Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Sasha Krongos

Sacramento makes Christmas tree recycling easy

2010-12-29T01:29:42Z

Another year and Christmas has come and gone. Relatives are heading home, the piles of leftovers get smaller with each meal and in just a matter of days it will be time to vacuum up those little green needles and say goodbye to this year’s Christmas tree.

Each year, tens of thousands of trees are purchased in the Sacramento area. While they can be thrown out in garbage cans or taken to landfills, the city of Sacramento and a few other local programs are offering easy and convenient ways for people to recycle their once bright and beautiful living room centerpieces. Recycling your Christmas tree will not only keep landfills from overflowing, but will also allow what’s remaining to be reused as mulch or for other agricultural purposes.

For those looking to recycle with the city, there are a few easy and free ways of accomplishing this, according to the Department of Utilities.

People with green waste cans may dispose of their trees in those, or leave them for loose-in-the-street collection during the first week of January. Leave the tree remains where they will be visible but not obstructive on the side of the street on your regular collection day.

Trees may also be dropped off, free of charge, at any one of these locations:

Elder Creek Recovery & Transfer Station
8642 Elder Creek Road
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Jan. 8

Also accepting trees Dec. 27 - Jan 31, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. -3 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Kiefer Landfill
12701 Kiefer Blvd.
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

North Area Recovery Station
4450 Roseville Road
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Jan. 8 and Jan. 9

SMUD Corporation Yard
6100 Folsom Blvd.
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Jan. 8

Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station
8491 Fruitridge Road
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Jan. 8

Also accepting trees Dec. 27 - Jan. 31, Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed Sundays

All tree owners are responsible for stripping the trees of any ornaments, lights, tinsel and other decorations, and must cut trees of 6 feet or more into pieces of 3 feet or less before recycling.

Another economical option is to support local groups or programs who are running Christmas tree drives to raise money for their respective organizations, such as schools and youth groups.

One local Boy Scout troop, Troop 380, has been collecting trees in the Rosemont and Mather areas for about 15 years, said Scoutmaster Dave Ishikawa.

“We’ve picked up about 1,000 trees before,” Ishikawa said, “but we average more around 500 these days.”

Troop 380 asks for $10 for tree pick-up, which is taken to green waste management to be turned into mulch. The proceeds go to paying for the troop’s summer camp and any equipment the scouts may need.

The troop will be picking up trees on both Jan. 2 and 8 in the Rosemont area. For more information, click here.

Photos courtesy of Sacramento County Waste Management and Recycling

Holiday drinks: Get 'em while it's cold outside!

2010-12-21T20:55:19Z

Using seasonal ingredients, robust liquors and festive garnishes, bars across Midtown are preparing to fight the bitter cold by adding some new innovative concoctions and classic holiday favorites to their menus.

Designed to warm the belly and lift the spirits, here’s a look at some of Sacramento’s tastiest winter cocktails.

Shady Lady Saloon
1409 R St.

Hot Buttered Rum

1 pound softened butter

½ pound brown sugar

½ pound super fine white sugar

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground clove

1 ½ ounces dark rum

Hot water (enough water to fill an Irish coffee glass or mug)

Mix that by hand or using handheld mixer. Store in freezer indefinitely.
Take out 1-2 tablespoons of batter, mix in 1 ½ ounces of dark rum. Fill mug or Irish coffee glass with hot water. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

“People in America were drinking these as early as 1685,” co-owner Jason Boggs said. “Rum was being delivered here and distilled in the early colonies. That was the first way that they were drinking booze. It’s very old.

“That’s the classic hot buttered rum (recipe). Some people add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. We try to keep it classic.”

Lounge on 20
1050 20th St.

Fennel Fizz
$12

1 ½ ounces Lucid Absinthe

¾ ounce lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup

1 splash of soda water

Shaken with diced fennel, topped with egg white foam and garnished with a lemon twist, fennel sprig and star anise. Served in a Collins glass.

Eastern Promises
$9

¾ ounce Jasmine Liqueur

¾ ounce Ginger Liqueur

1 bag of green tea

Hot water

Garnished with a lemon twist and cinnamon stick.

Spiked French Toast
$10

1 ½ ounces rum

1 ounce milk

¾ ounce 5 Spice simple syrup

Shaken and then steamed to warm, powdered cinnamon sprinkled on top, and served in a martini glass.

Drinks created by Vince LaForm and Renee Fong.

Centro Cocina
2730 J St.

Seasonal Infused Tequila
$8.50

5 bags of fresh cranberries

40 peeled green apples

3 cinnamon sticks

4 vanilla bean

3-3 ½ bottles of Silver tequila

Soaked together in a large pitcher. Served as a 4 ½ ounce shot in a chilled flute, or in a margarita with 1 ounce Triple Sec and 1 ounce of lime juice.

Drink created by Joel York.

De Vere's Irish Pub
1521 L St.

Mother’s Milk
$10

1 ¼ ounces Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

2 or 3 shakes of whiskey barrel-aged bitters

¼ ounce Creme de Leche

¼ ounce honey syrup

Shaken and then served in a chilled martini glass , topped with fresh ground nutmeg.

Drink created by Henry De Vere White.

Paesanos
1806 Capitol Ave.

Candy Canetini
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

¾ ounce Absolut Vanilla Vodka

¾ ounce Creme de Cacao

¼ ounce Candy Cane schnapps

1 ounce half and half

¼ ounce simple syrup

Shaken and served in a red sugar-rimmed martini glass.

XO Mocha
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

1 ounce Patron XO Coffee Liqueur (espresso flavored)

½ ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream

½ ounce half and half

Served over ice and topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Creamsicle shot
$4 during happy hour, $6 regular price

1 ounce whipped cream-flavored vodka

½ ounce orange juice

Shaken over ice, served in a shot glass.

Drinks created by John Hazelton, Erica O’Neal and Amanda Starr.

Red Lotus

2718 J St.

Two Brothers
$9

2 ounces Leopold Bros. New York Apple Whiskey

3 dashes of old-fashioned aromatic bitters

Served in a lowball glass over a signature hand-carved ice block with a lemon twist garnish.

Drink created by Mark Neuhauser.

Zócalo
1801 Capitol Ave.

Homemade Egg Nog
$8

2 ounces Santa Teresa Aged Venezuelan Rum

3 ounces whole milk from Straus Family Creamery

3 ounces half and half from Straus Family Creamery

Shaken, and topped with cardamom, nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

Drink created by Joe Anthony Savala and Dominique Gonzales.

Santa Claus is hitting the town

2010-12-20T02:52:55Z

Drivers and passersby heading down I Street Saturday afternoon got a quick glimpse of Christmas frivolity as about 30 adult men and women dressed in Santa Claus attire met up outside the Sacramento County Jail to kick off the city’s sixth annual SantaCon.

SantaCon, an event that originated in 1994 in San Francisco as a big holiday prank, has now become an international tradition, taking place in many of the world’s major cities, including New York, London and Tokyo. Adults come together dressed in beards, wigs, long stockings and, of course, the classic red Santa suit, and hit the streets and the bars to revel in each other’s shenanigans and company.

“In the literal sense, it’s a pub crawl,” said Terry Sellers, 34, who participated in his first SantaCon last year in San Francisco. “You get some of your friends together, you put together a crazy costume and you parade around town. It works out perfectly because we love to drink, and other people love to see a hundred Santas walking down J Street.”

Protecting themselves from the rain by huddling under awnings and umbrellas, the Santas mingled and compared costumes as they waited for other partakers to arrive. One Santa had a megaphone, while another had a radio playing loops of Christmas Carols. These were a few props that kept them busy and entertained as the rest of the Santas trickled in.

With the dark skies and rainy weather, this year’s SantaCon group started out relatively small but exuberant. As the troop made their way on foot to Old Sac to hit the first bar, they cracked jokes and told old stories. Many of them had already known each other, as a big part of the group included members of the Sacramento Cacophony Society and longtime SantaCon participants.

The itinerary of SantaCon was completely open and relaxed. With no bars or times scheduled, the Santas were free to go where they wanted and stay for as long as they pleased.

“Santas come and go throughout the day -- we’re not really expecting to stay together,” said one man who has attended every Sacramento SantaCon, who would only identify himself as “Santa Libre.” In fact, many of the Santas would only identify themselves as just that, or some slight, playful variation of the name.

“Santa does what Santa does,” he said.

The enjoyment of SantaCon didn’t end with those in costumes, either. As the celebrators continued their trek, Midtown drivers and pedestrians honked and hollered in excitement, which would often be returned with a hardy, rowdy “ho ho ho!”

Cynthia Wetzel, 33, dressed in a bright green wig and Mrs. Claus skirt, celebrated her first SantaCon in Sacramento this year, hot off the heels of New York City’s, in which she flew east to attend.

“I love seeing everyone’s reaction. I mean it’s just a blast,” she said. “It’s just about celebrating Christmas, having a good time, singing carols, drinking some beer, and enjoying making new friends.”

XOSO: play sports, drink and be merry!

2010-12-17T06:42:36Z

For many of us, winter spells hibernation. A lot of staying under the covers, accompanied by wine and movies.

Sure we get some stretching in while reaching for the snooze button, or maybe a little cardio jumping over that puddle.

Most of us enjoy doing a little activity each day, but, unfortunately, will be faced with rain clouds, brisk winds and short days during the next couple of months. Strolling the park outdoors, walking to the store, or even walking to work, aren’t ideal options in the freezing temperatures and wet streets.

One solution to the winter funk can be found right here in Sacramento, with XOSO Co-Ed Sport and Social League – a league that includes outdoor and indoor kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, bowling, and “recess,” a rotating combination of all the sports.

“We’re trying to keep it fun and more recreational, trying to stay away from more contact sports and the games that can usually cause people to get angry. It’s really about having fun,” said Nick Berruezo, 31, the founder of XOSO.

XOSO, pronounced “zo-so,” like the Led Zeppelin album although not necessarily named after it, goes year-round and has seasons that typically last anywhere from eight to 10 weeks, and will sometimes even include a mini-championship.

Founded in May 2008, XOSO is different than some of the other recreational leagues in the area, as it provides its players with an outlet to keep physically active, while also focusing on the more gregarious aspects of daily life – eating, drinking, and shooting the breeze.

The keys to this combination are the local bars that work with XOSO to sponsor the different leagues. The teams meet once a week to play, and then take it back to their sports bar, where they enjoy discounted pitchers, well drinks and appetizers, as well as drinking games such as beer pong, flip cup, darts and pool.

The teams enjoy some other festive perks: XOSO puts on themed quarterly pub crawls and has just introduced a new VIP discount card, which can be used year-round at different XOSO-affiliated businesses, such as Blue Cue, Brew it Up!, Capitol Bowl, ~~On the Y~~, and others.

“It’s about going out and socializing afterwards, that’s the catch,” said Jason Marks, 27, who has played multiple sports with XOSO for all but its first season. “It’s not so much about winning the games.”

While XOSO may not emphasize competitiveness, it is still a very athletic league. Many of its players have been lifelong athletes who are looking to enjoy a nice balance.

Marissa Francis, 28, a veterinarian medicine student at University of California, Davis has played with XOSO since March 2009.

“I competed in high school,” she said. “I played basketball, volleyball, I threw shot-put and discus, and I did softball and swimming for a semester, but I like the recreational feel.”

Another way to amp up the exercise is by competing in more than one league at a time. Since each sport only meets once a week, it opens the doors for many of the players to be on multiple teams per season.

“I work at an office, staring at a computer all day, so it’s nice to know I’m exercising two or three times a week,” Marks said. “Being on teams is a really good motivation.”

Berruezo brought the idea of a sport and social league with him from San Diego after playing on a kickball team for a few years. In the summer of 2008, XOSO consisted of one league – outdoor kickball – and 50 players. It is now upwards of 3,000 players and will introduce bowling as its sixth sport next month, as well as a boot camp closer to spring.

“Most major cities in the country have a sport and social league,” he said. “It gives people the chance to mingle, meet new people, expand their social setting. That’s what sets them apart from mainstream leagues.”

This is just one of the aspects that gets rookies interested and keeps veterans coming back for more, season after season.

“I’m planning on staying in the Sacramento area after I graduate, and a big reason why is because of all the friends I’ve made through XOSO,” said Francis, a native of Southern California. “It’s my mental health, it’s not talking about medicine once in a while. I love getting out there and enjoying the interaction.”

Upcoming XOSO registration information
(Note: Online registration is available for individuals and small groups. Full teams must register by mail. Registration covers league fees, equipment, and XOSO T-shirt)

For more information, visit www.xososports.com

Bowling
Thursday nights at Capitol Bowl, 900 West Capitol Ave., West Sacramento.
Registration ends: Jan. 6
Season begins: Jan. 20
Sponsor bar: Drink While You Play! Capitol Bowling Bar
$85 each, or $500 for a team of 8 people

Dodgeball
Wednesday and Thursday nights (depending on division), Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 22
Season begins: Jan. 5 and Jan. 6
Sponsor bars: Wednesday – Bulls, 1330 H Street ~~Streets of London, 1804 J street~~. Thursday – Blue Cue, 1004 28th Street.
$65 each, or $700 for a team of 13 players

Indoor Kickball
Monday nights, Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 20
Season begins: Jan. 10
Sponsor bar: Streets of London, 1804 J Street ~~Bulls, 1330 H Street.~~
$65 each, or $700 for a team of 13 people

Volleyball
Tuesday nights, Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 21
Season begins: Jan. 4
Sponsor bar: Blue Cue, 1004 28th Street. ~~Hangar 17, 1630 S street.~~
$70 each, or $600 for a team of 10 people

Recess
Sundays nights, Boys and Girls Club of America, 1117 G Street.
Registration ends: Dec. 19
Season begins: Jan. 9
Sponsor bar: Zebra Club, 1900 P Street ~~Blue Cue, 1004 28th street~~
$65 each, or $700 for a team of 13 people

Photos courtesy of www.xososports.com

Editorial note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published.

Local hip-hop competition celebrates culture

2010-12-13T06:15:01Z

The bleachers of Mills Middle School in Rancho Cordova filled up Saturday afternoon as over 300 people--families, students, and dance enthusiasts--turned out to watch dancers from all over the United States take to the floor in the first ever Sac Hop Competition.

Drawing in over 32 break-dancing crews and individual performers, the event was split into two different parts: the one-on-one all styles and the three-on-three B-Boy competition, each giving the dancers their chance to showcase their physical talent, creative freedom and support for hip-hop culture.

After seven hours and three rounds of dance and elimination, Seattle-based dancer Macco took the title for the individual contest, receiving a cash prize of $250. The grand prize, a paid trip to Montreal, Canada to compete against much tougher competition at the world-renowned Just for Laughs Festival, was nabbed by Freak Show, a break-dancing crew out of Oceanside, Calif.

In the hour before the competition started, the energy mounted as a DJ continuously played music, the host cracked jokes on the microphone, and dancers of all ages--some as young as 5 years old, some who have been dancing for decades--shared the floor as they stretched, laughed and danced together. Even during intermissions, the crowd still buzzed and dancers used every free second to perfect a move or try something new. The energy never ceased. Every time one had the chance, a dancer would circle around the floor, clapping their hands to the beat of the music and getting everyone in the audience to do the same.

Event coordinator and host, Larry “Phatso” Oliver, had good reason to create such an event and involve the high-stakes prize. Oliver, who has been dancing for 11 years, has participated in events all over the world with his award-winning crew, Flexible Flav, winning at the Just for Laughs Festival in 2006 and 2007. The motivation to put on a show of this caliber is very simple: making his culture thrive.

“We had a good turnout, probably about 300, 350 people,” he said. “I worked hard, just promoting and promoting, getting it out there, and it looks like it paid off.”

Creating and coordinating the Sac Hop is just one step in expanding the presence of hip-hop in Sacramento, and Oliver plans on turning it into an annual event.

“We have to do something for the community, otherwise it will struggle,” he said. “I want these kids to have the same opportunities I had.”

Many people in that gymnasium — audience members, dancers, judges, etc. — shared similar hopes for a culture they identify so strongly with.

“I want hip-hop to be seen for what it really is: less ‘gangster,’ and more as a thing where people can come together and enjoy,” said competitor Andrew “Andjue” Menchavez, 21, who participated in both the one-on-one and three-on-three with Exclusive Crew and has been dancing for 10 years. Menchavez was one of many dancers who attend competitions like this for more than just money or recognition, but rather for the support of a lifestyle and love of a craft.

It’s this kind of attitude, said Andre “Flash” Whitmore, 29, that makes this relatively unknown culture what it is today.

“It’s good to see these young kids keeping it alive, keeping the culture going,” he said. “They’re young, real, hip-hop.”

Whitmore is a legendary B-Boy from the Motion Sickness crew, and a judge in the Sac Hop’s one-on-one competition. When judging the competition, Whitmore said he looked for “creativity, originality, performance, showmanship, how they manipulate the moves, and how they manipulate the crowd. Do it like the Spartans: go in strong, come out strong.” Whitmore was one of five judges with long and impressive dance résumés who came from all over the United States to participate.

The Sac Hop, although a competition, was equally successful in bringing people together, people with different dance styles yet a common interest. As an underground group that often goes unnoticed, or worse, misjudged, events like the Sac Hop are ways for this brand of hip-hop to be exposed and expanded, and it’s people like Oliver, Whitmore, and so many others who won’t stop until it is.

As Whitmore says, “Hip-hop is a part of everybody. It needs to stay within the people. Without the people, hip-hop would die.”

Sasha Krongos on "Art after dark "

2010-12-11T20:37:36Z

By opening their doors to more art mediums and different crowds, I think the New Crocker is doing the perfect job shedding their old image as one of the more 'intimidating' art spaces in Sacramento (i.e. only the stuffy and enthusiasts need attend!). I say continue to open up the doors; for such a public and respected venue, a positive evolution within the museum will, no doubt, have a positive effect on the rest of the Sac art scene, as well.

Sasha Krongos on "Bows & Arrows move adds gallery, cafe, bar"

2010-12-03T01:54:48Z

Is it just me, or is R street increasingly turning into the "place to be"? When I first moved to Sacramento 6 years ago, this definitely wasn't the case--it's definitely inspiring to see this neighborhood flourish, and the awesomeness of staple-midtown culture stretching on over into the later letters.