200 Front St.

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

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

Halloween Blackout Skate

Roller King
889 Riverside Ave.
Roseville

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

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

Midtown Trick or Treat and Pooch Parade

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

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

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

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

Halloween Carnival 2010

6446 Sylvan Rd.
Citrus Heights

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

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

Exotic Halloween Ball

Cal Expo

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

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

Hallow’s Eve Red Carpet Halloween Ball

Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.

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

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

Dead Rockstars Show

Old Ironsides
1901 10th St.

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

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

Halloween Trick or Treat at The Fountains

The Fountains
Roseville Parkway and Galleria Boulevard

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

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

Trick or Treat Night at IKEA

IKEA West Sacramento
700 IKEA Ct.

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

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

Kids Costume Brunch

de Vere’s Irish Pub
1521 L St.

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

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

Larry Scholl’s Folsom Ghost Train

City Lions Park
Stafford Way, Folsom

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

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

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

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

Murder and Mayhem Scavenger Hunt

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion
113 K St.

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

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

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

Photo two: Ghost Tour

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

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

Light rail station closed for a month

2010-08-03T22:59:03Z

The light rail station at 12th and I streets closed Monday for renovation work and will reopen Sept. 7.

The most noticeable improvement will be the installation of an elevated ramp to replace the old wheelchair lift, making access to the train for people in wheelchairs much more efficient and quicker, said Alane Masui, spokeswoman for Sacramento Regional Transit.

“This is a major improvement for this station,” she said.

Other improvements include repainting, new seating and redone landscaping, Masui said.

Light rail users questioned Tuesday were in favor of the improvements.

“It’s hard for me to climb up the steps onto the train,” said Danny Frias, who walks with a cane and rides light rail every day. “I’ve got a bad back, and I always use the ramps when I can.”

Kathleen Andrews, who rides light rail every workday, said the temporary closure is a minor inconvenience, but well worth it.

“It’s going to be a major improvement,” Andrews said. “For a while, I needed to use a walker, and I couldn’t get off (at the 12th and I streets stop) without assistance.”

With the new ramp, she added, riders needing to use things like walkers and canes will be able to do so without help.

Average daily ridership for the station is 1,316 passengers, and Masui said they will still be able to use light rail, but will have to use either the station at 12th and D streets or the Cathedral Square station at 10th and K streets/11th and K streets.

“We don’t expect any delays in service on the light rail line,” Masui said, adding that construction won’t get in the way of trains passing through the temporarily closed station.

Funding for the approximately $190,000-project came mostly in the form of a grant from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments with almost $21,000 from Regional Transit Measure A funds, according to Masui.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

DUI driver makes wrong turn onto RR tracks, UP trains delayed

2010-07-28T11:57:21Z

Midtown, Sacramento, CA An early morning, wayword, DUI driver, gets his car stuck on the tracks.

Per Sac PD at 2:11 a.m. Tuesday, they responded to a call for a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks at the 19th and N street railroad crossing. When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle that had made a right turn onto the railroad tracks and high centered on the tracks, delaying Union Pacific trains until 3 a.m. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

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'Some Assembly Required' features vintage toys, brings back memories

2009-11-21T03:16:02Z

A 1950s Lionel train advertisement shows a father, mother, little girl and boy peering into a window display featuring a model train going through a city, over a bridge and into the mountains. The father appears to be the most interested -- head cocked, hand on his chin, ready to help his child build the toy train set.

An adjacent Lionel Train advertisement shows a father sitting on the ground assembling a train set, while his son sits in the background frowning.

California State Railroad Museum's "Some Assembly Required" exhibit, which opened today, featured a somewhat similar scene. Many families were in the museum, but the historical toy exhibit seemed to strike the strongest chord with older men.

Filled with erector sets, trolleys and wind-ups, the exhibit shows vintage toys from the 1870s to the 1960s. The pièce de résistance is a layout, complete with a working Lionel Train set, that looks like the window display of Bullock's department store in 1956 Los Angeles.

For Jeff Hall, a 54-year-old who was born in Los Angeles, the layout brought back a lot of memories.

"I had a Lionel train set and looked forward to putting it around the Christmas tree every year," he said. Hall, the father of four daughters, said he brought home a train set for his children one year, but it wasn't a big hit.

"They were into other things," he said. Two were interested in horses and the other two were more into sports.

It was a similar story for another father, John Curtis, who also grew up putting a train set around the Christmas tree. While his 4-year-old daughter Emily likes riding real trains, Curtis said she doesn't really play with toy trains.

"(Emily) likes to play on the Nintendo DS, she's big on Barbies and she's all about Play-Doh," Curtis said.

Jeff Allen, a CSRM volunteer docent in his 50s, said he played with nearly every toy in the exhibit when he was younger.

"It really gives you an idea of what toys were like. I remember playing with most of these," he said. "When I'm working around these toys, it's like I'm 4 years old."

Allen said he played with toy trains as a kid, and still has two sets of operational model trains. He said that his love of trains led him to become a docent, adding that working at the museum "is a kick" because he can be around trains.

In addition to "Some Assembly Required," the permanent display of toy trains on the third floor is a must-see. The exhibit shows the history of the toy train, nearly every train size available from Z scale (smallest) to G scale (largest), and interactive toy sets and layouts.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, the museum's first floor also features a working toy train chugging around a Christmas tree.

Those who seek an additional holiday-themed train experience can sign up for Santa's Steam Train, Nov. 27-29. The steam train departs from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot adjacent to the museum and riders also have admittance to the museum and the 13th Annual Toy Train Holiday Show.

The annual show, on Thanksgiving weekend, features local hobbyists displaying their toy and model train layouts in the museum. Tickets for Santa's Steam Train are $15, $7 for ages 6-17, free ages 5 and younger. The train departs hourly from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Museum admission is $9, $4 ages 6-17, free ages 5 and younger. "Some Assembly Required" runs until Feb. 20.

All photographs are of "Some Assembly Required," except for image 5, which shows the Christmas tree display on the first floor.

A glimpse into Sacramento RT's current fiscal crisis, from an Operators perspective

2009-06-17T07:24:23Z

"When are the Operators going to get a furlough day?"

Hearing that question from one of Regional Transit's Admisistrative staffers who happens to be a close friend of mine, I had to pause and chuckle.

The powers that be at Regional Transit have taken on the arduous task of bridging a 9 Billion dollar budget defecit, and that ain't no easy fix.

Furloughs, hiring freezes, unfilled vacancies....the list goes on and on but makes nigh a dent......See, the problem lies with how Regional Transit recieves, and in turn allocates funds from the Fed's and the State.

Why are we facing service cuts and possibly layoffs? Simply put, our Operational bucket is almost empty while our Capital Bucket overfloweth....to a certain degree.

Operational expenditures are a world away from Capital expenditures, and one can't, by law be used for the other.

All the shiny new busses were a capital expenditure. The "Green Line" to Richards Blvd. is a capital expenditure. The South Line to Consumnes River College is a capital expenditure. The McClellan bus facility is a capital expenditure. The Lumberjack project is a capital expenditure........the list goes on and on and on.

What is the point in making all sorts of capitol improvements when the operations are not able to sustain the level of service planned for such improvements?

At the end of the day, Regional Transit is a Bus and Rail Company. Our job is to move people.

We are not a Real Estate Company, Law Firm, Social Service Outlet, or Soda Vending Machine Company.

As for my friend, I don't know what Regional Transit's Admin's would do without Operators.......No Operators means no Operator related paper to push.

City Council votes not to move historic passenger depot

2009-06-04T01:41:21Z

The Sacramento City Council voted Tuesday night to accept the recommendation of Sacramento’s Preservation Commission, rescinding a 2007 resolution to move the 1926 historic passenger depot and approving the “Don’t Move the Depot” alternative as part of the city’s Intermodal Transportation Facility Project.

Last night’s decision marks the latest transformation of the Intermodal Transportation Facility Project, which has changed a number of times since 1999. The facility is intended to serve as a multi-use transportation hub, including access to car, city bus, intercity bus, light rail, commuter train or long-distance train.

The project has been the subject of heated debate among local politicians and historians on how to best use the space without damaging the historical integrity of the depot’s structure and usage. At one point, the parcel containing both the depot and the railyard was even considered as a potential site for a new arena for the Sacramento Kings as part of a comprehensive entertainment complex.

In 2007, the City Council voted to relocate the depot by rolling it back approximately 300 feet north, to meet the proposed relocation of the tracks and to act as the hub of the new Intermodal Transportation Facility. In that proposal, housing units and retail space would be created in the depot’s current location.

As Sacramento city staff further researched the issue, concerns were raised regarding the “Move the Depot” decision. As a result, Sacramento’s Preservation Commission was asked to make a suggestion to the City Council regarding two proposals: “Move the Depot” and “Don’t Move the Depot.”

The Preservation Commission overwhelmingly favored the “Don’t Move the Depot” option, citing it as the better option in almost all of the categories under consideration, which included: transportation function, cost, connectivity, historic considerations and deliverability. The “Move the Depot” option was the clear winner in only one area of connectivity – the walking distance between the historic depot and the rails.

Preservationists and historians have taken both sides of the debate, some arguing that the only way to preserve the integrity of the building is to keep it in its current location, while others, such as Kay Knepprath of the “Save Our Rail Depot” Coalition are concerned that the depot will lose its historic integrity if it is located apart from the tracks and not used as an official passenger station.

William Burg, a local historian, spoke to the City Council in favor of the “Don’t Move the Depot” proposal, reiterating that “a building that is moved is not eligible to be listed on the historic register.”

Sacramento city staff urged the City Council to postpone discussion or decisions regarding the logistics of the relocation of the tracks, pointing out that if the project doesn’t begin by the end of this year, funding for the project is at risk.

Ultimately, the possibility of losing federal funding appeared to be the driving force behind the council’s decision. Councilmember Bonnie Pannell (District 8) echoed a common sentiment that, during these trying economic times she “didn’t want to risk losing any federal money that might come to our city.” The city would no longer be eligible for reimbursements of up to 80 percent of the total project cost through federal programs if the historic passenger depot is to be moved from its original location unnecessarily.

The Sacramento City Council will make a decision regarding track logistics at an upcoming meeting.

Preservation Commission Approves Depot Plan

2009-05-22T06:04:42Z

On Thursday night, Sacramento's Preservation Commission held a special meeting to review plans to expand and refurbish Sacramento's historic passenger depot. The depot's environmental impact report includes two alternatives: a "move the depot" option that would involve rolling the historic building 400 feet north to meet the new track alignment, or a "don't move the depot" option that would build an expanded station between the current depot and the new track alignment. The commission was asked to provide their recommendation to City Council as to whether the city should move the station or not.

Union Pacific's railroad tracks adjacent to the depot currently form a sharp S-curve that limits the length of passenger trains that can safely pull into the station, and limits the maximum speed of freight trains passing through the city. The tracks' current location also puts freight trains very close to waiting passengers, with no barriers or other protection between trains and people. Union Pacific wants to straighten out the S-curve into a single tangent. By smoothing the curve, freight trains could travel more quickly, eliminating a traffic bottleneck. By providing separate freight tracks and limiting access to them with a fence, passengers waiting on the platform would be safer.

The issue of the historic depot has been a contentious point since the original plans to relocate the tracks appeared in the late 1990s. Preservation advocates are concerned that if the depot is no longer adjacent to the tracks, it will be replaced by a new building and the historic building will fall into disuse or disrepair. The city's objective is to maintain the depot as an "intermodal" station, a station where passengers can move between many different transportation modes: car, city bus, intercity bus, light rail, commuter train or long-distance train. Sacramento's passenger station is one of the busiest in the country, serving over a million passengers a year, and rail transit providers expect dramatic increases in rail passenger traffic in the coming decades, so either plan must allow for growth.

In 2007, the Sacramento City Council selected a radical plan: rather than abandon the depot, the existing depot would be moved to a new site adjacent to the tracks on giant rollers. Once relocated, the new depot would be put back into service. Over the past two years, staff have examined the plan more closely but had concerns about the feasibility of moving the depot. In order to cover all of their options, the report on the depot plan included two alternatives: a "move the depot" plan and a "don't move the depot" plan.

Both plans involved three phases. In Phase 1, the tracks are to be relocated and a surface path built from the depot to the new location. In Phase 2, temporary landscaping improvements would be added, along with an underground concourse allowing access to passenger train platforms without crossing freight tracks. This phase would also include some cosmetic and seismic retrofit to the depot. Phase 3 is split into two options.

In the "move the depot" option, two city blocks would be freed up for residential development, and a triangular structure would be built behind the depot to provide shelter to embarking passengers. In the "don't move the depot" option, the historic building would still serve as an entrance but a large structure similar to an airport concourse would be built behind the depot. Access to the tracks would be via this elevated concourse or via the underground tunnel completed in Phase 2. This structure would also contain a Greyhound bus terminal and drop-off points for local buses, and be adjacent to a relocated RT Metro light rail line. The bus functions would also be present in a "move the depot" scenario, but located at different points around the depot. Both plans include provision to make space for future high-speed rail lines, and both plans include space on the existing lots for new development. Another feature of both plans is a secondary tunnel at the western edge of the tracks, where "red cap" operated vehicles can transport limited-mobility and disabled passengers to the tracks.

Sacramento's city staff support the "don't move the depot" alternative, on the basis that it would be cheaper, provides more space for expansion, and avoids risks to the historic structure associated with relocation. The "move the depot" would provide less space for expansion, and the walk from entrance to tracks would be shorter, but the relocation would cost more than would be saved by building a smaller station expansion.

Some members of the public voiced concerns about the "don't move the depot" alternative. Kay Knepprath of the "Save Our Rail Depot" (SORD) Coalition stated that the city has already agreed to move the depot, and reiterated concerns that if the depot loses its connection with the tracks, it will no longer be used as a passenger station. City attorney Cheryl Patterson addressed the latter issue by mentioning that federal transportation funds will be used to pay for restoration of the station, and those funds require that the building continue to serve a transportation function. In other words, if it stops being a train station, the money must be returned. The operator of the local Yellow Cab franchise asked that, regardless of which option was selected, sufficient parking space for cabs be provided in the plan.

The Preservation Commission voted 5-2 to support staff's recommendation to select the "don't move the depot" option. Their recommendation will be passed along to the Sacramento City Council for a final decision on Tuesday, June 2.

A copy of the Preservation Commission agenda, including PDF copies of the environmental documents regarding the proposed track relocation and depot move, can be found here:

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/meetings/commissions/preservation/2008/PC_Agenda_5-21-09.cfm

Steamer Puffs Through Sacramento

2009-04-20T18:32:12Z

If you heard a "chug chug" and a different sounding train whistle through Sacramento this morning, you were most likely hearing Union Pacifics UP844 passing through in route to Oakland. We caught up with UP844 passing over the I street bridge coming into West Sacramento.

Within the past hour, UP844 has passed through Benicia where the train was greeted by large crowds and signs as well as being paced by a news chopper through Emeryville. If you missed this historical steamer, you will have a chance to catch it again as it comes back through in the next few days. See schedule below or go to www. up.com and search UP844.

UP844 Heritage Tour Schedule, California
• Monday, April 20
o Depart Roseville- 8am
o Arrive Oakland- 11am

• Tuesday, April 21
o Layover and Public Display at Oakland, Cal-UP Yard- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, April 22
o Depart Oakland- 9am
o Arrive Stockton- 11am
o Public Display, Stockton, Cal—Ace Station, 949 E. Channel St.

• Thursday, April 23
o Layover and Public Display- 8am to 5pm

• Friday, April 24
o Depart Stockton- 8am
o Arrive Roseville- 11am

• Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday April 29
o Roseville Layover and Public Display- 10am to 5pm
500 W. Atlantic St.

• Thursday, April 30
o Depart Roseville- 8am
o Arrive Orville- 11am

• Friday, May 1
o Oroville Layover at Mitchell Ave Crossing and UP Tracks

• Saturday, May 2
o Depart Oroville- 8am
o Arrive Keddie- 11:30am / Depart 12:30pm
o Arrive Portola- 3pm

• Sunday, May 3
o Layover and Public Display- 8am to 5pm

Historical Train Comes Through Sacramento

2009-04-20T07:49:18Z

At 8 a.m. today, the historic Union Pacific steam locomotive 844 will move through Sacramento in route to Oakland where it will be on display.

The Steamer has been in Roseville at the UP Yard for the past couple of days. Saturday, UP844, along with other UP locomotive memorables were on display for general public and Sunday they were held for a private showing accessed only by UP friends and family. If you are looking for good photo ops to catch old UP844 puffing down the tracks, it will roll out of Roseville and will be highly visible through the wetlands near CalExpo, You should also be able to see the puffer rolling through the downtown Amtrak station and over the "I Street" bridge.

If you miss it's robust whistle and chugs this morning, never fear because you will have another opportunity in a few days as she works her way back up through Stockton, Roseville and Oroville. A schedule has been provided below and the locomotives pictured will be accompanying UP844. You can read all about 844 by CLICKING HERE. Over the next few days you will be able to find the locomotives on display and open to the public in Oakland, Stockton, Roseville and Oroville.