Local

4 Sacramento stories shaping identity, from historic landmarks to civic choices

Stories by Sacramento Bee journalists, with AI summarization

Sacramento’s unique spirit emerges in stories that range from everyday details to bold landmarks. The city’s history hides in plain sight, such as Berry’s Foundry manhole covers that date back nearly a century. At the waterfront, the Ziggurat pyramid building stands out, now filled with state employees and home to a secret Gaudí-inspired room. Even local food culture gets a twist, with Lucky’s Drive-in planning to transform a retro double-decker bus into a dining area.

The ziggurat building, occupied by the Money Store, in West Sacramento glows at night lighting in 1998. By Owen Brewer

NO. 1: WHY IS THERE A 10-STORY PYRAMID IN WEST SACRAMENTO? HERE’S THE STORY BEHIND THE ZIGGURAT

A Bee reader asked: “What is the pyramid-looking building in Sacramento near the golden Tower Bridge?” | Published July 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hanh Truong

Descendants of the founder of Sacramento’s Berry’s Foundry, sisters, Sally Styles-Zanotti, Cindy Moore, Glory Styles and Katy Styles Rogers stand next to manhole cover on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Sacramento. Berry’s Foundry was started by their great-grandfather in Sacramento. By Paul Kitagaki Jr.

NO. 2: SACRAMENTO’S HISTORY IS UNDERFOOT. TAKE NOTE OF THESE MANHOLE COVERS THAT DOT DOWNTOWN

Made by Berry’s Foundry that operated in the mid-20th century, these ornate manhole covers are a point of pride and artistic inspiration. | Published July 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

The downtown Sacramento skyline is seen past Interstate 5 over by drone Old Sacramento on April 5, 2023. By Xavier Mascareñas

NO. 3: WHAT WAS SACRAMENTO CURIOUS ABOUT IN 2024? HERE ARE 5 OF OUR FAVORITE READER QUESTIONS

For a 10-story pyramid to secret tunnels, here are some of the local mysteries Bee Curious explored in 2024. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

A burger is prepared at Lucky’s Drive-In restaurant on Thursday, March 6, 2025. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 4: LUNCH FOR TWO UNDER $25? WE TRIED THIS NEW SACRAMENTO BURGER RESTAURANT ON A BUDGET

Audience journalists Camryn Dadey and JJ Juarez may have stumbled upon the best fries in the city. | Published March 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camryn Dadey JJ Juarez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.