N magazine

21/10/2025

N magazine Publisher, Dennis Spear
I attended the recent dedication of “Thelma Park” on the corner of Thelma and Hawk Avenue in South Natomas. This corner has special meaning for me, as for many years the daycare for my children was at the last house on the left at the end of Hawk Avenue. It was 45 years ago that my children used to play on that street and around the vacant lot that is now Thelma Park.

By 10 a.m., this new park was filling up with kids and parents from the neighborhood on a sun-filled Saturday morning, as Monika Le, Chief of Staff for Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes, was setting up for the dedication. There were donuts and drinks on the table as kids were starting to play on everything that was provided for their enjoyment in this new Natomas park. There is a low fence with two gates surrounding this compact park and plenty of devices to play, slide, twirl, and climb on.

Attending the dedication was Ray and Judy Tretheway, who purchased property in this neighborhood in the late ‘70s. Vice Mayor, Karina Talamantes visited with those attending the dedication and, as usual, was smiling and excited to be there to dedicate the park. She is always upbeat and truly enjoys working for the residents in City District 3.

The ribbon was held by the attendees as Talamantes spoke about this new park and prepared to cut the ribbon for the official dedication. There were a short countdown and the scissors in her hands sliced through the ribbon signifying the true opening of this new compact community park. As the ribbon fell there were cheers and lots of camera clicks to document this special day. The celebration went on for a while, as everyone visited and the kids played in this new corner lot park.

Robbie Robbins, District 3 Parks Commissioner, and his daughter were there to help in the dedication as were park rangers and the park designer. Cherell Howze, Community Relations Coordinator for Mayor McCarty, was there also. It was an upbeat and fun event for everyone. The park is now open for the whole neighborhood.

16/10/2025

One of the best Restaurants in Sacramento CA

09/10/2025

04/10/2025

Melting Pot has played at charQterie before, and N magazine was there to hear them. This time, we wanted to focus on the band and wound up going to a Friday evening show. The band is a seven-piece group with two of them as lead singers. They are a mix of rock-n-roll and a few other styles, but the rock is great.
On the same days that Aftershock is being held at Discovery Park, with a thousand people attending, Melting Pot attracted a credible crowd that filled the patio at charQterie, and the tables out front in the parking lot. Unlike Aftershock, the group attending this evening’s entertainment was not only focused on the band, but also on the fare supplied by Jeff and Lydia Belaski and their staff. It was enjoyable to listen to the music along with a charQterie board on the table in front of you.
Josh Cotton and his family were there for the music and food. Josh is profiled in the October issue of N magazine. He is a Natomas podcaster out of his South Natomas garage. The patio was filled with families and couples out to enjoy an evening listening to Melting Pot and having dinner.
Melting Pot is a cover band of (as mentioned earlier) seven members. It was formed in 2011. John Duvall, Buddy Davis and Carrie Moore supply the great vocals along with double duty as keyboardists and a few other instruments. They keep a good beat and solid music to entertain the crowd. If you ever get a chance to hear Melting Pot, you won’t be disappointed. From time-to-time, they are at charQterie in North Natomas, but you should check them out online to see where they will be playing next.
N magazine enjoyed the music for a few hours and had a great sandwich from charQterie. We will be sure to attend again when they play in our Natomas community. Melting Pot is worth your time.
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30/09/2025

Educate yourself on similarities

30/09/2025

The annual N magazine photo contest is on page 8 of this issue. The cover photo, by Bob Beyn, was taken with an iPhone 16 Pro. Bob’s profile is on page 6. Most images in the photo competition were taken with phones.

Looking to history, there is a special article on the similarity between Autocratic leaders and the Mob Boss. The similarities are striking, and N magazine takes a researched look into it. We must understand the similarities if we are to understand our upcoming decisions within our Democratic process. Finland is teaching new generations to spot misinformation as part of a new curriculum in their education system. The United States should take a hard look at that process and implement something similar. It will only help in the future.

Podcasting has been around for a long time, and we have a neighborhood podcaster right in Natomas. Josh Cotton produces his podcast from his South Natomas garage and is on the verge of an exciting place in the local media landscape. That story is on page 12.

The Natomas Rotary has a new President, Salvador Cortez. They have just had their first "Nom Nom" Natomas event. It was an event with local eateries sharing their special food with the public. It was great fun, and that story is on page 15.

N magazine, in its Out 'n About page, is looking back on history and reproducing historic pages from many years past. Share N magazine with all your contacts and have them share with theirs. It is positive news for Natomas at www.nmag.net

30/09/2025

N magazine publisher, Dennis Spear (me) covered the Kids against Cancer event presented by charQterie. It was a very special event started by charQterie employee, Aabha Panade, a 16-year-old student at Inderkum High and member of the International Baccalaureate Program.

Aabha, and close friend Payton Belaski, held this event in honor of Aabha’s brother, who was treated for cancer and was given a recent bone marrow transplant. The object was to make everyone aware of the cancer issue among youth, to raise funds, and give blood to help the cause.
Vitalant Blood Donation Center (Vitalant is the nation's largest independent, nonprofit blood services provider) provided a van at the event for community blood donations during the event. Many who came made the donation. There were nonprofit booths, from Make a Wish Foundation to the Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation, who was involved with the treatment for Aabha ‘s brother. There were other nonprofits and sponsors. There was a main booth for donations and raffles of donated items. Jeff and Lydia Belaski, owners of charQterie donated a portion of their profits for the day to the cause.

The area in front of charQterie was filled with students and volunteers along with parents and visitors from all over Natomas. Among the visitors were Joe Kelley, new President of the Natomas Chamber, along with other families joining in support for the fight against cancer. The event was appropriate as it is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The support for the youth who put on this event was great to see. There were many business and individual sponsors including Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes. The Sacramento Fire Department participated with Truck 30 and its crew. They are always there for the community.

Over the 20 years of N magazine, we have covered exceptional youth in our Natomas community, and they were quite visible on this day. For every questionable story about youth, N magazine can find a hundred young people working for a better future for us all. With the youth involved in this event, the future of our country is secure.

Be sure to share N magazine www.nmag.net with all your contacts and have them share it with their contacts. N is always positive news, history, and aimed at a better community life for everyone.

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.