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!