West Sacramento – Neighborhood Spotlight

Okay, West Sacramento may not be just a neighborhood, but it’s burgeoning with activity and commerce and quickly becoming one of the best places to call home.

The Sacramento Bee recently acknowledged the undeniable urban movement taking place, specifically noting the opening of Edible Pedal – a full-service bike shop and food delivery business. Think NYC bike messenger but with a Marin slow-food, farm-to-table sensibility. The Edible Pedal’s flagship store is located in midtown, leaving many to infer that West Sac is destined to shed its industrial shell and take on a more vibrant flavor.

There’s even more indications that West Sac is bubbling with something good. Wicked ‘Wich, the wildly popular food truck, has opened up a location in the West Sacramento Community Center. In an article in the Sacramento Business Journal, owner Matt Chong says he selected West Sac “because it’s an underserved area for coffee, lunch, and light breakfast options.” From all that’s building up around him, that is sure to change.

The area’s becoming so popular, it will be the site of the first First Festival. The inaugural gathering is designed to kick off Sacramento’s rich festival season with an event featuring local artists, crafters, business owners, performers, and musicians. The free event takes place May 23 at the River Walk Park.

What’s best about West Sacramento coming into its own is that it’s truly it’s own. It’s not box stores and malls popping up that’s putting it on the map, it’s the dreams and drive of local entrepreneurs striving to build a community of their own.

That’s not to say the area hasn’t had its share of character and business for decades. Sacramento Magazine recently listed its favorite “West Sacramento Treasures.” Among them was the Capitol Bowl – a family-owned alley that once welcomed the Rolling Stones. Club Pheasant also made the list. Once a speakeasy, it’s been operating for more than 75 years, in no small part to the homemade, handmade ravioli.