Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Steve Vicente

Steve Vicente on "United Nations warns Kevin Johnson of possible human rights violations"

2012-02-03T04:05:02Z

It is pretty lame that the homeless were evicted from their "Obama-villes", but who cares what the UN says? How arrogant that our Bill of Rights strived to protect property rights, while leftist europeans think everything is a "human right" from health care to housing to internet... while they go bankrupt making it happen. No thanks. Those homeless deserve better charity than being evicted from unused lands though. Its also ironic that KJ and co boycotted AZ last year for similar so called "rights" violations (arrogantly), while they signed it with pens made in China, the country with extermination vans. Pandering. Everyone needs to read some Rothbard or John Locke and quit bastardizing the words "rights".

Steve Vicente on "Meet the Candidates for District 4"

2012-02-02T00:06:38Z

To clarify - that's not what happened. The rep for the candidate that didn't respond was courteous, but informed me that they were busy doing more in-person forums and wouldn't have the time to respond to this questionnaire. It was not a matter of deadlines.

Steve Vicente on "Meet the Candidates for District 4"

2012-02-02T00:01:05Z

I mean this in no way as critical of the candidates answers (because I'm thankful for their time and thoughfulness in replying) but instead critical of my own questionnaire... if I ever do something like this again I will probably aim to include strictly Yes/No questions. I will try to attend the two candidates forums posted above. Thanks for sharing those. It would be helpful if anyone recorded and posted video of them as well for the online community. Hopefully we'll get some of these topics covered with Yes/No answers at the forums. :-) Thanks again to candidates who share their views on these important issues to the community!

Meet the Candidates for District 4

2012-02-01T06:04:46Z

City Council representative for District 4, Rob Fong, will not be running for re-election. With no incumbent running, the race has attracted four candidates who may be unfamiliar to Sacramentans.

In the interest of learning about these candidates, a questionnaire was sent to them asking for a brief (less than 100 words) response to a list of topics. The list of topics included items which have been frequently discussed by the District 4 communities or at council meetings. Topics included river crossings, city budget, marijuana dispensaries, strong mayor, leaf piles, arena funding and other city policies.

The goal is to give readers a brief introduction to candidate positions at this early stage in the campaign. Thanks to the candidates for their time and responses, and to Casey Kirk at Sacramento Press for assistance in reaching them. Three of the candidates (Joe Yee, Terry Schanz and Steve Hansen) responded. Phyllis Newton declined to respond, stating she had time constraints preventing her from doing so.

RIVER CROSSINGS AND BRIDGES

Steve Hansen : The people of Sacramento and West Sacramento will need additional options for crossing the river, but these should be done in a way that respect neighborhoods and offer the opportunity to restore areas in need.
Terry Schanz : Determining the location and capacity of a bridge or bridges over the Sacramento or American Rivers should be part of a larger citywide and regional transportation and development plan. Bridge locations should be neighborhood friendly and offer multiple transportation options. As a region, we should encourage interconnectivity using various modes of transportation including vehicles, buses, rail, light rail, bicycles and pedestrian modes of transportation.
Joe Yee : The “Sacramento River Crossing Alternatives Study Report (2011)” finds a need for two new crossings on the Sacramento River north and south of the I Street Bridge. The recent action by the City Council recognizing that any bridge must be “Neighborhood Friendly” provides a loose criterion that defines the size and scope of a future bridge. Though the need for two bridges may be justified, much work remains to determine the location of the bridges and the vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian needs that will be served by a bridge. Subsequent to the 2011 Report, the City Council authorized a Feasibility Study which would include preliminary engineering studies, a more detailed alternative locations analysis and environmental reviews for compliance with CEQA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The preliminary engineering studies would identify footprint locations, right-of-way issues, the connectivity of a new bridge to existing streets and bicycle and pedestrian paths, movable or fixed bridge alternatives and anticipated traffic demand. Because a new bridge will materially impact neighborhoods such as Southside Park, City and Regional Staff must continue to utilize placement and design criteria that considers existing neighborhoods. Funding for the Feasibility Study has not been identified. Funding for a bridge has not been identified.

CITY BUDGET (i.e. deficits, revenues, expenses)

Steve Hansen : Our city doesn't compete well in the region, which has led to the shrinking of our sales tax base and property tax base. We need to attract and retain good jobs to grow our economy, which is my primary goal. Further, recent City Auditor reports suggest that we can find savings by enforcing existing policies and procedures and improving revenue collection.
Terry Schanz : The City’s ability to provide basic services (police, fire, water, utilities, parks, transportation infrastructure) is under extreme pressure due to projected deficits, the continued housing crisis and a struggling overall economy. During these difficult times it is important that we prioritize core public safety services and work creatively to find ways to maintain basic services that our community deserves. Sustainable in-fill development and other economic development goals that will create jobs for Sacramentans and revenue for the City are important. But we will not be able to reach those goals if we fail to provide core services that residents of Sacramento pay for and rely upon now.
Joe Yee : The City budget is expected to have a short-fall of approximately $25,000,000 over the next two years. Public safety is a high priority. However, the City must still strive to be a full service city providing services and amenities that are critical to the quality of life in Sacramento. Quality of life is directly influences the recruitment, retention and expansion of businesses and job creation. The City must balance its income and expenses and make prudent investments for its future just like any family and business.

MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

Steve Hansen : State law allows for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The city has worked to strike a thoughtful balance between these businesses and neighborhoods. I support the Council's efforts to mitigate the impact of the businesses while allowing for safe access to medically necessary treatments.
Terry Schanz : I respect a person’s right to privacy and their right to seek and obtain safe, legal access to any medicine determined necessary by their healthcare provider. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court will need to determine if the federal prohibition of marijuana violates the U.S. Constitution and a state’s ability to regulate medical marijuana.
Joe Yee : The activities of marijuana dispensaries are the subject of court reviews. Therefore, status of current City regulations governing the operation of marijuana dispensaries cannot be determined until the legal process is concluded.

STRONG MAYOR AND CITY CHARTER

Steve Hansen : Changing the city charter is no small undertaking. As a community, we have a duty to be thoughtful and deliberate in making changes to our system of governance. I don’t think our current system of city government is causing the City Hall to be dysfunctional. I believe it’s our inability to work with each other. If there is one thing I seek achieve while serving on the council, it is to be known as someone who worked with everybody and stayed focused on addressing the needs of the city and the district.
Terry Schanz : Given the immediate fiscal challenges facing the City, a strong mayor governance system with an increased executive bureaucracy will not solve the Sacramento’s current fiscal challenges. The Mayor and Council should work collaboratively to address the immediate needs of our City, not be distracted by a proposal that will have no impact helping to balance the City’s budget. I would encourage a more transparent public participation process so that citizens can make an informed decision on such a critical issue as changing the City’s charter.
Joe Yee : As presented to the City Council on January 17, 2012, I do not support the Checks and Balance Act of 2012. I have a number of significant concerns that would need to be addressed before I can begin to consider supporting the proposal. As directed by the Mayor and City Council on January 17, the City Attorney is to present a revised Checks and Balance Act addressing the Council concerns. I look forward to reviewing that version so that I can make an informed decision to support or not. When the Checks and Balance Act is revised to include important specificity, I would support a public vote on the Act. The other action taken by the Mayor and City Council on January 17 was to direct the City Attorney to identify a process and schedule for the review of the City Charter. It is my understanding that the process would include a public vote to authorize a Charter review. If authorized, a companion ballot measure would ask voters to select members of the City Charter Commission. The Commission would act independently of the Mayor and City Council in making recommendations to revise the City Charter. I believe that the Charter Commission revisions would then be approved (or not) by a public vote. Because the City Charter has remained relatively unchanged for 90 years, I would support ballot measures to authorize a Charter review and to establish a Charter Commission.

GREEN WASTE (i.e. street pile pick-up vs. containerized pick-up)

Steve Hansen : I am talking to residents to see how we can best reconcile various needs – disposing of green waste, keeping our storm drains unclogged, preserving the quality of our roads, and providing safe passage for cyclists. I believe that we can find cost-effective and efficient ways to manage green waste while accommodating the needs of residents who do battle with lots of leaves during the winter months.
Terry Schanz : Containerized pick-up has been a transition for residents, but the City has done a good job of educating and informing residents of their options for disposing of green waste and ensuring that street pick up continues during peak periods of the year. Especially in neighborhoods with limited on-street parking, containerized green waste has allowed residents to dispose of green waste efficiently and increased on-street parking capacity.
Joe Yee : The current system allowing two options (containerized pick-up with seasonal street pick-up or year-round street pick-up) is difficult to manage and not an efficient use of City funds particularly in this current economic condition. In order to prioritize the expend City funds for critical public safety and public services/amenities, I would support a change to containerized pick-up with seasonal street pick-up provided the seasonal pick-up provides for frequent and reliable pick-up during in the fall and spring.

ARENA AND PUBLIC FUNDING

Steve Hansen : A downtown arena would be a great asset to our community and has the potential to be a catalyst for reviving Downtown Plaza and creating in-fill development in the railyards. While the current arena is antiquated, we must ensure that any deal is responsible to the needs of the community during these difficult budget times.
Terry Schanz : I support the development of an entertainment and sports complex in the rail yards as part of a larger development plan for downtown. The plan should encourage the use of transit, interconnectivity to the riverfront and Old Sacramento, respect historic neighborhoods and prioritize in-fill, mixed use sustainable development models. The complex should also be a catalyst not just to create good paying jobs for Sacramentans, but to continue Sacramento’s efforts to prioritize a sustainable growth plan for the future. Private investment should be the primary financing method for an entertainment complex. At a time of dire fiscal challenges facing the City, I am concerned that monetizing public assets for a private business venture may harm, not help the City’s ability to provide core services that resident pay for and rely upon.
Joe Yee : I support the construction of a new entertainment and sports complex in the Rail Yards without public funds. Our City funds must be used to support public safety (police officers, firefighters), libraries, community centers, parks, water, sewer and storm drain systems and other services and amenities that are critical to the quality of life in Sacramento as well as business growth and job creation.

REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (areas, funding)

Steve Hansen : Now that redevelopment as we know it has been eliminated, we must be creative in finding ways to address blight and spur economic development in Sacramento. Fortunately, the city as a whole is not reliant on redevelopment funds. In the downtown redevelopment area, we will still have limited resources to address blight in the J/K/L corridor. We should target our efforts on infrastructure improvements and on mitigating high impact fees for small businesses. Finally, the city needs to be more innovative about how attract and grow investment capital in the Central City.
Terry Schanz : I have participated in early discussions at the state level to look at an infill, transit-oriented sustainable development model as a possible new path for a more targeted redevelopment system. The integration of affordable housing should remain a component of any new redevelopment plan. Any new redevelopment financing model will need to not harm the state’s General Fund or divert public resources to local schools. While the fiscal structure will ultimately be negotiated at a state level, incentivizing infill, transit-oriented, sustainable development will be an excellent tool to help create jobs and encourage smart growth principles in the 4th District.
Joe Yee : I believe that redevelop funds can help restore blighted areas, encourage transit oriented businesses and residential development and facilitate infill development. Redevelop funding is an important tool to achieving the goals of the City 2030 General Plan. According to recent court rulings, the State has the authority to dissolve redevelopment agencies and has done so. I support pending State legislation that would restore redevelopment agencies.

PUBLIC UNIONS

Steve Hansen : Our city's employees have done more with less while keeping us safe and tending to our aging infrastructure. I support the rights of workers to organize for adequate pay and working conditions. We live in a time of diminishing resources, and I believe in shared sacrifice to close the budget deficit responsibly. We need to remain focused on the core mission of protecting the public's health, safety and welfare.
Terry Schanz : Public unions provide workers with an important voice and are partners in helping the City provide efficient and effective services to residents. I fully respect the collective bargaining process and believe it is an effective and appropriate way to negotiate wage and benefit agreements between the City and its eligible employees.
Joe Yee : Do I support public unions? I support the rights of public and private sector worker to organize into unions.

FIREARMS

Steve Hansen : Gun ownership is a constitutionally protected right, but gun violence is a persistent challenge to our urban tranquility. I support efforts to keep illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals.
Terry Schanz : I respect an individual’s ability to legally possess firearms consistent with state and federal law.
Joe Yee : Do I support gun control? I support the right of individual to own firearms and the government’s ability to prohibit the sale of firearms to criminals and to exercise reasonable controls on the sales of ammunition.

CITY CODES / PERMIITS

Steve Hansen : A full analysis needs to be conducted of the requirements placed on small business to see if these requirements impose more of a burden than a benefit. In any instance where the burden is greater than the benefit, the City should reasonably consider eliminating or changing these requirements. In addition, we need to find ways to track code violations through the use of a 311 smart phone application so that we can use our limited resources to target significant nuisances to protect and preserve quality of life for the city’s residents.
Terry Schanz : The City has and can continue to be more efficient in processing permits. The increased use of technology should be explored as a way to improve the efficient processing and review of permit requests.
Joe Yee : Often, neither businesses nor home owners have not worked with City Codes and are not familiar with the City Permit process. With that in mind, the City should provide guidance for the permit application, approval and issuance process. As a Councilmember, my staff and I would also be available to provide assistance.

Steve Vicente on "Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings"

2011-10-25T23:30:37Z

I watched the City Council meeting when Land Park NIMBY's moaned & whined, then councilmember Angelique Ashby (not even her district) caved and suggested excluding Sutterville Rd from the study. There was no rhyme or reason to that decision, if anyone is familiar with West Sac and Sutterville Rd... just look at a map and you will see that allowing those homeowners sensible access to I-5 is just plain smart city planning. Land Park folks were absolutely being NIMBY's, because nobody wants to drive through their neighborhood... they just want freeway access and to get from Point A to Point B without driving through Points C, D, Y, and Z to get there.

Steve Vicente on "What Does the Fight for Justice and Fairness Look Like?"

2011-10-19T23:53:20Z

The problem with the "99%" is that they have misdirected their anger. Wall Street is not the problem. Government is the problem. Wall Street does not have the Rule of Law to to use force, they influence politicians to do that. If Joe paid Frank $100 to punch you in the stomach... who is the villian? In this scenario - the Tea Party would blame Frank. The OWS would blame Joe. The OWS has their priorities mixed up. In order for you to remove the rights of a corporation, you would have to remove the rights of individiuals... because a corporation is just a group of individiuals(shareholders). If you want to restrict corporations, then also restrict the rights of: labor unions, clubs like Boys Scouts, or two guys standing on a street corner... because there is no difference between groups of people unless you want to violate the 1st Amendment whereby people are free to assemble & speak or act for common purpose. (But let's not pretend... the OWS movement is about socialism/communism and looting the wealthy. That's why they only talk about corporations & not unions)

Steve Vicente on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-12T07:32:32Z

If that were true (thought it's not), then change the Constitution why don't you? Pass a new amendment "Since well regulated militias are no longer needed, the right to bear arms may be infringed". Until then... deal with it. The Constitution was written in ink, not pencil.

Steve Vicente on "Urban Rifle Hike"

2011-09-12T07:26:16Z

This is a great story. Even if it wasn't your goal to "test the cops"... I think that was the most important part of your adventure.

Steve Vicente on "Phony Health Inspector Calling Sacramento Restaurants"

2010-12-17T00:10:32Z

This is hilarious... What if it's not a scammer, but a germ-o-phobe who wants to eat out... but KNOWS what really goes on in the kitchens of most restaurants. My bet is - this guy is a customer the next day after these phone calls.

Steve Vicente on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2010-12-06T18:12:10Z

Gayle, Do you really think pepper spray or a stun gun will be suitable defense against a predator who's entered your home? It is time to exercise your 2nd Amendment rights. Keeping a loaded shotgun and/or revolver in your home should ease your concerns. As for walking around town... it's fairly safe since most of downtown is farily busy, but stick to well-lit streets with eyes on them.

Steve Vicente on "Councilman walks out of chicken discussion"

2010-11-17T16:50:19Z

Ditto man - you nailed it with that comment.

Steve Vicente on "Measure B going down to defeat"

2010-11-04T03:01:26Z

... and if anyone doesn't think the ballot language was confusing... imagine you are one of the large voter turnout for Prop 19 or governor, and read this... What would you make of it? "Shall the ordinance repealing increases in monthly water, sewer, garbage/solid waste disposal service rates approved by the Sacramento City Council in June 2009, setting these monthly utility rates at the amounts in effect on February 2010, and allowing the City Council to increase these rates without voter approval beginning July 2012 only if the rates are not increased above the annual increase in a specified consumer price index, be adopted?" This should make anyone who believes in democracy extremely angry. It's dishonest of City Council to not let voters decide an issue on it's merits by clearly representing it on a ballot. It's outright fraud.

Steve Vicente on "Measure B going down to defeat"

2010-11-04T02:45:00Z

"Steve Cohn ... led a "No on Measure B" campaign with Councilman Kevin McCarty and local union leaders." - Wow, big suprise local unions had anything to do with opposing this. "I think the tea party sort of anti-government, anti-tax (movement) – it doesn't have as strong an appeal in the city of Sacramento" - This statement is very true in Sacramento, #1 US city of government workers (see recent Sac Biz Journal article on that). It's why Steinberg, Matsui, et al never have to even campaign against their opponents. But I'll tell you a big reason why Measure B failed so dramatically. It's because of slimey tactics by City Council to make mincemeat out of the ballot language. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/12/2953196/councils-ballot-gobbledygook-tries.html When my wife voted, she filled out her entire ballot except Measure B... and had to ask me what it meant when I came home.

Steve Vicente on "City Permits: Gone Too Far?"

2010-10-15T17:06:31Z

Well, my neighbor built a house on an empty lot and it took him 3+ years to navigate the departments, committees, and permits. Ask him if he would ever try that again.... well, maybe, if he could bribe some CDD officials.

Steve Vicente on "Johnson, SMUD official protest Prop. 23"

2010-10-15T17:02:37Z

Fine whatever... AB 32 will sink the state at the cost of local ARB jobs. Pay a dollar for a dime. City leadership doesn't surprise me with another short-sighted move. YES on 23.

Steve Vicente on "City Permits: Gone Too Far?"

2010-10-14T20:35:18Z

PW, to that point - it follows that the CDD's disarray & the permit process does nothing to incentivize infill. It 'shoo's developers away. I bet most folks who praise the permit process haven't dealt with it much. I wanted to install a new window in my house. I called to ask if I needed a permit, and was instructed to come down to CDD/Planning. I waited an hour just to find someone to answer a simple question, before walking out & giving up on the entire plan due to frustration. Remember... the title of this article isn't "codes", it's "permits". They are very different issues.

Steve Vicente on "City Permits: Gone Too Far?"

2010-10-13T19:26:43Z

I support codes, so far as they prevent one person from damaging another persons property. The permit process, however, is an entirely different matter and causes more harm than good. Instead of being reactive, and holding citizens accountable for code violations (which could in many cases be handled better in small claims courts anyways)... it makes doing business in the city painful. Most if not all the examples I listed do not protect property. E.g., the Happy Happy restaurant was not anoise pollution issue, it was the police dept abusing codes to punish a business for unrelated reasons.

Steve Vicente on "City Permits: Gone Too Far?"

2010-10-13T17:21:31Z

An audit which I linked to in this article as an example of what happens when you rely on layers of bureaucracy to micro-manage private property & free-commerce: inefficiency & abuse.

Steve Vicente on "City Permits: Gone Too Far?"

2010-10-13T17:03:05Z

On the contrary, many rules are born from special interests seeking to control others. E.g. medical marijuana dispensaries supporting moratorium to squash competition. Same goes for taxi cab permits, and local restaurants outlawing hotdog stands. Then there are the other cases where City simply wants revenue. I often wonder why they planted a sycamore tree in front of my house, which is known for aggressive roots raising sidewalks & not meant for narrow parking strips. Yet, they deny my permit to cut back the tree & will surely profit from sidewalk repair fees. This is at best negligence, at worst extortion.

Steve Vicente on "City Permits: Gone Too Far?"

2010-10-13T06:39:58Z

The examples are not a joke either.. from figure models to miniature golf courses. It's all there in the city codes (first link in the editorial).

City Permits: Gone Too Far?

2010-10-13T06:22:58Z

Like any city, Sacramento develops a collection of codes to be enforced. To engage in certain activities, residents and businesses must contact departments, fill out forms, and apply for permits.

It seems constantly, the City is conjuring new codes, guidelines, and permits... everything from medical marijuana moratoriums to taxi cab queues. You need a permit to install an alarm system. To sell produce. To put certain signs on your property. To sell secondhand goods. To hold a fundraiser. To offer massage. To open a miniature golf course. To sell hot dogs on the street. To offer valet parking. To figure model. You need a permit to prune a tree in front of your house, or to prevent it's roots from destroying your sidewalk. You then need a permit to repair your sidewalk at your own expense (even if city rejected your permit to avoid the damage). You need a permit to update an older home, with approval of the Historic Preservation Committee. Then, of course, there is the maze of permits any developer or home-builder must traverse via the Community Development Department, which a recent audit has exposed to be poorly organized (and ask any developer, a painful process). Many of these permits come with application fees, hours of form filling and phone tag with city officials, and no guarantee that your permit will be approved.

Much of the language within the city codes are vague and subjective, leaving residents guessing how their permit will be evaluated or whether any process exists at all. For example, this excerpt from Urban Forestry's code on tree removal permits which require $50 fee to be subjected to the "directors sole discretion":

12.56.070 Maintenance and removal permits., #3
The director, in his or her sole discretion, has determined that any potential detriment to the city street tree population entailed by the proposed work, is justified in the individual case. In making this determination, the director shall consider factors such as the probability that the proposed work will destroy or seriously injure the tree, the tree’s health, the desirability of that species as a street tree, whether the tree’s condition and size threaten serious damage to property, the condition and number of other city street trees in the vicinity, whether there are other less onerous means of accomplishing the applicant’s goals, and other related criteria.

A recent agenda item from a City Council meeting demonstrates how absurd permits can seem when they go too far - where Happy Happy restaurant was cited by city police for not having an "Entertainment Permit". The reason? They were singing inside the restaurant, and their permit application had been rejected.

Steve Vicente on "Law prompts change to city program"

2010-10-08T06:41:48Z

I also suspect that the City is violating Prop 218 by charging green waste "opt-out" (claw/pile pickup) residents more than those who use green waste containers. All residents benefit from claw pickup, even those with containers. The City seems to be shifting costs to "opt-out" folks, because the City is prevented by 1977 voter-passed ordinance from outright mandating containerization on residents.

Steve Vicente on "Measure B foes, supporters release fundraising statements"

2010-10-07T01:14:20Z

YES on B

Steve Vicente on "City Council unanimously opposes Prop. 23"

2010-09-03T01:39:55Z

Once again, we can see.. whatever the City Council thinks, you should think the opposite. Yes on Prop 23. AB 32 will scare jobs out of CA.

Steve Vicente on "Arizona: Groups continue to protest Sac City Council "

2010-08-04T05:48:18Z

and Jersey Shore has more viewers than Mad Men... so what's your point William?

Steve Vicente on "Council chooses two teams to revamp K Street"

2010-07-15T05:45:22Z

William, it's not that hard to NOT spend money... you just don't do it. Not that complicated really. I saw Brewster's Millions. This is like KJ's Millions... no one is forcing anyone to spend tens of millions of tax dollars. It doesn't grow on trees, so *yes*, it IS debt.

Steve Vicente on "Council chooses two teams to revamp K Street"

2010-07-14T20:23:10Z

BOO! The City Council is once again playing Monopoly with taxpayer dollars... $100 million no less! Public money should not be subsidizing private investment. -No bank bailouts. -No public-funded basketball arena. -No freaking "boqueria", or anything else. The above are all examples of poltical favors & cronyism, as special-interests & developers try to raid the coffers of public funds... so they don't risk anything themselves & therefore, don't have to come up with a smart or feasible idea. They just need to put up some pretty powerpoint slides with pictures of people walking on K Street, and abuse buzzwords like "green" and "living spaces"... in order to convice the Silly Council to give them money. All these things worsen our debt & our tax burden. This type of leadership inevitably makes Sacramento a worse place to live as a result. "Revitalizing" downtown is such a pointless effort. Downtown Sacramento has sold it's soul to the devil years ago, by becoming the state capital. Just look around at the monolithic concrete jungle. That's why K ST sucks! The City Council constantly debates "How can we get suburbanites to drive downtown?" Answer: They can't, wont, never will. Dense urban housing is the only thing that will improve downtown, and it will only happen over time on it's own if you let it. CA government needs to shrink, which will debase property values downtown, and once make investment reasonable there. That's what makes towns like Chico & Davis nice communities.

Steve Vicente on "A deeper look at city's decision to hire 30 new cops"

2010-06-30T06:27:21Z

I'm all for keeping a strong police force, but I also wonder how this decision was made. Here is another article (albiet on Sac County), that discusses a similar issue: http://reason.com/blog/2010/06/25/if-you-dont-give-us-150-percen

Steve Vicente on "McCarty concedes District 9 race"

2010-06-26T07:17:23Z

Kevin McCarty has a history of opposing the 2nd Amendment. No thanks. On the other hand, Dickenson was on the Board of Supervisors when the County passed that ridiculous law "No dancing closer than 6 feet".. in order to shut down strip clubs on Auburn Blvd. I'm just glad one of them lost. Now, I hope the other one will in November.

Steve Vicente on "City Council to consider economic boycott against Arizona"

2010-05-27T02:50:59Z

And once the resolution was passed to boycott civil rights violations in Arizona... Then, Mayor KJ signed the resolution with a pen made in China - land of iron-fist censorship and mobile execution vans. Grandstanding pandering hypocrisy.

Steve Vicente on "Lax Oversight Creating A Boomtown For Illegal Medical Marijuana Shops"

2010-05-26T07:14:43Z

Of course Don Johnson welcomes regulation. Nothing better than a government protected monopoly or oligopoly! No competition for Don Johnson & his pot shop with the City's "moratorium" on new stores (i.e. competition).

Steve Vicente on "Following the money: City Council campaign contributions"

2010-02-17T03:52:42Z

Lincoln is overrated.

Steve Vicente on "Following the money: City Council campaign contributions"

2010-02-17T03:48:49Z

Kudos for summarizing and sharing this important information. This clearly shows the massive hurdle that anyone faces when trying to unseat an incumbent, even for an office as minor as city council. The challengers were outspent at least 2:1, and as much as 20:1... with the winning campaigns funded by trades & interests instead of individuals. All the more reason to question council meddling in the affairs of local businesses and individuals. Thw government which governs best governs least.

Steve Vicente on "Ballot proposal aims to stop 9.2 percent city utilities rate hike"

2010-02-12T03:49:49Z

Excellent! The City Utilities are out of control. Water meter scandal, Green waste bins forced on us. Somebody fire someone already! Take back those freakin' green waste bins too.

Steve Vicente on "Off and Running in the 3rd District Congressional Race"

2010-01-31T02:55:44Z

I would vote for Lungren... at least over Bera.

Steve Vicente on "City Council holds tense discussion on utilities funds"

2010-01-28T07:00:46Z

Let's not forget wasting money on lame green waste bins that downtowners don't want! Will someone please fire the green waste bin fools already?

Steve Vicente on "Religious Faithful, Law Enforcement and Citizen Activists Rally on Capitol Steps to Protest Potential Legalization of Marijuana"

2010-01-14T06:39:33Z

Why would law enforcement officers join to fight legalization? Because arresting people and filling prisons keeps them employed. Why would ex-drug addicts and faith-based folks fight legalization? Because they are weak-willed people that need the law or Jesus to scare themselves straight, lest they lose control of themselves. Shame on them for trying to control other people's lives. Marijuana and criminal behavior should not be confused with one another. Murdering & stealing should be crimes. Drugs should not be crimes. Let people do with their own body what they want.

Steve Vicente on "Councilwoman Lauren Hammond outlines goals for the city"

2010-01-11T08:56:49Z

None of the supes are good guys... They passed that Physical Dance Ordinance last year, and I can't support anybody who goes around trying to police personal behavior. Nope, Roger Dickenson needs to go! (along with Susan Peters and the rest of them)

Steve Vicente on "McCarty's proposal for homeless patients fails to advance"

2010-01-09T20:33:48Z

Right bbbbmer, I didn't say that's right either... did I?

Steve Vicente on "Councilman Steve Cohn announces 2010 goals"

2010-01-09T20:31:35Z

Whoa... your profile name is "InfoWars.com" and you support socialist ideals? That is a contradiction man... I thought Alex Jones & his minions at least stood for freedom. McCarty is probably one of the worst on the council.

Steve Vicente on "McCarty's proposal for homeless patients fails to advance"

2010-01-09T09:19:38Z

McCarty brought forward the proposal to challenge 2nd Amendment last month. I hope people will vote him out next term. Who is supposed to pay for these people to be treated by physicians who spent years and thousands of dollars on education? Who pays for the advanced equipment which private investment has innovated? Should the hospitals pay? Are they a charity...and not a business? No. All you commenters above who praised McCarty, I think YOU should drive down to the hospital with your checkbook and start paying for all the people that can't afford the miracles of modern medicine. A few hundred years ago, King Henry VIII bled out with leeches... so don't be communist whiners people!

Steve Vicente on "Councilman Steve Cohn announces 2010 goals"

2010-01-09T09:06:19Z

and what has Steve Cohn contributed JimmyWee? Do you know how much these incumbent council members spend on campaigns? Where does that money come from & what favors are being doled out? I'd like to see incumbents get voted out this year, unless they stand for limited govt and freedom. Steve Cohn voted to challenge the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. Steve Cohn voted to place a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. These decisions show a belief in the "Nanny State", with little respect for freedom. No thanks!

Steve Vicente on "Councilman Steve Cohn announces 2010 goals"

2010-01-08T07:00:47Z

Agreed... this is a puff piece. Who cares what he SAYS he is going to do? I'm more interested in what someone said they would do in 2009, and whether they delivered. Steve Cohn voted to challenge the 2nd Amendment last month. To me, that shows he is a not worthy of office. Vote him out!

Steve Vicente on "Sacramento River Crossing Study"

2010-01-07T09:32:13Z

Why does so much need to be spent on a study?!? Heck, just look at traffic counts and major arteries. Ignore the NIMBY's that want to protest all development, and BUILD A BROADWAY BRIDGE already! Sacramento is sad when you compare it to another river city like Portland. Portland has 3 or 4 times the river crossings, and a nicer city to show for it. Sacramento has complete lack of cooperation between the Capitol and Yolo/W.Sac.

Steve Vicente on "How to opt-out of green waste bin system"

2010-01-05T06:02:23Z

Why was "opt out" used instead of "opt in"? Because the City made "opt out" difficult, and cumbersome. Now they have inflated numbers when most folks put their bin in the garage and continue to dump waste in the street. To the City - When the costs/rates are calculated... I would like to make sure that it's calculated based on leaf piles VS bins on pickup day - and NOT calculated by the ridiculous statistics which have been shifted by the implementation of the heinous "opt out" program. Of course, if you deliver bins and call it "opt out" and make it difficult to return them (as many people have commented is the case)... then you will have inflated numbers falsely showing that the bin program is widely adopted. If you use these numbers in calculating my new rate (instead of what's actually put out on the street), then I will be sure to make public comment about the City Utility dept at an upcoming City Council meeting.

Steve Vicente on "Green waste debate changes course"

2009-12-31T03:59:53Z

Also, when the costs/rates are calculated... I would like to make sure that it's calculated based on leaf piles VS bins on pickup day - and NOT calculated by the ridiculous statistics which have been shifted by the implementation of the heinous "opt out" program. Of course, if you deliver bins and call it "opt out" and make it difficult to return them (as many people have commented is the case)... then you will have inflated numbers falsely showing that the bin program is widely adopted. If you use these numbers in calculating my new rate (instead of what's actually put out on the street), then I will be sure to make public comment about the City Utility dept at an upcoming City Council meeting.

Steve Vicente on "Green waste debate changes course"

2009-12-31T03:46:49Z

Jessica, you said: "As more customers opt into the containerized program, the costs to collect materials loose in the street goes up because we may only need to collect a single pile or two on a street and then need to drive across town to pick up a few more piles, etc." This does not address the fact that there are now TWO waste pickup programs running. The claw has to skip houses... but so does the bin truck. So everyone pays more. The City has raised the costs for all residents with their poor planning and execution of this attempt to force bins on residents. It is time to bite the bullet and collect all the bins, and go back to the claw. It's time to admit this entire ordeal has been a disaster. Fire whoever is responsible, collect the bins, and let's get back to life in downtown with the claw... as the 1977 ordinance intended.

Steve Vicente on "Green waste debate changes course"

2009-12-29T09:04:52Z

On 4/21/2009 council meeting, they approved purchasing 600 bins for Southside Park (my neighborhood) for $30,000. So... these bins cost $50 each. "About 85,000 residents have chosen bins, the report notes." Does the word "chosen" apply when this heinous "opt-out" program is used? Personally I found it very difficult to opt-out. Some questions I'd like the City to answer: - How many people have opted out? - How much money is the City wasting now that they are stuck running TWO leaf pick up systems (claw and bins)? Who will pay for that? Who will be fired for creating this disaster? - If the City raises prices for "claw" customers.... isn't it violating the letter of the 1977 ordinance that prevents them from being forced onto containerization.

Steve Vicente on "Mayor's task force learns about thriving arenas"

2009-12-19T06:56:58Z

Here's some advice: DON'T USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS

Steve Vicente on "City Council votes to challenge 2nd Amendment"

2009-12-17T02:16:00Z

Update: I saw on the meeting minutes that KJ also voted "NO", in addition to Robbie Waters. Good for him... he earned some points back in my book.

City Council votes to challenge 2nd Amendment

2009-12-16T04:28:49Z

Today, December 15th, is Bill of Rights Day. These 10 amendments to the Constitution protect our most basic rights, including: freedom of speech, religion, the right to bear arms, and have a fair trial. Ironically, in this evening's Sacramento City Council meeting our representatives voted to support Chicago in a Supreme Court Case (McDonald v. Chicago) which would allow cities to ignore the 2nd Amendment.

The 2nd Amendment reads:
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

The City Council Proposal
"Discuss and consider whether to authorize the City Attorney's Office to take the necessary steps to have the City of Sacramento join as amicus curiae with various cities in McDonald v. Chicago, United States Supreme Court Case no. 08-1521, in support of the position that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution does not apply to the States and local governments. Contact: Eileen Teichert, City Attorney, (916) 808-5346, Office of the City Attorney."

This proposal was brought forward at the request of Kevin McCarty. After he introduced the item, councilmember Robbie Waters made a statement strongly opposing the proposal. There were three public speakers from the community, all opposing the proposal. After the public comments, Steve Cohn made comments supporting it. It then passed with a majority vote.

After 12/16, you can watch archived video of this decision here: 12/15, agenda item #28.

Steve Vicente on "The invisible city manager?"

2009-12-15T01:04:21Z

Kathleen, Anyone can sign up for 2 minutes of public comment at City Council meetings. I suggest you sign up, go up to the podium, and share this story in front of the council and city manager. That will embarrass him... perhaps enough to give you the time of day. It's one thing if he's busy... and needs to respond to you in limited fashion, even by telephone or email. To ignore a prospective member of "the press" (no matter how mainstream) completely & repeatedly is asking to be called out.

Steve Vicente on "Residents use new online tool in green waste debate"

2009-12-12T20:48:42Z

Gabriel... I looked at your link. it's funny - all the supporters of containerization listed on that webpage are tree-hugging organizations (Save the river, Bikers, hikers, etc.) If you guys succeed in forcing us on leaf bins... I will be thinking of you when I cut down my tree. I invite any supporters of the claw to sign-up here: http://www.southsidepark.org/claw

Steve Vicente on "PART II - Sacramento City “Green” Waste Proposal Selectively Punishes Central City Residents "

2009-12-10T07:27:04Z

I will cut down my tree if I'm forced on a bin. Eat that green-freak eco-warriors!

Steve Vicente on "PART II - Sacramento City “Green” Waste Proposal Selectively Punishes Central City Residents "

2009-12-05T07:57:01Z

Keep the Claw! http://www.southsidepark.org/claw

Steve Vicente on "PART I - Sacramento City “Green” Waste Proposal Selectively Punishes Central City Residents "

2009-12-05T05:09:11Z

Keep the Claw! http://www.southsidepark.org/claw

Steve Vicente on "To Bin or Not to Bin: The story of Sacramento's green waste battles"

2009-11-30T22:05:12Z

A couple questions for pro-bin folks: Question #1 - If you force folks on streets inundated with leaves onto a more cumbersome way to clean them up (bins)... do you really think our streets will be prettier? Put it this way - if I made you clean your toilet with a toothbrush, would you clean it as often? Question #2 - Since you pro-bin folks admit there are too many autumn leaves downtown to fit in a bin, and the claw would still be needed... doesn't this nullify all or most your proposed benefits of bins? Clogged drains just as likely, mosquitos still have hundreds of places to breed, bikes and cars have bins to dodge instead of leaves, twice the trucks still needed. Anyways, I'm staying with my plan to cut down my tree if I'm forced on a bin. I don't have space for a bin. Go green!

Steve Vicente on "To Bin or Not to Bin: The story of Sacramento's green waste battles"

2009-11-30T08:03:06Z

Who wants to bet these city officials pushing bins on downtowners live in the suburbs? SUBURBS: tree? lawn lawn lawn driveway driveway driveway parking parking parking DOWNTOWN: tree tree tree tree tree driveway? parking? It is interesting to note that the City Utilities is making absolutely no effort to reach out to residents. This is because they know residents don't want bins.... so they have resorted to pushing bins with wacky "opt-out" programs. I hope whatever numbers/info they communicate based on that program will be reviewed with deserved skepticism. It's too bad City Utilities is a govt-enforced monopoly... I have no option to cancel their service when I find it unsatisfactory.

Steve Vicente on "City Council to decide on green waste bins"

2009-11-25T08:28:31Z

I plugged Sac Press at the City Council meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7TOBotn76w

Steve Vicente on "Decision on green waste bins expected Nov. 17"

2009-11-25T08:27:46Z

I plugged Sac Press at the City Council meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7TOBotn76w

Steve Vicente on "Republicans' report: Allegations about Johnson, St. HOPE females"

2009-11-21T08:20:07Z

Let's not forget.. Doris Matsui called the White House regarding Walpin shortly before he was fired. Tsakopoulos stood to get rich off "shovel ready" stimulus money for Sacramento... and he's been a huge campaign contributor to these folks. They are all dirty & "in bed" together with big money special interests. Vote limited government. That is the only way you can fight corruption... by limiting their power & protecting individual rights & the Constitution.

Steve Vicente on "Dear City, keep your bin or cut my tree"

2009-11-19T07:43:53Z

No, the service wasn't slow because of the storm. I was calling the City complaining about them missing pickup service for a couple months BEFORE that storm, since they pushed the bins in my area. The City's "opt-in" program has been a disaster & if you ask me, someone should be fired for it.

Steve Vicente on "Dear City, keep your bin or cut my tree"

2009-11-19T07:34:50Z

You work for the city & live in the burbs don't you? Yeah, check YOUR facts... other cities use the claw. I remember that flood... 2 inches of rain in an hour. They upgraded the pipes after. Sorry, bins wouldn't have prevented that. The problem is, you think bins are going to eradicate leaves or something? I raked my leaves yesterday & guess what... I had a fresh coat of leaves out front today. Welcome to the City of Trees. Don't think for a second bins are going to encourage people to clean up leaves better... it will DISCOURAGE them because bins are a pain in the butt. I am happy to pay more for claw service. How about the City quits acting like it knows what we want & try to talk to residents or something? That's the problem with a govt supported monopoly... I can't fire them or cancel service.

Steve Vicente on "Downtown Sacramento: Weekend Ghost Town"

2009-11-16T19:55:47Z

The gist of my post is that State of California = BIG MONEY. Our city planners have all too often crawled to the big government office projects like a cheap whore to a pimp... seeking that next fix and abusive security. I'd agree with William that other big cities have downtown cores which are quiet on weekends. In my opinion, it's not as extreme in other cities. You'll have a few blocks of high rises, surrounding by a bustling shopping district. In Sacramento, we have nearly a 16-block core area that's relatively DEAD. I think the history of planning & state government muscle has much to do with that. Hell, the state properties don't even contirbute tax revenues do they? I think "smart growth" will happen here. It will happen naturally, as freeways continue their congestion & people seek shorter commutes. I just hope we don't keep making the same mistakes.

Downtown Sacramento: Weekend Ghost Town

2009-11-16T07:40:54Z

As the capitol city, Sacramento has a dependent relationship on the state government. We've let the state government fill our core with monolithic government buildings. The incentive has been to keep jobs and development, but the cost has been the soul of the city. Contrary to the state employee work week, on any Saturday or Sunday you can ride your bicycle down the middle a street in downtown with hardly any cars to worry about. Many restaurants on K Street and around downtown are closed on weekends.

This is not a new problem. A 1987 Sac Bee article wrote "It's 10 p.m. in downtown Sacramento, and light rail is making its last run along the K Street Mall, temporarily bathing the deserted shopping center with fluorescent light." A 1989 article wrote "State government may be Sacramento's reason for being -- its economic lifeline -- but it has also helped produce much of the city's blandest architecture, .... The state's dominant role, according to a number of civic and government officials, has also kept Sacramento from breeding the type of dynamic business leaders who often promote progress in other cities."

Poor planning decisions made in the past have undoubtedly contributed to the problem. In the 1980's, Sacramento planners encouraged building offices to replace rundown hotels. In the past decade, housing development in West Sacramento and Natomas was touted as an opportunity to spur activity downtown. Of course, it didn't. It merely spurred development of strip malls in those areas. Building offices centrally and sprawl outside has been a recipe for a lifeless downtown on weekends. If city planners really want to revitalize areas like K Street mall, they need to think beyond state employees. We need to have enough people actually live near business centers so they will stay open on weekends. Call it "mixed use", or "smart growth", or just call it "normal". It's what you'll find in any smaller city that has life on weekends, like Davis or Chico.

Steve Vicente on "Join Senator Darrell Steinberg to hear what's happening at the Capitol"

2009-11-13T01:17:27Z

You can submit questions to him here: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/focus/townhall/sd06/20091112.htm I submitted the following questions & I would be willing to wager that these questions are being cherry-picked and none of my questions will be selected ============== How are you going to help reduce the burdensome business environment we've created in California with our heavey taxes and regulatory environment? ============== How are you going to help fix our prison system in California? It's estimated it costs $47,000/year to incarcerate someone in our prisons. Are you willing to cut back prison budgets, fight the CCPOA, deport illegal aliens, and decriminalize drug offenses? ============== California currently has one of the most heavily regulated health care environments of any state, raising costs for residents. How are you going to reduce regulations and support tort reform in California to increase consumer choice and reduce costs?

Steve Vicente on "Join Senator Darrell Steinberg to hear what's happening at the Capitol"

2009-11-13T01:01:44Z

Steinberg sucks. Vote him out!

Steve Vicente on "Change is in the wind for your lawn piles"

2009-11-07T19:11:07Z

regarding the photographer comment - why don't you take a photo in a central neighborhood where they have bins? Then you will see the reason for the 1977 law, and why we will regret moving to bins if the City bureaucrats who live in the suburbs keep pushing bins on us. East sac has some neighborhoods with bins and 50% of their streets are filled with leaf piles AND bins. Parking is impossible. The City needs to earn the $13 it's charging us monthly and PICK UP THE LEAVES! They have quit doing that to try & force bins on us.... just plain negligent. BTW folks -feel free to read my post on this topic too http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/17158/Dear_City_keep_your_bin_or_cut_my_tree (I got more thumbs up... just saying! people don't seem to want bins) :-D

Steve Vicente on "Dear City, keep your bin or cut my tree"

2009-11-06T19:07:39Z

Piles which have built up since the City stopped picking them up... thanks to bins.

Steve Vicente on "City Council 2010: How to follow the money"

2009-11-06T16:55:08Z

Good story... I'm going to have some fun with this in Excel. ..maybe post a follow up on Rob Fong's contributions.

Steve Vicente on "Dear City, keep your bin or cut my tree"

2009-11-06T07:24:02Z

Oh yeah... plus, I would like a refund for my $13 for green waste Dept. of Utilities - because I have received no service.

Steve Vicente on "Dear City, keep your bin or cut my tree"

2009-11-06T07:22:53Z

Robert, you said it yourself. The bins will not fit all the leaves. So again... what is the point? All your following arguments kind of fall flat due to this, because the City will need to do the "claw" no matter what right? Downtown is not the burbs where you live. We don't have your big lawns. We have little to no green waste except for Fall. How about instead of wasting all that money on those bins, actually pick up the leaves? We've had piles of leaves on my street almost constantly the past two months because the City is trying to force the bins & stopped picking up leaves. Nice job... problem is worse now.

Dear City, keep your bin or cut my tree

2009-11-05T02:53:16Z

Sacramento is the "City of Trees". For better or worse that also means city of leaves. While suburban areas put their green waste in bins, the denser central neighborhoods have leaf piles picked off the street regularly and seasonally by the "leaf claw". This is how it's been done for years, and how many other cities do it. However, recently a few local bureaucrats have been pushing to move the entire central city to containerized bin pickup.

In the suburbs, containerized green waste bins make sense. Big bins are wheeled into big backyards for weekend yard work year-round. It also makes pickup more efficient since suburban homes are sprawled out. However, in the city containerized bins are impractical. Since few downtown homes have lawns, most of the yard work downtown is raking leaves in the fall. You have no green waste most of the year, then a lot of leaves for a month or two... more leaves than will fit in a bin. Living downtown, bins are also a nuisance. City residences have driveways barely wide enough to fit a car, let alone another 90-gallon plastic bin. Have you ever tried raking leaves into 4-foot tall bins? It's a much more awkward task than emptying that lawnmower bag. For these reasons, bins will inconvenience downtown residents while not eliminating leaf piles downtown in the fall.

Unelected city officials have recently started bullying green waste containers upon downtown residents. In Southside Park neighborhood, this has been done with a so-called "opt-out" container program. There was no ballot done, only a mysterious mailer with a phone number to call. Some residents caught this and "opted out", but were still delivered a green waste bin. When I requested that they retrieve my bin, it took follow-up calls and several weeks for them to take it back.

After the container program began, leaf piles have been a more common sight in Southside Park. The City has drastically reduced the "claw" pickup frequency. After receiving little to no leaf pickup service, I noticed I am still being billed for "green waste service" on my monthly utility bill. When I called to ask for a refund, I was refused. In a recent neighborhood association meeting, there were many complaints of leaves not being picked up, and bins being unworkable in the city.

One of the over hyped reasons the supporters of bins have used is that leaf piles are a "mosquito vector". For one, leaf piles have become a worse problem since the bin program started. Secondly,mosquitoes are a seasonal nuisance - so why force residents to change to intrusive bins year round, when they will still need leaf pickup service in the fall? Thirdly, no amount of bins will eliminate the hundreds of places available for mosquitoes breed. Outside of city bureaucrats, there are some residents who support bins. Personally, I've noticed most of these people have no trees to deal with and/or live in an alley that doesn't provide pickup.

Reportedly, there will be a city ballot measure in 2010 to move everyone to green waste bins. In the meantime, the city plans to continue snowballing bins on downtown residents and raising prices for anyone who "opts out". My reply to the city: your bin or my tree. If I am forced to store another bin in my narrow driveway which I only use for leaves a few weeks out of the year, the most practical solution for me would seem to be cutting down my tree. Goodbye "City of Trees". Hello "City of Plastic Bins".

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

2009-10-29T03:00:21Z

What happened to Muriel Strand, the chicken lady?? MURIEL STRAND FOR CITY COUNCIL! hehe j/k Shawn, I wish you the best... but with all due respect, I think you'll have better chances if you get a haircut.

Steve Vicente on "Locals join national "Stop Lou Dobbs" campaign"

2009-10-22T06:23:35Z

Haha, good one Jim. Yeah... these guys are crackpots.

Steve Vicente on "Proponents of Health Care Reform Gather for Change"

2009-10-19T18:00:59Z

Socialism destroys. Health care reform yes... but the RIGHT kind of reform: http://healthcare.cato.org

Steve Vicente on "Biz workshop on stimulus funding"

2009-08-05T05:56:31Z

Let's tea bag this town hall!

Steve Vicente on "Know your ganja: A tour of local cannabis clubs"

2009-07-31T01:30:43Z

Excellent article topic!

Steve Vicente on "Medicinal cannabis clubs face scrutiny"

2009-07-16T06:14:09Z

Federal law > local law ? 10th amendment > your opinion

Steve Vicente on "Medicinal cannabis clubs face scrutiny"

2009-07-16T03:15:15Z

Vote OUT the City Council and the Board of Supervisors. Those D-bags will regulate any type of business they hear some hoity-toity whiner was offended by... whether it's a strip club or medical marijuana.

Steve Vicente on "Marshall Park residents riled over festivals"

2009-05-21T07:02:11Z

I'm not familiar with the code/ordinances/permits/other-B.S. required to put on a show like that. I just have to think... neighbors should be compensated in some way if there is an outdoor concert blasting noise near someone's home for a long time. If there isn't any permit process (involving neighborhood input) or compensation, then I should have every right to stand on the corner of J and 27th with my 50W megaphone and sing karaoke all day long.

Steve Vicente on "The Democrats Are Coming to Town"

2009-05-09T03:37:55Z

The only good party is a keg party. Political parties suck... Dumbocrats & Retardlicans. Vote for liberty.

Steve Vicente on "Lots at Stake for Sacramento in May 19th Election"

2009-05-09T03:34:57Z

VOTE 1ABC NO, 1DEF YES Vote for liberty.

Steve Vicente on "Classic Sacramento radio station stickers"

2009-04-26T06:10:19Z

You guys should run an auction on this site or something. I'd probably bid up to $20 for that KZAP sticker alone!

Our new mayor vs. federal money: What if we have to choose?

2009-03-31T02:09:55Z

You've probably heard - but in case you haven't, there are reports that Kevin Johnson's previous alleged misuse of federal funds may jeopardize the City of Sacramento's receipt of federal stimulus money. If this happened, it would be a serious handicap for Sacramento because the city could be denied the expected tens of millions from the hundreds of billions of federal dollars. According to Kevin Johnson, the city won't be denied funds. There doesn't seem to be much certainty at this point, so I won't speculate on what will happen.

However, an important question to ask is what is the best thing for Sacramento if the mayor's predicament causes denial of funds?

If Sacramento is denied tens of millions of dollars, I believe any honorable leader who wants the best for the city (which I believe the mayor is) would resign. In reading about this, I saw a link to an online petition seeking the mayor's resignation. Hopefully, we won't be denied funds and the mayor can keep on doing a good job. If we are denied funds, I don't think any mayor is worth sacrificing the large amount of federal stimulus money. I don't think a "recall the mayor" would be necessary. However, I think it would be appropriate and responsible for the mayor to issue a statement about what would happen if the city is denied federal funds.

Steve Vicente on "Board of Supervisors Outlaw Lap Dances"

2009-03-28T19:22:58Z

Yeah, I hear you John. That headline could be misleading if people think Centerfolds will be shut down, I think that's technically Rancho Cordova anyways... which incorporated so isn't affected. There may be one or two places with valid licenses. I don't know whether they expire, and the lawyer for the adult places pointed out that this legistlation will put the Auburn places out of business because there's no new zoning & no new licenses being offered. If a reader of my article is worried about no boobs-in-face anywhere in Sac, I apologize for not detailing that - as I wrote it for readers who are appalled at government over-regulation. The fact remains, if you walked into Embers now, a place that's been operating peacefully for 10 years, and get a lap dance, you could be cited for a misdemeanor.

Steve Vicente on "Board of Supervisors Outlaw Lap Dances"

2009-03-28T07:26:05Z

Sure John, just like the federal government didn't "outlaw" marijuana right? They just passed a tax-stamp act, where you need the stamps in order to sell hemp/cannabis, then they never issued any stamps. Outlaw... Legislatively restrict. Same difference.

Steve Vicente on "Board of Supervisors Outlaw Lap Dances"

2009-03-27T16:20:24Z

waldorfandstatler, it's one thing when I make an assumption in an editorial article, but when government justifies limiting rights based on flimsy assumptions... liberties are carelessly violated. The Supervisors have demonstrated the don't hold much regard for personal choice.

Board of Supervisors Outlaw Lap Dances

2009-03-27T03:28:31Z

This past Tuesday, March 24th, the Sacramento Board of Supervisors adopted ordinance SCC-1419 "Ordinance Related to Physical Contact Dance", proposed by the Sheriff. The Supervisors, Don Nottoli, Susan Peters, Roger Dickinson, Jimmie Yee (Roberta MacGlashan was absent), voted "yes" unanimously.

The new rules:
No patron shall be permitted within six feet of the stage while the stage is occupied by entertainer(s). No entertainer shall perform within six feet of a patron or customer. No entertainer shall have physical contact with any patron or customer and no patron or customer shall have physical contact with any entertainer. If patrons wish to tip entertainers, tips shall be placed in receptacles which shall be located at least six feet from the entertainer and performing areas. Every person who violates any provision of this chapter, including customers and patrons, entertainers, and operators of the establishments, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Of the documents attached to the ordinance, what stood out to me immediately is that much of the text submitted by the sheriff describes dancers "disrobing" or observing "pornographic activities", while there is no evidence submitted that lap dances cause criminal activity of any kind. In fact, the only support of the sheriff's claims are documents from some town, La Habra, where their prudish City Council proclaimed that lap dances led to AIDS, violence, and other "deleterious effects"... though no facts where stated there either. Of these eight documents, there is only one letter from a local resident in opposition. I sent a letter to the supervisors myself defending free-enterprise and individual liberty, but where is this in the documents and why is there selective inclusion of opinions on the matter? From what I've read on this, it appears that the Sheriff is acting on behalf of religious elements in proximity to two dancing establishments on Auburn Blvd. The fact is, most of these girls are probably single moms trying to make a buck and perhaps a few of them will resort to prostitution because of this ordinance. Personally, I am settled down and my days of visiting a strip club were over after my bachelor party. However, what I find objectionable is not two consenting adults exchanging $20 for boobs-in-face... but rather a few elected officials feeling they have the right to regulate personal, consensual, and non-criminal transaction between free people simply because they find it distasteful. Obviously, based on the responses on this petition, I am not the only person who feels this way.

I sincerely hope that Sacramentans who value their personal liberty will vote these supervisors out of their seats come next election. I also hope that these establishments fight for their constitutional rights in court.

Steve Vicente on "Should Our New Mayor be Granted More Power?"

2009-01-23T08:01:33Z

Good comments. I will vote NO on this... because it's too soon. Let KJ show us his performance a year or two as Mayor. Then I'll consider his suggestions on the City Charter, with input from the City Council and residents alike.

Should Our New Mayor be Granted More Power?

2009-01-20T08:34:19Z

While exiting Target or the supermarket recently, I've been approached by young folks with clipboards collecting signatures. The first of these petitions is to put proposal on the ballot to grant Sacramento's mayor more power (to propose budgets and appoint positions, currently the City Manager's role). The conversation went something like this:

Petitioner: "Excuse me, are you a registered voter in Sacramento?"
Me: "Yes. What is that?"
Petitioner: "Would you mind signing this? It's to give the mayor the power to get things done."
Me: "No thanks, I think the mayor has enough power."
Petitinoer: "Well, this is just to get it on the ballot so voters can decide. Would you sign it?"
Me: ... walking away.

So, I wasn't surprised when I read in the Bee that they already have enough signatures to put this on the ballot. With pushy kids getting paid-per-signature like that, no surprise. The question is - should we grant our newly elected mayor these additional powers? On one hand, I don't disagree with having the City Manager's responsibilities put in the hands of an elected official (the Mayor). I can't really think of a problem with the Mayor proposing the budget either, so long as the city council remains part of the input and approval process.

The only thing that bothers me about this proposal is that it's being pushed by a mayor who hasn't yet proven himself or his agenda. Concentrating power and decision making won't necessarily lead to better decisions. I'm not convinced that Kevin Johnson can't work towards his mission within the existing system. If he can't, how would he know? He hasn't been in office long enough to even try. When I think of cities with "powerful" mayors, I think of cities with corruption. I, for one, would like to learn more about the new mayor's plans and approach before seeing a change to the city charter.

Steve Vicente on "Editorial: "Flash Mob CIty""

2009-01-05T22:39:12Z

It is sad when I walk down K St on a Saturday and all the shops are closed. I agree that downtown needs more mixed residential development. Too bad project like the Towers went kaput, but moving the Greyhound station to Richards Blvd will be a good first step to making downtown someplace livable & not just a state employee zone.

Steve Vicente on "Looking to 2012"

2009-01-05T22:33:18Z

I wholeheartedly agree with you Geoff. I am also a Libertarian. Unfortunately, we have a two-party dominated system... so we often find our views not well represented & we have to pick the lesser of two evils when voting for a candidate. What we need is people like Ron Paul - libertarians posing as Republicans, or fiscally-conservative democrats. The Libertarian Party is like a Shasta Cola, next to Pepsi & Coke (even though it may be tastier!). I hope that changes though.

Steve Vicente on "Sacramento: City of Saloons"

2008-12-18T02:44:41Z

I wonder if they had "Saloon Crawls", or "Sacramento Saloon Connoisseurs Club", or "Street Car Pub Crawls" back then. That would be schweet. hehe

Steve Vicente on "Illegal Dumping"

2008-11-07T21:55:24Z

I meant Sept 3, 2008.

Illegal Dumping

2008-11-07T21:49:41Z

There's nothing worse than a litter bug. It's a shame when there are people in your neighborhood that don't care about keeping the area up.

The following incident took place Sept. 3, 2007. I saw two guys from the apartments near 6th & T dollyng some furniture into the alley to dump it. I happened to have my camera on me & caught them walking away. I called the police, but didn't get much response. That might be for the best because one of the guys saw me on the phone & kept a close eye on me suspecting I was ratting on them.

Whether it be graffiti, illegal dumping, littering, or neglecting a property - Southside Park should do all we can to eradicate this type of acitivty from our neighborhood.

Here is the video.

Steve Vicente on "Heather Fargo visits the Farmers Market"

2008-11-05T01:52:20Z

Yeah, sorry I forgot to credit you for those photos Nick (except for the fuzzy ones of the chicken & bell peppers - I took those). Nice job on those photos... love the cool fisheye lens!

Heather Fargo visits the Farmers Market

2008-11-04T02:11:22Z

Mayor Fargo was scheduled to drop by the park last week, but due to the rainstorm plans were cancelled. She was going to be at the Farmer's Market at 6th & X under highway 50 this last Sunday before election, Nov. 2nd. We announced it to the neighborhood association group, but due to the crowds at the Farmers Market there wasn't much opportunity for a lengthy discussion about neighborhood issues.

The Mayor was being interviewed by News 10, and greeting locals who happened to be at the Farmers Market. Several of the Mayor's supporters were behind her holding up Fargo signs. It was interesting (if not awkward) that 5 feet to her right, an equally large entourage of Kevin Johnson supporters were there holding up signs. Nearby, there was a chicken supporting Prop 2 (as well as a beautiful array of bell peppers I had to take a photo of).

Based on the polls, it seems fairly certain that Kevin Johnson will be Sacramento's next Mayor. A recent Sac Bee article pointed out that the central city tends to support Fargo, while the outlying areas tend to support Johnson. Kevin Johnson's focus on the outlying areas probably helped him win this election, because those areas are more populated with voters. Still, many Johnson supporters are likely looking for "change". Fargo has had a good run, and we owe a lot to her for the years of service and dedication she's given our city. As a Southside Park resident and a native Sacramentan, I truly hope we don't neglect the core of our city. What kind of reputation and image will Sacramento have if we neglect downtown - the most visible face to our city? The next mayor will have to face tough choices prioritizing Sacramento's goals with a tight budget.

Anyways - Thanks to both mayoral candidates for dropping by our neighborhood!

Divebar Connoisseurs Visit Jamie's Bar & Grill

2008-10-31T19:51:59Z

Jamie's Bar & Grill is one of the hidden gems of the Southside Park neighborhood. The little assuming place sits alone on the west end of Broadway, with a few parking spots in front. It reportedly can get packed by the lunch crowd downtown, being known for great steak sandwiches and other satisfying meat dishes.

It was not the ordinary quiet night there last night, Thursday Oct. 30th. A local group dubbed "Sacramento Dive Bar Connoisseurs" started piling in at 8pm. This group, established in August 2004, has been visiting a different local 'dive bar' every other Thursday night since they formed. Although Jamie's is primarily a restaurant, it met the group's criteria since it has a full bar, is locally owned and operated, and has unique rustic charms (e.g. an antiquated cash register, a buck & bison head on the wall, and a classy oak bar).

Since this was the night before Halloween, a few of the divebar connoisseurs showed up in costume - such as Batman, Urkel, a cigarette girl, and a disco man. The service was fun and friendly. A few locals from Southside Park neighborhood were seen as well, along with some Ultimate Frisbee friends who were playing at Oneil Park a block away. A good time was had by all!

If you haven't checked out Jamie's, make sure to give it a try. You won't be disappointed. Or, if you love divebars then come join the Sacramento Divebar Connoisseurs on a future outing.
You can find us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sac_DiveBars/

Steve Vicente on "Kevin Johnson visits Southside Park"

2008-10-31T00:27:15Z

MAYOR FARGO CANCELLED/RESCHEDULED DUE TO BAD WEATHER - This has been rescheduled for this Sunday 11/2, 10:30am. Location: Farmers Market under the freeway. The mayor will be there where the booths are on the east side of the market.