Cecily Hastings

Look close at any neighborhood and you’ll see it. A neighbor delivers a meal to a friend recovering from surgery. A teenager rakes leaves for an elderly couple. Volunteers stack crates at the food bank or help with park cleanups.

We know these acts strengthen our community fabric. What’s new—and encouraging—is evidence that they strengthen our minds too.

A recent study by the University of Texas and University of Massachusetts in the journal Social Science & Medicine finds frequent helping—whether through volunteering or support to neighbors, friends or family—slows cognitive decline by as much as 20%.

Homelessness continues to escalate with 187,000 people living on California streets or in shelters in January 2024, a 55% surge since 2016.

Despite $24 billion spent from 2019 to 2023, the state accounts for 24% of U.S. homeless and 45% of unsheltered individuals, far exceeding its 11.6% population share.

Within this crisis sits Sacramento. Dangerous encampments, junk-filled streets, violence and public drug use are daily experiences for people living in desperation.

Midtown is alive with creativity and wonder with Midtown Association’s newest, most ambitious initiative yet, the Urban Dreams Art Experience.

The immersive art installation features 16 remarkable large-scale sculptures and art pieces. They transform rooftops, patios and public spaces into an open-air gallery.

Running through Sept. 14, the exhibition celebrates local talent with an eye toward whimsy and surprise. The project is monumental, with artworks ranging from 6 to 20 feet in height.

I love art openings. But I rarely write a column saying an exhibition can’t be missed.

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This one can’t be missed.

It’s a new exhibition at Sacramento State’s Library Gallery, a powerful presentation called “Lost Childhoods.” The collection explores the lives of foster youth in our community.

“Lost Childhoods” features the voices of foster youngsters who share stories of loss, resilience and achievement within the foster care system.

Artifacts, photos and video portraits are displayed. The opening event was sponsored by the Foster Youth Education Fund, which provides financial support to local college students raised in foster care.

Jenson Brooksby is worth watching this summer. Look for him at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open tennis tournaments.

At the 2021 U.S. Open, Brooksby played Novak Djokovic, one of the world’s best players. Djokovic won in four sets, but Brooksby took the first set 6-1. At age 21, Brooksby showed courage and resolve on the center court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The day after that match, I learned Brooksby was from Sacramento. A woman I played tennis with told me she and her husband purchased Brooksby’s family home in Sierra Oaks. When they bought the house, they noticed dents in the garage door, evidence of young Jenson’s practice sessions.