Issue: December 13, 2018
In this week's cover story, Scott Thomas Anderson introduces us to California poet Dana Gioia, who defeated anti-arts conservatives in Congress and confronted a crisis in American reading habits. Now he's back in California as poet laureate, and you can find out what he's doing.
In News, Kate Gonzales reports some encouraging news for efforts to keep young black men in the Sacramento region from becoming another grim statistic. Raheem F. Hosseini follows up on the anti-fascist counter-protestors who face felony charges from the violent melee with white supremacists at the state Capitol in June 2016. And in our continuing coverage of the Camp Fire, we ask whether the same fate awaits some in Butte County that befell survivors of the Tubbs Fire last year in Sonoma County.
In Arts, Aaron Carnes tells us about a popular local sex-positive podcast called Brown Chicken Brown Cow. In Scene & Heard, Mozes Zarate writes about Metallica's show at the Golden 1 Center. In Music, Maxfield Morris profiles a jazz-hip-hop band called Bap Notes. It's holiday season, so that must mean A Christmas Carol; we have a review of the production at Sacramento Theatre Company plus the satiric sequel at B Street Theatre. In Dish, learn about a new pizza joint in West Sacramento called La Crosta Pizza Bar and about specialty toast at Oblivion Comics & Coffee in downtown Sacramento.
Finally, there's an editor's note about arts coverage, plus kudos for Mayor Darrell Steinberg from Jeff vonKaenel, SN&R's president and CEO.
As always, thanks for reading. Feel free to click the links below, but don't forget to pick up a print version of the newspaper for exclusive event picks, columns and cartoons.
— Foon Rhee
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The man who saved reading
Dana Gioia’s battle for the future of the arts, literature and critical thinking in America.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Planting a Sequoia
From Dana Gioia’s 1991 book of poems, The Gods of Winter, Graywolf Press.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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An alliance of brothers
Community-led initiative gets support from Obama Foundation, Stevante Clark.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Preliminary theater
CHP officer’s testimony offers first glimpse of prosecution’s strategy against antifa three.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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A precarious predictor
One year after the wine country fire, many of the displaced remain homeless. Does the same fate await Camp Fire evacuees?
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Mandatory order
California Public Utilities Commission orders PG&E to make safety reforms.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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When city workers request fraudulent reimbursements, it’s buyers beware
Utilities employees submitted fraudulent receipts after buying personal protective gear, a city audit finds.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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We love the arts
Look for expanded coverage of theater, music and more.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Letters for December 13, 2018
Readers sound off on Democratic imperatives, SN&R’s request for new voices, desserts and dumplings.
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Book of love
Joey advises a reader to rethink her textbook definition of love.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Steinberg’s brilliant idea
One hundred beds for the homeless in each Sacramento council member’s district.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Rachael Chisenhall: promoting body empowerment through inclusive clothing brand
Seams and stitches can tear apart body image—this online boutique makes a point to be inclusive.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Rolling in the hay together
The rising podcasters in Brown Chicken Brown Cow mix humor and body positivity when talking about sex.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Review: A Christmas Carol at B Street Theatre and Sacramento Theatre Company
Our reviewer visited the “Christmas Carol”s of Sacramento present—and learned a valuable lesson along the way. Bah Hum-bug!
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Swim with Santa at the YMCA
There’s all kinds of ways to interact with Santa this season—including going for a swim.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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WWE Raw at Golden 1 Center
As the holiday season rolls around, take some time to indulge in some good, clean professional wrestling.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Last-Minute Herbal Gifts for the Holidays at Yisrael Urban Farm
Spend some time in a farm in the city, and bring some herbal gifts home for a friend.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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African American Pioneers with the Sacramento Historical Society
Learn about the African-American pioneers who made lives in the Sacramento area in the early years of the capital city.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Unsilent Night at Fremont Park
Participate in a sonic art experiment the likes of which you’ve never seen (but maybe you’ve heard).
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Preview: The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged) at Theatre in the Heights
When three churchgoers are left with a holiday production that’s got no acts, they’re forced to take on every role themselves.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Short review: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
SN&R reviews a new play from Capital Stage.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Mastering Golden 1
Metallica rocked through Golden 1 Center, leaving no doubt as to their prowess on the stage.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Evviva La Crosta
New West Sac pizza and pasta bar aims high with its original Italian recipes.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Toast for the Hulk at heart
Oblivion Comics & Coffee delivers on specialty caffeinated beverages decorated with superhero symbols.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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’Tis the season
This refreshing, pine-y holiday cocktail is cheerfully named Koala La La La La, La La La La—sing it—then, drink it.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Grown-up sweets
Estelle Bakery & Pâtisserie has it all: danishes, tarts and cakes. But, its Brioche Donut (served only on Fridays) is a sweet indulgence adults will truly savor.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Go ahead, go nuts
Need an Amazonian superfood to feel like an Amazon? Sacha inchi seeds are rich in omega-3s and flavor.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Firing on eight cylinders
Local jazz powerhouse Bap Notes brings eight musicians to the stage and studio with devastating effect.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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All about liege
British royal history takes an absurd turn, fueled by the destructive antics of Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Green Book
Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortenson’s masterful re-creation of a compelling relationship is what really drives the plot of this historical drama.
This article was published on 12.13.18
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Kwanzaa’s seven principles, an activist’s guide
SN&R’s pot guru says the cultural holiday’s core values can be applied to further advance the cannabis movement.
This article was published on 12.13.18