Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Jennifer Savin

Jennifer Savin on "Community Conversations in Oak Park"

2010-09-21T19:18:31Z

Interesting that this group really doesn't reflect the general make-up of Oak Park.

Jennifer Savin on "Money woes pile up for Railyards developer"

2010-08-03T16:56:07Z

I just wish we could get it together to make good use of the waterfront. I wish Sacramentans could see the beautiful use of the waterfront in East Coast places like Annapolis, MD and Baltimore, MD. We are really missing out!

Jennifer Savin on "McCarty concedes District 9 race"

2010-06-25T19:16:48Z

Oracle and Mark, what are your complaints about Dickinson?

Jennifer Savin on "Getting real with Antwone Fisher and Ricky Ross"

2010-06-02T15:33:55Z

Hey Jim- I'd love to talk to you about your program. If you've got what you say you've got- I can probably help get it going. Jennifer

Jennifer Savin on "46th Annual Greek Festival"

2009-09-05T14:45:56Z

Here's a coupon link: http://www.sacramentogreekfestival.com/festcoupon.pdf

Jennifer Savin on "City Closer to Eliminating Design Commission"

2009-02-22T15:55:03Z

Wow. This is a very helpful piece of information. We'll be active in trying to sop this action.

Jennifer Savin on "How We Lost the Mandella Community Garden"

2009-02-07T01:05:20Z

And it landed in my neighborhood, Southside Park, and we're very grateful for the garden. We use it all the tem including youth events and fun community gatherings.

Jennifer Savin on "Free parking, Midtown shopping, and a tree lighting"

2008-11-29T22:26:06Z

I'm happy to have read this article- I lived dangerously and didn't pay the meter over at the gluten free store. Who knew it was free anyway? Nice perk.

Jennifer Savin on "Southside Park's community garden"

2008-11-24T01:38:09Z

The Southside Park Neighborhood Association has helped put on several events for young children and their parents at the community garden over the last year or so. It's surprisingly comfortable, considering how close it is to the freeway. The garden is a great asset to the our neighborhood and several people are working on getting the children's area re-started.

Jennifer Savin on "People Making a Difference In Sacramento: The Fresh Producers Project"

2008-11-24T01:34:36Z

I remember Rabbi David stopping in my office to talk to me about his idea and in order to get feedback. Now it's up and running- wow! Way to go Rabbi David!

Jennifer Savin on "Who Stocks the Lake?"

2008-11-20T05:47:05Z

I heard the lake used to extend all the way to the baseball/soccer fields on Broadway and there used to be boats on the lake. Wow!

Jennifer Savin on "Basketball Court Lights & More: City's Press Release"

2008-11-20T05:42:46Z

I'm not sure about the noise level, but I do know some areas are closed off when the construction is going on (like the pond area- can't get close right now due to construction fences)

Jennifer Savin on "Sacramento Fire Department Disaster Search Dog Passes Away"

2008-11-16T02:28:22Z

It sounds like she had a long and useful life. I'm also curios- is it common for dogs to help out all over?

Jennifer Savin on "PROP 8 PASSES! (What your neighbors have to say about it.)"

2008-11-15T17:27:22Z

I'm so sad this passed, but it's only a matter of time before we are able to reverse. Apparently this is a process, not an event.

Jennifer Savin on "KJ v Colbert"

2008-11-15T17:20:32Z

I don't agree that KJ held his own...Colbert was very easy on him. I think they should visit the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op...it's a community owned store that really works.

Jennifer Savin on "A short history of Southside Park’s original inhabitants"

2008-11-15T17:03:23Z

Oh. I've been schooled!

Jennifer Savin on "Why here?"

2008-11-15T16:59:25Z

But not accessible...when I say 6 blocks from the water I meant 6 useful, accessible, well-travelled by locals and tourists alike. Independent and chain shops, restaurants, small grocers...you get the picture.

Jennifer Savin on "Illegal Dumping"

2008-11-15T16:55:41Z

The city needs to make bulk pick-up easier....I would prefer a system where one could just call for pick-up, rather than having to wait for a once or twice yearly event.

Working Poor Hit Particularly Hard Now

2008-11-15T16:47:22Z

I'm the first Community Editor for The Sacramento Press, but my full time work is in the social services. I have the sometimes heartbreaking opportunity to learn the intimate details of people's lives- particularly their financial lives. Did you know there are people living in Sacramento who are not at all equipped to weather any hardship? For example, I routinely help people who have an income of $800 a month, and their rent is $500. And they just had a joint replaced at 73 years old. Or they need an anti-biotic that is not covered by Medi-Cal. So they can't pay SMUD this month. And then next month SMUD's $40 instead of $20, and with last month's problems and getting behind....and you could see how this chain of events could lead to disaster with such a small margin of income.

Some of my clients are never going to be able to increase their income because of genuine disability or age. It's also not uncommon for me to help someone who teeters on the edge of homelessness- an injury puts them out of work, which was a part time or a contract job to begin with, and now they're hurt and don't have disability pay and can't really get another job in their current state of health.....you get the picture.

If you are not as bad off as what I've described, maybe you would want to give back to the community- financially. Volunteer hours are great, but consider donating gifts through a giving tree, donating money to an organization where the money would directly benefit those in need, or donating food to a family in need (this can be done through the Food Bank or Wellspring.) And remember, there's a need year-round, not just at the holidays.

Jennifer Savin on "Two way today"

2008-11-15T16:38:20Z

I didn't know N was going two-way- thanks for the update!!! Add 5th Street from W to ? as one that will be going two-way with bike lanes.

Jennifer Savin on "Light Rail is a success"

2008-11-15T16:35:50Z

I love riding light rail and wish there were more of it. Currently, light rail does not get me where I need to go conveniently (like from my house Downtown on T Street to the Co-op, or close enough to friends' houses in east Sac) I do find it very relaxing and safe.

Jennifer Savin on ""How can I make a difference in Sacramento?""

2008-11-07T14:43:03Z

We need volunteers, too! Check out our website and contact me if you want to help- we especially need a volunteer ESL teacher in Natomas for Russian-speaking residents at low-income housing. www.lifestepsusa.org

Jennifer Savin on "Senior Connect"

2008-11-06T08:45:05Z

Great post Mary Lynn! I'm glad I shared this great website with you....and even happier to see that you posted soemthing valuable!!!

Jennifer Savin on "How do I become a writer?"

2008-10-28T08:43:35Z

I'd like to know more about that creepy-ass mansion. Yick. My ex-BF used to live near there- i hated even walking by it.

Jennifer Savin on "How do I become a writer?"

2008-10-28T08:42:44Z

Why is that funny?

Jennifer Savin on "Where has the old Second Saturday gone?"

2008-10-28T08:29:35Z

I went to SS when I first moved here 3 years ago- it was fun. I went with a group of friends and we went from gallery to gallery, looking at art. We had sushi first, so I wasn't interested in the little bits of food offered. I went a second time about 1.5 years ago and it was remarkably different- more like a carnival atmosphere. I didn't care for it as much. Then I rode my bike into mid-town from Southside Park last month. Yuck. It was too many people, couldn't see any art, and more public drinking than I'm comfortable with. It makes me think SS will soon be gone, a victim of irresponsible growth. The galleries in my neighborhood were a lot more fun- got to talk to the artists and no crowds. The wine and little bits of food were there, but the main event was the art!

Jennifer Savin on "Playing in the dark"

2008-10-28T06:32:59Z

So, it looks like Feb 2009- bring scarves and hot chocolate for the tournament! Check out the City's press release here: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/541/Basketball_Court_Lights_More_Citys_Press_Release#541

Jennifer Savin on "Out of the House and Out of Trouble"

2008-10-28T06:28:33Z

I think outdoor activities for youth are of primo importance....as a country we need to get moving again.

Jennifer Savin on "The hole in the fence"

2008-10-28T06:26:48Z

Thanks for emailing the city...I noticed it about 2 weeks ago but ....well no excuses. I just didn't take action. Thank you!!!

Jennifer Savin on "B-Ball Lights- Some History"

2008-10-28T06:25:06Z

This was from Sean Clancy....not trying to take credit that isn't mine...I just posted it for him.

Jennifer Savin on "Basketball Court Lights & More: City's Press Release"

2008-10-28T06:24:00Z

There's an article here: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/212/Playing_in_the_dark about the need for lights at the B-Ball court.

Basketball Court Lights & More: City's Press Release

2008-10-28T06:21:10Z

Generations of Sacramentans have known Southside Park as a place for recreational fishing, fun and games with family and friends, and social outings. The Department of Parks and Recreation has embarked on a host of impressive lighting and lakeside enhancements that will make Southside Park even more attractive to current and future generations.

"Southside Park has always been an inviting place to the many neighbors and visitors who have enjoyed its many charms through the years," said Councilmember Rob Fong. "The City's lighting and lakeside improvements to Southside Park are a huge part of our overall investment in Southside Park and will make an already great place even better."

The lighting improvements include:
· 18 historic light structures around the perimeter of the lake
· Several existing light structures relocated to other areas within the park
· Additional lighting at the basketball court

The lighting enhancements will distribute lighting to areas of the park that need additional lighting, enhancing the park's overall safety. Such enhancements are in line with CEPTED principles—Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The lighting enhancements will be finished this December.

The lakeside improvements include:
· Three new, ADA accessible fishing piers
· Two lawn areas along the lakeside
· Restoration of the lake bank with native shrubs, trees, ground cover, and grasses
· Installation of a three-foot, tubular steel fence around the lake's perimeter

The lakeside improvements will make the lake more accessible for recreational fishing, create ideal locations for picnics and relaxation, and do much to address erosion around the lake. Residents will be able to enjoy the lakeside improvements in early February, 2009. Additional lakeside enhancements are planned for the near future.

Jennifer Savin on "We DID ask for lights..."

2008-10-28T06:14:49Z

OK- this was Paul's response to Sean's article, but for some reason my note that i was re-posting this didn't make it at the beginning.

Jennifer Savin on "The Janet Michalk Story: A Journey into Spiritual Awareness"

2008-10-28T06:13:47Z

I've lived in haunted houses...without a doubt. Cool article!

Jennifer Savin on "Why here?"

2008-10-28T06:03:28Z

I agree with a lot of what you wrote, Steve, but I'm not so sure about the Broadway bridge. I 've heard that would put a tremendous amount of cars on Broadway and bring even more traffic to our neighborhood. As it is in the morning, and living a quarter block off 5th, it sounds like a raceway. All summer I wanted to meditate with my door open to get the cool morning air but could only do so on the weekends due to the noise. I can't imagine adding more to the mix. I do agree Sacto (and Cali in general) does A TERRIBLE job of optimizing the downtown water-front areas. I was all for a stadium down here- maybe b/c I come from back east where there has been great success with downtown stadiums (Go Ravens and Orioles!) Plus, since the cities are a bit older they were built around the waterfront and now everyone uses the area- locals and tourists alike. For example, the main courthouse in Annaplois, MD (my hometown) is about 6 blocks from the water.

Jennifer Savin on "Religious institutions in Southside"

2008-10-28T05:52:57Z

We're doing a traffic in-put class with the city and I'd like to include the churches/temples/mosques. The Sunday gauntlet of the Catholic church and Farmer's Market can be terrifying with the jaywalkers and those trolling for parking. Fridays are also a little scary at noon around the V and 4th mosque, with the same dynamics- jaywalkers and cars moving very slowly looking for parking.

Jennifer Savin on "Where are the religious institutions in Southside Park?"

2008-10-28T05:48:25Z

I'd really love to hear more about these houses of worship- there are so many different religions and nayionalities mentioned.

Jennifer Savin on "A short history of Southside Park’s original inhabitants"

2008-10-28T05:44:47Z

When Paul and I were at City Hall a few weeks ago he pointed out that the plaque on the large water feature between new and old CIty Hall was incorrect- it mentions the wrong Indian Nation (not Nisenan, I think it says Maidu.)

Jennifer Savin on "Interstate 5 Bridge Banks"

2008-10-28T05:42:31Z

I always feel so scared when I walk across that bridge and see skaters going up the wall. Eeek.

Jennifer Savin on "It Came Down"

2008-10-28T05:41:03Z

Thanks for the reassurance Emma- it's good to know that everyone was out of harms way while watching it all come down.

Jennifer Savin on "More on 506 S"

2008-10-28T05:35:35Z

Emma wrote an article on this, too. Check it out. http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/422/History_versus_hazard

Jennifer Savin on "More on 506 S"

2008-10-28T05:30:03Z

What a sad occurrence- an historic home destroyed for nothing. A parking lot??? I wonder if the city will ever collect on their 100k plus fines?

Finale

2008-10-25T00:14:06Z

The demolition drew quite a few sidewalk superintendents - me included, of course - who hung around for nearly an hour, waiting for the big bang and crash when the last of the place hit the ground. The company was very careful as it worked - the derelict house was less than 10 feet from an apartment house on its west side.

It Came Down

2008-10-25T00:10:51Z

From Michael Fitzegerald

Between grading papers and dreaming of Mexico, the Admiral and I try to get plenty of exercise by walking, riding our bikes and heading to the Capital Athletic Club where the Admiral and I go almost every day for swimming and to work on the machines.

(OK. I don't go on the machines at all, but I do try to get in a quarter-mile of thrashing through the water. And, no, I missed today, but...)

In my walk this afternoon (to make up for skipping my swim), I ran across a house (506 S Street) a block away that was being torn down, a 100-plus year old casa that had been taken over by some local homeless people. For California, the demolition guys were pretty casual with only a couple of sawhorses out front warning people from getting too close.

Across the street, two city building inspectors talked about what a wreck the house had been and, for a moment, wondered aloud if they had made sure the natural gas line to the place was turned off. (Uh-oh!)

When I heard that, I moved back a few feet.

The house could not be rehabilitated, they said, it's foundation was virtually none existent and dry-rot filled the beams and walls downstairs.

We DID ask for lights...

2008-10-25T00:05:06Z

Great to get that history! Thanks so much (both for your efforts "back in the day" and for telling about it now).
Wrong about "now, no one probably asked", though. We've picked up where you left off and have been pushing Parks & Rec on basketball court lights for the last few years. Then, about a year ago, after the City successfully put together grants for the lakeshore improvement project, Councilmember Rob Fong's office came to us for feedback on the idea of adding decorative lakeside lighting to the project. SPNA's members were very clear that those sounded fine, but not without putting in the long-needed bball lights as well. Fong's office agreed and apparently found a way (ie funding) to do both. And SPNAers (Susan Bush, Bonnie Ratner, and others) have made a point of reminding the City repeatedly so that the bball lights didn't somehow slip through the cracks. I didn't realize until this week's press release that project also include increasing lighting elsewhere in the park for crime reduction, another idea we've been pushing the last few years. If all goes as they say it will, it'll be great in many ways.

More on 506 S

2008-10-25T00:02:40Z

...From Steve V

Yes, it is a shame to lose an old building... but for what it's worth, I think the appearance of that block of S ST. is much improved & puts a better face on that boundary of our neighborhod. I would expect that whatever is built in it's place will still need to go through Historic Preservation review to maintain the character of the neighborhood.

Speaking of saving buildings, 1901 S St (corner of 6th & S) was approved to be demolished. It is in much better condition than 506 S was. I wonder if that should be a topic we revisit in light of these recent events?
There hasn't been recent action on 1901, but the last plans were to demolish it & build office/apartments where there is currently a house. Since a house was demolished by the city just a few yards away, I think we would be justified in revisiting that decision with the city if SPNA wanted to. Just a thought...

Taken down

2008-10-25T00:00:34Z

From Paul Trudeau

Code Enforcement & Councilmember Fong's office both just called SPNA to let us know that the City will be demolishing the historic home at 506 S Street today.

Another historic building lost. Time to focus on putting more teeth into the City's minimum maintenance ordinance in order protect those that remain. There are indications that Fong's office and maybe Code Enforcement are thinking in that direction too.

B-Ball Lights- Some History

2008-10-24T23:56:09Z

Back in 1999, when I first joined SPNA, Tony took me down to the b-ball courts and said something to me like "Look at that. All those guys playing in the shadows while no one's in the tennis courts. We gotta get lights on the courts!" I gathered signatures and Jimmy Yee said he supported it but there was no money. Then, a few years later, the tennis courts were repaved at great expense, but no lights were hooked up for the b-ball courts.

Then, when I worked with the teens they said, "There's no lights on the courts," and we started again. More support but no money.

Now, no one probably asked, but lights are going up. Crazy, beautiful stuff.

Hurray for the lights!

Jennifer Savin on "A short history of Southside Park’s original inhabitants"

2008-10-18T05:39:39Z

Ohhhhh....I like this idea!

Jennifer Savin on "Why here?"

2008-10-18T05:33:34Z

That's a great list.......I'm on the West end....5 and T. Part of the problem!

Jennifer Savin on "Why here?"

2008-10-16T16:35:07Z

Maybe you're right, maybe I haven't found them. Can you tell me more?

Jennifer Savin on "The Docks, Part I: The Plan"

2008-10-15T03:49:56Z

Hhhmmmmmm...I didn'tknow he and I agreed on anything. : )

Jennifer Savin on "Why here?"

2008-10-15T03:46:48Z

GB I DO know what you're saying! I moved here from Oakland and experience DT as a drought. Maybe you could expand on that idea as a community contributor??

Jennifer Savin on "A short history of Southside Park’s original inhabitants"

2008-10-14T15:44:15Z

Wonderful article, Paul! It's interesting to read about the history of the area. It was very recent that the original inhabitants thrived here.

Jennifer Savin on "Sacramento Press launches beta product!"

2008-10-14T15:42:16Z

Great pic! What a wonderful website!

Jennifer Savin on "The Docks, Part I: The Plan"

2008-10-14T15:41:34Z

I like the idea of making better use of our waterfront- Sacramento does a very poor job of showcasing the beauty. I grew up back east where the waterfront is the jewel of the area, well-used and accessible and a destination for locals and tourists alike.

Jennifer Savin on "The R Street levee"

2008-10-14T15:38:43Z

Great to hear some history of our little 'hood here- thanks for the article!