LydiaI’m Lydia, pictured here with M’Chaiah, the wonder dog. Last year I discovered it’s ridiculously fun to jump on a mini trampoline, but I mix it up by tooling around on my bike or taking walks. As a teen I apprenticed at San Francisco Opera and became a journeyman theatrical wardrobe worker. For the past 30+ years I’ve worked as a court stenographer, including stints at U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, and at The Supreme Court of The Bahamas. I enjoy listening to music of many different styles, whatever I experience as heartfelt. I have a special affinity for jazz.
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DavidHi, I’m David, a lifelong SF Giants baseball devotee. Some of my other enthusiasms; bicycling, Burning Man, fantasy football, the Warriors basketball team, movies, and — beware —really corny humor. My experiences of intentional community were first as a student at UC Santa Cruz (Go, Slugs!) when I spent a semester abroad at two kibbutzim, and thereafter lived communally for 15 years with Kerista commune in San Francisco. In my free time, I administer a nonprofit that supports gay softball teams and a women’s rugby team and serve on the HOA board where we live. I have a fondness for good conversation. I am a credentialed teacher but haven’t worked in a classroom for more than 35 years. I am currently phasing out of my bookkeeping/accounting/tax-preparation business
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Ji Chul
Hi, I’m Ji Chul. My wife, JH Cho, and I currently live in Fujisawa, Japan as expats for two years. Prior to moving to Japan this year, we lived in Albany, NY for 10 years. I grew up and lived in Seoul, South Korea, and studied semiconductor devices to earn my Ph.D. degree. I have been working in the same area for over 26 years and am now a general manager of R&D for a semiconductor equipment company located in Sacramento, CA.
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I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, such as playing golf, basketball, soccer, and walking outside. As a first-generation immigrant, I diligently try to improve my English skills. I am very envious of my daughter (a senior at UIUC) and son (a sophomore at Boston University) because they are fluent in both English and Korean.
JH studied co-housing for her Ph.D. around 13 years ago, which introduced our family to the concept of cohousing community life. During our 10-year stay on the East Coast of the US, we went on a road trip to Key West, FL and visited several co-housing communities in Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina along the way. From this experience, I learned about the concepts of a common house, diversity, sharing, respect, consensus, and friendship within a cohousing community. JH and I have dreamed of living in a cohousing community in the future.
Finally, since becoming a member of Washington Commons in the summer of 2021, I have enjoyed discussing and talking with future neighbors in online or face-to-face meetings to share each other's thoughts and experiences. I really look forward to moving into Washington Commons at the end of this year.
JH studied co-housing for her Ph.D. around 13 years ago, which introduced our family to the concept of cohousing community life. During our 10-year stay on the East Coast of the US, we went on a road trip to Key West, FL and visited several co-housing communities in Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina along the way. From this experience, I learned about the concepts of a common house, diversity, sharing, respect, consensus, and friendship within a cohousing community. JH and I have dreamed of living in a cohousing community in the future.
Finally, since becoming a member of Washington Commons in the summer of 2021, I have enjoyed discussing and talking with future neighbors in online or face-to-face meetings to share each other's thoughts and experiences. I really look forward to moving into Washington Commons at the end of this year.
JH
My family has been living in Albany, New York since 2013. We are originally from South Korea. I am the wife of Ji Chul Yang and the mother of two lovely children. My daughter, Avery, is a senior at UIUC, and my son, Alvin, is a sophomore at Boston University. This year, in 2023, Ji Chul and I have moved to Japan because of his job and we will stay here for two years. After our time in Japan, we hope to return to Washington Commons Cohousing.
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In Korea, I received my Master's Degree in interior design in 2001, and worked as an interior designer and instructor in college. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to work on several interior design projects for my friends in Albany, NY. Additionally, I researched and studied cohousing for my Ph.D. 13 years ago in Korea. I would love to gain more experience about real cohousing life, and I think it is the perfect time to do so now.
I'm really excited to become a member of Washington Commons Cohousing and I'm looking forward to living in community.
I'm really excited to become a member of Washington Commons Cohousing and I'm looking forward to living in community.
BeaFirst drawn to the Sacramento area in 1982, chasing a passion for whitewater rafting and knowing no one, Bea Cooley accepted an invitation to move into a co-op house with four other people. That house became the start of N Street Cohousing community in Davis. Bea loved the simple, effective lifestyle in a happy community where there was always someone to share an adventure with.
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Decades later, Washington Commons called Bea from her beautiful, quiet home in Flagstaff, Arizona, to return to California, back among friends, living almost beside the Sacramento River while still but steps from the Capitol, with restaurants, arenas, fabulous bird watching locations and gorgeously blooming gardens close at hand.
From her balcony, Bea — an avid birder and leader of bird walks — has spotted Peregrine falcons landing barely two blocks away, on the CALSTRS building. Another day a male Anna's hummingbird sat within three feet of Bea, his ruby red gorget flashing. She has also heard a great horned owl in the neighborhood.
Known as a hard worker, full of energy, Bea also appreciates when her new neighbors help in ways big and small: “Lucas hauled up a really heavy box for me without being asked. Frances put my new vacuum cleaner back together and it works! Carol walks my dog Hondo when I can’t. We all shared two evenings discussing ballot measures together. We have guest rooms to accommodate relatives and friends.”
Bea Cooley: Lobbyist. Activist. Administrator. Whitewater guide. Teacher. Looking forward to more common meals and to veggies growing on the terrace. Environmentalist. Quilter. Dog trainer. Committed to the success of Washington Commons. Development, Finance, and Legal lead. HOA finance lead.
From her balcony, Bea — an avid birder and leader of bird walks — has spotted Peregrine falcons landing barely two blocks away, on the CALSTRS building. Another day a male Anna's hummingbird sat within three feet of Bea, his ruby red gorget flashing. She has also heard a great horned owl in the neighborhood.
Known as a hard worker, full of energy, Bea also appreciates when her new neighbors help in ways big and small: “Lucas hauled up a really heavy box for me without being asked. Frances put my new vacuum cleaner back together and it works! Carol walks my dog Hondo when I can’t. We all shared two evenings discussing ballot measures together. We have guest rooms to accommodate relatives and friends.”
Bea Cooley: Lobbyist. Activist. Administrator. Whitewater guide. Teacher. Looking forward to more common meals and to veggies growing on the terrace. Environmentalist. Quilter. Dog trainer. Committed to the success of Washington Commons. Development, Finance, and Legal lead. HOA finance lead.
Jenny
Hi, I’m Jenny.
I love to travel, I am pictured here with my cousin (back to camera) on a trip to Angkor Wat, where it is HOT! A goal of mine is to visit 6 of 7 continents. My wanderlust started right here in California. A favorite day trip that I would love to explore with you, would be the Gold Country, California Coast, some of the State and National Parks in the area to name a few. Some Labor Day weekend we could slip over to the Great Reno Air Balloon Race. It would be fun to hang out there and get to know each other. |
We could take our canine best friends for some exercise along the Sacramento River, or to the dog park next to The Barn for some socializing for them and us. If we have similar tastes in music we can check out the amazing concerts that tour our area. My favorite band is U2. I love Dave Matthews Band, The Eagles, Pink, & many more. We can hang out at Swabbies on the River to see local bands. Swabbies is known for its Tacos.
As a lifelong resident of the Sacramento area including residences in both Sac and West Sac I can introduce you to the local places to go, eat, what to do and how to get there. If you are new to the area, you can help me see old haunts with new eyes. I have been able to put my knowledge of the area as well as skills honed over the years as a darn good event planner to good use on the SuperWeekend and Social teams at Washington Commons. Hope to see you at an event soon
As a lifelong resident of the Sacramento area including residences in both Sac and West Sac I can introduce you to the local places to go, eat, what to do and how to get there. If you are new to the area, you can help me see old haunts with new eyes. I have been able to put my knowledge of the area as well as skills honed over the years as a darn good event planner to good use on the SuperWeekend and Social teams at Washington Commons. Hope to see you at an event soon
AnneThe Founder of Washington Commons, Anne Geraghty has long been drawn to the power of collaboration, which has been at the heart of Washington Commons right from the beginning. “Together, we created a place to live side by side. We designed the building, organized ourselves, and brought our cohousing vision to fruition.”
According to the community, Anne is a “visionary, someone who sees the big picture and inspires people to reach their highest levels.” When difficulties arise, Anne sees opportunities. Anne’s humor is matched only by her determination to hear all voices and to speak truth with respect and love. |
Anne loves community meals and is known as a good eater. She enjoys visiting with new friends, sharing thoughts of the day, out for a walk or on the deck outside her front door — which is also a prized location from which to watch 4th of July fireworks. When she gives tours of Washington Commons to newcomers, she feels a sense of pride in what the group has accomplished together.
Anne Geraghty: Lover of the big sky along the river walk. Art historian. Retired from the California Air Resources Board. Founding president and executive director of WALKSacramento, a pedestrian advocacy organization. Teams: marketing and outreach.
Anne Geraghty: Lover of the big sky along the river walk. Art historian. Retired from the California Air Resources Board. Founding president and executive director of WALKSacramento, a pedestrian advocacy organization. Teams: marketing and outreach.
Stu P.Stuart Pettygrove and his wife Willa were drawn to cohousing “as a way to live in a self-governed, intentional, shared, diverse community.” An active giver to the community, Stu writes and edits many of WC’s documents, makes the rounds every evening to confirm that all the entrances are secure, sweeps leaves off the sidewalk, and pulls weeds in the garden.
Two of Stu’s favorite WC memories:
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Stu is grateful that “every single member at Washington Commons has at least one valuable skill, talent, or ability that is helping us become a successful community.”
Stuart Pettygrove: Soil scientist. Backpacker since age 12. Active in the Citizens Climate Lobby and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Conscientious objector who served two years in Vietnam as a community development worker. Loquacious. Bike rider and bike fixer. Food presentation artist skilled at laying an attractive table setting. Twenty years as soccer referee for both youth and adult recreational leagues. Sacred Harp Shape Note singer.
Stuart Pettygrove: Soil scientist. Backpacker since age 12. Active in the Citizens Climate Lobby and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Conscientious objector who served two years in Vietnam as a community development worker. Loquacious. Bike rider and bike fixer. Food presentation artist skilled at laying an attractive table setting. Twenty years as soccer referee for both youth and adult recreational leagues. Sacred Harp Shape Note singer.
Willa
Willa Pettygrove first learned about Cohousing when she earned a Masters in City Planning at UC Berkeley. In Clair Cooper Marcus’s class “Housing as if People Matter,” Willa wrote a paper on accommodating family child care (a less institutional, home-based form of child care) in multifamily housing. The paper built on her first career in research and advocacy in child development social policy. Willa’s training in housing development and experience of nonprofit governance are great gifts to the community, particularly during the planning of Washington Commons. When Willa and her husband Stu finally moved in, Willa was looking forward to “the experience of living close to other people and sharing with people of all ages.”
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Willa heads the WC landscaping team and can name most of the 35 different types of trees, shrubs, and plants growing on our grounds. She encourages sustainable methods to build a beautiful and nourishing landscape with her team, involving more residents as “worker bees” when more hands are needed.
Willa loves walking to the Crocker Museum and working at her sewing machine. Her sister Fran Bowman, also a Washington Commoner, gave her a sign that serves as warning on her studio door: “Don’t touch anything in here. Everything is strategically placed!”
Willa Pettygrove: Excellent cook and baker. Font of tenacity, energy, creativity, and humor. A person we rely on to speak up when things don't make sense. Someone without whom community meals would be far less tasty.
Willa loves walking to the Crocker Museum and working at her sewing machine. Her sister Fran Bowman, also a Washington Commoner, gave her a sign that serves as warning on her studio door: “Don’t touch anything in here. Everything is strategically placed!”
Willa Pettygrove: Excellent cook and baker. Font of tenacity, energy, creativity, and humor. A person we rely on to speak up when things don't make sense. Someone without whom community meals would be far less tasty.
JaeAround Washington Commons, Janet Jensen is known as a no-nonsense companion who tells it like she sees it, but never if it’s going to make someone look bad. Jae’s calm, steady presence and clear thinking are qualities the community values.
Growing up, Jae’s family adopted all sorts of pets: cats, dogs, parakeets, skunks, and raccoons. She now shares her new home with cats Otto and Diego, and enjoys hearing, right in her unit, the calls of the sea lions hanging out on the river. Jae often seeks out quiet spots like Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area where she can spend time with cranes, herons, egrets, owls and her favorites — the bats! |
Jae loves easy encounters with neighbors and friends at Washington Commons — on her way to the car, mailbox, or laundry. Fond of word games, card games, and jigsaw puzzles, Jae can often be found in the lobby, working on the latest community jigsaw puzzle.
Janet Jensen: Good listener. Quiet companion. Organized. Always up for an adventure. Avid reader and pickleball player. Nurse of 47 years. Enjoys Dixieland Jazz, classical music, and the blues. “I don’t cook much, but I do enjoy eating.” Independent and open-minded. Volunteer for hospice and The Firefighters Burn Institute. Teams: Sales, Marketing and Outreach.
Janet Jensen: Good listener. Quiet companion. Organized. Always up for an adventure. Avid reader and pickleball player. Nurse of 47 years. Enjoys Dixieland Jazz, classical music, and the blues. “I don’t cook much, but I do enjoy eating.” Independent and open-minded. Volunteer for hospice and The Firefighters Burn Institute. Teams: Sales, Marketing and Outreach.
JanetWilla Pettygrove first learned about Cohousing when she earned a Masters in City Planning at UC Berkeley. In Clair Cooper Marcus’s class “Housing as if People Matter,” Willa wrote a paper on accommodating family child care (a less institutional, home-based form of child care) in multifamily housing. The paper built on her first career in research and advocacy in child development social policy. Willa’s training in housing development and experience of nonprofit governance are great gifts to the community, particularly during the planning of Washington Commons. When Willa and her husband Stu finally moved in, Willa was looking forward to “the experience of living close to other people and sharing with people of all ages.”
Willa heads the WC landscaping team and can name most of the 35 different types of trees, shrubs, and plants growing on our grounds. She encourages sustainable methods to build a beautiful and nourishing landscape with her team, involving more residents as “worker bees” when more hands are needed. |
Stu W.For 15 years Stu worked with his wife, Janet Wilson as a team of freelance writer/photographers, specializing in food, wine and travel. Native Californians with a love of history and architecture, they have resided in Sacramento for more than 45 years, when not on the road. They have written stories on wine, beer, dining, destinations and journeys set in Europe and North America, especially California. Their work has been published in Motorhome, Trailer Life, Sierra Heritage, and Brew magazines. They contributed regularly to RV Journal magazine including a regular column on obscure places called The Road Less Traveled, before the magazine ceased publication in 2014.
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Prior to launching this journalism partnership, Stu worked in several occupations: as a planner in local government; as a program manager for a local electric utility; and, as a lobbyist representing local governments to the state government in Sacramento. He met his future wife, Janet at CSU Chico. He earned his BA in Economics there, and subsequently attended graduate school at UC Davis, to study Urban Geography and Planning. He has a long-time interest in promoting responsible development consistent with protecting our environment. Stu finds the opportunity to join other members in developing Washington Commons, with its accessible, central urban location, a rewarding and timely challenge.
Polly
Polly Caple loves that although West Sacramento is a city, it has a small town feel. She finds people friendly and loves the many small shops and good restaurants. Polly’s desire to participate in cohousing grew from the neighborliness she had known growing up in Lake Bluff, Illinois, where the movie “Ordinary People” was filmed.
Though Polly appreciates neighborliness, she has been by no means a homebody. Polly’s grandparents strongly believed in travel and sent her to Europe after her college graduation. In Germany, Polly married, lived and worked for many years, and her travels throughout Europe helped her develop a wide world view, a perspective that is useful in cohousing, where many perspectives bump up against each other. |
Polly loves music and is particularly fond of John Pryne and the British folksinger Richard Thompson, while also enjoying Americana and classical music. In her young days, Polly enjoyed singer/songwriter music cruises.
Polly Caple: Retired social worker. Mother. Wife. Fluent in German. Editor. Gardener. Reader. Theater-goer. Long history of bicycling and cross-country skiing. Lover of the Tour de France, figure-skating, curling, and a big fan of Sacramento’s up-and-coming soccer team, the Sacramento Republic. Teams: Development, Finance & Legal; HOA finance; kitchen; furnishings.
Polly Caple: Retired social worker. Mother. Wife. Fluent in German. Editor. Gardener. Reader. Theater-goer. Long history of bicycling and cross-country skiing. Lover of the Tour de France, figure-skating, curling, and a big fan of Sacramento’s up-and-coming soccer team, the Sacramento Republic. Teams: Development, Finance & Legal; HOA finance; kitchen; furnishings.
FranFran Bowman was drawn to Washington Commons by the opportunity to work closely with the architect. “We chose an architect who agreed to use a group process to plan our common areas and so we have the building we want,” Fran said.
Fran is glad she lives close to her sister, Willa, also a Washington Commons member. The community is grateful that Fran is frugal: whatever problem we face, Fran can usually devise a simple and relatively inexpensive solution. |
Fran is glad she lives close to her sister, Willa, also a Washington Commons member. The community is grateful that Fran is frugal: whatever problem we face, Fran can usually devise a simple and relatively inexpensive solution.
Fran loves to foster kittens, volunteering with our local shelter, often finding people in our community to adopt them. When you walk by Fran’s condo, you’ll likely spot not only her own cats — Dunnigan and Rumsey — but also doll parts and doll clothing, signs of Fran’s successful home-based business.
Fran served two tours in the Peace Corps — 42 years apart — first in Jamaica, then in Benin, West Africa, bookends to a long career in public health and nutrition. She continues to serve on the board of the Sacramento Valley Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
Fran Bowman: Planner and problem solver. Unafraid to frame an issue in a direct (and tactful) way. Pragmatic. Former manager of a Meals on Wheels program and of low-income and senior housing. Avid bicyclist and fast-paced walker who also loves aerobics and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Learned budgeting skills in the days of green ledger paper. Loves museums and old things, like bottles and her toy stove collection. Determined to show up to every community work day possible. Teams: Construction Interface Team, HOA Finance, Architecture
Fran loves to foster kittens, volunteering with our local shelter, often finding people in our community to adopt them. When you walk by Fran’s condo, you’ll likely spot not only her own cats — Dunnigan and Rumsey — but also doll parts and doll clothing, signs of Fran’s successful home-based business.
Fran served two tours in the Peace Corps — 42 years apart — first in Jamaica, then in Benin, West Africa, bookends to a long career in public health and nutrition. She continues to serve on the board of the Sacramento Valley Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
Fran Bowman: Planner and problem solver. Unafraid to frame an issue in a direct (and tactful) way. Pragmatic. Former manager of a Meals on Wheels program and of low-income and senior housing. Avid bicyclist and fast-paced walker who also loves aerobics and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Learned budgeting skills in the days of green ledger paper. Loves museums and old things, like bottles and her toy stove collection. Determined to show up to every community work day possible. Teams: Construction Interface Team, HOA Finance, Architecture
CarolHey there, my name is Carol and I am really looking forward to life in cohousing. One of the first things that comes to mind is cooking together and eating some of our meals together. A lot of people are quite fond of my Aunt Penny's recipe for German hot potato salad. Plus I'm a great kitchen cleaner-upper.
Caring for one another is big on my list. I will sit with you if you have a toothache and get you to the dentist for the dreaded root canal procedure, which isn't really that bad anymore. I will gladly volunteer to walk your dog and feed your cats. For relaxation I like to water and weed the garden, see the birds flit from feeder to feeder and watch the flowers grow. Flowers! Yes! |
Lisa
While working on her Masters Degree in Gerontology in 2001, Lisa Walker began writing her thesis, “Seniors Living in Intentional Communities and the Potential for an Increased Quality of Life.” Lisa and her husband Scott quickly developed their fascination with cohousing and when they saw firsthand “the passion and intelligence of the people involved with Washington Commons, along with their can-do attitude,” they quickly signed on and were early members of Washington Commons.
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Before and after her work as a full-time occupational therapist, managing the rehabilitation department in a large psychiatric ward, Lisa renews herself by walking, meditating, and relaxing in nature. She especially enjoys living so close to the Riverwalk, where she can listen to the sea lions barking, watch the fancy boats glide by, and experience the serenity of the waves on the river.
Recently, Lisa has been discovering more and more about her Native American heritage, and has spent time with her Tribe in Southern Oregon participating in traditional ceremonies like the Pow Wow.
One of Lisa’s favorite memories happened shortly after move-in, when the building lost power. “We sat in a circle, and huddled together with candles and flashlights, as we told stories to pass the time.”
Lisa Walker: Flexible, adventurous, curious, and a lifelong learner. Supportive of others, even keel, friendly, good sense of humor. Manager, leader, spiritual growth seeker. Mental health advocate, godmother, spouse, best friend. Collector of feathers, rocks, bones, and other found elements of nature. WC teams: process, social, wellness club, conflict coordinating team.
Recently, Lisa has been discovering more and more about her Native American heritage, and has spent time with her Tribe in Southern Oregon participating in traditional ceremonies like the Pow Wow.
One of Lisa’s favorite memories happened shortly after move-in, when the building lost power. “We sat in a circle, and huddled together with candles and flashlights, as we told stories to pass the time.”
Lisa Walker: Flexible, adventurous, curious, and a lifelong learner. Supportive of others, even keel, friendly, good sense of humor. Manager, leader, spiritual growth seeker. Mental health advocate, godmother, spouse, best friend. Collector of feathers, rocks, bones, and other found elements of nature. WC teams: process, social, wellness club, conflict coordinating team.
Scott
Scott Walker, a third generation Northern Californian, appreciates having found a co-housing opportunity so close to home. Head of the Kitchen Team, Scott came by his appreciation of food honestly: at fifteen, he spent the summer living and working with a family on a farm in Caldwell, Idaho. “As a suburban kid who thought all food came from grocery stores, my eyes were opened by the hard work on a farm, sowing, irrigating, reaping, harvesting, with bee-keeping thrown in to pollinate the crops. I am a plant guy and love my fruits and veggies. I love that the community has begun to grow vegetables in our common spaces here.” And the community loves the big, complex salads Scott shares on special occasions. Scott has put a lot of effort into developing the plan for common meals at Washington Commons — and to labeling every shelf and drawer in the common kitchen.
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Scott enjoys outdoor adventure and can often be found on a camping trip or on a long hike with his wife of 35 years, Lisa. Scott is an outgoing people-person who is also fond of sports and music.
Scott Walker: Stand-up comedian, party-thrower extraordinaire, professional wine broker. Loves to attend local live concerts and listen to bands playing at local farmers markets. Loves tennis and kayaking, the Forty-Niners and the Giants. Creator of killer lentil soups. Ask him about “Scott’s Sauce.” Kitchen Team Facilitator.
Scott Walker: Stand-up comedian, party-thrower extraordinaire, professional wine broker. Loves to attend local live concerts and listen to bands playing at local farmers markets. Loves tennis and kayaking, the Forty-Niners and the Giants. Creator of killer lentil soups. Ask him about “Scott’s Sauce.” Kitchen Team Facilitator.
When she retired in 2016, Barb and her wife Terry embarked on a four-month cross-country RV trip, their pup Teddy in tow: “Hearing loons call on Farm Lake in Minnesota, loving the peacefulness of Rollins Pond in the Adirondacks, and eating an amazing hamburger with bacon onion jam!”
Drawn to Washington Commons for the sense of community and as a way to live sustainably, Barb dived right into the work of planning and building. The community is grateful for the countless hours Barb has contributed to building the community with so much heart, conscientiousness and care. Another of Barb’s great gifts to Washington Commons is the camaraderie she offers: a willingness to chat, to visit, to take a spin on bikes or a stroll through the neighborhood, to catch a movie or grab a bite.
Barb loves “watching our puppy racing around the WC terrace with her favorite four-legged friends” and looks forward to guitar lessons with Cathy, to onsite yoga, and to more meals together in a fully furnished common house, beautiful and cozy and comfortable.
Barbara Allen-Brecher: Retired judge. Dedicated stepmom. Bubbie to Bryn and Kelly. Ex-Temple president. Consensus builder. Streamer of good British mysteries. Loves skiing, biking, cooking, travel, wine, and Waterboy’s amazing Caesar salad. Also Terry, their dogs, family, friends, and her Jewish community. A second-generation Holocaust survivor, trying to be a better person every day. Teams: Sales, Furnishings, Social, Development, Finance and Legal
Drawn to Washington Commons for the sense of community and as a way to live sustainably, Barb dived right into the work of planning and building. The community is grateful for the countless hours Barb has contributed to building the community with so much heart, conscientiousness and care. Another of Barb’s great gifts to Washington Commons is the camaraderie she offers: a willingness to chat, to visit, to take a spin on bikes or a stroll through the neighborhood, to catch a movie or grab a bite.
Barb loves “watching our puppy racing around the WC terrace with her favorite four-legged friends” and looks forward to guitar lessons with Cathy, to onsite yoga, and to more meals together in a fully furnished common house, beautiful and cozy and comfortable.
Barbara Allen-Brecher: Retired judge. Dedicated stepmom. Bubbie to Bryn and Kelly. Ex-Temple president. Consensus builder. Streamer of good British mysteries. Loves skiing, biking, cooking, travel, wine, and Waterboy’s amazing Caesar salad. Also Terry, their dogs, family, friends, and her Jewish community. A second-generation Holocaust survivor, trying to be a better person every day. Teams: Sales, Furnishings, Social, Development, Finance and Legal
Terry
Terry’s childhood included barrel racing, horseback riding, snorkeling, outrigger canoeing, climbing volcanoes, and exploring caves and jungles — first in Trinity County CA, then in Australia and Papua New Guinea. She has lived much of her adult life in the Sacramento area where “I raised two sons and muddled my way down two career paths, first as an RN and then as a licensed clinical social worker.”
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Before retiring, Terry worked for the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services, where one of her roles was to sit on the Elder Death Review Team within the DA’s Office, where “I heard of many, many cases of seniors dying due to self-neglect. I’m sure that was a factor in recognizing the value of community and cohousing.”
A year before Washington Commons was ready for occupancy, Terry and her wife Barb rented an apartment across the street from the construction project to start getting acquainted with their future neighborhood — and to give virtual walk-throughs to interested folks who lived at a distance.
They also checked out the 32-mile American River Bike Trail that runs from Discovery Park (an easy ride from Washington Commons) to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. “Such a beautiful, mostly wooded trail alongside the American River with wonderful birding…. Red-shouldered hawk, Cooper’s hawk, wild turkeys, Nuttall’s woodpecker, spotted towhee, black Phoebe, herons, egrets, Canada geese….” And so the adventure continues.
Terry Allen-Brecher: Mother. Grandmother. Retired RN/LCSW. Life Partner to Barbara A-B. Snorkeler. Cyclist. Kayaker. Avid reader of good mysteries. Intelligent, compassionate listener. Survivor of a 7-month old puppy. Particularly skilled at climbing onto narrow precipices — also metaphorically. Teams: Sales, Aging in Place, Health & Wellness
A year before Washington Commons was ready for occupancy, Terry and her wife Barb rented an apartment across the street from the construction project to start getting acquainted with their future neighborhood — and to give virtual walk-throughs to interested folks who lived at a distance.
They also checked out the 32-mile American River Bike Trail that runs from Discovery Park (an easy ride from Washington Commons) to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. “Such a beautiful, mostly wooded trail alongside the American River with wonderful birding…. Red-shouldered hawk, Cooper’s hawk, wild turkeys, Nuttall’s woodpecker, spotted towhee, black Phoebe, herons, egrets, Canada geese….” And so the adventure continues.
Terry Allen-Brecher: Mother. Grandmother. Retired RN/LCSW. Life Partner to Barbara A-B. Snorkeler. Cyclist. Kayaker. Avid reader of good mysteries. Intelligent, compassionate listener. Survivor of a 7-month old puppy. Particularly skilled at climbing onto narrow precipices — also metaphorically. Teams: Sales, Aging in Place, Health & Wellness
Durriyah
I spent my childhood in a close-knit neighborly community in Mumbai, India. My mother used to tell me that from the time I was 4-5 years old, I used to talk about coming to USA to study. As a young adult, I came to USA and my first landing was at Cal State Stanislaus, Turlock, CA. Since then, home base has been in the SF bay area. My career as a psychologist has been lively and adventurous.
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Currently I’m enjoying my work at the Santa Clara Valley Health system, in primary care behavior health integration. Traveling has been my passion, and when I’m not working or traveling, I enjoy, edible gardening, hiking, reading, spending time with family and friends, raising chickens and enjoying living in the moment. Lately, I’ve taken up sewing and laughing, for no reason, as a hobby. I wonder why.
Having lived in the suburbs for the last few decades and raising two children (now young adults), my husband Badru and I are eager to move to West Sacramento with restaurants, shops, theaters, and festivals nearby. The location of Washington Commons with its nearby Riverwalk offers a renewed promise of a friendly community with the added benefits of cohousing, living in a diverse community and neighborhood, and yet being able to visit friends in the Bay Area or going to the mountains with an easy couple hour drive!
Having lived in the suburbs for the last few decades and raising two children (now young adults), my husband Badru and I are eager to move to West Sacramento with restaurants, shops, theaters, and festivals nearby. The location of Washington Commons with its nearby Riverwalk offers a renewed promise of a friendly community with the added benefits of cohousing, living in a diverse community and neighborhood, and yet being able to visit friends in the Bay Area or going to the mountains with an easy couple hour drive!
Tom
In retirement I have become a number of things; farmer, forester, gourmet chef and Olympic runner. Or at least some version of those activities. In the summer months my wife Lenny and I supervise each other and an 8,000 square foot vegetable garden/orchard in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. We are surrounded by a 60 acre woodlot where I ply my chainsaw skills. My chef skills are limited to the confines of Blue Apron meals, but I do follow directions well.
Running is a passion/addiction of mine acquired in the 1960’s and carried out, on and off (mostly on), ever since. Of late it affords plenty of time to consume volumes of audio books ranging from biographies to science fiction. Washington Commons will be a great place for these activities, except maybe the chainsaw work, and in warmer winter weather. And despite the fact that these appear to be solitary pursuits, I enjoy sharing the meals and talking about the books. |
LenoreMy favorite way to get to know you would be to go for a walk with you.
My best days begin with a walk through my garden which includes orchard, raspberry patch, 36 beds for annual and perennial fruits and vegetables and a California inspired grape arbor sporting grapes and hops. Such starts are only slightly marred by tomato horn worm encounters. This love of gardening has been passed on to the next two family generations in California and North Carolina. |
My interest in co-housing has germinated for over 15 years and finally looks to be taking root in Washington Commons. I plan to bring my communal cooking skills, acquired during several stints with communities in the Bay Area, to bear in our kitchen. My second favorite way to get to know you would be to prepare a meal with you.
I’m always up for games and puzzles of many kind. In my next life I will be a bridge player.
I’m always up for games and puzzles of many kind. In my next life I will be a bridge player.
Zvi (Zvika)I am a retired electronics engineer with 27 years’ experience in designing and implementing intelligence and electronic warfare devices for the Israeli Security industry. In my second career after retirement I was a pilot and a skipper who led tours in the Mediterranean around the Greek and Turkish beaches.
I was born in Romania, in 1944. My parents run away from the Nazis and ended up in Bergen Belsen in Germany. They immigrated to Israel in 1949. |
I grew up and got educated in Israel. I served as a combat officer in the Israeli army, and as an officer in the army reserve (miluim) for 25 years. I fought in 1967, 1973 and 1982 wars and participated in numerous anti-terrorist activities.
I was married for 45 years and have two adult children and five grown grandchildren who live in Israel.
In 2012, after the death of my wife I met Racheli and we set a life together both in Tel Aviv and in Sacramento. I am an avid movie watcher and enjoy creating family and travel videos. I am building a website which will tell our own and our families’ stories, titled unforgettable you. I treasure community activities and look forward to being part of our vibrant and supportive Washington Commons community.
I was married for 45 years and have two adult children and five grown grandchildren who live in Israel.
In 2012, after the death of my wife I met Racheli and we set a life together both in Tel Aviv and in Sacramento. I am an avid movie watcher and enjoy creating family and travel videos. I am building a website which will tell our own and our families’ stories, titled unforgettable you. I treasure community activities and look forward to being part of our vibrant and supportive Washington Commons community.
I was born and grew up in Israel and studied Biology in the Hebrew University, in Jerusalem. I met my first husband soon after completing my undergraduate studies. We moved to London and worked in educational research until 1981. My husband was invited to work in UCLA, and I studied Educational and Career Counseling in UCLA. After his death, my son and I stayed in West Los Angeles. I first in worked as a teacher in Jewish Schools and then moved into in career counseling, human resources management and teaching in UCLA and UC Davis Extensions.
In 2011 I travelled to Israel and taught human resources and career counseling in three colleges and reconnected with my mother and four siblings after living abroad for 40 years. I met Zvika in 2012 and we got married in 2015. I have a son, a daughter in law and two granddaughters who live in Sacramento.
At present Zvika and I split our times between Tel Aviv and Sacramento. We both love traveling, Israeli and Jewish movies and are part of the Sacramento Jewish Festival committee which screens movies for the yearly festival. I am passionate about bringing the best of out of people and building communities. I look forward to contributing my passion and skills to developing the Washington Commons cohousing project.
In 2011 I travelled to Israel and taught human resources and career counseling in three colleges and reconnected with my mother and four siblings after living abroad for 40 years. I met Zvika in 2012 and we got married in 2015. I have a son, a daughter in law and two granddaughters who live in Sacramento.
At present Zvika and I split our times between Tel Aviv and Sacramento. We both love traveling, Israeli and Jewish movies and are part of the Sacramento Jewish Festival committee which screens movies for the yearly festival. I am passionate about bringing the best of out of people and building communities. I look forward to contributing my passion and skills to developing the Washington Commons cohousing project.
Sandra and Patrick
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- Sandra and Patrick are drawn to Washington Commons as a wonderful opportunity to be ‘in community’ with fellow Washington Commoners, sharing mutual respect and regard for each other. It is at Washington Commons that our joy of communal activities - be they housekeeping, preparing and cooking delicious meals together, sharing recreational activities such as bicycling the near-by River paths, attending theater, the movies, ball games, museums or creating crazy collages in our shop and messy craft room - will flourish. Washington Commons will provide for both shared community experiences as well as private, individual spaces. We will have the best of both worlds at Washington Commons.
JayI was born in 1946, one of the first baby boomers and first son to my parents.
My father returned from WWII, a flight engineer on B-29s in the Pacific theater. My mother worked as an employee in aircraft factories while he was training. She was not a Rosie the Riveter, say Theresa the Typist. First memories: Our Pasadena apartment had an ice box, not a refrigerator. The iceman cameth to replenish the cold stuff. I liked toy trains. My mother says I took them apart and had no skill for reassembly. I rode my mother’s beat up tricycle on Bentley Avenue in Culver City. A photo of me on it, taken by my favorite uncle Gerald, shows me with a beatific expression. Gerald died too early at 50. I think of him daily. |
My favorite book was and is The Bear That Wasn’t. The book’s bear awakens from winter slumber in the middle of a factory where he’s told to get to work, you silly man in a fur coat who needs a shave! Time passes. The bear realizes he’s no man in a fur coat who needs a shave (even the circus bears say that) but a bear and so starts next season’s hibernation*.
We lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1950, first in Hayward, then in Fremont. My civics teacher loved to say “nix!” to student errors. In my biology class I saw coacervates form (see Wikipedia). I was thrilled! The first stage in life’s early history! And so I majored in biology at UC Davis. Such topics still thrill me.
At UC Davis I happened on the campus club Cal Aggie Flying Farmers and learned to fly. In the Bay Area I joined flying clubs, Fremont Flyers at the Hayward Airport, and in Oakland, the Alameda Aero Club, becoming the club’s newsletter editor and treasurer. Editing is my great skill and passion. It absorbs as does flying. Both demand exclusive attention. I haven’t flown since 2012, devoting time to caring for my ill girlfriend and domestic partner.
That’s part of me. Now another part of me is Washington Commons.
Jay P. Smith
* Bears do not hibernate, they go into a state of torpor.
We lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1950, first in Hayward, then in Fremont. My civics teacher loved to say “nix!” to student errors. In my biology class I saw coacervates form (see Wikipedia). I was thrilled! The first stage in life’s early history! And so I majored in biology at UC Davis. Such topics still thrill me.
At UC Davis I happened on the campus club Cal Aggie Flying Farmers and learned to fly. In the Bay Area I joined flying clubs, Fremont Flyers at the Hayward Airport, and in Oakland, the Alameda Aero Club, becoming the club’s newsletter editor and treasurer. Editing is my great skill and passion. It absorbs as does flying. Both demand exclusive attention. I haven’t flown since 2012, devoting time to caring for my ill girlfriend and domestic partner.
That’s part of me. Now another part of me is Washington Commons.
Jay P. Smith
* Bears do not hibernate, they go into a state of torpor.
Catherine
In March 2020, Cathy Lieb heard an advertisement on KVIE about a co-housing community being built in West Sacramento. The timing was perfect. Recently retired and ready to downsize, Cathy wanted to live where she would know her neighbors and have many opportunities to enjoy their company.
When Cathy was getting her Midtown Sacramento high-water bungalow ready for sale and her heart ready to move, her new Washington Commons friends honored her and the home in which she had lived for 32 years with a house blessing, which Cathy describes as “an amazing, heartfelt experience. |
Cathy loves the Washington Commons location: close to the river, the bike trail, downtown Sacramento, and just three miles from Lake Washington, a favorite spot to enjoy the delta breeze, have a picnic dinner, and watch the sailors, rowers and windsurfers as the sun goes down over the lake and the Sacramento River Delta. For Cathy, having fun together is the glue that holds communities tight. At a recent celebration for a member who had died, Cathy assembled a makeshift Washington Commons choir, accompanying the singing with her guitar.
Cathy Lieb: Mother of three. Grandmother of three. Lover of nature. Retired clinical social worker at the VA. Writer. Musician. Activist. Generous provider of Sacramento info for WC newbies. Teams: conflict resolution, landscaping.
Cathy Lieb: Mother of three. Grandmother of three. Lover of nature. Retired clinical social worker at the VA. Writer. Musician. Activist. Generous provider of Sacramento info for WC newbies. Teams: conflict resolution, landscaping.
Chris H.Hi! I’m Chris, and I’m in the last year of my sixties. A retired Civil Engineer, I split my State service between Water Quality and Transportation, both in Sacramento and Humboldt County on the North Coast. I’m a proud mother of Aleks, who I adopted from Russia when he was a young toddler. He’s now 28 and has followed in the family footsteps of public service, living and working in midtown Sacramento.
Currently I live in Walnut Creek and am helping my elderly mother, who just turned 95. She’s doing pretty well right now, on balance. I enjoy walking, the great outdoors, biking, reading, knitting, sewing, traveling, connections with family and friends, discussing current events and laughing whenever possible! |
Cohousing to me means connection to others with mutual respect, sharing time and some meals together, and working things out so that all community members’ needs are met. I was drawn to Washington Commons because of its wonderful location, sustainable philosophy and practice, and my intention to stay active and engaged with others while still having ownership of a nice and cozy private dwelling.
And even if I had just remained an Explorer, it meant the chance to make meaningful friendships.
And even if I had just remained an Explorer, it meant the chance to make meaningful friendships.
Barbara S.Hi, my name is Barbara. I am adjusting to this wonderful stage of life called retirement. I am in two book clubs. Whenever possible, I enjoy going to theater performances, museums, concerts, and baseball games. Playing online games also keeps me in touch with friends, especially now during the pandemic. Recently, riding a recumbent trike has become a joyful habit, along with walking, meditation, and yoga.
Over several years, I have visited a number of cohousing communities in the SF Bay area, Washington and Oregon. To me, cohousing offers the perfect balance of privacy and community. I look forward to living and working together with my neighbors at Washington Commons. The location is appealing, so close to both indoors and outdoors activities. Come join us in the adventure that is cohousing! |
Nancy and John
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- Travelers
- Naturists
- People of faith
- Newly-minted support docents at Deer Creek Hills Preserve
- Attracted to Washington Commons by the location (walkability and close to medical, transit, and an international airport) and most of all the community!