Today is your last chance to take our survey for a chance to win $500. You are one of 31,000 SACtoday subscribers who welcome us into their inboxes every morning, and we’re working to continue writing about things you find interesting. So, we’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself. Take the survey.
The future is faux
UC Davis launches center for alternative meats
Many restaurants, like Burger Patch, offer a variety of plant-based foods + meat alternatives. | Photo by SACtoday staff
On Thursday, Jan. 17, UC Davis launches its new Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP) with an Innovation Day at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science.
The center’s focus is to roll out the advancement of alternative protein sources, like lab-grown meat and plant-based foods on a larger scale.
One of the main obstacles for alternative meat options mentioned by UC Davis is the cost of manufacturing — which is currently more expensive than conventional meat. By investing in + exploring ways to increase the volume of production (without sacrificing quality), iCAMP seeks to minimize the disparity in expense.
iCAMP Director David Block predicts a 50-100% increase in global demand for meat within the next 25 years, and hopes that the new program can advance alternative meats while also curbing the environmental impacts associated with the meat industry.
Illusions Drag Queen Show | Friday, Jan. 12 | 7 p.m. | 910 Second St., Sacramento | $30+ | Enjoy this combination of spectacular burlesque style and comedy hosted by Sacramento drag queens.
Live Comedy Podcast Recording | Friday, Jan. 12 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | STAB! Comedy Theater, 1710 Broadway, Sacramento | $5 | Three comedians respond to five prompts as they record their podcast in front of a live audience.
Silent Party | Friday, Jan. 12 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | 705 Lounge, 705 J St., Sacramento | $14+ | R&B lovers won’t want to miss this chance to dance, socialize + bring the good vibes.
Saturday, Jan. 13
Polar Bear Plunge + Breakfast | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 9-11 a.m. | Hagan Community Center, 2197 Chase Dr., Rancho Cordova | $10+ | Win prizes and funds for the Cordova Recreation & Parks Foundation + local swim teams.
Read to a Dog | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 10-11 a.m. | Galt-Marian O. Lawrence Library, 1000 Caroline Ave., Galt | Free | Bring your kiddos for a great opportunity to practice reading + score some sweet snuggles.
Tea + Poetry | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 7-10 p.m. | 1814 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento | $8+ | Support local artists and enjoy great food + music at this open mic event.
New Wave Society | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 9 p.m. | Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento | $10 | Dance the night away to live mixing of ‘80s hits.
Sunday, Jan. 14
The International Wedding Festival | Sunday, Jan. 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento | $20+ | Still workshopping the vibe for your special day? Browse florists, photo booths + more all in one spot.
Second Sunday Jazz Brunch | Sunday, Jan. 14 | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Our Place, 1107 Firehouse Alley, Sacramento | $25+ | Sip mimosas with live music + elegant scenery at this Old Sac event space.
Enrollment for Liberation Rock Camp, a 21+ weekend day camp for people who identify as women, non-binary, trans, or gender expansive, is now open. Sign up to practice an instrument in a supportive environment where no experience necessary.
Shop
The Sacramento Antique Faire is postponed due to wet conditions. Instead of this Sunday, the event is now planned for Sunday, Jan. 21, from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the former Sleep Train Arena (1 Sports Pkwy.) parking lots.
Opening
This is not a drill. Costco is opening two new locations in the Sacramento area — one in Natomas (3881 E. Commerce Way) and another at the corner of Sierra College Boulevard + Brace Road in Loomis. (Sac Bee)
Sports
Big fan of the Beam Team? You can enter to win a VIP experience with the Sacramento Kings. The package includes courtside seats for the Kings vs. Rockets game on Sunday, March 10, dinner for two + a stay at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
Drink
Jet’s is bringing a winter wonderland to Midtown. Throughout the rest of January, stop by the pop-up (1226 20th St.) for specialty menu items, like the Jet Frost Martini and a s’mores skillet.
Trending
Recent Netflix series “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment” uses Sacramento food to investigate the bodily impacts of a vegan diet. Participants of the study ate health-focused meals prepared by Trifecta, a business located in DOCO (428 J St., Ste. 800). (Sac Bee)
Concert
Tickets are now on sale for Madonna’s postponed Sacramento stop on her “The Celebration Tour.” The new date on Saturday, Feb. 24, comes after the singer canceled her planned January appearance due to illness.
Community
Submissions for our SACtoday Picture of the Year contest close Wednesday, Jan. 17. Submit a local photo that you took in 2023 + we’ll give you a discount code to shop at our online marketplace, Six & Main. Plus, the contest winner will receive a $25 Six & Main gift card.
Finance
2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Oh, and did we mention the annual fee? No — because there isn’t one.) Learn more + apply.*
Health
Anxiety can make every day a challenge. Connect with a therapist on BetterHelp + take the first step towards a calmer mind. Save 25% with BetterHelp’s New Year offer.*
Pets
The purrfect weekend date 😻
Loving Cats Worldwide comes to Sacramento
City Editor Madeline’s cat Gemini is both overweight + too grouchy to be considered for the competition. | Photo by SACtoday staff
International phenomenon Loving Cats Worldwide (LCWW) is bringing its Catstravaganza to Sacramento on Saturday, Feb. 10 + Sunday, Feb. 11.
LCWW garners millions of views on TikTok with its infamous International Cat Competition sneak peeks, in which renowned cat dad and judge Steven Meserve presents adorable, award-winning cats.
If you have a friendly feline that you think takes the cake, you can enter them into the competition — judging is based on criteria like temperament, health, aesthetic grooming, and more.
Competitions, fundraisers, educational speakers + vendors will be hosted at Cal Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Right now, “early fan” tickets are available at a discounted price. Snag your passes, and may the best (and cutest) cats win.
The Buy
The Buy 1.12.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Workout gear from Aesthetic Built’s collection, which features durable, cutting-edge fabric technologies without compromising aesthetic appeal. We love this scuba oversized hoodie.
My partner and I celebrated our anniversary at Revival. We visited during happy hour for $8 small plates and received the cutest celebratory dessert from the bar staff.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like wine and a complimentary dessert.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.