Mayor Kevin Johnson held a second meeting on his Greenwise initiative Tuesday at Sacramento City College detailing his monthly plans through December and highlighting his four major focuses within the project. The “Four Major Principles” Johnson discussed were regional economy, green jobs, innovative policies and green IQ. Regional economy was emphasized at the meeting and Johnson said that for this project to work, the entire region, which consists of 6 six counties and 22 cities, must all work together and make the leap simultaneously. “There are strength in numbers,” he said. “If we look at just one policy for one city, we will not have a competitive advantage. It has to be a region

Well, it's summer again and my wife and I are dreading our electricity bills. Last summer SMUD whacked our checking account for a good $200+ per month-- to keep the house around 78 degrees. It's not like we're power abusers; we even hang dry clothes and hand wash dishes. The truth is: The cost of electricity has skyrocketed in recent years, and there is no end in sight. Add to this the fact that those in influential positions are doing little about it, and we have the recipe for a huge summer financial burden on already economically-ravished Sac County residents. Despite all the "green" talk in these parts, you'd never know there was a conservation effort afoot. Almost every fast food joi

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson gave updates on several different issues in a press conference Tuesday. His stance on immigration was the focus of the discussion. The mayor said he anticipates an emotional city council meeting on Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB 1070. "We have to create the right forum," Johnson said. "We have to conduct ourselves respectfully." The mayor said while he personally supports a boycott on Arizona business, he understands "the city needs to talk. I'll talk to my colleagues and community members (before taking action)." Currently the mayor is meeting with other mayors and discussing options for city action. "I support comprehensive immigration reform

Mayor Kevin Johnson proposed his green initiative plans to the public during a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the California Museum. The long-term goal of the plan is to make Sacramento known as the national green leader in economic and environmentally friendly usages. His vision: to transform the region into "Emerald Valley." "(California is) a state where dreams are made," Johnson said. "I strongly believe Sacramento can be the national leader in the green movement." Around 300 attendees packed the conference room and were from all walks of life, varying from media to general public. The majority of those in attendance were supportive of the plan. "I am a very economically caut

"Jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs," said Kunal Merchant, Mayor Kevin Johnson's chief of staff. "One issue everyone is focused on is jobs." Merchant, speaking to the group of 20 at the new Valley Hi - North Laguna Library Wednesday night, gave an update on the mayor's top four priorities, which included central city revitalization, specifically on K Street; the city's new green initiative; a new sports arena and charter reform of City Hall. Each priority comes with the intention of creating jobs and creating a stronger city, Merchant said. He spoke of the need to make the downtown mall stronger to attract and retain business and help local businesses on K Street thrive. He also explained the holdup

The broad ideas for Mayor Kevin Johnson’s burgeoning environmental initiative were presented by city staffers at Thursday’s City Council meeting. Johnson said the “green initiative” will have the following elements: the intersection of the environment and the regional economy, green jobs, environmental policies and education. “The whole purpose of this initiative is really to convene, coordinate, align and leverage leaders across the region,” the mayor said. “You’ll hear a lot of talk about the environment, the economy and education.” Yvette Rincon, the city’s sustainability program manager, said Johnson’s “green initiative” will include policies on energy; waste and recycling; water an

Mayor Kevin Johnson called for city government reform, the launching of a green initiative, increased public safety and moving forward with the arena project at his second State of the City address Thursday. “The state of the city is in our hands,” Johnson told the members of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “The key is not about getting hit, it’s about getting up again.” Johnson discussed the hits the city has recently taken, including an increase to 13 percent unemployment from about 5 percent just a couple years ago, high crime rates and lackluster business performance, but he emphasized the need to be optimistic. “This is our time, Sacramento,” Johnson said. He high

Mayor Kevin Johnson said last week he is considering the possibility of starting a “green initiative” in 2010. While Johnson’s environmental initiative is still in a brainstorming stage, he mentioned that it is one of his priorities for the coming year.  He indicated that “green jobs” might be part of the possible environmental initiative. “We’ve got to find ways to diversify, and I think that’s where the green initiative can also play a role,” he said. Photo by Anthony Bento Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.