Friendship Force of Sacramento upcoming events

Sac State Japan Day (April 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Sac State's 19th annual Japan Day is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2006 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Library Quad on campus. This free public festival celebrates Japanese culture with Taiko drumming, martial arts, cosplay, traditional performances, and interactive booths. It is hosted by the Sac State Japanese Program and Japan Club.

For more details, see their website.

If you are interested in car-pooling, please register for this event so that you can arrange your rides. (This is a 'no host' event - no FF Sac member coordinator.)

CapRadio Tour (April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Did you know that CapRadio, a major NPR station covering Northern California, had its roots in 1960 as student operated station KEVR at Sacramento State University? Through the years the station has gone through several changes, and now operates two full powered stations (KXJZ-90.9 and KXPR-88.9 ) and 5 repeating stations In 2023 CapRadio hit a crisis when it discovered financial mismanagement. Direct operational management was taken over by Sac State. CapRadio has stabilized finances, brought its sponsorship team in-house, and continues to serve the region despite losing federal funding. A former manager is facing embezzlement charges.

Let us show our support for CapRadio by participating in a radio station tour. Frank Maranzino, President and General Manager will be our host. We will meet in the Community Room at 3:30pm for an update of FF-Sac activities, and then Frank will give us an update on current plans at CapRadio, and a tour of the facilities.

Detailed parking instructions, and restaurant options following the tour will be provided at a later date.

Crystal Hermitage Gardens (April 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

It’s springtime, and the tulips are in bloom at Crystal Hermitage Gardens near Nevada City. This has been an annual tradition for some of us and is always a great way to welcome spring.

Join us to explore the gardens at 11:00 AM on Thursday April 23.

Please register both on this website (so we know who is coming and can arrange carpools) and BUY YOUR TICKET on the website at https://crystalhermitage.org/. Click on Buy Tickets Online, then choose tickets for April 23 at 11:00 am. Adult tickets are $15. You must buy tickets in advance.

Possible add-on: Vegetarian lunch at their Expanding Light Retreat. Served at 12:30 promptly. You can sign up for this when you get your tickets.
You can also check their Tulip Watch page to see what's what is happening in the garden.

Contact: Helen Flach, kwflach@aol.com,

Cruise on the USS Potomac, Franklin Roosevelt’s yacht, in the Oakland Harbor. (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 18:45:00 GMT

Let’s go on a cruise on the USS Potomac, Franklin Roosevelt’s yacht, in the Oakland Harbor.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Visit Franklin D. Roosevelt's historical presidential yacht, known as his "Floating White House," from 1936 to 1945. Brought through the Panama Canal in the early 1960s, the ship is fully restored to her presidential glory. Berthed at Jack London Square in Oakland, Potomac has been providing cruises to the general public in San Francisco Bay since 1995. She is the only former historic Navy vessel still in daily operation and the only memorial to FDR on the West Coast.

Come aboard the USS Potomac for a beautiful cruise around San Francisco Bay!

Enjoy picturesque views of the San Francisco waterfront, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, while learning of the rich history of surrounding landmarks and the impacts FDR's administration had on Bay Area landmarks. The cruises are live narrated, with docents pointing out and describing sights around the bay. Some cruises in addition have special topic narrations as noted and described. All three-hour cruises include a box lunch with beer and wine available for purchase.

The tour is three hours, departing from 540 Water Street at Jack London Square in Oakland, California.

How to register: Please register on this FF website, so we know who is coming and can help with carpooling, but also BUY YOUR TICKET from the website at https://usspotomac.org/

Go to Get Tickets, then select Three-Hour Bay Sightseeing and History Cruises with Lunch, May 9, put in number of tickets (Adults $107.55) and pay for tickets. Please do this soon, as tickets tend to sell out.

Cruise departs at 12:30 but arrive 45 minutes early (11:45 am) to the Potomac Visitor Center at 540 Water Street on Jack London Square, Oakland for check-in and allow extra time to park. If you wish, you may watch a 15-minute video that provides a glimpse of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac. The video retraces the impact of his administration on the nation, and tells the USS Potomac restoration story. While cruising, guests may elect to take a docent-led or self-guided tour of the ship.

On a typical cruise, we'll see all kinds of water craft, from container and cruise ships to luxury sailboats to kayakers. We'll also see sailboarders and windsurfers, and marine life, from harbor seals to flocks of soaring waterfowl. There is something for everyone!

Your three-hour cruise includes a delicious box lunch which is comprised of your choice of a deli-style turkey, beef or veggie sandwich (while selections last), a side of potato salad, piece of fruit, and a cookie, brownie, or similar dessert. Coffee, tea, and water are also provided. If you need snacks, please feel free to bring them with you.

Note: Tickets are fully refundable up until 72 hours before the date, and after that may be exchanged for a different date.

Contact: Helen Flach, kwflach@aol.com, 530-902-7543.