Things Afoot at Loehmann’s Plaza

A couple quick notes, one about a perennial “dead zone” and another about a case of storefront switcheroo.

The Loehmann’s shopping plaza storefront that has played home to a variety of dining establishments, most recently Giovanni’s pizza, will now be a casual sushi and Japanese eatery called Bento Box. I’m going to take a stab in the dark and guess that they’re going to serve California rolls, tempura, teriyaki chicken, and a noodle bowls. Oh wait, gyozas, I’m sure they’ll also serve gyozas. This is not exactly the Japanese-greasy-spoon idea I had last week; nevertheless, I wish them good luck.

The former home of Beyond Napa wine market in the Lyon’s Village across from Loehmann’s, will now be home to a fro-yo establishment adorably called Yo-Yo Yogurt. It will be a self-serve enterprise ala Big Spoon. Don’t fret about your friendly neighborhood wine seller though. Beyond Napa has moved one door down to take over the former digs of the Francisco Franco woman’s boutique (which, as far as I can tell, is still closed).

Fargo asks police to reopen KJ allegation???

OK this is the most ridiculous thing I have seen in a while. Well maybe in like, 6 days.

Mayor Heather Fargo called Wednesday for police to reopen their investigation into a Sacramento High School teacher’s report last year that a 17-year-old student had told him she was inappropriately touched by the charter school’s founder, Kevin Johnson. … The mayor said she spoke to Police Chief Rick Braziel after reading an article in Tuesday’s Bee.

Via The BUZZ. I love the Johnson dude comparing Fargo to Vladimir Putin. But seriously, comrade Fargo, what will you think of next. I might vote for Jim Anchower.

And again I ask you: Am I the only one who thinks it is absurd/fishy… fishurd?… how many Bee stories in this scandal rely heavily on things that were reported in other Bee stories? At some point shouldn’t they ixnay on that?

Sacramento Jazz Jubilee Primer: 2008

If there’s anything I look forward to more than the State Fair or the first day of rain after a blistering summer, it’s the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. Celebrating its 35th year, the Jubilee is not just a fun local event, it is the biggest jazz festival in the West, and one of the biggest traditional jazz festivals in the world. That’s right, the world. The Jubilee is, by far, the biggest tourist attraction in Sacramento, the biggest event in Old Sacramento, and, other than not being able to close out the Lakers in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the event that Sacramento is most known for around the country.

Despite all this, I talk to people throughout our fair city who have never attended a Jubilee. I’m flabbergasted by this. I know it can’t be because they’re not crazy about the music; I find that empirically impossible. It’s probably because they usually have other plans on Memorial Day weekend. If you’re one of those who tends to head for the hills after work on Friday, take advantage of the Jubilee pre-party tonight at 7pm in Old Sacramento. In the site known as Freeway Gardens, (a sometimes parking lot right off the K Street pedestrian underpass) The Evolution Jazz Band, Jazzin’ Jacks, and the Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band will be performing for the low-low price of $10 ($12 at the door). No excuse this year, pal.

If you’re thinking about attending the festival proper, I’m here to offer up, in a few minutes, everything you need to know when attending this year’s Jubilee. Read on to discover common misconceptions, popular myths, tips on eating, parking, viewing, and finally a sample schedule that will enable you to enjoy one, two, or four days of some the best music our country has to offer. Continue reading “Sacramento Jazz Jubilee Primer: 2008”

Free ‘Survive I-5 Commuter Pass’

During the I-5 construction project, the Regional Parks Department is offering at no charge a commuter pass to allow commuters to park at Discovery Park or another American River Parkway facility, to cycle or skate to work in downtown Sacramento. The pass will be valid Monday-Friday, and includes all County park facilities along the Parkway (excludes Hagan Park). The Fix I-5 project is scheduled to begin on May 30 and expected to last until early July.

Continue reading “Free ‘Survive I-5 Commuter Pass’”

Franchise Tax Board warns of two online scams

Since everyone seems to be itching for their bribe…. er.. economic stimulus check, I figured I would offer this bit of consumer protection.

The California Franchise Tax Board is warning taxpayers of two scams involving the tax board and identity theft. The first scam involves an e-mail “phishing” for taxpayer data. The e-mail masquerades as offering to check the status of your state income tax refund. Scams of this nature attempt to lure people into revealing personal and financial information, such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, which may be used to steal that taxpayer’s identify. The second scam involves a phony letter informing the taxpayer his or her tax return may be audited. The letter refers the taxpayer to a fake FTB address in Georgia. Both the e-mail and the letter contain misspellings and grammatical errors.

Taxpayers who receive such a notice should contact FTB at 800.852.5711.

Bel Air makes it easy to forgo the snacks

How’s that?

They stock the snack foods like crackers and packaged cookies directly across the aisle from their baby goods.

What’s that? You don’t like Wheat Thins with baby-fresh scent or the thought of diapers when scoping out the Double-Stuf Oreos?  Eww.  Neither do I.

This must be a thing for me, given previous posts on the whacked out way of organizing grocery stores.

This is at the Arden & Eastern location, so maybe they’ll have items in more appealing places later on following the remodel.

Electro Group live at Old I on May 22 (w/mp3)

electro groupFans of late ’90s electro (for lack of a synonym) rockers ELECTRO GROUP rejoice! The band is playing a hometown show for the first time in forever, to back their late-2006 2007 release “Good Technology” on Claire Records clairecords. I hope they do that one song with the crunchy guitars and the mumbly singing. I kid the Electro Group! Their last full-length, “A New Pacifica” on the defunct Omnibus records, is a great record, and the reviews are very positive for “Good Technology.”

I’m also very intrigued by Holy Smokes, which Electro Group bassist Ian Hernandez formed with Pinback’s Rob Crow and Hella’s Zach Hill. My brain can’t generate a sonic “If They Mated” for Pinback and Hella, but it sounds interesting! A few MP3s are available via the label’s site (only bother if you have ever listened to Hella and thought, let’s tone that down by maybe 2-3% and add cool vocals).

Continue reading “Electro Group live at Old I on May 22 (w/mp3)”

Southwest is fun again

Long known for its cheap fares and no-frills service, Southwest Airlines was once also known — in the pre-9/11 era — for its cheeky flight attendants.

Hubby and I are each frequent flyers, on Southwest and other carriers alike, and we had both noticed that Southwest’s no-nonsense approach had affected the flight attendants too for the past several years.

This past week, however, marked the return of the snark, puns, and levity. Continue reading “Southwest is fun again”

Updates for the Hungry: Liquor License Edition

The Flaming Grill, everyone’s favorite burger joint to be located across the street from a catholic girls school, has finally gotten a beer and wine license. What does that mean to you and me? Well, it means later hours for one. Look for the ‘Grill to be open until at least 9pm on most nights. Right now the taps are pouring the likes of MGD and Pyramid, but look for more craft brews in the future. Really, what would go better with their killer ahi sandwich than a nice Trumer Pils?
Flaming Grill- 2319 El Camino Ave, Sacramento

Dad’s Kitchen is finally open for business. The new restaurant from the owners of Dad’s Sandwich Shop opened its doors a few weeks ago and reports are already coming in that the food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner lives up to expectations. The taps are flowing too, adding a lovely, hoppy bite the lineup of sandwiches, salads, and (during dinner hours) entrees. So grab and “Angry Road Man” with a pint of “Monkey Knife Fight” and see if the funny names make the items any more fun to order.
Dad’s Kitchen- 2968 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento