New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had a few terse words to say about Gov. Brown at the GOP convention in Tampa, FL this week, but Christie’s comments come as no surprise to people familiar with his direct, unflinching style. “Look at New Jersey and look at California,” Christie said. “Made two very different choices. New Jersey decided to take a chance, New Jersey decided to take a risk on a conservative Republican governor in a blue state. California made a bad choice by going with an old retread. I cannot believe you people elected Jerry Brown over Meg Whitman.” Christie continued, “I don't want to be insulting because it's early, and I got plenty of time to be insulting the rest of t

The Fem Dems of Sacramento promote feminist values within the Democratic Party as well as the local community, approaching feminism within politics by encouraging others to get involved through volunteering and outreach. Fem Dems President Kelly Rivas, General Counsel Officer Amber Maltbie and fellow member Hatzune Aguilar founded the organization in 2009 after working together for a local political law firm.  Each had been involved in similar clubs in college, and after graduating and moving to Sacramento, they wanted to continue their efforts.  Their drive to form a local Sacramento club led to the Fem Dems, for those who are active in politics or looking to be gain experience in politi

Welcome to another edition of the "Wake-Up Call," a rundown of items that we're working on, found interesting, or otherwise thought you might want to know about today. As is always the case here at Sac Press, suggestions are welcome. WHAT WE’RE READING RIDIN’ THE RAILS: With just two days left in the legislative session, lawmakers are about to face off on whether to approve funding for high-speed rail – but they should take a peek at the latest Field Poll before they do. Of the three tax measures headed to the November ballot – one from Gov. Jerry Brown, one from attorney Molly Munger that would raise personal income taxes, and one from hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer that would increase

Limos filled with celebrities lined J Street for the 2011 California Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony at the Memorial Auditorium Thursday. The first ceremony in Sacramento was in 2006. The prestigious event was established by former California first lady Maria Shriver. The event was created to honor legendary people in California who encapsulate California’s “innovative” spirit. Many of the inductees were no stranger to the limelight. Rob Lowe, Lucy Liu and previous inductee Clint Eastwood, among others, graced the red carpet this year. The crowd cheered for the diverse group of inductees as they made their way down the red carpet. The 2011 inductees were astronaut Buzz Aldrin, The Beach Bo

Retail space on a prime Midtown corner is getting a lot of attention from restaurateurs after Spin Burger Bar suddenly closed there earlier this month. On Thursday, Rocklin resident Paul Singh toured the 2,800-square-foot store, where he and partners in Monsoon Indian Bar & Grill of Toronto are considering opening an Indian restaurant and bar by the same name. Many other restaurant owners have already checked out the space at 1020 16th St. Spin Burger's owner, SRO Inc., closed the restaurant's doors July 5, said commercial real estate broker Bobby Rich with Retail West. The Haines brothers, who own 33rd Street Bistro and several other area restaurants under SRO, converted a Bistro 33 at

Mayor Kevin Johnson and Sacramento City Council members on Tuesday discussed their opposition to Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to de-fund local redevelopment agencies. Johnson said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday morning that Brown’s proposal could interfere with $108 million in local redevelopment funds that have not yet been spent on projects. He said he wanted to examine the option of fast-tracking redevelopment projects in light of Brown’s proposal. “At the end of the day, we’re going to fight like crazy to try to prevent redevelopment agencies from being cut,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to salvage and preserve the dollars that we do have by almost any means necessary.” Counci