Out & About
By Jessica Laskey
December 2025
Lighting The Way
New K Street lights make walking Downtown fun
Downtown Sacramento Partnership added energy-efficient LED marquee lighting along K Street from Downtown Commons to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. The lighting provides improved visibility, safety and an active, welcoming environment.
“These lights embody our commitment to reimagine Downtown block by block, paying homage to the marquee lights which have lined K Street for generations and enhancing Sacramento’s central promenade for its next era of opportunity,” partnership Executive Director Michael Ault says.
The system changes colors to mark holidays, community celebrations and local sports victories, helping create a cohesive visual identity for Downtown.
The project was a collaboration by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Downtown Sacramento Foundation, Department of Public Works and Office of Innovation and Economic Development. Community partners include Michael Sestak of Sestak Lighting Design, Sacramento Regional Transit and SMUD. Mayor Kevin McCarty was instrumental in securing state funds for the project.
For information, visit downtownsac.org.
MIDTOWN MARKET
For the second year in a row, Midtown Farmers Market ranks the No. 1 farmers market in California and No. 3 in the U.S. by American Farmland Trust. The market is also No. 1 in the Southwest.
For the honor, Midtown Farmers Market receives $1,500 for marketing outreach.
“Our market continues to evolve, creating a one-of-a-kind experience shaped by the amazing farmers, talented creatives, culinary artists and innovative vendors who share their offerings with a community eager to explore, taste and celebrate the best of Midtown Sacramento,” Midtown Association Executive Director Emily Baime Michaels says.
Nearly 300 vendors can be found each Saturday until 1 p.m. at 20th and K streets. For information, visit exploremidtown.org/midtown-markets.
ZOO BABIES
Sacramento Zoo’s female okapi, Kivuli, gave birth to a healthy male calf, the first okapi birth at the zoo.
Melissa McCartney, senior manager of animal care, is Species Survival Plan coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Okapi Program. McCartney guides breeding recommendations and long-term sustainability for the North American population of this endangered giraffe relative.
The zoo’s female capybara, Peppermint Patty, gave birth to five pups. The new capybaras—the world’s largest rodent—were walking and eating solid food with their mother’s milk a week after birth.
For information, visit saczoo.org.
FITNESS STUDIO
Retro-Fit Studio is open at 10940 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks.
Owner and Master Coach Peggy Perez has more than 20 years of experience and continuing education in active aging, neurological challenges, such as TBI, Parkinson’s, rehab and post-rehab, cancer survivorship, metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes and diabetes) and body recomposition.
Perez offers private and semi-private (up to four people) sessions of concierge coaching “for those seeking a holistic and results-driven experience.”
For information, visit retro-fitstudio.com.
UNITED WAY
A report by Sacramento State’s School of Social Work shows United Way California Capital Region’s guaranteed income program improved financial, housing and food security for participants from July 2023 to June 2024, with continued gains six months after funding ended.
United Way’s first cohort of its guaranteed income program opened July 2021. The second cohort launched in July 2023, thanks to $750,000 in American Rescue Plan money.
The program provided $500 a month of unconditional guaranteed income for one year to 80 randomly selected households in the city that met income requirements.
The report shows 49% of participants were financially better off by the end of the program, compared to 16% of the control group. Food insecurity among program participants decreased from 51% to 37%. Twice as many households could pay cash for an unexpected $400 expense.
“This is more than a pilot—it’s a model for how we build lasting change,” says Dawnté Early, president and CEO of United Way California Capital Region.
For information, visit yourlocalunitedway.org.
GRAND JURY
Jurors are needed to serve on the Sacramento County Grand Jury.
The Grand Jury reviews and investigates the performance of county, city and local governing entities, including special districts. It can hear criminal indictments and investigate complaints submitted by the public of alleged misuse of public funds or wrongdoing by public officials.
Nineteen jurors and 11 alternates will be selected for a one-year term July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Jurors must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, residents of Sacramento County for at least one year and available for 20 to 30 hours a week. Applicants must speak, read and write English. Jurors receive a small stipend for their volunteer work.
Application deadline is Jan. 2, 2026. For information, visit sacgrandjury.org.
HEARTFELT GIFTS
Gifts From the Heart, organized by the county Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, provides gifts to thousands of foster youth, adults with disabilities and seniors.
Social workers request gifts for their clients. Requests are filled by partners and sponsors, who purchase and wrap the gifts. Volunteers pick up the gifts and social workers deliver them for the holidays.
Gift registries are at Amazon, Walmart and Target. Gifts can be shipped to the Gifts From the Heart warehouse at 8520 Younger Creek Drive, Sacramento, 95828. Monetary donations are welcome.
Gifts must be purchased by Dec. 5. For information, visit dcfas.saccounty.gov/admin/vol.
Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
