The Sacramento Brief

NEWS

Two people were hospitalized after a stabbing Monday night in downtown Sacramento. The Sacramento Police Department says officers responded just before 9:45 p.m. to the 400 block of K Street. Both victims suffered stab wounds. Conditions have not been released. No suspect information is available.

UPDATE: One stabbing victim has died

Earlier, a reckless driving pursuit near Sixth and I streets ended after officers used a PIT maneuver and spike strips. The vehicle crashed through the sallyport doors at the Sacramento County Main Jail. The suspect fled on foot but was arrested. A pedestrian was struck during the chase; no serious injuries were reported.

Both incidents remain under investigation.

CITY WATCH

The Sacramento Youth Commission is launching a backpack drive.

On March 22nd, Youth Commissioners will be out in neighborhoods collecting new or gently used backpacks for students in need. If a student comes knocking, having one ready makes a difference.

You can also donate through the Amazon registry here:

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/7T90MUWP81KL?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_VSVBFV8J7APFW2CC2B44_1&language=en-US

Supporting Sacramento youth — led by youth themselves.

WEATHER

Mostly sunny with a high near 68. Light winds becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Tonight — increasing clouds with a low around 46.

EVENTS

Policy:

ENLIGHTENMENT Salon hosts “Should We Have a Wealth Tax?” at 6:30 p.m. Discussion centers on California’s proposed Billionaire Tax Act. Tickets $10.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/enlightenment-should-california-have-a-wealth-tax-tickets-1983728476273?aff=oddtdtcreator

Innovation:

Folsom Tech Week runs March 3–6 at Granite City Commons — focusing on HealthTech, GovTech, AI, and startups.

https://folsomtechweek.com

History:

Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento’s Lost Japantown continues at the California Museum through March 29th.

https://californiamuseum.org/dexhibitions/temporary/upcoming/kokoro-the-story-of-sacramentos-lost-japantown/

[NEWS]

Sacramento County detectives have dismantled a large-scale illegal gambling network tied to eight illicit casinos operating out of residential neighborhoods across Northern California.

Authorities say the organization laundered more than $1.4 million dollars between January 2024 and July 2025.

Meanwhile — an officer-involved shooting is under investigation near the 8100 block of New Hope Road in South Sacramento County. The suspect was declared deceased at the scene. All deputies are safe and uninjured.

And in a follow-up to a February homicide — Sacramento Police have arrested 27-year-old Ray Howard in connection with a deadly shooting along West El Camino Avenue. The victim later died at a local hospital.

[CITY WATCH]

Sacramento City Council has approved Vision Zero safety plans for two high-injury corridors — Norwood and Howe Avenues — aimed at reducing serious crashes and improving pedestrian and bicycle access.

🔗 https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/02/27/city-advances-vision-zero-plans-for-two-high-injury-corridors/

[WEATHER]

Partly sunny today, becoming sunny this afternoon with a high near 66.

Tonight — mostly clear with a low around 45.

[EVENTS]

Today at the Sacramento Children’s Museum — Sensory Friendly Play offers modified open play for children with sensory needs from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

🔗 https://sackids.org/programs/sensory-friendly-play/

All month long — explore Historic Folsom during Where’s Winnie? — A Hunt for the Sutter Street Pig.

🔗 https://historicfolsom.org/event/wheres-winnie-a-hunt-for-the-sutter-street-pig/

And Tuesday night — Music Bingo at Teneral Cellars. Free to play with prizes throughout the evening.

🔗 https://www.exploretock.com/teneral-cellars-sacramento/event/595629

[NEWS]

New charges have been filed against David Allen Funston as he was set to be released on parole yesterday. Prosecutors now accuse him in a 1996 kidnapping and child molestation case in Roseville. CDCR confirmed he was scheduled for release under California’s Elderly Parole Program but was instead turned over to Placer County authorities on a new arrest warrant. He’s expected to be arraigned next week.

And the Christian Brothers High School community is mourning the loss of freshman varsity basketball player Jaden DeJesus-Eves. The 6-foot-8 student-athlete was known as a gentle giant on and off the court. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

[CITY WATCH]

Sacramento County’s Public Defender’s Office is receiving statewide recognition — earning a 2025 Challenge Award from the California State Association of Counties for its Juvenile Pre-Trial Program. Launched in 2023, the program connects youth with social workers to assess trauma, mental health, education, and family needs — helping reduce detention time and repeat custody through early support services.

https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/sacramento-county-public-defender-awarded-for-innovation-.html#gsc.tab=0

[WEATHER]

Patchy morning fog before 10AM, then partly sunny with a high near 75. Winds turn northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low around 54. A 30% chance of rain moves in Sunday with highs in the upper 60s.

[EVENTS]

Friday at 4:30PM — Fido Fridays at Midtown Lounge.

https://www.midtownloungesac.com/events

Saturday from 9 to 10:30AM — Downtown Mural and Art Walk.

https://sactownbites.com/product/downtown-mural-and-art-walk/

Saturday at 4PM — BLENDED Art Exhibit Artist Talk at the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum.

https://www.ebonylondon.com

Sunday at noon — River Cats Festival of Baseball Pre-Season Party at Sutter Health Park.

https://am.ticketmaster.com/rivercats/buy/quickbuy?id=OTA5&utm_source=organic+social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=preseason_party&fbclid=IwY2xjawQN-pNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQS3RQbE9qZ3RRd205bVBHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrqqVThkEhGc9SOCOQUQrO_3TTe-VOUjTmkN5cII5f1SBrlx8TBhLxdOd5Oz_aem_GZ1mHKc-KWAQdZSxovQy2A

NEWS

No major overnight incidents — but this week, officers responded to a fight near Truxel Rd and San Juan Rd where one suspect was arrested with an illegally concealed firearm.

Evidence of a shooting was also located near Watermist Way and Cancion St — no injuries reported.

At Del Paso Blvd and Arden Way, an occupied stolen vehicle was recovered and the driver arrested.

And in Central Sacramento, a cyclist fleeing a stop near North B St and Dos Rios St was detained on a probation violation warrant.

Officers also located evidence of gunfire in the 400 block of Ford Ave — with no reported victims or damage.

https://apps.sacpd.org/Dailies/index.aspx

CITY WATCH

Sacramento County is marking two years of PAWS — Pets Aid & Wellness Services — a mobile vet program delivering prevention, vaccines, microchipping and basic care directly to underserved communities.

Services jumped from 158 in 2023 to more than 1,500 annually — with $200,000 already raised toward a new medical trailer to expand spay-neuter and dental care.

https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/celebrating-two-years-of-paws-keeping-pets-and-people-together.html#gsc.tab=0

WEATHER

Dense fog clears by mid-morning for gradual sunshine and a high near 71.

Tonight — mostly cloudy with a low around 50 and calm winds.

EVENTS

Tonight, the Crocker Art Museum presents Come Closer: Ruby Ibarra from 7 to 9PM — with a pre-show DJ set from 5:30.

https://www.crockerart.org/events/4209/come-closer-ruby-ibarra

Also kicking off — Improv 101 at the Comedy Spot Training Center, Thursdays from 7 to 9PM through April 23rd.

https://saccomedyspot.vbotickets.com/event/improv_101_class/75086

And get creative at Poppy + Pot with Play in Clay with Kev — glaze and decorate runs today from 4 to 6:30PM.

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/101for101years/event/playincalywithkevaslabbuildingworkshop/

[NEWS]

A Sacramento jury has convicted Song Landis of first-degree murder in a 2022 shooting along the Marconi Avenue corridor. He faces up to 75 years to life. Sentencing is set for May 8th.

In a separate case, 57-year-old Javier Arizmendi has been sentenced to 54 years to life for grooming and sexually assaulting a child he met on Xbox Live. He’ll be eligible for Elder Parole after serving about 20 years.

https://www.sacda.org/category/media/press-release/

[CITY WATCH]

At the 2026 State of Downtown address, Downtown Sacramento Partnership leaders outlined a 10-year vision focused on safety, cleanliness, and building a vibrant 24-hour central city. Urban planner Jeff Speck delivered the keynote on walkable city design.

https://www.downtownsac.org/downtown-sac-experiences/state-of-downtown/

[WEATHER]

Slight chance of morning rain, then mostly cloudy with a high near 67.

Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 50.

[EVENTS]

Anthony Ray Hinton speaks tonight at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center from 7 to 9 p.m.

https://www.sacramentospeakers.com

Also tonight, The Broken Home Showcase hits Laughs Unlimited from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

https://www.laughsunlimited.com

[NEWS]

Sacramento County Sheriff’s officials are warning the public following the early parole of David Allen Funston — convicted of kidnapping and molesting multiple young children.

Funston, now 64, was serving more than 20 years plus three consecutive 25-to-life terms. His release under California’s Elderly Parole Program is raising public safety concerns.

https://x.com/sacsheriff/status/2026066143480516643/video/1

[CITY WATCH]

Street sweeping has resumed across Sacramento and will run monthly through October on public roads with curbs and gutters.

Residents can check service dates and set move-your-car reminders using the free SacRecycle app.

https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/02/20/street-sweeping-begins-again-on-sacramento-streets/

[WEATHER]

Rain Tuesday with a high near 60 and gusts up to 22 mph. Up to a half inch possible.

Rain continues tonight before 10 p.m., with a low around 55.

[EVENTS]

Sacramento Science on Tap: The New Science of Love and Connection

6:30–7:30 p.m. | ENLIGHTENMENT Salon

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sacramento-science-on-tap-the-new-science-of-love-and-connection-tickets-1983058000863?aff=oddtdtcreator

Words Take Wing Evening Program

6–8 p.m. | Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

https://engage.saclibrary.org/event/15595511

[NEWS]

Sacramento Police are investigating a fatal shooting Friday night in the 1500 block of West El Camino Avenue. An adult male later died at a nearby hospital. No suspect information has been released.

Saturday night, four juveniles were arrested following a robbery at knifepoint in the 3000 block of Power Inn Road.

And early Sunday morning, six people were injured in a Midtown hit-and-run crash near 20th and P Streets. Two victims suffered critical but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver fled on foot.

[CITY WATCH]

Planning a public event in Sacramento?

The City is hosting a free Sac Scenes & Sounds permitting workshop February 26 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the North Natomas Community Center. Learn how to secure Special Event Permits for gatherings of more than 50 people. Networking begins at 2:30 p.m. RSVP on Eventbrite.

https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/02/18/learn-how-to-navigate-public-event-permitting-at-a-feb-26-training/

[EVENTS]

Join the Sacramento Historical Society Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Columbus Hall on the Sacramento State campus for a talk on Wells Fargo’s role in shaping early Sacramento. Registration encouraged.

https://www.sachistoricalsociety.org/events-1/wells-fargos-pivotal-role-in-shaping-sacramento

Tonight, unwind with Yin Yoga at Ritual Wellness House, led by Eliza Maroney at Antiquité Midtown, 2114 P Street.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yin-yoga-at-ritual-wellness-house-tickets-1761739192349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

I’m Carol — it’s Friday, February 20, 2026. Let’s get you caught up.

[NEWS]

One person was hospitalized with serious injuries after a vehicle went off the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard overpass and landed on northbound Highway 99 Thursday night, according to CHP.

The crash caused several minor collisions. No other injuries were reported.

All lanes are now open. The cause remains under investigation.

In other developments—

A 20-year-old man disarmed by an off-duty officer during an all-school Mass at St. Mary Parish School on Wednesday is now facing federal charges.

Prosecutors say Brian Richard Girardot Jr. possessed a firearm within a school zone. Investigators also report finding additional ammunition in his vehicle and threatening handwritten notes at his home.

The FBI and Sacramento Police continue to investigate.

[WEATHER]

Widespread frost is expected before 8:00 a.m.—followed by mostly sunny skies with a high near 51.

Light south-southeast winds today.

Patchy frost returns after 2:00 a.m. tonight under partly cloudy skies, with overnight lows around 36.

[EVENTS]

The SUD Voices for Change Listening Session takes place today from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front Street.

This free, registration-required session invites individuals impacted by substance use disorders to share lived experiences and help guide opioid settlement funding decisions. Breakfast is provided, and participants may receive up to a $45 gift card for full participation.

More info: https://caadpe.org/listening-sessions-live/

Celebration Arts Theatre continues its 40th season with The Colored Museum, running February 19th through the 22nd at 2727 B Street.

Evening shows begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets range from $10 to $25.

Details: https://celebrationarts.vbotickets.com/events

And tonight—

Live at the Village returns with Carla Fleming and Friends from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Village of OM, 1915 S Street—featuring live music, small bites, and drink specials for a smooth Midtown wind-down.

DONATE

https://gofund.me/757b11801

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

I’m Carol — let’s get you caught up.

[NEWS]

Four arrests have been made following a months-long narcotics investigation in Placer County.

Roseville Police say search warrants at multiple homes uncovered cocaine, alprazolam pills, nearly eight pounds of marijuana, and packaging materials tied to drug sales.

Officers also seized suppressors, short-barreled rifles, an illegal rifle, 3D-printed firearm parts, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

All four suspects were booked on drug- and weapons-related charges. The investigation is ongoing.

[CITY WATCH]

Sacramento is facing a projected $66.2 million budget deficit as planning begins for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Officials cite rising homelessness response costs, labor contracts, and pensions as key drivers.

City leaders have already redirected $7.7 million in savings, with additional reductions under review ahead of final budget adoption in June.

[WEATHER]

Mostly cloudy Wednesday with rain likely after 4 p.m.

High near 49.

Rain becomes steadier overnight with a low around 40 and gusts up to 23 mph.

Up to a quarter inch of rain possible.

[EVENTS]

AEW Dynamite hits the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium tonight.

📍 1515 J Street

🕓 Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

🔗 https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-event/aew-dynamite-sacramento

Or—

Support Front Street Shelter’s HOAP program at Trivia for a Great Cause: We Love Our Pets.

📍 Enlightenment Salon, 2221 10th Street

🕡 6:30–8:30 p.m.

💲 $5 entry + pet supply donation encouraged

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-for-a-great-cause-we-love-our-pets-tickets-1982243285026?aff=oddtdtcreator