Pocket Life

By Corky Mau
September 2023

Transition Time

Parks leadership gets new, familiar face

Pocket resident Devin Lavelle handed his gardening tools and District 7 parks commissioner responsibilities to Joe Flores, who knows the job. Flores held the same position in Oak Park and Curtis Park under former City Councilmember Jay Schenirer.

“Joe has been a strong, steady presence on the Parks and Community Enrichment Commission for many years. I admire his vision and commitment to establishing community partnerships. He’s a great leader for District 7,” Lavelle says.

Lavelle accomplished a lot. He organized 50 community events and, with help from 5,000 volunteers, planted more than 300 trees in local parks. Pocket Rotary Club gave him the Paul Harris Fellow award for public service.

Flores has the same passion. He was born into a family that believes in public service. He says, “It’s embedded in our family’s DNA. I enjoy staying connected to my neighbors, whether it’s through my parks role or through my work on the California Workforce Development Board’s Prison to Employment Reentry Programs.”

Five years ago, Mayor Darrell Steinberg launched 916 Day, a week of beautification and service. Flores plans this year’s effort for Sept. 9–16.

“I urge all residents and local civic organizations to participate in these park cleanup events,” he says.

Volunteers will plant trees at Land Park on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m., replacing more than 70 lost in winter storms. Meet at the Anne Rudin Peace Pond.

OHANA WALK

ACC holds its second annual Ohana Walk on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. The route starts and ends at the ACC Senior Services campus. Entertainment begins at 10:30 a.m. A picnic lunch follows.

Last year, 750 people registered. This year, ACC hopes to surpass that number, with proceeds going to public wellness programs. Ohana Walk will celebrate local centenarians. Honorees get reserved seats in the VIP Pavilion, a complimentary lunch and other gifts. Families can organize walking teams to honor their centenarians.
For information, visit accsv.org/ohana2023.

CULTURAL FESTIVAL

St. Anthony Parish holds its annual Community and Cultural Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free, with food and drinks for sale.

Guests will find international food booths, a country store, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, including face painting, a wine spin and Oreo cookie challenge. Classic cars are on display noon to 4 p.m. For information, call (916) 428-5678.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Listen to smooth jazz at Garcia Bend Park on Friday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. The Vivian Lee Band entertains, with food and beverages available at food trucks from SactoMoFo.

CAR SHOWS

Classic car shows happen at Promenade Center on Thursdays, Sept. 7 and 21, 4–8 p.m. Car enthusiasts stand by to explain why these treasures are revered. Find the vehicles behind Device Brewing Company along Rush River Drive.

OFFICE HOURS

Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen represents Pocket and Little Pocket. She holds mobile office hours at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library the first Tuesday of each month. Discuss concerns with her Tuesday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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.