Paul Blart --Not!

The Security guy on the Segway at Arden Fair Mall has a great sense of humor...and he didn't mind a gentle ribbing about his likeness to the character played by Kevin James in the movie Mall Cop. When I was in Europe recently there were many city tours offered on Segways...the tours were very popular by young and old!

"Under The Sea" on N Street

David Garibaldi painted this beautiful "under the sea" mural on the front of an apartment building on N Street when he was just starting his journey to becoming a distinguished artist...according to a recent SNR interview, David painted the mural in an exchange with his landlord for two months rent.

Urban Wall Tattoos...

This Sacramento Midtown Mural Project on the American Market and Deli building on N Street was created by Shaun Turner and Dan Osterhoff.  SubMerge Music+Art+Lifestyle Magazine has a great map of a suggested Bike Mural Tour around the streets of Sacramento.

The Hawaiian Chieftain visits Old Sacramento

Thank you Dan Harris, Graphics Technician with the City of West Sacramento, for sharing this great photo of the Hawaiian Chieftain currently docked in Old Sacramento while on the 2010-2011 tour of California ports. The vessel will be open to the public through mid December.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/12/3098573/hawaiian-chieftain-ship-returns.html#ixzz12sNcR2cv

"The Alkali"

Alkali Flat (named for the crusted alkali deposits left in vernal pools after seasonal flooding) is the oldest remaining neighborhood in Sacramento. The neighborhood was born in 1852 after the great fire of Sacramento. For more info on the Alkali Flat Neighborhood see http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=1130

Sacramento River Crossing Alternatives Study

According to a City of Sacramento Press Release dated July 2010, nearly 1,700 people responded to the Sacramento River Crossing Alternatives Study. Of those responding, 1,035 said they live in Sacramento, while 409 identified themselves as West Sacramento. Seventy six percent of respondents believe new options for crossing the Sacramento River between Sacramento and West Sacramento are ”very important” or “important.

The Beautiful Memorial Auditorium

Thank you David Kamminga for sharing the great shots of the Memorial Auditorium. The auditorium was constructed in 1926 and was originally dedicated to solders who died during WWI. Grampa Frank's brother Almer Norton's name is etched on one of the original Memorial stones.
Trivia: The Beach Boys Live In Sacramento, 1964 Second Show! album was recorded on location at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California on August 1, 1964. We saw the Broadway Production of Hair at the Auditorium in the early 70's.

USAF Thunderbirds: Here is Freedom!

West Sacramento resident Matt Hargrove took this photo of F-16 Fighting Falcon ("Viper"), USAF Thunderbirds flying overhead during the California Capitol Airshow at Mather Air Force Base.

"Air Force Week Sacramento was celebrated from September 5 through 13, 2009 in various locations throughout Sacramento, California. Highlighted by performances from the USAF Thunderbirds and Tops in Blue, Air Force Week Sacramento put a spotlight on the great work being done by the folks stationed at Travis Air Force Base and around the Air Force."

Sam's Hof Brau Celebrates 50 Years

Stephanie and I stopped for lunch at Sam's Hof Brau in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The ambience and food is still great and we're glad they changed the name back from "Plaza Hof Brau" to Sam's. Stephanie said she remembers her family would always go to the Sam's on J Street after they went to the Music Circus.

West Sac Trivia: Years ago we had a great hof brau in the Merkley Mall called Don's Chuck Wagon (Don Robinson). Delicious hot turkey and beef with mashed potatoes and stuffing and home-made pies for dessert. It was Ralph Marston's favorite place to stop and eat and visit with locals. Freddie's Gourmet followed in that same location then later moved to 15th Street.

Lily Pads and Orchids at Capital Nursery

Sangria at Tower Cafe

Yummmmm...what better way to enjoy a hot afternoon that on the Tower Cafe Patio enjoying a cool glass of Sangria and their home-made fries! The hard choice is the berry or citrus...both are incredible!

Crest Theater Sign

They are redoing the sign at the Crest Theater in Sacramento.
Thanks to Matt Hargrove for sharing this photo.

Rubicon Brewing Room Tour

Al is the brewmaster at the Rubicon Brewing Company in Sacramento. He gave us a fascinating tour of how their special beers are brewed...We especially like their IPA! For more photos of our tour see this link on Webshots.

The Yellow Brick Road at Fairytale Town

Jack and Maya show Sharon the brick their family donated to Fairytale Town for the Yellow Brick Road fund raising project.

Sacramento's Second Saturday

On a recent Saturday, we met up with "Twist" a balloon artist and also watched a fashion show on the sidewalk in front of a boutique.

Every month, art galleries in the Sacramento area keep their doors open late and invite the public to participate in the Second Saturday Art Walk. Visitors can grab a bite to eat, walk from gallery to gallery viewing brand new art works, hear live music and explore the region's vibrant art districts.

Tower Cafe Gardens

We love walking through the gardens on the corner by Tower Cafe/Tower Theater.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2009

Thank you Christy for sending these photo highlights of the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Sacramento.

Alley Art

This "grafitti" painting is in the alley near the Old Sole Bakery warehouse
space off 17th and L Streets in Sacramento.

More "Art in the Alley"

More art in the alley near Old Sole Bakery off L Street in Sacramento. The likeness of President Obama over the "Change Logo" painted here-- has been defaced by some rude person.

RUOFS 16th Street

According to Ruland's Office Furnishings website, RUOFS was rescued from Elk Grove Meats - who were about to throw him out. Steve Ruland brought him back to the 16th street as the store mascot.