A new program to raise $10 million for arena financing and turning Sacramento into an “Emerald Valley” were two key points in Mayor Kevin Johnson’s State of the City address Monday. Johnson’s speech focused on boosting the local economy in three areas: building an entertainment and sports complex, green-sector jobs and reforming public schools to create a more competitive workforce. “The economy is bad everywhere, but it’s worse here,” Johnson told the nearly 1,000 people in the audience. “We have to take bold actions,” Johnson said. “We have to make the impossible possible.” The mayor delivered the 20th annual speech at the Sacramento Convention Center in an event hosted by the Sacram

Former Assemblyman Roger Niello will be the new CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber starting Jan. 1, coming back to an organization he led in the 1990s as the area struggles to come out of the recession. “For me, it’s sort of coming full circle, and I find it very exciting that way,” Niello said. “The chamber in a way was sort of my launchpad into politics, and now I’m coming back, still with my business roots, and will be working with the leadership to expand business.” Niello, who spent a quarter century running retail and auto dealerships with his family’s business, the Niello Auto Group, was elected to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors in a special election in 1999, where he

The Niello Concours at the Capitol took place across on the street facing the State Capitol west steps on Saturday, April 30, 2011. The show benefitted the 2011 March of Dimes, March for Babies walk. A large gathering came together at the west steps of the Capitol and dozens of informational and vendor booths were on hand to disseminate educational and informational materials for the March of Dimes. The 2011 Concours d'Elegance, held at the State Capitol saw a gathering of motor cars, auto enthusiasts, walk participants and the general public to this all ages event. Niello and the Premier Concours Promotions participated in this year’s March for Babies walk which is the longest-running

(Three Stages at Folsom Lake College) Folsom City College was the site of a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house celebrating the new Three Stages building. The performing arts facility has been in the building stages since groundbreaking took place on August 18, 2008 at a cost of approximately $50 million. A State Educational Facilities General Obligation Bond was voted for by the citizens of Folsom several years ago which started the project. Other donations and district resources also helped to bring the facility to Folsom The first performance will take place this Friday, February 11 with A Chorus Line. Tickets have been selling fast and many of those who attended the Open House

A popular furry beast made a rare appearance Tuesday morning at City Hall. Slamson, the mascot for the Sacramento Kings, joined with local officials to promote Tyreke Evans as the choice for NBA Rookie of the Year. Mayor Kevin Johnson, Assemblyman Roger Niello and County Supervisor Jimmie Yee all turned out for the press conference to cheer for Evans. “Rally for RekeROY Night” will take place March 10 during the game between the Kings and the Toronto Raptors at Arco Arena.

Saturday, Nov. 21 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. California State Sen. George Runner and California State Assemblyman Roger Neillo will team up with the Patriot Defenders Network to sponsor the "Water For Farmlands" forum. The group seeks a temporary waiver of the Endangered Species Act in order to revert water that is currently rehabilitating endangered fish species to Central Valley farmers. About 500 people are expected to attend the forum, which will be held on the Capitol's west steps. 2 - 5 p.m. Aspiranet, a nonprofit that provides social services to foster children, will be holding a National Adoption Day rally on the north steps of the Capitol. About 300 people are expected to participate. No