Out And About
By Jessica Laskey
March 2025
End Of An Era
Midtown fixture readies to close its doors
After almost five decades as Sacramento’s go-to gift store, Mixed Bag in Midtown will close at the end of March.
Mixed Bag is known for fun, engaging merchandise, including cards, candles, ornaments, holiday décor, home goods, personal care items, toys and more.
Linda and Tom Novi bought the store, located at the corner of 24th and K streets, in 2019 from its original owner Susan Larson.
“We purchased Mixed Bag with a five-year game plan,” Linda says. “We are tired now and ready to sit back and enjoy the family.” The store’s lease runs out March 31.
“We tried to sell but have not been able to,” Linda adds. “It’s tough retail out there. So many people are buying online.”
Linda and staff invite shoppers to stop in and say goodbye. “Our customers have been so loyal and supportive,” Linda says. “Six months after we bought the store COVID hit. If it hadn’t been for our loyal customer base, we never would have made it through.”
Mixed Bag is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free parking.
STEM AT SEA
St. Francis High School alumnae Siena Marois has earned her sea legs.
The UC Davis freshman was one of 12 young people to complete Columbia University’s STEMSEAS Student Experiences Aboard Ships. The six-day geoscience and oceanography exploration took undergraduates aboard a National Science Foundation-funded research ship.
Marois joined a vessel south of Honolulu to study ocean technology, which she discovered as a member of the St. Francis robotics team.
“I hadn’t even heard of the ocean tech industry before joining the team and I thought it was super cool,” says Marois, who wants to start an ocean tech company to address whale disentanglement, ocean restoration and marine ecosystem protection.
BLACK STUDENT SUCCESS
Sacramento State is one of the first California colleges designated a Black-Serving Institution to recognize universities that excel at supporting Black students.
The initiative is overseen by the California State University Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success, located at Sac State. Key initiatives include reducing barriers to success, creating safe spaces on campuses, developing culturally relevant curricula, and enhancing recruitment and retention efforts for Black faculty and students.
The Black-Serving Institution’s eligibility criteria includes maintaining a Black student population of at least 10% or 1,500 students and implementing robust Black student success programs. For information, visit csus.edu/president/inclusive-excellence/black-student-success-co.
THEATER HONORS
B Street Theatre has received the National Theatre Conference’s 2024 Outstanding Theatre Award for artistic innovation and organizational excellence.
As part of the win, B Street was asked to name the recipient of the 2024 Emerging Professional Award. The theater selected James Ellison, artistic director of Celebration Arts, for his “deep commitment to storytelling and community,” says Lyndsay Burch, B Street’s CEO and executive artistic director.
“This recognition celebrates the shared vision of both B Street Theatre and Celebration Arts to enrich our community through storytelling and connection,” Burch says.
For information, visit bstreettheatre.org and celebrationarts.net.
WILDLIFE BABY SHOWER
It’s baby season. To help orphaned critters, the Wildlife Care Association invites the public to a Wildlife Baby Shower & Open House on Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Every year, the volunteer-based nonprofit cares for more than 7,500 ill, injured and orphaned animals. The majority arrive during this critical time and require extra care for a fighting chance to return to the wild. The baby shower raises funds for specialized formulas, syringes, incubators and more.
The event includes facility tours, raptor education, children’s activities, merchandise and a taco food truck.
To sign up for a free tour ($10 donation is encouraged), visit eventbrite.com and search for Wildlife Baby Shower. Find a wish list of items to donate at wildlifecareassociation.com. The Wildlife Care Association is at 5211 Patrol Road at McClellan Park.
READING SERIES
CapLit, a new reading series and literary organization, brings writing and acting together for live literary performances.
The first event features readings from “Sacramento Noir,” an anthology of detective and mystery fiction, Friday, March 7, from 7–8:30 p.m. at the CLARA auditorium at 1425 24th St. The series continues in May, July, September and November. Admission is free ($10 donation is suggested).
CapLit also is a hub for writers, providing workshops, panels and opportunities to socialize and network. For information, visit caplit.org.
SPANISH CLASSES
Hoping to improve your Spanish skills? Practice in a low-pressure environment with Roberto Romero, former research librarian for The Sacramento Bee.
“Anybody with a desire to learn is welcome,” Romero says. “There is no age limit or required language level, just show up ready to learn.”
Classes are 6 p.m. every Tuesday beginning March 4 for eight weeks at 6925 Havenhurst Drive in Greenhaven. For information, email Romero at rhrg18@yahoo.com.
ART AFTER HOURS
Crocker Art Museum has launched Art After Hours, an artmaking program.
Participants meet fellow creators and instructors at stations throughout the museum for a “uniquely Crocker” craft night. Artists explore different mediums and leave with a completed artwork.
The first event is Thursday, March 6, from 6–8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members and $25 for nonmembers. For information, visit crockerart.org.
BUSINESS TOOL
Do you own a small business or hope to start one? Take advantage of the city’s free online tool, SizeUp Sacramento.
SizeUp provides small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with market research and data.
“In today’s data-driven economy, access to actionable information is vital for small business success,” Assistant City Manager Mike Jasso says. “This software ensures that every entrepreneur in Sacramento has data to compete and thrive.”
Users analyze business performances with industry-specific data. They identify customers, suppliers and opportunities, and optimize marketing strategies for target audiences. Information includes local spending habits and demographics.
For information, visit cityofsacramento.gov/city-manager/oied/businessassistance/business-data.
FREE FORMALWEAR
Sacramento Public Library hosts free prom giveaway events across the region.
Students ages 13–19 can browse the libraries’ formalwear collections and take home an outfit for their special night. More than 900 teens shopped the prom giveaway last year.
For dates and locations, visit saclibrary.org/prom.
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.
