The irony of Maria Kang’s international success is not lost on her: The same critics who helped her message go viral inadvertently opened the door for her to reach a global audience.

Rancho Cordova was always a natural location for a multi-city California bike race. This year, the city of 75,000 was finally tapped to host a stage of the race. 

It has been a head-spinning past two weeks for Sacramento and its five-year bid to become the next Major League Soccer expansion team.

As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.

It’s where you have a picnic. Play a pick-up soccer game. Do yoga in the fresh air. People-watch. Daydream. Take a breath. The park is a central part of the urban experience as a gathering spot, a green space and a respite from hectic city life.

When the Sacramento Kings swapped their development league affiliate from Reno to Stockton earlier this year, it meant Stockton claimed its third minor league team, adding a key tenant to the city’s revitalizing downtown waterfront.

The Amtrak Capitol Corridor train originates in Auburn and goes as far as San Jose. It has been a long-time popular way to the games, especially beginning in 2001 when service increased and Amtrak began offering a 25 percent discount to riders destined for Raiders games.

Under Vivek Ranadive’s ownership, the Kings have become a leading tech-savvy sports franchise, primarily by building the Golden 1 Center, which is considered one of the highest-tech sports stadiums in the world.

Sacramento Republic FC has been in a celebratory mood all season honoring its five years as a United Soccer League franchise, and Klimenta has been part of the team since the start. He began this year with Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy before being released in June and returning to Sacramento.

Young or old, rich or poor, city-dweller or rural resident — the response was the same: Civic amenities are vital to a good life.