At one time, California was at the forefront of education reform and topped the nation in student academic performance. This is no longer the case; the world’s seventh largest economy now brings up the rear in both categories.   To boost student achievement in California – and across the nation -- President Barack Obama is proposing legislation that will grant states $4.35 billion dollars. That’s the largest amount of federal discretionary education stimulus in the history of our nation.   Some 46 of the 50 states are eligible to receive funding based on rigorous standards, strong data systems linking student and teacher performance, performance and merit pay, and intervention for failin

Should we close Sacramento's parks or slash services to them? How about opening up K Street to cars? Those are the two latest questions I'm asking for your input in my online forums, being run in cooperation with Peak Democracy. These forums are designed to foster civil discussion about issues facing me and the Council. But instead of attending a city council meeting, you can share your perspectives from your home or office without heading down to City Hall. And unlike newspaper (and this site's) comment sections, I'll read every comment and keep you updated on the issue as it progresses. This week I'm asking two questions, one on parks and another on K Street. I'd welcome your views.

This Thursday morning, I'll be hopping on my bike and heading to work at City Hall to kick off "Bike to Work Day." And the City of Sacramento will be out in force at the Capitol BikeFest at the West Steps of the Capitol from 11 to 1 p.m. too. To promote bike commuting, the city is offering bike racks to local businesses. The bike racks will be installed in the City right-of-way and become City property, owned and maintained by the Department of Transportation. Funds for the racks ares coming from the Measure A (half-cent sales tax) Bikeway Fund and  from downtown Transportation System Management funds that are earmarked for projects that decrease automotive trips. Later in the year, the

Today I launched a new way for Sacramento citizens to weigh in on issues facing our city, and you don't even have to leave your keyboard to do it .  Sacramento will be one of the first cities in the nation to use "Open Town Hall," an online public comment process that enables residents to voice opinions on matters before the City Council. It is operated by Peak Democracy, a non-partisan company whose mission is to broaden participation in democracy, and to build public trust in government. Technology is changing the way that citizens participate in democracy. I'm pioneering this new tool to put Sacramento on the cutting edge of citizen involvement and transparency in government. For the

It was big news last week when -- in the midst of the economic crisis -- President Barack Obama released his brackets for the NCAA's "March Madness" basketball tournament to ESPN. It's no secret that he's a huge basketball fan, and he's not too shabby on the court either (I'm secretly still waiting for a call from the White House asking if I'd like to take him on!). Still, I was caught off-guard when I was on KFBK radio last Wednesday, doing my normal weekly show, when the hosts asked me if I'd share my brackets. But now that the tournament is underway, I thought it was time to give them up -- even if I didn't have my favorite, Cal, only making it one round. Here's the link: http://www.k

This group has done its homework. I appreciate their efforts. It will be a VERY difficult budget year, particularly if the state dumps its problems on our cities.

You're right, I do!

Thanks for your comment about the pricing. That's for Open City Hall, which is another product of Peak Democracy. Those are not the rates I'm paying. And for your information, I am paying for this personally, not the city, because I believe so strongly in it.

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.

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.