Interesting People
Hearing The Muse
In the opening lines of the poem “Moments,” Wendy Grace Stevens writes:
How often have you heard
‘Live for the moment,’ or ‘Be here now?’
No matter the current idiom,
it’s a truth that merits attention.
Stevens seems to live by this sentiment. Amid two careers—first in banking, then 25 years working for the state Legislature, from which she retired in 2002—Stevens has lived for the moment through activities both artistic and outdoor.
We’re Here!
“I strongly believe that when people walk into a gallery, they deserve to see themselves reflected in the art,” Michael Misha Kennedy says.Over the past two decades, Kennedy has made it his life’s work as both an artist and a gallery owner to make sure everyone in the Sacramento community—especially women, people of color and members of the LGBTQI community—has a place to be seen.His eponymous Kennedy Gallery has been in operation for 13 years—and has called the stately Victorian on L Street (which once housed B-Bop Costumes) home for the past seven years.
A Family Affair
Sally Jeanne Luehrs was retired and living in Pennsylvania when her son called with a job offer.
Chef Deneb Williams asked his mom if she would be interested in tending the garden at Allora, his latest culinary venture with wife Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou. Allora opened last year on Folsom Boulevard in East Sacramento. The couple also owns Woodlake Tavern and Uptown Pizza on Del Paso Boulevard.
A Mother’s Memories
Ginger Rutland lives in Curtis Park not far from where her family resided when they first came to Sacramento in 1952.
“Of course,” Rutland says, “because of racial covenants on the deeds and real estate practices in 1952, blacks couldn’t purchase homes in this part of the neighborhood—nothing south of Second Avenue. Times change!”
Wine & Shine
When I catch up with Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou by phone, she apologizes if I hear weird noises. The restaurateur is busy delivering wine to the local eateries—Woodlake Tavern and Uptown Pizza on Del Paso Boulevard, and Allora on Folsom Boulevard—which she owns with husband Deneb Williams.
Rock Star Chef
Many restaurants experience a high turnover rate, but The Oak Café at American River College takes the concept to another level. Open for lunch Wednesday through Friday, The Oak Café is staffed entirely with students of the ARC Culinary Program, with a menu that changes every week.
