tlb comment-25779 2010-04-28T02:57:21Z 2010-04-28T02:57:21Z i just did a speech on this topic for my communications class. We need to make an awareness that this is a cont. problem, nobody likes it, and its very expensive. We should all help out in anyway we can-donating food, volunteering time, or just reaching out to a homeless person in need can make a difference. tlb 2010-04-28T02:57:21Z Ed Fogle comment-9467 2009-06-14T20:54:05Z 2009-06-14T20:54:05Z Thanks for binging that info to us Mark. I was a Paramedic that covered the Tuolome Meadows side of the park for many years and on occasion we ran rescues in the valley area of the park. Summer of '93 we were on a rescue, most of us wearing shorts as it was a nice day, and part way through the rescue it began to snow on us. Sudden weather changes are not uncommon in the park.So any one traveling in the Eastern Sierras should always be prepared for inclimate weather. Ed Fogle 2009-06-14T20:54:05Z Mark Forsyth comment-9461 2009-06-14T07:27:32Z 2009-06-14T07:27:32Z UPDATE:: Park Rangers confirmed that a man fell from Half Dome to his death. Stranded hikers were escorted down the mountain to safety. The man is as of yet unidentified. Mark Forsyth 2009-06-14T07:27:32Z Jonathan Mendick comment-8238 2009-05-24T03:15:22Z 2009-05-24T03:15:22Z Congratulations class of 2009! Jonathan Mendick 2009-05-24T03:15:22Z Aprilynwin comment-8230 2009-05-23T22:48:29Z 2009-05-23T22:48:29Z LOL, I live on 15th & Q and unfortunately the car belonged to a girl that was at my party that night...we came out a few hours later to discover the tree guys cutting apart the branch off the roof of her car! luckily only a few dents/scratches.... Aprilynwin 2009-05-23T22:48:29Z cmere comment-8225 2009-05-23T21:41:49Z 2009-05-23T21:41:49Z Excuse me, that's my car and I would appreciate it if you took the pictures down. cmere 2009-05-23T21:41:49Z thsas comment-8220 2009-05-23T18:39:12Z 2009-05-23T18:39:12Z "...enjoying some portabella and tofu burgers.....". Words I never thought I would hear. Seriously. Note: Jim Denny's closes at 3 today, but Nationwide Freezer Meats stays open later! thsas 2009-05-23T18:39:12Z David Watts Barton comment-8196 2009-05-23T17:41:12Z 2009-05-23T17:41:12Z Hey Mark, great to see your name (and work) back on Sacramento Press! David Watts Barton 2009-05-23T17:41:12Z Marc Christensen comment-8192 2009-05-23T14:39:17Z 2009-05-23T14:39:17Z Was the tree a mature elm, by any chance? The elms around the downtown/midtown grid are excellent shade trees, but they were planted around the turn of the last century and are at the end of their lifecycle. At this stage they tend to lose their main branches -- with the effect you witnessed. Drive around after a windy day and you will find elm limbs spraawled on streets and yards and anything that gets in their way. Hot days are a problem for tree integrity as well because the tree is storing up water and the added weight can result in a shattered limb. I am no expert on the subject of trees and frankly out on a limb here with the precise facts, but this has been my observation as a resident of downtown Sacramento. Marc Christensen 2009-05-23T14:39:17Z Mark Forsyth comment-6750 2009-04-27T05:54:06Z 2009-04-27T05:54:06Z Thanks everyone. Mark Forsyth 2009-04-27T05:54:06Z Susan Arroyo comment-6740 2009-04-27T02:05:52Z 2009-04-27T02:05:52Z I know this is kind of corny but it was a dream come true. Susan Arroyo 2009-04-27T02:05:52Z Kathleen Haley comment-6717 2009-04-26T21:18:35Z 2009-04-26T21:18:35Z Good luck and best wishes, Mark! Kathleen Haley 2009-04-26T21:18:35Z Ann Tracy comment-6712 2009-04-26T00:25:49Z 2009-04-26T00:25:49Z The skills you have learned will come in handy in the future, no matter what your career path! Good Luck! Ann Tracy 2009-04-26T00:25:49Z Nicolas Ocampo comment-6708 2009-04-25T21:05:06Z 2009-04-25T21:05:06Z Great job! and Good luck with your future endeavors Nicolas Ocampo 2009-04-25T21:05:06Z Nicolas Ocampo comment-6478 2009-04-22T02:52:45Z 2009-04-22T02:52:45Z I have been to pipeworks to boulder, great place. nice artile. Nicolas Ocampo 2009-04-22T02:52:45Z Kingsley Chossington comment-6472 2009-04-21T20:10:55Z 2009-04-21T20:10:55Z nice yo Kingsley Chossington 2009-04-21T20:10:55Z juliov23 comment-6460 2009-04-21T17:12:32Z 2009-04-21T17:12:32Z I need to get back out to pipeworks. I have some mad rock shoes that never got used last year and I'm dying to boulder in them. As soon as i find a reliable partner I'll do some climbing too. juliov23 2009-04-21T17:12:32Z Mark Forsyth comment-5971 2009-04-12T09:57:59Z 2009-04-12T09:57:59Z thank you for the corrections. Mark Forsyth 2009-04-12T09:57:59Z Angela Murray comment-5968 2009-04-12T07:50:11Z 2009-04-12T07:50:11Z Thank you for this information - I am an avid fan of the American River Trail, but always looking for new places to go! Angela Murray 2009-04-12T07:50:11Z jstducky comment-5960 2009-04-11T21:59:46Z 2009-04-11T21:59:46Z Just a little clarification: The Cosumnes River Preserve's visitors center is staffed on weekends by volunteer docents (not Rangers). These volunteers are trained by the preserve and can answer any questions you might have. The vernal pools are not located at the Cosumnes River Preserve off of I-5 south of Elk Grove, but at Howard Ranch which is adjacent to Rancho Seco Park. Check the web site for tour dates. www.cosumnes.org jstducky 2009-04-11T21:59:46Z waldorfandstatler comment-5832 2009-04-10T17:54:19Z 2009-04-10T17:54:19Z We love italian food, but to be truly green those people should go vegan or at least vegetarian. It takes more land to feed flesh based diets, eating meat contributes to clear cutting, and the meat industry causes more water pollution than all other industries combined. waldorfandstatler 2009-04-10T17:54:19Z Angela Murray comment-5818 2009-04-10T06:58:04Z 2009-04-10T06:58:04Z Sounds like a great place to try - I am always on the lookout for new restaurants in downtown! Angela Murray 2009-04-10T06:58:04Z John Boyer comment-5775 2009-04-09T03:53:48Z 2009-04-09T03:53:48Z The italan culture has always put the quality of food first, Most italians also spend less than they earn. 2 lvirtue we could learn and practice here in our young country. I for one could care less if the facade is on the back burner. Give me nuovo cucina italiana! So far this gem of a restaurant lives up to the cultures wonderful culinary history, the warmth of its generosity and the gift of a green building. For some its never enough to do the best one can under trying economics. grazia Frabrizo and Andrea John Boyer 2009-04-09T03:53:48Z Mark Forsyth comment-5765 2009-04-08T21:05:02Z 2009-04-08T21:05:02Z Andrea Lepore's response as emailed to me about the trees: "The city requested they be removed as they were diseased, we have already replanted one and the other 2 are coming when the landscaping is finished." Mark Forsyth 2009-04-08T21:05:02Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-5760 2009-04-08T19:00:59Z 2009-04-08T19:00:59Z jrewers - My wife said something similar the other day when we stopped by to grab some gelato, "When are the going to finish the outside, I don't like it like that." I don't like it like that either Dustin L. Littrell 2009-04-08T19:00:59Z jmrewers comment-5737 2009-04-08T18:42:47Z 2009-04-08T18:42:47Z Having a vision for a project is one thing, but seeing it through to completion is quite another. I know we're in difficult economic times, but the completion of the exterior has been at a halt for about 2 mos. Are they paying for this completion through the sale of pizzas? Despite this little predicament, I give kudos to them for their efforts! jmrewers 2009-04-08T18:42:47Z William Burg comment-5736 2009-04-08T18:37:29Z 2009-04-08T18:37:29Z According to that story, the trees should be replaced within the next month. Tutto bene! That neighborhood has some Italian cultural connection: there used to be a fairly large Italian American community in the neighborhood, and one of their big cultural centers, the Dante Club, was located at 1511 P Street, where Fremont Mews is now. Unlike a lot of American cities, Sacramento's Italian community consisted mostly of northern Italian immigrants, rather than southern Italian and Sicilian immigrants. William Burg 2009-04-08T18:37:29Z Ben Ilfeld comment-5730 2009-04-08T17:44:41Z 2009-04-08T17:44:41Z There was a response about the trees in another story about Hot Italian: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/4901/Hot_Italian_makes_its_mark_on_Sacramento I would like to continue the dialog here. Ben Ilfeld 2009-04-08T17:44:41Z CCC comment-5729 2009-04-08T17:21:02Z 2009-04-08T17:21:02Z love those big city bike racks too. and when are those trees going in? seems like a green building would not require cutting down trees for any reason, but that is just the cost of business eh? or maybe there was a good reason for it? personally, i would rather have looked at those trees. CCC 2009-04-08T17:21:02Z John Boyer comment-5709 2009-04-08T05:44:36Z 2009-04-08T05:44:36Z I bow to Andrea and Fabrizio's vision of the future of business and the restaurant. The Fiori pizza is my fav. Then the Zucchero with gelato for desert. little piece of italia heaven right here in Sac. John Boyer 2009-04-08T05:44:36Z William Burg comment-5706 2009-04-08T05:13:38Z 2009-04-08T05:13:38Z The greenest building is one that is already built! When do the replacement street trees go in? I think those are worth a couple points on the LEED scale... William Burg 2009-04-08T05:13:38Z Andrew Pettit comment-5546 2009-04-03T20:49:47Z 2009-04-03T20:49:47Z We do not generate running statistic on whether criminals are from outlying areas in the region but if we had to the data is in our system. Andrew Pettit 2009-04-03T20:49:47Z Andrew Pettit comment-5545 2009-04-03T20:46:19Z 2009-04-03T20:46:19Z Dave, bicyclist are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk or on K street. I realize it sometimes feels scary to ride on the road but that is the law. Also to clarify on the article a bicyclists must have a light visible at night from 300' and a bike must have some form of a brake (hand brake or pedal brake). If you need more info on bike lights required look under california vehicle code 21201 (d). Andrew Pettit 2009-04-03T20:46:19Z Dale Kooyman comment-5482 2009-04-02T23:12:47Z 2009-04-02T23:12:47Z Do the police keep and publish records as to where the robbers and muggers live or come fron? How many are local residents, how many are from Sacramento outside the central city? how many from other cities? from the county? Same for transients and homeless??? Good way to start getting a handle on the problem. Dale Kooyman 2009-04-02T23:12:47Z John Boyer comment-5437 2009-04-02T06:16:26Z 2009-04-02T06:16:26Z I know Im much more in communication with the street on a bike and I suspect the bike cops awareness is amplified as well. Cop cars are a symbol often denoting reckless pursuits, ticky tack tickets and donut runs while the bike is more subtle yet honest, more ecofriendly and less menacing to the environment. Hope more bikecops will be implemented onto our streets soon. We need more oversight period. Now if we can only apply the bike in a crusade in controlling whitecollar crime! Now thats a toughy John Boyer 2009-04-02T06:16:26Z Colleen Belcher comment-5406 2009-04-01T19:11:08Z 2009-04-01T19:11:08Z Great statistics and inside look at the bicycle cops. I'm sure a lot of people have wondered what they were all about and how they functioned in the police department. Thanks for chasing down this story! Colleen Belcher 2009-04-01T19:11:08Z David Watts Barton comment-5403 2009-04-01T18:56:32Z 2009-04-01T18:56:32Z Nice job, Mark. I didn't realize there were 10 cyclecops downtown. And a question for you and our PIO friends: Cyclecops can ride on the sidewalk, but so can we, right? If it's dangerous in the street? I find certain streets - I street downtown, L Street, others - to be far too dangerous to ride in traffic. What are the rules on this? David Watts Barton 2009-04-01T18:56:32Z Mark Forsyth comment-5398 2009-04-01T18:07:56Z 2009-04-01T18:07:56Z FYI- the officers pictured above are actually CHP bike officers, not SPD. Mark Forsyth 2009-04-01T18:07:56Z Andrew Pettit comment-5396 2009-04-01T18:03:43Z 2009-04-01T18:03:43Z Thank you for the question. Horses are still used for a variety of reasons still in 2009. While officers are on horses they are higher up and can see a further distance. They are used for riot or protest situations and are a force enhancer. They have the same mobility and many of the advantages that bike officers are afforded. They are a good community relations tool for the out of town guests that visit old sacramento, convention center, and K St mall. Andrew Pettit 2009-04-01T18:03:43Z CCC comment-5391 2009-04-01T16:45:19Z 2009-04-01T16:45:19Z Just to pose the question, why do we need horses downtown? It seems a superfluous appendage of law enforcement. Give them bicyles and let the horses go somewhere more suitable. Are there convincing reasons to have horses on the police force in 2009? I would be intersted to hear them if someone has a different perspective/experience. CCC 2009-04-01T16:45:19Z Pinelli comment-5383 2009-04-01T12:10:55Z 2009-04-01T12:10:55Z Only wussies use reflectors and brakes! Pinelli 2009-04-01T12:10:55Z savemidtown comment-5358 2009-04-01T05:22:17Z 2009-04-01T05:22:17Z The bike cops are very effective downtown. As are the horses - Sac PD and CHP have horses which are extremely effective. We could use bicycle patrols in Midtown too. I suspect the technology issue will sooner than later solve itself as bridge devices become smaller and even more powerful. savemidtown 2009-04-01T05:22:17Z Nicholas Walsh comment-4934 2009-03-23T05:37:01Z 2009-03-23T05:37:01Z That's the best farmers market in town hands down. I know you don't know this before writing this article but that market is were we first marketed and introduced sacpress.com to the community. Kinda cool! Nicholas Walsh 2009-03-23T05:37:01Z Susie Shields comment-4889 2009-03-21T19:24:54Z 2009-03-21T19:24:54Z I took a tour of the food bank a few months ago. I wanted to learn about the services they provide and how I could help. I must say, I was completely impressed with the staff and the programs and services they provide to anyone who lives within the foodbank's zip code service area. The after school help and computer labs were very impressive. This program deserves as much support as they can get. I am grateful for all they do because they help people help themselves. Parenting classes, homework help, job skills information, etc. These things the food bank offers helps empower people and when people feel empowered, they can move forward. Susie Shields 2009-03-21T19:24:54Z Dan comment-4881 2009-03-21T17:18:34Z 2009-03-21T17:18:34Z According to this press release from Rep. Matsui, the food bank received $350,000 through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. http://www.matsui.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=51 Dan 2009-03-21T17:18:34Z vwc comment-4711 2009-03-19T03:01:58Z 2009-03-19T03:01:58Z What can we do about getting more Port-a-potties into the tent city? Who should we call about this? vwc 2009-03-19T03:01:58Z me4 comment-4710 2009-03-18T23:45:17Z 2009-03-18T23:45:17Z I read about tent city in London appox. 5 days ago...Yes this is reality for even those before this busted economy; yet back in the 20's and in the 30's as I have learned from the elderly in my life including my father this isn't any different than back then but one thing...the labor pool. People like some of those without papers hang around farms and home depot for a days work and to prove themselves that they are trustworthy and hard working, worth more than what the employer of the day would pay them in hopes that they get to work the next day. I guess my father as a rich kid back in 1929 came here as a bored kid and chose to work and learned that wealth comes from within and those that take you as who you are and your values, such as those in tent city and loaves and fishes. It is what it is....Wealth comes within yourself and the values you hold as one's own, and can you hold your own word as you would like to hold another? This world needed a reality check ie: money makes the world go around but does not buy hapiness.....easy come easy go..... me4 2009-03-18T23:45:17Z Andrew McLeod comment-4702 2009-03-17T21:30:06Z 2009-03-17T21:30:06Z Thanks for pointing out the local variations within the larger Tent City. My own visits have revealed significant social organization of at least three separate camps, each with its own culture and values. Any proposed solutions to the current situation should keep that in mind: some approaches, such as a city-sanctioned or resident-led camp will be more appropriate and appealing to some people than others. Rather than view this as one relatively homogenous group of hundreds that must be addressed by a single solution, it might make sense to approach each camp as a separate situation. Then it becomes a matter of coming up with solutions for each, which could include grass-roots solutions like the rotating congregation-based hosting of Olympia's Camp Quixote ( http://campquixoteoly.googlepages.com ) or the relatively permanent and free-standing settlement of Portland's Dignity Village ( www.dignityvillage.org ) Andrew McLeod 2009-03-17T21:30:06Z Michael Zwahlen comment-4687 2009-03-17T05:20:00Z 2009-03-17T05:20:00Z This good to hear, thanks Mark. I had not even started to think about it yet but I would have been by April. I've been going down the South Fork of the American River for 25 years and have been a guide for 10 on my own raft... good times :-) Michael Zwahlen 2009-03-17T05:20:00Z The Parrhesiac comment-4680 2009-03-17T04:01:33Z 2009-03-17T04:01:33Z Dale your reply is incoherent, whats your point? "those who choose to be enabled" ??? you mean he people who will always choose to use L&F's services so they don't have to buy food, in order to spend their welfare and social security checks on drugs & alcohol instead? LOL "Lasting Services" I agree, the program at L&F is designed to be lasting, and designed to keep them coming back. I guess the first hurdle we have to get over is that I believe drug and alcohol addiction is a choice. Those who make a living of off the addicts claim it is a disease. Well even if it was a disease, providing them with a lifestyle that allows them to avoid seeking help with this so called disease helps no one and harms our society. I believe we must help the homeless and give them hope and opportunity, but not enable them; oh and btw... they will tell you this as well if you ask them. The Parrhesiac 2009-03-17T04:01:33Z Mark Forsyth comment-4683 2009-03-17T04:01:12Z 2009-03-17T04:01:12Z The action photos are actually taken by the companies that perch above the rapids. They sell the pictures to participants (i bought a day's worth of them). Mark Forsyth 2009-03-17T04:01:12Z Carl Samek comment-4682 2009-03-17T02:26:02Z 2009-03-17T02:26:02Z If the city received tens of millions to solve the homeless situation the questions are. How much? What conditions? When and who received it ? How and who spent it ? Is there any money left? What documentation goes along with the money. Carl Samek 2009-03-17T02:26:02Z Brandon Darnell comment-4681 2009-03-17T01:52:26Z 2009-03-17T01:52:26Z Great photos. You capture the action very well. Brandon Darnell 2009-03-17T01:52:26Z TotalDerelict comment-4636 2009-03-16T18:34:04Z 2009-03-16T18:34:04Z Like Baldy, I heard tell Loaves & Fishes was as good as the Hilton and hitched a freight train from Scranton to Sacramento!!! Lots of my new friends did the same. Every day more friends arrive from across this good 'ol US-of-A. Hell, we should have a couple thousand in Tent City before long. Downtown is swell for scavenging. hangin' out and makin' a buck, too. We're all planning on startin' families and growin' Tent City. As long as the beer is cold and the meals free, we're here to stay! Thank you Loaves & Fishes!!! TotalDerelict 2009-03-16T18:34:04Z Dan comment-4616 2009-03-16T04:00:39Z 2009-03-16T04:00:39Z I'm sure in this recession, the market for tent city tourists is limited. Besides, the location of the camp, particularly its location on Union Pacific property, is a huge reason why this camp has been controversial in the first place. Dan 2009-03-16T04:00:39Z John Gladding comment-4630 2009-03-15T20:56:29Z 2009-03-15T20:56:29Z Great article... even greater to see the mayor commenting on this. John Gladding 2009-03-15T20:56:29Z Mark Forsyth comment-4613 2009-03-15T19:43:56Z 2009-03-15T19:43:56Z It's as a courtesy to those who live there. An attempt (however feeble it may be) to lessen "tourist" traffic to the site. Mark Forsyth 2009-03-15T19:43:56Z bruinmom comment-4629 2009-03-15T18:36:18Z 2009-03-15T18:36:18Z Great article, folks. Thanks for putting a human face on the homeless. How many of us are just a few bad months away from being in the same situation? And thanks to Gadfly for his comments. They were thoughtful and enlightening. bruinmom 2009-03-15T18:36:18Z Dale Kooyman comment-4610 2009-03-15T12:44:19Z 2009-03-15T12:44:19Z Gadfly: You wrote what few dare speak about L&F (which L&F has said in the past that they are "proud of" being): You have just touched on the difference between "enablers" and those who choose to be "enabled" and those who provide lasting services to those who want to receive those kind services. That is key to solving the problem.. Dale Kooyman 2009-03-15T12:44:19Z TAB comment-4625 2009-03-15T09:24:50Z 2009-03-15T09:24:50Z Way to go Kevin. I like a mayor who is pro-active in our community and is pro-survival for life like the folks struggling in "Tent City" I have faith you will do the right thing for our own kind struggling in a world gone mad. TAB 2009-03-15T09:24:50Z Scott Holbrook comment-4621 2009-03-15T03:21:57Z 2009-03-15T03:21:57Z Good comments Scott Holbrook 2009-03-15T03:21:57Z Dan comment-4608 2009-03-15T01:24:16Z 2009-03-15T01:24:16Z Why is the location of the camp kept as a state secret, as if it were a secret at all? The debate over its existence has been going for awhile now. http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1629922-a1629773-t46.html Dan 2009-03-15T01:24:16Z The Parrhesiac comment-4596 2009-03-15T00:58:48Z 2009-03-15T00:58:48Z Wow, there are a lot of johnny-come-lately's on this issue, I doubt the homeless would be getting much attention if it wasn't for Oprah. Unlike 99.8 % of the people who comment on homelessness, I have actually been homeless and lived on the streets for a time so I know a little bit about the subject. We did a 45 minute four part youtube video on tent city last year called the "Sacramento Shuffle" with in depth interviews of those living in tent city. The people in the video had many suggestions for the City. The Issue of homelessness will always be a very complicated problem in our society and it will never be fully resolved. Many are homeless by choice, mental illness, personality disorders, avoiding responsibilities or the law, chemical dependency etc... Sacramento will always have these representatives in the homeless population... what the difference is now is that there are more "regular" folks who do not have family support becoming homeless. The point is, while the city cannot "solve" homelessness regardless of how much money they throw at the problem, they need to do something, even if by simply facilitation with community based organizations, that creates a pathway out of homelessness for those who have the ability, and want to, get their lives back on track with some help. Now this being said, the city spends more money on dogs & cats then they do on the homeless population. A designated camping area was one of my first thoughts after visiting tent city. This area could include fresh water, toilets and garbage bins. (most will not use porta poties btw, they will be nasty, unsanitary, vandalized..and the toilet paper will be stolen) But, will this really help the overall problem? Will efforts like this just "recruit" more homeless to our city? If we have a city designated camping area, the city would do what all government entities do, institute rules, regulations and conditions...my experience with the homeless tells me that this would just drive the hard core homeless away from any such camp...so at a minimum any proposed camp would need to be ran by a nonprofit. Sacramento needs more transitional housing for those able and willing to get their lives back in order, but the city has been unwilling to provide any substantial funds...even when the city received tens of millions of dollars in federal funds (meaning at NO COST to the city) they did what they ALWAYS do, directed these funds to insider good ol boy developers to build lofts, martini bars and more "affordable housing" which the homeless cannot afford. As a community we need to understand that like animal control and stray animals, we will always have a homeless "problem." The answer to homelessness will always be elusive, and any "cure" will never be found. But unlike stray animals that get the protection of state laws that mandate minimum care, the state/county/city are unwilling to have mandated minimum care for our homeless. Morally, a community must do SOMETHING to offer opportunity to those who truly want help and who are seeking a path back to becoming a productive member of our community. The city must work with community based nonprofit organizations to build more transitional housing units (not just "affordable housing" units for the working poor) as well as counseling and chemical treatment programs. The private nonprofit sector is much more adept at dealing with these types of social issues than the government is. Government just needs to make the commitment to have minimum funding standards that exceed what they spend on stray animals, pizza parlors and martini bars. The Parrhesiac 2009-03-15T00:58:48Z The Parrhesiac comment-4597 2009-03-15T00:56:14Z 2009-03-15T00:56:14Z Hey no offense Kevin, and at the risk of being attacked for my assertions, while Loaves & Fishes does an admirable job by feeding the homeless, I have not seen any proof that their programs do much more than enable & facilitate alcohol and chemical dependency. In fact over the last two decades I have seen Loaves & Fishes turn into a mutli-block homeless industry. If I were the mayor of this town, I would look to programs such as Delancey Street in San Francisco that have much better results in helping people change their lives as a model for the type of program we need in Sacramento. While programs like Delancey Street do not solve homelessness, they do change the lives of those who want their lives changed as opposed to supporting a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol like many homeless programs do. Flame away L&F supporters. The Parrhesiac 2009-03-15T00:56:14Z The Parrhesiac comment-4603 2009-03-14T19:07:07Z 2009-03-14T19:07:07Z Yeah Ben: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSacramentoInsider The Parrhesiac 2009-03-14T19:07:07Z Anthony Bento comment-4601 2009-03-14T18:44:36Z 2009-03-14T18:44:36Z Great article mark. It was astonishingly surreal to witness this dystopic, yet warmly communal, tent city just a few miles away from the hart of Sacramento. It's a warped inversion of our socially-dislocating materialistic society. These people live in wretched conditions, but I couldn't help but feel that they have recaptured a human spirit - a sense of community - that was lost during the suburban and exurban expansion of recent decades. Anthony Bento 2009-03-14T18:44:36Z Ben Ilfeld comment-4576 2009-03-14T16:45:06Z 2009-03-14T16:45:06Z Agreed. Could you post the web address for the you tube videos? Ben Ilfeld 2009-03-14T16:45:06Z Angelina Turner comment-4595 2009-03-14T16:09:21Z 2009-03-14T16:09:21Z Mayor Johnson, I would not want your job or the responsibilities that political figures have. It seems that no matter what is said, done or written about politicians or gov't officials; there is always a dark cloud of distrust by the public. I will pray that you and your office have the strength, courage and ability to make healthy decisions for our city. Isn't there a way to get some of the empty building space downtown converted to housing for homeless/low-income families? Wouldn't this provide jobs for laborers, rent for property owners, bring local businesses additional foot traffic and get the families into a safe structure with plumbing and running water? Angelina Turner 2009-03-14T16:09:21Z John Boyer comment-4593 2009-03-14T16:04:49Z 2009-03-14T16:04:49Z This is, in my view, a huge gut check to "the american dream". Riding my bike by our now world infamous city of tents leads me to the old saying "No ones free untill were all free." We must work. John Boyer 2009-03-14T16:04:49Z Angelina Turner comment-4592 2009-03-14T15:59:06Z 2009-03-14T15:59:06Z Mark, this was a well written article and it brought tears to my eyes. I am only months away from being in this situation=but I'm blessed, lucky - whatever you want to call it. I have an entire family network to put a roof over my head if I have to walk away from my home. Angelina Turner 2009-03-14T15:59:06Z Kevin Johnson comment-4587 2009-03-14T07:22:07Z 2009-03-14T07:22:07Z Actually, the focus on Tent City is leading to action. We're going to take on the challenge of helping people there instead of continually sweeping the issue of homelessness under the rug. Kevin Johnson 2009-03-14T07:22:07Z Kevin Johnson comment-4586 2009-03-14T07:21:11Z 2009-03-14T07:21:11Z Nice article, Mark. I've been out to Tent City just about every day in the last week or so, and you hit the nail on the head describing what's out there. I had a great meeting today with about 35 advocates, landowners, neighbors, SMUD, Union Pacific, Sister Libby, and two council members to talk about short- and long-term goals. I'm hopeful we'll be taking some quick actions to help everyone involved. My office also has been overwhelmed by the support from the community, and we're doing the best we can to ensure those who need it the most get it immediately. I'll keep you posted on how that's going. Kevin Johnson 2009-03-14T07:21:11Z Mark Forsyth comment-4574 2009-03-14T03:32:14Z 2009-03-14T03:32:14Z Thanks for the corrections. I was trying to track down the super duo's identities. Glad more people know about them. They have a great reputation. I understand that many of the folks on GA are in line for SSI and two ladies I spoke with began receiving their checks, yet remain in the homeless community. Mark Forsyth 2009-03-14T03:32:14Z savemidtown comment-4570 2009-03-14T02:27:57Z 2009-03-14T02:27:57Z I'm glad to hear some level of services, if you can call a portable toilet and a dumpster services, are being delivered. Community based organizations like churches and other neighborhood groups are crucial for providing some level of dignity to the people there. The city is in an untenable situation. What can they do? Mr. Johnson promised a higher media profile for Sacramento. Guess this wasn't what he had in mind. savemidtown 2009-03-14T02:27:57Z William Burg comment-4582 2009-03-14T02:06:18Z 2009-03-14T02:06:18Z GA stands for "General Assistance," not "Government Assistance." Current GA amount: $201 a month, plus about $120 a month in food stamps, and a bus pass. It lasts for three months, unless the recipient is applying for SSI. "Batman and Robin," aka Officers Mike Cooper and Mark Zoulas, are great guys. They are the central city's POP (Problem Oriented Policing) officers and most of their jobs involves interacting with the folks on the street, specifically targeting the violent and dangerous. William Burg 2009-03-14T02:06:18Z Mark Forsyth comment-3979 2009-02-28T05:40:56Z 2009-02-28T05:40:56Z There will be no bluegrass. All old-fashined 4-string banjo playing. Mark Forsyth 2009-02-28T05:40:56Z Dan comment-3970 2009-02-28T00:59:06Z 2009-02-28T00:59:06Z I went to this a few years ago...apparently it used to be one of, if not the biggest banjo gathering around. Don't know what's at this show, but I was extremely disappointed that the banjo-rama I went to either did not have bluegrass or had very little of it (all of the main acts I saw were clawhammer...which is OK, but a little too old fashioned) Dan 2009-02-28T00:59:06Z David Watts Barton comment-3774 2009-02-23T02:09:39Z 2009-02-23T02:09:39Z Excellent story, Mark! I haven't seen this anywhere else!! But I'm not sure if Sacramento needs sports to be unusually simple.... David Watts Barton 2009-02-23T02:09:39Z Mark Forsyth comment-3762 2009-02-20T20:18:41Z 2009-02-20T20:18:41Z :::::::UPDATE::::::: From the Dept. of Transportation The City of Sacramento Department of Transportation is converting 9th Street from E to H Street and 10th Street between E and I Street from one-way to two-way on Saturday, February 28, weather permitting. The streets had been scheduled to convert over to two-way on February 21, however, the work has been delayed one week. Mark Forsyth 2009-02-20T20:18:41Z Paul Cox comment-3739 2009-02-20T19:12:33Z 2009-02-20T19:12:33Z I think it's pointless. You're trading 3 lanes for 2 lanes in most cases. And what for? So the people from the suburbs can have an easier time figuring it out? It's downtown, downtowns have 1 way streets. I don't see how having 2 lanes instead of 3 helps ease traffic. Paul Cox 2009-02-20T19:12:33Z Raoul Kleven comment-3742 2009-02-20T14:48:36Z 2009-02-20T14:48:36Z This will make my daily commute a lot simpler. I can go up 10th street in the morning, and then in the evening I can go back down it. Raoul Kleven 2009-02-20T14:48:36Z Patrick J. comment-3679 2009-02-20T00:28:11Z 2009-02-20T00:28:11Z I have to say that 3 months on, the N street conversion has been quite a success. The street is much more walkable and pleasant to be on, I'm sure the people who live on N would agree. 24th street backups a bit around rush hour, overall it's been fine. I think this conversion will be a great success, and will make finding parking for concert in the park that much easier for people. I'd like to see 15th converted to I street as well. Patrick J. 2009-02-20T00:28:11Z Linda Perry comment-3675 2009-02-19T23:56:16Z 2009-02-19T23:56:16Z Wow, that is going to be so strange when the Friday night concerts start up this summer at Cesar Chavez Plaza. I like one way street, they get me where I need to be, but maybe this will work better for the farmer's market and concerts. Linda Perry 2009-02-19T23:56:16Z Mark Forsyth comment-3720 2009-02-19T03:42:09Z 2009-02-19T03:42:09Z Goodbye Brad Miller. Loved having you with the Kings for so long. You'll be missed. Yet another familiar face lost to the chopping blocks. Mark Forsyth 2009-02-19T03:42:09Z David Watts Barton comment-3661 2009-02-18T19:37:35Z 2009-02-18T19:37:35Z If it's a group of co-eds, how about Las Triviatas? David Watts Barton 2009-02-18T19:37:35Z Jenna Langer comment-3684 2009-02-18T19:33:54Z 2009-02-18T19:33:54Z I've been wondering about Trivia night in Sacramento. I'll definitely have to hit some of these up with a good group of co-eds. Let's make a team! Any ideas on a good name? Jenna Langer 2009-02-18T19:33:54Z bobbie comment-3682 2009-02-18T19:00:36Z 2009-02-18T19:00:36Z There is now a trivia night at Coaches in Elk Grove on Tuesdays at 730. It just started last night. Kinda slow, but more people just need to hear about it! It was pretty fun! bobbie 2009-02-18T19:00:36Z bobbie comment-3681 2009-02-18T18:59:39Z 2009-02-18T18:59:39Z There is now a new trivia night at Coaches restaurant in Elk Grove on Tuesday nights at 7:30. It lasts about 2 hours and is awesome! bobbie 2009-02-18T18:59:39Z Mark Forsyth comment-3635 2009-02-18T06:01:27Z 2009-02-18T06:01:27Z hmm, let's see what I remember... What is the name of Japan's largest island? What is the primarily used wood for baseball bats? What is the full name of the woman who recently had octuplets-which gives her a total of 14 children? Name any two of Eddie Money's songs. What's the title of the 2001 movie about a teenage mother who dreams of being a writer starring Drew Barrymore? Draw Kilroy somewhere on the page. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Ok, the last one wasn't really a question, but you get the picture. There are some easier questions, some more difficult questions, but if you go with friends you'll most likely have a good time. Can anyone answer those questions? No googling! Mark Forsyth 2009-02-18T06:01:27Z William Burg comment-3657 2009-02-18T03:00:31Z 2009-02-18T03:00:31Z "Sacramento: It's Really Not That Horrible" William Burg 2009-02-18T03:00:31Z matthew beck comment-3656 2009-02-18T02:01:46Z 2009-02-18T02:01:46Z A few sample questions would give me an idea if I've got the requisite trivia(l) chops. matthew beck 2009-02-18T02:01:46Z beerzie comment-3650 2009-02-17T20:59:12Z 2009-02-17T20:59:12Z This coming from a clown who admires Phoenix. I hate this kind of second-city BS. We ARE on the map. A city's character is defined by its citizens, not the overpriced trappings of luxury condos and money-grubbng professional sports teams. You can't buy quality, you have to create it. The mayor is showing the superficiality of his intellect by thinking otherwise. If he doesn't think our city is on the map, I invite him to move to one that is. Hell, I'll even help him pack. beerzie 2009-02-17T20:59:12Z Mark Forsyth comment-3645 2009-02-17T19:12:16Z 2009-02-17T19:12:16Z its is a great place. and this is a safe city (compare to stockton) although theft of bikes and etc is high. I've never felt unsafe, except after last call when the drunken idiots start getting angry that they didn't find a girl for the night. Mark Forsyth 2009-02-17T19:12:16Z Mark Bean comment-3643 2009-02-17T19:05:11Z 2009-02-17T19:05:11Z "Sacramento - one murder a week and 1200 homeless people living by the river". "Sacramento - lots of lovely parks but some with gangs and druggies." I should really stop reading the local news. Sac is a great place to live, work and play. Mark Bean 2009-02-17T19:05:11Z SunnySideUp comment-3642 2009-02-17T18:59:45Z 2009-02-17T18:59:45Z "Sacramento, it doesn't suck." SunnySideUp 2009-02-17T18:59:45Z Mark Bean comment-3626 2009-02-17T18:09:14Z 2009-02-17T18:09:14Z I like your "re framing" idea. How about "A great place to get your bike stolen?" Mark Bean 2009-02-17T18:09:14Z Dan comment-3617 2009-02-17T14:17:41Z 2009-02-17T14:17:41Z I've always called it the Potluck Capital. It's extremely diverse, but more of a mishmash of discrete cultures clustered next to each other than an actual melting pot. There are a huge number of parks. And each one seems to be holding some kind of picnic/potluck...and everyone in Sac does it. Also, potluck reminds me of the Midwest, which Sacramento is the closet to being of any California major city. Dan 2009-02-17T14:17:41Z Geoff Samek comment-3621 2009-02-17T06:57:38Z 2009-02-17T06:57:38Z City of trees? I've always said it's a great place to raise children, yet I have none. Suffice it to say, I love the city and have made it my home. Geoff Samek 2009-02-17T06:57:38Z Jeff McCrory comment-3616 2009-02-17T05:55:57Z 2009-02-17T05:55:57Z How many times has Sacto been put on the couch to get to the bottom of its inferiority complex? The reality is that there is no bottom. It is time we accepted our neurosis as integral to our identity. So how about this for a catch phrase: Sacramento has nothing to be ashamed of...nothing whatsoever...It's a great place to live, raise a family...so we're not as well known or regarded as those folks on the coast...we've been called a cow town, whatever that means...not that that kind of name-calling bothers us...we're above that...okay, I mean, it's irritating because Stockton's the cow town, we're the burg of bureaucrats or whatever...couldn't the naysayers at least keep their insults straight?...SEVEN HOURS LATER...I love Sacramento, and I just can't understand why people feel the need to knock it down all the time, and furthermore... Jeff McCrory 2009-02-17T05:55:57Z Mark Forsyth comment-3564 2009-02-14T18:58:54Z 2009-02-14T18:58:54Z Interesting Tidbit I discovered as well Charles Darwin and Abe Lincoln were born the say day. It was both of their 200th birthday on the 12th. Mark Forsyth 2009-02-14T18:58:54Z