Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Marion Millin

Marion Millin on "Many Sacramento 2020 “supporters” don’t live in Sacramento, or don't exist at all"

2012-01-19T05:03:23Z

CORRUPTION is why the Sacramento City Charter was changed FROM the Boss Mayor model decades ago.

Marion Millin on "Looking for a 'win–win' for West Campus and Sac High"

2011-12-09T17:43:04Z

"When the public had it ... the school board shut it down" illegally.

Marion Millin on "Looking for a 'win–win' for West Campus and Sac High"

2011-12-09T17:19:55Z

"Most people drive by and say to themselves, "My kid is NOT going there" because they see so many minorities." Since SacPress chose to use that today as their pull quote, Gonzo, what evidence do you have of that blatantly racist statement? That is not the reason/s that people don't want to go to Sacramento Charter High School or St. HOPE. That is not the reason/s that people want their rightful, court-ordered and tax-payer owned comprehensive public high school. Inserting false and bigoted claims only serves to trivialize the issue and cause more conflict. Is that what you want?

Marion Millin on "Looking for a 'win–win' for West Campus and Sac High"

2011-12-08T22:58:06Z

Time to give The Real Sac High back: to the public that paid for it; to the families and teachers that won a lawsuit against the SCUSD after The Real Sac High was taken away from its student body illegally; and to the diverse, historic community of Sacramento which benefits from having a central, comprehensive public high school. The fact that the city DOESN'T yet have a central, comprehensive public high school to replace The Real Sac High, this many years after the illegal takeover and despite the fact that the SCUSD was ordered by the court years ago to replace it, is unconscionable.

Marion Millin on "New 'To Catch an Error' contest starts today! "

2011-12-02T17:26:08Z

Thanks Susie. The Real Sac High education paid off. Thanks for all your work :)

Marion Millin on "New 'To Catch an Error' contest starts today! "

2011-12-02T02:23:51Z

Thanks Melissa, very kind of you. Keep up the good work!

Marion Millin on "Newsbeat shuts doors on 20th Street"

2011-11-16T22:43:39Z

Newsbeat is a cultural institution and represents the best of Midtown. The Sacramento store stood in triumvirate - with Beers Books and The Beat records - of central city core longtime independent businesses that locals support. Locals as in people-who-live-here-and-need-to-buy-things. The wonderfully gracious, accommodating and community-serving owners, Janis and Terence Stamp and their great staff, deserve a bit more than a kick in the business plan from the landlord on the way out the door. Yes, the general economy “contributed greatly” to the business’ closure. As did the choices of developers and city/business leaders over the past decade: to gear Midtown toward drawing a party and "swank" crowd to drop dollars on exorbitant cocktails and (sometimes) food. This business agenda also affected Second Saturdays; a time that the art lovers and galleries eventually and ironically abandoned; a night that brought Newsbeat hordes of people - occasional swarms in the pre-shooting Second Saturday heyday - without a lot of sales. Print isn't currently trendy but reading and great design won't die. Newsbeat was a treasure trove of ideas and goodies of all kinds, something for everyone. If they didn't have it, they'd special order it for you. The card selection was the best in town. Candies, cigars, calendars, sundries and medications, ice cream, gift wrap, exotic sodas, fine stationery -- the place was a gift bag waiting to happen. Waiting for enough customers looking for Midtown charm, community, independent business values and unique swag with their "swank." Newsbeat was the last of an era of big city traditions, the news and smoke shop: a community hub. It is Sacramento's loss.

Help Protect Parks and River Parkway

2011-08-08T17:08:25Z

The Grassroots Working Group (GWG) will be back before the County Board of Supervisors at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, August 9th, in the supervisor’s chambers at 700 H Street, Sacramento. For Grassroots, this will be the most important Board decision of the year.

The Board is considering whether to sponsor state legislation this year that would give the county the authority to place before the voters a 1/10 % sales tax for parks purposes (one penny for every $10 spent). The county is already authorized to place a sales tax before the voters, but not one this small. Save the American River Association supports this.

The revenue from a sales tax must to go to a governmental agency. SARA believes that the county should have the OPTION of having the revenue go to a new Regional Park District.

State legislative changes would be needed if the county were to have this option. SARA thinks this option is important because polling shows that voters are more likely to support the sales tax for parks if the money goes to a Regional Park District.

PLEASE ATTEND
Please show your support of the GWG effort to Rescue Our Regional Parks and Open Space, by attending the August 9th session.

Tuesday, August 9th at 4:00 p.m.
700 H Street, Sacramento

E-MAIL OR CALL
If you are unable to attend, please call or e-mail all 5 supervisors asking them to add the Regional Park District changes to the 1/10th of a cent sales tax legislation they are preparing -- to allow citizens to vote on the best opportunity to rescue Parks.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Supervisors - 700 H Street, Suite 2450 Sacramento, CA 95814

General Info: 916-874-5411 Fax for all members: 916-874-7593

(D-1) Phil Serna 916-874-5485 SupervisorSerna@saccounty.net

(D-2) Jimmy Yee 916-874-5481 jyee@saccounty.net

(D-3) Susan Peters 916-874-5471 susanpeters@saccounty.net

(D-4) Roberta MacGlashan 916-874-5491 macglashanr@saccounty.net

(D-5) Don Nottoli 916-874-5465 nottolid@saccounty.net

More information:
http://www.icontact-archive.com/jiwNoAJxqsBcFLsUf_qCTtVPhlMUSgvQ?w=2

"The Save The American River Association (SARA) had concluded that the best way to preserve the American River Parkway is to look at the bigger picture.

"In response to devastating budget cuts and the possible dismantling of the Sacramento County Regional Parks and Open Space System by the County Board of Supervisors, SARA formed the Grassroots Working Group (GWG) in mid-2010.

"The Group’s goal is to secure adequate, stable, long-term funding for operations, maintenance and expansion of the Regional Parks and Open Space System, which includes the American River Parkway, Cosumnes River Preserve, Deer Creek Hills, Dry Creek Parkway, Sacramento Delta Facilities and the Regional Parks at Mather, Elk Grove and Gibson Ranch.

"According to SARA President, Warren V. Truitt, "The popularity of the American River Parkway – some 8,000,000 visits per year – now stresses Parkway capacity, especially during the warmer months. Therefore, SARA is supporting the effort to rescue our entire Regional Parks and Open Space System.”

"The guiding vision of the Grassroots Working Group is a safe, accessible, well-maintained system of regional parks, farmland, open space and wild lands, linked by a non-motorized transportation network.

"GWG's mission is to identify an appropriate structure to manage our regional parks and open space, coupled with a reliable funding stream for operations, maintenance, and expansion of the system."

Marion Millin on "Mayor Johnson conducts 'State of the Schools' address "

2011-03-02T05:11:53Z

The State of the Schools is that this person used his alma mater as a sacrifice to his own political and personal profit ambitions, at the expense of Sacramento's students, families, diversity, history and future. The Myth (Lie) of "Sac High" must be perpetuated or the myth of Kevin Johnson and his privatization schemes unravel. http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/16758/Operation_Sellout_How_the_Sky_Box_Trumps_the_Lunch_Box

Marion Millin on "Welcome back, Papa Roach"

2011-02-28T22:06:38Z

Excellent coverage, Steven Chea. Great writing, stunning photos, very engaging. Thank you!

Marion Millin on "Solidarity Candlelight Vigil"

2011-02-25T05:08:13Z

Thanks for covering this, David. That first still shot with the Capitol is great. More events planned for Sat. Feb 26. Info an links at bottom of article http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/46178/Vigil_for_Wisconsin_workers_human_rights

Marion Millin on "Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights"

2011-02-24T06:32:00Z

and why do you assume that people can't and aren't doing both?

Marion Millin on "Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights"

2011-02-23T21:30:38Z

That's a good question AG. The show of solidarity was beyond "with other unions." It elevated and connected the issues: "This is about an assault on the working class values of America. This is a fight for democracy. This is a fight that all working Americans cannot afford to lose."

Marion Millin on "Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights"

2011-02-23T19:54:45Z

Are your arguments supported by a complete lack of knowledge of history?

Marion Millin on "Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights"

2011-02-23T19:41:00Z

(I found the "Serfs Unite" photo ironic for other reasons). Employees in the public and private sector and those that support them are taxpayers, aren't they?

Marion Millin on "Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights"

2011-02-23T18:32:17Z

This is the most passive/aggressive non-Comment I have ever read. It has so many falsehoods and rich ironies in it that one hardly knows where to begin. Life is too short to even try.

Marion Millin on "Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights"

2011-02-23T18:31:45Z

Who is "striking against taxpayers"? These taxpayers are mobilizing to preserve their rights for collective bargaining, which a reported 11 states are attempting to strip away.

Capitol Vigil For Wisconsin Workers and Human Rights

2011-02-23T11:08:13Z

The sun was still shining on the State Capitol at 5:30 p.m. Monday, at the start of the Sacramento Central Labor Council's Candlelight Vigil for Wisconsin Workers. The crowd grew to an estimated 2,000 people, in solidarity with labor and human rights movements in Wisconsin and beyond.

The supply of signs for "We Stand With Wisconsin Workers" and flameless vigil candles didn't meet the demand. There were handmade signs, such as: "Labor Rights. Human Rights. Women's Rights. We Are One" and "Serf's Unite."

"We Are One," "It's About Freedom" and other signs from dozens of labor organizations, represented nurses, state workers, educators, fire fighters, law enforcement and skilled trade unions.

The opening invocation called for justice and for all people to have their basic needs met. It expressed gratitude for "so many who stood up to engage evil: the evil of corporate greed and malice; the evil of government union busting; the evil of protecting the rich at the expense of the poor."

The first speaker was Art Pulaski of the California Labor Federation. "The protests that we see in Wisconsin today are much bigger than one legislative bill or one state. It isn't just about Wisconsin. It isn't just about public sector workers. It isn't even just about union members.

"This is about an assault on the working class values of America. This is a fight for democracy. This is a fight that all working Americans cannot afford to lose."

The speeches and songs in solidarity continued. The best sound quality was in the center front. The crowd that spilled toward the back and onto the grassy sides had some difficulty hearing the speakers.

A man in a luxurious overcoat worthy of a corporate robber baron, passed through the crowd quickly and commented, "They should have gone non-union for the sound system."

The enthusiasm of the people was not deterred by the cold temperature or the cold-blooded attitude that non-union labor is superior to union labor.

Bill Camp, Executive Secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, gave a shout out to several legislators that he said were "in the house." Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom Tweeted in: "Standing in solidarity w my brothers & sisters across this country."

One of the speakers challenged the legislators who have expressed support, to commit for the long term and write legislation in support of the Wisconsin workers.

The message, loud and clear from the feeble sound speakers and the strong show of solidarity, matched the invocation at the start of the vigil:

"As we applaud those in Egypt, Iran, Tunisia and Libya, who cried out against government oppression - oppression that seeks to deny their rights - let us also applaud those in Wisconsin and through out this land who seek to do the same."

More actions are planned for the week. MoveOn.org announced a call for "emergency rallies in front of every statehouse Saturday, Feb. 26 at noon, to stand together to save the American Dream."

USuncut is a group based on UKuncut to organize those "ready to help make corporate tax dodgers pay their fair share" also planning events for Feb. 26

Channel 1000 video: Solidarity for Wisconsin workers: candlelight vigil

Marion Millin on "Sacramento's Gem Up For Grabs"

2011-02-06T16:09:40Z

Yes, thanks, sorry to hear you were laid off. There is a lot of info available at the links. And you're right "others" -- in addition to the diligent and dedicated members of SARA and other groups -- need "recognize the problems affecting the parkway;" if it is to be preserved and if voters are asked to approve a plan in 2012. The idea is to preserve and depressurize the Parkway, by looking at the big picture of the parks system, serving the regional community as a whole. Creating a continuous parks/open space/farmland system, interconnected and accessible by non-motorized transportation is an inspired concept. There's nowhere else like it! Grass Roots Working Group for Adequate, Stable, Long Term Funding for Our Regional Parks and Open Space System http://www.sarariverwatch.org/grassroots.php Many other links and details there! And the opportunity to join or visit meetings of the Grassroots Working Group Option being considered: http://www.sarariverwatch.org/options.pdf

Marion Millin on "Sacramento's Gem Up For Grabs"

2011-02-02T07:12:01Z

GWG provided this info: In response to the comment, the County General Fund contribution to Regional Parks in FY 2005/2006 was $4.6 million. In FY 2009/2010 the General Fund Contribution was $2.1 million. Over the 12 year period from FY 1999/2000 through FY 2010/2011, the County General Fund contribution has ranged from a low of $2.1 million in FY 2009/2010 to a high of $6.0 million in FY 2001/2002 and averaged $4.5 million over the 12 year period.

Marion Millin on "Sacramento's Gem Up For Grabs"

2011-02-01T18:01:30Z

Thank you, Megan. The numbers are here, with graphs and pie charts. (Links and contacts in article) http://www.sarariverwatch.org/janet_baker.pdf http://www.sarariverwatch.org/grassroots.php http://www.sarariverwatch.org/Public_Presentation_Jan_8_2011.pdf http://www.sarariverwatch.org/budget_brochure.pdf Or, if you will, imagine a pie. Divide the pie into 100 pieces. That's about 1%. That was then. Now cut one of those hundredths into three pieces. That's what the Regional Parks System got last year. The "Crown Jewel of Sacramento" gets an even smaller portion of that one third of one hundredth slice of the pie. http://www.sarariverwatch.org/board.pdf WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Save the American River Association finds that: 1. The Regional Parks System is important to the quality of life and economic future of the residents of Sacramento County. 2. Preservation and protection of the American River Parkway requires a thriving, successful Regional Parks System. 3. Sacramento County government has been unable to provide adequate,long term, stable funding of the Regional Parks System. 4. Sacramento County government has the duty, which is on par with the other duties of the Board of Supervisors, to preserve the Regional Parks System assets that have been developed with taxpayer funds and donations and to protect these assets from damage. read more: http://www.sarariverwatch.org/board.pdf

Sacramento's Gem Up For Grabs

2011-02-01T07:54:22Z

We call it the Crown Jewel of Sacramento and are stingy about keeping it polished and protected. It generates an estimated $365,000,000 annually and more visits than Yosemite, yet it is underfunded and undervalued as a regional asset.

The American River Parkway provides our water, improves our air quality and supports diverse wildlife, including some of the last West Coast salmon runs. We go there to rest, recreate and reflect. The 23 mile stretch from Nimbus Dam to the confluence with the Sacramento River is officially designated as a Wild and Scenic River. It is the most heavily used recreation river in California.

TV news crews try to scare us silly when the river rises "near Flood Stage at the bottom of the Tower Bridge!" – just like it does every year. And every year, local media report that funding for the maintenance, health and safety of Sacramento's Jewel is in danger. The regional park system's share of Sacramento County's Discretionary General Fund went from 1.02% in 2005-06 to .36% in 2009-10.

How well do we appreciate and value the American River Parkway that is so central to our lives? What will it take to provide funding that makes the river safe, serene and secure, now and for future generations?

The Save The American River Association (SARA) had concluded that the best way to preserve the American River Parkway is to look at the bigger picture.

In response to devastating budget cuts and the possible dismantling of the Sacramento County Regional Parks and Open Space System by the County Board of Supervisors, SARA formed the Grassroots Working Group (GWG) in mid-2010.

The Group’s goal is to secure adequate, stable, long-term funding for operations, maintenance and expansion of the Regional Parks and Open Space System, which includes the American River Parkway, Cosumnes River Preserve, Deer Creek Hills, Dry Creek Parkway, Sacramento Delta Facilities and the Regional Parks at Mather, Elk Grove and Gibson Ranch.

According to SARA President, Warren V. Truitt, "The popularity of the American River Parkway – some 8,000,000 visits per year – now stresses Parkway capacity, especially during the warmer months. Therefore, SARA is supporting the effort to rescue our entire Regional Parks and Open Space System.”

The guiding vision of the Grassroots Working Group is a safe, accessible, well-maintained system of regional parks, farmland, open space and wild lands, linked by a non-motorized transportation network.

GWG's mission is to identify an appropriate structure to manage our regional parks and open space, coupled with a reliable funding stream for operations, maintenance, and expansion of the system.

In January, the Grassroots Working Group held a fundraiser at Rubicon Brewing Company on one of its “501(c) Wednesdays.” Rubicon's Glynn Phillips created this weekly event to benefit local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, by donating a portion of the day’s profits.

There is more GWG public outreach planned, with a Community Summit Meeting scheduled for March, 2011. Any planned ballot measures require approval in July 2012 to be on the November 2012 ballot.

To learn more about the Grassroots effort, including governance and funding options being studied, or to make a donation toward a public outreach and education campaign, visit www.sarariverwatch.org and click on the gold Grassroots Process button on the Home Page, or call (916) 482-2551.

http://www.sarariverwatch.org/
http://www.arpf.org
http://www.arnha.org/
http://www.sacbike.org/

Marion Millin on "Councilman walks out of chicken discussion"

2010-11-17T21:05:55Z

did he walk out or strut?

Marion Millin on "Get set to Rally for the Alley"

2010-11-10T05:13:38Z

Some fact checking: 1. "Under the leadership of Councilmember Cohn, the Alley Activation Alliance was formed to coordinate a private and public partnership to pool funds for the project." Cohn, City staff and private property owners collaborated as the Alley Activation COMMITTEE for two years. Once the construction project was in progress, the property owners formed the Alley Activation ALLIANCE, a 501c3, to seek additional funding. 2. "The project included replacement of a deteriorated 100-year-old water main and 100-year-old sewer main, along with maintenance holes, drain inlets, sewer and water services, and fire hydrants." The city reported that the water and sewer lines were 80 years old and in working condition, aged and currently functioning fine. The decision to invest in replacing them at this time, was made because the expensive paving project was planned; to avoid having to remove the new pavers, if and when the underground lines actually did need repair or replacement. 3. "Also added are solar lights and planters." Solar lights and planters were presented during the planning process as already paid for and included in the project (as they are in this article, also). However, that is not true. The Alley Activation 501c3 is seeking additional donations to pay for them, before they can be "added." 4. "The total project cost is approximately $455,000, paid for with water and sewer funds; a $100,000 block grant from the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency; $7,000 in local transportation funds; $13,000 from the Councilmember’s discretionary funds; $20,000 from the Midtown Business Association and $5,000 from Stitch Development." The $100,000 Community Development Block Grant was a federal government windfall that became available when a street lighting project came in under budget. It was devoted to this alley project, despite the needs of some District 3 streets that have inadequate street lighting and alleys that have no paving at all. Such a rare windfall cannot be considered normal or available to budget for any future development of Midtown alleys. http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/ A Sacrpress comment from Susanmcleod2: "I collected enough signatures for a neighborhood assessment for street lights for 57th Street and qualified for the matching funds, EXCEPT there wasn't enough money in the fund. I wish I could find the letter that said we would be in line for the street lights if more money came available. 57th Street between J and M has only one sorry street light, and it's above the tree canopy. It's a very dark street." http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/37624/Urban_Design_Alliance_Presenting_the_Pilot_Alley http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/19301/Council_District_3_100000_Christmas_Giveaway http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/14251/Shed_Some_Light_On_Alley_Activation

Marion Millin on "Urban Design Alliance: Presenting the Pilot Alley"

2010-11-01T16:20:29Z

Yes, although that aspect is never mentioned in any of the discussions. Traditional uses have been yards, gardens, garages, studios, a zone of quiet in the center of blocks more and more ringed on the outside by "significant cumulative impacts," as the California Environmental Quality Act puts it.

Marion Millin on "Is Sacramento world-class? "

2010-11-01T16:14:47Z

Sacramento is "historically rich, architecturally endowed and characteristically unique." And because we have developed differently and later than other cities (esp. in California), we have the luxury of space and a population that values our natural assets and perfect climate. Our artists -- who have been a vibrant force in Sacramento since its founding -- have largely focused on conveying that landscape and sense of place. Our residents and advocates have created "the Jewel of Sacramento," the American River Parkway and preserved other undeveloped locations; and are working to create protections and funding for the entire regional park system. Now we have the opportunity to protect that legacy and provide rare outdoor opportunities for the future (including those looking for a "destination"). http://www.msa2.saccounty.net/parks/Pages/default.aspx

Marion Millin on "New skyline"

2010-10-04T23:18:04Z

very nice, Kati

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-03T09:16:30Z

It's in the public record Brian. Yours are the statements that are unfounded and inflammatory, intended to defame. Here's a taste: After being shut down in Dec. 2006 by the County of Sacramento for selling retail without a permit and not complying with health standards in a location they applied for as being "Wholesale only, never need parking" and being helped by the City to reopen, Old Soul Co. did not have a business tax license on file with the City of Sacramento for over a year. The "honesty jar" took money, not opinions or "votes." The City Revenue Department has a procedure for that. "They weren't sure if something retail would even succeed on an alley." Their application for business in a space not used or zoned for retail claimed they were "Wholesale only, never need parking." Perhaps you overlooked the planning comments, regarding lack of required notification to the neighborhood. Perhaps you consider those laws "archaic, confusing, unhelpful, and counterproductive" "unfair or archaic leftovers from a bygone era" ?

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-03T09:05:31Z

Brian, since you advocate the importance of not "twisting words," for your convenience, here in Old Soul Co's own words from their intro statement and petition, where they claim to be: "Sacramento's local choice," "a successful local business that represents the true character of Sacramento" and "OLD SOUL CO. THE ONLY LOCAL CHOICE!!" The petition reads as if it is about having a local choice, while it presents Old Soul Co. as "the only local choice." From this article: "This is a decade-long contract,” Jordan said. “We feel like our bid was very strong, and we’re the locally owned choice at that.” “We’re not saying they got it dead-wrong,” Jordan said. “This one piece, though, there’s a better choice – a better overall decision that the airport can come to.” “Do we want to look like any other airport or reach for the highest, noblest version?” he asked. “It’s powerful, it’s a big deal, and we want to get this as right as we can.” Do you know what hubris is? "But the truth is that Old Soul Co has earned its seat at the concourse's table and as active citizens we should support its bid and help to change the process ever so slightly for the next deserving regionally inspired business." Ooops! Guess not! If you check the public record, if you know the real story, not the PR version, if you listen to (or read online) comments like Jennifer Stauf's you praised below, about how people are treated by the owners and some of the staff, you may reconsider what "represents the true character of Sacramento."

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-03T08:56:49Z

Brian, your "you and your friends" comment is an example of that "you're for us or against us" hubris. You assume there's some organized effort or those SacPress readers who don't share your boosterism of Old Soul must all know each other. The petition and other statements make it clear that OS claims to be not a choice, but the local choice. "Are you suggesting that every business that applied to be an airport concession and was rejected was established illegally?" No. That doesn't even make sense. Not sure how you got those words so twisted. I suggested: Old Soul Co. is a wonderful representative of everything that went wrong with cronyistic planning, non-permitting, non-compliance and disregard for the community, that occurred in recent years, and resulted in criminal investigations and the departure of the city manager and deveopment director, so their presence in the Natomas basin as the face of Sacramento would be most appropriate. Old Soul Co. are not the only one but they would make a fitting poster boy.

Marion Millin on "Managing 'hospitality zones'"

2010-10-03T08:41:53Z

Speaking of urination, the people being pissed on or pissed off here are those already engaged with RHI, Allison Harnden, "entertainment zones," Aja Uranga-Foster, MBA and the concepts in the article. No one mentioned the Midtown community task force work that has been ongoing -- paid for by the City of Sacramento and including city staff, ABC, residents and business owners, with the very same company, consultant and MBA representative.

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-03T07:40:40Z

ignorance is bliss ;>)

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-03T06:58:17Z

Zen's comment about "cranking out as fast" goes back to a main concern for anyone selecting a vendor: quality and consistency of product, as well as consistency of service and business compliance with (rather than justification for abuse of) regulation.

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-02T03:04:30Z

Found this doing background for the recent Alley Activation ADA presentation: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11889/City_Council_praises_plans_to_develop_alleys August 12, 2009 | 10:26 PM "...another sanitized development like a "lifestyle center" reminds me of going out on Second Saturday. In and around the thick of it at 20th and J, it's impossible not to feel that Second Saturday and Midtown are being turned into a mall. Sacramento trying too hard to outrun its "inferiority complex," frantically HAVING FUN NOW with overstimulation, a cacaphony of STUFF. There are other places for that. Midtown as a resource is squandered if it becomes that generic and hyperactive. The comparison many are making is with the Thursday Night Market, which brought diverse Sacramentans downtown, succeeded to a point, had some "incidents," a resultant overkill of enforcement presence and got shut down altogether. One "character" of the alleys that is not reflected in the boosters' plans or City Staff Reports is their function in Midtown neighborhoods as a zone of peace and quiet, gardens and trees. This is even more valuable in an area like 18th and Capitol where the streets have been overimpacted with businesses and intentionally "underparked" by the City, displacing residents and disrupting the quality of life. Many neighbors at 18th and Capitol don't need or want their alley any more "activated." And this is not one of the more smelly and scary alleys in Midtown, no matter what the detractors claim. However, the well-connected businesses and property owners have established their footholds and have decreed that their properties are where the City's pilot "Alley Activation" will occur. The proposed alleys for prettification and a condo, between L and Capitol, 17th and 18th, are test case for good concepts that fit with the City's General Plan, density and Sustainability goals. They also just happen to be where the key people on the committee, recommending the pilot alleys, own property and businesses themselves. The complaints Sandy Sheedy may be noting from existing business and resident neighbors are: 1. being completely disregarded and left out of the process. 2. being subjected to major problems regarding noise, garbage, crime. drunken bar/"restaurant" patron disruptions, parking and other issues, caused by businesses establishing themselves in the alley by not complying with laws, intended to make this sort of high density, mixed use successful. 3. being treated as if resident and business neighbors are the problem while the business lawbreakers rule. 4. That pesky aspect of cronyism mentioned above -- the same lawbreakers rule, not only the alleys, but the City's decision-making and next step in where Alley Activation will happen -- and they will directly profit from it. There is a lot that can go right with Alley Activation. There is a lot that has been done wrong (including illegally) enabled by City leaders, in the way these alleys have already been developed in the past few years. The City of Sacramento has already heard from residents that the City can't violate the laws, allow the new businesses to do the same, claim the results as a success and then promote it as a template for future Alley Activation in other neighborhoods. Guess what? That's exactly what they're doing. So, do other neighborhoods roll over and the VIP marauders take over? Does the City change City codes, so what they've already allowed scofflaw developers to do becomes legal? They can't change the County and State laws that have been violated. What then? Or does Alley Activation provide an opportunity to do things right and learn, from the illegal lessons of recent examples of how NOT to produce well-integrated mixed use, sustainable development?

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-02T02:56:04Z

Why should businesses that establish themselves illegally be favored and held up as representative of Sacramento? Why would Old Soul Co. present themselves, not as A local option, but as THE local option? Their penultimate arrogance and tone deaf "you're for us or against us" hubris shall be their downfall.

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-02T02:47:46Z

Zen may be one of the invested.

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-02T02:42:06Z

What story do you want told, Brian? The PR version or the real one (on the public record and online). "1. igniting an alleyway that has stimulated a re-imagination of what our 500 alleys might become one day after being ignored & overlooked as social space in a tight urban environment that requires more room for healthy density and new uses---witness Julie Young & Alley Activation Alliance with the Midtown Pilot Alley" "Igniting" is a good word for what they have done, burning through every possible regulation under every possible jurisdiction and all the good will they might have even attempted - and never did, including with legally required notification at the planning stage - to build with their actual neighbors in the alley, rather than all the abuses of regulation and good will, from the "honesty jar" days mentioned below and continuing with non-compliance to this day. Oh and 2 and 3? 2. Taking over a longtime Midtown instituion and aggressively driving out the existing regular clientele, importing their tradition of non-compliance from the alley? 3. Using their network of cronyistic connections to be subsidized into another location? LOL Yup. Old Soul Co. is a wonderful representative of everything that went wrong with cronyistic planning, non-permitting, non-compliance and disregard for the community, that occurred in recent years, and resulted in criminal investigations and the departure of the city manager and deveopment director, so their presence in the Natomas basin as the face of Sacramento would be most appropriate.

Marion Millin on "Old Soul Co. petitions for airport slot"

2010-10-02T01:45:40Z

is the airport looking for consistent product and service? or compliance with regulations? both are not part of OS's "story" (the real story, the public record and online, not the PR version) and may be relevant to representing Sacramento and the International Airport.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-28T06:01:38Z

Ben, your initial point was well put. "It is not a disaster or a fiasco or a result of poor leadership. Instead it seems like a smart decision by one of the parties involved after due consideration. Much better in my opinion than starting something and halting it halfway through." "Was this the right solution? Apparently not. Was it wrong to pursue a solution, study it and come to a decision? Not at all." Yes it was studied but not in the sense in the quote that dshore22 posted. "There has never been a public airing of a needs assessment, if one was ever done to begin with. There were merely nebulous assertions of inadequacy by them, accompanied by their boosterist surrogates, with not one whit of substantiation. Kamilos’ own engineers stated ARCO had ‘good bones', and its original architect suggested the same and even wished to participate in a renovation, should that be a chosen course. There was also little or no strategic consideration of alternatives, which is a planning convention, with equal weight lent to each alternative, including the alternative of doing nothing, and similarly there was little if any public discussion on this." As you said: "In technology we fail fast. That way you don't commit resources to a project that won't bear fruit." and from your comment below: "I am not saying that taxpayers should foot the bill (open question) but there is no denying that ARCO isnot suitable for the NBA. It just isn't close to mediocre by professional standards." Part of the issue is that the builders of the arena were thinking short term. The building had planned obsolescence built in. It's only 20 some years old. Now it's obsolete? Even though it has "good bones"? It's "obsolete" because ALL the teams and sports and land profiteers want to be ALL treated like Kings? Really. Whatever is built, let it "commit resources" to a public facility that will stand the test of time, not just be a stepping stone for private profits.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-28T05:47:16Z

You're right, Ben, I did make a joke with the word king, but please don't be confused about my meaning. "The "boosterists" have stated in the media that ARCO is not suitable for today's NBA luxury standards for skyboxes and team areas." I understand that these are current sports industry standards "luxury suites and the ability of a team to trade those assets for marketing and other promotional bumps is very important - as are quality concessions to sell more food and durable goods." We're talking about the same thing. The difference may perspectives on whether monumental community planning and resource decisions ought to be driven by the exorbitant standards of uber-rich ball- and real estate players. "The only luxury for the public will be being able to afford tickets, refreshments and maybe a T shirt." Quality? Durable? Is that the reason for gouging people for tickets, food, drinks and souvenirs? Or is the real goal to subsidize these exorbitant salaries and expected amenities for the luxury set? In this economy? Really. If a deal and plan was offered that honestly benefited the community in the long term, rather than hinged on whether we agree to endorse and pay for the lifestyles of the rich and famous, more people might be in favor of it.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-27T22:47:34Z

dshore22. It's good, isn't it, that the Cal Expo board acknowledged that it's not a good deal? The "boosterists" have stated in the media that ARCO is not suitable for today's NBA luxury standards for skyboxes and team areas. They are Kings, after all. The only luxury for the public will be being able to afford tickets, refreshments and maybe a T shirt.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-27T20:56:55Z

Wow wouldn't it be cool if the Maloofs had gobs of money to throw at this?

Marion Millin on "Midtown residents, business owners offer solutions for Second Saturday"

2010-09-27T20:51:18Z

where we gonna get all that sand?

Marion Millin on "Midtown residents, business owners offer solutions for Second Saturday"

2010-09-27T20:50:46Z

"It’s always and only about Midtown with Steve Cohn." That's not true. And Midtown (and downtown) may be considered the soul of Sacramento because it is the historic city civic/business/shopping/entertainment center, containing the preserved (thank you longtime neighborhood activists/residents/business owners), culture of a central, walkable, mixed use, sustainable and historic way of life that is now so attractive (and lucrative). This history, architecture and way of life is reflected in the surrounding neighborhoods, including East Sac in District 3. Midtown can handle a certain level of entertainment development if it is well-managed and maintains quality of life. Events and businesses need to be placed in appropriate venues and settings. This goes back to planning and city management decisions. Some of the activities and crowds can be spread out on different days in different locations. It's unfortunate that someone (else) had to die before neighborhood impacts were taken seriously.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-26T02:29:26Z

why would you argue, when that's the point? just for the sake of it? except Fargo was not in charge.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-26T02:27:51Z

Hunnicutt, renovate Arco or build on the open site across the parking lot like other cities do. No reason for you to assume there won't be any venue at all.

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-25T20:19:08Z

Natomas was the cash cow, now built out. The arena was the nucleus for that development. The American River Parkway and Bushy Lake adjacent to Cal Expo is protected by local, state and federal Wild and Scenic River status.

Marion Millin on "Nirvana bassist talks politics, social networking"

2010-09-25T14:56:59Z

Excellent coverage, Steven. Thanks for being there with your camera and capturing a significant Sacramento event. It was great to see all the old and new fans, students, kids and future voters connect on these issues, around someone who has the cache of being Nirvana's bassist and also is "not an expert," who got involved in his community, his state and its political structure and encourages others to do it too!!

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-25T14:24:46Z

Building a luxury facility for exorbitantly paid athletes to play games that the people can't afford to go watch, makes us a banana republic.

Marion Millin on "Nirvana bassist talks politics, social networking"

2010-09-25T06:41:09Z

loved seeing the young man meet Krist Noveselic ....

Marion Millin on "Fair officials say no to arena deal"

2010-09-25T04:28:45Z

Gloryoski

Marion Millin on "Cal Expo: No arena deal"

2010-09-25T04:26:20Z

Okay, so wait. The Natomas cash cow eventually went dry and local/national sports/real estate interests need a new public trough to feed at, preferably the centrally located sweet spot on the river with all that open space, river breezes and environmentally protected riparian habitat to exploit, with help from SoCal Disneyfiers, while banishing the public's historic State Fair into the dumpy, transit challenged flood basin and shoving an NBA skybox palace into the downtown railyards, is NOT a slam dunk win win? Who'd a thunk it? Thank you to the Cal Expo board for putting the public and state's best interest at the forefront. As for "visionmaking," I propose that Cal Expo remain the State Fair and become a hub for regional (and beyond) public transit and an environmentally sustainable business incubator campus. The fair and the Green Center -- call it Cal Eco -- could share use of a river-oriented, environmental and water-resource education center. Development would have to stay inside the levees though. We already fought the Bushy Lake parking lot battle in the 90's and don't want to have to do that again. This plan could meet the City of Sacramento's General Plan focus on sustainability, the Governor and Mayor's interest in green issues, the public interest and the need for regional (and beyond) transit; while stimulating State Fair, local tax and tourist revenues. We don't need Southern California or Abu Dhabi U.A.E.'s vision for Sacramento.

Urban Design Alliance: Presenting the Pilot Alley

2010-09-25T02:44:43Z

Piped, paved and delivered. Well, almost. Underground work for what proponents call "Alley Activation" is complete.

The Urban Design Alliance's Fourth Wednesday dialogue topic was “Delivery of the Midtown Pilot Alley.”

Guest speakers were Julie Young, co-chair of the Alley Activation Committee and Disctrict 3 City Council Member Steve Cohn. Greg Taylor of UDA and Dustin Litrell hosted the free event at the downtown office of the American Institute of Architects.

The Alley Activation private/public works project has excavated the alley between 17th, 18th and L streets and Capitol Avenue. City water pipes and sewer lines have been replaced. The next step is application of permeable pavers to the alley surface.

The Alley Activation Committee plans for the pilot alley to be "delivered" Oct. 20. A celebration will be held Nov. 13.

A handout on the pilot alley project states, "This alley is an open-source template for future activation of the city's many neglected alleys and small urban spaces."

A crowd of about 30 design and planning enthusiasts heard Julie Young describe the process and Mr. Cohn promote "imagining" and naming alleys. A lively discussion moderated by Brian Fischer of Midtown Grid followed their presentation.

Both speakers made it clear that "all this project did is lay out the infrastructure." This first step was "pipes and pavers," as Cohn put it.

Young, who owns a lot next to The Press (formerly Dragonfly) at 1813 Capitol Avenue, plans to build a luxury lofts project, which is currently on hold.

She described how real estate values decrease from the frontage to the rear of the lot. Properties that face Midtown's lettered streets (Capitol once was "M") measure 160 feet by 40 feet and are called "deep lots."

Three years ago, when "parking became an issue" for her luxury lofts project, Young said she wondered why more people weren't using the East End parking garage. This garage is currently owned by the state of California and leased to the city of Sacramento at night and on weekends.

Her idea was to pave and beautify the alley, where she said "the presumption was that alleys are a place for garbage to reside."

This would potentially direct more people to the East End parking garage entrance at the end of the alley.

Cohn pointed out that the city's revised general plan has new incentives for adding more residential units on the back of lots, rather than the traditional single unit.

One of the possible themes that Cohn proposed for naming the alleys is based on Sacramento's sister cities and other international city names. Each alley name will start with the letter of the street it is directly north of.

Cohn said that said that naming alleys is important because the current system makes it difficult to describe locations for police and fire departments, code enforcement and solid waste haulers.

The presenters were asked what makes an alley viable for activation.

Young responded that the age of the infrastructure, parking and existing uses, make some locations more viable than others. She and Jeremy Drucker, owner of the Stitch condo under construction facing the "pilot alley," paid for a private study identifying 41 potential alleys within the Midtown Property and Business Improvement District (PBID). Drucker was also co-chair of the Alley Activation Committee.

Alley Activation proponents dismiss the historic utilitarian nature of alleys and consider them "wasted space" or as Cohn said "just a place to dump garbage."

The stripped down "pipes and pavers" version of Alley Activation being delivered in October does not include solutions for garbage and recycling dumpsters or chronic issues with traffic and parking congestion in the pilot alley.

"What we have now is a free-for-all" with multiple garbage hauling companies; a situation that is "not efficient, not aesthetic and not neighborly," Cohn said.

An idea for the city to contract with one franchise would have to be approved by the Sacramento County Solid Waste Authority (SWA). There also could be future requirements for what garbage receptacles look like.

Another audience question addressed this sort of continuity. A person who asked whether any corporate sponsors had come forward to fund Alley Activation amenities, also asked about design standards that would provide some variation and maintain character.

Young clarified that the former joint city/private Alley Activation Committee became the Alley Activation Alliance non-profit group, so that they may accept private and business funding.

When asked about funding for other potentially "activated" alleys, Cohn stated that funding from sponsorships only goes so far. He said the "half a million" price tag for the target alley was impacted by the replacement of the water and sewer lines, which was not anticipated. The estimated cost for surface improvements is $150,000.

The decision to replace functioning 80 year old water and sewer lines now, was so that potential need for future replacement would not require removal of the permeable pavers.

The pilot alley also received a $100,000 windfall of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

The Alley Activation Alliance is accepting donations for "street furniture and amenities." It cites a need for 12 tree planters costing $1,750 each and 15 solar lights costing $750 each. Donations will be recognized with a name plaque on the item.

Young also announced working on an Alley Activation book titled "How We Got it Done." It will be a record of "problem solving in a public environment."

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-21T20:35:57Z

DWB, it is YOUR inference that "vandalism is being equated with murder." No one is doing that. Your accusation is a tidy way to further silence and marginalize those who have been dealing with these issues for a long time; whose lives are impacted in ways far beyond your dismissive assumptions; people who are concerned about the whole community and others who may be harmed by -- yes, vandalism and the climate that fosters it -- crime, assault, rape, loss of livability or loss of life. You have a right to your opinion and a powerful platform to express it. We appreciate the opportunity to also express here. However, your trivialization of the realities of the issues and concerns and your attacks on those you judge guilty of "hyperbole," ARE "offensive" and harmful; to those whose crucial issues have been continuously trivialized, "impugned" and marginalized by the powerful forces in charge of creating the toxic -- frequently illegal or unenforced -- bar business climate and its impacts; along with their pals in local media. That's one reason so many seem unaware that many of us have been working with city and business leaders for years on what is being called for now: "The issues of" (nightlife and) "Second Saturday obviously need to be addressed."

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday: A Tragedy Waiting to Happen Can Anything Be Done To Save It?"

2010-09-18T18:42:20Z

DWB: perhaps "mastermind" is not too strong a word. At the time it seemed less snarky than quote "visionary." Some snark may be appropriate when people are being driven out of their homes (which you consider "responsible"?), in neighborhoods they were instrumental in maintaining; while the same forces that brought development with disregard and destruction, also managed to bury the background, away from the public eye and marginalize those who spoke out.

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-18T17:53:29Z

DWB wrote: "But seriously, I DO think that Bill's solution - moving his home to a more copacetic location AND staying involved in the central city - IS responsible. It recognized reality and adjusted to it. We adjust to life, life doesn't adjust to us. Bill and John Paul were among those who had dinner the other evening here at SacPress, and he declared himself very happy not to be living in the "war zone" anymore." The point is that the decision was not made to be "responsible" and "adjust to life" but as a last resort, after decades of active involvement in their community on these and other issues that affect quality of life in Sacramento. "Move to a neighborhood that makes you happy! Life is too short to spend one's life in constant battle with reality, isn't it? If you don't like where you live, if you don't like your neighbors (including businesses), if you find people coming to your neighborhood distasteful, find a neighborhood that suits you." This simplistic and patronizing portrayal overlooks the main factor at work here: most of he actions, that neighboring residents and businesses have every right to challenge -- whether done by city/business leaders or businesses/developers and their customers -- have been ILLEGAL. How does that fit into your "survival of the pushiest" logic for livability in the central city? If you like it, invite these high-powered forces who get away with murder over to Alkali Flats. Might want to move the marguerites. Maybe when you have been in the thick of it, you won't object to descriptive language that you now consider "apocalyptic." Isn't being driven out of the vintage home and neighborhood they devoted their lives to preserving and maintaining, sorta apocalypticky? Driven by monied forces that forced them out by committing illegal management and business practices? Despite all the work they did with local leaders to find solutions for the whole community, before another person died?

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-18T16:52:29Z

Okay David. Perhaps what you fail to see is the equivalent "a LOT of time, energy, money, creativity and love into making this town a better place" by residents, business owners, public employees, home owners, renters, homeowners who own businesses, advocates, neighborhood groups and whoever else you are not presenting on your side of the equation. One big problem has been an imbalance of media coverage, which SacPress partially addresses, for which the community of citizen journalists and readers thank Sacramento Press. "I think saying things like "widespread and non-stop trash, urine, vomit, graffiti" is simply inaccurate. It's NOT non-stop, and it's not particularly widespread. It's a limited problem in a relatively small area." Oh really. You're going to split semantic hairs because one residence doesn't have a "non-stop" onslaught of trash, urine, vomit and graffii? If you lived there and it was merely an interval of every-Wednesday-thru-Sunday or every-Second-Saturday, would that seem valid? Given the city and business policies that create these circumstances, what reasonable expectations should residents have for the equation of how much disruption/vandalism/crime residents should expect in order to support SOME business' profits, who abuse the neighborhoods but "put a lot on the line"? Again, this is where the underreporting of traditional media and the marginalization of neighborhood concerns/reports/representatives is oh so powerful. Which is why the presence of SacPress as a vehicle for citizen journalism offers healthy and valuable alternatives. "As for "unscrupulous," I'm curious what and who EXACTLY you're referring to." If you don't know, that's encouraging.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday: A Tragedy Waiting to Happen Can Anything Be Done To Save It?"

2010-09-18T16:26:23Z

Strong piece, Bill. Very complete backgrounder for those unaware of the (recent) history. One thing that's become apparent in various discussions is that many folks are unaware of this background; which is because the local traditional media has done such a good job of underreporting crimes, dismissing legitimate concerns of impacted residents/businesses and marginalizing those people who bring the subject to light. It was a surprise to see that The Sacramento Bee is represented on the MBA Board: B Street Theatre, Zocalo Restaurant, Priority Parking, Paesano's Pizzeria, Bows and Arrows, Mulvaneys B & L, Paragary's Restaurant Group, Faces Nightclub/Head Hunters/Club 21, Banks & Watson Attorneys, Sotiris Kolokotronis | SKK Developments, Holloway Land Company, LDR Partners (real estate), Joseph Ehly Real Estate Brokerage, Pappas Investments, MMS Strategies (lobbyists), Capitol Area Development Authority, Sacramento Bee, Sutter Health, Sacramento Regional Transit, WEAVE, Inc., Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, Department of General Services, County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Councilmember Steve Cohn | City of Sacramento, Mayor Kevin Johnson The quote in the piece you linked, I borrowed from SacPress and it's really lovely. http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/13597/Second_Saturday_Michael_Himovitz_Dedication "He was very passionate about what he did," Lucas Himovitz said. "He wanted to educate and connect people through discussing art. He really helped to bring more art awareness to Sacramento." On the open discussion on Midtown Monthly, someone asked, "What would Michael Himovitz do?" I've been thinking about that. He had such a warm, generous spirit. He probably would have laughed that raucous, raspy laugh at some of the 21st century pretentions and (branding) strategies. He might have embraced all the social media. One reason 2nd Sat started was just to get the galleries more visible in the local (print) press. Yet, it was always about the art and the artists. The work he selected was rich and delightful and somewhat challenging; MEANT for the masses. He introduced Second Saturday at a time when the general public was somewhat intimidated in galleries and expected to be talked down to by art dealers or tricked to buy something expensive. Michael might be shocked to see how far in the opposite direction the regard the public has for art has gone. Ultimately, the idea was to use art, not alcohol, to bring people downtown.

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-18T01:16:46Z

DWB http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/37288/Community_Brainstorm_Second_Saturday_Solutions

Marion Millin on "Community Brainstorm: Second Saturday Solutions"

2010-09-18T01:07:14Z

Thanks William. What can be done to get more attendance at the meetings? Or even more awareness that they are occurring? The bars' intercommunication seems a good plan. It suggests that they - as a body - become more engaged with the behavior of their customers AFTER leaving the bar or nightclupretendingtobearestaraunt. It's interesting talking to folks who have lived in cities back east, where the integration of mixed use -- business and residential -- was more historic and gradual, than the last decade's explosion in Midtown. One of my neighbors (who has actually come to several of the cit/yMBA task force meetings -- thank you, Steven!!!!!!!!) is a fierce advocate for a very simple concept he says is basic and common in NYC and elsewhere: REVERSE GREETERS! Steven says the business owner or manager is at the door at the end of the evening, thanking customers, wishing them well, noting their sobriety level and REMINDING THEM THAT THEY ARE EXITING INTO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. What many of those, who haven't experienced, don't understand it is, Midtown (particularly certain neighborhoods, hence the term "OVERCONCENTRATION") has been under assault for several years (and yes there is a public record) from (some of) those who own and operate and patronize recently established Midtown watering holes, who don't CARE AT ALL about the fact that they are EXITING INTO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. On top of disturbing the peace and vandalization. some commit worse crimes. They also keep other Sacramentans out of Midtown, out of those businesses that aren't just All About The Booze,

Marion Millin on "311 call center to scale back service two days each month"

2010-09-17T23:16:15Z

Great story, Casey. They are very well trained and it's not easy to do what they do when sometimes people do have to wait on hold forever to get thru.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday: A Tragedy Waiting to Happen Can Anything Be Done To Save It?"

2010-09-17T23:13:27Z

Agreed, Ben. The bar scene attracts young people and Midtown has always attracted young people because that's where the interesting shops and art and MUSIC were.

Marion Millin on "311 call center to scale back service two days each month"

2010-09-17T20:46:26Z

Gina and her staff do an excellent job. It would help all concerned if the City of Sacramento's web site were less (notoriously) impenetrable and allowed folks to find info online, saving that many phone calls to 311.

Community Brainstorm: Second Saturday Solutions

2010-09-17T20:28:07Z

Victor Zavala will not be a martyr but he will be remembered. The shooting that injured three people and caused his death has been a catalyst for a community discussion of social, cultural and political issues.

When we are through discussing our differences, we may discuss what we have in common: our love for the history and beauty of our central city, rivers, climate and region; our pride in our diverse population and our commitment to continue to grow Sacramento into a wonderful place to live, work, play and visit.

The recent tragedy and ensuing community conversation has many aspects. Some are contentious and difficult to deal with. An open community meeting has been scheduled to discuss these issues later this month.

In the meantime, the call for solutions continues. If we, as a community, share our ideas, as fantastic as they might be, it may help the leaders and policy makers get a spark of an idea that could become reality.

Let's use this space to brainstorm and visualize some possible alterations to the Midtown and Second Saturday overgrowth of converging events, to spread the good parts and ease up some of the bad ones.

Please reply with your ideas, as solid, serious, silly, imaginative or fantastic (or not currently budgeted) as they may be:

Here's a start:

Spread Second Saturday out in space and in time, across the city and throughout the days of the month

Link clusters of galleries associated with one time period of gallery hopping and use RT shuttles to interconnect them (possibly from East Sac to Midtown to the downtown core ... and beyond)

Show films on outdoor walls in different parts of town during good weather (most of the year, here)

Create a community arts center as a hub for events, art shows, shops and performances

De-emphasize alcohol use and offer attractions for all ages and income levels of our broad population

Bring back Thursday Night Market to the K Street Mall

Use empty storefronts on the K Street Mall for art shows and installations

Require people crossing J Street illegally at 20th Street to stop and have their face painted first

Include kids crafts booths on Second Saturday and street fairs

Spread arts opportunities and gallery outreach into other neighborhoods

Feature live painting demonstrations

Develop yearly art auction to cover some of the costs

Generate jobs with some of these ideas so people aren't so desperate to get drunk or violent to deal with anxiety

Ask the Kings to pay their loan back immediately; use the money for the arts

Use the gorgeous new river promenade for regular art displays

Include more of the public in decisions made by city and business leaders

Have artists paint Porta Potties and trash cans

Create a gallery or shows specifically for area art students

______ add your ideas please ______

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-17T18:56:06Z

" ...people have always been in Midtown. I would argue that the area became safer and a place to be once businesses did come back." "Street parties are in Midtown because the urban design aspects make for a better atmosphere and the popular businesses that create some of these events reside in Midtown." "Additionally there are plenty of large events/street closures, with alcohol or not, the happen all over the central city not just in Midtown." "To host a community-wide celebration of Midtown Sacramento's diverse mixology community; a week of both celebration and education of responsible cocktail culture." Only time for: these are disingenuous comments.

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-17T17:24:04Z

Bill, this has really brought the community together, to find solutions to regional issues. Even though so many seem unaware that city management, policies and council and business group decisions create the stage that this drama has played out on, let's all turn toward Roseville and blow a big kiss to the mastermind (zen?) who is looking down on his legacy in Midtown.

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-17T17:13:09Z

Jon, the great thing about the Memory Hole -- you read "1984," right? is that things go down it and disappear forever. The background that you and many others are apparently oblivious of in these discussions is relevant to where we are now. It's not all you-alls fault -- the conventional media has done a good job of keeping relevant issues and voices that didn't toe the city/business PR line "in the shadows" and marginalized. It is a shame though, that there is a complete avoidance of the fact that a task force on these issues exists and has been working for over a year. I didn't reply to your comment/question in another article because the difference in background info seemed too steep. (I didn't know what to say ;>) ). You are not the only one whose point of view begins at your own point of arrival in Midtown. And some developers have said that nothing was happening here before they arrived and quote "evolution began" with their presence. I did notice that you are a SacPress intern, so as a journalist you may want to look into that background, if you can find it. There was a three week series on these issues published in the Bee app. 4 years ago. Their links expire after one year. I inquired about accessing those files but got no reply. Some of it it is right here on SacPress. There are also some links in another piece I published here on the topic. It is an Open Letter to the City Council and contains a running list of solutions that had been presented at the time of publication. Even as scratch paper, maybe that list could be used and altered to "help with resolutions." http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/37103/Second_Saturday_Synergy_20

Marion Millin on "Opinion: Let's drop the ugly equivalence "

2010-09-17T03:36:10Z

Wow. Breton put what you're saying into three. simple. words.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday meeting set "

2010-09-17T01:56:54Z

The MBA 2010 Board of Directors are owners or representatives of: B Street Theatre, Zocalo Restaurant, Priority Parking, Paesano's Pizzeria, Bows and Arrows, Mulvaneys B & L, Paragary's Restaurant Group, Faces Nightclub/Head Hunters/Club 21, Banks & Watson Attorneys, Sotiris Kolokotronis | SKK Developments, Holloway Land Company, LDR Partners (real estate), Joseph Ehly Real Estate Brokerage, Pappas Investments, MMS Strategies (lobbyists), Capitol Area Development Authority, Sacramento Bee, Sutter Health, Sacramento Regional Transit, WEAVE, Inc., Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, Department of General Services, County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Councilmember Steve Cohn | City of Sacramento, Mayor Kevin Johnson

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-17T00:26:29Z

We'll always have Le Petit Paris .... oh wait ---

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T23:38:09Z

Hello Zen, you presented "The Parrhesiac's" topic slightly more peacefully, didn't you? I wouldn't agree the issue was "left out" but it wasn't hammered either and maybe required some reading between the lines that "The Parrhesiac" would not do. This piece was sent as an open letter to the City Council, intentionally stripped down to a peaceful discussion and list of potential solutions, including these relevant to "the criminal element": -- incorporating the existing and ongoing city/resident/business task force work on Midtown night life and Second Saturday issues -- new city management and planning for sustainable development to "bring people downtown" while maintaining quality of life aka livability -- recently implemented plans to enforce the 10:00 p.m. curfew, open 20th Street between J and K (and enforce traffic laws for crossing J Street?) and provide additional police presence on Second Saturday "In reality, this incident had nothing to do with Second Saturday; it has everything to do with a prevalent subculture of gangs & violence." That's not reality. As you noted "this act of violence occurred does have a correlation to Second Saturday." Wherever we each place different values on different aspects of this, certainly the size of the loitering Second Saturday crowd at that hour had something to do with the fact that the police were inside the business and outside on either side of the business and the shooter got away undetected. It seems like looking at all the aspects of the reality of the situation will help us "learn and grow together as community from this event ." On the other hand, "The Parrhesiac" has strong views on "a prevalent subculture of gangs & violence," which maybe s/he will write about on SacPress one day.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T22:44:07Z

Mike W, you may disagree, but it's still a fact: "Please do not overlook the fact, that the reason that Second Saturday the time and Midtown the place, became the current ground zero for this behavior is city and business management POLICIES over the last several years, that intentionally created an overwhelming climate of singles bar and drunken street partying in Midtown neighborhoods." There is history here and a public record, much of it on SacPress, if you want to be more informed. If you want to participate in meetings and help build solutions, that would be great too. I understand the point you are making and it's agreed. You are missing the bigger picture, which is what my statement was about. "I would hate to lose any of it because of an isolated event" just presents more false choices and assumptions. You may notice at the top of the list of possibilities, "A Second Saturday Synergy 2.0 may include," a reference to work that is already being done and NEW city management which presents an opportunity to NOT continue the short-sighted, unsustainable policies I mentioned. This serves the community as a whole, not just drunks and disruptors or "the criminal element." " -- incorporating the existing and ongoing city/resident/business task force work on Midtown night life and Second Saturday issues " -- new city management and planning for sustainable development to "bring people downtown" while maintaining quality of life aka livability" Also, something at the end of the list that will serve the whole community, in the spirit you brought up. It will level out the demands on Midtown businesses, rather than some having to jump through all sorts of time- and money-consuming hoops, while other businesses get away with ... illegal behavior, reflected in their operation and the behavior of their customers and impacting residential neighborhoods. " -- challenging over-emphasis on singles bar scene, "drunkfests" and street closures as a Midtown draw - including on Second Saturday " -- requiring existing "nightlife" businesses to prove compliance with existing codes, noise ordinances and conditions of city Entertainment Permits and state ABC permits"

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday meeting set "

2010-09-16T17:37:11Z

Here here!

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T17:25:59Z

thanks for your comment, cogmeyer. points well taken. Please do not overlook the fact, that the reason that Second Saturday the time and Midtown the place, became the current ground zero for this behavior is city and business management policies over the last several years, that intentionally created an overwhelming climate of singles bar and drunken street partying in Midtown neighborhoods. Residents and neighborhoods have been working diligently with city and business leaders to try to maintain quality of life and address problems BEFORE Second Saturday reached the level that it would be shut down as Thursday Night Market was.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T16:59:11Z

Maybe the officials who are currently so focused on separating out all the various factors as if they are independent of each other, ought to recognize there is Second Saturday the (former) Art Walk and Second Saturday the Street Fair. Maintain an art reception event where the galleries are and take the street fair to another time and/or another place altogether.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T16:10:56Z

"Tell me what a task force or a "community meeting," or "other constructive means," is going to do to reduce violence - please, I'm dying to hear. " There is violence expressed in your attitudes and comments. Start where you are to reduce violence. " ... to deal with the medias manufactured and/or naturally evolved gang/violent subcultures that exist in America ..." If you were engaged with your community on these issues, one benefit might be a more informed awareness of the causes and circumstances of these "subcultures." You might come to view others as people, rather than distance yourself behind the notion that these "subcultures" are "medias manufactured and/or naturally evolved" cartoon characters. "I really want to hear - from ANYONE how to stop, reduce or reverse a culture of gang violence... good luck - oh and even if you had a decent solution, it will never happen in this country." You have again insisted on making the thread about your focus, rather than engaging with what the article actually says. If you feel so strongly and don't want to cooperate with others, maybe you can write your own article and start your own discussion. You will surely find voices here that will help educate you on "how to stop, reduce or reverse a culture of gang violence" and the fact that it was not created by "the media."

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T06:54:48Z

Lori, thank you so much for your comments and for engaging with your students on this. Clearly they trust you enough to be honest about what's going on. As striking as your descriptions are, the first thing that comes to mind is: these kids need something to do. Rather than demonize youth and expend all their energy shifting blame or avoiding liability/responsibility for conditions their policies created .............. what if those "local electeds and community and business leaders" saw an opportunity for creative ideas about developing more family oriented events and cultural opportunities, that gave those underage more options than finding free booze on the street or looking forward to when they turn 21 to come to Midtown to get drunk and disorderly in the bars. This tragic event, the injuries and death, provided an opportunity for leadership. It looks like it's up to the community to help the leaders find some vision and imagination to break out of their dependence on alcohol as the only way to "bring people downtown."

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-16T00:17:13Z

The Parrhesiac -- your certainty that a man died in "an incident unrelated to when and where it happened to take place" is no more convincing than when it's made on TV by local leaders. Your rant in this thread is also "unrelated to when and where it happened to take place." You're right, nothing is going to change unless closed minds (apparent since you didn't respond to the actual article, just went off) like yours open up and you join "our society" in creating a better way, whether it is on a dreaded "task force" or community meeting or other constructive means.

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-15T22:55:21Z

I did look for an image to include and was unsuccessful in doing so. I have written in this piece and in others, making it very clear my concern about the victims and about contributing to solutions that benefit the whole community. Perhaps you could help by working on your own contributions to Sacramento Press or the ongoing meetings on these issues.

Marion Millin on "Handful of citizens address Second Saturday issues at council meeting"

2010-09-15T22:32:10Z

Rhonda. So Steve Cohn tells us that a shooting is not uncommon and that the thousands of (many drunk) people clogging the streets before and after Second Saturday, all those roving or standing mobs of people were all just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Gee, a lot of focus on Second Saturday when it was just a coincidence that all those people were in front of that bar and in the area, blocking the view of the officers at both ends of the block and inside the bar, when someone got shot ... Riiiiiiiiiiiiight. Who's zoomin' who here? This occurred after warnings from neighborhoods that August's event was a powderkeg waiting to blow. Yes, youth violence needs to be addressed. Yes, it's a city-wide problem. Yes, some of us wonder how youth and families in other neighborhoods are doing when a dozen police officers are tied to one Midtown intersection (directly between two traffic lights, mind you) to help crowds cross J Street. We were told at the last NAG meeting by SPD that those officers are the POP officers and Entertainment Team, so they are "doing what they're supposed to be doing." They're supposed to be acting as street crossing guards? Even if they are "doing what they're supposed to be doing," they're only doing it at ONE INTERSECTION. They're not spread out in the area monitoring Second Saturday events throughout Midtown. Don't let them pull a bait and switch. The back pedaling away from ALL the circumstances that led to the shootings, is irresponsible. I sent a letter to Council and was invited to post it on SP that attempts to provide some peacemaking and offer solutions. However, the performance of local leaders who know better and have been busy skating away from ALL of the causes that need to be addressed is appalling. And ridiculous. One even went so far in a radio interview as to call the man's death "the Second Sunday shooting." Please. So, help us continue the work the already existing city/resident/business task force is doing; help us help these so-called leaders connect the dots and take some responsibility for an out-of-control climate that they largely created. It didn't happen by accident, it didn't happen overnight. Help us help them accept this opportunity to truly make this "a city that works for everyone."

Marion Millin on "Second Saturday Synergy 2.0"

2010-09-15T21:57:57Z

much obliged, my dear Rhonda

Second Saturday Synergy 2.0

2010-09-15T21:37:03Z

(please note: For the purpose of this overview, "downtown" and "central city" are used in the traditional sense of designating the urban business core AND including the area bound by two rivers and two freeways, which includes Midtown)

Gallery owner Michael Himovitz brought Second Saturday to Sacramento two decades ago, to "educate and connect people through discussing art." He advocated coordinating individual efforts into an event that benefited all the galleries, their customers, local culture and the community. It worked.

The synergy resulted in a Second Saturday tradition where art lovers gallery hopped, enjoyed artist receptions and mingled with lively crowds in different parts of town. Cooperating galleries increased their visibility and attracted new customers.

In the aftermath of the September Second Saturday shooting, it may be time to honor the legacy and maintain the event, by creating Second Saturday synergy 2.0.

The death of Victor Hugo Perez Zavala and shooting of three others place a sense of urgency on addressing issues that neighborhoods, city officials and business groups have been working on for years.

There is a call for a task force and study of best practices to address these issues, when such a Midtown task force has existed for over a year.

If we work with what we have, drawing on the existing efforts that are underway, we build that synergy. Especially during drastic budgetary times, this makes sense.

Despite attempts to intellectually distance the after-party from Second Saturday, "night life issues" from "Second Saturday issues" and the earlier crowds from "the criminal element," it is the combination of all of the above that resulted in the shooting.

In recent years, existing residents and businesses of Midtown were descended upon by development interests that turned neighborhoods into a perpetual Mardi Gras and Second Saturday into a street fair.

Now, all the various voices and stakeholders - who value the Second Saturday event, the interests of businesses and residents and our shared quality of life - have a choice to make: to create a healthy synergy or continue with a toxic one.

Some groups of businesses, associated with the above-mentioned task force, are already working on coordinating public relations, parking information and guide/security teams.

That type of synergy may be extended to a broader area, including business districts that may currently be perceived as rivals. A vision like the one Michael Himovitz had, extended over the entire downtown area, potentially benefits the businesses, residents and community within and beyond the central city.

Sacramento is famous for its rivers and trees and for its diversity. The "vision" of previous city management that brought people downtown with the lure of alcohol and a singles bar scene was short-sighted and unsustainable.

That demographic needs to be part of a broader mix that attracts families, theater goers, diners, music lovers, all ages, locals and tourists, to events that are not over-concentrated and over-inebriated.

There is a general consensus that one simple and immediate solution to Second Saturday congestion is to spread out events that attract large crowds. This fits with neighborhood association studies and recommendations for placing events in appropriate venues: appropriate for audience size, crowd control, noise, parking, garbage, alcohol consumption and other significant impacts.

Recognizing the interdependence of different types of businesses, in order to draw a diverse demographic to the central city, also makes sense.

One Midtown resident and business owner responded to a recent business association survey by advising them to "quit creating drunkfests" where the only businesses that benefit are "the ones that sell booze."

A Second Saturday Synergy 2.0 may include:

incorporating the existing and ongoing city/resident/business task force work on Midtown night life and Second Saturday issues
new city management and planning for sustainable development to "bring people downtown" while maintaining quality of life aka livability
recently implemented plans to enforce the 10:00 p.m. curfew, open 20th Street between J and K (and enforce traffic laws for crossing J Street?) and provide additional police presence on Second Saturday.
new regulation or reduction/removal of street vendors and bands outside
spreading Second Saturday and other crowded events over broader space and/or time
implementing current task force plans for street guides and security provided by the business association
implementing existing plans for improving parking regulations to ease excessive negative "night life" impacts on neighborhoods
challenging over-emphasis on singles bar scene, "drunkfests" and street closures as a Midtown draw - including on Second Saturday
requiring existing "nightlife" businesses to prove compliance with existing codes, noise ordinances and conditions of city Entertainment Permits and state ABC permits
returning Second Saturday to an event that gallery owners, artists, art lovers and residents want to participate in!

Artwork: Skinner www.theartofskinner.com; Fred Dalkey; Nathaniel Stewart http://www.nathanlewisart.com/
Photos: Marion Millin; Michael Zwahlen http://www.zwahlenimages.com/index.php

Marion Millin on "Handful of citizens address Second Saturday issues at council meeting"

2010-09-15T14:24:16Z

"A Handful"?

Opinion: Sacramento Second Saturday Intervention

2010-09-13T21:11:42Z

The murder of Victor Hugo Perez Zavala, 24, makes it harder for Sacramento to ignore the elephant in the room.

Yet there's a defensive reaction, as media mouthpieces argue over what time Second Saturday is officially over and unofficially continues. It's delusion, but a typical effort to save face and project blame. It is time for an intervention.

Sacramento city and business leaders have been addicted for several years to unsustainable city management policies. The "Bring People Downtown" mantra was distilled into "Instant Nightlife, Just Add Alcohol."

The Midtown oversaturation of bars and nightclubs-pretending-to-be-restaurants created mayhem magnets near residences. This also attracts a criminal element to prey on the well-heeled drunks who displaced yesteryears' homeless drunks.

The civic/business inebriation with toxic quick bucks has damaged the quality of life in Midtown and diluted the resources of the code enforcement and police departments. There have been more - and more serious - crimes than have been reported.

Every dysfunctional relationship has communication problems. City and business leaders have enablers in the media, who clean up the messes and make the excuses. They publish the pretense that everything's fine and any Midtowners who say otherwise "don't really know where they live."

We know very well where live. We live in their state of denial. Another tragedy, that we warned them was inevitable and imminent, has occurred.

Residents of Midtown embrace change and development, but not at the expense of quality of life and public safety; and not at the expense of those businesses, residents and (potential) visitors who don't fit the target drink-and-dash demographic.

Second Saturday became an alcohol-fueled street party over the years because city and business leaders actively turned Midtown into an alcohol-fueled street party zone over the years.

Second Saturday amplified that energy and those efforts.

The drunken, mob mentality that follows after 9:00 p.m is a continuation of Second Saturday and a reflection of the level of toxic, disruptive and abusive Midtown "nightlife" that local leaders have fostered.

Now that another person has died, they are forced to take a sober look at their ongoing policies.

It is time for city/business/media power brokers to pay their tab: show the community the cost/benefit analysis of creating crime magnet party zones that chugalug city enforcement and public safety resources.

It is time for them to detoxify their attitude toward neighborhoods and residents and find another place to turn into a spring break theme park.

It is time for them to match events to appropriate venues, to accommodate impacts and create attractions that are hospitable to more of Sacramento's diverse demographic.

It is time for city and business and media leaders to foster a healthy central city that works for the whole community - including those who may actually want to enjoy and purchase art work.

We want our Second Saturday back.

Marion Millin on "August Rainbow Over Sacramento"

2010-08-31T05:45:41Z

http://ulocal.kcra.com/_Unique-sun-dog-over-Woodland/PHOTO/10459465/62973.html

Marion Millin on "August Rainbow Over Sacramento"

2010-08-31T03:37:25Z

Me too, Colleen! The frame wasn't big enough to show the rainbow in relation to the "sundogs"

Marion Millin on "August Rainbow Over Sacramento"

2010-08-30T22:23:25Z

saw it in a parking lot, had a camera with and it worked out. glad you like it, Kati.

Marion Millin on "August Rainbow Over Sacramento"

2010-08-30T22:22:29Z

thanks for the link. did you see the rainbow?

Marion Millin on "August Rainbow Over Sacramento"

2010-08-30T20:07:40Z

Thanks Richard.

August Rainbow Over Sacramento

2010-08-30T18:15:27Z

On Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 6:20 p.m., the western sky held an unusual sight. A sheet of cloud was illuminated, with a dazzling refraction on either side of the setting sun.

High up in the sky above this display, there was an upside-down rainbow.

These photos show the brilliant refraction of the sections of "ring" around the sun, made visible on the cloud sheet.

The rainbow was opposite the sun ring, far above the sun and cloud sheet, with the full spectrum of colors visible.

And upside down.

Cool Summer, Warm Tomatoes, Local Color

2010-08-20T18:44:48Z

The word may have already gotten out, that Sacramento, California -- halfway between places some would rather be -- has been visited by perfect California Mediterranean weather. Minus a mid-summer furnace blast of heat (so far), we've had near continuous Delta Breezes and mild temperatures, clean air and as one local weathercaster puts it, "good sleepin' weather."

The cool weather means that backyard and balcony gardeners may have harvested merely a handful of homegrown tomatoes. Now, residents can pick up good, fresh, cheap tomatoes from local farmers almost any day of the week; as well as nectarines, peaches, flowers, avocados, carrots, potatoes, strawberries, lavender and lavender honey, cucumbers, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and more ...

Prices on tomatoes range from $2.00 to $2.50 per pound for Heirloom tomatoes, to $.50 per pound for "Overripe."

Some farmers' produce is Certified Organic. Others have farming methods that are not certified organic, yet minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If you don't see a sign and want to know about how your food is grown, just ask.

Part of the pleasure of the Farmer's Markets, any day of the week, is getting to know and support the members of the community, who support us with their hard work and healthful produce.

http://www.california-grown.com/Market-times.html

Marion Millin on "Celebrating Japanese food and culture for 64 years and counting... "

2010-08-14T06:00:48Z

Not sure who the article refers to as "Sacramento's own Taiko Dan drummers" performing on Sunday, because the link didn't work. On Saturday, for Taiko Dan drum lovers, the Koyasan Taiko Group performs at 1:30 p.m. http://www.buddhistchurch.com/events/2010%20Bazaar%20Program.pdf The Koyasan Spirit of Children Taiko Group founded in 1993 will share their Taiko drum and cultural experience in classic rhythmic music, Outdoor Stage

Marion Millin on "Fall opening expected for Dive Bar "

2010-07-27T18:23:44Z

This has something for everyone. The nouveau-chic developers in Midtown sniff with disgust about homeless people pissing in the alleys. Over-impacted Midtown residents complain about marauding "high end" drunks pissing in their yards and on their homes. Now the two streams of thought meet on K; as Jackson points out: "Hey, let's strip-mine the tragedy of chronic alcoholism so we can up the coolness factor in our groovy new nightspot. Winos and homeless people are sooooo funny." "The ceiling will be covered with a mural that mimics Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" — but the hand of God will be holding an electric guitar. The men's bathroom will feature exterior piping and graffiti to make it appear that guys are “peeing in the alley,” Karpaty said." A "world class city" developer is delivering to Sacramento a spendy spectacle; trendy, tacky and time-stamped for planned obsolescence, on the eternally out-of-synch K Street? Was The City By The Bay all out of actual sophistication and "class" to send over a sampling? Well, if Dive Bar doesn't work out, the City can turn it into that aquarium idea, that was supposed to resurrect Sacramento back in the 90's.

Marion Millin on "Alley work set to begin"

2010-07-20T21:45:17Z

Speaking of trees, check the record for one of those developer/business/property owners who had (legal?) workers illegally cut down rare, historic and Heritage Trees on private property and illegally cut down City owned trees on public property outside his business.

Marion Millin on "Alley work set to begin"

2010-07-20T18:34:33Z

check the public record, unless you consider being informed, a "conspiracy."

Marion Millin on "Alley work set to begin"

2010-07-20T17:21:17Z

"why this alley?" Because it is a pet project since Kerridge's reign, ripe with nepotism, of politicos, developers, businesses and the drivers of the Alley Activation effort, who own property there.

Marion Millin on "MVP sports bar moves"

2010-06-18T06:41:24Z

Dale Kooyman is correct. Residents are "entitled to respect and quiet enjoyment of property--a constitutional right as interpreted by the courts." The local noise ordinances and ABC regulations reflect that fact. Unfortunately, many folks have become accustomed to the recent years of lax city management that valued the revenues from partying in Midtown over people who live here. Currently, the policies and practices are under review by the city, with residential and business groups, to correct some mistakes and create a better balance of mixed use. Some of the abuses need to be dialed back. "BTMidtown's" comment is a typical knee jerk overreaction. No one said anything about "peace and quiet 7 days a week." Part of the deal" is for businesses to be operated legally, in compliance with local codes and state laws, either because they are responsibly managed or because authorities are enforcing regulations. With the new city management in place and efforts at cooperation between the business and residential community, a more sustainable balance is possible. Strong guidelines must come out of the meetings, because unfortunately some business newcomers to Midtown have a "catch us if you can" attitude, while claiming to be all about "community." MVP's owner and managers have been good neighbors in the 18th and Capitol neighborhood. The outdoor uses for TV and bands were loud AND the owner honored local noise ordinances. After 10:00 p.m. music was contained inside. The door was kept shut which prevented excessive noise from impacting the residential blocks. This is the type of respectful and lawful business neighbor that 18th and Capitol needs more of.

Marion Millin on "MVP sports bar moves"

2010-06-17T23:42:56Z

"Is it so hard to understand that we need to respect others or have we sunk so low that we no longer respect or care about other peoples rights and quality of life?" That short-sighted attitude toward existing residents, fostered by some civic/business boosters and local media during those "lax management" years, is one of the biggest challenges to creating a sustainable balance.

Marion Millin on "Johnson releases more information on strong mayor plan"

2010-06-02T17:48:07Z

Kevin's brother West, That's funny -- you almost made it sound like "over 18 months of dialogue" occurred as part of the mayor's power grab proposal, rather than as a reaction to it. Any effort into public dialogue and participation was done DESPITE Johnson's private pursuit of power, not as part of it. Council - again - and the public are being excluded from the process of the draft of changes to the City Charter. Again, those changes are being drafted in private by Johnson's private camp. The timing and tricks -- including your comment here -- used to attempt to deceive the public about that are a big red flag about the intentions and players behind the proposal. The timing and tricks include this emphasis on "it will take five votes" in a rushed dog and pony show and political gotcha game; KJ's "draft" and You're Either For Me Or Against Me (and my 60 powerful friends) agenda. An honest mayor with the good of the city and its future in mind, would recognize that changes to the City Charter MUST be a public process, not another end run around policy, procedure and law. It is "his proposal" and it is clearly inaccurate and transparently disingenuous of you to say otherwise.

Marion Millin on "Johnson releases more information on strong mayor plan"

2010-06-02T17:47:06Z

5thGenSac, "From the Chart's footnotes...regarding that sticky 9th council district issue" "Before 9th council member added in 2012, 4-4 council votes will not pass, as in other cities." "How convenient...minority rule...just one of many reasons..or intended consequences showing why any proposed revision should include that it will take not take place until after the next mayoral election." So they dealt with the Mystery 9th Member flaw by not dealing with it, except to further limit Council voting power and increasing Da Boss Mayor's?! He still has the veto power too!! "... any proposed revision should include that it will take not take place until after the next mayoral election" AND the 2010 Census based redistricting that is in the State's, not the City's, jurisdiction.