@Bill. Thanks for providing that information. I didn't realize the City's complicity in creating a more party time atmosphere and lining the pockets of the drinking venues.

Good observation. Well said!

Overall, I think Second Saturday is a great concept. As beerzie mentioned, it has become a victim of its own success. It has morphed into a Mardi Gras-type event beyond the original intent of an art walk and beyond the scale of the Midtown neighborhood. Those behind coordinating Second Saturday should consider reinventing and remarketing the event to appeal to folks who actually appreciate art and have the wherewithal to support the galleries and artists. The overall vibe must change. For starters, how about having classical and jazz music instead of the rock bands? That would bring out a more sophisticated and mature crowd. Design Second Saturday to be a high-class event that would bring out people who are actually into art and would respect the neighborhood.

@ deleon. The Greens Hotel and the Del Paso Boulevard corridor are located in Old North Sacramento and not in Del Paso Heights. I concur that crime and the unsavory element pose a problem in the surrounding neighborhood. That area has the potential to become Midtown North, but it's going to take a critical mass of people, ideas and projects such as the Greens to make it happen.

David, Excellent article. I supported the Rubicon Partners' AuthentiCity proposal, but as they say "hindsight is 20/20'. You made a good argument about building upon what is already working to resurrect the K Street corridor and the D&S/Taylor proposal does that without requiring a ton in public subsidies. Apparently the 5-4 City Council vote affirmed this. It's so easy to be enamored by the grand proposals we've seen come and go over the past several years. Sacramento needs to embrace its own niche and cultivate the little successes already taking place that will make for a truly authentic city. Thanks again for the article.