s-2017-12-28 by News & Review

Trying cops who kill | 06 2017’s top films (and flubs) | 14 From liquor store to Lady Bird | 53

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Sacramento’S newS & entertainment weekly

Volume 29, iSSue 37

thurSday, december 28, 2017

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EditoR’S NotE

dEcEMBER 28, 2017 | Vol. 29, iSSuE 37

19 24 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. Editor Eric Johnson News Editor Raheem F. Hosseini Arts & Culture Editor Rebecca Huval Associate Editor Mozes Zarate Staff Reporter Scott Thomas Anderson Calendar Editor Kate Gonzales Contributors Daniel Barnes, Ngaio Bealum, Alastair Bland, Rob Brezsny, Aaron Carnes, Jim Carnes, Willie Clark, John Flynn, Joey Garcia, Lovelle Harris, Jeff Hudson, Dave Kempa, Matt Kramer, Jim Lane, Michael Mott, Luis Gael Jimenez, Rachel Leibrock, Kate Paloy, Patti Roberts, Steph Rodriguez, Ann Martin Rolke, Shoka, Bev Sykes

27 Design Manager Christopher Terrazas Creative Director Serene Lusano Art Director Margaret Larkin Designers Kyle Shine, Maria Ratinova Marketing/Publications Designer Sarah Hansel Web Design & Strategy Intern Elisabeth Bayard Arthur Contributing Photographers Karlos Rene Ayala, Scott Duncan Advertising Manager Michael Gelbman Sales Coordinator Victoria Smedley Senior Advertising Consultants Rosemarie Messina, Kelsi White Advertising Consultants Mayra Diaz, Mark Kates , Matt Kjar, Alyssa Morrisey, Michael Nero, Allen Young Sweetdeals Coordinator Hannah Williams Facilities Coordinator/Sales Assistant David Lindsay Director of First Impressions Skyler Morris Distribution Director Greg Erwin Distribution Assistant Rob Dunnica Distribution Drivers Mansour Aghdam, Beatriz Aguirre, Gypsy Andrews, Rosemarie Beseler, Kimberly Bordenkircher, Daniel Bowen, Heather Brinkley, Kathleen Caesar, Mike Cleary, Lydia Comer, Tom Downing, Marty Fetterley, Chris Fong, Ron Forsberg,

53 Joanna Gonzalez-Brown, Kelly Hopkins, Julian Lang, Lance Medlin, Greg Meyers, Lloyd Rongley, Lolu Sholotan, Viv Tiqui, Eric Umeda, Zang Yang N&R Publications Editor Michelle Carl N&R Associate Editor Laura Hillen N&R Publications Writer Anne Stokes Marketing & Publications Consultants Steve Caruso, Joseph Engle, Elizabeth Morabito, Traci Hukill President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Director of Nuts & Bolts Deborah Redmond Nuts & Bolts Ninja Leslie Giovanini Executive Coordinator/Publications Media Planner Carlyn Asuncion Director of People & Culture David Stogner Project Coordinator Natasha vonKaenel Director of Dollars & Sense Nicole Jackson Payroll/AP Wizard Miranda Hansen Accounts Receivable Specialist Analie Foland Developer John Bisignano System Support Specialist Kalin Jenkins

04 05 06 13 14 19 22 24 26 27 31 45 53 55

STREETALK LETTERS NEwS + BEATs ScoREKEEpER ARTS & cuLTuRE DiSh STAGE fiLm muSic cALENDAR fEATuRE SToRy ThE 420 15 miNuTES ASK joEy

covER phoTo AND DESiGN by SERENE LuSANo

1124 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815 Phone (916) 498-1234 Fax (916) 498-7910 Website www.newsreview.com Got a News Tip? sactonewstips@newsreview.com Calendar Events www.newsreview.com/calendar Want to Advertise? Fax (916) 498-7910 or snradinfo@newsreview.com Classifieds (916) 498-1234, ext. 5 or classifieds@newsreview.com Job Opportunities jobs@newsreview.com Want to Subscribe to SN&R? sactosubs@newsreview.com Editorial Policies: opinions expressed in sn&r are those of the authors and not of chico community Publishing, inc. contact the editor for permissions to reprint articles, cartoons or other portions of the paper. sn&r is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or review materials. Email letters to snrletters@newsreview.com. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form and to edit them for libel. Advertising Policies: All advertising is subject to the newspaper’s standards of Acceptance. The advertiser and not the newspaper assumes the responsibility for the truthful content of their advertising message. sn&r is printed at Bay Area news Group on recycled newsprint. circulation of sn&r is verified by the circulation Verification council. sn&r is a member of sacramento Metro chamber of commerce, cnPA, AAn and AWn.

Shared outrage As former Sacramento police Officer John Tennis described the moments leading up to his shooting and killing Joseph Mann, I listened, stunned. As his interview with Raheem F. Hosseini continued, my frustration and outrage grew. Finally, I had to confront him. I asked him how it could be that he did not even say a word to this man before shooting him to death. “You didn’t give him a chance,” I said. I reminded Tennis that he had just gotten done telling us that at the time, he believed that this man was a veteran with PTSD. I asked him how he, himself a veteran, could gun down Mann without even saying a word. By that point, I was shaking. Reading the story that came out of that interview (“Confessions of a killer cop”), I see a detailed investigation into Tennis’ actions, and his career, filled with damning revelations. I see a compassionate portrait of Joseph Mann that reveals him to have been a loving son and brother. I believed, and continue to believe, that this story could bring the case back into the public spotlight and help change in the Police Department, maybe in the District Attorney’s office. Dozens of posts have since appeared, ouitraged that SN&R was “glorifying” or “humanizing” Tennis and “ignoring” Mann. Over the past week or so, I have wondered how anyone could not see what I see when I read this article. I think I have figured that out. I did not grow up facing constant hostility from those in power. As outraged as I might feel witnessing police officers nationwide getting away with murder, the people they are killing do not look like me. I can’t expect everyone who is living a life very different from my own to see things the way I do.

—Eric Johnson e r ic j@ ne wsr e v ie w.c o m

12.14.17 | SN&R | 3

“I Would lIke mY soN to be accepted to sac state.”

aSked at Fulton aVenue and Fair oakS BouleVard:

What is your New Year’s resolution?

Vince Str amaglia retired

I would like to keep in good health. This has been a good year for me … Sickness is all around us, though.

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erica WilSon director of first impressions

I’d like to get rid of clutter and simplify things. Be more organized. I would like to spend more time with family and friends. I would like to do more with my son, like helping him with his hobbies and school.

amy Pringle shipping and delivery worker

I would like to be open to trying new things in this next coming year, and not putting limits on myself. ... I am a person who thinks of all the consequences before doing anything. I would like to eliminate stress and have more fun. I would like to travel.

liliya Sl aVoVa sales associate

I have expectations for the new year. I would like to become a better sales associate. I would like my son to be accepted to Sac State. I like my decision to move to Sacramento. I like the weather, and I like where I live, so I don’t want that to change in the new year.

yol anda royal medical secretary

I would like to save more money and do a little investing. I would like to follow up with the bitcoins. I think, even though they are up and down, they will become valuable. One is about $36,000 last I checked.

nol an WilSon aspiring sous-chef

I hope the Nintendo eShop gives us a free game. I would like to cook more with my mom … I mostly make Asian dishes with my mom. Making new recipes is my hobby.

Email lEttErs to sactolEttErs@nEwsrEviEw.com

SPD officers deserve better Re “Trained in vain” by John Flynn (News, December 21): The article is about an organization that accepted a ton of money to provide training critical to our community and then failed to provide it. Sac PD should demand the money back, or cheddar, or whatever form of currency California peace officers are working with. Kudos to the woman who came forward with this information. I hope it is considered as future training for our women and men in blue is developed.

nanCy trevOr S a c ra m e nt o

Drunks vs. Nazis Re: “The Darkest Hour” review by Daniel Barnes (Film, December 21): Seems that SN&R hates Churchill per se, because Churchill drank alcohol, smoked cigars, was abrasive, etc. Therefore Churchill was a bad

guy. Here’s an idea for “D.B.” and SN&R. Next time you blend up reviews of bio-films on people you can’t stand, how about telling your (fewer and fewer) readers your views on the film itself, about acting, pacing, cinematography and directing, instead of listing all your pet peeves about politicians and future dates. Get

this. Hitler was a vegetarian. Hitler didn’t drink. Hitler didn’t sexually harass women. By SN&R’s standards, Hitler was good, while the alcohol-soaked abrasive womanizing tobaccoincinerating Churchill was evil. Try telling that to your Jewish readers. Then ask them if their grandparents got incinerated by Hitler’s henchmen and lynchers. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s closet right-wingers masquerading as progressive hipsters. J.O. Daunt Da v i s

‘Trumpies’ dishonored Trump Re: “Here’s to the worst Grinches, er, Trumps, of 2017” by SN&R staff (Feature, December 21): The nauseated tirades SN&R encouraged to dishonor President Trump was a replay of postelection hysteria by (1) haters of laws on the books and those who struggle to maintain order; (2)

illegals angry that now the jig is up on cheating our government and exploiting resources the elderly and other poor Americans need so badly; and (3) con-artists who get away with looting and burning private property, bullying the system and censoring history in the name of color. MaDeline COren S a c r a me nto

Tax plan hurts local charities The mantra for many years from Republicans has been that only the private sector, not the government, can solve society’s many ills. The assumption would be that legislation and executive policy should promote private sector solutions, not government programs. In an act of blatant hypocrisy, Republicans have included in the new flawed, misguided and unfair tax plan provisions that reduce the incentive for citizens to donate to private, nonprofit charities and

faith groups to address ongoing economic and social injustices and support positive, cultural programs such as the arts and education. What will the local effect of this tax policy be on the ground when donations to programs such as Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, St. John’s Program for Real Change, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services and many others are drastically reduced? JOhn MCCOrMaCk

read more letters online at www.newsreview .com/sacramento.

@SacNewsReview

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@SacNewsReview

We hate The Last Jedi Re: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” by Jim Lane, (Film, December 14): “The series faithful won’t be disappointed”—sorry, but the series faithful almost universally hates The Last Jedi—check out any of the user reviews from Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes, etc. Mike SwinDell ap to s

12.28.17 | SN&R | 5

Robert Mann keeps a photo of his brother Joseph Mann as the screen saver on his smartphone. Robert says he made a vow the day his brother died to get criminal charges against the two officers who killed him. Photos by Raheem F. hosseini

‘Justice for Joe’ Can the former cops who killed Joseph Mann still be prosecuted? by Raheem F. hosseini

an extended version of this story is available at www.newsreview. com/sacramento

6 | SN&R

An internal candidate for district attorney says he would reevaluate the criminal case against one of the officers who gunned down Joseph Mann last summer, based on admissions the fired cop made to SN&R. Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Noah Phillips was referring to the December 14, 2017, cover story, “Confessions of a killer cop,” in which former Sacramento police Officer John Tennis revealed that he was fired in October for violating his department’s use of force and firearms policies, among other general orders. | 12.28.17

Tennis’ termination stems from his actions on July 11, 2016, when the veteran patrolman and his partner forced a fatal confrontation with a black Sacramento resident whose erratic behavior prompted a pair of 911 calls that morning. Last to arrive on scene, Tennis and partner Randy Lozoya quickly brought a decisive end to what had been a tentative situation, as numerous officers tried to win surrender from a man who held a knife but hadn’t hurt anyone. After Tennis twice attempted to strike Mann with his patrol car, he and Lozoya approached on foot and opened fire,

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leaving Mann on a sidewalk with 14 bullet wounds. From the officers’ arrival to shots fired, 44 seconds passed. “Anyone who’s seen the video would have concerns. … Because you see other officers that do not engage in the behavior [Tennis and Lozoya] did,” Phillips told SN&R by phone. “In simple terms, [the Police Department] came to the conclusion that it was an unjustifiable shooting.” Tennis defended his and Lozoya’s actions, saying Mann posed an unpredictable danger to a stretch of open businesses along Del Paso Boulevard. In January, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s

Office agreed, clearing the two officers of criminal wrongdoing. But Tennis’ admission that he was fired over the deadly confrontation—and his revelation that he was under a separate internal affairs investigation at the time of the Mann shooting—should prompt another look at whether criminal charges are merited, Phillips and others say. If that happens, it could put that rare twist on a legal warning civilians have most often heard: Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. In an email, Phillips, a 20-year prosecutor who

tries homicides, said he was struggling to understand how his boss came to the conclusion that the Mann killing was justified. “Even assuming the burden of proof in a criminal case, it is VERY hard to reconcile District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert’s determination that Officer Tennis was justified in shooting Joseph Mann when his own Department came to the opposite conclusion—that Officer Tennis was NOT justified in shooting

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Short-term SiGhted Joseph Mann,” Phillips wrote. “The public deserves a District Attorney who will hold officers accountable for their actions. No person is above the law.” That hasn’t been the perception when it comes to officers accused of wrongful deaths or injuries. While numerous civil lawsuits have been filed against officers and their departments in state and federal courts, the local DA’s office hasn’t prosecuted an officer for taking a life in more than 30 years—and perhaps longer. For Joseph Mann’s loved ones, that legacy is indefensible. “We want justice for Joe. And to not forget about him like he was disposable. No one is,” said Vernadine Murphy Mann, Joseph Mann’s sister. “All we want is for the people responsible to be held accountable. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.” While Phillips may have political reasons to cut a distinction between himself and the office-holder he’s campaigning to unseat, reopening a criminal investigation into a peace officer is possible if there is new and compelling information to warrant it, said the DA’s representative. “This is not a double jeopardy situation,” DA spokeswoman Shelly Orio explained in an email. “Under certain circumstances we can reevaluate our filing decisions on a given case. As always, it depends on the nature and quality of the new information and how it might affect our previous findings.” Asked if the DA currently had the information to justify any such reevaluation, Orio simply answered, “No.” At least one legal expert disagrees. Michael Vitiello is a distinguished professor at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law who specializes in policing and criminal procedures. He says video footage released last year by the Police Department as well as new information Tennis shared with SN&R make a sufficient argument for pursuing some kind of criminal case. “Is the DA warranted in opening the new charges? I would think yes,” Vitiello wrote in an email. “The video had many members of the public unsure why charges were not brought—in light of some substantial evidence, a full investigation, probably leading to a trial, would be warranted.” Tennis told SN&R the department attempted to fire his partner, but that Lozoya was able to medically retire prior to receiving a termination letter. Police Chief Daniel Hahn said he was prohibited from discussing personnel

about other aspects of his performance issues, even regarding former employees. that day, and that he was suspended one “All of the video was released,” Hahn month without pay over the incident. In his said. “Part of the reason we released it termination, Tennis said, the department was so people could come to their own cited his handling of the incident along conclusion.” with multiple general orders he violated in Robert Mann has watched those videos. killing Mann. Here’s Tennis reading from The three dashboard camera recordings that portion of his termination letter: “‘Prior from the officers on scene and the silent use of force incidents, much of the same surveillance video that shows the shooting inappropriate and excessive behaviors, are the last images Robert has of his little including using your patrol vehicle in a brother Joe. For Robert, they tell a story violent manner that could and did hit the in two parts: Officers who did their jobs suspect.’” correctly—and the two who erased a “They’re saying before life they didn’t have to. Joseph Mann, in March, I “I don’t have a law intentionally hit a 15-yearenforcement problem,” old boy,” Tennis added. Robert said. “The prob“This is not a “And so I told them, lem is with those that double jeopardy ‘Why am I not being are not doing their prosecuted for that?’” situation.” job correctly, that are Before the Joseph abusing their power. Shelly Orio Mann incident, Tennis They know that they spokeswoman, Sacramento County was disciplined for can hide behind the District Attorney’s Office alcoholism and had his badge. They know that gun temporarily taken the DA is not gonna drop away during a divorce any charges on them.” proceeding. In his interview It’s never been easy to with SN&R, the 56-year-old also prove murder by peace officers, took responsibility for the 1997 death of because they are judged by their perception Albert Thiel, saying it was probably his of danger, not by the realities of it. In other attempt to get the unarmed black man in words, officers are justified in using force a chokehold that resulted in a fatal neck against someone if they reasonably believe injury. Tennis said the death prompted the that person poses a threat to themselves city to settle a wrongful death lawsuit with or the public. Piercing that defense means the Thiel family. convincing a jury that an officer is lying Phillips said he wants to know whether about what was in their head at the time of the DA’s office knew about Tennis’ prior the encounter. use-of-force incidents when it reviewed Both Vitiello and Phillips say the odds the Mann shooting, or whether they were of a successful prosecution against a peace withheld under the state’s Police Officers officer could be enhanced by pursuing Bill of Rights. The answer to that question, lesser charges, like manslaughter or assault Phillips said, could determine whether with a deadly weapon. reopening a criminal investigation is “The way I see it working in the future realistic. is charging manslaughter,” Phillips noted. “I don’t have access to the Mann case Meanwhile, Tennis’ unfiltered approach to telling his story may provide ammunition file, but with this new information available for anyone to read in the press, certainly, for a prosecutor looking to use it. a review of this new information is A few months before he aimed his car at mann, warranted,” he wrote in a follow-up email. Tennis told SN&R he responded to an Robert Mann says he won’t stop fightassault near Grant High School. The ing until that happens. Soft-spoken and reports were of a black male teen beating gentle-humored, the 53-year-old says he up on his girlfriend and jumping on a car, made a promise the day he learned his little Tennis said. brother Joe had been killed. Tennis said he was driving down an “I made a vow that day. Until the day alleyway when the 15-year-old suspect and that I die, I’m gonna keep advocating, an officer veered into his path. He said gonna keep pushing for accountability, he braked, but nicked the suspect and the transparency,” Robert said. “That’s the officer with the corner of his car “at less struggle—not just for my brother, but for than 5 mph.” every other family, every other person that “I’m going, ‘Shit!’ Never happened has to wake up and get that phone call before,” Tennis said. that they don’t want to get: that a family Tennis said a supervisor complained member’s been gunned down.” Ω

Eighty-five percent of Airbnb operators are not paying their cut to the city under a relatively new program intended to regulate the booming short-term rentals marketplace—and now the city’s about to get tough. That’s the message from the Sacramento City Council’s Law and Legislation Committee meeting on December 12. Earlier this year, the council enacted codes requiring anyone renting personal living spaces through Airbnb and vrbo, another website facilitating boutique rental listings, to obtain permits, limit their guests to six per night, and pay the same transient occupancy taxes that hotels collect. But that’s not the way things have playing out since the code went into effect, says Finance Director Brad Wasson. “There’s an estimated 600 short-term rental operators in the city of Sacramento, and to date we’ve issued 94 permits,” Wasson told council members. “Quite frankly, we were expecting more compliance.” Wasson wants the City Council to sign off on hiring a data-collection firm to monitor the online activities of Airbnb operators. River District Councilman Jeff Harris, who said the “lion’s share” of Airbnb complaints have come from his constituents, believed most of the complaints the city is fielding involve off-site Airbnb operators, as opposed to locals trying to earn extra income. “We also know that some speculators from outside the city have purchased homes and use them as a business,” Harris observed, “because short-term rentals can be very lucrative and more than pay the mortgage on a property.” Harris’s comments about off-site Airbnb operators raised an additional concern with Councilman Steve Hansen. “How many of our houses in town, and our apartments, are now being occupied in this manner, without a primary tenant in there, and what does that really do because of the city’s housing shortage?” Hansen wondered aloud. “If the city has to declare a housing crisis, we may need to manage the number of those permits.” (Scott Thomas Anderson)

iGuiLtY A 33-year-old Sacramento man who collected thousands of dollars worth of ill-gotten Apple swag pleaded guilty December 19 to defrauding a corporate behemoth worth $900 billion. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California says Marcus Israel Butler pulled the same scam at Steve Jobsian product hubs from the Midwest to Alaska: He’d attempt to buy highvalue products with a revoked debit card. When the transaction was inevitably declined, Butler would tell sales associates that there was a glitch with his card and that they could clear it up with a call to his bank. Apple employees would often dial the number, only to end up talking to one of Butler’s co-conspirators posing as a bank teller, according to federal prosecutor Todd Pickles. The Secret Service conducted the investigation into Butler’s string of crimes. Butler was finally arrested in Colorado after racking up $353,000 in losses for Apple and other businesses. In February, a report by the banking research firm Javelin Strategy & Research noted that all categories of consumerrelated fraud were significantly up in 2016. Schemes involving debit cards jumped the highest, the report read, with a 40 percent increase from the previous year. Appearing before federal Judge John A. Mendez, Butler pleaded guilty to a felony count of fraud. He’s scheduled to be sentenced in March. Prosecutors said he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. (STA)

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A youth reads the name of one of the 112 homeless people who died in Sacramento County this year during the fourth annual interfaith homeless memorial service on December 21. Bob Erlenbusch, of the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, looks on. Photo by John Flynn

Dead and unclaimed Sacramento County experiences 140 percent jump in abandoned bodies by Raheem F. hosseini

An extended version of this story is available at www.newsreview. com/sacramento

A sharp rise in unclaimed dead bodies is mystifying Sacramento County officials and taxing the fund that pays for indigent burials. The Coroner’s Office has witnessed a 120 percent increase in “abandoned” human remains between 2015 and last calendar year, when 55 bodies went unclaimed by their relatives. The problem is only getting worse, too. As of December 1, the Coroner’s Office held 60 unclaimed bodies—a 9 percent increase over 2016 with still a month left to go. “I don’t know why people are abandoning their loved ones all of a sudden,” said Coroner Kimberly Gin. “It’s kind of a mystery to me, too. If we could figure it out a little more, maybe we could help the families. But I don’t know that we ever will.” Gin explained that this is not a case where the Coroner’s Office has been unable to locate surviving relatives. It’s that the family members, for whatever

reason, are not accepting their loved ones’ remains. Statutes in state law make next of kin financially responsible for disposing of their relatives remains, unless they lack resources to do so. In such cases, most counties have indigent burial programs like the one in Sacramento County. Gin said affordability may be part of the problem here, but couldn’t say to what extent. Once surviving family members are identified, they are sent forms by registered mail with which they can notify the Coroner’s Office what they want done with the remains and apply for the indigent burial program if they fall under certain income thresholds. But Gin says that the surviving relatives are not sending back the forms and, in some cases, are telling Coroner’s Office employees to stop bothering them. “Some of them don’t tell us anything. Some of them say they can’t afford it,”

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Gin added. “It’s all over the map, or we don’t know at all.” The Coroner’s Office considers a body abandoned if the decedent’s next of kin doesn’t respond in 30 days, Gin explained. She said she’s extended that deadline for families that need more time to get their affairs in order. State statute requires coroners to conduct indigent burials for abandoned bodies, which is taxing the Sacramento County office’s budget. On December 5, the Board of Supervisors approved a funding request for $450,000 more to cover this year’s indigent burials—more than twice the $300,000 the office originally budgeted to inter the remains of unclaimed county residents. The Coroner’s Office is adjusting protocols and services related to how it conducts autopsies to offset some of the increased costs. Through its contract with Statewide Mortuary Transport and Support, Inc.,

the Coroner’s Office pays a discounted rate of less than $300 per cremation and interment, and roughly $120 to transport each decedent, SN&R’s analysis of the funding request shows. Gin says bodies in the indigent burial program are cremated and their ashes are either returned to their loved ones or scattered at sea if no one claims them. Overall, the coroner’s vendor cremated 369 bodies that were either deemed indigent or abandoned by relatives in the fiscal year that ended June 30, and transported “865 decedents from the scene of death to the Coroner’s facility,” the funding request states. Two homeless advocates said they weren’t necessarily surprised that people are leaving more of their departed family members in coroner custody, given blistering rises in rental prices and homelessness around Sacramento. Citing an overnight survey earlier this year that found homelessness increased 85 percent between 2015 and 2017, Loaves & Fishes program director Joan Burke called it “a sad but logical consequence that there would be a rise in indigent burials.” Then there are the exorbitant costs associated with burying or interring loved ones. According to Parting, a funeral industry website, the lowest price in the Sacramento region is $615 for a direct cremation. A direct cremation occurs shortly after death without embalming and doesn’t involve a viewing, says Funeral Consumers Alliance of Southern California & Surrounding Areas. Meanwhile, there are other sobering markers that Sacramento is experiencing an intensifying overlap in poverty and mortality. At an annual interfaith memorial to honor homeless Sacramento County residents who died this year, 112 names were read, said Bob Erlenbusch, executive director of the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness. By comparison, 71 homeless people died in Sacramento County the year before. While many may not get their own plots or gravestones engraved with loving epitaphs, there is one place their names will be recorded, Burke said in an email. “We inscribe the names of those homeless people who were part of Loaves & Fishes on our Memorial Wall because we believe that each life has value and we should remember that each person lived and should be remembered,” she wrote. Ω

12.28.17 | SN&R | 9

BUILDING A

HEALTHY S A C R A M E N T O

Steering Youth Away from Gangs BY E D G A R S A N C H E Z

t 43, Eddie Paradela is living a dream at Luther Burbank High in Sacramento. Once a week, he urges troubled boys at the school to repudiate “la vida loca” — the crazy life — so they won’t go to prison as he did. Paradela served 18 years for a second-degree murder in Stockton. He vowed that once freed, he would steer youth away from gangs, drugs and other evils that lead to jail. To guide teenagers toward college became his dream. “I can never bring back the life I took,” Paradela said recently, but he hopes to change other lives. This year, Paradela spread his message at SelfAwareness and Recovery (SAR) workshops, whose goal is to keep at-risk kids in school, not prison. Twenty-ﬁve Burbank students, mostly Latinos, heard his lectures last semester. Deemed potential dropouts, the youngsters were largely from lowincome families, in which a loved one may have been incarcerated. Some of the youths had juvenile records themselves. Several belonged to rival gangs. But at the workshops everyone got along. Respect for others was advocated by Paradela and co-facilitator/ex-inmate Raymond Garcia, and by Miguel Campos, the students’ primary instructor. Four days a week, Campos taught Brown Issues, a program that motivates Latinos to succeed. On Thursdays, SAR visited the classroom. On those days, students formed a circle and described their personal struggles during what is called a healing circle.

In prison Paradela and Garcia joined healing circles, ultimately recovering from most, if not all, of their pains. Self-Awareness and Recovery, a nonproﬁt supported by The California Endowment, was created by ex-inmate Daniel Silva, with two goals: help prisoners vanquish their agonies and prepare them for productive lives once freed.

“IT’S HARDER TO REACH THE KIDS THAN IT IS TO REACH PRISONERS ... THE KIDS DON’T KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES ... THEY THINK THEY’RE NOT GOING TO GET CAUGHT.” Raymond Garcia Healing Circle facilitator with Self-Awareness and Recovery

Today, SAR conducts circles in prisons and out. With an educational format, the Burbank circles — which will continue in the spring — are not as intense as those behind bars, noted Garcia, 38. Of his students, he said: “I teach them to be young men of character. But it’s harder to reach the kids than it is to reach prisoners ... The prisoners are

Four days a week, Miguel Campos (left) taught Brown Issues at Luther Burbank High. On Thursdays, his students attended Self-Awareness and Recovery workshops led by Raymond Garcia (center) and Eddie Paradela (right). Photo by Edgar Sanchez

dealing with the consequences of their wrong choices. The kids don’t know the consequences ... They think they’re not going to get caught.” One student said he “enjoys learning” from Paradela and Garcia, who are members of the AntiRecidivism Coalition “Both are important people in my life,” said the youth, 17, who was arrested in August for possession of a ﬁrearm, before he met the duo. “I hope to learn more from them.”

BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES In 2010, The California Endowment launched a 10-year, $1 billion plan to improve the health of 14 challenged communities across the state. Over the 10 years, residents, communitybased organizations and public institutions will work together to address the socioeconomic and environmental challenges contributing to the poor health of their communities.

Your ZIP code shouldn’t predict how long you’ll live – but it does. Staying healthy requires much more than doctors and diets. Every day, our surroundings and activities affect how long – and how well – we’ll live. Health Happens in Neighborhoods. Health Happens in Schools. Health Happens with Prevention.

PAID WITH A GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT 10 | SN&R | 12.28.17

www.SacBHC.org

The joy of giving By DaviD Heitstuman

With the holiday season upon us, many find themselves wanting to donate to a cause that is important to us. This act of kindness inherently makes us feel good. Studies show that doing good for others creates a reward or pleasure response in the brain, meaning, you feel good when you do good! Here are five ways that you can capitalize on this “feel good” feeling:

HIV infections. Giving generously helps them stretch each dollar that much further to provide services year-round. 4. Share the love Some people feel more comfortable giving anonymously, but many of us are proud to support causes we love. Social media provides an opportunity for instant positive reinforcement and praise from folks who like, comment and share the story of why we got involved or made a donation. It also encourages others to do the same. Facebook will even let you set up a fundraiser through your personal profile for the nonprofit of your choice. The money your friends, family and colleagues donate goes safely and securely directly to the charity.

1. How can you keep this feeling going year-round? Connect with the cause. Many nonprofits will allow you to select what program you’d like your money to support or provide volunteer opportunities to see your donation in action. For example, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, where I work, helps restore dignity to the days of hundreds of youth experiencing homelessness Social media by offering hot showers, provides an food, clothing and laundry opportunity for instant services at its Drop-in Center. Buying an extra positive reinforcement pair of socks to drop off from folks who like, or volunteering to help comment and share our stuff survival backpacks can help you continue to story. feel connected to the work. 2. You don’t have to be rich People often believe you have to make one big donation to have a real impact. The reality is that small, monthly donations of $10, $20 or $30 make a big difference. Nonprofits have monthly expenses that fuel their programs just like we do—internet service, copy paper, insurance, maintenance, etc. Being able to count on a steady stream of monthly donations from folks who are invested for the long haul allows them focus on the core mission, better train staff and volunteers, educate the public and plan for the future rather than worry about where their next fundraising dollar is coming from. 3. More bang for your buck Many organizations run campaigns where an individual or corporate partner offers to match every dollar they raise. Whether you are able to give $10, $100 or $1,000, when your donation is going to be matched, it helps them purchase double the food and clothing for homeless clients, teaches twice as many youth to be selfadvocates, and helps prevent twice as many new

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5. Be an ambassador When you share a personal connection to a cause and understand exactly where your donation is needed most, it opens the conversation with friends and family to engage. You can use a birthday, anniversary or holiday party at your home as an opportunity to ask guests to join you in support of a cause you care about by bringing coats, toys or gift cards to donate to a local organization. Afterward, you can share photos on social media along with a donation link for those who couldn’t make it. Many nonprofits, including the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, are happy to thank you for your help on their social media channels and newsletters. It makes you feel good, makes them feel good and inspires others. In summary, donating makes us feel good, and who doesn’t want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside all year long! Whether you can make a large contribution once a year or a smaller monthly commitment, the feeling is the same. Not only does giving give us a feeling of instant euphoria, but the real good is that you are changing the lives of people in your community that need your help. Ω

David Heitstuman is the executive director of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center

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For more than 25 years, SN&R’s Sacramento Area Music Awards Show (SAMMIES) celebrates the best in local music by recognizing emerging and popular Sacramento bands and solo performers that illuminate the region’s vibrant music and art scene. The SAMMIES has helped launch and develop national break-out artists such as Tesla, Cake, Deftones, Oleander and Autumn Sky. Sponsorship opportunities are available now so that you, too, can be part of the celebration happening on March 15, 2018 at Ace of Spades in Sacramento.

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Donald Trump signed the Republican-dominated Congress’ tax bill on December 22, a $1.5 trillion giveaway primarily to corporations and the wealthy. Although the majority of Americans will see a small tax cut, the biggest slashing came from dropping the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. It’s horse-and-sparrow economics, the (repeatedly disproven) theory being the more oats we feed the horses, the more will pass through to the sparrows. In other words, it’s horseshit.

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The BISSELL Pet Foundation made a $10,000 donation to the Sacramento SpCa to fund their “We Pay To Spay” program targeted mostly at Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes, who comprised an astonishing 21 percent of dogs surrendered in 2016. The funds will cover 200 surgeries that will reduce unplanned litters so fewer dogs end up homeless. Although beneficial in the long term, Scorekeeper is sure some Chihuahuas may be less than thrilled with the short-term effects.

This month, Eskaton launched the ninth school year of its Kids Connection program in which

+10 MLS KiCKS Can Major League Soccer announced on December 20 that nashville will be the first of the league’s two expansion locations, leaving the second spot undecided as of yet. Sacramento remains in the running, but the CEO of Sacramento Republic FC, Kevin Nagle, announced one sticking point: since the original investors convened in 2014, the price of elevating our squad to the next level has risen by nearly $150 million, which is, uh, a lot of money.

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more than 650 elementary school children are paired with roughly 1,000 seniors known as “buddies.” Together, they read, do arts and crafts and share stories with one another in a program that melds the joy of youth with the wisdom of old age to ward off loneliness. With so few intergenerational American households, there should be more efforts to foster this type of mutually beneficial bond.

+1,000 Eat MEditErranEan The Sacramento region is one of seven places on the planet to be blessed with the gentle Mediterranean climate, and perhaps we should start eating like it. According to a fairly viral video starring UC Davis researchers, Ben Houlton and Maya Almaraz, the Mediterranean diet—which drowns most food in olive oil, emphasizes fruits and vegetables and prefers fish and poultry to red meat—has a comparable carbon footprint to vegan and vegetarian diets. Plus, saying you’re on the Mediterranean diet sounds luxurious.

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This year’s best and worst films Abounding remakes aside, cinema brought remakes aside, cinema brought and stinkers us clear winners and stinkers

nly one of the ten highest-grossing films of 2017 was not a remake, a sequel or part of an extended comic-book universe. That film: the 1980s nostalgia-obsessed It, based on the 1980s bestseller by Stephen King, a movie that waits until the final credits to inform the audience that they just watched “Chapter One” (“Chapter Two” comes out in 2019). Mainstream cinema might be more presold than ever, but film critics Daniel Barnes and Jim Lane weren’t buying. Instead, they dug deeper to find the brightest cinematic gems of 2017.

by Daniel Barnes and Jim Lane

14 | SN&R | 12.28.17

SAC NATIVES AT THE GRAMMYS See A&C 2

A TASTE OF GlObAl MORSElS See DISH

Daniel’s Top 10 Films

bASSIST TURNED FRONTMAN See MUSIC

BrawL in CeLL BLoCk 99

Dunkirk Writer-director Christopher Nolan gave us a harrowing, riveting and inspiring ground-and-sea-level recounting of the evacuation that saved the British Army and the Allied cause in the early days of World War II.

The FLoriDa ProJeCT

GeT ouT Jordan Peele’s scathing and satisfying horror movie only grows richer with a second viewing, capturing the terror of being the other in a world run by morally perverse white people. Behold the Coagula!

a GhosT sTory It’s easy to dismiss something as sincere as A Ghost Story, and slinging feces at David Lowery’s immaculate telling of a white-sheeted spirit waiting out eternity has predictably become a sport for film Twitter baboons. I remain firmly in the corner of this graceful film about the timelessness of grief.

GooD Time Robert Pattinson’s coolly ferocious con man leaves a trail of damaged lives in his wake in Josh and Benny Safdie’s outrageous urban nightmare, a film that manages to match the relentlessness of its protagonist.

LaDy BirD A great Sacramento movie, capturing both our low-key beauty and our high-key inferiority complex, but also a great movie about growing up, with honest performances from Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf.

moTher!

Brawl in Cell Block 99

PhanTom ThreaD Sumptuous yet surprisingly intimate, a mix of meticulous design and messy emotions, with powerful lead performances from Daniel Day-Lewis as a hyper-controlling fashion designer and Vicky Krieps as the woman who refuses to join his assembly line of ex-girlfriends.

your name. In a year filled with films that successfully cohabited honest humanity with elements of the supernatural, animator Makoto Shinkai’s metaphysical teenage mind-scrambler rises above the crowd.

Daniel’s bottom 5 Films BaywaTCh Other films were more offensive or more pretentious, but perhaps no other film in cinema history failed to clear a lower bar of expectations.

The Book oF henry The magical treehouse was bad enough, but when a midpoint twist flips The Book of Henry into a Manic Pixie Rape Revenge movie, it exposes an ugly core utterly at odds with the film’s apple-cheeked exterior.

hosTiLes

The visceral moviegoing experience of the year, a stupendously tense and disturbing piece of cinema from Darren Aronofsky. If mother! made more money, Michelle Pfeiffer would be collecting wheelbarrows of awards for her devilish supporting performance.

All the hollow ponderousness of The Revenant without the technical exuberance. Christian Bale gruffly mutters like sleepy Batman, but it’s Rosamund Pike who delivers the most embarrassing performance of the year.

PersonaL shoPPer

Writer / director / producer / star Lake Bell leads a shrill ensemble through this shockingly unfunny death march of clichés about love and marriage.

The overhyped likes of Margot Robbie and Emma Stone might win the awards, but Kristen Stewart is still the best young actress working today. Her Clouds of Sils Maria collaborator Olivier Assayas directs this entrancing story of a medium struggling to connect with her deceased twin.

See CAlENDAR

Jim lane’s Top 10 Films

Bone-crunching nirvana, with a legitimately intimidating Vince Vaughn maiming his way through an underground prison network to save his pregnant wife. While 2017 saw blockbuster cinema nudge ever further up the endless asshole of nostalgia, a path that can only lead to suffocation and death, Sean Baker’s absorbing story of impoverished children running wild in the shadow of Walt Disney World felt more alive than anything in years.

bUCKET + HEAD = SHREDS

i Do…unTiL i Don’T

The LasT FaCe Dental hygiene foreplay! A sex scene set to the Red Hot Chili Peppers! Wait, what was Sean Penn’s sermonizing stinker about again? African genocide or something?

Dunkirk a GhosT sTory David Lowery’s visual tone-poem following the spirit of a young musician (Casey Affleck) through untold centuries back and forth in time was unlike any movie of the year—or any ever made. “Haunting” in the truest sense: profound, deeply moving, unforgettable.

GooDBye ChrisToPher roBin In the debased genre of stories-behindchildhood-classics (see, or rather don’t, The Man Who Invented Christmas, which almost made my worst list), Simon Curtis’ story of Winnie-the-Pooh was a redeeming gem, highlighted by the amazing Will Tilston as an 8-year-old Christopher Robin.

LaDy BirD Are Sacramento audiences being a little overindulgent of native daughter Greta Gerwig’s affectionate story of coming of age in River City? Well, maybe. But everybody else loved it, too—even New Yorkers and San Franciscans.

LasT FLaG FLyinG Perennially fascinating filmmaker Richard Linklater did it again in this story (from Darryl Ponicsan’s novel) of three Vietnamera brothers-in-arms (Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne) reuniting to bury the son of one of them.

LovinG vinCenT In a year overflowing with atrocious animated features, this one shamed them all: a British/Polish co-production examining van Gogh’s life, death and art in the style of one of his paintings come to life.

The onLy LivinG Boy in new york Echoes of 1967’s The Graduate (even the title was from Simon and Garfunkel) enriched this tale of an aimless grad (Callum Turner) carrying on with the mistress (Kate Beckinsale) of his upper-crust father (Pierce Brosnan). A fine cast (also Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Nixon, Kiersey Clemons) sensitively directed by Marc Webb ( (500) Days of Summer).

onLy The Brave Firefighting never looked more immediate, terrifying or heroic than in director Joseph Kosinski’s wrenching tribute to the 19 men lost in a 2013 Arizona wildfire. Miles Teller and Josh Brolin stood out first and second among equals.

siLenCe Actually a 2016 release, Martin Scorsese’s film of Catholic missionaries in 17th century Japan didn’t play here until this year. Alas, it didn’t play anywhere very long, but it was the work of a master at the height of his powers, a mature examination of faith under persecution—out of step with its time, perhaps, but also ahead of it.

The ZookeePer’s wiFe Another Sacramento native, the astonishingly versatile Jessica Chastain, added to her considerable laurels as a Polish woman under the Nazis struggling to protect the animals and covertly hidden Jews in the Warsaw Zoo throughout World War II. A movie of surprising beauty, despite its grim story.

Jim lane’s bottom 5 Films a BaD moms ChrisTmas Garbage of the worst and most disgusting kind. Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn and Mila Kunis will need a dozen Oscars between them before they can ever be forgiven.

The BeLko exPerimenT A soulless, grisly murderfest that made the Saw movies look like Little Women, created and populated by nobodies desperate to earn a paycheck.

JusT GeTTinG sTarTeD Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, writer-director Ron Shelton and others all added the worst-ever credit to their résumés.

kinG arThur: LeGenD oF The sworD There will always be room for Guy Ritchie on this list; here he actually found a subject—the Arthurian Legend—about which he knows even less than he does about making decent movies.

The snowman There should always be at least one piece of pretentious artsy-fartsy crap on a worst list. This was 2017’s: an incoherent, off-putting mess that won no fans for any of its estimable actors (Michael Fassbender, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Val Kilmer, et al.) or director Tomas Alfredson. Ω

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Sac natives grip the Grammys From part-time hustling to full-time dreaming by Taylor DeSmangleS

The Stereotypes had no clue they’d be nominated for a Grammy this year, let alone three. “Never give up,” says Jonathan Yip, producer and one fourth of the Stereotypes. “If we would’ve given up, we would have missed this by a year.” Yip, Ray Romulus, Jeremy Reeves and Ray Charles McCullough II are the masterminds behind some of this year’s top radio bangers, and they’ve been on the road headed to this moment for more than 10 years. The musicians hail from different hometowns—Reeves and Yip from Sacramento, Romulus from New York, McCullough from the Bay Area—but their paths have crossed multiple times in Sac. The group is now nominated in some heavyhitting Grammy categories: Song of the Year and Best R&B Song for their work on Bruno Mars’ No. 1 Billboard song “That’s What I Like” and Producer of the Year for work with Bruno Mars, Sevyn Streeter, Iggy Azalea and other artists. “It all feels so surreal,” Reeves says. “I’ve always felt like we were the underdog. … It feels really good to be recognized this highly.” The Stereotypes have credits on Ne-Yo’s album Year of the Gentlemen, which got them a Grammy nomination for the first time in 2009, but this year is next-level big for the group. “We have been training for this moment,” Yip says. “This a marathon, not a sprint. We are trying to last.”

The Stereotypes, although seemingly new on the scene, have been in the game for a decade. Some of my favorite hits growing up have been sprinkled with the sauce of this eclectic group: Songs like “Damaged” by Danity Kane and “Like a G6” by Far East Movement have been blessed with the producing powers of the Stereotypes. After finding success with their first few hits, their careers came to a crossroads, they say. The group suspected they were being taken advantage of, and this led them to part ways with their manager at the time. It left them looking for direction on the business side. “We felt like, ‘Are we going to be another casualty to the entertainment industry? Do we need to get jobs?’” Yip remembers. “It threw us into a career depression.” But it wouldn’t make a great story without that good ol’ plot twist! The group decided to start studying the business elements of music while doing other projects in and out of Korea. To support themselves during their bounce-back, they got into K-pop—a move none of them expected to have any long-lasting effects on their careers. But it renewed their inspiration. “Always know how to be a creative and run both sides of the game,” Reeves says. “Make your team strong. Don’t be afraid to get rid of the people who aren’t holding their weight,” he adds, chuckling to himself. The Stereotypes stem from diverse backgrounds: Asian, Haitian, African-American, Samoan and Caucasian. Each person brings their own funky creativity to the table, giving representation to unheard voices. Recently the group co-wrote and produced Pitbull’s new song “Jungle,” featuring E-40 and Abraham Mateo. They also produced KYLE’s current single “Sunshine” featuring Miguel, which is the official song for ESPN’s 2017-2018 college basketball coverage. This four-piece has no plans of slowing down any time soon. Ω

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—StePhAnie StiAvetti The smoked trout hash combines textures for a different take on brunch.

photo by rebecca huval

A little taste of everything by RebeCCa Huval

Canon 1719 34th Street, (916) 469-2433 https://canoneastsac.com $$$

Good for: brunch, sharing small plates to West try lotsAfrican, of flavors East Sacramento New American, East Sacramento

Northern California specializes in a kind of luxury that’s designed to look casual. Or, as my uncle from Louisiana says, “These are the most uptight laid-back people I’ve ever met.” The new Canon in East Sacramento sits comfortably among this group. A mural by artist Tyson Anthony Roberts adorns the outside with a riotous floral pattern and a boast in bold lettering: “East Sac.” Inside, a discerningly curated selection of geometric paintings and cheeky block prints complement the minimal wooden rafters and dangling lightbulbs. The menu also balances restraint with adventure. It’s the vision of chef Brad Cecchi, who got his culinary start during high school with cooking classes at American River College. He worked his way through the ranks, including at Mulvaney’s B&L and Grange, eventually earning a Michelin star at Calistoga’s Solbar. Now, he’s brought that upscale savvy back home. Cecchi’s seasonal and vegetarian-friendly menu states its values upfront: “Everything is designed to be shared.” Most of the dishes are larger than tapas, but smaller than an entree. The heartier plates are the size of a normal main course at a fine dining restaurant, which is to say, smaller than at casual eateries. Sharing enables you to try seasonings from around the world in one meal. Though ingredients available locally are sourced accordingly, Canon uses far-flung seasonings: calabrian

re b e c c a h @ne w s re v i e w . c o m

and urfa chile, garam masala and fermented black garlic. The dishes sound pungent, but I found a few of them surprisingly mild—even timid at times. Let’s start with the highlights: The red khuri squash ($11) immersed the sweet gourd in a cozy vadouvan curry tasting of cinnamon and cardamom. Small onions unraveled in layers charred to peak allium flavor. Setting off the sweetness, bitter greens topped it with elegance; they looked like leafy seadragons. The St. Louis ribs ($11) were bathed in a more inventive sauce that blended aromatic espresso with jammy tamarind. The pork was crispy on the edges with a buttery softness that melted off the bone. Sprinkled corn nuts added a fun crunch. But I found the best dish at brunch. The smoked trout hash ($14) interplayed airy dill creme fraiche with chunks of fried hash and gushing pops of roe. Bitingly bitter spinach contrasted with the subtle smoked trout. I was only let down by one plate and a cocktail. The yellowtail crudo ($14) sounded like a gastronomical thrill: calabrian chile, walnut, lemon puree, parsley, radish, olive and, of course, that sweet, sweet hamachi. But the puree was disappointingly weak. The Golden Age ($12) seemed like my kind of zingy-and-zany drink—whisky, scotch, egg whites, banana liqueur, demerara syrup, lemon juice, bitters—but it was a snooze. All in all, Canon shares refinement that’s comfortable and accessible. The restaurant only occasionally plays it too safe. If your dish description leads with chiles, I expect to be transported by flavor—assertively so. But maybe it’s just those Louisiana roots talking. Ω

Lazy dog ProSPerite SAiSon, bike Dog Some beers are good for day drinking, while others invite a nap. Bike Dog’s Prosperite Saison ($6) lands somewhere in the middle. Creamy yet crisp, it delivers a fruity sweetness and a hint of spice that makes for lovely, leisurely sipping over good conversation. The brew’s 6.7 percent ABV, however, may eventually lull the lightweights among us toward slumber, which on a weekend afternoon is perfectly acceptable, of course. 915 Broadway, Suite 200; https://bikedogbrewing.com/ broadway-taproom.

—rAchel leibrock

Choke the sun? SunchokeS Not only do they have an odd and slightly violent name, sunchokes aren’t visually inspiring, either. The knobby tubers resemble ginger rhizomes and may be called by their other name—Jerusalem artichokes. These relatives of the sunflower are one of the few tubers native to North America. Tasting like a cross between sunflower seeds and artichoke hearts, sunchokes appeared in Native American meals well before colonists arrived. Another oddity about them: They produce fructose (like fruit), rather than glucose (like potatoes), making them ideal for diabetics. Consider adding them to soups, salads and stir-fries for a nutty crunch.

—Ann MArtin rolke

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Good eats: Dressed in a tiger-print

onesie for “Pajama Day,” Kenna’jah Swygert walked into her cafeteria at PS7 Elementary in Oak Park with a bag full of celery, carrots, onions, oranges and lemons. Having just shopped at the Food Literacy Center’s free Holiday Farmers Market on December 20, she had big plans for her haul. “I’m gonna make me some new food and make it with my momma and eat it all,” Swygert said. The Food Literacy Center’s founder and executive director Amber Stott loves to hear that. She started the program in 2011 as a way to inspire kids to eat their vegetables. She had noticed that food banks replaced junk food with healthier choices, but found a gap in meal prep know-how. So with the blessing and support of local organizations like Soil Born Farms and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, she went to schools in lower-income neighborhoods to introduce children

to fresh-grown foods. Now, Stott said that they visit 1,200 kids at 10 schools each week—all free of charge, thanks to donations. “Right now, [children] don’t have any eating habits,” Stott said. “This is when they’re going to form those. And study after study shows that the more positive of an interaction that a kid has with any type of food, that’s the food they’re going to want and crave and eat in their adulthood.” On December 20, a team of eager volunteers helped kids make vegetable-shaped Christmas ornaments and chant stuff like “V-E-G-G-I-E-S / Fruits and veggies are the best.” At another table, students dipped sticks of celery, carrots and jicama into bright red hummus that contained their democratically elected “vegetable of the year”: beets. The program offers food experimentation too costly for some families. “If you only have a limited food budget, you’re going to buy calories

that you know will be consumed,” Stott said. But due to her program, Stott said that 70 percent of parents reported that children want to eat what they tried at school. “We’ll have parents show up and say, ‘My kid asked me to buy cactus last night,’” Stott said. Not seeking to shame anybody’s diet, Stott said the program starts with a peanut butter sandwich to show students that the food they already eat is healthy, but can be made healthier through choices like swapping out jelly for fresh fruit slices. From there, the program breaches into more and more unfamiliar culinary territory to make fruits and vegetables taste like comfort food. “At first, I felt [vegetables were] nasty,” said student Semaj Lilly. “Then, since I got to Food Literacy, they gave me new stuff and I tried it and it turned out good.” Ω

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This dreadful year ends on a Sunday. To cater to the families, Visit Sacramento will be throwing the (extravagantly named) New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular along the Old Sacramento waterfront on December 31. Starting at 6 p.m., there will be kid-friendly games, balloon animal artistry and a magician, who goes by the straightforward name of “Mr. Illusion.” For a quick bite, they’ll have snacks from Outta This World Concessions, What’s Poppin’? Kettle Corn and Rainbow Snow, which serves shaved ice. And if you’re still feeling hungry, Old Sac hosts the most luxe location of Willie’s Burgers (110 K Street) as well as Candy Heaven (1201 Front Street), home of the free samples of saltwater taffy. The band Thunder Cover will score the evening, and fireworks from multiple locations will go off at 9 p.m., so everybody can get their “oohs” and “aahs” before plenty of ZZZs or—if you don’t have to wake up early—alcohol.

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Year-end highlight, lowlight, gumbo by Shoka Impossible Burger. Her favorite is the Impossible at 33rd Street Bistro (3301 Folsom Boulevard). A lowlight was restaurants still not being herbivorefriendly or clearly marking menus.

“They don’t recognize that vegans pick the restaurant” when they eat out with their omnivore friends, she said, and lose business. For 2018, Giarrizzo is looking forward to the reopening of Celestin’s in East Sacramento (3610 McKinley Boulevard). The Cajun eatery closed its K Street location in 2011 after almost 30 years.

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In 2017, it felt like more friends, acquaintances, professional entertainers and athletes transitioned to veganism, and there’s bound to be more resolving to go plant-based for 2018. So The V Word checked in with Pam Giarrizzo, a 15-year vegan and blogger of the Sacramento Vegan (sacramentovegan.blogspot.com) and The Booktrekker (thebooktrekker. blogspot.com), for her thoughts on plant-based Sac this year. A highlight for Giarrizzo included local restaurants serving the Beyond Burger and

12.28.17

SN&R

! d o o g s i h t d e k o o if only Santa l

T N E M L L O R N E

+ NO LONG TERM COMMITMENT EXP. 12/31/17

916.442.3927 | WWW.CAPITALAC.COM | CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF 8TH & P 22 | SN&R | 12.28.17

ReviewS

Now playiNg

Looking back on B Street Photo courtesy of B street theatre

by Jim Carnes, Jeff Hudson, Patti roberts and bev sykes

of Virginia Woolf)—that challenge, sometimes confound, but always entertain audiences. Jeff Hudson—I arrived in 1995, and my first

review at B Street was Beast on the Moon, a drama about Armenians in exile after the catastrophic 1915 massacre. Elisabeth Nunziato was the female lead; she was terrific. There were many edgy new plays at the B Street then; the focus later shifted more toward romantic comedies and romping (occasionally campy) revues … But B Street continued to stage some hot recent scripts and developed original works, including a rewarding relationship with comedian/playwright Jack Gallagher, who appeared in a series of solid (and popular) shows.

bars and measures, which b street premiered in 2015.

Sacramento’s B Street Theatre closed a chapter on December 24 with their final performance in a metal shed (converted into a theatrical venue, with limited technical capabilities) next to a city park with a busy athletic field, on the northernmost edge of Midtown Sacramento. It was a rather obscure and slightly scruffy location—not much “street visibility,” no upscale eateries next door. But the venture caught the fancy of theatregoers and quickly became popular. Performances were subject to the rumble of passing freight trains on the adjacent tracks … initially distracting, but we’ll soon recall the interruptions with nostalgia. SN&R’s theater critics volunteered these memories of B Street’s first home: Jim Carnes—I was around in 1991 when Timothy

Busfield and his brother Buck created B Street Theatre. I saw the first play presented at B Street—Mass Appeal, with Timothy Busfield and Ed Claudio. The second play was Hidden in This Picture, co-starring Busfield, Claudio and some guy named Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the play (and later, The West Wing.) The Busfields were savvy, launching their theater with two big-name hits most startups couldn’t imagine. What amazes about B Street, though, is that for 25 years, it has consistently produced shows—the new (Humana Festival discoveries) and the old (the recent Who’s Afraid 22 | SN&R | 12.28.17

Patti Roberts—B Street Theatre and I came to Sacramento around the same time—facing slim pickings in a local theatre world mostly comprised of Sacramento Theatre Company (STC), Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre and Show Below (only STC remains today). B Street quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, bringing in talent and thought-provoking plays, such as Frankie and Johnny with out-of-town actors Edie McClug and Chris Mulkey. Soon, Buck Busfield began adopting talent that stayed around to form a forever family— many who’ve been with the company for 20 years; and expanding into three series: Mainstage, B Street Family, and B-3. Now, we raise a toast to The Sofia—their new, state-of-the-art-complex on Capitol Avenue—a few blocks and years from their humble beginnings on B Street. Bev Sykes—I came late to B Street but have loved the discovery. I was particularly impressed with the variety of productions in the smaller theater, everything from the first children’s production I reviewed, Dave Pierini’s Anansi the Spider, on Samantha Reno’s gorgeous set, with actors of the caliber of Ed Claudio; to the powerful onewoman show, Grounded, a gripping tour de force for Alicia Hunt (to date, my favorite). Bars and Measures showed how a new musical play based on true events could become extraordinary in the hands of exceptional actors. And the chance to see Jack Gallagher is always a special treat. There is a reason why B Street has such slavishly loyal followers. B Street will begin staging shows at their new venue—The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Avenue in Sacramento—with previews planned during the closing days of January, followed by a formal dedication of the new space. Get tickets (prices vary, depending on the event) at www.bstreettheatre.org or call (916) 443-5300. Ω

Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberly

short review by Patti roberts.

Ever wonder where those Bennett sisters ended up after all the drama in Pride and Prejudice? In this sweet, sassy sequel, we find out what happens to oft-forgotten middle sister Mary—and in true Jane Austen fashion, there is a courtship involved. This new adaptation is a delight and a most welcome reprieve to endless holiday theater retreads. Thu 2pm & 7pm,

Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm, Sun, 2pm & 7pm, Tue 2pm & 7pm. Through 12/30; $28-$42; Capital Stage, 2215 J St.; (916) 995-5464; http://capstage.org. P.R.

1 fouL

faIr

GooD

WeLL-DoNe

5 suBLIMe– DoN’t MIss

Photo courtesy of sacraMeNto theatre coMPaNy

martha omiyo kight gets ready to light up the musical of musicals.

The return of returns The Sacramento Theatre Company gets the new year started on January 3 with an updated version of The Musical of Musicals: The Musical! It’s a parody / revue with a cast of four (featured in archetypal roles as The Villian, The Hero, The Ingénue, and The Matron). STC first staged this show in 2011. The 2018 incarnation features some new material. The 2018 cast includes Martha Omiyo Kight (who was in the 2011 version), Michael RJ Campbell, Brand Bong and Kelly Ann Dunn, with David Taylor Gomes. Thu 7pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm, Sun 2pm & 7pm, Wed 7pm. Through February 1; $20-$38; Sacramento Theatre Company, 1419 H Street; (916) 443-6722; www.sactheatre.org.

—bev SykeS

12.28.17 | SN&R | 23

Sucker bait

The Greatest Showman Hugh Jackman looks to lure you to this dud.

by Jim Lane

(Keala Settle), a little person he dubs “Gen. Tom Phineas T. Barnum never said, “There’s a sucker born Thumb” (Sam Humphrey) and a trapeze act by an African-American brother and sister (Yahya Abdulevery minute,” but if he were alive to see The Greatest Mateen II, Zendaya). Barnum also hooks up with a Showman, the thought might well cross his mind. This blue-blooded aspiring playwright (Zac Efron as the wannabe spectacle of showbiz razzmatazz turns out on fictional Phillip Carlyle) to promote his museum, and delivery to be a stillborn fizzle, squandering the musical Carlyle immediately alienates his class by falling in chops of leading man (and co-producer) Hugh love with Zendaya’s trapeze artist. Jackman, along with those of Zac Efron, Finally, Barnum bids for respectZendaya and others. Written by Jenny ability by importing the opera singer Bicks and Bill Condon and directed The real Jenny Lind. As Lind, Rebecca by the inexperienced and unready P.T. Barnum Ferguson is miscast and enorMichael Gracey, it purports to mously unappealing, turning the was a fascinating chronicle the life of Barnum pious “Swedish Nightingale” into (Jackman) as he scales the heights character, but the an angular, hard-faced homeof 19th century show business. movie has no interest wrecker and (in badly-dubbed The real P.T. Barnum was a singing by Loren Allred) a poor in his real life and fascinating character, but the movie man’s Celine Dion. has no interest in his real life and times. None of Showman’s original score times, so there’s no point in itemizing rises to the level of Pasek and Paul’s its many fictions and anachronisms. work on La La Land, and that’s a basic Barnum made his name and early fortune by problem with the movie. You can’t make a first-rate peddling hoaxes to a gullible public, and if nothing else, musical out of third-rate songs. And when you have he might well have been amused by how The Greatest a cast of genuine musical talents, you do them no Showman tries the same scam. favor by larding their numbers over with so much The movie’s Barnum starts out as a poor tailor’s son glittering CGI that the audience is never sure what (Ellis Rubin) flirting with Charity (Skylar Dunn), the daughter of one of his father’s wealthy customers. Like a the performers are really doing and what was created by techies at computer consoles. pubescent version of James Stewart and Donna Reed in On the other hand, if you thought Baz It’s a Wonderful Life, the kids sing about dreams in one Moulin Rouge! was too sedate, too Luhrmann’s of the many humdrum songs contributed by Benj Pasek low-key, and not nearly vulgar or obnoxious and Justin Paul. Young Barnum grows into Hugh Jackman and young enough, then The Greatest Showman may be the movie for you. Ω Charity into Michelle Williams (who gets little to do but gaze winsomely at Jackman). Having lured Charity from wealth to poverty, Barnum vows to give her a life of splendor by following his instinct for showmanship. He buys a broken-down museum of dusty attracPoor Fair Good Very excellent Good tions, then populates it with oddities—a bearded lady

1 2 3 4 5

24 | SN&R | 12.28.17

fiLm CLiPS

All the Money in the World

Ridley Scott directs this entertaining but uneven true-life drama about the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, a situation that dragged on for months when the teenager’s billionaire grandfather refused to pay his ransom. All the Money in the World is impeccably mounted but dramatically disjointed, a production design triumph with a shortage of substance, and only strong performances keep the film from falling apart. By this point, the onscreen story of All the Money in the World has been overshadowed by the offscreen drama, which saw disgraced actor Kevin Spacey’s scenes as the elder J. Paul Getty hastily reshot with Christopher Plummer. If only Plummer could have also replaced Mark Wahlberg as Fletcher Davis, the ex-CIA agent and Getty employee who oversaw the ransom negotiations. It feels like a functional supporting role got beefed up to attract a star, which only distracts attention from the characters that really matter. D.B.

Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman blubbers and bellows from under wads of makeup as Winston Churchill in this lifeless biopic by director Joe Wright (Atonement), portraying the embattled British prime minister during the tumultuous weeks between his 1940 appointment and the rescue mission at Dunkirk. Despite his abrasive nature and alcoholsoaked diet, Churchill was a compromise choice intended to unite Britain’s rival political parties against the Nazi threat, although his saber-rattling rhetoric quickly proved divisive. While Oldman chomps on the scenery in a sweat-stained awards grab, much of the action is filtered through his secretary (Lily James), whom Churchill treats with a borderline Weinstein-ian overfamiliarity (bad year to heroize handsy bosses in bathrobes). After Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and Their Finest, this is the third 2017 release to touch on the Dunkirk evacuation, although Darkest Hour stops short at Churchill’s “we shall fight on the beaches” speech, as if to underline its own pointlessness. D.B.

Downsizing

Director Alexander Payne’s wellearned reputation for sharp satire and keen observation takes a bad beating with Downsizing, a thoroughly disjointed and misguided collaboration with longtime writing partner Jim Taylor. Matt Damon stars as Paul Safranek (an early sign of trouble: mispronouncing the protagonist’s name becomes a recurring joke), a Nebraska working stiff who dreams of a more luxurious life. Paul’s prayers are answered when Norwegian scientists develop technology that shrinks humans to five inches in height. Originally developed to minimize environmental impact and save the planet, miniaturization grows into a trendy lifestyle choice, and Paul and his wife (Kristen Wiig) decide to take the plunge. He undergoes the invasive process, but she backs out at the last minute, leaving Paul stranded in the small world and leaving the audience stranded one-third of the way through a film that has effectively concluded. In no time, Downsizing descends into tonal and thematic chaos. D.B.

BY DANIEL BARNES & JIM LANE

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Four high-schoolers on detention (Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman) find an old video game in the school storeroom and begin to play— only to be yanked into it, morphing into their chosen avatars (Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, Jack Black) and forced to play for life-or-death stakes. Joe Johnston’s underrated 1995 Jumanji (from Chris Van Allsburg’s book) had wild adventures encasing a warmly sweet heart, and director Jake Kasdan manages nicely to duplicate the formula, albeit at somewhat greater length—a result, perhaps, of too many writers (Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg,

Jessica Chastain plays at high stakes.

Molly’s Game

Aaron Sorkin makes his directorial debut with Molly’s Game, a patchy biopic starring Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom, a former competitive skier who ran a high-stakes poker game targeted by the FBI. When a wipeout ended her skiing career, the extremely driven Molly moved to Southern California, eventually seizing an opportunity to host an exclusive poker game sought after by A-list celebrities and other members of the wealthy elite (attendees included Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Tobey Maguire, but real names are never used here). This first half of Molly’s Game is sharp-witted fun, as Molly, using little more than guile and guts, establishes an empire in the dark heart of masculine insecurity. But the film grows increasingly turgid and tiresome in the second half, culminating in a flatulently self-infatuated (i.e., Sorkinesque) sequence where Molly’s estranged father (a literal Freudian!) suddenly materializes in Central Park for some swift psychoanalysis. D.B.

Jeff Pinkner). Still, the kicks keep coming and the stars have a lot of fun channeling their teenage alter egos. A final cameo from an unbilled Colin Hanks wraps things up nicely. J.L.

Just Getting Started

The resident manager of a retirement community (Morgan Freeman), long accustomed to being cock of the walk (in every sense), gets unwelcome competition from the newest resident (Tommy Lee Jones)—then the two must put aside their squabbling when Freeman’s former mob associates show up to try to rub him out. With this cast (also Rene Russo, Elizabeth Ashley, Jane Seymour, Joe Pantoliano, George Wallace and the late Glenne Headley), and with Ron Shelton writing and directing, we might have expected more than the standard geezer-fest out to snag seniors’ spending money—but as it happens, we don’t even get that much. The movie is a ghastly, ramshackle mess, lurching from gag to clunking gag and exacerbated by Barry Peterson’s harsh cinematography, making everyone look considerably older than they are. J.L.

The Shape of Water

Guillermo del Toro directs this beautifully designed but clumsily arranged sci-fi love story about a mute janitor (Sally Hawkins) who falls for a magical creature (a motion-captured Doug Jones). Hawkins’ plucky Eliza pushes a mop at a mysterious research laboratory overseen by a teeth-gnashing sadist (Michael Shannon, of course), but the arrival of a strange, glowing, fishlike humanoid from the Amazon sparks something inside her soul. Eliza enlists the help of her kindly co-worker (Octavia Spencer) and her closeted gay neighbor (Richard Jenkins) to free the beast, with Russian spies in pursuit while an unlikely romance blooms. Although set in an unofficially segregated 1960s Baltimore, The Shape of Water drips with Amelie-like whimsy, right down to Alexandre Desplat’s concertinaheavy score. The film has great pieces that

rarely fit together, and the binary connections that del Toro makes between real-life civil rights struggles and merman love are fairly insulting. D.B.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Wonder Wheel

The galactic civil war goes on, with the Resistance on the run under Gen. Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher, who finished shooting shortly before her death last year) and the Force-savant Rey (Daisy Ridley) seeking to recruit the reclusive Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) back into the struggle. Writerdirector Rian Johnson falters a bit, missing the gee-whiz thrill J.J. Abrams gave The Force Awakens—and where Abrams left us eager for more, Johnson leaves us sated and willing to wait a couple of years for the next episode. Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had, and the series faithful won’t be disappointed. Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Andy Serkis round out the returning cast, with some promising new characters in the form of Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro and Kelly Marie Tran. J.L.

The In 1950s Coney Island, a young woman (Juno Temple) shows up on the doorstep of her estranged father (Jim Belushi) and his second wife (Kate Winslet), fleeing from her mobster ex-husband after turning state’s evidence. Writer/director Woody Allen is near the top of his game in terms of the performances he draws from his cast, especially Temple (someone to watch) and Winslet (never sharper or braver), and including Justin Timberlake as a lifeguard attracted to Temple while having an affair with Winslet. But the acting and Vittorio Storaro’s sun-splashed photography can’t compensate for Allen’s tiresome return to his most distasteful theme: having inconvenient people murdered and getting away with it—Crimes and Misdemeanors, Match Point and now this. It’s well done, but unpleasant and unsatisfying.. J.L.

12.28.17 | SN&R | 25

You should be

getting it once a week. if you would like to carry the paper for free, call GreG at 916.498.1234, ext. 1317 or email GreGe@newsreview.com

Leaving the background Local bassist David Baez-Lopez backs plenty of bands, and he’s finally stepping into his own by AAron CArnes

n e w s r e v i e w.c o m

Photo courtesy of they live in the clouds

When Hobo Johnson hit the stage at Sol Collective, David Baez-Lopez’s wife couldn’t stop laughing—the awkward alt-rapper, unknown at the time, looked and acted like a friend of theirs from high school. They were also impressed with his musicality: Johnson was backed only by Derek Lynch on guitar and Nick Setnik on drums. Later, Baez-Lopez found Lynch’s Instagram and told him they needed to add a bass player: him. After one practice, Baez-Lopez found himself in the band playing to a packed house at Ruhstaller in January. “I was shitting my pants. It was one practice,” Baez-Lopez says. “Hobo broke me in the big crowd thing. It was weird at first. You always dream about it when you’re little. Now that it’s actually happening, it’s kind of unreal.” At the time, Baez-Lopez was already playing bass in Sunmonks and keyboards in Petaluma. Today, he also plays bass with the Philharmonik and Riotmaker. If that wasn’t enough, he’s excited to kick off his new solo project: They Live in the Clouds. The band plays its second-ever show on December 29 at Holy Diver. They Live in the Clouds mixes jazz and funk with math rock elements for a surreal output. The driving drum beats push the tripped-out synths into interesting territories as Baez-Lopez dances through genres. Most of it has been instrumental, but Baez-Lopez plans on singing over it. Working on solo music is tough for BaezLopez as a go-to bassist in Sacramento, which keeps him extremely busy. He says he expects to be practicing Monday through Thursday on any given week. Not to mention shows. “It’s chaos,” Baez-Lopez says. “Me and my wife have been together for seven years. I don’t think there’d be anyone in the world more understanding than she would be.” He’s had this nonstop schedule for about a year. Before that, Baez-Lopez had a band in high school with Omar Gonzalez-Barajas—before he went off and joined Cove, Sister Crayon and then every band in Sacramento. But Baez-Lopez spent most of his time writing and recording music on his own. Finally, Gonzales-Barajas encouraged BaezLopez to get out and join Sunmonks, who needed a bass player. “I was in my room, feeling sorry for myself and not doing crap with my music, and then Omar would come over and talk crap,” Baez-Lopez 26

SN&R

12.28.17

They call this toothpicking.

says. “He knew that I was making music. He saw all that potential go to waste. A year later, I’m glad he did. ’Cause I’d still be in my room, buying more gear and being crazy.” Now that his schedule is 10 times busier, BaezLopez is finally doing more with his solo project. This coming show will be a more formal introduction to They Live in the Clouds as a trio. (Mike Huff is on drums, while he and Andy Hansen switch off on bass and guitar. They’ll still play along to a sequencer.) Baez-Lopez is excited that he gets to play guitar in They Live in the Clouds because that’s not the case with his other bands. “I wanted to have my Jimmy Page moment,” he says. The band’s first single “Reminder” releases on December 29, and Baez-Lopez hopes to have another out early next year, followed by an EP release in early Spring. If everything goes right, there will be a full-length by the end of the year. “I want to get my music out because I want to have my own identity,” Baez-Lopez says. “I’m wondering if people think I’m going to be rapping. They’re going to be weirded out. All the musicians that I network with, I want them to be impressed just like I have been impressed with them.” Ω check out they live in the clouds at 8 p.m. friday, december 29, at holy diver, 1517 21st street. tickets are $7.43. for more information go to www. theyliveintheclouds.com.

for the week of DeCeMBer 28

by kate gonzales

snr c a le nd a r @ ne wsr e v ie w.c o m

Online listings will be considered for print. Print listings are edited for space and accuracy. Deadline for print listings is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Deadline for nightLife listings is midnight Sunday. Send photos and reference materials to Calendar editor Kate Gonzales at snrcalendar@newsreview.com.

post eVents online For Free at

www.newsreview.com/sacramento

FeSTIVaLS

welcome to bring refreshments to share.

7pm, no cover. Jane Wolfe Annex, 1723 25th St., Loft E.

SaTURDaY, 12/30

FRIDaY, 12/29

KWanZaa celeBration: Celebrate Nia

piano Bar anniVersarY partY potlucK: Bring

(purpose) the 5th day of Kwanzaa with music and dance, stories, crafts, gifts and a community potluck. 2:30pm, no cover. Sacramento Library’s Del Paso Heights Branch, 920 Grand Ave.

finger foods, desserts and other shareables to celebrate the piano bar. 5pm, no cover. Sidetrax, 2007 K St.

SaTURDaY, 12/30

SUnDaY, 12/31

2017 KWanZaa First Fruits oF tHe HarVest: All are welcome to celebrate Kwanzaa, explore the past, present and future of California Pan-African heritage and help promote racial equity and equal opportunity in agricultural industries. noon, no cover. California State Capitol, 1315 10th St.

a great gatsBY neW Year’s eVe: Shannon McCabe hosts a speakeasy, Gatsby-themed party with burlesque, music, champagne toast and party favors. 9pm. $25-$30. Knobs and Knockers, 1023 Front St.

sun

Buckethead.

PHOTO BY jHaYne

Finger-pickin’ good

MUSIC THURSDaY, 12/28 FreeBird: It’s your chance to yell “Play ‘Freebird’” at a show. Loose Engines, Twilight Drifters, Mescal Aces and others play versions of the Lynyrd Skynyrd song. 8pm, $5. Old Ironsides, 1901 10th St.

ital ViBes: Roots/reggae out of Los Angeles. 8pm, $10-$40. Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Blvd.

Jr HallidaY BirtHdaY BasH: Live music by ZuhG and more. 7pm, $8-$10. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.

KnocKed doWn: With Fornis, Watch Jenny Die. 8pm, $6. The Press Club, 2030 P St.

FRIDaY, 12/29 deKe dicKerson and tHe eccopHonics: Playing the Hideaway’s Winter Bash with Timm Saxton Band, the Truckaderos, the Cretin’s Cattle. Food from La Familia Taqueria will be available. 7pm, $12-$15. Hideaway Bar & Grill, 2565 Franklin Blvd.

the Unknown. 8pm, $8. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.

island oF BlacK and WHite: Blues/reggae band out of El Dorado Hills. 9pm, $8. Torch Club, 904 15th St.

JiM BricKMan: Solo pianist. 7:30pm, $35-$55. Three Stages at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

tHe MacKs: Portland garage rock. 5pm, no

cover. Armadillo Music, 207 F St. in Davis.

SaTURDaY, 12/30 BlacK liVes rap Fest: With Lil Marvaless, Charlie Muscle, M’Ster Lewis and more. 9pm, $10. Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Blvd.

tHe gold souls: The band releases its newest single. 9pm, no cover. Shady Lady, 1409 R St.

HerstorY WitH tia Ferrera: Tia Ferrera and special guests celebrate women, music and community. 6pm, $15-$18. Momo Lounge, 2708 J St.

MotHer Hips: Psychedelic rock out of San

Francisco. 9pm, $25-$30. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.

baked goods and support the work of Black Lives Matter. Donations accepted the day of the sale. noon, no cover. Starbucks, 1042 Florin Road.

Butter FunKin’ nYe partY: Say hello to 2018 with funk, disco and break beats all on vinyl. Complimentary Jack Daniels shooter countdown at midnight. 9pm, no cover. B-Side, 1430 S St.

SUnDaY, 12/31 tracK 7’s siXtH anniVersarY nYe partY: Celebrate six years of brewing at Track 7, with DJs, food trucks and beer showcases at both locations. noon, no cover. Track 7, 3747 W. Pacific Ave., Suite F in Curtis Park and 826 Professor Lane, Suite 100 in Natomas.

Mermaids perform an exclusive show while you sip champagne. 9pm, $20. Dive Bar, 1016 K St.

nightclub crawl for Buckethead, who’s touring “Decaying Parchment,” a sixsong EP that as pleasantly proggy as his other releases. I will tell you what you’ll miss: an instrumental one-man sideshow, starring a renowned guitarist. 1417 R Street, www.aceofspadessac.com.

Fall cHildren: With Gürschach, Scythe, Until

BlM sac’s Winter BaKe sale: Buy or donate

balloon drop and a champagne toast. 8pm, $45. McClellan Conference Center, 5411 Luce Ave.

diVe Bar presents nYe 2018: The Dive Bar

ace of spades, 8:30 p.m., $30 Your New Year’s plans are lame. Lame … Know how I know? They probably don’t involve a guy who wears a Music pail (previously of the KFC variety) for a crown. The same electricguitar enigma who released around 300 albums in 30 years and toured with Guns N’ Roses in the 2000s. I’m not saying you need to drop the family gathering or the

BlacK and WHite neW Year’s eVe partY: DJs,

–mozes zarate

neF tHe pHaraoH: Hip-hop from Vallejo. 7pm, $27. Ace Of Spades, 1417 R St.

tH’ losin streaKs: With the Decibels, the Ogres, DJs Annimal and Johnny Bartlett.

9pm, $10-$13. Old Ironsides, 1901 10th St.

SUnDaY, 12/31 BucKetHead: See event highlight above. 8pm, $30. Ace Of Spades, 1417 R St.

FleetWood MasK: Bay Area tribute band to Fleetwood Mack will entertain during the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party. 9pm, $27-$52. The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St. in Grass Valley.

Joan Jett & tHe BlacKHearts: The rock band performs during two show times for the 2018 Rock & Roll New Year’s Eve Celebration. 7:30pm, 10:30pm, $74.95-$89.95. Thunder Valley Casino Resort, 1200 Athens Ave. in Lincoln.

KeVin seconds: With Kepi Ghoulie and friends. Two sets. 8:30pm, 10pm, $5. Comics & Collectibles, 1904 Fruitridge Road.

War: Celebrate 2018 with classics from WAR. 9:30pm, $35-$65. Crest Theatre, 1013 K St.

dJ larrY’s neW Year’s eVe dance partY:

tWo riVers neW Year’s eVe Western BBQ: A

Funk, soul, ’60s, disco R&B and more. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 9pm, $15. Fox & Goose, 1001 R St.

western-themed party with a costume contest, barbecue and live music. 12pm, $15. Two Rivers Cider, 4311 Attawa Ave.

Free plaY neW Year’s eVe: Kick off the new year with free play all day until close at Coin-Op. noon, no cover. Coin-Op, 908 K St.

MOnDaY, 1/1

HalFtiMe Bar & grill’s neW Year’s eVe gatsBY gala: Say goodbye to 2017 at this Roaring ’20s-themed party. Appetizers, drink specials, door prizes for the first 100 guests and more. 9pm, $25. Halftime Bar & Grill, 5681 Lonetree Blvd. in Rocklin.

1,000 Burger giVeaWaY: Get a cheeseburger, fries and a drink for free until 1,000 burgers are given away. Donations of blankets will be accepted for Loaves and Fishes. 11am, no cover. Suzie Burger, 2820 P St.

tHe loWBrau lodge nYe partY: Music by Vince

FILM

Lombardi, Mr. Bremson and Benjamin. 9pm. $5-$10. LowBrau, 1050 20th St.

THURSDaY, 12/28

neW Year’s eVe dinner dance partY: Buffet dinner, live music and dancing and a champagne toast. 7pm, $80. Masonic Temple Ballroom, 1123 J St.

tHe sound oF Music: The popular holiday event when The Sound of Music fans dress in costume and sing along with the musical. Advanced registration is recommended. 1:30pm, $7-$14. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.

neW Year’s eVe MasQuerade Ball: A black-tie event with a hosted bar, appetizers and a DJ. 8pm, $175. Revival at the Sawyer, 500 J St.

noon Year’s eVe FaMilY FestiVal: A family-

COMeDY

friendly countdown to the “noon” year. Live music, dance performances and art activities for kids. 10am, no cover. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.

puncH line: Ms. Pat. The comic storyteller taps into her difficult past for real and

hard-hitting humor. through 12/30. $17.50$22.50. Sacramento’s Last Laughs. This

old sacraMento Bars neW Year’s eVe celeBration: See event highlight on page 28.

NYE comedy show features local favorites Ngaio Bealum, Kelly Pryce, John Ross and more. 7:30pm Sunday, 12/31. $20-$35. 2100 Arden Way, Suite 225.

7pm, $25. Old Sacramento Bars, 2nd St.

FOOD & DRInK

toMMY t’s coMedY cluB: Comedian Mark Curry. Best known as the star of the ‘90s

THURSDaY, 12/28 piZZa and tarot nigHt: An open house with pizza, tarot readings and discussion. Guests

calendar listings continued on page 28

12.28.17

SN&r

SEE mOrE EvENtS aNd SuBmit YOur OwN at newSreview.com/Sacramento/calendar

CalENdar liStiNgS CONtiNuEd frOm pagE 27

Saturday, 12/30 afrO YOga: A one-hour yoga class. 9am,

show Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Mark Curry comes to town. through 12/30. $30. 12401 Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova.

on StaGe CalifOrNia StagE COmplEX: Someone Else’s Home for the Holidays. A Christmas comedy. through 12/31. $20. 1721 25th St.

Capital StagE: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Closing weekend. through 12/30. 2215 J St.

SaCramENtO COmmuNitY CENtEr tHEatEr: Something Rotten! A Tony Award-winning comedy set in 1595, when two brothers set out to write the first musical. through 1/7. $25-$102. 1301 L St.

SaCramENtO tHEatrE: The Musical of Musicals The Musical! A parody that pays homage to classic musical theater tropes from across the ages. through 2/11. 1419 H St.

SiErra 2 CENtEr: Wintertide 2017. A familyfriendly variety show with local and international performance artists including Donna Mejia, Unmata, Verbatim Dance and more. 7:30pm Saturday, 12/30. $20. 2791 24th St.

tHE wilKErSON tHEatEr: The Rite of Saturn.

Guitar Plaza | 9PM | Free Enjoy live music by DJ Rizzo.

Seven dramatic rituals, written by famed occultist Aleister Crowley and based on the seven classical planets, are performed. 7:30pm Saturday, 12/30. $20$25. 2509 R St.

SPortS & outdoorS Alpine Union Patio | 9PM | $59 Includes VIP access to Alpine Union Patio next to the firepits & an LED bracelet that syncs with the music on Guitar Plaza.

80s Dance Party Featuring Glam Cobra Vinyl | 10PM | $89 Includes an LED bracelet that syncs to the show & champagne toast.

Revolution Ballroom | 9PM | $189 presale, $249 Indulge in a gourmet buffet & open champagne bar while enjoying the variety act show featuring our Electrify burlesque girls.

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

28 | SN&R | 12.28.17

Friday, 12/29 Hip-HOp viN & YiN: Breath, Movement, and Hip Hop! A class designed to connect three healing practices: breath, movement and hip-hop. 8pm, $20-$25. RAW Yoga Center, 1899 Alhambra Blvd., Suite 120.

$10. Huglife Wellness Studio, 2648 33rd St.

iNdOOr ultimatE tOurNamENt: Register in advance for a game of indoor ultimate frisbee. 4pm, $35. Olympus Sports Coliseum, 4500 Pell Drive.

Sunday, 12/31 NEw YEar’S EvE BlaCKOut SKatE: The familyfriendly New Year’s Eve skate party, canned food drive and midnight balloon drop. 7pm, $5-$20. Roller King, 889 Riverside Ave. in Roseville.

NEw YEar’S EvE pOlO partY: An end-of-year

game of bike polo. 3pm, no cover. Southside Park, 2115 6th St.

monday, 1/1 NEw YEar’S daY ZumBa partY & pOtluCK: A Zumba class followed by potluck party. Arrived 15 minutes to check in to class. 9:30am, no cover. 24 Hour Fitness—Rancho Cordova, 9574 Micron Ave. in Rancho Cordova.

rivEr ClEaN up a Karma SEEdS SErviCE prOJECt: Help clean up the American River with folks from Yoga Seed Collective. 9am, no cover. Sailor Bar Park, Illinois Ave. in Fair Oaks.

wedneSday, 1/3 flEEt fEEt 360 KiCKOff: Learn about Fleet Feet 360, the Shamrock’n 10k and Half Marathon Training Program, meet coaches and more.

7pm, Fleet Feet Sacramento, 2311 J St.

mCKiNlEY parK ruN CluB: A club for Sacramento locals/McKinley Park runners and walkers to meet, warm up and work out together and become better runners. 6pm, no cover for first run. McKinley Park, 3330 McKinley Blvd.

pOuNd Off tHE pOuNdS: A cardio workout inspired by the energy and fast pace of playing the drums. 11:30am, 12:30pm, $15$40. CLARA, 2420 N St.

Sunday, 12/31

Old Sac Bars New Year’s Eve Celebration Old SacramentO, 7 p.m., $25

It’s a Sacramento tradition: to bundle up, head to the waterfront and close out the year with a blast. But this year, don’t NEw YEar’S EvE just take off after the 9 p.m. fireworks show. Make a night of it, with bar hopping made easy between Old Sacramento’s Second Street bars. On New Year’s Eve, $25 gets you admission to a handful of Old Sac bars, including the Other Office and River City Saloon. After the fireworks, head back inside to warm up, have drinks (maybe write out drunken resolutions) and wait to welcome a new year. Second Street, Old Sacramento, www.facebook. com/rivercitysaloon.

PHoto courteSy oF old Sacramento

submit your calendar listings for free at newsreview.com/sacramento/calendar thUrsday 12/28 The acousTic den cafe

10271 Fairway driVE, rosEVillE, (916) 412-8739

Badlands

PopRockz ’90s Night, 7pm, no cover

2003 k st., (916) 448-8790

BaR 101

101 Main st., rosEVillE, (916) 774-0505

Blue lamp

1400 alhaMbra blVd., (916) 455-3400

Ital Vibes, 8pm, $10-$40

Friday 12/29

satUrday 12/30

sUnday 12/31

Monday-wEdnEsday 1/1-1/3

Young Ladies Performance Night, 6pm, no cover

Ladies Performance Night with Kelly McNertney and others, 7pm, no cover

Ukulele Jam and Singalong, 11am, no cover

Open-Mic, 6:30pm, W, no cover

Fierce Fridays, 7pm, call for cover

Spectacular Saturdays, 8pm, call for cover

Sunday Beer Bust, 4pm, no cover

Trapacana, 10pm, W, no cover

Aaron Linkin & Friends, 9:30pm, no cover

Stephen Yerkey, 9:30pm, no cover

Two Peace, 9:30pm, no cover

Trivia, 6:30pm, M, no cover; Open-Mic Wednesday, 7:30pm, W, no cover

The Closer 2017 with Comedian Lance Woods and live hip-hop, 8pm, $5

Black Lives Rap Fest, 9pm, $10

Namazu, Cold Trap, Gnargoyle, 8pm, W, call for cover

The BoaRdwalk

New Year’s Eve with Andre Nickatina, 7:30pm, $30

9426 GrEEnback ln., oranGEValE, (916) 358-9116

capiTol GaRaGe

Capitol Fridays, 10pm, no cover before 10:30pm

1500 k st., (916) 444-3633

The cenTeR foR The aRTs

314 w. Main st., Grass VallEy, (530) 274-8384

counTRy cluB saloon Photo coUrtEsy oF Jason sinn PhotoGraPhy

Dinner and a Drag Show, 7:30pm, $5-$25

NYE Dinner, 4:30pm, $50 per couple

Holiday Art Market, 5pm, no cover

NYE Masquerade Party with Fleetwood Mask, 9pm, $27-$52 The Last Hurrah, 9:30pm, call for cover

4007 taylor road, looMis, (916) 652-4007

Alternative, ’90s Hip-Hop and Reggae Covers with Hans Anderson, 8pm, no cover

Thunder Cover, 9pm, call for cover

faces

Dragon, 10pm, $10

Absolut Fridays, 9pm, call for cover

Decades, 7pm, call for cover

New Year’s Eve, 8pm, $25

Every Damn Monday, 7pm, M, no cover; Noche Latina, 9pm, T, no cover

fox & Goose

Infinite Vastness, Sly Park, 9pm, $5

Mezcal Aces, Desario, 9pm, $5

DJ Larry’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party, 9pm, $15

All Vinyl Wednesdays with DJ Aaknuff, 8pm, W, no cover

Golden 1 cenTeR

Suns v. Kings, 7pm, $18-$198

Grizzlies v. Kings, 4pm, $22-$238

Hornets v. Kings, 7pm, T, $14-$175

halfTime BaR & GRill

Blackwater, 9pm, $5

The Reflex (’80s hits), 9pm, $5

New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala, 9pm, $25-$30

Let’s Get Quizzical Trivia Game Show, 7pm, T, no cover

The Mother Hips, 9pm, $25-$30 (sold out)

The Mother Hips, 9pm, $25-$30

New Year’s Eve with Mustache Harbor, 9pm, $35

charlie muscle

2000 k st., (916) 448-7798

with Black Lives Rap Fest 9pm Saturday, $10 Blue Lamp Rap

435 Main st., woodland, (530) 668-1044

faTheR paddy’s iRish puBlic house 1001 r st., (916) 443-8825 500 daVid J stErn walk, (888) 915-4647 5681 lonEtrEE blVd., rocklin, (916) 626-3600

haRlow’s

JR Halliday Birthday Bash Feat. ZuhG, 7pm, $8-$10

2708 J st., (916) 441-4693

hideaway BaR & GRill

2565 Franklin blVd., (916) 455-1331

hiGhwaTeR

Punk/Rock ’n’ Roll, 10pm, no cover

1910 Q st., (916) 706-2465

holy diVeR 1517 21st st.

kupRos

1217 21st st., (916) 440-0401

Stephen Yerkey, 9:30pm, no cover

Winter Bash w/ Deke Dickerson & the Eccophonics, 8pm, $12-$15

Karaoke, 8pm, M, no cover; Cactus Pete, 8pm, T, no cover; Trivia, 8pm, W, no cover

Highwater Friday Nights, 11pm, $5

Tussle (Trip-Hop and Soul Dance Night), 10pm, T, no cover

JMSEY with Cold Eskimo and more, 8pm, $5

Ozzy Alive (Ozzy Tribute Band), 7pm, $10

Hookers & Blow (feat. Dizzy Reed of Guns N’ Roses), 8pm, $16-$20

Byron Colborn Trio, 9:30pm, no cover

Harley White Jr. Trio, 9:30pm, no cover

Kupros Quiz, 7:30pm, no cover

2708 J Street Sacramento, CA 916.441.4693 www.harlows.com

2708 J Street www.momosacramento.com

12/30 6 PM $15ADV

HERSTORY WITH TIA FERRERA

12/28 7PM $8ADV

JR HALLIDAY BIRTHDAY BASH FEAT. ZUHG AND MANY MORE

COMING SOON

1/12 6:30PM $10

THE SERIOUS CHALLENGE!

01/12 Captain Coop

THE MOST SERIOUS STAND UP SHOW IN AMERICA CAPTAIN COOP, MARS PARKER MICHAEL CALVIN, DREA MEYERS

01/18 Jocelyn & Chris Arndt 01/19 Dustbowl Revival

12/31 9PM $15ADV

NYE WITH DJ JB 1/4 8PM FREE

DISCOVER THURSDAYS: HAYEZ, DAVID MCKISSICK QUARTET

12/29-30 9PM $25ADV

THE MOTHER HIPS

01/20 Flesheaters 1/13 6PM $8ADV IRISHPALOOZA FEATURING

01/22 Alex Skolnick Trio

ONE EYED REILLY, THE PIKEYS, THE MCKEEVER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

01/25 Lee Scratch Perry

01/23 Mild High Club

WHISKEY AND STITCHES

01/26 W. Kamau Bell

1/10 5:30PM $8

BOURBON & BLUES: STEVE FREUND TRIO DISCOVER THURSDAY: THE MINDFUL, IN THE KNOW TRIO 1/13 9PM $10ADV

For booking inquiries, email Robert@momosacramento.com

MAPACHE

1/14 6PM $15ADV 1/5 9PM $12 ADV

JOY & MADNESS FEAT. MOJO GREEN

01/30 Howard Jones (SOLD OUT)

SUZANNE SANTO OF HONEYHONEY

NYE WITH MUSTACHE HARBOR

1/11 8PM FREE

SACRAMENTO’S FAVORITE DJS EVERY FRI AT 10PM

1/13 10PM $12ADV

12/31 9PM $30ADV

(OAKLAND, CA)

IDEATEAM

Open-Mic Night, 7pm, T, no cover; Ross Hammond, 7:30pm, W, no cover

MOD SUN

CALL ME KARIZMA, AUSTIN CAIN, ANGEL WHITE, FORGET BRENNAN, DJ DAGHE

01/31 Johnny A. 02/03 New Kingston 02/9-10 Tainted Love 02/11 Ghostemane 02/15 The Main Squeeze 02/20 The Blasters 02/23 ALO 02/25 Noah Gundersen

12.28.17 | SN&R | 29

submit your calendar listings for free at newsreview.com/sacramento/calendar thurSDaY 12/28 Luna’s Cafe & JuiCe Bar 1414 16th St., (916) 737-5770

friDaY 12/29

SaturDaY 12/30

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

momo saCramento 2708 J St., (916) 441-4693

oLd ironsides

Freebird F.U., 8pm, $5

on tHe Y

Open-Mic Comedy, 8pm, no cover

1901 10th St., (916) 442-3504 670 fulton ave., (916) 487-3731

PLaCerviLLe PuBLiC House

414 Main St., Placerville, (530) 303-3792

Pint and Flight Night with Lagunitas, 6pm, no cover

PowerHouse PuB

614 Sutter St., folSoM, (916) 355-8586

tHe Press CLuB

2030 P St., (916) 444-7914

Last Action Heroes, 50 Watt Heavy and more, 8pm, $5

The Losin’ Streaks, the Decibels and more, 8pm, $13

Lipstick Dance Party, 9pm, $10

9pm Friday, $8 Torch Club Blues/rock

Guest Chef, 6pm, M, $5 plates; Karaoke, 9pm, T, no cover Free Pool and Karaoke, 9pm, M, no cover; Music Jam, 7:30pm, T, no cover

Niviane, Hand of Fire and more, 8pm, $10 Red Dirt Rukus, 8pm, no cover

Cash Prophets, 8pm, no cover

Oneleg Chuck and the Hustle, 9pm, call for cover

Joy & Madness, 10pm, $10

Thunder Cover, 10pm, $10

New Year’s Eve with 8 Track Massacre, 10pm, $20

Knocked Down, Watch Jenny Die and more, 8pm, $6

New Wave Party with DJ Orthox Jax and DJ Bryan Hawk, 9pm, M, no cover 27 Outlaws NYE Party, 9pm, no cover

soCiaL nigHtCLuB

1000 K St., (916) 947-0434

stoneY’s roCkin rodeo

Nebraska Mondays, 7:30pm, M, $10; Open-Mic Comedy, 7:30pm, T, no cover NYE with DJ JB, 9pm, $15

1028 7th St., (916) 400-4341

island of black and white

MonDaY-weDneSDaY 1/1-1/3

herStory with Tia Ferrera, 6pm, $15-$18

sauCed BBQ & sPirits Photo courteSY of Shelli SherwooD

SunDaY 12/31

David Houston, String Theory and more, 8pm, $6

DJ Joseph One, 10pm, no cover before 11pm

DJ JB, 10pm, $5 after 10:30pm

NYE 2018, 10pm, $25-$50

Trivia, 7pm, T, no cover; Bingo, 6:30pm, W, no cover

1320 Del PaSo BlvD., (916) 927-6023

Country Thunder Thursdays, 8pm, no cover for 21+, $5 cover for 18-21

Country Dancing and Karaoke, 6pm, call for cover

Hot Country Saturdays, 7pm, $5

Stoney’s 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash, 7pm, $10

College Wednesdays, 9pm, W, call for cover

tHe torCH CLuB

Sean Lehe Trio, 9pm, $6

Island of Black and White, 9pm, $8

Big Earl & The Cryin’ Shame, 9pm, $8

NYE Party with Groove Session, 9pm, $25

Scott McConaha, 5:30pm, W, call for cover

Two Rivers: New Year’s Eve Western BBQ, noon, $15

Grateful for Growlers, 5pm, W, no cover

904 15th St., (916) 443-2797

two rivers Cider Co.

4311 attawa ave., (916) 228-4757

all ages, all the time aCe of sPades

Saved by the ’90s, 8pm, $10-$12

armadiLLo musiC

The Macks, 5pm, no cover

1417 r St., (916) 930-0220 207 f St., DaviS, (530) 758-8058

sHine

1400 e St., (916) 551-1400

Shine Jazz Jam, 8pm, no cover

Cafe CoLoniaL

3520 StocKton BlvD., (916) 718-7055

tHe CoLonY

3512 StocKton BlvD., (916) 718-7055

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30 | SN&R | 12.28.17

Nef the Pharaoh, 7pm, $27

Buckethead, 8:30pm, $30

Animals in the Attic and more, 8pm, $8

Questionable Trivia, 8pm, T, no cover

Fall Children, Skythe and more, 8pm, $10

Game Night, 6pm, T, no cover

Slutzville, Enso Anima and more, 8pm, call for cover

Albert the Cannibal and more, 7pm, W, $7

NOMINATED BEST DANCE CLUB 2017

STONEYS 11TH ANNUAL

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LIVE MUSIC Dec 29 AARON LINKIN & FRIENDS Dec 30 STEPHEN YERKEY

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Dec 31 TWO PEACE

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Jan 12 TBA

KARAOKE UP FRONT COUNTRY MUSIC & DANCING IN THE BACK

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FRI & SAT 9:30PM - CLOSE 21+

/BAR101ROSEVILLE

Your guide to the new world of weed by Ngaio Bealum photos by Serene Lusano and

Karlos Rene Ayala

Ready or not?

A century of prohibition is finally over. California may need some time to adjust.

ask 420@ newsr ev iew.c o m @ nga io 420

Your guide to the new world of weed continued on page 33

It has taken more than 45 years, but California has legalized adult-use cannabis. The first try, in 1972, lost by a two-to-one margin. California managed to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, thanks to the chutzpah of Dennis Peron and the support of activists like Dale Gieringer and George Zimmer. 2010’s Proposition 19, bankrolled by Oaksterdam founder Richard Lee, got us closer, until finally, in 2016, Californians passed Prop. 64. It’s about time. Potheads are patient, persistent and effective. Sacramento activists have been on the front lines for years, and we have lost a few good people along the way. Ryan Landers, Joy Cole and Bill Pearce were all instrumental in creating the Sacramento cannabis scene, and their absence makes this victory somewhat bittersweet. Credit must also go to Sacramento cannabis pioneers Aundre Speciale, Kim Cargile, Cody Bass and everyone who showed up at all the protests and all the City Council meetings. To everyone that gave their time, their money, their art, and risked their freedom to push California onto the right side of history, thank you. Now, cannabis is extremely legal. If you are at least 21 years old, you can walk down the street with up to an ounce in your pocket, no problem. You can go to your friendly neighborhood pot shop and pick up a few prerolls after work. If you have a criminal record because you were arrested for possession of cannabis, you can get it expunged. Cities like Oakland and Sacramento have

12.28.17 | SN&R | 31

32 | SN&R | 12.28.17

started programs to increase diversity in canna-businesses. These “As it stands, if you want to get the smallest type of license are all very good things. [maximum revenue $100,000],” she said, “you would qualify for But don’t go burning your medical marijuana card just yet. a discounted permit. But because of the cost of rents in permitted Getting recreational cannabis is gonna be a challenge areas, there is no way to make any money. Rents have for at least a few months. The California Bureau of gone from 65 cents per square foot to $6.” Cannabis Control has been slow to publish regulations, She says the city needs to allow more areas to have and as of this writing, only 100 temporary licenses have canna-businesses so that smaller companies without been granted by the state. Out of those 100 licenses, only deep pockets can have a chance to compete. 22 are retail businesses. And since cities and counties can Getting funding for a cannabis company is tough. make their own rules regarding cannabis, some places Because federal regulations are still in place, traditional won’t see any cannabis businesses for a while, if at all. investors are allergic to investing in cannabis. There are Los Angeles isn’t even accepting applications until some private investment funds looking to get involved January 3. Sacramento County still hates anything (there are even rumors that some NBA players are looking cannabis-related, and Calaveras County can’t seem to to invest on the low), but traditional routes like bank loans make up its mind on whether or not to even allow cannabis or Kickstarters don’t want to run afoul of federal law. continued from page 31 businesses. Yolo County is Speaking of federal law, the same way. Cannabis may there is no guarantee that be legal, but legally getting U.S. Attorney General Jeff cannabis will be a challenge. Sessions is inclined to leave Even if there is a retail canna-businesses alone, even shop in your area, there is if they are following state no guarantee that the shop law. The Rohrabacher-Farr will have any weed, because Amendment (formerly the licensed cultivators and Rohrabacher-Blumenauer distributors are hard to find. Amendment), which prohibits Amir Daliri, from the the federal government from Sacramento-based LoCann using its resources to go after Venture Management, had canna-businesses that are this to say: “I think there’s following state law, may not gonna be a crunch between survive. If that happens, Jeff licensed and unlicensed busi“I used to think the KKK was ness suppliers. I think there cool until I found out some of is gonna be a drought. There them smoke pot” Sessions can are not enough licensed go after all the legal pot busifolks to meet the demand. nesses in the country. It would I don’t think they can do be an uphill battle, because anything about it, it’s just a states are making money. But normal growing pain of the most industry leaders think market while they make the that the feds will maintain their transition.” hands-off approach. He is most likely As it stands now, though, correct. Nevada, Colorado, weed is winning. The entire Washington and Oregon all West Coast, including Alaska, had similar problems at the has legalized cannabis. beginning, and while Nevada Massachusetts, Vermont and is still struggling to keep Maine have legalized cannabis. up with demand, Oregon, California is poised to take its Washington and Colorado place as the rightful leader in are doing great, and making the cannabis industry. money gram over fist. When The challenge will be you think about the size of to make sure that the small California (those three states farmers have a chance to have about 16 million people stay in business. Cannabis the author enjoying flavorful notes of his fine flower brought combined. Cali has 39 million, has been a decentralized out by one of his favorite pipes, the typhoon. plus it sees 67 million or so commodity for decades. photo by serene lusano tourists each year), it is easy Capitalism loves monopolies. to predict that there will be There has to be a balance. hiccups in the beginning. It should work itself out in a few months. And although cannabis is legal, smoking cannabis in public is not. Most cities don’t really enforce the no-cannabis-smoking rule Green wave too much, but this is something that must be addressed. Cities must create spaces where cannabis users (especially It won’t just be cannabis growers and sellers that will see tourists—most hotel rooms these days are non-smoking) can an increase in business. All sorts of ancillary businesses, from congregate and celebrate. lawyers to accountants to marketers to compliance firms, will This is just the first step. The journey is not over. Battles never jump into this new market. The real estate market in areas that stay won. Activism is needed more than ever to ensure that the allow canna-businesses has already seen rent prices skyrocket. cannabis legalization movement, which started as movement Chelsea Dudgeon runs Newell’s Botanicals, a small company toward social justice, maintains its freedom-loving ways and that makes cannabis infused ointments and salves. Her ointment has doesn’t get caught up in a capitalist race to the bottom. Ω won the Emerald Cup for Best Topical two years in a row, and she says that finding a space to make her lotions and creams has been a challenge: “It’s not so difficult to get a license,” she said. “It’s a real estate problem. As soon as some areas were zoned for cannabis, continued on page 34 there was a massive land grab.

Your guide to the new world of weed

Don’t go burning your medical marijuana card just yet.

Your Guide to the New World of Weed

Ganja glossary THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the chemical that gets you high. Strains with a higher percentage of THC will get you higher faster. Think of it like “proof” or “ABV.” Most strains are around 15 to 18 percent and they top out around 25 percent.

CBD

Cannabidiol. CBD is a cannabinoid known for its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help with a variety of ailments and has no psychoactive effects.

Terpenes Sometimes called “terps,” these are the chemicals that give cannabis its aroma and ancillary effects. (Please see page 38 for more terpene knowledge.)

Concentrates

Concentrated cannabis. There are many ways to do it, but the basic idea is to collect the glands from the cannabis buds. These glands contain most of the THC and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Concentrates (also known as hash, hashish, dabs, wax or shatter) usually contain between 50-80 percent THC.

Cannabinoids Chemicals found in the cannabis plant. There are more than 100 different ones, with the most common ones being THC, CBD, CBG and CBN. Scientists are just now starting to understand all the chemicals (and the uses thereof) in the cannabis plant.

Preroll

A marijuana cigarette. From the medical marijuana days, because selling someone a “joint” made it sound like a drug deal, but allowing a cannabis patient to purchase a prerolled cannabis cigarette is classy.

Cannabis

Pot. Sometimes known as grass, fire, trees, loud, ganja, smoke, dope, reefer, muggles, lechuga del diablo (the devil’s lettuce), marijuana, mota, Mary Jane or … weed.

12.28.17 | SN&R | 33

continued from page 36

Your guide to the new world of weed

Welcome to Recreational use of marijuana is finally legal. So … let’s get high.

weed world

What’s that? You used to smoke a little weed back in the day but you gave it up for one reason or another? You thinking about maybe trying a little reefer now that you won’t go to jail and you can pop into your friendly neighborhood dispensary to pick up a preroll before you go to dinner and a movie? Well, welcome! Or … welcome back! I am sure you will have fun. Here are a few tips to help you have a pleasant experience: Pace yourself. There is no reason to try to smoke all the weed in California on your first day. Find some pot that smells good to you. Seriously. Different terpenes have different smells and produce different effects (see our terpene feature on page 38). Your body knows what it wants / needs, and certain terpenes are going to smell extra good to you. So follow your nose. 34 | SN&R | 12.28.17

Look for pot with a THC content around 16 to 18 percent, take one or two puffs, wait like 20 minutes and see how you feel. Stay hydrated, eat healthy snacks and enjoy yourself. If you are looking to try edibles, make sure to check the THC content. I recommend 10 milligrams of THC per 100 pounds body weight, and some folks say you should start with 5 per. Once again: Eat some, wait at least 45 minutes (ingested THC is metabolized by the liver so it takes longer to feel the effects versus smoking) and see how you feel. If you feel weird or paranoid or anxious, have something to eat, drink some water and maybe put on some music. I have also heard that high CBD edibles or tinctures can help alleviate the effects of too much THC, but this hypothesis relies on anecdotal evidence. If you feel uncomfortably high, just remember that you can’t die from a THC overdose, and it will be

over soon. Take a nap. You will be fine. Disposable vapor pens are convenient and discreet, albeit maybe not the most environmentally friendly way to use cannabis, but the high is usually pretty mellow. However, some of the more modern non-disposable vaporizers like the PAX or the Volcano are great ways to enjoy cannabis’ flavor and effects without all the smoke. I would suggest that newbies stay away from concentrates like hash, dabs, wax and shatter until they have gotten used to being stoned again. I would recommend getting high after you have finished your daytime obligations and the kids are in bed, or when you have a day to yourself so you can maybe sneak off to a movie. You don’t have to tell your kids anything, unless they catch you with it. If they are very young, I recommend reading to them from a book called It’s Just a Plant.

If your kids are a bit older, remind them that cannabis, like drinking, is for adults. “No drugs until college” has been my constant refrain to my kids, and they seem to be relatively drug-free. Oh and: DON’T DRIVE WHEN YOU ARE STONED. Although studies suggest that stoned drivers are not really a bigger risk than sober drivers, it is best to err on the side of staying out of jail. I expect Johnny Law to be on the lookout for stoned drivers for at least a few months. And that’s about it. Be high, be safe and have fun. Ω

Your Guide to the New World of Weed continued on page 36

12.28.17 | SN&R | 35

WoW! a fat blunt covered in sparkly dust!

reality really puts the ‘dull’ in ‘adult,’

No, I heard that out of my fINgerNaIls.

m o t h e r , i Am stupid

Uh oh, what is heart saying?

hehe

What are you and h e a r t talking about? societal structure has to be

this Will pass the idle moments just fiiiine. and that’s Why those over the ripe age of 21 turn to the chemical thc to add some herbal spice to the situation.

scene

s p d

i can submit to this moment of feeling! Ohhh and music is sO succinct and resplendent!

What’s that brain? and say, even talking to your oWn brain is more interesting!

lol no god

i said, What’s that brain?

e o e

w A

s l o W d o W n you guys you’re making

too much light mAkes the bAbY go blind

x e t

r h sAfetY

illusion

me panic the lAst thing AnYone expects is AcceptAnce

remember - nobody has ever died of a Weed overdose.

missing

uh oh! looks like you’ve smoked yourself into the cult of forgetting! an uncomfortable space Where people With a loW tolerance for thc sometimes find themselves: on a different plane of reality. some people like hanging out here! like a bus stop to eternity Where everything is queer! some may find this an intolerable loss of mental control. (see: Worrisome control freaks.) Acted

dumbAss,

Yes,

but if you’re taking hits like you think you’re lil Wayne your baby-fresh tolerance is gunna drop yo ass. don’t Worry - just be logical.

drink some Water. let’s eat something tasty that keeps the mind busy unWrapping

like a pomegranate

t h a t ’ s right, you fruit ape. We are animals.

you eat that fruit.

or oranges!

Breathe.

Slow

down.

And finAlly, Accept whAt is hAppening, And know thAt it is going to be over shortly.

but just like thAt ricketY wooden roller coAster some of Your stupid friends love riding,

thc may beckon the thrillseeker (or the eAsilY peer-pressured)

and you don’t ever have to smoke again. so

to submit b a c k into its control. strap in and

enjoy

the

ride.

serene lusAno, december 25,

36 | SN&R | 12.28.17

2017

by John Flynn

A few months after having her gallbladder removed in 2015, Justeen Crawford recalls, she collapsed on her kitchen floor. She blames this on Latuda, a pain-reliever prescribed to her to help mitigate muscle spasms, persistent fatigue and chronic pain from fibromyalgia. In the hospital, Crawford discarded her belief in the “Just Say No” campaign and decided to look deeper into her doctor’s recommendation of a new treatment: cannabis. “I was one of those people who grew up believing the rhetoric,” she said. “And a lot of people still have those ideas. But they didn’t get so sick. [Cannabis] saved me. How many other people can we get out there and save?” To answer that question, but in a different context, the city of Sacramento has embarked on an ambitious project, the Cannabis Opportunity, Reinvestment and Equity, or CORE, program, which aims to eliminate obstacles, incubate businesses and train employees in communities that have been most viciously affected by the War on Drugs—so that those profiting off cannabis in Sacramento aren’t just cash-flush techies. “My soul was disturbed by what would happen if the African-American community in particular wasn’t organized to demand equity,” said Malaki Seku-Amen, president and CEO of the California Urban Partnership, who led discussions with Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Councilmember Jay Schenirer to develop a workable framework for the program. Now mostly pain-free, Crawford works at A Therapeutic Alternative, run by Kimberly Cargile, who has pledged to help the city by mentoring a new applicant each year. The program would aim to help small businesses owned by women, veterans and people of color—companies such as Sheeweed, an edibles and topicals manufacturer. The City Council unanimously approved $1 million on November 28—two years of funding for the program. And while many specifics need to be hashed out, the potential is there. Even under moderate projections, the cannabis sector is poised to create over 8,000 jobs, generate close to $2 billion in economic output and demand for over 40 tons of cannabis in the Sacramento area alone, according to a study by the University of the Pacific. While working for the Sacramento County Criminal Justice Cabinet, Seku-Amen went on a ride-along with sheriff’s deputies and, he says, observed their discretion in drug enforcement. In the mostly white suburb of Carmichael, Seku-Amen says, deputies spotted teenagers smoking weed in a park, asked them, “Where are your parents?” then took them home to have a discussion with their folks. “But then, they’d go to somewhere else,

The city’s CORE program directs cannabis business to a community devastated by the war on drugs and already injured by centuries of violent oppression.

are Sheeweed’s owners, CJ Jackson, Neisha Cummings and Shawna Lucero, for whom a conditional use permit application, which could cost between $16,640 and $33,610, would be waived. The three women of color currently sell edibles and topicals, mostly at private events that they compared to a “farmers market” for medical cannabis products. They hope to benefit from the CORE program so dispensaries will someday sell their cannabis-infused products such as cookies, lemon bars and even chips and salsa. “That is the beauty of cannabis—there are so many ways that it can provide the medication to those who need it,” said Lucero, who credits marijuana with helping sooth her chronic migraines. Still, Seku-Amen notes that much work remains, like ensuring that the program helps those matching the stated criteria and that the city manager follows through on a directive to provide a “revolving loan fund” that would draw from cannabis tax revenues to provide financial assistance to qualified applicants. Several things also remain unclear, such as what applications will look like, what third parties will provide the training (Seku-Amen hopes for the Greater Sacramento Urban League), and whether this assistance will be enough to help these businesses crack into the marijuana market if the city keeps its maxed-out cap of 30 dispensaries.

Making good

It’s about time

Malaki seku-amen, Ceo, California Urban Partnership maybe North Highlands, and there’s some black kids doing pretty much the same thing and their asses go to jail,” Seku-Amen said.

Drug war veterans Multiple studies have shown that white and black youth consume marijuana at similar rates, while whites are actually more likely to sell. But black and brown people bear the brunt of the punishment. Between 2006 and 2015, more than 450,000 people were arrested for marijuana charges in California, according to the Drug Policy Alliance. According to its report, in 2015, black people were three-and-a-half times more likely than white people to be arrested for a marijuana offense, and Latino people were arrested 35 percent more often than white people. These arrests in turn split families apart, exposed nonviolent people to perilous

Photo by karlos rene ayala

“This equity program is a step in the right direction in terms of repairing the very tragic consequences of institutional racism.”

corrections facilities and damaged educational, economic and housing prospects. But the war on marijuana is only a small part of a legacy of dispossession. On average, white lower- and middle-income households had four times the wealth of black families and three times as much as Hispanic families in 2016, according to the Pew Research Center. The CORE program aims to offer support— including education, legal counsel, business plan development and more—to women, minorities and veterans, particularly those who are “economically disadvantaged” and lived for at least seven years in a most affected zip code. The program would defer multi-thousand dollar fees, amend background check requirements and give applicants priority in processing for conditional use and business operations permits. Among those excited for the program

As the executive director of the only fully female-owned dispensary in Sacramento, Cargile says she’s trained 10 employees who have gone on to establish cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary businesses. On December 14, she told SN&R, she found a female candidate for the equity program that she would like to mentor. After helping her work her way up through A Therapeutic Alternative, Cargile says, she would then take on a new candidate each year. But despite legalization, many remain locked into the “reefer madness” perspective. Crawford says when she began taking cannabis, the strong negative response from her in-laws. But despite this familial strife, her cannabis medication allows her to now “do all the things that a mom should be able to do,” she said. For Seku-Amen, the CORE program means a modest repayment of the trillions in wealth either taken from or denied to minority communities. And although work remains, the long arc of the moral universe may finally be bending towards justice—at least when it comes to cannabis. “We can’t do anything about how the cotton, tobacco [and] sugar industries raped black people,” he said. “But with marijuana, we can change the trajectory of economic opportunity over time.” Ω

12.28.17 | SN&R | 37

How to be a

terpene fiend

Cannabis is joining the fancy pants brigade! Aw yeah. Weed has tasting notes. Knowing your trainwreck from your OG Kush is cool, but if you want to seem like you are a real chronnissuer, you have to know your terpenes.

Myrcene

Terpenes (“terps” for people into the whole brevity thing) are the chemicals that give cannabis strains their unique flavors and effects. Terpenes aren’t just found in marijuana. All sorts of things, from mangoes (myrcene) to Pinesol (Pinene) contain terpenes. However, no one should ever smoke Pine-sol. Eating a mango after ingesting cannabis may give you a stronger buzz, though. Fortunately, each terpene has a distinct aroma, because marijuana loves us and wants to make it easy for us to find weed we like. There are over 200 different terpenes in cannabis plants, but only a few have been studied. Here is a quick rundown of some common terpenes and their effects:

Thank you for reading

Your guide to the new world of weed By Nga io Bea lu m @ n ga io42 0 Ngai o Beal um w r i tes ‘ T he 420’ col um n i n S N& R ever y week .

38 | SN&R | 12.28.17

Smells like: Cloves and citrus, kinda. Found in: OG Kush, Blue Dream, others Effects: Couchlock, anti-inflammatory, may increase the effects of THC

Limonene

Smells like: Lemons, citrus, peppermint Found in: Lemon Haze, Trainwreck, others Effects: Mild euphoria, stress relief

Humulene

Smells like: Hops, coriander Found in: “Cookie” strains, White Widow, Headband, others Effects: Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant

Linalool

Smells like: Lavender, citrus Found in: Lavender, Skywalker OG, others Effects: Calming, stress relief

Caryophyllene

Smells like: Black pepper Found in: Romulan, Bubba Kush, Others Effects: antidepressant

What’s inside:

SN&R’s

The 420 45 Product Review 47 Capital Cannabis Map 51

For more cannabis news, deals and listings, visit www.capitalcannabisguide.com & sign up for the newsletter.

12.28.17 | SN&R | 39

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My father-in-law has Parkinson’s disease, and we’ve been told about how CBD oil could help with his restless leg syndrome topically, and as a tincture, that it could help him relax and be less manic. Do you agree?

Do you think we will still have farmers-market style events under the new legalization?

Ngaio Bealum is a Sacramento comedian, activist and marijuana expert. Email him questions at ask420@newsreview.com.

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Overregulating cannabis doesn’t make any of these things go away. It just makes them harder to find.

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—Walker Roundsmo-King Eh. It’s gonna be a challenge. The new rules will make it really, really hard to maintain the cool small-scale cannabis farmers markets we know and love. First of all, all events must be held at state fairgrounds or District Agricultural Association space, whatever that is. Those places are hella expensive to rent. Also, all vendors must be state licensed and follow the new “Track and Trace” procedures. By the way, this “Track and Trace” thing is kinda ridiculous. I get that cannabis is federally illegal, and that authorities are worried about unscrupulous growers transporting cannabis out of state, but not being able to hand out samples at festivals is B.S. WEED IS NOT CRACK. Wineries and breweries are allowed to give out samples, why not cannabis growers? Oh, and there is this tidbit in the new rules: “Cannabis goods sold on-site at a cannabis event shall be transported to the site by a distributor.” That means that vendors can’t just pull up and set up shop. A state-licensed distributor has to do it for them. This is almost prohibition through overregulation. I am not a fan. Fortunately, these new rules are the first steps. Hopefully, we can get the state to ease back a little. Also, as I keep trying to tell people, cannabis culture is very good at being sneaky. Over-regulating cannabis doesn’t make any of these things go away. It just makes them harder to find. I am sure there will be more than a few small-scale grey-market events in the future. Have a good one. Ω

—Ivan T. Fielbetter Thank you for asking me. You realize I am not a doctor, right? Okay, with that out of the way, I looked up some studies. The good people at Project CBD (I love them!) say that CBD, THC and THCA can all be effective as a treatment because cannabis can help increase dopamine levels in the brain. I also found a small-scale study saying pretty much the same thing. Both reports say cannabis shows promise and that there should be more studies. My opinion: It couldn’t hurt. Try it out and see how he feels, If he doesn’t like it, or he feels like it’s not helping, he can stop. But if it works, then hallelujah! I hope he finds relief, and thank you for asking.

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FOR THE WEEk OF DECEMBER 28, 2017 ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I need more smart

allies, compassionate supporters, ethical role models, and loyal friends, and I need them right now!” writes Joanna K., an Aries reader from Albuquerque, New Mexico. On the other hand, there’s Jacques T., an Aries reader from Montreal. “To my amazement, I actually have much of the support and assistance I need,” he declares. “What I seem to need more of are constructive critics, fair-minded competitors with integrity, colleagues and loved ones who don’t assume that every little thing I do is perfect, and adversaries who galvanize me to get better.” I’m happy to announce, dear Aries, that in 2018 you will benefit more than usual from the influences that both Joanna and Jacques seek.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Scots lan-

guage spoken in Lowland Scotland, a watergaw is a fragmented rainbow that appears between clouds. A skafer is a faint rainbow that arises behind a mist, presaging the imminent dissipation of the mist. A silk napkin is a splintered rainbow that heralds the arrival of brisk wind and rain. In accordance with the astrological omens, I propose we use these mysterious phenomena as symbols of power for you in 2018. The good fortune that comes your way will sometimes be partially veiled and seemingly incomplete. Don’t compare it to some “perfect” ideal. It’ll be more interesting and inspiring than any perfect ideal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 2018, half-buried

residues from the past will be resurfacing as influences in your life. Old dreams that you abandoned prematurely are ripe to be reevaluated in light of what has happened since you last took them seriously. Are these good or bad developments? It will probably depend on your ability to be charitable and expansive as you deal with them. One thing is certain: To move forward into the future, you will have to update your relationships with these residues and dreams.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Poet Diane

Ackerman tells us that human tongues, lips and genitals possess neural receptors that are ultra-responsive. Anatomists have given unsexy names to these bliss-generating parts of our bodies: Krause end bulbs, also known as bulboid corpuscles. (Couldn’t they have called them “glimmering rapture hubs” or “magic buttons”?) In any case, these sweet spots enable us to experience surpassing pleasure. According to my understanding of the astrological omens for 2018, Cancerian, your personal complement of bulboid corpuscles will be even more sensitive than usual. Here’s further good news: Your soul will also have a heightened capacity to receive and register delight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Mise en place is a French

term whose literal translation is “putting in place.” When used by professional chefs in a restaurant kitchen, it refers to the task of gathering and organizing all the ingredients and tools before beginning to cook. I think this is an excellent metaphor for you to emphasize throughout 2018. In every area of your life, thorough preparation will be the key to your success and fulfillment. Make sure you have everything you need before launching any new enterprise or creative effort.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Experimental com-

poser Harry Partch played one-of-a-kind musical instruments that he made from objects like car hubcaps, gourds, aluminum ketchup bottles, and nose cones from airplanes. Collage artist Jason Mecier fashions portraits of celebrities using materials like noodles, pills, licorice candy, bacon and lipstick tubes. Given the astrological configurations for 2018, you could flourish by adopting a similar strategy in your own chosen field. Your most interesting successes could come from using things as they’re not “supposed” to be used. You could further your goals by mixing and matching resources in unique ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I wish I could make it

nice and easy for you. I wish I could proclaim that the forces of darkness are lined up against the forces of light. I’d like to be able to advise you that the opening months of 2018 will bring you a showdown between wrong and right, between ugliness and beauty. But it just ain’t that simple. It’s more like the forces of plaid will be arrayed against the forces of paisley. The showdown will

feature two equally flawed and equally appealing sources of intrigue. And so you may inquire, Libra, what is the most honorable role you can play in these matters? Should you lend your support to one side or the other? I advise you to create a third side.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2018, your tribe

will be extra skilled at opening things that have been shut or sealed for a long time: heavy doors, treasure boxes, rich possibilities, buried secrets, shy eyes, mum mouths, guarded hearts, and insular minds. You’ll have a knack for initiating new markets clearing blocked passageways and staging grand openings. You’ll be more inclined to speak candidly and freely than any other generation of Scorpios in a long time. Getting stuck things unstuck will come naturally. Making yourself available for bighearted fun and games will be your specialty. Given these wonders, maybe you should adopt a new nickname, like Apertura (the Italian word for “opening”), Ouverture (the French word for “opening”), šiši (Yoruban), Otevírací (Czech), Öffnung (German), or Kufungua (Swahili).

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I predict that

the coming months won’t bring you the kinds of opportunities you were imagining and expecting, but it will bring you opportunities you haven’t imagined and didn’t expect. Will you be alert and receptive to these sly divergences from your master plan? If so, by September of 2018 you will have become as smart a gambler as maybe you have ever been. You will be more flexible and adaptable, too, which means you’ll be better able to get what you want without breaking stuff and wreaking whirlwinds. Congratulations in advance, my daring darling. May your experiments be both visionary and practical. May your fiery intentions be both steady and fluidic.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hungarian psy-

chiatrist Thomas Szasz dismissed the idea that a person should be on a quest to “find himself” or “find herself.” “The self is not something that one finds,” he said. Rather, “It is something one creates.” I think that’s great advice for you in 2018, Capricorn. There’ll be little value in wandering around in search of fantastic clues about who you were born to be. Instead you should simply be gung-ho as you shape and craft yourself into the person you want to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there anything

about your attitude or your approach that is a bit immature or unripe? Have you in some way remained an amateur or apprentice when you should or could have become fully professional by now? Are you still a dabbler in a field where you could be a connoisseur or master? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, the coming months will be an excellent time to grow up, climb higher and try harder. I invite you to regard 2018 as the Year of Kicking Your Own Ass.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2018, one of your

themes will be “secret freedom.” What does that mean? The muse who whispered this clue in my ear did not elaborate further. But based on the astrological aspects, here are several possible interpretations. 1. You may have to dig deep and be strategic to access resources that have the power to emancipate you. 2. You may be able to discover a rewarding escape and provocative deliverance that have been hidden from you up until now. 3. You shouldn’t brag about the liberations you intend to accomplish until you have accomplished them. 4. The exact nature of the freedom that will be valuable to you might be useless or irrelevant or incomprehensible to other people.

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.

Starring himself You might recognize Gurpreet Gill as the guy who sells you cigarettes, beer and wine at the American Market & Deli (2331 N Street). Most days, you’ll find either Gill or his father manning the front counter of the store, which his family owns and operates and can be easily spotted thanks to its distinct vintage appearance and the mural on the side of the building. But that’s just Gurpreet’s day job. When Greta Gerwig and company stormed through Sacramento looking for buildings that best represented the spirit of the city, they chose American Market & Deli as one their locations. As if that weren’t surprising enough for the small market, Gurpreet was asked to play the role of the clerk in Lady Bird, stamping “actor” onto a resume he’s since begun considering exploring further.

How did the involvement with your store in the film come about? Last October, Greta’s parents came to the store. They said their daughter was directing her first movie and they were wondering if they could use this spot to film. They were looking for something with an older, local feel, and they liked the mural outside and thought our store would work. I didn’t know it was going to be such a big deal, or who Greta was at the time, so I said, “Yeah, sure,” without thinking about it too much.

Did you have any sense, when your family agreed to let them shoot at the store, of just how big a deal this movie could be to the people of Sacramento? No, not at all. I just thought it was somebody working on, like, a small local project, or maybe even a school project or something.

What went through your head when they asked you to play the cashier in the movie? Initially, I didn’t know anything about the movie. It was her parents who asked if I’d be interested. So I went home and I started doing some research on the film, and began following where they were in the filming schedule, and began reading more in what the movie was about, and who some of the lead actors and actresses were. So when it was my time to shoot, I got really excited.

That’s when you knew it was more than a school project.

PHOTO by JasOn smiTH

Right, but I still had no idea it was going to be as big as it is today.

What surprised you most about the moviemaking process? How big of a crew they had, even for just a small scene like mine. I think my scene in the movie lasts about 10 to 15 seconds, and there must’ve been 40 or 50 people there, just for that little part of the movie. They shot for two or three hours just for those few seconds of film.

Since Lady Bird was released, do you get recognized by people around town? Or by people who come into the store?

before. They see me and know who I am and where I work. I’ll be out getting lunch and people will stop and want to say hello. Strangers ask me if I’m the guy from Lady Bird. It’s crazy.

Did you catch the acting bug? Oh yeah, I did. Definitely. But not in the typical sense where I want to go out immediately and be an actor. It sparked an interest in me, to wonder about what I could do with my life, or who I could be, or what kind of potential opportunities might be out there for someone like me to grab.

So you’d be interested in other acting opportunities if given the chance?

Yeah, a lot of locals, the regulars who come into the store, will come in and say they saw me in the movie. Or sometimes there are people who have only seen the movie, who’ve never been to the store, and are out visiting different places they saw onscreen. When they see that I’m working, and they recognize me as the same guy working at the store in the movie, they get excited because they got to meet someone who was actually in the film.

Oh yes, definitely, but I don’t have any idea how to even go about that.

In a surreal way, I imagine it might feel to them like they’ve walked into the movie.

I did. Finally, what’s the one lasting takeaway from the entire experience that you’ll carry with you regardless of where life takes you from here?

Totally. They don’t come to see me, or the store. They come so they can experience part of what Greta created.

Do you and your family feel connected to the Sacramento community now in ways that either didn’t exist before the movie, or if they did exist, went unnoticed? Yes, absolutely. Especially because it’s such a recognizable store in the movie. People in the community have embraced the store and my family in ways we didn’t feel until now. It feels really great. Now, a lot of locals know me that didn’t know me

It almost sounds like you need someone from the community who is more familiar with that world to come in and offer a little guidance and mentor you a bit. Yeah, that’d be amazing.

Hey Greta’s parents—you hear that? What?! No, no. I didn’t say that.

The entire experience taught me that achieving a dream is not as impossible as it might seem sometimes, and is more realistic than you’d think. And you just never know where those dreams will come from or what they’ll look like. Somebody came up to me and offered me a part in a small, local movie, and now that movie is generating Oscar buzz, do you know what I mean? It wasn’t a big budget movie or anything, and it just goes to show that anybody can do it, no matter where they’re from. Look at what Greta did. Ω

12.28.17 | SN&R | 53

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Think of the kids I tried to read your column about sexual harassment (“Stand Up, Speak Up,” December 14), but my eyes kept gravitating to the sex ads. Whoever is responsible for the placement of your column should stick their head in a toilet and flush. Hopefully their body will follow. An 8-year-old cannot go into a store and purchase a Playboy magazine but can pick SN&R up for free and see butts and boobs, sex ads and pot store ads? Kids don’t need to see this crap. I don’t want SN&R in the house where my young grandkids might see it. SN&R has sold out—like the worst people in Washington and Hollywood. When the Ask Joey column premiered 21 years ago, I was surprised to see it surrounded by ads for strip shows. Worried about what people would think, I asked a Baptist minister for advice. She said, “Joey, Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. Who do you think needs your help?” She was right. The Ask Joey column has inspired hundreds of people, including some who had turned to the back of the paper to find a hookup and ended up learning how to create and sustain a healthy relationship. I’m grateful to have shared in their journey, and I’m proud to be a contributor to this newspaper. Within it’s pages, you will find life—its beauty, debauchery, creativity and messiness. Let’s talk about your interest in protecting children from seeing “butts and boobs.” Have you seen many comic books, video games or Carl’s Jr. commercials? How about Victoria’s Secret commercials? Perfume or cologne ads? Plenty of butts and breasts! Any 8-year-old with a cell phone, TV or computer can see the same images that are featured in the back pages of SN&R, and more. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, I’m saying that it’s reality. If you home-school your grandchildren, you might delay their exposure to “butts and boobs, sex ads and pot ads.” But if your grandchildren attend school, be assured their schoolmates will introduce them to similar images.

I understand your desire to control what your grandchildren see. I get it. But it’s more important to be an adult who children trust and know they can speak to if they are exposed to sexual images or pot ads, or worse. If you want to grow into an adult your grandchildren can confide in, you need to wake up. It was your eyes that gravitated to the sex ads surrounding my column. You made the choice to be distracted. Not an 8-year-old. You. It was you who spewed hate. (Flush a human being down the toilet? That “crap” came out of you.) The way you have responded to something you dislike is actually far more harmful to a child or a community than the impact on a child of seeing breasts or a pot ad. One last thing. If you can’t fight the temptation to peek at the ads around my column, read it online instead. Alternately, you can continue to read the column in print and train yourself to focus on the wheat, not the chaff. Make it your 2018 spiritual practice. You deserve the peace it will bring. Ω

If you can’t fight the temptation to peek at the ads around my column, read it online instead.

MeDITATIoN of THe WeeK “There’s a trick to the Graceful Exit. It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life state, a relationship is over— and to let go. It means leaving what’s over without denying its value,” wrote Ellen Goodman. What judgment are you willing to part with?

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 Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815; call (916) 498-1234, ext. 1360; or email askjoey@newsreview.com.

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