Profiles
Best of the City 2024
Dumplings to die for, a mistress of disguise, toothsome tacos, culinary classes paired with cinematic classics, health-forward push-pops, dance-powered lemonade purveyors, and much more. Here's our annual list showcasing dozens of the local people, places and things that are just our type.
Spirit Chaser
In the history of the Olympic Games, only one U.S. athlete has ever won the 10,000-meter race. It was in Tokyo in 1964 when Native American Billy Mills—an orphan who had battled poverty, racism, illness and depression—shocked the world with one of the most unexpected, come-from-behind victories in all of sport.
Going Going Gonzo
He has directed over 400 music videos, is learning seven languages, and started performing stand-up comedy during the pandemic. Oh, and he just landed his first solo show at the Crocker Art Museum, featuring his wildly colorful, surrealistic photography. Meet retrofuturist Raúl Gonzo—the ultimate one-man band of creative expression.
The 2024 Sacramento Coffee Lover’s Guide
To say that Sacramento’s coffee scene is, well, hot right now is as understated as the subtle notes of dark honey in Temple’s new ode to the Sacramento Kings. So we sipped and savored our way through the highly quaffable offerings from dozens of regional roasters to bring you our ultimate guide to local coffee. But enough teasing. Light the beans!
UC Davis Turns to the (Deliciously) Dark Side
Something’s brewing at the University of California at Davis. Already a global leader in wine and beer studies, the school is setting out to conquer yet another of our collective liquid loves. In May, UCD launched America’s very first academic facility dedicated entirely to the research of coffee. And with a multibillion dollar industry awaiting, the sky’s the limit.
Where the Sidewalk Starts
Since 2005, Davis-based “urban sketcher” Pete Scully has been roaming city streets with a pen and notebook at the ready, capturing sidewalk scenes in painstakingly exquisite detail. We spotlight a selection of his singular depictions of our region that illustrate the art of the city.
24 Can’t-Miss Events to Check Out in 2024
Food Festivals. Art Exhibits. Comedy Shows. Musicals. Plays. Parades. Concerts. And More. All. Year. Long.
Sowing the Seeds of Change (One Theater Seat at a Time)
In 1986, a state worker named James Wheatley founded a Black theater company in Sacramento as a side gig. Nearly 40 years later, Celebration Arts has trained countless Black actors, dancers and singers, providing the education and experience that the mainstream theater community hadn’t afforded them. With new funding, a larger space, and a growing audience for diverse storytelling, the seeds that Wheatley has so carefully nurtured for generations are now coming into full bloom.
Low and Slow
Documentary photographer Andri Tambunan chronicled our city’s lowrider community. Take a ride through the stories of those behind the wheel.
Where the Chefs Eat
Who’s hungry? We are! Which got us thinking: “Who better to ask for great restaurant recommendations than a bunch of the region’s top chefs?” We’re talking Michelin-rated chefs, as well as chefs who have cooked for U.S. presidents, one who has won a James Beard Award, and more. In all, we asked 15 local culinary leaders where they like to go after they’ve hung up their aprons.
Our 100th Issue
When we launched Sactown 100 issues ago, it’s safe to say that we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. Join us on our trip down memory lane.
Photo Essay: The Nutcracker Auditions
In a rite of passage for throngs of aspiring young dancers, auditions are held each fall for the chance to appear in the Sacramento Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker, which has featured thousands of children on stage since debuting in 1968—including one Greta Gerwig—and will take place Dec. 9–23 this year. The latest tryouts for roles like Mice, Candy Canes and Baby Bunnies were held on Sept. 9 at the troupe’s midtown studios, and photojournalist Max Whittaker was there to capture the moments of anticipation, determination and pure joy throughout the day during this storied Sacramento tradition.
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