Land Park News - Jan. 8, 2015

January 8, 2015 | www.valcomnews.com

Land Park News — Bringing you community news for 24 years —

Over the Fence............................................. 2 Lance Armstrong history feature............ 13 Matías Bombal’s Hollywood. .................... 14 Home Improvement Guide........................ 15 Calendar..................................................... 17

Spencer’s Framing celebrates 30 years See page 2

Crest Theatre’s history includes classic film showings, live music performances See page 13

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Land Park News w w w. va l c o m n e w s . c o m E-mail stories & photos to: editor@valcomnews.com The Land Park News is published on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in the area bounded by Broadway to the north, Interstate 5 on the west, Florin Road on the south and Freeport Boulevard/21st Street on the east.

Publisher....................................................................... George Macko General Manager......................................................... Kathleen Egan Editor............................................................................... Monica Stark Art Director......................................................................John Ochoa Advertising Executives Linda Pohl, Melissa Andrews Distribution/Subscriptions....................................... George Macko Copyright 2014 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Vol. XXIV • No. 1 2709 Riverside Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95818 t: (916) 429-9901 f: (916) 429-9906 Cover by: Staff

Other photos Greg Brown Lance Armstrong

By Greg Brown

work out after speaking to the Parks Director. He mentioned issues on “salary and such” and that the issue isn’t settled, but New Replacement For The he hoped it would be. Lori Harder then said, “It’s actually coming together nicely.”

Irreplaceable Daisy Mah? So, it looks like there will be a new replaceLand Park Rock Garden superstar Daisy ment for the hard to replace Daisy Mah early Mah has been retired from the city of Sac- next year. Let’s hope Parks and Recreation is ramento for over a year now. She’s proba- under the “salary cap.” bly furiously mulching and tending to her own backyard garden right now. A lot of You’ve Been Framed Land Park residents who enjoy the Land Park Rock Garden were concerned they’d Spencer’s Custom Framing, located in the never find a suitable replacement for Daisy. strip mall at 5101 Freeport Blvd., will soon Those are some tough garden gloves to fill. be celebrating their 30th anniversary in HolThere was an online petition with more lywood Park. It’s a true local treasure. I rethan 600 signatures that pleaded with the cently talked to the owner Terry Spencer, who city of Sacramento to find a qualified re- was sipping coffee and working on a couple of placement for Daisy. framing projects. She said, “I get to start where The petition and saber rattling worked be- the artist stops.” cause Parks and Recreation was listening.

It’s fun to shoot the breeze with Terry and Parks and Rec spoke to Human Resourc- talk about the neighborhood. She’s lived in es and have finished a brand new classification Hollywood Park with her husband Roger for for the position Daisy Mah once occupied. Ac- more than 35 years. “I’ve been walking to work cording to Parks and Rec’s Lori Harder, who for 30 years,” Terry told me. spoke at the Land Park Community AssociHer loyal customers rave about her talation meeting last month, “It’s to not just ad- ent and skill with custom framing. Just dress the Land Park Rock Garden, but also ask Yelp, she gets rave reviews! Terry was other specialty gardens like community gar- working on some beautiful antique oval dens and those that take a lot of input from portrait frames and rejuvenating some the community.” This newly created position civil war memorabilia when I was at the will be given a grand title, and a salary scale shop. If you need anything framed for the just below Park Supervisor. In other words… holidays, check out Spencer’s and tell Termore money for more expertise. A Land Park ry, “Happy Anniversary!” garden superstar!

One Land Park resident stood up at the Got an item for Over The Fence? Email Greg@ meeting and expressed concern it wouldn’t valcomnews.com. greg@valcomnews.com

CalBRE# 01394956

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The Best of the Land Park News 2014 Dear readers, This year, the Land Park News has enjoyed bringing you stories about your neighbors and about the history that has made up the community you call home. What follows are summaries and excerpts from some of our favorite stories from the past year. Also, see some of the best photos of the year on page 19. Additionally, movie reviewer Matias Bombal shares with readers the top five movies he has reviewed for Valley Community Newspapers since he started writing for us in 2014. Without further adieu, here are the top stories and columns selected by staff this year.

Sincerely, Monica Stark Over the Fence: Political Sign Season by Greg Brown: Some folks feel so strongly about a candidate they put a political sign in their front yard for the whole neighborhood to see. It’s a political endorsement. I’ve seen them all over. Vote for Fong. Cohn for Assembly. JAY for City Council – political clutter dotting the tree-lined streets of Sacramento.

But what if you were out and about all day and come home to a political sign staked in your front yard without your approval?

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Some local residents have told me they have had people from the Kevin McCarty campaign sneaking lawn signs in their front yard without prior approval or knowledge. Council member McCarty is running for State Assembly against his fellow City Council member Steve Cohn.

Local real estate agent Matt Bistis, who lives in Hollywood Park, told me he and his wife were running errands one day and when they arrived home somebody had stuck a bright yellow McCarty For Assembly sign on their front lawn. Matt told me he “doesn’t do political lawn signs”….especially in his line of work. He had to pull it out and toss it in the trash.

Perhaps it’s an innocent mistake or just sloppy campaign work. But it doesn’t seem to be an isolated incident.

A woman named Melanie from Curtis Park, who didn’t want her last name used, told me she had left for a couple of hours on a Saturday and came home to find a Kevin McCarty sign staked in her front yard after her husband specifically told McCarty’s campaign representative “We are NOT OK with signs being placed in our yard.” Since the McCarty camp ignored the couple’s wishes, they picked it up, took it apart, and placed it in

the garbage. She added, “A shame and a wasteful campaign practice…I will not be voting for McCarty!”

Another person who got a McCarty For Assembly sign she didn’t ask for was Michelle La Grandeur. She actually has one for Jay Schenirer. Michelle said, “The McCarty team came around with leaflets and such. I took one and said I’d probably vote for him, but they didn’t ask if I wanted a sign, and I didn’t ask for one either.”

Michelle got a McCarty For Assembly sign on her lawn last week and promptly removed it.

My wife reminded me that WE got hit by the rogue McCarty sign placers when he was running against Roger Dickinson in the last election. We never asked for a sign, but my wife had contacted his campaign. No yard sign was ever discussed.

I called McCarty campaign headquarters and asked a woman named Kathryn why would residents get lawn signs they never asked for? She told me, “They got it because that address was on a list of people who have requested yard signs.”

I told her none of these folks requested lawn signs. She replied, “We are human. Humans do make mistakes. That’s why God invented eras-

ers. That’s why we put the note on the porch.”

The McCarty campaign usually leaves a note that says “If you didn’t request this lawn sign and this is a mistake, please call us and we’ll pick it up.”

I left a voicemail with McCarty’s campaign manager, but she never returned my call.

So if your neighbor has a McCarty sign in their front yard…don’t assume they’re voting for McCarty.

They just haven’t gotten home from grocery shopping.

Veteran hotel proprietor, William Land, accumulated fortune in Sacramento by Lance Armstrong: In being that William Land Park and the Land Park community owe their names to former Sacramento Mayor William Land (1837-1911), it seems logical that from time to time, the community’s newspaper, the Land Park News, pay tribute to this locally legendary man.

Land, a New York native who came to California in 1860, once worked as a sweeper and a busboy at the Western Hotel on K Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets. He later became one of See William Land, page 4

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William Land: Continued from page 3

the city’s most successful and wealthiest residents, as his estate would be eventually valued at about $2 million.

The kindhearted nature of Land will always be remembered, especially with his greatest gift, the $250,000 he bequeathed for what would eventually become William Land Park.

During his tenure as mayor from 1898 to 1899, William Land loaned the city $80,000, interest-free, for the purpose of reducing taxes and retiring city bonds.

Local artist created famous artwork for Van Halen album by Lance Armstrong: C.K. McClatchy High School graduate Margo K. Nahas has accomplished many things in her life as an artist, but none of her achievements in that field have brought her more attention than her artwork that appears on the cover of the album, “MCMLXXXIV” (Roman numerals for “1984”), by the globally famous rock band, Van Halen.

In being a milestone anniversary year for the release of that album, which reached number two on the Billboard magazine album chart behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” it is quite timely to share a few details related to that album’s cover.

During her interview with this publication last year, Margo provided behind the scenes information regarding the creation of the artwork that would eventually appear on the “MCMLXXXIV” album.

And as part of that segment of her interview, she noted that her famous

Van Halen album cover artwork of a mischievously looking cherub holding a cigarette was not originally intended to be used as cover art for any album.

“How it came about was my girlfriend (Colleen Helm) – my best friend – her son (Carter Helm) was about 3 years old and I just wanted to take a picture of him,” said Margo, who graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1967. “He was like the perfect model. He was just as cute as could be. I went over to their house (in Malibu) with my camera, lots and lots of candy, especially candy cigarettes, and my Dippity-do (hair styling gel). And so, I went in to style his hair and he immediately had a tantrum. But my girlfriend, knowing so much about babies, she said, ‘Just wait a minute and he’ll be fine.’ We waited a minute (and) I styled his hair in what I thought was a Mohawk (hairstyle) for a baby. You know, it was kind of a 1950s Mohawk, without shaving it.

We went outside in the backyard and I gave him candy, which he absolutely loved. He never smoked a cigarette, of course. They were all candy (cigarettes). And I set it up and it was perfect. I got the perfect shot.”

After taking her ideal photograph of Carter, Margo went to work on her project to create an illustration, which unbeknownst to her would later become recognized throughout the world.

In being that Margo was already well known for creating artwork for album covers of many well known rock bands, it was not an usual situation when she was asked to create the cover artwork for Van Halen’s sixth studio album.

Land Park News • January 8, 2015 • www.valcomnews.com

Photo by Lance Armstrong

Margo K. Nahas, a 1967 graduate of C.K. McClatchy High School, holds a copy of the rock band Van Halen’s album, MCMLXXXIV (1984), which included the band’s first number one single, “Jump.” The band selected Nahas’ artwork for the album’s cover 30 years ago.

Congratulations to our very own: Lance Armstrong: The Sacramento County Historical Society recognized Valley Community Newspapers’ very own historical writer, Lance Armstrong, at its annual dinner on Tuesday, March 25 at the Dante Club, 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd.

Lance’s early interest in history led to his many years of researching local histories and preserving historical documents, photographs and other historical items from throughout Sacramento County and other areas of the Golden State in his vast personal collection, which is recognized as the Lance Armstrong Collection.

After graduating from California State University, Sacramento with

degrees in journalism and music, Lance began his professional writing career, which includes his work for local newspapers such as the East Sacramento News, Land Park News, Arden-Carmichael News, Pocket News, Elk Grove Citizen, The Sacramento Union, Capitol Weekly, Sacramento Downtown News, Sacramento Midtown News, Old Sacramento News, Natomas Journal, The Folsom Telegraph and the Sacramento News and Review.

Lance, who is presently employed

by Valley Community Newspapers, has used his knowledge, researching abilities and personal archives in the process of producing local See Lance, page 5

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Lance:

Continued from page 4

history articles for each of these publications.

These informative and entertaining articles provide a valuable resource for the present and future understanding of the area’s rich history.

The majority of Lance’s local history articles include oral history quotations from his interviews with people from various levels of society.

In addition to his hundreds of local history newspaper articles, Lance is the author of Echoes of Yesterday: Elk Grove – the first book in his Echoes of Yesterday history book series.

In 2007, Echoes of Yesterday: Elk Grove was recognized as the nation’s top regional history book for that year by the American Authors Association. Lance is presently nearing the completion of several comprehensive history books about Sacramento from the times of Captain John Augustus Sutter to present.

Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery was founded more than a century ago

by Lance Armstrong: Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery at 2720 Riverside Blvd. is among the city’s historic cemeteries, as it dates back to the early part of the 20th century.

But that cemetery’s history links directly to earlier established burial grounds: the Odd Fellows plot at the old city cemetery, which is officially known today as the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery.

In telling the story of Odd Fellows burial sites in the capital city, it is perhaps best to present a brief in-

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troduction to the existence of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Sacramento.

General A.M. Winn, who would eventually become Sacramento’s first mayor to be elected under a state charter and the founder of the Native Sons of the Golden West, is recognized as introducing Odd Fellowship in the city as early as August 1849.

According to the 1913 book, “History of Sacramento County, California,” Winn desired to form that local, informal organization of Odd Fellows for the “purpose of affording relief to the sick members of the order, as well as to others.”

The same book praised the early work of the Odd Fellows, noting, “Their noble deeds should never be forgotten, for they spared neither time, work, nor money in relieving the distress and sickness that were prevalent at that time.”

Like the neighboring Masonic Lawn Cemetery, Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery is not limited in use to those associated with a respective fraternal order.

Odd Fellow Lawn’s manager Anthony F. “Tony” Pruitt assured the community that Odd Fellows Lawn has a stable future.

“We are here forever,” Pruitt said.

“Basically, as a fraternal organization, which owns this property, nothing is going to happen to this property. It will stay here and stay here. There are other (Odd Fellows) organizations that will take over for us, if we’re not here (some day). We have people in Stockton and in Yuba City, Shingle Springs, Placerville. It will always be Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery.”

Photo by Lance Armstrong

The Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery is located at 2720 Riverside Blvd. Its office, shown above, is located just inside the cemetery’s gates.

St. Joseph’s Cemetery: A place of memories by Lance Armstrong: The 149-year-old St. Joseph’s Cemetery on 21st Street, just south of Broadway, is one of the city’s oldest existing cemeteries.

Regarding that cemetery and an earlier established Catholic cemetery, on Sept. 8, 1864, The Sacramento Union published the following words: “Several years ago, a tract of land was purchased on the Lower Stockton Road, four miles from the city, by the St. Rose Church for burial purposes, which was afterward known as St. Rose Cemetery. On account of the distance from the city, it was finally determined to abandon that locality as a cemetery and purchase a new one, more conveniently situated. A week or two ago, a tract of land was purchased,

and yesterday the first interment in it took place. It is located south of Poverty Ridge and embraces about twenty acres. The ground was formerly known as Russell’s ranch, but was recently purchased of L. Stanford and others. No name has yet been adopted for the new cemetery.”

The first interment at St. Rose Cemetery was that of former Sacramento County Hospital steward Martin Kennedy, who was buried on Nov. 18, 1860. The cemetery grounds were consecrated on May 12, 1861.

As part of the establishment of the new Catholic cemetery, which would become known as St. Joseph’s Cemetery, arrangements were made for the remains of those See St. Joseph’s, page 6

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St. Joseph’s: Continued from page 5

who were buried at St. Rose Cemetery to be transferred and reinterred at the newly acquired site.

A reference to the Catholic cemetery on today’s 21st Street appeared in an article in the April 21, 1893 edition of The Union.

Prospecting through The Prospector: A look into early pages of McClatchy High’s student newspaper

by Lance Armstrong: The Prospector, C.K. McClatchy High School’s 76-year-old student-run newspaper, is as old as the school itself. And with a prospecting approach, this article delves into some of that paper’s early editions to pluck out a few of its nuggets – pun intended.

For those in the community who would have trouble figuring out that pun, it is best to review a bit about the school’s yearbook, The

Nugget, which was first published in 1938.

The Dec. 15, 1937 edition of The Prospector includes a front page article about the school’s annual.

While taking this ride down memory lane in search for golden kernels from times gone by, it became apparent that presenting selections of McClatchy High memories from the earlier years of The Prospect is a worthwhile endeavor that need not end with one article.

And with this understanding, readers of this publication should be on the lookout for similar articles in this paper in the future.

Remembering the Riverside Baths by Lance Armstrong: For decades, the Congregation B’nai Israel and Brookfield School have operated on property on the west side of Riverside Boulevard, between 11th and 13th avenues. But present day Sacramentans who are aware of what popular business previously operated in that area are undoubtedly of the minority.

In 1909, locals contributed to efforts to establish a swimming

Land Park News • January 8, 2015 • www.valcomnews.com

destination spot called the Riverside Baths, on the old Riverside Road at 11th Avenue.

With the assistance of community members who purchased stocks toward the construction of this local swimming center, the dream of that establishment became a reality.

The indoor pool was constructed through the Sacramento Riverside Bath & Park Co., which had its headquarters at 430 J St. For many years, the center, which would later be known as the Land Park Plunge, provided an alternative place to cool off for many Sacramentans during the warmer months of the year.

Advertisements for Riverside Baths often noted that the site’s 65-foot by 120-foot pool was filled with artesian water from a half-mile deep well and that the pool was emptied and cleaned each night.

According to a 1936 article in The Sacramento Union, the artesian water was highly mineralized, carried 600 percent less bacteria than approved drinking water and had a natural temperature of 82 degrees.

Photo courtesy of the Lance Armstrong Collection

The Riverside Baths on Riverside Boulevard opened in this enclosed building in 1909.

Certainly, one of the pool’s greatest attractions was its 60foot-tall swimming pool slide.

Various swimming competitions were held at the baths during the business’s early years.

Like many local amusement sites of earlier generations, the Land Park Plunge is but a distant memory, as it was closed in the mid-1950s.

But despite its absence, for most who remember it, Riverside Baths remains one of the most cherished recreational sites in the city’s history.

Mary Healy memorialized at the Sacramento Zoo by Monica Stark: Just outside the gates of the Sacramento Zoo, a solemn moment of silence filled the air on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 9 for the passing of Mary Healy, the zoo’s longtime director who died on Thursday, Aug. 7 while en route from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands.

She suffered a cerebral aneurysm, and later that day she was declared brain dead and

then suffered a massive coronary heart attack.

Mary was a leader in the community and a passionate advocate for animals. As was evident on Saturday, she is greatly missed by zoo staff, colleagues, supporters, the larger zoo community as well as neighbors from the Land Park area.

Saturday’s moment of silence came on the heels of the already planned unveiling of three sculptural bike racks, one resembling Mary’s favorite zoo animal – the giraffe, as well as a chimp and cheetah (which dons a gold medal around his neck) that were planted behind, as if they were chasing the 9-foot African mammal.

While Mary’s death occurred on a trip doing what she loved – learning about animals in their natural environments – she was also saddened that her vacation was scheduled at the same time See Mary, page 7

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Metal sculpture artist Gina Rossi dedicated a giraffe bike rack she made to Mary Healy, the late director of the Sacramento Zoo. Gina was commissioned by the Land Park Community Association to make animal bike racks and since giraffes were reportedly Mary’s favorite animal at the zoo, Gina decided to put a heart with Mary’s name inside the giraffe.

Mary:

Continued from page 6

of the unveiling of the bike racks, Jane Richardson of the Land Park Community Association told the Land Park News on Friday.

Commissioned by the LPCA, the animals are the latest bike racks by midtown welder Gina Rossi as a donation to the Sacramento Zoo. Made from hundreds of horseshoes from various northern California ranches, Gina said she wanted the bike racks to be made from recycled materials and when the idea came to her to use old horseshoes she thought how perfect it would be that they were once attached to an animal. “I was fascinated from a historical end – the rebirth of something that once was. It was challenging to think outside the box.” But as the saying goes: “Someone else’s junk is someone else’s treasures.”

Jane recalled Mary’s excitement over the bike racks during the conception phase.

“Mary wanted the bike racks not to be necessarily interpretative of those at the zoo.

You could never play with them (the live animals). (Gina’s) creation is interactive. It’s unique. It is art that is structurally sound and you could use it for your bike.”

Upon speaking about the process of nailing down which animals she was going to make Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

bike racks to resemble, Gina recanted a tour of the zoo she had with Mary Healy. “When she gave me a tour around the zoo, she was passionate about the giraffes. Mary really loved the giraffe. It was one of her animal must-haves.”

Born in 1953, Mary began her career in the zoo profession as a bird keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina. Years later, after a stint with a Disney animal park, she made her debut as the Sacramento Zoo Director in December of 1999. Under Mary’s direction, a fullscale veterinary hospital was built at the Sacramento Zoo and renovations for new habitats have been completed for lemurs, Thick-billed Parrots, Giant Anteaters, Ground Hornbills, Burrowing Owls, Yellow-billed Magpies, Tamanduas, giraffes, Red Pandas and North American River Otters.

Mary would come to the quarterly neighborhood association meetings and Jane recalls speaking with her at least once a quarter. What comes to mind in regard to Mary, Jane said: “She had such intelligence and was such a leader too. She was a very powerful communicator and (exhibited) the passion for what she did with the animals and zoology. (Mary’s passion) went much beyond the zoo. She planned on having many new things happen See Giraffe’s heart, page 8

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Giraffe’s heart: Continued from page 7

at the zoo. From new exhibits to train excursions (from Old Sacramento to the zoo), she was full of ideas. She was not only passionate, but she led her vision to fruition.”

Adding symbolism to the late zoo director’s love of giraffes and the appreciation Gina has over Mary’s dedication to the animals at the Sacramento Zoo, the artist wrote in paint on the giraffe’s red heart, “Mary Healy 19532014” on the front and a testament to Mary’s impact on the zoo on the back: “Inside

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of (the giraffe) it has a 6-inch by 6-inch heart on a chain. I put the whole message of who she is on that heart. (Mary) is the heart of Land Park, the heart of the Sacramento Zoo and I want her to feel it. I am going to put neat things about her passion,” Gina said.

On a chain, the giraffe’s heart has constant movement, which Gina likens to Mary’s spirit floating through William Land Park.

Gina said she remembers one day when she was about 8 years old she, her mother and her brother were walking around the perimeter of the zoo, trying to peak

through the cracks in the fencing. “We couldn’t afford to get in. One of the people let us in. They were really, really sweet. They figured it out. It was really neat because we got to hang out in there. No matter how bad (life) was, it was OK (at the zoo). Animals don’t know anything. They only know love. It’s weird when I was in third grade I went there; now I am the one who gets to imprint something. That zoo had touched so many people’s lives. That zoo does so much for people. I’m glad to be a part of it. It’s just a neat thing.”

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Gina is a self-taught artist, and one who has embraced those less fortunate to participate in the creative process of creating the zoo’s new bike racks. “(Homeless people) would sit there and clean off the rust (on the horseshoes).

We have that rapport. It was a neat experience. We’ve had conversations. At the end of the day, they felt needed. They felt they were doing a service. You got to know their story. They always have a back story.”

As important as it was to listen to their stories, Gina was drawn to learning about the history behind the hundreds of horseshoes she welded together to make the bike racks. Recognizing the fact each horseshoe has had its own journey, Gina said one of the farmers she received boxes of horseshoes from, Samuel,“a little old man” told her the stories behind a few of the horseshoes.

Recanting those conversations between she and Samuel, Gina said: “(Samuel) is the coolest little guy. I got to eat his apples. He had about 10 dogs, and a cat. He talked about the journey of the horseshoes and the lives they touched before they got ready to weld. A few of (the horseshoes) were from the 1950s, for sure. You can just tell the different work on each one. There’s writing on

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A nurse for Kaiser Permanente, Gina said she puts in 20 hours a week at the hospital after deciding in 2009 she wanted to open up an art studio and not further her career in the medical field. “I had to decide if I wanted to become a physician’s assistant or weld.”

And,well,she’s a self-proclaimed scrapper who went to Oakland to figure it all it.“I became certified as a welder and decided I wanted to teach our youth, our kids, retired people – anybody who wanted to pick up a hobby and not pay high crazy prices.”

Gina writes on her website (in the second person) that her childhood was laced with many difficulties: “Although her experiences may not have been entirely unique, her response to these challenges definitely sets her apart.”

Asked for this article to describe her challenging childhood, she said, “In a nutshell, my mom was schizophrenic, and my brother has a handicap. That’s why Sacramento means so much to me. The moments like that – there are all these challenges and what do you do with those? How do you turn to something cool that will make a difference?

Whether it be with wives, battered kids – I do pro bono pieces. I bring them into the studio. I get them to feel and believe again that there is possibility – doesn’t matter (one’s background).”

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Zoo:

Continued from page 8

them. (One read) London. They have this inscribed stuff on them. Samuel was trying to educate me on the metal work back in the day.”

Samuel’s stories, stories about Mary’s love of animals, Gina’s artistic talent – all comes full circle and will be enjoyed for years to come as visitors arrive to the Sacramento Zoo. Despite Daisy Mah’s retirement, she still dedicates time to the WPA Rock Garden by Lance Armstrong: Daisy Mah, whose name has become synonymous with the rock garden in William Land Park, certainly has a story to tell about her longtime dedication to the garden.

Despite having retired last year from her many years as head of the garden, which she named the WPA Rock Garden in the mid-1990s, Mah has not entirely left the garden.

Although Duane Goosen became her replacement at the nearly one-acre garden in January 2014, Mah can still be seen working in the garden, generally twice per week in the morning hours.

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In discussing her continued involvement with the garden, Mah said, “At the end of July, I returned (to the garden). They call me a utility worker, which is a temporary parks employee. I am currently still at that position and I try to limit it to twice a week. I’m still helping with the maintenance.”

Mah, who was born in the capital city and raised in Walnut Grove, added that part of her work in the garden has been sharing her knowledge about the place with Goosen.

“There are a lot of unusual things that I’ve planted and it’s hard to know what they are,” said Mah, who graduated from Delta High School in Clarksburg in 1971. “There are no labels to speak of, and so Duane is truly interested in knowing what’s out there. He’s a very good photographer, and I think he has pretty much identified all of the plants.”

Mah explained that throughout the years she learned many things about maintaining a successful garden.

“Eventually I kind of turned my nose to some of the plants that were in the garden,” Mah said. “Over the years, you realize that some of the plants that you thought were so common were ac-

Photo by Lance Armstrong

Daisy Mah stands in front of the WPA Rock Garden. The sign for the garden in the background was created by Sacramento artist Jim Ford.

tually very good plants to have. I also learned that (the garden) was subject to people running through and breaking things and stealing plants. I learned that if you cleared out plants too early and tried to replant, your chances of survival are really bad. I learned to appreciate that there was something

there to build upon, instead of eradicating it and starting from scratch.”

In explaining how long it took her to reach her first overall satisfaction with the garden, Mah said, “It took a long time. It was a big struggle to get things See Daisy Mah, page 10

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Daisy Mah:

said.“And personally, it’s been a source of unending challenges and pleasure.”

to survive. And it probably was about 12 years ago, (when) I finally could admit that things were looking the way I wanted (them) to look. It wasn’t completely the way I wanted it, and part of it was keeping plants maybe longer than I should. (It) was a very challenging area.”

Mah, who resides in midtown Sacramento with her husband, John Hickey, who she married in 1979, added that she eventually became involved in attracting wildlife to the garden.

Overall, Mah, whose present activities include home gardening and her involvement as a member of the Sacramento Perennial Plant Club, finds the garden to be a place that she feels proud of having restored and very satisfied by the joy it continuously brings to its visitors. “(People) find (the garden to be) a beautiful place and I think they have found a lot of satisfaction from it,” Mah

Land Park artist’s latest works dedicated to his late father by Lance Armstrong: Sacramento artist Jeff Myers, whose studio is located in Land Park, last fall presented a solo art exhibition, titled “The Nature of Droids & Machines.” The works of the show are dedicated to his late father, Tom Myers, who was a national level photographer.

The oil on canvas and oil on wood exhibition debuted at the Alex Bult Gallery at 1114 21st St. with preview and opening night receptions, and continued through Dec. 6. In an interview with this publication, Jeff spoke about the relationship he had with his father and the impact that he made on his life. “(Tom was) the most dominant character in my life in a positive way, and I spent just hundreds and hundreds of hours with him going all over the West

Continued from page 9

Photo by Lance Armstrong

Sacramento artist Jeff Myers stands near one of the 21 paintings of his solo art exhibition, The Nature of Droids & Machines, which was held late last year at the Alex Bult Gallery in midtown Sacramento.

10

Land Park News • January 8, 2015 • www.valcomnews.com

See Jeff Myers, page 12

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11

Jeff Myers: Continued from page 10

on different photography assignments,” Jeff said. “And, of course, he built this remarkable photo library of the West from politics (to) animals. And together, he would take me on these photo journeys. One day would be for photographing like the tallest redwood for National Geographic and then next, we would be photographing (in) Salt Lake City in a helicopter for some magazine or for our own files. So, his adventuresome (personality), his curiosity, his humor (and) his love for people in life, just absolutely sustained my own life with those aspects. And that is just invaluable, and I can’t believe he’s gone. It was just an awesome relationship. (Tom was a) remarkable human being. I know that relationship has ended, but I feel like I lived twice because of him. I painted this entire body of work after his passing. He passed on April 7

12

and I painted this body of work between April 7 and now.”

Jeff, who attended Crocker (elementary) School (at 1616 Vallejo Way) and graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1986, also spoke about his early involvement with art.

“I kind of grew up in a family environment that revolved around visual creativity,” Jeff said. “I can’t remember a certain starting point. Growing up with them, I had a camera in my hand very early on.

Before that (part of his life), I had probably a paint brush in my hand. But I started very seriously (with painting) about 30 years ago. I had my first one-person show (in 1984), when I was 15 years old, (at DeVille’s Desserts at 2416 16th St.). I started very young, very serious. That’s all I did after school was paint.”

Jeff, who resides in midtown Sacramento with his wife, Sonja, noted that his current exhibition, which features 21 works ranging in size from 16 inches

Land Park News • January 8, 2015 • www.valcomnews.com

by 16 inches to 66 inches by 59 inches, represents “the relationship between land, technology and humans.” The subjects of these works are motorcycles, tractors and droids.

Happy 90th birthday, Al Balshor by Lance Armstrong: Sacramento native Antonio Alberto “Al” Balshor, a man known for his longtime ownership of Balshor Florist on Riverside Boulevard, just south of Broadway, celebrated his 90th birthday last November.

Al, who was born on Nov. 22, 1924, grew up in a large family in a home at 315 U St., near Southside Park.

Al was educated in local schools, as he first attended the very integrated Lincoln School, was a student at William Land Elementary School before returning to Lincoln School for the 7th, 8th and 9th grades.

Next, Al attended Sacramento High School, where he played on the school’s football team and graduated in 1942.

Photo by Lance Armstrong

Sacramento native Al Balshor, who has worked and resided in the Land Park area for the past 64 years, recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Al continued to speak about his many years of working, noting that he once had three Sacramento Bee routes, sold programs for boxing matches, pitched watermelons at the Sacramento Farmers Market, washed bottles at Jones Howell pickle works, and worked as a motorcycle courier. After being drafted into the Army in 1943, Al was sent to Camp Carson (now Fort Carson) in Colorado. Six months later, Al went to Nashville, Tenn.

Then in December 1943, he was sent to Camp Kilmer, near New Brunswick, N.J. In 1946, Al became one of the charter members of Southside American Legion Post 662.

Al, who is also a longtime member of the Sacramento Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Southside Improvement Club, the American Portuguese Club and the Portuguese Historical and Cultural Society, also spoke about his wife, Marie, who he first met on her family’s farm in Dixon in 1934

when he was 9 years old and Marie was 6 years old. “(Al’s sister), Lucille, and Marie (who had developed a longtime dislike for Al during an incident in Dixon that ended in a water fight) went to the Pelican Club (at 2231 10th St.) one night,” Al said. “(Marie) happened to go there with my sister. So, we ended up there, had a couple of drinks and then we went to the Swing Club at (541 N. 16th St.).

They had a band and Marie and I were dancing. When the dance was over, I gave her a kiss on the cheek and we’ve been in love ever since. We used to have bands in those days. That was in (April) 1947 and we got married on Jan. 1, 1948, on New Year’s Day. We got married in Dixon at St. Peter’s Church.” The couple eventually had three children, Judie, Al, Jr. and Jerry.

While dating Marie, in 1947, Al went to work at Relles Florist at 2220 J St. by way of the GI Bill.

In 1950, Al opened the original location of Balshor Florist at 730 O St. Twenty-two years later, a plan to redevelop the site forced Al to relocate his business to its present location at 2661 Riverside Blvd.

In describing his business, Al said, “We’re a certified, allaround florist – a full service florist. We do weddings, parties, we do funerals, anything.

We’re just a full fledged florist. We’re qualified to do anything we need to do.”

Sixty-four years after establishing Balshor Florist, Al remains very active in the operations of his business.

“I got out of the service on Nov. 4, 1945, and I opened my shop up on Nov. 4, 1950,” Al said. “And I still work every day, six days a week. That’s what keeps me young.”

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Crest Theatre’s history includes classic film showings, live music performance

By LANCE ARMSTRONG Lance@valcomnews.com

Note: This is the second article in a series about Land Park resident Laura “Sid” Garcia-Heberger.

The Crest Theatre is considered by many people in the community to be one of the most treasured landmarks of the capital city. And among those who have the most knowledge about this historic movie house at 1013 K St. is Ltand Park resident Sid Garcia-Heberger.

For more than half of her life, and until recently, Sid was directly involved with the operations of the iconic theater.

Sid mentioned that she began working at the Crest 28 years ago, or more specifically in late October 1986, when, as she said, she “was mostly cleaning and scrubbing and painting” in preparation for the theater’s soft reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15, 1986 and its grand reopening three days later.

“In recalling those openings, Sid said, “We did a soft opening of (the 1954 film), ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business,’ (for the soft reopening, and for the grand reopening), we screened (a then-new Technicolor print of the 1952 film), ‘Singin’ in the Rain,’ and Donald O’Connor (19252003) attended in person.”

O’Connor, who co-starred in both of the aforementioned films, also cut the ribbon to officially reopen the theater. He had arrived to the theater in a stretch limousine and was applauded by attendees of the event.

O’Connor’s guest appearance at the reopening of the Crest, which had begun a period of vacancy in August 1985, did not mark the only time that famous motion pic-

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ture stars attended films at the Crest.

For instance, Kathryn Grayson (1922-2010), Mario Lanza (1921-1959), George Murphy (1902-1992), Ann Miller (1923-2004) and other screen favorites of that time attended the theater’s Oct. 6, 1949 grand opening showing of ‘That Midnight Kiss.’

Also in attendance on that gala evening were Gov. Earl Warren and Mayor Belle Cooledge.

Sid, who was also working the candy counter and box office at the Arden Fair 6 Cinemas during the early part of her time with the Crest, recalled that she came to the Crest with some valuable experience.

“I was one of the few people involved in the reopening of the Crest that had movie theater experience, though concessions is probably, other than the technical side of it, one of the more, you know, complex parts of a theater,” Sid said. “So, that’s where I landed and within just a little over a year, I started taking manager shifts, as well. And I was actually, in many cases, manager on duty, but also running the concession stand.”

Sid’s involvement in the Crest drastically increased in 1988, when she purchased stock in CSLM, Inc., the corporation that then-ran the Crest.

In speaking about that corporation, Sid said, “(CSLM, Inc.) stands for the two main people who were involved in reopening the theater – Charles Soderquist, who has since passed away, and Linda McDonagh, who no longer lives in the area. They were the two stockholders in the corporation when the theater was reopened.

“Linda left about six months after the reopening of the the-

ater, and at that time, (several other) people purchased her stock. So, she left in 1987.

Charlie bought some of her stock and then three others purchased the remainder of her stock. They are Andy Field, Gary Schroeder and Bill Heberger. Bill subsequently became my husband in 1994. We got married on June 25, 1994.”

When the Crest changed management two months ago, Sid, Andy Field and Gary Schroeder were the corporation’s remaining stockholders.

After being asked to share some of her early memories about the Crest, Sid quickly mentioned several films that were shown at the theater in 1989.

“In 1989, it was a banner year for movies and the Crest,” Sid said. “‘Gone with the Wind,’ ‘(The) Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Wuthering Heights’ all had their 50th anniversaries in 1989, and the Crest had runs of all of those films. Those studios put out brand new prints of those feature films and they were very successful screenings for the Crest. So, that was a big year for us.”

Beyond showing films, the Crest has also been known for its use as a live music venue.

Sid explained that although the first live music show at the Crest was an 8 p.m. performance by The Shirelles on Jan. 31, 1987, a plan to host live music shows at the theater dated back to 1986.

Photo by Matías Bombal

Sid Garcia-Heberger sits inside her office at the Crest Theatre last September.

“We reopened the theater with films, (and) with the intention that we would also (present) live shows,” Sid said. “So, we got the theater reopened and kind of got all the bugs sorted out with film screenings and then began presenting live shows in January of 1987. Live shows are a little bit of longer leads in terms of bookings and in terms of promotions.

“Linda McDonagh was the owner-operator of the Palms Playhouse in Davis, which is a small venue. So, her idea was that with the Crest, she would then be able to present some of the bigger musical acts.”

Sid added that Soderquist, who owned an environmental testing lab in Sacramento, knew McDonagh through shows that he attended at the Palms.

Among the more notable musical artists who performed at the Crest were Cab Calloway,

Taj Mahal, Etta James, Merle Haggard, the Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, No Doubt, Olivia Newton John, Sun Ra, John Mayall, Megadeth, Primus and Social Distortion.

The last live music show presented at the Crest was a performance by ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.

In recalling her experience of presenting that concert, Sid said, “Our last live show was Oct. 25. We have worked with many artists over the years, but Jake is just one of the nicest people in show business, and I can’t think of (a) better person to end a 28-year run with than someone like Jake.

He and his tour manager both were quite saddened by the news that we were leaving the Crest and they were just so generous and so fabulous. It really was a tremendous night and a great way to end a 28-year run.”

www.valcomnews.com • January 8, 2015 • Land Park News

13

Matias Bombal’s top five movies of the year (that he reviewed for VCN) In order of greatness, Matias Bombal has selected the following films as the best in 2014: “The Immigrant,” “Fading Gigolo,” “Magic in the Moonlight,” “I Origins,” “Only Lovers Left Alive.” He lists “Chef ” and “Kill the Messenger” as runners up.

NEW YEAR, FRESH START

1. “The Immigrant”: Set in 1921, a Polish immigrant arrives to Ellis Island with her sister with hope for the future after the Great War, were she had witnessed her parents massacred by soldiers. On the ship, her sister became ill in the squalor of steerage and was separated from her by the immigration authorities to be confined in the hospital on the island. With her family gone, her bond with her sister is vital. Remarkable and strong Ewa, played by Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard, must find a way to find her sister and not be deported herself.

This movie has captured the Ellis Island experience vividly and is beautifully mounted.

The music is lush and appropriate, never intrusive, but highly melodic, both in Christopher Spelman’s original music, and the other well known orchestral pieces selected.

2. “Fading Gigolo”: Set in the Chasidic neighborhood of New York City, John Turturro plays Fioravante, who in the opening scene is sadden to learn that his friend of many years, Murray, played by Woody Allen in a good acting role, is closing his bookshop.

In order to help Murray out, he’s convinced to become a gigolo to entertain Dr. Parker, radiantly played by Sharon Stone, and Murray‘s own dermatologist.

3. “Magic in the Moonlight”: Woody Allen’s “Magic in the Moonlight” is the story of a popular English magician in 1928 acting as a mysterious man of the orient, Wei Ling Soo, played by Colin Firth, who has little tolerance for tricksters, mystics and séances. A fellow magician asks him to debunk a young lady, played by Emma Stone, who is holding séances in the south of France. In “Magic in the Moonlight”, the real magic starts when you by your ticket, sit there in the dark and let it weave its smart period spell. Presto!

4. “I Origins” stars handsome Michael Pitt as a molecular biologist, Dr. Ian Gray, who, with his lab partner Karen (played by Brit Marlin), uncovers a fascinating bit of biological evidence about human eyes and their individual patterns. This evidence might cause some big societal changes. I was captivated by this intelligent movie with excellent performances and subtle use of music. Michael Pitt’s deliberate and clear delivery of the dialog, sensitive performance and natural ability as a screen actor offers great presence on the screen. The characters are engagingly developed and speak intelligent, believable, well-researched dialogue.

5. From director Jim Jarmusch, “Only Lovers Left Alive”, is a modern vampire movie that folks might call off-beat. It is not a shock or fright fest, but rather an interesting story of two name dropping vampires of exquisite education that continue to survive in the modern world, yet in places of relative obscurity: Tangier, and the depressed and abandoned old neighborhoods of Detroit.

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Ongoing “Stretch, Strengthen, and Thrive” at ACC: This class is designed for the needs and abilities of active older adults, who are interested in gaining or maintaining mobility, 5-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. $5 per class if pre-paid; drop-in fee is $6. ACC Senior Services Center, 7375 Park City Dr., 3939026 x330, www.accsv.org.

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Easy Tai Chi at ACC Learn 24-form Yang Style Tai Chi at a slower pace. Experience the gentle flow and treat your whole body to a gentle and relaxing workout. $16 per month or $5 Drop-in class. For schedule call 393-9026, ext 330, www.accsv.org.

ACC is located at 7375 Park City Dr. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Senior Yoga at ACC This class is designed to maintain joint mobility, muscle strength and flexibility. A yoga mat is required. $25 per month or $6 dropin class. For schedule call 393-9026, ext.

330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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Taiko for fun at ACC Learn the history and basics of Taiko which refer to the various Japanese drums. Wear comfortable clothing. $16 per month or $5 drop-in class. For schedule call 393-9026, ext 330, www.accsv.org. ACC is located at 7375 Park City Dr. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Wanted: Grand Jurors Sacramento County Superior Courts are currently recruiting individuals to serve on the 2015-16 Grand Jury (GJ) for a one year term, starting on July 1, 2015. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Sacramento County for at least one full year. Grand jurors must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing. Your name will be entered into a pool of screened and qualified applicants from which 19 residents’ names will be picked, at random, in the late spring.

Here is an opportunity to make a difference in your community. As a Grand Juror, you are part of a system of independent citizen oversight of county and city government and related agencies.

Grand Jury duties include: ·Investigating citizen complaints against county and city public agencies and officials ·Touring the prisons (six total) within the county, (and investigating them, if necessary)

·Participating in indictments of criminal matters when requested by the District Attorney, and ·Producing a report to the county’s citizens each June that summarizes the grand jury investigations, and includes recommendations to any problems found. This independent entity is one of the last bastions of citizen involvement in local government. Be part of a team that shines a spotlight on good and bad government processes and actions. Your Grand Jury involvement will result in better, more effective government, a more involved community, and a more educated populace. For further information and an application go to: http://www.sacgrandjury.org/ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Stretch, strengthen and thrive This class is designed for the needs and abilities of active older adults interested in gaining or maintaining mobility. These exercises will help participants maintain their cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, and vitality, enhancing their range of motion and increase energy with a mix of full body stretches, body weight exercises, strength training and active stretching. 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays and Fridays at ACC Senior Services Center, 7375 Park City Dr. Pre-registration is preferred but drop-ins are welcome. For detail, call 393-9026, ext 330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ACC presents Senior Yoga Enjoy movements designed to maintain joint mobility, muscle strength, and flexibility. This class is gentle, easy to follow and

uses the floor and chair. 10:30-11:30am Wednesdays at ACC Greenhaven Terrace, 1180 Corporate Way. Pre-registration is preferred but drop-ins are welcome. For detail, call (916) 393-9026, ext 330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Tai Chi/CQ Gong Learn the simplified 24-forms of Tai Chi, plus Qi gong exercises, a healing art combining movement, meditation, and visualization. Ideal for students new to Tai Chi. 9:00-10:00am, Thursdays at ACC Greenhaven Terrace, 1180 Corporate Way. Pre-registration is preferred but drop-ins are welcome. For detail, call (916) 393-9026, ext 330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Free Young Adult Bereavement Counseling: The UC Davis Hospice Program and UC Davis Children’s Hospital Bereavement Program will offer an eight-week Young Adult Bereavement Art Group for individuals 17 to 24 who are coping with the recent loss of a loved one. The sessions will be held on eight consecutive Monday evenings from Sept. 29 through Nov. 17. Each session will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the UC Davis Home Care Services Building, 3630 Business Dr., Suite F. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

and active stretching. 5:00-6:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. $5 per class if prepaid. Pre-registration and pre-payment is preferred, but drop-ins are welcome at a rate of $6 per class. Held at ACC Senior Services Center, 7375 Park City Dr., Sacramento, 393-9026 x330, www.accsv.org.

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Sacramento Zoo needs wheelchairs The Sacramento Zoo is looking for a few “gently used” wheelchairs, 808-5888. Your wheelchair can be a tax deductible donation, and four zoo tickets will be offered as a thank you.

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Support group for alienated grandparents Meeting is the last Friday of each month at 2717 Cottage Way, suite 4. Meeting is at noon. 761-9121.

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Stretch, Strengthen, and Thrive!

This class is designed for the needs and abilities of active older adults, who are interested in gaining or maintaining mobility. The class consists of a mix of full body stretches, body weight exercises, strength training,

www.valcomnews.com • January 8, 2015 • Land Park News

17

Women with Good Spirits monthly meeting

Continued from page 17

Register for city of Sacramento’s technology program for adults age 50-plus The winter/spring 2015 session of TechConnections, a comprehensive technology literacy program designed specifically for Sacramento’s residents age 50-plus, will begin at the Hart Senior Center and selected community centers in late January. Class descriptions, dates, times, and locations will be included in the “TechConnections Winter/Spring 2015 Class Catalog” on the city of Sacramento’s Older Adult Services website. Offerings range from one-on-one assistance sessions to six-part classes, with start dates through late April. Registration day for all offerings is at 1 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Hart Senior Center, 915 27th St. Continuing registrations will be taken weekdays at Hart Senior Center until all classes are full.

For inquiries, call 808-5462 or visit: http:// portal.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRec/ Recreation/older-adult-services/Programs/ TechConnections ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Run with a Recruiter Every Friday at 6 a.m., the public is invited to join the Sacramento Police Department.

This provides a unique opportunity for potential police candidates and those in the hiring process to run together.

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Emotions Anonymous Meets regularly Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Meeting information is available at www.emotionsanonymous.org. Free 12step program/support group for those who desire to become well emotionally healthy.

Acquire a new way of life, sharing experiences, and learning to live with unsolved emotional problems. Meets Tuesday 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Parkside Community Church 5700 South Land Park Dr.; Tuesday 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Sierra Arden Church of Christ, 890 Morse Ave (at

Northrup), Room F-4. Thursday 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd,1615 Morse Ave. (at Arden Way) left of choir room. An optional newcomer orientation occurs on Saturdays from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Wellness Recovery Center, 9719 Lincoln Dr. Ste. 300. Also on Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., there will be a topic for discussion at WRC, 9719 Lincoln Dr., Ste. 300.

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Mahogany Urban Poetry Series - Queen Sheba - poetry readings Each Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. at Queen Sheba in Sacramento, local talent makes it way to the restaurant for weekly open-mic events. $3-$5. 1704 Broadway.

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Youth Connections Unlimited announces fundraising campaign Did you know that one Sacramento organization can reduce recidivism for crimes committed by youths by up to 70 percent?

Youth Connections Unlimited has been providing mentoring and other services to incarcerated and probationary youth for over ten years that gives youth tools for staying outside the juvenile justice system. YCU works with the Sacramento County Probation Department with a focus on re-entry mentoring and preventative programming with a commitment to the principles of Restorative Justice. The support youth get from YCU and its volunteers gives hope to Sacramento County youth, make communities safer and save taxpayers money. For more information, call David Taft at 835-1147 or visit http://www.sacycu.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Brain Gymnasium Exercise your mind and have some fun at this on-going Brain Gymnasium class! Inviting all seniors to Eskaton Monroe Lodge, 3225 Freeport Boulevard, 9:20 a.m. Thursdays. $6 per class. Call 441-1015 for more information.

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the Producers of the theatrical hit the screwtaPe letters Present

Each second Tuesday of the month at Revolution Wines at 6:30 p.m., Women With Good Spirits invites a community non-profit to present on its mission work. The presenter will start their presentation promptly at 7:15 p.m. and will last 15-20 minutes with an open question and answer forum after. RSVP is appreciated as well as a $5+ donation per person that will go directly to the non-profit presenting that month. 2831 S St. Visit www.womenwithgoodspirits.com or find the group on Facebook.

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The Community Housing and Services Coalition monthly meetings Originally created by the Sacramento Community Services Planning Council, the Community Housing Coalition (CHC) was created as a vehicle to provide information and educate community leaders and decision makers regarding housing for low income, disabled and older adults.

CHSC monthly meetings are free and open to the public; they are held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. am on the last Tuesday of each month (except December) at the Sacramento Sheriff ’s South Area Office Community Room at 7000 65th Street, Sacramento (the Sacramento County Voters Registrar Building). At each meeting a guest speaker is invited to attend and give a 30-minute presentation with 10 minutes for Q&A. Speakers are selected for their expertise and knowledge in their respective fields, and agencies/organizations. The speakers are encouraged to provide handouts, fliers, and other informational materials to the 15 to 30 attendees.

If you have any questions, please contact either: Alex Eng at 424-1374; email xeng916@ sbcglobal.net; or Cindy Gabriel at 916/7326189; email cynthia.gabriel@smud.org.

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Gentle Qi Gong Learn powerful relaxation techniques reduce stress, reduce physical pain and emotional suffering, lower blood pressure, increase immune response and improve balance. Inviting all seniors to Eskaton Monroe Lodge, 3225 Freeport Boulevard, 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesdays. $7 per class. Call 441-1015 for more information.

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Soroptimist International of Sacramento South meetings A service organization dedicated to insure the status of women and girls, the group meets at Aviator’s Restaurant, 6151 Freeport Blvd. for lunch and to discuss the day’s topic. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:15 p.m.

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South Sacramento Rotary club meetings

ACC presents a Bonsai (Basic) class

Every Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m., South Sacramento Rotary meets for lunch at the Iron Grill located at 2422 13th St. (near Broadway). Rotary is one of the largest service organizations serving local, national and international charities through community service and good fellowship. For more information, contact Michael DiGrazia at 396-7244.

Jan. 15: This is a series of three classes which will cover choosing and caring for the right tree, watering, wiring and the use of tools. The classes will include field trips, such as visiting a local bonsai nursery and workshop at the instructor’s backyard.

Note: Material fees are not included. $30 fee for the three classes to be held from 10 to 11 a.m. beginning Jan. 15 at ACC Senior Services Center, 7334 Park City Dr. Preregistration is required. For detail, call 3939026, ext. 330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

January ACC offers computer classes open house Jan. 9: Thinking about taking a computer class?

Come visit the lab and try the computers.

Friendly computer instructors will be available to answer questions about upcoming classes and discuss which classes are best for you. Ask questions about your own computer and any specific problems or issues you have. Refreshments available. Friday, Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon, ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Dr., Sacramento, 393-9026x330, www.accsv.org.

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Sacramento Fine Arts to present ‘the largest art show in town’ Jan. 10: From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy live piano by Larry and see the largest art show in town. 5330B Gibbons Dr., Carmichael.

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ACC presents: “Advanced wellness: Topics helpful to both veterans and non-veterans” Jan. 13: The presentation will address public benefits, resources and how to access them, pre-planning for the future and how to prevent crisis, dealing with the Veteran Affairs Aid and Attendance Pension program. Free of charge; class will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at ACC Senior Services Center, 7375 Park City Dr. Pre-registration is required. For detail, call 3939026, ext 330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ACC presents “5 Wishes” classes Jan. 15: This educational workshop discusses your rights and medical decisions. California and Federal laws give all competent adults, 18 years and older, the right to make their own health care decisions. Learn about a free legal document which gives your medical decisions a voice when you may not have the ability to express them. Free of charge; class will be held 1:00-2:00pm on January 15, 2015 at ACC Senior Services Center, 7375 Park City Dr. Pre-registration is required. For detail, call 3939026, ext 330, www.accsv.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ACC presents “Meal Planning for Your Body” workshop Jan. 16: Do you worry if you are eating too much or exercising too little? Then this workshop is for you. You will learn your nine body composition numbers. Discover what is a healthy meal and diet. Understand the different type of servings and much more. $15 preregistration fee/$17 drop in rate. Class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at ACC Senior Services Center, 7334 Park City Dr. Preregistration is required. For more details, call 393-9026, ext 330, www.accsv.org.

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Troop 259 Eagle Scholarship Fund Crab Feed Jan. 16: Troop 259 of Elks Lodge No. 6 will hold an Eagle Scholarship Fund Crab Feed at the Elks Lodge, No. 6 (6446 Riverside Blvd.).

All proceeds benefit Eagle Scholarship. No host cocktails will be available at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Dinner includes: Crab, pasta, green salad, antipasto, rolls and butter.

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It’s All About Fishing! Rooster Tails Fishing Club breakfast Jan. 16: The Rooster Tails Fishing Club breakfast meeting will be held at the Auburn Elks Lodge, 195 Pine St. at Lincoln Way, Auburn. The doors to the Lodge open at 7 a.m. with a fantastic $13 wide-selection buffet breakfast served at 8 a.m. The presentation begins at 9 a.m., featuring Pro River Guide Brett ‘Bones’ Brady, owner of Bare Bones Fishing Guide Service and one of the Rooster Tail’s Fishing Club’s skilled guides.

The breakfast meeting is open to the public.

Further information can be found at www. roostertailsfishingclub.org. For more information on attending Rooster Tails Fishing Club of Northern California, Inc. meetings, contact Jim, Club Chairman, at 530-8870479 or info@roostertailsfishingclub.org.

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Lost souls take a bus ride to Heaven. Will they choose to stay? Or return to a life divorced from it?

“RAISING QUESTIONS OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE WITH DISARMING EASE!” world Magazine

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Land Park News • January 8, 2015 • www.valcomnews.com

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Best photos of the year

Photo by Monica Stark

On Friday, Oct. 17, as “Be True to Your School” played on intercoms through the entire campus, students at California Middle School represented the school through the ages, dressing in period attire, donning outfits from each decade since the school opened in 1938. The school was in the running for a cash prize from the Macy’s Be True to Your School campaign.

Photo by Stephen Crowley

This dog and its owner seemed to have had a barking good time at this year’s SSPCA Doggy Dash in Land Park on Saturday, June 7.

Photo by Stephen Crowley

On April 12 in William Land Park, friends and neighbors enjoyed the Spring Egg Hunt and Hat Parade with free painting, carnival games, live music, and photos with Mr. Cottontail.

Photo by Monica Stark

From the left, Elverta-based farmers Dave Bilyeo, who’s famous for his watermelons; Alchemist Community Development Corporation activist and gardener-turned-farmer (as of last year) Karin Gould; and Rickey Hill, who seems to have it all when it comes to produce; man a weekly farmers’ market at the Coffee Garden on Monday evenings.

Photo by Stephen Crowley Photo by Stephen Crowley Now underway, the Land Park Farmers’ Market in William Land Park is held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Sutterville Road and Freeport Boulevard. The market is full of great, local produce. Neighbors and friends decorated their bikes, scooters, strollers and wagons for the annual Govan Way Fourth of July Parade, which began on the corner of Govan and Perkins ways.

Shown here is a photo from the Sunday, Nov. 30 market. For more information, call 484-7000.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

www.valcomnews.com • January 8, 2015 • Land Park News

19

HOLLYWOOD PARK CUTIE

SOUTH LAND PARK HILLS

A BYGONE ERA

Move-in-ready 2 bedroom home within easy walking distance of James Mangan Park! Updated kitchen and nook, updated bath; central heat and air. Nice sized backyard with small patio, oversized 1-car garage with extra storage closet. Convenient and comfortable, don’t wait! $175,000

Wonderfully spacious ranch style home in desirable South Land Park. Double doors open to a beautiful entry and inviting family room with plantation shutters and view of backyard. 3 or 4 bedrooms 2½ baths, kitchen pantry living room w/ wood burning fireplace insert. $449,000

Beautifully renovated from head to toe - The Didion House Rich wood, fine detailing and spacious rooms. Historical in in both style, heritage and culture. 4 bedrooms 2 full baths and 2 half baths with new kitchen, three floors, including media room, and a full basement. $1,395,000

PAULA SWAYNE 425-9715

BETH SHERMAN 800-4343

SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

PENDING

SOLD

AMAZING REMODEL

HANDSOME LAND PARK

CUTE CURTIS PARK CRAFTSMAN

Recently remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the Didion School boundaries. New kitchen, electrical, baths, floors, windows, doors, paint in and out, baseboards, lighting, (includes LED lights), ceiling fans, landscaping, quartz counter top, farm house sink, designer tile floors and much more. $389,000

Spanish style home in the heart of Old Land Park. 3 bedrooms 2 baths, spacious rooms, great floor plan, full basement and a backyard made for entertaining... One of a kind detailing and style. Paradise is personal but I think you might just find it here. $799,500

2 or 3 bedrooms 1½ baths, high boxed-beamed living room ceiling open to the dining room (shared gas log see-through fireplace) with French doors opening to private deck and enchanting yard with winding paths, cute guest cottage and storage shed. $385,000

MONA GERGEN 247-9555

SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

PENDING

SOUTH LAND PARK TERRACE Mid-century ranch in the hills of South Land Park Terrace. Living area opens to beautiful backyard and pool. 3 bedroom, 1½ bath family home; bright and light and oh so charming. Perfect for entertaining. Convenient location. New roof! $449,500

SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

PENDING

POCKET AREA MOVE-IN READY

DAVID KIRRENE 531-7495 JERRY KIRRENE 455-1001

SOLD

4 BEDROOM HOME

Enjoy this well maintained home! Highly sought after single story 4 bed- Super clean, close in, and ready to go! Hard to find 4 bedroom home with room 3 bath home with roomy master suite. The family room adjoins the 2½ baths in Land Park! Energy efficient and beautifully maintained. Convekitchen and is perfect for the chef to chat while making dinner! Located niently located, an easy walk to Land Park, Vic's Ice Cream. $325,000 on a quiet street just steps from the Sacramento River. $425,000 SHEILA VAN NOY 505-5395

PAULA SWAYNE 425-9715

ERIN STUMPF 342-1372

for current home listings, please visit:

DunniganRealtoRs.com 916.484.2030 916.454.5753 ® Dunnigan is a different kind of Realtor.

SACRAMENTO • LAND PARK • SIERRA OAKS • EAST SACRAMENTO • CARMICHAEL • WEST SACRAMENTO • GREENHAVEN