Issue: September 12, 2013
Thanks for reading this week's SN&R. Feel free to click the links
below, but don't forget to pick up a newsprint version of the
newspaper for exclusive event picks, columns and cartoons.
This week: SN&R's annual Best of Sacramento issue is here--our
biggest of the year! Our readers weigh in on over 100 categories that
cover the best restaurants, bars, bakeries, gyms, shops, local
figures and destinations. Plus, our writers pick out their favorite
people (and cats!), places and things that define the city.
Also in this issue: Raheem F. Hosseini on the upgrade situation at
the Sacramento Convention Center; Becky Grunewald on Chief Keef
burning bridges in Sacramento and elsewhere; Ngaio Bealum on the
possibility of medicinal marijuana in the NFL; Trina L. Drotar
interviews local novelist Michael Spurgeon; and more.
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New report says Sacramento Convention Center is a taxpayer money pit
Significantly more hotel-tax funds go to the Sacramento Convention Center than in most other California cities.
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Stop the teenage slut-shaming
Those in positions of authority must stop blaming teenage girls for the harmful actions of others.
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Letters for September 12, 2013
Readers call out AT&T and Walmart on professional practices and the Department of Justice on its classification of marijuana.
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The outsider’s story
Sacramento author Michael Spurgeon had a front-row seat to the Zapatista uprising. Now, he revisits those old battles in his debut novel.
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This land es Mexico
The Mexican advises on how to deal with upsetting Mexican co-workers, and how to woo a Spanish-speaking lady.
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Fifty years of racism
Capital Stage's production touches on racism, fear and how the middle class deals with these subjects.
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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
This play by Runaway Stage Productions takes a semisatirical look at the world of big business.
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Fun with food
SN&R previews a few fun food events happening this week.
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Coors Light Crawfish & Catfish Festival
The Coors Light Crawfish & Catfish Festival offers beer, Cajun food, and dance music.
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Friends of the Folsom Library Book Sale
Buy used books on the cheap at a book sale hosted by the Friends of the Folsom Library.
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Mansion Flats Home Tour
The Sacramento Old City Association hosts the Mansion Flats Home Tour this Sunday.
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Sacramento Comedy Festival
SN&R previews the Sacramento Comedy Festival at the Sacramento Comedy Spot.
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Untapped Sacramento History
SN&R previews a fundraiser for the Sacramento History Foundation.
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TV theme show
Blue Moon Gallery presents the artwork of Stuart Gold.
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Your grandma’s style
Gallery 21Ten presents a group show of reclaimed thrift-stop paintings.
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This man’s best friend
Adamson Gallery presents the artwork of Gary Dinnen.
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Father of invention
Renowned French experimental musician Richard Pinhas visits Sacramento, gets philosophical.
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Thurs., Sept. 12, the Slackers
This New York-based band weaves together reggae, soul and jazz.
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Fri., Sept. 13, the Other Brittany
This Sacramento alt-rock quartet blends folk and soul with deep grooves.
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Sat., Sept. 14, through Sun., Sept. 15; Aftershock 2013
Metal and rock bands head to Discovery Park for a two-day festival.
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Sat., Sept. 14, Classixx
Electronica deejays Classixx close out the This Midtown block-party series.
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Sat., Sept. 14, Musical Awakening of Indian Jazz
Indian sounds and American jazz combine in this special fusion concert.
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Sat., Sept. 14, the Scratch Outs
This group from Sacramento brings traditional reggae vibe to its shows.
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Sun., Sept. 15, A Moving Sound
This group from Taiwan blends pan-Asian sounds with Western instruments.
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Thurs., Sept. 19, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet
This jazz quartet pays tribute to legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck.
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Rapper spurns Sac show, bridges get burned
This is what happens when Chief Keef treats Sacramento to a last-minute cancellation.
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Poor sense, little sensibility
Keri Russell stars in this Jane Austen-themed rom-com.
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Laughing to the Bank
It almost seems unfair to assess Brian Hooks’ comedy atrocity on the same level as other theatrical releases, since it has the narcissism and production values of a home movie.
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In a World …
Lake Bell wrote, directed and stars in this charming flick about the world of Hollywood voice-over artists.
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The NFL should allow players to use marijuana
Ngaio on concussions and cannabis.
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SN&R’s Best of Sacramento 2013 winners
Congratulations to our writers’ and readers’ favorites.
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Best of Sacramento 2013: Food & Drink
Best hot, new (but not-so-new) chef: Brian Mizner of Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
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Best of Sacramento 2013: Food & Drink
Pie lovers are rejoicing the return of this pie-maker’s perfect sweet treats in Sacramento.
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Best art-house theater to rescue film geeks
Best of Sacramento 2013: Davis' Varsity Theatre is a refuge for viewing art-house films.
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Best pickle purveyors: Preservation and Co.
It won’t be long before the popularity of these pickled vegetables skyrocket.
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Best un-American doughnut: Malasadas at Savory Fried Chicken
Make the trek to Elk Grove for these glutton-inducing Portugese doughnut-type confections.
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Best new vegetarian dining: Bodhi Bowl
This vegetarian eatery is the kind of restaurant where first-time diners become regulars.
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Best sandwiches in bread pockets: Ike’s Deli & Bakery
Getting a sandwich here is a kitschy and delicious experience.
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Best under-the-radar Mexican brunch: Florez Bar and Grill
Florez Bar and Grill’s breakfast is not just good for the neighborhood: It is good, period.
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Best pizza crust: OneSpeed
The crust at this eatery out-crisps all the other pizza joints.
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Best place to be a gluten-free fatty: Pushkin’s Bakery
This bakery proves that anti-allergy goods can taste amazing.
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Best marshmallow like no other: The Rustic Puff
This Lodi company crafts salted-margarita, maple-bacon and pale-ale marshmallows from locally sourced ingredients.
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Best beer spot for the kids and dogs: Berryessa Brewing Co.
It turns out that a taproom out in the country is a great place to bring the whole family.
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Best place to drop cash on acid: Corti Brothers’ vinegar selection
The formidable selection of imported vinegars here includes a petite bottle for $500.
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Best Midtown spot to geek out on the suds: The #beernerd list at LowBrau
LowBrau offers the hard-to-find craft beers for brew enthusiasts.
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Best place to feel like a happy-hour princess: Blackbird Kitchen & Bar
With victuals this good, you can forget moderation.
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Best lack of raisin fear and extra walnuts: Carrot cake at Magpie Cafe and Selland’s Market
This is where to get a masterpiece of (carrot) cakey goodness.
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Best brewery for Land Park dads: New Helvetia Brewing Company
This taproom is a much-needed reprieve from the diapers and doldrums of young family life for Land Park’s domesticated residents.
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Best multilingual shopping experience: KP International Market
Once you shop here, it’s hard not to expect every other grocery store to step it up with a larger variety of grocery selections.
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Best beer-aisle surprise: Curtis Park Market
There’s an array of Belgian and American brews and a surprising selection of European candy bars at this corner store.
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Best excuse to take an early lunch: Brisket sandwich at Jamie’s Broadway Grille
Make sure to arrive before noon to ensure your brisket doesn’t go to someone else.
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Best of Sacramento 2013: Food & Drink Readers' Choice winners
Congrats!
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Best place for snail facials and blankets
You’ll get more adventure here for your dollar at Sacramento’s Koreatown and Smile Food Market.
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Best way to keep Tower Records’ spirit alive and kickin’
Zack Shaw’s River City Record Diggers Society’s monthly record-swap events are growing.
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Best place to leave your puppy in Carmichael: Best Friends Pet Care
When Fido can't come along, this pet-care spot in Carmichael is a win-win for both you and your furry friend.
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Best people to bring you a snickerdoodle at 2 a.m.: Cookies & Milk
Burn the midnight oil on weekends with freshly baked treats delivered to your door.
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Best blast to the 20th-century past: Thunderhorse Vintage
This shop is the pitch-perfect blast to your '90s-kid past.
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Most egalitarian comic-book store: Empire's Comics Vault
Comic-book store owner Ben Schwartz held the first Creative Women Mini-Con this year, featuring a dozen female Sacramento-area comic-book artists.
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Best place for bicycle toggery: Edible Pedal
This Midtown bike shop keeps respectable riding togs, such as plus fours, in stock, so nobody has to wear spandex.
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Best after-hours place to ease pet anxiety: Mueller Pet Medical Center
This veterinary facility helps to ease the fear and anxiety that accompanies that 2 a.m. emergency.
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Best shopping while your hair gets chemically altered: Cuffs Closet at Deeda Salon
The selection of blouses, skirts and dresses from Midtown boutique Cuffs' outpost inside of this East Sacramento salon gives the opportunity for a full makeover in one stop.
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Best stain detectors: Roseville CSI
The Roseville Police Department has one of the most advanced forensics labs in the region.
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Best lunchtime moment of Zen: Wisdom Kadampa Buddhist Center
For the price of a Frappuccino, meet Midtowners from all walks of life looking for bliss and inner calmness.
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Best old-school neighborhood pharmacy: Parkside Pharmacy
This drugstore makes for a quaint alternative in a world of Walgreens and Rite Aids.
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Best hide and seek out: Flywheel
Kari Shipman and Marty DeAnda curate this shop full of rare-fashion and vintage-vinyl gems.
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Best of Sacramento 2013 Shops & Services Reader’s Choice winners
Congratulations!
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Best reform-school castle
The ruins of this boys’ reformatory built in the 1890s in Ione is rumored to have ghosts and is only a 45-minute drive from Sacramento.
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Best Sacramento native to bend it like Beckham: Miguel Ángel Ponce
This Sacramento-born soccer player earned the gold-medal with the Mexican team in the 2012 Olympics.
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Best legislative branch: Capitol Park Mediterranean oak tree
It’s not the largest tree in the park, but it has some beautiful charm and great shade for a nap.
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Best pickup soccer game for the young 9-to-5er: William Curtis Park
These Thursday-evening and Sunday-afternoon games are easy to fit into one’s schedule.
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Best night spent with the dead: Sacramento Historic City Cemetery tours
Whether you believe in ghosts or are simply a history buff, the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery's guided tours are a must.
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Best dive to bring your billiards A-game to: Round Corner Tavern
This bar has established itself as one of Sacramento’s go-to spots for quality eight-ball competition.
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Best reason to kick it Oak Park style: The Broadway Triangle
A new mixed-use building located along several blocks along the north side of Broadway is a blessed infill project.
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Best puke-inducing workout: James Dorris at The Edge
Personal trainer and Folsom Police Department officer turns boot-camp clients into slabs of muscle.
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Best playground-themed war-veteran tribute: Grand Pup Tent of California Military Order of the Cootie
This charitable order was named for lice in the trenches of French battlefields during World War I.
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Best place for an awesome bike that actually fits: Ikon Cycles
Ikon is a tiny Midtown shop, but owner Adrian Moore’s one-on-one consultation is unequaled at any big ol’ bike shop.
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Best of Sacramento 2013 Travel & Sports Reader’s Choice winners
Congratulations!
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Best midnight cowboy
This 70-something man in black keeps the peace at this downtown bar, where he’s worked for half a decade.
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Best place to marvel at teenage fandom
Ace of Spades conquers teenage boredom with its wide mix of all-ages shows.
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Best place to get grimy: Grimey dance night at The Press Club
This dance night consistently features an impressive roster of guest deejays—some who are nationally or internationally touring artists.
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Best late-night eats with quadrilingual karaoke: Blue Moon Cafe and Karaoke
It's time for late-night eats with quadrilingual karaoke.
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Best late-night bite—with a show: Gogi's Korean BBQ
Getting tacos on the corner of L and 15 streets on Saturday nights exhibits all the drama and intrigues of a weekday telenovela.
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Best budget party bus to save you from that DUI: Sac Town Hopper
This bus allows Sacramento partygoers to go clubbing—or even club hopping—while providing a cheap and safe designated driver.
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Best place to find out where all the cowboys have gone: Stoney Inn
Every week, this joint offers nightly drink and food specials, live country music, karaoke, bull rides and country line dancing.
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Best place to take your grandmother dancing: Midtown Stomp
Each Friday night, this is the ideal place to fulfill all your jitterbugging and Lindy Hopping desires.
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Best pusher of all things eclectic: Art Luna
Luna's Café & Juice Bar has long been a Midtown fixture, loved not just for its healthy take on Mexican and South American food, but also for owner Art Luna's embrace of the local arts community.
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Best evening becomes eclectic: Le Twist Tuesdays
Le Twist Tuesdays dance nights have turned into one of the grid's more popular weeknight affairs.
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Best dance night for the kids: Midtown BarFly
This Midtown club has captured a cool mix of beats enthusiasts, dub and reggae, bass music, and even rock.
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Best place to forget about your night in jail: Chambers Room
Whatever the reason you're near the Sacramento County Main Jail, check out one of the deepest dives the central city has to offer.
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Best of Sacramento 2013 Nightlife & Entertainment Readers' Choice winners
Congrats!
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Best celebrity cat: Norm Lopez
Norm Lopez, the 12-year-old fat cat who has gained international notoriety for hanging out on a downtown Sacramento sidewalk, is handling his newfound fame well.
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Best no-nonsense bartender
Henry’s Lounge bartender Marta Gurr has been bartending for 56 years and will charm the pimento out of your martini’s olive.
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Best comedian who won’t make a dick joke
Sacramento-based stand-up comedian Ray Molina spins stories that will make you laugh and wince at the same time.
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Best home-brewer in the country, that's right!: Annie Johnson
This Sacramentan's beer won first place at the National Homebrewers Conference.
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Best Instagram eye on the city: @maynorchrome
Instagram user Mario Maynor takes photos of Sacramento that puts the city in a—dare we say it—world-class light.
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Best HIPsters: Hmong Innovating Politics
Hmong Innovating Politics have made a name for themselves by proving the establishment naysayers wrong.
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Best authority figures: California Highway Patrol Mounted Unit
What has more street cred in the Wild West: a police officer in a cruiser, on a bike or on a horse?
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Best Sacramento ambassador: Steve Vanoni
The man known by many simply as “Vanoni” has been living in Tallinn, Estonia, for years now.
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Best inker
This Reclamare Gallery & Custom Tattoo artist with the vivid color palette has cultivated a reputation for such delicate line work that the term “surgical precision” comes to mind.
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Best cutting remarks: Fly Cuts & Styles
This barber shop is the place to come for a tight fade and an ego check.
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Best of Sacramento 2013 People & Personalities Readers' Choice winners
Congratulations!
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Best artist to bring Sacramento comic relief
Eben E.B. Burgoon's B-Squad: Soldiers of Misfortune comic-book series will highlight Sacramento people and places.
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Best larger-than-life daydreamers
These Sacramento muralists approach each project with an eye for both the minute elements and the big-picture impact.
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Best reason to drive around in your car on a Saturday morning: KDVS' The Saturday Morning Folk Show
This weekly three-hour radio show may be billed under the “folk” umbrella, but its musical offerings run wide and deep.
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Best virtual nostalgia: Vintage Sacramento Facebook page
This feed relives the city's past with grainy, sepia-toned and Technicolor photos.
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Best assembler: Christopher Bales
This artist's sculptures often look like an altar constructed from the rubble of a pre-Victorian cathedral.
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Best place to keep Second Saturday wheel turning: Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen
This bike shop has consistently been the best place to drop in on a Second Saturday party and find a good time.
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Best jugs: Charles Trejo's giant sculptures
The jug in this man's driveway stands almost as tall as his one-story house in southeastern Sacramento.
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Best of Sacramento 2013 Arts & Smarts Readers' Choice winners
Congrats!
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Best place to get an artful return on that investment: Elliott Fouts Gallery
This gallery sells work by legendary Sacramento-area artists, sometimes for a reduced price.
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Best local music trend—playing pretend: Local tribute shows
Lately, it seems like there are more covers shows than ever.
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