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It is not every week we get to report on actual wildlife wandering through local neighborhoods, but Rocklin had a brief visit from a bear recently.

Outside of unexpected animal sightings, things are moving right along across town. Old Town Roseville is getting a much-needed parking expansion, and downtown Lincoln is serving up some of the best handmade pasta around. Grab your iced coffee and jump into this week's top picks.

128 more parking spaces are coming to Old Town

The Gist: Roseville is moving ahead with a new 128-space parking lot in Historic Old Town, including five accessible spaces and 12 EV-charging spaces. The project also extends Roundhouse Row to Lincoln Street, creating a more direct pedestrian connection to nearby businesses and housing.

Why It Matters: Anyone who has circled Old Town looking for a spot knows the value here. More parking and a better walking connection should make the district easier to use as it continues to grow.

What's Next: Construction is scheduled from summer 2026 through spring 2027.

A bear made a rare visit to Rocklin

The Gist: Rocklin Police alerted residents after a bear was spotted around the Sunset Whitney area, with additional sightings later reported nearby. Officers advised people to keep their distance, avoid feeding the animal, and keep pets supervised and leashed. California Fish and Wildlife was also notified.

Why It Matters: Bear sightings are unusual in Rocklin, which made this one especially notable for nearby neighborhoods. The main takeaway is simple: give wildlife plenty of space and let professionals handle it.

A little Renaissance with dinner

460 Lincoln Boulevard, Lincoln, CA

Buonarroti Ristorante brings a little Italian Renaissance spirit into historic downtown Lincoln. Chef-owner Daniel grew up with Italian family recipes, and the restaurant still leans heavily on that foundation, using scratch-made preparations and fresh ingredients in a century-old brick setting.

The hand-rolled gnocchi comes in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce with crispy prosciutto, while the pollo piccata brings garlic, capers, lemon, white wine, and butter together around tender chicken. Wednesday also has its own draw: house lasagna made with beef, pork, ricotta, Parmesan, and their red sauce.

Save a little room for tiramisu.

Seventy-five artists under one roof

213 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA

Sparrow5 has been filling Vernon Street with wonderfully odd, inventive things since 2013. The shop showcases work from more than 75 Northern California artists, with furniture, repurposed musical instruments, driftwood pieces, recycled metal art, garden finds, vintage items, gifts, and collectibles all sharing the space.

This is not the store for rushing in with one item on a list. It is better when something completely unexpected catches your eye.

There is a creative side beyond the shelves too. Weekly classes include Paint Your Pet, mixed media, art journaling, canvas painting, and drawing, with custom pieces and interior design services also available.

✈ Insider Travel

Skip the Typical Resort This Summer. Stay in a Centuries-Old Sicilian Village Instead.

Casa Gratteri offers beautifully restored homes in Gratteri, a hidden mountain town in Sicily with sweeping views, deep history, and zero crowds. Full concierge service, a private chef on request, and modern finishes throughout. This is the kind of trip people talk about for the rest of their lives.

Casa Gratteri, Sicily

Insider Newsletter approved. ✓

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🏡 Tri-County Home & Garden Show | Roebbelen Center | Roseville | 08/14 | More
Home projects, garden ideas, and hundreds of exhibitors fill the weekend.

🧘 Fountains Morning Movement | Fountains at Roseville | Roseville | 08/15 | More
Yin yoga and sound bowls start Saturday on a gentler note.

🪩 Concerts on the Square: Bee Gees Fever | Vernon Street Town Square | Roseville | 08/15 | More
Free disco favorites turn downtown into a family-friendly dance floor.

🚗 Dreams and Drivers August Cars n Coffee | 6612 Lonetree Boulevard | Rocklin | 08/16 | More
Free cars and coffee gives gearheads of every age plenty to inspect.

🐕 VEG ER for Pets Open House | Veterinary Emergency Group | Roseville | 08/17 | More
Hospital tours, giveaways, and friendly dogs fill this pet-lover open house.

📚 Tot Time | Fountains at Roseville | Roseville | 08/18 | More
Free pet-themed stories and playtime are built for little ones.

🎨 Family Art Night | Enchanted Indoor Playground | Rocklin | 08/19 | More
Party llamas and an hour of painting make a colorful family night.

📖 Preschool Storytime | Rocklin Library | Rocklin | 08/19 | More
Free stories, songs, and fingerplays are made for ages three to five.

🎶 Rhonda Lynn & Edgewood Station Live | Cross Roads Pizza & Pub | Rocklin | 08/14 | More
Free country, folk, and beginner-friendly line dancing welcome the whole family.

🎸 Friday Nights Live: BlueSoul Acoustics | Fountains at Roseville | Roseville | 08/14 | More
Acoustic soul, indie, and folk make an easy Friday evening.

🎸 Four Barrel | Opera House Saloon | Roseville | 08/14 | More
21+ dance-rock favorites keep Friday loud from the first chorus.

🤠 Bootscootin Bootcamp: A Line Dance Party | Historic Beermann Plaza Event Center | Lincoln | 08/14 | More
Dinner and beginner line dancing make a fun downtown party.

🎨 SPCA Fundraiser: Paint Your Pet | Painting with a Twist | Rocklin | 08/15 | More
21+ pet portraits help raise money for Placer SPCA.

🤠 Dwight Yoakam | Thunder Valley Casino Resort | Lincoln | 08/15 | More
Honky-tonk classics and country storytelling take over Lincoln’s big stage.

🎤 Lee Hyun Woo: Dream Again | Thunder Valley Casino Resort | Lincoln | 08/16 | More
Korean pop ballads anchor a polished Sunday concert.

🤘 Quicksand / Bane | Goldfield Trading Post | Roseville | 08/16 | More
Post-hardcore veterans make Sunday night considerably louder.

A huge thank-you to all the teachers heading back to school. You deserve the laughs ahead more than anyone! ❤️

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