Inspirational Message of Peace Winner 2009

Jack Johnson's poem for Southport Elementary School's International Message of Peace Contest.

Guest Pianist...at Vince's Restaurant

We were treated to some beautiful Christmas Carols by this unknown pianist last week while having lunch in Pete Rossi's newly expanded dining room area at Vince's last week.

Neighborhood Art

These folks on Reuter Drive have a great collection of primitive art displayed in their front yard. The Stone Man is the latest creation.

Carolyn's Pomegranates

Carolyn and Tom's pomegranate tree has produced a bumper crop this year~
The pomegranate has appeared in myths, legends, art and history for centuries. Associated with health and rebirth, some scholars even place the pomegranate in the Garden of Eden, instead of an apple. Known as one of the earliest cultivated fruits, they may date back to 2000 B.C. and are still a fruit of fascination today.

Red Devils of the Washington Bobby Sox 1981-82

Thanks Rhonda Pope for sharing this great photo of the Red Devils of the Washington Bobby Sox 1981-82. In photo: Coaches: Wanda, Roy, Penny and?
last row: Stacy Machado, Elsa Gomez, Lynette Bertsch, Elvia Gomez, Rebecca Post, ?
Second Row: Vickie, Margaret Nunez, Judy Macias, Teresa Anderson?, Kathy Savala, Tammy Dyer..front row: Julia Gonzalez, Rhonda Pope

"Between the Blessing" Christmas Dinner at Jazzy Blues Cafe

Jazzy Blues Cafe proves that their generous portions are nothing compared to their generous hearts! At their first annual "Between the Blessings" Christmas Dinner, Jazzy Blues Cafe opened up their dining room and their kitchen to feed 200 people who were without a holiday meal. Shown here are the ladies from Skin Deep Finishing Institute, along with Skin Deep's CEO & President Rhonda Ernest (rear, in white) who helped to serve the crowd. 'Tis the season!

For more information on Jazzy Blues Cafe, visit http://www.jazzybluescafe.com . For more information on Ms. Ernest and the work she's doing for local youth visit Skin Deep Finishing Institute, visit http://www.skindeepfinishinginstitute.org .

Pj and Joan compare notes!

Pj Bonfield and Joan Smith...Pj was the first Principal's Secretary when River City Senior High School was established and Joan Smith is the Principal's Secretary at the New River High School.

Pj was the Principal's Secretary at Washington High School in Broderick before the district conjoined the two high schools. In 1979, James Marshall High School and Washington High merged to form River City High and Pj and Principal Errol Summy were assigned to the new campus.

Joan Smith was an instrumental member of the planning team that coordinated the move to the new campus location on Jefferson Boulevard last year.

Spare!

Jason Smith celebrates his spare in the Mayor's Holiday Bowling Party at Capitol Bowl. We had a great time! For more photos of the bowling bash see this album on Facebook-

The Lone Bike Rider

We passed this lone bike rider on Jefferson Boulevard Sunday morning on our way to "bottle our own" at Carvalho Winery located in the Old Sugar Mill. The fog and mist over the vineyards was beautifully eerie!

West Sacramento Christmas Basket Project

Debbie delivered a hot lunch to Helena's volunteers yesterday. They have been sorting and loading up boxes to be distributed to folks who need a helping hand this holiday.

Frosting of the Cake

More photos of the bakery in action during the James Marshall Preschoolers special field trip to the Nugget Market.

Golden State Junior High Basketball circa 1979

Thank you Hollis Blevins for sharing this photo of the Golden State Junior High School Basketball Team. (1979) In this photo: Jim Stall, Phillip Stout, Randy Haugen, Steve Virgen, Bill Handy, Jeff Handy, Robert Ferko, Al Harrington, Joe Baker, Vega, Ed Redmond, Michael Scott Funkner (photos), Arthur Roacha, Hollis Blevins, Mr. Laforte

Redskins Football Team

Thank you Hollis Blevins for this photo of the Redskins Football Team. 1977-78 The Redskins were the West Sac Midget Pop Warner team.

In this photo: Fred Gusta, Coach Brooks, Michael Scott Funkner (photos), Marty Ynostrosa, Anthony Ramirez, Bobby Stephens, Vega, Andy Ramirez, Hollis Blevins, Dale Calis, Noss, Harry Noss, Roy Sneider, Steve Bacon, Chris Lacombe, Ed Redmond, Randy Funkner

West Sacramento's Notorious Tule Fog...

Thank you Joan Barber for sharing this beautiful photo. "I took it this morning from my backyard on Fowler Rd. West Sac. Our lake was barely visible!"

West Sacramento Memories: I remember when we were kids and had to walk to school from Alabama Court to West Acre School. Sometimes the fog was so dense it seemed like we were in a horror movie. We had to listen carefully for cars cause we couldn't see them coming. By the time we got to school our hair and coats were soaked from the moisture in the fog.

Christmas Lights in West Sacramento

David Kamminga and his son were driving around West Sacramento looking at Christmas lights and really liked this display near Linden road and Higgins Road. Great shot David!

Remembering Alma Soost

SOOST, Alma
Born on November 20, 1916, in Broderick, Calif. Passed away on December 8, 2009, surrounded by her loving family after a heroic battle with congested heart failure. Alma is survived by her daughters Carla (Andy) Marquez and Toni Johnson; her grandsons Vincent and Stephen Marquez, and Jason and Tony (Holly) Bracy; her great grandchildren Jasyona, Jason Jr., and Jeeno Bracy; and several nieces and nephews. Alma was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, LeRoy ''Bud'' Soost and her parents Angelo and Maria Bernabovi. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Louis Bernabovi, Leo Bernabovi, and Mautilio ''Curly'' Bernabovi, and her sisters Lena Bernabovi, Alba Bernabovi, Nancy DeRiso, Hazel Salcedo, and Isabelle Portale. Alma was employed by the Washington Unified School District for 40 years as a teacher and principal. She was active in Soroptimist Interntional of West Sacramento, ICF Branch 282, East Yolo Friends of the Library, Native Daughters of the Golden West, Golden Years, and the West Sacramento Historical Society. She enjoyed her sewing club, playing bridge, poker, pinochle, and bingo, and was an avid reader. Memorials preferred to Soroptimist International of West Sacramento, East Yolo Friends of the Library, or the West Sacramento Historical Society. Visitation hours will be Sunday, December 13, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. vigil service, all at RIVER CITIES FUNERAL CHAPEL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 911 Park Blvd., West Sacramento. Entombment, St. Mary's Cemetery. RIVER CITIES FUNERAL CHAPEL, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento, CA 95691.
Published in The Sacramento Bee from December 11 to December 12, 2009


Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=alma-soost&pid=137148369&fhid=8304#ixzz143oiKtFJ

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays and Thank You to fans of West Sacramento Photo of the Day. We will be on hiatus until 2010 "with camera in hand leaving footprints in sand" .....

Chevrolet Corvair Rampside Pickup Truck

This Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside was in the parking lot at Carol's Restaurant last week...see video below about Jay Leno's restored Rampside pickup:

West Sacramento Kiwanis-See's Candy Fundraiser Store

Kelly and Felix were taking their turn running the cash register at the Kiwanis See's Candy Store located in the Southport Town Center last week. Be sure and stop by and get your holiday candy...the proceeds support the Kiwanis Kid's Campership fund.

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad China

This china pattern on display at the Railroad Museum is from the California series, made by Syracuse China, New York. The china was used from 1895 to 1970 on the dining cars of the Sante Fe Railroad.

Lighted Boat Parade is December 5, 2009.

Boaters will decorate their boats with festive lights and parade up the Sacramento River to celebrate the holidays. The parade starts at 7:00PM at the Sacramento Marina, goes past Old Sacramento, all the way to the Virgin Sturgeon and back.

Mermaid and Mermen

In Finnish mythology merpeople are able to grant wishes, heal sickness, lift curses, brew magic potions...This couple seemed satisfied taking it easy in their lofty perch.

Nugget Market Bread Bakers

And these are the bakers of those spectacular loaves of bread. In the tradition of breaking bread together, our family enjoys serving cheese, bread and wine for almost any occasion.

Nugget Market Fresh Breads

Yum.... bread, all types and varieties, freshly baked at the Nugget Market Bakery!

Many Hands

These hands greeted us as we entered our vacation home overlooking Bodega Bay.

Thanksgiving Surfers on Doran Beach

Surfers were enjoying the beautiful conditions at Doran Beach on Thanksgiving Day but as we watched, the waves were getting so big the surfers were calling it quits. They say this beach is great for beginner surfers and a fairly safe spot. Except for an occasional shark.

The Ziggurat Glow

Thanks David Kamminga for another beautiful shot of West Sacramento's River front at night. The building was designed to glow at night but now is only lit on special occasions.

Big Dog on Duty at Sonoma Humane Society

The Sonoma Humane Society's big metal dog is great! The public art in the Sonoma area is really fun.

San Francisco: Ferry Building Clock Tower

The clock tower of the Ferry Building stands above the marketplace housing the city’s famed farmers market. During daylight, on every full and half-hour, the clock bell can be heard chiming portions of the Westminster Quarters.

Taco Night Fundraiser at West Sacramento Moose

Debbie Norton Johnson is selling tickets for the 5th Annual Taco Dinner (deliciously prepared by Nos & the Taco Babes) to benefit the West Sacramento Christmas Basket Project. You can support the effort to provide holiday dinner fixings for families in need by purchasing a ticket, donating a holiday gift auction item or making a donation of canned or dry goods or toys or cash.

Evening at the Tower Bridge

Thank you David Kamminga for these beautiful shots of our Tower Bridge. "The original M Street Bridge (Tower Bridge) was built by the Sacramento Northern Electric Railroad in 1911 and linked the cities of Washington (West Sacramento) and Sacramento. It carried electric railcars (similar to the present Light-rail) loaded with passengers and freight." See the Tower Bridge History for more information.

Bob Clark enjoys our new library!

"My Dad, on Saturday, enjoying the new Arthur Turner Library." Thank you Anita Clark for sharing this candid photo of her dad. Mr. Clark was principal of West Field School for many years. A patient and fair man, he was loved and respected by teachers and students.
---------------------------------------------------------

CLARK, Robert Ferguson
Jan. 16, 1924 - April 20, 2010
Robert passed away at the age of 86 and is survived by his loving wife Norma, his sister, Joy, his children, Christie (Philip), Lyssa, Anita (Steve), Fred (Joy), Ranier (Jamie), Robert, his grandchildren, Andrew R., Michael, Dustin, Patrick, Andrew L., Chelsie, Emilee, Skylar, Eian, and 6 great-grandchildren. Born in Detroit, MI, grew up in Celina, OH and received his degree at Bowling Green University. He served in the Navy during WWII and later took a teaching position at Washington Unified School District in W. Sacto and later became a school administrator at Westfield Elementary until retiring in 1989. He was known as a caring, compassionate man that was known by many and will truly be missed. Viewings will be held at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial, 9189 East Stockton Blvd, on Sunday April 25th from 12-5pm & Monday April 26th from 4-8pm with a vigil at 7pm. Funeral services will be held on Tues. April 27th at 12pm at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 9539 Racquet Ct. in Elk Grove.

Published in The Sacramento Bee from April 25 to April 26, 2010

Petting the Manta Ray

The kids were a little hesitant to pet the Manta at Six Flags Park in Vallejo.

Turkey in the Straw

Enjoying life as a pet turkey--this flock at Dave's Pumpkin Patch probably can relax this Thanksgiving! According to a survey by the National Turkey Federation, nearly 88 percent of Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving is 15 pounds, meaning that approximately 690 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States during Thanksgiving in 2008.

Expensive Vice.....The Price of Cigg's

The top photo was shot at a pub in West Sacramento..bottom photo at a bar in Juneau. I would think the price alone would be enough to cause smokers to give up their habit..

Monitor (Water Cannon) at High Hill Ranch

Monitors (water cannons) were used to break down the Sierra Nevada gold-bearing gravel deposits with tremendous volumes of water under high pressure. The environmental results were catastrophic. For more information see this website: Sierra College Press

Jazz Artists Mural

Louis Armstrong and his Heavenly All-Star Band greet visitors arriving at the New Orleans Airport.

The Blue Relic

The Plymouth Valiant was manufactured by the Plymouth division of Chrysler Corporation from 1960 to 1976. It was created to give the company an entry in the compact car market which was emerging in the late 1950s.

Lost Dog in West Sacramento - Southport area

Please help find Kim's dog Chico- 4 lb. Chihuahua, male and he has a blue colar with two tag (silver and yellow). Last seen on Martinique and Mashall on Friday 11/13. If you have seen him please call 531-9710.

A Shuffleboard Deck at Casa Mobile

A standard deck shuffleboard court is 39–feet long by 6–ft wide. According to shuffleboard history, the game was played and gambled over by King Henry VIII, who prohibited commoners from playing....In 2010, The International World Team Championships will take place near Dusseldorf--so if you plan to compete it is time to start working on your game..

Opening day of Pheasant Season

The second Saturday of November means it was the first day of pheasant hunting and these hunters were finishing up their day with lunch at Shorties in Clarksburg! Interesting to note there was only one woman in their group. The general statewide season opens on the second Saturday in November and extends for a period of 44 consecutive days (Nov 14 - Dec 27) .

Barbie's new convertible roadster!

Maya's new birthday Barbie Dolls posed in their convertible roadster.. The car comes with stylish wheels and safety belts to keep Barbie and her friend safe while driving!

The Leisure Timers

Our Leisure Timers "50 and over" league at Capitol Bowling Alley meets every Friday afternoon at 1:00 PM. We are always looking for new bowlers to join us...only other requirement is that you must like to have fun!

Bowlers are from left: Debbie Anderson, Emma Anderson, Joan Clark, Leroy Espinosa, Evie Miller, Rod Rodrigues, Marilyn Hintzman, Barbara Avery, Jim Gifford, Margaret Fagan, Pat Bledsoe, Judy Hults. Front row Barbara Smith, Janis Miller and Dan Kurimoto.