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.

In the Spotlight

The Memorial Auditorium is one of the most 'recognizable and beloved buildings' in the region. I was driving home the other night when I couldn't help but notice the auditorium standing there in all it's glory! It recently had a major facelift and now it's all lit up at night...it just looked spectacular. I had to stop and capture the moment.

It hosts a number of events--everything from concerts to gubernatorial inaugurations. Come May and June the auditorium is host to a dozens of high school graduations. Driving by you'll see high school seniors wearing their caps and gowns snapping photos with friends and family.

Sacramento International

Airports can be a very hectic place, right? Especailly if you're running late for your flight, you can't find your boarding pass, your i.d is at the bottom of your purse, or you have take off your sweatshirt, shoes, belt, and empty out your pockets before you can go throught security. It can be frustrating--I know.

Call me crazy, but it's also an emotional place. Have you ever seen the movie 'Love Acutally'? It starts with a great scene at the airport. People are reuniting and so thrilled to see eachother! They hug, laugh, cry. They're so happy. Next time you travel, stop and look around.