Out & About
By Jessica Laskey
December 2024
Climbable Critters
New zoo installation combines fun with education
Next time you visit the Sacramento Zoo, don’t be alarmed if you see a giant red panda or humungous frog. In fact, go ahead and climb on them!
These larger-than-life climbable animal statues from around the world are part of Critters Near and Far, a new limited-time installation created by Little Ray’s Exhibitions.
Each statue is paired with educational information so kids can learn while they play. The installation is free with zoo admission and available through Feb. 3. For information, visit saczoo.org.
AGENTS OF DISCOVERY
If you love Pokémon GO, check out Sacramento County’s new augmented reality game Agents of Discovery at Gibson Ranch Regional Park and River Bend Park.
The free app encourages visitors to explore the park and find challenges that “will provide valuable insights about our local parks and open spaces, showcasing the many benefits of parks and recreation for people of all ages,” Regional Parks Director Liz Bellas says.
The app combines visuals and audio with the user’s environment in real-time. When visitors enter the park, they receive tips to help them find and complete challenges.
The game is best played on Wi-Fi, but a mission can be downloaded prior to visiting. Get the app on Apple App and Google Play stores.
BURNETT AWARDS
Sacramento History Alliance presented its annual Burnett Awards to four local businesses that contribute to the community.
This year’s honorees are Bogle Family Vineyards, Bertolucci’s Body and Fender Shop, W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Chapel and Otto Construction.
Awards are named for the late Burnett Miller, a native Sacramentan, former mayor, philanthropist, business leader and history enthusiast. The awards ceremony raises money for the Sacramento History Museum.
For information and to nominate a business next year, visit burnettawards.org.
UNITED WAY
United Way California Capital Region needs volunteers to help with literacy tutoring and tax-preparing programs.
“Our literacy volunteers work with children to help them excel in school so they can succeed in college and career,” says Dawnté Early, president/CEO of United Way California Capital Region. “Our Free Tax Prep volunteers work with families to ensure they receive every dollar possible in tax credits so they can increase the amount of money in their bank accounts and support their families and their children’s education.”
Literacy volunteers work virtually or in person at local elementary schools for a couple hours each week. Free Tax Prep volunteers contribute four to eight hours each week for five to six months, with 40 hours of tax training through January. Tax season is January through May.
For information, visit yourlocalunitedway.org, under “Our Work.”
PUBLIC PARK ART
A public art installation is up at the Hanami Line at Robert T. Matsui Waterfront Park.
“Hanami” was created by local artists Jennifer Madden and Jeffrey Reed of Reed + Madden Design. The piece draws inspiration from the Japanese tradition of hanami, which emphasizes the fleeting beauty and fragility of cherry blossoms.
The Hanami Line project features cherry blossom trees, public art and space for community gatherings.
RECEIVING HOME
Children’s Receiving Home celebrates 80 years of support for neglected, abused and traumatized youth.
The organization provides services for children and youth in crisis including on-site preschool, outpatient mental health care and residential treatment. For information, visit crhkids.org.
GARDEN GUIDE
UC Master Gardeners of Sacramento County’s “2025 Gardening Guide and Calendar” is on sale.
The guide includes tips for gardeners of all levels, as well as plant and flower photos to get your own garden going. Calendar sales support Master Gardener community projects.
Order online at sacmg.ucanr.edu or purchase at Emigh Ace Hardware on El Camino Avenue, Green Acres Nursery & Supply, The Plant Foundry, Talini’s Nursery or Wild Birds and Gardens.
OFF THE GRID
Capital Stage takes theater patrons “Off The Grid” to see Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s West Coast premiere of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.”
The adventure on Sunday, Dec. 8, includes parking at CLARA on N Street, a meet and greet with mimosas and snacks, roundtrip transportation to Berkeley Rep, a private taco lunch and a ticket to the performance.
“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” takes guests to a Harlem hotspot where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on locals’ locks amidst uncertainty and challenges.
The package is $295, which includes a $100 donation to Capital Stage. For information, visit capstage.org/off-the-grid-trips.
DOWNTOWN ICE RINK
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is open at Ali Youssefi Square at Seventh and K streets.
Visit the rink 2–9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays (weather permitting). Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for children 6 and younger. Skate rental is included.
Skating is free for active military and veterans and Sacramento Kings Kids Club All-Star members. Dignity Health and Western Health Advantage members get a $5 discount. Same-day SacRT pass or ticket holders get $2 off.
For information, visit downtownsac.org/icerink.
LEAF COLLECTION
The claw is back! City residents can pile yard waste in the street for collection by the claw through Feb. 3.
Fill curbside containers first before making a pile, which should be no larger than 4 by 4 by 9 feet. Keep piles 6 feet from obstructions, out of bike lanes and away from storm drains.
For information, visit sacleafsmart.org.
SOCCER ALLIANCE
A record 10 players from Sacramento Soccer Alliance have been accepted for the Cal North Olympic Development Program.
“The selection process is quite rigorous and these are the top players in the entire Northern California area from all the major clubs,” alliance Vice President and Coach Jonathan Lum says.
“This is a historic accomplishment,” alliance Director of Coaching Jack Gurr says. “Huge congratulations to these talented players, our dedicated coaches and the entire SSA community for this remarkable milestone.”
Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
