Capitol Bowl Remodel Update

Capitol Bowl's exterior is undergoing a nice face lift.  We stopped by last weekend to see how great our little home town bowling alley is progressing and the place was jumping with activity.  It is such a great place to take your family for entertainment and dining.

Remembering Erleen Culver

Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 14, 2012
Erleen G. Culver, age 97, passed away on December 10, 2012 in her West Sacramento home. Born in Oakland and having moved to West Sacramento at the age of 7, she was one of West Sacramento's longest living residents. Together with her husband, James (deceased), of 54 years, raised 3 children: Terri (Joseph) Culver- Escobar, Cathy (Phil) Crawford and James (Carol) Culver (deceased). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Erleen is survived by 1 sister, Marion (Art) Olesen of Fresno, CA, and predeceased by 2 brothers and 3 other sisters. She was also a survivor of Breast Cancer. Erleen worked for the Washington Unified School District for 39 years as a teacher, consultant and principal. She was a member of Soroptimist International of West Sacramento, Delta Zeta Sorority, Business and Professional Women's Association, the California Retired Teachers Association and a 75 year member of the California Parlor #22 - Native Daughters of the Golden West. Erleen served on the Grand Jury and supported many great causes including the Sacramento Hearing Society and The West Sacramento Historical Society. Erleen was an avid River Cats fan, having been a Season's Ticket holder since the team began. Known as a renowned International traveler, she also took much pleasure in playing Bingo and team bowling. In her spare time, she was a seamstress, having sewed for many friends, family and acquaintances. In lieu of flowers, please forward any donations to: Soroptimist International of West Sacramento Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 94, West Sacramento, CA 95691. Viewing will be held at Harry A. Nauman and Son Funeral Home, 4041 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento on Sunday, December 16th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at Harry A. Nauman and Son on Monday, December 17th at 1:00 p.m. followed by Graveside Service at Odd Fellows Lawn Sacramento, CA, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Celebration of Life and potluck at her home in West Sacramento. Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 14, 2012.  Read more here.

West Sacramento City Hall decorated for the holidays

The holiday tree in front of our City hall stands tall and bright even though storms caused the annual West Sacramento Christmas tree lighting party to be cancelled this year.

New Water Tower on Jefferson Boulevard

A new 80-foot cell tower designed to resemble a water tower has been installed at 3200 Jefferson Blvd., near Tower Mart and Linden Road. On one side is a mural of wine grapes and the other side says The City of West Sacramento.  

Remembering Stephanie Ann Reynolds

Stephanie Ann Wilson Reynolds,  January 8, 1962 - November 19, 2012.  

Stephanie was my carpool mate for almost 20 years, and we commuted to and from UC Davis everyday. In 2009, Steph was forced to retire due to declining health. We continued to have great times together and last January we went to Las Vegas to celebrate her 50th birthday. Steph leaves her dear sister Jeannette Reiff and husband Gary, nieces Maddy, Cece and Sophie, her favorite aunt Sharon Kay Dalton, her mom Shirley Wilson and her dog daughter and constant companion, "Lexi", aka Lexington Sweet and Sassy. Steph was preceded in death by the love of her life Greg "Mongo" Reynolds. Those who wish to remember Stephanie can make a donation to the Scleroderma Foundation in her honor. I sure miss you Steph!

Remembering John Ohlson June 21, 1915 - November 23, 2012

OHLSON, John Algoth June 21, 1915 - November 23, 2012 John Algoth Ohlson, 97, died peacefully in his West Sacramento home on November 23, 2012. John was an active community member in the Sacramento area for six decades, was loved by many for his generous heart and community spirit, and he will be missed. John was born in New Haven, Connecticut and at the age of three moved to North Park, Illinois. At the age of ten John began what would be a life-long love of the creative arts, by taking classes in printmaking. John began making yearly linoleum block greeting cards of great beauty. He continued sending friends and family these cards well into his nineties. Another life-long love was his love of books and movable-type printing. He was a member of the Sacramento Book Collector's Club for several decades. John printed announcements, invitations, letterhead and posters for the club and for numerous organizations, with his movable-type presses. John pursued his college education at North Park College for two years, transferring to Northwestern University and graduating with a degree in Psychology. He continued his studies with graduate work at Stanford University. While at Stanford, he became interested in the Society of Friends and became a Quaker. He served as a firefighter during World War II for his alternate service. Then he was sent to Duke University in North Carolina to continue his alternate service as a psychiatric orderly. In 1938 John met Grace Kneedler. Their courtship continued through the world war and they were married in 1945. The one event that brought John sadness in his later years was losing Grace in 2000. John and Grace lived in Durham, North Carolina, where John became a Psychologist on the staff at Duke University. Their daughter, Mary Britta, was born there in 1947, and their son Nils, was born in 1950. When John got a job at California's state mental hygiene clinic, the family moved back to California. In the 1950's John became involved in local politics. He was elected to the Yolo county Democratic Central Committee, a position he held for over 50 years. John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and loved times spent with family. He loved hiking and camping in the Sierras, and did so yearly until age 96. John is survived by daughter Mary B. Ohlson of El Cerrito, son Nils Ohlson of Alameda, grandchildren Isabel Malonzo, Daniel Ohlson Sundheim, and Jackson Crowe Sundheim, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2pm at West Sacramento's City Hall, 1110 W. Capital, West Sacramento. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 30, 2012 Read more here

The West Sacramento Historical Society has published a wonderful memoir honoring long time West Sacramentan John Ohlson. Read more about his life in this article by Louisa R. Vessell on their website.

Feed West Sacramento

Whitey's Jolly Kone graciously hosted a 'Drive Thru' Canned Food Drive benefiting Yolo County Children's Alliance, Out of the Box Ministries, and the Christmas Basket Project on Sunday. Thank you to all folks who stopped by with donations of canned and boxed foods, toys and clothing for the Holiday "Drive Thru" Community Food Drive!

Mother Nature prepares her holiday dressing

Carolyn sent us this great photo of some very festive Madrona trees she saw yesterday...Thanks C...they do remind me the holidays are coming soon! Trivia:  The Salinan, Miwok, Pomo, and other California tribes have long used the berries of Pacific madrone for food and to make cider and the berries were strung to make necklaces. Bark tea was drunk to treat colds and sore throats and Pomo women used an infusion of the bark as an astringent beauty wash to close the pores and soften the skin on their faces.

RIP Richard Finley

Baseball has always played a big part of the social life of kids who grew up in West Sacramento.  Any of my friends who played or hung around with those who played Little League, Babe Ruth and Legion Base Ball will remember Dick Finley.

Richard Finley went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 30, 2012. Richard was born on February 7, 1926 to Claude E. and Irma Finley. He graduated from Grant Union High School in 1943 and joined the Navy during World War II. After being discharged from the Navy, Richard worked at the railroad for 15 years. God opened doors for Richard to work at the West Sacramento Fire Department for 23 years. There he became a loyal employee and moved up the ladder to become Fire Marshall. Richard enjoyed RVing and fishing with friends and family. He coached Babe Ruth and Little League for 15 years and loved every minute of the game and kids. During his coaching career, Richard helped 3 young people become Major League Players. His true hobby and passion was gardening for others. He would grow produce and distribute it amongst his family, friends and his church. Everyone knew that Richard grew the best cantaloupe in West Sacramento and maybe the country. He is survived by and remains in the hearts of his beloved wife Ruth E. Finley, brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Sandy Finley. His children, Bruce (Linda) Finley, Brook (Rodney) Egbert, Bridget (Wayne) Lukins. Also 7 step-children Debbie Raines, Cindy Sasser, Judy Weller, Patty Little, Jenny Corder, Barbara Haugan and Jerry Fevold. He had 5 grandsons and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at Tyler St. Church of Christ at 10:00 A.M. November 10, 2012, 5029 Tyler St. Sacramento, CA near Highway 80 and Madison Ave. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 9, 2012 at 11:00 A.M at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery 5810 Midway Rd. Dixon, CA 95620. River Cities Funeral Chapel Published in The Sacramento Bee on November 6, 2012 Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=richard-finley&pid=160897714#storylink=cpy

Pack 49 Community Service Presentation

Cub Scout Pack 49 presented the West Sacramento VFW Post 8762 with a bench that was handcrafted by the Scouts, with a little help from some of the dads, at their fundraiser breakfast held at the Post on Sunday.

City of Slow Rivers-A love letter to Sacramento

Check out this great spoken word piece by outgoing poet laureate Bob Stanley; “City of Slow Rivers”. The accompanying video was produced by Capital Public Radio’s Andrew Nixon, and combined I believe they make a terrific love letter to the city of Sacramento. Enjoy and share! Thanks Andrew Nixon for sharing this with us! -------- Published on October 19, 2012 by Isaac Gonzalez in Arts and Entertainment, Sacramento News, Top Stories, Uniquely Sacramento, Video

Honoring Grandpa Frank Norton

"Growing up in Broderick" by Frank Norton

https://west-sacramento.blogspot.com/2022/07/growing-up-in-broderick-california.html

My grandpa, Frank Norton was born on this day in 1910 in Broderick, CA. My sister and I are third generation West Sacramentans. This was grandpa's badge when he was Commissioner of the Washington Fire Department. Just a little bit of history to honor my grandpa's memory. He was the ultimate story teller and historian on the history of The Town of Washington, Broderick and West Sacramento.  Post by Debbie.

"Growing up in Broderick" by Frank Norton

Birthday Bash for Russ Solomon - 87 Years Strong!

Russell Solomon and friends gathered to celebrate his 87th birthday last night at the Elkhorn Saloon on the Old River Road in West Sacramento. Russ was born  in Sacramento in 1925 and was founder of the world-wide music store empire Tower Records. How many of you had your first job at the old Tower Records Warehouse in West Sacramento. Photo Courtesy of Kiny McCarrick.

Endeavour passing over West Sacramento

How exciting it was in Sacramento this morning as everyone eagerly waited to catch a glimpse of the space shuttle Endeavour as she (SacBee.com photo) passed over our State Capitol Building. The above shot is from my front yard as she set off on her return journey to Southern California to be permanently displayed in a museum. Endeavour flew 25 times, mostly to supply the International Space Station. It spent 299 days in space and circled Earth nearly 4,700 times, logging 123 million miles.