Stella M. comment-51971 2011-06-10T17:47:10Z 2011-06-10T17:47:10Z Ugh. How about we all stay out of each other's buying and eating habits? When I go to the Co-op, it is to buy groceries, not have anyone's political agenda shoved in my face. Stella M. 2011-06-10T17:47:10Z Stella M. comment-39842 2010-11-01T15:06:38Z 2010-11-01T15:06:38Z I don't agree that the unions are the root of all evil; however, I am really outraged at the myopia and mismanagement of the utilities department. I am voting yes on "B" as an expression of my frustration and dissatisfaction, not because I actually like the measure. I hope it sends a message to our city leaders that there is definitely a problem that needs to be fixed. Stella M. 2010-11-01T15:06:38Z Stella M. comment-39840 2010-11-01T15:02:09Z 2010-11-01T15:02:09Z Love the quotes from William Burg--and I completely agree with him. Stella M. 2010-11-01T15:02:09Z Stella M. comment-39350 2010-10-22T17:27:52Z 2010-10-22T17:27:52Z I haven't tried the Press yet, but I find this review unbalanced. I don't think it is fair to pan the restaurant negatively just to get your headline to jump out. That is, if you had one good experience and one that was not ideal, why place more emphasis on the negative? Seems very amateurish to me. Stella M. 2010-10-22T17:27:52Z Stella M. comment-38385 2010-10-05T20:21:36Z 2010-10-05T20:21:36Z Will wonders never cease. Finally, a political op-ed on Sac Press that is posted as such, complete with a brief notation about the writer's background. Thank you. Stella M. 2010-10-05T20:21:36Z Stella M. comment-38260 2010-10-02T17:25:16Z 2010-10-02T17:25:16Z Jim -- I'll claim the second thumbs down, and it has nothing to do with the candidate's party. I would have done the same regardless of party affiliation. This article is nothing but "Sarah Connor's" once-again pathetic attempts to push her candidates. This isn't about generosity or helping homeless children. It's cynical grandstanding--is the photo of children? Is the focus of the article the children? No. It's propaganda about the great and wonderful candidate. AFAIC, save it for the mailers. Stella M. 2010-10-02T17:25:16Z Stella M. comment-32316 2010-07-07T20:18:46Z 2010-07-07T20:18:46Z I've taken Tyler's classes in the past, and I'd have to agree. He is a wonderful yoga instructor. I had not heard about this new studio until seeing this article--so, thank you, Suzanne! Stella M. 2010-07-07T20:18:46Z Stella M. comment-32314 2010-07-07T19:57:40Z 2010-07-07T19:57:40Z I find it difficult to believe that Sacramento did not have several excellent candidates to choose among for this position. I am very, very disappointed to see that, yet again, we've hired someone from outside the area--someone who will take time to get up to speed with the many outstanding volunteer organizations and efforts that are currently going in our region. I would be much more supportive of this position if it were someone who actually had a stake in our community. Truly a shame. Stella M. 2010-07-07T19:57:40Z Stella M. comment-32100 2010-07-03T13:29:05Z 2010-07-03T13:29:05Z Since you didn't actually address that issue, how would your readers "learn"? It is your opinion that the coequal goals are mutually exclusive, but it doesn't appear that the state legislature shares your opinion. Nor do I. My point is that you've oversimplified and skipped over 30 years of water policy history, which makes your article inaccurate and misleading. Stella M. 2010-07-03T13:29:05Z Stella M. comment-32036 2010-07-03T13:16:56Z 2010-07-03T13:16:56Z The information in this article, while partially accurate on the history, is woefully dated and lacking in any current information or supportable facts. Currently, two-thirds of the state population relies on water in some form from the Delta--and that means far more people than just "LA". While Sacramento has a generous water right from the rivers, the Delta's water doesn't belong to Sacramento. You seem to be confusing the issues--not certain whether you're being disingenous or if you're just not clear on your geography. Numerous water bonds (addressing levees, ecosystem restoration, water quality, etc.) have been passed since 1982, yet you skip from that year to this with no acknowledgment that anything has happened in between. Stella M. 2010-07-03T13:16:56Z Stella M. comment-31873 2010-06-30T15:20:03Z 2010-06-30T15:20:03Z To quote Inigo Montoya: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. Stella M. 2010-06-30T15:20:03Z Stella M. comment-31593 2010-06-26T21:33:30Z 2010-06-26T21:33:30Z Well, I'm torn until I hear more. The farmer's market aspect sounds very good. The revitalization of an empty lot in the central city sounds good. The destruction of city landmarks sounds like an incredibly bad idea. And the price tag for taxpayers? A major turnoff for me. I'll be following this issue closely. I noticed that if you look at the plan on their website, the color-coded phases don't include the blue shade--which is the Boqueria. Does that mean it would actually be the last piece built or is an optional part of the plan? Very confusing. Also, please stop capping Words you Think are Important, Mr. Paino. It's annoying. Stella M. 2010-06-26T21:33:30Z Stella M. comment-31591 2010-06-26T21:23:13Z 2010-06-26T21:23:13Z This strikes me as a pretty typical "upcoming event" article--the type you'll see in the lifestyles section of any newspaper. And I appreciate hearing about events before they happen as opposed to after-the-fact writeups about events I wish I'd known about! I don't object to this sort of article--particularly when the coverage comes from an SP staffer. What I object to (time and time again) are companies posting "stories" attempting to shill themselves/their services and get free advertising. Stella M. 2010-06-26T21:23:13Z Stella M. comment-31513 2010-06-25T21:57:27Z 2010-06-25T21:57:27Z Thanks, Andy. I recently met him and found him fine, if not incredibly impressive. Maybe he was having a good day. :-) Stella M. 2010-06-25T21:57:27Z Stella M. comment-31512 2010-06-25T21:54:09Z 2010-06-25T21:54:09Z Wow. I missed that exchange. A perfect example of why it is futile to use logic and facts to counter insanity (ah, but you gotta love Collett and Burg for at least giving it a heckofa try). This is also a perfect example of the libelous comments that I sincerely wish SP would consider deleting. Not to silence some "unpopular" speech, but because such flagrant, unsubtantiated allegations are thrown about with utter irresponsibility. Local businesses and residents should not have to tolerate--or waste their time defending themselves against--these types of specious attacks. And I second (third?) the mashed potatoes rule. Stella M. 2010-06-25T21:54:09Z Stella M. comment-31502 2010-06-25T20:59:07Z 2010-06-25T20:59:07Z I'd like to know, too...genuinely. I honestly had the impression he was a fairly solid guy. But if there's some rationale behind saying he's mediocre and/or disastrous, I'm all ears. Even though sounds like we're stuck with him now... Stella M. 2010-06-25T20:59:07Z Stella M. comment-31463 2010-06-25T18:17:52Z 2010-06-25T18:17:52Z I doubt much of what you've written here. Johnson believed he had the support of several council members, some of whom have supported him in the past. If everything you claim is true, why would the council's attitudes toward the mayor change so much that the only support he can get *on this issue* is from Waters? I don't know that any of the concerns raised by the other council members could be considered specious--and perhaps the offhanded way in which their concerns and those of their constituents are dismissed by folks like you contributed to the lack of support. To me, it seemed a lot like a vote of no confidence. Stella M. 2010-06-25T18:17:52Z Stella M. comment-31367 2010-06-25T03:12:52Z 2010-06-25T03:12:52Z Brilliant, thoughtful commentary, David. Stella M. 2010-06-25T03:12:52Z Stella M. comment-31365 2010-06-25T03:08:09Z 2010-06-25T03:08:09Z I wish Mr. McCarty the very best, but I am also happy he is going to finish out his term on city council. I appreciate the work he is doing for this city. Another plus to this: Had he won, we the voters would have had to pay for a special election to fill his council seat. I hope that Roger Dickinson will serve our district well in the Assembly. Stella M. 2010-06-25T03:08:09Z Stella M. comment-31336 2010-06-25T00:08:06Z 2010-06-25T00:08:06Z Ten bucks says I know bbbbmer's new profile name. Stella M. 2010-06-25T00:08:06Z Stella M. comment-31209 2010-06-24T17:47:27Z 2010-06-24T17:47:27Z Why would you want to? "Illegal" is an adjective, not a noun. People who cross our borders illegally are still human. We can abhor the act while still acknowledging the basic humanity. It is a large part of why the dialogue on illegal immigration is so filled with emotion and invective. Stella M. 2010-06-24T17:47:27Z Stella M. comment-31203 2010-06-24T17:37:35Z 2010-06-24T17:37:35Z Love the idea of closing down one alley for a restaurant row--it would feel hidden and very European. The closing of one alley seems reasonable, but I agree the city needs to understand the impacts on traffic and circulation before doing so. Certainly, I wouldn't advocate closing off many alleys, but I do love Zeff's idea. I also agree with mtsacramento...a range of establishments, not *just* upscale (depending on how you define that) seems a better mix. Especially for people like me who might dine out at upscale places periodically, but can't afford to do it all the time. Stella M. 2010-06-24T17:37:35Z Stella M. comment-31200 2010-06-24T17:30:51Z 2010-06-24T17:30:51Z It is truly a shame that a city the size of ours cannot support an effective, useful public transit system. After using theimpressive, efficient transit systems in Europe, NY, and DC, I have seen first hand what we are missing out on. RT has always been lacking, but with fewer routes and reduced schedules, its usefulness will continue to decline. Stella M. 2010-06-24T17:30:51Z Stella M. comment-31194 2010-06-24T17:01:06Z 2010-06-24T17:01:06Z Thanks for your responses, Geoff! I know I'm off-topic here, but throughout the year or so I've been reading and commenting on SP, I have seen many articles posted under fake names. One poster has gone through several incarnations and is now using his real name (I assume), but his articles were posted under pseudonyms for months. Again, I just urge you and SP staff to enforce the existing policies about articles. I am a fan of SP and I applaud what you're doing in the community. I hope these criticisms come off as constructive--because that is my intention! Stella M. 2010-06-24T17:01:06Z Stella M. comment-31189 2010-06-24T16:47:01Z 2010-06-24T16:47:01Z I did notice the article said the group was "young, old, female, male"--hmmm...what demographic did we overlook here? Stella M. 2010-06-24T16:47:01Z Stella M. comment-31177 2010-06-24T16:16:06Z 2010-06-24T16:16:06Z Good job on the recap of this panel. I could not make it to the discussion, but was very interested in the topic! Stella M. 2010-06-24T16:16:06Z Stella M. comment-31175 2010-06-24T16:09:36Z 2010-06-24T16:09:36Z Geoff--This is definitely a tough call, and there is a "slippery slope" of censorship that I think you must be vigilant about. That said, your site is privately run, and we who use and enjoy it must respect the terms of use. I agree with your removal of a user who routinely berates and denigrates others, even though I personally will miss *some* of bbbbmer's comments (definitely not the shrieky, offensive, and misogynistic ones). There are certainly a couple others who ought to go. I personally think you should remove comments that contain libelous statements about members of the community, if not ban those who make them. Libel is poison to the quality of your site, and I believe censoring those comments is fairest to the community and those who are libeled. For example, numerous negative and untruthful comments were made during the election regarding various candidates--particularly in the Tretheway/Ashby race. I was horrified to see some of the blatant lies commenters made about both candidates. Negative comments can be made without resorting to lies or abuse. My final thought, since I'm on a soapbox here apparently, is that I urge SP to consider a requirement that *articles* (not comments necessarily) be posted under real names. Again, particularly during the election, political propaganda was posted as "articles" by anonymous people, and I think that is a disservice to the quality of information on your site, your readers and the community. Stella M. 2010-06-24T16:09:36Z Stella M. comment-31050 2010-06-23T18:47:06Z 2010-06-23T18:47:06Z And it's well worth watching each council member's comments and Mayor Johnson's response. While I did agree with several things he said (and disagreed with many more), what I did not see was any acknowledgment from him that he has failed to work toward concensus with the other council members as he tried to advance the SMI, which I really see as the impetus for this vote. He talks about playing as a team, but it seems to me he's just paying lip service to that in this case. Stella M. 2010-06-23T18:47:06Z Stella M. comment-31045 2010-06-23T18:20:31Z 2010-06-23T18:20:31Z It's available on the City Council website. Stella M. 2010-06-23T18:20:31Z Stella M. comment-30932 2010-06-22T22:29:10Z 2010-06-22T22:29:10Z The thumbs down is not for the vital, good work of such organizations, it is for the fact that there is nothing *newsworthy* in this post. Stella M. 2010-06-22T22:29:10Z Stella M. comment-30763 2010-06-19T15:01:10Z 2010-06-19T15:01:10Z You're right...I thought he chaired the board. My mistake. And to be corrected on facts by you, well, let's just say I am going to feel humble for at least the next 15 to 20 minutes. Stella M. 2010-06-19T15:01:10Z Stella M. comment-30762 2010-06-19T14:55:22Z 2010-06-19T14:55:22Z Now, now, PW...are you teasing the tourists? Don't worry, they'll do the one-post wonder thing (or in this case, the "I can't figure out how this interweb thingy works" double post), then go spew elsewhere. Stella M. 2010-06-19T14:55:22Z Stella M. comment-30761 2010-06-19T14:51:35Z 2010-06-19T14:51:35Z PW, you crack me up. Stella M. 2010-06-19T14:51:35Z Stella M. comment-30604 2010-06-17T17:26:28Z 2010-06-17T17:26:28Z I disagree, Jim. It's not a sham and it's not "run" (notice the correct grammar) by Ray. It's a very good organization doing very good things in the community, and the rationale for its existence is solid, particularly given the ecology of the Sacramento region. I have a shade tree in my yard that I got through STF. However, in terms of the county budget, at this point I don't feel we should prioritize funding for STF when public health and safety budgets--as you point out, where people's lives may be jeopardized--are being cut. Stella M. 2010-06-17T17:26:28Z Stella M. comment-30596 2010-06-17T15:45:31Z 2010-06-17T15:45:31Z No, wait. Let *me* get this straight: We're slashing the budget for veterans, the elderly, and CPS, but we *might* reduce funding for the Sacramento Tree Foundation, the visitor's bureau, and the sports commission? Where are our priorities? Stella M. 2010-06-17T15:45:31Z Stella M. comment-30498 2010-06-16T20:22:58Z 2010-06-16T20:22:58Z Dude, it's not like no one will notice it's you. If a post contains the word "moron," it's like your personal signature. Stella M. 2010-06-16T20:22:58Z Stella M. comment-30496 2010-06-16T20:21:01Z 2010-06-16T20:21:01Z I really, desperately want to make a joke right now about "if someone is eating a burger and drinking prune juice while wearing panties, does that mean they condone illegal immigration"? But I won't. Stella M. 2010-06-16T20:21:01Z Stella M. comment-30418 2010-06-16T00:44:07Z 2010-06-16T00:44:07Z Mark, to answer your question...I think it's ridiculous. Our mayor and council should be focused on making sure the city government is meeting its most basic obligations right now, which it does not seem to be doing, in my opinion. I would put public safety at the top of my "to do" list. I'll be the first to admit that I am a social liberal, but that doesn't mean I think the city has money to burn, particularly in light of the budget crisis. Overspending, lack of oversight, and failure to learn from the past (that is, every bubble eventually bursts), have brought our city budget to the sad state it is in right now. Every city department should be paring back to the absolute most crucial functions and they need to take a laser scalpel to every dollar that is not being spent on the most urgent needs such as public safety and health, basic maintenance of infrastructure, and investment in the future. The best class I ever took at Sac State was one called "Bureaucracy"--from which I came away with the idea that it is in the very nature of any bureaucracy to grow beyond its original mission. It's time for city leaders and citizens to figure out what it is we really want and expect from our government (or governments, really, at all levels) and ask ourselves what are we willing to pay to have those expectations met. Discuss. ;-) Stella M. 2010-06-16T00:44:07Z Stella M. comment-30406 2010-06-15T20:57:05Z 2010-06-15T20:57:05Z "Parrhesiac", why do you keep changing your handle? Stella M. 2010-06-15T20:57:05Z Stella M. comment-30404 2010-06-15T20:41:23Z 2010-06-15T20:41:23Z Keith, with all due respect, "clean" and "nuclear" are mutually exclusive with current technology. Even if there are lower emissions, the danger of the waste products remains. The nuke discussion is a red herring that will keep us from focusing on far less polluting power sources that we could be exploring. The claim your talk show hosts make that we are not far enough along with those technologies, so we should not waste our time researching them, is an illogical and reactionary argument. Stella M. 2010-06-15T20:41:23Z Stella M. comment-30337 2010-06-15T15:42:01Z 2010-06-15T15:42:01Z I was wondering what a "boby" was. :-) Interesting article, Ahsan. A little peek into a very different world. I still think bodybuilding is a little strange, though. Stella M. 2010-06-15T15:42:01Z Stella M. comment-30336 2010-06-15T15:37:17Z 2010-06-15T15:37:17Z Very interesting article--I had no idea that Sacramento was at the top of the list. Given all the headlines lately, it really drives home the point that something is very amiss at CPS. Stella M. 2010-06-15T15:37:17Z Stella M. comment-30288 2010-06-15T00:55:02Z 2010-06-15T00:55:02Z Absolutely. What a treat. Thanks, Mark. Stella M. 2010-06-15T00:55:02Z Stella M. comment-30016 2010-06-11T16:00:07Z 2010-06-11T16:00:07Z While I agree the county (and city for that matter) need to cut spending, I can't help but wonder what will happen to those people who lose their jobs. It's not as if they'll be able to find private sector employment immediately. It's really a shame all around. Stella M. 2010-06-11T16:00:07Z Stella M. comment-30014 2010-06-11T15:51:13Z 2010-06-11T15:51:13Z I think the idea of a "conversation" is wonderful. It's not intended to be a battle or debate. It's not intended to draw conclusions. As I understand it, these events are designed to get folks to step away from their battle lines and just simply talk with others in their community. There's a value in the art of conversation that is being lost in our society...perhaps a better way to put it is that conversation is being drowned out by the shouting. I am definitely looking forward to attending the upcoming conversation. And I intend to wear a very nice hat. Stella M. 2010-06-11T15:51:13Z Stella M. comment-29825 2010-06-10T01:44:48Z 2010-06-10T01:44:48Z bbbbmer -- you know I often agree with you, and when I don't agree, I find you entertaining. But, come on, even in Italian, that's not cool. Stella M. 2010-06-10T01:44:48Z Stella M. comment-29752 2010-06-09T14:24:15Z 2010-06-09T14:24:15Z You don't even have the good sense to know that you lose the moral high ground--not that you ever had it--when you make a statement that is both sexist and racist. Did I also mention classist? And I wasn't talking behind your back; my negative comments to and about you were visible for all to see. Stella M. 2010-06-09T14:24:15Z Stella M. comment-29692 2010-06-09T03:14:14Z 2010-06-09T03:14:14Z Love that Shawn Eldredge's daughter made it home in time to vote for her dad. That is very sweet. Stella M. 2010-06-09T03:14:14Z Stella M. comment-29666 2010-06-08T21:33:29Z 2010-06-08T21:33:29Z Don't let the door hit you in the a** on the way out. Stella M. 2010-06-08T21:33:29Z Stella M. comment-29607 2010-06-08T17:04:53Z 2010-06-08T17:04:53Z Yes, I'd love to see the AG's office all over this one. It's vital that we have the freedom to park wherever we want at no cost to us and with no restrictions. Getting rid of this blatant abuse of our personal civil rights should be up there at the top of their to-do list. I'd suggest giving Jerry a call, but I think he's busy today. He'll probably be able to get right on it tomorrow, though. Stella M. 2010-06-08T17:04:53Z Stella M. comment-29448 2010-06-07T14:52:15Z 2010-06-07T14:52:15Z Oh, the irony. Stella M. 2010-06-07T14:52:15Z Stella M. comment-29329 2010-06-06T15:22:58Z 2010-06-06T15:22:58Z The world can stop spinning now. I just agreed with something Jim said. Actually, I doubt bbbbmer is a Tretheway operative, but "politicalthinker" is highly suspicious. Like, "oh, hey, I'm a little wet behind the ears here, can you all help me?", not to mention the faux bad grammar, the shifting use of vernacular, and then, OMG! look what I just discovered about Ashby, everybody!!! Lame. Stella M. 2010-06-06T15:22:58Z Stella M. comment-29328 2010-06-06T15:19:35Z 2010-06-06T15:19:35Z Yeesh. Anyone else need a cigarette after that? Stella M. 2010-06-06T15:19:35Z Stella M. comment-29013 2010-06-03T22:17:50Z 2010-06-03T22:17:50Z First, you take your iPhone... Stella M. 2010-06-03T22:17:50Z Stella M. comment-29012 2010-06-03T21:55:23Z 2010-06-03T21:55:23Z Good lord. You forgot the kitchen sink. And the title. Stella M. 2010-06-03T21:55:23Z Stella M. comment-29011 2010-06-03T21:50:16Z 2010-06-03T21:50:16Z Naga -- Do you prefer "informative" or "deranged"? Just so I can tailor the article to the audience, of course. (Truth be told, I think I'll leave the journalism to the journalists. I'm just here for the snacks.) Stella M. 2010-06-03T21:50:16Z Stella M. comment-29010 2010-06-03T21:46:25Z 2010-06-03T21:46:25Z Naga clearly does not know JT. If ever there was a talented woman in journalism--and in the writing community as a whole--in Sacramento, she is that person. I think you'll be impressed with her as moderator, Naga. Stella M. 2010-06-03T21:46:25Z Stella M. comment-28899 2010-06-03T02:21:55Z 2010-06-03T02:21:55Z A very nice piece, Natalie. I believe our resident, cranky thumbs-downer should be flogged. Stella M. 2010-06-03T02:21:55Z Stella M. comment-28898 2010-06-03T02:20:24Z 2010-06-03T02:20:24Z I just took the survey. One thing it does not ask that might have been good--there's nothing about the quality/reliability/timeliness of the writing of your staff members compared to the community contributors. The staff (in my opinion, which I know is not universally shared) contribute well-written, timely, informative pieces. Community contributors run the gamut from well-written to deplorable, from timely to what-century-are-you-from?, and from informative to deranged. All of which add to the entertainment value, of course. Stella M. 2010-06-03T02:20:24Z Stella M. comment-28897 2010-06-03T02:08:25Z 2010-06-03T02:08:25Z I agree with Kati. The issue here is not whether to be "happy" for the company. It is that SacPress readers are looking for the local news angle and don't appreciate the self-serving press releases that companies post here, looking for free advertising. This article, even with the disclosure, strikes me as falling more on the "free advertising" side than on the "news" side. It could have been done differently. That being said, SP seems to not be consistent in enforcing their own policies. Today was a perfect example, with the guy plugging his old Sac shootin' range--that article made front page news. It baffles and frustrates me sometimes. Stella M. 2010-06-03T02:08:25Z Stella M. comment-28678 2010-05-31T17:04:58Z 2010-05-31T17:04:58Z Considering the tone of the articles you've posted, you may want to simply take a look in the mirror. I'm not saying you should stop contributing to SP, but the tone of your writing and your use of deliberately inflammatory/accusatory language are being reflected back to you in the comments on your opinion pieces. Just a thought. Stella M. 2010-05-31T17:04:58Z Stella M. comment-28677 2010-05-31T17:00:04Z 2010-05-31T17:00:04Z Excellent questions, Michael. It's one thing to be enthusiastic because you know and like a candidate; it's entirely another to step back and ask who would serve the community best. Mike -- You are long on enthusiasm, but short on persuasion. I respect your opinion, but I agree that your piece reads like campaign material. Stella M. 2010-05-31T17:00:04Z Stella M. comment-28588 2010-05-29T15:41:22Z 2010-05-29T15:41:22Z Oh, you two, just knock it off. Chicken furthering is a well-respected profession in Georgia. It's just like writing election propaganda, but with poultry. Stella M. 2010-05-29T15:41:22Z Stella M. comment-28352 2010-05-27T17:33:19Z 2010-05-27T17:33:19Z Absolutely thrilling. Stella M. 2010-05-27T17:33:19Z Stella M. comment-28351 2010-05-27T17:30:30Z 2010-05-27T17:30:30Z You can't actually be saying that a landlord should actually be allowed to rent out a "substandard" property? So, unsafe wiring, leaking pipes, and perhaps even mildew are okay, as long as the tenants are poor? Sorry, but much like the leaking pipes, your logic doesn't hold water from my perspective. I, too, have been a landlord. I would never allow a rental property to be kept in a condition less than I would live in myself. However, not every landlord has a conscience. If I had rental properties now, I would certainly pony up the city's modest fee to comply with code. I see nothing "totalitarian" about it. And I find your comparison of the city's behavior to a totalitarian government quite overblown. Stella M. 2010-05-27T17:30:30Z Stella M. comment-28338 2010-05-27T14:58:40Z 2010-05-27T14:58:40Z I wish I had not missed the presentation--sounds fascinating. However, this article is a very good summation. Love the Mark Twain quote. Nice work! Stella M. 2010-05-27T14:58:40Z Stella M. comment-28190 2010-05-26T17:14:14Z 2010-05-26T17:14:14Z God forbid that the city actually attempt to do anything about slumlords. Stella M. 2010-05-26T17:14:14Z Stella M. comment-27856 2010-05-24T18:31:05Z 2010-05-24T18:31:05Z Mr. Fong sounds like he would be a welcome addition to city council...I hope his district supports him. Stella M. 2010-05-24T18:31:05Z Stella M. comment-27577 2010-05-21T15:34:09Z 2010-05-21T15:34:09Z It is really depressing to see someone "call" an election based on the number of facebook friends someone has accumulated. I don't live in this neighborhood, but if I did, I'd be really concerned about the options I had in this election. Stella M. 2010-05-21T15:34:09Z Stella M. comment-27172 2010-05-17T17:41:50Z 2010-05-17T17:41:50Z I don't want to knock someone for throwing their hat in the ring at such a young age; however, I couldn't vote for someone with so little life experience, so little education, and zero experience with public policy. The question I ask is "how well will that person represent our community" when the going gets tough. And, honestly, I think folks need to show they've cut their teeth on public service--on a board, commission, or city council--before they go play with the big dogs. Stella M. 2010-05-17T17:41:50Z Stella M. comment-27023 2010-05-14T06:44:03Z 2010-05-14T06:44:03Z I had no idea of the backstory on this place...good article, Suzanne. I'll have to check it out, even though I'm not much into caviar! Stella M. 2010-05-14T06:44:03Z Stella M. comment-26706 2010-05-11T20:50:51Z 2010-05-11T20:50:51Z Puerile nonsense. Stella M. 2010-05-11T20:50:51Z Stella M. comment-26705 2010-05-11T20:50:20Z 2010-05-11T20:50:20Z Sounds like a wonderful addition to the downtown dining scene. My hat, if I were wearing one, would go off to any local business person who is trying to bring jobs and commerce to Midtown, but I especially applaud English's ethic of using local produce, as well. Can't wait to try the new restaurant. Stella M. 2010-05-11T20:50:20Z Stella M. comment-26151 2010-05-03T18:46:14Z 2010-05-03T18:46:14Z Commenting only on the new logo, I agree with Marion's opinion...it just does nothing for me. It looks like a scribble. And does nothing to demonstrate a "genuine love of place," as RichardRich so aptly puts it. Stella M. 2010-05-03T18:46:14Z Stella M. comment-25907 2010-04-29T16:55:51Z 2010-04-29T16:55:51Z Aside from the lack of information and appalling writing, this article begs the question: What possible qualifications does this man have for Congress? Has he ever held an elected office? Does he have any idea how legislation works? What are his policy platforms? Aside from "bidness, bidness, bidness," of course? The only experience I can see that may prepare him for politics is his experience with fertilizer. Has he ever engaged in any activities in the community? Volunteer work? Committees? Community associations? If you want to be taken seriously as a candidate, a little bit more than a vague fluff piece is required. Stella M. 2010-04-29T16:55:51Z Stella M. comment-25505 2010-04-23T18:40:52Z 2010-04-23T18:40:52Z I think Kathleen deserves acknowledgment for her hard work and diligence in following up on many, many issues at City Hall. I for one think she's doing an excellent job and producing topnotch articles. Frankly, her articles are the best thing going on SP, as far as I'm concerned. (Not that there isn't other good stuff on here...) I don't know any journalist who can actually please everyone and never make a single mistake. I appreciate the work that SP and Kathleen are doing in the community. Stella M. 2010-04-23T18:40:52Z Stella M. comment-25410 2010-04-22T17:33:09Z 2010-04-22T17:33:09Z Love what the kids in Palo Alto did to counterprotest...they sang and talked about peace, love, and understanding. I think this fringe group is all about grabbing headlines a la Jerry Springer. It's really a shame to see people like this calling themselves "Christian"--clearly they are the ones who are "bible illiterate brute beasts." Stella M. 2010-04-22T17:33:09Z Stella M. comment-24927 2010-04-16T16:32:49Z 2010-04-16T16:32:49Z Your articles and work are really interesting. Thanks for sharing this with the community! Stella M. 2010-04-16T16:32:49Z Stella M. comment-24770 2010-04-14T21:39:18Z 2010-04-14T21:39:18Z I seem to recall a similar sign-removal scandal...during elections for my high school's student council. Gives me some insight on the mentality we're dealing with here. I wonder if there will be a hair-pulling slappy fight, too? Stella M. 2010-04-14T21:39:18Z Stella M. comment-23993 2010-03-29T22:39:39Z 2010-03-29T22:39:39Z My heart was broken when they closed the Ikeda's on Folsom Blvd. I don't get up to their location (Auburn?) very often. Loved their burgers...although the red onions kept the memories going a little too long (TMI?)... Stella M. 2010-03-29T22:39:39Z Stella M. comment-23907 2010-03-28T15:19:51Z 2010-03-28T15:19:51Z I wonder why a school district would take a long time to approve the fresh food, as the schools' principal says. The cost does not seem exhorbitant to me. Is it just resistance to change? The school districts should be all over this. I'd love to see our schoolkids getting better nutrition, fresher food...we need a shift from the high-fat, high-salt, easy-prep food that school cafeterias are known for. Stella M. 2010-03-28T15:19:51Z Stella M. comment-23864 2010-03-26T21:12:55Z 2010-03-26T21:12:55Z Beautiful photography, Kati! (And, of course, beautiful dancing, Sac Ballet!) Stella M. 2010-03-26T21:12:55Z Stella M. comment-23804 2010-03-25T01:50:44Z 2010-03-25T01:50:44Z Well, that doesn't sound very low carbon footprint to me. Stella M. 2010-03-25T01:50:44Z Stella M. comment-23716 2010-03-24T01:25:20Z 2010-03-24T01:25:20Z Well, dang. Now I have to re-think my whole opinion on this. I usually agree with your opinions, William. I was picturing that they'd look exactly like the Cal Expo and Sac State billboard, which make my teeth itch, my eyes cross, and probably cause epilepsy. But, hmmm...there is the carbon footprint thing to consider on these. Stella M. 2010-03-24T01:25:20Z Stella M. comment-23700 2010-03-23T16:04:15Z 2010-03-23T16:04:15Z Well, one-comment wonder, why don't you provide some facts, then? Stella M. 2010-03-23T16:04:15Z Stella M. comment-23679 2010-03-23T16:03:08Z 2010-03-23T16:03:08Z Beerzie -- You don't know Jack Young? Have you been living under a rock? Everyone should know the great man. (I jest.) http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/22038/Local_Accredited_Senior_Appraiser_Unites_Accounting_Appraisal_Acumen Stella M. 2010-03-23T16:03:08Z Stella M. comment-23676 2010-03-23T15:39:08Z 2010-03-23T15:39:08Z I've been grousing about this for ages, it seems. As Abe says, this is happening FAR too much on this site. SacPress...please, please, please come up with an editorial policy and enforce it. I come here for community news and journalism. These folks come here to fill your pages with free advertising crap. Stella M. 2010-03-23T15:39:08Z Stella M. comment-23675 2010-03-23T15:36:50Z 2010-03-23T15:36:50Z Certainly. Nothing could reach those unattainable heights, Justin. How impertinent of you to even compare. Stella M. 2010-03-23T15:36:50Z Stella M. comment-23674 2010-03-23T15:34:29Z 2010-03-23T15:34:29Z Ick. Really? What does the city possibly see as a benefit of installing these wasteful eyesores? Why is staff time (read: taxpayer money) being spent on re-zoning to allow billboards? Utterly ridiculous as far as I can tell. By the way, I'm adding a thumbs up for the article and the writer...definitely NOT a thumbs up for this stupid idea. Stella M. 2010-03-23T15:34:29Z Stella M. comment-23651 2010-03-22T15:51:34Z 2010-03-22T15:51:34Z I sympathize with bicyclists who use the sidewalks in midtown--I do it myself. But I do wish other cyclists would take a cue from Steven's comment above and be more considerate of pedestrians. I have had more than one cyclist go flying by me a little too close for comfort on the sidewalk. Stella M. 2010-03-22T15:51:34Z Stella M. comment-23498 2010-03-18T18:10:35Z 2010-03-18T18:10:35Z Devin -- I want to echo Ronald West's comment. I think if articles are being published by the Democratic Party, there should be a note at the bottom indicating that. I'd expect that of any political group. The reader needs to know the source. To attribute the article to one individual masks the inherent bias. I would say the same if the Republican Party or any other political party began posting news items here. I'm not saying I don't appreciate the information--I'm just saying I want to know where it came from so I can evaluate it accordingly. Remember how much flak Steve Maviglio got for posting political articles here without disclosing his affiliation? Stella M. 2010-03-18T18:10:35Z Stella M. comment-22780 2010-03-03T00:31:44Z 2010-03-03T00:31:44Z Yes, I agree...SacPress needs to have a policy about businesses that attempt to pass off advertising as an article. This is not the only business doing this. It's unethical and annoying to readers looking to this site for local news. SP - please remove fake articles (farticles?)! Stella M. 2010-03-03T00:31:44Z Stella M. comment-22510 2010-02-22T21:35:06Z 2010-02-22T21:35:06Z Good article! These SSF events have been great. I'm impressed that this group has gotten some great speakers and has kept these forums free of charge. Stella M. 2010-02-22T21:35:06Z Stella M. comment-22498 2010-02-21T17:29:27Z 2010-02-21T17:29:27Z Beerzie, you summed it up perfectly. I can't imagine eating at a Hard Rock Cafe when there are so many excellent restaurants downtown. When I heard it was closing, my first thought was "Huh? That place was still in business?" It didn't even make my dining out radar. Stella M. 2010-02-21T17:29:27Z Stella M. comment-21933 2010-02-09T23:25:17Z 2010-02-09T23:25:17Z Well, so much for the recommendations of the Charter Review Committee. I believe that was a truly collaborative process that actually involved input from Sacramento citizens. Stella M. 2010-02-09T23:25:17Z Stella M. comment-21600 2010-02-01T18:50:26Z 2010-02-01T18:50:26Z Okay, decent idea; but Haiti is not an island. It's on the island of Hispaniola. Stella M. 2010-02-01T18:50:26Z Stella M. comment-19790 2009-12-23T22:10:41Z 2009-12-23T22:10:41Z My god. Does Steve Maviglio (et al.) think we're all just completely uninformed idiots? He calls 32K signatures on a ballot measure (that not one of them read prior to signing) "public participation"? At least the Charter Review Committee had the integrity to go out and face the public as they carried on their (thankless, volunteer) efforts. At least they had the integrity to stand by their recommendations and present the minority/dissenting opinions for all to see. Does he think that if he continues to claim 50,000 signatures, we'll all magically believe it? And it will magically make it so? And that each and every one of those mythical persons had all the facts at hand and believes most emphatically that this initiative is right and good? I suppose if the SMI gang believes that if they continue to divert all legitimate questions thru sleight of hand, the public will never even notice. Stella M. 2009-12-23T22:10:41Z Stella M. comment-19709 2009-12-21T21:30:41Z 2009-12-21T21:30:41Z Hear, hear, Marion. Stella M. 2009-12-21T21:30:41Z Stella M. comment-18632 2009-12-03T17:30:08Z 2009-12-03T17:30:08Z I'll leave the whacking to you, Marion. But you have to admit, it was refreshing to see Jim respond to a question without even once using the words "fascist" or "moron." Stella M. 2009-12-03T17:30:08Z Stella M. comment-18623 2009-12-03T13:53:07Z 2009-12-03T13:53:07Z Maviglio commented yesterday on the Bee site (on Marcos Breton's column) that KJ was "throwing elbows and shaking things up" with the council. I'm not a basketball player, but isn't "throwing elbows" the OPPOSITE of collaborative? Where's that teamwork KJ keeps promising and not delivering? Stella M. 2009-12-03T13:53:07Z