Addressing an estimated $35 million-$40 million budget gap for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, Interim City Manager Gus Vina hosted a special workshop on economic recovery for the City Council. He presented a variety of plans to bring in more revenue, including enhancing the city’s parks with tourist attractions, providing incentives to businesses and creating a mix of opportunities in the city’s job market. Vina urged City Council members to move quickly on the economic recovery plan so the city can begin to see results. “I don’t expect the benefits in 2012 and 2013 to be huge, but it will be a good beginning,” he said. He told council members that unemployment in 2011 is expected to remai

U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui on Thursday will host a Sacramento workshop to help small business owners learn how to access federal stimulus funds and other resources. Staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Technology Center will provide information about American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds and federal grants, and how both can help people who own small businesses or who are considering starting them, according to a press release put out by Matsui's office. “Even in these challenging economic times, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to start a new business here in Sacramento, or for existing business to help make ends meet, build off successful busines