Sacramento River...In Redding

I know it's been a while, but I was on vacation...first New York then Redding. (Crazy, I know!) Redding is where I took this picture of the Sacramento River!

Park Place

Kids in Elk Grove now have a new place to play--Morris Park! It is such a beautiful park...2 playgrounds, a skate park, fitness area, soccer fields...I could go on and on! My favorite part? The tiles! More than 1,800 tiles will decorate the walls...all painted by members of the community! Even I got to paint one!

Go Beavers!

I met the ultimate Oregon State Beaver fans! This Sacramento couple has more than 400 items...everything from figurines to aprons, wind chimes to balloons.

Get Fit!

It was a perfect morning to get out and do a little exercise! I visited John Bidwell Elementary School in South Sacramento to check out some of their new playground equipment thanks to Project Fit America and Sutter Hospital.

Happy Friday!

1,2,3...Fire!

It's not every day you get to blow stuff up! I was in Lathrop this morning...about an hour south of Sacramento...with the FBI Bomb Squad. They were holding a bomb investigators training and they let me set of the detonator!!! I love my job!
In the picture photographer extraordinaire, Dave Grashoff, is getting video of the what is left of the car.

Gray Beauties

I got to hang out with elephants this morning at the PAWS Sanctuary in San Andreas. They're getting ready for their annual fundraiser-- the One & Only Elephant Grape Stomp! That's right--animals can stomp grapes too!
I got a joke for ya: What kind of sound does a grape make when an elephant stomps on it?
Give up? It's makes a little wine. Haha!

PAWS rescues and protects performing animals. They provide a sanctuary for abused, abandoned and retired captive wildlife.

Rebecca is a retired circus elephant....we got to help feed her and her buddy Minnie this morning. I can't even tell you how fascinated I was by these enormous animals!

Elephants eat all day...really. They sleep about 3 to 4 hours at night. They can sleep standing up. When they lay down though...get this...they like to spoon!
They also communicate with sound very much like whales do. They can communicate with elephants as far as 10 miles away!

Mather Mud Run

I took the challenge and the plunge...into a mud pit! On live television! It was all part of the annual Mather Mud Run...benefiting the Marines Toys for Tots and the Rancho Cordova Parks & Recreation District. I took on a Sacramento County Sheriff's Detective. He thought it was going to be easy...Ha!

What's Old...is New Again

There is something new in Old Sacramento. The Orleans is now open and ready for renters. The building dates back to the 1800's and used to be an old hotel. It still has the same look...that was part of the condition to rebuild....but it is revamped with 24 living units and a large space that will soon house a restaurant. I got a sneak peek!

Sunrise @ Sunrise

I was in Citrus Heights this morning for the opening of the new Joann store. It's on Sunrise and Madison. The sun was just coming up and we were at the light on Sunrise. Ssunrise at Sunrise.

Rising Above the Clouds

Another shot from our trip to Groveland.

Goose for Groveland

What a day! This morning my photographer and I drove two and a half hours to Big Oak Flat...about 26 miles away from Yosemite! All for a story... I love a good story! A dog is running for honorary mayor of Groveland. It was hilarious! On the way we saw amazing scenery, so of course I had to take a snapshot! Enjoy!

Auburn

I was in Auburn this week...about half an hour northeast of Sacramento. On our way to do our segment for the show, we passed by this...the Sisters of Mercy. This is where many of the Sisters live...it's a beautiful piece of property...hidden in the foothills.
I show you this picture because this is where I used to come for piano lessons! I was about 10...I remember my mom or dad would drive me up to Auburn every Saturday morning for my lesson with one of the Sisters. I even had a recital here. After my lessons, I remember we used to stop at the Maidu Market around the corner for a soda or sandwich. They have the best deli sandwichs! Oh the memories! If only I could still play piano!
Both my parents worked for the Sisters of Mercy, some of the employee picnics/retreats were held here too.

Budget Breakthrough

After 76 days, state lawmakers finally reached a budget deal...it's not ideal, but it apparently will work. This of course was the story of the day...I was out there covering it at the Capitol. It could still be several weeks before we see any action taken or the actual details of the deal.

Wine Art

I had to show off these wine bottles! My uncle painted these Sacramento landmarks on the bottles...they will all be auctioned off at local events.

He has done so many over the years...no doubt you will see them sprinkled around the city at different restaurants and businesses.

Early Morning

Driving through downtown Sacramento before sunrise...my favorite time of day.

Bike Impact

Sacramento is very bike friendly. You see more and more people opting for two wheels instead of four....including local businesses.

A local flower shop is making quite an impact on the environment. Visual Impact Design, is now delivering beautiful flower arrangements by bike.

This morning, they taught me how to make a lovely bouquet...then we delivered it to the Capitol.

Believe it or not, I have yet to invest in a bike! As soon as I find a leopard print bike---done.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

I finally got to go to a Sacramento River Cats game! They've only been here 8 seasons! They're in the playoffs for the fourth year in a row...playing the Oklahoma Redhawks.
Raley field is actually in West Sacramento...just on the other side of the Sacramento River...but it is a Sacramento team...a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's. A number of players from the team have moved on to the big leagues...including Barry Zito!!
It was a fun night with the family!

Segway Polo

Okay... I've heard of polo. I've heard of water polo...but, segway polo? Yes there is such a sport and the world champion team lives in the Sacramento area!

I got to play with the California Gold Rush this morning in Gold River...boy, was it a beautiful morning to be outside!

The team just returned from the championship tournament in Indianapolis. In all there are 8 players...ranging from 11 to 65 years old...both men and women.

It really is a fun sport...you just need a little balance, speed and endurance! Darn, I'm 0 for 3!

P.S...if you like the amphicar in the last post... check out video of our ride on the river!

Cool Car

This is one sweet ride! It's an amphibious car...I had never heard nor seen one before this weekend. Lucky me got to go for a spin...or shall I say dip?! We drove to one of the boat ramps then drove right into the river. I invited to the owner to be a guest on our morning show so you'll see this again!

Chili Cook-off

Yet another food judging contest! This time a chili cook-off at the Monte Carlo Club...benefiting the Northern California Shriners Hospital for Children.
The Monte Carlo is a local dive in downtown Sacramento...it's been around for years! Ed the owner was there too.
The people there are great and they know their chili! There were 9 entries! All very tasty.

Battle of the BBQ's!

I am sooooo full! I judged a rib contest at Swabbies Pub & Grill...a very fun restaurant along the Sacramento River. I hadn't been there before...very fun atmosphere!

Mariachi Serenade

Had drinks with the girls tonight at Zocalo, one of my favorite midtown restaurants. On Fridays, they have Mariachi music!!! They get people off their seats and dancing in the aisles! It was fun!

Stop...Smell the Roses

Lunch with the Girls

Sacramento is offering more and more options when it comes to restaurants. Ernesto's is one of my favorites...it's an oldie, but goodie. It's the bright yellow restaurant in the background...the girls in the crosswalk are my coworkers!
Ernesto's offers delicious Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. If you like Mariachi music, this is where you want to be on a Friday night. They also have a great patio. My family has been coming here for years...the owners are longtime family friends. The same family also owns Zocalo...a newer restaurant in midtown.
Today was lunch with the girls . I am blessed to work with the people I do...we are a family.

Back to School

Labor Day is the unofficial end to summer. You know what that means...back to school!
I remember being so excited about buying new school supplies, but nervous about the first day of school.
I passed by my old elementary school as I was driving through town today...St. Francis Elementary. It's downtown...on the corner of 25th and K Streets. School was in session...it was lunchtime so kids were running around on the playground...in uniform of course!
I remember the year we started wearing uniforms here--2nd grade! That's right, I went to school here-- kindergarten through 8th grade! Oh, but that's not all. My cousins went here too! Are you ready for this? A member of my family has gone to school here every year for the past 25 years! This will be the first year without any of us.
I made a lot of memories here, not only in school but at the church ...just behind the school.
At St. Francis of Assisi Parish I celebrated my kinder and 8th grade graduations and my first communion.
The campus has certainly changed. The playground I used to play on is no longer there. That area was turned into housing just after I left.

Just wonderin': Do you remember how you felt on the first day of school?

Happy Labor Day!

Dead Cat Alley

Yes, there is such a street name. Ever wonder street names come from? Some are pretty unique. In Sacramento we have a street named, "Manlove"...in Amador County we found Pig Turd Alley. I even found my last name!
This morning we found Dead Cat Alley in Woodland...about 25 minutes northwest of Sacramento.
Dead Cat Alley--believe it or not--is the heart of citie's historic district. There are a number of business along the alley and the community has really worked to to keep the alley alive.
Wondering where the name comes from? Watch the clip!

Political Party

I'm not big on politics, but this year has me very intrigued. This week the spotlight has been on Denver for the Democratic National Convention.
Tonight hundreds of people gathered in downtown Sacramento to watch as Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States of America. It was an historic night and no matter what side of the political fence you are on--that was an amazing speech.
The Republican National Convention begins next week in the Twin Cities.
I chose this picture not only to mark this night in history but also to recognize the heatwave we are experiencing here in Sacramento! People used their signs to fan themselves and stay cool inside the reception hall. Todays temperatures topped 100 degrees!

Bathtime?

Is this a 'Kodak' moment or what?!!! I was up in Newcastle this morning...about 30 minutes northeast of Sacramento...when I came across this llama in a tub!!! Newcastle is a pretty rural area in the foothills and many neighbors have animals. But this...I had to stop! Maybe it was trying to stay cool!
Speaking of animals...the reason I was in Newcastle? Rattlesnake Jack...an 8 year old Jack Russell Terrier with a passion for killing rattlesnakes! He's tiny, but fierce! So far he's taken out 4 snakes! Check out his other talent!

Hat Tricks

Doing what you can to block the sun! It's the end of August and Mother Nature has decided to crank up the heat! This week Sacramento temperatures will top 100 degrees!

L Street

Midtown Sacramento has seen a big boom in development in recent years...specifically this intersection. This is L Street between 18th and 19th. You can spend an entire day within these few blocks. Heck, you can live here! No really! On the left side of the street--L Street Lofts. On the right side --the 1801 Lofts. Below those lofts-restaurants, shops, a gourmet chocolate shop, a florist, and a new yogurt shop! That's why I was here today. I had a craving.

Coffee Corner

Normally, I drink my coffee on-the-go. Every now and again I get to sip and scope out the scene. I took this picture at the corner of 20th and J...this has become a very busy area! The Marrs Building sits on 20th Street and number of new business have moved in --Luigi's, Azul, Newsbeat, Peet's--giving new life to downtown. It's great!

p.s. sorry I've been out of the loop the last few days...I've been under the weather!

Barn Business

While driving through the foothills yesterday we saw some great scenery...including this old barn. It looks like there may have been a fruit stand too!

Cloudy Skies

The clouds look like cotton! I took this on my way up to Ophir...near Auburn...about half an hour northeast of Sacramento. I was on my way to meet an 8 year old motorcyclist!

Backyard Ballpark

I am a huge softball/baseball fan, so when I saw this I could barely hold in my excitement! Take a good look at this picture...this is a softball diamond in someone's backyard! This family decided they wanted their own 'field of dreams' so they built it! Now, their kids and teammates have their very own field. They also have batting cages and a track. In the picture--Lady Magic...the U-16 National Champs! I tried to hit the ball...not a chance! These girls pitch fast!

Local Deli

"If you love food and wine, you'll love Selland's!" This is such a great little place in East Sacramento. It's just down the street from my house so I find myself visiting way too often! Sandwiches are my favorite...and I'm not talking about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! This gourmet deli is always busy during lunch time especially if the weather is nice. There is a great patio...perfect place to sit back, eat, and people watch.
The same family owns several other high end restaurants around town...including my favorite, Ella.

Let the 'Big Fun' Begin!

Today marks the start of the155th California State Fair!

Fair, Food, & Fun

It's August in Sacramento and that can only mean one thing---the State Fair!!! Eighteen days of food and fun!
First things first...the food. I checked out one of the most popular booths in the food cour, "Chicken Charlie's." It is all about fried foods. New on the menu--fried spam, fried pop tarts, and fried White Castle burgers. I'll stick to the fried Oreos!
Hollywood is this year's theme. Some big name artists will make their way to our capital city including Jessica Simpson, Smash Mouth, Chicago, and my personal favorite...Christian Castro!!!!
The 'Big Fun' starts tomorrow and runs through September 1st. Thanks to Mother Nature it should be a toasty afternoon...103! Like the fair, that's tradition.

Night At The Museum

Went to the museum tonight although not to check out the exhibits. The California Rural Legal Assistance organization held their annual appreciation event at the Museum for History, Women and the Arts. It is a great museum that features a number of great exhibits...my favorite? The California Hall of Fame. You'll have to check it out!

Tower Bridge

This bridge sits across the Sacramento River...connecting Sacramento and West Sacramento. It's also a vertical lift bridge--you don't want to be in hurry when that happens!
Tower Bridge wasn't always this color--oh no! This is it's third paint job. It used to be silver, then yellow...that faded...6 years ago it was repainted gold .
I see this bridge every morning as I drive along Interstate 80, on my way to work. Of course, that's about o'dark 30... so instead of this view, I see the Tower Bridge all lit up--it looks great! I'll have to get that shot for ya one day....until then enjoy!

Grab the Rope!

A picture I took in Old Sacramento...a reminder of the some of the old town flare!

Happy Sunday!

In the Sky

I thought I'd share another picture with you from my trip in the chopper!

This is looking down at El Dorado County.

Flyingin' High

California Area Shock Trauma Rescue added to it's fleet. They're now operating out of Placerville. We were there this morning. We got to see the aircrafts, talk to nurses and fly! Believe it or not they took us up! We flew in a helicopter!!! I love my job! So I took this picture while up in air!

Green Beer

Soon the Anheiser Busch Plant in Fairfield will be producing more than just beer. The beer giant is working to produce renewable energy. This morning we toured the Fairfield plant...about 45 minutes east of Sacramento.

Old News

I took this a few weeks ago...it's one of the many newspaper stands near the Westfield Downtown Plaza. I thought I'd switch it up with black and white only.
I should mention this newspaper-- The Sacramento Bee--looks a little different now. They changed the look...the newer version is more compact....making this picture 'old news.'

Sacramento Skyline

This is such a great picture of the Sacramento Skyline! (I can say that since I didn't take it!) One of our fabulous Good Day photographers--Dave Grashoff-- snapped this shot back in February while doing a live segment with reporter/anchor, Lisa Gonzales. They were on the roof of the new Calstrs building in West Sacramento. This is the tallest building in West Sacramento...and the best view of Sacramento!
Sadly, this was a once and a lifetime shot! If you were to go up to the roof today, you'd find blacked-out glass windows...put up to hide and protect special equipment.

Paddle Time

Grab your paddles and go! This morning I was out at Lake Natoma in Folsom learning all about canoeing! I had no idea it was such a huge sport!
This week some of the best paddlers from around the world are in town for the World Outrigger Championships. Men and women of all ages compete for gold. Some compete individually others as a team. If you enjoy watersports--this is a must see! Some of the teams let me join them for a ride!
If you've been thinking of trying out some watersports visit the Sac State Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma!

Random Round

I spotted this random building in East Sacramento while driving around this morning. You don't often see buildings like these. It looks old and worn, but I kind of liked the colors! I thought I'd share.