It has been such a hoot and an honor working w/ Kati this past year. She's a quirky and fun addition to our team who keeps you laughing. Don't let the gray hair fool ya... this gal is no "tender-foot". Formerly an underwater photographer for the U.S. Navy, she loves the action scenes (the juicy stuff as she says). Be sure to check out her bio... it's a blast. Thanks for the great times this year Kati... looking forward to many more in 2012.

Wow! What an honor! Thank you so much SacPress!. Every member of our team loves what they do... it's their passion and it shows. Our team continues to grow and with each person that comes to our team, it just adds another layer and facet to this talent rich group. It's specifically our SacMav team that is out on the streets at night and sometimes during the day capturing our local heroes in action as they serve our community putting their lives on the line. It's an honor to capture them in action and bring that you here at SacPress and SacMav.com.

Ah.... correct. That's what happens when you hear someone say "Patio" and it sticks in your head even when it's right in front of your eyeballs... I even had a couple of people check it, so it escaped all of us. lol Thanx for catching that Tony.

Yeah... I hate to do it but gotta give this one a thumbs down... I saw a lot more creative costumes around town... but you would have to get out of a single backyard to see that. ;-)

I definately 2nd that one! Fabulous photography as always Kati and an equally fabulous article Mary. You two compliment each other well in your collaborations. ...a true treasure to SacPress and the community.

Great shots as always David!

RANT: Thanks Ben, Geoff and the rest of the SacPress crew for such an incredible news aggregation and delivery platform. When you utilize citizen based news you get passionate stories. Thanks for such a great article Patricia.... evidently SacBee sent someone but they couldn't even squeak out an article on such an awesome and festive event. All they came up with was 50 posed snapshots that you can buy: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/08/3970028/snapshots-turn-verein-oktoberfest.html#storylink=misearch That's a real slap in the face to the folks at Turn Verein. They gained access under media credentials, never wrote a story, posted fan photos for purchase and labled it "news". No wonder SacBee is dying. Keep up the great work SacPress and contributors! By the way... here are all our SacMav photos from the event. Enjoy and download for free: https://picasaweb.google.com/108357181966558551596/News_111007_Oktoberfest (that wasn't too snarky.... was it? ;-) )

I don't know why I'm replying to this, but I guess the obvious isn't so obvious: Notice the "Disclosure" at the end of the article that has been there since the creation of the article. In addition, this article has nothing to do w/ KJ, it's not opinion, it's facts of an event for public information. For the rest of our "commentors", in the future, we'll continue to post informational articles about our findings to alert and inform the public as we remain on watch. We will no longer come and play in your sandbox of rhetoric, we'll let you kids play by yourselves. For the few of you that we did come here and play with, there's hundreds that are elated and very grateful for our efforts, there's no reason for us to come here and feed ammo to a few malcontents who twist even the simplest well intended words into something else. -Enjoy

;-)

Now that I can respect Mark. And for the record, you're right, it's not a "profession", it's a calling... and I understanding your feelings toward the "profession". ...got a go, heard some barking! ;-)

It's well known that when people are hurting, they manifest their hurt in anger and lashing out most often at those who are trying to help. Likewise, preachers are known for their longwindedness and analogies, so let me not disappoint here: when a dog is injured and hurting, all it knows is that it is injured and hurting. Well meaning human rescuers often get snapped and snarled at, even bit pretty good while hazarding rescue efforts, but it typically does not deter the rescuers from their efforts. Davi, Tony, "You Want What"... make no mistake, your snaps, snarls and bites here will not deter the pastors from what they know they're God given mission is. They will continue to stand, they will continue to remain on watch, they will continue to sound the alarm and even move with haste to rescue you even though you don't realize you need rescuing and are ungrateful. We are used to it and we did sign up for it. So here we are, here we stand and here we will remain. As I recall, there is another citizen watchman on a very strong mission to sound the warning alarm to his community... something about bootleg vendors? I believe this watchman is even taking the time to secretly video tape and post the infractions and fight for what is right, invoke his first amendment rights as a citizen and even using SacPress and Youtube to get the message out. My hat is off to that man, he's in the battle just like the pastors are. http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/57609/Bootleg_Banquet

;-)

There is a very large difference my friend between a "Pen Name" such as Samuel Langhorne Clemens used to write his masterpieces and classics that we enjoy even today, and hiding behind a "User Name" to spout senseless, ignorant rhetoric. Let's not confuse the two.

I was searching for words and I think Rhonda stole them... she is so right on. SacPress will continue to live and breath... it has so many incredible talented voices that breath so much life into it. But, the spirit, soul, timber and bravato (especially the bravato) of your voice will never be replaced in this choir. You'll make your Cameos, I'm sure, but knowing you've "left the building" and won't be at your desk tomorrow just leaves more than a hallow empty thud. I can only imagine how hard this decision was on Geoff , Ben and Joel... but at the end of the day, business is business and times like these truly test the metal of great businessmen; I left the COO position of what should have been an incredible company, because my friend and CEO, couldn't get that. So in that, Ben, Geoff and Joel, I applaud you. As others have so adeptly mentioned already... I applaud all of you for how this parting of ways has been handled. David, I'm sure Kati and I will get to share more good times w/ you at Naked Lounge... I feel a latte coming on already. And now maybe we'll both have time to work on that Midtown project. ;-). Lol (as for the two thumbs down: my bet is it was two McClatchy execs.... haha) [ok...so I found a few words]

Thank you for locating this section of the IRS code (I would address you respectfully by name if you weren't hiding behind a user name). First let me address your first statement: "THIS GROUP" just formed a couple of weeks ago during the redistricting process. So "THIS GROUP" has not addressed the "SMI Initiative". Furthermore, let me highlight paragraph four which is the information I was referring to in a previous comment as to what churches and non-profits can and can not do: "The IRS has published Revenue Ruling 2007-41, which outlines how churches, and all 501(c)(3) organizations, can stay within the law regarding the ban on political activity. Also, the ban by Congress is on political campaign activity regarding a candidate; churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations can engage in a limited amount of lobbying (including ballot measures) and advocate for or against issues that are in the political arena. The IRS also has provided guidance regarding the difference between advocating for a candidate and advocating for legislation." "THIS GROUP" is functioning within the legal parameters and have not even come close to the boundaries of such. Don't think that out of 20 pastors, that we do not have effective and well versed legal representation and advisers. So the real question is, what is your real issue? No pastor in 'THIS GROUP" has campaigned for any candidate, initiative or ballot issue. The only thing "THIS GROUP" of pastors has done has acted as a group of concerned citizens holding our local government accountable, making sure they treat you right and fairly. I'm failing to see the issue. What you should take exception and issue with is the obvious, blatant and dishonest back door politics that have taken place by your city council. What you should take up issue with is a city council that literally refuses to work together, and literally told pastors that they don't care what "The People" think or want in a meeting with the pastors. You have council members in office right now who's only agenda (no matter what is right for you) is to appose your Mayor, and that is known fact. With that, let me encourage you to turn this energy you have to oppose, to the direction of your City Council which you should be holding accountable. The pastors are simply being "watchmen" and shedding light and warnings when necessary. For the life of me, I can not see why any American would have any issue with that.

Tony, it wasn't ment as a personal attack, and I'm sorry you took it that way. Allow me to bring the very real relevance to it: Your "no" answer makes your initial question/statement completely irrelevant. ...and in kind (to quote you) "...I'll let you ponder the reason why...." From here, as a pastor and voting American, believe me I want to make my next remarks VERY personal, but out of respect for the guidelines, the intended purpose of SacPress and its incredible staff, I will refrain. Let's agree to disagree at this point and move on.

Getting? Lol

Pastors, churches, non-profits, etc may allocated a percentage of funds and time promoting specific political isues and agendas... that they can not at all is a false impression proppigated by those who fear non-profits and churches. Much like the falsity of "separation of church and state". Those who know their history know that phrase is ment for government not to control churches, not visa versa. Both of which are mute points here anyway Tony, because these pastors are simply keeping accountability... pure and simple. They have not supported any candidates, they have not told their congregations how to vote, etc. But thanks for your concern Tony, the pastors appreciate community members as yourself looking out for their best intrest as they do that for you at council meetings and direct accountability meetings with councilmembers. In fact, I hear they will be at city hall this week knocking on council members doors who have not met with them, on yours and the rest of the communities behalf. By the way, speaking of accountability, Tony, have you registered to vote?

Tony... all great points, however, those who continue to refer to the physical local of UCD and it not being physically moved demonstrate that they entirely miss the issues at hand. So let's move beyond UCD and to a much weightier concern or an issue that should be a concern: Does it not bother anyone that six members of city council showed their true colors? Does it not bother anyone that shady backdoor tactics were brought to bare demonstrating little to no integrity? Does it not bother anyone that while McCarty in essence called an entire community (of incredible people) gutter trash (tried to make it more palatable by phrasing it "guttural discourse") that minutes latter true "gutter language" was uttered by co-council member Pannell directed at a citizen (but that was okay because she was stressed). Six council-members effectively railroaded what was supposed to be a democratic process right under everyone's noses... and this is okay? Forget the boundaries and the UCD issue... Sacramentians should be way more than furious at the actions of their elected officials. There is a much greater problem here that the entire city of Sacramento needs to be concerned about than redistricting (though that is very important). You're representatives (save Schenirer, Ashby and Johnson) demonstrated in technicolor that they don't care about you, they care about their personal agenda. Don't be apathetic... don't say "oh that's politics for ya"... KNOW IT'S NOT! Step up and do something about it.

Absolutely magnificent Ron! Awesome job!!