A Publication of the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association

Vol. 37, No. 8 2791 - 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818 • 452-3005 • www.sierra2.org April 2016 Freeport Boulevard bike lanes coming this summer

By Andrea Rosen between June 13 and Aug. 12. Viewpoint staff writer SCNA voted to support the Freeport Boulevard project. SCNA aith Bernstein was a McClatchy board members were among more Fsenior from Curtis Park in January than two dozen speakers at the 2010 when The Sacramento Bee first November 2012 City Council meeting reported on the formation of a grass- at which the project was approved. roots group called SAFFE — Safety The Freeport Boulevard project Along Freeport For Everyone. will add bike lanes in both directions, Faith gathered statistics and reduce speeds and improve pedestrian organized the production of a video crossings. New signage and striping showing the danger of riding a bike on are standard improvements. The Freeport Boulevard. Car-bike accidents revised roadway will include bus and too many near misses plagued high pullouts to help traffic flow more school and City College students biking smoothly and flashing beacon on Freeport to and from school. crosswalks and radar speed-limit SAFFE started advocating for signs to slow traffic, increasing safety Photo/Joan Cusick turning about a mile of Freeport for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Max Kaplan shares his 100th birthday with friends at the Senior Center. Boulevard between Vallejo Way and One traffic lane in each direction Sutterville Road into a “Complete will be eliminated to make room for Street.” the bike lanes and a center turn lane. Secret to living 100 years The good news is that it’s finally “I believe that the addition of going to happen this summer, reports bike lanes on Freeport Boulevard is right in front of him City Engineer Adam Randolph, will have a tremendous effect on the By Dennis Cusick have no idea why I’m this age. It is as who is overseeing the project. Bids public’s ability and willingness to Viewpoint staff writer much a surprise for me as it is for you.” were due by March 23 with ground navigate a popular corridor between Kaplan was in the spotlight, not breaking to occur at the southern two light-rail stations and without a hat causes longevity? only because his fellow writers group end of the project on May 16, timed car,” said city planner Sparky Harris. W On the eve of Max Kaplan’s members had a large birthday card and to coincide with the Sacramento City “It feels like we have reached a 100th birthday last month, his fellow cake for him, but also because it was his College spring break. With luck, the tipping point in terms of enthusiasm members of the Senior Center writers turn to read something he’d written. northern end, near McClatchy, will and support at the highest levels for group wanted to know his secret. “I have been thinking about our be constructed during summer break bicycling in Sacramento.” “I’m just lucky,” he told them. “I Please see Longevity, page 3 No public notice required for ‘Village’ Variations commercial site plan on Tudor By Andrea Rosen style in Viewpoint staff writer he site plan that authorizes developer Paul this year’s TPetrovich to build a shopping center in Curtis Park Village was quietly approved by the city’s home tour design director with no advance notice to Curtis Park neighbors. The details of the plan, approved nearly two years ago, have never been publicly reported. They address basic city requirements concerning streets, Photo/Rudy Calpo lighting, landscaping, fire, water, utilities and the This Markham Way house is among a line of Tudors replete with like. developer Frank Williams’ handcrafted design details. Three retail spaces, between 7,500 and 5,600 By Lori Harder two miles. Bicycle racks will be provided for those square feet, were approved along Crocker Drive. Special to the Viewpoint who opt to cycle between the homes. They don’t appear to open onto Crocker Drive One home takes in sweeping views of the park but instead open to the parking lot. The rest of parade of Model A automobiles will begin through two stories of leaded-glass windows. the shopping center space is largely occupied by A the annual Home and Garden Tour at 10 a.m. Interiors behind those windows are colorful and a grocery of 54,936 square feet, with two adjacent Saturday, April 30. The classic cars will lead the way elegant. The homeowners (one of whom grew up in buildings between 10,000 and 18,000 square feet. to seven beautiful homes and gardens on tour. Food, Curtis Park and wanted to return), are also finishing Some 209 parking spaces were approved on music, displays and a walking tour of drought- a new apartment and office, in place of the garage, the interior of the shopping center surrounded by tolerant landscapes will round out the day. that is architecturally tied to the design of the house, retail space. Ten long-term bike parking spaces are This year’s tour features homes in variations complemented by a new small pool. required with space for 52 more bikes. No location of the Tudor Revival style. While all homes have Longtime and devoted Curtis Park residents for bike parking was specified or required. beautiful original features, the interiors vary from Mark and Sharon Helmar will graciously open What was not specified in the site plan was serene and cool tones to rich deep color and artwork. their home for this 30th anniversary tour. In 1986, something that has caused controversy ever since Both updated and vintage kitchens and dedicated to renovating and reviving the Sierra 2 – a piece of the northeast interior corner marked bathrooms vary in size, color and style. Outdoor Center, they volunteered their home for the first as “future building.” Six weeks after the site plan spaces range from intimate gathering spots to large tour and fundraiser when they lived on West Curtis was approved, developer Petrovich requested a landscapes with dramatic trees, fountains, iron and Drive with their children. (See related story.) conditional use permit for a 16-nozzle gas station at stone work. Also on the tour are two beautifully detailed this location. City Council rejected the gas station The homes on tour are located throughout the Tudor homes by noted developer Frank Williams request last November. neighborhood, encompassing a loop of just over Please see Tour, page 6 Please see Site Plan, page 5 Page 2 Viewpoint April 2016

Notes from March 2nd meeting Tech Lab envisioned as learning space for kids

Tech Lab for shifts. tennis courts will be taken over by Terri Shettle is working on Next meeting Wine Tasting; A new Curtis Park the city. funding and grants for equipment. The next meeting of the couple has volunteered to chair the Pskowski is working on The cottage will be the new home SCNA Board will begin at 7 p.m. committee. hiring an arborist to assess the of the Tech Lab after it is repaired, Wednesday, April 6 in the NCC: Dan Pskowski said health of the heritage oaks at the rewired and secured. This will be Garden Room at Sierra 2. there should be SCNA involvement north end of Curtis Park Village. a great place for neighborhood For more information, call with city officials so we can be the Sierra 2 office, 452–3005. children to gather and learn code, apprised of changes in development Treasurer’s report record beats, etc. issues. Bruce Pierini will organize Joseph Eschleman reported SCNA staff will be going on process. SCNA has a few months a proactive development forum that investment income is OK, a series of field trips to learn how to submit suggestions for the new with articulate and thoughtful despite a volatile market. Terri other organizations create tech budget. The Home Tour on April 30 developers and city officials for Shettle said the Sierra 2 Center’s spaces and how we can evolve to has six homes. A native plant group the fall. It was suggested that block users generate revenue of the next level. The next field trip will do a presentation on gardening, Councilmember Jay Schenirer could $20,000 per month. will be behind the scenes at the landscaping and pollinators at the give SCNA an hour once a month or Crocker Museum. event area in William Curtis Park. every two months. Annual retreat Pskowski gave an update on Board members planned Executive Director’s Report Standing committees the tree ordinance update and said it to attend the yearly retreat Terri Shettle says she is Facilities: Terri Shettle reported would go to the Law and Legislative on Sunday, March 13. The continuing to work with Runaway the walk-in cooler will need to be Committee in April with 10 days to SCNA strategic plan was to be Stage Productions on the condition replaced and installed. review the report, but there is still discussed. of the cottage and other concerns. Development: Kara Leong pushback from city staff. These issues will likely require reported the Egg Hunt would be Councilmember Jeff Harris Recognition SCNA expenditures and resources Saturday, March 26. Rosanna Herber will help with the April Curtis Park Staff member Valerie Burrows when they leave. The Parks would be the constable. The bunny cleanup day to repair irrigation and will be recognized for 11 years of Department is undergoing an and photographer were lined up and fill in holes. hard work. evaluation and reprioritization ready. Board members had signed up Candy Andersen’s garden by the — Kate Van Buren, Board secretary

Front porch is prime seat in theater of life

here are 17 potted plants cream and other mostly The boy is now running back and forth on the on our front porch. Jade, delicious substances that serve lawn, balancing the broom on his outstretched T ric fuchsia, impatiens, lamium, ivy, E to continually baptize the palm to see how long he can keep it vertical. His a bromeliad that occasionally Johnson concrete. best so far is 22 seconds. hides delicate pink flowers in The porch has also The dueling leaf blowers are tuned at a major its recesses, and our orchid that SCNA entertained all kinds of visitors third, and the buzz saw in the distance adds a blooms much more rarely than Board at all kinds of hours. Parents, discordant seventh as the sun wisps behind a a blue moon. For whatever President siblings, friends walking their cloud. A squirrel skitters along the roof of the reason, it has decided to send dogs, children walking their house across the street, debating whether to make out a stalk this season, and the parents, aspiring politicians, the leap to the plane tree. He edges up to the eave, buds just opened to beautiful true believers, neighbors, shoe checks to see if anybody’s watching … deep red and umber. The sun is out, the flag is up, thieves and delivery people. Most of them are He makes it. I remember my grandfather and the youngest is sweeping the sidewalk to make welcome, and the majority of the above groups cursing while air rifling at rodents in his back yard, an ideal twig-free environment for wearing his will hang out for a bit when I hail them. and I wish momentarily for a relaxation of laws Heelys shoes. We try to make it a habit to say hello to the regarding BB guns within city limits. The front porch also has some, shall we say, walkers when we’re out front, and if it’s someone Curtis Park is truly a front-porch discolorations, born of countless hours spent on we’re acquainted with, there’s almost always an neighborhood. If you’ve got a front porch, use it our metal chairs. Stout, soda, brie, salsa, potato offer of a beverage. As an added bonus, if we’re out enthusiastically. If you don’t, come on by and be chips (probably salt & pepper Kettle chips), ice front, the dog walkers always pick up their detritus. a part of ours.

At HOME in Curtis Park.

Editors Dennis Cusick Steffan Brown Susan MacCulloch (916) 717-7217 Judy Scheible [email protected] Production Carol Blackman Contributors Valerie Burrows Ariel Calvert CaBRE #01882787 Erik Fay Rosanna Herber Eric Johnson Faith Johnstone A Reputation For Understanding Craig McCulloch Fine Older Homes From The Inside Out. Fayzah Mughal Dan Pskowski Andrea Rosen

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES Terri Shettle HOME OFFICE: BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Ad Manager Fran Coletti KEN PERRY, Agent Distribution Gerre Buehler 2724 24th Street Photography Rudy Calpo Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 452-6668 Joan Cusick We specialize in insuring the older home. Judy Harper

April 2016 Viewpoint Page 3

Mayoral candidates come to Sierra 2 to meet with neighbors

he SCNA Neighborhood Concerns LUNAFEST film festival comes TCommittee has arranged for the top four Angelique Ashby mayoral candidates to meet with neighbors in to the 24th Street Theatre April 7 the Garden Room at the Sierra 2 Center. On April 20, Tony “the Tiger” Lopez will he 2016 LUNAFEST festival of “Raising Ryland” is an intimate visit at 7 p.m., followed by Russell Rawlings. six award-winning short films is look at the transgender experience of a T On May 26, Angelique Ashby is scheduled at coming to the 24th Street Theatre at 6-year-old boy and his parents. 6 p.m., followed by Darrell Steinberg at 7:15 p.m. 7 p.m. April 7. “First World Problems” tells the The candidates will explain why they are LUNAFEST is a traveling festival story of a tired housewife who loses running for mayor, followed by questions from dedicated to showcasing women her car in a shopping mall and finds Tony Lopez a moderator and then neighbors. If you have filmmakers and raising women’s that problems can open a door to a questions for the candidates, please send them issues. The six films were chosen new world. to [email protected]. from more than 300 entries. Three of In “Beach Flags,” a young Iranian Neighbors interested in a more formal the films are directed by California lifeguard, determined to participate debate can attend the Mayoral Neighborhood women, the others by women from in a competition in Australia, Forum on May 11, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Finland, France and England. experiences an unexpected obstacle. Grand Hall of Clunie Community Center in “Finding June” views the world Metro Soroptimist International McKinley Park. The forum is sponsored by through the eyes of a deaf woman just Club will host the festival. Proceeds Inside magazine publisher Cecily Hastings, diagnosed with breast cancer. will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and Russell Rawlings who indicated invitations have been sent “Balsa Wood” shares a local nonprofits. Tickets are $25 for to more than 40 neighborhood associations lighthearted slice of life about two adults, $20 for students before April 1, in the monthly magazine’s readership area. mixed-race siblings visiting their and then all tickets are $30. Non- Journalist Bob Graswich will be the forum’s extended Filipino family for lunch. alcoholic drinks and light snacks are lead moderator. “Boxeadora” profiles a woman included in the ticket price. There Anyone planning to attend the forum who defies Fidel Castro’s ban on will also be a raffle and a silent should get there early, as only 191 seats will be female boxing to follow her dreams of auction. Visit www.lunafest.org/ available in the Grand Hall. Olympic glory. sacramento0407. — Rosanna Herber, Viewpoint staff Darrell Steinberg

Longevity: Finding a true sense of community gives Max purpose

(Continued from page one) the buddies they had seen killed in family history,” he began. Born in a front of them. Chicago hospital on March 24, 1916, The answer to his longevity, he grew up in Indiana, about 30 Kaplan’s daughter Jana Cinder miles to the southeast. When World suggested, had nothing to do with his War II began, he was a student at lifestyle. “He did everything wrong,” the University of Chicago, hoping to she said. “He drank, he smoked, he become a history teacher. Kaplan knew didn’t exercise.” Instead of meals, he didn’t want to shoot a gun, so he he often would just have coffee and asked one of his professors, a World something sweet. War I veteran, what he should do. The “The important thing to what Photo/Craig McCulloch professor suggested that he enlist in Max, third from left, front row, poses with the Life History Writing group. makes life happy as you age,” she said, the hospital corps, which he did. “is groups like this,” where his fellow His unit was sent to New Guinea After the war, Kaplan returned fellow group member Tony Leneis, a seniors can appreciate the stories of to treat soldiers’ illnesses, war wounds to the University of Chicago, where self-described “fly boy,” remarked that lives well lived. “Being around people and emotional traumas. Because of he obtained a master’s degree in New Guinea had been a “terrible place who want what you have to offer.” his background in history, Kaplan was human development, enabling him to to serve,” with mosquitoes and disease She said her father has found a assigned to obtain patients’ histories, secure positions treating patients, first and mud. true sense of community in the writers give them intelligence tests and at a psychiatric facility in Manteno, “Yes it was,” Kaplan said. “When group. “It’s so important to him. He evaluate the soldiers’ fitness for duty. Ill., then for 20 years at Napa State you came on the island, the odor of feels welcomed and looks forward to “I sent most of them back home,” he Hospital, before he retired to a practice the vegetation hit you like a cloud.” his Sierra 2 Senior Center activities all said. “A few, with non-combat duty, counseling private patients in Novato. And he heard the stories, from his week. If there is any secret to happiness I sent back to their units.” Upon hearing Kaplan’s story, emotionally wrought patients, about in a long life, it is these things.”

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LUNAFEST SING FOR JOY: STORIES OF SHIFT-Twenty16 April 7 A SPRING CHORAL CONCERT IMMIGRATION Shows: Showtime: 7 p.m. April 10 Friday, April 29, 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 students, FILM FESTIVAL Saturday, April 30, 2 & 8 p.m. Showtime: 2-4 p.m. $25 non-students before April 1; General admissions: $20 Free tickets: Hart Senior Center reception $30 non-students after April 1 April 17 Tickets: brownpapertickets.com desk; 915 27th St., Sacramento, 95816 Info: www.lunafest.org Showtime: 2:15–5:15 p.m. Info: www.twopoint4dance.org Info: 808-5462 Contact: Abby Maurer, Reception: 5:30-6:15 p.m. [email protected] Tickets: Free After receiving much The Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Info: Jessica Braverman Birch, 486-0906 Center and the Sacramento Metropolitan success with 'Digging 4 Earth' LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival Arts Commission present “Sing for Joy: and 'Unsettling Bones', award- The Latino-Jewish Forum explores the of award-winning short films by, for and A Spring Choral Concert,” showcasing winning company TwoPoint4 about women. This season’s film program — the singing talents of Singers with Hart, immigrant experiences of Latinos and Jews in Dance Theater presents its first filled with stories of reflection, hope and a choral group of 40 singers age 50-plus. America through two films, “SS St. Louis,” and production, 'SHIFT-Twenty16', an humor — will travel to more than 150 The two-hour spring concert, which is “Underwater Dreams,” followed by a community evening of dance performances cities. Proceeds support the Soroptimist free and open to the public, will feature conversation. Speakers: Rabbi Mona Alfi, Maia Jaffe bringing various companies International of Metro Sacramento club’s traditional folk music, classical and and students Oscar Vazquez and Lorenzo Santillan from the Sacramento region to Community Assistance Fund and the popular songs, along with contemporary from Underwater Dreams. perform and unveil the diversity Breast Cancer Fund. choral favorites. (For story, see page 7.) of our dance community.

ACTIVITIES at Sierra 2

FITNESS YOGA DANCE Zumba with Toya & Linda Iyengar Yoga Fenix Drum & Dance CHILDREN Monday/Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. • Studio 1 3rd Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m., Studio 3 Capital City Music Together Studio 2 Gladys Callander: 743-0246 Angela James, 205-3970 Children 5 and under

LaToya Bufford, [email protected] Call for class schedules. Art of Living Foundation Mindful Bellydance Jennie Ribadeneira: 990-3222 Dancehall PowerUp Yogic breathing/meditation Tribal fundamentals class for all levels Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m., Room 11 • 601-3101 www.capitalcitymusictogether.com Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Studio 3 Thursdays, 7 p.m., Studio 1 LaToya Bufford, [email protected] Sawako Ama • [email protected] MARTIAL ARTS Motivational Aerobic Dance Exercise Eagle Claw Kung Fu Academy of Sacramento Awakening Bellydance ART Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, 6–7 p.m. 441-7215 Cardio class to live music for all levels Glass mosaic classes Room 10 Saturday, 12:30-2 p.m., Studio 2 Fourth Saturday, 11 a.m., Studio 1 Tuesdays, Noon-3 p.m., Room 11 [email protected] Kia: [email protected] Sawako Ama • [email protected] Sacramento Bushido Kai Watercolor class Zumba Japanese Martial Arts for ages 4-adult Irish American Ceili Dancers Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon, Room 11 Friday, 6-7 p.m. & Sunday, 11–noon. Studio 2 Monday, 6-7 p.m., Studio 2 1st and 3rd Monday, 7-9 p.m., Studio 1 Michael Mikolon, 730-9347 Abraham Contreras, [email protected] Wednesday, 6-7 p.m., Studio 1 Helen Healy: 444-8051 For schedule, Michael Mason: 616-5452 www.artistmichael.com Weight Watchers Manasa Tribal Dance Thursdays, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sacramento Sword School Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m., Studio 1 SPIRITUAL SERVICES Saturdays, 9 a.m. • Room 10 • (800) 374-9191 Martial Sword Arts of Europe Patrice Norris: 736-1730 Bethlehem Baptist Church Thursday, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Studio 2 Sundays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 12 Maestro Eric Myers: 276-2247 West African Dance Pastor Benson, 230-8069 MUSIC Unified Chinese Martial Arts 2nd & 4th Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m., Studio 1 Nashville Songwriters Association Jessa Cruz: 365-3721 Wings of Mercy & Grace Church 2nd Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Room 12, For schedule, e-mail Shifu Byron at Saturdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Rm. 12 [email protected] Free • Gabrielle Kennedy: 476-5073 River City Taps – Tap Dance Pastors Dee & Eric Asbury: (209) 276-5340 Typhoon Philippine School of Martial Arts Monday–Thursday 5–8:30 p.m. [email protected] String orchestra lessons Tues/Fri, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Studio 2 Thursday, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Second and Fourth Wednesday New Destiny Ministries Master Maurice Gatdula: 509-6671 Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Studio 3 7:30-8:30 p.m., Room 9 www.rivercitytaps.com Sundays, 12:45-2:15 p.m., Room 9 Krystyna Taylor, 216-0429 Pastor Singleton, 532-5581 OTHER Polynesian Dance Japanese Taiko drumming Center for Soul Healing Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Sacramento Native American For schedule: Kristy Oshiro, Tuesdays, Room 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Studio 2 • [email protected] Believers Fellowship [email protected] 3rd Saturday, Room 12, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, 10:30 a.m–12:30 p.m., Room 10 CenterForSoulHealing.com Auntie Amy's Hula Lee Aviles, 203-6461 Thursdays, 3-4 p.m., Studio 1 Know Thyself as Soul – Meditation Amy Cornellier, 792-5561 Baha’is 1st Sunday of the month, 1–4 p.m. Curtis Hall Call for schedule 491-5871, sacamentobahais.org knowthyselfassoul.org Marxist School of Sacramento Mustard Seed Faith Ministries Speaker Series: call for schedule Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Room 9 799-1354, marxistschool.org Pastor Dorothy Hayes, 213-0901

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Sierra 2 Senior Center APRIL ACTIVITIES SIERRA 2 Garden Club to give Sierra 2 courtyards a makeover SENIOR CENTER Room 12 • 455-6339 By Katie Byram club is open to anyone interested [email protected] Special to Viewpoint in gardening and plants. No Everyone is welcome. experience is required. The club Activities are free except where noted. (Donations appreciated.) ith the days getting warmer, is free to join, but donations are Wmembers of the Sierra 2 welcome to help fund supplies FITNESS Garden Club are ready to dig in and projects. Gentle Yoga 10–11 a.m., Wednesday & Friday and get their hands dirty with two You can also meet Garden Club Rm. 12. $10/Drop-in; $40/6 classes courtyard beautification projects in members and learn more about Pat Shaw: 856-0136 the Garden Room and Curtis Hall. the club at the 30th Annual Home Fall Prevention The projects include weeding The Garden Club’s first project will include and Garden Tour on April 30. The 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Tues/Thurs and pruning the existing planter club will have an information table 4 classes $20; 8 classes $40 pruning the existing garden and the Pat Shaw: 856-0136 boxes and later updating the planting of new lavender bushes in the at the north end of William Curtis gardens with new plants and Garden Room Courtyard. Park. LEISURE flowers. Organized by the Sierra If you have questions about the Book Club 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 2nd Monday 2 Senior Center, the Garden Club is looking for new Garden Club or would like to participate in a workday, April 11: “The Boys in the Boat” members to share skills and knowledge and to assist with please contact Louise at [email protected]. by Daniel James Brown these projects. May 9: “Arabian Jazz,” Workdays are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on two Finding Your Ancestors by Diana Abu-Jaber Tuesdays — April 5 and 26. Grab your garden gloves, Are you interested in learning about your family’s Popcorn & Movie 1:30-3:30 p.m., Third Tuesday pruners and weeders and join the club members as they history? Do you need to know more about how to research April: Ladies in Lavender spiff up the courtyard areas. Coffee, water and pastries your ancestors? There are many ways that the Sacramento Donation: $1-3 (includes popcorn) will be provided for volunteers. However, the workdays Public Library can help you get started or further your My Story Project meeting will be canceled if it rains. research. 1–3 p.m., 2nd Monday of the month The Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of Join librarian Beth Daugherty for April’s Hot Topic Everyone Can Drum each month in Room 12. Monthly meetings include guest Tuesday’s free presentation from 10–11 a.m. on Tuesday, 1–2 p.m., Tuesdays. Studio 1, $5 speakers, presentations, demonstrations and project April 26 in Room 12. During this presentation you Life History Writing discussions. The meeting on April 12 will focus on the will learn about the many resources, including books, 1–3 p.m., Wednesdays workdays in the courtyards and a discussion on gardening. databases, lectures and individual help that the library Open Art The Garden Club’s mission is to provide a safe and offers the genealogist. Noon–3 p.m., Fridays. Room 11 comfortable environment for gardening, and to promote There is no charge to use any of these resources, so EDUCATION community engagement and personal well-being. The find out what the library can offer you! Garden Club 10-11 a.m., Second Tuesday, Room 9 Beginning Drawing Schenirer’s message 9-10:15 a.m., April 7, 21 & 28 $36/month; $13/drop-in RT board seeks ways to improve public transportation Patris: 397-8958 Hot Topic Tuesday s chair of the Regional Transit board took a number of the last three years. If the Finding Your Ancestors Aboard of directors for the past 15 steps forward. After several board had continued to do 10-11 a.m., last Tuesday of month, Free months, I have spent a great deal of months of organizational nothing, RT would have CARDS & GAMES time working on the organization’s assessments and planning, run a multi-million-dollar Ginasta System Improvement Initiative. the board agreed to hire 30 deficit next year. While 9:30–11:30 a.m., Mondays Catalyzed by the opportunities new fare checkers — soon staff had recommended a Mahjong presented by the opening of the there will be a fare checker 20 percent increase split 10 a.m.–noon, Mondays (not 2nd Monday) downtown Entertainment and Sports on every light-rail train, 10 over two years, the board Fun Bridge Center, the initiative has evolved hours a day. This should made a decision to support 1–4 p.m., Thursdays into a full-scale effort to improve the both increase revenues and Jay Schenirer a 10 percent increase City Councilmember Pinochle entire system and attract more “choice guarantee that those who July 1, and to come back 1–3 p.m., Fridays riders” — those who can choose to use have not paid and may be in the fall and winter to public transportation. causing problems for other passengers assess how other revenue-producing WELLNESS PROGRAM 10-class punch card $60; Drop-ins $10 We have heard loud and clear that are kept off the trains. The board also initiatives are faring, and then begin a Purchase cards in the Senior or folks are not satisfied with the levels moved on hiring 25 part-time cleaners discussion about 2017 fares. Sierra 2 Center offices of safety and security on trains and to better ensure the cleanliness of Whether you ride RT or not, Healthy Back buses, the cleanliness of vehicles, the our light-rail vehicles. These were please know that the success of the 4:30-5:30 p.m., Mondays, Studio 1 frequency of some routes and other the easy decisions, and I want to system is integral to the success of our Practical Nutrition aspects of RT’s operations. acknowledge our unions for working region. A strong public transportation 2-3 p.m., Tuesdays, Room 9 Recently, lower gas and diesel collaboratively with management to system is critical to economic Yoga + You prices have not only further reduced enact these changes. development and meeting a host of 11:30-12:30 p.m., Fridays, Studio 3 ridership, but have reduced our tax The hardest decision was to adopt the region’s goals. Please let me know Chair Massage revenues generated from the sale of an increase in fares. RT has not raised your thoughts on RT, and how we 2:30-4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, appointment only fuel. The convergence of all of these its fares since 2009, despite steady can both improve its operations and issues has led to some serious stock increases in operational costs. As a attract more riders. Fitness Walking & Lessons 9 a.m., Thursdays taking by the board and senior staff. result, RT has been forced to dip into As always, you can contact me at Lessons: punch card; Walking: Free At our March 15 meeting, the its reserves to balance its budget over [email protected]. Tai Chi 10:30-11:15 a.m. Thursdays, Room 12

EVENTS Site plan: SCNA filed objections to lack of notice AARP Driver Safety Program 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 9 & 10, Room 10 Continued from page one was no public notice requirement to alert the public to Fee: $15 (AARP members) or Curiously, the design director’s decision approving the existence of a deadline to timely file such a request for $20 (non-members) the site plan states: “Any person dissatisfied with the reconsideration. Register: Jim Finnegan, 804-9777 above action may file a request for the design director to SCNA has lodged objections to the lack of notice of Potluck review and reconsider the decision” within seven calendar such design review requests and continues to work with Noon–2 p.m., Last Friday, Room 12 days. However, it is unclear how “any person” would the city to receive such notices on a timely and courtesy Senior Committee Meeting 3 p.m., Call for date have known this decision had been made because there basis. Green, Clean, Quiet Lawn Service Stephanie Backovich hand-powered and Realtor® BRE #01401932 electric equipment — 916–475–7777 NATURAL fertilizers [email protected] 916 475–7956 www.FreshAirYardCare.com CA License #993114 Page 6 Viewpoint April 2016 National Arbor Day — a tree-planting holiday By Dan Pskowski Morton and his fellow pioneers recognized and publicized both birthday and also because it’s Viewpoint staff writer missed the trees they were the aesthetic and economic value typically ideal for planting trees in accustomed to back east because of trees on farms, around homes, most areas of the state. Burbank was rbor Day is a holiday in which Nebraska was naturally a treeless in schoolyards and throughout the called the plant wizard because he Aindividuals and groups are prairie landscape. Morton advocated community. pioneered methods in plant breeding encouraged to plant and care for trees. tree planting in his articles and In 1970, President Nixon that produced scores of improved Newspaper editor J. Sterling editorials and encouraged civic proclaimed the last Friday in April as fruit and nut trees. Morton promoted the first American organizations and groups to engage National Arbor Day -- April 29 this Interested in planting trees for Arbor Day in Nebraska City, Neb., in tree planting. year. Individual states also celebrate Arbor Day? The National Arbor on April 10, 1872. The idea Morton Trees were needed for wind their arbor day in the spring when it’s Day Foundation (arborday.org) and presented to the Nebraska State breaks to keep tilled soil from a good time to plant in their locales. the Sacramento Tree Foundation Board of Agriculture resulted in an blowing away. Trees also supplied California Arbor Day is (sactree.org) post information on estimated one million trees planted fuel, building materials and shade celebrated on March 7 in honor of their websites to help individuals or on that one day in Nebraska. from the hot summer sun. Morton horticulturalist Luther Burbank’s groups plant and care for trees. First Curtis Park Home Tour was response to crisis By Janice Calpo Hoover stepped up and created Room, where neighbors and guests gathered to Special to Viewpoint the first Home Tour & Boutique chat over hot mulled wine and cider, taste baked for the December holidays as a goodies, and select a Christmas tree to take home s we celebrate 30 years of Heritage Matters benefit for the Sierra 2 Center. for decorating. ACurtis Park home tours, “It’s been heartwarming and Sadly, the county health department no longer we look back to the crisis that gratifying to see the neighbors join allows the sale of home-baked goodies, but 30 years prompted the first home tour. together again to support our center,” Shirley said later we enjoy gourmet food trucks. In 1986, the entire electrical system at Sierra 2 at the time, recalling the initial effort that saved the Social media, online ticket sales and many Center was in dire straits. Concerns for public Sierra School building from demolition. Volunteers “modern” conveniences have benefited our home safety were enough to close the 24th Street Theatre, were called upon to docent and help in other ways, tour, but the traditions of friendliness and historic leaving groups such as the Capitol City Ballet and such as baking cookies for the holiday bake sale. authenticity remain. Jazzworks scrambling. The SCNA The 1986 tour included eight homes, which Not only is the spirit of the first home tour alive Electrical Committee, assisted tour organizers described as “large and small, old and well today, many of the homeowners are still in by Councilmember Joe Serna, and middle-aged, classy and homey.” Homeowner the neighborhood. Mark and Sharon Helmar, who was working to raise funds for a Melanie Kuhnel said, “It’s not a designer’s dream — opened their home for the first tour, will open their new transformer and a complete it’s our home.” doors again. Their current home is a post-children electrical rewiring of the center. Though the December Home Tour & Boutique downsized house a mile up the road but still in the The electrical crisis was a eventually became the spring Home & Garden Tour, heart of the neighborhood. rallying call. Curtis Park residents it’s easy to imagine the holiday festivities of the day, Note: The “Save our Sierra” illustration was done by Shirley McKibbin and Connie with the Christmas Boutique in the Community Sacramento Bee editorial cartoonist Dennis Renault. Tour: Featuring food, music, drought-tolerant gardening, beekeeping

Continued from page one Key event sponsors include facing each other on a unique stretch of SMUD, Joseph Eschleman/Wells Markham Way with massive oak trees Fargo Advisors, Steffan Brown/ in the center of the street. Keller-Williams, PORTA Real Estate Tour goers and the public Services with Paramount Mortgage, will enjoy live music, food and and Gunther’s Ice Cream. information displays at the north end Tickets can be purchased in of Curtis Park. Musical groups will advance on-line at www.Sierra2.org, include flautist Sarah Karliner, Poki or at the Sierra 2 Community Center. and Little Green Grass Snake Band, Advance tickets are $25 ($20 for SCNA Amanda Gray and the Templetons. members), and day-of-tour tickets Mama Kim Cooks and An Honest Pie are $30 ($25 for SCNA members). will have food for sale. Picnic tables On the day of the tour, tickets and chairs will be provided. can be purchased at the north end of Displays and activities will focus Curtis Park at 26th Street and Donner on drought-tolerant landscaping, Way. Tickets will not be sold on tour fruit and vegetable gardening, and day at the Sierra 2 Center. even beekeeping. In addition to the Docents and volunteers are asked homes on tour, a map will indicate to purchase their discount tickets in Photo/Rudy Calpo drought-tolerant gardens in the advance at the Sierra 2 Center or on This sleek corner house emphasizes a simple Tudor design aesthetic, neighborhood. tour day at the north end of Curtis Park. enhanced by leaded glass windows under a steep cross-gabled roof.

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Annual pajama parade and egg hunt attracts ‘hoppy’ people pring hopped into Curtis S Park March 26 with another festive SCNA Egg Hunt. Many children, family members and friends joined together for a pajama parade, craft activities, Bunny photos and a fantastic Egg Hunt. Rosanna Herber led the parade and Kate Woolley took over as the Master of Ceremonies. Event photos by Joan Cusick can be viewed at Michael and Shannon Dayle and Larry www.joancusick.com/ McKinney Hearn’s Rodenborn’s son Photos/Joan Cusick Events/Easter-2016/. child Alister gets a Case is content with Rosanna Herber stepped in this year as grand marshal to lead the parade. — Faith Johnstone bunny face paint. his egg treasure. Angela Mia with her dog Wicket joins in by bicycle.

Songwriting workshop April 27 ashville Songwriters Association International NNOR CAL welcomes Grammy-nominated and NSAI & Music Row magazine song of the year winner Steve Seskin (“Don’t Laugh at Me”) for an intimate workshop on melody and lyrics, 6-9 p.m. April 27 in the Garden Room. Artists who have recorded his songs include Tim McGraw (“Grown Men Don’t Cry”), Kenny Chesney, Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, and Peter Paul and Mary. Seskin is also a successful performer and Steve Seskin recording artist with more than 20 albums. The workshop fee is $40 for NSAI members and $45 for non-members. For reservations, contact Gabrielle Kennedy at 476-5073 or [email protected]. — Valerie Burrows

The Singers with Hart belt out a lively song at a recent performance. RENTAL SPACE: Singing for joy Special Events • Weddings • Meetings • Plays he Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior music, classical and popular songs, Concerts • Seminars Classes • Conferences TCenter and the Sacramento and contemporary choral favorites. Metropolitan Arts Commission This is a free, but ticketed, event. Free Call for our brochure: 452-3005 present “Sing for Joy: A Spring tickets may be obtained at the Hart or visit www.sierra2.org Choral Concert” showcasing the Senior Center reception desk, 915 singing talents of Singers with Hart, 27th St. a choral group of 40 singers age 50– For more information, call plus, 2–4 p.m. April 10 at the 24th 808-5462 or visit www. Street Theatre. The two-hour spring cityofsacramento.org/hartcenter. concert features traditional folk — Valerie Burrows

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Bret Harte news Local author entertains young readers By Fayzah Mughal Happy feet week for 45 minutes. Viewpoint correspondent Three Bret Harte teachers are Anyone interested in helping to collaborating to get students moving change the life of a student is welcome n honor of “Read Across America Garden club through their “walk and talk” to volunteer. Reading Partners IDay,” a national event celebrating More than 50 physical education program. Children provides initial and ongoing training Dr. Seuss’ contributions to children’s students have enrolled in grades 1-3 will walk laps around support for volunteers; no prior literature, author Kate David in Bret Harte’s after- Curtis Park in pairs, chatting away experience is necessary. entertained children in grades school garden club, with their partners; this should make The reading center at Bret Harte K-3 with a 45-minute interactive inspired by Soil Born for some interesting conversations. Elementary is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. storytelling. Farms’ “A Garden in Every School” Another group you may come Monday through Thursday. Student Students dressed up in costumes symposium. across on your Friday afternoon walk participants are between one month supplied by the author. David also Five members of the Bret Harte at the park is the “Runnin’ for Rhett” and two and a half years behind grade supplied each class in attendance family attended the symposium, team. The local nonprofit has the goal level. Their classroom teachers refer and the school library with signed which included two days of lectures, of getting kids “moving into life.” students to the center. copies of her books “Murphy and the workshops and idea sharing. With the Bret Harte’s group of boys and girls is People may volunteer in several Magical Hat” and “McKay and the help of three enthusiastic Sacramento training for the May 1 Pony Express ways: Magical Hat.” State University students, a few parent 5K at the Capitol. * Individual volunteering, one hour Student Support Center volunteers and the Garden Team, the per week; coordinator Elizabeth Sterba and club’s rollout was a smash hit. Reading Partners * Team volunteering, sponsoring a her super-intern, Ms. Jaime, worked Anyone wishing to contribute Reading Partners is a literacy certain hour or day at Bret Harte; tirelessly organizing the event. On a labor, plants, tools or other forms of nonprofit that provides one-on- * One-day volunteer events. moment’s notice, Bret Harte neighbor support to the garden program may one literacy tutoring to struggling For more information, contact extraordinaire Susan Frye volunteered contact bhartegardengrows@gmail. elementary readers. Community Rachael Valler at rachael.valler@ to fill in for a guest reader. com, or call (916) 277-6261. volunteers work with students twice a readingpartners.org.

Photo/Elizabeth Sterba Photo/courtesy of Karen Lim Kindergartners through third-graders gather with author Kate David for a At the symposium are Soil Born’s co-founder Janet Zeller, second from left, special assembly storytelling time. with Fayzah Mughal, Gerine Williams, Onethia Riley and Karen Lim.

NOW HIRING NEIGHBOR-TO-NEIGHBOR NOWfor Spring/Summer HIRING CLASSIFIEDS Counter Service and Food Prep ngela Mia A( 916 ) 801-1835 SHORT-TERM RENTAL: Curtis Park home. 3-BR. Fully furnished. May–Sept. (315) 730-0207.

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