Plus, the top-rated restaurant in town.
 
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52º | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:23 a.m. | Sunset 5:01 p.m.
 

🎶 All Sac does is win, win, win

Meet the winners of Motivated Entrepreneurs’ small business pitch competition
Seven people hold certificates commemorating their completion of the Motivated Entrepreneurs program.
Finalists of the Motivated Entrepreneurs program celebrate the final showcase. | Courtesy of California Capital
This year, California Capital Women’s Business Center (WBC) introduced Motivated Entrepreneurs, a year-long program of monthly workshops + networking events for local business owners.

Imagine “Shark Tank,” but with a more wholesome and supportive environment. At no cost, participants were able to develop vital connections and skills, leading up to the last pitch showcase in a series of competitions.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, five finalists shared the spotlight, pitching their unique business ventures to a panel of judges for feedback. Three walked away with money from Sacramento’s Innovation Grants.

Itacate founder Martha Y. Diaz smiles with her certificate of completion for the Motivated Entrepreneurs program.

Martha Y. Diaz (middle) placed first in the Motivated Entrepreneurs pitch competition.

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Courtesy of California Capital

🥇 First place: Martha Y. Diaz

An outdoors enthusiast, Diaz started her business after pinpointing two missing factors in the backpacking industry — food variety + cultural representation. Enter Itacate, a backpacking food company that produces Latin freeze-dried meal kits. Diaz’s products received endorsement from REI Co-op, and she hopes to expand wholesale operations + food options this year.

🥈 Second place: Taneika Jones

Ever ended up with a flat on the highway, wondering how long will I be out here? That’s a scary position many people find themselves in, and Jones wanted to be part of the solution. Founder of DRVA, Jones prioritizes prompt roadside services and customer safety. DRVA offers 24/7 roadside assistance with the ability to personally select your technician + free auto maintenance workshops to equip you in cases of emergency.

🥉 Third place: Cynthia Dees Brooks

Dees Brooks started as a wine concierge service, connecting customers to Black-owned wine labels. However, she found a strong community demand for a space that celebrates wine, art, Black culture, and community. Thus, TAP Wine Lounge (1011 Del Paso Blvd.) was born — a relaxed + refined wine bar selling exclusively Black-owned luxury wine labels.

The other finalists were Lux Barber Lounge + Best in Tents — check out our reel on Instagram recapping the event.
Events
Friday, Dec. 15
  • The Backburners | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Torch Club, 904 15th St., Sacramento | $10 | Catch this Sacramento funk and soul group in action.
  • Baby Loves Art | Friday, Dec. 15 | 10:30 a.m. | Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento | $10-$15 | This visually stimulating display is sure to intrigue your little ones.
  • Poetry Night | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | A Seat at the Table Books, 9257 Laguna Springs Dr., Ste.130, Elk Grove | Free | Speak from the soul at this 16+ event, where you can perform spoken word in a supportive environment.
Saturday, Dec. 16
  • Archery Lessons | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Denios Farmers Market and Swap Meet, 1401 Church St., Roseville | $25 | Channel your inner Robin Hood with a safe + fun beginners course.
  • Vibes and Flow | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, 500 J St., Sacramento | $25 | After yoga, sip while shopping local Black-owned businesses at a vendor pop-up in the hotel.
  • Clay Lab | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S St., Sacramento | $20-$30 | What can you make out of 10 lbs of clay in three hours? Find out at this event.
  • Mexican Street Food Cooking Class | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | Location provided after booking, Sacramento | $95 | Join Chef Catalina in crafting an impressive four-course meal.
Sunday, Dec. 17
  • Vinyl Sundays | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12-5 p.m. | Midtown Lounge, 1111 24th St., Sacramento | Free | Bring your own favorite record from home to spin + discover new music.
  • S’mores & Stouts | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12-10 p.m. | Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St., West Sacramento | Cost of purchase | Snag a make-your-own s’mores kit, set up at a fire pit with friends + get roasting.
  • Craft-N-Create Club | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 2-4 p.m. | Track 7 Brewing Co., 3747 W. Pacific Ave., Ste. F, Sacramento | Free | Calling all crafters — join other creatives every third Sunday of the month + wrap up that project that’s been collecting dust.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Cause
  • Tonight’s reopening ceremony for Sacto by Night Lounge is a fundraiser for the families of two people killed by gunfire in front of the establishment in late November. All door entry fees + 50% of net sales will go toward financially supporting the families of the deceased.
Environment
  • Whitebark pine joined the list of threatened species this year, but a team of UC Davis researchers paved an important first step in its restoration. The scientists sequenced the whitebark pine genome, which enables researchers to expedite the supply of disease-resistant seedlings for a cost-effective comeback. (UC Davis)
Food
Ranked
  • East Sac’s Fab 40s made the list for America’s 17 best streets for Christmas lights. If you’re looking for even more festive displays around town, we’ve got you covered. (Thrillist)
Sports
  • Sacramento Kings finished 128-123 against Oklahoma City Thunder last night, with 41 points scored by point guard De’Aaron Fox. The Kings have a home game against Utah Jazz tomorrow, at 7 p.m.
Biz
  • Sharif Fine Jewelers’ new location opens in early January, and it needs a neighbor. The new Roseville storefront (1251 Roseville Pkwy.) has an adjacent retail space that is for lease. (Sac Biz Journal)
Education
  • Sac State is establishing an institute for the integration of artificial intelligence in education, one of the first of its kind in America. The National Institute for AI in Education offers training in ethical + informed AI usage for faculty members and students. (Sac Bee)
Real Estate
  • The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is vacating its headquarters — now the three-story, 39,119-sqft building is on the market. Located at 777 12th St., this property includes 75 covered parking spaces. (Sac Biz Journal)
Finance
  • This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*
Wellness
 
Food

🍋 Get zesty, bestie

Get zesty with National Lemon Cupcake Day in Sacramento
A bright yellow cupcake in front of a brick and mortar cupcake shop
Icing on the Cupcake’s midtown location is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. | Photo by SACtoday staff
Dec. 15, 2023 is National Lemon Cupcake Day — you know the drill. We had to try Sac’s zestiest, bestiest cupcakes (yes, we really took one for the team, here).

Pushkin’s Bakery | 1820 29th St.
From Pushkin’s Midtown storefront, we bring to you — the Blueberry Lemon cupcake. This bakery is 100% gluten-free, and this cupcake also happens to be dairy-free. Yummy, and easy on the tummy.

Cupcake Craving | 2100 Arden Way, Ste. 169
Founded by three friends in 2007, Cupcake Craving has two locations — one in Sacramento + one in Davis (113 E St.). We tried the Lemon Boost cupcake, made of lemon cake, lemon butter cream, and a tart lemon curd filling.

Icing on the Cupcake | 2416 J St.
This one really is the icing on the cake — the Pucker Up cupcake, to be exact. Lemon cake, lemon butter cream, lemon filling, and an adorable leaf garnish complete this confectionery perfection.
The Buy

The Buy 12.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This smart mug warmer that keeps beverages the temperature of your choice and has automatic shut-off.
 
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Madeline
From the editor
The research for Lemon Cupcake Day was an immense responsibility, but it’s a sacrifice that I’m willing to make. I do it for you, Sacramento.
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