Tom Hanks, John Travolta and Robin Williams have been to Midtown. And they have another thing in common, besides being humongous stars. They've all eaten at Centro Cocina Mexicana. Saturday night, "el restaurante" at the corner of 28th and J streets is throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of tequila and tacos. While some residents have expressed concerns about the party, which will spill into a back parking lot, Centro co-owner Randy Paragary said he would welcome neighbors. "I want to thank them for their support over the last 15 years, and we hope that they come by and enjoy themselves," he said. "We hope this is truly a neighborhood celebration of a business that I hope they've enj

Does the neighborhood association that represents Midtown reflect the opinions of most Midtown residents? Shawn Eldredge doesn’t think so. Eldredge, a construction contractor and former candidate for mayor, brought 17 residents with him to a Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG) meeting Monday to make the point that Midtown includes residents who support the events, festivals and entertainment being held in the neighborhood. Eldredge said that in the last 10 years, he’s been the “lone voice” at NAG meetings in favor of Midtown and downtown as locations for public events and businesses. He noted that he was not trying to be confrontational with NAG members, saying that he was not trying to l

Many folks were breathing easier Monday after back-to-back events over the weekend in Marshall Park seemed to go off without a hitch. No significant problems were reported, said Sacramento Police Sgt. Norm Leong, the department's spokesman. Neighbors surrounding the park praised the way the Bloc Concert Series' Saturday concert and Sunday's Midfest Summer Celebration were managed by the city and organizers. Paragary Restaurant Group and Lomeli Events managed Saturday's events, while Midtown Business Association (MBA) and T & M Organization for the Arts managed Sunday's. The vibe from Sunday's festival got a special thumbs-up from residents. The park at 915 27th St. came alive with a thr

Despite resident complaints from previous festivals, last-minute scrambling for permits, and tow-away zones on almost every residential street surrounding, Midfest 2009 turned out to be a success. The free two-day festival, held at Midtown’s Marshall Park, was a collision of art, food and entertainment and offered entertainment for all ages. “[Midfest] was held in a great location and wasn’t too crowded. I really like that it went on the whole weekend and there were so many different types of entertainment for everyone,” said Nikki Carlson, a stylist from Land Park’s Artisan Salon who attended Midfest. The festival was sponsored by the Midtown Business Association, who manned many of th

Midfest is happening this weekend after organizers won two permits early Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the event is scheduled to begin. But Sacramento city staff notified organizers that city employees will be on the lookout for code violations after neighborhood residents complained that a previous event wasn't adequately managed. The Bloc Concert Series permit was awarded to Paragary Restaurant Group for the festivities being held in Marshall Park, 915 27th St., from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday. A separate permit was issued to the Midtown Business Association (MBA) and T & M Organization for the Arts for Sunday's Midfest Summer Celebration at the park. In the final hours bef

With just days before Midfest is supposed to happen, organizers were still scrambling Wednesday to untangle a mess and meet city requirements for the special events permit. Three days gives enough time to win a permit for the festival being billed as Midfest Summer Celebration in Marshall Park. But after being stung by criticism over its handling of a large Cinco de Mayo event, the city warned organizers Wednesday there's still a chance the event won't happen Saturday and Sunday, said the city and organizers. "The event cannot go on until the permit is issued," said Hindolo Brima, spokesperson for the city's parks and recreation department. "Since this is the next major event after Cinc

Neighbors’ concerns about the Midfest Summer Celebration and the recent Cinco de Mayo street party appear to be encouraging the city and organizers to take extra precautions to ensure fewer headaches for residents. Meanwhile, Midfest organizers are still trying to get a permit to host the new event in Marshall Park next weekend. Midfest is launching a series of Saturday concerts in the park at 915 27th St. (I and 27th streets), across from a block of bars and restaurants. A special events permit has not yet been issued to Midfest's organizers, Midtown Business Association (MBA) and T & M Organization for the Arts, said Hindolo Brima, spokesperson for the city Department of Parks and Rec