Issue: March 20, 2014
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.
The feature story this week: The Yelp factor: After 10 years of one-star
takedowns, many Sacramento restaurant and shop owners hate Yelp. But is
the company actually good for business? Nick Miller investigates.
Elsewhere in the issue: Cody Drabble reports on California's backlog of
untested rape kits, Cosmo Garvin ponders the effects of self-driving
cars on our community, Rachel Leibrock delivers the latest on the
soon-to-open Witch Room entertainment venue, Jim Carnes raves about
Celebration Arts' /The Train Driver/, and more.
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The Yelp factor: Sacramento businesses hate Yelp even though it might actually be good for them
After 10 years of anything-goes crowdsourcing, eye-rolling one-star reviews and influential Elite members, many Sacramento shop and restaurant owners pretty much hate Yelp. But is the company actually good for business?
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Rape victims in waiting
A huge backlog of untested rape kits and low arrest rates may change California state law.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Death of fair housing
Lack of regional support in Sacramento starves 51-year-old commission.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Sunshine weak?
Looming arena deal informs doubt over Sacramento City Council's commitment to transparency.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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A little birdie told me
If bad Yelp reviews are killing your business, then your business was probably effed anyway.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Letters for March 20, 2014
Readers write in about hip-hop in Sacramento, sheltering the city's homeless, conflict in Ukraine, and a comic convention making bank downtown.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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More emotion, fewer emoji
Joey advises a reader to explore new methods of communication with her husband.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Wake-up call for California educators
The growing attendance at charter schools sends a message.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Mallet to the face
Christine Carrisosa of Capitol Bike Polo has fallen in love with the sport of hardcourt bicycle polo.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Chicano concept of crabs in a bucket
The Mexican sweets pan dulce have French origins and whether Mexicans regard Jaime Escalante (the teacher in Stand and Deliver) as a hero.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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The A.V. club
How the automobile will reshape our cities, again.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Homophobic hooey
Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla wants to halt the use of “gay panic” and “trans panic” defenses.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Armed forces
The California Armbenders throw down as competitive arm wrestling moves out of the backyard and onto the TV.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Quite a ride
SN&R reviews a production of The Train Driver by Celebration Arts.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Epic, edgy and sexy
SN&R previews Sacramento Ballet's production of Carmina Burana.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
SN&R reviews a production by B Street Theatre's Family Series.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Wrong for Each Other
SN&R reviews a production by B Street Theatre.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Print this
A new exhibit at the SMUD Art Gallery highlights local fine-art printmakers.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Shop your nightmares
Go online to browse and buy Skinner's dark, eye-catching art.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Fight the power
Use this handy app to weasel out of that parking ticket.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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The cruelest animal
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson's examination on the emotional lives on animals reveals disturbing truths about humans.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Double dipping
Kansai Ramen & Sushi House serves (surprise!) both ramen and sushi.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Ultimate food porn
This 10-day food film festival features documentaries, dramas and food pairings.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Natural butt flavoring
Castoreum, the anal-gland secretion of beavers, provides vanilla, strawberry and raspberry flavorings to processed foods and perfumes, but food manufacturers only list it as “natural flavor.”
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Listen up, this is a robbery
Our writer interviewed members of the Kin and lived to tell the tale.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Sound Advice: Not so complicated after all
Life in 24 Frames simplifies the record-release process; it's time to start planning for the Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival; and Witch Room opens its doors.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Guest relations
Wes Anderson's latest brims with clever storytelling, elegance and nostalgia.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Muppets Most Wanted
This puppet flick starring Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy is the franchise's best since its 1979 original.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Need for Speed
Aaron Paul already seems decades removed from his award-winning turn on Breaking Bad in this The Fast and the Furious retread.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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The Single Moms Club
Cocoa Brown, Nia Long, Amy Smart and others give weight to this Tyler Perry movie about moms on their own.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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300: Rise of an Empire
This sequel to the 2006 original offers a lot of unintentional hilarity.
This article was published on 03.20.14
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Reverse course
Ngaio on letting people out of prison who committed nonviolent marijuana offenses.
This article was published on 03.20.14