Summer Survival Guide

In this age of constant terror alerts and moral ambiguity, we Sacramentans have an absolute right—an obligation, in fact—to explore the abundant opportunities summer bestows upon us. Yet, beyond our borders, there are those who would mock and jeer us for this simple pursuit of happiness. Simply put, they hate us for our fun.

While such naysayers work overtime to promote cultural cynicism, over here at SN&R, we’re working just as hard to make sure our readers enjoy all the summer fun imaginable. True, it can be hot as hell, and the summertime blues can strike anytime. That’s why, as Sacramentans, it’s our civic responsibility to learn everything we can about safe, sane summertime activities. That way, we’ll always be prepared to react during unexpected attacks of summer malaise.

Our summer survival guide can help: You’ll get advice from local authorities—a cop, an activist, a professor and a famous insect—on how to keep the terrors of summer at bay. Our report on Sacramento mating rituals will reveal the uncanny secrets of how Sacramentans really behave, courtesy of the professional voyeurs who monitor our everyday activities. You’ll also find a thermal guide to Sacramento’s white-hot spots, an astonishing sequel to our summer film preview, strange tales of public transit, and the lurid lowdown on how our legislators keep their cool.

Together, as a community, we can ensure that a fair portion of us survive this summer in the spirit of freedom and fun. And, though there is no way to predict what your personal circumstances will be, rest assured that there are simple things you can do now to ensure a memorable summer for you and your loved ones. With a little planning and common sense—and help from this year’s SN&R summer guide—you’ll survive summer and have fun doing it!

survival
Beating the summertime blues
Our experts—a cop, a professor, an activist and, of course, Herky the Hornet—reveal survival secrets of the season.

entertainment
Revenge of the summer film guide
Looking for sanctuary in air-conditioned, soda-fountain-fed oases filled with 100-percent recycled screen fodder? It’s your lucky summer.

environment
Gimme swelter
Scientists discover which circle of hell you’re living in.

nightlife
A legislator’s guide to summer in Sacramento
Our Capitol correspondent asks lawmakers how they beat the heat.

sex&love
Summer mating rituals
How do Sacramento singles really behave? The folks who get paid to observe tell more than we want to know.

escapes
Escaping Sacramento
Just how far can you get on public transit and a thrift-store bike? One obsessed writer tests the limits.

sports
Let’s roll!
Zen and the art of bocce ball, one of summer’s least extreme sports.

food&wine
Hot cuisine
Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, is the perfect summer day trip.

calendar
What I did on my summer vacation
Summer memories for the making.