Ok, first thing I have to do in Sacto: stop wearing cowboy shirts. One of the by-products of my thrift store obsession for all things Western, Southwestern, Cowboy, Native American and National Park has been a new found fondness for pearl snap cowboy shirts and western wear in general. Well, now that obsession must end.
Last night I happened upon a street festival in downtown Sacto. I think it is something that happens every second Saturday of the month. There were art openings and bands playing in the streets and other venues. I saw three bands representing three different genres: Rockabilly, Alt County and Emo/Indie Rock. Oddly, they all wore more-or-less the same uniform; a plaid pearl snap cowboy shirt and blue jeans. The only difference were the shoes. Rockabilly = pointy, Alt County = hiking boots, Emo = Chuck Taylor's.
Now, when I wear a cowboy shirt, there is a touch of irony (at least I am aware of it), but in Sacramento there is no irony. Going forward, I must approach the pearl snaps with caution.
Most of the art I saw was not very interesting: that gimmicky crafty type work. I did see one really good painter, though. Pretty straightforward landscape material, but very dark and moody, yet with touches of real light. Very dramatic and emotion laden, considering it's just a farm house and some hills. Nice work. It reminds me of someone else, but I can't place my finger on just who. I guess that's a good thing.
The other highlight of the night was a hot dog from Capital Dawg. Good stuff. Nicely grilled with a crunchy skin, grilled onions and spicy brown mustard. This place may become a habit.
One interesting observation about Sacto is that I have seen more deaf people signing here than anywhere else I have lived. It started when I noticed a group signing in the local Starbucks near the Hallmark spot. I thought maybe there was school for the deaf nearby or something. But then last night at one of the music venues there was another fairly large group signing as well - who knows maybe their hearing was fine but they just wanted to have a civil conversation over the music? No, I don't think so, as they seemed completely ambivalent towards the performers... And then again this morning, as I write in yet another Starbucks, there is a couple signing. Who knew Sacto was the deaf mecca? That's one bit of unique local charm. If Justice is blind, maybe this is an indication that the State Government is deaf?
On my way "home," driving the rental car (a conspicuously new Mazda SUV), I passed by the homeless encampment just to to the west of 16th Street and Avenue A. I made a loop around the block, and, man, it was truly scary! As mentioned before, numerous groups of people are camping on the street here. On this night I saw a group of men huddled around the open hood of an RV and other groups passing the brown bag, but many were already under their blankets, lumps doting the sidewalk. Several vans and few RVs, obviously lived in, were lined up by the curb. There is a very visible and active community here, but clearly not for me. In the dark it took on a hellish hue. Were there fires blazing in oil drums or am I super imposing that cliche image on my actual memory?
By contrast, the deserted street on Hallmark seemed pristine: nice clean concrete. I did see a woman walking a dog, though. This seemed really out of place in this semi industrial neighborhood, but I'll take it over the denizens to the west of 16th.
Oh well, that's life on the street. Take it where you find it. Dogs welcome.
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