I Love Fair Oaks

Everything there is to love about living in Fair Oaks, CA Spotlight on local businesses, recreation, and activities in Fair Oaks, California. Love you live!

fair oaks lifestyle

Paperback Writer Concert in Fair Oaks

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The Beatles tribute band, Paperback Writer, was a hit at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival. The concert began with songs from the early 1960s. The band dressed in dark suits with the Beatle hair cut, also known as the mop-top as they wore on the Ed Sullivan show.

A large audience came out to watch the concert. It was amazing! Many happy faces enjoying the show. Under the stars with a half-moon shining so bright. A gorgeous night! Perfect weather and great music! I think many of us are lost in nostalgia when we hear the Beatles songs. It brings me back to my childhood.

The second half of the Beatles experience took us on a journey through the Sgt. Pepper’s years. “When I’m 64, and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, and my favorite, “Hey Jude.”

Instead of lighters, people in the audience swayed to the music with their cell phones being used as lights. It was beautiful! I wished I had captured it. Thanks to the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival and Fair Oaks Brew Pub for bringing us another spectacular evening of entertainment.

Fair Oaks Fiesta 2019

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If you’re from the Sacramento region, you’re probably familiar with the local festivals. Now that we have a large number of people moving to Sacramento from San Francisco, San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and well, escaping the bay so to speak. I’ll give you the scoop like you’re new in town.

In the spring we have the Fair Oaks Fiesta, It’s organized by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce each year and is solely supported 100% by our community and business members that are all volunteers. It literally takes a village to put this put this event together. And a village we are.

The day is filled with fun activities and vendors with cool stuff to purchase. Food trucks too! The street in the village is lined on both sides by Classic cars. It starts off with a pancake breakfast at the community clubhouse. And you ain’t seen nothin’ if you miss the toilet bowl races!

The Governor of California lives in Fair Oaks. I heard a rumor that the Gavin Newsom was walking among us incognito. Wouldn’t that be something? I don’t know if he really did that or not. What a bummer to live here in beautiful Fair Oaks and not be able to walk around the park and enjoy the festivities. I would slap on a baseball cap and sunglasses too.

It was a fantastic! Music from the ’50s and ’60s could be heard all over. The weather was cool and breezy with clear blue skies. A perfect day!

I arrived just as Assemblyman Kevin Kiley was giving the opening remarks and started taking pictures of the Chamber of Commerce Leaders.

Toilet Bowl Race 2019

The toilet bowl races were hilarious. How do they stay on so well? It’s crazy to watch.

There were so many great booths to visit.

The Housewives of Fair Oaks Glasses are a must-have! I’m going to stop by the Mail House and pick some up for myself and maybe for housewarming presents for my Fair Oaks homebuyers. (My sister worked as a casting producer on BRAVO. She helped cast the Housewives. I’m not kidding.)

Do you have a baby shower coming up soon? You must visit Nana’s Gone Loopy. Her stuffed animals, bags, and blankets are made for comforting little ones. Easy to keep clean and ready to be drooled on. This will be your baby’s security blanket.

Celebrating the Best of Fair Oaks

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Winners of Best of Fair Oaks
Winners of Best of Fair Oaks

The Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce celebrated the “Best of Fair Oaks” by putting on a glamorous evening at the North Ridge Country Club to honor and present awards to local business leaders who were voted best in their category on the BestofFairOaks.com website.

It was an honor to be one of the winners this year. I have been following events and photographing in Fair Oaks for years and this year I finally joined the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce. I love all of the people and businesses in our town of Fair Oaks, California. It’s the best feeling to know your community!

chrysti tovani accepting the award for best photography business in fair oaks

Among the winners are:

Best Accounting Tax Service: Hirsch & Cook, CPA
Best Bakery/Baked Goods: Love at First Bite
Best Bank/Credit Union: SAFE Credit Union, Hazel Branch
Best Bar/Brew Pub: Fair Oaks Brew Pub
Best Barber: The Jolly Razor
Best Car Care Service: Otis Automotive
Best Catering: Polkadot Dinners
Best Cemetery/Final Resting Place: Fair Oaks Cemetery District
Best Children’s Activities/ Center: The Art Box
Best Church/House of Worship: New Life Community Church
Best Coffee: Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli
Best Community Center: Fair Oaks Community Club House
Best Entertainment: Concerts in the Park
Best Event of the Year: Chicken Festival
Best Food in Town: Sunflower Drive-In
Best Financial Planning Service: Dustin Buck, CFP, MBA of Buck Wealth Management
Best Florist: Sherwood Florist
Best Grocery/Supermarket: Trader Joe’s in Fair Oaks
Best Health/Wellness: Rollingwood Athletic Club
Best Home Based Business: Optavia, Roselyn Barbray
Best Insurance Services: Jim Cralle – CAPS Insurance
Best Jeweler: Village Treasures
Best K – 12 School: Bella Vista High School
Best Massage: Kimberly Austin – Massage Kneads
Best Medical/Dental: Orchard Dental
Best Mortgage Services: Crestone Mortgage
Best Pet Care/Store: Village Pets
Best Photography: Tovani Design & Photography
Best Pizza in Town: Dels Pizza
Best Preschool: Country Hill Montessori
Best Promotional Products: The Recognition Group
Best Real Estate/ Realtor: Hensler Real Estate
Best Recreation: Fair Oaks Recreation & Parks District
Best Residential Services: Lake Appliance Repair
Best Restaurant: Dad’s Kitchen
Best Salon & Beauty: Village Salon
Best Sandwich Shop: Rim’s Deli
Best Senior Care/Services: Senior Care Solutions
Best Service Club: Rotary Club of Fair Oaks
Best specialty Shop: French in the Village
Best Sports Retailer: Bob’s Cycle Center
Best Veterinarian: Old Towne Animal Hospital
Best Yogurt/Ice Cream Shop: Baskin Robbins – Madison & Hazel

Chamber Awards:

Volunteer of the Year: Kathy O’Brien – Security National Mortgage
Business Person of the Year: Rachel Griffith – Polkadot Dinners
The business of the Year: Del’s Pizza
Citizen of the Year: Jim Cralle – CAPS Insurance
Special Recognition: Ryan Griffith – Averik

Sponsors

Fair Oaks Parks & Recreation District
Kaia Fit Fair Oaks
Sunrise Senior Living
Hirsch & Cook CPA
New Life Community Church
The Recognition Group
Hensler Real Estate
Faces 365

Special Thanks

Averik – Designer and Creator of Best of Fair Oaks website
American River Messenger
North Ridge Country Club
Orangevale Open – for lending the stage
Chrysti Tovani – Tovani Design & Photography – for being the photographer

Youth Ambassadors who lead the event

Miss Fair Oaks – Cassie Kendall
Jr. Honorary Mayor – Delanie Kendall
Matthew Mason – Youth Ambassador
Noah Wright – Youth Ambassador
Emma Ford – Youth Ambassador

View Photos from Best of Fair Oaks at Chrysti Tovani Photography

Fair Oaks Eco Housing Community Almost Sold Out

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I had to pleasure of attending a gathering to go look at the new Fair Oaks Eco housing community that’s currently under construction at 4025 New York Ave, in Fair Oaks, California.

We met in Fair Oaks Village behind the Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli before heading over to look at the building site.

As each of us introduced ourselves and shared what brought us there, the common theme was about community, fellowship, and feeling connected.

Some of us reminisced about growing up in neighborhoods without fences and how as kids we had to learn to cooperate and get along with one another.

Among us were a few retirees, empty nesters, a school teacher with young children, a woman with her teenaged daughter, a few single people, and a married couple. All interested in co-housing and thrilled that there’s one in Fair Oaks.

John, a future resident, is enthusiastic about the project. He is most excited about the workshop with tools and a place to do creative work.

Dennis has fond memories of living in a 52 person cooperative when she was a student in Berkley and was one of the first members of the Fair Oaks Eco-Community.

Bob, is one of the organizers already living in a co-housing community. His wife has Alzheimer’s and with that comes loneliness and isolation. He wanted a community that he can lean on at times and that’s why he joined.  It’s been an excellent move for him and his wife. The people have been wonderful to her.

Marty Maskall started the project for the Fair Oaks EcoHousing Community. She was carpooling with a friend, and she looked out his back window to see what his back yard looked like, but she saw all these nice homes with porches facing each other. He also had a front porch facing the street. She noticed that one of the homes was bigger than the others.

She asked, “What is this?” and he said, “Co-housing.” She said, “Co-what?” He explained that it’s a balance of privacy and community. Privacy in your home, and the community at your doorstep. “That was all it took for me!” says Marty. “I was like, I want to live that way but I don’t want to move downtown, and they don’t have any openings anyway, and I thought to myself, it can’t be that hard to start a co-housing community.” She laughs. “But luckily, I didn’t know; and so 15 years later.”

Martie hoding up the site and landscape plans for Fair Oaks Eco Housing

“In life, if we’d really known all the obstacles we would have maybe gotten a little afraid, but I didn’t have enough sense to be afraid,” she says. “Now it’s such a joy to see the smiles on peoples faces when they get it! Just like that!”

“This is a concept whose time has come! I can’t move in fast enough!”

What are cohousing neighborhoods?

Cohousing neighborhoods are composed of privately-owned homes clustered around shared open space and common facilities. A “common house” typically includes a dining room, kitchen, lounge, workshop space, kid’s playroom, and guest rooms; it is the heart of the neighborhood for a variety of other activities.

At the time of this article, they were down to two homes left and an offer was coming in that day.

Learn all about the project and the history of how it all began by visiting the Fair Oaks EcoHousing website.

Eco Housing Green Design

Boys of Summer Eagles Tribute Comes to Fair Oaks

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From left to right – Richard Berglund, Chris Turbis, Darrel Monson, David A. Williams, and Jimmy Williamson on drums. Chrysti Tovani Photography

We ended the 2018 summer concert series with the most anticipated Boys Of Summer Eagles tribute band at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in the historic Fair Oaks Village.

Chrysti Tovani Photography

Tickets were sold out! It was a full house.  I adore hanging out with fellow Fair Oakians! All these familiar faces and people I’ve come to know and love. Fair Oaks is indeed a beautiful town. The crown of the Sacramento Valley. =) For sure!

Chrysti Tovani Photography

I think the Eagles fans outnumbered most other bands that played at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre this summer.  Either that or they heard how great the Steelin’ Dan concert was and bought tickets to this one. This photo was taken just before all the dancing started. I got up and stood to the right of the stage to get some pictures. People were having a great time dancing to the classics.

two guys playing guitars
Chrysti Tovani Photography

Well, that was the last of our summer concerts. We’ll surely buy tickets for next year. See what’s on the calendar for the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival by visiting their website. You can even purchase your tickets online which is the best way to make sure you get in before they sell out.

Fair Oaks Live

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I’m so excited to announce that I Love Fair Oaks will be doing a weekly Facebook live event! We’ll be interviewing local businesses every Thursday at 12:30PM. Tune in! We’ll have drawings for prizes!

Village Salon, the art of hair.

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Hello, my Fair Oaks lovelies! I am excited to introduce you to Rebekah, owner of Village Salon, located at 10145 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, California.

photo of rebekah kurtz noble
Photo by Chrysti Tovani

I am a regular customer at the Village Salon. My stylist is Crystal who is AMAZING! From what I’ve seen, all of the stylists at Village Salon are talented, established, and continue their education to stay on top of trends. It’s an enjoyable experience every time I get my hair cut and styled. Rebekah was so kind and friendly when I approached her about featuring the salon. We had a lot of fun!

Brianna May Rosalind did some very artistic photography, and I took some photographs of Rebekah while she was working. We did a Q & A style interview. I hope you enjoy!

Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

How would you describe your business?

We are a unique salon located in the heart of the historic old town of Fair Oaks Village. We focus on making sure our clients leave happy and maintaining a high level of professionalism that, you don’t always experience these days. Nothing is more personally rewarding than helping people feel good about themselves and the way they look!

Photo by Chrysti Tovani

What made you decide to open your business?

I was intrigued by the beauty industry from a young age. It became a passion. By my teens & the early twenties, I was already selling skincare and cosmetics for Estée Lauder at Macy’s followed by MAC Cosmetics at Nordstrom.

village salon
Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

After I graduated from cosmetology school, I chose to apprentice and work for one of the top salons in town for about five years. After that, I moved to self-employment station rental in another salon for a short time. I was so busy and had so many clients that it got the wheels in my head turning. My father is a successful entrepreneur, and he always encouraged me to think big. I had a lot of hairdresser friends with the same ethics, level of training and professionalism that I have. Found the right spot and decided to go for it. I’m glad I did because it thrived.

village salon
Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

Do you do any personal styling or weddings?

Wedding parties, proms, and school dances are regular here. We have over a dozen stylists who passionately specialize their own areas. From weddings & special events to precision cuts to crazy fashion colors to classic long hair to top quality lengthening extensions, we do it all! I could go on and on about everything we do. The best part is, edgy or conservative; we have the perfect fit for anyone.

What made you decide to choose Fair Oaks?

I moved to Fair Oaks from Folsom when I was almost 17. I started out doing hair at a salon about 5 miles down the road. Fair Oaks and the surrounding areas are where the majority of my clients live. I also have many clients that make the drive out from a lot further away, so I like that Fair Oaks isn’t far from Highway 50 and Highway 80.  I like to joke that Fair Oaks has all the salons like Fulton Ave has all the car dealerships. I have a lot of immediate family and friends here.

village salon
Photo by Brianna May Rosalind

What do you think your customers love the most about coming to your salon?

Clients have told me stories about past bad experiences of going into salons and the front desk or staff seemed snooty, catty or intimidating. We’re not like that at all! I receive many compliments on how friendly our team is! We really try our best to work together to make sure every client is greeted immediately upon walking in the door. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. Coming into our salon is like entering our home. It doesn’t feel corporate. It has good energy and warm hospitality. Our salon is neat because you get the upscale, fancy salon atmosphere mixed with the charming old town quaint shops, boutiques and eateries.

What is one of your favorite local spots to spend time?

My personal all-time favorite place to frequent in the Fair Oaks Village is Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant!  It’s an enjoyable and different restaurant! The exotic-eclectic decor, upbeat Latin Jazz, and the breezy hilltop patio are all so delightful to me. Their menu has a lot of variety, delicious appetizers and beautiful plates. They make great diet-friendly cocktails too. I have a lot of great memories at Carmelita’s.

Wrap Up:

You can visit the Village Salon at 10145 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks, California. Located in the Fair Oaks Village where the chickens roam. The phone number of the Salon is 916-961-8900.

Keto Friendly Sandwich at Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli

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I posted a picture of a keto friendly sandwich that I ordered at the Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli not long ago and several people have asked about it so I’ll put it right here.

chrysti's choice by chrysti tovani is a keto friendly lettuce wrapped sandwitch served at the fair oaks coffee house and deli that comes with turkey, bacon, cream cheese, jalopena jack, avacado, tomatoe, red onion, with mayonaise and mustard served in a lettuce wrap

They didn’t have this on the menu so I made it up. I call it Chrysti’s choice. LOL!  Not really, but whatever. If you want one you can order with the ingredients.

Turkey
Bacon
Cream Cheese
Jalapeno jack cheese
Avacado
Tomato
Red onion
Mayonaise
Mustard

All of this wrapped in lettuce.

If you’re gonna miss the bread you might as well have all the flavors. Right? It’s soooo delicious. Or create your own. What would you put in yours?

Note: I’m not a dietician or food expert so I can’t promise it’s keto approved. It’s what I call keto friendly because I try to stay away from breads and sugar.

Journey Revisited Recreating that Classic Journey Sound at Fair Oaks Theater Festival

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us waiting for the concert to begin

The kick off of the Summer Concert Series by the Fair Oaks Theater Festival at Veterans Memorial Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheatre.  We bought tickets to all of the concerts this summer! Starting with Journey Revisited.

This was our first time at the Amphitheatre in years! They have refreshments. You can buy beer and wine just make sure you bring cash or you’ll end up walking to the ATM up the street.

journey revisited band hosted by fair oaks brew pub and fair oaks theater festival may 26 2018 i love fair oaks 4

We were all feeling the music. It was a great show! I love tribute bands that put a lot of heart into the music they love so much. Next up, will be the Steelin’ Dan concert in August. Lovin’ Summer 2018!