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PATSY & RICHARD SHARE: WHY WE JOINED WASHINGTON COMMONS

1/24/2024

Some members of Washington Commons have been working on this project for more than 8 years. Eight weeks after we joined as Explorers, we were ready to commit to buying one of the handful of remaining units. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill so quickly our long-term dream of living in cohousing.

Why did we do it? Here’s what drew us to this community right now:

Zoom meetings weren’t a drag. In fact, they were informative, functional, and sometimes fun. Members were mutually supportive, their contributions considered and considerate. Getting to know members, we felt a no-pressure interest.
It’s in WEST Sacramento: We’ll be part of a smallish city with a scrappy, can-do reputation, just across a bridge from its big sibling. And within an easy walk from the site, on our short first visit we found a public library, a legit theater, Asian restaurants with vegan options, housing for the formerly unhoused, and year-round gardening opportunities. Plus the rivers. And palm trees!
When we lived in Sacramento in the first decade of this century, we were frequently told it was a good location: Halfway between San Francisco and Tahoe. But it’s got a lot going for itself, too! (And there are frequent Capitol corridor trains – comfortable cars, a pleasant route, free Wi-Fi and beer to buy - to the Bay Area!)
Our balcony is big enough for some plants and seating, and it overlooks the large common deck outside the Common Dining Hall. The project is all-electric: we’ll have an induction stove and ceiling fans. Windows will open to welcome the Delta Breezes, something we’ve sorely missed in Albuquerque.

Patsy & Richard visited WCC in December to see firsthand how walkable our urban location is!

We’re most looking forward to sharing meals, choosing and learning to ride e-bikes, leaving our car in the garage for who-knows-how-long, tackling postponed projects of writing a book (just Richard) and arts and crafts, seeing how many flowers and how much food we all can cram into the 2 raised beds on the 2nd floor deck, and having casual conversations with neighbors who want to build “community at our doorsteps.” We’ll see how our two cats, each used to their own private floor, do in a flat that’s half the size. They won’t be able to enjoy the shared material resources of the Commons, but they will have folks to feed and care for them whenever we’re away.

Meet other members of Washington Commons HERE.

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In the Neighborhood: Destination Walking

1/18/2024

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“Built To Move: The 10 Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully” by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett includes walking as one of the 10. Though I generally love to walk, I had been getting bored and finding it hard to get out and just walk. Reading about the importance of walking got me thinking; how can I get in the walking mood again.

Focusing on destinations, I became inspired again. Yes, I even got excited about walking to a nearby grocery store. Setting off, I immediately was in the moment, noticing the leaves, the trees, the beauty of the outdoors. How wonderful is walking!

Washington Commons, where we’ll be moving soon, is walkable because of all the nearby destinations. Here are a few examples.

How about walking to coffee, lunch or dinner?

Franquette - .6 miles or 13 minutes
Burgers & Brew - .4 miles or 8 minutes
Carol’s - - .8 miles or 19 minutes
Drake’s Barn with its outdoor movies in the summer just .7 miles or 15 minutes

Attend a baseball game at Sutter Health Park - .3 Miles or 7 minutes
Let’s go bowling at Capitol Bowl - .5 miles, 12 minutes

How about walking 18 minutes to West Sacramento’s Civic Center including the West Sacramento Community Center and Museum, the Arthur F. Turner Library, City Hall and the Sacramento City College Branch?

Just across the River, so many destinations:

Old Town with its many shops and restaurants - .4 miles 10 minutes
The Crocker Art Museum - .7 miles, 15 minutes
The Amtrak Train Station - .9 miles, 19 minutes
Farmers Market on the Mall - .8 miles, 17 minutes

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PATSY & RICHARD SHARE: WHY WE JOINED WASHINGTON COMMONS

In the Neighborhood: Destination Walking

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Washington Commons - Community at Your Doorstep