Welcome to another edition of the "Wake-Up Call," a rundown of items that we're working on, found interesting, or otherwise thought you might want to know about today. As is always the case here at Sac Press, suggestions are welcome.   WHAT WE’RE READING: NEW AULD LANG SYNE: Sure, it’s more than five months away, but some downtown businesses say it’s never too early to start party planning for New Year's, especially if the party is going to be at your house. Ryan Lillis writes in the Sacramento Bee that a group of downtown business owners, led by Sharif Jewelers owner Omar Sharif, wants to revive a Times Square-ish New Year’s party this year on K Street – complete with a “diamond drop” i

Despite uncooperative weather that pushed the growing season to a late start, local farmers markets are getting ready to open throughout the city once again. “We’re starting the (growing) season a little late this year, but the weather is warming up, and we’re going to have a lot of wonderful produce to offer,” said Renae Best, assistant market coordinator for Sacramento Certified Farmers Markets. Of the 12 farmers markets in Sacramento, three are open year-round. Six are slated to open the first week in May and the others will open in June, Best said Thursday. Joany Titherington, operator of the Oak Park Farmers’ Market in McClatchy Park, said there are a lot of “new and exciting thing

Looking for an excuse to go out with the girls, or a new spin on a date? Check out these unique brunch specials in Sacramento that are sure to make your mouth water. Tower Cafe Located on 1518 Broadway. Brunch hours are from 8 -11 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 – 11 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tower Cafe takes pride in its “Madame Cristo.” It is a new version of French toast, loaded with swiss cheese and ham. “French toast is our most popular dish, and people love it so much that our chef decided to make another version,” Manager Ruben Reveles said. Breakfast cocktails are also served during brunch hours. “La Frida” is Tower Cafe's version of a Mimosa, whic

With trends and fashions changing week by week, going shopping and staying in style can be a difficult, time consuming and expensive task. Low cost options are on the rise in the form of thrift stores offering low-cost secondhand clothes, unique vintage apparel and other knick-knacks and accessories. With more than 50 different thrift stores in the greater Sacramento area, figuring out where to go for such thrifty finds can become a overwhelming scavenger hunt throughout the capital city. The Sacramento Press hit the streets of downtown and Midtown to round up a few of the local stores making their marks in the thrift shop scene. This ‘n’ That Thrift and Gift 2590 21st St. 457-1877 Ho