Out & About
By Jessica Laskey
February 2025
Hall Of Fame
California Museum honors first all-female class
This year’s California Hall of Fame inductees include trailblazers in athletics, civil rights, culinary arts, entertainment and more.
The first all-women class of honorees are cook, author and TV personality Julia Child, California’s first poet laureate Ina Donna Coolbrith, Olympic gold medalist Vicki Manalo Draves, civil rights activist Mitsuye Endo, primatologist and gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey, civil rights hero Alice Piper, and singer, songwriter and actress Tina Turner.
“These trailblazing women have shattered barriers, challenged societal norms and driven progress that has transformed California and the world,” California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom says. “By celebrating their extraordinary and lasting accomplishments, we are moving closer to truly honoring the rich diversity that defines our great state.”
Launched in 2006, the California Hall of Fame honors history-making Californians who made an impact on the state, nation and world. The award is presented by the governor and first partner who recognize honorees virtually and in a ceremony at the California Museum. For information, visit californiamuseum.org.
VISION FORWARD
Society for the Blind has launched its $1 million Vision Forward Initiative to help meet the demand for services, create a resource and learning center in Midtown, and build up its endowment.
“Our Vision Forward Initiative will ensure our clients of all ages have access to our services for years to come,” Executive Director Shari Roeseler says. “This will help us serve more people, reduce wait times, offer the latest assistive technologies, and quickly respond and adapt to meet the needs of our clients.”
Founded in 1954, Society for the Blind is a rehabilitative teaching center providing services to Northern California and Nevada. The nonprofit offers low-vision eye care, life and job skills training, mentorship and tools to maintain independence for more than 5,000 youth, adults and seniors experiencing vision loss. For information, visit societyfortheblind.org.
DREAMER FINALISTS
Five business concepts will continue to the final phase of the 2024/25 Calling All Dreamers business incubator competition sponsored by Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Finalists are Vietnamese market Cà Phê Diễm, comedy company Haus of Comedy, nacho vendor Nacho House, pet-friendly café Pittador Brews Specialty Teas & Coffees, and women’s clothing boutique Style For It.
Finalists will continue to work with their Capital Corridor SCORE mentors to refine their business plans and prepare for the final pitch to the selection committee.
The top awardee receives $20,000 in cash. The runner-up receives $10,000 and the other finalists $5,000 if they open a storefront Downtown. The winner will be announced later this month. For information, visit downtownsac.org/do-business/calling-all-dreamers.
STORYTELLING
A new monthly storytelling series, In a Nutshell, takes place at Sofia in Midtown. Hosts and curators are comedian Keith Lowell Jensen, book editor Amy Bee and author Aaron Carnes.
Each month, In a Nutshell invites four experienced storytellers to tell a true story based on intriguing, off-the-beaten-path prompts designed to challenge the storytellers to dig deeper and engage audiences.
This month’s theme is “Strange Bedfellows,” featuring comedian Johnny Taylor Jr., on Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit inanutshellstorytelling.com.
SANDHILL CRANES
Take a free guided tour of sandhill crane habitats with the city’s Oak Park Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Bus transport takes guests from the community center to the Consumes River Preserve for a light walk on an accessible trail. Next, continue on a short drive to the Woodbridge Crane Reserve for a viewing and listening session, followed by a picnic hosted by Rancho San Miguel Market and Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op.
To register, visit cityofsacramento.gov, search “Oak Park Community Center,” then select “View Activities Here.”
OPEN GARDENS
UC Master Gardeners of Sacramento County holds free monthly Open Garden days where visitors can roam demonstration gardens, learn planting and landscaping techniques, and talk with master gardeners.
Bring samples of problem plants and mystery pests, and get one-on-one advice based on the most recent research-based sustainable practices.
Open Garden days are at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 8, March 8, April 9, May 10, June 21, Sept. 13 and Oct. 8. June 26 will be 4–7 p.m.
This year’s Harvest Day is Saturday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, visit sacmg.ucanr.edu.
CROCKER ART TOURS
Crocker Art Museum brings back its popular “Meet Me at the Museum” series, a free monthly tour designed for visitors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Tours are on the second Friday of each month beginning at 11 a.m. This month’s tour is Feb. 14. Advance registration is required. Visit crockerart.org/events/series/meet-me-at-the-museum.
SINGERS WANTED
Capital Chorale seeks singers of all voice types for a performance Friday, April 4, of Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and other works with orchestra and soprano soloist Robin Fisher.
Rehearsals begin Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Pioneer Congregational Church at 2700 L St. To be included in the roster of singers, email Music Director Elliot Jones at musicdirector@pioneerucc.org.
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
