Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "kevin johnson"

Clunie Center saved by donations from community

2012-01-17T23:56:10Z

East Sacramento residents and businesses succeeded in preventing the closure of the Clunie Center at McKinley Park, which was scheduled for later this year, Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday.

The center was slated for closure in June because of budget shortfalls, with the McKinley library likely to follow.The Friends of East Sacramento, a nonprofit organization, set forth a plan to take over management of the facility three years ago, Johnson said. He added that under nonprofit management, the facility will save $20,000 in operating costs each year.

“Sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand and not let something you truly value disappear,” said Cecily Hastings, publisher of Inside Publications, and co-founder of the Friends of East Sacramento.

The organization needed to raise $45,000 to cover the transition and operating costs for this year. Sizable donations came from Wells Fargo Bank, Soroptimists of Sacramento, Haven Lending, Freeport Bakery and Mercy General Hospital, Hastings said. City Councilman Steve Cohn said he committed $5,000 from city funds and made an additional, personal donation of $1,000.

Community members, neighbors and small businesses also contributed to the cause.

Marissa Cruz lives in the neighborhood and said she helped raise money to keep the Clunie Center open. She said she uses the park five days per week and visits the library an average of three times per week.

“I’m really happy it’s staying open,” Cruz said, adding that it is a cause she’s been following closely.

An additional anonymous donation of $15,000 will go to a fund dedicated to pay for renovations to the building. Hastings said a total of $60,000 is needed to pay for renovations, above the $200,000 in labor she said will be donated.

Hastings said she expects the center to be self-sufficient and does not anticipate the need for a fundraising drive of this scale in years to come. Plans include marketing of the facility and a full-time manager – a position that has been vacant for five years.

“This serves as a great example as to what other parts of Sacramento can do,” Johnson said, adding that facilities like the Hagginwood Community Center can stay open under similar management.

After the press conference, Johnson briefly answered questions about the strong mayor initiative, the struggle to have a new sports facility built in Sacramento and his upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He will leave immediately following Tuesday’s scheduled City Council meeting.

Johnson said Tuesday that he expected a decision about the strong mayor initiative that evening. He said the city manager runs the city right now, and reports to nine bosses, a system that is ineffective.

“What we are asking tonight is for the people to have the ability to vote on this in June,” Johnson said.

Arena headlines State of Downtown discussion

2012-01-17T22:43:22Z

San Francisco Giants President and CEO Larry Baer compared Sacramento’s efforts to build a new arena to the campaign to build Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, telling a collection of businesspeople and government officials that there is “tremendous opportunity” for Sacramento going forward.

Baer’s remarks were part of the 2012 State of Downtown address at Memorial Auditorium Tuesday morning, in which Mayor Kevin Johnson, State Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg and other officials stressed the “why” of building a downtown entertainment and sports complex.

Baer said efforts to build the downtown ballpark in San Francisco were under way as early as the 1960s, with four attempts at using public funds defeated by voters. When ground broke on the project in 1997, it was for a privately funded stadium.

If Sacramento uses the resources of private enterprises such as the Sacramento Kings and other corporations along with some public funds that do not impact the city’s general fund, Baer said, it can get support.

The March 1 deadline to have a workable arena plan to present to the National Basketball Association is less than two months away, and Johnson said he is confident.

“We’re going to figure out a way to pull it off,” he said. “I think we’re closer than we’ve ever been.”

Key to any plan that will have both political will and the will of the people, he added, is making a plan that protects taxpayers, the city’s general fund – which has recently been plagued by shortfalls, necessitating layoffs for the past several years – and ensuring job growth.

“If we want to accept and live up to the identity of Sacramento, you’ve gotta have a strong downtown core,” he said.

Baer noted that the area around Pac Bell Park was markedly different just eight years after the ballpark opened.

The area around the park previously held disused land, warehouses and some residential neighborhoods. Today, he said, it is a hive of mixed-use activity including more residential, ground-floor retail and corporate offices.

Some of the notable corporate offices within 10 blocks of the park include the headquarters of Twitter and Zynga as well as the San Francisco offices of Google.

Another aspect of the arena that has worked well in San Francisco and can work in Sacramento, Baer said, is making use of the planned intermodal transit hub that is slated for the downtown railyards, next to the proposed arena site.

Half of the visitors to Pac Bell Park drive, but the other half take public transit, walk, bicycle or come by boat, he said.

Sacramento City Councilman Kevin McCarty spoke to The Sacramento Press after the event, saying that while the two projects have some parallels, there is still much to consider.

“It really has transformed that area of San Francisco, so if we can get that kind of energy here, of course the devil is in the details, but it certainly shows that a venue like that can make a major difference as far as being a catalyst,” McCarty said.

He pointed out that the San Francisco ballpark was privately financed, whereas the Sacramento plan relies on an expected 50/50 public/private partnership.

“We are still trying to figure that out as far as if it is a good decision for the city of Sacramento,” McCarty said.

One of the major decisions for the City Council will be whether it should lease control of the city’s parking for the next 50 years.

The event was hosted by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, and Executive Director Michael Ault commented on a variety of successes in the downtown core over the past year.

Long-term projects such as bringing cars back to K Street and beginning redeveloping the 700 block of K Street happened in 2011. Additionally, 40 new businesses opened downtown, and the ice rink at St. Rose of Lima Park drew an all-time record of more than 30,000 skaters.

Another example of success in the downtown core was the recipient of the annual Visionary Innovators in Building Excellence (VIBE) award: California Musical Theatre Executive Producer and CEO Richard Lewis.

Ault said in a press release that Lewis and CMT are instrumental in attracting hundreds of thousands of people downtown each year, which provides economic activity.

During his acceptance speech, Lewis pointed out that 2012 will be another strong year, with “Wicked” almost sold-out already – only 5,000 tickets remain to be sold of the 75,000 originally available, and he said they will sell quickly.

Photos by Ron Nabity.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Editorial Note: A correction was made to this story after it was published.

"Strong Mayor" Proposal at Secret Public Meeting

2012-01-09T08:47:34Z

On January 7, 2012, Sacramento city staff held a public meeting about the newest proposal to change the city charter, the “Checks and Balances Act of 2012.” However, this public meeting was not announced to the general public—instead it was directed at a small group of neighborhood leaders.

I found out about the meeting via the chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association, who received an email on December 27:

From: Raihane Dalvi
Date: December 27, 2011 2:19:11 PM PST
To: Raihane Dalvi
Subject: Checks and Balances Act of 2012

Dear Neighborhood Leader,

I'm writing to request your participation in an important discussion before the city of Sacramento.

As you may know, a broad coalition of community leaders are working to update our charter to make government work better for the voters of Sacramento. Along with our office, they recently presented the "Checks and Balances Act of 2012” [attached], a new proposal to restructure city governance, promote higher standards for ethics and transparency, and create an independent redistricting commission to draw council district boundaries in the future.

The Mayor and Council will review this plan at the January 17 council meeting. In advance of this meeting, we would like to invite you and your members to a "Neighborhood Summit" on Saturday, January 7th from 8-10 am. The summit will provide the opportunity to discuss the plan and gather your ideas and feedback.

Please email me or call (916) 808-8827 if you and your members would like to participate. In addition, we are happy to organize separate small groups or one-on-one meetings if you feel that would be beneficial.

Thanks in advance, and happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Raihane Dalvi
Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Office of Mayor Kevin Johnson

Apparently, this email was only sent to a handful of neighborhood leaders, not a formal public announcement or meeting notice—nor were the media informed. I responded to the email, and forwarded it to our neighborhood’s email list (and a couple of other neighborhoods’ email lists and Facebook pages.) I responded to the email and was told I would learn the location in a later email. It kind of reminded me of underground “raves” where you had to call a phone number a few hours in advance to find out where the party was. A few days before the event, I got another email informing me of the location—the Boys and Girls Club at 1117 G Street. Ms. Dalvi encouraged me to share the meeting details, which I did, using mostly the same social media and email lists.
The meeting was somewhat sparsely attended—about 20-25 people showed up, including several neighborhood activists and a few local print and Internet media representatives. Mayor Johnson’s chief of staff, Kunal Merchant, ran the meeting, reviewing a PowerPoint presentation and responding to questions.

Merchant described adoption of a “Strong Mayor” form of government as a natural progression for cities, one adopted by cities once they reach a certain size, and a more modern form of government than the council/manager form. I asked him if he was aware that Sacramento already had a “Strong Mayor” charter, from 1893 to 1911, prior to the council/manager charter adopted in 1920. Merchant replied that the era of our old “Strong Mayor” charter was indeed an era of great corruption. However, he replied that the late 1890s and early 1900s was an era of high unemployment and economic instability, where a small percentage of the population had most of society’s wealth, and thus an undue influence on the political process. Such conditions simply didn’t resemble the present day.

The structure of the new city government would place the city manager under the direction of the mayor, who would select the manager. The city council would increase to nine members, and elect a council president. The mayor would submit a budget to the council, instead of the current system where the city manager presents the budget to mayor and council. Merchant spent much time discussing concerns about city managers, stating that a poorly performing city manager was difficult to remove, and that we had four city managers in the past year, an indicator of dysfunction in city government. A member of the audience asked if this was the case—one city manager left voluntarily, one interim manager was rejected by the Council, and two were a two-person team deliberately hired as short-term interim city managers until a permanent manager was selected. Merchant agreed that City Manager Kerridge probably left under duress, but insisted that this condition was not healthy for the city, and it was more important for the city manager to be responsive to the Mayor’s vision than to have to respond to the wishes of the City Council. He did concede that in large cities, there is a need for a professional city manager who is trained in working with the bureaucracy, freeing the mayor to advocate on behalf of the city and interface with the public, as Kevin Johnson currently does.

Merchant spent considerable time discussing the ethics provisions of the measure: a proposed Code of Ethics and an Ethics Committee. No details were included regarding exactly what this Code of Ethics should be—as with many portions of the proposal, Merchant states that these will be worked out in the near future. Another audience member asked Merchant why this Ethics Committee would be, as written in the proposal, advisory only, as opposed to other cities where an Ethics Commission has actual statutory power and authority. Merchant replied that several options were considered and this seemed like the best one.

Concerns were raised about the costs of adding a ninth council district immediately after redistricting. The new proposal includes redistricting be shifted to a redistricting committee that would not be selected by the Mayor or Council, but did not specify who would actually choose the committee. Other audience members asked why it was so important to shift the city budget from the City Manager to the Mayor. Merchant replied that people generally expect that the Mayor submits the city budget, and it is too much to expect voters to understand how the system currently works, so it would be best to re-arrange the system to reflect their expectations. Several audience members took issue with this point, because Merchant had mentioned several times earlier in the presentation that we should “let the people vote” and that voters were savvy enough to see through any attempt at manipulation by special interests. Are the voters smart enough to understand the new proposal, but not smart enough to understand the current system?

Merchant summed up his presentation by reiterating that the supporters of charter change over the past two years have been very patient so far (although he didn’t identify who those supporters were) and that it was time to let the people vote. But in 2012, corporations are “people” and money is considered “political speech” as a means to obtain votes. There are still few answers regarding exactly who these “people” are, and how many dollars they are contributing to the “vote.” Another term heard often during the presentation was “transparency”—however, “transparency” is another word for “invisibility,” and many of the factors behind all three Strong Mayor proposals are seemingly invisible to the general public.

There are some hints, however: in 2010-2011, a group called the “Sacramento 60” tried to persuade council members to adopt the second “Strong Mayor” initiative, and lost a vital ally when City Manager Ray Kerridge resigned:

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/08/12/3832880/business-groups-pac-may-boost.html

Members of this group have created a Political Action Committee, or PAC, called “Better Sacramento”, and while the website has no details about the organization, the article linked above is clear: they have formed in order to support Mayor Kevin Johnson and the Strong Mayor efforts, and to support opponents of any City Council candidate who chooses to directly oppose either one.

http://www.bettersacramento.org/

Currently the website is pretty bare, except for a link to donate money. According to the Secretary of State’s office, the contact phone number for this PAC is the law office of Bell, McAndrews and Hiltachk, the law firm of Tom Hiltachk, the author of the original 2009 “Strong Mayor Initiative.” The link to donate money is via a company called “DonateSafe,” a company founded by Shawn Callahan, who was active in “Sacramentans for Accountable Government,” the original “strong mayor” group.

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/snog/blogs/post?oid=1370763&fb_source=message

A second group, Sacramento2020, also has a website:

http://sacramento2020.org/

They don’t have a link to contribute money, but are encouraging people to send a form email to City Council to support the “Checks and Balances Act.” Sacramento2020 is registered to Danny Rentschler, owner of a PR firm that has done work to promote Mayor Johnson’s “For Art’s Sake” program (a program whose latest director just resigned, about a year after the previous one.)

http://www.midtownmonthly.net/blog/head-of-for-arts-sake-resigns/

Merchant’s final slide included some upcoming key dates regarding this issue. On January 12, 2-3 PM, there will be a panel discussion with public policy professors at One Capitol Mall, Suite 300. Mayor Johnson has called for a vote regarding this initiative at the January 17 City Council meeting. If a majority of the Council agrees, this measure would be on the June 5 ballot, the same ballot where Kevin Johnson will face re-election.

My question, as a neighborhood activist and Sacramento resident, is this: Who is writing the checks to support the “Checks and Balances Act of 2012,” and how big are their bank balances? If they are working for greater transparency in government, why hide behind the cloak of a PAC? And why hold a public meeting on the new charter without telling the general public about it?

Disclosure: William Burg is a board member of Midtown Neighborhood Association.

Ashby selected as new vice mayor

2012-01-06T04:43:32Z

The City Council selected a new vice mayor Thursday: City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby will be running the show this year when the mayor is unavailable.

City Councilman Steve Cohn nominated Ashby for vice mayor, saying it has been the council’s tradition to have the most senior council member who has not already served as vice mayor hold the position.

Ashby was elected to the District 1 council seat in 2010. She has just one week seniority over Councilman Jay Schenirer.

“There are more good reasons to nominate her than just tradition,” Cohn added. “She always smiles, and she’ll do a good job of running the meetings.”

Ashby said she’s honored to hold the vice mayor’s seat, regardless of the reason.

“It’s a real honor to serve Sacramento any way that I can,” Ashby said. “I’ll be honored to hold the vice mayor’s seat for always smiling or having good shoes or seniority or whatever reason you choose. Thank you for this.”

The title of vice mayor does not come with an increase in pay, according to Assistant City Clerk Stephanie Mizuno, but it does bring the responsibility of presiding over council meetings in the mayor’s absence.

City Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell held the vice mayor position in 2011 and – looking back at Mayor Kevin Johnson’s attendance record – out of 48 scheduled council meetings, she sat in for the mayor nine times last year.

Vice Mayor Pannell was also acting mayor when Johnson traveled out of town for city or personal business – once or twice a month on average, according to Joaquin McPeek, the mayor’s press secretary.

Mizuno said the selection of a vice mayor happens like anything else at a city council meeting – a motion, a second and a majority vote – however, the Council Rules and Procedures prohibit the mayor from participating.

The vice mayor serves for a one-year term, and there have been 30 vice mayors on the City Council in the past 40 years. Eight times in that span a single person held the spot multiple times.

Mizuno said there are no restrictions against consecutive terms. Since 1970, however, it has only happened once: Michael Sands held the post for five years running, 1971 to 1975.

In addition to Pannell, current council members who have served as vice mayor include Cohn (1998, 2008), Sandy Sheedy (2004), Rob Fong (2006) and Kevin McCarty (2007).

Read the Council Rules and Procedures (adopted September 2010) HERE.

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

Johnson's personal scorecard for 2011 resolutions

2012-01-04T01:46:27Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson’s 2011 New Year’s resolutions included bringing labor and business together, keeping the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento and – as Johnson sees it – his final scorecard tallies seven successes, one fail and two goals “still in progress.”

In a blog post from Dec. 31, Johnson listed 10 resolutions for 2011. At a press conference Tuesday, Johnson tallied up his successes and his not-quites:

1. Bring business and labor together to create jobs and grow the economy – Johnson said his commitment to “work with business and labor to improve the economy” was realized in 2011 in the way that representatives from both sides were “front and center” in teams working on developing a new entertainment and sports complex, and in efforts to “green” the city.

“I think if you asked labor (representatives), they would say ‘home run,’ ” Johnson said. “We did a good job creating an environment that welcomes business and labor to work together.”

2. Go green – Pointing to his Greenwise Initiative efforts and a $100 million investment from Ygrene Energy Fund for green retrofit of city buildings, Johnson said he counts this one a success.

3. Stand up for students – Johnson said that his Stand Up initiative has seen much success in 2011, especially with the start of the third-grade reading initiative.

“We’ve shown how important education is,” Johnson said. “We are going to keep that going.”

4. Keep our neighborhoods safe – Despite law enforcement layoffs from budget cuts, Johnson said crime rates have decreased in some areas of the city – but there are still challenges for public safety that need to be addressed.

“Ultimately I don’t feel like we are doing all we can to be proactive, because we have less officers on the street,” Johnson said, “but we did great work with creating a gang summit and coming up with a comprehensive plan to really combat some of our challenges with gangs, and we got a couple of grants that allowed us to restore some officer positions.”

5. Show the Governor around town – With the future of redevelopment in jeopardy in 2011, Johnson said he wanted to be "first in line" to give Governor Jerry Brown a personal tour of some of the larger projects in the downtown core to emphasize the importance of redevelopment to the economic growth of the city.

“(Brown) is a big supporter of K street and the projects we are trying to do,” Johnson said, “but it didn’t quite happen. The effort is still in progress.”

6. Keep the Kings – Johnson said this is a big yes for 2011. Although the Kings did stay in Sacramento in 2011, Johnson acknowledged that the fight is still on to keep them here longer – and a large part of that fight that will be helped by the arena effort.

7. Build strong relations with council colleagues – this resolution remains “in progress,” Johnson said. It takes time to forge new relationships, and Johnson said he is committed to the process from year to year.

8. Spend more time in the community – “Success,” Johnson said. “We did more town halls, more neighborhood associations, more knocking on doors this year.”

9. Run in one race per month – Johnson said he ran nine races in 2011, including the Shamrockin’ 5K in March and the Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. But nine is not "one per month," so this goal was a not-quite for Johnson.

10. Stay bold – “Absolutely,” Johnson said. “C’mon – it’s in my DNA. I couldn’t do things any other way.”

How do you think the mayor did in meeting his goals for 2011? Let us know in the conversation below this article.

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

The Sacramento Press on 'Insight'

2012-01-04T01:10:43Z

On Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” program on Tuesday, host David Watts Barton and I talked about new laws in effect for the new year, businesses scheduled to open in the near future, the upcoming elections and other local issues.

The beginning of the year typically brings in a number of new laws, and 2012 is no different. Some of the notable changes include mandatory child booster seats in cars for kids under age 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, the banning of openly carrying unloaded handguns and a new law that states police can no longer impound a vehicle at a DUI checkpoint if the only offense is the driver not having a license.

Click here to read about those and other laws that went into effect Sunday.

Also new this year will be several businesses. A sports-themed restaurant and bar, Mongolian food’s arrival on the grid and a new bicycle share program have all been covered by The Sacramento Press in the past and will soon be open for business in the central city.

To read about some of the new businesses coming in the next few weeks and months, click here.

If the mayor’s office has its way, it won’t be business as usual in Sacramento’s political future. A charter reform proposal could be on this summer’s ballot, and it would reshape the way Sacramento’s government works. An executive – or “strong” – mayor, an independent redistricting commission and an ethical review process are all parts of the reform measure being discussed at City Hall.

It’s a big year for Mayor Kevin Johnson, as he and the City Council members from even-numbered districts campaign to keep their seats in this year’s elections. While some districts – including District 4, which covers the central city – are full of competition, others currently only have a couple candidates, and Kevin McCarty currently has no challengers to his District 6 seat. But the deadline to enter the political race isn’t until March, so the competition could heat up even more.

One of those in the running for a City Council seat is Rob Kerth, former executive director of the Midtown Business Association. The MBA position was filled by Elizabeth Studebaker on Monday, and The Sacramento Press will follow up with her to learn what plans she has in store for Midtown.

The California Supreme Court’s upholding of Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to eliminate redevelopment agencies – and its dismissal of legislation that would allow them to continue with significant payments to the state – mean many projects in blighted areas of Sacramento won’t get done, and those that haven’t been finished might be in jeopardy too. Look for Sacramento Press reporter Melissa Corker’s latest update on redevelopment Wednesday.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Naughty or Nice: If you were Santa, how would City Council fare?

2011-12-15T07:24:48Z

As the song goes, Santa’s making his list, checking it twice and deciding who gets cool goodies and who gets lumps of coal.

Between the budget, redistricting and facing dissatisfied citizens who took over a city park in protest, the City Council has been busy this year, so The Sacramento Press made its own “naughty or nice” list.

If you were Santa, how would City Council fare? Here’s our list for 2011.

Mayor Kevin Johnson: NAUGHTY
Sure, he led the way to advancing green technology in the city and supported a citizens advisory committee’s effort to redistrict the city.

But being absent for 10 City Council meetings in a single year? Tsk, tsk, Mr. Mayor.

(And we’re not bitter about not being invited to the wedding – we just really love wedding cake.)

District 1 Councilwoman Angelique Ashby: NICE
Between town hall meetings to discuss arena options and pulling neighborhoods together to search for a lost teen, Ashby found time to save a local parks program from being cut – and take on Congress for funding approval of levee improvements.

Of course, bringing Santa to Natomas on a fire truck for the first time in city history didn’t hurt her “nice” standing, either.

District 2 Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy: NAUGHTY
Two words: Arena poll. Oh, and two more: Sheedy map. It’s commendable to put voters first, but Sheedy lacks consistency. Telling voters they know what’s best for an arena, but not how to draw their own district boundaries sends mixed messages.

Kudos for keeping a popular teen center going for a third year, though – Santa wants kids to have a safe place to gather and play – and for taking over the Del Paso certified farmers market in the district to keep people eating their veggies.

Still, Sheedy gets coal in her stocking this year.

District 3 Councilman Steve Cohn: NAUGHTY
His work to develop a plan for Sacramento’s rail and transit future is bringing the city closer to becoming a true “intermodal hub” of the north state and if Cohn had his way, sleighs would be allowed on K Street – which Santa would think was very nice, indeed.

But, weeks into heated debate on redistricting, Cohn surprised the city with a compromise map that both galvanized citizens’ opinions on a sensitive topic, and left a bad taste in their mouths. With that Grinch-like move, Cohn earns a spot on the "naughty" list.

District 4 Councilman Rob Fong: NICE
As the council member voted most likely to play a practical joke by his fellow council members, Rob Fong gets points for best one-liners during a council meeting.

Standing up for the LGBT community as a community of interest during the redistricting process weighed in Fong’s favor this year, as well as his support of charitable organizations like Jumpstart 21.

We think Santa would agree that a guy who isn’t afraid of a little three-on-three basketball against local civic leaders falls squarely on the “nice” side of the page.

District 5 Councilman Jay Schenirer: NICE
Although Schenirer found himself in the middle of some battles in 2011, including redistricting struggles and unpopular budget decisions, he bucked up and trudged on in his first year on the City Council.

Schenirer helped bring a new community garden to area residents and offered to subsidize the first year of rent on garden plots for people who couldn’t afford their share. He also spearheaded the five-part “Way Up” initiative that is primed to be a model for building communities throughout the city.

For all that Santa-like generosity, Schenirer gets his name on the “nice” list – and a big mug of eggnog.

District 6 Councilman Kevin McCarty: NAUGHTY
When does Oak Park stop being Oak Park and start being Elmhurst? Somewhere along Stockton Boulevard, McCarty said during the tumultuous redistricting debacle this summer.

Santa would give a cheer for McCarty’s efforts to keep city pools open during the summer despite huge budget cuts to the parks department, and being a proponent of solar energy and “greening” city buildings gets a big ho, ho ho!

But when a whole community spends five weeks protesting a four city-block line adjustment, all the candy canes in Colonial Heights won’t make a sour move any sweeter.

District 7 Councilman Darrell Fong: NICE
The budget cycle was tough this year, and when it came down to brass tacks, Darrell Fong risked the wrath of his police brethren and voted to make cuts to the Police Department – including the layoffs of nearly 80 sworn officers – in favor of balancing the city budget.

Call him Scrooge if you will, but Fong declined his City Council salary and recently voted against pursing a lessee for the city’s parking system because it doesn’t seem fiscally responsible.

For his concern for taxpayers’ pocketbooks, Fong’s name goes on the “nice” list (but parking enforcement may still ticket his sleigh.)

District 8 Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell: NAUGHTY
Budget debates and the quest for the perfect redistricting map is enough to fray anyone’s nerves, but Pannell’s, ahem, “spirited” debate with audience members – and at times, the mayor – at City Council meetings this year earns her a bit of coal.

Yes, Pannell helped her district get much-needed development – including a new pet hospital and long-awaited grocery store – and valuable infrastructure improvements are on the horizon for the area.

Still, Pannell will need a little sugar to go with her “spice” if she wants to make the “nice” list in 2012.

City Manager John Shirey: NAUGHTY
Shirey has been in the big chair for four months now, and the city still doesn’t have a tidy budget, a full police force or flying cars. We expected more from a man who took the state to task for shredding redevelopment agencies.

On the other hand, Shirey did start restructuring his office to streamline operations, and he led the way in city pension reform by being first in line for administrators to pay a portion of their own retirement.

Still, we think Shirey can do more for our fair city. We hope you pull that Superman cape out of the closet and get down to business in 2012 – but for this Christmas? Coal.

Tell us what you think: Have City Council members been naughty or nice this year?

Capitol Christmas Tree is Lit Up for the Holidays

2011-12-08T04:22:39Z

Tonight the Governor and First Lady Anne Gust Brown joined Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson for the 80th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the West Steps of the State Capitol.

The 40-foot-tall white fir tree is decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.

It's illuminated by 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.

Six-year-old Makayla Jones, of Visalia, assisted the Governor and First Lady in lighting the Capitol Christmas tree.

Kitty O'Neal, of KFBK Radio, was emcee of the ceremony. There were performances by California Army National Guard, 59th Army Band, The Brass Quintet, The Governor’s Own; Bel Tempo Ringers; Galena Street East; students from the Oakland Military Institute and Oakland School for the Arts; Woodland Opera House; St. Paul’s Baptist Church Choir and Kevin Wilson played the finale piano accompaniment.

Here are more photos from tonight's festive ceremony:

The Sacramento Press on 'Insight'

2011-12-07T02:02:03Z

City Council election drama, a potential swap of high school campuses, new businesses and two Sacramento Press contests were all topics I discussed with Jeffrey Callison Tuesday morning on Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” program.

Elections are quite a ways away, but the District 2 City Council race is already heating up as some accuse candidate Kim Mack of using an email list from her time working on the Obama campaign to push for a Strong Mayor initiative for Mayor Kevin Johnson. Mack denies sharing the email list with the Strong Mayor backers. Read more by clicking here.

Another contentious issue in the city right now has to do with education – more specifically education facilities. The Sacramento City Unified School District board floated the idea of swapping Sacramento Charter High School and West Campus – two high schools that sit about two miles apart. Proponents say moving the public West Campus school to the old Sacramento High School facility – which now houses the charter school – would provide a pedestrian-friendly comprehensive school for the area. Opponents say there is no reason to swap them, and moving schools will only put a different set of students in an inadequate facility.

As the ongoing Occupy Sacramento movement stays in the news, one Sacramento Press reader asked Sacramento Police Officer Michelle Lazark in her weekly column about the difference between camping in Cesar Chavez Plaza and in front of stores for deals. Lazark replied that police enforce the no-camping ordinance on public property, but typically don’t do so on private property unless business owners ask them to or there are “No Loitering” signs posted.

A pair of coffee roasters with about a decade of experience each are opening Insight Coffee Roasters, a new coffee bar and roasting house in Southside Park. The duo plans to focus on sustainable coffee, working directly with growers in Latin America and selling only organic milk and sugar in their drinks.

The old Fog Mountain Cafe business in the City Hall Garage will soon be replaced by a barbecue eatery: Big Joe’s BBQ. Fog Mountain closed in April, and the city forgave some of the lease in order to bring Big Joe’s on as soon as possible.

Bringing as much comedy as drama, Sacra-Melo – a musical theater parody group – opened on the Delta King in Old Sacramento in late September. Actors don’t stay strictly to the script, but interact with the audience and work with piano accompaniment to give a show the owners say is unique in the area.

Finally, a pair of contests on The Sacramento Press gives readers the chance to be more interactive with the site and earn some prizes at the same time. “To Catch an Error” is in its second month and gives readers the chance to help us improve the quality of content on the site. For more information on how you can take part – and win a meal at Zócalo – click here. The second contest is the third annual Journalism Open, which runs for the month of January. Is there something you think should be in the news? You have the chance to put it there and win prizes – with the first place winner taking home $600. For more details and rules, click here.

Looking for a 'win–win' for West Campus and Sac High

2011-12-06T04:07:37Z

The Sacramento City Unified School District board is considering a potential campus “swap” for two central city schools – a move that has stirred up a storm of criticism from parents, students and education advocates in the city.

The proposed swap would move the West Campus High School program from its current 58th Street location to the old Sacramento High School facility and replace it with the Sacramento Charter High School program, which is currently at the old Sac High campus.

Proponents of the swap say the move will allow the popular West Campus program to expand and will create an opportunity to establish a non-college preparatory high school program for students in central city neighborhoods.

Opponents of the swap say the current programs are doing just fine as they are – and where they are – and they have the high graduation rates to prove it.

Ultimately, the final decision rests with the seven-member SCUSD board.

A comprehensive high school is one that offers both general academic courses and specialized trade, and technical subjects but does not necessarily have a college prep emphasis.

If a comprehensive program is established on the Sac High campus along with the West Campus program, the two schools would be independent of each other, yet share the same campus facility.

Proponents of the swap say if the West Campus program – which is currently at capacity and has a long waiting list – is moved to a larger facility, the program will be able to expand. That will give more students an opportunity to take advantage of amenities at the Sac High campus, such as a newly refurbished swimming pool, athletic fields and state-of-the-art science labs.

The current West Campus High facility has 863 ninth-12th grade students enrolled, according to Gabe Ross, spokesman for SCUSD.

The Sac High facility has capacity for more than 2,000 students, Ross said Friday, and currently the charter school has just over 900 students – not quite half full.

“Everyone says (the central city neighborhoods) need a high school,” said Phil Pluckebaum, a project manager for the Public Health Institute and a member of the Sacramento Comprehensive High School Coalition.

“The dilemma has always been, where do you put the school?” Pluckebaum said.

The Sacramento Comprehensive High School Coalition, founded in January, is a group dedicated to establishing a high school to serve the central city area.

The proposal of a campus swap is not a new one – the College Glen Neighborhood Association brought it up in 2003 – but, with recent recommendations from the SCUSD Facilities Reuse and Consolidation Committee, the swap idea was revived and has since been getting a lot of attention.

“The question has been persistent for years,” Pluckebaum said. “It just wasn’t fully vetted before.”

The Committee’s recommendation was not initially a “swap,” board member Patrick Kennedy said Friday, because the district doesn’t have jurisdiction over the charter school program – the board is not responsible for how the charter program expands or if it has a waiting list.

The district does have a legal responsibility through Prop. 39 to provide an “equivalent” facility for the charter school as it would make available for a district school of the same enrollment size.

The West Campus facility appears to satisfy this requirement, Ross said, and that is why it is under consideration as a replacement facility for Sacramento Charter High School, if the SCUSD board decides to move the expanding West Campus program onto the Sac High site.

Pluckebaum said Thursday that the coalition’s focus is on providing a “pedestrian-friendly,” neighborhood comprehensive high school.

“We want a high school fed by neighborhood middle schools to be a place where people can walk and ride their bikes to,” Pluckebaum said.

Mayor Kevin Johnson, who was involved in starting the St. Hope Public Schools at the old Sacramento High School facility in 2003, said at a press conference in November that a campus swap would be a mistake by the school board.

“I don’t think any community wants it to happen,” Johnson said. “The West Campus community doesn’t want to move. Obviously, (the) Sac High campus doesn’t want to move – this is just politics.”

For those who oppose a campus swap, the limited number of neighborhood schools is not the issue – a disruption of two successful education programs is the greater problem.

Keiona Williamson, 17, a senior at Sacramento Charter High, appealed to the City Council Nov. 22 to oppose a campus swap.

“(Sacramento Charter High) has cultivated me and my peers into successful young adults,” Williamson said. “Switching the campuses is not only unnecessary, it disturbs the culture that we have worked so hard to build up. Please don’t mess with success.”

Parents of students told the City Council that they are happy with the schools as they are – and where they are.

“My family purchased a home in Sacramento specifically for the schools we would access,” said Debra Larson, a social worker and parent of a West Campus student.

“I am told that West Campus needs to be relocated to the Sac High campus because West is too old and lacks modern amenities,” Larson, 50, said. “We urge you not to believe that our children want a better school. They love their campus.”

Larson said the idea of swapping campuses because one may be inferior in some way would send the wrong message to students and their families.

“I’m horrified that one group of kids would be forced to move into a space vacated because it isn’t good enough for another group of kids,” Larson said. “I am concerned about the message we are sending to both groups of kids and their families if this happens. It is just wrong.”

Members of the SCUSD board have been working on this and other proposals for increasing efficiency within the district for months, Kennedy said Friday – and the work is far from ended.

“I understand the anxiety these things cause,” Kennedy said. “It’s hard on the schools, and on the community at large. But these are conversations that have to take place to make sure we are doing the right things for our students.”

Still, there is no need to rush to any conclusion about what action the board may take, Kennedy said.

“We are just at the data gathering point,” Kennedy said. “There is a lot of work to be done before we can make a decision.”

Ross said that “design teams” – appointed by the principals of each school and comprised of staff, parents, students and neighbors – are studying the potential benefits and drawbacks of a campus swap.

“The superintendent felt the most prudent effort was to get input from all kinds of affected communities about the prospect (of a swap),” Ross said.

When the design teams send their findings to the school board, Ross said, the board will take a closer look at all options.

“I’m not in favor of moving schools and programs just for the sake of moving them,” Kennedy said. “If you can’t prove to me that we are improving things, then I wouldn’t be in support of it.”

Kennedy said that, whatever decision is made, isn’t going to be made in the next month – but he couldn’t estimate a time frame for a decision.

When the SCUSD board meets Thursday, it will hear an update from staff on all the consolidations under consideration, but the board will not vote on anything.

Ross said that, because there is no specific time frame, the soonest the board could be in a position to vote on the situation is Dec. 14.

“Ultimately it’s an advisory recommendation for the board,” Ross said. “Ultimately it’s the board’s decision.”

Melissa Corker is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on twitter @MelisaCorker.

Editorial Note: A spelling correction has been made to this story after it was published.

NBA lockout ends and hundreds return to work

2011-11-30T00:03:59Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday that with the NBA lockout over – and the Sacramento Kings resuming their season – more than 700 workers at the Power Balance Pavilion will be able to return to their jobs.

“We are excited. With the lockout ended you will see people returning to work,” Johnson said.

Since the lockout began, Power Balance Pavilion employees have lost a significant amount of work, and businesses that rely on the traffic that NBA games bring in have suffered financially.

With the four-plus month lockout and all pre-season games cancelled and a shortened season ahead, employees have missed out on a substantial amount of work.

On Del Paso Boulevard, businesses have reported 20-30 percent losses in revenue due to the NBA lockout, Johnson said. “We need people to be working and we know money needs to be spent,” he added.

The range of employees feeling the impact of the NBA lockout is widespread.

The Hyatt Regency Sacramento, for example, is losing what Johnson speculated to be $50,000 a month due to NBA teams not visiting Sacramento for games and staying at the hotel.

The Kings will start their shortened 66-game season in late December.

Millions of dollars would have been lost if the lockout continued, Johnson said.

“We will be able to say ‘go Kings,’again,” he added.

Plans for the new arena in Sacramento continue to develop as the NBA season kicks off. Johnson said he hopes to get up to speed on all the components of the new entertainment and sports complex this week.

March 1, 2012 marks the date when Sacramento must have its plans finalized for the new arena. If not, the Maloof family, owner of the Sacramento Kings, has permission by the NBA to take the Kings elsewhere.

Dec. 13 is an important deadline in the planning process. According to the City of Sacramento website, the Sacramento Entertainment and Sports Complex must have finalized its “research, evaluations, negotiations on the finance (and) development and operation” plans by the Dec. 13 City Council meeting.

“We are excited the lockout is over and the city will do its best to step up and make a new sports entertainment center,” Johnson said.

Council members share their Thanksgiving traditions

2011-11-24T01:57:55Z

It’s Thanksgiving again – a day filled with food and family and, for some, football. Everyone has their own traditions and routines for Thanksgiving, even members of the City Council.

The Sacramento Press checked in with some council members to find out what their holiday will look like this year. Here’s what they had to say:

“I’m starting the day off by leading the Run to Feed the Hungry,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson at his press conference Tuesday.

Johnson said the race, which typically hosts more than 30,000 runners and walkers, is a “cool way to get families together.”

After the race, Johnson said he plans to spend the day at home with his family.

“I’m always here in Sacramento for Thanksgiving day and through the weekend,” Johnson said. “I have to watch all the football, you know?”

City Councilman Jay Schenirer and his wife, Bina, will be enjoying the day at their house in South Lake Tahoe with one of their sons.

“This year will be very quiet, just immediate family,” Schenirer said. “It will be turkey for three – and lots of soup afterward, I suppose.”

Schenirer said he wants to take the next few days to “just recharge a little bit” and reflect on the past year.

“We’re incredibly lucky for our health first and foremost,” Schenirer said when asked what he was most thankful for this year.

“We are at the age where we have so many friends that are dealing with health issues,” Shenirer said. “It’s the basics in life that people sometimes take for granted that I think we need to be most thankful for.”

Schenirer said he’s not a big football fan, so it won’t matter that there isn’t a television in the Tahoe house.

“I’m just a sad basketball fan now, instead,” Schenirer said.

City Councilman Kevin McCarty said he and his wife, Leticia, and their twin toddlers will be participating in the Run to Feed the Hungry along with the mayor and many other Sacramentans.

“Our usual Thanksgiving routine has been participating in (the race),” McCarty said in a text Wednesday. “Thanksgiving dinner at our Elmhurst neighborhood home is a tradition, too.”

McCarty said that when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, he is responsible for the turkey – and “Leticia is for everything else.”

Football will definitely be on the agenda Thanksgiving Day at the McCarty house, especially since the 49rs are playing.

“I’m very jazzed with this exciting team and the ‘Har-Bowl,’ ” McCarty said.

According to the Sporting News website, Thursday’s game between the 49rs and the Baltimore Ravens will be the first time brothers John and Jim Harbaugh face each other as NFL head coaches – hence, the name "Har-Bowl."

City Councilman Steve Cohn and his wife, Catherine, will be in Truckee with members of their extended family for this holiday weekend, Cohn said Wednesday.

“We spend the day traditionally with my wife’s side of the family,” Cohn said. “Most are from the Bay Area. The past few years we have Thanksgiving at our cabin in Truckee because we have more room there for everyone to stay than we do in Sacramento.”

The food at the Cohn table has a lot of variety, Cohn said, because his wife, who is half French, is always coming up with good recipes.

“We have a lot of the traditional foods – turkey and so on,” Cohn said, “but this year we are trying turkey breast instead of the whole turkey. We are always trying new things, though.”

Cohn said it has been his and his wife’s tradition for the past 13 years to join the Run to Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving morning, but travel plans made it impossible for the Cohns to attend this year’s race.

As for football – the television will definitely be on, Cohn said.

“Most of the male members of the family watch lots of football,” Cohn said. “My wife knows the 49rs are playing Thursday night, so she’s ready for it.”

City Council members Sandy Sheedy, Rob Fong, Darrell Fong, Angelique Ashby and Bonnie Pannell could not be reached before press time.

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

Johnson: People are ready to talk about strong mayor initiative

2011-11-23T03:22:06Z

The 2012 election cycle is ramping up in Sacramento, and one topic that is sure to be on the table is a strong mayor initiative.

Mayor Kevin Johnson brought the topic to the fore ~~during his 2008 campaign for mayor~~ shortly after his 2008 election win in his race against then-mayor Heather Fargo, but the idea didn’t fly with members of the City Council, and the initiative never got off the ground.

With another mayoral race coming up in 2012, Johnson said he believes the idea of a strong mayor initiative is ripe for ballot consideration once again.

“This is a topic that people are ready to take on,” Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday. “There are many people involved and interested in changing the way things are happening here in Sacramento.”

Johnson announced in September that he will run for a second term as mayor, and one other opponent – Edgar Hilbert – has already stepped up to run against him.

A strong mayor form of city governance is one where the mayor acts as chief executive and the City Council is the legislative body. In this system, which is modeled after the U.S. Constitution’s structure of government, the city manager’s role is eliminated in favor of a chief administration officer appointed by the mayor.

Currently, the city of Sacramento is governed under a council-manager form of governance: The elected body establishes policy that is carried out by an appointed city manager.

The city manager is accountable to the entire council for implementing council policy and for the day-to-day operations of the city, such as preparing the city budget, hiring and firing employees and acting as a technical advisor on government operations.

According to the California City Management Foundation, council-manager government is the fastest-growing form of government in the United States. In California, 31 of the state’s 50 largest cities have a council-manager system in place.

Johnson said he believes people are “convinced” that a strong mayor initiative is necessary after watching the City Council work for the past three years of his term as mayor.

“I’ve been the mayor for three years, and we’ve had four city managers in that short period of time, which is very strange,” Johnson said. “It’s something that is very dysfunctional.”

Sacramento city managers and interim city managers since 2005 have included Ray Kerridge, Gus Vina, Bill Edgar and current city manager, John Shirey.

The strong mayor initiative was controversial from the outset and, despite more than one draft of the proposal, Johnson could not garner enough support on the council to move the initiative forward.

In June 2010, the City Council voted 7-2 against putting a strong mayor initiative on the ballot for the following November. The two votes in favor came from then-City Councilman Robbie Waters and Johnson.

After the proposal was voted down, Johnson said he wouldn’t continue campaigning for the initiative, but would not stop fighting for it – essentially putting the initiative on the back burner.

With the 2012 election forthcoming, however, the issue will likely come up for discussion again, Johnson said.

“I’ve made no secret that I believe we should modernize and improve our form of government,” Johnson said Tuesday.

Johnson said that citizens want accountability and transparency, and that the checks and balances people want are possible within a strong mayor government.

“I think the best goal would be for council to put it on the ballot and allow the people of Sacramento to vote on it,” Johnson said.

Shirey said Tuesday that he’s uncertain a strong mayor proposal will be on the table for the City Council – but if it is, he wouldn’t be interested in playing a role in it.

“The mayor has had that goal for a long time,” Shirey said, “but I don’t know that anyone (on the council) is willing to talk about it.”

Shirey said he believes the council-manager form of government is the best form, but the key to success for a city manager is a City Council that works well together.

“That doesn’t mean they can’t have disagreements,” Shirey said. “It means that, at the end of the day, they work together for the betterment of the city. They don’t make the manager the issue – they make the issues the issue.”

According to Stephanie Mizuno, assistant city clerk, a charter amendment such as a strong mayor initiative could appear on the June ballot in one of two ways: by certified petition from voters, or as a measure initiated by the City Council.

In either case, all initiatives headed for the June 2012 ballot must be filed with the City Clerk’s office by the end of February.

Mizuno said that a citywide mayoral race will incur the initial cost on the June ballot – an estimated $120,000, paid from the city’s election budget.

If a strong mayor initiative – another citywide issue – is added to that ballot, it would cost an additional $21,000. Further initiatives would also cost $21,000 each.

Mizuno said the current balance of the city’s election budget is sufficient to cover the estimated $400,000 cost of the June election, including any potential strong mayor initiative.

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

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

New mayoral candidate plans to bring 'fresh leadership' to Sacramento

2011-11-05T00:23:24Z

The 2012 race for Sacramento mayor just gained another candidate: Edgar Hilbert.

Hilbert, a tax preparer in Oak Park, said Wednesday that he was motivated to run for office by a desire to serve the Sacramento community in a meaningful way.

“It will be my duty and goal to not just protect the quality of life in Sacramento, but to improve it,” he said in a press release Tuesday.

Hilbert, 45, is married and has three children. He was born in Mexico City and moved to the United States in 1993. He has lived in Sacramento since 2001.

Hilbert’s wife, Leticia, ran for City Council District 5 in the 2010 election, and Hilbert acted as his wife’s campaign manager.

One of the biggest issues that Hilbert said he sees in local government is the need for “fresh leadership” and leaders who listen to the ideas of the people more than simply doing things their own way.

“It is clear to me that the need for a new leadership focused on people is more important now than ever,” Hilbert said.

The city budget, economic development and infrastructure are the three big-ticket items that Hilbert said he wants to focus on as mayor.

Hilbert said his experience on the Oak Park Redevelopment Advisory Committee has given him a good perspective on housing issues in the area, as well as new ideas about how to enhance the economic development of the city.

One idea that Hilbert expressed is turning some of the downtown corridor into a miniature version of Venice, Italy – water, gondolas and all.

“There are a lot of restaurants along there,” Hilbert said. “Wouldn’t it be nice to draw visitors to something interesting like that?”

Hilbert is also no stranger to volunteerism.

For the past nine years, he has been actively involved in raising money for homeless services in his Oak Park community, and he is the coordinator for a youth group at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

Hilbert has also served as the executive chairman of California for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in 2007 and 2008, assisting low-income individuals with tax preparation, and he is the co-founder of the Stop Human Trafficking Today Pronto effort in Sacramento.

Hilbert is building a campaign support team with an international flair. His team will include advisers from San Diego, Mexico City and Madrid.

“These are cities that are similar to us in a lot of ways, and we can learn a lot from them,” Hilbert said.

“I think people want someone to lead the way,” Hilbert said. “The mayor is there to see that the people are represented.”

“I always try to be balanced and honest and just,” Hilbert said. “In the end, it comes down to what the people want. My goal is to listen to them.”

Marichal J. Brown, co-owner of Master Barber and Beauty Shop in Oak Park, said he has known Hilbert for nearly nine years and he has a lot of respect for him.

“Edgar is an excellent person – a trustworthy person,” Brown said. “When you are in need, he would be the person to call.”

Brown said he and Hilbert worked together on a variety of community projects, including writing for a community newspaper that Brown publishes, The Master Report.

“We have done a lot of advocacy together,” Brown said. “If (Hilbert) is mayor, I think he’ll bring community issues to the forefront.”

Calling Hilbert a “fighter for the people” and “a dependable individual,” Brown added that he has “nothing but praise for him.”

Hilbert will be running against incumbent mayor Kevin Johnson. Johnson’s campaign manager, Steven Maviglio, said Friday that the Johnson camp is ready for the competition.

“The mayor will run a campaign at full throttle no matter who the opponent is,” Maviglio said. “We welcome debate about the issues facing Sacramento.”

Maviglio said that Hilbert will not have an easy race, however.

“Every poll shows that the mayor is extremely popular, and (he is) off to a very strong start in this race,” Maviglio said. “Any candidate will have an uphill battle running against (Johnson).”

Hilbert said that he does not support the notion of a “strong mayor” initiative, preferring instead to negotiate and work with others on the City Council.

“Every one of (the council members) represents a different area of the city, and they know what their area needs,” Hilbert said. “I prefer to talk to (them) about the people in their areas and see how we can work together.”

Another opponent that Hilbert will face is longtime Sacramento resident and previous mayoral candidate Leonard Padilla.

Padilla, owner of Lorenzo Patino Law School in Sacramento, said Friday that he is happy to hear that there will be another candidate in the race for mayor.

“The more the merrier,” Padilla said.

The candidacy filing period for the 2012 city elections opens Feb. 1. Edgar said he will have a campaign kickoff in the coming weeks and then will focus his energies on fundraising for the campaign.

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

Is David Garibaldi the Next Andy Warhol?

2011-10-28T05:26:15Z

Sacramento performance artist, David Garibaldi, it was a sobering moment to sell out the Crest Theater on October 27, 2011. Starting out as a local graffiti artist, the now famous performance painter travels worldwide sharing his creativity and ultimately his passion. Debuting his newest show, “Garibaldi Live: A Live Music and Color Experience”, he surely did not disappoint. Lines filled the streets up well into the next block. Many onlookers were hoping to get tickets at the last minute, but the show was completely sold out. Fans of all ages poured into the theater with delight as many shared their personal favorites like his portrait of Albert Einstein and his ever touching portrait of Jesus Christ.

Many in line were friends of Garibaldi since high school, and even some of his teachers from his days at Sheldon High School, were in the crowd. They got a sneak peak of the artist when he was with his dancers in the alleyway, laughing and preparing for the performance. The limelight and fame has been embraced by Garibaldi and he still keeps a level head and a grounded disposition.

The smell of popcorn and creativity filled the lobby as Garibaldi enthusiasts raced to their seats to ensure optimal viewing. T-shirts and posters were for sale, but no merchandise could capture what was to take place over the next couple of hours. The anticipation was crippling.

Opening for Garibaldi was local musician Stevie Nader. Nader offered his rendition of easy, melodic tunes that floated over the crowd with ease. Featuring original songs, Nader also performed his rendition of “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People.

The second opening act was not as well received. Singer Wes Avery and hype man Arty Fresh performed about six rock- and alternative-inspired songs that proved to be too much for the crowd. Despite Avery’s active presence in the aisles, audience members were not enthused. At the end of the already overly lengthy performance, one audience member laughed when Avery mentioned he had CDs for sale. “Yeah right,” he chuckled.

Despite the lack of adoration for Avery, fans were almost ecstatic while waiting for Garibaldi to finally come out and show off his debut show, Garibaldi Live.

Of course, no Garibaldi performance is complete without the accompaniment of a live DJ mixing tracks and providing live music. With a special guest appearance by Mayor Kevin Johnson, the introduction seemed to create mass hysteria. The crowd jumped up from their seats to cheer for the mastermind behind the Garibaldi enterprise.

Starting the show off with another artistic medium were the masked comedic troublemakers of the show, the CMYK dance crew. One of the performers created iconic images with spray paint and stencils in a style clearly inspired by the work of the U.K. artist Banksy. Banksy evolved his graffiti on the streets in London, using a series of stencils to create paintings faster and without getting caught.

The new addition to the show certainly proved to be a success. Stencils of Jaws, the guitarist Slash, the Apple icon and even Madonna were sprayed on small black canvas piece that were tossed off the stage. After stenciling a Justin Bieber picture complete with a spray painted heart, Garibaldi handed it to an adoring audience member — again, something new to his original routine.

The Crest filled to the brim, and lights and music combined into the perfect scene for Garibaldi’s work. Painting a “Hope”-inspired creation started his performance off right. Garibaldi created portraits of cultural icons such as pop singers Bruno Mars, Rhianna and John Lennon. With the introduction of a Beethoven portrait and an audience member’s portrait painted live on stage, it was evident that this was the next stage in Garibaldi’s performances. Using regular Sherman Williams paints and black stretched canvas he transforms colors into art with music.

Many “first-timers” were elated and simply shocked at the magnitude of skill Garibaldi brought to the stage. Longtime fans were even more enthralled in Garibaldi’s magic. Between bringing out Christian artist Lincoln Brewster, who is locally know from Bayside Church in Roseville, and all the dance choreography with CMYK, the show was indeed the full package. Throughout his performance, Garibaldi seemed to be under a spell from the electronic beats pouring from the DJ booth. He was a machine and a solider for his craft. He was unstoppable.

One of the most talked about creations was the Salvador Dali portrait created on glass. Again, this was something never performed on stage by Garibaldi. The largest painting ever created by Garibaldi was a sobering experience for many. The self-portrait, done in pieces, was at least 15 feet tall and it was indeed phenomenal.

Once the show was over, fans and Garibaldi collectors were able to silently bid on paintings done on stage that night. Since the majority of the proceeds are going to charity, Garibaldi is extremely close to reaching his goal of donating $1 million. Michael Knittel of Folsom purchased the Lennon and Dali portraits.

“I consider Garibaldi to be the next great American pop culture artist, nothing shy of the artist Andy Warhol,” he said.

Without a doubt, David Garibaldi pulled out all the stops for his hometown. After the show, many fans went to Garibaldi’s Facebook and Twitter pages to thank him for his performance and left inspiring messages for the artist.

One fan said it best: “In the words of Bruno Mars, you’re Amazing!”

Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings

2011-10-20T00:58:26Z

The City Council unanimously gave the go-ahead for a feasibility study of seven potential river crossing locations Tuesday and accepted a definition for “neighborhood-friendly bridge” that will set the parameters for design of those bridges.

“This has been a long time coming for both communities,” West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon said at the Sacramento City Council meeting. “We obsess about the boundaries between the two cities, but the economic vitality, cultural vitality and the urban agenda for both of our communities will be enhanced by being better connected.”

Location details of potential river crossings can be found here.

There are currently three major bridges crossing the river between Sacramento and West Sacramento: Pioneer Bridge, Tower Bridge and I Street Bridge.

That’s not nearly enough to efficiently handle the amount of current traffic, say project planners – let alone any increases in traffic flow that may be the result of building a new entertainment and sports complex in the future.

“Sacramento is underserved by its current connections,” said Ryan Moore, senior engineer with the Sacramento Department of Transportation.

Moore said the limited connectivity across the river creates over-abundant traffic on all of the existing bridges. Also, the three current bridges don’t fully comply with current design standards making non-vehicle uses more difficult – and making the bridges vulnerable during natural disasters or earthquake.

Moore asked council members to allow staff to seek funding for a feasibility study of seven potential river crossing locations. Moore said a feasibility study would allow city staff to find the “greatest amount of benefit” for both Sacramento and West Sacramento.

“It doesn’t commit us to any particular location,” Moore said. “It’s just an evaluation of all the possible locations.”

According to a city of Sacramento staff report, the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento shared the cost of an initial “need and purpose” study for river crossings, and it is expected that the two cities will continue to work together on future aspects of the project.

The majority of costs involved in a feasibility study are fixed, regardless of the number of crossing locations evaluated, according to the staff report.

Jerry Way, Sacramento’s transportation director, said that “for the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento to do their due diligence,” the total cost for an evaluation of seven crossing locations is estimated to be between $600,000 and $850,000.

Funds have not been committed for future phases of work, Way said.

Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong, who represents District 4, where all of the potential river crossings are located, said Tuesday that he is exciting about the possibility of opening more connections with the city of West Sacramento.

“We can’t overstate the importance of connectivity,” Fong said. “It creates economic development opportunities.”

At the July 19 Sacramento City Council meeting, city staff presented council members with a “Need and Purpose Study” for potential river crossings to connect Sacramento to West Sacramento.

One point of contention with council members at that meeting was the term “neighborhood-friendly” bridge.

All of the council members agreed that this was the type of bridge everyone would want, but they disagreed on how to define that term in a way that satisfied each council member’s ideal.

The definition that city staff brought back to council Tuesday – and which was accepted by council members in their final vote – outlined a “neighborhood-friendly” bridge as:

* Primarily serving short local trips.
* Serves all users – including motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, low-energy vehicles and public transit riders.
* Architecturally pleasing and contextually appropriate aesthetics and dimensions for adjacent neighborhoods.
* Does not require widening of the approaching roadways just to accommodate bridge flows.
* Designed with a target traffic speed equal to or less than the roadways approaching the bridge.
* Does not connect directly to streets that are primarily residential.

Fong told council members that he was satisfied with the new definition and felt it would work well with both cities.

“One thing I was worried about (with a potential new bridge) was the scaling,” Fong said. “We don’t want a massive, overwhelming bridge. The good citizens of West Sacramento also want neighborhood-friendly bridges.”

Councilwoman Angelique Ashby, who – until the recent redrawing of district lines – represented one area where a new crossing is being considered, said that she also supports the idea of moving forward with a feasibility study.

“We need to get it right, and we need to get it done,” Ashby said. “This is a great time for us to study all of our options. (New river crossings) will help us with jobs, with public safety and with routes in and out of our communities.”

Some members of the public who commented at Tuesday’s council meeting were critical of the crossing locations selected for study. One speaker approached the podium with “an offer I hope (the council) cannot refuse.”

“You have before you a proposal to study seven bridges at a cost of almost $800,000,” said Jim Randlett of the Sacramento River Crossings Association.

“I propose that you limit the study to just three possible locations – the downtown section to connect Sacramento to West Sacramento – thereby cutting the cost in half and saving $400,000 for the two cities.”

Randlett said that the downtown locations make the most sense because they are in “a central place between the two cities” – an area that is the proposed site for a new entertainment and sports complex and a major transportation hub for Sacramento.

The other four locations, Randlett said, either already have a crossing or are not sufficient for “pushing thousands of (commuting) cars through.”

Calling Randlett’s offer “fetching,” Fong said the cost of a complete study on all seven potential locations would be money well-spent because it would allow the City Council to “make a well-informed decision” about any future river crossings.

“This literally is a go-ahead to spend the money and do the study,” Fong added.

To fund the feasibility study, Moore said he and his staff will look for opportunities for federal grants, Sacramento Area Council of Governments grants, funds from the Sacramento Transportation Authority and possibly Measure A tax revenues.

Measure A (2004) created a quarter-cent sales tax for transportation projects in Sacramento county.

Moore said the feasibility study may take between 12 and 18 months, including finding a consultant, competing traffic analyses, coordinating with regulating agencies – Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game and others – as well as public outreach to residents and business owners in the areas that would be affected most by the construction of a new river crossing.

Meilssa Corker is a Staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

The Sacramento Press on 'Insight'

2011-10-19T01:22:09Z

During The Sacramento Press’ spot on Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” Tuesday morning, host Jeffrey Callison and I discussed the Occupy Sacramento movement, early turns in the upcoming City Council elections, a design competition for Capitol Mall and the arrival of a sailing vessel in Old Sacramento.

With the Occupy Sacramento demonstration well into its second week, protesters are upset that Cesar Chavez Plaza is closed from 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. due to a city ordinance. Sacramento Police Department spokeswoman Laura Peck said Monday that 58 arrests have been made, and the City Council plans to decide whether to allow the protesters to stay in the park after hours, after they went to City Hall last week.

More city politics have been in the news lately, with City Councilman Rob Fong announcing last week that he will not seek another term, instead pursuing a career as a lobbyist. Shortly after the announcement, Steve Hansen, a local activist, announced he will run for the District 4 seat. This will be the first election since District 4 took over most of the central city, which was previously split between three districts.

The former Red Lotus spot on J Street in Midtown has a new tenant, with January being the earliest possible opening date. The currently unnamed business will be a 50/50 mix of restaurant and bar, and it has a special incentive for employees: They will be given a share of the profits.

A few blocks down J Street, the owner of Thai Basil and the upstairs Level Up Lounge wants to add a second-floor deck area so people in the lounge will not have to go down to the street level to smoke, and the deck will also serve as a more permanent roof over the patio seating at Thai Basil. Neighbors raised concerns about added noise, but the Planning Commission approved the project on Thursday.

Federal prosecutors in Southern California have announced that they will go after print, TV and radio advertising for medicinal marijuana, and some Sacramento publications, notably Sacramento News & Review and The Sacramento Bee, have carried those advertisements. SN&R was able to hire more reporters within the past year due to the ads even as general advertising revenues fell across the industry. The Sacramento Bee recently announced its decision to start carrying them. The Sacramento Press has previously reached out to medical marijuana dispensaries for advertising but did not run any advertisements from them. For a timeline on medical marijuana issues in California, click here.

Sacramento received 48 submissions that met the criteria for its Catalyst Capitol Mall Design Competition, which was held to bring international attention to the section of Capitol Mall between Tower Bridge and 10th Street as the city looks for a “big idea” for the space after the state relinquished control of it in 2006. A jury selected the winners, which will be announced Nov. 9. The public can weigh in on the designs as well by clicking here and following the link to the voting page.

Anyone wanting insight into merchant sailing in the 18th century can visit the tall ship Hawaiian Chieftain, docked in Old Sacramento near Tower Bridge until mid-December. Visitors can tour the ship, where crew members will be standing by to answer questions and give history of an era gone by.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Sacramento's below average readers. Who's working on solutions?

2011-10-18T20:48:45Z

Sacramento, CA | The momentum is building. That was the message that Stand Up, the Sacramento based non-profit organization devoted to reforming education, touted in front of a packed house at the Guild Theater on Monday night.

The event was part of a series of monthly meetings organized by Stand Up to spotlight education improvement efforts in Sacramento. Previous events have brought in former California State Senator Gloria Romero to discuss the “parent trigger” law, the founder of Teach for America Wendy Kopp, and the co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program, Mike Feinberg.

Local high school students acted as ushers alongside staffers from a variety of organizations including Sacramento READS!, Mayor Kevin Johnson’s third-grade reading initiative, and StudentsFirst, Michelle Rhee’s latest foray into education reform.
Monday’s guest speaker was CNN’s education correspondent Dr. Steve Perry, there to promote his new book Push Has Come to Shove, a warning cry to the “grownups” about our failing education system. Dr. Perry pulled no punches in his address to the mostly welcoming crowd. “Every day you drive by a failing school in your community,” he said, “and you know where they are, you have blood on your hands for not doing something.”

The frankness that won him accolades as “America’s most uncompromising principle” was on display as he excoriated communities for failing to shut down schools, principles for allowing unions to bully them, and absentee fathers to whom he pointedly asserted, “No, we can’t be friends.”

His fiercest criticism, however, was reserved for poor teachers. When asked in the post-presentation Q & A session about disproportionate numbers of minority students facing in-school suspension and other punishments, he laid the blame squarely on the educators. “If my detention hall is filled with student athletes who are doing well in other classes,” he said, “then maybe the problem is [the teacher]. You suck.”

If his presentation had a dose of harsh medicine it only endeared him to the crowd members even more, many of whom were educators and parents struggling with their own classrooms and schools. He fielded questions about boarding school alternatives to public school education, the tendency to blame parents, and the high illiteracy rate in Sacramento County.

Mayor Johnson addressed the audience briefly to tout the progress made in the reading initiative and to thank business partners who adopted schools in which they spent time and money to assist education efforts. In particular, Old Soul Co. was applauded for hosting a book drive and encouraging employees to volunteer their time to read to students at Peter Burnett Elementary School.

Other speakers included the Eric Lerum, the Vice President of National Policy at StudentsFirst, who ran down national mission goals of the organization, and the oldest volunteer in Sacramento READS!, former Queen of the Rose Parade Margaret Huntly. Her personal journey, as a 90-year old former school teacher who still goes back to the classroom to volunteer, drew perhaps the most enthusiastic applause of the event.

The statistic that most participants will walk away with was pointed out by Sacramento Reads earlier in the evening, that “only 37% of our third-grade children are reading at grade-level; the flip-side of that coin is that 63% are not.” Dr. Perry later took the opportunity to expand on that point. “If we are to have a real conversation about this issue, we have to recognize that some of us in here aren’t reading as well as we should either.”

Sacramento leaders learn from New Orleans tour

2011-10-12T00:52:54Z

A delegation of Sacramento business and political leaders returned from a four-day tour of New Orleans with fresh insight into what it takes for a city to recover and thrive after a disaster, including improving transportation methods, sustainable housing and flood protections.

“New Orleans had a unique opportunity to reinvent itself because of all the investments made there after Katrina,” City Councilman Kevin McCarty said Tuesday. “We need to look at how we can reinvent ourselves here, too.”

On Tuesday, Council Members Angelique Ashby, Steve Cohn and Kevin McCarty and Mayor Kevin Johnson shared the lessons learned from the people in New Orleans about methods of recovery the city has used to rebuild itself after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005.

“(New Orleans) Mayor (Mitch) Landrieu is a vibrant, energetic mayor,” Johnson said, “and he is an excellent example of the focus it takes to turn things around after a disaster. We went (there) to learn from the work they have done in New Orleans.”

Johnson, Ashby, Cohn, McCarty and 85 other delegates joined Maggie Townsley, public policy vice chairwoman for the Sacramento Metro Chamber, for the chamber‘s 13th annual study mission in Louisiana last week.

The study mission is a program the Metro Chamber develops every year to provide a learning experience for delegates about the challenges faced by other regions and how they successfully manage those challenges for long-term regional prosperity, according to the chamber website.

“We represent about 170,000 employees in the Sacramento region,” Townsley said. “One of the key things we do is partner with government and nonprofit organizations to further specific objectives for the region.”

Some of the objectives highlighted on this year’s study mission include improving city transportation, public housing and flood control.

Delegates on the tour had the opportunity to meet with Landrieu and other civic leaders and came away with ideas for improving Sacramento and the region.

“It’s been six years since New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina,” Ashby said Tuesday, “but the devastation from that event was widespread, and you can still see it.”

Ashby said that one thing that struck her was that the flood waters during the hurricane reached nearly 20 feet in height.

“Should our levees break in Natomas,” Ashby said, “we could be as deep as 33 feet. We can’t let that happen.”

Ashby said it is necessary to improving flood protection for the region, including having the levees in her district certified by the federal government for improvement funding.

One thing McCarty said he found fascinating in New Orleans was how they are rebuilding their public housing.

“One in five kids lives in poverty,” McCarty said, “and many times those families are isolated in neighborhoods divided from economic development and grocery stores and other public investments that improve the neighborhood.”

McCarty said one thing that the city of New Orleans has done to “reinvent” the city’s public housing is taking down old units and rebuilding them as mixed-income units.

“They are making sure they have (an economic) blend to bring in development opportunities,” McCarty said. “That is something we are going to look at for some of our neighborhoods here in Sacramento.

McCarty said that neighborhood housing and development, especially for low-income populations, should be a priority for Sacramento.

Representatives from the Sacramento Metro Chamber are preparing a report about the study mission and said they expect it to be completed sometime next week.

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

Sacramento gets $19.4 million from feds to rehire peace officers

2011-09-30T01:37:48Z

Sacramento city and county were awarded a total of $19.4 million in federal funding grants Wednesday – enough to put 25 police officers and 25 sheriff’s deputies back to work for the next three years.

The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program is a competitive grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice that provides funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to hire, rehire, or retain police officers.

This year, 2,712 law enforcement agencies requesting more than $2 billion to fund the hiring of 8,999 officers were considered for COPS Hiring Program funding, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Selection for awards was based on an applicant agency’s overall need for federal assistance, local crime rates, current commitment to community policing and their proposed community policing plan.

The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department received an award of $11,306,450 – the largest single award in the nation under the COPS program this year.

The Sacramento Police Department received $8.1 million in grant funds. It is the largest COPS grant the city has received in the three years that Sacramento has been selected for an award, and was the third highest COPS grant awarded in the nation this year.

Each grant provides funding for the salaries and benefits of officer positions for three years, with the requirement that agencies maintain the positions for one additional year at the end of the grant funding period.

The Sheriff’s Department grant will fill 25 deputy positions, department spokesman Jason Ramos said Wednesday. Those deputies will be assigned to a new youth and gang violence unit in Sacramento county.

Sheriff Scott Jones said in a press release Wednesday that his department plans to take a “comprehensive approach” to combating youth and gang violence by expanding enforcement efforts of gang unit detectives, adding a school component with school resource officers and partnering with youth-focused community organizations.

“It feels like Christmas in September,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said in a press release Wednesday, referring to the $8.1 million grant award to the Sacramento Police Department.

Huge budget cuts to the police department forced the city to lay off 46 sworn officers in July. The new COPS grant will allow the city to rehire 25 of those officers.

Representatives for the police department and the Sacramento Police Officers Association could not be reached for comment.

"We had to watch officers turn their badges in for the first time in our city's history,” Johnson said. “Now we have an opportunity to pin those badges back on our officers and get them back on the street."

Johnson declared the award “a big win” for Sacramento and emphasized that public safety must continue to be the top priority for the city.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) called the grants “wonderful news” for Sacramento residents in a statement released Thursday.

“This federal funding will strengthen our community’s law enforcement’s ability to keep us safe, and ensure that budgetary shortfalls do not eliminate these critical positions,” Matsui said.

Only 238 of the 2,712 grant requests were ultimately funded – roughly 9 percent of the total number of applications – for a total of $243,398,709 in grants, funding 1,021 officer positions nationwide.

In all, the Sacramento region – including $19.4 million for Sacramento city and county and a $2.58 million award for Placer county – was awarded the largest combined dollar amount in the nation.

Grant funds will be available to the Sacramento Police Department after the City Council formally accepts the grant at the next council meeting.

The Sheriff’s Department grant is expected to receive formal acceptance by the County Board of Supervisors in early October.

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

Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed

2011-09-23T05:33:02Z

Sacramento, CA | Area Pastors promissed to remain on watch, holding current city council members and hopefuls accountable.

Area pastors remain on task as promissed, holding both current council members and June 2012 City Council hopefuls accountable. Today, Allen Warren (running for the district 2 seat), and Betty Williams (running for the district 8 seat) were interviewed by a large constituency of area pastors.

Both hopefuls shared their backgrounds, qualifications, goals and priorities and then were asked tough and challenging questions and quizzed by the pastors. Warren and Williams were interviewed and "put on the hot seat" seperately by the group of pastors.

Sharing his background and qualifications with area pastors, Allen Warren, who intends to run for the district 2 seat, shared how his life was set for pro baseball with the New York Yankees when his carrer path took a drastic change. He found himself on Wall Street being trained and groomed with a large financial agency and then further into business. Warren stated that job creation is a top priority on his agenda.

Warren stated that he had not inteded politics to become a carrer choice for himself, but with the currentl lack of leadership he feels he had to step up. He promissed pastors that he is prepared to "stay the course".

Betty Williams, with a long diverse tenure in many upper level positons with the NAACP and long time community advocate, stated that crime and education top her list of priorties. Under incumbant, Bonnie Pannell's watch, Sacramento Police Chief, Rick Braziel, has indicated publicly that district eight's Meadowview area has become the worst crime ridden area in the city, Williams stated. Already on advisory counciles with the Sherrif and Police Chief, the Meadowview area is high on Williams radar for crime reduction.

Williams also advised the pastors that she has hired Sam Walton, the late Sam Pannell's campaign manger to manage her campaign. When asked what defines the difference between Pannell and herself, Williams emphatically stated, "My leadership is stronger than Bonnie Pannell's." Williams stated that she has already received endorsements from Mayor Kevin Johnson, Jay Schenirer and Willie Brown among others.

Moderator, Pastor Darryl Heath, made it very clear to both contenders that "there is no quid pro quo here". He was careful to state that the pastors are not promissing their vote and are not expecting anything in exchange. He stated to both that "the only thing we want from you is for you to do your job with integrity and honesty."

The pastors have promissed current and future council membes to have at least one represenative present at every council meeting and to remain on watch for the city as a whole.

Disclosure: I am an area pastor and affiliated with the pastor's newly formed watch group, CYHU- Can You Hear Us Now

Mayor Kevin Johnson announces run for re-election

2011-09-15T04:32:22Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Wednesday at the Capitol Heights Academy that he is running for re-election.

“I am thrilled to announce – after much deliberation, prayer, conversation and discussion with many of you out there today – I have decided to run for another term (as) the mayor of Sacramento,” Johnson said before a crowd of more than 200 supporters.

Johnson said he plans to approach his campaign for re-election by working harder and longer than anyone else to earn votes. He emphasized community involvement as the most important means for his success in the election.

Johnson will be holding listening sessions throughout the city, and town hall meetings will be held in October, November and December to foster ideas and feedback from the community.

Johnson said he will introduce his second-term plan in January and February after gathering and evaluating the information from the community over the next three months.

“You can’t do it alone,” Johnson said. “It’s going to take a team. It’s going to take a community. It’s going to take all of us really working together. So this election isn’t about me. It’s about us – it’s about community. It’s about all of us getting together to shape the future of Sacramento.”

Johnson, a third-generation native Sacramentan, said that he loves the community and plans to do everything to ensure Sacramento reaches its potential.

Johnson identified children as the most valuable asset in the community, and he said he is going to continue his efforts to improve education in the city through the third grade reading initiative, Sacramento Reads. By 2020, Johnson said, he hopes to have all third graders reading at grade level.

“Young people have a sense of possibility,” Johnson said. “They have a willingness to act. They personify the spirit of Sacramento. They are the future.”

Johnson said he also plans to move the city forward in the green initiative, making Sacramento the “Emerald City”. Johnson said his goal is to create 14,000 new jobs in the green sector of the city by 2020.

“As I reflect back on my first term, and look toward the future, I realize that there’s still much work to be done,” he said. “Sacramento, we’ve come a long way. But we still have a long way to go.”

Community members cheered and celebrated the news of Johnson running for re-election. The phrase “four more years,” rang throughout the crowd.

“I think it’s right on,” said Empress Nontsikelelo, a “change agent” from Sacramento. “He is the leader that we need – a leader with vision.”

“I feel optimistic,” community member John Anderson said. “I’m optimistic about Kevin’s willingness to invest four more years of his life in helping Sacramento move forward.”

Prominent figures in the Sacramento Community also spoke to support and endorse Johnson’s re-election. Speakers included Bishop Sherwood Carthen, Jimmie Yee, Betty Williams, Patrick Mulvaney, Mark Otereo, Brent Mayer and Melinda Guzman.

Betty Williams, president of the Sacramento chapter of the NAACP, says she regards Johnson as one who listens to the community.

“He hears them when they come to the City Council,” she said. “He hears them when they show up in the hundreds, and he hears them if there is only two.”

“I am impressed with our Mayor Johnson,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee. “He’s been a great leader, having problems but working hard for the city and getting results. I am proud of what he has accomplished, and I know he can do so much more for the city for the next four years.”

Johnson said he plans to approach the 2012 election just as he did as a challenger in 2008.

“I am going to outwork everybody,” he said. “Let’s remember our future. Let’s not rest on our laurels. Let’s not get complacent. It’s not going to be easy, but if we come together collectively, we can make Sacramento a community that we’re extremely proud of. This can and will be a city that works for everyone. That’s ultimately my vision for Sacramento.”

City Council receives, reviews arena reports

2011-09-14T05:58:28Z

City staff and Think Big Sacramento representatives presented the City Council with technical and financial option reports on the proposed entertainment and sports complex Tuesday, and asked council to direct them where to go next.

“We have a lot of work to do in the next six months,” said City Manager John Shirey, “and we need both internal and external resources to do it.”

To keep things moving forward, though, Shirey told council members that he plans to deliver three things: “a game plan with a timeline, a list of the consultant work we need and a list of how we’ll pay for those things.”

Although the technical report presented Tuesday included more detail than previous reports, Shirey said it will take some time to “dig deeper and determine if the project is really feasible.”

Shirey said he and his staff will need “special help” from outside resources to do that digging. That means turning to consultants, investment bankers and outside council for the “due diligence” necessary to thoroughly review the entertainment sports complex proposal, Shirey said.

One of the aspects of the ESC project discussed Tuesday was the potential for re-use of the current Power Balance Pavillion site in Natomas.

“Natomas re-use possibilities present tremendous opportunity,” said Rachel Hazlewood, Economic Development Department senior project manager. “We need to develop a plan of action to bring (the space) to its highest and best use.”

Hazlewood said that, because the building moratorium in Natomas will be lifted in 2013, the large site may allow for multiple users and will require rezoning – aspects of the “total arena plan” that need to be considered.

“We will need to identify potential business prospects and get the site shovel-ready for development,” Hazlewood said, “before we can re-use the Natomas site for something other than the arena that is already there.”

Arena finance expert Dan Barrett outlined the recently released Nexus report of finance “menu” options.

Barrett told council members that a public-private partnership is essential to the success of the project.

“When you structure a deal like this, it has to work for all parties,” Barrett said. “It’s clear that the public cannot fund this facility on its own, and the team cannot fund it on its own.”

Barrett said that parking income potential discussed in the Nexus report is “not a standalone financing solution,” and the Kings’ loan has to be part of the solution.

“The $387 million cost (in the initial feasibility report) may change,” said John Dangberg, assistant city manager.

Dangberg noted that infrastructure costs are not included in the estimated $387 million cost of the facility.

Dangberg urged council members to direct staff to look at financial, legal and practical aspects of the project.

“As we come up with a definitive financing plan,” Dangberg said, “we want to include enough resources to cover the real cost of the project as it becomes clearer.”

Barrett said it will be important for council members to explore parking opportunities “aggressively,” and to “critically evaluate” other public funding options.

“We’ll work together with you and staff to prepare a definitive financing plan by the end of December,” Barrett said.

Although Mayor Kevin Johnson acknowledged that the reports presented to council were preliminary reports and not a “final proposal” for a new complex, he said they were a good place to start.

“We did our best to protect taxpayers with this plan,” Johnson said. “This is about jobs – 4,100 jobs – for our region.”

Johnson said the project is in “a very critical stage,” and he hopes City Council and the Think Big committee can finalize as much as possible by January so the city can be in the best position possible by the March deadline.

Councilman Rob Fong said he supports the arena project and that there needs to be “a closer look” taken at all of the financing options suggested in the Nexus report.

“It’s really important that we thoroughly vet what we are hearing,” Fong said. “We have to make sure the general fund is held harmless, and figure out if there’s a way for us to go forward with the project”

For Think Big, the challenge remains to keep going “until we reach a point where we know for sure that we can do this – or that we can’t,” Fong said.

The City Council asked staff to take the reports back for more review. Council will discuss arena options further at its next meeting, on Sept. 20.

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

Think Big 100-day report: Immigrant investors and parking potential

2011-09-09T05:17:02Z

A federal funding program allowing foreign investors to provide low-interest loans in return for green cards was one potential arena funding source highlighted in the long-awaited Think Big Sacramento Committee report, which was revealed to the public at a Sacramento Press Club luncheon Thursday.

The program, while not a solution in its own right, could buy time, allowing publicly owned land to increase in value for sale at a higher rate, according to officials. Both of those options are parts of the “menu of options” the Think Big Sacramento group was tasked with providing earlier this year.

More than 120 business leaders, a few Kings fans and most of Sacramento’s media gathered for the presentation of the 50-page report detailing financing options to build an entertainment and sports complex in Sacramento’s railyards.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and many of the 72 members of the region-wide committee known as Think Big Sacramento, including co-chairs state Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento and State Senator Ted Gaines of Roseville, were present to speak and to hear from arena finance expert Dan Barrett about various ways to build an arena in a challenging economy.

And Barrett had to do that within strict parameters set by the mayor to acknowledge that the public is in no mood for new, broad taxes.

The Nexus Report – so-named because each financing method on the menu has a direct connection to the new complex – identifies three main revenue categories: private investment, public participation and user fees.

Included among the many options discussed in the report are the sale of city property, the introduction of ticket surcharges and public-private partnerships for lease-back payments and private investment money.

None of that is new, though – Think Big has put out one report after another over the past four months describing those aspects of the project.

What was new Thursday was a proposed funding mechanism called EB5 – a federal program that allows foreign investors to provide low-interest loans in return for green cards.

The EB5 program has been around for 20 years, and it has been a successful means of getting up-front investment capital for public projects.

According to the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services, the EB5 program is a pathway for an immigrant investor to “gain lawful permanent residence for themselves and their immediate family.”

The program requires a minimum capital investment of $500,000 to $1 million, and the projects funded must “create or preserve 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers” within two years.

“EB5 is a mechanism, not a source,” Jackson said. “Its a loan – the money has to be paid back, so it doesn’t really solve the problem.”

But it does buy time.

If the market isn’t quite right to sell public property, EB5 funding can bridge the gap until actual revenues start to flow from what is now being called the Entertainment and Sports Complex, or ESC for short, according to Chris Lehane, Think Big executive director.

“It allows us the flexibility to move forward with the project,” Lehane said.

EB5 funding works something like a “bridge loan” in residential financing: a short-term, low-interest loan that makes money immediately available for initial construction.

“It isn’t a silver bullet,” said Barrett, founder of Barrett Sports Group, a sports management consulting firm. “Multiple revenue streams are still going to be required to make (a new arena) a reality.”

One of those “multiple streams” discussed in Thursday’s report comes from the income potential of parking opportunities in the downtown area.

“The city has a few options (on parking),” Jackson said, “and depending on which way (City Council) decides to go, we could get a good amount of money from it.”

Parking options under consideration include selling the city parking inventory to a private party, or leasing the city’s parking assets to a third party and collecting lease payments.

“A public-private partnership with parking would give us money up front,” Jackson said, “and we could maintain control long-term. That puts less pressure on (the city) having to get bonds to help pay for the (sports) complex.”

Jackson said that, although the specifics of parking revenue options still need to be hammered out, “it does have a lot of potential to help solve funding issues.”

The Think Big Sacramento initiative was launched in June and includes a group of 72 business, community and public leaders from the Sacramento region.

The report released Thursday is the result of the committee researching financing options and gathering support for the project under a self-imposed deadline of 100 days.

Think Big Sacramento has until March to firm up a plan for a new arena or the Sacramento Kings will have another opportunity to file a request with the NBA to relocate the team.

Think Big Sacramento committee members will make a formal presentation to the City Council Sept. 13, setting the stage for the next step toward building a new entertainment sports complex in Sacramento.

“This is an innovative approach to financing a project like this,” said Jeremiah Jackson, Think Big Sacramento project manager.

“Other cities just pass a sales tax and pay for an arena,” Jackson said, “That’s simple, but it doesn’t have a direct connection to the facility.”

If the last attempt to get taxpayers to foot the bill is any indication, it’s not what the public wants, either: In 2006, a quarter-cent sales tax to help pay for an arena was overwhelmingly voted down by Sacramento county voters.

Still, public enthusiasm has remained solidly in favor of a new sports and entertainment complex in Sacramento.

“Five months ago, it was all but certain the Kings would be moving to Anaheim,” Johnson said. “But, the community stepped up and said, ‘We aren’t going to sit on our hands and do nothing.’ ”

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

March of unity against Med Center district move

2011-09-02T07:28:40Z

About 150 people marched through Oak Park Thursday in a “unity march” to fight against the City Council’s proposed redistricting map that would move the UC Davis Med Center out of Oak Park’s council district.

“The purpose for tonight is to try to find a hero in this whole controversy, and by that I mean someone who will find a real compromise,” said Michael Boyd, president of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association.

The marchers Thursday night walked from the intersection of 34th Street and Second Avenue to the Med Center, chanting slogans and carrying signs along the way as police blocked the streets and kept a clear path.

Residents of Oak Park have repeatedly made their voices heard at City Council meetings in recent weeks, even setting a record for number of speakers, according to Mayor Kevin Johnson.

The OPNA organized the event, and Boyd said he wants to see the council set up a committee ideally involving the two council members – Kevin McCarty and Jay Schenirer – as well as representatives of Elmhurst and Oak Park, and possibly Tahoe Park. The committee would strive to find a compromise all could agree upon.

The redistricting map currently under consideration would move the UC Davis Med Center from Schenirer’s District 5 to McCarty’s District 6, a move Johnson’s special assistant, R.E. Graswich, has called “a power grab.”

McCarty has defended the move of the Med Center to his district, saying that the Elmhurst neighborhood in District 6 is more “attached” to the Med Center area than Oak Park, and that, logically, the Med Center area should be overseen by the same council member who represents Elmhurst.

Boyd said he hoped to draw residents from beyond Oak Park to the march, adding that the issue is broader than one neighborhood.

One marcher, 62-year-old South Sacramento resident Susiana Donaldson, said she came to support Oak Park, where she attends church.

“It’s important for me that the people in power listen to us,” she said. “We are the ones who put them there. We’re the reason they’re in office.”

Retired teacher and Oak Park resident Linda Brewer said she is upset at what she sees as council dealmaking without the public in mind.

“I’ve been to the City Council meetings twice, and I’m going to be going back,” she said. “We think this whole process has been decided behind closed doors, out of the public eye.”

Councilwoman Angelique Ashby made an appearance, saying she wanted to show that she is listening to the marchers.

“I support anything that brings the community together,” she said. “They’re really united.”

A spokesman for Johnson told The Sacramento Press Thursday that the mayor is supportive of the group’s efforts.

Schenirer, marching at the head of the column down Second Avenue, said he came out to support the neighborhood.

“The council has taken the wrong action here,” he said. “I hope to see it corrected.”

None of the six council members who voted for the proposed map – McCarty, Sandy Sheedy, Bonnie Pannell, Darrell Fong, Rob Fong and Steve Cohn – were present at the march.

Oak Park resident David Moen, 52, expressed a common feeling of frustration among the marchers.

“We have a group of people really trying to make (Oak Park) a neighborhood, and we feel like we’re being kicked to the dirt again,” he said. “It’s really depressing.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

A 'neighborhood' is more than skin deep

2011-09-01T01:34:59Z

Some people say a neighborhood is better defined by the residents who live, work and play there than by physical boundaries, lines on a map or the number of inhabitants.

Just ask the people who live in Oak Park – or Elmhurst, or Med Center or Tahoe Park.

Glenn Corngold, an Elmhurst resident who spoke at the Aug. 23 City Council meeting, told council members, “Med Center’s dirt is in our yard. It’s our neighborhood.”

As the once-a-decade redistricting process for Sacramento comes to a close, there has been a lot of emotion, protest – and, yes, drama – focused on the redrawing of district lines that would shift the UC Davis Medical Center from District 5, where it has been since it was built in 1978, to District 6.

As drawn on the official city of Sacramento map, the Med Center campus lies within the Med Center neighborhood, which is bordered to the north and east by Elmhurst and to the west and south by Oak Park.

Councilman Kevin McCarty said that because the Med Center is physically “attached” to the Elmhurst neighborhood to a much larger degree than it is to Oak Park, then the council member who represents the Med Center should be the one associated with the neighborhood that is most impacted by its proximity to the center.

“There’s no question the Med Center is part of this (Elmhurst) neighborhood,” McCarty said Monday. “Or, at least, it’s more closely associated to this side of Stockton Boulevard than to Oak Park.”

Stockton Boulevard is a heavily traveled, five-lane road that bisects the Med Center neighborhood – and physically separates the Med Center from Oak Park and homes and businesses on the west side of the street.

But seeing homes, parks and businesses through the car window at street level is strikingly different than what appears on a map on the wall – and Elmhurst residents say they need to be represented by someone who sees their neighborhood the same way they do.

In an Aug. 14 email to the City Council, Elmhurst resident Diane Cummins told council members that there are a number of issues that directly impact the Elmhurst neighborhood and affect the quality of life for the residents.

“It seems most logical to me,” Cummins said in the email, “that the Med Center and the Med Center Neighborhood remain in District 6, which would link those areas with Elmhurst.”

Elmhurst resident Jeff Simon described in a letter to council members that noise from ambulances, helicopters and other medical vehicles can be heard “at any hour of the day or night,” despite the double-pane windows installed in his home to diminish the noise.

Simon also described traffic congestion, limited parking, and hospital employees and emergency room visitors smoking and littering in his front yard.

“The impact that UCDMC has on us is – to say the least – extraordinary,” Simon added.

Simon agreed with Cummins and other Elmhurst residents who said they want “to have an arbiter of sorts,” and “a single source” to turn to.

“Where the line is drawn is no matter,” Simon said, “other than we wish to be in the same district as the Med Center campus so our common council representative can decisively and quickly address the issues that impact us.”

McCarty said that, by redistricting the Med Center into District 6 alongside Elmhurst, he is “focusing on practical issues.”

“We make our decisions on sound public policy, not on emotion,” McCarty said. “Certainly emotion is a factor, but what is the best public policy?”

McCarty said that if there was a “big economic dollar factor” that went with the district, it would be a consideration. Failing that, “neighborhood issues reign supreme.”

“I hear the emotion (of Oak Park residents),” McCarty said, “but I think we need to focus on the facts and public policy and what’s practical.”

“What we’re feeling in Elmhurst,” Corngold said at the Aug. 23 meeting, “is a need for representation.”

Corngold described the traffic and noise from construction at the Med Center and said, “We can’t just walk into the (Med Center) building and ask them to do something about it.

“We want to be in the same district as the Med Center so we can have someone to speak for us,” Corngold said. “Whatever (the Med Center district) is in, I’d like to be part of it.”

For the 2,000 residents in Elmhurst, according to McCarty, “it complicates things when the councilman for the hospital and their own councilman are two different people. It’s an unnecessary extra layer of bureaucracy.”

The real problem, according to R.E. Graswich, special assistant to Mayor Kevin Johnson, is not an “extra layer of bureaucracy,” rather a divided council.

“Unlike Sutter, Mercy and Kaiser hospitals, which require permits and entitlements from the city, UCDMC needs no city permits and entitlements,” Graswich said. “To be a successful neighbor with UCDMC, the city must rely upon relationships built between city officials and UCDMC officials. A divided council does not bode well for relationships.”

If UCDMC is returned to District 5, Graswich said a 9-0 council vote on the base map could be expected.

“Politically (and realistically) speaking, it’s indescribably better to have a 9-0 vote than a bitterly divided 6-3 vote,” Graswich said.

The Med Center has been referred to as an "economic engine" many times throughout the redistricting process – so, what economic advantage does the Med Center really bring to Oak Park or Elmhurst if it is drawn into either district?

According to McCarty, there is none.

“None. Zero,” McCarty said Wednesday. “It is an economic engine to the region, jobs and it has an impact on community health. But advantage to the district? No.”

Graswich said he disagreed.

“Economic benefits are obvious,” Graswich said in an email Wednesday. “The Med Center employs approximately 7,000 people, bringing jobs and support services to a neighborhood that has been steadily rebounding from challenging economic conditions for 50 years.”

Councilman Jay Schenirer, the current council representative of District 5 and one of the three council members who voted against the current base map, said the Med Center does have economic benefits to the neighborhood.

“The feeling of Oak Park and how it’s been developing is important,” Schenirer said. “(The neighborhood) is on a move upward, and (the Med Center) is one of the main assets that they can claim in their neighborhood.”

Despite McCarty’s argument that the practical matters from being adjacent to the Med Center are the most important, Graswich and others – including Mike Boyd, president of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association – have questioned what appears to be a “power grab” by McCarty.

“There is no impact (from shifting districts) on the redistricting map in terms of numbers,” Boyd said, “so it must be political.”

“(Oak Park) has for decades been treated as the poor part of the family,” Boyd said. “We’ve (been) the ones (everyone) can take advantage of.”

“No one reached out to Oak Park to ask what (residents) felt about it,” Boyd said.

“I have no comment on McCarty’s motives,” Schenirer said, “but the fact that neither (Elmhurst nor Oak Park) was consulted before the (Neighborhoods 2.0) plan was laid out is telling. No one who drew these maps talked to the community about how (residents) felt about it.”

“It has unnecessarily pitted one neighborhood against the other,” Schenirer said.

As far as the Med Center is concerned, the district it is located in makes no difference to the work the center does – or to the benefit it provides to the region.

Robert Waste, assistant director of government and community relations for the UC Davis Health System and the Med Center, said Wednesday that the issue of redistricting is “a determination for the City Council to make.”

“We work with all of the council districts,” Waste said. “Our buildings and our operations deal extensively with all of these council districts on a range of issues from schools to workforce development.”

“There has been a neighborhood task force which has ebbed and flowed over the years, and we use it and will continue to use it in the future to solve problems.”

Waste said the task force was initiated by the Med Center to work with “all neighborhoods in every direction of the compass.”

Waste declined to comment further on any opinion or preference for which district the Med Center should be located in.

“We’ve had a neutral position (on this issue) from day one,” Waste said. “Our business is patient care and health, and we’re going to stay out of the politics and stick to our mission.”

“Some people speaking at the last council meeting said they felt they were ‘losing’ the Med Center,” McCarty said, “but the center is not moving. It will still be right where it sits.”

McCarty noted that the district the Capitol building is in has changed, and so has the district that includes the Sac State campus.

“Boundaries change,” McCarty said. “Population changes. It happens.

“I stand by this map,” McCarty said, “and I stand by my constituents who think there is a crystal-clear link between the Elmhurst neighborhood and the Med Center.”

“I thought (having the Med Center in District 5) was a flaw in the 2001 redistricting,” McCarty said, “and I think it should be corrected now.”

Oak Park residents and community leaders will hold a Unity March at 6 p.m. on Thursday to protest the proposed new district lines. The march will start at the Sacramento Food Bank (3333 3rd Ave.) and end at the UC Davis Medical Center.

The final vote on the new redistricting map is set for Sept. 6.

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

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market breaks ground in Oak Park

2011-08-31T23:00:26Z

Sacramento, CA | Tim Mason, CEO of California based Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, with Mayor Kevin Johnson, Councilman Jay Schenirer and other community memberrs broke ground Wednesday morning in a well attended ceremony in Oak Park.

The market will be built on the north west corner of Broadway and 34th Street. Mayor Kevin Johnson stated that when he came back from college he said "what can we do with this piece of property? As a year or two went by, you realize that properites this size get into the wrong hands." Johnson bought the land in 2002 and just held it "till the right person came in or the right company said 'we want to do something that will be an assest to the community.'" Prior to Fresh & Easy, Johnson stated that "they wanted to put a used appliance store there..." Johnson stated that this (Fresh & Easy) is the right business.

“I’m excited to welcome Fresh & Easy to our neighborhood,” said Johnson. “Fresh & Easy is not only bringing more good jobs to Sacramento, but also high-quality, healthy food at affordable prices to neighborhoods that don’t always have access to such foods.”

Johnson thanked Chris Brown who worked tirelessly and handled the real estate transaction, making sure the properety fell into the right hands.

In his opening remarks, Mason stated, "We hope to continue to be part of the solution in providing greater food access and help give food options to all types of communities... at a price they can afford right where they live."

Mason stated they have opened 137 stores since they opened in 2007, invested over two billion dollars and created more than 4500 jobs. In Oak Park, the new store will create 300 construction jobs and when it is finished it will create 30 retail jobs for the community.

"We have worked very hard to create a thoughtful business and a business that can make a difference in the community" Mason stated.

In a press release, Fresh & Easy noted the locations opening in greater Sacramento in 2012

Watt Ave. & El Camino Ave.- Sacramento
34th St. & Broadway- Sacramento
Mack Rd. & Franklin Blvd.- Sacramento
Lincoln & Sterling Rd.- Lincoln
Elk Grove Florin Rd. & Calvine Rd.- Elk Grove
E. Natoma St. & Blue Ravine Rd.- Folsom

"When you say Oak Park, when you put those two words together, people show up; people have been showing up for a long time. We are hitting our stride in this community; we are doing great things" Councilman Jay Schenierer stated.

"I know you said that you like to put your stores in all types of communities, so on behalf of Oak Park, I want to thank you for putting your store in the best and most engaged community that we have in Sacramento" Schenirer stated to Mason.

"When you look at Oak Park you see a diverse community, not just one sector of Sacramento" said Schenirer

Fresh & Easy has created nearly 5,000 jobs in California, Arizona and Nevada. Entry-level positions start at $10 an hour in California and provide room for employees to grow quickly. The company offers quarterly bonuses of up to 10% as well as a 401(k) with company match. Fresh & Easy believes everyone deserves access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare and provides all employees the opportunity to work at least 20 hours per week, which entitles everyone in the business to vision, prescription drug, dental and medical coverage with Fresh & Easy paying at least 75%.

In an impromptu open dialog, Mason committed to Johnson to install a solar roof and create space on the grounds for community members to sell their produce from the community gardens being developed. As a gesture and token of the commitment, Mason took his tie off and gave it to Johnson. Johnson holding the tie up stated that he would wear the tie at the ribbon cutting when the store opens.

"Fresh & Easy is going to open six stores in this area, that's a total of 150 jobs. We have double digit unemployment rates; that is a big deal." Johnson stated.

Fresh & Easy touts being a "green" company and you can learn more about them at their site>>>

Fresh & Easy invites community members to join their "Friends" to say in the know>>>

View more photos from this event>>>

Mayor Kevin Johnson discusses Third Grade Reading Campaign

2011-08-24T01:42:27Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday at his weekly press conference that the Third Grade Reading Campaign to bring up Sacramento’s standard reading level will kick off Wednesday with a community resource fair and a press conference.

Sacramento County third grade reading proficiency rates are well below California standards, according to Stand Up, a nonprofit education program that is a featured initiative of Johnson. Statewide, 44 percent of third graders are reading at grade level, while Sacramento County is at 37 percent, based on the 2011 education statistics.

“When we think about Sacramento, our literacy rates are not what they need to be. We have far too many of our children that are not reading at grade level or proficient,” Johnson said. “This is our commitment: We want to be the first city in the country where we achieve literacy for all third graders. It’s big, it’s bold and we’re very excited.”

The Third Grade Reading Campaign will host a fair from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday at the 40 Acres Art Gallery and Courtyard followed by a press conference at 4:30 p.m.

Stand Up’s monthly meeting will be held at the Guild Theater to discuss the campaign.

Johnson said that five superintendents (of Twin Rivers, Roble, Natomas, Sacramento City Unified, and Elk Grove) are going to be a part of the campaign.

“We’re collectively going after it. It will be by 2020, so it’s an eight-, nine-year goal.”

The Education Resource Fair will include free activities such as the Sacramento Petting Zoo and story time to get kids interested in reading.

In a previous announcement, Johnson asked for volunteers to donate their time for tutoring, reading, and other volunteer activities including parent and community involvement to help kids gain and maintain an interest in reading.

Nik Howard, director of strategic partnerships for Stand Up, the mayor's education initiative, ~~the city,~~ said that even though it is a third-grade literacy campaign, the program is available to all children up to age 8.

“The reason that we’re targeting that age range is because kids are transitioning from learning to read in the third grade,” Howard said. “(Children) need to be able to get information on their own by comprehending their reading.”

Howard added that early child development provides a foundation for third grade, and that is why groups like Head Start and First 5 that provide programs designed to encourage and improve healthy living learning, are involved.

He said that up to age 4, the focus needs to be on building early literacy skills, and when children begin kindergarten, they need to be ready for school and ready for the education that will be provided to them.

“All-America City Award criteria for 2012 is going to be (city grade-level reading),” Johnson said. “If we can achieve and come up with a very concrete and comprehensive implementation plan, then Sacramento has an opportunity to be one of 10 cities selected as All-America city based on our commitment to third-grade reading.”

The All-America City Award is awarded to cities that achieve outstanding civic accomplishments through successful efforts to address pressing local challenges.

Howard said one of the most heartening things for him during the beginning stages of the campaign was the feeling of a broad base of support across the community.

“All elements in the communities are working on this, (from) the school districts to city government, and we’ve got local service providers in terms of great reading programs, (such as) Head Start (and) First 5,” Howard added. “This is really a community-wide effort that’s going to have to engage the community at all levels, and so far, they’ve really stepped up.”

Howard said the City Schools Collaborative, a program through the mayor’s office, is trying to bring together schools and city government to streamline and share facilities to do anything to help each other out in making Third Grade Reading campaign a priority.

For more information on the Third Grade Reading Campaign, click here.

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this article after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

Friday to be known as 'Greg Bunker Day'

2011-08-11T00:07:48Z

A longtime friend of the homeless and down-and-out, the late Greg Bunker will be officially recognized for his service to the Sacramento area at a benefit concert Friday.

A city resolution honoring Bunker for his 21 years with Francis House will be delivered Friday night.

“Greg was a generous man who left a lasting impact on our community,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said Wednesday. “He was a tireless advocate for the homeless and (worked) hard to serve those less fortunate.”

Bunker died from a heart attack last December.

“His contributions to Sacramento will surely be missed,” Johnson said.

The resolution, which denotes Friday as “Greg Bunker Day,” comes as Francis House doubles its operating hours to 35 hours per week, staying open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and prepares to host a Tower of Power benefit concert on Friday.

“The need now is greater than ever before,” said Faith Whitmore, Francis House executive director. “We see more and more people every day.”

She added that expanding the hours beyond what was previously offered will give more service to those in need, and it was made possible in part by a good turnout to April’s Feast for the Streets.

“It means the world to us to have Mayor Johnson speak about us publicly,” said Sandy Acevedo, Francis House’s manager of direct services. “He knew Greg, and he wants (Bunker’s) work to continue.”

Acevedo said Bunker was always passionate about helping people.

“He returned from Vietnam – he was a vet – and he immediately went to helping people,” she said. “He managed a food bank for a while, and then he took over Francis House.”

When Francis House burned down about 20 years ago, Acevedo said, Bunker was instrumental in rebuilding it.

City Councilman Steve Cohn said he thinks there are few people in Sacramento who were more dedicated to trying to help the homeless and down-and-out people than Bunker and Francis House.

“I always found him to be a very gentle and peaceful person,” Cohn said Wednesday. “Even when you were talking about difficult subjects, he had an inner peace to him that really came through.”

Cohn said that though the resolution only sets aside this year’s Aug. 12 as Greg Bunker Day, Sacramentans should not count it out for future years as well.

“He helped I don’t know how many hundreds and thousands of people through tough times,” Cohn said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t some effort to continue to use his memory to continue his work.”

Whitmore said the nonprofit organization is inextricably linked to Bunker, and his work will go on.

“He had a lot of joy about him,” she said. “He instilled passion, compassion and joy in other people. His was a life of unending service.”

The expansion in hours at Francis House means those in need can receive new services, including life coaching, tutoring for the GED test and a childcare center people can use as they receive career counseling on-site.

Late-afternoon classes will also be provided, centering on topics involving parenting, literacy and anger management, among others.

The center will continue to provide the services it has historically, including help with obtaining California identification and settling families into apartments.

The new hours and services will go into effect Sept. 1.

According to the resolution, which can be viewed by clicking here, Francis House helped 30,000 people last year with resources and counseling, placed 1,900 people in hotel rooms and helped clients find 140 jobs.

Friday’s Tower of Power concert at the Radisson Hotel will donate all of its proceeds to the nonprofit organization, Acevedo said.

Michael Fahn of Fahn & Co., Inc., was a friend of Bunker’s, and this will be the first time Francis House has had such a large benefit concert, she added.

Tickets will be $34 and are available at Francis House, 1422 C St., until 3 p.m. Friday and at Dimple Records stores. They can also be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the door.

The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. and will include a raffle for items such as art and 14-karat gold jewelry.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Utilities audit promises big savings, questions linger

2011-08-06T00:48:08Z

The utilities department will be able to save more than $40 million over the next four years, according to an audit presented to the City Council Thursday, but some debate the accuracy of those numbers.

According tho the audit, which can be read here, six main areas of the utilities department can be run more efficiently.

The savings in the 2012 fiscal year would amount to approximately $8.6 million. The audit was requested by Mayor Kevin Johnson and Councilman Kevin McCarty last October, partially in response to a ballot measure that dealt with utilities rates, with McCarty saying it should be on the audit schedule ahead of other audits.

City Auditor Jorge Oseguera said that when talking to the utilities department, officials told him the department is in support of most of the findings and has plans to take action on them.

The report suggests that the city not replace backyard water mains before the end of their useful life, as it has been doing, since new meter-reading technology makes it unnecessary, Oseguera said, adding that the technology makes their moves redundant.

According to the report, that savings alone would amount to more than $31 million over four years.

New vehicle routing software could save approximately $1 million through fiscal year 2015, and more public education about recycling bins could streamline the process, saving more than $2 million in the same timeframe, according to the report.

Oseguera added that water treatment plants are staffed 24 hours per day with multiple people, but if two or three full-time equivalent employees could be reduced, that would save more than $2 million over four years.

Marcia Mooney, a spokeswoman for the Local 39 union, which represents the plant workers, said Sacramento’s drinking water is the best in the state and 18th-best in the country, according to a report released last year.

“If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” she said, adding that there is a shortage of skilled plant operators, and laying off two or three would jeopardize the safety of the drinking water, and replacing the plant workers would be difficult.

“People generally don’t like change,” she said, referring to the morale dip she expects if plant workers are laid off. “If you make things uncomfortable (for those not laid off), they can find other jobs.”

Another point in the audit report recommends changing the city’s two-vehicle loose-in-the-street garbage pickup to a single vehicle of a different type.

Currently, the city uses a garbage truck followed by a tractor with a claw that picks up loose-in-the-street garbage and deposits it into the truck. The report points out that the city could save as much as $5.5 million by switching to a single “boom truck” that has a crane-like claw device to pick up garbage.

Councilman Steve Cohn said Thursday he questions the amount of savings the report anticipates from stopping the water meter relocation and changing the loose-in-the-street garbage pickup.

“It’s not clear that the boom truck is the best solution for Sacramento,” he said, adding that the report “gave some great ideas.”

Councilman Darrell Fong said the Department of Utilities has done tests with the boom truck for garbage pickup and has not found it to be efficient.

Mayor Kevin Johnson addressed the audit in his Tuesday press conference, saying he was looking forward to receiving it, but he also had some criticisms.

“I think (the audit) is long overdue,” he said. “I’ve been talking about it for two and half years. I felt that we should have done a top-to-bottom audit much sooner, and here we are, two or three years down the road. Money literally is going down the drain."

He added that the utilities department will be having some “tough conversations” as a result of the audit.

“I think we need more accountability,” Johnson said. “I think the public deserves to know that issues are being addressed in a timely manner, not (that they are) something that we’ll get to ‘eventually.’ ”

Since the utilities department is an enterprise fund – meaning the services must be fully self-supporting and cannot charge more than the service costs – the money saved as a result of actions taken after the audit could not go into the general fund to pay for things such as police, fire, and parks and recreation. Any savings would result in lower utilities rates to residents.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell Staff Reporter Melissa Corker contributed to this report.

Shirey hired as city manager

2011-08-05T05:34:58Z

John Shirey will take the job as Sacramento’s newest city manager Sept. 1 after being confirmed by the City Council in an 8-1 vote in closed session Thursday night.

Mayor Kevin Johnson, who was the only “no” vote, said he and the council are “very excited” to have Shirey on board.

He added at a post-meeting press conference that he and the council unanimously agree that Shirey is an honest person and the proper amount of vetting was done before hiring him.

Shirey was called to the podium to make a few quick remarks during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

“To be able to assume the position of city manager is a great highlight for me in my life and my career,” Shirey said.

The details of the job agreement – including salary – were not available Thursday night and are expected to be released Monday and approved by the City Council Tuesday, according to city spokeswoman Amy Williams.

He will have a contract, which Johnson said will be the first time for a city manager in Sacramento, but details won’t be known until Monday or Tuesday.

Shirey most recently served as executive director of the California Redevelopment Association and also served as city manager for Cincinnati.

Johnson, who has expressed his dissatisfaction with the hiring process on his blog, saying he was disappointed with the number of candidates, praised Shirey’s experience at the local level in many cities, including Long Beach and Los Angeles.

When interviewed by The Sacramento Press two weeks ago, Shirey said that, if he got the job, fiscal responsibility and taking care of Sacramento’s budget would be his first priority.

Thursday night, he pledged to work with the City Council and mayor “in the most efficient and economical way possible.”

After the City Council meeting, Shirey said he sees the city already taking steps in the right direction, noting the Department of Utilities audit, which was also presented to the council Thursday night.

Johnson said the main priorities moving forward will be fixing the structural imbalance in the city budget, working with labor organizations and restructuring organizations within the city to be more efficient.

Shirey said he is looking to work with the mayor and council in its entirety, saying he doesn’t have his own agenda for the city.

“It’s not my agenda, it’s our agenda,” he said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

City manager search draws to a close – will it be Shirey?

2011-08-02T00:52:55Z

The search for a new city manager – which began nearly five months ago when Gus Vina resigned as interim city manager – may be coming to an end this week.

John Shirey, current executive director of the California Redevelopment Association, was recently named as a front-runner for the position, and now it appears that a finalized contract between Shirey and the city is in the works.

The City Council will be discussing the city manager position in a closed session Tuesday afternoon, however, city spokeswoman Amy Williams said that they do not anticipate any sort of announcement after that session.

“The city is currently negotiating with the preferred candidate,” Williams said. However, “no formal action has been taken by the council.”

Williams confirmed that those negotiations are with Shirey and said that the City Council will vote on the selection of a new city manager in a closed session, but the members are required by the Brown Act to report on that vote in an open session right after a decision is made.

If Shirey accepts the position, he will be the fifth person to hold the city manager spot (including interim city managers) since 2005 – a situation the mayor said is “nothing to brag about.”

In a recent blog post, Mayor Kevin Johnson spoke about his disappointment in the candidate pool for the position, saying “the water hasn’t run as deep” as he’d like.

Still, Johnson said that he will support the council’s final selection for city manager.

Councilman Jay Schenirer declined to comment on any of the city manager candidates Monday, saying that, “until we’re at the end and announcements are made,” it’s still a personnel matter.

“Our labor people are doing the negotiations,” Schenirer said, “and since it’s on (Tuesday’s closed session) agenda, I expect we’ll hear from them after that.”

Tom Hart, deputy director for the Calif. Redevelopment Association, said that when he heard that Shirey was the leading candidate for the city manager position, he was “sad for CRA but very happy for the city of Sacramento.”

Hart talked about some of the economic development programs that Shirey was a part of during his time in Cincinnati and Long Beach, calling the projects examples of “building better communities.”

Hart said Shirey has done some significant things that have improved each of the cities and counties that he’s worked for.

“He has an excellent feel for what’s going on in Sacramento and what direction to take it,” Hart said. “He’s a good person to have on board.”

Brian Holloway, president of Holloway Land Company, a land development and entitlement consulting firm, said that Shirey’s background with the Calif. Redevelopment Association will serve him well if he should be selected for the city manager position.

“Coming from the state RDA,” Holloway said, “he will have a natural inclination for economic development and the benefits of redevelopment and improving the downtown corridor.”

Holloway said that, despite the outcome of any policy issues being considered in the courts regarding redevelopment agencies, Shirey will still have an economic development focus.

“He’s had that focus for a long time, and that bodes well for the city,” Holloway said.

With the resignation of Interim City Manager Gus Vina in March, the city appointed a new interim city manager until a new permanent city manager could be found.

In April, Bill Edgar was brought in as interim city manager on a three-month contract for $46,800, and $15,600 per month thereafter.

Because Edgar’s contract was for only three days per week, Betty Masuoka was appointed to augment the interim city manager team for two to three days per week during the same period. Masuoka is paid through city payroll as a temporary, nonbenefit employee earning $100 per hour, according to city documents.

Both the contract with Edgar and the appointment of Masuoka will end when a new city manager is appointed. According to WIlliams, Edgar and Masuoka will complete their term for the city at the end of August.

According to Shirey, negotiations with the city are “still in the phase where we don’t yet know if we have a deal or not.”

“It’s not a matter of arm wrestling,” Shirey said. “It’s just a matter of working out details and getting everything done so all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed.”

Shirey said that, once everything is finalized, he would expect to take the position at the beginning of September.

According to Williams, the city has a total contract with a recruitment firm for $55,300, which is used for the recruitment of top city positions, including city manager.

The estimated cost for the recruitment of the city manager is $27,650, however, the total cost won’t be available until all of the outstanding invoices have been received, Williams said.

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

Natomas Community Group to Donate Equipment to Police & Fire Depts.

2011-08-01T22:30:09Z

Investigative & Lifesaving Gear to Honor Fallen on 9/11

A volunteer neighborhood association in North Natomas collected over $6,600 using old-fashioned community fundraising to purchase equipment for their nearest fire and police stations in anticipation of the upcoming ten year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and to honor the sacrifices of hundreds of public safety personnel who perished on that day.

The gifts will be presented to captains of the police and fire departments in a ceremony at the association's fourth annual National Night Out celebration in Witter Ranch Park on Tuesday evening.

Witter Ranch Community Alliance, which covers nearly 1,400 detached homes and over 400 apartments, raised the funds in partnership with Sacramento's all-volunteer non-profit Drowning Accident Rescue Team (D.A.R.T.). With proceeds from a huge community yard sale, a hot dog barbecue, individual donations, and soliciting area merchants, and by negotiating discounts with equipment suppliers, they succeeded in purchasing a MultiRAE portable gas and explosive compound detector for their new fire station (opening in a couple of weeks) and a Cellebrite forensics system for Sacramento Police Department's Kinney Station in North Sacramento.

"We told them our plans and asked them what they wanted, and that's what they said they needed, so our community worked very hard to deliver," said Janice Brannon, former WRCA board member and chairperson of the committee for the effort. "We are honored to be able to do this for them."

"Witter Ranch Community Alliance was formed in response to concerns for our community's safety, so it's absolutely fitting that we do this for our partners at our police and fire departments," said Keith Sharward, WRCA co-founder and board member. "They do so much for us so it's wonderful that we can do this for them."

"This just goes to prove how dedicated our community is on public safety. This is about saving property and saving lives," said Jason Alexander who serves on WRCA's board and volunteers for D.A.R.T. and the fire department's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Fundraising efforts had been going strong but were not keeping pace with the aggressive deadline. Then came news from their neighborhood Wells Fargo Bank branch that they would contribute generously towards the effort. "I was profoundly touched by the generosity of this donor to our cause," Brannon said. "I knew then that we were going to make our goal."

No taxpayer dollars are involved in the purchase.

"This couldn't have come a better time for us," said James Maccoun, captain of Sacramento Police Department's North Command. "Our budget has been cut to the bone so these sorts of purchases are increasingly difficult for us. Having the Cellabrite system here at the station will save our officers a lot of time and help with certain types of investigations."

"This will really help us in our response to calls regarding possible gas leaks," said Jaymes Butler, one of the captains of Fire Station 18, currently WRCA's nearest station several miles away, and vice president of Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522. "This MultiRAE detector might save a life someday, and that life could be that of a firefighter."

Also scheduled to attend the ceremony in Witter Ranch Park at 6 PM Tuesday are Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Sacramento City Councilmember Angelique Ashby, Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, and a representative from Assemblyman Dr. Richard Pan's office.

Disclosure: Keith Sharward is co-founder and Board Member of Witter Ranch Community Alliance, an all-volunteer association for the Gateway West and Park View neighborhoods of North Natomas, and a member of the Natomas Crime & Safety Leadership Team.

Fiesta en la Calle concert finale

2011-08-01T19:12:55Z

Fiesta en la Calle’s summer concert series began on the first Thursday of June and ended this past week. The nine free concerts at Cesar Chavez Plaza came to an end with Gustavo Galindo, Cambio De Piel and Orixa closing out the successful first year concert series.

Vince Vicari served as emcee for the event. As he came to the stage he thanked the event sponsors including Corona, D’Chaleco Magazine and radio station Latino 97.9. Ricardo “El Niño” Rayas once again served as DJ for the show.

Vicari took the stage to introduce the evening’s performances saying, “We have three great bands out here tonight. We are very excited to close our summer concert series this way. We also have great food provided by great vendors out here tonight. Let’s get this under way with our first band shall we? This guy is a Sacramento native and has been out there trying to make it big-time. He’s come back to visit. He has a new recording out entitled Entre la Ciudad y el Mar his latest album. You can pick up your own copy after the show so make sure to come by and say hi to him and members from all the other bands. It’s our pleasure to introduce to all of you, Gustavo Galindo.”

Gustavo Galindo was joined on stage by his other band members; Josh Sonntag, Luke Benedum and Brian Zarlenga (drums). Gustavo Galindo sings in both English and Spanish but most of his songs were in Spanish while as he talked to the audience he spoke English. His strong stage presence and sound has brought the band many fans.

Galindo welcomed the audience saying, “I’m happy to be home in Sacramento. We want to thank everybody for coming out and hope you enjoy a good night of music. This next song is from our new album Entre la Ciudad y el Mar. It’s called ‘Te Perdí’ it’s about when you win and you lose and the thing is that you learn from what you lose and that makes you who you are and that’s what this song is about.”

“Paracaidas” (Parachutes) was their next song. As they played their pop/rock songs from their last release many fans saw the talent behind Galindo and his band mates. Their Entre la Ciudad y el Mar (In Between the City and the Sea) release debuted at #1 on the iTunes Latin Pop charts and #14 on the Latin Pop Billboard charts.

A huge Latin music market exists and continues to grow. These concerts are attended by music lovers and the concert series has played all genres of music including Latin alternative, rock, pop, reggaeton, reggae, ska, cumbia, salsa, WorldBeat and a combination of all of these.

Galindo introduced his song “Amor de Alta Mar” (Love in the Open Sea) by giving thanks to Sacramento fans saying “We’d like to dedicate this song to all the people who are here who played an influence in my life; from Sacramento Country Day School and parents and friends who I’ve met to say thank you. This song is dedicated to all of you.“

Several others songs were played as they came to the end of their set with “Llevate” (Take). Galindo thanked the Sacramento audience for making them feel welcome at their first Sacramento concert and said they’d like to come back more often in the future. Galindo ended the set with “La Ciudad” (The City) and dedicated it to the city of Sacramento where he grew up.

Vicari came back to introduce the next act. He reminded the audience that radio 97.9 was giving away promo items and names were drawn in between acts. Vicari introduced Mayor Kevin Johnson who made an appearance to say a few words.

Johnson, wearing a polo shirt with the Kings logo, said, “How we doing Sacramento? Thank you all for coming out, we’re so excited. This is the best of Sacramento. You look around and you see the diversity, the multiculturalism that makes up Sacramento. We have to give a hand to the man who puts this on. Miguel, where you at? Please give a round of applause for Miguel. The man behind the scenes.” Miguel Castillo came to the stage to receive a warm welcome and thanks.

Johnson continued, “I get a chance to introduce the next band. Are you guys ready for some music? Sacramento, you know we have a lot of local talent and this band is from Sacramento, let’s make some noise for C-D-P.” Arturo Barrega, lead vocals, thanked Mayor Johnson and welcomed the audience.

Their music was a blend of alternative, funk, reggae and rock. Alonso Camacho, guitar, Jair Camacho, bass, Rene Ramos, guitar, and Jesus Ceballos, drums, make up the band Cambio de Piel (Change of Skin).

Cambio de Piel (CDP) started with a great rock guitar riff and as they went through their set their rock roots were at the core of their songs, most or all which were sung in Spanish. Barrega’s vocals incited the audience to come closer to the stage.

They played several of their hits including “Hecho de Tí” (Made From You). As they continued to rock CDP also thanked the sponsors specially Corona but noted that nobody had brought them a drink and in the heat of the day they needed at least one. They took time to thank Mayor Johnson as well and then jumped into one of their newer songs called “Tiempo” (Time).

As they continued to play many of their own compositions they took time to play a Jorge Negrete song which started many in the audience to sing along as they sang “Mexico Lindo y Querido”. Their hard rock rendition of the Mexican classic song had many in the beer garden singing along.

Another hard rock song “Entre la Obscuridad” (Within Darkness) showed their dynamic range as they continued to energize the audience. As they ended their set the crowd chanted “one more song” but alas it was not to be. It’s always nice to leave your audience wanting more. After CDP left the stage more raffle winners were called to pick up 97.9 merchandise.

This Wednesday, August 3 CDP, Zoe and Diciembre Gris will be playing at Harlow’s.

In between performances Ricardo “El Niño” Rayas put together some mixes for the crowd to enjoy.

Miguel Castillo came to the stage and said, “I am really humbled by the attention and the support we have received from the community, it’s been awesome. This concert series is for you guys that’s why we’re bringing so many different styles of artists from Goth, regaetton, punk cumbia, rock and salsa. Next year we promise to bring you more of that. What you like is what we’re going to be bringing to the stage for you. We just ask that you keep coming and spread the word. I want to thank the people that have made this concert series possible. A lot of credit should go to Corona they’ve made this possible building the foundation. A special thanks to all those who volunteered their time.” Castillo also thanked Kevin Johnson, the vendors, and the city of Sacramento.

The last band to take the stage was Orixa. They began their set saying, “This is Orixa from the East Bay, put your hands together. I know it’s hot and you guys have been sitting down but it’s time to get up. Get on your feet and let the blood flow through your body.” Rowan Jimenez, Orixa’s lead singer elicited cheers from the audience and they crowd responded well.

Their sound is a mixture of Latin hip-hop, rock, alternative and reggae. After their first song they went on to play “The American” from their Siembra album. Their Spanish rap songs were done quite well as they mixed hip-hop with some heavy guitar sounds. As they continued to play more people moved closer to the stage and Orixa encouraged those in the back to come forward as well.

While many bands that play Spanish and English songs they choose one or the other language but some of Orixa’s songs use Spanglish giving them more versatility as they play. Most of their songs though are just great to dance to as they touch various genres of music on one set or sometimes in just one song.

At every change Orixa tried to get the audience involved and eventually most of the crowd took part as they played “Funky Lazy”.

Rowan Jimenez, lead vocal, took the microphone to tell the audience a little about Orixa. Jimenez said, “We’ve been a band who has been together for at least 15 years now. We took a little hiatus for the past 4 years as we went to take care of some business. Now we’re back, and just for this week we assembled this show and brought together some friends. Thank you very much for being here today.” Jimenez introduced another song from the Siembra album called “Gonk! (gonna rock the boat!)”.

Many friends and family members of Orixa were present at the show and several kids belonging to band members danced up and down the stage and it was wonderful to watch them sing along with their fathers and other kin.

As they came to the end of their show they played “Lucha, por la freedom” (Fight for Freedom), “La Razón” (The Reason), and a crowd favorite the catchy song, “Siembra” (Sow).

Their last song was “Sacudete” (Shake it Off). This was another popular song that was a request. The last show of the season was a delight and the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, bands and the fans should be thanked for their contributions.

Fiesta en la Calle is planning to come back next year and if you liked the concert series be sure to let Miguel Castillo know about it as planning for next year’s line-up may have already started.

Sacramento participates in National Night Out

2011-07-29T00:54:21Z

More than 50 neighborhood parties will be held Tuesday as Sacramento participates in the 28th annual National Night Out.

It’s about crime prevention, said Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong. “The idea is you get out, get to know your neighbors and show you’re visible to prevent crime.”

Leong said the block parties allow neighbors to get to know each other in a fun way, and that helps with building a stronger community.

There is no specific criteria that needs to be followed for a National Night Out event, since it is about getting neighbors together and having a good time.

“It can be as simple as an ice cream social or a bunch of neighbors hanging out together,” he said.

Police, Fire Department and elected officials make the rounds of events registered with the city, and Leong said it’s a good way to build relationships with local officials as well as help connect with officers in a relaxed manner.

To register an event, click here. Events registered by Friday will have the best chance of getting an official visit, Leong said.

LaTisha Lawson, a board member for the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, said National Night Out is a great way for residents to meet each other and start working toward bettering their communities.

“It’s an opportunity for residents to get out of their houses and take back the streets in a positive way,” she said. “They can meet each other, and then they can get together and take it to the next level and make a positive change.”

She added that many National Night Out events are formed by neighborhood watch groups, and having police and public officials come by is helpful.

“Residents and public officials can really talk about the issues in their neighborhood and really get that kind of face time with elected officials,” she said.

She added that she has written grants through the California Endowment to bring more activities – such as face-painting and music – to make the events even more fun.

City Councilman Kevin McCarty said this will be his eighth year participating in National Night Out as an elected official, and it’s one of the highlights of the year for him.

“We get out in a casual setting, and we get to talk about the neighborhood,” he said. “That certainly gives you a leg up as far as being able to address any challenges you might be facing.”

He said the events are usually small in size, with between 20 and 25 people attending, and it allows for more-intimate conversations.

“(On National Night Out), it’s not about them coming up to the council dais and talking in a formal setting,” he said. “It’s nice to just have a conversation about their street and their neighborhood.”

McCarty said he usually makes it to abut five parties in his district per year, spending about 45 minutes at each one.

Mayor Kevin Johnson mentioned National Night Out at the City Council meeting Tuesday, saying he is looking forward to having a good time visiting the different events, as he did last year.

Leong said the events are easy to start and don’t require any complex organization.

“If you haven’t heard of anything in your neighborhood, really that’s your chance to knock on a couple of doors and say, ‘Hey, it’s National Night Out and we’re getting together to barbecue some hot dogs out front. Come on over,’ ” he said.

In his North Natomas neighborhood, where a neighborhood watch group is forming, Leong said he sent an email out to the list he had for neighborhood watch.

“We’re just going to have it out where a lot of people pass by so the ones who aren’t involved can stop by and say hi,” he said.

Since National Night Out events are not organized by the city or any official group, the times vary according to whatever each event organizer thinks is best, Leong said, though most tend to start around 5 - 6 p.m.

To read about two Sacramento Neighborhoods that participated in National Night Out last year, click here and here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Redistricting meeting sees new maps, accusations

2011-07-27T06:29:30Z

The redistricting process became more complicated at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting as new maps were introduced and ethics accusations levelled.

Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy called the integrity of the Citizens Advisory Redistricting Committee into question after finding out one of the committee members anonymously submitted a map.

In a move Mayor Kevin Johnson called disappointing, both Sheedy and Councilman Steve Cohn submitted their own maps, adding to the final four recommended by the citizens committee.

One of the final four maps recommended by the committee was listed as having an anonymous author, but it was revealed in the past few days that it was drawn by Steve Hansen, one of the committee members – a move that split the council and the committee.

“That’s wrong,” Sheedy said. “I think there was a real serious ethical lapse here. I guess my Catholic background tells me that there was a lie of omission.”

During public comment on the issue, Hansen contended that by turning in an anonymous map, it allowed his map to be judged on merit and not based on the fact that he presented it.

Hansen is active in the gay community, which advocated for recognizing the LGBT community as one of the “communities of interest,” which the law orders to be kept together.

“There’s no doubt that you are afraid of what redistricting brings,” Hansen said to the council in a nod to the fact that some redistricting options would pit council members against one another as their districts are redrawn.

“We’re supposed to live in a meritocracy,” Hansen said, “but merit does not stand on its own.”

He pointed out that several council members submitted maps through proxies and said that he was not in violation of the guidelines, which allowed for anonymous submissions.

Other committee members said during public comment that they did not know the map was drawn by Hansen.

Bill Camp, the committee member appointed by Sheedy, echoed Sheedy’s sentiments about the process.

“This process has no integrity,” he said. “There’s no honesty in these plans. It was a scam.”

Councilman Jay Schenirer, who who appointed Hansen, said he wasn’t aware that Hansen had authored the map until a couple of days ago.

Schenirer said he doesn’t want to throw out the work of the committee and trusts that Hansen’s map was judged on its own merit.

Johnson said he wishes it had been done a little bit differently, but does not think it affects the integrity of the process.

“I guess in hindsight I wish you would have put your name on the darned thing, but I don’t think by any stretch of the imagination should your map not be considered,” he said.

Other speakers during public comment – of which there were about 12 – generally advocated for lumping the central city into one district. It is currently split into three districts. Others wanted their neighborhoods – notably Del Paso Heights – kept together.

Three of the four maps from the committee kept the central city together, as well as both of the maps submitted by council members.

Cohn was first to debut his map, suggesting that the committee overlooked the need to keep Sacramento’s individual neighborhoods together.

“What I tried to do with this map is keep neighborhoods together,” he said. “The net result is I lose Midtown. From a sentimental standpoint, it’s very difficult.”

He said people made a persuasive case for keeping the central city together.

Sheedy introduced her map next, arguing that the other maps all split parts of North Sacramento or lumped other areas together where there is no physical connectivity, as they are split by a drainage canal and railroad tracks.

Sheedy said that her map better represents minorities, giving the Latino population a 30 percent stake in four districts.

The introduction of the two maps by council members was a move Johnson called disappointing.

“I thought we had the chance, with the citizens advisory committee, to really take politics out of the equation,” he said, adding that the greatest thing the council could do to honor the work of the committee would be to choose one of its four maps.

“I think what we’re doing today is undermining the whole process,” he said. “We use words like transparency, and we said that over and over, and all of a sudden we whip out two maps today.”

The next scheduled hearing on the redistricting maps will be held Aug. 9, and another meeting on Aug. 23 is scheduled, where the council is expected to make a motion of intent to choose one of the maps.

It is likely that whichever of the six maps is chosen will have its boundaries adjusted during the process before the final approval.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

City manager front-runner emerges

2011-07-22T19:07:45Z

California Redevelopment Association Executive Director John Shirey emerged as the front-runner Friday for Sacramento’s city manager position.

“Right now, we’re going through the process (of hiring a city manager),” said City Councilman Darrell Fong. “He is definitely the strong candidate, and he is definitely the focus.”

The council has not made a decision, though there was a closed-session meeting Monday in which the city manager search was the topic. The city has been without a city manager since Ray Kerridge resigned in March, 2010.

In the meantime, both Gus Vina and a former city manager, Bill Edgar, served as interim city managers. Edgar is currently serving as interim city manager.

Shirey told The Sacramento Press Friday that the news is “a little premature because we haven’t made an agreement yet,” but confirmed that the city has indicated to him that he is a strong candidate.

“It’s a sensitive point in the discussion, and I want to make sure I don’t breach any confidences with the mayor and City Council,” he said, declining to speculate on whether an offer will be forthcoming.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson wrote on his blog Friday that he is unhappy with the direction the city manager search has taken, but will respect the collective decision of the City Council.

“Having reviewed the pool of applicants in our latest search for a new city manager, I am disappointed to report the water has not run as deep as I would have hoped,” he wrote.

Fong told The Sacramento Press Friday that a little over 30 applicants responded to the national search.

“I was comfortable with the process,” Fong said. “To me, the candidate base, it could have been larger, yes, but I have been through a lot of (hiring) processes with the Police Department, and I think (the city manager search consultants) did a good job.”

In a prepared statement Friday, Johnson said: "I'm disappointed in the process. It's the same process that has led to five city managers in less than six years. It's clear I have a different vision for the city and this position than the majority of council. But, I will respect our collective decision, and join all of my colleagues in offering my full support to the new city manager."

On his blog, he wrote that “a revolving door in your city manager’s office is nothing to brag about” and added that having repeated city manager searches does not instill leadership in a city.

But Fong said he thinks Shirey will fit the bill.

“If he is selected, I am confident he will do a very good job,” Fong said, describing Shirey as very professional and well-respected.

Shirey, 62, served as city manager for Cincinnati from 1993-2001 and said he is most proud of the redevelopment of the waterfront.

“When I arrived, it was mostly parking lots, abandoned rail lines and broken-down warehouses,” Shirey said. “It is now in a totally different state, including two new sports stadiums, which led to the retention of the Bengals and a home for the Reds.”

The Bengals arena, however, has been a controversial issue as noted in this recent Wall Street Journal article.

He said another accomplishment he oversaw in Cincinnati was the beautification of a freeway that traversed the area between much of the city and the waterfront.

“It’s a much safer route, and we incorporated a multimodal transportation center,” he said.

An arena and multimodal transit hub are two big projects the city of Sacramento is currently working on, but Shirey said that, if hired, those would not be his first tasks.

“I think the priority for me and the priority for the City Council is, first of all, we have to bring financial stability to the government, and we have to think how we’re going to do things differently that are going to be more efficient and economical while maintaining the important services the citizens expect,” he said.

Fong said talks of arenas and transit hubs did not factor heavily into the interview process, and were not brought up in the interviews he sat in on.

“He didn’t bring up those points,” Fong said Friday. “He’s talking about bringing economic development to Sacramento.”

After serving as city manager in Cincinnati, Shirey came to the California Redevelopment Association, headquartered in Sacramento.

“He has lived in the city for the past nine or 10 years,” Fong said, adding that it was to his district that Shirey moved. “He has strong knowledge, and given his employment, he’s been keeping up on what’s going on in the city.”

Shirey said he thinks that helps prepare him to take the job if it is offered to him.

“I’m a resident, and I work here,” he said. “Obviously, it has helped me to know the personalities in the city. I know the issues and the challenges it faces.”

Shirey is one of two candidates remaining in a process that drew more than 30 applicants, Fong said, declining to name the other.

The process involved hiring a consultant to conduct a national search for a city manager candidate. Council members gave the consulting firm a list of qualities they were looking for, and after the application process, it was narrowed down to the two remaining ones.

A decision on the city manager position is expected soon. The original contract with Edgar as interim city manager went into effect April 9 and was for a three-month period.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Arena effort gets regional business support

2011-07-22T01:10:32Z

In what Mayor Kevin Johnson called an unprecedented event, 14 chambers of commerce from the Sacramento region announced Thursday that they support an entertainment and sports complex in downtown Sacramento.

Johnson said the backing of the regional business community, which came after a four-county bus trip for Think Big Sacramento, is a commitment to the promise he made to the National Basketball Association earlier this year in New York City that Sacramento is an NBA city and can build a new arena.

“I did not sell Sacramento, I sold our region,” he said, adding that a common commitment to a downtown sports and entertainment complex will provide a more vibrant community.

The major obstacle facing the Think Big Sacramento coalition is developing a financing plan for the $386 million arena, something that was expected from the ICON-Taylor arena development team but was not a part of the report released after a nearly four-month feasibility study.

Johnson said he is confident that a workable public/private partnership will be in place before the end of this year, in time to meet the March 1, 2012 deadline to make serious efforts to build a new arena.

“We don’t want to be in the same situation year after year, and we know that March deadline is coming up. It’ll be here before we know it,” Johnson said, adding that he is confident the self-imposed deadline of having financing options in place by mid-September will be met.

“Then, in subsequent months, the rest of September, October and November, we believe we will have a critical path of a public/private partnership ... all before the end of the year. That’s our goal,” he said.

He alluded to creative funding models and “outside-the-box” thinking on the financing, but he did not give any specifics on funding options, except to address the question of a sales tax.

“No one here wants to do a sales tax,” he said. “We didn’t take it off the table, but we knew that would not fly. We learned that in 2006.”

Martha Lofgren, interim CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, said the Metro Chamber has supported the idea of a downtown arena since at least 2004, and she said regional funding is the only method that makes sense.

“One agency, one local agency can’t do this alone,” she said. “There has to be a regional effort to fund a regional sports and entertainment center.”

She added that a downtown arena will benefit the whole region, not just Sacramento.

“If there’s one thing I think we as a region need right now, it’s an economic catalyst,” she said. “We need to move forward, get the financial picture in place and get the momentum going.”

The independent report released late last month claims that the region will benefit from $7 billion in economic activity over 30 years and create 4,000 jobs.

Some in the community have been skeptical of those numbers and the actual economic effect from an arena, but Lofgren said she believes the numbers are accurate.

“You need to know this is a very thoughtful process that has led up to the announcement today of the support from all of the regional chambers,” she said, adding that the business community has had since the beginning of June to check out and verify the numbers.

Willie Pelote, assistant director for the Political Action Department of the California chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME International), said that as a representative of labor, he also believes the numbers are accurate.

“I think the mayor and his team have been very thorough in making sure that they do the research that’s necessary so when they say something to the public, the public can go and check it out,” he said. “That’s why I think the region’s going to buy into this concept ... we’re looking at job creation.”

He added that he is “very comfortable” with what the finance committee – headed by former Sacramento Treasurer Tom Friery – is doing to make sure it is not being built on the backs of taxpayers.

Other chambers of commerce supporting the downtown arena are the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce, Roseville Chamber of Commerce, Slavic-American Chamber of Commerce and the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce.

Pelote said he expects a similar showing of support from labor organizations in the coming weeks.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Mayor spreads word about the benefits of an entertainment/sports complex

2011-07-13T01:57:27Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson is currently in the process of visiting Sacramento’s six major counties to discuss the benefits of a future entertainment and sports complex along the stretch of what used to be the old Southern Pacific railyards downtown.

At the mayor’s weekly press conference Tuesday, Johnson, who had just visited El Dorado County and the city of Folsom the day before, called his visits “authentic outreach.”

Johnson is going on a bus tour Thursday to visit regions of El Dorado County, Davis, Roseville and Rancho Cordova to seek input from the communities there, he said.

This city-to-city outreach is part of the the mayor’s Think Big Coalition. Johnson said the four guiding principles include putting the taxpayers first, making sure it’s about jobs, acknowledging that having an entertainment/sports complex is bigger than just sports and recognizing the need to win as a region.

“It’s really about us taking the show on the road and talking about the economic impact and benefits of having a new entertainment/sports complex,” Johnson said. “It’s much broader than the city of Sacramento. People of the region love that we’re going to them.”

In order to bolster community participation and support for an entertainment/sports complex, Johnson said there will be a design contest in which citizens will compete to design some part of the space outside of the proposed complex. The details are still being worked out through Citizen Architects, a support group for Think Big Sacramento.

“What makes our region different is the grassroots movement. There’s nowhere else in the country that’s getting the kind of input from its citizens the way we do it in Sacramento.

Johnson said that he is on day 44 of 100 days of their Think Big technical review of examining the old Southern Pacific railyards. Next week, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) will be examining the proposed entertainment/sports complex site.

“The other aspect of the 100 days is the financing,” Johnson said. “We’re looking at the menu of options that would fall into public financing, and we hope to have that done in a 100-day period.”

Other topics discussed included the importance of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Greyhound bus station on Wednesday. The cost for the project was approximately $7 million, Johnson said.

The Community Investment Program (CIP) and share and redevelopment money were used to fund the project, Johnson said.

“We’ve been very frugal and efficient in terms of what we’ve been doing,” Johnson said. The Greyhound station (on L Street) has been something that has been an eyesore for years and we’re excited that we’re finally in a position to relocate the bus station to the new location on Richards Boulevard.”

The new Greyhound bus station was built a year ahead of schedule.

“It will be a state-of-the-art facility and it will be secure. People will feel safe there. Everything we’re doing is green now and we’re going to be a leader in that so it’s a sustainable building,” Johnson said.

Drexel University awards 108 diplomas at inaugural Sacramento commencement ceremony

2011-06-27T21:40:56Z

SACRAMENTO (June 27, 2011) – Drexel University awarded 108 master’s level diplomas on Saturday, June 25, at its first commencement for the university’s Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento.

Sacramento’s historic Crocker Art Museum played host for the this historic event – the first group of Drexel students in Sacramento to graduate and the first commencement ceremony outside of Philadelphia in the university’s 120-year history.

The commencement included students who enrolled in Drexel master’s degree programs in 2009. To date, Drexel has enrolled 424 students in its doctoral, master’s, and post-baccalaureate programs in Sacramento since opening its Center for Graduate Studies in January 2009.

More than 700 people, including graduating students, their families and friends, Drexel alumni, Sacramento faculty, and senior staff members, came together to celebrate the commencement and subsequent reception at the Crocker Art Museum.

“Two and a half years ago, Drexel University embarked on an innovative program to provide high-quality advanced degrees to working professionals in Northern California,” said Carl "Tobey" Oxholm III, Senior Vice President of Drexel and the inaugural Dean of its Center for Graduate Studies. “These first graduates joined us, willing to be a part of creating something new for Drexel University, new for this community, and at the cutting edge in higher education. They embraced that opportunity and distinguished themselves as entrepreneurs and future leaders of Northern California.”

Michael Kieschnick, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of CREDO/Working Assets, delivered the keynote address at the commencement. He also was presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters for his lifetime commitment to civic engagement and social justice. Kieschnick praised Drexel for successfully offering both a high-tech teaching and research environment, and mentoring students on how to actively engage with the community.

Steven Pon was among those first students who began classes in January 2009. Pon, who earned his MBA while working as an IT Project Manager with PASCO, was elected President of the new Graduate Center Alumni Council. He said he achieved much more than he expected from his Drexel experience.

“A Drexel education is so much more than textbooks and exams. Regardless of what area of study, Drexel students gain a new perspective on leadership,” Pon said. “Drexel provides its students with the understanding, encouragement, and connections that we need to get involved in the community and to step into leadership roles. I have gained some valuable additions to my leadership experience. These tools are applicable today and they will be a tremendous help to me in the future.”

Drexel University is a nationally top-ranked, comprehensive, private, not-for profit university, which was founded in Philadelphia in 1891. Drexel’s Center for Graduate Studies is known as one of Northern California's most high-tech educational facilities. In its state-of-the-art classrooms, Drexel teaches six master's, one doctorate and one post-baccalaureate program, that are designed for working professionals, in the fields of entrepreneurial business, higher education, knowledge management and health science. It will award master’s degrees in business administration, human resource development, higher education, nurse education, nurse leadership, information systems and library and information science. It is starting two new master’s programs this fall: Masters in Finance and Master of Medical Science. More information on Drexel's graduate programs in California can be found at www.drexel.edu/sacramento or by calling 916-325-4600.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville

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.

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.

Retention of jobs and public safety are priority for Mayor Kevin Johnson

2011-06-08T02:41:36Z

Despite reports of the city’s proposals to lay off more than 350 jobs, including 80 sworn police officers, during Tuesday’s press conference, Mayor Kevin Johnson said that avoiding such layoffs will be a priority.

Throughout the conference, Johnson said he wanted Sacramento to remain a full-service city and that he hopes to alleviate any distrust between police officers and the city by playing a more active role in addressing the interests of both parties.

“We’re trying to preserve as many jobs as we can and keep public safety at the top of our priorities,” he added.

“We’re about to pass and adopt a budget in about three weeks or so, and we do not want to be in a position where our community, our constituents and the greater Sacramento area are impacted because we can’t create an environment where our streets are safe.”

The weekly press conference was supposed to address city business and the future of an entertainment and sports complex in Sacramento via the “Here We Build” arena campaign, but when the floor opened to questions, the discussion quickly became centered on the current budget situation and, consequently, what Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting might entail.

Tuesday’s council meeting agenda was set at the end of May to address all the controversial potential budget cuts to the Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire departments.

When asked about concerns and potential alternatives to the current budget proposals, the Mayor said that it depended on the discussion that would occur during the council meeting.

He provided three possible outcomes of the upcoming meeting: 1: Tentative decisions will be made on whether the current proposals for each department will occur, 2: Time will run out and the vote will carry on to Thursday or 3: Possibly vote on two of the three departments and keep one floating for discussion again later.

During the conference, Johnson also mentioned the city and state of California’s interest in a high-speed rail due to its long-term cost-effectiveness, decreased carbon footprint and its potential to be an “unbelievable job creator.”

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.

Big names draw a large crowd at education forum

2011-05-21T05:40:24Z

The Guild Theater in Oak Park was host to a forum attended by some of the biggest and most controversial names in education reform Friday evening.

The event was organized by Stand Up Sacramento, a non-profit group chaired by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, and featured speakers such as Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of public schools in Washington, DC, her boss in that position, former Washington DC mayor Adrian Fenty, and Richard Whitmire, former editorial writer at USA Today and author of “The Bee Eater,” a book which chronicles Rhee’s time as chancellor.

The speakers focused on the need to change teacher retention polices nationwide, and in particular the abolishment of the “LIFO,” or last-in-first-out practice of layoffs that most public school districts currently follow.

One after another, the speakers emphasized to the standing room only crowd that this policy does not encourage teacher retention based on student achievement, but rather it protects ineffective teachers with seniority from consequences and termination.

A brief video which preceded the speakers laid the tone for the discussion with its three main points.

Research shows that when teachers are laid off by seniority, some of the best teachers in the district are let go.

Because junior teachers are paid the least, more teachers have to be laid off to close budget deficits.

Low performing schools get hit the hardest, because typically they have the most junior teachers.

Dr. Kadhir Raja, a teacher at Grant High School, told the crowd that last year he was given a pick slip because he had only four years of experience. He recalled the success he was having with algebra students, and said that if replaced with an inefficient teacher with seniority, that would be tantamount to a crime.

“The greatest tragedy is when a great teacher who’s getting results is replaced by a bad teacher, a bad teacher who may be killing kids. Hiring and firing based on seniority is a crime. It’s homicide,” Raja said.

Mayor Johnson asked attendees to get evolved with Students First, a group founded by Rhee that seeks to change education policy by “protecting exceptional teachers, empowering parents with real information and quality school options, and insisting on effective governance in public school systems," according to the Stand Up website.

“There are many states that are farther along (with education reform) than we are. I’m not satisfied with that,” Johnson told the audience. “You guys know I’m competitive. We want to make Sacramento ground zero to real education reform.”

When stating her desires to change the system, Rhee pulled few punches.

“We need to recognize, value and reward the best teachers,“ she said. “We should do everything to keep them in the classroom. If you are not effective, we need to either quickly get you there, or you need to leave the profession. I have not met a parent who disagrees with that notion.”

She added, “I don’t think that teachers are the problem. I actually think that teachers are the solution to the problems that we have. Teachers are the most important factor that we can influence that determines whether or not children are successful.”

Former DC Mayor Fenty wasn’t shy in admitting that this method of education reform can be divisive. He repeatedly eluded that his efforts in DC with Rhee probably partially cost him his re-election.

“I swear the first thing Michelle said (when we first met) was ‘Mayor, you don’t want to hire me. I’m the type of person who causes politicians headaches,’” he said.

“I told her that as long as every decision you make is in the best interest of the kids in this city, I’m going to support you 100 percent.”

Nonetheless, Fenty expressed his continuing endorsement to Rhee’s style of reform and teacher evaluation. He listed statistics which he claimed proved what they had accomplished was effective, and pointed out that his successor was still using the policies his administration had put in place despite running a campaign which promised to dismantle them.

First grade teacher Chandra Irvine, who attended the forum, said afterwards that she left feeling “empowered and inspired.”

“I was laid off from Natomas via pink slip as a new teacher,” Irvine said. “There are a lot of first year, second year teachers that are being laid off due to last-in-first-out.”

“They are the innovative, dedicated, passionate teachers that are making a difference and helping our children succeed. Something is really wrong with the system and we all need to step up and do something about it or it’s never going to change and we’re going to keep failing our kids,” she added.

Even though this debate can be polarizing, Irvine stressed that it’s not a black or white issue.

“There are definitely veteran and senior teachers that are making a difference. It’s not about whether you’re teaching for one year or 20 years. It’s about ‘Are you getting producible results? Are you making a difference? Are you making children successful? Are you educating them?’ That’s the bottom line.”

For more information visit http://www.studentsfirst.org/

DWB: OK, I get it

2011-05-12T00:04:26Z

I attended the Kings victory rally at Cesar Chavez Plaza last night, but I did so reluctantly. I am on record as being somewhat immune to Kings fever, to say the least. I appreciate them for what they do for the town, and I am sensitive to what their departure would mean for us as a city.

It wouldn’t be good.

But I’m not a fan. So I went grudgingly, mostly because I live nearby and it was on my way somewhere else. It was a news event regarding a crucial current concern. Why not?

I left, if not a believer, then certainly more engaged than I had been, and even a little moved.

I don’t love the Sacramento Kings, but I have loved the Giants of old, the A’s in their heyday and the 49ers when they were magic. I have tasted the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat – at least vicariously. I get it.

But I’d forgotten that feeling until Tuesday night.

That’s because Tuesday night’s rally, a high-tech extravaganza assembled by the NBA in a mere five days, starring all the major figures of the last month’s drama from mayor to Maloofs, former players to local rock stalwarts Tesla, did exactly what it was intended to do.

It made the case by speaking to the heart.

There was a stage, the likes of which Cesar Chavez Plaza has likely never seen (and which would be a terrific asset for the just-starting Friday Night Concerts in the Park series), with a huge video screen looming above it, below the antique clock tower of Old City Hall. There were impassioned speeches from professional commenters Gary Gerould and Grant Napear, appearances by former players Doug Christie and Scot Pollard, and shirt-sleeved fist pumping from amped-up pols Mayor Kevin Johnson and State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.

And throughout the crowd, there was a palpable sense of community, a shared interest that transcended the fact that it was, as I have said, “only a basketball team.” Rock bands, are, after all, “only rock bands.” It is what they evoke in us that matters. And in the depths of the worst economy this town has experienced in our lifetimes, we need whatever works to bring us together.

In the last month, through the efforts of everyone from our media-savvy mayor to little-known bloggers, a serious citywide effort was made to reach a seemingly unattainable goal. And the result surprised nearly everyone: The Kings are the Sacramento Kings for one more year.

While basketball doesn’t move me, music does, in ways hardly anything else can. So when Tesla took the stage at the end of the three-hour rally to play their hit “Signs,” backed by a video montage of 25 years of fans’ signs from Kings games giving a brief history of what is by any measure a powerful team/fan relationship, I was moved. When the band launched into its hit “Love Song,” and the video screens filled with clips of emotional, big-game moments, I have to admit that I choked up.

Sure, I was being manipulated – the high-quality production had NBA all over it – but it was a good kind of manipulation. It communicated the depth of the passion Kings fans have for their team, and underlined the history of this team’s time in Sacramento so well that even a fairly cynical, disinterested observer could FEEL it.

Now, feelings are not going to keep this team in Sacramento. And despite the mayor’s cheerleading, Chris Webber’s rich investor friends and the reluctant Maloofs’ reborn enthusiasm for Sacramento, keeping the team here seems like a long shot.

And the odds of the hard-pressed citizens of this city ponying up for the shiny new arena that the Kings require are not good.

But if the NBA and the Kings and everyone who really cares about the team can capture that lightning in a bottle and keep this fire burning until the March 1, 2012 deadline, I am not going to say it can’t be done.

Love and passion are powerful things. It’s going to be an interesting year.

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.

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.

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.

‘Green Paths to Economic Recovery’ in Sacramento

2011-04-21T17:44:01Z

The Green California Summit and Exposition returned to Sacramento for its fifth year at the Sacramento Convention Center on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The summit featured classes, keynote speakers, exhibits and product demonstrations. Exhibits and keynote sessions were open to the public.

This year's theme was "Green Paths to Economic Recovery" and the keynote speakers focused on the economic aspects of green technology. Mayor Kevin Johnson said on Tuesday that Sacramento was the leader in California for green job growth over the last decade.

"We really want to transform Sacramento into the Emerald Valley,” Johnson said.

Tuesday's keynote speaker was Terry Tamminen, the founder and president of 7th Generation Advisors. Tamminen recently wrote his second book, "Cracking the Carbon Code: The Keys to Sustainable Profits in the New Economy," and spoke about the costs of our country's fossil fuel use.

"When we measure the true cost of our oil addiction, we realize that the green path to economic recovery makes a lot more financial sense than the path to wars or digging ever deeper into the earth for more fossil fuels," Tamminen said.

Tamminen gave examples of large buildings that retrofitted their structures to save up to 80 percent in energy costs.

Keith Miller, the publisher of Green Technology, said the summit was "an opportunity for leaders in state and local government as well as the private sector to come together and do planning and strategies to help create clean and sustainable communities."

The exhibit hall featured displays by over 150 vendors and organizations. Attendees inspected electric, fuel-cell and hybrid vehicles, played with various LED lighting products, learned about conservation methods and saw a number of construction materials that are made of recycled materials.

More photos of the Green California Summit and Expo are available here .

Photos by Ron Nabity

Attorney General addresses gang problem in Sacramento

2011-04-20T05:38:18Z

California Attorney General Kamala Harris stressed the need to treat the gang problem with a community approach using prevention, intervention and enforcement. Harris was the guest speaker at Mayor Kevin Johnson’s gang forum Tuesday night in Meadowview.

“We have to be smart on crime,” Harris said, eschewing the old notion of the only two choices being to be hard or soft on crime.

She likened the gang violence problem to a public health problem like an epidemic: The best way to prevent it is through inoculations and early treatment, but by the time it is being dealt with in the emergency room, it’s too late, and too expensive.

Harris said combating gang violence should be dealt with regionally, a point that Johnson emphasized in his opening remarks.

“Crime and gang violence doesn’t stop at city lines,” Johnson said. “It goes across multiple jurisdictions.”

Johnson said there are 60 gangs and about 6,000 gang members in Sacramento County, and that students in second and third grade are being peer-pressured into joining gangs.

According to Johnson, the city and school districts will be working together, since the schools oversee youths for seven hours per day during the school year.

They will combine efforts through after-school programs, joint use of facilities and a renewed focus on school safety, he said, adding that benchmarks will be set up so progress can be measured.

One area Johnson focused on was the reading level of third graders, a point he brought up at his State of the City address earlier this year.

“If you can read, you’re not going to jail,” Johnson said after mentioning that 70 percent of incarcerated people are illiterate and only 30 percent of Sacramento’s students are reading at their grade level by the time they finish third grade.

Harris agreed, saying there is a “direct connection” between public education and public safety.

Another aspect of gang and criminal behavior Harris talked about was the “revolving door” of the California criminal justice system.

She said the average prison sentence in California is two years, and 70 percent of people released from prison commit crimes again, highlighting the need for education and prevention programs.

One of those programs is the Ceasefire program through the Sacramento Police Department, which works with gang members to get them out of the gang lifestyle. To read more about the program, click here.

During the question-and-answer session following Harris’ remarks, William Boyer, a resident of Colonial Heights in Sacramento, said police are often viewed as a threat when they come into communities with gang activity.

Harris said that to stop the problem of gang violence, police need to work with the community and the schools and elected officials. She added that witnesses to crimes need to come forward and testify, a problem that plagues gang enforcement, as Sacramento Police recently told The Sacramento Press.

Assemblyman Roger Dickinson attended the forum and said afterward that he agreed with Harris’ and Johnson’s remarks about gangs being a problem the whole community needs to work together to solve.

He also said that he wants to see various state violence prevention programs work more closely together and eliminate some of the redundancies so more resources can go to the actual problem instead of the bureaucracy.

Boyer, who was critical of police presence in the community, said he thinks Ceasefire is a very good program and a great start, but he wants to see more done, especially when it comes to funding to fight the problem.

“They show all these rich people on TV, big cars, mansions and beaches, of course these kids want that, but they’re poor,” he said. “They will get rich or die trying. They need to have more opportunities so they can be educated.”

Gregory King, who works with the Always Knocking nonprofit organization, said the Big Homie Street Team is a program through the nonprofit in which volunteers talk to kids on the streets and show them there are other options. Always Knocking is an organization focusing on ending youth and gang violence.

He said he thinks forums like the one Tuesday night are important, and they are having an effect.

“I’ve been coming to these for years, and each time, there are more new faces,” he said. “People are talking, and people are listening. It’s getting the community together, and people are going to react.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

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.

Will the Sacramento Kings move to Anaheim?

2011-04-14T17:31:34Z

I attended the last game 41 Lakers/Kings and asked fans - Do you think the Kings are moving to Anaheim?

Check out my video -

http://youtu.be/wWJWqiO3Kgs

Order of appearance:
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson
Phil Jackson - Lakers Coach
Carmichael Dave - Radio Sports Personality
Julie Neamann
Mike Provost
Christian Barry, Adam McIntyre, Derrick Matheson
Tyrel English
Stacey Petit, Kenneth Williams
George Styles
Doug Johnston
Michael Streeval
Armondo Vialobos

The National Basketball Association (NBA) Board of Governors is the management body that oversees the operations of the National Basketball Association. They meet today in NYC and the Sacramento Mayor, Kevin Johnson is there pleading his case to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

Desired city manager qualities announced

2011-04-13T04:21:49Z

The qualities desired in Sacramento’s new city manager were made public at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

The council voted to conduct a national search using a recruiting firm at its Jan. 25 meeting. The search was delayed after the council members decided not to discuss the characteristics they wanted in candidates as scheduled at the Feb. 22 meeting.

Executive Recruiter Stuart Satow of CPS Human Resource Services read the combined qualifications being sought by the City Council and Mayor Kevin Johnson. Going forward, Satow said he will condense the two pages of bullet points into a brochure which highlights the top qualities that will be issued to applicants.

“It’s a step in the process,” Johnson said after the meeting. “We’ll condense that into the top four or five for the brochure. It was a whole list – we have enough for 10 city managers.”

Some of the more than 25 bullet points in the ideal candidate profile include:
• Is a person of conviction – will provide best professional advice; is not a “yes” person and knows when to take a stand; possesses a strong “backbone.”
• Strong management experience working with budget and labor relations
• Will keep mayor and council informed; no surprises

Other points include working in a council/mayor system and being personable and a relationship builder.

The council members also identified a number of key issues and priorities they want the new city manager to focus on.

They include addressing the financial difficulties in the current economy, working effectively with labor unions and working with a diverse council representing multiple districts.

Satow said he hopes to have the brochure ready for approval at next week’s City Council meeting. After that, candidates will be asked to apply, and a final filing date for applications has been set for May 30.

The goal for announcing the new city manager is the third week in June, according to Johnson.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Mayor helps dedicate largest private solar project in Sacramento

2011-04-13T01:01:12Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson joined public utility officials and private business developers at Depot Park Tuesday for a ceremony to dedicate the largest private solar project in the Sacramento region.

The 3-megawatt project, located in the Depot Park business complex on Florin-Perkins Road, includes an array of 12,600 solar panels and is designed to meet nearly 40 percent of the annual power needs for the 3 million-square-foot facility, according to information released by the mayor’s office.

“I believe this area has the opportunity to be the greenest region in the country and a hub for investment in clean technology,” Johnson said in his prepared statement. “Today’s dedication demonstrates that good environmental policy can be good economic policy.”

Johnson said the project – which is the result of collaboration by Depot Park, the city of Sacramento, East West Bank, SPG Solar and Chint Astronergy – has historic significance as a showcase for the reuse of a military base with a Brownfield site for renewable energy generation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines a Brownfield site as land where any redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The new solar project is an example of finding creative solutions to challenging issues and using green energy to remedy a previously contaminated Brownfield site, said Dick Fischer, president of U.S. National Leasing, owner and manager of Depot Park.

“It demonstrates how the alignment of policy creates real deals,” Johnson said. “We have a state enterprise zone and an aggressive renewable portfolio by SMUD, and we have our city sustainable goals all coming together to leverage dollars.”

The solar panel array at Depot Park is the largest green sector project within the city limits and it provides an opportunity to satisfy a growing need to diversify the local economy, Johnson told those attending the dedication.

Johnson was also joined at the dedication ceremony by Renee Taylor, president of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) board.

“SMUD is very committed to these kinds of projects,” Taylor said. “It’s an example of how, if we all come together to see this vision of a more sustainable future for Sacramento, that working together really is the way to do it.”

In 2007, SMUD began implementing California Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which requires utilities to set 10-year installation and budget goals proportional to the utility’s share of statewide load, which in SMUD’s case amounts to 125 megawatts (MW) of new capacity by the end of 2016.

“This one 3-megawatt project at Depot Park puts us at about 20 megawatts,” Taylor said. “We still have quite a ways to go to reach (our) goal, and we are pursuing it aggressively.”

Joel Ayala, director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, also took part in Tuesday’s dedication ceremony. Ayala noted that solar projects of this kind in California provide an efficient and affordable source of energy as well as jobs for Californians.

“This is a win for California,” Ayala said. “The investment that Chint Astronergy has made in California is a great achievement, and the hope is that we can develop further opportunities both here and across the state.”

Julia Burrows, managing partner at Valley Vision, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization associated with the Depot Park solar project, said Chint Astronergy, the manufacturer of the new solar panels at Depot Park, is looking at potential plant locations and company headquarters in the United States.

“We want them here,” Burrows said.

Bringing such a manufacturing plant to this location would also bring 150 to 200 jobs, Burrows said, boosting the local economy and supporting the main objectives of the mayor’s Greenwise Initiative.

The initiative, launched by mayor Johnson last May, is an effort to make Sacramento the greenest region in the country and a hub for green technology through collaborative efforts with experts and community leaders in a variety of policy areas such as waste and recycling, urban design and green building, and green and clean technology.

Johnson concluded his dedication comments with a direct invitation to Cunhui Nan, chairman of Chint Astronergy, to bring his manufacturing plant to Sacramento and Depot Park.

“Sacramento is open for business,” Johnson said. “We have the space, we have the people and we’re ready to go.”

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.

Johnson: Maloofs say they'll pay loan

2011-03-29T23:32:44Z

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said the Maloofs told him Monday they would pay back the $77 million in lease revenue bonds they borrowed from the city in 1997.

Johnson told reporters about his conversation with the Maloofs at a press conference in North Highlands Tuesday.

Assistant City Manager John Dangberg sent a letter to the city of Anaheim Monday asking officials to stop negotiating with the Kings to be their new host city. If Anaheim won’t stop talks with the Kings, then Sacramento wants Anaheim to require the Kings to pay their debt to Sacramento, the letter said.

“The Maloofs have told me, time and time again, that they are going to fulfill the obligation and pay back the loan,” Johnson said.

They have consistently made their loan payments, he said.

However, the city sent its letter to Anaheim with taxpayers in mind, he said. The city is looking for “written assurance” that the Maloofs won’t ignore the loan.

“We need to make sure that our interests – the interests of the taxpayers – are protected,” Johnson said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

What really happened with Gus Vina?

2011-03-28T03:45:57Z

And you thought Sacramento's governmental dysfunction couldn't get any worse.

Interim City Manager Gus Vina, who stepped in when the previous city manager got fed up with the City Council and quit just a year ago, announced his resignation Friday morning.

Vina quit without another job lined up – that’s how bad his work situation was. And you can hardly blame him: He got a vote of no confidence nearly two months ago, when a majority of the city council – Sheedy, McCarty, Pannell, Fong and Fong – said that they wanted to do a national search for a better candidate. Vina wasn’t good enough for them.

Apparently, even in tight times, they have no problem spending the roughly $30,000, and taking several months to launch a talent search. And they still haven't even gotten themselves together enough to tell the consultant conducting the search what they want in a city manager.

All this mess to replace a man who wants the job, knows the job and is a widely admired 12-year veteran of city politics with an expertise in finance and a deep knowledge of our bizarre city government, and challenging personalities. He didn’t deserve such treatment, especially with no explanation.

That lack of explanation itself is worth further exploration.

Not one of the Five Nays, three of them contacted by Sacramento Press reporter Kathleen Haley after the January vote, would tell the public then why they wanted to do a national search when they had just slapped the best candidate in the face. They still haven’t.

Instead, we’ve gotten legalese and obfuscation. Councilman Kevin McCarty, one of the Five Nays, told Haley at the time, it’s a “personnel” matter and thus not up for open discussion. Even City Attorney Eileen Teichert, who represents the interests of the city government, argued in an email to Haley that “The Brown Act, the privacy rights of the candidate, and the City Council’s Confidentiality Policy preclude disclosure of any confidential discussions during closed session."

But according to Terry Francke, an attorney with Californians Aware, a non-profit open government group, told Kathleen Haley in an unpublished interview that the Brown Act does not require that personnel discussions be held in closed session. Francke told Haley that the Brown Act allows City Council bodies to hold these discussions in closed sessions, but does not require it.

So the council members are choosing to keep their reasons secret and then pretending that they have to. Nice.

“Since this person is the most influential individual in the city structure," Francke told Haley, "the council itself needs to be held accountable for choosing the right person and providing direction in a way that's appropriate to their responsibilities.”

"If their decision on this person is shrouded from public accountability, their single-most important decision is also shrouded. And, if that's the case, then they're ducking accountability and public scrutiny."

Why the legalistic maneuvers to avoid public discussion of this important search? Why the secrecy? Who is hiding what? Is Vina unfit for some terrible reason?

We have a right to know.

Contacted again by Haley on Friday, there was still no response forthcoming from any of the Five Nays, even into Sunday evening.

So let's ask them again: Why, please, did you vote against Vina? It's a simple question, and surely public servants owe that much to the public.

But there’s a second, tougher question now that Vina has given his notice: Where do we go from here? How do we attract talented people to a city they don’t know and ask them to answer to a city council that got rid of the last guy but can't decide what they want in the new guy? Who would want to have to deal with such a dysfunctional group? Who would want to play referee between people who will throw the public under the bus just to thwart one another for personal reasons?

Do we really want a masochist running the city?

And there’s a third question now: Is it time to start talking about the "strong mayor" initiative again? The issue was poorly proposed the first time around, and it should be totally disconnected from Kevin Johnson's term, since he is such a polarizing figure.

But Friday's events make on thing clear: Without a strong leader to balance the egos on the council, Sacramento is going round and round, getting nowhere. We are circling the drain. Not only does our council not lead, but a majority of its members tell the man who's doing the job, "Thanks, but you're not right for the job."

And then they won’t even tell us why.

Gus Vina did more to solve our problems than most members of the council have. What a shame that we’ve lost him, but we're still stuck with them.

Vina transfers pressures with budget, unions to council

2011-03-28T02:09:57Z

The clock is ticking for the Sacramento City Council.

Sacramento Interim City Manager Gus Vina’s resignation on Friday morning means that the City Council must take immediate actions that will impact the city budget and labor negotiations with municipal unions.

Council members must find a new top city official one month before the city’s proposed budget is due. Vina’s resignation also means that the city’s labor unions will take up budget negotiations with a new city leader.

“We don’t have time to grieve,” City Councilman Steve Cohn said in an interview Friday.

Cohn was one of four council members who supported Vina’s earlier effort to become Sacramento’s next permanent city manager. In a split 5-4 vote on Jan. 25, the City Council decided not to promote Vina to the permanent city manager position. The five council members who voted to hold a national search for a new city manager were Sandy Sheedy, Rob Fong, Kevin McCarty, Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell.

Though the council did not promote him on Jan. 25, Vina said in February that he planned to compete in the national search.

But that plan came to a halt Friday, when Vina gave his resignation letter to the City Council and Mayor Kevin Johnson. He gave two weeks’ notice and will leave his post April 8.

“I need to move on and pursue other opportunities because I feel that for a city manager to be effective, you really have to have the confidence of the entire council,” Vina told The Sacramento Press on Friday. “I don’t feel that’s the case right now.”

Like Cohn, Councilwoman Angelique Ashby also commented on the need for the City Council to move rapidly.

“For me, he was the front-runner to be the next city manager for the city of Sacramento,” Ashby said. “Now, I think we have a pretty big challenge on our hands. We need to make some quick decisions. We need to come together as a council and really look at the future of our city.”

“And (we need to) find ways to be successful coming out of this situation,” she added.

Johnson’s office had not released a statement on Vina’s resignation by press time, even though spokesman Joaquin McPeek said a statement would be issued on Friday. Johnson supported Vina’s bid to become permanent city manager, saying in January that he hoped Vina would apply for the job in the national search.

The five council members who voted against promoting Vina in January did not return phone calls seeking comment on Friday. The Sacramento Press left phone messages with McCarty, Darrell Fong, Rob Fong, Sheedy’s office, Sheedy’s District Director Joann Cummins and Pannell’s office.

Turnover for the city manager position has been high lately. The City Council selected Vina for the interim post one year ago. Former City Manager Ray Kerridge resigned in February 2010.

New leader must grapple with city budget, union negotiations

The city’s government structure empowers the city manager to develop the city budget. While the City Council makes all final decisions on the budget, the city manager is responsible for preparing the proposed budget document.

Budget preparation at Sacramento City Hall is a weighty responsibility, especially in light of the city’s $35-40 million budget gap.

While the city is in the midst of a major budget shortfall, Cohn and Vina both expressed confidence that Vina’s departure would not delay the budget.

Cohn said Vina told him that the draft budget is on track and should be available to the public by the May 1 deadline. Cohn also said the city has experienced staffers working on the budget.

Vina said Friday that he is carrying out his budget responsibilities.

“We are very close to finishing the proposed budget,” Vina said. “It will be ready to meet the May 1 deadline.... I committed to council that I would get the budget done, and I will.”

But Councilman Jay Schenirer indicated that Vina’s departure will make the budget process more challenging.

“I think it’s a difficult time for the city right now,” Schenirer said. The budget process “was certainly a place where Gus was very strong,” he added.

While Cohn said he was confident that the budget work will get done on time, he expressed concern about labor negotiations, which are often a key part of balancing the budget.

The city manager’s responsibility as leader of labor negotiations for the city is critical, he said, especially when the city is asking the unions to make concessions.

“The bigger problem I see down the line is labor negotiations,” Cohn said.

Mark Tyndale, vice president of the Sacramento Police Officers Association, said his union was already talking to Vina about issues that would affect the city’s budget. Vina’s resignation interrupts that process, Tyndale said.

“These relationships are really important for us,” Tyndale said, noting that SPOA was able to communicate well with Vina, even when the union disagreed with him.

“With Gus departing ... it takes us back to square one,” Tyndale said.

However, another major city union may prefer Vina’s replacement over Vina.

Joan Bryant, director of public employees for Stationary Engineers Local 39, said on Friday that she strongly opposed Vina’s recent decision to award raises to Finance Director Leyne Milstein, Human Resources Director Geri Hamby, Community Development Director Max Fernandez and Police Chief Rick Braziel.

Local 39 represents city workers in the areas of solid waste, code enforcement and animal care, Bryant said. The union represented 1,600 full-time city employees, according to statistics provided by Bryant last September.

“I think he was rewarding his loyalists,” Bryant said.

The amount of money in raises that went to top officials could have paid the salary of a parks worker, she said.

Vina raised Hamby’s salary from $151,402 to $162,000. Fernandez’ salary jumped from $164,445 to $172,667. Milstein’s salary rose from $131,270 to $150,304.

Braziel received an 8 percent raise in June, four days before he told the public he would not leave the city of Sacramento for a potential police chief position in Seattle.

Maurice Chaney, acting city spokesman for the city, responded to questions about the raises on Vina’s behalf in February.

“Two of the three salary changes (Community Development director and the HR director) were envisioned as the next planned step of last fiscal year's consolidation process, which occurred last July and resulted in a cost savings of more than $4 million,” Chaney wrote in an e-mail to The Sacramento Press. “Salary adjustments specific to these positions were considered because of the associated increases in departmental duties that resulted with these mergers.”

Chaney also commented on the raise for Milstein.

“The finance director has played a crucial role during the last four years in assisting with a budget deficit that has affected all city employees,” he wrote.

On the topic of Braziel’s raise, city spokeswoman Amy Williams said in September that he deserved the money because he had voluntarily taken a pay cut in 2008 with the understanding that it would be restored later.

Is Sacramento an unstable city?

In the view of city employee Cindy Bates, Vina’s resignation will not destabilize the city government.

“He’s left competent leaders behind to take care of the ship,” said Bates, a program analyst in the transportation department.

But Sacramento Metro Chamber President Matt Mahood said Vina’s resignation is bad for business.

The business community must work with the city government, he said, giving the example of the requirement for businesses to receive city permits. An unstable city government discourages businesses within the region and those looking to bring business to the city, he said.

“There’s a lot of instability in the city of Sacramento, and that does not help foster a positive business environment,” he said Friday.

Mahood said the council members should change the way they interact if the city manager feels like he has to resign because he doesn’t have their support.

The council members need to align more with each other, he said, “and figure out a way to work together.”

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Vina resigns weeks before budget due date

2011-03-26T00:45:09Z

Interim City Manager Gus Vina’s resignation comes just weeks before the city must propose a budget for the next fiscal year.

In Sacramento’s city government, the city manager prepares a proposed budget and the City Council makes final budget decisions. Vina told the Sacramento Press on Friday afternoon that the proposed budget will be on time even though he is leaving April 8.

“We are very close to finishing the proposed budget,” Vina said. “It will be ready to meet the May 1 deadline … I committed to council that I would get the budget done and I will.”

He said he was leaving because he was not supported by the full City Council. “I need to move on and pursue other opportunities because I feel that for a city manager to be effective, you really have to have the confidence of the entire council,” he said. “I don’t feel that’s the case right now.”

The City Council voted 5-4 on Jan. 25 against promoting Vina to the permanent city manager position.

Council members Sandy Sheedy, Rob Fong, Kevin McCarty, Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell voted to conduct a national search for a new city manager.

Mayor Kevin Johnson said then that the council felt that Vina did a “great job” as interim city manager.

Vina said in February that he planned to compete in the national search.

It’s unclear at this point who will replace Vina as interim city manager, said city spokesoman Maurice Chaney. The City Council will decide the next steps, Chaney said.

“In terms of identifying who will fill that void, (that) has yet to be determined,” Chaney said.

The City Council selected Vina for the interim post one year ago. Former City Manager Ray Kerridge resigned in February 2010.

Read in-depth coverage of the impact of Vina’s resignation Sunday.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Editorial Note: This is an updated version of an earlier story.

Monday's NAG to Take Another Look at Second Saturday and NIghtlife Issues

2011-03-19T22:18:15Z

The Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG) will meet this Monday 3/21/2011. This month's meeting will focus on Second Saturday and Midtown Nightlife issues. There are changes being made to Second Saturday as was reported by Suzanne Hurt on SacPress. This is partially in response to the shooting death and injuries that occurred in the early morning hours of September 12, 2011.

This presentation is a followup to a meeting on September 25,2010

Second Saturday and Midtown Nightlife issue meetings tend to have a very high turnout. If you want to sit up close, come early.

The Agenda

Area 1 Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG)
March 2011 Agenda

In Partnership with the City of Sacramento Neighborhood Services Division

Monday, March 21, 2011
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Hart Senior Center, 915 27th Street

Tonight’s Facilitator: Gerald Celestine, caRsa and Friends of Fremont Park

6:30 Welcome and Introductions

6:35 Announcements

6:40 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

6:45 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: SECOND SATURDAY and MIDTOWN NIGHTLIFE ISSUES UPDATE
MIDTOWN NIGHTLIFE ISSUES
A. Public Safety
1. Youth & Gang Workshops
2. Neighborhood Watch
3. CERT
4. Lavender Angels
B. Parking
C. Entertainment Permits
D. Communication
E. Next Steps/Follow Up

The City of Sacramento’s Neighborhood Services Division, Police Department, Parking Division, Code Enforcement Division and the Midtown Business Association
SECOND SATURDAY
A. Time Change
B. Permit Requirements
1. Vendor Permits
2. Amplified Sound
3. Permitting on City and Private Property
C. Parking
1. Residential Parking/Enforcement
2. Parking on the Grid
D. Public Safety
1. Street Closures
2. Security Measures
E. Notification

Adjourn

*Next Meeting: Monday, April 18, 2011, 6:15 to 8:30 p.m., Hart Senior Center, 915 27th Street*

For more information, contact Janine Martindale at (916) 808-8193 or at jmartindale@cityofsacramento.org. 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. See City Council agendas and reports at: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/clerk/

St. Patrick's to St. Baldrick's Photos

2011-03-17T03:08:10Z

As St. Patrick's is celebrated on March 17, here are some photos celebrating the St. Patrick's Parade in Old Sacramento and St. Baldrick's at de Vere's.

Above is Father Dan Madigan Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Parade

Below, Mayor Kevin Johnson who also made an apperance at St. Baldrick's.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Not everyone was happy about giving up their locks

Above and below, before and after photos

More St. Patrick's Photos

More St. Baldrick's Photos

Kings fans are here to stay

2011-03-16T17:39:01Z

It was raining black and purple outside of Sacramento City Hall Tuesday. A crowd of nearly 30 Kings fans gathered in the rain at 9th and I streets to support the “Here We Stay” campaign to save the Sacramento Kings.

Fans decked out in T-shirts and jerseys carrying posters reading “Our Town, Our Team” held their signs and their heads high as they circled City Hall chanting “here we stay” and “Sacramento.”

“Here We Stay” founder, Blake Ellington, 28, believes that sports are a way for the community to come together. Ellington said he expected about five to ten people, and was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. Fans expressed that this isn’t just about the losing the Kings, it’s about losing a piece of Sacramento.

“The Kings really put the city on the map,” Ellington says. “In October, I knew it was coming down the pipe, so I contacted other Kings bloggers to get together to do something and come up with a plan,” he said.

Ellington’s plan wasn’t just to hit the blogosphere with his blog “Bleed Black and Purple,” but to give people a platform, be it on the blog, in the streets, or on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, which Ellington said has over 5,000 followers. Since word hit that the Kings might be sold to Anaheim, the “Here We Stay” Campaign really began to flourish with people donating their time and effort.

Ellington said they sent grass roots letters to the county, the city council, raised money online, and helped to sell out home games in support of the cause and the team, and are now directly speaking out.

James Ham, 35, a long time Kings fan, and writer for the Cowbell Kingdom, a sector of the ESPN blog dedicated to the Kings, came out with his son who has been going to games since he was three months old.

“I’m here today because I’m a huge Kings fan and I want to do everything I can to keep them in town,” Ham said. “It’s a major source of pride – civic and community pride. It’s a major source of community revenue...once they’re gone there’s not going to be an Arco Arena.” he said.

Adriana Ortiz, a 23-year-old nanny wasn’t just there to talk sports. She said her main concern was that larger artists and entertainers will simply bypass the city in favor of more accommodating venues in other cities.

“I’m here to support ‘Here We Stay,’ and let the city know that we need a new arena,” Ortiz said. “It affects you even if you’re not a sports fan.” she said.

Mark Needham, a 50-year-old-community contributor for the Sacramento Press, nearly broke down in tears during his two minutes of public comment in front of the council. “It’s not a basketball issue, it’s a community problem,” he said. “People out here will have nothing to cheer about come next season,” he said.

“We built this team, and now we’re going to have to see them leave. I remember when I got tickets to the Kings finals, it was the best time I ever had.” he added.

People took the podium to make their plea and share their stories, some even offering citizen donation money to keep the team and the arena secure in Sacramento. Ellington was the the last to take the microphone on behalf of the Kings.

“We are here tonight to say that we still have hope,” Ellington said. “We believe this team adds to our city...and we will continue the sellout for the upcoming Thunder game. You can’t take away their spirit, the time for action is now.” he said.

Mayor Kevin Johnson was even sporting a purple tie as he sat at the head of the room. After the public comment ended, he called Kings fans and supporters to the front of the room for a picture.

“We gotta let em’ know!” he said, to which the group responded with more chanting “Here We Stay” for everyone in the council chambers to hear.

Police chief plans to reopen top positions

2011-03-09T06:06:54Z

Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel received support from the City Council Tuesday on a plan to bring back three or four job openings that have been eliminated in the department as part of budget cuts.

Braziel told the council and Interim City Manager Gus Vina that he must reopen some key positions because nine of the department’s top 11 officials, ranked captain and higher, will be eligible to retire within three years.

The city is facing a $35 million - 40 million budget gap for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Braziel said he would be able to open the positions without asking the city for additional money.

“It’s not the right time, but we have to do it,” Braziel said. “We don’t have a choice.”

Braziel said he would pay for the top positions by moving over money currently saved for refilling other positions in the department. By moving the funding in this manner, he would be able to open the positions within his existing budget and not lay off anyone, he said.

The department could promote from within if it opens up top management positions, he said. The newly promoted staffers would gain executive experience, which is necessary because many executives serving in the department could soon retire, he said.

“I am shocked that nine of the command staff are basically aging out in the next three years,” Councilman Rob Fong said in response to Braziel’s comments.

Braziel asked the council and Vina for the authority to revive three or four executive openings during a presentation on succession planning at the department. The City Council did not make a formal decision on Braziel’s request, but voiced support for his plan.

“On behalf of all of us, I think we are very excited about you being proactive so we are aware of what’s going on,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said. “We do not want to be caught flat-footed.”

Vina also indicated that he supported Braziel’s plan.

“We can certainly work with the chief on that,” Vina said.

The Police Department has sliced its executive positions in recent years in response to budget cuts. Braziel said that before he became police chief in 2008, the department had 19 executive positions. The number has since dropped to 11, he said.

Vina said Braziel's plan should be part of the city budget, indicating that the positions could be reopened before the next fiscal year begins on July 1.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Powerhouse Science Center Raises More than $233,000 in Saturday Telethon

2011-03-09T00:49:24Z

The Powerhouse Science Center, a science and space learning center for Northern California that will be located on the banks of the Sacramento River, announced today that it raised more than $233,000 during its first telethon on Saturday.

The Center received major contributions from Social Venture Partners of Sacramento, Wells Fargo, Sierra Health Foundation, Intel and Aerojet, along with hundreds of contributions from other donors.

“The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups,” said Michelle Wong, interim executive director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “We were gratified at the community reaction as so many people participated and shared our vision for a premiere science education center in our community.”

In particular, Wong thanked KOVR CBS 12/CW-31 for promoting this telethon and making the Good Day Sacramento time available to her team on Saturday.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year-old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2013.

The Powerhouse Science Center will include science laboratories and classrooms, a 150-seat full-dome planetarium, Challenger Learning Center, robotics exhibit and labs, outdoor stage and screen, restaurant with riverfront views and more.

The center will transform a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting-edge educational center featuring a museum that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering and math.

“We are extremely pleased to help the Powerhouse Science Center become a reality,” said Kevin Walsh, general manager and president of CBS 13/CW 31. “Not only does this project revitalize the Sacramento riverfront district, the Powerhouse Science Center will also provide our region’s children with a firm foundation in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, math). We are excited to be part of such a wonderful opportunity to educate our viewers about the future home of Northern California’s premiere science education center.”

On Saturday, volunteers from many groups helped staff the phone banks, including people from Soroptimist, the Sacramento Downtown Rotary, Drexel University, Ducks Unlimited, Mountain Lions cheerleaders and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Powerhouse Science Center is also being supported by many local government entities.

“The Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to educate the next generation of children. Our country is lacking right now in math and science education for young people,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said. “This facility will give us an opportunity to get a leg up in these very important areas of education. The Center will also create over 300 jobs and activate our riverfront. Sacramento has a beautiful river that we have not taken advantage of yet. Building the Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to do that.”

The Powerhouse Science Center will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue that is accessible to the entire family. The center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. The center will be used as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a founding partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, e-mail info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 853-0343. Visit the center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is V.P. of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville, Volunteer PR work for Powerhouse Science Center.

Share your Kings memories

2011-03-08T01:13:15Z

Now that the Maloof family has been granted an extension on the deadline to file paperwork to move the Kings – possibly to Anaheim – it seems the professional sports team’s tenure in Sacramento is coming to an end.

The possibility of losing the Kings has been the topic of several press conferences from Mayor Kevin Johnson, and fans are doing all they can to keep the Kings in Sacramento with the “Here We Stay” campaign, but we likely won’t know their fate until mid-April.

We asked some of The Sacramento Press staffers to share their memories of attending Kings games. Their responses are below. Feel free to share some of your Kings memories in the conversation at the bottom of the story.

Denise Coleman, operations manager

At my old job, when I used to be a lumber purchaser, one of my vendors had season tickets for seats on the floor. The Kings were doing fantastic. It was 2003, maybe, or 2004, somewhere around there.

Every seat was selling out, it was really high-energy: We had Peja Stojakovich and Chris Webber and Scot Pollard and Mike Bibby. It was an incredible experience. We would sit two rows off the floor right behind the visitors’ bench. It was really cool because you were right there in it ... you were right there in the action. The place was so incredibly loud. It was like going to a rock concert, and your ears would be ringing afterward. The energy was really positive. It was a really great experience.

Chris Brune, social media lead

My first Kings game must have been in the early ’90s – the Wayman Tisdale, Spudd Webb era, with the old-fashioned jerseys. It was awesome. My dad took me and my sister. I think they were playing the Trail Blazers. I think that was actually the last Kings game I went to.

Randy Balzarano, advertising account manager

My first game was in, I think, ’93. I was going to Chico State, and my girlfriend at the time took me to a Kings game for my birthday. It was the first time I ever went to Arco. We sat up in the nosebleed section. I was pretty impressed. I loved the size of the arena, and the intimate size of the crowd. That was when the fan experience – the Kings at Arco were at the top in the NBA. It was a really cool experience.

Dina Neils, account services representative

I watched the Kings and Warriors two years ago. I’m from the Bay Area. I was rooting for the Warriors. The Kings won, and I was upset. I’m not a Kings fan, but I enjoyed having them here because of the spirit it brings to the city, and the business.

Kathleen Haley, staff reporter

I’ve only been to one game. It was last year, and they lost. The junk food was fun.

Geoff Samek, vice president of product development, co-founder

A memory that sticks out was back in the day when I went to a playoff game early on. This was back when Corliss Williamson was on the team the first time. I think they were playing the Sonics in the first round of the playoffs. I was just a teenager, or maybe 11 or 12. That one stuck out the most. I just remember how loud it was and all the cheering and the fact that we were in the playoffs, and the crowd had all this pent-up energy since they hadn’t been in the playoffs since the first year they were in Sacramento. It was just really exciting being there. I was way up in the nosebleeds in the $10 standing-room-only area. I remember it being crazy loud.

Brandon Darnell, staff reporter

My first Kings game – I don’t remember how old I was, maybe 10 or 12. I went there with my dad and maybe my mom and my sister. The Kings were playing the Detroit Pistons, and I just remember it being really loud, and that was kind of when I got interested in basketball and started playing. I was never any good at it, but I always liked watching the Kings. I think maybe a week later I went to Sportmart in Roseville, and Wayman Tisdale was there signing autographs, and I had that hanging on my wall for several years.

Ben Ilfeld, chief operations officer, co-founder

Mayor Johnson conducts 'State of the Schools' address

2011-03-01T21:05:10Z

Joined by Russlynn Ali, assistant secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, Mayor Kevin Johnson called for everyone – parents, teachers, community members, union members and students – to work toward making Sacramento one of the finest public education systems in the nation at his first monthly 'State of the Schools' meeting at Oak Park’s Guild Theater on Monday night.

To make the goal a reality, Johnson called for supporters to sign onto a new educational nonprofit called Stand Up, which he stated will focus on five key pillars of great school systems: accountability, parent engagement, human capital, high-quality school choices and effective policy.

Ali said that across the country, a new kind of movement is needed for great change, one that can be an engine for the economy. By 2023, she said more than half of the nation's children will be non-white children of color and by 2050, over half of the nation's adults will be non-white adults.

“That means we have a demographic imperative of closing the achievement gap,” she said.

“It's not just the moral stuff that brings all of you here,” Ali said. “We know schools ought to be the promise of a country, that schools where you could go level the playing field, close the opportunity gap. But you also know there are far too many communities across the country, including right here in Sacramento – the kids that need the most … often get (left behind).”

One in 25 black test takers actually meets the college-ready benchmark, compared to about one in three of their white counterparts, Ali said.

Even if an achievement gap is closed, Ali said, the United States would still be floundering as a country. The most recent international data shows that the nation is now 14th in reading among 34 of developed or developing countries.

Ali shifted her talk to Sacramento, stating that schools in Sacramento “are showing us the way.”

Restating President Barack Obama's goal of making the United States the leader in the world of the percentage of graduates by 2020, Ali said to achieve that, there would need to be 6 million to 8 million more people with college degrees.

Also sharing the stage were a few dozen public school students wearing T-shirts with the words “STAND UP.”

One of the students said she attends PS7 and asked if there would be more “schools like that” to which Johnson replied: “Yes, we're looking to replicate.” He said they're looking at building a school a year over the next five years.

In his State of the City address last month http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/44017/Johnson_presents_agenda_at_State_of_the_City, Johnson identified education reform as one of his top priorities for 2011, and just last week, he and fiancée Michelle Rhee announced Sacramento as the new home for her nonprofit organization, StudentsFirst.

Stand Up Deputy Director Andie Corso said she often gets asked why a mayor should be involved in education, as there is no authority, no budget and no connection to the schools. She said that what they've found out over the last two years is that there is no effective way to govern a city without looking at the interest of its youngest citizens.

Johnson serves as chair for U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's Mayors Advisory Council, and he leads the newly formed U.S. Conference of Mayors Task Force on Public Education.

Johnson said teacher retention policies of “last in, first out” are outdated and needs to be changed. The policy, he said, is without regard to performance. The mayor said there are about a dozen states talking about these policies and that he would like to see California change.

“We're not there yet,” he said. “But superintendents locally are going to have to make decisions in the coming weeks and months on who they are going to keep and not keep. Thank goodness if people would say they shouldn't lay off people without looking at if they're teaching effectively or not. It doesn't make any sense.”

Ali said the U.S. Department of Education is seeing “real signs of hope.” She said a few weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Education held a labor management conference in Denver.

Interested districts were asked to bring their superintendents, school board presidents and union presidents. They were asked to discuss principles of a new kind of bargaining that puts students at the center. Department officials didn't know how many districts would attend, but she said 100 were put on the waiting list. National union presidents sat with the local chapters to think through a new kind of bargaining that could promote closing the achievement gaps.

“So, in the same way everyone has to leave their comfort zones,” Ali said, “we are seeing that happen in a way that is productive and positive.”

Monica Stark can be reached at monica.stark@sacramentopress.com

Michelle Rhee and Kevin Johnson discuss education reform

2011-02-26T01:24:12Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson and his fiancée, renown education reformer Michelle Rhee, took the stage Thursday night for their first speaking event in Sacramento at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria to talk about the changing landscape in the world of education.

They held hands, finished each other's sentences, and answered questions from moderator Steven C. Currall, dean of the UC Davis management school as well as some from the crowd of a few hundred attendees. Their appearance came on the heels of the announcement that Rhee's nonprofit educational advocacy organization, StudentsFirst, is now officially headquartered in Sacramento.

The two come from very different backgrounds – Rhee was born into a wealthy family that provided her with a private education while Johnson is a product of the public school system. But their message was the same: Every student should have a good education, no matter where he or she grows up.

Rhee has been in the spotlight for what many deem controversial past practices, and she did not shy away from discussing her political legacy in Washington, D.C., where she most recently worked as public schools chancellor. As she said on Thursday, in the 20 years of her career thus far, she's probably hired and fired more people than anyone else.

In her first year as the chancellor of Washington, D.C., schools, Rhee closed 24 schools, laid off hundreds of teachers – dozens without notice – and her office was ground zero for teacher union protests.

She has said repeatedly, and again on Thursday, that the country's states’ and school districts’ policies of “last in, first out” is outdated and needs to be changed. The policy, she said, is simple – the last teachers hired are the first teachers fired, regardless of how good they are.

To Rhee and her supporters, teachers' impact on students play no role in those decisions. Quoting research from The Economist, she stated that if districts took the bottom-performing 6 percent of teachers and replaced them with average-performing teachers, scores would soar to the top percentile.

Along with Rhee and Johnson, Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker announced earlier this week the launch of a campaign called “Save Great Teachers,” a national campaign that would permanently eliminate the “last in, first out” policy, which they said rids the nation's school systems of effective teachers.

But while Rhee supporters boast improved student achievement, The Washington Post has reported that significant achievement gaps remain between students in high-performing and low-performing school districts, and between white and Black students in the D.C. district.

If Rhee plans on making the same impact in Sacramento that she did in D.C., California Teachers Association President David Sanchez, said in an interview on Friday, “Good luck.”

The CTA is not too afraid at this point, since Rhee can't be involved in any California school district’s layoffs unless she is part of a school district, which she is not.

“She is someone who made it on Time (Magazine), on Oprah. She's the darling of what we call unproven reform, but she's not a state superintendent, not a legislator, she's just someone who is using her celebrity status to make an impact…. I would imagine she is trying to do the same thing (in Sacramento),” Sanchez said.

But in D.C., Sanchez noted, Rhee forgot to tell teachers one thing: why they were being fired.

Rhee said she is a “huge believer” in mayoral control of low-performing schools, as opposed to a school board type of governance.

Speaking to the audience, she said, “You're in a position right now, where you have management, the school board, who are usually elected through union-supported dollars. So, you have unions on both sides of the bargaining table.”

“That's never going to get you a contract.… If we want to change the policy (to benefit) children, you have to change that dynamic.”

Asked whether it was the composition of school boards or the way they get elected, Rhee said that, in a school board-run district, the superintendents will say they spend 50 to 70 percent of their time trying to implement policy just to get five votes and therefore spends his/her time ineffectively.

Shortly after Rhee and he first met, Johnson said they gathered with other “top reformers” such as the then superintendent of schools in Chicago, Arne Duncan, in addition to the founders of Teach for America for a three-day summit in Aspen.

“We were outside of the public sector … and we talked about how we were going to change the world,” Johnson said. “It became very clear that we were going to go back to our respective communities, do what we were doing, but not really change the world.”

To truly make a change, he remembers thinking at the time, the reformers should do two things: One should become superintendent of schools, and another should become mayor.

StudentsFirst staff said Friday that they are currently scouting properties in Sacramento for their headquarters, and since they are looking to expand, there will be job opportunities in town.

Monica Stark can be reached at monica.stark@sacramentopress.com

Youth violence forum draws large crowd

2011-02-17T06:47:26Z

In the view of Sacramento community activist Kathy Jenkins, stronger parenting of youth is key to reducing gang violence. At a forum in Oak Park on youth and gang-related violence, Jenkins told a crowd of about 150 Sacramento residents, city staffers and police officers that assertive parents should influence the lives of young people.

“This is called parenting, this is not policing,” Jenkins said.

“If we could parent, and if we can raise,” she added, “and if we can encourage, and if we can take guns and give books, if we can give dolls instead of pimping ... If we could do these things, we could put (the police) out of work. I would rather see them writing parking tickets.”

Jenkins was one of many speakers at the forum, organized by Mayor Kevin Johnson’s office. Johnson had planned to attend the Oak Park event, said his special assistant, R.E. Graswich. But he canceled in order to accept an invitation from the White House to spend time on Wednesday with President Barack Obama, according to Johnson’s press office.

Police Chief Rick Braziel, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones and Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully were among others who made remarks at the forum. Residents also participated in the forum by brainstorming ways to halt youth violence in the Sacramento area.

Braziel explained the police department’s Operation Ceasefire program, in which officers meet with youth involved with violence, he said. “We bring them in and give them alternatives,” Braziel said.

The department and local support service programs provide services to the youth so they can stop a violent lifestyle, Braziel said. Other partners in the program include the U.S. Attorney’s office and the District Attorney’s office, he said.

Jones emphasized prevention of gang violence and said it was part of his gang strategy. “What’s been long overdue is the prevention side,” he said.

One of the attendees, Malcolm Stone, 63, told The Sacramento Press that he recently moved to south Sacramento from Riverside County. He said he had earlier thought that Sacramento was somewhat “sleepy.” He and his wife are “shocked about all the violent crime in the news” in Sacramento, he said.

Assistant City Manager Cassandra Jennings wrapped up the event, telling the attendees that city leaders plan to create an action plan to address youth violence. She said focus groups will be organized in March, and another community forum will be held in April. In June, the city hopes to have an outline of a strategy, she said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Mayor to hold crime forum

2011-02-15T01:47:59Z

In response to the December shootings at a south Sacramento barbershop, Mayor Kevin Johnson will host a public forum on crime and violence on Wednesday in Oak Park.

“That was the latest spark, if you will, that brought the call for this particular meeting,” said R.E. Graswich, Johnson’s special assistant.

City Police Chief Rick Braziel and Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones will attend the event, according to the press offices of the two law enforcement agencies.

Graswich said the forum will include sessions for community members to discuss the causes of crime and violence in their neighborhoods and how those problems can be addressed.

“Obviously, we can’t tolerate this,” Graswich said.

Six suspects face murder charges from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for the Dec. 14 shooting at Fly Cuts and Styles Barber Shop at Stockton Blvd. and Lindale Drive. Monique Nelson, 30, died at the site of the shooting. Gunshot wounds were the cause of death a second person, 20-year-old Marvion Barksdale, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The department suspects that Barksdale was involved with the shooting.

One of the six suspects, Larry Dean Jones, 29, is at large. The other five suspects are in jail, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The forum on violence will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Community Center, 3425 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramentans can apply for redistricting panel

2011-02-09T07:12:31Z

Sacramentans can soon apply to serve on the City Council’s redistricting advisory panel. Four of the 13 panel positions will be available to the general public.

The eight council members and Mayor Kevin Johnson will each appoint a member of the panel. The remaining four spots are “at-large,” which means they will not be filled by appointees, said Scot Mende, the city’s new growth manager.

Applications for the four positions will be screened by the City Council’s Personnel and Public Employees Committee, Mende said. Then, the City Council will vote to select the four members, Mende said.

The city uses U.S. Census figures to restructure City Council districts every decade.

Read a schedule of February neighborhood meetings on redistricting here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sac schools to get help going green

2011-02-09T06:17:02Z

Sacramento City Unified School District is getting some national help to renovate and make some of its more than 80 campuses more eco-friendly.

A full-time sustainability officer will help schools meet LEED standards as part of a program through the U.S. Green Building Council, said Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools, which is based in Washington, D.C.

“(We) were impressed by your community’s enormous undertaking to become the greenest region in the country,” Gutter said, adding that beginning districtwide sustainability measures takes a large amount of time and money.

The Green Schools Fellowship Program aims to help improve school sites to make them more environment-friendly.

“Over a three-year period, this fellow will help your city make tremendous strides,” she said.

The fellow will be chosen in the coming months and will start a three-year term in the district over the summer. The position will be fully funded by the USGBC, and Gutter said it is the equivalent of bringing in $300,000.

The announcement came at the final meeting of Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Greenwise initiative Tuesday, which calls for the retrofitting of 15 million square feet of school space in the next 10 years and reducing water usage by 20 percent.

The meeting was held at the Guild Theater in Oak Park.

Gutter said the fellow’s efforts will set the groundwork for continuing green development of school sites after the three-year period.

The fellowship’s pilot program was in New Orleans following the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Katrina, and the result was to build more than 15 school sites that are LEED-certified and build a “world-class green school,” Gutter said.

“Schools are the center of our community,” Gutter said. “They represent our hopes, our dreams, our investment in the community.”

Gutter said that when schools are fully “green,” they become teaching tools to educate students about climate and environment issues.

In addition to having less of an impact on the environment, Gutter said green schools save the districts money, which can then be spent on teacher salaries and classroom supplies.

During her remarks, she highlighted schools in Colorado that have already seen six-figure savings due to their facilities being green, as well as mentioning the first “net-zero” school, which was erected in Turkey Foot, Ky.

A “net-zero” building is one that creates as much energy as it uses.

Johnson said in a press release that “a large part of this (Greenwise) commitment is to green our schools and to provide our students with a safe, healthy and welcoming environment.”

Gutter said those goals can only be realized by making sustainability someone’s full-time job.

The district’s superintendent, Jonathan Raymond, said there’s “no question” that Sacramento has been given an opportunity.

“The opportunity to truly prepare our kids for careers and for college in the 21st century – it does make a difference where they go to school,” he said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City manager search could cost $35,000

2011-02-05T00:45:53Z

The city will conduct a national search for a new city manager in response to the City Council’s Jan. 25 decision against promoting Interim City Manager Gus Vina.

Recruiting fees could cost the city as much as $35,400, according to Sacramento’s Human Resources Department. An executive recruiting firm will be hired to conduct the search. The range in fees is estimated between $27,650 and $35,400.

One of two recruiting firms may be chosen by the City Council on Tuesday night. The two Sacramento-based recruiting firms are Wilcox Miller Nelson and CPS Human Resource Services.

The Human Resources Department’s report on the city manager search, which will be presented at the Feb. 8 City Council meeting, is now available online.

Mayor Kevin Johnson said Jan. 25 that he hopes Vina will apply for the city manager job during the national search. Asked earlier this week if he would apply for the job, Vina said, “I don’t know. I’m keeping all my options open.”

City Councilman Steve Cohn said Friday that the national search is likely to take a few months. He said a new city manager will likely not start work before July 1.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Citizens' group will study redistricting plans

2011-02-02T06:58:50Z

The Sacramento City Council decided Tuesday night that it will create a citizens' group to assist with this year’s redistricting process.

Council members voted 8-1 to form a citizens' advisory committee that would scrutinize redistricting plans suggested by the public. Councilwoman Angelique Ashby opposed the idea of a citizens' group, saying that the public should bring its redistricting plans directly to the council, instead of to a committee.

“I think the citizens should have direct access to us on this issue,” Ashby said.

But some of her colleagues on the City Council said that forming a citizens' committee would make the process more inclusive to the public. “Erring on the side of more citizen participation is what we should be doing,” Councilman Jay Schenirer said.

The council members decided the committee should have 13 members. Each council member and the mayor will appoint one person to the committee. The other four members will be at-large members.

Every 10 years, the city uses U.S. Census data to redesign its districts. City officials expect the relevant 2010 Census data to be released in April.

The city’s charter says the redistricting process should be completed six months after the Census data is released. To comply with the charter’s rule, the city’s deadline for the 2011 redistricting process will be Sept. 27, according to city staff.

City staffers wrote in a Jan. 18 report that city leaders will weigh the following elements in the redistricting process: topography, geography, cohesiveness, continuity, “integrity and compactness of territory,” community of interests, existing neighborhoods and community boundaries.

The city will also aim for each district to have the same number of people, according to city staff.

A series of neighborhood meetings on the redistricting process will be held this month. More information about the meetings can be found here.

Read the city’s redistricting website here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Mayors, governor to negotiate redevelopment

2011-01-27T06:27:37Z

Nine mayors representing California’s largest cities met with Gov. Jerry Brown in a closed session Wednesday to urge him not to eliminate redevelopment agency funding.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting on the West Steps of the Capitol, mayors from Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anaheim, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Ana, Fresno and San Diego explained their reasons for wanting to keep redevelopment agency dollars in the city budgets.

“Every one of us understand the magnitude of the budget challenges we face in the state,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

He added that all mayors understand the need to shoulder their share of the budget cuts necessitated by the recession, but argued that eliminating redevelopment agencies is unfair, saying they create jobs and work as an investment to stimulate economic development.

Brown briefly addressed reporters outside his office right after the meeting.

“We’re working. We’re not in agreement yet,” he said. “We’re going to meet further. We’re going to keep talking.”

Brown has advocated for eliminating city redevelopment agencies, which are responsible for developing infill projects, such as recent work on K Street in Sacramento, in addition to other responsibilities.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said the mayors told Brown in the meeting that “it’s a terrible idea to abolish redevelopment in cities up and down the state.”

He said Brown was open to the idea of working with city governments, adding that the governor understands the value of redevelopment.

“He said we will have to bring solutions, and that’s incumbent on us,” Johnson said.

He then mentioned successful redevelopment projects just blocks from the Capitol, including the Sheraton Hotel, in which he said an $8 million investment of redevelopment funds was able to leverage $100 million.

“(Brown) is a tenant here in a project that is only here because of redevelopment dollars,” Johnson said. “We reminded him of it, he was in good spirit ... he said, ‘You guys can be part of a working group going forward.’ ”

Johnson emphasized that California’s mayors and city governments will stand firm on the issue.

“The problem with eliminating redevelopment ... is that all of us have historical high unemployment rates,” Villaraigosa said. “This is the wrong time to move away from job creation.”

The nine mayors who spoke Wednesday on the West Steps of the Capitol agreed that spending redevelopment dollars – which come from property taxes – brings further economic growth and translates to more revenue.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said redevelopment in downtown San Diego has resulted in each dollar spent bringing back $8.50 to the city.

The argument for eliminating redevelopment and enterprise zone funding is that it will allow more state funds to be spent in areas such as public safety and education.

With that, several public safety advocacy organizations have come out in support of Brown.

California Professional Firefighters, an advocacy group for approximately 30,000 firefighters, argued that cities overstate the impact of redevelopment agencies in job creation.

According to a press release from the CPF, the number of documented jobs created across the state in the past decade was approximately 241,000.

The release also cites a Jan. 18 report by the California Legislative Analyst that contends there is “no reliable evidence that redevelopment agencies improve overall economic development in California.”

The mayors did not answer questions about the report during the press conference.

The next step in the process, according to the mayors, will be to sit down with Brown and negotiate a workable solution.

“It was a good meeting, a good start, an important opportunity for us to be at the table to engage in these discussions,” Villaraigosa said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Hot Italian receives green certification

2011-01-26T03:29:15Z

Nearly two years after opening, Hot Italian received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. The Midtown pizza parlor is the first restaurant in the city to achieve the high-ranking environmental designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Mayor Kevin Johnson joined owners Andrea Lepore and Fabrizio Cercatore at Hot Italian Tuesday to announce the LEED Silver status.

Johnson praised Hot Italian for its environmental efforts. “This is about pro-business, pro-environment and pro-pizza,” Johnson said.

Co-owner Andrea Lepore pointed out the restaurant’s sleek black-and-white color scheme, saying that it was environmentally friendly but not the color green.

“We really wanted to demonstrate that green didn’t have to be green,” she said. “It didn’t have to be brown. It could actually be black and white.”

Hot Italian’s building includes environmentally friendly tables, tile and display cases, and a compost bin, among many other green elements. The building’s wood beams are certified by the nonprofit Forest Stewardship Council, a group that advocates for environmentally sound forestry procedures.

Hot Italian is also part of the Green Restaurant Alliance of Sacramento.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Council does not promote Vina

2011-01-26T02:40:50Z

The City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday night against promoting Interim City Manager Gus Vina to the permanent city manager position.

Council members Sandy Sheedy, Rob Fong, Kevin McCarty, Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell voted to conduct a national search for a new city manager.

Mayor Kevin Johnson briefed reporters after he and the members of the City Council held a private meeting about Vina’s job status.

Johnson said the council feels that Vina did a “great job” as interim city manager. However, he said the City Council voted to conduct a national search for a city manager candidate.

Johnson said he hopes that Vina will apply for the job as part of the national search.

Vina was not immediately available for comment.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City protests Brown's redevelopment plan

2011-01-22T01:58:59Z

Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to slash redevelopment agencies spurred a protest and press conference at the Convention Center Friday, bringing together Sacramento leaders and about 100 officials from cities throughout the state.

Chris McKenzie, executive director of the League of California Cities, said that cities may consider suing the state if it disbands redevelopment agencies.

Brown’s office contends that local services, such as schools and public safety, could receive the funding currently used by redevelopment agencies if the agencies shut down. But city leaders in Sacramento and throughout the state argue that ending redevelopment agencies would seriously harm jobs and local development projects.

McKenzie said the governor’s proposal was ”seriously flawed” from a legal perspective.

“We would hate to have to take the state to court in order to uphold the will of the voters,” he said. “But we will do it, if we are forced to do it.”

Sacramento City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby presented figures on how Sacramento city and county would be affected if the two local governments no longer had redevelopment funds.

The city and county would lose 19,000 jobs, and $170 million in redevelopment project funds, according to Ashby and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

A loss of $1.3 billion in economic activity would also be incurred, Ashby said. Affordable housing projects would lose millions of dollars, she said, and the city and county would lose $129 million in state funds that were leveraged with redevelopment funds.

Ashby pointed out that the Boys and Girls Club in Alkali Flat and the McClellan Business Park in Sacramento County are redevelopment projects.

Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn, who also appeared at the press conference, said, “I understand what a tough job the governor and the Legislature have in balancing the state budget, but it is bad policy to cut the very programs that generate revenues for local and state government.”

In an effort to short circuit a possible state decision to cut redevelopment agencies, many California cities have acted to safeguard their redevelopment funds over the past several days, according to multiple media outlets.

The city of Sacramento has not taken any action to bypass possible state action on redevelopment, but Mayor Kevin Johnson said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday that the city should consider doing so.

Brown’s administration continues to voice its support of the proposal to throw out redevelopment agencies. It is time “for everyone to act as Californians first to address the state budget deficit,” said H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the California Department of Finance.

He asserted that the governor’s proposal is “legally sound.”

In the first year of Brown’s proposal, $1.7 billion would help repair the state’s general fund, and the remaining $200 million would go toward local governments, according to Palmer and the text of Brown’s proposal.

In the second year of the plan, $1.9 billion would go to local entities, Palmer said.

Meanwhile, local players in Sacramento, such as the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, are worried that the proposal could stymie development close to home.

Michael Ault, the partnership’s executive director, said at the press conference that redevelopment funding has benefited Central City projects, such as the IMAX Theatre and the Citizen Hotel.

“We know first-hand the impacts that redevelopment has played in the progress in the Central City,” Ault said.

Mark Hedlund, a spokesman for California Senate President Darrell Steinberg, told The Sacramento Press that Steinberg doesn’t want to act on the governor’s proposal immediately, but the idea of stopping redevelopment funding is not off the table.

“He’s not going to pursue an immediate freeze on redevelopment activities,” Hedlund said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Johnson presents agenda at State of the City

2011-01-21T02:24:41Z

In addition to breaking the news that former Washington, D.C., Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee would base her education group in Sacramento at Thursday’s State of the City address, Mayor Kevin Johnson also laid out his agenda for the environment, education and downtown development.

Johnson’s speech was the key draw of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s 19th annual event, held at the Sacramento Convention Center. The chamber’s communications director, Hal Silliman, said this year’s turnout of about 950 people set a record.

In remarks before Johnson’s speech, Metro Chamber Board Chair Gregory Eldridge commented on the poor economic environment in Sacramento, saying “many of our members continue to struggle.”

The economy was also central to Johnson’s comments on “Greenwise,” the regional environmental initiative he started last year. The initiative will focus on five objectives.

The first is a goal of bringing twice as many green jobs to the region by the year 2020, doubling the current 14,000 green jobs.

“Our signature projects, in my opinion, when it comes to the green sector, are game changers for our community,” Johnson said.

The mayor’s second goal is to remodel school buildings in an environmentally friendly manner in the next 10 years. Greenwise aims to refurbish 15 million square feet of existing school buildings in the region.

A third element of the plan is to encourage people to buy local food. The fourth priority is to advance energy innovations.

Johnson’s fifth environmental goal is for the region to launch a biofuels manufacturing sector.

“With all of the waste that we produce in our region, particularly around agriculture, we have a tremendous amount of raw material in which we can create biofuels,” he said.

“Everything we need is right here. So on the flip side of it, if every garbage truck, if every bus, if every vehicle, if every city, county and state fleet, runs on biofuel, we can create a market and satisfy it with just our purchasing power by us becoming consumers here in our community.”

On the education front, Johnson set a goal to bring all Sacramento third graders in the city up to grade level in reading.

“We are announcing an initiative today that we want to be the first city in the country that ensures that every child is reading on grade level by the third grade,” Johnson said.

The mayor also discussed his development agenda. He mentioned his desire to revitalize downtown and bring a new sports and entertainment arena there.

A task force studying four current proposals is likely to make an analysis public on Friday.

“I don’t want us to just limp through this (economic) crisis,” Johnson said. “I think if we look back to the history of our community, we know that we have a strong core in this community and we can do a lot of things to get our mojo back.”

Read the complete text of the Greenwise plan here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Rhee's StudentsFirst will be based in Sacramento

2011-01-20T21:55:42Z

Former D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has decided to base her new education nonprofit in Sacramento. Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is engaged to Rhee, announced Rhee's decision in his "State of the City" speech Thursday.

Johnson said Rhee's group, StudentsFirst, aims to raise $1 billion in its first year.

"She was asked at the launch where the organization would be headquartered," according to the text of Johnson's speech. "She said that while many big city mayors had come a'courting that the mayor of Sacramento had made the most aggressive overtures."

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Utilities Department faces audits

2011-01-20T02:06:59Z

Three months after Mayor Kevin Johnson and City Councilman Kevin McCarty publicly called for an audit of the Sacramento Utilities Department, the department will be audited extensively. The city’s internal auditor and an outside firm will conduct audits, the City Council decided Tuesday night.

The council’s decision comes a year after the Sacramento County Grand Jury claimed in a report that the department may have broken state law Proposition 218. The law says that utilities fees from ratepayers must correspond to the costs of delivering the utilities services.

Partly in response to the Prop. 218 issue, a citizens’ group placed a measure on the November ballot to roll back city utilities rates. It failed.

In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the City Council began the process of hiring a third-party auditing firm. Under the city’s proposed timeline, the council would decide on a contract with an outside firm next month. The selected firm would present findings to the City Council in May or June, according to the city’s initial timeline, which was prepared by city staff.

The third-party auditor will “seek to identify best opportunities for immediate cost saving and operational efficiencies for the department as a whole,” according to a Jan. 18 report from the city manager’s office. “The study will include a review of levels of service, administrative and operational procedures, staffing levels, organizational structure and consideration of industry best practices.”

Mayor Kevin Johnson commented on the audit earlier on Tuesday, during his weekly press conference. He said the audit could revive the public’s trust. “I think it also gives us a chance to demonstrate fiscal responsibility,” he said.

City Auditor Jorge Oseguera will hone in on one or more specific issues at the department. After he pinpoints particular issues, he is expected to examine them in the 2011 / 2012 fiscal year, according to the report.

Assistant City Manager Patti Bisharat noted at the council meeting that the auditing process will also take into account studies that are currently under way in the department.

City staffers estimated in a Jan. 18 report that the cost range for the outside audit would be $80,000 to $120,000.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City leaders back redevelopment agency

2011-01-19T06:28:47Z

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.”

Council members and Johnson discussed the issue at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

“I think we should do all that we can from a City Council perspective to protect the redevelopment dollars,” Ashby said.

The council members discussed the issue after hearing a presentation on state issues from the city’s lobbyist, David Jones.

“We don’t have any details on the (redevelopment) proposal,” Jones said outside the City Council meeting. “But we know ... that to entirely eliminate redevelopment would be devastating to this community and others.”

Meanwhile, Brown spokeswoman Elizabeth Ashford said redevelopment funds could be used for other purposes. “We hope that the redevelopment agencies rushing through billions in taxpayer dollars are going to use these funds to create jobs now,” according to an e-mailed statement from Ashford. “These scarce dollars, which could be used to protect police, firefighters and teachers, should not be banked away for special projects.”

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City Council talks priorities, budget

2011-01-07T03:03:11Z

As part of a Thursday workshop led by Mayor Kevin Johnson, the Sacramento City Council discussed its current priorities as well as ideas for the upcoming “State of the City” address.

Johnson described the workshop as a “mini-retreat” for the City Council. The city leaders kept the budget in mind when discussing their priorities, but exact budget numbers were not discussed.

City Finance Director Leyne Milstein said after the meeting that she was still working on the budget figures and would present concrete budget information at a Jan. 25 public meeting.

Johnson will speak at the State of the City event, which will be held Jan. 20 at the Sacramento Convention Center. His City Council colleagues gave him advice on points to include in the speech.

Councilman Rob Fong suggested that Johnson mention some of the positive developments in the city, such as the city’s work on streetscape improvements.

“I think there are lots of little things that are happening that we don’t necessarily focus on that make a big difference to a lot of people.”

Councilman Jay Schenirer said that gangs and public safety should be addressed in the speech.

The council members also discussed their priorities. Councilman Kevin McCarty said he wanted the council to consider city services. “How do we maintain a full-service city?” he asked.

Council members Steve Cohn and Bonnie Pannell mentioned the importance of jobs. “To me, everything has to be focused right now on jobs, jobs, jobs and our budget,” Cohn said.

The soundness of the city’s budget should be a priority, said Councilman Rob Fong. “I think we have to start focusing on sustainable budgets.”

Mayor Kevin Johnson responded to Rob Fong’s comment. “I couldn’t agree with you more,” he said.

Councilman Darrell Fong mentioned water rights and flooding as key issues. Meanwhile, both Johnson and Schenirer talked about focusing on youth. Johnson also said education is a priority.

Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy noted that the city’s budget should be presented in a transparent way “so that people out there understand it.”

Councilwoman Angelique Ashby urged the council members to tour each other’s districts to learn about the districts’ various issues.

Interim City Manager Gus Vina said after the meeting that he would revisit the council’s ideas during a discussion of economic recovery in the city. “My goal is to tie this conversation with the Jan. 25 date, where we’re going to do a workshop on our recovery plan,” he said.

File photo of a Sacramento City Council meeting held last July. Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Task force weighs four arena teams

2011-01-07T02:45:51Z

An arena task force will use flexibility to analyze a second round of project proposals because there is such a wide range of plans now before them, a task force co-chair said Thursday.

Co-chair Chris Lehane called the proposals to build Sacramento a new sports and entertainment facility "apples and oranges.” Each plan from the four teams has different levels of detail and preparation, ranging from three weeks to more than a year, he said after a public hearing at historic City Hall.

Lehane and member Matt Kelly, executive secretary of the Sacramento-Sierra’s Building & Construction Trades Council, said they appreciated the work Sacramento developer Gerry Kamilos and the Convergence Team put into their proposal last year. Their team was given the first shot at the project, and their effort helped move forward a process that can take years, Lehane said.

But task force member Mark Harris, an infrastructure finance expert, berated Kamilos and the team for asking for more time after failing to make enough progress on their proposed three-way land swap during the exclusive negotiating period they had with the city until late October.

Last year, Harris had called the land-swap proposal a "three-card monte." On Thursday, he sarcastically apologized to "the hustlers and scam artists throughout the world" for having compared them to the development team.

"I'm not only disappointed, but I'm offended that we've wasted so much time with the Convergence group," Harris said, raising his voice.

Standing alone before the task force, Kamilos asked for four more months to work out agreements with Cal Expo, the NBA and the Sacramento Kings owners, the Maloofs, in order to build a $500 million – $550 million project at the downtown railyards. His team was the first to get the NBA and the Maloofs to put a financial agreement to build a new arena on the table in 10 years, Kamilos said.

"I take offense to the fact that you choose not to recognize all these elements that have been accomplished in the last year and that have never been made in this city before," he said.

The Convergence presentation and a question-and-answer session with task force members dominated nearly half of a hearing that ran more than two hours.

Kamilos is no longer partnering with another Sacramento developer, David Taylor, who was a member of the Convergence Team until they didn't produce a viable proposal on deadline. Taylor said he joined ICON Venue Group and other members of a team hand-picked by the mayor three weeks ago because he felt they needed to simplify the project and bring in expertise he hadn't seen yet.

Taylor gave a presentation with Tim Romani, president and chief executive officer of Colorado-based ICON.

ICON has managed more arena and stadium development projects worldwide than any other firm. Romani counseled the task force against continuing with the competition Johnson established by putting out a public call for proposals, first in late 2009 and again in late 2010, and appointing the task force. He said leaders should be collaborating to build an arena.

"I don't believe a competing process is going to get you where you need to go," he said. "The collaborative process of all the business leaders, along with the city and the team, is what it's going to take to make this happen."

Presentations were also given by the CORE team, led by entrepreneur Ali Mackani and McClellan Park President Larry Kelley, and by Natomas Entertainment Sports Center Partners, led by Mike Corrick of Nacht & Lewis Architects and Rick Millitello, general manager and executive vice president of Skanska USA Building Inc. of Oakland. Natomas ESC Partners is the only team proposing a plan for the existing Arco Arena site.

The teams focused on the need to determine funding plans, their individual expertise and how soon they could present development and funding plans to the city. All four recognized the need for a public-private partnership on funding, which they said could take several forms except for any type of tax increase.

“There’s no way in hell that this project is going to get done without public help,” Taylor told the task force.

The CORE team and the ICON-Taylor team have no financing plans yet. The Convergence Team and Natomas ESC Partners have detailed finance plans, but questions remain for both.

Romani said the ICON-Taylor team could tell the city whether they can take on the project and how they'd develop and finance it within three months. The CORE team asked for six months to work with city on a financing plan.

The task force will release an analysis of the concepts Jan. 21. The four proposals may be ranked in order of preference, but that's still being determined, Lehane said.

Over the next two weeks, subgroups of the task force will meet with each of the four teams at least once but possibly several times to get more specifics about the teams' expertise and plans.

Task force members advised Natomas ESC Partners to create a more individualized funding plan with several financial models to offer the Maloofs more flexibility, and to flesh out their argument that keeping the arena in Natomas fits with the city's 2030 General Plan and plans for economic growth and increasing jobs.

The task force will present a report on the proposals to the City Council Jan. 25.

Johnson didn't attend the hearing, but he issued a statement later.

"The competition is great for the city, because it gives us more options and ensures we move forward from a position of strength," he said in a prepared statement sent by e-mail. "The public hearing is a great step forward, but we all know these types of deals are not easy – even in the best of times. I look forward to reading their upcoming analysis along with my council colleagues at the end of the month."

Photo 1 of arena task force member Mark Harris and Photo 2 of developer Gerry Kamilos by Brandon Darnell. Photo 3 of Convergence Team lead counsel Chuck Trainor speaking and Don Johnson of Kamilos Co., seated, by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Bonnie Pannell named vice mayor

2011-01-05T04:19:01Z

The City Council on Tuesday selected Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell to be its second-in-command after the mayor.

Pannell will serve as the city’s vice mayor for 2011. She replaces former City Councilman Robbie Waters, who held the vice mayor position in 2010. The vice mayor fills in for the mayor in certain circumstances.

Assistant City Clerk Stephanie Mizuno said the duties of the vice mayor are spelled out in the city’s charter.

“During any absence of the mayor from the city or a meeting of the city council, the vice-mayor shall be the acting mayor until the mayor returns,” the charter states. “In addition, if the mayor becomes incapable of acting as mayor and incapable of delegating duties, or if a vacancy exists in the office of mayor, the vice-mayor shall become the acting mayor.”

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Police union revives strong mayor debate

2011-01-04T02:40:55Z

The local police union is reviving an effort to create a “strong mayor” form of government in the city, according to Det. Mark Tyndale, vice president of the Sacramento Police Officers Association.

Tyndale said in an interview on Monday that SPOA is “actively talking” to other groups on how to move an effort forward. SPOA is in discussions with the Sacramento Metro Chamber, Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 and the Sacramento 60, a group of powerful business leaders, Tyndale said.

Sacramento 60 and the Sacramento Metro Chamber backed last summer’s strong mayor proposal.

The City Council and interest groups for and against a strong mayor government fought bitterly over previous campaigns for a strong mayor system last year and in 2009. The city currently uses a city manager/city council form of government. A strong mayor system would move many of the city manager’s responsibilities to the mayor.

SPOA backs the July 2010 strong mayor plan, which is the most recent in a series of proposals.

Tyndale said he hopes the City Council will agree to place the strong mayor issue on the November 2011 ballot, if special elections for other issues are also taking place then. He explained that it is more cost-effective for the city to put it on the ballot with other election issues.

“What we want is real accountability,” Tyndale said, adding that a strong mayor system would make one person – the mayor – more responsible for his or her actions.

He also emphasized that the proposed government system would affect future mayors.

“This is way beyond Kevin Johnson,” he said.

If a new system is put into effect, it would probably affect Johnson in 2012, the final year of his current term, Tyndale said.

Tyndale pointed out that the strong mayor system proposed in July 2010 would have included a City Council president. If a strong mayor government were put into effect, Tyndale said he would want the City Council president to be new City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby.

Tyndale said the police union will try to persuade the City Council to put the July 2010 proposal on the November 2011 ballot. The July draft of the strong mayor proposal was written by third-party attorneys after the City Council blocked City Attorney Eileen Teichert from writing a draft in June 2010.

SPOA and other supporters will aim to advance the proposal through the City Council, Tyndale said, rather than through an initiative without the council’s support. However, he said SPOA and other strong mayor supporters would discuss the option of advancing the initiative without the City Council if that is the only option and if it can be accomplished legally.

Johnson and his supporters failed with the initiative approach last year. Bill Camp, executive secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, sued over the issue in December 2009 and stopped the proposal from advancing. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Loren McMaster decided in January 2010 that the initiative did not follow state law.

Johnson, who had led the strong mayor campaign in 2009 and 2010, abandoned it in July.

“There’s not enough appetite for council to put this on the ballot,” Johnson told reporters in July 2010. “I got that. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to quit fighting for reform.”

This time around, Johnson said he will not take a leading role in a campaign. “What I realize is, I don’t want this to be a distraction for all 2011,” he said at his weekly press conference on Dec. 28.

Meanwhile, Camp said Monday that voters need to decide if they want a council in which the mayor does not have a seat, he said. “People need to think it through,” he said.

Camp said that a new discussion of a strong mayor system needs to account for the need to change the number of City Council seats. The city would have to carve out nine new council districts under the strong mayor proposal. But the city already has to go through a redistricting process for its eight council districts this year, he said. This means there would be a second redistricting process if the strong mayor proposal goes into effect.

A second redistricting process would cost money, he said.

Tyndale acknowledged that the redistricting issue “does complicate things a little bit.”

However, Tyndale said that perhaps there could be a system set up for a couple years that consists of a strong mayor and eight council seats, instead of nine.

Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy was unavailable for comment on SPOA’s plans Monday afternoon.

Read a timeline of strong mayor events in 2009 and 2010.

Read the July 2010 proposal of the strong mayor plan here.

Photo of Det. Mark Tyndale by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Greenwise outcome expected in January

2010-12-29T01:57:16Z

A policy report on Mayor Kevin Johnson’s 2010 environmental initiative, known as “Greenwise,” is scheduled to be released on Jan. 20 at the annual State of the City address.

The Greenwise report will consist of an action plan and goals, according to a Dec. 15 e-mail from the Greenwise project coordinator Lauren Altdoerffer. Johnson will speak at the State of the City address, which will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center.

The report will be the product of months of meetings and brainstorming sessions on environmental sustainability in the Sacramento region.

Johnson has repeatedly stressed that the focus on environmental progress should be regional.

“If we look at just one policy for one city, we will not have a competitive advantage,” Johnson said in June. “It has to be a region.”

Presentations from several leading figures in the fields of politics, environmentalism and journalism have been a major part of the “Greenwise” program.

Since the program started in June, it has featured speeches from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, environmental activist Van Jones, incoming California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Times journalist Thomas Friedman, attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and chef Alice Waters.

In addition to the celebrity appearances, the program has gathered community members to address areas including energy, waste and recycling, water and nature, green building and green technology.

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

City officials here today, gone tomorrow

2010-12-23T22:18:39Z

The past year was a big one for resignations, promotions and elections of Sacramento city officials. Twelve personnel changes took place at City Hall involving elected and appointed leaders and city staffers in 2010.

A major change was in the city manager position, which was replete with drama and press conferences.

When former City Manager Ray Kerridge resigned in March, the city was wrestling with a host of issues. The Sacramento County Grand Jury had released a report in January saying the city may have broken state law Proposition 218. Utilities fees from ratepayers must correspond to the costs of delivering the utilities services, the law states.

At the same time, the city was dealing with a sticky situation over building permits that a staffer in the Community Development Department gave to a housing developer. The feds had barred the city from giving out permits in that area.

On top of that headache, more concerns with the development department had cropped up, such as claims that the department didn’t collect developer fees and even accusations of “potential quid pro quo,” according to a Jan. 26 report from the offices of the city manager and city attorney.

There were controversies surrounding Kerridge’s decision to resign. Mayor Kevin Johnson said a negative attitude among other council members in part caused Kerridge to pack his bags. Johnson held a press conference in which he described Kerridge as a “great talent.” Councilman Robbie Waters voiced support for Kerridge at Johnson’s press conference. Kerridge was also popular among businesspeople, who said he created a customer-service environment at the development department.

When Kerridge left Sacramento City Hall, he said he intended to take a job in the private sector. But he was picked up by Roseville in May to be its next city manager.

Shortly before Kerridge resigned, former development department director Bill Thomas resigned. Thomas and Kerridge had worked together in both the cities of Portland and Sacramento.

Responding to Kerridge’s resignation, the City Council promoted Gus Vina, who was an assistant city manager, to be interim city manager in March.

Max Fernandez, the former head of code enforcement for the city, was promoted to be the director of the development department in early July. With Vina and Fernandez in charge, the development department is undergoing a remodel to tighten its procedures.

The city auditor’s office faced a year of changes, as well. The City Council hired Jorge Oseguera to be the new city auditor in March, after that spot had been vacant for almost one year.

Oseguera hired deputy auditor Gerald Silva in March, but Silva resigned in July. Silva resigned after The Sacramento Press asked him to comment on a sexual harassment dispute that involved him when he served as the city auditor of San Jose.

It wasn’t just the city manager and development director positions that were in upheaval in 2010 – a big shake-up also occurred on the City Council.

Council incumbents Ray Tretheway and Robbie Waters both lost to newcomers in June, while Councilwoman Lauren Hammond didn’t run for reelection.

New councilwoman Angelique Ashby took Ray Tretheway’s District 1 seat in June, but two runoffs were required for the District 5 and District 7 seats. The runoffs featured newbies in both cases – the incumbents had already lost in June.

Darrell Fong won his District 7 runoff battle against candidate Ryan Chin, while Jay Schenirer beat opponent Patrick Kennedy in the November runoff for District 5.

Photos of Tretheway, Vina and Fernandez by Kathleen Haley. Photo of Kerridge by Anthony Bento. Photo of Ashby by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

New organization to take over the fight against homelessness

2010-12-15T01:47:14Z

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Sacramento City Council are moving forward with their plan to implement a new two-tier organization to continue the fight against homelessness.

Current funding at The Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance will run out June 30, 2011. The new organization will be a two-tiered public-private collaboration to fight homelessness in the city and county.

Mayor Kevin Johnson introduced his homeless liaison, Ann Moore, at his weekly press conference Tuesday. Moore is the former executive director of the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

“Our intent is to set up a new joint nonprofit/JPA (Joint Powers Agency) with a goal of having it fully operational by the end of this fiscal year,” said Moore. “The actions today at the (County) Board of Supervisors and the (City) Council will actually start the process going.”

The new organization is scheduled to take over The Homeless Continuum of Care by July 1, 2011. The CoC oversees many county programs in the fight against homelessness.

The nonprofit half of the structure would take the reins of the CoC from the DHA. The JPA portion would set policies, procedures, provide a forum for multi-jurisdictional meetings and coordinate public-private sector collaboration.

A Dec. 14 City Council staff report said that the benefit of this public-private partnership is the ability to tap multiple sources of funding. The JPA would have access to federal and state funds.

The nonprofit would manage grants and private sources of funds. The partnership also helps smooth over transitional challenges stemming from funding sources requiring government administration as part of the deal.

This dynamic combination is being modeled after the success of Safe Passages in Oakland and the Community Shelter Board in Columbus, Ohio.

The CoC is a broad government and community response to homelessness in the county that oversees 79 different programs dealing with homelessness prevention, emergency shelter and transitional and permanent housing. CoC manages more than 70 contracts with organizations that provide services to the homeless. It receives $29 million to run its programs from federal and other sources.

The DHA is under a March 15, 2011 deadline to present a working plan to transition CoC to its new administrators.

Natomas school district, teachers 'hopeful'

2010-12-10T04:02:48Z

Natomas school administrators and teachers' union officials both expressed hope Thursday they can head off a state takeover of the district.

Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David Gordon initiated the possibility of the state taking over Natomas Unified School District last week when he began the process to get the district an emergency state loan.

The two sides voiced optimism following a meeting early this week, which was the latest in a string of bargaining sessions. More negotiations are set for next week.

Talks between leaders from the district and Natomas Teachers' Association have become "very collaborative," District Superintendent Bobbie Plough said.

"We're not going to go through a state takeover," Plough said. "I'm very positive we're going to work through this with our employee associations."

Both sides have worked hard and made progress to solve an $8.9 million cash shortfall expected by the end of fiscal year 2012/2013, said Natomas Teachers' Association President Cynthia Connell, whose union represents about 440 teachers.

"The bottom line for the district is they need $9 million," Connell said. "What we want is the best deal possible for our teachers, but that actually helps to solve the district's budget woes."

The teachers' union and district officials will meet again Thursday, Dec. 16. School officials will hold another bargaining session Wednesday, Dec. 15 with negotiators from the California School Employee Association, which represents the district's 362 classified employees. Natomas Unified has 45 unrepresented staff, which includes management and others.

Natomas Unified School District falls under the supervision of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Gordon began efforts to get the district an emergency loan, as required by law, after the district projected it would run out of money this spring or summer. But that could be sooner, if the state makes budget cuts that impact the district, Gordon said.

Plough and Gordon have scheduled two community meetings on the matter at 3:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Natomas High School, 3301 Fong Ranch Road.

They will provide updates and explain the process involved in a state takeover, with help from the county's Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Tammy Sanchez and, at 6 p.m., from a representative of the state's Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team.

The district's $60 million budget this year is balanced. But the district is spending more money than it's taking in, Gordon said.

The school district initially proposed saving $8.9 million by asking all staff to agree to 7.9 percent in total cuts and the teachers' union countered with 4.86 percent. The two sides have moved closer together on numbers but didn't wish to discuss it further during ongoing negotiations.

The areas where spending would be cut has been part of the negotiations. Those could come in the form of pay cuts, health benefits, retirement plans, salary freezes, furlough days, teacher preparation time and fees for teaching oversized classes, according to both sides.

Arranging the loan can take four to six months. Gordon will need to find a local state legislator to sponsor a bill authorizing the loan, but he hasn't begun that process.

He has met with the state's Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team to discuss the terms of the loan. Those terms include the state schools superintendent assigning a trustee administrator, usually a former school district superintendent, to oversee the district until its financial problems are resolved and the loan is paid back.

"Their first priority is to try to balance the budget and then to pay back the loan," Gordon said. "That's the first priority of the district for years to come. So, often, little else is talked about."

As many as 9,810 students attend three high schools, four charter schools, a middle school, a preschool and eight elementary schools. The district has had financial problems for three to four years.

Plough was brought in as the new superintendent in July. If the state takes over, Plough would lose her job and the school board would serve only in an advisory capacity.

The administrator would work with the district to help it bring five areas of governance back up to state standards and to solve its financial problems, said Tina Jung, spokeswoman for the California Department of Education.

Teachers represent nearly half of the district’s budget. Classified employees are mostly part-time cafeteria workers, playground assistants, library technicians and instructional aides paid just above minimum wage. Their costs take up about 17 percent of the budget.

California School Employee Association Chapter No. 745 members have concerns about more cuts after being the first group to agree to concessions two years ago. They agreed to take 24 furlough days, then discovered the district paid some teachers far more for special education needs on those days, Chapter President Omega Brewer said.

At his weekly press conference Tuesday, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson encouraged the teachers' union to come to an agreement with the school district.

“I just want to say loudly and clearly, I hope to goodness the teachers' union leadership is willing to give concessions. Other districts have done it. Other collective bargaining groups have done it," he said. "If you don’t do it, and your school gets taken over by the state of California, then you lose your superintendent. You lose your school board.... All the decision-making is made at the state level, which means there really (is) no democratic process for the community in Natomas.”

It's difficult to say whether the two sides can hammer out an agreement by Christmas, Plough said.

"We're going to make it through this," she said.

Photo of Bobbie Plough provided by Natomas Unified School District. Mayor Kevin Johnson quotes provided by reporter Kathleen Haley.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Greenwise leads Sacramento in the right direction

2010-12-08T08:09:49Z

Sacramento is making progress toward Mayor Kevin Johnson’s goal of becoming the green capitol of the nation, green leaders said Tuesday at the final Greenwise Intitative meeting.

Alice Waters, chef, activist and co-owner of Chez Panisse, Mayor Sam Adams of Portland and honorary co-chair of Greenwise Initiative Chancellor Linda P.B. Ketehi gathered at the California Museum to discuss Sacramento's resources and collaborative efforts.

“After the last 24 months, in terms of the triple bottom line sustainability – environmental, social and economic sustainability – your city has gone from kind of good work – but middle of the pack – to a real bullet, and people are really watching what you’re doing,” Adams said.

Portland is currently the most sustainable city in the nation according to Adams, yet Sacramento has amazing advantages over Portland when it comes to environmental sustainability.

These advantages include more sun and wind, less rain, flatter land and electricity that is three times as expensive. All of these, collectively, he said, equal a “much better green dividend.”

He referenced Portland’s Climate Action Plan, which was created with the city’s natural strengths in mind, and said that there is no difference between Portland and Sacramento in terms of what’s possible.

“You have – in the industry of clean technology and sustainability, with UC Davis and our own work – some amazing strengths to build off of as well,” Adams said.

Chancellor Ketehi reviewed some of the ways the University of California, Davis contributes to green initiatives such as Greenwise.

“Institutions like UC Davis bring something very valuable to this partnership, and that is the intellectual wealth that has been generated by many over the years,” Ketehi said. “We see ourselves as creating a platform that can connect many activities around the state with very specific emphasis in the region.”

She also announced the university’s recent movement to build an “innovation hub” that will act as an incubator for information and ideas to be put into practice across the region.

Dr. Judy A. Kjelstrom from UC Davis is on the clean and green technology subcommittee and said she has been to every Greenwise meeting since it began in May.

“It’s nice to see the culmination of all the partnerships that are developing out of the May meeting,” Kjelstrom said. “Again with our Chancellor coming today and to really have a partnership with our University and Sacramento.”

She said she believes these partnerships promote the very important message that we’re in it together.

Johnson also commended the work of UC Davis, as well as Sacramento’s public policies, resources, weather and ability to work well together as contributing success factors.

He likened the discovery of green to the discovery of gold and posed the question, “Why can’t we transform Sacramento into the Emerald Valley? Why can’t we be the greenest region in the country and a hub for clean technology?

“There’s no reason why we can’t,” Johnson said. “We just need to stay committed and work together.”

He reminded everyone that over the last 13 years, the region has experienced an 87 percent green job growth, which is No. 1 in the state.

Johnson also shared that Sacramento is No. 1 when it comes to any other metropolitan area in the country in terms of solar installation per capita.

Chef Waters concluded the meeting with her own green stimulus plan grounded in the practice of “Edible Education,” which has affiliates across the country.

“We need to reinvest in public education, but this time by coming through the lunchroom door,” Waters said.

Her plan, called the Edible Schoolyard Program, provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack to every child for free. Waters shared the four main points of this program.

“By setting a criteria for the buying of food in schools, school lunch could stimulate a local economy of sustainability, by paying the real price to the farmers and produces for food,” Waters said. “The money would go directly to the local organic community.

“By removing the financial burden of parents having to provide for their children’s lunch, not only do you save them the expense, but you also reassure those parents that their children are going to be nourished.

“By investing in the educational infrastructure, you’re hiring the people who breathe life into the program and rebuild the schools.

“The final point: it would stimulate our students to learn in a way that isn’t new but has been forgotten.”

She asserted that this plan could transform the school system overnight.

She said she was not surprised when The UC Berkeley Center for Weight and Health released an evaluation report on the Edible Schoolyard Program, after studying it for three years, which pointed to a dramatic shift in the children’s attitude and behaviors towards healthy food.

A member of the audience, Noreen James, who works in the Economic Development Department for the City of Sacramento, and said she would like to see Waters’ program in Sacramento.

“We have this huge problem in this country with our youth and nutrition and I liked that Waters has a programs that she has put in place to help children become aware of what they’re eating, becoming aware of healthy choices and become healthier people, because they are our future and I hope that the city of Sacramento invests in her program,” James said.

Photos courtesy of Phil Kampel Photography.

Treasurer: City must borrow cash

2010-12-08T05:54:18Z

City Treasurer Russ Fehr explained the city’s cash flow problems to the City Council Tuesday night, noting that the city’s general fund will need to continue to borrow cash.

The city has a $90 million cash flow gap, Fehr said. To address its cash flow troubles, the city recently borrowed $40 million, he said.

The city’s cash situation changes throughout the year, according to a report by Fehr. That’s because the city receives property tax revenues during the second half of the fiscal year, which begins Jan. 1, Fehr said.

The heart of the problem is the cash situation with the general fund, he said.

“I want to emphasize that the cash flow issue in first half of the year is not new,” he told the City Council. “Nearly all cities, counties, districts (and) school districts that receive property taxes face this problem. It’s sort of generically known as ‘the dry period.’

“Why it’s become a new issue for us in recent years, is that the general fund is now having to borrow for cash flow purposes,” he said.

The general fund has had cash flow troubles since Fiscal Year 2008-2009, according to Fehr’s report. “It’s certain that the general fund is going to have to borrow cash for the foreseeable future,” he told the council members.

Fehr urged the City Council to minimize and then stop using unsustainable solutions to balance the budget.

City Councilman Rob Fong was the only council member who commented after Fehr’s presentation. “It is a critical situation,” he said. The City Council and city staff must work on the cash flow problem together during budget season, Fong added.

Mayor Kevin Johnson commented on the situation at his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “When times were good in the Sacramento economy, we spent more than we should,” Johnson said.

Fehr said last week that the city is not at risk of bankruptcy.

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Johnson introduces new council members

2010-11-30T21:11:05Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson introduced the new members of City Council at his press conference Tuesday before Jay Schenirer and Darrell Fong were due to be sworn in at the City Council meeting later in the day. Angelique Ashby was sworn in last week.

Ashby, who represents District 1, said she is “really excited to be a part of this team.”

“It’s a big honor to have a leadership role in such a great city like Sacramento,” she added.“I am just thrilled about the opportunities that we have to help not only District 1, but the city of Sacramento over the next four 4 years.”

Her top priorities for the city include balancing the budget and fixing the levees, she said.

Schenirer will be representing District 5 and all of its 19 diverse neighborhoods.

“It’s probably the most diverse district in the city and has a great deal of need throughout,” Schenirer said. “I’m really looking forward to working with the neighborhoods to strengthen their capacity to take care of the residents and make sure that people feel safe and secure in their homes, and that they have what they need to be successful.”

His priorities include making the city more youth friendly and getting people employed.

“If we don’t have people employed, then we don’t have healthy families, and if we don’t have healthy families, then we’re never going to have healthy communities,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to getting to work and I’m looking forward to working with the council members and each and every one of you,” Fong said.

He added that public safety has always been a top priority for him as well as representing the Pocket community and Valley Hi.

In other news, Johnson announced that the task force will issue its process for choosing the next sports arena complex in the next couple of days.

“It will be an informal process where they issue an analysis to council on the way they see things currently,” Johnson said.

He said the task force will hold a public hearing in the first week of January.

City to fine adults who provide alcohol to youths at parties

2010-11-24T05:46:46Z

Sacramento police will now have “another tool to address criminal behavior” as it relates to underage drinking, according to City Councilman Robbie Waters.

The City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday that will fine adults who host parties with underage drinking within the city anywhere from $250 to $25,000. They will also be charged with a misdemeanor.

The “social host liability ordinance” will hold people accountable for sanctioning underage drinking, said Derrick Lim, manager of Neighborhood Services/Special Events within the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

Lim said a civil penalty can also be administered for those in violation of the ordinance.

Similar ordinances have been successful in other areas, including unincorporated portions of Sacramento County and the city of Elk Grove, Lim said.

“The Sacramento Youth Commission fully supports these measures,” said Olivia Godby, the commission’s vice chair.

According to the staff report, the UC Davis regional trauma center showed an increase in the number of intoxicated youth being treated as well as an increase in the average blood alcohol level among those youths between 2004 and 2008.

The report also notes that 414 people were injured and 18 killed in Sacramento County between 2006 and 2007 by underage drivers who had been drinking.

Waters said the new ordinance will “punish the parents, if you will, and give law enforcement officers the chance to do something about these people who have parties for the under-21 youth where alcohol is served.”

Steve Wirtz of the Sacramento Youth and Alcohol Coalition – an affiliate of the UC Davis Trauma Prevention and Outreach Program – spoke at the meeting, saying his group is behind the ordinance.

Wirtz said the issue is a nonpartisan one, and that the goal is simply to protect the youth in the city.

“We’re very pleased to see this go forward,” he said.

One Christian Brothers High School senior who spoke at the meeting recalled the “Every 15 Minutes” drunken driving prevention program being at his school when he was a sophomore.

“What I learned from this is underage drinking is not the casual thing that other people think,” he said.

The report noted that 90 percent of 11th graders acknowledge that drinking is a problem, but 62 percent still do it.

Mayor Kevin Johnson then voiced his stance on the issue: “How can we say no to our youth? Holy moly.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Angelique Ashby sworn into office

2010-11-24T05:38:59Z

Angelique Ashby was officially sworn in on Tuesday as the new city councilwoman representing the areas of Alkali Flat, Gardenland/Northgate, and North and South Natomas.

The District 1 council seat was vacated by nine-year City Councilman Ray Tretheway, who lost his race against Ashby in June. Ashby, 35, is a first-time council member.

Her father, Patric Ashby, gained permission from City Clerk Shirley Concolino to read the new councilwoman her oath.

Ashby repeated the oath’s phrases after her father, which include a pledge to “well and faithfully discharge the duties” of her new office. She then took her seat at the City Council’s dais, or stage, and made remarks to the packed room at City Hall.

“I’m hopeful that I can help,” Ashby said. “That’s why I ran.”

Ashby also praised the council members for welcoming her to her new job.

“I just want to say that all the members of the council have been really generous to me – very nice,” she said. “Each one has spent some of their time with me – time on the weekend to show me their district. They’ve all come out and seen Natomas. They’re trying very hard to welcome me and I really appreciate that.”

Ashby said before the swearing in event that she still owns a consulting firm that contracts with public agencies, but added that she plans on spending the majority of her time working on city issues as a City Council member. The Sacramento County Office of Education was a former client of her consulting firm, and her current client is in Alpine County, she said.

Mayor Kevin Johnson, the Sacramento Police Officers Association and the Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 supported Ashby’s run for City Council.

“We are very excited to have Council member Angelique Ashby at the dais,” Johnson said at the swearing-in.

Councilman Steve Cohn was originally scheduled to be sworn in at the City Council meeting, but he said he would make his comments next week. Cohn has been a councilman since 1994, but Assistant City Clerk Stephanie Mizuno explained that council members are sworn in each time they are reelected.

Councilman Kevin McCarty gave Ashby a propeller-head cap as a welcoming gift, saying that he and Fong received the same gift when they were sworn in.

Ashby wore the cap for a few seconds, and then said she would give it to council newcomers Jay Schenirer and Darrell Fong when they are sworn in later this month. “Jay, Darrell: It’ll be waiting,” she said.

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks in Sacramento

2010-11-20T02:13:25Z

Attorney and environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called for the entire nation to be linked on one electricity grid in a fiery speech in downtown Sacramento on Friday.

Kennedy was the keynote speaker for “Greenwise,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s environmental initiative. Since he started his initiative in June, Johnson has hosted talks with speakers including San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. About 300 people attended Kennedy’s speech, which was held at the Hyatt Regency at 12th and L streets.

The country’s current energy system is irrational, Kennedy said, noting there are 50 different public utilities commissions. The electricity system in the nation should be linked together, Kennedy said, so that solar and wind energy could be used in every community.

“We need a national marketplace where every American is hooked to a national unified grid,” he said. “A marketplace that does what a real free market capitalism is supposed to do: which is supposed to reward good behavior, which is efficiency. And punish bad behavior, which is inefficiency and waste.”

Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA administrator for a region that includes California, Arizona and Hawaii, was among other speakers who addressed the audience before Kennedy arrived.

“People are looking to examples, and frankly, they’re looking to California,” Blumenfeld said. “They’re looking to the place where the iPhone comes from and saying, ‘You know what, they can invent this amazing thing. Surely, they can work out what to do with local government.’ And I think we’re rising to the occasion.”

Kennedy had been scheduled to speak at 11 a.m., but he arrived nearly an hour later because his flight to Sacramento was delayed.

Johnson improvised in the downtime before Kennedy arrived, telling humorous anecdotes to the audience and showing a clip of comedian Stephen Colbert interviewing environmentalist Van Jones.

In his talk, Kennedy simultaneously advocated for an alternative energy national electric grid and attacked the use of oil and coal energy.

Kennedy peppered his speech with insults directed at incumbent U.S. Congressmembers, the coal industry and Fox News. He drew applause from some members of the audience when he said: “Right now, we have a marketplace that is rigged by rules that were written by the incumbents to reward the dirtiest, filthiest, most poisonous, most destructive, most addictive fuels from hell, rather than the cheap, clean, green, wholesome, abundant fuels from heaven.”

Mark Henwood, a local clean energy business owner, was so amused by Kennedy’s colorful insults that he wrote them down.

However, Henwood pointed out that national legislation with rules for limiting greenhouse gas emissions has failed to receive approval from the U.S. Congress.

“We have some evidence that there’s not enough political will,” he said.

Before Kennedy’s talk, Johnson spoke about his hopes for environmentalism in Sacramento.

“We want to transform Sacramento in The Emerald Valley, the greenest region in the county and a hub for clean technology,” he said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Project61's "Feast for the Forgotten" is Saturday

2010-11-19T22:28:35Z

Project61 Update: "Feast for the Forgotten" This Saturday, November 20 at 2:00pm under the 12th Street Bridge.

Saturday is the annual "Feast for the Forgotten" Thanksgiving meal and gathering for those who meet up once a month under the 12th Street bridge.

This monthly event is called Project61 and was started by local rapper and motivational speaker Minister RMB in the fall of 2004 with some friends. RMB says, "Everybody wants to know they are valued and loved...regardless of their current situation or background. People desperately need love. Love with no agenda. We have all experienced times of brokenness, failure, loneliness, betrayal, abandonment....and it was during those times that we tried to fill the void with things or people that were not healthy. That is why we do this. We know that only true love can fill the voids out here in the streets and under bridges. Love wins!"

When getting close to the last Saturday of every month, Project61 puts out a call through their website, Facebook and email, to call the volunteers together for their monthly dose of giving unconditional love. The monthly gathering is more of an anticipated excitement from both the volunteers and the homeless guest that usually number between 100-150 except during the more advertised events such as this Saturday's “Feast for the Forgotten” and the annual Michael “Gremlin” Wentworth memorial banquet. “Gremlin” was a well known homeless advocate for the homeless community who was murdered in an attempt to help a homeless man being chased by two men. Those two events will draw hundreds more people than a usual month.

The monthly feast usually includes BBQ hot links, 1/3 lb cheeseburgers, chicken, lasagna and all of the side dishes that go with these foods. Because these feasts have been going on for five years, it has the atmosphere of a very well organized picnic which makes it more of a family event than a typical food and clothing hand out. After the picnic is over they give out warm clothes, socks, blankets, sleeping bags and personal hygiene items to hold them over during the coming month.

For more information or if you are interested in helping out in some way or another contact Minister RMB at 916 474-1155.

Add & Like Project 61 on Facebook @: http://www.facebook.com/projectsixtyone

State to take millions from SHRA

2010-11-18T02:34:12Z

The city of Sacramento and advocates for local governments are cheering the passage of a state ballot measure that bans the state from taking or borrowing local funds.

However, the new measure does not eliminate the $4 million the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency owes the state in May 2011, according to the California Redevelopment Association.

California voters’ approval of Proposition 22 on Nov. 2 helps the city while the state continues to face budget troubles, said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.

The state is now looking at a $6 billion budget shortfall during the current fiscal year, said H.D. Palmer, deputy director of external affairs for the California Department of Finance. In the next fiscal year, the state’s projected deficit is at least $19 billion, he said.

“When I hear the projections of the state deficit going up a little higher than people anticipated, that’s not good for anybody,” Johnson said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “But (Prop. 22) allows us to have a little more comfort and security, knowing that they no longer are allowed to take our dollars to balance their budget.”

Palmer noted that Prop 22 will cost California $1 billion in the current fiscal year, according to the state Legislative Analyst’s Office.

“The total annual fiscal effect from these changes is not possible to determine, but could range from about $1 billion (in most years) to several billion dollars (in some years),” according to the Legislative Analyst’s report on Prop. 22.

Voters passed Prop. 22 with 60 percent of the vote.

Under the measure’s rules, the state can no longer take redevelopment property tax funds. It also bans the state from funding schools with property taxes from local governments. The state also won’t be able to use fuel tax revenues that go to local governments.

In one local government example, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency was required to give $19.6 million to the state in May, said John Shirey, executive director of the California Redevelopment Association. In May 2011, SHRA will have to pay another $4 million to the state, he said. Even though Prop. 22 is now in effect, it has retroactive language requiring the payments to be made in May, 2011.

The California Redevelopment Association is fighting the state in a lawsuit that’s currently at the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento, he said. The lawsuit aims to reverse 2009 state budget legislation that allowed the state to fund schools with $2 billion in local redevelopment funds from most of the state’s redevelopment agencies, according to Shirey. The $19.6 million that SHRA paid last year and the $4 million it owes in May made up SHRA’s share of the $2 billion.

Shirey had harsh words for the state: “There’s no borrowing here; it’s straight theft.”

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Johnson urges greener waste removal efforts

2010-11-16T23:14:28Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday at his weekly press conference that an agreement reached with BLT In-Region, the city’s solid waste disposal company, will shrink Sacramento’s carbon footprint.

The agreement moves the solid waste dumping location from the Lockwood Landfill site in Nevada to Kiefer’s Landfill in Sloughhouse, Calif. This saves the Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station (SRTS) vehicles more than 200 miles in travel time. The site in Nevada is 308 miles round-trip, while the new site is 28 miles round-trip.

“How crazy is it that we use diesel trucks to take our waste across the border to some other landfill when the answer was much easier?” Johnson said.

“It’s taken us two years, but we are finally working out a reciprocal relationship with the county in terms of taking advantage of our landfill and their landfill and swapping and making sure that we can do the haul of our waste locally.”

According to Johnson, this contract is smart because it will ensure preferred tipping rates from the county and decrease Sacramento’s carbon footprint.

“It makes good sense for us,” he said.

He added that even in a long-term contract, if new innovative technologies are found, the City of Sacramento will maintain the flexibility to alter what it’s doing, to make sure that it can take advantage of technologies that are on the horizon in the next three to five years.

Johnson also announced that the City Council will vote tonight on plan to right the wrongs responsible for the 38 permit violations charged against the City of Sacramento by FEMA last February. Kathleen Haley will write a story on the results.

In terms of a new downtown arena, the task force will reconvene Thursday as reported by Suzanne Hurt of The Sacramento Press.

Johnson also called for submissions for arena proposals – new proposals and previously submitted ones. He suggested that older submissions be tweaked so the concerns that came up in the first review process be addressed.

The Task Force will be accepting and reviewing proposals for the next month or so, according to Johnson.

For Arts' Sake goes into action mode

2010-11-13T02:39:05Z

Sacramento’s For Arts’ Sake initiative reached the tipping point from planning to action Friday.

“Now that the art community has gathered together and convened everybody ... there’s a place for everyone to participate,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson.

“We’re going to do massive outreach,” Johnson said. “We’re going to go out to citizens all over Sacramento and say, ‘Here’s how you can sign up, here’s how you can help, tell us what’s important to you, what are your priorities,’ and we’re going to make them a reality.”

The arts community was invited to the recently expanded Crocker Art Museum Friday for an update on the For Arts’ Sake initiative, and National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman came to voice his appreciation for what Sacramento has done.

“We’re here for a reason, and that reason is the commitment to the arts in Sacramento that Mayor Johnson has led,” Landesman said. “It’s very inspiring, and I think it can be a model for the rest of the country.”

Key to making it work, according to Landesman, is developing a political structure that understands the importance of the arts and looks for ways to bring them to the community.

“I have not met a mayor who understands that better and gets it more (than Johnson),” Landesman said.

The initiative has three major goals, according to Sharon Gerber, former liaison to the arts, who spoke at Friday’s event.

One of the goals is to strengthen the cultural infrastructure by developing a way to fund the arts with public funds as well as increase private-sector contributions.

Also key in moving forward is to give children access to the arts in schools and possibly hosting an arts festival to bring the community together on the issue, according to Gerber.

Finally, Gerber said, is the need to invest in the artists themselves and drive creativity in the community.

“We were bound and determined that this would be implemented,” she said.

Now heading For Arts’ Sake is its new project manager, Deborah Edward, whom Gerber said was key in developing the arts in Austin as well as working with arts organizations in Europe.

Edward said she was “just blown away by the energy and the arts here.”

To harness that energy, For Arts’ Sake formed nine teams, each with its own responsibilities for helping meet the project’s goals.

Those teams began meeting and planning community outreach efforts Friday, directly following Landesman’s speech.

For Arts’ Sake was launched in June 2009 by Mayor Kevin Johnson to “create a collective vision and direction for the arts in Sacramento,” according to the initiative website.

According to Landesman, “The hardest thing to overcome is the mindset that the arts are a ‘nice-to-have’ and not a ‘must-have.’ ”

Johnson said he is dedicated to ensuring – through For Arts’ Sake – that the arts aren’t going to be on the chopping block at the first sign of future economic uncertainty.

Photo is Rocco Landesman.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.