Bike Dog Brewing Company

We stopped into Bike Dog Brewing Company this afternoon to buy some hats and T-shirts for Christmas presents and had the pleasure of meeting the brewmaster AJ Tendick.  We tried the Pale Ale Mosaic today and if was fabulous!  Their new growlers will be available to purchase on New Year's Eve to take home your favorite brew.

RIP Coralie Munro

After more than 300 days in and out of UCSF following a bone marrow transplant and intense chemo regime, Coralie lost her battle with Leukemia last night. A loyal Kiwi and native of New Zealand, Coralie came to the US on an educational exchange program then went to work for the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in the Clinical Endocrinology Laboratory. I worked with Coralie for almost 20 years..She was a beautiful friend and will be missed by many. 

Sock Drive for the Homeless Feet

As part of their senior project, three River City High School Seniors Vonnell Jarell, Mariah Gutierrez and Mandeep Dhanota are collecting gently used socks and blankets for the homeless for Christmas. Please contact them at  916-804-0106  or  916-889-2819  if you can help. They will need to collect them from your home by this Friday, December 6 before 3:00 PM.

Mino Ohye celebrates Veteran's Day 2013

Minoru "Mino" Ohye, 87, donned his stars and stripes for the annual Veteran's Dinner at the VFW Post 8762 in West Sacramento.  Mino's story is legendary and the Sacramento Bee did a great write up about his saga in 2011.  I have taken the liberty of posting excerpts of some of that article:
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Published in the Sacramento Bee, November 7, 2011

"Minoru "Mino" Ohye is perhaps the only man alive who has served in both the Japanese Imperial Army and the U.S. Army.   Ohye was born in Sacramento in 1926. When he was 3 years old, his father died in a freak fishing accident in Marysville, hitting his head on a river rock.  Ohye's mother sent her young sons to live with relatives in Japan. His brother got adopted by one family; Ohye lived with an uncle who died when Ohye was in second grade. He moved in with another uncle.......On June 10, 1945, the Japanese army drafted him to fight the Soviets. On Aug. 22, Japan surrendered and Ohye was sent to work in a Siberian coal mine.  He had to crawl on his hands and knees, and the more coal he dug out, the more he got fed.  Ohye was released in 1947, suffering from rickets, and returned to Japan, where he got a job giving away clothes.  In 1951, he returned to California to see his mother in Yuba City, where he worked in the fields. Then, during the Korean War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Korea's Demilitarized Zone."

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/07/4035026/survivor-set-for-a-final-miracle.html#storylink=cpy

Read all of Minoru "Mino" Ohye's story here.

Brothers reunited in Japan after 60 years apart.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/07/4035026/survivor-set-for-a-final-miracle.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/07/4035026/survivor-set-for-a-final-miracle.html#storylink=cpy

The "Sweet Tooth" and "Cote's Market" at Lisbon and Water Streets (Then and Now)

Thank you Cathy Shumaker Perrigo for sending this great old photo...According to Larry Freitas, it was called the Sweet Tooth and was owned by his grandfather Albino Freitas. After it closed, it was turned into a home where he first lived with his parents Dennis and Sharon Freitas.



In 2009, I shot the lower photo of the exterior of the old apartment building on the corner of Lisbon and Water Street and when they removed some of the stucco you can see that at one time it was Cote's grocery store..

July 27, 2013 more history from Sharon Freitas:

Some history about the Sweet Tooth:   This small 3 room building on the corner of Lisbon and Water Street was built in the late 1940s (probably 1946 or 47) to be an Ice Cream Parlor.  Albino Freitas, Sn. owned the 3 lots on this corner and he thought his six children might want to have a family business.  The actual carpenter work was done by Uncle Tony Pinto who built several houses in the old town of Bryte.

Unfortunately, the children after high school got jobs in Sacramento and/or joined the armed services, so the Sweet Tooth was closed until 1957.  The youngest son, Dennis had gotten married to a Bryte girl (related to the Lee Family) and needed an apartment.  Uncle Tony created 4 rooms out of the 3 original rooms and the newlyweds moved in.  When they had 2 children and awaiting a third, they were able to move into the bigger house behind the Sweet Tooth on Water Street.  "Pia" Freitas then rented the small house out as a rental. 

Early photos show the Portuguese tile roof which was always part of Uncle Tony Pinto's projects but in the early 2009, the new owner of the property replaced the hand made tiles with a standard asphlat tile roofing. 

Some history about Cote's Market:  The second photo on the Blogspot was of the very old market built by the Cote Family who were from Russia.  The spelling on the blogspot (Cody's) was incorrect.    This Russian family were very involved in the early russian settlement in Bryte and were the key backers to have the beautiful Russian Church called "Myhrr Bearing Women Church" built where Hobson Avenue crosses Water Street.  There are several historical accounts of this family and since they lived across the street from Albino Freitas, Sn,, family, they were very good friends.  The Cote's daughter was a close friend of Mary Freitas, participated with Mary at the 1951 San Pedro Annual Festival and also was a bridesmaid at Mary's wedding.    The younger Freitas sons have told stories about how they just went over to Cote's and got great fresh food, pickles, etc. and just had to say - "Put it on Pia's bill".  

The market was closed for many years and about 2/3 years ago, it was remodeled into apartments.  When the work was being done, the sign under the window in your recent photo clearly read "Cote's Market - Groceries".

If you are interested in more history and actual researched facts, the San Pedro Association established in 1922 in Bryte has a small collection put together for their "History Walkabout"  -  a copy costs $5.00 - let me know if you wish a copy or two.

Thank you for including Bryte in your West Sacramento Blogspot.....those of us native born in Bryte still called it Bryte but we are beginning to appreciate the City of West Sacramento for all the good work they are doing.  

Bad Boater on the Sacramento yesterday

This woman pulled her pontoon boat out of The Crawdad Marina right in front of the Hornblower boat yesterday.. Our captain had to throw the engines in reverse to keep from hitting her. If you know her please, let her know she used up one of her lives yesterday..and possibly ours!

VFW Post 8762 Buddy Poppy Time

Hi Gary! VFW Post 8762 Commander Gary Reason was at the
Nugget Market in West Sacramento collecting donations for the Buddy Poppy Program.  Donations provide financial assistance in maintaining state and national
veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW
National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's veterans.

New Dollar Tree Opening Jun 24, 2013

The new Dollar Tree Store in Southport Town Center is set to open on Monday, June 24, 2013 with the grand opening celebration set for June 29th. We talked to the new owners last night and they graciously allowed us to take a couple of candid shots of the progress of setting up and stocking all the merchandise for us fans of $1.00 shopping!

Ride the Monster Kool Bus at Lowe's

The Monster Kool Bus will be at Lowe's in West Sacramento from Friday May 10th through Monday May 20th, 2013, weekdays 4pm-9pm and weekends 10am-9pm.. Stop by and take a wild ride.

30 Motels in West Sacramento-Billboard Update

New billboard advertising the 30 motels in West Sacramento. See below photos for previous versions.

Shorty's La Amistad Cafe in Clarksburg

We stopped at Shorty's to have lunch today and the service and the food were both fabulous. Our server Anna Marie is a Freshman at River City High and plays for the Lady Raider's Basketball team. Below: The special of the day was pork posole and it was delicious!

Remembering Claude "Raymond" Bledsoe

Today we joined Ray Bledsoe's family and Moose friends to say aloha to our old friend.  Ray was born in Johnston, South Carolina on July 27, 1926,  passed away on April 5, 2013, and was buried with Military Honors at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.  Ray was Governor of the West Sacramento Moose Lodge in 1995 and was honored with his Fellowship Degree soon after.  Ray always wore his blue coat with pride.  The Moose Lodge has benefited greatly over the years from Ray's generous support and he was well known for his strict oversight of the Lodge finances. He will be missed by many and remembered as one of the last true gentlemen of our time. Ray leaves his widow Pat and many adopted kids who proudly called him Dad.
This video below was a celebration Ray's 79th Birthday.

Results Training Gym - West Sacramento Location

 Results Training Gym is moving into the vacant store front on 15th Street in West Sacramento. You can find them on Facebook for more information about their program and membership.

West Acre School "Mrs. Cushenberry's 8th Grade Class" 1969

Thank you Michael Bruce for sharing this photo of his 8TH GRADE class at West Acre School. And yes there was only one girl in the class.  Mike tagged these names: Top Row-Steve Jones, Joe Schaefer, Randy Miller, Richard McCarthy, Next Row Down-Bob Gould, Mike Jones, Richard Crumley, Brian Wooldridge, Brian Boal, Next Row Down- Mrs Cushenberry, Floyd Stout, Les Foshee, Michael Sullivan, unknown, unknown.  Front Row- Jim Marengo, Randy Smith, Michael Bruce, unknown, Chester Lawson, Kenny Collins. 

RIP Michael Carr, West Sacramento Native

CARR, Michael G.
Passed away March 16, 2013 in his West Sacramento home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of 46 years to Betty Carr. Loving father of Kerri (Albert) and Ryan Carr. Dear brother of Larry and Danny Carr. Devoted and proud grandfather of Justyn, Chelsea, Kaine, Lydian, Andy and Ariana. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Betty. A graduate of James Marshall High in 1964, he was an outstanding athlete excelling in football and track. Mike served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He served his community as a firefighter for over 31 years receiving numerous awards including the Medal of Valor. He enjoyed traveling, golfing and fishing with his family and friends. We will all love him forever and miss him dearly. All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 11:00 A.M at River Cities Funeral Chapel, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento. Memorials preferred to your local Childhood Leukemia Foundation or the Sacramento Burn Institute.

Published in The Sacramento Bee on March 19, 2013

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=163721486#storylink=cpy

2013 San Pedro Festa Coming Soon

Remembering Paul Morazzini

Paul Morazzini - Entered into eternal rest February 17, 2013 in Sacramento at the age of 90 years. Beloved husband of the late Alice Morazzini. Loving father of Paul Morazzini, Ron Morazzini (Brenda) & Felicia Holland. Devoted grandfather of Jeanine Zito, Jeff Morazzini (Theresa), Zack Morazzini (Becky), Stevie Holland and great-grandfather of Cody, Amanda, Dominic, Jake, Marisa, Abby and Emma. Dad was a 57 year resident of West Sacramento. He served his country as a sailor in WWII and as a soldier in the Army during the Korean Conflict retiring after 20 years of proud service. He enjoyed the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. He was a loving and protective family man and a more loyal friend would be hard to find. Visitation hours will be Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with funeral services Friday at 10:00 A.M. all at River Cities Funeral Chapel, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento, CA 95691. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Sacramento, CA. Published in The Sacramento Bee from February 20 to February 21, 2013.

Happy Birthday Audrey

The wait staff at Eppie's Cafe had a surprise for their boss on her birthday today..many thanks to Carol for inviting us to join in Audrey's Birthday celebration.

"Sweetie Bear" visits West Sacramento

This is Sweetie Bear. Sweetie Bear stopped in West Sacramento to visit the Johnson Family during her whirl-wind tour of the United States. The Johnson's are hosting her for a few days to share life in West Sacramento with her owner, Annie in CT. This is a school project for Annie. 

Sweetie and Maya were hoping to catch a baseball game. We love the AAA River Cats Farm team to Oakland A's.

Little League Signup Info

Spring is around the corner and that means Little League Baseball in West Sacramento.  You can check the boundary that determines what league is closest to your neighborhood here: http://www.eteamz.com/cadad6/locations/

For more information about signing up call or email contact:

Ralph Sabin, President Washington Little League ethansabin63@yahoo.com Don Schlie, President, West Sacramento Little League. ddonsc@cityofwestsacramento.org

The Sacramento Weir

Above is a close look at the gates of the Sacramento Weir just north of West Sacramento on the River Road. The weir gates are opened to divert water into the Yolo Bypass once the Sacramento River hits the 27.5 foot stage at the  I Street Bridge.

Kiesel Crossing and Pump Building

Returning to West Sacramento from Woodland on the Old River Road we crossed the
tracks at the Kiesel Crossing. Just before the tracks sits this old pump building.

Leonidas Taylor Monument on the River Road

"Erected to the memory of Leonidas Taylor, born in the City of Philadelphia on the 3rd of July, 1832. He grew to manhood in the City of Saint Louis and was killed by explosion of the steamer Belle opposite this spot on the 5th of February, 1856. His body was never found".

Read the story about the historical shipwreck at this location on the Sacramento River that took the life of Leonidas Taylor: Belle Article

Roadside Memorial for Tommy Flippo

A roadside memorial still stands at the location of the accident that took the life of Woodland resident Tommy Gene Flippo Jr. in the early morning hours of November 30, 2012. Tommy was a PG&E troubleman from the Woodland yard and according to a company bulletin he was responding to trouble during storm conditions in West Sacramento.

Chocolate Bread Pudding at The Broderick

If you are in need of a great bread pudding fix you better try this version at The Broderick restaurant located on Sacramento Avenue on the North Side.  Three of us shared this dessert and we almost licked the plate it was so delicious!

Happy New Year 2013

Wishing you all a great year in 2013!  These little penguin canapes created by Mary McReynolds made a great addition to our New Year's Eve gathering this year.  Almost too cute to eat!