S 2014 07 03

happY fourth!

now, blow S#*% up! see Night&Day, page 26

uber VS. cabbieS see Editorial, page 15

Your Internet Is actuallY super slow see News, page 9

inStagram worthy charcuterie see Dish, page 27

16 Construction is imminent. Some say the Kings should pay for those forced to eat its dust.

Sacramento’S newS & entertainment weekly

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Volume 26, iSSue 11

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thurSday, July 3, 2014

Sexy feminiSt glitter see Arts&Culture, page 22

Enjoy Responsibly

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July 3, 2014 | vol. 26, issue 11

38

Breton!

Gotta love The Sacramento Bee’s lone city columnist, Marcos Breton. A guy who stands up for the rich and really sticks it to the poor. What a champ.

In his latest Sunday column, he trashed advocates for the working class. The backstory: A group of housing, living-wage, small-business and homelessness advocates called the Sacramento Coalition for Shared Prosperity has tried to sit down with the Kings since March to discuss a community-benefits agreement.

These CBAs exist because city leaders usually agree that major redevelopment projects should benefit everyone, not just basketball teams, developers and ambitious politicos.

The Kings, however, ignored the Coalition. In fact, they formed their own similar alliance as a smokescreen. So, last week, the Coalition sued. (More on this in Raheem F. Hosseini’s cover story on page 16.)

Enter Breton’s column, titled “Arena suit is simply extortion.” The self-described “defiant journalist” blasted these advocates as greedy shakedown artists. Ridiculous.

Then, Breton parlayed this hit piece into a surgical assault on affordable housing. His thesis? Sacramento needs more luxury lofts.

I called local attorney Bill Kennedy.

He explained our desperate need for affordable housing. And not just for the poor, but also for the bottom 80-percent of income earners. Kennedy called Breton’s vision of downtown “a playground for the privileged.”

“It’s not journalism,” he said. He’s right: Breton’s churning out talkingpoint riddled junk, seemingly at the behest of the Kings and the mayor. It’s embarrassing.

Most daily newspapers in major American cities have a few voices that weigh in on the good and bad of city life. It’s a great thing, this diversity of opinion. You might say that’s the mark of a “world class” metro.

We get Marcos Breton.

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Jeff Hudson, Jim Lane, Garrett McCord, Kel Munger, Kate Paloy, Jessica Rine, Patti Roberts, Ann Martin Rolke, Steph Rodriguez Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Art Director Hayley Doshay Junior Art Director Brian Breneman Designers Melissa Bernard, Brad Coates, Kyle Shine, Skyler Smith Design Intern Geraldine Centinaje Contributing Photographers Lisa Baetz, Steven Chea, Wes Davis, Ryan Donahue, Taras Garcia, Lovelle Harris, Shoka

Our Mission To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages employees to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live.

Co-editors Rachel Leibrock, Nick Miller Staff Writers Janelle Bitker, Raheem F. Hosseini Copy Editor Shoka Shafiee Entertainment Editor Jonathan Mendick Editorial Coordinator Becca Costello Contributing Editor Cosmo Garvin Editor-at-large Melinda Welsh Editorial Interns Tiffani Dangelico, Alex Hernandez, Rudy Raya Contributors Ngaio Bealum, Daniel Barnes, Rob Brezsny, Jim Carnes, Cody Drabble, Deena Drewis, Joey Garcia, Blake Gillespie, Becky Grunewald,

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“I need at least six drinks to do karaoke.”

Asked outside Faces and Badlands at 20th and K streets:

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Joey B

Dave “Taxi Dave” Rivera

Susan Baker

promotional director

security officer

My go-to song is “Let Me Ride” by Dr. Dre, because it’s guaranteed to blow the crowd away. You don’t hear him a lot lately.

I’m a karaoke deejay at Badlands. You can see this all on my Facebook [page]. This is one of my new songs. I started doing it like three weeks ago.

taxi driver

I like ’80s songs by Heart and Journey. Honestly, it’s all about variety, not just one song you go to. It’s what you feel in that moment. Right now, my song is “Everytime” by Britney Spears. It’s a nice slow song. It gets to you.

I’m not a good singer, but in the shower I’m awesome.

First is Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” I can’t hit those high notes by Journey, and, if I squeeze my balls real hard, I’m still flat by two notes. But I’m a good faker.

Part of my talent is doing voices. I can imitate rappers even though I can’t sing well. The new one––I love playing it, goofing off with my customers––is “Fancy”

by Iggy Azalea.

Andrew Sartorius

Chris Packey

actor

Jerry Monk

case manager

I love “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” That’s my signature song. It’s been my song for years, and I’ve played Dorothy in Wizard of Oz several times in school plays, local plays, family-friend plays.

I’ve practiced it since I was 4. My favorite part is the long note at the end.

I can go high, stretch it out as long as it can go.

I like “Wonderwall” by Oasis. I think my vocal range falls into Oasis more than other songs. I’ve loved it since the ’90s. I don’t remember the last time I sang it, but I need at least six drinks to do karaoke.

Three if I’m the only one in the bar and the doors are closed.

musician

Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” has been my song since Pantera started.

I love Phil Anselmo because he’s hot. Granted, he went downhill when he got hooked on heroin really bad. The crowd doesn’t respond because I don’t have a good voice, but I try to do it.

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Re “Broken TRUST� by Nick Miller (SN&R News, June 26): In reading this story, I felt sympathy Martin Del Agua. Clearly, his neighbor is an a-hole, and fairly clearly the Sacramento Police Department acted in their usual overaggresive, semifascistic way. I’m sure he letter of had a horrible weekend, which he didn’t deserve, and I the week empathize.

My problem is with the writer, Nick Miller. I would think a key point that should have been reported is: “Was Del Agua here illegally?� Miller mentions his wife’s legal status, and therefore presumably his children’s, but Del Agua himself? Conspicuously absent. Sure, there’s a mention of the law permitting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holds for those “who lack proper documentation.� But no reference as to whether that applied or if he’d just lost his wallet or didn’t have the right to be here legally. Regardless of how you feel about immigration, it seems to me that that was a key part of the story.

Daniel Westover

S a c ra m e nt o

Oil on a train Re “Danger on a train� (SN&R Editorial, June 26): I live in West Sac. I’m very concerned about this. How do we get more information? Can we stop this? What can we do? I bought a house here intending to stay here and raise a family, now I’m not so sure. This is the type of thing that will make me reconsider my decision to live in this area. Thank you.

Sara Garcia via email

Editor’s note: Let the California Public Utilities Commission’s Public Advisor’s Office (public.advisor@ cpuc.ca.gov) and the National Transportation Safety Board (www.ntsb.gov/about/contact.html) know how you feel about potentially dangerous crude oil being transported via rail through your community.

Sacramento Kings�? Wow, in the old days there was a revolving door between the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall...now it’s apparently between City Hall and the Kings organization.

What they’re Saying about Sn&r online:

I may get angry at it every week but I love reading @ SacNewsReview every Thursday morning.

William Burg

via Facebook

@artdeco82 Give it a rest? Why is it always a “WAR ON X?� Why can’t media just report? Whatever happened to investigative journalism instead of sensationalist bullshit?

Shouldnt you wait for construction to actually begin next month before you pass any thoughts on the matter? Give them a chance to deliver.

Email your letters to sactoletters@ newsreview.com.

Michael S. Flanagan II

Online Buzz contributions are not edited for grammar, spelling or clarity.

via Facebook

Wampus Chatter

on Sn&r’S hip-hop coverage:

v i a F aceb ook

I just read that “Battle rap was first popularized by Eminem in the 2002 film 8 Mile� in @ SacNewsReview #Columbusing

on potentially dangerouS, exploSive crude oil being tranSported via Sacramento trainS:

@ProfessorKMusic

Here’s what you can do: Don’t live near train tracks.

And Macklemore’s documentary on bringing rap to the West Coast LOL!

K.k. Hickey

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@SacNewsReview

“Kunal Merchant, vice president of strategic initiatives for the

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on Whether arena conStruction jobS Will happen:

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Vape debate See NEWS

See BITES

13

Uber vs. cabbies See EDITORIAL

15

Your Internet is actually really slow A simple explanation of the complicated battle to bring a faster fiber-optic connection to the Sacramento region Gina Lujan remembers a time when she racked up a cellphone bill of as much as $2,000 a by month. Now, with more competition, of Lien Hoang course, most people can pay around $60 for unlimited services.

Lujan, a co-founder of Hacker Lab, a tech co-working space in Midtown, thinks high-speed Internet will have the same fate.

“Before, the Internet was viewed as a luxury,” she said. “Now, it’s part of our infrastructure, it’s part of how we live.”

Currently, when you get online, you’re probably connecting to a DSL or other copper cable that was laid down years ago by telecommunications companies. But copper can only handle so much data.

“The longer a signal travels on copper, the more the bandwidth degrades and the less data that is available,” said a report by the city of Davis this past April. The city put out a call for partners to help revamp its Internet-service infrastructure.

Fiber-optic cables are the much faster alternative to copper. It’s a trend that is taking off across the country. Davis, which said in its report that roughly 100 communities already have hitched onto the fiber-optic bandwagon, wants to join. And so does Sacramento.

Mayor Kevin Johnson injected a major boost into local efforts to expand highspeed Internet when he announced talks with AT&T last week. The mayor said he convinced AT&T to add Sacramento to its GigaPower program, which will build fiberoptic networks in about 100 municipalities nationwide.

That would clear the biggest hurdle now standing between most consumers and superfast Internet: a wide-reaching system of optical fibers.

The vast majority of Sacramento-area residents opt for speeds of 10 megabits per second or slower, according to Consolidated Communications (formerly SureWest). “What we found is we have a customer who might be using copper and is perfectly happy,” Mark Siegling, business sales director at Consolidated Communications, told SN&R. Business customers are another story.

Siegling estimated that larger enterprises and data centers could use speeds of 100 Mbps and up.

As more of the economy moves online and companies place their data in “the cloud,” institutions including businesses, schools and hospitals will need ever greater BEFORE

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Internet speeds. The major Internet service providers, or ISPs, have talked of upgrading their current lines, but no upgrade will ever make copper as fast as optical fibers.

Broadband consultant Craig Settles said we’re moving into a digital age when copper just won’t cut it.

Technology that eats up a lot of data, such as video files, will get more sophisticated and require stronger connections.

Settles, who is based in Alameda, compared the transition between copper and fiber optics to the transition between railroads and airplanes.

“There was a point in time when the railroad was fastest,” he said. “Then the airplanes came along and basically changed the nature of transportation.”

Long before Johnson’s announcement, the city of Sacramento has been actively looking into a fiber-optic overhaul. “The city is interested in expanding access to Internet and the capacity—and at the same time lowering prices,” city spokeswoman Maria MacGunigal said. She added that it has been working to make itself “fiber ready” by following the official checklist for cities that want to join Google Fiber, which is similar to AT&T’s GigaPower.

Sacramento already owns some fiberoptic cables, in addition to those set up privately by ISPs. But the network is not extensive, so access and cost depends on your location.

Lujan said to get fiber-optic Internet at Hacker Lab it could run $1,500 a month, not to mention thousands of dollars to install the cables. That compares with traditional Internet packages, like one listed on Consolidated Communications’ website for $52.99 a month.

“Fiber optics can be had by anybody if you have the resources to pay for it,” MacGunigal said. But “it’s really expensive,” so “for really small startups and individual residents, you’re priced out of that.”

Why are fiber optics prohibitively expensive? In much of the United States, unlike Europe, a few big telecom companies dominate the Internet market. This means that in each city, consumers choose from only a handful of providers. These companies installed the copper lines that were once used for telephones and now also serve as conduits for Internet, and they don’t have to lease out those wires for smaller Internet providers who might compete with them.

The United States doesn’t even crack the STORY

illustration by Jesussanz/istock/thinkstock

10

More arena madness

Fiber-optic cables are a big investment. But tech-savvy Sacramentans say it’s also a fight to get faster Internet service.

top 10 countries ranked by Internet speeds, to install their own cables in different parts beaten by the likes of South Korea and of town and charge customers accordingly.

Romania, Bloomberg reported last year.

In a centralized system, however, the city “Many European countries consider would build and control just one fiber-optic inexpensive 100 Mbps networks as a human network itself and let ISPs use it. right,” said Jay Sales, a local innovation One proposed state law, Assembly strategist at VSP Global’s The Shop. “In the Bill 2292, would facilitate this by letting U.S., it’s a fight.” local governments issue bonds to construct Sacramento said it doesn’t have broadband infrastructure. so-called noncompete deals with ISPs, The face of ISPs are companies like which would prevent it from renting out Verizon and CenturyLink, so Internet cables. But entering the fiber-optic game is service is seen as a commercial product. But still a big investment. it differs from other commercial products “It really comes down to market condilike shoes and microwaves because there tions,” said Rob White, chief innovation is a very tight limit on the space (roads and officer at the city of Davis (yes, that’s a telephone poles) that makes it physically real title). “Putting fiber in the ground or in possible to offer Internet. That has sparked poles costs money. Most don’t want to do it a national debate on whether to treat the where there won’t be subscribers or users.”

Internet as a public utility.

White said that Davis is exploring a lot White likened Internet service to of options, one of which involves an interfirefighting, which used to be a private national fiber-optics company that offered enterprise. But that meant that a city could to install the cables so that it could charge have five different companies fighting fires, ISPs (the main ones in Davis are Comcast which made coordination difficult—until and AT&T) to use its network. fire districts were municipalized as a public Sacramento might be going the route of utility. Today, with different companies cities that have allowed Google or AT&T building disparate systems of copper (and to build broadband infrastructure for them. now fiber-optic) cables, Internet infrastrucOther options allow cities to choose ture lacks uniformity. from either central or decentralized systems.

As White put it, “I think we’re exhibitWhat we have now is more decentralized, ing a market failure in this world of in that various companies claim the right broadband.” Ω | A R T S & C U L T U R E | A F T E R | 07.03.14 | SN&R | 9

The vape divide More smokers gravitate toward vapor-powered e-cigs as debate over regulations heats up Dale Price had been an on-and-off smoker for 30 years when he discovered vaporizing. He’d tried to quit smoking before by Evan Tuchinsky and had been successful for long stretches, but the scene he inhabits as a musician and audio engineer would always lure him back.

But today Price, 48, hasn’t smoked a cigarette since he started vaping several months ago. His wife, Karen, a heavier smoker than he, also made the switch to vapor.

Price conducted research online and came away feeling assured that the liquid-nicotine compounds are safer than tobacco. “I’ve been doing my research [on e-cigarette use],” he said “I’ve been trying to find compelling arguments against it; I thought it was too good to be true.”

Not everyone agrees. There is a major split in the medical and scientific community over the safety of electronic cigarettes and vaping.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping research is scarce and results have been contradictory.

Just last month, 129 physicians wrote the World Health Organization to encourage a strict regulatory stance on e-cigs. That came in response to a letter from 53 scientists to the WHO saying the opposite: that e-cigs should not be regulated like tobacco cigarettes because they represent a safer alternative that is “part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Electronic cigarettes and vaping represent relatively new technologies, and research is scarce and results have been contradictory. University College London found that e-cig use reduces smoking, but two other studies (published in separate journals: JAMA Internal Medicine; and Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) determined there’s no such connection.

So, amid the haze of uncertainty, should smokers use electronic cigarettes to kick the habit? Experts in the field are wary.

“It’s very important that people understand that e-cigarettes are completely unregulated,” said Erika Sward, director of national advocacy for the American Lung Association.

“There is no oversight of what is in 10

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them—what people are inhaling when they are either using them or sitting next to someone who is using one— and they are a tobacco product. They contain nicotine and other chemicals, and the health impact is still to be determined.”

A key indicator that e-cigs are not official smoking-cessation devices is that they have not been designated as such by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sward said that to her knowledge, no e-cig manufacturer has submitted its products for the FDA evaluation that patches and gums have undergone.

Bruce Baldwin, a smokingcessation instructor with the Butte County Office of Education, also views vaping with a skeptical eye.

He’s concerned about smokers using e-cigs in conjunction with, not in lieu of, tobacco. Like Sward, he’s also worried about the unknown ingredients of the various vapors.

“Let’s not make the same mistake we made with cigarettes,” Baldwin said. “Let’s assume [e-cig use] is bad for you, regulate it as such, and if over time it turns out that it’s not as harmful as cigarettes, we can always ease the restrictions.

“But to allow electronic-cigarette companies to do all the same things we allowed tobacco companies to do 100 years ago seems foolish to me. We saw the result of that.”

Sward agreed. “We are seeing the whole tobacco-industry playbook being trotted out again. They’re glamorizing the product, they’re encouraging people to switch instead of quit, they’re using celebrity endorsers and candy flavors. We’re also seeing a lot of industry-funded research—that was a favorite tactic of the tobacco industry.”

Sward says the American Lung Association is pushing for federal oversight of e-cigs as soon as possible. “We’re very troubled by the doubling of usage in one year.

No e-cigarette is safe and effective in helping smokers quit.”

Price, who’s been vaping for less than two months, is unsure how long he will continue to use nicotine vapor in lieu of smoking, though he said it could be several years. He’s concerned about unknown ingredients, but he’s more concerned about the carcinogens and other hidden compounds in the cigarettes he’s so far been able to cast aside. Ω

Crack (law) is wack

BEATS

California lawmakers consider reforming discriminatory drug policy State legislators are finally getting around to one of the most racist drug laws on the books. by On Wednesday, the California Raheem F. Hosseini Fair Sentencing Act of 2014 was due for consideration before the r aheemh@ seven-member state Assembly newsreview.c om Appropriations Committee, where a bullish review by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office bolstered its odds of moving on to the full floor in August.

Bleeding the homeless

prisons for possessing crack for sale were people of color, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation figures analyzed by the Drug Policy Alliance. A whopping 77.4 percent were black.

Meanwhile, a national druguse survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2012 showed the use of crack was approximately equal among all races. photo by Koo_miKe/istocK/thinKstocK

The act, Senate Bill 1010, aims to reverse a drug policy that for years incarcerated people of color for exponentially longer prison terms than white individuals for violating essentially the same law: possession of cocaine for sale. “[It’s] one of the most egregious missteps of the drug war,” said Glenn Backes, a public-policy researcher at the Drug Policy Alliance, which endorses S.B. 1010.

The penal code in California currently treats crack cocaine—which comes from cutting the drug with an alkali, like baking soda—more seriously than it does the powder version.

Anyone convicted of possessing crack cocaine for sale faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three, four or five years—and double those terms with a prior strike conviction, like burglary or robbery.

A person who’s busted for possessing cocaine powder earns prison terms of two, three or four years. Probation or suspended sentences are also easier to come by for convicted possessors of powdered coke.

Here’s why that’s effed up: Between 2006 and 2010, 95.5 percent of those locked up in state

A California Senate bill aims to undo nearly two decades of racially biased sentencing laws when it comes to crack and powder cocaine.

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None of this data is new.

Mandatory-minimum sentencing guidelines were adopted at the federal level in 1986 and a year later in California. According to Backes, cocaine powder was still being medically prescribed in small doses post-surgery at the time, one of the reasons it was treated differently. But there was also a spurious assumption, fanned by the media, that crack was deadlier and more addictive than powder cocaine.

“It wasn’t long before the medical field said you’re mistaken,” Backes said. A major study in the American Medical Journal was one of several reports to debunk that claim.

There have been previous efforts to reform the law. Late Democratic Sen. Mervyn M. Dymally tried to address the disparities in 2005 and 2008, but both efforts died in committee.

Sen. Holly J. Mitchell believes the climate has changed enough to give her version of the bill a decent shot.

“From my perspective, it just seemed like the stars aligned,” she said.

A bipartisan majority of the U.S. Congress passed a federal version of this reform in 2010, and it was championed by such conservative luminaries as Sen. Lindsey Graham,

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Newt Gingrich and California’s last Republican attorney general, Dan Lungren. Meanwhile, five other conservative states have all beaten California to the punch in modifying their sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine, the Sentencing Project reports.

With such widespread support among red-state powers, you’d be forgiven for thinking S.B. 1010 was riding a bipartisan wave here in the Golden State. It’s not.

“Thus far, we haven’t gained one Republican vote for this law,” said John Skoglund, a legislative aide to Mitchell.

The California Peace Officers Association, one of only two organizations officially opposing S.B. 1010, believes the disparate penalties should be streamlined the other way, so that powder busts are more serious. But, added spokeswoman Sara Dwyer, the association wasn’t “actively engaged on this bill.” The California District Attorneys Association, which opposed earlier reform efforts, is remaining neutral.

Five other conservative states have all beaten California to the punch.

Four Bay Area and southern state DAs have authored strongly worded letters of support for the proposed law.

Outgoing Sacramento County DA Jan Scully hasn’t joined them.

Still, California may be finally catching up to the rest of the country when it comes to less severe sentencing policies. State voters overwhelmingly adopted threestrikes reform in 2012. And recently, an initiative to lower the severity of certain drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors qualified for the November ballot.

As for the lasting impact of mandatory minimum drug sentences, Backes described a grim one. “A number of black families [were] pulled apart,” he said. “The legacy is not just on those families, but on the communities that had every reason to believe the system was rigged against them.” Ω

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A bummer national survey released late last month cast an appalled eye on violence experienced by the homeless community.

Between 1999 and 2013, the National Coalition for the Homeless counted 1,437 violent attacks on homeless people “by housed perpetrators,” meaning they weren’t homeless-onhomeless attacks. The violence resulted in 375 deaths across 47 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. California accounted for the largest proportion of these attacks, with 291 of them—or 30 percent—over the 14-year period. The state was home to 33 attacks in 2013, including a disputed September incident in which three young men reportedly set fire to a sleeping homeless veteran in Los Angeles and reports in April of teenagers in Fresno targeting homeless people with paint guns.

In a news release decrying these figures, Bob Erlenbusch, executive director of the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, urged state lawmakers to pass a “homeless bill of rights” and include homelessness as a protected class in hate-crime legislation.

The National Coalition for the Homeless says it used first-person accounts, information from service providers and cross-checked media reports to compile its data.

(Raheem F. Hosseini)

Midtown tragedy Central-city residents were shocked by the death of Kelsey Kaiser, who was found murdered in her Midtown apartment on Saturday morning.

Née Kelsey Snyder, the 33-year-old was beloved in the Midtown community, especially among regulars in the restaurant and service industry.

According to law enforcement, the homicide likely occurred Friday evening or Saturday morning. A spokesperson with the Sacramento Police Department told SN&R that “the homicide does not appear to be a random act.”

Look for more about Kaiser in an upcoming SN&R. (Nick Miller)

Taco tax Food-truck customers no longer have to do math in their

heads while standing in line.

Thanks to the California Board of Equalization, starting on July 1, vendors across the state have to include any tax in the listed price. Meaning, a delicious shrimp taco isn’t $5 plus tax.

It’s a straight-up Abe Lincoln.

In a release, the board said, “this change will presume that sales tax is included on all taxable items, unless the retailer adds the tax separately.”

Pocket-change scavengers, rejoice. (RFH)

Jeep shot Never trust a Jeep full of bros.

According to the Sacramento Police Department, a silver Jeep Wrangler occupied by four white men in their 20s or 30s was the source of a smoke device that got chucked into a car at L and Sixth streets on Sunday night. Police logs say the device burned the car’s driver, who pursued the Jeep for a time before losing sight of the vehicle.

The pranklike attack was one of two reports that day regarding suspicious devices in the city. The police department’s explosive ordinance detail also retrieved what appeared to be a grenade from a Dumpster on the 1600 block of Meadowview Road, which was discovered that morning by someone going through the trash. Bomb-squad officers removed the device for destruction, logs state. (RFH)

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Fire officials visited Firestone Public House, Pour House and other area bars—they said based on complaints—and de Vere’s Irish Pub received a four-digit fine for violating capacity. Side note: While an officer was writing de Vere’s its citation, Mayor Kevin Johnson showed up. There was a long of fans waiting to enter, but fire officials watched K.J. waltz right in.

More than meets the eye? Nah. The fourth Transformers film is the most popular flick in the country.

Nay, the world. It earned more than $300 million on the entire planet Earth. It’s official: We’re screwed.

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Hungry for ribs?

Kings draft who?

Scorekeeper tuned in to a Fox40 evening newscast for a segment on food banks, and how some locations are struggling to get donations. It was a nice feature— which then segued into a Fox promotional special for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Just use the password “ribs” to get your eat on, the anchor announced. Nice transition, Fox.

Of course we’re not going to like the Sacramento Kings draft pick, Nik Stauskas from University of Michigan. We hear he can shoot— but why not take the big power forward Noah Vonleh from Indiana University. Six-feet, 10 inches, 240 pounds—Sacramento’s paint would be clogged for life with him and DeMarcus Cousins.

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Downtown in the balance Real talk about the latest Sacramento Kings-arena lawsuit Last week, housing advocates and environmental groups filed a new lawsuit over the Kings arena, alleging that the planning for the project doesn’t sufficiently address the arena’s many impacts on traffic, housing and the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods.

It’s the second lawsuit brought against the arena under the California Environmental Quality Act. The plaintiffs, the Sacramento arvin Coalition for Shared Prosperity, hope the

by CoSMo G lawsuit will help leverage some concescos mog@ n ewsrev iew.c om sions from the Kings—in the form of a community-benefits agreement that would help fund affordable housing in the central city, homeless services, transit passes for workers and a small-business loan fund for local businesses, among other requests.

Predictably, the suit was met with outrage from arena boosters. Sacramento Bee columnist/ Sacramento Basketball Holdings LLC stenographer Marcos Breton called the proposed CBA and lawsuit, “extortion” and “greed.”

Everybody got that? Going to court to try and win a few more public benefits in exchange for an enormous public subsidy is called extortion.

When the NBA threatens to move a team unless it gets $300 million-plus in taxpayer money to build a new arena, it’s called a “public-private partnership.”

Anyway, CBAs are actually pretty common in California cities with fewer self-esteem issues, communities like Los Angeles and San Diego that have secured CBAs in exchange for far less generous public subsidies.

And everything the Coalition is asking for is something that would support the city’s stated goals for downtown revitalization, help bring more residents to live downtown, support local businesses and promote economic development.

“I would like nothing more than to see the arena catalyze a renaissance downtown,” says Dr. Alex Kelter of the Environmental Council of Sacramento, one of the groups involved in the Coalition.

As an environmentalist and a public-health doctor, Kelter believes that the city needs to curb sprawl and add thousands of housing units downtown, at all income levels. “Housing is the To go deeper into the keystone for protecting open space and habitat, latest Sacramento promoting transit, and agriculture.”

Kings arena lawsuit The Kings project includes some housing, and the fight over a about 550 units that will rent for whatever the community-benefits agreement, read market will bear. But beyond that, there’s no Raheem F. Hosseini’s guarantee for housing and other ancillary develcover story, “Big opment around the arena. The Kings make a big arena shake-up,” deal about the $800,000 they have “pledged” on page 16. to the city’s affordable-housing trust fund. But, actually, they have to pay that by law. It’s literally the least they can do, and a drop in the bucket compared to the need.

All in all, the things the city says it really cares about—housing, transit-oriented development, local business—are secondary to the basketball arena. CEQA certainly doesn’t prevent the city from putting together a weak project that BEFORE

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fails to get much benefit for the buck. Downtown is proof of that.

But it does require the city to fully analyze the environmental impacts of the project, like traffic and air quality, impacts to neighborhoods, and displacement of poor people, and then to do something about it. The lawsuits, one by the Coalition and one by another group of Sacramento citizens represented by land-use attorney Kelly Smith, say the city has fallen short of its obligations under CEQA. The additional investment in housing and public transit and local business are what Kelter’s group proposes to offset some of the impacts of the project. “Maximizing transit, improving air quality—these are the goals of CEQA. And providing housing downtown meets those goals,” Kelter explains.

Going to court to try and win a few more public benefits is called extortion.

When the NBA threatens to move a team unless it gets $300 million-plus in taxpayer money, it’s called a “public-private partnership.”

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In the past, the possibility of delays and additional costs of a CEQA lawsuit might have been enough to get a developer to sit down and negotiate. But the arena is protected by Darrell Steinberg’s Senate Bill 743, which was specifically written to fasttrack the Kings arena and prohibits a judge from issuing any injunctions to stop the project while considering a CEQA challenge.

“It really takes away the court’s authority and raises a separation-of-powers issue,” says attorney Don Mooney, who is representing the Coalition.

Both lawsuits also challenge the constitutionality of S.B. 743. The Smith suit is due for a hearing on July 25, just as demolition of Downtown Plaza is set to begin.

The judge is Timothy Frawley, the same judge who threw out petition signatures from tens of thousands of Sacramento residents who wanted a vote on the arena plan. So arena boosters have got to like their chances there.

And even if the groups get a win in court, nothing will happen to magically make the project a good deal for the city. But it could be a slightly better deal. Sacramento needs to get at least a little bit greedy before it’s too late, and ask for some more reasonable benefits in return for all that money. That might bring a little balance to a project that has been much more about renewing the Kings’ bottom line than about renewing downtown. Ω

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New CEO for the Sacramento Metro Chamber should embrace inclusiveness, all political views Sacramento Metro Chamber CEO Roger Niello is stepping down.

Niello, a former county supervisor and moderate Republican assemblyman, announced that he will not seek the renewal of his contract, which expires at the end of this fiscal year. Niello led the Chamber for the last two-and-a-half years.

Now, the Chamber leadership needs to pick a new CEO. This is an important decision, because the CEO can dramatically influence the Chamber’s direction.

Should the business Chamber try to be a big tent, where Republicans and Democrats, environmentalists and global-warming deniers, business lobbyists, l

by JEff VONKaENE community activists and government officials are all welcome? Or should the Chamber be a political-action j e ffv @n e wsr e v ie w.c o m group for a small, well-funded group of business and corporate interests, like the Neanderthal United States Chamber of Commerce?

The U.S. Chamber is like a caricature from a Charles Dickens novel. It is the epitome of the heartless capitalist gone awry. The national chamber is opposed to any regulation that would clean the air, reduce climate change, increase worker The U.S. Chamber safety, prevent banks from of Commerce is the preying on their customers, close tax loopholes for businesses epitome of the heartless or provide a safety net for capitalist gone awry. employees. Coal companies and health-insurance organizations make political donations to the Chamber, which then runs ads promoting policies supporting their interests. This makes a mockery of political transparency.

The national chamber is an embarrassment.

But a business chamber need not be a regressive organization. Sacramento’s chamber has a long, proud history of being a “big tent.” Our chamber provides a variety of member services, such as training, mixers and reliable information. The Chamber has always been an organization where conservatives and liberals could come together to have a real dialogue about economic development.

Unfortunately, Niello and his former chief of staff at the supervisor’s office, Dennis Rogers, have tried to move the Chamber away from the big-tent model and toward the political-action model.

They carved out a pro-sprawl position supporting the controversial Cordova Hills project and invited sprawl supporter Joel Kotkin to speak at a Chamber meeting. At the Chamber’s Sacramento Economic Forecast luncheon, keynote Jeff vonKaenel speaker Neel Kashkari used the opportunity to announce he is the president, was entering the Republican primary for governor. And Niello CEO and and Rogers have not been supportive of increasing federal aid majority owner of the News & Review to our region’s poor, even though a good case can be made that newspapers in additional federal dollars for low-income housing and increasSacramento, ing local participation in federal programs such as Medi-Cal Chico and Reno. and CalFresh (food stamps), and veterans benefits would be good for the business community. These federal dollars going to poor people would flow into the local economy, which would in turn benefit local businesses.

But Niello’s short tenure was not able to destroy the Chamber’s big tent. Openness and diversity are huge strengths of Sacramento’s chamber. We need a CEO that supports and even celebrates this. Ω

This Modern World

by tom tomorrow

Give Uber a Lyft There’s more than one way to get from here to there, at least if you’ve got a smartphone. But the rise of “sharing economy” car services like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are ruffling the feathers of traditional providers such as taxicabs.

Ridesharing isn’t much of a threat to public transportation or private-car ownership. But taxi services, already under fire as expensive and unreliable—and, at least over at Sacramento City Hall, on the receiving end of contentious new regulations—absolutely hate them.

In other cities such as Los Angeles, cab drivers have gone out of their way to harass, and even assault, Uber drivers. It’s a problem. This past week in Sacramento, cabbies converged at the state Capitol to support tougher regulations on ridesharing companies.

For us, the foremost issue is safety. Drivers for Uber and Lyft, the two main ridesharing agencies in Sacramento, are required to be licensed, insured and pass background checks. What’s more, they’re rated by their passengers after every ride—something that taxi companies ought to consider as a way to weed out bad actors. And, since it’s a cooperative endeavor, the drivers also rate their passengers, something we’re sure that cab drivers would love to be able to do.

The problem comes down to how well the insurance works.

That’s the big issue and a major cost of doing business for cab companies. The $1 million per incident liability insurance that the California Public Utilities Commission requires ridesharing companies to provide sounds good, but in the event of a major accident, it’s not a whole lot of protection. Ridesharing companies should be required to provide sufficient protections.

However, we’re extremely wary of regulating away a new model of business, especially one that consumers have embraced en masse and in a short amount of time.

Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are great. They promise to do two Taxi companies very important things: One, fill a needed gap in transportation need to up their services, at least until we can fully fund a truly convenient game and compete. public transportation system; and two, build community.

The personal relationship between the driver and the rider is one of the big differences between the ridesharing community and the taxi-cab industry. Yes, the rider is paying the driver, but no money changes hands; it’s all done electronically by an app. We’ve heard all sorts of stories about friendships springing up, and far fewer tales of weirdness than the sort of “taxicab confessions” that everyone’s heard.

Taxi companies need to up their game and compete.

They need to understand that consumers have choices.

If taxis were as reasonably priced and convenient—and if they showed up as promptly as a rideshare—companies like Uber and Lyft might never have gotten off the ground.

Yes, we sympathize with taxicabs. The city’s new regulations—English tests for drivers, wardrobe requirements—are excessive. And myopic: How can they hold cab companies to one standard but not the up-and-coming rideshare outfits?

Government should step back. Its goal should be to ensure public safety, that’s it. Don’t squash innovation.

Let the business of moving people from point A to B work itself out with as little regulatory interference as possible. Ω

A suburbanite on Sproul As a left-leaning teenager, I fantasized about moving Naturally, I expected a bit of a culture far away from Granite Bay—that bourgeoisie shock. But on day one, I strutted into my new by zit of a town on the nose of suburban dorm room, confident of my liberal street Haley “Graph” Roseville. And, like a zit, Granite Bay was cred. I’d been to a couple feminist rallies and Massara red. Democrats like my parents were a rare voted for Barack Obama, after all. Surely, species. these were my people.

My dream school was UC Berkeley, In the weeks that followed, I discovered famously one of the most liberal in the that a surprising majority of the students on country. I had it all planned out: I’d spend my floor hailed from metropolitan areas. They had never lived among the conservatives haley “Graph” Massara my days staring poetically out of my window is a sophomore at and sipping trendy tea they so deeply resented. They UC Berkeley. she drinks. hadn’t learned to casually currently lives in an The kinds of Only in my nighttolerate hostility. The kinds apartment with two of of things my peers perceived her former dormmates. mares would I see things my peers read her fiction at pickup trucks plastered as grave injustices were, for http://graph with yellow “Yes on 8” perceived as me, daily irritations that barely words.tumblr.com. bumper stickers. Only raised an eyebrow. grave injustices on reruns of The Daily Clearly, either these Show With John Stewart outspoken social-justice were, for me, would I hear the angrily warriors or I, an admittedly simmering voices of Fox daily irritations. apathetic Democrat, was News pundits. Finally, miscalibrated.

I could live somewhere But was I right to be cyniwhere my demographics and opinions cal of—or even annoyed by—the very people wouldn’t be liabilities. whose basic beliefs I support, on the grounds An online version of this When I was accepted to UC Berkeley, I that what they see as oppression barely essay can be found at decided to live in the LGBTQIA dorms for scratches the surface of human dickishness for www.newsreview.com/ the full liberal experience.

For the record, I do me? Or have years of rolling my eyes when I sacramento/ hear that someone painted a backward swaspageburner/blogs. identify somewhere in that long abbreviation, but really, I just ached for something new. tika on the local Jewish temple—again—made And boy, did I get what I wanted. me unfit for life in a more tolerant society?

I have three more years to find out. Ω BEFORE

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photos by liSA BAetz

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Arena construction is imminent. Activists fear downtown’s NBA-powered makeover will price out old-school locals. Should the Sacramento Kings pay so that the new ‘entertainment and sports complex’ benefits everyone?

O

utfitted in faded jean shorts and a Kansas ball cap, Oscar Johnson hardly looks like a canary in a coal mine.

Sidled up against a blue road bike beneath the ecru awning of the Marshall Hotel, the 63-year-old retiree chats with a former neighbor. Six weeks ago, this aging tenement for the destitute and disabled—Sacramento’s hardest to house—was Johnson’s home.

Earlier this year, in late February, Johnson and his five-dozen neighbors, most of whom are on Social Security, received eviction notices. With construction of the long-deferred arena suddenly inevitable, the Marshall’s owner wasted no time ditching the residential-hotel business and courting an altogether richer crowd.

Plans are to gut the five-story brick edifice on Seventh and L streets and transform it into “a 150-room boutique hotel for business and corporate travelers,” with added floors, a restaurant and a rooftop bar, says the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. Multiple highrise plans are also being dusted off as developers look to surround the arena with the best that millions can buy.

But where will this leave the people who live and work in the city today?

Local community activists and a growing chorus of economists say

everyday folks could be fated for the same priced-out exodus as Johnson.

Development of the Sacramento Kings’ $477 million new home “will gentrify the area around the arena, running up land prices and forcing out current residents,” predicts Bill Kennedy, a managing attorney at Legal Services of Northern California. “I am not just talking about low-income Sacramentans, but the ‘hipsters’ that currently give the downtown-Midtown area its character.

“The arena will be the end of the hipster movement.”

That is, unless Kings owners, who are accepting $255 million (and counting) of the public’s cash to build their shiny citadel, agree to spread the wealth in the form of housing, small-business and transit commitments to benefit existing downtown residents, similar to what developers of large-scale projects in San Francisco and Los Angeles agreed to in recent years.

“This is something that Sacramento deserves as much as Los Angeles, as much as any other city,” says California Reinvestment Coalition executive director Paulina Gonzalez, who worked on securing a benefits agreement with the University of Southern California and has consulted on Sacramento’s flailing campaign. “That opportunity is quickly fading.”

These community benefits agreements—or CBAs, as they’re known— are designed to help workers, small businesses and other average wage earners survive the shock waves of huge developments. Poor folks like Johnson are just the first ones to feel the tremors.

One of 57 Marshall residents deemed eligible to receive alternative housing or $2,400 in relocation aid, Johnson took the check and shuffled a few blocks to the Congress Hotel. It’s one of the last places

someone like him, subsisting on partial retirement benefits, can make the rent.

The relocation money is already gone.

“I can’t afford much,” he says.

Gripping his bike’s handlebars, Johnson saunters to locations unknown. His neighbors had until June 30 to join him.

More canaries. And one looming coal mine.

Will the rents spike?

Seated at a park bench with his back to a black-clad busker strumming “It’s a Small World” to transfixed children, Matt Jojola looks like one of Kennedy’s endangered hipsters. A sleek bicycle perched nearby, he’s dressed in a fitted plaid shirt and smart eyeglasses, and has his ears plugged with white earbuds.

While no fan of public subsidies, Jojola views the arena as a “last-ditch effort” to reinvigorate janky K Street. “It’s such a dive,” he says of the troubled block.

The 29-year-old pharmaceuticalcompany tech lives about nine blocks away, on 24th and P streets, but will soon move into his first home in Curtis Park.

He initially searched for downtown rental opportunities, including one of the two-toned units behind him on 15th and Q streets, but said he saw asking prices of $1,600-$1,800 for one measly bedroom. A mortgage outside of downtown ended up being cheaper. “Rent’s been going up for a bit,” he observes.

An employee with Sacramento Self-Help Housing tells SN&R the same thing. The referral program has tracked an increase in rents over the past three months, she says.

“There’s a pressure to raise rents just to cover costs,” adds Jim Lofgren, executive director of the Rental Housing Association of Sacramento Valley, which

represents rental owners and property managers.

Lofgren agrees there’s already a need for more mid- to low-income housing in the city, but doesn’t believe rent control or developer mandates are the way to make that happen.

The Sacramento Coalition for Shared Prosperity, which has lobbied for a CBA for more than a year, wants the Kings to contribute $40 million to the city’s affordable-housing trust fund, so that arena workers and those displaced by its ancillary amenities (hotels, high-rises, luxury apartments and the like) have somewhere in the city to live.

“The cost of a Kings ticket is equivalent to one week’s groceries for most residents of downtown,” Kennedy says by email. “The movement to have a [CBA] is just a recognition that the arena as currently envisioned creates a financial benefit for precious few people.”

In the new downtown, there should be no shortage of pricey rentals. The special planning zone around the arena site has penciled in 550 new market-rate units, while developers recently revived plans of building a 1,500-unit high-rise called Sacramento Commons where about 400 older, cheaper, garden apartments currently exist. “That’s a lot of marketrate apartments,” deadpans coalition member Tamie Dramer.

With the potential for more.

Downtown Realtor Josh Amolsch anticipates the arena will spur investors to buy up whole blocks of homes that they can turn into high-priced condominiums and hotels, a push that will ripple through West Sacramento and Natomas, he

“ArenA shAke-up” continued on page 19

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The Sacramento Coalition for Shared Prosperity’s Tamie Dramer believes the Sacramento Kings should contribute money to affordable-housing and public-transit programs in return for the millions in public money the team is accepting to build a new downtown arena.

continued from page 17

“The arena as currently envisioned creates a financial benefit for precious few people.”

predicts. There are some indicators that’s already starting to happen.

The month of May was bullish for sellers in the downtown area, according to internal figures from Lyon Real Estate’s downtown office, where Amolsch works. Between April and May, there was a 39 percent increase in pending home sales for downtownarea homes and a nearly 16 percent hike in actual sales. The price-persquare-foot also shot up $7.

“It’s just a money train that everybody’s jumping on, and for good reason,” Amolsch says. “It’s almost A Tale of Two Cities.”

This take on the classic, he adds, will feature “skyscrapers with 20 miles in between them.”

Kennedy is less excited about that prospect, anticipating “a playground for privileged people who won’t like the current residents of downtown.”

As with anything, the arena project and its related development isn’t happening in a vacuum, and the uptick of rent is part of a longer trend that’s rooted in a clumsy economic recovery and political impasses over affordablehousing requirements.

“People want to pin make-orbreak [status] on the arena,” Lofgren says. “The arena is going to have an impact, but it is not the panacea to all economic concerns, nor is it the grave threat to others.”

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Bill Kennedy managing attorney, Legal Services of Northern California housing for all the new workers they attract.

Not so, says Azizza Davis Goines, president of the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce and a member of a Kings advisory group. “I don’t think that this project is going to run anyone out of the city,” she says.

Even without the arena, though, some folks are barely holding on.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data crunched by the Sacramento Housing Alliance, when factoring in for inflation, median household income dropped 13 percent in Sacramento County between 2000 and 2012, settling at $52,667 annually. Over that same time period, inflation-adjusted rents notched 12 percent higher.

In the city proper, the average apartment rent dipped from just less than $925 a month in 2008 to about $875 a month in 2012, when occupancy rates hovered at 94 percent.

Vanessa White would love to pay that. On a shady street one block from Fremont Park, she sweeps the stoop

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to her humble abode, a two-bedroom unit that costs $1,100 a month. The mottled gray building is nothing special. The 28-year-old gestures a rubber glove at the apartments across the street, looking like something out of a Pottery Barn catalog. “I’d rather be paying 1,100 to live there,” she smiles.

White’s biggest concern about the arena is parking, already a headache, even with a permit. But she’s more excited than she is worried. “I want to see more happen,” she says, mentioning the live-entertainment opportunities the arena will likely bring.

The question is whether she and other locals can afford to stick around.

Goodbye small business, hello big business A woman in a yellow bandana unseals a garbage canister and wades in shoulder deep. Finding nothing for her backpack, she resettles the lid and strolls past the dead escalators leading to the entrance of what used to be zone 11A of the Downtown Plaza.

It’s a blustery Wednesday in midJune, and the city’s signature open-air mall is a half-shuttered ghost town.

Demolition on the eastern portion remains weeks away—a fallowing of the land so that JMA Ventures can erect 1.5 million square feet of retail and office development, as well as a | A R T S & C U L T U R E

250-room hotel and 550 market-rate apartments.

Not far away, in a little alley known as Merchant Street, a handful of longtime shop owners hunker down for the boom.

Hair to Dye For stylist Toni Fletcher has worked this corridor since 1979. She remembers when there was a park across the way, instead of a barren slab of concrete.

There used to be a farmers market that stretched down to 12th Street. Back then, there were more shops, and every one of them was busy, she says.

Then, the city tried to “revitalize” the district.

“I’m afraid this will have a domino effect,” she says of the arena. She doesn’t mean that in a good way.

Salon owner Elizabeth Butler learned today that the already-delayed demolition will erase what’s left of the parking for her and her customers.

She’s not sure what else this process has in store for her. That’s because the level of outreach from the team and city has been close to nil. “It’s been a big fiasco,” she says. “We hope that they keep Seventh Street open.”

Butler and her employees wanted to attend—and perhaps offer input— at the May 21 city council meeting where the arena project won approval, but City Hall was too packed with white-shirted Kings fans to make room for the shop owners affected by construction. “We don’t count,” she shrugs. |

AFTER

To be fair, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership did give local merchants an opportunity to hear from the arena construction team at an “exclusive” meeting scheduled for the morning of June 13, a Friday. But, to be even fairer, the partnership notified merchants one day before.

Butler and G. Rossi & Co. florist co-owner Michele Porter were among those who didn’t go. (The partnership’s Lisa T. Martinez says 30 people did make it to that “initial outreach effort.”)

Porter also remembers a more bustling district when she opened the fragrant flower shop 14 years ago inside a historic building at 1011 Seventh Street. She now talks of moving as an inevitability. Once the arena goes in, Porter’s reasonably sure the property’s board of directors will want to increase the rent and perhaps replace her with an upscale bar. Part of her understands.

She can’t really see a place for flowers in the new downtown, either.

“I don’t see the arena is going to bring business to myself,” she says.

“The future is very uncertain.”

Kings vice president of strategic initiatives, Kunal Merchant, believes the arena will prove an “essential part of the revitalization of downtown.” He knows the “revitalization” term has been bandied about before, saying he’s heard that $400 million has been dumped into the grid over the past 30 years with mixed results. “We’re making progress, but nowhere near” where the area should be, says Merchant, former chief of staff to Mayor Kevin Johnson.

He adds that a “major attractor” like the arena will spur all kinds of ancillary development, but that hasn’t been the case with other publicly financed arenas elsewhere. As The Nation reported in 2011, both the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and New York’s Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn fell way short of economic revitalization promises, as have many other pricey sports complexes.

In 2012, the Journal of Urban Affairs published a study by George Washington University’s Geoffrey Propheter that bolstered those arguments. His lengthy report focused solely on basketball arenas and whether they’re actually engines of economic development. Long story short: They’re not.

Though he noted some positive impacts between 1995 and 2009 in “basketball-only cities” like Sacramento, Propheter wrote that he found “little evidence that basketball arenas are primary catalysts of development.”

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Citing such research, the Sacramento Coalition for Shared Prosperity has asked the Kings to compensate nearby merchants for any necessary relocation or revenue losses sustained during the two-year construction process, as well as fund a revolving small-business loan of $1 million.

“These are not people getting rich doing what they do. They stand on their feet all day,” Dramer says.

“They just came through this economic recession and are now going to go through two years of construction.

Are they going to close down all of Seventh Street?

They’re dead if they close Seventh Street.”

The Kings’ counterpromise is to let local small businesses in on 15 percent of arena work.

Battle for arena bucks

Over the next two decades, Realtor Josh Amolsch, who staffs Lyon Real Estate’s downtown office, believes the arena project will spur development not only in the central city, but in Natomas and West Sacramento as well.

Elizabeth Butler, owner of the Hair to Dye For salon on Merchant Street, within blocks of the arena construction site, worries what will happen to her business during the two-year building process.

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In the ivy-walled courtyard of an Old Sacramento restaurant, the city’s staunchest social-justice warriors turn their backs to a setting sun. It’s an unintentionally apt metaphor. Elegantly draped in their cocktail-party finest, the region’s loudest voices for the poor, as well as a coterie of (mostly) sympathetic politicians, clink wine glasses to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a local housing organization that’s lost several recent battles.

They’re drinking their own troubles away, too.

Affordable-housing cutbacks, development sprawl, school closures, bigbox bans—the attendees here tonight fell short in stopping each one.

Now they’re mired in a pitched battle to eke concessions from Kings billionaires who have little reason to deal with them.

Azizza Davis Goines The effort could be going president, Sacramento Black better.

Chamber of Commerce and a Since forming in March member of the Sacramento First 2013, the Sacramento Community Advisory Council Coalition for Shared Prosperity has scored a total of three meetings with city and team officials, none of them fruitful.

“I want to say it’s a roller coaster,” says Dramer, organizing director for Sacramento Housing Alliance, one of the coalition’s leading partners. “It’s not. It’s a train down the cliff.”

Some of that is the coalition’s own fault, says a City Hall official. The official, who spoke on background, criticized the group for being unable to prioritize an expanding list of demands or brokering deals among its own members.

The Kings’ Merchant agrees. “It’s never quite been clear who [the coalition] is, what its tasks are and what [it wants],” he says. “Just from a work-flow point of view, I’ve had a lot of challenges with those guys.”

He says he’s still happy to partner with its members, however.

Dramer would like that, too. The coalition has asked Kings owners, who are set to spend $254 million of their own money on building the arena, to chip in an extra $49 million or so for local housing, employment, transportation and cultural-arts programs. She says that’s an opening offer, one she expected both sides to hammer away at until they reached a compromise.

But those talks never happened. Instead, in May, city and team officials unveiled the Sacramento First Community Advisory Council, a countercoalition made up mostly of city and business interests.

For Dramer and her partners, the message was clear: The other side only wants to negotiate with itself.

“This whole process was a farce,” she says.

“I don’t think that this project is going to run anyone out of the city.”

In rebuffing such calls for a legally binding benefits agreement, Kings and city officials say they’re already committed to “robust community benefits” like thousands of green construction jobs and $5.5 million in public-arts money. “A lot of items on their list have now been provided for in some shape or form,” Merchant contends.

Sacramento Basketball Holdings LLC, the name for the Kings ownership and development group, has promised to build an environmentally green amphitheater, let small businesses participate in a share of biddable work and stock its construction ranks with mostly locals. It’s also offering to donate unused concession food to local homeless organizations and pledging $864,000 to affordable housing.

The coalition counters that that’s hardly a gesture, as the Kings are required to contribute that amount by law, and argues the money will only produce eight housing units.

The California Reinvestment Coalition’s Gonzalez can relate. She most recently worked on securing a CBA with USC during its planned development of its University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles.

The 2012 agreement is worth more than $20 million, providing much of the same housing, transit and smallbusiness assistance the Sacramento group is calling for.

Before that agreement was locked in, Gonzalez says development at USC went unchecked for more than a decade, shunting families, black people and Latinos to neglected ZIP codes where transit lines had been cut, and local hiring zones didn’t reach, making it even more difficult to find work.

Gonzalez calls it an example of “displacing poverty rather than addressing it.”

The USC agreement was inked two years ago and is in the process of being implemented, so Gonzalez can’t say whether it’s paid off. But, she says, “We know what it was like leading up to that.”

Sacramento City Councilman Steve Hansen, who represents the downtown district, says many of the goals of a CBA—like retaining Sleep Train Arena union workers, carving out construction apprenticeships for low-income and disadvantaged residents, and integrating the development so that it’s transitoriented—have indeed been met. “This is a place that people can take mass transit to. You couldn’t say that about [Sleep Train Arena],” he says. “I truly believe this is a project that people want to get right.”

As for advocacy groups’ unaddressed desires, he says, many of those can be addressed through other avenues. “The arena is not the only road to get there.”

Kevin Brown is also considering alternate routes.

A reverend at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the Kings’ advisory council, Brown says the team is giving the community “an optimal opportunity,” one the city—not the Kings—needs to make good on. “It’s not their responsibility,” he adds.

“All they can do is set the table.”

The odds of the two sides sitting together at that table to hash out their differences appear more remote than ever. On June 26, the coalition filed a petition challenging the adequacy of the project’s environmental-impact report. It joins another citizen lawsuit against the arena, which charges city officials with greasing their offer to the Kings with secret subsidies the public didn’t know about.

As the debate over what the Kings owe Sacramento for its millions shifts to the courtroom, speculation about the project’s butterfly effects will continue, with merchants and residents along K Street’s bridesmaid business corridor and beyond pondering the same questions: Will they stay or will they go? Will they even have a choice?

This page has been removed from the flipbook version of the publication

Lucinda Buttons shows off some elaborate gold pasties while Salacious Kay breaks it down in the back. Both dancers are part of the longest-running burlesque troupe in Sacramento, the Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience.

S a cr am e n t o ’S bur leSq u e S cene thriveS wi th Several troupeS and a healthy take o n f e a t h e rS, f e mi n i Sm a n d c o n t ro ve rS y

a Giant, felt penis walks onstaGe. two women join—they’re sportinG blue wiGs and bouncinG around on blue balls. then they ejaculate Glitter.

There’s a gorilla, too. The gorilla grabs a guy in the audience, who gets spanked by a woman onstage with a wooden paddle. Don’t feel too bad—the gorilla gives him a lap dance.

Panties are thrown onto the stage. A banana is sucked, whipped cream is added, and it’s sucked again. A woman strips and sprawls out on a couch, stuffing her face with chips and beer.

This is burlesque—and it’s very much alive in Sacramento.

The Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience troupe recently celebrated its six-year anniversary—with the giant penis, gorilla, banana and so forth—and its brand of outrageous, cheeky burlesque has been packing downtown’s Assembly Music Hall for the past year.

Until less than two years ago, the Sirens show was the only burlesque act in town.

Then a new group surfaced: The Darling Clementines, which recently snagged a monthly slot at Marilyn’s on K. A few months later, the Bodacious Bombshells Burlesque Revue started up and now performs regularly at The Colonial Theatre.

22 | SN&R | 07.03.14

And then last week, yet another debuted: Jezebelle’s Army, a troupe that merges burlesque and pole dancing and will perform with the Bombshells this month. Meanwhile, a producer is filming a burlesque-themed reality television show right here in Sacramento.

Who are these performers?

Schoolteachers, firefighters, tattoo artists and others—some trained in dance or theater, but many of them not—ages 18-43. They say they find burlesque empowering, and clearly there’s a local demand for it—hundreds pour into venues nearly every week to see women shimmy out of corsets. Oh, and most of the audiences are made up of women.

“The wonderful thing about burlesque is that it’s such a broad genre,” says Jay Siren, founder of The Sizzling Sirens. “Your creativity knows no bounds.”

Two years after forming her group, Siren quit her day job in order to fully immerse herself in the burlesque world. She got involved with the national Burlesque Hall of Fame. She built her own show into a largescale, multimedia production. Now she’s

expanding and putting on new events, including a branch of the wildly popular cabaret figure-drawing phenomenon Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.

More troupes are in town? Siren isn’t too worried, or all that surprised. She understands how easy it is to get hooked.

“I got the tiniest bit of exposure, and I was sick with it,” Siren says. “I’m sure that’s not an experience unique to me at all.”

Glitter, feathers, action ChaCha Burnadette formed one of the first burlesque troupes in New Mexico seven years ago. Surfing the Web, she discovered the burlesque revival, its many plus-sized performers, and immediately felt like she found a community.

“It had this new feminist push behind it,” she says. “It was edgy and cool, and it was girls like me.”

American burlesque arrived in the 1800s, and it brought together striptease, cabaret and comedy. It was arguably the start of crude, slapstick comedy, though that element faded in time in favor of glamorous women. Still, burlesque was more about the tease than the stripping—and it was always delivered with a sly, knowing wink.

Burlesque disappeared in the 1960s, when behavior that was once naughty became mainstream. But the 1990s brought a revival: neo-burlesque.

The Sirens embrace the neo-burlesque style—dancers usually wear modern costumes and strip to contemporary songs. Sometimes there’s no stripping at all. It’s theatrical. Body movements tell a story. Adult humor is peppered in, and sometimes SpongeBob SquarePants appears, and things get crazy-weird.

The Bodacious Bombshells generally stick to classic burlesque—long gloves, glitzy gowns, giant feather fans and an old-timey soundtrack.

And while the other troupes in town average eight members, Bombshells founder Raven LaRoux leads 20 people. She says she wishes she could take more—women are constantly asking to join.

“A friend turns another friend on—pun intended—to burlesque, and it spreads like wildfire,” she says. “They see there’s nothing to be weirded out or creeped out about, or threatened about.”

Many go to their first show and are amazed by the variety—a Burnadette’s Darling Clementines show, for example, might include aerial dancers, fire dancers, belly dancers, poets, musicians and comedians.

But for Burnadette, burlesque is about reveling in being a modern American woman

Got that boom, boom, pow See NIGHT&DAY

and convincing the world that no one should be judged by waist size.

“I go up there with this idea that half the audience has this preconceived notion about what it means to be a fat woman,” she says.

“And me coming up onstage must be comical, extreme or anything but sexy, graceful or attractive. My job is to change their minds.”

It’s serious motivation—much more than just entertaining a crowd. And it stems from facing massive prejudice as a burlesque dancer in New Mexico. Burnadette says she’d receive hate mail frequently—death threats, even—and it wasn’t because of the striptease.

“You’d think people would call us sluts or hoochies, but no one could get past that we were fat girls taking our clothes off,” she says.

Lula Belle, founder of Jezebelle’s Army, is tired of listening to women say they’re not sexy, strong or thin enough to try pole dancing or burlesque.

“I’m not the youngest, I’m not the fittest, but burlesque is about how we feel about ourselves,” she says. “We women often put ourselves down before anyone else does.”

But what about the male gaze? What about objectification? Why are so many feminists— like Burnadette, who graduated from college with a women’s studies degree—on board with this form of striptease?

“There’s no way any of my acts will be interpreted as me being a bimbo with nothing to say, or me being a silent woman who is meant to only be looked at,” Burnadette says.

“It’s about your approach. ... I’m covering

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Lionel Richie-approved See COOLHUNTING

myself in blood, flipping off the audience and doing handstands. I don’t think at that point I am being that objectified—I’m being entertaining.”

Too much Too soon?

Earlier this year, efforts began in Sacramento to film a reality show called Frack Girls. The show is still in production, but nearly every experienced burlesque dancer who was initially interested—including Burnadette—have abandoned it.

The premise: A burlesque troupe forms on-camera, the girls rehearse, there’s inevitable drama, and they all wind up in an oil-producing town in North Dakota for a big performance at the end of the season.

Dancers say the show is irresponsible and disrespectful to the art form, and by traveling to a city with a male-to-female ratio of 100-to-1, puts the women in a dangerous situation.

Will Wright is the local man producing Frack Girls, and he insists that his heart is in the right place. He cites his daughters and sisters—10 altogether—and says he wants a show with female role models for them.

“The media is a constant barrage of negative stereotypes of women,” he says. “My daughters would always say they’re too fat. … We thought this could be a positive body-image thing and celebrate women of all shapes and sizes.”

Wright hopes to complete filming by fall.

Doug Stanley, locally based, Emmy-winning

30

Jeez, just kidding See ASK JOEY

producer of Deadliest Catch, approves of the concept and says he’ll help Wright sell the show if it’s good enough.

“There’s no way any of my acTs will be inTerpreTed as me being a bimbo wiTh noThing To say, or me being a silenT woman who is meanT To only be looked aT.” ChaCha Burnadette on the appeal of burlesque But a late-June casting call yielded little talent. No one who auditioned had actually done burlesque before. The judges weren’t burlesque dancers, either. One judge—an actor Wright happened to find the night prior at a local bar— had never seen live burlesque in Sacramento. At the first casting call, an experienced burlesque dancer from the Bay Area was declined while a drunk first-timer was invited back, according to Burnadette and others who were on set.

“It was a trainwreck, but the camera loves her,” Wright admits.

Wright says the clash between his production and local burlesque dancers is akin to any business interest merging with an art form.

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Baby talk’s OK See 15 MINUTES

But the television show is also a byproduct of burlesque entering the mainstream—of burlesque as something to be commodified.

And that inevitably leads back to questions about the exploitation of women.

“You could call it exploitation, but the women will be well-compensated, and they wouldn’t do it if they didn’t love it,” Wright says.

That may be true, although most local burlesque performers don’t expect much money for their efforts—Siren is the only troupe-leader making a living in the burlesque and entertainment worlds. She’s extra hopeful that the Sacramento scene won’t become oversaturated, but at the same time, that enough women are passionate enough to ensure burlesque thrives.

“Burlesque has been part of our entertainment world forever—it keeps coming back for a reason. I like to think that it will be OK,” she says. “Either way, I’m going to ride it until the wheels fall off.” Ω The Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience performs every third Saturday at Assembly Music Hall, located at 1000 K Street.

Tickets are $15-$25, and the next show is on July 19, at 8 p.m.

See www.thesirenshow.com for more about the troupe.

The Darling Clementines perform every first Monday at Marilyn’s on K, located at 908 K Street. Tickets are $10, and the next show is on July 7, at 8 p.m. Find the troupe online at http://darlingclementinebur.wix.com/productions.

The Bodacious Bombshells Burlesque Revue performs regularly at The Colonial Theatre, located at 3522 Stockton Boulevard. The next show is on Friday, July 5, at 8 p.m. and it will feature Jezebelle’s Army; tickets are $12-$20 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/693826. The Bombshells’ website is www.bodaciousbombshells.com.

The Darling Clementines’ (left to right) ChaCha Burnadette, Deaja Girl on Fire, Rebel Rose, Miss Lipstick and Spin Spin Sugar want to leave you aroused—and believing that women shouldn’t be judged based on shape or size.

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For the week of July 3

Fourth of July on Friday.

For some of us, that means celebrating a freedom from British accents, being obsessed with royal weddings and bad teeth. OK, maybe not. It’s more like an annual excuse to buy Chinese-made fireworks from grocery store parking lots and blow stuff up. Or perhaps it’s a chance to go to a party, wave a tiny Chinese-made flag and watch other people blow stuff up. In any case, check out the following Independence Day events to make sure you get to see some explosions and hear some loud booms.

If you just can’t wait until the Fourth of July, Old Sacramento Bars (www.oldsacramentobars.com) is throwing a block party called Red, White & Brews starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. Fifteen bars in Old Sacramento are participating, 11 of which will be serving $3 American beers.

Other specials and activities (which include karaoke, live music and comedy) vary by bar. Old Sacramento will also be a good vantage point to watch a fireworks display over Raley Field following the evening’s baseball game.

Fourth on the Field at Raley Field debuted last year and returns for a second season on Friday, July 4. Once again, Nunchuck Taylor will perform, food trucks will serve up bites in the outfield, and kids will have a chance to play around on the baseball field. Also, a fireworks show timed to patriotic music will kick off at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children younger than 12 and $10 for general admission. The celebration starts at Raley Field (400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento) at 6 p.m., and more information can be found at www.raleyfield.com/fourthonthefield.

Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard) will be open on July 4 for an annual event called the Sacramento Independence Day Celebration. It’s free to get in (but $10 to park), with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and a fireworks show starting at 9:30 p.m.

There’s also a live performance by the Chris Gardner Band, a kids’ area, and food and drinks available for purchase.

For a more suburban-style celebration, the city of Rancho Cordova (www.cityofranchocordova.org) is throwing a twoday Independence Day party on July 3, and July 4. The 30th annual Rancho Cordova 4th of July Celebration will have live music (Journey Unauthorized, Night Fever, 27 Outlaws), carnival rides, a freestyle BMX team, a kids’ zone and fireworks each night at 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, and at noon on Friday at Hagan Community Park (2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova). Admission costs $2 and parking is $10. Ω

and b y jo n ath an

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weekly PIcks

Southside Park Movie Night Saturday, July 5 The Southside Park Neighborhood Association and Sacramento City Councilman Steve Hansen’s office are MOVIE teaming up for a movie night. The Lego Movie will begin around 8:15 p.m., but before the screening, there will be hours of carnival games and live music. The best part: free popcorn, water and juice—and snow cones will be for sale. Free, 3 p.m. at Southside Park, 2115 Sixth Street; (916) 808-7004; www.solutions4sacramento.com.

Zombie Train Saturday, July 5, through Saturday, November 1 Thankfully, Sacramento is a nerdy (and bored) enough city for things like the Zombie Train to exist. Simply put: Ride the Sacramento RiverTrain and shoot zombies with a laser gun. Or you could just ride the train without a laser gun—but why? $50 with a laser gun, $35 without; at various times LASER TAG at Sacramento RiverTrain, 400 N. Harbor Boulevard in West Sacramento; (800) 866-1690; www.zombietrain.com.

—Jonathan Mendick

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—Jonathan Mendick

Sacramento During World War I Sunday, July 6 The Sacramento Public Library is hosting a series called the World War I Revisited Series. In the first event, local author HISTORY and librarian James Scott talks about how the Great War affected politics and the daily lives of Sacramentans. Other parts of the series feature movies, presentations and lectures focusing on art, politics and warfare. Free, 1 p.m. at the Central Library, 828 I Street; (916) 264-2920; www.saclibrary.org.

—Jonathan Mendick

Art Mix Hip Hop

Gather Oak Park

Thursday, July 10

Thursday, July 10

Long before Jay-Z channeled Marina Abramovic´ in “Picasso Baby,” art and hip-hop have been an indelible pairing. Attendees can explore a DIY beat laboratory, make wearable mixtape art, see a performance

by Flow Sacramento and listen to a 10-minute talk on the history of African-American art from the Harlem Renaissance HIP-HOP on. $8-$10, free for members; 5 p.m. at the Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street; (916) 808-1182; www.crockerartmuseum.org.

Local event planners Unseen Heroes (the force behind the Good: Street Food + Market Design) are at it again, giving people yet another reason to get off the Midtown grid. Outdoor communal dining tables, a craft-beer garden, BLOCK PARTY live music, food vendors and a homebrewing demo—what more can you ask for out of a summer evening? Free, 5 to 9 p.m. every second Thursday through October, at Broadway and Third Avenue; http://unseen-heroes. com/events/gather-oak-park.

—Deena Drewis

—Deena Drewis

The holy trinity Block Butcher Bar 1050 20th Street, (916) 476-6306, www.blockbutcherbar.com

Good things often come in threes. This maxim can be applied to a few things in relation to Block Butcher Bar, which shares the same owners by Jonathan Mendick (Clay Nutting and Michael Hargis) and chef (Michael Tuohy, formerly of Grange Restaurant j o nathan m@ & Bar) as LowBrau. Block is one of three news review.c om restaurants in the city that opened last year that serve primarily charcuterie and fine cheeses (The Rind and The Cultured & The Cured are the other two). Block specializes in the holy trinity of European cuisine: meat, cheese and alcoholic beverages. And most of its boards and plates are balanced using three basic tastes: rating: salty (meats and cheeses), sweet (honey and HHHH jam) and sour (pickles and vinegar).

While its neighbor LowBrau’s menu feels dinner for one: relatively American with its fancy hot dogs and $10 - $20 fries, Block Butcher Bar exudes a European flair with its fine meats and cheeses. It’s also darker, more ambient and has a takeout counter and deli in the front of the restaurant, which gives it a somewhat casual feel. One can imagine finding this same neighborhood vibe in Spain, Italy or France. Block is often very busy H flawed for dinner, and service sometimes comes at a slower, European pace.

HH haS momentS The nice thing about the menu is that you can get playful with it and make a meal out HHH of two appetizers, two boards, or a sandwich appealing and a salad. On my first visit, my partner and I HHHH ordered a ’njuda (spicy Italian pork) sandwich authoritative plus a charcuterie board with our personal HHHHH selections of pâté, prosciutto and bresaola epic (cured Italian beef).

The charcuterie board impressed visually and on the tongue: Shaved almonds, neat piles of meat, mustard, pickled cauliflower and beets were served with small slices of bread. The best meat was the pâté, with a rich buttery flavor Still hungry? that didn’t come with an iron aftertaste, as is Search Sn&r’s common with other pâtés. The bresaola was the “dining directory” plainest—sort of like fancy beef jerky. to find local The ’njuda sandwich tasted startlingly spicy restaurants by name or by type of food. and salty, with rich melted cheese and ground Sushi, mexican, indian, meat spread between pressed slices of bread. italian—discover it Perhaps it could’ve been paired with a milder all in the “dining” cheese or some pickles to balance it out. Or section at maybe I should’ve just ordered an extra sweet www.news review.com. wine or cocktail.

Two other pressed sandwiches I tried during subsequent visits impressed more than the first. One was a special house-smoked pastrami sandwich with pickles, sauerkraut and mustard. The other was a pressed serrano ham, manchego cheese, arugula and salsa sandwich.

My favorite of the three I tried, it was like a cross between a cubano, a breakfast panini and a torta.

A seasonal summer salad with peaches, prosciutto, burrata cheese and balsamic vinaigrette made me feel like I was in Italy. Sweet and delicious as it was, it also seemed a bit light on the leafy greens that salads usually comprise, save for a few mint leaves.

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Two smaller appetizers showed off even more plating mastery. An order of deviled duck eggs piled upon four slices of toast, topped with paprika and shaved bacon practically screamed to be posted on Instagram. It tasted great, too (but maybe could have used a hint of pepper). Stuffed piquillo peppers with anchovies, cheese, capers and olive oil showed off interesting texture not found in most other menu items.

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An order of deviled duck eggs piled upon four slices of toast, topped with paprika and shaved bacon practically screamed to be posted on Instagram.

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Elsewhere on the menu, there are fine cocktails, an intimidating whiskey list, and a small but diverse selection of beer and wine (both regional and international). Service was great; every server I encountered answered questions and made helpful recommendations.

Block Butcher Bar’s mastery is the fact that this is slow food, served relatively fast. In other words, you won’t see Tuohy slaving away in a kitchen all day like he did when he helmed Grange. Here, he’s more of a curator. In fact, the only time I saw anyone prepping food at all was during lunch hour, when someone else was making a huge batch of some sort of salsa.

The beauty is that all the cheese, meat, pickles, etc., are already there, ready to be plated quickly—all at a price not that’s not too much more than fast food. Ω

Check Yelp page under “From This Business” for: Daily Discounts • $1 Beer Selections Yelp.com/biz/thecoconut-midtown-sacramento 2502 J St | S acr amento, CA | 916.447.1855

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’13

Mary ate a little lamb

Lamb’s ear is a plant. Its silvery, light-green,

fuzzy leaves are marvelous for petting.

There’s a plant called lambswool bush, too.

But sheep’s wool? As in the hair that grows from a sheep’s body? Clearly not a plant. So why, then, do some vitamin D3 supplements say “vegetarian” on the packaging, but list its source of the vitamin as lanolin, which is, of course, derived from wool? Here’s the bottom line, animal-loving friends: Unless it explicitly states it is vegan, the D3 supplement is animal-based (usually lanolin, but sometimes fish, too). Nordic Naturals and Garden of Life make pleasant-tasting liquid supplements using the beautiful plant lichen.

I’ve said it a hundred times, but I don’t like lichen—I love lichen. Even more now.

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—Shoka |

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Downtown Blackbird Kitchen & Beer Gallery

Where to eat?

Here are a few recent reviews and regional recommendations by Janelle Bitker, Ann Martin Rolke, Garrett McCord, Jonathan Mendick and Shoka updated regularly.

Check out www.newsreview.com for more dining advice.

Blackbird is back with chefowner Carina Lampkin again at the helm. It’s located in its original space with a similar aesthetic, though with more focus on beer and bar food to better complement the seafood-inspired dinner menu.

A burger served with house pickles, seven-day house-cured bacon, cheddar and sweet ’n’ chivey “awesome sauce” make for one of the city’s best burgers, no question. Chowder fries, however, are nifty in theory— fries covered in bay shrimp, bacon and parsley, then doused with chowder. It’s a play on poutine, but a lack of acid and serious sogginess issues mar it from being a landmark dish.

Better yet? Fish tacos featuring fried pollock served with pickled cabbage and chipotle crema. These and a beer will remedy any bad day you’re having. American. 1015 Ninth St., (916) 498-9224. Dinner for one: $10-$30. HHH1/2 G.M.

Mother It’s no secret that Mother is a vegetarian-vegan restaurant, but this is not just a place that replaces the meat in a meal. Instead, Mother celebrates an endless array of fresh vegetables and grains.

The chile verde here comprises chunky potatoes, pinto beans and hominy for a “meaty” texture. Try it topped with a soft-poached egg, and stir the yolk into the zingy chile sauce.

Kale has been done almost to death, but Mother’s version is a take on the Waldorf salad that

makes eating your greens easy.

Lots of golden raisins, celery, walnuts and balls of apple with a bit of skin attached join dilled yogurt and baby kale. Dessert includes the now-legendary brown-butter and sea-salt cookies. Do yourself a favor and get some. Vegetarian.

1023 K St., (916) 594-9812.

Dinner for one: $10-$15.

HHHH1/2 AMR

Midtown Cafe Plan B This Midtown iteration of the popular Plan B Restaurant in Arden Arcade brings to mind old-school French dining. This should not be read as an insult.

The menu runs with salads, sandwiches, mains and appetizers—however, the highlight is the generous array of mussels served in both modern and classic fashion.

The épicé mussels are served in a thick tomato sauce with a rumbling chili-garlic heat.

Coconut-broth mussels are sweet and tangy and worth a visit. A white-anchovy tartelette with shredded fennel and leek dazzles—it’s the sort of light food welcomed in tripledigit heat. The puff pastry it sits on is a means to an end.

Branzino cooked en papillote is also a thing of beauty: light, flaky and served with wisps of lemon and fennel. The wine selection is limited, however, the house white is affordable and welcome, pairing well

with numerous dishes. French.

1226 20th St., (916) 447-3300.

Dinner for one: $25-$30.

HHHH G.M.

The Coconut Midtown The food here travels a path between standard and inventive. Creamcheese wontons, for example, aren’t the epitome of culinary Southeast Asian traditions, but damn it if they aren’t delightful. Soft cream cheese and chives in a crispy wrapper and served with a sweet chili sauce?

Nothing wrong with that. The chicken larb—a spicy mincedmeat salad—is fragrant and intense. Mint, chilies, basil and iceberg lettuce are drenched in a spicy lime dressing punctuated with a heavy hand of fish sauce. The Coconut has warnings in its menu about which dishes are spicy, but unless you’re a newborn kitten, trembling and mewling, you might not even be aware of the chilies in your food. Thai. 2502 J St., (916) 447-1855. Dinner for one: $10-$15. HHH1/2 G.M.

Der Biergarten This spot is a slightly quirky, low-key place with only nine food items on the menu: four appetizer-style options, four sandwich-type offerings and a sausage platter, plus about 30 cold ones on tap.

Patrons order from a building that was built from a couple of cargo containers and dine outdoors on communal benches, traditional German biergarten style. The Derfinater Dog is a gussied-up hot dog, and despite its seemingly excessive number of toppings, everything served a tasteful purpose. The

mayo and garlic sauce helped moisten a somewhat dry roll, and the bacon added saltiness, which balanced the sweetness of cream cheese and barbecue sauce. The pretzel disappointed by being a bit on the flaky and brittle side. The sausage platter was the best item on the menu: a pork sausage, chicken sausage, and a veal-and-pork sausage—much more plump, juicy and flavorful than the frankfurters—served alongside piles of sauerkraut and German potato salad. German.

2332 K St., (916) 346-4572.

Dinner for one: $5-$10.

HHH J.M.

Strings Urban Kitchen This more upscale version of the Gold River-based Strings Italian Cafe chain lands in the Il Fornaio camp, but with a lower price point. Recommended options include the Bruschetta Rustico, with chunky toasts layered with seasoned cheese, grape tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar. With less garlic than many versions, it’s a delicious and date-friendly choice. Pizzas are offered at 7 or 16 inches, with lots of optional additions.

A small Pomodoro Mozzarella, with sliced tomatoes and marinara, was serviceable with medium-thick crust and plentiful toppings. A signature frutti di mare pie with shrimp, scallops, mussels and seafood sauce is a more unique take on the category. There are also quite a few vegetarian choices, including Vegetale de las Casa.

Eggplant, peppers, zucchini and other veg are sautéed in oil and tossed with Parmesan

and Gorgonzola. For dessert, try the tiramisu, with sprightly ladyfinger sponge cake and an airy mascarpone topped with cocoa and cinnamon. If you’re feeling generous, order the caffè sospeso (“pending coffee”), in which you pay for a cup for the next guest. Italian. 1500 Seventh St., (916) 444-6500. Dinner for one: $10-$20. HHHH AMR

Tidbit Catering & Gelateria Chef Eric Lee has crafted an eclectic, bargain-friendly menu. Fried calamari are lightly seasoned with a crispy exterior and served with a marinara-ish bland sauce. A carrot-andginger soup possesses a slow burn, and a chicken-lettuce wrap is sophisticated: a modest portion of food of moderate size that’s highlighted with slivers of cucumber and a shaking of vinegar. The frozen bits, however are the real winners. Gelato and sorbet are both available in astounding off-the-cuff flavors that mostly draw inspiration from Asian cuisines. A vanillaand-adzuki-bean gelato tastes sweet and earthy, with a flavor reminiscent to Chinese moon cakes. A nutty soy-based blacksesame-seed gelato is as rustic and charming as your favorite Instagram filter. American.

1907 Capitol Ave., (916) 442-7369.

Dinner for one: $5-$10.

HHH1/2 G.M.

Land Park/ Curtis Park Pangaea Bier Cafe Just as European wines are made to be enjoyed with food rather

e t i b n e z fro Take a

FOR SPRING

The Waterboy Restaurant and the Clarksburg Wine Company pair two of their favorite offerings, Scallop & Chenin Blanc.

CLARKSBURG W I N E C O M PA N Y 2011 Chenin Blanc

“Our Chenin Blanc is rich and luxuriant with luscious nectarine and white peach flavors. A perfect wine for Sping.”

- Andry Gaudy, Winemaker Clarksburg Wine Company

T H E WAT E R B O Y

R E S TAU R A N T Spaghetti with Dayboat Scallops, Cauliflower, Brown Butter & Capers “Lemon and brown butter are the perfect compliments to scallops. In this dish, briny capers and chili flake give balance and body. The sweetness of the scallops creates a lovely pairing with the crisp acidity of this Chenin Blanc.”

- Rick Mahan, Chef-Owner The Waterboy Restaurant

SUPER DUPER TOP SECRET MENU ITEM #5:

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28 | SN&R | 07.03.14

SHAVED SNOW AND DESSERTS

than sipped alone, the current tsunami of European-style microbreweries feature drinks often best quaffed alongside a well-crafted meal. Pangaea Bier Cafe recently stepped up its food game to satisfy that need with a revamped menu that includes an ever-changing rotation of seasonal, slightly upscale pub food. Try the Buffalo wings: They’re deeply flavorful fried morsels with a thick glaze of goodness. The mac ’n’ cheese is creamy, with a bit of beer in the sauce and a crunchy topping of herb-flecked breadcrumbs. The sliders are gorgeous little mouthfuls with Tillamook cheddar and housemade pickles. They leave you wanting more, which is exactly what you get with the maincourse cheeseburger, one of the best we’ve had in ages. Made from a custom blend of brisket and chuck, this is a juicy patty that holds together, yet bursts with flavor. The locally made brioche bun bears up well, and the house pickles and cheddar simply gild the lily. American.

2743 Franklin Blvd., (916) 454-4942. Dinner for one: $10-$15. HHH1/2 AMR

Spice Kitchen The menu here has a few tangential dishes like pad thai, but it’s mostly focused on Japanese cuisine, with a side menu of Chinese-American favorites. Tasty options include the vegetable tempura, lightly fried with slices of Japanese sweet potato and yams. If you want ramen, the hot soup dish these days, try the red tonkotsu version: It’s served with lots of nicely chewy noodles, spinach

South Sac Bodhi Bowl This Vietnamese eatery’s menu is all vegetarian and mostly vegan, with plenty of high notes. The Heavenly Noodle is a can’t-go-wrong salad comprising snow-white vermicelli noodles with cooling mint, cucumber slices, house-roasted peanuts and jagged pieces of faux beef. The “beef” actually is slightly sweet, plenty umami and pleasantly inoffensive, as far as fake meat goes. Nearly everything here has a faux-meat product or tofu element. So, sorry diners with soy allergies—it can’t even be escaped in the papaya salad. Not an issue?

Soldier on with the Hot & Sour soup, a not-too spicy sunsetorange broth that teems with a tomatoey and citrus flavor, chunks of pineapple, semicircles of trumpet mushrooms, cubes of fried tofu and slices of faux crab.

Or, try the stir-fried Eight Fold Path. It features al dente celery, red bell pepper and triangles of the most savory, salty, dense tofu perhaps ever. Vietnamese.

6511 Savings Place, Ste. 100; (916) 428-4160. Dinner for one: $10-$15. HHHH S.

Arden/ Carmichael Field House American Sports Pub

Kansai Ramen & Sushi House This place serves its own take on

Launched by the same team that raised Shady Lady Saloon, this spot brings a bit more culinary hope to an often forgotten part of Sacramento. The whiskey burger is a mighty sammich of perfection with smoked Gouda cheese and bacon that serve as excellent counterpoints to the achingly sweet maplebourbon glazed red onions.

Fries-slash-chips arrived pencil-thin and fiercely crispy.

If you visit for brunch, don’t miss the signature bloody mary: a 32-ounce bloody

mary that doesn’t skimp on the horseradish. It’s served with skewers of beet-pickled egg, sausage and bacon, tiger prawn, pickled veggies, and the most amazing slider.

American. 1310 Fulton Ave., (916) 487-1045. Dinner for one: $15-$25. HHHH G.M.

The Kitchen Diners here don’t receive a menu: They receive a program, divided into seven acts, and, yes, there’s an intermission. Guests all eat together, like a reservationsonly giant dinner party, dining on seasonal dishes such as chilled, minty pea soup, served with creamy pea pudding, cured scallops and Sterling Caviar. The offerings, which include the likes of lamb, steak and pasta, change monthly, but the highlights are the chefs’ tasters—small bites scattered throughout the dining area. A recent visit included oyster, faux lasagna bites, citrusy duck, and “kettle corn” cones of puffed wild rice, amaranth and corn with black-truffle caramel, which tasted sweet, salty and positively deadly. American.

2225 Hurley Way, Ste. 101; (916) 568-7171. Dinner for one: $100-$300. HHHH J.B.

Fair Oaks Yui Marlu Yui Marlu serves up California rolls, plus other American-style makizushi, but its mastery lies in Japanesestyle sushi and an assortment of other traditional fare.

Here, the omakase was the

Evil Twin frEudian slip barlEy winE

moonlighT mEadEry kurT’s appliE piE

avEry brEwing samaEls oak agEd sTrong alE

amErican rivEr morning wood logsdon sTraffE driEling TriplE

goosE island bourbon counTy sTouT moylan’s barrEl agEd kilT lifTEr firEsTonE walkEr sucaba

almanac blackbErry alEsmiTh barrEl agEd old numbskull barlEywinE jolly pumpkin/anchoragE brEwing calabaza borEal and more!

allagash curiEux wiTh jamEs bEan coffEE dEschuTEs mirror mirror barlEywinE dogfish hEad 120 minuTE ipa

pièce de résistance—one of those dishes that everyone stares at when it comes out of the kitchen. It looks like a flashy Dali-esque painting, with raw fish piled into small flower patterns atop scallop shells and a bed of microgreens, dollops of sauce, piles of ginger, slender slices of fried plantains sticking out upwards of 6 inches from the plate, and slices of lemon, radish and cucumber. And it tastes as surreal as it looks: The fish is fresh, fleshy and flavorful. The Rainbow roll and the Linda roll are like most American-style rolls served locally, but better. The sushi rice seems just a bit softer and less vinegary, and the fish slices taste fresher. Japanese.

6720 Madison Ave., Ste. 5 in Fair Oaks; (916) 966-5639. Dinner for one: $15-$30. HHHH1/2 J.M.

Doughnut digest

Many people expressed sadness after Doughbot—downtown Sacramento’s artisanal, vegan-friendly doughnut spot—announced its closing via Facebook a few weeks ago. Fear not: There are still plenty of places to pick up some sweet fried dough in town, as long as you know where to look and have access to reliable transportation.

First, the vegans: Whole Foods Market (4315 Arden Way) sells vegan doughnuts from Santa Clara-based wholesaler The Posh Bakery. For people who want inventive pastries with copious toppings, a good option is Baker’s Donuts in south Sacramento (5880 Florin Road). In addition to a large assortment of doughnuts, Baker’s makes inventive versions of the nationally popular croissant-doughnut hybrid (called “Cronutz” here). Sunshine Donuts (2428 Marconi Avenue)—which had its grand opening on June 1—also makes its own version of the Cronut, plus kolacky. But, don’t forget, Doughbot (2226 10th Street) is still open at least until the first week of August, according to its Facebook post.

Tasty Thai It’s hard to find a better lunch deal than the one offered here: Each one includes rice and a salad with an entree—and costs $11 or less. There are 23 options, plus daily specials. (The dinner menu is similar—only bigger). The Thai basil, served with green beans, onion, bell pepper and basil in a spicy garlic sauce, is cooked in a wok and has a nice smoky flavor with veggies cooked slightly al dente. The pad Thai and the pad see ew both impress, but the latter has just a bit more of that savoriness that make Asian noodle dishes ubercomforting. Service is friendly, even when it’s busy. Thai.

2598 Alta Arden Expy., (916) 977-3534. Dinner for one: $10-$20. HHHH J.M.

THINK FREE.

Beers on tap:

2nd anniversary beer auburn alehouse four roses barrel aged imperial oatmeal stout

IllustratIon by Mark stIvers

ramen and sushi, with varying degrees of success. The kakuni ramen, which features three thick slices of braised pork belly in lieu of the house ramen’s thin slices of chashu, boasts a nice, sweet marinade; tender consistency; and copious flavor. Be sure to order noodles al dente, and it’ll make for a good option, even with its run-of-the-mill broth. Or amp it up with the spicy tan tan men, which uses a beefy and seafood-tinted soup base that teems with flavor.

The sushi rolls here are Western style—a.k.a. loaded with toppings. Try the Mufasa roll. With crab and avocado on the inside and salmon and sauce outside, it’s particularly tasty, seasoned in sesame oil and baked—a somewhat unusual technique for sushi. Japanese. 2992 65th St., Ste. 288; (916) 455-0288. Dinner for one: $10-$20. HHH J.M.

and the requisite soft-boiled egg. Spice Kitchen also serves bento boxes in lunch and dinner portions for a good price. Here, diners get soup, rice, salad and tempura, as well as a meat of choice. Japanese. 1724 Broadway, (916) 492-2250. Dinner for one: $10-$15. HHH AMR

—Jonathan Mendick

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FIND OF THE WEEK

Super scary s’mores

Anthropologists in love eupHoria In Lily King’s Euphoria (Atlantic Monthly Press, $25), married anthropologists Nell and Fen are working in BOOK Papua New Guinea, and their marriage is in trouble. Along comes emotionally tortured British anthropologist Bankson—and both Nell and her husband are interested in him, in all sorts of ways. In addition to being a rather thinly veiled fictionalization of renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead’s segue from first to second husband after her 1928 publication of Coming of Age in Samoa, Euphoria also takes a close look at what the practice of anthropology (and the careers of anthropologists) do to the cultures under study. This engrossing novel, King’s fourth, illuminates the best and worst of love among intellectual giants, while never allowing us to forget the consequences of intellectual ambition.

—Kel Munger

Umm … saCramento KinGs nBa G-strinG For the Sacramento Kings fan who already has everything and now just wants to, uh, show off everything: This Sacramento Kings NBA G-string, available via the PM Treasure Chest Etsy shop, costs $9.99 and is—you’ll be pleased to learn—custom-made to specifications. If Sactown’s finest isn’t your jam, you can order a pair FASHION that reflects whatever team you’re loyal to in a variety of sports. This style is for the guys, but don’t worry, ladies, you’ve got plenty of options, too. http://etsy.me/1jfSgRQ. —Rachel Leibrock

Vinyl Richie Crosley revolution usB turntaBle It looks like a giant stapler, but it’s a record player. A portable, wireless, battery-operated $79.95 record player. The Crosley Revolution USB GADGET turntable is an able sidekick to the lonely vinyl aficionado’s pilgrimage to a record swap in San Francisco. And on the ride home on Megabus, he’ll plug in headphones to listen to the Lionel Richie record he scored, and the sight of a vinyl disc rotating in a giant stapler will blow the minds of the other bus riders.

At home, he’ll connect the turntable to his computer and digitize the sweet songs to send to a babe, so he doesn’t have to be lonely anymore. www.crosley radio.com/turntables.

—Shoka

Great Horror Campout My adult memories of summer camp are sweetly nostalgic: hikes and canoe races, s’mores, late-night ghost stories, and best friends forever.

Still, buried in the crevices of recollection are bits of horror, too: snakes and RECREATION mosquitoes, questionably dirty lakes, sleepless nights, and mean girls.

The Great Horror Campout offers scary memories of another kind. The event founded by Los Angeles-based Ten Thirty One Productions entertainment company will expand its popular outing locally for a “choose your own adventure” fright fest at Vierra Farms in West Sacramento.

On Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, participants can customize a camping experience. Pick “high octane” for maximum scariness, or for those with weaker hearts, there’s also a more gentle option. (Not exactly sure how much you can take?

No worries, there’s a “safe phrase” should you suddenly commence freaking out.)

Activities include something that is, intimidatingly, referred to as a “Hell Hunt,” and the whole shebang utilizes “scareactors,” special effects, props and various obstacle courses.

Tickets are $99-$139, and include overnight accommodations in a two- or four-person tent, plus breakfast, parking, movies and more.

No word on if anyone will re-enact that milkshake scene from Meatballs. Because that would be pretty horrific. Vierra Farms, 3010 Burrows Avenue in West Sacramento; (310) 993-8289; ww.greathorrorcampout.com.

—Rachel Leibrock

Grow up, man My husband has always been somewhat sarcastic, but over the years it’s become out of control. Our three kids are starting to communicate the same way. I find it annoying when one person is sarcastic, but excruciating to live with four people who can’t hold a conversation without being mean. My husband responds to my complaints by telling me that I should relax and that just jacks up the

by Joey ga rcia household tension. Please help.

Sarcasm is a style of humor a skj oey @ ne wsreview.c om employed by people who feel powerless. It’s categorized as a passive-aggressive speech pattern because it attempts to mask Joey wishes you would stop aggressive feelings like anger, watering your lawn insecurity or social awkwardness. daily at 2 a.m.

By wrapping verbal attacks in a thin layer of mockery or irony the speaker convinces himself or herself that the sarcastic remark is less hurtful than it actually is.

If his meanness is always attached to the same topics, he probably doesn’t believe in his capacity to face and manage his emotions or actions around those issues.

Sarcasm is particularly popular with adolescents. Teens use it against their peer groups to reinforce the boundaries of their cliques, or against adults who tend to control teens instead of guiding them. Since we can all tap into personal memories of adolescence, comedians who use sarcastic, or “sophomoric,” humor can easily hook a mainstream audience. Sarcasm is always trending.

Most people who are sarcastic with family or friends get away with it. A casual “J.K.” (just kidding) and an indifferent shrug dismiss the hurt person’s feelings. But that doesn’t make these attacks acceptable. Sarcasm signals the speaker’s immature and frightened ego. Yes, that means your husband needs to grow up. Have you noticed what’s happening at home when his sarcasm arises? If his meanness is always attached to the same topics, he probably doesn’t believe in his capacity to face and manage his emotions or actions around those

Got a problem?

Write, email or leave a message for Joey at the News & Review.

Give your name, telephone number (for verification purposes only) and question—all correspondence will be kept strictly confidential.

Write Joey, 1124 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815; call (916) 498-1234, ext. 3206; or email askjoey@ newsreview.com.

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issues. His work, then, is to grow into a man who understands that he is fully capable of meeting a challenge as an equal. Try engaging him in a conversation about ways to confront his personal challenges, instead of attacking you. Let him know that you believe in his ability to handle problems maturely. Be prepared to go to counseling with him if needed. You should also remind him that sarcasm lays the groundwork for bullying, and that you don’t want your children to believe it is acceptable to inflict pain on others with such casual indifference.

One of my best friends went through a horrible breakup, quit her job, sold her condo and decided to travel for six months. She met a guy halfway through her trip, hooked up with him, and then went on her way. At the end of her trip she contacted him, and they got together again.

After spending three more days together, they got married. That’s bad enough, but after visiting her recently, I am horrified by her life.

He is controlling, sexist and crazy.

She doesn’t see it. She is convinced that he adores her. Do you have any ideas about how I can get her to see what she’s done?

It’s impossible to save someone who does not believe she needs to be saved. So while I applaud your desire to protect a friend from herself, I want to caution you: Don’t be the voice of criticism. You may see and understand issues that your friend does not, but if you criticize her or her husband, she is likely to shut you out. Or her husband may insist that she end contact with you. Try pouring your concern into inspiring her to leave this man when she says she is ready to do so. Until then, your best recourse is to pray for her eyes to be opened and her heart to be free, if that is truly what is best for her. Ω

SN&R READERS SAVE ON TICKETS JULY 11

Stars & Stripes Friday Evening Concert Series featuring: Club Nouveau: $30 tix for $15.00

JULY 12

The Flu Season @ Ovation Stage: $18 tix for $9.00

JULY 17

The Foreign Exchange @ Assembly: $20 tix for $10.00

Concert listings for Ace of Spades, Assembly, and Harlows are available for review on our Sweetdeals website.

W W W. N E W S R E V I E W. C O M

Meditation of the Week “If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path,” wrote mythologist Joseph Campbell. Do you understand what it really means to be free?

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TICKETS & PARKING General: $12 Seniors (Ages 62+): $10 Youth (Ages 5-12): $6

Child (Ages 0-4): Free Parking: $10

Best Deal!

Save $2 on admission by purchasing tickets now at CAStateFair.org.

Or get your Family Fun Pack for just $44.95!

b E S T S TAT S Marvin Zgraggen, 88, and 2013 FAIR ATTENDANCE:

Sam Rinelli, 97, have nearly a

697,045

century of experience working at the California State Fair — Sam’s been there 30 years and

ANNuAl OPERATING ExPENDITuRES:

Marvin for 66 years, including back

$22,323,146

when the fairgrounds were at Broadway

(all Cal Expo events)

Q&a wiTh The Fair’S oldeST employeeS

JObS CREATED by FAIR*:

1,381

What business wouldn’t relish the idea of having their product seen by more than half a million people?

The California State Fair offers that and more to the economy — it creates jobs, supports nonprofits and generates sales tax revenue.

The contractors, vendors and food sellers that fill Cal Expo turn it into a bustling hub of commerce for 17 days. The biggest contractor is Butler Amusements, which will install 72 rides with names like Ex-Scream Machine and the Wave Swinger at Cal Expo this summer.

C A S TAT E FA I R . o r g 32

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“It is magical to see it come together,” says Butler Amusements Chief Operations Officer Lance Moyer. “It still is for me.”

Founded in 1970 and based in Fairfield, Butler Amusements is a family owned and operated business that “plays” fairs across the West Coast. It’s now in its sixth year as the carnival provider for the California State Fair. At this

year’s Fair, they’ll employ a crew of 400, including ride operators, concessionaires and game workers.

The people working the Fair are often far away from home and spend money at nearby hotels, restaurants and stores. For instance, the Costco next to Cal Expo reports sales of sugar, water and gasoline all go up around Fair time.

The Fair also serves as an economic opportunity for businesses that rent space inside the fairgrounds, selling everything from kitchen gadgets to hot tubs. Some 286 vendors will rent space at this year’s Fair, with another 58 vendors selling food. Many are family-owned ventures.

ponies, Marv on the slots). Both say work-

ThEY KNOW ThE BEST

$196,776,000

The STory behind The buSineSSeS ThaT make The Fair FanTaSTic

enjoy cruising and gambling (Sam on the ing the Fair and various other events at

ECONOMIC IMPACT**:

Making the Fair

and Stockton Boulevard. The two buddies

RV SPACES RENTED yEAR-ROuND:

381

ShOPPING OPPORTuNITIES:

286

Cal Expo keep them busy.

What led to you getting a job at the Fair?

Marvin: I was at the Army Depot and had a friend who worked at the State Fair. So in ‘48, he said, “Why don’t you come out?” So I went out there and worked parttime … doing maintenance work. [Today] I’m taking tickets at the main gate.

Sam: When I retired, Marvin said, “Why not work at the fairgrounds?” I was looking for part-time work. I’ve done just about everything here. Now I come in early in the morning and open the gates, make sure everybody’s here. It’s like a little city out here during the Fair.

What do you look forward to about the Fair every year?

FAIR FOOD VENDORS: Lola Ramirez of Fresno is owner of Pepe’s Mariscos, a Mexican food trailer at the State Fair. For 15 years, Ramirez has traveled to fairs and events up and down California, selling her authentic Mexican seafood. She has four food trailers, enabling her to work up to 25 events a year, some of them scheduled at the same time as one another. On a busy day, Pepe’s can sell 300-400 carne asada tacos.

“We love it because you make new family, new friends, at every fair,” Ramirez says. “People Facebook us, and wait for us to be there. You always get to meet someone new, and that’s what we like about it.”

58

Marvin: It’s a good deal. I enjoy going out there. I just enjoy myself out there, enjoy the kids, keep ‘em happy.

Sam: Everybody has what they like about the Fair, but my favorite is horse racing.

PARKING SPACES:

13,000

What is one of your fondest memories from over the years?

Marvin: My fondest memory is hitting 60 years [at the Fair]. A fair director once told me, “Marvin, do your job, keep your nose clean and you’ll be here a long time.” I think he was right! [The Stockton Boulevard fairgrounds] was a great place. One thing I’ll never forget — the admission when I was there was 50 cents. You’d drop it in the turnstile and that’s how you got into the fair.

*2009. Jobs were created directly by Fair and indirectly by ripple effect of Fair spending. **2009. Money was spent directly at Fair and by Fair participants on supplies, meals and lodging. Includes multiplier effect of those dollars being spent again by others in the community.

Sam: I have so many. My fondest memories are of the people we work with out here. It gets to be like a close-knit family.

A PA I D A DV E R T I S E M E N T

C A S TAT E FA I R . o r g

A PA I D A DV E R T I S E M E N T BEFORE

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NEWS

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FEATURE

STORY

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ARTS&CULTURE

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AFTER

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07.03.14

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SN&R

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33

TICKETS & PARKING General: $12 Seniors (Ages 62+): $10 Youth (Ages 5-12): $6

Child (Ages 0-4): Free Parking: $10

Best Deal!

Save $2 on admission by purchasing tickets now at CAStateFair.org.

Or get your Family Fun Pack for just $44.95!

b E S T S TAT S Marvin Zgraggen, 88, and 2013 FAIR ATTENDANCE:

Sam Rinelli, 97, have nearly a

697,045

century of experience working at the California State Fair — Sam’s been there 30 years and

ANNuAl OPERATING ExPENDITuRES:

Marvin for 66 years, including back

$22,323,146

when the fairgrounds were at Broadway

(all Cal Expo events)

Q&a wiTh The Fair’S oldeST employeeS

JObS CREATED by FAIR*:

1,381

What business wouldn’t relish the idea of having their product seen by more than half a million people?

The California State Fair offers that and more to the economy — it creates jobs, supports nonprofits and generates sales tax revenue.

The contractors, vendors and food sellers that fill Cal Expo turn it into a bustling hub of commerce for 17 days. The biggest contractor is Butler Amusements, which will install 72 rides with names like Ex-Scream Machine and the Wave Swinger at Cal Expo this summer.

C A S TAT E FA I R . o r g 32

|

SN&R | 07.03.14

“It is magical to see it come together,” says Butler Amusements Chief Operations Officer Lance Moyer. “It still is for me.”

Founded in 1970 and based in Fairfield, Butler Amusements is a family owned and operated business that “plays” fairs across the West Coast. It’s now in its sixth year as the carnival provider for the California State Fair. At this

year’s Fair, they’ll employ a crew of 400, including ride operators, concessionaires and game workers.

The people working the Fair are often far away from home and spend money at nearby hotels, restaurants and stores. For instance, the Costco next to Cal Expo reports sales of sugar, water and gasoline all go up around Fair time.

The Fair also serves as an economic opportunity for businesses that rent space inside the fairgrounds, selling everything from kitchen gadgets to hot tubs. Some 286 vendors will rent space at this year’s Fair, with another 58 vendors selling food. Many are family-owned ventures.

ponies, Marv on the slots). Both say work-

ThEY KNOW ThE BEST

$196,776,000

The STory behind The buSineSSeS ThaT make The Fair FanTaSTic

enjoy cruising and gambling (Sam on the ing the Fair and various other events at

ECONOMIC IMPACT**:

Making the Fair

and Stockton Boulevard. The two buddies

RV SPACES RENTED yEAR-ROuND:

381

ShOPPING OPPORTuNITIES:

286

Cal Expo keep them busy.

What led to you getting a job at the Fair?

Marvin: I was at the Army Depot and had a friend who worked at the State Fair. So in ‘48, he said, “Why don’t you come out?” So I went out there and worked parttime … doing maintenance work. [Today] I’m taking tickets at the main gate.

Sam: When I retired, Marvin said, “Why not work at the fairgrounds?” I was looking for part-time work. I’ve done just about everything here. Now I come in early in the morning and open the gates, make sure everybody’s here. It’s like a little city out here during the Fair.

What do you look forward to about the Fair every year?

FAIR FOOD VENDORS: Lola Ramirez of Fresno is owner of Pepe’s Mariscos, a Mexican food trailer at the State Fair. For 15 years, Ramirez has traveled to fairs and events up and down California, selling her authentic Mexican seafood. She has four food trailers, enabling her to work up to 25 events a year, some of them scheduled at the same time as one another. On a busy day, Pepe’s can sell 300-400 carne asada tacos.

“We love it because you make new family, new friends, at every fair,” Ramirez says. “People Facebook us, and wait for us to be there. You always get to meet someone new, and that’s what we like about it.”

58

Marvin: It’s a good deal. I enjoy going out there. I just enjoy myself out there, enjoy the kids, keep ‘em happy.

Sam: Everybody has what they like about the Fair, but my favorite is horse racing.

PARKING SPACES:

13,000

What is one of your fondest memories from over the years?

Marvin: My fondest memory is hitting 60 years [at the Fair]. A fair director once told me, “Marvin, do your job, keep your nose clean and you’ll be here a long time.” I think he was right! [The Stockton Boulevard fairgrounds] was a great place. One thing I’ll never forget — the admission when I was there was 50 cents. You’d drop it in the turnstile and that’s how you got into the fair.

*2009. Jobs were created directly by Fair and indirectly by ripple effect of Fair spending. **2009. Money was spent directly at Fair and by Fair participants on supplies, meals and lodging. Includes multiplier effect of those dollars being spent again by others in the community.

Sam: I have so many. My fondest memories are of the people we work with out here. It gets to be like a close-knit family.

A PA I D A DV E R T I S E M E N T

C A S TAT E FA I R . o r g

A PA I D A DV E R T I S E M E N T BEFORE

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NEWS

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FEATURE

STORY

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ARTS&CULTURE

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AFTER

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07.03.14

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SN&R

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33

Who let the dog out?

The Hound of the Baskervilles designed to be performed by three male actors, each of whom plays himself, one of the three Baskervilles lead roles and a bunch of other cracked characters. Buck Busfield directs with the right frantic pacing, and his cast of B Street regulars works feverishly to deliver the silliness the script calls for. Ω

It would be easy to call B Street Theatre’s The Hound of the Baskervilles a dog. But it isn’t. It’s just that this irreverent makeover of Sir Arthur by Jim Carnes Conan Doyle’s most famous Sherlock Holmes mystery is madcap and slapstick and rife with the kind of bad beards, strange accents and quick costume changes that may seem fresh only if you haven’t seen such previous B Street shows as The Big Bang and The 39 Steps.

3

PHoTo courTeSy oF B STreeT THeATre

“Watson, you make sure the frightening dog is gone first, then I’ll go in.”

2014 SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING P E R F O R M A N C E S AT 8 : 0 0 P M JULY 5, 18, 26, 31 AUGUST 2 P E R F O R M A N C E S AT 6 : 0 0 P M JULY 6, 13, 20

THE THREE MUSKETEERS P E R F O R M A N C E S AT 8 : 0 0 P M JULY 11, 12, 17, 19, 25, AUGUST 1 P E R F O R M A N C E S AT 6 : 0 0 P M JULY 27, AUGUST 3

TICKETS 916.558.2228 | SACRAMENTOSHAKESPEARE.NET

34

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The Hound of the Baskervilles, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday; 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday; 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; $23-$35. B Street Theatre Mainstage, 2711 B Street; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreet theatre.org.

Through August 10.

It’s amusing but never quite the tour de force farce it strives to be.

When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the moor, his face frozen in fright and giant paw prints near his body, detective Sherlock Holmes (Jason Kuykendall) and his astute “assistant” Dr. Watson (Greg Alexander) are called to solve the mystery that involves an ancient family curse, an apparent hellhound and a deranged killer.

The situation becomes more urgent when Sir Charles’ nephew and only known heir, Sir Henry Baskerville (John Lamb), arrives to claim the family home.

Written by John Nicholson and Steven Canny for the British comedy troupe Peepolykus (pronounced “people like us”), the comedy premiered in 2007. It is

4 Provenance What value do books have as objects? Are books about experiences or about content?

These are the questions raised in Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s play Provenance, in a world premiere production in the B3 Series at the B Street Theatre this month. They are worthy questions, addressed in the story of an isolated librarian in a mountaintop library of rare books, visited by an antiquarian in search of a particular copy of a particular book, the antiquarian’s angry daughter, and a local man with a romantic yen for her.

Cleo (Kristine David), the librarian, would just like them all to leave. But people have a habit of pursuing their own agendas.

As Frances, the antiquarian, Julia Brothers is delightfully droll, while her estranged daughter Amelia (Brittni Barger) is appropriately frustrated and hurt. As George, the retired would-be Romeo, Dan Harlan is a steadfast presence.

But the show really belongs to the quirky Cleo, and David captures her nerdy goodness beautifully. More at home among the books, the disruptions wrought to her life by her insistent visitors really are the least of her troubles.

There’s not enough good things to be said about the amazing set, which is a multilevel library of the sort bibliophiles dream of inhabiting, and director David Pierini has a deft touch that encourages the actors to use their bodies as much as the play’s dialogue.

In fact, the only flaws in this production are in the age difference between Cleo and George—which is addressed only in a throwaway line (“You think I’m too old”) and comes across as uncomfortably familial rather than companionate—and in a too-pat resolution that does not address the question voracious readers most want answered: What will happen to the books?

That’s because a book without a reader is, quite simply, a doorstop.

—Kel Munger

Provenance, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday; $23-$35.

B Street Theatre B2 Space, 2711 B Street; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org. Through July 26.

KEEP C ALM AN D SHOP

Now playiNg

5

Journey’s End

Playwright R.C. Sherriff’s war drama mostly leaves the fighting and dying offstage, but out of sight does not mean out of mind.

Written and first performed 10 years after the end of “the war to end all wars,” this drama— well-acted and tightly paced in this California Stage production—is as gripping and pertinent now as then.

F, Sa 8pm; Su 2pm. Through 7/6. $15-$20. California Stage at the R25 Arts Center, 2509 R St.; (916) 451-5822; www.calstage.org. J.C.

4

Maple & Vine

A high-powered modern married couple becomes disillusioned with the oppressive pressure of the 21st century and retreats to a gated community where the calendar always says 1955, and everyone is expected to live that time authentically. Stephanie Gularte and Wayne Lee are that couple; Jason Heil and Shannon Mahoney lead the ’50s colony, with Ryan Snyder the monkey wrench in all their lives. W 7pm; Th, F, Sa 8pm; Su 2pm. Through 7/20. $24-$38.

Capital Stage, 2215 J St.; (916) 995-5464, www.capstage.org. J.C.

4

Much Ado About Nothing

This Davis Shakespeare Festival production, set in Napa circa 1948, features stylish verbal fencing matches between antagonists-turned-lovers Benedick (Matt Edwards, who’s done multiple shows in New York) and Beatrice (Susanna Risser, a conservatorytrained actress who more than holds her own). Veteran pro Matt K. Miller is delicious as the clueless constable Dogberry. Much Ado alternates in repertory with the

musical She Loves Me. Th, F, Sa 8pm; Sa, Su 2pm. Through 8/3. $15-$20.

Veterans Memorial Theatre, 203 E. 14th St. in Davis; (530) 802-0998; www.shakespearedavis.org. J.H.

1

5

She Loves Me

FOUL

This chamber musical, staged by the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble for the Davis Shakespeare Festival, is this summer’s unexpected surprise—a stylish, charming, oldfashioned love story handled sweetly by director Gia Battista. Good performances (including two Actors’ Equity Association pros and several conservatory-trained performers), live music and lovely costumes make for a well-rounded and very entertaining show. She Loves Me runs in repertory, alternating with the Shakespeare comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Th, F, Sa 8pm; Sa, Su 2pm. Through 8/3. $15-$20.

Veterans Memorial Theatre, 203 E. 14th St. in Davis; (530) 802-0998; www.shakespearedavis.org. J.H.

2 FAIR

3 GOOD

4 WELL-DONE

5

4

The Submission

The Submission by Jeff Talbott tackles a number of fascinating issues, including race, gender and sexual-orientation stereotyping and discrimination; who gets to claim a valid victims’ “voice,” and who gets to play the most-oppressed-group card. Under the direction of Jouni Kirjola, this Big Idea Theatre cast adds depth to the story of two passionate people who believe strongly in each of their personal stories. Th, F, Sa 8pm. Through 7/5. $10-$20. Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd.; (916) 960-3036; www.bigideatheatre.com. P.R.

SUBLIME–DON’T MISS

ok facebo m and stagra ecial deals in n o us and sp follow arrivals , CA • SAC for new L AVE O IT P A C 1903

359

41.1 916.4

Short reviews by Jim Carnes, Jeff Hudson and Patti Roberts.

PHOTO By DAvID SEALS PHOTOGRAPHy

Laying down the law—now with wrestling moves.

A picnic and performances

***designer ***couture handbags vintage accessories jewelry skirts dresses casual wear jeans & so much more

Here’s a unique Fourth of July-related theater program: The Center for Spiritual Awareness presents the CSA 4th of July Carnival: Picnic & Performance. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4, and features kids activities, picnic food and two productions. The first theater piece, America the Change, begins at 1:30 p.m. and involves teens “exploring their relationship to the country in which they are living” through dance, spoken word and live music, according to a press release. Following that, Generation Next Media will perform The Living Constitution: A Lively Look at the Creation of America. It’s a farcical look at the 14 months that the Founding Fathers of the United States spent creating and debating the document that still affects our nation (the fight for ratification is styled as a WWE wrestling match). $5-$10, noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at Center for Spiritual Awareness, 1275 Starboard Drive in West Sacramento; (818) 458-6618; www.csasacramento.org.

—Jonathan Mendick

BEFORE

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NEWS

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F E AT U R E

STORY

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A RT S & C U LT U R E

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AFTER

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07.03.14

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Because Bad Things Happen to Good People You Deserve Respect 24/7

Once was enough Begin Again

Get the respect you deserve, we’re available for you 24/7

CALL 916.444.8444

Need Assistance with Applying for or Appealing Veterans Disability Benefits & Compensation?

Begin Again is director John Carney’s blatant attempt to recapture the magic of his 2006 surprise hit Once, and if it seems churlish to hold this shiny by Daniel Barnes new product’s feet to that previous film’s lo-fi flame, blame Carney for rubbing our noses in it. If all Carney wanted was to make yet another lame Hollywood romantic comedy, no one would bother summoning the ghost of Once.

Instead, he practically begs for the comparison, restaging his underground creation as prototypical genre glop, and only those uninitiated to Once will be able to regard Begin Again on those wretched terms alone.

2

Contact: (916) 480-9200 Law Office of Steven H. Berniker, APC Veteran Advisor – Sgt Major (Ret) Daniel J. Morales Location: 2424 Arden Way, Suite 360 Sacramento, CA 95825

Veterans Assistance is our #1 Priority

“On the batterfield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a Nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no Veteran behind.”

– Dan Lipinski

FAIR OAKS THEATRE FESTIVAL & AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE PRESENT

“Relax, you’re a manic pixie—it doesn’t matter if you can actually sing. Or play guitar.”

T

The Fair Oaks Theater Festival first play of the season “The Brain From Planet X” opens June 20th at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre in Fair Oaks Village. The play, presented in partnership with American River College, is about an affectionate and hilarious send-up of bad 50s sci-fi movies.

“The Brain” tells the story of an alien invasion circa 1958. Director Bob Irvin as again put together an all star cast. A Brain played by Michael Coleman and its two alien cohorts, Corey Winfield as Zubrick and Christianne Klein as Yoni, arrive on Earth and plan to take over the San Fernando Valley. It’s the first step on the road to their quest to take over the entire planet and to destroy the family unit starting with the Bunson family with Dan Sattel as Fred Bunson, his wife Joyce Bunson played by Analise Langford-Clark and their daughter Donna played

by Emily Simpson. This rousing toe-tapping musical features a dancing, singing brain…what more could you want from a musical.

The rest of the cast include Joseph Hart as General Mills, Jacob Tucker as Private Partz.

Professor Leder is played by Aaron Bayless and Rod is played by Cody Alexander. Jonathan Blum pulls it all together as the Narrator.

“The Brain From Planet X” is from a book written

by David Wechter and Bruce Kimmel, with music and lyrics by Bruce Kimmel. The play premiered in Los Angeles to rave reviews. The Los Angeles Times call “The Brain From Planet X”, “Wildly funny... wittily staged, sharply cast and graced with some catchy numbers.” The Beverly Hills Outlook called “The Brain, “Fun theatre! Silly, spoofy, and goofy!”

Poor

2 Fair

3 Good

4 Very Good

JUNE 20TH TO JULY 20TH • Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday • 8:30pm • Rated PG-13 Friday and Saturday Tickets for Adult are just $18.00, Seniors and Students $15.00 and Children 12 and under $10.00. On Sunday the tickets for Adults are $12.00 and Children 12 and under $6.00

1

FAIR OAKS

THEATRE FESTIVAL WWW.FAIROAKSTHEATREFESIVAL.COM

36 | SN&R | 07.03.14

5 excellent

Carney may have gone into Begin Again hoping to tell an uplifting musical story about a dreamer and a burnout reconciling artistic integrity and commercial success on the streets of New York City, but the sugary dud he spit out is meta-Exhibit A for the argument that studio filmmaking is a creative deathtrap.

In many respects, the slavish, Americanized knockoff Begin Again is the spiritual opposite of Once—call it Never Again.

Everything fresh and original about Once has been recycled and sanitized, and Begin Again is broad and excessive where Once was charming and concise. The rumpled male lead is now a struggling music executive desperate for one last chance at whatever (Mark Ruffalo), the mousy Czech songwriter has become a manic pixie nightmare played by Keira Knightley, and the only major actor in this musical who can actually sing is Adam Levine of Maroon 5, and he can’t act.

Despite all of its obvious concessions to box-office projections and itchy test audiences, Begin Again espouses some childishly selfdefensive notions about “selling out.” Naturally, all of the executives in this universe are portrayed as automatons, even when you can spot the script notes their real-life counterparts forced into the picture. This is similar to the way that Hollywood blockbusters sell plastic

toys and soft drinks by having their heroes shun commodification and compromise, and by turning every villain into a corporate shark.

Perhaps Carney has simply lost his touch— one example of a sequence that works in theory but not onscreen comes when Ruffalo’s rumpled producer Dan hears Knightley’s jilted songwriter Greta perform for the first time. Although she only has an acoustic guitar for accompaniment, Ruffalo begins to flesh out the song in his head, and we see the unmanned instruments lying about the stage come to life around her. But instead of literalizing the live-wire alchemy between a song and an arrangement, the scene just comes off as bad puppetry.

The overproduction in this sequence also highlights a major problem with the music in Begin Again: Namely, that it is quite poor.

Although the film hinges on a philosophical disconnect between the business side of the music industry and the burning desire of artistic creation, there is barely a difference between the album oriented rock slop the movie rejects and the AOR slop it embraces. When Knightley complains that one of her songs is “buried in production,” the line is delivered completely without irony, even though every song here rests in that same sonic graveyard.

Making his dramatic feature film debut, Levine is a wooden disaster, and yet he comes off little worse than the Academy Award-nominated veterans who surround him.

Knightley is unnecessarily grim, and although she is credited for all of Greta’s vocal performances, her processors and overdubbers fail to get their due. Ruffalo is a very good actor within a limited range, and thus probably more dependent than most performers on strong material, but Carney’s cornball script does him few favors.

The only major actor in this musical who can actually sing is Adam Levine of Maroon 5, and he can’t act.

Begin Again has an irresistible concept and all of the necessary elements to make it work, but instead of trusting that, Carney overloads the film with artifice and plot. By the time the film’s pushy charm starts to kick in, with Dan recording Greta in front of various NYC landmarks, it is far too late. Begin Again feels like it should work, but never does, and in that sense the film is a lot like one of those God-awful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame jam bands, where talented musicians team up to create a tuneless cacophony. Ω

by daniel barnes & JiM lane

2

“Wait, am I in the Woody Allen role?!”

Earth to Echo

A handful of suburban kids (Teo Halm, Brian “Astro” Bradley, Reese Hartwig, Ella Wahlestedt) try to help an alien from another galaxy who has been stranded on Earth, even as the little fellow becomes the subject of an intense search by shadowy government agents. Sound familiar? Director Dave Green and writers Henry Gayden and Andrew Panay ransack the early career of Steven Spielberg— mostly E.T., of course, but with generous helpings of Close Encounters and The Goonies thrown in—giving it a contrived found-video look. The rip-off is so blatant that it makes any discussion of acting (pretty good), special effects (decent) or editing (fair) beside the point: This is the most shameless act of near-plagiarism since Star Trek cribbed that “The Trouble With Tribbles” episode from Robert A. Heinlein’s 1952 sci-fi novel The Rolling Stones. J.L.

3

How to Train Your Dragon 2

The Viking teenager Hiccup (voice by Jay Baruchel) returns with his dragon pal Toothless, this time forced to deal with a wicked warlord (Djimon Hounsou) who is recruiting an army of dragons to feed his lust for conquest and destruction. The first movie back in 2010 was a delightful surprise; this sequel, not so much. With around 100 minutes of movie strung out over 25 minutes worth of plot, writer-director Dean DeBlois resorts to cribbing elements from other movies—the Harry Potter series, the Star Wars saga, Pirates of the Caribbean, Japanese monster movies and so on. The first movie satisfied itself with cribbing the Aesop fable about Androcles and the lion, and it was more fun that way. J.L.

3

The Immigrant

For two decades now, from Little Odessa to Two Lovers to his latest effort The Immigrant, the films of director James Gray have held a tantalizing and barely unrealized promise. Telling the story of a fresh-off-the-boat Polish immigrant (Marion Cotillard) who falls in with a shady club promoter (Joaquin Phoenix, anachronistic and uncharacteristically one-dimensional) in early 20th century New York City, The Immigrant is classic almost-there Gray—solemnly pitched, lovingly mounted, emotionally cool and ultimately empty. The Immigrant is an interesting attempt to make a deliberately old-fashioned American epic, and the sepia-tinged images recall period-appropriate silent films as much as they do yellowed photographs. Gray carves away genre trappings to expose the smalltime chintziness and chicanery at the heart of the American Dream, but what’s left is just a carcass of clichés, and the line between re-examining well-worn tropes and recycling them is practically nonexistent. D.B.

3

“RICHLY SATISFYING.”

Jersey Boys

The rise and fall of the 1960s singing group the Four Seasons, as directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (based on their Tony Awardwinning jukebox musical). The movie could stand to be at least 20 minutes shorter, and there’s a pileup of endings in the last scenes.

Also, it suffers from a Catch-22: Almost nobody who wasn’t there remembers or cares about the Four Seasons, while those who were will be annoyed by the movie’s many anachronisms and false notes in the period look. Still, the music is first-rate and the acting even better, including star-making performances by John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli and Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito. Erich Bergen and Michael Lomenda, also excellent, play the other two Seasons, and Christopher Walken adds heft as a benign mob boss. J.L.

BEFORE

|

NEWS

- Todd McCarthy, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

SNOWPIERCER STARTS WED., 7/2 WED-TUES: 11:00AM, 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 9:55PM

“WILDLY FUNNY AND APPEALING.”

“(ITS) QUIET PLEASURES CREEP UP ON YOU.”

BEGIN AGAIN OBVIOUS CHILD - Todd McCarthy, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

- David Rooney, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

STARTS WED., 7/2 WED-TUES: 11:20AM, 1:30, 3:35, 5:40, 7:45, 9:45PM WED-TUES: 11:30AM, 2:00, 4:25, 7:00, 9:30PM NO SAT 1:30, 3:35PM • NO TUES 5:40, 7:45, 9:45PM

SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS 7/5 @ 2PM • HENRY IV 7/8 @ 7PM FOR ADVANCE TICKETS PLEASE VISIT FANDANGO.COM

The Fault in Our Stars

Romance blossoms between two teenage cancer patients (Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort). Directed by Josh Boone and adapted

by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber from John Green’s wildly successful novel (124 weeks and counting on The New York Times Best Sellers list), the movie is Love Story for the 21st century—though that’s a bit unfair: Love Story—book and movie—was lousy. This one, book and movie, is artfully constructed— a dash of Holden Caulfield without the acid, enough character for good actors to sink their teeth into, yet generic enough to appeal to a maximum teen audience. It’s essentially a two-character show: Elgort is handsome and appealing, while Woodley continues her steady progress to stardom. J.L.

2

•

2508 LAND PARK DRIVE LAND PARK & BROADWAY FREE PARKING ADJACENT TO THEATRE

3

Obvious Child

EVERY THURSDAY.

An aspiring stand-up comic (Jenny Slate) has to grow up when she finds herself dumped by her boyfriend, fired from her day job and pregnant from a one-night stand. Writer-director Gillian Robespierre’s movie has an earnest indie sweetness that’s oddly winning. It’s pleasantly prickly and interesting, and Slate’s slacker angst is comical and touching by turns. Still, Robespierre can’t always conceal the formula we recognize from slicker, more upscale studio rom-coms: the stereotypical rat-bastard ex (Paul Brigante), the handsome nice guy who may offer true love (Jake Lacy), the wisecracking woman pal (Gaby Hoffmann), the gay best friend from Central Casting (Gabe Liedman) and so on. The movie’s raunchy-female-Woody Allen-from-the-1970s vibe rings an overfamiliar bell, but it goes down easily enough. J.L.

2

1

The Signal

Three young people on a cross-country road trip (Brenton Thwaites, Olivia Cooke, Beau Knapp) become aware that they’re being tracked by a mysterious hacker who first caught their attention by hacking into the MIT databases when they were all students there.

They track his signal to an empty house in the middle of the Nevada desert, then suddenly there’s a confusion of screams and violence, and one of them (Thwaites) wakes up in some sort of hospital—or prison—where he is subjected to interrogation by a man in a hazmat suit (Laurence Fishburne). The script to this murky mess, credited to Carlyle Eubank, David Frigerio and director William Eubank, is plotless, senseless, pointless, annoying junk. It plays like a student project by a film-school slacker after OD-ing on Stanley Kubrick and marijuana. J.L.

Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon

Talent agent Shep Gordon made his name by managing Alice Cooper and others to superstardom, but according to the documentary Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, his most potent quality is a generous spirit that has endeared him to everyone, including Michael Douglas, Tom Arnold and the Dalai Lama. Actor Mike Myers co-directs Supermensch (along with Beth Aala), but he also appears onscreen to add to the litany of celebrity testimonials. When Myers calls his subject “the nicest person I’ve ever met,” and describes how Gordon nurtured him through a rough patch in his life, it’s a sure sign that we’re in the land of the puff piece. At least it’s a fast-paced and calorie-free puff piece with enough name-dropping to hold your attention, not unlike an Us Weekly magazine cover story, although it would have been more interesting to know how the sausage was made. D.B.

|

YOU’RE WELCOME, FILM GEEKS.

CALLS

THE MOVIE

The Rover

From the title card that reads “Ten years after the collapse” to the opening images of stark wastelands and Guy Pearce’s weathered face, David Michôd’s The Rover wants you to know that it is really, really dark. It would like to be a cerebral, “slow cinema” take on apocalyptic Aussie films like The Road Warrior and Wake in Fright, but The Rover isn’t cerebral, just slow, and feels like the work of a talented and ambitious filmmaker with nothing to say. The Australian native Michôd broke through in 2010 with the excellent crime drama Animal Kingdom, and he still shows a talent for dreamily unsettling images, shocking cuts, efficient storytelling and incoherent soundtrack selections. But when the gasoline-powered pursuit at the film’s center starts to stall, so does the story, and after a tense opening act, The Rover suddenly becomes enamored with its own navel. D.B.

3

REEL REVIEWS.

F E AT U R E

STORY

2

Tammy

A fast-food worker (Melissa McCarthy) gets fired for being an unreliable slob, then comes home to find her husband having a romantic dinner with another woman (Toni Collette, shamefully wasted). At the end of her rope, she sets out with her alcoholic grandmother (Susan Sarandon) on a road trip to Niagara Falls. Co-written by McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone (who also directed), the movie is as disorderly and obnoxious as its title character.

Meanwhile, a top-flight supporting cast (Allison Janney, Gary Cole, Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh, Dan Aykroyd) has little to do but stand watching the star thrash around, then line up at the end for an unconvincing group hug. McCarthy often shines as a supporting actress (remember Bridesmaids?), but as a star, her bag of tricks is beginning to look pretty shallow. J.L.

IRRESISTIBLE, FUNNY AND ROMANTIC!”

“

HAS CRITICS & AUDIENCES RAVING

MARK RUFFALO IS ASTONISHING. KEIRA KNIGHTLEY IS AT HER BEST. ADAM LEVINE IS A REVELATION.” “ ENCHANTING AND FUNNY.” “

PETER TRAVERS

, CLAUDIA PUIG

THE PERFECT DATE MOVIE!”

“

2

Think Like a Man Too

The couples from 2012’s Think Like a Man (Michael Ealy and Taraji P. Henson, Romany Malco and Meagan Good, Jerry Ferrara and Gabriel Union, Terrence Jenkins and Regina Hall) hit Las Vegas for a wedding, with pal Kevin Hart organizing the bachelor party and Jenkins’ character’s mother (Jenifer Lewis) taking command of the bride and bridesmaids. Writers Keith Merryman and David A. Newman felt the need to write a sequel, but couldn’t come up with a story, so they recycled stale jokes from The Hangover, Last Vegas, etc., only cleaned up and toned down to preserve a PG-13 rating. Results are predictably lame and lamely predictable.

Director Tim Story, as usual, is hopelessly lost, and the heavy lifting falls to the appealing cast, who all deserve better material. Here’s one thing that happened in Vegas and should have stayed there. J.L.

, EMILY HEBERT

2

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Where to start? The American flag. “I just got picked up by Red Bull.” Magic hour on every point of the globe, all of the time, always.

“These alien guns kick ass!” Transformium.

“What we do here is science.” Monument Valley.

“Mission accomplished” and “cut and run.” Action scenes set in slums. King Arthur, high-school football and the Holocaust. “It’s sucking up metal and dropping it!” Creepy, daddy-daughter sex anxiety. “I’m a wicked warrior robot.”

Product placement for Bud Light and automatic weaponry. “Don’t bitch out on me! Are you gonna bitch out on me?” Mark Wahlberg wears glasses to pass as a scientist in this world, and it works.

“Algorithms! Math!” In short, this fourth installment of Michael Bay’s long-form paean to soullessness is better than some of its predecessors and worse than others, but God only knows which ones or why. D.B.

Keira KNIGHTLEY

Mark RUFFALO

Hailee STEINFELD

Adam LEVINE

James CORDEN

CeeLo GREEN

Catherine KEENER

BEGIN AGAIN and

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JOHN CARNEY, THE DIRECTOR OF ‘ONCE’ BeginAgainFilm.com

EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT NOW PLAYING SACRAMENTO The Tower Theatre (800) FANDANGO #2721 CHECK DIRECTORIES FOR SHOWTIMES • NO PASSES ACCEPTED

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Hit the road, Matt Holiday Weekend

Staycation?

Make it a

swabbiecation...

HHHHHHHHH Live Music HHHHHHHHH

WinGnut aDaMs

Thursday, 7/3 - 6pm-10pm

fOur BarreL Friday, 7/4 - 3pm-7pm

riff raff w/ PlayBack

Saturday, 7/5 - 3pm-9:30pm

As Matt Sertich departs for Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter reflects on a new musical life Since the early ’90s, local musician Matt Sertich has done musical endeavors as diverse as leading a guitardriven punk-rock band and fronting a synth-pop by Aaron Carnes project. But now, he’s trying the one thing he’s never before attempted: going solo.

“I’ve been in bands since I was a kid,” Sertich says. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to slowly but surely get out of that if I wanted to really grow, if I wanted to just be a singer-songwriter. It’s almost been a backward process for me.”

PhoTo by darin SMiTh

spazMatics

Sunday, 7/6 - 4pm-7pm

Open 7 Days a Week fOr LuncH anD Dinner neW BruncH Menu servinG sat. & sun. 9:30aM tO nOOn 5871 Garden Highway (916) 920-8088

Drinking for one.

Catch Matt Sertich’s last-ever Sacramento gig (for a while, anyway) at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, at Fremont Park, 16th and Q streets.

There is no cover.

More info is at www.facebook.com/ mattsertichmusic.

38 | SN&R | 07.03.14

“My routine was get up, drink coffee, go to the studio, rehearse, go to work, come home, get up, repeat,” Sertich says.

In June, he released his debut solo, The Only Way Out Is Through, which he’ll take down south with him as a calling card of sorts. The record, a mix of synth and pianobased tracks represents a shift with a more mellow sound than what was heard on the last Generals’ album.

“I grew up with a lot of punk stuff.

Descendents, Misfits, the Damned, Hüsker Dü—just really good punk music—but I really love Elton John, Whitney Houston— just melody,” Sertich says. “As I got older, I just kept growing with my singing.

I didn’t want to be afraid of what people thought, [but instead] write music like I love, like Elton John, Lionel Richie—just good songs,” Sertich says.

Working alone taught Sertich a lot.

Not having another person to share creative duties with, he delved deeper into his craft.

He’s even learned that he hasn’t been singing in the best range for his voice—his solo songs are in a lower register than the ones he sang for the band.

The Generals, which initially started as a punk band à la Green Day and Fifteen, eventually switched gears and re-emerged with a new sound in the mid-2000s. Now, Sertich, who will play on Thursday, July 10, at Fremont Park, is leaving that all behind, putting everything on the line and moving to Los Angeles to try to make it as a solo artist.

“I’m a lifer. This is all I really know what to do. I wait tables, I play music. I’m at the point where I want to do whatever it takes. I don’t have any obstacles,” Sertich says.

When he was younger, Sertich held a very narrow definition of success: Getting a record deal and getting on the radio. Now, as he prepares for L.A., he says he has a broader idea of what constitutes “making it.”

“Licensing is so huge these days, getting my music in a commercial, a movie—those are real opportunities. If you get on a film, a million people are going to watch,” Sertich says. “There’s no money to be made in touring if you’re a band no one’s [heard] of.”

The Generals released six albums during their run. Their last record, Keep Your Lights On, a combination of Coldplay-esque stadium rock and Depeche Mode-styled synth tunes, was released early last year. After its release, Sertich began working on solo material almost immediately, visiting the Generals’ practice space daily for more than a year to write and record.

“ I’m a lifer. This is all I really know what to do. I wait tables, I play music. I’m at the point where I want to do whatever it takes.”

Matt Sertich singer-songwriter Sertich says he’s optimistic about his move.

“The Generals, we were spinning our wheels. We put 10 grand into a record. We believed in our music, we knew it was strong, but we weren’t really touring a lot,” Sertich says. “I’m going out there knowing what I’m going out there for. Sometimes when you make one big decision, it just starts to open things up.” Ω

Fiddletown, USA Country lovin’: I brought an Australian tourist to a country show last Friday night. Sure enough, he said he had never felt more American in his life.

An amazing, rowdy crowd filled Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub to see the Brothers Comatose. But the opener, the Defibulators from Brooklyn stole the show.

I know, I know. A honky-tonk country band from hipster-heavy, country-music-hating Brooklyn?

It makes no sense, but the Defibulators performed a raucous, honest-to-God, all-American set.

They sang about working hard at a job you hate to pay your bar tab, even though it’s the job that makes you drink in the first place; endless credit-card debt; and an 18-wheeler with go-go dancers in the back— a.k.a. the American Dream.

Still, the Defibulators are from Brooklyn. Frontman Bug Jennings introduced songs in an obscure fashion, sandwiching together words like “hillbilly,” “metaphysical” and “discourse.” And, naturally, the crew was spotted eating brunch at hip, vegetarian Mother the next day.

By the time the Brothers Comatose arrived onstage, the packed house was already liquored up, dancing and screaming. The five San Francisco musicians—only two are brothers—all play bluegrass string instruments, but with rock-song structures. That means epic mandolin and fiddle solos.

They also, on more than one occasion, all got on their knees and slowly leaned backward while still plucking along—nearly disappearing from view and sending the crowd into a frenzy. I was especially impressed with the upright bassist’s balancing act—plus, under a bright spotlight, he played a jaw harp.

A fan in a neon-orange Giants jersey wandered across the stage, grinning at everyone and stoked as hell. The band passed out chopsticks to the audience for a collective rhythm section. The encore chants caused some to plug their ears and wince. And that encore ended up being a cover of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So,” proving that you can really never predict anything.

Thu 07/03 // 8PM // $5

Well, the members of Dot Hacker have played with all of those bands at some point. Frontman Josh Klinghoffer is the current guitarist in the Red Hot Chili Peppers and was even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Dot Hacker’s members are sort of like freelancers in the music biz—they’re constantly involved in other projects or on tour with other bands. But Dot Hacker is their own thing.

As bassist Jonathan Hischke said: “I’m in 30 bands, but also in no other bands at all.”

Dot Hacker plays The Center for the Arts (314 W. Main Street in Grass Valley) on Tuesday, July 8, at 8 p.m. for $12. The show is a sort of homecoming for Klinghoffer, who grew up in Nevada County. And Hischke actually met Klinghoffer while living in Nevada City and playing in Hella, Sacramento’s seminal math-rock band. That one year in Hella was huge for Hischke— it signaled a permanent move to California from Chicago.

“It was like an end of an era. I was so charmed by California,” he said. Sacramento won him over, too—“Best trees in America”—and he hopes Dot Hacker will play a gig in town this fall. He certainly gets regular reminders of Sacto in Los Angeles—he said he’s constantly running into other former local bands, like Two Sheds and Tera Melos.

Dot Hacker released part one of its second album, How’s Your Process?, on Tuesday. The second group of six songs will arrive in October. Hischke said the band desperately wanted the record to fit on vinyl—and didn’t want to cut any tracks—so the collection was split into two. The first part certainly stands on its own, featuring Dot Hacker’s complex, eclectic rock— spacey vocals, experimental rhythms and noise swirling with synth.

KaraoKe niGhTly in our FronT bar plus aWesoMe Food speCials

Nevada County stars: The words “Dot Hacker” may not mean too much to you. But these definitely should: Beck, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gnarls Barkley, P.J. Harvey, Broken Bells and Hella.

—Janelle Bitker

jan el l eb @ne w s re v i e w . c o m

cedric froM kiss The sky fri 07/04 // 9PM

you fronT The band

Wednesday july 2

Live karaoke saT 07/05 // 9PM // $5

KNCI 18 & over College WedNesdays $2, $3, $4 drINK speCIals

swahiLi Passion veins To wires ruby jaye

Thursday july 3

sun 07/06

showcase sunday, oPen Mic

$2 Well & pbr 9-10pm 18 & over CouNtry daNCe NIght

coMedy 6-8PM band audiTions 8-12aM // free Mon 07/07 // 8PM // $10

Friday july 4

The darLing cLeMenTines

$2 pbr & $3 loNg IslaNds 8pm - 9pm

burLesque Tue 07/08 // 8PM

saTurday july 5

greaTesT sTories ever ToLd

9pm - 10pm $4 JaCK & $3 Coors lIght

greaTfuL dead/bob dyLan revue wed 07/09 // 8PM // $5

The buMPTeT & harrison b uPcoMing shows:

sunday july 6 18 & over Free daNCe lessoNs

07/11 sTeLLar & eLeMenT of souL

908 K Street • sac 916.446.4361 wwwMarilynsOnK.com

1320 del paso blvd

stoNeyINN.Com | 916.927.6023

2708 J Street Sacramento, CA 916.441.4693 www.harlows.com - July 3 -

THRIVE SIMPLE CREATION 7PM • $8 ADV

SHERYL THE SOCCER MOM, TRISTAN JOHNSON, DOBOY 9:30PM • $20

- July 5 -

MIDNIGHT PLAYERS

- July 9 -

BLACK PUSSY MOTHERSHIP, HORSENECK 7PM • $8 ADV

- July 11 -

ROBERT FRANCIS & THE NIGHT TIDE

- July 7 -

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTS TOUR WITH

TIMOTHY RHYME, 60 EAST NATHO, SDM, KHALIL

VIKESH, KAPDOR, MAXIM LUDWIG

6PM • $8

6PM • $12

BEFORE

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NEWS

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F E AT U R E

STORY

| A R T S & C U L T U R E

COMING SOON

- July 8 -

COMEDY WITH ESAU McGRAW

9PM • $12

TBD = BFD: If you somehow haven’t seen the TBD Fest lineup yet, get online right now, because I don’t have enough space to list the madness. Justice, Blondie and Empire of the Sun headline the West Sacramento festival previously known as Launch. But the lineup is packed with excellent electronicdance and general party music. Mark your calendars for October 3-5, and head to www.tbdfest.com.

b&b Music facTory sea Legs

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AFTER

07/11 07/12 07/12 07/15 07/16 07/17 07/18 07/19 07/20 07/21 07/23 07/24 07/25 07/26 07/31 08/3 08/4 08/7 08/8 08/8 08/12

Fever the Ghost / Morgan Delt Brodi Nicholas Joy & Madness Infamous Stringdusters Eric Bibb George Tandy Jr. Matt Schofield ZuhG Rakim People Under the Stairs The Hold Steady Sapient Hot Buttered Rum Tainted Love B Side Players Bad Suns Real Estate Snarky Puppy Catherine Russell Mustache Harbor Ottmar Leibert

| 07.03.14

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SN&R

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39

03THURS

05SAT

05SAT

05SAT

S. Carey

The Afterlife

Egg

HD

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 9 p.m., $12 Best known as the drummer for indie-folk band Bon Iver, S. Carey is a creator of similarly lush, pensive sounds as a solo artist. He’s INDIE FOLK on tour supporting his sophomore record Range of Light, named after the Sierra Nevada.

Carey’s music is strongly rooted in natural beauty, with each track inspired by a landscape—check out his Instagram. But it’s also influenced by classical and jazz arrangements; songs are detail-oriented, precise and meditative. Additional percussion—spoons on thighs, taps on glass bottles—brings a rustic quality to counter the reverb. Listen to “Crown the Pines” for a swirl of Carey’s quiet voice, Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon’s iconic falsetto, and racing violins. 129 E Street, Suite E in Davis; www.scarey.org.

Fox & Goose, 9 p.m., $5

Shine, 8 p.m., $5

For about five years, Sacramento jazz duo the Afterlife has been experimenting with a style they call “swing bop.” Tyson Graf plays some pretty pacy bebop solos, while Zack Sapunor slaps the upright bass and sings lyrics to popular jazz tunes. Here, “slaps the upright bass” isn’t just a played-out reference to I Love You, Man, either. Sapunor really slaps it, and the sound of the strings hitting the fretboard—combined with Graf’s guitar strumming—creates each song’s rhythm. Their two instruments and one JAZZ voice reimagine old jazz classics into fun new fusion tunes. They’re performing with Sacramento reggae group the Scratch Outs. 1001 R Street,www.face book.com/afterlifejazz.

Blue Lamp, 8 p.m., $10

If you’re smart enough to stick around Sacramento for the Fourth of July weekend, you just might find there are quite a few good shows happening then. Egg, a fivepiece groove, funk and rock band will be playing an intimate show at one of downROCK town’s coolest all-ages music venues, Shine. Although the venue’s ownership somewhat recently changed hands, let’s just say the changes have been for the better. Now, we’re seeing a surge of good bands coming out of the woodwork to play there. One listen to Egg’s Overly Easy EP should be more than enough to entice newcomers to come forth and experience the band. 1400 E Street,www.eggeth.com.

—Jonathan Mendick

—Eddie Jorgensen

Ice City is coming to Sacramento! For those not in the know, “Ice City” is slang for North Oakland. It’s also where the hiphop crew Bearfaced hails from. HD (a.k.a.

High Definition), one of the main figures in Bearfaced, is headlining the Blue Lamp this Saturday. Like the rest of crew (Ditty, Lil Joe, 6Hunnit, G-Dirty, Lil Rod, Sippa, Mel Zoda), HD brings weed-soaked, laid-back, gritty beats, topped with braggadociofilled lyrics and tales of personal struggle and trials and tribulations. He just released his latest album, Bad Habits (Stuck in My Old Ways), and stops in Sacramento HIP-HOP along a stretch of West Coast dates. 1400 Alhambra Boulevard,www.bearfacedent.com.

—Aaron Carnes

—Janelle Bitker

LIVE EntErtaInmEnt EV ErY FrI & S at 9 P m

jULY 5

UnLICEnSED tHEraPY classic rock, 80’s, 90’s and today / $5

jULY 11

rOGUE rock / $5 jULY 12

aUtO rEPLaY dance hits from the 80’s to today / $5 EVErY tHUrSDaY

SN&R IS hIRINg! 2ND THURSDAYS | HIP-HOP | JULY 10, 2014

Advertising Sales Manager Estimator/Media Coordinator Custom Publications Writer

UnLImItED GLOw-BOwL

with live dj! $15 includes shoes / 10pm-1am

EVErY tUESDaY

$1 taCOS aLL DaY LIVE trIVIa @7:30Pm DaILY

HaPPY HOUr 3-6pm

#crockerartmix crockerartmuseum.org 40 | SN&R |

07.03.14

foR moRe INfoRmatIoN, vISIt www.NewSRevIew.com/jobS

HaLFtImE Bar & GrILL In S I DE S t rI K ES U nL I mIt ED 5 6 8 1 L on e tre e Blvd • rocklin 9 1 6 .6 2 6 .3 6 0 0 H aL F t I mE r OCKL In .COm

05SAT

06SUN

09WED

10THURS

Midnight Players

The English Language

Sargeist

The David Mayfield Parade

Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, 10 p.m., $6-$12 Imagine a mixtape with “Car Wash” by Rose Royce; “Low Rider” or “The Cisco Kid” by War; “Let it Whip” by Dazz Band; “Get Down on It” or “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang; plus hits by Chic; Madonna; Chaka Khan; and Earth, Wind & Fire. Then imagine that mixtape in the form of a live band. The result is the Midnight Players.

The Sacramento cover band formed in 1977 when the “old-school” sound was still new. Four of the founding members (Rudy Betancourt, Manuel Cervin, Michael Sellars R&B and Raul Mejia) have been joined by newer members to play ’60s through 2000s R&B, funk and dance favorites. 2708 J Street, www.midnight players.com.

Torch Club, 8 p.m., no cover There’s something rather simian about San Jose rockers the English Language, with a sound that’s one part pop rock, by way of ROCK the Monkees; one part psychedelic garage rock, akin to the Arctic Monkeys (frontman Kyle Langlois even sounds a little British at times). Structurally speaking, the group’s songs lean a little more toward its 1960s predecessors and the era when the get-in-get-out pop song saturated airwaves. Tracks from the English Language’s 2014 release This Is Science/Rock & Roll average about two minutes and are decidedly lo-fi. The LoLos from Chico open up this free Sunday-night show. 904 15th Street, www.englishlanguagemusic.tumblr.com.

—Deena Drewis

Starlite Lounge, 9 p.m., $15

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 9 p.m., $5

After 15 years of existence, Finnish black-metal band Sargeist will visit Sacramento to deliver a ferocious, vitriol-laden wall of sound. What started as simply a solo project for guitarist Shautraug (a.k.a. Ville Pystynen) has turned into one of the scariest bands in its genre. To date, Sargeist has delivered three demos, two split EPs, three split singles, four albums, and two more of their own EPs. If you’re looking for unsettling music on the dark side with a lean BLACK METAL toward the occult, satanism and borderline chaos, look no further. Vocalist Hoath Torog (a.k.a. Marko Saarikalle) will rip your insides out and deliver them back riddled with disease. 1517 21st Street,www.facebook.com/ thetruesargeist.

—Trina L. Drotar

David Mayfield is not afraid to be different.

Mayfield, brother of rocker Jessica Lea Mayfield, is very comfortable in his own creative skin, and his sophomore album, 2013’s Good Man Down, proves it. In a way, ROOTS ROCK the video for “Human Cannonball” tells you all you need to know. Mayfield’s plaintive vocals and heart-tugging lyrics about a fragile relationship are not only augmented by the track’s folk and country rhythms and epic rock ’n’ roll choruses, but the expertly choreographed sequences make this feel like a dream that has gone way too far down the rabbit hole. It’s weird stuff, but delightfully so. 129 E Street, Suite E in Davis; www.davidmayfieldparade.net.

—Eddie Jorgensen

—Brian Palmer

ALLEY KATZ PRESENTS

LIVE MUSIC IN JULY July 04

HAPPY 4TH (CLOSED)

July 05

ADAM ROTH (FROM AMERICAN IDOL)

July 11

THE STUFF (BLUES ROCK)

July 18

DELTA CITY RAMBLERS

July 19

DENVER J BAND & ALI K

july 25

GROUND SCORE WILLIE

july 26

SEA LEGS

TRIVIA MONDAYS @ 6:30PM TACO TUESDAYS $1 TACOS, $2 CORONAS OPEN MIC WEDNESDAYS SIGN-UPS @ 7:30PM KARAOKE THURSDAYS @ 7:30PM

SATURDAY, JULY 5 | 5PM 2019 O ST | SACRAMENTO 916.442.2682

101 MAIN STREET, ROSEVILLE 916-774-0505 · 9:30PM · 21+ FACEBOOK.COM/BAR101ROSEVILLE BEFORE

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NEWS

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F E AT U R E

STORY

| A R T S & C U L T U R E

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AFTER

| 07.03.14

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41

NIGHTBEAT

THURSDAY 7/3

FRIDAY 7/4

SATURDAY 7/5

ASSEMBLY MUSIC HALL List your event!

BADLANDS

Tipsy Thursdays, Top 40 deejay dancing, 9pm, call for cover

2003 K St., (916) 448-8790 101 Main St., Roseville; (916) 774-0505

BLUE LAMP

STORYTELLERS, NECKTIE KILLERS, THE FUNICELLOS; 8pm, $7

1400 Alhambra, (916) 455-3400

Saturday Boom, 9pm, call for cover

Sin Sunday, 8pm, call for cover

Mad Mondays, 9pm M

ADAM ROTH, 9:30pm, no cover

VAGABOND BROTHERS, 2pm, no cover

HD, KUTT E, JP, YUNG DROOPY, HUNNID; Get Down to the Champion Sound 8pm, $10 reggae night, 9pm-2am, $3

WRINGS, NTNT, NATIONAL LINES; 8pm Tu, $5; Naughty Trivia, 8pm W, no cover

THE BOARDWALK

RINGS OF SATURN, ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS, AURAS; 6:30pm W, $12-$14

CENTER FOR THE ARTS

DOT HACKER, GOLDEN SHOULDERS; 8pm Tu, $10-$12

9426 Greenback Ln., Orangevale; (916) 988-9247 314 W. Main St., Grass Valley; (530) 274-8384

THE COZMIC CAFÉ

594 Main St., Placerville; (530) 642-8481

Open-mic, 7:30pm, no cover

1016 K St., (916) 737-5770

DIVE BAR

1022 K St., (916) 737-5999

JONNY MOJO, 8pm, $8

CHAD WILKINS, 7pm, $5

DJ Julian Pierce, 10pm, call for cover

DJ Amy Robins, 10pm, call for cover

Dueling Pianos, 9pm, no cover

FACES Hey local bands!

Fabulous and Gay Fridays, 9pm, call for cover

BAR 101

DISTRICT 30

Want to be a hot show?

Mail photos to Calendar Editor, SN&R, 1124 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815 or email it to sactocalendar@ newsreview.com. Be sure to include date, time, location and cost of upcoming shows.

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 7/7-7/9

KUMANDAE, 8pm, $20

1000 K St., (916) 832-4751

Post your free online listing (up to 15 months early), and our editors will consider your submission for the printed calendar as well. Print listings are also free, but subject to space limitations. Online, you can include a full description of your event, a photo, and a link to your website. Go to www.newsreview.com/calendar and start posting events. Deadline for print listings is 10 days prior to the issue in which you wish the listing to appear.

SUNDAY 7/6

Hip-hop and Top 40 Deejay dancing, 9pm, $5-$10

2000 K St., (916) 448-7798

Hip-hop and Top 40 Deejay dancing, 9pm, $5-$10

FOX & GOOSE

MARTY COHEN & THE SIDEKICKS, 8pm, no cover

THE SCRATCH OUTS, THE AFTERLIFE; 9pm, $5

G STREET WUNDERBAR 228 G St., Davis; (530) 756-9227

WEST NILE RAMBLERS, 9:30pm, no cover

THE WISEMAN, 9pm, $15

THE GOLDEN BEAR

DJ Shaun Slaughter, 10pm, call for cover

1001 R St., (916) 443-8825

2326 K St., (916) 441-2252

DJ Crook One, 10pm, call for cover

HALFTIME BAR & GRILL 2708 J St., (916) 441-4693

So You Think You Got Bars rap battle, 6pm, $15; Esau Mcgraw, 10pm, $20

LEVEL UP FOOD & LOUNGE

Karaoke, 9pm, no cover

2431 J St., (916) 448-8768

LUNA’S CAFÉ & JUICE BAR

Joe Montoya’s Poetry Unplugged, 8pm, $2

MARILYN’S ON K

B&B MUSIC FACTORY, SEA LEGS, CEDRIC; 8:30pm, $5

1414 16th St., (916) 441-3931 908 K St., (916) 446-4361

ISLAND OF BLACK & WHITE, 9pm, no cover

BRIAN ROGERS, 9pm Tu, no cover; IDEATEAM, 9pm W, no cover

Dragalicious, 9pm, $5

Queer Idol, 9pm M, no cover; Latin night, 9pm Tu, $5; DJ Alazzawi, 9pm W, $3 Open-mic, 7:30pm M; Pub Quiz, 7pm Tu; Northern Soul, 8pm W, no cover

Industry Night, 9pm, call for cover

UNLICENSED THERAPY, 9pm, $5

5681 Lonetree Blvd., Rocklin; (916) 626-6366

HARLOW’S

DJ Whores, 10pm, no cover

DJ Kennedy Jones, 10pm W, call for cover

MIDNIGHT PLAYERS, 10pm, $6-$12

Trivia night, W, call for cover Trivia night, 7:30-9pm Tu, no cover

THE REUNION, 7pm, $19.64-$24

TIMOTHY RHYME, 7pm M, $8; THRIVE, 8pm Tu, $10; BLACK PUSSY, 8pm W, $10 Hip-hop and R&B deejay dancing, 9:16pm Tu, no cover

DON HOWARD, DNA, TIN CAT, BRET BINGHAM, PETE HOLDEN; 8pm, no cover You Front The Band Live Karaoke, 9pm, call for cover

SWAHILI PASSION, VEINS TO WIRES, RUBY JAYE; 8pm, $5

Nebraska Mondays, 7:30pm M, $5-$20; Comedy night, 8pm W, $6 Marilyn’s Talent Showcase, 6pm, no cover

Darling Clementines burlesque, 8pm M, $10; Greatest Stories Ever Told, 8pm Tu

1000 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

FOR TICKETS TO ALL SHOWS VISIT AssemblyMusicHall.com

For Rentals or Private Parties please contact AssemblyMusicHall@gmail.com

THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE SAT JULY 5 @ 8PM

GUEST COMEDIAN RICCODAGREAT

TUES JULY 15 @ 7PM

FRI JULY 18 @ 6PM

THURS JULY 17 @ 7PM

UPCOMING SHOWS AUG 01 AUG 02 AUG 05 AUG 06 AUG 08 AUG 10 AUG 11

SAT JULY 19 @ 8PM

SPECIAL GUESTS JAIME DEWOLF & LAIKA FOX

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SUN JULY 20 @ 7PM

TUES JULY 29 @ 8PM

CHEVY WOODS, TREE THOMAS & WILL

AUG 16

FRINGE FOXY SHAZAM BALLYHOO LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES PHORA ISRAEL VIBRATION & THE ROOTS RADIC HE IS LEGEND/ MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER THE SIREN SHOW

AUG 19 AUG 15 SEP 20 SEP 23 SEP 21 SEP 27 OCT 4 OCT 12 OCT 18

CHIMAIRA THE REAL MCKENZIES THE SIREN SHOW TRAPT AMITY AFFLICTION AARON CARTER ELUVEITIE TURQUOISE JEEP THE SIREN SHOW

THURSDAY 7/3

FRIDAY 7/4

SATURDAY 7/5

1119 21st St., (916) 549-2779

HI SCORES, DJ CrookOne, DJ Epik, 9:30pm, $5

Deejay dancing, 9pm, no cover before 10pm; $5 after 10pm

Electronic, house, nu-disco, techno, dub- Goth, darkwave, industrial, electronic step deejay dancing, 9pm, call for cover deejay dancing, 9pm-3am, call for cover

Swing dancing, 7:30pm Tu, $6; Salsa lessons, 7:30pm-midnight W, $5

OLD IRONSIDES

Karaoke, 9pm, no cover

WILLIAM MYLAR, 5pm, no cover

Lipstick Weekender, 9:30pm, $5

Karaoke w/ Sac City Entertainment, 9pm Tu, no cover; Open-mic, 9pm W, no cover

ON THE Y

Karaoke, 9pm, no cover

MIDTOWN BARFLY

1901 10th St., (916) 442-3504 670 Fulton Ave., (916) 487-3731

THE PARK ULTRA LOUNGE 1116 15th St., (916) 442-7222

PARLARE EURO LOUNGE

Top 40, 9pm, no cover

1009 10th St., (916) 448-8960

Open-mic comedy, 9pm, no cover

DJ Eddie Edul, 9pm-2am, $15

DJ Peeti V, 9pm-2am, $15

Asylum Downtown: Gothic, industrial, EBM dancing, 9pm, call for cover

Top 40, Mashups, 9pm, no cover

DJ Club mixes, 10pm, no cover

POWERHOUSE PUB

BRODIE STEWART, 10pm, call for cover

THE PRESS CLUB

Jams w/ DJs Travis, Brian and Raftr, 9pm, no cover

SHADY LADY SALOON

TESSIE MARIE AND THE POOR MAN BAND, 9pm, no cover

1409 R St., (916) 231-9121

Karaoke, 9pm Tu, no cover

NUNCHUCK TAYLOR, 10pm, call for cover

JERAMY NORRIS, 3pm, call for cover

THE SOUL SHINE BAND, LP SESSIONS, ROSWELL; 8pm W, $5

Top 40 w/ DJ Rue, 9pm, $5

Top 40 Night w/ DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9pm, $5

Sunday Night Soul Party, 9pm, $5

WOLFHOUSE, BIG WATER BEAT, THE MISSING TEETH; 9pm, $5

CRESCENT KATZ, 9pm, no cover

ZORELLI, 9pm, no cover

ALEX JENKINS, 9pm, no cover

DJ Crook, 9pm Tu, no cover; JAZZ GITAN, 9pm W, no cover

SOL COLLECTIVE

Wisechild with Nasrockswell, El Indio, Bine and Linl Witchie 8pm Saturday, $5.

Sol Collective Hip-hop

Ballroom dancing with Jim Truesdale, 6:30pm W, no cover

MIDNIGHT PLAYERS, 9pm, $10

3443 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove; (916) 226-2625

2030 P St., (916) 444-7914

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 7/7-7/9

Karaoke, 9pm, no cover

PINS N STRIKES

614 Sutter St., Folsom; (916) 355-8586

SUNDAY 7/6

NASROCKSWELL, EL INDIO, BINE, WISECHILD, LINL WITCHIE; 8pm, $5

2574 21st St., (916) 832-0916

SOPHIA’S THAI KITCHEN

HOLLOW WOOD, CITY TRIBE; 9:30pm, no cover

S. CAREY, THE PINES; 9pm, $10-$12

129 E St., Davis; (530) 758-4333

STARLITE LOUNGE

SPAZMATICS, 4pm, $8

CASEY GROAT, XOCHITL, TRAVIS JEAN, MARTIN PURTILL, ROBBY J; 9pm

1517 21st St., (916) 706-0052

STONEY INN/ROCKIN’ RODEO

Country deejay dance party, 9pm, $5

Country dancing, 7:30pm, no cover; $5 after 8pm

Country dancing, 7:30pm, no cover; $5 after 8pm

SWABBIES

FOUR BARREL, 3pm, $5;

WINGNUT ADAMS, 6pm, $3

RIFF RAFF, PLAY BACK; 3pm, $8

TORCH CLUB

X TRIO, 5pm, no cover; MARC DELGADO, BUMPTET; 9pm, $6

MARK SEXTON, 6pm, $7

WITCH ROOM

ELI AND THE SOUND CULT, BE CALM HONCHO, SUNMONKS; 8pm, $5

1320 Del Paso Blvd., (916) 927-6023 5871 Garden Hwy, (916) 920-8088 904 15th St., (916) 443-2797

1815 19th St., www.witchroomsac.com

SARGEIST, KILLGASM, VALDUR, PALE CHALICE; 9pm W, call for cover Country dance party, 8pm, no cover

Comedy open-mic, 8pm M; Bluebird Lounge open-mic, 5pm Tu, no cover

HARRISON B, 9pm, $7

Blues jam, 4pm, no cover; FOR SAYLE, THE LOLOS; 8pm, $5

BILL MYLAR, 5:30pm Tu; Open-mic, 5:30pm W; BRIAN ROGERS, 9pm W, $5

Hair of the Dog BBQ Day Party, noon, no cover

THE STORYTELLERS, C-PLUS; 8pm, $5

MILO, STEVIE NADER, SAFARI AL, NEDARB NAGROM; 8pm W, call for cover

Xochitl with Casey Groat, Travis Jean, Martin Purtill and Robby J. 9pm Saturday, call for cover.

Starlite Lounge Pop and folk

All ages, all the time SHINE

FUTUREWANG, CHIKADING!, SHOI, RECONNAISSANCE FLY; 8pm, $5

1400 E St., (916) 551-1400

INSTAGON, EGG, BOOKER LONG DUO; 8pm, $5

Open jazz jam, 8pm Tu; Poetry with Bill Gainer, 7pm W, call for cover

ACE OF SPADES

1417 R Street, Sacramento, 95814 www.aceofspadessac.com

ALL AGES WELCOME!

COMING

TUESDAY, JULY 22

SATURDAY, JULY 12

RITTZ

SONS OF N.W.A.

SOON

TUKI CARTER - RAZ SIMONE - PENNY NO MUTINY CLIQ - CALI BEAR GANG

CALI BEAR GANG – WEDDOJANSON - CHERRY RED

07/30 Swon Brothers

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

PHILTHY RICH, D-LO, KIDD SWAGG

MKTO

08/22 Common King

MOONSHINE BANDITS

J BOOG HOT RAIN

08/23 Y & T 08/28 Dustin Lynch

DRY COUNTRY DRINKERS

FRIDAY, JULY 18

THE POLYPHONIC SPREE

FRIDAY, JULY 25

08/30 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

YUNG VON - BOBBY HOOPER - R DOT CARTER AYE TEE - K HAWK

09/06 Tribal Seeds

SOULJA BOY

SARAH JAFFE

08/15 Against Me! 08/16 Puddle Of Mudd

THURSDAY, JULY 24

THURSDAY, JULY 17

08/01 Jon Pardi

09/27 Amon Amarth

SATURDAY, JULY 19

10/13 Jimmy Eat World

SUNDAY, JULY 27

BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR

SOULFLY

MILLIONAIRES - HALEY ROSE - LONELY AVENUE INTERNET FRIENDS - ZACH VAN DYCK

10/28 Airborne Toxic Event

DAMAGE OVER TIME

10/29 Colt Ford

Tickets available at all Dimple Records Locations, The Beat Records, and Armadillo Records, or purchase by phone @ 916.443.9202 BEFORE

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5 GRAMS

$

4 GRAM 1/8THS STARTING AT $25 8 GRAM 1/4S STARTING AT $50 WIDE VARIETY OF CLONES 5 JOINTS FOR $20 14 NEW KINDS OF WAX

3600 Power Inn Rd Ste 1A | Sac, CA 95826 | 916.455.1931 44

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SN&R | 07.03.14

OPEN 10AM - 7PM 7 DAYS A WEEK CLOSED ON JULY 4TH

Happy 7/10!

Hey 7/10 is coming up. Any ideas on how to celebrate?

—The Tin Man Woo-hoo! It’s 7/10! For those that don’t know, 710 is like 420 for dabheads (dabbers? Oilyboids? Errl Flynns?). Dabs are hits of hash oil, as in: A little dab’ll do ya.

Why 710? Because “OIL” upside down and backward is “710,” duh.

I say we should also have a party on 11/30 (4/20 BEALUM plus 7/10) and do dabs and doobs at the same time.

by NGAIO Party on.

But yeah, it just so happens that I know of a hella cool shindig happening in San Francisco a sk420@ ne wsreview.c om on 7/10. The good people at S.F. Safe Access are holding an event called S.F.’s Best Concentrate on Thursday, July 10, at 5 p.m. at Lounge 847,’13located at 847 Howard Street. Participants will be able to sample some of the best concentrates in the Bay Area. Plus food and drinks and stuff. All of the proceeds will go to benefit S.F. Safe Access, the oldest and one of the most active chapters of Americans for Safe Access.

Contact SFsbestconcentrate710@gmail.com for more information. Go show your support and remember to dab responsibly.

I just got back from San Antonio, Texas, and I can say without a doubt that the marijuana in San Antone is much better than the weed in Austin. You would think that super-hipster college town Austin would have better grass, but it’s not the case. I smoked an OG Kush and a Blue Dream in San Antonio that were both out of sight. The last time I was in Austin, some guy sold me a dub of a nice green strain. He said it was Headband, but it tasted more like a high Why 710? Because grade from the late ’80s: weed with a hint of “OIL” upside down green Mexico in the aftertaste.

Also, San Antonio has and backward is decriminalized possession “710,” duh. of anything less than an ounce as long as it’s in one package, because if you have 28 1-gram bags of pot in your pocket, they have a pretty good case for intent to sell.

Then I was in Los Angeles to shoot an episode of Getting Doug With High, and I got a Purple Kush from the Pura Vida dispensary and some Strawberry Cough from the California Patients Alliance. Both Ngaio Bealum were superb. The Purple Kush looked almost like a is a Sacramento purple Peak 19 (one of my ATF strains, but hard to comedian, activist find), with lightly lavender nugs and a supersmooth and marijuana expert. smoke. The Strawberry Cough was all fruit flavor and Email him questions at ask420@ thick smoke, with a very pleasant, although somewhat newsreview.com. short-lived high.

Currently, I am in Richland, Washington, smoking Royal Kush and a local strain called Longfitt Heroes #3. It is a mix of Trainwreck, some sort of kush and other stuff that I probably should have written down, but, hey, I was high. It’s hella good, though. Gotta love meeting new people and trying new strains. Ω

Bring in any competitor’s coupon and we’ll beat it by $5 Must present competitor’s ad. Some restrictions apply.

VOted 3rd best ’13 420 physician in sac! ’13

’13

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420 Doc MEDiCAL MArijuAnA EvALuAtiOns

spring COMpAssiOn spECiAL

34 44

$

$

rEnEWALs

nEW pAtiEnts

Must bring ad. Limit one per patient.

Some restrictions apply.

Must bring ad. Limit one per patient.

Some restrictions apply.

916.480.9000 2 COnvEniEnt LOCAtiOns tO sErvE YOu

2100 Watt Ave, Unit 190 | Sacramento, CA 95825 | Mon–Sat 11am–7pm 2633 Telegraph Ave. 109 | Oakland, CA 94612 | 510-832-5000 | Mon–Sat 10am–5pm recommendations are valid for 1 year for qualifying patients Walk-ins Welcome all day everyday

Your information is 100% private and confidential Visit our website to book your appointment online 24/7 at

www.sac420Doc.com B BE EF FO OR RE E | | N NE EW WSS | | F FE EA AT TU UR RE E SST TO OR RY Y | | A AR RT TSS& &CCU ULLT TU UR RE E | | A AF FT TE ER R | |

07.03.14 07.03.14

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Simply the BeSt Winner 3 years in a row! ’13

’13

’13

Best medical marijuana clinic - Sacramento News and Review Readers’ poll ’13

’13

’13

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Will mAtCh ANy lOCAl CliNiC pRiCe With COpy Of Ad. 1 peR pAtieNt. thAt iS CA mediCAl BOARd StANdARdS COmpliANt Get AppROved OR NO ChARGe! 24/7 verifications! hipAA Compliant 100% doctor/patient patient Confidentiality p

dOWNtOWN SACRAmeNtO

2015 Q Street, 95811 • (916) 476-6142 OPEN Monday through Saturday 11am to 6pm • CLOSED SUNDAY valid through 07/15/14

CANNABIS EXPERTS ✂

OPE JULY 4N TH !

UNTIL

FREE GRAM

7PM

when you bring a friend ($50 min donation)*

✂

TOP SHELF $ 10 GRAMS* WE PROUDLY OFFER:

VAPORIZERS TINCTURES SALVES

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This classic OG phenotype relaxes the mind & body

T H C Fruitridge

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Power Inn Rd

65th St Expy

46

★

*Can’t be combined with other offers. One coupon per person, per day. Expires 07/09/14.

6666 Fruitridge Road, Unit C Sacramento, CA 95820 916.476.4431 • www.916THC.com open 9:00am to 8:00pm 7 days a week

Northern California’s

LARGEST GARDEN SUPPLY, HYDROPONICS & HEADSHOP Everything you need all at one location!

Come exp erience ov er 25,000 sq uare feet of shoppin g!

SUMMER SALES EVENT Sale Ends AUGUST 1st!!

2 PCS VENTILATION COMBO

SPEND $20 OR MORE and get 1L BLOOM FREE + KY ROOT GEL FREE

• 4” INLINE FAN • 4” CARBON FILTER

$99

PER SET

(REG $250 PER SET)

FAN INCLUDES 1-YEAR WARRANTY

BUY WEIGHMAX AND GET 1 SET OF 3PCS FREE

BUY WEIGHTMAXPLANT FOOD

300g $59.99 get 3 16oz of GH Free bloom, micro, grow

Bring in this add and inquire about our KY

Big Brand Name: General Hydroponic Products (Micro, Bloom, Grow) Free (Bigger size you buy GET bigger free product set)

Loyalty Card NOW TO OPEN IC! B U L THE P

AIR SILENCERS • BALLASTS • NUTRIENTS • REFLECTORS TRIMMERS VENTILATION TUBING & PARTS • LIGHTING SYSTEMS • TOOLS • FILM & MORE BEFORE

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1000W Xstrsun Bulb 1000W BVB or AQ Convertible Ballast.

Switchable electrical voltages 120v/240v.

Switchable bulbs MH/HPS. USA capacitor.

High quality.

Large Reflector 8”

A RT S & C U LT U R E

$160 per set!

Reg $390 per set

to learn how to save

up to 80%

8671 ELDER CREEK RD., #600 SACRAMENTO, CA 95828 916-383–3366 |

AFTER

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50 99

FLORIN PERKINS POWER INN

KY Wholesale

1000 W GROW LIGHT COMBO 3PCS COMPLETE SET

47TH AVE ELDER CREEK

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Has Medical Marijuana iMproved Your life?

Capital Cannabis Guide is looking for stories of people whose lives have been positively impacted by the use of medical marijuana.

Contact editor Michelle Carl at michellec@newsreview.com to share your story.

35

$

TOP SHELF 1/8THS 10 TOP SHELF GRAMS

$

Awesome Staff, Very Knowledgable

SUNDAY SPECIAL: 4G 1/8THS (ONE PER PATIENT) 25 1/8THS SELECT STRAINS | $5 OFF ANY OF OUR WAX CONCENTRATES

$

TINCTURES, HASH, CAPSULES, KIEF, EDIBLES

“This is by far one of the most respectable clubs in the area.

They have a great selection of clones and herbs. I like that they test all of the products and post the percentages. They also have the best staff, everyone is very inviting and helpful.”

NEW PATIENT GIFTS

FREE ½ gram concentrate

with any $40 min.don.

Select choice, one per patient, while supplies last. New patients only. exp. 7/9/14

GOLDEN HEALTH & WELLNESS

FOR MORE REVIEWS & OUR MENU, VISIT WWW.WEEDMAPS.com

1030 Joellis Way, Sac

48

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Arden Mall

Dr nfe ld

me

UNTIL 6PM

Joellis Way 160

SN&R | 07.03.14

Blu

OPEN JULY 4TH!

Arden Way

80

916.646.6340

Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm Sunday 10am–6pm

OPEN 3015 H Street Sacramento, CA 916.822.4717 NEW HOURS: 9am–9pm everyday JULY 4TH! UNTIL 6PM

*Doctor’s recommendation & CA I.D. required

10 p a S M C A r lg l A N

10 C a ON h p ASh $

$ O

35 C a p ON A ll 1/ 8

35 p a CON AllAteS

$

$

tr N e C ON

thS

C

SAfe ACCeSS 916-254-3287 safe capitol compassion

BEFORE

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NEWS

Norwood

Northgate

Kelton

Main Ave

|

135 Main Avenue • Sacramento CA, 95838 Open Mon thru Sat 10AM–7PM // Closed Sun

F E AT U R E

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Open 4th Of July!

50

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Open 4th Of July!

BEFORE

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free gram FREE 1/8TH S A T U R D A Y

S P E C I A L

with purchase of $35 or more

*free gram is house choice.

offer not valid with any other offers or discounts exp 7.15.14

es clon o n w le ilab ava

top-shelf outdoor: $ 35 per 1/8th

2416 17th street 916.231.9934 | deltahealthwellness@gmail.com sacramento, ca 95818 | 9am-9pm daily

Cannot be combined with other offers. Strain determined by HHWC.

CLOSE TO FOLSOM, FAIR OAKS & ROSEVILLE

open 4th of july!

CLONES

AVAILABLE

HERE!

WITH ANY $40 MIN DONATION

OPE JULY 4N TH !

UNTIL 6 PM

WHOLE NEW LINE OF $1 0 GRAMS JUST ADDED! COME CHECK IT OUT! EXP IRE S 07/0 9/14 . *SE LEC T CHO ICE, ONE PER PAT IEN T, WHI LE SUP PLIE S LAST.

FREE GIFT

SHINGLE

SPRINGS’

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COLLECTI

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Great selection of quality concentrates

New patient specials!

MUNCHIE MONDAYS: TOP-SHELF TUESDAYS: WAXY WEDNESDAYS: HASHTAG THURSDAY: FREE J FRIDAY: SUNDAY FUNDAY:

OPE JULY 4N TH TIL 6PM !

BUY ANY 2 EDIBLES GET 1 (free of equal or lesser value) ALL $50 1/8THS CAPPED AT $40 BUY 3 TOP-SHELF FULL MELT FOR ONLY $90 ALL BUBBLE HASH IS ONLY $15 PER GRAM GET A FREE JOINT WITH ANY $10 MINIMUM DONATION 4 GRAM 1/8THS ALL DAY

4020 DUROCK RD, STE 1 • SHINGLE SPRINGS, CA • (916) 757–0980 OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 10AM TO 8PM • SATURDAY 10AM TO 8PM • SUNDAY 10AM TO 6PM

e our We valum at... patients ti e

FOR NEW PATIENTS

SPECIALS & D EALS FOR EVERYO NE! 4G 1/8THS ON ALL HIGHER TIERS

Harv

ard

St

A.M.C. A.M

r ld D enfe Blum

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I-80

Way

W

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1220 Blumenfeld Dr, Sacramento I 916.564.1100

OPEN Mon-Sat 10am to 9pm, Sun 10am to 6pm 52

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OPEN JULY 4TH! UNTIL 7PM

Text CloudNine to 71441 for a FREE GIFT when you become a member of our collective!

ON A BUDGET? We have $5 budget grams and $10 grams that fit every budget!

COME IN AND SEE WHY OUR PATIENTS KEEP COMING BACK:

Friendly Knowledgeable Staff | Quality Clones | Edibles | CBD, tincture & topical rubs fruitridge rd

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improve o t s i n o i s s i Our m ents’ quality of life our pati

5711 FLORIN PERKINS RD | SACRAMENTO | 916.387.8605 | 10AM–8PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

OVER

40

STRAINS! BLUEBERRY COUGH

· $5 & $10 Grams · $40 cap on concentrates · Great variety of clones · $45 Cap on top shelf 1/8th

OPEN JULY 4TH! UNTIL 2PM

Tax Included

Free GRAM OR EDIBLE Free PRE-ROLL FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS WITH FIRST PURCHASE HWY 50

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR ALL FREEWAYS!

|

6TH ST

5TH ST

I-5

X ST

BEFORE

FOR EVERY PATIENT WITH PURCHASE

NEWS

BROADWAY

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515 BROADWAY | SACRAMENTO, CA 415.935.8005 | OPEN MON THRU SAT 10AM-7PM

F E AT U R E

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Get Your Recommendation!

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SN&R | 07.03.14

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VOTED

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3210 Fulton Ave

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❤

MASSAGE THERAPY

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|

This is a model

FEATURE

STORY

• Thai • Swedish • Showers Available • Walk-ins Welcome

• Gift Certificates Available

$80+ M-F 9am-9pm Sat/SunNews 11am-9pm All massage advertisers are required to provide & Review a current valid

massa

GOOD DAY SPA Sacramento 95823

9aM-9pM Daily

the

*this is a model

916.395.7712

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• 7 Days a Week 10am–10pm • Sauna & Shower Available • Free Chinese therapies • Reflexology • Deep Tissue • Swedish

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Massage Kea

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2548 Cottage Way - Sacramento 916.568.6888 - 10am–10pm daily

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El Camino

SN&R

Ethan

8075 GREENBACK LANE 916.726.0451

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Actual CMT Not a model

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ads are

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FREE!*

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All advertising is subject to the newspaper’s Standards of Acceptance. Further, the News & Review specifically reserves the right to edit, decline or properly classify any ad. Errors will be rectified by re-publication upon notification. The N&R is not responsible for error after the first publication. The N&R assumes no financial liability for errors or omission of copy. In any event, liability shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by such an error or omission. The advertiser and not the newspaper assumes full responsibility for the truthful content of their advertising message.

Lineage Logistics ICM, LLC has an opening available at its 21700 Barton Road, Colton, CA 92324 for the position of Chief Information Officer. Responsible for quantitative metrics of complexity and cost as it pertains to Lineage’s global delivery models & sourcing agreements. Must have a Bach’s degree in MIS, IT, Engineering, or a related field or foreign equiv & possess 5 yrs of post-secondary procurement exp with a manufacturing or supply chain solution company.

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Support activities for production, test, User Acceptance Test and application development environments. Mail resume to Hewlett-Packard State & Local Enterprise Services, Inc. 3000 Hanover Street, MS 117, Palo Alto, CA 94304. Resume must include Ref.#, full name, email address & mailing address. No phone calls please. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. EOE. $1,000 WEEKLY!!

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SN&R | 07.03.14

Sacramento

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BEFORE

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NEWS

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Full Service reStaurant OPen 7 DaYS a WeeK

SPOrtS actiOn On Our Giant Screen tv

11363 Folsom Blvd, rancho cordova (Between Sunrise & Hazel)

858-0444

M-Th 11:30-3 • Fri 11:30-4 • Sat 12-4 • Sun 3-3 Gold club centerfolds is a non-alcohol nightclub featuring all-nude entertainment. adults over 18 only.

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A Big Thank You to all the local bars and restaurants participating in this year’s Drink to Donate program. With their help we are able to raise funds for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, a local bicycle non profit whose organization commits itself to enriching our biking community by making it more safe and convenient for people to take trips by bikes. Go visit your local participating account and have a drink to benefit this great organization.*

For more information and how to donate to Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates go to: www.sacbike.org

2019 O St.

2724 J St.

1101 16th St.

5641 J St.

9205 Sierra College Blvd Ste. 100 Roseville

400 L St.

2431 J St.

2730 N St.

801 14th St.

1020 K St.

1910 Q St.

8740 La Riviera Dr.

1100 O St.

62

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by becca cOstellO

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Would you

like your savings account to grow? Then deposit money into in it on a consistent basis. Would you like to feel good and have a lot of physical energy? Eat healthy food, sleep as much as you need to and exercise regularly. Do you want people to see the best in you and give you the benefit of the doubt? See the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Would you love to accomplish your most important goal?

Decide what you want more than anything else and focus on it with relaxed intensity.

Yes, Aries, life really is that simple—or at least it is right now. If you want to attain interesting success, be a master of the obvious.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You have

permission to compose an all-purpose excuse note for yourself. If you’d like, you may also forge my signature on it so you can tell everyone that your astrologer sanctified it. This document will be ironclad and inviolable. It will serve as a poetic license that abolishes your guilt and remorse. It will authorize you to slough off senseless duties, evade deadening requirements, escape small-minded influences, and expunge numbing habits.

Even better, your extra-strength excuse note will free you to seek out adventures you have been denying yourself for no good reason.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

In the Inuktitut language spoken in northern Canada, the term iminngernaveersaartunngortussaavunga means “I should try not to become an alcoholic.”

I encourage you to have fun saying that a lot in the coming days. Why? Now is an excellent time to be playful and lighthearted as you wage war against any addictive tendencies you might have. Whether it’s booze or gambling or abusive relationships or anything else that tempts you to act like an obsessive self-saboteur, you have more power than usual to break its hold on you—especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The

American painter Ivan Albright (1897-1983) was a meticulous creator. He spent as much time as necessary to get every detail right. An entire day might go by as he worked to perfect 1 square inch of a painting, and some of his pieces took years to finish. When the task at hand demanded intricate precision, he used a brush composed of a single hair. That’s the kind of attention to minutia I recommend for you—not forever, but for the next few weeks. Be careful and conscientious as you build the foundation that will allow you maximum freedom of movement later this year.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Percival Lowell (1855-1916) was an influential astronomer who launched the exploration that led to the discovery of Pluto. He also made some big mistakes.

Here’s one: Gazing at Venus through his telescope, he swore he saw spokes emanating from a central hub on the planet’s surface. But we now know that Venus is shrouded with such thick cloud cover that no surface features are visible.

So what did Lowell see? Due to an anomaly in his apparatus, the telescope projected shadows from inside his eyes onto the image of Venus. The “spokes” were actually the blood vessels in his retinas. Let this example serve as a cautionary tale for you in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Don’t confuse what’s within you with what’s outside you. If you can clearly discern the difference, your closest relationships will experience healing breakthroughs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The “Venus

de Milo” is a famous Greek statue that’s more than 2,100 years old. Bigger than life-size, it depicts the goddess of love, beauty and pleasure. Its current home is the Louvre Museum in Paris, but for hundreds of years it was lost—buried underground on the Greek island of Milos.

In 1820, a farmer found it while he was out digging on his land. I foresee a comparable discovery by you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. You will uncover a source of beauty, love or pleasure—or perhaps all three—that has been missing or forgotten for a long time.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to an

ancient Greek myth, Sisyphus keeps pushing a boulder up a steep hill only to lose control of it just before he reaches the top, watching in dismay as it tumbles to the bottom. After each failure, he lumbers back down to where he started and makes another effort to roll it up again—only to fail again. The myth says he continues his futile attempts for all eternity. I’m happy to report, Leo, that there is an important difference between your story and that of Sisyphus. Whereas you have tried and tried and tried again to complete a certain uphill task, you will not be forever frustrated. In fact, I believe a breakthrough will come soon, and success will finally be yours. Will it be due to your gutsy determination or your neurotic compulsion or both? It doesn’t matter.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

“I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.” So said British writer G.K. Chesterton. Now I’m passing his advice on to you just in time for the purge-and-purify phase of your astrological cycle. In the coming weeks, you will generate good fortune for yourself whenever you wash your own brain and absolve your own heart and flush the shame out of your healthy sexual feelings.

As you proceed with this work, it may expedite matters if you make a conscious choice to undergo a trial by fire.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I awake

in a land where the lovers have seized power,” writes Danish poet Morten Sondergaard in his fanciful poem “The Lovers.” “They have introduced laws decreeing that ... orgasms need never come to an end. Roses function as currency. ...

[T]he words ‘you’ and ‘I’ are now synonymous.” A world like the one he describes is a fantasy, of course. It’s impossible. But I predict that in the coming weeks you could create conditions that have resemblances to that utopia. So be audacious in your quest for amorous bliss and convivial romance. Dare to put love at the top of your priority list. And be inventive!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of

America’s Founding Fathers believed slavery was immoral, but they owned slaves themselves and ordained the institution of slavery in the U.S. Constitution. They didn’t invent hypocrisy, of course, but theirs was an especially tragic version.

In comparison, the hypocrisy that you express is mild. Nevertheless, working to minimize it is a worthy task. And here’s the good news: You are now in a position to become the zodiac’s leader in minimizing your hypocrisy. Of all the signs, you can come closest to walking your talk and practicing what you preach. So do it! Aim to be a master of translating your ideals into practical action.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the last two decades, seven Academy Award winners have given thanks to God while accepting their Oscars. By contrast, 30 winners have expressed their gratitude to film

BEFORE

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NEWS

bRezsny

studio executive Harvey Weinstein. Who would you acknowledge as essential to your success, Libra? What generous souls, loving animals, departed helpers and spiritual beings have contributed to your ability to thrive? Now is an excellent time to make a big deal out of expressing your appreciation. For mysterious reasons, doing so will enhance your luck and increase your chances for future success.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your urge

to merge is heating up. Your curiosity about combinations is intensifying. I think it’s time to conduct jaunty experiments in mixing and blending. Here’s what I propose: Let your imagination run halfwild. Be unpredictable as you play around with medleys and hodgepodges and sweet unions. But don’t be attached to the outcomes. Some of your research may lead to permanent arrangements, and some won’t. Either result is fine. Your task is to enjoy the amusing bustle, and learn all you can from it.

PHOTO BY LAURAN WORTHY

by ROb

For the week of July 3, 2014

You can call Rob Brezsny for your Expanded Weekly Horoscope: (900) 950-7700. $1.99 per minute. Must be 18+. Touchtone phone required. Customer service (612) 373-9785.

And don’t forget to check out Rob’s website at www.realastrology.com. |

F E AT U R E

STORY

Speaking in animal tongues Twenty years ago, William Kilfoyle had a conversation with a dog that changed his life. He was working as a massage therapist at the time, and one of his clients noted that her Australian shepherd seemed depressed.

Kilfoyle, who had studied psychic work many years before, decided to try to psychically communicate with the animal. The dog told him a story he had no way of knowing but that his client confirmed: Her owners were splitting up, and they planned to send her away. After mediating the conflict between dog and owner, Kilfoyle realized he had a gift, and his career as an animal communicator was born. These days, Kilfoyle helps clients all over the country understand their pets’ behavior problems, determine whether a sick pet is dying, and even help locate lost animals. He continues his massage therapy practice, and he’s recently added pet-sitting to his list of services, due to popular demand from animals and humans alike.

Why have you focused on animals over people in your career?

Animals are just so pure and simple. I am dealing with their owners, and that can be difficult, but people are just so complex.

We’ve got past lives. We’ve got karma.

Do you have to physically be with an animal to talk to it?

No, I do readings over the phone all the time.

I do them all over the country. All I need is the animal’s name, a description, their age helps, and then how long the person has had them for a pet. Then, probably within 30 seconds, I can zero in on them. If they have something to say, I’ll tell the owner.

Do animals ever refuse to talk to you?

Yes. The more difficult animals to communicate with have been guard dogs, or dogs trained with security training. Even on a

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psychic level, they are like, “I don’t know you. I’m not going to communicate with you.”

What would you say to our skeptical readers?

Nine times out of 10, I tell the owner something I couldn’t possibly have known.

I will tell them what their cat, who I haven’t seen over the phone, is acting like. A lot of times there’s a specific thing, like, they really don’t like this person. I’ll give them a description of the person, and the owner will say, “Yeah, I know who that is.”

What’s the most common problem pet owners call about?

Behavior problems. They’re urinating where they’re not supposed to, for a cat. Marking territory. A lot of times there are some dynamics we can change. … One of the more difficult ones is end-of-life issues. Is the animal in pain? Are they ready to cross over? Is it tolerable, or should we put them down now?

Do animals ever say they are ready to go?

They do. As soon as they’re in terrible pain, they kind of check out. The spirit is not in the body all the way. And so a lot of them have already kind of crossed over, but the body is still hanging on. And so they’re not experiencing too much pain. I think people kind of do that, too.

Do we underestimate our pets’ intelligence?

Definitely. There are different levels of intelligence, just like there are with people.

Animals are sentient beings. They have their needs and wants. They’re every bit as intelligent as we are. When I communicate with some of them, it’s just like talking to a person.

How do pets feel about baby talk and nicknames?

have seen some animals that are more security-minded, like a German shepherd.

His owner was hugging him and kissing him, and he was like, “Could you tell her to ease off on that a little bit?”

What is the language of animal communication?

It’s a combination of thought and visuals.

I don’t hear it. It’s more like a thought, but I know it’s not mine. And then it’s feelings, too. They’ll send me a picture of a person, and then there’s a feeling that goes with it: They like him, they don’t like him.

Is the language different for different species?

Yeah, I think so. I just communicated with some rabbits, and they are really laid-back. … Cats are pretty intense creatures. They are sole predators, and they can live their whole lives by themselves, and they’re OK with that. They appreciate company, but they don’t need company. A dog is a pack animal. They really need the pack to feel good. So dogs are more like people when I tune into them. They are like, “Hey, let’s figure this out.” They want the pack to be happy and healthy.

Do you communicate with animals in the wild?

When I am camping, wild animals have come up, like deer. We went camping last year, and there was a bear knocking garbage cans over in the campground.

Of course, I had to get up and go to the bathroom. So I tuned into him and said, “Don’t eat me, OK?” And he said, “I just want some food.

You got any food?” Ω For more on William Kilfoyle’s animal-communication practice, visit www.animalthought.com.

With animals, it’s more about the energy behind it. They appreciate the love. I |

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