![The California State Railroad Museum gave Anna Judah her due in a recent exhibition. (Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_9775.png?1714068771)
Anna Judah: Far More Than Theodore Judah’s Victorian Housewife
Through her artistry, she brought the transcontinental railroad to life — before it was built
You wouldn’t know that a tragic love story led to the railroad that connected the East and West coasts for the first time.
![The premiere of the film “Behind the Apron” was followed by a reception for the art exhibit Mise-en-Place at the Sofia. (Photos courtesy of Mulvaney’s B&L)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/miseenplace.png?1713451785)
Restaurant Industry Confronts Its Mental Health Crisis Through Art, Dance and Film
Sacramento restaurateurs and artists team up to highlight and address the struggles of restaurant workers
By the end of 2018, Sacramento’s restaurant industry was reeling. That year, close to 20 industry workers — servers, chefs, bartenders and others — died from suicide or behaviors related to drug or alcohol use. In the last month of the year alone, four workers lost their lives.
![A workshop participant shows off her letterpress creation at Tuleburg Press in downtown Stockton. (Photos courtesy of Tuleburg Press)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/tuleburg_lead_1.png?1713369021)
Right People, Write Place
Publishing press preserves lost art form and promotes local writers
Tuleburg Press, founded in 2013, is a Stockton nonprofit publishing company with a focus on developing creative literary community programs, showcasing local writers and building an appreciation of the book arts.
![The writer Miranda Culp, left, and her business partner Laurelin Gilmore became the owners of Richard L. Press, Fine and Scholarly Books in November 2020 and renamed it Amatoria Fine Art Books. (Photo by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0424_opinion_bookstores_calisterio.png?1713294603)
The Great Circle of the Book
OPINION: Independent bookstores are the secret lifeblood of local culture
Independent Bookstore Day is April 27 this year. The owner of one of Sacramento County’s many independent bookstores lets us in on the unique purpose they serve in their respective neighborhoods.
![Maricelia Dominguez and Chyna Anzaldua are the owners of Les Tattoos. (Photos by Robin Douglas)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/lead_17.png?1712677895)
Inked and Empowered
Sacramento History Museum explores the role of women in tattoo culture
Once associated with fringe cultures and criminals, tattoos have long since moved into the mainstream, becoming a popular way for people to celebrate their lives and express themselves. Today, however, more women than men have tattoos.
![For her pop-up Pastry Cat, Nariya Charoensupaya sells classic French-style pastries with an Asian twist, like this Danish filled with kimchi and gruyere cheese. (Photos by Debbie Cunningham)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/dsc_1402.png?1712157960)
Pop-Up Popularity
Female chefs and bakers find success outside the traditional restaurant model
These nomadic eateries, which surged in popularity around the Great Recession, came in vogue again during the COVID-19 pandemic, often as the only option for cooks in lockdown.
![Conrad’s murals often invite interaction, like this painting of a dandelion, titled, “The Wishing Wall,” which is located at Historic Alley and 19th Street in Sacramento. (Photos courtesy of Maren Conrad)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/copy_of_artexposed-conrad-2.png?1711734114)
Art Exposed: Maren Conrad
Meet the Sacramento muralist and designer who creates joyful spaces for women
Maren Conrad reflects on her iconic Sacramento murals and her latest project, the Jacquelyn.
![Against the background of the Capitol building, an information stand displays the event's signature poster. (Photos by Joe Perfecto)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_l3a6899_copy.jpg?1710880220)
Crescent City Comes to the Capital
The third annual City of Trees parade brings Mardi Gras vibes to Sacramento
Earlier this month, downtown Sacramento looked a little more like the Big Easy for the City of Trees Parade: one of the biggest Mardi Gras events west of the Mississippi.
![WowWow Chili’s Mark and Toni Groth at a chili cook-off in Bonanza, Oregon, in 2016. (Photo courtesy of Mark and Toni Groth)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/lead_groth_1.png?1710518534)
The Chiliheads of Sacramento
National chili competitions are the spice of life for Capital Region retirees — including the founders of Jimboy’s
We’re like a biker gang, but we make chili,” says competitive chili cook Toni Groth, who travels across the country with her husband Mark to fight for the title of World’s Best. Plus, Jimboy’s gives us the chili scoop.
Sponsored
![Pictured: Corey De Roo and Maria Madrigal](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mac0379-edit.jpg?1709673829)
FLORIN ROAD PARTNERSHIP
BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING: NURTURING DIVERSITY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN LEADERS
From Franklin Blvd to Tamoshanter Way there is a new project blossoming in South Sacramento. One that is fueled by a passionate group of female leaders behind the scenes and at the forefront.