787_martha_wash_2-26-26web

Matsui Statement On Japanese American Day Of Remembrance

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement on Japanese American Day of Remembrance, the 84th anniversary of the date in 1942 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 – leading to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

“Today, on Japanese American Day of Remembrance, we reflect on the injustice that incarcerated over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. This history is deeply personal to me. My own parents were incarcerated in Poston, Arizona, where they met, married, and where I was born. Families were torn from their communities and entire lives were placed on hold—not because of anything they had done, but solely because of who they were. This grave injustice did not happen overnight—it happened because fear was allowed to

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carries consequences, and that this moment demands more than reflection. It demands

“Democracy is not automatic. Civil rights are not self-sustaining. Justice does not defend itself. On Day of Remembrance, we recommit ourselves to telling the truth about our past, protecting the dignity of every person, and standing up when we see injustice in any form. Remembrance carries responsibility. May we honor this history not

City Workshop Aims to Support Sacramento’s Nightlife

Sacramento’s nightlife and hospitality scene has long been more than just a good time. From neighborhood bars and great restaurants, these businesses help shape the city’s culture while fueling its local economy.

Now, the City of Sacramento is offering a little extra support.

The Office of Nighttime Economy has partnered with the City’s Business Solutions Center to launch a new workshop, “Taking Care of Business,” designed specifically for

opportunities, and business analytics tools. Whether you’re opening your doors for the first time or have been serving the community for years, the workshop aims to provide concrete strategies to help businesses

“Taking Care of Business” takes place Wednesday, March 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in l Auditorium (1515 J Street). Attendance is limited to 25 businesses, and advance confirmation is

. Parking validation for the Memorial Garage will

For Sacramento’s small business owners - especially those who help keep our city lively after dark - this is an opportunity to tap into city resources and ask questions. Again, attendance is limited, so email them today.

What’s Actually Happening With the Pride Flag and Congress

Asocial media graphic has been circulating with the headline: “Senator Schumer Introduces Legislation to Make the Pride Flag a Congressionally Authorized Flag in America.” It sounds sweeping. It sounds historic. It also oversimplifies what’s actually being proposed.

Here’s the nuance.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer did announce a plan related to the Pride flag. According to his official press release, the proposal is aimed at permanently protecting the display of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument and potentially other federal sites. The move is framed as a response to the administrative efforts that restricted or discouraged Pride flag displays on federal property.

That’s significant. Stonewall is not just symbolic; it is federally recognized as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Ensuring the Pride flag can continue flying there carries real cultural and political weight.

What the proposal does not do is create a new category of “congressionally authorized flag” equivalent to the U.S. flag. There is no existing federal designation system that

elevates community symbols into official national flags. The U.S. Flag Code governs the American flag; it does not establish parallel status for other banners.

So while Schumer’s initiative is about protecting Pride flag displays at certain federal sites, the viral headline suggesting Congress is making the Pride flag an officially sanctioned national flag stretches beyond the actual policy.

The takeaway? The legislation is about safeguarding LGBTQ+ visibility at historically important federal locations — not redesigning America’s official symbols.

And perhaps that distinction matters less than the broader truth: the Pride flag’s meaning has never depended on congressional authorization. Its power has always come from the community that raised it in the first place.

They are Trying to Criminalize Queer Existence

As LGBTIQ communities celebrate milestones and visibility in many parts of the world, a coordinated backlash is quietly accelerating across others. Governments are passing laws that effectively criminalize queer existence—banning Pride from public life, restricting the right to gather or organize, and rolling back health and legal protections that took decades to secure. Zimbabwe, while strengthening global advocacy, protection, and accountability efforts.

Perhaps even more damaging is a strategy that draws less attention but carries devastating consequences: defunding. By cutting off financial support, governments are dismantling the very infrastructure that keeps LGBTIQ movements alive. Clinics close. Legal aid disappears. Advocacy stalls. Activists are left increasingly exposed.

According to Outright International, recent funding cuts—particularly the elimination of more than a quarter of global funding for LGBTIQ organizations last year—have created the most dangerous crisis in the organization’s 35-year history. In response, Outright has launched Funding Our Freedom, a long-term initiative designed to stabilize and sustain frontline partners from Argentina to

The campaign aims to move resources quickly to communities under attack, document abuses in real time, and ensure LGBTIQ voices remain present in international decision-making spaces. A matching pledge of up to $20,000 is currently in place to help amplify donations.

At a moment when visibility is being challenged and support systems are under strain, funding is more than a line item—it is survival. Whether through international advocacy or grassroots organizing, the message behind Funding Our Freedom is clear: LGBTIQ movements must be resourced, protected, and impossible to erase. To donate to this effort, click here

The World Loses A Civil Rights Powerhouse

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the modern civil rights movement and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, has died at 84 after battling progressive supranuclear palsy, his family confirmed.

Born in 1941 in Greenville, SC, Jackson emerged from the ferment of the 1960s as a gifted organizer and speaker. He became a close aide to Martin Luther King Jr. and a prominent leader within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, helping carry forward the push for voting rights and desegregation.

In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH in Chicago to promote educational opportunity and economic empowerment. He later launched the Rainbow Coalition, uniting communities across racial, religious, and economic lines. The merged organizations amplified his message that civil rights must include jobs as well as meaningful political representation.

Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1984

and 1988 broke barriers and reshaped the Democratic Party’s coalition. Though he did not secure the nomination, his runs marked a historic moment in American politics, demonstrating the growing influence of Black voters and progressive activists nationwide.

Beyond electoral politics, Jackson was known for high-profile diplomatic efforts, including negotiating the release of American prisoners abroad. In 2000, Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing decades of advocacy.

Jackson’s life spanned protest marches, pulpit sermons, and presidential stages—an arc that reflected both the unfinished work of equality and the enduring power of organized hope.

Court Ruling Restores $379 Million for California EV Charging Network

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has secured a final court ruling restoring $379 million in federal funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure that had been blocked by the Trump Administration.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of California and other states in a lawsuit challenging the withholding of funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The Federal Highway Administration has now approved nearly all funding allocated to California, allowing the state to move forward with projects that had been stalled.

Attorney General Bonta called the decision a full victory, saying the funding will expand access to clean transportation and support job creation. Governor Gavin Newsom said the ruling clears the way for California and other states to continue building a national charging network and remain competitive in the growing clean-vehicle market.

State transportation and energy officials emphasized that the NEVI program is critical to meeting rising demand for reliable charging infrastructure.

The dispute began after President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to halt certain funds appropriated through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including $5 billion nationwide for EV charging infrastructure. Following that directive, NEVI funds were withheld from states. An earlier court order temporarily blocked the freeze, and this final ruling ensures the full release of California’s allocation.

HVAC emergencies don’t schedule themselves—and neither should your marketing! Stay top-of-mind with Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community, so when the furnace falters or the AC goes on strike, your business is the first one they call. It’s easier (and more a ordable) than you think—reach out today and let’s make sure you’re the hero when the heat—or the chill—hits!

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Senator Cabaldon Introduces a Bill to Address AI Swarming in Public Comment

Senator Christopher Cabaldon (D-Yolo) announced legislation protecting public access to government as AI becomes available as a mass spamming tool in public debate. Senate Bill 1159 addresses the increased use of AI platforms to flood inboxes and other communication channels with comments that appear to be made by individuals but are sent by a single source with a specific agenda.

“AI slop drowns out the voices of genuine human citizens trying to make their voices heard,” said Senator Cabaldon. “SB 1159 puts an end to the intentional corruption of public engagement guaranteed by those using agents to overwhelm public agencies, divert attention from real constituents, and strip public discourse of any meaning at all.”

AI swarming has emerged as a real problem. This week the Los Angeles Times reported at least 20,000 public comments generated by AI may have convinced

Southern California’s top air pollution authority to scrap a plan to phase out gas-powered appliances. The Times confirmed a public affairs consultant used a company that bills itself as an “AI-powered grassroots advocacy platform” to send the messages. Public response to the Times article was swift and reactions in publications like KFI, and Legal Planet quickly followed, reinforcing that the time for this legislation is now.

Senator Cabaldon’s website.

The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026

passes the California State Senate

Senate Bill 417, authored by Senator Christopher Cabaldon, would place a $10 billion bond on the November 2026 ballot to pay for affordable housing programs already in existence and simply waiting for the last piece of state funding to move forward. This includes 40 thousand waitlisted units across the state that are currently permitted and partially funded. SB 417, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 provides the funding to push these projects over the finish line.

Specifically, the general obligation bond funds would include $7 billion for the Multifamily Housing Program which has had proven success in California. A portion of that money will be used to house people experiencing homelessness. The remaining $3 billion would fund programs to help first time home buyers, farm workers, provide money for tribal housing and funds to rebuild the 15,000 homes lost in last year’s Eaton and Palisade fires.

“As California faces a daunting budget

deficit and growing fiscal challenges, this measure is one of our only options for continuing to build affordable housing across California,” said Senator Cabaldon. “Today’s vote puts us one step closer to giving voters a chance to approve essential funding that will provide affordable housing options for Californians.”

The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 would take effect immediately.

Senator Cabaldon’s website.

Don’t be out of sight and out of mind when customers need a new mortgage. Keep your business top-of-mind with Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s easy, a ordable, and you can be the hero who helps people get into their dream home!

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Beazer’s R21 open house welcomed visitors to tour the thoughtfully designed model homes and experience the space firsthand. Guests enjoyed food and live music in the largest model, creating a festive and relaxed atmosphere. The three-story layouts feel open and airy, designed for modern living, with generous windows throughout — even in some closets. The event offered prospective buyers an inviting opportunity to explore

Blooms & Bungalows Featuring Ann Brinkley

Arthouse Gallery on historic R Street in downtown Sacramento is proud to present the art exhibition “Blooms & Bungalows” through March 10, 2026.

Through whimsical florals and mid-century homes, this show celebrates the colorful warmth of simpler times where joy and comfort lighten the heart.

Ann Brinkley’s work explores various subjects, including colorful floral still life paintings using different mediums of paints, inks and papers. She uses an intuitive approach that blends abstract expressionism and representational elements.

Brinkley’s process involves creating an underpainting and then layering colors and textures to develop the final piece. Her challenge is to use many materials to create a clean and cohesive painting that pulls together line, form, shape and color into a final simplicity.

The artist finds naming a piece a favorite part of her work. It usually comes to her after she has intuitively created a painting to match her mood. Whether her emotional state is calm, tearful, exuberant or whimsical, she loves to put a quirky title to something abstract and allow the viewer to use their imagination.

Ann has been a full-time artist since moving to Sacramento in 2021 after she retired from her career as a chiropractor in her native San Francisco. She has been in many group shows in Northern California for 15 years, and many of her paintings are now in private collections in the San Francisco Bay Area, Colorado and New Mexico.

For more information on Ann Brinkley, go to www.annbrinkleyartist.com or @annbrinkleyartist

Free Museum Weekend Returns This March

Twenty local museums from around the Sacramento region are collaborating to present the 2026 Free Museum Weekend on March 7-8, 2026.

While tickets are free, advance registration is required to participate in the annual community event, which is designed to increase museum access to all community members. This is the 28th consecutive year the local museum community has presented a free museum experience. More than 30,000 tickets will be available for the 2026 Free Museum Weekend across all participating destinations but will fluctuate by museum and/or by day. Ticket registration opens on March 2 at 9 a.m. via the webpage below and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will continue until March 5 at 5 p.m. or until all tickets have been secured.

Local museums participating in the 2026 Free Museum Weekend include the following:

• Aerospace Museum of California

• California Automobile Museum

• California Museum

• California State Railroad Museum

• Capitol Park at California State Capitol Museum

• Crocker Art Museum

• Don & June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum

• Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

• Locke Boarding House Museum

• Maidu Museum & Historic Site

• Museum of Medical History

• Sacramento Children’s Museum

• Sacramento Historic City Cemetery

• Sacramento History Museum

• SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

• Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum

• State Indian Museum

• Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

• Utility Exploration Center

• Verge Center for the Arts

Most museums are open for admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but there are exceptions. All hours will be posted on the ticket page for each museum. Free tickets are available only for regular admission during March 7-8, 2026.

To make Free Museum Weekend even more accessible, SacRT is offering complimentary transit for participants. When community members sign up for Free Museum Weekend, they will receive a free ride flyer valid for Saturday, March 7, or Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free Museum Weekend attendees simply present the flyer to bus operators or light rail fare inspectors on the day of the visit to enjoy free rides throughout the SacRT system.

For more information about Sacramento Area Museums, follow on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/SacMuseums, Instagram and X @SacMuseums or visit www.SacMuseums.org

Comprised of approximately 25 greater Sacramento area museums, SAM’s mission is to raise awareness of local museums by giving the community the opportunity to discover the region’s fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures.

For more details about the upcoming 2026 Free Museum Weekend (including the SacRT flyer), please visitwww.sacmuseums.org/free-museum-weekend

If there’s anyone who can turn a Wednesday night into a glitterdrenched revival, it’s Jonathan Van Ness. The “Queer Eye” star, podcaster, author, and all-around joy generator brings their razor-sharp wit and radiant energy to San Francisco on April 30 for what promises to be an evening of big laughs and maybe a spontaneous hair-flip or two. Known for blending stand-up comedy with candid storytelling about self-love, resilience, and embracing your most authentic self, JVN doesn’t just perform—they create a full-body experience. Expect a show that will have you floating out of the theater like you’ve just been personally affirmed by a unicorn. Prepare to say “Yaaaas, Queen!” in public without shame.

ILife Is A Cabaret, Old Chum

f you are anywhere in the vicinity of Auburn, CA on the evening of March 5, consider checking out one of the finest dramatic movie musicals ever made.

In 1973, “Cabaret” won eight Academy Awards including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Music.

It also received numerous Golden Globe and BAFTA wins, recognizing its impact across acting, directing, and technical categories.

In 1931 Berlin, the Master of Ceremonies (Joel Grey) welcomes guests to the Kit Kat Klub with tongue firmly in cheek, to a place where “life is beautiful, the girls are beautiful, and even the orchestra is beautiful.”

American Sally Bowles (Liza Minelli) performs at the nightclub and enjoys a bohemian lifestyle in the last days of the Weimar Republic, as the Nazi Party rises to power.

Directed by Bob Fosse, the story blends flamboyant entertainment with serious political undertones, capturing the characters’ desires to ignore the growing Nazi threat for personal pleasure.

“Cabaret” will screen at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 5, at Odd Fellows Lodge #7 in Auburn. Tickets are $10--$12. For more information, go to www.auburnstatetheatre.org

The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber’s Business & Community Excellence Awards Lunch + Expo takes place March 12, 2026, at the Hilton Arden West. The morning begins with a FREE community expo from 10:00–11:30 a.m., followed by the Awards Lunch from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., celebrating outstanding local businesses and leaders making a difference in the region.

Hosted by the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, the event brings together community members, entrepreneurs, and advocates for networking, recognition, and connection. Tickets and sponsorship information are available through the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber. See their full page ad on page 14 for more info.

Food Beverage Nightlife

Martha Wash is “Gonna Make You Sweat”

Outword Interviews the Queen of Clubland

In the immortal words of her monster dance hit from 1990, Martha Wash is “Gonna Make You Sweat” this March 13 when she hits the stage of The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. Boy George & Culture Club headline the concert for a dynamite double-bill you won’t soon forget.

Wash’s spectacular voice has dominated dance clubs since the ‘70s, and her charisma and spirit have embraced millions of people around the world. With at least a dozen #1 dance hits, including her earlier work with disco pioneer Sylvester, Wash is known as “The Queen of Clubland,” a title that only hints at her versatility and intensity as a performer.

“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” was the highlight of her work with C&C Music Factory and sold 5 1/2 million copies worldwide, while her hits from the classic album “Dreamland” by Black Box include “Strike It Up,” “Everybody Everybody,” “I Don’t Know Anybody Else,” “Open Your Eyes,” “Fantasy,” and “Hold On.”

In addition to Wash’s work with superstars such as Sylvester, and her projects with Black Box and C&C Music Factory, the twice Grammy-nominated singer was half of the duo Two Tons of Fun, which evolved into The Weather Girls with the release of the smash hit “It’s Raining Men.” Ms. Wash began her musical career at the age of two in her parents’ church in her native San Francisco and then went on to study opera and tour Europe while she was still in high school. The artist also became part of a contemporary gospel group called N.O.W. (News of The World), and the mix of classical and gospel training accounts for her seemingly effortless transition from ballads to dance music to pop.

The singer’s most recent disc, 2020’s superb “Love & Conflict,” is a stunning showcase for her talents, with inspirational lyrics and a variety of musical styles that take Wash far beyond the dance floor.

Wash is noted for her many different voices, and those voices add up to one big-hearted diva who truly practices what she preaches. I realized that recently when I spoke to her by phone.

Martha, I am so excited that you’re returning to Northen California, for a show at The Venue in Lincoln. I think you’re going to be impressed because it’s a relatively new theater, and the stage and the sightlines and the sound system are all excellent. I’ve heard that from other people so it should be a great show.

Are you touring with Culture Club now or is this a one-off?

So far, it’s a one off, but I have played a show with them before, many years ago, in Europe. Boy George is going to have his band with him, so I’m sure he’ll be bringing the hits.

What about you?

Oh, I’ll be singing all my hits too.

This is sort of full-circle for you, since you first made a name for yourself performing with Sylvester, who was way ahead of his time with the gender-fluidity, and now you’re paired with another queer act known for being gender-fluid.

Well, that’s true come to think of it. You know if the music is good, the fans will keep coming.

That representation is important, especially nowadays with all the discrimination going on in our country.

Oh, absolutely. I live in New York, and I couldn’t believe what they did to Stonewall.

I know you’re a person of faith, so how do you stay strong with all that craziness? Do you try to tune it out?

No, I watch all the news, and I’m as pissed off as anyone. You know after Bush was elected, I told everyone that we were in for another Depression, but I would apologize to him if I could because that was nothing compared to what we’re seeing now. I mean, what happened to decorum and common decency? But people voted for it so….

Be careful what you wish for?

Exactly!

Do you ever miss San Francisco? San Francisco will always be in my heart, but Long Island is home now. I’ve been here for 41 years.

You’ve been in the music business even longer than that. I think it’s 50 years this year, isn’t it, since you auditioned for Sylvester? That’s half a century! Most artists don’t last that long in your business. It’s a testament to your talent and perseverance, and the loyalty of your fans.

Thank you. The fans have given me so much love and support over the years, and I am truly grateful for them.

You can learn more about Martha Wash’s career and music at www.marthawash.com To purchase tickets for the concert, visit: thundervalleyresort.com

by Chris Narloch

“Crime 101” &

“Kokuho”

Reviews

Plus, Elvis & “Wuthering Heights”

by Chris Narloch

Ihaven’t seen them yet, but this year’s Oscar-nominated short films were still playing at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre as Outword went to publication. For showtimes, visit https://angelikafilmcenter.com/tower/now-playing

Here are reviews of four new films I did have time to see.

Crime 101

All-star crime thrillers used to be a familiar sight at the box office, so it’s nice to see one get made and released and make money, which doesn’t happen as often as it used to.

Handsome Chris Hemsworth stars in “Crime 101” as a jewel thief who plans to retire after one more big heist. A down on his luck detective (Mark Ruffalo) and a disgruntled insurance broker (Halle Berry) complicate things, as does a volatile and violent criminal played by a terrific Barry Keoghan.

The casting is perfect, and the suspenseful story is twisty but easy to follow. Now playing in wide theatrical release.

Wuthering Heights

In a hilarious example of misguided movie hype and bait-and-switch at the box office, this depressing, tragic love story was marketed as the perfect date movie for Valentine’s Day weekend. (I wonder how many couples wanted to ask for their money back.)

Emerald Fennell, who directed the similarly disturbing films “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” is clearly drawn to unsettling material, but Emily Bronte’s classic novel of star-crossed love is already a sad story, so the director didn’t need to make it even more of a bummer, with way-too-dark cinematography and scenes of degradation. Rather than passionate young lovers, Catherine and Heathcliff come off as narcissistic brats in this version. Currently in wide theatrical release.

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

Baz Luhrmann, who helmed the blockbuster Elvis biopic from 2022 that starred Austin Butler, obviously wasn’t done with Presley, because he just released this terrific new documentary about the King, that includes never-before-seen concert footage discovered while the director was researching the previous film.

I had forgotten that women threw undergarments and room keys (and themselves) at Presley while he was on stage, and the bulk of the film is live clips of Elvis performing his hits (and other artists’ hits) during his Las Vegas heyday.

The new doc demonstrates, even more than the biopic could, what a thrilling performer Presley was. Now playing at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre.

Kokuho

This epic new foreign film was the highest grossing live-action film of all time in Japan, and it is also the first Japanese movie ever to be Oscar-nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. At almost three hours long, the film is an endurance test but one that pays off richly thanks to its immersion into the world of traditional kabuki theatre.

Two Japanese actors (Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama) are superb as best friends who become rival Kabuki actors, and the movie traces their ups and down over decades, on and off the stage. As I wrote this, “Kokuho” was still playing at the Varsity Theatre in Davis and the Cinemark on Greenback in Sacramento. Hopefully, it will be available for home viewing soon.

Food Beverage Nightlife

Out & About

Awith Matthew Burlingame

Feb 26

Explore Hollywood’s original horror hostess during An Evening with Vampira: The Life and Legacy of Maila Nurmi on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at The Altar Room in Sacramento. Archivist Michelle Perry presents rare artifacts, untold stories and haunting insights into the iconic TV pioneer’s glamorous, macabre life. Doors open at 6 p.m. Registration required. Thealtarroom.com

Mar. 5

Grab your lucky charms and sassiest friends for Drag Queen Bingo on March 5 from 7–9 p.m. at Mango’s, 1930 K St. Doors open at 6 p.m. for an evening of dazzling drag, cheeky banter and high-energy fun as players compete across eight lively games for prizes for just $20. Rainbowchamber.net

Mar. 5

Feb 28

Purple, green and gold take over downtown when the fifth annual City of Trees Parade & Mardi Gras Festival rolls onto Capitol Mall at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at 700 Capitol Mall. Expect dazzling floats, art cars, marching bands, food trucks and a glowing evening parade, capped by a high-energy dance party celebrating the city’s creativity and community spirit.

Cityoftreesparade.org

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at a free Lunar New Year Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at 4125 Temescal St., Suite B, in Fair Oaks. Hosted by Tian Chao Herbs & Acupuncture, the lively community event features a dragon dance, red-envelope giveaways, massage demos, wellness consultations and festive Chinese food for all ages.

Break bread and spark conversation at Grains of Connection: Art, Food & Conversation from 1–5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, 254 Old Davis Road, Davis. The free afternoon features tastings, hands-on art activities, gallery talks and a special dialogue with chef Reem Assil celebrating food, culture and community.

CLUE, the beloved board-game whodunit turned riotous stage comedy, sneaks into Folsom March 5–8 at the Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway. Expect slamming doors, suspicious glances and rapid-fire laughs as iconic characters race to solve the crime. It’s murderously funny, gloriously over-the-top and packed with twists right to the final reveal. Harriscenter.net

Emmy Award-winning comedian Vir Das brings his sharp, globally savvy humor to Hey Stranger at 7:30 p.m. March 5, 2026, at Crest Theatre, 1013 K St. Known for his hit Netflix specials and international storytelling style, Das delivers a fast-paced night of wit, cultural insight and laugh-out-loud stand-up. Cresttheater.com

Mar. 7

Capitol Beer Fest celebrates 16 years from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, on Capitol Mall. The popular festival features tastings from top brewers nationwide, food trucks and live music, plus a new “Cheers Without Beers” area offering mocktails, nonalcoholic brews and spirit-free beverages for a fresh take on festival sipping. Capitolbeerfest.com

s the season shifts toward spring our community calendar is blooming with opportunities to celebrate and support one another. Each shared experience strengthens the connections that make our community thrive. Showing up for one another reminds us that community isn’t just a place; it’s something we actively create together.

Violent Femmes celebrate 45 years of music at Channel 24, 1800 24th St., on Saturday, March 7. Formed in Milwaukee in 1981, the influential folk-punk band is known for raw, acoustic-driven anthems and fearless lyricism that helped define alternative music for generations. Channel24sac.com

Step into a nostalgic groove at R&B Fest from 3–8 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at The Rink Studios, 1031 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento. The 21-and-over DJ dance party spins nonstop ’90s and 2000s R&B hits, complete with dancers, confetti blasts and high-energy vibes for an old-school throwback celebration designed to keep the dance floor packed all evening. RNB-festival.com

Mar. 13

Towering vocals, iconic anthems and pure joy-filled pop history! Get ready to dance to two-time Grammy nominee Martha Wash as she launches her Music Is My Life Tour with a show-stopping Friday, Mar. 13, performance alongside Boy George & Culture Club at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, 1200 Athens Ave. in Lincoln. Thundervalleyresort.com

Upcoming

The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce hosts the Business & Community Excellence Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard St. The luncheon honors leaders, businesses and organizations advancing innovation, inclusivity, equality and economic growth in the LGBTQ+ and allied community. Rainbowchamber.com

Benise brings Spanish Nights by Candlelight to Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway, Folsom, on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. The Emmy-award-winning “Prince of Spanish Guitar” combines fiery flamenco, world rhythms and elegant guitar classics like “Moonlight Sonata” and “Hotel California” with dance and lush staging for an unforgettable evening. Harriscenter.net

Ongoing

The critically acclaimed drama The Sound Inside takes the stage at Capital Stage, 2215 J St. This gripping two-character thriller, by Pulitzer-winner Adam Rapp, explores art, academia and the consequences of a profound connection and offers a provocative evening of theatre not to be missed. It runs through March 1. Capstage.org

Do you have events, birthdays, or announcements to share? Feel free to send them to matthewburlingame@gmail.com.

Original Café Beaujolais

Black Bean Chili

Makes 8 Servings

SRecipe and photo reprinted with permission from The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook by Julian Lopez, February 2026 /The Collective Book Studio

urely no old-time Café Beaujolais preparation is found in more fans’ freezers around the country than this one, a stickto-your-ribs vegetarian chili so satisfying and easy to make. To my amazement, Julia Child ordered this homey dish when she visited the Beaujolais in the mid-1980s. Topped with grated cheese and served with warmed corn tortillas, it was a healthy, economical meal that we wound up making by the boatload for a very long time once word got out about Julia’s choice. —MF

4 cups dried black beans

3 cups whole canned tomatoes, crushed

2 large yellow onions, finely chopped

1½ cups finely chopped green bell peppers

½ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons cumin seeds

2 tablespoons Beaujolais Blend Herbs (see below)

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1½ tablespoons paprika

½ cup finely chopped jalapeño peppers (canned are fine)

2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ pound cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, grated

½ cup finely chopped green onions

⅔ cup sour cream

8 sprigs fresh cilantro (and if you really like cilantro, then 2 tablespoons more to sprinkle on top)

Sort through the beans and remove the funky ones and the small pebbles. (They’re always there. Our prep cook didn’t like doing it either.) Rinse well. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water until it’s several inches above the top of the beans. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook until the beans are tender, about 1¾ hours. You will need to add more water if you start to see the beans. When the beans are cooked, reserve 1 cup of cooking water. Drain the beans, then return them to the pot and add back the reserved cooking water. Place the cumin seed and Beaujolais Blend Herbs in a small pan and bake in a 325° for 10 to 12 minutes until the fragrance is toasty.

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions, green peppers, and garlic in oil the with cumin seeds and herbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt, until onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chiles. Add all to the beans and stir well.

To serve, place 1-ounce grated cheese, then 1¼ cups hot chili in a heated bowl. Place a spoonful of sour cream on top. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon green onions and place a sprig of cilantro or about ½ tsp chopped cilantro on the sour cream. Serve warm.

Beaujolais Blend Herbs

MAKES ABOUT 2 TABLESPOONS

2 generous pinches dried basil

2 generous pinches dried oregano

2 generous pinches dried thyme

1 generous pinch dried tarragon

1 generous pinch dried rosemary

Mix the herbs together and put in an airtight jar.

Check out Café Beaujolais’ website for some great gift ideas. Click here.

Get even more delicious recipes in The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook (The Collective Book Studio, Hardcover/$40.00) as it celebrates more than five decades of culinary excellence. With over 85 seasonal recipes from current owner and chef Julian Lopez, alongside 10 beloved classic recipes from Margaret S. Fox, the pioneering restaurateur who transformed Café Beaujolais into a West Coast dining destination in the 1980s. For more information and to purchase the cookbook, click here

Friday, 3-13-26 5:30 - 7 pm

Activating Taste Buds

“T

his Could’ve Been an Email”

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• 1 oz fresh espresso (or very strong coffee)

The Drink: The Passive Aggressive Espresso Martini (Serves one over-scheduled professional with boundaries pending)

• ½ oz simple syrup (optional, depending on how sweet you’re pretending to be)

• 3 coffee beans for garnish (symbolic. Decorative. Unnecessary.)

Directions

Add everything to a shaker with ice.

Shake aggressively. You earned it.

Strain into a coupe or martini glass.

Place three beans on top like you have your life together.

Sip slowly.

Reply tomorrow.

Why This Works

It’s strong.

It’s efficient.

It wakes you up just enough to remember that you are not the problem—your calendar is.

Much like that meeting, it looks polished.

Unlike that meeting, it delivers.

Pair With:

• Logging off without announcing it.

• Muting one group chat for peace.

• Scheduling your “quick sync” for next week.

• Realizing you can, in fact, just say no.

Because sometimes survival looks like grace.

And sometimes it looks like vodka and espresso in a very small, very elegant glass.

Either way—

Clocked out. Poured up. See you next issue.

Memes from Facebook

Don’t Miss A Thing

ADULT STORES

Advertisers with a contract of four months or more. LIBRARIES

FRIENDS OF THE SAC. PUBLIC LIBRARY 8250 Belvedere, Ste. E, 916-731-8493

MUSEUMS

CROCKER ART MUSEUM 916-808-7000 CrockerArt.org OPTOMETRY

CAMERON YEE, O.D. 6407 Riverside Blvd., 916-395-0673 DrCameronYee@aol.com PERFORMING ARTS

BROADWAY SACRAMENTO Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center 916-557-1999 BroadwaySacramento.com

MONDAVI CENTER UC Davis mondaviarts.org PEST MANAGEMENT

EARTH GUARD PEST SERVICES 916-457-7605 contact@earthguardpest.com

PHARMACY

PUCCI’S PHARMACY 3257 Folsom Blvd., 916-442-5891 www.puccirx.com

REAL ESTATE

BEAZER HOMES R21 By Beazer Homes 916-246-6044 Beazer.com

COLDWELL BANKER Mark T. Peters, 916-600-2039 www.MarkPeters.biz

MCMARTIN REALTY Brian McMartin, 916-402-4160 brian@brianmcmartin.com McMartinRealty.com

WINDERMERE REALESTAT Lori Pennell, 916-547-8793 www.LoriPennell.com

THERAPY & WELLNESS

SNAIL’S PACE Dr. Ryan Cheperka SnailsPaceTherapy.com

Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a leisurely two-week adventure abroad, LGBTQ+ travelers are always ready to pack a bag and “get away from it all.” From Sacramento, it’s easy to hop a flight to Vegas or head up to Lake Tahoe for a scenic retreat. If your business wants to welcome these travelers—and capture their attention—make sure they know it.

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