Celebrating 40 Years of Vision: The 40 Visionaries of Midtown

Beth Hassett, CEO of WEAVE,Inc., has been a powerful advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento. Her long-standing leadership has strengthened vital support services and helped make Midtown a community rooted in compassion, safety, and empowerment.

Biba Caggiano was a celebrated chef, author, and television personality who transformed Sacramento’s culinary landscape with her namesake restaurant, Biba, which operated for 33 years. A native of Bologna, Italy, she became a beloved local icon, known for her gracious hospitality and authentic Italian cuisine.

Bill has played a pivotal role in establishing Midtown as a performing arts destination. As Managing Director of B Street Theatre, he helped with the planning of The Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts, bringing professional theatre and creativity to the heart of our city.

Husband-and-wife team Bret and Karen Bair are influential entrepreneurs in Sacramento’s nightlife scene, known for owning iconic Midtown venues like Goldfield, 8 Track, and The Cabin.

Broadway Sacramento has played a key role in bringing high-quality musical theatre to the region, elevating Midtown as a vibrant, arts-driven community.

Chef Chris Barnum-Dann is the Michelin-starred chef and co-owner of Localis in Sacramento, known for his inventive tasting menus, commitment to seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful wine pairings. Formally trained and forged through hands-on kitchen experience, Barnum-Dann has earned national recognition while helping shape Sacramento’s fine dining scene.

Dain Domich, principal at Separovich/Domich, has shaped key corridors with mixed-use infill projects like the Mercy Medical Group Q Street building, Hawks and others, adding both healthcare access and architectural distinction.

David Miry and Steve Lebastchi, co-founders of D&S Development, have transformed Midtown’s skyline with projects like 16 Powerhouse, 1431 Q and 17Central, landmark developments that bridge modern living and historic charm.

David Mogavero, founding partner of Mogavero Architects, played a pivotal role in Midtown’s commitment to sustainability and community design, including work on projects like the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, a cornerstone of healthy urban living.

Dr. Gema Godina-Martinez, principal of Washington Elementary, revitalized the school into a thriving center of learning, ensuring this historic Midtown institution continues to serve future generations.

Chocolatier and founder Ginger Elizabeth Hahn is the creative force behind Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, known for her farm-to-confection approach and commitment to local ingredients. Since opening her first Sacramento shop in 2007, she has earned national acclaim for her innovative creations.

Gordon Fowler, CEO of 3fold Communications, elevated the voice of Midtown through campaigns like Explore Midtown, helping brand the district as a dynamic destination for locals and visitors alike.

Jim and Tom Relles of Relles Florist are the leaders of Sacramento's beloved flower shop, a family legacy that began in 1946. With over 50 years of hands-on floral expertise, his leadership helped earn the shop a place in the Sacramento Metro Chamber's Hall of Fame.

Jim Cornett, Owner and General Manager of Harlow's, has long been a champion of Sacramento's live music scene. Since acquiring the iconic Midtown venue, he weathered the pandemic and led advocacy efforts like co-directing the California Capitol Venue Coalition. His hands-on leadership has kept Harlow's thriving as a cornerstone of Sacramento's nightlife economy.

Jon Gunton, General Manager of Channel 24 at Another Planet Entertainment, spearheaded the launch of Midtown's newest live music venue, Channel 24. He is leading operations for the 2,150 capacity spaces bringing mid-sized acts back to Sacramento and strengthening our region's economic vitality.

Julie Murphy, President of the Marshall School-New Era Park Neighborhood Association, has been a vocal advocate for smart urban planning her community. She has led neighborhood initiatives to ensure traffic safety, transit access, and livability are prioritized. Her proactive leadership has helped preserve residents' quality of life.

Ken Turton, founder of Turton Commercial Real Estate, has played a vital role in shaping Midtown’s business ecosystem, with his recognizable Turton lease signs marking some of the district’s most dynamic retail and office spaces.

Kimberly Garza, founder of ATLAS Lab, brought new life to Midtown’s outdoor spaces through innovative design projects like the Truitt Bark Park, creating inclusive, engaging landscapes that connect people and place.

Lynne Freeman, President of Friends of Fremont Park, has championed the revitilization of Fremont Park in Midtown through popular events at the park like Chalk it Up! and the annual Bike Swap, fostering community engagement and supporting local artists. As a member of Sacramento's Capitol Area Committee, she also hellps guide thoughtful urban development in the city's core.

Michael Stevenson, Artistic Director of Capital Stage, has led Sacramento's theater scene since 2015, championing productions that are diverse, through-provoking, and inclusive. He guided the company through the pandemic with innovative virtual performances and launched a five-year plan to grow Capital Stage as a nationally recognized theater.

Mike Heller, founder of Heller Pacific, redefined Midtown’s urban experience with bold, adaptive reuse developments like the MARRS building and ICE Blocks, transforming once-underutilized spaces into vibrant community hubs.

Molly Hawks, chefs owner of the Michelin-recognized Hawks Provisions + Public House, is a visionary leader in Sacramento’s culinary scene, known for an innovative approach to seasonal, ingredient-driven American cuisine that elevates the city’s dining landscape.

Nikky Mohanna, partner at Mohanna Developments, has driven the evolution of Midtown living through projects like the 19J Apartments, blending contemporary design with affordability, walkability and local business access.

Old Soul Co. has helped shaped Sacramento's coffee scene since 2006 through community based cafes and award-winning, stustainably sourced coffee, earning over 30 national recognitions for sustainability and his work continues to elevate Sacramento as a leading coffee destination.

Patrick Mulvaney, proprietor and chef of the Michelin-recognized Mulvaney’s B&L, is a pioneering force in Sacramento’s farm-to-fork movement, combining his European training and New York experience with the region’s rich local bounty. He is also a committed public policy advocate and active contributor to several culinary and community advisory boards.

Reda Belarbi, Founder of Aioli Bodega Española, has helped shape Sacramento's dining scene since 1994, known for his authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality. During the pandemic, he swiftly pivoted the restaurant into a community bodega, providing essential groceries, free meals to furloughed staff, and house staples at a low cost.

Rev. Jerry Sloan, Co-Founder of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Sacramento. His bold leadership helped fund Sacramento's first physical LGBT center. His lasting impact continues to shape Sacramento as an inclusive and welcoming community.

Rick Mahan is the chef-owner of The Waterboy Restaurant in Sacramento, known for his passion for quality ingredients and creating memorable dining experiences. With decades of experience inspired by local, sustainable cooking, Rick has helped shape the region’s culinary scene through his celebrated restaurants and dedication to community.

Ron Vrilakas, architect and principal of Vrilakas Groen, helped shape Midtown’s architectural identity with thoughtful infill projects like the Fort Sutter Hotel, blending timeless design with neighborhood vitality.

Sarah Ellis, architect and design advocate, has contributed to Midtown’s evolving landscape through thoughtful infill projects like the 20th PQR Townhomes, which bring modern, sustainable housing to the core and Channel 24 entertainment venue.

Scott Rasmussen, co-founder of Ravel Rasmussen Properties, helped bring transformative projects like Legado de Ravel to life, expanding Midtown’s residential landscape while supporting independent retailers.

Sotiris Kolokotronis, founder of SKK Developments, has led catalytic growth through hundreds of housing units in developments like Mansion Apartments and Channel 24, adding density and vibrancy to the heart of Midtown.

Stacy and Randy Paragary were a powerhouse husband-and-wife team who transformed Sacramento’s dining and nightlife landscape for nearly three decades through the Paragary Restaurant Group, opening over 20 unique venues known for quality, atmosphere, and urban revitalization. Randy, a pioneering restaurateur and community leader, passed away in 2021, while Stacy continues to lead the group with a passion for design, business excellence, and maintaining their legacy of memorable dining experiences...

Sutter Health has served as a foundational force in Midtown’s economy and public wellness, anchored by its expansive Sutter Health campus, which supports jobs, healthcare, and surrounding parks and housing. As a true fixture of the community, Sutter Health is also the title sponsor of the Midtown Farmers Market and Midtown Second Saturday.

Terry Sidie is a longtime advocate and influential figure in the International LGBTQ+ community, best known for founding Faces Nightclub in 1985 and the Rainbow Festival, cornerstones of the city’s vibrant Lavender Heights district.

Wendy Lofings-Rossotti, Treasurer and Co-Owner of Lofings Lighting, continues the third-generation legacy of Midtown's premier lighting showroom. Under her leadership, the business secured major civic contracts, including an LED upgrade at the Sacramento Convention Center, highlighting a commitment to enhancing both commercial and public spaces across the region.

Wm. J. "Bill" Geery was an actor and singer who owned the historic Victorian building that houses the W. J. Geery Theater, a beloved Sacramento venue known for intimate plays, concerts, and original performances. The theater has a rich history and continues to host award-winning productions and diverse artistic events.