Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Kevin Johnson

U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan to Boost School Reform in Sacramento Thursday

2009-09-02T05:35:00Z

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 failing schools. However, California is one of the states that is not, largely because state law is blocking the education reform that’s required to be eligible for these grants.

I believe that must change. And to that end, at my invitation, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will be in Sacramento on Thursday to bring his message of education reform to our city and to our state’s leadership.

He’ll start his day in the Capitol. I have arranged for him to meet with Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Speaker Karen Bass, the Democratic and Republican Caucuses.

Later that afternoon, Secretary Duncan will meet with Sacramento area superintendents of instruction and the business community. The dialogue will emphasize that education reform takes a concerted effort; it’s everyone’s responsibility.

While in Sacramento, he’ll also be at a rally at the Guild Theatre in Oak Park with Sacramento students and Gov. Schwarzenegger. And later that evening, he’ll be hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss education with Sacramento citizens. I’m delighted to be hosting the Secretary, and giving Sacramento citizens the opportunity to hear first hand about this exciting new effort to improve our schools.

I’ve invited the Secretary here because I believe it’s time we advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure monumental funding for our state’s education system.

We must raise the bar by instituting benchmarks and rigor that will make our standards competitive not only with neighboring states, but the surrounding countries across the globe whose students compete with ours in college and professionally.

We must measure student achievement not in terms of letter grades, but as it correlates with teacher performance and best practices.

We must reward the results-oriented teachers and school leaders whose students are meeting and exceeding rigorous standards, and replace the instructors who are not producing with high-performing individuals.

Lastly, California must reclaim its reputation as an innovator in education to take bold, creative steps to reinvent failing schools, replace leadership and reform culture.

Please join me at our Town Hall. Space is limited, so please preregister at:

www.cityofsacramento.org/mayor/

Should We Close Sac's Parks? Open Up K St. to Cars?

2009-05-29T23:57:36Z

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.

Question one: Sacramento is facing a record budget deficit. As part of the city manager's plan, the city's parks will be severely effected. Under the plan, weekly mowing will be cut back to once every two to three weeks; park trash cans will be emptied once or twice a week instead of daily; and all park restrooms will be closed except for special events. Rescue Sacramento Parks is a grassroots organization that has formed to fight these cuts. Should the I vote to support the City Manager's position on park cutbacks? If not, what other services do you suggest reducing that will result in similar budget savings? Share your views at: www.peakdemocracy.com/339

Question two: K Street Mall has been a pedestrian walkway and light rail route for many years. There are now calls to re-open it to traffic. What do you think? Should cars be allowed on the street in an effort to revitalize the area? Share your views at: http://www.capradio.org/news/specials/?opentownhall

Thank you for participating!

Kevin Johnson on "Residents fight city's planned cuts to parks"

2009-05-22T22:00:21Z

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.

Kevin Johnson on "Sacramento Celebrates "Bike to Work Day," Offers Bike Racks to Businesses"

2009-05-22T00:07:43Z

You're right, I do!

Sacramento Celebrates "Bike to Work Day," Offers Bike Racks to Businesses

2009-05-21T06:40:08Z

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 city will launch the second phase of its program to promote bike commuting. The Transportation department will be investing $10,000 from Measure A to leverage $40,000 in grants from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District bike parking rebate program, which will mean $50,000 for the program. Other business organizations are being approached to participate in cost-sharing as well.

Businesses interested in seeing if they qualify for a free bike rack can call my office, or visit the City’s webpage at www.sacpark.org.

Note: Along with other City participants, DOT’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator Ed Cox will ride his high wheel bicycle in a bicycle ride Thursday morning from the Delta to the Capitol. The ride has been organized by Assemblymember Tom Torlakson’s office. Bicyclists expect to be riding over the Tower Bridge around 8:30 a.m.. Joining the riders is Martin Krieg, who recently set off on a cross-country trip pedaling a rare backwards HiWheel bicycle. Read more about Martin at http://2009hibustour.blogspot.com/.

Kevin Johnson on "Introducing My New Web "Town Hall""

2009-05-05T22:56:50Z

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.

Introducing My New Web "Town Hall"

2009-05-05T20:54:30Z

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 first time, citizens can provide public input on policy decisions facing our community via the web.

I will incorporate input from Open Town Hall along with all other channels for participation into his decisions. Participants can also receive email updates to learn what I've decided, and why I decided it.

There is no need to trudge down to City Council meetings. Now you can read what others are saying, and help shape public policy all from the convenience of your own computer on your own schedule. It's never been easier.

Here's what our partners at Peak Democracy had to say about it.

"City Council meetings can be boring, contentious or both" according to Peak Democracy CEO and co-founder Robert Vogel, "and those late night meetings tend to be dominated by folks with extreme views. We wanted to give the moderate majority a safer, more convenient way to participate."

Started 18 months ago, Peak Democracy now runs civil on-line forums for elected officials and local governments in Palo Alto, Berkeley and Eureka, as well as cities in four other states.

I believe this is a win-win for citizens and local government. This new model for civic engagement gives our community responsible citizen involvement in government, and it gives you a new way to participate.

My first question asks citizens their view on the city budget. To share your view, go to www.peakdemocracy.com/311.

March Madness: The Mayor's Brackets

2009-03-23T23:56:34Z

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.kfbk.com/cc-common/mlib/613/03/613_1237595016.pdf

So far, so good: All four of my Final Four picks are still in it.

I'd be interesting in hearing from SacramentoPress readers on how you think I'll do.

Your Two Cents Matters

2009-03-19T02:59:26Z

On Thursday, I'll be holding my third Town Hall meeting since being elected Mayor a little over 100 days ago. These sessions are designed to let you weigh in directly on the issues facing our city -- whether it's the city budget, the economy, homelessness, or a problem in your neighborhood.

The first two Town Halls each attracted more than 300 neighbors -- an enthusiastic turnout. And while I do some talking, I'm mainly there to listen to you. Yes, your opinion really does matter.

So join me:

Thursday, March 19th
7 - 8 p.m.
Msgr. Kavanagh Community Center (formerly St. Rose Social Hall)
5905 Franklin Blvd.

I will be joined by Vice Mayor Lauren Hammond, who represents District 5.

Kevin Johnson on "Inside Sacramento's "Tent City""

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 on "Inside Sacramento's "Tent City""

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 on "What is the Mayors Message?"

2009-03-06T06:28:08Z

Scott, I'd welcome you to drop by City Hall or come to a Town Hall. There's plenty I'm working on (specifics!) that I'd be glad to share. But don't underestimate the value of listening!

Kevin Johnson on "What is the Mayors Message?"

2009-03-05T16:47:58Z

Thank you for your commentary. I appreciate and respect your point of view. Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton are national leaders, and I am honored that they are coming to Sacramento. Rev. Jackson has a 40 year history of community organizing with PUSH/Rainbow coalition, and I was pleased to have Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg join with us to launch Volunteer Sacramento (http://www.handsonsacto.org/AboutUs/index.php/VolunteerSacramento.htm). Rev. Al Sharpton is a leader in education reform, part of the same coalition as NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Jeb Bush, John McCain, as well as progressives (http://www.educationequalityproject.org/). As for your comments about his activism, I think he says it best himself: "An activist’s job is to make public civil rights issues until there can be a climate for change. So when people get angry at me for raising these issues and making them public, well, that’s my job! That’s what I’m supposed to do. If I could not get the public’s attention on an issue, then I’m not a good activist." As for my first months in office, yes, I have convened Summits on education, crime, volunteerism, and gang violence because I believe it's critical to hear what the community is saying beyond the confines of City Hall. That's the other reason I've held Town Halls and community office hours, and why I'm online every week at News10 taking community comments, and calls on KFBK every week (not to mention reading the comments to my posts on sacramentopress.com). I find it extremely productive to listen to what the community is saying. I am proud of my work to building consensus on the City Council to protect public safety, including the unanimous vote to reject additional fire station brownouts and keep police on the beat. I have kept my promise to focus on the core issues of public safety, economic development, and education and am confident we will have significant changes in policy (remember, I've been in office only about 90 days!). Again, appreciate the feedback. Come down to my Town Hall meeting coming up -- I'd be glad to talk to you in person. A full schedule is on the city website, http://www.cityofsacramento.org/mayor/index.html.

Kevin Johnson on "Rev. Jesse Jackson to Kick Off Volunteer Effort"

2009-03-03T07:47:17Z

Yes they are. We are working through handsonsacramento.org to give volunteers a wide array of choices of ways to help their neighbors, neighborhood, or citywide needs.

Rev. Jesse Jackson to Kick Off Volunteer Effort

2009-03-01T19:48:31Z

On Monday at the Boys and Girls Club downtown, I will be joined by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder/President of PUSH/Rainbow Coalition, to kick off "Volunteer Sacramento."

This new effort is designed to encourage greater volunteer participation in our community. Led by Honorary Chair Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento), this will be a "full-court press" with local nonprofits to strategize on how to harness the energy of more Sacramento citizens to held local nonprofits during this challenging economic time. More than 50 nonprofit leaders and agency heads will join us, as we discuss efforts to attract more citizens to participate in making our community a city that works for all of us.

Rev. Jackson is well-known for his grassroots organizing efforts -- a "community organizer" long before it was popular. I am honored to have him to join us here in Sacramento.

Since my swearing-in back in November, I've been working with community agencies to boost volunteerism. Hands On Sacramento www.handsonsacto.org has been partnering with us to engage more and more citizens to help fill critical community heads. We had a burst of success in November and December, and need to keep that going. That's why I am committed to making Sacramento the #1 city in California in volunteerism with this new initiative

You'll be hearing more about this effort in the days ahead. In the meantime, if you have a spare hour or two, contact handsonsacto.org to learn how you can help make our city a better place.

Kevin Johnson on "The State of the City"

2009-02-26T18:11:30Z

Thanks for the comment Scott. I urge you to check out my daily schedule, which I post on my city website (the first Mayor to ever do so). You'll note that I spend about 75 percent of my day doing just what you suggest -- meeting with local business leaders, neighborhood associations, my colleagues on the City Council, and individual residents. While I appreciate the hard work of Congresswoman Matsui on the economic stimulus package, I'm not going to be shy about using my connections with the Obama Administration to lead the regional efforts to secure funding for our area. Congresswoman Matsui has welcomed our participation in the process. As for "hob nobbing with celebrities," I'm proud of the relationships I have with connected people, and it has already opened the doors for our city on a number of fronts. I've been in office a total of 87 days, and am excited about the consensus we've been able to build to move our city forward and protect core public safety services (such as stopping an additional fire station "brownout). As always, thanks for your comments. I appreciate your being straightforward with your thoughts!

The State of the City

2009-02-26T04:17:40Z

Last night, President Barack Obama gave a powerful speech to our nation. He told the Joint Session of Congress that we're not a nation of quitters, and implored us to maintain our confidence during these troubled economic times. As I noted on the Larry King Live Show last night, President Obama's themes of acting boldly to confront the serious challenges our nation faces with a new era of responsibility, accountability, and cooperation is exactly what we're trying to do in Sacramento, albeit on a smaller scale.

This afternoon, I built on the President's remarks when I delivered the "State of the City" address to the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce at California State University, Sacramento.

After 86 days in office, my speech was a candid assessment of where our city is -- and how much more we can be if we face our challenges in new ways.

It is indeed a time for change from business-as-usual for our community, and I am committed as I was when I took the oath of office to making change happen. Listen to the entire speech here, thanks to a link by KXJZ, Capital Public Radio, http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=6253

To make Sacramento the world-class city it deserves to be, I'm going to continue to rely on you -- your energy, your commitment, and your skills. As I noted back in November during my inauguration ceremony, it's going to take all of us to make Sacramento "A City That Works for Everyone."

SacPress readers: keep your comments coming. I appreciate hearing your ideas on making our city work.

Talk to Me: Second Town Hall Slated for Thursday

2009-02-24T01:14:19Z

Think more than 100 police should fired because of budget cuts? Should park maintenance be slashed to balance the budgets? Are you in favor of "browning out" more fire stations two days a week? Do you have a way to improve city government?

Last month, more than 350 Sacramento residents packed an elementary school gym in the Pocket to share their views about their priorities for our city government. This Thursday, you'll have another chance to voice your opinion at a Town Hall meeting -- part of my pledge to make city government more accessible and accountable.

On Thursday, I will be joined by City Council member Bonnie Pannell for my second "Town Hall Meeting" from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Samuel Pannell Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento.

I'll be glad to listen to what you have to say, and give you feedback on what my views are on issues facing the city.

Hope to see you there.

Kevin Johnson on "C'mon Down: Open Office Hours Next Thursday"

2009-02-15T17:22:19Z

As you know, I can't "instruct" the City Manager to do this without a majority vote on the Council. Earlier this year, I suggested an INDEPENDENT audit of city government (and it would have resulted in no net costs to the city), but that was rejected.

Kevin Johnson on "C'mon Down: Open Office Hours Next Thursday"

2009-02-15T17:21:23Z

Absolutely. I've been willing to lend a hand personally to do what I can to help with fundraisers, events, etc. If there's anything specific I can do to help, let me know. As you probably know, I'm a big fan of the 40 Acres Gallery in Oak Park.

Kevin Johnson on "C'mon Down: Open Office Hours Next Thursday"

2009-02-14T18:15:55Z

You are welcome to drop by anytime. The unused section of the third floor has been turned into open office space with a public counter. It looks like a newsroom -- wide open. Please stop by and say hi.

Kevin Johnson on "C'mon Down: Open Office Hours Next Thursday"

2009-02-14T18:14:48Z

A revision of the city's disclosure policies will be brought up at the City Council meeting next Tuesday. I urge you to attend and share your views.

C'mon Down: Open Office Hours Next Thursday

2009-02-14T06:07:03Z

Don't have time to trudge down to City Hall to complain about potholes not being filled or street lights that are out? Have something to say about proposed cutbacks in the fire department? Want to learn more about how the city is going to balance the budget?

Next week, I'm going to bring City Hall to you.

On Thursday, February 19th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Evelyn Moore Community Center (1402 Dickson Street, near the Executive Airport), I will be holding my first community office hours. No appointment is necessary; simply come on down and talk face-to-face with me and members of my team.

This is another effort to make Sacramento's city government more accessible and accountable to you. Since taking office just a few weeks ago, I've held a Town Hall meeting in the Pocket, and have another one scheduled later this month in another neighborhood. Every week, I appear on News10 (usually Wednesdays at 5 p.m.) for an "online chat" moderated by a News10 reporter, and answer questions that same day at 3 p.m. on KFBK. In addition to my columns here, I also write monthly for the INSIDE publications, as well as the Land Park News, Pocket News, and the Sacramento Observer. It's my way of letting you know what we're up to at City Hall.

Of course, you can always email me directly: mayor@cityofsacramento.org. Every email gets a response (though sometimes it takes awhile because of high traffic).

But the office hours next week are a good opportunity to share what's on your mind. Hope to see you there.

Kevin Johnson on "My DC Diary: The Historic Inauguration of Barack Obama"

2009-01-26T02:21:53Z

Thanks for the note. I had the opportunity to visit (and shop!) at the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop several times during the campaign, and discussed food supply with the general manager there. In addition, I also frequent the X Street Farmers Market. Say hi if you see me there.

Kevin Johnson on "My DC Diary: The Historic Inauguration of Barack Obama"

2009-01-26T02:20:42Z

You make an interesting point. But like in business, the importance of networking cannot be underestimated. I also was provided with the same briefing that the City Council received prior to my departure. Also, as you my know, I have proposed a review of the city's books by the nation's premier municipal finance firm at no net cost to the city.

My DC Diary: The Historic Inauguration of Barack Obama

2009-01-24T00:44:44Z

Saturday

Today was my first day in DC and you can feel the electricity and excitement in the air. As the city readies itself for this historic occasion and incredible event, people are beginning to stream into the nation’s capital. I attended the US Conference of Mayors and the highlight was listening to Rahm Imanuel. He issued a challenge to us Mayors. His most poignant comment was when he said, “We are currently facing the most difficult times our generation has seen. We cannot squander this opportunity.” He went on to talk about the stimulus package and how they were going to act fast, bring transparency to government and hold us all accountable. I completely understood what he meant. Too often, government funding is spent with no results. We, as Mayors, have to have meaningful, shovel-ready projects lined up to create real jobs, real infrastructure and real change in our cities.

I had the good fortune of attending a small dinner hosted by NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. Chancellor Klein has been a friend since St. HOPE decided to expand into Harlem, and is a force in the Democratic Party. Attending the dinner were Katherine Weymouth (the new publisher of the Washington Post) and Mort Zuckerman (Chairman and CEO of US News and World Report). The conversation of the evening centered around education, of course. The most interesting thing to me was hearing from these two incredibly impressive media moguls how they see the role of the press in education reform. We spoke about the need for print media, editorial boards, etc. to help push important policy agendas to educate and enlighten the general public. Even when (or perhaps especially when) the policy stance might be controversial.

It was refreshing to hear how these two wanted to ensure that their news outlets were actively engaged in a positive way around the right kinds of changes in their communities!

Sunday

Today was the first day where I could feel the whirlwind of activities in a real way. I started off at an inaugural event hosted at the Kuwaiti Embassy by Mayor Adrian Fenty’s wife, Michelle. There, I was able to chat with legends like Don Graham, Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn (of the Washington Post), Herb Allison (the CEO of Fannie Mae), and George Stephanopolous. Next, I went to another event hosted this time by Mayor Fenty himself to benefit the DC Public Schools. Usher, TI, Akon, Fallout Boy and a whole lot of other entertainers that I’m too old to know were there in support of the schools. It was truly inspiring to see!

After that, I headed off to Larry King, where I was asked to sit on a panel with James Carville and Cal Pen. It was a bit surreal to sit in the green room and watch Stevie Wonder, Ashford and Simpson and others walk by! The panel was lively. As Carville commented, “We’d be the beginning of a great joke… What happens when a Jew, a Cajun, and Black and an Indian all get together?” It was most interesting to hear from such a variety of perspectives what the impending inauguration meant to different people. On the way out of the studio, I had the chance to speak with Jesse Jackson and David Paterson, the Governor of NY, who both gave some sage advice on politics.

The last event of the evening was the Root Ball where I had the chance to chat briefly with Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson. The excitement emanating from both of them was palpable, and while they were both in such great spirits, I took the opportunity to extract promises from them to visit Sac!

Monday

My day started with the “Refresh” conference hosted by Spike Lee to focus on how to bring measurable change in the new administration. After that I headed to the Capitol for a couple of interviews including one with Bloomberg News where I talked about the economy in Sacramento and what we need to do to turn things around in the city.

I had dinner at the Phillips Collection that was hosted by Alice Waters (part of a project to have high profile chefs from around the country to celebrate inauguration). I had the chance to meet Ms Waters and hear about her passion for bringing great food to communities in sustainable ways. We also were entertained by poetry from Calvin Trillin who shared some of his writings on the Obama campaign.

I guess I did a decent job on Larry King because I was I was invited back again, but this time with a very different panel (Sean Combs, Seal, and Hill Harper). Before going on, I had the incredible honor of chatting with Martin Luther King III. Given the holiday, I asked him about his thoughts on the new administration. He spoke compellingly about the fact that Obama being elected was certainly a massive step forward but that the issues of race and poverty in America are far from being solved.

The last stop of the night was at the Huffington Post Party that was held at the Newseum. Folks were packed in wall to wall so it was tough to get around. I had a hilarious interview with DL Hughley and spoke with MC Hammer (yes, that’s right folks, the Hammer is still around!)

Tuesday

Inauguration Day was everything I thought and hoped it would be. Thanks to the generosity of Senator Feinstein, I had wonderful tickets to the swearing in right on the platform. We had a heck of a time getting up to the Capitol with Secret Service having blocked off all of the roads. I was fortunate enough to have an undercover police officer recognize me and arrange for a police escort to the Senate Hart Building where I met up with other CA mayors, including Antonio Villaraigosa and Gavin Newsom. Speaker Karen Bass, Senate President pro Tem Darryl Steinberg and Governor Schwartzenegger were also in attendance. Rounding out the CA contingent were Magic Johnson, Steven Speilberg, John and Sandi Thompson, Ben Jealous (new CEO of the NAACP) and Leonardo DiCaprio. I also shared a few high fives with John Cusack who, being from Chicago, was particularly invested in Obama’s campaign.

What a moving event. From where I was perched, we had a view onto the entire mall where there were people as far as the eye could see. From the Capitol all the way to the Washington Monument. It was truly astonishing. The actual ceremony was rich with tradition and ritual. It was moving to see this all happen for America’s first African-American President.

After viewing the parade, I attended a dinner hosted by Eli and Edye Broad. Incredible speakers like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Larry Summers, Arne Duncan and others kept the evening very interesting. Everyone is focused on the gravity of the situation that President Obama has inherited and the need to move decisively but thoughtfully.

The final stop tonight was the Washington Convention Center where I attended the Neighborhood Ball, the Home State Ball and the Western Ball. All were extremely high energy. It was great to feel people from various parts of the country who had invested so much in this election to finally be able truly celebrate this victory. The camaraderie was inspiring!

Kevin Johnson on "Who Fills Your Potholes?"

2009-01-08T06:36:22Z

The City Manager appoints Department heads (the person responsible for the potholes), not the Mayor nor the Council. As another example, the layoff of eight city employees yesterday was a decision made by the City Manager. My role: receiving talking points about it distributed by his office. I support his decision, but this gives you a view on the process/power at City Hall.

Kevin Johnson on "A stronger mayor for a stronger Sacramento?"

2009-01-08T06:33:46Z

Sarah is correct. It works just like the President/Congress, Governor/State Legislature. It's an executive/legislative system. The City Council actually will GAIN power.

Kevin Johnson on "A stronger mayor for a stronger Sacramento?"

2009-01-08T06:32:49Z

I provided the link to the text above. The language is on the petition, which can be downloaded from the website

Kevin Johnson on "A stronger mayor for a stronger Sacramento?"

2009-01-07T08:59:41Z

http://www.reformsacramento.com/pdf/Sac_Init_CharterAmendment_WEB.pdf

Kevin Johnson on "A stronger mayor for a stronger Sacramento?"

2009-01-07T08:59:32Z

http://www.reformsacramento.com/pdf/Sac_Init_CharterAmendment_WEB.pdf

Kevin Johnson on "A stronger mayor for a stronger Sacramento?"

2009-01-07T08:57:26Z

It was drafted by my transition team. They looked at best practices from more than 15 cities across the U.S. The independent budget analyst component is similar to that of San Diego's.

Kevin Johnson on "A stronger mayor for a stronger Sacramento?"

2009-01-07T08:56:08Z

You can find the initiative summary on the www.reformsacramento.com website. I understand there will be additional information up on that website in a few days. In the interim, you can visit the cityofsacramento.org and find additional information there. Appreciate the positive comments here, and the continuing dialogue on this proposal to modernize city government. We haven't had charter reform since the 1920s, and it's time Sacramento modernize its government so that it is accountable and nimble.

Kevin Johnson on "New Year's at the newest urban center: 10th and J"

2008-12-31T06:04:11Z

I'll be there dropping the ball at midnight. Hope to see everyone there!

Kevin Johnson on "Michael Phelps receives a key to the city"

2008-12-31T05:51:20Z

It was an honor to give Michael Phelps a key to the city. It's all part of putting Sacramento on the map as the world class city it deserves to be. And Ben, we're working on your request. My office talked to the city's public information officer and she didn't have much on hand.

Kevin Johnson on "A CITY THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE"

2008-12-24T06:47:16Z

Thanks! Looking forward to hearing from the readers here.

A CITY THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE

2008-12-24T06:05:34Z

Greetings from City Hall.

I've been on the job for about two weeks now. Fortunately I was able to hit the ground running with the help of a 100+ community members that were part of my transition team. They included the director of the 40 Acres Art Gallery, the director of Regional Transit, faith leaders, and bicycle advocates. As you may know, my campaign slogan was "A City That Works for Everyone," and we've started out exactly that way.

One of the first products of the transition team's work is a policy paper on transportation, which you can view on my website, www.kevinjohnsonformayor.com. Its focus is to reduce traffic congestion and promote mass transit. I'd welcome your feedback. (More policy discussions will be forthcoming in future columns.)

In the interim, I'm also moving forward with several other initiatives designed to make city government more accountable and transparent. I've begun publishing my daily calendar on the city website (the first Mayor to do so) and am holding media availabilities every week. I'm writing here on sacramentopress.com, but also in several monthly community newspapers (such as "Inside the City" and the "Pocket News"). Watch for me every Monday morning on Fox40's "Mondays with the Mayor," and on News10 "talkback live" every Wednesday at 5 p.m., where you can ask questions live online. You can also hear me on KFBK every Wednesday at 3:30 with R.E. Graswich.

On top of that, I will have open office hours for any city resident at least one Saturday each month, and a "town hall" style meeting in each city council district every month. My goal is to be accessible, and to listen (and respond) to your ideas about how to make Sacramento a world class city.

When it comes to policy, we're also moving fast. I was able to line up the nation's premier municipal budget firm to begin an independent assessment of how our city can can deliver services better. And they're doing it for free!

I'm also pleased to report that we'll be adding 11 more police officers to Sacramento streets beginning in January. I worked closely with the Police Chief and City Manager to hire these new graduates of Sacramento's police academy to help reduce the city's rising crime rate.

I'll be writing more here about policy on a regular basis -- as well as expanding the city's website to include video and interactive features (such as an online town hall meeting). In the meantime, you can get the latest news on my website, www.kevinjohnsonformayor.com and http://cityofsacramento.org/council/Mayor/press-releases.html. I welcome your feedback and insight.

In the meantime, happy holidays!