Kudos to Andy Ekstrom and all of the YLG Executive Subcommittee for the awesome lineup of events and programs this year. It took a lot of hard work and coordination, but also was a lot of fun!  

• Cool Projects Bike Tour group held its fifth Second Saturday bike ride. This tour featured the work of prominent local architect Ron Vrilakas, a Sacramento native who exudes passion when it comes to improving the urban landscape of Midtown, and the surrounding areas utilizing smart growth principles and cutting edge urban design. Tour highlights included a walkthrough of the Stitch Development project under construction in the alley behind Old Soul. A peek inside the offices of Vrilakis Architects which is perched above Zocalo and 58 Degrees in the heart of Midtown, in addition to a tour of a completed unit at Ron's 4th Avenue Lofts project in Oak Park's active redevelopment district. Don't get left out and join in on the fun next Second Saturday.

• Game Night 2010 was another rousing success with approximately 30 tables of participants playing our version of Monopoly to help raise money for Urban Plan. This event was made possible  thanks to the work of YLGer Stephanie Chun, in addition to a team of volunteers who organized the annual fundraiser benefiting Urban Plan...a realistic, engaging, and academically challenging class-room based development scenario that is part of the curriculum at McClatchy High School. With plans to expand the program to CSUS and other local high schools please be on the lookout for how you can get more involved in Urban Plan. (May2010)                                                                                                                               

• Rebuilding Together Event - Thanks to YLGer Brian King (house captain), YLG partnered up with a motivated crew from Teichert, to help transform a local low-income homeowner's residence into a safer, cleaner, and more energy efficient structure. (April 2010)               

YLGer Christine Erwin did a phenomenal job organizing the 3rd annual careers in real estate program. Mentors spanning all areas of the development industry meet with CSUS students and fellow YLGers. All those in attendance were treated to intimate round table discussions spanning a myriad of professional development topics. Special thanks go to the mentors (Heath Charamuga, Betty Diepenbrock, David Mogovero, Patrick Molloy, Jack Ridgeway, Cheryl Sullivan, and Julie Young) who volunteered their time and shared experiences.  (April 2010) 

• New Brighton Focus Group - Over 40 Young Leaders filled Mulvaneys B&L for an overview of  StoneBridge Properties' latest master planned development, which seeks to re-create the Land Park and McKinley type neighborhoods of Sacramento at New Brighton. Randy Sater, President of StoneBridge Properties and Senior Vice President of Teichert Land Company lead the dynamic forum and collected feedback from all who attended. What an awesome opportunity to help shape the growth of the Sacramento! Kudos to Randy, Tracey, Blair, and all those behind the scenes who helped put on such a great program. (February 2010) 

• Professional Development - "Despite the economic difficulty, use this recession as an opportunity." That was the message from seasoned developers Mike Heller and Ron Mellon; whether it is creating a market where there is none, as Ron Mellon is doing with the Sacramento alley Stitch project, or encouraging young leaders to capitalize on the dragging market to experience countries to observe mature built environments and bring ideas back as Mike Heller encouraged. With nearly 40 people registered, the seats at Drexel University Sacramento were packed and the conversation motivating. On positioning yourself for success coming out of these challenging times? Stay positive - the market will rebound; get creative or at least open to new ideas, go back to school, travel...in essence, DO something. A special thanks goes to event speakers Mike Heller and Ron Mellon, Drexel University for hosting the event, and Heath Samlley for organizing the event. (January 2010)

• ULI Holiday Mixer - Lounge-on-20 offered a great backdrop for ULI's annual holiday party (December 2009)    
• Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2010 - According to Chuck DiRocco, director of real estate research at Price Water House Coopers LLC, an improving economy will do little to help Sacramento in the near term. It was reported that it would take up to 10 years for unemployment nationally to reach pre-recession levels. Only bright spot is multi-family, as greater demand for rentals exist with people who have dinged credit do to recent foreclosure activity look for new housing. (December 2009)
• Crocker Art Museum Expansion Project Tour - YLGers were some of the lucky few to get a dry wall tour of the $78 million dollar 120,000 sq ft Crocker expansion. The project is scheduled to be completed October 10, 2010. The expansion puts Crocker on the map as a world class art facility, featuring floors of granite, marble, and white oak along with hard-lid ceilings and reinforced walls that allow art to be hung almost anywhere. More art to appreciate...Currently Crocker is only able to display 4-5% of their collection, the expansion will allow them to increase that percentage significantly and attract large touring exhibits.  (November 2009)
• Cool Projects Bike Tour 3...Highlights included a beautiful morning ride around the streets of Sacramento, interspersed with site tours of the new Alexan Mixed-Use Infill Development, Tapestri Square, Sutter Brownstones, and 2600 Capitol. Stay tuned for more tours Spring of 2010 (November 2009)
• 2009 ULI Fall Meeting and Urban Land Expo, YLGers mixing it up at the Mezzanine, in S.F.

     (November 2009)

• Fun was had by all who attended the ULI Fall Mixer and Masquerade Party at the Shady Lady. Who is that masked YLGer?  Check out the pictures and you make the call.(October 2009)
• The Second Saturday Cool Projects Sacramento Bike Tour continued to build on the buzz created by the first ride back in September, with 35 riders participating in another successful event. This tour featured 14 stops spanning Downtown and West Sacramento.  Riders included a large contingent of YLGers and other ULI members along with project developers, and local government officials including City Councilmember Steve Cohn and representatives from the Mayor's office. A special thanks to The Grange for providing breakfast snacks, and tour organizers: Colby Campbell, Dean O'Brien,  Blair Bonuccelli, Bob Chase, and John Hodgson. (October 2009)
• The Sacramento Young Leaders hosted the 2nd Annual Sacramento Legacy Series with three of the region's leaders in the land use and real estate fields – Joe Coomes, McDonough Holland & Allen; Mark Nelson, Nelson Rodgers Company; and Bob Slobe, North Sacramento Land Company.  These gentleman discussed their legacies, paths, and vision for the future with the over 30 young leaders in attendance. In addition, the gentleman discussed their most memorable projects, the challenges they faced along the way, and provided some advice for young leaders in the business climate today – be patient, recognize opportunities when they come, and be ready to act.  (October 2009)
• Over 20 young leaders attended the Alley Chat - Stitch Development YLG special event at the Old Soul Co., fronting an alley in midtown Sacramento.  The discussion was lead by Julie Young (Sacramento Alley Activation Committee Member), Terry Green (Williams + Paddon), and Bill Crouch (City of Sacramento Urban Design Manager) and informed the YLGers about the growing partnership between the City and the Sacramento Alley Activation Committee and the ideas and plans emerging to develop the City’s alley ways into enlightened urban corridors full of residences, restaurants, shops, and more! (September 2009)
• With the help of a few dedicated YLG volunteers, the inaugural Cool Projects Sacramento Bike Tour took place on the Second Saturday of September 2009. The event was a success with over 25 riders taking to the streets of Midtown Sacramento to explore 14 infill and mixed-use developments. (September 2009)
• YLG hosted the Fall Kick-off Networking Mixer, at the Scandal Bar up on the 2nd floor of the new Citizen Hotel. It was a great way to get back in touch with one another and to stir up excitement about the new year of programs and events to come. (August 2009)
• ULI Sacramento and CREW co-hosted a discussion and tour of the U.S. Bank Tower building.  The discussion lead by Ellen Warner with David S. Talyor Interests, Inc., highlighted the site, development opportunities on Capitol Mall, challenges and successes of the development process, the integrated artwork pieces, and green efficiencies that were incorporated into the building's design and eventual operation.  The tour was capped off by a trip up to the 25th floor where the two-story glass windows allow for spectacular views of the Sacramento skyline and beyond. (June 2009)
• In the spring the Young Leaders Group participated in a community service event with St. Hope’s Hood Corps. Young Leaders were enlisted by the Oak Park Neighborhood Association to help set up for the Celebrate Oak Park event. In the end, our Young Leaders were able to get out and work with multiple community-based organizations and forge some new friendships. (May 2009)
• The Globe Mills Development has become an urban revitalization icon for urban planners in the Central Valley. A large group from the Urban Land Institute Young Leaders and the American Planning Association heard about the history, the design and the public/private partnership ‘deal’ and toured the project with architect Michael F. Malinowski AIA. (April 2009)
• ULI Sacramento YLG hosted the Second-Annual Careers in Real Estate Roundtable at Sacramento State University Union where students from surrounding universities and junior colleges were provided the unique opportunity to speak directly with real estate and land use experts from the Sacramento region about their career experiences in the industry, as essentially a “learn from the best” opportunity. (April 2009)
• St. Patty's Day Networking Mixer held at de Vere’s Irish Pub in the historic Firestone Building in downtown Sacramento attracted over 50 young leaders that experienced the friendly Irish hospitality. Attendees dropped their business card for a chance to take home Halfway to Everywhere a book by William H. Hudnut.  Congratulation to the young leader raffle winner Eric Euren! (March 2009)
• YLG hosted and invited all ULI Sacramento members and non-members to the winter Networking Mixer at the HOT ITALIAN.  The HOT ITALIAN is the Central Valley's first LEED Certified restaurant and retail project, featuring a solar thermal system to heat water for the bathrooms and dishwashers, a commercial composting bin to digest most kitchen scraps, recycled building materials, and ample two-wheel parking. Attendees enjoyed the tastes of Italy with pizza from pizzaiolo Fabrizio Cercatore, classic wines, and delicious gelatos.  Special thanks to HOT ITALIAN creator Andrea Lepore, project architect Ed Mojica of MAS-Mojica Architecture Studio, general contractor John Johnson of JC Builders, LEED AP Scott Blunk of Green Built Consulting, and structural engineer Bob Glasgow of Miyamoto International! (February 2009)
• Business Development 101 Prospecting and Building Relationships provided young leaders with the opportunity to learn from two leaders in their fields, Jim Gray, Partner and Broker with NAI BT Commercial Real Estate and Founder and Chairman of Community Business Bank, and Wendy Hoyt, Founder of the Hoyt Company and Vice President of HDR. YLGers heard first hand the panel’s experience and perspectives on building and sustaining relationships regardless of the market cycle including prospecting techniques and thinking about what needs to be with a plan for success in 2009. Young leaders walked away from this program with new ideas and approaches to relationship building and prospecting that they can directly apply to their work environments. (January 2009)

2008

• Hosted by YLG, ULI Sacramento’s 2^nd Annual Members Holiday Party was held at the Social Nighclub atop the Cosmopolitan at 10^th and K Street in downtown Sacramento. ULI members mixed and mingled and enjoyed delicious bites to eat and beverages.  Very special thanks for Cornish & Carey Commercial and KP Public Affairs for generously sponsoring this event! (December 2008)
• The “new” Orleans in Old Sacramento – Historic Reconstruction of Vacant Lot Builds Dynamic Mixed Use Project invited young leaders to join Terry Harvego developer of the Orleans and Chairman of the Old Sacramento Business Association, Michael Ault Executive Director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, and Marcia Eymann with City/County Sacramento Archives and Museum Collection Center as they discussed the development opportunities and vision of Old Sacramento and highlighted the challenges and successes of developing in a Historic District with the historic reconstruction of the Orleans. The facade of the Orleans is an exact replica of the historic Orleans Hotel and provides a unique retail and restaurant opportunity for Old Sacramento, while the rental lofts above provide a modern urban living experience and bring the diversity of residential types to Old Sacramento not previously available. The panel discussion was followed by an onsite tour of the Orleans and a post reception was held at the Firehouse Restaurant, just a block down from the Orleans, in Old Sacramento. (November 2008)
• The Young Leader’s Group hosted a Fall Networking Mixer at R15, in association with the opportunity to tour the 14th & R Lofts.  More than 40 YLGers were some of the first to check out the 14th & R Lofts project.  Guided by Bay Miry of D & S Development, the young leaders toured the ground floor retail and 12 for-sale loft units. Attendees dropped their business card for a chance to take home On Paradise Drive a book by David Brooks.  YLG would like to give a special thanks to D & S Development for the project tour. (October 2008)
• The Sacramento Young Leaders hosted their 1^st Annual Sacramento Legacy Series with three of the region's celebrated leaders in the land use and real estate fields who reflected on their successful careers and discussed their legacies, paths, and vision for the future. Special guest speakers included Angelo Tsakopoulos, AKT Development, Frank Ramos, Ramco Enterprises, Dean Unger, Dean F. Unger, AIA, Inc., and Randy Sater, Stonebridge Properties was the moderator. This program was filled with discussions about the guests' most memorable projects, the challenges they faced along the way, as well as advice for young leaders in the business today.  (October 2008)
• YLG hosted and invited all ULI Sacramento members and non-members to Redevelopment Case Study Oak Park: Changing Perceptions and Reality, the Challenge of Urban Redevelopment in Sacramento, which welcomed program speakers Councilperson Lauren Hammond, City of Sacramento, Mayor Kevin Johnson, former CEO of St. Hope, Ron Vrilakas, Principal, Vrilakas Architects, and Celia Yniguez, Redevelopment Manager, Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency. The distinguished panel discussed the opportunities and obstacles associated with urban redevelopment within Oak Park and throughout the City. The presentation was followed by an informal site tour and networking event at the 4th Street Lofts, which was just a short walking distance from theater. (September 2008)
• YLG kicked off the 2008/09 year with a casual and fun networking mixer at the new yogurt shop, Yogurtagogo, in midtown Sacramento at the corner of 19th and L Street. The event played host to over 40 young leaders and their colleagues mingling and enjoying the delicious yogurt.  Attendees who dropped their business card were entered into a raffle, where YLG gave away a copy of Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change, a book published by the Urban Land Institute, which illustrates how compact development and pedestrian-friendly places with a mix of uses can be a crucial strategy in combating greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles because people can choose to walk, bike, or take transit from their homes to offices, schools, restaurants, and shopping.  (August 2008)
• Sacramento YLG, in coordination with Sacramento State Rho Epsilon, presented the 1^st Annual Careers in Real Estate Round Table held at the Union on the campus of Sacramento State, which invited university students and young leaders to participate in a face-to-face series of roundtable sessions with real estate and development industry professionals.  Discussion topics included how to get started after graduation, what types of career options are available, tips for career success, and industry trends. Students walked away with tremendous insight into the industries in which they wanted to learn more about and potentially pursue as a career.  (April 2008)
• St. Patty's Happy Hour held at Streets of London Pub in Midtown Sacramento. (March 2008)
• Resort Development Case Study-Kirkwood Mountain Resort-Mountain Master Development Plan was an out-of-town program event where young leaders were invited to Kirkwood to experience the mountain resort development.  Young Leader, Nate Whaley, Vice President of Development at Kirkwood Mountain Resorts provided attendees with a dynamic presentation and site tour where young leaders were given a sneak peak into the future with a discussion of the recently approved Kirkwood Mountain Master Development Plan.  (March 2008)
• “Pull-a-Part”™ Townhome Case Study provided young leaders with insight into how you bridge the gap between the high-density urban core and low-density suburbs.  The concept of the “Pull-a-Part”™ Townhome is a unique design solution that is helping to increase suburban density (15-17 units per acres), create pedestrian friendly communities, and provide a more cost effective home ownership product to buyers who would otherwise purchase suburban condominiums.  This event featured two of the project managers from BSB Design, Joe Pitzner and Rudi Macias, along with Denny Shields & Christine Micheli from Beazer Homes.  Following the presentation, the young leaders had the opportunity to tour some of the product models.  (February 2008)
• The Winter Networking Mixer was held at Dream Ultra Lounge in Midtown Sacramento, across the street from the historic Memorial Auditorium. (February 2008)
• Influence Without Authority: Getting things done in a team environment when you're not the "boss" discussed how to be an effective leader and teammate while not having direct reporting authority over the group you are leading.  Randy Sater, President, Stonebridge Properties/Teichert Land Company was the moderator of an all-YLG panel that included Jose Bodipo-Memba, PBS&J; Nahz Anvary, NAI BT Commercial; Shanna Zuspan, City of West Sacramento; Andy Ekstrom, Heller Pacific.  Young leaders walked away from this professional development program with some concrete strategies they could directly apply to increase their effectiveness in their work environment. (January 2008)

2007

• 18th and L St Talk and Tour - in association with the McGeorge School of Law  - Property Law Association - Sotiris Kolokotronos (SKK Development) led a tour giving an sneak peek of perhaps the most creative urban residential land use project, the L Street Lofts and provided insight regarding the struggles and successes associated with development of this unique project. The tour also revisited the now completed 1801 L Street project.
• City of Sacramento 2030 General Plan – Setting the Course for Our Future...  Tom Pace, (City of Sacramento), Erik de Kok, (City of Sacramento), Harriet Lai Ross (PBS&J), and Ted Holzem,(Minter & Associates) joined YLG for a panel discussion and detailed question and answer to help guide the City’s vision of making Sacramento the most livable City in America.
• Sacramento Grows UP a discussion with Jeffrey DeMure, AIA of Jeffrey DeMure + Associates and Townley Larzelere of the Whitney Group on Sacramento’s development trends and urban design elements. (February 2007)
• St. Patty's Happy Hour held at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant in Downtown Sacramento. (March 2007)
• “MARRS” Midtown Arts Retail & Restaurant Scene hosted and presented by Sacramento local developer Heller Pacific Inc., gave a first glimpse of the developer’s late stage transformation of an aged industrial warehouse into a very modern and cutting edge mixed-use destination.  ULI Young Leader Andy Ekstrom (Project Manager of MARRS) led a presentation and tour that showcased the history, the vision, and the challenges faced in the process making MARRS a reality. (March 2007)

2006

• Public Speaking: Scary Stuff a discussion with West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and John Lambeth, Downtown Resources. (February 2006)
• St. Patty's Happy Hour held at Gallagher's Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento. (March 2006)
• CEQA...What's CEQA a discussion with James Moose, Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley and Brian Boxer, EIP Associates, a Division of PBS&J. (April 2006)
• Fall Back-to-YLG Happy Hour held at Spataro's SpaBar in Downtown Sacramento. (September 2006)
• The Railyards Specific Plan Development and Sacramento’s Downtown Arena Plan a discussion with Rob Fong, Sacramento City Council Member, District Four; John Dangberg, Assistant City Manager, City of Sacramento; and Suheil Totah and Richard Rich of Thomas Enterprises regarding the Specific Plan’s many components, the genesis of the proposed downtown sports and entertainment arena plan, and the pros and cons of Measures Q and R. (October 2006)
• Holiday Mixer held at Glides Market Bar inside the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Downtown Sacramento. (December 2006)

2005

• Down on the Levee: Flood Control in the Sacramento Region an in-depth at the Sacramento flood control system. (January 2005)
• Hawaiian Happy Hour held at Hukilau (June 2005)
• Mello-Roos CFD Overview highlighting the use of Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) as a means to finance infrastructure improvements.  Speakers from the City of Roseville, and a Roseville Developer discussed the public and private views of CFDs. (September 2005)
• The Art of Project Management for Real Estate and Land Use Professionals discussed the private sector experience related to managing large real estate development projects and how to manage and juggle landowners, developers, public agencies, consultants and other stakeholders in the process of managing a project. (November 2005)
• Holiday Mixer held at Mason's in Downtown Sacramento. (December 2005)

2004

• Tour of the J Street Lofts including a roundtable discussion with the developer. (April 2004)
• Revitalization in West Sacramento a presentation and discussion with West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon followed by a Sacramento RiverCats game. (June 2004)
• City Limits, a Discussion of Urban Growth Boundaries with staff from two local cities. (August 2004)
• Holiday Mixer held at Zocalo in Downtown Sacramento. (December 2004)