N magazine

26/09/2025

Helic International Bistro in South Natomas was the location for Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes “Sip & Spritz” meet and greet as a precursor to the upcoming election season. Helic, as with charQterie in North Natomas, have become the go-to places for great food and receptions in the land north of the river from downtown Sacramento. N magazine was there to capture the start of this political season with this District 3 representative.

Talamantes is always an upbeat person and loves working for her constituents in this-one-of-eight city districts. There is a large connection with District 3, District 1 and, in some ways, District 2. There is a lot of intermixing of business and concerns for all three of these areas north of the city. The concerns for the future of South Natomas and North Natomas have picked up and will be a focal point for our representatives.

The event brought out some important long-time advocates for the Natomas Region. Ray Tretheway, retired founder of the Sacramento Tree Foundation; former Mayor Darrell Steinberg; current Mayor Kevin McCarty; B. Teri Burns, an effective advocate for schools and the name behind the Natomas Clinic that is part of Natomas High School; Author and former council member Steve Cohn, and current council member, Eric Guerra. There were business owners (both profit and nonprofit), regular citizens, and representatives from the county. All were there to support Talamantes in her efforts to hopefully continue to affect positive change in Natomas and maintain it as a great place to live.

This night was about friendship and the history of relationships with many who care about the future of the Natomas Region of Sacramento. The hors d'oeuvre were great, as was the wine and champaign. Luis Zamora and Laura Garcia, owners of Helic, were great hosts and their staff made everyone feel welcome. Former Mayor Steinberg introduced Karina, and while she spoke to the gathering, most of the evening was made up of personal visits and a lot of pictures taking. Tia Gemmell, professional photographer, and the force behind “Tia’s Natomas” in N magazine took a lot of pictures. Various attendees gave praise for Talamantes’ attitude and work for District 3.

The work for Natomas, sometimes is overshadowed by national and state concerns and the larger city issues, but this evening focused on friendship and support for a young woman in her first term in office. N magazine has hope that all candidates focus on the actual issues that affect the people they are trying to represent. Let’s hope that the issues always stay the focus, and no personal animosity overshadows our voting process. These are odd times in America. But for this event, the feeling was upbeat, and everyone was smiling and having a great time. Karina Talamantes, regardless of politics, is a quality young woman to know.

Be sure to follow N magazine online at www.nmag.net Become a regular reader of this monthly online magazine. Support local business and be sure to tell them you read N magazine online. Share N magazine with all your contacts and tell them to share it with their friends.

26/09/2025

This is a "Kid" created event at charQterie. Support our young people in this effort...charQterie is, You should too. N magaazine will be there to cover the event. See you there.

20/09/2025

Dennis Spear, me, Publisher of N magazine, attended the 2025 KVIE Art Auction at the KVIE studios along West El Camino. This art collection and auction has become a very popular event for the Sacramento Region. The KVIE parking lots were full, as were those of surrounding businesses. Other than the Crocker, KVIE is one of the largest of the regional art gatherings. Word of mouth and a good deal of promotion always helps. One other thing that helps is the very special website for the event. One can view the art that has been expertly scanned and set in categories. The site allows you to click on any image to enlarge it and you are presented with the artist’s name, medium and value with a suggested starting bid.

One of the first people I saw at the event was Jill Estroff, the curator for KVIE. Also, at the art auction were some of the artists that have graced the covers of N magazine in the past. One artist, Carmen Gonzalez (N magazine cover artist, November 2024) entered the show and was quite happy with the results and was also impressed with the quality of the art and the size of the reception. Some artists I met seemed to be potential candidates for future magazine covers. I love the unique work of Joe Strickland and Anne Del Core. Shannon Garrison has an emerging style that could become a great cover, and her personality leads me to believe she would be great to profile in an upcoming issue. The ceramic work by Mathew Glaisyer and Frankie Hansbearry are well worth pages in N magazine.

Another cover artist (September 2022) Liliana Rodriquez was with Barry Pitluk, of KVIE, and another friend enjoying the food at the art auction reception. Barry, along with Bob Beyn of Seraphein Beyn Advertising are the “Dining Dudes” each month in N magazine. Bob Beyn will be profiled in the October issue of N magazine for his photography. I also ran into Dr. Nkiruka Ohaegbu, (profiled in December 2024, N magazine) a member of the KVIE Board of Directors with Lilly Cortés Wyatt, owner of Socios Public Relations. Dr. Ohaegbu is also the Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commissioner for Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes.

Besides the art auction, KVIE has a gallery that is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 to 4 with exception of holidays. There is always great work curated by Jill Estroff. The sales of art from the gallery benefit the artists and PBS (KVIE). With the government defunding of PBS, public participation to support this worthwhile institution is more important than ever. In any case, it is critical to have the PBS voice of KVIE in the Sacramento Region. In fact, I recommend supporting PBS (KVIE) and NPR, National Public Radio, (KXJZ & KXPR) locally.

This year’s KVIE art auction was substantial. It has become the go-to place where some of the best art, ceramics, and photography can be seen in one great space. There are still other great galleries in the Region, but the KVIE auction is a yearly collection of some of best creative work in the Sacramento Valley.

Be sure to view N magazine online at www.nmag.net and share it with your contacts. Each issue has great art on the cover and profiles inside. There is positive news for us all in the pages of N magazine.

www.kvie.org/events/kvie-gallery
www.kvie.org/events/art-auction

16/09/2025

N magazine and me (Dennis Spear, Publisher) was at the premier of the Natomas Rotary event at the North Natomas Community Center. This was a food tasting event and was filled with great Natomas eateries and businesses, including grocery stores like Sprouts. There was a lot of choice from restaurants like, the Impressive new Helic, and the well-known premier restaurant, charQterie. We really have some great places to dine in our Natomas Community.

The title for this first-of-a-kind Rotary event was recommended by Rotary member, Carrie Volker and alludes to the yummy sound we all make when eating something special. Volker had his team at Lionakis, donate the design material for the event. The former (recent) President Pam Hunter, worked to make this all happen along with all the members in Natomas. The event was well attended for a first-time event like this. Current Natomas Rotary President, Salvador Cortez was there to comment on the premier, as well as District 1 Council member, Lisa Kaplan, and District 3 Chief of staff, Monika Lee for Vice Mayor, Karina Talamantes. Presenting a California Senate Certificate to the Rotary was Isabel Gatdula, District Representative from Senator Angelique Ashby’s office. Our new President for the Natomas Chamber of Commerce, Joe Kelley, was there to support the event.

Well, the food was great. A very large spread was by charQterie, but the taste at El Cevichetito and Helic was just as wonderful. N magazine is always into slightly spicy sauces and the chef from Jeezilse had just the right “Slap You in the Face, Hot Sauce” and a milder “Sweet” version. Of course, there was “Sprouts” grocery store that has been a go-to store for us all. Sourdough & Co. is another great place to get a great taste. There was much more than mentioned here, but I couldn’t get to all of it in the limited time available.

One place that surprised me was “Tap Wine Lounge” with a wonderful selection of wine, and a bonus…They have an art gallery in the store. Other than the Mexican Consulate and KVIE, I don’t know of any other art gallery that near Natomas. N magazine will have to visit and check out the art that is there. The table had a promotion calling for artist and authors for their venue. I will have to promote that in N magazine. Maybe there will be a new cover artist discovered at Tap.

The Nom Nom event was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves as they partook of the great fare presented. The Natomas Rotary has hit on an event that could become a tradition for this community. Let’s hope it expands next year, to an event that attracts people from all over Sacramento.

Be sure to share N magazine www.nmag.net with all your contacts and have them share the magazine with their contacts. N magazine is positive news for us all.

09/09/2025

Election primaries are coming in June, and an election will take place in November, long before the mid-terms of 2026. Jennifer Chawla of Northlake is challenging Lisa Kaplan for the City of Sacramento Council District 1 seat along with one other candidate, Venkat Mechineni.

Chawla’s campaign fundraiser and kickoff was held at the very new, (compared to the rest of Natomas – North and South) Northlake clubhouse. It was a well-attended event with a large diverse crowd, lots of smiles and some great food. The venue was an indoor-outdoor event and lasted well into the dark. The kickoff was emceed by Ed Perez, an RD1000 Trustee. Perez introduced the speakers after an appropriate time for everyone to get to meet new people and visit.

Speakers included Jennifer’s mom, Harish Chawla, who spoke of Jennifer’s family experience. Her big sister, Latika, told of how proud she is of her sister. Ed Prerez then introduced Doctor Umer Waris who emphasized his support. There was a lot of sincere support, as is the case at candidate events. The event for Jennifer Chawla, was positive, upbeat and there were a lot of smiles for her first run for a political office. She does have 13 years of experience with the FBI and is very involved in the Northlake community. Jennifer spoke on the issues of child safety at schools, especially traffic issues. She pointed to the frustration of mailbox theft (an issue in all Natomas) and coming land development. Jennifer also discussed youth empowerment to ensure our future, and those are just some of what she feels are important in this coming campaign. There is much more, but her commitment to the Natomas community was front and center. Natomas always has good candidates for offices, and Chawla is obviously one of them.

N magazine and me, Dennis Spear publisher of N magazine, know and respect both women candidates for District 1, and have hope that both will keep to the issues and not let the campaign become as some have in other states, nasty. I hope their supporters don’t go off the rails over personal feelings. In these times, it is very hard for those running, or incumbent, for any political office. Running for office takes a toll on any candidate. Chawla has a great smile and is assertive.

Be sure to follow N magazine online at www.nmag.net Become a regular reader of this monthly online magazine. Support local business and be sure to tell them you read N magazine online. Share N magazine with all your contacts and tell them to share it with their friends.

03/09/2025

02/09/2025

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02/09/2025

The N magazine cat, Bb, helped get the September issue of N magazine out ontime. Great cat and he loves the clicking sound of the new mechanical keyboard. www.nmag.net

01/09/2025

Our artist for September is unique. Travis Gates, while working in framing and dry wall, realized that the materials in his trade and the furniture tossed by homeowners could be used to satisfy a feeling of creativity that was just emerging. He started with a chair, and he blossomed from there. He has great potential as his talent evolves. His meeting with Natomas’s Felicia Borges, and his participation in her Second Saturday in Natomas is elevating his recognition. That story is on page 6.

Watching the decision-making process in our country and business, I thought it best to discuss the processes of collaboration and compromise. There is a difference, and the outcomes can be surprising. While we are bombarded with compromise on a regular basis, it is time we looked at collaboration with a more educated eye. That story is on page 8 and will get you thinking about the outcomes from both processes. Which one would you like to see our representatives or boss use to make decisions. This story may get you thinking in a different direction.

A friend of N magazine has had a shock with the unexpected collapse of her 14-year-old daughter, now in a coma. The family has worked for years as Natomas residents and contribute to our community in various ways. From schools to business, they are worth helping through a critical time in their lives. That story is on page 12. I urge you to see your way to help them through a terrible time on their go-fund-me site.

N magazine just celebrated 20 years in Natomas, and I look back to entries on our Bits n’ Pieces pages. I will highlight various mini stories that have been included in years past. You must let me know if you recognize any of those events or stories. Out ‘n About on page 18.

The political landscape is starting to change. We are coming up on November voting, so keep yourself informed, not just social media, but with actual research into the real facts. There will be more manipulation on computers and television than ever before. AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be used to undermine your decisions. I urge you to use the real AI…Actual Intelligence and research from reputable sources for background information from reputable sources. A Democracy can only survive with an educated populace and involved citizens. This year and the next (2026) will be critical for our Democracy.

Share N magazine at www.nmag.net with all y our contacts and have them share it with their contacts. Help expand our readership in these important times. Be sure to frequent locally owned business in Natomas and keep our community strong. Read past issue of N magazine online to learn a lot about Natomas.

24/08/2025

One of the best Restaurants in Sacramento CA