I can't believe no-one mentioned the public library! There are dozens of things happening at branches all over the county, for folks of all ages. And forget less than $20, these events are COMPLETELY FREE! Yes, there are storytimes for the younger kids, but there are also lots of things for older kids - arts events, LEGO events, singalongs and dress-up parties, not to mention jewelry making, family movie nights, game nights (board and video), and more. And that's leaving out the computer classes, crafting workshops, gardening and other programs for adults. All free. Do check out what the library has to offer - you may be surprised! http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=26

For coffee, it's Javalounge, no question. Not only are they stumbling distance from my house, but the coffee's great, and the couches are comfortable. Plus they make a mean kid-sized chocolate milk. And the pizza's pretty good, too!

Thanks for this piece - I think it brings the globalization/outsourcing issue home in a very personal way, and without decending in to nationalistic posturing... Really, beautifully done, and I'll be forwarding it around.