Santa holds the wheel with a young fan in a golf cart.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Santa stopped by William Land Golf Course on a crisp December evening to hear children’s holiday wishes. The free community event hosted over 200 guests, and was a partnership between the golf course, the Sacramento Fire Department, and the Land Park Community Association (LPCA).

Santa sits in a William Land cart with children.

Nearby, helpful first responders allowed kids to explore a sparkling red firetruck while parents took photos. LPCA volunteers handed out candy canes, holiday headgear, and flashing lightbulb necklaces. But that was just the beginning. More fun awaited guests inside the cart barn. While Christmas music filled the room, families mingled over hot cocoa and cookies. Helper elves topped off drinks with whipped cream and tasty holiday sprinkles at the hot chocolate bar.

Fireman Lou Stanfill holds his daughter in festive attire.

At a nearby table, golf course staff distributed free putters to children. 

Barbara Allario helps a child choose a new putter.

This was their fourth year with the holiday community outreach program designed to introduce young people to golf. The putters were donated by the golf course and Morton Golf LLC. This is the fourth year for handing out free putters which has contributed to nearly 900 kids joining the junior golf program. “We believe golf is a great activity the whole family can do together, and we want the kids involved early,” noted Curt Davids, GM for William Land Golf Course. “For example, our Tots on the Tee program begins at age three!” And that night, several little golfers tried their new clubs on the putting range.

Helper Elves Lucy and her mother Monica smile for the camera.

Community leaders also arrived to celebrate.  Senator Angelique Ashby chatted with first responders and guests while District 7 Councilman Rick Jennings milled about charming neighbors and providing photo ops.  Other visitors included park rangers, Lowrider leaders and Zach Bales, and Greg Galliano of Sacrament PD South Command.

From left to right, Rick Jennings, Angelique Ashby, Captain Zach Bales and Lt. Greg Galliano. 

Land Park Community Association

Around 6 p.m., guests gathered in the barn where the Land Park Community Association shared a quick end-of-year wrap-up highlighting 2023 accomplishments, which included: hosting the first Bunny on the Green and Parktoberfest events; three community meetings with great speakers, treats, and free raffles; supporting Jazz in the Park, 916 Tree Planting Day, and a neighborhood July 4th parade; and advocating for traffic safety, park improvements, and public safety.

2024 looks bright as the LPCA will host the second annual Bunny on the Green on March 16th, and Parktoberfest on September 28th.  The neighborhood organization also supports the Lowrider New Year’s Day Unity Picnic (in the Panhandle at Riverside and 12th). 

Plenty of other projects are planned for the coming year, such as securing more funding for William Land Park and establishing a permanent bike/skate area in the park. The LPCA also plans to co-host mayoral debates with other neighborhood associations. 

Although this event was fun, it also produced charitable results, helping those in need. Guests brought non-perishable food items delivered to the food pantry at Leataata Floyd Elementary School (accepted by grateful staff).  Guests also donated to the LPCA's efforts to support nine families with gifts and food for a brighter holiday.  Donations included a generous check hand-delivered by City Councilman Rick Jennings.

The LPCA could only accomplish these important efforts with dedicated community partners.  Appreciation goes out to Curt Davids of William Land Golf Course, Sacramento Fire Department, Rick Jennings and his staff (Dennis Rogers, Dyan Cynwar, and Jasleen Escobar). A special thanks goes to 5 Sips Coffee & Tea for providing fresh-baked cookies for the event and supporting Land Park Volunteer Corps all year with free coffee on their work days.

To find out more about the Land Park Community Association and how to participate go to: www.landpark.org.