Mark comment-63383 2012-02-07T15:24:14Z 2012-02-07T15:24:14Z I like what they did to the place. I liked the Red Lotus' food so I hope they do not disappoint. Sergio you are in your early 20's right? When I was your age I was hanging out. If you do not impose irrelevant restrictions on yourself (and others) you will have a lot more fun. Go hang out at the Red Rabbit and tell us what you think. Mark 2012-02-07T15:24:14Z Mark comment-63271 2012-02-04T18:00:02Z 2012-02-04T18:00:02Z Awesome news. A few years ago I posted on my blog a rendering I had made suggesting that the old PG&E building be turned into a new science museum. I'm really excited to see that idea becoming a reality thanks to the hard work and contributions of many people. I also love it that it will be such a 'green' building! Mark 2012-02-04T18:00:02Z Mark comment-63154 2012-02-02T23:21:04Z 2012-02-02T23:21:04Z Kind of agree with Sergio on his critique. Totally disagree with the other nitwits who think it's the city's job to do everything. It's not. We are all as much responsible for making our community better than is city hall. So stop complaining and get to work. Mark 2012-02-02T23:21:04Z Mark comment-63132 2012-02-02T16:48:46Z 2012-02-02T16:48:46Z Probably the one thumbs down is or was a bully. Mark 2012-02-02T16:48:46Z Mark comment-62904 2012-01-30T17:17:03Z 2012-01-30T17:17:03Z I've heard people complaining about mold and other problems so I think the state being too intrusive or overly cautious is not the issue here, just the opposite. Mark 2012-01-30T17:17:03Z Mark comment-62901 2012-01-30T16:46:25Z 2012-01-30T16:46:25Z There's no money to fix the problems or relocate? I don't believe it. How is it that billions of state and federal tax dollars seem to be always available for grandiose projects in San Francisco and LA but nothing can be done to save the lives of the workers in this dog of a building? It's because we have no political clout, a fractured metropolis, an impotent city council, and state and federal representatives who don't give a damn about Sacramento. That's why. Mark 2012-01-30T16:46:25Z Mark comment-62521 2012-01-20T03:43:10Z 2012-01-20T03:43:10Z "It seems to me that if the NBA, the Maloofs and the Kings were really that interested in staying, the term sheet discussion would be way farther along than it is now. The NBA is giving the impression that they really do want to leave, but want to make sure that someone else gets the blame for it." Bingo MikeM. Even if the City proceeds with this nonsense I doubt it will get to far without a big fight. I am hearing a lot of people grumbling about the concept turning over public parking (asset) to private interests. Some are talking lawsuit already. Mark 2012-01-20T03:43:10Z Mark comment-62495 2012-01-19T16:03:10Z 2012-01-19T16:03:10Z Now I am in heaven. Mark 2012-01-19T16:03:10Z Mark comment-62457 2012-01-19T02:45:26Z 2012-01-19T02:45:26Z Am I wrong? Mark 2012-01-19T02:45:26Z Mark comment-62424 2012-01-18T11:26:42Z 2012-01-18T11:26:42Z McCarty said "San Francisco ballpark was privately financed, whereas the Sacramento plan relies on an expected 50/50 public/private partnership....We are still trying to figure that out as far as if it is a good decision for the city of Sacramento." Er.. who are the "we"? Let the people decide if it's a good idea or not. If the people of a city as wealthy as San Francisco were not willing to pony up the money for new ballpark during good times why would Sacramento which is suffering hard from the Great Recession do it today for an arena? Also the Executive Director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership Michael Ault "commented on a variety of successes in the downtown core over the past year." By most all measures Michael Ault is a failure at his job. How he retains it is a mystery to me. Mark 2012-01-18T11:26:42Z Mark comment-62271 2012-01-14T17:39:28Z 2012-01-14T17:39:28Z The costs are ridiculous. There is no reason a traffic signal should cost $200-500K + Clearly cities are being ripped off by the manufacturers and contractors. The most cost effect traffic-calming measure is a stop sign. The red-tape is also a form of institutional insanity. Mark 2012-01-14T17:39:28Z Mark comment-62005 2012-01-09T04:32:24Z 2012-01-09T04:32:24Z Great idea! I hope Dean and the others can pull this off. Mark 2012-01-09T04:32:24Z Mark comment-61601 2011-12-22T15:10:08Z 2011-12-22T15:10:08Z What do you know personally about OWS cogmeyer? If you think big labor has co-opted OWS you are wrong. Another lie of the corporate propaganda machine. You should really know what you are talking about before you spout your ill-informed opinions. Mark 2011-12-22T15:10:08Z Mark comment-61600 2011-12-22T14:26:18Z 2011-12-22T14:26:18Z Nice try guys but I know exactly who you are. You are lobbyists. You claim to represent the broad range interests of all those involved in the building trade/construction industry but your main support comes from big real estate developers and in turn it's their interests you mainly support. Mark 2011-12-22T14:26:18Z Mark comment-61579 2011-12-22T14:17:37Z 2011-12-22T14:17:37Z I believe the frustrated middle class, college educated and unemployed whites understand all to well how public policy, corrupt politicians and corporate bribery has hurt African-Americans and Latinos. Unlike the Tea Party, there is not an underlying racist element in the OWS movement. But is it really up to OWS to engage these communities or is it up to them to engage OWS? Because you don't miss what you never had, historically the poor and under-educated within society have NOT been the revolutionaries. Part of the problem is that blacks have been politically, socially and economically disfranchised for so long that many believe they cannot make any real difference. Also I believe religion plays a role in helping to pacify people’s anxieties and divide the communities along self-defeating lines. Lastly, I wouldn't discount a racial/class element. If blacks see OWS as just a bunch of upset privileged white people then why would they get on board? The fact is, if we do not stand together, we will fall apart. Mark 2011-12-22T14:17:37Z Mark comment-61567 2011-12-22T04:36:59Z 2011-12-22T04:36:59Z Joshua you are a lobbyist. While technically you may have many members who are local contractors and architects your main support is from and for big developers. Your tricks might work with idiotic politicians but not with the public. Mark 2011-12-22T04:36:59Z Mark comment-61549 2011-12-21T18:41:46Z 2011-12-21T18:41:46Z I am not against development either. Far from it. But there is smart growth and dumb growth and SRBE doesn't impress me as a group that knows or cares about the differences. Mark 2011-12-21T18:41:46Z Mark comment-61545 2011-12-21T16:06:35Z 2011-12-21T16:06:35Z Thanks for the political ad Scott. Frankly, your group's endorsement is meaningless to those of us who live in District 4. We need to know where she stands on the issues that concern us and not the member's of your real estate developer's lobby. How many members of the SRBE actually live in District 4? I'm concerned about this candidate because SRBE has taken some rather regressive positions in the past. Mark 2011-12-21T16:06:35Z Mark comment-61476 2011-12-19T16:11:25Z 2011-12-19T16:11:25Z Good article. Explains why AEG would be interested in 'helping out' the Maloofs/Kings. I know for a fact that the Maloofs are not really anymore enthusiastic about Sacramento today than they were a year ago. In their eyes Sacramento is just not good enough, not a big league town. (Even though it has enough population to be.) They really want to move down to Southern California so I don't think it's going to happen unless somehow the city sells it's soul to the devil to keep them. When Kings players are leasing places for only six months you know the end is near. Mark 2011-12-19T16:11:25Z Mark comment-61324 2011-12-14T16:25:24Z 2011-12-14T16:25:24Z Yes, put it on the ballot so we vote it down. Mark 2011-12-14T16:25:24Z Mark comment-61323 2011-12-14T16:19:16Z 2011-12-14T16:19:16Z How in the heck would private operators bring Sacramento parking into the 21st century? That’s too funny. Taking public or resident-owned assets and handing them over to private enterprise is so regressive. We’ve seen this type of give-away backfire so many time in this city. I think if the numbskulls at city hall try to do this they should be challenged in court. I’m sorry but the real bumpkins are those who still fall for this nonsense. Simple economics DOES NOT make certain that a downtown arena will generate enough property, sales and hotel tax revenue for the city to offset our investment. The vast majority of people attending a game or concert will not be staying overnight nor will they make it past the decomposing Downtown Plaza Mall and the Old Sac tourist trap. They will be paying up good for parking though. Too bad the city wouldn’t be able to cash in on that revenue stream. There’s a difference between a good risk and stupidity. Mark 2011-12-14T16:19:16Z Mark comment-61210 2011-12-10T14:53:51Z 2011-12-10T14:53:51Z Putting aside the troublesome financing schemes being hatched for second. I think we need to seriously question the value of a downtown arena. Just because a lot people got it into their heads that we needed a new arena at the Railyards doesn't mean it was ever a good idea. We are being told that it will do great things for downtown but there's no proof of this. In fact, we have plenty of examples from other cities where new arenas did not contribute all that much to their downtown- as was promised to them as well. We should consider that if Sacramento's 'movers and shakers' really knew what was best for downtown Sacramento, they would have done it already. It’s like the blind leading the sighted around here. Mark 2011-12-10T14:53:51Z Mark comment-61035 2011-12-07T19:55:46Z 2011-12-07T19:55:46Z That's cool Brandon. I guess I'm just anticipating the typical response. But I still think it's way too early to get any relevant feed-back. From my experience, and I walk down K Street nearly every day, I have seen traffic slowly picking up. Of course, what time of day or night you are on K Street makes a difference. I have tried rather unsuccessfully to argue that bringing cars back to K Street is not just about being able to see the shops or the drive down the street. But that it is also about changing the psychology of the space. That will take time and obviously more than just cars. Mark 2011-12-07T19:55:46Z Mark comment-61023 2011-12-07T17:39:22Z 2011-12-07T17:39:22Z You are asking the question after only a month and in late fall? Give me a break. Is the point of this article to say 'I told you so'? Because if it is, you have failed. It's way to early to be assessing the impact of opening up K Street. Additionally, no offense to those interviewed, but just because you work on K Street doesn't mean you know what's going on. I know one of those interviewed who has already formed a negative opinion is always negative about everything so I wouldn't put too much weight in their opinion. The only soluton that suburbanites/suburban minded Sacramentans seem to ever come up with- is that we need more, more, and more parking. Curmudgeon you never disappoint me. If you think Sacramento has actually been rebuilt around New Urbanism and has an inter-urban transportation system (light-rail is a suburban commuter system) then you really are clueless. Mark 2011-12-07T17:39:22Z Mark comment-61024 2011-12-07T17:30:17Z 2011-12-07T17:30:17Z At the very most it was a waste of time. Mark 2011-12-07T17:30:17Z Mark comment-60681 2011-11-27T02:47:56Z 2011-11-27T02:47:56Z Many people in Asia think it brings good luck to help the less fortunate and will often provide them with meals and clothes. Maybe for them it's sort of an insurance aganst ending up in the same condition. Many homeless have mental or emotional problems which is where substance abuse come it. But many of the housed have similar problems only they have had a different set of circumstances and a bit of good luck. I probably can't help some people. They are too far down the road. But by helping the less fortunate I am helping myself because it reminds me to be grateful for what I do have and to not take it for granted. And since what goes around usully comes around - it is wise to treat others the way I want others to treat me. Mark 2011-11-27T02:47:56Z Mark comment-60563 2011-11-23T15:00:38Z 2011-11-23T15:00:38Z Er.. collecting a taxes and spending the money on things that benefit the entire community is what government is about. Been this way for thousands of years. There wouldn't be a city, a state or even the United States without it. it's not "other people's money" it's the people's money. As such any agency using that money has a responsibility to use it wisely. Yeah we don't have the option to not to pay taxes (unless you're wealthy enough to rig the system) but at least we can vote, go to meetings and voice our opinions, gather signatures, etc. Besides the private sector benefits from government using 'other people's money' all the time. Mark 2011-11-23T15:00:38Z Mark comment-60562 2011-11-23T14:30:33Z 2011-11-23T14:30:33Z Bracelets only have 'decorative powers' - period. Mark 2011-11-23T14:30:33Z Mark comment-60561 2011-11-23T14:23:29Z 2011-11-23T14:23:29Z It's ironic that Mayor Johnson pushes for a strong mayor initiative when he doesn't even bother to show up for council meetings. You do not need this initiative in order to have a strong mayor. You need a mayor who really knows what's going, cares about the people who live here and can work with their district representatives to get the right things done. It's not rocket surgery. It's giving a damn about someone other than yourself. Mark 2011-11-23T14:23:29Z Mark comment-60554 2011-11-23T05:31:25Z 2011-11-23T05:31:25Z Yes Mark 2011-11-23T05:31:25Z Mark comment-60517 2011-11-22T17:22:03Z 2011-11-22T17:22:03Z I am not as impressed by Sacramento's tree planting and maintenance programs as many people around here seem to be. Other cities have much better programs. Our large urban trees are the one thing my out-of-town friends always comment on. It is a legacy passed on to us by generations living in Sacramento before us. Looking at the old photos of leafy streets I would say we haven't done a good job of replacing the diseased and dying trees. Some cities mandate the type and location of shade trees but in Sacramento it's pretty much unregulated so we have to come along later and use taxpayer money to remove people's bad choices. Is the Sacramento Tree Foundation overrated? The pathetic twigs they plant in the central city would be a joke in Paris (the other "tree city"). How many times have we seen them die because they lack proper irrigation or guards against vandals? We can and should do better especially considering how our urban tree canopy is such a salient feature of our city. We need a comprehensive tree plan -particularly where many people share the space. Mark 2011-11-22T17:22:03Z Mark comment-60509 2011-11-22T16:48:39Z 2011-11-22T16:48:39Z Two scam artists - Power Balance and AEG. Both make their money selling BS to gullible people. Let's end this farce. Say so long Kings, and thanks for all the fish. Mark 2011-11-22T16:48:39Z Mark comment-60437 2011-11-20T21:45:32Z 2011-11-20T21:45:32Z You can do anything your little heart desires Davi. Ignorance and fear never goes out of style. Mark 2011-11-20T21:45:32Z Mark comment-60436 2011-11-20T21:42:02Z 2011-11-20T21:42:02Z I know I should never imply that Sacramentans are ever unsophisticated - hits too close to home. Mark 2011-11-20T21:42:02Z Mark comment-60434 2011-11-20T21:39:42Z 2011-11-20T21:39:42Z Never thought of that. :-( Mark 2011-11-20T21:39:42Z Mark comment-60398 2011-11-19T18:37:15Z 2011-11-19T18:37:15Z Good move. The Design Review or Commission has nothing to stop bad design from popping up around town. If we do have well-designed buildings it's because those building/designing them had a more sophisticated sense of aesthetics than commissioners. Mark 2011-11-19T18:37:15Z Mark comment-60316 2011-11-17T16:29:24Z 2011-11-17T16:29:24Z Totally agree with you about creating something different than suburbia. Sacramento has plenty of suburbia if that's your thing but we have a very thin urban veneer which is pathetic for the hub for two million people. Mark 2011-11-17T16:29:24Z Mark comment-60275 2011-11-16T23:06:53Z 2011-11-16T23:06:53Z The city council is using our money to pay consultants $550,000 to 'explore arena financing options' for a downtown arena. Why would it ever need to cost that much money? We are getting ripped off. The NBA has said that the city has until March to get a plan in place to pay for an arena that is estimated to coat $387-$400 million. Does anyone think this is going to happen in this economy? Let the Meatloafs take the Kings to Anaheim. It will be for the best. Mark 2011-11-16T23:06:53Z Mark comment-60264 2011-11-16T19:14:43Z 2011-11-16T19:14:43Z Wow Rose you my inspiration - not to lose weight but to overcome challenges and pursue health and happiness in life. Thanks Brian for sharing the awesome and inspiring story of your mother with us. Mark 2011-11-16T19:14:43Z Mark comment-60260 2011-11-16T18:31:22Z 2011-11-16T18:31:22Z Both played a part I suspect. But yes definitely the Internet is making print media less viable. We all knew this was going to happen. Even though I enjoy the tactile and tangible quality of print I have a hard time paying $4-10 for information I can get for free and is more up-to-date. Having said that I am sad to see it go. Mark 2011-11-16T18:31:22Z Mark comment-60257 2011-11-16T18:13:39Z 2011-11-16T18:13:39Z Isaac that was a really interesting article. The author noted that it was "... found that work stoppages in baseball and football between 1969 and 1996 – the NBA had experienced no labor disputes in that time period – had no impact on the economies of 37 metropolitan statistical areas with pro sports franchises. In fact, the models showed that cities saw a very slight increase in real per capita income during years with a work stoppage." Obviously the lost of revenue claims by vested interests are very exaggerated. The reasoning that the money that would have been spent on the Kings will just be redistributed is logical, however, it difinitely does hurt certain buisnesses and charities -even if not the overall economy. There are less tangible benefits to having a "big league" sports team but maybe it's value is overstated as well. Mark 2011-11-16T18:13:39Z Mark comment-60253 2011-11-16T16:12:02Z 2011-11-16T16:12:02Z Not good news. It's amazing that in the year 2011 bug plagues can still do so much damage. Time to rethink our agricultural practices - for export and local consumption. Mark 2011-11-16T16:12:02Z Mark comment-60252 2011-11-16T16:01:40Z 2011-11-16T16:01:40Z Right, would we be talking about building a NBA sized/required arena downtown if it were not for the Kings? Of course it's ALWAYS has been about keeping professional basketball Sacramento. The problem is that Kings owners do not have the scrill to keep/maintain the team without deep pocket help and Sacramentans either do not have deep enough pockets or care enough about the professional basketball to pony up. Sacramento will lose a lot of revenue, publicity and for some cvic pride when the Kings leave town but it's time to let them go so we can start focusing on reinventing Sacramento around more lasting and important qualities like a vibrant healthy core with a dynamic riverfront and excellent transportation. Mark 2011-11-16T16:01:40Z Mark comment-60189 2011-11-15T18:37:47Z 2011-11-15T18:37:47Z We have civic masochistic disorder. Mark 2011-11-15T18:37:47Z Mark comment-60148 2011-11-15T16:00:36Z 2011-11-15T16:00:36Z The old farts cruising K Street like in some throwback to a bad 1950's period movie is pretty dorky but what do you expect- this is the valley. The local dork factor aside I think it's a step in the right direction but not for the reasons most people cite. It seems everyone (except maybe WB and myself) believe that lack of cars or parking is the reason for K Street's decline when it was clearly their beloved sub-urban lifestyle that's the real culprit. Reintroducing cars has little to do with making it easier for suburbanites to use downtown. We've been down that road before and it got us nowhere. Mark 2011-11-15T16:00:36Z Mark comment-60147 2011-11-15T15:45:41Z 2011-11-15T15:45:41Z So many Sacramentans are pathological naysayers. It's a disease here. And one you have to really guard yourself against it because it's quite contagious. Mark 2011-11-15T15:45:41Z Mark comment-60059 2011-11-13T18:45:57Z 2011-11-13T18:45:57Z People take these types of design competitions too serious. Unlike the recent SF Transbay Terminal and Tower competition - there weren't specifics or financing. It was never going to be anything real. Mark 2011-11-13T18:45:57Z Mark comment-59982 2011-11-11T17:44:53Z 2011-11-11T17:44:53Z Interesting thoughts if a bit too disjointed and insider for me to fully comprehend. The BPP was a product of the times. It's pretty clear how racism has been such a driving force in our society. The white flight help to fuel our insane suburban lifestyles, redevelopment programs and public housing projects were a way of disrupting the black communities which were rising up and fighting back. The "war on poverty" programs, even if they were helpful, were also a way to appease the black community. Deep Equality = human dignity = Freedom. Mark 2011-11-11T17:44:53Z Mark comment-59979 2011-11-11T17:18:48Z 2011-11-11T17:18:48Z But Michael you would miss the chance of people saying "Wow that guy look really great for 56!". Mark 2011-11-11T17:18:48Z Mark comment-59977 2011-11-11T17:12:17Z 2011-11-11T17:12:17Z Hell let's sell the parks off completely. Who needs them? Of course, we all don't have large MG designed yards so some of us do care about keeping parks, parks. Mark 2011-11-11T17:12:17Z Mark comment-59976 2011-11-11T16:59:42Z 2011-11-11T16:59:42Z Wyant I was responding to your Crocker Park comment about people not currently using the park. Sorry i forget that some people are thinned skinned. As for the competition you and I both know that none of the proposals are going to implemented so who cares about state laws? These are not serious proposals. But I am interested in what your proposal would be. Tell us what you would do to Capitol Mall. Mark 2011-11-11T16:59:42Z Mark comment-59975 2011-11-11T16:25:14Z 2011-11-11T16:25:14Z I like the Fed Courthouse's limestone which looks different depending on the light of the day. And it's bowed glass wall. Though the little art gnomes around the entrance seem out of place/scale. I also like the new Crocker addition. Both demonstrate modern can be beautiful. On the other hand the two newest high-rises on Capitol Mall are some of the worst in town. In hindsight maybe they should have gone with the Parthenon top design for 500 Capitol. The 621 Capitol is wrong on so many levels. It's depressing parking garage, the awkward giant billboard top with a light display that can only be seen from the WX freeway and the glassy facade that reflects down on pedestrians like a magnifying glass on ants. Mark 2011-11-11T16:25:14Z Mark comment-59972 2011-11-11T15:50:12Z 2011-11-11T15:50:12Z Thank you Son for taking a chance on K Street. I wish you incredible success! I will be a patron. And to those GH/LP/CH/RC/RV who criticize anything and everything we try to do to fix K Street- "K Street will open to vehicular traffic for the first time since the 1960s on Saturday, and Son said that was one of the reasons she chose to open a downtown location." Some of the most successful streets/downtowns around had to be tweaked over and over again until the right combination came together. Mark 2011-11-11T15:50:12Z Mark comment-59949 2011-11-11T00:48:05Z 2011-11-11T00:48:05Z Nobody goes to Crocker Park because there's no walks, no benches or picnic tables, no playground, no chessboards, no fountain, no art, etc. It only has lawn and trees. What are people supposed to do with that? I don't know what you idea of an icon would be but we don't need a 100-story office building with a rotating restaurant on top (as in the 1970's-80's) or some expensive stararchitect-deisgned edifice for those who want to feel culturally superior. Mark 2011-11-11T00:48:05Z Mark comment-59962 2011-11-11T00:46:11Z 2011-11-11T00:46:11Z Marc it's one day. Besides I have no idea of how you imagine that selling public parking spaces to a private operator is going generate so much money for the city? is it that you can't purchase monthly parking permits? Mark 2011-11-11T00:46:11Z Mark comment-59959 2011-11-11T00:40:22Z 2011-11-11T00:40:22Z Nope I don't feel it's ridiculous. And since you are clearly a proud Land Park Resident I'm sure we won't miss you downtown. Mark 2011-11-11T00:40:22Z Mark comment-59953 2011-11-10T22:05:57Z 2011-11-10T22:05:57Z Way to go Troy. Wish we could see the design. Unfortunately, I have serious doubts as to whether we will get to see it implemented. Mark 2011-11-10T22:05:57Z Mark comment-59951 2011-11-10T22:02:06Z 2011-11-10T22:02:06Z I think the Darth Vader building would be 10x better looking if they put a tall tapering metal antenna-cap on top. Mark 2011-11-10T22:02:06Z Mark comment-59948 2011-11-10T21:36:16Z 2011-11-10T21:36:16Z This viewpoint I totally disagree with but is very typical of Sacramentans. And actually, for the record Sacramento DOES have millions of people around it. Mark 2011-11-10T21:36:16Z Mark comment-59919 2011-11-10T18:23:25Z 2011-11-10T18:23:25Z None of these designs are going to become reality. These design competitions are fun for archietcts, planners and designers and local politicians who prefer unattainable schemes and long time frames that last their entire career to actually getting something done. Take a look at what they finally did to the grassroots effort to bridge the gap between the river and downtown. Forget decking I-5 (too expensive I can accept) but their brilliant solution is to reconnect Second Street. Old Sacramento doesn't need better access for cars but for pedestrians. Mark 2011-11-10T18:23:25Z Mark comment-59812 2011-11-07T20:13:43Z 2011-11-07T20:13:43Z So what is the long-term plan for the station - if or when the new station is built? Mark 2011-11-07T20:13:43Z Mark comment-59488 2011-11-02T07:06:43Z 2011-11-02T07:06:43Z Another 'great achievement' of Steve Cohn. Mark 2011-11-02T07:06:43Z Mark comment-58739 2011-10-16T19:21:38Z 2011-10-16T19:21:38Z A greedy property owner didn't like my comment. Mark 2011-10-16T19:21:38Z Mark comment-58697 2011-10-15T16:42:10Z 2011-10-15T16:42:10Z There is always two or three people who vote down any story involving the gay and lesbian community. Yet they never leave a comment. Lame moralists. Mark 2011-10-15T16:42:10Z Mark comment-58696 2011-10-15T16:39:06Z 2011-10-15T16:39:06Z I am pleased this was approved. I love Thai Basil. It's also refreshing to hear the pragmatic, matter of fact talk by the owner rather than the typical overly emotional or moralistic approach many people take. Mark 2011-10-15T16:39:06Z Mark comment-58666 2011-10-14T16:33:57Z 2011-10-14T16:33:57Z Because ....you can't bring your family to a Midtown restaurant now? Mark 2011-10-14T16:33:57Z Mark comment-58663 2011-10-14T15:56:54Z 2011-10-14T15:56:54Z So typical of this Valley town. While young people in real cities around the country are protesting Wall Street here they are busy drunk slumming and burning down their school while bleach blondes stand outside crying. Mark 2011-10-14T15:56:54Z Mark comment-58661 2011-10-14T15:47:24Z 2011-10-14T15:47:24Z Meh. Who wanted to go to a place called the garlic shack? Of course, the economy has something to do with how quickly it came and went. In better times they might had been able to hold on. I also don't agree that this is about the over abundance of restaurants in the area. The high cost of running a business often starts with overpriced leases. Its not a secret that many business fail because their overhead is too high and the greedy property owners are a big part of the problem. Of course, we aren't supposed to say anything about this. Mark 2011-10-14T15:47:24Z Mark comment-58378 2011-10-08T03:57:28Z 2011-10-08T03:57:28Z I'm getting a strong feeling after reading this piece of cra ..er.. objectively written article. A coincidence? Mark 2011-10-08T03:57:28Z Mark comment-58377 2011-10-08T03:51:14Z 2011-10-08T03:51:14Z Wow it's a mall! Mark 2011-10-08T03:51:14Z Mark comment-57752 2011-09-23T18:58:23Z 2011-09-23T18:58:23Z Be self-appointed watch dogs if want. We need them. But realize that just because you feel your cause is just doesn't make it so. I don't care what you call yourself- a pastor or dog catcher it's all the same to me. I don't acknowledge pastor/preacher as a legit profession (it's like being a snake oil salesman and pseudo counselor) so to me they are just citizens exercising their right of free speech.. and I totally support their right. Mark 2011-09-23T18:58:23Z Mark comment-57638 2011-09-22T01:40:53Z 2011-09-22T01:40:53Z Excelant points. And I have serious heartburn about the state of the Westfield Mall in general and council member Sheedy's reasoning abilities. Mark 2011-09-22T01:40:53Z Mark comment-57637 2011-09-22T01:33:59Z 2011-09-22T01:33:59Z That is too funny. “It’s not a business activity that I would attach to Sacramento’s excellent urban reputation....” Ha Ha he is either incredibly deluded or a bumpkin who hasn't been anywhere. Once again Sheedy and Fong are embarrassing not because the oppose the card room but because of the reasons they give. Mark 2011-09-22T01:33:59Z Mark comment-57480 2011-09-18T20:30:00Z 2011-09-18T20:30:00Z A mixed martial artist judge? A sporting goods store manager from Roseville. A state worker from Lincoln. Not that any of these people are any less qualified than "professionals" to come up with good idea - but because they only received 20 entries it shows that few people knew of this before hand. Think Big indeed. Mark 2011-09-18T20:30:00Z Mark comment-57360 2011-09-16T17:24:53Z 2011-09-16T17:24:53Z Not really arguing with you. You arent saying anything that I haven't been saying for years. I understand. I don't expect it to become the regional shopping destination ala Un.Sq. but neither do I expect it to become a neighborhood like Midtown or even the future Railyards. Its just that I live in Midtown I would love it if K Street could draw more of the 'weekend urbanites' down there and provide us with alternatives as well. We don't have to wait until a bunch of condos get built to do that. Of course a lot more people would go downtown if something was going on and we don't just need to build housing - as desirable as that is - to make it a success. I lived in urban neighborhoods with lots of expensive condos where the street life was rather dull so that is no guarantee either. I have also lived in Asia which makes our ideas of lively street life a joke. There the empty St. Lima slab would be filled with vendors and people every day and night. Mark 2011-09-16T17:24:53Z Mark comment-57353 2011-09-16T16:23:25Z 2011-09-16T16:23:25Z I'm a cynical guy and must admit I don't entirely get the whole flash mob thing but I'm thinking why the heck not? Looks like they were having fun. People @ the fm probably enjoyed it. Ain't nothing wrong with dancing in the sun. Mark 2011-09-16T16:23:25Z Mark comment-57341 2011-09-16T04:53:07Z 2011-09-16T04:53:07Z Isaac every day bus loads of Sacramentians ride up to Thunder Valley in Placer County. What difference would it make if they blew their wad in Sacramento or Placer County? Only difference is we'd get revenue. I don't gamble myself but plenty of people do. I could make a rational argument against gambling but that won't stop people from doing it. I am sorry but 'draining community and sucking money away from productivity' doesn't even make sense. If Sacramento would be in danger of becoming economically dependent on gambling then your argument might have some merit but it wouldn't be. In Australia all the major cities have a big casino downtown and I don't think they worry bout the drain. Mark 2011-09-16T04:53:07Z Mark comment-57319 2011-09-16T04:27:00Z 2011-09-16T04:27:00Z I am a little perplexed by people here imagining K Street is going to become a traditional urban neighborhood. It's not really a "neighborhood" but instead the main shopping and business district of the city. Every city has a place where people from all over the city and region converge -think Union Square. There are plenty of other places in downtown for a high-traffic grocery store where the locals can 'shoot the bull'. I stand by my assertion that K Street isn't the best place for something like that. But whatever. BTW William I am not trying to explain why the City did what they did ( re. reopening up to cars). I am just giving my opinion as to what I believe the value in doing this will be. Frankly don't care why they did it b/c I feel it will be a good thing regardless. Mark 2011-09-16T04:27:00Z Mark comment-57308 2011-09-15T19:59:18Z 2011-09-15T19:59:18Z I say let's allow a Indian hotel-casino to open up along the Sacramento River -Jibboom/Richards and extract a hefty payoff. Mark 2011-09-15T19:59:18Z Mark comment-57306 2011-09-15T19:39:38Z 2011-09-15T19:39:38Z I think it's funny that so many people think Trader Joe's would be some sort of urban panacea . When people go grocery shopping they usually don't hang around because they need to get their groceries into the refrigerator. We want people to linger downtown -do some shopping, dining & drinking, see a movie, take a stroll, etc. Mark 2011-09-15T19:39:38Z Mark comment-57303 2011-09-15T19:30:06Z 2011-09-15T19:30:06Z Yes, William I am. As you have point out before K Street was going down hill even before it was turned into a car-free zone so bringing cars back will not magically turn things around. When K Street was originally converted, suburbia was still fresh and downtown was passé. Times have changed and many people today are now bored with the suburbs and are wanting an authentic urban experience. As I indicated, in many ways it's not even about the cars but rather it's about creating positive 'energy flow'. Of course, we want new housing and shops but there is only so much a City can do. The City cannot open up a restaurant or store but it can change the look and feel of street and that in turn can encourage businesses and patrons. IMO it all goes together. I hear people complain about all the money that is being spent again on K Street. They see it as a waste because we've already tweaked it several times without much success. But many of the world's most successful public places had to be altered several times until they got it right. It's just the nature of things. Mark 2011-09-15T19:30:06Z Mark comment-57259 2011-09-15T16:19:55Z 2011-09-15T16:19:55Z There's been a lot of criticism and doubt that this will do any good because people will not be able to park on the street but what people fail to understand is that much of the problem of K Street has nothing to do with reasons most often given for allowing cars back on the street. The most important advantage of bringing cars back will be psychological. K Street sans cars suffered from a feeling of isolation and inactivity. The wide open space only contributed to the feeling of emptiness. By concentrating pedestrian activity along tighter sidewalks it will discourage the less attractive elements from 'hanging out.' It will also allow drivers to drop off friends and family while they park the car. Mark 2011-09-15T16:19:55Z Mark comment-57257 2011-09-15T15:46:17Z 2011-09-15T15:46:17Z Good question. How about the old benches? Could they be recycled and reinstalled in other parts of downtown and midtown? Mark 2011-09-15T15:46:17Z Mark comment-57212 2011-09-14T14:46:00Z 2011-09-14T14:46:00Z Wow it looks like people were really thinking when they designed this terminal. That's great because I was getting a little tired of the off-the-rack solutions we usually get around here. Mucho kudos to all those in charge of this project! Mark 2011-09-14T14:46:00Z Mark comment-57144 2011-09-13T17:01:06Z 2011-09-13T17:01:06Z Since we do a lot of waiting in the airport it's nice to have the art work to engage us. The glass house reminds me more of a backwoods horror shack than home but whatever. I look forward to seeing the work in person. Mark 2011-09-13T17:01:06Z Mark comment-57141 2011-09-13T16:54:30Z 2011-09-13T16:54:30Z Stop with the racist remarks. We get it. You don't like Latinos. Free country and all but I don't find your bigotry contributes positively to the conversation. I am sorry about the nagging pain in your arse but you can have the stick removed. Mark 2011-09-13T16:54:30Z Mark comment-57044 2011-09-11T20:35:56Z 2011-09-11T20:35:56Z What's changed? A lot and nothing. We unlawfully invaded other nations -predicated on deception and didn’t bother to fund the aggression. We sent our kids off to be killed and mutilated for no defensive purpose. The result was economic disaster and social disintegration. Our ignorance, fear and arrogance blinded us to reality and insured our compliance. This is how other great empire nations weaken and eventually fell apart. In many ways it doesn’t matter if 9-11 was an inside job because the result was still the same. Despite the speeches and bumper stickers- in the ten years since 9-11 we are not more united. Mark 2011-09-11T20:35:56Z Mark comment-56828 2011-09-07T22:11:57Z 2011-09-07T22:11:57Z Thank you now I know exactly where it is. Tomorrow morning is doughbot morning. Mark 2011-09-07T22:11:57Z Mark comment-56797 2011-09-07T15:22:46Z 2011-09-07T15:22:46Z Yum. I hope they do very well. One minor detail in case someone is looking for their donut shop- I believe 10th Street is Downtown but it could be Southside or Northside- but it's not Midtown (which later stated). If you add the cross street it would help us find the place. And are they closed on Tuesday? Anyway, I will check the place out. Mark 2011-09-07T15:22:46Z Mark comment-56377 2011-08-31T18:55:03Z 2011-08-31T18:55:03Z Don't use terms you don't understand and there's no need to shout. Why so angry at midtown? Yes you are right - everyone knows Midtown is a dirt cheap place to live. That's why the low-no income kids who can only afford bikes and cheap booze want to live in this suburban hell hole. No you would be much better off moving to a grown-up wonderland like say -Sun City. I hear it is great. (OK now the arbitrary and bias monitors of this site can remove another comment they don't like because I used the word "hell") Mark 2011-08-31T18:55:03Z Mark comment-56374 2011-08-31T18:26:26Z 2011-08-31T18:26:26Z Imfmenace is old 1program (on the computer of former Hollywood writer living in old Fair Oaks) that has gone wonky and can now only repeat the premise (protagonists and antagonists) of dated 1980's frat house movies. Mark 2011-08-31T18:26:26Z Mark comment-56371 2011-08-31T17:51:46Z 2011-08-31T17:51:46Z We do? That's funny. Mark 2011-08-31T17:51:46Z Mark comment-56365 2011-08-31T17:14:03Z 2011-08-31T17:14:03Z Good for you Ben. I'm sure it has charms and I have just missed them. Maybe some day someone will point them out to me. Mark 2011-08-31T17:14:03Z Mark comment-56333 2011-08-31T14:00:23Z 2011-08-31T14:00:23Z You are absolutely correct as to why Central City residents are "grumpy" about the suburbanites in Sacramento. Mark 2011-08-31T14:00:23Z Mark comment-56209 2011-08-29T23:09:29Z 2011-08-29T23:09:29Z Want to improve Sacramento's future economy? Don't be so darn conservative (and I'm not taking just politics). Sacramento is boring. Boring doesn't sell. Sacramento is the beige capitol of the world. Mark 2011-08-29T23:09:29Z Mark comment-56206 2011-08-29T23:00:44Z 2011-08-29T23:00:44Z Meh who cares? If you live in Roseville and you like it good for you. Since I grew up in that kind of environment in Southern California I would never want to 'live the experience' again. Not that Midtown Sacramento doesn't have it's drawbacks. Mostly having to do with it not being urban enough for my tastes. But to each his own. At least we don't live in Carmichael, huh? I will take Joe's advice now. Mark 2011-08-29T23:00:44Z Mark comment-55994 2011-08-26T14:23:35Z 2011-08-26T14:23:35Z Doesn't happen that way. There's lots of other factors involved -cost of leasing the cabs, insurance,fuel, etc. Drivers must make a calculation and determine if it's worth it. More competition will not necessarily bring down the cost of a cab ride in a city like Sacramento. Too much supply and too little demand will only hurt the established taxis companies. Regulations of taxis in every city has actually been a good thing for the consumer and taxi companies. Mark 2011-08-26T14:23:35Z Mark comment-55993 2011-08-26T14:10:17Z 2011-08-26T14:10:17Z The market has never, ever been free. That's yet another faith-based delusion. Even in third world countries where it seems to be every man for himself -it's not. Controlled markets its always been and always will be. So it's about trying to create a market that is most fair and open to all. Mark 2011-08-26T14:10:17Z Mark comment-55992 2011-08-26T14:03:56Z 2011-08-26T14:03:56Z Is too many taxis really the issue? I've had a couple of taxi drivers complain that there were too many. Because of the economy the drivers are hurting and some of independent drivers who used work mostly out the suburbs can't make a living out there anymore so they are working more in the central city and airport. The long established companies don't like the competition. It's fine to say let the free market hash it out but does the consumer win with lower prices and better service? That's not been my experience. One the most frustrating thing about these taxis drivers from Elk Grove and elsewhere is that they don't know Sacramento from jack so you have even explain the alphanumeric system to them. Mark 2011-08-26T14:03:56Z Mark comment-55988 2011-08-26T13:35:52Z 2011-08-26T13:35:52Z Great for the kids but shouldn't this museum be called the Rancho Cordova Children's Museum? More evidence of the L.A.zing of Sacramento. Mark 2011-08-26T13:35:52Z