Black Friday Celebration

Black Friday is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. This year, instead of having to get up early and brave the crowds and traffic at the mall, why not stay a little closer to home? This Friday, November 29, East Sac Mercantile is throwing a Black Friday Celebration starting at 11am. Best of all, it really is on Friday, not on Thursday, like many of the big stores are pushing the shopping season...

For more information, see the flyer below:

  

Run to Feed the Hungry

This Thanksgiving morning, earn your meal and support a great cause at the 20th annual Run to Feed the Hungry. It includes a 10K run and a 5K run/walk, allowing people of all skill levels to participate.

Since it began in 1994, the Run to Feed the Hungry has grown to become the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country. Last year, it attracted more than 28,000 participants. The run begins at Sac State and winds through East Sacramento's residential neighborhoods--much of it including the Fab 40's--before ending at 56th and H streets.

Proceeds from the race benefit the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. For entry forms and/or more information about the race or street closures, visit runtofeedthehungry.com, or call (916) 456-1980.

Keep in mind that if you need to get last minute fixings for Thanksgiving, you will need to plan an escape rout since the run blocks off many of the main streets in East Sac...

Nutcracker Preview

This Saturday, Nov. 23, bring the kids and stop by the Grand Hall at Clunie Community Center for a sneak peek at this year's "The Nutcracker." The free performance will run from 11:30am to 12:15pm, and then ballet company members will remain afterward to conduct a free children's ballet lesson.

My neighbor and friend's daughter has performed in The Nutcracker over the past several years and we love going to see the performance. It will be great to catch a sneak peak of them up close just a few blocks from our home!

For more information, call (916) 264-2920.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIEcCyuCjBM&feature=player_embedded

Sacramento Moustache 5K

The only run out there dedicated to the mustachioed...and those who want to be. Bring your mustache--real or fake--to Sutter's Landing by 4pm this coming Saturday, November 16 for the Sacramento Moustache Run.

Along the 5K route next to the American River and through Sutter's Landing Park, you will have to do your best to outrun an old-fashioned barber out to give you a clean shave. Get your mustache safely across the finish line, and you're already a winner. But with this run you have the additional reward of the Mo For Your Bro after party, complete with live music, wine, beer, food trucks and, of course, mustache care stations and best mustache contests.

Part of the runs' proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society, while proceeds from the after party will go to the Active 20-30 Club of Greater Sacramento #1032. For more information and to register, do as the mustache commands and go to sacramentomoustacherun.com.

Get Involved with Diabetes, Health & Community

In the U.S., it's estimated that nearly 26 million Americans live with diabetes, with 3.9 million of those living in California. Nearly 80 million more are at risk for contracting Type 2 diabetes. That's why the American Diabetes Association (ADA) was formed, to provide information that will help those living with the disease and to prevent it from occurring in others.

On November 16, the ADA will host Get Involved with Diabetes, Health & Community in the Grand Hall of the Clunie Community Center. This free event runs from 11am to 3pm and will include speakers discussing living with diabetes, health screenings and consultations, volunteer opportunities and information on healthy living.

For more information, go to diabetes.org/sacramento, or call (916) 924-3232.

Pops in the Park Benefit Concert

The Pops in the Park summer concert series wouldn't be possible without support year round. As such, an upcoming concert at the Torch Club will benefit next year's concerts. The Count, a local band specializing in classic rock and soul music (and a featured Pops in the Park performer), will perform this coming Saturday, November 9 at the Torch Club (904 15th Street) from 4-7pm.

While admission is free, donations will be accepted for the Pops in the Park/ Gifts to Share fund. Good tunes and good cocktails, all for a good cause. What could be better?

Wine, Women and Shoes

This Saturday, November 9, help homeless women get back on their feet by kicking up your own heels at Women, Wine and Shoes. This fun, glamorous event will include wine tastings, the "glass slipper" auction, and a runway show. There will even be "Shommeliers" (also known as Shoe Guys) on hand during the silent auction to provide the perfect pairings of wine and shoes on silver platters.

The event runs from 3-7pm at the Center at Twenty-Three Hundred (2300 Sierra Blvd.). All proceeds will benefit St. John's Shelter Program for Women and Children, the largest shelter in the county focused exclusively on supporting and empowering homeless women and children.

There are still tickets available for luxury stadium seating at the runway show, and for the "Keys to the Closet" raffle. For tickets or more information about the event, go to stjohnsshelter.org or wine-women-shoes.eventbrite.com.

Christmas Around the World

This coming Saturday, November 9, get your taste buds ready to travel around the world...without ever leaving East Sac. The Christmas Around the World Festival is celebrating its 25th year of showcasing the culture, crafts, traditional food and baked goods from Armenia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, the Middle East, Russia and the Ukraine. The food alone is enough reason to go!

This delicious event will be held from 10am to 4pm at the Hellenic Greek Center & Hall (614 Alhambra Blvd.), and is sponsored by the Eastern Christian Church Women's Association. Admission is free. For more information, email vicki.mackintosh@yahoo.com.  

Shop East Sac

What is it that makes East Sac such a great place to live? Well, let's see. There are the quiet, tree-lined streets, the gorgeous homes and the friendliness of its residents. Not to mention a wide array of high-scale restaurants and charming boutiques. It is for the exploration of the latter that the Shop East Sac program was created.

From November 4-24, residents are encouraged to check out all the fantastic stores--and the unique goodies they have to offer--in East Sac. Twenty local stores are participating in the program, some offering discounts or small gifts with purchases. Visit 15 of the 20, and you'll be eligible for a $1000 East Sac Shopping Spree. (No purchase is necessary to enter.) The drawing will be on Dec. 4, just in time to wrap up holiday shopping.

This program was organized by the East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (916) 452-8011.

16th Annual Sacramento Arts Festival

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 1-3), the Sacramento Convention Center plays host to the premier arts and crafts show in the region, the 16^th Annual Sacramento Arts Festival.

More than 200 artisans working in all categories of the fine arts (painting, jewelry-making, ceramics, photography, etc.) will present their works. And most of these pieces will be available for sale at a range of prices. So, in addition to being able to appreciate the wealth of artistry available in Sacramento, you can get some for your very own (or as unique gifts for the holidays). You will also enjoy live music and other visual arts performances, and have many dining options available along Restaurant Row.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors, with children 12 and under free. For more information about the festival, and to get a ticket discount coupon, go to www.sacartsfest.com.

Halloween in Sacramento, part 2

This is my favorite time of year! In addition to it being my birthday, the trees are changing color, my fireplace is going to get some use soon and I get to go wild for Halloween!

Over the next week, there are almost too many Halloween festivities going on in Sacramento to list. The following are just some of the highlights of activities located in or near East Sac, most of them family-friendly:

October 25-26:

The Haunted Fort

The 4th annual series of lantern-guided tours of Sutter's Fort.

Sutter's Fort Historic Park, 2701 L Street; 6:30pm-9pm both days, starting every 10 minutes

Admission: $8 (adults), $6 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under)

(916) 445-4422, www.suttersfort.org/events-and-exhibits

October 25-26:

Mansion After Dark

Visit the Governor's Mansion when the lights are out via special self-guided tours.

Governor's Mansion Historic State Park, 1526 H Street; 6pm-9pm both days

Admission: $6 (adults), $4 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under)

(916) 323-3047, www.parks.ca.gov/Events/EventDetail.aspx?id=4787

October 25-27:

27th Annual Safe and Super Halloween

This year, Fairytale Town transforms into the magical world of The Hobbit.

Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive; 5pm-9pm all days

Tickets before Oct. 25: $7 (members), $10 (non-members); on and after Oct. 25: $9 (members), $12 (non-members)

(916) 808-7462, www.fairytaletown.org/events/27th-annual-safe-super-halloween-friday-through-sunday-october-25-26-27/

October 26, 2013:

Capitol Apocalypse 5K Zombie Run

Outrun zombies along the 3.1 mile course (or go as a zombie yourself). Survive the run, and you can enjoy a beer, live music, food truck and other vendors at the post-run "Apocalypse Party."

Sutter's Landing Regional Park, 20-28th Street: 8am-noon

Admission: $40 (runner), $15 (zombie); proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

(916) 668-9776, www.capitolapocalypse5k.com/

October 26-27:

Spooktacular Halloween

Haunted house, pumpkin patch, costume contests and more all weekend at Funderland.

Funderland Amusement Park, 1350 17th Ave.; 10am-6pm both days

Admission: free, $3 for trick-or-treating

(916) 456-0115, funderlandpark.com/events/

October 30-31:

Boo at the Zoo

After the Sacramento Zoo closes, the ghouls come out (as well as candy, costume party, magic shows and games).

Sacramento Zoo, Land Park Dr. and Sutterville Road: 5pm-8pm both days

Admission: in advance, $10 (general), $8 (members), free (1 and under); day of, $12, free (1 and under)

(916) 808-5888, www.saczoo.org/page.aspx?pid=360

October 31:

Halloween Search for the Black Cat Scavenger Hunt

Trick-or-treating at the East Sac Mercantile.

East Sac Mercantile, 3257 Folsom Blvd., 3pm-6pm.

Admission: free; (916) 718-7153

Uptown Fashion Night

East Sac has a lot to offer in the way of high fashion. And this coming Thursday, October 17, will prove it as, from 5pm-8pm, area boutiques showcase their fashionable wares at the 3rd Annual Uptown Fashion Night.

The event will take place at the corner of 33rd St. and Folsom Blvd. and include a fashion show, wine, nibbles and gifts. And it's all free! For more information, call (916) 737-7465.

East Sacramento Improvement Association meeting

This coming Wednesday, October 16, the East Sacramento Improvement Association will hold its fall meeting to discuss many neighborhood topics. In addition, updates from Nextdoor.com on neighborhood safety will also be discussed.

The meeting is open to the public. So if you have any questions or concerns of your own regarding these or other East Sac neighborhood matters, you can attend the meeting at 7pm in the Alhambra Room of the Clunie Community Center.

Halloween in Sacramento, Part 1

If you just can't get enough of the costumes, candy, thrills and chills that Halloween offers, you are in luck. You don't have to wait until the 31st, as there are spooky goings-on nearly all October long in Sacramento:

October 11-26:

Living History Ghost Tours

The popular month-long tour of historical--and haunted--Sacramento sites.

Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street; Fridays and Saturdays 6:30pm-9pm

Tickets: $15 (adults), $10 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under)

(916) 808-7059, www.historicoldsac.org/programs/programs-ghost.asp

October 12-26:

The Nightmare Before Christmas Art Lab

A class for kids 9-12 to create nightmarish projects inspired by the movie.

Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street; Saturdays 1pm-3:30pm

Admission: $95 (general), $75 (members)

(916) 808-1182, crockerartmuseum.org/programs-events/studio-art-a-art-history-classes/event/2699-the-nightmare-before-christmas-art-lab

October 12-27:

Spookomotive Train Rides

A 40-minute ride along the Sacramento River on a Halloween-themed train.

California State Railroad Museum, 125 I Street; Saturdays and Sundays, running every hour from 11am-4pm.

Coach: $10 (general), $5 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under); 1st Class: $15 (general), free (5 and under)

(916) 445-6645, www.csrmf.org/

And that is just the beginning. Be sure to check back in a couple of weeks for even more Halloween events taking place closer to the day.

46th Annual Oktoberfest, Turn Verein

As the self-proclaimed center for German culture in Sacramento, it only makes sense that the 46th Annual Oktoberfest, one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the area, will be held at Turn Verein Hall this coming Friday and Saturday (October 11 and 12).

From 6pm to midnight on Friday and 3pm to midnight on Saturday, you will enjoy authentic German food and beer, live music and dancing throughout the hall. Tickets are $20 for adults (ID is required to get a wristband for alcohol) and $5 for children 12 and under.

For more information, check out the flyer below and/or go to www.sacoktoberfest.com.

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1216 47th Street in East Sacramento Just Listed For Sale!

I had another great listing go live today!

1216 47th Street is a stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION home from the ground up in the Fab 40's! This home is great for entertaining with a formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, large chef's kitchen with island and prep sink, breakfast bar and an open great room with built-in's and wine fridge. 

There is a downstairs mini-master with en-suite bathroom and sliding doors leading to a spacious back yard. 

The home has a grand master suite where you can escape with a large soaking tub, dual shower heads and a huge walk in closet. 

There is plenty of honed granite countertops and marble used throughout. With 9' ceilings, 8' doors and lots of arches, this home is very open & bright!

See more pictures and details at www.47th.East-Sac.com

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.

Fall Art and Plant Sale

This coming weekend, the Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park will hold its fall plant and art sale. From 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, you will find a wide range of plants, handcrafted art and home decor, food and other items for purchase. Find something one-of-a-kind for yourself, or get a jump on Christmas shopping for others.

All proceeds will benefit the Center as well as the various non-profit art and garden clubs that meet there. For more information, call (916) 929-3541.

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.

A Taste of Sacramento

This Friday is the 15th Annual A Taste of Sacramento, a popular event that allows thousands of attendees to come to the Community Center taste all the best that Sacramento has to offer all in one place. The event goes from 5:30pm to 9pm, with tickets running from $40 for regular admission to $80 for Early Bird tickets (early entry at 5pm).

You are sure to get more than your money's worth as many of the Sacramento area's finest restaurants, wineries and breweries will be sharing samples of their best nibbles and beverages. There will also be live music throughout the evening, as well as a large silent auction and raffle.

Proceeds from the night's event will go to support the local Easter Seals. For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to www.myeasterseals.org/events/a-taste-of-sacramento.html.

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.

584 34th Street East Sacramento For Sale

I have a great new listing here in East Sacramento. This amazing four to five bedroom home has four and a half bathrooms.

It has been completely reconstructed into a stunning home with a gorgeous chef's kitchen with island and prep sink, formal dining room, butlers pantry, breakfast nook & a huge great room with fireplace. 

The exquisite master suite has vaulted ceilings, a soaking tub, dual shower heads and a huge walk in closet.

There is a downstairs mini-master suite and all of the bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.

The builder have used Carrera Marble & honed granite countertops throughout the house. This property comes with an adorable historic cottage with its own kitchenette and full bath. 

The house has new wiring, plumbing, insulation, HVAC, windows, roof & much more!

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.

1344 39th Street in East Sacramento Just Sold

I met some wonderful clients many months back while holding my listing at 1210 40th Street open. Yesterday I was able to hand off the keys to 1344 39th Street to them.

They had a very specific search that included new construction, a yard large enough for a pool and a two car garage, all in East Sac. In any other neighborhood this would have been an easier search, but East Sac doesn't see this combination very often.

The listing at 1344 39th Street fit the wish list, but the asking price was a bit much. After lots of negotiations we got it down to an acceptable level and just closed the deal.

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.