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Keep the exits clear and unlocked

Keep the exits clear and unlocked

Building and fire codes exist for your safety… and let me say up front that I am not a fire prevention zealot but I do have one major fire prevention pet peeve and that is blocked exits. Here's a little secret most firefighters don't really talk about... Firefighting can actually be fun as long as no one gets killed or injured. So the one priority for most firefighters is: make sure everyone gets out safely. Security and fire safety often seem contradictory in that people want to feel secure at home and in the workplace so they beef up locks, window bars… some even chain or lock required exits. The attached pictures are from a business in Old Sacramento and the picture was taken during the Memorial Day Music Festival. If you see this type of code violation, please report it to the fire department. If you have questions about security vs. fire safety in your home or business contact the fire prevention bureau of your local fire department.

Wedding Destination: South Lake Tahoe

Wedding Destination: South Lake Tahoe

By Kira Heinrichs

So two of my friends were tying the knot this last weekend in South Lake Tahoe, and I couldn’t have been happier about the entire situation. The #2 reason (second only to witnessing two fabulous people commit their lives to one another of course) I was so ecstatic was that this was, I am pretty sure, the first wedding my fiancé and I have ever attended just as guests with no obligatory duties. I’m in the midst of planning my own wedding, coming this October, and right about now was really ready to quit focusing on the details and just enjoy a party!

I started planning our weekend in Tahoe earlier in the week and I had it all mapped out. Literally. Turns out Tahoe, our friends, and any other elements there with us had other plans. So we rolled with it and had an awesome time anyway. That’s part of the beauty of this place, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it.

My Plan: Put in a full day’s work and leave around 5 p.m... Read More

Online Dating Chronicles: It could be stupid or it could be great.

Online Dating Chronicles: It could be stupid or it could be great.

Over the past four days, I’ve been experiencing this cavalcade of emotions. Mostly, I’m happier than I can ever remember. But being that I am me, I have moments of “What the hell am I doing?!?” and “What if…” Luckily, these are usually succeeded by a large dose of “Squee!” It’s that girly overwhelming feeling of excitement, anticipation and lust... Read More

Negative Spammers? Yes, Please!

Negative Spammers? Yes, Please!

As a world famous blogger, I am subject to millions of comments. It’s either millions or tens, I forget which. Anyway, most are good, and three have been bad.

And then there is the spam... Read More

You have a pregnancy test…in a bar?!?

You have a pregnancy test…in a bar?!?

Today I was scrolling through the internet when this paraphrase from Sweet Home Alabama burst into my awareness. There was an article about a bar in Minnesota that installed a vending machine containing pregnancy tests for three dollars.

This makes NO sense. ... Read More

Downtown Kids

Downtown Kids

Written By Bianca Bewley

 Juggalos, hobos, hoodlums, downtown kids… Whatever you may call them I’m sure you’ve seen them. These were the people that I called family when close friends and true blood relatives turned their backs on me. We were a very diverse group, ages ten and up and any race. The ever so famous “circle” was where we hung out, before it was considered loitering. (The cement benched half circles on either side of the path just before the tunnel leading from the downtown mall to old Sacramento. ) We were a bunch of misguided and troubled youth just trying to get by... Read More

High School Reunion: Letter from my 18-Year Old Self

High School Reunion: Letter from my 18-Year Old Self

By Ashley Robinson

My 10-year high school reunion is next month, and it’s given me a good opportunity to reflect on how I have changed over the past decade … and get motivated to lose some weight. Yeesh!

In preparation of this momentous occasion, I have written a letter from “18-year old Ashley” and then have written a response from “28-year old Ashley” to demonstrate changing priorities and attitudes. Let’s just say, I’m hoping people will find me less angsty and more confident. (And don’t call me Kimmie Gibbler.)... Read More