Thanksgiving is a holiday for community, sharing and, of course, a bountiful feast. Thanks to several local organizations, even those who aren’t able to afford a turkey dinner with all the trimmings this year can still enjoy a free meal. All are invited to come, fill their plates, and be grateful for warm turkey on a cool November day. Below are nine charities and churches hosting Thanksgiving dinner this week. If you know of any others, please add to the list in the Conversation section. Happy Thanksgiving! Sacramento Loaves & Fishes When: Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: 1321 North C St. 446-0874 Sacramento Loaves & Fishes will serve a Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey,

One couple’s quest to bake the ideal cupcake has created Vanilla Bean Gourmet Cupcakery in Midtown, where gourmet cupcake enthusiasts and first-timers alike will find delicious and uniquely crafted treats. Vanilla Bean, which also houses a self-serve frozen yogurt bar, boasts more than 20 cupcake flavors with names such as Death By Chocolate, Blueberry Pancake and Raspberry Beret. Offerings in the shop change daily, with anywhere from eight to 12 varieties available in the cupcake case. They also do special orders, events and weddings. Both Patricia and Carlos Mares, who own and operate the shop at S and 18th streets which previously was home to Cultivé Frozen Yogurt, claim to have never

Members of Sacramento’s Latino community gathered Thursday night to ask questions and voice concerns at the first of Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Town Hall meetings for his 2012 campaign. Education and lack of funding for city public schools took top priority in the discussions. “There is nothing more important than our public education system, and we must do a better job with our schools,” said Mayor Johnson. Approximately 150 people attended the Town Hall at La Familia Counseling Center in North Franklin. Seats filled quickly and dozens of concerned community members stood in the entryway and aisles. Affordable access to health care, racial profiling by police, support and funding for the art