Did you know that the Tower Bridge replaced an earlier design? | Photo by @angelogenasci
Bridging the gap between Sacramento + West Sacramento, truss us when we say the 160-ft tall Tower Bridge is more than an iconic landmark — it’s an architectural delight with a backstory that tells us about the development of the River City. Let’s connect the dots.
Railcars, trains, and automobiles
In the 1910s, Sacramento was mainly accessible by boats, passenger trains + freight railcars, which was reflected in the city’s infrastructure.
Take the M Street Bridge as an example: Erected in 1911 by the Sacramento Northern Railway in the spot where the Tower Bridge stands today, it accommodated the heavy demands of both river and railroad transportation. Oh, and vehicles — but on a single 9-ft wide lane that was one of the major links along US Highway 40.
By the 1930s, residents + city leaders began to realize that the bridge — which utilized a swing bridge design — was no longer functional for the city’s transportation needs...
Elk Grove Run Club | 6 p.m. | Waterman Brewing Company, Elk Grove | Free | Meet up at the brewery for a three-mile run (you set your own pace), followed by a pint and casual conversation.
Movie in the Park: “Despicable Me 4" | 6-8 p.m. | Toby Johnson Park | Free | Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a family-friendly movie night under the stars.
Friday, June 13
Ryan Seng Book Release Party | 6-9 p.m. | Citizen Hotel | Free | Celebrate the local artist’s debut fantasy noir novel with an art show, live music, and cocktails created by Seng — he was the bartender at Grange Restaurant & Bar for eight years.
Concerts in the Park: The Expendables | 6-9:30 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Free | We’ve been waiting all week for this — this week’s concert features The Expendables, One Sharp Mind, Perarez, and Mike Larry.
“Something Rotten!” | Through Saturday, June 28 | Times vary | Woodland Opera House, Woodland | $15+ | This comedic musical tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, playwrights living in 1595 Elizabethan England who are struggling to compete with a little contemporary known as William Shakespeare.
Saturday, June 14
Family Health + Fitness Day | 9 a.m. | Locations vary | Free | Sac’s regional park system will host activities across various locations to promote fitness + wellness, from a 5K at the Cosumnes River Preserve to a Zumba class at Gibson Ranch Regional Park.
2025 Juneteenth Block Party | 4-9 p.m. | 40 Acres Complex | Free | This celebration will feature live music, spoken word, food trucks, a Stylistics car show, a wine + beer garden, and activities for the whole family.
Sacramento Water Lantern Festival | Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 15 | 6-10 p.m. | Gibson Ranch Regional Park, Elverta | $32+ | Come for the food trucks + music, stay for the thousands of lanterns lighting up the night with love and hope.
Sunday, June 15
Fathers Day Bonsai + Beer | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Exotic Plants Ltd | $108 | Raise a pint to your paternal figure as Exotic Plants founder Kifumi Keppler shares her deeply rooted knowledge of Bonsai planting and care.
It’s official — Sacramento Republic FC’s longtime plan to build a new 12,000-seat soccer stadium in the downtown Railyards is moving forward. The City Council unanimously approved the privately funded, “once-in-a-generation project” to begin construction this August on a lot east of Seventh Street. It’s slated to open in spring 2027. (The Sacramento Bee)
Civic
The Sacramento City Council approved a $1.67 million budget that aims to avoid layoffs, restore community services, and prioritize public safety. Among other uses, the budget will restore $1.3 million in funding for youth violence prevention programs and eliminate a proposed residential parking fee. (ABC10)
Biz
Blue Diamond is consolidating its operations and shutting down its historic 1914 midtown plant. The almond producer will eliminate 600 jobs as the site winds down over the next two years. The company plans to keep its headquarters in Sacramento, although the location has not been specified. (The Sacramento Bee)
Community
Facing funding gaps, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center needs volunteers to help with its Pride Festival at Capitol Mall this Saturday, June 14 + Sunday, June 15. If you want to lend a hand, register ahead of time or show up at the event to help out. (KCRA)
Festival
Breakaway Music Festival — a traveling electronic dance music fest — will take over Cal Expo Saturday, Oct. 11 + Sunday, Oct. 12. Visit Sacramento President CEO Mike Testa believes large-scale music events are seeing potential in the City of Trees after the success of Aftershock. Tickets are available now. (CapRadio)
Opening
Tram Cream Coffee — a Vietnamese coffee shop from San Jose — will celebrate the grand opening of its Sacramento location on Stockton Boulevard this Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Get there early to score free drinks and join raffles; we hear the Egg Cream Coffee is where it’s at.
Closed
After much speculation, Bambi Vegan Tacos has permanently closed. The I Street spot known for its farm-fresh, “delicious AF” vegan tacos held an art exhibit as its final farewell to Sac. If you’re hankering for local vegan eats, check out this list.
Travel
Vacation, anyone? Avid travelers and local couple Lisa + Shawn Yahrling recently opened an Expedia Cruises travel agency on East Bidwell Street in Folsom. The franchise location features a team of consultants ready to help travelers plan their next vacation. Visit Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Arts
The Crocker Art Museum is recruiting for its next docent training class, which begins this fall. If you’re interested in becoming a public-facing museum ambassador and helping with educational programs, register for the museum’s Docent Program Open House on Saturday, June 21 at 11 a.m.
Sports
The A’s are back on the upswing with fight, energy, and Nick Kurtz. His presence changes everything — lengthens the order, sharpens the approach, and puts fear back into opposing dugouts. Hear from the local experts on The A’s with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Real Estate
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We’ve been keeping close watch on Sacramento International Airport’s dining scene, and changes are starting to roll in. Terminal A’s Iron Horse Tavern (and its beloved breakfast cocktails) will close this Friday, June 13. Three new restaurants will eventually arrive in its place — Magpie Cafe, Centro Cocina Mexicana, and New Helvetia Brewing.
SMF said more new concessions are landing soon, including Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen & Bar and Sidewalk Juice in Terminal A and Midtown Spirits and OneSpeed Pizza in Terminal B.
For now, there’s lots of construction, but the new offerings should be up and running by early next year.
New sheets at a great discount. Get 70% off these cooling bamboo blend waffle hem sheets, with a queen set only costing $28.99. The 1800 thread count sheets are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and crafted from bamboo-derived fabric that keeps you cool in summer.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Summer is upon us, and catching a movie under the stars is a perfect way to usher in the season. Check out these outdoor screenings spanning the Sacramento area over the coming weeks and months.
That “Mamma Mia!” showing at the Crocker on Thursday, July 17 really caught my eye (my, my how can I resist it?). “The Wild Robot” at Arden Park on Friday, Aug. 1 would be great for the whole family — bring tissues though, that one is a tear-jerker.
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