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A changing landscape in the Sacramento area in August: 5 stories

Stories by Sacramento Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles share a theme of transformation within California's communities. They highlight changes in longstanding institutions and businesses, reflecting broader economic and cultural shifts.

In East Sacramento, a Hawaiian restaurant will soon become a Japanese eatery. The owner, previously experienced in Japanese cuisine, feels the need to pivot to a concept she is more passionate about. Meanwhile, the former Sacramento Bee building undergoes demolition to make way for housing projects. This marks a significant transformation from its historical use as a newspaper hub. Nearby, Kiki’s Chicken Place closes several of its Sacramento-area locations, aligning with strategic adjustments after rapid expansion. Lastly, a prison closure in Riverside aims to address declining inmate populations and save the state $150 million annually. This could lead to the historical estate's restoration, potentially boosting the local economy.

Jonathan Tate with King Cong Brewing Company washes beer tanks on June 11, 2025 in Del Paso Heights. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 1: ARE EVOLVING TASTES AND HIGH COSTS KILLING SACRAMENTO BREWERIES? EXPERTS WEIGH IN

Sacramento brewery owners and craft beer industry experts share thoughts on the state of the industry. | Published August 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kat Tran, Camila Pedrosa

Kau Kau will serve Hawaiian-inspired dishes like this poke bowl with lomi lomi salmon.

NO. 2: EAST SACRAMENTO HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT TO CLOSE, REPLACED BY A JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Hawaiian restaurant Kau Kau is closing, with plans in place to transform the East Sacramento establishment into a Japanese eatery by the fall. | Published August 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

The Norconian Club in Norco, Calif., photographed soon after its 1929 opening, featured a casino, club lake and boathouse. It closed during the Great Depression and was purchased by the U.S. Navy to serve as a hospital during World War II. It was given to the state of California in the 1960s to serve as a prison.

NO. 3: WHAT’S NEXT FOR HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PRISON AND THE STATE WORKERS WHO STAFF IT?

For years, residents of Norco have tried to convince the state to close a medium-security prison occupying roughly 100 acres of prime real estate in the Southern California city. | Published August 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by William Melhado

A drone view of the demolition of the Sacramento Bee building on Q Street on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. The building was also headquarters to the McClatchy company. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 4: DEVELOPERS BEGIN DEMOLISHING FORMER BEE BUILDING, MAKING WAY FOR HOUSING

Workers have begun tearing down the former Sacramento Bee offices on 21st and Q streets, once an expansive and bustling complex, making way for housing projects at the site that served as the newspaper’s home for nearly 70 years. | Published August 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Annika Merrilees

NO. 5: KIKI’S CHICKEN PLACE IS SEPARATING FROM 10 OF ITS SACRAMENTO-AREA RESTAURANTS

Sacramento-based fried chicken chain Kiki’s Chicken Place is closing 10 of its restaurants in the Sacramento region, with independent operators planning to take over the locations. | Published August 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

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.