Nov 28, 2025
When Kristen and Eric Bassett bought their East Sacramento home four years ago, they stepped into a piece of history. Built in the 1920s, the gracious two-story home radiates old city charm.
High ceilings, original light fixtures, rich wood floors and the unmistakable presence of generations resonate throughout.
But for a modern family of five, the house needed to meet the 21st century. With three boys—Ryan, a sophomore at University of Mississippi; Jace, a senior at Jesuit; and Luke, an eighth grader at St. Ignatius—the couple needed space, function and durability without sacrificing the home’s traditional soul.
Nov 28, 2025
A unique partnership between Jesuit High School and the nonprofit Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center takes place this month. It’s called Operation Cratchit.
For three days—Dec. 16–18—students deliver and unload truckloads of canned goods to help create holiday baskets. Residents sign up in advance to receive deliveries. Volunteers assemble the baskets.
The program is Stanford Settlement’s annual Christmas Basket and food-distribution project.
Jesuit students and families play a big role with campus collections of canned food and non-perishables. The donated items serve Stanford Settlement’s service area.
Nov 28, 2025
In a world where technology reigns, there’s something wonderfully natural about Kifumi Keppler’s work.
As owner and creative force behind Exotic Plants Ltd., Keppler has spent more than five decades creating a philosophy of making living spaces lush, mindful environments.
Her latest venture into moss‐art blurs the line between horticulture and art.
Oct 28, 2025
Returning to Sacramento a few years ago, Rich Bayquen needed a project. The creation of a new home was the answer.
Bayquen and his wife Kathy always loved sharing the design experience. But now Kathy was gone—she died after a brief illness in 2021. Suddenly alone, Bayquen decided to sell their home a few miles south of Reno.
“We had a wonderful experience building and furnishing our retirement home,” he says. “I had a fairly large home there and was very comfortable, but it was time to be close to family and friends in Northern California.”
Oct 28, 2025
Look close at any neighborhood and you’ll see it. A neighbor delivers a meal to a friend recovering from surgery. A teenager rakes leaves for an elderly couple. Volunteers stack crates at the food bank or help with park cleanups.
We know these acts strengthen our community fabric. What’s new—and encouraging—is evidence that they strengthen our minds too.
A recent study by the University of Texas and University of Massachusetts in the journal Social Science & Medicine finds frequent helping—whether through volunteering or support to neighbors, friends or family—slows cognitive decline by as much as 20%.
Sep 28, 2025
Homelessness continues to escalate with 187,000 people living on California streets or in shelters in January 2024, a 55% surge since 2016.
Despite $24 billion spent from 2019 to 2023, the state accounts for 24% of U.S. homeless and 45% of unsheltered individuals, far exceeding its 11.6% population share.
Within this crisis sits Sacramento. Dangerous encampments, junk-filled streets, violence and public drug use are daily experiences for people living in desperation.
