08.23.2023

Today’s Forecast

52º | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:23 a.m. | Sunset 5:01 p.m.

Xero-ing in on drought-tolerant lawns

How you can save on drought-tolerant lawns in Sacramento

You can save water and money at the same time, that’s a win-win. | Photo via City of Sacramento

While California may no longer be in the drought conditions it’s been plagued by the past few years, water conservation plays an important role in preserving the state’s supply. Officials in the City of Trees seem to agree, with Sacramento offering a large number of monetary incentives for residents who xeriscape their outdoor spaces.

Xeriscaping (Xero is Greek for dry) is the practice of maintaining a yard filled with drought-tolerant plants. This would require you to swap your existing grass lawn for plants that consume less water while leaving behind less waste. While the toes of a million suburban dads curled in their grass-stained New Balances reading that last sentence, the River Friendly Landscape Program offers some pretty sweet deals to Sacramentans that we think make it worth it:

The Grass Conversion Rebate will net you a refund up to $3,000 to replace your current grass with non-invasive drought-tolerant plants. Get another $200 rebate for landscape design assistance.
Upgrading your old irrigation systems will get you up to $800 in rebates, with another $400 for adding a smart controller.
Get a rebate of up to $150 for a barrel that you can collect and store rainwater in.
Take the water from your washing machine and water your plants with it through a “laundry-to-lawn” system for up to $100 in rebates.

Before applying, make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, like being a City of Sacramento water customer.

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 23

Living Smart Farmers Market | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Palladio Mall, 410 Palladio Parkway, Folsom | Free | Shop for produce, crafts, pet items, and more from 50+ local vendors.
Wednesdays at Winn | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 3:30-7:30 p.m. | Winn Park, 1616 28th St., Sacramento | Free | Check out 40+ booths filled with local goods as you enjoy free activities fit for the whole family.

Thursday, Aug. 24

Read to a Dog | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Carmichael Library, 5605 Marconi Ave., Carmichael | Free | Let your young ones practice their reading skills with a furry friend.
Duran Duran | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 7 p.m. | Golden 1 Center, 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento | $25.95-$235.95 | We’re hungry like the wolf for these tickets.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

Crocker Art Museum’s ArtMix events

Try This: Crocker Art Museum’s ArtMix events

Presented by a SACtoday Partner

GIF multiple scenes of Crocker Art Museum's ArtMix event

From swashbuckling costumes to impressive aerialist to seeing art in a new way — ArtMix has it all. | GIF by SACtoday

SACtoday team member Bethany here. I recently checked out Crocker Art Museum’s ArtMix — a monthly evening event that puts art in all its forms (think: music, dance, performance, fashion, artmaking, and, oh yeah, the entire museum) on display and ties it together with a fun theme.

August’s theme was “Grotto,” a pirates-and-mermaids nod to the Pacific Ocean painting that will soon sail away from the Crocker entrance.

Join me as I have my eyes opened to this wondrously unique + community-building take on art.

What we tried

Most ArtMix festivities took place in the courtyard and Friedman Court, where live music made for relaxed mingling and dance-floor fun. Performances by Rebel Aerial Artistry wowed the crowds with acrobatic feats by talented aerialists. I also enjoyed breaking away to explore the museum, which felt like an art-after-dark treat.

Keep reading to see what not to miss (hint: It involves Mandalorians) — and to get the inside scoop from Public Programs Coordinator and ArtMix organizer Eben Burgoon (who happens to be an artist himself).

What not to miss

News Notes

Civic

Mayor Darrell Steinberg proposed a list of changes to Sac’s music scene this week, such as streamlining the permitting process for special events. A recent city survey showed that 86% of local musicians have four opportunities or fewer to play in front of crowds each month. (ABC 10)

Community

Residents are encouraged to attend a city workshop discussing transportation improvements along Fruitridge Road, between Power Inn Road and 65th Street Expressway. Register now for the meeting, which will be held at Earl Warren Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. (Sacramento City Express)

Sports

A familiar face is coming back to Sacramento. Forward Skal Labissiere has agreed to return to the Kings in a one-year deal. The former first-round draft choice played for the team from 2016-2019 before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. (FOX40)

Coming Soon

After signing its lease in 2021, Tom’s Watch Bar is finally set to open in early November. Pandemic-related issues delayed the opening of the Denver-based sports bar chain, which features a 360° viewing space showing all types of sporting events. (Sac Biz Journal)

Asked

Business

What’s the coolest thing made in Sacramento?

A lot of cool things have been made in Sac — like the beer at New Glory Craft Brewery. | Photo by SACtoday Staff

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced its Coolest Thing Made in California contest this week, asking Golden State residents to share their pick for the snazziest thing to come out of California.

That question got us thinking: What’s the coolest thing made in Sacramento (because the coolest thing made in Sac is obviously the coolest thing made in the entire state, not like we’re biased or anything)?

We reached out to the CMTA, who clarified that anything that goes through a manufactured process is eligible to be nominated — from beer brewed at New Glory Craft Brewery to the almonds processed by Blue Diamond Growers.

Let us know what local product gets your vote, and be sure to head to the CMTA website before nominations close on Thursday, Aug. 31, to submit your choice.

Shop

Eat

Ready to tailgate? Our online shop, Six & Main, has you covered. Spice up your game-day burgers with Spicewalla’s 3-Pack Grill Lovers Collection.

Seasonal

Find your new favorite scents this fall from our candle brands such as Wixology and Corridor Candle Co. Shop now at Six & Main.

Active

Socks mysteriously eaten by your washing machine again? Yeah, us too. Try these women’s no-show socks — a bestselling sock with 50,000+ five-star reviews.

Kids

These pop-up soccer goals make the most of time outdoors with the kids or grandkids. Easily set them up, then just as easily put away and store.

Home

The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jordan

From the editor

My vote for the coolest thing made in Sacramento is my friends. ❤️

Just kidding, it’s breakfast burritos from Oscar’s.

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