It was a very good year (really): Sacramentans reflect on 2016

Yes, sometimes it felt like the year when everything broke.

But in some respects it was a stand-out time for positive change, great personal moments and community, too.

So when it came time for SN&R to tackle its annual year-end, best-of-the-best issue, we were heartened to realize that, in many respects, 2016 was actually a wonderful year. No, really.

Not convinced? Maybe this will change your mind: We asked 21 notable locals—activists and mentors, artists and chefs, historians, coaches and professors, etc.—to share with us three favorite Sacramento-centric moments, events or things from the last 12 months. The resulting answers were at once fun, enlightening and, even, surprising.

We’re as ready for 2017 as anyone else, but sometimes it’s nice to take a moment to reflect on the good things—big and small.

Enjoy.

Sister Libby Fernandez

Executive director, Loaves & Fishes

On the best resources for those in need:

1. Salvation Army: They provide shelters, transitional housing and a new culinary training program for the homeless.

2. The 211 community health line: A real person will answer the phone and help find the right resources for the person calling.

3. Loaves & Fishes: After much time and hard work, a spacious new park with new bathrooms and service center is set to open on January 6, 2017.

William Burg

City historian

On some of the best things to happen in local art, historical preservation and restoration:

1. Art Hotel brought the art community together and expressed itself loudly to the region in February, with jaw-dropping results. Recent rumors of the death of Sacramento’s art underground are unfounded; it is simply so prevalent that it can’t hide anymore. Stay tuned for Art Street, an even bigger installation, next year—an indicator of the strength of the local art community, but far from its only avenue for expression.

2. Sacramento Old City Association formally became Preservation Sacramento, adopting a new name and bylaws. This change transformed an organization focused primarily on downtown and Midtown since 1972 into a membership-based, citywide historic preservation and urban planning nonprofit, the first of its kind in Sacramento. Symbolic of this change, their 41st annual historic home tour was held in Elmhurst, the first ever outside the old city grid.

3. The restoration of the Aden C. Hart House mansion. For decades, it sat in disrepair, assumed by many to be a haunted house or a murder site. Through a combination of advocacy and code enforcement, the owners undertook an extensive restoration of one of our city’s architectural treasures. This restoration has enormous symbolic value, as so many other historic homes and buildings have been restored and reoccupied this year, from the Governor’s Mansion, once again playing its historic role as official gubernatorial residence, to the Mohr & Yoerk building at 11th and K streets, converted back to residential use.

Ginger Hahn

Owner, Ginger Elizabeth

On great produce, lattes and chocolate:

1. Super excited about the new Sacramento Co-op opening. Even though I live in Davis we shop two times a week at the Sacramento Co-op. It hands down has the best and most local produce.

2. The spiced latte at The Mill and lobster tempura at the new Kru.

3. Making chocolate gifts for the Sacramento Kings to give out to celebrate the grand opening of the Golden 1 Center.

Terra Lopez

Musician, Rituals of Mine

On favorite Sacramento mainstays:

1. Bowl of Soul at Naked Lounge: Easily my favorite drink in Sacramento and has been for nearly a decade. Never fails. Comfort and a nostalgia in a cup.

2. Tres Hermanas: Best damn Mexican food in town. I travel a lot and nothing compares. Ensalada Norteña for life.

3. Beers Books: My favorite place to go and hide out, search and learn. Has been a staple in my life and every time I am in town, I visit.

James “Faygo” Clark

Activist

On moments that demonstrated Sacramento has a thriving activist community:

1. Right to Rest movement. It influenced the conversation during the campaign for mayor. It forced them to have to deal with the fact that homelessness is a major issue. It got the city to start putting more money into services for the homeless, and motivating the community to become more involved. Now you’ve got people who are building micro shelters, trailers, all these different things that people are doing now, weren’t being done before.

2. Black Lives Matter. Through the persistence of the organizers of Black Lives Matter, they’ve been able to unite a large portion of the community behind the issues. Without Black Lives Matter, the city would’ve never admitted there are issues between the police and the public.

3. Anti-Trump protests: Instead of people staying home and being overwhelmed by their fears and their angers, we’ve been able to get people on the streets and given them a way to vent, connect, network and prepare to be mobilized.

Angela Tannehill

Artist and book director at 916 Ink

On great moments in local youth programs, art and community generosity:

1. The new 916 Ink Imaginarium: Artist Kerri Warner from the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire Giving committee did such an amazing job helping us turn the old Maple Elementary library into a unique, whimsical writing environment for both kids and adults. Makes me even prouder to be a part of such a great organization.

2. Art Hotel by M5 Arts: I love Art Hotel, not only because it was a fantastic experience created by so many talented artists, but because it’s a great example of the supportive, thriving arts community we have. I can’t wait to see what happens with ArtStreet in February.

3. Our nonprofit community: I won’t lie, the 2016 election took its toll on my view of humanity. Thankfully, I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a large network of incredible people who are either working directly for organizations bettering our community or are supportive of them. I can’t imagine getting through this year and maintaining a positive outlook without them.

Berry Accius

Founder and youth mentor, Voice of the Youth

On moments that best demonstrated local police brutality and racism problems—and the responses to them:

1. The Joseph Mann shooting. It shows that everything happening nationally has affected us locally, and demonstrated that there is a fractured relationship between the police and the people and that there is a lack of transparency and lack of accountability within the Sacramento Police Department.

2. The battle between anti-fascists and neo-Nazis at the Capitol building in June at which seven people were stabbed by neo-Nazis. The event highlighted that Sacramento’s race issues are very real.

3. The influence of Colin Kaepernick’s knee-protest on Laguna Creek High School football team, which took a knee during the national anthem in September to protest police brutality.

Joe Montoya

Poet

On poetry, diversity and hope:

1. Poet’s Park at South Natomas Park. This overlooked gem combines text and sculpture honoring Sacramento poet laureates. A fun place for the entire family—kids can play and everyone can view great poetry.

2. The diverse Sacramento poetry scene—Luna’s Cafe & Juice Bar and the Sacramento Poetry Center, Mahogany Urban Poetry and Midtown Out Loud—and many more. All the good people who host these series deserve praise for creating a welcoming environment.

3. In April my sixth grandchild was born. To me, Brooklyn is the best of 2016 and our hopes for the future.

Ben Ismail

Artistic director, Big Idea Theatre

On his favorites in theater, entertainment and mimosas:

1. Directing theater was especially good this year. Highlights were Love & Information and August: Osage County for Capital Stage. And I can’t forget Antony & Cleopatra at Big Idea. That is a show I’ve loved and dreamed of doing for several years; I was unbelievably happy I got to do it with the people I did. It was definitely a challenging and rewarding year for directing theater.

2. Finally being up-to-date with the rest of the world watching HBO dramas. I could not get enough of Westworld, but even better were everyone’s theories and debates. How am I supposed to be expected to wait a whole year for season two?

3. Brunch dates with my gal pals. We went everywhere this year. Red Rabbit, Hook & Ladder, Bacon & Butter, Orphan, Fox & Goose … and there’s still more to try next year! Brunch is maybe my favorite meal of the day. And by “maybe” I mean definitely. #allthemimosas

Century Got Bars

Rapper

On her favorite things that happened:

1. The Art Hotel was the most awesome thing! Many of my artist friends were involved and it was amazing to see the response it got.

2. I bought my first home this year and now my roots are planted here in Sacramento.

3. “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”: a gathering started by Marianna Sousa for local Sacramento artists and activists to come and make hygienic bags for the homeless population.

Charles Albright

Musician

On light rail, local venues and musical muckrakers:

1. The Consumes River Parkway and light rail extension to Cosumnes River College. Cosumnes River Boulevard, which recently got an I-5 freeway exit, now extends from I-5 all the way to Highway 99. Driving down the newly connected road is like unlocking a hidden level in a video game. On a related note, the light rail goes all the way to the edge of Elk Grove. What a crazy time to be alive!

2. The Cafe Colonial and the Colony: Proof the underground music scene is still alive and kicking. It has it all! Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and very clearly marked fire exits. Plus, french fries!

3. Scott Soriano and SS Records: The proverbial man on top a mountain of records, Scott Soriano has been a pillar of our community—music or otherwise—since before the first time you thought punk was dead. His constant digging in the historical archives and cultural muckraking and perverting of Sacramento’s youth have stirred the pot in our sleepy cow town for more 30 years. The revolution may not be televised, but it might be somewhere in one of Scott’s stacks of fliers, tapes or records. Proof that the classics never die, they just get more defiant.

Kim Martel

Stand-up comedian

On her three favorite new comedy shows:

1. The Moving Van Show, run primarily by Melissa McGillicuddy and Joe-Joe Louis, which is a show out of a van used for moving, not a show done while standing inside a van that is moving, as there has been some confusion.

2. Fem Dom Com at the Fox and Goose, a female-dominated comedy show run by Jaime Fernandez and Emma Haney where all the comedians are women, and there’s one token male.

3. Capital PUNishment at the Ooley Theatre, run by Daniel Humbarger and Damien Harmony, a competition-style show, where comedians (and occasionally audience members) are given a subject and they have to trash talk their competitor using only puns based on that subject. All these shows stand out because they’re all in nontraditional comedy venues, so some of the audience may have never seen a comedy show before and as the performer, you get to be a part of this amazing first-time experience for those people. The comedians running the shows are all also really keen on bringing newer comedians on and giving them an opportunity to be on a show that isn’t one of the popular pay-to-play-style shows that the larger comedy venues often hold.

Cecily Hastings

Publisher, Inside Publications

On positive influences, public art and bucket lists:

1. The installation of the first Walk of Stars in the Handle District brought public acknowledgment of five Sacramentans who have achieved amazing things. This year’s stars include Levar Burton, Dr. Ernie Bodai, Debbie Meyer, Greg Kondos and Timothy B. Schmit. Their enthusiastic acceptance speeches at the gala held in August told beautifully how Sacramento positively influenced their lives.

2. While not a basketball fan, the most exciting part of the Golden 1 Center for me was the unveiling of the stunning public art collection, and the opening up of an attractive venue for top artists to perform in our town.

3. Mayor-elect Darrell Steinberg suggested city residents buy the new photo-driven guide book we just published called Inside Sacramento: The Most Interesting Neighborhood Places in the Farm-to-Fork Capital and use it as the Sacramento “bucket list” challenge. He said folks should visit the book’s 101 places and check them off one by one. And then pass the book on to someone who just moved here!

BUFF$LUT

Photographer

On the best parties he shot this year:

1. Requiem Events’ Three Year Anniversary Party: There was a massive shower of giant balloons and also a shower of massive half-naked bros wearing neon and fur.

2. Lipstick 16 Year Anniversary Party: I really enjoyed this night because just about the entire population of Midtown attended, and that’s the last thing I remember.

3. At the Ruhstaller with P. Morris and Maal—This night stood out to me because not only was everyone really fashionable, but it was awesome partying underground in the heart of the central business district. You never really see these types of dance parties in this part of town.

Michele Foss-Snowden

Professor, communication studies, Sacramento State

On the Sacramento Kings, rain and tacos:

1. I’m sure I won’t be the first or last to say that the opening of the Golden 1 Center was a highlight. I’ve been a Kings fan as long as I can remember being a fan of anything, and this venue is what the team and this city deserves.

2. We got enough rain to make Folsom Lake look less like Folsom Pond.

3. La Venadita opened in Oak Park, and I looooooove tacos.

Sara Arbabian

Owner, The Rind

On pop-ups, basketball and soccer:

1. I really enjoyed helping organize the Diner en Blanc for the first time in Sacramento. It was an amazing event that brought together people from all over Sacramento, enjoying a pop-up picnic at the new Golden 1 Center. In a time when we are all so focused on what makes us different, it was beautiful to be unified in many ways, from experiencing the mystery of the pop up location to dressing up in fabulous white-colored clothes.

2. Although not super savvy with all things basketball, I really loved going to the opening Kings game at the new Golden 1 Center with my husband. Bumping into our chef and restaurateur friends who helped launch their local foods in this magnificent space and seeing the loyal fans gave me a great sense of Sacramento pride.

3. Watching the growing number of soccer fans, including myself, at the Sacramento Republic FC games, were incredibly exciting. I love it all! From the chanting from the Tower Bridge Battalion next to me, to the local craft beer selections, to the local artists who sing the national anthem, including my dear friend, Jessie Abbey. It’s like visiting family at these events.

Lisa Wrightsman

Founder, coach and program director of Street Soccer USA and the Lady Salamanders

On the best wins in local women’s soccer:

1. Soccer USA’s Sacramento 2016 National Championship.

2. California Storm: 2016 NorCal Regional Champs.

3. Sacramento State Hornets: Second place in Big Sky Conference.

Alice Anderson

Writer

On love, diversity and a local coffee shop:

1. The Verity Baptist Protest: About a thousand queer and queer allies showed up to stand against hate and homophobia after pastor Roger Jimenez said (following the Orlando shooting) “I wish the government would round them all up, put them up against a firing wall, put a firing squad in front of them and blow their brains out.” Sacramentans came out in droves to build a rainbow-colored wall of LBGTQ love right outside the Verity’s doorstep.

2. Parents with kids in the Sacramento City Unified School District (I have three) encountered something new when they filled out those dreaded safety cards this year. The fourth question on the card, following “First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name” was “Preferred Gender Pronoun.” Score another point for Sacramento’s progressive values.

3. While new coffee shops opened up across Sacramento, the best coffee shop in town, The Weatherstone, remained close to my heart. I finished my first book manuscript on the patio 20 years ago. This year I finished books two (The Watermark) and three (Some Bright Morning I’ll Fly Away) while sitting at my favorite window table.

Drew Walker

Musician

On larger-than-life art, friendships and good sounds:

1. Art Hotel: an amazing experience. I’ve done a tiny bit of traveling in Europe and the States playing music, and I’d always be so jealous of these off-the-wall larger-than-life art-space fantasy-worlds I’d get peeks of. To take part in something like that, of such a unique and high quality, representing our own city, that was a proud, happy moment.

2. Community: It seems to me that our friendships may be counting for more these days. With all the gross traumatic national BS going on, it’s been a major source of comfort to know so many righteously smart and sensitive people in our music and art scenes.

3. Music: my favorite thing every year. This year I had the privilege of taking part in some pretty fun sound stuff: The Halloween Show, Red Museum, Stay Home Fest, R Street Block Party, working with Ideateam, the open-mic scene. I love seeing these institutions flourish, and this year was a good year to be loud in Sac.

Mai Vang

Area 5 Trustee, Sacramento City Unified School District

1. I’m honored to serve on the Sacramento City Unified School District board and give back to the community that raised me. As the daughter of Hmong refugees and product of SCUSD, I understand the struggles low-income students and English language learners continue to face. I also know firsthand how investments in public education can transform the lives of our students. I’m excited for 2017 and ready to put in the hard work engaging our parents, supporting our teachers and helping our students thrive.

2. I’m thrilled to have cast my first vote on the Safe Haven Resolution—unanimously supported by the board and championed by board member Jessie Ryan. Now, more than ever, our school district needs people who still stand against injustice and recognize that our community’s diversity is one of its greatest assets.

3. As a community organizer, it was important for me to always speak truth to power. As a board member, it will be equally important for me to use this position of power to speak truth to the realities facing our students and families.

Snarkramento

Social media critic

On his favorite tweets of the year:

https://twitter.com/sac_snark/status/779741158016622592

1. The bougie Tower Bridge Dinner is one of my favorite things to pick on in Sacramento, and I actually wrote a blog post about how I tried to rent a sailboat big enough to get the bridge raised during the dinner. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out.) This tweet was fun because the HOF crew threw a really cool party the day before the dinner on the riverbank of the tower bridge and the juxtaposition of the two events is hilarious.

https://twitter.com/sac_snark/status/772577096732332032

2. This past September, walking near Fremont Park with my kids, we came up on these posters, which at first I didn’t realize were white-supremacist propaganda. The more I thought about them the more they bothered me so I took them down and looked up the group, and sure enough they were from a Northern California white pride group. The guy who posted the fliers has been in the news a lot since I saw these, and this whole experience really seemed to foreshadow this shitty situation our country now finds itself in after the election.

https://twitter.com/sac_snark/status/770057949997916160

3. I picked this tweet because it is somewhat emblematic of one of the goals of my Twitter account: to make fun of pretentious stupidity, and the idea of fucking “foodie housing” is such a good example of that I had to include it. Real estate developers really are the best fodder for this kind of stuff though; see “The Mill at Broadway,” “The Creamery at Alkali Flats” or “McKinley Village.”