A Swainson's Hawk soars above Sutter's Landing Park this afternoon. Sutter’s Landing Park is one of the only urban locations in the region where Swainson’s hawks can be seen and appreciated. Urbanization tends to drive away the hawks, which are rarely viewable outside rural areas. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

A recent proposal to construct solar panels on a grassy mound at Sutter’s Landing Park has sparked opposition from environmental advocates concerned about the project’s impact on birds of prey who use the mound, formerly a landfill, as a feeding site. The City of Sacramento Parks Commission held a March 3 hearing on the proposal. Nonprofit group Friends of the Swainson’s Hawk used the hearing to express their concerns and lobby against the construction of solar panels in the park. “The landfill provides a rare protective, grassy environment where prey are abundant,” said Judith Lamare, president of Friends of the Swainson’s Hawk. “There are a lot of people who have spoken up with issues

While Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn expects dismal budget numbers for the city this year, he also thinks the local economy will begin to heal. In an interview about his goals for 2010, Cohn said the city budget will be his top priority. He said he doesn’t yet know a specific number for the city’s possible budget deficit this year, but he expects the figures to be daunting. The Sacramento City Council made major cuts to services last year to address a $50 million deficit. “In general, despite the tough economy, I’m actually very optimistic about the future,” Cohn said. “So I feel like we’re going to see things start to turn around in 2010.” Cohn said he expects job opportunities