Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "city of sacramento"

Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving

2012-02-05T20:08:43Z

Posted by cyd evans

I saw an officer talking on a cell phone while driving a marked car yesterday. Don’t the same rules apply to police officers as the general public regarding only using hands free devices?

Dear cyd evans,

Police officers are to abide by the same rules of the road as citizens. However, there are some exceptions to these rules – for instance, when talking on a cell phone while driving, California Vehicle Code Section 23123 (d). This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties. This translates to, if the officer is using the phone for official business then this law applies. If they are talking to their spouse about non-police business for example, then they are in the wrong.

Police do a lot of business on their cell phones, and our cars are like our offices. We use the computers and cell phones for every call for service. We coordinate with other units, with dispatch, records, get additional information from victims, talk to citizens, Deputy District Attorneys, supervisors, and coordinate with outside agencies all on the cell phone. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Creativity Revived

2012-01-21T01:04:05Z

Growing up, sometimes we forget to exercise our creative activities. For some, our creative drive dies right along with the hand-me-down car from Grandma senior year in high school. Sometimes our creative energy is put on the backburner as stresses and responsibilities of being an adult such as finding a job, keeping a job, paying bills, the mortgage and providing for our families take over… or our creative energy fades away completely.

Here in Sacramento, we love each other. We support each other. Seriously, we do. Just stop for a moment and think back on how many creative projects, ideas and businesses that have thrived in the last decade or so. Regardless if the doors of any of these ideas or businesses are still open or not, the point is... they made it happen. There is no denying the inspiration of such creative ventures have spread faster than a California wildfire during a dry, hot heat wave.

The latest album you’ve had on repeat is your best friend’s band. The last film you watched was your boyfriend’s short film that was screened at the local art collective spot. The earrings you are wearing are handmade from a local designer bought from the boutique your neighbor owns. Within the last few years Sacramento has built a pretty comfortable and welcoming cushion for the our creative class to fall on.

We were fortunate enough to have events like SellOut/Buyout, which was a combined art and trade show that called for local artists and designers. For some, Sellout/Buyout was how we were introduced to many of our favorite local designers and artists today. Annually, Sacramento hosts Launch, an art, design and music festival. Launch highlights some of the most talked about local artists, musicians and designers. Both events like Sellout/Buyout and Launch were opportunities for artists of any avenue to showcase their creative pursuits and network with like-minded people.

Julie Cassotta, 29, a Sacramento native who recently discovered her talent and love for handcrafting jewelry, recently said goodbye to an 8-5 office job to pursue more satisfying opportunities. She admits she used to do a great deal of creative writing when she was younger that she no longer does. She is also a graduate from the Elite Academy pursuing hair and makeup, but hasn’t been using those skills as much as she would like to these days.

For the last 14 years Julie has learned the art of repairing and building custom guitars at her family owned shop, SonFather Guitars, alongside her brother, Jesse and her Father, Dave. All those years working intensely with her hands has acquired her precise skills that have helped her with her jewelry designs, as she works towards a collection of hand crafted one of a kind pieces of jewelry that includes a bevy of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.

For Julie, what started out as a creative hobby for herself now has her pieces for sale at Bows and Arrows Vintage clothing store in midtown Sacramento as well as her Etsy online shop, Real Life Dollhouse.

Julie's pieces are reconstructed, mixing different types of materials together such as vintage charms with modern, and she has taken the time to share some information in the interview below regarding her new jewelry designing success, and how it has revived the creativity back into her life.

Question: What inspired you to start designing jewelry?

Answer: Initially, I was frustrated with buying cheap jewelry that fell apart and not being able to afford some of the rad jewelry that I was seeing online and whatnot. I started remaking pieces that had broken or lost parts or were out of date, etc. Then one day I was looking for a lion necklace and couldn't find what I was looking for so I decided to use my inlay knowledge and make something myself. A light bulb kind of went off in my head and it just took off from there.

Question: When did you realize your creative endeavors could become more than a hobby?

Answer: I started posting some of the pieces I had made on my blog and had received great responses. I figured it was time to take it seriously and put together a collection and start an Etsy store.

Question: You know you've found the perfect material to incorporate into one of your pieces when...........

Answer: …… I find something interesting or just catches my eye really. If there's something I'm looking for but can't find, I'll try to make it myself.

Question: Do you have a plan of attack when you start creating pieces such as sketching ideas or do you just dive into it?

Answer: Both really. Sometimes I have a clear vision of what I want to make and other times, more often actually, I just look around at what I have and start piecing things together. Especially when working with natural materials like stone and wood, sometimes they have a mind of their own and will only let me manipulate them so much.

Question: You also repair guitars at your family owned custom guitar shop, SonFather Guitar. Explain how working there has influenced or helped your jewelry design?

Answer: Well, I've been working with wood from a very young age because of the shop and my father being a woodworker. The inlay aspect of guitar building has always been an interest of mine and has become a skill I have developed and specialized in for over 10 years now. The influence it has had on the jewelry is very literal and apparent, I basically use the same materials, mostly scraps or samples that we've had lying around for years. I started with the lion piece that I made for myself, then I started making similar ones for friends then I just kind of developed a "let's see what else I can do" mentality about it.

Question: Your Soapstone, Heartbeat Wooden Double Finger and Ebony and Turquoise statement rings are featured in your Etsy Shop. All very unique, and obviously hand crafted. Tell us about the work that goes into those pieces compared your reconstructed pieces.

Answer: The wood and stone work is definitely more unique and personal. A lot more work is involved. It takes time and planning, templates, samples, test runs, etc. The reconstructed pieces are simpler, easier, the kind of thing I put together sitting on the floor in my living room watching a movie. Those are more about having a good collection of interesting items to work together.

Question: Do you favor making one style of jewelry over another?

Answer: I love both really, the ones that I wear the most myself are the reconstructed ones, they're a little bit more casual, easy to wear with many different things. The statement pieces have to wait for the right occasion but they're more challenging for me to make so I take a bit more pride in those pieces.

Question: Do you have a favorite local designer(s) that createhandmade items? ( jewelry, clothes, accessories, etc.)

Answer: I have a friend in San Diego, Georgina of Trevino Joyeria, who makes fantastic jewelry. Also, Tessa Parks has been making some really rad stuff lately, although I'm not sure if she has any for sale yet.

Question: What direction do you see your jewelry designs going?

Answer: I honestly have no idea, I'm inspired by all kinds of things all the time, I think it will always be changing and evolving. I'd like to learn how to do some metal work, so maybe things will go that direction? I don't know. I'm not much of a planner. I just do things and see what happens.

Hopefully for some of you who have shelved your canvases in the depths of your closet or let dust collect on your camera in the recent years, remember why you had those items in your pocession in the first place. Make time for your long lost creative activity or try a new one you never imagined you had in you. Who's next, Sacramento?

Share your thoughts about living and working in Sacramento

2012-01-19T19:22:25Z

The City of Sacramento invites residents and those who work in the City to complete a web-based survey to provide community input on living and working here. The survey results will be used as part of the city's 2030 General Plan annual report and help capture the community's perspective on livability and quality of life in Sacramento.

To complete the survey, follow this link. The survey will be available through Monday, February 13.

“Every year, we invite the community to tell us how they feel about living and doing business in our city,” says Tom Pace, long range planning manager. “Hearing from the public helps us ensure we are on the right track as we carry out the vision of the city’s 2030 General Plan.”

The annual report, including the survey results, will be presented to City Council to help develop policy, establish future priorities and give staff direction on how to implement specific projects and programs outlined in the 2030 General Plan.

For more information about the General Plan annual report or related projects, visit http://www.sacgp.org or contact Teresa Haenggi at (916) 808-7554 or thaenggi@cityofsacramento.org.

Disclosure: Maurice Chaney is a media and communications specialist with the City of Sacramento.

Dr. King's dream and march, our nightmare and pain

2012-01-13T04:56:13Z

Dr. King’s dream and march, our nightmare and pain

“I feel so broken hearted, I cried so many tears
There was so much you gave me, to my heart, to my soul
So much of your dreams that were never told
There was hope for a brighter day
Why were you, my flower, plucked away
Oh, oh, I’m missing you
Tell me why the road turns
I’m missing you”
—Diana Ross

I miss my son. I miss hugging him. I miss looking in his eyes when he is excited. I miss us discussing his plans for his future. I miss sharing in his everyday experiences. I miss his smile. I miss his joy.

All I ever wanted was for him to be in an environment where he can grow.

My son was arrested at 19 years of age. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, more years in prison than he was alive. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/mothers-prayer/content?oid=309130

My son was sentenced under California's 10-20-life law. For two years he continuously rejected a plea and maintained his innocence. After being denied a fair trial and fair legal representation, he felt forced into taking two years for allegedly robbing someone for marijuana and 20 years for allegedly discharging a firearm.

Due to the time he received, not the crime itself, he is housed as a level-four prisoner with prisoners who have life- and life-without-parole sentences. With the 10-20-life law, you do not have to commit a murder or cause great bodily injury to receive life in prison.

Sentencing a youth under California's 10-20-life law can be a death sentence when youth are housed not due to the crime but due to the prison sentencing time.

The youth incarcerated are not just losing freedom; many will lose their parents, siblings, spouse, girlfriend, children and their hope of a future outside of prison walls. For an inmate to live in a prison where many are sentenced to spend their entire life behind those walls is a great challenge in itself.

Sacramento courts have sentenced teens, as young as 14 years of age, to prison terms of life without the possibility of parole.

The outrageous misconduct within the investigation leading to my son’s arrest, as well as the outrageous misconduct through the court process, is all documented on appeal. It is only due to the pending appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court that I will not, at this time, discuss the particulars of the case and the circumstances leading to the misconduct.

For two years we fought in Sacramento Superior Court for a fair trial. When it became obvious he was not receiving a fair trial nor fair legal representation, we wrote letters to the trial court and the Sacramento Superior Court presiding judge.

Within the letters we continuously pleaded for his constitutional rights of a fair trial with fair legal representation.

We wrote letters to the California Bar Association, American Bar Association and to various local and statewide civil rights organizations.

At my son’s request, I went to our state capitol and cried, pleading for assistance from our senator and our assemblyman’s office. I left and painfully cried all the way to my councilmember’s office. None could assist us in our quest for a fair trial and fair legal representation.

I went to the NAACP. While they tried to assist by attending court, we were still not given a fair trial and the court denied our motion to have the attorney removed from the case. I went to anyone who would listen and begged, cried, pleaded for assistance in obtaining a fair trial.

I wrote letters throughout the state of California and wrote letters to organizations in other states. I went to so many, pleading for assistance to help my son get a fair trial, heck reward or penalty, with fair legal representation.

Our pleas were denied. The court would not acknowledge our concerns and failed to hold an evidentiary hearing. When I was brought into the courtroom and told to tell my son to take the plea deal or he would do life in prison, my son, under great duress, involuntarily and without understanding the consequences of the plea felt forced into taking the plea.

My son was coerced into pleading, denied fair legal representation and a fair trial and tried to protect his mother from further pain.

We were not alleging after the fact, once sentenced, that he was being denied his constitutional right to a fair trial and fair legal representation. We made those founded truthful accusations prior to the trial that ended in mistrial, and we continued begging for his constitutional rights during the start of the second trial.

We sent letters certified mail to the court to ensure they were being received. We have response letters showing the presiding judge, American Bar Association and California Bar Association all received the letters, and each responded they could not assist us.

The response letters are dated prior to my son taking the coerced, involuntary plea made under duress.

Four years later, we are still fighting in appeal courts. Our appeals have been denied, each without an evidentiary hearing, and we continue up the writ of habeas corpus ladder put into existence by our freedom-minded forefathers who valued the criminal justice system and the rights of the accused exposed to it.

It is extremely painful with each appeal court process. We have no money to afford an attorney. We have no legal skills to argue against skillful attorneys. We fight with the truth and a $50 book explaining the Great Writ and U.S. constitutional rights which should not be violated.

While it appears some of our Sacramento courts may have been hijacked by pirates posing as prosecutors, and some within the judicial process are more concerned with personal vendettas or winning cases, by any means necessary I still have faith in the Constitution of the United States of America because In God We Trust.

It is painful. It is time consuming. It is difficult. It is exhausting, but it is what it is, a fight we must endure to have an opportunity of life and freedom outside of our overcrowded, dangerous prison walls.

Sadly, once my son is released from prison it will be painful, difficult, time consuming and exhausting to ensure life within our neglectful, lack-of-opportunity, lack-of-employment, lack-of-resources-for-our-youth city since our politically ego-driven elected officials value endorsements from unions to advance their careers.

Sadly, some politically ego-driven elected officials would rather ensure that police union departments are enhanced rather than ensure that the residents of the city are provided with resources.

On June 30, 2005, during an NAACP Police Brutality town hall meeting, former Police Chief Albert Nájera defensively and accurately stated, "A black young man between the age of 16 and 25 has a 50 percent chance to die in the city of Sacramento, and he is dying at the hands of another black young man."

I was at the meeting to discuss our city youth violence and deaths. I wondered the same thing the police chief did: Why were we gathering for a police brutality case and failed to gather for the hundreds of youth who have died in this city at an alarming rate at the hands of another?

I wondered why we were not meeting with the city and county of Sacramento insisting on jobs, resources and opportunities for our youth?

Our black youth were losing life and freedom, and our civil rights leaders solely focused on prejudice- or police-related issues. The police chief’s aforementioned statistic about black youth nor their 92 percent arrest rate was not mentioned by the media, nor the organizations holding the meeting.There was no focus on the loss of life, nor the loss of freedom.

Some of our children are faced with the plight of two options either dying on Sacramento streets or dying in a California state prison.

The mounting deaths and arrests due to youth violence were dismissed. The loss of life and loss of freedom of Sacramento's low income youth was dismissed; until grant-funding became available.

Civil Rights Groups, concerned over police interaction within the low income community, held townhall meetings to discuss Sacramento Police Racial Profiling and Sacramento Police Brutality cases.

Grant dollars, for youth and gang violence prevention, suddenly becomes available and Sacramento law enforcement jumps on the youth and gang violence prevention funding bandwagon. The same Civil Rights Groups concerned with Police Racial Profiling and Police Brutality decide to apply for grants to work with law enforcement for youth and gang violence prevention.

The low-income community affected and exposed to the violence living in communities divided into victims and suspects were not seen until grant-funding became available. Were they looking at the low income community affected and exposed to the violence? Or were they looking at money?

This past week, my son was beaten, physically assaulted on the prison yard. He could have fallen asleep and not woken up due to head injuries. By the Grace of God, my son’s life has yet again been spared. He was placed in the hole. His life is in danger if he steps foot back on that particular prison yard.

His prison counselor stated, “It is the safest place for him.”

Can you believe it? Can you imagine the pain of knowing the safest place for your child is in the hole in a prison? No windows, no TV, no outside contact, no contact, visits from his mother, sibling or girlfriend?

Can you imagine living in America, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, my country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty of thee I sing, where I pledge allegiance to our flag, in so much pain fighting for life and freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness?

When I march in the annual Martin Luther King Parade, I don’t march to sing and dance of the triumphs of yesterday. I have genuine, deep-rooted horrible never-ending pain.

Can you imagine fighting for your child to live in this city and immediately thereafter fighting for him to know freedom? Then have to fight the appeal courts for the truth to be seen? Then with all your heart, have to find a way to keep him alive in prison?

Imagine being a mother having to cry and beg for a prison in the state of California to do what the city of Sacramento failed to do: protect my son

That suffering is the plight of many of us who live in communities divided into victims and suspects, where our children have become commodities to enhance departments and advance political careers.

In God we trust, since the money the motto is written on appears to be valued more than many of low-income, disadvantaged citizens. And many are looking at money, grants, enhancing departments through crime and not looking at those of us affected and exposed to the violence.

I march out of pain for the plight many of us are experiencing today. I also march out of my own personal pain. I don’t think I am disrespecting Dr. King by writing this, since Dr. King did not march singing and dancing for the triumph of the end of slavery.

Dr. King did not march for the past. He marched for his present-day crisis and to provide a better future for many of us. Dr. King did not look backward. He looked to the present and hoped for a better future.

Those of us with current-day suffering from the death or arrest of our youth are expected to march in the annual parade walking on a treadmill of the past.

I realize the definition of insanity is to continuously do the same thing over and over and expect different results. But what else do we have? I do plan on attending the MLK march.

But with all due respect, for some of us to sing and dance once a year is not what I believe Dr. King would have wanted us to honor. I am a mother in pain 365 days a year.

I will walk surrounded and suffocating with pain. In fact, it will be pain moving my feet. I have nothing left to carry me. While addressing youth violence, I gave this city everything I have. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/death-be-not-shrouded/content?oid=47273 Unwillingly, I even gave my first born son.

There are days when my pain is so deep I don’t have a will to live. There are days I don’t want to wake up. There are days when I am afraid of living in this world gone mad and afraid of dying wondering who will protect my children that I brought into this world.

There are nights when I am afraid of falling asleep due to the nightmares I have still hearing the sounds of gunshots outside my home, leaving shell casings that would have blown tremendous holes throughout my son’s body.

There are nights I am afraid of going to sleep because I am afraid of waking up to this nightmare I am living.

But I have to awake. Who else will fight the writ of habeas corpus ladder of a low-income mother for her son to know what was rightfully his: freedom?

To march with a hollow lack of substance in tribute to a man of great substance, to me, is disrespectful.

I will be in the crowd, but instead of carrying a poster of Dr. King I will carry one of me and my son. Our pain is real, it is today, it is now, and it appears it will be forever if some are just going to live in the past and dismiss the present-day plight that has left so many of us broken, suffering to live and die in pain.

I appreciate honor and respect Dr. King for having a dream, but while many are reminiscing on his dream, many of us are living a nightmare.

Instead of gathering at the end of the event to speak of history, why can’t we gather to find solutions and make history and change the current state of affairs where too many are losing their lives and losing freedom?

I tried to protect my son when youths armed with guns were shooting at him in my front yard. We wrestled trying to protect one another. I was praying the next bullet would take my life and not that of my son.

I tried to protect my son when he was suffocating in an unjust court.

This city has left both my son and I nearly breathless on more than one occasion. We, and so many others, are suffocating in the city of Sacramento. I don’t believe Dr. King was ego-driven.

I believe Dr. King would have wanted us to acknowledge the current plight where thousands of youth bodies lay prematurely dead on American streets and thousands more are living and dying in California prisons.

I think Dr. King would have been more concerned with our plight than concerned with us paying tribute to him.

I knew when civil rights organizations addressed Jenna Six, the plight of many of us would be overlooked due to the fact our plight is not prejudice-related.

I knew some leaders in America would focus on prejudice versus freedom. But should prejudice overshadow life and freedom in America, a country dedicated to looking into the life and freedom of citizens of other countries?

While it appears this low-income mother’s plight, the plight of my son, is dismissed by today’s civil rights organizations, I do feel Dr. King would have embraced us, supported us and acknowledged us.

I do not believe Dr. King would have expected us to pay homage to him when we are in fact suffering from the great pain of losing our children to death on our streets or to be the walking dead in one of California's many prisons.

With and through pain I will march on Jan. 16, but I will be the one carrying a poster of my son and not one of Dr. King. And, to be honest, I think Dr King would have wanted it that way.

I hope many others join in carrying a poster of their loved ones, whether they have been murdered in the city of Sacramento or sentenced to be the walking dead in one of California’s many for-profit prisons housing the low-income youth of America.

After all, Dr. King was not singing and dancing of yesterday’s struggles and triumphs. Dr. King was justice-driven, equality-driven, looking and laboring for the end result of change. Dr. King acknowledged, saw and labored for the low-income, the voiceless, the powerless.

Dr. King understood America’s motto of Life , Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness for all.

I am not walking for the civil rights of yesterday. I walk for the human rights of today.

I did not bring a child into this money-, political ego-driven world for his body to lay dead on a Sacramento street, gutter, sidewalk or home, nor did I bring him into this world to live or die in a California state prison

We, America's low income citizens living in communities divided into victims and suspects, can not raise our children from the dead. Nor can many of us afford to visit or receive telephone calls from our children being raised in a California State Prison.

We, the low income community divided into victims and suspects, are missing our children.

Disclosure: Mother of three. I've taken my younger son to two funerals of murdered friends. I am fighting for him to have life. I have attended many funerals of my older sons friends and I am fighting for him to know freedom. (Photo 4) I love my children

Polar Bear Plunge

2012-01-09T03:41:32Z

It’s a chilly January morning. Shivering, swimsuit-clad bodies surround Clunie Pool waiting for the countdown of the Polar Bear Plunge. In unison, the swimmers leap into the bracing 48-degree water. Like a comic film being rewound, they just as quickly leap back onto the pool deck. Most lasted a full three seconds before returning to the warmth of their towels and hot coffee.

What manner of motivation brought these hardy souls to the first annual Polar Bear Plunge sponsored by the City of Sacramento?

For most, it was a chance to support city pools. All proceeds of the event go towards keeping the pools open in the summer. Lesley Henriquez encouraged her daughter Gracie to take the plunge because “she’s on the swim team and we want to help the fabulous pools.”

Josh Lurie-Terrell had similar motivation but had to bribe his friends to do it with an offer of a dim sum lunch afterwards.

Grietje Reuter and Sharon Nelson also wanted to support a good cause and were willing to dive into frigid water for it because, “We are apparently not very bright,” they said.

Polar swimmers had their choice of pool entry methods. They could jump in from the side, dive off the board or enter via tube slides. Some were so energized that they tried all three methods. For others, once was enough.

Lifeguard Margaret Freiwald was hoping that she wouldn’t have to go into the icy water noting, “I want to keep my fingers and toes.”

She was given special instructions to watch swimmers for hypothermia symptoms, something she doesn’t see much of in the summer.

Aquatic Supervisor Terri Matal organized the January 7th Polar Bear Plunge and said that similar events are traditional around the New Year to support good causes and to “give people an opportunity to challenge themselves.” This year’s Sacramento event attracted nearly 100 people who contributed at least five dollars each to support community pool operations.

Donations can still be made through the non-profit Gifts to Share program at www.giftstoshare.org and specifying that you want your contribution to go towards city pools.

Ask Officer Michelle - What To Do About a Friend Who's Using Drugs

2012-01-08T19:02:36Z

Posted by MartinM

Hi,I suspect that my friend Is using drugs,I am almost sure he is using some kind of drugs.Should I report him? After all I am not 100% sure,but he has had some problems before.

Thank you.

Dear MartinM,

It sounds like you have some concerns about your friend using drugs. You may be right. Have you discussed this with your friend? He may need help and police involvement may not be the best route. Your friend may need some intervention from friends and family. There are many drug and alcohol clinics in Sacramento and in the outlying region where your friend may seek help.

If your friend is selling drugs or furnishing the drugs to others, then you should call the police. Being under the influence of a narcotic or drug is a misdemeanor in this state. If they are operating a motor vehicle, or are involved in caring for children while under the influence, it could be a felony, especially if it your friend gets into an injury accident.

If your friend is on probation or parole, his agent should be notified. It is a violation of the conditions of the probation/parole if the subject uses illegal drugs during the time they are on this status.

Your friend may also have a mental condition such as bi-polar. People with this condition may act strange, have mood swings, have disrupted sleeping patterns, and change their social behavior which may present much like a person on drugs. They may distance themselves from their friends and family. I am not a physician, but I do work with people with mental illness every day, and have been working with them for 21 years, so I do have some exposure.

Several years ago, I did a series on our blog entitled, "Drug Trends and Teens." I laid out some the different types of drugs that are often abused. Attached is the link: http://blog.sacpd.org/2007/02/09/drug-trends-and-teens-2/ You may want to read the article and familiarize yourself with the different types that fit the behavior of your friend. I hope you will be able to help your friend. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Workshops provide information about utilities rate hike

2012-01-05T03:06:47Z

The first of a series of informational workshops about proposed utilities rate hikes took place in the lobby of City Hall Wednesday where attendees walked away with a personalized report on what the new rates will look like on their own utility bills.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come in, ask all the questions they want and really become informed about the proposal,” Jessica Hess, communications specialist with the city Utilities Department, said Tuesday.

The workshops are set up in an open house forum with information booths staffed by Utilities Department engineers, regulatory compliance specialists and field crews that respond to customers.

The Utilities Department’s proposed three-year rate increase for water is 10 percent per year, and for wastewater it’s 16 percent the first year, 15 percent the second year and 14 percent the third year.

Rate increases would go into effect on July 1 each year, if they are passed.

According to Utilities Department staff, the proposed rate increases will up the average customer’s monthly utility bill by about $5.80 the first year, $6.35 the second year, and $6.91 the third year.

That’s a total increase of about $19 per month over a customer’s current bill by 2014 – a $228 annual cost bump after three years, according to Hess.

The majority of the funds raised by this rate increase will be dedicated to funding projects necessary to meet state requirements and to start replacing the city’s aging infrastructure, according to Dave Brent, interim director of the city Utilities Department.

“A significant amount of the city’s water and sewer infrastructure is approaching or exceeding 100 years (old),” Brent said Wednesday.

"Reinvestment in these systems is necessary to assure reliable water and sewer services and to comply with state and federal regulations,” Brent said.

One booth at the workshop offered information about regulatory compliance – and someone to explain exactly what regulations the Utilities Department must satisfy and how.

Another booth provided information about programs to get the city’s water and sewage system to meet higher industry standards.

“At our current rate of investment in our infrastructure,” said ~~Bob~~ Bill Busath, interim division manager of engineering services division, “we would be replacing our sewer and water systems every 600 years. The industry standard is every 100 years.”

Yet another booth at the workshop provided detailed background information on how the rate proposal was developed and how it will affect individual rate-payers. At this booth, people can get a personalized report that estimates what their utility bill will look like if the rate increase proposal goes into effect.

“At the end of the day, whatever decisions are made by City Council and our community,” Hess said, “our main goal is that we want the community to feel like they are making an informed decision.”

Hess said that more than 30 people visited the workshop’s booths by noon Wednesday, and she was hopeful that more would take advantage of the opportunity to get information before the workshop ended.

Rose R., a homemaker from Sacramento who attended the workshop Wednesday, said she was glad she went – but not excited about the information she received.

“By 2014, I’ll be paying $130 a month,” Rose said. “I paid $64.08 a month in 1996. How are people on fixed incomes going to pay that (increase)? It’s too much. I went to (Mayor Kevin) Johnson and the City Council last time to tell them it’s not right, and I’ll go again.”

Another resident who came to the workshop, who asked to be identified only as Martha, said the information she got solidified her opposition to the rate increase proposal.

“I’m objecting to this increase because it is so much,” Martha said. “I have to buckle under. I know they want to fix and replace sewage lines, but that’s an awful lot of a (rate) increase. When you have a lot of money in your pocket you aren’t as thrifty as you are when you only have a little bit like me.”

Hess said that some who came to the event expecting to oppose the rate increase walked away with a different point of view.

“They thought they weren’t going to like it at all,” Hess said, “but after talking about it with (department staff), they left with a better understanding of why it’s important. That’s what we want – for people to be informed.”

Three more workshops are planned at different locations around the city, and the same information will be available at each workshop:

January 12
5 - 7 p.m. at the School of Engineering and Science, 7345 Gloria Drive

January 18
5 - 7 p.m. at the South Natomas Community Center, 2921 Truxel Road

January 19
6 - 8 p.m. at the Clunie Community Center, 601 Alhambra Blvd.

The Utilities Rate Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing on the rate increases Jan. 25 at City Hall. Hess said the commission might make a recommendation to City Council to move forward with the rate increases, or it may suggest alternatives.

Any recommendation to the council will be heard by mid-February, Hess said, and council will make the final decision.

Melissa Corker is a staff reporter for the Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Editorial Note: A spelling correction was made to this article after it was published. Bill Busath is the division manager of engineering services division, not Bob Busath.

Ask Officer Michelle - Unusual Use of ATM Card after a Night of Drinking

2011-12-18T20:18:16Z

Posted by dram13

Hello,

I went out Friday night with some friends and had a bit too much to drink. We took a taxi from the bar and the next day I find out from my bank that over $700 was taken from my account. I had zero money in my wallet and it was shown that money taken out from multiple ATMS before I got home. There are three possibilites I see happening. A) I was guided by the people I was with to take money out while I was intoxicated B) People took my password and card out of my wallet while I was asleep and took money out C) Taxi driver did either A or B. I know that under the law if a girl is intoxicated and a male sleeps with her, it can be considered rape since she was not in the right frame of mind; can the same logic apply to my scenario? My bank is willing to reimburse me but I have to file a police report. Is it reasonable that I do so, at least to find out what happened?

Dear dram13,

There are so many reasons not to get so drunk that you lose control of your faculties – especially for a female. I am glad that you are alright.

Go online at sacpd.org and file a police report. Some banks can provide footage of the ATMs where your card was used, thus exposing which one of your acquaintances used your card. You will also want to annotate the cab company that you used and any specific information about the driver if you can remember, in your report.

Taking advantage of a person who is incapacitated is morally wrong, but it sounds like you don’t have any recollection of the night at all. Do you know if you gave consent to use your ATM card, or did you draw money out before you became impaired? You may regain some of the memories of the evening and hence be able to put some pieces of the puzzle together. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Concerns About Kidnapper out on Parole

2011-12-11T19:11:38Z

Posted by cherylwin

Can I complete a restraining order on someone without providing my location? This is a person who was in prison for kidnapping me years ago and is now free and off parole as of yesterday.

Dear cherylwin,

It must be unnerving for you knowing that the man who once victimized you is out. Here’s what you should do. His parole agent should have already put those conditions on his parole prior to getting out of prison. You may want to call Parole and make sure the condition to stay away from you was added. He must only know your name and you don’t need to supply your address. If you see the man anywhere near you, call the police. If he attempts to contact you via telephone, mail, or text, call the Police Department and his parole agent. He will be detained and his parole agent will promptly be called and his parole will be violated thus sending him back to jail.

In the meantime, let your neighbors know about your situation. They can be a lookout for you when you aren’t there. You might also want to invest in an alarm system. Keep me posted on this.

Officer Michelle

Recruitment for 2012 City Management Academy ends Friday

2011-12-07T23:01:19Z

The 2012 City Management Academy (CMA) starts on Wednesday January 25th, 2012. Applications are being accepted through Friday, December 9th at 5:00pm, postmarks are not accepted. Completed applications can be hand delivered, faxed or mailed.

If you have a interest in how the City of Sacramento government works this is with out a doubt the best place to learn. This is especially true if you are a neighborhood activist or want to help make the city work better for everyone.

"Anyone considering running for election for mayor/ city council or serving on any board or commission would be well served by participating in these valuable orientation "academies:" fifthgenerationsacramentan SacPress reader and frequent commentor.

If you want to learn more about the CMA read this SacPress article from a year ago or the Neighborhood Services website. You can also contact Margaret Mack Alumni, City Management Academy (2008) mmackdwc@yahoo.com or Bill Burgua CMA Alumni (2003) bill@sheiladog.com or Kris Wimberly Neighborhood Services 916-808-5072 kwimberly@cityofsacramento.org

Disclosure: I am an alumni of the 2003 City Management Academy and an active member of the group of alumni members that have volunterred to see that the CMA continues-with no cost to the City of Sacramento.

Ask Officer Michelle - Suspicious Abandoned Vehicles

2011-12-04T22:46:26Z

Posted by bmclemons

Hello Michelle.. Question.. I’m aware of a vehicle which obviously hit something when the driver was drunk not sure if it was a pole or something, but was able to make it back. The car is sitting in an apartment complex garage now for over 3 months and is completely totaled. Shouldn’t this be reported to either DMV or the authorities?

Dear bmclemons,

You could call the police department in your jurisdiction and report it as a suspicious vehicle. The dispatcher will ask you what the license plate is. It may be a stolen vehicle, or a vehicle involved in a crime. If it doesn’t have a plate attached to the vehicle, an officer can still be sent out to check the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN will contain all of the vehicle data information.

If it is not listed as stolen, it would be the duty of the property owner to have the vehicle towed from the premises. If it was reported as stolen, the registered owner would be called, and the police would have the vehicle towed to a tow yard from the rotational list.

Thank you for your post.
Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?

2011-11-28T18:37:40Z

Posted by Jib916

Good Morning Michelle.
I had a question regarding how you plan on handling the occupiers/campers camping in front of best buy and other big box retail stores for black Friday.

If Sacramento has a no tent policy, isn’t it only fair that these peoples camping equipment shall be confiscated, just like the protesters? After all the law is the law.

Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Justin Buell

Dear Justin,

The “no tent” policy you are speaking about refers to occupying a camping space on city/county property. When people camp in front of stores in anticipation for stores to open or to get prime tickets at a box office, they are occupying space on private property. We typically don’t enforce the city ordinance on private property unless the business owners have an issue with individuals causing a specific problem. We will enforce the law if the store owners have a “no loitering” sign posted.

There are other issues that go along with the camping ordinances. Sometimes, people bring their children out to camp out. If the conditions are such that it is posing an unsafe environment for a child, officers can enforce the 273 code of the California Penal Code which is basically the code referring to child endangerment. I mean, have you seen the news footage where some people are nearly trampling each other to get inside the store when it opens?

I know that some of the stores are only allowing an allotted number of people in every 15 seconds to alleviate this problem. Thank you for your concern.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Police Arrest Two in Connection with Beating a Mentally Challanged Woman

2011-11-20T22:26:31Z

Posted by ron_lopez2011

Please extend my personal thanks to the officers involved in the arrest of Rasaan Zawadi. I hope you get his accomplices too. That story just bugged me to the core; thank you for what you guys do.

Dear ron_lopez2011,

Thank you Ron! For those of you who aren’t familiar with Rasaan Zawadi, he was one of two bullies who were shown in a viral video taunting and punching a handicapped woman in front of a South Sacramento store. Zawadi was seen harassing and punching the female victim several times. Another suspect, 19-year-old Donnell Wade, who was seen punching the female in the face and knocking her out, was also arrested for the crime.

According to a recent press release, “We received calls from throughout the country inquiring about the investigation. Detectives assigned to the case discovered that patrol officers had responded to an assault call on October 1, 2011, at approximately 12:11 p.m., near Center Parkway and Mack Road. The officers arrived, finding that the suspects had fled the scene and the victim, a 42-year-old female, did not wish for prosecution at that time.”

On November 12, 2011 police were called to the area of Omaha Court and Seyferth Way in South Sacramento regarding a weapons call. Upon arrival Donnell Wade began to run from police. He was taken into custody without incident for his involvement in the attack. The weapons call was not related to Donnell.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this suspect to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.”

Task force takes on disabled parking placard fraud

2011-11-10T02:42:27Z

Abuse of disabled parking placards is no small problem in Sacramento, where a special task force is charged with tracking down offenders.

To help reduce the misuse of disabled placards, the Sacramento Task Force On Placard Abuse was formed in 1996.

According to Linda Tucker, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation, the task force consists of specially trained parking enforcement officers who investigate complaints on disabled placard abuse and issue misdemeanor citations when necessary.

The city employs 50 parking enforcement officers, and two of those are full-time officers who go undercover to investigate the use of disabled parking placards in the city.

Tucker said the task force checks about 1,300 placards per year. So far this year, officers ended up confiscating 130 placards – about 10 or 11 per month.

There were 115 misdemeanor tickets issued during that same timeframe, Tucker said.

Being charged with a misdemeanor requires a court appearance, and the fine can be up to $3,500 or six months in jail, Tucker said.

“We take our enforcement of DP placard use seriously,” Tucker said. “There is a finite number of metered spaced and a lot more placards floating out there.”

According to the California Vehicle Code, getting a placard requires a signed statement by a doctor “substantiating the disability, unless the applicant’s disability is readily observable and uncontested.”

If a placard is lost or stolen, the owner can apply for a substitute placard without recertification of eligibility, according to the California Vehicle Code.

“We have people who steal our placards all the time,” Diana Derodeff, executive director of Inalliance said Wednesday. “People sell them, even.”

Derodeff said that, despite disabled placard abuses, it doesn’t seem to have an impact on the issuance of more placards.

“I’ve never heard of anyone not getting a placard because there’s too much abuse of the system,” Derodess said.

Some people intent on abusing the system find interesting ways to accomplish their goal, according to Officer Hatch, a parking enforcement officer for the city.

In a recent article for The Sacramento Press, writer Casey Kirk said Hatch “recalled one violator cutting the entire bottom portion off of a disabled placard, claiming it was issued to him that way.”

“Another instance that stood out (to Officer Hatch) was the placard-holder who extended his own permit, punching a hole in the current year and taping the punched out circle into the expired year,” Kirk wrote.

Derodeff said Inalliance transports many people with disabilities and when people abuse the disabled parking privilege, there isn’t room for those who need it.

Derodeff said that the biggest problem the Inalliance drivers face is people who park their cars either in handicapped spaces or in the spaces directly adjacent to the handicapped spaces.

Having disabled parking spaces more clearly marked – including all of the loading space needed – would be helpful, Derodeff said.

Derodeff said she thinks people who abuse disabled parking placards should be charged and fined.

City code states that anyone who illegally parks in a blue zone, puts a placard on a car to which it isn’t assigned, uses it without needing it or buys, sells or exchanges a permit is in violation of the law.

The state code has charges for additional violations, including unlawful use of permits or placards, parking unlawfully in a blue zone or blocking access to a disabled space.

“We are unique in that we are one of the few cities in California that charges violators with a misdemeanor for misusing a DP placard,” Tucker said.

Barbara Duncan, the director of communication for Disability Rights California, said reports of placard abuse are disturbing to hear because there are many people with legitimate need for the placards.

Duncan said that people tend to believe there is more fraud than actually exists because the majority of people who use disabled parking placards do not appear at first glance to need them.

“Many of them have invisible disabilities – back problems, heart problems and so forth. It’s not always obvious who is and who isn’t disabled.”

“People with disabilities worked very hard to get this benefit,” Duncan said. “We would like to see an effort to make sure that people who have legitimate needs for these placards can get them.”

According to the DMV, a disabled person with a parking placard is allowed to park for extended periods in on-street metered parking spaces, areas that require resident permits and on-street locations with posted timelimits as well as the regularly designated handicapped parking spots.

There are limitations to parking with a disabled parking placard or license plate, though.

Vehicles with disabled parking placards or plates may not park in the crosshatched pattern located next to a space displaying the wheelchair symbol, or next to red curbs (no stopping, standing or parking), or next to yellow curbs (commercial loading/unloading), or next to white curbs (passenger loading/unloading).

Privileges for free parking with disabled parking placards and license plates only apply to on-street parking, so a driver with a disabled parking placard parking in a public garage has to pay the garage’s set parking rate.

In residential areas, vehicles with disabled parking placards also have to abide by street cleaning restrictions.

Although the parking timeframe is extended for disabled parking, it does have a city-mandated final limit of 72 hours.

“The task force is a full program and a concentrated effort to reduce the abuse,” Tucker said.

Anyone can refer a tip about disabled parking abuse to parking enforcement officers, Tucker said.

“When people want to report something – anything at all, 24 hours a day – they only need to email 311@cityofsacramento.org,” Tucker said, “or, if they are within the city limits, just call 3-1-1. The complaint will make its way to parking and they will followup.”

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Editorial Note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published. The spelling of Diana Derodeff's name was corrected.

Hanging with Hatch: Parking enforcement 101

2011-11-09T03:05:43Z

Recently, A&E launched “Parking Wars,” a reality series chronicling the parking division in Philadelphia and Detroit and their encounters with the parking-impaired. I admit, I’m hooked. As I watched episode after episode, I found myself in awe at the sheer amount of rage that one dreaded slip of paper can instill in someone.

As someone who has dumped my own fair share of hard-earned dollars into parking citations, I can understand why the ticketed become irate; times are tough and tickets are expensive.

Curious why anyone would subject themselves to a job where harassment is guaranteed, I set my bitterness aside and asked the city if I could hang out with a parking enforcement officer. I mentally prepared myself for a deluge of verbal abuse, and hoped I didn’t get anything thrown at my face.

At 8:30 a.m. Friday morning, I met with Officer Hatch, one of 50 full-time parking enforcement officers patrolling the city.

In January, Hatch will have been ticketing for five years. He previously worked as a Downtown Guide for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. The experience actually comes in handy in his current role, since officers are regularly approached by tourists asking for directions and information.

Even if others don’t, Hatch loves his job. While many nine-to-fivers are tied to their cubicle and have supervisors breathing down their necks, parking officers get to roam free. Hatch says that he loves the freedom.

This freedom includes roaming 22,000 on-street parking spaces, broken up into 23 “beats.” This includes two neighborhood beats and three street-cleaning beats in additional to 20 regular.

Since non-city employees aren’t allowed in the official parking enforcement vehicles (a Prius or those odd-looking “carts”) we set out on an improvised walking beat starting at City Hall on 9th and I Streets, up to N and 16th streets and back.

Before I arrived, Hatch had already issued three citations since the start of his shift at 7 a.m. A quick mental calculation told me that meant Hatch had already generated a good chunk of revenue for the city.

The average ticket for an expired meter costs around $50, including a recently-added $12 "pass through fee” imposed by the state. The city is required to pass this on to citizens.

Thanks a lot, California.

More serious infractions such as altering residential permits or parking in designated handicap spaces can burn a hefty $500 hole in violators’ wallets. This might explain why the 235,196 citations issued in the 2010 fiscal year generated a stunning $8.3 million in revenue.

I asked Hatch about a recent story I read about a disgruntled former parking officer. The officer claimed, among many other allegations, that officers are given quotas.

Hatch dismissed this, explaining that setting quotas is actually illegal. He continued on to say that supervisors do, however, know the average number of tickets that should be issued for each beat.

So technically, an officer could be reprimanded for not issuing enough tickets, right?

It seems like a gray area but since Hatch was adamant about not having quotas, I later checked with Linda Tucker, Media and Communications Specialist for the Department of Transportation.

Tucker explained, “We do not and never have set quotas. The average would just mean what historically that particular block or block(s) might yield in terms of violations, but this is in no way tied to the rating of an officer’s overall performance. There may be many reasons why an average may fluctuate: weather, special events, the economy...”

Quota or not, I was surprised that by 10 a.m. Hatch still hadn’t issued a single ticket in my presence and the tally sheet in my notes remained blank. I was even more surprised, disappointed even, that there wasn’t a single insult yelled at us by an angry passerby. I started to feel slightly let down by "Parking Wars."

However, as the clock ticked on, we gained some momentum and Hatch began doling out an occasional citation. On the third ticket, the vehicle owner, who hadn’t even bothered to pay, walked up mid-ticket and I braced myself for an exchange of words.

“He’s just doing his job,” the driver said to me. He took the ticket, thanked Hatch and went along on his way. I couldn’t believe that a driver expressed appreciation for being cited! Hatch was surprised too and told me that it is far from a common reaction.

“I’m the guy everybody loves to hate,” said Hatch, half smirking.

Desperate for something juicy at this point, I asked him about any run-ins with ticketing “victims” gone mad. Hatch told me that while he hasn’t experienced any bouts of extreme ticket rage himself, his colleagues have had coffee thrown on them and been spit on more than a few times.

He gets yelled at two to three times per week, occasionally being “flipped off” for good measure. The most common insult he hears?

“Get a real job!”

“I’m still wondering what a ‘real job’ is,” Hatch laughed, obviously unfazed by the harassment as if it's all just part of the job.

Not surprisingly, he recounted many situations when drivers accused Hatch of targeting them or issuing a ticket for no reason.

“There’s a lot of people that will hate us no matter what, even if we’re right,” said Hatch. “You just have to stay calm, that’s the important thing.”

In addition to arguments, he said he gets a healthy helping of excuses. One of his "favorites"?

“I was just inside for one minute!”

Both the officer and the violator know dang well it takes more than a couple of minutes to order coffee, pick up dry cleaning, etc. so you’re better off feeding the meter than using that line.

On the flip side are those that have a "bring on the tickets" attitude. Hatch said there are definitely repeat offenders within some beats. One of these offenders is a local nightclub owner who is repeatedly cited for the same infractions, even having his car booted at one point for too many citations.

“Some people just don’t care,” he said.

While the harassment doesn’t ruffle his feathers, Hatch has a couple of parking pet peeves. The first is drivers who expect him to stop writing a ticket because their meter “just expired.” Hatch explained that this means nothing to the officer. “I have no way of knowing if they put any money in the meter at all.”

Admittedly, I have done this myself and I found myself feeling apologetic for blaming the officers. He’s right; they really don’t have a way of knowing.

However, this isn’t the case for “Pay and Display kiosks,” which give a more accurate readings of exactly when a driver put money in the machine. Hatch has a little more sympathy here.

“If it’s one or two minutes [expired] it’s not a huge deal,” Hatch said.

He’s also sympathetic to responsible drivers who opt to leave their vehicle in place while enjoying a few adult beverages. If a vehicle-owner approaches Hatch mid-ticketing and explains that they left their car instead of drinking and driving, it’s likely they will be sent on their way sans ticket.

I was happy to hear this, as most will likely agree that sometimes finding Tylenol and a Gatorade becomes a priority over getting to your car at 10 a.m. on the dot. One point for the parking enforcement team!

Hatch earned even more points for the parking division when he told me he will usually wait by a freshly-expired meter for a few minutes, giving the driver the benefit of the doubt.

Don't get too excited though.

If it’s twenty minutes? You might as well start writing out that $52 check.

Currently the city has 3,600 single space quarter-only meters and 300 kiosks, which accept multiple tenders. Those who have frantically searched in every nook and cranny of their car for quarters while running late for a meeting certainly understand the convenience of this.

Convenience and longevity (kiosks have an average lifespan of 10 years) seem like a win for both the city and the residents. Tucker said transitioning over to kiosks completely isn’t too far off.

“We are looking at phasing [in] single space meters that can accept credit cards in the not-so-distant future.”

In addition to pay kiosks, the city decided to make drivers’ lives even easier when they implemented the ability to contest tickets online.

I asked Hatch how he feels about making it easier to contest the tickets he writes, and I caught another glimpse of his soft side. Hatch said he’s all for the system, since people don’t have to stand in line at Revenue Services, which can be a lengthy process.

As we continued on our beat, roaming the perimeters of the State Capitol, I noticed a trend. It seemed like more than half of the vehicles belonged to disabled drivers.

“Generally, any government building has a ton of placards,” Hatch explained. I was astounded. Hatch, obviously used to the placard-mania, explained that there are so many placards that the city created an undercover “Disabled Placard Task Force” dedicated to regulating abuse of them.

While not a part of this task force, officers are responsible for confiscating expired and illegally-modified placards. During one shift, Hatch issued 14 tickets for expired placards.

From using markers to modify temporary residential permits to “posing” vehicles in photos to fight legitimate citations, Hatch’s stories proved Sacramentans are quite the sneaky (and crafty) bunch. He recalled one violator cutting the entire bottom portion off of a disabled placard, claiming it was issued to him that way. Another instance that stood out was the placard-holder who extended his own permit, punching a hole in the current year and taping the punched out circle into the expired year.

However, thanks to new photo-ticketing technology, it is more difficult to pull the wool over the city’s eyes. Officers’ ticketing guns now have cameras built into them, proving that a vehicle was in violation.

Oddly enough, I found myself grateful for a feature that makes officers' jobs easier.

When I first met up with Hatch, I have to admit I was a disgruntled victim of the parking system. While it’s certainly a possibility that he was on his best behavior in the presence of media, this good behavior nonetheless melted my bitterness away and replaced it with a bit of unexpected sympathy.

Like the guy said, “He’s just doing his job.”

Visit the City of Sacramento’s Department of Transportation website here.

10 additional tidbits I learned while hanging out with Officer Hatch:

1) Owning two wheels can save you money on parking: “Piggy-backing” is a completely legal practice: This is when motorcycles park in a stall paid for and parked in by another vehicle. The practice is okay as long as they fit within the white brackets painted on the street.

2) Sometimes owning two wheels can cost you too: Paid-for parking receipts are often stolen from motorcyclists, who are forced to display them out in the open. One local motorcyclist got smart and began autographing his.

3) Owning a Zipcar is good for your wallet: Hatch has only ever cited one Zipcar and, although there are designated single Zipcar spaces, officers won’t ticket Zipcars if they are on the same block as the parking space. This is in case another car illegally parked in the Zipcar space, making it unavailable.

4) Your money goes further on pay and display kiosks: If you pay at a pay stall on one block and still have time remaining, save the receipt! You can use that same receipt while you finish up your errands. The time you paid for isn’t just valid on the one block.

5) Officers aren’t intentionally parking that way to be rude: Many of us like to think officers park in red zones and double-park just because they can. An ordinance allows officers to park in red zones and double-park, mainly for safety. When retrieving VIN numbers, they often have to stand in traffic and parking their car as a buffer is a safety measure.

6) Complain to the business owner, not the officer: Business owners have the ability to change and set restrictions in front of and around their establishment.

7) Old Sac is not just a “hot spot” for tourists: In order to encourage turnover of vehicles in this tourist area, regulations are enforced seven days a week. Hatch told me this area has one of the highest volumes of tickets issued.

8) Evening shifts are where the money’s at: Officers make five percent more for working after 6 p.m.

9) Street cleaning is the parking enforcement jackpot: Hatch said in almost five years, the day that he recalls giving out the most tickets was during a street cleaning beat. He issued 100 tickets within three to four hours.

10) Land Park loves parking enforcement: Hatch told me his favorite area to patrol is Land Park because the residents actually want officers there, even thanking officers on a regular basis.

Bank Protest and the Why of Occupy 2

2011-11-07T08:58:02Z

It’s cold out there. It never stops raining. Despite some chilly conditions, the weather was not cold enough to deter the warmth heralded by the protestors of Occupy Sacramento who kept marching on Nov. 5 in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street for bank transfer day.

Some are people whose homes have been taken away due to foreclosure. Others are disappointed because their children’s favorite teacher has been cut from lack of funding in their public school. Some just can’t get the health insurance they need. Others are sick and tired of the lies fed by government.

Others are aging and their basic Social Security check no longer covers their necessities. Others are people on disability whose earnings can’t cover all the medication for their health.

Another set are newly minted college graduates who just can’t get jobs in their field. There are none.

There is a couple needing help because a layoff resulted in one spouse not working. Now they both have to pack up and live with their parents. Worst, their parents are barely making ends meet so they can’t help them either. Now, they are out in the street.

Each face at Cesar Chavez Park has its own story. Why do they choose to be there on a cold rainy day? Some say they no longer have a choice.

While the focus of Saturday’s march from the north side of the State Capitol through downtown financial district and on to Caesar Chavez Park was to encourage people to “Move their money” from big banks into local credit unions or small banks in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, every person there also had their own grievance.

Occupy Sacramento remains a leaderless organization – a group of people drawn together by the common thread of frustration with the economic system. They hold long meetings, called assemblies, to attempt to develop a consensus on issues. There are facilitators who bring together committees to function but really they are people from the middle class needing things to change in the world that they live in.

The occupiers in Sacramento have lately been drawn into a long conflict with the Sacramento City Council over whether or not they can get a permit to stay overnight in the park. The fight with the City Council has sucked energy away from the group’s goal of reforming the U.S economy.

The grim reality is that the choices are shrinking. The bigger choices like where we choose to work and how we earn are disappearing.

A Chancellor’s professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, Robert B. Reich, explains the problem with our economy best in this two minute video.

Reich’s analysis boils down essentially to one issue: The richest Americans have gotten a lot richer – in part by paying less in taxes than they did in 1980s – while most of the middle class has lost ground economically. The result, Reich states, is that the institutions of democracy are strained because they are starved of resources.

It’s not that the protestors want your money. Heck, Occupy Sacramento’s entire budget is less than one person’s bank account. Their reason for protest is for the rest of us to stop and think.

Two blocks past the Citizen Hotel on the sidewalk of the Sheraton paints a contrast. A line of powerful people in suits, and women with tall boots and Prada purses waive taxis or wait for valet in conspicuous consumption. Tonight, they all go home to the security of their own warm bed.

So are these people the middle class? Are these the people the Occupy movement is fighting for? If it is, they haven’t a clue. I asked and another lady had to explain to her friend what I was talking about.

And life in Sacramento goes on.

As the occupiers organize late into the night, with a barely working electrical generator fighting for their life, a future, this park, a symbol of hope for the day we once were invincible.

To View More pictures of the bank protest and videos please go to this link by Ed Fogle.

Disclosure: Normally, I would try to be a tottally objective and fair journalist but this bank protest painfully reminded me of my own experience when I faced foreclosure and lost my home because the bank refused to call me back.

Movement: A photo essay of the Sacramento Valley Station

2011-11-06T21:45:57Z

It’s as if the ghosts of all those who have traveled through these halls before us can still be heard... I find myself yet again walking through empty rooms that echo not only my footsteps, but the seeming sounds of the past

The Sacramento Valley Station finds itself as a hub of transportation for the Sacramento area. Currently serving as an intermodal complex, the facility includes Amtrak, light rail, regional bus services and taxi amenities.

The public portions of the building are those that many are familiar with such as the main hall, or passenger waiting area, where customers purchase tickets or pass through to the facilities outside to the north. Outside are the bus berths, passenger tunnel and platforms, areas for taxis, and of course the rail lines themselves.

What the public doesn’t see are the dilapidated and crumbling rooms, once used as restaurants and offices. Light rich rooms, these areas have moods all to themselves. A large main hall that was used as a restaurant area reverberates densely as the building creaks and moans. Smaller offices are calm and quiet in their desolation.

They all sit empty, unusable due to their lack of upkeep, failure to meet building codes and absence of basics, such as elevators, restrooms and heating and cooling systems.

The building, constructed in 1926, marked the terminus of the first Transcontinental Railroad. Over the years, neglect of the facilities took its toll on the aging walls. The materials, though of quality, have simply outlived their life span.

The building itself qualifies as a historic property under the National Historic Preservation Act and is listed in historic registers, including the California Register of Historical Resources and National Register of Historic Places, among others.

More recently the City has put forth a federal grant application, with hopes of receiving approximately 28 million dollars of leverage money. The funds will go towards revitalizing the entire facility, to make use of the 53,000 square feet of space not being used and rehabilitating the historic features.

In the meantime, the City is now retrofitting the station to meet current standards for earthquake safety, as well as adding upgrades for people with disabilities, using an already granted sum of $11 million in federal and state monies.

Disclosure: Carlos Eliason is a photographer/videographer and designer working in the Sacramento area. He is also a creative media intern for the City of Sacramento.

Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Suspicious Subjects

2011-11-06T17:11:12Z

Posted by ted bas

Greetings! I enjoy reading these archive articles. Thanks.
In my neighborhood, I suspect 3 individual who are, I believe, are in constant plans to rob empty home. One of them daily eye on certain vehicles which would have left their residence. I believes he communicates this to his partner and then determines who else is left behind on a house they plan to steal from. Yesterday I went out to the area where he usually observes. when he saw me, we walked away like guilty for some reason. Today, he is out there but in a more secluded area, eyeing or in a look out for some vehicle while he talks to his friend in the cell phone. Need your advice. I am willing to help to prevent any crime. Thank you for your help. Incidentally, I usually call the non emergency number, however, this may be trivial. Thanks.

Dear ted bas,

What you should do is call the police department and report a suspicious subject. Be ready to describe the subjects to the dispatcher from head to toe, (ie., height, weight, race, hair color/style, clothing description, etc). If there is a vehicle involved, be ready to describe the car as well. It would be optimum if you had a license plate, but try to get it without putting yourself in any kind of danger.

If there has been an increase of home burglaries in your neighborhood lately, let the dispatcher know that as well. You are probably right. These subjects are doing what we call “casing.” They’re looking for opportunities to victimize people. By calling us, you may be preventing a crime-in-progress. You are to be commended for being such an astute neighbor. If you don’t already have an established Neighborhood Watch group, I would suggest that you start one. There is information on our website at www.sacpd.org on how to establish a Neighborhood Watch.

Officer Michelle

A Mother's Cry

2011-11-01T04:17:05Z

The phone rings a woman cries out. “Rhonda, is your son okay? I heard he was robbed at gunpoint. Was he shot?"

"My son is on his way home from school. It must be someone else." I replied. I hung up the phone and I called the cell phone my sister had bought my son for Christmas.

A voice I did not recognize answered. I asked, “Who is this?" I demanded, "Put my son on the phone."

The person responded, "You're son is dead" and then they hung up. I called back crying, "Please put my son on the phone." They replied, "He's dead."

I ran to the car with no idea of where I was going. I decided to drive the route my son would have walked home from school.

I was praying "Please God let me find my son. Please don't let me find a corpse covered in a tarp. Please let him be okay. Please God. Please"

Tears were streaming down my face. I could not breathe. I feared my son was laying somewhere also unable to breathe.

I could hardly see where I was driving so many tears were streaming down my face.

I was determined to find my son and then find the people who were answering his phone.

I had called 911 as I was leaving my home. I cried, "My son has been robbed. I think the people responsible are answering his phone. I think they shot him"

I could give no further information. I was told an officer would be dispatched to the area.

Several phone calls later I was given a phone number for an officer in the area.

I cried, “Please call my sons cell phone. The people responsible are answering his phone."

I was asked, "Mam, does your son sell drugs? Usually when people are robbed in the area they sell drugs."

I cried and questioned, "Are you telling me my son is a suspect for a crime, of selling drugs, that has not occurred verses the victim of a crime, a robbery, that has occurred?

Again, I begged, "Please call his cell phone." I was told, "Mam this is not CSI..."

It was at that point I realized if I was going to find my son I was going to do it alone. And I drove and drove, afraid of finding a corpse covered in a tarp and afraid of not finding my son.

My son, then 16yrs old and his 15yr old classmate were robbed of their jackets, phone and wallet as they walked home from school. The boy with my son turned over his items quickly and my son hesitated.

I had put his leather jacket on layaway for Christmas. It was the first day back to school from Winter Break. Because he hesitated, the robbers were going to take his life.

"Oh, he think he's tough. We got something for you" one robber replied.

The boy who had been walking with my son said he heard a gun go off and he ran afraid to look back. He said my son did not want to give them his jacket.

To think my son could have, ignorantly, lost his life for a jacket I put on layaway for three months was overwhelmingly difficult.

By the Grace of God, when the youth put the gun to my sons head and pulled the trigger the gun jammed. At that point my son ran, for his life, in the opposite direction.

Their was a gunshot but it missed my son.

My son ran and ran and ran until he found someone who would open their door and let him use the phone. Finally I had heard from my son. I picked him up, picked up his 15yr-old friend we met with officers to report the robbery.

I share this story, which is only one of several painful events in our lives in the City of Sacramento, for several reasons which include:

when I later write of what concerns (the tricks) with the Mayor's forum I want people to understand where I am coming from-- the pain that drives me to want to see significant efforts.
because this is the incident which woke me up and I began addressing youth violence crying out for the city to see our youths as more than suspects but as victims of crime as well.

When I attend forums addressing youth violence I take this and other pain with me. The pain never leaves me. I will never forget the painful memories I have in attempting to keep my son alive.

Equally important I will never forget the painful memories I have as I attempted to ensure my son knows freedom through a corrupt Sacramento court.

When I attend youth violence meetings I look for what is on the surface and I also look at what is not being told.

Unfortunately some are more concerned with losing funding or gaining funding than concerned with being completely truthful in their statistics.

I stayed on my knees in prayer. But I did not just pray. Faith without works is dead. So I also labored to address youth violence.

After my son was robbed of his jacket, cell phone and $5.00. He was robbed of a bike he was riding. I went to my church and asked if I could hold a town hall meeting to address youth violence.

The forum was 'Saving the Lives of All Youth" I felt it was important that we reach out to all youth. I knew if we just reach out to one ethnic group our children would still die.

In 2005, many Sacramento City and County leaders were focused on Hmong, Mien and Lao youth violence.

But the painful fact was the youth that robbed my son of his leather jacket were not Black, Hmong, Mien, Lao, Caucasian or Latino. I knew we had to reach all youth.

I also knew Tongan, Filipino, Russian, Pacific Islander, East Indian… youth were also dying and being arrested as a result of youth violence.

I went to my council member and without knowing me, she gave me her full support. Three articles were written by SacBee Diana Grego Erwin and community members from all walks of life responded.

I knew then addressing youth violence was something an entire community was prepared to do. I asked for parents, families of victims, schools, churches, community organizations, law enforcement, city and county elected officials to come together to save the lives of all our youth.

From our March 2005 meeting, then Sac City Superintendent Roy Grimes held an impressive forum at Hiram Johnson in April 2005. It was then I first publicly spoke sharing the story of my son robbed at gunpoint.

2005 Sacramento City School Superintendent Roy Grimes forum was impressive, consisting of Parents, Community leaders, Law enforcement, Non Profits and Educators.

A year or so later, and once money became available, an organizing committee came together and held another forum at Hiram Johnson. I was a speaker sharing the tragic stories of Sacramento youth homicide victims. The forum also brought together additional non profit organizations.

I have probably been to more meetings than I've been alive. I'm no spring chicken. There is so much I have seen from some that address youth violence that concerns me. There are also efforts which impress me.

But more often than not each time I attended a forum addressing youth violence I left in more pain than before and more often than not I cried harder than I cried before.

The March 2005 community meeting, “Saving the Lives of All Our Youth” included myself, Parents of victims, Two Council members (District Director's), Two County Supervisor (Chief of Staff) several Church Pastors, Community activist/ law enforcement, California Department of Correction workers, city, county, state, private industry workers, School Board members from several districts, Sac City Superintendent and several non profit organizations.

I share the above because it is important to know the collaborative effort our Mayor’s Plan consists of has been done before.

However the mayor’s forum is impressive as I will discuss in Part Two, Mayor’s Strategic Plan for Gang Prevention; Tricks and Treats.

Six years and Six months of addressing youth violence I sat in the October 31st "Mayor's Strategic Plan for Gang Prevention" meeting asking myself, 'Have we walked on a treadmill?"

The Answer is No. We have to crawl before we can walk. As someone once said, 'The journey of a thousand miles begins with it's first steps."

I seen people at the October 31st forum who have been walking to address youth violence since 2005, some prior to 2005 and yes, some who began walking once gang prevention funding became available.

I will be honest and I did not expect it. The Mayor's forum was a treat. Mayor Johnson was impressive. The Strategic Plan is impressive. As always, Khaalid Muttaqi, is impressive.

Yes, their were some tricks given by some presenters in efforts to make their programs shine. But today I wanted to share my experience in hopes you will see some of our pain and understand why we deserve real solutions.

Tomorrow I hope to share the October 31, 2011 Tricks and Treats of Sacramento Mayor's Strategic Plan for Gang Prevention putting a spotlight on some of the deception in hopes we move forward in truth to gain effective solutions.

All in all today was a good day. Kudo's Mayor Johnson, City of Sacramento, and all of those addressing youth violence prevention.

I don’t attend youth violence meetings to make friends. I don’t attend to make money. I attend with pain both personal and the pain I have learned of all the families who have lost their youth to death or incarceration. It is a burden to carry so much pain.

It is overwhelming when the truth is overshadowed by trickery to gain, compete or keep funding.

When I attend youth violence meetings I look at everyone and everything both the spoken words and the unspoken. I look for truth.

I left the forum with less pain than I arrived. I left the forum without one tear and for me that too is impressive.

Kudo's Mayor Johnson, this mother is crying less but you still have work to do. It is a Job well begun

Ask Officer Michelle - Shared Duplex Debate Over Medical Marijuana Smoke

2011-10-23T16:38:22Z

Posted by logsmom08

Hi Officer Michelle!

I am a renter in the Sacramento area. I live in a duplex and share the other half of the house with someone who has a ‘medical card’. My neighbors and I share a garage wall in our duplex and I am assuming that they smoke in their garage because when I walk in my garage, the stink about knocks me over. Do I have any rights to ask them to stop smoking in the garage or anywhere where I and my family can smell or be effected by it?

Dear logsmom08,

The best thing you can do about that is to speak with your landlord. Some landlords have their renters sign a marijuana smoking clause now. The law about smoking marijuana regardless if it is for medicinal purposes is that it can’t be smoked in a place where the public has access. Now, even though the garage is a part of his/her residence, it is still a common area to you and your family. If there are children who live in your or your neighbor’s residence, that could also change things.

Medicinal marijuana can be ingested in different ways as well as not to have the smoke permeate into your home, or linger in the garage. If you are on good terms with your neighbor, you may want to ask them to smoke it when you are not home, or suggest that he/she ingest it a different way. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

2011-10-20T16:50:22Z

This past weekend marked the 20th anniversary of the Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (SIGLFF) at the Crest Theatre. The festival ran selected film series each evening from Thursday to Saturday.

Founder Alan Cole started the project in 1992 as a student-run film festival that received support from Sacramento State University, Gay and Lesbian Alliance students with grant funding from Associated Students Inc. , which is a official governing body which operates the sponsorship of programs and services to CSUS students.

A bevy of sponsors and volunteers support the board of directors, programming and gala committees to prepare and organize the annual festival that takes place in October to celebrate National Coming Out Day. The festival showcases handpicked films by the committee that are created by filmmakers of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The festival serves as a vehicle for LBGT talent such as actors, writers, producers and directors from around the world to showcase their abilities.

Thursday evening kicked off the festival with two works: one 18-minute film called "The Rescue" by director Phillippe Gosselin and an 88-minute film called "Morgan," directed by Michael Akers.

Board of directors president J. Todd Lohse explained that each night centered around a theme. Thursday evening was films directed toward men , Friday evening was ladies night with films based around lesbians, and Saturday was a series of short films that touched on subjects such as sexual identity, race and struggling relationships.

The large crowd at Friday’s screening was mixed with people of all ages from all walks of life, but it was apparent that the female population dominated the night’s attendance.

Well before the films started, members of the public, LGBT community, volunteers and workers were busily flurrying around the Crest Theatre concessions stands for popcorn, drinks and snacks, grabbing a cocktail and mingling with other filmgoers. Even after the lights flickered to warn everyone the film was starting soon, people were still falling behind with cocktails finishing a great conversation or in line for last-minute snacks.

Cole and Lohse introduced the films, speaking of their love and commitment to the organization. They thanked their sponsors, such as Fred Palmer from Outword Magazine, who has been a sponsor for the last 14 years.

The first film was "Lesbian Cliche Song" by director Bob Koherr. At five minutes long, the film served almost as a satirical music video of all the typical lesbian cliches perceived by society, which the audience seemed to agree with as they responded with laughter.

The second was a feature film, "Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together" directed by Wendy Jo Carlton. The dramedy musical focuses on two best friends who blur the line of friendship and romance.

Afterward, one of the film’s stars, Fawzia Mirza, took the stage to answer questions from the audience.

"Are you single?" was the very first question asked. (The answer was yes.)

After her Q&A, she encouraged everyone to carry the party over to Headhunters nightclub for the after-party.

"We are loving the idea that gays and lesbians are receiving recognition not only for their filmmaking but that stories about the private struggles of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are being artistically told,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous, standing hand-in-hand with her partner outside the theater.

Visit siglff.org for updates, volunteer information and details for 2012's festival.

See you next year!

City Opens Doors of Historic Water and Sewer Facilities

2011-10-18T20:39:24Z

Residents are invited to see firsthand the challenges of aging water, sewer pipes, pumps and treatment plants

As part of Your Utilities. Your Voice., The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities is throwing open the doors of two of its oldest pieces of infrastructure- the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant (built in 1923) and Sump 2 (built in 1927) to help the citizens of Sacramento better understand the challenges of its aging water and sewer infrastructure. At each facility, tours will be offered that highlight the historic nature of these facilities and how modern technology is keeping them operating today, while protecting the environment and the health and safety of Sacramento residents. Tours will also share with participants the growing number of issues that they, the ratepayer and the City faces as these facilities face mounting repairs and needed upgrades.

Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant Tour
Saturday October 22, 2011
11- 1 p.m. (tours leave every half hour)
1 Water Street, Sacramento, CA

Sump 2 Tour
Saturday November 5, 2011
11-1 p.m. (tours leave every half hour)
3530 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA

For more information about aging infrastructure tours, meetings or presentations, please visit YourUtilitiesYourVoice.com.

Disclosure: Jessica Hess is the Public Information Officer with the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities

Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Concerned About Neighbors' Pitbulls

2011-10-16T17:43:23Z

Posted by neighborwatch

Hi Michelle,
We recently had new neighbors move in the house behind ours. They have a few dogs, 2 of which are large pit bulls.
The first thing we noticed were the dogs barking for extended periods of time, all hours of the night. The tenants are home, but seem to ignore the barking. Recently we’ve witnessed 3 instances where the largest dog is attacking the other dogs/other possible animals in their backyard. Vicious attacks which leave their deck stained with blood.

The most recent incident involved the woman trying to separate the dogs, and she was thrown to the floor and screaming. I called 911 as I felt her life was in danger. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened next because the police never came to question me. It looks like the dogs may have been taken in by animal control, but I’m not certain.
My big concern is what happens if they return? I have 3 small children who I no longer allow to play in the backyard for fear that the dogs could breach the fence. I am terrified after witnessing a woman being attacked by her own dog.
What type of recourse do I have?
Another factor is suspicious activity surrounding the basement area of their home. Shady characters are lead through their back door to an area of the backyard which I cannot see from my vantage point. We can’t figure out if dog breeding is going on, or drug activity or what? I’m feeling a little out of my league here :)
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Dear Neighborwatch,

It sounds like Animal Control handled the situation. You were right in calling 911 on them. Chances are that once Animal Control takes the dogs, they won’t be coming home. You can call Animal Control (dial 311) and voice your concerns. Since the dogs have already exhibited aggressive behavior, you don’t want to take any chances with 3 small children. If you believe that they are illegally breeding and selling dogs, you would also express that to Animal Control.

As far as the suspicious behavior, you need to be more specific. If you think your neighbors are involved in illegal narcotics, call our Narcotic’s Tip Line at 808-5796. Are there any suspicious smells like chemicals emitting from the residence? Are there people coming and going at all times of the day and night? Have you seen any drugs, scales, packaging materials, money transactions?

It sounds as though you have really strong instincts about this residence, and may very well be right.
Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival hits Sacramento

2011-10-14T22:37:56Z

The Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival kicked off Thursday evening, celebrating its 20th anniversary of great indie LGBT films and their filmmakers at the Crest Theatre.

The festival is a non-profit organization, dedicated to showing independent LGBT films in [in or from?] Northern California. The festival continues through Saturday, with each evening concentrating on different subjects. Thursday evening focuses on male relationships, Friday on female relationships, and Saturday showcases a series of short films.

Each year brings opportunities to show more films, give more money to nonprofit LGBT organizations and provide grants to filmmakers.

Each evening, films begin at 7:30 p.m. The Crest is located at 1013 K St. Tickets are on sale at the Crest, The Beat and tickets.com.

40th Anniversary of the Crocker Art Museum's Annual Art and Antiques Show

2011-10-10T04:12:54Z

The Art Service Group celebrated the 40th annual Art & Antiques Show & Sale, which benefits Sacramento's beautifully renovated Crocker Art Museum. Over 50 regional and national arts and antique dealers participated in the event Friday through Sunday in the historic Scottish Rite Center, which is known for its dedication to education, fellowship and charity.

Dealers and volunteers from Sacramento County to Shingle Springs and Klamath Falls, Ore., join together to bond over their love of art and antiques and donate their time and efforts to participate in the three-day event.

The $7 admission fee and proceeds from the silent auction will support the Crocker Art Museum. The silent auction was filled with donated fine art, depression glass, pottery and other miscellaneous collectibles.

As collectors entered the center, they were greeted with the smiling faces of seasoned volunteers from the Crocker offering programs and encouragement to enter a drawing which offered winners one of 10 prizes, such as limited addition paintings or a luncheon gift certificate.

Each dealer was spaciously set up and spread out as if you were walking into each shop of their own. The event showcased top-notch heirlooms that catered to serious collectors, with one-of-a-kind items such as furniture from the Victorian era, European pottery and plates, fine art, vintage Oriental rugs, jewelry and silver goods.

The venue was quiet and visited by what seemed to be mature crowds who occasionally approached a dealer softly talking to and quizzing them about their pieces. One woman picked up a silver necklace at Sylvia's Sterling booth and said, " Wow. This looks just like my grandmother's."

Also on hand where professional appraisers and evaluators for people who are always curious as to how much their beloved piece of history is worth. The Crocker also hosts "Evaluation Days" in October as Sacramento's version of “Antiques Roadshow."

San Bruno resident Willie Mitchell of Old Pump Antiques, who was participating for his fourth year in a row, said the show had been relatively slow until Saturday afternoon.

"Yesterday it was slow, but today the crowd has been picking up,” he said. “I guess people like to sleep in!"

Mitchell has been dealing antiques for over 35 years. "Yes, it has been slow, but that goes for all industries right now,” he said. “The sales, they come and go.”

Despite each dealer having their own focus, they all have the same intention at heart, which is to support the Crocker. Proceeds will assist a variety of projects, from "cataloguing the glass and master drawing collections to creating location records for the paintings from the original Crocker family collection," according to their July/August Slice of Life newsletter.

In past years, the Art Services Group has also provided funds for many projects including computers, Y2K readiness software, specialized lighting fixtures, art storage boxes, temperature and humidity monitors, art conservation, art library reference books and chandeliers.

If you missed the Art & Antiques Show this year, there is always next year and more opportunities to contribute to the museum. Please support and enjoy the museum by taking a look at the calendar of events.

Ask Officer Michelle - Video Taping Police on Duty

2011-10-09T14:46:22Z

Posted by GARYA73

Is it illegal to video record an on-duty peace officer?

Dear GARYA73,

In the State of California, it is legal to video tape a peace officer, if you are in public and have a legal right to be there. You must not impede the officer in any way while they are in the course of his/her duties. If a crime scene has been established, members of the public may not cross it, even to film. This may lead to contaminating evidence within the crime scene.

This happens all the time. Everyone has a camera phone or a video recorder and officers are constantly being scrutinized. The other issue is that people often post their videos on social media networks.

I am of the philosophy that if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, it is not a problem. I however, don’t want to be on a media website without my consent. Public perception is very important, but what people have to understand is the whole picture. Say I get a call for service about a man who is aggressively panhandling and harassing citizens downtown. Say this person is a repeat offender and they have an extensive background with the police. I contact this subject and begin asking him questions about his identity and what he is doing. Say he gets indignant and begins talking about his rights and police harassment. Say a bystander starts taping at that moment before they know the whole situation. This is what concerns me. When things are taken out of context, the public’s perception of the police, based upon the video, is biased.

If the public is going to video a cop while they are in the course of their duties, it should at least be done responsibly.

Thank you for writing.

Officer Michelle

City Makes Records Available Online

2011-09-20T21:16:16Z

In order to provide the community with greater and quicker access to public records the City of Sacramento has launched a new online record library. (http://records.cityofsacramento.org). There are over 100,000 records currently in the online library with more being added every week. Currently searchers can look up meeting minutes, resolutions, and ordinances passed by the City Council 1921-present. Also available are City Council staff reports dating back to 1990 and budget records back to the 1921. New record series are currently being prepared for transfer to the online library for review. The City Clerk is excited as this will provide unprecednted access to citizens, visitors, and researchers who previously had to make a request for records to be made available for examination.

“It is very exciting to be able to provide these records to the public online. In the past citizens could have to wait several days while staff did manual searches through records. Now citizens are able to research, view and print the City’s most requested records on demand.” Shirley Concolino, City Clerk.

The City Council approved the digital record repository and workflow project to streamline the legislative process and meet the goals of the City Council’s green initiative, known as Citywide Content Management (CCM). The online library is part the of the CCM project led by the Office of the City Clerk and the City’s Central IT Department. Since the project’s implementation the City has been able to shift to a digital delivery of City Council meeting materials, significantly reduce its dependence on paper intensive processes and file systems; and continues to reduce the City’s need for offsite record storage. The digital repository has also substantially improved staff, and now citizen, access to the historical records of the City and City Council that previously had been cumbersome and time consuming to search.

For more information about the online record library contact Wendy Klock-Johnson, Assistant City Clerk, at (916) 808-7509 or at wkjohnson@cityofsacramento.org.

Disclosure: Wendy Klock-Johson serves as an Assistant City Clerk and the Records Manager for the City of Sacramento.

Ask Officer Michelle - A Personal Assistance Shady Request

2011-09-18T18:01:33Z

Posted by gigglebabe

this may be silly but need some info
My daughter looking for summer work decided to place a ad on craigs list. she received a replay from a guy and said he needed a personal assistant she was all caught up in making her on money she said she would do what ever it was he needed long story short her first task was to take these money orders and cash them , then western union the money, thought it was weird but told her the bank or post office would be able to tell if they were fake well they were, i just want to know that she wont be in trouble for taking them to the post office (they kept them and said they would be turned over to the investigators) and should we contact this person and tell them we got them cashed I for one would like this person caught and dealt with.

Dear gigglebabe,

It sounds to me that your daughter was caught up in a possible counterfeit/money laundering scam.

Personal assistants pick up dry cleaning, groceries and run errands; they do not cash money orders. This man was taking advantage of your daughter. What will happen now is that the postal inspectors will contact your daughter to get more detailed information and corroborate what she told them. They will continue their investigation from there. Since the US Postal Service is now involved, this is a federal investigation and your daughter must be truthful and tell the postal inspector what she knows. I don’t know the extent in which your daughter is involved, the status of this case and I am only responding to information you are giving me.

Meanwhile, if your daughter needs a job, there are more legitimate companies who look to hire personal assistants. Be wary of ads in the back of local free newspapers that advertise for personal assistants or personal escorts. They are often fronts for prostitution. Word of mouth is best, or tell your daughter to place applications marketing her skills to legitimate businesses.

It is great that your daughter is motivated about trying to earn her own way. Hopefully your daughter has learned from this. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

The Time is now for Your Input about Utilities

2011-09-14T22:36:07Z

City Utilities is looking for customer input as it faces challenges with aging pipes, increasing regulations

The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities, the City’s water, sewer, drainage and solid waste service provider, is seeking residential and commercial customer input on a set of guiding principles that will guide the department’s future services, programs and priorities.

Through the initiative called Your Utilities. Your Voice., the department is educating customers about the challenges it faces as well as gathering their opinions about how the department moves forward.

“Choices have to be made as we look to the future of the department,” said Dave Brent, Interim Director of the Department of Utilities. “We are facing challenges. Our sewer and water system, pipes and water treatment facilities have been around for nearly 100 years. Maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are increasing. We need our stakeholders and customers, the real owners of our utility system, to be a part of this important discussion and decision making process.”

Customer feedback will help Utilities prioritize a set of guiding principles. These principles focus on the department’s goals which include responding to customer needs, balancing those needs with departmental mandates and services, and, ultimately will be used to analyze rates.

If you are a Sacramento city business or residential customer, complete the survey by visiting YourUtilitiesYourVoice.com by October 3, 2011. Utilities will also make presentations to community groups upon request. Customers can email info@yourutilitiesyourvoice.com.

Disclosure: This story was written by the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities

Witter Ranch Selected for ‘Blue Thumb Neighbors’ Program

2011-09-12T20:19:35Z

The Witter Ranch neighborhood in Natomas has been selected to participate in “Blue Thumb Neighbors,” a free program sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and City of Sacramento Department of Utilities.

The project will teach residents there how to create healthy, beautiful, River‐Friendly landscapes that compliment their homes and neighborhood. River‐Friendly landscaping is a holistic approach to sustainable landscaping that uses resources, like water, efficiently and incorporates practices that foster soil health, reduce waste and prevent pollution of the air and waterways.

Each participating household will receive a free at‐home consultation on efficient watering, sponsored by the City of Sacramento, and then education and resource kits during three October workshops on sustainable landscape design, efficient irrigation and proper plant selection.

“When we first heard of this program, we knew that Natomas was an ideal candidate area,” said Dave Brent, Interim Director of the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. “And when we approached Witter Ranch, their enthusiasm proved we were right. We look forward to working with them and helping them to implement real changes that will make a difference in their water use and their monthly utility bills.”

Neighborhoods from throughout the City of Sacramento were nominated for the program and then evaluated according to 13 criteria, which included whether the neighborhood is metered and representative of other communities in the Sacramento region. After interviews with leaders at top‐ranked neighborhoods, program sponsors selected Witter Ranch.

"We were impressed with Witter Ranch's sense of community pride, neighborhood association leadership and existing system of communication," said Regional Water Efficiency Program Manager Linda Yager.

Witter Ranch was the only neighborhood selected in the City of Sacramento for the 2011 Blue Thumb Neighbors program.

The free at‐home consultations, which will provide tips on irrigation scheduling and efficient watering practices, begin this month. The open workshops will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 11, 18 and 25 at the Witter Ranch Elementary School Multipurpose Room at 3790 Poppy Hill Way.

Blue Thumb Neighbors staff will be going door‐to‐door on Saturday, September 17 to provide more information about the program and invite residents to participate.

Interested residents may contact Blue Thumb Neighbors Program Coordinator Christine Kohn at 916‐944‐1631 or ckohn@INcommunications.biz to learn more or sign up.

Blue Thumb Neighbors is offered in partnership with the Witter Ranch Community Alliance. It is sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and City of Sacramento. It is funded in part by a grant from the California Department of Water Resources.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Ask Office Michelle - Dealing with an Unpredictable Neighbor

2011-09-11T22:30:15Z

Posted by Rocky427

We’ve own our home for 4 years and know almost all our neighbors very well. We get along with almost all our neighbors. The homeowners that lives across the street are a very kind and elderly couple who has 2 or 3 adult sons (in their late 30s to early 50s) that live with them. We’ve said “hello” to the family in passing, and has never had any problems with them. We’ve seen the police at that house late at night occasionally, and learn that there are problems between the family members.

Last month, one of the sons (who is in his 50s) was pacing in front of his house. As we were coming back from our walk, he became very paranoid. He wanted to know why we were talking about him, and quickly came towards us to fight. We got away and no one was hurt. We have NEVER spoken with this son prior to this incident except to say hello in passing. We don’t know anything about him. We later found out that he was a “problem child” and had a history of extensive drug abuse in high school. We didn’t speak with that family about this incident because we weren’t confident that the elderly parents can do anything about this. We felt that confronting them with this could make him more paranoid and more dangerous to us. We also didn’t report this incident to law enforcement because we’ve never had a problem with this individual in the 4 years that we’ve lived there. We thought this might be an isolated event.

Today, as we were driving down the street, the same son was on his driveway. When he saw us, he glared at us and threw both arms in the air as if to challenge us to a fight. I’m not sure what to do at this point. I feel like I should report it to start documenting his behavior, but I’m afraid he’ll become more paranoid and violent if the cops are involved. Should I have reported the incident the first time? What do I need to do now to protect my family?

Dear Rocky427,

Definitely start documenting these occurrences. If you feel threatened by this man like you did when you were driving into your driveway, call the police. The police can stop and detain him, speak with him and evaluate whether he is being a danger to himself or others. Don’t handle this guy by yourself. He is obviously unstable and therefore unpredictable.

If you happen to see this man’s parents, you may want to mention something to them. I’d be interested to see how the parents are doing. Are they being over –run by their three adult sons? I’ve seen this before. Let me know, and keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Getting Possessions Back From an Ex

2011-09-04T22:14:36Z

Posted by kvv2002

I have a friend who recently broke up with her ex and she would like to get her stuff back out of his mother’s house. Both the mother and son are being uncooperative and all my friend wants is her stuff. How can she go about getting her items, if they are unwilling and ‘playing games’?

Dear kvv2002,

This is a pretty common dilemma. She can either set up a meet time which is convenient for her ex and his mother to get your belongings or she can take the her ex to small claims court to get her belongings. The latter may be a long and expensive process but she could mention it if she gets resistance.

Depending on what possessions were left there, it may not be worth the hassle. If your friends’ belongings consist of a vehicle, or official documents, it would be worth her while. If it is a duffel bag of clothes, non-essentials, let it go. Perhaps in time, your friend will be able to have a more civil relationship with the ex. The only other concern I had was whether your friends’ ex has a restraining order against her. That is a monkey wrench that complicates matters. Have your friend contact me so that I can get specifics. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Powerhouse Science Center breaks ground

2011-08-11T22:37:11Z

The Powerhouse Science Center project officially broke ground this morning, commemorating its push forward with the unfurling of a large 30 x 10 foot banner, which adorned the front of the former PG&E power station building. In attendance were some 60 citizens, dignitaries, funding partners, Powerhouse Science Center staff and City staff. Speakers at the event included Mayor Kevin Johnson, Congressmember Doris Matsui, Senator Darrell Steinberg's District Director, Susan McKee, and Michele Wong, the Interim Executive Director for the project.

A $7 million check was presented to the project, generated by Proposition 84's "Nature Education Facilities" grant. The funds will be used to partially spur construction, which is anticipated to start this fall. With an expected completion date of 2013, the project will include a number of amenities, including a large domed planetarium, science exhibits, gift shops and cafe, and an open park area.

More information can be found at the Powerhouse Science Center website.

Disclosure: Carlos Eliason is a photographer/videographer and designer working in the Sacramento area. He is also a creative media intern for the City of Sacramento.

Railyards Birdseye View

2011-08-11T02:16:12Z

Here's an elevated view for another perspective to Big things underway at Sacramento Railyards by Carlos Eliason:

Big things underway at Sacramento Railyards

2011-08-03T19:31:40Z

The Railyards is currently abuzz with activity. I recently had the chance take a short tour of the construction as part of my work with the City and it is a sight to behold. Seeing the massive excavation of dirt is am impressive far cry from what the site looked like only two months earlier, when construction started in May. The progress of the 245 plot of land is a welcome sight.

The earth directly in front of the main shop buildings, north of the Sacramento Amtrak Station, takes a large dip, perhaps twenty feet deep now. Before, this area was a flat expanse of dusty land, reaching to the rail station. Excavators pepper the site, clambering around their newly built depths of soil. Steam leaves the ground where crews have placed lye to evaporate moisture, making the soil more stable. Workers shovel clods of earth in their respective holes. The energy on-site is well into a positive nature.

More information about the Railyards project can be found at the City of Sacramento's Intermodal Transportation Facility webpage.

Disclosure: Carlos Eliason is a photographer, videographer, and designer working in Sacramento, CA. More photographs can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/carloseliason

East Sacramento’s Bertha Henschel Wading Pool Braces for a $22,000 Bill: Volunteers Needed to Help

2011-07-29T15:53:08Z

Laura Barrett and a dedicated band of volunteers kept the Bertha Henschel Wading Pool open this summer, but now they are faced with a mountain to climb.

“We raised money for the past two years to help support the pool and keep it open. Now the need is much more extreme. We are bracing for a possible contribution of $22,000 to keep the pool running next year,” says Barrett, coordinator of The Friends of Bertha Henschel Park.

All city resources are dwindling and more and more neighbors and community members are relied on to keep services running, especially in our parks. For Bertha Henschel the news is grim.

“At this point the City Parks and Recreation department is saying that there will be no funding for next summer," says Barrett.

The group is considering trying to find sponsors to fund the pool through advertising. This would mean banners and other forms of advertising at the pool site. Hopes are high that East Sacramento businesses will help out.

But such efforts don’t happen by themselves. “Our basic need is to have volunteers sign up to assist with fundraising efforts,” says Barrett.

The group also welcomes donations. “We have an account through the city's Gifts to Share program. This program allows neighbors to make tax-deductible donations, which would be directed to Bertha Henschel Wading Pool.

Send your tax-deductible donation to:

Gifts to Share, Inc.
915 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(Tax ID # 94-29285546)

Please write “Bertha Henschel” in the memo line.

Or donate on-line www.giftstoshare.org by clicking on their “Donate Now” link and then designating Bertha Henschel Pool in the “Program Designation” tab.

To volunteer to help contact Friends of Bertha Henschel at BerthaHenschel@gmail.com

East Sacramento Preservation Opinion—Mercy Hospital Must Build Loading Dock

2011-07-29T00:04:27Z

When Jim Ferry (an East Sacramento resident) contacted his neighbors to address the impacts of Mercy Hospital using J Street as their primary loading dock, he got a lot of supportive response.

The neighborhood is stressed by Mercy's inconsideration.

Mr. Ferry has done an admirable job of documenting a fairly shocking misuse of the public way for a loading dock through his blog at http://mercygeneral.blogspot.com. More than any petition, Mr. Ferry's blog uses photos to show the truth.

A picture truly is worth a thousand words.

The loading situation on J Street is patently hazardous.

There are frequently semi-tractor trucks parked in a seven foot wide space that impinge upon the west-bound travel lanes forcing vehicle and buses into the center turning lane. There are often multiple commercial vehicles at that location simultaneously.

These trucks sometimes park their wheels up on the public curb or in the landscaped median strip to reduce impact on the travel lanes.

Traffic on one of East Sacramento's primary vehicular and bus routes must weave through MGH's illegal loading facilities.

Off-loaded materials are left on the public sidewalk and there is a lot of pallet jack activity in the public way and sidewalks at all hours of the day.

The City Planning Code must be adhered to unless a specific variance is applied for and granted. That Code requires that a facility the size of MGH have a minimum of ten 10' x 40' loading spaces.

Despite the construction of a half billion dollar project, the city has allowed MGH to have only a single code-compliant loading space on-site while allowing the vast majority of their unloading functions to occur in sub-standard spaces within the public way on J Street.

No other facility of this size, or even of a significantly smaller size, in this City, has been permitted to function in this manner.

The only Environmental Impact Report documentation that pertains to this function is a site map that shows the MGH Service Circulation. This map does not show that MGH intended to use J Street as their primary loading facility.

MGH has no intention of changing these dangerous and unsightly loading practices once their project is finished.

But Mr. Ferry is not alone in his objections, private citizens and East Sacramento Preservation support Mr. Ferry and his work and call on Mercy to do the right thing—develop a loading dock on Mercy property and leave the street alone.

Thank you, Mr. Ferry.

Happy Endings at Happy Tails Pet Sancturay

2011-07-27T23:11:01Z

Tarzan

The longhaired, blue-eyed punk scaled a 30-foot tree and got himself stuck in the canopy for eight days. He made the evening news. A tree-trimming crew bagged the bad boy and rappelled him down. He then spent time in the pokey until Happy Tails bailed him out. With three of his nine lives ticked off, he is one lucky kitty.

Cats like Tarzan are “second chance cats” and they are Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary’s specialty.

Rescued from an uncertain fate at the Sacramento City Animal Shelter, he was brought to Happy Tails on Folsom Boulevard for a second chance at adoption. He was cleaned up, chipped, checked, vaccinated and neutered.

Happy Tails won’t refuse a cat. “But first do everything you can to help us out,” says Cathryn Rakich, events coordinator. “Ask everyone if they’ll adopt the cat. Try to find the owner. People should know that we are bursting at the seams.”

Established in 1993, and located at 60th and Folsom Boulevard, the Sanctuary is a no-kill facility (all cats are kept until adoption or death, no euthanasia). An all-volunteer team of 300 people, with 50 foster homes, moves a continuing cycle of cats, like Tarzan, through a careful adoption system.

From cage cleaner to board member, there are no paid positions.

Volunteers can work from one to 20 hours a week. There are no set requirements for volunteers. People do what they can.

About 70% of the felines come from the Sacramento area community and about ten percent are rescued from other shelters. These are cats like Tarzan--lots of character and pizzazz that deserve a second chance.

Happy Tails also has an adoption partnership with Pet Smart. The store provides a holding room, bank of cages, food and litter for adoptees. The Happy Tails team maintains the location and shows animals for adoption Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 11-5 at Arden and Watt.

Kitty out!

A brindled tabby squirmed quickly through an open condo door.

“Kitty out!” several volunteers shouted. The crew hustled to secure the middle and exterior doors to catch the escapee. Speed saved the day and the cat (with a surprised look on his face) was returned.

The Folsom Boulevard site includes exam and intake rooms, a sick bay and a triple secure door system: interior, middle and exterior door.

The residents aren’t kept comfortable in cages, instead there are seven glass walled enclosures, or condos, that divide different populations. One is for the more senior residents, two are for adults and four are for special needs cats.

Special needs include positive tests for cat leukemia, FIV, or social challenges and provides sick cats ‘assisted living’ until they’re back on their paws.

Every room is decorated with toys, cat trees and ample bedding. Cleaners keep the rooms clean and the cats are relaxed.

Kitten season

The saddest time of the year for cats may be spring.

“Traditional kitten season kicks in when the weather warms up,” Rakich said. “It used to be primarily May through July but now it runs late April through September.”

This is the time when unsprayed mom cats give birth to kits that are very hard to place in good homes. The cat population swells, as do deaths and abuse.

Happy Tails kittens are kept in foster homes. On the day this writer visited there was a wiggling carry bag on the floor. “A homeless man found four abandoned kittens and put them on the conveyor belt at Pet Smart,” said Joelle McChesney, Adoption Center Coordinator. She gently poked a rubber nipple into a grey kitten’s protesting mouth. “These are young, maybe three weeks old.” McChesney will be a surrogate mom, feeding and loving the babies, until they are old enough to be put up for adoption. The bag of kittens was on its way to a foster home because the sanctuary is not equipped for kitten needs. “Each kitten takes more than $100 to move through the adoption process,” said McChesney.

Life on the edge

Feral cats also fall under the protection of the shelter.

“We have two secret feral cat colonies in Sacramento,” said Rakich. “We practice catch and release - spay and neuter, and feeding. The sites are secret so people won’t dump cats near the area.”

“A hard life does not make a grumpy cat,” Rakich continued, stroking and hugging a chubby black tom named Bronco. He was moved into the sanctuary from the feral population. Purring and limp, Bronco carries a ragged neck scar from a collar that had grown into his skin. His frayed ears and nicks made him look like a hardened felon.

“We have to have thick skins,” said Rakich. “We never get used to (the cruelty). We want all cats to be safe, sound, nurtured and have a home to blossom in.”

We need help

Happy Tails needs any help Sacramento can offer, but it especially needs homes for the cats.

Potential adopters are screened carefully and some balk about the shelter’s no outside cat rule. All new owners must pledge to keep the cat indoors, no exceptions.

“It’s just safer for the cat,” says Rakich.

Rakich ponders the plight of the animals.

“People say it’s not their responsibility… I just found it… or I’m just helping to get it to the shelter… I believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to help these animals.”

By the way, Tarzan, the bad boy acrobat, he’s happy, fluffy, reformed and waiting at Happy Tails for a loving forever-family.

Side Bar

You don’t need to adopt a cat to help. Happy Tails welcomes all kinds of support. Here are some ideas.

• Donations (any amount)
• Join the volunteer program
• Tell a student about the Junior Program for community service credit
• Attend an event held by Happy Tails. Check with the website below for specific dates of important events coming up!

The website at www.happytails.org has complete details. All donations are tax deductible. Happy Tails is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Disclosure: This story first appeared in the May issue of East Sacramento News.

Ask Officer Michelle - Receiving Suspicious Money Orders

2011-07-24T20:40:19Z

Posted by smcnamee

I have received money orders from someone I don’t know. Could I bring them to the police station to be verified "Legal Tender" so as not to be caught up in a possible fraudulent scheme?

Dear smcnamee,

It may be a fishing expedition. Crooks that partake in these expeditions send out mass mailings in the hopes that one or two people will bite on their lure. You’re wise to be cautious. Unfortunately, this often works, and it is hard to trace the originator.

You can call the Financial Crimes Unit in your jurisdiction and speak to an investigator about your situation. If you live in the city of Sacramento, the telephone number is 808-0650. Our investigators are doing more with less so it may be a few days before you get a response. They will be the point of contact to give you the best advice on how to proceed. Thank you for your post!

A former power station, sitting empty and waiting

2011-07-19T18:49:43Z

If you’ve ever you’ve wondered what that old abandoned building off the west side of I-5, just north of downtown Sacramento is, wonder no more. If you aren’t familiar with it, the City now owns the former PG&E Powerhouse, built in 1912 and vacated sometime in the early 60’s.

Currently it sits empty, an eyesore for most that travel along Jibboom Street between the I Street Bridge, and Richards Boulevard. Most recently, it was nominated to be a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

I recently had a somewhat exclusive chance to photograph the inside of the building for the Economic Development Department. The building is being converted into a science, space and technology museum that is set to attract tourists to the area. The $50 million project should be completed by 2013.

Inside, the building is desolate, save for a few scraps of leftover metal, some supporting structures for large apparatuses, and plenty of pigeons. I was amazed at how graceful the aging structure felt. A calm quiet surrounded me. I observed a strange and distinct change from the hum and drum of nearby I-5.

Although these photographs appear as brightly lit renditions of the scene inside, the actual experience was much different. There was enough light to navigate around, but as for the small details seen in these photographs, few could be found by my eyes in real life.

PG&E Powerhouse from carlos eliason on Vimeo.

More information is available at the Powerhouse Science Center website.

Disclosure: Carlos Eliason is a photographer, videographer, and designer working in Sacramento, CA. More photographs can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/carloseliason

Why do you love Sacramento ?

2011-07-19T06:56:29Z

We've all heard it before, “I need to get out of Sacramento."

The above statement has been muttered out of the mouths of people born and raised here or forced here beyond their will as a child by the likes of their parents or family, just waiting for the day they turned 18 to flock to wherever the cool kids are. You have probably also heard the generic, "There is nothing to do here," or, " If I want a real career, I need to move to San Francisco or Los Angeles, where it's happening."

Maybe so, or maybe, these people haven't given our state capital a fair look at a microscopic level with a new pair of eyes.

You know what, no microscope needed, just open your eyes.

Sacramento's popularity is rising. People who are now old enough to spread their wings and fly have chosen to nest here. It's not because they have failed to take flight and venture out and find exciting endeavors in new places, it's because Sacramento is one of the most amazing places to be and some people don’t even know it.

A group of people who share the same view gathered Sunday evening at Time Tested Books, a long standing independent book store owned by Peter Keats. Keats curates an event called, “The Sacramento Living Library,” that happens at the bookstore every third Sunday. The Living Library is hosted by the editor at Midtown Monthly magazine, Tim Foster. Each month, the group focuses on a cultural legend in the Sacramento area and opens the microphone to their guest speaker(s) and attendees. This past Sunday was a showcase dedicated to why we love Sacramento. Each attendee was welcome to share why Sacramento is so special to them. Guests could also choose to simply listen.

The group served as inspiration to one another as people approached the mic, claiming they were only there to listen at first, but felt obliged toward Sacramento as they heard others speak about their love affair with our city of trees.

The evening started out with Living Library regular, local writer and security guard William Hughes. Hughes expressed his love for Sacramento through a thoughtful poem that showcased his favorites, brunch at Tower Café or golf at William Land Park.

Not only is Sacramento a great place for our natives to stay, but it is a growing place to call home for people hailing from different cities and states. Forget Los Angeles, as did a painter named Jeff who left southern California for northern and hasn’t looked back. What captured him about Sacramento was the city’s history, the architecture of our buildings and the fact that he can walk everywhere.

“Carmeggedon!” yelled a guest from the crowd, referring to closure of the 405 highway, a major Interstate Highway in southern California that demonstrated how reliant on cars southern California really is.

Interestingly enough, the editor of Midtown Monthly magazine, a magazine that highlights the going-ons of greater Sacramento, is in fact from New Jersey. Tim Foster came to Sacramento “kicking and screaming,” planning on going back to the East coast the first chance he got - until he moved to midtown. After five years of living in midtown Sacramento, he says he can’t imagine home being anywhere else. Foster says midtown had everything in a community he was looking for and his earliest memories of New Jersey did not.

Other reasons on why Foster loves Sacramento: he can ride his bike to not one, but two different rivers; affordable housing with a garden and garage; and he “never had to pay for band practice in my life.”

Performing Arts teacher Melanie Smith admits that when she moved to Citrus Heights and worked as a teacher at American River College, her life consisted of her daily commute to the college and back home. Her view of Sacramento changed once she moved to Curtis Park. She describes it as “uncovering a new world.” Smith said getting to know the neighborhood and her neighbors on a more personal level is what brought about her love of Sacramento.

Smith also touched on the topic of film and stage performances. Sacramento has it all, the actors, the writers, the producers, the directors. So why move? Why move when we can stay where we are and create here?

This goes for all areas of creative endeavors. We need to dive into the resources we have and reach out to one another for support and inspiration. It’s here.

Olivia Coelho, co-owner of Bows and Arrows, recalls memories of her time growing up in the foothills where she was surrounded by “McMansions” and didn’t share the same views as the other kids she grew up with. As an escape, she moved to Santa Cruz briefly to complete her studies before returning back to the Sacramento area.

Coelho then uncovered her journey in finding what she wanted to do with her life: to find out that Sacramento wasn’t just a pit stop to bigger and better things. Sacramento is where she found a group of like minded people with whom she could create, recalling memories of art shows at Joe’s Style Shop. Coelho was also overwhelmed with outpouring support from other small business owners when she asked for advice.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Coelho beamed.

Coelho’s business partner, Trisha Rhomberg, who focuses on Bows’ gallery, is from Missouri. She came out here to attend CSUS ten years ago. She must have seen something in Sacramento because not only is she still here, but she shows no signs of slowing as the growth of Bows and Arrows burns faster than a wildfire.

The evening’s last speaker was Karen, a Sacramento native, whose natural smile radiated from her as she reminisced about Sacramento’s lovely features. She mentioned the weather, palm trees, diversity and affordable housing. She also said it was heartwarming to watch small businesses grow.

The group of speakers lightly touched on politics and what we can do to keep people here. Why are you here?

Rivers, B street theatre, yearly festivals such as Launch and Bicycle film festival, eccentric dance nights hosted by Shaun Slaughter, the State Capital, McKinley Park, The State Fair, Tower Theatre and café, bike rides, Crest Theatre, Crocker Art Museum, 2nd Saturday Art Walk…. Why do YOU love Sacramento?

Ask Officer Michelle - Suspicious Subject Hanging Out in Midtown

2011-07-17T15:17:42Z

Posted by kendell

Hello Officer Lazark; The problem I have is a homeless guy hanging out across the street. I have reason to believe that this guy participated in a theft from my backyard last year, then he went to jail for 6 mos for I am not sure what, rumor it was sex assault. I believe he is scaring off potential buyers of a vacant house next to me. Is there any rule about a person fresh out of jail spending time at a Megan’s list location? Thank you.

Dear kendell,

I ran the address you gave me on the Megan’s Law website which is a public information site. I discovered that there is a registered sex offender registered at this residence. He is in compliance with his registration.

If you have witnessed someone doing something criminally specific, you can report him. If you go to www.meganslaw.ca.gov, there is an option to report the person. You will have to type in a synopsis as to what the problem is. If he is merely hanging out in front of his residence, then there is not much you can do. If he is making comments, intimidating people as they walk by, panhandling, trespassing, or doing anything else illegal, you may also call the police and have an officer dispatched to check out a suspicious subject.

You may also discuss this gentleman with his landlord. If there is anything illegal going on in the residence, he or she may want to know about it.

A lot of potential buyers of properties now look at the Meagan’s Law website before purchasing. This is possibly one of the reasons why the house remains vacant. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Will Monday's Neighborhood Advisory Group Meeting Be Its' Last?

2011-07-14T23:03:12Z

After operating for nearly two decades, what may be the last meeting of the Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG) will take place this Monday.

NAG started out as a meeting of concerned central city residents meeting in private homes. Eventually a partnership with the city was formed through Neighborhood Services/Code Enforcement under Max Fernandes. Neighborhood Services has continued to work with NAG publishing and distributing the NAG agenda that was created each month by the independent and volunteer NAG agenda committee. Neighborhood Services also serves as a conduit between the agenda committed for city entities that wanted to present at NAG and city endities that the agenda committe requested presentations from.

Highlights of this NAG agenda include a presentation by interim city manager Bill Edgar. Edgar will speak about the impact of the city budget cuts. It is sugnificant that Mr. Edgar will be presenting at this NAG. He had a major influence on forming the partnership between the NAG and the city when he was city manager, including the creation of Neighborhood Services.

The agenda committee also asked the police to speak during the police activity report about the increasing sales of alcohol in Area 1 in cojunction with reductions in police resources and how Area 1 residents will keep abrest of police issues if NAG ceases to exist.

Finally attendies will discuss the future of NAG after hearing what support Neighborhood Services can continue to provide.

Area 1 Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG) July 2011 Agenda

In Partnership with the City of Sacramento Neighborhood Services Division

Monday, July 18, 2011
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Hart Senior Center, 915 27th Street

Tonight’s Facilitator: Gerald Celestine, Capitol Area R Street Association (caRsa) and Friends of Fremont Park

6:30 Welcome and Introductions

6:35 City Budget Impacts
Bill Edgar, Interim City Manager

7:00 Area 1 Police Department Activity Report
· Increased alcohol sales and impact on Police
· How will residents keep up with Police issues if there is no Neighborhood
Advisory Group?
Sacramento Police Department

7:15 Announcements

7:20 Issue Updates: Mercy Hospital; Midtown Nightlife Issues/Responsible Hospitality Institute; R Street; Sutter Hospital/Trinity Cathedral; High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes; Preservation Roundtable; Department of Utilities Funds; The Docks Project; K Street; Special Events; NAG Action Request Form

7:30 Neighborhood Services / Parks and Recreation Updates
· Support of NAG
· Cost /Availability of Hart Senior Center

7:50 Future of NAG

Adjourn

*Next Meeting: To Be Determined*

Items are placed on the agenda based on their time sensitivity and relevance to Area 1. Join the NAG agenda committee in setting the agenda at 12 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Clunie Community Center. (If NAG continues)

See City Council agendas and reports here.

Disclosure: Bill Burgua often attends the Neighbohood Advisory Group agenda committee meetings and often facilitates the NAG meetings.

Ask Officer Michelle - Neigbor's Children Causing Havoc

2011-07-10T21:21:57Z

Posted by bambam05

I at a loss and don’t know where to turn. There are some people renting a house across the street that have a zoo living there. They do not supervise their children who damage my property and toss trash in my yard. I made the mistake of confronting to bad child and now a parent appeared who then yelled at me for telling his kid what to do. so my question is…what can be done with this kids that ride bike in the middle of the street, run and scream at the top of the lungs 24/7 (and yes I work from home) and destroy my and disrespect my property daily? Is this really a police thing or a CPS thing or do I call thier landlord? How do I get thier landlord info if that’s the way to go? Pleaes help. This was a nice place for the most part.

Dear bambam05,

It sounds like you have the normal sounds of summer vacation! It may be annoying to you while you work from home, but the children have a right to play and ride their bicycles outside. As long as they are wearing bicycle helmets if under 18 years of age, not blocking the street, and they are being supervised, there are no police or CPS issues.

I would speak to the parents of these kids and explain to them that you do work from home and that you would appreciate if they can speak to their children about respecting your need for them to turn down their volume. Some parents become particularly upset when adults address their kids directly. Discuss your concerns about throwing litter into your yard, and the fact that they are destroying your property. I’m not sure of the extent of the damage. If you are talking about skid marks from their bikes in your driveway, or trampled plants, discuss with the parents. If however, you are talking about broken windows, or dents in your car, that is another issue. If the parents don’t respond or become indignant with you, then it is time to speak to the landlord. Ownership records are available through the County Assessor’s Office. You can start here to research: http://www.assessor.saccounty.net/OwnershipInformation/default.htm
Give the parents a chance to right wrongs. You also must remember that there must be a compromise between neighbors, especially in a situation like this when children are on summer vacation. Good luck.

Officer Michelle

The Beach Boys prove they still have it after 50 years together

2011-07-04T05:41:12Z

It's been 50 years since the Beach Boys formed and have been " getting around" with their all-American hits about love, summertime, the beach, surfing, endless youth and cars.

Many fans flocked to Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Friday evening to attend the sold-out Beach Boys show, part of Thunder Valley's Summer Concert Series. Nothing but nostalgia filled the air as the crowd rocked their Hawaiian shirts and leis, hit beach balls in the air and lined up at the beer garden to get their fix before the band hit the stage.

The arena was surrounded by old classic cars and limos with words painted in the windows such as "Beach Boys Forever." These were the type of rides fans drove to see the band they grew up listening to. Whether it be a group of ladies rekindling their friendship over their favorite band from the ‘60s, a married couple who fell in love listening to " Little Deuce Coupe" while in their little deuce coupe, or an all-around family affair, the venue was a packed house of people ready to bring back the memories.

The stage fit the scene, as the instruments were surrounded by palms trees and surfboards. Even the crew testing the instruments and setting up the stage were wearing wet suits, although the ocean was nowhere to be found.

Throughout the years, the Beach Boys have changed their lineup, never quite keeping the original due to their personal hardships, challenges and changes. Lead vocalist Mike Love is the only remaining original member hitting the road under the Beach Boys name.

As soon as the band blasted the audience with their first song, "Catch a Wave," the oldies-but-goodies in the audience raised their hands, nodded their heads, clapped their hands and shimmied back and forth in between the aisles without a care in the world. And it didn't stop until the final song ended.

The Boys rocked the crowd through six straight songs before addressing the audience.

"This is pretty cool they took the top off the Memorial Auditorium where we did our first live album," Love said. The crowd roared in laughter. "We would like to take an intermission followed by a nap."

Concert-goers toasted their cups and nodded their heads to agree with their older-age humor. Love seemed appreciative of the women swinging their hips and dancing in the aisles, dedicating "Little Surfer Girl" to them as he brought out his daughter Ambha to slow dance.

More than halfway through the set, they played the smash hit "Don't Worry Baby" and the whole crowd rose to their feet, women and men holding hands and dancing together. The Boys were on a roll when "Little Deuce Coupe" started, and there were no signs of the audience stopping their madness.

Love was full of jokes. He wanted to let us all know that John Stamos was sorry he couldn't make it and that he said “hi.”

“Most of these songs were from 1963, the same year Stamos was born,” he said. “And I keep telling him he [should this be “me”?] and his mom had a lot of fun around then. Just kidding, guys. That is called a ‘yo momma’ joke.”

During "Barbara Ann," Love's daughter brought her children onstage for a full house of musicians and family. Before the final song, " Fun, Fun, Fun," most of the crowd was starting to die out.

"I still like to party and tonight was magical, but I can't lie. It's past my bedtime!" Janice Nielson from Sacramento said on her way out of the venue.

Perhaps the Beach Boys will made it back to us again in the near future to pull families together to sing, dance and be forever young at heart.

Ask Officer Michelle- The Best Way to Thank an Officer

2011-06-26T17:46:11Z

Posted by billalbertson
What is the best way for me to thank officers. I want to send a letter of thanks to the officers and their supervisor, with a bcc to the local newspapers. Is it appropriate to do that and name them, or could there be privacy concerns regarding the officers involved if I bcc the local papers?

Dear billalbertson,
Your desire to thank helpful officers is much appreciated. Unless they are working undercover, officer’s names are public information as seen on the name badges that are part of their uniforms!

The best way to thank police officers is to send a letter to the chief (you may want to send copies to the officers and the press if desired). This ensures that the letter makes its way down through the officers’ chain of command. In the case of our officers, you can address your letter to:
Chief Rick Braziel, 5770 Freeport Blvd., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95822.

Thank you,
Officer Michelle

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Rock Thunder Valley Casino Resort

2011-06-20T21:20:10Z

Joan Jett, one of our reigning queens of rock ’n’ roll and one of only two women on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 greatest guitar players of all time, rocked a full house at Thunder Valley Casino Saturday night.

Jett, accompanied by her band The Blackhearts, proved that she still has the energy and free-spirited wild-child persona she adopted during her early days as a guitarist in her first band, The Runaways.

Jett donned her signature black shaggy hair, dark eye makeup, a black tank top and Converse as she paraded around the stage, clapping her hands and encouraging the crowd to throw their hands up and sing along. Joining her on stage was lead guitarist Dougie Needles, drummer Tommy Price and bassist Enzo Penizzotto.

The ground-level VIP area was filled with die-hards crushed against the stage, mesmerized by Jett's every move. The VIP seated area was much more relaxed.

"All of these seats are taken,” Sandy Johnson claimed. “Our girls are out getting us some cocktails!" Johnson said she and her 12 girlfriends have been following Jett since their teens.

By looking around the crowd on Saturday night, it seems as if Jett has fans from all walks of life, as it was even mix of older and younger men and women and teens.

"How are my fans in the bleachers? Can you hear me!?" she screamed before kicking off "Do You Wanna Touch Me.” She stared seductively into the audience and challenged the crowd for more hype. She touched her body and sang with her body language, "Yeah, oh yeah, yeah, I wanna know, do you wanna touch me?" The more Jett seduced the crowd, the more the crowd followed in cheers and overhead applause.

Jett and the Blackhearts played a few Runaways songs, including the first song Jett ever wrote, "You Drive Me Wild." As she prepared to play the jam, the crowd died down.

"What happened? Don't be shy. Come on, sing to the universe!" she squealed.

"Cherry Bomb" was another one of the Runaways originals they performed. Lincoln teen Allison Davis, in all black clothing with a studded belt and pink wrist bands, rocked out and sang along to all the lyrics of the Runaways’ “I Love Playing with Fire.”

“I saw the movie ‘The Runaways’ recently and fell in love,” Davis said. “I mean, just look at her. She is fearless!"

Agreed. Jett was unapologetic with her behavior on stage, also donning genuine smiles after the anecdotes and advice she told the audience before songs.

"Love between two people is a beautiful thing,” she said. “But love between three people can be an even more beautiful thing, especially if one of those people is me!" The crowd went wild as "The French Song" rocked.

Just about when the daylight faded and darkness began, the stage lights lit up and Jett and the Blackhearts started playing their most popular songs. The crowd was the most reactive and rose to their feet once the beat to "I Love Rock ’n’ Roll" started. The enthusiasm continued on through “Crimson and Clover.”

Jett thanked the crowd for the night, and all band members left the stage. "Joan Jett, Joan Jett, Joan Jett!" the crowd yelled repeatedly until the rocker and her bandmates came out for a couple more tunes. Once it was apparent that Jett said goodbye for the night, the crowd filed back into Thunder Valley Casino, adrenaline still rushing from the show.

Thirty-six years since hitting the music scene, Joan Jett proves to us she still loves rock ’n’ roll.

Layoffs of 35 city cops avoided

2011-06-15T05:37:18Z

Thirty-five police jobs were saved from proposed layoffs after the Sacramento Police Department received a waiver on a federal grant that funds officer positions, spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong confirmed late Tuesday night.

The number of proposed layoffs in the 2011/2012 budget for Sacramento police officers has dropped from 81 to 46.

The City Council will vote next week on proposed budget cuts that include layoffs of cops and other Police Department staffers. Council members were weighing whether to lay off 81 police officers, but the grant waiver means they will decide whether to lay off 46 officers. The council will also choose whether to lay off 68 civilian police department staffers – those proposed cuts were not affected by the federal grant waiver.

The city is facing a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

"This grant exemption is a positive in an otherwise difficult budget year,” Police Chief Rick Braziel wrote in a Tuesday night press statement. “We are thankful for the quick approval of this grant exemption, which would not have been possible without the efforts of Bernard Melekian from the Department of Justice, the support of Congresswoman Doris Matsui and the hard work of our police staff.”

Meanwhile, Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka told the City Council at a Tuesday night budget hearing that she had no update on any labor concessions from city unions. Despite the standstill, “staff continues to have an open door” to negotiations with city unions, she said.

In addition, the city could still negotiate with the unions for possible concessions after the budget is approved, Masuoka said.

While Councilman Darrell Fong, a retired police captain, has said he intends to vote for the police cuts, he announced at Tuesday’s council meeting that he would redirect his City Council salary for the 2011/2012 fiscal year to the Police Department’s budget.

The base pay for Sacramento City Council members is $60,800 annually.

“I’m hopeful as we continue between now and next week to keep having discussions and hope to get to a better place,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said at the meeting.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Top EPA official speaks in Sacramento

2011-06-14T02:27:27Z

The nation’s top environmental official, Lisa Jackson, expressed her view in Sacramento on Monday that federal and state environmental regulations can help create demand for green businesses and technologies.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Jackson spoke about environmental regulation and green jobs to an audience of more than 250 people at the Cal/EPA building downtown. She was the latest in a string of high-profile speakers brought into town to speak on behalf of “Greenwise,” Mayor Kevin Johnson’s environmental initiative.

Contrary to the views of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which argues that businesses are stymied by many environmental regulations, Jackson said that regulations from EPA can help prod the formation of new green businesses.

By cracking down on pollution through regulation, EPA pushes companies to consider the pollution that comes from products, she said.

“You have to demand ‘clean.’ And we do that through our regulations,” she said.

Jackson said she was confident that environmentally sound technologies and products can be created.

“So there’s no doubt in my mind, as an engineer, that once this country continues to demand clean, green, sustainable, environmentally just solutions, that we can and will develop and invent and commercialize the technologies to make it happen,” she said.

State and federal environmental regulations can provide “the push” necessary to build demand for green products, Jackson said.

Johnson, who also spoke at the event, issued another call for Sacramento to be a national front-runner with its environmental efforts. He said a green economy can benefit the region in two ways: “One, we could create jobs with the green economy, and we can improve our environment,” Johnson said.

Julia Burrows, the project manager for the Greenwise program, told the audience about the status of the program’s efforts.

She said the Greenwise team is forming a group to finance environmental retrofits at schools.

Greenwise is also forming a business leadership council “to advocate for policy and to work on the bottom line in the region,” she said.

In addition, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments is working on efforts to bring more electric vehicle charging stations to the region, she said.

Kim Smith of Sacramento said after the event that Jackson’s speech was the second Greenwise function she had attended. “I just think it was an honor to have her here,” Smith, a Cal/EPA employee, said. “She’s a real person, and I enjoyed her conversation.”

Smith said she was enthusiastic about the Greenwise program’s upcoming efforts.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Working with Multi-curtural Diversities

2011-06-13T18:03:44Z

Posted by kaptanhook

Developing a community-partnership is difficult sometimes. What are some of the difficulties or problems that an officer might have with the different cultural microcosms of sacramento? And how do you overcome them?

thanks, its for school
kaptanhook

Dear Kaptanhook

The biggest issue that officers face is the lack of trust by some cultures that have experienced corruption in their countries, dealing with their governments and law enforcement agencies. Of course the second issue is communication, when officers and community members can’t speak to each other. The Sacramento Police Department does a number of things to overcome these issues.
First, because of our community policing efforts, we have many officers working in our neighborhoods building trust with community members. We have a number of programs that also address issues such as our Cultural Community Academies, our Community Recruiter program, and our language line services. To learn more about these programs go to http://www.sacpd.org/citybeat/citybeat.asp. Once on that site, look for City Beat videos #18 and #15. That should give you a lot of information for your school project.

Officer Michelle

Guide to firefighters' pay and benefits

2011-06-12T23:37:33Z

The Sacramento City Council’s tentative decision last week to make major cuts to public safety brings police and firefighter jobs into the spotlight.

Six City Council members said they intend to raise the number of brownouts or alternating closures of fire services from two to four.

While the city has no plans to lay off firefighters, the public debate over possible cuts to public safety begs the question: How much do firefighters in the city get paid? How do their benefits work?

The brownouts may be part of the final budget the City Council is expected to approve on June 21. The city is facing a $39 million deficit.

The Sacramento Press published a guide to police officers’ pay and benefits on June 5, and is now looking at firefighters’ salary and benefits.

Firefighter pay

There are several kinds of unionized jobs in the Sacramento Fire Department, according to data on the city’s website. These job titles are firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, engineer, engineer/paramedic, captain, captain/paramedic and battalion chief.

About 500 employees hold these positions, Michael Stover, administrative officer for the department, said.

“It must be noted that the current pay rates for members of Local 522 (the Firefighters’ union) are frozen until January 2012,” Stover noted.

The salary for the firefighter job ranges from $53,534 to $65,071, according to salary data published on the city’s website. A firefighter/paramedic can earn from $58,888 to $71,579 annually, in base pay.

Engineers earn anywhere from $63,613 to $77,322. Salaries for engineer/paramedics start at $66,157 and go up to $80,415. Engineers, who conduct “specialized firefighting work,” drive the fire engines/trucks and operate the pump machinery on fire engines, must have worked as a Sacramento firefighter for four years, according to the city’s website.

Pay for captains ranges from $71,917 to $87,416. Captains are supervisors who must have worked as a firefighter for five years. A salary range of $74,794 to $90,913 is for captain/paramedics.

Battalion chiefs – supervisors who outrank captains – are paid anywhere from $92,745 to $112,732.

The department has eight sworn top managers – a fire chief, two deputy chiefs and five assistant chiefs, according to Stover. For example, a fire deputy chief earns between $112,629 to $168,943. Assistant chiefs are top managers who outrank battalion chiefs.

Read the salary data for all of these jobs here.

Retirement and other benefits for firefighters

Like police officers and managers, firefighters do not pay toward their retirement benefits. A recent audit of employee benefits by City Auditor Jorge Oseguera’s office said the city covers all CalPERS retirement system contributions for firefighters, police officers and managers.

Meanwhile, city employees in other fields pay retirement contributions.

The audit stated that the city could save roughly $7.9 million on average annually if all of its workers, including firefighters, paid 4 percent of their earnings toward their retirements. Unionized fire employees also receive a health and welfare benefit from the city, basic life insurance, 12 days of vacation per year with the ability to accrue two more floating days each year, 24 hours of holiday time and 12 sick days, according to Kimberly Isaacs, city human resources manager for benefits and retirement.

Additional information about firefighters’ benefits is outlined in the Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 contract with the city, which can be read here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Council intends to make major public safety cuts

2011-06-08T07:44:49Z

The Sacramento City Council’s tentative decision Tuesday night to make severe budget cuts to public safety is not final, but it made a big statement.

Council members voted 6-3 to say they intend to make budget cuts later this month that include layoffs of 82 sworn cops and increases in brownouts or alternating closures for fire services.

A big caveat to the tentative decision is the council’s statement that it is still open to further negotiations with the city’s public safety unions.

Tuesday’s hearing drew intense public interest. Many people arrived more than an hour early to the 6 p.m. meeting. Shortly before 5 p.m., about 70 people waited in line for the doors at City Hall to open.

About 340 people were at City Hall around 6:15 p.m. The 230 seats inside the City Council’s chambers were filled, and another 110 people were outside, in the lobby and in a second-floor overflow area.

A City Hall police security officer estimated at 7 p.m. there were 400-450 people at City Hall.

City leaders are facing a $39 million deficit for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. The City Council is expected to approve a budget June 21.

Council members Jay Schenirer, Sandy Sheedy, Rob Fong, Kevin McCarty, Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell voted to say they intend to make public safety cuts, among other reductions, though they may still negotiate with unions for changes to the cuts.

Council members Angelique Ashby and Steve Cohn and Mayor Kevin Johnson voted against the tentative decision.

Schenirer proposed the tentative decision, stating that cuts to public safety were necessary in order for the city to get on a fiscally responsible track.

“The right thing happens to be the more difficult thing this year, unfortunately,” he said.

The proposal includes $12.2 million in cuts to the Police Department and $9 million in cuts to the Fire Department.

The suggested cuts include layoffs of 82 sworn cops in the Police Department and 68 civilian personnel, according to updated statistics provided Tuesday night by Sgt. Norm Leong, police department spokesman.

The department could restore 35 staff if it obtains a waiver on a federal grant, according to city officials.

“I just can’t, in good conscience, support a budget where we’re going to cut $12 million from police,” Johnson said.

In addition to its tentative decision, the council made a final decision Tuesday night to approve a federal grant for the Sacramento Fire Department. The funding from the federal government comes from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.

The six council members also said they intend to make fire cuts that would raise the number of alternating closures, or “brownouts,” of fire services from two to four. Without the grant, the city would be weighing whether to make six brownouts.

The city manager’s office is not proposing layoffs for the Fire Department.

As part of the 6-3 vote, the council also said it intends to keep 11 community centers open without setting aside any money for them through the Department of Parks and Recreation. It’s unclear how that can be accomplished. Schenirer suggested that neighborhoods could help keep the centers open.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento's Pride celebration thrives regardless of unpredicable weather

2011-06-07T01:00:10Z

Rain? What rain? A tidal wave wouldn't have stopped people from showing up to the 27th annual Sacramento Pride parade and party last Saturday at the Capitol Mall. The area was bookended by the gorgeous Tower Bridge at one end and the State Capital at the other end, a great backdrop for the Pride celebration.

Sacramento's 2011 Pride parade and party lasted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2011. Both 3rd and 7th streets were reserved for the festivities which included vendor booths, a live entertainment stage, an area for a diverse selection of food and a dance tent. This year’s entertainment schedule included acts such as Miss Coco Peru, Raquela, Tom Goss, Luciana, Jovi Radtke and Xavier Toscano. Pride kicked off with a parade at 10:00 a.m. starting from 5th and S streets.

Sacramento Pride's focus is to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans out of the shadows and into everyday society. One doesn't have to be gay in order to participate or celebrate in Pride, as it is an opportunity to show support and enthusiasm for the LGBT community, friends and loved ones. The city of Sacramento is home to 9.8 percent of our country's gay population
- the sixth highest in the nation.

Sacramento Pride is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, so when the forecast predicted rain at the beginning of the week, it still didn't bring them down.

"We embrace the rain, it's not like we can cancel the event. We just hope for the best," said a very optimistic Josh Jacoby, Pride Director.

Jacoby said the turnout exceeded his expectations with the rain in mind. The organizers handed out free pink umbrellas to attendees as a way to show that they wanted them there no matter the circumstances or unpredictable weather.

Members from all walks of life came together to celebrate diversity. There were same sex couples wearing brightly colored, matching shirts declaring "Just Married!" and men in high heels covered head to toe in glitter. There were drag queens, people wearing colorful leis and others donning posters and signs showcasing their beliefs and statements.

Each year after Pride, organizers rest for about two months before they do it all over again and start planning for the next Pride. They estimate that about 10 months are necessary to properly organize the event. In a parking garage located next to the Pride's premises, there is a hub where all the passionate and tender-hearted volunteers work together to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sacramento Pride is put on with the help of volunteers, this year there were over 390 signed up beforehand and many more walk-in volunteers were welcomed on the day of the event.

Many Pride festival goers enjoyed vendor booths showcasing various products or organizations, handing out literature and free merchandise and always having someone on hand to explain more about their reason for being part of Pride. Attendees had a bevy of vendors to choose and learn from that were associated and supported by the Sacramento gay, lesbian and transgender community. Booths included women’s and men’s health services, safe sex promotion, Planned Parenthood services and STD testing, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, information on how to come out to your family and friends, dating services and Gay and Lesbian art.

One of the best new discoveries was "Lavender Angels" produced by the Midtown Business Association and a program of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and Police department. Lavender Angels provide a late night patrol and concierge for people who do not feel safe in the streets of the Lavender Heights area of Sacramento.

Another interesting addition to the vendor area was the dozen or so congregation organizations set up and ready to explain how they have embraced the lesbian and gay community. Handouts about acceptance with Christianity and Homosexuality, Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry and the Spiritual Life Center were being passed around with open arms and smiles.

This year’s event sponsors included Jackson Rancheria, Wells Fargo, Outword Magazine, Midtown Business Association, Sactown Magazine, The Rainbow Pages, Lumens Light + Living, Regional Transit, Faces, Barefoot Wine, Hewlett Packard, Bud Light, SMUD, Amtrak, Cheer San Francisco, CARES and Sacramento News & Review. The many sponsors played an enormous role in the heart of the celebration. Each sponsor had representatives present to staff their tables and march in the parade to show their support to the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Amtrak also sponsored a KIDS ZONE, a safe place for parents to leave their children for free while they wandered around the festival.

After powering through the strong winds and rain and experiencing tents blown over and torn down, people still didn't leave, they stayed and enjoyed some grub and got their dance on. There was plenty of food to sample and a large mobile bar sold beer and wine for anyone that was thirsty before they got down to the jams by resident DJ from Faces: Jon E Quest.

Toward the later afternoon, the makeshift dance floor was heavily drenched with rain and jam-packed full of happy and expressive people of all ages. The highlight of the afternoon was a moment when the sun peeked out from the clouds and the rain stopped. The DJ got on the megaphone and declared, "Now each of you call a friend and tell them to get their behinds out here ‘cause the sun has come out!"

Guide to salary and benefits for police officers

2011-06-05T18:45:55Z

The local media is abuzz about the city’s proposals to lay off 80 sworn Sacramento police officers, among other police staffers, to help balance the city’s budget.

But while information on the proposed layoffs has been reported, many Sacramento residents may not know the basic facts and salary information for police officers in Sacramento.

The City Council, which is wrestling with a $39 million budget gap, is expected to approve the city’s budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year on June 21. The recommendation to lay off cops – as well as other cost-cutting measures – comes from the city manager’s office.

Here is a guide to help residents understand the salary and benefits for the average police officer in Sacramento.

Pay and benefits for police officers in Sacramento

The average police officer in Sacramento earns a salary of about $70,000, according to police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong.

Police officers’ salaries increase through a range of steps. Leong explained that six months into the job, a police officer rises to the second salary step, and then each year the officer rises to the next step. There are five steps.

The Step 1 salary is $56,897. An officer at Step 2 earns $59,742, rising to $62,729 for Step 3. The Step 4 pay is $65,865 and jumps to $69,159 at Step 5. Read the step information here.

Most of the officers in the department earn about $70,000 per year, Leong said.

On top of the base salary, benefits for police officers include the city’s payments of about $28,000 into CalPERS each year for each officer, Leong said.

Management salary ranges are higher than the ranges for the average police officer. For example, a police captain – the department has eight – can garner a minimum salary of $113,872 and maximum earnings of $170,808. View salaries for management police personnel here.

The department has 701 sworn personnel, including 31 lieutenants, captains and deputy chiefs, led by the chief of police, according to Leong.

Police Chief Rick Braziel's salary is $207, 855, according to the city's website.

A consulting firm, Management Partners, studied the city’s finances and operations in an April 2010 report. The firm evaluated Sacramento in relation to Bakersfield, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Ana, Stockton, Albuquerque, Austin, Denver and Oklahoma City.

Management Partners found that “per capita expenditures for the Sacramento Police Department ... are slightly below the average” of the comparable cities.

The firm wrote in the report that “care must be taken to avoid reductions in the core service of patrol and call response.”

Police retirement benefits explained

A sworn police officer can retire with benefits at age 50, Leong said.

In order to retire, an officer must have five years of work experience connected to the CalPERS system, according to Leong.

City police officers, firefighters and managers do not have to pay a percentage of their earnings to their retirement benefits, according to a recent audit of employee benefits conducted by City Auditor Jorge Oseguera’s office.

Instead, the city pays the full amount of their contributions to the CalPERS system, the audit notes.

By contrast, other kinds of city employees, such as those in the building trades and in the engineering unit, must pay a part of their salaries to their retirement benefits, according to the audit.

“If all employees contributed 4 percent to their pensions, the city would save about $39.7 million over the next five years – or about $7.9 million on average per year,” the audit states.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Council explores long-term budget issues

2011-06-03T05:19:26Z

The Sacramento City Council discussed Thursday how to make major changes to city operations in the next few years to resolve the city’s long-term imbalance where costs outpace revenues.

The city’s $39 million gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year is part of an ongoing trend of budget shortfalls. Multi-million budget gaps will remain until fiscal year 2015/2016 as a result of the city’s imbalanced finances, according to predictions by city officials.

“We need to set the expectation of what the City Council wants to provide for the residents and the businesses of this city,” Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka said.

Seven council members were at the budget meeting – Mayor Kevin Johnson and Councilman Kevin McCarty were absent. Some of the council members said they wanted to explore the long-term budget problems on a regular basis after the budget is approved June 21.

The topic of city services was discussed during the meeting.

“We don’t even really have to be a full-service city,” Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy said, “but we have to maintain core services.”

Councilman Rob Fong said the City Council should examine the ways the city administers services.

“We need to look at how we deliver the services that our citizens have come to expect,” Fong said. “So, what I would ask is that we take a strong look with our best thinkers ... and say, ‘Shake the Etch A Sketch up ... erase the white board.’ ”

Councilman Steve Cohn said that discussions about how to change the city and its budget should involve the rank-and-file workers. He questioned the format of Thursday’s meeting, saying that the council should consider meeting with workers in a format that is less formal than a City Council meeting in which council members sit on a dais or stage.

Councilman Jay Schenirer asked Masuoka to draft a schedule for council members to work on the long-term budget problems.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Pet Waste Can Leave More than Just a Stink

2011-06-02T17:39:06Z

Picking Up After Pets Makes Your Neighbors and Mother Nature Happier!

It may seem like a little thing, but leaving pet waste behind when walking your pet adds up to a big issue. Pet waste is responsible for up to 90% of all bacterial watershed pollution in urban areas of the U.S. When left behind, bacteria on pet waste can be washed away with rain, water from irrigation and other urban run-off and introduced to local waterways, degrading water quality and putting people and the environment at risk. E. coli is a bacterium found in dog waste, it has been linked to causing ear, eye, and stomach infections. Other pet waste bacteria are the sources of “staph” infections, salmonella, and parasites.

Help prevent pollution and bacterial contamination of waterways! Do not leave pet waste on the street, yard, or in yard waste piles or containers. Use these simple tips to properly dispose of pet waste:

• At home, always pick up after your animal making sure to bag and throw away waste in the garbage can.

• Be prepared before taking your dog out by attaching collection bags to your dog’s leash or storing them in your car.

• Consider a digester as another disposal option. Instead of bagging waste and throwing it away; pet waste is dumped into the digester, which breaks down waste into simple organic compounds which don’t harm the land or pollute waterways.

• When walking your dog at a park or on a trail, make sure to toss pet waste in the trash or at a pet waste disposal station.

Remember, most cities require you to pick up after your pets! Doing so not only eliminates the nuisance of stepping in pet waste, but protects our local water ways and environment. For information about pet waste and its impacts on our waterways, please call the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership at (916) 808-4H2O or check out BeRiverFriendly.net.

New group of city employees unionizes

2011-06-02T01:17:03Z

A group of 103 city employees including workers’ compensation claims representatives and administrative analysts will likely be represented by a new union, according to city spokeswoman Amy Williams and labor organizer Dee Contreras.

A majority of the group of workers, who had not previously been represented by a union, recently signed cards in favor of joining a new union, the Sacramento City Exempt Employees Association, Williams said last week.

The signed cards were verified by California’s Mediation and Conciliation Service, according to Williams.

By unionizing, the analysts and other workers in the group will be able to negotiate with management on policies that affect them, according to Contreras, who is organizing city employees in the new union. She is the former labor relations director for the city.

“The reality is, those people want to help the city,” Contreras said. “The goal is to do as much as they can to help the city, but to get recognition and to participate in that decision-making process.”

Williams said the city plans to formally recognize the new union next month.

“By law, we support our employees’ right to organize for the purposes of collective bargaining,” Williams said. “A majority of a group of employees has authorized a union to represent them. The city will grant that right at the end of the 30-day notice period, which ends on June 20.”

During the 30-day period after the cards were verified, a competing union can apply to represent the group of city employees, Williams said. But according to Contreras, no other union has said it wants to represent the group of 103 employees.

Contreras formally told the city manager’s office about her plans to organize three groups totaling 677 employees, including the group of 103 staffers, in February.

She said she is currently negotiating with the city’s human resources and labor relations officials and the city attorney’s office over plans to unionize the other two groups of employees. One of the groups includes managers and the other group includes staff assistants.

If Contreras eventually organizes all three groups, the total will likely be less than 677 people. That’s because city officials and Contreras have been discussing whether some of the employees in those groups should not be part of the union, according to Contreras.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Local libraries to face budget cuts

2011-06-01T05:27:58Z

The Sacramento City Council is likely to make major cuts to local library services, according to a preliminary vote by council members Tuesday night.

Seven of the nine City Council members voted that they intend to cut the Sacramento Public Library Authority by nearly $800,000 when they approve the city’s budget in June. The authority runs 28 libraries in Sacramento County and its proposed budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year is $35.7 million.

Councilwomen Sandy Sheedy and Angelique Ashby voted against the plan to make $792,121 in cuts to libraries next month.

The City Council is expected to make widespread cuts to services to resolve a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Tuesday’s budget hearing addressed the city’s funding for its partner agencies, including the library and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Sacramento Public Library Authority has several government agencies on its board, including officials from the city, the county and other cities in the county.

“You’ve been cut past the bone,” Sheedy told Sacramento Public Library Director Rivkah Sass at the City Council meeting. “I think we’re in the marrow.”

The council made its decision after library supporters made public comments arguing against the cuts.

“It’s really the young people that really need us in the neighborhood,” Pauline Grenbeaux, president of Arden-Dimick Friends of the Library, told the City Council.

Allison Yamamoto, a sophomore at C.K. McClatchy High School, told council members that a library staffer sent her information on how to apply for a summer program focused on international leadership. Yamamoto said she applied and then received a scholarship to attend the program.

“Without the library, I would have never even had this opportunity,” Yamamoto said.

Meanwhile, city budget cuts planned for the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau would shut down a visitor center in Old Sacramento and dissolve the Sacramento Film Commission.

However, no one spoke at the City Council meeting about cuts proposed for the bureau.

Read the city staff report about the proposed library cuts here.

The Library Authority’s proposed budget is here.

Read the city’s schedule for budget hearings here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Mark Merin's battle with City Hall

2011-05-30T23:20:15Z

Sacramento civil rights attorney Mark Merin is once again in the spotlight.

This time, he’s being quoted by the local media for his role in a federal class-action case about homeless people’s constitutional rights and personal property. And, in the March issue of Harper’s Magazine, Merin’s work with Safe Ground is mentioned. The article, titled “Homeless in Sacramento: Welcome to the New Tent Cities,” focuses on Sacramento’s homeless and the city’s ordinance against camping.

These are only two of many examples of Merin’s highly visible and controversial advocacy work for Sacramento’s homeless.

Earlier this week, a federal jury released its verdict in Lehr v. City of Sacramento, finding that the city has mismanaged homeless people’s belongings.

Merin is representing a group of homeless people in the lawsuit. When police officers enforce the city’s ordinance against camping outside, they seize homeless people’s belongings, Merin claimed in an April 1 court document.

“We, who live in our comfortable homes, surrounded by all the clutter that we’ve accumulated, may not realize how devastating it is when someone comes in and just grabs the few things that you do have,” Merin said in an interview with The Sacramento Press earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy City Attorney Chance Trimm noted this week that the jury did not fault the city on four or six claims. The city may appeal the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Trimm said.

Merin is requesting compensation for his clients as well as attorney’s fees. He explained earlier this month how the payment process for his fees works.

“If we are successful and we win, in many cases, we’re entitled to get fees awarded by the court,” Merin said. “There’s a procedure by which we show how much time we put into it. The court evaluates the work and assigns an amount of money, and then we get that.”

In addition to criticizing the city’s interactions with the homeless in his lawsuit, Merin has appeared before the City Council to argue for Safe Ground.

“The minimum demand that is being made with Safe Ground is (to) designate some place (for the homeless). Don’t even give it to us, but allow us to take a space and say, ‘homeless people can be here, can leave their stuff here, can use this as a staging area to do something else,’ ” Merin said earlier this month in an interview.

“But if they’re constantly having to guard their stuff ... then they can’t even go anywhere. They can’t even go to the doctor’s appointment for fear of losing it.”

In September 2009, Merin provided his property as place for the homeless to stay.

Councilman Rob Fong said he has observed Merin’s comments to the City Council. Fong said he has also attended board meetings on homelessness at which Merin was present.

“My impression of Mark is I think he’s a very strident advocate,” Fong said. “I think he’s a thoughtful guy, too.”

Fong has worked on the issue of homelessness through the local Faith and Homeless Families program, in which religious groups assist homeless families with housing.

“I think, given where I am, I’ve tried to work within the system and to improve the system,” Fong said. “I think Mark has a different vantage point. I just think we’re probably both working in different ways for the same thing.”

Merin has also taken on Sacramento County in the past. His lawsuit over homeless people’s belongings included Sacramento County, along with the city, when he filed it in 2007. But court documents show the county settled the case last year.

Meanwhile, John Kraintz, president of Safe Ground, praised Merin’s work with the group, composed mostly of homeless people. Merin helps the group communicate its views to the City Council, Kraintz said.

“His input is always very valuable,” Kraintz said.

While the next step in the lawsuit over homeless people’s property is unclear, it’s apparent that Merin will play a big role in it.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Detectives Asking Questions on the Phone

2011-05-29T19:46:57Z

Posted by Travis

Can a detective interrogate a person over the phone WHO has no part in a crime? And when that person ask’s the detective for his/her department info/badge number, he/she refuses to give it?

Dear Travis,

The answer is yes, and it is perfectly legal because the person detectives are speaking to can hang up at any time. This is not really an interrogation. They aren’t being detained in any way and they aren’t required to answer any questions. Detectives routinely speak to people that are involved in an investigation over the telephone. They needn’t give Miranda warnings when doing so and can ask questions about a crime they may be involved in. Additionally, they may ask questions of others as well. For example, an officer can speak to a roommate of an accused theft subject as a witness or to glean information about the suspect or the crime involved. I don’t know why the investigator didn’t give you his/her name or department information. It is not required, but it is common courtesy. The investigator probably would have received more cooperation had they made you feel more comfortable. I hope you have a better understanding on this topic.

Officer Michelle

City may appeal verdict in homeless case

2011-05-26T01:20:18Z

The city may appeal a verdict from a federal jury that partially faulted the city for the way it has managed homeless people’s belongings, according to Senior Deputy City Attorney Chance Trimm.

The jury’s decision in Lehr v. City of Sacramento was released Tuesday at Sacramento Federal Court. The trial, which involved homeless people’s constitutional rights and personal belongings, began May 9. The jury did not fault the city on four of six claims, Trimm said. However, in the mixed decision, the jury found that the city has seized and stored homeless people’s possessions without sufficiently informing them on how to get those items back.

The booking and handling of homeless people’s belongings by the city was not carried out through suitable policies, the jury also decided.

Plaintiffs Attorney Mark Merin claimed in an April 1 court document that the police have taken away and thrown out homeless people’s belongings such as tents, bedding, clothing and medication. Photos and an urn with ashes have also been taken by police, he claimed in the document.

Police officers take items from the homeless when they enforce the city’s ban on overnight camping, he further claimed.

Referring to an appeal, Trimm said, “It is being considered.”

If the city decides to appeal, it will file its case with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, he said.

The jury found that the city does not approach the property of homeless and non-homeless people in different manners, Trimm said.

Trimm and Merin have radically different views of the outcome of the class-action case.

Merin said Wednesday that his clients won the case and that the jury found there were “constitutional violations” of his clients’ rights.

As a result of the decision, the homeless people who lost their property are entitled to compensation that includes payments for emotional distress, Merin said.

He said the amount of compensation homeless people will receive won’t be clear until he and the city either reach an agreement or go to trial, he said.

The verdict had not been posted online by press time.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Council sets new hearing on parks, police and fire

2011-05-25T16:47:49Z

If you thought the last few budget hearings on proposed budget cuts to the city’s parks, police and fire services were heated, just wait until June 7.

At the close of a nearly four-hour budget meeting on proposed cuts to the Sacramento Fire Department Tuesday night, the City Council unanimously decided to discuss the cuts again on June 7.

But the June 7 meeting will be different from previous hearings because the council decided it will discuss all the controversial budget cuts – to the Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire departments – at that time.

Councilman Rob Fong said the cuts should be discussed all at the same time because the city does not have enough money to prevent cuts to those departments.

The council does not have funds to restore money to one of the three departments without cutting money from another of the departments, Fong said.

“When anyone comes and says ‘don’t cut us, just keep us whole,’ please understand what you’re really asking us to do is cut them,” Fong said.

“When the police say don’t cut us, they’re saying ‘cut the fire department’ ... because that’s where we are – it’s a zero-sum game. We don’t have enough money,” Fong said.

City leaders are wrestling with a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

Council members indicated Tuesday night that they will likely approve a federal grant for the Fire Department next month. Several council members said Tuesday night that they support the idea of approving the $5.6 million in federal funds from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.

The department has already been selected to receive the grant and is waiting on the council to approve it.

If the council signs off on the federal grant, the proposed cuts to the Fire Department would be lessened. The department would still face “brownouts” or alternating closures of fire services, but the number of brownouts would be less severe.

The department now closes two fire companies on an alternating schedule. The current budget proposal from Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka would bump the number of these closures to six.

But the federal grant money would bring the number down to four, according to Fire Chief Ray Jones. The department would still see an increase from two to four, but not from two to six.

Jaymes Butler, municipal vice president of Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522, told the council Tuesday that the cuts would hurt communities.

“Whole communities will be without emergency medical response and fire,” Butler said.

In a press conference before the City Council meeting, firefighters protested proposed cuts to their department.

When talking about the proposed cuts at the press conference, Butler said firefighters would be “laid off.” However, when pressed by reporters if there would be “out-the-door” layoffs, Butler said that 49 positions slated for cuts were not filled and no current workers would actually be laid off.

Earlier Tuesday, Mayor Kevin Johnson commented on the proposed budget cuts. When asked about proposals to save money with cuts to police and fire, Johnson said he'd rather hear from all departments and get information from them before the council makes a decision on what they can or can't do.

"I've said from day one I want to hold the line on public safety if at all possible,” Johnson said. “And that's police and fire. Certainly parks and being a full-service city are very important."

Video by Kathleen Haley

Staff Reporter Suzanne Hurt contributed to this report. Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Firefighters protest proposed budget cuts

2011-05-25T03:49:35Z

About 150 firefighters and their families protested the city’s budget proposal Tuesday night to cut $9.1 million from the Sacramento Fire Department. As part of press conference held to protest the cuts, the fire department staffers stood in a large group outside City Hall to show their opposition.

The city is facing a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. The idea to make cuts to the Fire Department is included in the budget plan proposed by Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka. Final decisions on the budget will be made by the Sacramento City Council next month.

A group called Protect Sacramento, led by Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 and the Sacramento Police Officers Association, held a press conference Tuesday evening to protest the proposed cuts. The press conference was held shortly before the start of a City Council budget hearing on the Fire Department.

The proposed cuts “will put neighborhoods at risk, lengthen response times, and stand in the way of our ability to deal with real life-and-death emergencies,” said Jaymes Butler, vice president of Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522.

The proposed budget cuts to the department could increase the number of alternating closures of fire equipment and staffers. The number of these proposed closures was unclear at press time because the City Council on Tuesday night may approve a $5.6 million federal grant for the department. The grant may lessen the Fire Department cuts. The money comes from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.

The Sacramento Press will provide an overview of the Fire Department budget hearing Wednesday morning.

Read the budget schedule here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Citizens create 37 redistricting maps

2011-05-24T02:32:31Z

Local groups and individuals created 37 maps by reconfiguring the eight City Council districts as part of the city’s redistricting process.

The number of maps turned into the city for consideration this year marks a significant jump from the 2001 redistricting process, when the public created 13 maps, said Maria MacGunigal, the city’s geographic information system manager.

Residents drew their city maps through the city’s new online redistricting tool. MacGunigal attributes the increased participation in part to the online program.

“The tools were more accessible,” she said.

The city conducted outreach and marketing for the redistricting process, she said.

City Council districts in Sacramento are rearranged with U.S. Census data each decade. The city’s charter says that the deadline for the city to restructure its districts is six months after Census data is released. This year, the deadline will fall in early September, according to city staff.

After 10 years of growth, the city’s districts are no longer even in size. The city’s population jumped from 407,018 in 2000 to 466,488 in 2010. At the current population citywide, 58,311 people should be placed in each of the city’s eight districts, according to city staff.

The 37 maps came from various sources, including neighborhoods and groups representing residents by race or ethnicity.

The African American Leadership Coalition wrote in a statement attached to its map that it aims to “promote voting rights and representation for all Sacramentans while protecting the voting interests and rights of African American communities to elect a representative of choice.”

The coalition also wrote that its map intends to protect neighborhoods and divvy up the districts so they have the same number of people.

In another example, a majority of board members of the East Sacramento Improvement Association submitted a redistricting map. The group said it wants to see a district include River Park, East Sacramento, Midtown and downtown, according to the statement accompanying the map. The current districts have three different City Council members representing East Sacramento, Midtown and downtown.

“It preserves the integrity of traditional neighborhoods and respects groups with shared interests,” the association wrote about its map.

At least two prominent constituencies did not create maps but are still presenting their views to the redistricting committee.

A local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender coalition is advocating for the central city to be represented by one council member.

“We know that we have strong support in the urban core for LGBT issues – that’s split up, (and) we want to put it back together,” according to Rosanna Herber, a community activist involved in the coalition’s effort.

The group also wants the Central City to be joined with one of three other neighborhoods – Land Park, Curtis Park or East Sacramento.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership also did not draw a map, but told the redistricting committee earlier this month that it would like to see the Central City in one district. The Central City is the heart of a region and a cultural center, said Wendy Hoyt on Monday, representing the partnership.

The citizens’ redistricting advisory committee can decide how it would like to handle the maps the public turned in, according to MacGunigal.

The committee could send one or more of the maps created by the public to the City Council, MacGunigal said. The committee could also create its own map or recommend a combination of ideas from the public maps, she said.

Comments and testimony from the public could affect the committee’s recommendation, MacGunigal said.

On July 12, the advisory committee will make recommendations to the City Council on how the districts should be re-formed. The council will ultimately make the redistricting decisions.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Helps Elderly Mom-in-Law with Solicitors

2011-05-22T22:02:18Z

Posted by strandednturlock

my mother-in-law, recently widowed, is having to deal with people she does not know coming to her door, as early as 6:30 a.m. she’s 80 years old and this is freaking her out. is there some way to request extra patrols? She lives on Wakefield Way in South Sac, not a great neighborhood, zip 95822. she’s not answering the door but this has happened 3 or 4 times and we fear she is being targeted. she has a good alarm system. if someone could reply to me with any advice for her, i would appreciate it. thanks, debra

Dear strandednturlock,

It sounds like your mother-in-law is going through a lot right now. The best thing you can do is to look in on her regularly. If she knows and trusts her neighbors, you may want to speak with them as well about checking in on her.

The elderly are often easier targets for scammers because they know of the trusting nature of the people of that era, and the fact that the elderly are often isolated. There was one recent scam whereby a man claimed that he was with the water or sewer company. This man would go to an elderly person’s house with his partner and start talking to the resident. His partner would then go to the back of the home and enter quickly taking valuables and money that were in quick reach. By the time the resident noticed that belongings were missing, the scammers were long gone.

Put your mother on the “no call” list for telemarketers. This will cut down on the solicitor calls. Also stress to her that she should never give personal information over the telephone, unless she initiates the call. If they come to her door, she needn’t answer it. Help her post a “no solicitors” sign by the front door.

Talk to your mother-in-law about this. Tell her that nothing is for free, and if someone makes her an offer where she needs to give up-front money for something, that it is most likely a scam.

The fact that she has an alarm is a good early warning system. Dogs are also good deterrents and companions. If she is open to the idea you may want to look into it. I hope I’ve been able to help you.

Take care,

Officer Michelle

Why did I get a parking ticket? New photo ticketing technology has the answer.

2011-05-20T23:38:08Z

Parking enforcement officers will now be taking pictures of parking infractions to answer the common question, “why did I get a ticket?” according to the city’s Department of Transportation spokeswoman Linda Tucker.

“We get a lot of calls every day and inquiries in our office, as well as people coming down to City Hall asking about why they got a ticket and wondering how they can contest the ticket,” Tucker said.

“We wanted to address those questions and concerns and be able to put that information online.”

The handheld ticketing device that the 50 state-employed parking enforcement officers currently use are also capable of taking pictures. With the help of a third party vendor in charge of the database of citations and internal IT support, the Department of Transportation was able to implement this new technology, and it won’t cost the city a penny.

“Putting a new computer service online is going to be a win-win for the city which is financially strapped right now and has fewer people to answer phone calls and inquiries,” Tucker said.

“Basically this allows those citizens and the revenue staff to make better use of everyone’s time by being able to access these options online,” she added.

Tucker said the officers will simply take a picture of the vehicle and license plate. If the ticket is for an expired meter, they will take a picture of the car in violation next to the expired meter. If the violation was for a pay-and-display sticker, the officer will take a picture of the car with the expired sticker and a timestamp will appear on the picture taken by a parking enforcement officer.

Mike Moore, 54, said he hasn’t had a parking ticket in years. His past tickets have been because expired time or not having paid a parking meter.

“I don’t have to park downtown very often, so I don’t have to deal with it that much.” Moore said. “I think it may be a little bit of an infringement on your privacy, but it’s definitely a deterrent for parking tickets though.”

The photos will be uploaded to www.sacpark.org by a staff member within 24 - 36 hours of when the ticket was issued. Those ticketed will be asked to enter their citation number and vehicle identification number. All necessary forms for payment options and ticket contesting can also be found on the website. No one else will be able to access the photo except the driver ticketed.

Twelve percent of the 225,000 tickets that are issued each year are contested, which equates to over 20,000 tickets, according to Tucker. And over 20,000 phone calls.

“We’ve always gone by the rule of thumb that we give the driver the benefit of the doubt, especially if the driver has not had a parking ticket ever in the city of Sacramento,” Tucker said.

“I would expect that if people see the picture that they would choose to go ahead, pay it, and be done with it.”

Xiong Her, 34, said he has never had a parking ticket, and he often relies on his monthly parking pass to insure that he does not get a ticket. He feels that the new ticketing policy is a good idea for the city.

“I think that’s a fine idea because there’s a lot of people that know they’re guilty and try to fight the charges just because.” Her said. “I think there’s going to be a lot more tickets. You can’t really disprove the photos.”

Tucker said she hopes that this will not only lower the amount of phone calls, ticket contesting, and time, but also lower the amount of tickets in general. Sacramento is one of 10 California cities to implement this new ticketing technology.

“I think it’s important for people to know that it’s not going to cost the city anything to implement this,” Tucker said. “It’s practically, with the exception of staff time, a no-cost upgrade to a service that I think will prove to be valuable for drivers to have, and convenient.”

Parking enforcement officers began using the new photo ticketing technology May 17th, according to Tucker. For more information about parking and the new ticketing procedure visit www.sacpark.org.

New group to focus on gardening, health

2011-05-20T17:50:25Z

Local organizations focused on healthy communities are hosting an event in Oak Park on Saturday to educate the public about gardening and fresh food.

The new coalition, Grow Together Sacramento, will create a few small gardens and teach the public how to set up gardens at the event.

Paul Towers, state director of the environmental group Pesticide Watch, said the coalition will build gardens and focus on the question: “How do we get as much healthy food as possible into the hands and bellies of Sacramentans?”

The Pesticide Watch Education Fund is a partner in the coalition, along with City Councilman Jay Schenirer’s office, Sacramento environmental group Ubuntu Green, the Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition and others.

Towers said Saturday’s event will be the first of many centered around building gardens.

Making healthy food more accessible to the public through gardening will be a key part of the coalition’s work, according to Towers and Schenirer.

“We find that Sacramento is a heart of some of the richest agricultural land in the country, if not world,” Towers said.

But many Sacramento residents don’t have access to healthy, fresh and local food, he said.

While Schenirer’s office is playing a role in the coalition, Schenirer said it will not be run by the city.

“We want ownership (of the gardening campaign) to be in the community,” Schenirer said. “Ownership doesn’t necessarily need to be the city or city bureaucracy.”

At Saturday’s event, residents can also talk to Bill Maynard, the city’s community gardening director, about the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. community garden.

There will be a lottery for people interested in plots at that garden, which will open in June at 3668 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Maynard said. Residents who would like to be in the lottery should contact Maynard at the event or by phone at 808-4943. The garden will have 38 plots.

A small number of plots have been reserved for people with disabilities, he said. Those plots will be higher than the other plots, and people won’t have to bend down, he said.

“They can stand up and garden,” Maynard said. Or, they can garden alongside their plot in a wheelchair, he said.

Gardening is a hot topic right now at City Hall. Ramping up the number of community gardens in the city is the subject of a proposed ordinance. It’s unclear when the City Council will consider the proposal – Schenirer said he did not know when the council would examine it.

If you go:

Where:

40 Acres Complex at 3434 Broadway

When:

10 a.m.: Garden training

11 a.m.: Remarks by speakers including Mayor Kevin Johnson and press conference

A second garden training will follow the press conference.

The event is free to the public.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Jury deliberates in Sacramento homeless case

2011-05-19T00:35:12Z

Jurors are deliberating in federal court whether homeless citizens’ belongings were illegally taken and thrown away by Sacramento police officers between August 2005 and the present.

The trial, which centers on homeless people’s constitutional rights and their personal belongings, began May 9 at the Sacramento Federal Courthouse at 501 I St.

Plaintiffs attorney Mark Merin represented Linda McKinley, who was homeless in the past, and a group of homeless people in the class-action case against the city of Sacramento, according to court documents.

Merin is a supporter of the Safe Ground group, which presses Sacramento city leaders to designate land for homeless people to live.

In closing arguments on Wednesday, Merin claimed that city police officers have violated the U.S. Constitution by throwing out homeless citizens’ personal items.

“Nobody got their property back because it was tossed away,” Merin said.

Specifically, Merin has accused the city of violating the 14th Amendment by not giving homeless people sufficient warning that their belongings would be trashed. He also contends that the city has taken homeless citizens’ items in an “unreasonable search and seizure” manner that violates the Fourth Amendment.

Merin claimed in an April 1 court document that the police have taken away and thrown out homeless people’s belongings such as tents, bedding, clothing and medication. Photos and an urn with ashes have also been taken by police, he claimed in the document.

Police officers take items from the homeless when they enforce the city’s ban on overnight camping, he further claimed.

In Judge Morrison England’s courtroom Wednesday, Merin referred to the homeless campground that formed in 2009 and gained immense international media exposure.

“Tent City developed because there was no place for homeless people to go,” Merin said.

Meanwhile, the city of Sacramento disputes Merin’s claims.

“We don’t feel we violated any of the homeless individuals’ constitutional rights,” Senior Deputy City Attorney Chance Trimm said outside the courtroom.

The city claims that it did not throw out homeless people’s belongings. “Assuming any camping paraphernalia is taken from violators of the city’s camping ordinances, such property is booked and maintained at an evidence collection location by the Sacramento Police Department,” Trimm wrote in an April 1 court brief.

Merin wants the jury to order the city to give back homeless people’s personal items, according to court documents. The plaintiffs also want a court order against the city, and for the city to pay damages and attorney fees.

The Sacramento Press will report on the jury’s verdict when it becomes available.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City Council aims to lessen police budget cuts

2011-05-18T15:46:54Z

The Sacramento City Council members made it clear Tuesday night that they do not want to make the $12 million in cuts to the Police Department recommended in the proposed budget. But it’s unclear at this point how the council will lessen the cuts to the department.

A crowd of police staffers and supporters, which swelled to about 400 at its high point early Tuesday evening, turned out for the City Council’s budget hearing.

The city is grappling with a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. A total of 149 department staffers, including 80 sworn cops, would be laid off in the proposed budget, according to police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong.

The city currently has 701 sworn cops.

“Twelve million (dollars) in cuts is too much for public safety to share this burden,” Councilman Darrell Fong, a retired police captain, said.

At the end of the City Council meeting, which ran longer than four hours, six City Council members voted not to move forward with the current proposed budget of $12 million in cuts proposed by Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka.

The city manager’s office is responsible for proposing the amounts of budget cuts, while Police Chief Rick Braziel is responsible for divvying up how to make the proposed cuts at the department.

The City Council makes final budget decisions.

Six of the nine council members rejected the proposed budget because three were absent.

Mayor Kevin Johnson was at the NBA draft lottery in New Jersey, representing the Sacramento Kings. Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell was mourning the recent death of her mother and Councilman Rob Fong was in Los Angeles on a business trip, according to Councilman Steve Cohn.

RE Graswich, the mayor’s special assistant, presented the following statement on behalf of Johnson:

“In Sacramento, we’re in the fourth year of a devastating budget crisis and we continue to face difficult challenges. When I ran for mayor in 2008, I said public safety would be my top priority.

“That continues to remain true today,” Graswich said. “Public safety is a core function of city government. It plays a critical role in how we operate as a full-service city.

“It’s critical that as we move forward, we continue to practice fiscal responsibility, eliminate wasteful practices, capitalize on efficiencies and make collective sacrifices to provide the service our residents expect and deserve. I look forward to continuing to work with my council colleagues and finding the best solutions to solving the budget crisis.”

Greg Galliano, a 25-year-old Sacramento police officer, was one of many department staffers who urged the council not to make the cuts. He said the department is currently dealing with “massive call volumes.”

“If we take these cuts,” Galliano said, “we’re going to experience something that we’re not going to be able to protect you from.”

Leong explained the breakdown of the proposed layoffs: Sworn cops, 80; Community Service Officers, 38; Crime Scene Investigators, 14; Supervising Dispatchers, 6; Records Supervisor, 1; Administrative and Clerical, 10.

At a press conference before the City Council meeting, police staffers held up numbers that signified they could be among the numbers of people laid off.

Read the schedule of budget hearings here. Learn about the debate over cuts to the Parks and Recreation Department here.

The City Council is scheduled to adopt the city’s budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year on June 21.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Police budget hearing draws hundreds

2011-05-18T04:17:18Z

A dramatic scene unfolded at Sacramento City Hall on Tuesday evening as more than 160 employees gathered for a press conference to protest proposed layoffs in the Police Department. The staffers held numbers up, signifying that they could be among the numbers of people laid off.

They were part of a crowd of more than 400 people that gathered at City Hall around 6 p.m. for a Sacramento City Council hearing on proposed layoffs at the Police Department.

About 80 sworn officers could be laid off if the City Council follows recommendations from Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka’s proposed budget.

An additional 38 community service police staffers could be laid off. Community service officers’ duties include working with neighbors and controlling crime scenes, said Brent Meyer, president of the Sacramento Police Officers Association.

They also respond to traffic accidents and do crime prevention work, among other tasks, said police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong.

The city currently has 701 sworn cops.

The city is examining severe cuts to city services to resolve a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

A new group called Protect Sacramento, led by the Sacramento Police Officers Association and Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Association Local 522, held the 5:30 p.m. press conference before the council meeting.

“We’re asking Sacramento residents to let their council members know that these public safety cuts are dangerous, they’re unacceptable and they must not be implemented,” Meyer said.

Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, joined the press conference.

“We know there are tough decisions that need to be made, but they really should not be made on the back of public safety as it relates to the urban core,” Ault said.

The Sacramento Press will post a recap of the budget hearing Wednesday morning.

The City Council will examine the Fire Department’s budget May 24. Read the budget hearings schedule here.

Under the proposed budget, Fire Department “brownouts” would increase from two to six.

Two rolling brownouts are now in place, which mean that certain fire trucks and engines are out of service at various times, according to former Fire Department spokesman Jim Doucette.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Disney's Fine Art Pixar Collection

2011-05-17T05:11:04Z

Sunday afternoon was the worldwide debut of Disney's Fine Art Pixar Collection. Families from all over the Sacramento region flocked to the California State Railroad Museum to get an up close look at original artwork inspired by the first 11 films created by Pixar Animation Studios. The artists were there on hand to happily chat and sign posters for adoring Disney fans.

The films used for the artwork included: “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars,” “Ratatouille,” “Wall-E,” “Up,” “Toy Story 3” and “Monster’s, Inc.”

Growing up, we all remember falling in love with classics such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Bambi,” “Pinocchio” and “Lady and the Tramp.” In the last 15 years, however, since collaborating with Pixar studios, Disney has upgraded the technology used in Disney's celebrated films. Pixar handpicked 12 of their artists to create this series, 11 artists representing one film each and the twelfth artist commemorating all of the films. In this series, you can actually see the artists’ brush strokes in each of the pieces. The artists were asked to paint their interpretation of the film they were assigned.

"We wanted to celebrate the beauty that goes into the artwork that later becomes a film," said artist John Rowe. Rowe's piece showcasing in the series was “The Depth of Love and Space" from the film “Wall-E.” Rowe is a freelance artist who was hired by The Walt Disney Company for several projects. His upcoming work can be seen on the poster of "The Young Black Stallion." I asked him if he frequents Disneyland, a question I always ask someone who has a connection with the company.

"Not as often as you would probably think, but when I am assigned a project, I go to get inspired. I once rode the Jungle Cruise ten times in a row"

An artist that actually had his art supplies out and ready for creating was Rodel Gonzalez, who is responsible for the beautifully haunting piece, "Flying on a Breeze," inspired by the film, "A Bug's Life." He seemed to share my same thoughts on how animated films have majorly evolved in recent years.

"Machines are taking over," he joked.

I could tell that he very much enjoyed his work and loved sharing his talent with others as he stroked a piece of paper with his brush, occasionally dipping his brush into the palette. Two children rushed over with their limited edition lithograph of "The Pixar Storyline" which includes all 11 Pixar films. The limited edition lithograph was on sale throughout the duration of the event.

Artist Danny Arriaga, the creator of the commemorative twelfth piece of the series, "The Pixar Storyline," explained that none of the artists knew each other before the event, so it was rewarding to meet his fellow artists. Danny has been with Pixar since 2001 and then landed a career in the Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios in 2009. His piece played a very important role in the series.

"I got to interpret all 11 films; I basically made a color script story in color," he explained.

Although the afternoon mostly consisted of die hard Disney fans, the California State Railroad Museum had its fair share of surprised guests as well.

"We thought we were only going to get the pleasure of hanging out with trains today, but this is great... what a treat," said Nancy Myer from Auburn as she watched her nephews excitedly dash from artwork to artwork.

Although the artwork only remained at the California State Railroad Museum through Sunday, StageNine, located at 102 K Street, will still have some of the pieces for sale in their store along with other unique collectibles. You can visit their website at http://www.stagenine.com.

For more information about the artists or to follow their careers, the 12 participating artists included: Mike Kungl, Rodel Gonzalez, Trevor Carlton, Tim Rogerson, James Coleman, Bill Morrison, Lorelay Bove, Noah, John Rowe, Harrison Ellenshaw and Jody Daily.

Ask Officer Michelle - Noisy Generator Leaves Neighbors Sleepless

2011-05-15T14:51:07Z

Posted by DF1955

I have a neighbor behind my home who has started running some kind of generator in his backyard at night. This machine is approximately 30 feet from my home’s bedroom windows. It is loud enough that it can be heard plainly when windows are closed and it disrupts my family’s sleep. As we have had difficulty in the past with this neighbor (loud music at night) it is not an option to ask him to stop running this machine. Quite frankly, the back and front yards are a disaster and the pit bull rushing the fence when we are in our backyard tends to squash any thought of speaking to him face to face. We called the Police at approximately 10:30 p.m. the first night this started and after 3 calls (the last at approximately 11:30 p.m.) we had the Police come to our home so they could listen from our backyard. They said they would speak to the neighbor and find out what the noise was caused by. The machine continued to run all night long, so I have no idea what was discovered or done. The next night the machine did not run, but the night after that it ran again all night long.

When we received no assistance through the Police we sent an email to the 311 contact with the City of Sacramento. The response? To call the Police. This after we stated that we had tried that avenue.

Are we simply going to have to learn to live with this night time noise? Is that really our only option? Is it unreasonable to expect that loud noise cease after 10 p.m. and not start until after 7 a.m.?

We are frustrated with this situation and wish to solve the problem. I would appreciate any suggestion you might offer.

Thank you.

Dear DF1955,

You gave already taken the proper steps. It sounds like your neighbor may be stealing power or needing to generate their own. If they already have electricity, then they shouldn’t have to run a generator….all night long. I know that during these harder economic times that there are a lot of people who haven’t been paying their bill. It is a requirement to have electricity if there are children in the household. They may be running the generator all night to keep a refrigerator going. Nonetheless, there is the noise ordinance that they are violating. Call the police again. Let the dispatcher know that this is an ongoing problem even after we came out, and that the noise is annoying you and your family. I don’t know what the police did the first time they contacted the resident, but usually, the police give an initial written warning. The second time they are dispatched for the noise complaint, the complainant can be fined.

If your neighbor is renting the residence and has a landlord, call them and let them know what is going on. I know how loud generators are, and you shouldn’t have to live with the noise. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Sacramento Bicycle Film Festival launches at the Crocker Art Museum

2011-05-14T01:42:38Z

The Bicycle Film Festival kicked off last night at the beautifully renovated and expanded Crocker Art Museum, which drew in crowds from all walks of life to celebrate their bond and love of bicycles.

The Crocker usually hosts “Art Mix” every second Thursday of the month to celebrate culture with cocktails with live art demonstrations, short films, tours and talks. This particular Thursday, the Crocker teamed up with Hot Italian, which is heavily involved with the promotion and support of the BFF, to host the launch party for the film festival.This is Sacramento’s second time hosting the festival in its 11-year history.

The party entailed a no-host bar and barbecue, bike art, a bicycle fix-it workshop and music and entertainment provided by DJ Billy Lane in the courtyard. Bicycling enthusiasts from all around the Sacramento area were seen scattered around the Crocker parameters, taking in everything the revamped facility had to offer before the short films started promptly at 7 p.m.

Women in bicycle-print dresses, cyclists wearing their gear fresh from a long ride, older veteran riders dressed in suits, and inspired amateur riders filed into the theater anxiously waiting for the first film to start.

BFF founder Brent Barbur was in attendance to start off the festivities. Barbur, who attended Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, was inspired to create the BFF as a result of being hit by a bus on his bike while in New York City. Barbur wanted to make his negative experience into a positive one.

The Thursday showcase presented the first out of three programs of short films to be seen throughout the weekend. Program 1 was titled “Riding the Long Wind Cloud,” which included four short films. All four films artistically captured the different points of view of how the bicycle world comes together.

The first film was “ Line of Sight” by Benny Zenga and Lucas Brunelle. Brunelle premieres a new film every year at the BFF, documenting alleycat races all over the world. A majority of the footage is caught by a helmet camera, giving the viewer an intense point of view of how a rider’s experience and route can be determined just by missing a green light and then experiencing the wrath of traffic by running a red one. This film explores the popularity and phenomenon of the fixed-gear bike. He claims the phenomenon started in the ‘80s with bike messengers.

“It took 30 years for it be cool,” he claims.

Taking a playful route of bike appreciation was the five-minute short “Kiest Park," which follows a 7-year-old who dominates his neighborhood, treating it as his playground and causing trouble with his trusty bike as his sidekick.

The third film of the evening explored the world of Giovanni Pelizzoli, aka "Ciocc." Ciocc is a legendary Italian frame-builder who shares the story of how he transformed the dreams he had the night before into works of art in his shop. He shares his insights and wisdom, claiming, "A mass-produced frame does not have soul.” The film is by Anima D'Acciaio.

The opening night of the BFF ended with the touching 44-minute film that shares the name of the program series, "Riding the Long White Cloud." The film opens up the world of seven professional skateboarders to the mental and physical challenges of bicycling as they take on a 10-day tour through New Zealand's North Island while searching for skate spots. These skateboarders learn a deeper respect for bicycling, finding it helpful in preparing for their first love, skateboarding.

The BFF will continue tonight and tomorrow with films showing in Fremont Park. The festival will celebrate fashion and art as well as various bicycling communities – including fixed-gear, BMX and road cycling. Music and a trick competition will also be a part of the festivities. The BFF ends as the Amgen Tour will end in our city at 3 p.m. Monday.

The rest of the BFF schedule is as follows:

Friday
Pre-party with Savage Sprints at Hot Italian (16th and Q)
Program 2 at Fremont Park (16th and Q)
After-party at Sol Collective (2574 21st St.)

Saturday
Trick competition at Fremont Park
Music in the Park at Fremont Park
Program 3 Fremont Park
After-party at Hot Italian

Photos by Ron Nabity.

Residents fight to keep community centers

2011-05-13T15:29:44Z

Sacramento residents packed into a Sacramento City Hall meeting room Thursday night to protest proposed budget cuts to community centers and other local parks programs.

About 45 citizens addressed the City Council, according to Mayor Kevin Johnson’s count. Citizens waited in lines for a seat in the the meeting room and to speak to the council.

The hearing on the Parks and Recreation Department was part of a series of meetings on how the City Council can resolve a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

Proposed budget cuts would slash hours at the Hart Senior Center in Midtown by half.

Some of the speakers contrasted the proposed community center cuts with city leaders’ efforts to bring a new sports arena to the area.

“You just knocked out all the senior people, so you better get us some seats up at your new arena,” Helen Blatta, a supporter of the Hart Senior Center, told Johnson.

Recommendations from Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Parks Department Director Jim Combs would shutter the following community centers and clubhouses: Oak Park, Sim, Hagginwood, Robertson, Clunie, East Portal, Belle Cooledge, Evelyn Moore, Southside, Woodlake and Slider Centers and Clubhouses.

Clunie’s library at McKinley Park would keep operating.

The South Natomas, Coloma and Pannell Meadowview centers would stay open, according to a report from the Parks Department.

Jamillah Kirk, an office manager at Bret Harte Elementary School, was one of many speakers who urged the City Council to save the Oak Park Community Center. The community center provides positive activities for young people, she said.

“If you think Sacramento Police Department is busy now, you wait,” said Kirk, 39. “We are asking for trouble.”

After hearing from the public about the community centers, the City Council asked staff to study ways to put $1 million back into the parks budget.

The Sacramento Press will continue to follow the debate over proposals to cut community centers.

Slashing community centers would help the city save a little more than $400,000, but it is only one piece of nearly $1.8 million in cuts proposed to the parks department.

Also on Thursday, about 80 local high school students who participate in a law-enforcement training program attended the City Council’s public comment period to oppose proposed cuts to the Criminal Justice Magnet Academy. Budget cuts would end the Sacramento Police Department’s role in the program, according to police spokesman Norm Leong.

“You have role models that you can look up to,” Timothy Chang, a 17-year-old Grant Union High School student, told the City Council. “This academy has changed my life. It’s another family away from home.”

Read information about upcoming budget hearings here.

Neighborhood Services could shrink to 5 staff

2011-05-11T00:57:10Z

The city’s Neighborhood Services Division is on the chopping block again this year after it lost its status as a department in last year’s budget cuts.

In June, the City Council is expected to make major cuts to close out the city’s $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

The Neighborhood Services Division, which links neighborhoods to city issues and events and works with residents on local concerns, could lose two full-time employee positions to budget cuts. While two positions may seem like a low number, the division has only seven employees, according to Vincene Jones, Neighborhood Services manager.

In last year’s budget process, the Neighborhood Services Department became a division of the Parks and Recreation Department, two staffers were laid off and Jones’ title changed from department director to division manager. In recent years, Neighborhood Services’ staff has been cut from 16 employees to seven, Jones said.

Cuts to the division are recommended by Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka.

“We support every neighborhood association that comes to us and doesn’t come to us,” Jones said. “We support every department, including mayor and council. It will be a decrease in our level of service, and that’s unfortunate.”

Jones declined to identify the employees who may be laid off. She said she thinks the position cuts will result in at least one layoff. Jones said she was unsure of how the second position cut will play out.

“It hurts, and it is the hard part,” Jones said, referring to the potential layoffs.

The city would save $140,556 by making cuts to the division, the text of the proposed budget states.

The cuts would scale back the division’s services “to the City Council, city departments and community organizations on a variety of projects, events, initiatives and collaborations,” according to the budget’s text.

Michael Moore, 52, a UC Davis Medical Center employee and member of the Boulevard Park Neighborhood Association, asked whether the division could be effective with a staff of five.

“As a recent graduate of the '11 City Management Academy sponsored by the Neighborhood Services Division, I'm extremely aware of the already-diminished services several years of increasing budget, and staffing cuts have caused citywide,” Moore said in an email Tuesday.

“Certainly the loss of two more (full-time positions) would only add to the reduced impact of this vital city department, and might bring into question whether the city can efficiently and pragmatically continue to provide the range of services Sacramentans have come to expect (if not demand) of our tax-supported municipal government. When does a department become so small as to be functionally useless?”

Read a list of the budget hearings here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Landlord Faces Code Violations

2011-05-08T18:51:22Z

Posted by worried

Is there a law that requires an apartment to fix broken “security” doors? It’s senior low income tax credit property downtown. Also are they required to keep track of pass card numbers so they can deactivate them if they are lost or stolen? Our “security” pass card system has been broken for over a week and they haven’t fixed it yet and the manager doesn’t seem to care.

Dear worried,

There certainly are code violations. My suggestion is for you to contact our city Code Enforcement Division. You can call 311 and you will be transferred directly to a representative. There really aren’t any criminal elements to what you are describing, but Code Enforcement will cite the landlord or property owners if the building isn’t within code guidelines. The Code Enforcement has a website that you can go to as well for frequently asked questions. You can get there by going to www.cityofsacramento.org/code/

Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

City budget crisis: Past, present and future

2011-05-07T00:51:25Z

The city’s current budget gap of $39 million is grim. But the city’s financial situation is even more dismal when examined in the context of its budget cuts in recent years.

The city has laid off about 215 employees since February 2008, according to city spokeswoman Amy Williams. In addition, the city has taken 900 positions off its books since the 2008/2009 fiscal year and cannot hire employees for those spots, according to the city budget document. The city currently has 4,576 employee positions, Williams said.

Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka are recommending the City Council approve an $812 million budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Of that amount, $362 million would be the general fund.

The city defines the general fund, consisting of taxes and fees, as its main fund for operations.

The City Council is now weighing whether to lay off hundreds of city employees in the next few weeks.

Mayor Kevin Johnson was visibly distressed Tuesday night after Masuoka briefed the City Council on the budget cuts and layoffs suggested by the city manager’s office.

“Those brutal facts gave me a headache,” Johnson said. “We’re talking about laying off a lot of people. And that just doesn’t feel good for any of us.”

Edgar explains in the budget document why the city has a $39 million gap. Because the city is still in a recession, sales tax revenues are likely to stay flat, and property tax revenues are down, the budget document says.

Labor costs have risen due to union contracts, new Fire Department staff in Natomas and mandatory retirement payments for employees, according to the document.

And, the city must keep its vehicles in working condition and replace old public safety machinery such as ambulances and defibrillators, all of which costs money, the document states.

City employees from various departments could be laid off, including 80 cops.

Police officers have been shielded from layoffs for decades: No officers were laid off during Sacramento City Councilman Darrell Fong’s 30-year career with the Police Department, Fong said last week. He retired from the department in 2009.

Even though the department has not faced layoffs of cops, the number of positions has shrunk in recent years.

“We had 804 officers in 2007 and 704 in 2010,” police spokeswoman Laura Peck said.

The city currently has 701 sworn police officers.

Johnson said Tuesday that he wants to learn more about the context of the cuts in recent years. He asked staff to present information soon on the following questions:

“How much have we cut from our general fund over the last four years?” Johnson asked city staff. “And then, secondly, how has that impacted job reduction over that period of time? I’m just interested because that time period has been brutal for our community.”

The Sacramento Press will report on city staff’s answers to Johnson’s questions when the information becomes available.

On top of its past and current woes, the immediate future for Sacramento’s city government does not look bright.

City officials project in the budget document that the city will continue to face budget gaps until fiscal year 2015/2016. The gap for fiscal year 2012/2013 is $11.7 million and is expected to rise to $22.9 million in fiscal year 2013/2014.

In fiscal year 2014/2015, the city expects to be $18 million in the hole. The gap drops to a $13 million deficit predicted in fiscal year 2015/2016.

“Given the lack of any significant revenue growth in the forecast, the current level of annual expenditure is not sustainable,” according to the budget document.

Still, the discussion of the current $39 million gap is continuing, and it’s possible that council members could find ways to prevent some cuts.

For example, Council members Kevin McCarty, Darrell Fong and Angelique Ashby all said they like the idea of seeing whether the city could move the public safety headquarters from Freeport Boulevard to the city’s Richards Boulevard location. The city has extra space at its Richards Boulevard building, Fong said.

Moving public safety workers to Richards Boulevard could save the city an estimated $800,000 - $900,000 per year in energy savings and maintenance costs, Fong said, referring to an estimate from the Police Department.

The Freeport building is not energy-efficient, he said.

City leaders need to look for “creative options to save a few bucks,” McCarty said.

Read a list of all the upcoming city budget hearings here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Utilities audit pinpoints $8 million in savings

2011-05-06T01:07:33Z

As much as $8.6 million could be saved in the city’s budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 if the City Council makes certain changes to the Utilities Department, according to a new audit released Thursday.

Because ratepayers pay for Utilities Department services, savings would not relieve the general fund gap but could lessen the burden on property owners and businesses.

Among other suggestions, the audit says the city could save money by not replacing backyard water mains that are still functional and cutting workers’ hours at water treatment plants.

However, it’s unclear at this point whether the city could garner the $8.6 million in savings, because the City Council must review the suggestions and decide whether to make them, City Auditor Jorge Oseguera said Thursday.

The audit, which focused on saving money by making the department’s operations more efficient, was conducted by consulting firms Public Financial Management, Inc.; Diemer Engineering, Inc.; EMA, Inc.; and Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc.

City Councilman Steve Cohn said he was reading the audit Thursday.

“There were some interesting ideas,” he said.

Cohn said he didn’t know how feasible it would be to put the recommendations into effect, noting that city leaders will need to study the audit’s suggestions.

The audit also says the Utilities Department could find savings by creating an energy savings program for the department; gathering green waste in a more efficient manner; finding quicker travel routes for trucks by using software and educating the public to not place trash items in recycling cans.

The Utilities Department’s budget and rates for utilities services will be addressed during the summer after the City Council approves the general fund budget in June, Cohn said.

The Utilities Rate Advisory Commission will weigh in on proposed rate increases from the department.

Read the audit here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Guide to city budget hearings

2011-05-05T00:25:51Z

Sacramento city officials have scheduled 10 public meetings on the city budget over the next seven weeks.

The City Council is wrestling with a $39 million budget gap and is considering recommendations from the city manager’s office to lay off hundreds of municipal employees.

The public is welcome at the budget hearings, which will be led by the City Council.

“It’s important that the public’s voice is heard,” city spokeswoman Amy Williams said. “These are hard decisions that lie ahead.”

During the next few weeks, Williams said she aims to keep as much budget information as possible on the city’s website.

A link to city budget documents is on the front page of the website.

All of the budget meetings will be held at Sacramento City Hall at 915 I St. The budget schedule may change, Williams said. Citizens can check the city’s website for updated information throughout the budget process, she said.

Here is the list of hearings on the 2011/2012 fiscal year budget:

When: Thursday, May 12, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: Parks and Recreation Department, budget assumptions, planned budget cuts

When: Tuesday, May 17, 2 p.m.
On the agenda: Convention, Culture and Leisure Department; Community Development Department

When: Tuesday, May 17, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: Police Department

When: Tuesday, May 24, 2 p.m.
On the agenda: Economic Development, General Services, Support, Transportation, Utilities, Charter Offices (City Attorney, City Clerk, City Treasurer)

When: Tuesday, May 24, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: Fire Department

When: Tuesday, May 31, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: Library, agencies that partner with the city

When: Thursday, June 2, 6 p.m. (Tentative meeting)
On the agenda: Budget options

When: Tuesday, June 7, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: Facilities and infrastructure budget (known formally as the capital improvement program), discussion of budget cuts

When: Tuesday, June 14, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: Update on city labor unions, finish plans for budget cuts

When: Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m.
On the agenda: The City Council will approve the budget.

Source: city of Sacramento

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Intense city budget talks begin

2011-05-04T06:09:21Z

Sacramento City Council members began discussions Tuesday on the city manager’s recommendation to cut as many as 366 jobs in the budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

One city union protested the proposed layoffs at City Hall before the City Council meeting, and representatives from two other unions expressed their opposition to the cuts during the meeting.

City officials presented the budget recommendations from the city manager’s office at Tuesday’s meeting and summarized the budget document.

As part of the meeting, Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka explained a chart on the job cuts recommended by the city manager’s office.

The city would need to slice 250 full-time positions to gain the $39 million in savings. But Masuoka and Interim City Manager Bill Edgar are making recommendations for cuts on top of the $39 million in light of the city’s ongoing financial woes.

City officials project that the city will continue to face budget gaps until fiscal year 2015/2016.

The gap for fiscal year 2012/2013 is $11.7 million and is expected to rise to $22.9 million in fiscal year 2013/2014. In fiscal year 2014/2015, the city expects to be $18 million in the hole. The gap drops to a $13 million deficit predicted in fiscal year 2015/2016.

If the City Council decides to cut all the positions that Masuoka and Edgar have suggested, 366 positions would be lost, according to page 28 of the chart Masuoka referenced.

It’s unclear at this point how many actual layoffs would result if the City Council decided to cut the 366 jobs. The numbers may change during the budget process. Plus, the city uses a process of demoting some employees while laying off others that can change the numbers.

Regardless, the City Council could decide to make hundreds of layoffs in the next few weeks.

“This budget is very painful,” Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell said.

Councilwoman Angelique Ashby indicated she would make efforts to avoid layoffs to police and fire employees. As many as 80 sworn officers could be laid off in the proposed budget, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Ashby said the citizens she represents are concerned about police and fire staffing and levee improvements.

“I’ve got to find ways to make those my top priority,” she said.

Councilman Kevin McCarty asked city staff to prepare an alternate budget that would show the city’s financial situation if the City Council made no public safety cuts.

Mayor Kevin Johnson said he was concerned about the layoffs.

Marcia Mooney, business representative for Local 39, said there could be about 150 layoffs of members of her union, who work in city services including parks maintenance, utilities and solid waste, she said. Local 39 is pressing the City Council to not put the brunt of layoffs on rank-and-file workers.

Representatives of the Sacramento Police Officers Association and Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 addressed the City Council during the meeting.

“You’re making life-and-death decisions,” said Detective Mark Tyndale, vice president of the police union.

The police department, he said, has already been “cut to the bone.”

Jaymes Butler of the firefighters’ union said Fire Department cuts could hurt communities. The proposed budget would ramp up the number of Fire Department “brownouts” from two to six.

The city fire department has two rolling brownouts in effect, which means that certain fire trucks and engines are out of service at various times, according to former Fire Department spokesman Jim Doucette.

The next public budget meeting will be held Thursday, May 12. The Sacramento Press will publish the time and place of the meeting as soon as it can obtain that information.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Gus Vina named city manager of Encinitas

2011-05-04T05:22:29Z

Former Sacramento interim city manager Gus Vina is headed for the coast.

Vina, who resigned from his post in Sacramento in March, will start a new job on July 1 as the city manager of Encinitas in San Diego County. The Encinitas City Council announced Monday that it chose Vina, 50, for the job.

The city of roughly 60,000 is known for its beaches, surfing and flower-growing operations.

“I’m excited to be able to continue at the city manager level,” Vina said Tuesday, adding that the Southern California city will be a “completely different environment.”

The Encinitas City Council is not facing any budget troubles, Vina said. By contrast, the Sacramento City Council is grappling with a $39 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

“We are pleased and very fortunate to have Gus join the city of Encinitas and look forward to his leadership,” said Encinitas Mayor Jim Bond in a Monday news release.

Vina earned $225,000 as interim city manager in Sacramento. He said Tuesday that he was still negotiating his salary with officials in Encinitas.

Vina had a 12-year career at Sacramento City Hall, working in a variety of management positions.

When he gave notice to the Sacramento City Council in March, he told The Sacramento Press he did not “have the confidence of the entire council.” Sacramento’s City Council chose not to promote him to the permanent city manager position in a 5-4 vote on Jan. 25.

Vina said he looks forward to working on projects in Encinitas involving beachfront restoration and street beautification on Highway 101. His priorities include updating the city’s long-term development strategy, known as a “general plan,” and monitoring city finances, he said.

The answer to one question remains unclear: Will Vina learn to surf?

“At almost 51, I don’t know,” Vina said, promising that he would be “open-minded” about the possibility.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City eyes 350 city jobs for cuts

2011-04-30T01:57:07Z

More than 350 jobs, including those of 80 sworn police officers, could be cut to balance the city’s budget, Interim City Manager Bill Edgar said Friday.

The city manager’s office released recommendations Friday on how to resolve a $39 million budget gap. The proposal released by the city is not set in stone: The City Council is responsible for making final budget decisions.

“This is the budget that everyone has dreaded,” Edgar said. “(This is) the budget where the chickens come home to roost.”

The city manager’s office proposes cutting 294 positions. In addition, Edgar said he is recommending that the City Council cut about 60 more positions to privatize maintenance of city golf courses.

In the coming weeks, representatives for the city’s unions are expected to negotiate with city officials over the planned budget cuts.

The proposed budget recommends that the City Council lay off 80 of the city’s 701 sworn police officers. The city manager’s proposal also suggests laying off about 70 civilian workers in the Police Department and cutting 18 vacant positions for sworn police officers.

Detective Mark Tyndale, vice president of the Sacramento Police Officers Association, said the union’s members are upset, scared and “very angry” about the proposed cuts to the department.

The union made concessions on raises in 2009 that resulted in $13 million in savings for the city, he said.

“We have stepped up, and we have given,” he said.

SPOA’s view is that the city unfairly gave raises to a few top city officials recently.

Tyndale also argues the city mismanaged money by paying raises to members of another city union, Local 39, after negotiations fell apart between Local 39 and the city in 2009.

(However, it should be noted that Local 39 members suffered layoffs as a result of the failed negotiations with the city in 2009. Local 39 Director of Public Employees Joan Bryant, who represents city workers that are not in the public safety field, recently argued that the city unfairly favors public safety workers on retirement benefits.)

Despite Tyndale’s anger over the proposed budget, he said SPOA will continue to “have a dialogue with city management” on the budget.

“We expect to be treated fairly by them,” Tyndale said.

The proposed cuts will reduce police services, said department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong.

“It will have impacts to crime and to the service level we’re providing,” he said.

In one of many examples, Leong said the department would not be able to respond in person to property crimes like theft and home burglaries if there are no suspects on the scene. “We’re not coming out,” he said.

However, if there are suspects present, the department would respond, he said.

Sacramento City Councilman Darrell Fong, who retired from the Police Department in 2009 after a 30-year career there, said no officers were laid off during his tenure with the department.

“I’m really concerned about the cuts to public safety,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Fire Department also faces major cuts in the proposed budget. There are “whole communities that aren’t going to have EMS or fire response,” said Jaymes Butler of Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522. “They’ll have to pull from another community.”

The numbers of layoffs and the cuts to services for the fire department are still unclear because the city has been selected to receive a $5.6 million grant earmarked for fire services.

However, Butler estimated that the cuts would result in the following actual layoffs: 14 captains, nine engineers, 35 firefighters and seven firefighter/paramedics.

Positions are different from actual layoffs, because the city sometimes saves money by cutting vacant positions.

However, Edgar said he doesn’t expect the number of positions – more than 350 – to differ much from actual layoffs.

“I think it’s fair to say that most of (the positions) are filled at this point,” he said.

The city budget document released Friday projects that the city will continue to face budget gaps until fiscal year 2015/2016. The gap for fiscal year 2012/2013 is $11.7 million and is expected to rise to $22.9 million in fiscal year 2013/2014. In fiscal year 2014/2015, the city expects to be $18 million in the hole. The gap drops to a $13 million deficit predicted in fiscal year 2015/2016.

Read the full text of the proposed budget here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Proposed budget would cut 100 cops, 50 fire staff

2011-04-29T00:39:05Z

Layoffs of about 100 police officers and nearly 50 Fire Department staffers are listed as possible budget cuts in the city’s proposed 2011/2012 budget, scheduled to be released Friday.

The city released a summary of the budget recommendations from Interim City Manager Bill Edgar and Interim Deputy City Manager Betty Masuoka late Thursday afternoon. The budget was largely put together by previous Interim City Manager Gus Vina, who resigned last month.

The city manager’s office recommends that police officer cuts should be made in the department’s special units. The summary said that 167 full-time employees would be cut in the police department. Of the 167 employees, 98 are sworn police officers, the summary says.

“This reduction will result in the loss of the special units in order to protect patrol (units) as much as possible,” the report said.

The proposed budget would also ramp up the number of Fire Department “brownouts” from two to six, and lay off 49 full-time Fire Department employees. However, the suggested cuts to the Fire Department were unclear at press time because the city has been selected to receive a federal $5.6 million grant earmarked for firefighters.

Parks and Recreation is slated for major cuts, as well. “All but three community centers will be closed, and all but three swimming pools will be closed starting the summer of 2012,” according to the budget summary. The budget recommendations also said that youth and senior programs will face “significant reductions.”

While the city manager’s office has released budget cut plans for the police, fire and parks departments, it’s unclear how many people will actually be laid off. The City Council is responsible for all final decisions on the budget, and the numbers of proposed layoffs often change during the city budget process. Union negotiations can change the numbers. When the city cuts positions, it uses a process of demoting employees that can also change the number of layoffs.

Read the summary of the proposed budget here.

The full proposed budget is expected to be released Friday. The Sacramento Press will cover the budget in depth on Friday.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City loans California Musical Theatre $300,000

2011-04-28T01:17:51Z

The struggling California Musical Theatre in Sacramento will receive $300,000 from the city to help it stay afloat.

The Sacramento City Council unanimously decided Wednesday to loan the amount to the theater over the next three years. The theater can withdraw the money in $50,000 increments each quarter until the $300,000 total is reached, according to a report by city staff. The money will go toward the theater’s operations.

California Musical Theatre runs Music Circus, the Broadway Series and Cosmopolitan Cabaret.

“It’s an important piece of downtown,” Councilman Jay Schenirer said, referring to the theater. The business the theater brings to downtown is “incredibly important,” he added.

The city is taking $300,000 from its Community Center Theater Renovation Project for the loan.

Councilwomen Sandy Sheedy and Angelique Ashby noted that the money for the loan is designated for the arts and cannot be used in the city’s general fund.

When the theater withdraws money from the loan during a fiscal year, it must pay back the city the amount plus interest by June 30 of that fiscal year, according to the city staff report.

The theater cannot receive a bank line of credit because of its financial situation, the staff report said.

Still, the theater provides benefits to the city, according to the report. The theater employs more than 550 people, and pays $800,000 to the Sacramento Convention Center in rent annually, the report said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Recycling Right Can Pay Off in Sacramento

2011-04-27T20:06:35Z

The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities will launch the 2011 Recycling Incentive Awards, sponsored by AT&T Real Yellow Pages and the Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station on May 2, 2011. Each week through June 27, the City will randomly select recycling containers in a selected Council District and check it for proper recycling. If the container holds only clean recyclables, the City will award owners of clean recycling bins with $100 and the chance to win an iPad2.

“Recycling right is the right thing to do. Clean, dry and usable recyclables limits waste going to the landfills and is a win for the environment,” said Marty Hanneman, Director of the Department of Utilities. "So make sure your blue bin is filled with recyclables only and put it out on the week we are coming your neighborhood and you could win too!"

The City of Sacramento accepts clean, dry and usable items in its blue recycling containers. These items include:
• Bottles and Cans
• Paper
• Phone Books
• Cardboard
• Glass Jars
• Plastic Containers
• Newspaper
• Metal Cans and Containers
• And more! For more information, please visit www.cityofsacramento.org/recycle.

Common items that are not permitted for collection in blue recycle containers include:
• Items with food waste on them
• Garden hoses
• Clothing
• Foam plastic (Styrofoam)
• Light bulbs
• PVC Piping
• Batteries

The anticipated schedule for recycling bin checks is:

Week of May 2: District 1 (includes Natomas, portions of Downtown Sacramento)
Week of May 9: District 2 (includes Woodlake, Del Paso, North Sacramento, Hagginwood)
Week of May 16: District 3 (includes East Sacramento, Campus Commons, Ben Ali, Midtown)
Week of May 23: District 4 (includes Land Park, Freeport Manor, portions of Downtown Sacramento)
Week of May 30: District 5 (includes Oak Park, Curtis Park, Med Center, Woodbine)
Week of June 6: District 6 (includes College Glen, Tahoe Park, Fruitridge Manor, Glen Elder)
Week of June 13: District 7 (includes Greenhaven/Pocket and Valley Hi)
Week of June 20: District 8 (includes Meadowview, Parkway, Jacinto Creek, North Laguna Creek)

Cash awards will be presented at a future City Council Meeting and one of the eight selected cash winners will also have their name drawn to win an iPad2. All prizes are from AT&T Real Yellow Pages and the Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station and do not use City utility funds.

City Council weighs in on safe ground

2011-04-27T05:49:46Z

Should a group of homeless people be allowed to camp together in Sacramento without outside monitoring?

Safe Ground Sacramento, a group of mostly homeless people, says it should have the right to be “self-governing” and to operate an overnight camp independently.

But a few Sacramento City Council members said they disagreed with that idea Tuesday.

The City Council held a workshop on the safe ground issue as part of its weekly meeting. Over the past two years, Safe Ground Sacramento has asked the city to dedicate land for a site where the homeless could camp legally overnight. The city has an ordinance that bans overnight camping.

One of the group’s key principles is that its members are “self-governing” and that operations are led by elected members, according to a presentation by Safe Ground Sacramento Executive Director Stephen Watters.

The group is a community of people with “common needs,” Watters said.

“People watch out for each other and provide mutual support,” he told the City Council. “The community spirit that develops has turned people’s lives around.”

The Safe Ground Sacramento group asks its members to be drug- and alcohol-free and to not engage in violence. Members of the group camp overnight together, despite the camping ban.

But Councilman Rob Fong disagreed with the self-governance principle.

“I am not comfortable with a self-governing population,” Fong said. “I know that everyone I’ve talked to suggests that there needs to be a programmatic aspect to transitioning people out of homelessness.”

Homeless people need to be matched up with social services to help them find permanent housing, Fong said.

Mayor Kevin Johnson said he supported the safe ground idea but wanted the group to link to a social services program.

Councilman Kevin McCarty mentioned the model at Quinn Cottages, which combines housing with social services.

While Safe Ground Sacramento regularly lobbies the City Council to set aside land for homeless people to stay overnight, a spot has still not been selected.

Watters discussed the thorny issue of finding a location in an April 12 statement sent to City Council members.

“Members of the Safe Ground Sacramento Site Development Team, after concluding a series of meetings, have been unable to select an appropriate location that could be developed as a long-term housing site from the list of more than 1,900 city-owned properties provided by city staff,” Watters wrote.

“Parcels deemed appropriate based on size, proximity to public transit (i.e. Regional Transit bus and light rail stops), and other locational factors were found unacceptable due to various ecological, political and existing city planning factors when investigated in depth by the joint city / Safe Ground team.”

The group is now searching for two kinds of locations – an 18-month site as well as a permanent spot – and working on building relationships with the city and county governments and local business sector, Watters wrote.

No specific date for deciding a location was set Tuesday.

Read Watters’ statement here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Council to discuss "safe ground" idea

2011-04-26T01:17:21Z

The Sacramento City Council will discuss the idea of setting aside land for the homeless on Tuesday night, but it will not decide on specific locations for a homeless living space.

Council members will participate in a workshop on the “safe ground” idea, promoted by a group that wants the city to provide a place for homeless to live together. The Safe Ground Sacramento group opposes the city’s ordinance against overnight camping.

The group, composed mostly of homeless people, has pressed its case for two years, but the city has not designated an area where the homeless can camp legally.

As part of the workshop, the Safe Ground group will present its ideas to the City Council.

Councilman Jay Schenirer, who initiated the upcoming workshop, said he wants the council to understand the safe ground plan. He pointed out that Safe Ground Sacramento now runs a campground for homeless people who are drug-free, and does not allow violence.

“For a cohort of individuals who are off drugs and violence, this is a viable alternative,” Schenirer said.

A designated living space is one of many methods that could address local homelessness, he said.

Safe Ground Sacramento is also looking at the idea of small cabins as temporary shelter for the homeless. John Kraintz, president of the group, said a community of cabins could be set up and paid for by businesses or churches in an “adopt-a-cabin” model. The cabins would have proper sanitation and clean, running water, he added.

“But first we need to get the land to put these things on,” he said.

The workshop will be part of the regular City Council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at 915 I St.

Read the city staff report on the safe ground workshop here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - How to Have a Party and Keep Neighbors Happy

2011-04-24T18:04:15Z

Posted by Baldy286

Hello Officer Michelle,

I need your help!

I’d like to seek your recommendations/suggestions on the planning of a private party we’ll be hosting at our residence in May 2011. The party will be a 40th birthday party, meaning alcohol will be present, but no children will be present. Also, live music will be our entaininment, however, not after 10pm. We do have a very large backyard and some of the houses surrounding our home is vacant. I really want to be pro-active with preparing of our neighbors and to avoid the possiblity of involving law enforcement because of noise. The thoughts I’ve concluded is possibly passing out a flyer, informing our neighbor’s of a possible annoyance and to please contact us to avoid any confrontation. Please, feel free to contact me for additional information or clarifiy questions.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to help!

Dear Baldy286,

Sounds like fun! As long as you don’t violate the noise ordinance, you should be fine. The only things I though of were to make sure that your guests don’t block neighbors’ driveways when they park. If there are private CCRs attached to your neighborhood, you would have to abide by them although the Police Department has nothing to do with enforcing them.

You sound like you are very respectful of your neighbors. Letting them know ahead of time will alleviate a lot of problems.

The noise complaint calls that I have been on in the past usually involved drunken people with inappropriate behavior. Not a civilized celebration. Have fun and don’t let your guests leave after having too much to drink.

Officer Michelle

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 21st, 2011 at 1:56 pm and is filed under Answers From Officer Michelle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Costly water treatment plant upgrades ahead

2011-04-22T04:47:06Z

When the City Council approved $7.4 million for design work to upgrade the city’s two water treatment plants on Thursday night, it inched forward on a long-term and costly project to overhaul the plants.

Remodeling the city’s aging water treatment plants will take years of work, may cost about $150 million and could involve significant utilities fee hikes for property owners and businesses in Sacramento, according to an April 21 report by city staff.

But the City Council and city staff agree that the treatment plants are so old that the remodel of the plants will be necessary. One of the city’s plants, located on the Sacramento River, was built in the 1920s. The other plant was built in the 1960s and is located on the American River.

“I think we’re living on borrowed time,” Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy said at Thursday night’s City Council meeting.

The council unanimously approved the $7.4 million, which comes from the city’s water fund and is not part of the general fund, according to Utilities Department Director Marty Hanneman.

City staffers said in their report to the City Council that the plants cannot remain as they are.

“Much of the existing infrastructure at the city’s water treatment plants has exceeded its service life and is at risk of failing,” the report said.

The City Council did not make any decisions Thursday on how to fund the $150 million in upgrades for the plant.

Right now, city staff is examining the idea of selling revenue bonds to pay for the projects. In that scenario, city ratepayers – property owners and businesses – would be charged an estimated 11 percent rate hike to help cover the city’s debt accrued from selling bonds, according to the city staff report.

If the council wants to set rate hikes, it could phase them out over a series of years, Hanneman said.

Hanneman said the 11 percent figure was an estimate that could change. The Utilities Department will present a funding strategy to the City Council in August, Hanneman said.

At that time, the City Council may discuss numbers that are significantly higher than $150 million, according to city staff. The department noted that it had additional upcoming infrastructure costs, such as the city’s need to replace pipes that are 100 years old, Jamille Moens, the department’s business services manager said.

Read the city staff report here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Cars on K project drives forward

2011-04-21T01:07:23Z

City staffers are moving forward on the project to bring cars to K Street, saying Wednesday that the street will see its final days as a pedestrian mall in the fall.

Nader Kamal, a senior projects manager for the city, said the street may be ready for cars by November. People will be able to drive between Eighth and 12th streets once the project is complete.

Cars have been barred from K Street since the 1960s, when the city turned it into a pedestrian mall.

“It seemed to be the trend at that time,” city Transportation Department spokeswoman Linda Tucker said, referring to pedestrian malls.

Thursday, the Law and Legislation Committee — composed of four City Council members – will examine updates to an ordinance on pedestrian malls. The ordinance updates, which would allow cars on K Street, are technical changes. The updates will need to be approved later by the full City Council. The City Council decided last year to dedicate $2.7 million to prepare K Street for cars.

Kamal said construction on K is scheduled to begin in July. The construction work will include installing a new traffic signal at 11th and K streets, changing the existing traffic signals on the street and putting in stripes for two-way lanes.

City officials and the downtown business community have said that cars on K will help attract customers to shops on that street.

The increased traffic from cars “will create just a little more visibility on K Street,” said Denise Malvetti, a senior project manager for the city.

Vehicles will also make people feel safer on K Street because the cars will bring activity to the street, she said.

But Sacramento resident Linda Moss, 63, had a different view of cars on that street. “It’s pollution,” she said, while walking from K Street to a bus stop Wednesday.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Easter Events Extravaganza

2011-04-20T05:02:44Z

Spring is nearly a month in, and as April turns into May, the forecast promises warmer weather and plenty of outdoor activities, especially this weekend, as Easter is Sunday.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Easter, whether you’re looking for a traditional egg hunt or a nice place to eat Sunday Brunch.

What: Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, 11 a.m. - noon

Where: Southside Park, 2107 Sixth St.

Cost: Free

With help from the Southside Park Neighborhood Association and St. John’s Baptist Church, Vineyard Church, the city of Sacramento will host the Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt, which will have a plethora of activities for the kids, including an egg hunt, face painting, carnival games, pictures with the Easter Bunny, various bunny-related crafts and Easter-related worksheets. Mounted police and the K-9 unit have also been invited to join the festivities.

Orange juice and coffee will be served, and there will be a raffle for two $250 Safeway gift cards.

The egg hunt will begin at 11:30 a.m. with 15,000 eggs for the hunting. There will be a total of four hunts, divided by age group. While most of the eggs are easily accessible, there will also be 10 golden eggs that will be a little more difficult to find. The golden egg discoverers can exchange their find for an Easter gift basket filled with various stuffed animals, games and toys.

Jessica Equihua, event coordinator and executive assistant for council member Rob Fong, said they are preparing for 500 participants on Saturday.

“The event is free, and there are plenty of fun takeaways, and one of the major highlights is that families are also provided with resource bags filled with information about services and events, such as this Easter event, in Sacramento,” she said.

For more information, call 808-7004 or go the the city events website.

What: Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

When: Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.

Where: Clunie Clubhouse at McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Blvd.

Cost: $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets are available at the door.

“The Kiwanis community, along with local Key Club and Circle K volunteers, has been putting on this event for hundreds of parents and children for about 24 years,” said Michael Flynn, coordinator of the event.

Traditionally, thousands of eggs are filled with goodies and hidden each year. The hunt will be done in age groups, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting with the youngest and adding the next age group every 15 minutes up to the age of 9, according to Flynn. The breakfast is all-you-can-eat and includes pancakes, orange juice, fruit, coffee or tea and bacon or sausage.

There will also be face painting, carnival games and of course the playground itself for the children to roam free.

President Leslie Merker said, ”The Kiwanis’ mission statement is to serve the children, one child and one community at a time. It will be a fun event for the children, very family-orientated.” In fact, Flynn noted that the proceeds of the event will be for improvement and maintenance of the play structure in the park.

For more information, call 484-1314 or go the the Kiwanis’ website.

What: Spring Egg’stravaganza

When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion, Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road

Cost: Prices vary, $0.50/ticket

Kristyn Staby, recreation supervisor in special events, said that while the name has changed over time, the Spring Egg’stravaganza has been going on since the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) came into place in 1985.

This year, the event will boast several carnival games, an egg drop competition and even a petting zoo by a local nonprofit 4-H Club. Last year, they welcomed about 1,800 guests and are expecting a similar number this year.

From 8 - 10:45 a.m., the Pride of Laguna Creek Lion’s Club will be offering a pancake breakfast for $5, children under 2 can eat free with a paying adult.

Outside of pancakes, they will also be serving ham, fruit and orange juice or hot chocolate. This Breakfast with the Bunny event usually draws about 600 people, according to Staby.

Carnival games and the Egg Scramble, the CCSD’s egg hunt, will occur all day.

The egg drop competition is done in partnership with the CSD Fire Department and takes place at 11:30 a.m. Children construct a simple holder for their egg in hopes that it will not break when dropped from the fire department’s ladder truck. Undamaged eggs are awarded a prize.

For more information, call 405-5300 or go the the CSD’s main website.

There will also be two other Easter hunting events in the area.

Westminster Presbyterian Church will be holding its very first Easter egg hunt in Capitol Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. The event is free and hunting will begin at 11:30 a.m.

For more details, call 747-9592.

Fairytale Town will be hosting its annual Spring Eggstravaganza on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both days will be filled with egg hunts, prizes, pictures with Peter Cottontail, puppet shows and spring-themed hands-on activities.

For more information call 808-7462 or check out Fairytale Town’s event list.

BYOB: Bring your own basket to all egg hunting events.

For those of you who want to head straight to the meal and skip the hunting altogether, there are a couple of local places offering an Easter feast or just a few special eats.

What: Easter is Easy at Ten22

When: Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: 1022 Second St.

Cost: $12 per special; prices vary on regular menu items

Ten22 will be adding three brunch specials to its regular menu this Sunday: Walnut Levain French toast, a Dungeness crab omelet and roasted apple crêpes.

Jay Veregge, the executive chef, said, “We want to provide our customers with the regular menu and have additions for holidays.”

Veregge also mentioned that the restaurant really tries to stay organic and farm-driven.

While the restaurant has only been in Sacramento for a little over a year, it was voted “Best New Restaurant” in 2010 by subscribers of Sacramento Magazine.

Specials will be available from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

For further details, call 441-2211 or log onto their website.

What: Celebrate Easter at the Firehouse

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 1112 Second St.

Cost: $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under

The Firehouse is the sister restaurant to Ten22 and they have been hosting Easter Day Brunches since 2001, said Christi Stevens, marketing specialist.

The Easter brunch was specially created by Chef Deneb Williams and diners will enjoy a three-course menu beginning with a buffet of freshly baked pastries by Pastry Chef Jill Berger, seasonal fruit and assorted meats and cheese. Guests are provided with five entree options of pork chop and eggs, Newport eggs Benedict, Santa Fe tenderloin scramble, vegetarian polenta and prawns and scallops and either chocolate-peanut butter gâteau or lemon cheesecake for dessert.

A three-course children’s menu is also available. This menu also includes the starter buffet and a choice of Triple Berry Pancakes, chicken Alfredo or the Rise & Shine dish, which consists of scrambled eggs, crisp bacon and potatoes. For dessert, an oatmeal raisin cookie sundae is served.

Both The Firehouse and Ten22 have outdoor seating for you to enjoy that great spring weather.

More for information, call 442-4772 or check out the website.

Those in search of some Easter entertainment can check out either of the following two events.

A local church is changing up its regular routine this Sunday, with a performance in place of the normal service.

What: Easter Sunday Performance: Bow at the Knee

When: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:45a.m.

Where: 2805 El Camino Ave.

Cost: Free

This will actually be the second year that El Camino Baptist Church will be putting on this specific production. Last done in 2004, Pastor of Worship David Burckhardt said it was very well-received and looks forward to watching the production again.

April Schrokosch, the ministry arts director, said “Bow at the Knee” is a very relatable play.

“It’s a great production about a man who struggles with looking at two different worlds. He is confronted with a different way of thinking and this applies to many people.”

With a cast of over 50, both Burckhardt and Schrokosch said, it was a true and full-on musical Broadway-style production about the story leading up to Jesus’ death and Crucifixion through the eyes of a Roman Centurion.

More further details, call 488-1522.

If daytime outings aren’t really your thing and you’re interested in something different, you might want to check out Easter Sunday School at Movies on a Big Screen.

What: Easter Sunday School

When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Guild, 2828 35th St.

Cost: $5.00, advance ticket sales on site, cash only at door

This Sunday night, Movies on a Big Screen (MOBS) is showing a collection of vintage Christian material including but not limited to Christian scare films, kids’ shows and other religious video strangeness.

Robert McKeown, co-founder of MOBS, said, “We always try to play with special times of years or holidays. For example, around August, when school usually starts back up, we do a Back-to-School-Night with old educational films from the 50s and 70s. This year’s Easter viewing will be pretty similar.”

MOBS had always done Easter-related films before, such as a showing a Peeps documentary, shot in Sacramento, two years ago, but McKeown said that last year was the first year they had to deal with a movie viewing actually on Easter. So, they wanted to do something different and decided to show the video, “Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter.”

For this event, McKeown scoured through hours of obscure videos for the night’s line-up, which remains a secret until the big night. But after some prodding, McKeown hinted that film clips may include material from an old Christian children’s show with a real life amputee dressed up as a pirate doing autopsies on sinners.

Themed snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, and you are also allowed to bring your own food.

For advance tickets or further details, check out the event page.

If you know of any events not mentioned above, please feel free to put the suggestions in the comment box below.

NBA's Sac meetings will be closed

2011-04-19T21:00:14Z

The public will have to wait for information on this week’s meetings in Sacramento involving two NBA officials as the meetings will be closed to media, Mayor Kevin Johnson said at a Tuesday morning press conference.

The two NBA executives who will visit Sacramento on Thursday and Friday are Clay Bennett, relocation committee chair for the NBA Board of Governors, and NBA Executive Counsel Harvey Benjamin, said Tim Frank, an NBA spokesman.

The closed meetings relating to the Kings’ future were requested by the NBA, Johnson said.

“They felt that they didn’t want a lot of fanfare,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson said he would meet with the local media to communicate information about the meetings after the NBA executives leave town.

“As soon as they leave, we’ll get right back in the room and tell (the media) all that (the NBA) is comfortable sharing,” Johnson said. “Certainly, I want our community, first and foremost, to know exactly where we stand.”

Johnson said that he wants to show the visiting NBA officials three things – that the team has corporate support, the Sacramento market is viable, and the city has a “clear path” for a new sports complex.

“They’re going to look at Sacramento and we get a chance to put our best foot forward,” Johnson said.

The NBA officials will also be introduced to regional Sacramento leaders, he said.

Johnson declined to name the businesspeople who pledged $7 million to the Kings in corporate sponsorships and suite revenues last week. He said he would identify them “at the appropriate time,” and that they will meet with the NBA executives before making any public announcements.

“I think we have an obligation to introduce the corporate sponsors to the NBA delegation that’s out here first,” Johnson said.

Staff reporter Suzanne Hurt contributed to this report. Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Incident at 9/K Streets

2011-04-17T15:52:29Z

Posted by Frank000064

On 4/5/11 just after 2:30pm when I went into the RiteAid at 9th & K, I was told by a cashier that a customer had just been body slammed into the side of the building and robbed, but no one had been apprehended. Do you know if anyone was caught? I work a couple of blocks from there and myself along with other in my building were concerned about what happened. I checked the various news sites but didn’t see anything about it and did not see anything in your crime log either.

Dear Frank000064,

I know exactly the call you are speaking of. I was dispatched to that call myself. The complainant/victim was contacted at the bus stop at 9th/K Streets by a Hispanic male who asked him if he wanted to buy some marijuana. The victim told the suspect that he wanted to see the marijuana first. When the Hispanic male took three bindles of marijuana out of his pocket to display it to the victim, the victim grabbed the marijuana out of his hand and proceeded to walk toward the Rite-Aid. The Hispanic male caught up to the victim and punched him in the face. The Hispanic male then took off on a bicycle. The complainant said that it was his intention to give the marijuana to the police, and that he took it as evidence. Responding officers checked the area but were unable to locate the Hispanic male. The victim was taken to an area hospital for a precautionary examination. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

South Stockton Business Walk

2011-04-15T07:38:15Z

The City of Sacramento along with the Greater Sacramento Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce and Stockton Boulevard Partnership hosted a business walk Thursday.

The walk focused on businesses located in the “Little Saigon” area of South Stockton, which runs from Florin Road to Fruitridge Road.

The city’s Economic Development Business Visit Program serves to check on the needs of businesses and to connect them with the proper resources so they can flourish.

Terrence Johnson, the executive director of the Stockton Boulevard Partnership said the focus is to address the issues affecting businesses.

The Little Saigon district is home to many small businesses, particularly Southeast Asian businesses, Mai Nguyen, president of the Greater Sacramento Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (GSVACC), said.

Organizations such as SMUD, BERC, Stockton Boulevard Partnership, Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce, city and county employees all helped in canvassing the various business in the area.

There are two barriers that the Asian business owners are dealing with: language and culture, these two make it challenging to network, Nguyen said.

“We want to reach out to them and listen to their concerns and needs,” Nguyen said. “We want to break barriers. We don’t want them to feel afraid or to feel like they did something wrong. They are used to inspectors, and/or audits coming in, but this is a refreshing visit. We want to put them at ease and inform them of the resources available.”

The new Pho Saigon Bay restaurant at 6458 Stockton Blvd. was the starting and finishing place for the walk, which went from 10 a.m. - noon.

It is symbolic to have a new business host the event because it is all about promoting business economic growth and retention of businesses, Nguyen said.

Participants dispersed into teams of two with one member being a Vietnamese speaker and another being an English speaker. In total, there were 20 teams, according to Lorrie Lowry, project manager for the city’s Economic Development Department.

Many times the assigned businesses were congregated, it made it simple to walk to the surrounding businesses but at times people drove.

The City sent a letter informing them of the visit in advance.

As each team visited the various businesses, they asked them three questions: How is business? What do you like about doing business in this area? What can city, partner and the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce do to improve business?

They also left each business with a bag filled with various resources. These resources ranged from SMUD rebate programs to California capital (small business loans) information and Sacramento Works, which is an organization that assists with hiring.

About 230 businesses were visited in total, and each team was assigned an average of 14 businesses in the two hours , Lowry said.

Tim Nguyen, owner of Xtreme Tint, Alarm and Sound, said he started his business in 2000.

“I didn’t know of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, but I think this is very informative, and it is nice of them to come out and reach out to local business.”

He told the city visitors that business is tough, the roads in front of the store needs to be fixed and more lights are needed in the streets.

Norm Gentry, owns Norm’s Electric and said he was excited to speak with the representatives.

“It is neat that they got out here,” he said.

“As long as they care and it is not just for show,” Don Gentry, Norm’s son, added.

Stephanie Brians, manager at Security Public Storage was equally pleased.

“It is nice to see someone come in and ask and want to hear from us. Usually, if I have a problem, I have to find a way to contact them or write to them,” Brians said.

She expressed concern for safety, crime reduction, gangs and drugs.

Next month, there will be a seminar coordinated by the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.

The date, time and location is yet to be discussed, Lowry said.

The information collected after such walks are used to create specific plans that can further aid in enhancing the success of these businesses.

Overall, it is important to get an idea of what is going on so there is direct response, Lowry said.

“The long-term vision is we establish relationships and the businesses now have direct contacts,” Mai Nguyen said.

Last year, the economic development department of the city organized various business walks in the northern and central City.

This is the first business walk of the year and there will be three more. They are scheduled to take place in Florin, Natomas and the third location is still being decided.

For more information, visit www.CityofSacramento.Org website.

Interim city manager to earn $46,800

2011-04-12T01:01:01Z

The Sacramento City Council is expected to approve a contract Tuesday to pay new Interim City Manager Bill Edgar $46,800 for a three-month period.

If the City Council extends the contract, Edgar will earn $15,600 per month for his work for the city.

Edgar and Betty Masuoka started work as temporary city leaders on April 9. The City Council chose Edgar to be interim city manager and Masuoka to be interim deputy city manager on April 7. The pair will manage the city while the City Council searches for a permanent city manager.

The contract relates to Edgar’s employment and does not specify Masuoka’s pay. However, Edgar said Monday that Masuoka will earn $100 per hour.

The city is not paying benefits to Edgar and Masuoka, Edgar said. They will save the city money “or at least be cost-neutral,” Edgar said.

From 1993-1999, Edgar served as Sacramento’s city manager. Masuoka previously worked in the posts of assistant city manager and finance director for the city.

Edgar also said the city won’t need to pay payroll taxes for him because the city will be contracting with his company, Edgar and Associates, LLP, for his services. Contracts with the city don’t involve payroll taxes, Edgar explained.

“We want to get a permanent city manager on board as quickly as possible,” he said.

Read the city’s draft contract with Edgar here.

The City Council is expected to discuss the qualities it wants in a permanent city manager at its weekly Tuesday night meeting.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Rear-ended by an Uninsured Motorist

2011-04-10T16:02:15Z

Posted by vetta2d

I was rear ended downtown by a driver who was not insured (his dad had insurance on the vehicle, minimal, 5K for damages which will not cover my damages) had no license (only a DMV ID card) and the registration on the car was expired. An officer came and looked at the driver’s info., called it in and left on another call. Why was this person not punished by the law or arrested….he is totally illegal??

Dear vetta2d,

Wouldn’t you know! What an inconvenience. First off, did the officer provide you with a case number? It would have been a number starting with 11- followed with 5 or 6 other numbers. In the case of vehicle accidents, if the parties aren’t injured, the vehicles don’t require tows, and no obvious violations such as DUI drivers, unlicensed or suspended licensed drivers were present, drivers exchange information with each other and report it to their insurance companies. If there are violations, a report must be taken. The officer could have taken a report. If there is a citation to be issued, the officer usually sends the citation to the driver through the mail once the investigation is complete. This may have been the case here and you wouldn’t have been notified. The driver would then have to go to traffic court to clear the ticket, or to receive punishment for the violation. A failure to make the court date would result in a warrant.

The driver may have had a driver’s license. People sometimes drive without their physical licenses. If the driver did have a valid license, it would be depicted in our computer system. He could be cited at a later time for not driving with a license by the officer and the citation would be sent to his residence.

As far as the dollar amount of your damages, your insurance companies will have to hash it out. What usually happens is that your insurance company will cover the difference and then go after the other party’s insurance company for the difference. Good Luck.

Officer Michelle

Create an online redistricting map

2011-04-09T01:21:09Z

Anyone in the city can use the city’s online tools to carve up the eight City Council districts and present their redistricting ideas to city leaders.

The mapmaking tool for the 2011 redistricting process is free to use, and the city welcomes maps from residents.

Maps developed and submitted by citizens will be shared with the City Council, the council’s redistricting advisory committee and the general public, said Maria MacGunigal, the city’s Geographic Information Systems manager.

Every decade, the city rearranges its council districts by applying U.S. Census data.The reordered districts should all have the same population, according to city staff.

“The primary objective of redistricting is to balance population,” MacGunigal said.

Another concern is the makeup of the districts: The balanced districts must not disenfranchise various groups of people, MacGunigal said. Issues related to disenfranchisement of racial groups were discussed at a Feb. 28 Neighborhood Advisory Group meeting.

The deadline to turn in maps to the city is May 16. All maps must be designed using the online tools – the city is not using paper maps, MacGunigal said. The City Council will make final decisions on redistricting in September.

The city worked with a consultant, Environmental Systems Research Institute, to set up the redistricting tool. ESRI created redistricting software, MacGunigal said, and city staff helped set up its design, function and delivery to citizens.

The online tools are sophisticated and give users the ability to share their maps with others.

“You can share your plan, you can create a group and invite users of the tool to participate with you,” MacGunigal said.

Users can work on the maps in sessions by saving their online work and returning to it – they do not have to create the map in one sitting.

The Census data shows that the city’s population rose from 407,018 in 2000 to 466,488 in 2010. With the city’s population at 466,488, each district must have 58,311 people.

District 1 is the largest, with 106,729 people. Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are relatively close in size, ranging in population from about 46,000 people to about 53,000 people. District 4, represented by Councilman Rob Fong, has 45,703 people, making it the least-populated district in the city.

The Sacramento Press tried out the online tools Friday for illustration purposes and to help citizens understand the process of making your own map.

First, a free account must be created.

Next, read the city’s instructions on how to use the online tools to cut up the districts.

The “create” tab is where the redistricting action takes place. Using the tools here, you can move pieces of one district to another district. Remember, the districts will need to each have 58,311 people.

Divvying up the population in the city is like playing with a Rubik’s Cube. It’s not quick or easy to bring all the districts to the same population numbers. When a user moves a piece of one district into another, the population may bring one district to the 58,311 goal but make another district much larger than 58,000.

Here is the existing map of District 1 before The Sacramento Press took a stab at it.

And here is the map of District 1 after The Sacramento Press brought it down to 58,313 people. (It was too tricky to bring it down to 58,311 on a journalism deadline.)

The Sacramento Press test map shows that it is a time-consuming process. Once a user lowers or raises a population to 58,311, the other districts may fall out of balance. While Ashby’s district was reduced to 58,313, District 2 now has too many people, with 80,119 people.

In addition, The Sacramento Press did not account for any of the crucial demographic data and how the map would affect neighborhoods. The online tool allows users to see the racial breakdown of how their maps affect communities.

City staff will hold training sessions next week that will demonstrate how to use the redistricting software. Three one-hour training sessions will be held at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday, April 11, at La Familia Center Computer Lab, 5523 34th St.

Training sessions will also be held at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, at North Natomas Library Computer Lab, 4660 Via Ingoglia.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento will be a solar city

2011-04-08T23:48:33Z

Sacramento is looking to use its abundant sunlight to cut down on energy costs and pollution by partnering with Solar City to install more than 8,000 solar panels throughout the city.

Solar City is the nation’s leading provider of solar panels for homes, businesses and government organizations, according to its website, and it has taken on a number of projects in Sacramento in the past.

This partnership, however, is slated to be the largest, according to the company. The systems are expected to produce 2.6 million kilowatt hours in the first year while the average U.S. home uses about 10,000 kilowatt hours in a year. The solar energy produced in one year will be enough to power 260 homes according to Solar City spokesman Johnathan Bass.

“I think this is the biggest public project for us as a city,” Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Sacramento Yvette Rincon said.

Solar City plans to have installed the panels in roughly four to six months at five main sites: the building at 300 Richards Blvd., housing the police and community development departments; the Corporation yard on Meadowview Road housing the city’s sanitation fleet; the Meadowview shops; and the South Area Corporation Yard off of Fruitridge Road and 28th Street – the largest of the five, using one third of the panel installation, according to Bass.

The city requested in a City Council proposal that the solar panels be installed at these five specific sites.

The price of gas and electricity has been steadily increasing for the city of Sacramento with three spikes in just 18 months, according to Rincon. This new partnership addresses that on a large scale, she added.

Bass said that Solar City will be responsible for all funding, system installation and maintenance. With the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the city will be able to purchase the power produced at a lower rate than would be possible from SMUD.

According to Bass, the PPA allows the city to pay for solar power produced by the system at a lower rate than electricity, with no up-front cost required, which allows the city to save money from day one and savings accumulate over time. One to two cents saved per kilowatt, per hour, may not sound like huge savings on the smaller scale, but on average energy costs, it can add up for taxpayers, according to Bass.

The overall cost of powering these facilities depends on the amount of energy used over a span of time according to Bass; however, each individual site will cost roughly ten cents or less per hour to generate power–City Hall with the most at 10.1 cents per kilowatt an hour.

"One of the benefits of solar energy is that you can essentially know the price that you will pay," Bass said. "You can lock in a rate and know that it won't fluctuate."

This partnership will have a positive impact on the city for many reasons, according to both Rincon and Bass. Businesses and local employment can benefit along with the environment.

Bass said that Solar City has already hired a number of people in Sacramento, and plans to hire up to 100 new employees this year during the project.

"We are creating jobs to install panels locally, saving money on energy costs and paying less for solar energy than grid electricity," Bass said. "It's a completely renewable source of energy. It's extremely clean with long-term benefits for society and air quality."

Rincon said the partnership will be not only be cost-effective, but will show leadership in helping Sacramento reach the 20/20 green initiative goal, which many states around the nation are implementing to focus on utilizing sources of green energy.

The 20/20 Green Initiative Goal is a movement that aims to reduce carbon emission by 20 percent and increase renewable energy use by 20 percent by the year 2020, according to the California Renewable Energy Program.

“This is something the City Council has always supported, and this is just a step along that path,” Rincon said.

The city was able to gain access to federal and state tax incentives that normally would only be offered to private agencies by teaming up with Solar City, which is what helped to implement the project, according to Rincon. Bass said that he thinks this is definitely something Sacramento could sustain over time.

"It's an exciting project from the city's standpoint that they are pursuing a range of sustainability issues," Bass said. "Definitely for Sacramento to become greener, especially a state capital and a city with the stature of Sacramento, when they do something positive like this it could be an example for others in the state."

Zipcar attracts car-sharing fans

2011-04-08T01:26:35Z

Mary Beth Schwehr was already well-informed about car sharing when she stopped by the Zipcar tent at Cesar Chavez Plaza on Thursday.

Zipcar, a company that provides cars for people to use for short periods of time, has been operating in Sacramento for a little over a week. Company representatives were in Sacramento on Thursday to sign up customers.

Schwehr, a Sacramento County resident, said she has an older car but uses public transit to commute to work.

“I’ve been anxious for this to come to Sacramento for a long time,” Schwehr said. “Rather than having to drive my car on a day when I have some other errands that I have to do where transit doesn’t go, I’ll use the Zipcar at lunchtime and after work ... to do some errands.”

Rachel DuBose, an air quality planner for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District, also checked out Zipcar’s tent Thursday.

“At the air district, we really believe in getting our employees to walk and bike and ride share,” she said.

A one-year membership fee to use Zipcars in Sacramento is $50. The application fee is $25.

From Monday through Friday, the charge to use a Zipcar is $8 per hour or $66 per day, according to Dan Grossman, the company’s regional vice president. On Saturdays and Sundays, the cost is $9 per hour or $72 per day. The hourly and daily fees are on top of the membership fee.

The membership fee includes the car insurance, Grossman said. Customers pay for gas by using a charge card provided by Zipcar.

Zipcar, which formed in 2000, operates in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The company has 530,000 members and 8,000 cars.

Grossman said he couldn’t comment on the number of Zipcar customers who have signed up in Sacramento.

Zipcar representatives parked a Honda Insight car at Cesar Chavez Plaza to demonstrate to prospective customers how the car works.

To use a Zipcar, a member makes a reservation online or by phone. Grossman held a card over a built-in modem attached to the window of the Honda. The card unlocks the door, he said, and the customer can find the ignition key inside. The cards to unlock the Zipcars are given to members, according to Grossman.

City Councilman Steve Cohn joined the small group of people at the Zipcar tent, saying that he and the Sacramento Air Quality Management District had both advocated for a car-sharing program in Sacramento.

“What this does is it enables people that have that occasional need (to drive) not to have to invest in a very expensive car, insurance (and) all the upkeep,” he said.

Cohn said the city is now contracting with Zipcar in an effort to save costs on the city’s vehicle fleet. The city wants to scale down the number of vehicles it owns and maintains, he said. To save money on city fleet expenses, the city agreed to use Zipcar services, Cohn added.

The city also gave Zipcar the use of 10 city parking spaces, he said.

Read the list of downtown locations where Zipcars will be available.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Green waste on-the-street pickup rates could rise

2011-04-07T00:45:48Z

Loose-in-the-street green waste pickup may become more expensive for residents, according to comments made by City Council members Tuesday night.

During a discussion of green waste at Tuesday’s council meeting, the council asked city staff to prepare detailed plans for raising the rates on loose-in-the-street pickup and reducing the level of pickup service from weekly to biweekly. Council members did not make any final decisions on the issue.

Gerald Celestine, a founding member of Friends of Fremont Park, said Wednesday that he thinks loose-in-the-street pickup works better than container pickup for Central City residents.

“We have more trees,” he said. “We have much more green waste.”

The idea of using multiple containers also doesn’t work, he said, because there is not adequate room in the street to place the containers. “Where would people park?” he asked.

The Central City’s situation may be addressed by city staff in the future: The City Council asked staff to provide more information about ways to deal with geographic areas that are particularly leafy.

The city’s systems of green waste pickup – containers and loose-in-the-street – are linked to a 1977 law. Voters passed Measure A that year, which says City Hall cannot force residents to use green waste containers.

While the city says that only 12,121 properties now use loose-in-the-street pickup, it must offer loose-in-the-street pickup because of Measure A.

By contrast, 103,787 properties in the city are using containers now, according to the Utilities Department.

The rate cannot remain at $13.71 per month because there are so few people now sharing the cost burden, according to city staff.

City staff argue that keeping the rates at $13.71 breaks state law Proposition 218, which says utilities rates must correspond to the costs of providing utilities services.

The rates should be higher, according to city staff, because so few people are still using loose-in-the-street pickup that their service is being subsidized by other solid waste rates.

Councilman Kevin McCarty noted Tuesday that city staff would work with the city’s Utilities Rate Advisory Commission on plans to raise rates for loose-in-the-street pickup.

Utilities Department staff has suggested raising rates for weekly loose-in-the-street pickup from $13.71 to $40 per month to match the costs of the service.

Alternately, staff suggested that the City Council could raise rates from $13.71 to $25, but scale down the service from weekly to every other week to align with the cost of service.

Staff also pointed out that the city still provides eight loose-in-the-street pickups each year to customers who use containers.

While council members said they want to explore the ideas of raising rates for pickup, McCarty and Cohn expressed hesitancy about the dollar amounts that staff proposed and noted that they weren’t agreeing to those amounts Tuesday night.

“Let’s not be on the record saying we approve either one,” Cohn said.

Council members also said they want to ask the public to vote in 2012 on whether to repeal Measure A.

“I’d like to go to the voters as soon as possible to take a look at repealing Measure A from 1977,” McCarty said Wednesday. “Clearly, times have changed, and I think we ought to look at reversing course on this 35-year-old policy.”

McCarty said there are a number of benefits to containers, including improved air quality resulting from fewer trucks picking up leaves and cleaner bike lanes.

Utilities Department spokeswoman Jessica Hess said the department has not yet set a date for when the green waste issue will be addressed at City Council again.

“We have a desire to correct the issue,” Hess said. “We are going to work on getting that expedited.”

Read the staff report here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.