Shopping

Best place to make your car more musical and more safe
Fair Oaks Electronics
6770 Franklin Blvd., Fair Oaks, (916) 428-9116
These guys love car gadgets, and they love making your car exactly the way you want it. They’ll put a car alarm on it that will scare away even the toughest car thieves, and they’re probably the nicest guys you’ll ever deal with. They also install wonderful, top-of-the-line, reasonably priced sound systems as well.

Best toy store west of the Causeway
Alphabet Moon
235 F St., Davis, (530) 757-2142
Welcome to the coolest, most creative little toy store in Yolo County. We’re talking Leggos, Thomas Trains, games, science toys, dolls, puzzles, Madeline, Breyer horses, baby toys, as well as arts and crafts galore. All this, yes, plus Alphabet Moon features plenty of toys and musical instruments that fall into the coveted odd, intriguing and unusual category. Steer clear of that corporate chain and visit this little gem of a store next time you’re shopping for the under-aged.

Best place to find books that you can’t always find elsewhere
Carol’s Books
5964 South Land Park Dr., (916) 428-5611
A small, out-of-the-way store, Carol’s is the place to go for books by, for and about African-Americans. This unique shop offers books you’ve only dreamed of finding all in one place. The parking is easy, and the atmosphere is great.

Best unique used clothing store to finally make it to Sacramento
Buffalo Exchange
2996 Freeport Blvd. , (916) 930-0386
Begun in 1974 by a Swedish woman named Kerstin Block—who gave it its name because “Buffalo” sounded like a very American name to her and “Exchange” is what people would be doing with their goods—there are now 21 stores in eight states. And Sacramento is lucky enough to have one of them. Tucked in next to Mum’s, it feels as if you’ve walked into a one-of-a-kind neighborhood shop.

Best place to pamper your pooch
Bogy’s Barkery
1014 24th St., (916) 341-0334
Why not do some shopping for your best friend? Whether stopping in for a “pupsicle” on a hot summer day or browsing for pooch-related accoutrements, you’ll find everything from the practical to the indulgent here. (Taste tests welcome!)

Best person to see for a new ‘do
Estrella Valdez
Masashi’s Hair Studio 1205 24th St., (916) 447-5482
If you want to be pampered, go to Mosaic or Salon Cuvee. If you want great hair without the fluff atmosphere, check out this Midtown hairdresser. Local personalities, lobbyists, business owners and we ordinary types have gotten excellent cuts, colors and perm from her for more than 20 years. But if you bring in a picture of something impossible, she’ll be both honest and blunt with you. Remember, no fluff.