The Holidays are Just a Blur

I want to be prepared for the big night next Saturday when all the little ghosts and goblins come and ring the doorbell with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.  Oh no, that’s what happens when children go to bed the night before Christmas while they’re waiting for Santa to come.  Don’t blame me if I’m a little mixed up; I went to my local discount retailer with all the smiley faces and falling prices to look for Halloween candy and had to fight my way past Christmas trees, ornaments, and stockings made for filling while listening to Jingle Bells in the background. Continue Reading »

2010 Honda Pilot

Power: 3.5-liter V6, 250 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 16-22 mpg                                  

Price: $27,895 to $40,245

Standard features include: antilock disc brakes; standard electronic stability control; traction control; keyless entry; power windows, doors, mirrors; CD/MP3 player; digital-media player connection; compass; rear seat pass-through; automatic headlights; child sea tether anchors

By Jeffrey Weidel

At first glance, it’s hard to believe this beefy-looking sport utility vehicle is viewed as a midsize crossover. Sitting tall and with nearly three inches added in width during last year’s second generation remodeling, one would swear that the Honda Pilot rests on a truck frame. Continue Reading »

Tower Bridge will be completely closed to all vehicle traffic on Saturday, October 24, 2009, between about 8:00AM and 1:00PM for a first time march by an estimated 10,000 Boy Scouts from Raley Field to Capitol; rolling closures anticipated through city streets.

The Sacramento Horror Film Festival 2009 is from October 22 – 25, at the Historic Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95814. Parking is available at the Colonial within gated perimeter adjoining the theatre. Street parking is allowed on 10th and 11th Avenue up to 14th Avenue. Tour buses can park within designated gated parking area attached to the theatre. Continue Reading »

If you read the post about Pumpkin Patches in Sacramento, you have probably found your perfect pumpkin by now, if not there’s still time.  When you carve your jack-o-lantern, with just a little extra trouble you will have a yummy snack. 

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Remove the seeds from the pumpkin cleaning away any strings and pulp.  Rinse the seeds and pat them dry.  Mix them with a little oil and salt, and spread out on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring frequently, 15 to 30 minutes in a 350° oven, until pale golden. Let stand until cool.

How to Store

Store pumpkin seeds at room temperature in an airtight jar for up to a month.

Test your knowledge of Old Sacramento with a FREE scavenger hunt October 24, 2009, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814.   This is a unique opportunity to delve into multiple aspects of the rich and diverse history of the Sacramento region. By exploring both permanent and temporary exhibitions visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the development of Sacramento City and County, and its unique place in the history of California and the nation. Continue Reading »

Jonathan Raymond

Tonight, October 19, 2009, at 6:00PM to 8:00PM is the “Meet the New Superintendent” event at Kennedy High School, 6715 Gloria Drive, Sacramento, CA.  This is in the Pocket-Greenhaven area, but the superintendent is over all the Sacramento City Unified School District.  Continue Reading »

This is a great way to make history fun for the whole family and it’s FREE.  Get your own little piece of history by visiting the California State Capitol Museum 10th & L Streets State Capitol, Room B-27, Sacramento, CA 95814.  Continue Reading »

Guns and Hoses Presents a Premier Wine, Brews, and Food Tasting Event on Friday, October 16, 2009 6:30PM – 9:30PM at the Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento.  Fantastic Wineries, Handcrafted Ales & Lagers, Fabulous Food, Silent Auctions, Music, and more.  All proceeds benefit local children’s charities.  Tickets $45 at the door.  Special Ticket prices for all Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters. Ticket information: Deputy Jan Arbuckle (916) 606-2235 or jarbuckle@sacsheriff.com or check out www.pigbowl.com for more information.

2010 Suzuki SX4

Power: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 150 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 21-28 mpg                                  

Price: $13,500

Standard features include: antilock disc brakes; tilt-steering wheel; daytime running lights; center console; tire pressure monitor; power windows, doors, mirrors;

By Jeffrey Weidel

Having produced its share of forgettable subcompacts in a not so proud past (remember the Esteem and Aerio? I didn’t think so), the folks at Suzuki earned some esteem several years ago when unveiling the SX4. Continue Reading »