Pocket Life March 2020
By Corky Mau
March 2020
Artist Under Fire
Graphic author captures Nor Cal devastation
The Tubbs Fire raged through Northern California in October 2017. Parts of Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties were devastated, with major destruction in Santa Rosa.
Award-winning cartoonist and author Brian Fies, who lives in Santa Rosa, will make two appearances in Sacramento to talk about his latest illustrated book “A Fire Story.” The work depicts Fies’ experiences with the disaster, including the loss of his home.
“Although this ‘Fire Story’ is a graphic memoir, it isn’t just my story,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s the story of thousands of people who lost everything, and hundreds of thousands who were affected less directly but still traumatically.”
Fies will discuss his story at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library. He will hold another book talk at the Downtown Central Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14. Books will be available at both events.
MCKINLEY PARK HAIR
If you were a client of McKinley Park Hair Company in East Sacramento and were distressed to hear about it closing at the end of last month, don’t fret. Co-owner George Agajan is opening a new salon in the Pocket at 5318 Riverside Blvd.—aptly named Riverside Hair Company.
Agajan and co-owner Bill Howard operated McKinley Park Hair for 40 years. As the cost of doing business grew, they decided to downsize to a smaller salon. Beloved stylists George, Dave and Robin will make the move to the new salon. Riverside Hair Company opens for business on March 3.
For more information, check out @riversidehairco on Instagram or call (916) 451-3373.
BALD FOR A CAUSE
Support friends and family and help fund childhood cancer research at the third annual St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event at Riverside Sports Bar on Saturday, March 14.
Festivities continue all afternoon, with head shaving set for 3 to 5 p.m. To participate or donate, visit stbaldricks.org. For more information, contact Danee McMahan or Jason Jugoz at (916) 346-4672
EVERY VOTE COUNTS
Three voting centers in our community are open to drop off mail-in ballots: Belle Coolidge Library, Robbie Waters Library and ACC Greenhaven Terrace.
If you prefer to vote in person, these locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 3.
PRIDE OF POCKET NOMINATIONS
Do you know someone who helps make this neighborhood a wonderful place to live, work and play? Nominate that person for recognition at the 2020 Pride of the Pocket event on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Didion School Amphitheater.
Nomination forms are available at pocketgreenhaven.org/pride-of-the-pocket. Deadline to submit nominations is March 16.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS
Families are invited to the Robbie Waters Library at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, born March 2, 1904, wrote and illustrated iconic children’s books such as “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat in the Hat.” Local officials will read Geisel’s works. Free books will be given to children while supplies last.
CRAB & SHRIMP FEAST
There’s always time for another crab feed. The Elks Lodge’s annual Crab & Shrimp Feast is Saturday, March 14.
For $60 a person, guests will enjoy antipasto, green salad, pasta, garlic bread, crab and shrimp. The evening includes a raffle and silent auction. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at the lodge or call (916) 422-6666, ext. 1.
PARK CLEANUP
As District 7 parks commissioner, Devin Lavelle helps keep our 20 neighborhood parks in top condition. Lavelle is a state policy researcher, but has made public service a family affair. “It’s a great fit for me and my family. My sons, Henry and Charlie, love helping out,” he says.
Next up on Lavelle’s schedule is sprucing up the ballfield at Sojourner Truth Park. He needs volunteers to help Saturday, March 7. Tools and snacks will be provided. To commemorate Earth Day on April 22, more volunteers will be required to clean the Sacramento River Parkway. We’ll have details in next month’s column.
Lavelle says, “It’s not only a great way to meet your neighbors, but a fun way to get some exercise and give back to your community.” To volunteer for these events, contact Lavelle at parks@devinlavelle.com or (916) 808-7192.
FUNDRAISER FOR AUSTRALIA
Students from the Kennedy High School music department will hold their Spring Concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in the school auditorium. The performance will benefit victims of the Australia fires.
Donations of $5 or more will be accepted. Enjoy musical pieces performed by the school choir, orchestra, and jazz and concert bands.
STEAK & OYSTERS
SPHSS Portuguese Hall will hold a Steak & Oyster Dinner at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The cost is $50 per person for dinner and entertainment. For more information, contact Gina Cedros at (916) 698-3293.
PICKLEBALL, EVERYONE?
If you’re like me and want to try pickleball, there’s a free clinic at ACC from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
Players of all levels are invited to join outdoor games from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning the last week of March. The cost is $3 per session.
If you would rather play indoors, drop-in sessions happen at the Elks Lodge. Games are free for lodge members and $5 for non-members. Play from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, or 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
