Issue: December 19, 2019
In this week's cover feature, Raheem F. Hosseini goes inside a cult-like marriage and relationship group that has a stronghold in Sacramento, and tells the back story of its founder and guru.
In News, we have stories about the pitfalls of the increasing use of DNA evidence to solve crimes, about some California dentists pressuring their patients to get their teeth fixed on credit and about a small Sacramento County water district engulfed in controversy.
In Arts, Olivia Monahan views the Trust Your Struggle artist collective's latest exhibition and also sounds last call for the Blue Lamp, while Patrick Hyun Wilson previews the Red Museum's Christmas show. In Stage, we have reviews of the Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker and a digital take on The Wizard of Oz at B Street Theatre.
In this week's Garden column, Debbie Arrington writes about our passion for poinsettias during the holidays.
In Voices, Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy argues that a new inspector general is only the first step for oversight of the sheriff, publisher Jeff vonKaenel lists the favorite books he read in 2019 and I write about a transformational affordable housing project that may be out of step with the times.
As always, thanks for reading. To read the full stories, click the links below. But don't forget to pick up a print copy of SN&R for exclusive event picks and other content.
— Foon Rhee
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The marriage guru
The true story of a weird dude and his cult-like following in Sacramento.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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The miracle clue
DNA can be used to identify victims and suspects, but can it also get both wrong?
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Bad teeth, bad credit
Dental patients hit by inflated bills, years of debt.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Circling the drain
Arden-Arcade neighborhood water district faces insolvency amid mass resignations and infighting.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Timeline to help
City finalizes multifaceted homeless shelter approach for 2020.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Watchdog light
Sacramento County’s new inspector general has no guarantee he won’t be locked out for criticizing sheriff.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Out of step on housing?
A new Sacramento affordable housing project isn’t quick or cheap.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Look in the mirror
Everything we struggle with in another person is related to something within ourselves.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Supervising the sheriff
New Sacramento County IG is only a first step to overseeing the sheriff.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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2019: These books changed my thinking
Publisher Jeff vonKaenel’s five favorite books of 2019.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Jalen Justice: Professional dancer from Sacramento
Jalen Justice started dancing at the age of three—now he’s touring with professional acts.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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From the streets
The Trust Your Struggle collective’s latest exhibit uses graffiti art to spotlight social injustices.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Goodbye Blue Lamp
Artists pay their respects to the outgoing Sacramento music venue Blue Lamp.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Coal hard cash
Santa’s job isn’t getting any easier. Maybe the internet can help.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Review: ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Sacramento Ballet
Director Amy Seiwert delivers an excellent production of the holiday classic.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at B Street Theatre
Oz goes digital.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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RCMP Holiday Wreath and Decor Workshop
Get yourself some wreath-making knowledge this season.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Die Hard After Hours Movie Night at Jackrabbit Brewing Co.
Watch ‘Die Hard’, drink and be merry.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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BarkHappy Howliday Pawty at Track 7 Brewing Co.
Celebrate the holidays with your pet dog and some other people who care about pet dogs.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered at Thunder Valley Casino
Spend your Christmas with Karen Carpenter—a tribute to her, that is.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Preview: ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Harris Center
You can never get enough nutcracker.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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A Christmas Carol
SN&R Reviews a new play at Sacramento Theatre Company.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
SN&R Reviews a new play at Capital Stage.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Poinsettia passion
Poinsettias are a holiday favorite, especially in red.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Hot pot experience
This hot pot restaurant offers a communal dining experience with options for everyone.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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New decadence at Golden 1 Center
Golden 1 Center offers an eclectic smorgasbord for fans.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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British bite
A century-old soda flavor that was once brewed as a light mead in the Middle Ages can be found at a little British tea shop in North Highlands.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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‘Little cravings’
Tostilocos is one Mexican savory treat that blends a variety of textures with just enough heat.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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Meh vibes and midweek spaghetti
Good Vibes Vegan Café & Herbs will open its new restaurant in Midtown next month.
This article was published on 12.19.19
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California’s cannabis turf
Cannabis regulations in the region remain a patchwork.
This article was published on 12.19.19