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

 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.

 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

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

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 Sam

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. S

 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.

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. (