Wouldn't it make more sense for the Maloof's to simply move the team if they really wanted too? What would the point of the conspiracy be, just to anger Sacramentans and lower the value of their franchise and merchandise? If the Maloofs want to move the team, they gain nothing by doing it secretly or by conspiracy, but in fact seems like they would lose more.

While I understand your emotions, realistically there is not much Mayor Johnson can do. He is but one member of a nine-member City Council, and that's not even taking into account the city manager, who is more responsible for day-to-day operations than Mayor Johnson is. This problem, at its heart, is not something that money or politics can easily fix. It is far too complex to blame on one man, and especially on his SUV. By the way, Mayor Johnson used to be a basketball star, and it's possible he still has money left over from those days to buy his SUV.

I'm glad these guys are doing well. I saw them earlier this year (http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/21687) and they rocked. Best of luck to this good band.

Incredible and thought-provoking.

I know you weren't attacking me! I was just clarifying. Thanks for the kind response and kind words! I appreciate it.

Here's a quote from the story: “For us, it’s not the most crucial component,” said Tretheway’s campaign manager, Rebecca Apostol. “It’s more important to talk to folks one-on-one and to have those face-to-face conversations. That type of interaction is what we tend to gravitate more toward.” Apostol made it clear that Tretheway's campaign is about one-on-one interactions. Just for clarification.

The same thing happened to me at a Kings game when I covered it. The press box was an absolutely joyless place, with no one talking, cheering, or anything. Just dead expressions. I quickly found a seat with the real fans. Great article, by the way,

Go Tyreke! Go Kings! Go Sacramento! Go new arena deal!

Sweet story. Who was that blonde lady in the pictures? The NBA representative?

That's not true. One of the conditions for the deal to go through is for the Maloofs to pay the city. See the "dealbreakers" section of this article for the city and the "What they give" section for the Maloofs. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/27/2707788/inside-the-arena-land-swap-plan.html Where did you hear that the debt would be forgiven? I have not read anything like that, but that would be quite an interesting aspect to the proposition.

To clarify who I am, because you asked, I wrote the article.

Indeed, Rob, indeed.

No, it's supposed to provide coverage of city sports, which is why it's in the sports section and not the politics section.

The materials Taco Bell uses has nothing to do with the neighborhood drive-through. Neither does Pepsico or Monsanto. This website covers Sacramento news, not multi-national corporations. This article reflects that focus. There are many articles in legitimate publications that cover Monsanto's questionable deeds, and it is unnecessary for this website to cover that angle when it is irrelevant to the article at hand.

I saw this in Southern California. Wicked cool.

For what it's worth, it was a joke and many people in the room did laugh.

Thanks Rhonda! Your analogy is fitting and fairly accurate. Thanks again for all of your contribution! It makes the site that much better.

This is awesome. I didn't know this organization was even around! I'll have to check it out.

Sure thing! Thanks for the kind words! I'll definitely keep doing these articles.

Thanks for your input and perspective on this event! Community involvement like this is what makes the Sacramento Press so awesome. Keep it up Rhonda.