Sacramento State Capitol

Good Wednesday Afternoon

Today I had an appointment to meet a client/friend at the capitol.  She runs a catering business/restaurant at the capitol, so we decided to meet there.  Having been born and raised in Sacramento, I cannot even begin to think how many times I have seen the Capitol while driving by.  On the other hand, I can probably count one two hands, the number of times I have been inside the Capitol.

The Capitol, located at 10th Street and Capitol Mall, Sacramento, is an impressive piece of architecture as you walk up to the site.  The first thing I notice are the impressive columns and gold dome.   The gardens that surround the Capitol are quite impressive also.  These things just don't seem to matter as much when you are driving by.

The Capitol, with its 234 foot high dome, was built between 1861 and 1869.  There have been numerous additions and extensions.  A complete restoration of the Capitol was completed in 1982, at a cost of approximately $68 million.  Because of the restoration, the marble floors and extravagant chandeliers shine like they did in the old days.  

In 1988, a bronze group sculpture, The Vietnam War Memorial stands in the northeast part of Capitol Park.  It's construction was entirely funded by donations.  Today, there were several visitors paying their respects at the memorial.

The beautiful and colorful gardens present a colorful backdrop for the Capitol.  The garden's also serve as a photographer's favorite place to photograph brides and grooms.  

Inside the Capitol there is plenty of energy flowing through the hall ways. Just walking up and down some of the hall ways today, I saw several prominent politicians.  In rare cases, once may even see the Governor walking around.  I did have the opportunity to meet Governor Wilson at his office.  One of my clients was an aide to Gov. Wilson and took me into his chambers. Quite a memorable experience.

The one other thing I noticed today, several school buses outside.  The Capitol is a great place to host a field trip.  It had been so long since I visited the Capitol.  One of the things I took for granted.  Living in Sacramento, yet not visiting prominent places here.  I highly recommend a visit to the State Capitol of California.

It's August 19, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com