Loomis, California

When I first drove to Loomis, I couldn’t believe anyone would want to live there. Not only did I get completely lost on the meandering road, but all I could see were trees and houses. I immediately wondered how the residents could survive without a Starbucks (joking).

It turns out, they are getting along very well. The populace of Loomis love the small-town charm and many residents have lived there their entire lives and don’t plan on going anywhere soon.

I briefly visited Loomis and noticed that not only does it have a beautiful scenery as a backdrop to almost every house, but also is home to a bed and breakfast, a yearly Eggplant festival, and a vineyard and winery to boot! I will be going back this upcoming week to explore the town more in depth.

The locals are proud of their little city (population 6,300) and youth football teams as well as band members receive community support to the fullest. I talked with two high school graduates of Del Oro High and both recalled football being almost an obsession for residents.
There has recently been controversy surrounding the Blue Goose Fruit Shed, which was once a packing house but has been turned into a community center and many of the neighbors favorite.
The shed has a produce market and poetry readings along with other community events are held here. There are plans to develop the land it’s sitting on, though, and locals have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to save it. There’s even a website devoted to saving the shed!).

So far I have talked with three local “Loomisans” and quickly drove through. I have read about the Secret Ravine winery on their website and read “Great Neighborhoods” article in Sacramento Magazine, which featured Loomis. So, essentially, I still have my work cut out for me.