Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Marc Christensen

Bargain Eats - Dollar Tuesdays

2011-07-26T05:56:55Z

July 2011/Edition2 – Cruising for Bargains on Dollar Tuesdays.
Location – Downtown around K and R Streets.

Short on cash but want to get out? No need to sell your plasma at a blood center or unload your music collection at The Beat. If you can hang on ‘til Tuesday, there are some tasty bargains out there from downtown establishments willing to lure you in their door by staying out of your wallet.

Pedal down to 7th and K and try a Vive taco for a buck – inside where it’s cool or outside on the patio. This part of K Street has been recently cleaned up by the city and it’s looking better than it has in years.

If you’d rather eat asian, give Wayside Noodles a try on 9th and J. Happy hour is 3-7pm, Mon – Fri.

Sapporo’s on 16th and L is more upscale; they’re offering a bargain with Mon-Tues specials on Sushi Rolls.

For dessert you can ride down to R Street and 14th where you’ll find frozen yogurt for two dolllars any day of the week … but on Tuesdays—the cost is a single greenback.But wait – that’s not all! Just around the corner from the R Street corridor, a new Dollar Tree opened on S and 14th. Who knows what bargains lurk inside? A whole new adventure awaits.

Yes, times are tough. And that’s when the tough get pedaling – pedaling for bargains around town, low and slow.
Until next time …

Local Adventure on a Schwinn Tango Tandem.

2011-07-05T02:44:13Z

July 2011/Edition1 – Three Japanese places barely on your radar.
Location – Downtown 10th, 11th &12th Streets, between Broadway & R.

Summer is here. It’s hot. Tomato plants are hitting their stride – if you listen hard enough you can practically hear them growing inches by the hour. But it’s still early for the Early Girls, and it’s too hot to cook. So, time to take the cruiser for a spin and see what we can find.

R Street has new restaurants and is usually hopping. The city is repaving this neglected corridor and restoring the historic rail. (If only they would put a trolley on it.)

What's this? The new Shoki Ramen House!

Their first location off 2nd Ave near Crepeville always has a line out the door – definitely a sign of good food (and limited seating). This place specializes in ramen noodles which I like better than udon noodles. And there's no fish involved. These folks focus on one thing and do it well … reminds me of Tampopo – a Japanese “spaghetti western” from the late 80s. A look at the short menu and moderate prices ($8) assures me Shoki– like the movie – doesn't take itself too seriously. I slurped the noodles loudly and enjoyed every miso-flavored bite.

Back on the bike, we cruised to Fremont Park and found we had worked up a thirst. So we headed for the best snow cones in town – Osaka-Ya at 10th and V. The window on the left serves up the colorful cones and various other frozen treats. You may wait a bit, but the secret of their success is the fresh ice shaved-to-order. Inside the shop you can fine a variety of Japanese foodstuffs. Osaka-Ya’s other unique offering is authentic mochi – sweet rice paste stuffed with sweet fillings such as peanut butter (not ice cream).

We continued south on 10th street toward the city cemetery -- always a meaningful place for a bike ride and full of lively twists and turns on narrow lanes. We made our escape from the land of the inliving, exiting onto Riverside and ran into Yorozu Oriental Gifts (next to Target). This shop has been here since the 50s and is the place for all things Japanese: dishes, chop sticks, origami kits, cards, dolls, kites, books, magazines, etc.. I bought a carp wind sock called a Koi Nobori and tried on a pair of wooden geta (sandals). Browsing slowly through the store I almost thought I was in Tokyo for a moment ... it was a great way to end a local adventure on a hot afternoon.

Until next time, keep it low and slow…

View of the Rivers from a Kayak

2011-03-21T01:57:56Z

Early Saturday morning saw a break in the weather, so I headed for the swollen rivers with my 14-foot sit-in polyethylene kayak. Embarking at Sutter's Landing, I headed downstream to see what all the rain and water releases from the Folsom dam had done to the lower American and Sacramento rivers. The float took only ninety minutes with no hard paddling -- the current is strong and the waters turbid and brown. It was a solitary journey shared with only a few scattered fowl and plenty of flotsam washed loose from upstream shores. For those heartier souls it is a worthy adventure.Wool socks recommended.

Marc Christensen on "A different approach to teaching teachers"

2010-11-10T22:56:10Z

This "holistic approach" - in which the totality of the individual is taken into account - is a big piece of the puzzle that is currently missing in our understanding of ourselves, our institutions, our society. I think we have gone as far as we can go without this missing wisdom. Technology can take us only so far; society will not move forward without greater understanding of individual human identity.

Marc Christensen on "City Attorney finds "additional issues" to investigate"

2009-11-25T17:48:17Z

When the pedicab industry was getting started in 2006, we lobbied city officials for permission to operate on K Street between 2nd and 4th, and 7th and 13th. To their credit they said "yes". Allowing all bikes here is another positive development. Little steps ... To K Street cyclists: beware the tracks and yield to pedestrians.

Marc Christensen on "Mayor Kevin Johnson: New arena is a "front-burner" issue"

2009-09-30T16:32:04Z

A new arena in the old downtown railyard that is accessible by public transportation makes alot of sense. I'd like to see that happen in the not-so-distant future.

Marc Christensen on "Whole lot of love"

2009-09-28T23:01:53Z

Let's hear it for good news! And evoking the better angels of our nature ...

Marc Christensen on "Review: District 9"

2009-08-23T20:00:46Z

I really enjoyed District 9 -- there's so much substance there. It is a good story that is well-told and well-rendered on screen. I am looking forward to the sequel which is sure to follow. One story line that interested me is how the human species is shown to be overly violent and concerned with weapons and their power. This trait was common to the scientists at MSU testing the alien weaponry, their brutal security force who lived by it and the Nigerians who took an ancient approach at acquiring the use of the alien technology. All levels of society demonstrated the violence trait, which I suspect will become a fatal flaw as the story unfolds...

Marc Christensen on "Games May be the Key for Teachers"

2009-08-23T16:54:43Z

I can relate to this because I use the same game-approach technique for teaching soccer to kids. Take dribbling the ball, for example -- a fundamental soccer skill. Instead of telling young players constantly to "keep your head up and the ball close to you" as they tap it along, we play dribble across the square -- a game that forces them to do these things inherently. Games are more fun, more engaging, more effective and creative and the list goes on and on. I think you are on to something here, Lee.

Marc Christensen on "Friends of Laura Ling share their experiences"

2009-08-10T16:02:18Z

This well-written article gives local relevance to a global story -- nicely done!

Marc Christensen on "Got a bike? Take a tour!"

2009-08-09T01:17:40Z

I'd like to be there for your tour -- looking forward to the details.

Marc Christensen on "Got a bike? Take a tour!"

2009-08-08T18:39:43Z

Yes - we would form a velocab convoy. Two are comfortable; three are cozy in a cab.

Got a bike? Take a tour!

2009-08-08T17:37:35Z

We have alot of history here in Sacramento -- so much that it might seem daunting to narrow it to a manageble list. Here is an attempt to do just that: seven "must see" places you can pedal to in about the time it takes to sit and watch a movie.

1. The State Capitol
Following less-than-satisfactory assemblies of the state Legislature in San Jose, Vallejo and Benicia, Sacramentans successfully bid to make their city the permanent site for such high-level meetings. Ground was broken in 1860 and the neo-classical dome of the California Capitol was completed in 1874. The lower level is made of granite quarried in Folsom; the upper levels are made of brick plastered and painted to look like granite. An extension to house the expanding bureaucracy was added on the east side in 1952.

2. Capitol Ave (M Street) Victorians
The Reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901) helped define a stately and ornate style of architecture in the US, including Sacramento. Capitol Avenue features some of the city’s finest examples of high-water Victorian homes, where the first floor is often elevated above street level due to a fear of flooding. A variety of architectural styles can be found including Arts and Crafts, Mission, Dutch Colonial, American Colonial and modern shoebox.

3. Sutter’s Fort and Indian Museum
John Sutter arrived at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in 1839 and established his headquarters on high-ground about a mile inland. In 1840 he began construction of his fort using indigenous labor and old world technologies. By 1849 his New Helvetia venture was humming along and he had earned an excellent reputation as an organized and industrious leader and a warm and generous host. But the unintended consequence of discovering gold while setting up a lumber operation soon made his New Helvetia venture untenable as hordes of gold seekers rushed to the area and disrupted his business operations.

4. K Street and the Cathedral
K street has been, until recently, the major business district of the city. It’s revitalization is part of city hall’s redevelopment plan. On the other side of the popularity spectrum is The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament which has been seeing a resurgence in mass attendance as attested to by an overflow of parishioners at Sunday services. This is the city’s primary Cathedral since its construction in1887.

5. The Southern Pacific Train Depot
Constructed in 1925 at a time when transportation hubs were visible symbols of progress and celebrated public structures, the expansive scale of this cathedral-like terminal of the Southern Pacific Railroad is inspiring. No less impressive is the mural on the east wall depicting the Sacramento terminus of the transcontinental railroad at its inception. The terminal has been an Amtrak station since 1971 when Amtrak was created.

6. Old Sacramento
During the Gold Rush, the Sacramento river front was a bustle of activity as adventurers from around the world disembarked here making their way to the Sierra Nevada gold fields in search of fortunes. Sutter’s Fort was all but abandoned at this time and it was John Sutter Jr – the Captain’s son – along with engineer William H. Warner who was responsible for laying out the grid of streets which comprise the current city. Sacramento was an immediate success and became California’s first incorporated city in 1850. It evolved into a commercial center and a nexus for various modes of transport including steam ships, wagon trains, carriages, stagecoaches, trains, the Pony Express.

Gradually the surface lying placer gold was exhausted and extracting valuable ore required more sophisticated techniques; mining companies replaced the colorful forty-niner and settled in for the long-haul. Waterfront activity subsided and more permanent businesses were established pushing the commercial center east – primarily along K Street; the waterfront became a skid row.

Plans to revitalize it emerged in the mid 1960’s and the result was the West’s first historic district. Today this 28 acre Gold Rush time capsule has 53 historic buildings, cobble-stone streets, a genuine paddle-wheel steamer, horse-drawn carriages, a steam-powered train, a railroad museum and an annual historic festival complete with Pony Express reenactments. Old Sacramento is a registered National and California Historic Landmark.

7. The Leland Stanford Mansion
Located on N Street about midway between the Crocker mansion and the new State Capitol sits the Leland Stanford mansion—its most famous resident, not its original builder. Stanford, a lawyer by training, found success during the Gold Rush in the mercantile business and became even more influential as one of “The Big Four” who managed the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad – the western half of the transcontinental railroad. From 1862-1863 when Stanford was Governor, his magnificent French Second Empire mansion housed the state’s executive offices while the Capitol was under construction. He was also a US Senator from 1885-1893 and founded Stanford University in honor of his fifteen year old son who passed away unexpectedly. The mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Don't have a bike? Don't want to pedal? Velocab will pedal for you ... and here comes the full disclosure part: I am a downtown denizen and owner of Sacramento Valley Velocab. Give us a call for a tour Fri, Sat, Sun 10am - 6pm c.916-265-8640 or 916-498-9980

Marc Christensen on "Tree falls on car"

2009-05-23T14:39:17Z

Was the tree a mature elm, by any chance? The elms around the downtown/midtown grid are excellent shade trees, but they were planted around the turn of the last century and are at the end of their lifecycle. At this stage they tend to lose their main branches -- with the effect you witnessed. Drive around after a windy day and you will find elm limbs spraawled on streets and yards and anything that gets in their way. Hot days are a problem for tree integrity as well because the tree is storing up water and the added weight can result in a shattered limb. I am no expert on the subject of trees and frankly out on a limb here with the precise facts, but this has been my observation as a resident of downtown Sacramento.

Marc Christensen on "pt. 1 - Creating Strong, Healthy, Positive Youth: Summer Camp"

2009-05-04T18:30:23Z

Love it! Is Christopher the guy with the green bucket on his head?

Marc Christensen on "What's happening at the Capitol: Monday, April 27"

2009-04-27T02:56:43Z

I work across the street from the Capitol and almost daily it seems there is a celebration, a demonstration, a rally or an event happening. I am looking forward to learning more about the details of what's happening there. Glad you are covering it, Jonathan.

Marc Christensen on "The first Second Saturday of spring"

2009-04-12T15:31:34Z

I bought a bag of oatmeal cookies from a young entrepreneur pulling his ware in a wagon around 20th and J under the watchfull eye of his dad. It is great to see people putting out their best and having fun. There is alot of positive energy at Second Saturdays!

Pedicabs: How We Got Here

2009-04-12T07:20:54Z

If you took a trip to, say, Phnom Penh, you would expect to be able to take a pedicab from your hotel to a restaurant and then afterwards around the city for a tour. The same would be true for most cities in Southeast Asia. But these days you might be surprised to do the same in Frankfurt or Delft … or even more recently in Boston or Sacramento.

Pedicabs are being introduced in cities across Europe and America. The reasons are varied. Certainly they are a green alternative to cars or other forms of internal-combustion transport. There have been some technical innovations such as the electric assist that have made them more user-friendly. I like to think of their emergence in modern industrial cities as a desire to return to a slower lifestyle – a humane pace. The following is a brief look at the evolution of the pedicab:

The Rickshaw
These two-wheeled carriages are entirely powered by a footman pulling by two long shafts mounted to the carriage. The wheels are huge in diameter and proved to be a tremendous improvement over the wheel-less palanquin carried laboriously atop the shoulders of two porters. The original name was “jinrikisha” whose translation is “man-powered car.” Who first invented the rickshaw is a matter of debate, but beyond dispute is the fact that they were popularized in Tokyo and Osaka in the late 19c, not long after Admiral Perry opened up Japan for trade with the West.

Bicycle Rickshaws
Also known as “pedicabs”, these vehicles are generally three-wheeled and offer the mechanical advantage of a bicycle with pedals and gearing to provide efficient propulsion. They have maintained a constant presence in the crowded cities of less-industrialized Asian countries for decades. Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia, for example, have had them operating in various geometries and formats since before WWII: some with the driver in the rear; some with driver at the side; most with the driver in front and pulling their passengers. In the US, the primary manufacturer is Main Street Pedicab out of Broomfield, Colorado

Modern Pedicabs
Three innovations put modern pedicabs in a new category: an integrated electric system including a motor in the front hub, recumbent seating for greater pedal power, a modular carriage that both protects the passenger and is an advertising platform. These three features are best embodied in the CityCruiser from Berlin, Germany – the brainchild of Daimler–Chrysler engineer Ludger Matuszewski, who in 1997 saw the potential for just such a vehicle and quit his job to embark on its creation. It is now the best selling pedicab on the European continent.

GM’s PUMA
Borrowing from the gyroscopic technology of the Segway, the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility vehicle is clearly a technical achievement. Two side-by-side seats balance atop two wheels mounted on a transverse axle; the vehicle propels forward at speeds of up to 35 mph for a range of 35 miles. But is this truncated chariot a practical means of personal mobility? Would a tandem bicycle work better? It might be suitable for very specialized applications – much like the Segway has found a limited but useful niche in mall security. Or maybe it’s just GM’s way of saying “we are thinking outside the box - desperately”.

As the world moves into a post internal-combustion era, alternative means of transport will undoubtedly be developed and offered up for public consumption. As well, old designs will be rehashed with modern components and better materials. It’s a good bet that pedicabs in one form or another will continue to be in the mix.

Marc Christensen on "Bicycle group puts the "bike" in Sacramento"

2009-03-26T04:52:21Z

Bikeramento is soooo groovelicious!

Marc Christensen on "City Closer to Eliminating Design Commission"

2009-02-23T00:09:30Z

Efficiency and justice are not in opposition. Both can be attained. My final posting on this topic includes a number of questions for you, the last of which interests me most: Is there always tension between the public good and business interests? Have modern businesses recognized the need to become more ethical? Is government in cahoots with business in Sacramento? Is it governments’ primary responsibility to protect the public from business or vice versa? Should government officials be trusted? If the public does not trust government officials, is that healthy for the community? Is greed, mistrust, infighting or other larger cultural issues the real problem? Is the mob ever enlightened? When a decision is made by a government entity, can every constituency be heard? Be pleased? How do you feel about “paternalistic” entities such as the church and the state? Would public input have changed anything regarding streetcar line sails in the 40s or was ridership so low due to the advent of the automobile that rail was a zero-profit business when it was sold? Could the city have purchased a few lines for its citizens … if they had voiced their strong desire for it? How did other cities in the US manage to keep their rail systems? Can we develop a model for a modern healthy city that includes details like how to design a decision-making body that approves citywide development? And finally, why don’t you seek some public office (or lead an advocacy group) where you can really get onto the front lines and maybe solve some problems (rather than just mitigate them)? Cheers.

Marc Christensen on "City Closer to Eliminating Design Commission"

2009-02-22T20:51:57Z

Somewhere in your zeal to “relay the facts” you missed my point entirely: does an additional layer of citizen involvement bring any clarity or wisdom to the decision-making process? More specifically: The Jan 6 letter to the Mayor from Holger Fuerst, chairman of the DOC, asking to combine two commissions into one states “This assessment is based on the need to ensure that the City’s hearing processes are effective, transparent, predictable and cost efficient.” Do you doubt Mr. Fuerst’s motives or widom? If so, why? Honestly, it sounds to me like he is trying to make his corner of the city government run more efficiently.

Marc Christensen on "City Closer to Eliminating Design Commission"

2009-02-22T16:58:52Z

Citizen awareness, activism and involvement is surely a good and commendable thing. If only we could turn back the clock and have Mr. Burg - and other diligent citizens - present at the time some key decisions were made in the capital area which in hindsight have not served us well: tearing up ALL the city street car and rail lines in the 30s and 40s and the placement of hwy 5 (where it currently is) are two mistakes that come to mind. But were these decisions influenced by nefarious motives or were they simply unwise in the long run? Would increased citizen involvement have brought clarity and wisdom to the final decision and spared the community some pain or would it have only lengthened the decision-making process with the same eventual result? The decision-making process is important and encouraging citizens to be involved is part of our democratic heritage, but isn’t the goal here an enlightened result – one that works best for the entire community in the long run?

Marc Christensen on " Last Night at the Mayor's Meeting ..."

2009-02-20T20:45:11Z

The meeting with the Mayor went smoothly. II was able to talk with KJ and present the idea after a few minutes of discussion with members of his team. They were receptive ... we shook hands and they referred me to a Parks and Rec manager with whom I discussed the event in more detail. Is it going to happen? Is someone at the city going to take it and run with it? I don't know. Something like this takes months and months to put together and promote so this summer is not going to happen ... if it is done officially. Hhhmmm ... maybe something can happen UN-officially ... a spontaneous celebration ... hmmmmm

Last Night at the Mayor's Meeting ...

2009-02-20T16:52:57Z

... I pitched an idea for an event that celebrates the arrival of John Sutter and the subsequent founding of the city of Sacramento. While Old Sacramento annually hosts Gold Rush Days around the Labor Day weekend, I am not aware of an event that celebrates the city's founder and his fort. Is he too controversial? I hope not. A city should be able to celebrate its history and events such as this help promote civic pride and a sense of community.

Proposal
A celebration of the founding of the city of Sacramento that highlights the lower American river and Sutter’s Fort and encourages folks to come out for the day and participate in period attire.

A family event commemorating the landing of John Sutter in this area in August of 1839 and the subsequent building of Sutter’s Fort and the eventual establishment of California’s first incorporated city in 1850.

In cooperation with:
City of Sac Dept of Parks & Rec - Sutter’s Landing
Sacramento County - Discovery Park; The American River
CA State Parks - Sutter’s Fort

When
Annual event held mid-August which is when Sutter arrived in the area (August 12) or in conjunction with Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend). Breakfast kicks off at 8:00am at the fort; race begins at 9:00am at Sutter’s Landing.

Where
Sutter’s Landing Park (28th and B) at the river front. This is the site of the old city dump; currently there is a skate park and a dog park is planned for development. Sutter’s Fort is the other point of activity. Wagons and carriages can run the 1 mile distance between the two locations. Parking is available at Sutter’s Landing Park and throughout midtown.

What Takes Place
• a kayaking race on the American River that starts and ends at the 28th Street river access point. It can go to Discovery Park and back or even go down the Sacramento River and back (whatever the kayaking community wants to stage). There could be a one-mile run to Sutter’s Fort after the kayaking.
• Kids games/activities at the 28 Street river access point – identify the animal tracks in the sand, name the trees, rock skipping, history of Native culture in the area, basic kayaking and canoeing
• orienteering course and treasure hunt for gold for kids and families
• a pioneer pancake breakfast at Sutter’s Fort (8am – noon).

Additional Considerations
Organizers and participants might be encouraged to dress up in period attire. If the Sutter Scramble takes place during Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend), the hay wagons and carriages can transport participants to Old Sac for that event.

Marc Christensen on "Bikeramento Week Launches on the Pedals of the Amgen Tour of California"

2009-02-10T16:35:52Z

Inside scoop: on Saturday, Feb 14th stop by 13th and N downtown. This is the straightaway on the course where cyclists will be reaching maximum speed. There will be free balloons for the kids and Velocab cycling caps for adults (while supplies last) and the best breakfast burritos in town from Fluid cafe (not free) !!!

Marc Christensen on "Any advice for Mayor Johnson?"

2009-02-06T19:49:18Z

This citywide electorate knows KJ is not a career politician. We know he is a local sports hero who returned to his community with a desire to improve it. His election can be viewed as a mandate (or an opportunity) to bypass the business-as-usual methods many people feel have not worked. If I recall, even the defeated mayor expressed frustration at not having the authority to accomplish what she wanted under the current charter. The Mayor’s current attempt at adjusting the charter are consistent with his being elected, his dynamic personality and his desire to get things accomplished in a timely manner. I don’t think this electorate is as timid and mistrusting as some postings here might indicate. Checks and balances are in place and would continue to be under a strong mayor model. And you can always go to City Council meetings and speak your mind – for about three minutes.

Marc Christensen on "Any advice for Mayor Johnson?"

2009-02-03T23:16:59Z

It is a common misconception that wisdom or propriety resides solely among the folk. And those with power or a will to power are not to be trusted. It is a potential failing of our democratic model if the people become too cynical to let their leaders exercise genuine leadership. We have voted KJ into the mayor's office. Why not adjust the city charter to give that office enough power so that he can accomplish what he envisions? We can voice our opposition or support for his efforts in four years time. There comes a time for the people to trust their leaders or simply reserve judgment... that is our part of the political contract.

Marc Christensen on "INTUITION"

2009-02-02T21:48:21Z

I enjoy reading articles and discussions like this because philosophy and psychology are important. These topics are difficult to talk about for a couple of reasons: while the search for meaning in life and an understanding of "who am I" are universal, the experiences are ultimately very personal; the terms and concepts used in these fields are slippery and difficult to define precisely. So misunderstandings are rife when discussing philosophy and psychology and one must be careful not to fall into semantic posturing. So what is intuition? Not feeling. Not intellect. Not gut. Ever have the "awareness" that someone was watching you .... like eyes on your back? Or - try staring at someone walking down the street and see if they glance back. People do have an awareness that isn't pure intellect or pure emotion. There are many words that are approximations of "intuition" - if not synonymous: conscience, spirit, holy ghost, gut, feeling, impulse... Does the author's understanding of intuition fall somewhere on the awareness spectrum between intellect (brain) and emotion (heart) or is it not on the spectrum at all?

Marc Christensen on "A CITY THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE"

2008-12-24T20:36:11Z

Mayor Johnson is seemingly everywhere these days! With his unflagging energy, enthusiasm, vision and sense of purpose, Sacramento is surely headed in the right direction. Way to go!

Marc Christensen on "Midtown Philosophy Night"

2008-12-17T23:50:03Z

I'm not out of the wilderness yet -- maybe this group can throw me a life line.

Local Sporting Events Abound - Try One!

2008-12-14T06:14:18Z

Last Sunday I braved a 44 degree frigid morning and walked down to the Capitol to find a bunch of kids under-dressed in running shorts. They were finishing the Marafun run with their parents. Inspired, I pulled up the collar on my fleece jacket and determined I could stick around to catch the winner of the 26th Ca International Marathon. Stationed on the corner of 10th and L Streets I was one of six people interested in the outcome from this vantage point. In fifteen minutes or so we were rewarded with a blur of legs and motion that was Halefom Abebe (of Ethiopia) sprinting on his way to a winning time of 2:16:42. I was inspired again.

Back in the warmth of home I went to the Fleet Feet Sacramento website and found a calendar of local athletic events: http://www.fleetfeetsacramento.com/local-race-calendar. I was astounded to learn there are over fifty events scheduled over the next twelve months ranging from mountain biking to triathalons to marathons! Who knew we had such an active community? I promptly registered for the Shamrock Half Marathon on March 15.

Marc Christensen on "Tree on 16th street bites the dust"

2008-12-09T04:26:27Z

I have a Liquid Amber tree in the front of my house on 10th street. It was planted by the city about five years ago. I don't believe there are plans to remove it. The city would definitely let me know if there were.