State of California is one of the states I resided in during my 78 years on the planet Earth. I'm…read moreraising the stars because my heart is full of friends and memories of only happy moments. I must say there's events like fires and weather plus environmental related scary issues that deterred me from moving back. Although I have a lot of close family living in California most of my family is on the East Coast not far from my Manhattan home. I'm highly recommending if you want to move to the West Coast!

Wow! Almost 4K photos taken visiting California! I knew I've been to Disneyland quite a bit, but…read morethat surprised me as that's over the last few years (2021-2025). I've been visiting the great state of California since I was 5 years old. What my parents thought was an innocent trip to Disneyland became a very expensive hobby through my teens and into an adult. Example: visited the Disney parks 33 days in 2023. Would I go back? It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when! Until next time California!

This is great research center for genealogists, cemetery historians, and anyone who is searching…read morefor lost ancestors. The archive is run by a staff of dedicated volunteers, in a building that was built as a chapel in 1893. They have the Old City Cemetery maps, plot books, and burial index. They also have burial indexes from other Sacramento County cemeteries and material about the early days of Sacramento and its residents. See the website for archive hours. Do sign the guestbook it helps them get funding.

The staff in the archives office are knowledgeable and helpful. The cemetery itself is nothing less…read morethan extraordinary. I am a cemetery buff, drawn to the history and the great beauty to be found there. I've seen cemeteries all over the world and this one is still one of my favorites, for those very reasons and also for its very intimate yet grand feel. As an aside, the staff on work release do an excellent job keeping up the grounds in my view.

This building a the new state of the art CA building with amenities, gym, bike locker, and on site…read morecafe. It does the trick for what it's supposed to do and nothing to crazy. I like it enough and it fits what I'm looking for

It's important to remember that this complex was built with the likelihood that most agencies that…read morerelocated here would continue to operate under a hybrid work schedule in mind. They also wanted to bring more business to Richards Blvd. If you build it, they will come. Will they? Maybe. The railyards is such a hive of activity lately that teens walking home at night should think twice before taking a shortcut through the construction sites. That's how animorphs happen. So if you're trying to find a place to park here and it's after 8 am, peace be with you. Try the parking garage (lot 10) and keep going up to floor 5-7. There will likely be a spot for you. Anyone can use the garage but a lot of folks have permits. They don't want me to tell you this but I am anyway. The buildings are new and do have a lot of nice amenities. The auditorium is pretty cool. All the workstations have sit/stand desks, and there are still extra for hoteling. For now. Kitchenettes on each floor are big. Lots of seating inside and outside in the courtyard as well. The bathrooms are way too close together and you're in someone's way getting a water refill in the middle. They also managed to construct sinks that are inconvenient for both wheelchair users and everyone else, wow what a feat. Cafeteria is just okay. They make a good panini. Soda machine is watery but they sell sodas and there are vending machines with more around the corner. They're doing their best now that Gav has demanded everyone (mostly, there are some exceptions wink nudge cough) come 4 days a week. Best to bring your food with you as there's nothing else around unless you have time for a long walk. The cafe never lasts long when it does get a vendor. It is a nice office space when it comes down to it. I'm optimistic. Keep in mind the township 9 lightrail (green line) across the street is still undergoing maintenance but there are bus connections to and from downtown blue and yellow lines.

Having clean water to drink is something we all take for granted. Just turn on the faucet and"…read more WA-La" . But if you lived here in Sacramento prior to 1923, there were no water treatment plants ! The water we drank and bathed in came directly out of the Sacramento River. When the City of Sacramento was in its early development stage, the city was well known for its horrible water. This fact alone kept new immigrants and business from coming to Sacramento. In 1923 , Sacramento Historic Water Pumping Plant and Pumping Station was built. This was the first municipal filtration plant West of the Rockies. Sacramento residence were now able to get clean drinking water. Pumping Station 2 was still in use as late as 2011 providing clean water to the residence of Sacramento . During this time they were also giving tours of the plant in order to educate the public as to "how modern technology keeps the plant operating effectively as well as learn about its aging infrastructure and what repairs and upgrade that would be needed in the near future. I am glad these historic buildings still remain . It remind us how far we have come as a City and to appreciate everything our fore fathers have done for us ! A little history of Sacramento.

In order to deliver water for Solano Country agricultural needs, the "Bureau of Reclamation"…read more built the Monticello Dam and spillway in the Berryessa Valley in an area called the "Devil's Gate". This is where Putah Creek suddenly turns East through the Blue Ridge. The Monticello Dam is a concrete dam some 304 feet high impounding the Putah Creek. Thus creating the 7th largest man - made lake in California "Lake Berryessa". Contractors "Peter Kiewit Sons Co. and Parish Brothers " were awarded the contract to build the dam. The whole project took 4 years to complete (1953-1957). The Berryessa Valley is where the dam and reservoir is located today. This land was formerly part of the " Ranch Las Putas " land grant of 1843 . The land was given to "Jose and Sixto Berryessa" for whom the area was named. Prior to the completion of the dam, part of Berryessa Valley had to be evacuated. The whole town of Monticello had to be demolished and is now under water. Families whom lived and farmed in this fertile valley for over a century had to relocate . Plus over 300 grave-sites also had to be relocated. Reminents of the town Monticello can be seen when lake levels are low. Monticello Dam Powerplant and spillway were added to the dam in 1983. The Powerplant can be seen at the bottom of the dam. The Morning Glory Spillway"or "Glory Hole" is the largest circular spillway in the world ! The spillway is in use only during times of extreamly high lake levels. A must-see if in the area ! A little piece of California history one place at a time ! Thanks for reading ! Live/Love/Travel !!!

The Monticello Dam is a concrete arch dam in Napa County, and it's famous for its giant morning…read moreGlory Hole spillway and for creating Lake Berryessa. It's impressive to see the over 300 feet water level difference. I'd say it's worth a quick stop if you happen to be around the area.

This is the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a beautiful and at the same time somber tribute to the…read moremen and women who gave their lives for our freedom. There are over 5000 names engraved on 20+ panels that wrap around the outside of this circular memorial and then inside there are several bronze life-sized sculptures of servicemembers, depicting them quite realistically. This was a touching experience waking through this memorial even though I've walked past it multiple times as it's next to the International World Peace Rose Garden, this was the first time I've really gotten to spend extended time at this memorial and to take in the gravity of the lives given and to thank our veterans for their sacrifices. Definitely worth coming to be reminded that our freedoms are not free, and also good to bring (older) kids here to learn more about the history of our country even some of the more challenging and somber chapters.

The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located across from the International World Peace Rose…read moreGarden on the State Capitol grounds. It is a substantial Monument. Close to 15th Street and N Street. The closes parking is street parking. I was there at 9am this morning and they still had street parking. The best time to come is on the weekends as there is much more street parking then. Just check the calendar to make sure there isn't a charity run or festival when you come. Because then it's chaotic. The Memorial is an open circular in design. In the center you will find full relief bronze sculptures. I like the one of the soldier writing or reading a letter from home. An American flag waves over the Memorial. And I believe the memorial is lit up after dark from the many lights I saw in the memorial. There are over 5,000 names of California's dead and missing are engraved on twenty-two black granite panels arranged in a circle. The names are arranged by hometowns. Los Angles has two full panels of names. Included in the memorial are granite benches that that wrap around the memorial and you can sit on them and read all the names. I don't know how accurate this is, but I read on the internet that the Memorial cost $2.5 million and was built only using donations.

This is my favorite road to travel on a beautiful spring day. Stopping at wineries along the route…read moreor brunch at the Ryde Hotel is amazing as well. :)

Tonight is the Sac State Football Homecoming Game and Tailgate. We arrived early for the…read morefestivities, and visited various organizations and groups set up, and enjoyed the goal cart parade. The game was exciting against Northern Colorado, and Sac State won. We sat at the end zone, and got to see the warmups before the game. Plenty of food trucks on hand to choose from, and the night ended with fireworks. There's plenty of parking, and not a long walk into the stadium at all.

President Luke Wood is putting Sac State on the map! This rating is based on his leadership and the…read moreinclusivity and innovation that comes with him leading the charge.