🍖 Sactown Hmong BBQ opened on Franklin Boulevard

The Gist: After seven years of pop-ups, Ger Her has opened Sactown Hmong BBQ at 5824 Franklin Blvd. You can grab Texas-style smoked ribs and pork belly alongside lemongrass and ginger Hmong sausage, sticky rice, and spicy kua txob sauce. During the soft opening, the doors open daily at noon until the food sells out.

Why It Matters: If you're planning dinner, check before heading over: regular Tuesday-through-Saturday hours until 6 p.m. are still to come.

🎨 Sac City schools keep $1.8 million in arts funding

The Gist: Sacramento City Unified won't have to return $1.8 million in state arts money after all. A review found a reporting error: the district had spent its full, roughly $6.3 million Proposition 28 allocation. Officials corrected the state paperwork Oct. 22.

Why It Matters: If you've been following school arts funding, the money supported expanded visual and performing arts programs, including 32 new full-time arts positions across the district.

🧁 Fresh focaccia and savory corn muffins

Cheddar, jalapeño and chives in a corn muffin? That's the savory side of Midtown Bakery, behind the blue door on 23rd Street. You can pair one with ginger molasses cookies, or make Friday lunch a takeaway focaccia sandwich between 11 and 1. Don't leave a weekend visit too late; they can sell out. It's a stop for days when you'd rather let someone else handle the baking.

👜 From Hmong textiles to a closet refresh

Hmong textiles inspired founder April Xiong's first tote bags. That small start grew through pop-ups into DearSisa Boutique, whose name means “Dear Sister.” At the Old Sacramento shop, you'll find new and resale clothing, and you can bring up to 25 gently worn pieces for resale consideration. Accepted items earn cash or store credit. It's a way to make room in your closet before choosing what comes home next.