We’re excited to announce that the SACtoday Holiday Gift Guide will return this November. Want first dibs on a feature? Lock in your spot now + get 20% off with code EARLYBIRD20. Hurry — this offer ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Finance
DIY home inspo for fall
Presented by Unison
Let’s talk renovations (and how to get the dough to make them happen). | Photo via Pexels
Fall is in the air, and we’re feeling revived. Anyone else? If cooler temps (and hot coffee) have you ready to get creative and start a project or two, you’re not alone.
Whether you want to go big and increase your home’s value or just spruce things up before the holidays, it’s a great time to get started.
Starting small
From switching out light bulbs to replacing your cabinet knobs + drawer pulls, you can boost comfort and value without breaking the bank. Here are 10 low-lift, high-impact ideas, all under $100.
Getting cooking
When you think about home renovations, which room comes to mind first? For many, it’s the kitchen, and for good reason — upgrades can go a long way, both for your own enjoyment and your home’s selling potential.
Hungry for inspo? The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s annual Kitchen Design Trends report is a great resource. Here’s what’s in for 2025:
Statement colors for backsplashes, islands, cabinets, and walls
Biophilic design, aka bringing the outdoors in (think: large windows for natural light + herb gardens)
Multifunctional appliances and mood lighting
Making it happen
Considering major renovations? Even if you plan to DIY, the costs can add up. Luckily, there are options out there, like HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) and Equity Sharing Home Loans.
Judy Collins | 7 p.m. | Crest Theater | $35+ | Don’t miss folk legend Judy Collins live in Sacramento at the Crest Theater for an unforgettable night of music featuring her iconic voice and timeless hits.*
Backed by research, this skincare restores skin vitality. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
Enter: Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline, clinically proven to energize skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 15%.‡
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Festival It is time.Terra Madre Americas will make its grand Sacramento debut tomorrow through Sunday, Sept. 28. Explore the full schedule of demos, panels, and workshops focused on the Slow Food movement and live your best foodie life this weekend.
Civic
Mayor Kevin McCarty outlined a six-point plan to combat local homelessness, including building “micro-communities” for seniors ages 55+ on vacant city-owned parcels. After a 90-day grace period, residents would pay up to 30% of their gross monthly income to stay in the tiny homes. Learn more about the new housing option. (ABC10)
Open
Gourd news: Dixon’s Cool Patch Pumpkins — home of that gigantic corn maze — is now open for the season. This year, the design of the 35-acre maze honors the nation’s farmers. It’s open daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., through Halloween. (The Sacramento Bee)
Tech
Midtown’s Monster Laundry is using an AI robot named “Sophy Swiftfold” to help fold clean laundry for its commercial clients. The owners say Sophy is being trained by a DYNA Robotics staff member who uses controllers to teach her proper folding techniques. Has she mastered fitted sheets?(KCRA)
Concert
Grammy-winning icon Janet Jackson (“Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty”) will headline Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln on Saturday, Dec. 27. Presale tickets are available today at 10 a.m. and general public tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 29. (FOX40)
State
California’s Clean Air Vehicle decal program, which gives electric vehicle drivers access to carpool lanes even if they’re driving solo, expires on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, California Highway Patrol can issue tickets to EVs using the lanes without at least two occupants. (The Mercury News)
Legacy
Chalk artist, punk rocker, and beloved Midtown resident Charles “Ground Chuck” Thomas died on Sept. 14. Friends credit Thomas for inspiring the city’s annual Chalk It Up! festival and say he’ll be remembered for his generosity and kind heart. The Deftones posted this tribute to the “Sacramento legend.” (KCRA)
Sports
Jamie Arnold is the southpaw ace of the future, and the Athletics’ No. 1 pick. Arnold’s journey of resilience, growth, and bulldog competitiveness is exactly why the A’s believe he can fast-track to the majors. Hear from the local experts with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, SACtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Seasonal
With autumn comes crowd-favorite fall festivals + so much live music (we’re ready to jam out at Breakaway Music Festival NorCal). Luckily, these hearing aids are the world’s first with multi-stream processing, designed to help you engage in conversations effortlessly (even in noisy environments).*
Edu
Discover your creative potential with Inward & Artward School of Creativity’s online classes this fall. Engage in courses like Creativity & Personal Mythology and Writers Accountability Groups to build resilience and sustain inspiration. Plus, apply for the 2026 hybrid Creative Facilitator Training for a unique learning journey. Enroll.*
With California still experiencing record-breaking heat waves, the last thing you need is a $10,000 HVAC repair bill (no, we didn’t accidentally add an extra zero there). Luckily, this leading company is offering 50% off select plans — get your free quote. See disclaimers forimportant consumer information.*
Aftershock is sure to be a headbanging good time. | Photo by @warren.b.mcleod
Do you feel that? It’s Aftershock 2025, coming to shake things up in Sacramento.
Billed as the largest rock + metal music festival on the West Coast, Aftershock will take over Discovery Park from Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 5. More than 115 bands will shred across four stages — here’s a rundown of what you need to know before you go.
The Sacramento Zoological Society is seeking approval from the city to add two parcels totaling 5.8 acres to the zoo’s site, including a vacant area once used for pony rides. The zoo says the expansion will meet the growing needs of its animals.
The request comes about five months after the Sacramento Zoological Society dropped its plans to relocate the zoo to Elk Grove due to financial hurdles. Local leaders will have to review this latest proposal, but Mayor Kevin McCarty says he supports the plan to “make sure the zoo is here for the next 100 years.”
A HEPA air purifier that’s 60% off for a limited time. We love that style is not compromised for function — it features a sleek exterior + eliminates 99.97% of air particles so you can have an odor and dust-free environment.
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.
The latest social media trend — “unfortunately, I do love…” — is all about embracing guilty pleasures, so let’s give it a whirl. Sacramento style, of course. Unfortunately, I do love…
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