More than just car insurance.

GEICO can insure your motorcycle, ATV, and RV. And the GEICO Insurance Agency can help you fi nd homeowners, renters, boat insurance, and more!

®

Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters, boat and PWC coverages are written through non-affi liated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Government Employees Insurance Co. • GEICO General Insurance Co. • GEICO Indemnity Co. • GEICO Casualty Co. These companies are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. GEICO: Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2010. © 2010 GEICO

Coast to Coast, Nation to Nation, BridgeStreet Worldwide

No matter where business takes you, finding quality extended stay housing should never be an issue. That’s because there’s BridgeStreet. With thousands of fully furnished corporate apartments spanning the globe, BrideStreet provides you with everything you need, where you need it – from New York, Washington D.C., and Toronto to London, Paris, and everywhere else. Call BridgeStreet today and let us get to know what’s essential to your extended stay 1.800.B.SSTEET

We’re also on the Global Distribution System (GDS) and adding cities all the time. Our GDS code is BK. Chek us out.

WWW.BRIDGESTREET.COM

WORLDWIDE 1.800.B.STREET (1.800.278.7338) ® UK 44.207.792.2222 FRANCE 33.142.94.1313 CANADA 1.800.667.8483 TTY/TTD (USA & CANADA) 1.888.428.0600 CORPORATE HOUSING MADE EASY™

NEWMARKET SERVICES

ublisher of 95 U.S. and 32 International Relocation Guides, NewMarket PServices, Inc., is proud to introduce our online version. Now you may easily access the same information you find in each one of our 127 Relocation Guides at

www.NewMarketServices.com.

In addition to the content of our 127 professional written City Relocation Guides,

the NewMarket Web Site allows us to assist movers in more than 20 countries by

encouraging you and your family to share your

moving experiences in our NewMarket Web Site

Forums. You may share numerous moving tips and

information of interest to help others settle into

their new location and ease the entire transition www.NewMarketServices.com process. We invite everyone to visit and add helpful information through our many available forums.

Share with others your knowledge of your new location or perhaps your former

location. If you ever need to research a city for any reason, from considering a move to

just checking where somebody you know is staying, this is the site for you.

NewMarket Services looks forward to cooperating with everyone to continually

add to our base of City Specific Information along with our various moving topics to

help many of the 40 million people who have the opportunity to relocate each year.

Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department to speak to a live

representative if we can provide any assistance. Our toll free number is (866) 595-3792.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

he NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource

Ttool for you, the newcomer to Sacramento. It is our intent in producing this

publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new

community in a format that is most useful to you. Stores and services are listed by

category in the business directory.

Important telephone numbers, Sacramento Welcomes You!

packing and moving suggestions,

and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages.

Selected area businesses, many offering significant savingsare found in the Business

Directory Section, sorted by category.

The Guide can save you both time and money while providing you a continuous

resource tool as you become more familiar with the metroplex. We do hope you find

our Relocation Guide to be of assistance to you. If you do not find something you

need, or if you have any suggestions for future issues of the Guide, please give us a call.

We will be happy to assist in any way.

(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Sacramento!

6 ] Sacramento Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Sacramento Information Guide [ Volume 11 [ Number 7

LOCAL INFORMATION The State of California 8 Area Codes, Important Phone Numbers 11 Travel Information 12 Weather 13 Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration 14 Voter Registration 11 About Sacramento 9, 15 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Historical Background 15 Where to Stay 17 President: Patrick Morgan Dining and Nightlife 18 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Entertainment 19 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Shopping 20 Recommended Tours 21 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant Sports and Golf 24 Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Media 25 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley MOVING Art Department: Sprague Design Smooth Transitions 27 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Choosing a Moving Company 27 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Packing Tips 27 Staying Organized 28 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Settling Into Your New Home 28 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price What’s All the Talk About? 31 Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. Pre-Move Checklist 32

Phoenix Office: MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS PO Box 30534 Reinforce the Positives 35 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Choosing a School 35 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Selecting Child Care 37 Fax: (602) 923-0774 Education 38 Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 Relocating Your Pet 42 Chicago Office: FITNESS & HEALTH 902 North Ashland In the Kitchen 43 Chicago, IL 60622 Physical and Mental Well Being 44 Phone: (312) 226-6288 Volunteering 47 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 HOUSING Making the Right Choice 49 NewMarket currently publishes Information Guides for 95 North American and 32 Choosing the Right Home 51 International Markets. To order your Housing Options For Growing Active Adult Demographics 52 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Home Inspection Checklist 54 each, please contact NewMarket Services Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 55 toll free at (866) 595-3792. Security 56 In preparing this publication, every effort Take Control of Your Energy Costs 57 has been made to assure the accuracy of Home Buyer’s Glossary 58 the information contained herein, but Who’s Who in Building 60 authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings are subject to omission, error or change Selecting a Builder 61 without notice. Selecting a Contractor 62 Banking & Mortgage Information 63 All material in this publication is copyright protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher. BUSINESS DIRECTORY Business Directory Listings 67

Sacramento Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

European explorers first began contacting the region in the 16th century; the area was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes. The coastal areas of the state were colonized by Spain beginning in 1769, but became a part of the Mexico in 1821 because of the Mexican War of Independence. It was part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, and then was ceded to the United States in the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848. Reno The California Gold Rush of 1848-1849 brought about 90,000 Sacramento additional U.S. migrants to the state, and California became the Oakland 31st state of the Union in 1850. San Francisco Stockton NV The state’s major predominant industries include agriculture, Modesto entertainment, light manufacturing, and tourism. California is also Silicon Valley the home of several significant economic regions such as Monterey Salinas Hollywood (entertainment), the California Central Valley (agriculture), Fresno Silicon Valley (computers and high tech), and the Wine Country (wine). California’s economy is the largest in the United States, and CA at $1.55 trillion, is larger than all but 7 countries. Per capita personal income was $33,403 as of 2003, ranking it 12th in the nation. San Luis Obispo Las Vegas Bakersfield Most of the state has a Mediterranean climate, with rainy winters and dry summers. The climate along the coast is mild; cooler along Santa Barbara the central and northern coast. Southeastern California is arid Ventura County desert. Along the cost, the rainy season runs from October to April San Bernardino AZ in the north and from November to March or April in the south. Los Angeles Pacific Ocean Record temperaturs of a high 134 °F (56.6 °C at Death Valley on Orange County Riverside July 10, 1913 and a record low of -45° at Boca on January 20, 1937. Average yearly precipitation ranges from under 5 inches in south-east to 120+ in parts of the north-west. San Diego California levies a 9.3% maximum variable rate income tax, with

Mexico 6 tax brackets and a 7.25% sales tax.

he State of California covers the southern portion of the United States’ west coast. With a population of 37 million Fast Facts Tand an area of 158,402 square miles, California is the largest ESTIMATED POPULATION: 37,172,015 U.S. state in population and the third largest in area. LAND AREA: 158,302 sq mi California borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and the Mexican state of COASTLINE: 840 miles Baja California to the south. The state has incredible geographic CAPITAL: Sacramento diversity. It has both the highest and lowest elevations in the STATE MOTTO: Eureka Continental US (within 100 miles of each other), an expansive central valley, tall mountains, arid deserts, and hundreds of miles of STATE NICKNAME: The Golden State coastline. Most major cities are at or near the Pacific coastline, LARGEST CITIES: Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose notably Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Santa STATE SALES TAX: 7.5% Ana/Orange County, Riverside/Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and San Diego. However, the capital, Sacramento, is in the Central Valley, and there are other significant cities on the interior.

8 ] Sacramento Information Guide ABOUT SACRAMENTO

OVERVIEW

A City With a Past—and a Future Situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, Sacramento is a city of contrast, defying expectations that the capital of a state must be a bustling metropolis studded with sleek steel and glass towers. There are buildings fitting that description clustered downtown, but the heart of California’s capital city has tree-shaded streets lined with elegant Victorian homes. Unlike most major metropolitan areas that grew from a civic center, Sacramento started from several small communities that grew together. Today, within the sprawling metropolis, the influence of these original settlements can be seen throughout the city. Just a few minutes southeast of Sacramento International Airport along Interstate 5, Sacramento visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the river meandering down to the Delta. Sacramento’s tiny settlement grew explosively with the discovery of gold. Disappointed gold-seekers returned from the gold fields and founded the surrounding towns. Today, the Sacramento region extends west from Davis and Woodland to the lovingly preserved frontier town of Auburn, northeast along Interstate 80, and to vacation spots in the Sacramento River Delta. Sacramento has grown from a tent city to the capital of California and has never forgotten its colorful Gold Rush roots. Old Sacramento/Downtown/Midtown Since its humble beginnings as a tent city, Sacramento’s fate has been intertwined with its namesake, the Sacramento River. Today, Old Sacramento is a 12-block restored neighborhood between the river and Interstate 5 and is a state historic district with interesting old stone and brick buildings. There is a world-class comedy club, a live theatre, elegant restaurants with sweeping views of the river, candy stores, costume shops, pubs and bookstores to be found along the canopied plank sidewalks. The focal point of downtown is the Downtown Plaza, reached from Old Sacramento through a pedestrian tunnel. This open-air mall (cooled with suspended “misters” during the summer) features a QUICK FACTS megaplex movie theater, department stores, a bookstore, specialty clothing stores and SACRAMENTO much more. Plaza shoppers are entertained by strolling musicians, jugglers, acrobats and mimes. Zip Code: 95814 - 95864 Beyond the plaza is the K Street Mall, which extends several blocks to the east and is Population: 1,898,300 home to the Crest Theater. This Art Deco venue was a vaudeville theater that has been restored and is now a repertory cinema featuring art and foreign titles. Further down K County: Sacramento Street is the Esquire IMAX Theatre with its six-story tall screen, several vintage record Median Age: 32 stores, novelty shops, a blues club and several splashy psychedelic murals painted on the Home Median Value: $280,000 dignified walls.

Home Appreciation: 14.71% continued on page 15 Sales Tax: 7.75% Cost of Living Index: 118.4% Median Income: $43,790 Unemployment Rate: 3.2%

Sacramento Information Guide [ 9 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

10 ] Sacramento Information Guide IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

City Area Code(s) Government Numbers The area code for the Sacramento is 916. City of Sacramento (916) 264-5011 Dept of Parks and Recreation (916) 808-5200 Emergency Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 Emergency Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 All Emergencies 911 Utilities Dept (916) 808-1400 Non Emergency (916) 264-5471 Voter Registration (916) 875-6451 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Poison Control (800) 764-7661 Support Networks Runaway Hotline (800) 392-3352 Teen Link (Various Topics) (800) 235-9678 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Financial Services Automatic Teller Information Services ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 Directory Assistance 411 MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 Shipping & Postal Service VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 Airborne Express 800-247-2676 Lost or Stolen Credit Cards Federal Express 800-463-3339 American Express (800) 233-5432 UPS 800-742-5877 AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 Discover Card (800) 347-2683 JCB (800) 736-8111 MasterCard (800) 826-2181 VISA (800) 336-8472 Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks American Express (800) 221-7282 Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 VISA (800) 227-6811

VOTER REGISTRATION

It is important to note that if you are registering to vote for the first When you have your new address, complete a DMV change of time, changing your name or political party, or have moved to a new address form, and the Secretary of State (SOS) Elections Division county, you must also complete a Voter Registration form to update will be notified of your address change. You can download the DMV the SOS Elections Division database. Give your completed Voter Change of Address form DMV 14, or you may request a change of Registration form to a technician, and DMV will mail it to the SOS address form by calling your local DMV office at (800) 777-0133. Elections Division office for updating. Even if you are not conducting business with DMV, you may pick When applying for or renewing your driver license or identification up Voter Registration forms at any DMV office. Compete the form card at any DMV office, you have the opportunity of registering to and mail it to the SOS Elections Division preprinted address on the vote. form.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 11 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport International Airlines Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 6900 Airport Boulevard Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 Sacramento, CA 95837 AeroMexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 (916) 929-5411 Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 www.sacairports.org Air Canada, aircanada.ca (800) 247-2262 Sacramento International Airport is located just of the 5 freeway, Air China, china-airlines.com (800) 986-1985 10 miles northwest of downtown. Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 SMF offers 30 minutes of free parking in the Hourly Parking lots. Air India, airindia.com If you park 31-60 minutes, you will only pay $1. Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 Terminal A Airlines Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 America West Airlines (800) 235-9292 Continental Airlines (800) 523-3273 Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 Delta Air Lines (800) 221-1212 Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 Hawaiian Airlines (800) 367-5320 British Airways, british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 JetBlue (800) 538-2583 Cathay Pacific Airways, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 Southwest Airlines (800) 435-9792 China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 Terminal B Airlines China Eastern Airlines, chinaeastern.co.uk (800) 200-5118 Alaska Airlines (800) 426-0333 Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 American Airlines (800) 433-7300 Frontier Airlines (800) 265-5505 El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 Horizon Air (800) 547-9308 Eurofly, eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 Mexicana Airlines (800) 531-7921 Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 Arrivals: Interim International Arrivals Building Iberia, iberia.com (800) 772-4642 Northwest Airlines (800) 225-2525 Japan Airlines, jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 United Airlines/United Express (800) 241-6522 KLM Airlines, klm.com (800) 374-7747 Domestic Airlines Korean Air, koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa.htm (800) 225-2272 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com (800) 252-7522 LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 Allegiant Air, alleginatair.com (800) 432-3810 Lufthansa, lufthansa.com (800) 645-3880 American Airlines, aa.com (800) 433-7300 Mexicana, mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 Comair, comair.com (800) 221-1212 Quantas, qantas.com (800) 227-4500 Continental Airlines, continental.com (800) 525-0280 Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 Delta Airlines, delta.com (800) 221-1212 Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com (800) 432-1359 Swissair, swiss.com (800) 221-4750 Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com (800) 367-5320 TACA, taca.com (800) 535-8780 JetBlue Airlines, jetblue.com (800) 538-2583 USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com (800) 872-3000 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Northwest Airlines, nwa.com (800) 225-2525 Cruises/Resorts Skywest Airlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 Southwest Airlines, southwest.com (800) 435-9792 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 Royal Caribbean International (800) 327-6700 SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 United Airlines, ual.com (800) 864-8331 Hotels/Motels US Airways, usairways.com (800) 428-4322 Best Western (800) 528-1234 Virgin Atlantic, www.virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 Days Inn (800) 329-7466 Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777

12 ] Sacramento Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 Service from City to numerous locations throughout the United Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 States. Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 Freeways Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 The Sacramento region is served by freeways (notably I-5, I-80, Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 Business Loop 80 (Capital City Freeway), U.S. Highway 50, and Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 Hwy 99). No new freeways have been built since the mid 1970s, La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 despite a near-doubling of population in the metropolitan area since Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 that time. Some Sacramento neighborhoods, particularly the central Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 downtown and midtown areas, are pedestrian friendly. And as a Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 result of litigation, Sacramento has undertaken to make all city Omni International (800) 843-6664 facilities and sidewalks wheelchair accessible. In an effort to Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 preserve its urban neighborhoods, Sacramento has constructed Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 traffic-calming obstacles in several areas. Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 Public Transportation Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 Sacramento Regional Transit’s bus and light-rail system provides Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 service within the city and nearby suburbs. Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 Sacramento Regional Transit (916) 321-BUSS (2877) Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Rental Cars TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Advantage, www.advantage.arac.com (800) 777-5500 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 Alamo, alamo.com (800) 468-5266 Avis, www.avis.com (800) 331-1212 Inter-City Transportation Budget, www.budget.com (800) 527-0700 Sacramento Amtrak Station Dollar, www.dollar.com (800) 800-4000 401 I Street Enterprise, www.enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 Sacramento, CA 95814 Fox/Payless, foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 Amtrak provides passenger rail service to the city of Sacramento. Hertz, www.hertz.com (800) 654-3131 The main passenger rail station is located on the corner of 5th and National, www.nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 I streets near the historic Old Town Sacramento. Thrifty, www.thrifty.com (800) 367-2277 Amtrak’s California Zephyr also serves Sacramento daily and provides service to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Reno, Salt Lake, Glenwood Springs, Denver, Omaha, Chicago and intermediate cities. Greyhound Bus (800) 231-2222

WEATHER

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp. Average Max 52.7 60.0 64.0 71.1 80.3 87.8 93.2 92.1 87.3 77.9 63.1 52.7

Temp. Average Min 37.7 41.4 43.2 45.5 50.3 55.3 58.1 58.0 55.7 50.4 43.4 37.8

Average Precipitation 3.7 2.9 2.6 1.2 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 1.1 2.7 2.5

Temperature in °F and Precipitation in inches

Sacramento Information Guide [ 13 DRIVER’S LICENSE

How To Apply For a Driver License To take your driving test, you will need to: If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a • Call a DMV office to set up an appointment. (Driving tests are not California driver’s license within 10 days. Residency is established given without an appointment. Call 1-800-777-0133 between the by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, to make a driving homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or test appointment.) benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents. • Provide proof of financial responsibility • To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will • California Insurance Requirements must be met. need to do the following: You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you • Visit a DMV office may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is • Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. If you fail to submitted. Copies will not be accepted.) successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must • Give a thumb print pay a $5 fee for each additional driving test that is administered • Have your picture taken under an application for an original or renewal driver license. • Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim Social Security Administration while you are in the office. license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in • Verify your birth date and legal presence the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell • Provide your true full name the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1- • Pay the application fee 800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your • Pass a vision exam interim license with you to provide information when requested. • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence test. document than the one you are currently using, you will also need • You have three chances to pass. to provide an additional acceptable document to establish your true You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage, before. When you practice, you must have an accompanying adult adoption or name change document that shows your current name. who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license. This person must be close enough to you to take control of the vehicle if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

The following is required to register a nonresident vehicle: • Odometer disclosure statement on the REG 262, signed by the • An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) signed by all seller and buyer, if the vehicle is less than ten model years old. registered owners, showing the name and address of the • A vehicle verification. The vehicle must be inspected by an lienholder (legal owner), if any. authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed • Last issued out-of-state title, unless held by the lienholder/legal vehicle verifier employed by a registration service or dealership. owner. These inspections require no additional fee and are most easily obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV. • Last issued registration certificate, if the applicant is the same as the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title and the • Smog Certification, if applicable. vehicle entered California with valid out-of-state registration, or if • Surrender the valid out-of-state license plates if they do not have the title has been lost. to be returned to the home state. • A Bill of Sale, Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form • Pay appropriate fees and any use tax due. (REG 262), if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than the registered owner shown on the title.

14 ] Sacramento Information Guide ABOUT SACRAMENTO

1890-1910 Vintage Buildings Davis The trees grab the attention of the first-time visitor to the Midtown Unfortunately, the Sacramento River that did so much to put the district. Throughout the city, there are more than 250,000 varieties city on the map also had the alarming habit of flooding on a regular of fruit, flowers and palm trees. Many of the trees are huge elms and basis. The early town was practically erased several times before oaks planted by homesick settlers. In the summers, when levees and the Yolo Bypass were built. The Causeway, a section of temperatures average in the high 90s, the cool shade of the trees is Interstate 80 on stilts, crosses the Yolo Bypass and connects welcome. Along the shaded streets are several cutting-edge off- downtown Sacramento with Davis. The University of California, Broadway theaters, a diversity of art galleries, fine and down-home Davis, attracts thousands of students and faculty with a taste for dining establishments, as well as nightspots catering to every taste. non-mainstream entertainment. Most evenings, the downtown North Sacramento streets overflow with townsfolk seeking unique events such as Across the American River, this old neighborhood centered on poetry readings, live theater, gallery openings and music concerts. Del Paso Boulevard has more than a dozen galleries, including Regardless of which part of Sacramento you plan to live, rest Michael Himovitz Gallery one of the largest galleries exhibiting assured that here along the banks of the river with its Gold Rush nationally recognized artists. Today, spiffed up and known as past you will find a city with a promising future. It is, after all, the Uptown, the area has also attracted interesting restaurants and location of bustling and productive new enterprises, home to a cafes, and other businesses busily renovating the old major university and the seat of government for the great state of neighborhood. To the east is Arden Fair Mall, with theaters, California. restaurants and a multitude of shopping opportunities. Folsom East of downtown Sacramento, the town of Folsom traces its history directly to the Gold Rush. Along a four-block stretch of Sutter Street, now designated a historic district, are restaurants, coffeehouses and boutiques. Also, here, you will find the Folsom Zoo, affectionately nicknamed the “Misfit Zoo,” which provides a haven for injured animals such as bears, bobcats, wolves, dogs and domestic cats.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Sacramento: Discovered and Named of Mexico to California to establish an outpost on any 26-square- In 1808, Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga found the Maidu mile area he chose. Sutter and his party established Sutter’s Fort on Indians living peacefully in the Northern California valley formed by August 12, 1839, near the American and Sacramento Rivers. Sutter the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the Pacific then made a decision that would forever change the history of Coast Mountains to the west. Warm summers, mild winters, a California and the westward expansion of America. dependable yearly rainy season and water from the confluence of Realizing that more large trees would be needed to build homes two great rivers resulted in a landscape so verdant and abundant for future settlers, Sutter wandered about 40 miles up the American that Gabriel Moraga named the valley after the Holy Sacrament— River east of Sacramento and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Sacramento. Mountains. Here, he found plenty of tall evergreen trees and fast- Before The Gold Rush flowing water. It was a perfect spot for a sawmill, which, when Word of Moraga’s lush western valley spread slowly. By the completed in 1847, became Sutter’s Mill. 1830s and 1840s, only a handful of Anglo-American settlers were Gold living in coexistence with the native Maidu and other Native On January 24, 1848, James Marshall was conducting a routine American tribes. While their numbers were few, these first settlers inspection of the millrace from Sutter’s sawmill when a glitter caught had learned the secret of the Sacramento Valley: if you plant it, it will his eye. This time, all that glittered was gold. By May of 1848, the grow. Sacramento has continued to flourish since then, both news of gold in Northern California had reached San Francisco and agriculturally and economically. by early 1849, the whole nation had gold fever. The 49ers were Mr. Sutter Comes to California coming. People wanting to find gold arrived in San Francisco and In 1834, Johann Augustus Sutter, a 19-year-old clock merchant’s made their way to the gold fields by way of Sacramento. The history clerk, sailed from Switzerland, hoping to find success in America. of the Gold Rush is preserved today not only in Sacramento, but Sutter’s dream of founding a great new city for his fellow European also at the nearby Marshall Gold Discovery Park in Coloma where it immigrants led him to California. Sutter was sent by the Governor all started. continued on page 16

Sacramento Information Guide [ 15 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Sacramento Becomes a City State Historic Park. Its shops, fine restaurants, historic landmarks Shortly after gold was found, Sacramento became a city. The and museums attract more than five million people a year. In presence of gold and thousands of gold miners also brought the addition, the cobblestone streets and boardwalks of Old railroad to Sacramento. The railroad not only transported people, it Sacramento host a variety of events, including the largest jazz also moved the gold ore from the mountain mines to bays and ports festival on the West Coast. on the Pacific coast. The railroad and its historical contribution is The Modern Sacramento commemorated today at the California State Railroad Museum, one The “new” Sacramento Valley, while maintaining its ties to the of the most popular attractions in Old Sacramento. Gold Rush, also serves as the political hub of the world’s eighth In its early years, Sacramento benefited from its role in largest economy and as home to the second generation of “Silicon transportation. It was chosen as the western terminus for both the Valley” and its related high-tech industrial growth. From quaint Pony Express and Wells Fargo, and as the headquarters of the shops on downtown arterials, to upscale shopping malls and transcontinental railroad. As late as the 1930s, riverboats like the renowned cultural attractions like the Crocker Art Museum, Delta King glided along the Sacramento River carrying passengers Sacramento has all the elements of a diverse and vibrant urban along the only water pathway to San Francisco. Today, the environment. Sacramento is also the home of the successful NBA beautifully restored Delta King, anchored in Old Sacramento, serves Kings, WNBA Monarchs and River Cats a AAA Baseball team. as a floating luxury hotel and restaurant. Want to talk about location? Lake Tahoe, Reno, the wine country Sacramento Rises Above the Flood of the Napa Valley, San Francisco and the Pacific Coast are all within In spite of being almost completely wiped out by devastating a two-hour drive of Sacramento. Great location along with a respect floods in 1850 and 1852, Sacramento was selected as the location for history and a handle on the future makes Sacramento a highly for the capitol of California in 1854. Today, visitors can learn more desired location for spending a day, or a lifetime. about the state’s history at the California State Capitol Museum. After yet another massive flood in 1862, an ambitious project to actually raise the city above flood level was undertaken. Evidence of the tens of thousands of cubic yards of earth and miles of masonry work used to raise the streets can still be seen today in Old Sacramento. Old Sacramento Goes from Slum to Jewel Through the ensuing years, the Sacramento Valley flourished both agriculturally and economically. A gradual shift of commercial and residential growth to the east left Old Sacramento a virtual slum. Recognizing the area’s historical importance and related potential as a tourist attraction, a plan to re-develop Old Sacramento started in the mid-1960s. Today, its 53 historic buildings are designated as both National Landmarks and as a

16 ] Sacramento Information Guide WHERE TO STAY

Capital Accommodations in the Capitol The Sacramento Convention Center, the Amtrak railway station and California’s capital is a city of contrast, with the older Old Sacramento are within walking distance. Across L Street from neighborhoods reflecting their homesick builders’ origins in the Capitol Park, The Hyatt Regency is probably the only lodging that, Midwest and East. Since the mid-1800s, politicians and their once one is under the portico, has that indefinable feel of a big-city associates have traditionally lodged in luxury hotels near the State hotel. Enjoy the light-filled atrium lounge and a top-of-the-line Capitol building. A wide spectrum of lodgings for everybody from restaurant off the lobby. The eatery, Dawson’s, is a meat-lover’s the working class to the well to do can be found in this district paradise. Many of the hotel’s 500 rooms, spread over 15 floors, known as Downtown/Midtown. Construction of the Sacramento offer sweeping views of the swaying palms along Capitol Park. The Convention Center and restoration of Old Sacramento has brought Vagabond Inn, a few blocks east of the Capitol is a reliable, a number of good hotels that draw both tourists and business reasonably priced lodging. travelers. Sacramento International Airport Area Sacramento International Airport has fueled hotel building along A few minutes north of downtown, Sacramento International the Interstate 5 corridor north of downtown by adding more Airport lies in the middle of the rural Central Valley. There is plenty of international and domestic flights to its hub. To the east, tourists short and long-term parking and free shuttle buses to the new traveling to the historic towns of Folsom and Auburn find both Terminal. The newest terminal (for international flights) features quaint and modern accommodations available. Both towns are sculpture donated by local artists and a food court that offers local great for window-shopping and have a variety of antique shops and cuisine. Next door, the Host Airport Hotel offers convenient boutiques. Beautifully restored and picturesque buildings can be lodgings. Five miles west, on the north side of Woodland, and within found in Old Town Folsom and Old Town Auburn, and make good a few hundred feet of the freeway, are the Shadow Inn and Valley backdrops for family photos. Oaks Inn. Both are pleasant and quiet places to stay. Davis, a college town 11 miles west of downtown Sacramento, is Folsom/Auburn a family-friendly town. Within a few square blocks there are toy East of downtown Sacramento, these two towns were both stores, a couple of candy shops, live theater, art galleries, two founded in the throes of the 1849 Gold Rush. Along Sutter Street in multiplex movie houses, bookstores and sidewalk cafes. Bed-and- Folsom, you will find plenty of window-shopping and photo breakfast accommodations and several upscale hotels are within opportunities among the restored antique buildings. Many tourists walking distance of the University of California. To the south, the also enjoy the Folsom Zoo, affectionately nicknamed the “Misfit Sacramento River Delta is a wonderful natural preserve and Zoo,” which provides a haven for abandoned animals. Larkspur recreation area. Unique lodgings in the Delta area have interesting Landing Folsom is an interesting place with Jacuzzis, a swimming histories and can be found in the small towns built on levees. pool, and spa for relaxation. The Folsom Hilton has in-room data Old Sacramento/Downtown ports and amenities for the business traveler. Further northeast is The most unique lodgings have to be aboard the Delta King Auburn, another original mining town where visitors can browse the Riverboat, permanently moored alongside the Embarcadero at the shops and see the sites in the historic downtown. Further uphill, Old Central Pacific depot in Old Sacramento. Mark Twain would Town Auburn features many fine examples of 19th-century recognize the brass fittings and rich wood paneling throughout the architecture. Best Western Golden Key is just one of the many completely gutted and rebuilt old twin-chimney paddlewheel hotels located along Lincoln Way. riverboat. This is a popular lodging place and many guests keep Davis coming back to enjoy the novelty of eating breakfast on the deck, Downtown, a few blocks from Interstate 80, is a quaint bed-and- with sweeping views of the Tower bridge and river beyond. breakfast and several comfortable hotels and motels. University Inn The Sterling Hotel is a white Victorian mansion built in the 1890s Bed and Breakfast is the latest incarnation of a former residence and located six blocks from the Capitol. Completely renovated in that now offers meals and a pleasant garden. Palm Court Hotel 1995, the Sterling is authentically tasteful in every detail, down to provides upscale lodging, and has a soaring atrium off the elegant the flowers bordering the carefully clipped front lawn. Inside, the wood-paneled lobby and a cafe on the premises that offers most obvious modern intrusion is the Jacuzzis found in every room. California cuisine.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 17 DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

From Chuckwagon to World-Class Cuisine On the L Street side of Downtown Plaza, Morton’s of Chicago is California’s capital city still has essentially a hometown feel the place to go for prime rib that melts in your mouth. Over the past despite its phenomenal growth during the past decade. For most of two decades, the Mexican culture has enjoyed a spectacular its 150-year history, Sacramento’s culinary scene has featured renaissance in Sacramento. This means there is an incredible array Middle American fare served in fine dining rooms, steakhouses and of authentic Mexican dining experiences. Downtown/midtown grills. Its growth has resulted in an explosion of culinary choices. Sacramento is replete with Hispanic eateries from the typical mom- Sacramento has seen a staggering influx of quality ethnic dining and-pop taqueria offering generous portions for a reasonable price, venues. Throughout the metropolitan area a variety of sleek, to the latest trend-setting interpretation of traditional recipes. Just sophisticated and elegant restaurants have opened, while down the block from the Hard Rock Cafe on the K Street mall is venerable institutions underwent renovation. On the breezy banks of Emma’s Taco House, which may look tacky inside and out, but the Sacramento and American Rivers, patio dining includes serves generous portions of delicious tacos, burritos and spectacular views. Under the leafy canopy of the Midtown district, enchiladas. Ernesto’s, located in midtown, offers al fresco dining, an the view from patio tables beside Victorian mansions is pleasantly Art Deco interior and authentic Mexican cuisine. The chefs of Aioli intimate. Throughout the capital region are a variety of distinct Bodega Espanola go to the source of Hispanic cuisine and interpret districts with eclectic and exciting dining experiences to satisfy both traditional Spanish cuisine creatively. the gourmet and the aficionado of traditional American favorites. East of downtown, among its tree-lined streets and solid Old Sacramento Victorian houses, there is an abundance of unique dining treats. Along the banks of the Sacramento River, a few blocks west of Jack’s Urban Eats has a simple down-home decor and generous the Capitol Building, is where it all began 150 years ago. Merchants portions of American fare. The Broiler Steakhouse on the K Street who built their shops in the Gold Rush town to serve the 49ers got Mall is a time-honored restaurant that has been in business since rich. Today, this neighborhood sports roofed plank sidewalks and 1950, and serves aged steaks, unique pasta dishes and fresh fine examples of 19th-century architecture and is a state historic seafood. Harlow’s offers modern Italian/California cuisine in a park with some excellent dining choices. You can stroll through the sumptuous setting, as well as a nightclub and cigar bar. Biba is pedestrian tunnel beginning beside the Plaza and emerge on arguably the best Italian restaurant in the city. The eatery is named Second Street bustling with horse-drawn carriages, characters for its chef, a native of Bologna, who extensively researches and dressed in period costume and plenty of dining experiences. A few constantly refines the Northern Italian dishes on her menu. doors to your left is Fanny Anne’s Saloon, a loud, funky four-story North Sacramento/Natomas nightspot where a cross-section of society comes to have a good The sweeping river vistas along the aptly named Garden time. Highway, which borders the American River Parkway preserve, offer Walk a block to the west and perched on pilings above the an intriguing mix of dining experiences. The quaintly ramshackle Sacramento River, the Rio City Cafe offers a spectacular view of the Rusty Duck, with its wide verandahs, has been a landmark on the Tower Bridge and serves eclectic Southwest and seafood cuisine. American River for two decades and emphasizes fresh fish and Located across First Street from the historic Central Pacific Railroad steaks, prime rib and pastas. Enotria, in the heart of Uptown, offers depot, California Fats offers California cuisine and stir-fried dishes in award-winning California/Mediterranean cuisine complemented by a modern electric-green dining room. On board the Delta King an intriguing wine list. riverboat, the Pilothouse Restaurant offers fresh seafood, its Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Folsom signature clam chowder and steaks. Along the brick streets are While experiencing explosive growth, these suburbs to the east funky boutiques, a couple of jewelry stores, sports memorabilia of the metro region somehow seem to maintain their rural small- shops, candy stores and a farmers market. town feel. In the heart of Folsom’s quaint Old Town, Savoy 614 Downtown/Midtown Bistro offers entrees featuring seasonal ingredients grown in the This neighborhood has two districts of more than 60-square- Valley. Zinfandell Grill, also in Folsom, features wood-fired ovens, a blocks, and features dozens of restaurants, bars and nightspots. mesquite grill and the latest gourmet Southwest-style dishes. The After a brief stroll through “rabbit hole” (the pedestrian tunnel under Sheepherder Inn in Rancho Cordova offers steaks, chops and Interstate 5), you arrive on the threshold of Downtown Plaza. This prime rib in a renovated rural mansion. For Vietnamese, try Andy shopper’s paradise is an open-air mall featuring a variety of Nguyen’s located in a strip mall in Rancho Cordova. Its exterior is department and specialty shops. At the far eastern entrance, the definitely not a representation of the quality of its Vietnamese Hard Rock Cafe offers wall-to-wall rock memorabilia, a great sound cuisine. system and American fare. One block south is the 4th Street Grille, Night Life a traditionally elegant dining room with heavy wooden furniture, Sacramento likes to play after the sun goes down. Old white tablecloths, and a menu featuring steaks and seafood. If you Sacramento contains more nightspots per square block than any are in the mood for Italian, try Il Fornaio on the Capitol Mall for pasta other district in the city. Nationally known and local comedians keep entrees, pizza and an interesting wine list.

18 ] Sacramento Information Guide DINING AND NIGHTLIFE you laughing at Laughs Unlimited. On board the Delta King, diners by cutting-edge local bands on their way up. The Torch Club is enjoy “whodunits” at the Suspects Mystery Dinner Theater, where where you go if you have the urge to boogie on the dance floor to costumed characters are planted in their midst. Old Ironsides, one rhythm-and-blues and down-home blues. of Sacramento’s oldest nightclubs features musical entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT

Right Here in River City Century Stadium 14 on Arden Way and the Century Cinedome 9 off Sacramento is a city of many faces. It is a city with Victorian of Interstate 80 at Greenback. The Regal Natomas Marketplace 16 homes, identical tract homes, bistros, elegant restaurants, fast food megaplex is huge with 16 screens. The Esquire IMAX Theatre on eateries, world-class and cultural entertainment and professional the K Street Mall shows adventure extravaganzas on its six-story tall sports. You can always find something to do. Sacramento has screen. For viewers interested in more eclectic cinematic fare, the Broadway-caliber theaters, impressive museums and sports Crest Theatre, a lovingly restored 1920s movie palace on K Street franchises that contend on the national stage. In addition, the city and the Tower Theatre on Broadway offer classics, art and foreign also has cutting-edge nightclubs and a concert amphitheater. films as well as live events. Sacramento offers a vibrant and interesting entertainment mix for Library diverse moods and tastes. 27 Branches and bookmobiles serve the Sacramento area. Go to Art www.Saclibrary.org to find the closest branch, or call 1-800-561- A diverse array of museums and galleries in the Old Sacramento, 4636. Downtown and Midtown districts feature everything from treasures Museums of the Old Masters to cutting-edge examples of post-modernism. For those new to the River City the sheer variety of museums is Occupying a Victorian mansion in Midtown, the Crocker Art staggering. In Old Sacramento, is the Railroad Museum, in which Museum is the oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi. restored locomotives and railroad cars are featured along with all Several galleries display contemporary art by Californian Wayne sorts of railroad artifacts. Over in Midtown the Sutter Museum and Thiebaud alongside works by Pieter Brueghel, Rembrandt and the California State Indian Museum feature exhibits, which Jacques-Louis David. demonstrate the coexistence of two very distinct cultures. Docents On the K Street Mall, the Artists Contemporary Gallery, founded in period dress re-enact various crafts and other activities from in 1958, is Sacramento’s oldest continuously running gallery. It those times. The McClellan Aviation Museum features 30 aircraft displays works of incredibly diverse media by area artists. Taking its dating to World War II. In addition, for those interested in a tour name literally, the Art Foundry Gallery includes a working bronze along memory lane, the Historic City Cemetery established in 1849, foundry as well as gallery space featuring artistic works of local is the resting-place for more than 20,000 settlers who shaped artisans. Sacramento’s early history. Guided and self-guided tours of the Dance cemetery are available. Sacramento Community Center Theater at the eastern end of the Aerospace Museum of California (916) 643-3192 5934 Price Ave. K Street mall highlights traveling Broadway song-and-dance McClellan, CA 95652 extravaganzas with dozens of high-stepping dancers. The Sacramento Ballet, a few blocks east on K Street is dedicated to Features 28 USAF planes dating to WWII plus 2 Russian Mig, and bringing classical and contemporary ballet to Sacramentans. The state-of-the art Aviation Learning Center. award winning California State University, Sacramento Department California Military Museum (916) 442-2883 of Dance hosts diverse cutting-edge interpretations of 1119 Second Street Old Sacramento, CA 95814 contemporary dance works. Exhibits California’s rich militia and military heritage from pre- The Sacramento Ballet performs in the Community Center statehood to contemporary times. Theatre. The Deane Dance Center is the company’s official dance school. The Russian-American Music Academy of Roseville, CA California State Railroad Museum (916) 323-9280 111 I Street regularly offers community productions of operas and operettas. Sacramento, CA 95814 Film The 100,000-square-foot museum is the finest and most visited You can always view Hollywood’s latest blockbuster at huge of its kind in North America, displaying 21 restored locomotives and megaplexes scattered around town. Century has four locations: the cars. Century Downtown Plaza 7, the Century 16 Laguna megaplex, the continued on page 20

Sacramento Information Guide [ 19 ENTERTAINMENT

Crocker Art Museum (916) 264-54235 Music 216 O Street Classical music aficionados will find many venues in which to Its collection spans from 15th century to contemporary periods, enjoy fine performances in Sacramento. Camellia Symphony and it is the oldest Sacramento, CA 95814continually operating Orchestra (The) is nationally recognized for its unusual public art museum in the West. performances of traditional repertoire works. For popular music Discovery Museum’s Gold (916) 264-7057 fans, The California Musical Theater offers Music Circus, a one of a Rush Center kind tent theater for musicals and a Broadway Series featuring 101 I Street classics of the musical theater. Based in West Sacramento, the Old Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society sponsors the Sacramento Features a lively mix of artifacts and displays reflecting Jazz Jubilee on Memorial Day Weekend. The Jubilee features Sacramento’s historical and cultural heritage and the Gold Rush of dozens of Jazz bands from around the world. A new option for 1849. contemporary music fans is the Sacramento Valley Amphitheater, a Folsom Prison Museum (916) 985-2561 state-of-the-art outdoor facility, 20 miles north of downtown, that Folsom, CA features nationally touring bands. Located between Folsom and Folsom Dam at Folsom Prison. Theatre The museum contains artifacts and records dating back to the 1800s. Sacramento is home to a diverse and growing theatre scene offering drama and comedy from full-blown Broadway productions The California Museum for History (916) 653-7524 1020 O Street to cutting-edge independent productions. The 2,500 seat Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Community Center Theater is Sacramento’s largest The Museum tells California history incorporating Women and the and most prestigious theatrical venue, offering Broadway Arts the experiences of women and other underrepresented productions, opera, dance and more. The Thistle Dew Dessert groups. Theater and the B Street Theater offer an intimate setting for viewing plays. On board a 100-year-old paddlewheel riverboat Towe Auto Museum (916) 442-6802 moored in the Sacramento River the Suspects Murder Mystery Sacramento, CA 95818 Dinner Theatre offers an interactive murder mystery play. History of the automobile, brought to life by 150 2200 Front Street classic and antique vehicles.

SHOPPING

Arden Fair (916) 920-1199 Pavilions (916) 925-6133 1689 Arden Way Sacramento. - 95825 Sacramento - 95815 Cosmopolitan shopping and dining in a village 563 Pavilions Lane Sacramento’s largest shopping center with 165 specialty shops atmosphere. Folsom Premium Outlets (916) 985-0313 Vacaville Premium Outlets (707) 447-5755 13000 Folsom Blvd. 321-2 Nut Tree Road Folsom - 95630 Vacaville. - 95687 More than 80 famous-brand outlets featuring everyday savings of 120 name brand outlets including Burberry, Banana Republic 25 to 65 percent Factory Store, Coach, and many more. Nimbus Winery Mall (916) 985-8100 Westfield Shoppingtown - Downtown Plaza (707) 447-5755 Rancho Cordova - 95742 321-2 Nut Tree Road Four major restaurants coupled with a collection of 12401 Vacaville - 95687 Folsom Boulevard unique specialty shops. Old Sacramento Historic District 2nd & K Streets (916) 442-7644 Old Sacramento - 95814 More than 125 boutique shops set amongst Gold Rush-era buildings, dozens of restaurants and the Sacramento River.

20 ] Sacramento Information Guide RECOMMENDED TOURS

Whether you prefer exciting urbane amenities, humble historic destination for western pioneers including the heroic Donner party. activities, or sports, there is always something to do in Everyone in the pool! Summer temperatures in Sacramento often Sacramento—capital of the Golden State. exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but the low humidity means you One-Day Stay: Just Walking Around can really cool down fast at a feature-packed water park like If you just have a day, spend it in Old Sacramento. Old Town, as Waterworld USA at Cal Expo. Here you will find waterslides, wave the locals call it, features a Wild West ambiance, with history and pools and a day of fun for everyone. Do not forget the sunscreen. A diversity that attracts visitors from around the world. A registered very short drive away, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers national landmark, Old Sacramento boasts the largest boating, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, bike trails, picnicking concentrations of historic buildings in California. With more than and camping. If you are just a bit more of the adventuresome type, 100 restored 1849 Gold Rush-era buildings now housing shops, try river rafting. American River Raft Rental will provide all the top-quality restaurants and museums, few destinations in America equipment needed for an exciting rafting trip through the heart of offer so many opportunities to learn, dine and shop in a 28-acre site the beautiful American River Canyon. You will not believe you are that lends itself to perambulation. still in the middle of town. Old Sacramento is located downtown and is convenient to all Up for a good baseball game? The Sacramento River Cats bring freeways. From any direction take Interstate 5 to the J Street exit AAA professional baseball back to Sacramento and play in the new and follow the signs. Abundant covered parking at reasonable rates Raley Field, near Old Sacramento. If basketball is your sport, drive is available. Enter at Third and J streets or at Capitol Mall and Front out to Arco Arena where the NBA Sacramento Kings and WNBA Street. Newly installed meters now watch over on-street parking Monarchs compete. spaces, but from popular downtown hotels like Holiday Inn Capitol Staying a Week or Longer? Plaza, Governor’s House or the Delta King, Old Sacramento is just With a week or more to spare, you can do what the locals do— a walk away. -take a road trip. Some of the top tourist attractions in America, if After walking around and getting the feel of Old Sacramento, not the world, are conveniently located within an easy two-hour stop at the California State Railroad Museum on I Street, where drive of downtown Sacramento. lovingly restored exhibits including 21 locomotives and railcars, Going East bring the sights and sounds of railroading to life. Enjoy lunch at any Driving east on Interstate 80, you cross over the picturesque number of popular Old Town restaurants. Just grab a burger at Sierra Nevada Mountains with several ski resorts offering winter- Fanny Anne’s Saloon or for a more formal meal try California Fat’s. season adventure. Could your "pot of gold" be waiting in Reno, Spend the afternoon browsing the many shops and seeing Nevada? Less than two hours from Sacramento on Interstate 80 history in Old Sacramento museums such as the high-tech Golden East, the casinos, shows and restaurants of the "Biggest Little City State Museum, the California Military Museum, or the Wells Fargo in the World" wait to welcome you. A breathtaking two-hour drive Museum. Classic car fanciers should not miss the Towe Auto heading east on U.S. Highway 50, brings you to Lake Tahoe with Museum. For a mid-afternoon snack, stop by the Sacramento shows, gaming, great dining, skiing and, of course, of the most Sweets Company, where you can treat your sweet tooth with candy beautiful lake and scenery anywhere. made while you watch. Wrap up your day in Old Sacramento with Note: Driving to the Reno/Tahoe areas between the months of a fine dinner at award-winning restaurants like the historic Firehouse October and May can require driving on snow-covered highways Restaurant or the Pilot House located on the top deck of the using tire-chains or snow tires. Be sure to check weather and beautifully restored Delta King riverboat. highway conditions before leaving. Call +1 800 427 7623 or +1 916 Spending the Weekend? 445 7623 for road conditions. With a car, you can take in Old Sacramento and the downtown Going West area and still have time to see and do even more. A short drive away Interstate 80 or just about any other highway heading west out of on Land Park Drive, is the Sacramento Zoo, with some 430 animals Sacramento will quickly take you into the beautiful and romantic including the snow leopard and the "just-too-cute" red panda on Napa Valley wine country. For a great overall tour of the wine year-around display. Located almost next to the zoo, Funderland country, take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Or, for a thrilling offers a great selection of amusement park rides sized just for kids. aerial view, take a sunrise hot air balloon tour with Napa’s Balloons Bring your golf clubs? For a really quick and fun round of golf, Above the Valley. drive out to Antelope Greens on Elverta Road. This beautifully Be sure to return to Sacramento after making these day-trips. maintained little par-54 executive course could be comfortably Sacramento’s unique blend of old and new, history and history-yet- played in less than two hours. On the way back into town from the to-unfold will continue to beckon you back time after time. golf course, stop at the McClellan Aviation Museum at McClellan Air Force Base for a free tour of the history of military air power. Once back downtown, visit Sutter’s Fort, built in 1839 as a safe

Sacramento Information Guide [ 21 The perfect place for a tryst Dozens of designer shops and nightlife so hot it’ll make you blush. tailored to one lifestyle. Yours. A casino designed to excite the senses.

CASINO MEETINGS GOLF WEDDINGS NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMNMENT SHOPPING RESORT ROOMS

wynnlasvegas.com To speak with a reservation agend please call toll-free 1.877.321.9966

22 ] Sacramento Information Guide A casino that defies Endless energy. convention. Yours.

tailored to one lifestyle. Tower suites offer the comfort you expect from a Wynn signature resort. Dozons of designer shops encorelasvegas.com

To speak with a reservation agent please call toll-free 1.888.320.7125 Sacramento Information Guide [ 23 SPORTS

If you love sports, Sacramento is the city for you. It is the home Sacramento hosts two professional basketball teams: the of the AAA minor league ball club the River Cats, the NBA Sacramento Kings (NBA) and the Sacramento Monarchs (WNBA). Sacramento Kings and the WNBA Monarchs. Of interest to golf In addition, Sacramento also has a minor league baseball team enthusiasts, Twelve Bridges Golf Club in Lincoln, northeast of called the Sacramento River Cats (affiliate of the Oakland Athletics). Sacramento, sponsors a major yearly LPGA tournament. The NBA - Sacramento Kings (916) 928-3650 fishing around the Sacramento area draws aficionados from across ARCO Arena Northern California. The Sacramento River Delta, a complex One Sports Parkway network of sloughs and wetlands extending to San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, CA 95834 brims with salmon, bass and giant sturgeon. Weekend bikers and WNBA - Sacramento Monarchs (916) 419-WNBA (9622) hikers appreciate the trails on The American River Parkway, a two- ARCO Arena One Sports Parkway mile wide preserve that meanders through the center of town. Sacramento, CA 95834

GOLF

Bartley W. Cavanaugh Golf Course Lincoln Hills Golf Club Twelve Bridges Golf Club 8301 Freeport Blvd. 1005 Sun City Lane 3075 Twelve Bridges Drive Sacramento, CA 95832 Lincoln, CA 95648 Lincoln, CA 95648 (916) 665-2020 (916) 543-9200 (916) 645-7200 Bing Maloney Golf Course Mather Golf Course Valley Hi Country Club 6801 Freeport Blvd. 4103 Eagles Nest Road 9595 Franklin Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95818 Sacramento, CA 95655 Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 433-2283 (916) 364-4353 (916) 423-2093 Cherry Island Golf Course Ryde Hotel Whitney Oaks Golf Club 2360 Elverta Road 14340 Highway 160 2305 Clubhouse Drive Sacramento, CA 95626 Walnut Grove, CA 95690 Rocklin, CA 95765 (916) 991-7293 (916) 776-1318 (916) 632-8333 Granite Bay Golf Club Teal Bend Golf Club Wildhawk Golf Course 9600 Golf Club Drive 7200 Garden Highway 7713 Vineyard Road Granite Bay, CA 95746 Sacramento, CA 95837 Sacramento, CA 95829 (916) 791-7578 (916) 922-5209 (916) 688-4653 Haggin Oaks Golf Course The Ridge Golf Club & Events Center William Land Nine Hole Golf Course 3645 Fulton Avenue 2020 Golf Course Road 1701 Sutterville Road Sacramento, CA 95821 Auburn, CA 95602 Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 481-GOLF (530) 888-PUTT (916) 277-1207

24 ] Sacramento Information Guide MEDIA

Newspapers FM Radio The primary newspaper is The Sacramento Bee, founded in 88.9 KXJZ- NPR/CPR- public/jazz 1857. Its rival, the Sacramento Union, started publishing six years 90.9 KXPR NPR- public/classical earlier in 1851. Before it closed its doors in 1994, the Union was the 92.5 KGBY oldest daily newspaper west of the Mississippi. Writer and journalist 93.3 KYLO LP - religious Mark Twain wrote for the Union in 1866. In late 2004 a new 93.7 KQJK Jack- adult hits Sacramento Union returned with bimonthly magazines and in May 94.7 KSSJ mooth Jazz - smooth jazz 2005 began monthly publication, but does not intend to return as a 96.1 KYMX Mix 96 daily newspaper. 96.9 KSEG Eagle 96.9 - classic rock 98.5 KRXQ 98 Rock- active rock AM Radio 100.5 KZZO The Zone - modern 650 KSTE Talk 101.1 KHYL V101 - urban oldies 710 KFIA The Light - religious-talk 101.5 KDRT LP - community 1140 KHTK Sports 1140 -sports 101.9 KCCL Boss Radio - classic hits 1210 KEBR Family R. religious 102.5 KSFM CHR rhythmic 1320 KCTC Air America talk 105.1 KNCI hit country 1380 KTKZ| K-Talk - talk 106.5 KWOD RWR - modern rock 1430 KJAY Ethnic 107.9 KDND The End - CHR-pop 1470 KIID Disney childrens Television 1530 KFBK NewsTalk news/talk 1620 KSMH Religious 3 KCRA NBC 1690 KFSG Religious-español 6 KVIE PBS 10 KXTV ABC 13 KOVR CBS 18 KUVS DT UNI 19 KUVS UNI 21 KMAX DT CW 31 KMAX CW 35 KCRA-DT NBC 53 KVIE-DT PBS

Sacramento Information Guide [ 25 26 ] Sacramento Information Guide MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New Town If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad of details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist, choosing a morgage, and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage.

continued on page 28

Sacramento Information Guide [ 27 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put furniture joints could collapse. each box. • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room individually boxed and cushioned. for the movers. • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales things were arranged on them. agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually Settling Into Your New Home considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Stay Organized • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include within their reach. medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box towels. has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! instant sustenance while you get organized. • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the

28 ] Sacramento Information Guide 12/31/10. 30 ] Sacramento Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 31 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

32 ] Sacramento Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received. One Day Before  If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make  sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs, company. but you should consider each person’s physical ability and  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you of you gets delayed. understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before you leave the agency.  Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 33 34 ] Sacramento Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

et family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage Geveryone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing A School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children's education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities? Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child. continued on page 36

Sacramento Information Guide [ 35 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

For high school, parents often choose a new school for their Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on children. This is frequently because their current school goes only these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding because the family and the school work in harmony with a common upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so What about family expectations? In order to provide a good you can make an informed choice for your child. match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education in the search for the best school for your child: strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the college preparation a priority? way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and others in society, including the disadvantaged? provide an organizes means of communication between parents and school. • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and share a philosophy with other parents at the school? Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults your child time for homework? and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the • How important to you is a before-school and after-school distinguishing strengths of a good schools. program? When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to expanding demand, just finding an opening can be difficult. Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of persistent phoning and visits. Public Schools Several public school districts serve the city of Sacramento. Sacramento City Unified School District serves most of Sacramento. Other parts are served by the Natomas Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, Grant Joint Union High School District, Rio Londia Elementary School District, North Sacramento Elementary School District, Del Paso Elementary School District, and Robla Elementary School District

36 ] Sacramento Information Guide SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Before/After School Programs to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to These programs give children additional time and opportunity to expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework persistent phoning and visits. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, programs are often provided through local schools, child care and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and parental involvement. Types of Child Care You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or Choosing Child Care maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after account the following factors: school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program • Age and personality of your child. that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in • Child care needs of all the children in your family. your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. In home • Hours you need child care. Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home • What you can afford. care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask background check, which is usually done by most placement about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what agencies. is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or are at the same level of development; each child has unique director. character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and developmental differences and creates a program to meet each In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given child’s needs. priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background Center-Based Care checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members The most popular type because there are so many options for should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, of infection. before/after school programs. Day Care Center Preparing Your Child for Child Care If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults you should spend some time observing the center and talking to and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to Preschool Programs or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part child care, just be sure to monitor. of a full day program at a child care center. continued on page 38

Sacramento Information Guide [ 37 SELECTING CHILD CARE

You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children child care home that you have chosen with your child before grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking that supports you as a parent. to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a other children and adults. The child learns and grows from parent and child) experience, often times a major step in establishing independence After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new leaving them. caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your For more information you may want to visit the following website: child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org

HIGHER EDUCATION - WHERE TO GO?

A List to Consider When Making Decisions About College 4. Factor college tuition into family budgeting. Try plugging the Admissions experts from Baruch College, a senior college in the estimated cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books, City University of New York, offer some tips to help parents cope transportation, student fees) for each school at which your child with the stress of guiding their child through that all-important is accepted into your family’s budget. This will provide you with question: Where should I go to college? a better long-term financial plan. And don’t forget about graduate school, if that is in your child’s plans; it’ll be upon you Academics both before you know it. 1. Remember why your child is going to college in the first place. 5. Explore all avenues of financing. Don’t count solely on the Now is the time for your child to reflect on what she truly wants. college’s financial aid award for help. Learn about scholarships Compare her preferences and ambitions to the resources that being offered by local businesses, community organizations, and each school offers. Consider each school’s academics, study employers; your family could qualify for additional aid monies. abroad programs, student life, extracurricular activities, career services, internship programs, etc., and ask how it will further 6. Get to know your school’s financial aid team. Most financial aid your child’s educational and career goals. Reassure your child departments offer free workshops on how to plan for the cost of that it’s okay to be uncertain about her career ambitions but, if attending college. Take advantage of such sessions, and don’t she is, a college with flexible academic programs and multiple be bashful; ask as many questions as occur to you. Now is the options is probably a good bet. best time to consider all your options. 2. What happens to people who graduate from this school? Look Campus and Residential Life into what most of the graduates of the schools your child likes 7. What’s new at school? It’s been several months since you and wind up doing. If your child is interested in the fine arts, and the your child did all that college research. Go back on the colleges’ majority of students at a particular school end up working in the websites and see what’s up! Schools may be offering new financial industry, it should give you both pause. programs, hosting unique events on campus, renovating 3. The downside of high school success. Sometimes, even a top- facilities, or announcing new faculty appointments— any of performing high school student is surprised by the rigorous which could affect your child’s decision. demands of college courses and professors. Even if your child 8. Finding the right fit. Every school has a personality; you don’t was accepted at the school of his dreams, he needs to want to spend thousands of dollars on one that clashes with understand that he’s starting all over once he gets to college; his your child’s. Visit the campus again—or for the first time if you sterling SAT score won’t matter if he skips class or studying. haven’t been yet! Encourage your child to attend an accepted Have an honest conversation with your child about the level of student reception; sit in on a class; go to a sporting event; and commitment required at the schools he likes and make sure he’s talk to current students—without you hovering in the prepared for it. It’s (Almost) All About the Money background! Students will speak candidly to each other about

38 ] Sacramento Information Guide HIGHER EDUCATION - WHERE TO GO?

real-life college issues like the social scene, academic Coping pressures, and drinking on campus— all things your child 10. Breathe deeply and stay calm. Make clear to your child that you should be aware of in advance. are available to talk things through, weigh the pros and cons, ask 9. Safety first. Let’s face it: sending your child off to college is scary questions, and visit campuses with her but that, ultimately, the enough without worrying about crime. Take note of a school’s decision about where to go to college must be her’s. It’s hard to location and ask college officials about security: Is there a 24- hand over the keys to her future, but when you watch her receive hour security team? What kind of campus alert systems are in her diploma, you’ll realize it was well worth it. place? What are the crime statistics for the area? What security precautions exist in the residence halls? While you’re asking questions, explore the college’s mental health and counseling services—college can be stressful for kids as well as parents.

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. The second function of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some at four-year schools, like fashion design. programs require students to attend some campus classes or orientations, but many are delivered completely online. The Los Rios Community College District consists of several two- year colleges—American River College, Cosumnes River College, Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, plus a large connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. number of outreach centers for those colleges. Public vs. Private Liberal Arts Colleges Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the residents. They get most of their money from the state or local humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can and personal attention is available. offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. Online Learning Universities Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The size and some classes may taught by graduate students. costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— Sacramento is home to many colleges, universities, and and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution vocational schools. can be much less. Sacramento State University, was founded as Sacramento State There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance College in 1947. In 2004, enrollment was 22,555 undergraduates learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to and 5,417 graduate students in the university’s eight colleges. The research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their 300 acre (1.2 km) campus is located along the American River system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online Parkway a few miles east of downtown. classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited The University of California has a campus, UC Davis, in Davis, 15 online universities out there. miles west of Sacramento.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 39 TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

McGeorge School of Law in Oak Park is the University of the degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division Pacific’s law school. college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college. Upper Division Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

A WORLD-CLASS EXECUTIVE MBA

The power of four leading international business schools will prepare you to meet global business challenges while maintaining your job responsibilities.

The International Masters in Management is ranked #16 Executive MBA worldwide and #1 for international course experience and brings together culturally diverse and academically IMM strong participants with an average of 10 years work experience.

The unique 19-month modular program includes six intensive 2-week residential modules rotating EXECUTIVE MBA amongst the four partner schools. The IMM is delivered in partnership with Krannert Graduate School of Management, Purdue University (United States), Tias Business School, Tilburg University (the Netherlands), Graduate School of Business of Central European University (Hungary) and GISMA Business School (Germany).

UNITED STATES NETHERLANDS HUNGARY GERMANY For further information about Purdue Tias CEU GISMA

The IMM Program, please visit

www.mostinternationalmba.com

40 ] Sacramento Information Guide PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov Need-Based FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial that must be filled out annually by university to determine their need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- based off the criteria on the FAFSA. study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Loans information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are They come in several varieties in the United States entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but student has siblings in college at the time. payments start immediately The best place to look for help before you start filling out your • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. and no payments until after graduation. Other Sources FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to Getting Your MBA Part-time students for school. There are many state and private scholarships Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: your education. Lunch-money.com You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the Finaid.org instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for Fastweb.com the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. Collegeboard.com So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up wonderful free sites available. more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue Types of Financial Aid your education. Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss need-based. your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to Merit-Based expect as you add this major commitment to your life. Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent into account.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 41 RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find is 70 degrees outside with an expected high of 75. Your company relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their doesn’t even have to gave you a raise to move here. pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don1t know ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from someone you trust. Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will be prepared. How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving timely treatment. After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your choice. Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you have gathered some information on which to base your decision. Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals.

42 ] Sacramento Information Guide FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

received this recipe in an email from one of my co-workers. Well actually since he will be reading this, I’d better be more precise. He’s my boss! But it’s a summer Friday Iafternoon, so we’re a little relaxed. Anyway, in spite of it being a Friday afternoon, it inspired me to write this article. The avocado (Persea Americana) is a tree native to Mexico. The oldest evidence of avocado use was found in a cave located in Coxcatlán, Puebla, Mexico, that dates to around 10,000 BC. About 95% of United States avocado production – is located in Southern California. Fallbrook, California, claims the title of “Avocado Capital of the World”, I’ve been there and it's amazing to see all those rows of trees filled with ripe avocados! The Hass avocado is today the most common. It produces fruit year-round and accounts for 80% of cultivated avocados in the world. Hass avocados have ovate fruit with a dark green or black, rough, pebbled skin. All Hass avocado trees are descended from a single “mother tree” raised by a mail carrier named Rudolph Hass, of La Habra Heights, California. Hass patented the productive tree in 1935. Spinks is another type you may be familiar with. Mostly grown in Florida, the fruit is larger Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. www.NewMarketServices Please visit our website, and rounder, with a smooth, medium-green skin, and a less-fatty, firmer and fibrous flesh. Because it has less oil it often isn't as flavorful. A fun project is to grow your own plant indoors. This is done by removing the pit from a ripe, unrefrigerated avocado. Poke the pit with three or four tooth picks, about one third of the way up. Place the pit in a jar with tepid water. In four to six weeks, it should split and out should come roots and a sprout. (If there is no change by this time discard and try again.) Once the stem has grown a few inches, it is placed in a pot with soil. It should be watered every few days. Avocados have been known to grow large, so be ready to repot the plant several times. Enough about avocados. A small warning about the recipe. If you have been reading my recipes you will notice this one digresses from my normal format. I try to be very precise with my ingredients and directions, leaving nothing to chance. Patrick allows for you to be creative. Tonight Patrick, in Chicago, and I, in Scottsdale will be comparing our creations. I hope you enjoy yours. Patrick’s Authentic Irish Guacamole*

Ingredients Directions 4-6 ripe avocados, depending on how Cut, spoon out avocado into a bowl. Mash many you people you are serving. them up, we decided we both prefer left About 1/2 or so of a medium to large chunky but you may prefer creamy. white onion, depending on how much Dice onion, jalapeños, add to avocado you like Chop up the cilantro fine – few stems won’t Couple nice tomatoes – plum if you hurt, add Chop tomatoes into small squares, want, depending on what you prefer. add salt and olive oil. 2 jalapenos Cut and squeeze limes into mix Bunch of cilantro Mix all and enjoy with good tortilla chips & 2 limes some hot sauce on the side!!!! Sea Salt

*It’s green, therefore Irish. therefore green, *It’s Tablespoon or so of olive oil

Sacramento Information Guide [ 43 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority will be to find a club that meets your • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete needs. Or a new move may bring the perfect time to implement - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams those healthy lifestyle changes that were on your New Year’s of the right standard for your competencies? Resolution list for the past several years. • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs good that you will be able to transfer your membership. for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics When visiting a club use your own observations and question the classes, at the time that you would be using the club? staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms clubs require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or and the shower areas? more. Be sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always and spas at no extra charge. someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is child care available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out near where you live or work. for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term certifying agencies? commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the • Are new members provided with a club orientation and hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of instruction on how to use equipment? what the club environment while you are there. • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club the facilities. requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job want and need to achieve your fitness goals? transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

44 ] Sacramento Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are more stress you experience. satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a Self-Image comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image more stress to the change itself. and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image system. When these changes are not made through your own through the risks of taking positive action. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes because of their parents. They need special help and understanding getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and loneliness. Creatures of Habit Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route every day. We do this in order to reduce stress.

The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive habits, we save our energy for new events that are either unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort other familiar patterns. they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or Management of Change to whom to turn. To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to patterns in your life. resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by within the first few weeks. change. • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional next. transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within Stress yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period. When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to

Sacramento Information Guide [ 45 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

46 ] Sacramento Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself?. See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities?. Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.". - Winston Churchill

Sacramento Information Guide [ 47 48 ] Sacramento Information Guide HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent. continued on page 50

Sacramento Information Guide [ 49 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of airport, freeway or train tracks? the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the maintenance? apartment: Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to the dining room adjoin the kitchen? complete.

50 ] Sacramento Information Guide CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Drawbacks curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think school you decide, you can usually find general district information about the cons associated with each house and determine to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. school and receive the information first-hand from school Crime administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime Sellers’ Situations in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also person will appear with an address and the description of the crime be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why he or she had committed. they’re selling. If it's a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely Neighborhoods want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, shot at them accepting a lower price. you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, Style and Substance churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor your commute to work be? plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like The House carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house match your tastes. measures up to each need on your list.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 51 HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING SEACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

According to the Administration on Aging, there are nearly 52.4 once they've retired from their jobs. You have more freedom than million people age 60 or older in the United States. By 2030, one in those of us still tied to the world of employment. So should senior every five Americans will be age 60 or older. Individuals who are 85 citizens buy or rent a home or stay where you are currently living and over are the fastest growing group of seniors, with their after retirement? numbers expected to more than triple from 5.4 million to 19 million When comparing renting and owning a home in your retirement between 2008 and 2050. The demographic profile of America’s years, maintenance and renovations need to be taken into older adults will also be more diverse in the years to come. These consideration. You must be able to keep up your home if you want trends will produce challenges as well as great opportunities to to continue living in retirement safely and comfortably. As for renting, harness the talents and energies of older Americans. many renters receive reassurance and security because they are not the one in charge of making or paying for needed repairs and renovations. One downside to renting a home or apartment is cost increase. Your rent can increase at just about any point in time. In most states, unless your lease states otherwise, rent can be increased with 30 days notice. Even so, most leases are only for one year, meaning your landlord can then raise your rent. In fact, your rent may be raised to any amount that they want, even an amount that you cannot afford. A fixed mortgage is just that and you will always know the amount of your mortgage payments. Another factor to consider is your current lifestyle, and the lifestyle you intend to lead in the future. When deciding whether to rent or buy your home, it's important to remember that the sky is the limit. You might want to travel after retirement, seeing the world on your retirement funds, and a mortgage would only serve to strap you to a particular place. You may not be able to spend winters in the Caribbean if the mortgage payments on your new home are too high. The senior housing trend started with senior apartments where Developers and home builders are now listening to those residents were monitored on a daily basis and had access to numbers. Innovative designs and careful consideration of the needs emergency services. That was just the beginning of a now extensive of active adults are now being studied to construct communities list of developments that cater to senior citizens. Many senior that include many services needed by active adults. Retirement communities include access to pools, gyms and clubhouses and villages now come complete with clubhouses for socialization, meal are age restricted. The newest developments enable seniors to own deliveries and transportation options to just name a few. Seniors will a private residence, maintain their independent lifestyles while now have to do their homework to find out which development is having many services available to them when the needs arise. right for them. Before you make a decision about where to live in retirement you need to consider many factors—the daily lifestyle you want; proximity of children, grandchildren, or other relatives and friends; the type of climate you enjoy; and your health or medical needs. Ideally you should consider these personal and lifestyle factors first. Then you need to face reality. What can you afford? As usual, when it comes to financial issues, the Internal Revenue Service enters the picture. The tax impact can be crucial when you’re analyzing the pros and cons of where and how to live. (You may access tax information for this state in another part of the guide.) Once past this process, you will need to think about renting vs. owning. Senior citizens are in a unique position

52 ] Sacramento Information Guide HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING SEACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

For many a desirable solution is retirement communities. Called “active adult” or “age- restricted” communities, these developments are especially common in suburban cities and towns where land is more available. The residents often can choose among a few different home styles. There are normally recreational benefits, such as a swimming pool, tennis, golf and a social hall. Some of these 55-plus communities are apartment buildings, condominiums or townhouses. Since an independent living facility is one in which you may live in your own apartment while enjoying more social interaction, you can come and go as you please. This gives you the opportunity to still live like you would have at your previous house, going on vacations or visiting family as you please. At the same time, same general area as their housing needs change over time. There independent living facilities have security services that create a safe is normally the cost of buying a unit in the community as well as community and place to live so there's never a reason to feel like monthly fees that increase as you require higher levels of care. You your personal belongings will not be secure while you're away. may want to consider a CCRC if you’d like to stay in the same Many retired adults choose to move to an independent living facility general facility regardless of your care needs. It also can mean because they no longer desire to take care of that big house that spouses can still be very close to one another even if one requires once housed their larger family. All that space is no longer a higher level of care, a big plus. necessary. In addition to downscaling, many independent living A relatively new concept is the Village Solution. The Village facilities offer cleaning and dining services, on top of landscaping. Solution enables active seniors to remain in their own homes It’ll give you the opportunity to really take advantage of your free without having to rely on family and friends. Members of a “village” time as a retired adult, rather than keeping you chained to daunting can access specialized programs and services, such as household chores. transportation to the grocery store, home health care, or help with household chores, as well as a network of social activities with other village members. As of 2009, there were 50 village organizations across the United States, with many more communities planned worldwide. Each offers different services depending on the local needs of the individual communities. The cost of membership varies according to area and the level of services required, but is often in excess of $500 a year. Thinking about housing arrangements for the future can be a stressful, anxiety-provoking topic for both you and your family. It may seem easier to put off thinking about it until later, but the earlier you face your specific issues, the more choices and control you will have over your future. Even if you are completely independent at this time, circumstances can change. It pays to think a little about your current location and how things will differ if you move. For example, how far will your home be from These provide less privacy, which some people want due to shopping, medical facilities, or other services? If you can no longer safety reasons. Each of these communities also has its own list of drive, what kind of transportation access will you have? Does it regulations on what is and is not acceptable by the homeowners. have a lot of steps, stairs, or a steep hill to navigate? Read everything you can about the housing, talk with other Learn about the different types of senior housing, what choices residents and meet the officers, if there is a board that oversees the may be best for you, and how to navigate the emotional roadblocks facility. that come with choosing senior housing. But most importantly plan Continuing-Care Retirement Communities are a great option. to enjoy each day to the fullest and take advantage of every CCRCs are facilities that include independent living, assisted living, opportunity presented to you! and nursing home care in one location, so seniors can stay in the

Sacramento Information Guide [ 53 HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

54 ] Sacramento Information Guide HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 55 SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals; this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo or information without your permission to commit fraud or other television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on refrigerator. your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. (clotheslines). The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right air dry. decisions. • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save free of obstructions to maintain air flow. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your sets draw power even when they’re turned off. computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re computers have “sleep” settings. reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage are not home more than four hours. the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. home. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. comfortable. This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. changing bulbs. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the keep heat out. outside air out and the inside air in. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents as late in the evening as possible. or temperature settings. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. months, less in the winter months. • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and heat in your home. don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or spray to help trap dirt in the filter. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 57 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

58 ] Sacramento Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and components of monthly housing payments. sewer and water systems. Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. determine compliance with building code and other code Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to requirements. closing, conducted by builder and buyer. Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of entire property. property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. amount. Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home to be performed; method of construction; standards of loan and the total value of a property. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- equipment for a particular project. set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing person’s legal right to ownership of a property. and servicing a mortgage application. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and construction work to be performed in conformance with local which may come to light in a future transaction. codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably specified points during construction. discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 59 WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Designer contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, and residing in the home after completion. prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in Subcontractor association with licensed architects. A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade Building Inspector within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase home building project, subcontractors generally include: an of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical construction by County and City building code enforcement contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish departments. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Kitchen /Bath Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. Title Insurance Company indicate certification by a professional association, for which training The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new Interior Designer home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate membership in a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

60 ] Sacramento Information Guide SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Be Thorough type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. and see if the homes are visually appealing. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right considering buying a home from the same builder who built their choice. home. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent you if they are happy with their purchase. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as Quality and Value individual builder’s products. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, both in appliances and insulation.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 61 SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: Hire only licensed contractors. a. A full description of all work to be done. 1. Contractors are required to be licensed to do certain types of b. A firm date of completion work. When selecting a contractor you should make sure the c. Total cost of the job. contractor holds a current, valid license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that the f. Quality of materials to be used. contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references.Ask the contractor for a list of business references that you can call and verify that the 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or and that the contractor pays his bills. extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract complaints or charges pending against the contractor. you sign. 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the contractual contractor. agreement with the contractor. If you have questions about what is being done or problems with the contractor, either ask 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability questions or confront the problem head on when it occurs in insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to order to minimize any conflict and reach a satisfactory resolve protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a result of work being done on your property. 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

62 ] Sacramento Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 63 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This

64 ] Sacramento Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional Helpful Mortgage Terms loans. Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the contract. mortgage. Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative programs. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the financing charges and fees. mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 65 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance ($100) = $600 6% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600 = $30,000 $30,000/.90 (Loan to Value) = $33,333 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%

100,000 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700

150,000 450 525 600 675 750 825 900 975 1050

200,000 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400

250,000 750 875 1000 1125 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750

300,000 900 1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100

350,000 1050 1225 1400 1575 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450

400,000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800

450,000 1350 1575 1800 2025 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150

500,000 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500

550,000 1650 1925 2200 2475 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850

600,000 1800 2100 2400 2700 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200

650,000 1950 2275 2600 2925 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550

700,000 2100 2450 2800 3150 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900

750,000 2250 2625 3000 3375 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250

800,000 2400 2800 3200 3600 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600

850,000 2550 2975 3400 3825 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950

900,000 2700 3150 3600 4050 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300

950,000 2850 3325 3800 4275 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650

1,000,000 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000

66 ] Sacramento Information Guide AIRLINES NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Airlines Hertz Car Rental certification for exceptional quality and Reservations call (800) 654-3131 customer satisfaction. Their superior American Airlines Still the biggest, still the best We care customer service program, supported by Reservations call (800) 433-7300 about you. Customer service is the most the Elliott team, is unsurpassed in the field. Flights at your fingertips. For passenger important thing we do. Biggest selection of Elliott Homes maintains a tradition of reservations and information call us or your low-mileage cars. imaginative foresight in the homebuilding travel agent. Education 6-12 industry with the creation of energy- Continental Airlines efficient retreats and master-planned Reservations call (800) 523-3273 Florida Air Academy communities in growing locations like Want to be treated with respect, fly the 1950 South Academy Drive Rancho Cordova, Galt, Folsom, Roseville safe and courteous sky’s with Continental Melbourne, FL 32901 and Rocklin. As a fourth-generation builder, Airlines. (321) 723-3211 Elliott Homes understands the importance United Airlines www.flair.com of family and home. It’s all a part of the Reservations call (800) 241-6522 At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have Elliott Advantage. the opportunity to get a first-rate education Serving more of the nations top 100 Housing - Short Term Corporate business centers than any other airline. geared to the learning styles of young men Small package dispatch, same-day airport and make friends from around the world. Tuscaro Apartments to airport. The school accepts young men in grades 4400 Truxel Rd 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- Sacramento, CA 95834 Apartments student average class size and college (916) 928-8910 prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, Crosswood When in Sacramento there is just one many with advanced degrees. Cadets at 6801 San Tomas Drive place for your corporate housing and short Florida Air Academy receive leadership Citrus Heights, CA 95621 term housing needs...at TUSCARO we training and an emphasis on community (888) 613-8004 provide your home away from home with service. Other programs include an www.aimco.com fully furnished 1 and 2 bedroom apartment excellent sports program, extensive Live RENT FREE in 2006! Ask us for homes. Your home comes complete with a computer curriculum and optional flight details. Time off is time to enjoy the resort- full size washer and dryer, frost free training and SCUBA certification. style pool and spa, Fitness Center and refrigerator with ice maker and built-in basketball, racquetball and tennis courts Florida Air Academy is located on microwave. Each suite is wired for high when you live at Crosswood. Even Florida’s Space Coast and is fully speed internet and includes all utilities, household tasks are effortless when you’ve accredited. Contact our Admissions local phone and cable TV with HBO. You got a handy in-home washer/dryer, fully department for more information on Fall, don’t have to worry about a thing; our equipped kitchen with dishwasher and Spring, and Summer enrollments. professional staff will do everything to disposal and plenty of closet space for For additional Information contact: make sure your stay is as convenient as storage. Cozy wood-burning fireplaces, Donna Stratford Director of possible. Our community amenities include sunny patios or balconies encourage Communication (321) 723-3211, a 24 hour Resident Business Center, 24 entertaining, rest and relaxation. Pets are Extension 30028 hour Fitness Center, Lakeside Jogging Trail, 24 hour Pool and Spa, Concierge welcome too. Call today to schedule a Home Builders/Developers personal tour! Service (including arrangements for airport Elliott Homes transportation) and Complimentary Video Car/Truck Rental 80 Iron Point Circle Suite 110 and DVD library. Tuscaro is conveniently located just minutes from Sacramento Avis Rent a Car Folsom, CA 95630-6212 International Airport and Downtown Reservations call (800) 331-1212 (916) 984-1300 Sacramento. Whether you need a 1 night Offers low-mileage quality maintained www.elliotthomes.com stay or are in town for 9 months we can GM and other cars. Computerized for fast I Since 1914, the Elliott name has been accommodate your needs. service and low rates for day, week, or synonymous with fine family homes and long term mini lease. the most preferred communities. Today, Moving Supplies almost a century and more than 40,000 Budget Rent a Car homes later, the company remains at the Dial-A-Box Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 forefront of the home building industry. White Plains and The Bronx, NY Right now, Budget has some great rates Elliott Homes is renowned as both Toll Free (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX on some equally great cars and trucks. So designer and builder of quality homes with (866) 434-2522 don’t let them pass you by. For your local exceptional features and innovative master- www.dial-a-box.com or one-way rental choose from Budget’s planned communities with nature World Class Fleet at the airport, or in your Nationwide Travel preserves, walking trails, schools, neighborhood. shopping, dining and entertainment. Bellagio The Resort Budget Rent a Truck Elliott Homes’ rigid quality standards and 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 excellent reputation result in a superior Las Vegas, NV 89109 Right now, Budget has some great rates home built by the best. The company has (702) 693-7223 on some equally great cars and trucks. So earned local, regional and national acclaim Experience a world unto itself at “the don’t let them pass you by. and was recently awarded NHQ most romantic hotel in the world.” • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 67 NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

• Nine world-renowned restaurants AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. New Home Developments including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of The Countryside Collection Diamond Award-winner Picasso. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried 5516 Tarkenton Court • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Elk Grove, CA fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Habitat. (916) 714-8762 • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons www.rbcommunities.com most sophisticated boutiques from and tumbling waterfalls. Homes available for immediate move-in! Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Special incentives available! Ask your Hermes. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage community sales consultant about “Turn • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens pool. Key Homes.” Discover exceptional family charms guests with its natural beauty. New York-New York living for a great value at The Countryside • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South Collection. Conveniently located in Elk acre lake. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Grove, this collection of four flexible floorplans include many premium features, Fairmont Hotels (702) 740-6969 such as GE® appliances, nine foot ceilings, Toll Free (800) 527-4727 The best of New York City meets the laundry sinks in all utility rooms and more. www.fairmont.com best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans, Be a part of it. Cresleigh Ranch New York, San Francisco & San Jose. • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and Elk Grove, CA 95757 America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. entertainment. (916) 714-6719 www.cresleigh.com Hilton • Live performances nightly from the For those in search of it all, Cresleigh Reservations Worldwide Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. Ranch is the answer. For example, families Toll Free (800) 845-8667 • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller with children will appreciate the widely www.Hilton.com Coaster. respected Elk Grove Unified School Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon District, where strong academic programs, Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at excellent facilities, and talented teaching MGM Grand Times Square. professionals provide the high quality 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South • New York City’s original Gallaghers learning environment parents desire for Las Vegas, NV 89109 Steakhouse. their children. Cresleigh Ranch is also (702) 891-1111 • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple conveniently located just a short commute Searching for non-stop action and Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The from downtown Sacramento via excellent pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of Greatest City in Las Vegas.” freeway access, and offers proximity to Entertainment” awaits your arrival. • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du many major employment opportunities • La Femme-the sensual French sensation Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, throughout Sacramento as well as the Bay direct from the original Crazy Horse in humanity and art. Area. Paris. Treasure Island The Alexander Collection at Stone Creek • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South 10870 Waterbrook Way stimulate and arouse your senses. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. (702) 792-5627 (916) 635-7882 • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including Enjoy the adventure and romance of this www.elliotthomes.com celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s engaging resort filled with new-world For those who have a fast-paced Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. amenities. lifestyle with better things to do than spend time and money maintaining huge homes • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning Habitat. resort. and yards, The Alexander Collection is a great value. Home buyers have the added • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle advantage of so much in their own Theatre feature top name entertainment. between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and community. Along with neighborhood Mirage Hotel & Casino the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the parks and a new elementary school, the 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South middle of the Buccaneer Bay. community touts a 23-acre sports and Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a entertainment park - Stone Creek Park - (702) 791-7111 mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, with soccer fields, softball fields, picnic Immerse yourself in this tropical South circus skills and dance. areas and interactive water features. Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! • Eight exciting dining options including The homes within The Alexander • Experience the elegance and Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay Collection are cost-efficient, energy- sophistication of our newly redesigned Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the efficient and time-efficient, designed to guest rooms. explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. maximize space and minimize maintenance • Dive into interconnected lagoon and • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. for on-the-go people. These SMUD Gold thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and Advantage homes will save on energy pool. salon. costs. The homes feature granite slab • Ten international restaurants including countertops in kitchen, appliance package, including washer, dryer and refrigerator,

68 ] Sacramento Information Guide NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS complete alarm system, front and are just up the street from the sales office. tub and shower surrounds and a Kohler backyard landscaping and a custom Chelsea is a mutigenerational oval soaking tub with separate shower window covering package. neighborhood, appealing to couples, feature in the master bath. The Alexander Collections offers homes families with children and retirees alike. The The center of the community is the with two to three bedrooms and two to location is key - next to neighborhoods 9,000 square foot Club Lincoln which three baths. Square footages range from with million dollar homes, plus Chelsea is features a state of the art fitness center, 1,470 to 2,208. Pricing begins in the built with the same quality materials and two swimming pools, teen center, spacious $340,000s. construction that goes into higher-end community room and a catering kitchen. Canyon View at Stone Ridge Elliott Homes neighborhoods. Chelsea Residents will find Club Lincoln the perfect 3041 Demartini Drive homes have it all: convenient floor plans place for meetings, special events or just (Terra Vista Sales Trailer) and superior features such as granite slab an inviting place to gather with family and Roseville, CA 95661 countertops in kitchen, complete alarm friends. These homes range from (916) 780-1665 system, custom window coverings and $380,990 - $460,990 www.elliotthomes.com front yard and backyard landscaping. The MapleWood at WestParke Canyon View is a neighborhood of homes meet or exceed energy 4376 Gibraltar Street dramatic private residences in the master- requirements to qualify as SMUD Gold Sacramento, CA 95834 planned community of Stone Ridge in Advantage Homes, which translates to (916) 419-8591 dynamic east Roseville. It is a preserve of savings on energy bills. www.WestParke.com natural foothills beauty blended with living Chelsea features three to four bedroom Cosmopolitan living with charming areas and trails for bikers and hikers, all homes with two to three baths. Square country appeal awaits you at MapleWood located close to dining, shopping, golf footage ranges from 1,344 to 1,850. at WestParke. Offering 2 to 4 bedrooms, courses and entertainment. Canyon View Pricing begins in the $390,000s. up to 3 baths and approximately 1,481 to is closing out and has just four homes left. Laurel Oaks 1,823 square feet, MapleWood is rounded They are priced to sell 4012 Samuel Way out with special design touches like tiled The Carnelian X has four bedrooms, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 entries, kitchens and bathrooms, cozy three bathrooms, with bonus room and 530-677-4352 family rooms, handsomely appointed 2,650 square feet. It has an abundance of www.pulte.com master suites, Cat 5 and RG6 Home Run upgrades, including granite slab The golden foothills begin at the El wiring and more. Flexible floorplans allow countertops in kitchen, tile flooring Dorado County line and it is here, situated for an assortment of options—master throughout and a complete backyard. halfway between the San Francisco Bay retreats, lofts and dens—as well as a host Two Zircons are available with four Area and the scenic Lake Tahoe, where of custom feature upgrades. Situated amid bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, you can find El Dorado Hills, one of Sacramento’s finest attractions, you can office, entertainment room with walk-out Northern California's most prestigious experience the area’s best without being basement and 3,590 square feet. Both residential addresses. El Dorado translates too far from home. have an abundance of upgrades and back to mean “Land of Golden Opportunity” and Miramonte at Empire Ranch to nature preserves with walking trails. One Laurel Oaks offers your family the perfect 2091 Fenceline Drive home has a deck off the family room, the home to fulfill your dreams. Folsom, CA 95630 other a completed backyard. Legacy at Lincoln Crossing (916) 984-5712 The Garnet offers four bedrooms, three- Lincoln, CA 95648 www.elliotthomes.com and-a-half bathrooms, walk-out basement (916) 408-3746 Tucked into the hills above Folsom is a and 3157 square feet. This home backs to Lincoln Crossing lies in the beautiful prestigious collection of homes with a nature preserve with walking trails and rolling landscape of western Placer County decadence built inElliott Homes’ semi- has numerous upgrades, including granite adjacent to the Sierra foothills and custom neighborhood of Miramonte lies slab in the kitchen, tile flooring and a conveniently located on the Hwy 65 within the golf-oriented master-planned backyard deck. corridor. This master planned community community of Empire Ranch and boasts of Close-out pricing from the $570,000s. offers the charm and serenity of small town breathtaking views and nature preserves living without forsaking the amenities and with walking trails. Chelsea at Empire Ranch conveniences of the city. With seven models and 11 floor plans, 405 Porter Rd. this community has a custom look not Folsom, CA 95630 Legacy at Lincoln Crossing is offering found in many subdivisions today. (916) 817-8445 our exciting new floor plans of one and two Depending on the floor plan, the homes www.elliotthomes.com story homes ranging in size from 1747 to offer walk-out basements, decks, front Nestled in the foothills above Folsom, 2798 square feet. These homes boast courtyards, master bedroom retreats with Chelsea is the most affordable Elliott superlative standard features such as 12 x fireplaces, large kitchens with granite slab Homes community in the golf-oriented 12 handset ceramic floor tile, raised panel countertops and food preparation islands master-planned community of Empire interior doors, decorator selected interior and walk-in pantries. Ranch. The unique hillside location and lighting packages, well-appointed gourmet access to hiking and biking tails and nature kitchens featuring GE appliances, 5-burner Each residence includes features like preserves enhance the feeling of cook tops and stacked oven and raised ceilings, curved architecture, crown spaciousness. Residents enjoy lake views microwave combination. The distinctive moulding, eight foot interior doors, on strolls through the neighborhood. A bedrooms and baths offer spacious recessed ceiling and under cabinet lighting, new elementary school and high school closets, handset tile on your counter tops, ceramic tile flooring, window covering

Sacramento Information Guide [ 69 NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS packages with shutters and front and Nevada foothills. Plumas Lake features a Only a few homes are left, including backyard landscaping. Master baths have collection of innovative homes built by one model homes, which range from $480,000 both a shower and separate soaking tub. of California’s most respected to $580,000 with a 30 day close: The homes feature fully finished three car homebuilders, Cresleigh Homes. Located The Champagne has 2,507 square feet, garages and dual-zoned climate control approximately thirty miles from the state four bedrooms and two bathrooms and a HVAC systems with two thermostats. With capital, Plumas Lake successfully built-in backyard barbecue. The kitchen superior energy-efficiency, Miramonte has combines today’s modern lifestyle with sports a Corian countertop; bathrooms earned the Sacramento Municipal Utility small town values. The convenient location have accented tile. Upgrades are valued at District Gold Advantage Home designation. offers an easy commute to downtown over $47,000. This equates to lower energy bills. Sacramento yet easily blends with the The Rhone offers four bedrooms three Homes at Miramonte range from 2,147 region’s expanding commercial sector, bathrooms and wine cellar in 2,783 square square feet up to 3,999 square feet and strong agricultural based industry and feet. The kitchen features granite slab pricing begins in the $590,000s. preserved forests. countertops; bathrooms have accented New Riata at Empire Ranch Terra Vista at Stone Ridge tile. Entry and master bedroom feature 661 Burlond Court 3041 Demartini Drive crown moulding. Upgrades are valued at Folsom, CA 95630 (Sales Trailer) over $72,000. (916) 983-5406 Roseville, CA 95661 The Bordeaux has 3,705 square feet, www.elliotthomes.com (916) 780-1665 five bedrooms and four bathrooms. New Riata, located in the hills above www.elliotthomes.com Kitchen and butler pantry feature granite Folsom in Empire Ranch, has unique A solar neighborhood with a gorgeous slab countertops and bathrooms have advantages that continue to generate hillside setting, Terra Vista, in the master- decorative tile. The backyard features a buyer enthusiasm. planned Stone Ridge community offers built-in barbecue. Upgrades are valued at Advantage One: Location. Riata is some of the last opportunities in east over $82,000. Roseville for large view lots. Terra Vista’s located in the master-planned golf Traditions at Anatolia setting provides spectacular vistas and community of Empire Ranch along with 4256 Steccato Drive access to walking trails and nature million-dollar homes. Besides golf, the Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 preserves. Already energy-efficient homes community offers nature preserves with (916) 608-8719 designated Roseville BEST Homes through walking trails and spectacular views. www.lennar.com the Roseville Electric Company, Terra Vista Advantage Two: Terrain. The sloping US Home is thrilled to be bringing their has the added benefit of solar roofs, which topography lends itself to diverse floor popular Traditions series to the master can save buyers thousands of dollars on plans; three single-level, one two-story, planned community of Anatolia. Featuring energy bills over time. and three Hillside View Series. The latter six floorplans ranging from 1,633 to 2,824 are one-of-a-kind homes, designed and Terra Vista homes feature Designer square feet, Traditions offers both single built for a specific site. These homes Dream Packages at no extra charge. and two story homes with 3-4 bedrooms, include features like walk-out basements Purchasers select a home and choose up to 2.5 baths and 2 and 3 car garages. and bonus rooms and either wet bar or their favorite Designer Dream Package to The 1,015-acre master-planned community wine storage room. embellish it. Features include granite slab of Anatolia is the first of its kind for the new kitchen counter tops, beech, alder or Advantage Three: Energy Efficiency. The city of Rancho Cordova, with stunning new cherry cabinets, upgraded carpet and pad, homes meet or exceed standards of the home villages planned among natural upgraded 20 x 20 ceramic tile flooring (per SMUD Gold Advantage program, which wetlands and surrounded by phenomenal plan & designer choice), complete alarm translates to lower energy bills and higher amenities. Anatolia will offer a spectacular system, front yard landscaping, full privacy resale value. social and recreation clubhouse, expansive fencing, quality appliances, custom Advantage Four: Designer Dream neighborhood parks, and nearby shopping window covering package and rich two- destinations. These homes range from Packages. Riata is one of the first Elliott tone paint scheme. Homes communities to offer value-added $399,990 - $494,990. Terra Vista homes range from 1,777 to coordinated interiors at no extra charge. Traditions at Heron Landing 2,900 square feet and feature three to five These include granite slab countertops in 1915 Gray Lodge Court bedrooms and two to three baths. Pricing kitchen, cherry or maple cabinets, front Gridley, CA 95948 starts in the $490,000s. and backyard landscaping, window (530) 846-5026 covering package and two-toned paint. The Tuscany Collection at Stone Creek www.lennar.com New Riata homes offer three to five 10870 Waterbrook Way US Home is thrilled to be debuting its bedrooms and two to three-and-a-half (Alexander Collection Sales Office) popular Traditions series in the historical baths with 1,777 to 3,246 square feet. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 town of Gridley. Situated in the beautiful Pricing starts begins in the $490,000s. (916) 635-7882 Sacramento Valley in the heartland of www.elliotthomes.com California agriculture, Gridley is known as Southern Plumas Lake The Tuscany Collection is located in “the small town that loves company.” Plumas Lake, CA 95961 Rancho Cordova’s master-planned Gridley offers the unique combination of (530) 749-7403 community of Stone Creek. The charming small town atmosphere with the www.cresleigh.com community is nature friendly with trails, variety of services and opportunities usually A historically and culturally rich greenbelts and a 23-acre sports park; a found in much larger cities. community nestled between the fertile new elementary school is nearby. Sacramento Valley and picturesque Sierra Conveniently located within a few hours

70 ] Sacramento Information Guide NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS of the Bay Area, Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe/Reno area, one has the advantage of living in a community with clean air, good water and a rural lifestyle, while having quick access to metropolitan areas. Gridley is located midway between the rapidly expanding urban areas of Chico and Yuba City. Gridley offers quality lifestyle, a community with old fashioned friendliness and values, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. All of these make Gridley an exceptional place to raise a family. hese homes range from $270,990 - $335,990 Woodbury Estates at River Oaks 776 Griffey Way Galt, CA 95632 (209) 744-8175 www.elliotthomes.com The appeal of Elliott Homes Woodbury Estates in Galt is unmistakable: small town charm, easy commute to Stockton, Lodi, Elk Grove and Sacramento, and a nearby sports park. But the biggest hit is the Designer Dream Package included in each home - at no extra charge. Buyers choose from five unique packages selected by the award-winning Courtney Ford Design. The packages include two-tone paint schemes, maple or cherry cabinetry, custom window coverings, granite slab countertops in the kitchen, decorative tile counters and shower surrounds in the bathrooms and upgraded carpeting and padding. Entries, kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms feature upgraded floor tile - up to 20” x 20”. With their one-story design, Woodbury Estates’ homes offer uncommon backyard privacy. They are designed with open floor plans and island kitchens and feature private master suites with walk-in closets, soaking tub and separate shower. The homes include alarm systems and prewiring for cable television, satellite and surround sound, along with finished front yards with sprinkler system and backyard fencing. Homes range from four to five bedrooms and two to three baths. Square footage ranges from 2,005 to 2,766 square feet. Pricing begins in the $420,000s.

Sacramento Information Guide [ 71 NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

72 ] Sacramento Information Guide

NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

72 ] Sacramento Information Guide