Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Midtown George

Midtown George on "New businesses coming in 2012"

2011-12-30T20:31:13Z

The Sports Basement, a Bay Area retailer, is opening a three-story sporting goods emporium in downtown Sacramento in the former Bank of America buliding at Eight and I Streets. There will be 70,000 square feet of sports equipment at discount prices.

Midtown George on "City Council chooses surprise new redistricting map"

2011-08-16T20:05:15Z

So long as politicans are allowed to draw their own district lines, we will always see extreme cases of gerrymandering similar to the current case with the Sacramento City Council. On the state level, voters took away from the legislature the power to draw their own districts. It is time for voters to do the same on the local level. I am in favor of creating an initiative to remove the City Council from drawing redistricting maps. There should be an initiate that removes "Advisory" from the Sacramento Redistricting Citizens Advisory Committee. To quote a phrase popular when I was in college, "Power to the People!"

Midtown George on "Redistricting meeting sees new maps, accusations"

2011-07-27T19:44:22Z

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to ensure that states did not use the redistricting process as a means to dilute the voting strength of minority communities. The Voting Rights Act works to protect against two types of redistricting—fracturing and packing. Fracturing occurs when a group of minority voters is broken off from a concentration of minority voters and added to a large majority white district. Packing occurs when a minority group is concentrated into one or more districts so that the group constitutes an overwhelming majority in those districts, thus minimizing the number of districts in which the minority could elect candidates of their choice. Councilmember Sheedy's proposed map factures and unlawfully dilutes the Latino community voting strenth into four districtss, none with more than 30 percent of the electorate. A member of the Latino communtiy has not been elected to the Sacramento City Council in over 10 years, Councilmember Sheedy's proposed map insures that none would be elected within the next 10 years.

Midtown George on "Talking trash in Midtown"

2011-06-28T19:56:29Z

THANK YOU, Midtown Business Association for creating the Streetscape Improvement Program!! Ray, congratulations on beating out 300 applicants for the job!

Midtown George on "Melissa Corker steps into city hall "

2011-06-14T19:58:57Z

Haley, Best Wishes on your move to S.F. Thanks for all the excellent reporting you did with SacramentoPress.com. Melissa, WELCOME! I look forward to reading your future articles!

Midtown George on "Contemporary Dance Conservatory opens in hidden corner of Midtown "

2011-06-14T19:31:28Z

Lena Logan and James Bahn, THANK YOU for opening your dance studio in Midtown! Your Contemporary Dance Conservatory is a MAJOR plus for the neighborhood! Good Luck on your long term goal of opening a true Conservatory of dance, acting, music and art!

Midtown George on "Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit Looks at Influence of Latinos in American Popular Music"

2011-05-17T19:45:32Z

I fail to see how recognizing Latino musical contributions to U.S. music from the 1940s to the present is "Latino progaganda". Tito Puente, Ritchie Valens, Celia Cruz, and Selena popularized Spanish lyrics and Latino sounds in U.S. music. Fact is not propaganda, it is recognizing that the U.S. is a melting pot, and some of the favoring is Latino/Hispanic.

Midtown George on "Burgers and wings spot to take Aura's spot on J Street"

2011-05-10T20:07:21Z

In the past, Marshall School Neighborhood Association could be characterrized as being at war with the bars on the 2700 block of J Street. Times have changed. Personalities have changed. Two of the worst offenders, G.V. Hurley's and Lure, are gone. In their place are new businesses which are reaching out to the neighbors, and offering an olive branch. We neighbors are responding in kind. Bad deeds of past tenants should not be heaped on the owners/operators of these new businesses. It takes guts to open a new business in this economic climate. I respect them for giving it a go. And, if they do turnout to be BAD neighbors, I personally will let loose the 'dogs of war' upon them!

Midtown George on "Burgers and wings spot to take Aura's spot on J Street"

2011-05-09T20:07:34Z

Hi! i am George Raya, immediate Past-Co-Chair of Marshall School-New Era Park Neighborhood Association, a post I held from 2005 to 2010. In 2007, my then-Co-chair Bill Burga and I lead the neighborhood opposition to granting a liquor license to the former G.V. Hurley's (currently Red Lotus). It has long been the unwritten understanding of Midtown neigbhorhood associations, the neighborhood association nearest an issue, or most effected by an issue, takes the lead in a neighborhood response. ie. Sutter Hospital expansion - Midtown Neighborhood Association; Rite Aid Pharmacy, 2211 F Street - Boulevard Park Neighborhood Association; McKinley Village - Marshall School-New Era Park Neighborhood Association. In 2007, our neighborhood association coordinated the filing of 94 individual neighbor objections to the granting of a liquor license to G. V. Hurley's. ALL 94 objections were my residents of Marshall School. Neither Midtown Neighborhood Association (then known as Winn Park Capitol Avenue Neighborhood Association), or Boulevard Neighborhood Association, or residents of those area, filed any objections or spoke up at all. Now, all of a sudden to ask BarWest to meet with Midtown Neighborhood Association if a MAJOR surprise! Hey, it's a free country, everyone is allowed to express an opinion. But, let us not be unreasonable when asking businesses to meet with ALL neigbhors. I live one-half block from BarWest. My upstairs neighbor and my next door neighbor likewise live less than a block from BarWest.

Midtown George on "Group halfway to halting Anaheim bonds issuance"

2011-04-12T20:02:17Z

Whatever the outcome, I'm glad that private citizens are stepping up to provide leadership in the effort to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

Midtown George on "Gay community forms redistricting group"

2011-03-22T19:49:08Z

Bill is correct. There are many residents in Midtown/Downtown who are members of more that one "Community of Interest". Coalition buidling is the only way to succeed.

Midtown George on " Debate over alley project hits City Council tomorrow "

2011-02-02T20:54:53Z

I attended last night's City Council meeting. The issue was about enforcement of the Central City Design Guidelines, which were adopted in 1999. In residential nieghborhoods, the height limit is 2-stories. NO WHERE in ALL of Sacramento will you find a 3-story single family house in a residential neighborhood. The Cunningham's and their architect choose to ignore the Central City Design Guidelines. Unfortunately, the Planning Commission is still operating as if former-City Manager Ray "The Developer is Always Right" Kerridge was still in charge at City Hall. The neigbhors are willing to accept a 3-story house, IF the design complimented the surrounding single-story pre-World War II bungalows. No, the Cunninghams wanted a RADICALLY modern tower, so they could have a view of the river. I hope the Planning Commission starts to enforce the Central City Design Guidelines. A BIG THANK YOU to the CITY COUNCIL, and especially to CITY COUNCILMEMBER STEVE COHN!!!

Midtown George on " Debate over alley project hits City Council tomorrow "

2011-02-02T20:53:26Z

I attended last night's City Council meeting. The issue was about enforcement of the Central City Design Guidelines, which were adopted in 1999. In residential nieghborhoods, the height limit is 2-stories. NO WHERE in ALL of Sacramento will you find a 3-story single family house in a residential neighborhood. The Cunningham's and their architect choose to ignore the Central City Design Guidelines. Unfortunately, the Planning Commission is still operating as if former-City Manager Ray "The Developer is Always Right" Kerridge was still in charge at City Hall. The neigbhors are willing to accept a 3-story house, IF the design complimented the surrounding single-story pre-World War II bungalows. No, the Cunninghams wanted a RADICALLY modern tower, so they could have a view of the river. I hope the Planning Commission starts to enforce the Central City Design Guidelines. A BIG THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL, and espcially to City Councilmember Steve Cohn!!

Midtown George on "Dine Downtown: Kupros Bistro "

2011-01-12T00:56:37Z

Thanks for the reminder that this is Dine Downtown Restaurant Week. Now, the tough part: selecting where to dine tonight?

Midtown George on "Ali Mackani: Cultivating possibilities"

2010-12-15T18:40:10Z

I attended the November 19th Fashion Gives Back fundraiser at Lounge ON20 for the Capital City AIDS Fund. The place was PACKED!! The $5,000 check he donated was greatly appreciated. However, more important was Mr. Mackani's assistance in bringing awareness to a largely non-gay audience that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is still with us.

Midtown George on "Sacramento Press Journalism Open returns in January 2011"

2010-12-15T18:24:21Z

See you at the workshop on Jan. 12th!

Midtown George on "Sewing like the Dickens for 'A Christmas Carol'"

2010-11-22T20:40:06Z

Thank You for a look behind the curtain. Now, when I see this year's production of "A Christmas Carol", I'll have more appreciation for the costumes.

Midtown George on "New possibilities as arena task force reboots"

2010-11-19T23:41:57Z

I guess you don't attend the Bull Fest each summer during the State Fair at CalExpo, or the Sierra Stampede Rodeo sponsored by Sacramento's Capital Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association. http://www.CapitalCrossroads.org

Midtown George on "Last Neighbohood Advisory Group Meeting of 2010"

2010-11-16T21:01:50Z

THANK YOU, Sacramento Press/Sacramento Deal for sponsoring the pizza and refreshments at the monthly NAG meetings.

Midtown George on "Workshops tackle safe bar operations"

2010-11-05T19:55:04Z

What a difference a new City Manager makes!! The police department and code enforce are FINALLY allowed to do their job. Educating bar/restaurant owners and staff about their responsibilities, as well as state laws and city regulations is HUGH! As a Midtown resident, all my neighbors and I have ever asked is the bar/restaurant owners and their staff obey state laws and city regulations!

Midtown George on "Q&A with sheriff candidate Jim Cooper"

2010-10-29T19:59:16Z

I found Kathleen Haley's interview with County Sheriff Captain Jim Cooper informative. And, it has helped me make up my mind as to who to vote for County Sheriff. I will be voting for Jim Cooper. I have read not just this interview, but I have reread the Sacramento Bee's October 2nd endorsement of Scott Jones. To me the big difference between the two candidates is Jim Cooper's 10 years on the Elk Grove City Council, with two terms as Mayor. Both have spent the law enforcement careers in the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, both are Captains. However, Scott Jones has been the right hand of Sheriff John McGinnes. To me a vote for Scott Jones is a vote for the status quo. Even the Sacramento BEE in its endorsement of Scott Jones states that our local Sheriff Department is failed culture. Change is needed, Jim Cooper is the person to do the job.

Midtown George on "New restaurant to offer local flavor"

2010-10-20T19:49:09Z

Looking forward to having a new dining option.

Midtown George on "Community Forum Discussing Midtown Nightlife"

2010-09-26T21:25:07Z

I liked the formate of the meeting. You did not have people making speeches, in the form of asking questions. The Interaction Stations worked well. I was able to speak with city staff face-to-face, and have a dialogue. And, there were a number of times Safety Team members asked for a particular comment card to follow-up on a suggestion. It is impossible to schedule a meeting that will please everyone. In addition to the persons William Burg mentioned, other nightlife representatives present at the meeting were: Suleka Sun-Lindley, owner of Thai Basil,: Patrick Mulvaney: and Bill Blake, President of the Midtown Business Association. One thing not announced at the Community Forum is a Committee has been formed to hold public meetings on proposed changes to the City's Special Events Ordinance. The Committee created under the Parks and Recreation Commission, since Neighborhood Services is now under the Parks and Recreation Department. Those meetings will be held in the evenings at Old City Hall, in the former City Council Chamber. It is my understanding that all stakeholder groups are represented on the Committee including Midtown neighborhood associations and the nightlife industry.

Midtown George on "Sacramento might learn from Chicago events"

2010-09-23T19:53:43Z

Halloween on Castro Street is not a 'street fair'. It's a public event that promotes exhibitionism. There are no arts & craft vendors, or even food vendors. The same with Bay to Breakers, it is not a street fair. There is a festival at the end on Ocean Blvd. The event is known for its public drunkenness. Those two events are not in the same category as the City's street fairs.

Midtown George on "Sacramento might learn from Chicago events"

2010-09-23T17:57:49Z

Brooks, from having lived in S.F. for 14 years, I can provide some information on how S.F. manages their "street fairs". Each neighborhood sponsors, usually during the Spring/Summer months, a true street fair. And, usually, each street fair is coordinated by the local merchants association. The street is closed, vendors booths and stages for entertainment are set up. Everything closes are 6 p.m. And, there is NO problems! This weekend is the very popular Folsom Street Fair. This is truly an international event, with attendance bordering on 100,000 fair-goers. The city, and MBA, would do well to send some observers to this weekend's Folsom Street Fair to see how a 'world-class city' manages a street fair.

Midtown George on "Fernandez explains changes at city's development department"

2010-09-13T19:27:58Z

Please read Dale Kooyman's comment regarding the experience residents have had with Max Fernandez. As a Midtown resident, I have had excellent customer service from Code Enforcement - including when I reported a landlord for not making repairs to the apartment building I was living in at the time. I wish ALL city managers were like Max Fernandez. I first met him at neighborhood meetings when he was director of Neighborhood Services. I don't need promises from Mr. Fernandez. I know his history as a city administrator. Homeowners and developers should be pleased that Max Fernandez is now in charge at the city's Community Development Department.

Midtown George on "Freestyle recycles fashion"

2010-08-13T19:59:03Z

I used to shop alot at WEAVE's recycled clothing store when it was on 20th Street. I hope Freestyle Clothing Exchange has much success on the corner of 21st and 'L' Streets. For 20 years, the location was a GREAT one for Jeff Heald and Abond Legrand, former owners of Postcard Etc.

Midtown George on "First Lady of California’s TEAM MARIA “spins” for Sacramento’s Support "

2010-08-13T19:36:32Z

WOW!! Our Second Saturday Art Walk truly is THE place to be if Maria Shriver, First Lady of California, is now participating!

Midtown George on "Kupros opens Friday"

2010-08-13T19:30:30Z

I live in Midtown, and have been watching the progress of this remodel for months. I am adding Kupros to my list of places to visit this weekend during Saturday's Art Walk.

Midtown George on "Tequila museum, restaurant and bar to open by end of year"

2010-08-13T19:22:43Z

I'm looking forward to the Grand Opening!

Midtown George on "Couple trading Midtown corner for Mexico"

2010-01-26T20:34:09Z

There is not much more I can add. Thanks for your help in finding the right card or gift for that special person. Your moving to Mexico is their gain, our lost. BIG Hug, George

Midtown George on "District 3: Shawn Eldredge to run against Steve Cohn"

2009-10-24T04:23:13Z

I know we do not have term limits for members of the City Council, maybe we should. 15 years is WAY TOO long for a person to serve on the Council. Incumbents rarely lose an election. So, it is often only through term limits do we get needed change. Elected office should not be viewed as a lifetime position, or one family's property.

Midtown George on "Official Rules For Paint The Town Purple"

2009-10-12T19:20:33Z

Purple is my favorite color! Go KINGS!!!!

Midtown George on "Welcome to The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!"

2009-10-01T20:19:07Z

Definitely an incentive to be creative and to write articles.

A photo essay of the candlelight vigil held to mourn the death of Security Guard Leroy (Pops) Fisher.

2009-09-25T16:03:02Z

On the evening of September 23rd, the Midtown community gathered near 20th and K Streets for a candlelight vigil to mourn the death of Security Guard Leroy (Pops) Fisher. All photos by Nathan Feldman.

Midtown George on ""Pops" mourned, suspect held"

2009-09-25T05:59:37Z

At the candlelight vigil, many patrons and employees of The Depot and Badlands stepped forward to offer tearful remembrances of Leroy (Pops) Fisher. To me the most moving and appreciated expressions of grief came persons who share the neighborhood where the bars are located. From the other side of the block came a young man from the Sacramento Native American Health Center who spoke of how we are one, and united in our saddness at losing a beloved member of the community. He then sang a song in his native Crow while beating on a drum. From across the street Michael Heller, one of the co-owners of the MARRS Building of restaurants, shops and art galleries, came to share his feelings about the death of Leroy Fisher. He stated that he had driven to his home in the Northern suburbs, learned of the vigil, and decided to drive back into town to be there.

Capital Crossroads donates $8,000 to Saddle Pals

2009-09-01T03:53:45Z

On August 28, 2009, Sacramento’s Capital Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association (SCCGRA) presented Saddle Pals, a program of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento, with a check for $8,000. The presentation took place at the W-Bar Ranch in Elverta, CA. Saddle Pals was selected to be the beneficiary of funds raised at by Capital Crossroads 9th Sierra Stampede Rodeo and Festival, held June 5-7, 2009.

Saddle Pals is a therapeutic horsemanship program that provides services to children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Established in 1993, the program is accredited through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). For additional information Saddle Pals’ website is:http://www.ucpsacto.org/saddle

“We appreciate the hard work and support of Capital Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association. This is the second year in a row that they have been able to raise money in support of UCP’s Saddle Pals program. This achievement speaks volumes to their determination to support the community and organizations providing program and services for children and adults living with development disabilities.” said Doug Bergman, President/CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento.

Sam Van Galder, Rodeo Director for the 2009 Sierra Stampede Rodeo and Festival, said “This year, the Association and its hard working members and volunteers have overcome many challenges to produce one of the best rodeos ever for Sacramento.”

The purpose of Capital Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association is to promote the sport of rodeo, the Western lifestyle and culture. SCCGRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Capital Crossroads is a member association of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). The IGRA has 28 member associations spread throughout the United States and Canada.

Capital Crossroads’ 10th Sierra Stampede Rodeo and Festival is set for June 11-13, 2010.

Darrell Steinberg honored with Serna Award

2009-08-26T01:42:55Z

On Tuesday, at the Citizen Hotel in downtown Sacramento, a benefit reception was held for the UFW Foundation Joe Serna Civic Participation Fund. The event was a salute to the life and work of former Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. and honored Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg for his work on behalf of farm workers.

In addition, the event was held to recognize and support the work of the UFW Foundation. The UFW Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to empower and improve the lives of farm workers and other low-income and migrant workers through civic engagement, community education, research, and implementation and enforcement of equitable public policy. The original funding for the UFW Foundation came from leftover campaign funds Serna bequeathed to the United Farm Workers Union.

Attending the event were many members of Serna's extended family. Also in attendance were many veteran supporters of the United Farm Workers Union who had worked side-by-side with Serna. Many members of the State Legislature and Capitol staffers were also in attendance.

Among the speakers participating in the program was civic leader and developer Angelo Tsakopoulos. He reminisced about meeting Serna for the first time when they were teenagers working in the fields harvesting peaches in Acampo, near Lodi. He went on to say, "How great this country is where the son of a farm worker can become a college professor." A humorous moment ensued when Tsakopoulos added, in deference to Mayor Kevin Johnson who was in attendance, "Excuse me if I say this Mr. Mayor, but I think to be a professor is a higher calling than being a mayor."

Also addressing the audience were Serna's son Phillip Serna, future candidate for the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and his daughter Lisa Serna-Mayorga, a member of Johnson's staff. A video tribute to Serna was also shown.

Following the video tribute, Arturo S. Rodriguez, Board President of the UFW Foundation, spoke about the support Serna gave to the Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers Union. Next, Rodriguez praised Steinberg for continuing Serna's work. Steinberg was honored by being presented with the UFW Foundation Serna Civic Participation Award. The award celebrates the principles of social justice, community activism, visionary leadership, and cultural diversity that Serna embodied as a community activist, teacher and local elected official. In his remarks, Steinberg said, "Receiving this award has special meaning to me because 17 years ago, Joe Serna was my mentor."

The Serna Civi Participation award presented to Darrell Steinberg was specially boxed bottles of United Farm Workers Union wine, Black Eagle. In accepting the award, Steinberg stated he will not drink the wine until his bill, SB 789, California Employee Free Choice Act for Farm Workers, is passed.

For more information about the UFW Foundation, please visit the web site at UFWFoundation.org.

Rainbow Chamber of Commerce elects new officers

2009-08-20T19:44:24Z

On Tuesday evening at the Le Rivage Hotel, the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce held an election of officers and members of the Board of Directors.

Founded in 2002, the Rainbow Chamber, with its 264 members, is one of Northern California's fastest growing Chambers. The Rainbow Chamber serves to promote the Sacramento LGBT business community and its supporters.

In addition, the Chamber is also committed to enhancing the awareness of political and social issues that face the LGBT community each day. The Rainbow Chamber also encourages involvement in charitable causes such as WEAVE, CARES, and Breaking Barriers, to name a few.

The newly elected officers are: Fred Palmer, President; Steven Walker, Vice-President; Stephanie Slage, Secretary; and Jason Russell, Treasurer. Elected as Members at Large to the Board of Directors were: Brian Bentzen, Gerald Filice, Roy Guira, Dr. Darrick Lawson, and Bonnie Osborn.

The public is invited to join for the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce for its Annual Installation Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento.

The evening's Master of Ceremonies will be Guy Farris of News10’s "Sacramento & Co." program. Proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides college scholarships to LGBT students and supports other LGBT and charitable causes.

For more information, and to order tickets to the Installation Dinner, visit the Rainbow Chamber's website at rainbowchamber.com.

Midtown George on "NAG agrees to pay rental fee"

2009-08-20T07:38:23Z

The purpose of the NAG is to be a forum where information can be shared, and to promote neighbors working together to address issues of mutual interest.

NAG agrees to pay rental fee

2009-08-19T22:59:25Z

On Monday night, the city’s budget crisis came close to altering the date and location of the monthly meeting of the Area 1 Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG).

The NAG meets in the evening, 6:15 – 8:30 p.m., on the third Monday of each month at the Ethel MacLeod Hart Center, a community center administered by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The attendees are representatives from neighborhood associations, businesses, and citizen-activists. They all assemble in the Center’s Redwood Room to hear city officials speak on issues relating to city policies and services, developers present building plans, and other issues of interest.

Due to the city's budget crisis, the Neighborhood Services Department alerted the NAG that the Hart Center would no longer be available as a location for meetings. The city could not afford to keep the Center open after 5:00 p.m., unless there is a paid reservation for the meeting room.

The Neighborhood Services Department had been hosting the meetings. If the NAG wanted to continue to meet at its usual date and time, the NAG would have to pay for a rental fee for use of the meeting room, at a charge of $35 - $75 per hour.

When the issue came up on the agenda there was general discussion as to why the NAG met on Mondays, to allow interested parties to attend the Tuesday night City Council meetings, and/or Commission meetings held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The NAG has been meeting at the same location and date for 15 years, therefore there was no support for moving the location, or changing the date of the meetings.

When Director of Neighborhood Services, Vincene Jones, asked for suggestions for a solution, offers came from around the room from neighborhood associations, businesses and City Councilmember Steve Cohn to cover the rental fee for a monthly meeting. Enough pledges were received to cover six months of rental fees. Sacramento Press offered to cover six months of rental fees.

This may be repeated in the future, citizens stepping forward to cover costs that were once paid by the city.

Midtown George on "Gay rodeo events start today"

2009-06-07T09:49:33Z

I disagree. I regularly attend the Folsom Rodeo. And every January, when the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) comes to ARCO Arena, I am there with my gay rodeo friends.

Midtown George on "Gay rodeo events start today"

2009-06-07T09:41:45Z

The photo of Sammy Van Galder, our 2009 Rodeo Director. riding that bull in from our 2001 Sierra Stampede Rodeo. The photos of Sam attempting to chute dog a steer are for the 2008 Best Buck of the Bay Rodeo.

Annual Lambda Awards Presented

2009-03-25T06:53:42Z

On Monday evening March 23rd, at the Doubletree Hotel, 200 guests attended the 17th Annual Lambda Awards. The annual event, a fundraiser for the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Community Center, is held to celebrate those who support the LBGT community and nurture the community’s dreams of equality.

A spirited live auction started the evening’s events. The evening turned serious when Lester Neblett, the Executive Director of the Center, addressed the assembled guests and talked about the needed services provided by the Center. The primary purpose of the event was to raise funds to continue to finance and expand the Center’s mental health services program.

Awards were presented to organizations and individuals whose integrity, outstanding leadership, courage in the face of adversity, tireless efforts, encouragement, and financial support have helped build a strong and viable LGBT community. Honorees included Wells Fargo; the Sacramento Police Department; the President of the Stonewall Democratic Club, Ed Bennett; community activist Pam Whiteley; for arts and culture, Cheer San Francisco, the LGBT-identified cheerleading team; former State Senator Sheila Kuehl; and youth leader, Montana Skylar Hull. The keynote speaker was Assemblymember John Perez, chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and the first LGBT person of color elected to the State Legislature.

The evening’s award presenters were equally impressive: Assemblymember Dave Jones; President of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Fred Palmer; the Crocker Art Museum’s Associate Director and Chief Curator, Scott A. Shields; and County Supervisor Roger Dickinson. When Police Chief Rick Braziel accepted the Building Bridges Award for the Police Department, he was given a standing ovation as were many of the evening's honorees.

A loud cheer was heard when it was announced that the evening’s event raised $25,000.

Midtown George on "Neighborhood Summit 2009"

2009-03-09T05:20:51Z

I also attended Neighborhood Summit 2009 at the Convention Center. While I agree with most of Dale's observations regarding the day's events, I disagree with his interpretation of the motive behind City staff handing out pins at the end of the summit. The tree pins (Sacramento City of Trees) were only one of three that were given to departing attendees. The other pins included one celebrating Sacramento as Camellia City and the third had the City's seal embossed on it. It is my belief that City staff were simply handing out souvenir pins as a 'thank you' for attending the summit.

Midtown George on "City Council Demands Transparency and Public Input in Efforts to Overhaul City Development Oversight"

2009-02-26T03:03:25Z

Panama, GREAT article! Thanks for all the work you are doing regarding transparency in city government.

Midtown George on "Delores Huerta's Call To Action"

2009-02-19T07:43:23Z

Dolores Huerta is a labor leader, organizer, and social activist. With Cesar Chavez, she was the co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW). .In the late 1960's, she coordinated the table grape boycott on the East Coast, which helped win recognition for the farm workers' union. She also became involved with the early feminist movement. In the 1970's, she was the political director of the UFW and lobbied the California State Legislature on farm workers issues. She continues to to active, and formed the Dolores Huerta Foundation after receiving a substantial settlement as the result of police brutally at a demonstration in San Francisco.

Midtown George on "Proposal for the Creation of a Urban Forest Services (Trees) Commission"

2008-12-09T06:08:43Z

If you care about trees, you are qualified.

Midtown George on "Proposed Ordinance Change for Tree Appeals"

2008-12-09T05:53:32Z

We need to have a Trees Commission. Please read my earlier article on the subject.

Proposed Ordinance Change for Tree Appeals

2008-12-08T00:59:36Z

On Monday, December 8th, the Urban Forest Services Committee, a standing committee of the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission, will meet. The Committee provides policy recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission on issues relating to the City’s urban forest. On the agenda for the meeting is a proposed ordinance change that would shift responsibility for hearing tree removal appeals. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Commission hears tree removal appeals.

A property owner wishing to remove a protected heritage tree must apply to the City for a permit. Permits affecting heritage tree requires the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to hold a public hearing. Any person dissatisfied with the decision of the director may appeal the decision to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The proposed ordinance change would shift responsibility for those appeals to the City of Sacramento Planning Commission.

The expressed reason for this change is to consolidate under the Planning Commission all decisions related to the review and approval process of development projects. At times, decisions regarding tree removals
related to development projects have been appealed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. This change would assure no potential decisions conflicts will arise between the two Commissions.

The ordinance change is being proposed by the Development Services Department to ensure no development project will be stalled because a protected heritage tree stands in the way of progress. This action by city administrators is in conflict with Sacramento’s proud heritage as the City of Trees. Our City’s bountiful urban forest did not just happen overnight. For over a hundred years the community has planted, natured and protected trees. Now our protected trees large canopy trees are in danger of disappearing because many of today’s development projects lack any setback. The Parks and Recreation Commission understands that trees need space to grow. The Planning Commission has a history of approving development projects unfavorable to large canopy trees. The proposed ordinance change for tree appeals needs to be rejected.

Please attend the public meeting of the Urban Forest Services Committee. The meeting will be held Monday, December 8th, in the New City Hall, 915 I Street, Room 2121. The meeting is on the second floor. Please be sure to bring a picture ID for the security check.

If you cannot attend, please email a letter opposing the ordinance change to:
City Manager Ray Kerridge at RKerridge@cityofsacrament.org
Mayor Kevin Johnson at mayor@cityofsacramento.org.

Proposal for the Creation of a Urban Forest Services (Trees) Commission

2008-11-22T01:43:38Z

Sacramento is the City of Trees. Earlier this year, the City's Urban Forest Services Division was transferred from the Department of Parks & Recreation to the Transportation Department. Responsibility for trees in parks and on private property remain under the jurisdiction of Parks & Recreation. Responsibility for 'street trees' was transferred because the thought was since Transportation oversees streets (parking; sidewalks, etc.) the Department should also have jurisdiction over 'street trees'.

Appeals of granting or denying permits to cutdown heritage trees still remain with the Parks & Recreation Commission.

With the reorganization of Urban Forest Services to the Transportation Department, I believe now more than ever is the time to finally create a City Trees Commission.

A little history: In 1992, Wolfe Mason Associates prepared the City of Sacramento Urban Forest Management Plan. This 1992 Plan was the first to advocate creation a new advisory group to implement the Urban Forest Management Plan.

Twelve years later, in 2004, Robert Tate Associates in their Sacramento Tree Services Best Management Practices Review and Report also called for the creation of a strong and well-recognized citizen advisory group to aid in setting policy, provide checks and balances, and advocate for the urban forest.

in 2006, the City Council adopted the Urban Forest Services Best Management Practices Implementation Plan. Once again, the creation of a Citizen’s Advisory Group on Trees was included in the plan.

The Parks and Recreation Commission's Urban Forest Services Committee has in a limited capacity served as a citizen advisory group as called for in the Wolfe Mason Report and the Tate Report. The Tate Report, papers 34 and 35, enumerated quite clearly the duties and responsibilities of a citizen advisory group (Trees Commission):

Advise the Mayor, City Council, and appropriate City departments on urban forestry concerns.
Review of project plans for major publicly sponsored developments, civic improvements, and changes to public right-of-way relative to their projected impact on trees and make recommendations regarding these projects to the Mayor, City Council and appropriate City Departments.
Encourage early and continuous public participation in urban forestry projects and programs.
Facilitate the cooperative interaction of tree-related activities within the City among various city, state and federal agencies, as well as among businesses, non-profit groups, and the public.
Provide a regular forum, according to an establish, publicized agenda, of scheduled topics for public discussion of urban forestry issues.
Assist with the development of policies that affect trees.
Ensure the effective implementation and administration of the Urban Forest Best Management Practices Plan.
Assist and support public education efforts on the value and benefits of the urban forest.
Identify and support procurement of adequate funding, especially alternative funding opportunities, and staffing to ensure that the needs of the urban forest are effectively addressed.
Actively advocate and champion the commitment of adequate resources for tree programs.
Monitor and annually report on the state of the urban forest.
Hear tree appeals regarding street trees, Parks and Recreation Commission would continue to hear tree appeals for trees located in City parks.

What are your thoughts? Should the City of Sacramento create a Trees Commission? If you agree we should, would you be willing to help?