The Life and Deaths of Dorothea Puente
It’s been 20 years since Sacramento’s most notorious murderer, Dorothea Puente, buried seven bodies in the garden of her F Street boardinghouse. Now 80, she speaks out in a series of rare interviews on her crimes, her “relationships” with the Kennedys and the Reagans and why—in the end—the person she really wanted to kill was herself
The Super Dome
Access to the beautiful Capitol dome and its 360-degree views ended during World War II. But other capital cities like Denver and Topeka, Kansas are raising the roof on their capitols by reopening their domes and allowing for more historical education, increased tourism and stunning views. These days, the State of California is taking a lot from its citizens. Here’s an easy way to give something back.
Let There Be Lights
From London and Helsinki to Montreal and Washington, D.C., cities across the worldare using their cathedrals as giant canvases for dramatic light and music shows. With Easter upon us and plans for K Street finally picking up speed, now is the time to think about how our own historic cathedral can take center stage
“Pop” Art
Two men hope to pay tribute to their fathers by building what could become an instant architectural icon. But it won’t be a piece of cake.
Almond Joy
In Washington, D.C., the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws over a million visitors every March, generating $150 million for the region. In Macon, Georgia, they draw 300,000 people. Here in the City of Trees, we have a nutty idea for a festival of our own.
Scholar Cornel West
Author, educator, actor, rapper—by any title, Dr. Cornel West ranks among the country’s leading intellectuals. And "Hope on a Tightrope," his new book of reflections on everything from leadership to love and faith, should keep him there. But, at heart, he’s still a Sacramento kid, returning here often to visit family, drop by Tower Café and go shopping with his mom. The prolific Princeton prof talks to Sactown about social justice, Barack Obama—and breaking track records at Kennedy High.
Marquee Façade
Downtown is about to get a serious shot of economic adrenaline. The Cosmopolitan opens in October, the swanky Citizen Hotel in November and, in February, downtown hosts America’s biggest bike race. But with all the progress, there are still some buildings that aren’t ready for their close-up. Let’s take some cues from Beijing, Detroit and even Gary, Indiana and put on a happy façade
Q&A with Vanity Fair ’s International Correspondent William Langewiesche
He’s one of the biggest names—literally and figuratively—in journalism. But whether William Langewiesche is writing at his Davis home or reporting in Kosovo, the globe-trotting Vanity Fair scribe, author and two-time National Magazine Award winner keeps his feet on the ground. Unless, that is, he’s in the cockpit of his two-seat plane in the “aviation paradise” of Northern California, savoring the view of the Sierras and “the golden era” of nonfiction.
Tune Town
Another jazz festival just ended, and with it, the sound of music in the air in Sacramento. In cities from Austin to Seattle and New York to New Orleans, street music creates an ambience that shapes a city’s urban experience for locals and visitors alike. It’s time for Sacramento to get in tune with the times.
Critical Mass
The country’s most prestigious restaurant guide, Zagat, has never included Sacramento. But with a flood of new restaurants opening in recent years—many with pedigreed chefs, managers and designers—there should be no reservations about adding the capital city
Q&A with Rita Moreno
The remarkable life of Rita Moreno is the ultimate West side story. Having arrived in California from her native Puerto Rico by way of New York as a teenager, she became, along with the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Brooks, one of only a handful of artists—and the only Hispanic—to win all four major entertainment awards: the Oscar, the Tony, the Grammy and the Emmy (two, as a matter of fact). And the 76-year-old actress isn’t done yet. Not only is she starring in the CBS freshman drama Cane, the Berkeley resident becomes a member of the sophomore class inducted into the California Hall of Fame at the California Museum this December. “This is an exhibit of individuals who march to their own drummer and inspire us,” says Hall of Fame creator Maria Shriver. “And Rita is a pioneer and a true inspiration.”
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