Golden 1 Center Time-lapse of Construction

These are clips from my drone videos starting in December 2014 through August 2016.  

Sutter's Fort

A tour of Sutter's Fort in Sacramento

The "Fort" built by Swiss immigrant John Sutter more than 150 years ago was not only located at a pivotal point in California. It was a pivotal point in history. This combination of big dreams, bold adventures and reality all manifest themselves at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park and help bring California history to life. 

John Augustus Sutter was born in Europe to Swiss-German parents in 1803. After several financial reverses, like millions of others in Europe during the time, Sutter set out to make his fortune in America. After a series of adventures that ranged from Missouri and Santa Fe to Hawaii and Alaska, Sutter finally made it to California and arrived in Sacramento in the late fall of 1839. 

In Sacramento, he built what came to be known as Sutter's Fort -- with walls that were 2 1/2 feet thick and 15 to 18 feet high -- and developed what he considered to be the real wealth of California -- crops such as grapes and wheat, along with vast herds of cattle. Aligning himself with the Mexican authorities, at one point, with his various land grants, Sutter owned more than 150,000 acres of the Central Valley, and was a generous host to such colorful and historically important characters as John C. Fremont and Kit Carson, 

In 1848, James Marshall, a carpenter working for Sutter, discovered gold at the sawmill Sutter was having built in Coloma, on the American River. Before the mill could be finished, word of the discovery was out. Sutter's workers deserted the Fort for the goldfields seeking their fortunes. By the 1850's, all that was left of Sutter's Fort was the central building. 

The Native Sons of the Golden West were influential in the restoration of the Fort which began in 1891 and was completed in 1893. Donated to the State of California, Sutter's Fort became a part of the California State Park System in 1947. Sutter's Fort stands as the oldest restored Fort in the United States. 

Today, the Fort is furnished and reconstructed to reflect its 1846 appearance. Many activities and programs recreate the past thanks to the volunteers who give their time to share their love of California History.
Sutter's Fort Website

Old Sac to Raley Field

I finally upgraded my drone to the DJI Phantom 4.  This is an amazing machine.  With my old drone when I was flying in Old Sac I would begin to lose my signal about the time I would reach to other side of the river.

Today I flew from Old Sacramento over to Raley Field without a single issue.  I hear online of people flying 3 miles away with the Phantom 4.  We'll see if ever try that distance.

Heart Concert - Thunder Valley Casino

Heart played at Thunder Valley Casino last evening.  I think they were imposters!  There is no way you can sing that great at 65 year old.  Are you kidding me?  Ann sounds fantastic.  

If you aren't familiar with Heart here is a brief compilation of their accomplishments:

35 Million Records Sold
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013
Ranked 57th in VH1's Greatest Artist of Hard Rock
Top 10 Album in 1970's 1980's 1990's and 2010's

Pictures courtesy of Nathan Gilbert.
Thanks Gilbert, great pictures.

Gold Rush Days - Old Sacramento 2015

As you enter Old Sacramento’s 28-acre town of historic buildings that were constructed in the early 1800s, you’ll step back in time to the California Gold Rush era.

Pioneers first settled along the banks of the Sacramento River, a main traffic route for supplies. But the new city experienced flooding and fires. In 1850 Sacramento experienced its first devastating flood, and another one in 1852. It became apparent that drastic measures would need to be taken if the city was to be saved.

In 1853 a mammoth project was proposed to raise the city above the flood stage. The ambitious and expensive proposal was not totally accepted until another devastating flood swept through the city in 1862. Within a few years, thousands of cubic yards of earth were brought in on wagons and the daring scheme to raise the street level can be seen throughout Old Sacramento under the boardwalks and in its basements.

The center of the commercial district gradually moved east, leaving the area impoverished. In the mid-1960s, a redevelopment plan was granted to revitalize a once thriving merchant community. Today, after strong preservation efforts with 53 historic buildings, Old Sacramento has more buildings of historic value condensed into its 28-acres than any area of similar size in the West. The nostalgic appeal of early American history is reflected perfectly by the wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, old-fashioned candy shops and Mississippi-style riverboats. History comes to life through interactive experiences, such as taking a ride on a steam engine train, sitting in an authentic desk inside a one-roomed 1800s replica schoolhouse, or dressing in period costumes for an old-fashioned photo. Old Sacramento is a National Landmark and a portion is designated as a California State Historic Park.

Kings Arena Build - September 2015

The arena is really taking shape now.  You can get a real sense of what it is going to look like when its completed in the Fall of 2016.

$75,000 Reward For Drone Pilot That Interfered With Firefighters

I hope they catch the idiots that are endangering people and their homes by flying their drones where they don't need to be flying.  Use some common sense people.

Citrus Heights Police Motorcycle Skills Challenge

The Citrus Heights Police Department hosted their 3rd annual Police Motorcycle Skills Challenge at Sunrise Mall this past weekend.  

It is amazing to see how agile these police officers are with these motorcycles. 

Rocklin Evening in the Park - The Cripple Creek Band

An Evening in the Park

Rocklin

You couldn't have asked for a nicer evening to enjoy The Cripple Creek Band.  The country/southern rock band entertained the crowd with their Lynyrd Skynyrd inspired music.  

American River Rafters

With temperatures above 105 degrees this week I thought a nice cool trip down the American River would be nice.  These rafters are in Coloma headed towards the famous Troublemaker rapids just down stream.