Ecotopia
In an era of social disconnection, climate change, soaring utility bills, rising food costs and recurring droughts, what if someone developed a community where all these modern predicaments were mitigated through architectural and landscape design? Well, it turns out someone did—50 years ago. Here’s how the founders of Davis’ Village Homes—the world’s first solar subdivision—created an inspiring model for better living, and why it still works today, more than ever.
Sitting Pretty
Sun-powered street furniture is an emerging design trend around the world. With nearly 300 blue-skied days a year, Sacramento is the perfect place to take a seat and recharge.
Sidewalk Stories
Several California cities have cemented a reputation for adorning their sidewalks with clever shadow-themed art. Let’s follow in their footsteps.
Inflatable Art: Why Not Here?
For decades, inflatable public art has been popping up around the world. We’d like to float this idea here too.
Think Global, Spend Local
By most estimates, only about 9% of plastic products actually get recycled. According to NASA, 2024 was the planet’s hottest year yet, and the National Weather Service reports that last summer was downtown Sacramento’s warmest on record. But now for the good news: There are more local retailers than ever that are making it easy to be green. So we’d like to introduce you to seven of the most eco-forward stores in our region.
Now and Then
For five years, Zaved Khan has been training his lens on Sacramento’s past and present, serving up slices of civic nostalgia.
A Swinging Good Time
Playground swings are for kids—or so we thought. It turns out grown-ups love them too. In fact, such urban amenities are a surprisingly popular trend for people of all ages in cities like Boston and Tulsa. So what do you say? Let’s give this idea a big push.
Coming into Bloom
More than a decade after the idea was first planted, the Hanami Line might just be poised to give us all a sneak peek of its annual cherry blossom showcase. Sacramento, get ready to be pretty in pink.
Step It Up, Sacramento
In cities around the world, well-designed yet uncomplicated elevated structures have provided simple pleasures for locals and tourists alike. Can we rise to the occasion too?
Mid-Century Minimalism
A floor-to-roof renovation transformed a modest mid-century ranch house in Auburn into a modernist jewel box. For a design-savvy couple determined to keep clutter at bay while working at home and nurturing a growing family, less is infinitely more.
The Art of Polaroid Impressionism.
In her Sacramento Icons series, local multimedia artist Paula Bellacera presents images that are at once new and nostalgic, using tools like a vintage Polaroid SX-70 camera, watercolor paint, markers and pencils. The end results are evocative, impressionistic depictions of our city’s landmarks, from the Tower Bridge to the Tower Theatre and many more.
The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Made In Sacramento Edition
’Tis the season to be jolly—while shopping local. From Capitol-themed wallets that are right on the money to Sacramentoland onesies that are just aw-dorable, we bring you dozens of great locally crafted gifts for everyone at the top of your nice list.
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