Find the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the role models in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a loved one? With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, May 11, it’s a great time to give to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends. Browse the gifts we think will do the trick:
Custom initial jewelry dish | $16.99 | A sweet, delicate ceramic jewelry tray you can customize with their initial.
Local Pick: Rock the Yacht Cruise | $44+ | Yacht rock is so in. Gift them a 1.5-hour cruise that includes scenic views of the Sacramento River and Tower Bridge, a live DJ, and creative cocktails.
Weighted silk lavender eye pillow | $19.99 | A silk sleep mask and a cooling gel eye mask are included in this spa set named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2023.
Golf practice net | $99.99 | Golfers can perfect their swing before stepping out on the course with this golf net.
Local pick: Strapping Gift Card | $25+ | Let them do a little local shopping at the fun Strapping gift stores in Midtown, Oak Park or the Ice Blocks. You can always suggest a couple of Sac-centric items like the Sactown tote or the “Someone in Sac Loves You” mug.
Barefoot Dreams lounge top | $99 | There may be no better gift than something luxuriously soft, cuddly, and cozy — this lounge top fits the bill.
Mom’s story book and Dad’s story book | $24.95 | Prompt them to write down memories, advice, and stories in these guided journals.
Neck + shoulders heating pad | $39.99 | This electric heat wrap helps with back pain, muscle aches, and de-stressing.
Sip into Spring: Swirl & Slice | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Heritage Plaza, Woodland | $35+ | Explore downtown Woodland’s best restaurants, breweries, and shops at this food, wine, and beer walk.
Friday, May 2
Sacramento Autorama | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Cal Expo | $25+ | Vroom, vroom — the 74th annual car show will feature hundreds of hot rods, custom vehicles, muscle cars, lowriders, and motorcycles, plus vendors and maybe a celebrity cameo or two.
Monét X Change | Friday, May 2-Saturday, May 3 | 9:15 p.m. | Punch Line | $33+ | The drag queen, opera singer, podcaster, and TV personality performs stand-up, too.
Saturday, May 3
Gardens Gone Native Tour | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sacramento Valley Region | Free | Explore 30 native plant home + school gardens in the Sacramento area including sustainable gardens that harness water, create habitats, or produce food.
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial": In Concert | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Jackson Hall - Mondavi Center, Davis | $41+ | E.T., phone home — rewatch Steven Spielberg’s classic film as the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra performs the epic score live. It’s OK to cry.
Sunday, May 4
Dino Day | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Sierra College, Rocklin | $6+ | This prehistoric-themed science fest will include hands-on activities, demos, dissections, games, live animals, and food vendors — bring the whole family.
4th Annual Asian Pacific CultureFest | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Center at District56, Elk Grove | Free | Kick off AANHPI Heritage Month with 200+ food and craft vendors, art installations, live music, community organizations, and more.
Tuesday, May 6
Seattle Mariners vs. Athletics | Tuesday, May 6 | Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento | $35+ | Tonight’s game includes a fun freebie for fans — score an A’s-themed straw hat while supplies last.
Wednesday, May 7
BizX Presents: Dream Big, Start Small | 3-6 p.m. | The Assembly at Aggie Square (located on the 2nd floor) | $10 | Hear from local business leaders sharing their inspiring stories from startup to success, including keynote speaker Ginger Elizabeth Hahn, owner of Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates.
Chezile | 8 p.m. | Goldfield Midtown | $25 | This rising artist has gained popularity online with his psychedelic indie-pop vibes, as heard on his single, “Beanie.”
Bummer. The X Games were supposed to take over Cal Expo this August, but the extreme sports fest postponed its Sacramento run. Organizers called it a “strategic pause,” and said they remain committed to returning to Sac “with an even bigger vision when the time is right.” (ABC10)
Trending
Now, that’s a win. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal will reportedly become the voluntary general manager of the men’s basketball team at Sacramento State. Shaq’s son, Shaqir, committed to the Hornets last month after coach Mike Bibby was hired. We think Shaqramento State has a nice ring to it. (Sports Illustrated)
State
With a GDP of $4.1 trillion in 2024, California is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan. “California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. Only the US, China + Germany now have larger economies than the Golden State. (CNN)
Development
City Council approved UC Davis Hospital’s plan to add two rooftop helipads to its 14-story tower currently under construction. Some nearby residents worry about an increase in noise. The hospital is offering homeowners up to $35,000 for noise-reducing upgrades to their homes. The hospital tower should be completed in 2030. (KCRA)
Tech
Cal Fire added a second C-130 Hercules cargo plane to its fleet ahead of the state’s summer wildfire season. The former US Coast Guard aircraft has a 133-ft wingspan, can fly 800 miles at up to 368 mph, and can carry 4,000 gallons of fire retardant. (The Mercury News)
Open
Popular Bay Area restaurant Horn Barbecue is now open on Railroad Street in Elk Grove at the former site of Slow & Low Smokehouse. The menu includes brisket, beef ribs (on Saturdays only), pork spare ribs, burnt ends, hot links, sandwiches, and sides like collard greens and potato salad.
Real Estate
Since 2017, real estate agent Matthew Hindy has sold Sacramento-area homes ranging from $1 million to $4 million to ~80 Kings players. The pro athletes are looking for newer construction, privacy, and a few other things. Hindy is also now starting to sell local homes to A’s players. (The Sacramento Bee)
Shop
Prep those totes — it’s the perfect time to visit local farmers markets. Capitol Mall Farmers’ Market is open for its 2025 season every Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m., through Oct. 29. Bodega Market at Cesar Chavez Plaza debuts its 2025 season today, running every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., through Sept. 25.
Concert
Concerts in the Park begins tomorrow, May 2, with John Wiilde as the opening act. Catch the free concerts every Friday, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., at Cesar Chavez Plaza through June 27; this year’s lineup includes 35+ local and national bands. Rock on, Sac.
Sports
Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler have brought Batman + Robin to the Golden State Warriors, and the references continue with Buddy Hield coining himself as Alfred. Hear from the local experts with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Stat
$5,000. That’s how much you may have to drop if your dog or cat tears their ACL — a surprisingly common knee injury in pets. To the rescue: pet insurance. With this plan, 90% of that cost could be reimbursed.*
Biz
Last chance to invest in the “Uber of mobile phones.”Mode Mobile grew 32,481% from 2019-2022, and just secured their Nasdaq ticker with plans for a potential IPO. The opportunity to invest at $0.26/share closes today.†*
Featured Deal
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? Turn it into reality when you shop Hawaiian Airlines’ sale on select fares, like $202 from SMF to The Aloha State.*
Job
Hiring just got easier. Post unlimited job listings with us for free on the SACtoday Job Board + connect with the right candidates faster. We’ve got your back.
Taking a walk around Downtown and Midtown is a great way to discover hidden gems. | Photo by SACtoday staff
We all know that Sacramento has a vibrant arts scene — and we’re not just talking about Crocker Art Museum or Sol Collective Art Gallery. One of our all-time favorite galleries? The City of Trees itself.
Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of Sacramento with our guide to 12 murals in town.
Betty Inada | By Shaun Burner
On the side of Bryant Christie Inc., this mural is a tribute to Sacramento-born jazz artist Betty Inada. She moved to Japan at age 19, becoming Japan’s most popular female jazz singer in the era before WWII.
Spirit of California | By Miles Hermann
Located in Sacramento Mural Alley in East Sac, this colorful piece depicts the promise of prosperity and reinvention in California. “It’s the land of vast riches from the Sierras to the sea. Spiritus Vita et Gestis — the spirit lives in the lives of the people,” said Hermann.
Swim trunks with pockets. These quick-drying swimsuit trunks have a hidden pocket built into an anti-chafe compression liner — perfect for keeping phones, keys, and cash safe on beach days.
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