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I've been working out and going to gyms for nearly 30 years, basically since I was a teenager. For me, the gym has always been more than just a place to lift weights. It's my reset button. A way to shake off a long day, clear my head, and show up better for the people who matter most.
Over the years, gyms have quietly become part of our family story too.
My boys have spent time in more kids clubs around Sacramento than I can count. When I got into the mortgage business, our office sat right across from Rio Del Oro Racquet Club—convenient during the workday, and a place where the kids could join tennis programs while I got a workout in. Then in 2018 we joined Urijah Faber's Ultimate Fitness on Folsom Blvd. At 9 and 5, the boys got into jiu-jitsu and absolutely loved it: the training, the discipline, the people. As life evolved, so did our needs. Basketball became a bigger focus, which led us to In-Shape: great equipment, courts, sauna, pool, and multiple locations around town.
But here's the part that hits me the most…
The boys are now 13 and 17. They're not in the kids club anymore, they're in the gym with me. Pushing themselves. Pushing me. Getting stronger, more confident, and building habits that will stick with them for life.
Looking back, consistently being a "gym family" might be one of the best things we've ever done. And if I'm being honest… I'm hoping years from now I get a call that simply says:
"Hey Dad… want to go hit the gym?"
I’m curious—what's your go-to gym locally? And what matters most to you when you walk in: equipment, community, classes, or something else?
🎨 Let’s Get Creative: Celebrate Arts & Culture Month
The Gist: Sacramento is spending April celebrating Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month with several big events at the Memorial Auditorium and Capitol Park. While the month is already underway, you can still catch the CA Arts & Culture Summit on April 19-20 or the free 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony on April 21. If you can’t make it in person, local artists Matthew Flores and Ene Osteraas-Contable are hosting virtual talks on April 23rd & 30th to share their creative journeys.
Why It Matters: This month is all about recognizing that local artists are the heartbeat of our community, helping us find joy and a sense of belonging. By showing up to a rally at the Capitol or supporting a neighbor’s gallery talk, we ensure that Sacramento stays a vibrant, colorful place to call home.
What’s Next:
🎨 April 19-20: CA Arts & Culture Summit at the Memorial Auditorium.
📣 April 21: Free Arts Advocacy Day rally at Capitol Park starting at 9 a.m.
🏆 April 21: California Arts Council 50th Anniversary awards from 6-8 p.m.
💻 April 23 & 30: Virtual artist talks at noon via Zoom.
✨ Late April: Relaunch of the artlook Sacramento platform for schools and youth programs.
🥦 Local Food Hub Breaks Ground in River District
The Gist: The Alchemist CDC officially broke ground this Thursday on a $17 million food hub at 341 N. 10th Street. This 9,460-square-foot project, built by D.G. Granade Inc., will feature a commercial kitchen, a café, and eight outdoor food pods. The all-electric campus is designed to be a sustainable home for a weekly farmers market and local food vendors.
Why It Matters: This hub is a game-changer for our neighborhood, turning a vacant spot into a walkable community anchor that provides fresh groceries and local jobs. It’s designed specifically to help small-scale entrepreneurs bypass high startup costs, giving our neighbors a fair shot at growing their own food businesses.
🥙 A vibrant crossroads of sourdough and sumac
1415 16th St, Sacramento
With Meza California, Chef Kasandra Kachakji has translated her Arab-Mexican heritage into Midtown’s most compelling haunt.
What began as a farmers market obsession is now a polished brick-and-mortar serving farm-to-table halal fare that feels remarkably intentional. The Batata Harra Quesadilla and al pastor lamb Tacos Arabes with creamy toum are essential, but save room for the Oaxacan cheese Shakshouka flatbread and a sumac besito shortbread cookie! It is soulful AND truly local.
🧶 Spinning yarn and sharing skills since 1971
1021 R St, Sacramento
Rumpelstiltskin has remained a fixture on the R Street Corridor for decades, outlasting trends with a focus on community and craft.
Neighbors gather to troubleshoot knitting projects or explore the texture of ethically sourced alpaca wool from nearby Dixon. With April 25 marking Local Yarn Store Day, the shop is preparing for a celebration featuring new fibers and pattern specials!
It might be the right season to learn a new skill and start hand making a gift for mom. The shop offers classes for every level, making it easy to pick up a needle and join a long history of local fiber arts.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎭 Once Upon a Time… | The Sofia | Sacramento | 04/18 | More
Student-written plays brought to life by professional actors in a world-premiere!
🐕 33rd Annual Doggy Dash | William Land Park | 04/18 | More
Lace up for a scenic walk and festive celebration supporting local animal welfare.
🌍 Earth Week: Kick-off | Sutter's Fort State Historic Park | 04/18 | More
Crafts, plant sales, and park cleanup activities celebrating environmental stewardship.
🪁 Kite Fest 2026 | BAPS Sacramento | 04/18 | More
Kite flying, family activities, and an open-air atmosphere perfect for kids of all ages.
🎉 Sacramento Book Festival 2026 | Scottish Rite Masonic Center | 04/19 | More More than 250 authors, a dedicated Kids Zone with over 30 children's authors.
🌱 Black Soil: Our Roots Run Deep | Sacramento History Museum | through 04/19 | More Explore the agricultural heritage and discoveries of African American farmers.
🥀 Poppies in the Park | State Indian Museum | 04/22 | More
Learn to create seed bombs while exploring the cultural significance of poppies.
😂 The Bad Parenting Tour | Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club | 04/16 | More
A live comedy show built around the shared chaos of raising kids.
🦁 Sac Zoo After Hours | Sacramento Zoo | 04/17 | More
Enjoy live music and local drinks during an exclusive evening for those 21+.
🤘 GWAR: Gor Gor Strikes Back Tour | Channel 24 | 04/17 | More
An evening of shock rock and heavy metal featuring openers Soulfly and King Parrot.
🎨 Gelli Printing Paper Design | Crocker Art Museum | 04/18 | More
Explore monoprinting techniques to create layered, textured papers for mixed media.
🌸 Gardens Got Natives Tour | Multiple Sacramento-area gardens | 04/18-04/19 | More
Local home gardens showcasing California native plants in real residential settings
🎭 Fat Ham Shows | Capital Stage | through 04/19 | More
James Ijames's Pulitzer Prize-winning reimagining of Hamlet set in a backyard BBQ.
🎵 MJ The Musical | SAFE Credit Union Center | through 04/19 | More
Michael Jackson's story through his catalog of songs. Multiple shows this week!
💃 Spring Fest Sacramento 2026 | Heart Health Park | 04/19 | More
A celebration of regional music: big-name bands and vibrant stage performances.
🎸 Journey: Freedom Tour | Golden 1 Center | 04/21 | More
Anthemic arena rock with soaring vocals and iconic, timeless synth-heavy grooves.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
