It was a year that started with much promise for Sacramento State with a Top-10 preseason ranking, talk of a new stadium and the hope that Sacramento could use a new facility to position a move from the FCS’ Big Sky Conference to an upper division conference such as the Pac-12.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: When I heard the news about the Sacramento Republic FC ownership change — with Wilton Rancheria, a federally recognized Miwok tribe in Sacramento County, becoming majority owner (while Kevin Nagle maintains his managing partner role) — I joined the entire Capital Region in celebrating what this would mean for Major League Soccer, as well as for the continuing (and delightful) growth of professional sports here.

As the weather turns chilly and leaves go golden, it’s that time of year when we start to think about the spectral presences that may be in the room with us, unseen. Our area offers some visitable haunted spaces for those who like the idea of stopping by to possibly commune with ghosts — and then safely return home.

As the Sacramento Kings get ready to kick off the NBA season Thursday night, the chefs at Golden 1 Center have been busy creating new food treats for fans.

I recall that as a young man I desperately tried to find a television in India’s lower Himalayas to watch one of the many Wimbledon finals in which Pete Sampras appeared — and eventually had to settle for a hotel with a black and white TV and a dubious antenna that, despite the manager swearing up and down would show Wimbledon if I wanted it to, in fact aired nothing but crackle.

The Athletics’ final game at the Oakland Coliseum after a championship run of 57 years would be a significant event under any circumstance. But the bittersweet day on Sept. 26 took on an extra dimension for the Capital Region with the A’s scheduled move to West Sacramento.

Michael J. Facenda oversees 1,600 employees, 14 food outlets, 82 table games and 2,100 slot machines — and don’t forget the pastry shop.