Southport Elementary Family Portrait Night

Southport Elementary School Family Portrait Night will be on Friday, November 30, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the Library. Southport Elementary School is on Linden Road in West Sacramento and it is a really great neighborhood school!

Photo by Barbara

The Ziggurat Building est. 1998

Construction of this 400,000 square foot office building on the Sacramento River cost 60 million dollars and was partially financed by the West Sacramento Redevelopment Agency. The building was designed by architect: EM Kado Associates in accordance with the traditional rules of the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. Photo by Barbara

Trivia: A ziggurat was a temple tower of the ancient Mesopotamian valley and Iran, having the form of a terraced pyramid of successively receding stories or levels. They were believed to be dwelling places for the gods.

Collings Teen Center Student Mural Project

This ceramic tile mural was created for the Collings West Sacramento Teen Center on Merkley Ave., under the auspices of “Project Reach” of the Developmental Disabilities Service Organization. Students from the Merkley Youth Academy and artists attending “The Short Center North” in Sacramento worked together create the ceramic tile designs. Photo by Christy.

Frosty on Summerfield

My neighborhood is starting to light up! I turned the corner on the way home tonight and this bright display greeted me.
Photo by Barbara

Quick Holiday Shopping at Starbucks

Jordan is ready to take your order at the Starbucks drive-up on Lake Boulevard...try the Christmas Roast Coffee Beans, they are delicious......and don't you think he looks a little like Ben Affleck?
Photo by Barbara

Barge Canal Access Now Open

These fishermen were enjoying the beautiful weather the day after Thanksgiving. The Barge Canal Access recreational area on Jefferson Boulevard is now open and offers a boat launch for non-motorized boats, bank fishing, picnic area and walking path for bird and people watching.

Photos by Barbara

Deadheads in West Sacramento

We saw this sign in the neighborhood during our evening stroll. It brought back memories of when we went to see the Grateful Dead in concert at Cal Expo in the 1980's.

Trivia: The parking lot was full of old Volkswagon Vans decorated with Grateful Dead artwork, outside the event there were the vendors selling all sorts of interesting "paraphernalia" and the "spinners" were doing their holy dance. Inside, the air was a pungent aromatic blend of patchouli, body odor and tobacco. Sitting on the grass in front of the stage were the younger fans in tie-dye and sitting in the bleachers, dressed in suits and ties and designer jogging outfits, were the Sac State and UC Davis Alumni "Deadheads". All there had one thing in common, they were diehard fans of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
Photo by Barbara

Dave's Christmas Trees Opens Nov 23rd ~ 32 days til' Xmas

West Sacramento's locally owned Dave's Christmas Trees ~ 3010 Burrows Avenue in West Sacramento will be open for business on November 23. Photo by Barbara

Happy Thanksgiving

There is the bird--deep fried and ready for eating. This is Kurt's special recipe and it is delicious.
See here for information about recycling used cooking oil in the City of West Sacramento.

Vince's Ristorante: A West Sacramento Landmark

Vince's Italian Ristorante on Harbor Boulevard has great old style charm and delicious Italian food and Steaks--everything is cooked fresh to order..and the friendly staff makes you feel like one of their family...Ben Dominguez has been with Vinces for 23 years and Iris Slaven for 34 years. Vince and Pauline Frugoli were the founders of Vince's Restaurant in 1964. Vince was a local celebrity in West Sacramento and years ago after the Columbus Day Parade, he would put on a huge rigatoni feed, free to everyone. Lots of community groups started getting involved over the years to make the celebration successful. The parade has now evolved into the Community Day Parade. Vince was a real hometown hero in West Sacramento.  A recent photo of Pauline at a crab feed at the West Sac Moose Lodge.

 
Above is a photo of a photo of Vince Frugoli from the display case at the restaurant.

Wild Turkey in West Sacramento

This special breed of wild turkey is protected in the city limits of West Sacramento. So as tasty as he looks he won't be gracing the table of any meat eaters in our city this Thanksgiving Day. This one was seen lurking in a hedgerow on Nancy Lane. Photo by Debbie


Another sighting of the West-Sac Wild Turkey impersonating a cactus frond...this time on West Capitol Avenue trying to hitch a ride over to Davis...

Golden State Middle School

Golden State, home of the "Warriors", now serves as a middle school for over "1100" 7th and 8th grade students in the Washington Unified School District. More changes coming for Golden State:see the 2007- K-8 Decision for WUSD Photo by Barbara Smith

Trivia History: Was built in 1962, originally named Washington High School, was the home of the "Huskies" football team and radio station KWHS 91.7 FM. It would later became Golden State Junior High School when James Marshall High and Washington High merged to form River City Senior High School in 1979.

Horse Ranch on South River Road

This beautiful horse ranch is on the South River Road in West Sacramento. Hopefully the city leaders will help preserve this beautiful country area from over-development. Areas like this are what help to create West Sacramento's unique charm. Photo by Barbara.

"Rosa Mariposa"

Pretty pink butterfly cookies baked by Lindsay and Charlee for our grandaughter's 1st birthday party. They tasted as good as they looked. Photo by Barbara

Brusco Tug Boats and Barges

Above is a photo of the tugboat and barge fleet ready for action at the Port of Sacramento docks. Photo by Barbara.

Trivia: A tug is a boat used to maneuver, primarily by towing or pushing, other vessels in harbours, over the open sea or through rivers and canals. They are also used to tow barges, disabled ships, or other equipment like towboats. Tugboats are quite strong for their size. Early tugboats had steam engines but today diesel engines are used.

Old Dodge Truck on Jefferson Boulevard

This old Dodge flatbed truck is parked in a vacant lot on Jefferson Boulevard with a lot of interesting farming implements. It has a diesel engine and metal tank on the bed, and a hose contraption with a spraying attachment affixed that winds around to the front. Does anyone know what it was used for?
Photo by Barbara

Sammy's Astro Club

Nestled among the eclectic collection of store fronts in the Merkley Mall is Sammy's Astro Club. Sammy's has been a popular place over the years for the locals to stop by and have a cold one. The rumor mill tells me that at one time they had a great piano bar and pool table (don't know if they are still there but I plan to stop by and check it out soon). Photo by Barbara Smith.

Oranges Ripening: Do not pick til' Christmas

California navel oranges are considered by many to be the best oranges in the world for eating out of hand. These beauties are languishing on Bill's tree waiting for a cold snap to bring out their sweetness. Photo by Barbara

The English orange name derives from the Sanskrit naranga-s ("orange tree"). When we were visiting our friends Cathy and Marv in Baja, we had fresh squeezed juice daily. The oranges were smaller, thin skinned and sweet.

Remembering our Veterans: "The Tuskegee Airmen"

The George S. "Spanky" Roberts Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. were at the Neighbors Fairs. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc is a non-profit organization with 50 chapters nationwide. Photo by Barbara

"In June 1941, the Tuskegee program officially began with formation of the 99th Fighter Squadron at the Tuskegee Institute, a highly regarded university founded by Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee, Alabama. In all, 992 pilots were trained in Tuskegee from 1940 to 1946; about 445 deployed overseas, and 150 Airmen lost their lives in training or combat.

On 29 March 2007, about 350 Tuskegee Airmen and their widows were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the US Capitol rotunda."

The Old "Spirit of Sacramento" Sinking in West Sacramento

According to a local newspaper archive "She might not look it, but the two-deck paddle-wheeler now crumbling into the Sacramento River used to be a star. Fifty years ago, the vessel was riding high, spiriting Chinese rural laborers to freedom in "Blood Alley," a John Wayne movie filmed in the Delta. The boat later guided tourists down Gold Rush waterways as the "Spirit of Sacramento."

Lady Liberty in West Sacramento

Liberty Safe's 53 foot Touring Truck Showroom was in West Sacramento this week for an event at their store on Jefferson Boulevard. Founded in 1988, Liberty Safe is headquartered in Payson, Utah. Photo by Barbara

I recently heard about some friends whose house was burglarized. The thief obsconded with their jewlery and other valuables, but not their firearms. They had a gun safe in their closet that was bolted to the floor--the thief tried and failed to break it from from the lockdown, and also were unable to pry open the doors. Lesson: get a gun safe and bolt it down--then store your valuables in it...they are even fireproof.

Pink Perfection

Sacramento has the ideal climate for camellias. Camellias are native to Southeast Asia and first came here, like many other things, during the Gold Rush. These beauties are now blooming in my neighbor's garden. Photo by Barbara

Emma's Taco House since 1953

Ruben Rodriguez, is the owner of Emma's Taco House on Sacramento Avenue in the old Bryte neighborhood of West Sacamento. This family owned business was established in 1953 at this location. If you haven't tried their Mexican style vegetable soup and special house salad dressing you are really missing out. They also have great margaritas! Emma's is also a popular lunch spot for the Capital City Politicians and I have heard that in the old days "Big Daddy" Jesse Unruh and Jack Schrade ate lunch there frequently.

I remember meeting Emma on a Soroptimist Bus Trip to Reno years ago and she was a vivacious and charming lady. She shared her special homemade burritos with us..they were the most delicious I've ever tasted. Photo by Barbara

Beautiful Day for a Bounce House

These kids were enjoying a bounce house from Rebecca's Jolly Jumps last weekend. It must be so much fun-don't know if grownups are allowed in one of these but I'd love to try!

Mark Finan, KCRA 3 Weather Plus Chief Meteorologist says a possible reason for these warm fall days we are having is because of the cold days we had earlier in September.

Ramos Oil Ornamental Derrick

This oil derrrick is displayed at the Ramos Oil facility on South River Road in West Sacramento. The Ramos Oil Company was founded in 1951 as a Shell Oil Distributor by Bill Ramos who learned his trade while serving aboard a tankership during World War II. Photo by Kurt.

KFC-Finger Lickin' Good and Friendly Service

I just can't help salivating when we drive by the KFC on Merkeley Ave. The smell of the freshly fried chicken in the air lures me to the driveup window. Christy worked at this same KFC for franchise owners Mark and Belva Brown while still in high school and I remember helping her memorize what pieces of chicken came in the various meal combinations so she could pass the test to get the job. A special perk in those days was a free strawberry pie if any were leftover at the end of a shift. Photo by Barbara

Trivia: Sunday afternoon dinners when we were growing up in Pocatello usually had fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy on the menu. I have never been able to master the recipe or technique for our mom's fried chicken, so thank goodness for KFC.

Fundraiser for the West Sacramento Christmas Basket Project

The community of West Sacramento is invited to attend the 3rd annual fundraiser to benefit the Christmas Basket Project, a volunteer outreach program coordinated by Helena Helmond, a long time community activist in West Sacramento.

Debbie Norton Johnson and Buddy Linker coordinate this annual community service project fundraiser sponsored by the West Sacramento Moose Lodge. Last year they collected over $1000 in donations. The Kiwanis International of West Sacramento also donated $1000 to the Christmas Basket Project.

The Capitol Bowl "aka" El Rancho Bowl

Above Photo by Tom Spalding

These are just some of my memories of the old days at the El Rancho Bowling Alley..The El Rancho Bowl at 900 West Capitol Avenue was one of West Sacramento's best hangouts in the 1960's and 70's. It was home to the Nisei Leagues and the manager was Toko Fuji, the head mechanic was Shig Imura, Joe Bonomo ran the kitchen, Leroy Klink tended the bar in the 300 Room, Virgil Yee was at the front desk, my mom Shirley was the league coordinator and my sister Kathye and I worked in the Kiddie Corral.

I remember watching my stepdad Ralph Marston and Joe Sheldon "pot bowl" all night long and seeing many 300 games during that time. My stepbrother Charlie and his buddies all bowled on the traveling team and their team was always the league champs.

We used to go Blue Chip Stamp bowling on Saturday nights and sometimes would fill 10 books in one night...My sister in law Bev bowled one of her all time highest games in our couples league the night before her first daughter Shelley was born. My brother Howard remembers taking a quarter and playing the pinball machine and building it up to 18 games then selling the games to one of the porters on duty.

More recently, our daughter's put on a 50's style "Family Bowlarama" there about 7 years ago that was attended by about 35 members of our extended family and it was very memorable for all. In 2006, my grandson Jack had his 4th birthday party at the Capitol Bowl....Photos by Barbara

Foggy mornings in West Sacramento

just right for reading and listening to music......(in my dreams).

Crossing the Causeway on these mornings is not for the faint of heart. In the early 1980s a motorist became disoriented in the fog and stopped on the freeway causing a 55 car pileup. Remarkably, no one was seriously injured. I was driving one of those cars. Photo by Barbara

The Yolo Causeway is a 3.2-mile (5.2-kilometer) long elevated highway viaduct on Interstate 80 that crosses the Yolo Bypass floodway and connects the cities of West Sacramento and Davis, California.

CDPD Theme Day November 1st: "The Color Blue"

The City Daily Photo Blog theme for November 1st is "The Color Blue". This vintage 50's Chevy Deluxe 4 door sedan was on display at the Neighbors Fair in West Sacramento. Trivia-the original purchase price of this "fliver" would have been around $1500.

Cities participating in the CDPB November Theme Day: Boston (MA), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Arlington (VA), USA - Cape Town, South Africa-Portland (OR), USA - Sequim (WA), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Arradon, France - Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Stockholm, Sweden - Singapore, Singapore - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Phoenix (AZ), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Toulouse, France - The Hague, Netherlands - Moscow, Russia - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Stayton (OR), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Detroit (MI), USA - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - Bandung (West Java), Indonesia - Greenville (SC), USA - Hyde, UK - Radonvilliers, France - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Nashville (TN), USA - Manila, Philippines - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Saarbrücken, Germany - New Orleans (LA), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Forks (WA), USA - Wichita (Ks), USA - Barton (VT), USA - St. Louis (MO), USA - Joplin (MO), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Quincy (MA), USA - Setúbal, Portugal - Inverness (IL), USA - Christchurch, New Zealand - Toruń, Poland - North Bay (ON), Canada - Le Guilvinec, France - Chateaubriant, France - London, England - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Naples (FL), USA - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - Sydney, Australia - Austin (TX), USA - Mumbai, India - Boston (MA), USA - Santa Fe (NM), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Paderborn, Germany - Montréal (QC), CanadaJackson (MS), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Orlando (FL), USA - Grenoble, France - Cheltenham, UK - Forks (WA), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Weston (FL), USA - London, UK - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Belgrade, Serbia - Paris, France - Shanghai, China - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Montpellier, France - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Wailea (HI), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Auckland, New Zealand - Evry, France - New York City (NY), USA - Nottingham, UK - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Oslo, Norway - Minneapolis (MN), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Trujillo, Peru - Trujillo, Peru - Melbourne (VIC), Australia - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Durban, South Africa - Brussels, Belgium - Anderson (SC), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Wellington, New Zealand - Prague, Czech Republic - Saigon, Vietnam - Ystad, Sweden - Miami (FL), USA - Seoul, South Korea - Hong Kong, China - Melbourne, Australia - Baziège, France - Greensboro (NC), USA - -