University Square, a 10-acre mixed-use development project at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and University Avenue in Rocklin—is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. Featuring both retail and hospitality tenants, the site will include a 123-room Hilton Garden Inn (hilton.com/en/brands/hilton-garden-inn), a 10,000-square-foot daycare center, two drive-thru spaces, significant retail, a 3,700-square-foot Circle K (circlek.com), and a car wash.

Qamari Yemeni Coffee Co. (qamariacoffee.com)—a café whose coffee beans are harvested, processed, and roasted using traditional Yemeni methods—is coming to an approximately 2,500-square-foot space at 13405 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 950, in Folsom. In addition to traditional espresso drinks and pour overs, they’ll also serve teas and pastries, including a traditional Yemeni baked good called sabaya.

Made-to-order taquito franchise Roll-Em-Up Taquitos (rollemup.com) is opening in Roseville at 920 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Suite 180. In addition to hand-rolled and pan-fried-to-order taquitos (with braised shredded beef, citrus-marinated chicken, potato with green chilis, or freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese), the eatery will also serve street corn, corn in a cup, churro donuts, and chips with homemade guacamole or queso.

Costco (costco.com) is opening a 149,500-square-foot store this spring in Loomis (southeast intersection of Sierra College Boulevard and Brace Road). The chain also has plans to open locations in El Dorado Hills and West Roseville.

Camino recently welcomed Big Island Burritos (bigislandburritos.com) to 3600 Carson Road, Suite B. The menu features a Hawaiian-inspired twist on Mexican favorites, including burritos, tacos, and bowls filled with kalua pork, huli-huli chicken, and bulgogi, plus sides like kimchi.

Flying High Sling Bungee (flyinghighbungee.com), a boutique fitness studio that uses low-impact, high-intensity exercises to help people reach their fitness goals, opened at 187 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 130, in Folsom. Each innovative, fun class combines plyometrics, aerobic cardio, and resistance training.

Anime collectibles retailer, Hi Hi Mochi (hihimochi.com), which sells everything from anime figures and shirts to posters and keychains, opened a store at Folsom’s Palladio (260 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1007).

Placerville’s Carriage Trade Shopping Center on Broadway, anchored by Grocery Outlet (groceryoutlet.com) and Dollar Tree (dollartree.com), is undergoing a major, multi-million-dollar redevelopment. Upgrades include exterior and interior renovations (murals by local artist Warren Dayton), new signage, new tenants (Harbor Freight Tool and Beach Hut Deli), construction of a restaurant pad, and a new name: Apple Farm Place.

Folsom recently welcomed Rebecca Neves as its new city engineer. Neves launched her engineering career at a local development firm—designing housing projects, community spaces, and commercial retail centers, including Folsom's Palladio—and over the years has won numerous awards (“Project of the Year” from the American Public Works Association and “Innovative Project of the Year” from the Women's Transportation Seminar).

Kiddos were treated to a magical morning at the inaugural “Breakfast with Sugar Plum Fairy & Her Friends” event at the Harris Center last month. After watching an exclusive dance performance while enjoying a hearty pancake breakfast, families mingled, received autographs, and took photos with beloved characters from Nutcracker Reimagined.

Congrats to Taylor Allred, STYLE Magazine’s staff photographer and owner of Food in Focus (foodinfocus.net), who recently had the honor of photographing an article for the New York Times: “Sacramento’s Path to a Great Restaurant City.” Her stunning photographs include images of area eateries and owners/chefs like Lucía Plumb-Reyes (Moonbelly Bakery) and Alex Sherry (Majka Pizzeria & Bakery).

Congrats to Folsom High School’s football team, whose Bulldogs defeated the St. Bonaventure High School Seraphs 20-14 to win the CIF State Football Championship for the fifth time in the school’s history.

Arts Council of Placer County is currently accepting applications for this year’s Community Grants Program, which, since its inception, has awarded over $500,000 to area arts organizations and programs, thanks to funding from Placer County, the California Arts Council, and private donations. This year’s reworked grant application includes new categories, eligibility, and a weighted points system. For more info and to apply, visit placerarts.org/grants.

Visconti's Ristorante (viscontisristorante.com), Red Bus Brewing Company (redbusbrew.com), and Brian Wallace Art (brianwallaceart.com)—all based in Folsom—collaborated to create a new house beer for Visconti’s: Birra Romeo. The label, created by Wallace, was inspired by the Alfa Romeo crest, and features the Visconti's family crest and VW Wolfsburg crest. Try the 4.8% ABV Italian pilsner on tap or in cans at Visconti’s or Red Bus.

Thanks to Jacob Paturel—a senior at Union Mine High School and dedicated member of Boy Scouts Troop 460—Placerville has a new, nine-hole disc golf course. The course—Paturels’ Eagle Scout project—garnered an impressive $9,200 in donations, courtesy of local businesses and organizations, and is located on the campus of Markham Middle School.

Don Quixote’s Mexican Grill (thedon.net), sited at 2164 Sunset Boulevard in Rocklin, expanded their square footage and offerings (food and drinks) by opening a cantina next door. Don Q’s Cantina features craft cocktails, beer, wine, and small plates, with happy hour seven days a week.

Folsom’s chapter of the National Charity League (nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/folsom)—a group of mothers and daughters committed to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences—is holding its annual Membership Drive beginning January 15. Applications are open (through March 1) for girls currently enrolled in grades sixth through eighth. Prospective members are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on January 18, February 4, or February 25. For more info, email [email protected].