James Raia, a freelance writer and author in Sacramento, contributes a weekly automotive column to Bay Area News Group as well as sports and lifestyle content to several print and online publications including the Monterey Herald and Gulfshore Business Magazine in Florida. Email: james@jamesraia.com.
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Pasquini’s Serves Up Nearly a Century of Food, Family and Lore
What began as basement dinners and bootleg wine now thrives as a multigenerational Italian dining landmark in Live Oak
Behind a nearly obscured sign on Highway 99 is a 95-year-old bastion of Italian American food and heritage that still offers Spaghetti Monday every week.

Roseville’s Neilson Powless Gets Ready for His Sixth Tour de France
He was one of only four U.S. riders in 2024 and the first citizen of a Native American nation to compete in the three-week elite race
The former Roseville High School standout long-distance runner is preparing for his sixth participation in the event, beginning July 5. The race stretches across the sunflower-packed flatlands of France, ascends into the snow-covered Alps and Pyrenees and often crosses country borders as if visiting nearby neighborhoods.

Inviting Guests
New program brings popular beer from other parts of the country to your local brewery
Customers who visit select craft breweries in the Sacramento region with “guest taps” — as in, beers from another brewery — will be offered two limited treats beginning this week as part of a new beer import program.

Taking It Home
Growler clubs, which encourage repeat patronage, gain popularity in the Capital Region
Breweries say the clubs are a good way to compete in the expanding marketplace because they encourage repeat customers. Customers have the option to pay a flat rate for a stainless steel canteen and a predetermined number of refills.