PRESS RELEASE November 13, 2007 Contact: Louisa R. Vessell 916-451-2113 home 916-799-9932 cell On Monday, November 26, 2007, Carlos Alcalá will speak before the West Sacramento Historical Society about his new book, Sacramento Street Whys (The Why Guy's Wise Guide to Sacramento Street Names). The book covers the origins of 400 street names including other communities in the Sacramento region. If you're interested in local history, trivia or humor, you'll want to hear his discussion. The book is published by Big Tomato Press which is a new independent publishing company in Sacramento. The meeting will take place at the Arthur F. Turner Library Meeting Room, 1212 Merkley Avenue and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The program is hosted by the West Sacramento Historical Society and the Arthur F. Turner Library. James, Henley, Retired Sacramento History and Science Division Manager of the City of Sacramento writes about the book, "A long overdue publication, I will use it often. The humor is refreshing-I appreciate the Whys guy." You'll find out if Dead Cat Alley in Woodland was named for a poisonous mistake or a local blue plate special. Why does the Sacramento grid have a street for every letter except Z? What Land Park street is named for a baseball player? It might not be the one that you think. Mr. Alcalá is a Sacramento Bee columnist who writes for the Placer and Sacramento county regional editions. His emphasis is on the historical background and the contemporary happenings - both quirky and everyday - which give these areas their unique characters. Mr. Alcalá was also a contestant on the television show "Jeopardy" and wrote a long story in the Sacramento Bee about his experience. He has worked at the Sacramento Bee since 1992. The meeting is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For further information contact Louisa R. Vessell at 916-451-2113 or visit the historical society's website: www.westachistoricalsociety.org.