Welcome, one and all, to our annual Green Issue. Everyone is invited, because we all share this wonderful planet. In this edition, we take a look at new developments in green technology, smart ideas for everyday living, and ways we can all help—right down to reducing the staggering amount of food wasted each year.

We begin with important news from Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a look at a clean-energy partnership California Governor Gavin Newsom helped arrange with the United Kingdom. You’ll find that on page 3.

A few pages in, there’s information on the return of the Sacramento Pride Run, presented by Sacramento FrontRunners. We also examine the Forest Service overhaul that nobody seemed to ask for. And for something more uplifting, don’t miss our feature on global rugby in Sacramento and what’s ahead this season. That story and photos come to us from the wonderful Chris Allan on page 8.

Keeping with our green theme, e-bikes continue to grow in popularity. But Attorney General Bonta is urging consumers to understand the different classifications, speeds, and legal distinctions. Some vehicles marketed as e-bikes may actually classified as motorcycles. Check that out on page 11.

And for those who still doubt EVs, a USC study suggests electric vehicles are already making a measurable positive impact in neighborhoods where they are common. Details are on page 12.

As you head toward the center of this 30-page issue, you’ll find Chris Narloch’s mini reviews of four current films, along with coverage of CaliDanza on page 18. He also returns later with The Art of May on page 25.

Elsewhere, we have a CD review on page 18 and a feature on Placer Pride’s fifth anniversary celebration on page 20. We also encourage you to take a moment to enjoy the full-page ads for upcoming events and Pride celebrations. There is a lot of fun on the horizon, and we’ll keep you posted as the season gets closer.

We round out the issue with a fun, taste-bud-activating restaurant review from Randy Hartley, a cocktail creation from Jules the Mixologist, and Matthew Burlingame’s always-exceptional Out & About column featuring fun things to do and see. And yes—Memes from Facebook makes its triumphant return. Go, Pete, go!

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue. If you have something you’d like to share with our readers, drop us a line—we’d love to hear from you.

And starting with our first issue in May, we launch our Pure Pride season with the Senior Pride Issue, the first of four Pride special editions.

Oh boy… it’s happening.
Call Fred to help rip off the band aid…