One of our favorite things about putting this newsletter together is discovering the people quietly doing good work around town.

This week you'll meet five Sacramento residents who have dedicated thousands of hours to helping others. Their stories sit right alongside soccer watch parties, great local food, and a weekend packed with events.

It’s a pretty great snapshot of what community looks like.

The Gist: Sacramento County's Adult and Aging Commission named its 2026 5 Over 50 honorees on May 26, recognizing five residents for their standout volunteer work. The winners are Antonia Lopez, Shirley Fong, Jodi Sato-King, Ed Valencia, and Dave King, who were each nominated by people witnessing their dedication firsthand. From building homes to protecting local parks, these five individuals represent the best of our community spirit across all five county districts.

Why It Matters: Whether it is Shirley clocking nearly 5,000 hours with Habitat for Humanity or Jodi raising $30,000 for accessibility upgrades at Sailor Bar, they show us that retirement is a beautiful second act. Their stories remind us how much good we can do right in our own backyards when we use our passion to help others.

The Gist: Sacramento Republic FC has released a Sac Soccer Guide featuring more than 30 local spots ready to broadcast every single 2026 FIFA World Cup match. Local favorites like Zebra Club, At Ease Brewing Company, and Garden at the Line are expanding viewing areas and opening early to welcome fans. Republic FC is also hosting a massive, free two-day block party at Downtown Plaza Park on June 24 and 25, featuring matchups like Mexico vs. Czech Republic and USA vs. Turkey.

Why It Matters: The Downtown Sacramento Partnership expects thousands of fans to flood the urban core, bringing a welcomed rush of foot traffic to our neighborhood restaurants, bars, and hotels. It is a wonderful way to celebrate Sacramento's growing soccer culture while supporting the small businesses that keep our community vibrant.

What's Next: Free tickets are required for the Downtown Plaza Park block parties on June 24 and 25, so be sure to secure your spot ahead of time.

AfroEatz is Sacramento's first Liberian restaurant, and getting here was a journey. Sayeah Mayson and her family built a loyal takeout following before opening this colorful Midtown storefront.

If you need something to get you through the summer heat, their fresh house ginger beer and Auntie Tee’s slow-burn hot pepper sauce wings are just the thing. Pair them with meat pies, smoky jollof rice, or oxtails for a perfect sunny weekend lunch.

After Oak Park went decades without a neighborhood library, Underground Books helped keep books, author talks, and a welcoming gathering place rooted in the community. Opened in 2003 by the late Georgia “Mother Rose” West, the Black-owned bookstore still carries her neighborly spirit through African American authors, children’s books, gifts, and community events.

This month, the shop’s calendar includes a Dusty Baker talk, author conversations, and the 40 Acres Juneteenth block party. Its Mother Rose Giving Tree also continues the mission by providing free books to local students. Managers Kamuri and Uriah keep the shop active and personal, recently hosting “Talking ’Bout Autism” to help families feel seen and supported.

🎬 Movie in the Park: Minecraft | Bowling Green Park | 06/11 | More
Pre-show lawn games followed by a family cinema feature under the stars.

✨ Juneteenth Festival | Bridgeway Lake Community Park | 06/12 | More
Live performances, local food trucks, and active celebration by the water!

🍔 Food Truck Mania | Belle Cooledge Park | 06/12 | More
A delicious and diverse selection of gourmet food trucks in a neighborhood park.

🦕 Jungle Dinosaur Safari at The Zoo | Sacramento Zoo | 06/13 | More
Steampunk safari with themed attire, reptile viewing, and historic carousels.

🍓 Annual Strawberry Festival | Old Florin Town Park | 06/13 | More
A hometown gathering: a classic car show, vendors, and fresh strawberry treats.

🌳 Pops in the Park | Bertha Henschel Park | 06/13 | More
Free roots rock and fast-paced punk for a classic neighborhood lawn social.

🤠 Powder, Poker, & Petticoats | Sacramento History Museum | 06/13 | More
A saloon-style afternoon: historic western games and costumed characters.

🎤 Beth Stelling: Let Me Get Loose | Punch Line Comedy Club | 06/11-06/13 | More
A night of sharp, self-deprecating stand-up, and hilarious storytelling.

🎵 Concert in the Park | Downtown Plaza Park | 06/12 | More
Outdoor alternative rock and dance-heavy grooves beneath downtown skyscrapers.

🚗 Midtown Second Saturday Car Show | Fremont Park | 06/13 | More
Classic car displays paired with community music and local food truck bites.

🏳️‍🌈 Sacramento Pride March & Festival | Capitol Mall | 06/13-06/14 | More
A multi-stage celebration filling the streets with joy and colorful expression.

🎶 Jake Shimabukuro & Friends | Crest Theater | 06/14 | More
Groundbreaking ukulele artistry blending cinematic works, folk, and island rock.

📖 Dusty Baker Author Talk | The Guild Theater | 06/15 | More
An evening with a baseball legend discussing leadership and his memoir, Crossroads.

🏛️ CLBSA: Juneteenth Gala | The Elks Tower | 06/17 | More
An Afro-Futurism evening celebrating Black history, cultural identity, and legacy.

Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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